Hope in the Resurrection: Always Another Move

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the profound hope that Easter brings to our lives, emphasizing that no matter the challenges we face, we are never without another move because of Jesus' resurrection. I began by reminiscing about the excitement of Easter as a child, the awe and wonder of the resurrection story, and how that should still inspire us today. I then addressed the harsh realities of our world, including chaos, division, and fear, and how these can steal our hope. However, I reminded us that hope cannot be found in avoidance, material possessions, or control, but in Jesus Christ alone.

I shared the story of a chess painting called "Checkmate," which depicted a man playing chess with the devil for his soul. Initially, it seemed the man was in checkmate, but upon closer inspection by a chess master, it was revealed that the king had another move. This painting serves as a metaphor for our lives; we may feel trapped and without options, but through Jesus, there is always another move.

I recounted biblical stories where God provided another move in seemingly hopeless situations: David defeating Goliath, Daniel in the lion's den, and the feeding of the 5,000. These stories illustrate that God is always working, even when we cannot see a way out.

I emphasized that Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate "another move" that God has provided for us. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we have hope beyond this life, our sins can be forgiven, and we have the promise of eternal life. I encouraged everyone to seize the move Jesus has given us by turning to Him, humbling ourselves, and accepting His lordship.

Finally, I concluded with a call to action, urging us to remember that because Jesus is alive, we have hope for a better tomorrow, despite the difficulties we face today. I distributed chess pieces to the congregation as a tangible reminder that Jesus has given us another move, and we are not stuck.

Key Takeaways:

- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers us a new move in life, no matter how checkmated we may feel. Just as a chess master discovered an overlooked move in the painting "Checkmate," we too have hope for a new beginning because Jesus conquered death. [17:15]

- Our hope is not based on the transient and often chaotic circumstances of the world but on the steadfast and living hope found in Jesus. When fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us, we must remember that our faith is anchored in the One who overcame the grave. [07:16]

- True hope cannot be manufactured through avoidance or material gain. It is a gift that comes from acknowledging our need for Jesus and allowing Him to lead our lives. When we try to find hope in anything other than Christ, we will inevitably feel the void of its absence. [09:01]

- The message of Easter is not meant to be confined to one day a year but lived out daily. As believers, we are called to embody the resurrection power in our everyday lives, demonstrating the transformative hope that comes from following Jesus. [31:17]

- The act of surrender to Jesus is not a sign of weakness but the most powerful move we can make. In surrender, we find freedom, forgiveness, and a future secured by His victory over sin and death. This Easter, let us recommit to living in the reality of His resurrection. [32:28]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 (NIV)
> "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him."

2. Daniel 6:16-23 (NIV)
> "So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, 'May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!' A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, 'Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?' Daniel answered, 'May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.' The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."

3. John 11:25-26 (NIV)
> "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 say about the importance of the resurrection of Jesus to our faith?
2. How did God provide "another move" for Daniel in the lion's den according to Daniel 6:16-23?
3. In John 11:25-26, what does Jesus claim about Himself and what promise does He give to those who believe in Him?
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the painting "Checkmate" and how does it relate to our lives? [17:15]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul argue that without the resurrection, our faith is useless? How does this underscore the importance of Easter? [25:39]
2. How does the story of Daniel in the lion's den illustrate the concept of "another move" that God provides in seemingly hopeless situations? [19:31]
3. What does Jesus' statement in John 11:25-26 reveal about the nature of eternal life and the hope we have in Him?
4. How does the metaphor of the chess painting "Checkmate" help us understand the hope and new possibilities that Jesus' resurrection brings to our lives? [17:50]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt "checkmated" in life. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the sermon about finding hope in Jesus during such times? [10:50]
2. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and wonder about Jesus' resurrection in your daily life, rather than letting it become a mundane fact? [04:06]
3. In what ways might fear be stealing your hope today? What steps can you take to lay down that fear and trust in Jesus' resurrection power? [07:16]
4. The sermon mentioned that true hope cannot be found in avoidance or material possessions. What are some practical ways you can shift your focus from these false hopes to the hope found in Jesus? [09:01]
5. How can you embody the resurrection power of Jesus in your everyday life, demonstrating the transformative hope that comes from following Him? [31:17]
6. The act of surrender to Jesus is described as the most powerful move we can make. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus, and how can you take steps to do that this week? [32:28]
7. How can you use the tangible reminder of the chess piece given during the sermon to reinforce the message of hope and "another move" in your daily routine? [24:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Resurrection: Our Unseen Move
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers us a new move in life, no matter how checkmated we may feel. The story of the painting "Checkmate" reminds us that when all seems lost, there is still a move to be made, one that we might not have seen. This move is not a trick or a last-ditch effort; it is a powerful, deliberate act by God, who is always several steps ahead of our adversaries. The resurrection signifies that ultimate victory is possible even when defeat seems certain. It is a testament to the fact that life's most significant battles are not won by strength or cunning but by the transformative power of God's grace. The resurrection is the divine move that changes the game entirely, offering hope and a future.

