The victory of Christ over death and all enemies is central to the gospel. If we are Christians, we participate in the total victory of Christ over all things.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Sermon Notes:
- As we worship God and celebrate the resurrection, our hearts grieve over the state of the nation and the church (not unlike Isaiah, cf. Isaiah 63:17-64:9).
- Today we rejoice in the coming of the Lord Jesus, who is the answer to the great prayer of Isaiah.
- The resurrection marks the beginning of the new creation and the dawn of righteousness.
- The angels sang glory to God and the beginning of true peace for man, and God’s kingship touched the earth.
- In the resurrection, Christ broke the fortress of death and smashed the stronghold of the strong-man who is Satan.
- Jesus began an everlasting kingdom, and today He is reigning over the nations.
- The people of God are led in triumph as sharers in His victory.
- We carry the reality of resurrection life, spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of God.
- The resurrection of Jesus means total victory over all opposition manifested in the reign of God (cf. Gen. 49:10; Eph. 4:8-10: Col. 2:12-15; 1 Cor. 15:54-57; Heb. 2:7-9).
- The victory of Christ over death and all enemies is central to the gospel.
- If we are Christians we participate in the total victory of Christ over all things.
- Despite trials and judgment, God is reigning over western nations, working all things for His victory purposes.
- We are commissioned by God. He has shaped and made us for His kingdom purpose.
- When we speak the message we are not merely conveying information, but we preach the victory of Christ out of our very nature for we are in communion with Christ.
- Sharing Christ and preaching the gospel is the glory of the people of the resurrection. Whatever the response may be, it manifests our victory in Christ.
Application Questions:
- Draw parallels between Isaiah’s lament over the condition of Israel and the condition our own nation.
- What does Christ’s resurrection victory entail according to Scripture?
- What does it mean that God leads His people in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the knowledge of God?
- How can we understand present opposition in light of Christ’s total victory?
- What are the implications of our personal communion with Christ for our evangelism?