Living The Resurrection Life | Wilfred Graves Jr. | Bible Study Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Living The Resurrection Life

Wilfred Graves Jr.

West Angeles Church of God in Christ • May 8, 2025 • 27 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this encouraging message, Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr. unpacks Colossians 3:1–4 to demonstrate that the resurrection of Jesus is a present, daily reality rather than just a historical event. Believers are invited to anchor their identity in being raised with Christ, cultivate an intentional heavenly mindset, and hold fast to the secure hope of future glory. By centering our thinking and living on the risen Lord, we are empowered to overcome sin, endure trials, and walk in continuous spiritual power.

Themes

Resurrection PowerSpiritual IdentityMindset and Thought StewardshipEternal HopeSanctification

Pastor's Points

1.

Point 1: You have been raised with Christ.

2.

Point 2: Set your mind on things above.

3.

Point 3: Hold fast to future hope.

Key Points

1.
You have been raised with Christ: Your spiritual identity and personal timeline are now permanently anchored to Easter morning.
2.
Set your mind on things above: Living the resurrection life requires an ongoing, intentional habit of focusing thoughts on Christ rather than earthbound distractions.
3.
Hold fast to future hope: Because your life is securely hidden with Christ in God, you can face present trials with confidence, knowing you will appear with Him in glory.
4.
Sin no longer holds the title deed to your life, meaning you can treat every temptation as a trespasser rather than a landlord.
5.
Sanctification is simply learning to act like the person God has already declared you to be in Christ.
6.
Our thoughts are the control room of our behavior; when our mind is shaped by Christ's throne, ordinary tasks like work, parenting, and neighborhood conversations are transformed into holy acts.
7.
Being hidden with Christ provides a secure spiritual refuge, freeing believers from needing worldly applause, keeping score, or fearing accusations.

Sermon Moments

“"Your personal timeline is now anchored to Easter morning. The most decisive date in your history is no longer the day you were born... It is the instant the Father raised the Son."”

“"Sin can still knock on the door, yet it no longer holds the title deed to the house. You can treat every temptation as a trespasser rather than a landlord."”

“"Sanctification is simply learning to act like the person God already says that you are."”

“"A spiritborn nature operating on earthbound thinking will feel constant friction. But a renewed mind releases the energy of new life into everyday choices."”

“"Spreadsheets become acts of stewardship. Diaper changes become acts of service. Neighborhood conversations become acts of mission."”

“"To be hidden is not to be invisible to God, but to be secure from hostile powers."”

“"Ounces of pain set beside oceans of splendor cannot tip the scales."”

This Week

Rehearse your resurrection identity each morning by stating aloud: "I have died with Christ and risen with Christ. Today I walk in newness of life."

Replace negative personal labels (such as unworthy, damaged, or incapable) with God's verdict in Christ, writing your true identity on a note to view daily.

Perform a daily mental diagnosis by noticing whether your idle thoughts drift toward heavenly truths or social media outrage and news anxiety.

Use a two-column "Below vs. Above" journal to cross out recurring anxieties or self-critiques with corresponding biblical truths.

Schedule two brief "mind-above" moments during the day (e.g., at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM) to pause, recite Colossians 3:1–2, and surrender your current thoughts to Jesus.

Limit cynical media intake before bedtime and curate podcasts, books, or scripture reading that nourish your spirit.

Write an evening sentence completing the phrase: "Because Christ will appear today, I can..." and store the notes in a jar to reflect on at the end of the week.

Remember This

Resurrection life is not a distant future prize, but a present possession that transforms our identity, mindset, and hope today.

A Challenge for You

"Remember this. The stone is rolled away. Resurrection life is not a distant prize. It is a present possession. Walk in it."

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.