Living with Hope: The Power of Resurrection
Summary
The focus today is on our attitudes and how they are shaped by the hope of the resurrection. It's easy to fall into a bad attitude given the challenges of life, but God calls us to have a good attitude, rooted in the hope and promise of the resurrection. Death, often seen as a fearsome preacher, looms over us all, but it doesn't have the final say. The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us of our own resurrection, offering a profound hope that can transform our outlook on life.
Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 15 remind us that our faith is anchored in the resurrection. This promise is not just about Jesus rising from the dead, but also about our future resurrection. This hope should inspire us to live with a perspective that looks upward, not downward. As we age and face the inevitability of death, the resurrection offers a cure for our fears. It assures us that we will receive new, incorruptible bodies when Christ returns, bodies that will never break down or decay.
The resurrection also signifies the defeat of death. When we receive our resurrected bodies, it will be a declaration that death has been swallowed up in victory. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that should inspire us to live boldly and without fear. Our salvation is not based on our works but on the finished work of Christ, who has already won the victory over sin and death.
In light of this, we are called to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Our labor is not in vain because of the hope we have in Christ. This hope should motivate us to live with purpose and gratitude, knowing that our future is secure in Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Hope of Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event but a promise of our future resurrection. This hope should transform our attitudes, lifting us from despair to joy, knowing that death does not have the final word. [05:27]
2. Victory Over Death: Death is a defeated enemy because of Christ's resurrection. This victory should inspire us to live without fear, knowing that our future is secure and that we will receive new, incorruptible bodies. [18:14]
3. The Assurance of Salvation: Our salvation is not based on our works but on the finished work of Christ. This assurance should give us confidence and peace, knowing that our names are written in the Book of Life. [27:10]
4. Living with Purpose: In light of the resurrection, we are called to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Our labor is not in vain because of the hope we have in Christ. [38:08]
5. Gratitude and Boldness: Our response to the resurrection should be one of gratitude and boldness. We are called to live for Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what He has done for us. [42:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - The Challenge of Attitudes
- [00:41] - God's Desire for Our Attitude
- [01:15] - The Preacher Named Death
- [02:49] - The Impact of Death
- [03:32] - The Promise of Resurrection
- [04:48] - The Certainty of Our Resurrection
- [06:16] - Results of the Resurrection
- [07:02] - Resurrected Bodies
- [09:09] - The Nature of Resurrected Bodies
- [12:32] - The Mystery of Transformation
- [15:37] - Victory Over Death
- [18:14] - Death's Defeat
- [22:08] - Assurance in Christ
- [29:39] - Victory Through Jesus
- [38:08] - Be Steadfast and Immovable
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
2. 2 Corinthians 5:8
3. Revelation 20:12-15
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, what transformation do believers undergo at the resurrection? How does Paul describe this change? [09:21]
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentions a "preacher named death." How is death portrayed, and what is its impact on people's attitudes? [02:09]
3. What does 2 Corinthians 5:8 say about the state of believers after death? How does this relate to the hope of the resurrection? [16:45]
4. How does Revelation 20:12-15 describe the final judgment, and what is the significance of the Book of Life in this passage? [24:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise of receiving new, incorruptible bodies at the resurrection influence a believer's perspective on aging and mortality? [07:02]
2. The sermon emphasizes that death is a defeated enemy. How does this victory over death change the way believers should live their lives now? [18:14]
3. In what ways does the assurance of salvation, as described in the sermon, provide confidence and peace to believers? How does this assurance affect their daily lives? [27:10]
4. The pastor calls believers to be "steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord." What does this look like in practical terms for a believer today? [38:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when the fear of death affected your attitude or decisions. How can the hope of the resurrection help you overcome this fear? [03:32]
2. The sermon encourages living with purpose and gratitude. Identify one area of your life where you can be more intentional in living out your faith. What steps will you take this week? [38:08]
3. How can the assurance of your name being written in the Book of Life change the way you approach challenges and uncertainties in life? [27:10]
4. The pastor mentioned living boldly and without fear because of the victory over death. What is one bold step of faith you feel called to take, and how will you act on it? [18:14]
5. Consider the call to be "steadfast and immovable." What are some distractions or challenges that might prevent you from being steadfast in your faith, and how can you address them? [38:08]
6. The sermon highlights gratitude as a response to the resurrection. How can you express gratitude to God in your daily routine, and how might this change your perspective? [42:46]
7. Identify a person in your life who might be struggling with the fear of death or uncertainty about the future. How can you share the hope of the resurrection with them this week? [16:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Resurrection Hope
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a promise of our future resurrection. This hope should transform our attitudes, lifting us from despair to joy, knowing that death does not have the final word. The assurance of resurrection provides a profound shift in perspective, encouraging believers to live with an upward gaze, filled with hope and expectation. As we navigate life's challenges, this hope serves as an anchor, reminding us that our current struggles are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us. [05:27]
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead." (1 Corinthians 15:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: How can you allow the hope of resurrection to transform your attitude towards a current challenge you are facing?
