Back From the Dead

If you were looking for the place in the Bible that summarizes the hope of Christianity, look no further than 1 Corinthians 15. Here is Paul’s great resurrection chapter. (Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-7)

This chapter and really this whole book of 1 Corinthians addresses the issues he had heard were challenging the fledgling congregation of Corinth. After spending a year and a half with these people and then moving on to preach and teach news came to Paul that they had certain issues in their congregation. They had issues with public, persistent sin, factions among their leaders, Christians unable to resolve matters on their own- they had to take it to court, and getting drunk at the Lord’s Supper. There was a case of a man sleeping with his stepmother and the congregation was turning a blind eye to it. There were even some in the congregation who were denying the resurrection.

Disagreements happen, people can be selfish, they can get drunk, and they can get wrapped up in all sorts of sexual sins. I can understand that since we’re not perfect sins sneak in (even for Christians) but I have a difficult time trying to comprehend why some people in Corinth were denying the resurrection. I just want to ask them if they understood what it meant if the resurrection was not real. Think about it. If there is no resurrection… then Jesus just died – no different than any other criminal of the time, then there is no Easter, then all the eyewitnesses were fabricating stories, then we are not forgiven, then we are left in our sins, and we are completely guilty and are separate from God and he hates us. And if Jesus stayed in the grave and decomposed we too will go to the grave and it will be the end. A sad ending to a sad story called our life. (Read: 1 Corinthians 15:16-19)

On paper, I know and understand the reason for Jesus coming back from the dead. Paul’s reasoning is sound. In my mind I believe his resurrection is for me. However, one question makes me stop and consider again as if for the first time whether or not I really get it. Does the way I live my life in public and private take the empty tomb seriously? Does this fill my life with joy or am I overflowing with stress… papers, behavioral issues, concern over money, helicopter parents that tend to swoop down and rescue their child instead of letting them learn from the bumps in the road. Are we full of joy over the thought of where we’re going or are we stuck in the rut of where we are now. To be honest I think we get the head knowledge but so many times our lives do not present a picture of the reality of the resurrection. Here is a reminder from Paul’s resurrection chapter; to rekindle the Spirit who dwells in you:

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)

Jesus has taken care of you. He has a magnificent inheritance prepared for you. Take these three words of encouragement to heart: Stand firm, be unmovable, give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You will be shaken, torn down, beat up, and emotional worn down. There is a reason it is called the labor in the Lord. Yet this labor is not in vain. He gives us the victory so make the stand. Spend some time personally listening to God’s Word for the message and not simply the information. Spend dedicated time actually talking to God, thanking him, praising him, and asking him for help and guidance. Take time with your family bringing up God at the teachable moments. Finally, when you have been fed and nourished by the river of God’s grace that flows to the deepest parts – share what has deeply impacted you with the families, the children, and the people that God has placed in your life both those inside and out of your church walls.

Do not forget about Jesus’ resurrection or your resurrection. It is not just about some moment far off in the unknown future. Your resurrection impacts your life today. Your life is his. He paid for it. Surrender yourself to his tasks. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

What does it mean to you that Jesus physically came back from the dead?

-Pastor Eric Hansen, Discipleship Pastor