Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Monday, April 18, 2022
Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? (1 Cor. 15:55).
God inspired some first-century disciples of Jesus to write about the heavenly hope. The apostle John explained: “Now we are children of God, but what we will be has not yet been made manifest. We know that when he is revealed we will be like him” (1 John 3:2). So the anointed don't know what it will be like to live in heaven and have a spiritual body. What they do know is that when they receive their reward they will see Jehovah. The Bible gives some details about this. The anointed will be with Christ when he destroys "all government and all authority and power," which includes the "ultimate enemy, death." Ultimately, Jesus and those who rule with him will submit themselves and all things to Jehovah (1 Cor. 15:24-28). What an exciting moment! w20.12 8 para. two
How does the hope of the resurrection strengthen many Christians today? (See cover photo.)
We too live in dangerous times. Some of our brothers have been victims of crimes. Others live in areas where there is a lot of insecurity due to wars. And in some places, preaching is restricted or even prohibited, and our brothers serve Jehovah at the risk of their freedom or his life. Still, all those Christians continue to worship Jehovah and set an example for us. They are not afraid because they know that even if they die, Jehovah promises to give them something much better.
What way of thinking could weaken our faith in the resurrection?
Paul warned his brothers that some had a very dangerous way of thinking: "If the dead are not going to be raised, 'let us eat and drink, because tomorrow we will die.'" That way of seeing life already existed long before. In fact, it is possible that Paul was quoting from Isaiah 22:13, which explains that the Israelites devoted themselves to enjoying the pleasures of life rather than drawing closer to God. Like many people today, those Israelites said to themselves: "Enjoy, life is short." But we already know how badly the nation of Israel ended (2 Chron. 36:15-20).
How should faith in the resurrection influence us in choosing whom we spend time with?
Faith in the resurrection should guide us in choosing who we spend time with. The Corinthian Christians had to avoid associating with those who denied the resurrection. What does this teach us? That close friendship with people who only think about living in the moment will not bring us anything good. Your company can spoil our principles and good customs. In fact, it could lead us to do things that God hates. That is why Paul gave this strong advice: “Come to your senses by doing what is righteous and do not practice sin” (1 Cor. 15:33, 34).
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