Read 1 Corinthians 14
Spiritual gifts (I Cor. 14:22-40). (1) Jesus resurrected (15:1-12); (2) First of many raised to life again (15:20); (3) Our resurrected bodies (15:38); (4) Total victory (15:54-58). Offerings for others on every Lord's Day (16:1-3).
It is a triumphant fact that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (I Cor. 15:3-4). For the Christian, death is not the end of life nor is it a tragedy. It is the beginning of a magnificent, eternal future in the glorious presence of our wonderful Lord. We shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (15:51-52).
Paul concluded his glorious thoughts on the return of the Lord Jesus by saying: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (it is always profitable) (15:58). While Paul wrote of a joyful eternity with Christ, the Apostle John wrote of the dreadful coming judgment for all unbelievers. I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it. . . . And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. . . . And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-12,15).
Christians have the utmost confidence that, if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (make alive) your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you (Rom. 8:11).
Our threefold purpose for living is first to become the person that God planned for us to be. Second, we need to commit to accomplishing His will for us on earth. And third, be prepared for the triumphant splendor of heaven. Concerning heaven, the words of Jesus have brought precious comfort to millions when He said: Let not your heart be troubled. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. And . . . I will come again, and receive you unto Myself (John 14:1-3).
Thought for Today:
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold (Matt. 24:12).
Word Studies:
14:10 signification meaning; 14:11 barbarian foreigner; 14:20 in malice be ye children on doing evil, be as harmless as a baby; 14:27 by course in turn; 15:9 meet worthy, fit; 15:20 slept have died; 15:33 evil communications corrupt good manners evil companions or associations ruin or defile good character; 15:40 celestial heavenly; terrestrial earthly; 16:2 gatherings collections; 16:13 stand fast in the faith remain true to the Lord; quit you act, be courageous; 16:15 addicted devoted; 16:22 Anathema accursed; Maranatha our Lord is coming!
Cross References:
For I Cor. 14:21: See Is. 28:11-12. I Cor. 15:3-4: See Hos. 6:2. I Cor. 15:25: See Ps. 110:1. I Cor. 15:27: See Ps. 8:6. I Cor. 15:32: See Is. 22:13. I Cor. 15:45: See Gen. 2:7. I Cor. 15:54: See Is. 25:8. I Cor. 15:55: See Hos. 13:14.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Benigno Fitial (Northern Mariana Islands) and Gov. Tim Pawlenty (MN) • Country: Kenya (29 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Swahili • Religious freedom • 46% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% belief in mystical powers; 6% Muslim; 3% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 5:7