DON’T BE IGNORANT OF GOD, LIVE WITH RESURRECTION FAITH

1 Corinthians 15:29-34 / Keywords 15:34

Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God--I say this to your shame.

 

15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,

    for tomorrow we die.”[d]

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”[e] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

Footnotes

d. 1 Corinthians 15:32 Isaiah 22:13

e. 1 Corinthians 15:33 From the Greek poet Menander

1. Christian baptism in the name of Jesus Christ lacks power and purpose if there is no resurrection, for baptism signifies a new life and hope in Jesus that extends beyond this life.

2. Paul faced many dangers, enemies and sufferings to preach the gospel and live for Christ. That would be foolish if there is no resurrection and heaven. Paul admits we might as well just pursue fun, comfort and entertainment as much as we can, if tomorrow we die and that’s all (Isa 22:13).

3. Paul quotes a Greek poet, whom the Corinthians would be familiar with: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Bad company rejects the resurrection and lives for here and now. Paul urges them to wake up, come back to their senses, and repent of such ignorant, shameful living. Rather, they should know and live according to God’s truth and power.

Prayer Father, may I not live like a fool, chasing the things of this world. May I rather live today with true knowledge of God and with living hope in Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.

One Word Don’t be foolish, but wise; live with faith in Jesus’ resurrection