Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 1, 2018
“He Must Reign” 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Bible Study 04/01/18
1 Corinthians 15 contains what many have termed the “exposition” of the empty tomb. While 15:12-19 addresses the importance of the resurrection with reference to personal salvation and 15:29-34 offers insight regarding the resurrection and the present status of believers, 15:20-28 highlights the central role of the resurrection in connection to the program or reign of God. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the closed tomb throws open the door of hope for all who will trust Him. Its eternal impact is incomparable. The risen Jesus must reign so that God may be all in all.
I. Pinpoint the public inauguration of His reign
-beginning with His resurrection (John 20:19)
-in another sense always (John 1:1-2, Heb. 1:1-3)
–three new things about His reign
*Son of God and Son of Man
*openly declared to be Messiah (Acts 2:32-36)
*foundation of finished work (John 19:30)
II. Acknowledge the present existence of His reign
-the importance of “until” in verse 25
-reigning now and reigning to win (Matt. 28:18)
-not passive but proactive
III. Affirm the inclusive extent of His reign
-the design: >total
-the dimensions: all
-the evident exception (John 10:30)
-the abolishment of death
IV. Grasp the ultimate intent of His reign
-redeemed people
-defeated enemies
-eternal enthrallment (Phil. 2:11, Rom. 11:36, Rev. 11:15)
V. So What?
– “The resurrection is not an isolated event with limited repercussions. It is rather an integrating and culminating event in God’s sovereign rule over history.” (Sproul)
-Claim the truth of 1 Corinthians 15:55-58.
-“Crown him the Lord of heaven, Enthroned in worlds above; Crown him the king, to whom is given the wondrous name of Love, Crown him with many crowns, as thrones before him fall. Crown him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all.” (Bridges/Thring)
