Commentaries:
<< 1 Corinthians 15:32 1 Corinthians 15:34 >>
1 Corinthians 15:33
Paul is talking about those people with whom we associate or fellowship. We tend to take on the character of the group with which we associate. If we associate with people of bad character, they will succeed in pulling us down to their level.
It is not likely that we will succeed in pulling them up. It is much easier to go down than to go up, especially if those with whom you keep company have no reason to go up, being comfortable with the level at which they are at the time.
John W. Ritenbaugh
What Is Prayer?Related Topics: Fellowship | Fellowship of Believers | Fellowship with World | Friends, Choosing our | Friendship | Friendship with the World | Friendship, Godly
1 Corinthians 15:32-34
This well-known proverb is strategically placed in the Resurrection Chapter. In verse 32, Paul reminds the Greek Corinthians of an example of the perverse, immoral morass that they left compared to the liberating and ennobling calling God has so graciously given them. He then verbally punches them in the nose by telling them the company that they keep is destroying them, meaning they are gradually reabsorbing the attitudes and culture of the surrounding world. He then charges them to wake up to what they stand to lose by being too close to the world—even worldly people who might be fellowshipping with them at services but do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Perceiving that some of them are on the verge of losing their salvation, he says, "Shame on you!"
The world's influences are, for the most part, subtle rather than overt. Being familiar to human nature, we find them easy to fall into or return to. What is the problem with the world? Its ruler, Satan, has designed it to lead people to live only for themselves. Therefore, we must fight and resist its attraction, which influences our hearts, because so much is at stake!
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Christian Fight (Part Two)Related Topics: Communication from Evil Influences | Evil Communication | Evil Communication Corrupts Good Manners | Friendship with the World | Overcoming World's Influences | Resurrection Chapter | World's Evil Characteristics | World's Influence
1 Corinthians 15:32-34
Self-indulgence leads to excessive striving for yet more worldly pleasure. For those whose chief aim in life is sensual pleasure, there is never enough to satisfy. Self-indulgence can lead to full-blown addiction. Without God's truth of the coming resurrections of mankind, men see no reason to refrain from a life of pleasure and dissipation, ending in death.
Martin G. Collins
Overcoming (Part 8): Self-IndulgenceOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing 1 Corinthians 15:33:
<< 1 Corinthians 15:32 1 Corinthians 15:34 >>
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What Does 1 Corinthians 15:33 Mean?
We tend to take on the character of the group with which we associate. Keeping company with people of bad character pulls us down to their level, since it is much easier to go down than to go up, especially when companions have no reason to improve. This same principle works in reverse: there is a definite link between the quality of faith and the quality of fellowship. Fellowship and mutual exhortation serve as a preventative when they are of the right kind. Keeping company with the very best Company in all the universe—the Father and the Son—brings a tremendous benefit. That fellowship comes through prayer and the study of His Word, where we talk to Him and He talks to us.