The Importance of the Resurrection
1 Cor. 15:12-19

Sermon Outline from the Evening Service - 23 January 2000

I. The denial of resurrection by some in Corinth (12)

A. It could not be denied that Paul preached the resurrection of Jesus. It was delivered "first of all...." /as of first importance!
B. Some held a differing opinion on the resurrection of dead ones.

II. Consequences of denying the resurrection of dead ones (13-19)

A. Christ Jesus was never resurrected (13) To say that because He was God He could be raised, is to
neglect He was truly and fully human.
B. Our preaching is vain (14)

1. This word for preaching has to do with the content of what was spoken, not the method or goal of
preaching.
2. But our preaching requires the resurrection not only as a fact of history, but as a force for change.

C. Believers' faith is vain (14) objective faith / the reality of the faith

1. In v. 14 the Greek word translated "vain" is о е meaning empty, lacking in contents, without
reality. In v. 17 it is жаза which means lacking results, accomplishing nothing.
2. If no resurrection, then the object of our faith (Jesus & His resurrection) becomes as meaningless as
an abstract picture.

D. The apostles are false witnesses (15)

1. "Testified of God" is literally "testified against God" (what is true).
2. We are liars, we are deceivers, as is God and His Word.

E. Believers' faith is vain (17) subjective faith / the results of faith

1. Nothing can come from faith. Prayer can accomplish nothing.
2. See 1 Cor 6:9-11 -- if no resurrection, then no real change. If Christ remains in the grave, we
remain under the power and guilt of sin.

F. The dead are merely dead (18).

1."Fall asleep" shows the innocence & impermanence of death "in Christ."
2. With no resurrection, life ends and nothing ever happens again. There is no accounting for good or
bad, no rewards or punishment.

G. Believers are to be pitied in this life (19)

1. To have "hope in Christ" refers to what Christ did, does & will do.
2. To what kind of life does Christ call us to live in this world? Rom. 12:2; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 John 2:15-
17; Rom. 6:18; Phil 2:3-4; 1 Cor. 16:2. This would all be a prison if the heart didn't love the Lord!

Because He has risen, the opposite of what we've been considering is true.