In Christ All Will Be Made Alive 

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Key Verse: 15:22

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

1. Read verse 12-16.  What was preached to the Corinthians? (12a, 3-4)  What did some of the Corinthians say about the resurrection? (12b)  If there is no resurrection of the dead, then what would be true concerning:

(a) Christ? (13, 16)

(b) Paul’s preaching and their faith? (14)

(c) Paul and his coworkers ? (15)

2. Read verses 17-19.  What would be the consequences if Christ has not been raised:

(a) for our spiritual condition? (17)

(b) for those who have fallen asleep in Christ ? (18)

(c) for those who have hope in Christ? (19)

What does it mean to be ‘still in our sins’? (17)  Why are “we” to be pitied more than all men? (19)

3. Read verse 20-23.  What indeed happened to Jesus after his death? (20, Mk 16:6)  Why is Jesus’ resurrection described as the “firstfruits”?  How does the resurrection of Christ guarantee the resurrection of the dead? (21-22, Rom 5:12, 17, 19)  When will this bodily resurrection of the dead happen? (23)

4. Read verse 24-28.  What will the Risen Christ do before he hands over the kingdom to God the Father? (24-25)  What is the last enemy to be destroyed? (26, Rev 20:14)  What is the purpose of Jesus’ submission to God the Father? (28, Rom 11:36)

5. Read verse 29-34.   How did Paul and his company live with resurrection faith? (30-32, Luk 9:23)  What would be our philosophy and lifestyle if we didn’t have resurrection faith? (32b)  How can we apply Paul’s warning in our own generation? (33-34)

In Christ All Will Be Made Alive 

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Key Verse: 15:22

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Some of the Corinthians were confused about the resurrection of the dead. In this Chapter, Apostle Paul presented the most extensive biblical teaching about the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of believers. In the previous study, Apostle Paul confirmed the resurrection of Christ from the Scriptures and the testimonies of eyewitnesses including himself. In today’s passage, Apostle Paul logically explains:

The serious consequences of denying the resurrection of the dead (12-19)

The connection between the resurrection of Christ and our resurrection (20-28)

How to live with resurrection faith (29-34)

May God open our heart and mind to accept the resurrection of believers deeply so that we can live for him boldly in this wicked generation. 

1. Read verse 12-16.

ANSWER:

1Co 15:12-16  But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  13  If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.  14  And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  15  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.  16  For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.

What was preached to the Corinthians? (12a, 3-4)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:12a  But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead,...

1Co 15:3-4  For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  4  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

That Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee of our bodily resurrection. 

Christ’s resurrection and our bodily resurrection were clearly preached to the Corinthians.

OT teaching about resurrection:

Gen 5:24; 2Ki 2:11; Job 19:26; Psa 17:15, 23:6, 49:15, 73:24, 16:10; Isa  25:8, 26:19, 66:22-24; Eze 37:3-5; Dan 12:2; Hos 6:2, 13:14

Based on OT teaching, most Jews believed the resurrection of the dead (Act 24:15; Jn 11:24; Heb 11:19)

Jesus’ teaching about the resurrection:

- Jesus predicted his own death and resurrection (Mk 8:31; 9:9,31; 10:34; 14:28)  

- Jesus promised a literal, physical, bodily resurrection (Jn 5:28, 6:44, 11:25-26, 14:19)

The Apostles’ teaching about the resurrection:

- The Apostles taught that Christ rose from the dead (Acts 2:24,32, 3:15, 4:10, 5:30, 10:40)

- The Apostles taught the resurrection of the dead (Acts 4:2)

Paul’s teaching about the resurrection:

- Paul taught that Christ rose from the dead (Acts 13:30, 17:3,31, 26:23)

- Paul taught the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6, 24:15; Php 3:21; 2Co 4:14; 1Th 4:16)

What did some of the Corinthians say about the resurrection? (12b)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:12b  ...how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

That there is no resurrection of the dead!!
How could they have thought this way?
The resurrection of the dead is the most fundamental gospel teaching:

Christ’s resurrection and our bodily resurrection were clearly preached to them. The OT teachings, Jesus’ teachings, the Apostles’ teachings, and Paul’s teachings were saying the same thing that there was a resurrection of the dead. 

Then how did some of them come to deny bodily resurrection? Possibly:

- they accepted the resurrection of Jesus but denied our bodily resurrection. 

- they believed that we lived forever in spirit, not in (resurrected) bodies. 

Why did they deny the resurrection of the dead?
Possibly they were:

influenced by Greek philosophy (Dualism) and, thus, believed... 

- that the physical body is intrinsically evil and spirit is pure, good and superior. 

