The Resurrection

I. Intro: In 2014 there was a TV show called “Resurrection” in which people from a small town who had died as much or more than a generation ago begin reappearing and reintegrating back into their society... or seemingly at least until they accomplish something.

It was a fascinating look at the notion of life after death--what it might be like (none of these characters seem to be aware of the time loss), what it means for a “resurrected” person to suddenly reappear and interact with people whose lives are now disrupted by these occurrences

How does (or should) the reality of resurrection affect our lives and our interactions with those around us?

II. The Resurrection of Christ (vv. 1-11)

A. Context

1. Paul has just finished reprimanding the Corinthian church for thinking their novel, haphazard style of worship was in some way superior to everyone else’s

2. We make the same mistake when we brag about our own methods, or when we bemoan the notion that we’re not doing this or that like some church down the street

3. This leads directly to Paul’s first principle

B. Principle #1: Hold Tight to the Preached Word (vv.1,2)

1. This is not a new message; they’d heard of the resurrection, believed in it, and were saved by it

2. By qualifying his statement, Paul recognized and pointed out that some may have had a shallow, non-saving faith

a. Matt. 7:22,23–”On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

3. Like demons, they may be convinced the gospel is true, but have no love for God, Christ, or righteousness

a. James 2:19–”You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

4. True believers “hold fast” to the gospel (John 8:31–”So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,”)

C. Principle #2: Hold Tight to the Manifested Messiah (vv.3-7)

1. Jesus, Peter, and Paul all spoke of Messiah’s sufferings and referred to OT passages regarding the work of the Christ

a. Jesus in Luke 24:26-27–“‘Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (See Psalm 16:8-11)

b. Peter in Acts 2:25-31 (Pentecost) (see Psalm 22)

c. Paul in Acts 26:22-23–”To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” (See Isaiah 53)

2. Jesus appeared in resurrected form to others over a period of 40 days (Acts 1:3)

a. John and Peter together (John 20:19,20)

b. The Twelve (Luke 24:36, Acts 1:22)

c. The 500 (here only)

d. James–not sure which one: one of the disciples (Mark 3:17,18) or Jesus’ half-brother (Acts 15:13-21)

e. The Apostles (John 20:19,20)

C. Principle #3: Hold Tight to Personal Testimony (vv.8-11)

1. Paul was saved too late to be one of the 12 apostles; Christ had already ascended before his conversion

2. He was saved miraculously when Christ revealed Himself (Acts 9:1-8) and called Paul by divine purpose to be an apostle

3. Paul called himself as “last of all” and “least” (1 Tim. 1:12-17)

4. His ministry was longer and richer than all those named in vv. 5-7; John only lived longer

III. The Resurrection of the Dead (vv.12-34)

A. The Disagreement over Resurrection (vv.12-19)

1. Some Corinthian Christians believed in Jesus’ resurrection, but had trouble accepting and understanding believers’ resurrection

2. Some of this confusion was result of their experiences with pagan philosophies and other religions

a. Dualism--the spiritual and physical were completely separated, and the physical was intrinsically evil–the idea of a resurrected body was repulsive and disgusting

b. Some may have been influenced by Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection, even though it was taught extensively in the OT

c. But Jesus taught extensively on resurrection (John 5:28-29; 6:44; 11:25; 14:19), and it was the theme of Apostolic preaching (Acts 4:1,2)

3. Paul gives seven disastrous consequences if there is no resurrection:

a. Preaching would be senseless (v.14)

b. Faith in Christ would be useless (v.14)

c. All witnesses and preachers of the resurrection would be liars (v.15)

d. Believers’ resurrection is linked with Christ’s; if no one is resurrected, neither was Jesus (v.16)