Wake Up from Your Drunken Stupor

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Summary
In 1 Corinthians 15:12–34, Paul presses the Corinthians to see that the resurrection of Jesus is not an isolated doctrine, but the truth that changes everything. If Christ has not been raised, then preaching is empty, faith is futile, sin still reigns, and death has the final word. But Christ has been raised, the firstfruits of the coming resurrection, which means the new creation has already begun, death will be destroyed, and Christ will reign until God is all in all. The resurrection challenges our assumptions, comforts us with certain hope, and calls us to wake up, turn from sin, and live boldly in light of the victory Christ has already won.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul says that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is “in vain.” Why is the resurrection so central to Christianity?
2. What is the difference between believing that Jesus rose from the dead and actually living as though his resurrection changes everything?
3. In what areas of life are you most tempted to treat the resurrection as a “church doctrine” rather than a present reality?
4. Paul says, “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead.” How does that phrase bring comfort, especially in suffering, grief, or uncertainty?
5. What does it mean that Christ is the “firstfruits” of those who have fallen asleep?
6. How does the resurrection give Christians assurance about the future?
7. Paul says that Christ “must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” How does Christ’s present reign shape the way we view the world right now?
8. Verse 26 says, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” How should Christians think about death differently because of the resurrection?
9. Paul connects the resurrection to costly, courageous living: “I die every day.” Why does resurrection hope produce sacrifice rather than comfort-seeking?
10. Paul quotes, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Where do you see that mindset in our culture? Where do you see it in your own heart?
11. What does Paul mean when he says, “Wake up from your drunken stupor”? What would it look like for us to wake up spiritually?
12. How does this passage call us not only to personal hope, but also to mission and proclamation?