April 5, 2026

UNIT 1: Easter

LESSON: 6

Study Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-57

Central Truth: Jesus' resurrection guarantees victory over death for believers.

KEY Verse-- 1 Corinthians 15:20 Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept (KJV).

Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Death is our final enemy--a consequence of the curse of sin. When Adam and Eve first sinned, the process of physical death began. But death also has a spiritual aspect that is far more serious. Since Adam and Eve, every person has had a broken relationship with God. But through Jesus' death and resurrection, death has been defeated and fellowship with God has been restored. Victory is a major theme in 1 Corinthians 15. That's what our celebration of Easter is all about--victory over death made possible through Jesus Christ

DISCUSSION STARTER--Easter Symbols

What objects or practices symbolize Resurrection Sunday to you? Why? _______________________________________________________ ___________.

For the world, Easter is just another Sunday. Some may see it as a day for a family dinner, an egg hunt, or a new outfit. But for the believer, it is much more. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul makes the argument that Jesus proved the validity of His ministry by rising from the dead. This one event is the crux of the Christian faith, and without it, our faith would be in vain (verse 14).

                                                  PART 1-Jesus' Victory over Death

Jesus Rose                      1 Corinthians 15:20-23

In the verses leading up to 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Paul corrected false teaching about the resurrection. Some in Corinth were questioning whether believers' bodies would be physically resurrected or if only the soul lives forever. In verses 21--22, Paul compared Adam with Jesus to further explain the significance of the resurrection. Because of one man's sin, all humanity will experience death. Because of one Man's obedience, all believers will experience eternal life. Paul was making two points. First, death is inevitable. Second, Jesus' resurrection guarantees the resurrection pf His followers. Paul explains that Jesus' resurrection was only the beginning--the "first of the harvest" (verse 23; "firstfruits"). Jesus conquered death once and for all so that, when He returns, those who DeLong to Him will be resurrected to eternal life as well. His victory over death is why we have the hope of eternal life.

? How does belief in Jesus' resurrection give us hope for the future?

Jesus Reigns                 1 Corinthians 15:24-26

Paul explained that Jesus would eventually deliver the Kingdom to His Father, "having destroyed every ruler and authority and power" (1 Corinthians 15:24). Verse 25 indicates a fulfillment of Psalm 110:1, when David wrote, "The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at the place of honor at my right hand until 1 humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." Jesus' reign will result in the ultimate destruction of death, the final enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26). His reign is eternal and supreme, eventually eradicating death itself. Contrast this truth with the lie that was being spread in Corinth that "there will be no resurrection of the dead" (verse 12). Paul realized that he urgently needed to correct the Corinthians' thinking. Through His resurrection, Jesus assured the resurrection of all who believe in Him. Death no longer has power over us.

? In what sense do Christians already experience victory over death? How will ultimate victory over death be different? 

PART 2--Sharing in Jesus' Victory

Resurrection Illustrations         1 Corinthians 15:35-41

After explaining the reality of Jesus' resurrection, Paul addressed the questions posed by those who misunderstood his teachings (1 Corinthians 15:35; see verse 12). Greek philosophy included a belief that while the soul was immortal and good, the body was evil and would eventually decay. This teaching led to a belief that it did not matter what a person did with his or her body, because physical behavior did not corrupt the soul. This philosophy caused some of the Corinthian Christians to not believe in a physical resurrection since the body was considered evil. But Paul challenged their thinking by explaining that Jesus' resurrection was physical, not spiritual. In verse 36, Paul bluntly referred to the denial of the Resurrection as foolishness. In this physical world, God has given beings different bodies: humans, animals, fish, and birds (verse 39). Paul's point is that God can take physical matter and form it however He likes, according to whatever purpose He gives. How foolish to deny that God can raise a body from the dead!

? What are some of the false beliefs people hold today about life after death?

Resurrection Explanation          1 Corinthians 15: 42-49

In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. Paul explained the nature of the resurrected body. Our earthly bodies die and decay because of the consequences of sin (Romans 3:23), but Christians have the assurance their bodies will be resurrected as glorified bodies. Unlike our weak, frail, and dying natural bodies, our new spiritual bodies will live forever in resurrection power. They will be glorified, suitable for the world to come. This great contrast is seen between Adam and Jesus, who represent the natural and spiritual orders (verses 45-49). Adam is the earthly being, sin-stricken is the heavenly being, eternal and incorruptible. to this corrupt earth. Jesus is the heavenly being, eternal and incorruptible. Jon explains it this way: "We are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is" (1 John 3:2).

? How might our resurrected, glorified bodies be similar to our ohysical bodies? How might they be different??

PART 3-Triumphant through Jesus

      We Will Be Transformed             1 Corinthians 15:50-53

Paul started the conclusion of his resurrected argument with an important point: A corruptible physical body cannot inherit God's kingdom. it is not suited for eternity (1 Corinthians 15:50). "We will all be transformed!" (verse 51). Some Christians will die and be transformed at the resurrection, while others will not die but will be instantaneously transformed "when the last trumpet is blown" (verse 52) at Jesus' appearing. All earthly corruption will disappear as the mortal becomes immortal. Through Jesus, the victory of eternal life replaces the defeat of death. First century believers like Paul lived with the constant expectation of Jesus' return, which helps explain why it it's such a common theme in the New Testament. In fact, 23 out of the 27 books in the New Testament mention the Second Coming. As twenty-first century believers, it is vital that we do not lose our sense of urgency about Jesus' return (2 Peter 3:3-15).

? Why do you think God chose to reveal the "wonderful secret" (1 Corinthians 15:51) that our bodies would be transformed to make them ready for eternity?

Final victory over Sin and Death            1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Death lost its power with the resurrection of Jesus. Paul rejoiced in this reality by quoting the prophets Isaiah and Hoses: "Death is swallowed up in victory O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55; Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 13:14). Even though physical death still occurs, its sting has been removed. it can do no lasting damage. Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 15:56 that sin gives death its power. The Law showed people their sin but gave them no power to overcome it. Jesus dealt with sin once and for all through His death and resurrection. Jesus' victory is available to all who believe in Him. Not only does it guarantee eternal life, but it helps us stand to all who believe in Him. Not only does it guarantee eternal life, but it helps us stand strong in our faith and work hard for the kingdom today. We can have hope, knowing our future is in God's hands and that "nothing [we] do for the Lord is ever useless."

? How does the hope of victory over death cause us to "be strong and immovable" (1 Corinthians 15:58)?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

As we look forward to eternity, we should live each day in the power of the Holy Spirit--the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). Through Jesus' death and resurrection, death has been defeated and fellowship with God has been restored. That's what we celebrate today!

LIVING IT OUT

Share the hopeful message of the gospel with someone new this week.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

          Monday: Hope of Resurrection. Job 19:23-27

                 Tuesday: Prophecy of Resurrection. John 5:24-29

               Wednesday: Order of Resurrection. John 5:24-29

                Thursday: Promise of Resurrection. John 11:23-26

                Friday: Resurrection of Believers: 1 Thess. 4:13-18

                         Saturday: Resurrection of the Deed: Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15

RADIANT LIFE

Volume 107 Number 3 Mar. Apr. May 2026

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