1 Corinthians 15

Greetings once again,

The study in 1 Corinthians 15 is as challenging as it is diverse. Paul summarizes the Gospel, argues for the resurrection of Christ, concludes then that we also will rise, and then wraps up with a little glimpse into the last days.

The memory passage for 1 Cor 15 is;
1 Corinthians 15:3-5,14,49,58 (ESV)
³ For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.
⁴⁹ Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
⁵⁸ 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.

Paul gives us a tremendous summary of the Gospel in vv1 1-11. It is clearly 'of first importance' through out the letter, but here he restates it's centrality. Christ died, was buried, rose again, and appeared to many people including Paul himself. This is the source and the justification of his calling as an Apostle.

Following is a discourse on the resurrection of Christ. Verses 12-19 pose a logical argument for the consequences of no resurrection. The heart of the Gospel would be void (14), the Apostles would be liars (15-16), assurance of salvation would be impossible without the confirmation (17), those who have died are just dead or in hell (18), and it would confirm the foolishness of the Cross and Christ-followers (19).

Christ is the 'firstfruits' of those who have died and will be raised as He was raised. We can take tremendous comfort that even though in Adam we all die, so in Christ we all shall be made alive (22). This is possible because He has destroyed death (26).

Not only does Paul preach this, but he lives it also. He lives in danger and dies every day for the Gospel; and he can because he knows that he will be raise with Christ when He appears (Col 3:4).

Continuing in natural progression to the resurrection of our bodies, Paul give the illustration of a seed (37ff). God has given us this body as a seed of our resurrected bodies. Each seed holds in it the essence of the plant it will become. But the seed must die before it can become what it was intended. Our earthly seed is perishable, dishonorable, weak, and natural. Our resurrected body will be imperishable, glorified, powerful and spiritual. We now bear the image of the man of dust (Adam in sin), but we will bear the image of the man of heaven (Jesus) when He appears.

The final section, vv50-58, deals with the mystery and victory of the final days. Because flesh can not inherit the kingdom of God, we must be changed. This will happen when the last trumpet is sounded and we are taken up with Christ. Our perishable bodies will become imperishable. Because of the cross, death has no victory. We shall not sleep, but we will appear with Him when He appears (Col 3:4). This is cause for thanksgiving, but also for endurance. "Be steadfast, immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (58).

How does this affect my worship?
This chapter starts and finishes with two foundational keys to worship; the Gospel and thanksgiving. Worship must be rooted in the Word of Christ and His Gospel (Col 3:16). He is the source, the subject and the center of all true worship (Rom 11:36). His resurrection is not only critical to the Gospel, but central to our worship of Him. Paul practices 'spirit and truth' worship by reasoning the resurrection of Christ and us through careful exposition, and following with an overflowing spirit of thanksgiving for what He has done. One of the best lines of music ever written (in my opinion) is in the Matt Redman song "Blessed be Your Name"; 'every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise'. It starts and ends with Him. It must, or it is not acceptable and pleasing to Him (Rom 12:1).

How does this affect my discipleship?
Jesus knew He was leaving His disciples and told them often. But He didn't just leave them on their own. He promised to 'be with them to the end of the age' (Matt 28:20) and to send Holy Spirit. I love the part of the 'history' Paul recounts in this chapter; Christ died, was buried, rose again, and appeared to the disciples. Notice how personal it is in the text; 'He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve...to James, then to all the apostles. (6-7) While the discipleship may end (in the formal sense), the relationship continues forever. He truly loved and cared about His disciples. Do I?

How does this help me know Him more?
He is thorough. His plan has no holes. He knew that without the resurrection it wouldn't be complete. He knew that without discipleship, as He modeled it, it wouldn't spread. He knew that without the power, Holy Spirit Himself, we would fail in our weakness. He also knew the best reward was for us to be with Him, as He is, forever. He made it all happen so that I could be with Him, forever.

thank You, forever....

Be steadfast, immovable, and eternally grateful as you abound in His work,

Ethan