Today we turn our attention to the greatest Biblical text on the resurrection outside of the Four Gospels - 1 Corinthians 15. Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church was designed to be corrective, since the church had given herself over to division. (1 Corinthians 1:10) 1 Corinthians 15 shines above the skyline of this Corinthian epistle like a bright star piercing a storm ladened sky. For today's blog I want to offer a brief outline of this great chapter for the reader's faithwalk. May you be encouraged in your faith as you study the truths contained within this grandest of chapters:
1 Cor 15 - The Living Gospel: The Biggest and Best News!
I. The Elements of the Living Gospel 15:1-11
A. Effects of Salvation 15:1-2
B. Event of Salvation 15:3-9
C. Experience of Salvation 15:10-11
Comment: Paul functions as a teacher, spelling out the most important features of the Living Gospel.
II. The Living Christ of the Living Gospel 15:12-19
A. Proof the the Living Christ's Identity 15:12-14
B. Preaching centers on the Living Christ 15:15-16
C. Personal faith connects to the Living Christ 15:17-19
Comment: Paul then switches hats, from being a teacher to that of a lawyer, showing the logic of the Living Gospel
III. The Doctrine of the Living Gospel 15:20-28
A. Character of God 15:20
B. Curse conquered by the cross 15:21-23
C. Coming of Christ 15:24-28
Comment: By inspiration of the Holy Ghost Paul continues, switching tone yet again to that of a great theologian & prophet, showing the height and breadth of the Living Gospel in every major area of Bible truth.
IV. The Power of the Living Gospel 15:29-49
A. Power to Endure Suffering 15:29-32
B. Power to excell in Godliness 15:33-34
C. Power to overcome unbelief 15:35-49
Comment: Having focused on the head, now Paul appeals to the heart as an evangelist, driving home the point of the power of the Living Gospel.
V. The Encouragements of the Living Gospel 15:50-58
A. Rich inheritance 15:50-53
B. Ridding of sin and death 15:54-57
C. Rigors of ministry are worth it 15:58
Comment: In this final section, having functioned in the roles of teacher, lawyer, theologian, prophet and evangelist, Paul concludes this wonderous chapter as a pastor, compelling the conscience and imagination of his readers to see the encouragements of the living Gospel.
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