WEBVTT 00:00:00.440 --> 00:00:08.960 John chapter 10 verse 22. At that time the feast of dedication took place at Jerusalem. 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:16.760 It was winter and Jesus was walking in the temple in the colonnade of Solomon. 00:00:17.900 --> 00:00:20.960 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, 00:00:21.679 --> 00:00:27.080 How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. 00:00:27.079 --> 00:00:32.039 Jesus answered them, I told you and you do not believe. 00:00:32.399 --> 00:00:35.879 The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me. 00:00:36.560 --> 00:00:40.700 But you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 00:00:41.780 --> 00:00:46.359 My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. 00:00:47.299 --> 00:00:49.079 I give them eternal life. 00:00:50.159 --> 00:00:54.480 They will never perish and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 00:00:54.479 --> 00:01:04.579 My Father who has given them to me is greater than all and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 00:01:05.700 --> 00:01:08.759 I and the Father are one. 00:01:11.159 --> 00:01:15.299 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 00:01:16.439 --> 00:01:20.620 Jesus answered them, I have shown you many good works from the Father. 00:01:21.120 --> 00:01:23.159 For which of them are you going to stone me? 00:01:23.159 --> 00:01:31.119 The Jews answered him, it is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy. 00:01:31.579 --> 00:01:34.599 Because you being a man, make yourself God. 00:01:35.719 --> 00:01:42.060 Jesus answered them, is it not written in your law, I said you are God's. 00:01:42.060 --> 00:01:56.760 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came and scripture cannot be broken, do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, you are blaspheming? 00:01:57.180 --> 00:01:59.420 Because I said I am the Son of God. 00:02:00.300 --> 00:02:03.760 If I am not doing the works of the Father, then do not believe me. 00:02:03.760 --> 00:02:16.300 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father. 00:02:16.300 --> 00:02:21.680 Again, they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. 00:02:22.740 --> 00:02:29.939 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. 00:02:31.160 --> 00:02:33.000 And many came to him and said, 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:38.820 John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true. 00:02:38.819 --> 00:02:43.019 And many believed in him there. 00:02:44.060 --> 00:02:45.879 This is the word of God. 00:02:48.079 --> 00:02:49.379 Thanks be to God indeed. 00:02:49.519 --> 00:02:50.099 You may be seated. 00:03:01.919 --> 00:03:03.039 Will you pray with me? 00:03:08.819 --> 00:03:11.959 Oh God, what we know not, teach us. 00:03:12.659 --> 00:03:15.400 What we have not, give us. 00:03:16.459 --> 00:03:19.079 What we are not, make us. 00:03:20.340 --> 00:03:20.759 Amen. 00:03:24.979 --> 00:03:29.319 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:03:30.759 --> 00:03:38.500 today you need to see in these verses how it's Christ who assures your security. 00:03:38.819 --> 00:03:47.280 In this world, doesn't it just feel like all the things we try to hold on to and to secure in our own hands, 00:03:47.340 --> 00:03:50.199 it's like trying to hold on to dry, fine sand. 00:03:50.859 --> 00:03:54.400 The tighter we squeeze them, the more it slips through our fingers. 00:03:56.099 --> 00:03:58.799 I was shocked to look up this statistic. 00:03:58.800 --> 00:04:11.900 The security industry in America in the last 10 years has grown from $31 billion in just 10 years to over $51 billion. 00:04:12.960 --> 00:04:16.860 Now our population has not grown nearly that much in the last 10 years. 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:22.800 Our population grew from $313 million to $339 million. 00:04:22.800 --> 00:04:24.800 So population only grew by about 8%. 00:04:25.460 --> 00:04:32.120 But how much money Americans are spending in the security industry to try to find security? 00:04:32.579 --> 00:04:35.480 It's 164% growth. 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:40.960 In this world, we have a lot of fears, don't we? 00:04:42.100 --> 00:04:45.040 And most of the time, they're not for no reason. 00:04:45.140 --> 00:04:46.140 They're founded on something. 00:04:46.660 --> 00:04:47.780 We've experienced pain. 00:04:48.180 --> 00:04:49.420 We've experienced loss. 00:04:49.420 --> 00:04:54.100 We have the fear of a child being snatched away. 00:04:54.699 --> 00:04:55.500 If you're a parent. 00:04:57.080 --> 00:05:04.900 If you are trying to put some acorns away in your savings account, there's always that fear that it could lose all of its value. 00:05:07.160 --> 00:05:10.160 If you're like me, there's a real fear of failure. 00:05:11.900 --> 00:05:15.500 And there's the fear in relationships of being hurt once again. 00:05:15.500 --> 00:05:19.819 And our human tendency is self-preservation. 