- that the resurrected body is also evil and that it is therefore disgusting and undesirable.

influenced by the thinking of the Sadducees (Mk 12:18; Acts 23:8) and, thus, believed...

- that this visible, physical, present world is all we have. 

- that life after death is just wishful thinking. 

- that enjoying this tangible world is the best thing we can possibly do.

Lessons:

People who do not hold firmly to the basic teachings of the Bible can easily be deceived by false doctrine and teaching. 

It is extremely important to have a strong foundation in the gospel. Even if we have heard the gospel a million times, we still need to hear it over and over again. We need to have deep root in the truth of the gospel in order to discern false teachings.

Fundamental errors such as this come from not knowing the Scriptures – lack of loving intimacy with the One about whom the Scriptures speak, his glory, goodness, and power as displayed in Scriptures by his Spirit – and, thereby, failing to experience of his resurrection power at work inside (Mat 22:29).

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then what would be true concerning:

(a) Christ? (13, 16)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:13  If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.

1Co 15:16  For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.

Christ would not been raised if there is no resurrection of the dead.
Paul here shows them logically and theologically the consequences of denying the resurrection of the dead. He connects the bodily resurrection of believers with the bodily resurrection of Christ and shows them that our salvation is dependent on the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom 10:9).

The Corinthians had to reason, based on their philosophical assumption, in this manner:

One, Dead men do not rise (assumption)

Two, Jesus was dead (historical fact)

Three, Therefore, Christ did not rise from the dead (logical conclusion).

But Paul reasoned, based on historical fact, in this manner: 

One, Jesus has been raised from the dead (historical fact)

Two, Jesus was dead (historical fact)

Three, therefore, dead men can rise and there will be resurrection of believers (logical conclusion)

Paul argued in this manner against the Corinthian’s assertion that there is no resurrection of the dead: 

One, If your opinion is true (that there is no resurrection of the dead), then logically Christ could not rise. 

Two, But Christ has been raised from the dead (4, 20) as we proclaimed before and as you accepted before. 

Three, Therefore, your basic assumption (that there is no resurrection of the dead) is wrong and unbiblical. Therefore, there is a resurrection of the dead according to the OT, Jesus, the Apostles, and Paul. 

(b) Paul’s preaching and their faith? (14)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:14  And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

Both would be useless.
Paul continued to explain the logical and theological the consequences of denying the resurrection of the dead.

Our preaching is useless.
The Gospel they preached was based on the resurrection of Jesus (Rom 1:3-4).

- If there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised. 

- If Christ has not been raised, then he did not conquer death. 

- If there is no resurrection, then there is no good news, no gospel.

- Therefore, “our preaching is useless”. There is nothing to preach. 

- If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless, worthless, empty and vain. 

Your faith is useless. 

If the gospel is a lie, if the gospel is useless, then putting our faith in it is equally useless. 

(c) Paul and his coworkers ? (15)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:15  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.

Paul and his coworkers would be liars because they told everybody that God raised Jesus when, in fact, God did not raise Jesus. 

If Christ has not been raised, this means that:
- All the preachers are a bunch of liars.
- All the pastors are professional liars.
- All the seminary schools are for training professional liars.
- All the missionaries are international liars.
- The entire bible is a classic collection of lying and liars. 

The line of reasoning here is that the resurrection of the dead, the resurrection of Christ, the preaching of the apostles, and the testimony of the preachers form a unit.
You either believe all of it or none of it.
You cannot choose to believe just one or two parts of it. 

2. Read verses 17-19.

ANSWER:

1Co 15:17-19  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  18  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  19  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

What would be the consequences if Christ has not been raised:

(a) for our spiritual condition? (17)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:17  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

We would still be in our sins.
Apostle Paul continues to show the logical and theological consequences of denying the resurrection of the dead.

If the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 

If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (Why? See what follows.)

(b) for those who have fallen asleep in Christ ? (18)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:18  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.

They are lost.
- Everyone who died with faith in Jesus Christ is damned.
- Peter, James, John, Paul, Stephen, are all suffering in hell.
- Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin are burning in hell.
- Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, Martin Lloyd Jones are in hell.
- Msn Samuel Lee and all other faithful servants of God are in hell.

If Christ has not been raised, you are still in your sins and then, when you die, you also will go to hell. 

(c) for those who have hope in Christ? (19)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:19  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

They are to be pitied. (Why? See what follows) 

What does it mean to be ‘still in our sins’? (17)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:17  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

To be still under condemnation, still alienated from God, still unforgiven.
To be ‘still in our sins’ means...

