Matthew 28:2 – 4 Resurrection Freedom: Live!

Matthew 28:2 – 4

Resurrection Freedom: Live!

The results of the resurrection of Jesus ripple to our lives today… not just in joy for the occasion of the day but also in celebration that because Jesus is alive, we can be forgiven and live!

How is this possible?

I.          FACT

            A.         Because of what happened at the tomb:

                        1.         Matthew 28:2 – 4: The stone is rolled away. (The soldiers witness.)

                        2.         Mark 16:4 – 6: The tomb is empty

                        3.         John 20:3 – 9: The grave clothing is folded (Carpenter’s witness of a                                              finished job.)

            B.         Because of the eye witness accounts:

                        1.         John 20:10 – 16: Mary Magdalene

                        2.         John 20:19 – 20: The Disciples

                        3.         John 20:24 – 28: Thomas (doubter or realist?)

                        4.         Luke 24:30 -- 32: The road to Emmaus (“burning hearts”)

                        5.         Luke 24:33 – 34: Peter

                        6.         1 Corinthians 15:3 – 7: The 500, James, and Paul

II.         POWER [Romans 1:1 – 6]

            A.         Right here, right now!

                        1.         [v 2] This event was promised beforehand (prophets through the Holy                                            Spirit… NOT a made up story.)

                        2.         [v 3] Human nature = descended from David.

                        3.         [v 4] Divine nature = resurrection.

                        4.         [v 5]  BECAUSE of all this we (you) can receive grace! (God’s “want to,”)

                        5.         [v 6] BECAUSE of all this we (you) are called (must respond) to BELONG to                                    Jesus Christ.
[Philippians 3:10]

            B.         We are all one choice away from Heaven or Hell…

III.        MYSTERY [Colossians 1:27]

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

            A.         Colossians 3:1 – 4 (Meaning)

                        1.         [v 1] “Set your hearts on things above.”

                        2.         [v 2] “Set your minds on things above.”

                        3.         [v 3] You died… “your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

                        4.         [v 4] “Christ… is your life.”

            B.         Indwelling presence of Jesus (through the Holy Spirit) BECAUSE of the                                                 resurrection (He’s alive!)

IV.        SKILL 

            A.         Galatians 2:20

                        1.         “I have been crucified with Christ.”

Romans 6:11 “… count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

                        2.         “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (live by faith)

            B.         Galatians 5:19 – 25

                        1.         Fruit is the excess energy of a mature life.

                        2.         Transformation = moral behavior + fruit of the Holy Spirit.

                        3.         Passion and desire of the sinful nature war against the Spirit. (See                                                             Romans 8:7)

                        4.         Live by the Holy Spirit… “keep in step” is a military image of effective                                            training and attentiveness.

V.         CONCLUSION:

            A.         False concept of freedom – “I can do whatever I want, whenever I want,                                             however I want… if NOT then I am NOT free.”

                        1.         Reality: there are consequences to that idea…

                        2.         Consequences:

                                    a.         Connected to God means life lived by design, in the design of                                                         what we were meant to be and do.

                                    b.         Disconnected to God means certain destruction (eternal).

            B.         What are you celebrating today?

                        1.         A family day?

                        2.         A holiday?

                        3.         The life changing results of the resurrection of Jesus!