Faithful to the End

Sunday Praise & Worship 10:00
Christian Education - 10:00 - Casual Dress - Loving Childcare

1 Corinthians 15:51-58 (November 21, 2004)

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

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When we attended the Naval Academy, we learned early on the latin motto: Ex Scientia Tridens (From Knowledge, Seapower). That statement applies on land as well as the sea. Knowledge gives us the ability to navigate the waters of life with confidence and success. Educational attainment applies not only to our children and youth, but to people of all ages and life stages, as post secondary educational opportunities extend far beyond college and graduate schools to include all manner of short- and long-term continuing education settings for a wide variety of interests.

The power we seek is personal mastery - to become the best kind of people we can be. Most of us discover early on a preference for some subjects over others - our natural abilities and interests - and concentrate on developing these inborn abilities to the fullest.

In this week's key verse, the close of a chapter on the mystery and meaning of resurrection in the Christian community, Paul emphasizes the connection between knowledge and strength. Since you know about the significance of your labor on God's behalf - you can be strong and steady. And here's where the irony comes in: Why would Paul have to remind them if they already know it?

The answer takes us back to the beginning of this passage, 1 Corinthians 15:51. Paul reveals a mystery to the community: a magnificent future awaits us - a change - and not death. He uses the Greek word musterion (mu-STEE-ree-on), a word that in New Testament usage does not merely refer to a secret, but a secret revealed to believers. In every case of its New Testament usage, the mystery of God is unveiled before the open hearts of Christ-followers. Look over these examples:

You are permitted to understand the secret (Mark 4:11)
I want you to understand this mystery (Romans 11:25)
…to tell you God's message (1 Corinthians 2:1)
let me tell you a wonderful secret (1 Corinthians 15:51)
God's secret plan has now been revealed to us (Ephesians 1:9)
God himself revealed his secret plan to me (Ephesians 3:3)
I boldly explain God's secret plan (Ephesians 6:19)
…to preach about his secret plan (Colossians 4:3)
I will tell you the mystery (Revelation 17:7)

In other words - it's not a secret anymore.

And here is the challenge of belief in Christ: you know something that is a complete mystery to anyone who does not believe in Christ. That knowledge gives you potential power in your life and connects you to God's eternal promises not only for you but for God's Kingdom. The tragedy of the Christian Church throughout the ages is our squandering this incredible power for the power the world offers. We know the mystery of God's plan to save the world, and we refuse to act on this knowledge and tap its incredible power in our lives - the power of constant communion with the living God.

The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that God may strongly support those whose hearts truly belong to the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:9). You know this truth. Yet knowledge is not enough. It is a seed that can take root in our lives and grow into something God alone can do through our lives. John Wesley preached the power of "knowledge and vital piety" when he launched a movement in England called Methodism. The question Christ asks of every Christ-follower every moment is this: "Come, follow me." And the promise he offers to all who will follow: "Today, you will be with me in paradise."

Questions for Reflection

	This week, we complete our 11 week series on Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth. What has God revealed to you throughout this series of worship experiences based on Paul's correction and encouragement to an early Christian community caught up in conflict and competition? What was the most difficult truth for you to hear? What was most surprising? How has God changed your life through this engagement with 1st Corinthians?
	How does the practice of following Christ seem like a mystery to you? If you were able to meet God face to face today, what questions would you ask to solve some of these mysteries? How are these questions linked to the way you practice your faith? Why not ask God in prayer for the next few weeks and see what shakes?
	What would like for God to change most about your body when you are raised to new life in Christ after your earthly death? Do you look forward to this new life? How can this sort of heavenly anticipation affect the way you live in the between time? Why do you think Paul made such a big deal about the promise of a bodily existence (as opposed to a purely spiritual one) in heaven?
	How did the Holy Spirit speak to you in worship?

For further reading: Mark 4:1-34, Romans 11, Isaiah 6:9-10.

For next week: We begin our Advent series on Matthew's use of the many prophecies concerning Jesus. Read Matthew 3:1-6. If Jesus Christ called today and asked to come to your home for Thanksgiving, how would you prepare for his visit?

E-mail questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 02/11/08

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Last modified: 02/11/08