Posted on 04/28/2016 10:06:24 AM PDT by metmom
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’ Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).
Trusting in the fact of Christ’s resurrection and looking forward to our own rising from the dead ought to stimulate us toward sanctification.
Like any essential teaching of Scripture, the doctrine of the Resurrection can be studied and discussed from an academic standpoint only. When that happens, we usually acquire a factual understanding of the topic and perhaps some appreciation of how the doctrine supports our faith—but that’s as far as we go.
However, our studies on the Resurrection have already taught us some of the implications this Bible truth ought to have for our conduct. The hope of the Resurrection can give everyone an incentive to be saved and believers an incentive for service. This hope also provides a third incentive: the motivation toward sanctification.
The apostle Paul knew that those in the Corinthian church were being exposed to the heretical theology that there is no real resurrection from the dead. This false teaching was having a bad influence on the Corinthians’ behavior. That’s why Paul tells them in today’s verse, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” It is impossible to be around evil people and not be contaminated both by their ideas and their habits. The apostle goes on to urge those believers who hoped in a resurrection to be a positive influence on others and lead them to the truth.
This glimpse at the situation in Corinth proves that sound doctrine matters and does affect how people live. We see all around us today what results when there is no belief in a resurrection. People become short-sighted and live as they please because ultimately nothing keeps them accountable. This is all the more reason for us to hold firm to the truth of the Resurrection, live in its hope, and proclaim it to others.
Suggestions for Prayer
How is the pursuit of holiness coming in your life? Pray that the Lord would increase your diligence and help you especially in an area of weakness.
For Further Study
Read 1 Peter 1. •List all the verses that refer to God’s plan for Christ’s death and resurrection. •How does the existence of such a divine plan strengthen your hope? •Write a theme sentence for the chapter.
Is McArthur advocating that we must participate in our own sanctification?
Does the Holy Spirit need our help in this sanctification? Can’t He do that on His own?
What of Ephesians 8-10 in light of St. John 3: 16-17.
“...Bad company corrupts good morals.” It is impossible to be around evil people and not be contaminated both by their ideas and their habits.”
Case in point: Washington DC. Congressional offices in particular.
No, he’s not teaching that.
It is a phenomenon of love, which entails the willing and desirous participation of both parties.
I take MacArthur with a grain of salt, if not somewhere near a boxful sometimes. He’s pretty cerebral about things that make more sense as devotions. We might as well try to get a computer to analyze a Valentine.
And in that vein, I wish we didn’t have to save Easter for Easter, so to speak. It’s one of the best kept open secrets of faith in Christ. Made like Him, in Him we rise... experienced at a level that goes vastly beyond the cerebral level, if we permit it. High on Jesus, the hippie crowd sometimes used to describe it, and we pooh-poohed the simile and forgot the treasure that is right under our noses.
Very good point. All of our hopes rest on the resurrection. For me, Easter is the most important holy day, then Memorial Day which is then observed with looking forward to reunion.
Then Jesus should not have eaten with the tax collectors and prostitutes.
We are to be in the world but not of it.
I guess drawing the line is something each person has to do for themselves. If we do it for someone else, it becomes legalism.
Non sequitur?
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