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The Prize of an Imperishable Crown

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
25 September 2005

(I) A POWERFUL IMAGERY OF THE WORD “CROWN”

1. This is not a reference to the adornment won by monarchs

2. It is a reference to the “Crown” given to those who are victorious

(II) AN IMAGERY WELL-UNDERSTOOD

1. The Victor’s Crown

a) A reference to the laurel crown placed on the head of the winner(s)

b) A symbol of significant recognition of achievement of the individual(s)

c) The laurel leaves perish after a while

d) Hence the reference to “a perishable crown”

2. Despite its perishable nature

a) Many aspire to obtain the crown

b) Many work very hard to obtain the crown

(III) IMAGERY APPLIED INTO THE SPIRITUAL REALM

1. Imperishable Crown

a) Also a symbol of victory

b) This crown however is imperishable

“Finally, there is a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

c) As strong a desire to compete well and emerge victorious

(IV) THE DESIRE FOR THE IMPERISHABLE CROWN

“And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.
Now they do it for a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” 1 Corinthians 9:25

1. A natural competitive desire

2. A good desire

3. A powerful motivational desire

(V) THE JOYOUS CHALLENGE OF RECEIVING THE VICTOR’S CROWN

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” Revelation 2:10

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” Revelation 3:11

1. The Promise of a Crown

a) A glorious hope

b) An inspiring hope

2. The Means of Obtaining the Crown of Life

a) Faithfulness

b) Holding fast

POEM

MOVE TO THE FORE!

Move to the fore;

Say not another is fitter than thou.

Shame to thy shrinking! Up! Face thy task now.

Own thyself equal to all a soul may,

Cease thy evading- God needs thee today.

Move to the fore!

God Himself waits, and must wait till thou come;

Men are God’s “prophets” though ages lie dumb.

Halts the Christ-Kingdom with conquest so near?

Thou art the cause, thou soul in the rear.

Move to the fore!

– Anonymous –