Transformative Power of Encountering the Risen Christ
Summary
In today's message, I explored the profound transformation that occurs when we encounter the risen Christ. I began by reflecting on the disciples' experience on the evening of the resurrection, as described in John chapter 20. They were locked away in fear, but Jesus entered their midst, bringing peace and a mission. His presence, words, wounds, mission, and Spirit calmed their troubled hearts and empowered them for the work ahead.
I emphasized that Jesus' presence is a source of peace that transcends our circumstances. His words, "Peace be with you," were not just a greeting but a declaration of wholeness and well-being that only God can provide. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ in the midst of our storms.
The wounds of Christ were also a significant focus. They confirmed His identity and the reality of His sacrifice, reassuring us that our salvation is not based on our works but on His finished work on the cross. His wounds are a testament to His victory over death and a promise of our ultimate redemption.
I then turned our attention to the mission Jesus gave His disciples, and by extension, to us. As the Father sent Him, so He sends us with a mission that grants us spiritual authority and purpose. This mission is not hindered by earthly powers because, in Christ, we have a form of 'diplomatic immunity' from the enemy's claims over our lives.
Finally, I spoke of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus breathed upon the disciples, empowering them to live out their calling. This act linked Jesus to the creation narrative, positioning Him as the second Adam—perfect, sinless, and victorious.
Throughout the message, I encouraged the congregation to consider what has them 'locked up' and to invite Jesus into those areas. His presence can transform us, even if our circumstances remain unchanged. We can walk in victory and purpose, knowing that Jesus is greater than any bondage or fear we face.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' presence brings peace that is not dependent on the absence of trouble but is a state of wholeness that comes from God. This peace should influence every aspect of our lives, prompting us to detox from the world's influences and stressors. [01:14:03]
- The wounds of Christ are a powerful assurance of our salvation. They remind us that our redemption is secured not by our actions but by His sacrifice. This truth should fill us with joy and confidence, knowing that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with Him. [01:19:24]
- Our mission as followers of Christ is to carry His authority and purpose into the world. We are sent with 'diplomatic immunity' from the enemy's claims, enabling us to walk in freedom and power as we fulfill our God-given calling. [01:22:03]
- The Holy Spirit's indwelling is a transformative gift that changes us from the inside out. As Jesus breathed on His disciples, so He offers us His Spirit, equipping us to overcome and to be agents of change in our world. [01:24:10]
- No matter what binds or locks us up, Jesus is greater. He can enter our situations, breathe new life into us, and change us even if our circumstances remain the same. This truth should embolden us to live in the freedom and victory He provides. [01:27:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 20:19-22 (NIV)
> "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' And with that he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
2. Genesis 2:7 (NIV)
> "Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
3. Nehemiah 4:10 (NIV)
> "Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, 'The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples' initial reactions when Jesus appeared to them in John 20:19-22? How did their emotions change after seeing Jesus and hearing His words? [49:34]
2. In Genesis 2:7, what significant act did God perform to give life to Adam? How does this relate to Jesus breathing on His disciples in John 20:22? [24:50]
3. According to Nehemiah 4:10, what challenges did the people face during the rebuilding of the wall? How does this reflect the struggles we face in our spiritual journeys? [55:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' greeting of "Peace be with you" in John 20:19-21 differ from a typical greeting? What deeper meaning does it convey about the peace Jesus offers? [49:34]
2. What is the significance of Jesus showing His wounds to the disciples in John 20:20? How do these wounds serve as a testament to His identity and sacrifice? [50:15]
3. In what ways does the act of Jesus breathing on His disciples in John 20:22 connect to the creation narrative in Genesis 2:7? What does this imply about Jesus' role as the second Adam? [24:50]
4. How does the concept of "diplomatic immunity" in the sermon relate to the mission Jesus gave His disciples in John 20:21? What does this mean for believers today? [22:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt "locked up" by fear or anxiety. How can you invite Jesus into that situation to bring His peace and transformation? [49:34]
2. Jesus' wounds are a powerful reminder of His sacrifice. How does this truth impact your understanding of salvation and your daily walk with Christ? [50:15]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of detoxing from the world's influences and stressors. What specific steps can you take this week to reduce stress and focus more on God's peace? [14:03]
4. Consider the mission Jesus has given you as His follower. How can you live out this mission with the understanding that you have spiritual authority and purpose? [22:03]
5. The Holy Spirit's indwelling is transformative. In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance? How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? [24:10]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel "locked up" or bound. What practical steps can you take to allow Jesus to enter that area and bring freedom and victory? [27:06]
7. Reflect on the concept of Jesus being greater than any bondage or fear. How can this truth embolden you to live more courageously and purposefully in your faith? [52:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Peace Beyond Circumstance
In the midst of life's storms, it is easy to seek peace through the calming of external chaos. However, true peace—the peace that Jesus offers—is not contingent upon serene surroundings or the absence of conflict. It is a divine wholeness that permeates the believer's life, regardless of the tumult that may rage on the outside. This peace is a gift from God, a declaration of well-being that stands firm even when the world shakes. It is a peace that calls for a conscious detachment from the stressors and influences that the world imposes, urging believers to find their rest in the presence of Christ.
