Sermon Summary
This week, Pastor Chris brought our Healthy Church series to a close with a powerful word on the impact of Christ’s resurrection on our daily lives. In the Corinthian church, a sect of people called the Epicureans did not believe in the afterlife, leading to lifestyles of gluttony and self-gratification. Are you living like them, as if God is not in control and as if this world is your home? The resurrection of Christ means that we will be raised with him, and this truth gives us everlasting vision, peace, and hope.
1 Corinthians 15:12 (ESV)
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1 Corinthians 15:13–19 (ESV)
13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 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. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
| If no resurrection… | If a resurrection… | |
| Regarding Christ (:13, 16) … | Easter story is a lie. | Easter story is the truth. |
| Regarding gospel preaching (:14) … | It is useless. | It is essential. |
| Regarding gospel preachers (:15) … | They are liars. | They carry the words of life. |
| Regarding living believers (:14, 17, 19) … | Trust in God is empty and hopeless. | Forgiven and most honored of people. |
| Regarding departed believers (:18) … | They are forever dead and will never rise again. | They are alive forever and will rise again. |
| Regarding present life (:32) … | Live it up because you are going to die. | Invest this short life into the Kingdom for you will reap the fruit forever. |
Revelation 1:17–18 (ESV)
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (ESV)
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
The Believer’s Resurrection Body
1. Imperishable
So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. (1 Corinthians 15:42)
2. Glorious & Radiant
It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. (1 Corinthians 15:43)
3. Powerful & Energetic
It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. (1 Corinthians 15:43)
Not only the Creator but the Creation, too will be an object of wonder to the redeemed. It will challenge their intellects, fire their imaginations, and stimulate their industry. The scenario is a thrilling one: brilliant minds in powerful bodies in a transformed universe.” Donald Macleod
4. Fully Responsive to the Holy Spirit
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:44)
1 Corinthians 15:24-28 (ESV)
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.
Because Christ Rose…
• We have certainty that our sins are forgiven.
• He lives and represents us before God.
• He defeated death and we will be raised with Him.
• His promise to us and his authority to make that promise is secure.
1 Corinthians 15:29–34 (ESV)
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? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 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.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 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.
Discussion Questions
- How is the resurrection central to the good news of the Gospel?
- How did Pastor Chris describe present Heaven? What will occur after Jesus returns for the second time?
- Do you believe that Christ was raised from the dead? Do you live your daily life in light of this truth? What does this look like practically?
- What does it mean to live under the sovereignty of God? Are there any areas of your life that you haven’t given the Lord full control?
- Look at 1 Corinthians 15:33. Is there any bad company in your life contaminating your life and walk with Christ?
Application Questions
- Look at your answers to discussion question #3 and #4. Determine any areas you may not be living in light of the Christ’s resurrection or under God’s sovereignty (examples: living for this world in a specific way, giving in to fear or anxiety, allowing your circumstance or feelings about them to dictate reality).
a. Pray the 4’R’s this week through the area: Repent of your sin specifically, Receive God’s forgiveness for that sin, Rebuke the enemy and the specific scheme, lie, or spirit he’s been using against you, and Replace that spirit or lie with the truth that is aligned with Christ’s resurrection.