Craig A. Brittingham, Pastor
Hillside Baptist Church
June 7, 2026
“The Risen and Reigning Christ” – 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
1A. Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (vs.20).
1b. Those who have fallen asleep are Christians who have died (cf. vs. 18; see also 1 Thess. 4:13-18)
2b. “Firstfruits” is an Old Testament concept, in fact, there was the feast of firstfruits (Exo. 23:16).
3b. Christ is the fulfillment of the feast.
2A. By a man came death and by a Man came the resurrection of the dead (vv. 21-22).
1b. “In” Adam all die – we were all once in Adam and so we will die.
2b. Only those “in” Christ will be raised to eternal life.
3A. Those who are Christ’s (those who are in Christ or those who have fallen asleep) will be resurrected to life at Christ’s coming (vs. 23).
1b. Believers will be raised at Christ’s coming.
2b. Though everyone will be raised at Christ’s coming (1 Tim. 4:8, cf. John 5:28-29), Paul only here mentions the resurrection of His people of whom He is the firstfruits.
4A. Then comes the end (vs. 24).
1b. Certainly, Christ will bring to an end all the rule, authority and power that opposes Him.
2b. The present age will end; the present heavens and earth will end and there will be new heavens and a new earth.
5A. Christ must continue to reign until all enemies are put under His feet (vv. 25-28).
1b. Christ is presently reigning at the right hand of God; all authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth (See Mat. 28:19, cf. Rev. 1:5)
2b. Christ is presently ruling and will continue to rule until all His enemies have been made His footstool.
3b. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death which will be destroyed at Christ’s coming when He raised His people from the dead (See verses 50-55)
4b. When the last enemy is destroyed, Christ will deliver the kingdom to the Father and will also subject Himself to God the Father that God may be all in all (cf. Phi 2:5-11)
Questions…
1. Who are those described as having fallen asleep? Why are they so described?
2. What are firstfruits? What was celebrated in Israel’s feast of firstfruits? What was promised? When was it or will it be fulfilled?
3. In Adam all die. Who are the all? What kind of death is indicated?
4. In Christ all are made alive. Who are the all? What kind of life is indicated?
5. Will all be raised including the unsaved? How do we know? When will they be raised? Why did not Paul mention them here in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28?
6. Then comes the end. The end of what?
7. What does it mean that God will be all in all?
8. Since Christ acted for this purpose so should we. How might this apply to our lives?