​Week 34, Day 1

​Week 34, Day 1
August 22, 2022
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15
 
“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.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
 
There is quite a lot going on in Corinth, to say the least. Divisions abound, and opportunities for it to expand are what I think Paul is going after. It’s not over anything petty, either. Some very serious problems have arrived. There is debate over speaking in tongues. People are deliberating over who has the greater gifts, as if there is some superiority thing going on. There are problems around the Lord’s Supper, and how it was practiced. Sexual immorality is hurting the church as well.
 
The church in Corinth is a mess. To top it off, there is now a problem with some who don’t believe in the resurrection.
 
If Jesus isn’t raised from the dead, well nothing else matters. That’s the ball game.
 
So, he reminds the church of the Good News of Jesus Christ. He recounts the Gospel at the beginning of chapter 15. What was shared with him, and hundreds of others that Jesus was raised from the dead and our king! It is the reminder of the eye-witnesses who saw Jesus Christ.
 
It all comes back to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ for us as Christians. We build out from there and form our unity from what Christ has done and accomplished. Death is defeated! Life begins in Christ!
 
Corinth is a divisive church that is struggling to be unified over the most important aspects of the Christian faith. We can imagine that there is volatility still abounding in churches around the world. The letters to the Corinthian church are a reminder of what is most important, “Stand firm, give yourself to the work of the Lord, it won’t be in vain.” Stand firm, Jesus is raised from the dead. Give yourself to the love and care of others. Know that what we do in the Lord is not in vain, it matters.
 
It’s a get back to work letter. You’re so busy arguing and dividing, its time to work together and carrying on the mission of the Lord.
 
Stand firm, love and serve today!