I CORINTHIANS

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST–I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8

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THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST
I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8

Introduction:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ set the seal of God’s approval on everything that He did here on earth. He came to earth in a humble way to feel what we feel and to experience first hand our life. He knew pain, loneliness, thirst, hunger, etc. He became flesh and dwelt among us.

Then He died.

I. THE REVEALING OF THE CHRIST

A. The Coming of Christ.

1. A humble beginning, Gal. 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”

2. A normal childhood, Luke 2:40, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”

3. A remarkable man, John 1:29, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

B. The Death of Christ.

1. Betrayed by a friend, Mark 14:10, “And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.”

2. Beset by false accusers, Matt. 26:59, “Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;”

3. Blasphemed and mocked by the crowds, Matt. 27:29-30, “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30-And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.”

C. The Burial of Christ.

1. Buried in a borrowed grave, Matt. 27:59-60, “And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”

2. Broken hearted and scattered were his followers, Matt. 26:31, “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”

II. THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

A. The Verification of the Resurrection.

1. The Wonder of the resurrection, John 11:25-26, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

2. The Witnesses of the resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:5-8, “And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. “

B. The Victory of the Resurrection.

1. The Sting of death is no more, 1 Cor. 15:55-57, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56- The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57-But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2. The Sting of defeat for Satan is known. Christ redeems his people from “him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14). Satan has the “power of death,” not as lord, but simply as executioner.

III. THE RETURN OF CHRIST

A. The Promise He made.

1. The Preparation for the believer, John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

a. A place for the believer is being prepared.

b. It will be a mansion in which to dwell.

2. The Promise to return, v. 3,“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

B. The Purpose of His Coming.

1. To fulfill His promise, 1 Thess. 4:13-18.

a. The Resurrection of the dead in Christ, v. 16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”

b. The rapture of the living believers, vs. 15, 17, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

2. To give comfort to the believer, v. 18, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

CONCLUSION

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the climax of His work here on earth. He ascended to the Father where is acts as our Advocate presently. He is preparing for His return to receive His people to himself of whom I am one. I say with the Apostle John, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING–I CORINTHIANS 1:17:25

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THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING
I CORINTHIANS 1:17:25
Zechariah 4:6 “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Introduction:
Today almost no one puts importance on the preaching of the Word of the GOD. Many times when we preach there are people making fun, thinking that our message is equal to others who preach cures and riches, i.e., a social gospel.
The Apostle Paul found that even among the believers in the Church at Corinth, some played down the preaching of the Word. Let us examine what the Apostle says in defense of the preaching of the truth.
I. THE PREACHING OF THE TRUTH
A. Paul was sent to “preach the gospel.”
1. No one is saved by the word of a preacher. “not with wisdom of words,” Today we have a multitude of “preachers of miracles and cures” and the world continues sick, lost, and heading for hell!!
2. It is not by human strength, Zechariah 4:6. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
a. During more than twelve hundred years the established religion of Europe tried to force other believers to conform to their religion. More than 50 million people died in Europe at the hands of those fanatical religionist because the Baptist did not believe their false preaching. Much of this is registered in the history books for the world to read. However, the victims were called “heretics.”
b. Our preaching is by the power of the Holy Spirit, v. 21, “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
1) “But we preach Christ crucified,” v. 23 We preach the truth!! Jesus died on the cross to save man from his sins!!!
2) “But unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” v. 18. We know what the LORD did in our lives!
a) He saved us from perdition.
b) Hell has no power over those who are in Christ.
II. THE RESULTS OF THE PREACHING OF THE TRUTH.
John 10:27-30
A. The first result is ETERNAL LIFE, v. 28 “And I give unto them eternal life.”
B. The second result is ETERNAL SECURITY, v. 28, “and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
C. The third result is a CONFIRMATION from the Father, v. 30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”
III. THE PURPOSE OF THE PREACHING OF THE TRUTH – TO BRING GLORY TO GOD,
1 Corinthians 1:29-31.
A. “That no flesh should glory in his presence.” v. 29. It is for this reason that man cannot save himself. Psalms 3:8, “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD.”
B. The believer can glory in the LORD, v. 31, “That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
1. Our glorying is not in men, I Corinthians 3:21, “Therefore let no man glory in men.”
2. Even preachers have nothing in themselves to glory in, I Corinthians 9:16, “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”
3. Our glory is in our Lord, 2 Corinthians 10:17, “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
4. Our glory is in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
CONCLUSION
Thank the LORD that our salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ to the honor and glory of God.
Our salvation does not depend on some religion, but on Christ.
Our salvation is in the hands of Jesus and He is in the hands of our heavenly Father. Everything is perfectly secure!!!!

THE BELIEVER, OWNER OR SERVANT–I CORINTHIANS 4:1-2

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THE BELIEVER, OWNER OR SERVANT

I CORINTHIANS 4:1-2

Introduction:

A believer is a person who trust or has confidence in another. A believer in Christ is a Christian, that is, someone who has faith in Jesus Christ as his savior. This belief is not just an attitude of the mind, but rather a condition of the heart as well.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, he becomes a servant of God by his own volition. Now he begins to think about his responsibilities as a servant of God. In the spiritual growth of the believer he becomes able to accept more responsibility and with time and experience, perhaps a position of leadership in the church.

Now, I ask: Is he the owner of his life or the servant of the LORD charged with the responsibility to take care of his life in order that God might profit by him? Does he give orders or does he serve? The response to these questions will determine if the believer shall be happy or unhappy in the LORD’S service.

I. Who Is The Boss?

A. The Creator is the boss, Genesis 1-2.

1. God the Father – “Abba, Father”

Romans 8:15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

2. God the Son.

3. God the Holy Spirit.

B. The Savior, Jesus Christ, John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, John 16; Romans 8:14, 26, 14- For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 26- Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

II. Who Is The Servant? The Believer!

A. The Stewards,

1 Chronicles 28:1 “And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.”

1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1. Ministers of Christ.

(1) “Ministers” comes from a word that means “below” or “beside of.”

(2) Servant.

2. Stewards of the mysteries of God.

(1) Someone who has the responsibility for the faithful administration of the properties.

(2) He is responsible to administer according to his abilities that God has given him,

1 Peter 4:10, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Conclusion

The believer is not the owner of his life, but the servant of God. By faith in Christ he has surrendered the ownership of his life to be the servant of Christ. God has given him gifts (abilities) in order that he might be able to realize God’s will. What we do with those gifts will determine just how happy we are as a Christian.

REMEMBERING OUR SAVIOUR–I CORINTHIANS 11:23-34

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REMEMBERING OUR SAVIOUR

I CORINTHIANS 11:23-34

Introduction:

Paul was remembering what the Lord had told him regarding this of two ordinances. The first is baptism and the other is the Lord’s supper. It was this second ordinance that Paul had to deal with in the Corinthian Church.

There were disputes, division, and even heresy in that early church. Paul dealt with the problem in a very straightforward manner correcting the errors of God’s people.

I. THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE ORDENANCE.

A. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

1. The One who died in our place, Romans 5:6, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

2. The One who bore our sins, 1 Corinthians 15:3, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”

B. The Very Son of God, Matthew 27:54, “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”

II. THE TIME AND ELEMENTS OF THE ORDINANCE.

A. It was the time of the Passover, Matthew 26:18-19, “And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.”

B. The elements of the Passover were used in the Lord’s supper.

1. Unleavened bread was prescribed by the Lord in this very old feast of the Jews, Exodus 12:8, “And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.”

2. Wine was in the cup according to tradition.

a. In Exodus 12 no wine or drink is mentioned.

b. Wine was added to the feast later.

III. THE INSTITUTION OF THE ORDENANCE.

A. Our Saviour took bread… Matthew 26:26, “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.”

1. The bread was representative of His body, “this is my body.” “What is eaten is called bread, though it be at the same time said to be the body of the Lord, a plain argument that the apostle knew nothing of their monstrous and absurd doctrine of transubstantiation.” Matthew Henry.

2. The breaking of the bread spoke of his suffering for our sins, Luke 22:19, “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

B. And He took the cup… Matthew 26:27, “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

1. Every member was to participate.

2. The wine represented his blood “which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

C. Having finished they sang a hymn, Matthew 26:30, “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”

CONCLUSION

The Apostle Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 that every believer needs to take care not to offend the Lord in this memorial supper, for he says, “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”

 

OUR HOPE–I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8, 12-19

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OUR HOPE

I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8, 12-19
Introduction:

Hope is an expectation that is accompanied with a belief that what is hoped for is obtainable. Paul described it thus, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” Romans 8:24-25.

But what is that “HOPE” built upon? The GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, especially the RESURRECTION of Christ.

I. OUR HOPE IS NOT BASED ONLY IN THE THINGS OF THIS LIFE.

A. Not in this life ONLY, 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

1. In this life we believe the report about Christ as the Saviour, Romans 10:16-17, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

2. In this life we trust Him as the LIFE GIVER, John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

3. In this life we receive Him as the only way to heaven, John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

B. We trust in God’s preparation for us before this life.

1. God began His preparation for your salvation before He created this world, Revelation 13:8, And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

2. When Adam sinned before God, the Lord was ready with His plan of redemption, Genesis 3:21, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”

3. The Lord clothed Adam and Eve in His Righteousness, Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

II. OUR HOPE IS BASED IN THE THINGS THAT GOD HAS PREPARED.

A. It is based on the PROMISES of the WORD of God.

1. Hearing His word, John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

a. Hearing is not sufficient unless you add “believing.”

b. Then the Promise of God “everlasting life.”

2. Continuing in His word, John 8:31-32, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

a. Belief “on Him” comes first.

b. Then “continuing” is not difficult at all.

c. You continue willingly because you have been set “free” from the penalty of sin.

B. Our hope is based on what He has done.

1. He is preparing a place for us, John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

a. There is “a place,” a mansion, for us, “And if I go and prepare a place for you,”

b. A place where we will be with Him, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

2. We cannot even imagine what wonderful things God has prepared for us, 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

CONCLUSION
What is your hope based on? I hope it not your works such as giving to the poor, being a good American, or being a member of this church or some other. If it is, you are going to be sadly disappointed.

Your hope must be in Jesus Christ and Him alone! If you have not trusted Him as your Saviour, you need to do that right now!