The Resurrection

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

Introduction:

If someone were to ask you about resurrection-

Specifically whether or not you believed that your physical body, after death, would be brought back to life/raised up from the grave,

What would you say?

Could you, with confidence tell that person that you 100% believed your body would be raised back to life?

Think about the nature of this question.

The moment a person dies the decomposition process begins.

The cells begin to wither and bacteria invades.

For a buried body with no coffin, to fully “skeletonize” is about 5 years.

All of which can be slowed down by proper embalming; but not stopped.

At some point there isn’t even a body, only dust left from what decayed.

- Herein lies the hurdle that some struggle with towards the belief that the dead will be resurrected.

Transition:

Today we will think through the text of 1 Corinthians 15:12-26 to help us hear the important theological implications and the impact it can have on what we believe and don’t.

Paul begins by stating:

The Issue!

1 Corinthians 15:12-14 “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”

Transition:

In verses 1-11 of chapter 15

Paul seems to really bring into light the issue that the Corinthian church had been struggling with right off the bat:

Skepticism towards Resurrection.

We read the challenge from Paul:

1 Corinthians 15:12 “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?”

he is challenging them to think it through.

The beginning of the process to gain understanding and knowledge about something.

It begins with the problem they are having trouble with: “If Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead,”

Paul isn’t trying to incite doubt, he is doing the same thing that every human who cares about others would do?

When you care about someone or have empathy towards a problem that someone is dealing with. What do you do?

You typically make an attempt to lead their understanding towards the truth.

Here is the story people at Corinth heard surrounding Jesus:

He died on the cross and was buried; but He isn’t dead anymore because He came back to life and and then was carried up into the clouds.

Transition:

People in Corinth at this time were struggling with the belief of a resurrection for the dead.

Paul specifies their struggle with the doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus.

If there is no resurrection of the dead and Jesus didn’t resurrect either that would cause:

Skepticism towards Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:13 “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.”

Paul actually quenched this skepticism through his statements earlier:

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared also to me.”

How can something that is proclaimed be proven trustworthy?

The law stated how:

It had to be from the testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses for a truth to be valid.

Deuteronomy 17:6 “On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.”

Deuteronomy 19:15 ““A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.”

The validity of Jesus’ resurrection was testified of by all who saw Him alive after the day of His death.

What is the big deal if Jesus hadn’t been raised from the dead?

If He hadn’t been raised then the possibility of any person who had faith in Christ would’t be raised either, since it wasn’t real.

- That would make Jesus a liar.

- It would render scripture: flawed and imperfect.

- Faith would have nothing to hang upon.

Illustration:

Faith is like a hangar:

Without something to hold it up, it’s useless.

Faith has to be attached to something.

Point:

The belief that we hold to concerning Jesus being God, hinges upon whether or not He died, and rose again.

If He didn’t raise up, then He was just a man that was killed and wasn’t God, kinda like Gandhi and Mohammed: Just men!

But since He did raise from the dead; then He could only be God.

Transition:

Another point to ponder about how Christ’s resurrection impacting everything concerning a relationship with God is:

Skepticism towards Validity.

1 Corinthians 15:14 “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”

What Christ tells us is a valid source for learning and growing is vain.

Vain:

Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance.

-Noah Webster.

In Romans 10 we are provided with a clear cut answer to the question: How do I accept the gift of salvation?

Romans 10:9-13 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””

That is perfect! I could never think of explaining it in that way.

Clear.

Concise.

To the point.

How would one know this truth?

Romans 10:14 “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

What is the purpose of a preacher?

-Thanks for asking let me expound on that.

- The preaching and exposition of God’s Word is more than giving people knowledge of God’s Word or moral instruction. The Word of God has always been an active word. It creates or tears down, judges or saves.

In the presenting of God’s word, coupled with the mold able hearts and minds ready to hear: God Moves!

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

1 Thessalonians 1:5 “because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

- All thru scripture God’s purpose was brought about through the speaking of His word.

When the word of the Lord isn’t trustworthy; then our faith is called vain.

1 Corinthians 15:14 “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”

How disheartening to think that our faith is useless and empty.

That is something that could cause a big problem in peoples lives.

Point:

All of these implications concerning those who preach, the words and thoughts conveyed through preaching, and one’s faith.

Would sow the seeds of doubt.

If those seeds were to grow then a new lens to view the world through would be a distortion of the truth.

Because of it we could easily believe lies and be deceived by the world’s philosophies.

We could easily be found agreeing with and excusing sin.

Transition:

If Christ isn’t raised and there is no resurrection of the dead then what else?

How could it possible get worse?

The next 4 verses really lay out:

The Implications!

1 Corinthians 15:15-19 “We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

Paul and the Apostles would be found guilty of misrepresenting God.

I am not sure about you; but if there were a label that I would like to avoid this is it.

The one who has power of your soul after death, you misrepresent to the World.

How could one misrepresent God to the world?

Transition:

By making your statements concerning God:

Useless Testimonies.

1 Corinthians 15:15 “We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.”

The basic, basic version: They would be found as liars.

Illustration:

(The boy who cried wolf story)

When we lie, our words aren’t trusted, and the things that we say even if they are true: no one will hear!

Point:

What kind of impact could one that misrepresents the Lord have against the Lord?

Connection: How many times have we come in contact with someone who had been hurt by religion that will not hear anything about a relationship with God?

Transition:

This is the external impact but there is also an internal impact; that of a:

Useless Faith.

1 Corinthians 15:16-17 “For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”

This is a bold and scary statement:

Our faith is useless and worthless; but worse than that:

We are still in our sins.

Why would we be still in our sins?

