1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:07,080 You’re listening to a sermon from Pastor Colin Smith of Open the Bible. 2 00:00:07,080 –> 00:00:15,360 To contact us, call us at 1-877-OPEN 365 or visit our website openthebible.org. 3 00:00:15,360 –> 00:00:17,340 Let’s get to the message. 4 00:00:17,340 –> 00:00:18,900 Here is Pastor Colin. 5 00:00:18,900 –> 00:00:23,639 Please opened your Bible at 1 Corinthians Chapter 15. 6 00:00:23,639 –> 00:00:27,160 This is the second of our four weeks in Surah Halil, Chapter 54. 7 00:00:27,200 –> 00:00:33,740 The most marvelous chapter of the Bible Paul tells us that Christ who died for our sins 8 00:00:33,740 –> 00:00:40,119 rose again and that this is of first importance. 9 00:00:40,119 –> 00:00:45,759 We’re seeing from this chapter that our hope does not lie in something. 10 00:00:45,759 –> 00:00:47,660 It lies in someone. 11 00:00:47,660 –> 00:00:53,360 It doesn’t lie in an ethic, it doesn’t lie in living a better kind of life, it doesn’t 12 00:00:53,360 –> 00:00:54,419 even lie in a creed. 13 00:00:54,419 –> 00:01:02,119 It lies in a person whose grace will change us as we walk with him. 14 00:01:02,119 –> 00:01:11,660 We saw last time that the risen Lord Jesus Christ personally redeems us from our sins 15 00:01:11,660 –> 00:01:18,900 and that the answer to shame and regret over past sins is not only that we’re forgiven 16 00:01:18,900 –> 00:01:23,519 but that by his grace we’ve actually changed. 17 00:01:23,620 –> 00:01:31,339 Paul says I persecuted the Church but I am no longer the person I once was. 18 00:01:31,339 –> 00:01:39,279 Verse 9 by the grace of God I am what I am and his grace toward me was not in vain. 19 00:01:39,279 –> 00:01:47,040 When you find yourself troubled by your past sins use this as an opportunity to thank God 20 00:01:47,040 –> 00:01:50,080 for what his grace has done in your life. 21 00:01:50,080 –> 00:01:56,360 The very fact that what you once chose you now regret shows that you are not the person 22 00:01:56,360 –> 00:01:57,580 that you once were. 23 00:01:57,580 –> 00:02:01,180 God’s grace has redeemed you and is redeeming you still. 24 00:02:01,180 –> 00:02:06,720 His grace toward you has not been in vain, thank God for that. 25 00:02:06,720 –> 00:02:14,179 Christ has redeemed us from our past sins and then this risen Christ will give us strength 26 00:02:14,179 –> 00:02:15,880 for our present calling. 27 00:02:16,479 –> 00:02:22,279 Notice verse 10, Paul says, I worked harder than any of them. 28 00:02:22,279 –> 00:02:24,160 He’s referring of course to the other apostles. 29 00:02:24,160 –> 00:02:29,660 I worked harder than any of them, he says, though it was not I, but the grace of God 30 00:02:29,660 –> 00:02:31,580 that is with me. 31 00:02:31,580 –> 00:02:36,279 The risen Lord Jesus Christ has actually given me energy. 32 00:02:36,279 –> 00:02:43,000 The apostle says to work as I have worked, at the ministry that he has trusted to me. 33 00:02:43,619 –> 00:02:48,619 We saw from this, the very wonderful truth that the risen Lord Jesus Christ will personally 34 00:02:48,619 –> 00:02:54,380 give you all that you need to fulfill all that he is calling you to do. 35 00:02:54,380 –> 00:03:01,639 He redeems us from our past sins and he strengthens us for our present calling. 36 00:03:01,639 –> 00:03:03,360 And he does this for who? 37 00:03:03,360 –> 00:03:07,220 For all who received and continue in the gospel. 38 00:03:07,220 –> 00:03:12,020 We saw last time from verses one and two that we must receive the gospel. 39 00:03:12,020 –> 00:03:19,419 We must stand in it, we must hold fast to it and then we will certainly be saved by 40 00:03:19,419 –> 00:03:20,419 it. 41 00:03:20,419 –> 00:03:26,199 So, that’s where we got last week Paul begins by speaking about how the risen Lord Jesus 42 00:03:26,199 –> 00:03:31,020 Christ changes the past and the present. 43 00:03:31,020 –> 00:03:37,460 But the central focus of first Corinthians and chapter 15 is of course on how the risen 44 00:03:37,460 –> 00:03:40,559 Lord Jesus Christ is going to change the future. 45 00:03:40,559 –> 00:03:45,679 He’s going to bring us into the most glorious future. 46 00:03:45,679 –> 00:03:53,160 As Jesus was raised from the dead, we who receive and continue in the gospel will share 47 00:03:53,160 –> 00:03:55,419 in his resurrection life. 48 00:03:55,419 –> 00:04:00,300 That’s the main message of first Corinthians and chapter 15. 49 00:04:00,300 –> 00:04:07,100 We’re taking it up today at verse 12, where you will see that some at Corinth evidently 50 00:04:07,100 –> 00:04:11,500 denied this wonderful truth. 51 00:04:11,500 –> 00:04:20,799 Verse 12, if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that 52 00:04:20,799 –> 00:04:25,260 there is no resurrection of the dead? 53 00:04:25,260 –> 00:04:32,440 Some in Corinth, clearly denied this wonderful truth that believers will rise from the dead 54 00:04:32,779 –> 00:04:37,200 glorious new life with the Lord Jesus Christ. 55 00:04:37,200 –> 00:04:44,000 Now this was not unique to Corinth, because we know that there were false teachers in 56 00:04:44,000 –> 00:04:46,320 the early church who taught 57 00:04:46,320 –> 00:04:50,320 that the resurrection had already happened. 58 00:04:50,320 –> 00:04:53,660 Paul refers to this in second Timothy in chapter 2 59 00:04:53,679 –> 00:04:55,779 and verses 17 and 18. 60 00:04:55,779 –> 00:04:59,040 Among them, he says, are Hymenaeus 61 00:04:59,040 –> 00:05:00,959 and Phileidas 62 00:05:01,000 –> 00:05:08,079 who have swerved from the truth saying that their resurrection has already happened 63 00:05:08,079 –> 00:05:13,220 and they are upsetting the faith of some. 64 00:05:13,220 –> 00:05:15,820 Now here are false teachers. 65 00:05:15,820 –> 00:05:20,899 Paul actually names them here, Hymenaeus and Phileidas. 