"But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened." - Luke 24:21 ESV

Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life that feels like a checkmate. How does the resurrection of Jesus provide a new perspective or solution to this challenge? [17:15]

Day 2: Anchored Hope in a Shifting World
Our hope is not based on the transient and often chaotic circumstances of the world but on the steadfast and living hope found in Jesus. When fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us, we must remember that our faith is anchored in the One who overcame the grave. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a secure anchor for the soul, grounded in the reality of Jesus' victory over death. It is a hope that does not depend on the shifting sands of societal change or personal fortune but on the solid rock of Christ's resurrection. This hope is a source of strength and courage in the face of life's storms, a reminder that no matter how tumultuous the waves may be, the anchor holds firm.

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23 ESV

Reflection: When have you found your hope wavering due to external circumstances? How can you remind yourself to anchor your hope in Jesus during these times? [07:16]

Day 3: Hope Beyond Materialism
True hope cannot be manufactured through avoidance or material gain. It is a gift that comes from acknowledging our need for Jesus and allowing Him to lead our lives. When we try to find hope in anything other than Christ, we will inevitably feel the void of its absence. This hope is not about escaping reality or accumulating possessions; it is about facing life head-on with the assurance that we are not alone. It is a hope that sustains us, not just for the moment but for eternity. It is the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus, where we find true contentment and purpose, regardless of our earthly circumstances.

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" - Mark 8:36 ESV

Reflection: In what ways have you sought hope in material possessions or avoidance? How can you shift your focus to find hope in Jesus instead? [09:01]

Day 4: Living the Resurrection Daily
The message of Easter is not meant to be confined to one day a year but lived out daily. As believers, we are called to embody the resurrection power in our everyday lives, demonstrating the transformative hope that comes from following Jesus. This means that each day is an opportunity to experience and share the life-changing reality of the resurrection. It is about allowing the same power that raised Jesus from the dead to work within us, transforming our character, our relationships, and our approach to life's challenges. Living the resurrection daily is about being a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs to see the evidence of a living Savior.

"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." - 1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV

Reflection: How can you live out the power of the resurrection in your daily interactions and decisions? [31:17]

Day 5: The Power of Surrender
The act of surrender to Jesus is not a sign of weakness but the most powerful move we can make. In surrender, we find freedom, forgiveness, and a future secured by His victory over sin and death. This Easter, let us recommit to living in the reality of His resurrection. Surrendering to Jesus means letting go of our illusions of control and trusting in His perfect plan for our lives. It is in this act of surrender that we experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers—a life marked by peace, joy, and the assurance of eternal life. It is the ultimate move that leads to victory.

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 16:25 ESV

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits? [32:28]

Quotes

"You're never going to find hope with you trying to be in control, you're never going to find hope with you just trying to avoid, you're never going to find Hope trying to buy your way into happiness. So you can't purchase hope, you can't do that. So many people feel stuck and I just want you to know today that Jesus says to us because of Easter, because of the moment that Jesus is alive, Jesus says you're not stuck, you do have another move." [10:50]( | | )

"I know the reality, the reality says this, that there's chaos all around us, that our nation is being ripped apart at the very seams...but I want you to know today you can have hope because Jesus is Alive. I know the reality says that there's chaos all around us...but then I'm also watching the responses of people and I'm watching people respond with fear. Fear and fear's crippling, guys...fear steals Hope from you." [07:16]( | | )

"Jesus gave you another move when he defeated death, so there is a reason to have hope. The reason is this: hope has a name and his name is Jesus. It's the reason why you can have hope, you can have hope because Jesus is hope." [23:28]( | | )

"Jesus rose from the grave so that I can raise from the grave too, that there is something Beyond this world. Put your hope in Him. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you need to know something today, don't let Easter just be another Sunday...Jesus actually Rose from the grave, there is an empty tomb." [31:17]( | | )

"Hope comes from the fact that we don't worship a statue made of bronze or gold or silver, no we worship a risen savior who's sitting at the right hand of the father right now ready to come back for his church, for those who are wanting to follow him. We have hope...because Jesus rose from the dead first, he is the first of a Great Harvest." [28:48]( | | )

"It's a lie, it's a lie the King still has another move and everybody was like he a lie guys, he goes get the museum curator over here...the man's not done, the man has another move. This painting's got the wrong name on it...the message of Easter is this, that you look at our lives and it seems like we're in Checkmate but then all of a sudden Jesus Who Rose from the grave, he steps into your life." [17:15]( | | )

"Our God has always been the god of another move, always. He's never stopped being the god of another move...the King has another move. The Israelites...thought this was it...and all of a sudden God goes no you're not in Checkmate, I got another move for you and he sends David, little boy with a sling and a stone, and he takes out the giant." [18:58]( | | )

"Jesus, you are who you said you are, you Rose from the grave so that I can raise from the grave too, that there is something Beyond this world. Put your hope in Him...don't let Easter just be another Sunday...Jesus actually Rose from the grave, there is an empty tomb." [31:17]( | | )

"God always has another move for you, you're not in Checkmate. Jesus gave you another move when he defeated death, so there is a reason to have hope. The reason is this: hope has a name and his name is Jesus. It's the reason why you can have hope, you can have hope because Jesus is hope." [23:28]( | | )

"Jesus says to us because of Easter, because of the moment that Jesus is alive, Jesus says you're not stuck, you do have another move. I want you to know today, I don't care where you're at, I don't care what type of Lifestyle you're living, you have another move." [10:50]( | | )

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Transcript
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