1 Corinthians 15:12-58
This Week’s Main Idea:
The resurrection of Christ guarantees the future resurrection of all believers and motivates us to live for the greater cause in the present.
Icebreaker:
How does waiting generally make you feel? What is something you have been looking forward to for a long time?
Introduction:
In Romans 8:24, Paul referred to the future resurrection of our bodies as the hope in which we were saved. As believers, we have a clear and certain hope that one day our bodies will be raised and renewed. All who followed Christ in this life will be reunited with new bodies in the next. We all, like Jesus, will be changed from perishable to imperishable. This gives us reason for hope.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
1. If the resurrection of the dead is not true, what impact does that have on our faith, forgiveness of sins, and the future of deceased believers?
2. What did Paul mean when he suggested that without the resurrection we only have hope in this life? Why is faith in a Jesus who did not rise from the dead insufficient?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-34.
3. What events did Paul describe in these verses? Consider making a timeline. How do these verses describe the whole history of man?
4. Paul wrote that Christ was the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. What are first fruits and how do they help us understand this passage?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58.
5. What is the mystery Paul referred to in verse 51? What happens to deceased Christians at the resurrection? What happens to living Christians?
6. How has Christ robbed death of its victory and sting?
7. Do you ever feel as though your labor is in vain?
Taking it Home:
8. What specific situation do you need to look on with hope because of the promise of resurrection?
9. In verse 58, Paul made it clear belief in the resurrection demands action in our lives. What does a life lived in vain look like?
10. How can you respond to the truth of these verses to ensure your labor is not in vain?
Suggested prayer request:
Thank you, God, for the love You have shown us in Jesus Christ. Give us the assurance that “you will come to raise our bodies from the dust, and reunite them to our souls, by a wonderful work of infinite power and love.” Shape our hearts so that Jesus is the center of our attentions and affections, and so that Your power that raised Him from the dead would be evident in our lives.
Other Scriptures to Engage with this week:
Ezekiel 37; Ephesians 2; Isaiah 26; Daniel 12; Acts 26; 1 Peter 4.