The Gospel: It's Irrefutable Argument
The Gospel: It’s Irrefutable Argument
1Corinthians 15:12-34 July 13, 2003
Scripture Reading:
“17 ¶ On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"” (John 11:17-26 NIVUS)
Introduction:
We saw last week that the sure foundation of the gospel is what holds us together in unity as a church.
But how firmly are your feet and your faith planted on that foundation?
The strength of our faith will determine the degree of our unity with him and with each other.
Paul wants us to be very sure and so he undertakes a series of arguments in support of the gospel truth in 1Cor. 15:12-34.
And central to that gospel truth is the resurrection.
Perhaps you have tried arguing the truth of the gospel with someone you know.
Perhaps you need to further argue the truth of the gospel for yourself.
Paul will give you some pointers in this message this morning.
Today the truth of the gospel is being attacked on all sides. It is time to renew its irrefutable argument.
Chgo. Trib., July 8, 2003: “Pastor’s ‘stone in shoe’ becomes thorn in his side”
Too many people today are like the Iranian craniopagis twins who would rather face death than continue to be bound together. They died this week from their long sought operation to separate them.
Chgo. Trib., July 11, 2003: “Conservative Catholics hold to the good, old days of Latin”
How strongly do you believe in the resurrection?
Chgo. Trib., July 13, 2003 (today): “Mom’s faith borne out as son awakens after 19 years”
A 39 year-old man, Terry Wallis, was in an auto accident near his home town of Mountain View, AR, 19 years ago. He was in a coma for 3 years and spent the rest of these 19 years in a vegetative state, unable to speak or respond. But after 19 years of faithful visits from his mother, Angilee, a nursing aide asked him her usual question on June 11 as was her habit. She asked, “Who is that woman?” not expecting an answer, as usual. But Terry spoke up and blurted out, “Mom.” He is still quadriplegic but now carries on fluent conversations. All his memory stopped 19 years ago before cell phones and laptop computers and when Reagan was president.
If a 39 year old man who had been in a coma from a car wreck 19 years ago could suddenly wake up and recognize his mother, then surely the resurrection must be possible. Our bodies shall awaken from the slumber of the grave and recognize the Lord Jesus Christ.
“13 ¶ Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 NIVUS)
From Rigor Mortis Corpse to “Resurrection Man” – Reinhard Bonnke
Big Question:
What are some arguments that support the truth of the gospel?
From the Apostolic Witness
We wouldn’t preach the gospel in vain.
We wouldn’t mislead our own faith or yours.
We wouldn’t lie about the works and truth of God.
We wouldn’t leave you in the condemnation of sin.
We wouldn’t leave previous generations in hopeless futility.
We wouldn’t make fools of those who place their hope in Christ.
From the Biblical Record
The gospel is consistent with the biblical past.
The gospel is consistent with the biblical future.
The gospel is consistent with God’s will and purpose.
From the Present Reality
Present practice is based upon the gospel.
Present commitment is sure of the gospel.
Present danger requires the gospel.
From the Apostolic Witness
I. Cycle One
A. Narrative (vv.12-13)
B. Implication
We wouldn’t preach the gospel in vain.
C. Illustration
1Cor. 15:6, Acts 1:1-3
“He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,” (Luke 24:46 NIVUS)
“9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalms 16:9-11 NIVUS)
“10 ¶ Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. 11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light [of life] and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NIVUS)
D. Application
II. Cycle Two
A. Narrative (v. 14)
B. Implication
We wouldn’t mislead our own faith or yours.
C. Illustration
D. Application
III. Cycle Three
A. Narrative (vv. 15-16)
B. Implication
We wouldn’t lie about the works and truth of God.
C. Illustration
D. Application
IV. Cycle Four
A. Narrative (v. 17)
B. Implication
We wouldn’t leave you in the condemnation of sin.
C. Illustration
D. Application
V. Cycle Five
A. Narrative (v. 18)
B. Implication
We wouldn’t leave previous generations in hopeless futility.
C. Illustration
D. Application
VI. Cycle Six
A. Narrative (v. 19)
B. Implication
We wouldn’t make fools of those who place their hope in Christ.
C. Illustration
D. Application
From the Biblical Record
VII. Cycle Seven
A. Narrative (vv. 20-22)
B. Implication
The gospel is consistent with the biblical past.
C. Illustration
Rom. 5:12-21
D. Application
VIII. Cycle Eight
A. Narrative (vv. 23-25)
B. Implication
The gospel is consistent with the biblical future.
C. Illustration
Heb. 11:35-40
D. Application
IX. Cycle Nine
A. Narrative (vv. 26-28)
B. Implication
The gospel is consistent with God’s will and purpose.
C. Illustration
(victory – God’s glory – interrelationship with Godhead)
D. Application
From the Present Reality
X. Cycle Ten
A. Narrative (v. 29)
B. Implication
Present practice is based upon the gospel.
C. Illustration
D. Application
XI. Cycle Eleven
A. Narrative (vv. 30-32)
B. Implication
Present commitment is sure of the gospel.
C. Illustration
Acts 26:1-8
“23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” (2 Corinthians 11:23-29 NIVUS)
D. Application
XII. Cycle Twelve
A. Narrative (vv. 33-34)
B. Implication
Present danger requires the gospel.
C. Illustration
D. Application
Conclusion:
Big Answer:
What are some arguments that support the truth of the gospel?
From the Apostolic Witness
We wouldn’t preach the gospel in vain.
We wouldn’t mislead our own faith or yours.
We wouldn’t lie about the works and truth of God.
We wouldn’t leave you in the condemnation of sin.
We wouldn’t leave previous generations in hopeless futility.
We wouldn’t make fools of those who place their hope in Christ.
From the Biblical Record
The gospel is consistent with the biblical past.
The gospel is consistent with the biblical future.
The gospel is consistent with God’s will and purpose.
From the Present Reality
Present practice is based upon the gospel.
Present commitment is sure of the gospel.
Present danger requires the gospel.
Timeless Truth:
The irrefutable argument of the gospel is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The gospel is a living argument that can never die because Jesus lives.
Have you come to the place of submitting your life to Jesus in death to self so that you might live in eternity with him?
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"” (John 11:25-26 NIVUS)