April 8, 2007
Morning Service
“Reasons for Hope!”
Presented by Pastor Tim Pasma
Various Scriptures
Let's pray.
Oh, Lord our God, we come now into Your presence now to listen to you as Jesus speaks from His throne through Your Word, by Your Spirit. Father, now we pray that You would open our eyes to the glories of Jesus Christ, raised from the dead. Our God, we pray that we would see that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not some inexplicable fact of history, but is instead the very ground of all our hope. And so, Father, we pray now that You would just work in our hearts to see the hope that is ours only in Jesus. Father, dash to pieces any false hope this morning and establish them completely in Jesus Christ, our risen King. Open our ears now. Open our hearts, we pray, that we might hear You. We ask this in the name of our exalted Savior.
Amen.
The disciples were men who had pinned all their hopes on Jesus. He had promised them a Kingdom, and they believed Him. In fact, they were so convinced of it that they argued amongst themselves as to who would occupy the positions of greatest honor in that Kingdom!
He did marvelous things, like stilling storms with the word of His mouth. Feeding five thousand people with five loaves and a couple of fish. He'd even raised people from the dead! Surely, He was a representative from God.
As One Who came from God, He welcomed the sinners and the outcasts, embracing them and welcoming them into His company. Wasn't even Matthew a hated tax collector whom Jesus had rescued? Had He not talked to them with authority about eh forgiveness of sins? He seemed to make a lot of sense!
Jesus had burst on the scene with great promise and power, and they had hoped so much. Here was Messiah. Here was the King.
But then, their hopes were shattered, broken to pieces in a moment in time without any warning. On the first day of the week, the nation had praised him with all of their voices. Here was the King!
And then – by Thursday night-- He'd been arrested and dragged away. Arrested without a fight. None of his supernatural powers on display as they hauled Him away and handed Him over like a common criminal. He was tired and crucified. He was hung out in utter shame, looking completely weak and powerless. And they watched Him die from a safe distance.
Messiah? Or blasphemer?
King? Or criminal?
What were they to believe?
They were so devastated they didn't even have the courage to ask for His dead body. Instead, someone else – by the name of Joseph of Arimathea – came along and asked for that body. And they put Jesus into that tomb.
And the disciples' hopes went into that tomb as well. For them, it was the end of Jesus. For them, it was the end of all their hopes.
Have you ever read a book and said, “Man, this is taking too long!” and skipped ahead a couple of chapters to see where the thing was going? Well, let's skip ahead a couple of chapters in this story. Let's just skip a couple of chapters ahead and see what happens!
When you skip a few chapters in this story, you know what you see? You see these discouraged, hopeless disciples transformed into confident and certain people. What turned these despairing people into men freed from fear and cowardice?
You know what? In the opening chapters of the book of acts, you see them preaching before the very same people that had crucified Jesus just a few weeks before! In fact, these are the same people from whom they had hidden in fear.
What caused them to stand, assured, before the Sanhedrin? The Sanhedrin, by the way, was the very same council which had condemned Jesus to death, and they stand before that very same council and they say, “No. We're not going to stop preaching! You can tell us all you want to stop preaching, but we're not going to listen to you!”
What in the world happened in those chapters that we skipped there? Well you know what happened – and I know what happened.
Jesus was raised from the dead. Jesus, the one in whom they'd put all their hopes, was alive. He'd appeared again in their midst – in fact, He spent forty days with them. They had hope again!
But let me say something about that hope. This time, it was an entirely different kind of hope. This was a hope that would not die. This was a confidence that would carry them for the rest of their lives.
The resurrection of Jesus created men and women of undying confidence. In fact, the most cowardly of them – Peter – the one who denied Jesus; the one who actually called down curses on himself, saying, “If I know that man, may God condemn me!” That very same man wrote these words years later:
“Praise be to our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead?” (1 Peter 1.3)
What in the world happened? What is this all about? Well, that's what we want to explore today.
What happened? Why was that true? First thing is, you must realize that Jesus' resurrection creates hope.
Jesus' resurrection creates hope. There is something about that resurrection that is utterly different – in fact, it is powerful. It is transforming.
