The Day of the Lord and the Judgment (John 5:25-30)
Introduction:
1. This morning we pointed from 2 Peter 3:10 that "the day of the Lord" will arrive "as a thief in the night." 2. In John 5:25-30 Jesus talked about 2 great events that will occur on that day: a. the resurrection b. the judgment. 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on passages that teach us what we need to know about "the judgment." 4. For our first point, . . . Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE CLEARLY TEACHES THAT JUDGMENT WILL OCCUR
A. The Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 B. The New Testament: Hebrews 9:27 C. In addition to declaring that the judgment will occur, . . .
II. THE BIBLE TEACHES WHEN THE JUDGMENT WILL OCCUR
A. We must study this point carefully so we won't misunderstand Hebrews 9:27 [judgment does not occur immediately after a person dies]. B. There will be a "day" of judgment (Acts 17:30-31). C. More specifically, judgment will occur when Jesus returns (Matthew 25:31-33). III. THE BIBLE SUPPLIES ADDITIONAL DETAILS RELATING TO THE JUDGMENT
A. Christ will be the judge. 1. (John 5:22) The Father has "committed all judgment unto the Son." 2. (John 5:27) God has also given Christ "authority to execute judgment." B. Everyone will be judged. 1. "All" will appear before the Lord in judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). 2. Included are "the quick and the dead" (Acts 10:42). C. The Lord will judge each person on the basis of: 1. whether he knows God and has obeyed the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) 2. his words (Matthew 12:36-37) 3. his works (Matthew 16:27) 4. how he uses his talents (Matthew 25:19-23, 30) 5. his assistance of the needy (Matthew 25:34, 41) 6. what is written in the books (Revelation 20:12). Conclusion:
1. The time to prepare for the judgment is now. 2. If we get prepared and stay prepared, we won't have to be afraid -- we can actually look forward to it. 3. Are you ready to face Jesus in judgment?
