The Resurrection of the Believer pt 1

“There is nothing that lends itself more readily toward the development of a heresy than to begin with the part and not the whole.”-unknown

In this chapter, we will come across a peculiar reference to “baptism for the dead”. This reference will illustrate perfectly what happens when you “build a treehouse on the tips of the branches”, and why context is so important to understanding scripture.

In today’s message I hope to demonstrate the urgency of Paul’s message, the absurdity of a doctrine that excludes the resurrection, and the call of God to get joyfully serious about our life in Christ!

(prayer)

Assertion

For the sake of the Corinthian’s spiritual well-being, Paul asserts the reality and importance of the Resurrection of Jesus.

READ 1 Cor 15:12-23.

Paul is asserting the fact of Jesus’ resurrection

Resurrection was promised (foretold) v1-4

Resurrection was witnessed v5-11

Resurrection was necessary v12-19

for atonement

for validation of Jesus’ Kingdom message

Now Paul answers or anticipates the argument that Jesus didn’t actually rise from the dead with an overview of what is yet to come.

1 Corinthians 15:24–28 “24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

27 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. 28 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.”

Parallel:

(Rev 20:1-6) Millenium

(Rev 20:7-10) Defeat of Satan

(Rev 20:11-15) Great White Throne Judgement

Paul’s main point: Jesus rose from the dead and so will we!

Jesus does this to deliver the Kingdom to His Father

Jesus destroys the Enemy

Delivers the Kingdom to God

rule

citizenry

the last enemy to be destroyed is DEATH

(Rev 21:1-7) Proclamation of Completion

Argument: There is no resurrection

Perhaps: weary, disillusion, 2nd gen doubt

Reductio ad absurdum

1 Corinthians 15:29 “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?”

Paul pokes at their practice of baptism for the dead (substitutionary)

mention of this practice is indicative not imperative

not approved, commended or explained

What is the point if there is no resurrection?

If there is no resurrection, then “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die!” (V32)

Rebuke

Don’t be deceived (v33) (Last days warning)

Bad company corrupts good morals (spiritual battle on moral battleground)

wake up, get sober, do what is right, stop sinning (v34)

People need to know the Lord, do your job!