A Resurrected Life

"The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us."
                                                                                                              1 Corinthians 2:10-12




During this week in which we celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection, it is important to focus on the benefits we have received as recipients of it. There are three distinct benefits that become our own when we accept Jesus as both our Lord and Savior. The first benefit is that Jesus overcame death, and because of that, He shares His righteousness with us. the second benefit is that we are already now resurrected to a new life. The third benefit is that Jesus' resurrection guarantees the future of our glorious resurrection.

The benefit I really want to explore today is the second one- that we are already now resurrected to a new life. It is Jesus' power that gives us this new life and it is also His power that enables us to thrive within it. Right now, Jesus gives His life to us so that we can enjoy fullness and freedom in Him.

Jesus said, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)" (John 10:10). The abundance in our lives comes from connecting with Christ and having a heart that receives fully from Him. Our relationship with Him, as well as being surrendered to His Lordship produces the abundant life that Jesus references in this verse.

The Greek word for abundance is perisson. It means "superabundant, superfluous, overflowing, over and above a certain quality, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate." This occurs when every aspect of our existence is changed by the power of Jesus. In missiology, this is called "redemption and lift".

In this current season of your life, I'm wondering if there are any areas that need to be redeemed or need to be lifted up? I know there are in mine. But, I also know that there is no better time to rise in faith than during the time we celebrate Jesus' resurrection!

To understand what Jesus meant by an "abundant life", we have to balance what He said about abundance by what He said about life. In the Old Testament, God said He wants us to turn from godlessness and learn how to live (Ezekiel 33:11). In the New Testament, we are told that Jesus suffered for us so that we would follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21). He also said that if we claim to be in Christ, we have to walk the way Jesus walked (1 John 2:6).

God looks at our lives through an eternal lens. One day when Jesus was praying, He spoke to His Father about our eternal life. He said, "And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

As we grow in the grace and in the knowledge of Christ, we learn, practice, and mature. We also fail, recover, adjust, endure, and overcome. This is because we can only see things partially and not completely while we are on this earth (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Living an abundant life is all about what we receive as a gift from God and then living knowing that we are stewards of it. Stewardship is measured by what we give away. What has Jesus given to you? A word? A promise? A dream? Grace? Mercy? Peace? Joy? Wisdom? Salvation? Love?

Trust in His promises and cling to the abundant life Christ offers you. We must live in wonder of the greatness of God's plans for our lives. He will integrate every spoke in the wheel of our lives for our good and, ultimately, for His glory.

Living the abundant life has to do with the ability of keeping His commandments as we utilize the grace that He gives to us. The more we are in accordance with His will and His ways, the more we will enjoy the benefits of living a Christ-centered life. The life of God we live is abundant, despite our circumstances (Philippians 4:11).

We can learn to be content in all our circumstances (Philippians 4:12). This requires focusing on all the good God sets before us and faith that He will redeem and lift up the places that are currently devoid of His touch. Look for the small blessings that God gives us day to day.

When we seek Him, God will give us the revelation we need to be victorious in our lives. He will illuminate the dark places. He sets the course and He is in control, even when it would seem He is not. He has given us peace to rule in our hearts, and He will forever be our Advocate.

Our future is secure in His hands and we can trust Him with every aspect of our lives. We don't just have tomorrow to look forward to; we also have today to live in fullness and freedom. He promises that He will keep us from falling (Jude, v.24) and that He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). In other words, He has given us everything we need, now and forever, to live a resurrected life!


"Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, which have not entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him."
                                                                                                                          1 Corinthians 2:9

                                       HAVE A BLESSED RESURRECTION DAY!!!!