According to the definition:
To be ‘in our sins’ is the opposite of being ‘in Christ’.
- When we are ‘in Christ’, we get what Christ can do for us, namely, eternal life.
- When we are ‘in our sins’, we get what sins can do for us, namely, eternal condemnation and death (HYPERLINK ""Rom HYPERLINK ""6:20-23).

According to biblical teaching/doctrine: 
If Christ has not been raised, then Sin killed (conquered, overpowered) him and held him in death.
Then Jesus did not conquer sin; he did not conquer the power of sin and death, nor can he save us from the power of sin and death.
If Sin overpowered Jesus, then there is no forgiveness of sin; no justification; no salvation.
- We are still in our sins; under the power of sin and death (Jn 8:21)
- We are dead in our transgressions and sins (Eph 2:1)
Therefore, if Christ has not been raised, there is no forgiveness of sin and we are still in our sins. 

According to the sacrificial system:
If Christ has not been raised from the dead, then he failed to prove that he is the Son of God (Rom 1:4)
- If Christ is not the Son of God, he is not God. 
- If Christ is not God, he is not perfect.
- If Christ is not perfect, he did not offer a complete sacrifice for sins.
- If Christ is not a complete sacrifice for sins, our sins are not fully paid for.
- If our sins are not fully paid, then we are still in our sins. 

Why are “we” to be pitied more than all men? (19)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:19  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Because, if Christ has not been raised, this life on earth is all there is and, hence, a life of sacrifice for Jesus is a pitiful joke!

The word “we” probably refers to the apostles (11, 15). Among the apostles, Paul, who “worked harder than all of them” (10) and who said “I die every day” (31) was to be pitied the most for having suffered so much for nothing.

This word “we” can be thought to refer to us insofar as we participate in the sufferings for Christ in this life (Ro 8:17; Col 1:24; 1Pe 1:6).

We are invited to join in the sufferings for Jesus and his gospel by the power of God (2Ti 1:8; Acts 1:8). So, this is perfectly compatible with Jesus’ promise of life to the full and of a life that is fruitful and glorious (Jn 10:10, 15:8)!

If Christ has not been raised, all the suffering for Christ means nothing:
- We all waste our time, energies and lives for nothing. All our sufferings become in vain (Ecc 1:2-3)
- Fighting against temptation, struggling with sin, serving Christ
- Seeking to please Christ, obeying the Scripture, having Bible studies,
- Working hard to serve others, suffering for the mission, trying to witness,
All these are nothing but waste. We waste our lives. What a waste. What a pitiful bunch we are! 

Examples:
Consider Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and all those people in the 11^th chapter of Hebrews.
- Those people who were tortured and faced jeers and floggings, being chained, putting in prison.
- Those who were stoned and sawed in two, slain of the sword, wandered in sheepskins.
- Those who were destitute, persecuted and mistreated, afflicted and tormented
- Those of whom the world wasn't worthy and who wandered in deserts and mountains and dens.
All of those people who believed in God were stupid. Their faith was useless. They were damned. They were lost. They are to be pitied. If Christ has not been raised, all believers are a bunch of really dumb people. 

3. Read verse 20-23.

ANSWER:

1Co 15:20-23  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  21  For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  22  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  23  But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

What indeed happened to Jesus after his death? (20, Mk 16:6)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:20  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Mar 16:6  "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.

He was raised from the dead.
- The resurrection of Christ proves that there is a resurrection of the dead.
- The resurrection of Christ totally destroys the false teachings regarding the resurrection of the dead.
- The resurrection of Christ proves that the Corinthian’s belief was wrong. 

The 6 consequences of the resurrection of Christ:

Our preaching is not useless. Rather...

Our preaching is useful. Our preaching is powerful. Our preaching is nothing but true. 

Our preaching will save the dying souls. 

Our faith is not useless. Rather...

Our faith is real, our faith is true. Our faith will save us.  

We are not liars. Rather...

We are speaking the truth. We are speaking the historical fact. We are speaking the word of God.

We are not in our sins anymore. Rather....

We are forgiven. All our sins are forgiven. There is no condemnation in Christ.  

Those who fell asleep in Christ are not lost. Rather...

They are all saved. They are all forgiven. They are all safe in heaven.  

We are not to be pitied. Rather...

We are the most blessed people here on earth and in the world to come. 

Why is Jesus’ resurrection described as the “firstfruits”?

ANSWER:

The ‘first fruits’ were a sign or symbol of the coming harvest.
‘First fruits’ are the first pickings of the harvest which is offered to God (Lev 23:9-14)
To the Jews, the ‘first fruits’ represent and anticipate the rest of the harvest.  

