Learning to Walk in the Resurrection of Jesus
Introduction Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, is such an amazing celebration for a true Christ follower. It represents and teaches the truths that give us life; forgiveness, redemption, salvation, the defeat of satan, the power of the resurrection. The death and resurrection of Jesus is so much more than an American holiday. It is an eternal anchor that shifted the course of all creation and time, giving us the opportunity to be truly alive and to be reunited with God, our Father.
Introduction The bloody cross and the empty tomb are much more than one-time event in history. According to the Bible, the death and resurrection of Jesus is something that we should experience everyday. Something that we should be walking in as a daily lifestyle. So, for the next six weeks, let’s journey through the Scriptures together to adequately prepare our hearts to experience the truth of Easter and walk in the power of His victory!
Galatians 2:20-21
1. Salvation is by Grace through Faith “The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:20-21 “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 A resurrection lifestyle begins with salvation!
1. Salvation is by Grace through Faith God fully intends for us to live in freedom from sin; and to enjoy a full life of love, peace and victory that He purchased for us with the cross. But we will never work ourselves into that kind of freedom and true life. Jesus has already done that work and it is finished! There is plenty of wonderful work to be done after salvation (Eph 2:10) to steward God’s kingdom on earth; but being justified is a gracious gift of God that we receive by faith.
2. Crucified with Jesus “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Gal 2:20 The literal translation of this phrase says, “I have been impaled at the post (or cross) along side of the Anointed One.” (Strong’s, TCB) “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 Eternal life is a gift from God that we can only receive by dying.
2. Crucified with Jesus I recently heard a teacher say, “Jesus didn’t die to clean you up, but to make a new you. God’s not interested in a better you; You have to die so God can make you into what He designed.” To die was a difficult choice of Jesus’ will that went against logic, comfort, and His desires. The only way we can truly walk in the daily lifestyle of resurrection power is the choice to daily experience the death of ourselves. Have you ever died? Have you ever truly lived?
3. I no longer Live “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Gal 2:20 How do I live my life everyday and “no longer live?” By subjecting our own thoughts, will, desires, plans and goals to death; and submitting ourselves fully to God’s plans. We daily take our place as servant/slaves, living only to please our Master and Lord. Many of us have never experienced Christ living in us because we’ve never died…
3. I no longer Live Start the day with dying. I try to start my day with a simple prayer of submission to God by dying to my sin nature (Romans 6:11), dying to this world (Galatians 6:14), and dying to my own flesh (Galatians 2:20). Then I receive a filling of His Spirit, His peace, and His glory. Then walk through the day in partnership with the Holy Spirit, being obedient to His direction. End the day with thanksgiving for being able to serve God and ask Him for help you with dying again in the morning.
4. Christ Lives in Me! “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Gal 2:20 The end result is not about dying, but truly living in the presence and power of Jesus! The beautiful part about living a lifestyle of daily dying to self, is that it allows Jesus to live in us and through us to this world everyday! The Bible calls us a vessel – a cup or a bowl. When we are emptied of our decaying flesh, then we can be filled with Living Water.
4. Christ Lives in Me! When we agree with God that we are dead to depression, then we can live in the joy that Jesus purchased for us. When we choose to die to anger, then the love and patience of Christ can dwell in us. When we are dead to lust, then Christ is able to radiate from us in purity, love and integrity. It is such a wonderful adventure of freedom and fulfillment to live in the resurrection of Jesus! Dying to self and living like Him today!
An Opportunity to Respond Have you received the gift of salvation by faith? Or are you “setting aside the grace of God” by attempting to earn righteousness? Have you ever chosen to be crucified with Christ? Will you submit every part of you to Him today? Will you commit to a lifestyle of “no longer living?” Choosing to live as a dead servant? Will you allow Christ to fill you with His Spirit today so you can be radiant with His life?