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What does 1 Corinthians 15:31 really mean?

1 Corinthians 15:31 is about the apostle Paul affirming his daily struggle and sacrifice for the sake of proclaiming the gospel and his continual spiritual growth through dying to self.

31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!

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Setting the Scene for 1 Corinthians 15:31

In 1 Corinthians chapter 15, the apostle Paul is writing to the church in Corinth about the resurrection of Christ and the hope of resurrection for believers. As he pens this letter, we can imagine Paul in a quiet room, perhaps by candlelight, with parchment and ink, carefully crafting his words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Surrounded by the flickering light, Paul reflects on his own experiences and the sacrifices he has made for the sake of the gospel. His words are filled with passion and conviction as he urges the Corinthians to live in light of the resurrection, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

As Paul writes, he is likely interrupted by the sounds of the bustling city outside, reminding him of the challenges and distractions that the Corinthian believers face. Yet, in the midst of it all, his focus remains on the eternal truths he is sharing with them, knowing that these words will encourage and strengthen their faith.

What is 1 Corinthians 15:31 about?

The apostle Paul is expressing a profound spiritual truth to the believers in Corinth in this verse from the New Testament. When he says, “I die every day,” he is not talking about physical death, but rather a daily surrender and sacrifice of his own will, desires, and ego. He is acknowledging the constant struggle of putting aside his own selfish desires in order to live in obedience to God. Paul is able to fully rely on the strength, wisdom, and grace of Christ to guide and empower him by dying to self daily. Paul emphasizes the joy and victory he experiences in Christ despite the daily struggle of dying to self as he continues. This paradoxical statement – “I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord” – shows that Paul finds his ultimate source of pride and triumph not in his own accomplishments or abilities, but in the transformative work of Christ in his life and in the lives of others. Through his willingness to die to self daily, Paul experiences the true freedom, purpose, and fulfillment that come from being united with Christ.

Reflecting on Paul’s words, we are challenged to examine our own lives and consider whether we are willing to daily die to our own self-centered ways in order to live fully in Christ. How can we cultivate a spirit of surrender and humility in our daily actions and decisions? What areas of our lives do we struggle to let go of and surrender to God? We can experience a deeper intimacy with God and a greater sense of purpose and joy in our Christian walk by embracing the paradox of dying to self and finding glory in Christ.

Understanding what 1 Corinthians 15:31 really means

Structure for Commentary:
1. Introduction to the Verse
2. Context within the Chapter
3. Key Phrases and Their Meanings
4. Cross-Referencing Other Biblical Passages
5. Relevance to Modern Life
6. Anecdote for Illustration
7. Conclusion and Call to Reflection

Commentary:

  1. Introduction to the Verse:
    Paul’s statement, “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily,” is a profound declaration of his commitment to living a life devoted to Christ. This phrase encapsulates the essence of a Christian’s daily struggle and victory over sin and self.

  2. Paul addresses the resurrection of the dead, a cornerstone of Christian faith in 1 Corinthians 15. He emphasizes the importance of the resurrection, not only as a future hope but as a present reality that shapes our daily lives. This chapter is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.

  3. Key Phrases and Their Meanings:

  4. “I die daily”: This phrase signifies a daily commitment to spiritual discipline and self-denial. Paul is highlighting the continuous nature of the Christian journey, where one must constantly put to death sinful desires and live in the newness of life in Christ.

  5. “Rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord”: Paul underlines the joy and strength he finds in his relationship with Christ. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in the eternal victory of Jesus.

  6. Cross-Referencing Other Biblical Passages:
    Romans 6:11 complements this verse by urging believers to “consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Similarly, Galatians 2:20 states, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” These passages collectively underscore the theme of dying to self and living for Christ.

  7. The concept of “dying daily” can seem foreign or even daunting in today’s fast-paced world. Yet, it is incredibly relevant. We face daily temptations, societal pressures, and personal struggles that challenge our faith. We choose to prioritize our spiritual growth and relationship with Christ over worldly distractions by committing to die daily.

  8. Sarah, a young professional, struggles with work-life balance. Every day, she faces the temptation to prioritize her career over her faith and family. Inspired by Paul’s words, Sarah decides to “die daily” by setting aside time each morning for prayer and reflection, despite her busy schedule. This practice transforms her perspective, giving her peace and clarity to navigate her day.

  9. Conclusion and Call to Reflection:
    Paul’s declaration in this verse calls us to examine our own lives. Are we willing to die daily, to surrender our desires, and live for Christ? Reflect on what it means to truly rejoice in Christ and let that joy empower your daily walk. We will find our focus and strength in the resurrection power of Jesus in a world that often pulls us in many directions by committing to live each day for Him.

How can we die to self daily?

We can die to self daily by choosing to put aside our own desires, preferences, and will in order to align ourselves with God’s purposes and plans. This involves surrendering our own selfish ambitions and submitting our lives to God’s authority and guidance. It means letting go of our own agenda and allowing God to work in and through us for His glory.

Dying to self daily also entails crucifying our old self, which is characterized by sinful thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes. We can do this by actively striving to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, embracing selflessness, humility, and love in all that we do. We are putting to death our old self and allowing Christ to live in and through us by intentionally seeking to walk in obedience to God and to live in accordance with His Word.

Furthermore, dying to self daily involves a constant denial of our own self-centered desires and a continual turning away from the distractions and temptations of this world. We actively participate in the process of dying to self and experiencing the abundant life that comes from being fully surrendered to Christ by choosing to prioritize our relationship with God above all else and seeking to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Application

Imagine your life as a journey, where your destination isn’t merely success at work or a happy family, but something eternal. Living for Christ means putting spiritual growth and the love of others at the forefront of your path. Don’t let the distractions of daily life pull you away from what truly matters. Now is the moment to focus on serving others and aligning your actions with God’s purpose. Are you ready to take the step that makes your journey truly meaningful?