“I believe in the resurrection of the body”

“I believe in the resurrection of the body”

This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives.
This week focuses on the phrase, “I believe in the resurrection of the body.”

SERMON OUTLINE

“Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26)

The Resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; John 20)

  • The physical death of Jesus
  • The physical resurrection of Jesus

Present Resurrection for Us through Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:12-14; Ephesians 1:18-20; Colossians 3; Galatians 5)

  • Joined with Jesus’ death and resurrection through faith now
  • Resurrection power at work within our lives now

Future Resurrection for Us through Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:20-49; 1 Thess. 4; Revelation 20)

  • Our future bodily resurrection will look like Jesus’ bodily resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20-28)
  • Our resurrection bodies will be like and unlike our present bodies (1 Cor. 15:35-49):
    • Perishable → Imperishable
    • Dishonor → Glory
    • Weakness → Power
    • Naturally animated body → Spiritually animated body

Living Out Our Belief in the Resurrection of the Body

  • Praise God the Father for the resurrection of Jesus resurrection
  • Live by faith now in our bodies for God’s glory
  • Live with hope for future resurrection bodies

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What do you think about when you consider whether there is life after death and what it will be like? What comes to your mind?
  2. This week we continue our series, “Living the Creed” by exploring this statement from the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the resurrection of the body.” Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word.
  3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 aloud. Paul is writing to an early church in the city of Corinth. Most of these people likely had never seen Jesus’ in their earthly lives. What do you think Paul is trying to teach them through these first sentences of 1 Corinthians 15?
  4. Now read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 aloud. In verses 13-18, what does Paul identify as results of not believing in the resurrection of Jesus from death? Why are these things important?
  5. Next read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 aloud. In verses 20-23, Paul describes death coming through Adam and life coming through Christ. What do you think this means? (You may also want to read Romans 5:12-21.)
  6. Paul talks about Jesus’ victory at the Cross and resurrection as the beginning of the victory of God in verses 24-28. What do you think it means that God has total authority, even over death?
  7. What are your biggest concerns about death or the end of the world? How do Paul’s words here encourage you?
  8. Next read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 aloud. In verses 35-41, Paul offers two pictures of what physical resurrection is like in our everyday experience. What are the two pictures and what do they communicate to us about resurrection?
  9. Paul summarizes the contrast between our current bodies and resurrection bodies in verses 42-44 with four word pairs. What are those word pairs and what do you think they mean?
  10. When you read verses 45-49, what sort of hope do you draw from these words?
  11. What is one thing you learned or God is speaking to you about the resurrection of the body? If you’re in a small group, share that with one another. If you are on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week. Conclude your study in prayer.

DIG DEEPER

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"I believe in life everlasting."