Hope and Purpose in the Promise of Resurrection
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truths found in 1 Corinthians 15, focusing on the hope and assurance of the resurrection and the second coming of Jesus Christ. This chapter, often referred to as Paul's Resurrection Discourse, addresses the doubts of the Corinthians regarding bodily resurrection and eternal life. Paul passionately argues that the resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event but a transformative reality that secures our future. He assures us that if we have placed our faith in Jesus, our future is secure, and heaven is our home. This assurance should not only comfort us but also motivate us to live purposefully today.
We delved into the mystery of what happens when Jesus returns, especially for those who are still alive. Paul provides clarity, explaining that in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be changed, and the perishable will put on the imperishable. This transformation is a glimpse into the future glory that awaits us, a future where death is swallowed up in victory. The resurrection of Jesus has fixed our future, and because of this, our present can be filled with hope and purpose.
We also discussed the importance of living with an eternal perspective. The certainty of Jesus' return should instill an urgency in our lives to share the good news and live out our faith boldly. We are called to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. This hope is not just for the future but is meant to transform how we live today.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Assurance of Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us of our own future resurrection and eternal life. This truth should fill us with hope and confidence, knowing that our future is secure in Him. Our faith in Jesus guarantees that heaven is our home, and nothing can separate us from His love. [36:18]
2. Transformation at Christ's Return: When Jesus returns, those who are alive will be transformed in an instant. This transformation is a promise of the imperishable life that awaits us, where death is defeated, and we are clothed in immortality. This hope should encourage us to live with an eternal perspective. [37:54]
3. Living with Purpose: The certainty of Jesus' return should inspire us to live purposefully and share the gospel with urgency. We are called to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. [38:54]
4. Heaven's Reality: Heaven is a glorious, sinless, and perfect place where believers who have gone before us are with the Lord. This reality should comfort us in our grief and motivate us to live with the hope of being reunited with our loved ones in Christ. [01:00:46]
5. Urgency in Evangelism: We are entrusted with the mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ and pack heaven with as many souls as possible. This mission requires us to be bold in our faith and intentional in our relationships, ensuring that others have the opportunity to know Jesus. [01:09:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:42] - Introduction and Greetings
[31:41] - Celebrating Community and Service
[34:54] - Diving into 1 Corinthians 15
[36:18] - Assurance of Resurrection
[37:54] - Transformation at Christ's Return
[38:54] - Living with Purpose
[40:09] - Illustration: Back to the Future
[42:22] - Fixed Future, Better Present
[43:22] - Beauty in Our Future
[45:10] - The Importance of "Therefore"
[49:11] - Jesus is Coming Back
[54:37] - What Happens When Jesus Returns
[58:08] - Expectations of Heaven
[01:09:22] - Urgency in Evangelism
[01:12:20] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God"? How does this relate to the concept of the perishable and imperishable? [37:43]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "twinkling of an eye" in the context of Christ's return? [37:54]
3. How does Paul describe the transformation that will occur at the return of Jesus? What imagery does he use to convey this change? [38:06]
4. What is the role of the word "therefore" in 1 Corinthians 15:58, and why is it considered significant in the sermon? [44:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of resurrection and eternal life impact a believer's perspective on death and the afterlife? [36:18]
2. In what ways does the promise of transformation at Christ's return provide hope and motivation for believers today? [38:06]
3. How does living with an eternal perspective influence the way believers approach their daily lives and relationships? [38:54]
4. What does it mean to be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord," and how can this be practically applied in a believer's life? [38:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when the assurance of resurrection brought you comfort. How can you share this hope with someone who is struggling with fear or doubt about the future? [36:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of evangelism. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [01:09:22]
3. Consider the concept of transformation at Christ's return. How does this promise encourage you to live with an eternal perspective in your current circumstances? [37:54]
4. What are some practical ways you can be "steadfast and immovable" in your faith, especially when facing challenges or opposition? [38:54]
5. The sermon mentions the reality of heaven as a place of joy and perfection. How does this vision of heaven influence your attitude towards earthly struggles and losses? [01:00:46]
6. How can you cultivate a sense of urgency in your spiritual life, ensuring that you are actively participating in the work of the Lord? [38:54]
7. Reflect on the idea that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. How does this truth motivate you to serve in your church or community? [38:54]
Devotional
Day 1: The Assurance of Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing believers with the assurance of their own future resurrection and eternal life. This assurance is not merely a comforting thought but a transformative truth that should fill us with hope and confidence. By placing our faith in Jesus, we are guaranteed that heaven is our home, and nothing can separate us from His love. This certainty should influence how we live our lives today, encouraging us to live with purpose and joy, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [36:18]
1 Thessalonians 4:14-16 (ESV): "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 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."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your future resurrection influence your daily decisions and interactions with others today?
