Empowered by Peace: Living in Christ's Resurrection
Summary
In our study today, we explored the profound benediction found in Hebrews 13:20-21. This passage, though perhaps less familiar than others, offers a rich declaration of the power and provision available to us through Christ. Benedictions, often used to conclude worship services, are blessings that remind us of God's promises and presence as we go about our lives. The benediction in Hebrews speaks to the power of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, and His ability to equip us for every good work.
The passage begins by acknowledging God as the "God of peace," emphasizing that true peace originates from Him. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and fulfillment. Through Christ, we have peace with God, and we can access the peace of God, which guards our hearts and minds. The resurrection of Jesus is highlighted as a testament to God's power and a guarantee of His ability to help us live obediently and joyfully, even in the face of challenges.
Furthermore, the benediction assures us that God equips us with everything good to do His will. This equipping is not just about providing resources but involves God working within us, shaping our desires and abilities to align with His purposes. The passage concludes with a doxology, reminding us that all glory belongs to God, who empowers and sustains us through Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- God of Peace: True peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is a state of wholeness and fulfillment that comes from God. As believers, we have peace with God through Christ and can experience the peace of God in our daily lives. This peace sustains us and guards our hearts and minds. [07:59]
- Resurrection Power: The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical fact but a source of power for believers. It assures us that God can help us live obediently and joyfully, no matter the challenges we face. We are called to live in the power of the resurrection, trusting in God's ability to equip us for His purposes. [10:17]
- Equipped for Good Works: God equips us with everything good to do His will. This equipping involves God working within us, shaping our desires and abilities to align with His purposes. We are not left to accomplish God's will in our own strength; He provides all we need. [18:51]
- God's Work in Us: God works in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure. This divine enablement ensures that we can fulfill His purposes, as He shapes our attitudes and conduct. Our reliance on God is essential for living a life that pleases Him. [21:28]
- Glory to God: The benediction ends with a doxology, reminding us that all glory belongs to God. As we are equipped and enabled by Him, we are called to give Him glory and declare His goodness. Our lives should be a testament to His power and grace. [22:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - The Role of Benedictions
- [00:57] - Common Benedictions in Scripture
- [01:31] - Introducing Hebrews 13:20-21
- [02:06] - Power in Christ
- [02:44] - Misconceptions About Self-Help
- [03:28] - The Refrigerator Analogy
- [05:07] - God's Intention for Our Lives
- [05:36] - Looking Back and Looking Forward
- [06:06] - God of Peace
- [07:12] - Understanding Biblical Peace
- [08:18] - Peace with God and Peace of God
- [09:50] - Resurrection as Proof of God's Power
- [11:25] - Living in Resurrection Power
- [13:01] - Trusting God for the Impossible
- [15:14] - God's Faithfulness as His Résumé
- [15:50] - Prayer for Equipment and Enablement
- [17:47] - Equipped with Everything Good
- [19:41] - Trusting God's Path
- [20:49] - God Working in Us
- [22:28] - Glory Through Jesus Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 13:20-21
- Romans 5:1
- Philippians 4:6-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the term "God of peace" signify in Hebrews 13:20, and how is it different from the common understanding of peace? [06:06]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three reasons given for trusting God to help us? [06:06]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus' resurrection in the life of a believer? [10:17]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's equipping and our ability to do His will? [18:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of God being the "God of peace" challenge or affirm your current understanding of peace in your life? [07:12]
2. In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus provide assurance and power for believers facing challenges today? [10:17]
3. How does the sermon explain the process of God equipping believers for good works, and what implications does this have for personal growth? [17:47]
4. What does it mean for God to work in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure, and how might this influence a believer's daily decisions? [21:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current situation in your life where you need God's peace. How can you actively seek His peace this week? [07:59]
2. Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can the power of Jesus' resurrection give you strength and hope in this situation? [11:25]
3. Consider an area in your life where you feel unequipped to do God's will. What steps can you take to rely on God's equipping rather than your own strength? [18:51]
4. Think of a time when you felt God working in you to change your desires or actions. How can you be more open to His work in your life now? [21:28]
5. How can you ensure that your life gives glory to God in both your successes and challenges? What specific actions can you take this week to reflect His glory? [22:28]
6. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you involve God in that decision, and how might you improve your reliance on Him in future decisions? [19:41]
7. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in the sermon (e.g., peace, patience, kindness). What specific action can you take this week to cultivate it in your interactions with others? [18:10]
Devotional
Day 1: True Peace from God
True peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound state of wholeness and fulfillment that originates from God. As believers, we are granted peace with God through Christ, which allows us to experience the peace of God in our daily lives. This divine peace is a sustaining force that guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with a sense of calm and assurance. The peace of God is a gift that transcends human understanding and is available to us as we remain connected to Him. [07:59]
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." (2 Thessalonians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite God's peace to replace anxiety or unrest today?
