Message Notes

(I) THE CELEBRATION OF EASTER

1. Celebration of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ

“I declare to you the Gospel… by which also you are saved…” 1 Corinthians 15:1

2. Celebration of the Scriptures

“According to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

3. Celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead

a) His death and burial

“Christ died for our sins” 1 Corinthians 15:3b

b) He rose from the dead

“He rose from the dead the third day” 1 Corinthians 15:4

(II) ATTACK AGAINST THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION

1. A Deadly Attack against the doctrine of the resurrection

a) Denial of this doctrine

b) Denial of the Resurrection of Christ

2. Deadly false brethren (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)

a) Using friendship

b) Using deception

c) Using ignorance of believers

(III) DEFENSE OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION

1. Appeal to The Witnesses of the Risen Christ

a) Cephas (Peter) ( 1 Corinthians 15:5a )

b) The Twelve ( 1 Corinthians 15:5b )

c) The Five Hundred Brethren ( 1 Corinthians 15:6a )

d) James ( 1 Corinthians 15:7a )

e) Paul ( 1 Corinthians 15:8 )

2. Appeal to the Integral Content of the Gospel

a) The message of the Gospel (preaching) ( 1 Corinthians 15:14a )

b) The Christian Faith ( 1 Corinthians 15:14b )

(IV) SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Christ as the firstfruits ( 1 Corinthians 15:23 )

1. Raised in Incorruption (1 Corinthians 15:42b)

2. Raised in Glory (1 Corinthians 15:43b)

3. Raised in Power (1 Corinthians 15:43c)

4. Raised as a Spiritual Body (1 Corinthians 15:44)

5. Raised in Immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53-54)

(V) VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

1. Victory over Death

“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

2. Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Corinthians 15:57

3. Victorious Christian living

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always abiding in the work of the Lord, that that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58