00:05:20.100 --> 00:05:25.420 So to counteract that fear, anticipate and prevent it, we do anything we can. 00:05:25.500 --> 00:05:26.899 We try to hold on to control. 00:05:28.300 --> 00:05:29.639 Control whatever we can. 00:05:32.740 --> 00:05:38.300 Our Lord Jesus says, the only security in life is if you are in my hand. 00:05:39.019 --> 00:05:43.100 He says, if you're in my hand, no one can snatch you out of it. 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:49.459 But Christ assures your security. 00:05:50.279 --> 00:05:52.420 He personally assures it. 00:05:53.800 --> 00:05:59.079 And my goal today is simply that you can discern biblically from the words of Christ himself. 00:05:59.259 --> 00:06:03.079 Can you have his assurance that you are safe? 00:06:03.180 --> 00:06:04.420 You are secure in him. 00:06:04.519 --> 00:06:06.100 Can you have that or not? 00:06:06.540 --> 00:06:12.180 And the reason this is important is because listen to how the Bible talks about the type of faith you need to have. 00:06:12.180 --> 00:06:18.439 Hebrews 11.1 says, faith is the assurance of things hoped for. 00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:20.379 Do you understand? 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:25.840 Just hoping that some of what you're hearing in the Bible or the gospel is true, 00:06:26.100 --> 00:06:29.040 just hoping in that is not what the Bible calls you to. 00:06:29.420 --> 00:06:33.480 The Holy Spirit wants you to have an assurance of the things hoped for. 00:06:33.480 --> 00:06:39.420 And in case that's not plain enough, the conviction of things not seen. 00:06:41.319 --> 00:06:44.560 So Jesus steps again into the temple. 00:06:44.960 --> 00:06:47.420 The time period is about two and a half months later. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:53.360 And he says, there is a kingdom not in this physical realm. 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:54.540 It's a spiritual kingdom. 00:06:54.540 --> 00:07:00.500 I'm here to declare to you, my father's heavenly kingdom is mine. 00:07:01.500 --> 00:07:02.920 I am the gate. 00:07:03.800 --> 00:07:10.420 You only have security in the kingdom of my father if I hold you in my hand. 00:07:10.780 --> 00:07:11.840 That's his message. 00:07:11.839 --> 00:07:18.539 Are you assured of your security in Christ alone? 00:07:20.799 --> 00:07:30.099 Well, the first observation I want to draw to your attention is that you will have no assurance if your security is in the physical realm. 00:07:31.039 --> 00:07:33.299 Let me tell you why I have this conclusion. 00:07:34.859 --> 00:07:36.259 Look at verse 24. 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:39.479 The Jews asked Jesus, stop being around the bush. 00:07:39.480 --> 00:07:42.500 Hey, we've seen you again in the fall and the feast. 00:07:42.700 --> 00:07:44.220 Are you the Messiah or not? 00:07:44.280 --> 00:07:45.000 Just tell us. 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:45.980 Tell us. 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:50.540 What's implied here is that we control this place. 00:07:51.280 --> 00:07:53.540 You keep showing up with these crowds following you. 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:56.900 If you're the Messiah, we can work with you. 00:07:57.420 --> 00:07:58.280 We can help you out. 00:07:59.040 --> 00:08:02.540 We have all the political ties you're going to need if you're the true Messiah. 00:08:03.379 --> 00:08:05.480 You see what's on their mind is the physical realm. 00:08:05.620 --> 00:08:07.720 It's the physical kingdom of Israel. 00:08:07.720 --> 00:08:14.160 And I think the context when they ask him this question sheds even more light and brings even more depth to that. 00:08:15.420 --> 00:08:16.620 Look at verse 22. 00:08:16.760 --> 00:08:21.320 We read that at that time it was the feast of dedication. 00:08:21.800 --> 00:08:23.860 Dedication is the feast of consecration. 00:08:24.200 --> 00:08:25.680 And it took place at Jerusalem. 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:28.700 Notice what time of year it is in verse 22. 00:08:28.820 --> 00:08:29.280 When was it? 00:08:30.240 --> 00:08:32.160 Yeah, it was winter. 00:08:32.159 --> 00:08:33.579 Now hold on. 00:08:33.699 --> 00:08:37.959 Didn't we just see that when Jesus healed the blind man, it was after the feast of nations had just ended? 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:39.439 You remember what time of year that was? 00:08:40.279 --> 00:08:42.639 It was the last of the three feasts that happened in the fall. 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:46.439 The first three in the spring, the last three in the fall, the harvest. 00:08:46.839 --> 00:08:48.000 We're going into winter. 00:08:48.899 --> 00:08:51.100 Two and a half months later comes this separate feast. 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:53.480 Now you can search in your phone, your Bible. 00:08:53.480 --> 00:08:57.379 You will not find the feast of dedication commanded by God anywhere in the Bible. 00:08:57.820 --> 00:08:58.960 So where did this come from? 00:08:59.560 --> 00:09:03.980 What is this feast of dedication that's taking place at Jerusalem? 00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:07.000 Well, you know it's wintertime. 00:09:07.700 --> 00:09:11.420 And I'll tell you what the feast of dedication is also called even today. 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:12.820 It's called Hanukkah. 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:18.460 And the word Hanukkah means to dedicate, but it can also be broken into two parts. 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:25.000 It can mean to rest like a ceasefire when a battle stops and the 25th. 00:09:25.060 --> 00:09:25.860 Those two together. 00:09:26.680 --> 00:09:30.220 Well, the winter, December 25th, is when a ceasefire happened. 00:09:31.260 --> 00:09:37.020 And this happened when the Maccabeans overthrew the rule of Syria, of a Syrian king. 00:09:37.020 --> 00:09:40.720 It was really Greco-Syrian named Antiochus the fourth. 00:09:40.980 --> 00:09:42.660 Why did they revolt against him? 00:09:42.820 --> 00:09:45.379 I can give you more history. 00:09:45.460 --> 00:09:46.920 I'm trying to do this the concise version. 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:47.680 I'll tell you more later. 00:09:48.300 --> 00:09:50.020 Here's what Antiochus the fourth did. 00:09:50.100 --> 00:09:55.420 Instead of appeasing those he dominated, he wanted to shove their nose in the dirt. 00:09:55.879 --> 00:09:59.379 And he knew that for the Israelites, the biggest way to do that is to attack their temple. 00:09:59.460 --> 00:10:04.320 That's the hub of their identity, their national identity, to show his dominion. 00:10:04.440 --> 00:10:12.780 And you know what Antiochus the fourth did is he set up inside the temple a statue, an idol of the Greek god Zeus. 00:10:12.820 --> 00:10:18.020 And then he brought in what he knew to them was an unclean animal. 00:10:18.019 --> 00:10:19.480 He brought in pigs. 00:10:19.699 --> 00:10:29.759 And he took these unclean pigs and put them on God's holy altar, which was meant to point to the atonement of sin, foreshadowing the work of the Son of God himself. 00:10:30.079 --> 00:10:34.120 And he slaughtered these unclean animals as a sacrifice to Zeus. 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:36.860 So the Maccabeans revolt. 00:10:37.179 --> 00:10:37.960 They take power. 00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:42.039 And they establish a non-religious. 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:45.919 I mean, it was religious as it was tied to their identity, but it was not commanded by God. 00:10:46.039 --> 00:10:50.480 It was not a divine, you know, spiritual foreshadowing of any type. 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:55.419 It was just a political celebration called the Feast of Dedication or Hanukkah. 00:10:56.879 --> 00:10:57.960 It was winter. 00:10:57.960 --> 00:10:59.740 Now look at verse 23. 00:11:00.420 --> 00:11:02.480 Jesus was walking in the temple. 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:05.960 Jesus is walking in the temple. 00:11:06.139 --> 00:11:07.700 More specifically, where in the temple? 00:11:07.860 --> 00:11:09.860 In the colonnade of Solomon. 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:17.600 Well, the temple is the meeting point between the holy God and his people. 00:11:18.940 --> 00:11:21.660 Solomon was meant to be the king who would bring peace. 00:11:21.659 --> 00:11:29.120 But Solomon, though he asked for God's wisdom, he became greedy like every other king, like every other nation. 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:36.659 So you see the contrast is a greedy, power hungry king domineering over the people. 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:38.039 He taxed them very heavily. 00:11:38.339 --> 00:11:38.919 Solomon did. 00:11:40.199 --> 00:11:45.759 And now Jesus, the wisdom of God himself taken on flesh, walks in the temple. 00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:53.299 And he sees the religious elite celebrating this political power grab of their own. 00:11:54.519 --> 00:11:56.879 Very different than the other feasts we've seen so far. 00:11:58.580 --> 00:12:02.059 And in verse 24, the Jews gathered around Jesus and said to him, 00:12:02.179 --> 00:12:05.439 How long will you keep us in suspense if you are the Christ? 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:07.460 Tell us plainly. 00:12:08.679 --> 00:12:14.120 With this backdrop, they're wanting to know, are you our next Maccabean zealot? 00:12:14.120 --> 00:12:16.299 Are you going to lead a political revolution? 00:12:16.720 --> 00:12:17.580 We'll get behind you. 00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:18.460 We can do that. 00:12:19.539 --> 00:12:23.519 Will you overthrow Rome and bring physical prosperity to the land? 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:26.399 See, that's as far as they could see. 