THE ESSENTIALS The Resurrections Key Doctrines for Starting and Finishing Strong LESSON 9 We are more sure to arise out of our graves than out of our beds. THOMAS WATSON In this lesson, we will study these essential subjects: Why study the resurrections? How many resurrections will there be? How will our bodies be in the resurrection? When will the resurrections take place? What hope does the resurrection give us?
Are the following statements true or false? (circle one) Believers are made like the angels when they die. T F On Judgment Day, every person will stand before God. T F Be on the lookout for the answers to these questions as we study the Word of God. The Basis of Our Study Hebrews 6:1-2 outlines several important doctrines that the writer considers to be foundational teaching for the early church. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. What are the elementary or foundational teachings? The deity of Christ, salvation by grace, baptisms, spiritual gifts, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgments are the six that are listed. The last two the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment could be listed as one. Although each doctrine has some different elements, many overlap. Resurrections The doctrine of the resurrection has been the cause of mixed reaction throughout the Bible. There have been those who have denied the resurrection. There have been others who have mocked the resurrection. Acts 17:32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer Others have found comfort in the resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:14,18 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus Therefore comfort one another with these words. However, some people still question the reality of the resurrection. Job 14:14a If a man dies, will he live again?
How Many Resurrections Are There? A. Read Daniel 12:2. How many resurrections did the Prophet Daniel say there would be? B. What would the destiny of each resurrection be? 1. 2. C. According to John 5:28-29, how many resurrections did Jesus say there would be? D. What would the destiny of each one be? 1. 2. E. There are two general categories of resurrections, but three kinds of resurrections: 1. There is a spiritual resurrection. This is equivalent to regeneration (John 5:25). 2. There is a judicial resurrection. This speaks of our position in Christ (Rom.6:4ff; Eph.2:5ff; Col.2:12ff). 3. There is a physical resurrection (John 5:28ff). How Will Our Bodies Be in the Resurrection? What does the Bible teach about our bodies? 1 Corinthians 15:44: (See also 15:49) Philippians 3:21: Luke 24:39: (See also John 20:27) 1 Corinthians 15:50:
1 Corinthians 15:53: 1 Corinthians 15:43: When Will These Resurrections Take Place? A. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, when will the first resurrection take place? (See also 1 Cor.15:23) B. According to Revelation 20:4-6, when will the second resurrection take place? C. Who will be a part of the first resurrection? (Read 1 Cor.15:22-23) D. Who will be a part of the second resurrection? (Read Rev.20:11-15) What Hope Does the Resurrection Give Us? A. What was one of Paul s incentives for pressing on for Christ? (Read Phil.3:10-12) B. When Martha grieved the death of her brother Lazarus, what did she know that gave her comfort, according to John 11:21-24? C. What consolation did the believers at Thessalonica have concerning their departed loved ones? (Read 1 Thess.4:13-18) Application How does the knowledge of the resurrection influence you?
Closing: Application questions: Being a Doer of the Word 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching [what is right], for reproof [what is not right], for correction [how to get right], for training in righteousness [how to stay right]; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 1. What did I learn ( teaching )? 2. Where do I fall short ( reproof )? 3. What do I need to do about it ( correction )? 4. How can I make this a consistent part of my life ( training )?
Answer Key: Are the following statements true or false? F T How Many Resurrection Are There? A. two B. C. two D. 1. raised to everlasting life 2. raised to disgrace and everlasting contempt 1. life 2. judgment How Will Our Bodies Be in the Resurrection? 1 Corinthians 15:44: they will be spiritual Philippians 3:21: they will be glorious Luke 24:39: they will be tangible 1 Corinthians 15:50: they will be imperishable 1 Corinthians 15:53: they will be immortal 1 Corinthians 15:43: they will be glorious When Will These Resurrections Take Place? A. at the Second Coming B. after the thousand years C. those who are Christ s D. the dead whose names were not in the book of life What Hope Does the Resurrection Give Us? A. that he might attain to the resurrection of the saints
B. Lazarus would rise again on the last day C. they would be resurrected
Holy Habits Weekly Devotion This week s memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. This week s holy habit: Fasting If you say, I will fast when God lays it on my heart, you never will. You are too cold and indifferent to take the yoke upon you. D.L. Moody For the believer, fasting is a means to drawing nearer to God (James 4:8). We can abstain from any legitimate fleshly need for the spiritual purpose of communing with our Lord. The thought, preparation, energy, and time spent engaging in a particular activity can now be focused on study, prayer, and meditation. DAY 1 Read Joel 2:12. Think about what your purpose for fasting would be. How will abstaining from something bring you closer to God? DAY 2 Read Esther 4:16. Educate yourself about the types and lengths of fasts. Make a plan for going on and off of the fast (all of us have varying degrees of health). Certain restrictions may not be suitable. Some dietary fasts require a period of weaning off certain food and drinks. DAY 3 Read Exodus 34:28. To begin, select a short period of time to fast (hours, a day, a few days, etc.). During your fast, study and meditate on scripture that speaks to you in an area you are seeking to grow. DAY 4 Read 1 Corinthians 7:5. Besides food, are there other activities from which you can abstain? Make a schedule for yourself with the purpose of using that time to get into the Word or doing ministry work. DAY 5 Read Daniel 10:3. What have you learned about yourself through the practice of this holy habit? How can you incorporate this holy habit into your spiritual life?
April 30, 2017 The Church at South Mountain You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by The Church at South Mountain. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: The Church at South Mountain. Website: casm.org While all reasonable attempts have been taken to trace the literary and biblical sources used by the author, due to the nature of some of the original materials (old audio/radio or live preaching events), some have been impossible to locate. Any information regarding the origin of any unreferenced statements or quotations is welcomed and will be included in the next revision of the study.