THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY
I CORINTHIANS 15
INTRODUCTION: “If a man dies will he live again?” Job asked that question. So did the Corinthians. Why is this even addressed? Let’s review. To sum up Paul’s words: Fix your focus. Forgo your feuding. Face your foolishness. Forsake your filthiness. Figure out your freedom. Function as a family. Here he says Factor in your future. We live in light of eternity. We are but strangers and pilgrims here so “don’t make yourself at home!”
Paul directs them back to the fundamental truths of the scriptures. He starts with the gospel (ch.1) and he ends with the gospel (ch.15). The primary focus of the church is the gospel. That’s our mission, message and mandate. What is the gospel? See 15:1-3. He’s calling them back. But what if Christ died, was buried, but not raised? Then we have no hope! A dead saviour?
But Paul is doing something else. Many were being swayed by predominant philosophies of that day.
1. Stocis: The soul merged into deity at death. There’s no personal existence after death.
2. Epicureans: Denied the immortality of the soul. No existence beyond death.
3. Platonists: Believed in the immortality of soul but no bodily resurrection.
Paul is dealing with heresy! Chapter 15 is one of the most important and crucial chapters in the Bible. Let me build this sermon on six simple words.
I. Foundation (v.1-11)
With regards to the resurrection note:
A. The Centrality (1-4): Paul preached and shared what he had received from God. He recounted – Christ died, was buried (aorist tense = a point of action), raised (perfect indictive passive = done by another. Continues to be true). This is the heart of the gospel. He’s alive!
B. The Confirmation (5-11): Look at the evidence – empty tomb, empowered church, exact words and eyewitness accounts. There’s not a lawyer in the land that wouldn’t like to have these many evidences. Look at the audience. For 40 days, from the resurrection to the ascension, he appeared repeatedly (11 times). Paul listed Peter, the twelve, 500, James (skeptic), apostles, apostle (Paul).
II. Contemplation (v.12-19)
Note all Paul’s “ifs”. It has meaning for us.
A. The Contention (12-13): Some were contending there was no resurrection. They had not stopped to consider the implications and ramifications. Without the resurrection death is triumphant and evil is victorious.
B. The Consequences (14-19): “If Christ be not raised” our preaching and faith is in vain (v.14). Worthless. A lie. Jesus is said to have done something He didn’t do. Would men die for a lie (v.15)? He’s still in the grave (v.16). We are lost (v.17). We will perish (v.18). We are to be pitied (v.19). Without Him we have no future!
III. The Declaration (v.20-28)
“But” (v.20) no doubt He was alive. Paul was persuaded. He had met Him! (Acts 9:1-5).
A. He’s The First Fruit (v.20): Verb – perfect = was, is, and continues. A guarantee. The last of spring or early summer people would gather heads of ripened grain. It would be offered as a sacrifice of thanks. It was the promise of the general harvest to come. Christ is out of the tomb first. In due time all will be His (believers).
B. He’s The Second Adam (21-23): 1st Adam = paradise lost. 2nd Adam = paradise regained.
C. He’s The Last Standing (24-28): What began in Gen. 3:15 climaxes in Rev. 20:14-15. It may look like wickedness is winning and rebellion is ruling but just wait. When He stands every knee is bowing and confessing Him as Lord!
IV. Consideration (v.29-34)
“Why?” He appeals to reason. He shows how the resurrection is to be expressed in conduct.
A. Why Be Baptized?: This is a problematic verse. There are over 30 interpretations. Baptism = symbolic of death, burial and resurrection. Baptism has no meaning without the resurrection.
B. Why Be A Servant?: Why put yourself in danger? It would be foolish.
V. The Illustration (v.35-49)
“How?” seems to anticipate their question. How do you express the inexpressible, describe the indescribable? Paul creates a personal debater to argue his point. He shows signs of exasperation. He uses two illustrations.
A. Biology (36-39): A seed dies and germinates. It transitions to a higher form of life. It’s similar but not the same.
B. Astrology (40-41): Variety but not the same.
In v.42-49 Paul turns to the resurrection body itself. Note how he words this. The 1st Adam = physical body. The 2nd Adam = spiritual body. We will be fitted and suited for the kingdom. He stressed the what, not how or when. That’s left up to God.
VI. The Transformation (v.50-58)
A. The Theological (51-57): “Therefore” = a connecting word. Go back and look at 1:9.
CONCLUSION: The road into the cemetery is not one way. What is taken in will one day come out!
