April 3, 2018
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (NLT)
Our passage today is a continuation of the spiritual lesson from yesterday about the resurrected bodies that we will one day occupy; a future with immortality. Because of our present human limitations, we look forward to a time when we no longer suffer from those physical, emotional, or mental challenges.
In the meantime, God’s grace is sufficient to carry us through whatever we face while in these mortal bodies. It requires living in the power outflowing Christ’s resurrection; the firstborn of the resurrection. We will explore more about resurrection living in the weeks to come. We need each other as we love one another through our human limitations. Remember, nothing we every do in the name of Christ to share mercy and offer help to one another or further the Kingdom is ever wasted. God sees and knows. He is glorified in our lives when we press on to love him wholeheartedly and love one another.
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die,[a] this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
55
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Prayer: Lord, your Word promises if I bring my lack to you and ask for help, you will provide the anointing I need to move forward each day in victory. Thank you for the spiritual power outflowing the resurrection. Teach me more about resurrection living in my human life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.