I. I See Confusion in our Hearts When a Loved One Dies.
1. The word, “if” in verses 21 & 32.
a. Friends said it in verse 37.
b. No doubt we have said it, “if only.”
2. But the “ifs” do not enter into God’s timing & God’s Word.
a. Hebrews 9:27, It is God’s appointed time.
b. Ecclesiastes 9:5, the living know, we know.
c. James 4:14 and Proverbs 27:1, death is God’s appointed time.
d. God’s timing is never wrong.
3. Times we feel death is a punishment or judgment.
a. Death is the means, that God uses to transport us from this life to eternal life.
b. I’m glad this world is not our final home.
c. Paul said, “We are strangers and pilgrims just passing through.”
II. I See Compassion in the Lives of Our Friends.
1. In verses 11 & 19, in the time of death we see who our friends really are.
a. Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus is dead and I must go to Him.
b. Verse 19
2. Same is true with other Bible men.
a. Matthew 14:9-12, the disciples, with John the Baptist.
b. Luke 8:40, Jairus and his daughter.
3. Same is true with us, real friends will come.
a. Realizing not much we can do, but willing to do all we can.
b. It does make a difference who’s near you. I recommend Jesus.
4. Another expression of Compassion is tears.
a. In verses 35, Jesus wept.
b. Tears are a sign of tenderness is love and compassion.
5. In death, remember God still loves us. In verse 3, 5, & 36.
a. At death, it is normal to feel that God must not love me.
1) That is not so.
2) John 14:1-6, Jesus said, “Don’t let your heart be troubled.”
b. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
1) Romans 5:8
2) Romans 8:35-39
III. I See Comfort in the Words of Jesus.
1. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, comfort one another with these words.
a. Comfort means to encourage.
b. Encourage one another.
2. In verses 14-15, Jesus said, “I’m glad.”
a. Word means: to rejoice, to be of good cheer.
b. Only time in the world of God it says, “I’m glad.”
3. Allow me to share a few verses which “I’m glad.” I’m comforted, I’m encouraged.
a. I’m glad for Ephesians 2:8-9
1) Only by grace can we be saved.
2) Salvation is not a performance, but a gift.
b. I’m glad for 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10
1) To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
2) 1 Corinthians 15:19
c. I’m glad for John 14:1-6
1) Promised a home in Heaven.
d. I’m glad for Psalm 116:15
1) Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
2) God did not say, “all death is precious, but only His saints.”
e. I’m glad for 1 Corinthians 15:19
1) We have a hope.
2) Titus 2:13
3) 1 Peter 1:21
f. I’m glad for Titus 1:2
1) Hope of eternal life.
