I CORINTHIANS

HE IS RISEN–I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8

Art Davison I CORINTHIANS 0 Comment
HE IS RISEN
I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8

Introduction:

Just how important is the resurrection? Well, if the resurrection is not real than Christianity is not real. Without the resurrection Christianity has not basis on which to exist.

We may as well go home and do what we please. But the Resurrection is true and Jesus is alive in the presence of God the Father. Our hope is based in the Eternal Life of Jesus Christ who has conquered death.

Let us look at this third part of the Gospel of Christ and consider what God has done for us.

I. THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

A. The Death of Christ, John 12:32-33, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.”

B. The Burial of Christ, Matthew 27:57-60, “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: 58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59And 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.”

C. The Resurrection of Christ, Mark 16:6, “And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”

II. THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

A. The witnesses of the Resurrection.

1. He was seen by Peter (Cephas), Luke 24:33-34, “And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.”

2. He was seen by the twelve Apostles, Mark 16:14, “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.”

3. He was seen by more than 500 of the brethren, v. 6, “After 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.”

4. He was seen by James, v. 7, “After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.”

5. He was seen lastly by Paul, Acts 9:5, “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

B. The confirmation that it was bodily resurrection.

1. Thomas’ doubts removed, John 20:27-28, “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

2. The Lord eats fish, Luke 24:41-43, “And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43And he took it, and did eat before them.”

C. The importance of the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

1. If Christ be not risen:

a. Our preaching is in vain, all for nothing, v. 14a, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain,”

b. Your faith is also vain and you are still in your sins, v. 14b; Acts 13:38, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:”

2. Our hope is beyond this life, vs. 21-22, “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

a. Jesus brought the resurrection from the dead.

b. Jesus brought life, 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.”

III. THE VICTORY OF CHRIST

A. Victory over death.

1. The sting of death, vs. 54-56.

2. Jesus won the victory over death, v. 57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

B. Victory over unbelief.

1. Lord, I believe, Mark 9:23-24, “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

2. Help my unbelief.

a. All things are possible if you trust in the Lord, John 4:50-51, “Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. 51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.”

b. There is help in the Lord, Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

c. God gives us salvation by faith in Christ, Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

CONCLUSION

The great blessing of the Resurrection is that because Christ was raised from the dead, we, who have trusted Him as our Savior, will also be raised from the dead at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is great opportunity for you to settle this very important question today. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6.

BELIEVING GOD’S PROMISES TO THE RIGHTEOUS–I CORINTHIANS 16:13

Art Davison I CORINTHIANS 0 Comment
BELIEVING GOD’S PROMISES TO THE RIGHTEOUS
I CORINTHIANS 16:13,
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

Romans 4:20-21, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

Introduction:

There are many promises in the Word of God and time will not allow us to list all of them today. However, we can consider a few that will encourage us and manifest our need to fully trust our Lord.

The Scriptures tell us that God hears when we call, Psalm 4:3, “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.” They tell us that God gives us protection, Psalm 5:12, “For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” Now consider the following:

I. OUR GOD PROMISES THAT HE WILL NEVER CHANGE

Hebrews 6:18, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

A. He is the anchor of our soul, Hebrews 6:19, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”

1. He is an anchor sure and steadfast, Psalm 42:5, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

2. He is in the presence of the Father making intercession for us, Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

B. As for God’s mercy it will be ours for life, Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

1. His mercy has made us glad, Psalm 30:11-12, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; 12- To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”

2. We have a heavenly home, 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

C. He is the Lord is our strength, Psalm 28:8, “The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.”

II. OUR GOD PROMISES TO BE OUR PROTECTION

A. God is our hiding place, Psalm 32:6-8, “For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. 7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

1. He is a refuge in time of trouble, Psalm 9:9, “The LORD also will be a refuge [a high place] for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”

2. He will instruct and counsel us, Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

3. He will guide us with his eye, Isaiah 49:10, “They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.”

B. The Lord blesses His people with peace, Psalm 29:11, “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.”

C. There is no want to those who fear God, Psalm 34:9, “O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

1. God supplies good things for those that seek Him, Psalm 34:10, “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

2. The Lord hears our cry and restores our peace, Psalm 34:15, 17, “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

3. The faithful believe will live content, Psalm 25:12-13, “What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose . 13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.”

D. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, Psalm 25:14, “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.”

