Adam, Christ, Easter, and You

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Speaker: Steve Estes
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:19-23
March 31, 2024

1 Corinthians 15:19-23, NIV: If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

1 Corinthians 15:19-23, ESV: If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as all die in Adam, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

Sermon Outline

1. The Bible acknowledges: When viewed a certain way, Christians appear pathetic

• Not many early Christians were high-achievers

• Many Christians appear to miss out

• Jesus’ followers sometimes lack the skills that seem to matter in this life

• If this life is all there is, Christians are to be pitied

2. The resurrection of Jesus is what guarantees the resurrection of His followers

3. Our link to Christ’s resurrection is illustrated by our link with Adam

• All human beings have moral weaknesses

• We are morally flawed because we are all descended from Adam

4. A defense of the doctrine of original sin: “My fate is affected by others"“

• Everyone agrees with this principle when it works in our favor

• Everyone agrees with this principle in situations where we must often be represented by others

• It makes sense that the same principle applies in spiritual matters

5. Death through Adam, life through Christ

6. One final thought

Benediction

May the God of life who raised our Lord Jesus raise you on that great day because you believe in His Son. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Amen. — paraphrased from Romans 8:11