1 Coríntios 15
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon - Let not your exertions end in tears; mere weeping will do nothing without action. Get on your feet: ye that have voices and might, go forth and preach the gospel; preach it in every street and lane of this huge city; ye that have wealth, go forth and spend it for the poor and sick and needy and dying, the uneducated, the unenlightened; ye that have time, go forth and spend it in deeds of goodness; ye that have power in prayer, go forth and pray; ye that can handle the pen, go forth and write down iniquity,—every one to his post; every one of you to your gun in this day of battle; now for God and for His truth; for God and for the right; let every one of us who knows the Lord seek to fight under His banner. A goose will sit faithfully on a dozen or so eggs and will not move for anybody or anything. But, after three or four eggs hatch, she becomes so preoccupied with them that she walks away from the remaining eggs. She does not persevere to the end. In this passage, Paul reminds the Corinthians not to become so preoccupied with nonessentials that they are in danger of not remaining steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord.1555 James Smith - A SERVANT’S REQUIREMENTS 1 Corinthians 15:58 Be Active. “Work.” Be Devoted. “Work of the Lord.” Be Steadfast. “Unmovable.” Be Liberal. “Always Abounding.” Be Hopeful. “Forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO STABILITY AND SERVICE 1 Corinthians 15:57, 58 I. The Exhortation. 1. In faith be steadfast (Col. 1:23). 2. In trial be unmovable 3. In work be always abounding. II. The Encouragement. 1. Your work is in the Lord. 2. Your labour is not in vain. 3. Your triumph is sure. “He giveth us the victory.” Story of a Steadfast Saint - John G. Paton, a nineteenth century missionary to the South Seas, met opposition to his leaving home in Scotland and going to preach to the cannibalistic people of the New Hebrides Islands. A well-meaning church member moaned to him, “The cannibals, the cannibals! You will be eaten by the cannibals!” Without hesitation, he replied, “I confess to you that if I can live and die serving my Lord Jesus Christ, it makes no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms; for in that Great Day of Resurrection, my body will rise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer!” Behind The Building Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. —1 Corinthians 15:58 Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8-11 Where we were working was hot, dirty, and it smelled bad. We had traveled thousands of miles to do some work projects, and on this day we were painting the back of a classroom building at a school for the deaf. The only people who would ever see this part of the building would be the guy who cut the grass and any unfortunate person who would have to work on the septic pit. Yet, as the young adults diligently painted away, one of the girls, Melissa, put it in perspective by saying, “Nobody will ever come back here to see this, but God will see it. So let’s make it look nice.” And so we did. Sometimes we sit at our desk and think no one sees our work. Or we stand at a line assembling item after endless item. Perhaps we take care of crying babies in the church nursery. Or we live the best Christian life we can—without anyone noticing. Though others may not observe us And see how we serve God today, Our job as servants of Jesus Is to please Him in every way. —Branon No service for Christ goes unnoticed by Him. Never A Quitter Be steadfast . . . in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:58 Today's Scripture: Galatians 6:6-10 A preacher who was growing weary in the ministry had a dream. He saw himself pounding away at a huge chunk of granite with a pick-axe. It was his job to break it into small pieces. But hard as he tried, he couldn’t chip off even a tiny piece. At last, tired and disappointed, he decided to give up. Just then a stranger appeared and said, “Weren’t you given orders to do that work? Your duty is to give your best regardless of what happens.” The preacher, with a renewed determination, lifted the pick-axe high in the air and gave the granite a crushing blow. It broke into a thousand pieces. He had almost quit—one blow too soon. The Lord wants us to keep working at our God-given task no matter how difficult it might be. Even when success seems remote or impossible, we are to remain steadfast, assured that there will be an ample reward for those who persevere. The service that we give to Christ, If steadfast we will be, Is sure to reap a rich reward That someday we will see. —Sper Failure is not defeat unless you stop trying. Stand Firm Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. —1 Corinthians 15:58 Today's Scripture: Colossians 1:19-27 As our final project for a high school earth science class, a friend and I built a stream table. With extensive help from my father, we built a long plywood box with a hinge in the middle. Then we lined it with plastic and filled it with sand. At one end we attached a hose. At the other end was a drainage hole. After assembling all of it, we raised one end of the stream table, turned on the water, and watched as it created a path directly to the hole at the other end. The next part of the experiment was to place a rock in the stream and watch how it changed the path of the water. This project taught me as much about life as it did about science. I learned that I can’t change the direction things are going if I’m on the bank of the river. I have to step into the stream of life and stand there to divert the flow. That’s what Jesus did. The Bible refers to salvation as a rock (2 Sam. 22:47; Ps. 62:2,6-7), and the apostle Paul clarifies that Christ is that Rock (1 Cor. 10:4). God placed Jesus in the stream of history to change its course. Driven By Gratitude Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. — 1 Corinthians 15:58 Today's Scripture: Acts 20:22-24 What’s the greatest novel ever written? Many readers would vote for Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, which, depending on the edition, can run well over 1,000 pages. Even after his novel was finished, Tolstoy continued to write—often until he was on the brink of exhaustion, unable to sleep, and on the verge of a breakdown. One day a friend asked him why he kept writing and driving himself to the edge of exhaustion. He reminded Tolstoy that he was a wealthy Russian count with servants at his beck and call, and that he had a secure future. Tolstoy explained that he kept writing because he was the slave of an inner compulsion and had a consuming desire deep within his bones. He felt that he had to keep writing or else he would go mad. The apostle Paul experienced a similar compulsion, except that his drive was God-motivated. As he explained to his friends in Corinth, “the love of Christ compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14). His was a burning passion, an emotional fire, a spiritual force that made him share the good news of Jesus and His death and resurrection. Fill Thou my life, O Lord my God, In every part with praise, That my whole being may proclaim Thy being and Thy ways. —Bonar The good news is too good to keep to yourself. Not In Vain Read: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 89-90; Romans 14 Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. —1 Corinthians 15:58 In September of 2000, I attended the 100th-anniversary celebration of a small Bible college in Ohio. When the school began in 1900 with a handful of students and very little money, few observers thought it would last. A year after the doors opened, the founder died during a typhoid epidemic, and the school’s prospects appeared dim. A century later, some people wondered if the founder would have been surprised to find the school thriving. Whether or not he thought the institution would last for 100 years, everyone attending the celebration agreed that he expected the results to last forever. He knew that his work for God was of eternal value. That’s an assurance you and I can share as we live for the Lord. At the conclusion of a stirring passage on immortality and our victory in Christ over death, Paul concluded by saying, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Service done in Jesus' name Lasts for all eternity, For God's Spirit does the work, Using folks like you and me. | —D. De Haan Work done for God endures long after the worker dies.