66 00:05:20,899 –> 00:05:26,619 And if you had gone to these false teachers and you had said 67 00:05:26,619 –> 00:05:30,720 do you think that there will be a resurrection? 68 00:05:30,739 –> 00:05:35,559 They would have said, yes of course we do. 69 00:05:35,559 –> 00:05:38,660 And it’s already happened. 70 00:05:38,660 –> 00:05:44,820 If you are a believer you have already risen to a new life in Jesus Christ. 71 00:05:44,820 –> 00:05:47,839 And of course that’s wonderfully true. 72 00:05:47,839 –> 00:05:53,700 So the problem was not in what they affirmed, the problem was in what they denied, 73 00:05:53,700 –> 00:05:59,119 they denied a future glorious resurrection to an everlasting life 74 00:05:59,179 –> 00:06:03,220 in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. 75 00:06:03,220 –> 00:06:15,279 Now if you deny the resurrection of believers you have then to reinterpret the resurrection of Jesus 76 00:06:15,279 –> 00:06:18,559 and that of course is Paul’s point in verse 13. 77 00:06:18,559 –> 00:06:26,500 If there is no resurrection of the dead then not even Christ has been raised. 78 00:06:27,260 –> 00:06:33,279 So what was the message then of Hymenaeus and Feletus and others at Corinth 79 00:06:33,279 –> 00:06:37,720 and in different parts of the early church who sought to reintroduce 80 00:06:37,720 –> 00:06:41,239 a kind of alternative version of Christianity. 81 00:06:41,239 –> 00:06:43,220 What was their message? 82 00:06:43,820 –> 00:06:46,359 Well perhaps an analogy will help. 83 00:06:47,260 –> 00:06:57,980 The life of Martin Luther King was tragically cut short in a vicious act of violence. 84 00:06:58,859 –> 00:07:05,600 But what he stood for continues through all the people, 85 00:07:05,600 –> 00:07:12,059 millions who believe what he believed and teach what he taught. 86 00:07:12,779 –> 00:07:19,239 Now, someone might reasonably say Martin Luther King is gone 87 00:07:19,239 –> 00:07:24,019 but his work continues through others 88 00:07:24,019 –> 00:07:31,000 and it may be that Hymenaeus and Philetus said something like this in regard to Jesus. 89 00:07:31,000 –> 00:07:37,299 The life of Jesus was tragically cut short in a vicious act of violence 90 00:07:37,299 –> 00:07:44,540 but what Jesus stood for, what Jesus taught continues through people who believe what he believes 91 00:07:44,540 –> 00:07:46,179 and teach what he taught. 92 00:07:46,179 –> 00:07:52,480 The good news is that the work of Jesus is being carried on by his people. 93 00:07:52,480 –> 00:07:56,239 And, of course, that last statement is true. 94 00:07:56,239 –> 00:07:58,619 The problem was not in affirming that. 95 00:07:58,619 –> 00:08:00,359 The problem was in what they denied. 96 00:08:00,359 –> 00:08:05,640 That the tomb was empty and that Jesus Christ is alive today. 97 00:08:05,640 –> 00:08:12,480 Oh, yes, if you ask them, they would say we believe that Jesus rose from the dead. 98 00:08:12,480 –> 00:08:17,399 But, of course, what that means, they would say is that his spirit lives on in his people 99 00:08:17,399 –> 00:08:22,859 and that he continues to bring blessing to the world through what we do. 100 00:08:22,859 –> 00:08:27,100 The Resurrection, they would say, means that the spirit of Jesus goes on in us 101 00:08:27,100 –> 00:08:30,160 and that the work of Jesus goes on through us. 102 00:08:30,160 –> 00:08:33,200 So what matters, they would say, is not that the tomb was empty, 103 00:08:33,239 –> 00:08:38,919 but that we get on with the work of what Jesus has called us to do. 104 00:08:38,919 –> 00:08:46,039 Now, do you see how this completely shifts the focus of the message? 105 00:08:46,039 –> 00:08:51,239 The message of these false teachers was not so much a message about Jesus 106 00:08:51,239 –> 00:08:53,960 as a message about us. 107 00:08:53,960 –> 00:08:58,440 The power that they thought would change the world was not the power of 108 00:08:58,440 –> 00:09:02,080 the risen Lord who is seated at the right hand of the Father, 109 00:09:02,080 –> 00:09:08,520 but the power of what we do as those who continue Jesus’ work. 110 00:09:08,520 –> 00:09:12,440 And friends you can see how this would gain traction 111 00:09:12,440 –> 00:09:16,239 and you can see why versions of this kind of thinking 112 00:09:16,239 –> 00:09:21,760 are actually still all around us today. 113 00:09:21,760 –> 00:09:29,440 You see it would gain traction because it sounds spiritual. 114 00:09:29,500 –> 00:09:33,979 Oh, you don’t need to worry about the body, 115 00:09:33,979 –> 00:09:37,320 Hymenaeus and Phileidus would say. 116 00:09:37,320 –> 00:09:40,520 The body is just a shell. 117 00:09:40,520 –> 00:09:44,039 Do with it what you want. 118 00:09:44,039 –> 00:09:48,679 What matters is your spirit, 119 00:09:48,679 –> 00:09:51,260 the real you, 120 00:09:51,260 –> 00:09:53,400 what you feel, 121 00:09:53,400 –> 00:09:55,900 what you want, 122 00:09:55,960 –> 00:09:58,140 the life you choose to live. 123 00:10:00,400 –> 00:10:02,000 And it sounds relevant. 124 00:10:03,880 –> 00:10:06,460 Christians have, throughout history, 125 00:10:07,479 –> 00:10:12,479 been accused of being too heavenly-minded 126 00:10:12,520 –> 00:10:15,159 to be of any earthly use. 127 00:10:15,159 –> 00:10:16,179 Quick straw poll. 128 00:10:16,179 –> 00:10:18,960 If you have ever heard that accusation against Christians, 129 00:10:18,960 –> 00:10:20,479 raise your hands. 130 00:10:20,479 –> 00:10:22,320 Almost everyone. 131 00:10:22,419 –> 00:10:27,080 Too heavenly-minded to be of any earthly use. 132 00:10:27,080 –> 00:10:29,679 But here in Hymenaeus and Thaleidis, 133 00:10:29,679 –> 00:10:32,320 were teachers whose entire focus 134 00:10:33,219 –> 00:10:35,280 was on making a difference in this world, 135 00:10:36,239 –> 00:10:38,640 because they truly believed that’s all there is. 136 00:10:40,039 –> 00:10:41,739 The calling of the church, they would say, 137 00:10:41,739 –> 00:10:45,119 is not to prepare people for another world, 138 00:10:45,119 –> 00:10:47,960 it is to meet the needs of this world as it is today. 