Embracing the Hope of the Resurrection
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Clough Pike. Today, we delve into one of the most foundational beliefs of the Christian faith: the resurrection. The resurrection is not just a doctrine; it is the cornerstone of our identity as Christians. Without it, the church and our faith would be meaningless. We explored various scriptures, both from the Old and New Testaments, that affirm the resurrection. From Exodus, where God declares Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to Daniel's prophecy of the resurrection of the dead, and Jesus' own words in the Gospel of John, the Bible consistently teaches the resurrection.
We also looked at 1 Thessalonians, which vividly describes the Lord's return and the resurrection of the dead in Christ. The early church, from its inception, has been a community that celebrates the resurrection. This belief has shaped our worship, our songs, and even our burial practices. We are a people who live in the hope of the resurrection, and this hope should be evident in our lives and our communities.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians, particularly 1 Corinthians 15, addresses the doubts and questions about the resurrection. Paul, with his background as both a Pharisee and a Roman citizen, presents a compelling argument for the resurrection. He emphasizes that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. But Christ has indeed been raised, becoming the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. This resurrection is not like the temporary resuscitations we see in the Bible, such as Lazarus, who eventually died again. The resurrection we await is eternal, a transformation into a glorious, spiritual body.
As a church, we have the privilege and responsibility to proclaim this hope to our community and the world. The resurrection is not just a future event; it is a present reality that shapes our lives and our mission. Let us hold fast to this hope and share it with those around us, especially those who may be skeptical or unaware of the resurrection's significance.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith: The resurrection is not merely a doctrine but the very foundation of Christian faith. Without it, our faith and the church would be meaningless. This belief shapes our identity and mission as Christians. [28:26]
2. Biblical Affirmation of the Resurrection: Both the Old and New Testaments consistently teach the resurrection. From God's declaration to Moses in Exodus to Daniel's prophecy and Jesus' words in John, the Bible affirms that all will be resurrected, some to eternal life and others to condemnation. [32:24]
3. The Early Church's Celebration of the Resurrection: The early church, from its inception, celebrated the resurrection through its worship, songs, and even burial practices. This belief has been a constant theme in Christian history, shaping our identity as a people of hope. [35:03]
4. Paul's Argument for the Resurrection: In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul presents a compelling argument for the resurrection, addressing doubts and questions. He emphasizes that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. But Christ's resurrection is the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, assuring us of our future resurrection. [50:18]
5. The Eternal Nature of the Resurrection: The resurrection we await is not a temporary resuscitation but an eternal transformation into a glorious, spiritual body. This hope should shape our lives and mission, compelling us to share it with our community and the world. [59:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:28] - Introduction to the Resurrection
[28:26] - Biblical Foundations of the Resurrection
[29:18] - Jesus' Commentary on Exodus
[30:39] - The Sadducees' Trap
[31:27] - God of the Living
[32:24] - Daniel's Prophecy and Jesus' Words
[33:15] - 1 Thessalonians and the Trumpet Call
[33:57] - Songs of the Resurrection
[35:03] - The Early Church and the Resurrection
[35:52] - Facing East in Burial Practices
[37:26] - Personal Story: Sonia's Burial
[39:12] - Paul's Missionary Journey
[40:46] - Paul's Preaching in Corinth
[42:00] - Problems in the Corinthian Church
[43:11] - Paul's Response to the Corinthians
[47:29] - Paul's Argument for the Resurrection
[50:18] - The Importance of the Resurrection
[51:53] - The Consequences of No Resurrection
[54:58] - The Pitiful State Without Resurrection
[58:09] - Paul's Conclusion: Christ is Risen
[59:15] - The Eternal Nature of the Resurrection
[01:01:40] - Our Mission as People of the Resurrection
[01:02:12] - Invitation and Prayer
[01:03:13] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 - "Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
2. John 5:28-29 - "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, what are the implications if Christ has not been raised from the dead? [50:18]
2. In John 5:28-29, what does Jesus say will happen to those who are in the graves? [32:24]
3. How does 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describe the Lord's return and the resurrection of the dead in Christ? [33:15]
4. What evidence does Paul provide in 1 Corinthians 15 to support the reality of the resurrection? [44:16]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith in 1 Corinthians 15? How does this shape our understanding of the gospel? [50:18]
2. How does the resurrection provide hope and assurance for believers, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17? [33:15]
