What does "most to be pitied" reveal about the importance of the resurrection? Setting the Scene “If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:19) What the Phrase Means • “Pitied” (Greek eleeinoteroi) speaks of people arousing sorrow because their lives look wasted. • Paul is saying: if Jesus stayed in the grave, Christians have staked everything on a delusion. • The resurrection, then, is not an optional doctrine; it is the hinge of all Christian hope. If Christ Were Still Dead—Five Tragic Consequences 1. Empty preaching (15:14): the gospel would be fake news. 2. Futile faith (15:14): trusting a corpse saves no one. 3. False witness against God (15:15): every apostle would be a liar. 4. Unforgiven sin (15:17): guilt would cling like iron shackles. 5. Hopeless death (15:18): those who “fell asleep in Christ” would be gone forever. But Christ Has Been Raised—Five Glorious Reversals 1. Truth validated (15:20): the message is proven. 2. Living hope (1 Peter 1:3): new birth springs from an empty tomb. 3. Justification secured (Romans 4:25): the risen Lord guarantees our acquittal. 4. Present power (John 11:25): Jesus Himself is resurrection life, now. 5. Future reunion (1 Thessalonians 4:14): the dead in Christ will rise as He did. Why Resurrection Hope Matters Daily • Suffering is reframed: “momentary affliction” has eternal weight (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Holiness is motivated: we are raised with Christ, so we seek things above (Colossians 3:1-4). • Mission is energized: knowing death is defeated, we “always abound in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Takeaway “Most to be pitied” highlights this reality: without Easter morning, Christianity collapses; with it, every promise of God stands unshakable and every believer possesses a hope stronger than the grave. |
    |