1. In 1 Corinthians 15 the apostle Paul wrote at length about "the resurrection." 2. He revealed why he did so in vs.12 -- some in Corinth said that there is no resurrection. 3. The resurrection is one of the key doctrines in Christianity, and it is essential for us to know the truth about it. 4. We are studying a series of lessons from this chapter to help us know what God wants us to know about the resurrection.
Discussion:
I. (vs.1-4) PAUL BEGAN HIS DISCUSSION BY DECLARING THE GOSPEL HE HAD PREACHED IN CORINTH
A. We learn from Acts 18 that Paul had taken the Gospel to Corinth. 1. According to vs.4-5, he presented evidence from the Scriptures, proving that Jesus is Christ. 2. Consequently, many people in Corinth believed and were baptized (vs.8b). 3. In dealing with the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, it was necessary for Paul to declare the same message he had preached in Corinth (vs.1a). B. (vs.3-4) Paul revealed the basic elements of the Gospel he preached. 1. (vs.3a) Before doing so, he showed that he had received the message he preached [it had been revealed to him by the Lord]. 2. The message Paul preached was that: a. "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (Isaiah 53:4-8) b. Christ "was buried" (Isaiah 53:9) c. Christ "rose again the third say according to the Scriptures" (Isaiah 53:10). C. (vs.1b-2) This Gospel plays an important role in the lives of Christians. 1. After receiving it we are to stand in it. 2. We are saved by it if we keep it in memory [hold fast to it]. a. It is implied that the Gospel will not save us if we do not hold fast to it. b. It is essential for us to remain true to the Gospel. c. Changing the Gospel by denying the resurrection is a serious offense (Galatians 1:6-9). D. After declaring the Gospel message he had preached in Corinth, . . .
II. (vs.5-8) PAUL PRESENTED ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE WHICH PROVES THAT JESUS WAS RAISED FROM THE GRAVE
A. After His resurrection, Jesus was seen by: 1. Cephas [Peter] (vs.5a) 2. "the twelve" [the apostles] (vs.5b) 3. over 500 brethren at once, of whom many were still alive (vs.6) 4. James [the Lord's brother] (vs.7a) 5. "all the apostles" (vs.7b) 6. Paul (vs.8a). B. Eyewitness testimony for the Lord's resurrection is overwhelming.
III. WHY IS THE LORD'S RESURRECTION SO IMPORTANT?
A. (Romans 1:4) Jesus was "declared to the Son of God with power . . . by the resurrection from the dead." B. The Lord's resurrection is involved in our salvation. 1. (Romans 10:9-10) We must believe that He was raised from the dead. 2. (Romans 6:3-6) Baptism is a likeness of His death, burial, and resurrection. C. Our hope of being raised from the grave is based on the Lord's resurrection.