Day 2: Living Fearlessly in the Face of Death's Defeat
Death is a defeated enemy because of Christ's resurrection. This victory should inspire us to live without fear, knowing that our future is secure and that we will receive new, incorruptible bodies. The resurrection signifies the ultimate triumph over death, offering believers a sense of peace and courage to face life's uncertainties. This assurance allows us to live boldly, embracing each day with confidence, knowing that death has been swallowed up in victory. [18:14]
"When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'" (1 Corinthians 15:54, ESV)
Reflection: What fears are holding you back from living boldly for Christ, and how can the victory over death empower you to overcome them today?
Day 3: Confidence in the Assurance of Salvation
Our salvation is not based on our works but on the finished work of Christ. This assurance should give us confidence and peace, knowing that our names are written in the Book of Life. The certainty of salvation through Christ's sacrifice provides a foundation of security, freeing believers from the burden of earning God's favor. This assurance invites us to rest in His grace, living with a sense of peace and gratitude for the gift of eternal life. [27:10]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you rest in the assurance of your salvation today, allowing it to bring peace to your heart and mind?
Day 4: Steadfastness in Purposeful Living
In light of the resurrection, we are called to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Our labor is not in vain because of the hope we have in Christ. This call to steadfastness encourages believers to live with purpose and dedication, knowing that their efforts in the Lord's work have eternal significance. The hope of resurrection fuels a life of service and commitment, inspiring us to persevere in our calling with unwavering resolve. [38:08]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What specific work or ministry can you commit to with renewed steadfastness, knowing that your labor is not in vain?
Day 5: Gratitude and Boldness in Response to Resurrection
Our response to the resurrection should be one of gratitude and boldness. We are called to live for Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what He has done for us. This gratitude fuels a boldness in our faith, empowering us to live out our beliefs with courage and conviction. The resurrection invites us to embrace a life of thankfulness, recognizing the profound gift of salvation and responding with a heart full of praise and a life dedicated to His service. [42:46]
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you express your gratitude for the resurrection today in a way that demonstrates boldness in your faith?
Quotes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us of our own resurrection, offering a profound hope that can transform our outlook on life. Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 15 remind us that our faith is anchored in the resurrection. This promise is not just about Jesus rising from the dead, but also about our future resurrection. [00:04:48]
The resurrection also signifies the defeat of death. When we receive our resurrected bodies, it will be a declaration that death has been swallowed up in victory. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that should inspire us to live boldly and without fear. [00:18:14]
Our salvation is not based on our works but on the finished work of Christ, who has already won the victory over sin and death. In light of this, we are called to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Our labor is not in vain because of the hope we have in Christ. [00:27:10]
The hope of the resurrection should transform our attitudes, lifting us from despair to joy, knowing that death does not have the final word. As we age and face the inevitability of death, the resurrection offers a cure for our fears. It assures us that we will receive new, incorruptible bodies when Christ returns. [00:38:08]
Our response to the resurrection should be one of gratitude and boldness. We are called to live for Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what He has done for us. This hope should motivate us to live with purpose and gratitude, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [00:42:46]
Paul tells us in our text today exactly how that's going to happen. Look at this now. Last week, that was the sermon from last week. Okay, what kind of resurrected bodies? If you're watching online, you missed last week. If you're here, missed last week, go back. [00:08:58]
Paul continues that line of thought as he wraps up the chapter. Look in verse 50 at what he says. He says, "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." So he's going to bring or carry over this thought from last week. [00:09:18]
Paul says, "Behold, I tell you a mystery, something that was hidden but now been revealed. We shall not all sleep." Wake up, all right? Wake it up. We shall not all sleep. That's the euphemism we've talked about for death, right? [00:11:32]
Paul talks about this also over in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. If you look at this with me on the screen, 1 Thessalonians chapter 4:1 15 says this, "For we say this to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep." [00:14:02]
Paul's statement here in verse 54 declares that the Glorious resurrection of our transformed resurrected bodies by the Lord Jesus Christ will forever more be a proclamation of the defeat of our greatest enemy, death. Our resurrected bodies, friends, will be evidence of that. [00:19:32]
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. What does that mean, friends? Sin and the law are the two realities that condemn us. Our sin is what condemns us to death. Romans 6:23 says this, "For the wages of sin is death." [00:31:14]
Paul writes, "I believe all of that in chapter 15 to say this in verse 58. Here's what he says, 'Therefore, my beloved Brethren, be steadfast, be steadfast.' That word means seated, settled, firmly entrenched. Be settled, be immovable." [00:38:08]
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