The Meaning of Life
1 Corinthians 3:9-15 "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames".
- Summary:
- It seems we are in a race of life to achieve the prize of eternal life, and to build-up wealth in heaven.
- As our bodies and the universe will come to an end, the purpose is to build towards what is eternal.
- So run the race of life with self control to win, to do the will of God in all you do, and using your worldly resources to benefit others.
- To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given - worldly wealth and riches of heaven.
- To live in harmoney & peace with others, not acting all important, or think you know it all, and preserve what is good.
- Seek what is true so you will be free, conquer evil by doing good and do what is right, you will reap what you sow.
- We should not have unproductive lives, and live as citizens of Heaven, taking action and not just words.
- Verses:
- Phil 3:14 - I strain to reach the end of the race and recieve the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
- I John 2:17 - If you do the will of God, you will live forever.
- I Cor 13:13 - Only 3 things will endure: Faith, Hope and Love - But the greatest of all is Love.
- Luke16:9 - Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends, your generosity stores rewards in heaven.
- Luke19:26 - To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But those unfaithfull will be taken from.
- Luke12:33 - Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure in heaven.
- I Cor 9:25 - Run the race of life with self control, to win, so you can obtain the eternal prize.
- Luke16:11 - If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven.
- Prov 3:5 - Seek God's will in all you do
- Eccl 12:13 - Fear God and obey His commands, He will judge us for everything we do - good or bad.
- Isaiah 56:6 - God will bless those who commit, serve & love God, also hold the Sabbath, and accept God's covenant.
- Matt25:23 - If you are a faithfull servant in small things, you will be given more responsibility.
- Mark9:50 - Preserve what is good and live with peace amoung each other.
- John8:32 - You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.
- Rom 12:16 - Live in harmony with one another, dont act all important, enjoy the company of ordinary people.
- Rom 12:17 - Do not think you know it all; live in peace with everyone; do not take revenge, but leave it to God.
- Rom 12:21 - Conquer evil by doing good.
- Rom 13:1 - Obey the government, for God has put it there. (Respect Authority and pay your taxes).
- Rom 14:23 - If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.