Revision as of 14:44, 23 July 2018

Objectives

Opening

Main Body

The Risen Christ

Faith's Reality (v. 1-11)

• Look at verse 1. How does Paul choose to introduce what he is about to write?
  • Paul introduces what he has to say by pointing out that it is nothing new. This is the message they had already heard. Paul is confirming what they already knew to be true.

• We firmly believed in the perseverance of the saints (once saved always saved). However, we also believe that there are those who have a shallow faith. What does verse 2, together with James 2:19, teach us?
  • There is a shallow faith that is so shallow it does not lead to salvation.

• In verses 3 through 8 Paul outlines several keys to the gospel. What does Paul outline?
  • Jesus died
  • Jesus was buried
  • Jesus rose
  • Jesus was seen

This is a very important passage for apologetics. Remember that 1 Corinthians was written in the mid 50's. Few scholars dispute the authentic early Pauline authorship. When Paul makes the claim that 500 people saw the risen Christ and most of those people are still alive, we have a strong historical statement.

• What does Paul mean "by one born out of due time?"
  • Paul was not converted until after Christ ascended. Paul missed the opportunity. However, Christ, graciously provided Paul salvation. In verse 8 Paul states that he saw Christ "as by one born out of due time." The word that conveys the born our of due time is εκτρωματι and means a still-born child. Thiselton ^[1] argues this means an aborted fetus. Here, Paul highlights the miracle that God, in his grace, provided life to him.

• In verses 9-11 Paul argues that he is the least of the apostles but that his labor was more abundant. In what ways was Paul's labor more abundant.
  • Paul wrote a significant portion of the Bible. Planted a significant number of churches, and served Christ for a significant number of years.

• In verses 9-11 Paul argues that he is the least of the apostles but that his labor was more abundant. From where does Paul draw in order to labor abundantly?
  • In verse 10 Paul argues that it is by the grace of God that he has labored.

Our Hope (v. 12-19)

The Last Enemy Destroyed (v. 20 -28)

Denying the Resurrection (v.29-34)

The Glorified Body (v. 35-49)

The Final Victory (v. 50-58)

Closing

1. ↑ Thiselton, Anthony C. 1 Corinthians: A shorter exegetical and pastoral commentary. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2011.