THE GOSPEL OF THE RESURRECTION
1 Corinthians 15:1–11
Key Verses 15:3,4 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1. Review the issues Paul has been addressing in the Corinthian church. (cf. 1:11,12; 5:1) What do these issues show about them? Why might some members deny the resurrection of the dead? (15:12)
2. Why does Paul start by reminding the Corinthian Christians of the gospel? (1-2) What does the word “gospel” mean? In verses 3-4, what are the two main points of the gospel?
3. What is the definition of sin? (cf. Romans 3:23, James 1:14-15) How does sin affect our relationships with God, with others and with ourselves? What are the ultimate consequences of sin? (Hebrews 9:27) Why can we not resolve our sins on our own? (Acts 4:12)
4. How does Christ’s death save us from our sins? (Hebrews 9:15) How is his resurrection related to this? (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:17)
5. Why does Paul repeat the phrase “according to the Scriptures”? (3-4) What resurrection appearances of Christ does Paul mention and why are they so important? (5–8)
6. What happened to Paul himself after the Risen Christ appeared to him? (9-10; Acts 9:3-9) How is this further proof of Christ’s resurrection?