UNHINGED AND FREE

Bible Reading: John 11: 1-44

By delaying, Jesus let the situation become so hopeless and impossible, that no one but the Creator of the Universe could reverse it! God said in Ezekiel 37:11, 13; “Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD when I open your graves and bring you up from them.”

“Why did Jesus wait so long after getting the report on Lazarus sickness? Till we’ve lost all our strength in life? Till we’ve lost all our hope?”

The answer is simple: resurrection life is not for the living, it’s for the dead.

First of all, we can have newness of life by the Son of God, and yet be limited in every way while we have it.

1. Limited in ministry

2. Limited in progress

3. Limited in understanding

It is a problem in Christianity today that the new life is so limited in us.

1. This scene of Lazarus waddling out of the tomb in graves clothes is a picture of every new-born child of God, who, though alive from the dead, still needs assistance in throwing off the vestiges of the old life.

2. When people get saved, they’re still bound by the HABITS of the dead, and by the THOUGHTS of the dead.

3. Some people become Christians, then fail God, and say, “I’m so embarrassed; I don’t think the Lord can love me anymore.”

4. We don’t need to criticize them, but lose them, help them get free, restore them. Paul said, “If someone is “overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.” Gal. 6:1.

GOD BLESS US ALL AS WE USE OUR NEW FOUND FREEDOM TO SERVE HIM BETTER.