Day 1: The Resurrection Was the Work of the Holy Spirit

Theme: The Holy Spirit raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Key Bible Verse:

Romans 8:11 (NIV)—“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

Reflection:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fundamental tenet of Christian faith, as it represents the triumph over sin and mortality. The Holy Spirit's authority is credited with the miraculous event of Jesus' resurrection. The New Testament contains numerous references that emphasize the Holy Spirit's involvement in the resurrection, thereby emphasizing the divine nature of this critical event. The Spirit's role in resurrection is predicated on God's authority over life and death. The Holy Spirit's function in the process of salvation is to encase those in Christ until the end of time. The Holy Spirit is the source of authority for the people of God. Because we are complete in Christ, we have access to resurrection power. It is incumbent upon us to gain access to it.

Here are short words from two past preachers about the power that the Holy Spirit has given us.

Smith Wigglesworth, a British evangelist influential in the early history of Pentecostalism, wrote this about the Holy Spirit: “Enter into the promises of God. It is your inheritance. If you are filled with the Holy Ghost, you will do more in one year than in fifty years without Him.

Charles Stanley, pastor, televangelist, and theologian, offers this insight: “The power of the Spirit is God’s divine energy and authority released in believers’ lives for the purpose of righteous living and fruitful service. When we walk in the Spirit, we’re relying on His strength to accomplish God’s will. When we do God’s work by His strength, in His way, and with His wisdom, we’ll be blessed regardless of what goes on around us. Walking in the Spirit doesn’t mean life will be easy—but we never have to walk through it alone, because our Helper is always with us.”

As believers, the resurrection wrought by the Holy Spirit is not merely a historical occurrence but also a current reality that permeates our everyday lives. The Holy Spirit's indwelling helps believers to live in newness of life, exemplifying resurrection's transformative power. Resurrection provides believers with spiritual life and vigor, allowing them to overcome sin and live victoriously. The Holy Spirit, as the agent of resurrection, continues to act in Christians' lives, directing, sanctifying, and equipping them to accomplish God's intentions.

Bible Verses:

Ephesians 1:19-20, "and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.. he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms."

John 11:25-26, Jesus states, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

1 Peter 3:18, "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit."

Declaration of Faith:

I believe the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me. I am alive, victorious, and complete in Christ!

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, breathe resurrection life into every dry place in me. Awaken what was dead and buried and raise me in Your power. Amen.

Hope to Hold:

The power of resurrection remains active. Our Christian faith is founded on the fundamental truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. It reaffirms the divinity of Christ, the unity of the Trinity, and the prospect of eternal life for believers. Today, the resurrection is a living reality through the power of the Spirit, ultimately transforming the lives of those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ. Let's hold onto this truth.

Questions to Reflect On:

Do I truly believe that the resurrection power lives in me?

What areas of my life need the breath of resurrection?

Action Step:

Speak life over one situation today that feels “dead” or hopeless. Declare the Spirit’s power over it.