BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Bible Study #6: “I AM the Resurrection and the Life”
Main Passage: John 11:17–44
Purpose of the Study
This study examines Jesus’ declaration as the Resurrection and the Life, exploring Old Testament themes of resurrection and life, His teaching and miracles in John’s Gospel, and how the Epistles expand on the hope and power of resurrection in Christ.
Opening Prayer
“Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life. In You, death has been defeated and eternal life is given. Help us to trust Your power over life and death and to live in the hope of resurrection every day. Amen.”
1. Read the Passage
John 11:17–44 — Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power over death and affirming that belief in Him leads to eternal life.
Questions
What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life”?
How does the raising of Lazarus reveal Jesus’ identity and mission?
How do you personally respond to the reality of resurrection and eternal life?
2. Context and Old Testament Imagery
OT Resurrection and Life Imagery:
Resurrection hope: Ezekiel 37:1–14 — The valley of dry bones brought to life by God’s Spirit.
God as the giver of life: Deut. 32:39 - God kills and makes alive.
Promise of resurrection: Isaiah 26:19 — The dead will live again.
Life as God’s blessing: Psalm 16:10 — God will not abandon the faithful to death.
Jesus’ Claim:
Jesus declares Himself the source of both resurrection and life — spiritual and eternal.
His raising of Lazarus anticipates His own resurrection and the future resurrection of all believers.
Epistles Reflection:
1 Corinthians 15:20–22: Christ is the firstfruits of those who have died.
Romans 6:4–5: We are united with Christ in His resurrection life.
Philippians 3:10–11: To know Christ and the power of His resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18: The hope of resurrection for believers.
Questions
How does the Old Testament imagery deepen your understanding of resurrection?
How can the Epistles’ teaching on resurrection encourage you in suffering or loss?
3. Jesus Christ: The Resurrection and the Life
Jesus demonstrates authority over physical death and offers spiritual life now.
Belief in Jesus guarantees victory over eternal death and the gift of eternal life.
His resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope and assurance.
Questions
How does Jesus’ resurrection power give hope in difficult times?
How does this identity of Jesus shape your view of life and death?
How can you live as a person transformed by resurrection life?
4. Kingdom Implications and Church Life
Toward One Another
How do we encourage each other with the hope of resurrection?
Do we grieve with hope and live in the power of resurrection life?
Toward Our Local Community & Wider World
How can BRBC be a beacon of hope in a world of death and despair?
How can we share resurrection hope with those facing loss or fear?
How should we comfort the grieving?
Toward Families, Friends, and Relationships
How do you bring resurrection hope to your family?
Are there difficult losses where resurrection hope can bring comfort?
Questions
How can BRBC more effectively witness to the reality of resurrection?
How might your attitude to death and suffering change in light of Jesus’ claim?
5. Practical Action
Meditate on Scripture passages about resurrection and eternal life regularly.
Comfort and encourage those who grieve with the hope of Jesus.
Live courageously in the power of resurrection, overcoming fear of death.
Share your personal testimony of resurrection hope with someone this week.
Questions
Who needs to hear about Jesus’ power over death?
What fear or sadness can you surrender to the resurrection power of Christ?
Closing Scripture Meditation
John 11:25 — “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
Final Prayer
“Jesus, our Resurrection and Life, thank You for defeating death and giving us eternal hope. Strengthen us to live boldly in Your life and to share this hope with others. May Brighton Road Baptist Church be a community of resurrection life for Horsham and beyond. Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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