Death and Glory
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