God’s Saving Word: Hope
Introduction
1 Corinthians 15:1-11: Today’s reading is the opening section of a lengthy chapter on the apostle Paul’s teaching about the resurrection of Christ. He begins by reminding the Corinthians of the message he preached to them and of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances.
Scripture Reading
The Resurrection of Christ
15 And now I want to remind you, my friends, of the Good News which I preached to you, which you received, and on which your faith stands firm. 2 That is the gospel, the message that I preached to you. You are saved by the gospel if you hold firmly to it—unless it was for nothing that you believed.
3 I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; 4 that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures; 5 that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred of his followers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have died. 7 Then he appeared to James, and afterward to all the apostles.
8 Last of all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was abnormal.[a] 9 For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God’s church. 10 But by God’s grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God’s grace working with me. 11 So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe.
Today’s Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:3b, 4
Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; … he was buried and…was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures.
Reflect
What is the message that Paul says has the power by which believers are “saved” (verse 2)? To whom did the risen Christ appear (verses 5-8)? In what ways do you experience Christ’s presence in your life?
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank you for your presence in my life. As I journey in faith, I place my hope and trust in you, knowing you are with me each day. Amen.
And now, join us in a prayer of praise that God’s Word is being shared with new believers in Tanzania. Sovereign God, during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hurting people around the world began turning to you for hope and comfort. But in Tanzania, many believers faced persecution for their newfound beliefs. The JESUS Film in a Masai language helped many hear the message of the gospel in their heart language and commit their lives to following Jesus. Through the generosity of Bible-A-Month Partners, new believers in Tanzania are now receiving their own Bibles and attending audio Bible listening groups and Bible studies in their villages. Thank you, Lord God, that the Scriptures are bringing people in Tanzania closer to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
1 Corinthians 15:12-34: The apostle Paul discusses the meaning of Christ’s victory over death.