Faith Baptist Church of Palm Bay

John 11 explores the complex interplay of faith, doubt, and divine sovereignty through the narrative of Lazarus's resurrection. The sermon highlights Martha's struggle to reconcile her intellectual understanding of Jesus's divinity with the reality of grief and uncertainty, while emphasizing that even in moments of questioning, God is orchestrating events for a greater purpose. The text underscores the danger of hardened unbelief, exemplified by the religious leaders' plot to arrest Jesus, and reveals God's ability to use even their actions to fulfill His plan, ultimately pointing to Jesus's sacrificial death as a means of gathering believers into one community of faith, demonstrating that God's power transcends human understanding and control.

The sermon explores the pivotal narrative of Lazarus's resurrection, highlighting it as a demonstration of Jesus's divine power and ultimate authority over death. Drawing from John 11, the message emphasizes that Lazarus's raising was not merely a miraculous event, but a strategic act designed to reveal Jesus as the resurrection and the life, ultimately driving the religious leaders to seek his demise. The sermon connects this event to broader theological themes of faith, divine glory, and the assurance of life through belief in Jesus, underscoring that even in seemingly hopeless circumstances, God's plan unfolds to accomplish his purposes and offer hope to those who trust in him.

The sermon emphasizes the vital importance of grounding faith in the inspired Word of God, asserting that Scripture's authority surpasses even eyewitness testimony. Drawing from 2 Peter 1, the message highlights the prophetic word, confirmed by the transfiguration and the Holy Spirit, as a source of assurance and guidance for believers. It underscores the necessity of paying close attention to God's revelation, recognizing its power to illuminate the path and ultimately lead to sanctification, while also cautioning against relying on personal experiences over the unchanging truth of Scripture, ultimately reinforcing the belief that God's word is the foundation for a life of faithfulness and spiritual growth.

This sermon explores the profound significance of John 11, highlighting Jesus's demonstration of divine power and the importance of trusting God's plan amidst suffering. Examining the narrative of Lazarus's resurrection, the message emphasizes that Jesus, as the resurrection and the life, offers hope and eternal life to those who believe, even in the face of death. The sermon draws attention to Martha's evolving faith, from initial grief and questioning to a firm declaration of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and underscores the necessity of knowing God and resting in His sovereignty when responding to hardship and loss, while also recognizing that even in moments of doubt, God's ultimate purpose is to glorify His name.