Embracing the Reality of Resurrection: Faith and Hope
Summary
In today's exploration of 1 Corinthians 15, we delved into the profound implications of denying the future bodily resurrection. This passage is not just a theological exercise but a vital truth that shapes our entire Christian faith and hope. The concept of the "curb cut effect" was introduced to illustrate how certain beliefs or actions can have unintended consequences, both positive and negative. In the context of the Corinthians, their denial of a future resurrection had significant negative unintended consequences that Paul sought to address.
Paul's argument is structured around three main ramifications: theological, eschatological, and practical. Theologically, if there is no resurrection, then Christ Himself has not been raised, which undermines the very foundation of our faith. Without Christ's resurrection, our faith is futile, and we remain in our sins, misrepresenting God. Eschatologically, denying the resurrection means that those who have died in Christ have perished without hope, and we have nothing to look forward to. Practically, it leaves us with no story to tell the nations, makes our religious activities pointless, and renders our sacrifices poor investments.
Paul concludes with three commands: choose your influencers wisely, wake up and adjust your beliefs, and stop sinning by denying the resurrection. These commands urge us to be vigilant about who influences our beliefs, to be willing to adjust our understanding in light of Scripture, and to live in the reality of the resurrection. The resurrection is not just a future hope but a present reality that should shape our lives, giving us confidence and peace in the face of life's uncertainties.
Key Takeaways:
1. Theological Ramifications: Denying the resurrection undermines the core of Christian faith. If Christ is not raised, our faith is in vain, and we remain in our sins. This belief misrepresents God and strips away the hope of eternal life, highlighting the importance of understanding and affirming the resurrection as central to our faith. [11:13]
2. Eschatological Ramifications: Without the resurrection, those who have died in Christ have perished, and we have no future hope. The resurrection assures us that Christ will triumph over every enemy, including death, providing us with a confident expectation of eternal life and the restoration of all things. [21:42]
3. Practical Ramifications: Denying the resurrection leaves us with no story to tell the nations and makes our religious activities pointless. Our sacrifices and self-denial become poor investments if there is no future hope. The resurrection gives meaning and purpose to our lives and actions. [34:10]
4. Influence and Belief: We must choose our influencers wisely and be willing to adjust our beliefs in light of Scripture. The company we keep and the voices we listen to shape our understanding and practice of faith. A biblical worldview should guide our evaluation of all influences. [44:09]
5. Living in Resurrection Reality: We must avoid practical denial of the resurrection by living as if this life is our only hope. Our lives should reflect the reality of a triumphant Christ who is coming back. This belief should fuel our peace, joy, and purpose, even amidst life's challenges. [47:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:47] - Preaching Approach
- [05:46] - The Curb Cut Effect
- [09:31] - Unintended Consequences
- [11:13] - Theological Ramifications
- [15:37] - Firstfruits of Resurrection
- [17:54] - Misrepresenting God
- [20:16] - Accountability for Sin
- [21:42] - Eschatological Ramifications
- [24:12] - Adam and Christ
- [25:27] - Hope in Christ
- [26:19] - Christ's Return
- [27:54] - End of the Story
- [29:54] - Triumph Over Enemies
- [34:10] - Practical Ramifications
- [37:55] - Baptism for the Dead
- [40:30] - Pointless Religious Activity
- [41:52] - Poor Investments
- [44:09] - Choose Influencers Wisely
- [45:24] - Wake Up and Adjust Beliefs
- [47:25] - Practical Denial of Resurrection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 15:12-34
Observation Questions:
1. What are the three main ramifications Paul discusses if there is no resurrection, according to the sermon? [09:31]
2. How does the "curb cut effect" relate to the Corinthians' denial of the resurrection? [05:46]
3. What does Paul mean by calling Christ the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep? [15:37]
4. How does Paul describe the consequences of denying the resurrection for those who have died in Christ? [21:42]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the theological ramifications of denying the resurrection, and how does this affect our understanding of faith? [11:13]
2. How do the eschatological ramifications of denying the resurrection impact our view of life after death and the hope we have in Christ? [21:42]
3. In what ways do the practical ramifications of denying the resurrection challenge the purpose and meaning of our religious activities? [34:10]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should respond to influences that lead us away from the truth of the resurrection? [44:09]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the theological ramifications discussed in the sermon. How does affirming the resurrection shape your personal faith and understanding of salvation? [11:13]
