Living in Hope: Embracing Resurrection and Purpose

Imagine the first day in heaven—what will it be like to be surrounded by God’s glory? Our hearts long for that moment, to stand in awe, to dance in the presence of Jesus, and to experience the fullness of joy that only eternity with Him can bring. Yet, this hope is not just for the future; it shapes how we live today. The resurrection of Jesus is not a distant event but a living reality that calls us to rise from spiritual stagnation and embrace new life. In Christ, we are invited to move from the shadows of sin and despair into the light of forgiveness and purpose.

We are not called to a passive faith but to a vibrant, revived spiritual life. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to live as living testimonies—tableaux vivants—of God’s grace. This means letting the truth of the gospel guide our hearts, seeking forgiveness, and sharing the good news with others. Our journey is not without struggle; spiritual battles are real, and the enemy seeks to discourage and distract. But we are not left defenseless. Faith is our shield, and the victory is already secured in Christ.

Even when the fight feels unfair or overwhelming, we remember that Jesus is exalted, alive, and interceding for us. We are not alone. We are co-creators with God, called to participate in His redemptive work, both now and forever. Our hope is anchored in the reality of Christ’s resurrection, and our lives are meant to reflect that hope to the world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The anticipation of heaven should not only fill us with hope for the future but also transform our present. When we imagine standing in God’s glory, it stirs a longing that motivates us to live with purpose and joy, even in the midst of life’s challenges. This vision of eternity shapes our daily choices and attitudes. [00:00]
• 2. Spiritual stagnation is a real danger, but the resurrection of Jesus calls us to continual renewal. Just as Christ rose from the dead, we are invited to rise above complacency and embrace a vibrant, Spirit-filled life. Revival begins when we allow God to awaken our hearts and restore our passion for Him. [12:13]
• 3. Living as a “tableau vivant” means embodying the gospel in our everyday actions. Our lives become living pictures of God’s grace, forgiveness, and truth. This is not about perfection but about allowing the reality of Christ’s love to be visible through us to a watching world. [16:32]
• 4. The spiritual battle is not fought on equal terms; the enemy may seem strong, but our faith is a shield that cannot be overcome. The victory is not ours to achieve but to receive, as Christ has already triumphed. We are called to stand firm, trusting in God’s power rather than our own strength. [28:04]
• 5. Our identity as co-creators with God means we are invited into His ongoing work of redemption. This partnership is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling us to live with intentionality and hope. Even in the face of agitation and struggle, we are sustained by the presence and power of Christ. [42:11]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Imagining Heaven’s Glory
• [02:30] - The Longing for Eternity
• [04:15] - Dancing in the Presence of Jesus
• [07:00] - From Spiritual Stagnation to Revival
• [12:13] - The Power of the Resurrection
• [14:50] - Living as Tableaux Vivants
• [16:32] - Embracing Forgiveness and Truth
• [20:10] - Sharing the Good News
• [24:00] - The Reality of Spiritual Battle
• [28:04] - Faith as Our Shield
• [32:30] - The Unfair Fight and Christ’s Victory
• [36:00] - Participating in God’s Redemption
• [42:11] - Our Identity as Co-Creators
• [45:00] - Living with Hope and Purpose

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV) — > But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

2. Romans 8:34 (ESV)
> Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

3. Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
> If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 2:4-7, what has God done for us through Christ, and what is the purpose of raising us up with Him?
2. In Romans 8:34, what is Jesus doing right now for believers, and why is that significant?
3. The sermon talks about moving from spiritual stagnation to revival. What are some signs of spiritual stagnation mentioned or implied in the message? [[12:13]]
4. What does it mean to be a “tableau vivant” or a living picture of God’s grace, as described in the sermon? [[16:32]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says the anticipation of heaven should transform our present lives. How might imagining standing in God’s glory change the way someone faces daily challenges? [[00:45]]
2. The resurrection is described as a “living reality” that calls us to rise from spiritual stagnation. What does it look like for someone to embrace continual renewal in their faith? [[12:13]]
3. The message says our faith is a shield in spiritual battles, and the victory is already secured in Christ. How does this perspective affect the way a believer responds to discouragement or spiritual attack? [[28:04]]
4. The sermon calls us “co-creators” with God in His redemptive work. What does this partnership look like in everyday life? [[42:11]]

Application Questions

1. When you imagine your first day in heaven, what feelings or hopes come to mind? How could this vision motivate you to live with more purpose and joy this week? [[00:45]]
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually stagnant or complacent? What is one practical step you could take to invite God to revive your heart? [[12:13]]
3. The sermon encourages us to be living pictures of God’s grace. Can you think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to show forgiveness or kindness? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [[16:32]]
4. Spiritual battles can feel overwhelming or unfair. Is there a current struggle where you need to remember that Christ has already won the victory? How can you remind yourself to trust in God’s power instead of your own strength? [[28:04]]
5. The message says we are not called to a passive faith. What is one way you can actively share the good news of Jesus with someone in your life this month? [[20:10]]
6. As “co-creators” with God, we have both privilege and responsibility. Is there a specific area—at home, work, or church—where you sense God inviting you to participate in His redemptive work? What might that look like for you? [[42:11]]
7. When life feels agitated or you face setbacks, what practices or habits help you stay anchored in the hope of Christ’s resurrection? Is there a new habit you want to try this week to keep your focus on Jesus? [[45:00]]