Sermon Notes
Key Thought: The resurrection of Christ is the whole point behind Easter. It’s also the cornerstone of Christianity. But this event means more than a free ride to heaven. According to the Apostle Paul, the power manifested in the Resurrection of Christ is the same power operating on the inside of us. But like any kind of power, we need to understand how it works. Paul uses some clear language to help us connect with this power in our everyday lives.
Key Question: Does this Easter story make any difference?
Main Point: We have access to resurrection power – Romans 8:10-11
- Life, ζωή
- NLT- “… strength and vitality…”
- Wuest Translation- “…make alive…”
- Amplified- “…restore to life…”
- ESV- “…give life…”
Paul further defines this power (or Spirit life) in the following ways:
- “…but if Christ is in you…”
- this power is conditional
- “…even though your body is subject to death because of sin…”
- this power is supernatural [not natural]
- “…the Spirit gives life because of righteousness…”
- this power is from the Holy Spirit
Theological Point:
Two Types of Righteousness
- Practical (or moral) Righteousness
- Imparted Righteousness
- “…if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you… will also give life to your mortal bodies…”
- this power can raise the dead
What can we conclude is the source of this power?
- The constant presence of the Holy Spirit
- God is with me
- The constant awareness of imputed righteousness
- God is for me
Here’s how to get started:
How can I have the power of the resurrection? – John 3:16
- God Loved
- God Gave
- We Believe
- We Receive
For more information on how to know Jesus as your personal savior please go to concordchurch.com/salvation
Discussion Questions
TALK IT OUT
- According to the Apostle Paul, the power manifested in the resurrection of Christ is the same power operating inside believers. If you’re a believer what does that fact mean to you?
- Pastor Rusty reminds each believer that God wants us to be connected to his power. Why do you think most Christians don’t rely on God’s power as they should when this passage makes clear it is available to every believer?
- The Easter story not only has meaning because it offers us the hope of life after death, but also because it offers us the hope of God’s power in our present lives. Why is that a really big deal?
- Pastor Rusty says, “This power will not give you a bigger 401k, or six pack abs. Nor will it extend your physical life. But this life giving power can direct you through life’s mishaps and misfortunes with a sense of purpose and power.” How has God’s power helped you deal with challenges you have faced in the past?
- Verse 10 begins with the Apostle Paul making this point, “But if Christ is in you” which means God’s power in our life conditional upon Christ being in us. If you’re a believer Christ is living in you. Are you relying on Jesus’ strength to face your challenges?
- As if that isn’t enough, verse 11 says, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies, through his Spirit who lives in you.” This verse emphasizes believers have the Spirit living in them. How might this affect the way we view life’s problems?
LIVE IT OUT
- John 3:16 says God loves the world, which means he loves you. The next statement shows how God demonstrated his love in that God, “gave his one and only son.” Take a moment right now to thank God for his amazing love for you.
- John 3:16 speaks of believing. God invites us to accept Jesus’ sacrificial death for us. To learn more about becoming a believer, watch the video by Pastor Rusty about how to be forgiven and have a personal relationship with God at www.concordchurch.com/salvation. Please do as Pastor Rusty encourages and invite Jesus into your heart.
- If you just invited Jesus into your heart please email Pastor Rusty so he can celebrate with you and provide some helpful materials that can help you grow in your faith. He can be reached at [email protected].