TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
READING: Philippians 3:1-21
SUBJ: Paul’s presentation of Gospel facts along with reasons to believe delivered in such a way as to be undeniable by any.
AIM: That we might be drawn away from presumption and more given to meditation, delight, and enthusiastic proclamation of the fact that Christ is risen indeed.
INTR: Like the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, this definition of the Gospel is often repeated and that should be without apology in that we are confronted with both details of it and our responsibility regarding it.
1. We tend to like things neatly packaged and easily dealt with in our minds.
2. Some things, however, need to be and should be “unpacked” with attention to detail and the various items contained in the package; We often will defer that process.
3. The Gospel, while having a glorious exposure in scripture to the point that much comes to mind when it is mentioned, may also be subject to the neglecting of the individual truths comprising it. This may be especially true of the elements of the Gospel
THESIS: The resurrection of Christ is the most unbelievable of the Gospel elements and therefore should never be omitted in any declaration of the that which concerns our risen Lord. And it should be declared along with all that enhances its believability.
I. Paul’s reason for declaring the Gospel in this manner (vv. 1-2)
1. It had been the matter of his preaching as the Word of God indeed and we are reminded of, For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2. And it was furthermore received: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5
2. The Gospel declared their standing:
1) The first thought that comes to mind is that they were in a way of conscious obedience to the precepts of the Word and the example seen in the Gospel.
2) But, our standing before God as the justified ones is dependent on the truth of those things declared in the Gospel. Compare: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
3. It is the declaration of the means of salvation and that which is assuredly believed unto salvation, and it has a predictable result:
1) It is kept in memory – not something quickly espoused and then forgotten else
2) Such belief is vain.
II. The particulars of the Gospel (3-8)
1. All centered in the person and work of Christ our Lord
1) His Death according to the scriptures
i. In accordance with direct prophesy such as Isaiah 53
ii. In answer to the types set forth in such things as sacrifices, ceremonies and particularly the Passover.
2) His Burial and Resurrection according to the scriptures
i. He made His grave with the wicked and with the rich and
ii. He “shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied…”
2. An extremely important aspect of the Gospel as recorded in the Scriptures is the eyewitnesses to both His death and resurrection.
1) It is important to note that all the eleven which remained at this time (except for James) had confirming testimony seeing Him alive.
2) The matter of the 500 while difficult to ascertain exactly when certainly took place and was probably in Galilee.
3) And, while we are not completely sure of the timing, we have no doubt that Paul saw Him as well and that bodily – it is certain that His encounters with Paul were very person and clearly stated.
III. Observations on the evidence of His Resurrection
1. The story of a meat shower in 1876 in an obscure place in Kentucky. (Timothy Paul Jones).
1) Meat mysteriously fell from the sky. There was a half bushel.
2) Story was picked up by newspapers and academic journals and various theories were advanced.
3) Literal places and landmarks were included in the reports
4) What does this have to do with the Resurrection of Christ
2. The presentation of the Gospel does not occur in abstract form. Places are named, people are named, geographical features are mentioned, with such places being accessible today.
3. Mr. Jones offered two observations as to reasons to believe that Christ is risen.
1) The story originated where the event took place.
i. Of course, we have the infallible Word of God, but the story is recounted by those who witnessed it.
ii. Too many people saw it to deny it – a point Paul makes here.
2) The Witnesses had nothing to gain from reporting it.
i. There was much gain from that which had occurred,
ii. But they gained nothing personally from reporting it, there were no claims to fame.
iii. The simply reported what they personally knew to be true.
4. They had the scriptures and what they witnessed verified what they had been taught.
