Sermon Notes

“Every believer’s life has been so changed that the only way it can be accounted for is the power of Christ. If we have new life and are in fellowship with Christ, we are great arguments for the gospel, unanswerable proofs of the reality of Jesus Christ.” ~ R. Kent Hughes,

“there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, ESV)

“Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23, ESV)

“11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.” (Genesis 6:11-12, ESV)

Standing Firm for Jesus!

John 12:9-11

“9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus!” (John 12:9-11, ESV)

Lazarus was a demonstration of new life in Christ!

“9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.”

“…just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

“…Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, ESV)

The persecution of Lazarus is the evidence of a world against us!

“10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus!”

“12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed…” (2 Timothy 3:12-14, ESV)

“…If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…” (John 15:20, ESV)

Lazarus sets an example for standing firm in Jesus!

“So they gave a dinner for Him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with Him at table.” (John 12:2, ESV)

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:10-13, ESV)