|
We Will All Be Changed |
|
|
|
I Corinthians Chapter 15 is an inspiring chapter. It is often called the “Resurrection” chapter and such it is. Throughout this chapter, the reader is reminded that he will live because Jesus lives. Song: “Because He Lives” Because Jesus was resurrected, so will we. I Corinthians15:50-58 provides encouragement for the Christian. Text: I Corinthians 15:50-58 Body: I. A Mystery Revealed (Verses 50-53) · We can’t go to heaven as we are, in these bodies that are defiled by sin and corrupted by disease. They are not designed to go to heaven. Our mortal, perishable bodies have to be changed. (Verses 35-38, 42-44) We will be given a heavenly body. (Verse 49) Also see I John 3:2. · Paul reveals that not all of His people will have to experience death. (Verse 51) This is also taught in I Thessalonians 4:13-17. · The living saints will be changed instantaneously and will go up together with the resurrected and meet the Lord in the air. All of this will occur suddenly. There will be no warning or signs at all. “at an hour you do not expect” “as a thief in the night” (Matthew 24:44, I Thessalonians 5:2) · It will be a glorious event to put on immortality! We will have a new body that never ages, gets sick, or hurts. (Revelation 21:4-5) II. An Enemy Defeated (Verses 54-57) · Victory is found in the presence of death. (Hosea 13:14) · Quote from Spurgeon: “I will not fear thee, death, why should I? Thou lookest like a dragon, but thy sting is gone. Thy teeth are broken, oh old lion, wherefore should I fear thee? I know thou art no more able to destroy me, but thou art sent as a messenger to conduct me to the golden gate wherein I shall enter and see my Saviour’s unveiled face for ever. Expiring saints have often said that their last beds have been the best they have ever slept upon.” (Spurgeon) · Sin brought death into the world. If not for sin, death wouldn’t have a sting. (Romans 5:12) · The law revealed sin for what it truly is. (Romans 7:7-8, 13) Sin devastates lives and separates people from God. Sin is a horrible cruel enemy. · Exciting news! Jesus provides the victory. (Psalm 98:1, Romans 8:1-3) He defeated death and the grave. III. A Promise Given (Verse 58) · An admonition: Stand fast, take a stand. (Ephesians 6:10:11, 13) · Be immovable, hard to budge. Refuse to move. · Abound in the work; be fruitful. Work hard now because “now” counts. (Philippians 2:12) · Laboring for Christ is never in vain. The only labor that ultimately matters is done by those “in the Lord.” (Galatians 3:27) Conclusion: For those who persevere, a great day of reward awaits. They will receive a brand new immortal body which will live with God forever.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford June 30, 2013 The church of Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
|
