Summary

Jesus gets the final word, and that means this Easter Sunday is not just a celebration of survival but a declaration of victory. It is not merely that Christ lives, as inspiring as that truth is; it is that because He lives, death itself is now on borrowed time. The grave no longer stands undefeated, the shadow no longer has the final word, and the story does not end in loss.

Sermon Questions

1. Paul says that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is “vain” or empty. In what ways might people today live as if the resurrection is optional or symbolic rather than foundational—and how does that subtly shape their faith and daily decisions?
2. The resurrection is described as “firstfruits,” meaning it guarantees what is coming. How would your perspective on suffering, loss, or even death change if you truly lived as though your future resurrection was certain, not just hoped for?
3. Paul contrasts life “in Adam” with life “in Christ.” Where do you see evidence in your life that you are still thinking or living out of your “Adam story” (fear, sin, death), instead of your “Christ story” (righteousness, life, resurrection)?
4. The sermon emphasizes that “death is on borrowed time.” What fears—whether of loss, failure, or the future—still feel like they have the final word in your life, and what would it look like to confront them with the truth of the resurrection?
5. If Jesus is reigning now and history is moving toward Him, how should that reality reshape the urgency, priorities, and purpose of how you live your life this week?