BBC Grace LifeGroup

Introduction: Hold Fast

We live in a world where much is thrown at us, and it is easy to let the Gospel slide to the periphery. But Paul reminds us that the Gospel is the very ground we stand on. If Christ is not raised, our faith is a tragedy. But because He is raised, we have a “Living Hope.”

Section 1: The Evidence of Grace

1 Corinthians 15:1–11 (ESV)

1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

The “Evidence” Deep-Dive

Paul isn’t just telling a story; he is presenting a historical case.

The Eyewitnesses (v. 6): Paul mentions 500 witnesses, most of whom were “still alive.” He was essentially daring his readers to go interview them.
The “Least of These” (v. 9): Jack noted that Jesus appeared to Peter (who denied Him) and Paul (who persecuted Him) first.
Discussion: Why is the historical reality of the resurrection so important for our “defense” of the faith? What happens to our hope if the tomb isn’t actually empty?

Section 2: A Story from the Fire

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”

The fire crackled, sending a shower of orange sparks dancing into the dark Roman night… ‘I spent a lifetime running from shadows like that,’ Peter said. ‘I thought if I could just stay in the dark, I’d be safe.’

He poked at a glowing log. ‘There was a night, years ago… I was standing by a different fire in a courtyard. I was terrified. A servant girl looked at me and saw the truth. And I? I was so hollow with fear that I threw the Truth away just to keep my skin warm. I told her I didn’t know Him.’

He paused, the silence deep. ‘I thought a defense meant a weapon or a lie. I thought it meant winning the moment. But look at what I’ve written to you now. I tell you now to stand ready. Not with a blade, and not with a curse… Honor the Messiah as the only Lord of that inner room in your soul. If He sits there, the fear of men can’t find a chair. I’ve had my time in the courtyard. Now, I’m just a man who found a Hope that even the shadows can’t touch.’

Discussion:

Reflection: Peter went from denying Christ to stay warm, to facing death to keep the Gospel “held fast.” What is the only thing that could cause such a massive change in a person’s character?
Connection: Jack said, “God knows our hidden sins but He loves us anyway.” How does Jesus appearing to Peter first (v. 5) prove that our failures don’t disqualify us from being stewards of the Resurrection?

Section 3: The Glory of the New Body

1 Corinthians 15:50–58 (ESV)

50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 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.

Observation: Jack noted that we will carry Christ’s image—something new, fresh, and pure, not marked by sin.
Discussion: If our labor is “not in vain” (v. 58), how does that change the way you approach your “baby steps” in ministry or service this week?

⚓ The Bridge: The Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”

Apologetic Note: The greatest evidence for the Resurrection isn’t just an empty grave; it’s an empty grave that produced a Living Hope in people like Peter. When we give a “reason for our hope,” we are telling the story of how the Risen Jesus met us in our own “bad weeks.”

Weekly Challenge: Up, In, Out

UP (Intimacy with God): Spend time in the “inner room of your soul.” Ask Jesus to take the “only chair” there. Thank Him for the grace that met Peter and meets you in your hidden sins.

IN (Investment in Community): Reach out to someone in the group who might be struggling. Remind them that the Resurrected Jesus seeks out the deniers and the doubters first.

OUT (Influence in the World): Jack said: “Celebrate! Share! Sing out!” This week, when someone asks about your Easter, don’t just say “it was good.” Share a “reason for your hope” with gentleness and respect.