Scripture to Read: 2 Cor. 4:6-7; 1 Cor. 15:50-53
Though we have finished unpacking 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, let’s examine a few more Scriptures to understand better that this earthly body will not last. God tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7, “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness, ’is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;” Christ is the One we preach and teach, for there is no other hope in this life except for Christ in us. We also have received the treasure of Christ within this earthly shell, but again, this human shell is not going to last. God confirms this mortal body will perish in 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 “...that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.” So, God plans to make this earthly shell everlasting through Christ our Lord. We have so much to look forward to when God resurrects us all.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your current body and what He will do in the final resurrection of all the saints?
2. Who will you encourage this week to surrender to Christ and receive life everlasting?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!