We Can Know the Truth about Jesus' Resurrection (John 8:31-32)
Introduction:
1. On this occasion Jesus said that His disciples can know something very special -- "the truth." 2. Jesus also revealed the key to knowing the truth -- "continuing in His word." 3. A special blessing is associated with knowing the truth -- it makes us "free." 4. In our lesson we are searching the Lord's word so "we can know the truth about Jesus' resurrection." Discussion: I. WE KNOW WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE GRAVE
A. According to the Lord's word, God raised His Son from the grave. B. Peter made this very clear in Acts 2:22-24, 32; 3:14-15, 26. II. WE KNOW WHEN GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE GRAVE
A. God raised Jesus on the 3rd day after He was crucified. 1. Jesus predicted that this would happen (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23). 2. According to the Lord's word,: a. Jesus died and was buried on the day of preparation [Friday] (John 19:42) b. His body remained in the tomb over the Sabbath [Saturday] c. He arose on the 3rd day [Sunday]. B. God raised Jesus on the 1st day of the week [Sunday] (Luke 24:1-8). III. WE KNOW WHO SAW JESUS AFTER GOD RAISED HIM
A. Mary Magdalene saw Jesus first (Mark 16:9; John 20). B. Jesus appeared to 2 others (Mark 16:12; Luke 24). C. Jesus was seen by the apostles and others (Acts 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). IV. WE KNOW WHAT JESUS ACCOMPLISHED WHEN GOD RAISED HIM
A. Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power" (Romans 1:1-4). B. Jesus was raised "for our justification" (Romans 4:24-25; 1 Corinthians 6:11). C. Through Jesus' resurrection we have hope (1 Peter 1:3-4, 18-23). Conclusion:
1. By continuing in the Lord's word "we can know the truth about Jesus' resurrection." 2. In closing, let us consider 2 additional passages that explain how Jesus' resurrection relates to our salvation. a. First, we must believe that God raised Jesus from the grave to be saved (Romans 10:8-11). b. Second, the Lord saves us when we are raised with Him in baptism (Romans 6:3-11).
