1 Corinthians 15:34
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
1 Corinthians 15:34
This verse calls for moral wakefulness: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” Paul rebukes moral laxity and spiritual dullness among some in Corinth. The imperative “awake” signals the need for vigilance and repentance. The reference to “some have not the knowledge of God” underscores a lack of true intimate relationship with God and the danger of complacency. The call to righteousness flows from the resurrection—living in light of what God has accomplished in Christ.
The verse emphasizes sanctification as a moral and spiritual awakening, not mere doctrinal assent. It links knowledge of God with ethical living; knowing God should transform behavior. The language of shame indicates communal accountability—believers owe one another a standard of living that reflects the gospel.
Practical steps: identify areas of moral numbness or recurring sin, confess, and pursue concrete changes—habits, speech, and patterns that align with righteousness. Build accountability with trusted friends or mentors who can speak truth in love. Cultivate disciplines: regular prayer, Scripture, and acts of mercy that reveal a transformed life. Recognize that maturity in faith is both belief and behavior.
Cross-References: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17-24; Colossians 3:5-10; Titus 2:11-14; Galatians 5:16-25