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon writes that…The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is one of the best attested facts on record. There were so many witnesses to behold it, that if we do in the least degree receive the credibility of men's testimonies, we cannot and we dare not doubt that Jesus rose from the dead. It is all very easy for infidels to say that these persons were deceived, but it is equally foolish, for these persons could not every one of them have been so positively deceived as to say that they had seen this man, whom they knew to have been dead, afterwards alive; they could not all, surely, have agreed together to help on this imposture: if they did, it is the most marvellous thing we have on record, that not one of them ever broke faith with the others, but that the whole mass of them remained firm. We believe it to be quite impossible that so many rogues should have agreed for ever. They were men who had nothing to gain by it; they subjected themselves to persecution by affirming the very fact; they were ready to die for it, and did die for it. Five hundred or a thousand persons who had seen him at different times, declared that they did see him, and that he rose from the dead; the fact of his death having been attested beforehand. How, then, dare any man say that the Christian religion is not true, when we know for a certainty that Christ died and rose again from the dead? And knowing that, who shall deny the divinity of the Saviour? Who shall say that he is not mighty to save? Our faith hath a solid basis, for it hath all these witnesses on which to rest, and the more sure witness of the Holy Spirit witnessing in our hearts. "And last of all," says the apostle, "he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time: for I am the least of the apostles." We should not have thought Paul proud if he had said, "I am the greatest of the apostles," for he occupies the largest portion of the sacred Scriptures with his writings; and he preached more abundantly than they all. There was not one who could exceed Paul, or even come near him in his arduous labours. Not A Myth Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 7-9 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. —1 Corinthians 15:6 I’m fascinated with history, so I eagerly watched a television special on England’s great King Arthur. A theme surfaced as each historian acknowledged that there were no eyewitness accounts nor historical evidence to support the story of King Arthur, his knights, and their Round Table. Repeatedly, the story was referred to as “legend” or “mythology.” It appears that the story is merely a legend woven together over centuries from fragments of other stories. The good news of the gospel, however, is not rooted in mythology or legend but in verified fact, and it’s the greatest story ever told. Paul wrote that the most important event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ—is supported by actual eyewitnesses. While listing disciples who had seen the risen Christ, Paul punctuated the list of eyewitnesses by writing, “After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:6). At the time of Paul’s writing, many of those witnesses were still alive and available for questioning. Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign. —Lowry The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the best attested fact of ancient history. —Arnold 1 Corinthians 15:7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; (NASB 1995 - Lockman) then Lu 24:50 Ac 1:2-12 See detailed notes on The Resurrection of Christ 1 Corinthians 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Acts 1:21-22+ (Peter delineates the necessary qualifications of the apostles) - Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us--beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection. For in depth commentary see 1 Corinthians 15:7 (For the most part the notes below are not duplicated on the in depth commentary). JESUS AND JAMES Then - Expression of time. Marks sequence. He appeared to James, then to all the apostles (apostole) - Most writers feel this James was the half-brother of Jesus. The witness of James is especially significant because it is the witness of a skeptic. The brothers of Jesus had grown up with Him and they knew Him to be a good man, but they rejected His teaching. John 7:5 says "not even His brothers were believing in Him." Later Luke records the presence of the brothers of Jesus in the upper room (Acts 1:14+ "these all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.") Why did these skeptical brothers become believers? The clear implication is they saw Him alive after His crucifixion. As the old saying goes "Seeing is believing." Ray
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon - Morning and Evening - The whole system of Christianity rests upon the fact that “Christ is risen from the dead;” for, “If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain: ye are yet in your sins.” The divinity of Christ finds its surest proof in his resurrection, since he was “Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” It would not be unreasonable to doubt his Deity if he had not risen. Moreover, Christ’s sovereignty depends upon his resurrection, “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” Again, our justification, that choice blessing of the covenant, is linked with Christ’s triumphant victory over death and the grave; for “He was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Nay, more, our very regeneration is connected with his resurrection, for we are “Begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” And most certainly our ultimate resurrection rests here, for, “If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” If Christ be not risen, then shall we not rise; but if he be risen then they who are asleep in Christ have not perished, but in their flesh shall surely behold their God. Thus, the silver thread of resurrection runs through all the believer’s blessings, from his regeneration onwards to his eternal glory, and binds them together. How important then will this glorious fact be in his estimation, and how will he rejoice that beyond a doubt it is established, that “now is Christ risen from the dead.” “The promise is fulfill’d, Redemption’s work is done, Justice with mercy’s reconciled, For God has raised his Son.” F B
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon - The divinity of Christ finds its surest proof in his resurrection (Rom. 1:4). Christ's sovereignty also depends on his resurrection (Rom. 14:9). Again, our justification hangs on Christ's resurrection (Rom. 4:25). Our very regeneration depends on his resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). And most certainly our ultimate resurrection rests here (Rom. 8:11). The silver thread of resurrection runs through all the blessings, from regeneration onward to our eternal glory, and binds them together. An Empty Grave A conversation between a Christian missionary and a Muslim illustrates a great point. The Mohammedan wanted to impress the missionary with what he considered to be the superiority of Islam. So he said, "When we go to Mecca, we at least find a coffin, but when you Christians go the Jerusalem, your mecca, you find nothing but an empty grave." To this the believer replied, "That is just the difference, Mohammed is dead and in his coffin. And all other systems of religion and philosophy are in their coffins. But Christ is risen, and all power in heaven and on earth is given to Him! He is alive forevermore! Empty Explanations Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. — 1 Corinthians 15:20 