Jesus, in fact, was raised on the same day as the feast of firstfruits which is observed on the day after the Sabbath during the Passover (Lev 23:11).

The resurrection of Christ was a sign or a symbol of the coming resurrection of believers.
His resurrection is the first fruits of a whole harvest of resurrection yet to come.
The resurrection of Christ signifies the certainty of our resurrection (Rom 8:11) 

How does the resurrection of Christ guarantee the resurrection of the dead? (21-22, Rom 5:12, 17, 19)  

ANSWER:

1Co 15:21-22  For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  22  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Rom 5:12  Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned --

Rom 5:17  For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Rom 5:19  For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Because Christ is the representative head of all those who are in him. By the representative principle:

Adam (a man) is one “head” of the human race. 

All mankind was brought under death by Adam.  

Jesus (a man) is the other head of the human race. 

Jesus brings resurrection to all who are “under” his headship.

Main Contents of representative principle (Adam and Christ)

Representative #1: Adam:
In Adam, we all die. 

When Adam sinned against God, we “all sinned” in Adam (Rom 5:12) 

When Adam died, we all died. 

Representative #2: Christ:
In Christ, we all will be made alive. 

When Christ died for our sin, the price for our sins was fully paid (Rom 4:25; Heb 9:15,28, 10:10)

When Christ rose from the dead, his righteousness becomes ours (Rom 4:25, 5:17,19)

When Christ rose from the dead, his obedience becomes our obedience to God (Rom 5:19)
Since Christ rose, we will also rise again (Rom 8:11) 

Details of the representative principle:

Similar factors: 

One man did one thing and we all died. Another man does one other thing and we all live.

By one man, all died. By one man, all will be made alive.

In Adam, we all who are physical descended from Adam will die (physically). 

In Christ, we all who are spiritual descended from Christ will live (physically). 

Different factors:

The first ‘all’ includes all who are in Adam by the physical birth and by common factor of sin. 

The second ‘all’ includes all who are in Christ by spiritual birth and by common factor of faith. 

All who are in Adam die. All who are in Christ live.

But if you are not in Christ, then you are still in Adam, you are still in sin and you will die. 

Collective emphasis of these verses:

When Adam sinned, we not only die physically, but also die spiritually.

And when Christ lives, we not only live spiritually, but also live physically in a glorified body. 

Physical bodies (will) die because of Adam's sin (death). 

Physical bodies (will) live because of Christ's resurrection (righteousness).

When will this bodily resurrection of the dead happen? (23)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:23  But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

When Jesus comes back (at the second coming of Jesus), the resurrection of the dead will take place.

Jesus received resurrection first as the ‘firstfruits’ and then we will receive it at his second coming.

4. Read verse 24-28.

ANSWER:

1Co 15:24-28  Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.  25  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  26  The last enemy to be destroyed is death.  27  For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ.  28  When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

What will the Risen Christ do before he hands over the kingdom to God the Father? (24-25) 

ANSWER:

1Co 15:24-25  Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.  25  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

Christ will destroy all dominion, authority and power (including Satan and his angels)  

Christ will reign.

Christ has always reigned over the world in one sense (Col 1:17; Heb 1:3; Php 3:21).

Not everyone obeys Christ but, at that time, all people on earth will obey him. 

Not every part of us obeys Christ now but we will obey him then with all our heart, mind and strength.  

Every knee will bow down before him and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Php 2:10-11)

Christ will put all his enemies under his feet (total conquest).

Then, in the end, he will hand over the kingdom to God the Father. 

What is the last enemy to be destroyed? (26, Rev 20:14)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:26  The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Rev 20:14  Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

In the past, Jesus has already destroyed the power of death on the Cross and by his resurrection.

The destruction of death was shown at the resurrection of Jesus.  

The destruction of death was also shown when the graves were opened and many holy people who had died were raised to life and appeared to many people (Mat 27:52-53).

In the present, the power of death is being destroyed in the lives of believers more and more by Christ. 

In the Future, he will destroy the power of death completely at his second coming. There will be no more death (Rev 21:4)

What is the purpose of Jesus’ submission to God the Father? (28, Rom 11:36)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:28  When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Rom 11:36  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

So that God the Father may be all in all. 

The original purpose of creation is that God may be glorified by all creation including us. 

God the Son’s desire is to glorify God the Father through all eternity.  

Children of God are supposed to live to glorify God just like Jesus did (Gen 1:31; 1Co 10:31)

All things are from God, through God and to God. To him be the glory forever (Rom 11:36).

Regarding Jesus’ submission to the Father:

God the Son, Jesus, is not inferior to God the Father. He is equal with God the Father (Phil 2:6).

