Resurrection Matters, Part 1

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins accord- ing to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The Gospel of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

• Christ died for our sins
• Christ was buried
• Christ was raised on the third day
• Christ was witnessed by many
• The fulfillment of the Scripture

Reasons Why the Resurrection Matters (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then…”

• Jesus Christ did not rise (vss 13, 16)
• The message of the gospel and our faith is useless (vs 14)
• The apostolic messengers are liars about God (vs 15)
• We are still in our sins (vs 17)
• Those who have already died in Jesus Christ are lost (vs 18)

Living the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-34)

• Jesus Christ brings a new beginning of life (vss 20-23)
• Jesus Christ brings a new beginning of victory (vss 24-28)
• Living each day in light of Jesus Christ’s resurrection life and victory (vss 29-34)

1. How important would you say Jesus’ resurrection is to our faith?
2. This week we continue our preaching series, “God’s Grace for an Imperfect Church” by studying 1 Corinthians 15:1-34. This is the first part of our exploration of the resurrection in chapter 15. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through this study and then read that text aloud.
3. Paul writes to early followers of Jesus in Corinth who had most likely never seen Jesus in their earthly lives. What do you think Paul is trying to teach them through the first sentences of 1 Corinthians 15 in verses 1-11?
4. What challenges to their faith in the resurrection of Jesus might the Corinthian believers have faced? What challenges do you face today related to the resurrection of Jesus? How do Paul’s words address these challenges?
5. In verses 12-19 Paul deploys logical reasoning and repetition of certain words or phrases to speak about the resurrection. Take some time to identify repeating words or phrases, and also trace Paul’s “if…then” statements. What do you notice?
6. What does Paul identify as results of not believing in the resurrection of Jesus from death in verses 13-19? Why are these things important?
7. Paul says death comes through Adam and life comes through Christ in verses 20-23. Read Romans 5:12-21 on this same theme. What do you think this means and why is it significant?
8. Paul describes Jesus’ victory at the Cross and resurrection as the beginning of the victory of God in verses 24-28. As you read these verses, how might you put into your own words what Paul means and what the significance of this is?
9. What significance does the resurrection have for you? What does it change about your life, hope, and character? What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone this week.

DIG DEEPER