August 11, 2024

REPEATING HISTORY: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GOSPEL

August 11, 2024

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

We have focused for the past several Sundays on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. He began in Chapter 1 by chastising them for the immorality they had allowed to creep into the church—and thus into the lives of the believers. He left that subject to begin telling them in Chapter 11 how to live the Christian life to the glory of God. Today, as we study Chapter 15, we find one of the most crucial chapters as Paul expounds on the foundational doctrine of Christianity: the resurrection. Without the resurrection of Jesus, Christians would be bereft of hope for eternity. However, the Bible—which cannot lie—says (verse 20) “But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

 

Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians 15.

 

The gift of the resurrection:

  • Read 1 Cor. 15:1-2. When the Corinthians who made a commitment of faith had done so, what was the condition that applied? Otherwise, were they really saved? What are instances of someone “believing in vain”?
  • Read vv. 3-8. What is contained in these verses? Approximately how many people saw Jesus in bodily form—which they could not deny was Him physically alive?
  • What was James’ relationship to Jesus? Wouldn’t he have known his half-brother? Would he have gone on to become the leader at the Jerusalem church had he not seen Jesus and been persuaded he knew who He was?
  • Read vv. 9-11. Why does Paul point out that he was so unworthy of salvation? What hope does that give those who have lived “on the ragged edge”? Is anyone exempt from turning to the Lord and being saved, if they believe and turn from their sins?

Brings us the hope we seek:

  • Read 1 Cor. 15:12-18. As you follow Paul’s argument here concerning the resurrection, can someone put it into our words (or a modern translation)? How could you not believe almost six hundred people who saw Him?
  • What significance would it be that the “grave clothes” of fine linen were left, folded, rather than taken with the (assumed) stolen body? Would any thieves do that?
  • Read vv. 19-20. Why must this have to be a solid belief that we will die for? Do you ever consider that this world is getting more and more antagonistic to Christianity?

The future we need:

  • Read 1 Cor. 15:21. Who brought death into the world? What was his downfall? If Jesus had not come into the world, would we have any hope for eternity? Why not?
  • Read Hebrews 2:17 and Eph. 1:3-6. What do we have from Jesus Christ that we did not earn? Is that why Paul said he was so unworthy? Why does God give salvation?

Be careful how you live:

  • Read vv. 33-34. What are five areas Paul warns us of in these verses? How can we easily be deceived? Why does he admonish us about our friends? How do we awake to righteousness? What are the steps to sin (Jas. 1:14-15)? How can we avoid them?
  • How do we continue to gain knowledge? Why does Paul say it is shameful to have no knowledge? What is he referring to?

For eternity is real:

  • Read vv. 42-45. How do we know eternity is real? Read John 14:2-4. What does Jesus promise in this passage? Can we believe Him?
  • Read vs. 49. God made a universal law that what is planted will grow and bear fruit. Why can this be applied to mankind? How do we grow?

The victory is ours:

  • Read vv. 51-58. What is the promise in verse 54?
  • Read 1 Cor. 10:31 and 1 Pet. 4:11. How are we to live?

ACTION POINTS:

  • Believe: What will it take for you to be saved? Is there any other way?
  • Grow: Read Col. 2:6-7. Take steps to see that you grow.
  • Reflect: Every day, remember that you reflect Jesus Christ, in every action.

Close:

What a wonderful, amazing gift we have that we have been born at a time when we have the complete Word of God. We can memorize it, use it as an instruction manual, be corrected by it, trained by it, read the deep things of God, know Him as a Father who loves us (and much more). What would it be like to be in a country where the Bible is not common? If you had to rely on the verses that you have memorized, would you be able to live for the glory of the Lord? Would you be able to lead others to Him? Do you ever spend time thinking about heaven, wondering what it will be like, who we’ll see? These years on earth are a preparation for eternity, not a time period to see who can accumulate the most stuff. We are doing a great disservice to our children and grandchildren if we do not teach them that this is just a temporary abode, and we should be using our time to pick up other travelers who can go to heaven with us. Are we doing that?

 

By Sandy Day

August 11, 2024

 

 

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