Weekly Sermon Insights: The Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15

Believers can look forward to their own future resurrection!

May 31, 2026

Greg Johnson

Message Notes

Study Notes: 1 Corinthians 15 — The Resurrection

Main Theme

• The resurrection of Christ is foundational to the gospel and to Christian hope.

• Without it, preaching is vain, faith is futile, and we remain in our sins.

• Believers can look forward to their own future resurrection — a transformed, imperishable, glorious body bearing the image of Christ, resulting in victory over death.

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 15 (Summary)

The Gospel Foundation (vv. 1–11)

• Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached:

  • Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

  • He was buried.

  • He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

  • He appeared to Cephas (Peter), the Twelve, more than 500 brothers (most still alive), James, all the apostles, and finally to Paul himself.

• Paul’s own testimony: “I am the least of the apostles… but by the grace of God I am what I am.”

The Logical Necessity of Resurrection (vv. 12–19)

• If there is no resurrection of the dead, then:

  • Christ has not been raised.

  • Preaching is in vain.

  • Faith is in vain / futile.

  • We are misrepresenting God.

  • We are still in our sins.

  • Those who have died in Christ have perished.

  • We are of all people most to be pitied (if hope is only for this life).

The Certainty & Order of Resurrection (vv. 20–28)

• Christ has been raised — the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

• As in Adam all die, so in Christ all shall be made alive.

• Order:

  1. Christ the firstfruits.

  2. Then at His coming, those who belong to Christ.

  3. Then the end — He delivers the kingdom to the Father after destroying all rule, authority, and power (last enemy: death).

The Resurrection Body (vv. 35–49)

• Analogy of the seed: What is sown does not come to life unless it dies.

• God gives each seed its own body.

• Contrast:

  • Sown perishable → raised imperishable.

  • Sown in dishonor → raised in glory.

  • Sown in weakness → raised in power.

  • Sown a natural body → raised a spiritual body.

• We have borne the image of the man of dust (Adam); we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven (Christ).

Victory Through Christ (vv. 50–58)

• Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom.

• We shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

• The perishable puts on the imperishable; the mortal puts on immortality.

• “Death is swallowed up in victory… Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Applications & Takeaways

• The resurrection is non-negotiable — it is central to the gospel.

• Our future is secure and glorious: imperishable, powerful, glorious, spiritual bodies like Christ’s.

• Even if we face weakness, dishonor, or death now, a better resurrection awaits.

• Live with confidence and hope — nothing (including death) can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39).

• God has plans for a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11) that extend far beyond this life.

• Challenge modern skepticism: Many eyewitnesses confirmed the resurrection; the evidence is overwhelming.

Closing Prayer Emphasis

• Thanks for the certainty of Christ’s resurrection and the promise of our own.

• Gratitude for victory over sin and death through the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Prayer for strong faith and hopeful living in light of the future resurrection.

The historical reality of Christ’s resurrection to the glorious future transformation awaiting believers, urging confident faith in the face of doubt or worldly predictions.