LGC - The Resurrection Part 1

The Resurrection (Part 1)

Sam Roberts

INTRODUCTION

The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the defining moment in human history and is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Yet, it remains a profound mystery, where divine power is revealed not through dominance or grandeur, but through surrender, suffering and what the world sees as defeat. This paradox lies at the heart of understanding God’s power, where true victory is found in the cross.

1 Corinthians 1:18 captures the entire essence of the paradox: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” To the world, a crucified Messiah seems absurd. Yet to those who have experienced its truth, it is the supreme revelation of God’s power and love.

The resurrection is not simply a doctrine we agree with but a power we are invited to encounter. It liberates us from sin, redeems our pain, and reorients our lives towards eternal hope in Christ. As Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

DISCUSSION

The apostles were transformed from doubters to convicted followers because they saw and encountered the risen Christ. Fearful and disillusioned after the crucifixion, they became fearless proclaimers of the gospel, even unto martyrdom.

a. Have you ever experienced a moment when your doubt gave way to faith through a personal encounter with God? What impact did that have on your view of Christ’s resurrection?

b. Share with your group in what tangible ways has God revealed Himself to you beyond head knowledge? How can these moments become spiritual anchors during seasons of uncertainty or discouragement?
Jesus’ crucifixion looked like defeat to everyone who witnessed it. But in that moment of weakness, God was doing something unimaginably powerful. What the world sees as failure is often the platform for God’s redemptive victory.

a. Read 2 Cor 12:1-10. What does it mean when Paul said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”? How does this redefine your understanding of success, strength and divine power?

b. Are there areas in your life where you have been expecting God to move through immediate breakthroughs or dramatic signs, yet He seems to be working in quieter, more subtle ways? What assumptions do you have about God’s intentions? What might He be forming in you through this slower process? (Read Job 42:1-6, Rom 5:3-5)
God’s power is most fully encountered when we surrender. When we release our grip on fear, control, bitterness and pride, we create space for the resurrection power of Christ to work within us.

What areas of your life are you still holding on to, and in what ways are you resisting God’s will out of fear, pride, or comfort? What would it mean for you to truly release control and trust God with your life, even when the outcome is unclear?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

The resurrection is not just a past miracle to remember, it is a present reality to live by. It invites us into a radically different way of life, one marked by surrender rather than striving, trust rather than fear and freedom rather than captivity.

We can learn from Job. Though he suffered deeply, he never misjudged God’s character. He questioned God honestly, and God responded, not with answers, but with presence. This changed Job’s perspective. What if we did the same? In seasons of silence or suffering, what if we came to God with honesty instead of assumptions? When we bring our pain to Him, even without clear answers, He gives us peace and a deeper understanding of who He is. Like Job, we may walk away not with explanations but with awe and worship.

To walk in resurrection power is to live with the conviction that God is at work, even when we cannot see the evidence. It is the faith to believe that His silence is not His absence and His delays are not denials. True spiritual maturity is formed when we no longer chase dramatic signs but trust His unseen hand. This is the great mystery of resurrection: In letting go, we gain. In surrendering, we are raised.

MEMORY VERSE

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18

AN E1R1 REFLECTION

(drawn from Luke 19:1-9)

Jesus saw Zacchaeus, a man despised by many, and chose to personally connect with him in love, not judgment. He did not preach from a distance but called him by name and went to his home. Evangelism begins not with a message but with love in action.

How we can apply:

See the individual, not just the sin. Like Jesus, approach people with genuine interest and compassion.
Go to where people are. Evangelism is not just inviting people in. It is being proactive to step into their world.