1 Corinthians 15:20-28
We're back at 1 Corinthians 15 today considering resurrection hope. Paul has reminded the Corinthians (and us) that Christ did, in fact, raise from the dead. Then he goes on in verses 20-24 to tell us that as believers, we too, will be resurrected when Christ returns. "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ" (vs. 22-23).
So what does knowing that we will follow Jesus in resurrection mean for you? How can we take this hope and use it as a motivator this week? Tami W.
The undeniable fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ should serve as a motivator to live each day as if it could be our last day on this sin-stained earth before appearing in the presence of the glory of Jesus Christ. What more could God have done to prove His existence and His power? What a wonderful day it will be as we live with Jesus as our King on the new earth. This is beyond comprehension, almost like a fairy tale, except that it will be all true. The resurrection validates the promises of God!
Knowing that I will follow Jesus in resurrection is the icing on the cake!... Andrae Crouch wrote "If heaven never was promised to me, neither God's promise to live eternally, its been worth just having the Lord in my life. Living in a world of darkness, He came along and brought me the Light".
After a life on following our Saviour, it is a joy to know that He will reward us with eternal life, whether we are raised from the dead or amongst those who are alive that will be "caught up...to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17
It is this hope that helps propel me to go on... even when sometimes I feel like giving up, it is this hope that pushes me forward to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
Thank you Jesus for promises of a renewed life with you. Thank you Eric and Nigel for further words of encouragement--motivation for sure!
As we just celebrated and recognized the Lord's birth at Christmas, the hope (or surety) to motivate us is, as the saying goes, "the best is yet to come!"
We're living in dark times to be certain - but it's also said, "that it's always darkest before the dawn"! There's a New Day coming!!
Thanks Doug. Those links are very helpful.
I definitely need to be reminded of that motivation. It's good that Jesus is before me to follow Him in Hope. I need God's strength to keep me going. His Wisdom to actually accomplish His Will in me. His Spirit to live in, abide with, and through me. I get sooo tired sometimes. But He surrounds me with His Love. Thank you Jesus.
It also means forgiveness for me for all of us.
for this week my encouragement and motivation is that His resurrection power is living in me. this will get me through to the ultimate resurrection when we are made like Him. we already have it , we should live like we have it.
Knowing that Christ died for me give me hope every day that I can and will ovecome my sinful nature. I also second Nigel's encouragement with 1 Thes 4:17
Thru my experiences I've had , I know that God/Jesus Christ is alwats with me and to know that I will be with him the day of our ressurection is sometimes to awesome to believe , espevially for a sinner like me.I pray I can take this knowledge and become a better follower and person. Praise God , thank you Jesus
What it means for me (unlike the atheist/humanist culture so prevalent today) is that this life is not all there is. We have hope for eternal life & a fantastic reunion w/ our loved ones who've gone before. How exciting to meet everyone we've read about (especially Jesus-just the thought takes my breath away)in our Bible studies-have all our questions answered (as Paul says 'now we see thru the glass darkly'). As I like to say 'When I die, I don't want to be all dressed up with no place to go". To paraphrase the old song "The Best is Yet To Come".
It is such good news. To become perfect in Christ is my desire so in His coming I will be with Him. What a great day that will be a multitude of people praising God. How much more better can it get. I'm so glad I accepted Christ as my savior and that He lived so I won't have to die. God bless you all.
Knowing that Jesus resurrected and I will follow give me great courage to endure hardship and persecution.