Now, they didn't gain hope from the beliefs they had in those days. Did you know that the Jews in that day believed in resurrection? Did you know that? Did you know that the Jews were committed to a doctrine of resurrection?
Most Jews of the disciples' day believed in a resurrection. They were committed to that doctrine. You remember the two parties that are often mentioned in the Gospels – the Pharisees and the Sadducees? And how they were always fighting with one another – although they found common cause against Jesus, they were implacable foes. And the reason they were so angry with one another was the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead on the last day, and the Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection.
And, no doubt, if you would walk around the Temple courts, you would see groups – a Rabbi with his pupils surrounding him. There were Rabbis around all the time with their pupils following them. And if you walked around the temple courts in that day and listened to their conversation, no doubt – sooner or later – you would hear the Rabbi and his pupils talking about the resurrection of the dead. It was no big deal. They believed it!
Not only that, but the disciples had even witnessed resurrections. The ones who wrote the Gospels talk about Jesus raising a number of people from the dead. The most famous, of course, was Lazarus.
But what happened to all those people? They died again. It's no hard to imagine that Lazarus lived for maybe a decade, maybe two more decades after Jesus raised him from the dead – and what happened to Lazarus? He died.
So, the disciples and others had indeed witnessed corpses resurrected. They had seen physical life restored to dead bodies. Why, then, did Jesus' resurrection give birth to this undying hope? This life-long confidence?
What was different about that resurrection? See, because the resurrection of Jesus was not merely the resurrection of a corpse. It's not merely God reversing or interfering with the laws of nature. They'd already seen that. They'd witnessed that.
This was something completely unheralded. This was something completely different. Let's start with Acts chapter 4, verse 1. Acts chapter 4, verse 1. Jesus has been resurrected. He's ascended to Heaven. The disciples are starting to preach.
Oh, they were an irritating lot. They were going around preaching about this Jesus that they had seen – this Jesus had been resurrected from the dead; had been ascended to Heaven. Peter, in chapter 2, has told the same people that crucified Jesus that they could be saved through that Jesus. He told them tha tHe was the promised King that had ascended and was on the throne of God. Oh, they were annoying to the authorities. They did not like these men.
And here, you find one reason why. Acts chapter 4, verses 1 and 2.
“The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.”
Now, we've read that many times. It may not surprise us. But if we understand what they're saying here, something incredible is going on. What were they saying? They were proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
Why was the Sanhedrin so exorcised about these men? Why were they so angry about these men proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead? They'd debated that whole issue of resurrection. They were always fighting with one another about it. It was no big deal.
But this time, they're very angry and they're telling these men – if you continue reading through the rest of this chapter – they tell them, “Stop that – do not preach in the name of Jesus any more!”
Why are they getting so excited? Because the Christian message was different. It challenged the very core of Jewish belief, which saw the resurrection as happening on the last day – yet future. It was to be the last redemptive act of God for His people.
Oh, certainly they believed in a resurrection – but that was going to be at the end of time. That was going to be God's last redemptive act. God had done many redemptive acts in the history of His people – most clearly in the Exodus, when He delivered tem from the Egyptians. And as you read through their history, at times where God miraculously intervened – and in redemptive acts, He delivered His people.
This was to be the last redemptive act of God for His people.
But these disciples of Jesus preached that the resurrection had already happened in the person of Jesus Christ! That's what it means when it says that they were really disturbed because the Apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
The resurrection of the dead had already occurred in the very one that they had labeled what? A blasphemer! They were not proclaiming the return of their beloved teacher Jesus from the dead. That didn't get them all worked up. But rather, they were saying that the longed-for resurrection had already happened in Jesus!
The resurrection of the dead was no longer a theological hope for the future, but God had acted in Jesus – and so now, you couldn't ignore it. You could not remain neutral. It was impossible.
“That resurrection you hoped for has already occurred. And it has happened in the very person that you declared was a blasphemer.” Now, you couldn't have that get spread around any more. That would just upset their whole system!
What's wrong here? Simply this: The future had arrived. It was here. And it arrived in Jesus.
