Introduction
When it comes to accountability, people would rather ignore it. Each year, taxpayers shove the 1040 tax forms aside each day until the fateful day of April 15. Why do people procrastinate? Simple: they believe the philosophy of “what they don’t know, won’t hurt.” When they find out the amount of tax they owe, it makes them very uncomfortable. The resurrection of Jesus was an uncomfortable thought for many people.
Paul was put on trial because he believed and preached the resurrection of Jesus and the coming judgment.
Thesis: The doctrine of the resurrection is essential for salvation and an inconvenience to the world’s comfort.
Why is the doctrine of the resurrection inconvenient to people? The Bible suggests three reasons that Christians are tried for their faith in the resurrection.
The Resurrection Is an Inconvenience to the Comfort of Religion.
A. Exegesis
- Sadducees: they did not believe in angels or a resurrection from the dead. “This is all there is.” They taught moral values only. They believed in annihilation–no personal accountability, just good, moral citizenship. This person is religious so he can appease the wrath of God and enjoy a prosperous life.
- Pharisees: they believed in angels and a resurrection from the dead. They believed in religious sincerity–>good morals is all that matters to God. As long as we DO the right stuff, we shouldn’t have to worry about judgment. Notice that they believed the right doctrines, but it didn’t change them.
- World religion: teaches many ways to God. If you mess up, then you are reincarnated and given another chance to get it right–>universalism.
B. Illustration–>Driving in the wrong direction, but making good time in distance.
C. Application
- Jesus is the exclusive Way to God.
- Jesus’s resurrection promises life after death to those who believe.
The Resurrection Is an Inconvenience to the Comfort of Procrastination, vv. 22-23
A. Exegesis
- The resurrection demands immediate attention–>today is the Day of Salvation.
- The resurrection demands an immediate decision–>believe the Gospel.
- The resurrection demands an immediate change of direction–>repentance.
B. Illustration–The Procrastinator’s Poem
I’ve gone for a drink and sharpened my pencils,
Searched through my desk for forgotten utensils.
I reset my watch, I adjusted my chair,
I’ve loosened my tie and straightened my hair.
I filled my pen and tested the blotter,
And gone for another drink of water.
Adjusted my calendar, and I’ve raised the blind,
And I’ve sorted erasers of all different kinds.
Now down to work I can finally sit,
Oops, too late, it’s time to quit.
C. Application
- Jesus gives purpose or direction to one’s life.
- Jesus gives a greater sense of life in the now.
The Resurrection Is an Inconvenience to the Comfort of Sin, vv. 24-26
A. Exegesis
- The affair of Felix and Drusilla
- The resurrection of Jesus focuses attention on the final judgment of each person, in regards to:
- Righteousness by God’s Standards
- Self-control (in this context, sexual desires)
- Judgment to come.
B. Illustration
G. F. Pentecost told of a man in great distress who came to see him at an evangelistic meeting. He was under deep conviction, and was frantic with the terror of a conscience that was continually condemning him. He was also very angry with D. L. Moody who had preached the week before.
“I wish you and Moody had never come to this city!” he shouted with a terrible oath. “Before you came, I wasn’t troubled about my sins. You talk of peace and joy, but you have turned my soul into a living hell. I can’t stay away from the meetings, and to come to them only makes me worse. You promise salvation, but all I find is torment. I wish you would leave, then I’d get back my old peace.”
C. Application
- Jesus will judge the wicked according to God’s righteous standard–>His Word.
- Jesus will be an advocate for the saints in the Judgment, 1 John 2: 1-2.
Conclusion
The resurrection of Jesus is an inconvenience to the world’s comfort, because it focuses attention on a final accounting of each person before a Righteous, Holy, and Just God.
The Resurrection of Jesus is proof positive that Jesus is Who He says He is. And if He said that there will be day of Judgment where every person will stand before God, you may be sure that it will happen.
Will you be a sinner in the hands of a holy and just God?
Or will you be a saint whom Jesus defends before the Heavenly Judge?
It is time to stop procrastinating, stop blaming others for your sinful condition, and time to stop your life of sin. Repent, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and believe that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.