1. The Lord has made known the mystery of His will to His people, Ephesians 1:9, 18, “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

2. The Lord looks on the heart and knows its secrets, 1 Samuel 16:7, “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

CONCLUSION

The Lord will keep His Word and fulfill His promises to His people. He has promised salvation to those who trust His Son and has fulfilled that promise and continues to save those that come to Him. The Apostle Paul wrote in Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”

GIFTS THAT LAST–I CORINTHIANS 13:1-13

Art Davison I CORINTHIANS 0 Comment
GIFTS THAT LAST
I CORINTHIANS 13:1-13
Introduction:
What is the most desirous gift of the gifts mentioned in the Word of God? Which will endure and bring happiness in your life? Many of the gifts of the Spirit have passed away and are no longer necessary. Which remain and of those which is the greatest gift?
I. THE GIFTS THAT HAVE PASSED AWAY.
I Corinthians 12:8-10.
A. These have passed away:
1. Word of wisdom:   Mark 16:20, “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
2. Word of knowledge
3. Faith
4. Gifts of healing
5. Working of miracles
6. Prophecy
7. Discerning spirits
8. Divers kinds of tongues
9. Interpretation of tongues
B. What is left in this list?
1. Only FAITH
2. Paul adds HOPE, AND CHARITY in I Corinthians 13.
II. WHAT GIFTS REMAIN?
I CORINTIANS 13:13
A. FAITH – to believe God.
1. ABEL — a man of faith — “offered a more excellent sacrifice.” Hebrews 11:4, By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
2. ENOCH — he walked with God — Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
3. NOAH — Genesis 6:8, “found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”
4. ABRAHAM — Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
B. HOPE — our desires for the future.
1. Hope of eternal life — Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
2. Hope of the resurrection — I Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” Verses 20-23 give the details.
3. Hope of a new body — I John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” See also I Corinthians 15:51-52.
C. LOVE — the ability to have affection for someone. Matthew 22:37-39.
1. Man’s Love For God:
a. “Love the Lord with all your heart.” Your very being.
b. “Love the Lord with all your soul.” Your very life.
c. “Love the Lord with all your mind.” The strength of a man is in his mind. ATTITUDES.
2. God’s Love For Man:
a. Christ’s love for man,
Romans 5:6-8, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
b. Man’s love for mankind, “…as thyself” – this is not self-esteem as is taught in our day. Man cannot have a proper attitude about himself unless he loves God. Then he can love others.
III. WHICH OF THE GIFTS WILL ENDURE? v. 13.
A. FAITH — will become SIGHT at the Lord’s coming and we will no longer need faith.
B. HOPE — will become REALITY at the resurrection and rapture.
C. LOVE — is the GREATEST and EVERLASTING gift, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
CONCLUSION:
God has given us all the gifts we need to accomplish His will in our lives. We need to look closely at them and use them by faith looking to our hope, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has loved us with an everlasting love.

HE LIVES–I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8

Art Davison I CORINTHIANS 0 Comment
HE LIVES
I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8

Introduction:

The most joyous occasion in the Scriptures is the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Without His resurrection we would not have any hope. No wonder when His disciples saw Him after His resurrection there was great joy.

However, there are those who do not believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. Many of the religious crowd of the Lord’s day did not believe in the resurrection of the dead even though the Scriptures taught it. We have some today that not only doubt the resurrection, but also that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. For these there is little hope.

I. SOME SAY THERE IS NO RESURRECTION

1 Corinthians 15:12, “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?”

A. If Christ is not risen, then your faith is vain, v. 17, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”

1. All of our preaching is vain, v. 14, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”

2. If Christ is not risen we have no salvation, Romans 5:10, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

B. All of those who have died as Christians are perished, 1 Corinthians 15:18, “Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”

C. We are without hope, 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

II. CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD

A. The Witnesses are many.

1. Peter saw the Lord as did the all of the Apostles, v. 5, “And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:”

a. The Apostles needed some convincing, Luke 24:36-43.

1) They were terrified, v. 37, “But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.”

2) They needed evidence, v. 39, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”

3) They still needed more evidence, vs. 41-43, “And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them.”

b. Thomas was not there the first time the Lord appeared, John 20:27-28, “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28-And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

2. More than 500 brethren saw Jesus after His resurrection, v. 6, “After 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.”

3. James, the half brother of Jesus saw Him, v. 7, “After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.”

B. The Effects of the Resurrection.

1. A Great Joy, John 16:22, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

2. A Great hope, 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

a. Those who first hoped in Christ, Ephesians 1:12, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted [hoped] in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”

b. Those who were persuaded, 2 Timothy 1:12, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

3. A Great Expectation, the redemption of our body, Romans 8:19-23.

a. Waiting for the coming of the Lord, v. 19, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:7, “So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:”

b. We shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, vs. 21-22, “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”

c. We look forward to appearing with Him in Glory, v. 23, “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

CONCLUSION
Jesus is alive and sitting at the right hand of the Father. The Apostle Paul writes, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1). Our expectation is the Second Coming of our Lord who is alive and the God of the living, “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.” (Mark 12:27a).