Embracing Resurrection Life: Hope Beyond Our Circumstances
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of resurrection life as illustrated in John 11:20-27. This passage recounts the encounter between Jesus and Martha following the death of her brother, Lazarus. Martha expresses her faith in Jesus, acknowledging that even in the face of death, Jesus holds the power of life. Jesus responds with a powerful declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," emphasizing that belief in Him transcends physical death and offers eternal life. This truth is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that in Jesus, we find hope and life beyond our present circumstances.
As we navigate the complexities of life, especially during challenging seasons like the holidays, it's easy to feel distant from God or overwhelmed by our circumstances. We may face financial struggles, health issues, or relational conflicts that seem insurmountable. Yet, the message of resurrection life assures us that delays and even death are not the end. Jesus' power to resurrect Lazarus is a testament to His authority over all things, including our deepest fears and failures.
Faith is the key to experiencing this resurrection life. Hebrews 11 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It calls us to look beyond our immediate realities and trust in God's promises. Our emotions and circumstances are temporary, but God's truth is eternal. By anchoring our faith in Jesus, we can rise above our challenges and live in the fullness of His life.
The resurrection life is not just a future hope but a present reality. Jesus invites us to experience His abundant life now, to live in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. This life is marked by transformation, where our past mistakes and current struggles do not define us. Instead, we are called to live as new creations, embracing our identity in Christ and daring to believe in His promises.
Key Takeaways:
- Resurrection Life in Jesus: Jesus' declaration as the resurrection and the life assures us that belief in Him transcends physical death and offers eternal life. This truth invites us to live with hope and assurance, knowing that our present circumstances do not define our ultimate reality. [04:54]
- Faith Over Circumstances: Faith is the conviction of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It calls us to trust in God's promises despite our current challenges, recognizing that our emotions and circumstances are temporary. [06:39]
- Delays Are Not Denials: God's timing often involves delays, but these are not denials. They are opportunities for our faith to grow and for God's glory to be revealed in our lives. Trusting in God's plan means believing that He is working all things for our good. [20:53]
- Death Is Not Decisive: In Christ, death does not have the final say. Our failures, losses, and grief are not the end of the story. God has more in store for us, and His resurrection power can transform our circumstances. [25:52]
- Dare to Believe: We are called to dare to believe in God's promises, trusting that He is faithful and able to fulfill them. By living in faith, we can experience the glory of God and the abundant life He offers. [33:49]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Opening Prayer
[01:49] - Holiday Reflections
[03:47] - Finding Hope in Despair
[04:54] - Resurrection Life in Jesus
[05:48] - Faith Over Circumstances
[06:39] - Definition of Faith
[07:56] - Identity in Christ
[09:01] - Living by Faith
[10:01] - Grief and Loss
[11:11] - Authority Over Death
[12:05] - True Life in Jesus
[13:48] - The Life of Faith
[15:27] - Resurrection Bodies
[16:44] - Divine Delays
[18:32] - Jesus' Love and Timing
[20:09] - Understanding God's Plan
[23:15] - Trusting God's Plan
[25:07] - Death Is Not Decisive
[28:23] - Faith Transcends Reality
[31:18] - Levels of Life
[31:52] - Dare to Believe
[33:49] - Seeing God's Glory
[35:44] - More Than Conquerors
[37:32] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 11:20-27
- Hebrews 11:1-3
- Romans 8:31-39
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Martha's initial reaction when she met Jesus after Lazarus' death, and how did Jesus respond to her? ([00:53])
2. How does Hebrews 11:1-3 define faith, and what examples from the sermon illustrate this definition? ([06:39])
3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the significance of Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus? ([20:53])
4. How does the pastor describe the concept of resurrection life in relation to our present circumstances? ([04:54])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Martha's conversation with Jesus in John 11:20-27 challenge our understanding of life and death? What does it mean for belief in Jesus to transcend physical death? ([25:52])
2. The pastor mentions that delays are not denials. How can this perspective change the way we view unanswered prayers or prolonged struggles? ([20:53])
3. What does it mean to live in the "fullness of His life" as described in the sermon, and how does this relate to our identity in Christ? ([09:01])
4. How does the pastor use the analogy of an iceberg to explain the unseen aspects of God's work in our lives? ([26:42])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God due to challenging circumstances. How can the message of resurrection life help you find hope in similar situations? ([03:47])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith over circumstances. What are some practical ways you can strengthen your faith when facing doubts or fears? ([05:48])
3. Consider a situation in your life where you feel like you're experiencing a "divine delay." How can you trust that God is working for your good during this time? ([20:53])
4. The pastor encourages us to "dare to believe" in God's promises. Identify one promise from Scripture that you find challenging to believe fully. What steps can you take to embrace this promise more deeply? ([33:49])
5. How can the truth that "death is not decisive" change the way you approach loss or failure in your life? ([25:52])
6. The sermon suggests that our identity should not be defined by past mistakes or current struggles. What practical steps can you take to embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ? ([09:01])
7. Reflect on the analogy of the iceberg. What are some "unseen" ways you believe God might be working in your life right now? How can you remain open to His guidance? ([26:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Resurrection Life in Jesus
In John 11:20-27, we witness a profound moment between Jesus and Martha, where Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life." This statement is not just a promise of life after death but an invitation to experience eternal life through faith in Him. Jesus assures us that belief in Him transcends physical death, offering hope and assurance that our present circumstances do not define our ultimate reality. This truth is a cornerstone of Christian faith, reminding us that in Jesus, we find hope and life beyond our present challenges. As we navigate life's complexities, especially during difficult seasons, we are encouraged to anchor our faith in Jesus, who holds the power of life. [04:54]
John 11:25-26 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the hope and assurance that Jesus offers as the resurrection and the life?
