How can we live now in anticipation of our future glorified bodies? Verse in Focus “who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” (Philippians 3:21) What a Glorified Body Is • Same kind of body the risen Jesus has—visible, tangible, incorruptible (Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44) • Free from weakness, aging, disease, and sin’s effects (Romans 8:23) • Capable of expressing perfect obedience and worship (Revelation 22:3-4) • Guaranteed to every believer the moment Christ returns (1 Corinthians 15:51-53) Why Anticipate? • Scripture promises it—so hope becomes an anchor for daily living (Hebrews 6:19) • Future certainty fuels present purity: “everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3) • Anticipation magnifies Christ’s worth, proving we live for unseen yet certain realities (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) Living Today in Light of Then 1. Pursue holiness now – “May God Himself…sanctify you wholly” (1 Thessalonians 5:23) – Every victory over sin aligns life with the body we’ll one day receive. 2. Steward the body you have – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) – Balanced diet, exercise, rest, and moral purity show we value the present vessel while longing for its upgrade. 3. Offer your body in worship – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2) – Daily choices—speech, work ethic, service—become acts of gratitude for the coming transformation. 4. Endure suffering with perspective – “Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16) – Physical decline reminds us something better is scheduled. 5. Set your mind on eternal things – “Set your minds on things above…For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-4) – Intentional Bible intake, prayer, and worship keep anticipation fresh. 6. Encourage one another – “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18) – Share testimonies, sing songs of resurrection hope, comfort the grieving with the promise of restoration. Practical Habits of Anticipation • Memorize resurrection passages (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15, John 14) • Keep a gratitude journal for ways God sustains your current body • Serve those who are sick or disabled, modeling Christ’s compassionate kingdom • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly—it proclaims His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26) Cautions to Avoid • Neglecting the body through abuse or indulgence—both dishonor the One who will glorify it • Escapism that dismisses present responsibilities—anticipation is active, not passive • Despair over aging or illness—these are temporary; let them drive you to hope, not hopelessness Encouragement from the Epistles • Romans 8:11—“He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies” • 2 Timothy 4:8—“There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” • 1 Peter 1:4—“an inheritance…undefiled, unfading, reserved in heaven for you” Final Word of Hope Christ’s return guarantees that the body you inhabit—frail, imperfect, and temporary—will soon match the redeemed heart within. Live today as one already fitted for glory, confident that the One who promises is faithful. |
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