Reconcile Community Church
Responding To The Resurrection | 1 Cor 15:20-34
Thank you for listening. We continue in our series in 1 Corinthians. Date: 8/23/26 Speaker: Pastor Jarrian “JayWill” Wilson Passage: 1 Cor 15:20-34 Series: Ratchet & Righteous Sermon Summary: The resurrection of Jesus isn’t simply a truth Christians celebrate once a year at Easter—it changes how we live every day. Because Christ has been raised from the dead and now reigns, those who belong to Him have a future beyond death, sin, shame, and suffering. The resurrection gives believers hope, but it also calls for a response: to turn away from sin, resist the influences that pull us away from God, confess what is happening in our hearts, and live Monday through Saturday as people who genuinely believe that Jesus is risen and reigning. Key Takeaways 1. The resurrection changes everything. Jesus is described as the “firstfruits” of those who will follow Him. Just as the first fruit gives an indication of what is to come from the harvest, Christ’s resurrection points toward the future resurrection and life of those who belong to Him. 2. In Christ, death is no longer the end of the story. Death came through Adam, but resurrection and life come through Christ. For those who belong to Jesus, sickness, broken relationships, suffering, shame, and even death do not get the final word. 3. Jesus doesn’t merely rise — He reigns. The resurrection points toward Christ’s present and future reign. He has conquered death, and there is coming a day when every power and authority will be brought under Him and creation will be renewed. 4. If the resurrection is true, it demands a response. Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 15 is essentially this: if there is no resurrection, none of this matters. But if Christ really has been raised, then our lives cannot remain unchanged. We are called to come to our senses, turn from sin, and live as people who believe the resurrection is real. 5. Confession and examination help us live in light of the resurrection. Pastor JayWill offers a simple practice of examining the day before going to bed: - Where did I see God’s hands today? - Where did I hear God’s voice today? - In what ways did I disobey God today? The goal isn’t shame, but bringing our hearts honestly before the resurrected Savior. 6. Our identity isn’t ultimately defined by our shame or our past. Because of Christ, believers are called sons and daughters and are being made glorious through the work of the Spirit. Our past, our shame, and our failures don’t have the final word about who we are. Reflection Questions: 1. If I truly believe that Jesus is risen and reigning, what should look different about the way I live Monday through Saturday? 2. What area of my life am I currently living as though the resurrection isn’t powerful enough to change me? 3. Are there relationships, habits, influences, or patterns that are pulling me back toward the life Christ has called me to leave behind? 4. What shame, guilt, or part of my past do I need to bring honestly before Jesus rather than allowing it to define me? 5. As I reflect on today, where did I see God’s presence, where did I hear His voice, and where did I resist or disobey Him? Put It Into Practice: Before going to bed each night this week, spend a few minutes examining your day. Thank God for where you saw His presence, consider where you heard His voice, and honestly acknowledge where you disobeyed Him. Bring those things to Christ in confession and prayer.