Turn with me to 1 Corinthians 15. 1 Corinthians 15 is the chapter that is devoted – it's what we would call the classic passage – on the resurrection of the dead.
Now, let me just give you a little bit of background. There were some people in Corinth saying that it was impossible for people to be raised from the dead. My goodness, that sounds kind of familiar, doesn't it? In our scientific age, we hear all the time: “Resurrection of the dead? Scientifically impossible. It didn't happen. It can't happen. It won't happen.”
And Paul is saying, here, “Okay, look. If there is no resurrection from the dead – then Jesus didn't raise from the dead.” And he gives us all the implications of Jesus' resurrection in this chapter. Here's one. We'll just pick out one, here. We'll start reading in verse 20:
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the Kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (v. 20-26)
Now, Paul speaks here of this fact: that the resurrection of Jesus guarantees the resurrection of His people. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, then all that belong to Him by faith? They also will be raised from the dead.
But, he talks about a resurrection to eternal life, not this kind of immortality of our spirit. He's talking here about being raised with a body that will never again be subjected to death, disease, or destruction. It's going to be a body just like Jesus' body.
Now, he uses a common term here that was used in their agriculture all the time. He says here that Jesus is the “firstfruits” of those who are going to be resurrected. The firstfruits was more than a pledge or a promise of the harvest. They were the actual beginning of the harvest. When the harvest began, you would cut down some of that harvest and bring it in as your firstfuits and present it to God.
The firstfruits. The act of reaping had already begun – this was the first of it. The act of reaping had already begun; the grain was being cut.
So what is Paul saying here? The resurrection of Jesus – and the resurrection of those that belong to Him – are two parts of a single event. Two acts in a single drama. Two stages in a single process.
Jesus' resurrection is not an isolated event that gives to men and women the warm confidence and hope of a resurrection. It is, in fact, the beginning of that future resurrection itself. It is the beginning of life immortal.
What's the bottom line The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives hope because it was the emergence of a new order of life. God did not merely cause a disturbance in the natural order of events when He raised Jesus. It was much more than that! It is the manifestation of something utterly new!
Do you understand that? Can you grasp that? The resurrection of Jesus was different than any other resurrection recorded in Scripture, because it's the beginning of the final resurrection.
It's the first act in a single drama of immortal people living without any fear and without any kind of destruction of our bodies again. Living a different, entirely different kind of life. Living what's called eternal life. Not life that just doesn't end, but a different kind of life entirely!
It's already happened. The beginning has arrived. The beginning of the end has arrived, as it were. That is why they had hope.
That is why the disciples had hope – because this was the emergence of a new order of life; of a whole new realm of existence now had been opened up to them. That is what gave them this undying confidence. And it arrived in Jesus.
Well, folks, I'm here to tell you, we're not here for just a history lesson. If we were, we could stop right there. But the Bible wasn't written to show us the resurrection of Jesus just to show us that the disciples got to be real brave.
You need to realize that Jesus' resurrection creates hope for you. Creates hope for you – hope in what? You have the hope of reconciliation with God. Stay here in 1 Corinthians 15. We read in verse 1:
“Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” (v. 1-2)
Now, what's he talking about here? The Apostle Paul had arrived in town, saying, “Hey, Jesus has been raised from the dead. He is Lord. You are condemned. You are a condemned people. You need to be saved.”
Saved from what? Saved from the wrath of God.
Listen, folks – he's preaching the Gospel that says this: If you're going through life and you think you're going to make it on your own? You're doomed. Let me put it this way: You're damned. You need to be saved. Every person in this world needs to be saved from the wrath of this furious God Who hates sin.
The God we serve is not a God Who sits up there and says, “Oh, you know. These people – these people, they make mistakes. Everybody has a bad day.”
No. This is a holy God Who hates sin, but a merciful God Who has sent the Good News that people can be saved from His wrath. And tha tis what Paul is talking about here. He says, “I want to remind you of the Gospel – the Gospel that saves you if you believe it.”
Now, he goes on. What is that Gospel?
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” (v. 3-8)
He says, “Here's the Gospel. Jesus died for sin, was buried, but was raised again. And you have to believe all of that in order to be saved. That He died for sins, that He was buried – that He was dead – and that He was raised from the dead.”
