Corruption!

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33

The depth of this truth may be almost unfathomable in one devotional commentary. As it is with all Scripture, each time we read it, and study it the Holy Spirit can reveal fresh truth, insight, and meaning. Paul is very point-blank, especially with the Corinthians, probably because they sorely needed it. The verses preceding this gem are a reason for speaking proverb-like wisdom in verse 33. In verse 32, Paul says in response to any questioning or doubting the Resurrection of Christ. (Parentheses are my thoughts) "If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus (referring to savagely crazy opposition) for merely human reasons (but no, there is a purpose you see) what have I gained? ('Nothing' if you enjoy answering rhetorical questions like me) If the dead are not raised, (just like Jesus, we will be you know) "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die" (obviously being facetious).

Let me paraphrase "Come on now people, don't doubt the truth, we have a higher calling and purpose. If not, why do we even try. Stop hanging out with and listening to unbelievers and naysayers. All it takes for evil to advance is for truth to be silent. That is my explanation in a synopsis, but verse 34 is Paul's. He says. "Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God,--- I say this to your shame." I say shame on us for buying into the world's foolishness and the fools who promulgate it. Let us separate ourselves a little more to quash the hypocrisy and set a better example. Deep stuff about our nature VS the hope that is within us.

Maybe a little confusing but think, and dig deeper, and find the even more compelling truth, too.

With His grace,
Pastor Fred

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