#321 – LET ME REMIND YOU (5/4/21)

Select the image above to watch the video version of this devotional.

When I first became a Christian, I remember wondering why the resurrection was important. If Jesus died for my sins, I reasoned, why is it important that He was raised to life?

This week, following Easter Sunday, I’d like to focus on the message of the resurrection. I thought that it might be quite interesting to look, briefly, at extracts of Paul’s longest teaching on this from 1 Corinthians 15.

Let me remind you

‘Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.’ (1 Corinthians 15:1)

‘Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.’ (Philippians 3:1)

Paul knows that some in Corinth are having trouble with the resurrection and so he’s writing to ‘remind’ them. He’s reminding them so they can ‘take their stand’. We ‘stand’ against demonic powers who want to undermine our faith in Jesus’ resurrection,

‘Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.’ (Ephesians 6:10-11)

As Christians, we need constant reminders of the important things - things that we already know often!

Why do human beings have a God-given (I believe) habit of creating traditions - traditions such as Easter, anniversaries, birthdays…? Every year I celebrate my wedding anniversary. Why? Hopefully, it’s not because I’d get in trouble if I forgot, which I would! I know I’m married, I don’t celebrate it in case I forget. We celebrate things like this so that we give special attention to the things that are important to us.

I have no doubt that you’ve heard about the resurrection of Jesus. I’m sure that there’s very little of what I’m going to say that’s new to you. However, let me ask you a question: how is the message of the resurrection affection your life? Your emotions? Your vision for life? Your parenting?… we may know about it, but are we ‘taking a stand’ on it as we should?

You see, it’s one thing to know things, but it’s another thing when the Holy Spirit reminds us of something - something like the resurrection - so that it saturates us and overflows from us.

RESPONSE

The Holy Spirit has given us His word to remind us of the things we need to Know.

Why not read the first account of the resurrection from Matthew 28:1-20 and pray that the Holy Spirit would deeply remind you of the meaning of the resurrection for you.

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - TAKE HOLD OF THE ROCK

On Sunday we celebrated Easter Sunday - the resurrection of Jesus.

Like those first disciples, there are so many things that stop us from remembering the resurrection as we need to. We may well believe that Jesus is alive but are we taking hold of it as we could? Those first disciples did not listen and so did expect the resurrection as Jesus had promised.

Take a moment to read through Matthew's account of that first Easter Sunday from Matthew 28: 1-15.

There are many things that could be said, but here are three things that Jesus wants us to know as a result of the resurrection:

i) Jesus is alive

Christians don’t follow a dead guru, hero, example, prophet… We don’t just remember Jesus, we meet with Jesus in the Spirit!

ii) He's truthful

Jesus was not mad, bad, psychotic, super-spiritual… He was telling the truth. All of Jesus’ words can be trusted

iii) He gives life

Those who come to Jesus will receive new life now. We also receive the promise of future resurrection.

Discussion questions

1. How often do you think about the resurrection?

2. How does the truth of the resurrection affect your daily life?

3. Why do you think that the first disciples failed to expect Jesus' resurrection as He had promised?

4. In what ways could you let God fill your heart and mind with the hope of the resurrection?

Serving, Investing and inviting

Jesus' resurrection gives us a vision for the future that we want others to enjoy. Let's take a moment to share and pray about how we are serving, investing and inviting into our community.

1) Who has God put into your life that we could pray for together?

2) How are you planning to serve invest and invite?