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Topic: Main Point: Intended Response: Key Verse: Hebrews 10:19-24 Mission Intention Easter 2016: Unveiling the Kingdom: Message 2 Sermon Outline: Living a Victorious Life Living a new Life in God (Resurrection Sunday) We have been called into a new way of living Jesus invites us to draw near to God, hold onto hope, and to spur each other on towards love and good deeds. Transforming Lives, Making Disciples, Reforming Society Introduction: Jesus called his disciples into a new and victorious life We too have been called into this new way of living A. Communion: Drawing near to God (Heb 10:22) Through Jesus, we all have access to God in prayer Prayer is a simple step we take to draw closer to God Sincerity in prayer is key to drawing closer to God Point One: Honest prayer brings us closer to God Response One: Pray honestly and openly to God. B. Confidence: Hold onto hope (Heb 10:23) Jesus has won our victory Our faith is not a slippery substance but a firm belief We need to remind ourselves of the gospel Point Two: We need to preach the gospel to ourselves daily Response Two: Recall the gospel daily. C. Commandment & Commission: Moving towards love & good deeds (Heb 10:24) God has a work for us all to do We need to encourage each other in our service to God and others Point Three: Encourage someone else in their faith journey. Response Three: Encourage others forward in God s mission. Illustrations: This message is all about taking practical steps towards living a godly life. You may want to mark out three squares on the ground to highlight each point, or animate the following illustrations embedded throughout the message: Walking, jogging, sprinting. Resources: Power Point slides and a short media clip are available at www.sarmy.org/easter2016 Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory 2016 2
Easter 2016: Unveiling the Kingdom: Message 2 Sermon Outline: Living a Victorious Life Introduction: Good morning friends and welcome to Church. Today is Resurrection Sunday! Resurrection Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, and celebrate the victorious life he has made available to us through believing in his name. As we begin today s message, I d like to quickly recap the Easter story so far. Easter revolves around three specific days: The first day, which we call Good Friday, is the day Jesus died on a cross for the sins of humankind. It was on that day, after he had died, Joseph of Arimathea took him down from the cross, wrapped him in burial clothes, and lay him in a tomb. One the second day, Saturday, he lay in a tomb as his disciples mourned the death of their beloved teacher. On the third day, Resurrection Sunday, the disciples went back to the tomb, and they discovered he wasn t in there but had risen from the dead (Jn 20:3)! They were in awe and wonder. Some were in shock and disbelief. But later that Sunday night, Jesus appeared to his disciples and explained to them from the Bible how: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all the nations (Lk 24:46). That is a quick overview of the Easter story. And here is the exciting part for all of us here today. Jesus said we also may take part in his resurrection power and life: We were buried with Christ and just as Christ was raised from the dead through the Holy Spirit, we too may live a new life (Rom 6:4,8:11). The great victory Jesus won for us on the cross was forgiveness of sin and newness of life. Transition Scripture Reading (Hebrews 10:19-24) So resurrection Sunday isn t just about how one day we will go to Heaven, as wonderful as that is, but is about the great invitation extended to us that calls us into a new and victorious way of living with Jesus now! But how do we live this new life and hold onto the victory Jesus has won for us? Let s read Hebrews 10:19-24 together Therefore brothers and sisters since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith Let us hold on to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory 2016 3
Transition 1. How to Draw near to God (Heb 10:22) The first step in living our new and victorious life is drawing near to God (Heb 10:22) Therefore brothers and sisters since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new living way opened for us through the curtain let us draw near to God with a sincere heart. Drawing Near simply means to move closer God. Because of Jesus victory over death on the cross, we can now stand before God, fully forgiven and righteous, seek his help and be confident we will receive it. A life of victory is a life where God is moving in all areas of our lives. And to see this happen, living a life close to God makes it so much easier. That s why prayer, the simple act of speaking to God is essential to living a victorious life. God has not called us to go through life on our own, but with him. Testimony: Share a testimony of someone in your Corps who has had an answer to prayer recently. Prayer isn t complicated. Again, it is simply taking time to chat to God about life and asking him for his perspective and help. And prayer is something we all can do. Illustration: (action: take small steps towards someone): Prayer is like taking small steps towards God through conversation. And as we include God more and more in our daily lives, we will naturally get closer to him. Through Jesus victory on the cross, we all have been invited to step closer to God in prayer and have friendship with him. In Ephesian 2:18, it says: For through him (Jesus) we all have access to the Father by one Spirit. However, and this is really important, to get the most out of prayer, to draw closer to God, we need to be sincere: let us draw near to God with a sincere heart (Heb 10:22) Sincerity is the action of being truthful about what we are saying or doing. Sincere prayer doesn t hide anything, it doesn t create any barriers, it doesn t cover anything up but invites God into all areas of our lives. Sincere prayer is like drawing open the curtains of our hearts and let God see what is inside. Jesus truly wants to bring victory to all areas of our lives. And he makes this possible through the power of the cross. But living a life close to him is required. Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory 2016 4