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:28.879 They could only see blessings in the land. 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:33.799 All of their security was tied up in the physical realm. 00:12:34.840 --> 00:12:37.460 Jesus answers them in verse 25. 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:40.680 I told you and you do not believe. 00:12:40.679 --> 00:12:45.199 He's calling them to a faith in something unseen. 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:50.639 The works that I do in my father's name bear witness about me, 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:54.959 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 00:12:55.659 --> 00:12:59.379 When I tell the gospel to my sheep, they have faith. 00:12:59.539 --> 00:13:05.919 They have an assurance, a confidence in the reality of this unseen realm that I am declaring. 00:13:05.919 --> 00:13:14.079 The truth for us is the same, that if you put all of your hope in this physical realm, 00:13:14.319 --> 00:13:18.319 and that's where all your security lies, you will be greatly disappointed. 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:22.339 Sooner or a little bit later. 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:30.720 The Bible teaches in James 1.11 that the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass, 00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:33.720 describing how perishing this physical world is. 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:38.000 Its flower falls and its beauty perishes. 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:42.620 So also will man fade away in the midst of his pursuits, 00:13:42.800 --> 00:13:45.200 if all you're pursuing is the physical realm. 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:46.660 But Jesus says, 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:50.620 There is a security for your soul that is not in this physical realm. 00:13:51.399 --> 00:13:55.899 Seek first my kingdom, my invisible kingdom and my righteousness. 00:13:57.100 --> 00:13:59.419 And all these things will be added to you. 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:04.079 Are you assured of your security in Christ alone? 00:14:05.219 --> 00:14:09.819 Second observation is that Christ does give assurance. 00:14:09.820 --> 00:14:16.540 Christ wants his sheep to feel safe and secure in this life. 00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:20.240 He gives assurance to his true sheep. 00:14:21.080 --> 00:14:24.520 These are some of the most glorious verses we have. 00:14:25.280 --> 00:14:28.379 John 10, 27 through 30. 00:14:28.860 --> 00:14:30.000 Let me walk you through. 00:14:30.680 --> 00:14:35.840 Let's try to trace out all that we can of these promises of assurance for true sheep of his. 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:37.360 I've got eight of them. 00:14:37.640 --> 00:14:38.380 I'm going to do it quickly. 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:38.620 Ready? 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:42.899 His sheep, number one, hear his voice. 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:44.620 See that in verse 27? 00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:46.919 My sheep hear my voice. 00:14:47.060 --> 00:14:50.840 Number two, your soul is secure in Christ. 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:57.340 If you are known by your good shepherd, you know him. 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:58.340 He knows you. 00:14:59.340 --> 00:15:00.740 Number three, how do you know? 00:15:01.440 --> 00:15:05.940 If you hear his voice and if he knows you, you will follow him. 00:15:05.940 --> 00:15:09.020 See, my sheep follow me. 00:15:09.020 --> 00:15:12.740 Number four, your soul is secure in Christ. 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:17.180 If you have taken this promise as a free gift. 00:15:17.180 --> 00:15:22.060 He says, I give them eternal life. 00:15:22.059 --> 00:15:24.899 Let me just pause right there. 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:24.919 Let me just pause right there. 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:33.819 Because if you feel like your security is attached to any of your own works, then you're saying that him giving you this gift is not enough. 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:36.920 You have to take the gift and add on to it with your own. 00:15:36.920 --> 00:15:45.420 But he says those who are truly secure, they freely receive the gift of eternal life that he gives. 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:49.860 Number five, your soul is secure in Christ. 00:15:51.379 --> 00:16:00.079 If you trust his promise that this is eternal life, that you have eternal life. 00:16:01.459 --> 00:16:02.500 Eternal life. 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:04.259 It's life of the age to come. 00:16:05.079 --> 00:16:10.639 You can taste now the spiritual reality of his spiritual kingdom. 