Post-Resurrection Living

Post-Resurrection Living

We're almost a week past Resurrection Sunday. And, we're just a little bit farther past Good Friday when Jesus died. What difference do those two days make in your life? What difference should Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday make in our lives?

Consider Galatians 2:20 with me this morning. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Paul reminds us in this verse of some things that have the power to transform us as we live post-resurrection. First, he tells us that we live as followers of Jesus by the life Jesus lives in us. That simple fact empowers each of us to live in freedom and the power of the resurrection. As followers of Jesus, through the presence of His Spirit in us, we have every resource we need to live as Jesus has called us to live.

He also reminds us that we have the privilege of living as Christians because Jesus died for us. Apart from His death and all that death means, each of us would still live separated from God and without hope. He loved us and gave Himself for us. We must never lose the impact of that incredible gift in our post-resurrection lives.

Finally, Paul teaches us that we cannot live this post-resurrection life on our own. In fact, Paul understands that we have actually died with Christ (see Romans 6); we're crucified with Him. Too many of us are too sure of ourselves. We think we've got it together enough to live this post-resurrection life in our own strength. Paul says that's impossible.

Coming to faith in Christ brings us to the cross. We're crucified with Him. As we die to the power of sin and put off that old man, Jesus brings His life to us. Because He died and rose from the grave, He lives in us with resurrection power. That power transforms us as we yield more and more of ourselves to Him. Every man who longs for freedom will discover this key to post-resurrection living. If you've not already discovered it, it's not too late! -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.

Today's Scripture: Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16

Great Quote: Such is our dependence upon God that we are obliged not only to do everything for His sake, but also to seek from Him the very power. This happy necessity of having recourse to Him in all our wants, instead of being grievous to us, should be our greatest consolation. What a happiness is it that we are allowed to speak to Him with confidence; to open our hearts and hold familiar conversation with him, by prayer! He Himself invites us to it. --

Francois Fenelon