Empowered by Resurrection: Women’s Strength in Community
Summary
This morning, we gathered to honor and encourage the women of our church—mothers, grandmothers, spiritual mothers, and all women of influence—recognizing the unique burdens and blessings they carry. In a world where women are often overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and the relentless demands of life, it is vital to remember that God has not left us to face these challenges alone. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are given not only hope for the future but also tangible resources for today: a spiritual family to share life with, a firm foundation to stand on, and a meaningful future to step into.
The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the anchor for our souls. Because Jesus conquered death, we are victorious—nothing can separate us from His love. This victory is not meant to be a distant theological truth but a present reality that shapes our daily lives. Like Fanny Crosby, who despite her blindness wrote thousands of hymns proclaiming her assurance in Christ, we are invited to fix our eyes on Jesus and let His victory define our story.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:58 call us to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. This steadfastness begins internally, as we root our minds and hearts in the truth of God’s Word, resisting the lies that tell us we are not enough or that God is not trustworthy. Externally, it means standing firm against the pressures and storms of life, knowing that our foundation is secure in Christ.
We are not called to walk this journey alone. The church is a family, bound together not by preference or personality, but by the shared reality of Christ’s resurrection. In this family, we are to love one another with a God-like, agape love—bearing each other’s burdens, encouraging one another, and serving together. This community is essential for our steadfastness and perseverance.
Finally, we are called to a life of purpose. Every act of love, service, and faithfulness—whether seen or unseen—is significant in God’s eyes. Our labor in the Lord is never in vain. When we anchor our assurance in Jesus, our worry can become worship, and our daily lives can overflow with the hope and power of the resurrection.
Key Takeaways
- The Gift of Spiritual Family
Through the resurrection, God has placed us in a spiritual family where we are called to love with an agape love—a love that persists even when it is difficult. This family is not chosen by preference but by God’s design, and it is within this community that we find support, encouragement, and the ability to persevere through life’s challenges. Leaning into this family, despite its imperfections, is essential for spiritual growth and steadfastness. [14:47]
- Steadfastness Begins in the Mind
True steadfastness is first an internal reality. The battle for faithfulness is often won or lost in our thoughts, as we choose whether to believe God’s promises or the lies of the world. When we anchor our minds in the truth of Christ’s resurrection, we are less likely to be swayed by emotions, cultural pressures, or the enemy’s accusations. This mental discipline is foundational for living a life that is immovable in the face of adversity. [23:35]
- Resisting the Temptation to Take Control
The original temptation in the Garden was to doubt God’s goodness and take matters into our own hands. Today, many are still tempted to carry the weight of life alone, believing that God is not enough. But the resurrection assures us that God has already dealt with our greatest needs, inviting us to trust Him with every concern and resist the urge to be self-sufficient. Resting in His sufficiency frees us from anxiety and striving. [25:57]
- Abounding in the Work of the Lord
Our calling is not to sporadic or occasional service, but to a life that is always abounding in the work of the Lord. This means that every aspect of our lives—at home, at work, in our relationships—can be lived for God’s glory. The resurrection empowers us to serve with joy and perseverance, knowing that even the smallest act done for Christ is meaningful and will never be wasted. [34:00]
- Blessed Assurance Transforms Worry into Worship
Assurance in Christ is not a fleeting feeling but a settled confidence rooted in His victory over death. When we make Jesus our blessed assurance, our perspective shifts: worry gives way to worship, and uncertainty is replaced by hope. This assurance enables us to face every season—good or bad—with courage, knowing that our story is secure in Him and our labor is never in vain. [38:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Church Announcements & Gratitude for Moms
[03:45] - Financial Update and Parking Expansion
[06:30] - Supporting the Chapman Family After the Fire
[08:13] - Opening Prayer for Moms and the Church
[11:00] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15:58
[13:30] - The Unique Challenges Women Face
[14:47] - The Gift of Spiritual Family
[17:04] - Family vs. Friendship in the Church
[18:10] - Loving with Agape Love
[19:46] - The Challenge of Loving Imperfect People
[22:29] - The Power of Community for Steadfastness
[23:35] - Steadfastness and Immovability Defined
[24:44] - The Battle for the Mind and Eve’s Temptation
[25:57] - Trusting God vs. Taking Control
[29:38] - Resting in Christ’s Finished Work
[31:15] - Anchoring in God’s Word, Not Emotions
[34:00] - Abounding in the Work of the Lord
[35:38] - Living for God’s Glory in Every Sphere
[38:37] - Blessed Assurance and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, what three qualities does Paul call believers to have, and what is the reason he gives for these qualities?
