Studies in 1 Corinthians (53)

One born out of due season

1 Cor. 15:5-11

Witnesses of the resurrection• Understanding the resurrection is

key to our salvation (cf. vs. 1-4)• Paul mentions a few of the

resurrection accounts – but why these particular ones?

• Mentioned in chronological order - then…after that…after that…then by…last of all

Witnesses of the resurrection

• Seen by Cephas (Peter) (cf. 1 Cor. 1:12)

• By “the twelve” – probably that evening. A description of the group of apostles (though number present may not be exactly 12).

Witnesses of the resurrection

• Over 500 at one time – only record of this. Either in Judea (week after resurrection) or in Galilee (cf. Matt. 28:7, Mk. 16:7)

Witnesses of the resurrection

• After this by James – probably the Lord’s brother (cf. Jn. 7:5, Ac 1:15, Gal. 1:18-19)

• By all the apostles – possibly when He ascended (cf. Matt. 28:16-17, Mk. 16:14)

Witnesses of the resurrection• “Last of all” by Paul – the Lord

DID appear to Paul! (Acts 9:3-5, 22:6-8, 26:12-18, cf. 2 Cor. 12:1-5)

• Why this list? Accounts presented as fact! He is about to relate OUR resurrection to the resurrection of Jesus.

Born out of due season• “Born out of due season”

Paul’s apostleship and calling were DIFFERENT from others.

• BUT, he DID see the resurrected Lord and it changed his life. (Acts 9:3-5, 22:6-8, 26:12-18, cf. 2 Cor. 12:1-5)

Lesson: Results don’t always come from the typical places and ways.Don’t write people off BEFORE you attempt to teach them.Don’t give up after the FIRST rejection!

Born out of due season• Paul, “the least of the

apostles”

• NOT inferior - 2 Cor. 11:5• Not worthy because of his

past. (cf. Ac. 7:57-8:1, 9:1-2, 1 Tim. 1:13-15

Lesson: Be careful before judging who is worthy to hear the gospel! Sometimes strongest opponents make the best allies when converted(i.e. Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, C.S. Lewis, ect.)

Born out of due season• “By the grace of God I am

what I am!” •1 Tim. 1:12-15• God’s grace – the prime factor in

salvation! Eph. 2:8-9, Rom. 3:23-24

• Grace changes through His word – Heb. 4:12, Rom. 1:16

Lesson: YOUR past doesn’t matterAnyone can become a Christian and anyone can returnGod can forgive any sin if we will repent and obey Him!How do we come in contact with His grace?

Born out of due season• His labors more abundant than

others• A great workload. He endured

much! Phil. 3:7-11, 2 Cor. 11:22-29, etc.

• Why this attitude? Gratitude for God’s gift of salvation! Rom. 1:14

Lesson: Do we have that attitude?How great is our debt? Can we repay? Luke 7:40-42, 47, 12:48, 17:10 Titus 2:11-12, Eph. 2:10

Does our conduct demonstrate our gratitude to Him?

1 Cor. 11:1