Resurrection Power
The sermon emphasizes that true spiritual power comes from the resurrected Lord, bringing a new direction and hope for believers.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true spiritual power for Christians is found not in the birth of Christ or the relics of the Cross, but in the resurrection of Jesus, who declared, 'All power is given me in heaven and in earth.' The resurrection transformed the believers' direction from mourning and fear towards hope and victory, as they proclaimed, 'He is risen, indeed!' Tozer asserts that the significance of Easter extends beyond a single day, marking the beginning of an ongoing outreach of Christ's power that will continue until His return.
Text
Let us be confident, Christian brethren, that our power does not lie in the manger at Bethlehem nor in the relics of the Cross. True spiritual power resides in the victory of the mighty, resurrected Lord of glory, who could pronounce after spoiling death: "All power is given me in heaven and in earth." The power of the Christian believer lies in the Savior's triumph of eternal glory! Christ's resurrection brought about a startling change of direction for the believers.
Sadness and fear and mourning marked the direction of their religion before they knew that Jesus was raised from the dead-their direction was towards the grave.
When they heard the angelic witness, "He is risen, as He said," the direction immediately shifted away from the tomb "He is risen, indeed!" If this is not the meaning of Easter, the Christian church is involved only in a shallow one-day festival each year. Thankfully, the resurrection morning was only the beginning of a great, vast outreach that has never ended-and will not end until our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again!
Sermon Outline
- I. True Spiritual Power
- A. Does not lie in the manger at Bethlehem
- B. Does not lie in the relics of the Cross
- C. Resides in the victory of the resurrected Lord
- II. The Power of the Christian Believer
- A. Lies in the Savior's triumph of eternal glory
- III. The Resurrection's Impact
- A. Brought about a change of direction for believers
- B. Shifted their focus away from the grave
Key Quotes
“All power is given me in heaven and in earth.” — A.W. Tozer
“He is risen, indeed!” — A.W. Tozer
“Their direction immediately shifted away from the tomb” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Believers should focus on the resurrected Christ and the power He brings, rather than material or earthly things.
- The resurrection of Christ brings a new direction and hope for believers, away from death and towards eternal glory.
- The Christian church should celebrate Easter as a celebration of the resurrected Christ, marking a new beginning for believers.