4/15/12 Rick Pughe, First Eustis
That You May BELIEVE:
Jesus, the God of 2nd Chances
John 11
John 20:31 Theme of John 11 is 2nd chances.
Two observations that can change our lives:
1. The bigger picture helps us see better (v. 1-4) We ask why this stuff is allowed in our lives? Lazarus loved Jesus, and yet he was sick. Sickness comes:
a. We live in fallen world
b. Sickness until chastisement to get us set on straight and narrow.
c. For God’s glory – we may never know in this life.
The world looks on and says their God is getting through that.
v. 5-10 Jesus was saying when walking in Light that Father has for you and you walking in His will, you’re bullet “proof”. Nothing will happen that is not a part of His good plan.
v. 11-16 No such thing as soul sleep
v. 17-21 At this point, Jesus had raised two people from the dead. Lazarus was dead four days. Jesus is Lord over death and grave and resurrection of Jesus proves it. It doesn’t matter where Jesus was/is all He has to do is say a word. God loves you and has a plan for your life and is waiting to get your attention.
v. 23-26 Do you believe that? When we go through life, different voices speak to us. We have to be careful on what is our focus. Jesus wants us to focus on John 20:31. The total picture is what we have to focus on. Focus is not on God doing exactly what we ask, but on the fact that God is good and knows what is good.
v. 27 There is faith builders in life. Our faith can be stunted or energized. God will not allow anything in our life that He has not equipped us to handle. Relating to Christ is not about earning but turning to Him. We have to look beyond individual best, corporate best to His best, His glory.
2. 2nd Observation – It is always darkest just before the dawn. V. 38-41 If you believe in who I am and what I am, you’ll see the glory of God. Sometimes we deal with things that just plain stinks. Following Christ will cost everything you have for all He has. V. 43 Jesus spoke in a loud voice – He was secure and unashamed. V. 44 “Let him go” – How many times does the distractions of life wrap us up that we can’t fully follow Jesus.
Filed under: Sermon Notes, following Christ, John 11, John 3:16, Lazarus, observations, raised from the dead, second chances, sickness
