Sermon Breakdown

1. The apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address confusion and false teaching in the Corinthian church. In particular, some were denying the resurrection of the dead.
2. Paul argues that if there is no resurrection, then Jesus did not rise from the dead. If Jesus did not rise, then there is no gospel and Christians are still in their sins.
3. Paul says that if our only hope is in this life, then Christians are most miserable. He gives several reasons for this:
4. Jesus would only be a man, not the Son of God
5. There would be no gospel or forgiveness of sins
6. Paul would have no comfort in his sufferings and persecutions
7. The teaching of Jesus alone does not reform the world or give hope
8. But Christ has risen from the dead, and this gives assurance of a complete future salvation. Though Christians have the first fruits of salvation now, we await full salvation at the resurrection.
9. The resurrection proves that Jesus conquered all enemies, including death. He now reigns at the right hand of God, building His kingdom by calling individuals to faith.
10. Jesus will return to destroy His enemies, raise the dead, and usher in a perfect kingdom. There will be an end to history, sin, and suffering.
11. We must ask whether we belong to Christ and will share in His resurrection and kingdom. We become Christ's by believing the gospel that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.