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1 Corinthians 15:34
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Awake to righteousness - Shake off your slumber; awake fully, thoroughly, δικαιως, as ye ought to do: so the word should be rendered; not awake to righteousness. Be in earnest; do not trifle with God, your souls, and eternity. Sin not - For this will lead to the destruction both of body and soul. Life is but a moment; improve it. Heaven has blessings without end. Some have not the knowledge of God - The original is very emphatic: αγνωσιαν γαρ Θεου τινες εχουσι, some have an ignorance of God; they do not acknowledge God. They have what is their bane; and they have not what would be their happiness and glory. To have an ignorance of God - a sort of substantial darkness, that prevents the light of God from penetrating the soul, is a worse state than to be simply in the dark, or without the Divine knowledge. The apostle probably speaks of those who were once enlightened, had once good morals, but were corrupted by bad company. It was to their shame or reproach that they had left the good way, and were now posting down to the chambers of death.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Awake--literally, "out of the sleep" of carnal intoxication into which ye are thrown by the influence of these skeptics (Co1 15:32; Joe 1:5). to righteousness--in contrast with "sin" in this verse, and corrupt manners (Co1 15:33). sin not--Do not give yourselves up to sinful pleasures. The Greek expresses a continued state of abstinence from sin. Thus, Paul implies that they who live in sinful pleasures readily persuade themselves of what they wish, namely, that there is to be no resurrection. some--the same as in Co1 15:12. have not the knowledge of God--and so know not His power in the resurrection (Mat 22:29). Stronger than "are ignorant of God." An habitual ignorance: wilful, in that they prefer to keep their sins, rather than part with them, in order to know God (compare Joh 7:17; Pe1 2:15). to your shame--that you Corinthian Christians, who boast of your knowledge, should have among you, and maintain intercourse with, those so practically ignorant of God, as to deny the resurrection.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,.... The sower, for instance, does not take a stalk of wheat in its blade, and ear, and full corn in the ear, encompassed with the husk, and sow it in the earth, which is the body or form in which it appears when it rises up again, and is come to its full growth: but bare grain (or naked grain) it may chance of wheat, or some other grain; wheat, or any other grain, is cast into the earth naked, beat out of the husk; and that selfsame grain rises up again, clothed with additional verdure, beauty, and fruitfulness; and so the body which comes out of its mother's womb naked, and returns naked again, Job 1:21 to which the apostle seems to allude, will rise again the same body, though with additional glories and excellencies; so that if it should be asked, how is it possible that a dead body can be raised up again? the possibility of it may be seen, in the quickening and raising up of a grain of wheat, that first rots and dies; and if it be inquired with what body the dead will be raised, it may in some measure be observed in this instance, that though it will be the same body, yet with different and excelling qualities: this simile seems to have been much in use among the Jews, to illustrate this doctrine, and we have some traces of it still in their writings (o): "Cleopatra the queen asked R. Meir, saying, I know that the dead shall live, for it is written, "they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth", Psa 72:16 but when they rise, shall they rise naked, or shall they rise in their clothes? to which he replied, much more than wheat: for as wheat is buried, "naked", it comes forth, (or springs up,) with many clothings; and how much more the righteous, who are buried in their clothes?'' and again (p), "says R. Eliezer, all the dead shall stand in the resurrection of the dead, and shall rise with their garments on; from whence do you learn this? from the seed of the earth, especially from wheat; for as wheat is buried "naked", and comes forth with many clothings, much more the righteous, who are buried in their clothes.'' (o) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol, 90. 2. (p) Pirke Eliezer, c. 33.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:34 some of you don’t know God at all: Paul sharply rebukes those who prided themselves on their knowledge but remained skeptical of resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:34
The Order of Resurrection
33Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”34Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Complete Surrender
By A.W. Tozer6.8K43:16Absolute SurrenderGEN 6:8PSA 57:9PSA 108:5PSA 149:6LUK 9:231CO 15:34REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to God and sacrificing for His glory. The speaker talks about the need to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly desires and distractions. They mention the concept of being caught up with the masses and the importance of staying connected to God and fellow believers. The sermon also highlights the power of prayer and seeking God's mercy and protection in times of trouble. The preacher references various Bible verses, including Psalm 57, to support their message.
(Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of Complacency
By Don Currin2.2K58:49ComplacencyAMO 6:3AMO 6:7MAT 6:33ROM 13:141CO 15:34COL 3:162TI 3:5In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene in a restaurant where people are enjoying their meals and drinks while oblivious to a documentary on global starvation playing on the television monitors. The preacher then goes on to explain four characteristics of spiritual complacency, focusing on the idea of putting far away the day of judgment and creating an environment of violence. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by works and the need to stay on the cutting edge of one's spiritual journey. The preacher concludes with a cautionary tale about becoming so consumed with creature comforts that one becomes deaf to the cries of the perishing.
Saved by His Life
By Don Higgins1.5K1:03:10SalvationROM 5:81CO 15:34In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of self-evaluation and the pressure to meet God's approval. He emphasizes that evaluating oneself based on personal abilities will always fall short and lead to working harder and tearing others apart. The speaker uses the example of a godly man who strayed from relying on God's righteousness and faced severe trials and suffering as a result. The sermon highlights the need for Christians to recognize their own deceitful and wicked hearts and fully embrace their death with Jesus Christ at Calvary in order to experience victorious Christian living.
A Wee Story (Compilation)
By Compilations1.3K08:14CompilationISA 52:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:3ROM 13:111CO 15:34EPH 5:141PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of preaching the gospel with passion and conviction. He emphasizes the importance of carrying the burden of others' salvation and encourages listeners to die to the opinions of the world and walk in unity with God. The preacher also recounts a conversation with an elderly woman who believed she would go to heaven based on her good deeds, but he lovingly confronts her with the truth of the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with the preacher expressing the urgency of speaking out against sin and conforming to the world, and the importance of creating an environment that nurtures spiritual growth.
(Apostolic Vision) He That Hath the Son Hath Life
By Dale Heisey1.2K00:00JHN 5:61CO 15:341JN 5:121JN 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and teaching the Word of God. He mentions an instruction book with 18 to 24 lessons that new converts or those going through instruction would receive. These lessons cover topics such as salvation, God's part and man's part in salvation, and assurance of salvation. However, the preacher highlights that there are many other things that are not taught in these lessons. He emphasizes the need to focus on the Word of God and the message of salvation, which is the life that Christ brings to us and was lost through sin. The preacher also references Ephesians 4:18, which speaks about being alienated from the life of God due to ignorance and blindness of heart. He concludes by emphasizing that the gospel message is the message of life and salvation, and it is what should be preached to the people.
The Heart-Cry of Paul
By Glenn Matthews8351:29:54MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 8:281CO 15:34In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying rooted in the Bible for sermon preparation. He shares that he has been preaching for 46 years and believes that by living in the Bible, one will never run out of material. The preacher also highlights the significance of certain verses in specific chapters, such as John 3:16 and Romans 8:28. He encourages young preachers to avoid artificial attempts at alliteration and shares a personal anecdote about a nightmare involving ninjas. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need to stay awake to righteousness and to prioritize the word of God in preaching.
Rebellion, Obedience, Ruling
By Robert B. Thompson5901:05:12ECC 12:13MAT 5:19ACT 2:381CO 14:371CO 15:341TH 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments. He references the story of Ezra opening the book of the law, where everyone stood up in reverence. The preacher encourages the congregation to pray through and stay committed to hearing God's word. He also highlights the idea that education and worldly achievements do not outweigh the significance of obeying God's commandments. The sermon concludes with the reminder that fear of God and obedience to His commandments is the whole duty of man.