139 00:10:47,960 –> 00:10:49,760 You hear that, it sounds compelling. 140 00:10:50,760 –> 00:10:54,159 And thirdly, it sounds liberating. 141 00:10:55,619 –> 00:10:59,140 If there is no resurrection to eternal life, 142 00:10:59,140 –> 00:11:03,179 we are accountable only to ourselves. 143 00:11:04,659 –> 00:11:07,000 And of course that puts us in control. 144 00:11:07,919 –> 00:11:10,460 And it leaves us free to live and to plan our lives 145 00:11:10,460 –> 00:11:11,719 as we think best. 146 00:11:14,619 –> 00:11:16,380 Now someone might ask at this point, 147 00:11:16,380 –> 00:11:17,760 well, does this really matter? 148 00:11:17,780 –> 00:11:20,039 Sounds like a theological debate. 149 00:11:20,039 –> 00:11:21,479 Is it of any importance? 150 00:11:21,479 –> 00:11:23,960 Does it make any practical difference? 151 00:11:23,960 –> 00:11:26,900 Sounds like it’s just another interpretation 152 00:11:26,900 –> 00:11:30,239 of Christianity and it may have some things to commend it. 153 00:11:30,239 –> 00:11:33,940 And the Apostle Paul says, no, no. 154 00:11:35,340 –> 00:11:39,440 This teaching the Apostle says is like gangrene. 155 00:11:41,520 –> 00:11:43,219 That’s the word he uses. 156 00:11:43,219 –> 00:11:44,640 Second Timothy chapter two, 157 00:11:44,640 –> 00:11:46,440 I’m reading from verse 16. 158 00:11:46,440 –> 00:11:48,780 Avoid irreverent babble 159 00:11:48,780 –> 00:11:51,280 for it will lead people into more 160 00:11:51,280 –> 00:11:53,820 and more ungodliness 161 00:11:55,500 –> 00:11:58,099 and their talk will spread like gangrene. 162 00:11:59,479 –> 00:12:01,640 And among them are Hymenaeus in Philidias 163 00:12:01,640 –> 00:12:04,039 who have swerved from the truth 164 00:12:04,039 –> 00:12:06,719 by saying that the resurrection has already happened 165 00:12:08,080 –> 00:12:11,979 and they are upsetting the faith of some. 166 00:12:12,479 –> 00:12:17,059 There’s teachings like gangrene, he says. 167 00:12:18,380 –> 00:12:20,039 If you embrace it, 168 00:12:21,419 –> 00:12:25,960 it will lead you into more and more ungodliness. 169 00:12:26,859 –> 00:12:29,380 The word we would use today is the word toxic. 170 00:12:31,020 –> 00:12:33,340 You don’t wanna go anywhere near this. 171 00:12:34,400 –> 00:12:37,979 You don’t wanna get anywhere close to it 172 00:12:39,020 –> 00:12:40,599 and you see it is for that reason 173 00:12:40,619 –> 00:12:43,280 that Paul, in these verses that are before us today, 174 00:12:43,280 –> 00:12:48,280 confronts the message of the false teachers 175 00:12:48,280 –> 00:12:52,320 and what he says here is of vital importance to us, 176 00:12:52,320 –> 00:12:56,739 dear friends, because the same kinds of false teaching 177 00:12:56,739 –> 00:12:59,659 that troubled the early church all those years ago 178 00:13:01,299 –> 00:13:03,940 is still all around us today. 179 00:13:05,080 –> 00:13:06,940 If you want it put in summary form, 180 00:13:06,940 –> 00:13:09,539 you couldn’t do better than what the Apostle Paul says 181 00:13:09,580 –> 00:13:12,359 in verse 19 where he describes it 182 00:13:12,359 –> 00:13:16,840 as a this life only message. 183 00:13:16,840 –> 00:13:21,840 Verse 19, if in Christ we have hope in this life only, 184 00:13:24,260 –> 00:13:27,359 we are of all people most to be pitied, 185 00:13:28,280 –> 00:13:32,640 and then he shows verse 20 that living hope is ours 186 00:13:32,640 –> 00:13:35,840 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ when he says 187 00:13:35,840 –> 00:13:37,719 but in fact, 188 00:13:37,780 –> 00:13:40,419 in Christ has been raised from the dead, 189 00:13:40,419 –> 00:13:45,419 the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 190 00:13:45,960 –> 00:13:48,780 Now I want to offer today three observations 191 00:13:48,780 –> 00:13:51,419 that I hope will help us to see why the Resurrection 192 00:13:51,419 –> 00:13:55,280 matters and how believing in the Resurrection 193 00:13:55,280 –> 00:13:57,900 will shape how we live, 194 00:13:57,900 –> 00:14:01,020 and I promise you if you truly believe in the Resurrection, 195 00:14:01,020 –> 00:14:02,380 it will shape how you live, 196 00:14:02,380 –> 00:14:04,619 and if you do not believe in the Resurrection, 197 00:14:04,619 –> 00:14:07,520 it will also shape how you live. 198 00:14:08,619 –> 00:14:10,159 So here are the three observations. 199 00:14:10,159 –> 00:14:14,159 First, a faith for this life only, 200 00:14:14,159 –> 00:14:17,200 that’s how Paul describes it in verse 19, 201 00:14:17,200 –> 00:14:20,679 a faith for this life only may sound spiritual, 202 00:14:20,679 –> 00:14:24,500 but it will leave you without hope. 203 00:14:24,500 –> 00:14:26,500 And Paul gives three reasons for this. 204 00:14:26,500 –> 00:14:29,820 First, he says without the Resurrection, 205 00:14:29,820 –> 00:14:32,520 your faith would be futile. 206 00:14:32,520 –> 00:14:36,000 And he says this twice in verse 14 and verse 17. 207 00:14:36,020 –> 00:14:39,119 If Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain, 208 00:14:39,119 –> 00:14:40,159 verse 14. 209 00:14:40,159 –> 00:14:41,599 If Christ has not been raised, 210 00:14:41,599 –> 00:14:45,020 your faith is futile, verse 17. 211 00:14:45,900 –> 00:14:47,119 So think about this. 212 00:14:48,200 –> 00:14:51,400 The apostle Paul began this wonderful chapter 213 00:14:51,400 –> 00:14:56,400 by reminding believers that we are saved by Christ 214 00:14:58,020 –> 00:15:01,000 through the Gospel as we receive it 215 00:15:01,000 –> 00:15:02,719 and as we continue in it. 216 00:15:03,640 –> 00:15:08,640 By believing the Gospel, you have trusted yourself, 217 00:15:09,320 –> 00:15:14,320 your life and your eternity into the hands of Jesus Christ 218 00:15:16,940 –> 00:15:20,460 and if He has not been raised, 219 00:15:20,460 –> 00:15:23,380 such a faith is obviously futile. 