Tightrope - Balancing Grace and Truth in 1 Corinthians Week 4: “Already, But Not Yet”

Tightrope - Balancing Grace and Truth in 1 Corinthians

Week 4: “Already, But Not Yet”

I. The Foundation of Our Faith: The Resurrection

“But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-19**, NLT**)

II. The Tightrope Between Adam and Jesus: Death and Life

“But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22**, NLT**)

III. The Hope That Transforms Today

“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-57**, NLT**)

Think About It.

1. What does living in the tension of “already, but not yet” mean to you?
2. How does Jesus’ resurrection as the “firstfruits” impact your view of current struggles?
3. How can you walk “from victory” in moments of temptation or guilt?
4. How can our church better support each other in this tension?
5. Which practical step (Scripture, prayer, generosity, community) will you focus on this week and why?

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