The Fact of the Resurrection

Warm Up:

Have you ever had to “take a stand” for something you strongly believed in? How did you feel after gathering the courage to stand up for your beliefs? Share this with your group.

Have you ever had to “take a stand” for the gospel or your Christian beliefs? Was it difficult? If so, why?

Most of us want to be remembered for something. At the end of your life, how would you like to be remembered?

Exploring 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

What proclamations do verses 1-8 make concerning the gospel? List a few you find interesting.

Paul is a bold spokesperson for the gospel of Jesus Christ, but what does verse 9 say about his humility? How did Paul persecute the church of God (Acts 22:4; 1 Timothy 1:15-16)? What does verse 10 tell us about how we should view our personal sin and His forgiveness?

Some Corinthians asserted that there was no resurrection of the dead (verse 12). What are a few of the ways Paul counters their assertions (verses 13-28)? Why does Paul mention Adam?

What does fighting beasts at Ephesus have to do with the broad theme of the resurrection (verse 32)? What beasts do you fight to be faithful to your calling?

Call to mind the Corinthian culture and Paul’s reasons for writing this letter. Regarding verse 33, How do we balance being “in the world, but not of the world?” Is this a problem only experienced by the young?

In verse 34, Paul returns to the reason for writing this letter—prevalent sin and division in the Corinthian church. Do you think verse 34 is a rebuke intended to awaken them? What do you imagine were the influences and behaviors that took the Corinthians down the path of deserving such a correction?

Application:

Write down a few ideas about how you can be bolder and more courageous in your faith this week, without being offensive or obstinate.

Think:

“We should live as if Christ died yesterday, rose today, and is coming tomorrow.” - Martin Luther

Prayer:

List one or two prayer concerns to share with your group. Pray for one another’s boldness in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.