The Treasure of the Resurrection

[ 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 ]

Intro

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

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Easter Review: Power of the Resurrection:

1. Caused the Church to Begin and Grow v.1-2

2. Confirmed the Truth of Scriptures v.3-4

3. Can Change Your Life v.5-9 

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Matthew 13:44

Treasuring the Resurrection.

1. We have life after death.

1 Corinthians 15:12-13 - Christ was raised!

2 Corinthians 4:14 - God, who raised Jesus, will also raise us!

2 Corinthians 5:8 - be confident, to die as a believer, is to be present with the Lord.

2. We have a message.

1 Corinthians 15:14-16 - The Apostles (disciples who had seen the risen Christ) preached Christ has been raised.

3. We have hope.

1 Corinthians 15:17-19 - Christ has forgiven our sins!

2 Corinthians 11:23-30 - Paul walked through hardships because Jesus had suffered for him and rose from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:20 - Jesus is the first (first-fruits) of a great harvest!

Application

1. Will you spend eternity with Jesus?

1 John 5:13 - John wrote his epistle so that his readers would KNOW that they have eternal life!

2. Will you share this message?

Romans 1:16 - The DYNAMITE power of the Gospel saves (reconciles, redeems, rescues) lost people.

3. Will you walk with hope despite your circumstances?

Romans 8:18 - What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glorious reality of the resurrection.

Philippians 1:20-21 - whether Paul lived or died, he hoped his life would bring honor to Jesus!

The Treasure of the Resurrection

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12–19

Warm-Up: If you found something so valuable you’d give up everything to have it (like in Matthew 13:44), what would it be—and why?

Bridge: Jesus said the Kingdom is like a treasure worth everything. Tonight we’re asking, do we treasure the resurrection like that?

Sermon Discussion

Read aloud: 1 Corinthians 15:12–19

Context: Paul is confronting a dangerous idea: what if there is no resurrection? He shows that if that’s true—everything falls apart.

Treasuring the Resurrection

Truth #1: We Have Life After Death (vv.12–13)

Key idea: Because Christ was raised, we will be raised.

Supporting Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:14, 2 Corinthians 5:8

What would Christianity look like without resurrection?

How does knowing death is not the end change the way we live now?

Do you personally live with confidence about eternity—or uncertainty?

Application: Where does fear of death still show up in your life?

Truth #2: We Have a Message (vv.14–16)

Key idea: The resurrection is the core message of the gospel.

According to Paul, what happens to preaching and faith if Christ isn’t raised?

Why is the resurrection essential—not optional—to the gospel?

What makes it hard for you to talk about Jesus with others?

Key Insight: In Romans 1:16, the gospel is power—not just information.

Application: Who is one person you could share the hope of the resurrection with this week?

Truth #3: We Have Hope (vv.17–19, v.20)

Key idea: The resurrection proves our sins are forgiven, our future is secure, our suffering is not wasted.

Supporting Scriptures: Romans 8:18, Philippians 1:20–21, 2 Corinthians 11:23–30

Why does Paul say Christians are “most to be pitied” if there is no resurrection?

How does the resurrection give meaning to suffering?

Where do you currently need hope?

Application: What situation in your life right now needs to be viewed through resurrection hope?

Personal Application

1. Will you spend eternity with Jesus?

Read: 1 John 5:13

Ask: Do you KNOW you have eternal life, or are you unsure?

2. Will you share this message?

Read: Romans 1:16

Ask: What is one step of courage you can take this week?

3. Will you walk with hope?

Ask: What would it look like to face your current struggles with resurrection confidence?