Hey, Paul? – April 2 7, 2025 Bible Study Outline: 1 Corinthians 15:29 – 58 – Victory Over Death and the Hope of Resurrection Introduction Theme: Because of Christ’s resurrection, believers have hope in life beyond the grave. Our future resurrection is certain, and death has been defeated. Therefore, we are called to live faithfully, knowing our labor is never in vain. G etting T o K now Y ou Section 1: Get to Know One Another – Icebreaker Icebreaker Activity: “Bucket List or Bust” S hare one thing on your “bucket list” — something you’ d love to do or experience in your lifetime. Why do you think we care so much about making the most of this life? In today’s passage, Paul helps us see that because of Christ’s resurrection, this life is not the end — and that gives eternal meaning to the things we do today. D igging D eeper Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15:29 – 58 – Historical Background Paul is continuing his lengthy argument on the resurrection in chapter 15. Some in the Corinthian church had begun to deny the idea of bodily resurrection, influenced by Greek philosophy, which saw the physical body as something inferior to the spirit. In verses 29 – 58, Paul closes his argument by defending the necessity and nature of the resurrection: • He references odd practices (like being baptized for the dead, v.29) to show that even the Corinthians act as if the resurrection is real. • Paul addresses how the dead will be raised and what kind of bodies they’ll have, using everyday metaphors (like a seed) to describe transformation. • He ends with a triumphant declaration that death has been defeated, and believers will be clothed with immortality. • This future hope leads Paul to call believers to stand firm and give themselves fully to God’s work, knowing that nothing done in Christ is ever wasted. Section 2: Go Deeper – Exploring Scripture Key Points from 1 Corinthians 15:29 – 58: 1. Verses 29 – 34 – If the dead aren’t raised, Christian practices and sacrifices are pointless. 2. Verses 35 – 44 – The resurrection body is different from the natural body; it’s imperishable, glorious, and spiritual. 3. Verses 45 – 49 – Just as we bear the image of Adam in our earthly life, we will bear the image of Christ in resurrection. 4. Verses 50 – 57 – Flesh and blood can’t inherit the kingdom; our perishable bodies will be transformed in victory. 5. Verse 58 – A call to steadfast, immovable, and abundant service, knowing that resurrection gives lasting meaning to our lives. Supporting Scriptures: Old Testament Passages: 1. Isaiah 25:8 – “He will swallow up death forever.” 2. Daniel 12:2 – 3 – Many who sleep in the dust will awake to everlasting life. 3. Job 19:25 – 27 – Job expresses confidence that he will see God in his flesh after death. 4. Ecclesiastes 12:13 – 14 – Life is meaningful and accountable, even beyond death. New Testament Passages: 1. John 5:28 – 29 – A time is coming when all in the graves will hear His voice and rise. 2. Romans 8:11 – The Spirit who raised Jesus will give life to your mortal bodies. 3. Philippians 3:20 – 21 – Christ will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious one. 4. 2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 – Paul looks forward to a crown of righteousness after his earthly life. 5. Revelation 21:4 – God will wipe every tear; there will be no more death or mourning. Discussion Questions: 1. Why does Paul use the analogy of a seed to describe resurrection? What does this teach us about death and new life? 2. What do you think the resurrected body will be like, based on verses 42 – 44? 3. How does the idea of bearing the image of Christ in eternity (v.49) shape our identity today? 4. What does it mean that “death is swallowed up in victory” (v.54)? 5. How does verse 58 connect resurrection hope to everyday Christian life and service? Application Section 3: Application – Living Out the Teaching Objective: Encourage believers to live with hope, purpose, and perseverance, anchored in the promise of resurrection. Application Questions: 1. How does knowing that death is not the end affect how you view suffering, hardship, or aging? 2. Are you tempted to live as if this life is all there is? How does resurrection hope help you reframe your priorities? 3. What’s one way you can stand “firm and immovable” this week in your faith, even when it’s hard? 4. What “labor in the Lord” might you be neglecting because it feels small or unnoticed? How does v.58 encourage you? 5. Who in your life needs to hear the hope of resurrection? How could you share that hope in word or deed this week? Conclusion & Challenge: In this passage, Paul reminds us that the resurrection isn’t just about the future — it gives meaning to the present. Our hope in Christ’s victory over death empowers us to live lives of faith, courage, and purpose. Challenge: Choose one thing you tend to see as “in vain” (e.g., serving, praying, caring for others) and commit to doing it this week with renewed faith, believing that nothing done in Christ is ever wasted. Let the promise of resurrection shape your purpo se today. ParentCue 1. How does this week’s message apply to your daily/weekly family life? 2. What are some practical ways you can model these truths for kids? What are ways you can give kids an opportunity to practice these truths themselves? 3. What challenges are you facing in your family or parenting right now? Share with the group and pray/talk through how you can give biblical counsel and support for each other through those challenges. 4. Are there any encouraging or helpful parenting resources, verses, etc. that you found this week to share? G rowing C loser 1. Who is someone you shared the gospel with this week? 2. What have you been reading in your quiet times? 3. What has God been teaching you?