220 00:15:25,799 –> 00:15:30,799 Now, the pastors and the residents 221 00:15:31,099 –> 00:15:36,099 sometimes like to poke fun at the authors 222 00:15:36,659 –> 00:15:38,659 that I most enjoy reading 223 00:15:39,780 –> 00:15:44,780 because all of them are dead and most of them are Scottish 224 00:15:47,340 –> 00:15:48,979 and it’s true. 225 00:15:48,979 –> 00:15:52,599 I love to read the writings of Godly men 226 00:15:52,599 –> 00:15:55,340 who are now in the presence of Jesus. 227 00:15:56,260 –> 00:15:59,559 Dead men can teach you by their writings. 228 00:16:00,159 –> 00:16:04,840 Dead men can inspire you by their example. 229 00:16:04,840 –> 00:16:07,320 Dead men can help you with their wisdom 230 00:16:08,200 –> 00:16:12,640 but friends, a dead man cannot impart life to you. 231 00:16:13,520 –> 00:16:17,020 A dead man cannot possibly save you. 232 00:16:18,239 –> 00:16:20,979 So, if you have trusted your life and your future 233 00:16:20,979 –> 00:16:24,840 to a dead man by definition, your faith is futile. 234 00:16:25,880 –> 00:16:28,159 A dead man cannot possibly save you. 235 00:16:30,000 –> 00:16:31,799 And that’s just the first problem. 236 00:16:32,719 –> 00:16:35,159 The second is, that without the resurrection 237 00:16:35,159 –> 00:16:38,059 you would still be in your sins, verse 17. 238 00:16:39,820 –> 00:16:41,679 Now, in verse three, the first thing 239 00:16:41,679 –> 00:16:43,520 the apostle told us about the gospel 240 00:16:43,520 –> 00:16:45,760 is that Christ died for our sins. 241 00:16:45,760 –> 00:16:47,260 He is the lamb of God. 242 00:16:47,260 –> 00:16:51,179 It was his unique calling to take away 243 00:16:51,179 –> 00:16:53,359 the sins of the world. 244 00:16:53,359 –> 00:16:55,880 That’s why he came into the world. 245 00:16:55,880 –> 00:16:57,380 He was to take away our sins 246 00:16:57,380 –> 00:16:59,700 by carrying them on himself. 247 00:16:59,700 –> 00:17:01,440 All we like sheep have gone astray, 248 00:17:01,440 –> 00:17:02,940 we’ve all turned to our own way, 249 00:17:02,940 –> 00:17:07,280 but the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 250 00:17:08,959 –> 00:17:10,380 So let me quote to you something 251 00:17:10,380 –> 00:17:12,119 I’ve found helpful from 252 00:17:12,119 –> 00:17:15,219 a man by the name of Robert Candlish. 253 00:17:15,219 –> 00:17:16,459 Yes, he’s dead. 254 00:17:16,459 –> 00:17:18,140 He lived in an earlier century. 255 00:17:18,140 –> 00:17:20,359 And yes, he was Scottish. 256 00:17:20,359 –> 00:17:23,020 And he says this, 257 00:17:23,739 –> 00:17:26,300 He, that is Jesus, 258 00:17:26,300 –> 00:17:28,599 was in your sins when he died. 259 00:17:29,660 –> 00:17:31,339 They were about him. 260 00:17:31,339 –> 00:17:33,180 They were upon him. 261 00:17:33,180 –> 00:17:34,219 And they were his. 262 00:17:35,140 –> 00:17:38,060 He was in your sins when he was buried, 263 00:17:38,979 –> 00:17:40,560 that was still around him, 264 00:17:40,560 –> 00:17:41,959 still upon him, 265 00:17:41,959 –> 00:17:43,400 as they lay in the dark tomb. 266 00:17:45,020 –> 00:17:46,619 And if he is not risen, 267 00:17:46,619 –> 00:17:49,219 he is even yet in your sins. 268 00:17:49,219 –> 00:17:50,979 Your sins are around him 269 00:17:50,979 –> 00:17:53,900 and upon him even now. 270 00:17:55,800 –> 00:17:57,060 Now do you see the point? 271 00:17:58,140 –> 00:18:01,459 That if Jesus had remained in the tomb, 272 00:18:01,459 –> 00:18:04,319 he would have been unsuccessful 273 00:18:05,780 –> 00:18:07,900 in removing our sins from us. 274 00:18:07,900 –> 00:18:10,020 And if he was unsuccessful 275 00:18:10,020 –> 00:18:12,760 in removing our sins from us, 276 00:18:12,760 –> 00:18:14,619 they would by definition still 277 00:18:14,619 –> 00:18:16,439 be on us. 278 00:18:16,439 –> 00:18:19,540 If Christ is not raised, 279 00:18:19,540 –> 00:18:21,560 you’re still in your sins. 280 00:18:23,000 –> 00:18:25,900 So friends, thank God this morning for verse 20. 281 00:18:25,900 –> 00:18:30,079 Christ has been raised from the dead. 282 00:18:30,079 –> 00:18:31,920 And you see, this is how we know 283 00:18:31,920 –> 00:18:34,319 that our sins have been dealt with. 284 00:18:34,319 –> 00:18:37,099 After six hours on the cross, 285 00:18:37,099 –> 00:18:39,780 the Lord Jesus Christ shouted out in triumph, 286 00:18:39,780 –> 00:18:41,540 it is finished! 287 00:18:41,540 –> 00:18:43,819 And he laid down his life. 288 00:18:43,819 –> 00:18:46,219 And the confirmation of that 289 00:18:46,219 –> 00:18:48,640 was that on the third day, 290 00:18:48,640 –> 00:18:51,160 the father raised him from the dead, 291 00:18:51,160 –> 00:18:53,959 echoing that great it is finished 292 00:18:53,959 –> 00:18:57,199 and demonstrating that indeed it was. 293 00:18:57,199 –> 00:19:00,400 Living, he loved me. 294 00:19:00,400 –> 00:19:03,160 Dying, he saved me. 295 00:19:03,160 –> 00:19:06,680 Buried, he carried my sins far away. 296 00:19:06,680 –> 00:19:11,339 And rising, he justified freely forever, 297 00:19:11,339 –> 00:19:13,640 one day he’s coming, 298 00:19:13,640 –> 00:19:15,359 oh, glorious day. 299 00:19:15,359 –> 00:19:16,180 Amen? 300 00:19:16,500 –> 00:19:21,500 And Paul wants it to be clear and settled in our minds 301 00:19:25,140 –> 00:19:27,439 that our sins have been dealt with 302 00:19:27,439 –> 00:19:30,979 through the death, burial and resurrection 303 00:19:31,859 –> 00:19:35,280 of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 304 00:19:36,520 –> 00:19:38,579 And he’s making the point 305 00:19:38,579 –> 00:19:43,579 that a this-life-only brand of faith may sound spiritual, 306 00:19:44,060 –> 00:19:45,900 but actually will leave a person 307 00:19:45,939 –> 00:19:48,459 who goes down that road absolutely without hope 308 00:19:48,459 –> 00:19:52,300 because ultimately, faith in a dead man is futile. 