The Nature of the Resurrection

Warm Up:

Do you remember when the idea of death first became a reality to you? Describe what led you to ponder the certainty of death. How did you respond and what did you learn in the days, weeks, and months to follow?

What does the hope of resurrection mean to you? What role does faith play in this hope? How do you live this out from day-to-day?

Exploring 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

How does Paul use the illustration of the seed as it relates to death and resurrection? Does this visual illustration give you a better understanding of death and the resurrection body? Specifically note verses 42-44. Why do we find it difficult to accept the concept of resurrection when it is so clearly demonstrated in nature?

What is the relationship between Christ and Adam as mentioned in verses 45-49? Why can flesh and blood not inherit the Kingdom of God?

In verses 51-56, what is the mystery that Paul mentions? When Paul says, “the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality,” how does this affect your perspective of things yet to come?

In verses 57-58, Paul affirms that Jesus secured our victory through His death. How does verse 58 instruct the Corinthians (and us) on the proper response to His sacrifice?

Application:

Make time this week to contemplate the meaning of Ephesians 3:14-19 and pastor Kent Hughes’ reflections on this passage in the Think section:

Think:

“A love which is wide enough to embrace the world. 

A love which is long enough to last forever.  

As Spurgeon said, “God’s love is so long that your old age cannot wear it out, so long your continual tribulation cannot exhaust it, so long that your successive temptations shall not drain it dry; like eternity itself it knows no bounds.”

A love which is high enough to take sinners to Heaven.

A love which is deep enough to take Christ to the very depths to reach the lowest sinner.”

- Kent Hughes

Prayer:

List one or two prayer concerns to share with your group. Express gratitude to God for the hope of the resurrection.