1.What decision-making processes can help you avoid the type of mistakes that Pilate made?

Pilate was in a difficult situation where he had to make a decision under the pressure of the crowd and the religious leaders. His mistakes—uncertainty, fear of consequences, and the attempt to please everyone—can serve as a warning. To avoid such mistakes, the following decision-making processes can be helpful:

1. Prioritize Truth and Principles

• • Pilate’s Mistake: He recognized the truth but did not act accordingly out of fear of consequences.

  • Approach: Develop a solid foundation of values and principles to guide you. Prioritize the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Ask yourselves: “What is right, not just what is easy?”

2. Courage to Decide

• • Pilate’s Mistake: He tried to shift responsibility instead of making a clear decision.

  • Approach: Take responsibility for your decisions, even when they are difficult. Be willing to act even when the consequences are challenging.

3. Careful Consideration

• • Pilate’s Mistake: He was influenced by the loudness of the crowd and external pressure.

  • Approach: Take the time to thoroughly analyze the situation. Listen to different opinions, but do not let loud voices or group pressure guide you. Ask yourself: “What is the long-term effect of my decision?”

4. Seek Counsel

• • Pilate’s Mistake: He seemed isolated and allowed himself to be influenced solely by the crowd.

  • Approach: Seek wise and trustworthy advisors who can support you in difficult decisions. Talk to people who have moral integrity and can help you think clearly.

5. Recognize Majority Pressure

• • Pilate’s Mistake: He acted out of fear of an uprising and gave in to majority pressure.

  • Approach: Learn to distinguish between doing what is right and making popular decisions. Practice saying “No” when the majority takes a morally wrong path.

6. Seek God’s Will

• • Pilate’s Mistake: He did not consider that Jesus was the bearer of truth and ignored divine principles.

  • Approach: Pray and seek God’s wisdom in your decision-making. Reflect on the question: “Does my decision align with God’s will and His principles?”

7. Develop Backbone

• • Pilate’s Mistake: He wanted to avoid conflict and made compromises that betrayed justice.

  • Approach: Practice making decisions that stand by your convictions, even if it means facing opposition. Ask yourself: “What would I do if no one agreed with me?”

Conclusion

Mistakes like Pilate’s often arise from fear, pressure, or the pursuit of convenience. By prioritizing truth and principles, seeking God’s will, and being willing to take responsibility, you can avoid such errors. Decisions based on truth, courage, and integrity lead to long-term peace and justice.

2.Why did Jesus have to die in our place? Why did he have to be our substitute? Why was his death necessary for us to be redeemed? Which Bible verses support your answer?

Jesus had to die in our place because only through His sacrifice could the separation between God and humanity be overcome. His death was necessary to bear the sin of the world, pay the penalty for our guilt, and reconcile us with God.

1. The Necessity of a Substitute

• • Sin Separates Us from God: Since the fall (Genesis 3), humanity has been separated from God by sin. The Bible teaches that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Death is not only physical but also eternal separation from God.

  • God’s Justice Requires Atonement: God is perfectly just and cannot simply ignore sin (Psalm 89:15). It was necessary for someone to pay the penalty for sin to satisfy God’s justice.

  • Jesus as Our Substitute: Since we could not bear this guilt ourselves, Jesus, who is sinless, had to die as our substitute (1 Peter 2:24).

2. Why His Death Was Necessary for Our Redemption

• • The Perfect Sacrifice: In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were offered for the atonement of sins (Leviticus 17:11). However, these sacrifices were only temporary shadows. Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His death was the final and perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).

  • Reconciliation with God: Through His death, Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, freed us from guilt, and reconciled us with God (Romans 5:10). “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

  • Victory Over Death: Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated death and the power of evil (1 Corinthians 15:55–57). His sacrifice opens the way to eternal life for all who believe in Him (John 3:16).

Bible Verses Supporting This

1. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

   • Meaning: God’s love motivated Him to send His Son as a sacrifice for our salvation.

2. Isaiah 53:5: “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

   • Meaning: Jesus bore the punishment for our sins and brought healing and peace.

3. 1 Peter 2:24: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.”

   • Meaning: Jesus carried our sins and gave us the opportunity to live righteously.

4. Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

   • Meaning: Jesus died to make God’s love and redemption visible, even though we did not deserve it.

5. Hebrews 9:22: “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

   • Meaning: Jesus’ death was necessary to enable the forgiveness of sins.

6. 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

   • Meaning: Jesus’ death made it possible for us to stand righteous before God.

Conclusion

Jesus had to die in our place because we could not bear the punishment for our sins. His death was the only perfect sacrifice that fulfilled God’s justice and provided us with redemption. Through His death and resurrection, He offers us the opportunity to live in a renewed relationship with God and receive eternal life. This is the foundation of our faith and the greatest revelation of God’s love.

