The Wonder of Easter

Lesson 1Proclaim Christ’s Death....................................................31 Corinthians 11:17-32

Lesson 2Remember the Resurrection ............................................81 Corinthians 15:1-19

Lesson 3Contemplate the Mystery ..............................................131 Corinthians 15:20-41

Lesson 4Rejoice in Hope ............................................................181 Corinthians 15:42-58

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prepare Before the SessionRead the session for today in the Study Guide. Then read the options in this Teaching

Guide, placing checkmarks beside the activities you plan to include. After you have decidedwhich options to use, gather the appropriate materials.

WHAT’S IN YOUR TEACHING GUIDE

This Teaching Guide has three purposes:➤ to give the teacher tools for focusing on the content of the session in the Study Guide.➤ to give the teacher additional Bible background information.➤ to give the teacher variety and choice in preparation.

The Teaching Guide includes two major components: Teacher Helps and Teacher Options.

Teacher Helps

Teacher Options

Bible BackgroundThe Study Guide is your mainsource of Bible study material.This section helps you more fullyunderstand and interpret the Scripture text.

Teaching Outlineprovides you with an outlineof the main themes in theStudy Guide.

The next three sections provide a beginning, middle, and endfor the session, with focus paragraphs in between.

Focus Paragraphsare printed in italics at the top of the page because they

are the most important part of the Teaching Guide. Theseparagraphs will help you move your class from “what the text

meant” to “what the text means.”

You Can Choose!There is more material in each session than you can use, so choose the options from each sectionto tailor the session to the needs of your group.

Bible BackgroundOn the Night He WasBetrayed…

Usually on Palm Sunday, wefocus on the Scripture passage

containing the triumphal procession intoJerusalem. But Thursday of this week, theday before Good Friday, is another highpoint in Holy Week. In some traditions, itis known as Maundy Thursday. The word“Maundy” is derived from the word“mandate,” coming from Jesus’ mandatethat disciples love each other as he hasloved them ( Jn 13:34-35).

Maundy Thursday is also the day wecelebrate Jesus’ last meal with his disci-ples, which he shared with them beforehis arrest and crucifixion. He washedtheir feet and shared with them the loafof bread and the cup of wine. This tradi-tion is the focus of today’s session.

Contentious CommunionThe context of our Scripture passage isthe early church at Corinth. If there wasever a church that had divisions and diffi-culties, the Corinthian church was it.That conflict was evident even when theyshared the Lord’s Supper together.

Apparently, the people of theCorinthian church had turned their expe-rience of the Lord’s Supper into quite aparty. The observance of that suppercame in the context of another meal, onein which the rich had more than enough

food and drink—even eating and drinkingin excess—while the poor, probably slavesand servants, arrived and departedhungry. No one, it seemed, rememberedwhat sharing the Lord’s Supper was allabout.

So the Apostle Paul reminded them.The supper was not to be a party but amemorial of Christ’s death. Beforepartaking of this supper, worshipersneeded to take stock of their own lives.

It’s not insignificant that in someChristian traditions, the Lord’s Supper isknown as “Communion.” Paul remindedthe Christians at Corinth that the supperwas a symbol of their communion withChrist and with each other.

A Mangled MemorialCertainly the Lord’s Supper is a memorialof Jesus’ death. But when we say it is onlya memorial, we diminish its significance.According to Paul, when Christiansremembered Jesus’ death, they alsoremembered his life of sacrificial giving,which culminated in his ultimate sacrificewhen he gave his life on the cross. Thatsacrificial giving was the direct oppositeof what the Corinthian Christians weredoing. In their way of “celebrating” theLord’s Supper, the insiders were starklyseparated from those considered theoutsiders. Instead of giving sacrificially inorder to include those who had the least,the rich simply celebrated excessivelywhile the poor were left out.

1Lesson Teaching Guide

PROCLAIM

CHRIST’S DEATH

1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Paul admonished the CorinthianChristians that if they were hungry,they should eat before they left homeso that their focus could be on thememorial of Jesus’ death when theycame together. The memory of Jesus’sacrifice should encourage their sacrificialgiving in response.

When Paul reminds his readers thatthe bread is the body of Christ, he doesn’tadd the familiar phrase “broken for you.”Jesus’ body was broken for others, butapparently Paul did not want to focus onbrokenness. Perhaps the church atCorinth was already broken enough. Paulwanted the observance of the Lord’sSupper and the memory of Jesus’ sacrificeto bring the church together, not break it apart.

When they remembered Jesus’ sacrificial life and his ultimate sacrifice ofdeath, the Corinthian Christians were torespond with love for Christ and for eachother rather than with divisiveness. Theywere to be drawn together in nothing lessthan Holy Communion. They were to bethe body of Christ, united under his sacri-fice to serve each other.

Remembering or Dismembering?With his sharing of the Last Supper, Jesus wanted his disciples—both then andnow—to remember his death, his ultimatesacrifice even for his enemies. He alsowanted them to remember every otherpart of his sacrificial life and to look forward to his resurrection and his coming again.

Joseph Jeter recalls a preacher statingthat the opposite of remembering was notforgetting, but dismembering (147).When we accept the Lord’s Supper assustenance and commit our lives to thekind of service that demands such suste-nance, we remember Jesus Christ. As thechurch, we “re-member” the body ofChrist. We put the body of Christtogether—we assemble it—in and for ourworld today. We can take this analogyfurther. Jesus asked to be remembered atthe Last Supper and as he committed

himself unto death on behalf ofhumankind. He asked to be rememberedas he faced a mockery of a trial, the painof scourge, denial, betrayal, and the crueldeath of the cross. He asks us to be thebody of Christ preparing to die for God’sworld. To remember his life in any otherway—without this commitment on behalfof others—is superficial.

Paul admonished the CorinthianChristians to take stock of their lives and ask forgiveness for their sin beforeobserving the Lord’s Supper, and weshould do the same. In many Christiantraditions, there is a time set aside forcorporate confession of sin and recogni-tion of Christ’s forgiveness of sin evenwhile we were yet sinners. If we take suchconfession seriously and do not treat it as only a recital of words, it can be significant.

Introduction: The shared meal is a powerfulsocial experience and symbolizes much ofwhat it means to belong to a particularfellowship.