3. What is the significance of Jesus' commentary on Exodus 3 in relation to the resurrection, as mentioned in the sermon? [31:27]
4. How does the concept of the resurrection challenge or affirm your current understanding of life after death? [32:24]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." How does this impact your daily walk with Christ? [51:53]
2. The sermon mentioned that the early church celebrated the resurrection through worship, songs, and burial practices. How can you incorporate the hope of the resurrection into your daily life and worship? [35:03]
3. Considering the resurrection as a present reality, how can you share this hope with someone who is skeptical or unaware of its significance? [01:01:40]
4. The sermon highlighted the eternal nature of the resurrection, contrasting it with temporary resuscitations like that of Lazarus. How does this eternal perspective influence your view on current struggles and challenges? [59:15]
5. In what ways can you live out the hope of the resurrection in your community, making it evident to those around you? [01:01:40]
6. Reflect on the personal story shared in the sermon about Sonia's burial and the significance of facing east. How does this tradition resonate with your own beliefs about the resurrection? [37:26]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your church to hold fast to the hope of the resurrection, especially during times of doubt or grief? [01:03:47]
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith
The resurrection is not merely a doctrine but the very foundation of Christian faith. Without it, our faith and the church would be meaningless. This belief shapes our identity and mission as Christians. The resurrection is the event that validates everything Jesus taught and did. It is the proof that He is the Son of God and that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for our salvation. Without the resurrection, Christianity would be just another philosophy or moral code, but with it, we have a living hope and a future.
The resurrection also gives us a new identity. We are no longer defined by our past sins or failures but by the new life we have in Christ. This new identity should shape how we live, how we interact with others, and how we approach our mission in the world. We are called to be ambassadors of this hope, sharing the good news of the resurrection with those around us. [28:26]
1 Corinthians 15:17-19 (ESV): "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied."
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection shape your daily life and interactions with others? Can you think of a specific way to share this hope with someone this week?
Day 2: Biblical Affirmation of the Resurrection
Both the Old and New Testaments consistently teach the resurrection. From God's declaration to Moses in Exodus to Daniel's prophecy and Jesus' words in John, the Bible affirms that all will be resurrected, some to eternal life and others to condemnation. This consistent message throughout Scripture underscores the importance of the resurrection in God's plan for humanity. It is not a new concept introduced in the New Testament but a fulfillment of what was promised long ago.
Understanding the biblical foundation of the resurrection helps us to see the continuity of God's plan and His faithfulness to His promises. It also gives us confidence that what we believe is rooted in the entirety of God's revealed Word. This should encourage us to study the Scriptures more deeply and to see how the resurrection is woven throughout the biblical narrative. [32:24]
Daniel 12:2 (ESV): "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
Reflection: How does knowing that the resurrection is a consistent theme throughout the Bible strengthen your faith? Can you find a specific passage in the Old Testament that points to the resurrection and meditate on it this week?
Day 3: The Early Church's Celebration of the Resurrection
The early church, from its inception, celebrated the resurrection through its worship, songs, and even burial practices. This belief has been a constant theme in Christian history, shaping our identity as a people of hope. The resurrection was not just a future hope for the early Christians but a present reality that influenced every aspect of their lives. They lived in the light of the resurrection, knowing that death had been defeated and that they had eternal life in Christ.
This celebration of the resurrection should continue to shape our worship and our lives today. We should be a people marked by hope, joy, and a confident expectation of the future. Our worship services, our songs, and even our funerals should reflect this hope. As we gather together as a church, let us remember and celebrate the resurrection, allowing it to shape our identity and our mission. [35:03]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the celebration of the resurrection into your daily worship and life? Is there a specific way you can remind yourself and others of this hope regularly?
Day 4: Paul's Argument for the Resurrection
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul presents a compelling argument for the resurrection, addressing doubts and questions. He emphasizes that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. But Christ's resurrection is the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, assuring us of our future resurrection. Paul's background as both a Pharisee and a Roman citizen gave him a unique perspective and authority to address these issues, and his arguments are still relevant and powerful today.
