A Call to Walk in Resurrection Life

Key Scriptures

John 3:29 Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Key Points

  • If we are In Christ, we have been called to live in Resurrection Life just as Peter was called.
  • Jesus was our perfect example of Resurrection Life.
  • The church is called to be this Life to the world.
  • A problem we face is the enemy wants to keep us bound in our old life so the Lord’s Resurrection Life in and through us is rendered ineffective.
  • Three things that characterize a Resurrection Life are:
    • Identity – Knowing who God says we are.
    • Purpose – Knowing what God has called us to in this world.
    • Power – The very power of God Himself (Holy Spirit) is our strength and we follow His lead and partner with Him to live in Resurrection Life.
  • Jesus shows us that we must deny self, take up our cross (die) and come follow Him. This is a work of the Holy Spirit and the cross in our lives as we allow Him to change us.

Discussion Questions

  1. Discuss Resurrection Life as per the sermon.
  2. Is there anything in your life that the enemy may be using to keep you ineffective in your display of God’s life?
  3. How have the 3 characteristics of a Resurrection Life: Identity, Purpose, & Power, influenced you?
  4. When you think about Jesus’ call to come Follow Him in complete surrender do you struggle with reservations?