The Resurrection of Our Lord—Easter Sunday

 Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

 Other Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9 and Mark 16:1-8
 

  1. Paul refers to Jesus only as “Christ” throughout this section. By doing that, what do you think Paul was trying to communicate or emphasize?
     
  2. Using some words or phrases from this text, explain why Paul says that Christians simply fall “asleep” (v. 20) at death?
     
  3. On the cross Jesus said that his work “is finished” (John 19:30). Why, then, does Paul say that death still needs to be “destroyed” (v. 26)?
     
  4. Scan all 58 verses of 1 Corinthians 15 and the fill in the blank.
    1 Corinthians 15 is the great _______________ chapter of the Bible.
     
  5. Isaiah 25:6-9 (our First Lesson) describes heaven as a banquet that God’s people share. Name one person from the Bible that you look forward to meeting in heaven because of the resurrection of the dead. Name a Christian loved one you are looking forward to seeing again because of the resurrection of the dead.

 

  1. Christ means “Anointed One”. (It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah.) It seems that Paul is stressing the work God the Father appointed him to do. The Father anointed Jesus to be the chosen champion against sin and death so that we might have the victory through him (v. 57).
     
  2. Here’s one way to answer -- Paul says that Christians are “in Christ” (v. 22) and “belong to” him” (v. 23). Therefore, everything that happened to Christ will happen to Christians. Since Christ was made alive on Easter Sunday, so Christians will be made alive, effectively “waking up” from death. In fact, this is so certain, it’s already as if we have one foot in heaven.
     
  3. It’s not as if Christ still has one more battle left. You could compare it to sports. When it’s clear a football team will win, they may “run out the clock” until the game is officially over. The losing team may still compete, but the outcome is clear. In the same way, Jesus’ resurrection makes the outcome clear, but death continues to “compete” until the final buzzer sounds on the Last Day when the resurrection of the dead happens.
     
  4. 1 Corinthians 15 is the great resurrection chapter of the Bible. It outlines that Jesus’ resurrection is an historical fact and the blessed results that means for those who trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
     
  5. Answers will vary based on personal perspective. This is what the Christian faith is all about -- the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting!