CONNECT: How can you use your gifts in peaceful and ordered ways to build up the church?

WARM-UP

1. What do you think most Australians believe happens after death?
2. What are the common misconceptions that the Corinthians held about the resurrection?
3. Do you see any similarities between the Corinthians and what our culture thinks about the afterlife?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

1. What does Paul mean by reminding them of the Gospel which he preached?
2. Why does it seem that Paul had to remind the Corinthians of the basic news of the Gospel?
3. What are the contents of the Gospel as Paul describes them here?
4. Are these words (vv.4-8) Paul’s? When do they date from? How does this give us certainty?
5. How does Paul describe himself in these verses? What changed his perspective about Jesus?
6. How does recognising Jesus’ resurrection as an event, increase your certainty of the future?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-22

1. What, according to Paul, is the connection between Jesus’ resurrection and ours?
2. Why is the bodily resurrection and our future resurrection so central to Christianity?
3. If Jesus was not raised from the dead, what are the implications for us in ministry, life, and future?
4. How does Jesus make this great reversal possible? What does it mean for all of creation?
5. What is meant by Jesus’ resurrection being the firstfruits? What does it mean for us?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:23-34

1. What does Paul mean by ‘each in turn’? What false teaching may he have been trying to correct?
2. If someone believes that death will ultimately win out, why would we just “eat and drink”?
3. What does it mean to live in recognition of Jesus’ resurrection and in anticipation of his return?
4. Who are examples of people who help you remain faithful in anticipation of Jesus’ return?
5. How is Jesus’ resurrection and coming return such good news for our world today?
6. If we are promised future bodies, why does it matter what we do with our bodies today?

APPLY:  What is one priority in your life that is shaped by the certainty of future physical resurrection?

‍

On Your Frontline This Week: Pray for the people on your frontline. Who might be one person you could invite along to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• SHORT BOOK: “Why Believe Jesus’ Resurrection” by James Dunn
• AUDIO: 1 Corinthians 15 by William Taylor
  Verses 1-11 // Verses 15-20 // Verses 20-34
• BOOK: “Raise Forever” by Rory Shiner
• BOOK: “Resurrection” by N T Wright
• PODCAST EPISODE: “Easter Myths” by John Dickson
• ARTICLE: “Did Jesus rise from the dead” by John Dickson
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published by St Bart’s
• Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project
• Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)