PAUL’S FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS LEARNING HOW TO BE A HEAVENLY CHURCH IN A GODLESS WORLD 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 15:21-28 MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SMX776 JUNE 24, 2012 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: One New Man Please DISCOVERING THE NATURE OF GOD IN OUR EVERYDAY LIFE SUBJECT TOPICALLY REFERENCED UNDER: Death, Eternity, Resurrection, Hell, Heaven, God 1 Corinthians 15:21-28 :21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. :22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. :23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. :24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. :25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. :26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. :27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. :28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. Our lives are made up of decisions. And the effects of our decisions that we make are passed down through the days, weeks, months – years, even generations that will follow us. For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he: Proverbs 23:7 Why? – Because Man “Begins Somewhere” and in his thoughts is where he truly begins – Jesus Said – you can know what a man is thinking by the words & actions that are coming from his life. Man was once free beyond our wildest imagination. When man was willingly yielded to the authority of God – he was truly free. Once man stepped out of that submission to God – man was plunged into bondage. 1 ONE NEW MAN PLEASE WHAT MAKES YOU A TRUE BELIEVER! 1.) New man living v.21-23 1a.) By conveyance For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. v.21 In verse 20 Paul makes the glorious declaration; 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep His Resurrection is the Proof, Standard, First, Forerunner, Prototype for us personally and for all Human Beings Universally. I will let you in on a dualism. Jesus’ resurrection will turn out to be the most terrible and horrific reality that could have ever been imagined. But, Jesus’ resurrection will turn out to be the most wonderful and awesome reality that could have ever been imagined. Verse 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. Everyday You and I Live in the Invisible World of Transaction. (We buy and sell, eat and drink, move about via transactions) Conveyance, Transfer, Exchange Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. 2 The fact death exists is obviously not because of man but because of man’s sinfulness. The man mentioned here is Adam-Man and all his descendants. (ie. me) It was Adam’s nature that was passed down through the spiritual D.N.A. of the ages to us. We do what we do because we are Adam’s sons and daughters. I not only resemble my original dad, his eyes and build, but even the deepest and most powerful trait – his S.I.N. nature. Just like with our earthly parents who have passed along to us their features and values that make us who we are, so we have received from Adam and Eve. A NEW MAN LIVING HAPPENS… 1b.) By placement For as in (en) Adam all die, even so in (en) Christ all shall be made alive. v.22 It was the First Adam, our federal head who, by his sin plunged the human race into death and hell. But it is the Last Adam, who by His atoning death reached into death and hell and destroyed it. 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. Romans 5:17-18 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) :18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as in Adam all die, “This is the one and only reason why now that a Christian dies. It’s because our flesh is still related to the first Adam. Our hearts and minds are of Christ now, redeemed and made alive. That reality has not yet happened to our flesh. Our flesh still lusts to sin and is prone to disease and sickness, it needs to be redeemed and that day is coming for every true Christian.” – Redpath 3 On a Tombstone These Words Were Inscribed “Remember, friend, as you pass by, As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, soon you will be, Prepare for death, and follow me.” But some prankster had written with chalk underneath those words this: “To follow you I’m not content, Until I know which way you went.” 2 Corinthians 5:19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, Verse 22b even so in Christ all shall be made alive. Adam is an example to us – how we ought not to live. He is the father of our curses and evils and sin. A NEW MAN LIVING HAPPENS… 1c.) By era But each one in his own order: (1) Christ the First-Fruits, afterward (2) those who are Christ’s at His coming. 1 Corinthians 15:23 RSV v.23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ. order grk: ta¿gma tagma, tag´-mah; a timed arrangement (a marching of a troop as on parade. To pass by in series, succession by dispatch. (1) Christ the First-Fruits Remembering Leviticus 23:9-14, when the harvest was being gathered, the priests would take the first and the best and present it before the LORD as worship – signifying that the entire harvest belongs to God and it’s all of Him. When Jesus was Raised from the Dead, 4 God was announcing to mankind – this is what’s acceptable to Me. He is the true worship and payment that was, is or forever will be needed. All that was needed has been done. There is nothing else I require or demand for salvation to be provided & imparted to others. Jesus was the first to have been resurrected from the dead in total. He died and was buried and was mourned and was dismissed and then was raised in resurrection with a glorified, physical body. – unlike all others ! This is a very important verse for many of you who have been taught that there is just one, general resurrection of the dead and that we all stand together before God at the end. – Not so. The Resurrection at His Coming – Then at the Close. There is the resurrection of those who have died having faith in Jesus Christ. This takes place at the rapture. Then there is a resurrection of those who died never trusting in Christ, the Lost. They do not arise until the end of the millennial reign of Jesus (the 1,000 year government of God on earth) Psalm 90:11-12 Who can know the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. :12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. (2) Those who are Christ’s @ His coming. This is an often overlooked verse regarding the Rapture of the church AND THEN His second coming. