“LIFTING UP” CHRIST

[John 3:14; 12:32]

INTRODUCTION: While Jesus is speaking here of His coming death on the cross, we “lift Him up” by exalting Him. We should “lift Him up” in five areas.

WE MUST “LIFT HIM UP” ON THE CROSS

A.   His enemies physically lifted Him up on the cross (John 8:28-30; 19:17-18).

B.    It was on the cross that “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death” (Phil. 2:8).

C.   It was on the cross that “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:8-9).

D.   We “lift Him up on the cross” by being crucified with Him (Gal. 2:20).

WE MUST “LIFT HIM UP” FROM THE TOMB

A.   His body was taken down from the cross and place in a tomb (John 19:38-42).

B.    A large stone was place in front of the door to the tomb (Matt. 27:59-60).

C.   The tomb was sealed and guarded (Matt. 27:62-66).

D.   God lifted Him up from the tomb, “having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it” (Acts 2:22-24; 1 Cor. 15:17-20).

E.    We “lift Him up from the tomb” when we “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4-6; Gal. 2:20).

WE MUST “LIFT HIM UP” FROM THE EARTH

A.   He was lifted up from the earth when He ascended back to heaven (Acts 1:9-11).

B.    He ascended back to heaven that He might send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).

C.   He ascended back to heaven in order to become our High Priest (Heb. 8:1-4).

D.   We “lift Him up from the earth” when we “offer up spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5; Rom. 12:1-2; Heb. 13:15-16).

WE MUST “LIFT HIM UP” TO THE THRONE

A.   He ascended back to heaven in order to receive dominion (Dan. 7:13-14).

B.    He was exalted to the throne by God, the Father (Acts 5:30-31).

C.   He is now sitting at the right hand of God (Heb. 1:1-3; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20).

D.   We “lift Him up to the throne” by doing all things in His name, or by His authority (Col. 3:17)

WE MUST “LIFT HIM UP” IN OUR HEARTS

A.   We “lift Him up in our hearts” by a willingness to “suffer for righteousness’ sake” (1 Peter 3:15).

B.    We “lift Him up in our hearts” by seeking “those things which are above” (Col. 3:1-2).

CONCLUSION: Are you “lifting Him up” in your heart and life?