Celebrating Our Victory and New Life in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrate the victory that is ours through Christ Jesus. Just as in sports, where fans cheer for their teams with fervor and anticipation of victory, we too have a reason to celebrate with even greater enthusiasm. We are reminded that God, in His infinite wisdom, created the world with a rhythm of work and celebration. After each day of creation, God declared it good, teaching us the importance of pausing to recognize and celebrate the goodness in our lives.
We are called to be cheerleaders in our own lives, to declare with confidence that we will win because Jesus has already won the ultimate victory. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality. We are no longer bound by the chains of sin and death; we have been brought back to life, just like Lazarus. Our faith is not dead religion but a living, breathing relationship with Jesus Christ. Our hope is secure, and our hearts are free because of the work Jesus accomplished on the cross.
We are also reminded that the enemy has no hold over us. Jesus has claimed us as His own, and nothing can separate us from His love. This truth should embolden us to live confidently, knowing that we are covered by the power of His great love. Our debts are paid, and we are free to live in the overwhelming satisfaction that comes from knowing Christ.
As a church family, we are entering a new season of dedication and growth. We are encouraged to participate in the life of the church, whether through child dedication, joining a parent connection group, or attending corporate prayer. Our giving is an act of obedience that opens the windows of heaven and activates God's favor in our lives. We are fed spiritually in the house of God, and our offerings support the work of the kingdom.
In summary, we are victorious through Christ, and our lives should be a continuous celebration of His love and grace. We are to be active participants in the body of Christ, supporting one another and advancing the kingdom through our gifts and service.
Key Takeaways:
- God has established a pattern of work and celebration, teaching us the importance of recognizing His goodness in our lives. Just as He declared each day of creation good, we too should find reasons to celebrate His faithfulness, regardless of our circumstances. This practice of celebration is not only for special occasions but should be a daily rhythm that honors God and strengthens our faith. [31:22
- We have been resurrected with Christ, moving from death to life. Our identity is no longer tied to our past or our failures but is found in the new life we have in Jesus. This transformation is as profound as Lazarus being called out of the tomb, and it should shape every aspect of our existence, filling us with hope and purpose. [19:22
- The enemy has no claim over us because Jesus has declared us His own. This powerful truth should dismantle any fear or doubt we may face. When accusations or feelings of unworthiness arise, we can confidently point to the cross where Jesus paid the price for our freedom. [21:27
- Our participation in the life of the church is a reflection of our commitment to Christ and our desire to grow in our relationship with Him. Whether through child dedication, joining a group, or attending prayer meetings, these acts of engagement are vital to our spiritual health and the health of the church community. [44:57
- Giving is an act of worship and obedience that brings God's favor and blessing into our lives. When we bring our tithes and offerings to the storehouse, we are investing in the work of the kingdom and acknowledging God as the source of all we have. This act of faith opens the door for God to move powerfully in and through us. [42:14
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 11:43-44 (NIV)
> When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
2. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
> For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
> Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus command Lazarus to do in John 11:43-44, and what was the result?
2. According to Romans 8:38-39, what are some of the things that cannot separate us from the love of God?
3. What promise does God make in Malachi 3:10 regarding tithing and blessings?
4. In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe our role in celebrating our victory through Christ? ([31:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Lazarus being brought back to life relate to our spiritual resurrection in Christ? ([19:22])
2. What does it mean to live confidently knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God? How should this impact our daily lives? ([21:27])
3. How can the practice of pausing to celebrate God's goodness, as seen in the creation story, strengthen our faith and relationship with Him? ([30:53])
4. Why is giving considered an act of worship and obedience, and how does it activate God's favor in our lives? ([42:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed. How can the truth that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory change your perspective on that situation? ([31:22])
2. Think about a time when you felt unworthy or accused. How can you remind yourself of the truth that Jesus has declared you His own and paid the price for your freedom? ([21:27])
3. How can you incorporate a daily rhythm of celebrating God's goodness in your life? What are some practical ways to do this, even in challenging circumstances? ([30:53])
4. In what ways can you be more active in your church community? Consider specific actions like joining a group, attending prayer meetings, or participating in child dedication. ([44:57])
5. How can you make your giving more intentional and worshipful? What steps can you take to ensure that your tithes and offerings are given with a heart of obedience and faith? ([42:14])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to live more confidently in the love of Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to walk in that confidence? ([21:27])
7. How can you be a "cheerleader" in your own life and in the lives of others, encouraging and celebrating the victories that come through Christ? ([35:17])
Devotional
Day 1: Celebrating God's Rhythmic Goodness
In the divine design of creation, God established a pattern of work followed by a time of reflection and celebration. This rhythm is not only a blueprint for the natural world but also a template for our spiritual lives. Each day, God saw what He had made and declared it good, setting a precedent for us to acknowledge and rejoice in His faithfulness. Celebrating God's goodness is not reserved for special occasions; it is a daily practice that honors Him and reinforces our faith. It's a conscious decision to recognize the blessings, both big and small, that He bestows upon us, even amidst challenges. This act of celebration becomes a form of worship, a way to connect with God on a deeper level and to remind ourselves of His constant presence and provision in our lives [31:22].
