Building Healthy Church Communities Part 19

Welcome back to Growing Healthy Church Communities! Today, we’re studying 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul presents the heart of the Gospel—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This passage is one of the most powerful and foundational teachings in Scripture because it reminds us that our faith is not just about moral teachings or religious traditions; it is about the victory of Christ over sin and death.

Transcript

Welcome back to Growing Healthy Church Communities! Today, we’re studying 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul presents the heart of the Gospel—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This passage is one of the most powerful and foundational teachings in Scripture because it reminds us that our faith is not just about moral teachings or religious traditions; it is about the victory of Christ over sin and death.

The resurrection is not just a theological idea; it is the foundation of the church’s identity, mission, and hope.

As the body of Christ and the family of God, the church exists because of the resurrection, and as its members we live in light of this truth.

Just as it was crucial for the Corinthian church to understand, it remains equally essential for us today.

The Corinthian church had many spiritual gifts and knowledge, but they also had confusion about some core doctrines, including the resurrection of the dead.

Some in the church were questioning whether believers would be resurrected, and Paul responds by emphasizing that the resurrection of Christ is central to the Gospel.

He writes:

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Paul reminds them that Jesus’ resurrection was not a symbolic event—it was a real, historical occurrence. He provides eyewitness testimony of those who saw the risen Christ, including Peter, the apostles, more than 500 believers at once, and Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). His message is clear: If Christ was not raised, then our faith is meaningless.

He confronts their doubts by saying:

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17)

The resurrection is the proof of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. If Jesus had not risen, then sin would still have power over us, and death would be the final end. But because He is alive, we have hope, transformation, and eternal life.

Just as the Corinthian church needed to be reminded of the resurrection’s power, so do we.

The resurrection is not just something we celebrate on Easter Sunday—it is the foundation of everything we do as the body of Christ.

As we have already established the church was never meant to be a religious organization; it is the living body of Christ.

Paul says:

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

(1 Corinthians 12:27)

We are not just followers of a moral teacher—we are part of a risen Savior’s mission.

Because Christ is alive, we are called to preach the Gospel with confidence.

Paul declares:

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)

This means that our mission is not just about good works, but about proclaiming the power of Jesus to save and transform lives.

Paul reminds us that because Jesus was raised, we too will be raised:

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

We don’t live in fear of death but in the hope of eternal life, which allows us to serve boldly, love selflessly, and endure hardships with faith.

Focusing on the resurrection keeps our purpose and mission on track and ensures we avoid becoming distracted and enmeshed in worldly affairs.

It reinforces the words of John : “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)

Paul exhorts us to live in light of the resurrection:

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)

A church that believes in the resurrection lives differently—we are called to holiness, purity, and a life that reflects Christ’s victory over sin.

Paul closes 1 Corinthians 15 with an incredible declaration of victory:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

Because of Christ, we as the body of Christ are an overcoming people—we are not defeated by hardship, persecution, or suffering. Instead, we press forward in faith.

Paul ends with this encouragement:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

So in order to grow a healthy church we need to remain steadfast in our mission, working to advance the Kingdom of God with confidence.

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 15 continues to remind us we are one body, united in purpose, growing together in faith. We are a family, living in love, supporting one another, and pointing the world to Jesus. We are victorious, because we serve a risen King who has conquered sin and death.

Paul’s message reminds us that a healthy church family is one that is built on the reality of the resurrection.

It is a church community that lives in faith, serves with boldness, walks in holiness, and stands firm in hope.

A community that refuses to become entangled and preoccupied with the worries and concerns of this world as our hope is the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Jesus as our ruling King.

Final Thoughts: How Can We Live as a Resurrection Church?

The message of 1 Corinthians 15 challenges us to reflect:

• Do we truly live in the power of the resurrection?

• Are we proclaiming the Gospel boldly, knowing that Jesus is alive?

• Are we living holy lives, reflecting Christ’s victory over sin?

• Are we steadfast and unshakable in our work for God’s kingdom?

In order for us to be a healthy and thriving church we need to stand firm in the resurrection of Christ, knowing that our faith is not in vain. Because Jesus is alive, we have hope, we have purpose, and we have victory.

Thanks for joining me today on Growing Healthy Church Communities! Let’s keep this conversation going—how is your church living in the reality of the resurrection? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I’ll see you next time