Living the Resurrection Life (conclusion)
Living the Resurrection Life
The Resurrection Life is simply living in light of both the resurrection of Jesus and your own future resurrection. When Jesus returns, we will be changed. We’ll have a new, resurrection body and we’ll be with the Lord. Until then, we live with one foot in each world. We still live in the corruptible, weak, earthy bodies we were born with. Now that we have experienced a spiritual re-birth, we must live a certain way as we look forward to our new, resurrection bodies. In 1 Corinthians 15, the most extensive teaching on the resurrection in the Bible, Paul gives seven principles for living in light of the resurrection. Colossians 3:1-4 tells us to set our mind on things above. Peter tells us that our inheritance is even now being kept in heaven for us.
So how are we to live as we are eagerly waiting for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23-25)?
Based on the the exhortations in 1 Corinthians 15:34 and 58, believers are called to these principles:
1. Take your spiritual life seriously.
The Amplified Bible says it like this: Be sober-minded [be sensible, wake up from your spiritual stupor]
Simply put: prioritize the spiritual side of your life. From fully engaging in the Body of Christ (your local church), to faithful Bible reading, discipleship, and more. Don’t neglect to make intentional effort toward your own spiritual growth. If you don’t have a Spiritual Growth Plan of some sort, you need to do that today. Here’s a link to a guide to help you with that.
2. Stop Sinning
1 Peter 1:13-15 commands comprehensive holiness. It doesn’t get simpler or plainer than that. Stop. Whatever sin it is. Just STOP IT! You know what sin he’s talking about. You know what your besetting sin is. Stop it. And remember: your brothers and sisters stand ready to walk alongside you and help you in this pursuit. Not leaning into that will make it infinitely more difficult. You need the Body - the Body needs you.
3. Pursue the Knowledge of God
It’s shameful to not have a knowledge of God that is growing deeper. Your knowledge should be in line with how long you’ve been a Christian. The simple summary: always be growing in your knowledge of God. Your church’s discipleship program is the best place for this to happen. Side note: if the elders of your church are not committed to helping you grow spiritually, you need to find another church.
4. Be Steadfast
Steadfast means: seated. Firmly Settled.
Be firmly committed to these pursuits. 2 Peter 1 commands you to pursue your spirituality applying all diligence, meaning - make maximum effort. Be fully committed to this. Be thoroughly radically biblical in all of your thinking and don’t waver in it.
5. Be Immovable.
This is steadfast on steroids. The word paints a picture of being motionless and immovable. You’re a rock. You never sway from God’s will. You’re not erratic but faithful. You’re consistent and reliable. You can be taken at your Word. You hold fast to the Word. None of us will ever do this perfectly, but this is the goal we strive for.
6. Always abounding in the work of the Lord
Faithfully serve Christ consistently. Always. These are the good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). Serving Christ both in your church and in your interpersonal relationships is in view here. You need to view your whole life as in service to your King. Think this way: You’re not a salesman who is a Christian. You’re a Christian who happens to be a salesman. You’re a slave who faithfully serves your Master with joyful thanksgiving.
7. Knowing that your labor is not in vain
What an amazing conclusion this is! You can have ultimate confidence in the Lord. Not in your labor, but in the One you labor for: the Sovereign King of the Universe! It’s all His Kingdom, and your work for Him is never pointless. You might never know or see the impact your work for the Lord has, but it is not in vain. Your efforts for the Lord will have effect and they are meaningful. Never forget that along the way. Knowing this is fuel for the adventure that the Resurrection Life brings.
The conclusion: faithfully serve your King!
Keep these seven things in front of you and faithfully pursue them. This is what Living the Resurrection Life looks like.
Grace & Peace!
Rob Signs