Rattle: Resurrection Power

Sermon series based on "Rattle" by Elevation Worship

This message is from Ephesians 1:18-21  (NIV)

The final message in our "Rattle" series demystifies the phrase "resurrection power." In Ephesians 1:18-21, the Apostle Paul shares with the church how he prays for them. Paul had spent over three years preaching and teaching in Ephesus and had developed a deep love for the church and its people. 

  • These past few years have been particularly challenging for many of us, but in this passage, we are promised hope. WIn what areas of your life are you struggling to find hope? What do verses 19-20 tell us about the power available to us if we believe in God?

In verses 18 and 19, Paul refers to their inheritance, hope, and God's power. We have an inheritance (as believers, God considers us His glorious inheritance), hope (home in heaven for all eternity), made possible by the supernatural power of God seen in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. This is why Easter (Resurrection) Sunday is so important. Jesus conquered death. Though it may seem impossible, the supernatural power of God not only makes victory over death a possibility, it becomes a fact. 

  • If God's power within us is so great, why do many Christians fall into sin?

  • Why do you think so many of us try to find our value in everything except Christ? 

God took Jesus from death to abundant life. In John 10:10, Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly." Before Jesus ever stepped out of heaven to be born a child in Bethlehem, He knew God's will was for Him to die as a sacrifice for our sins. His victory over death means we no longer have to live as slaves to sin and death but instead can choose to follow Him and live in victory through Him. 

So, on this Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate this new, abundant life and our victory over death through baptisms (Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:12). Passing through the water of baptism mirrors Jesus' death and resurrection and serves as a public profession of the individual's faith in Christ and the supernatural transformation of their heart. 

Baptism points both backward and forward. We point back to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and we point forward to the promise that we, too, shall rise from the grave when He returns in triumph (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). 

  • Share your baptism story. (e.g., when, where, how old were you, who baptized you, etc.) 

  • Read Matthew 28:18-20. Why is baptism part of our mandate to make disciples and teach them to observe Jesus' commandments? What would you say to someone who claims to be a follower of Christ yet has no intention of being baptized? 

  • Max Lucado refers to baptism as a "demonstration of devotion." What does he mean? Misconceptions about baptism are common in church? Have any of these misconceptions about baptism been a part of your thinking?

    • Baptism as a means to salvation

    • Infant baptism 

    • Baptism by some other method than immersion

    • Baptism before genuine conversion

    • Baptism for the dead

    • Choosing not to be baptized isn’t a big deal

Make a Move:

Have you been Scripturally baptized? If not, talk to one of our pastors about next steps. 

Prayer Prompt: 

Lord, may I never take Your resurrection power in my life for granted. Help me lean into You both when things are going my way and when everything seems to be falling apart. May my life be a living testimony of someone raised to walk in new life because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for all You have done and will continue to do in my life as I strive to serve You. Amen

Do you need community? Have feedback? Want to share something? Reach out to our staff. 

Worship Set: Graves Into Gardens I Now Here I Rattle I The Gathering