From eternity, God the Son is officially subordinate to God the Father (1Co 11:3). 

5. Read verse 29-34.

ANSWER:

1Co 15:29-34  Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?  30  And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?  31  I die every day -- I mean that, brothers -- just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.  32  If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."  33  Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."  34  Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God -- I say this to your shame.

Regarding baptism for the dead:

There are many different interpretations of this; it is one of the most difficult verses in the Bible. Here are two possible interpretations:

It was a pagan custom of vicarious baptism for the dead.
- Some people were being baptized on behalf of those who have died. 
- Paul’s point was, ‘If there is no resurrection, why are they doing this? If even pagans by this custom are shown to have resurrection faith, how is it that you so-called Christians in Corinth do not believe the resurrection of the dead!’

It was a Christian baptism:
- Some people were coming to Christ after they experienced the death of their loved one who was a faithful believer.
- They received baptism because they wanted to be with their loved one in heaven.
- They received baptism in order to be with the dead. In that sense, they were baptized for the dead.
- Paul’s point is ‘If there is no resurrection, why are they being baptized?’

Paul does not say, “We baptize for the dead”
- Paul does not approve of this pagan custom but uses it to emphasize that there is a resurrection from the dead.
- The Bible clearly teaches that once we die, we face judgment (Heb 9:27)
- There is no second chance after death. Therefore, ‘now’ is the time to believe in Jesus Christ. 

How did Paul and his company live with resurrection faith? (30-32, Luk 9:23) 

ANSWER:

1Co 15:30-32  And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?  31  I die every day -- I mean that, brothers -- just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.  32  If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."

Luk 9:23  Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

He said, “...we endanger ourselves every hour. I die everyday.” 
Paul and his company placed their lives in jeopardy for the gospel all the time.
Why? because...

They believed the resurrection of the dead (1Co 15:22)

They knew the glory and worth of the resurrection (Rom 8:18)

They knew that suffering and hardship here on earth is norm to believers (Jn 16:33) 

They knew that suffering/ hardship is absolutely necessary to enter the heaven (Acts 14:22) 

What does "I die every day" mean? (Luk 9:23) 

To live one’s life in constant, imminent danger.
- Life as a believer involves following Jesus who physically suffered and died for us.
- We should be ready to physically suffer and die for Christ. 

To struggle spiritually on a daily basis to put the flesh to death and live for God (Rom 6:11). 

He said, “...I fought wild beasts in Ephesus”
Paul was referring to the violent and rough crowd he struggled against at Ephesus in Acts 19:23-41.

Suffering is a very powerful testimony: 

To unbelievers.
Paul and his companions lived unthinkably dangerous lives for the gospel. Outsiders are held in slavery by their fear of death (Heb 2:15) and, thus, find such resurrection faith to be amazing.

To believers.
- Other believer’s suffering convicts us so that we repent of our comfortable lifestyles.
- Other believer’s suffering inspires us to commit ourselves to participate in the suffering of Jesus.
- Other believer’s suffering gives us a paradoxical comfort because such sufferings prove God’s love for us/them.

What would be our philosophy and lifestyle if we didn’t have resurrection faith? (32b)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:32b  If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."

Our philosophy and lifestyle would be hedonistic according to the motto, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (Isa 22:13).
- Without resurrection faith, this earthly life is all there is and we are compelled to live accordingly. That’s why so many people are hedonists. 
- Even Christians are influenced by this demonic philosophy. 

- ‘Enjoy the moment present as much as we can’ ‘Do whatever you want to do’ 

How can we apply Paul’s warning in our own generation? (33-34)

ANSWER:

1Co 15:33-34  Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."  34  Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God -- I say this to your shame.

We should be on our guard against:

Deception because it is so easy to be misled
- Many false teachers will deceive people (Mk 13:6; 2Co 11:13)
- Satan is a liar (Jn 8:44; 2Co 11:14)
- We must be alert in order to not be deceived (1Pe 5:8)

Bad company. “Bad company corrupts good character” – this is a quote from the poet Menander from Athens which was near Corinth.

Bad company consists of associating with an individual who practices and teaches what is false and evil (Psa 26:4-5; 2Co 6:14, 17; 1Co 5:9).
- Hanging around evil people whose mouths proclaim evil messages will lead to evil morals.
- Teaching without resurrection, teaching without judgment, leads to corrupt living.
- Bad teaching corrupts good morals.
- The influence of sin is powerful.
- Do not think you will be fine even though you associate with bad people (Jas 4:4-5).

We need to have good company.
- Good company will help become mature and strong (Pro 27:17)
- The importance of having good company in our lives cannot be overemphasized.

