|
We Will All Be Changed
Introduction:
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.
Bobby
Stafford
June 30, 2013 |
