Revised series. John.11:1-57 Pt.1.

Introduction:- Jn.11:1-16.  “A PERIOD OF DARKNESS”

Isaiah.55:8-11.  1.Cor.15:12-27.

v.1-16. Jesus and disciples had withdrawn to Bethabara, (Jn.1:28)for safety. Approx. 40km from Bethany.

Day.1.  Bethabara – Messenger from Martha and Mary – Concern for Lazarus health.

Day.2.  Messenger returns to Bethany

Day.3.  Jesus sets out for Bethany.

Say.4.   Jesus arrives at Bethany.

He uses this incident to teach disciples great principles regarding Faith.

Reason for His delay waiting upon the Father for His instructions.

This is an opportunity to Glorify the Father.

Question:- What is most important thing? To do what we think is right or to wait upon the Lord to Glorify Him.

Jesus is about to take the Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead, from the word Daniel.12:2-3 & Jn.5:28-29, into Himself a manifestation of the Living Word. Jn.1:1-4 & 1.Jn.1:1-4, in the person of Himself. Jn.11:25-26

Luke.10:38-42. Jesus has frequently stayed at the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

Did the sisters expect an instant response? Questioned “Why does He not do something” Send a word! Heal like He did the Centurion’s servant Matt.8:5-13. Why does He not help in our time of need?

Do we live with false hope, expectation or an illusion that with Jesus nothing can go wrong?

We need to realise Jesus has His own timetable. Nothing will move Him away from His timing, no matter how we ask or plead. Ecclesiates.3:1-11 & 17

Senior Pastor Terry Brinded                                                     9/10/2011

 

 

The Lazarus Life – Revised Series Pt.2.

TRAPPED IN A TOMB?

Recap:- Pt.1. John.1:1-16. Lazarus is seriously ill – Sisters appeal for help –

Verse.4. Jesus sends a message to the sisters – Have faith in God. Hold On!

Jesus has made a promise – Lazarus dies!  Buried and sealed in the family tomb. Now the family must hold on by Faith.

 

 Introduction:- Pt.2.  John.11:17-37.         Romans.10:17            Psalm.23:4.                   

• Trapped in the Tomb – Darkness. Silence.
• Place of potential transformation and resurrection.
• Romans.6:1-11. Believers accounted, as Dead, Buried & Risen with Christ.
  • We are not permanently trapped in the tomb in darkness – problems! Doubts! Etc. These verses tell us there is life beyond the tomb.
  • It is in our “tomb” we realise we cannot help ourselves – Only the Lord can transform us bringing us into resurrection life. Eph.2:1-10.
  • Everyone who means business with the Lord –will go through the tomb.
  • We are to move by faith into the resurrection life Christ has provided, not remain entombed with the old life or negative thoughts.

Illustrate:- 

Joseph had his “tomb experience” Reason to test and prepare him for great leadership! Gen. 50:20. “God intended this all for good”

Daniel had his “tomb experience” the Lion’s Den. Demonstrated the Living God’s power to save and deliver those who are committed to Him! Dan.6:28 “So Daniel prospered in the reigns of Darius and Cyrus”

Elijah’s “tomb experience” Fear – drove him to cave on Mt Sinai, but even in the wind, fire and earthquake - Cave entrance not sealed – A way left open for him to return to his ministry and anoint his successor.

 

 

The Lazarus Life.Pt .3.

"Transformation and Release"

Introduction. John.11:17-45.

• Martha, Mary and Lazarus – Practical lesson – Teaches the promises of the Lord are real and the Power and witness of the Resurrection.
  • Martha and Mary are going through their own “tomb experience”

John.11:17-27. Jesus ministry to Martha and Mary differs - Purpose build FAITH

            v.20-27. Martha rushed to meet Jesus, she understood concept of O/T                                       Resurrection..

            v.25-26. Jesus reveals resurrection will only be through Faith in Him.

            v.27. Martha had moved to faith in Jesus and used 3 names of Messiah!

            “I BELIEVE” Gk present tense = “I believe and I will continue to believe” –   This indicates she has settled this in her mind.

John.11:28-37. Martha goes to get Mary.

            v.32. She repeats the same statement as Martha, v21.

            Jesus does not teach Mary who had sat at His feet same thing as Martha – Why?          His very presence increased and assured her faith in Him.

