Sermon Outline

The Right View of the Resurrection

Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

I. Introduction: Christ’s resurrection is the defining event of our faith and all of history. It demonstrates Jesus’ power over death, confirms His divinity, and provides a powerful example of the Lord’s ability to keep His word. The resurrection of Jesus is critical to the gospel message and to Christianity itself.

II. The disciples initially responded to the resurrection from a human, rational perspective, rather than a godly one.

A. Although Jesus had told the disciples He would be killed and rise three days later, they thought the crucifixion was the end. They had seen Him perform miracles, listened to His sermons, and watched His life for years. But the Scriptures give no record that any of the Lord’s followers waited outside His tomb for the resurrection.

B. Examples of unbelief:

• The women who visited the grave after the Sabbath came prepared to anoint a dead body.
• The disciples could not comprehend the eyewitness report of the empty tomb; the women’s words “appeared to them as nonsense” (Luke 24:11).
• Peter, who ran to the grave, simply marveled at the vacant burial place (Luke 24:12). I believe he didn’t yet realize that Jesus had risen.
• The two men on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognize Christ at first (Luke 24:13-35). Thomas told his friends that he would have to touch the wounds on Jesus’ hands and side before he would believe their good news (John 20:25).

III. What difference does it make if we believe in the resurrection?

A. The biblical concept of the afterlife includes the resurrection of all people and then the judgment. But some people choose to believe that when this life ends, they will cease to exist. This perspective enabled some within the church at Corinth to justify immorality.

B. Paul challenged the Corinthian church, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain . . . your faith is worthless . . . you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:14, 17). Our entire faith rests on the resurrection. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then Bible study, tithing, sharing the gospel, and all other spiritual practices are a waste of time. But the fact is, He did rise from the grave. The moment we receive Him as Savior, the Holy Spirit resides within us and gives us the power to live victorious Christian lives.

C. Those who don’t believe Jesus rose from the dead must rely on themselves. That may work during this life. But even those who were confident that death would bring oblivion often have last-minute doubts when facing their own mortality and God’s judgment (Heb. 9:27).

IV. What is the evidence that Christ is risen?

A. When Jesus rose from the dead, He ascended to the Father and offered Himself as the only adequate sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Right now, He sits at the Father’s right hand and makes intercession for you and me. Not only did Christ die for us; He lives eternally for us and promises never to leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

B. Evidence for the resurrection:

• We have a clear conscience and the assurance that our sins are forgiven.
• In the midst of life’s challenges, you and I have supernatural confidence and peace. I can testify personally that in more than 60 years of walking with the Lord, He has proven His sufficiency in every circumstance of life.

V. What if you don’t believe Christ rose from the dead?

A. Jesus predicted that He would be killed and then rise within three days (John 2:19-21). If He lied about that, how much confidence can we place in His other promises? I believe that those who deny the resurrection also reject Jesus.

B. If you don’t accept that Christ rose from the grave, then you have no hope of reuniting in heaven with your loved ones who have passed on to glory. Death is the end. In contrast, those of us who believe in the resurrection have the promise that if we are “absent from the body . . . [we are] at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). We can look forward to living forever with our believing friends and family (Eph. 2:8, John 3:16; 6:40, 47; 10:28, Acts 11:14; 16:31).

VI. The Proclamation of Jesus’ Name

Christ told His disciples that “repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations” (Luke 24:47). Missions can include medical attention or supplies of food and clothing, but their primary goal should be to proclaim the name of Jesus. If we don’t share the gospel with people, we are ignoring their most important need—forgiveness of sins so they can experience eternal life.

VII. Conclusion: Without the resurrection, Christianity would lose its unique and powerful message. The gospel promises us that the Son of God came to earth to die for our sins—and that He rose on the third day, triumphant over the grave. Because He is risen, you and I can face both life and death with confidence, knowing He is always with us.