Life Lessons From the Story of Lazarus | Canon J. John

Introduction

This tutorial explores life lessons derived from the biblical story of Lazarus as presented by Canon J. John. It emphasizes the importance of actively listening to God, responding to His commands, and trusting in His power to bring about change in our lives. The teachings are relevant for anyone seeking spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

Step 1: Remove Obstacles

• Identify what might be blocking your spiritual growth, akin to the stone blocking Lazarus' tomb.
• Reflect on personal obstacles such as:
  • Unforgiven hurts
  • Unhealthy habits
  • Negative influences
• Take action to remove these obstacles. Remember:
  • God wants to work alongside you, not just for you.
  • Moving the stone may involve confronting uncomfortable truths.

Step 2: Respond to God's Calls

• Listen attentively for God’s guidance in your life.
• Consider if there are commands or nudges you have ignored:
  • Have you been hesitant to take action on something God has asked you to do?
  • Assess your willingness to respond. If you feel prompted, it’s time to act.
• Understand that sometimes you must take the first step:
  • Like Lazarus, who had to rise and come out of the tomb, be proactive in your faith.

Step 3: Release What Binds You

• Recognize the "grave clothes" that may be holding you back from living fully.
• These could include:
  • Past traumas
  • Sinful habits
  • Emotional or mental burdens
• Seek help from your church community if needed to shed these bindings.
• Make a conscious choice to let go of these constraints in order to embrace the freedom Christ offers.

Step 4: Reveal God's Work in Your Life

• Share your experiences and how God has worked in your life with others.
• Your testimony can inspire faith in those around you, just as many believed in Jesus after witnessing Lazarus’ resurrection.
• Look for opportunities to tell your story:
  • Engage in conversations about faith.
  • Use social media to share your journey and insights.

Conclusion

The story of Lazarus teaches us critical life lessons about removing barriers, responding to God's call, releasing what holds us back, and revealing our faith to others. As you reflect on these steps, consider how you can apply them to your life. Trust in God’s ability to bring new life and transformation, and be ready to take action in response to His guidance.