I. The shared meal is one of the earliestrecords of Christian community.

A. We claim the Lord’s Supper as ahistorical celebration of what oncehappened.

B. We claim the Lord’s Supper as anongoing celebration of what remainstrue.

II. Paul levels specific criticism at theCorinthians because they have under-mined the symbolism of the shared meal.

A. Divisiveness is intolerable. B. Respect and equality are necessary.

Conclusion: We are called to live up to thesymbolism rooted in Christian communityand claimed by Christ in the Lord’s Supper.

4 Lesson 1

❍ Feeling HungryDiscuss times when people may decide to“take a break” from regular church attendance. Perhaps when they went tocollege or first moved to a new city, it washarder than usual to get up on Sundaymornings and stay in the routine ofregular worship. Read the following story:

He took a break from church incollege, but he distinctly remembersthe Sunday he made his way to one ofthe back pews of a local church andnoted with joy that Communion wasto be served. He also remembersfeeling hungry—not physically, youunderstand—not anticipating lunchafter worship, but knowing he neededthe sustenance he would receive aspart of this service of worship.

Questions➤ When have you felt a deep hunger for

God? How was that hunger satisfied?➤ How can we do a better job of consis-

tently anticipating Communion? ➤ What is the responsibility of our

worship planners to help us anticipateCommunion?

❍ Memories of Table FellowshipDiscuss good memories of table fellow-ship class members may have—Thanksgiving dinner with all the trim-mings, the family picnic at the beach, thedinner at the fancy restaurant to celebratea new job, etc.

Hopefully, the bread and cup of theLord’s Supper also carry certain memoriesand remind us of our connection to aneven larger family. We should celebratethe memories of the Lord’s Supper witheven greater joy.

Question➤ When thinking about the Lord’s

Supper, what “theological” memoriescome to mind (examples: Jesus eatingwith his disciples, the crucifixion, etc.)?

➤ What particular Lord’s Supper celebra-tions stand out in your memory? Why?

Important meals have a way of working their way into our memories. It is notso much the food, however, but the occasion and the people with whom weshare it that makes the experience memorable. Jesus certainly understood this

phenomenon; the Bible describes him performing many acts of ministry at dinner tables.

A Way to Begin

Teaching Guide 5

Other Christians prefer to take stock of their lives silently before partaking of theLord’s Supper. However we choose to do so, taking an inward look at our hearts andexamining our intentions toward others is an essential prerequisite to our accepting thebread and the cup. Sometimes, even though we may not be as divided as the CorinthianChristians, we still can overlook the importance of confession, repentance, and theacceptance of forgiveness. Sometimes observing the Lord’s Supper is just another ritualof the church. But when we take time to remember the significance, it becomes a way ofrefocusing our lives.

❍ Planning CommunionRead 1 Corinthians 11:17-32. As a group,identify Paul’s instructions for the Lord’sSupper and the reasons for these instruc-tions based on the behavior of theCorinthian Christians.

Suggest that Paul’s instructions mayhave been somewhat different if he hadaddressed them to a church strugglingwith different problems. Invite your classto reflect on as many different emphasesfor a celebration of the Lord’s Supper asthey can. You might suggest the sorrow ofgoodbye, forgiveness, new life in Christ,commitment, and looking toward the endtimes. Remind your class that any empha-sis they choose should have a biblicalbasis. Allow enough time for your partici-pants to think of several possibilities.

Then invite each person to name oneappropriate emphasis. Discuss how theCommunion service might be appropri-ately structured to develop that emphasis. After several possibilities are named, askhow the variety of emphases can lenddepth to the biblical account of the LastSupper. Close the exercise by noting thatwhat happened that night so long agocontinues to affect who we are and howwe live as Christ’s followers today.

Questions➤ What are the pitfalls of only thinking

narrowly about the meaning of theLord’s Supper? For example, what if wealways emphasized the death of Christand never expressed joy at his resurrec-tion (see Luke 24:13-35)?

➤ As worshipers, what is our part inensuring that our personal experienceof Communion is all it should be?

❍ Symbol SwitchRead 1 Corinthians 11:17-32. Ask groupmembers to find a partner. Ask everyoneto imagine an island where bread is aluxury and everyone eats rice. Imaginethat grapes are unknown to the inhabi-tants of our island, but that orange grovesare everywhere. Now imagine visiting thelocal church and experiencing the pastorusing rice instead of bread and orangejuice instead of wine or grape juice as theelements of Communion. Ask the part-ners to consider the following questions.

Questions➤ If bread is a luxury on this island,

would it go against what Communionis supposed to be to use rice as thesymbol for Christ’s body? If grapes areunknown, would it undermineCommunion to use orange juice?

➤ Does the switching of the symbolsdiminish the meaning of Communion?Why or why not?

A Way to Explore Scripture Different Christian individuals and denominations have widely divergent opinionsabout the meaning and proper observance of the Lord’s Supper. What is meant to

bring us together sadly often serves to reinforce our differences. Today’s textsuggests that this is not a modern problem, however. Even 2,000 years ago, Christians wereconfused about Communion.

6 Lesson 1

❍ “In Remembrance of Me”Draw a horizontal line on the board withtick marks labeled “Palm Sunday,”“Maundy Thursday,” “Good Friday,” and“Easter Sunday.” For each day, brieflysummarize the corresponding events inJesus’ life. Discuss Jesus’ and the disciples’frame of mind at each point. (You maywant to track these “highs” and “lows”like a graph of rising and falling stockprices.)

Return to Maundy Thursday.Brainstorm the possible reasons Jesusgave his disciples this meal by which to rememberhim.

Questions➤ What did Jesus want us to remember?➤ How does the Lord’s Supper help us

remember Jesus’ life, death, and resur-rection?

➤ What plans do you have for remember-ing Jesus this week?

❍ Incarnating CommunityNote that Communion has to do with beingpart of a community. It is not a privateexperience, but a corporate one. Thecommunity Communion celebrates is aninclusive and honest one. The members ofthis community are willing to take risksin order to maintain and grow the fellow-ship. They even risk confrontation. It is acommunity drawn together by and withinthe story of Jesus Christ. Affirm that thecommunity seeks to make real the story ofJesus to its members and to the world.

