TRUE- LIFE IS BUT A STAGE, BUT SOME ARE ACTORS AND SOME ARE BUT SPECTATORS

1. The greatest heartbreak of Paul- not the opposition of the world, but the criticism of Church
2. Spectator Christianity is the curse of churches today in America, and for this we will perish
3. The picture is that of the Roman Arena- the rich entertained by the struggle of gladiators & we have too many Christians looking for entertainment instead of saving grace

I.-THE SPECTATORS v.8 Those who watch things happen-if they are awake!

The most biting sarcasm in the NT is used in this passage-I dare not use sarcasm

A.- ALREADY YE ARE FULL, AND RICH v. 8 This is sarcasm that he says they are full of Knowledge & Riches

1. The Church at Corinth had snob-itus- They were so much greater & better than Paul- criticize
2. They were full of Spirituality & wisdom that they know enough to judge Paul- person & sermon
3.They were rich symbol of God's approval- but they knew not Rev. 3:17- rich but poor

B.- YE HAVE REIGNED AS KINGS WITHOUT US: v. 8b These Christians acted like nobility- World their apple

1.They made decisions, demanded honor and service, looked to their ministers to amuse & entertain
2. The Roman nobility had the authority to give thumbs up, or down to a gladiator- life decision
3. And I am afraid that intrigue & scraping of Roman court had nothing on these Church members

C.- WE WOULD TO GOD YE DID REIGN v. 8c The real kindness of Paul shows here, a sincere well wish

1. Paul wrote this epistle so that they come behind in no spiritual gift not be ignorant -10:1
2. But he knew that the Christian cannot win this world until a certain time- Christ's Kingdom
3. "That we reign with you" Paul knew that when they reigned, he would reign too- under Christ!

But Paul & Apostles did not reign- and for Christians to be so worldly would cost them!

II.- THE GLADIATORS v. 9 These are the actors on stage- who cause things to happen

The gladiator plays his part by great personal sacrifice, a spectacle judged by all eyes

A.- SOMETIMES I THINK GOD PUT US APOSTLES LAST - 9a The plain statement, not seeking sympathy- fact.

1. The picture is a Roman Victory Parade- The great and mighty marching 1st in their finery-
2. But the last in line are those dragged along in chains for the public's pleasure- captives
3. It is natural for the World to so treat Christians, but Corinth- Christians did it to Apostles

B.- "WE ARE AS IT WERE APPOINTED TO DEATH" 9b further- we are fools, weak, despised, thirst, naked

1. In Rome the captives were dragged to the arena, fed to dogs, lions, forced to fight for survival
2. But here the Church members did this to their leaders- for their amusement -thumbs down!
3. Paul was not complaining world's treatment- he deserved not better than Christ- but by Church members

C. FOR WE ARE MADE A SPECTACLE (GLADIATOR) UNTO THE WORLD, 9c- let them see how we die like men!

1.Satan apparently has the victory-when Christ died!, but in His death, He was triumphant!
2.The Apostles were tortured for the World's amusement- some of the Church were in Spectator Gallery
3.Today we seem to expect the world to acclaim us as great; We had better seek arena than Stands

v. 15,16 Paul begged the Corinthian Christians to follow him, not to follow the world!

III.- WE CAN HAVE VICTORY OR ENTERTAINMENT - WHICH WILL IT BE?

The choice is yours, whether you will be a gladiator for God, or a prince in palace of wicked

A.- THERE IS A CALL FOR GLADIATORS TODAY, BATTLES TO BE WON FOR CHRIST -Who is on the Lord's side?!

1. It is easy in the church to seek preeminence, seek entertainment, be a critic and spectator
2. It is another thing to take a stand for Jesus, get involved for Him- Seek His will, not your own
3. Train with Bible, right of Faith with Sword of Spirit, find your job for Christ, and do it!

B.- ONLY IN CHRIST CAN WE BE MORE THAN CONQUERERS AND ALWAYS TRIUMPHANT CF. II Cor 2:14-17

1. Though Paul died, the world around us crumbles- what is done for Christ will last forever!
2. We are sufficient to win over the world- if we use the Word, and are a sweet savour-Sacrifice
3. But we can't do this and criticize each other to death as the Corinthians did-

C.- WHICH WILL YOU BE, A GLADIATOR OR A SPECTATOR, What do you want from life- a job? Or entertainment?

1. Corinthians went from arena to arena to see best show- Logsdon told how we rush, to a big fire, but do not keep fire in the home stove.
2. Paul had no choice, which arena he went- but he could be a man, faithful to the end
3. But who in our pleasure-mad world today would choose to be a gladiator for Christ?

NO ONE REMEMBERS THE NAMES OF THE SPECTATORS TODAY, BUT THOSE WHO PLAY THE GAME ARE REMEMBERED

1. Accept Christ today as your Saviour, and stand for Him before the World!
2. With Christ, challenge the world and drive back the forces of evil- David did
3. If you would leave the grandstand for the arena, your first battle will be with yourself!