sf344 - God's Answer to Death - 7 of 7 The Miracles of the Master (John 11 38-44)

God’s Answer to Death

The Miracles of the Master – Part 7 of 7

John 11:38‑44

INTRODUCTION

Series Background

We have learned that Jesus is God's answer to all of man's needs. He changed the water to wine to teach us about joy the Lord gives; He is God's answer to man's disappointment. In the healing the nobleman's son we learned that Jesus is God's answer to man’s doubt. Through the healing the invalid at the pool, we discovered that Jesus is God's answer to man's disability. In the feeding of the 5000, we came to see Jesus as God's answer to man's desire. When Jesus walked on the water to the disciples in the storm, He showed us that He is God’s answer to man's despair. This morning by the healing of the blind man, we learned that Jesus is God's answer to man's darkness. Finally, tonight we will see that Jesus is God’s answer to man’s greatest enemy death.

Sermon Background

Three truths can be used to outline the first part of this chapter in John’s gospel. In verses 1-3, we are told of a special relationship. In verses 4-6, we witness a strange delay. Finally, in verses 7-10 we are told of a sudden decision. The key verse is verse 25. John 11:25 (NKJV) “ 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

1A. A PICTURE OF OUR WORLD

1B. He Was Dead (John 11:14)

We do not know what caused it, but that does not matter. It makes no difference what was right with him, one thing was wrong with him he was dead.

Jesus raised three different people from the dead. He raised a little girl who had been dead for a few moments. He raised a young man who had been dead for a few hours. He raised Lazarus who had been dead for four days.

2B. He Was Defiled

There are no degrees of death. We look a "bad" people and say they are dead in trespasses and sins ‑ they are no more dead than your little daughter is. There may be degrees of corruption but not degrees of deadness. Dead is dead.

We can be dead spiritually yet alive physically.

Ephesians 4:18 (NASB) 18being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;

Spiritual death in the Bible is not the separation of the soul from the body (John 11:25, 26). Spiritual death in the Bible is separation from God. There was just one thing wrong with him; therefore, there was nothing right with him. He was dead.

2A. A PROMISE FROM GOD'S WORD (v.38‑44a)

How to Raise the Dead...

1B. Notice What Men Would Do

Men would try to be a good example they would act alive around them. Men would try to educate them; they would give him a book, a tape on how to be more alive. Men would seek to put him a good environment (man needs more than soap and soup). Men would try encouragement they would tell him, "You can do it!"

2B. Notice What The Master Did (John 11:43)

Jesus used the Word of God! The Lord spoke and it was so.

John 6:63 (NASB) 63“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

Philippians 2:16 (NASB) 16holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

The miracle of life is in the Bible.

3A. A PLAN FOR OUR WALK

1B. Defeat Sin

He was bound (John 11:44).

He came forth but he was bound from head to feet. He could not walk, or speak. He was defeated. He was alive but bound. Every eye was riveted upon the tomb and they saw a white form appear. In addition, Lazarus came out wrapped in linen head to toe.

Many Christians are still bound by old grave clothes. The old clothes of bad language bind them. They are bound by old lust. They are bound by old laziness. They are bound by old loves.

He was freed (11:44).

The same Lord that saves or brings us back to life gives us liberty.

John 8:32 (NASB) 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

John 8:36 (NASB) 36“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

Some are free but not free indeed, they are born again but still bound. To whom did he say loose him and let him go to those around him. The job of the church is to unwrap the saints after they are saved.

2B. Dine With God (John 12:1‑2)

This speaks of our consistent fellowship with the Lord.

David said you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He said no matter how hard it got he always has sweet fellowship with the Lord.

Jesus calls us to fellowship.

Revelation 3:20 (NASB) 20‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

The fellowship is ours for the asking. He knocks and knocks. Do not miss your fellowship with the Lord.

Joy is found in this fellowship.

Salvation is not a penalty to pay to go to heaven. Nor is going to church the suffering you have to endure.

3B. Demonstrate Our Faith

Stand out in your world (12:9,10).

They wanted to kill Lazarus because he was bringing glory to God and Jesus. He was irrefutable proof that Jesus was the Christ. The world will not love you when you are saved, because you will show how dead they are. The world is not getting more churchy the church is getting more worldly! Let a church, an individual live a life that proves Jesus is real. And proves that they are having fellowship with Jesus. And the world and the devil will come after them to put you out of business. Death did not frighten Lazarus. He had already been there and knew what was behind the door. When a man is no longer afraid to die, he is finally ready to live!

Speak out with God's Word (John 12:11).

Be more than a witness, be part of the evidence. The best argument for Christ and the best argument against Christ is the Christian’s life!

Let other see Jesus in you. Keep telling the story be faithful and true let others see Jesus in you.

How? What is there in me that cannot be explained away? If there is nothing, then there is nothing to cause the world to look at me.

APPLICATION

The best argument for Christ is a life lived for Christ. I do not know what your problem is but I know Christ who can raise the dead has the answer. He is the Christ to believe on Him gives life, and life more abundant.

Do you have life? YOU can miss many things in this life but the most important is do not miss him for only He can raise the dead.

God’s Answer to Death

The Miracles of the Master – Part 7 of 7

John 11:38‑44

INTRODUCTION

Series Background

We have learned that Jesus is God's answer to all of man's needs. He changed the water to wine to teach us about joy the Lord gives; He is God's answer to man's disappointment. In the healing the nobleman's son we learned that Jesus is God's answer to man’s doubt. Through the healing the invalid at the pool, we discovered that Jesus is God's answer to man's disability. In the feeding of the 5000, we came to see Jesus as God's answer to man's desire. When Jesus walked on the water to the disciples in the storm, He showed us that He is God’s answer to man's despair. This morning by the healing of the blind man, we learned that Jesus is God's answer to man's darkness. Finally, tonight we will see that Jesus is God’s answer to man’s greatest enemy death.

Sermon Background

Three truths can be used to outline the first part of this chapter in John’s gospel. In verses 1-3, we are told of a special relationship. In verses 4-6, we witness a strange delay. Finally, in verses 7-10 we are told of a sudden decision. The key verse is verse 25.

1A. A PICTURE OF OUR WORLD

1B. He Was Dead (John 11:14)

We do not know what caused it, but that does not matter. It makes no difference what was right with him, one thing was wrong with him he was dead.

2B. He Was Defiled

There are no degrees of death.

Ø We can be dead spiritually yet alive physically.

Ephesians 4:18 (NASB) 18being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;

Spiritual death in the Bible is not the separation of the soul from the body (John 11:25, 26).

Spiritual death in the Bible is separation from God.

Ø There was just one thing wrong with him; therefore, there was nothing right with him. He was dead.

2A. A PROMISE FROM GOD'S WORD (v.38‑44a)

How to Raise the Dead...

1B. Notice What Men Would Do

Men would try to be a good example they would act alive around them.

Men would try to educate them; they would give him a book, a tape on how to be more alive.

Men would seek to put him a good environment (man needs more than soap and soup).

Men would try encouragement they would tell him, "You can do it!"