Do we have questions about our own resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
Must this mortal body die first?
1 Corinthians 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
Will the resurrected body be just like our earthly body?
1 Corinthians 15:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
Who will decide what our heavenly body is like?
1 Corinthians 15:38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
Do all creatures have the same earthly body?
1 Corinthians 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
Will our celestial body have a different glory?
1 Corinthians 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
Will we differ in eternal glory?
1 Corinthians 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
What will be a big difference between our mortal and immortal bodies?
1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
As beautiful as the human body is, how does it compare to our eternal body?
1 Corinthians 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
What other words can we use to compare?
1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
How does Adam compare?
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
In what time order are the natural and the spiritual?
1 Corinthians 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
If Adam was the first man, who is the second?
1 Corinthians 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.
How are the heavenly?
1 Corinthians 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
Made in the image of God, what image shall we bear?
1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
What can flesh and blood not inherit?
1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
What is the mystery?
1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
How will the dead be raised?
1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
What two things must we put on?
1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
What will be swallowed up in victory?
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
What is said of death and the grave?
1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
How are death and the law related?
1 Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
Who gives us the victory and through whom?
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In light of this what should we do?
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
A new body awaits us in the resurrection! It will be without corruption, glorious, powerful, spiritual, heavenly, incorruptible, immortal, and victorious. Let’s stand firm. Our work for God is not pointless.
Showing posts with label 1 Corinthians 15. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 Corinthians 15. Show all posts
Resurrection (Part 1, 1 Corinthians 15)
What is the resurrection all about? How central is it to the Gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:20-34 General Resurrection
Would the apostles have been willing to die for something they knew was a lie? What hope do we have because of Christ’s resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
What came from Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
What is the big difference between Adam and Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Is there an order of resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
What will Christ deliver to the Father after He returns?
1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
What will His reign accomplish?
1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
What is the last enemy?
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Who alone will not be under Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
What will Jesus do once all enemies are conquered?
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
What is one purpose for baptism (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12)? Is the old life buried with Christ in baptism? This is only one possible explanation of the following unclear passage.
1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Does the resurrection hope of the dead give us strength to withstand the jeopardy of persecution?
1 Corinthians 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
Do we rejoice like Paul in persecution by rejoicing that others have been saved?
1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
Did Paul once have to fight wild animals while spreading the Gospel? If there is no resurrection, what worldly attitude might we join?
1 Corinthians 15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
Confirmation bias works two ways. Hanging around the faithful will increase our faith. What does hanging around the faithless for too long do to us?
1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
What should we do if we have spent too much time around unrighteous people?
1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Being united to Christ along with other faithful believers, we become partakers of His resurrection. It is a shame, in any church which brags about its theological knowledge, to let this, the most fundamental of Christian doctrines slip.
1 Corinthians 15:1-19 Jesus’ Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
We too received the Gospel. What does it do?
1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
How would we summarize the Gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
If the cross is the beginning of the Gospel, what else is important?
1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Were there witnesses to the resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
How many witnesses were there?
1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
What about Jesus’ brother?
1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
How was Paul introduced to the resurrected Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
Remember Paul’s Damascus Road experience (Acts 9)? What was Paul doing when called?
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Does God’s grace cover even a persecutor like Paul?
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Our collective faith can come through many different people who taught us, but what unites us?
1 Corinthians 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
Is doubting the resurrection just a modern liberal or progressive heresy?
1 Corinthians 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
What is a consequence of disbelief in a resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
Why is this so important to Christianity?
1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
What kind of witnesses would that make the apostles?
1 Corinthians 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
If there is no resurrection then what?
1 Corinthians 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
Is our faith in vain?
1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Have past Christians just wasted their time?
1 Corinthians 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Is Christianity just for this life?
1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
We too received the Gospel. What does it do?
1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
How would we summarize the Gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
If the cross is the beginning of the Gospel, what else is important?
1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Were there witnesses to the resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
How many witnesses were there?
1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
What about Jesus’ brother?
1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
How was Paul introduced to the resurrected Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
Remember Paul’s Damascus Road experience (Acts 9)? What was Paul doing when called?
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Does God’s grace cover even a persecutor like Paul?
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Our collective faith can come through many different people who taught us, but what unites us?
1 Corinthians 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
Is doubting the resurrection just a modern liberal or progressive heresy?
