(Clip) How Will Christians Shine Like the Sun？
John Piper explains that Christians will shine gloriously like the sun in the resurrection, reflecting the transformative power and glory of God in the kingdom.
This sermon emphasizes the radiant transformation of the righteous in the kingdom of God, drawing parallels between the parable in Matthew 13:43 and the description of Jesus in Revelation 1. It highlights the glorious nature of believers in the resurrection, where they will shine brightly like the sun, free from earthly afflictions and filled with new spiritual eyes to behold the beauty of God's kingdom.
Full Transcript
In the parable in Matthew 13, 43, the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Remember seeing Jesus in Revelation 1? Hair white like snow, girded, brass belt, truth, just pillars for legs, and his face, it says, we're shining like the sun, and John was on his face. So will you.
We would not be able to look at each other in the resurrection unless God had given us new spiritual resurrection eyes. We will be so bright. No more wheelchairs, no more depression, no more fallen countenances, no more discouragement, no more disease, no more alienation, everything new, and your face shining like the sun.
So that C.S. Lewis said, we would be tempted to bow down and worship each other if God hadn't given us an eyes and a heart to know better.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Explanation of the parable in Matthew 13:43
- The righteous shining like the sun in God's kingdom
- Connection to Jesus’ appearance in Revelation 1
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II
- The transformation in the resurrection
- New spiritual resurrection eyes enabling us to see each other
- Freedom from suffering and brokenness
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III
- The overwhelming brightness of resurrected believers
- C.S. Lewis’s insight on worship and recognition
- The heart and eyes God gives to rightly worship
Key Quotes
“The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” — John Piper
“We would not be able to look at each other in the resurrection unless God had given us new spiritual resurrection eyes.” — John Piper
“No more wheelchairs, no more depression, no more fallen countenances, no more discouragement, no more disease, no more alienation, everything new, and your face shining like the sun.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Live with hope and anticipation of the glorious transformation in the resurrection.
- Trust God to renew your heart and eyes to worship Him rightly.
- Encourage others with the promise of a future free from suffering and full of radiant glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Christians will shine like the sun?
It means believers will reflect God's glory and be transformed to a radiant, glorious state in the resurrection.
How does Revelation 1 relate to this teaching?
Jesus’ radiant appearance in Revelation 1 serves as a model for how resurrected believers will shine.
Will believers still suffer in the resurrection?
No, there will be no more suffering, disease, or discouragement in the resurrection.
Why won’t we worship each other instead of God?
God gives us new spiritual eyes and hearts so we recognize and worship Him rightly.
What is the significance of new spiritual resurrection eyes?
They enable us to see each other’s glorified state and the fullness of God’s kingdom.