Second Sunday of Easter (2023)
Notes
Transcript
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead brought to an end the power of our common enemies — sin, death, and the devil. Life for the people of God should be pleasant, a mere step away from heaven. The victory is complete, and it is ours. But it seems like the battle continues to rage in the form of tests that God allows to come our way. Such things may being doubt into our lives.
Why did this happen to me? How could God let my loved one die? When will this sickness stop? Grief and sorrow raise doubts about God’s love and God plan for our lives? Peter, however, point us to the resurrection as proof of the living hope we have regardless of our outward circumstances. We may doubt when trials come our way, but the trial itself proves the genuineness of our faith. Faith clings to our Savior whom we have not seen, but love. This Savior gives us the inexpressible joy of proof and peace even in the face of doubt.
We must not feel cheated that trials come to us — though they can frustrated us — but we can be comforted and strengthened, purified and even delighted with them because through Christ we stand the test.
YOUR LIFE IN THE RISEN CHRIST IS BEING TESTED
Life in the Risen Christ is a Gift of God
Life in the Risen Christ is a Gift of God
God raised Jesus from the dead.
The Gospel for today continues to proclaim the joyous, astounding resurrection of Jesus.
Through this our enemies have been defeated for us by Christ—(death)
who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
“A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
He give us a new life of hope.
God mercifully connects us to Christ by giving us new birth.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
This new birth qualifies us for an indestructible, undefiled, unfading inheritance in heaven 1 Peter 1:4
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
This fact fill us with unspeakable joy through believing. We get what we are looking for by faith 1 Peter 1:8-9
The Tests in this New Life Can be Severe
The Tests in this New Life Can be Severe
Every Christian has them.
The people to whom Peter wrote were scattered because of severe persecution. They suffered the burdens of refugees along with continual attacks on their faith (1 Peter 1:6)
Today Christians suffer the same age-old trails; only the details are different. —Examples of what we are currently deal with to pull us away from Christ.
The purpose of these texts is to strengthen and purify (1 Peter 1:7)
We do, to be sure, deserve punishment for the ever-present sins for which we should and do repent. But forgiven people are not punished to “pay for sin.”
As we exercise our faith during tests, we strengthen our spiritual muscles.
Tests also burn away impurities. In times of stress we learn what is valuable and what is not. (1 Peter 1:7).
These tests are temporary (1 Peter 1:6)
Many trials that people have do not last all their lives.
God mercifully sets boundaries on the length and severity of trials — e.g. Job.
The New Life in the Resurrected Christ Stands the Test
The New Life in the Resurrected Christ Stands the Test
We are protected by God’s power.
The same power that raised Jesus from the death protects believers.
This protection is given during the fight to guard us from losing our grip on Christ. We are not kept out of the trial; we are in it — yet safe. To be beaten by adversity means that we have deliberately done something that allows us to be overcome — like we have deliberately chosen to do something that God has already said “NO” to.
We will receive commendation when Christ comes again (1 Peter 1:7)
Christ will praise and honor us on the Last Day because we endured through His gifts. That is His will.
We will accept His praise because He wants us to have it. His praise of us complements His mercy toward us.
Until then, our lives are filled with joy despite the tests.
So many feel there can be no joy until they die and go to heaven.
We have joy now. It is the quality of mind and heart that is certain of victory, no matter how dark the days.
We do not strive for joy. We are already filled with it by God as He gives us life in the risen Christ.
Our life in the risen Christ is being tested. The world hates Christ, as Jesus said will be the case. And the tests we endure only show us to whom we belong. We belong to Christ Jesus, who has given us absolutely peace with God. Tests come to cause doubt and ultimately unbelief. So cling to Christ. Remember who you are.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.