by Roby Ellis
[Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31-46]
Introduction
A. Have you ever tried to imagine what Judgment Day will be like?
B. Whether you have or not, the day is coming when we will give an account before the only one from whom nothing can be hidden.
Discussion
I. Judgment Day will be a day of separation.
A. Saints will be separated from sinners (Matthew 25:31-33).
B. The disobedient will be separated from the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
C. We will be separated either from pleasure or from pain (2 Thessalonians 1:6; Revelation 14:13; Matthew 25:30; Romans 2:8-10).
II. Judgment Day will be a day of surprises.
A. Some will be surprised when that day comes (Matthew 25:1-13).
B. Some will be surprised by what they hear (Matthew 25:41-45).
C. Some will be surprised by the criteria used for judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 12:36; John 12:48; Revelation 20:12).
D. Some will be surprised at the importance placed on what we failed to do (Matthew 25:42-43).
E. Some will be surprised when their excuses are not accepted (Matthew 25:24-25,44).
III. Judgment Day will be a day of sentencing.
A. Jesus will make the final judgment (John 5:22).
B. There will be no escape (Hebrew 4:11-13).
C. There will be no second chances or appeals (Matthew 25:1-13).
Conclusion
A. We don’t have to dread the Judgment Day; we can look forward to it (2 Timothy 4:6-8; 1 John 4:17).
B. If the Judgment Day were today, would you be ready?