John - By what will we be judged

By what will we be judged?

Text: John 12.48

Thesis:  To prove that the Christian will be judged by the Bible and therefore it necessitates the

              Christian’s knowledge of what it says.

Introduction:

(1)    Judgment is coming (Heb. 9.27).

a.       Oftentimes, college classes begin with a syllabus being given to the students that sets forth the schedule and objectives for the semester.

i.                    Usually, there are tentative dates set aside for tests.

ii.                  Therefore, the students highlight those dates and plan upon making adequate preparation for those tests.

iii.                Still, many things are unknown such as the format, etc.

iv.                Also, there may be pop quizzes given throughout the semester.

v.                  Nonetheless, the students know that tests are coming.

b.      Similarly, there may be many questions about the coming judgment, one can be sure that judgment is coming!

(2)    Since judgment is coming, how can we be prepared?

a.       Generally, a teacher does not hand a student a copy of the test to be used as a study guide.

b.      Occasionally, the teacher does give a detailed review that covers much, if not all, of what will be on the test.

c.       Well, God is going to give us a test, but He has already given us all of the answers.

Discussion:

I.                   We know WHAT will be on the test.

A.    Jesus stated, “The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him” (John 12.48).

1.      What “words” did Jesus speak?

a.       He stated, “I have given them thy word” (John 17.14).

(1)    He spoke the very words of God.

(2)    These were the words of truth (John 17.17).

b.      Simply put, Jesus spoke the words of eternal life (John 6.68).

(1)    Are these just the “words in red?”

(2)    No, because Jesus spoke of more that He had to say that He did not say while literally here upon this earth before the crucifixion (John 16.12).

i.                    The Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth (John 16.13).

ii.                  As Peter wrote, “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1.21).

iii.                This extends to include “all scripture” (2 Tim. 3.16).

(a)    Obviously, the Old Testament is not binding upon men today in the sense of being under the law.

(b)    Nevertheless, it still proves beneficial in teaching us lessons (cf. Rom. 15.4).

2.      Therefore, all of what we read in the New Testament will be upon the test.

a.       This will be more than just being able to list the plan of salvation, items of worship, etc.

i.                    Nonetheless, knowledge is crucial because without it we will be destroyed (Hosea 4.6).

ii.                  No wonder why a stress is put upon individual study (2 Tim. 2.15).

b.      Still, we will be judged based upon both knowing and doing what the Bible teaches (James 1.22).

i.                    As Paul wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5.10).

ii.                  Therefore, as the wise man said, “Fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecc. 12.13).

B.     “The words of Jesus are to save and redeem men, but they will act to condemn those who reject and refuse them” (Pack 2:41).

1.      Jesus spoke plainly and spoke words meant to bring eternal life.

2.      It is possible to know the truth (John 8.32).

3.      There are no hidden/trick questions that will be on this test.

C.     Therefore, there is no reason why anyone should not ace this test.

II.                We know WHEN the test will be.

A.    Again, Jesus tells us that the test will be “in the last day” (John 12.48).

1.      “The last day to which the Lord alludes is the day of final accounts when all the peoples of the earth will appear for the determination of their final destiny.  (John 6: 39-54).” (Woods 277).

2.      This will occur at the Lord’s Second Coming.

B.     Still, on what day will that be?

1.      Well, that day is only known by God Himself (Matt. 24.36).

2.      “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Pet. 3.10).

3.      So, if the day is unknown, then how do we truly know when the test will be?

i.                    It will be at the final judgment.

ii.                  The day of the final judgment is unknown to us.

iii.                Therefore, we must live each day as though it were our last day.

iv.                Hence, the test is truly daily.

v.                  Simply, we must be faithful daily (cf. Rev. 2.10).

III.             We know WHERE we will be after the test.

A.    Jesus said, “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5.29).

B.     As John told us, we can know that we are saved (1 John 5.13); thus, we can also know that we are lost.

C.     How?

1.      If we compare our lives with the life that God desires, we can see how we compare.

2.      God does not expect perfection, but He does expect us to give and do our best.

3.      This is a test where we can know the grade even before we take it.

Conclusion:

(1)    What grade would you make on this test at this very moment?

(2)    Do you know the material?

(3)    Are you living in such a way that you are prepared daily?

(4)    Jesus wants you to pass this test so much that He died for you.  Will you do your part?