Paul's argument for the resurrection is not just theological but deeply practical. It addresses the core of our faith and our hope. If Christ has been raised, then everything changes. We have a living hope, a future resurrection, and a reason to live differently now. This should give us confidence in our faith and motivate us to share this hope with others. [50:18]
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."
Reflection: How does Paul's argument for the resurrection strengthen your faith? Can you think of a specific doubt or question you have about the resurrection and seek to address it through prayer and study this week?
Day 5: The Eternal Nature of the Resurrection
The resurrection we await is not a temporary resuscitation but an eternal transformation into a glorious, spiritual body. This hope should shape our lives and mission, compelling us to share it with our community and the world. The resurrection is not just about life after death but about a new kind of life that begins now and continues into eternity. It is a transformation that affects every part of our being, making us more like Christ and preparing us for eternal life with Him.
This eternal perspective should influence how we live our lives today. It should give us hope in the face of suffering, courage in the face of challenges, and a sense of purpose in our mission. We are called to live in the light of the resurrection, allowing it to shape our values, our priorities, and our actions. Let us hold fast to this hope and share it with those around us, especially those who may be skeptical or unaware of the resurrection's significance. [59:15]
Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Reflection: How does the eternal nature of the resurrection influence your daily decisions and actions? Can you identify one specific area of your life where you need to live more in the light of the resurrection and make a change this week?
Quotes
1. "We are looking at what is probably, no doubt, one of the foundational beliefs of the Christian church. You do away with the resurrection. We just did away with the church, who we are and what we are about. And we will be in a moment in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 in your Bible and looking at probably is what is considered one of the greatest passages in the entire New Testament on the subject of the resurrection." [27:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are the people of the resurrection. Clough Pike Baptist Church is made up of people of the resurrection. You go back and look through the history of the Christian church through the centuries, it just stands out from the very beginning. The song, the singing of the early church all the way till today. The genre, no matter what kind of music you like. The Christian church, a song of the resurrection." [35:03] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "People should not come to this church or any other church. That in a course of a few weeks in the preaching and in the praying and in the singing, hear this one great theme of the Christian church. The resurrection. We are the people of the resurrection." [35:52] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are the people of the resurrection. We believe the Lord is coming again and believers are resurrected. Even in our funerals. We are telling the world we are the people of the resurrection. Not so much sometimes in the funeral service in our churches or in the funeral home. But at the graveside." [38:20] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If your faith as a believer does not contain. Does not have the resurrection. Brothers and sisters your faith is in vain. It is empty. And then Paul goes on. Remember he is the lawyer presenting his case. And yes we are found false witnesses of God. Why? Because we have testified. We have sworn. That God. And notice in your Bible. That he is capitalized. It is God that raised him from the dead." [51:26] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If there is no resurrection. We are still in our sins brothers and sisters. What are we going to do about it? What do we do this morning if there is no resurrection? What is our future? What is our hope? What would sensible people do? You probably might feel like the people felt when Jonathan Edwards preached that famous sermon. Sinners are in the hands of an angry God. What is my eternity going to be like if there is no resurrection?" [52:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If in this life we only have hope in Christ. We are of all men the most pitiful. Or most to be pitied. Or most to be felt sorry for. If all there is to Christianity. Is this life. Coming to church on Sunday. Reading the Bible. Singing our songs. But at death it ends there. How pitiful we are." [54:58] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "But now Christ. Is risen from the dead. And has become what? The first fruits. Of those who have fallen asleep. That is important folks. The resurrection. Of Jesus Christ. Our resurrection as believers. Is never to be compared. To the miracles. Of the resurrection. In the Old and New Testament." [58:40] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We are the people. Of the resurrection. This church has the wonderful privilege. Of announcing to this community. But not just this community. But most parts of the world. We are the people of the resurrection. Let us tell you about it. Jesus Christ died on the cross. For our sins. According to the scripture. He was resurrected on the third day. According to the scriptures." [01:01:40] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "There is more to life than life. There is the future. And Jesus Christ has made it possible. For us not to be the first fruit. But be one of the multitude of fruits. Of people who have that resurrection." [01:03:13] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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