Hope Has a Name (2)

Hope Has a Name: Triumph Over Death

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:11-49

Summary: In this passage, Paul systematically defends the reality of the resurrection against skepticism, emphasizing its essential role in Christian faith. He argues that if Christ has not been raised, then Christian preaching and faith are in vain. This section powerfully affirms that through Christ's resurrection, believers can face death with unwavering hope, as it guarantees their own resurrection and eternal life.

Application: This sermon speaks to the fears and doubts surrounding death that many people face. By focusing on the hope of resurrection, believers can find comfort and courage to face life's uncertainties, encouraging them to live with a sense of purpose and urgency as they await Christ's return.

Teaching: The message teaches that the resurrection is not merely a future promise but a present reality that influences how Christians live today. Understanding their victory over death helps believers embrace life with confidence, knowing that they are secure in Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ's resurrection is the pivotal event that fulfills God's plan of salvation. It not only defeats sin and death but also inaugurates the new creation, signifying that believers are now new creations in Christ, living in the hope of ultimate resurrection.

Big Idea: Through Christ’s resurrection, believers are empowered to live with purpose, courage, and hope, transforming their understanding of life and death, and ultimately embracing the calling to share this hope with others.

Recommended Study: For deeper insights as you prepare your sermon, consider utilizing your Logos library to study the historical context of resurrection in first-century Jewish thought versus Greco-Roman beliefs. You might also explore the range of interpretations on resurrection found in patristic literature to see how early church Fathers understood Paul's teachings. This could provide valuable context and depth to your message, enabling you to connect with contemporary questions and doubts about resurrection.

1. Resurrection Reassures Reality

1 Corinthians 15:11–22 “Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. 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. 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…”

You could highlight Paul’s emphasis that the resurrection is central to the Gospel message. By examining how the resurrection validates Christ’s claims and gives hope to believers, draw out the assurance that a living Christ offers victory over death. This suggests that believers can live confidently knowing their faith is not in vain and that their future is secure, encouraging a life of bold witness.

During an Easter service, a man shared how the loss of his mother left him in despair until he found strength in the resurrection. He realized that the promise of eternal life reassured him that death is not the end, but a transition. Through his tears, he expressed how the resurrection of Christ transformed his mourning into hope, giving him a foundation to stand on and trust in God's promises.

2. Purposeful Promise of Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:23–34 “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. 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…”

Perhaps you can explore how Paul describes resurrection order in God’s redemptive plan. Consider stressing that each believer’s resurrection is tied to Christ’s own, reinforcing their hope. The implication is a call to live with purpose now, as future resurrection is assured. Encourage the audience to celebrate standing firm in faith, looking forward to an eternal life guaranteed by Christ’s victory.

In the ancient city of Jerusalem, on a day many have forgotten, the followers of Jesus stood in despair, their hope buried with Him. Three days passed, and then, as dawn broke, the stone rolled away, and life sprang forth from death. This historical moment echoes across generations, reminding us that just as Christ's resurrection transformed despair into hope, so will ours be transformed. Jesus's victory over death assures us of eternal life, igniting our own hope for resurrection.

3. Transformed Through Triumph

1 Corinthians 15:35–49 “But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If…”

Maybe focus on Paul’s imagery of the resurrection body, emphasizing transformation. Explain that as Jesus was raised gloriously, so too will believers experience transformation. Current struggles fade in light of the hope found in being made new. Inspire believers to let this hope transform how they handle trials, viewing them as temporary in light of eternal promise.

I remember visiting a hospice to comfort an elderly woman nearing the end of her journey. As she lay frail, she spoke about her longing for a new body, one free from pain and suffering. With tears in her eyes, she recounted the scripture from 1 Corinthians 15:52, saying, 'In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, the dead will be raised imperishable.' Her words were a powerful testament to her faith, celebrating the transformation that awaited her, even in death.

APPLICATIONS:

If you feel lost in your career path or stressed about professional demands, rather than being consumed by anxiety, remind yourself that hope has a name—Jesus. Each morning before you start work, take a moment to pray specifically for guidance. As you face challenges—like a tough project or difficult coworkers—ask Jesus to help you respond with grace. You could also start a gratitude journal where you note moments of hope and encouragement at work that serve as reminders of His presence and provision. This practice will not only uplift you but can also be a conversation starter about your faith with your colleagues.

If familial relationships are strained and feelings of bitterness linger, remember that hope has a name—Jesus. Set a goal to have a family devotion night where you explore His teachings together. Choose themes focused on forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation found in the Gospels. During these times, share not just scripture but also personal stories of how His hope has worked in your life. This can create an open dialogue about challenges you all face, modeling how to approach conflict with Christ at the center. This simple act of togetherness can spark healing and unity.