READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l 1 Corinthians 15-16 discusses the certainty (15:1-34) and nature (15:34-58) of Christ’s resurrection, and the readiness of giving (16:1-4) that forms the shape of church life (16:5-24).
1. One Hope in Christ’s victory over death
Paul reminds the church that death is a defeated enemy and Christ is victorious by His resurrection. Paul discusses the theological doctrine of glorification (15:50-52) whereby believers experience resurrection to a new spiritual and physical body fit for God’s kingdom. While the details remain a mystery, the certainty remains that this transformation upon Christ’s return will happen. This is our Christian hope.
Our hope then should not rest solely on academic or professional successes, as assuming worldly values over God’s kingdom values whitewashes our Christian identity. We must guard against hypocrisy and wickedness beneath a righteous appearance, like the Pharisees in Matthew 23. While it is fine to appreciate the world God created and our bodies which is God’s temple, placing our hope in this physical world is vanity.
2. One Binding Truth that Death is a common denominator of all man
Death makes us all equal. We struggle with loss, regret over unaccomplished goals, and missed moments with loved ones, deepening our sense of hopelessness.
The Bible sees death as an enemy, an intruder of life intended by God. Paul interconnects death, sin, and the law (15:56), reminding the church that death is a consequence of this fallen world. Sin entered when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, leading to us experiencing death as a consequence. The law reveals our transgressions, but with God as our redeemer, we are not hopeless. Although death is experienced by all, it is not considered natural in the Bible; it is an enemy defeated by the resurrected Christ. While death still stings, the greater truth in our Christian Hope is that God has the final say over our lives.
3. One Shape of church life that is Motivated only by love
A faith community embracing the correct theology of hope and death embodies love and is motivated by it (16:13-14). Paul stresses the gospel message and unwavering faith through his letter and in 1 Corinthians, emphasising that the church should do everything in love and not self-interest.
Practical applications as we embrace being Christ’s church (Chapter 16):
- Called to be ready to give
In Jerusalem, Jewish Christians were persecuted for their faith, losing homes and jobs. Paul urged the Corinthians to give in brotherly love. This was a discipleship opportunity to address personal pride through secret giving. He emphasised consistent and generous giving (v2) as their means allowed.
As Christ’s disciples, we should be willing to use God’s providence and blessings to support His work and be a blessing to others, live out the gospel, and do everything in love.
- Called to be a family undivided
Paul tackled division in the Corinthians church by planning a visit, sending Timothy (v10), and encouraging Apollos to visit (v12) to emphasise their unity as fellow workers and God’s family. Paul also cautioned against treating Timothy with contempt (v11). Paul’s heart was to spend time with them and to provide resource of those dear to him because the church is family.
We may not get along with everyone in church but shared time and experiences help foster love. Spiritual relationships should be present in our lives because of our connection to Jesus and His redemptive work that unite us.
- Called to be devoted in service
Paul highlighted Stephanas’ household as an example of sacrificial service. (v15-18)
Our call to serve one another reflects how Christ served our cause sacrificially on the cross. We should capture every opportunity to serve others with sacrificial love rather than seek to be served by others or by the church.
Being a real church means embracing love, humility, and living out the transformative power of the gospel. It means being devoted disciples of Christ, living our faith with integrity through challenges, and having a genuine relationship with Christ, allowing His love to overflow into our relationships, displaying Christ’s love to the world.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Let’s recall, reflect, consider, and commit!
- Recall your greatest frustrations in life and faith. How has Jesus being your living hope impact your perspective on the challenges you face in the past and present?
- Reflect on 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. In what ways has the assurance of eternity influence your daily living? How can this perspective shape your response to adversity?
- Consider (in reference to 1 Corinthians 16) the steps you can take to prioritize love, unity and generosity within your Christian community and your relationships with others. How can you actively demonstrate the transformative power of love in your interactions?
- Commit to cultivate a relationship that is true and real in your discipleship to align your life more closely with the shape of a 1 Corinthians church and as disciples of Christ. Where are you in your spiritual journey and what specific disciplines or practices (introduced through the sermon series) will you commit to implementing in order to embrace kingdom values?
