Genre--1 Corinthians 15 represents the earliest kergyma of the church, the essence of the truths proclaimed by early Christian evangelists.

Context-- It seems that Paul's original audience, the congregation at Corinth, lacked an eternity consciousness as they were apparently preoccupied too much with the here and now.

Structure -- Verse 19 - By believing in Christ’s death and resurrection, we have placed our trust in Christ to forgive us our sins. But if Christ is not raised from the dead, that means we not only do not have present forgiveness but have lost our hope for the future as well. Verse 20 -The point is that those who have died with faith in Christ will not perish, but are destined for resurrection. Verses 21-22 - Paul asserts that in some way Christ stands at the beginning of a new humanity yet is in some way a counterpart, a fulfillment, though not identical with Adam. Verses 23-25 - Paul’s expression: "the first fruits" suggests the beginning of a new eon; no longer is death a real factor; the first fruits of Christ's resurrection is the the life eternal which God has planned for humanity from the beginning.  This life will now be attainable to all believers.   Verse 26 - The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Death is the final enemy.

If you asked some of your listeners to close the Bible and answer the question, "What does Jesus' resurrection mean for your life, for your future?" Or "If someone from another faith-tradition asked you tell them core of the Christian faith" what do you imagine would be their response?

Do we have enough eternity-consciousness?  Or are we primarily preoccupied with the here and now?  How would the meaning of Christ's resurrection change for us if we were persecuted?  Or if we were told that we only had 3 months to live?

#1 For a sermon on this passage you might want to recall a funeral which was more of a celebration of the deceased's life.

#2 You may want to emphasize that, while it is hard to say good-bye to a loved one, if they were Christian beleivers, we should be joyful and happy for them on a spiritual level.

#3 But we are often too occupied with this life's joys and goals.   Just like the Corinthian congregation, we need to learn how to live with a joyful eternity-consciousness!