Today's Scripture: Matthew 27:62-28:15 No element in the Easter story is more troubling to unbelievers than the report that the followers of Jesus found the tomb empty that Sunday morning. Some simply deny it, saying that the women and others went to the wrong tomb. Others think that Jesus was not quite dead when He was buried, and somehow He revived and got out of the tomb—even though the Roman soldiers had declared Him dead (Jn. 19:33), an eyewitness saw blood and water flow from the pierced body (v.34), and His body had been wrapped tightly with strips of linen containing 100 pounds of spices (v.39). In the first century, even Christ’s enemies agreed that He had died and the tomb was empty. They bribed the guards to say that the disciples stole His body (Mt. 28:11-15). Jesus rose from the grave in a real body, and that means everything to us. When a Christian friend or loved one dies, we can be confident that we will meet again. The body may turn to dust, but God will not forget it. It will be transformed into a body perfectly designed for heaven (1 Cor. 15:35-50). This is not wishful thinking. It is an expectation based on solid evidence. Crown Him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o'er the grave, Who rose victorious to the strife For those He came to save. —Thring The empty tomb is the foundation of our faith. The Result of the Resurrection 1. It guarantees the deity of the Lord Jesus. He is "declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead" (Rom. 1:4). 2. It is essential to our justification. (See Rom. 4:25; 8:34.) Because Jesus rose from the dead all who believe in Him are justified "from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:39). 3. It makes possible the forgiveness of sins. (See 1 Cor. 15:17.) 4. It makes certain a final judgment "because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he bath ordained; whereof he bath given assurance unto all men, in that he bath raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). 5. It furnishes every believer with a deathless hope. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept" (1 Cor. 15:20). As He rose from the dead and liveth forever, so will the bodies of believers be raised from the tomb. This is the unshakable confidence of the saints. HAROLD LINDSELL and CHARLES WOODBRIDGE A Sure Hope Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. —1 Corinthians 15:20 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Konrad Adenauer, former chancellor of West Germany, said, “If Jesus Christ is alive, then there is hope for the world. If not, I don’t see the slightest glimmer of hope on the horizon.” Then he added, “I believe Christ’s resurrection to be one of the best-attested facts of history.” Christ’s resurrection and ours go together. So reasoned the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15. And if Christ didn’t rise from the grave, what’s left? Empty preaching (v.14), false witnesses (v.15), a futile faith (v.17), unforgiven sins (v.17), no life after death (v.18), and hopelessness (v.19). But Christ did rise from the grave. Paul asserted the proof for the resurrection in verses 1 through 11, listing many credible witnesses who saw the risen Lord: Peter (v.5), 500 people (v.6), all the apostles (v.7), and Paul himself (v.8). When the Greek philosopher Socrates lay dying, his friends asked, “Shall we live again?” He could only say, “I hope so.” In contrast, the night before author and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh was beheaded, he wrote in his Bible, “From this earth, this grave, this dust, my God shall raise me up.” Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord the Judge shall come And take His servants up To their eternal home. —Wesley Christ's resurrection is the guarantee of our own. 1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. (NASB 1995 - Lockman) by man came death 1Co 15:22 Ro 5:12-17 1 Corinthians 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Romans 5:12-21+ Therefore, just as through one man (ADAM) sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to ALL MEN (THE "SIN VIRUS" WAS PASSED ON), because all sinned (COMMITTING SINS PROVES WE WERE INFECTED WITH ADAM'S SIN VIRUS!) – 13 for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him (ADAM A TYPE OF CHRIST - SEE TYPOLOGY) Who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. 17 For if by the transgression of the one (ADAM), death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men (SEE Ro 4:25+). 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience (ADAM) the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One (CHRIST) the many will be made (DECLARED) righteous. 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies. A TALE OF TWO MEN For (gar) term of explanation. Paul elaborates on those who are asleep, that is who die, explaining why they died and how God provided a solution for their death. Since by a man (Adam) came death (thanatos) - There are actually no verbs in this sentence which makes the facts of death and resurrection that much more striking. Death was the judicial consequence of sin. This is a man named Adam for "just as through one man (ADAM) sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned." (Ro 5:12+) Death (2288)(thanatos) is a permanent cessation of all vital functions and thus is the end of life on earth (as we know it). The separation of the soul from the body and the end of earthly life. Spiritual death is separation from the life of God forever by dying without being born again. The first use in the Septuagint is in a well known promise from God "you shall surely die (Lxx = thanatos apothnesko).” (Ge 2:17) followed by the second use in the deceptive lie by Satan “You surely shall not die (thanatos apothnesko)!" (Ge 3:4) Death is natural to humanity as part of the created world. Death is a result of Adam’s sin (Ro 5:12). Death is universal - no one can escape it. Thanatos in 1-2 Corinthians - 1 Co. 3:22; 1 Co. 11:26; 1 Co. 15:21; 1 Co. 15:26; 1 Co. 15:54; 1 Co. 15:55; 1 Co. 15:56; 2 Co. 1:9; 2 Co. 1:10; 2 Co. 2:16; 2 Co. 3:7; 2 Co. 4:11; 2 Co. 4:12; 2 Co. 7:10; 2 Co. 11:23; By a (God-Man, Last Adam) Man (alluding to His incarnation) also came the resurrection (anastasis) of the dead - Adam's life brought death to all men including all believers (those who are asleep in 1 Cor 15:20). Christ's death and resurrection made possible the resurrection of the dead for those who are asleep. In context, this resurrection refers to the first resurrection in which only believers participate. Stated another way, the first man, Adam brought death to men, but Christ conquered death for believers. Richard Pratt - Paul next explained in what sense Christ was raised as the firstfruits of all who would be raised, arguing for a symmetry in God's dealings with the human race (see also Rom. 5:12-19). In the first place, the record of Genesis makes it plain that death came through a man. Adam's sin was more than a personal transgression; it brought guilt and the divine judgment of death on all humanity. Since it was through Adam that death came, it should not be surprising that the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. In many passages Paul pointed out that God considered Christ's experience on earth much more than one persons experience. What happened to him in his death and resurrection happens to all who believe in him. (Holman NT Commentary) Related Resources: Who was Adam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Did we all inherit sin from Adam and Eve? | GotQuestions.org Did Adam and Eve know what death was when God commanded them not to eat from the tree of knowledge? | GotQuestions.org Is the Adam and Eve story to be understood literally? | GotQuestions.org How long were Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? | GotQuestions.org Was Adam with Eve when she spoke to the serpent (Genesis 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org 1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. (NASB 1995 - Lockman) in Adam 1Co 15:45-49 Ge 2:17 3:6,19 Joh 5:21-29 Ro 5:12-21 See also The Resurrection of Christ 1 Corinthians 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Ro 5:12+ (IN ADAM ALL DIE) Therefore, just as through one man (ADAM) sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to ALL men, because ALL sinned (ALL COMMITTED SINS PROVING THEY HAD CONTRACTED THE "SIN VIRUS" FROM ADAM!)