NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
Discussion Questions:
— How did you come to believe in the resurrection of Jesus?
— How should remembering the past, present, and future implications of the Gospel help us live our daily lives?
— What are some ways Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates the power of the Gospel to transform our lives?
Food for Thought:
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Up to this point in his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul has addressed several ongoing sins and struggles in the church, so he seems inclined to end by reminding them of the great antidote for all that ails them — the Gospel. He begins with a high-altitude view of the vital content of the Gospel, including Christ’s resurrection.
The Gospel of Jesus is not just what begins new life and a relationship with Christ, it also frames daily life in Christ. The church in Corinth was not living according to the Gospel. They were experiencing divisions in the church, sexual immorality, boasting of every sort (especially in spiritual gifts, knowledge, eloquent speech, and status), greed and idolatry. In other words, they were building their lives, hope and status on things other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So Paul gave them a gentle rebuke, calling them to live like “those sanctified in Christ Jesus” by reminding them of the Gospel. Notice the progression of his language in verses 1-2:
— “You received” (past conversion): The Gospel is the good news that through Jesus — through His perfect life, sacrificial death and victorious resurrection — we have right standing before God.
— “On which you have taken your stand” (present sanctification): We continually take our stand on the Gospel. The Gospel continually reshapes our emotions, motivations, self-understanding and identity. It has been said that a saint is a sinner who falls down and gets back up in the power of the Spirit.
— “By which you are being saved” (future glorification): The Gospel proclaims the coming of a new kingdom, a new world. This promise of future salvation provides the believer with a hope that cannot be taken away.
Therefore, hold fast! Remember the good news. As all of us grow in the faith, we see more and more our need for the Gospel. Returning to the Gospel and applying it to our hearts again and again is how we grow in our faith. We grow in Christ not by going beyond the Gospel but by going deeper into the Gospel.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students, and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at LifeWay.com/gospelproject .
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool or ordered at LifeWay Christian Stores.