This passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians addresses a timeless issue: the influence of our relationships on our behavior and beliefs. It serves as both a warning and a call to vigilance, urging us to examine the people we associate with and the way we live in response to the knowledge of God.
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to a church struggling with division, moral issues, and confusion about key doctrines, including the resurrection. In chapter 15, Paul is defending the truth of the resurrection of the dead—a fundamental aspect of Christian hope. Some within the church were denying the resurrection, likely due to influences from Greek philosophical ideas that downplayed or denied the body’s role in the afterlife. Paul’s words here directly confront those who have been led astray by these false teachings.
- "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
This phrase warns about the negative impact of associating with individuals who promote ungodly beliefs or practices. The company we keep shapes our thinking, values, and actions. Paul emphasizes that bad influences can erode even good character, leading people away from righteous living and sound doctrine. The principle is not limited to theological matters—it applies broadly to any situation where harmful associations can draw us into compromise.
- "Wake up righteously and don’t sin."
Paul follows the warning with a call to action. He urges the Corinthians to “wake up” or “come to their senses” spiritually. This implies they were in a kind of moral and theological slumber, allowing falsehoods to influence their behavior. Paul connects sound theology with righteous living; denying the resurrection or compromising on God’s truth leads to sin.
To "wake up" means to adopt an alert and active stance in our faith. It reminds us that living rightly before God requires intentionality, particularly in resisting sin. Paul challenges us to examine our lives, rooting out any compromises that stem from careless associations or distorted beliefs.
- "For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame."
Here, Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their failure to uphold the truth about God and the resurrection. Their conduct and acceptance of falsehoods suggested a lack of genuine knowledge of God. This was a failure not only on an individual level but as a community that should have been bearing witness to God’s truth.
Paul’s words invite self-reflection: Do our lives reflect a deep and accurate knowledge of God? Are we allowing cultural pressures, worldly wisdom, or unhealthy relationships to lead us away from truth? If so, we are called to repentance and renewal in our commitment to God.
Application for Today
This passage challenges us to consider how our relationships and environments influence our faith and behavior. While we are called to engage the world as witnesses for Christ, we must also guard against allowing ungodly influences to compromise our character or beliefs. Practical applications include:
Choosing friends and mentors who encourage spiritual growth.
Being cautious about the media, ideologies, or communities we immerse ourselves in.
Actively studying Scripture to ground ourselves in God’s truth, so we can discern and resist falsehoods.
Furthermore, Paul’s call to “wake up righteously” reminds us that our actions matter. Living out our faith authentically can serve as a testimony to others who lack knowledge of God. By embracing God’s truth and striving for holiness, we not only protect our own spiritual health but also point others to the life-transforming power of the gospel.
Cross-references:
Proverbs 13:20: "One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." This highlights the importance of choosing companions who encourage wisdom and righteousness.
Psalm 1:1-2: "Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in Yahweh’s law, and on his law he meditates day and night." The psalmist contrasts the blessings of aligning with God’s truth versus the pitfalls of following wicked influences.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 is a sobering reminder of the importance of aligning our lives with God’s truth and surrounding ourselves with influences that build up our faith rather than tearing it down. It calls us to vigilance, repentance, and a renewed commitment to righteous living, rooted in the knowledge of God and His promises.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34. Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” Wake up righteously, and don’t sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.