‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go’ John 11:44

‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go’ 1.‘Take the stone away’ – v38 Some ‘stones’ that get in the way – Hypocrisy of believers – majoring on minors and rather than majors – Time and priorities How can we do this remove the boulders? – by ensuring our lives adorn the gospel – By directing people away from minor issues towards Jesus – By having some kind of answer to the questions and objections people have – By being versatile and flexible Keeping communication and friendship open with people

1.‘Take the stone away’ – v38 2.‘But Lord’ – v39 – There will always be those who are sceptical, doubters, see the problems. 3.‘Didn’t I tell you that if you believed … So they took the stone away’ – v40-41 – Faith & obedience is essential. 4.‘Lazarus, come out’ – v43 – Jesus calls us by name. ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go’

‘Fear not, I have called you by name, you are mine’. Isaiah 43:1

1.‘Take the stone away’ – v38 2.‘But Lord’ – v39 3.‘Didn’t I tell you that if you believed … So they took the stone away’ – v ‘Lazarus, come out’ – v43 5.‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go’ – Old habits, old haunts, old beliefs, old attitudes. Bitterness, unforgiveness, regrets, guilt, anger, addictions, pornography, gambling, beating yourself up, purposeless living, etc. ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go’

‘Since you’ve been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above. ….Put to death, put off whatever belongs to your earthly nature ….. anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other.’ Colossians 3:1, 5, 9

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14