Transformative Principles from Lazarus's Resurrection

Devotional

Day 1: Removing Barriers to God's Glory

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter obstacles that hinder our relationship with Jesus. These barriers can take many forms, such as unforgiveness, unhealthy habits, or unnecessary hang-ups. Just as the stone had to be moved for Lazarus to rise, we must identify and remove these obstacles to experience the fullness of God's glory. This act of faith is not about relying solely on our strength but about participating in the miraculous work of God. By taking the first step to remove these barriers, we open ourselves to witness His transformative power in our lives. [05:34]

"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21 ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific barrier in your life that you need to remove to draw closer to Jesus? How can you take a step of faith today to begin this process?

Day 2: Responding to God's Call

When God calls us, it is an invitation to step out in faith and trust in His guidance. Just as Jesus called Lazarus to come out of the tomb, we are often called to respond to God's instructions, even when it requires leaving our comfort zones. This response is about obedience and trust, knowing that God equips us for the journey ahead. By responding to His call, we align ourselves with His purpose and open the door to experiencing His power in our lives. [13:58]

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'" (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you respond to His call today with trust and obedience?

Day 3: Releasing the Past

Many of us have encountered Jesus but still carry remnants of our past that bind us. These "grave clothes" can hinder our freedom and prevent us from fully embracing the new life Jesus offers. The principle of "Release" emphasizes the importance of shedding these bindings. The church community plays a vital role in supporting us through this process, offering guidance and encouragement as we step into the freedom that Jesus provides. By releasing the past, we can walk confidently in the new identity He has given us. [25:57]

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3:13 ESV)

Reflection: What is one aspect of your past that you need to release to embrace the freedom Jesus offers? How can your church community support you in this journey?

Day 4: Revealing God's Work

Our stories of transformation are powerful testimonies of God's love and grace. Just as the miracle of Lazarus led many to believe, our testimonies can reveal the power and love of Jesus to others. We are called to be storytellers of God's grace, continually sharing how He has moved in our lives to inspire faith in those around us. By revealing His work, we can encourage others to seek and experience His transformative power. [28:56]

"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul." (Psalm 66:16 ESV)

Reflection: What is one story of God's work in your life that you can share with someone today? How can your testimony inspire faith and hope in others?

Day 5: Acting on God's Promptings

When God prompts us to act, it is crucial to do so without delay. Our obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes, not just for ourselves but for others as well. Trusting in His timing and purpose, we are called to act on His promptings with faith and courage. By doing so, we participate in His divine plan and witness the unfolding of His miraculous work in our lives and the lives of those around us. [24:11]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16 ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific prompting from God that you have been hesitant to act on? How can you take a step of obedience today to follow His leading?

Sermon Summary

In our gathering today, we explored the profound story of Lazarus's resurrection, drawing out four key principles that can transform our spiritual journey: Remove, Respond, Release, and Reveal. These principles are not just words but actions that invite us to participate in the miraculous work of God in our lives and the lives of others.

The first principle, "Remove," challenges us to identify and eliminate the barriers that stand between us and Jesus. Just as the stone had to be moved for Lazarus to rise, we must remove the stones in our lives—be it unforgiveness, unhealthy habits, or unnecessary hang-ups—that prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God's glory. It's a reminder that while God performs the miracle, He invites us to participate by taking the first step of faith.

The second principle, "Respond," calls us to action. When Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out, it was a call to life and movement. Similarly, we are often called to respond to God's instructions, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. It's about obedience and trust, knowing that when God calls us, He equips us to fulfill His purpose.

"Release" is the third principle, emphasizing the importance of shedding the grave clothes that bind us. Many of us have encountered Jesus but still walk around with remnants of our past that hinder our freedom. The church community plays a vital role in helping us release these bindings, offering support and guidance as we step into the new life Jesus offers.

Finally, "Reveal" encourages us to share our stories of transformation. Just as the miracle of Lazarus led many to believe, our testimonies can reveal the power and love of Jesus to others. We are called to be storytellers of God's grace, continually sharing how He has moved in our lives to inspire faith in those around us.

As we reflect on these principles, let us be open to the Spirit's leading, ready to remove obstacles, respond to His call, release what binds us, and reveal His glory to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Remove the Barriers: Just as the stone had to be moved for Lazarus to rise, we must identify and remove the obstacles in our lives that hinder our relationship with Jesus. This act of faith allows us to witness God's glory more fully. [05:34]
2. Respond to God's Call: When God calls us, it requires a response. Like Lazarus, we must rise and step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and equip us for the journey ahead. Obedience is key to experiencing His power. [13:58]
3. Release the Past: Many of us carry remnants of our past that bind us. Jesus calls us to release these grave clothes and step into the freedom He offers. The church community is essential in supporting us through this process. [25:57]
4. Reveal God's Work: Our stories of transformation are powerful testimonies of God's love and grace. By sharing how God has moved in our lives, we can inspire faith and hope in others, revealing His glory to the world. [28:56]
5. Act on God's Promptings: When God prompts us to act, we must do so without delay. Our obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes, not just for ourselves but for others as well. Trust in His timing and purpose. [24:11]
** [24:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:44] - Heartbeat of New York
[05:34] - Remove the Stone
[08:07] - Overcoming Objections
[11:14] - Respond to the Call
[13:58] - Obedience and Action
[17:23] - Serving with Joy
[19:32] - Trusting God's Provision
[21:48] - The Power of Obedience
[24:11] - Lessons from Missed Opportunities
[25:57] - Release from Bondage
[27:31] - Community Support
[28:56] - Sharing Your Story
[32:25] - Miracles and Testimonies
[35:51] - Angelic Encounters
[36:56] - Invitation to Respond

