Jesus Christ, Our Resurrected Lord
Jeremy Bell
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
April 6, 2021
Sermon Video/Audio
1 Corinthians 15:12–20
[12] Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? [13] But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. [14] And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. [15] We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. [16] For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. [17] And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. [18] Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. [19] If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
[20] But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (ESV)
I. If Christ Has Not Been Resurrected
- The Apostles Were Lying (verses 14-15)
- Our Faith in Christ is Futile (verses 4,17)
- The Guilt of Our Sin Remains (verse 17)
“God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
- Those Who Die in Faith are Without Hope (verse 18)
- Those With Faith in Christ are the Most Pitiable Fools (verse 19)
II. Since Christ Has Been Resurrected
- The Apostolic Word is True
- Our Faith in Christ is Essential
- The Guilt of Our Sin is Gone
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believe in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26
- Those Who Die in Faith Have Eternal Hope
- Those With Faith in Christ are Wise
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliott
“We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 1:23-24
Questions For Discussion/Application (Care Groups):
- Re-read the text, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
- What encourages you the most about this passage?
- Take a closer look at verses 14-19. If Christ has not been raised, if the resurrection didn’t actually happen, what are the necessary implications?
- Since Christ has indeed been raised, what are the necessary implications?
- In verse 20, the Apostle Paul says, “[20] But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (ESV)” What does it mean that Christ is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep?”
- In what ways does Jesus’ resurrection give us as believers HOPE?
- Sermon Recommendation: CJ Mahaney preaching on 1 Corinthians 15:17.
- Helpful Resource: New City Catechism Question 50 – What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us?
- Consider taking time to pray, thanking God for dying and rising for our sakes.
Questions For Discussion/Application (parents with younger children):
- Re-read the text, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20.
- Explain: As Christians our faith is rooted in the historical reality and fact that Jesus died and He rose again from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection proves that He was who He said he was and is–the Son of God and Savior of the World. If Christ didn’t truly rise from the dead, then our faith is not true. But He has been raised. Because we know Christ has been raised, we have full confidence that our faith is real and that all the promises of God about forgiveness of sins and eternal life are true! One truth that is particularly encouraging is that Paul says Christ, in rising from the dead was the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” This helps us to see that Jesus’ resurrection guarantees our resurrection. Because He rose from the dead, we know that all who have died and will die who place their faith in Him will also rise from the dead to eternal life.
- Show Video: The Gospel Project for Kids – on the Resurrection.
- Ask: How does Jesus’ resurrection encourage you?
- Coloring Sheet can be found here.
- Song: New City Catechism Q.24- What Does Christ’s Resurrection Mean for Us?
- Pray: Thank Jesus for dying on the Cross, in our place for our sins and rising again from the dead!