What I find so interesting about this passage is that it’s easy to look at it and see death as the problem. But Paul is really saying the problem is sin; ultimately, death is only a consequence of sin. In our own lives, this death can be physical, emotional, and spiritual. When we continue to walk in sin, the sting of death is ever-present. But Paul is also telling us that there is a way out. Through Christ Jesus, we are given victory over death. Not because of anything we can do for ourselves. But when we give everything to Jesus, there is an abundance of life in His forgiveness; death is no more.
So, what do we do with this new life? Paul says to stand firm and be unmovable. Let everything you do be the Lord’s work. Through this, others will see God’s glory and radiance. This work God promises us won’t be in vain; in fact, God will use the work we are doing for the future.
I can so clearly look at my life and see areas where my sin caused me to be spiritually dead. My sin held me as a prisoner in a prison of guilt and shame. How could God do anything with a mess like me? The day I realized I couldn’t do it anymore and gave my sin over to Christ was the day my spirit came alive. God’s grace is so much stronger than the heaviest burdens that were weighing my life down. I find peace, hope, love, and joy in Him, all things I know everyone needs. Now, I get to live my life showing others that we are truly alive in Christ.