309 00:19:54,359 –> 00:19:56,540 It will leave a person without hope 310 00:19:56,540 –> 00:19:58,099 because apart from the resurrection, 311 00:19:58,099 –> 00:20:01,119 we’d still be in our sins and he’s not done yet 312 00:20:01,119 –> 00:20:02,380 without the resurrection. 313 00:20:02,380 –> 00:20:04,900 He says, pressing it even further, 314 00:20:04,900 –> 00:20:08,459 your believing loved ones would be lost 315 00:20:08,459 –> 00:20:10,920 if Jesus was not raised. 316 00:20:10,920 –> 00:20:12,459 Then also, verse 18, 317 00:20:12,459 –> 00:20:16,959 those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 318 00:20:19,140 –> 00:20:21,719 You see, if Jesus did not rise, 319 00:20:25,180 –> 00:20:28,520 then by definition death still holds him. 320 00:20:29,760 –> 00:20:30,880 And if death still holds him, 321 00:20:30,880 –> 00:20:32,439 then death still holds everybody else, 322 00:20:32,439 –> 00:20:36,119 including those who believe in him. 323 00:20:36,119 –> 00:20:36,939 And worse than that, 324 00:20:36,939 –> 00:20:41,180 if Jesus was unsuccessful in taking away our sins, 325 00:20:42,119 –> 00:20:44,540 then Jesus was unsuccessful in taking away 326 00:20:44,540 –> 00:20:46,439 the sins of our believing loved ones. 327 00:20:46,439 –> 00:20:48,459 And if that was the case they died in their sins 328 00:20:48,459 –> 00:20:52,699 and that could only mean that they would perish. 329 00:20:52,699 –> 00:20:54,680 You see what he’s saying? 330 00:20:54,680 –> 00:20:59,000 Without the Resurrection, there would be no hope for them. 331 00:20:59,000 –> 00:21:03,119 And without the Resurrection, there would be no hope for us. 332 00:21:03,119 –> 00:21:04,939 If Jesus did not rise, 333 00:21:04,979 –> 00:21:07,020 if Jesus did not rise, 334 00:21:07,020 –> 00:21:12,020 all would perish, including those who believe in him. 335 00:21:12,560 –> 00:21:13,760 That’s what he’s saying. 336 00:21:14,719 –> 00:21:18,819 But God so loved the world 337 00:21:19,920 –> 00:21:22,140 that he gave his one and only son 338 00:21:23,280 –> 00:21:28,280 that whoever believes in him should not perish 339 00:21:29,959 –> 00:21:31,920 but have everlasting life. 340 00:21:32,859 –> 00:21:36,500 So thank God for the resurrection of Jesus. 341 00:21:36,500 –> 00:21:41,500 Because he rose, we have a living savior. 342 00:21:42,579 –> 00:21:45,400 Because he rose, our believing loved ones 343 00:21:45,400 –> 00:21:48,280 are safe in his presence. 344 00:21:49,619 –> 00:21:53,040 He is the one and the only one who is able to say, 345 00:21:53,040 –> 00:21:57,520 my sheep hear my voice, they follow me. 346 00:21:58,319 –> 00:22:03,319 I know them and I give them eternal life. 347 00:22:03,359 –> 00:22:06,400 They will never perish. 348 00:22:06,400 –> 00:22:08,819 And no one will ever be able to snatch them 349 00:22:09,819 –> 00:22:11,160 out of my hands. 350 00:22:12,959 –> 00:22:17,339 So a faith for this life only may sound very spiritual. 351 00:22:18,420 –> 00:22:23,420 But it leaves a person absolutely without hope. 352 00:22:23,880 –> 00:22:27,619 And then Paul presses further. 353 00:22:29,959 –> 00:22:33,380 A faith for this life only may sound relevant, 354 00:22:35,000 –> 00:22:36,920 but actually it cannot deliver. 355 00:22:39,239 –> 00:22:44,560 Now every generation wants to make the world a better place 356 00:22:47,420 –> 00:22:50,359 and we can truly thank God for so many ways 357 00:22:50,359 –> 00:22:52,699 in which progress has been made 358 00:22:52,760 –> 00:22:54,260 throughout the centuries. 359 00:22:55,339 –> 00:22:59,819 I mean, thank God for progress in medicine. 360 00:22:59,819 –> 00:23:03,420 Thank God for progress in science, technology. 361 00:23:04,359 –> 00:23:07,819 Thank God for progress in education, 362 00:23:07,819 –> 00:23:11,280 in justice, in human rights. 363 00:23:12,739 –> 00:23:15,839 But there is surely a profound sense 364 00:23:15,839 –> 00:23:18,939 in which the world never changes. 365 00:23:19,880 –> 00:23:23,319 We can all see that every new human innovation 366 00:23:23,319 –> 00:23:26,000 brings new human challenges 367 00:23:26,000 –> 00:23:30,199 and the envies of greed and of violence 368 00:23:30,199 –> 00:23:33,079 and of hatred and of corruption 369 00:23:33,079 –> 00:23:36,880 remain as deeply rooted in our century 370 00:23:36,880 –> 00:23:39,420 as in any century in the past. 371 00:23:41,619 –> 00:23:43,319 So yes, we can thank God 372 00:23:43,319 –> 00:23:45,719 for all the ways in which evils are cut back 373 00:23:45,719 –> 00:23:47,040 and held in check. 374 00:23:47,040 –> 00:23:49,359 But we have surely to take this on board 375 00:23:49,359 –> 00:23:51,959 that at no point in human history 376 00:23:51,959 –> 00:23:54,380 have these evils ever been removed, 377 00:23:54,380 –> 00:23:57,280 no generation however earnest 378 00:23:57,280 –> 00:23:59,719 has ever been able to overcome them. 379 00:24:02,040 –> 00:24:04,359 So a thoughtful person 380 00:24:05,920 –> 00:24:07,599 might reasonably ask 381 00:24:08,579 –> 00:24:11,560 how will we ever get to the place 382 00:24:12,579 –> 00:24:16,560 where righteousness and peace will flourish? 383 00:24:16,560 –> 00:24:17,900 How will we ever get there? 384 00:24:20,040 –> 00:24:22,160 And the Apostle Paul has the answer right here. 385 00:24:22,160 –> 00:24:24,459 Look at it in verse 24. 386 00:24:24,459 –> 00:24:26,000 Then comes the end 387 00:24:27,239 –> 00:24:30,839 when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father 388 00:24:30,839 –> 00:24:33,520 after destroying every rule and every authority 389 00:24:33,520 –> 00:24:35,000 and every power. 390 00:24:35,000 –> 00:24:37,739 For he must reign 391 00:24:37,739 –> 00:24:41,680 until he has put all his enemies 392 00:24:41,680 –> 00:24:44,000 under his feet. 393 00:24:44,979 –> 00:24:49,979 Now notice that the focus here is not on us 394 00:24:50,640 –> 00:24:52,300 and what we will do. 395 00:24:53,359 –> 00:24:57,959 The focus here is on Jesus and what he will do. 396 00:24:58,939 –> 00:25:03,199 Christ will destroy every rule and authority and power. 