Prevail: 1 Corinthians Week 13 The Victory of the Resurrection: What Do Real Winners Know? Focus: A heartfelt letter from Paul to the church in Corinth that was caught in conflicts, questions, problems, divisions, and difficulties. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to deepen their understanding of Christ and live out their new faith, allowing Jesus to shape their whole lives. Study by: Jacqui Thomas Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Sharing Our Journey Praise, Thanks and Reflection If you like to start this time with a song, listen to Resurrecting (Elevation Worship). Share together from your recent experience: Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? If you are using the Relational Map to evangelize to those around you, share what God is doing or revealing to you about those you are praying for. Care and Prayer In prayer capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Opening God’s Word Setting the Scene This is a very uplifting passage where Paul talks about a mystery that we won't truly understand until we have been through it. The fact is that our earthly bodies now are not ready for the coming spiritual world. We cannot stay the way we are – we need a spiritual body fit for heaven. However, we can be confident that God is going to do it and we will know victory over death (literally, the death of death itself). Death is the one constant in every person's life. But this gives us hope and a way to live until we pass through it to the resurrected life as Jesus has shown us, or until He returns to take us home. Read: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 If you want to, read this portion from a couple of different translations to see what it brings out for the group. How does our culture view death, and in what ways are we tempted to try and cheat ageing and death? How is the hope of a believer different when a loved one dies in Christ? Does Paul’s mocking of “death where is your sting?” (v. 55) mean that death should be easy for us to deal with? Explain your thoughts to the group. In verse 56, it says “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law”. What do you think that means, and how has Jesus won the victory? 3. Living out the Heart of God What does it look like for you personally to put Paul’s commands in verse 58 into practice? How does it give you hope as you pray for those around you who don’t know Jesus or have walked away from Him? Prayer for each other Break into 2s or 3s to pray. Pray for each other for any commitment you have made to live out what you have learned. Praying for your 5 (from your Relational Map - See ‘The Heart of God’ Study - Week 1) Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au