– 2 Corinthians 5:17+ Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Acts 24:15+ having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Jn 5:28-29+ “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, (THERE GOOD DEEDS DID NOT SAVE THEM BUT DEMONSTRATED THEY WERE TRULY SAVED) those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. TWO MEN TWO DESTINIES For (gar) term of explanation. Paul elaborates on the significance of the resurrection of the dead. Hunter & McShane "Let us note the presence of the article before each name, "the Adam", "the Christ". This indicates headship (SEE NOTE BELOW): Adam in relation to the old creation, and Christ in relation to the new. What is emphasised is the solidarity of each race with its respective head. Note too the change of the preposition: in 1 Cor 15:21 it was dia, denoting agency; here it is en, expressing association (cf locative of sphere).(What the Bible teaches – 1 and 2 Corinthians) As in Adam all (present tense - continually one after another) die (apothnesko) - In Adam is locative of sphere, and is the "spiritual location" of every person ever born. When these "walking dead" believe in Christ, the Spirit takes them OUT OF ADAM and places them INTO CHRIST (also locative of sphere) which is the believer's "spiritual location" forever! The NLT paraphrase is in essence a commentary declaring "Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam." This is "shorthand" for Ro 5:12+. All means all without exception, except of course the last Adam, Christ Who was without sin so that He might die FOR our sins! (2 Cor 5:21+, cf 1 Pe 2:24-25+) Notice Paul describes the two families to which all mankind belongs -- all are either in Adam or in Christ, with no "in between!" The former are headed for hell, the latter for heaven.
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon - “Truly it is never a pleasant sound, that rattle of the clay upon the coffin-lid, ‘Earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes,’ nor to the farmer, for its own sake, would it be a very pleasant thing to put his grain into the dull cold earth; yet I trow no farmer ever weeps when he sows his seed.”....“Dear friends, if such be death—if it be but a sowing, let us have done with all faithless, hopeless, graceless sorrow … ‘Our family circle has been broken,’ say you. Yes, but only broken that it may be re-formed. You have lost a dear friend: yes, but only lost that friend that you may find him again, and find more than you lost. They are not lost; they are sown. Utley on what kind of body- One source of the conflict concerning a resurrected body comes from the negative view of the physical body in some schools of Greek philosophy. The Greeks often viewed the material as evil (gnosticism) and even worse, the physical body as the prison-house of the eternal divine spark or soul within all humans. This cultural/philosophical background came into direct conflict with Paul’s Hebraic (Pharisaic) background of the affirmation of a physical, bodily afterlife." (1 Corinthians 15 Commentary)
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon says "“The righteous are put into their graves all weary and worn; but as such they will not rise. They go there with the furrowed brow, the hollowed cheek, the wrinkled skin; they shall wake up in beauty and glory.” Hallelujah!
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon - Morning and Evening - The head and members are of one nature, and not like that monstrous image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. The head was of fine gold, but the belly and thighs were of brass, the legs of iron, and the feet, part of iron and part of clay. Christ’s mystical body is no absurd combination of opposites; the members were mortal, and therefore Jesus died; the glorified head is immortal, and therefore the body is immortal too, for thus the record stands, “Because I live, ye shall live also.” As is our loving Head, such is the body, and every member in particular. A chosen Head and chosen members; an accepted Head, and accepted members; a living Head, and living members. If the head be pure gold, all the parts of the body are of pure gold also. Thus is there a double union of nature as a basis for the closest communion. Pause here, devout reader, and see if thou canst without ecstatic amazement, contemplate the infinite condescension of the Son of God in thus exalting thy wretchedness into blessed union with his glory. Thou art so mean that in remembrance of thy mortality, thou mayest say to corruption, “Thou art my father,” and to the worm, “Thou art my sister”; and yet in Christ thou art so honoured that thou canst say to the Almighty, “Abba, Father,” and to the Incarnate God, “Thou art my brother and my husband.” Surely if relationships to ancient and noble families make men think highly of themselves, we have whereof to glory over the heads of them all. Let the poorest and most despised believer lay hold upon this privilege; let not a senseless indolence make him negligent to trace his pedigree, and let him suffer no foolish attachment to present vanities to occupy his thoughts to the exclusion of this glorious, this heavenly honour of union with Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly. (NASB 1995 - Lockman) Amplified And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven. we will Mt 13:43 Ro 8:29 2Co 3:18 4:10,11 1Jn 3:2 1 Corinthians 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Genesis 5:3 When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. 1 Cor 11:7+ For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 2 Cor 3:18+ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are (present tense - continually) being (divine passive) transformed (metamorphoo) into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. OUR FUTURE HEAVENLY IMAGE Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly - We look and act and talk and think like Adam. All have been born into the image of Adam, but all who have been born again are of His image, are growing in likeness to that image (2 Cor 3:18+) and will one day will fully attain that image (1 Jn 3:2+) which will coincide with reception of our resurrection bodies. John describes believer's bearing the image of the heavenly Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be (BELIEVERS TODAY LOOK NO DIFFERENT THAN UNBELIEVERS BUT THAT WILL CHANGE FOR). We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. (1 John 3:2+)
