Key Verse for 2025: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” 1 Timothy 4:1.
INTRO: With Easter having passed, it’s a good time for us as Christians to reflect on our beliefs. The resurrection of Jesus is the central truth that should shape every aspect of our lives. If it’s true, then everything matters. If it’s not, then nothing does.
Discussion Setup: Today, we will take some time to reflect on the reality and implications of the resurrection. Everyone is staking their lives on something—some assumption, some hope, some truth claim. As followers of Jesus, we have committed our lives to the Gospel. Given this commitment, it would be helpful for us to contemplate together the following question: What does it mean to stake your life on the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Have someone in the group read the Scripture references aloud before each question. Take time to let the question settle, then share your responses.
Q1: What are you currently staking your life on?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:17–19
- In what ways does your daily life reflect what you believe is ultimately true and important? What does Paul say is at stake if the resurrection isn’t true?
Note: Everything in our faith depends on it…if this is not true, none of it is.
Q2: How does the resurrection change how you view your struggles, work, and relationships?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:55–58
- The sermon stated, “It all matters or none of it does.” How does belief in the resurrection give meaning to even the mundane or painful parts of life?
Note: Everything we do in faith, matters. All of my life is ordered around the reality of resurrection…worshipping with you on Sundays, suffering with you in hospitals and gravesites.
Q3: What presuppositions shape your beliefs about God, truth, and meaning?
- Read: John 1:10–11 and 2 Corinthians 5:21
- How do your assumptions about life, God, or justice affect the way you respond to the gospel? How does Scripture challenge or affirm those assumptions?
Note: My presuppositions about the world’s order, my experiences, and God’s revelation in scripture shape my conclusion. Everyone has their own presuppositions and experiences, leading to a perspective on Scripture: is it God’s revelation or merely a man-made book?
Q4: How do you respond to Jesus’ claim: “I am the resurrection and the life…Do you believe this?”
- Read: John 11:21–27
- What does it look like to not only believe intellectually, but live as if Jesus’ resurrection is the defining truth of your life?
Note: Remember Terry’s statement about faith. “My grandmother (granny) wouldn’t know what “apologetics” means…but she lived a life of transformational faith in Christ through many trials. She wasn’t highly educated and lived simply on Lickskillet Road in Biloxi, MS. Her life showed evidence of transforming faith; she was an apologetic for the gospel.”
MAIN TAKEAWAY: The resurrection of Jesus is the central truth that should shape every aspect of our lives—because if it’s true, then everything matters; if it’s not, then nothing does. Everyone is staking everything on something, and the stakes are high. The resurrection is not just a religious idea—it is the reality that gives meaning, hope, and purpose to every moment of life. Order your life around this reality.
APPLICATION: How would your week look different if you truly lived as though the resurrection of Jesus is real and changes everything? What is one action you can take this week that reflects your faith in the risen Christ—whether in relationships, work, prayer, or personal habits?
Pray: Thank God for the victory of Jesus, and ask Him to help you stake your life on the reality of the resurrection.