1 Corinthians 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
What is a consequence of disbelief in a resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
Why is this so important to Christianity?
1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
What kind of witnesses would that make the apostles?
1 Corinthians 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
If there is no resurrection then what?
1 Corinthians 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
Is our faith in vain?
1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Have past Christians just wasted their time?
1 Corinthians 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Is Christianity just for this life?
1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
1 Corinthians 15:20-34 General Resurrection
Would the apostles have been willing to die for something they knew was a lie? What hope do we have because of Christ’s resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
What came from Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
What is the big difference between Adam and Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Is there an order of resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
What will Christ deliver to the Father after He returns?
1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
What will His reign accomplish?
1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
What is the last enemy?
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Who alone will not be under Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
What will Jesus do once all enemies are conquered?
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
What is one purpose for baptism (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12)? Is the old life buried with Christ in baptism? This is only one possible explanation of the following unclear passage.
1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Does the resurrection hope of the dead give us strength to withstand the jeopardy of persecution?
1 Corinthians 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
Do we rejoice like Paul in persecution by rejoicing that others have been saved?
1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
Did Paul once have to fight wild animals while spreading the Gospel? If there is no resurrection, what worldly attitude might we join?
1 Corinthians 15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
Confirmation bias works two ways. Hanging around the faithful will increase our faith. What does hanging around the faithless for too long do to us?
1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
What should we do if we have spent too much time around unrighteous people?
1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Being united to Christ along with other faithful believers, we become partakers of His resurrection. It is a shame, in any church which brags about its theological knowledge, to let this, the most fundamental of Christian doctrines slip.
Resurrection, the Basis of Christianity
Prelude
The modern liberal idea that the resurrection never occurred is not new. Paul’s purpose in writing to the Corinthians was to remind them that the resurrection is the basis of Christianity. Purpose: Let’s rediscover the hope of the resurrection. Plan: Let’s read John 20:1-18 and springboard to 1 Corinthians 15, examining what the resurrection means for us.
Read the Gospel lesson then turn to 1 Corinthians 15
1 Corinthians 15:1-12 Historical Evidence
Paul reminds the church of God in Korinthos that the Gospel which he first preached to them included the resurrection, even though some no longer believe in it. He presents a creed, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” Notice that Paul twice says that this was according to the Hebrew Scriptures. He also gave historic evidence of the resurrection, “that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present”.
1 Corinthians 15:13-28 Moral Argument
Some are judgmental of parts of the Bible that conflict with their prejudice rather than seeking understanding without judgmentalism. Paul gives quite a shocking argument for those who deny the resurrection, “if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty… and we are found false witnesses of God… And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile.” Another moral argument is, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” When? For those in Christ, it will be at the last trumpet upon His return and sometime later the rest, after a symbolic millennium (Revelation 20:4-6).
1 Corinthians 15:29-34 For the Dead
Paul possibly addresses the ancient Marcionite heresy of proxy baptism for the dead without their repentance and faith. He states that even this absurd teaching relied upon the resurrection. Another possibility is the early church risk, and even the same risk today in several totalitarian countries, that Baptism into Christ is baptism into His suffering, even to death which many endured through faith in the resurrection. Even those of us living in safer countries, a symbolic death of the old man takes place at baptism, and even includes the death of bad relationships. Not that Christians cut themselves altogether from unbelievers, else who could they witness and spread the Gospel to!
1 Corinthians 15:35-49 Analogy
Like Christ, we too will have a body whereby we can enjoy food and yet are immortal. Eternity will be heaven and earth together where we will enjoy today’s blessings immensely magnified, without the crime, wars and other worries. We will also have an immortal body without aches, pains and disease. It will be a new life so wonderfully different to our lives now. As we get old we say we are just shadows of our former selves, but all our lives we are mere shadows of our future selves. God will give us a new body where we are still us, but more fully us than we have ever been.
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Triumphant Chant
Visiting elderly family and friends reminds us of our potential future and our mortality. Flesh and blood corrupts and dies. But “the dead will be raised incorruptible” and “this mortal must put on immortality.” Paul describes 3 great victories for the Christians, over law, sin and death. “The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” and “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Verse 57 has become a Christian war chant, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Caesar
Democratic Rome degenerated into a dictatorship led by the Caesars. Caesars took to using the title “Lord and God.” The two Caesars during Jesus’ earthly sojourn were Augustus and Tiberius. They were followed by perhaps the worst of all, Caligula. When early Christians called Jesus Lord, they were saying that Caesar is not. In ancient Rome Caesar’s edicts were called the Gospel. When early Christians shared what they called the Gospel, they were saying that the edicts of Caesar were not good news. What gave them the courage to stand up against these tyrants was the hope of the resurrection. Faith in the resurrection means that we believe God not Caesar.
