The Power of Christ’s Resurrection

March 31, 2002                                    Northwest Bible Church

The Power of the Resurrection

INTRO
Christ's resurrection is more than a just a doctrinal statement we include in our creeds and confessions, it is the very power behind the entirely of the Christian life. The whole of the Christian life is tied to the resurrection of Christ. Without it, there would be no Christian life. IT IS BECAUSE JESUS LIVES THAT WE LIVE!

I. RESURRECTION POWER IN OUR REGENERATION (Eph. 2:1-5).

A. We were spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1).

B. We had to be made spiritually alive (Eph. 2:5). A dead heart cannot act alive until it is alive and only God can raise the dead.

II. RESURRECTION POWER IN OUR GLORIFICATION (Phil. 3:20-21).

A. Christ's resurrection life is the power behind our transformation.

B. Christ's resurrection life is the model for our resurrection.

III. RESURRECTION POWER IN OUR SANCTIFICATION (Gal. 2:20; Phil. 3:10).

The resurrection life of Christ is mediated to our souls through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9-10).

But how do we practically experience the resurrection life of Christ today.
1) His resurrection power in our weakness.

2 Cor. 4:7-11 -

2 Cor. 4:16-18 -

2 Cor. 12:9 -

2) His resurrection power over our sin.

a) We are no longer slaves of sin. Rom. 6:4, 6, 12-14.

b) We have grace to repent.

What enabled Peter to revive and continue on after he denied Christ three times? The power of Christ.

(1) Lk. 22:31-32 - Christ's prayer

(2) Lk. 22:61 - Christ's look.

(3) Mk. 16:7 - Christ's message.

(4) Lk. 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5 - Christ's appearance.

Brethren, our risen Lord is still engaging in this restoration ministry through His Spirit in us.

3) His resurrection power in our Godward pursuits (Rom. 6:11).

All desires to know God better, to serve God, glorify God is due to Christ's resurrection life in us.

CONCLUSION