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon reminds us that "Behold is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation." I would add, behold is like a divine highlighter, a divine underlining of an especially striking or important text regarding which the current text supremely qualifies! Paul is saying to the Corinthians and to all believers of all ages "Listen up, all ye who would seek comfort in the mercies of Jehovah!" Robertson and Plummer call behold - Emphatic introduction of information of great moment. This mystery of the sudden transformation of the living has been revealed to him. (1 Corinthians 15 Commentary) I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep (koimao) - Paul has described one avenue of entrance by which believers can enter into the Kingdom of God and that is through death, but now he will reveal to them the second way into the Kingdom for the believers who do not die. Both will undergo a great transformation. In English the word mystery usually means something that is not fully understood and which baffles the understanding. In marked contrast, a mystery in the context of the New Testament writings is quite the opposite, for it is something that was not previously known but which has now been made known to believers by God's gracious revelation ("I tell you..."). It is called a mystery because it was hidden from view and understanding in the past (especially the Old Testament) but now has been revealed by the Spirit in the New Testament writings. It follows that the truth Paul is teaching in this next section is new revelation to the Corinthians. While the resurrection was alluded to in the OT, the specific details Paul describes in this section were not alluded to. Mystery (3466) musterion; from mustes = one initiated [as into the Greco-Roman "mystery" religions] from mueo = to close or shut) in the NT is a truth never previously known, and a truth which human intellect could never discover, but one which has now been made known by divine revelation. Musterion in the Bible means those truths which are part of God's plan and can only be understood as He reveals them by His Spirit through His Word In Paul's day musterion was a technical term utilized by the "mystery religions" which referred to a secrets concealed by strange customs and ceremonies and confided only to those initiated into the "mystery cult". Musterion embraced ideas such as "a secret rite," "secret teaching," and "a divine mystery which is beyond human comprehension." Hastings writes that in stark contrast to the pagan mystery religions, what Paul "calls a mystery is always, indeed, a truth known only to the initiated, but the initiated for St. Paul are the whole body of believers in Jesus.. Musterion in 1 Corinthians - 1 Co. 2:7; 1 Co. 4:1; 1 Co. 13:2; 1 Co. 14:2; 1 Co. 15:51 We will not all sleep (koimao) - Notice he uses the personal pronoun we, so he includes himself in this statement. This would imply that Paul did not necessarily think that he would physically die. The implication is that he was living in anticipation that he might indeed experience the change which he goes on to describe. In other words Paul lived his life with sense of Imminency. (cf similar attitude in 1 Th 4:15+ = "we who are alive and remain" describing the rapture) This is Paul's fourth and last use of koimao in the Resurrection Chapter (1 Co. 15:6; 1 Co. 15:18; 1 Co. 15:20; 1 Co. 15:51) and as in the previous passages he uses sleep as a euphemism for the believer's death. When we fall asleep in Jesus, we are immediately absent from the body and at home with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8+) Even though being "absent from the body" is not as good as being in our future resurrection body, it is still something we can anticipate with joy, for "to depart, and to be with Christ...is far better" (Phil 1:23+) and "To die" for the Christian "is gain" (Phil 1:21+). In heaven with Christ, our spirits--though without physical bodies will be distinct and recognizable, in some way still bearing our likenesses. For example, this was true of the spirits of Samuel and Moses (1 Sa 28:11-14; Mt 17:3), and also, in Christ's parable, of the spirits of Abraham and Lazarus (Lk 16:22-25+). And so when we fall asleep in Jesus we will not yet have our resurrection bodies but that is what Paul will now describe for both those who have fallen asleep and have not fallen asleep in Jesus. Robertson and Plummer on Paul's use of we - The first person plural does not necessarily imply that St Paul felt confident of living till the Second Advent; but it does imply expectation of doing so in company with most of those whom he is addressing. (Compare Imminent/Imminency) (1 Corinthians 15 Commentary) But - Term of contrast. And O what a marvelous contrast it will be! All do not sleep but all will be changed. We will all be changed - Again note the plural pronoun we, Paul definitely including himself in this change. All means all without exception. But actually there is one important "exception" and that is this "all" excludes "all" who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer. They will not be changed, but will only change locations from this temporal home to their eternal home. In context changed refers especially to those believers who are living with Christ returns, but at that time even those who have died will also be changed at that time. In other words, all believers will receive their resurrection bodies at the time of the return of Christ. Ray
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon - The grave—what is it? It is the bath in which the Christian puts the clothes of his body to have them washed and cleansed. Death—what is it? It is the waiting-room where we robe ourselves for immortality; it is the place where the body, like Esther, bathes itself in spices that it may be fit for the embrace of its Lord. Trapp on Paul's two questions - This is the sharpest and the shrillest note, the boldest and the bravest challenge, that ever man rang in the ears of death … Death is here out-braved, called craven to his face, and bidden to do his worst.” 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.” ...For those who are not in Jesus Christ, death still has its sting. “The sting of death lay in this, that we had sinned and were summoned to appear before the God whom we had offended. This is the sting of death to you, unconverted ones, not that you are dying, but that after death is the judgment, and that you must stand before the Judge of the quick and dead to receive a sentence for the sins which you have committed in your body against him.” Only the fear of God can remove the fear of death. Play "O DEATH WHERE IS THY STING" from Handel's Messiah. Then listen to Brahm's Requiem which is a memorial to Christ's victory over death - this movement blew me away (and here)! If this does not bring tears of joy and thanksgiving as you ponder the reality of your future glory with Christ, I do not know what will! And you do not have to understand German to grasp the power of Christ's victory over death! All I could think was "Thank You Lord Jesus Christ for defeating Death for me forever and ever. Amen and amen" (NOTE: Unlike traditional requiems which offer prayers for the dead, Brahms' German Requiem is focused on offering comfort to the living! Hallelujah!) Sting (2759)(kentron from kenteo = to prick) describes a sharp, pointed instrument used for piercing to hurt or kill. It describes anything by which a puncture is made. In Acts 26:14+ Jesus told Paul "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" or to continue to offer resistance the divine call to salvation like did an unruly ox resisting the goad. Kentron - 4x in NT - Acts 26:14; 1 Co. 15:55; 1 Co. 15:56; Rev. 9:10+ = "They have tails like scorpions, and stings" 3 uses in the Septuagint - Pr 26:3; Hos. 5:12; Hos. 13:14 = "O Death, where are your thorns? O Sheol, where is your sting?" Adrian Rogers - One day, a mother and her two children were in the park having a wonderful time. They were enjoying the outdoors until a big bumblebee landed on little Brother and then stung him! He began to cry and scream like any child would as the wound on his arm became swollen. The bee was still buzzing around, and his little sister was petrified. The mother comforted her daughter by saying, "Darling, wait a minute." As she was wiping Brother's tears away, she said, "Look down here on your brother's arm." Right in the middle of that swelling was the bumblebee's stinger. "You see that, Sweetheart? That bee can buzz and fight you, but he can't hurt you. You see, he can only sting once and he has left his stinger in your brother." While death is a decided fact, Death is also a defeated foe. We are able to laugh in the face of Death if we know the Lord Jesus Christ. I want to tell you, friend, Death may buzz around you and frighten you, but our elder brother, the Lord Jesus, bears that sting. Jesus took the sting out of Death, and He has given us a hope that is steadfast and sure. Robert
