1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 20-26, 50-58; Hebrews 2:14-15

Introduction:

1. The US spent a total of $4.9 trillion on healthcare in 2023, 17.6% of GDP.

2. While certain maladies that have long plagued humanity have been brought to heel, there is no real hope that medicine will ever solve its greatest challenge, death.

3. Victory over this nemesis is beyond human capabilities.

Discussion:

I. The Scourge of Death (Genesis 2:17; 3:1-24; Romans 5:12)

A. Since the fall, death is the enemy of all humanity (Genesis 3:22-24; Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Hebrews 2:15).

B. This enemy has brought suffering to every one of us.

II. The Destroyer of Death (Acts 2:24; Hebrews 2:14)

A. From all observation, this enemy seems insurmountable, inescapable.

B. However, when the Christ came and tasted death for us all, He conquered death (Acts 2:23-24; 13:29-37; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 1:17-18).

III. His Victory Assures Ours (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 20-26, 50-57)

A. Paul opened the resurrection chapter with the gospel in summary (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

B. Having testified about the resurrection, he highlighted our pitiful state without it (15:12-19).

C. Then he adamantly argued that His victory over death assures our own (15:20-26, 50-57).

D. Tying this in with the Hebrews writer’s excursus, this frees us from slavery to fear of death (2:15).

Conclusion:

1. Notice the connection to victory over sin and the world (1 Corinthians 15:56; Romans 7:1-6).

2. The response to this reality is steadfastness in serving Him, knowing our labor in the Lord is never for naught (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Further Food for Thought

1. Have you ever struggled (as I confess I have) to truly internalize this reality?

2. How do you think we can better actuate this victory in our daily lives?

3. How awesome do you suppose such a freedom can be if we do so?