"Why Bother?" October 16 Readings: 1 Corinthians 15-16

 

Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2024

This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened." Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New. 

Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 15-16

Background:  

It is one of the highlights of scripture and it proves that liberalism and threats to the truth are nothing new. 1 Corinthians 15 is Paul's response to those who said that Christianity was all about a way of life and that we shouldn't worry so much about the "sweet by and by." People were denying the resurrection and saying that Jesus was such a blessing that even if there was no heaven, it would be worth it to be a follower of Christ.

Paul called that nonsense. The resurrection is central to our faith, to our salvation, and to our hope. Without it, we die in our sins and have no joy today. We serve Christ today because of the eternal blessings we will receive from him.

Chapter 16 contains typical personal greetings and instructions that close many of Paul's letters.

Daily Devotional: Why Bother?

Why should I bother?

• Why should I resist temptation? Sometimes sin is so appealing - it would be so much fun. And saying no to my flesh is so hard. Why should I bother? 
• Sometimes, people treat me badly. Why do I have to return good for evil, forgive them and seek to love even my enemies? That is really difficult. I want to lash out, strike back, give insult for insult. Why do I have to do what the Bible says? Why should I bother? 
• When things are hard and the road is difficult, why do I have to keep going? Through discouragement, through opposition, when I want to give up, why shouldn't I just give in? Why should I bother? 
• The Bible tells me I have to humble myself, deny myself, and die to myself. Why do I have to do that? Why should I bother? 

The answer to all of these questions is found in 1 Corinthians 15, which tells us that there is something beyond this world. If this world was all that there was, if there is no resurrection, no heaven, no eternity, then why bother with the struggle of the Christian life, with saying no to my own desires and seeking to overcome them by the Spirit's power? Paul makes this clear in verse 19. 

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 

Yes, there are blessings that are ours in Christ in this world - it is a joy to serve Jesus. But the foundation of our faith is the truth that this world is simply a preparation for eternity. We store up treasures in heaven instead of on earth because of eternity. We resist sin and seek righteousness because it pleases the God who rules eternally. We willingly suffer here on earth because of the crowns we will receive in glory.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves many things. It proves that the sacrifice he made was enough, and that sin and death were defeated. But it also opened the door to eternal life for all who believe. We live because Jesus lives. Death cannot hold us because it did not hold him.

And the only wise life we can live today is one that prepares us for eternity - faith in Christ, obedience to him, walking the Spirit, and missional living. Because Jesus rose from the dead, our suffering, our struggles, and our service are all worth it, not only now but in all eternity.

Father, I long for your glory. When life is hard in this world, when people are cruel, when things are breaking my way, I long for your glory. I thank you that Jesus rose from the dead and that our hope is eternal. 

 

Consider God's Word:

Sometimes you may get discouraged because of your stresses, hardships, and sufferings. Remember that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and will raise you to eternal life. Your sufferings are light and momentary. Stand firm in Christ because there is glory awaiting you.