1 Coríntios 15
Spurgeon - Soldier of the cross, the hour is coming when the note of victory shall be proclaimed throughout the world. The battlements of the enemy must soon succumb; the swords of the mighty must soon be given up to the Lord of lords. What! soldier of the cross, in the day of victory wouldst thou have it said that thou didst turn thy back in the day of battle? Dost thou not wish to have a share in the conflict, that thou mayest have a share in the victory? If thou hast even the hottest part of the battle, wilt thou flinch and fly? Thou shalt have the brightest part of the victory if thou art in the fiercest of the conflict. Wilt thou turn, and lose thy laurels? Wilt thou throw down thy sword? Shall it be with thee as when a standard-bearer fainteth? Nay, man, up to arms again! for the victory is certain. Though the conflict be severe, I beseech you, on to it again! On, on, ye lion-hearted men of God, to the battle once more! for ye shall yet be crowned with immortal glory. The Only One Who Conquered Death - Dr. Harry Rimmer was traveling in Egypt and, while negotiating with the Secretary of State, a refined and cultured gentleman, he engaged him in conversation concerning religious experience. "We believe that God has given to man three revelations of Himself," said Dr. Rimmer. "We, too, believe that," said the man, who was a Moslem. "We believe that God has revealed Himself in the works of creation. "We, too, believe that." "We believe that God has revealed Himself in a book—the Bible." "We believe that God has revealed Himself in a book—the Koran." "We believe that God has revealed Himself in a man—that man is Jesus Christ." "We believe that God has revealed Himself in a man—that man is the prophet Mohammed." "We believe that Jesus died to save His followers." "We believe that Mohammed died for his people." "We believe," said Dr. Rimmer, "that Jesus is able to substantiate His claims because He rose from the dead." The Moslem hesitated, then his eyes fell, and finally he replied, "We have no information concerning our prophet after his death." Jesus Christ is supreme because He is the only one who ever conquered death and triumphed over the grave.—Sunday School Times What Cancer Can't Do Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 15:57 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 One of the most dreaded sentences a patient can hear is, “You have cancer.” These words bring a chill to the heart. Although great progress is being made in treating this disease, recovery can be long and painful, and many people do not survive. An enthusiastic believer in Christ, Dan Richardson, lost his battle with cancer. But his life demonstrated that even though the physical body may be destroyed by disease, the spirit can remain triumphant. This poem was distributed at his memorial service: Cancer is so limited . . . It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope, It cannot corrode faith, It cannot eat away peace, It cannot destroy confidence, It cannot kill friendship, It cannot shut out memories, It cannot silence courage, It cannot invade the soul, It cannot reduce eternal life, It cannot quench the Spirit, It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection. Our greatest enemy is not disease, but despair. The Defeat Of Death Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 15:57 Today's Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 Christian faith ought to make a difference in how we live from day to day. But the final test of our trust in the gospel is how we react in the face of death. When we attend a memorial service for a departed friend who loved the Lord Jesus, we gather to honor a believer whose stalwart trust has richly blessed the lives of those who knew him. The words spoken are more an expression of praise to God than a tribute to an admired fellow pilgrim. The service is a God-glorifying testimony to our Savior’s victory over death and the grave (1 Cor. 15:54-57). How different from the funeral service of Charles Bradlaugh, a belligerent British atheist. Writer Arthur Porritt recalls: “No prayer was said at the grave. Indeed, not a single word was uttered. The remains, placed in a light coffin, were lowered into the earth in a quite unceremonious fashion as if carrion were being hustled out of sight. . . . I came away heart-frozen. It only then dawned on me that loss of faith in the continuity of human personality after death gives death an appalling victory.” From earth’s wide bounds and ocean’s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl stream in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost— Alleluia! Alleluia! —How Because Christ is alive, we too shall live. THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE At the southern tip of Africa, a cape jutting out into the ocean once caused sailors great anxiety. Many who attempted to sail around it were lost in the swirling seas. Because adverse weather conditions so often prevailed there, the region was named the Cape of Storms. A Portuguese captain determined to find a safe route through those treacherous waters so his countrymen could reach Cathay and the riches of the East Indies in safety. He succeeded, and the area was renamed the Cape of Good Hope. We all face a great storm called death. But our Lord has already traveled through it safely and has provided a way for us to do the same. By His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ abolished eternal death for every believer and has permanently established our fellowship with Him in heaven. Although this "last enemy," physical death, can touch us temporarily, its brief control over our earthly body will end at the resurrection. The sting of death has been removed! Now all who know Christ as Savior can face life's final voyage with confidence. Even though the sea may be rough, we will experience no terror as we pass through the "cape of good hope" and into heaven's harbor. The Master Helmsman Himself has assured our safe passage. - H G Bosch Think of just crossing a river, Stepping out safe on that shore, Sadness and suffering over, Dwelling with Christ evermore! Anon Christ has charted a safe course through the dark waters of death. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (NASB 1995 - Lockman) Therefore 2Co 7:1 2Pe 1:4-9 3:14 be ye Ru 1:18 Ps 55:22 78:8,37 112:6 Col 1:23 2:5 1Th 3:3 Heb 3:14 2Pe 3:17,18 abounding Php 1:9 4:17 Col 2:7 1Th 3:12 4:1 2Th 1:3 the work 1Co 16:10 Joh 6:28,29 Php 2:30 1Th 1:3 Tit 2:14 Heb 13:21 ye know 1Co 3:8 2Ch 15:7 Ps 19:11 Ga 6:9 Heb 6:10 is not Ps 73:13 Ga 4:11 Php 2:16 1Th 3:5 in the Mt 10:40-42 25:31-40 Php 1:11 Heb 13:15,16 See also The Resurrection of Christ 1 Corinthians 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A FINAL EXHORTATION BASED OF THE FINALITY OF DEATH'S DEATH For in depth commentary see 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore - Term of Conclusion - "This goes back to the whole truth of resurrection taught in 1 Corinthians 15 which gives new meaning and purpose to life for the Christian. What is the use of life if its efforts and endeavors are made void by death and absorbed in the grave? The resurrection assures us that what we do for the Lord on this earth in time will be accredited to our account for rewards in eternity." (Arnold) my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord - Be is a command in present imperative which calls on us to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey, In the context of this chapter abounding in the work of the Lord is preaching of the Gospel. J C
