Jesus the Firstfruits @ 4-8-07

1 Corinthians 15

Jesus the Firstfruits   Sun, Mar 4th 2007

Resurrection Sunday 2007

Open Bibles to 1 Cor 15

·        20a - Now – Christ is risen from the dead!

·        Today, that is what we are here to celebrate

·        1975 years ago – today, Jesus rose

On screen – picture of what is likely Jesus Tomb

·        Rich man’s, unfinished tomb, near Cross

·        Great news….it is empty

·        That is what today is about

Jesus rose…probably all know the account

·        Yet still want to just read it as begin today

·        Mark 16:1-14

That is the account – 1975 years ago today…

·        Lets consider this…but asking some practical questions for us today….

I.     Is the Resurrection Important?

1.   Is the resurrection central to who we are?

a.   Can’t you be a Christian and not believe this?

2.   Read v.14-19

a.   Simple, everything in Christianity stands or falls with the resurrection – it is key

b.   Christianity is a resurrection religion

3.   Can understand why the resurrection constantly attacked – for the last 2,000 years

II.  Is the Resurrection True?

1.   Like the order of the proof of the resurrection here

a.   In many ways – it is the right order for proof in life

2.   First it is personal v.1-2 – if saved, saved because

a.    I know Jesus is alive – know Him

b.   This is the place of personal experience - needed

c.    Experience is needed…Yet…is not enough

i)       Sincere, personal needed – but can be wrong

3.   Second – it is scriptural v.1-4

a.   This book, God’s book – guide, manual, Word

b.   Resurrection fulfills scripture – didn’t make it up

c.   Always ought to be our second proof

4.   Thirdly – it is factual v.5-8

a.   If had a trial, and had 500 witness, think win?

b.   Know this – empty tomb – one of greatest evidences

c.    Every year – attacks on resurrection

i)       Understand why – central to all we are

d.   This year – the Jesus osiduary

i)       Totally untrue – proved already

ii)     If true then, Christianity would have failed

e.    What if the disciples stole the body

i)       Right…fishermen, for what?

f.     Lie -that the disciples benefited from this

i)       21st century lie – not a 1st century lie

ii)     Today, are hucksters that cheat people

iii)   Then…they died for their faith, all of them

g.   Without spending more time…simply this

i)       The resurrection is solid – facts support

ii)     If study – you will see…more, many saved by

III.   What does Resurrection mean?

There are three main practical points in 1 Cor 15

1.   The Resurrection is our message 1 Cor 15:1-2

a.   Mark 16:14-16 :

b.   Point….today, fulfill, proclaim – maybe saved

c.   Our message to you, is Jesus is alive

2.   The Resurrection is our expectation 1 Cor 15:12-56

a.   Don’t have time to cover all that is here.

b.   v.20-23 – Jesus is our firstfruits

i)       First of many more to come, made, paved way

ii)     He is the first…but points to more coming

iii)   Looking in the future to His return for fulfillment

c.    v.35-38 – what will that be like?

i)       Silly if you think it will be like now

ii)     The glory of what is coming – far surpassing

iii)   Like looking at a seed & flower

iv)    Radically different…better…alive!

d.   v.42-44 – our body described

i)       Now corruptible…then incorruptible

ii)     Now dishonor…then glory

iii)   Now weakness…then power

iv)    Now natural…then spiritual

3.   The Resurrection should motivate us now- 1 Cor 15:58

a.   This day, is meant to practically, presently motivate

b.   How…well, God actually tells us.

i)       Now to show you this – move quickly

ii)     Go over details, some aware of, some not

c.    Note the term v.20 – firstfruits

i)       More than just an example of Him going first

d.   Some know – this was a Jewish feast, Holy Day

i)       In Bible, God gave Jews 7 feasts, Holy Days

ii)     Each of them foreshadow the work of Christ

e.    This day, Resurrection day – is Feast of Firstfruits

i)       Jesus rose literally on this day, this Holy Day

ii)     In instructions for this day, see how to respond

f.     Lev 23:99-14

i)       Quick background–there are 7 types of offering

A.    Each describing the ways we approach God

B.    Each fulfilled in Christ, reaching out to us

ii)     Four to be a part of this day, specifically

g.   First – wave offering – appropriate for self before God

i)       Wave offering…before God – personal

ii)     Idea is to take hold of this day before God, holding in hand before God – real, involved

h.   Second – Burnt offering – total dedication

i)       This whole offering was consumed on alter

ii)     Is a Biblical picture of being totally His

iii)   This day, is meant to motivate, bring this

iv)    Rom 12:1, 2 Cor 5:14-15

v)      Maybe this is what God is drawing you to

i.      Third – Grain offering – our service to, for Him

i)       Picture of our work, done for Him, serving

ii)     Note – needs oil, type of Spirit

iii)   Today, right to dedicate self to serving Him

j.      Fourth – drink offering, wine offering

i)       Always a picture of Joy in the Bible

ii)     Today, Rez day – is to be joy for us, produce it

iii)   Jesus spoke of it – John 16:22 – a joy that cannot be taken from us

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Conclusion

Today, I wonder – what this day is to you

Yes, is vital – is what Christianity is

Yes is true

But again, also to motivation – work in us, through us

Our message – it is today, proclaim it to you

Our expectation – looking forward to it

Our motivation – today, stirring, producing

·        Taking hold of this day before God, acceptable

·        Offering self in total

·        Seeking to serve Him, in power of Spirit

·        Finding your joy in His resurrection