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In the story of Lazarus, what specific action did Jesus ask others to perform before He raised Lazarus from the dead? ([05:34])
How did Jesus call Lazarus out of the tomb, and what was significant about the way He did it? ([11:14])
What was the reaction of the people who witnessed Lazarus's resurrection, according to the passage? ([28:56])
What role does the community play in helping individuals release their "grave clothes" according to the sermon? ([27:31])

Interpretation Questions

What might be some "stones" in a person's life that need to be removed to experience a closer relationship with Jesus? ([05:34])
How does the act of responding to God's call, as seen in the story of Lazarus, relate to personal obedience and trust in one's spiritual journey? ([13:58])
In what ways can the church community support individuals in releasing their past and stepping into new life? ([27:31])
How can sharing personal stories of transformation reveal God's work and inspire faith in others? ([28:56])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Is there a "stone" that you need to remove to draw closer to Jesus? What steps can you take this week to address it? ([05:34])
Think about a time when you felt God calling you to step out of your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([13:58])
Are there any "grave clothes" from your past that you feel are still binding you? How can you seek support from your church community to release them? ([25:57])
Consider a personal story of transformation in your life. How can you share this story with someone this week to reveal God's work in your life? ([28:56])
Identify a specific area where you feel God is prompting you to act. What is one practical step you can take this week to respond to His call? ([24:11])
How can you be more intentional in supporting others in your church community who are seeking to release their past and embrace new life in Christ? ([27:31])
Reflect on the importance of obedience in your spiritual journey. How can you cultivate a heart of obedience and trust in God's timing and purpose? ([13:58])

Sermon Clips

"Now, it is easy to be overwhelmed by many difficult situations, thinking that the responsibility of raising the dead is upon us. But actually, it isn't. All we have to do is move the stone. It is God's responsibility to raise the dead. Is there something in my life that needs to be removed so that I can be closer to Jesus?" [00:06:48]

"Have you let a stone stand in front of a miracle? Remove the stone. Move the stone. Verse 40. Then Jesus said, Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? Do you want to see the glory of God? You do? You do? Move the stone. If you want to see the glory of God, move the stone." [00:09:38]

"Is there a stone between you and Jesus? Remove the stone. Remove the stone so that you can be closer to Jesus. I want to see the glory of God. So I have to keep on asking, Lord, is there a stone that needs removing? Word number one, remove. Word number one. Word number two, respond. Word number two, respond." [00:10:14]

"You can't always be sitting there, lying there, waiting for someone to help you. Sometimes you've got to get out, get out. You've got to get up, get up. Lazarus had to get up by himself. Himself. You see, has God asked you to do something, but you haven't done it?" [00:13:17]

"Why do you think Jesus, oh, he must have forgotten about the directions he gave you a few years ago. He must have, you know, he just forgot. No, no, no, no. He didn't forget. If he has told you to do something, you haven't done it. If you haven't done it, don't keep asking him for more instructions." [00:15:04]

"Because I knew he told me to go. And I didn't go. Of course, I repented. You know, we can't alter the past. But we can bring the past to the altar of God. And we've all made mistakes. But you know, from that day, I vowed, I made a vow to God. And I vowed to God that I will go anywhere. I will do anything." [00:24:09]

"Because I had such a shock to the system listen I urge you and I encourage you if he has told you to do something do it do it do it make a choice now while you're here now yes I'm gonna do this I'm gonna do this I know he's told me to do this whatever this is do it do it so what's the first word what's the first word the second word respond the third word release the third word release so verse 44 take off the great clothes and let him go take off the grey clothes and let him go" [00:24:55]

"Now many people have encountered Jesus but they're walking around with grey clothes and Jesus says get rid of them. Do you know, I can almost smell them when I'm with people. I can smell them. I know sometimes pastors and leaders, God gives us some kind of discernment, and I can almost smell it on people." [00:26:37]

"If you feel that you're tied in something, then Jesus says to you tonight, it's time to be released. It's time to get rid of the grave clothes. Get rid of them. And if you need help, that's where the church comes in. And the church comes and helps to get those grave clothes off." [00:27:18]

"Word number one, remove. Word number two, respond. Word number three, release. And word number four, reveal. Word number four, reveal. And we read in verse 45, therefore, many of the Jews who had come, to visit Mary and seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. Of course they put their faith in him." [00:28:25]

"So we reveal what God has done for us. We reveal the story of something being removed from our life we we reveal the story of things that have we've been released from and we keep on telling the story to other people we keep telling the story" [00:29:00]

"Do you need to reveal Jesus to others? Do you know so many Christians have taken literally what Jesus said to three disciples, see that you tell no one. We need to talk to others about Jesus. If you are timid in sharing, sharing your faith, come down here to the front as your way of saying, yes, Jesus. Yes, Jesus." [00:39:10]

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