Integrity Through Resurrection: A Call to Wholeness

 

Summary

In today's Easter celebration, we reflected on the profound theme of integrity, a characteristic that is deeply rooted in the Trinitarian work of salvation. Integrity, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, encompasses incorruptibility, soundness, and completeness. These attributes not only describe the nature of God but also the essence of the resurrection story we commemorate.

We began with Psalm 41, which speaks to us about Christ and, by extension, about ourselves as baptized believers. The psalm highlights the blessedness of considering the poor and the assurance of God's deliverance and protection. It also touches on the experience of betrayal and the plea for God's grace, which resonates with the events leading to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

The Gospel of Mark narrates the resurrection with a focus on a promise delivered by Christ through a messenger—an angel who announced to the women at the tomb that Jesus had risen and would meet His disciples in Galilee. This promise, foretold by Jesus Himself, was initially met with fear and misunderstanding by His followers. Despite Peter's denial and the disciples' confusion, the resurrection was a fulfillment of Christ's word, a testament to His integrity.

The women who first arrived at the tomb—Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James—were met with the astonishing news of Jesus' resurrection. Their initial silence, born out of awe and fear, eventually gave way to proclamation as they shared the news with the disciples. Mary Magdalene, once tormented by demons and now healed by Christ, had the honor of being the first to see the risen Lord. Her encounter with Jesus, who called her by name, is a powerful testament to the personal nature of Christ's redemption.

The appearances of the risen Christ to His disciples, including Peter and Thomas, were moments of restoration and affirmation of their faith. Jesus' integrity was imparted to them, filling the gaps of their own brokenness and doubts. The disciples' subsequent encounters with Jesus, such as the meal shared with Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus, and the breakfast prepared by Jesus for the disciples in Galilee, further confirmed the reality of His resurrection.

The Great Commission, given by Jesus before His ascension, entrusted the disciples with the task of baptizing and teaching all nations. This commission, coupled with the numerous appearances of Jesus to over 500 witnesses, including His half-brother James and the Apostle Paul, marked the beginning of the apostolic age.

As we apply the concept of integrity to our own lives, we recognize that it is through baptism that we are linked to Christ. Despite our brokenness and the challenges we face, whether in employment, relationships, or personal integrity, Christ restores our wholeness. His resurrection assures us that our integrity is upheld by His righteousness, and we are called to live with the confidence that we will be resurrected to be one with Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The resurrection of Christ is a powerful affirmation of God's integrity, where His promises are fulfilled, and His word is proven trustworthy. As believers, we are called to trust in the promises of God, even when circumstances challenge our faith, knowing that His word will never fail. [02:53]

- Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ is a reminder that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and calls us by name. This personal relationship with our Savior is the cornerstone of our faith, and it empowers us to share the good news with others, just as Mary was instructed to "go and tell." [09:09]

- The restoration of Peter's integrity after his denial of Christ demonstrates the redemptive power of Jesus' resurrection. It shows us that our failures and sins are not the end of our story; through Christ, we are made whole and our integrity is restored. [09:46]

- The Great Commission is not just a historical mandate but a continual call for all believers to engage in the mission of sharing the gospel. We are to be active participants in spreading the message of salvation to all nations, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. [12:10]

- Our own integrity is not based on our perfection but on Christ's completeness. In our moments of doubt and brokenness, we can find solace in the fact that Christ's integrity covers us, and through Him, we are made complete. This assurance enables us to face life's challenges with hope and confidence. [13:23]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 41:1-13 - "Blessed is the one who considers the poor; in the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. As for me, I said, 'O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!' My enemies say of me in malice, 'When will he die, and his name perish?' And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. They say, 'A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.' Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them! By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen."

2. Mark 16:1-8 - "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, 'Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?' But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 'Don’t be alarmed,' he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, "He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."' Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."

3. Matthew 28:16-20 - "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 41 say about the blessedness of considering the poor and the assurance of God's deliverance? ([00:31])
2. How did the women react when they found the tomb empty and heard the angel's message in Mark 16? ([06:37])
3. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28? ([12:10])
4. How did Jesus restore Peter's integrity after his denial, according to the sermon? ([09:46])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 41 reflect the experiences of Christ and, by extension, our own experiences as believers? ([00:31])
2. What is the significance of the angel's message to the women at the tomb in Mark 16, and how does it relate to the theme of integrity? ([06:37])
3. In what ways does the Great Commission in Matthew 28 serve as a continual call for believers today? ([12:10])
4. How does the restoration of Peter's integrity after his denial illustrate the redemptive power of Jesus' resurrection? ([09:46])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt betrayed or let down by someone close to you. How can Psalm 41's message of God's deliverance and protection provide comfort in such situations? ([00:31])
2. The women at the tomb initially reacted with fear and silence. Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith or good news about Jesus? What steps can you take to overcome this hesitation? ([06:37])
3. Jesus' Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. What practical steps can you take this week to share the gospel with someone in your community? ([12:10])
4. Peter's restoration after his denial shows that our failures are not the end of our story. Is there a failure or sin in your life that you need to bring to Jesus for restoration? How can you seek His forgiveness and move forward? ([09:46])
5. Integrity is not about our perfection but about Christ's completeness. In what areas of your life do you struggle with maintaining integrity, and how can you rely on Christ's righteousness to uphold you? ([13:23])
6. Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ was deeply personal. How can you cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with Jesus in your daily life? ([09:09])
7. The resurrection assures us that our integrity is upheld by Christ's righteousness. How can this assurance help you face current challenges in your life with hope and confidence? ([13:23])

