Living Boldly in the Light of Resurrection
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into 1 Corinthians 15, a chapter often heralded as the "gospel chapter" for its comprehensive and expressive distillation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This chapter is pivotal because it underscores the resurrection of Jesus and its implications for believers. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative truth that changes our present and future. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. However, because Christ has been raised, we have hope beyond this life.
We explored the courage that comes from understanding the resurrection. This courage was exemplified by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who faced death with the assurance that because Jesus rose, he too would rise. This same courage is what Paul insists we should have, enabling us to complete the assignments God has given us. The resurrection changes our perspective on life and death, empowering us to live boldly for Christ.
Paul's message to the Corinthians was a call to wake up from their spiritual stupor and stop wasting their lives. He warned against the dangers of living as if there is no hope beyond this life, which leads to frivolous and sinful behavior. Instead, he urged them to live in the light of the resurrection, which gives purpose and direction to our lives.
We were encouraged to identify the assignments God has given us and to pursue them with the assurance that because Jesus completed His assignment, we can complete ours. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith and the source of our courage. It calls us to live lives that reflect the transformative power of the gospel.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Resurrection as the Foundation of Our Faith: The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but the cornerstone of our faith. Without it, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. The resurrection assures us of our future hope and transforms our present lives. [28:55]
2. Courage to Complete Our Assignments: Understanding the resurrection gives us the courage to complete the assignments God has given us. Just as Dietrich Bonhoeffer faced death with the assurance of resurrection, we too can face our challenges with the same courage. [37:51]
3. Wake Up from Spiritual Stupor: Paul’s call to the Corinthians to wake up from their spiritual stupor is a call to us as well. We must stop wasting our lives and live with the urgency and purpose that comes from understanding the resurrection. [43:23]
4. Living in Light of Eternity: The resurrection changes our perspective on life and death. When we understand that we have a future hope, it changes how we live our lives now. We are called to live with purpose, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. [48:15]
5. Avoiding Frivolous and Sinful Behavior: Without the hope of the resurrection, we are left to fill the void with frivolous and sinful behavior. Paul warns against this and urges us to live in the light of the resurrection, which gives us true purpose and direction. [54:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:56] - Personal Anecdote and Humor
[26:33] - Encouragement to Get Involved
[27:04] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15
[28:18] - The Gospel Chapter
[28:55] - The Focal Point of the Gospel
[29:35] - Implications of the Resurrection
[31:11] - Reading 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
[34:38] - Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Courage
[37:51] - Completing Our Assignments
[39:21] - Identifying Our Assignments
[42:02] - Call to Courage
[43:23] - Wake Up from Spiritual Stupor
[46:47] - The Corinthians' Misunderstanding
[48:15] - The Importance of Resurrection
[54:47] - Avoiding Frivolous Behavior
[57:51] - Encouragement to Live Boldly
[01:05:15] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 15:12-34
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul say about the importance of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19? How does he describe the consequences if Christ has not been raised?
2. How does Paul use the analogy of "firstfruits" in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 to explain the resurrection of believers?
