We’ve talked a lot about the others-centered life in this study of 1 Corinthians. Living this way is a risk because we put our own security, well-being, and control of our lives aside so that we can meet the needs of other Christians. We give ourselves away because we love Jesus and his love for us compels us to act like him.
But there’s another reason we choose to live focused on others. Paul points it out in 1 Corinthians 15.
Open up your Bible and read 1 Corinthians 15:29–34.
29 If the dead will not be raised, what point is there in people being baptized for those who are dead? Why do it unless the dead will someday rise again?
30 And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour? 31 For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. This is as certain as my pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done in you. 32 And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus—if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” 33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.
1 Corinthians 15 (NLT)
Paul uses his own life as an example of the risk of living focused on others. His life is always in danger. Why would he put himself through all that turmoil for no good reason? He wants the Corinthians to see that, since Christians will be resurrected from the dead, we can live in obedience to God today and know that it’s not in vain.
In the verse in 1 Cor. 15:32, Paul implies that if there’s no resurrection, we should be able to do whatever we want.
In your own words, why would the resurrection give you a reason to avoid giving in to the temptation to do whatever you want?
If we only have this life, we might want to live for ourselves to the fullest. But that’s not what Jesus has called us to do. He’s asked us to live as He did. He sacrificed for other people. He obeyed and did whatever the Father told Him to do. He gave up His rights for our sake.
We’re following in the footsteps of our risen king. He defeated death. He will return and raise us to life.
We live a risky, others-centered life because of what Jesus has done. We live it because we know what’s to come. We know it’s worth it.
Because He said so. And He’s proven it to be true by walking out of that tomb.
But this question still remains: Will you choose to live the selfless life following after our Lord?
Text your response to the above prompting questions to your group and/or share it as a comment below
The resurrection gives us a reason to avoid giving into the temptation to do whatever because of the baptism that is mentioned in the reading. We are baptized for a reason and that’s so that all our old ways and sinful flesh can die and be put off. That we shall rise reborn in Christ. Living in Redemption. We will walk in accordance to God’s word, in obedience because we recognize his sovereignty to be able to raise Jesus Christ 3 days later following his death. We have faith that we will see Jesus again and our loved ones in eternity. Thank you God for creating us and forgiving us. Loving us unconditionally always.
For me, the resurrection is a stepping stone from mortality to the rest of eternity, so the idea of doing whatever I want would not be good as it usually leads to regret. And I don’t want to enter into eternity with any regrets. Plus, being human has it’s limitations so why would I attempt to try and do anything here when my full capabilities will be after resurrection.