Title: The Last Word
Speaker: Anthony Gammage
June 7, 2026
Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
Big Idea: The empty tomb means death doesn't get the last word.
Sermon Outline
- Why Death Doesn’t Get the Last Word (20-28)
- Why Are You Living Like it Does? (29-34)
Sermon Questions
- Paul says Christ is the "firstfruits" = His resurrection is the guarantee and the leading edge of ours, not an isolated miracle. Where do you tend to treat the resurrection as a fact you believe rather than a future you”re counting on? What would change this week if you really lived as someone whose own resurrection is already guaranteed?
- The sermon named two ways we let death have the last word: we grab (eatand drink, fill the calendar with comfort and acquisition) or we hedge (play itsafe, refuse risk). Be honest about which one is more your reflex. Where specifically is death quietly setting the terms of how you spend your money,your time, or your nerve?
- Paul warns that “bad company corrupts good morals.” The people around us shape whether we live like the grave wins. Who in your life pulls you toward living as though death gets the last word, and who pulls you toward resurrection freedom? What is one risk for the sake of Christ you”ve been avoiding that you could actually take this week?