Living in Light of Resurrection Hope
Summary
The words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 invite us to consider both the beauty and the challenge of living in light of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is not just a doctrine to be affirmed, but a reality that shapes every aspect of our lives. Paul’s argument is clear: what we believe about the future—specifically, the hope of resurrection—directly impacts how we live in the present. If there is no resurrection, then the sacrifices, sufferings, and daily choices we make as followers of Christ are, in the world’s eyes, foolish. But if the resurrection is true, then our lives should look radically different from those who have no such hope.
Paul’s own life is a testimony to this. He endured danger, suffering, and even the prospect of death because he was convinced of the resurrection. He challenges us to examine whether our lives reflect that same conviction. Are we living in such a way that only makes sense if the resurrection is true? Or have we allowed the world’s values to shape our behavior, dulling our distinctiveness as people of hope?
Yet, Paul also warns us about the influence of those who do not share this hope. “Bad company ruins good morals.” The people we surround ourselves with, and the voices we allow to shape us, can either strengthen or erode our resurrection hope. We are called to wake up, to resist the drift into spiritual complacency, and to live as those who know God and are shaped by His promises.
Handling the Word of God rightly is essential, especially when we encounter difficult or confusing passages. Paul’s mention of being “baptized for the dead” is a prime example. Rather than ignoring or twisting hard texts, we are called to let Scripture interpret Scripture, allowing the clear teachings of the Bible to guide our understanding of what is unclear. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by ritual or proxy. Baptism is a testimony, not a means of salvation. We must teach and model this careful approach, especially for the next generation, so that they too can stand firm in the truth.
Ultimately, the resurrection hope is meant to transform us. It calls us to a life that is awake, distinct, and anchored in the promises of God. May we be workers who have no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth, and living as people whose present is shaped by the certainty of our future in Christ.
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Key Takeaways
- Resurrection Hope Transforms Daily Living
The conviction that Christ is risen and that we too will be raised should fundamentally alter our priorities, choices, and sacrifices. If our hope is only for this life, our faith is pitiable, but if the resurrection is true, our lives will bear the marks of that hope—sometimes appearing foolish to the world, but precious in God’s sight. [03:16]
- The Company We Keep Shapes Our Character
Paul’s warning that “bad company ruins good morals” is not just a proverb, but a spiritual reality. The people and influences we allow into our lives can either reinforce our hope in Christ or subtly erode it, leading us to live as if the resurrection were not true. We must be vigilant, choosing relationships and influences that encourage us to live in light of eternity. [07:40]
- Rightly Handling Scripture Requires Humility and Diligence
Difficult passages, like “baptism for the dead,” challenge us to approach Scripture with both reverence and careful study. We must let the clear teachings of the Bible interpret the unclear, refusing to build doctrine on obscure verses. This humility protects us from error and models for others, especially our children, how to trust and engage with God’s Word faithfully. [21:20]
- Faithfulness in the Unclear is Anchored in the Clear
Life often presents us with situations and questions that are hard to understand, just as Scripture sometimes does. In those moments, we are called to anchor ourselves in what God has clearly revealed—His character, His promises, and His gospel—allowing those certainties to guide us through ambiguity and doubt. [27:52]
- A Distinctive Life is the Fruit of Resurrection Conviction
The world should see a difference in those who believe in the resurrection. Our hope, our endurance in suffering, our moral choices, and our refusal to conform to the world’s patterns all flow from the certainty that Christ is risen and reigns. This distinctiveness is both a witness to the world and a safeguard for our own souls. [31:05]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:14] - Roses and Thorns: Approach to the Passage
[03:16] - Resurrection Hope and Present Living
[05:48] - Paul’s Suffering and the Logic of Resurrection
[07:40] - The Influence of Company and Shame
[08:54] - Living as Approved Workers
[10:48] - Teaching Our Children to Handle Scripture
[13:09] - All Truth is God’s Truth: Paul’s Use of Secular Quotes
[15:40] - “Eat and Drink, for Tomorrow We Die”: The Weight of Isaiah 22
[17:41] - Paul’s “Fighting Beasts” and the Trustworthiness of Scripture
[19:22] - The Importance of Handling the Word of Truth
[20:02] - The Challenge of “Baptism for the Dead”
[21:20] - Principles for Interpreting Difficult Passages
[23:34] - Salvation and Baptism: What Scripture Clearly Teaches
[26:46] - Avoiding Doctrinal Error from Obscure Verses
[27:52] - Living by What is Clear in Unclear Times
[28:53] - The Danger of Twisting Scripture
[29:59] - Standing on the Promises of God
[31:05] - Living Distinctively in Light of Resurrection
[32:17] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living in Light of the Resurrection
_Based on 1 Corinthians 15:29-34_
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### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 15:29-34
(Consider reading the whole chapter for context, but focus on verses 29-34.)
