This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives.
This week focuses on the phrase, “From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.”
SERMON OUTLINE
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.” (Matthew 25:31)
“From there he will come” (Acts 1:11)
“To judge the living and the dead” (Matthew 25:31-32; John 3:16-17)
Jesus and Judgment Now
- Judgment now as Jesus speaks truth (Matthew 7:28-29; John 5:24)
- Judgment now as Jesus bears the Cross (John 12:31-33; Isaiah 53:40-6)
Jesus and Judgment in the Future
- Jesus and our death – encountering judgment at death (Hebrews 9:27-28)
- Jesus’ return – the revelation of Jesus as judge at His second parousia (Matthew 25:31; 2 Timothy 4:1)
- Jesus and the final judgment – King Jesus sets makes things new (Luke 12:8-9; Matthew 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; Revelation 21:1-5)
Living in Light of Jesus’ Return and Judgment
- Walking with Jesus now everyday
- Speaking of Jesus to others
- Looking forward in faith and hope to our future with Jesus
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What do you think it means to judge something? When have you experienced judging as a positive thing and when have you experienced it as a negative thing?
- This week we continue our series, “Living the Creed” by exploring this statement from the Apostles’ Creed: “From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.” Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then continue with the study.
- We are told several times in Scripture that Jesus will return at the end of human history. Read some or all these verses and describe what they tell us about the return of Christ: Matthew 16:27; Matthew 25:31-33; John 14:3; Colossians 3:4; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 4.
- Paul concludes that last reading from 1 Thessalonians with the phrase, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” How does the return of Christ encourage you?
- The second part of the phrase we are looking at in the Apostles’ Creed states that Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead. Again, read some or all these verses and describe what they tell us about the judgment Jesus will bring: Matthew 25:31-33; 1 Corinthians 15:22-25; Hebrews 9:27-28; Luke 12:8-9; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5.
- How does the teaching of the coming judgment by Jesus encourage you? How does the teaching of the coming judgment by Jesus challenge you?
- Whether you are on your own or with others read Revelation 21:1-8. What stands out to you most about this passage?
- What is one thing you learned through this study or sense God is speaking to you about your life and faith? If you’re in a small group, share that with one another. If you are on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week. Conclude your study in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 25:31-32 or Revelation 21:1-5
- Draw, ink, or paint Revelation 21:1-5 as a basis for prayer. Take time to talk with God as you depict these verses in your own way. What is God speaking to you?
- Consider reading:
- A. W. Tozer’s book on the attributes of God, Knowledge of the Holy
- C. S. Lewis’ brief but insightful book, The Great Divorce
- N. T. Wright’s book, Surprised by Hope