What About The Superbowl Of Life? Series

WHAT ABOUT THE SUPERBOWL OF LIFE?

TEXT- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

INTRODUCTION

A great preacher, who had a lot of influence on me, gave me the following advice. He said, “Doug, I have found it better to preach on a topic that is relevant for the day or event that is taking place. I believe the people will listen to that type of sermon on that Sunday.”

Well, I have been taking his advice and I will continue to do that today. So, what DAY is it in the U.S.A. today? Right, it is what THE WORLD CALLS Super Bowl Sunday. We all wait for this event of the year. The men who love it wait for this event and many of the women who detest it wait for it also. They have their plans.

I’m going to give you two quotes and I want you to see if they give the same advice. The first one goes as following:

1st Corinthians 9:24-27

---24---“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

---25---Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

---26---Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;

---27---but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

Now the next quote says this:

“Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an ALL the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately so is losing.”

Every time a football player goes to ply his trade he’s got to play from the ground up- from the soles of his feet right up to his head. Every inch of him has to play. Some guys play with their heads. That’s OK you’ve got to be smart to be number one in any business. But more importantly you’ve got to play with your heart, with every fiber of your body.

Running a football team is no different than running any other kind of organization- an army, a political party or a business. The principles are the same. The object is to win.

To know the rules and objectives when they get into the game. The object is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules- but to win.

I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour- his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear- is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause, and he is exhausted on the field of battle- VICTORIOUS.”

This last statement was made by the football coach that won the first two Super Bowls, and he has the reputation as being the greatest Professional football coach that has ever coached the game. His name was Vince Lombardi and he coached the green Bay Packers.

When you read both of these statements, we should see that we need the same things to win in the super bowl of life as the players need to day to win. Let’s look at some comparisons between the two and I think you will get my message for today.

THE PLAYERS NEED THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

These players will need more than just jerseys and pants to be properly equipped to play. They will be wearing helmets to protect their face and head- shoulder pads- rib pads for some- hip and butt pads- thigh pads- kneepads –angles wrapped and shoes with the proper cleats. With this equipment they would not last but a few plays. They know they cannot win this game today without the right equipment.

Christians also need the right kind of equipment to win in the super bowl of life. Christians need to be adequately equipped. God provide that for all of us.

2nd Timothy 3:16-17

---16---“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

---17---so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

Paul also talks about other things that we will need

Ephesians 6: 10-17

---10---“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

---11---Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

---12---For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

---13---Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.