THE RESURRECTION HOPE HAS POWER

A Need to Be Alert

The resurrection hope sustained Paul.  While he was in Ephesus, is foes may have thrown him into the arena to fight wild beasts.  (1 Corinthians 15:32)  If that occurred, he was delivered, even as Daniel was rescued from the lions.  (Daniel 6:16-22; Hebrews 11:32, 33)  Since he hoped in the resurrection,Paul did not have the attitude of Judah's apostates in Isaiah's day.  They said:  "Let us eat and drink for to-morrow we  die."  (Isaiah 22:16, Septuagint)  If the resurrection hop is to have sustaining power in our life as it did  in Paul's, we much avoid those having unhealthy spirit.  "Do not be misled," warned Paul.  "Bad associations spoil  useful habits."  ( Corinthians 15:33)  Of course, this principle applies to various aspects of life.

To those doubting the resurrection, Paul said: "Wake up to soberness in a righteous way and do not practice sin, for some are without knowledge of God.  I am speaking to move you to shame."  (1 Corinthians 15:34)  In this "time of the end,"  we need to act in harmony with accurate knowledge of God and Christ.  (Daniel 12:4; John 17:3) This will keep alive  our resurrection hope.

Next time: Resurrected With What Body?

Watchtower, 2000