1. Studies in 1 Corinthians
Christ, our Risen Hope
1 Corinthians 15:12-20

3. Christ’s resurrection NOT denied by Corinthians
THERE IS NO
RESSURECTION
Christ is not raised!
Christ’s resurrection NOT denied by Corinthians
Note appearances (15:3-8)
1 Cor. 15:20 “Now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits…”

4. Purpose of His resurrection –
THERE IS NO
RESSURECTION
Christ is not raised!
Purpose of His resurrection –
Demonstrate His power over death Heb. 2:14-15
To give us hope! Jn. 11:25

5. An ineffective message
Our Preaching Is Vain
An ineffective message
Resurrection the focus of preaching - Acts 2, 3:15, 4:2,10, 33; 13:34-35, 17:31, 26:23, etc.

6. With no resurrection, their message was empty!
Our Preaching Is Vain
Paul preached on it often – at least 7 epistles mention the resurrection!
With no resurrection, their message was empty!

7. Preaching based upon a lie!
Our Preaching Is Vain
What is vain preaching?
Preaching based upon a lie!
Why? It cannot accomplish what it promises!
Eph. 5:6, Col. 2:8

8. What’s the use if there is no resurrection?
Our faith is empty
Same root word as vain!
Why are we here?
What’s the use if there is no resurrection?
My faith is in the empty tomb!

9. Paul a false witness
They are frauds – because they willingly taught there IS a resurrection!
So were Peter, Apollos, etc. (cf. 1 Cor. 1:12-13)
NO middle ground – either the truth or liars!

10. Our faith is futile
Without result!
What’s the use? Why suffer? Why sacrifice? Why trust in God? Why have hope?
Still in our sins? cf. Ac. 13:37-39, Rom. 8:33-34, 5:8-11, 6:3-11, etc.

11. Those “asleep” have perished
What of dead relatives and friends?
No resurrection, they are no more! 1 Cor. 15:32
Many deny resurrection or limit it (i.e. no hell)

12. If in this life only…
We are of all men to be pitied. Again, if nothing beyond this life, what is the purpose of being here?

13. Lessons:
What does this text say about false teachers? 2 Pet. 3:1-3 How much error has to be in the message for it to be false?

14. What if there is no resurrection? Think of the consequences!
Lessons:
What if there is no resurrection? Think of the consequences!

15. Lessons:
Is our faith empty? Is it possible to have an empty faith? What if we trust in false teachings? Jas. 2:14-17

16. We are here because Jesus arose! One day we will arise too!
Are you ready?