Provide copies of the resource page“Incarnating Community” (p. 23). Readthe prayer responsively, then close byaffirming that who we are as the body ofChrist involves our commitment tosharing God’s love with our world.

ResourceJoseph R. Jeter Jr., Re/Membering: Meditations and Sermonsfor the Table of Jesus Christ (St. Louis: Chalice, 1996).

Paul urged the Corinthian believers to think theologically about what they didin church. He reminded them that gathering for the Lord’s Supper involved aparticular way of thinking about what Jesus’ life and death means, which in turn

implies a particular way of treating one another.

A Way to End

Teaching Guide 7

2Bible Background

An Ancient CreedNot only was the church at

Corinth arguing over practicessurrounding the proper obser-

vance of the Lord’s Supper (11:17-34), butthey also were having theologicaldisputes. In particular, the Apostle Pauladdresses the fact that some people inthat congregation did not believe in thepossibility of resurrection. There is noindication that the Corinthians hadspecifically asked Paul to advise them onthis issue. He doesn’t preface his remarkswith “now concerning” as he does withmatters that seem to have been raised in aprior letter the Corinthians sent to him(7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1). Most likely, Paullearned about the theological controversyorally from those who had delivered theCorinthian letter (1:11; 16:17).

Paul’s argument is logical. He firstlists distinctive Christian beliefs thatcould serve as a confession of faith. Paultakes the Corinthian believers back to thebasics, “to the very foundation of theirfaith” (Soards, 1185-86). His first point isthat the common tradition of the churchhas always included belief in the resurrec-tion. In verses 3-8 we find a creed-likestatement of the content of the Christianfaith. Except for Paul’s comments in verse6b (“most of whom are still alive,” etc.)and verse 8 (“last of all…he appeared tome”), this section should be understood

as pre-Pauline tradition that formed thebasis of Paul’s preaching from the begin-ning of his ministry in Corinth. TheApostle introduces the section with thelanguage of “receiving” and “handingon”: the customary rabbinic terminologyfor passing on an oral tradition fromteacher to student.

What was this tradition? Christ died for our sins in accordance with theScriptures. He was buried, and he wasraised on the third day in accordance withthe Scriptures. He appeared to Cephasand then to the twelve. Then he appearedto more than 400 brothers and sisters atthe same time. Next, he appeared to Jamesand others. The essence of the Christianfaith is found in the story of Jesus’ savingwork, organized around four importantverbs: “Christ died, he was buried, he wasraised, and he appeared” to the disciples(Talbert, 122).

The final verb, “appeared,” is used orimplied six times in verses 5-8, culminat-ing in Paul’s assertion that Jesus appearedto him “last of all.” Unlike the others,Paul was not privy to any post-resurrec-tion appearances in the days immediatelyafter the crucifixion. His encounter on theDamascus Road came months if not yearslater. Therefore, Paul qualifies his experi-ence by describing himself as “oneuntimely born.” This unusual Greek word(ektroma) could be interpreted in twoways. It might mean “born too late,” thatis, long after the others to whom Christ

Lesson Teaching Guide

REMEMBER THE

RESURRECTION

1 Corinthians 15:1-19

appeared. More likely, the implication is“born prematurely,” setting Paul’srapid, dramatic conversion in contrastto the months or years of spiritual“gestation” the other eyewitnesses to theresurrection experienced before theirencounter with the risen Christ. In eithercase, Paul is subtly admitting that hisexperience of the risen Christ did not fitthe expected pattern. It was mistimed,although no less significant.

Paul’s second point is found in verse6, where he mentions that some eyewit-nesses were still alive, although some had died. Even for those who have experi-enced the risen Christ, death has not yetbeen destroyed. This means that the resurrection of believers is still to beanticipated in the future (Talbert, 122).

If Christ Has Not Been Raised…In verses 12-19, Paul challenges an assertion made by the troublesomefaction among the Corinthians: “How cansome of you say there is no resurrectionof the dead?” This faction obviouslybelieved in Christ’s resurrection. Theproblem was that they believed they hadalready been raised with him (1 Cor 4:8;see 2 Tim 2:17-18). It seems that theydenied a future resurrection such as Paulaffirms in verse 19.

Paul responds to this assertion by laying out the consequences that followfrom what the Corinthians are saying. Ifthere is no (future) resurrection, thenChrist has not been raised, Paul’s preach-ing is in vain, their faith is in vain, theyare still in their sins, and those who havedied in the faith have utterly perished.

If Christ has not been raised, Pauldeclares, then his proclamation and theproclamation of other Christians hasbeen a monumental waste of time. In fact,the many eyewitnesses he noted earlierwere all misrepresenting God. If Christhas not been raised, faith is ultimatelyfutile. And if we have hope in this lifeonly, we are to be pitied.

Paul’s argument rests on the fact thatChrist is indeed risen from the dead. Not

only that, but as a result believers are nolonger dead in their sins but are insteadalive in Christ. It is for this reason that wecelebrate Resurrection Sunday.

I. Christ Died for Our Sins (15: 1-4a)A. Paul reminds the Corinthians of how

they had come to hear the gospeland the difference it had made intheir lives.

B. The gospel must be professed andpracticed.

C. The gospel is an event in history anda way of life.

D. God’s activity can be summarized inthree statements (vv. 3-4):

1. Christ died for our sins.2. Christ was buried.3. Christ rose again.

II. Christ Was Raised from the Dead(15:4b-7)

A. Paul’s main argument was that therewere still eyewitnesses to the resur-rection.

B. Individuals living at the time ofPaul’s writing were able to corrobo-rate that Christ really died and roseagain.

III. Christ Transformed Me (15:8-11)A. Paul offers his own personal testi-

mony regarding God’s grace.B. God’s grace is not only the free gift

of salvation; it is also seen in thedevelopment of the Christian lifeand in our service to others.

IV. Christ’s Resurrection Is the Heart of theGospel (15:12-19)A. Paul rejected the theology of

opponents who denied the reality of a future resurrection.