3.What is the relationship between the evidence from Holy Scripture and the historical evidence when it comes to the belief in Jesus’ resurrection? Which historical evidence strongly confirms the resurrection of Jesus?

The biblical and historical evidence complement each other and together contribute to the credibility of Jesus’ resurrection. Scripture provides the theological and prophetic foundation, while historical evidence supports the events from an objective perspective.

1. Evidence from Holy Scripture

The Bible attests to Jesus’ resurrection through eyewitness accounts, prophetic fulfillments, and the apostles’ proclamation. It not only provides historical data but also shows the spiritual significance of the resurrection.

• Prophetic Fulfillments: Scripture prophesied the resurrection long before Jesus’ birth:

  • Psalm 16:10: “because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”

  • Isaiah 53:10–11: “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer… and He will see the light of life and be satisfied.”

• Gospel Accounts: All four Gospels describe the resurrection (Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–18).

• Acts and Epistles: Paul and other apostles testify to the resurrection:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:3–8: Paul lists witnesses, including himself, emphasizing that the resurrection is central to the faith.

  • Romans 1:4: “and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead.”

Connection: The Bible presents the resurrection as a God-ordained and accomplished event, central to faith and redemption.

2. Historical Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection

Historical evidence provides an additional perspective by supporting the resurrection through historical data, cultural contexts, and non-biblical sources.

1. 1. a) The Empty Tomb

• • • Historical Fact: Even Jesus’ opponents acknowledged that the tomb was empty (Matthew 28:11–15).

    • Evidence: If Jesus’ body had remained in the tomb, His enemies would have publicly displayed it to disprove the resurrection.

1. 1. b) Eyewitness Testimonies

• • • Eyewitnesses: According to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3–8), over 500 people saw the risen Jesus. Many of these witnesses were still alive when these reports were circulated.

    • Transformation of the Disciples: The disciples transformed from fearful men into bold witnesses willing to die for their faith, indicating the genuineness of their experience.

1. 1. c) The Formation of the Church

• • • Unlikely Spread Without Resurrection: Without the resurrection, the early church would have struggled to spread. The proclamation of the resurrection was the central message (Acts 2:22–24).

1. 1. d) Extra-Biblical Sources

• • • Tacitus (Annals 15.44): The Roman historian mentions the execution of Jesus and the belief in His resurrection by Christians.

    • Josephus (Antiquities 18.63–64): The Jewish historian refers to Jesus, His crucifixion, and the conviction of His followers regarding His resurrection.

1. 1. e) Lack of Plausible Alternative Explanations

• • • Grave Robbery: Improbable, as neither the Romans nor the Jewish leaders had the motive or means to steal Jesus’ body. Additionally, the disciples lacked the means and courage to carry out such a theft.

    • Visionary Experiences: Psychological explanations like mass hallucinations are insufficient, given the diverse and numerous appearances of Jesus to different individuals in various settings.

3. Connection Between Biblical and Historical Evidence

• • Shared Foundation: Both types of evidence support the reality of the resurrection.

  • Scripture as Primary Source: The Bible provides not only theological interpretations but also firsthand historical accounts.

  • Historical Evidence as Confirmation: Historical data reinforce the biblical reports, making the resurrection more plausible to skeptical readers.

Conclusion

Jesus’ resurrection is portrayed in Scripture as a divinely planned and accomplished event, supported by historical evidence that verifies the reality of the resurrection. The Bible offers both theological insight and eyewitness testimony, while historical sources validate the occurrence and impact of the resurrection. Together, these forms of evidence provide a robust foundation for the belief in Jesus’ resurrection, making it both a historically credible and theologically central event.

4.Reflect on 1 Corinthians 15:12–20. How do you explain the idea that without the resurrection of Christ, “those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost” (1 Cor 15:18), when the “those who have fallen asleep in Christ” immediately go to heaven? To what extent do Paul’s words here confirm the truth that the dead are asleep until the resurrection at the coming of Christ?

Meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:12–20: “Those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost”

In 1 Corinthians 15:12–20, Paul argues that the resurrection of Christ is central to the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, not only would the living be “the most pitiable of all people” (v. 19), but “those who have fallen asleep in Christ” would also be “lost” (v. 18). This statement has profound theological significance, relating to the hope of Christ’s return and the resurrection of the dead.

Why Would Those Asleep in Christ Be Lost Without Christ’s Resurrection?

• No Redemption Without Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the proof that His sacrifice for sins was effective. Without the resurrection, death would not be defeated, and the promise of eternal life would be empty.

  • Romans 4:25: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

  • Meaning: The resurrection of Christ shows that death has lost its power and that the promise of resurrection is true. Without it, those “asleep in Christ” would have no hope of eternal life.