            Jesus immediately responds – moving on to the Tomb.

n.b.       Jesus had first to transform sisters - Taking them to new level of faith.

John.11:38-45. The transformation of Lazarus.

            a. Time is right - refer v.4.  Hab.2:3 "The vision is for an appointed time----"

            PREPARATION

            v.39.     a. Take away the stone!   b. Martha - Saying it is too late 4 days dead!

            v.40.     b. Refers probably to v.4.     v.41a. The stone is removed.

Note:-   Lazaraus unaware what is happening - Light, did not hear! Did not see!

            Our sitation. Answer coming but pre-occupied with ourselves, do not hear or see!

            PRAYER

v.41b-42. Jesus prays - Hebrews. 7:24-25. H.P Jesus ever lives to intercede.

PERSONAL. - What transforms Lazarus? The voice of Jesus - living word.

v.43-44.        "Lazarus come out!            Voice of authority - Command!

Six stages to resurrection of Lazarus.

No 1. Jesus speaks your name - no one else's only yours! "Come out"

No 2. Personal invitation that requires personal response!

Question:- Will you respond?  Move from head knowledge faith to personal                        revelation and the heart?

Rom.10:10."The longest journey of transformation is from the head to the heart"

Approx 40 cms. Not far physically - great distance in the realm of the Spirit!

No 3.  Lazarus at the word of Jesus - STOOD UP!

No 4.  Began to walk  with difficulty - still bound with graveclothes.       Hearing but not yet seeing clearly! Clothe over his face

No 5.  Loose him - Take off the grave clothes - Get rid of the smell of death!

No 6.  Let him go - Transformed -  Obviously new clothing - Isa.61:10-11.

v.45.   Effect of resurrection - Many Jews believed.

Conclusion:- Never belittle the power of the words of Jesus. His word has the ability to transform ones life and circustances - No need to sit in the Tomb!

 

 

The Lazarus life. Pt.4

“A powerful witness”

Introduction. John.12:1-2, 9-11 and 17-19.

1.John.11:44c. “Take off the grave clothes and let him go”

a. Jesus could have done this, however He called to the friends of Lazarus! He   involves them, in work of restoration, getting rid of things that would hold him back. The church must be involved in restoring people, team effort required to help them grow in grace and knowledge.

b. Do this gradually – Don’t rush anyone to try and absorb too much too soon!

c. New believers or those fallen from grace need to be handled gently.

d. Give people time to adjust to a new life of freedom and liberty in Christ.

2.John.12:1-3. “Fellowship and Communion” Acts.2:42.

a. Dinner given in Jesus honour – Breaking of Bread.

b. Lazarus sits with Jesus in fellowship.

c. Mary took the opportunity to express her love of Jesus – Oil of Spikenhard.

3. John.12:9-11. Resurrected Lazarus – Powerful witness.

a.  Many came out of curiosity to see Lazarus went away believers in Christ

b. Negative reaction of religious leaders – Kill Lazarus – Destroy the evidence!

c. Typical of the devils work – John.10:10a. Steal! Kill! Destroy!

Illustrate.John.9:1-41. Blind man healed – Jesus and the Pool of Siloam(sent)

1. a.      Blind man healed, v.7. “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” Needed water Eph.5:26.
2. b.     Obedient to the Word of Jesus, he went, washed and came back seeing!
3. c.      Pharisees blind leaders of Israel needed water of the word – Reject both Jesus and His word. John.1:11 “He came (was sent) to His own, and His own did not receive Him!
4. d.     Jesus sent from God to the nation rejected – result spiritual blindness.
5. e.      2.Cor.3:12-18. Veil upon the eyes of Jews, only through Christ, John.4:14  the living water, who brings sight and eternal life. Can they be saved!

4.John.12-19. Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Passover. Zech.9:9 Donkey(peace)

a.  3-groups of people watch Jesus entry.

b.  v.12-13. Visitors to Jerusalem – Travelled to attend Feast of Passover.

c.  v.17-18. From Bethany witnesses of Lazarus resurrection – He probably there.

d.  v.19. Disgruntled Pharisees – who see Jesus drawing more followers.

 

Conclusion. Ephesians 2:1-10. Challenge to us who are accounted as Dead, Buried and Risen into newness of life in Christ. To be the living witnesses of Christ.

 

Senior Pastor Terry Brinded                                  6th November 2011