Living in the Transformative Power of Resurrection

Devotional

Day 1: Encountering Jesus Transforms Lives

Encountering Jesus is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a transformative experience that reshapes our entire being. When we truly meet Jesus, we do not just learn about Him historically; we experience His presence and power in our lives. This personal encounter goes beyond knowing His teachings and miracles—it involves feeling His love, mercy, and power firsthand. Such an encounter challenges our existing beliefs, inspires change, and empowers us to live in new ways that reflect His character. The resurrection power of Jesus, once experienced, becomes a driving force, enabling us to overcome personal struggles and grow spiritually. [35:25]

Acts 4:13 (ESV): "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

Reflection: Reflect on your own life—when have you felt a profound sense of Jesus' presence? How did this encounter challenge or change you?

Day 2: Daily Living Through Resurrection Power

The resurrection power of Jesus is not meant to be tucked away as a doctrine but lived out every day. This power compels us to put to death our earthly desires and live by the Spirit, influencing every decision and action. Whether it's how we handle relationships, face challenges, or interact with the world, the resurrection power equips us to act differently—more boldly, more lovingly, and more faithfully. It's about embodying the virtues of Christ in the mundane as well as the monumental moments of life. Living out this power daily means our lives will inevitably stand out, marked by a distinctiveness that draws others to Christ. [01:07:50]

Romans 8:13 (ESV): "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can demonstrate the resurrection power in your daily interactions today?

Day 3: Generosity Reflects Christ's Resurrection Power

Understanding the resurrection power of Jesus deeply influences our approach to generosity. This power does not just change us internally; it overflows into our actions, compelling us to give generously and sacrificially. True generosity is not about giving from our surplus but giving as an act of worship and reflection of Jesus' sacrifice. It challenges us to support others not just in easy times but especially when it's hard. This kind of giving is a practical demonstration of the resurrection power at work in us, showing the world the grace and love of Christ through our actions. [01:02:57]

2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (ESV): "For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord."

Reflection: How can you practice sacrificial generosity this week, even in a small way, to reflect Christ's love?

Day 4: Community Engagement Powered by Resurrection

Living out the resurrection power transforms not only us but also our community interactions. This power compels us to engage with our community in ways that reflect grace, forgiveness, and a commitment to building others up. It's about creating an environment where everyone can grow and flourish spiritually, mirroring the early church's community life. Such engagement often requires us to step out of our comfort zones, offering forgiveness where it's hard and support where it's needed, all the while trusting in the transformative power of Christ to work through us. [01:19:50]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: What is one action you can take this week to positively impact your community while demonstrating the resurrection power?

Day 5: Continuous Growth in Christ's Power

The journey of embodying the resurrection power of Jesus is continuous and requires constant self-evaluation and repentance. It's about seeking daily to grow more into the likeness of Christ, allowing His power to transform every aspect of our lives. This ongoing transformation is crucial for our spiritual maturity and effectiveness in witnessing to others. Each day offers new opportunities to learn, to change, and to better reflect Christ's power through our thoughts, words, and deeds. [01:10:40]

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need more of Christ's transformative power? How can you actively seek His change in that area today?

Sermon Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound theme of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ and its transformative impact on our lives. We began by setting the stage for understanding the significance of living a life that reflects the power of the resurrection, rather than just an ordinary existence. This power, as we discussed, is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that can change how we live daily.

We delved into the Apostle Paul's teachings, emphasizing the need to put to death the misdeeds of the body to truly live in the Spirit. This act of 'dying' to ourselves—our passions, greed, and sinful desires—is essential for experiencing the resurrection power. It's about letting go of the earthly entanglements that hinder our spiritual growth and embracing a life led by the Spirit.

The discussion also covered the importance of encountering Jesus personally. It's not merely about knowing the stories of the Bible or understanding theology but about a personal encounter with Christ that changes everything. This encounter is what shifts our understanding from knowing about Jesus to experiencing His power and presence in our lives.

We also touched on practical aspects of living out this power through our actions and decisions. This includes how we handle relationships, our responses to temptations, and our engagement with the community. The power of the resurrection enables us to live joyfully, pray expectantly, and follow faithfully, even in the face of challenges and temptations.