B. If Christ was not raised, Paul’spreaching and his audience’s faithwere in vain.

Teaching Guide 9

❍ Explaining the UnexplainableWhich would be more difficult to explainto someone who was totally unfamiliarwith the gospel, the crucifixion or theresurrection? Lead the class in a briefdiscussion of how difficult it is for us tounderstand and believe both the crossand the resurrection events, especiallysince we were not eyewitnesses.

Introduce today’s biblical text bypointing out that Paul was also trying toexplain the resurrection as he wrote to theCorinthians.

❍ The Importance of theResurrection

Lead the class in a discussion of why it isimportant for Christians to believe in the resurrection (it is a fulfillment ofScripture, Jesus’ resurrection assures ourresurrection, etc.).

Have someone read 1 Corinthians15:1-8. Emphasize the importance of theoral traditions (the verbal, nonwritten“passing on” of events) regarding theresurrection. This is especially true whenwe understand that Paul was the first NewTestament author to write about theresurrection (since the New TestamentScriptures did not yet exist, the only waypeople could know about the resurrectionwas through oral traditions).

Lead class members to share why theypersonally believe in the resurrection. Beopen to all responses (for example, somemay have come to believe in the resurrec-tion through intentional Bible study,some through the “inherited faith” oftheir families, and others may have alwaysassumed the truth of the resurrectionwithout ever having seriously thoughtabout it).

The cross and the resurrection receive more attention in the New Testamentthan any other specific subjects. This dual event is the central focus of theChristian faith. Begin the lesson by exploring the significance of these events

in the lives of believers.

A Way to Begin

10 Lesson 2

New CreationsRemembering the resurrection should begin with the memory of the stone rolled awayfrom an empty tomb on that first Easter morning. That event is a foundation of ourChristian beliefs. But remembering Christ’s resurrection also has implications fortoday. Paul might go so far as to say that if the resurrection doesn’t make a difference,our faith is in vain. In Paul’s view, if Christ is risen, then we as followers of Christ arerisen in Christ (see Phil 3). In fact, Paul says we are dead to our old lives and risen asnew creatures.

Most often, this new creature is interpreted individually. Individual persons areborn again as new creations. The fruits of the spirit include love, joy, peace, longsuffer-ing, and faithfulness. Each person is a new creature who exhibits these fruits. But NewTestament scholar Marcus Borg reminds us that there is also a communal element tothis new creation (110). Our new “communal identity” subverts the sharpest of bound-aries. Indeed, Paul said to the Galatians, “In Christ there is neither Greek nor Jew, malenor female, slave nor free” (Gal 3:28). All are equal in Christ.

This admonition is just as relevant for us today as it was for the divided Christians in Corinth. Sometimes we findourselves arguing over the details of our faith, whether they involve belief or practice.The implication of Paul’s words is that if we are risen with Christ, such disagreementsshould not be so sharp that they divide Christians. There is room for diversity in thedetails, to be sure, but we must strive for unity in what is central to our faith.

❍ Resurrection and GraceHave someone read today’s text. Discussthe relationship between God’s grace andthe resurrection, specifically verse 10.

Questions➤ Can you think of one sentence that

explains what the resurrection showsus about God’s grace?

➤ What does Paul mean when he says,“[God’s] grace toward me has not beenin vain?”

A key thought to point out is that theresurrection tells us God’s grace comes tous not only in the free gift of salvation,but also in the unfolding development ofthe Christian life and our service toothers.

❍ A Point to PonderMention that the resurrection is not onlya promise of eternal life, but it is also asource of abundant living today.

Questions➤ What does “abundant living” look like?➤ How does faith in the resurrection

make “abundant living” possible?➤ What does it mean in practical terms to

“remember” the resurrection of Jesus?How do we know if we have remem-bered the resurrection properly?

❍ An Unexpected EventIt is clear from even a casual reading ofthe Gospel accounts of the cross and the resurrection that the disciples did notexpect Jesus to live again. At first they sawnothing but crushing defeat in the cross.Then, when reports that Jesus had risenfirst came to them, they did not believethe news. Though Christ had said hewould rise again, they somehow missedhis point and did not expect it to happen.

Questions➤ How are we like the disciples? Do we

live as though we are hesitant to believethe reality of the resurrection?

➤ Does the resurrection really make adifference in the way we live? If so,how?

Many of us have read the accounts of the resurrection in the Gospels since childhood. What we may not always remember is that for a long time after Christ

had been raised from the grave, the story of the resurrection was told but notwritten down. Paul was the first New Testament writer to record what had been preachedabout the resurrection for years, and his account in 1 Corinthians 15 precedes by almostfifteen years the accounts in the Gospels. It is almost impossible for those of us who havegrown up hearing the Gospel story to understand what it must have been like during thatfirst century for those early believers.

A Way to Explore Scripture

Teaching Guide 11

12 Lesson 2

❍ The Power of the ResurrectionDistribute note cards and pencils to eachparticipant. Ask the class to think of a situation or circumstance in which theyneed to hear the encouraging message ofthe resurrection (for example, a personalcrisis, a major decision, a disappointment,etc.). Encourage them to write the situa-tion or circumstance on the note card andkeep it in their Bibles.

During the upcoming week, ask themto think of specific ways in which ourhope in the resurrection could be aninspiration in dealing with or movingthrough their situation or circumstance.Suggest that they write their thoughts onthe note card and keep it as a personaltestimony.

❍ Remembering Those Who HelpUs Remember

Encourage class members to think of aperson who is (or has been) an inspirationto them, someone who seems to have beentransformed by the resurrection.Encourage them to write a personal noteto that person, thanking him or her forbeing a positive faith role model.

❍ I Believe in the ResurrectionDistribute copies of the resource page “IBelieve in the Resurrection” (p. 24). Askclass members to complete each sentenceon the worksheet with a positive Christianquality in their lives for which they arethankful.

Invite class members to share areas inwhich they need to be reminded of the reality of the resurrection.

ResourcesMarcus Borg, The Heart of Christianity (San Francisco:HarperSanFrancisco, 2003).

Raymond B. Brown, “I Corinthians,” The Broadman BibleCommentary, vol. 10 (Nashville: Broadman, 1970).

Marion L. Soards, “1 Corinthians,” Mercer Commentary onthe Bible, ed. Watson E. Mills et al. (Macon GA: MercerUniversity Press, 1995).

