Introduction:
I Corinthians Chapter 15
is an inspiring chapter. It is often called the
“Resurrection” chapter and such it is. Throughout this
chapter, the reader is reminded that he will live
because Jesus lives. Song: “Because He Lives” Because
Jesus was resurrected, so will we.
I Corinthians15:50-58
provides encouragement for the Christian.
Text:
I Corinthians 15:50-58
Body:
I.
A Mystery Revealed
(Verses
50-53)
·
We can’t go to heaven as we are, in these bodies that
are defiled by sin and corrupted by disease. They are
not designed to go to heaven. Our mortal, perishable
bodies have to be changed. (Verses
35-38,
42-44)
We will be given a heavenly body. (Verse
49)
Also see
I John 3:2.
·
Paul reveals that not all of His people will have to
experience death. (Verse
51)
This is also taught in
I Thessalonians 4:13-17.
·
The living saints will be changed instantaneously and
will go up together with the resurrected and meet the
Lord in the air. All of this will occur suddenly.
There will be no warning or signs at all. “at an hour
you do not expect” “as a thief in the night” (Matthew
24:44, I Thessalonians 5:2)
·
It will be a glorious event to put on immortality! We
will have a new body that never ages, gets sick, or
hurts. (Revelation
21:4-5)
II.
An Enemy Defeated
(Verses
54-57)
·
Victory is found in the presence of death. (Hosea
13:14)
·
Quote from Spurgeon:
“I will not fear thee, death, why should I? Thou
lookest like a dragon, but thy sting is gone. Thy teeth
are broken, oh old lion, wherefore should I fear thee?
I know thou art no more able to destroy me, but thou art
sent as a messenger to conduct me to the golden gate
wherein I shall enter and see my Saviour’s unveiled face
for ever. Expiring saints have often said that their
last beds have been the best they have ever slept upon.”
(Spurgeon)
·
Sin brought death into the world. If not for sin, death
wouldn’t have a sting. (Romans
5:12)
·
The law revealed sin for what it truly is. (Romans
7:7-8, 13)
Sin devastates lives and separates people from God. Sin
is a horrible cruel enemy.
·
Exciting news! Jesus provides the victory. (Psalm
98:1, Romans 8:1-3)
He defeated death and the grave.
III.
A Promise Given
(Verse
58)
·
An admonition: Stand fast, take a stand. (Ephesians
6:10:11, 13)
·
Be immovable, hard to budge. Refuse to move.
·
Abound in the work; be fruitful. Work hard now because
“now” counts. (Philippians
2:12)
·
Laboring for Christ is never in vain. The only labor
that ultimately matters is done by those “in the Lord.”
(Galatians
3:27)
Conclusion:
For those who persevere, a great day of reward awaits.
They will receive a brand new immortal body which will
live with God forever.
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