Day 2: Transformation at Christ's Return
When Jesus returns, those who are alive will experience a miraculous transformation. In an instant, the perishable will put on the imperishable, and we will be clothed in immortality. This promise of transformation is a glimpse into the future glory that awaits us, where death is defeated, and we are united with Christ in eternal life. This hope should encourage us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters and aligning our lives with God's purposes. [37:54]
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what ways can you begin to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters in light of Christ's promised return?
Day 3: Living with Purpose
The certainty of Jesus' return should inspire us to live purposefully and share the gospel with urgency. We are called to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. This call to action is not just about future rewards but about living a life that reflects God's love and truth today. By living with purpose, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and fulfill the mission God has entrusted to us. [38:54]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to live more purposefully, aligning your actions with God's mission for your life?
Day 4: Heaven's Reality
Heaven is a glorious, sinless, and perfect place where believers who have gone before us are with the Lord. This reality should comfort us in our grief and motivate us to live with the hope of being reunited with our loved ones in Christ. The promise of heaven is not just a distant dream but a present reality that shapes our lives today. By focusing on the eternal, we can find peace and strength to navigate the challenges of this world, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. [01:00:46]
Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Reflection: How does the reality of heaven influence your perspective on life's challenges and your relationships with others?
Day 5: Urgency in Evangelism
We are entrusted with the mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ and pack heaven with as many souls as possible. This mission requires us to be bold in our faith and intentional in our relationships, ensuring that others have the opportunity to know Jesus. The urgency of evangelism is not just about numbers but about sharing the transformative love of Christ with those around us. By living out our faith boldly, we can be a light in the darkness and bring hope to a world in need. [01:09:22]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus? How can you intentionally share your faith with them this week?
Quotes
1) "If you have put your trust and faith in Jesus, you are on your way to heaven. If you've put your trust in Jesus, you're going to heaven. That your future is secure. That you don't have to worry about what's on the other side of this life. Isn't that good news this morning? That if I've put my trust and faith in Jesus, heaven is my home. And I love John 10 where Jesus says, neither shall anyone pluck them out of my hands. Translation, Jesus has said to us, if you've put your trust and faith in him and he has saved you, he's never going to change his mind about that decision to put you in heaven. Ain't that good news today?" [36:18] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "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. Good morning. 1 Corinthians chapter 15, verses 50 through 58. I've read from the greatest book ever written. I bear witness to you this day that all of its words are true. Amen? Amen. He says in the passage, when the last trumpet sounds, he is giving us a preview of coming attractions." [38:42] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Paul is celebrating this truth that when Jesus died and was buried and got up from the cross that this part of your timeline called the future got fixed. The lesson ends up being this. That because my future is fixed my right now has to get better. It's not Doc Brown today but it's Doc Paul. And instead of taking the DeLorean to the past Paul has taken this DeLorean into our future and in so doing he's given us a glimpse as to what Jesus has done for my tomorrow that ought to give me better perspective for my today." [42:22] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The certainty of his coming should result in an urgency in your living you shouldn't be satisfied that your business is fixed while your neighbors business is not here's the operative term get busy for the Lord and tell people about the good news of Jesus get involved in the church don't be ashamed of your faith and let people know that you have a hope on the inside of you you ought to have purpose okay can I say something real hard it was awkward for the first two services and I didn't care then so I don't care now so can I say it okay Jesus says your mission is to get heaven as packed as you possibly can before he comes." [09:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "When Jesus comes Jesus is bringing heaven with him so when he comes back he's coming back with real estate can I get a Zillow witness but when Jesus comes he's bringing back beachfront property in Jesus name Ricky give me some Bible I heard him say in the Lord's Prayer thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven meaning when God's ultimate final destination for believers for all eternity is a renewed heaven that is right here on earth this is the plan of all mighty God he's coming and when he comes he'll bring heaven with him so when he comes he'll not only resurrect us he will renew earth." [58:08] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "When Jesus comes death will be dead oh grave where is thy victory oh death where is thy sting this is something that you're never going to go to again in heaven a funeral we're never going to say goodbye in heaven will be no more sadness there will be no more pain cause death the worst part of sin will finally be dead and there will be with Jesus forever and ever and ever amen so how do we live for this today as we close let's talk about some applications for today in other words our future is so awesome how does that translate into our present today." [05:27] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Don't feel sorry for anyone who has died in Christ 1st Thessalonians 4 says that we do not grieve as those who have no hope you can be rest assured that if you have a loved one who's in heaven now baby girl what they're experiencing right now far surpasses anything you could have possibly imagined and you get to feel sad but you don't get to feel sorry amen in fact Philippians says for me to live is Christ for me to die is gain meaning this if we have saved loved ones that have gone on before us let me tell you something they won and you still losing but technically that is the truth." [06:05] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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