1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you–unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared also to me. (ESV)
Theme:
The Gospel of Christ – Received by Faith, Grounding Our Hope, Displayed in Love.
Introduction:
The Heart of the Gospel
• Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection
• “Of first importance” = central, not optional
• Faith, hope, and love flow from the risen Christ
1. The Gospel Received by Faith (vv. 3–4)
The Gospel is Received
• Not invented- divinely revealed
• Faith is receiving what God has done
The Content (Four Pillars)
• Christ died for our sins (substitution)
• He was buried (certainty of death)
• He was raised (victory)
• According to Scripture (divine plan)
Saving Faith
• Not mere belief, but personal trust in Christ
• From: “Christ died for sinners”
• To: “Christ died for me”
2. The Gospel Securing Our Hope (vv. 4–7)
A Historical Resurrection
• Eyewitnesses: Peter, Twelve, 500+, James, apostles
• Christianity invites examination
Our Hope Anchored
Without resurrection:
• Faith empty
• Sin remains
• No future
With resurrection:
• Justified
• Secure future
• Death defeated
Living Hope
Christ Himself is our hope
Because He lives:
• We are forgiven
• We will rise
• Our future is certain
3. The Gospel Producing Love (v. 8)
Transformation
• Paul: From persecutor to preacher
• The risen Christ changes lives
Love from Grace
• “The love of Christ controls us”
• Forgiven people become loving people
4. Faith, Hope, Love United
• Faith → receives Christ
• Hope → rests in Christ
• Love → reflects Christ
Conclusion: The Call
1. Believe (Faith) – Receive the Gospel
2. Rest (Hope) – Anchor in the risen Christ
3. Respond (Love) – Live transformed