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 / John 14:1-3 / Titus 2:13 Paul’s Last Words Matter to Us Today. 2 Timothy 4:5-8 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. :6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. :7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. :8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 5 ONE NEW MAN PLEASE WHAT MAKES YOU A TRUE BELIEVER! 2.) New man free v.24-26 2a.) Freed from sin Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. v.24 Q: – When will all rule and authority and power come to an end? A: – at the conclusion of the 1,000 year, theocracy reign of Christ on earth Jesus Christ is Enthroned in Heaven Above at This Hour. There is a day coming, at His second coming, when He will establish His earthly throne as per scripture. The throne of David. Those people who want to argue over Israel’s right to their land have a huge shock coming to them – Jesus is returning to Israel, to Jerusalem, to David’s throne for 1,000 years while earth exists, and forever in eternity. Luke 1:31-33 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. :32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. :33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 2b.) Freed from self For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. God has His Enemies. Who are they? – – They are the enemies of God (those resistant, rebellious, pushing back from God) Romans 5:8 v.25 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 2c.) Freed from death The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. v.26 6 Headline News Death Has Been Eradicated. Jesus Christ – Single Handedly Attacked Death and Defeated It. Death was helpless against Him who had no sin for it to grab on to. Acts 2:22-24 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know – – :23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; :24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. ONE NEW MAN PLEASE 3.) New man complete v.27-28 3a.) All new programming For “He has put all things under His feet.” (for when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He (Father & Spirit) who put all things under Him (Jesus Christ) is excepted. v.27 The Deity of Jesus Christ and His Mission as Savior is here re-enforced for us. (When it says “He has put all things under His feet.” In its simplest meaning is that the Godhead bestowed upon Jesus Christ the Son of God authority as the “willfully, submitted, manmade Messiah – – Jesus willingly subjected/humbled Himself to the will of God the Holy Spirit, God the Father so that mankind could have a qualified Savior.) The Deity of Jesus Christ Revelation 5:11-13 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, :12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” :13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” 7 Application: How can I know if I am a “biblical believer?” (1) Am I living under the authority of the LORD Jesus Christ? (2) Am I continuing to grow personally as a follower of Christ? (3) Am I personally advancing the Gospel of God? (4) Does my life reflect the nature of Christ? 1 John 2:28,3:2-3 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming… 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. :3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. A NEW MAN COMPLETE HAPPENS… 3b.) All new action Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. v.28 Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, :5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), Ephesians 2:11-18 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands – – :12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. :13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. :14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, :15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace :16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. :17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. :18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, :23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, :24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 8 Do You Know This “New Man”? Oskar Schindler, Schindler’s List Luke 10:20 …rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” What does the new man wear? / What does the new man do? What does the new man say? / How does the new man live? Will You Agree with God That Rom. 3:23 you have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Rom. 6:23a That you understand that the wages of sin is death, Rom. 6:23b but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 5:8 Believing today that God demonstrates His own love toward you, in that while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you. Rom. 10:13 But He now says to you that “if you would call on the name of the LORD you shall be saved.” Rom. 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. :10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. >>>> The Cross, The Christ, The Call <<<< Come Forward for Prayer Tonight
