Embracing Death and Resurrection: Hope for Christians
Summary
In today's exploration of 1 Corinthians 15, we delved into the profound questions surrounding the necessity of death and resurrection for Christians. Paul addresses the skepticism about the resurrection by emphasizing that if there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised, and our faith is futile. He anticipates the "gotcha" questions from skeptics and responds with clarity and depth, illustrating the necessity of both death and resurrection in the Christian journey.
Death, Paul explains, is not a punishment for Christians. Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Instead, death is the final outcome of living in a fallen world, a world still under the curse of sin introduced by Adam. It is a necessary part of our sanctification journey, marking the completion of our transformation into Christ-likeness. Death is also a part of our union with Christ, as we share in His sufferings and ultimately in His resurrection.
The resurrection is essential because it signifies victory over death. Death cannot win, and the resurrection is God's promise of a new creation. Our resurrected bodies will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual, free from the limitations and decay of our current bodies. This transformation is part of God's plan to make us perfect, as He commanded, "Be ye perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Understanding these truths should lead us to a healthy satisfaction with our current bodies, knowing they are temporary and will be redeemed. It also removes the fear of death, as we have the hope of a glorious future with God. This knowledge should inspire us to worship God for His grace and mercy, recognizing that He has prepared an eternal future for us beyond our current comprehension.
Key Takeaways:
1. Death is Not a Punishment for Christians: Death is not a punishment but a necessary part of living in a fallen world. It marks the completion of our sanctification journey, where we are transformed into Christ-likeness. This understanding should bring peace, knowing that death is not the end but a transition to a promised future. [08:47]
2. The Resurrection is Essential for Victory Over Death: The resurrection signifies that death cannot win. It is God's promise of a new creation, where our bodies will be imperishable, glorious, and powerful. This hope should inspire us to live with confidence and anticipation of the life to come. [24:29]
3. Our Resurrected Bodies Will Be Glorious: Our future bodies will be free from the limitations and decay of our current ones. They will be perfectly suited for eternal life with God, allowing us to fulfill His command to be perfect. This promise should encourage us to live faithfully now, knowing what awaits us. [40:56]
4. Union with Christ Includes Sharing in His Death and Resurrection: Our union with Christ means we share in His sufferings and His resurrection. This profound connection assures us of a future with Him, where we will experience the fullness of life as God intended. [21:22]
5. Live with Satisfaction, Without Fear, and in Worship: Understanding the temporary nature of our current bodies and the promise of resurrection should lead to a healthy satisfaction, remove fear of death, and inspire worship. This mindset equips us to abound in the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is not in vain. [44:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:33] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15
- [08:47] - Why is Death Necessary for Christians?
- [13:24] - Misconceptions About Death
- [15:34] - Living in a Fallen World
- [17:43] - Sanctification and Glorification
- [19:23] - The Hope of Resurrection
- [21:22] - Union with Christ in Death
- [23:01] - Complete Hope in Death
- [24:29] - Why is Resurrection Necessary?
- [26:00] - Glorification Requires a Body
- [28:03] - Perfection in Heaven
- [30:03] - God's Intention for Perfection
- [31:16] - New Creation Promise
- [34:27] - Groaning for Renewal
- [36:07] - Union with Christ in Resurrection
- [36:58] - What Will Resurrected Bodies Be Like?
- [40:56] - Imperishable and Glorious Bodies
- [42:29] - Satisfaction with Our Bodies
- [44:59] - Living Without Fear
- [47:22] - Worship and Gratitude
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
- Romans 8:1
- Philippians 3:10-11
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#### Observation Questions
1. What is the main question Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 15 regarding the resurrection? [04:33]
2. How does Paul use the analogy of a seed to explain the necessity of death for new life? [08:47]
3. What are the characteristics of our future resurrected bodies as described in the sermon? [40:56]
4. How does Paul describe the connection between our current sufferings and our future glorification? [21:22]
---
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that death is not a punishment for Christians, and how does Romans 8:1 support this claim? [13:24]
2. How does the concept of union with Christ provide hope and assurance in the face of death? [23:01]
3. What does it mean for the resurrection to signify victory over death, and how does this impact a believer's perspective on life and death? [24:29]
4. How does the promise of a new creation and resurrected bodies influence the way Christians should view their current physical limitations? [31:16]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you feared death. How does the understanding that death is not a punishment but a transition to a promised future change your perspective? [08:47]
2. In what ways can the hope of resurrection inspire you to live with more confidence and anticipation for the life to come? [24:29]
3. How can you cultivate a healthy satisfaction with your current body, knowing it is temporary and will be redeemed? [44:59]
4. Consider your current struggles or sufferings. How can the knowledge of sharing in Christ's sufferings and resurrection provide comfort and strength? [21:22]
5. Identify an area in your life where fear holds you back. How can the assurance of a glorious future with God help you overcome this fear? [45:40]
6. How can you incorporate worship and gratitude into your daily routine, recognizing God's grace and mercy in preparing an eternal future for you? [47:22]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain? [48:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Death as a Transition, Not a Punishment
Death is not a punishment for Christians but a necessary transition in our journey of sanctification. Living in a fallen world means that death is the final outcome of our earthly existence, yet it marks the completion of our transformation into Christ-likeness. Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ, and thus, death should not be feared. Instead, it is a part of our union with Christ, as we share in His sufferings and ultimately in His resurrection. Understanding this truth brings peace, knowing that death is not the end but a transition to a promised future. [08:47]
"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Corinthians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: How does viewing death as a transition rather than a punishment change your perspective on life and your daily actions?
