4 God the Son: His Death and Resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
4
God the Son: His Death and Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1-28
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.
Suffering is a mystery that causes anguish to many Christians. It seems to call the love of God into question. The suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary does not explain suffering. It does, however, reveal that God himself is willing and able to allow himself to be subject to all the pain and suffering that his creation experiences. We are not talking of a God who stands far off from his world, aloof and distant from its problems. We are dealing with a loving God who has entered into our human situation, who became human and lived among us as one of us.
GROUP DISCUSSION. What are some typical responses to suffering?
PERSONAL REFLECTION. Has suffering (your own or someone else’s) caused you to question God’s love? If so, what help have you found from Scripture?
Jesus Christ suffered and died “so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15). We are not offering some soothing words to ease the pain of death and dying, words with no foundation in reality, such as saying “It’s all right” when in reality things could not be worse. We are talking about a real and decisive victory over death, by which its power is broken. A new attitude to death and dying is possible because a new situation has dawned. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-28.
1. Paul says that the death and resurrection of Christ are “of first importance” (v. 3). What reasons does this passage offer for why they are so important?
2. Verse 3 puts forward the essential reason why Jesus was crucified. What difference has his death meant for you personally?
3. Why was Paul extraordinarily grateful for the grace of God (vv. 7-11)?
4. What evidences does Paul offer that Jesus really rose from the dead (vv. 3-8)?
5. Verses 2 and 12-19 make bold statements about the implications if Jesus did not really rise from the dead. If he did not actually rise, what would change for the human race? For you personally?
6. What hope does the resurrection of Jesus offer to those who are afraid of death?
7. Taken together, verses 19-20 are like a great bridge spanning the gap from despair to hope. When have you experienced crossing such a bridge to hope because of Christ’s resurrection?
8. How does Jesus’ resurrection connect with the rest of humanity (vv. 20-23)?
9. What do verses 24-28 promise about the final victory of God?
10. Taken as a whole, what does this Scripture passage say to you about suffering here and now?
11. Consider specific difficult situations in your life. How does the resurrection of Jesus change your perspective on those circumstances?
Pray that you will grow in hope because Christ rose from the dead and lives today.