Sermon Central
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The Order And Motivation Of The Resurrection(I Corinthians 15:20-28) Series
Contributed by Rodney Fry on Nov 18, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: Christ is alive right now. He is coming again and we will be resurrected and changed and will be with him. Our eternal state requires a body and Jesus will give us one like his (1 John 3:1-3).
THE ORDER AND MOTIVATION OF THE RESURRECTION
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Introduction
A. Jesus taught a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous (John 5:28-29).
B. Paul is talking about the resurrection of Christians. There are no promises here for the non-Christian.
I. The Order of the Resurrection.
A. The Christ (vv. 20-22).
1. He is “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20).
2. The term “fallen asleep” refers to the death of a Christian.
3. The Israelites offered the “first fruits” of the harvest to God. The harvest could not be gathered until this offering was made.
4. Death came through Adam. The resurrection comes through Christ (vv. 21-22).
B. The Christians (v. 23).
1. The offering of “first fruits” meant that the harvest would follow.
2. The resurrection of Christians is the harvest.
3. This will take place “when he comes.”
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 gives a good picture of this event.
C. The Conquering (vv. 24-28).
1. I do not understand this enough to explain it in detail.
2. I understand enough to know that Christ has a victory and so do we.
3. Death will be destroyed (v. 26).
II. The Motivation of the Doctrine of the Resurrection (vv. 29-33).
A. It motivates people to salvation (v. 29).
1. This is a very difficult verse, but it does not refer to “proxy baptism.”
2. Two explanations are often offered.
a. The filling of the ranks of those who have died.
b. The acceptance of Christ as the result of the testimony of those who are now dead.
B. It motivates people to service (vv. 30-32).
1. If there is no resurrection, there is no reward in heaven.
2. Why would Paul sacrifice to serve Christ? Why should we?
3. Christ is alive and our promises in him are real. We must serve him.
C. It motivates people to holiness (vv. 33, 34).
1. Be careful about the company you keep (v. 33).
2. If a Christian has good sense, he will stop sinning (v. 34).
3. The doctrine of the resurrection makes the Christian accountable to Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Christ is alive right now. He is coming again and we will be resurrected and changed and will be with him. Our eternal state requires a body and Jesus will give us one like his (1 John 3:1-3).
