April 9, 2023 - Sermon Notes & Questions
April 9, 2023

Easter 2023

1 Corinthians 15:1-58

The Gospel Proclaimed (1 Cor. 15:1-8)

7 Ramifications if There is No Resurrection
1. Our proclamation is in vain (v. 14)
2. Your faith is in vain
3. We are false witnesses (v. 15)
4. You are still in your sins (v. 16-17)
5. Those who have died in Christ will stay dead (v. 18)
6. Our hope is in Christ for this life only (v. 19)
7. We should be pitied above all men (v. 30-32)

The Order of the Resurrection (v. 20-28)
1. Christ has risen from the dead as the “firstfruits” of what is to come.
2. When He comes again, those who belong to Christ will also be risen.
3. Then comes the end, when He will end 2 things:
a. All spiritual rule, authority, and power that is against God
b. Death itself

The Bodies of the Resurrection (v. 35-49)

The Victory of the Resurrection (v. 51-57)

The Application of the Resurrection (v. 58)

T.A.G Questions (try these with new friends you meet after our service is done)

  1. What family gatherings made you the most excited while you were growing up?
  2. How does the Easter story connect with your story?
  3. What part of 1 Corinthians 15 stands out the most to you? Pray for one another.

Community Group Discussion Questions

  1. What most stood out to you from Sunday’s message? Is there any part you hope we discuss together?
  2. What importance, if any, has the resurrection played in your life so far?
  3. Read 1 Cor. 15:12-19. What do we learn here about why it matters if the resurrection of Christ really happened or not?
  4. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. What truths do we learn here about what is actually going to happen in the future?
  5. Why does understanding the somewhat complex theology of 1 Corinthians 15 matter? Why do you think God put it in the Bible for us?
  6. Read 1 Corinthians 15:58. How should the theology of this chapter affect our everyday lives? What would you like to see changed about your thinking or actions in light of the truth of the resurrection of Christ?

Small Group Leadership Tips

  • Pray for your group before and after you meet. Prayerfully work through the questions and bible passage yourself before you meet.
  • At the beginning of your first time together, explain that these groups are meant to be discussions not lectures. Encourage the members of the group to participate. However, do not put pressure on those who may be hesitant to speak during the first few sessions.
  • Avoid answering your own questions. However, leaders may set the tone by occasionally sharing their own answers without dominating the time or the discussion.
  • Learn to accept silence in the group while they process your questions.
  • Appropriately call upon quieter members when they seem to have something to share.
  • Acknowledge and thank group members for their sharing. Redirect the group if they get off-topic too much.
  • Don’t be afraid of controversy. It can be very stimulating. If you don’t resolve an issue completely, don’t be frustrated. Move on and keep it in mind for later. A subsequent study may solve the problem.
  • You may need to divide the group into smaller subsets (men, women, pairs, etc.) to help the time and participation to flow.
  • If possible, the group host should not also be the group shepherd/facilitator. This helps the group to eventually multiply as it grows larger.
  • Look for ways to share the tasks in the group to help build a healthy discipleship culture. Look for the persons God may be leading to serve as apprentice hosts or shepherds.