: Because Jesus died and rose again, we live our daily lives as those raised in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:12-34
12 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? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”
33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 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.
How have you been raised? You might think of your childhood and how you were brought up. Perhaps you had great parents or not so great parents. Perhaps you grew up in a rigid society under a strict government, or a lax society under an uncertain government. These factors all have a tremendous influence on how you live your life now.
But how have you been Raised? In Christ who was raised from the dead? This fact should have even more of an influence, in fact it completely reshapes our lives as those who no longer live as though there is no tomorrow, but we live in the hope of a life after this one.
Just as much as Jesus’s death took away our sins, His resurrection gives us life. It is this new life that breaks through even to our temporal lives. This short span that we have is nothing compared to the eternity hereafter. The amazing gift that Christ gives us is spending eternity with Him, forever in His kingdom.
Knowing that we have this citizenship, means that we live raised lives now, even while we wait for that glorious transformation. We become ambassadors of the kingdom, so that the way we live now lets people know that there is another place, another time beyond this earth. There is a perfect King beyond the imperfect rulers and governments of this world. There is a perfect Father beyond the flawed and often broken families of now.
A Saviour who is alive is who we pin all our hopes on, who compels us to follow after Him and no longer live as if we were ignorant of Him, but instead as those who belong to Him, the first fruits of those who are raised.
Head: Read and if possible, memorise this passage on being raised with Christ “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” Colossians 3:1-4
Heart: As you read/memorise Colossians 3:1-4, Reflect on how being raised with Christ changes your attitude and your life. Keep this passage memorised and try to recall when it gets hard to be a good ambassador.
Hands: How can I as a citizen and a family member here, reflect the perfect King and Father that I have?
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for making me alive. I pray that I would live a raised life and reflect your kingdom more this day. Amen
A song to listen to: Raised with Christ
Nicole Davenport