The most significant event in all human history is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While we readily affirm this truth, we sometimes forget that biblical events occurred in the context of world history, and thus impact every area of our lives.
In I Corinthians 6:4 Paul declares: “God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. “ It is important that we interpret verses in their immediate context. If you read this chapter you may be surprised to find that Paul is dealing with the matter of behavior and Christian liberty. It appears from verse 12 that some in Corinth are taking a libertine view of life, suggesting that everything is lawful for them. Paul brings corrective by suggesting that not everything is profitable and thus we cannot be mastered by anything.
The issue here is meat offered to idols. Some in Corinth suggested that since idols have no meaning, they are free to eat the meat which had been offered to idols. He also speaks about sexual immorality in this same context. Apparently some in Corinth saw no conflict between their behavior and their Christian commitment.
You may be wondering what an affirmation about the resurrection has to do with our behavior and precisely how we use our bodies. The answer is “everything.” Notice that Paul affirms that God has raised Jesus and will raise us up. Jesus’ resurrection and our resulting redemption have profound implications for the physical as well as the spiritual. Does your lifestyle reflect that you have been raised up with Christ?
Prayer: Father, I glory in the resurrection. May my daily life reflect the truth that I am raised up with you to walk in newness of life. Amen