Sin.
- Sin was once our master and we were slaves to sin (Rom 6:20)
- Although we died to sin (Rom 6:2) we still have sinful nature (Rom 7:18)
- We need to count ourselves dead to sin (Rom 6:11)
- We have to fight against our sin even to the point of shedding blood (Heb 12:4) 
- We must remember that all our sins were forgiven through Jesus’ blood. 

People (not just people in the world but even in the church) who teach false doctrines and are ignorant of God (Php 3:18):
- Some people are ignorant of God.
- Some people think they know something when they don’t know anything. This is the ignorance of ignorance.
- Some people who teach false doctrines don’t know God and are ignorant of God. 

We can know God rather than be “ignorant of God” by:

Meditating on the Bible day and night with a prayerful mind (Psa 1:2).
- The Word of God is true (Jn 17:17).
- The Word of God is perfect (Psa 19:7).

Praying for God tos guide us into all truth:
- God teaches us (Jn 6:45; Isa 54:13; Jer 31:34).
- The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (Jn 16:13).

Practicing (obeying) his commands in our daily life (1Jn 2:3).

In Conclusion, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the essence of the Gospel. Jesus rose from the dead and we will also rise from the dead with a glorious body like his. The resurrection of Christ is an absolute historical fact. Our bodily resurrection is guaranteed. Because of this resurrection faith, we hope for the future glory. Because of this resurrection hope, we willingly endanger ourselves for Christ and the Gospel. May God teach us through the Holy Spirit so that we can have confidence and faith in the resurrection! 

4

In Christ all will be made alive

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Key Verse: 15:22   "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

    One time an American evangelist in 19 century Dwight L Moody said, “Some day you will hear that Moody died. Don’t believe it. At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now...” Last week we've learned the essence of the gospel: Jesus Christ died for our sins, buried, and rose again from the dead. Today apostle Paul focus on the resurrection, esp. the power of Jesus' resurrection. The passage can be divided in three parts. First, why Jesus' resurrection is necessary (12-19). Second, how the power of Risen Jesus works in detail (20-28). Third, how to practically apply it to our lives (29-34).

I. If Jesus has not been raised (12-19)

   Look at v 12. "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?" There were some in the church of Corinth who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. They attended the church, enjoyed the fellowship, and heard the good message. They looked just fine. But there was something wrong with their faith because they did not believe their own resurrection. Maybe they were influenced either by Greek philosophy which considered their bodily resurrection undesirable, or by the teachings of the Sadducees who thought the world beyond to be just wishful thinking. They became realistic and earthbound. If they did not get a benefit right away, they said, "it's not necessary." They were more concerned about practical problems than the eternal life. So Paul had to speak up and was compelled to help them in the next 7 verses to repair their broken faith with a shepherd heart, esp. help them know the intimate relationship between Jesus' resurrection and their own resurrection.  

     First, if there is no resurrection, the world is under the power of death. Look at verse 13. "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised." What does he mean by "not even Christ"? Although all men have died, only Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. Every cloud has a silver lining! Jesus is our silver lining. Jesus is the seed of eternal life through his resurrection. When they claimed that there is no resurrection, they denied the resurrection of Christ too. So the world remained under the cruel power of death. 

    Second, if there is no resurrection, their faith would be in vain. Look at verse 14. "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." Christian faith hinges upon Jesus' death and resurrection. We believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day and gave us a living hope in the kingdom of God. It is a good news of great joy to all people. We believe this and proclaim it to the whole world. Also we invest our lives in the work of the gospel and make daily sacrifices. Because God raised Jesus from the dead according to the Scriptures, simply our faith is never in vain.

   Third, if there is no resurrection, we deny the almighty power of God. Look at verse 15a. "More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead"  In this verse the main word or focus is God himself. We're taught that God created the heavens and the earth simply by the powerful words out of his mouth. The same God raised Jesus from the dead. If Jesus  had not been raised from the dead, our God is not the Almighty God. Automatically we are found to be false witnesses.  Our growing disciples who have been sincere on every Friday night Bible study are considered to be professional liar training clubs. Bible question committee members who have been gathering on every Thursday will be fabricators to make lies. But we all know that Jesus' resurrection is an undeniable historical fact based on all clear witnesses. 

   Fourth, if there is no resurrection, we cannot solve our sin problem. Look at verse 17. "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." As we have studied last week, sin is deadly spiritual sickness. Sin makes man spiritually sick and fundamentally unhappy. Sin can not be ignorant. It must be dealt with our first and top priority because Sin finally leads man to the second death--eternal condemnation in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. If Jesus was not raised from the dead, he did not conquer the power of sin and death. All human beings are still under the power of sin and death. But Jesus was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures and solved our sin problem once and for all.

