The Power of Resurrection Life

The Road to Victory Series

The Power of Resurrection Life

Study Guide 

Message for Sunday April 21, 2019

This Week Reading:  Colossians 3:1-11  Additional Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 

Introduction

The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal moment of the ministry of Jesus Christ. All four of the Gospels describe the resurrection in detail and indeed the Gospels build to the climax of the resurrection (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20). The writers of the epistles (letters) of the New Testament refer repeatedly to the resurrection of Jesus and the significance of the resurrection for believers in Jesus (see the above additional reading as an example). The resurrection makes clear once and for all that Jesus was not just a good moral teacher but God in human flesh. Similarly the resurrection of Jesus is not just a doctrine to believe. Rather, as Paul indicated in Ephesians 1:19-20, the power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to Jesus' followers in their lives. Resurrection power! That means the power to change broken lives and transform people and situations is active today and available to us. The power to become Christlike. Paul uses the images of death and life throughout these verses. He bases the victorious Christian life in an understanding and application of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus. He also uses the analogy of taking off the old self and putting on the new self. This is a common analogy that Paul uses in a number of his letters (see Ephesians 4:22-24). Many of Paul's letters can be divided into two sections. First a section of doctrine and second a section on how that doctrine applies in everyday life. Chapter 3 is the beginning of the application portion of the letter and chapter 3 verses 1-4 mark the transition from the doctrinal part to the application part. Note the first two words in the NIV translation, "since then" which indicate the transition to application. 
  

Background Information

These verses contain a number of imperatives (commands) such as, set your hearts, set your minds, and put to death. Paul uses list of sins in most of his letters. Note the list of sins here. Paul contrasts the end result of living for God  (glory verse 4) with living for self (verse 6 wrath). A key verse is verse 10. Paul goes all the way back to Genesis chapter 1 verses 26-27 to remind us that we are created in the image of God. Of course sin has covered over the image of God in all of us. Verse 10 then establishes a key understanding of what Jesus did on the cross and in His resurrection. Through the crucifixion and resurrection Jesus is at work in us to restore the image of God in us.    

  

A Simple Outline with Key Points

I. Life and Death: Death and Life

See I (God) set before you today life and prosperity and death and destruction.   Deuteronomy 30: 15

Key Question: Which power (Life or Death) is active in your life now?

Goal today: Release the Power of Life in your life today.

II. Resurrection Life Changes Everything 

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.  Romans 8:11

The Power of Life released in your life through the Holy Spirit and will result in a change in your desires, your thoughts and your destiny.

III. Overcoming the Power of Death

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

As you apply the Power of the Cross to your life and let Jesus' power control you then you will be transformed and The Power of Life is released through you to others.

Digging Deeper Questions

1. What does it mean to be raised with Christ? How would you explain that to someone who asked you? If someone asked you what they have to do to be raised with Christ what would you tell them?
2. What does it mean to set your heart on things above? What does it mean to set your mind on things above? What is the difference between the two?  
3. What does it mean to set your mind on earthly things? Have you ever done that either now or in the past? How do you or did you overcome that?
4. Read the list of sins in verses 5 and verses 8-9. Do you notice any categories that go together? Which ones do you struggle with the most?  
5. What does it mean to be renewed in the image of your creator? In what ways can we become like God? what is an area of growth for you?
6. What are two areas you would like to apply from these verses? What action will you take to apply them in your life? 
7. Discuss a few new things you learned from these verses?  

This Week's Challenge 

Ask someone to hold you accountable to take action on what you chose for verse 6. 

Additional Resource:

Article: 

Resurrection: Promise and Power