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### Observation Questions
1. In verses 30-32, what reasons does Paul give for his willingness to face danger and suffering?
2. What does Paul mean when he says, “bad company ruins good morals”? Where does this phrase come from, according to the sermon? [[10:48]]
3. What is the issue with “baptism for the dead” that Paul mentions in verse 29, and why is it considered a difficult passage? [[20:02]]
4. How does Paul challenge the Corinthians to “wake up” in verse 34, and what does he say is at stake if they don’t? [[07:40]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. According to the sermon, how does belief in the resurrection shape the way Paul—and by extension, all Christians—live their daily lives? [[03:16]]
2. Why does Paul warn about the influence of “bad company,” and how can the people we surround ourselves with affect our hope in Christ? [[07:40]]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of “rightly handling the word of truth.” What principles are given for interpreting difficult or unclear passages of Scripture? [[21:20]]
4. How does the sermon connect the way we handle Scripture with the way we teach and model faith for the next generation? [[10:48]]
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### Application Questions
1. Paul’s life looked “foolish” to the world because of his hope in the resurrection. Are there any ways your life looks different because of your hope in Christ? If not, what might need to change? [[03:16]]
2. Think about the people and influences you spend the most time with. Are they helping you live in light of the resurrection, or are they pulling you away from that hope? What is one relationship or influence you might need to reconsider? [[07:40]]
3. The sermon warns against spiritual complacency and calls us to “wake up.” Is there an area of your life where you’ve become spiritually sleepy or compromised? What would it look like to “wake up” in that area? [[07:40]]
4. When you encounter a confusing or difficult passage in the Bible, what is your usual response? How can you begin to practice the principles of letting Scripture interpret Scripture and holding to what is clear? [[21:20]]
5. If you have children or influence over younger believers, how are you modeling a careful and humble approach to God’s Word? Is there a specific way you can help the next generation learn to trust and engage with Scripture? [[10:48]]
6. The sermon says that “a distinctive life is the fruit of resurrection conviction.” What is one practical step you can take this week to live more distinctly as someone who believes in the resurrection? [[31:05]]
7. Are there any “thorns” (hard questions, doubts, or confusing teachings) that have made you hesitant in your faith? How can you anchor yourself in what is clear about God’s character and promises as you work through those challenges? [[27:52]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray that God would help your group to live awake, distinct, and anchored in the hope of the resurrection, and to handle His Word with humility and faithfulness.
Devotional
Day 1: Living in Light of the Resurrection Changes Everything
The hope of the resurrection is not just a future promise but a present reality that transforms how believers live each day. Paul insists that what we believe about the future—specifically, the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the saints—should radically shape our present behavior, setting us apart from those who have no such hope. If we truly believe in the resurrection, our lives will reflect a trust and hope that may seem foolish or even pitiable to the world, but is in fact the mark of a life anchored in Christ’s victory over death. Let your daily choices, priorities, and sacrifices be shaped by the certainty that Christ is risen and that you, too, will share in His resurrection. [03:16]
1 Corinthians 15:29-34 (ESV)
"Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.' Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame."
Reflection: In what specific way can you let your hope in the resurrection shape a decision or action you take today, so that your life looks different from those who have no such hope?