1 Peter 1:18-19 “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

Illustration:

I used to work with a guy that would write checks for his bills, even though he didn’t have the money in the bank to cover it.

I asked him why, since it is a crime?

He simply explained to me the time it took the check to arrive at the facility; then the amount of time it took for processing.

He said by that time his paycheck would be in his bank; it would be covered.

If that check was sent through and his payroll deposit hiccuped: he was in big trouble

His check that was written wouldn’t have the funds, then he would be punished.

Connection:

Our sin nature opened a bank account and each and every personal sin deposited wages into that account.

If Christ isn’t raised from the dead: we wrote a bad check and we are still in our sins.

They aren’t paid for, we get punished.

Transition:

Our struggles and difficulties that we have with Satan’s schemes and lies aren’t easy to live with.

Those who are not of a like faith or don’t have a relationship with God see our struggles.

Sometimes worse then those who don’t have faith in Christ since Satan seeks to devour us.

That life that we live day in and day out would be a:

Useless Testimony.

1 Corinthians 15:18-19 “Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

Those of the would would sit at our grave stone and wonder why!

Why did we waste our lives for a fake thing.

Every pastor, Missionary, and Evangelist would be the epitome of those pitied.

Since they sacrificed the things of the world for a life in full time ministry.

like careers in Engineering, Teaching, Trades.

All those industries that could have very capable people to fill roles or start companies.

What do you think towards those who wasted their lives?

Pity.

Point:

We know those we pity; so you understand that point of view.

If Christ wasn’t raised we would be pitied and our testimonies would be a laughing stock.

Transition:

So finally Paul brings the connection to the thought provoking questions:

The Truth!

1 Corinthians 15:20-26 “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

The resurrection did happen! There were eye witnesses, including Paul.

Transition:

For the resurrection to be real there had to be:

The First.

1 Corinthians 15:20 “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

First fruits:

This phrase first fruits is a reference to the first portion of the grain harvest that was to be dedicated to the Lord.

Christ was the first offering for a harvest.

This really is by the word: A revealing of the coming harvest.

His is the first fruits of a resurrection; there will be more who are resurrected at the harvesting.

Those words spoken and written to us should give hope:

We will be raised from the dead, as Christ was, during the harvest.

No one will be missed.

Romans 8:23 “And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”

Our bodies that we have now are decaying and failing more and more every day.

We are promised a redeemed body.

God & Soul Care: The Therapeutic Resources of the Christian Faith The Redemption of the Body

They will no longer be “fleshly,” no more tainted by sin and its effects, and so freed from God’s primordial curse (Gen 3:16–19); they will be “immortal, incorruptible, spiritualized, and glorified

Point:

Just as Christ does over and over: He leaves the example for us to follow.

- Know that you will have a new sinless body free from sin.

Transition:

Who will this effect and why is it necessary and an important part of our hope and faith?

Paul provides:

The History.

1 Corinthians 15:21-23 “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.”

We have the whole story:

how death spread to all mankind and why.

the disobedience of one; brought consequences on all.

How salvation came through one.

Christ’s fleshly ministry was finished in the perfect and forever sacrifice.

The future hope we have.

We will be ridden of this wretched body and given a new one.

Point:

Christ gives a promise here:

Christ first raised and was perfected:

You and I next!

Transition:

How is it possible that one man could pay for all and promise these things and do it?

Because He is:

The Authority.

1 Corinthians 15:24-26 “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all his enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

But wait there’s more?

Following raising up of all who believed in Christ.

The end comes.

What are the things that will happen at this point?

Jesus delivers the kingdom to God the Father

Only after destroying all evils in authority and with power.

Who does this?

Jesus!

When does He get to reign?

Only after He is finished removing the opposition.

There is one who’s grip is stronger:

Death!

How many people do you know of, or have ever heard of, who escaped death?

Come from the grave or negotiated a release?

Illustration:

Did you know there are people who have frozen their heads in hope that one day someone will be able to figure out how to cure death?

My bet is that someone took the money, discarded the body, and lied that they would preserve them until that time comes.

People want to beat death.

Most people who died probably didn’t think they were going to die and would’ve preferred not to.

Point:

The hope that we have, which is awesome:

You and I, or all who call Jesus Lord and believe He is God and forgave their sins

Won’t stay dead.

Will be raised in a perfect body.

Free of illness, decay, and failure.

Thoughtful statement:

Have you ever known someone with a physical, or mental disability?

One they were born with?

What a day that will be to see them in a perfect body, and hopefully talk with them and see them as they were intended to be.

Conclusion:

Satan will utilize emotions, logic, and science for the purpose of bewitching you from trusting that Jesus raised Himself from the dead.

Paul brought up skepticism that the people of Corinth began to believe.

The resurrection wasn’t true.

Jesus Himself.

The validity of scriptures.

Then He re-insures them through the process of teaching.

Their thoughts are coached to evaluate their implications.

The testimonies that would be in-valid.

Peoples Faith that would be pointless and useless

Then worse than that it would be peoples personal testimonies that would be null and void.

Following perfect execution of leading a horse to water Paul gives them truth!

The Facts that can be trusted about

Jesus being the first fruits of resurrection.

The exact timeline for what happened supported by the eyewitness testimonies.

The authority for all to take place and for us to have hope in is held by Jesus.

The resurrection of each and every believer, past, present, and future will take place; just as Jesus promised.

Our faith, our trusting in the word isn’t useless or “vain”.

Jesus is coming and death can’t hold us, we hope for the day we will be re-united with those we love and lost and those that we have enjoyed the fellowship with and have passed away too.

Our hope is secure.

Pray!