Day 2: Resurrection as the Promise of Victory
The resurrection is essential for Christians because it signifies victory over death. Without the resurrection, our faith would be futile, as Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15. The resurrection is God's promise of a new creation, where our bodies will be imperishable, glorious, and powerful. This hope should inspire us to live with confidence and anticipation of the life to come, knowing that death cannot win. The resurrection assures us of a future where we will be made perfect, as God intended. [24:29]
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can the promise of resurrection inspire you to live with more confidence and hope today?
Day 3: The Glory of Our Resurrected Bodies
Our future resurrected bodies will be free from the limitations and decay of our current ones. They will be perfectly suited for eternal life with God, allowing us to fulfill His command to be perfect. This transformation is part of God's plan to make us perfect, as He commanded, "Be ye perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." Understanding this promise should encourage us to live faithfully now, knowing what awaits us. Our current bodies are temporary, and the hope of a glorious future should lead us to a healthy satisfaction with our present state. [40:56]
"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable." (1 Corinthians 15:42, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of a glorious, imperishable body in the future affect your view of your current physical limitations?
Day 4: Union with Christ in Death and Resurrection
Our union with Christ means we share in His sufferings and His resurrection. This profound connection assures us of a future with Him, where we will experience the fullness of life as God intended. Sharing in Christ's death and resurrection is a part of our spiritual journey, marking our transformation and ultimate glorification. This union is a source of hope and strength, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have a promised future with Christ. [21:22]
"Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." (Romans 6:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace your union with Christ in both His death and resurrection in your daily life?
Day 5: Living with Satisfaction, Without Fear, and in Worship
Understanding the temporary nature of our current bodies and the promise of resurrection should lead to a healthy satisfaction, remove fear of death, and inspire worship. This mindset equips us to abound in the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is not in vain. The hope of a glorious future with God should inspire us to live without fear and with a heart full of worship and gratitude for His grace and mercy. Recognizing that God has prepared an eternal future for us beyond our current comprehension should fill us with joy and purpose. [44:59]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a mindset of satisfaction and worship in your daily life, knowing the promise of resurrection and eternal life with God?
Quotes
1. "Have you ever wondered or wrestled with this question, why is death necessary for a Christian? If we believe in Jesus, if we ask him to save us from our sins, why do we have to go through the portal of death? Why is that? I mean, didn't Jesus come to conquer sin and death? So why is it that a Christian, if they believe in Christ, why do they have to go through this agony of death, and this mourning, this thing that no one really looks forward to, or very few people look forward to?" [00:08:41] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so this is a process, and so while we're seeing God work in our lives, we're obeying. And when we disobey, it really sets us back, and it doesn't affect our justification, because we're saved, but yet it sure affects the relationships we have with God and our spiritual growth, and this is why we repent of our sins, and we need to understand that death is that final part of that. So God wants to conform us and make us more like Christ throughout our lives." [00:18:30] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And one day, my friend, this is what this chapter is talking about. Is that there will be a resurrection. And then we're glorified. And then our sanctification journey is done. Now, it's a beautiful journey that we're on. It shows God's kindness, his patience. We would never know God's patience like we do if we didn't have to go through the sanctification journey." [00:19:29] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Romans chapter 8, verse 28 is helpful here. We know that for those who love God, all things work together for good. Even death can work together for good. For those who are called according to his purpose, those are the followers of Christ. Hebrews chapter 12 talks about the discipline of the Lord. Not the judgment of the Lord, but he disciplines those whom he loves. And so he cares for us. And so he's going to bring circumstances into our lives to help us." [00:20:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And then Philippians chapter 1 is helpful here when Paul says, As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always. And listen to what he says here. He says, You see, this is it right here. Paul says that Christ is going to be honored in my body, either by my life or by my death. You see, it's part of this journey that we're on. And then lastly, Grudem helpfully points out that the Christian death is part of our union with Christ." [00:20:39] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When an unbeliever dies, there is no hope. You see, this is how our union with Christ is. When we're one with Christ, even in death, we can have complete joy. We can have complete hope. We can have complete peace when we die. This is why the Christian does not have to fear death. Do you realize that if you call yourself a Christian here today, you do not have to fear death at all. No, at all." [00:23:21] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "He created us to have flesh, to have a body. This is when Jesus, when he became man, he had to take on flesh. So by the very nature, by God's design that we are, we need a body. Now, there will be a short period of time, and we can get into the weeds of this a little bit, of where we won't, while we're waiting for a glorified body, our souls will be immediately with Christ and we're waiting for the resurrection. There will be this time while we're waiting for that." [00:26:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And there's a lot of ramifications to this that we're going to get to in just a few minutes here. But the point is, is that, you know, one day we are looking forward to glorification when our bodies are restored and renewed. And it's part of the process. It's part of the promise, new creation. And then let me say this, the final point here for this one, is a Christian's resurrection is part of their union with Christ. Just like death is part of union with Christ, so is a resurrection." [00:34:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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