1 Corinthians 15:51-54

Do you know that your labor in the Lord is never without purpose? Our labor in the God of purpose will never be in vain. As Paul wrapped up his teaching on the resurrection, in verses 51-54 he explained a mystery that God had previously hidden, but now revealed. He told of God’s plan of translating the bodies of the living righteous. When that last trumpet sounds, and Christ Jesus comes back, both those who died in Christ, and those who are still alive will be given completely transformed bodies “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”

Paul continued “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (v.53, KJV). While here on earth, we live in an earthen vessel that is destined to die because of sin. As new creatures in Christ, we honor God, giving Him glory in our spiritually transformed state, but our earthly bodies are still dying. Paul explained when these earthen vessels of believers will stop dying and just how quick God will change them. Nocorrupt nature will enter God’s kingdom; Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). Neither will a corrupt body enter God’s kingdom. 

Verse 54 informed us that when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Thank God; the believer’s body will be a renewed, glorified body truly fit for the kingdom of God. 

Clap your hands and give God glory!

Psalm 34:9-10

In last week’s post Matthew 6:33 Jesus promised to give us all the material things that the unbelievers seek. He knows that we need those things also; therefore, we are commanded to meet the condition He sets forth – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” For without Christ Jesus, we are unable to do anything. David commanded the saints of God to reverently fear the Lord for there is no want to them who fear Him (v.9). Our obedience to the Lord, that is, living according to His will, shows our fear of Him and our desire to please Him. 

Most of us have said, “What you need God’s got it.” The beauty of it is because God loved us from the beginning, through His divine power, He has already given us all things that apply to life and godliness (2 Pet.1:3a). Therefore, believers are responsible for living godly lives, using all the gifts and knowledge God has instilled in us to accomplish the purposes for which we’ve been created.

David continued “When young lions don’t have food, they grow hungry, but they who seek the Lord will have every good thing they need” (v.10). Those who walk uprightly before Him will not want; the Lord has promised to “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” 

Clap your hands and give God glory!

 

Have you thought about what results in success? It does not come haphazardly in the lives of God’s children. Consider how beautifully God clothes the grass of the field! It would grace the field today and be gone tomorrow. Why then would the crown jewel of His creation have little faith? The Lord knows what we need. “Trust in Him and do good…” (Psalm 37:3a). “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Verse 31 instructs us to not worry about what we are going to eat, drink, or wear. Therefore, children of God have no reason to worry about their success.

Yes, the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these material things too. Since our heavenly Father knows that we need them, we have no need to worry (v.32). Matthew gives us a most important path to success as commanded by God. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” As our provider, He promises “all these things will be added to you” (v.33). 

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (v.34). Thanks be to God we have no need to worry today about what tomorrow will bring. Whatever trouble we must deal with daily, trust God to see you through regardless of the outcome. Keep eagerly hunting the kingdom of God and righteous living, and He will direct your paths to success. Do you receive it today? If so, clap your hands and shout, “Glory!”

 

 

 

In Colossians 3:13

Paul continued exhorting God’s elect to clothe themselves for Christian living. Put on endurance or self-restraint– “bearing graciously with one another;” this is how God has dealt with us. Because of His great love for us, He sent His Son Jesus to die for us while we were yet sinners. As God’s chosen people, we are commanded to willingly forgive each other if we have a complaint against another. We were once wrapped up, tied up, and tangled up in all manner of fleshly behaviors, fulfilling the lusts of our flesh. “Just as the Lord has forgiven us, so should we forgive.” The Father forgives us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

We have put off the old man; no longer can we live according to our former corrupt nature. We have put on the new man, “created to be like God in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph.4:24, NIV). As God’s chosen, we are commanded to put on Christian characteristics to reflect our new self in Christ Jesus. They are tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another. Paul stated lastly that above all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfection (v.14). Jesus told His disciples to love one another as He have loved them so all will know they are His disciples (John 13:34-35, paraphrased). It is love that completely unites the virtues of Christianity so that we might manifest Christ Jesus in our lives. Give God glory!

Colossians 3:12-13a

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As kingdom builders, we are set apart for God’s purpose; therefore, we are commanded to walk worthy of our calling into His kingdom and glory (1Thess. 2:12). God deserves our loyalty and commanded that we have no other gods before Him. Therefore, set your minds on heavenly things, where Christ is. If our affection is on treasures we have stored up on earth, Scripture says that our hearts will be there also. In Colossians 3:12-13a Paul continued encouraging the church to “put on” Christian traits. He told them to put on meekness and longsuffering. 

In meekness we are to conduct ourselves with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2). It begins within us when we surrender our self-righteousness to God and humbly accept His will. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart…” (Matt. 11:29). We put up with others because God puts up with us. Yes, Believers, bear with one another in love. Jesus said to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. “So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Gal. 6:9, NLT). Trust the Lord, knowing that He is your strength. He gives you the power to walk in tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering. Give God a hand clap of praise and shout, “Hallelujah!”