1. Controversy at Corinth
1 Corinthians 15
“If the dead do not rise…”
In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul deals with the controversy created in Corinth by some who claimed that the dead to not rise. Such a claim was contrary to the gospel the Corinthians had already accepted – they could not logically hold to both the claim that the dead do not rise and the gospel that they had accepted. The resurrection is real; Christ is the first fruits, it will follow a set process, and it provides us the victory over sin and death. Do not be fooled by commonly accepted statements that are at odds with truth. Allow the reality of the resurrection to motivate your faithfulness!
Tomb at Corinth, circa 2,800 B.C.

2. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the fundamentals of the gospel 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day (15:3-4)
Many witnesses attest to this fact (15:5-8)
This is what the Corinthians had believed! (15:11)

3. Paul’s response to those who said, “There is no resurrection
Paul’s response to those who said, “There is no resurrection.” 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
If there is no resurrection…
Christ is not risen
Preaching the gospel is meaningless
Faith is worthless
Witnesses are liars
All men are still in their sins
Christians who have died have perished eternally
We are of all men most pitiable

4. Important truths regarding The Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:20-44
Christ is the first fruits (15:20-23)
The resurrection is a set process (15:35-44)
A death is necessary (15:36-37)
Each individual will have an individual body (15:38)
Bodies can be differentiated one from another (15:38-41)
The resurrected body will be different in several important respects (15:42-44)
It is the victory over sin and death! (15:50-57)

5. Overarching Concepts 1 Corinthians 15:20-44
Commonly accepted statements may be at odds with truth (15:33-34). For example…
“God has a reason for everything” or “Everything happens for a reason.” (Eccl. 9:11; Jeremiah 19:5)
“The church is not a temple for saints, but a hospital for sinners.” (James 5:16; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Peter 2:5; Acts 2:47)
“God needed another angel” (Psalms 8:5; 145:1-5)
“He’s in a better place” concerning someone who never obeyed the gospel. (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)
The resurrection is REAL MOTIVATION (15:58)