Furthermore, we explored the concept of surpassing grace and how it manifests in our generosity towards others. This grace is not just about receiving but also giving, reflecting the character of Christ in our dealings with others, especially those who have wronged us or are less fortunate.

In conclusion, the sermon called each of us to reflect on whether our lives genuinely exhibit the resurrection power and to take practical steps towards letting go of the flesh and walking in the Spirit. This transformative journey is not instantaneous but a daily commitment to dying to self and living for Christ.

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Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:15-19 (NIV) — > "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength."

2. Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV)
> "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."

3. Romans 8:12-13 (NIV)
> "Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

Observation Questions

What does Paul pray for the believers in Ephesians 1:15-19?
According to Philippians 3:7-11, what does Paul consider as loss and why?
In Romans 8:12-13, what are believers instructed to do with the misdeeds of the body?
How does the sermon describe the importance of a personal encounter with Jesus? ([34:08])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the need for wisdom and revelation in Ephesians 1:17? How does this relate to knowing God better?
What does it mean to "put to death the misdeeds of the body" as mentioned in Romans 8:13? How does this concept play out in daily life? ([49:31])
How does Paul's view of his past achievements in Philippians 3:7-8 challenge our own perspectives on success and value?
The sermon mentions that the resurrection power enables us to live joyfully and pray expectantly. How can this power change our approach to daily challenges? ([45:45])

Application Questions

Reflect on your personal encounter with Jesus. How has it transformed your life, and in what areas do you still seek transformation? ([34:40])
What are some "misdeeds of the body" that you need to put to death in your own life? How can you take practical steps to do this? ([49:31])
How can you live out the resurrection power in your relationships and community engagements this week? Think of specific actions you can take. ([01:19:50])
In what ways can you demonstrate generosity as a reflection of the resurrection power? Identify one person or cause you can support this week. ([01:02:57])
How can you cultivate a spirit of continuous growth and transformation in your spiritual journey? What specific practices can you adopt to ensure you are constantly evaluating and growing in your faith? ([01:10:40])
Consider the concept of surpassing grace. How can you show grace to someone who has wronged you or is less fortunate? Share a specific situation where you can apply this. ([01:00:09])
How can you ensure that your life exhibits the resurrection power daily? What changes do you need to make in your actions, decisions, and mindset to align more closely with living by the Spirit? ([01:07:50])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The resurrection power is only available for that which is dead. It is available until it has died, right? The resurrection power is only available until that. Read this. Out of Romans, chapter 8." [49:11]( | | )

2. "Sometimes sin is like a boa constrictor. Some people have these as pets. And, you know, you just have a little pet. But imagine a boa constrictor is nice and starts to one day just constrict around you. It gets tighter and tighter. And then you're trapped. Isn't that like sin?" [54:14]( | | )

3. "What is the hope? Sometimes it's so easy in today's world to get distracted from the hope that we have. The hope of the inheritance. The hope that what we're doing for God matters when we meet him face to face. Our hope is in Christ." [38:58]( | | )

4. "You could know what is the surpassing greatness of his power to us who believe. You don't have to wait for some experience. You could begin to have it today. You could begin to say, wow, I've got the surpassing power of Christ in me." [39:45](Download raw clip | | )

5. "The Apostle Paul says, do not want to do bad things. Whether it's how you talk about people or your reaction to people. Paul says don't want to do bad things. And he says don't be greedy. For that shows that you worship those things. You're idols." [52:48]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "The Apostle Paul writes this in Colossians. He says, put to death. Therefore, as he said earlier in Romans, if you live according to the flesh, these are the things you've got to put to death." [50:13]( | | )

2. "The surpassing grace of God. The surpassing grace is expressed two ways. One, kindness. It says, because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy made us alive for Christ." [59:18]( | | )

3. "The Apostle Paul can write these things. Because he encountered Jesus. And he can say it is by grace that I have been saved. Not words. It is by grace of surpassing riches of his grace." [01:00:42]( | | )

4. "The surpassing power of the resurrection is glory. If you're willing to put to death those things which are holding you back. What is it that is holding you back from experiencing the power of the resurrection?" [01:09:42]( | | )

5. "The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians chapter 9. He's talking about how much you give. Both financially. And how much you give of yourself. To others. And he says whoever sows sparingly. Will also reap sparingly." [01:01:20]( | | )

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