Charles H. Talbert, Reading Corinthians, rev. ed. (MaconGA: Smyth & Helwys, 2002).

It is one thing to assent to the doctrine of the resurrection in an abstract, intellectual way. It is quite another to have one’s life transformed by the power

of the risen Christ. As you close the lesson, challenge participants to considerhow the resurrection of Christ has made a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

A Way to End

3The Resurrection and Theology

In these verses, Paul affirmshis faith in the resurrection,and he also develops a mature

theological reflection on itsmeaning and implications. In

verses 20-28 he contrasts Jesus and Adam.Like Adam, Christ stands at the begin-ning of a new order. But while Adambrought death into the world, Christbrought life through his resurrection. Thenew order is one of Paul’s main points inthis chapter. As N. T. Wright explains,

Paul never loses sight of the mainquestion he is addressing, and norshould we. He is arguing for thecertainty of the future bodily resur-rection of all the Messiah’s people.The present passage sketches theframework within which this beliefnot only makes sense (not least interms of the timing: first the Messiah,later all the Messiah’s people) butfollows inescapably. The basic point ismade, as often with Paul, in theopening verse of the sequence (in thiscase, verse 20): the Messiah has beenraised from the dead as the aparche,the “first-fruits,” the first sheaf of theharvest which guarantees that therewill be more to come. (333)

Jesus is the “first fruits” of those whohave died because his resurrection, likethe beginning of the harvest, is a

foreshadowing of what lies in store forthose who believe in him.

The Resurrection and DiscipleshipAfter this appeal, Paul continues to develop his resurrection theology. Why,Paul asks, would he be willing to put hislife in peril if he did not believe in the resurrection? Paul had been threatened,jailed, run out of town, and almost killed.He had even fought “wild beasts” inEphesus. Paul is likely referring here tothe many conflicts and trials in which healmost lost his life. Paul had been perse-cuted as harshly as he had persecutedChristians before his Damascus Roadexperience. Why would he endure thesethings if he did not believe? Paul stoodbehind his faith in the resurrection, evenif it might lead to his own death.

Paul continues that if the resurrectiondid not take place, it would be reasonableto live without any moral concerns. Heurges the Corinthian Christians not to bedeceived by people who do not believe inthe resurrection and who live with nosense of morality. He seems to be saying,“Why would you be concerned aboutmorality if there were no resurrection?”

Paul ends his appeal with a strongclosing argument. Whoever says theresurrection is unnecessary has no knowl-edge of God. Bluntly, Paul tells theCorinthians, “Some of you really do notknow God.”

Lesson Teaching Guide

CONTEMPLATE

THE MYSTERY

1 Corinthians 15:20-41

The Resurrection and MysteryBut then Paul continues his explo-ration of the doctrine of theresurrection. Apparently, theCorinthian Christians were arguingabout what kinds of bodies they wouldhave at the last resurrection. Paulcautions them not to confuse earthlybodies with spiritual ones. To explain, theApostle gives an analogy of differentkinds of earthly bodies. Each kind of seedproduces its own kind of plant. Similarly,people have one kind of body whileanimals, birds, and fish have other kindsof bodies. In the same way, resurrectionbodies will not be like earthly onesbecause they will be transformed.

At this point, Paul seems to admonishthe Corinthians not to be overlyconcerned with the details of the resurrec-tion. It’s interesting to note that Paul didnot tell these Christians not to ask ques-tions. He simply cautioned them againstbecoming so focused on debating thedetails that they missed the point ofbelieving in the resurrection.

The Resurrection and UnityAccording to Paul, there are certaindistinctive elements of the Christianfaith. A hymn writer expressed histhoughts on distinctive elements ofChristianity in this way: “This is thethreefold truth on which we take ourstand. Christ has died; Christ is risen;Christ will come again” (Green, 408).

Keeping faith confessions broadaffirms the mystery of our faith.Sometimes Christians today, not unlikethose in ancient Corinth, argue overmatters of belief until they become moreexclusive than inclusive of those withdiverse beliefs.

Admittedly, Paul’s words in theseverses may be difficult to understand.Perhaps we would do well to rememberthat at the core of Paul’s teaching is anemphasis on the fact of resurrectionrather than on the minute details. Theresurrection truly is a mystery. Affirming

this point helps us find unity in diversitytoday.

And yet, we need not use this simpleconfession of faith as a reason to avoidcontemplating the mystery. On thecontrary, Jesus himself reminded hisfollowers that the greatest commandmentis to love the Lord with all our hearts,

I. Consequences of Christ’s Resurrection(15:20-28)

A. Because Jesus was resurrected, wewill be resurrected (v. 20).

B. Because Jesus was resurrected, wewill not die in our sins (vv. 21-22).

C. Because Jesus was resurrected, wewill share his dominion (vv. 23-28).

II. Practical Implications of theResurrection (15:29-34)

A. Paul raises questions about how thedoctrine of resurrection influencesthe way people live.

B. He insists that Christian belief in afuture resurrection is a strong moti-vating force for Christian living.

C. Christian hope and Christian livingare inseparable.

III. Answers to Skeptics of the Resurrection(15:35-41[42-44])A. The Corinthians had what they

thought were unanswerable objec-tions to the resurrection (v. 35).

1. How are the dead raised? 2. What kind of bodies will they

have when they rise?B. Paul’s Analogy from Nature

(15:36-44)1. It is not possible to tell from the

appearance of a seed what theplant will look like when it isgrown.

2. Like a plant and its seed, in theresurrection there is some kindof continuity of person and personality.

14 Lesson 3

❍ Watering Down Easter?Write this comment on the board:

The resurrection is a poetic way ofsaying that the spirit of Jesus lives onas a constant inspiration to us all.

Mention that there are people today—even those who claim they are believers—who do not believe in the resurrection, orat least their lives are not an indication oftheir belief. The extent of their beliefrevolves around the attitude expressed inthe statement above.

❍ Missing the Point of Easter?Ask the class to respond to the followingstatement:

While I believe in Christ’s resurrec-tion, it doesn’t make much differencein my life today. I simply know thatwhen I die, I’ll go to heaven.

