1. Earlier in John 5 Jesus healed a man who had suffered from an infirmity 38 years. 2. According to vs.16, the Jews wanted to kill Jesus because He healed this man on the Sabbath. 3. Beginning at vs.17 and continuing through the end of the chapter, the Lord spoke to these people who wanted to kill Him. 4. In vs.25-30 Jesus spoke to them about 3 important events -- His return, the resurrection, and the judgment. 5. In our lesson we are examining a number of passages that teach us what God wants us to know about the judgment. 6. We need to study this subject because the actions of many people today indicate that there is little concern for the judgment. 7. Let us begin our study by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT THE JUDGMENT WILL OCCUR
A. The Old Testament dealt with the judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). B. The New Testament also deals with the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). C. In addition to declaring that the judgment will occur, . . .
II. THE BIBLE TEACHES WHEN THE JUDGMENT WILL OCCUR
A. Let us use caution to avoid misunderstanding Hebrews 9:27 [the judgment does not occur immediately after we die]. B. The Bible teaches that there will be a "day" of judgment (Acts 17:30-31). C. That "Day of Judgment" will be when Christ returns (Matthew 25:31-33). 1. No one knows when Christ will return (Matthew 25:13). 2. We are to "watch" for the Lord's return because the judgment will occur at that time.
III. THE BIBLE SUPPLIES ADDITIONAL DETAILS RELATING TO THE JUDGMENT
A. Christ will be the judge. 1. (John 5:27) The Father has given Christ "authority to execute judgment." 2. (John 5:22) The Father has "committed all judgment unto the Son." B. Everyone will be judged (2 Corinthians 5:10). C. Each person will be judged by Christ on the basis of: 1. his words (Matthew 12:36-37) 2. his works (Matthew 16:27) 3. how he uses his talents (Matthew 25:19-23, 30) 4. his assistance of the needy (Matthew 25:31-46) 5. what is written in the books (Revelation 20:12; John 12:48).
Conclusion:
1. The time to prepare for the judgment is now. 2. If we get prepared and stay prepared we won't have to fear it -- we can actually look forward to it. 3. Are you ready to face Jesus in judgment?