1 Coríntios 15:9
Spurgeon commenting on 1Cor 15:9 wrote "When he looked upon the mercies that God gave to him he always recollected how little he deserved; and when be found himself preaching, oh! with what pathos did he preach to the ungodly, for he could always close up: — “But I obtained mercy, that in me first Christ might show forth all long-suffering as a pattern to them that believe.” Have I a persecutor here? Let him know that his sin is a most damnable sin that will sink him lower into hell than any other; but even for him there is mercy, and abundant pardon; for Paul says he obtained mercy even though he persecuted the church of God. In his book "Conformed to His Image" Oswald Chambers writes about the "Memory of Sin in the Saint"- No aspect of Christian life and service is in more need of revision than our attitude to the memory of sin in the saint. When the Apostle Paul said “forgetting those things which are behind,” he was talking not about sin, but about his spiritual attainment. Paul never forgot what he had been; it comes out repeatedly in the Epistles—“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle” (1Corinthians 15:9); “unto me who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given” (Ephesians 3:8); “. . . sinners, of whom I am chief” (1Timothy 1:15). And these are the utterances of a ripe, glorious servant of God. If one wants a touchstone for the depth of true spiritual Christianity, one will surely find it in this matter of the memory of sin. There are those who exhibit a Pharisaic holiness, they thank God with an arrogant offensiveness that they are “not as other men are”; they have forgotten the horrible pit and miry clay from whence they were taken, and their feet set upon a rock through the might of the Atonement. (Chambers, O. Conformed to His image. London: Marshall, Morgan & Scott) Not (ou) signifies absolute negation and emphasizes how strong Paul feels about not deserving to be an apostle. Fit (2425) (hikanos from the root hik- = “to reach [with the hand],” “to attain”, `reaching to', `attaining to'; hence, `adequate') refers to that which reaches or arrives at a certain standard. The primary meaning of hikanos is sufficient, and hence comes to be applied to number and quantity and so means many or enough. Hikanos has been variously used from the time of the Greek tragic dramatists in the basic sense of adequate (sufficient for a specific requirement), sufficient (enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end), enough (in or to a degree or quantity that satisfies or that is sufficient or necessary for satisfaction), qualified (fitted as by training or experience for a given purpose), competent (having the capacity to function or develop in a particular way) to do a thing or large enough. As illustrated in selections below, the NT usage corresponds to these secular uses. In the present context Paul uses hikanos to emphasize that he does not meet the standard and therefore in his eyes is in one sense not even qualified to be an apostle. This not an exclamation of false humility, but a confession of true humility which surely gives us a clue as to why this man was so greatly used of the Lord. Jon Courson - I find it interesting that the longer Paul walked with the Lord, the more he realized how far he was from Him. That’s always the way it is. The Pharisee, praying on the street corner, said, ‘God, I thank Thee, I am not as other men,’ while the true convert beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner’ (see Lk 18:11, 12, 13). If you feel less than adequate for the challenge before you, for the day facing you, rejoice. You’re in good company and in the perfect position for the Lord to do something wonderful in and through you. (Courson, J. A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word) In a sense every saint could (should) echo Paul's confession of inadequacy for holy, divine tasks, for as he explains in his second epistle to the Corinthians... Not that we are adequate ("fit", hikanos) in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy (related noun hikanotes = Sufficiency, competency, ability, adequacy, capacity, fitness - state of being qualified for something) is from God, Who also made us adequate (hikanoo - made us sufficient, fit, qualified, competent by placing us in Christ) as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2Cor 3:5,6) John the Baptist used hikanos declaring... As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit (hikanos) to remove His sandals (cp "the least of the apostles"); He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Mt 3:11+) Comment: And what did Jesus say of this man who had such a "lowly" opinion of himself? Notice Jesus' "formula" for greatness in the kingdom! Not the world's "formula" to be sure! Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least (mikros - English "microscopic" {Not easily visible! How different from how we often want to be -- which is "seen"! Convicted? I am!}) in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Mt 11:11, Lk 7:28) David Brainerd a man greatly used of the Lord once wrote... Much more of true religion consists in deep humility, brokenness of heart and an abasing sense of barrenness and want of grace and holiness than most who are called Christians imagine. Matthew Henry chimes in remarking that "Those whom God will employ are first struck with a sense of their unworthiness to be employed. I like the way John Flavel said it "They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud. Thomas Fuller adds that "There is no true holiness without humility. God grant us the beatitude of the background, That only He may be seen! --Vance Havner Called (2564)(kaleo from root kal-, whence English “call” and “clamour”) literally means to speak to another in order to attract their attention or to them bring nearer, either physically or in a personal relationship. Kaleo is a major verb in the NT and its specific meaning depends on the the context in which it is used. Thomas Edwards paraphrases it as "to be known in the capacity of an apostle." Charles Hodge comments "Do not even deserve to be called an apostle. See Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16. This deep humility of the apostle, which led him to regard himself as the least of the apostles, was perfectly consistent with the strenuous assertion of his official authority and of his claim to respect and obedience. In 2Corinthians 11:5 and 2Cor 12:11 he says he was “not in the least inferior to the ‘super-apostles,’” and in Galatians 2:6, 7, 8, 9 he claims full equality with James, Peter, and John. God commonly prepares those of his children whom he intends to exalt to posts of honor and power by leading them to such a knowledge of their sinfulness as to keep them constantly abased." (1 Corinthians 15 Commentary) APPLYING THIS SECTION TO SPIRITUAL WARFARE Ray
1 Coríntios 15:9
