warm-up

Would you rather be a planner or more spontaneous? Why?

Think of one person whose strength you admire. What qualities of his or her strength do you particularly like?

What is the most significant promise someone has given you? What makes it significant?

word

22“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—²³this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” Acts 2:22-24

(Read 1 Corinthians 15.)

Our faith rests on the basic fact of Jesus’ empty tomb. Jesus’ resurrection is not just a metaphor, nor a story or an event to be celebrated during Easter once a year. It is a historical fact that displays God’s plan, power, and promise for our salvation. In this lesson, we will look deeper into the significance of the resurrection to the Christian faith.

1
God’s Plan

²²“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—²³this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” Acts 2:22-24

(Read 1 Corinthians 15:3,4.)

God’s deliberate plan was to save us by sending His Son as a sacrifice for our sin. Everything that happened to Jesus was planned out by God. Christ died for our sins, he was buried, he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) so that God could redeem the world. The resurrection, itself, distinguishes Jesus apart from all other religious teachers in the world. He is more than just a good teacher; He is our Lord and Savior. How does God’s plan for the resurrection assure you that He is in control of everything, including your life?

2
God’s Power

“God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” Acts 2:24

The resurrection displayed God’s great power. Even death itself could not hold Him down! Jesus’ resurrection showed His victory over death and validated His divine identity (1 Corinthians 15:55). Therefore, we should be filled with hope that there is nothing to fear because Christ has won the victory for us. According to 1 Corinthians 15:57, what do we have in Christ?

3
God’s Promise

²⁰But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. . . . ²²For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20,22

The resurrection of Jesus not only showed God’s power but also the depth of His faithfulness, sealing God’s promise of forgiveness, redemption, and glorification in Christ. It guarantees our hope of life after death, and is the basis of our eternal life now. Knowing that this is God’s promise, how are we supposed to view death? (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

application

Do you believe that Jesus died and rose again to save us? How does the truth of the resurrection strengthen your faith?

How can you go deeper in your understanding and appreciation of the resurrection this week? What’s one thing you will do this week to go deeper in the Word?

Who can you encourage about God’s plan, power, and promise this week?

prayer

Thank God for His plan, power, and promise, which was demonstrated through Christ’s resurrection.

Pray that you will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus every day. Ask God to replace your fear with faith and hope.

Pray for open doors to preach the gospel and opportunities to encourage your family and friends with the hope of the resurrection this week.

© 2017 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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