The Promises of the Risen Christ

Welcome

Call to Worship

English Standard Version Psalm 16

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;

I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,

in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;

their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out

or take their names on my lips.

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;

you hold my lot.

6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;

in the night also my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the LORD always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

my flesh also dwells secure.

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Prayer.

Stand for Worship.

Introduction

Who: The Apostle Paul (also known as Saul).

When: c. AD 53-55 (about 1,970 years ago).

Where: Written in Ephesus to the Christians in the city of Corinth.

“A lake without a boat” (Glen).

God Promised to Raise Christ

1 Corinthians 15:12–19 ESV

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. 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.

Without a Risen Christ...

Our faith is worthless.

Without a Risen Christ...

Our faith is worthless.

We are dead in our sins.

Without a Risen Christ...

Our faith is worthless.

We are dead in our sins.

We are hopeless.

With a Risen Christ...

Our faith is WORTHY.

We have NEW LIFE in the Spirit.

We are HOPEFUL about the future.

God Promises to Raise Believers

1 Corinthians 15:20–28 ESV

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. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

Word Study Discussion.

Order of Operations:

Before Christ = Sin and Death ruled over all.

Order of Operations:

Before Christ = Sin and Death ruled over all.

After Death = Believers receive new life in Christ.

Order of Operations:

Before Christ = Sin and Death ruled over all.

After Death = Believers receive new life in Christ.

In the End, Death is No More.

Order of Operations:

Before Christ = Sin and Death ruled over all.

After Death = Believers receive new life in Christ.

In the End, Death is No More.

All Things are Subjected to Jesus Christ.

God Promises Eternal Life to the Faithful

1 Corinthians 15:29–34 ESV

Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

Corinthian Heresy.

The Cost of Discipleship:

We will endure numerous dangers in this life.

The Cost of Discipleship:

We will endure numerous dangers in this life.

We must refuse to live as before.

The Cost of Discipleship:

We will endure numerous dangers in this life.

We must refuse to live as before.

We should live each day with hopeful expectation of Christ’s return.

Conclusion

Closing Prayer.

Stand for Worship.

God Bless You as You “Go.”