3. What does Paul mean when he says, "Wake up from your drunken stupor" in 1 Corinthians 15:34? What behavior is he addressing? [33:59]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins? How does this underscore the importance of the resurrection for believers? [31:45]
2. How does the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer illustrate the courage that comes from believing in the resurrection? What can we learn from his example? [36:01]
3. What does Paul mean when he says, "Bad company ruins good morals" in 1 Corinthians 15:33? How does this relate to the overall message of the chapter? [54:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Paul calls us to "wake up from our spiritual stupor" and live with purpose. What are some areas in your life where you feel spiritually asleep? How can you begin to wake up and live more intentionally? [43:23]
2. The resurrection gives us courage to complete our assignments from God. What specific assignment do you feel God has given you? How can the assurance of the resurrection give you the courage to pursue it? [37:51]
3. Paul warns against living as if there is no hope beyond this life, which leads to frivolous and sinful behavior. Are there any behaviors or habits in your life that reflect a lack of eternal perspective? How can you change them? [54:47]
4. The resurrection changes our perspective on life and death. How does understanding that you have a future hope in Christ change the way you live your daily life? Can you think of a specific situation where this perspective has made a difference? [48:15]
5. Paul encourages us to live boldly for Christ. What is one bold step you can take this week to live out your faith more courageously? How can your small group support you in this? [57:51]
6. Reflecting on the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, what is one area in your life where you need to demonstrate more courage? How can the example of Bonhoeffer inspire you to take action? [36:01]
7. Paul talks about the importance of not just talking about our faith but being about it. What is one practical way you can move from talking about your faith to actively living it out this week? [59:17]
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Our Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but the very foundation upon which our faith is built. Without the resurrection, our faith would be meaningless, and we would still be trapped in our sins. The resurrection assures us of our future hope and transforms our present lives. It is the ultimate proof of Jesus' victory over death and sin, giving us the confidence that we too will share in this victory. This transformative truth changes how we live, providing us with hope and purpose that extends beyond this life. The resurrection is the bedrock of our faith, and it calls us to live in the light of this powerful truth. [28:55]
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 assurance of the resurrection change the way you approach your daily challenges and struggles? Can you identify one area of your life where you need to live more boldly in the light of this truth?
Day 2: Courage to Complete Our Assignments
Understanding the resurrection gives us the courage to complete the assignments God has given us. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who faced death with the assurance of resurrection, exemplified this courage. He knew that because Jesus rose, he too would rise, and this gave him the strength to face his challenges with unwavering faith. Similarly, we are called to face our own challenges with the same courage, knowing that the resurrection assures us of our ultimate victory. This courage enables us to fulfill the tasks God has set before us, no matter how daunting they may seem. [37:51]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: What specific assignment or challenge has God placed before you that requires courage? How can the assurance of the resurrection empower you to face this challenge with confidence and faith?
Day 3: Wake Up from Spiritual Stupor
Paul’s call to the Corinthians to wake up from their spiritual stupor is a call to us as well. Living as if there is no hope beyond this life leads to frivolous and sinful behavior. Paul urges us to live with the urgency and purpose that comes from understanding the resurrection. This means being vigilant and intentional in our spiritual lives, not wasting the precious time we have been given. We are called to wake up, recognize the significance of the resurrection, and live in a way that reflects this transformative truth. [43:23]
Ephesians 5:14-16 (ESV): "For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been spiritually asleep or complacent? What steps can you take today to wake up and live with greater purpose and urgency in light of the resurrection?
Day 4: Living in Light of Eternity
The resurrection changes our perspective on life and death. When we understand that we have a future hope, it changes how we live our lives now. We are called to live with purpose, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. This eternal perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters and avoid getting caught up in the temporary and trivial. Living in light of eternity means making choices that reflect our hope in the resurrection and our commitment to God's kingdom. [48:15]
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: How does the hope of eternity influence your daily decisions and priorities? What is one practical change you can make to live more intentionally in light of your eternal hope?
Day 5: Avoiding Frivolous and Sinful Behavior
Without the hope of the resurrection, we are left to fill the void with frivolous and sinful behavior. Paul warns against this and urges us to live in the light of the resurrection, which gives us true purpose and direction. Understanding the resurrection helps us see the futility of living for temporary pleasures and motivates us to pursue a life that honors God. This means making conscious choices to avoid behaviors that distract us from our true purpose and instead focus on what is eternally significant. [54:47]
1 Peter 4:2-3 (ESV): "So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry."
Reflection: Are there any frivolous or sinful behaviors in your life that you need to let go of? How can you replace these behaviors with actions that reflect your hope in the resurrection and your commitment to God's will?