00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:15.159 And by definition, the life he gives, it is eternal. 00:16:15.539 --> 00:16:18.059 It is not conditional because it's eternal. 00:16:19.059 --> 00:16:23.279 It is not going to stop or expire or have an end date. 00:16:23.379 --> 00:16:24.340 It is eternal. 00:16:24.939 --> 00:16:27.379 And he gives it to his true sheep. 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:31.600 He says, I will give them eternal life. 00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:36.139 In verse 28, he says, they will never perish. 00:16:36.939 --> 00:16:39.700 The word perish here is never be destroyed. 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:42.020 You remember what he said about the false shepherds? 00:16:42.780 --> 00:16:44.620 They come to destroy the flock. 00:16:45.640 --> 00:16:46.600 That's what they do. 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:48.440 But his sheep will never perish. 00:16:48.540 --> 00:16:49.460 It's the same word. 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.120 They will never be destroyed. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:17:02.379 See, he gives a free, unilateral, unconditional promise that when he is your good shepherd, you will be secure with him. 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:03.540 You will never perish. 00:17:03.680 --> 00:17:05.160 You will never be destroyed. 00:17:05.340 --> 00:17:07.380 You will enjoy his eternal life. 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:14.380 Number six, you have such a high view of your good shepherd. 00:17:15.160 --> 00:17:21.860 Your soul finds comfort because every time you hear of Christ, your view of him gets elevated even higher. 00:17:22.280 --> 00:17:28.260 And a lifetime is too short to raise our thoughts about Christ in contrast with all others. 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:33.420 See, he says, no one, no one will snatch them out of my hand. 00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:41.559 All those things that we fear, all those things I mentioned, none of those can touch your soul. 00:17:42.059 --> 00:17:48.039 If your soul is held in the hand of your good shepherd, no one is greater than he. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:53.259 Number seven, your soul is secure in Christ. 00:17:53.819 --> 00:17:59.799 If you trust that it is he, he who holds you in his hand. 00:18:00.500 --> 00:18:05.319 See, he says, no one can snatch them out of my hand. 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:16.460 It's the very hand of your good shepherd himself that holds your soul and keeps you from perishing and gives you eternal life. 00:18:16.879 --> 00:18:17.740 Here's my last one. 00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:21.399 Number eight, your soul is secure in Christ. 00:18:21.400 --> 00:18:34.900 As you come to understand more and more and more how the hand that holds you, the hand of your good shepherd is the hand of God himself, the creator of the universe. 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:38.340 Look what Jesus says in verse 29. 00:18:39.340 --> 00:18:49.040 My father who has given them to me is greater than all and no one is able to snatch them out of the father's hand. 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:53.659 Remember, they were asking him, speak plainly if you're the Messiah. 00:18:54.899 --> 00:18:59.500 Jesus says in verse 30, I won't be able to get any more plain than this. 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:03.980 I and the father are one. 00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:10.779 Now, this is where our own minds, we want to object. 00:19:10.940 --> 00:19:11.319 Hold on. 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:13.799 I choose God. 00:19:14.539 --> 00:19:15.920 I can un-choose God. 00:19:16.420 --> 00:19:18.220 I can jump out of his hand. 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:24.399 Well, he says, if you're a true sheep, you will follow your shepherd. 00:19:25.279 --> 00:19:25.859 Well, hold on. 00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:26.899 We all think of examples. 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:27.960 How about this person? 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:31.700 They were following him and then they strayed away and they abandoned the faith. 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:36.460 Jesus says, my true sheep know my voice. 00:19:36.879 --> 00:19:39.339 No one can snatch them out of my hand. 00:19:39.899 --> 00:19:41.299 Well, they chose him. 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:42.159 They un-choose him. 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:47.900 Well, think about how Satan snatched Adam and Eve out of the hands of God in the garden. 00:19:48.400 --> 00:19:52.540 Just as Jesus walks the wisdom of God walking in the temple. 00:19:53.660 --> 00:19:54.940 God created Adam and Eve. 00:19:54.940 --> 00:20:00.120 They had a true, perfect, free will untainted by the fall and the curse and sin. 