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        "The Power of the Resurrection"
        Romans 1:4-5
        Theme:         The power of the resurrection provides men with the hope of glory

      1. It is a Clear Delineation of the Hope of Salvation – "who was declared the Son of God …"

        1. The Previous Delineations of Christ’s Identity

          1. Early in the history of our spiritual need, God promised that He would provide the salvation required to deliver us from the guilt of our sin and reconcile us to God – cp. Genesis 3:15.
          2. Since that time, men have looked for that promised deliverer – including Eve who believed that her first son – Cain – was the provision of God – cp. Genesis 4:1
          3. Throughout the Old Testament, the Messiah was anticipated – through the prophets who foretold of His coming, the blessings of His Kingdom, and the power of His rule.
          4. Every Jewish girl wondered if she would be the one who would be chosen to give birth to the ultimate joy of Israel – the One who would deliver them from the misery of sin.
          5. It wasn’t until Mary, the daughter of Eli, that the announcement came that the Messiah was born – cp. Luke 1:35; 2:11
          6. It wasn’t until Jesus’ baptism, that the declaration of who Jesus was came directly from God – cp. Matthew 3:17
          7. Just prior to Jesus’ crucifixion, the some of the disciples were with Jesus on a mountain praying when He was transfigured before them – Matthew 17:1-5
          8. There was another time when God’s voice was heard, in order that men might know that Jesus was the Son of God – John 12:28-32
          9. Clearly, Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, sent from heaven to rescue God’s people from their sin.

        2. The Powerful Declaration of Christ’s Identity

          1. As powerful as these statements were, they were all building to a great crescendo – "warm-ups" if you will – to the primary way by which the Son of God would be identified beyond any question – "… who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead …"
          2. The concept that is presented here is that by means of the resurrection, Jesus was set apart from all others as the singular Son of God and redeemer.
          3. The term "declared" comes from a word from which we get our English word "horizon" – literally meaning "to mark off by boundaries," or "to make plain"
          4. Thus, it was by means of the resurrection that Jesus Christ was "marked off" or separated from all others as the Savior and redeemer – there is none other through whom salvation is offered for there is none other over whom death has been triumphant – cp. Acts 4:12
          5. It is on this Jesus – whom God has raised from the dead – that we therefore set out hope of redemption - 2 Corinthians 1:9-10; 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

      2. It is the Consummate Demonstration the Power of Salvation – "…with power by the resurrection from the dead …"

        1. It Demonstrated the Subjugation of Death

          1. The hope of our salvation is based on the Lord Jesus Christ because He rose from the dead; but, why does this truly generate hope for us?
          2. Clearly, if someone promises to deliver something to someone who is responsible to accept what is promised, they must be able to demonstrate their ability to deliver it.
          3. A "Savior" who is himself dead, can offer no life to others.
          4. However, a Savior who conquers death itself – possesses life in Himself and can offers it with assurance and power – Hebrews 2:14-15
          5. Death itself has been defeated through the power of the resurrection – cp. 1 Corinthians 15:54; 1 John 3:8,
          6. By means of His victory over death, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has the power to give eternal life to any who come to Him by faith – Romans 6:23

        2. It Demonstrated the Satisfaction of God

          1. The work accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross – the complete satisfaction of God’s wrath for our sin – is demonstrated through the provision of the power to raise Christ Jesus from the dead.
          2. God has indeed been satisfied – cp. Romans 3:23-25
          3. Jesus Himself declared such a thing as He died – when He cried "It is finished" – John 19:30
          4. It is through the resurrection that the Father declared that He was indeed satisfied and accepted the sacrifice of Jesus as what was required for Him to forgive sin.

      3. It is the cCmforting Design of God’s Spirit – "… according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord"

        1. The Availability of Resurrection Power to The Savior

          1. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was dependent upon the enabling grace of God’s Spirit.
          2. The Holy Spirit was like the "direct supervisor" of the man, Christ Jesus.
          3. He performed His miracles in the power of the Spirit, He overcame temptation in the power of the Spirit, He preached in the power of the Spirit.
          4. When it came time for His resurrection, it was all "according to the Spirit of holiness"
          5. Thus, Jesus was not abandoned in the grave – but raised in power by the Holy Spirit – cp. Acts 13:34-38.

        2. The Availability of Resurrection Power to Sinners

          1. This same power is available to sinners - Romans 8:11.
          2. We are able to enjoy the promise of this resurrection power for the same reasons Christ Himself overcame it: Philippians 3:10-11
            1. … to overcome sin
            2. … to overcome death
            3. … to live a righteous life.

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