How can we live daily in the victory over death described here? The Victory Declared “ ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:54) • Christ’s resurrection is not a metaphor; it is the historical, bodily event that broke death’s dominion (Acts 2:24). • Because He lives, believers share in that same imperishable life (Romans 6:9). Receiving the Truth • Believe the promise: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). • Rest in our union with Christ: “If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection” (Romans 6:5). • Anchor identity in His finished work: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Living Out the Victory: Daily Practices 1. Start each morning by recalling your position: – “You have been raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1). – Speak it aloud; let your mind hear Scripture before social media or news. 2. Walk in resurrection power: – The Spirit who raised Jesus dwells in you (Romans 8:11). – Ask Him to quicken attitudes, words, and actions. 3. Reject fear of death: – Jesus “destroyed the one who holds the power of death… and set free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15). – When fear whispers, answer with this verse. 4. Choose holiness over old habits: – “Consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God” (Romans 6:11). – Practical step: identify one lingering sin and replace it with a Spirit-led habit this week. 5. Celebrate often: – Meet with other believers on the Lord’s Day; corporate worship rehearses victory (Revelation 1:17-18). – Sing resurrection hymns through the week; praise reinforces truth in the heart. Guarding Against Defeat • Watch for subtle doubt: Eve’s first temptation began with “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1). • Resist doctrinal erosion: Hold to the bodily resurrection as non-negotiable (1 Corinthians 15:14). • Keep an eternal perspective: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Encouraging One Another • Speak life at funerals and hospital beds: “We do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). • Share testimonies of God’s deliverance; personal stories make doctrine tangible. • Regularly remind fellow believers of the coming transformation: “We will all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51). Looking Forward with Hope • Fix eyes on the coming day when “the perishable puts on the imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:53). • Anticipate Christ’s return: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). • Let that hope fuel steadfast service: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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