   Fifth, if there is no resurrection, Christians are to be pitied. Look at verse 19. "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." Paul explained in 1 Cor. 4:9-13 about what the Christian life in his times looked like: “...God has put us apostle on display at the end of the procession like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe,...To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, and we are homeless….Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the earth”. But the question is “Why should someone choose such poor, hungry, thirsty and hard life to live? Even now, some Christians in other parts of the world endure such life simply because they have faith. Our UBF missionary families had to go through the same sufferings that native Japanese people had gone through earthquake and its aftermath. But this is Paul’s assessment. Christian life without resurrection faith is most pitiful. Christian life is based on the truth of God. Christ is real. His promises are true. That’s why Christians happily bear sacrifices and hardships in this limited life. How disappointing would it be if all they believed turn out to be false? Such life is really pitiful. Christians are people who walk the narrow way. We carry the cross of mission and willingly deny ourselves and live sacrificial lives in order to spread the kingdom of God as our first priority. If there is no resurrection, then those who participate in the remaining sufferings of Christ, are the most miserable people. But Jesus was raised according to the Scriptures, they are the most glorious people in His glorious resurrection. 

II. The power of Risen Jesus (20-28)

 

   Look at verse 20a. Paul begins with the words, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead." Here notice the word, "indeed," he meant that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a theory or opinion, but a fact. Down through history everyone has had to bow down to the power of death. Mohammed knelt down before the power of death in June 8, 632 A.D., despite his many teachings. Also at the age of 80 Buddha had said that he would die in three months. According to the tradition, three months later he himself chose to eat different food and died of food poisoning. Instead of going to so called Nirvana considered to be the place of complete bliss and delight, he simply disappeared into the fabric of human history. 

   But Christ’ resurrection is different. It's a fact, an event happened in history. It also directly connects to the resurrection of believers. So in verse 20b, Paul has to call Christ as the “firstfruits”. The Feast of Firstfruits was kept on the day after the Sabbath following Passover(Lev. 23:9-14). Jesus rose from the dead on the exact day of the Feast of Firstfruits, the day after the Sabbath following the Passover. In a harvest, the firstfruits are the first fruits of the crop to ripen and be gathered. Because they are numbered “first”, they signal many more sequential fruits to follow. So Christ’s resurrection is a sign of the sure resurrection of all believers belonged to Him. 

   Still some may wonder how they can be sure of their own resurrection based on one person’s resurrection? Paul answers in verse 21. First look at v. 21a. "For since death came through a man..." Here "a man" refers to Adam. As a representative of human beings, he was supposed to obey God's command. But he failed and disobeyed God. Consequently sin came into the world. When men became sin-sick, they began to see God differently and also see others and the world relatively. So if they need God, they say there is a God; if they don't need God, they say there is no God. In this way, sin reigned in mankind and in all their offspring. Sin began with Adam's disobedience, and the consequence of sin was death for everyone as his offspring. 

   But look at verse 21b, “the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.” Here a man refers to Jesus. Jesus who was the prince of kingdom of God came down from heaven to be like Adam. He sacrificed himself in order to set the new way for us to follow. He obeyed God's command and overcame all the temptations one by one and won the great victory against any sin. So we have now the perfect man and the perfect God. He became our true hero and role model who we can follow. 

    Paul concluded in verse 22, "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and made him alive. Also whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). We're created into a living being who can hold the breath for a short time at best 80 years. But the Risen Christ has life-giving power(45), meaning that only Jesus is able to give us eternal life. There are so many attractive things in this world that seemed to give us something. But they are mere phantom. There is the only way and the very one who is Jesus, through whom we can truly be made alive. So throughout the passage Paul did not call them "dead" but as "those who have fallen asleep" (6,18,20,51), because in the Risen Christ there is no hint of death at all. To God's people, death is like a just pleasant time of nap. "...so in Christ all will be made alive." 

