Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 15:12–22, 50–57 (ESV) — > Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 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. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 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. 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.
> ...
> I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
> “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
> “O death, where is your victory?
> O death, where is your sting?”
> The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV) — > Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
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.
Observation Questions
- According to 1 Corinthians 15, what does Paul say is at stake if Christ has not been raised from the dead?
- In Nehemiah 8:10, what does Nehemiah tell the people to do, and what reason does he give for not grieving?
- The sermon described Lee’s life as marked by humor, love, and faith, even during his battle with cancer. What specific examples were given of how Lee brought joy to others? [[23:12]]
- How does 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 describe the difference between Christian grief and the grief of those “who have no hope”?
Interpretation Questions
- The sermon says, “The resurrection of Jesus is not just a doctrine to be believed, but a living hope that changes how we face death.” How does the certainty of resurrection transform the way Christians experience grief? [[14:45]]
- Nehemiah says, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” According to the sermon, what is the difference between our own happiness and the joy that comes from God? [[30:24]]
- The pastor mentioned that grief is normal and necessary, but it is “transformed by the hope of resurrection.” In what ways does hope in Christ change the way we process loss? [[34:22]]
- The sermon paints a picture of heaven as a place of celebration and reunion. How does this vision of heaven affect the way we live and love now? [[35:10]]
Application Questions
- The sermon said, “Because of Jesus, we can face our grief honestly, knowing that our sorrow is real, but it is not without hope.” When you have experienced loss, have you felt pressure to hide your grief? How might the hope of resurrection help you grieve more honestly? [[14:45]]
- Lee’s life was described as joyful and full of humor, even in hard times. Is there someone in your life who brings joy to others in the midst of difficulty? How can you encourage or thank them this week? [[23:12]]
- The pastor shared that “the joy that sustains us is not merely our own happiness, but God’s delight in saving and shepherding his people.” When you are struggling, what helps you remember God’s joy over you? Are there specific practices or reminders that strengthen you? [[30:24]]
- The sermon said, “We do not grieve as those who have no hope.” Is there a loss you are still grieving? How can you bring that pain to God, trusting that he understands and will one day turn your mourning into joy? [[34:22]]
- The vision of heaven was described as a place of celebration, laughter, and reunion. How does this picture of heaven shape your perspective on death and the future? Does it change the way you approach relationships or priorities now? [[35:10]]
- The pastor said, “Lee’s story is not over, and neither is ours. The day is coming when Christ will return, and all who belong to him will be raised to new life.” How does knowing your story continues in God’s faithfulness give you hope for today? [[37:36]]
- The sermon encouraged us to stand on the “solid rock of God’s faithfulness, comforted by his peace and strengthened by his joy.” What is one practical way you can seek God’s peace and joy this week, especially if you are facing sorrow or uncertainty? [[38:16]]