Point 1: Transition 2. How to hold onto hope (Heb 10:23) Honest prayer brings us closer to God The next step, as outlined in Heb 10:23 is holding onto the hope of the gospel. Jesus marvellous sacrifice on the cross has granted forgiveness for all who would call on his name for salvation! It s a wonderful thing to be forgiven by God you feel so free, so peaceful, so secure and hopeful! There s nothing more wonderful than the moment you realise God has forgiven all your sins, all your mistakes, all your failings. Yet over time, we can tend to forget this. We can grow a little dull in our love towards God, or simply lose a bit of our passion. Jerry Bridges, in his book Holiness, day by day says, we need to preach the gospel to ourselves daily. Every day, we should remind ourselves of God s mercy and forgiveness. Illustration: This next step is more like jogging in a marathon. It s not about a quick start, or a dramatic finish, but setting a steady pace moving towards God. Our faith is not laid on a slippery path (wobble if you can) God loves me, he loves me not, he loves, he loves me not, but is laid on the firm, confident ground of the gospel. And this is the gospel message, that: o Jesus died on Good Friday instead of us (Isa 53:4) o He took the full punishment for sin instead of us (Gal 3:13) o He was condemned instead of us (1 Jn 2:2) o Jesus death was a costly sacrifice, and God did not fail us (Heb 10:35) o Jesus sacrifice defeated sin and death s hold over us (Rom 8:11) o He has perfected us, once and for all (2 Cor 5:21, Heb 10:14) o God will not put back the curtain of separation he tore down (Rom 8:37-9) o We are not under a curse, but under blessing (Gal 3:13) o God will no longer remember our sins (Psa 103:12, Isa 43:25) When I think of all God has done to secure our salvation, a great sense of confidence and security wells up inside. Can I encourage us all to preach the gospel to ourselves daily and remember all that Jesus has done for us? A great scripture you may like to memorise to help you in this is Hebrews 9:14: How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Point 2: Preaching the gospel to ourselves daily is a great, inspiring, and easy way to hold onto the hold we have in Christ. Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory 2016 5
Transition 3. Moving towards love and good deeds (Heb 10:24) Finally, we have the third step in living a new and victorious life in God let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb 10:24) God already has a plan in store for each and every single one of us to show forth his love to others. He has a work in mind for us to do and become involved in. Eph 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This is the heart of mission and service. Now that Jesus has unveiled the kingdom of God to us, and shown us that every person has value and worth before God, how can any of us turn a blind eye to the lost, last or the least? But we all need encouragement in doing God s work because the work is hard and the needs are great. Illustration: I like to compare encouragement with sprinting. When you sprint, there is a release of intense energy. That is what encouragement is like. It releases and gives energy to others to see them excel forward in life. And each one us has the ability to spur each other, it may be through: Sharing a prophetic word, Praying with or for someone, Sharing a Bible verse, Inviting someone round for a meal or providing a listening ear. It is God s desire for all of us to live lives of love and good deeds proclaiming his kingdom. Have you considered lately how you can encourage someone else in their relationship with God? Point 3: Call to Action Take time out an encourage someone else in their faith journey. Jesus has so much in store for us as we live a new life of victory and hope in him. The message of Resurrection Sunday is about: Celebrating Jesus victorious triumph over death, and Remembering we too have been called into living a new and victorious life through the power of his resurrection. o A life where we can stay close to God, o A confident faith, o And a life encouraging others forward in the great deeds God has already laid out in front of us. Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory 2016 6
As we wrap up today s message, I encourage you to join me in a prayer. A prayer of celebration and thanks for all Jesus has done. And a prayer of celebration and request for all that Jesus will do in our lives. Would you pray with me Closing Prayer Father God, We thank you for Jesus and the great gift of life you offer in his name. We thank you for his resurrection power which is available to us all here today. The power unto salvation, and the power to live a godly and victorious life. Thank you that you haven t left us alone, but have taken steps towards us. Today we thank you for the free gift of salvation, thank you for your strength available to us, thank you for preparing good deeds for us to carry out. Thank you for giving us words to encourage others. We ask that you would help us preach the gospel to others and to ourselves daily. We ask this in your Son s name, Amen. Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory 2016 7
Easter 2016: Unveiling the Kingdom: Message 2 Scriptures for: Living a Victorious Life Jn 20:3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Lk 24:46 And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. Jn 20:21 Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. Rom 6:4 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. Rom 8:11 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. Heb 10:19-24 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Jm 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Psa 47:7 For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm. Isa 53:4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us for it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory 2016 8
1 Jn 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Heb 10:35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. Rom 8:11 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. 2 Cor 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Heb 10:14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. Rom 8:37-9 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole." Psa 103:12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Isa 43:25 I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Eph 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Jn 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; Territorial Mission Resources Department Australia Southern Territory 2016 9