Judgment
Text: Hebrews 9:27
Introduction
a. A few years ago a group of four teenagers left the church building after a gospel meeting. As they drove they were all discussing their future, where they were going to college, what jobs they were going to get over the summer, ect… They turned onto the highway and ten minutes later were hit head on by a drunk driver that had crossed into their lane. The driver and his girlfriend were killed instantly.
b. These young people thought they had plenty of time. They never thought for a moment that very night they would stand in judgment.
c. There is a saying that the only things in this life that are sure are death and taxes. There is another appointment that each of us will keep and that is the judgment.
d. Each one of us if we are to go to a physical court tries to prepare. Let us consider some things we need to know to prepare for this judgment.
I. We don’t know the time
a. Our life is short and we don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, the next hour or even the next minute. (James 4:13-14 )
b. The Bible describes our life as like grass or a flower that blooms for a short time and withers quickly (Isaiah 40:6)
c. Our life is also described as a fleeting shadow (Job 14:1-2)
II. Christ will be the judge
a. Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1)
b. Every single one of us will stand before him in judgment
(2 Corinthians 5:10)
c. His word is the standard by which we shall be judged (John 12:48)
III. Every deed will be considered
a. You will give an account for every action you have taken in this body.
(2 Corinthians 5:10)
b. You will give account not only for the evil things you have done but also for every good work you have failed to do. (Matthew 25:31-46)
c. Even those things you think you have kept secret that no one knows will be laid out for all to see. (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
IV. Every thought will be examined
a. God judges your heart and innermost thoughts (Proverbs 17:3)
b. The word by which we are to be judged is a discerner of our thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12)
V. Every word spoken will be weighed.
a. The wicked will be caught with the wickedness of his own lips
(Proverbs 12:13)
b. Jesus says we will give an account to him for every single word.
(Matthew 12:36-37)
VI. Only one sentence
a. If you are found guilty the only sentence death
(Romans 6:23)
b. This death is not physical (Revelation 21:8)
c. Jesus describes this lake of fire several times
i. Eternal burning (Mark 9:44)
ii. Torment is forever (Revelation 14:11)
iii. Never ending disease and decay (Mark 9:44)
iv. Eternal darkness (Matthew 8:12)
v. Wailing (Matthew 8:12)
vi. Gnawing your own tongue for pain (Matthew 8:12)
Conclusion
a. Are you ready for this judgment? Are you guilty of even a single sin? If so then you know the sentence.
b. But there is still hope because Jesus died so that you can have the guilt of those sins removed. You must:
1. Believe on him (John 8:24)
2. Repent and turn from your sin (Luke 13:3)
3. Confess your faith in him (1 John 4:15)
4. Be buried with him in baptism (Romans 6:3-7)
