The Paradox of Easter - Part 2

Good Morning & Welcome to New Hope!

We’re in a 2 part series this Easter season called The Paradox of Easter and last week we talked about the idea that The Power of the Resurrection is found in the Crucifixion. There is no experiencing the resurrection power without going through the pain and suffering of the cross. We looked at the words Paul wrote to the churches in Philippi - I want to know Christ and experience the might power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! ~Phil 3:10-11

We watched a brief video by Lee Stroble that outlined compelling reasons for the risen Savior;

Jesus was dead (no evidence of anyone surviving a crucifixion)

Early accounts of the eyewitness accounts

Empty tomb

Eyewitness accounts of the resurrected Jesus

If in fact the resurrection is true… I believe it points us to something extremely significant. And it’s found in another letter written to one of the early churches. The Apostle Paul, who wrote a letter to the churches at Philippi, also wrote to the churches at Galatia. And towards the end of this letter he wrote the following words that seem to summarize what Jesus did for us through the resurrection. Chapter 5; verse 1 says, So Christ has truly set us Free. It’s what he did for us when he rose from the grave.

It’s what he did for us when he rose from the grave.

He set us free

Freedom - The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint; the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

13For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.

~ Freedom is found in Jesus

In Jesus we have been set free from the penalty of sin and death

Wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus

What we deserve; what we earned; what were worthy of before Jesus was punishment and death.

In Jesus we have been set free from the power over sin in our lives

If Jesus would say, go and sin no more… is it possible? We have been set free from the grips of sin that keep us shackled in chains. We don’t have to accept it.

Receive your forgiveness and grace, but do not continue to live that way - go and sin no more. Oh, you messed up again - confess, repent - turn from your sinful ways and sin no more.

No longer slaves to the addictions that hold us back; no longer slaves to toxic attitudes; no longer slaves to fits of rage; no longer slaves to sinful pride; no longer slaves to the fear of what could be. We have been set free.

But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature

~ Freedom is not a free ticket

This freedom is not an unrestrained licence to do whatever feels right

To some, freedom might mean freedom to do whatever one wishes to do - whatever feels right, whatever seems right; whatever is popular; whatever will get the most likes; whatever makes me happy. Some might say that freedom is pleasure, happiness, liberty to do what you feel like doing today.

says, Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

“To satisfy” Greek word is a military term like “base camp”. It’s the place from which you launch offensives. It’s the place where the troops gather together and make plans, get prepared, and rally together to move forward.

Verse 16 says, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives.

We are called to live by the power of the spirit, not the power of self

Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Here’s the paradox)

~ Freedom is found in serving

For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves...

Our call to freedom is oneness in Christ, to not pursue satisfying our sinful nature, & to serve one another in love.

We are all slaves to something - We are slaves to what we obey or follow

We are all slaves to something - We are slaves to what we obey or follow

What is it that enslaves you? Money, work, sports, Netflix, social media, technology, fear,

We are slaves to who or what we obey/follow.

Legal bondage to the Law

In our freedom, we should become slaves to one another

John Chrysostom says, “Be obedient to love in the most radical sense - by being slaves to one another in love.”

Unrestrained licence to do whatever feels right

True freedom means a willingness to become a slave to Jesus & ultimately a slave to one another

In our freedom, we should become slaves to one another

Serving others… It’s what Jesus came to do.

Where are you serving - inside and outside these walls? The Kingdom needs you. The Church needs you. New Hope needs you. Those who have yet to be introduced to Jesus need you. (Nursery, Children’s areas, greeters, ushers, Cafe,

We are working on a volunteer orientation in early June to help connect you with volunteer opportunities. Look for more information to be coming out soon.

Offertory

Church conference @ 6pm

CAFE moving to the foyer next Sunday

Tiffany will speak

Wyatt video

Tiffany close

How has someone served you?

How has that made you feel?

Romans 6:15 NLT

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

1 Corinthians 9:19 NLT

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:17 NLT

You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.

1 Corinthians 8:9 NLT

But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.

1 Peter 2:16 NLT

For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.