Living beyond this Life! ! &

1 Corinthians 15:19

The Resurrection-centred Life

1 Corinthians 15:19, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. Hope limited to this life is empty.

2 Corinthians 5:15, and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Christ’s death and resurrection call us to live for Him. Is my faith only active when I need comfort or success? “What can God do for me?” to “How can I live for Him?”

The Danger of a Shallow Hope Paul challenges a faith that’s only useful for earthly comfort.

Matthew 16:26, For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Hebrews 11:13–16, These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off ere assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ¹⁴ For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. ¹⁵ And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore

God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. The heroes of faith lived as strangers on earth, longing for a better country. 1. The Resurrection Reframes Our Purpose.

Christ’s Resurrection Is Our Anchor

1 Corinthians 15:20, But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Resurrection is not symbolic, but it is the foundation of our hope.

Romans 6:4, Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the

dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

John 11:25–26, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Begin each day with a declaration

“Because He lives, I live with purpose.” Teach children and youth to memorize this truth and link it to their identity.

We Live Because He Died and Rose

2 Corinthians 5:15, and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Our life is a response to His sacrifice.

Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Romans 14:8–9, For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. ⁹ For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

2. From Self-centred to Christ-centred Living

What Does It Mean to “Live for Him”? “Should no longer live for themselves…” Living for Christ means aligning our choices with His mission.

Colossians 3:1–3, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Philippians 1:21, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

What would change if Jesus were the centre of my decisions this week? Create a weekly planner with “Christ-first” goals—e.g., praying before meetings, blessing someone anonymously, choosing integrity over convenience.

Encourage small groups to share one way they are shifting from self to service.

Living for Christ Means Living Beyond This Life

2 Corinthians 4:18, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Elders to mentor younger believers, sharing how eternal perspective shaped their choices. Our values are shaped by eternity, not immediacy.

1 Peter 1:3–4, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, A living hope… an inheritance that can never perish.

John 12:24, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. Teach children and youth to think “legacy” rather than “likes”—what eternal impact are they making?

3. Resurrection Hope Produces Resurrection

Living

2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Resurrection isn’t just a future event—it’s a present transformation.

Romans 8:11, But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Ephesians 2:4–6, But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Identify one area where you need resurrection power. Forgiveness, boldness, healing—and pray for transformation. Baptism or renewal ceremonies to symbolize new life in Christ.

Conclusion

Pity or Purpose?

1 Corinthians 15:19, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. Without resurrection, faith is empty. With it, life is purposeful.

1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Revelation 21:4, And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.

There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Ask yourself this question

Is my life pitiful or purposeful? Commit yourself to one bold act of faith this week: Sharing the gospel, Forgiving someone, Stepping into leadership.