April 9, 2023

Death and Glory

Preacher:
Series: ,
Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:35-57
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Paul's letter to the Corinthians deals with many subjects
    • You might have though this matter might have been discussed at the start
      • Instead he starts with division
    • Does he finish with this glorious truth to finish the letter on a note of victory and hope?
      • Example of Dr Lloyd-Jones
    • We will one day have an incorruptible body
  • Overview:
    • Promise of a glorified body (v39-45)
    • Promise of victory through Lord Jesus (v50-57)

Promise of a glorified body (v39-45)

  • The gospel/Bible is not simple
    • There is so much to understand
  • Humans are characterised by unbelief and incredulity
    • Examples
    • Our God is a supernatural God
    • Our problem is unbelief
    • Even the greeks mocked Paul as he preached in Athens
  • People have come in and cast doubt on the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead
    • Paul preaches the gospel (1 Cor 15:4)
    • Paul provides eyewitnesses
    • Paul gives the consequences of denying the doctrine of the resurrection
      • It is a central doctrine that must be believed
    • Paul gives the positive benefits of resurrection
  • A practical part in the middle of the chapter
    • There is no point if people do not rise from the dead (1 Cor 15:32)
    • Do not be deceived by evil company (1 Cor 15:33)
    • Live in righteousness (1 Cor 15:34)
    • There is practical application to these teachings/doctrines
      • Do we live for Him and for His glory?
  • Paul returns to the doctrinal question of resurrection (v35)
    • It is reasonable to believe in the resurrection of the body
      • It happens in creation
  • An illustration from creation (v36-38)
    • A seed will produce a body/plant
    • There is continuity in the body
  • Different types of flesh and body (v39ff)
    • The animals are different (v39)
    • The are different properties between things on earth and in space (v40)
    • There is difference between the stars and planets (v41)
  • The body is sown in corruption
    • The body will be perfect
    • There will be no perishing
  • The body is sown in dishonour
    • Some might want to treat the body at a funeral, but bodies will suffer decomposition
    • It is raised in glory
      • This body is something to look forward to
    • People often want achievement - but nothing compares to having this glorified body
      • Example of Martina Navratilova
  • The body is sown in weakness
    • We have fragile bodies
    • It is raised in power
    • It will never weary but know great vigour
  • The body is sown a natural body
    • It is raised a spiritual body
    • We will have a physical-spiritual body
      • A body that ascends into heaven
    • The first man (Adam) is of the earth, the second Man (Jesus) is of heaven
    • Jesus has wedded humanity to Divinity
      • We can be partakers of the divine nature
  • Summary remarks
    • Paul is reminding the Corinthians that the best is yet to come

Promise of victory through Lord Jesus (v50-57)

  • Our current body is not suited for heaven
    • At the appearance of God - people often die
    • Our corruptible body needs to be put off
  • We shall be changed in a moment
    • We must put on the body that will never die
    • Our spirits will be united to our bodies - when He comes again
  • There will be no more sting of death
    • The strength of sin in the law
    • But we have victory through the Lord Jesus Christ
  • Reading 2 Cor 4:16-18
    • The bible is realistic
    • If you suffer for Christ, you will reign with Him
    • Remember our troubles are a light affliction
    • This life is temporary
  • We have the hope of glory laid out for us
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