Living Out the Resurrection: Faith in Action

Summary

Living out the resurrection is not just a theological concept but a daily reality that calls for both reflection and action. The resurrection of Jesus is the very pivot of our faith, the living hope that transforms everything. If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, but because he lives, we are called to live differently. This means our faith is not passive; it demands effort, intentionality, and a willingness to be changed. The Christian life is not about cheap grace—an easy, undemanding faith—but about costly grace that calls us to follow Jesus with our whole lives.

To live out the resurrection, three practical responses are essential. First, run your race. Like an athlete in strict training, we are called to pursue our spiritual journey with purpose, perseverance, and discipline. Each of us is in a unique race, and we must ask ourselves where we are headed and what our goal is. Second, be transformed. This is not about conforming to the patterns of the world but about the ongoing renewal of our minds. Transformation means actively changing our thinking, aligning our desires and actions with God’s will, and responding to life’s challenges with prayer, thanksgiving, and trust in God’s nearness.

Third, consider your works. Faith without deeds is dead. While we are not saved by our actions, genuine faith will always result in tangible expressions of love, generosity, and service. Living out the resurrection means being intentional with our resources, time, and talents to meet the needs of others and to reflect Christ’s love in practical ways.

All of this is hard and costly, but we are not left to do it alone. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, empowering us to run our race, be transformed, and do good works. The Holy Spirit is our helper, present in every moment, ready to guide, strengthen, and renew us. Sometimes, living out the resurrection will mean approaching life with childlike faith, daring to believe and act in ways that seem naive to the world but are natural for those whose minds are being renewed by God. Today, the invitation is to welcome the Holy Spirit afresh, to help us live out the resurrection in new and courageous ways.

Key Takeaways

- The resurrection is the foundation and living hope of Christian faith, demanding a response that goes beyond intellectual assent. It calls for a life that is actively shaped by the reality that Jesus is alive, making our faith dynamic and purposeful rather than static or ritualistic. This living hope should infuse every aspect of our daily walk, giving us courage and direction. [02:01]

- Costly grace, not cheap grace, is the true call of discipleship. Following Jesus means embracing the demands of the gospel, which require effort, sacrifice, and a willingness to press on even when it is difficult. Cheap grace offers comfort without transformation, but costly grace invites us into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Christ that changes us from the inside out. [04:04]

- Running your race is a metaphor for the intentional pursuit of spiritual growth. Like an athlete, we are called to discipline ourselves, set our eyes on the goal, and persevere through setbacks and challenges. The journey of faith is unique for each person, and it is vital to regularly assess where we are, where we are going, and what motivates us to keep moving forward. [12:02]

- Transformation is an ongoing process that requires the renewal of our minds. This means actively rejecting the patterns of the world—such as self-centeredness, materialism, and anxiety—and instead cultivating thoughts and actions that align with God’s truth. True transformation is evidenced by a life marked by joy, gentleness, prayer, and peace, even in the midst of difficulties. [13:00]

- Faith is made complete by action; genuine belief always results in tangible works of love and service. While salvation is a gift, the outworking of that salvation is seen in how we use our time, resources, and abilities to bless others. Living out the resurrection means being intentional and generous, allowing our faith to be visible and impactful in the world around us. [15:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:48] - Embracing Simplicity and Action
[02:01] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
[03:04] - Preparing for Spiritual Challenges
[04:04] - Costly Grace vs. Cheap Grace
[06:33] - Pressing On to Know Christ
[07:53] - Running Your Race with Purpose
[08:38] - The Story of Dave Wottle
[12:02] - The Spiritual Race and Its Demands
[13:00] - The Call to Be Transformed
[15:54] - Faith and Works in Action
[18:00] - The Help of the Holy Spirit
[20:00] - Childlike Faith and Bold Prayers
[22:00] - Inviting the Holy Spirit to Empower Us

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living Out the Resurrection

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### Bible Reading

1. 1 Corinthians 15:17
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

2. Philippians 3:10-12
“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. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

3. 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.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:17, what does Paul say is the consequence if Christ has not been raised from the dead?
([02:01])

2. In Philippians 3:10-12, what does Paul say he wants to know and experience, and what is his attitude toward reaching that goal?
([06:33])

3. What does Romans 12:2 tell us to do instead of conforming to the world, and what is the result of doing this?
([13:00])

4. The sermon described “running your race” as a metaphor. What are some characteristics of running this spiritual race, according to the message?
([12:02])

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul make such a strong statement about the resurrection being central to our faith in 1 Corinthians 15:17? What does this mean for how we view our daily lives as Christians?
([02:01])

2. The sermon talks about “costly grace” versus “cheap grace.” What is the difference between the two, and why is costly grace important for following Jesus?
([04:04])

3. In Romans 12:2, what does it look like practically to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”? How might this transformation show up in everyday situations?
([13:00])

4. The message says that faith without deeds is dead (James 2:14-17 was referenced). Why is it important that our faith leads to action, and what might be some examples of this in our context?
([15:54])

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### Application Questions

1. The resurrection is described as the “pivot” and “living hope” of our faith. How does this truth affect the way you approach challenges or disappointments in your life? Can you think of a recent situation where remembering the resurrection could have changed your response?
([02:01])

2. The sermon challenges us to “run our race” with purpose and discipline, like an athlete. What is one area of your spiritual life where you need more intentionality or perseverance? What is a practical step you can take this week to move forward in that area?
([12:02])

