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

Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:29-34

Key verse: 34

NIV

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?(A) 31 I face death every day(B)—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts(C) in Ephesus(D) 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.”[a](E)

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

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Footnotes
  1. 1 Corinthians 15:32 Isaiah 22:13
  2. 1 Corinthians 15:33 From the Greek poet Menander
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we (A)in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by (B)my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, (C)I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, (D)I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, (E)“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 (F)Do not be deceived: (G)“Bad company ruins good morals.”[a] 34 (H)Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For (I)some have no knowledge of God. (J)I say this to your shame.

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Footnotes
  1. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Probably from Menander's comedy Thais
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

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.

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).

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 Savior.

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