Day 2: Living in Resurrection Power
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a source of power for believers. It assures us that God can help us live obediently and joyfully, regardless of the challenges we face. This resurrection power calls us to trust in God's ability to equip us for His purposes, enabling us to live in a way that reflects His victory over sin and death. As we embrace this power, we are empowered to overcome obstacles and live a life that honors God. [10:17]
"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." (Philippians 3:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you rely on the resurrection power of Jesus to face a specific challenge in your life today?
Day 3: Equipped for Every Good Work
God equips us with everything good to do His will, working within us to shape our desires and abilities to align with His purposes. This divine equipping is not limited to providing resources but involves a transformation of our hearts and minds. We are not left to accomplish God's will in our own strength; instead, He provides all we need to fulfill His calling. As we trust in His provision, we can confidently pursue the good works He has prepared for us. [18:51]
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence." (2 Peter 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one good work God is calling you to do, and how can you trust Him to equip you for it?
Day 4: God's Transformative Work in Us
God works in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure, ensuring that we can fulfill His purposes. This divine enablement shapes our attitudes and conduct, allowing us to live a life that pleases Him. Our reliance on God is essential for this transformation, as He molds us into the image of Christ. As we submit to His work in us, we become vessels of His grace and love in the world. [21:28]
"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you allow God to shape your desires and actions to align more closely with His will today?
Day 5: Giving Glory to God
The benediction concludes with a doxology, reminding us that all glory belongs to God. As we are equipped and enabled by Him, we are called to give Him glory and declare His goodness. Our lives should be a testament to His power and grace, reflecting His character to those around us. By living in a way that honors God, we fulfill our purpose and bring glory to His name. [22:28]
"To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:21, ESV)
Reflection: How can your actions today reflect God's glory and declare His goodness to those around you?
Quotes
"Many Christian worship services end with a benediction. Benediction is simply a blessing. Pastors have the privilege of announcing prayerfully divine blessings on the people of God as they scatter from the place of corporate worship. The benediction is often announced simply by quoting the Scriptures." [00:18:45]
"This deep, rich, full benediction declares that there is power available in Christ to be all that God has called you to be and to do all that God has called you to do. It is said, 'God helps those who help themselves,' but that's not Scripture. That's Ben Franklin." [00:25:33]
"Consider that your refrigerator dies and you've got to get a brand-new refrigerator, and since you've got to make this investment you decide to get the best you can get, and you get one with all the bells and whistles. This thing can do everything but walk the dog and turn off the lights and lock the door." [00:36:28]
"Well, unfortunately, this is the reality of how too many Christians live, potential but no power. But it doesn't have to be that way. It is not God's intention for the Christian life to be that way. He has made available to us in the Lord Jesus Christ all the help and strength and power available that we might be what He has called us to be and do what He has called us to do." [00:51:07]
"Hebrews is written to at-risk Jewish Christians who are tempted to walk away from their faith because of severe persecution. The anonymous author of Hebrews writes to exhort the readers to continue in the faith because simply what they have in Christ is infinitely better than what they had in Judaism." [01:06:43]
"The idea of peace in the Bible is wholeness and completeness and blessing and fulfillment. When in the Old Testament one would say to another, 'Peace be with you,' he is not saying merely, 'I hope you don't get into a fight today.' It is a positive statement of blessing. May God's help and strength and favor be yours." [01:16:46]
"God is the God of peace. Where there is God, there is peace. Where there is true peace, there is God. God is the source of peace. God is the substance of peace. God is the sustainer of peace. God is the supply of peace." [01:19:39]
"Secondly, he says, you should trust God to do for you what you cannot do for yourself because God raised Jesus from the dead. This letter to the Hebrews is about the superiority of the Lord Jesus Christ. It focuses on His exaltation and His present intercessory ministry on our behalf as our great high priest." [01:25:29]
"Here we are reminded that as Christians we don't just believe in the fact of the resurrection of Christ; we live in the power of the resurrection of Christ. We are Easter people. We live as Paul says in Philippians 3 and 10, by 'the power of his resurrection' speaking of this 'raised Christ' and parenthetically refers to Him as the great Shepherd of the sheep." [01:54:33]
"Verse 21 is the predicate of the sentence, 'May that God in all of His goodness, greatness, and glory equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.'" [02:09:04]
"There is in verse 21 a prayer for equipment and a prayer for enablement, a twofold prayer. There is first a prayer for equipment. This is the primary petition. 'May the God of peace equip you with everything good that you may do His will.' This word 'equip' is rich." [02:18:29]
"And so in a real sense, God does not so much equip us with everything good as He equips us with Himself. God dwells within to equip us with everything good that we might do His will. He himself is working in us that we might do what is pleasing in His sight." [02:34:26]
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