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:02.400 Their will was not depraved. 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:10.300 And Satan started to make them question the word of God, the promise of God, the goodness of God. 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:14.380 And yes, they chose to rebel. 00:20:14.540 --> 00:20:15.540 They chose to sin. 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:25.099 So it's through the temptation attacking the word of God that he strays away the lambs and he draws them away. 00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:30.460 Maybe you're thinking, I'm not sure if I'm a Christian. 00:20:30.659 --> 00:20:33.059 I don't know if I ever was really saved. 00:20:33.480 --> 00:20:38.119 Maybe as a child, maybe I'm going through a period where sin is winning. 00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:38.199 Maybe. 00:20:39.579 --> 00:20:42.359 Well, listen, the picture, let's stick with this same picture. 00:20:42.459 --> 00:20:43.379 The picture is this. 00:20:44.319 --> 00:20:45.859 The shepherd has his flock. 00:20:46.399 --> 00:20:48.199 He calls everyone by name. 00:20:48.699 --> 00:20:50.319 This is what we've seen in all of John 10. 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:53.359 He leads them out and they follow. 00:20:53.459 --> 00:20:54.859 He calls them back and they follow. 00:20:55.219 --> 00:20:59.659 If you are not following your shepherd's voice, you need to pay attention. 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:02.259 You need to listen to his voice. 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:15.879 If you have wandered off, prone to wonder, all of our hearts are ever since the curse, you are stuck in the thorns and thistles, you will be the most miserable, true lamb of Christ. 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:21.640 Jesus says, when you're lost, I will come for you. 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:23.839 I came to seek and save the lost. 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:26.940 Not one of my lambs will perish. 00:21:26.940 --> 00:21:34.279 So we can we can look and try to imagine what's going on in the hearts of our loved ones, maybe in your own soul. 00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:46.500 When the shepherd sees you and you're made aware again of the danger you're in, the wolves, those yellow eyes at night and the sin that's attacking your soul. 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:50.740 When the shepherd calls you to him, you will follow. 00:21:50.740 --> 00:21:57.720 Only as you follow your shepherd will you enjoy the peace of assurance. 00:21:58.279 --> 00:22:03.140 Your soul will find abundant rest and nourishment in the green pastures. 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:09.640 No matter what's going on physically in the physical realm, your soul will rest with your shepherd. 00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:11.980 Isn't this a great comfort? 00:22:13.359 --> 00:22:20.120 One commentator summarized, I think so well, the type of relationship Jesus promises in these verses to his sheep. 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:27.940 Jesus has a loving relationship with those who know his voice because he died for you. 00:22:28.640 --> 00:22:31.680 He said, I lay down my life for my sheep. 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:33.700 His relationship is loving. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:39.539 He has a living relationship with you who follow his voice because he cares for you. 00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:43.220 He actively leads you in and out and protects you. 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:45.599 He watches over you and cares for you. 00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:47.019 It's loving. 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:49.740 He's living, living relationship. 00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:53.460 And his relationship with his true sheep is lasting. 00:22:54.740 --> 00:22:56.480 You trust his voice. 00:22:57.579 --> 00:23:00.120 You know it's his hand that holds you. 00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:01.319 He keeps you. 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:02.579 You are one of his own. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:03.960 You will not be lost. 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:06.480 In his hand, you will not perish. 00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:08.900 You will have eternal life. 00:23:08.900 --> 00:23:13.140 The relationship with the good shepherd to his true sheep is loving. 00:23:13.800 --> 00:23:16.040 It's living and it's lasting. 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:20.140 Fannie Crosby knew this assurance. 00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:21.420 We sang this. 