397 00:25:04,040 –> 00:25:08,140 Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father. 398 00:25:08,140 –> 00:25:12,880 Christ will reign until he has put all enemies 399 00:25:12,880 –> 00:25:15,400 under his feet. 400 00:25:15,400 –> 00:25:18,439 Every generation in human history has longed 401 00:25:18,439 –> 00:25:21,479 for a world of perfect justice and peace and love 402 00:25:21,479 –> 00:25:24,839 and no generation has ever been able to bring it about. 403 00:25:26,400 –> 00:25:30,420 But one person can and he will. 404 00:25:31,959 –> 00:25:34,319 Hope has a name 405 00:25:36,119 –> 00:25:39,140 and his name is Jesus. 406 00:25:40,599 –> 00:25:42,839 It is what the Apostle Paul is saying here. 407 00:25:43,800 –> 00:25:46,579 And you know, this may be something that you can introduce 408 00:25:46,579 –> 00:25:50,459 into your conversation with unbelieving people. 409 00:25:51,479 –> 00:25:53,880 You may be able to say at some point, 410 00:25:53,880 –> 00:25:58,880 you’re seeking a world of peace and love and joy, 411 00:26:01,420 –> 00:26:04,780 but the powers that resist it are so strong 412 00:26:04,780 –> 00:26:06,400 that no generation in human history 413 00:26:06,400 –> 00:26:08,199 has ever been able to overcome them. 414 00:26:08,560 –> 00:26:11,000 The world you seek will only come about 415 00:26:11,000 –> 00:26:14,119 if there is someone who has the power to bring it about 416 00:26:14,119 –> 00:26:16,959 and Jesus Christ has that power. 417 00:26:18,939 –> 00:26:22,579 Jesus Christ is more powerful than greed. 418 00:26:24,020 –> 00:26:27,479 Jesus Christ is more powerful than violence. 419 00:26:28,339 –> 00:26:31,520 Jesus Christ is more powerful than hatred. 420 00:26:32,939 –> 00:26:35,979 And Jesus Christ is more powerful than corruption. 421 00:26:36,060 –> 00:26:37,979 Jesus Christ is more powerful than corruption. 422 00:26:37,979 –> 00:26:41,680 He is more powerful even than death itself. 423 00:26:42,579 –> 00:26:45,859 And the reason that there really is hope for this world 424 00:26:45,859 –> 00:26:50,300 is that he rose and he reigns 425 00:26:50,300 –> 00:26:54,719 and he will put all his enemies under his feet. 426 00:26:56,040 –> 00:26:59,160 So the apostle Paul is wanting to make clear 427 00:26:59,160 –> 00:27:02,079 why the resurrection is of central importance 428 00:27:02,079 –> 00:27:04,079 and how it will shape our lives. 429 00:27:05,020 –> 00:27:08,719 A faith that’s for this life only may sound spiritual, 430 00:27:08,719 –> 00:27:11,060 but it will leave you without hope. 431 00:27:11,060 –> 00:27:15,099 A faith that is for this life only may sound relevant, 432 00:27:15,099 –> 00:27:17,260 but it cannot possibly deliver. 433 00:27:18,459 –> 00:27:20,599 And here’s the last thing. 434 00:27:20,599 –> 00:27:24,780 A faith for this life only may sound liberating, 435 00:27:26,180 –> 00:27:28,339 but actually it leads to indulgence. 436 00:27:29,180 –> 00:27:31,000 It leads to indulgence. 437 00:27:31,000 –> 00:27:32,180 Look at verse 32. 438 00:27:32,819 –> 00:27:36,979 If the dead are not raised, 439 00:27:36,979 –> 00:27:38,520 quote, 440 00:27:38,520 –> 00:27:43,520 let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. 441 00:27:43,719 –> 00:27:44,540 Now, these words, 442 00:27:44,540 –> 00:27:46,339 let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die 443 00:27:46,339 –> 00:27:47,800 are in quotation marks 444 00:27:47,800 –> 00:27:52,180 because the apostle Paul is quoting a very popular proverb, 445 00:27:52,180 –> 00:27:54,920 a proverb that you may still hear today. 446 00:27:54,920 –> 00:27:57,319 It’s actually a proverb that is so old 447 00:27:57,319 –> 00:28:00,339 that it was quoted by the prophet Isaiah 448 00:28:00,339 –> 00:28:01,459 in the old Testament. 449 00:28:01,459 –> 00:28:04,219 That’s Isaiah chapter 22, in verse 13. 450 00:28:04,219 –> 00:28:06,160 This is the wisdom of this world 451 00:28:06,160 –> 00:28:07,000 always has been. 452 00:28:07,000 –> 00:28:10,060 And it’s continued down through the ages. 453 00:28:11,640 –> 00:28:15,359 Now friends, obviously there are 454 00:28:15,359 –> 00:28:17,060 good examples 455 00:28:17,939 –> 00:28:20,140 of unbelieving people 456 00:28:20,140 –> 00:28:22,300 who live sacrificial lives. 457 00:28:23,239 –> 00:28:26,380 Clearly Christians are not the only people 458 00:28:26,380 –> 00:28:28,979 who do good in the world. 459 00:28:29,040 –> 00:28:31,819 And the Apostle Paul is not suggesting that here. 460 00:28:32,900 –> 00:28:34,260 But the point that he’s making 461 00:28:34,260 –> 00:28:36,819 is surely an observable reality. 462 00:28:37,959 –> 00:28:41,140 That across the mass of humanity, 463 00:28:42,060 –> 00:28:45,219 when people come to believe that this life, 464 00:28:45,219 –> 00:28:48,400 this world is all that there is, 465 00:28:48,400 –> 00:28:51,900 what they do is that they pour themselves 466 00:28:51,900 –> 00:28:54,500 into gaining as much of this world 467 00:28:54,500 –> 00:28:55,699 as they possibly can, 468 00:28:55,699 –> 00:28:58,219 seeking as many experiences in this world 469 00:28:58,219 –> 00:29:01,540 as they possibly can and pursuing as many pleasures 470 00:29:01,540 –> 00:29:04,619 in this world as they possibly can. 471 00:29:06,020 –> 00:29:07,920 Simply an observable reality. 472 00:29:09,900 –> 00:29:13,280 And that is why in verse 34, 473 00:29:13,280 –> 00:29:18,280 the Apostle Paul says wake up from your drunken stupor 474 00:29:19,459 –> 00:29:22,859 as is right and do not go on sinning. 