Lesson 16. The Gospel: the Message of the Resurrection
Day 5
Paul wraps up his teaching on the resurrection with a resounding declaration of victory. Let’s read the rest of 1 Corinthians 15 together:
I tell you this, brothers and sisters: Flesh and blood cannot have a part in the kingdom of God. Something that will ruin cannot have a part in something that never ruins.
1 Corinthians 15:50 NCV
Question 1. Given the truth taught in 1 Corinthians 15:50 NCV, what must happen to our bodies?
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But look! I tell you this secret: We will not all sleep in death, but we will all be changed. It will take only a second--as quickly as an eye blinks--when the last trumpet sounds. The trumpet will sound, and those who have died will be raised to live forever, and we will all be changed. This body that can be destroyed must clothe itself with something that can never be destroyed. And this body that dies must clothe itself with something that can never die.
I Corinthians 15:51-53 NCV
Our bodies must be changed! Right now, they are subject to decay and death, but God’s kingdom is an eternal kingdom, so our bodies must be changed to live in it!
“So this body that can be destroyed will clothe itself with that which can never be destroyed, and this body that dies will clothe itself with that which can never die. When this happens, this Scripture will be made true:
"Death is destroyed forever in victory." (Isaiah 25:8)
"Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your pain?" (Hosea 13:14)
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 NCV
Question 2. In I Corinthians 15:54–55, Paul quotes from two passages in the Old Testament. Please write out the point these Old Testament passages make.
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The Old Testament Scriptures that Paul quotes teach us that, because Jesus died and rose again for us, death is destroyed forever (Isaiah 25:8); death has been defeated and has lost its painful sting (Hosea 13:14). Hallelujah! Jesus has triumphed over death; He is the conquering King, the victor in all battles, and the hero of all Biblical stories!
Death's power to hurt is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But we thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.
1 Corinthians 15:56–58 NCV
Question 3. According to 1 Corinthians 15:56, what is the power of sin in our lives?
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The Law, that is, the Old Covenant Law, was designed specifically to stir up sin in our lives, and then to condemn us to death (2 Corinthians 3:7-8). We see this truth in Romans 7:7-9. There is only one way to have victory over law-ignited sin, and that is through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The cross crucified our sin and our old nature, and by putting us to death, we are no longer "married" to the Law, but rather to Jesus (Romans 7:1-6). In this way, Jesus brings us victory through the cross and power through His resurrection. We become heirs to the victory He won for us on the cross through regeneration (God resurrecting us from the dead).
I Corinthians 15 begins with Paul reminding the Corinthians of the gospel, Jesus Christ's death for our sins, and His resurrection from the dead on the third day, and it concludes with a triumphant declaration of victory! This is a summary of our entire time on this earth: the gospel of Jesus Christ leads us to victory in all areas. Victory over sin, victory over Satan, victory over death!
Question 4. What are your final thoughts on this lesson? Please share:
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