How can believers apply the truth of 1 Corinthians 15:56 in resisting temptation? Grasping the Core Truth “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” (1 Corinthians 15:56) • Sin’s “sting” leads to death—spiritual and physical. • The law, though holy, exposes sin and shows its strength. • Verse 57 immediately adds, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Christ removes the sting and nullifies sin’s power. Why the Law Gives Sin Power • Reveals God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:20). • Unredeemed hearts rebel when confronted (Romans 7:7-11). • Without Christ, the law stands as an unrelenting accuser (Galatians 3:10). Christ Breaks the Cycle • He fulfilled the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17). • He bore the curse of the law on the cross (Galatians 3:13). • His resurrection proves sin’s penalty paid in full (Romans 4:25). With the law’s condemning power satisfied, believers fight temptation from a position of victory, not defeat. Practical Ways to Apply 1 Corinthians 15:56 in Resisting Temptation 1. Recognize the real enemy – Temptation tries to re-attach sin’s “sting.” Remember that sting has been removed at the cross. 2. Preach the gospel to yourself daily – Rehearse 1 Corinthians 15:56-57; remind your heart that Christ’s victory is yours. 3. Shift focus from rule-keeping to relationship – Obey out of love, not fear (John 14:15). Fear fuels failure; love fuels perseverance. 4. Walk in the Spirit – “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free” (Romans 8:2). Depend on His moment-by-moment guidance. 5. Use Scripture offensively – Jesus countered temptation with written truth (Matthew 4:1-11). Memorize verses that expose the lie behind each lure. 6. Expose sin’s empty promises – Compare fleeting pleasure with sin’s lethal “sting;” let eternity outweigh the moment (James 1:14-15). 7. Stay connected to the body of Christ – Confess and pray with trusted believers (James 5:16). Isolation gives sin room to grow. 8. Celebrate progress, not perfection – Victory is already secured; daily obedience is growth into what Christ has won (Philippians 3:12-14). Supporting Scriptures at a Glance • Romans 6:14 – “Sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” • Hebrews 2:14-15 – Christ rendered the devil powerless and freed us from fear of death. • Galatians 5:1 – Stand firm in freedom; do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. • 2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power has granted everything for life and godliness. Living in Resurrection Confidence Temptation still whispers, but the cross and empty tomb shout louder. By anchoring every struggle to the truth of 1 Corinthians 15:56-57, believers resist not as condemned law-breakers but as liberated sons and daughters, armed with grace and assured of victory. |
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