475 00:29:22,859 –> 00:29:24,260 Evidently, there were some people 476 00:29:24,400 –> 00:29:28,060 who had bought into this life only idea in Corinth 477 00:29:29,020 –> 00:29:31,520 and their lifestyles were already reflecting it. 478 00:29:34,079 –> 00:29:37,619 You might think that if people come to believe 479 00:29:37,619 –> 00:29:39,079 that this world is all that there is, 480 00:29:39,079 –> 00:29:41,380 they’ll focus all that energy on doing all that they can 481 00:29:41,380 –> 00:29:43,219 to make this world a better place. 482 00:29:43,219 –> 00:29:45,300 The reality the Apostle Paul says 483 00:29:45,300 –> 00:29:47,339 is when people come to believe 484 00:29:47,339 –> 00:29:49,780 that this life is all that there is, 485 00:29:49,780 –> 00:29:52,780 they become increasingly self-indulgent. 486 00:29:54,719 –> 00:29:55,819 That’s the effect. 487 00:29:57,979 –> 00:29:59,579 And frankly, who can blame them? 488 00:30:01,040 –> 00:30:05,939 Because really, if this life is all you have, 489 00:30:05,939 –> 00:30:08,640 you’d better get all you can and keep all you’ve got. 490 00:30:11,540 –> 00:30:15,699 If we have hope in this life only the Apostle Paul says, 491 00:30:15,699 –> 00:30:19,660 we are of all people most to be pitied, pitied. 492 00:30:24,859 –> 00:30:29,359 But friends, Jesus Christ has been raised 493 00:30:29,359 –> 00:30:30,739 from the dead, verse 20, 494 00:30:30,739 –> 00:30:35,020 the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 495 00:30:35,020 –> 00:30:38,160 In other words, Because He rose, 496 00:30:39,020 –> 00:30:44,020 we too will enter into and enjoy a glorious new life. 497 00:30:45,780 –> 00:30:46,939 And if you really believe that, 498 00:30:46,939 –> 00:30:48,979 it will affect how you live in this world. 499 00:30:50,859 –> 00:30:53,699 And you know, this is why friends, 500 00:30:53,699 –> 00:30:56,579 when you look at the good, 501 00:30:56,579 –> 00:30:59,839 that has been done in this world over the centuries, 502 00:30:59,839 –> 00:31:03,339 you will find that a very large part of it, 503 00:31:03,339 –> 00:31:06,280 has been done by those who believe in the resurrection. 504 00:31:07,780 –> 00:31:09,699 Look at the names on hospitals 505 00:31:09,699 –> 00:31:11,420 that have been built through the centuries, 506 00:31:11,420 –> 00:31:13,000 schools that have been opened. 507 00:31:13,000 –> 00:31:15,339 Think of children who have been fostered, 508 00:31:15,339 –> 00:31:18,300 organizations opened to feed the hungry 509 00:31:18,300 –> 00:31:20,599 and to help the most afflicted. 510 00:31:21,560 –> 00:31:23,920 People who believe in the resurrection 511 00:31:23,920 –> 00:31:27,579 have been at the forefront again and again and again. 512 00:31:30,640 –> 00:31:32,199 And you know dear friends, 513 00:31:33,459 –> 00:31:38,280 that is why it is really important 514 00:31:39,640 –> 00:31:43,560 that we as his people give some evidence 515 00:31:45,199 –> 00:31:47,599 that Jesus is more powerful than greed. 516 00:31:48,479 –> 00:31:51,439 That Jesus is more powerful than violence. 517 00:31:52,619 –> 00:31:55,660 That Jesus is more powerful than hatred 518 00:31:57,239 –> 00:32:01,800 and that Jesus is more powerful than corruption. 519 00:32:03,239 –> 00:32:08,219 Believing in the resurrection will shape how you live. 520 00:32:10,060 –> 00:32:14,359 And the apostle Paul here gives us just a little glimpse 521 00:32:15,339 –> 00:32:17,219 into how believing in the resurrection 522 00:32:17,219 –> 00:32:19,739 affected his life, how he lived. 523 00:32:19,739 –> 00:32:21,500 Look at verse 30. 524 00:32:21,500 –> 00:32:24,079 He speaks about being in danger evry hour. 525 00:32:25,400 –> 00:32:29,599 Verse 31, he says, I die every day. 526 00:32:34,099 –> 00:32:36,400 I die every day, I face death every day. 527 00:32:38,180 –> 00:32:41,160 Live in constant danger, under constant threat. 528 00:32:43,479 –> 00:32:45,040 I’ve heard people say, 529 00:32:46,040 –> 00:32:48,760 even if there’s no heaven, 530 00:32:48,760 –> 00:32:51,339 Christianity is still the best way to live. 531 00:32:51,339 –> 00:32:52,880 Have you heard people say that? 532 00:32:54,719 –> 00:32:58,000 Paul would say, not for me. 533 00:32:59,760 –> 00:33:00,599 Not for me. 534 00:33:02,520 –> 00:33:06,439 I mean, this man gave up a comfortable life 535 00:33:06,439 –> 00:33:09,280 in a respected profession with a secure 536 00:33:09,280 –> 00:33:11,719 and no doubt quite large salary 537 00:33:11,719 –> 00:33:14,119 to take the gospel to unbelieving people 538 00:33:14,140 –> 00:33:16,339 who were often hostile and sometimes violent. 539 00:33:18,800 –> 00:33:23,800 He gave himself for years to serving people 540 00:33:24,479 –> 00:33:28,119 who were often ungrateful, unfaithful and unresponsive. 541 00:33:28,119 –> 00:33:32,239 He chose to live under the intense pressure 542 00:33:32,239 –> 00:33:37,160 of a calling that demanded everything of him 543 00:33:38,479 –> 00:33:39,839 and he stuck to it, 544 00:33:40,800 –> 00:33:43,880 even when it meant days without food 545 00:33:43,900 –> 00:33:47,660 and nights without sleep and exposure at length 546 00:33:47,660 –> 00:33:49,719 to risk and to danger. 547 00:33:49,719 –> 00:33:51,839 What would motivate a man to live like that 548 00:33:51,839 –> 00:33:53,800 when he could live a comfortable life? 549 00:33:56,760 –> 00:33:58,880 Only the knowledge that God is preparing us 550 00:33:58,880 –> 00:34:00,839 for a glorious life that is yet to come. 551 00:34:02,400 –> 00:34:06,219 And you see, that is the point of his question in verse 32. 552 00:34:07,979 –> 00:34:10,739 He describes in verse 30 and verse 31 553 00:34:10,739 –> 00:34:12,679 what his life’s actually like. 554 00:34:13,939 –> 00:34:15,919 And then he says in verse 32, 555 00:34:15,919 –> 00:34:19,520 if there’s no resurrection, what do I gain? 556 00:34:20,959 –> 00:34:22,959 You see what he’s saying? 557 00:34:22,959 –> 00:34:26,679 I wouldn’t dream of living like this 558 00:34:26,679 –> 00:34:28,540 if there was not a resurrection. 