Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 2:11-14; 3:1-4
Introduction:
1. This morning, we saw why we should have resurrected Messiah faith.
2. This evening, we will see how such faith transforms our lives.
Discussion:
I. Christ the First Fruits
A. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection proves more than His deity.
B. Paul argued that those who are His will arise to eternal life, death having no power (1 Cor. 15:20-26; 1 Th. 4:13-18; Heb. 2:14-15).
II. The Present Resurrection
A. It is easy to focus singularly on the future resurrection from the dead, but there is more to it than that.
B. Paul argued that the Christian is currently living in a resurrected state (Eph. 2:1-6; Col. 2:11-14).
1. Death of the soul is the most tragic death of all.
2. Paul was emphatic this was the reality prior to conversion, but now we are alive in Christ.
III. Living The New Life in Christ
A. Colossians 3:1ff details the impact the reality of the current and hope of the future resurrection has on the Christian.
1. Worldly-mindedness gives way to heavenly thinking (3:1-4).
2. The old sinful self is put to death and left buried (3:3-9; Rom. 6:3; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; 6:14-15).
3. The newly created self is raised to walk in a completely new manner (3:9-17; Rom. 6:4; Eph. 4:20-24).
B. This all stems from the hope generated by resurrected Messiah faith leading us to purify ourselves (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Jn. 3:1-3).
Conclusion:
1. Colossians 3:1 frames the matter in an if/then format.
2. The implication is that, if I claim to have been raised from my death in sin through resurrected Messiah faith, the new life must be lived out.
3. May we strive daily to grow deeper into this faith and faithfulness.
4. If we do, the eternal kingdom is surely ours (2 Pt. 1:10-11; 1 Jn. 1:7).