Resurrection: The Fulfillment of God's Promises in Christ
Summary
In Acts 13, we delve into the profound message of salvation that Paul delivered in Pisidia, Antioch. This passage is a powerful reminder of the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. Paul addresses the descendants of Abraham and those who fear God, emphasizing that the word of salvation has been sent to them. Despite the rejection and condemnation of Jesus by the rulers in Jerusalem, God's plan was fulfilled through His resurrection. This resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, as it signifies the ultimate victory over death and the assurance of forgiveness for all who believe.
Paul's approach in the synagogue was to connect the dots between the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ. He draws attention to the promises made to David, highlighting that Jesus is the descendant who would reign forever. The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a divine declaration of His Sonship, as foretold in the Psalms. This event is the ultimate testament to God's faithfulness and the sure mercies of David.
The resurrection of Jesus is unique because, unlike others who were raised from the dead, Jesus did not return to corruption. His body did not undergo decay, signifying His sinlessness and the moral purity that sets Him apart. This incorruptibility is a testament to His divine nature and the fulfillment of God's promise that His Holy One would not see corruption.
Paul's message is clear: through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is preached, and everyone who believes is justified from all things that the law of Moses could not justify. This doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance that our salvation is secured not by our works but by the righteousness of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The resurrection of Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises made to the fathers, particularly to David. This event is a divine declaration of Jesus as the Son of God, affirming the reliability of God's word and His faithfulness to His promises. [01:04]
2. Unique Resurrection: Unlike others who were raised from the dead, Jesus' resurrection was unique because His body did not see corruption. This signifies His sinlessness and the divine nature of His resurrection, setting Him apart as the Holy One of God. [15:42]
3. Justification by Faith: Paul emphasizes that through Jesus, everyone who believes is justified from all things that the law of Moses could not justify. This doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance of salvation. [20:24]
4. The Tragedy of Rejection: The rejection of Jesus by His own people is one of the great tragedies of human history. Despite their devotion to the Scriptures, they fulfilled the very prophecies they read by condemning the Son of God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of recognizing and accepting God's revelation. [08:09]
5. The Essence of the Gospel: The essence of the gospel is the glad tidings of Jesus' resurrection and the forgiveness of sins. This message is a call to faith, inviting all to trust in the finished work of Christ for their salvation, as it is the only hope for humanity. [09:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - Introduction to Acts 13
[01:04] - The Resurrection and Fulfillment of Prophecy
[02:37] - Prayer for Understanding
[03:30] - Personal Reflections on Jewish Friends
[05:44] - Observations on Yom Kippur
[07:22] - Paul's Burden for Israel
[08:09] - The Tragedy of Rejection
[09:29] - The Glad Tidings of the Gospel
[10:05] - Connecting Old Testament Promises
[12:18] - The Significance of Historical Context
[13:06] - The Divine Declaration of Sonship
[14:58] - The Unique Nature of Jesus' Resurrection
[15:42] - The Promise of Incorruptibility
[17:43] - The Reality of Human Corruption
[20:24] - Justification by Faith Alone
[21:51] - The Heart of the Christian Faith
[22:36] - Conclusion and Call to Remembrance
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 13:26-39
- Psalm 2:7
- Psalm 16:10
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of Paul addressing both the descendants of Abraham and those who fear God in Acts 13:26? How does this reflect the inclusivity of the gospel message? [00:24]
2. In Acts 13:32-33, Paul refers to the resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of a promise made to the fathers. What specific promise is he referring to, and how does he connect it to the resurrection? [01:04]
3. How does Paul use the Old Testament, specifically the Psalms, to support his message about Jesus' resurrection and divine nature? [10:05]
4. What does Paul mean when he says that Jesus' body did not see corruption, and how does this set Jesus apart from others who were raised from the dead? [15:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the resurrection of Jesus serve as a divine declaration of His Sonship, according to Paul's sermon? What implications does this have for understanding Jesus' identity? [14:58]
2. Paul emphasizes justification by faith alone in his message. How does this doctrine challenge the traditional Jewish understanding of the law, and what does it mean for believers today? [20:24]
3. The sermon highlights the tragedy of Jesus' rejection by His own people. What lessons can be drawn from this about the importance of recognizing and accepting God's revelation? [08:09]
4. How does the concept of incorruptibility in Jesus' resurrection provide assurance of His divine nature and the fulfillment of God's promises? [15:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' resurrection. How does this strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's word and His promises? [01:04]
2. Consider the unique nature of Jesus' resurrection. How does understanding His incorruptibility impact your view of His divinity and your personal faith journey? [15:42]
3. Paul speaks of justification by faith alone. How does this doctrine influence your daily life and your understanding of salvation? Are there areas where you still rely on works rather than faith? [20:24]
4. The sermon discusses the tragedy of Jesus' rejection. How can you ensure that you are open to recognizing and accepting God's revelation in your life? [08:09]
5. The essence of the gospel is the glad tidings of Jesus' resurrection and the forgiveness of sins. How can you actively share this message of hope with others in your community? [09:29]
6. Reflect on the pastor's story about his Jewish friends and their devotion to the Scriptures. How can you engage in meaningful conversations with those of different faiths about the identity of Jesus? [05:44]
7. The sermon calls believers to remember Jesus' sacrifice. What practical steps can you take to keep the significance of His death and resurrection at the forefront of your life? [22:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a profound testament to the fulfillment of God's promises, particularly those made to David. In Acts 13, Paul emphasizes that Jesus is the descendant who would reign forever, as foretold in the Old Testament. This fulfillment is not just a historical fact but a divine declaration of Jesus as the Son of God. It affirms the reliability of God's word and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing believers with the assurance that God's word is true and His promises are sure. [01:04]
Psalm 89:3-4 (ESV): "You have said, 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.'"
Reflection: How does the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus encourage you to trust in His promises for your life today?
Day 2: The Unique Nature of Jesus' Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is unique because His body did not undergo decay, unlike others who were raised from the dead. This incorruptibility signifies His sinlessness and divine nature, setting Him apart as the Holy One of God. It is a testament to His moral purity and the fulfillment of God's promise that His Holy One would not see corruption. This unique resurrection is a powerful declaration of Jesus' victory over death and His divine identity, offering believers hope in the promise of eternal life. [15:42]
Acts 2:31 (ESV): "He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption."
Reflection: In what ways does the uniqueness of Jesus' resurrection impact your understanding of His divine nature and your own hope in eternal life?
Day 3: Justification by Faith Alone
Paul's message in Acts 13 emphasizes that through Jesus, everyone who believes is justified from all things that the law of Moses could not justify. This doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance that salvation is secured not by works but by the righteousness of Christ. It is a call to trust in the finished work of Christ for salvation, freeing believers from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through their own efforts. [20:24]
Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."
Reflection: How does the understanding of justification by faith alone change the way you approach your relationship with God and your daily life?
Day 4: The Tragedy of Rejection
The rejection of Jesus by His own people is one of the great tragedies of human history. Despite their devotion to the Scriptures, they fulfilled the very prophecies they read by condemning the Son of God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of recognizing and accepting God's revelation. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and ensure they are not missing God's work in their lives due to preconceived notions or hardened hearts. [08:09]
John 1:11 (ESV): "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you might be rejecting God's revelation or work? How can you open your heart to recognize and accept His presence and guidance?
Day 5: The Essence of the Gospel
The essence of the gospel is the glad tidings of Jesus' resurrection and the forgiveness of sins. This message is a call to faith, inviting all to trust in the finished work of Christ for their salvation, as it is the only hope for humanity. The gospel is not just a message of historical events but a living invitation to experience the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection and the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life. [09:29]
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."
Reflection: How can you actively share the essence of the gospel with someone in your life this week, and what steps can you take to live out its transformative power daily?
Quotes
"Men and brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. And when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead." [00:19:04]
"And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.' And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: 'I will give you the sure mercies of David.' Therefore, He also says in another Psalm: 'You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.'" [00:72:00]
"Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." [00:128:04]
"Paul takes a sacred vow before God about that his love for his kinsman according to the flesh, Israel, was so deep and so great that he was willing, if possible, to exchange his own salvation that they might be saved. And Jesus commanded the church to go to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. And remember our Lord weeping over Jerusalem, and how the Lord came to His own, but His own received Him not. Beloved, that's one of the great tragedies of human history." [00:447:64]
"Do you hear what he's saying? Your friends in Jerusalem, the people who never miss coming into the temple on the Sabbath day, who love the study of the Torah, who search the Scripture, week after week after week, fulfilled the very Scriptures they were reading by condemning the Son of God." [00:518:72]
"And He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. And we declare to you, glad tidings." that is the gospel, "that promise which was made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm." [00:564:52]
"Paul gets their attention. He says, 'Look at David. Listen to David. Pay attention to the Psalms because those things that David said by the Holy Ghost have now come to pass.' Do you remember what significant thing happened in the year 1004 A.D., 1004? Does that date ring a bell with you? Me neither. I don't remember anything that happened of any significance on the date 1004." [00:642:48]
"And Paul says to his Jewish friends, 'Did you hear that? You didn't kiss the Son; you killed the Son. But God declared Him as His only begotten.' This is fascinating because what Paul does here is he doesn't go back to the days of Jesus' baptism where the heavens opened and the voice comes from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased,' or to the mountain where again, the voice comes from heaven where God said, 'This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.'" [00:844:92]
"Now in the Bible, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, we have narrative records of people being raised from the dead, but every one of those persons subsequently died and was buried, and their bodies decomposed in the ground. Just yesterday, Vesta had me watching one of her favorite television channels, the Archaeology Channel or the History Channel or something like that." [00:942:92]
"But what Paul is saying here is in fulfillment of the prophecy of David that unlike anybody else who was ever raised, when Jesus was raised from the dead, there was no return to death. And, in fact, in the time that Jesus spent in that tomb, from the end of His life on Calvary's Hill, there was not the slightest bit of decomposition in His body. His flesh was as secure and as solid on the day of resurrection as it was on the day they buried Him." [00:1097:16]
"And Paul said, 'This Jesus, God has raised from the dead. And we saw Him and He appeared to all these people, and we are declaring Him today to you. We are declaring to you the gospel that with this triumph over death, comes the forgiveness of sins, the forgiveness of your corruption. For everyone who puts their trust in Him…' Now, Paul always, as he always teaches in the proclamation of the gospel, he always includes within it the doctrine of justification by faith alone, 'If you put your trust in this One whom God has raised, all of your sins are forgiven that cannot be forgiven through the law of Moses.'" [00:1184:92]
"My only hope is in the righteousness of somebody else. And I cleave to that because this is the heart and soul of the Christian faith, because the Bible said by the works of the flesh, shall no flesh be justified. You just can't make it that way. The only way that we can make it is through the only begotten Son of God whose perfect life and perfect death are vindicated by divine resurrection and the promise of forgiveness for all of our sins." [00:1311:24]
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