The Meaning Of Life

The Meaning of Life

The message of the cross is complete opposite of everything else the world exalts. Paul expounds to the Corinthian Church that we must be given over to death that Christ may live through us.

II Corinthians 4:7-11

vs.7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Vs.8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

vs.9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

vs.10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

vs.11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

The Church of Corinth had the following characteristics.

1.) They were gifted but not grounded. - unbalanced in the word.

2.) They were liberated but lustful. - unbridled in their weakness.

3.) They were spiritual but not seasoned. - unlearned in their worship.

* In II Corinthians 4:1,2, Paul expresses the need of Truthfulness.

Christians should endeavor to walk in light and transparency before God and man that our conscience not condemn us with truth.

*II Corinthians 4:4-6, Paul expresses the need of Testimony.

Christian witness is to shine through every crevice and crack of our daily life. We are the lamp stand on the bedside table in a world of darkness.

*II Corinthians 4:7-11, Paul expresses the need of Treasure.

The ancients of old kept their treasures in earthen jars or vessels. The treasure we have is hidden by God in our hearts, and that treasure is the power of God that produces life. The earthen vessel is weak, but the power it contains is without measure or limit.

The topic for our discussion is “The Meaning Of Life”. The systems of the world holds three major philosophies, but God only holds one. First we will look at the vain philosophies of the world and lastly we will look at the truth of God.

[I.] Life is not about Accumulation.

The world’s way is to climb to the top by any and all means possible. Their measure of success is who has the largest pill of toys. I am not saying there is something wrong with having stuff. What I am saying is there is something wrong when stuff has you. It is easy to slip into the trap of focusing on the wrong things. There is nothing more valuable than your relationship with God. A true relationship with God has the following characteristics.

A. 1st. it’s private.- there is a time you meet in prayer and study.

B. 2nd it’s precious. - the presence of God is thew most comforting thing on earth.

C. 3rd it’s public.- the private devotion will lead us to public worship and expression.

Mark 8:36 “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Matthew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

[II.] Life is not about Reputation.

The world’s way is prominence and influence. It is all about pushing someone down in order to lift self up. The Holy Spirit of God will always unify and fortify. The way to lead others is not through intimidation but rather through inspiration. God will enable you to led many, but you can only push a few.

A. Lead with devotion. - You must study to teach others.

B. Lead with direction. - Know what God is doing and be apart of it.

C. Lead with dedication.- Don't be a hearer but be a doer of the word.

Luke 22:26,27

Vs.26 “ But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Vs.27 “ For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.”

The one who is greatest in the kingdom of God is the one who considers himself to be the least. Humility is honored by God when it comes from the heart.

[III.] Life is not about Preservation.

We live in a dog eat dog mentality world, the survival of the fittest. The Christian assurance should be at rest in the finished work of Christ Calvary and the filling of the Holy Ghost. He abides in the heart and life of all believers. We do not preserve our life, but rather Christ preserves us in his tender care.