The resurrection of the dead

Scripture 1: "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? (15:12) ... Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God - I say this to your shame." (15:33)

Observation 1: If I understand this correctly, Paul equates denial of the resurrection of the dead with sin. He uses shame and admonishes the Corinthians to correct a serious false doctrine.

Application 1: False teaching cannot be tolerated.

Scripture 2: "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins...If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all others." (15:17, 19)

Observation 2: The church of Christ is not a club. It is not a debating society. It is not a place to kill time. It is not a place to try to convince others that your fabricated, unbiblical ideas are correct. It is a community in which we are supposed to live out our faith. Where we are slaves to our Lord, doing His will instead of living only for our own. Where we have bright hope for tomorrow (the resurrection), not just strength for today.

Application 2: Honestly, I spend much more energy seeking God's power for this life, for today's problems, than I do living in light of the resurrection.

Prayer: Almighty God, forgive me for living mostly for myself. Help me to see Your big picture. Help me to grow from this teaching and not just move on to the next one.