Now, let's pick up in verse 16:
“For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised, either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (V. 16-17)
Wow!
“Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (V. 18-19)
What is he saying there? He's saying this: If Jesus hasn't been raised from the dead, we're still in our sins. And if we're still in our sins, that means we will be crushed – annihilated by the furious wrath of God that is still to come. We're still in our sins, if Jesus has never been raised from the dead.
If there is no resurrected Christ – we are doomed.
But you see, there's real hope. Why? Because Jesus has been raised from the dead! We are not left in our sins! What's the reasoning here? Simply this – because death is the penalty for sin, people die. Why? Because people are born sinners, and there's a penalty for that.
And Jesus died – not because He sinned. Jesus never sinned. He should not have died. Why did He die?
Because God placed the sin of sinners upon His own blessed Son – and poured out His fury on Him. Because He died in the place of sinners.
But if Jesus had never emerged from the grave, we could only conclude one thing – He, too, was a sinner and He got what He deserved. But because He was raised from the dead, God said, “This One – and His payment – satisfied Me.”
The Law requires death. And death could not keep its hold on Him. He paid the penalty for someone else. His payment is sufficient.
Not only that, but look over at chapter 1, verse 30 of this same book. 1 Corinthians 1, verse 30. Here, we read the Apostle Paul saying this – very important words.
“It is because of him” – and the “Him” that he is speaking of there is God, “that you are” notice that little proposition.
There are two young people in this congregation right now who are grammar police. When I make grammar mistakes, I get signals from the congregation, or I hear about it later. But I will say in confidence, this is a preposition. The preposition is: “In”.
It is a mighty important little preposition. Not only because it's grammar, but because of what it says: “It is because of God you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
Christ is our righteousness. He is our holiness. He is our redemption for those who are in Him. Now, if He is not alive, you can't be in Him! But because He is righteousness, because He is holiness, because He is our redemption – those who are in Him are what? Righteous. Holy. And redeemed.
John Bunyan wrote the book “The Pilgrim's Progress”. It is the book that, in the English language, only the Bible has been read more than “The Pilgrim's Progress”. But John Bunyan also wrote another book called “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners”. And in that book, he recounts his years of anguish as he constantly asked himself, “Am I under the wrath of God?” And he would be tormented by this anguish. “I am a sinner! I am under the wrath of God!”
But at one point in this book, “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners”, he writes about the day that he finally found peace with God. Here's what he said:
“One day as I was passing into the field, this sentence fell upon my soul” 'Thy righteousness is in Heaven'. And, I thought I saw with the eyes of my soul Jesus Christ at God's right hand. There, I say, was my righteousness!So what, wherever I was or whatever I was doing, God could not say of me, 'He lacks My righteousness', for that righteousness was right in front of Him. I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better. Nor yet, my bad frame that made my righteousness worse. For my righteousness was Jesus Christ Himself, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Now did my chains fall off my legs; indeed, i was loosed from my afflictions and irons. My temptations also fled away, so from that time those dreadful Scriptures of God left off to trouble me. Now went I also home rejoicing, for the grace and love of God.”
You see, Jesus was alive. And He is alive. And He is our righteousness, because He is alive today and He stands as that righteousness before the throne of God. And I can stand before the risen Jesus Christ because I have placed all my hopes in Him.
There is my righteousness. If He were dead, that would not be the case. There is my righteousness. I have real hope of reconciliation with God.
You have hope that you can really change. I've encountered this more times than I can tell.
Here's someone sitting in my office – here's a young man sitting in my office, weeping. You know why? He says these words to me: “What's the use? I can not change. It's impossible.”
Have you ever felt that way? Can I give him hope? Can you give him hope? What are you going to say to him? What do you say to someone who has finally understood that the grip of sin has such a grip on you that you habitually do the same things over and over and over again and you just--- He throws up his hands and he says, “Pastor Tim, I can't change! I never will!”
