09.21.2025 // Take Off Your Graves Clothes // Dr. Shawn Beaty

I. THE CALL FROM THE GRAVE"When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out..." John 11:43-44aOnly Christ's voice has power over spiritual death (cf. John 5:25)“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:44Augustine noted: Jesus called Lazarus by name, lest all the dead ariseApplication: Your salvation began with Christ's specific call to you (Give reference to people's lightbulb moment)Lazarus heard and obeyed while still dead—this is graceFaith is the dead hearing the voice of the living GodModern parallel: We respond to Christ while still spiritually bound"Your grave clothes do not define you—Christ does.""...his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face." John 11:44bTheologically: The "old man" that Scripture says we must put off (Eph. 4:22-24)22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24Practically:Habitual sins that once defined usMental patterns formed in spiritual deathRelational dynamics rooted in selfishnessEmotional responses shaped by a godless worldviewWe are simultaneously justified and being sanctifiedAlready raised, yet still being unboundMartin Luther's insight: Simul justus et peccator - at the same time righteous and sinnerThe Voice That Raises the DeadThe Response of FaithII. THE PROBLEM OF THE GRAVE CLOTHES What Are Our Grave Clothes?The Paradox of Christian ExperienceWhy Don't the Grave Clothes Fall Off Automatically?God's pedagogical purpose - We learn dependence through struggleThe nature of habit - Sin creates neural pathways that require intentional rewiring"Every grave cloth once served a purpose in your old life—address the root, not just the fruit."Community necessity - Others must help us see our blind spots…. Growth Groups, CR, you need this throughout your life if you want to truly take off your grave clothesGospel Turn:“Lazarus, COME OUT”God is calling you…Some of you went back in the tomb, and you're just chilling in your grave clothes, lying around in your cold, dark tombJesus has called you out of your tomb“Faith is the dead hearing the voice of the living God.”III The Voice That Raises the Dead