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Unfailing Word
Integrity is a cornerstone of God's character and the resurrection story. It is the assurance that God's promises are fulfilled and His word is proven trustworthy. When Jesus rose from the dead, He did not just conquer death; He also confirmed every word He had spoken about His own resurrection. This act of fulfillment is a clear demonstration that God's promises are steadfast and reliable. Believers are called to trust in these promises, even when faced with circumstances that challenge their faith. The resurrection serves as a powerful reminder that God's word will never fail, and it is this unwavering truth that should guide one's life and decisions.

"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." - Psalm 33:4-5

Reflection: How can you actively trust in a specific promise of God today, especially in an area where you are currently facing uncertainty or challenge?

Day 2: Encountering Christ Personally
The resurrection narrative is deeply personal, as seen in Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus meets individuals in their brokenness and calls them by name, offering a relationship that is transformative. Mary Magdalene, once tormented by demons, was healed by Christ and became the first to witness the risen Lord. Her experience underscores the personal nature of Christ's redemption and the importance of sharing the good news with others. Believers are reminded that their faith is not just a set of doctrines but a personal encounter with the Savior, who knows them intimately and calls them to a life of proclamation.

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" - Isaiah 43:1

Reflection: Can you recall a moment when you felt Jesus speaking to you personally? How can you share this experience with someone who needs encouragement today? [09:09]

Day 3: Restored by Resurrection Power
Peter's restoration after his denial of Christ is a testament to the redemptive power of the resurrection. It shows that failures and sins do not define one's story; through Christ, individuals are made whole, and their integrity is restored. The resurrection is not just an event in history; it is an ongoing source of hope and renewal for all who believe. As Jesus restored Peter, He also offers restoration to every believer who comes to Him with a repentant heart. This restoration is a powerful witness to the life-changing power of the resurrection and the new identity found in Christ.

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." - 1 Peter 5:10

Reflection: What is an area of your life where you need restoration? How can you seek Jesus' redemptive power in this area today? [09:46]

Day 4: Commissioned to Share the Gospel
The Great Commission is a continual call for believers to engage in the mission of sharing the gospel. It is not just a historical mandate but an active instruction to baptize and teach all nations. The numerous appearances of Jesus after His resurrection, to over 500 witnesses, serve as the foundation for this mission. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the message of salvation, and they are to be active participants in this divine calling. The resurrection story propels Christians to go forth with confidence, knowing that they are part of a larger story of redemption that spans across time and cultures.

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to engage in the mission of sharing the gospel with someone in your sphere of influence? [12:10]

Day 5: Wholeness Through Christ's Integrity
Believers' integrity is not based on their own perfection but on Christ's completeness. In moments of doubt and brokenness, solace is found in the fact that Christ's integrity covers them, and through Him, they are made complete. This assurance enables individuals to face life's challenges with hope and confidence. The resurrection assures that one's integrity is upheld by Christ's righteousness, and as a result, believers are called to live with the confidence that they will be resurrected to be one with Christ, sharing in His wholeness and eternal life.

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." - Colossians 2:9-10

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the completeness that Christ offers you, especially in areas where you feel inadequate or broken? [13:23]

Quotes

"In today's Easter celebration, we reflected on the profound theme of integrity, a characteristic that is deeply rooted in the Trinitarian work of salvation. Integrity, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, encompasses incorruptibility, soundness, and completeness. These attributes not only describe the nature of God but also the essence of the resurrection story we commemorate." [02:53]( | | )

"The Gospel of Mark narrates the resurrection with a focus on a promise delivered by Christ through a messenger—an angel who announced to the women at the tomb that Jesus had risen and would meet His disciples in Galilee. This promise, foretold by Jesus Himself, was initially met with fear and misunderstanding by His followers." [04:13]( | | )

"The women who first arrived at the tomb—Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James—were met with the astonishing news of Jesus' resurrection. Their initial silence, born out of awe and fear, eventually gave way to proclamation as they shared the news with the disciples." [07:13]( | | )

"Mary Magdalene, once tormented by demons and now healed by Christ, had the honor of being the first to see the risen Lord. Her encounter with Jesus, who called her by name, is a powerful testament to the personal nature of Christ's redemption." [09:09]( | | )

"The appearances of the risen Christ to His disciples, including Peter and Thomas, were moments of restoration and affirmation of their faith. Jesus' integrity was imparted to them, filling the gaps of their own brokenness and doubts." [10:25]( | | )

"The Great Commission, given by Jesus before His ascension, entrusted the disciples with the task of baptizing and teaching all nations. This commission, coupled with the numerous appearances of Jesus to over 500 witnesses, marked the beginning of the apostolic age." [12:10]( | | )

"As we apply the concept of integrity to our own lives, we recognize that it is through baptism that we are linked to Christ. Despite our brokenness and the challenges we face, Christ restores our wholeness. His resurrection assures us that our integrity is upheld by His righteousness." [13:23]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?