1 Corinthians 15 - Sermon Study Guide

  The sting of death is sin, and the

power of sin is the law. But thanks be

to God, who gives us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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.

(1 Corinthians 15:56-58 ESV)

(Click here for the PDF Version of the study guide.)

1 Corinthians 15: THIS IS WHY WE WIN

1 Corinthians Introduction (English Standard Version)

The city of Corinth was at the heart of an important trade route in the ancient world. Like many cities that thrive on trade, Corinth had a reputation for sexual immorality, religious diversity, and corruption. The church that Paul planted there (Acts 18) floundered under all of these influences and began to divide over various issues. First Corinthians addresses many practical questions dividing the church—questions concerning such things as spiritual gifts, marriage, food offered to idols, and the resurrection. Paul urged the Corinthians to be unified and to give themselves fully to “the work of the Lord” (15:58). Chapter 13 includes a well-known passage on the nature and importance of love. Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians from Ephesus about a.d. 55.

1 Corinthians 15 Chapter Introduction
The doctrine of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart and center of Christianity. Without the resurrection, Christianity is wishful thinking or empty speculation.

1 Corinthians 15 focuses on the Corinthians’ confusion about their own resurrection - Paul was not trying to convince them that Christ rose from the dead - but that one day they, too, would be raised with Christ to eternal life.

Chapter Breakdown

• Verses 1-11: to lay the foundation, Paul reviews the evidences for Jesus’ resurrection.
• Verses 12–34: the implications of denying the resurrection.
• Verses 35–49: the question of how a general resurrection could even be possible.
• Verses 50–58: Paul’s closing “Victory Song” and an exhortation for holy living.

Intro material adapted from Macarthur Bible Studies: 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 16 Chapter Breakdown

• Counsel concerning the collection for the poor (16:1–4) The flow of the previous chapter, from a prolonged discourse on doctrinal matters to a concluding exhortation on practical diligence, moved smoothly to a discussion of a practical expression of that faith—care for the needs of others and in particular, the needy in Jerusalem.
• Counsel concerning future visits (16:5–12) The mention of his planned arrival in connection with the collection sparked another brief digression on the subject of future visits.
• Exhortation on appropriate conduct and commendation (16:13–18)
• Salutation, imprecation, and benediction (16:19–24)

1 Corinthians 16 Chapter Breakdown from THE Bible Knowledge Commentary

March 09, 2014

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Community Group Discussion Guide

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.      List and discuss 1 or 2 key aspects of the Christian life found in verses 1 and 2 of 1 Corinthians 15:

2.      What are the main tenets of the gospel found in verses 3 and 4 of 1 Corinthians 15? Why are these important?

3.      Why did Paul consider himself to be the least of the Apostles (see 1 Corinthians 15:9)? How does that truth about his past relate and apply to your life and your past? To the life of others?

GOING DEEPER STUDY QUESTIONS

4.      What eyewitness evidence did Paul cite as proof of Christ’s resurrection? (verses to consider: Matt. 28:9; Mark 16:9; Luke 24:31–39; John 20:19–20; Acts 1:22)

5.      How does the Old Testament support the New Testament doctrine of the resurrection? (verses to consider: Ps. 16:8–11; Ps. 22; Is. 53; Hos. 6:2)

*questions adapted from 1 CORINTHIANS: MACARTHUR BIBLE STUDIES

March 16, 2014

1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Community Group Discussion Guide

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.      What are the logical implications if the resurrection is false, if Jesus Christ did not resurrect from the dead? According to 1 Corinthians 15:13–19, what would the consequences be if Christ had never risen from the dead?

2.      Think about the most mournful funeral you’ve witnessed? What made it so sad?

3.      What was the most joyous and hopeful funeral you’ve attended? What made it such a time of encouragement?

4.      How does the certainty of Christ’s resurrection give you hope and strength today?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

5.      Which historical event would you most like to have been an eye-witness of:

·         creation

·         the flood

·         the exodus

·         the birth of Christ

·         the crucifixion

·         the resurrection

·         some other?

·         Why?

*questions adapted from 1 CORINTHIANS: MACARTHUR BIBLE STUDIES

March 23, 2014

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 questions

GROUP STUDY (consider breaking up into groups of 2-3 people for about 15 minutes):

1.      As best as you can, put these 8 verses in your own words … if you are able to be really creative, attempt to turn these verses into song lyrics or even a prose poem…

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

2.      If you polled your neighbors or co-workers or fellow students regarding their views of the afterlife, what sort of opinions do you think you’d uncover?

3.      What reasons do you think your associates would give for holding their respective views on what happens after physical death?

4.      How can the truths in this chapter bring comfort and hope to the heart of someone who has lost a believing loved one?

GOING DEEPER PERSONAL STUDY QUESTION

5.      Look over Revelation 20-22. How does this inform your understanding of 1 Corinthians 15:24:-28? What is the “big picture” these passages “paint” together? What does it “look” like?

*questions adapted from 1 CORINTHIANS: MACARTHUR BIBLE STUDIES

March 30, 2014

1 Corinthians 15:29-34 Study Questions

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.      How does the truth of the resurrection provide an incentive for both service and sanctification (vv. 30–34)? (verses to consider: Rom. 8:18; Heb. 11:32–40)

2.      Spend some time thinking and discussing the implications of this line in 1 Corinthians 15:32: “If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die’.”

3.      How does a person’s view on the afterlife affect the way they live now?

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTION

4.      How can your lifestyle be a gospel witness to a culture enamored with eating and drinking?

GOING DEEPER STUDY QUESTION

5.      What does it mean to baptize for the dead? Give some possible ideas about what this is doing here in the text – what purpose does this serve and what is Paul saying to the Corinthians? (This is a great time to utilize any good study bible notes you may have!)

