Living in Resurrection Power: A New Way Forward

Devotional

Day 1: Resurrection as a Living Power Transforming Every Moment

The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event to be remembered once a year but a dynamic, present power that invites transformation in every area of life. When Jesus conquered death, He opened the door for us to live differently—our priorities, hopes, and daily mission should all reflect the reality of the empty tomb. This power is meant to propel us into a new way of living, not just inspire fleeting admiration. It challenges us to ask: how does the resurrection shape my life today, beyond Easter Sunday?
Living in resurrection power means embracing a continual transformation that affects how we think, act, and engage with the world around us. It is an invitation to experience the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, enabling us to live with hope, purpose, and boldness every day. [02:03]

Colossians 2:12-13 (ESV)
“...having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses...”

Reflection:
What is one habitual thought or behavior in your life that the power of the resurrection could begin to transform starting today? How can you invite that power to reshape your daily decisions?

Day 2: Heaven’s Lens: Reorienting Our Minds Toward Eternal Priorities

Living in resurrection power calls for a radical shift in perspective—setting our hearts and minds on things above rather than earthly distractions. This does not mean ignoring life’s realities but allowing the eternal kingdom to shape our values, decisions, and priorities. When heaven becomes our orientation, it filters how we use our time, money, relationships, and goals. The resurrection invites us to see life through a kingdom lens, where God’s truth renews our minds and reorients our lives toward what truly matters.
This mindset shift is essential because transformation begins with what we focus on. We cannot live a new resurrected life with an old, earthly mindset. Instead, we are called to intentionally fix our gaze on eternal realities, allowing them to influence every choice we make. [07:16]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Reflection:
Identify one area of your life where earthly concerns dominate your thinking. How can you practically begin to shift your focus toward eternal priorities in that area this week?

Day 3: Rooted Identity: Living Secure in Who Christ Made You

The resurrection ushers in a new identity that precedes all activity. When you say yes to Jesus, the old self—marked by fear, shame, and striving—dies, and a new creation is born. Your worth is no longer tied to performance, possessions, or others’ opinions but is securely anchored in Christ. This identity is foundational because before you can serve or obey effectively, you must rest in who God says you are: chosen, secure, and deeply loved.
Living from this place of security and purpose transforms your actions. Instead of striving to prove yourself, your priorities align with heaven, and your life flows naturally from the truth of your new identity. The resurrection power is not just external change but an internal transformation of who you are at your core. [14:04]

Ephesians 2:4-6 (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...”

Reflection:
What lies or false identities do you need to reject today in order to fully embrace the secure identity God has given you in Christ? How can resting in this truth change your daily actions?

Day 4: Commissioned and Empowered: Living Out Resurrection’s Mission

The resurrection not only changes us internally but also sends us out with authority and purpose. Jesus commissions His followers to make disciples, not merely converts or church attendees. This mission is not reserved for the confident or perfect; God uses those who are still growing, doubting, and learning. Empowered by the Spirit and assured of Christ’s presence, every believer is called to be a witness right where they are, living intentionally on mission every day.
This calling flows directly from the resurrection’s power. Because Jesus is alive, His authority accompanies us, enabling bold obedience and purposeful living. The mission is a daily invitation to carry the light of the resurrection into the world around us. [20:02]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Reflection:
Who in your immediate circle needs to see the light of the resurrection through your life? What is one intentional step you can take this week to live out your mission as a witness?

Day 5: Resurrection in Action: Daily Reset, Service, and Faith Conversations

Living in resurrection power is practical and intentional. Each day begins with a “resurrection reset”—orienting your mind and heart to Jesus’ victory before anything else. This daily practice helps you live from the reality of the empty tomb rather than the weight of the world. Look for one tangible way to serve others, reflecting Jesus’ love in small acts that make a difference.
Additionally, initiate one conversation about faith, stepping into the mission with intentionality and confidence that Jesus is with you in every moment. These practical steps—resetting your focus, serving, and witnessing—are ways to live the resurrection every day, in every place, and in every moment. [29:19]

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Reflection:
What will your “resurrection reset” look like tomorrow morning? How can you intentionally serve and share your faith in one specific way before the day ends?

Sermon Summary

Last week, we celebrated Easter—the victory of Jesus over death, the empty tomb, and the hope that is alive. But Easter was never meant to be the end of something; it’s the beginning of a radically new way of living. Resurrection is not just a historical event to admire, but a present power to live by. The real question is: what changed for you on Monday? Did the reality of the resurrection shape your week, or did life return to business as usual? The resurrection is an invitation to live differently, to let the power that raised Jesus from the dead transform our perspective, our identity, and our mission.

