First Things First
In 1952, Florence Chadwick set out to swim the 26 miles between Catalina Island and the California coast. The water was cold, the currents were strong, and after 15 hours of swimming, a dense fog rolled in. Unable to see the shoreline, she felt lost and defeated—so she gave up. When she climbed into the boat, she found out she was less than a mile from finishing. Later, she said, “If I could have seen the shore, I would have made it.”
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is like someone clearing away the fog. He wants the Corinthian believers—and us—to see the shoreline of our faith clearly: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When we lose sight of the gospel, we grow weary and drift. But when we keep it in view, we press on with hope.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Paul writes to remind the church of what he had already preached—what he calls of “first importance.” The gospel is not just the beginning of our faith, it’s the center of it. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, just as the Scriptures promised. This wasn’t a hidden event—He appeared to Peter, the twelve, more than 500 others, and finally to Paul himself.
By anchoring everything in the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul gives the church a clear foundation. In a world full of distractions, the gospel is the shoreline we must always keep in sight.
Things to Ponder
What do you think Paul meant by saying the gospel is “of first importance”?
When things feel confusing or hard, what helps you remember what’s most true?
How would you explain the gospel to someone in a way that feels personal and real?
Why might Paul have listed all the people who saw Jesus after the resurrection?
Are there places in your life where God might be inviting you to refocus on what matters most?
Application Challenge
What would it look like to begin each day by fixing your eyes on the gospel? How could you ensure the truth of the gospel shapes how you walk into your classroom, your job, or your home?
This week, notice how your mood or choices change when your heart is grounded in the good news. Small acts—being kind, being patient, being honest—are ways to live out what we believe. Keeping “first things first” doesn’t make life easier, but it does keep us from swimming in circles when the fog rolls in.
Prayer Prompt
Father, thank You for reminding us what matters most. When we feel like we’re lost, help us see clearly. Teach us to live every day from the truth of the gospel. Help us keep our eyes on Jesus, the center of the central gospel.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.