• No Hope for His Return: Belief in the resurrection is inseparable from the hope of Christ’s return. Without the resurrection, Christ’s return would be meaningless, and the promise that the dead will be raised would be void.

How Do You Explain “Those Who Have Fallen Asleep in Christ” and Their State?

Paul uses the metaphor of “sleep” to describe the state of the dead before the resurrection. This metaphor is frequently used in Scripture to indicate that death is not the final end but a temporary state until the resurrection.

1. a) Sleep as a Metaphor for Death

• John 11:11–14: Jesus speaks of Lazarus’ death as “sleep,” which He will awaken.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13–16: Paul describes the dead as “sleeping” who will be raised at the coming of Christ.

1. b) No Conscious Existence in Death

• The Concept of Sleep Suggests: The dead do not live consciously but are waiting for the resurrection.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:5: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.”

  • Psalm 146:4: “When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans perish.”

  • Meaning: The dead are in a state of waiting, unconscious until they are raised at Christ’s return.

1. c) Why Are the “Asleep in Christ” Lost Without the Resurrection?

• If Christ Had Not Risen: There would be no hope for the resurrection of believers. They would remain in their state of sleep and not be raised to eternal life.

• 1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

  • Meaning: Without Christ’s resurrection, there would be no power over death, and the promise of eternal life would be nullified.

Confirmation That the Dead Are “Sleeping” Until Resurrection

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:12–20 affirm the biblical teaching that the dead remain “asleep” until the Second Coming of Christ when they will be resurrected:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

• John 5:28–29: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”

  • Meaning: These passages show that the dead are not already in heaven but are waiting for the resurrection at Christ’s return.

Conclusion: The Faith in Christ’s Resurrection and the Resurrection of the Dead

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15 emphasize the central role of Christ’s resurrection in the Christian faith:

• Without the Resurrection: There would be no hope for the dead and no possibility of eternal life.

• The Dead “Sleep” Until Christ’s Return: The dead remain in a state of sleep until the Second Coming of Christ when they will be raised, and the promise of eternal life will be fulfilled.

• The State of “Sleep” Emphasizes: The hope of believers is not in the moment of death but in the resurrection and return of Christ.

Thus, the resurrection of Jesus is the key to redemption, providing the assurance that death is not the end but the beginning of a new life in communion with God.

Summary

Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 15:12–20 clarify that Christ’s resurrection is fundamental to the Christian faith. Without it, both the living and the dead in Christ would lack hope and purpose. His words affirm that those who have died in Christ are in a state of sleep, awaiting the resurrection at His return. This doctrinal stance reinforces the belief that the dead remain asleep until the resurrection, providing a coherent theological framework for the hope of eternal life.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-the-hour-of-glory-the-cross-and-resurrection-12-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 21, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 11

¹ Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

² Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

³ But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

⁴ Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

⁵ But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

⁶ For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

⁷ For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

⁸ For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.

⁹ Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

¹⁰ For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

¹¹ Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

¹² For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

¹³ Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

¹⁴ Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

¹⁵ But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

¹⁶ But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

¹⁷ Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

¹⁸ For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

¹⁹ For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

²⁰ When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

²¹ For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

²² What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

²³ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

²⁴ And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

²⁵ After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

²⁶ For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

²⁷ Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

²⁸ But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

²⁹ For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

³⁰ For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

³¹ For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

³² But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

³³ Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

³⁴ And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

1 Corinthians Chapter 11 deals with two central themes of Christian community life: the roles of men and women in worship and the proper attitude during the Lord’s Supper. Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining divine order and respect for spiritual symbols. He underscores the necessity of celebrating the Lord’s Supper with dignity and fellowship, as it is an expression of remembrance of Christ’s death and His return. This chapter provides important guidelines for worship and reminds us that our actions should serve to honor God and promote the unity of the church.

Commentary

Women in Worship (Verses 1–16):
Paul begins by presenting a divine hierarchy: God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman (Verse 3). This order is to be visible in worship. Women covering their heads and men not covering theirs are outward signs that reflect this hierarchy. Paul emphasizes the mutual dependence of men and women (Verses 11–12) while pointing out that long hair is a natural honor for women and dishonor for men (Verses 14–15). While the practice may be culturally influenced, it highlights the importance of respect and order in worship.

The Lord’s Supper (Verses 17–34):
In the second section, Paul criticizes the abuses occurring during the Lord’s Supper. The Corinthians had desecrated the significance of the meal by celebrating it selfishly and insensitively (Verses 20–22). Paul recalls the origins of the Lord’s Supper by quoting Christ’s words at its institution (Verses 23–26). He urges self-examination before participating, as eating and drinking unworthily can invoke God’s judgment (Verses 27–29). The Lord’s Supper is a sacred moment of remembrance and proclamation of the Lord, which must be celebrated with reverence and fellowship.

