Message Notes

(I) THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF FALSE TEACHINGS

1. The Content of false teachings

a) No resurrection

“…how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” 1 Corinthians 15:12

b) Baptism of the dead

“Otherwise, what will they do who are baptised for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptised for the dead?” 1 Corinthians 15:29

2. The means of corruption

a) Through deception

“Do not be deceived…” 1 Corinthians 15:33

b) Through evil company

“…Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

3. The consequences

a) Good habits are corrupted

b) Hindering the work of God in our lives

(II) THE DEFENSE AGAINST FALSE TEACHINGS WITH PROOFS OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

1. According to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

a) Jesus died for our sins

b) Jesus rose on the third day

2. Accounts of many eyewitnesses (1 C Corinthians 15:5-8)

3. Affirmation of Paul in having a life changed by God’s grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-11)

a) Past life

b) Present life

4. Argument employing Hypothetical statements

“But if there is no resurrection of the dead…” 1 Corinthians 15:13, 14-19

5. Use of sarcasm

“…If the dead do not rise, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!’ ” 1 Corinthians 15:32

(III) OUR GREATEST CHRISTIAN HOPE EVER – THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

1. Hope to resurrect as Jesus did – Jesus as the firstfruits

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:20

2. Hope to resurrect from the dead

“For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:21

3. Hope that all in Christ will be made alive

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22

(IV) COMING ALIVE TO THIS GREAT HOPE

1. The premise of coming alive

a) A victorious hope in Christ

“…who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

b) A thankful heart for this hope

“But thanks be to God…” 1 Corinthians 15:57

2. The challenge to come alive

a) A steadfast and immovable spirit

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable…” 1 Corinthians 15:58

b) A life abounding in works

“…always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that you labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58