RESURRECTION SUNDAY: THE POWER THAT RAISED JESUS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 28:1-10
Supporting Texts: Romans 8:11, Philippians 3:10, John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:17-22, Colossians 2:12-15
INTRODUCTION:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. Without it, the gospel loses its power and hope vanishes. Resurrection Sunday is not just a religious celebration, but a divine encounter with the living Christ who conquered the grave. It marks the turning point of human history—when death was defeated and eternal life was released.
The empty tomb is not a symbol of loss, but of victory. Jesus did not just rise to prove a point; He rose to empower His people with the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead. The power of the resurrection is available to everyone who believes. It is a power that restores, renews, and repositions believers for purpose and destiny.
Today, we reflect on the significance of the resurrection, not just as a past event, but as a present reality. The same Jesus who rose is alive forevermore, and His resurrection power is still at work in our lives.
1. THE RESURRECTION VALIDATES OUR FAITH
Before diving into subpoints, it is crucial to understand that the resurrection is the seal of authenticity on the Christian faith. Without it, our preaching and belief would be in vain.
a) It proves Jesus is the Son of God
Romans 1:4 tells us that Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. The resurrection confirmed His divinity beyond any doubt.
b) It confirms the truth of Scripture
Every prophecy concerning the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection was fulfilled to the letter, confirming the reliability of God's Word.
c) It assures us of our justification
According to Romans 4:25, Jesus was raised for our justification. The resurrection declares that the price for our sins has been fully paid.
d) It gives meaning to our faith and preaching
Paul said if Christ is not risen, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection gives substance and power to what we believe.
Biblical Example: The disciples were transformed from fearful men into bold witnesses after they saw the resurrected Christ (John 20:19-29).
2. THE RESURRECTION BRINGS VICTORY OVER DEATH
Understanding this point is vital because death is the final enemy of humanity. But Christ defeated it completely.
a) Christ conquered physical death
He rose bodily from the grave, never to die again, proving that death has no lasting power over Him (Revelation 1:18).
b) He gives us victory over spiritual death
Through His resurrection, we are made alive with Him and delivered from the death of sin (Ephesians 2:5-6).
c) He secures eternal life for believers
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).
d) We no longer fear death
Hebrews 2:14-15 says that Jesus destroyed the one who held the power of death, freeing us from the fear of it.
Biblical Example: Lazarus, though dead for four days, was raised by Jesus as a foreshadow of His own resurrection and ours (John 11:38-44).
3. THE RESURRECTION RELEASES SUPERNATURAL POWER
This is the dimension many believers miss—resurrection is not just a past event; it’s a present force.
a) The same Spirit that raised Christ dwells in us
Romans 8:11 says this Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies—quickening us spiritually and physically.
b) It empowers us to live victoriously
We can now overcome sin, fear, and failure by this resurrection power (Philippians 3:10).
c) It enables bold witness
The resurrection transformed weak followers into fearless apostles who shook the world.
d) It activates our spiritual gifts
The power of the risen Christ brings a release of grace and spiritual ability to fulfil our callings.
Biblical Example: Peter, who denied Jesus, became a bold preacher of the gospel after experiencing the resurrection (Acts 2:14-41).
4. THE RESURRECTION OFFERS A NEW BEGINNING
Every resurrection moment in Scripture is a sign of divine turnaround. No matter the past, there is hope.
a) It marks a fresh start for believers
In Christ, we are a new creation—the old is gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
b) It breaks the power of the past
The cross dealt with our sins, and the resurrection launches us into newness of life.
c) It brings divine restoration
What was lost in the Garden of Eden is now restored through the risen Christ.
d) It gives hope to the hopeless
Resurrection is a message to the downtrodden that life can begin again with Christ.
Biblical Example: Mary Magdalene, once tormented, was the first to see the risen Jesus, marking her transformation and honour (John 20:11-18).
5. THE RESURRECTION POINTS TO OUR FUTURE GLORY
Finally, the resurrection is a prophetic picture of what awaits every believer.
a) We will be raised like Christ
1 Corinthians 15:20-23 assures us that just as Christ rose, so shall all who belong to Him.
b) We will reign with Him
The resurrection is our entry into sonship and dominion (Romans 8:17).
c) We have a heavenly inheritance
Reserved in heaven for us, untouched by death and corruption (1 Peter 1:3-4).
d) We look forward to eternal glory
Our hope is not limited to this world; the resurrection points us to an eternal future.
Biblical Example: Stephen, while being martyred, saw the risen Christ standing at the right hand of God welcoming him home (Acts 7:55-56).
CONCLUSION:
The resurrection of Jesus is the most powerful event in history. It confirms our faith, breaks the hold of sin and death, and empowers us for victorious living. This power is not just a past event but an ever-present reality for every believer.
As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, let us not only rejoice in what Christ has done, but let us walk in the power of what His resurrection continues to do in our lives. Let this be a season of renewed faith, victory, and spiritual awakening.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Lord, for the victory of the resurrection in my life.
2. Father, let every dead area of my life receive resurrection power today.
3. Lord Jesus, empower me to live in the newness of life by Your Spirit.
4. Every grave of delay and disappointment in my life, open now by the power of resurrection.
5. Let my spiritual gifts and purpose come alive again in Jesus’ name.
