1. In vs.1-34 evidence is presented that proves the resurrection will occur. 2. The reason for this is given in vs.12 -- some in Corinth said that there is no resurrection. 3. Beginning at vs.35, details relating to the resurrection are presented. 4. (vs.35) Paul seems to have anticipated that 2 questions would be asked by those who said that there is no resurrection. 5. In vs.36 Paul referred to one who would ask such questions as a "fool." 6. Let us begin by examining . . .
Discussion:
I. THE 2 QUESTIONS THAT RELATE TO THE RESURRECTION (vs.35)
A. Question #1: "How are the dead raised up?" 1. This question was answered in 6:14 -- God will raise up the dead "by His own power." 2. At death the spirit leaves the body and goes to Hades [the place of departed spirits]. 3. At the resurrection, the spirits will be released from Hades to be reunited with their bodies. 4. All of this will be accomplished by God's power. B. Question #2: "With what body do they come?" 1. This is the question that receives the most attention in vs.36-49. 2. Important information is given concerning "the resurrected body."
II. (vs.36-41) GOD WILL PROVIDE A RESURRECTED BODY THAT PLEASES HIM
A. Three illustrations are given to explain this point. 1. (vs.36-38) The first illustration is from agriculture. a. In order to produce wheat or some other grain, a seed must be planted in the ground. b. From its outward appearance the seed seems to be dead, but it has within it the power to produce a living plant. c. After the seed is placed in the ground, it goes through the germination process, and the end result is a living plant. d. All of this is a result of God's power (Genesis 1:11-13). 2. (vs.39) The second illustration is based on various types of flesh. a. Man, beasts, fish, and birds have different types of flesh. b. Each was given a body that enables it to live as it was intended to live. c. All of this is a result of God's power (Genesis 1:20, 24-26). 3. (vs.40-41) The third illustration is based on the glory of different celestial bodies. a. The sun, moon, and stars have their own individual glory. b. This is a result of God's power (Genesis 1:16-18). B. Why is all of this information presented? 1. Perhaps those who said that there is no resurrection reasoned like this: "I can't see how this body that ages, dies, and decays can possibly be resurrected." 2. Maybe man has difficulty seeing how, but God will take care of it through His power. 3. God demonstrated His great power at creation. 4. He will demonstrate His power again at the resurrection by supplying a body that will please Him and suit His intended purposes.
III. (vs.42-44) THE RESURRECTED BODY WILL BE A SPIRITUAL BODY
A. There are 2 types of bodies: "a natural body" and "a spiritual body." B. The natural body returns to the dust -- it is sown in corruption, dishonor, and weakness. C. The resurrected body will be a spiritual body -- it will be raised in incorruption, glory, and power.
IV. (vs.45-49) THE RESURRECTED BODY WILL BEAR THE IMAGE OF CHRIST
A. The natural body bears the image of Adam who returned to the dust. B. The spiritual body bears the image of Christ who has returned to heaven. C. This is also revealed in Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2.