*questions adapted from 1 CORINTHIANS: MACARTHUR BIBLE STUDIES

April 06, 2014

1 Corinthians 15:35-49 Study Questions

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.      What illustration does Paul use to show the resurrection makes sense and is not illogical (read verses 35-41 especially)?

2.      How is your body now related to the resurrection body? How is it the same or how is it different? Will our resurrection bodies be humanoid? How do you know?

3.      What is the relevance from the first two questions to how you live and think right now?

GROUPS DISCUSSION QUESTION

4.      Break up into groups and do brief cross-reference studies on the following related verses. After 10-15 minutes, rejoin and tell the other groups how these related verses informed your interpretation of the larger passage? (Basically, you are explaining what these verses have to do with each other and how the Bible “fits” together)…

·         1 Corinthians 15:35-41. Study and synchronize Ezekiel 37:3 and John 12:24-

·         1 Corinthians 15:42. Study and synchronize Daniel 12:3 and Matthew 13:43-

·         1 Corinthians 15:43-44. Study and synchronize Philippians 3:21 and Colossians 3:4-

·         1 Corinthians 15:45-47. Study and synchronize Genesis 2:7 and 3:19-

·         1 Corinthians 15:48-49. Study and synchronize Philippians 3:20, Genesis 5:3, Romans 8:29-

GOING DEEPER PERSONAL STUDY QUESTION

5.      How would you explain the Adam-Christ typology found in 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 and 45-49 (consider Romans 5:12-19 for more clarity)? How does understanding this affect your view of things like the Gospel, salvation, the eternal state, and evangelism (feel free to include others)? For example, how will the resurrection of Christ overcome the effects of Adam’s sin?

*questions adapted from 1 CORINTHIANS: A LifeGuide Bible Study

April 13, 2014

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Community Group Discussion Guide

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. For those who grow weary of this physical worlds, such a and the effects of the Fall on their body and all of creation, what is the message of hope found in 1 Corinthians 15:50-58?
2. How do either belief or disbelief in the resurrection affect the way people live? How are your priorities and choices altered as a result of having learned or been reminded about Christ’s (and yours!) resurrection? 
3. How do you respond when discussing honestly or thinking deeply about death? Why? What are your fears about it? Why? 
4. What do you look forward to most about your resurrected body and the eternal state?
5. This chapter ends with victory. Spend some time discussing and praying about some areas in your life where you still need more victory in Christ…

*questions adapted from 1 CORINTHIANS: A Life Guide Bible Study

April 20, 2014

1 Corinthians 15 Overview Community Group Discussion Guide

GROUP DISCUSSION Exercises:

1.      Watch the following 17-minute YouTube video: “Defending the Resurrection of Jesus” by Doug Powell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VYqNU1ozuk

Recommended viewing pattern: watch the first 9 minutes, pause, discuss and then watch the rest of the video (the second half) and after it stops, pause, and discuss

2.      Take turns reading the whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 15. Then openly review and discuss. Recommended reading pattern - read in the following four sections:

·         1 Cor. 15:1-11

·         1 Cor. 15:12-34

·         1 Cor. 15:35-49

·         1 Cor. 15:50-58

Read verses, pause, discuss and then continue on till finished.

April 27, 2014

1 Corinthians 16:1-9 Community Group Discussion Guide

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are some practical principles for regular giving we can glean from 1 Corinthians 16:1-4? As you share your findings, be sure to discuss how this generosity takes place within community.
2. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul referred to the “work of the Lord”. What five or six illustrations of the “work of the Lord” do you observe in 1 Corinthians 16 give? List and discuss them.
3. Out of the illustrations for “work of the Lord” you just noted from 1 Corinthians 16, which ones are most like your life? Meaning, what person or ministry do you see yourself most in in 1 Corinthians 16?

 PERSONAL REFLECTION

        4.   What exhortations for Christ-centered living did Paul include in 1 Corinthians 16? Keeping that in mind, think about this: if you were to pass on a few short words of general, spiritual exhortation to fellow church members you are close to, what concise counsel would you give?

PRAYER EXERCISE

       5.   If you were writing a similar letter to a select group of out-of-town loved ones, friends, ministry partners and co-workers, what names would likely appear in that letter? Spend some time in prayer for the people you mentioned …

*questions adapted from 1 CORINTHIANS: A LifeGuide Bible Study and  CORINTHIANS: MACARTHUR BIBLE STUDIES

May 04, 2014

1 Corinthians 16:10-24 Community Group Discussion Guide

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read 1 Corinthians 16:14 and 19-24. Why is love the greatest need of believers? (also consider 1 Peter 4:8)
2. Read 1 Corinthians 16:15-16. How does a spirit of submission make for a healthy environment in the church? What are the implications of this for you personally? (verses to consider: Ephesians 5:21; Matthew 20:26–28; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:5)
3. Notice all the different people listed in 1 Corinthians 16. Paul worked with many different kinds of people for the sake of the gospel. What are the keys to working effectively with others?

 PERSONAL REFLECTION

         4.    As you partner with others in gospel mission, in what concrete ways can you be a more Christ-like team player this month?

PRAYER EXERCISE

        5.   If the Apostle Paul were to address an epistle to you, what about your life would he affirm - and what would he rebuke? Pray about these things…

*questions adapted from 1 CORINTHIANS: A LifeGuide Bible Study and  CORINTHIANS: MACARTHUR BIBLE STUDIES