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:24.400 You remember we talked about her last week. 00:23:25.060 --> 00:23:25.540 Blind. 00:23:26.060 --> 00:23:27.220 Love the word of God. 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:27.980 Memorized it. 00:23:28.100 --> 00:23:30.560 Wrote over thousands of hymns. 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:33.099 She knew this assurance. 00:23:33.359 --> 00:23:34.639 Blessed assurance. 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:37.259 Jesus is mine. 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:38.579 Can you sing that? 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:42.599 Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine. 00:23:43.879 --> 00:23:45.940 I'm an heir of salvation. 00:23:46.599 --> 00:23:48.240 I'm a purchase of God. 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:54.240 I've been born of his spirit and washed in his blood. 00:23:56.240 --> 00:24:02.500 Do you know the security, the assurance that Christ alone can give you? 00:24:04.099 --> 00:24:06.859 I also want to make sure I'm defining this well. 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:10.059 Here's how the canon of Dort describes this. 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.339 Okay. 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:13.899 Assurance, summarizing what the Bible teaches. 00:24:14.220 --> 00:24:18.819 Assurance springs up from faith in God's promises. 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:20.559 We just heard his glorious promises. 00:24:21.679 --> 00:24:23.959 And it springs up from hearing those promises, 00:24:24.459 --> 00:24:27.500 which he made most abundantly clear in his word. 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:30.559 And he gives you those promises for your comfort 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:33.240 from the testimony of the Holy Spirit, 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:38.220 witnessing with our spirit that we are children of God 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:39.759 and heirs with Christ. 00:24:40.339 --> 00:24:42.740 Has the Holy Spirit taught you that, 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:44.699 ministered that assurance to you? 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:50.220 And lastly, what you'll see to happen is this, 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:54.179 that you'll experience a series of holy desires 00:24:54.179 --> 00:24:55.639 growing in your life. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:25:00.299 You will desire to have a clear conscience before God more and more. 00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:05.220 If there's a battle with sin, you will hate the sin. 00:25:06.359 --> 00:25:09.799 And you will desire, because God put more love in you for him 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:11.039 than what you had on your own. 00:25:11.359 --> 00:25:14.919 He will make you want to love and show your love to him in obedience, 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:16.079 in grateful obedience. 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:20.139 And when you do the works that he calls you to do as a sheep, 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:23.159 as a follower of his, you will do it out of joy, 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:26.039 because he gives you the desire and the energy, 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:29.220 and it's really his spirit working out in you. 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:31.100 That's what assurance is. 00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:33.600 Do you know this assurance? 00:25:34.180 --> 00:25:35.120 I hope you do. 00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:37.539 But I also hope your assurance is growing. 00:25:37.860 --> 00:25:40.440 I think this text also gives us some good insights 00:25:40.440 --> 00:25:43.539 onto how God grows your assurance of salvation. 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:48.139 I think that for your assurance to grow, 00:25:48.659 --> 00:25:52.440 you need to also learn to discern the truth of God's word 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:55.039 as it's rightly interpreted. 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:59.379 In Pilgrim's Progress, he's suffering. 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:01.420 He's struggling through the slough of despond 00:26:01.420 --> 00:26:02.680 and the hills of difficulty. 00:26:02.879 --> 00:26:07.500 And finally, the interpreter helps him to see God's word truly 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:10.799 and to understand correctly what the Bible teaches. 00:26:11.640 --> 00:26:14.740 Notice what Jesus does here next, beginning at verse 31. 