Quotes
1. "It is where line after line, verse after verse, the Apostle Paul is bringing to bear the truths of why we come here on Sundays and why we dare to have hope in what seems to be a hopeless world. This good news that on a cross called Calvary, Jesus took our place on a cross. And he died for us and he was buried. And the preachers never stopped there. I hope you understand that the goal, focal point of the gospel is that early Sunday morning, Jesus arose from the grave." [28:18] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It means then for you and for me who've put our faith in Christ, and I hope you get this in your spirit today, that when I die, I'm gonna get back up. And I don't know what you brought in this morning, but perhaps the perspective of your future can bring renewed perspective of your present. It is this. I hope you get it in your spirit. Can't nothing in this world get me down for long. I need old saints praise today. Amen, somebody?" [29:35] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When I close my eyes for the last time and open them up again, I got news for you. I got a retirement package that your 401K cannot beat. And this is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And it seems to me that then the impetus of the text is to get that to change how we pursue what God has placed to accomplish for his fame in our lives." [30:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think more than anything else as Paul details, and he's going on and on and on about the resurrection and the implications thereof, right? That's what all he's talking about, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And they believe that there was no such thing as resurrection of Christ's followers. And so he's detailing that and dictating God's truth in the midst of that. But I think he's doing all of this ultimately to bring you and I to this place of courage to accomplish those assignments that we have in our phone." [42:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ did not die and get up again for you to be average. I wish I had more credibility so I could scream it like I think he's screaming. Wake up. So what's the warning? Here it is. There's a way that you can be in church and the church not be in you. All us pastors were praying over the passage this week. Pastor Gigi, she's our new women's pastor. She said, you know, I think what's happening here is that God is warning us that there's a way that Jesus Christ can be your savior, but still not be your Lord." [45:05] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Quit playing mix and match with the gospel. That's the thrust of the text. Stop that. Stop remixing the gospel to fit your contemporary sensibility. Because the gospel is this. It is the death, and the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the resurrection of all who believe. And you don't get to play God. Because let me tell you something. You make a terrible substitute. And you don't get to mix and match and take out the parts that you are uncomfortable with. Because once you take something out of the gospel, Paul is insisting that is no longer the gospel." [51:45] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "For every assignment that you wrote down today, you are going to get that done. Bubba, by God, I just came to tell you, I believe in you. Jesus believes in you. Every last one of you is a world changer. Every last one of you, you are somebody. You got this. You are going to reach that lost family member. You're going to get involved in church. You're going to rail against injustice. Every last one of you, you know how? Somebody said, preacher, how do you know? Because there are saints that have called Southwest Church home for 50 years who have been praying for revival. That's how I know." [59:17] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Don't talk about it. Be about it. already do that, didn't you? Hey, talk is cheap. Can you imagine how loved we'd feel by God if all he would have ever done was talk about it? I love y'all so much. Y'all are in sin. Every last one of you. Going to hell. But I love you so much. No, Jesus didn't talk about it. For God so loved the world that he did something. Don't just talk about it. Be about it." [01:00:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Half obedience is still Ricky, that doesn't sound fair with God. Eh, how'd you treat your children? Well, they only got it half done. Did you just give them a round of applause? I don't think you did. I think you said, it's still not done. Dan Green on our staff was talking about how, when he would play football. And they would dress out in full pads, but they would still kind of be half gone at practice. And some kids would get hurt, and the coach would blow the whistle. And he'd say, if you have full pads, but still go half speed, you could still get hurt." [01:03:38] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So Jesus says, just do one of these things that you wrote on your list and go at a full speed. And Jesus says, I got you. died, and I got up again. So even if my silence on your life, if it's the end of you, Jesus says, that's good news. the truth be told, for most of us, it's not even a risk. It's just being obedient to what Christ has called us to do. So dear brothers, humbly, I charge you get after it. charge you to trust God. I charge you. Whatever he's telling you to do, just do let the resurrection become famous through your witness in the earth." [01:05:15] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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