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Monday, April 20, 2020

Hope {1 Corinthians 15}


Per the King James dictionary, HOPE, n. L. cupio.
1. A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.

Jeremiah 29:11 has been a verse I have held onto for many years.  When I’ve veered off into a state of worry, this verse always brings me back to my foundation.  And I remember that I am not of this world and my future awaits.

1 Corinthians 15 is a chapter of hope.  Hope in the resurrection.  Hopefully, you are still clinging to the celebration of Easter.  Hopefully you are living in a state of anticipation and you are getting ready for the time of your lives.


I want to share 9 reasons that Christ’s resurrection gives us hope:

1. The bodily resurrection reminds us of our union with Christ. The Christian’s bodily resurrection directly corresponds to that of Christ’s (1 Cor 15:12–28).
2. The bodily resurrection is central to the gospel message. “... and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” affirms the bodily resurrection, not a “spiritual” resurrection (1 Cor 15:4).
3. The bodily resurrection gives hope beyond this life. So, that helps us to understand that our future treasure through Christ is bigger than our bank accounts or life achievements (1 Cor 15:35–49).
4. The bodily resurrection joins us to an eternal kingdom. In that kingdom we continue to serve the Lord without the encumbrances of living in a fallen world (1 Cor 15:50Rev 22:3).
5. The bodily resurrection motivates us to holy living. Fixing our hope on the future in Christ builds a deeper desire for pure, holy lives (1 John 3:1–3; 1 Cor 15:33–34, 58).
6. The bodily resurrection builds anticipation for a life that outstrips our imaginations. Paul compares our death and burial to a “seed,” while the life ahead is the full grown (“body”) plant. The comparison invites stretching our thoughts to comprehend how much better the future is in Christ (1 Cor 15:35–48).
7. The bodily resurrection affirms an immortal life in God’s presence. This perishable person living post-fall (Gen 3) puts on an imperishable life post-return of Christ (1 Cor 15:50–57).
8. The bodily resurrection declares the ultimate triumph of Jesus over sin and death. Can we taunt sin and death apart from the bodily resurrection affirmed in Christ? (1 Cor 15:54–57)
9. The bodily resurrection affirms that our toil and labor in this life are not in vain. Why grow weary in serving Christ in the present when it’s just good preparation for the future of eternal service? “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).

For me the mystery of resurrection is like the birth of a child.  It’s a mystery and quite magical how a child is formed in a mother’s womb.  I love how Paul reminds of in verse 51; “Listen, I tell you a mystery.  We will not all sleep, but we will be changed.” 


Blessings,
Lisa