How does 1 Corinthians 15:48 encourage us to live like the "heavenly man"? A living contrast: earthly versus heavenly “As was the earthly man, so also are those who are earthly; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:48) • Adam, the “earthly man,” passed on corruption, mortality, and a propensity toward sin (Genesis 3:17–19; Romans 5:12). • Jesus, the “heavenly man,” imparts righteousness, life, and a new nature (John 3:31; 2 Corinthians 5:17). • Because we now belong to Christ, we are no longer defined by the dust of Adam but by the glory of the risen Lord (1 Corinthians 15:49). Your new identity in Christ • Position: Already “seated with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6). • Nature: “Partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). • Citizenship: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). Living like the heavenly Man flows from recognizing that this is who we truly are. Practical ways to reflect the heavenly Man • Set your mind above – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) – Guard inputs, cultivate godly thoughts, and let eternal values shape daily decisions. • Put off and put on – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” (Colossians 3:5) – “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility.” (Colossians 3:12) • Walk in love – “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2) – Serve, forgive, and speak grace because that is the heart of the heavenly Man. • Pursue holiness – “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15) – Reject cultural compromise; embrace purity in thought, speech, and conduct. • Bear spiritual fruit – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22–23) – Depend on the Spirit’s power, not mere self-effort. • Live mission-minded – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) – View every relationship and circumstance as an opportunity to display Christ. Power and motivation for heavenly living • Resurrection power: “The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11) • Assured destiny: “We shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” (1 Corinthians 15:49) • Transforming vision: “We all…are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18) Hope that fuels perseverance • Future glory: “When Christ appears, we shall be like Him.” (1 John 3:2) • Purifying effect: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself.” (1 John 3:3) Knowing what we will become empowers us to live now in line with heaven’s values, confident that the One who began this good work will bring it to completion. |
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