Living in the Reality of the Resurrection

Studies in 1 Corinthians Series [38]1 Corinthians 15:29-34

April 26, 2015Pastor Paul K. Kim

RECAP: THREE TRUTHS ABOUT THE RESURRECTION

• The resurrection is central to the gospel.

• The resurrection is indispensible to our salvation.

• The resurrection is radical in its effects on us and beyond.

HOW DOES THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION IMPACT OUR DAILY

LIVES? 1) It impacts our daily lives to care about others’

LIFE AFTER DEATH as well as ours.29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being

baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, are people baptized on their behalf? (v. 29)

27 And just as it is appointed for manto die once, and after that comes judgment.

Hebrews 9:27

What does this strange verse mean? It’s not clear.

This practice might have been among Corinthian Christians (which Paul didn’t endorse) but uses it to make a point.

The point is this if there is really the resurrection, it impacts the way we think of our loved ones’ salvation as well as ours!

HOW DOES THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION IMPACT OUR DAILY

LIVES? 2) It impacts our daily lives to endure hardship in

living for Christ and the gospel.30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I

die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let

us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (vs. 30-31)

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia.

For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength

that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we

had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us

 rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He

delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. 

On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

2 Corinthians 1:8-10

 

HOW DOES THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION IMPACT OUR DAILY

LIVES? 2) It impacts our daily lives to endure hardship in

living for Christ and the gospel.30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I

die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let

us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (vs. 30-31)

The second impact of the resurrection is on what we are suffering for [= what we are living for] in our everyday life.

Paul’s life was marked by persecution and suffering for the sake of Christ and the gospel, experiencing close death daily.

If we really believe that there will be resurrection at Christ’s coming, we must live and suffer for Christ and the gospel.

HOW DOES THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION IMPACT OUR DAILY

LIVES? 3) It impacts our daily lives to pursue holiness and

God-honoring vigilance in all we do.33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins

good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. (vs. 33-34)

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your

conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:14-16

HOW DOES THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION IMPACT OUR DAILY

LIVES? 3) It impacts our daily lives to pursue holiness and

God-honoring vigilance in all we do.33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins

good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. (vs. 33-34)

If there is really the resurrection of believers, how we live now matters—either pursuing pleasure/self or holiness/God.

This is Paul’s call for vigilance and godly life in light of the certainty of the future resurrection.

The call for a holy vigilant living also applies to us in the 21st century pleasure-driven/self-seeking world!

• Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

• Because He lives, all fear is gone.• Because I know, He holds the

future• And life is worth the living just

because He lives.• ― Bill & Gloria Gaither

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

1. In what ways are you more convinced of your need for caring about others’ salvation (not just yours) in your daily lives? What will you do about it?

2. What would it mean for you to endure voluntary hardship in living for Christ and the gospel? What is your first step?

3. How will you pursue holiness and God-honoring vigilance in your everyday life? What is your first step?