Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | 1 Corinthians 15:20–58

Introduction:

· The truck of the shadow?

PAUL WANTS TO SHOW US HOW THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS GUARANTEES OUR RESURRECTION SO THAT WE CAN ANY ADVERSITY WITH UTTER FORTITUDE.

I) The Hope of Resurrection is Ours Through Christ (vv. 20-28)

A. Jesus’ Resurrection Guarantees our Resurrection (vv. 20-23)

i. Jesus is the First-fruits who guarantees our future resurrection

1. CONTEXT: Belief in Jesus’ resurrection, but not OURS! (vv. 12-19)

2. First-fruits: the first crop was dedicated to God trusting more (vs. 20)

3. Jesus’ resurrection on the feast of firstfruits shows more to come!

ii. Jesus is ta better Adam who brings life instead of Death (vv. 21-22)

1. The 1st Adam failed in obedience to God, concerning the tree

2. We have a better Adam who obeyed God concerning the tree

B. Jesus’ Resurrection Guarantees victory over Evil (vv. 23-28)

i. The Order of Last Things

1. The resurrection isn’t just personal, but cosmic first fruits (vv. 24-25)

2. In the end all enemies will be subjected & Jesus is placed under the Father

ii. The Hope of the Last Things

1. Many enemies (big: Putin; genocide, etc. à small: voice in your mind) evils, in this world…but they will be destroyed

2. APPLICATION: The greatest enemy itself will one day be wiped clean

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US? TWO POINTS OF APPLICATION.

II) The Hope of Resurrection Gives us Boldness in the Face of Adversity

A. The Hope of Resurrection Helps us Face Adversity with Strength

i. A brief question: Baptism for the dead? (vs. 29)

1. The practice: Baptizing people who died before they could be baptized

2. The meaning: not endorsement, but pointing out a contradiction

ii. Why face adversity if there is no resurrection? (vv. 30-32a)

1. Paul was willing/prepared to endure all manner of hardship – why?

2. We seek comfort...but what happens if obedience to Jesus threatens this?

iii. But the resurrection empowers costly obedience:

1. “The worst they can do is kill you” -- -- John Piper

2. EXAMPLE: David Livingstone; Franz Jagerstatter; Dietrich Bonhoeffer

iv. The resurrection strengthens the infirm

3. Every moment of pain, suffering, is the inverse of something glorious

4. EXAMPLE: Chronic pain – the doctors can’t help etc.

B. The Hope of Resurrection Helps us Face Life with Purpose (vv. 32b-34)

i. Without the Resurrection, life has no purpose

1. “Eat, drink, for tomorrow we die” is the cry of the secular (vs. 32b)

2. FOMO, YOLO, increases anxiety

ii. The resurrection assures us of eternity

1. There is a future that is far more glorious than we can imagine, so that our deepest longing and joy will be satisfied then – and we need not fear missing out today.

Transition:

Conclusion

· The hope of resurrection communicated at the Lord’s Table