Ten Indictments (A Historical 21st Century Message) - Part 1
By Paul Washer1PRO 17:15JER 9:23EZK 37:4JHN 3:3JHN 3:7ROM 3:231CO 15:342CO 5:172CO 5:212TI 3:16Paul Washer delivers a powerful sermon emphasizing the need for revival and reformation in the Church. He highlights the importance of addressing sin, the sufficiency of Scripture, the knowledge of God, the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and the doctrine of regeneration. Washer challenges preachers to focus on the foundational truths of the faith, such as the cross of Christ and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on superficial methods of evangelism.
Ignorance Is the Mother of Destruction
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual GrowthKnowledgePRO 1:7PRO 4:7ISA 5:13HOS 4:6MAT 22:29JHN 8:32ROM 10:21CO 15:34JAS 1:52PE 3:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes that ignorance leads to destruction, citing Hosea 4:6 to illustrate that a lack of knowledge can render people unfit for salvation. He contrasts the notion that ignorance fosters devotion, arguing instead that it is a perilous state that can lead to spiritual ruin. Brooks calls for believers to seek knowledge and understanding to avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and its destructive consequences.
Causes of a Dozing Church
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual AwakeningChurch LeadershipMAT 25:5ROM 13:111CO 15:34GAL 6:1EPH 5:141TH 5:6HEB 10:24JAS 5:192PE 1:5REV 3:2A.W. Tozer addresses the alarming state of the evangelical church, asserting that many Christians are spiritually asleep despite being active in church affairs. He emphasizes that these 'sleeping' Christians, while intellectually engaged, fail to exhibit moral and spiritual vitality, leading to a detrimental influence on church governance and the spiritual growth of new believers. Tozer warns that their control over church matters and the standards they set for new Christians perpetuates a cycle of spiritual lethargy, ultimately grieving God. He calls for a wake-up call to revive the church and restore genuine spiritual fervor.
Below the Ox and the Donkey
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual AwarenessIgnorance of SinPRO 4:7ISA 1:3HOS 4:6JHN 8:32ROM 6:161CO 15:34EPH 4:18JAS 1:52PE 3:181JN 1:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound consequences of ignorance in his sermon 'Below the Ox and the Donkey,' using Isaiah 1:3 to illustrate that while animals recognize their owners, God's people often fail to understand their relationship with Him. He argues that ignorance is the root of all sin, leading to spiritual enslavement and a lack of awareness of one's need for salvation. Brooks warns that this ignorance not only breeds sin but also prevents individuals from recognizing the beauty of holiness, ultimately locking them in a state of spiritual blindness. He calls for a deeper understanding of sin and holiness to foster true repentance and spiritual awakening.
Moral Sleep
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual AwakeningMoral ResponsibilityPSA 4:8PSA 127:2MAT 26:41ROM 13:111CO 15:34GAL 6:7EPH 5:141TH 5:6HEB 12:1REV 3:2A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need to awaken from moral and spiritual sleep, urging believers to recognize and address the sins of commission and omission in their lives. He highlights that while natural sleep is a gift from God, moral sleep leads to disobedience and grieving the Holy Spirit. Tozer points out that many Christians are unaware of their moral slumber, allowing behaviors that displease God and neglecting their spiritual responsibilities. He calls for a wake-up call to righteousness, encouraging believers to confront their complacency and strive for a deeper relationship with God.
Responding to the Wake-Up Call
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual AwakeningVigilance in FaithPRO 6:9ISA 52:1MAT 26:41LUK 21:34ROM 13:111CO 15:34EPH 5:141TH 5:62PE 3:14REV 3:2A.W. Tozer emphasizes the concept of spiritual sleep in his sermon 'Responding to the Wake-Up Call,' urging believers to awaken from their slumber. He references Ephesians 5:14, highlighting that the call to 'wake up' is directed not at sinners, but at the church, indicating that even faithful members can be spiritually asleep. Tozer explains that being spiritually asleep means being morally good yet unenlightened, and he warns that this state can lead to a disconnection from one's spiritual environment. He encourages listeners to recognize their condition and to seek awakening, as many may feel frustrated upon realizing their spiritual lethargy. The sermon serves as a call to action for Christians to become fully aware and engaged in their faith.
