The Resurrection as Historical and Theological Claim

Teach now

Objective: Analyse 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 and explain the case that the resurrection is both a claim about an event and the beginning of God's promised defeat of death.

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Opening: Ask: What do you notice first in this passage before we explain what it means?

Say:

Paul summarizes a received proclamation that Christ died, was buried, was raised, and appeared to witnesses.
Paul treats Christ’s resurrection as essential to Christian proclamation and faith.
Paul calls Christ the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
The resurrection is both a claim about an event and the beginning of God's promised defeat of death.

Ask:

What happens or is said in the passage?
What does this show about Jesus, God, people, or the biblical story?
Which statement is directly in the text?
What is one careful response for us?

Do: Complete the Resurrection Historical/Theological Claim Audit activity.

Close: Pray using one truth from the passage and one faithful response.

Materials: Bible; Resurrection Historical/Theological Claim Audit

Standard outline · 35 minutes

4 minConnect. Connect the lesson to the biblical storyline.
4 minContext. Connect the lesson to the biblical storyline.
9 minRead and observe. Read and observe the principal passage. Ask: What does the passage directly say or narrate?
7 minDiscuss. Work from the text and keep observation distinct from interpretation. Ask: How does the big idea arise from the passage? What should we avoid claiming from this passage?
7 minActivity. Complete Resurrection Historical/Theological Claim Audit. Activity: Resurrection Historical/Theological Claim Audit. Printable: T1-L20-P01-resurrection-claim-audit.
4 minRespond. Name one faithful response and pray. Ask: What is one faithful response that follows from this lesson?

Activity details

Resurrection Historical/Theological Claim Audit · 8 min

Materials: Resurrection Historical/Theological Claim Audit; Pens or pencils

Work through the resource using the passage.
Mark observations separately from conclusions.
Discuss one careful application.

Low-resource option: Use blank paper and create the same categories by hand.

Closing

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Prayer: Thank God for the truth in this passage and ask for wisdom to respond faithfully.

Take-home line: The resurrection is both a claim about an event and the beginning of God's promised defeat of death.