Postlude
As in Adam human creation began and dies, so in Christ human recreation has already begun and will last forever. Now we are a mere shadow of what we will be. The resurrection tells us that new beginnings are possible, for us, for our families, our community, our nation, and the whole world. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption … sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory … sown in weakness, it is raised in power. (1 Corinthians 15:42-43) “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 57).
John 20:1-18; 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 20:4-6
The modern liberal idea that the resurrection never occurred is not new. Paul’s purpose in writing to the Corinthians was to remind them that the resurrection is the basis of Christianity. Purpose: Let’s rediscover the hope of the resurrection. Plan: Let’s read John 20:1-18 and springboard to 1 Corinthians 15, examining what the resurrection means for us.
Read the Gospel lesson then turn to 1 Corinthians 15
1 Corinthians 15:1-12 Historical Evidence
Paul reminds the church of God in Korinthos that the Gospel which he first preached to them included the resurrection, even though some no longer believe in it. He presents a creed, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” Notice that Paul twice says that this was according to the Hebrew Scriptures. He also gave historic evidence of the resurrection, “that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present”.
1 Corinthians 15:13-28 Moral Argument
Some are judgmental of parts of the Bible that conflict with their prejudice rather than seeking understanding without judgmentalism. Paul gives quite a shocking argument for those who deny the resurrection, “if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty… and we are found false witnesses of God… And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile.” Another moral argument is, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” When? For those in Christ, it will be at the last trumpet upon His return and sometime later the rest, after a symbolic millennium (Revelation 20:4-6).
1 Corinthians 15:29-34 For the Dead
Paul possibly addresses the ancient Marcionite heresy of proxy baptism for the dead without their repentance and faith. He states that even this absurd teaching relied upon the resurrection. Another possibility is the early church risk, and even the same risk today in several totalitarian countries, that Baptism into Christ is baptism into His suffering, even to death which many endured through faith in the resurrection. Even those of us living in safer countries, a symbolic death of the old man takes place at baptism, and even includes the death of bad relationships. Not that Christians cut themselves altogether from unbelievers, else who could they witness and spread the Gospel to!
1 Corinthians 15:35-49 Analogy
Like Christ, we too will have a body whereby we can enjoy food and yet are immortal. Eternity will be heaven and earth together where we will enjoy today’s blessings immensely magnified, without the crime, wars and other worries. We will also have an immortal body without aches, pains and disease. It will be a new life so wonderfully different to our lives now. As we get old we say we are just shadows of our former selves, but all our lives we are mere shadows of our future selves. God will give us a new body where we are still us, but more fully us than we have ever been.
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Triumphant Chant
Visiting elderly family and friends reminds us of our potential future and our mortality. Flesh and blood corrupts and dies. But “the dead will be raised incorruptible” and “this mortal must put on immortality.” Paul describes 3 great victories for the Christians, over law, sin and death. “The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” and “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Verse 57 has become a Christian war chant, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Caesar
Democratic Rome degenerated into a dictatorship led by the Caesars. Caesars took to using the title “Lord and God.” The two Caesars during Jesus’ earthly sojourn were Augustus and Tiberius. They were followed by perhaps the worst of all, Caligula. When early Christians called Jesus Lord, they were saying that Caesar is not. In ancient Rome Caesar’s edicts were called the Gospel. When early Christians shared what they called the Gospel, they were saying that the edicts of Caesar were not good news. What gave them the courage to stand up against these tyrants was the hope of the resurrection. Faith in the resurrection means that we believe God not Caesar.
Postlude
As in Adam human creation began and dies, so in Christ human recreation has already begun and will last forever. Now we are a mere shadow of what we will be. The resurrection tells us that new beginnings are possible, for us, for our families, our community, our nation, and the whole world. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption … sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory … sown in weakness, it is raised in power. (1 Corinthians 15:42-43) “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 57).
John 20:1-18; 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 20:4-6
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