1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-2  THE MESSENGERS AND THE MESSAGE

The Messengers Characterised by:

  Ch1 contention and division.

Ch3 Carnality and childishness

Ch5 Immorality and Idolatry

Ch11 Division and Distractions

Ch12 Gifts and Pride    

The Messengers were so caught up with themselves that they had lost sight of the Message. they were proud of their "gifts" and determined to inflict tem on the Church. Back in chapter 1 Paul had reminded them that they had very little to commend them. They all wanted to be recognised as clever and gifted. Paul reminds them that the reality is different.

  1 Cor 1:26-29

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.

In Chapter 15 Paul turns his attention away from unworthy messengers to the message that is always worthy of our attention and that is always true. This message focuses our attention on  Lord Jesus Christ and the Good News He brings to seeking souls.

 How certain can we be of the Gospel:

Of its facts.

1. Declared by competent witnesses.

2. Preached to us.

  3. We believed it

Of our experience.

1. We have received it.

2. We stand in it.

  3.  It changed us

Of our hopes.

1. It can save us fully and for ever.

2. If we hold it fast by faith.

How ought the gospel to be preached? –

Faithfully, according to the word of God.

Simply, as to its details And absolutely truthfully.

Out of our own personal experience. The Gospel requires its messengers to be travellers rather than sign-posts.

1. This gives confidence.

2. Conveys life.

3. Is dependent upon divine grace.

4. With a full recognition of the labours of others.

At the very centre of the Gospel is the resurrection of Christ.

The proofs of the Resurrection (15:5-11):

The many appearances of the risen Lord are proof of the central truth of the Gospel.

A.   His appearance to Peter (15:5a)

B.  His appearance to the apostles when Thomas was absent (15:5b)

C.   His appearance to 500 disciples (15:6)

D.   His appearance to James, the half brother of Christ (15:7a)

E.   His appearance to the apostles with Thomas present (15:7b)

F.   His appearance to Paul (15:8-11)

v.9        Paul recognised that he was an unworthy messenger. 

            Paul had at one time persecuted the church.

v10.        The unmerited favour of God. 

              Grace made Paul what he is.