559 00:34:29,879 –> 00:34:32,040 The reason that I do what I do, 560 00:34:32,040 –> 00:34:34,719 the reason that I live as I live 561 00:34:34,719 –> 00:34:36,899 is that Christ has been raised 562 00:34:36,899 –> 00:34:39,320 and that means that I too will rise 563 00:34:39,320 –> 00:34:43,060 and that ahead of me, there is a world of joy. 564 00:34:44,000 –> 00:34:49,000 So friends, here is what we learned from these verses. 565 00:34:53,199 –> 00:34:57,020 As long as a person feels in their heart of hearts 566 00:34:57,020 –> 00:35:00,080 that this life is all that there is, 567 00:35:00,080 –> 00:35:02,479 they will feel that they have to hold onto it 568 00:35:02,479 –> 00:35:04,479 and preserve it for themselves. 569 00:35:05,860 –> 00:35:10,500 But if you truly come to believe in the resurrection, 570 00:35:11,459 –> 00:35:15,199 you will feel that you can spend your life, 571 00:35:15,199 –> 00:35:19,199 and if need be even lay down your life 572 00:35:19,199 –> 00:35:21,320 in serving God by serving others. 573 00:35:22,959 –> 00:35:25,639 And so I end by asking you these questions 574 00:35:25,639 –> 00:35:27,320 that I’ve asked of myself. 575 00:35:29,199 –> 00:35:34,199 Who will be ready to endure hardship 576 00:35:34,219 –> 00:35:36,120 so that the gospel will be taken 577 00:35:36,120 –> 00:35:38,979 to the ends of the earth in this generation? 578 00:35:40,580 –> 00:35:42,520 Who’s gonna be ready to do that? 579 00:35:44,100 –> 00:35:46,120 Who’s gonna give up comfort 580 00:35:47,879 –> 00:35:51,760 in order to embrace hardship and sometimes ingratitude 581 00:35:53,580 –> 00:35:56,020 so that the gospel reaches the ends of the earth? 582 00:35:58,879 –> 00:36:00,760 Only those who really believe 583 00:36:00,760 –> 00:36:02,479 that there will be a resurrection. 584 00:36:05,840 –> 00:36:08,840 And who will see the wealth that they acquire 585 00:36:11,060 –> 00:36:16,060 as a trust to be stewarded for the advance of the gospel 586 00:36:18,560 –> 00:36:20,439 and for the good of others? 587 00:36:23,219 –> 00:36:27,860 You see, if you only believe in life, in this world, 588 00:36:27,860 –> 00:36:30,979 then you will lay up all the treasure you can on earth 589 00:36:30,979 –> 00:36:31,739 and that’ll be it. 590 00:36:31,739 –> 00:36:34,020 Then you’ll say, I’ll just have to pass it on. 591 00:36:36,000 –> 00:36:37,639 But you see, if you really believe 592 00:36:37,639 –> 00:36:39,620 that the whole point of your life in this world 593 00:36:39,780 –> 00:36:42,179 is that you’re preparing for life in another world, 594 00:36:43,560 –> 00:36:45,300 then you’ll be looking for all the ways that you can 595 00:36:45,300 –> 00:36:46,899 to lay up treasure in heaven. 596 00:36:49,159 –> 00:36:51,219 Who is going to steward their wealth 597 00:36:51,219 –> 00:36:53,719 in a way that honors the Lord Jesus Christ 598 00:36:53,719 –> 00:36:56,060 the answer those who believe 599 00:36:56,060 –> 00:36:58,580 that there really will be a resurrection? 600 00:37:02,219 –> 00:37:03,560 Who’s gonna waken up? 601 00:37:04,959 –> 00:37:07,840 Waken up from what Paul describes in verse 34 602 00:37:08,479 –> 00:37:09,540 because they’re stupor. 603 00:37:10,439 –> 00:37:12,280 That is people who are in church, 604 00:37:12,280 –> 00:37:15,219 but just acquiescing in sin, 605 00:37:17,280 –> 00:37:19,840 who’s gonna come to the place of saying, 606 00:37:19,840 –> 00:37:21,879 enough is enough. 607 00:37:22,959 –> 00:37:25,340 Repentance must begin this morning. 608 00:37:28,560 –> 00:37:30,520 The person who says that will be the person 609 00:37:30,520 –> 00:37:32,260 who has come to really believe 610 00:37:33,639 –> 00:37:35,320 that there will be a resurrection. 611 00:37:37,879 –> 00:37:42,879 And who is going to bring grace and forgiveness? 612 00:37:45,520 –> 00:37:48,159 Who’s going to pursue peace 613 00:37:49,139 –> 00:37:51,879 in this increasingly hostile world 614 00:37:51,879 –> 00:37:54,939 in which we find ourselves, answer, 615 00:37:54,939 –> 00:37:57,239 those who truly believe 616 00:37:58,659 –> 00:38:01,600 that there will be a resurrection? 617 00:38:02,600 –> 00:38:03,939 Dear friends, 618 00:38:05,800 –> 00:38:10,080 believing in the resurrection will shape how you live. 619 00:38:12,620 –> 00:38:16,679 So are you living in a way that befits a person 620 00:38:16,679 –> 00:38:19,419 who believes in the resurrection? 621 00:38:20,780 –> 00:38:23,139 If someone really was to examine your life, 622 00:38:23,139 –> 00:38:26,780 your calendar, your priorities, your bank accounts, 623 00:38:26,780 –> 00:38:30,419 would they conclude that you are living for this life only 624 00:38:30,500 –> 00:38:32,360 or would there be compelling evidence 625 00:38:32,360 –> 00:38:34,419 that you are living as someone who’s preparing 626 00:38:34,419 –> 00:38:36,580 for the resurrection to everlasting life? 627 00:38:38,860 –> 00:38:42,340 Believing in the resurrection will shape how you live 628 00:38:44,219 –> 00:38:45,979 and how you live 629 00:38:47,060 –> 00:38:50,939 will reveal what you believe about the resurrection. 630 00:38:53,179 –> 00:38:54,179 Let’s pray together. 631 00:38:56,919 –> 00:38:59,479 Our Father, we thank you so much 632 00:39:01,040 –> 00:39:04,620 that our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead 633 00:39:04,620 –> 00:39:07,780 and we see today from the scriptures clearly 634 00:39:07,780 –> 00:39:10,780 that this changes everything. 635 00:39:13,780 –> 00:39:17,179 And we pray, therefore, that we may increasingly live 636 00:39:18,260 –> 00:39:23,260 as befits those who believe in the resurrection. 637 00:39:24,840 –> 00:39:28,260 For these things we ask in Jesus’ name. 638 00:39:29,219 –> 00:39:30,379 Amen. 639 00:39:32,139 –> 00:39:33,399 You’ve been listening to a sermon 640 00:39:33,399 –> 00:39:35,760 with Pastor Colin Smith of Open the Bible. 641 00:39:35,760 –> 00:39:40,760 To contact us, call us at 1-877-OPEN 365 642 00:39:41,060 –> 00:39:44,520 or visit our website, OpenTheBible.org.