sf1020 - So Great A Salvation (John 11 38-44)
Hebrews 2:3; John 11:38-44
Introduction
There is a draught for the Truth
We live in a time when the message of salvation has been lost. Not because there are not churches or evangelists, but because we have modified and defiled the message itself.
We have corrupted the gospel to the point that it is little more than a sanctified self-help method, involving a few simple steps.
People in our community are lost because they not heard the truth about this Great Salvation.
The Truth about salvation
In the passage before us, we are treated to a clear presentation of the need, the means, and the ends of salvation.
1A. Salvation Needed
Lazarus pictures the spiritual condition of lost mankind.
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.
Spiritual death in the Bible is separation of the spirit from God.
Ø It is the condition of every human being that has not been born again.
Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
Ø There was just one thing wrong with him; therefore, there was nothing right with him. He was dead.
There are no degrees of death.
Ø We can be dead spiritually yet alive physically.
Ephesians 4:18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart
2B. He Was Defiled (11:39)
Decay and decomposition had set in.
Ø To come in contact with him would have left them unfit for worship.
Sin has defiled every part of unregenerate man
Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.
2A. Salvation Experienced
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!"
We would tell him that he needed to do better, have faith, and join the church.
2B. Notice What the Master Did (John 11:43)
Jesus did not use natural/human means
Ø No balms, medicines, or CPR
Jesus employed the Word of God!
Ø Jesus is the incarnate Word of God (John 1:1)
Ø The Lord spoke and it was so.
Particular word – “Lazarus” (Romans 9:10-16)
Powerful word – “come forth”
John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Philippians 2:16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
The miracle of eternal life is in the Word.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
3A. Salvation Enjoyed
1B. Sin defeated
He was bound (John 11:44).
Ø He came forth but he was bound from head to feet. He could not walk, or speak.
He was defeated.
Ø He was alive but bound.
He was freed (11:44).
Ø The same Lord that saves or brings us back to life gives us liberty.
John 8:32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
2B. Fellowship enjoyed (John 12:1‑2)
This speaks of our consistent fellowship with the Lord.
Jesus calls us to fellowship.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Joy is found in this fellowship.
3B. Faith demonstrated
Stand out in your world (12:9, 10).
Ø He was irrefutable proof that Jesus was the Christ.
Ø When a man is no longer afraid to die, he is finally ready to live!
Speak out with God's Word (John 12:11).
Ø Be more than a witness, be part of the evidence. 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?
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.