sf299 - The Doctrine Of The Resurrection - Part Three (1 Corinthians 15 35-58)

1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Introduction

Without the resurrection Christianity would be no more than wishful thinking.

Without the resurrection, salvation could not have been provided, and without belief in the resurrection salvation cannot be received. (Romans 10:9)

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved

The problem was not the belief in Christ's resurrection but confusion about their own resurrection.

Paul answers their concerns by presenting a comprehensive view of the resurrection.

Ø The evidence of Christ’s resurrection (15:1-11)

Ø The importance of bodily resurrection (15:12-19)

Ø The consequences of Christ’s resurrection (15:20-28)

Ø Challenges to the resurrection of the saints (15:29-34

Ø Our resurrection bodies (15:35-49)

Ø Victory over death (15:50-58)

1A. Our Resurrection Bodies (15:35-49)

Key question - Verse 35

1B. An illustration of resurrection (15:36-38)

Dying (15:36)

John 12:24-25 "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25"He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Transformation (15:37)

Ø The seed becomes a plant.

Ø We will be changed.

Continuity (15:38)

Ø The seed does not change into a different plant.

Ø We will be recognizable.

2B. The form of resurrection bodies (15:39-42a)

Resurrection bodies will differ from earthly bodies just as radically as heavenly bodies differ from earthly.

God is a God of infinite variety (15:39)

Paul sets before us a contrast (15:40)

Paul sets before us a comparison (15:41)

Paul sets before us a conclusion (15:42)

3B. The contrasts of resurrection (15:42b-44)

The corruption verses incorruption (15:42b)

Ø Pertains to durability

Corruption (phthora); of the body at burial dissolution, decomposition, decay

1 Peter 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Corinthians 15:54

Dishonor verses glory (15:43a)

Ø Pertains to value and potential.

Dishonor (atimia); dishonor, disgrace, shame

Glory (doxa); a state characterized by honor, power, and remarkable appearance glory, splendor

Weakness verse power (15:43b)

Ø Pertains to ability

Weakness (astheneia); a state of incapacity weakness, impotence;

Power (dunamis); as capacity for something ability, capability

Natural verses spiritual (15:44)

Ø Pertains to the sphere or realm of existence.

Natural (psuchikos); as being a characteristic of the earthly body physical, natural

Spiritual (pneumatikos); predominately as distinguishing what belongs to the supernatural world from what belongs to the natural world

4B. The prototype of resurrection (15:45-49)

By Adam, we receive our physical bodies.

By Christ, we receive our spiritual bodies.

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

2A. Victory over Death (15:50-58)

1B. The great transformation (15:50-53)

It is necessary (15:50)

It will be instantaneous (15:51-52)

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

It will be permanent (15:53)

2B. The great triumph (15:54-56)

Death is devoured not simply defeated (15:54)

Death is devoured because Christ has taken the sting from death and nullified the power of sin. (15:55-56; Hosea 13:14)

1 John 2:12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.

3B. The great thanksgiving (15:57)

Revelation 20:14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

4B. The great exhortation (15:58)

Steadfast (hedraios); being seated, settled.

Immovable (ametakinetos); same as steadfast but more intense.

"Our work for the Lord, if it is truly for Him and done in His power, cannot fail to accomplish what He wants accomplished." John MacArthur.