A Holy Life in Light of the Resurrection

Luke 24:1–12 ESV

1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Theme: Because Jesus is risen, we are called to live in the power, purity, and purpose of the resurrection.

Introduction:

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event to be remembered; it is a present reality that transforms how we live. The women came to the tomb expecting death, but they encountered life. In the same way, we are called to live not as those still in the grave, but as those raised with Christ. A holy life is the natural response to resurrection power.

1. Live in the Power of the Resurrection (vs. 1–6a)

Ephesians 1:19–20 ESV

19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (v. 5b-6a)

The women brought spices expecting to preserve a dead body—but Jesus had conquered death.

Holiness is not about preserving old religion or moral effort, but living by the power of the risen Christ (Rom. 6:4).

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now works in us through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:19–20).

A holy life starts with surrendering our weakness and receiving His strength daily.

Application: Stop living in the shadows of defeat. Embrace resurrection power to walk in freedom and victory.

2. Live in the Purity of the Resurrection (vs. 6b–8)

1 Peter 1:15–16 ESV

15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

“Remember how he told you... that the Son of Man must be delivered... and on the third day be raised again.”

Jesus had foretold both His suffering and resurrection. His purity was displayed not only in His death but in His obedience to the Father’s will.

A holy life reflects this purity—not just outward morality but inward transformation (1 Peter 1:15–16).

Purity comes from remembering His Word and living in alignment with it.

The women "remembered His words"—that memory became the foundation for their faith.

Application: A holy life is not accidental—it is shaped by remembering and living in God's Word.

3. Live in the Purpose of the Resurrection (vs. 9–12)

Acts 4:20 ESV

20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

“When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things…” (v. 9)

The women became the first evangelists of the resurrection because resurrection calls us to witness.

A holy life is a missional life—telling others what we have seen and heard (Acts 4:20).

Though the disciples were slow to believe, Peter ran to the tomb. Holy living compels us to pursue truth and share it.

The resurrection shifts us from silent spectators to bold proclaimers.

Application: If Jesus is truly risen, we cannot keep it to ourselves. Holiness includes proclaiming His life.

Conclusion:

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. We no longer live as those stuck in the past, trapped in sin, or consumed by fear. Instead, we live a holy life empowered by resurrection power, purified by obedience to the Word, and sent out with purpose to proclaim the risen Lord.

Closing Exhortation: “Because He lives, we live differently. Let the empty tomb be the beginning of a holy life.”

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