Sermon Notes + 4.5.2026
SERMON NOTES
The Last Enemy to Be Destroyed Is Death
1 Corinthians 15:1-28
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The Apostle Paul describes death as “the last enemy to be destroyed.” Death is an enemy because death is an intruder into God’s good world. It takes but does not give; tears down but does not rebuild; condemns but does not forgive; and if it could, death would keep even the Son of God in the grave. As deadly as death is, however, the Bible promises that death itself will die and be destroyed. This promise is not based on wishful thinking but on the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave as foretold in Scripture and proclaimed by eyewitnesses. Because Jesus rose from the grave, God gives what was taken away; restores what was torn down; and forgives what has been condemned. Death may seem to have the upper hand now, but death itself will be destroyed when Christ returns to deliver the kingdom to God the Father.
01. Death is your enemy; it is not your friend. It needs to be destroyed so you can live.
02. Jesus is not your enemy; He is your friend. He destroyed death so you can live.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, what is the content of the gospel? Why did Christ die? What is the significance of His burial? When was He raised from the dead? Why is it important for us to be reminded of the gospel (verses 1-2)?
2. What evidence for the resurrection of Jesus does Paul provide in verses 5-8? How does the eyewitness testimony to the resurrection confirm that the gospel message is not based on myth or wishful thinking? How important is eyewitness testimony to you when deciding what to believe about a matter you yourself did not witness?
3. What further evidence does Paul provide for his encounter with Jesus in verses 8-11? How does the change in Paul’s life from a persecutor to a preacher add to the credibility of the resurrection? What changes have occurred in your life as a result of following Jesus?
4. According to verses 12-19, what are the consequences for us if Jesus has not been raised from the dead? Which of these consequences is most concerning to you? Since Christ has been raised, what benefits do we receive because Jesus has been raised from the dead?
5. In what way is the resurrection of Jesus a “firstfruits” of the resurrection for all who believe in Him? What events must follow before death itself is finally destroyed (verses 23-28)? Are you confident now, even though death seems to have the upper hand, that Jesus has conquered death and will destroy it?
For Further Reading: John Stott, The Cross of Christ (InterVarsity Press, 1986)