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between being part of a spiritual family and simply having friends? [[17:04]]
3. What kind of love does Paul use to describe the way we are to love each other in the church, and how is it different from other types of love? [[18:10]]
4. The sermon mentions Fanny Crosby as an example. What about her life made her story especially powerful in light of the resurrection? [[13:30]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul connect the resurrection of Jesus to being “steadfast” and “immovable” in our daily lives? How does the resurrection make this possible? [[23:35]]
2. The sermon says that steadfastness “begins in the mind.” What does it mean for someone’s thinking to be “anchored” in Christ’s truth rather than swayed by emotions or outside voices? [[23:35]]
3. The pastor said that the temptation in the Garden was to doubt God’s goodness and take control. How does this same temptation show up in our lives today, especially when we feel overwhelmed? [[24:44]]
4. According to the sermon, why is it important that our acts of service and love are “always abounding” and not just occasional? What does this reveal about our purpose as believers? [[34:00]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon highlights the importance of spiritual family, even when it’s hard. Is there someone in your church family you find difficult to love? What is one practical step you can take this week to show them agape love? [[19:46]]
2. When you feel overwhelmed or anxious, what voices or messages are you most tempted to listen to? How can you intentionally anchor your mind in God’s truth this week? [[31:15]]
3. The pastor said, “Resting in His sufficiency frees us from anxiety and striving.” What is one area of your life where you are tempted to take control instead of trusting God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him? [[25:57]]
4. Think about your daily routines at home, work, or in your relationships. What is one ordinary task you can do “for the Lord” this week, turning it into an act of worship? [[35:38]]
5. The sermon says, “Our labor in the Lord is never in vain.” Is there a way you are serving or loving others that feels unnoticed or unappreciated? How does knowing God sees and values your work encourage you to keep going? [[34:00]]
6. When worry starts to take over, what is one worshipful practice (like prayer, singing, or reading Scripture) you can use to shift your focus back to Jesus? [[38:37]]
7. The pastor encouraged us to “lean into the family you’ve been given.” What is one way you can encourage or support another woman in your church family this week? [[14:47]]
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Devotional
Day 1: You Have a Family to Share Life With
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are not just saved as individuals but are brought into a spiritual family, called to love one another with a God-like, agape love that goes beyond mere friendship or convenience. This family is meant to be a source of encouragement, support, and steadfastness, especially in times of difficulty, reminding each member that they are loved, accepted, and never alone. Leaning into this family, even with its imperfections, is essential for spiritual growth and resilience, as God designed us to carry one another’s burdens and to be His hands and feet to each other. [22:29]
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: Who in your church family can you reach out to this week to encourage or support, especially someone who may feel alone or overlooked?
Day 2: You Have a Foundation to Stand On
God calls His people to be steadfast and immovable, rooted in the truth of Christ’s resurrection rather than swayed by emotions, opinions, or the lies of the world. When anxiety and worry tempt us to take life into our own hands, we are reminded that God is trustworthy and has already taken care of our greatest needs; therefore, we can rest in Him and not be ruled by fear or comparison. Anchoring our hearts and minds in God’s Word, rather than the shifting voices around us, gives us the internal strength to stand firm no matter what comes our way. [25:57]
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: What is one anxious thought or worry you need to surrender to God today, trusting that He is strong enough to handle it?
Day 3: You Have a Future to Step Into
Because of the resurrection, every believer is called to always abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that nothing done for Him is ever wasted or in vain. This means living every part of life—at home, at work, in the community—with the purpose of bringing glory to God, not for personal recognition or comfort. Even when the work is hard or unnoticed, God promises that our labor for Him has eternal significance, and He invites us to serve with joy and perseverance, empowered by His resurrection power. [35:38]
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: In what area of your daily life can you intentionally serve or love others for God’s glory rather than your own recognition?
Day 4: Rest in the Victory of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that victory over sin, death, and every fear has already been won, and believers are invited to rest in this finished work rather than striving in their own strength. When life feels overwhelming or when culture says you’re not enough, Jesus says you are victorious and can rest in His sufficiency, allowing your worry to become worship. This assurance is not just a comforting thought but a powerful anchor for the soul, enabling you to face each day with hope and courage. [29:38]
Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed, how can you remind yourself today that Jesus has already won the victory for you?
Day 5: Make Jesus Your Blessed Assurance
True assurance and security are found not in relationships, success, or circumstances, but in Jesus Himself, who is our blessed assurance both now and forever. Like Fanny Crosby, who chose to see her life through the eyes of faith despite hardship, we are invited to fix our eyes on Christ and let Him be the anchor of our souls. When life feels uncertain or when you wonder if your efforts matter, remember that Jesus is your guarantee, and because He lives, you can face tomorrow with confidence and peace. [38:37]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: What would it look like for you to make Jesus—not your circumstances or achievements—your true assurance and source of confidence today?
Quotes
Blessed assurance isn't just a song. It's a promise. Because Jesus lives, you, Fanny Crosby, and all who call on Jesus can face tomorrow. Because Jesus lives. Ladies, your worry can become worship in the good times and in the bad. Because Jesus now and always is our blessed assurance. Amen? Amen. [00:38:37] (34 seconds)
When life feels uncertain, stand in his resurrection power. When you feel alone, remember the family that he's given you. When you feel overwhelmed, know that he's established you and anchored you in his truth. And when you wonder if it's worth it all, remember that God gave a guarantee, your work when done for him. It's never done in vain. [00:38:02] (28 seconds)
Therefore, that is in light of, because of, as a result of, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and the victory that He has established for us. He says the following, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor, is not in vain. [00:15:08] (26 seconds)
When you are anxious and worrying about your work you will never be busy doing God's work did you hear that when you allow the circumstances of life to lead you instead of Christ leading you you will always be worried about your stuff God says I took care of your stuff so that you don't have to worry about your stuff so now you can do the work of the Lord. [00:32:58] (23 seconds)
Ladies, I would encourage you, anchor your heart, not in your emotions, but God's Word. The Bible says the heart is deceitfully sick. Who can understand it? And we want our emotions to lead and guide us, men and women alike. But God says because of sin, our emotions can lie to us. That voice that we think is so trustworthy within us is not at all. [00:31:05] (24 seconds)
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