1 Cor. 15  Paul changes the subject here and addresses the question of the resurrection.  It is vital to the message of the gospel that the resurrection is true.  In fact, he says, if there is no resurrection then faith in the gospel is vain, empty, and pitiful.  The gospel message, which Paul preached and which they received, "by which also you are saved,"  includes: " of first importance... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." ( v3-4).

"But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." ( v13-14)  If there is no resurrection then we have no salvation and no hope.  If there is no resurrection then there is no future, so " Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." ( v32)

But, Paul adds, the true believer who lives a steadfast, immovable life of faith and who is "always abounding in the work of the Lord"  knows that his "toil is not in vain in the Lord".  ( v58) The work - the deeds, efforts, and labor - done in faith; that which may cause weariness and trouble and pain - is not empty or useless.  Because there is a future,  there is hope, there is a resurrection!   The time is coming when all things will be put in subjection to Jesus; when all the enemies are "under His feet"; and Jesus will deliver up "the kingdom to the God and Father , when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power." 

Jesus is the "first fruits" of the resurrected. We, who are His, will be raised again " at His coming". (v23)  Paul goes on to tell us that when we are resurrected it will be "an imperishable body" with "glory"  and "power".. " a spiritual body" ; " bearing the image of the heavenly".  ( v42-44)  We must be changed - made immortal and imperishable - through our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can inherit the Kingdom of God, which is our destiny.  So like Paul, we can "die daily" - pouring it all out for our Lord,  for our faith is not empty, our hope is not in vain, because the resurrection is real.  Jesus, Himself is the proof!

Father, may the Truth of Your Word fill our thinking and transform our lives. Fill us with Your Spirit that we might live fully for You, dying daily.. pouring it all out for You.  Accomplish Your purposes in us individually and corporately, for Your glory.  We give You all our praise and long for the day when we will be changed forever.  For it is in Jesus that we live and pray. Amen.