"Of First Importance" 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Series: Topical Sermon

April 09, 2023
David Reyes

Christianity is based on historical events surrounding the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals three significant aspects of the resurrection of Jesus Christ: chronological, theological, and practical. The chronological significance refers to the historical context and timeline of events surrounding the resurrection. The theological significance pertains to the spiritual implications and meaning of the resurrection for believers. Lastly, the pragmatic significance concerns the practical applications and impact of the resurrection on daily life. The Apostle Paul's in his first letter to the Corinthians, describes in chapter fifteen the timeline of Jesus' dead, burial, and resurrection to be in accordance with the foretold Scriptures. This has great Spiritual implications; Jesus' resurrection has resulted in Him declared as Lord of all, and the confirmed Savior to a lost world. Practical effects for anyone who trust Jesus are tangible. Union with Christ means death to sin and new living hope to God in Christ. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved, because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 ESV

Episode Notes

“OF FIRST IMPORTANCE” 

( 1 Corinthians 15 : 1 - 4 )

Introduction

  1. Illustration of “Christianity is the only major religion to have at its central event the humiliation of its God.”                       ― Bruce L. Shelley, Church History in Plain Language cf Luke 24:34 “The Lord has risen indeed”

  2. The title of my sermon is, “OF FIRST IMPORTANCE,” and my text is 1 Cor 15:1-4

  3. The Bible reveals 3 important aspects from the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What are these aspects?


  1. The CHRONOLOGICAL significance, v. 1 Cor 15: 3-8.

  1. The timing of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection Gal 4:4; Rom 5:6 cf Dan 9:27; Mk 8:31

  2. Tells the truthfulness of God’s word. Lk 24:44-47 spc44 cf Isa 55:11 fulfilled -preached

  3. Illustration of a grain of wheat falling, dying, but returning to life bearing much fruit.

      Application: Seeing God’s perfect timing in fulfilling His promises, Do we rejoice trusting His word?


TRANSITION: “Not only does the Bible reveal the Chronological significance but also…”


  1. The THEOLOGICAL significance, v.1 Cor 15:24-28.

      1. Jesus declared as Lord over all! Mk 1:11 cf Rom 1:4; Ps 110 cf 1 Cor 15:25-27a. reign until last enemy

      2. Jesus confirmed as Savior of all! Able to save Heb 7:26; lives forever Rom 6:9 cf Rom 8:33God the Father

          Justifies, Christ intercedes, Holy Spirit convicts of sin Jn 16:8; Rom 10:9… Suggested Sinner’s Prayer

      3. Illustration of 7 hours “The debate to end all debates” 4/9/22 (1yr ago) Bart Ehrman vs Mike Licona

      Application: Do I understand Jesus is Lord over all, dead and living? Do I believe in Jesus as Savior?


TRANSITION: “Not only does the Bible reveal the Chronological & Theological significance but…”


  1. The PRAGMATIC significance, v.1 Cor 15:2, 22, 42-57. Spc 45, 57

      1. Our Salvation is guaranteed, newness of life Rom 6:4; 1 Pet 1 :3 be born again to a living hope

      2. Our Resurrection is glorious, waiting blessed hope Tit 2:13: Rom 6:5 cf Ho 6:2; 1Cor 15:55; Col 3:4; Rom 3:23

      3. Illustration of Jesus tells Martha “Your brother will rise again” do you believe this Jn 11:23-27.

      Application: Is our hope in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the awaiting of His glorious future?


Conclusion

  1. Therefore seeing, the CHRONOLOGICAL, the THEOLOGICAL, and the PRAGMATIC,

  2. Let us understand, and heed these 3 important resurrection aspects that the Bible reveals to us!

Illustration of “what frees us is our obedience to God - trusting His love to brings Easter morning, - knowing that the meaning of life is in the knowledge and love of God,- and in sharing it” Rev. Richard J. Fairchild

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