Victory: Error in the Church
1 Corinthians 15:29-34
April 2, 2023
Jay Haugh
Paul provides a three-stage resurrection process.
Jesus is the first stage of the resurrection process.
The second stage of the resurrection process occurs for believers at Jesus’s return.
When we die, we will be conscious and completely content, but temporarily incomplete.
The third stage of the resurrection is for those who disbelieved and rejected Jesus.
The resurrection proves God rules over all things – even death.
Paul’s last defense for the resurrection.
Paul’s argument addresses error.
Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? —1 Corinthians 15:29 ESV
Baptism does not save. Faith in Jesus alone is what saves.
You can’t save someone else. Salvation is God’s work.
…it is appointed for man to die once and after comes judgment. —Hebrews 9:27 ESV
There are no second chances by someone else’s faith.
Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! —1 Corinthians 15:30-31 ESV
I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! —1 Corinthians 15:31 ESV
The Gospel is a massive and glorious truth and Paul will die for this truth.
What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” —1 Corinthians 15:32 ESV
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” —1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV
When you get people around you that believe erroneous ideas, it will lead to erroneous behavior. Bad thinking leads to corrupt living.
Paul’s application to present day error.
Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. —1 Corinthians 15:34 ESV
Big Idea:
A correct understanding of the resurrection protects and frees us from the fear of death.
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS:
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NIV
Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:29-34
Paul is contending for correct practice of the faith that flows out of correct theology (orthodoxy). What sources do you have feeding into your theology? Can you identify something that is not theologically correct? How do you find your beliefs directing your actions? Where do you most often find contradiction between what you believe and how you behave?
God calls us to be obedient to the truth and to maintain unity in the body. What happens when these items are warring against one another? Should truth ever be compromised for unity? Is it okay to compromise unity for the sake of truth? What happens if we consistently lean too far toward unity? Can we lean too far toward truth?
Paul gives four errors regarding the vicarious baptism spoken about in 1 Corinthians 15:29.
First, this error would mean that the Bible teaches that baptism saves. Does being baptized provide you a permanent ticket to heaven? Are there any denominations that teach that baptism is salvific? What is the purpose of baptism within the life of a believer? Have you ever been baptized? If not, would you like to take that step? If so, contact care@ncbc.church for more information.
The second error is that it presumes that someone else’s faith can save. If we cannot save ourselves, we certainly cannot save others. Since it is God’s role to do the saving, what role do we play when it comes to others? Have you ever had the opportunity to lead someone to faith? Would you consider this an area of growth for you? Is this something you want to grow in?
The third error would be that you can save those who have preceded you in death. Have you known any non-believers who have passed away? How did this impact you? What should our heart and desire be towards those who do not know Christ? Did you ever share your faith with them while they were still alive?
The fourth error is that this presumes there are second chances. Read Hebrews 9:27. Is this life the only opportunity we get to willfully submit our lives to Christ? Knowing the temporal nature of our life, do you feel a level of urgency to share the Gospel with others who do not yet know Him? Share strategies that you have used to open a door of conversation about faith in Jesus.
Paul shares about challenges he has faced for the Gospel and says, “I die every day!” How was Paul’s life an example of what it means to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)? Paul was willing to, and eventually did, die for the Gospel message. What are you willing to die for? Is your faith one of those things?
Paul quotes an Athenian playwright when he states that “Bad company corrupts good morals.” What kind of company do you keep? How do you decide with whom you will be friends? How does this impact who you are? Does this mean we should seclude ourselves to only have friends who are Christian? How can we safely build relationships with non-believers in order to share the message of Jesus with them?