Day 2: Faith Over Circumstances
Faith is described in Hebrews 11 as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This calls us to trust in God's promises despite our current challenges, recognizing that our emotions and circumstances are temporary. By anchoring our faith in Jesus, we can rise above our challenges and live in the fullness of His life. This perspective encourages us to look beyond our immediate realities and trust in God's eternal truth. Our faith in Jesus allows us to transcend our circumstances, offering a deeper understanding of His promises and a life marked by transformation. [06:39]
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."
Reflection: What current challenge are you facing that requires you to trust in God's promises? How can you actively choose faith over your circumstances today?
Day 3: Delays Are Not Denials
God's timing often involves delays, but these are not denials. They are opportunities for our faith to grow and for God's glory to be revealed in our lives. Trusting in God's plan means believing that He is working all things for our good, even when we cannot see it. This perspective encourages us to remain patient and steadfast, knowing that God's timing is perfect. Delays are moments where our faith is tested and strengthened, allowing us to witness God's power and glory in ways we may not have anticipated. [20:53]
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a delay in your life. How did it shape your faith, and what did you learn about God's timing?
Day 4: Death Is Not Decisive
In Christ, death does not have the final say. Our failures, losses, and grief are not the end of the story. God has more in store for us, and His resurrection power can transform our circumstances. This truth offers hope and assurance that our lives are not defined by our past mistakes or current struggles. Instead, we are called to live as new creations, embracing our identity in Christ and daring to believe in His promises. This perspective encourages us to live in the power of His resurrection, experiencing His abundant life now. [25:52]
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (ESV): "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.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'"
Reflection: How can you embrace the truth that death is not decisive in your life today? What steps can you take to live in the power of Christ's resurrection?
Day 5: Dare to Believe
We are called to dare to believe in God's promises, trusting that He is faithful and able to fulfill them. By living in faith, we can experience the glory of God and the abundant life He offers. This call to faith challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's plan for our lives. It invites us to live boldly, embracing our identity in Christ and daring to believe in His promises. This perspective encourages us to live with hope and assurance, knowing that God is working all things for our good. [33:49]
Mark 9:23 (ESV): "And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.'"
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to believe? How can you take a step of faith today to trust in His faithfulness?
Quotes
I'm going to talk to you today about resurrection life, resurrection life. John chapter 11, verse 20 through 27, the Bible says, Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him. But Mary was sitting in the house. Now Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [00:00:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to him, yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world. [00:00:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I want you to know today that there's hope in Jesus. There's hope in Jesus. Delays and even death isn't the end in the face of God. Christ tells Mary or tells Martha, listen, I'm the resurrection and the life. And God speaks that to us today, that no matter what you're facing today, God holds the power of resurrection life. [00:04:32] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We need to understand that the present things that we experience in this life are not definitive. What you're experiencing right now is not meant to determine everything about your life. This is not your legacy. For us to see God's purposes fulfilled, we must learn to have faith no matter what we face. [00:05:28] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Hebrews 11, verse 1, all the way down to 3, defines faith for us. It says, now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it, the elders obtained a good testimony. And by faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. [00:06:27] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
True life is found in Jesus. True life is found in the way of Jesus. Jesus came, he said, I am the way and the truth and the life. And what did Jesus come to preach? The kingdom of God, the way to God, the way to everlasting life. He said, the thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I've come that you might have life and not only have life, but have an abundant life, a superior life. [00:12:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Delay does not mean denial. Look at the beginning of John chapter 11, verse one through seven. It says, now a certain man was sick and he was sick. Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. [00:16:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I know that resurrection life is greater than death. I know that resurrection life is greater than death. I know that resurrection life is going to change your faith. See, we have to remember the delay doesn't mean denial. What did Jesus do? He stopped right there for two extra days when the situation was out of hand. There was no coming back. [00:21:11] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Faith in Jesus transcends present realities. What do I mean by that? I mean that, yes, there are real circumstances that you face. But God is greater than those things. Just like in the plane. I like to use this illustration a lot. When you're flying in a plane, you are operating on a principle that's greater than another one. [00:28:19] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The reason why Jesus delayed, the reason why he didn't immediately intervene was so that they would believe. Think about that. The reason why there's a delay between the time you pray and that prayer's answer is because you, when you go through it and you get to the other side and when God delivers that prayer to you, that answer to you, you remember who it was that you prayed to and that God was faithful. You believe. [00:33:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Remember that for the child of God, delays are not denied. Death is not decisive. [00:36:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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