Epistle 319
By George Fox0ROM 13:31CO 15:34GAL 6:8EPH 2:1EPH 4:161TI 5:171PE 1:231PE 2:13REV 19:8George Fox preaches about the importance of submitting to earthly authorities and watching against sin and evil in our hearts. He emphasizes the need to obey magistrates for the punishment of evil doers and to live a godly and peaceable life. Fox encourages believers to be vigilant in their faith, to resist unrighteousness, and to demonstrate their testimony against evil. He also urges them to preach Christ's kingdom and truth to all, showing forth His light, life, and righteousness in their lives.
Day 97, 1 Corinthians 15
By David Servant0JHN 5:281CO 15:21CO 15:191CO 15:291CO 15:341CO 15:521CO 15:58REV 20:4David Servant emphasizes the importance of holding fast to Paul's gospel, which includes the foundational truths that humanity is sinful, God is wrathful, and Christ died for our sins. The resurrection of Christ is a crucial aspect of the gospel, highlighting the significance of the doctrine of resurrection in Christian belief. Denying Christ's resurrection would invalidate the core of Christianity and the sacrifices made by His followers. Belief in Christ's resurrection should lead to a life of obedience and holiness, as emphasized by Paul's exhortation to live righteously and abound in the work of the Lord.
Ignorant People
By Thomas Brooks0Knowledge Of GodIgnorancePRO 1:7ISA 5:13HOS 4:6MAT 22:29JHN 8:32ROM 10:21CO 15:34EPH 4:18COL 1:92PE 3:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of ignorance in his sermon 'Ignorant People,' arguing that while some may believe ignorance fosters devotion, the Bible clearly states it leads to destruction. He cites Hosea 4:6 to illustrate that lack of knowledge results in ruin, and Matthew 22:29 to highlight that error stems from not knowing the Scriptures. Brooks warns that ignorance enslaves individuals to sin and makes them vulnerable to Satan's traps, ultimately leading to a life devoid of understanding and filled with misery. He concludes that ignorance not only breeds sin but also makes individuals indifferent to their actions against God and their own souls.
A Tender Heart
By A.W. Pink0Tenderness of HeartSpiritual VigilancePSA 51:1PSA 51:10PRO 4:14PRO 4:23JER 3:22HOS 14:4MAT 26:411CO 15:34HEB 3:13REV 2:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of maintaining a tender heart, as highlighted in 2 Kings 22:19. He explains that while a tender heart is a divine gift, it requires diligent effort to preserve, particularly through vigilance against sin and cultivating a spirit of reverence for God. Pink warns that sin can harden the heart, and stresses the importance of prayer, the Word, and genuine contrition in recovering tenderness when it is lost. He encourages believers to reflect on their spiritual state and to actively seek God's love and mercy to restore their hearts. Ultimately, a tender heart is essential for a responsive relationship with God and for spiritual growth.
(A Good Foundation) 7. Sanctification
By Zac Poonen0JHN 8:11ROM 6:14ROM 8:291CO 10:131CO 15:34EPH 1:18HEB 4:16HEB 12:11PE 4:11JN 2:1Zac Poonen preaches on the twofold message of the gospel as seen in Jesus' words to the woman caught in sin: 'I do not condemn you' and 'Do not sin any more'. Justification marks the beginning of the Christian journey, while sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart from sin, the world, and our own selfish desires. God's ultimate purpose for believers is to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus, running the Christian race with our eyes fixed on Him as our example.
