Acts 25:13–26:32 | A Final Defense of the Resurrection
Main Idea. Paul's steadfast faith in Christ’s resurrection sustained him during his final defense. Driving Question. Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ the center of our defense? 1. Because the Risen Christ Completes God’s Promises (4–8) What’s the promise? Psalm 16:9-11 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Isaiah 53:10-11 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Hosea 6:1-2 Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. How was the promise fulfilled? Luke 24:46 Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead. John 11:25–26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. John 10:17–18 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father. Heb 2:14–15 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Application: Rest in, and report, how the promises of God have been fulfilled. 2. Because the Risen Christ Changes People (9–15) Application: Share with others how Christ changed you. 3. Because The Risen Christ Commissions His People (16–18) For what purpose was Paul sent to preach? SO THAT (V18) 1. Illumination. (18) 2. Conversion. (18) 3. A New Government [A face turned from Satan to God]. (18) 4. Forgiveness. (18) 5. A place (a share) among those sanctified by faith in Christ. (18) Application: Your boldness in proclaiming Christ is rooted in your confidence in the resurrection of the Lord. 4. Because The Risen Christ Cares For All Peoples (19–23) The Reality of the Resurrection (takeaways). 1. Christ is the personal reality of the gospel (26:15). 2. Christ has the authority over all of history (6–8; 22–23). 3. Christ has granted salvation to both Jews and Gentiles, and he demands repentance (17–18; 20– 23). 4. Christ is the Risen Lord of Glory (12–18; 23). 5. The Risen Christ is ‘The Cause’ For Calling All Men to Repent (24–32) Application: Call all men to faith and repentance. Responses. Repent and turn to God. Repent and keep with it (20). Root gospel conversations in Christ’s resurrection. Relate your personal testimony and Christ’s work in you. Readily invite people to respond in faith and repentance.
