Category: Resurrection Hope

1 Corinthians 15:58b – Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

It is very interesting how Paul’s whole discourse on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 ends with the exhortation that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. The word ‘labor’ is referring to the work of ministry that Paul and all of God’s people have endeavored with their lives on the line. The Word ‘vain’ in its original language means: empty, foolish, worthless, and meaningless. Hence, Paul makes clear that because of the resurrection, our labor in the Lord is never left empty-handed, fruitless, or wasted years of effort.

On a deeper level, Paul is addressing the deep fear that has plagued all of humanity – that our work is ultimately meaningless and vain, as described in the book of Ecclesiastes: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.”

Sin has rendered life and work meaningless, for everyone has been subject to the same ending—sin and death. This has been the inescapable reality—that is until the resurrection, where Christ’s victory has swallowed up the power of sin and death. As those who belong to Christ, the reason why our work is not in vain is because of the Resurrection!

Lord we thank you that our work for your kingdom is not in vain, for you have conquered sin and death. You have given us meaning and purpose. We commit ourselves afresh in laboring in love for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

– GK

1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

“…[It] is to stand against whatever winds or experiences buffet them, because of their confidence that God will bring to completion what God has begun in them through Christ. These claims are rich in content, dense in expression and significance, and profound in implication…When transposed to nautical imagery it would be ‘Stay the course.’  Paul makes the same argument with the Galatians, there in athletic terminology: You were running well; don’t be distracted, lose your way, or turn back (Gal 5:7, 4:9).” [NIB Commentary]

As we stand firmly upon the resurrection, may we not be moved or taken off course by the fears, anxieties and uncertainties that plague this world. Let’s worship with the song “Cornerstone” (click here) by Hillsong.

Lord, may we be strong and very courageous. May we be careful to live in obedience, and not turn from your ways either to the right or to the left. May our days be filled with clarity of mind and heart, as we meditate upon your word. May your blessing be upon us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

– GK

1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

“The exhortation to ‘stand firm’ occurs several times throughout Paul’s writings, and it generally has to do with having steadfast faith that is founded upon biblical truth. (This is the same word used in Ephesians 6:14, where we are to ‘stand firm’ with the belt of truth.) Today, we stand firm upon the truth of the resurrection, that Jesus is alive! It is from this foundation that we have our purpose, motivation, and reason to labor in the Lord. To stand firm however does not mean that we remain static in the same position. Rather, we daily become and transform, as we ‘…prove ourselves to be’ the ones who live by the resurrection reality.” [A. Thiselton]

The resurrection power and reality is the reason why we live and do the things that we do! Today do you feel shaken? What foundation are you standing upon? Stand firm upon Christ’s resurrection foundation alone!

Lord Jesus, today we declare that the truth of the resurrection power and reality is the firm foundation upon which we stand. We pray for the agape churches, that each member, friend, and guest would also stand firm, not remaining static, but growing in faith, love, and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

– GK

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 – For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

“For far too long many Christians have been content to separate out future hope from present responsibility, but that is precisely what Paul refuses to do. His full-bodied doctrine and promise of resurrection sends us back to our present world, and our present life of bodily obedience to our Lord, in the glorious but sobering knowledge that, if there is continuity between who and what we are in the present and who and what we will be in the future, we cannot discount the present life, the present body and the present world as irrelevant.” [NT Wright, Surprised By Hope]

“Most people in the biblical world saw heaven and earth as overlapping and interlocking spheres of reality. They believed that God’s world could touch our world at any time.” [NT Wright, Surprised By Hope]

In what ways have you seen and experienced this overlapping and interlocking of God’s kingdom come into your life?

Today, spend time praying for a greater measure of God’s kingdom overlapping, overcoming, and interlocking with the sphere of our daily lives. As you pray, worship with the song “Kingdom Come” (click here) by KXC.

– GK

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 

⁵⁵ “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“The resurrection of Jesus is more than a belief that his body was dead and came to life again, though this is quite true. It is an awareness that there was a cosmic explosion when Jesus rose again, and the power and repercussions of this reality echo through the ages to our day and into eternity.” [NT Wright, Surprised By Hope]

This is the Easter reality, that we are living in the ongoing shockwaves of the cosmic explosion of the resurrection, where sin and death have been swallowed up in Christ’s victory. As we worship the Lord today, may we once again be completely undone by the power of the resurrection as we worship with the song “Upon Him” (click here) by Matt Redman.

Thank you for the Cross, for we are now forgiven. And in your resurrection, we are the risen. We praise you today for the power of the Holy Spirit that brings resurrection reality to our daily lives. May every area of our lives, our deeds, our thoughts, and emotions display this resurrection power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

– GK