Victory

After addressing problems regarding their worship practices, Paul continues by addressing reports about the Corinthians' beliefs. In this chapter, he focuses on the issue of resurrection. He begins by affirming the resurrection of Christ and then discusses the future hope of bodily resurrection and glorification for all followers of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 15:55

55 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 

Paul quotes Hosa 13:14 

"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: Repentance shall be hid from mine eyes."

It appears that Paul is mocking/taunting death on the account of Christ's Victory. The fact that Christ resurrected was a declaration that death, painful as it is, is swallowed up in victory, demonstrating that the remedy for the effects of death is the continuation of life. 

Some of you have seen death in your finances, relationships, and even your families, which has resulted in hopeless moments and broken dreams. The spirit is saying although death is reality, it does not have to be the end. There will be failures; life will test you because it will not go according to your plans, but it's vital to remember that we have Jesus, who is life. Victory is not in our bank accounts, family beliefs, social clicks, or followers. It is in the fact that Christ died and rose again! When you know this, you too can do like the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 and remind yourself that you have victory because you have life in Christ.

John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), 1 Co 15:1–58.

The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Ho 13:14.