1 Corinthians 15 - 3.20.23

Scripture

1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT

“For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”

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Observation

Paul is questioning the Corinthian Church here. He is asking why some of them are questioning the resurrection of the dead. Because the fact is if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Jesus wasn’t resurrected. And if Jesus wasn’t resurrected, all who believe would still be dead in their sins, and all their faith and preaching would be meaningless.

“If our hope in Christ is only for this life here on earth, then people should feel more sorry for us than for anyone else.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭19‬ ‭ERV‬‬

But stand firm in your faith! We know that Christ was raised from the dead! Paul writes in verses 3-7 of this chapter that there were many eyewitness who saw the resurrected Jesus out and about.

“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.”-1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Knowing that there were this many eyewitnesses is proof to me that the Resurrection was real. Knowing that all of Jesus’ disciples, (except John), died horrible martyrs deaths because of their preaching and their faith in Jesus tells me the serious truth about Jesus, because who is willing to go through all that for a lie? I know I wouldn’t. Knowing that the Resurrection is real, and knowing that Jesus is the Son of God, gives me all the faith I can need to hold on to everything Jesus says. It gives me hope and faith knowing the great things to come when we are united with Him again one day. 😊

Application

Be confident in the Word of God.

Know that the Bible is real. Know that everything in it is real (with people’s warts and all). Know that ALL Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Make it a priority to read it, learn from it, and apply it to your life daily. Don’t let unbelievers bully you into doubting your faith and what the Bible says. Be confident that the Bible brings truth…and the truth will set us free!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for Your Word, and the truth it brings. May You continue to speak to me through it. May Your Holy Spirit give me the wisdom to learn from it, grow from it, and tell others about it. Give me the boldness and courage, (knowing that everything in Your Word is truth), to share and teach it to those around me. Draw others to You Lord from this truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi