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I Am the Resurrection and the Life

Text: John 11
10 September 2017

INTRODUCTION

1. The need to deepen our faith in the Lord

a. Faith has to commence somewhere
b. But it must also be deepened along the way

2. How faith is deepened

a. Through the challenges and trials of life
b. The Lord will teach us important lessons about Himself

A STUDY OF THE FAITH OF MARY, MARTHA AND LAZARUS

1. Commencement of faith

a. Welcomed the Lord Jesus to their home in Bethany
(cf. Luke 10:38 – 42)
i. Served Him
ii. Sat and listened to His Word
b. He went to Bethany when He ministered in Jerusalem   (cf. Mark 11)
c. A special relationship was cultivated between the family and the Lord Jesus
i. Love   (John 11:5)
ii. Friendship   (John 11:11)

2. Deepening of faith

a. In facing death
i. Lazarus was sick
ii. He died
b. Depth of faith was tested in these circumstances
i. Limited knowledge
ii. Knowledge remained theoretical
iii. Overcome by grief
iv. No depth to faith to face death!

3. Deepening of faith in a specific truth about the Lord Jesus

a. The Lord had to reveal a specific truth about Himself to them
i. “I am the resurrection and the life”
ii. “He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live”
b. A powerful sign had to be given
i. “That they may believe”   (John 11:42)
ii. Lazarus was raised from the dead
c. Their faith in the Lord Jesus would deepen significantly

APPLICATION TO ALL

1. Commencement of faith

a. Affirmed!
b. Encouraged!

2. Deepening of faith

a. Through the challenges of life
b. Faith can be deepened

3. Deepening of faith in a specific truth

a. “I am the resurrection and the life”   (John 11:25)
b. That we may not fear death
c. That we may live for the Lord