Heart's treasures
And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour? For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. This is as certain as my pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done in you. And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus—if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all. 1 Corinthians 15:30-34
Paul cited that a society that does not know God has a philosophy of “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” It seems that this pervading attitude is exciting and adventurous. Yet, such kind of mentality will lead to hopelessness and death. Once a person surrenders his or her life to God, he or she will realize that life is set to take on a different direction. This new life is one that is dedicated in pursuing what pleases God. Paul’s conviction is to live his life for God because of what He has done for him. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Source of joy and adventure is no longer what the world provides. Genuine experience of satisfaction is found in a growing deeper relationship with God. Such relationship provides purpose of life at present and an assured hope for the future. But as the apostle Paul said there’s a warning that every believer should take heed; “bad company corrupts good character.” We need to grow overcoming the temptation to be swayed by wrong influences or teachings. this will happen as we pursue knowing Him more. The reason why there are those in Corinth that gave in to false teachings and were corrupted by bad company is because they “don’t know God at all” (1 Corinthians 15:34). Do not take for granted what Christ did for you on the cross so you can obtain new life. When you pursue growing in your relationship with God, your faith becomes firm. Once you have your hope fixed on the future hope of resurrection, you will be motivated to life a life set aside for His glory. Where you set your heart will determine what is important to you; worldy pursuit or Christ. “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman www.my-wbc.com
New sermon upload on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPF0CkA08NE
