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Church of Christ
Sermons and Lessons for 2012 |
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Bobby Stafford |
Jesus Describes Hell
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Hell |
July 22, 2012 |
Sunday AM Sermon |
Jesus Describes Hell
Introduction:
Imagine being in a busy restaurant with all kind of people. At one
table a young mother is trying to get her two little children to
settle down and eat. At another table two older retired couples are
discussing their grandkids. At yet another a young couple only have
eyes for each other. On and on it goes throughout the restaurant.
People are happy, busy, tired, lonely . . .
The saddest thing of all is that some of these people will end up
suffering terribly forever in a place the Bible calls “hell.” This
should force us to realize the sobering reality of hell. As Francis
Chan says, “This should cause us to look at the people around us
differently.”
Body:
I. A Day of
Judgment for the Wicked
-
Matthew
25:31-46
The
day of judgment is described as a courtroom trial. Jesus, the
Judge, examines the evidence and gives His verdict. A similar
scene is depicted in
Matthew
5:21-22 and
Matthew
23:33.
(“. . . how are you to escape being sentenced to
hell?”) Hell is a very real place where the
wicked, the unrepentant, and the unprepared are sentenced to
spend eternity.
II. Jesus
Describes Hell – A Place of Punishment
-
Parable of the
Tares (Weeds)
(Matthew
13:36-43)
It is a terrifying image – “fiery furnace” – cause weeping and
gnashing of teeth. This is also found in
Matthew
13:49-50. A
place of severe punishment for those who break God’s law. This
awaits many of the people we know – family, friends, co-workers,
neighbors . . .
-
Parable of Wedding
Feast
(Matthew
22:11-14)
This one had not made proper preparations. Think about how many
people you know personally who are not prepared for judgment.
-
Parable of Talents
(Matthew
25:30)
Here we read of those who wasted their abilities and resources.
-
“The hell of fire”
(Matthew
18:7-9)
Those who are referenced here make no effort to remove sin in
their lives.
-
There is no hope
for those wanting a second chance after death.
III. Hell Is
Everlasting
-
Matthew 18:7-9
“Eternal fire” – never-ending See also
Mark 9:43, 48.
“unquenchable” There is nothing to put it out!
-
Matthew
25:31-33
The great judgment scene is revealed where Jesus (Judge)
separates all people into two groups: sheep (righteous) and
goats (unrighteous).
Verse 41
“eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels”
Verse 46
“eternal punishment”
The same word in Greek is used in both verses. Also the same word
is used in “eternal life.” The idea is “never-ending.”
Conclusion:
Jesus used some terrifying language to describe hell – suffering,
pain, darkness, fire. He wanted us to take hell seriously! Are
you!
Bobby Stafford
July 22, 2012
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