Altogether Lovely
By C.H. Spurgeon0LUK 23:411CO 15:341TH 2:10TIT 2:131PE 2:23The preacher delves into the meaning of 'dikaios' which signifies manifesting right conduct in accordance with God's requirements, encompassing observable righteousness in all areas of life that cannot be condemned. This term is used in the New Testament to describe ethical behavior with integrity and uprightness, aligning with the law of rectitude. Believers are urged to live righteously, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Awake to righteousness - Shake off your slumber; awake fully, thoroughly, δικαιως, as ye ought to do: so the word should be rendered; not awake to righteousness. Be in earnest; do not trifle with God, your souls, and eternity. Sin not - For this will lead to the destruction both of body and soul. Life is but a moment; improve it. Heaven has blessings without end. Some have not the knowledge of God - The original is very emphatic: αγνωσιαν γαρ Θεου τινες εχουσι, some have an ignorance of God; they do not acknowledge God. They have what is their bane; and they have not what would be their happiness and glory. To have an ignorance of God - a sort of substantial darkness, that prevents the light of God from penetrating the soul, is a worse state than to be simply in the dark, or without the Divine knowledge. The apostle probably speaks of those who were once enlightened, had once good morals, but were corrupted by bad company. It was to their shame or reproach that they had left the good way, and were now posting down to the chambers of death.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Awake--literally, "out of the sleep" of carnal intoxication into which ye are thrown by the influence of these skeptics (Co1 15:32; Joe 1:5). to righteousness--in contrast with "sin" in this verse, and corrupt manners (Co1 15:33). sin not--Do not give yourselves up to sinful pleasures. The Greek expresses a continued state of abstinence from sin. Thus, Paul implies that they who live in sinful pleasures readily persuade themselves of what they wish, namely, that there is to be no resurrection. some--the same as in Co1 15:12. have not the knowledge of God--and so know not His power in the resurrection (Mat 22:29). Stronger than "are ignorant of God." An habitual ignorance: wilful, in that they prefer to keep their sins, rather than part with them, in order to know God (compare Joh 7:17; Pe1 2:15). to your shame--that you Corinthian Christians, who boast of your knowledge, should have among you, and maintain intercourse with, those so practically ignorant of God, as to deny the resurrection.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,.... The sower, for instance, does not take a stalk of wheat in its blade, and ear, and full corn in the ear, encompassed with the husk, and sow it in the earth, which is the body or form in which it appears when it rises up again, and is come to its full growth: but bare grain (or naked grain) it may chance of wheat, or some other grain; wheat, or any other grain, is cast into the earth naked, beat out of the husk; and that selfsame grain rises up again, clothed with additional verdure, beauty, and fruitfulness; and so the body which comes out of its mother's womb naked, and returns naked again, Job 1:21 to which the apostle seems to allude, will rise again the same body, though with additional glories and excellencies; so that if it should be asked, how is it possible that a dead body can be raised up again? the possibility of it may be seen, in the quickening and raising up of a grain of wheat, that first rots and dies; and if it be inquired with what body the dead will be raised, it may in some measure be observed in this instance, that though it will be the same body, yet with different and excelling qualities: this simile seems to have been much in use among the Jews, to illustrate this doctrine, and we have some traces of it still in their writings (o): "Cleopatra the queen asked R. Meir, saying, I know that the dead shall live, for it is written, "they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth", Psa 72:16 but when they rise, shall they rise naked, or shall they rise in their clothes? to which he replied, much more than wheat: for as wheat is buried, "naked", it comes forth, (or springs up,) with many clothings; and how much more the righteous, who are buried in their clothes?'' and again (p), "says R. Eliezer, all the dead shall stand in the resurrection of the dead, and shall rise with their garments on; from whence do you learn this? from the seed of the earth, especially from wheat; for as wheat is buried "naked", and comes forth with many clothings, much more the righteous, who are buried in their clothes.'' (o) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol, 90. 2. (p) Pirke Eliezer, c. 33.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:34 some of you don’t know God at all: Paul sharply rebukes those who prided themselves on their knowledge but remained skeptical of resurrection.