Allow ample time for your class todiscuss this statement. You may want totry to determine how widely this view isheld among the group or their Christianfriends. It is important that everyone beopen to whatever responses are offered.Some may be offended by such a limitedview of the resurrection; others may “live”the statement every day. Strive to end theactivity on a positive note by discussingwhy it is important to believe in the resur-rection.

Today’s text focuses on one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith. Indiscussing the word “mystery,” Frederick Buechner wrote, “There are mysterieswhich you can solve by taking thought. For instance a murder-mystery whose

mysteriousness must be dispelled in order for the truth to be known. There are other mysterieswhich do not conceal a truth to think your way to, but whose truth is itself the mystery. Themystery of yourself, for example. The more you try to fathom it, the more fathomless it isrevealed to be…. [Y]ou do not solve the mystery, you live the mystery.” (64)

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Teaching Guide 15

souls, and minds and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mk 12:29-31). To love Godwith all our minds means using our God-given intellects to contemplate and reflect onthe meaning of Scripture and Christian beliefs. Resurrection is indeed a mystery, but itis one that we should contemplate and explore.

We must not contemplate the mystery in isolation, however. We learn best when wedialogue about Scripture in the context of community, sharing our thoughts with eachother so that we all grow together in our faith. Scripture is dynamic, and no one has thefinal word concerning its interpretation. Continuing to ponder the wonders andmysteries of Scripture together gives us fresh insights about the resurrection as well asabout other distinctive teachings of our faith.

In fact, having doubts or questions about the specifics of the resurrection is notnecessarily negative. One of my former pastors regularly reminded the congregationthat the Bible moves ahead on its great questions. All the major characters of the Biblehad questions, and sometimes God even had questions for them. What do we ask ofGod today? What might God be asking of us? Voicing our questions and listening forGod’s voice is part of using our minds to grow closer to our Creator.

❍ Unanswered QuestionsWhile the Bible is clear about the fact ofthe resurrection, the accounts of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus leavemany questions unanswered. Discuss:What are some questions that we (orothers) have had about the resurrection?

Seek to identify the broad, over-arching questions that are common tomany believers. You may want to suggestsome of the details found in the biblicalaccounts of Jesus’ post-resurrectionappearances:

(1) His disciples and friends didn’t alwaysimmediately recognize him—an indica-tion that he was different inappearance, though he was the sameperson.

(2) His suddenly appearing in the roomwhere the disciples were meetingraised questions about how the resurrectedbody related to material objects (suchas walls).

(3) It seems Jesus no longer needed physi-cal nourishment, although he did eatfish with the disciples (Lk 24; Jn 21).

❍ Seeing and BelievingOn the board, write, “Seeing is believing.”Underneath, write, “Believing is seeing.”Which statement is more representative ofour society? Which is more representativeof the Christian community? Discussparticipants’ reactions to the two state-ments.

It is easier for us to prove from afactual standpoint that Jesus was crucifiedthan for us to prove from a factual stand-point that he was resurrected. As we havelearned in our study of 1 Corinthians 15,we must have faith in the reality of theresurrection.

❍ The Strength of our FaithRead 1 Corinthians 15:20-41. As far asPaul was concerned, Christian hope andChristian living are inseparable. “If thedead are not raised,” he writes, a logicalconclusion would be, “Let us eat anddrink, for tomorrow we die” (v. 32). Paulwas not stating his own view; he wasstating the view of many in his day wholived for the pleasures of the moment.Apparently there was a real danger thatthe Corinthians would be influenced bysuch ideas (Dean, 149-51).

Call attention to Paul’s words inverses 30-34. We are led to view thesethings as logical results of people detach-ing themselves from Christian faith andhope. Paul’s point is still valid: thestrength of Christian faith is reflected inthe quality of our living and serving.

A Way to Explore Scripture The Seven Wonders of the World are notable objects found all over the earth.This list began in ancient times when Greeks and Romans compiled lists of memo-

rable things travelers should see. Christ’s resurrection from the dead is thewonder of the Christian faith. Nowhere in the Bible can we find a more complete explanationof Christ’s resurrection than in the fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians. Paul makes a clearconnection between the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of believers. This connectionis both a reason for wonder and a source of strength as we are empowered by the resurrection.

16 Lesson 3

❍ Sowing SeedsDistribute copies of the resource page“Sowing Seeds” (p. 25). Invite a volunteerto read the quotation aloud. Discusswhether Ambrose’s explanation of Paul’sseed metaphor remains convincing today.Why or why not?

❍ Little DeathsChristian faith not only prepares us to diebut also equips us to live. Like Paul, weare also able to live with commitment andcourage, facing the hundreds of “littledeaths” that precede our actual encounterwith death itself (see vv. 30-31).

Ask the group to name some “littledeaths” people may experience: loss of aloved one, great disappointments, etc.Discuss how the resurrection equips us tolive through these tragedies.

❍ Singing Our FaithDistribute hymnals to each person. Insmall groups, ask participants to scan the hymnal to find two or three hymns thatdeal with the resurrection. Each group isto read the hymn texts and identify versesthat appropriately express the assuranceand hope we have through the resurrec-tion.

Ask each group to report by identify-ing the hymn and reading the specificverses they have selected.

You may want to sing one or two ofthese hymns together to close the session.

❍ Encounters with ChristInvite class members to share about timeswhen they have encountered the presenceof the risen Christ, especially as they havebeen ministered to by other believers.

ResourcesFrederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC(New York: Harper & Row, 1973).

Robert J. Dean, First Corinthians for Today (Nashville:Broadman, 1973).

Fred Pratt Green, “This I s the Threefold Truth,” The BaptistHymnal (Nashville: Convention Press, 1991).

N. T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God(Minneapolis: Fortress, 2003).

For all the things we don’t understand about the resurrection, there are thingswe confess as Christians despite our inability to explain them. For somepeople, this kind of faith comes easily; others struggle to affirm what they cannot

grasp intellectually. All of us, however, need our faith stretched from time to time.

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Teaching Guide 17

4Bible Background

A Superior LifeContinuing where we ended

last week’s session, Paul’sdiscussion in today’s passage

concerns the nature of resurrected bodies.Paul sets up analogies to distinguishbetween the body that dies and the bodythat is resurrected from the dead.