What hope does he have? Romans 6. Let's turn there. See, the resurrection of Jesus gives me hope that I can really change. How so? Well, let's look at this. Romans chapter 6, we'll just look at the first 7 verses, though the entire chapter talks about this change. Here is what he says:
“What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died” -- notice! “We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
“If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” (Romans 6.1-7)
What is he saying here? You see, Jesus' resurrection was not merely the return of physical life, was it? It was the raising of Jesus into a whole new realm, and those who believe in Him have been connected with Him, and they've been raised with Him into that new realm.
And in that new realm, sin does not rule. Now, sin harasses. Sin is fighting us tooth and nail. King Sin does not want to give up the throne – but he is off the throne. He does not rule.
And there's real hope of change. Change for the good, change that will last! Because you have been united to Jesus by faith. And because, united to Him, like Him you have died to the old way of life and been raised to newness of life.
Oh, my. There is real hope for change. The resurrection of Jesus is all about change, and change that will last.
Thirdly, you have hope in the face of suffering. Because of the resurrection, you have hope in the face of suffering. See, if you would read the story of those original twelve Apostles – and of course, you know, we don't know how historically accurate they are and things – but at least it gives a sense of the fact that those men suffered incredibly. It is said of Peter himself that he was crucified upside down. They suffered.
And Christians through the ages have suffered – suffered unbelievable torments. And even today – oh, even today – I could read to you story after story of people in Vietnam, in China, in Muslim countries who are dying – who are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ.
How do they do it? Because of the resurrection of Jesus. Turn over to 2 Corinthians chapter 4. If you want to read about someone suffering, read 2 Corinthians chapter 4 and 2 Corinthians chapter 11. There, you will see what the Apostle Paul went through.
And in here, notice – he's really honest with us. He's not one of these “happy-clappy” Christians who says, “Oh, Jesus is Lord and I'm just happy all the time!” You know, here's what he says, beginning in verse 7:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Notice what he says: “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed...”
You know hat he's saying there? “I've come within an inch of being completely crushed.” That's what he's saying. “I've come that close to total annihilation. It hasn't happened, but I've come that close.” Notice:
“...perplexed, but not in despair...”
Ever thrown up your hands and said, “God, what are you doing in my life? What is going on here? This is the most difficult time in my life!”
You know, I was talking to someone recently who is in the fires right now. She is in the fires. She said to me one day, “Things are getting worse for me since I started to really live for Christ.” The Apostle Paul says, “I'm perplexed! But not in despair. Not quite.”
“[I am] persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
He's describing his experience here of coming that close to just giving up completely. But he's not there. Why not? Here's why:
“[because] We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus...”
Look at what Jesus suffered.
“...so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
So that the life of Christ – this resurrection, new-realm kind of existence – might be exhibited in me! That's why! You see:
“For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
“It is written: 'I have believed, therefore i have spoken'. With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.” (v. 7-14)
You know what he's saying? “I can take it.” Why? “Because there's coming a day when I'll be raised from the dead, just like Jesus, and I'll be in His presence!” That's why he can take it.
“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (v. 15-1)
How does he know there's an eternal glory that far outweighs them all? Because an ambassador has come from that realm – and His name is Jesus. That's how he knows.
The future is here – he's seen it! You've seen it in the Scriptures!
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (v. 18)
You see, because of the resurrection of the dead – and Jesus has already been there – I tell you something. You can have hope in the face of suffering, because Jesus has been raised from the dead.
Turn back to 1 Corinthians 15. Four – you can have hope that life has purpose. You can have hope that life has purpose.
How do most people look at life? You work. You sacrifice. You go to work every day. You provide for your family. And you die.
Pretty meaningless, isn't it? If that's the way you look at life, it's pretty meaningless.
But because Jesus was raised from the dead, you serve the living Lord, Jesus Christ, and so you will never, ever live a pointless life when you serve the risen Christ. 1 Corinthians 15 – after everything he talks about – all about the resurrection, and he tells us about what kind of bodies we're going to have and he tells us about all these kinds of stuff at the resurrection, here is what Paul says at the very end. Verse 58:
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.”
In light of the resurrection – in light of the resurrection that Jesus guarantees you, in light of all that, stand firm.
“Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Do you labor for the Lord at work? It's not in vain.