The peace of Christ is transformative, affecting every aspect of one's life. It is not a temporary reprieve but a permanent state of being that should guide interactions, decisions, and thoughts. It is an invitation to live differently, to approach life's challenges with a calm that confounds the world and testifies to the power of the risen Christ within. [07:40]
"May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." - 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Reflection: How can you cultivate a practice of inviting Christ's peace into your daily challenges, and what might that look like practically in your routine?
Day 2: Assurance in Christ's Wounds
The wounds of Christ serve as a profound assurance of salvation, a reminder that redemption is not a result of human effort but a gift from the sacrifice of Jesus. These wounds, visible to the disciples after His resurrection, are a testament to the reality of His suffering and the depth of His love. They are the scars of victory, evidence that death has been conquered and that believers have a hope that extends beyond the grave. The wounds of Christ invite believers to live joyfully and confidently, knowing that their future is secure in the hands of the one who overcame the grave.
This assurance should fill one's heart with gratitude and embolden faith, allowing believers to face the uncertainty of life and even death with a steadfast hope. The wounds of Christ are not just historical facts; they are present-day promises that every believer's redemption has been paid in full, and eternal life with Him awaits. [19:24]
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5
Reflection: In what ways can the assurance of salvation, symbolized by Christ's wounds, change your perspective on current struggles or fears?
Day 3: Empowered with a Mission
The mission given by Jesus to His disciples is not a relic of the past but a living mandate for all believers. This mission carries with it the authority of Christ, an authority that transcends earthly powers and principalities. Believers are sent into the world as ambassadors of the Kingdom, equipped with a 'diplomatic immunity' that nullifies the enemy's claims. This mission is a call to action, a purpose that gives life direction and meaning. It is an invitation to participate in the divine narrative, to be a part of God's transformative work on earth.
This divine mission is not hindered by personal inadequacies or external opposition. Instead, it is empowered by the very Spirit of God, enabling believers to walk in freedom and power. The mission is a reminder that each believer has a role to play, a unique contribution to the unfolding story of God's redemptive plan. [22:03]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'" - Matthew 28:18-19
Reflection: What is one way you can step into your God-given mission this week, and how can you rely on Christ's authority to do so?
Day 4: Transformed by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit's indwelling is a transformative power that enables believers to live out their calling. Just as Jesus breathed on His disciples, imparting the Spirit to them, He offers the same Spirit to all who follow Him. This act of breathing upon the disciples links Jesus to the creation narrative, marking Him as the source of new life. The Spirit is the believer's helper, comforter, and guide, equipping them to overcome challenges and to be agents of change in the world.
The indwelling of the Spirit is not a passive experience; it is an active engagement with the divine. It is a daily renewal, a constant filling that changes believers from the inside out. The Spirit empowers one to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, to embody the values of the Kingdom in a world that often stands in opposition. [24:10]
"And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord." - Isaiah 11:2
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life, and what might need to change for you to follow His guidance more closely?
Day 5: Victory Over Bondage
No matter what binds or causes fear, the power of Jesus is greater. He is able to enter into any situation, breathe new life, and bring about transformation. This truth is not just a theological concept but a practical reality. Believers can live in the freedom and victory that Jesus provides, even if their external circumstances remain unchanged. The presence of Christ is a liberating force, breaking the chains of bondage and fear that seek to hold one captive.
This victory is not dependent on one's strength or ability to change; it is entirely the work of Jesus. It is an invitation to trust in His power to transform and to walk in the freedom He has won. The risen Christ is the key to unlocking the areas of life that seem impenetrable, offering hope and a future that is not defined by past failures or present difficulties. [27:06]
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you feel 'locked up.' How can you invite Jesus into this area today, and what steps can you take to walk in the freedom He offers?
Quotes
"Jesus is our Prince of Peace, he doesn't redistribute peace, no, but he is our peace. He doesn't come with a bushel basket of it and say, 'Marty, you need this amount today, Andrew, you need a little bit right here.' No, when he comes into the midst of the situation, he brings his presence, and his presence speaks peace over our life." [01:06:33]
"Jesus said in this world you will have troubles. So then what are we talking about peace? It's not that Jesus comes in to change our situations and our circumstances, he changes us. That yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'm not afraid. I will fear no evil, why? Because his presence is with me." [01:07:57]
"His wounds prove to us that our Salvation is not based on what we do, you can't earn it, you're not good enough to do that. Jesus keeps his wounds on the spotlight to assure them, listen to me, he's in a room full of disciples who have turned their back on him and were afraid, and he says look at my hands and look at my feet and look at my side." [01:18:48]
"Jesus is greater than any bondage that you may have in your life. Let's say that again, Jesus is greater than any hang up, any habit, any disbelief, any doubt, any bondage that you may have in your life. Jesus is greater, he is greater, he is greater, amen." [01:52:15]
"Jesus attached the wording here to Genesis 2 and 7 and he reveals to us that Jesus Christ is the second Adam. The first Adam failed in the garden, but here in John 20 at the resurrection, we find Adam 2.0, the new version, and this Adam is so much greater." [01:25:32]
"He may not change your situation, but I can promise you this, he'll change you in the midst of it. He'll change you, he'll change you, he'll change you, and I can give you this on the authority of the word of the Living God, you'll never be the same in Jesus' name." [01:28:28]
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