April 9, 2023

Death and Glory

Preacher:
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