3. Transformation involves changing our thinking and not conforming to the world. Is there a specific thought pattern or habit that you sense God wants to renew in you? What would it look like to invite God into that process?
([13:00])

4. The message says that living out the resurrection means being intentional with our resources, time, and talents. What is one way you could use your resources or abilities to meet a need in someone’s life this week?
([15:54])

5. The Holy Spirit is described as our helper, empowering us to live out the resurrection. When was the last time you specifically asked the Holy Spirit for help in your daily life? What is one area where you need his help right now?
([18:00])

6. The sermon encouraged a childlike faith that dares to believe and act in ways that might seem naive to the world. Is there something you feel God is prompting you to do that feels risky or outside your comfort zone? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area?
([20:00])

7. The message ended with an invitation to welcome the Holy Spirit afresh. What would it mean for you to invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in a new way this week? Is there a specific prayer or action you want to take as a response?
([22:00])

---

Devotional

Day 1: The Resurrection Is the Pivot of Our Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but the very foundation of Christian faith, giving us a living hope and meaning for our lives today. Without the resurrection, our faith would be empty and powerless, but because Christ is risen, we are assured that our sins are forgiven and that we have a future with Him. This truth calls us to reflect deeply on how we respond to the reality of the risen Christ, both in our beliefs and in our actions. The resurrection demands a response that goes beyond intellectual agreement—it invites us to live in the power and hope it brings every day. [02:01]

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

Reflection: In what specific way can you let the reality of Christ’s resurrection shape your attitude or actions today, especially in a situation where you feel hopeless or defeated?


Day 2: Press On to Know Christ and the Power of His Resurrection
Following Jesus is a costly journey that requires effort, perseverance, and a willingness to press on, even when the path is difficult. Knowing Christ and experiencing the power of His resurrection means sharing in His sufferings and striving to become more like Him, not settling for a passive or “cheap” grace. This pursuit is active and ongoing, calling us to take hold of the life for which Christ took hold of us, and to continually seek deeper relationship and transformation. [06:33]

Philippians 3:10-12 (ESV)
"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 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."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to “press on” in your relationship with Jesus, and what practical step can you take this week to pursue Him more intentionally?


Day 3: Run Your Race with Purpose and Perseverance
The Christian life is compared to a race that requires discipline, focus, and determination, not aimless wandering or half-hearted effort. Just as an athlete trains and runs to win a prize, believers are called to run their spiritual race with purpose, striving for the eternal crown that God promises. This means evaluating where you are in your journey, setting your sights on the goal, and not giving up, even when the way is hard or you feel behind. [07:53]

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Reflection: Where are you in your spiritual race right now, and what is one distraction or habit you need to lay aside to run with greater purpose?


Day 4: Be Transformed by Renewing Your Mind
Living out the resurrection means refusing to conform to the world’s patterns and instead allowing God to transform your mind and heart. This transformation involves actively changing your thinking, letting go of self-centeredness, anxiety, and materialism, and embracing God’s truth and peace. By presenting your worries to God in prayer and focusing on His presence, you open yourself to a new way of living that reflects Christ’s character and brings lasting change. [13:00]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: What is one thought pattern or attitude you need to surrender to God today so that your mind can be renewed and transformed by His truth?


Day 5: Faith Expressed Through Action
True faith is not passive or merely intellectual; it is demonstrated through tangible actions that reflect God’s love and compassion. If we are truly living out the resurrection, our lives will be marked by good works—serving others, meeting needs, and using our gifts for God’s purposes. While we are not saved by our deeds, genuine faith naturally overflows into action, showing the world the reality of Christ’s resurrection power at work in us. [15:54]

James 2:14-17 (ESV)
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: Who is one person you can serve or help in a practical way this week as an expression of your faith in the risen Christ?

Quotes

Sometimes in the Christian life, we need to do things differently to allow God to work. If we always do things the same way, we perhaps shouldn't expect things to be any different. [00:00:56] (15 seconds)  #FaithInChange Edit Clip

It's effort that's demanded by the gospel. Because Jesus didn't just die on the cross and rise again, so that we can simply relax and breathe a sigh of relief saying we're saved. [00:03:49] (15 seconds)  #GospelEffort Edit Clip

Grace is costly because it calls us to follow. And it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. We follow what Jesus said and Jesus did. It is about pressing in and taking hold. [00:06:20] (20 seconds)  #CostlyGraceCall Edit Clip

It's about outworking the gospel with the goal of winning of living a life which reflects the teachings and examples of Jesus. But it's really hard and it's costly. But living out the resurrection means that we run the race. [00:12:36] (24 seconds)  #LiveResurrectionRace Edit Clip

To be very clear we're not saved by what we do. We're saved through Jesus. But the Bible makes it clear that if we're transformed, if we're living out the resurrection, we should be people of deeds and actions. [00:16:17] (17 seconds)  #SavedByGraceActing Edit Clip

Each of us is in that race. Being transformed. Right now we're all in a state of our minds being either transformed or not transformed and doing good works. And right now we're either people that do or don't do good works. It's all hard and it's costly. It's not cheap. [00:17:14] (28 seconds)  #RaceOfTransformation Edit Clip

If the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his spirit who lives in you. This is the most incredible statement isn't it? [00:17:53] (26 seconds)  #SpiritGivesLife Edit Clip

At this moment if you're a Christian the Holy Spirit somewhere is inside of you living. He's a seal guaranteeing our inheritance. And the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is the paraclete, the one who's been called alongside to help us in our Christian lives. [00:18:27] (24 seconds)  #HolySpiritHelper Edit Clip