The Power of the Resurrection

SERMON TITLE:  

SCRIPTURES:

Primary Text: 1 Corinthians 15
Supporting Texts: Matthew 27:52–53, Revelation 1:18, Ephesians 4:8, 1 Peter 3:19

MAIN POINT: 

I. INTRODUCTION: The Cornerstone of the Gospel

• Opening statement:
  “The resurrection is not just an event; it is the essence of our faith!” 
• Why it matters: 
  • Without resurrection: 
    • Our preaching is in vain (1 Cor. 15:14) 
    • Our faith is futile (v.17) 
    • We are still in sin 
    • The dead are lost 
    • We are most miserable (v.19) 
  • BUT — “Now is Christ risen from the dead!” (v.20) 

II. POST-CRUCIFIXION EVENTS: What Happened in the Spirit Realm?

• 1. Jesus Preached to Spirits in Prison
  (1 Peter 3:19) — He went and proclaimed to the spirits bound in darkness. 
• 2. He Led Captivity Captive
  (Ephesians 4:8) — He released the righteous dead from Sheol/Abraham’s Bosom. 
• 3. He Took the Keys of Hell and Death
  (Revelation 1:18) — Authority over death and the grave is now in His hands. 
• 4. Saints Rose with Him
  (Matthew 27:52-53) — A first glimpse of resurrection power at work. 

III. 1 CORINTHIANS 15: THEOLOGY OF RESURRECTION

Apostolic Witness (vv.1–11):

• The Gospel foundation: Christ died, buried, rose again (vv.3–4) 
• Eyewitnesses: Peter, the Twelve, 500+ brethren, James, Paul (vv.5–8) 
• Grace empowers us to live and labor (v.10) 

IV. WHY THE RESURRECTION IS CENTRAL

Paul’s Arguments (vv.12–22):

• If Christ is not risen: 
  • Our message is false 
  • Our faith is futile 
  • Sin is undefeated 
  • The dead are perished 
• If Christ is risen: 
  • He is the firstfruits of the new creation (v.20) 
  • As in Adam all die, in Christ all are made alive (v.22) 

V. THE RESURRECTION’S IMPACT ON US

• Eternal Reign of Christ (vv.24–27) 
  • He will subdue every enemy — even death (v.26) 
• Transformation of the Body (vv.35–44): 
  • Sown in corruption → Raised incorruptible 
  • Sown in dishonor → Raised in glory 
  • Sown in weakness → Raised in power 
  • From natural → To spiritual body 
• Victory Over Death (vv.54–57) 
  • “O death, where is thy sting?” 
  • Death is swallowed up in victory 
  • Through Jesus, we walk in resurrected authority 

VI. LIVING IN RESURRECTION POWER (v.58)

• Be Steadfast: Stand firm in your faith. 
• Be Unmoveable: Let nothing shake your hope. 
• Be Abounding: Overflow in Kingdom work. 
• Know This: Your labor is not in vain in the Lord! 

VII. PROPHETIC PROMISE (vv.51–52)

• “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…” 
  • A future resurrection awaits us. 
  • The trumpet will sound. 
  • The dead in Christ will rise incorruptible. 
  • We will be changed — glorified! 

Conclusion: Resurrection is Not Just a Day—It’s a Life

• Jesus is alive, and so are we. 
• Let us walk in: 
  • Victory over sin 
  • Power over fear 
  • Hope for the future 
  • Authority over darkness 

Call to Action:
“Will you live like He’s alive? Will you walk in resurrection power today?”