  Look at verse 24. "Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power." In the time of restoring the kingdom of God, the Risen Christ will first destroy all evil powers one by one. Despite the seemingly good things in this world, we know that underneath, the world is full of evil. Apostle Paul who was a Roman citizen had seen how corrupt the world became quickly. For example under the banner of Pox Romana, heavy taxation and currency manipulation were imposed mercilessly throughout the world under her subject. As a result Romans created the vast capital system for the first time in human history. They exploit the subject nation and poor people by making friends with greedy local leaders like Herod or Sadducees. Where there is such necessary evil, there was always great sorrow, making man miserable. Even today our refined capitalism have produced lots of side effects like vast foreclosures and evil people. But when the time comes, surely the Risen Christ will destroy all evil dominion, authority and power 

   Our Risen Christ will also destroy death. Look at verse 26. "The last enemy to be destroyed is death." Death is the fruit of sin(Rom 6:23a). Because most of us here are young, we live in this world as if death does not exist. However, sudden deaths of the loved ones remind us of this cold reality. The Bible solemnly says that we live once but die twice, meaning there are two kinds of death--first, physical death and then spiritual death so called, "the second death" or eternal condemnation. Death is the last enemy of man. Death has in it a sting. During their lives, those who sin against God get many injuries and wounds both in body and spirit by the sting of death. After the first physical death they can't just die; they have to live forever in the midst of the sting of death in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. But the good news of great joy is: our Risen Jesus will surely destroy this last tenacious enemy of all mankind, death, with his almighty power of resurrection. Jesus says in John 5:24: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” We are saved from our sin and we're crossed over  from death to life simply by hearing Jesus' living words and personally accepting it. 

   Finally the Risen Christ will restore creation order. Look at verse 24 again. "Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power." Also verse 28. "When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all." According to the book of Genesis, originally there was one kingdom--the kingdom of God. But due to Adam's disobedience, the kingdom of Satan came into the world. Ever since Satan has ruled the darkness of the world. But when God raised Jesus from the dead, he assured the complete destruction of the kingdom of Satan, and at the same time the complete restoration of the kingdom of God. 

     It reminds me of the Lord's Prayer, "Your kingdom come," meaning the sure destruction of the kingdom of Satan as well as the complete recovery of the kingdom of God. In the Risen Christ, we see Satan's spiral from the pinnacle of power through status of prisoner to its complete elimination. And God will once again be regarded as the very Center of the universe. So in essence the power of the Risen Christ is the same power of the Almighty Creator God. It's compared to the powerful master key or unlock code for all the promised blessings that God had planned from the Genesis. The Risen Christ opened the doors wide of the kingdom of God through his power of his resurrection. When he does complete his administrative work, he will make complete unity with God His Father. In this way God will be all in all. God is our blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords(1Tim 6:15). 

 

    This passage reminds us of 1Thes 5:16-18, which read, “Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks to God in all circumstances. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Often times I had my spirit affected by the events and the people around me. But this passage helps me to personally apply resurrection hope. Events and people are real but they are not final. What is real and final is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our glorious present and future in and through our risen Christ who reigns now and forever! 

I die everyday(29-34)

    Look at verse 29. In Paul’s time people were baptized for the dead with the thought that their loved ones would be saved from the hell. Paul does not speak about the efficacy of such practice. Rather, he challenges people who do such things, but in their own words deny the reality of resurrection. Also Paul explained why he and his co-workers had to struggle to live an unusually tough lives. It's because he and his companions personally believed that Christ has been raised. They lived like good soldiers of Christ in fierce spiritual wars with the confidence about the ultimate victory.

     Look at verses 30-32. "And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I die every day-I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.'" Here his point is like this. It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that supports what he does and says, and the way he lives. Likewise with the guaranteed and firm resurrection faith now we die to sin and live sacrificially for God and others. In such a way we now experience resurrection power vividly. Resurrection is not a future thing only. Rather it is a daily and even powerful hourly transaction. Whenever we give our heart and time to one team Bible study, we also experience the power of resurrection. Jesus himself is the resurrection and the life. He who believes in him will live even though he dies. Whoever lives and believes in him will never die.   

  In conclusion Paul gave them some final warning. Look at verse 33. "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Who are bad company? According to the flow of the context, they are those without personal and biblical resurrection faith in their hearts. Without such faith and hope in their hearts, they could not find the meaning of life. Without the absolute meaning and purpose of life they gradually become wild. Naturally they put all their attention into what else this world has to offer. Unfortunately such people live shortly and die in sin for good. Paul said in verse 34a, "Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning." Those who say, "I am a Christian," but who do not have firm resurrection faith now are sinning in a true sense, because they are living double lives with double standard. 

  It reminds me of one basic elementary school teaching. Imagine your clothes catch fire, what shall you do? Simply, “Stop, Drop, and Roll” Likewise stop sinning, drop to your knees for repentance, and roll straight to our Risen Jesus and His wholesome teaching. But remember this never work in hell though. Only it works here. May God help us to believe in the resurrection of Christ and to live by the power of the resurrection and become more than conquerors in any situation. May the Lord help us to follow apostle Paul's good example who confessed “I die every day for the glory of God.” One word: All will be made alive!