Easter 2
Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Introduction
Now remember on Easter Sunday we began our Easter celebration by looking at the theological significance of the Resurrection.
· We saw that the Resurrection is the New Life that Christ accomplished for us
· Not only that, we also saw that salvation is a two-fold transaction: the Cross is what Christ took from you the Resurrection is the new life Christ put in its place.
This morning I want us to continue our Easter celebration by looking at the real time significance of the Resurrection.
That is, I want to explore the notion of living in light of the Resurrection.
· What does the Resurrection mean to your everyday life?
· What tangible and concrete differences does it make to you right now today?
· And how are you to respond?
I. (Where) Living in light of the Resurrection means- understanding the scope of the Resurrection FN#1. The salvation that Christ accomplished is not just a private, internal renewal of your heart. Instead, salvation/recreation is as extensive/comprehensive as God’s original work of creation. In other words, God does not concede one aspect of His creation. Instead, He reclaims it all. Importance: the scope of God’s Lordship/salvation sets the scope of our expectation and obligation. Notice then the scope of God’s salvation:
1. The Resurrection renews the whole of the believer, body and soul
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you. (I Cor 6:19-20)
2. The Resurrection renews our relationships and society FN#2
John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Gal 3:28; Eph 2:14-19)
3. The Resurrection renews the whole of creation and world history
2 Peter 3:13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
Notice the point: the scope of the Resurrection establishes the scope of your walk. Christ came to reclaim the whole of reality, therefore, you are to serve God with every aspect of that reality (you are to serve Him with all that you are, have, and do; at all times and in all places; with everyone you meet)
Mark 12:30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
II. (When) Living in light of the resurrection means– being assured of the current operation of the Resurrection life in every area of existence. In other words, the scope of God’s Lordship/salvation are not just a matter of the future. Rather, they are the deciding factors that are already governing, directing, and unfolding in the very details of existence. As such, the current and unfailing operation of God’s Lordship/Salvation grounds our expectations and obligations at every moment of today. Notice then:
1. Scripture assures us that the grace and power of the Resurrection are already at work in the very details of our life
Romans 6:4 We have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
2. Scripture also assures us that Christ is already reigning and is already establishing His Kingdom (that is, Christ is already directing the whole of time and creation according to His Kingdom promises)
1 Corinthians 15:24 then comes the end, when He delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, after He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
III. (How) Living in light of the Resurrection means- understanding that new life means new living. That is, the grace that forgives your sins is a grace that heals your sinfulness. Therefore, you are not to ignore, resist, or reject the work that God’s grace is doing in you; nor are you to exchange His plan/purpose for the priorities of the world. Instead, you are to seek, pursue, and cling to both (grace within and plan without) with all the strength God has provided. In other words, the scope of God’s Lordship/salvation sets the scope of my expectations and obligations even in my most mundane activities.
Psalm 73:28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; FN#3
Bottom line: living in light of the resurrection means having the assurance that you never go it alone. Instead, God is with you, His grace is at work in you, and He is Lord over every detail you face. Therefore, you are to serve/follow/trust Him with every aspect of your life.
Footnotes
1] Note: the flow of the sermon is as follows: As we consider what it means to live in light of the resurrection the first part of the sermons addresses
· Where Resurrection living is to take place. Thus the comprehensive scope of recreation points to the comprehensive scope of living in light of the Resurrection
· Part II of the sermon addresses when Resurrection living is to take place. Thus the current operation of God’s grace and reign underscores that resurrection living is to define our every moment of our every day.
· Finally, Part III of the sermon addresses hoe we are to live in light of the resurrection. We are not to ignore or neglect what God’s grace is doing within us or what His plan is doing all around us. Rather we are to seek with our lives the very things God is doing (inside and out)
2] Remember the personal/relational and eternally social Triune God created you for fellowship (fellowship with God and with each other). Therefore, salvation is not an isolated renewal of disjointed selves. Instead, the Resurrection renews our relationships and society.
Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups (Jew and Gentile) into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
3] Another approach to part three could be:
III. Living in light of the Resurrection means- understanding that new life means new living. That is, the grace that forgives your sins is a grace that heals your sinfulness. Therefore, you are not to ignore, resist, or reject the work that God’s grace is doing in you. Instead, you are to seek it, pursue it, and cling to it with all the strength God has provided. In other words, the scope of God’s Lordship/salvation is the source of both my desire and ability. In other words, scope of God’s Lordship/salvation underwrites and is the source of my expectations and ability.
Philippians 2:12 Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (vs casualness and indifference); 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.