1 Corinthians 15: Spiritual Bodies
In a sentence or two, how would you summarize the most important aspects of the gospel that Paul preached?
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1 Corinthians 15:1 Furthermore, friends, I remind you of the good news that I preached to you, which you eagerly received and stood upon.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand.
If we are saved by grace, not works, why are our actions important?
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1 Corinthians 15:2 By those words, you came to know the Lord, and you need to follow my instruction with action, or your faith has no value.
Ephesians 2:8 We are saved from death, not as a result of any personal achievement but because we have chosen to believe and accept God’s unmerited gift.
2:9 Since eternal life is God’s gift, we cannot boast that we have done something to deserve his favor.
James 2:14 My friends, what good is a declaration of faith if you don’t have the actions that show you really believe? Can words alone save you?
2:15 Suppose a brother or sister has no coat and nothing to eat.
2:16 If you only say, “You have my blessing. Go in peace and be warm and satisfied,” but you do nothing to help, what did he or she gain?
2:17 So you see, a declaration of faith alone is dead without the actions that give it life.
2:18 If someone said, “Faith and works exist independently, so show me your faith apart from works,” I would say, “That’s impossible. Only my actions can reveal what I truly believe.
2:19 You say you believe there is one God, as if that declaration is sufficient. But it’s not. The devils believe and tremble, and their actions haven’t changed.
2:20 Don’t be so empty-minded that you miss the obvious truth: actions speak louder than words because words alone are deceptive.
2:21 Wasn’t our ancestor Abraham justified through his obedience when he went to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar?
2:22 The reality of his confession was demonstrated in his actions. The works verified his faith, making it complete.
2:23 Now we see how Scripture was fulfilled. Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness because of the actions that followed. He was called the Friend of God because of his actions, not by just saying he was God’s friend.
2:24 You must now admit the obvious truth: being righteous in God’s eyes depends on our actions and not just what we say we believe.
2:25 Consider also Rahab the harlot, who was justified by her actions when she received the messengers and kept them safe by sending them out another way.
2:26 Just as the body without the spirit is dead, faith without works is dead.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead from the least to the greatest, standing before God. The books were opened and also the book of life. The dead were judged from the works written there.
20:13 The sea gave up their dead for judgment. Death and hell delivered up their dead. All were judged according to their works.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
When Paul talked to people for the first time about Jesus, what do you think he said?
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1 Corinthians 15:3 First, I told you about Jesus, who fulfilled God’s promise that he would die to free you from sin.
15:4 He was buried and rose from the dead, exactly as the prophets said.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
If Peter saw Jesus before the other disciples, why do you think the disciples didn’t believe when Jesus appeared to all of them except Thomas?
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Luke 24:36 While the disciples talked about what had happened, Jesus appeared and stood among them. “Peace be with you.”
24:37 Startled by what they thought was a ghost, they were terrified.
1 Corinthians 15:5 Peter saw the risen Christ, then the rest of the disciples.
King James
Luke 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve.
More than 500 people saw Jesus. Do you think [this one time] refers to a single moment, one large gathering, a period of days in a single place, or something else? Why?
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1 Corinthians 15:6 During the days that followed, more than five hundred people saw him at one time. Most of them are still living and can verify that Jesus died and was raised from the dead, but some have died.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Why would it have been important for Paul to say most of the eyewitnesses were still alive?
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1 Corinthians 15:6 During the days that followed, more than five hundred people saw him at one time. Most of them are still living and can verify that Jesus died and was raised from the dead, but some have died.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
The Greek apostolos simply means “messenger,” referring to more than the twelve, which explains why Paul included himself among the special messengers. Who else might be included from the early church?
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Acts 14:14 When Paul and Barnabas understood what the people intended, they tore their clothes in grief, ran through the procession, and shouted,
14:15 “You shouldn’t be doing this. We are ordinary men, no different from you. Listen to our message, forsake this liturgy, and give your hearts to the living God, who made the earth, sea, sky, and every living thing.”
Romans 16:7 Know of Andronicus and Junia, a Jewish pair who were with me in prison. Outstanding apostles, they were followers of Christ before I was.
1 Corinthians 15:7 He appeared to James, the brother of Jesus, and to all the apostles,
15:8 of whom I am the least, as one born unexpectedly.
16:10 When Timothy comes to see you, rest easy, because he is doing the Lord’s work the same as I am.
Galatians 1:19 saw none of the other apostles except for James, the brother of Jesus.
King James
Acts 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
14:15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.
Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Galatians 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
Paul claimed to be the least of all the messengers. What can be said to support or question that claim?
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1 Corinthians 15:9 Yes, I consider myself the least of the messengers, not worthy to be called a messenger, because I persecuted the children of God.
15:10 By his mercy and grace, God picked me up and made me who I now am. I have worked harder than many others, not wanting his gift to be in vain, and he has blessed my effort.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
What is most important, preparing the message, delivering the message, hearing the message, or doing what the message says? What is the least important? Why?
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1 Corinthians 15:11 What matters is not whether I or others brought the message, but that you believed and were changed.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
Whenever Paul addresses an issue in his letters, we can be sure he’s aware that the issue exists. Who do you think was saying that there was no resurrection of the dead?
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Acts 23:6 When Paul realized that some of the council were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he shouted, “Men and fellow Jews, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I am being judged because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.”
23:7 These words divided the council, the Pharisees favoring Paul, the Sadducees arguing against him
23:8 because they didn’t believe in spirits, angels, or the resurrection. The Pharisees believed in all of these.
1 Corinthians 15:12 We have clearly shown that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, so why would anyone say that those who have died cannot be raised?
King James
Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
23:7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
1 Corinthians 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
What does Jesus’ resurrection from the dead have to do with others being raised?
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Matthew 22:31 “Now, on the issue of rising from the dead, have not you read the scripture where God says,
22:32 “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is the God of the living, not of the dead.”
27:52 Tombs were opened, and many godly men and women rose from the dead.
27:53 After Jesus’ resurrection, they left their graves, entered Jerusalem, and were seen by many people.
Romans 6:4 Just as Jesus was laid lifeless in the tomb, your self-serving desires were put to death in the waters of baptism so you could be raised up with him and have a new relationship with God, living without sin.
1 Corinthians 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either.
King James
Matthew 22:31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen.
How important to Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead?
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1 Corinthians 15:14 If Jesus is not alive today, then we’ve wasted our breath in preaching and your faith is worthless.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:4 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
What makes eyewitness testimony of Jesus’ resurrection most credible?
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1 Corinthians 15:15 We must all be liars, having testified that he was raised while knowing that dead people can’t be raised.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Why would Christians in the early church have to believe in the resurrection and reject the idea that they could still be remaining in sin?
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1 Corinthians 15:16 If there is no resurrection, then Jesus must still be in the grave,
15:17 your faith is worthless, and your sin remains.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
What makes it absurd to think that believers had died without hope?
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1 Corinthians 15:18 Those who have died believing in Christ are also without hope.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith, Abraham left his homeland when God called him to go to another place, which would become his inheritance from the Lord. But at the time he left, he didn’t know where he was going or how he would get there.
11:9 By faith, he lived in the land of promise as if this was not his home either, dwelling in movable tents, as Isaac and Jacob also did, who were heirs of the same promise.
11:10 Why? He was looking for a permanent home, a city whose architect and builder was God.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Why would having life on Earth and nothing beyond be a cause for pity?
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1 Corinthians 15:19 If our relationship with Jesus Christ gives us hope only in our short life on Earth, we are most pitiful.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:9 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Why do you think Paul was convinced that Jesus was only the first of a host of people who would rise from the dead?
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1 Corinthians 15:20 But the fact is, Jesus did rise from the dead, the first of a host of people who will leave their graves.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
What are the similarities and differences between Jesus Son of God and Adam, who was also a son of God?
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1 Corinthians 15:21 Just as death came through the man Adam, the man Christ Jesus brought resurrection life.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
If God knew Adam and Eve would sin, leading to a world full of sinful people condemned to death, why didn’t he intervene and prevent their disobedience?
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Romans 5:17 If one man’s disobedience caused death to rule over us, how much more will life reign in us through the obedience of one, Jesus Christ, by whom we receive God’s gift of love and acceptance.
1 Corinthians 15:22 Born of Adam, we all die, but in the new birth in Christ we have eternal life.
Revelation 13:8 Earth’s inhabitants, whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain since the founding of the world, will worship the beast.
King James
Romans 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
How would you describe the resurrection of the dead in the last days?
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1 Corinthians 15:23 Beginning with Christ, the resurrection of the dead is followed by those who belong to him when he returns to Earth.
15:24 After that comes the end, when all Kingdom dominion, authority, and power will be subject to God the Father.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
When does the Bible say that death will be defeated?
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1 Corinthians 15:25 Christ must reign until the last enemy has been defeated,
15:26 which is death.
2 Timothy 1:10 God’s purpose became obvious at the coming of our Jesus Christ our Savior, who abolished death. Through his message, we have light to show the way to eternal life.
Revelation 21:4 God will wipe the tears from their eyes. There will be no death, no sorrow, no reason to cry. The old days of pain will be gone forever.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:25 or he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Where does the power over death come from?
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1 Corinthians 15:27 Obviously, if God has put everything under the Son’s control, he is the one with control.
15:28 When all things have been made subject to the Son, then all things are made subject to God who is over all.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
What does baptism have to do with the resurrection of the dead?
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Romans 6:4 Just as Jesus was laid lifeless in the tomb, your self-serving desires were put to death in the waters of baptism so you could be raised up with him and have a new relationship with God, living without sin.
1 Corinthians 15:29 We are baptized into Christ, anticipating eternal life and the resurrection of the dead, but if the dead are not raised, what reason is there to be baptized?
