Increasing Our Easter Gratitude

Increasing Our Easter Gratitude

2014-04-20

1 Corinthians 15:14-20,

14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

The level of gratitude and joy a person has corresponds to realization of the cost of gift.  

·      There is a difference in value of re-gift vs. sacrificial gift.

o   Like driving 1500 vs 5 miles to visit on your family on Easter.  Time, money, effort, distance.

·      The level of gratitude and joy also relates to the perceived seriousness of the situation: If you are released from $50 speeding ticket vs. a murder conviction.

The level of joy/gratitude/love on Easter is in proportion to the sense of personal indebtedness to God. Luke 7:39-50

·      You have a No/low understanding of personal indebtedness to God if you view Easter as a “have to do” bi-annual visit to church/parents/others.

·      If you view your spiritual debt to be present but not significant. That would be a moderate understanding.

o   Simon was just as spiritually bankrupt as the woman, he just didn’t realize it.

·      You have a high understanding of personal indebtedness to God if you have the biblical view of yourself & the cost Jesus paid for salvation.

o   The cost to pay your incomprehensible sin debt was immeasurable.

§  Only those who realize the depth/cost of their sin truly appreciate & celebrate the complete forgiveness God offers.

Paul understood this truth & how the resurrection was just as crucial as  the crucifixion. 1 Tim 1:15-17, 1 Cor 15:17 & 20, Rom 10:9-10

·      It is a historical fact that the resurrection is the foundation to Christian faith & sets Christianty apart from the rest of world's religions.

• Proof of resurrection is so complete that only willful unbelief asks for more.
• You have an intellectual responsibility to examine the evidence.

Jesus did for us on the cross what we could never do for ourselves— purchased for Christians an acquittal, justification, and forgiveness.

·      The resurrection doesn't add anything to the condemnation-absorbing effect of the cross.

o   Christ’s death was utterly sufficient & needs no repetition/addition to remove all our condemnation. 1 Peter 3:18, Rom 4:24-5:1   

§  If there was no resurrection, then Christ’s death would be that of just a martyr, victim of injustice, or a good ordinary man with no saving value…..not that of Savior/God in flesh

·      So, the resurrection was God’s proclamation: All Christians sin debt  is paid in full.

o   Easter validates Good Friday….loan paid in full

·      When Jesus Christ was raised it was as if God said “I accept  the substitutionary sacrifice/death & can forgive sins because all guilt/condemnation is removed.

Resurrection is the undeniable proof that Jesus is the Judge, Messiah, and Savior ….this has enormous consequences to all people.  1 Peter 2:9-11, Acts 17:30-31, 1 Cor 15:1-10, 17-20

·      The purpose of the tomb being opened was not to let Jesus out but to let others in!

o   For sinners who repent the resurrection promises peace/new relationship with God, power over sin, & hope in the present/future life.

·      If you rightly understand the immeasurable, precious cost that had to be paid for your incomprehensible sin debt….your level of joy/gratitude/love toward Jesus will increase exponentially on Easter & every day of both your earthly and eternal life.