1 Corinthians 15:35-58
The resurrection promised and prefigured by Christ is a true bodily resurrection resulting in our transformation and enabling us to participate in Christ’s victory.
In the resurrection we…
Are gloriously transformed… (vv. 35-44)
After the image of Christ… (vv. 45-49)
And participate in Christ’s victory (vv. 50-58)
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. What do you think is the main point of this passage?
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. What function do our bodies serve in this passage? Why did God create us with bodies in the first place (reflect on Gen. 2)?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. What is it that Paul says we are longing for in this passage? What does he mean when he says that our hope is not to be "unclothed" but to be "further clothed" and how ought this to inform our understanding of the resurrection? Does this challenge any thoughts or assumptions you have about the eternality of the body?
What does Paul mean in verse 49 when he says that we shall bear the image of the man of heaven? In what ways, then, does Jesus' resurrection inform our understanding of our own resurrection? Does Jesus exist in bodily form in heaven now (see, Acts 1:6-11; Acts 7:55-56; Rev. 1:9-20)?
Read Hebrews 2:8-15. In what ways do we see Christ's victory already accomplished and applied? In what ways do we not yet see complete fulfillment of his victory? How can this serve both as a challenge and an encouragement to us now as we live in the period between Christ's resurrection and ascension and his return and our resurrection?
How is God calling you to respond to this message on 1 Corinthians 15:35-58?
