Living Hope (2)

Living Hope

by Phil Wickham.

How great the chasm that lay between us How high the mountain I could not climb In desperation, I turned to heaven And spoke Your name into the night Then through the darkness, Your loving-kindness Tore through the shadows of my soul The work is finished, the end is written Jesus Christ, my living hope Who could imagine so great a mercy? What heart could fathom such boundless grace? The God of ages stepped down from glory To wear my sin and bear my shame The cross has spoken, I am forgiven The King of kings calls me His own Beautiful Saviour, I'm Yours forever Jesus Christ, my living hope Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There's salvation in Your name Jesus Christ, my living hope Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There's salvation in Your name Jesus Christ, my living hope Then came the morning that sealed the promise Your buried body began to breathe Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion Declared the grave has no claim on me Then came the morning that sealed the promise Your buried body began to breathe Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion Declared the grave has no claim on me Jesus, Yours is the victory, whoa! Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There's salvation in Your name Jesus Christ, my living hope Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There's salvation in Your name Jesus Christ, my living hope Jesus Christ, my living hope Oh God, You are my living hope

Risen with Hope: The Power of Resurrection

Summary: This sermon explores the themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and atonement, emphasizing how these elements converge to offer believers a living hope, as expressed in Phil Wickham's song "Living Hope."

Application: This message aims to encourage Christians to recognize the transformative power of the resurrection and to find strength and hope in the face of life's challenges and struggles, reinforcing their faith and trust in God's plan.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that through Christ's resurrection, believers receive both forgiveness for their sins and a hope that transcends earthly troubles, assuring them of eternal life and a vibrant relationship with God.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the grand narrative of Scripture, Christ is the ultimate sacrificial lamb whose resurrection signifies the defeat of sin and death, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies about atonement and establishing a way for believers to experience new life.

Big Idea: True hope is found in the resurrection of Christ, which not only assures us of our salvation but empowers us to overcome our struggles with the assurance of God's love and grace.

Recommended Study: Consider using your Logos library to delve deeper into the theological implications of resurrection in both the Old and New Testaments, such as comparing Isaiah's prophecies with New Testament fulfillment. Additionally, explore doctrines of atonement and the various views on resurrection, which could provide nuanced insights for your audience.

1. Praise for Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3-5

You could begin with Peter's praise for God's mercy, which has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. Highlight how this passage encapsulates the core of the sermon: our living hope is anchored in the resurrection. Emphasize the transformative power of salvation and the security of an inheritance that is imperishable. This section can help believers appreciate the magnitude of divine mercy and explore how it empowers them to face trials with assurance in eternal promises.

2. Promise of Life Renewed

Romans 8:10-11

Maybe explore how Paul conveys the Spirit's role in bringing life to our mortal bodies through Christ's resurrection. Dive into the assurance this offers, as believers are not only forgiven but indwelt by the Spirit, resulting in a transformed existence. This shift from death to life exemplifies the hope that the resurrection provides, enabling Christians to conquer challenges knowing they are spiritually alive in Christ. You could encourage the congregation to reflect on the power residing within them to navigate life's storms.

3. Proclamation of Victory

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Perhaps focus on the victory proclaimed over death, sin, and the law through Jesus' resurrection. Paul’s triumphant declaration can be used to inspire confidence among believers in God's redemptive plan. Here, the resurrection serves as both a historical event and a present, active force that equips Christians to live victoriously. Discuss how this victory motivates a hope-filled life, empowering believers to live boldly, knowing death has been swallowed up in victory, hence reinforcing their courage and faith.

4. Perspective of New Priorities

Colossians 3:1-4

Consider exploring how being raised with Christ influences believers to seek heavenly things and set their minds on what lies above. The metaphorical resurrection is not just positional but practical, urging a lifestyle shift. This aspect of resurrection reminds Christians to live as those who are hidden with Christ in God, prioritizing kingdom values despite earthly struggles. You might suggest that this passage challenges individuals to reorient their daily lives around the eternal hope they have in Christ.