There is a very definite link between faith and order. What we believe fashions how we act. How we act displays what we believe. Where there is a departing from Biblical morality there must of necessity be a departure from Biblical doctrine. Where there is a corruption of doctrine there will be a corruption of life. The heart must first go where the feet follow. 

We have considered at length the behaviour of the Corinthians and in many vital matters they had departed from the standards of Christ. When Paul expounds the very foundational truths of the gospel and argues for their acceptance, it serves to remind us of the very real link between doctrine and behaviour. Verse 12 of this chapter shows the underlying doctrinal fractures that were in the church at Corinth. There were those who denied the resurrection. This was a fundamental error. The questioning tone of verse 2 suggests that there was a doubt about their continued belief in the gospel which Paul had preached to them at the first. The devil, crafty opponent of truth that he is, always goes for the heart of the gospel. Here he attacks the resurrection. 

If a 1st century church could drift so far in five years ought we not to tremble for the church of the twentieth century. Do we as a denomination stand where we stood twenty five years ago? 

As individuals, do we stand where we stood five years ago? 

I. THE INTERVENING YEARS HAD NOT GIVEN PAUL CAUSE TO LOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE GOSPEL

1. What he preached to them at the first he was still preaching.

The only cure for doubts and disobedience is a fresh declaration of the gospel. In 1:23, Paul refers to Christ crucified. Here at the conclusion of the epistle, he refers to Christ's resurrection. Thus he applies the fullness of gospel medicine to the sick church at Corinth. Paul is reiterating the message he brought to them just five or so years before. 

2. He preaches as if for the first time. 

The phrase, Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel, indicates that he is about to give them a declaration of the gospel as he had done at the first.

3. The gospel is not just for the sinner. 

It serves as food and medicine for the believer. By it we are cleansed,  restored and revived. 

II. THE GOSPEL PAUL PREACHED

1. It was a gospel he had received. 

It did not originate with him. Gal 1:11-12. 

2. The fundamentals of the gospel were the first things Paul preached. 

Nothing was given priority over it.

3. The death, burial and resurrection of Christ are the foundations of the gospel. 

These are few but they are historic events. They were well attested facts. There were living witnesses, 5-8.

Note that the death and resurrection of Christ is to be understood as they are set forth in the Scriptures, verse 3-4. The prophecies relating to Christ clearly mention His death and His resurrection, John 20:9, Acts 26:23, Psalm 16:10, (Acts 143:34). Those references are the ultimate proof of the truth of this event.