August 22, 2022
1 Corinthians 15
Paul addresses the confusion and, most likely, divisions in the church at Corinth over the doctrine of the resurrection.
v1-11 – The resurrection of Jesus is a historical fact, and at the time of Paul’s writing, there were still eyewitnesses alive.
v12-19 – Preaching is nonsense if Christ has not been raised from the dead. This renders faith useless, and the condemnation and guilt of our sins remain on us.
v20-28 – Christ has risen and shown his superiority over all powers. He is the risen King who will defeat every authority and power, including death.
v29-34 – Paul challenges illogical practices of baptism based on belief in the resurrection while believing there is no resurrection.
v35-49 – Paul gives an analogy of the transformation of a seed and what awaits the believer’s transition from an earthly body into a heavenly one.
v50-58 – Christ’s resurrection is evidence that he has secured the believer’s resurrection and entrance into the eternal kingdom. Hold on to these truths, and continue to work for the Lord because Christ is the victor!
Hymn – The Strife is O’er
Anonymous Latin hymn from approximately 1605
English translation by Francis Pott, 1832–1909
v 1 The strife is o’er—the battle done, the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!
v2 The pow’rs of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions hath dispersed; let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia!
v3 The three sad days have quickly sped; He rises glorious from the dead; all glory to our risen Head! Alleluia!
v4 He closed the yawning gates of hell; the bars from heav’n’s high portals fell; let hymns of praise His triumphs tell: Alleluia!
v5 Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee, from death’s dread sting Thy servants free, that we may live and sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!