Living in resurrection power means we receive a new perspective. Paul tells us in Colossians to set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things. This isn’t about ignoring life’s realities, but about letting heaven become our orientation, shaping our values, decisions, and priorities. We are called to filter everything—our time, money, relationships, and goals—through a kingdom lens. Jesus didn’t rise just to improve our circumstances, but to give us a new way of seeing and living.

Resurrection also gives us a new identity. When we say yes to Jesus, the old self—defined by fear, shame, and striving—dies, and a new creation is born. Our worth is no longer tied to performance, possessions, or the opinions of others, but is secure in Christ. Identity precedes activity; before we focus on what we do for God, we must know who we are in Him. When Christ becomes our life, our priorities align with heaven, and we live from a place of security and purpose.

Finally, resurrection gives us a new mission. Jesus sends us out with His authority to make disciples, to live on purpose, and to carry the light of His resurrection into the world. The mission is not reserved for the confident or the perfect; Jesus commissions worshipers who doubt and followers who are still growing. We are called to be witnesses right where we are, empowered by His Spirit, and assured of His presence.

So, if we truly believe the tomb is empty, our lives should be full—full of kingdom purpose, resurrection power, and bold obedience. The resurrection isn’t just for Sunday; it’s for every day, every place, and every moment. Let’s live like the tomb is still empty.

Key Takeaways

1. Resurrection is a Present Power, Not Just a Past Event Too often, we treat the resurrection as something to remember rather than a power to live by. The empty tomb is not just a symbol of what Jesus did, but an invitation to experience transformation now. If Jesus truly conquered death, then every part of our lives—our priorities, hopes, and mission—should reflect that reality. The resurrection is meant to launch us into a new way of living, not just inspire us once a year. [02:03]
2. A New Perspective: Setting Our Minds on Things Above Living in resurrection power means adopting a kingdom mindset. Paul urges us to set our hearts and minds on things above, letting eternity shape our values and decisions. This requires a shift from earthly distractions to heavenly priorities, allowing God’s truth to renew our minds and reorient our lives. We cannot live a new life with an old mindset; transformation begins with what we focus on. [07:16]
3. Identity Precedes Activity: Living from Who We Are in Christ Our new identity in Christ is foundational. The old self—marked by fear, shame, and striving—has died, and we are now hidden with Christ in God. Before we can serve or obey effectively, we must rest in who God says we are: chosen, secure, and loved. When our identity is rooted in Christ, our actions flow naturally from that place of security and purpose, rather than from a need to prove ourselves. [14:04]
4. Mission Flows from Resurrection: Called and Sent with Authority The resurrection not only changes us internally but also sends us out externally. Jesus commissions us to make disciples, not just converts or church attenders. Our calling does not wait for our confidence; God uses those who are still growing and even doubting. The authority and presence of the risen King empower us to live on mission, right where we are, every day. [20:02]
5. Practical Resurrection Living: Daily Reset, Service, and Witness Living in resurrection power is practical. Start each day with a “resurrection reset”—orient your mind and heart to Jesus’ victory before anything else. Look for one way to serve like Jesus, reflecting His love in small, tangible acts. And initiate one conversation about faith, stepping into the mission with intentionality, knowing that Jesus is with you in every moment. [29:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Easter: The Beginning, Not the End
[02:03] - Resurrection: Present Power or Past Event?
[03:34] - Moving from Admiration to Transformation
[05:36] - A New Perspective: Setting Minds on Things Above
[07:16] - Kingdom Priorities and Mindset Shift
[08:22] - Renewing Our Minds in God’s Truth
[09:24] - What Are You Setting Your Mind On?
[10:49] - The Direction of Your Life Follows Your Focus
[11:51] - Our New Identity: Hidden with Christ
[14:04] - Identity Precedes Activity
[15:34] - Christ: The Center of Our Lives
[17:25] - A New Mission: The Great Commission
[20:02] - Sent with Authority: Living on Mission
[23:08] - Empowered to Be Witnesses
[24:48] - Everyday Significance and Mission
[25:57] - Easter: The Launching Pad
[29:19] - Three Practical Steps for Resurrection Living
[32:45] - Closing Prayer and Charge

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:1-4 — Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

- 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.”

- Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Observation Questions

In Colossians 3:1-2, what does Paul tell believers to set their hearts and minds on? How does he contrast this with “earthly things”?
According to the sermon, what does it mean that our lives are “hidden with Christ in God”? [11:51]
In Matthew 28:16-20, what is the mission Jesus gives to his followers, and what promise does he attach to it?
The sermon mentions that some of the disciples worshiped Jesus but some doubted. How does Jesus respond to both groups? [18:15]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize setting our minds on things above rather than on earthly things? What practical difference does this make in a believer’s daily life? [05:36]
The sermon says, “Identity precedes activity.” Why is it important to know who we are in Christ before we focus on what we do for God? [14:04]
Jesus gives the Great Commission to disciples who are still doubting and unsure. What does this tell us about who God uses for his mission? [18:15]
Romans 12:2 talks about being transformed by the renewing of our minds. According to the sermon, what are some ways our minds can be renewed, and what are the results? [08:22]

Application Questions

The sermon asks, “What changed for you on Monday?” After celebrating Easter, did anything about your week or your perspective actually change? If not, why do you think that is? [02:03]
What is one area of your life (time, money, relationships, goals) where you tend to focus on “earthly things” instead of “things above”? What would it look like to filter that area through a kingdom lens this week? [07:16]
The sermon challenges us to start each day with a “resurrection reset.” What would it look like for you to pause each morning and set your mind on Jesus’ victory before anything else? Is there a specific prayer or practice you could try? [29:19]
When you think about your identity, what voices or influences are shaping how you see yourself? How can you remind yourself this week that your worth is secure in Christ, not in your performance or others’ opinions? [12:51]
Jesus sends out worshipers who doubt and followers who are still growing. Is there an area where you feel unqualified or hesitant to step into God’s mission? What is one small step you could take this week to live on mission, even if you feel unsure? [18:15]
The sermon suggests looking for one way to serve like Jesus each day. Can you think of a specific person or situation where you could serve or show love this week? What might that look like? [30:32]
Who is one person in your life you could initiate a faith conversation with this week? What’s a simple way you could start that conversation or invite them to take a next step? [31:22]

Sermon Clips

But Jesus didn't rise from the dead so that we could just exist until heaven. He rose so that we could live, really live right now. And so if Easter is real, if Jesus truly defeated sin and death, then everything changes. Our priorities shift. Our purpose deepens. Our hope grows stronger and our mission becomes clear. [00:02:41] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

Because if we believe the tomb is empty, then we must also believe that our lives should be full, full of kingdom purpose, full of resurrection power, and full of bold obedience to the risen King. The question that I want us to... to wrestle with today is this, is am I living in the power of the resurrection or am I just remembering it? [00:03:10] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

So if we're living in the power of the resurrection, we're moving forward in the power that it gives us to live our lives fully for him rather than just admiring and remembering what he did on the cross. So let's not leave the resurrection folded neatly with our Easter outfits neatly tucked away until we have to pull them out again next year, right? Let's carry it into our homes, our work, our decisions, our calling. Let's live like Jesus is alive because he is. [00:03:59] (30 seconds) Edit Clip

Because resurrection gives us a new lens, right? To see everything through. It gives us a new focus, a new mindset, a new way of measuring what really matters. But let's be honest. How often do we set our minds, our hearts and our minds on the things of this world? Because truthfully speaking, we cannot live a new life with an old mindset. We worry about money. We compare ourselves on social media. We stress about schedules. We climb ladders. We chase promotions. We obsess over appearances. And we live for the weekend. And yet, then we wonder why we feel empty. We feel tired. We feel drained and unfulfilled. [00:05:48] (45 seconds) Edit Clip

And so when Paul says, set your hearts and your minds on things above, he's not saying that we should ignore life on earth, right? What he's saying is that heaven is not just our future destination, but it becomes our present orientation. He's saying let your values come from the throne, not the culture. Let your decisions be shaped by eternity, not temporary comfort. [00:07:30] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

Romans chapter 12, verse 2, challenges us and says, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. See, too many Christians try to add Jesus to their old life without letting him transform their perspective. [00:08:41] (16 seconds) Edit Clip

Because you were not raised to live a compartmentalized faith. You were raised to live a resurrected life, one that begins with Christ and overflows into every area of who you are, into your relationships, your work, your priorities, your time, your money, your words, your habits, your calendar. [00:15:45] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?