1. (vs.1-34) Paul presented information to prove that the resurrection will occur. 2. We learn from vs.12 why it was necessary for him to do this -- some of the Corinthians said that there is no resurrection. 3. Beginning at vs.35, details of the resurrection are revealed. 4. Before dealing with the details of the resurrection, in vs.29-34,: a. 2 arguments are presented to further prove the reality of the resurrection b. 2 admonitions are presented.
Discussion:
I. (vs.29-32) 2 ARGUMENTS FURTHER PROVE THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION
A. (vs.29) Argument #1: "If there is no resurrection, why be baptized for the dead?" 1. Unfortunately, some use this verse to justify baptism on behalf of people who have died. 2. This doctrine simply cannot be true because: a. it violates general principles that relate to salvation 1) (Romans 14:12) "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." 2) (Acts 2:40) "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." b. it violates the entire plan of salvation. 1) A person cannot "believe" (Mark 16:16), "repent" (Acts 2:38), or "confess Christ" (Romans 10:10) for someone else. 2) How can "baptism" be performed for someone who has died? c. This passage does not teach that someone can be baptized for another who has died. 3. What does this passage teach? a. Remember that the subject being addressed is "the resurrection" -- not "baptism." b. However, the resurrection is involved in baptism (Romans 6:3-6). 1) We are baptized into Christ, the resurrected Son of God. 2) Baptism is a likeness of the Lord's death, burial, and resurrection. c. (Acts 18:8) "Many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." d. If there is no resurrection, why were they baptized? B. (vs.30-32) Argument #2: If there is no resurrection, why did Paul and the other apostles endure ill treatment from unbelievers? 1. The apostles declared that Jesus was raised from the dead, and this message often caused them to be treated badly (Acts 4:1-3; 19:8-9). 2. If there is no resurrection,: a. why did Paul and the other apostles endure such grief? b. why did they not adopt the philosophy of "let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die?" C. These 2 arguments serve as evidence to prove that the resurrection will occur. D. Since the resurrection will occur, . . .
II. (vs.33-34) 2 ADMONITIONS ARE PRESENTED
A. (vs.33) Admonition #1: "Evil communications" [companionships] must be avoided. 1. Evil companionships must be avoided because they will corrupt good manners. 2. We must not be deceived into thinking otherwise. 3. The "evil communications" were those who said that there is no resurrection. 4. Do you suppose that this doctrine may have been behind some of the sinful behavior in the Corinthian church? 5. We must choose our associates carefully because they will affect us. B. (vs.34) Admonition #2: "Awake to righteousness, and sin not." 1. The doctrine that there is no resurrection leads people away from the Lord. 2. The Corinthians needed to wake up and not give in to sin (Ephesians 5:14-17). 3. Hopefully, these admonitions caused the Corinthians to repent.
