Applying The Easter Message

Applying the Easter Message

Philippians 2:1-11

- What a fantastic day to be in God’s house!

-- Today, everywhere, Christians are celebrating the incredible gift God gave us

-- But why do we celebrate? Why is there joy to be in God’s house today?

- Simple: Jesus … is ALIVE!

- Today we not only celebrate Jesus’ glorious resurrection (most known story), but,

-- We also look to the Word of God to see how we can be more like His Son

-- This allows us to examine how we can change our lives to be more like Jesus.

- Read Philippians 2:1-11

- Pray

∆ Point 1 – How is your attitude? (Verse 5)

- Let’s ponder the question above … what a challenge to so many today!

- Often times we have issues relating to one another

-- Jesus never had a problem talking to people as He often spoke from the heart

-- He controlled his emotions and responded with what people needed

-- Sometimes, we seem to miss that He is the model we should live our lives by

- APP: Jesus’ attitude was in control, on time, and always ready with an answer

- This morning, many of may be facing life’s challenges with a heavy burden

-- Perhaps it’s made you feel that God has abandoned you?

-- Or maybe you’re convinced that God has forgotten about your troubles?

-- Or worse, you’ve even stopped praying because you don’t think He cares

-- Could it be … life’s events have affected your attitude regarding Easter?

- We know Easter is not about a bunny rabbit; it’s not about an egg hunt

-- Easter is the celebration of victory over death, hell, and the grave … for us!

-- When Jesus emerged from the tomb, He stepped into the role of Master!

-- He was no longer a servant, but as the only One with the authority to judge

-- APP: He went through the very gates of hell so we could believe Him and live

- He is the same Jesus that emerged from the tomb and comforted Mary

- He is the one who restored Peter after he denied Christ three times

- He is the one who appeared to Thomas to settle his doubts about Him

- He is the same Lord who called Paul on the road to Damascus

- He is the same one in Revelation Chapter 1 revealed to John

- He is the same Christ on the throne in Revelation 3 and 4 being worshiped

- He is the Lord who is promised to come back and redeem His church

- He is the great I Am …. He is worthy to be praised today!

- Because of Easter we ought to celebrate; but also ought to examine ourselves

-- We should be able to see where we need to change to be more like Him

- Today is not a funeral service … Today is not a day to be sad or glum

-- Today is a celebration that because Jesus paid the price for your sins

-- Because you are redeemed, you can be free and have victory over sin/death

-- It is a day to rejoice, and also a day to examine our hearts to be more like Him!

- TRANS: Perhaps this Easter we can examine our attitude and change. Why?

∆ Point 2 – Jesus’s attitude was also God’s Attitude (Verse 6-8)

- Jesus took on the form of Man, even though He was still fully God

-- Came to show us that even as the Son of God; serving others is most important

- He dwelt among us as flesh and bone; had experiences

-- He experienced the same things that we experienced; had emotions

-- But He was perfect; one without sin and who could pay for debt of ALL sin

-- IMP: But more than that, Jesus was always alive – He is eternal

- Turn to John 1

- John 1:1, “In the beginning the Word was God, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” From the very beginning, the Word of God was present

-- Everything that we need; or will need; comes from His Word and from Him

-- He is the provider and the one we should seek nourishment from each day!

- John 1:2, “He was with God in the beginning.”

-- When God said let us make man in our image, he was not talking to Himself!!

- John 1:3, “Through Him all things were made, without Him nothing was made that has been made.” He had knowledge of everything; His power is remarkable

-- Nothing on this Earth has been done outside of the knowledge of God

-- He created it all, and His creation exists because of who He is