2. Considering the eschatological ramifications, how does the hope of resurrection influence your perspective on current life challenges and future expectations? [21:42]
3. The sermon mentions the importance of choosing influencers wisely. Who are the key influencers in your life, and how do they align with a biblical worldview? [44:09]
4. How can you live in the reality of the resurrection, ensuring that your daily actions and decisions reflect the hope and victory in Christ? [47:25]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be practically denying the resurrection. What steps can you take to align this area with the truth of Christ's victory over death? [47:25]
6. How can you share the story of the resurrection with others, ensuring that your testimony is rooted in the hope and truth of Christ's triumph? [34:10]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to adjust beliefs as necessary. Are there any beliefs or practices you need to reevaluate in light of Scripture? [45:24]
Devotional
Sure, here is the 5-day devotional based on the provided sermon summary:
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Day 1: The Resurrection as the Foundation of Faith
The denial of the resurrection undermines the very core of Christian faith. If Christ has not been raised, then the entire structure of belief collapses, leaving faith futile and believers still in their sins. This misrepresentation of God strips away the hope of eternal life, emphasizing the necessity of understanding and affirming the resurrection as central to faith. The resurrection is not merely a doctrinal point but the cornerstone of Christian hope and assurance. It is the event that validates Jesus' divinity and the truth of His teachings, providing believers with the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life. [11:13]
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: Consider how the resurrection of Christ impacts your daily faith. How does it shape your understanding of forgiveness and eternal life?
Day 2: Hope Beyond Death
Without the resurrection, those who have died in Christ have perished, and there is no future hope. The resurrection assures believers that Christ will triumph over every enemy, including death, providing a confident expectation of eternal life and the restoration of all things. This eschatological hope is not just about the future but also transforms how believers live in the present, offering a perspective that transcends the temporal struggles and sorrows of life. It is a promise that death is not the end, but a passage to a fuller life with God. [21:42]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."
Reflection: How does the promise of resurrection and eternal life influence your perspective on loss and grief today?
Day 3: Purpose in Our Actions
Denying the resurrection leaves believers with no story to tell the nations and renders religious activities pointless. Without the hope of resurrection, sacrifices and self-denial become poor investments. The resurrection gives meaning and purpose to life and actions, motivating believers to live out their faith with conviction and passion. It is the driving force behind evangelism and mission, as it provides the ultimate hope and message to share with the world. The resurrection empowers believers to live with purpose, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain. [34:10]
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to live out the purpose and hope of the resurrection in your community?
Day 4: Choosing Influences Wisely
Believers must choose their influencers wisely and be willing to adjust their beliefs in light of Scripture. The company one keeps and the voices one listens to shape understanding and practice of faith. A biblical worldview should guide the evaluation of all influences, ensuring that beliefs are rooted in truth and not swayed by cultural or societal pressures. This requires discernment and a commitment to align one's life with the teachings of Scripture, allowing it to be the ultimate authority in shaping beliefs and actions. [44:09]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Reflect on the influences in your life. Are there any voices or relationships that you need to reevaluate in light of Scripture?
Day 5: Living in the Reality of Resurrection
Believers must avoid the practical denial of the resurrection by living as if this life is their only hope. Lives should reflect the reality of a triumphant Christ who is coming back. This belief should fuel peace, joy, and purpose, even amidst life's challenges. The resurrection is not just a future hope but a present reality that transforms how believers live, offering a perspective that is rooted in the victory of Christ over sin and death. It calls believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters in light of eternity. [47:25]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: In what ways can you live today with the reality of the resurrection in mind, prioritizing eternal values over temporary concerns?
