Introduction: How can we appropriate or tap into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ?

*By abiding in the vine (John 15:1-7)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Abiding means submitting and obeying. The branch does not tell the vine what to do. Instead, it is the opposite.

*By being Spirit filled (Eph 5:18)

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

The only way to be Spirit-filled is to be emptied of self. 

*By walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-18)

“16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”

You noticed here is where the battle is fought and won. Flesh vs Spirit.

*By taking our place on the cross and yielding to the resurrection power (Rom 6:11)

“11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

This is done by faith. It is not by human might or power. Taking God at His Word.

*By putting off the old man but putting on the new man! (Eph 4:22-24)

“22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Again, this is a daily decision. We cooperate with God the Holy Spirit in order for this to be accomplished. 

*By running the race of holiness! (1Cor 9:24-27)

“24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Discipline is greatly needed! This consists of watching my mind, eyes, and heart.

Conclusion: That is a lot of reading. But remember faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! This is how we tap into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.