(A fourth argument to be considered ...)

IV. If Christians do not rise, then Christians have no hope (vv. 18-19).

A. If there is no resurrection, then Jesus was not raised and His death accomplished nothing.

B. It would follow then that dead saints "have perished."

C. Christians suffering for Christ in anticipation of life to come are to be pitied. Without resurrection, the hope that sustains them is only wishful thinking.

Conclusion: The resurrection of the dead stands as a crucial doctrine of Christianity. if it falls, the entire system of Christian faith crumbles with it, and the Christian gospel and its preachers offer nothing to the world. Since Christ has been raised, however, the belief in resurrection and the Christian faith rest on a strong foundation. We live in hope.

At first the idea explained and the idea proved appear to be identical because both sermons set forth the sermon idea in the introduction and then develop it. What must be recognized, though, is that the sermons expand in different directions to accomplish different purposes.

A Principle to Be Applied

A third form that deductive sermons take grows out of the question of application: So what? What difference does this make? In this type of sermon you establish a biblical principle in either your introduction or your first major point; then in the remainder of your message you explore the implications of the principle.

An outline of a sermon designed to apply a principle is drawn from 1 Peter 2:11-3:9. The introduction to the sermon discusses how our attitudes determine action and then asks the question, "What should be our attitude as Christ's men and women in a world that is no friend of God and grace?" The purpose behind the sermon is to have Christians develop a submissive spirit in their social relationships. The principle to be applied appears in the first point.

I. We are to be subject for God's sake to every human institution (2:11-12, 21-25).

A. Subjection brings glory to God (2:11-12).

B. Christ illustrates submission even to institutions that worked evil against Him (2:21-25).

1. He was completely innocent (v. 22).

2. He remained silent and trusted Himself to God (v. 23).

3. His sufferings were redemptive (vv. 24-25).

(What difference should this principle of submission to human institutions make in our daily lives?)

II. This principle of adopting a submissive spirit for God's sake must govern us in our social relationships (2:13-20; 3:1-7).

A. We are to submit for God's sake to civic leaders (2:13-17).

B. We are to submit for God's sake to our employers (2:18-20).

C. We are to submit for God's sake to our spouses (3:1-7).

1. Wives should have a submissive spirit toward their husbands (vv. 1-6).

2. Husbands should have a submissive spirit toward their wives (v. 7).

Conclusion: "All of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind-hearted and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing" (3:8-9).