The Story of Jesus Final Events "The Judgment" (Lesson 31)
Introduction:
1. Growing in the knowledge of Christ is an important activity (2 Peter 3:18). 2. This growth is accomplished through careful Bible study (John 5:39). 3. As Jesus traveled throughout Palestine teaching and preaching, He addressed many important subjects, including "final events." 4. In dealing with "final events," Jesus talked about: a. His return 1) He promised His apostles that He will return (John 14:2-3). 2) He said that no one knows when He will return (Matthew 24:36). 3) He taught His followers to "watch" for His return (Matthew 24:42; 25:13) and to be "ready" for it (Matthew 24:44). b. the resurrection. 1) He taught that the dead will be raised (John 5:21, 25). 2) He taught that the dead will be raised "at the last day" (John 6:39-40, 44, 54). 5. In dealing with "final events," Jesus also talked about "the judgment," the subject of this lesson.
Discussion:
I. THE SCRIPTURES TEACH THAT JUDGMENT WILL OCCUR
A. Jesus taught that judgment will occur in: 1. Matthew 10:11-15 2. Matthew 11:20-24 3. Matthew 12:36. B. The reality of the judgment is also declared in: 1. Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:14 2. Hebrews 9:27.
II. THE SCRIPTURES TEACH WHEN JUDGMENT WILL OCCUR
A. Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-33 that judgment will occur when He returns. B. Even though the time of the judgment is not known because no one knows when Jesus will return, there will be a "day" of judgment (Matthew 10:15; 11:22, 24; 12:36).
III. THE SCRIPTURES SUPPLY ADDITIONAL DETAILS CONCERNING THE JUDGMENT
A. Jesus will be the judge (John 5:22, 26-27, 30). B. Everyone will be judged (John 5:28-29; 2 Corinthians 5:10). C. Each person will be judged on the basis of: 1. his judgment of other people (Matthew 7:1-2) 2. his words (Matthew 12:35-37) 3. his works (Matthew 16:27) 4. his assistance of the needy (Matthew 25:31-46) 5. what is written in the books (Revelation 20:12; John 12:48).