Quotes
1. "The curb cut effect is something that sociologists kind of came up with several years back. It's about this. It means when there's positive unintended consequences to something. So if something was made for a small group of people, a certain group of people to help them, but then they find out that it actually helps the larger group. So it gets its name from when they started cutting those ramps into the curbs. Okay, you remember back in the day when none of the curbs had those? It was all a curb, and then you'd stumble off of it or whatever. But then now every curb, you know, there's a ramp. And so they did that for people in wheelchairs and accessibility. But what they found is that it actually, it actually helped moms and dads with strollers and bicycles. And they found it actually helps a large, a much bigger group of people than they even intended in helping." ([00:05:58] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "What Paul is articulating in this text, he's saying you don't understand the ramifications of that belief. You don't understand the negative. You don't understand the negative unintended consequences that are going to come from that belief system. And so what he does now is he just unpacks it over and over and over again in this chapter here. And there's many people today that deny any sort of life after death. And so it's very relevant to us today. And so we are in a minority of people in the sense of by groups who believe that there is something to look forward to." ([00:10:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "Well, it matters more than we know, and this is Paul's point. And so what I'm going to do is, in trying to make this as summarized as possible, I'm breaking down Paul's ramifications into three main categories. So I'm going to talk about how Paul says that if you deny that there's a physical bodily resurrection, there's going to be significant theological ramifications. There's going to be significant theological ramifications. There's going to be significant eschatological ramifications, meaning the last times. And then there's going to be many, many practical ramifications as well." ([00:11:13] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "There are so many that goes through. The first is he says that in verse 13, if you look, he says, if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ is raised. And he brings this point up again in verse 16. He says, for if the dead are not raised, not even Christ is raised. And so Paul's point is, is that if there is no bodily resurrection, if there is nothing that is going to, that we have to look forward to, that there is no such thing as a resurrection, then Christ didn't rise from the dead. And so Christ is still dead and he is and he did not emerge from that tomb and leave that tomb empty." ([00:13:16] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "The first fruits is a harvesting term in terms of like that first fruit of the season, which then shows that there's many more fruits that you can expect to come. So you plant your garden, you know, we got the garden out in the back, or you have a garden in your backyard, and that first tomato you see, right, that little tomato or something, you're excited about it. You're not excited necessarily because of that one little tomato, because it's not going to be very helpful to you in that moment, but it's symbolic of what is to come. Right? Okay, yeah, more is coming, and better is coming, and that's good, right?" ([00:14:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "So Paul is tracing this argument and saying, do you deny that future? Do you deny that future resurrection? Then Jesus isn't resurrected. And if Jesus isn't resurrected, your faith is in vain. We have nothing to believe in. So the hope, when we're trying to tell people about Christ, right, if Christ is dead, and he didn't rise from the dead, we have nothing to offer. So in our faith, what we're believing in is absolutely worthless. And all the things that we're believing in and that we're singing about today, it's absolutely worthless if Christ is dead." ([00:17:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "We have to be students of the word. This is why we tell you, anyone who comes up here and says, they say, open your Bibles too. Because we want you to be in the word. We want you to be studying the word and seeing the word for yourself. So there's some theological ramifications for denying the future resurrection. But not just theological, there's also eschatological ramifications of denying the future resurrection. Now this is things that are dealing with last times. That's what eschatology means, the study of last times or last things." ([00:21:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "The reality of it is that their future, the logical conclusion of their belief system puts the people who they loved, who had died in Christ, at great peril. That's not reality, but that's where their belief system takes them to its logical conclusion. That's what Paul is talking about there. There's a second eschatological ramification, and that is we really have nothing to look forward to." ([00:23:06] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "And he is ruling over all now. But it seems we live in this world where it does not feel like or appear like that God has triumphed, that Jesus has triumphed over every enemy. But the reality is he has and he will. And that's what we look forward to. That's what our hope is. That's where we don't have to wring our hands and worry in our lives. This is the reason why Christians, of all people, should be the most confident in the most humble sense of the word. Of just understanding what God is doing. Understanding we can trust him." ([00:29:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "So these would be poor sacrifices. All right, let me conclude here. So what do we do here? Okay, so what's our response? Paul brings this section to a close by giving three commands right at the end. He says this, you know, he says, do not be deceived, verse 33. Bad company ruins good morals. Wake up from your drunkard's stupor is right." ([00:42:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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