2/17 CARE Sheet – “Shadows of the Cross Over the Finale'” 1 Cor. 15 & 2 Cor. 4,5
Texts: 1 Cor. 1 Cor. 15& 2 Cor. 4,5
Core Text: 1 Cor. 15:54-58 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power 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 brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
In a Nutshell: While it’s true that the anguish of death will not be fully removed until we’re “past it.” We can minimize “the sting” by addressing the sin in our lives. We can best manage “the power of sin” by focusing on the grace of God rather than a list of religious obligations. Ultimately knowing, loving and serving Jesus brings peace to our minds, joy to our hearts, and energy to our working hands!
Ice Breaker: Think of the most paralyzing misconception you ever had… once you discovered the truth, what happened? How have things changed as your understanding changed? What makes you afraid of heaven? Really!
CONNECTING WITH THE TEXTS:
1. What did Paul say was of “First importance” and how could the veracity of that truth have been verified once the Corinthian Christians had gotten the letter? 1 Cor. 15:3-6
2. What would be the ramifications if Jesus has not been raise? 1 Cor. 15:17-19
3. How important is the condition of the dead body that is buried (sowed)? 1 Cor. 15:42-44
4. What are some natural/logical conclusions we can make if we don’t believe in the resurrection? 1 Cor. 15:32-34
5. How might sin be called “the sting” of death? 1 Cor. 15:56; Heb. 2:15
6. What is the “treasure” and “earthen vessel” Paul mentions? 2 Cor. 4:7 http://www.awmi.net/bible/2co_04_07
7. How does Paul use his familiarity with the “tent” industry to illustrate the relationship between the human body and eternity? 2 Cor. 5:1-5
REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE:
1. How do your thoughts about death affect your thoughts about heaven?
2. How should our knowledge about a person’s “New Creation” affect our reaction to their death?
CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH:
1. How might the church help us focus on the “New Creation,” the reality of heaven, and “the Treasure” instead of our “earthly vessels?”
CARE Sheet Resources:
- http://www.christianliferesources.com/article/heaven-talk-a-parent-rsquo-s-discussion-about-death-with-their-child-1256#
- http://www.counseling4christians.com/Scriptures/Death%20And%20Dying%20Scriptures.html
- Heaven by Randy Alcorn
- The Testimony of a Lifetime - Must "the tent" be embalmed? Making the Last Word Count
NEXT WEEK:
Title: “"Shadows of the Cross - from Fear to Favor"
Text: 2 Cor. 5:11 – ch. 6,7,8
Questions: Why would someone be “fearful” of God? (2 Cor. 5:10) What’s a good summary of how and why we are “compelled from living in fear to embracing God’s favor? (2 Cor. 5:14-18).
Parents with your children: In 2 Cor. 6:14-18 Paul talks about “believers being unequally yoked to unbelievers.” Discuss with your children some concepts they need to learn about having friends that are not Christians. (“Teach Your Kids About Building Christian Friendships” -http://pinterest.com/pin/247768416971735890/)