(1) INTRODUCTION:
(a) The seven miracles in John’s gospel are signs that point to particular spiritual truths about who Jesus is. Here He is the true life giver - Resurrection life.
(b) The Living Dead - Lazarus represents those spiritually dead though physically living (especially carnal Christians!!!)
See 1 Tim 5:6; Luke 15:24 and Romans 8:6.
They are slaves , in bondage (Romans 6:16).
(2) THE THREE STEPS TO RESURRECTION LIFE...
(i) Remove the stone (verse 39-42) - represents unbelief and hopelessness.
(ii) NOT.....
The right education, environment, envisioning, enforcement or encouragement...
BUT...
The Right Empowering (Faith in Jesus) - Lazarus means ’God has helped’. (verse 43)
See Romans 8:1-2,11
(iii) Take off the bandages! (verse 44 - ’Loose him, and let him go’)
Putting off the old man (requires help of others)- Ephesians 4:22 and Romans 6:6-11.
(3) CONCLUSION:
Lazarus could represent you , or those who God is calling you to reach out to! The living dead! Take these three steps and see His resurrection life come!
