1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed —52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.54.So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
CG Discussion Points
- What do you fear the most in life and what is the root of all these fears? Should we be more concerned about the physical death or the second death which is the eternal separation from God spiritually? (1 Cor 15:51-58; Rev 20:13-15)
- Explain what “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law” means to you. Discuss why Christians should not be fearful of death, in relation to what Jesus has done for us with victory over sin and death. (1 John 4:18; Titus 3:4-7; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:13)
- In contrast to the second death in the lake of fire, what would happen to the dead and us when Christ returns at the last trumpet? As we have dealt with the fear of death, discuss how we could be more motivated to help the others overcome fear by sharing the gospel. (1 Cor 15:58; Luke 21:10-11)