Spurgeon put it "He whose garments are the whitest will best perceive the spots upon them!" They see that what they once thought to be natural strengths are really weaknesses that emanate from the unredeemed (and unredeemable) fallen flesh. So if this (an increasing sense of the corruption of your old flesh nature) is beginning to happen to you, you are growing as a Christian. It has been well said that "He who knows himself best esteems himself least." Thomas Guthrie perfectly pictured Paul's progression when he wrote "The Christian is like the ripening corn; the riper he grows, the more lowly bends his head." Paul never forgot the wonder of being chosen to be a servant (huperetes ) "of Christ and (steward - oikonomos) of the mysteries of God" (1Cor 4:1, 2) (As an aside dear saint - while our stewardship is not identical to Paul's, we do have the privilege of preserving and passing on the truth of the Gospel to a lost world with our lives and our "lips"! Will you be found a faithful steward? cp Lk 12:37, 42, 43, 44, Note: Every believer is a steward and will give an account for how they used their privileges and gifts - 1Pe 4:10, 11-note. The question for each of us to personally ponder is "Will we hear "Well done"? Read Jesus' words of encouragement and warning in Mt 25:20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) ARE YOU RIPE FRUIT? Spurgeon in his sermon on "Ripe Fruit" looks first at the "marks of ripeness in grace" and lists marks of spiritual maturity (this sermon is recommended reading)... Another mark is never absent in a mature Believer—namely, the weight which is evidenced in humility. Look at the corn in the field, it holds its head erect while it is green, but when the ear is filled and matured, it hangs its head in graceful humbleness. Look at your fruit trees, how their blossoming branches shoot up towards the sky, but when they begin to be loaded with fruit, since the riper the fruit the greater its weight, the branch begins to bow, until it needs oftentimes to be propped up and to be supported, lest it break away from the stem. Weight comes with maturity, lowliness of mind is the inevitable consequence. Growing Christians think themselves nothing. Full-grown Christians know that they are less than nothing. The nearer we are to Heaven in point of sanctification, the more we mourn our infirmities, and the humbler is our estimate of ourselves. Lightly laden vessels float high in the water, heavy cargo sinks the boat to the water’s edge. The more Grace, the more the need of Grace is felt. He may boast of his Grace who has none. He may talk much of his Grace who has little, but he who is rich in Grace cries out for more, and forgets that which is behind (Php 3:13-note). When a man’s inward life flows like a river (Jn 7:38, 39), he thinks only of the Source, and cries before his God, “All my fresh springs are in You.” He who abounds in holiness feels more than ever that in him, that is in his flesh, there dwells no good thing (Ro 7:18-note). You are not ripened, my Brothers and Sisters, while you have a high esteem of yourself. (Php 2:3, 4-note, Php 2:5, 6, 7-note) He who glories in himself is but a babe in Christ, if indeed he is in Christ at all. When you shall see death written on the creature, and see all your life in Christ (1Cor 15:31, 2Co 4:10, 11, 12). When you shall perceive even your holy things to have iniquity in them, and see all your perfectness in Him who is altogether lovely. When you shall lie prostrate at the foot of the Throne, and only rise to sit and reign in Him Who is your All, then are you ripening, but not till then (Jn 3:30-note). (C H Spurgeon "Ripe Fruit" - sermon on Micah 7:1) As Bishop J C Ryle said "The true secret of spiritual strength is self-distrust and deep humility (cp 2Cor 12:9-note, 2Cor 12:10-note)...We have nothing we can call our own--but sin and weakness. Surely there is no garment that befits us so well, as humility." William Plumer - The deeper one's sense of sin is, the livelier is his gratitude for pardon and saving mercy. So taught our Lord: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little" (Luke 7:47). In like manner the deeper one's sense of sin, the profounder will be his humility; and humility is the King's highway to holiness and happiness and heaven. (THE CHRISTIAN) The most godly men in the Bible were deeply aware of their own depravity when they found themselves in the presence of the Holy God (A wise man or woman would take time to study the attitudes, words, posture and prayers of men who have had a personal encounter with God = Ge 18:27; Job 42:6; Isa 6:5; Da 9:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; Ezek 1:28-note, Luke 5:8, 9, Re 1:17-note). Andrew
1 Coríntios 15:58
Spurgeon comments “Ye know,” because Christ has risen, and because you also shall rise and because there is a reward of grace laid up in store for you. The Lord’s people may die, but the Lord’s church never dies, and the Lord himself, the ever-living One, it always with us, blessed be his holy name! A W
1 Coríntios 15:58
Spurgeon - When Christ Returns -(Devotional Thoughts associated with 1Cor 15:58) - I am reminded of Sir Christopher Wren, the great English architect, when he cleared away old St. Paul’s to make room for his splendid new edifice. He was compelled to use battering rams against the massive walls. The workmen kept on battering and battering. An enormous force was brought to bear on the walls for many days and nights, but it did not appear to have made the least impression on the ancient masonry. Yet, the wise architect knew what he was doing. He instructed the workmen to keep on incessantly. Thus, the ram fell again and again against the rocky wall until, at length, the whole mass was disintegrating and coming apart. Then, the results of each stroke began to show. At one blow it reeled, at another it quivered, with the next it moved visibly, and with the final impact it fell over amid clouds of dust. Do you think these last strokes did all the work? No, it was the combination of blows, the first as truly as the last. Keep on with the battering ram. I hope to keep on until I die. Mark you, I may die without seeing the errors of the hour totter and fall, but I will be perfectly content to sleep in Christ, for I have a sure expectation that this work will succeed in the end. I will be happy to have done my share, even if I personally see little apparent results. Lord, let Your unseen work be apparent to Your servants, and we will be content that Your glory should be reserved for our children. “Stand fast,” my beloved, in incessant labors, for the results are sure. A W Tozer - NOT IN VAIN - Those who are active in Christian service must beware of two opposite pitfalls: the elation that comes with success on the one hand, or the discouragement that comes with failure, on the other. These may be considered by some as trivial, but the history of the Christian ministry will not support this conclusion. They are critically dangerous and should be guarded against with great care. The disciples returned to Christ with brimming enthusiasm, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name,” and He quickly reminded them of another being who had allowed success to go to his head. “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven,” He said. “In this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” The second of these twin dangers need not be labored. Every minister of the gospel knows how hard it is to stay spiritual when his work appears to be fruitless. Yet he is required to rejoice in God as certainly when he is having a bad year as when he is seeing great success, and to lean heavily upon Paul’s assurance that “your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”