Messages
Listen to sermons and classes online, download messages to your computer, or subscribe to our Podcasts.
Podcasts
Find out about podcasts, and subscribing to receive new messages automatically.
Class Notes
Download class notes in PDF format to go along with downloaded messages.
Daily eMail Devotional
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I Corinthians 15:20-34 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.Amanda and I were talking the other day about one of her former roommates she had back in college. I was describing what I thought of her back when I was in college and then when Amanda gave her description of her it was quite different. I saw her as she was with her friends and then Amanda saw her in the dorm room when it was just her and their other roommates. As Amanda and I were carrying on our conversation we soon discovered that this person was so affected by the people she put herself around. I believe that is how all of us are as humans. For instance, I was talking to a parent over breakfast last week and we were talking about how much kids are influenced by their peers as they grow up. As we were talking he told me that his son was different when he was in 1st grade versus when he was in 2nd grade because of the people he put himself around. That is not only true for children or teens but adults as well.
From reading our passage we see the passion in Paul to serve the Lord. He says in verse 30 and 31, “And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” Paul was willing to risk his life in order to serve the Lord. Paul knew that if he were to die serving the Lord, the end result would be only gain (Philippians 1:21). Than in verse 32 it is almost as if Paul is mocking the doubters of Christ by saying, “what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.” What use is serving God if there is no resurrection or if there is no heaven? Let us just go out and party if it is not true. That is why Paul writes verse 33 which says, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” The word communications here is referring to companionship or our relationships. Most of us have the” I die daily” attitude. We are willing to die to the flesh and give our lives over to the Lord but we can make the mistake of allowing ourselves to allow ungodly people into our lives and to influence us. Maybe you think you can handle your environment or maybe you think the world or the people you work with do not influence you and Paul says to you Be not deceived.
Who are the people you allow in your life? Whether we realize or not the people around us do in some way influence us. Paul thought it serious enough that he says Be not deceived. Do not fool yourself. Get around God’s people as much as you can and as often as you can. Get around people who will build you up in the Lord and who can challenge you to do what is right.
Love you all!!!
Pastor Mike
Don't Forget -