Psalm 104:31-34 (ESV)
"May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works, who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke! I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord."
Reflection: What is one aspect of God's creation that you often overlook, and how can you take time today to appreciate and celebrate it as God's handiwork?
Day 2: Resurrected to New Life in Christ
The transformation from death to life through Christ is as profound as Lazarus being called out of the tomb. Believers are no longer defined by their past or their failures but by the new life they have received in Jesus. This new identity is a source of hope and purpose, reshaping every aspect of existence. It is a reminder that faith is not about adhering to religious rituals but about living in a dynamic, life-giving relationship with Jesus. This relationship is meant to be nurtured and celebrated, as it represents the core of Christian existence and the foundation of eternal hope [19:22].
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV)
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How does your new identity in Christ change the way you approach challenges and setbacks in your daily life?
Day 3: Claimed by Christ, Free from the Enemy
The victory of Jesus on the cross is a declaration of freedom for all who believe. The enemy has no claim over those whom Jesus has called His own. This powerful truth liberates from fear and doubt, allowing believers to live confidently in the knowledge that they are covered by the power of His love. When feelings of unworthiness or accusations arise, the cross stands as a testament to the price paid for freedom. This assurance is not just a comforting thought but a reality that should embolden every step and decision in life [21:27].
Romans 6:6-7 (ESV)
"We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."
Reflection: What fears or doubts have you allowed to challenge your sense of security in Christ, and how can you confront them with the truth of your freedom today?
Day 4: Engaged in the Body of Christ
Participation in the life of the church is a reflection of one's commitment to Christ and a desire to grow in relationship with Him. Engaging in church activities, whether through child dedication, joining a group, or attending prayer meetings, is vital for spiritual health and the health of the church community. These acts of engagement are not mere formalities but are expressions of a living faith, connecting believers with one another and with God in a meaningful way. They serve as opportunities to learn, serve, and experience God's presence collectively [44:57].
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to become more actively involved in your church community, and how might this deepen your relationship with God and fellow believers?
Day 5: Giving as an Act of Worship and Obedience
Giving is not merely a transaction; it is an act of worship and obedience that acknowledges God as the source of all blessings. By bringing tithes and offerings to the church, believers participate in the work of the kingdom and express their trust in God's provision. This act of faith is not only about supporting the church financially but also about opening oneself up to the blessings and favor that come from living a life aligned with God's principles. It is a tangible way to demonstrate gratitude and to invest in the spiritual and material well-being of the community [42:14].
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you approach giving with a heart of worship this week, and what might be the impact of this act of obedience on your spiritual growth?
Quotes
1) "After everything that God created, he paused after each day and he said it was good... He was teaching us how to celebrate." [31:22
2) "We celebrate today that Jesus is alive and well and that everything's going to be okay no matter what's coming against you." [31:48
3) "When we bring our offerings to our Storehouse, what is the storehouse? The storehouse is a place where you are fed." [42:40
4) "Just like Lazarus, oh you brought me back to life... where there was dead religion and now there is a living faith." [19:22
5) "The enemy thought he had me but Jesus said you are mine... no longer I who live but Christ in me for I've been born again, my heart is free." [21:27
6) "In death and life I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love... my debt is paid, there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love." [24:46
7) "I believe that we will win... you can be your cheerleader and you can change your atmosphere in your house." [35:46
8) "Just find something to celebrate no matter how bad things are... if you're alive you can find something to celebrate." [37:27
9) "Our guys just kept on scrapping... and the cheerleaders begin to take over... the whole entire atmosphere begin to change and guess what we did, we won." [34:42
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