2008-03-30_He Has Risen - Part 2_various_SL
He Has Risen, Part 2
Various | Shaun LePage | March 30, 2008
He Has Risen, Part 2
Various | Shaun LePage | March 30, 2008
I. Introduction
A. Remember first time I saw a dead person—first funeral I remember. Teenage girl; not sure how she died; open casket; eye level, could have touched her; stared—expecting her to open her eyes. Watched family, wished someone would come and wake her up.
B. Some say that’s it—we cease to exist. There’s nothing beyond the grave. Other religions teach continuation of personality in an afterlife, often in some other world like ours
C. The Bible tells us something very different—resurrection. Belief that the soul will be reunited with the body (that’s resurrection) is unique to Bible; Survey: Job, Ps, Is, Ez all reveal the concept; ex: Dan 12:2; Mt 22:23-33
D. If wishful thinking, no resurrection, then 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
E. But, Apostles taught it (last week, Mt 28; Acts sermons); Paul: “first importance”; historically proven (see McDowell/Morrison, etc.)—lots written on subject; another time
II. Body—Because the resurrection is true…
A. We can believe in the person of Christ. 1) His predictions are true Mt 16:21, 20:19 amazing! Several times—trustworthy! 2) Proves He is Son of God Ac 17:30-31; Rom 1:1-4
B. We can trust in the Cross of Christ. Ro 4:25, 5:9-10; 1 Cor 15:17—proof that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf, that’s justification—because He rose, we can trust the Cross.
C. We can enjoy the present ministry of Christ. Rom 8:34 intercedes; Mediator 1 Tim 2:5
D. We can rely on the Scriptures. 1) prophets said it would happen Ps 16:10; Ac 2:31; (Paul also in 13); Lu 24:44-47; 2) Apostles were witnesses Ac 1:8,21-22; 1 Cor 15:14,15; resurrection proves them reliable witnesses, so teaching is trustworthy
E. We can have forgiveness of sin. 1 Cor 15:14,17—Those who believe are not still dead in sin; Eph 2:1-7—no longer “dead in our transgressions and sins…made alive!”
F. We can have freedom over sin. Ro 6:1—Some reasoned since grace increases “all the more” when sin abounds (5:20), believers ought to sin more so experience more grace! We’re more subtle: “I can just sin and ask forgiveness later.” “May it never be!” In no way is the abundance of God’s grace designed to encourage sin. Paul’s answer: We’ve died to sin! (Symbolism of baptism) We’re free from the power of sin, not the presence of sin yet; Why? “(4) newness of life…(5) likeness of His resurrection…(6) no longer slaves to sin” That’s freedom! Again: Not from power, not presence; How does this happen? Two key words: (11) “consider” think correctly—“dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (renewing of our minds, 12:2); (13) “present…yourselves to God” How? “…as those alive from the dead”!! You and I have been set free from the power of sin; brought to life—we need to understand that and live accordingly! Tremendous gratitude (Rom 12:1); life-long pursuit of knowing (experientially) all that this means: Phil 3:7-16 “power of resurrection” Heb 13:20-21—same power of resurrection is available to “equip us; Eph 1:18-21
G. We can have assurance of our own resurrection. Php 3:21; 1 Jn 3:2; not to be pitied 1 Cor 15:19—we will rise or be changed 1 Cor 15:22-23 (“first fruits” OT idea—here preliminary installment; example and guarantee of more); 42-44 “imperishable/spiritual”
H. We can know that our loved ones (in Christ) are with the Lord. 1Cor 15:18; 2Cor 5:6-8
III. Closing:
A. I love John 11—imagine (Jesus did what I wished at the first funeral I went to)
B. Jesus rocked a few funerals (didn’t raise everybody yet) to make a point: 11:25-26; He is the resurrection and the life—“do you believe this?” Eph 2:6 “in Christ”?
C. (Review points if time)
D. Closing Prayer…