First, Paul says what is sown is perish-able, but what is raised is imperishable. Inother words, the body that dies is perish-able but the resurrected body isimperishable. The earthly body is subjectto decay because it is part of a world thatis subject to corruption. But the resur-rected body is free from corruption.

Second, the buried body is character-ized by dishonor, while the resurrectionbody is marked by glory or splendor.Likewise, the body that dies is character-ized by physical and spiritual weakness,but the resurrected body is strong andpowerful.

Finally, the body that dies is a limitedphysical body, but the resurrected body isa spiritual body energized by the Spirit ofGod, fit for life with God who is Spirit.

The resurrection of believers is atransformation from one kind of exis-tence to another, but it does not entirelyerase the physical aspects of the formerlife.

Paul compares the physical body tothe body of Adam and the spiritual body

to the body of Christ. Adam was earthly, formed from the dust of the earth (Gen 2:7). Adam became a living,physical being. Likewise, all humanity ismade from dust, bearing the image ofAdam. Paul does not describe the physicalbody as bad, however; only as perishable.Like most Jews, Paul understood humanbeings, both body and soul, to be part of God’s good creation (see Gen 1:31).There is no dualistic emphasis on thebody as evil or unworthy of redemption,although merely physical existence mustbe transcended. Our earliest ancestor wasa living though mortal being on earth. Incontrast, Christ, “the last Adam” (15:45)and “the second man” (15:47), came from heaven so that human beings couldultimately bear his image.

Paul continues by describing the mystery of the resurrection once again.The focus is not on death but on thechange that will happen “in the twinklingof an eye” (15:52) at the resurrection.Mortal bodies will become immortal, anddeath will be swallowed up in victory.

Paul ends with words reminiscent of the prophets: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is yoursting?” The prophet Isaiah affirmed thatGod would swallow up death forever, and the Lord would wipe away the tearsfrom all eyes (Isa 25:8). Similarly, theprophet Hosea asks, “O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is yourdestruction?” (Hos 13:14).

Lesson Teaching Guide

REJOICE

IN HOPE

1 Corinthians 15:42-58

Paul brings his discussion of the resurrection to a close by thanking Godwho gives us this victory over deaththrough Jesus Christ (15:57). Since hehas this hope, he can conclude hismessage with words of encouragement:“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast,immovable, always excelling in the workof the Lord, because you know that in theLord your labor is not in vain” (15:58).Paul encourages the CorinthianChristians to keep working for the gloryof God because, in the end, their hardwork will bring victory.

A Superior HopePaul’s words are just as encouraging forus today as they were for the CorinthianChristians. Often, these final words ofPaul are read as a comfort at funerals ofChristians. We who have lost loved onesstill grieve deeply, yet we do not grieve asthose who have no hope.

But Paul’s words are also encouragingto those of us who may be struggling withour faith journey. Life brings difficulties,and Christians are certainly not immuneto them. Like everyone else, Christianslose employment, experience broken rela-tionships, suffer illnesses, encounterinjustice, and lose loved ones to death.

Sometimes, in the midst of our deepest struggles, Christians under-standably become discouraged. The mystic John of the Cross called thesedeepest struggles the dark night of thesoul. We usually emerge from these timesas stronger people, but while we endurethem, we feel weak. These words of Paulremind us that we do not struggle in vain.The final victory will be ours in Christ.

The spirituals written and sung byslaves reflected this hope in future victory. No matter how much they suffered on earth—and their suffering wasimmeasurable—they placed their hope inthe life to come. Songs such as “SwingLow, Sweet Chariot,” “Steal Away toJesus,” and “Wade in the Water” were atheology of hope expressed in song.

I. A Higher Realm of Existence (1 Cor15:42-50)

A. Although we are controlled by ourlower nature in the “natural body,”in the “spiritual body” we will becontrolled by the life-giving Spirit.

B. The first Adam (v. 45) was createdfrom dust. From our relationship tohim we have a physical body, butJesus, the last Adam, is from heaven.From our relationship to him we willhave a spiritual body.

C. This is necessary because “flesh andblood cannot inherit the kingdom ofGod” (v. 50).

II. Victory Over Death (1 Cor 15:51-58)A. Some will receive their glorified

bodies without going through death(vv. 51-54a).

1. All believers must undergo achange at the time of the Lord’sreturn (v. 51).

2. Those who have died will beraised, and those who are alive will be transformed (vv. 52-54a).

3. When this occurs, the ancienthope will be fulfilled: “Death hasbeen swallowed up in victory”(cf. Isa. 25:8).

B. Jesus assures all believers of victoryover death (vv. 54b-57).

1. In verse 55 Paul taunts death,much after the fashion of Hosea13:14.

2. In verse 56 Paul explains that thesting of death is sin, and thatthe power of sin is the law. Sinproduces death’s sting.Unforgiven sin causes our fear ofdeath.

3. In verse 57 Paul’s testimonybecomes our testimony.

C. Therefore, we are to live victoriouslyas people of hope (v. 58).

Teaching Guide 19

❍ Hope and OptimismDraw a line down the center of the board.On one side write the word Hope and onthe other side write the word Optimism.Discuss the difference between hope andoptimism. Record the key thoughts orphrases mentioned on the board.Encourage a wide variety of responses.(Note: the root meaning of optimism is“best”; the root meaning of hope is “toexpect.”)

Point out that optimism is a secularterm that assumes that—whatever ourcircumstance—we are living in the bestpossible world, reality is essentially good,and the good outweighs the bad. Incontrast, hope is an attitude and an expec-tation based on beliefs related to faith inGod. By faith in God, who has been faith-ful in the past, we can face the future withconfidence.

❍ H Is for…Distribute note cards and pencils to eachperson. Write the word Hope on the boardas though forming an acrostic:

HOPE

Have the learners do the same thingon their cards. Have them write their ownacrostics for the word “hope” by thinkingof specific words or phrases that commu-nicate to them the hope of theresurrection. Allow participants to sharethe words or phrases they have written.

People may mean several different things by using the word “hope.” Is hope thesame as wishing for something good to happen in the future? When we crossour fingers and hope for the best, is that what the Bible means by “hope”? In

order to “rejoice in hope,” we first need to understand what hope is.

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20 Lesson 4

Some of our familiar old hymns offer similar words of hope. When we sing “We’llWork ’til Jesus Comes,” “Shall We Gather at the River,” and “Victory in Jesus,” we voiceour hope in the life to come.

Hope in the life to come, of course, does not take the place of justice here on earth.But when we encounter life’s struggles, it is encouraging to know that not even deathwill be able to overcome the victory we have through the resurrection of Christ.

❍ Experiencing the ResurrectionOur hope for ultimate freedom fromthe power of death encourages us tolay hold on integrity of life now. Theresurrection life is not just somethingwe look forward to in the future. Wealready experience it.

Divide the board into threecolumns. At the top of the first columnwrite “Real-life Situations.” At the topof the center column write “No Hope.”At the top of the last column write“Christian Hope.” As a class, identifyreal-life situations that are naturallydifficult (for example, a long-termillness, loss of a job, unansweredprayer). Select two or three situationsand write them in the first section onthe blackboard.

Ask the learners to examine eachsituation from two perspectives, as ifyou had to live in that situation withno hope and as if you were in that situ-ation with the assurance of Christianhope. As a situation is examined, writethe responses under the appropriatesections on the board.

❍ Hope for the FutureRead the assigned Scripture passage, thenask one or both of the following questions:

Questions➤ What is the relationship between

Christian hope and the resurrection? ➤ In what ways does it make sense to talk

about the resurrection and Christian hopeat the same time?

Discuss the relationship betweenChristian hope and the resurrection asdescribed in 1 Corinthians 15:42-58.

❍ A Point to PonderChristian hope not only embraces the future;it is also an important fact in the present. Infacing the future, most of us experience bothanxiety and hope. Without hope, anxietywould deteriorate into despair.

❍ Christian Hope and Christian LivingDistribute copies of the resource page“Christian Hope and Christian Living” (p. 26). Ask each person to complete theworksheet in light of today’s biblical text.

Direct the group to look at theirresponses to the question, “What differenceshould the resurrection make in this aspect ofmy life?” Ask them to prioritize by numberthe areas they have identified. Encouragethem to begin this week to claim the prom-ises of the resurrection.

Christianity is a religion that clearly revolves around belief in eternal life. Isn’t itironic, then, that the most recognized symbol of Christianity is an instrument of

death? The cross is at the heart of the Christian gospel. Yet, by itself, the cross is not good news—it is defeat, not victory. Robert J. Dean suggests the problem is not thewell-worn path to the cross but the seldom used path to the empty tomb (145). The strengthwe need for today is to be found in the promise we have for tomorrow: the promise of theresurrection.

A Way to Explore Scripture

Teaching Guide 21

22 Lesson 4

❍ Strength for the DayAsk the group to identify specific situa-tions in which they (or someone theyknow) need to be reminded of thestrength for living today that we find inthe resurrection. What needs to happen inthat situation in order for them (orsomeone they know) to experience thereality of the resurrection?

Note that there is a dual emphasis inour being empowered by the resurrection:

(1) We find personal strength in the resur-rection to move through our difficulties.(2) We are able to encourage others who

need to hear the strong message of the resurrection.

❍ Hopeless Christians?As Christians, we believe in the resurrec-tion, its promise of hope for the future,and its promise that the Spirit of the risenChrist is with us today. If that is true,then how do we explain Christians wholive as though they have no hope or joy intheir lives?

❍ Experiencing HopeDistribute note cards on which you havewritten the following statement:

Our hope for ultimate freedom fromthe power of death encourages us tolay hold on integrity of life now. Theresurrection life is not just somethingwe look forward to in the future. Wealready experience it.

Encourage class members to do one oftwo things. If they are at a point in their lives when they need to be reminded ofthe hope that is ours through the resur-rection, have them keep the card and putit in a place where they will see it everyday. If they know of someone else whoneeds to be reminded of the hope that isours through the resurrection, ask themto give the card to that person.

ResourceRobert J. Dean, First Corinthians for Today (Nashville:Broadman, 1973).

While we believe in the hope and power of the resurrection, we, like the disciples,often fail to recognize the presence of the risen Christ. While we have not seenChrist in a physical sense, we have seen Christ at work through our encounters

with other believers. Close by helping participants draw connections between theirChristian experience and the hope that is available through the risen Christ.

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Page 23

INCARNATING COMMUNITY

One: We gather here today in the name of the One who, so many yearsago, broke bread, poured wine, and gave of himself to all he loved.

All: We gather in the presence of this One still with us even today.

One: We gather to take sustenance for the commitments we make.

All: We gather to be shaped into the body of Christ

One: that we might go from this place to live and to love as God

All: that we might go from here to remember the Word made flesh.

One: We go from here with thanksgiving and with joy

All: with the assurance that what we remember we can manifest

One: in the name of our God

All: then, now, andforevermore. Amen.

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I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTIONIf Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those alsowho have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of allpeople most to be pitied. (1 Cor 15:17-19)

I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and because of that I have been able to

I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and because of that I know I can

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SOWING SEEDS

Some may wonder how decayed bodies can become sound again,scattered members brought together, and destroyed partsrestored. Yet no one seems to wonder how seeds softened and bro-ken by the dampness and weight of the earth grow and becomegreen again. Such seeds, of course, are rotted and dissolved by con-tact with the earth. But when the generative moisture of the soilimparts life to the buried and hidden seeds by a kind of life-givingheat, they receive the animating force of the growing plant. Thengradually, nature raises from stalk the tender life called the grow-ing ear, and, like a careful mother, wraps it in a sheath as aprotection against its being nipped at this immature stage by thefrost or scorched by the sun when the kernels are emerging, as itwere, from early infancy. (Ambrose, On His Brother Satyrus 2.55)

Source: Gerald Bray, ed., 1–2 Corinthians, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NewTestament, vol. 7 (Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity, 1999), 169.

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CHRISTIAN HOPE ANDCHRISTIAN LIVING

Instructions: (1) In the top half of each box, answer the question, “What difference does the resurrection

make in this aspect of my life?”(2) In the bottom half of each box, answer the question, “What difference should the resur-

rection make in this aspect of my life?”

Personal Faith Relationships with Family & Friends

Career/Occupation Other