Easter: The Risen and Reigning King

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review: BACKGROUND: Isaiah’s vision of a coming King and a victorious Savior is fully realized not just in Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem—but in His resurrection.

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: The Reign Of Our Risen King

Embrace the transformational power of acknowledging Christ as our risen and reigning King in every aspect of life.

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

A young girl once asked her dad why he seemed so relaxed even during stressful times. He smiled and said, 'I often imagine life is like a game of chess. While I can’t see all the moves ahead, I trust that my King has the game plan figured out.' This light-hearted perspective reminds us to trust in Christ, the ultimate King, who leads us to victory in every situation, filling our lives with purpose and hope.

Opening Scripture:

The Reign of Our Risen King

1. He Was Crucified as the Sacrificial King

Isaiah 53:10–11 “10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.”

FOCUS: Jesus’ Atoning Death

PICTURE: The Altar/Cross - where the Lamb was offered.

The prophecy doesn’t end in death—”He shall prolong His days.”

The “offspring” He sees? That’s us—those who believe because of His sacrifice.

DISTINCTION: Jesus willingly suffered and died, not as a tragic figure, but as the chosen Messiah—the Suffering Servant who would rise again.

2. From Sacrificial King to Supreme Reign

Hebrews 1:1–4 “1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”

VIDEO: He Is Risen

FOCUS: Jesus’ Exalted Position

PICTURE: The throne - where the King is seated

His exaltation to the right hand of the Majesty in heaven brings a deep assurance of His authority and active reign over creation.

“To reign means to be the one in charge—not just in name, but in reality. When Jesus reigns, He leads, loves, protects, judges, and restores everything under His care.”

Jesus doesn’t just influence parts of our lives—He has the right to lead every part, because He holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

DISTINCTION: After rising, Jesus ascended and now reigns with full authority. He is not just worthy of worship, He is ruling in power.

3. From Sacrificial King to Cosmic King and Reconciler

Colossians 1:15–20 “15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

The cosmic scope of Christ's reign.

FOCUS: Jesus’ ongoing mission

PICTURE: The Mosaic - shattered but being restored.

His role in creation and reconciliation stresses that His kingship encompasses all things, visible and invisible.

Hope Christians have in His power to renew and restore (Ac. 3:21), motivating us to live in alignment with His purposes, even amidst chaos.

Elevates Jesus above all earthly powers and principalities, affirming the totality of His victory and rule.

DISTINCTION: Christ’s reign isn’t just over heaven—it touches all creation. He is actively reconciling broken things and making peace through His blood.

4. From Sacrificial King to Certain Victory

1 Corinthians 15:20–28 “20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

FOCUS: The continued unfolding of Christ's reign, as He subdues all powers and orchestrates the resurrection of the dead.

PICTURE: The Crown of Triumph (Rev. 14:4)

Now and Not Yet, Now and Becoming…His current authority and the future culmination of His kingdom.

We are to anticipate the complete fulfillment of His victory, which emboldens us to persevere in faith.

We know that all enemies, including death, will ultimately be defeated, which strengthens our resolve to stand firm despite suffering or doubt.

DISTINCTION: His reign will culminate in total victory—over sin, death, and every power. We live in the tension of the now and not yet, with hope rooted in what’s coming.

During a game of soccer, a young player scored a goal, and his teammates erupted in joy, lifting him onto their shoulders. In a similar way, Christ’s resurrection celebrates our ultimate victory! When we acknowledge Him as our King, we join in the celebration of life and purpose that comes with it—each day a chance to play in His team, encouraged by His winning spirit.

Conclusion/Reflection:

Application: Understanding Christ as the Risen and Reigning King encourages us to live in the light of His VICTORY, bringing hope and purpose to OUR lives. How…

THE ALTAR/CROSS: BELIEVE in His finished work; your sin has been paid in full.

THE THRONE: SUBMIT to His leadership in every area of your life.

THE MOSAIC: TRUST Him to restore what’s broken—in the world and in you.

THE CROWN: PERSEVERE in hope, knowing the end of the story is secure.

The battle has been fought. The Lamb has been slain.

But the King is not dead—He’s risen, reigning, and restoring all things.

From that throne, He rules with scars still visible—reminding us that His power flows from His sacrifice.

And from that throne, He is still at work—defeating darkness, restoring the broken, and drawing all people to Himself.

So what does it look like to embrace the reign of our risen King? It looks like worship when life is hard. It looks like obedience when no one is watching. It looks like peace when the world feels chaotic. It looks like hope when death tries to speak the last word. He is not only risen—He reigns. Let that truth guide your Monday as much as it fills your Sunday.

Talk It Over

What does the sermon say about the cosmic scope of Christ’s reign?

How can you cultivate Christ-like character in your relationships?

What challenges might you face when trying to live under the authority of Christ in your life?

OPTIONAL:

Cultivating Christ-like Character: Intentionally work on developing love that looks like patience, kindness, humility, and integrity in your personal life. The internal transformation from allowing Christ to reign inside of you will naturally radiate outward.

Engaging Authentically with Others: Build genuine relationships with people in your community, workplaces, and homes. Show genuine care and interest in their lives, creating opportunities to model Christ's sacrificial love.

Speaking and Acting with Integrity: Be a person of your word and stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult.