Overview: (BKC) Some have suggested that Paul reserved this chapter on the Resurrection till last because he thought that a firm belief in it would help solve many of the Corinthians’ problems
1. Repeated word: the Gospel I preached/passed on to you to you, you believed, you received, I also received v.1,3, 10. However, that is not it. Christian who stand (perfect) on the the Gospel are supposed to hold firmly (present) to it unless those who believed in vain (past) in order to be saved (present).
(BKC) As the former message was an essential element in the Corinthians’ experience of ongoing salvation (the pres. tense of the verb saved focuses on sanctification), so was the latter
In other words, our belief is a process.
See the example of Paul, he received what Jesus had done to him, including he died for his sins...He appeared to him. But Paul also worked harder than all by the grace of God v.10. "His grace to me has not been in vain."
Reflection: What do I do today to hold firmly to the Gospel? Or God's grace to me is in vain? By the grace of God what does He compel me to do today? To serve Him is the least, knowing that we are the slave of righteousness, but how much effort have I done? To get annoy by people' pressure (CEF vision dinner) is not a right attitude.
2. Something new: The content of the Gospel did not stop at v.3-5, but all the way to v.9. Christ died, buried, raised, appeared, and "last of all" Jesus appeared to Paul v.8 and (then Paul explained that why he was like a child born at the wrong time in v.9) and then Paul was what he is at that moment. The Gospel is how God saved and changed us. It is a relationship building between God and man.
Reflection: Paul was humbled by the Gospel and knowing that he was changed because of God. He was the One who sought after us. He did not mind our rebellion against Him, but keep giving us chance. He still give us grace as of today and change us to who I am. How can I not be humble before Him, but love Him and serve Him?
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