Colossians 2:10 You are made perfect in Christ, chiefest of all authority and power:
2:11 Your identity with him is not a circumcision of the flesh but is rather a circumcision by the Spirit in cutting away our sinful desires.
2:12 Buried with him in baptism, we rise with him through faith in the power of God at work in our lives, the same power that raised Christ from the dead.
King James
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
What does the willingness of people to die for their faith say about their sincerity?
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1 Corinthians 15:30 If the message were not true, why would we put our lives at risk all the time?
Revelation 12:11 The people have overcome him (1) by the sacrifice of the Lamb, (2) by giving their testimonies, and (3) by complete surrender to God’s will, even unto death.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
What did Paul have to gain my risking his life (Mark 10:29–30; 1 Corinthians 15:31–32)?
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Mark 10:29 Jesus said, “Those who have sacrificed their homes, relatives, or possessions for my sake and for the good news
10:30 will receive a hundred times more and will have eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:31 I assure you that seeing you alive in Christ makes me willing to put my life on the line every day.
15:32 Like the men who fight wild beasts in Ephesus, why would I risk my life if there were no reward? I’d be eating and drinking and making merry today, trying to enjoy as much pleasure as possible before I die tomorrow.
King James
Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
What or who are the greatest influencers in life?
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1 Corinthians 15:33 Don’t be misled by listening to the wrong message. Bad company corrupts good character.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
How can people know the difference between right and wrong?
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Isaiah 30:21 You will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way to go. Walk in that direction” and you will turn to the right or left as you are led.
John 16:13 But when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own authority but will say only what he hears. He will reveal to you things to come.
1 Corinthians 15:34 Focus on doing what is right, and you won’t have to worry about doing wrong, but unfortunately some of you don’t know God well enough to sense the difference.
Hebrews 5:14 As mature adults can chew tough meat, those who have been through a lot have their spiritual senses exercised to distinguish between good and evil.
King James
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
How completely must we understand before we can believe?
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1 Corinthians 15:35 Someone may say, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of body will they have?”
15:36 Such questions don’t prove there is no resurrection. When covered by the earth, a seed must first die before it can break forth from the ground, a thriving plant.
15:37 What you plant, whether wheat or some other grain, will rise to something much greater than the bare seed.
15:38 Just as each kind of seed becomes a different plant, God will give everyone the unique body that suits the purpose he has for us.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
15:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
15:38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
In what ways do you think Jesus’ body was different before and after the resurrection)?
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1 Corinthians 15:39 The form of birds of the air and fish of the sea is different from the land animals.
15:40 You should not be surprised, then, to know that our heavenly bodies must be different from our earthly bodies, with a beauty that fits the realm in which we live.
15:41 As the sun, moon, and stars each have their unique splendor,
15:42 the resurrection of the dead brings our decayed bodies to a glorious life without end.
15:43 Our dishonor is raised to honor; our weakness is raised in strength.
15:44 A fleshly body is laid in the grave, and a spiritual body is raised.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Why do you think Paul refers to Jesus as the “last Adam”?
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1 Corinthians 15:45 Scripture says, “The first man, Adam, became a breathing person.” Jesus Christ, the last Adam, is a breath-giving Spirit, raising the dead to life.
15:46 The natural body comes first, then the spiritual.
15:47 Adam was formed from the dust of Earth, while our Lord Jesus Christ came from Heaven.
15:48 On Earth, everyone has a body that came from dust and returns to dust. But in Heaven, our spiritual bodies will be like Christ.
15:49 Just as we are like Adam on Earth, we will be like Jesus when we are in Heaven.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Why are our flesh-and-blood bodies not suitable for living with God in his Kingdom?
Author’s Thoughts
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1 Corinthians 15:50 My friends, by now you should see that our flesh-and-blood bodies are not suitable for living with God in his Kingdom. A mortal being cannot live in a realm of immortality.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
How do you think all the cremated, buried, and live bodies will be transformed at the blowing of the last trumpet?
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1 Corinthians 15:51 Listen, here’s the mysterious truth: not all of us will die, but all will be changed.
15:52 When the last trumpet is blown, in the blink of an eye, the dead will be raised to live forever. And those who are living will also be changed.
15:53 Our perishable bodies must become imperishable. Our mortal bodies must become immortal.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
In what ways do you think our immortal bodies will differ from the mortal bodies we have now?
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1 Corinthians 15:54 So when our perishable, mortal bodies become imperishable and immortal, the prophets’ words will be fulfilled: Death has been defeated.
15:55 O Death, where is your sting? O Grave, where is your victory?
15:56 Wrongdoing gives Death its sting, and the Law defines wrongdoing.
15:57 Thankfully, through our Lord Jesus Christ, God has given us victory over wrongdoing and death.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
How much does our passion for the Lord depend on our perception of the reward?
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1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my good friends, be strong in the Lord, passionate about doing his work, knowing that your effort will always have great value.
King James
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.