Embracing Hope #2 - Looking Ahead
1 Corinthians 15:20-57
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Part of Embracing Hope—April 8 - 30, 2023
April 14, 2023

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Group Study Guide

Date: April 15-16, 2023
Speaker: Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Series: Embracing Hope
Message: #2 - Looking Ahead

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Scripture

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. —1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (NIV)

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. —1 Corinthians 15:35-38 (NIV)

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

Notes

  1. Reveal Answer
    Hope (v. 20-34)

  2. Reveal Answer
    Hope (v. 35-37)

Study Guide

Step One: Open
Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-57 and pray to open your time together in God’s word.

Step Two: Icebreaker (Optional)
If you had to choose between owning a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon, which would you choose and why?

Step Three: Discuss

  1. What stood out to you the most in this weekend’s teaching? What was challenging, encouraging, or confusing to you?

  2. Read verses 20-23. What is the significance of Christ’s resurrection according to these verses? How can it bring hope and assurance to those who believe?

  3. In what ways would you characterize the hope that is found in Christ as different from the hope that is often looked for in daily circumstances?

  4. Reread verses 35-38. Paul is drawing an analogy between the body and a seed. What do you think Paul is trying to communicate to his audience about the nature of the resurrection body?

  5. How can Paul’s words in verse 50 transform someone’s understanding of death and the afterlife?

  6. Take a moment to quietly reflect on verses 56 and 57. How can the hope of the resurrection free someone from the power of sin and death?

  7. How would you explain the hope of the resurrection to someone who doesn’t believe in the claims of Christianity?

Step Four: Close in Prayer