Day 2: Rightly Handling the Word of Truth
God calls every believer to be a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. This means approaching Scripture with humility, diligence, and a commitment to understanding both the clear and the difficult passages. Rather than ignoring or twisting hard-to-understand verses, we are to let Scripture interpret Scripture, allowing the clear teachings of God’s Word to guide us through what is unclear. This approach not only strengthens our faith but also equips us to teach and disciple others, especially our children, to love and trust the whole counsel of God. [10:48]
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
Reflection: Is there a passage of Scripture you have avoided or misunderstood? How can you take one step today to study it more deeply or seek wise counsel about it?
Day 3: The Influence of Company on Our Morals
The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our beliefs and behaviors. Paul warns that “bad company ruins good morals,” reminding us that if we spend time with those who do not live in light of the resurrection, we may begin to adopt their attitudes and actions. It is vital to be discerning about our influences, seeking out relationships that encourage us to live faithfully and to hold fast to the hope of Christ. At the same time, we are called to be a light to others, but never at the expense of compromising our convictions or drifting from the truth. [13:09]
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 (ESV)
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame."
Reflection: Who in your life most influences your attitudes and actions? Is there a relationship you need to limit or a godly friendship you need to pursue to help you live more faithfully?
Day 4: Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture
When faced with difficult or unclear passages in the Bible, believers are called to let the whole of Scripture interpret its parts. The clear teachings of God’s Word—such as salvation by grace through faith and baptism as an outward testimony—must guide our understanding of verses that are puzzling or ambiguous. This principle protects us from error and helps us remain anchored in the truth, even when we do not have all the answers. Trusting what God has clearly revealed enables us to walk by faith through the mysteries and uncertainties of life and Scripture alike. [23:34]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Is there an area of your faith where you are tempted to add requirements or practices not clearly taught in Scripture? How can you rest today in the sufficiency of God’s grace?
Day 5: Faithfulness in the Face of Mystery
There will always be aspects of God’s Word and God’s ways that are hard to understand. Rather than being discouraged or dismissive, we are called to remain faithful, trusting in what God has clearly revealed and allowing that to shape our response to what is mysterious. This posture of humility and trust not only guards us from twisting Scripture but also deepens our dependence on God. As you encounter the “thorns” in life and in Scripture, let your faith be anchored in the unchanging truths of God’s character and promises. [28:53]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one mystery or unanswered question in your walk with God that you need to entrust to Him today, choosing faith and obedience even when you do not fully understand?
Quotes
If there is no resurrection, then we should just eat and drink, get as much joy as you can out of this life, because this is all there is, death's coming, and that's going to be the end, so if there is no resurrection hope, then we should just be trying to maximize our pleasure here. [00:07:14] (17 seconds)
There is a direct correlation between what we believe about the future and how we behave in the present. And Paul says, if we believe something about the future, then it's going to change how we behave in the present. If you don't believe that about the future, you're looking at how we behave in the present and thinking that's pitiful. [00:05:06] (17 seconds)
The big picture that Paul is painting is saying, when we live lives that are so convinced of resurrection hope, it changes how we live. And it ought to look different than those who live around us who don't have resurrection hope. [00:31:33] (18 seconds)
If what we believe about the future impacts how we behave today in the present, how we behave in the present ought to look differently than those who don't believe in the resurrection of the future. And so our lives ought to look differently. And we ought to hear the admonishment that Paul gives us there towards the end, wake up. Wake up for your drunken stupor. Don't go on sinning. Don't live like those who have no knowledge of God. [00:31:51] (26 seconds)
The totality of Scripture does not tell us that baptism saves us. Baptism is the external testimony of an inward reality. It is publicly identifying with Christ of something that has happened to us within. We've put our faith in Christ, we've become a new creation, and we are baptized as a testimony towards that end. [00:24:24] (24 seconds)
Isn't that amazing that Peter would say that about the letters of Paul? But which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction as they do the other Scriptures. So it's possible that we are able to twist these hard to understand passages to our own destruction. And it's so important that we know how to rightly handle the Word of Truth. [00:28:53] (24 seconds)
Because if Paul's making that up, what else is he making up? Is he making up that Christ died for our sins? Is he making up that Christ is the firstfruits of our resurrection and we're going to share in a resurrection like his? Is he making up the fact that Christ must reign into all things or subjection? [00:19:25] (17 seconds)
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