You know what? I've lived and served in this community for twenty-two years. And I can honestly tell you this morning that I do not have an international reputation. In fact, I am pretty confident that people do not know who I am in this county.
Has it been a pointless twenty-two years? Why not? Look what he says –
“Because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
There is purpose, because Jesus has been raised from the dead. Do you serve Him?
Look, you know I – you don’t get up and preach. You don’t have public platforms. Is your labor for the Lord in vain? Not on your life.
You know what? Some day, all of us will stand before Jesus Christ. Every one of us. Just as sure as you’re looking at me, you are going to see the face of Jesus. Some for condemnation. Some for commendation. And if He says to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? It’ll be worth it all.
There aren’t any awards in this life for going to a nursing home and spending time with those folks. There aren’t any awards in this life for just plugging away. But your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
You can live for more than a paycheck. And when it’s all over, Jesus knows all that you’ve done. Even if no one else does. Why? Because your labor for the Lord is not in vain.
One more. And we could go on and on.
You can have hope in the face of death. End of chapter 15, 1 Corinthians 15. Let’s look up a few verses. Verse 54:
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’
“’Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?’
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v. 54-57)
The victory? What victory? The victory over death.
The victory over death – when Jesus said to Mary at Lazarus’ funeral? She said, “My brother died! If You were here, You could have stopped it!” She was mad!
He said to her, “Mary, I am the resurrection and the life.” Is that true? Sure is. Anybody connected to Jesus by faith will never again die.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” See, the sting of death is sin. I’ve been delivered from sin.
Is death still my enemy? Yeah! I don’t want to die. I want to enjoy life! I don’t want to die! But I’m not afraid of it.
I’m not afraid of it. Why? Because I’ve been delivered from sin by the risen Lord, Jesus Christ. You can have hope in the face of death.
So let me ask you this morning – do you possess this invincible, unconquerable, undying confidence?
I’m going to be right up front with you. If you have hope today, and you don’t believe that Jesus has been raised from the dead – you’re fooling yourself. You’ve got no reason at all for hope. None!
You know what I’m in the business of doing here this morning? If you have hope and you don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus, and you have never trusted in Him? I’m here to shatter those hopes! Because those hopes are based on nothing! They are castles in the air!
I hear people say things like this, “Well, you know, it’ll all turn out all right in the end!” Really? Who says? How do you know? How do you know? You don’t! Unless you believe that there is a Sovereign by the name of Jesus Christ Who sits on the throne today! But if you don’t believe that, then you are fooling yourself!
Let’s be honest about it. If you are here today and you have never trusted in Christ – you’re hopeless! Face up to it – you’re without hope! You may have your dreams, but that is not hope.
In this very same chapter, the Apostle Paul said:
“If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“’Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.’” (1 Corinthians 15.32)
Know what he's saying? If Jesus hasn't been raised from the dead and we're not going to be raised from the dead, then you might as well live it up now, because when death comes, that is the end. There is nothing more. That's it! It has been a pointless life.
But that isn't the case. Because Jesus has been raised from the dead. And the only reason for hope can be found in this one fact: Jesus Christ came out of the grave. That is the only foundation for any hope in this world.
So, don't fool yourself. Unless you have Christ, it's not going to turn out good.
The disciples of centuries ago lived their lives in hope because jesus had emerged from the tomb, bringing with Him a whole new way of life. A whole new realm of existence.
You know what? Like them, we can live differently. A whole new way of life opens up before us. And Jesus has led the way.
Let's pray.
God, our Father, I beg You this day that You would work in the hearts of everyone who has been here today. For those who have never given their complete allegiance to Jesus Christ, who have never trusted in Him, I pray today that this would be the day that their false hopes are shattered and that You would deal with them and point them to Christ, Who is risen from the dead – the Judge of the living and the dead – but the Saviour of anyone who would believe. God, do that today. And for Your people, I pray simply this – that we would understand that th resurrection of Jesus is not just the resuscitation of a corpse . But with Him, a whole new realm has been introduced, a realm in which we live – in which there is real hope. Oh, God, we thank You this day that we have Jesus raised from the dead. Help us to live like we believe it. More than that, help us to believe it more fully. We pray this in His victorious Name.
Amen.