Summary

1 Corinthians Chapter 11 addresses the themes of order in worship and the significance of the Lord’s Supper. Paul calls for respect for divine order, as symbolized by the practice of head coverings, and reminds believers of the dignity of the Lord’s Supper. He warns against celebrating the Lord’s meal in selfish or unworthy ways and calls for self-examination. This chapter emphasizes the importance of fellowship, respect, and reverence for God’s orders, reminding us that all actions of the church should honor God and promote unity.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/21-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-11-believe-his-prophets/

12.6 Summary
The Cross and Resurrection: The Climax of God’s Plan of Redemption

Lesson 12 covers the central events of the Christian faith: the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events mark the climax of God’s plan for the redemption of humanity and are the turning point of history.

1. The Cross: The Completed Work of Jesus

• • Jesus’ death on the cross was not merely an act of suffering but the fulfillment of Holy Scripture and the culmination of His divine mission. With the words “It is finished” (John 19:30), He declared that the price for sin had been paid and the way to God was opened.

  • Meaning: On the cross, God’s love and grace are fully revealed. It is the place where the power of sin was broken, and forgiveness became possible for all people.

2. The Empty Tomb: Victory Over Death

• • Jesus’ resurrection on the third day confirms His victory over death. The empty tomb and the orderly arrangement of the burial cloths testify that Jesus was not removed by external forces but was resurrected by God’s power.

  • Meaning: The resurrection assures us that death is not the end. It is the foundation of our faith and our hope for a new, eternal life.

3. Encounters with the Risen One

• • Mary Magdalene encountered Jesus at the empty tomb and recognized Him when He called her by name. This personal revelation transformed her grief into joy and gave her a new mission: to proclaim the resurrection.

  • Meaning: Jesus meets us individually and invites us to share in the hope of the resurrection and to pass on this message.

4. Truth and Testimony

• • In conversations with Pilate and through the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (John 19:19), it becomes clear that Jesus testified to the truth and is the true King, even though this was misunderstood by people.

  • Meaning: This truth calls us to overcome our own prejudices and fears to recognize Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.

5. The Hope of the Resurrection

• • Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15:12–20 that the Christian faith would be meaningless without the resurrection. However, since Jesus has risen, we have forgiveness, hope, and a living relationship with God.

  • Meaning: The resurrection gives us the assurance that our faith is not in vain and that we can live a new life with Christ.

Conclusion

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are the pinnacle of God’s plan of redemption. They demonstrate that God reveals His love even in pain and death and opens the way to new life. This lesson invites us to live this hope in our faith and daily lives and to share it with others. The cross and the empty tomb are signs of God’s infinite love and His power to renew everything.

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are not only central events of the faith but also practical guidelines for our daily lives. They offer comfort, hope, and a foundation for a living relationship with God.

1. The Cross: Forgiveness and a New Beginning

• • Connection to Daily Life: The cross shows us that our guilt is forgiven. We can live free from the burden of sin without feeling defined by our mistakes. This encourages us to forgive ourselves and others, to heal relationships, and to live a life full of grace.

2. The Empty Tomb: Hope in Difficult Times

• • Connection to Daily Life: Jesus’ resurrection is a symbol of victory over death and reminds us that darkness, pain, and loss do not have the final word. It gives us courage to trust that God can bring new hope and life even in the toughest moments.

3. Encounters with the Risen One: Jesus Meets Us Personally

• • Connection to Daily Life: Like Mary Magdalene, we experience that Jesus knows us individually and meets us in our personal challenges. He calls us by name and gives us joy and hope. This relationship empowers us to live our calling and share His message.

4. Truth and Testimony: Courage to Stand for the Truth

• • Connection to Daily Life: Jesus shows us that truth can sometimes be uncomfortable but remains steadfast. We are invited to stand for justice, truth, and love in our daily lives, even when facing resistance.

5. The Hope of the Resurrection: Beginning a New Life

• • Connection to Daily Life: The resurrection gives us the assurance that God grants us a new life—a life marked by love, hope, and joy. It invites us not to be led by fear or despair but to live in trust of God’s power.

Conclusion

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are not just historical events but life-changing truths. They remind us daily that forgiveness, hope, and renewal through Jesus Christ are possible. The cross gives us freedom, the empty tomb grants us hope, and the resurrection shows us that God’s love can make everything new. We are empowered to live in community with God and serve others, embodying the transformation brought about by these pivotal events.

The cross offers us forgiveness, the empty tomb grants us hope, and the resurrection shows us that God’s love renews everything.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-the-hour-of-glory-the-cross-and-resurrection-12-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/