“And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour? For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. This is as certain as my pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done in you. And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus —if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:30-34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If there was no resurrection for the believer we would not endure the things we do in our devotion to Jesus. Living for Jesus puts us at odds with the ways of man. Christ calls us to righteousness. The world (sinful man) calls us to "live it up". What would be the point of doing anything righteously if there was no God or no heaven and hell? Jesus resurrection flies in the face of evil and shouts that there is victory over it. We, as followers of Jesus, have cast our lot with the One who lived the sinless life, died in our place, and triumphed over death by rising from it. Because of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection we are given hope. Not a hope that simply gives uncertain possibility. Rather, hope that states with clarity and certainty that we will live forever even if we die physically. The reason this is true is simple. Jesus sinless life and death paid for our sin. His resurrection destroyed the power death had over us. Because He rose, we will also. Our trust in Him is the key. He, and He alone can grant victory over sin and death. He is the Victor!!! We have victory in Him.

“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:57‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Now that we are His, we must live a life that identifies with His righteousness. He is holy. Living the way the world does no longer coordinates with our faith in Christ. We can no longer "live it up". We must live to go up. We must love everyone, but our influential relationships should be with those who are building us up in the Word of God. We may profess Jesus with our mouth and yet deny Him in our service. Let us live to honor Him in everything. He didn't come to save us in our sin, He came to save us from it.

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me live life for the resurrected Lord! Help me live to live again!