00:26:16.880 --> 00:26:19.519 See, the Jews picked up stones again to stone him, 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:20.579 and Jesus answered them, 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:22.779 I have shown you many good works from the Father. 00:26:23.160 --> 00:26:25.380 For which of these works are you going to stone me? 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:27.279 See, he's pausing them. 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:28.599 He says, you're experts of the law. 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:29.720 You know the word of God. 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:31.119 Use it. 00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:34.079 Show me what you've understood from the word of God. 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:34.900 Let's start there. 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:37.140 What are you bringing from the knowledge of the Bible? 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:39.099 The Jews answered him, 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:41.799 It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:43.319 but for blasphemy, 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:47.579 because you, being a man, make yourself God. 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:51.660 So the Jews had no doubt in their mind this was a real man. 00:26:52.220 --> 00:26:56.579 Some have attacked the human nature of the person of Christ. 00:26:56.579 --> 00:26:58.740 Well, in their mind, no, he is a man. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:03.079 Jesus says, okay, you're right. 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:07.699 The Bible says if someone blasphemes or speaks wrongly about God, 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:08.799 they deserve to be stoned. 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:10.259 God's word does command that. 00:27:11.339 --> 00:27:12.639 But what he does here is, 00:27:12.759 --> 00:27:16.059 I just don't know if I can do justice to this or make it clear. 00:27:16.419 --> 00:27:17.839 What he does is so brilliant. 00:27:18.639 --> 00:27:19.539 Look at verse 34. 00:27:20.639 --> 00:27:24.299 I think what he's doing is making a reference and an illusion, 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.919 and then rightly applying it. 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:29.140 So they're taking this claim of blasphemy deserves to be stoned. 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.740 He says, okay, hold on. 00:27:32.800 --> 00:27:38.440 It is, is it not written in your law that God himself said you are gods? 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:41.920 So he's saying you read what you read in the Bible about blasphemy, 00:27:42.019 --> 00:27:43.680 a man claims to be God, stone him. 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:44.920 That's right. 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:48.559 But look, God also says, if you just want to go on that technicality, 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:54.960 God also uses the term Elohim or gods, lowercase g, in an honorific sense. 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:58.779 It's a term of placing honor on those who are rulers. 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:02.299 And we read this earlier, Psalm 82. 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:04.480 This is such a tricky song. 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:08.019 I've come to the conclusion the right interpretation of Psalm 82 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:11.879 is that God says he calls his divine counsel. 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:15.099 And there are these shepherds or these rulers over Israel, 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:16.559 and they're unjust. 00:28:16.720 --> 00:28:18.680 They're treating God's people unjustly. 00:28:19.339 --> 00:28:21.839 And Jesus says, you are gods. 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:23.720 You are gods. 00:28:23.859 --> 00:28:24.900 You know, he's giving them this honor. 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:26.680 You've put yourself above men. 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:31.639 But what that very next verse says is that you will perish like all other men. 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:34.480 And you will die like the princes. 00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:40.000 So by referencing this, Psalm 82, those teachers of the law knew the psalm. 00:28:40.120 --> 00:28:41.319 Jesus would have known the psalm. 00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:45.519 Many of the other Jews that grew up knowing the Bible, they would have known this. 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:51.259 So they know that the context is speaking to men who have put themselves in the place of God, 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.880 who are acting like gods. 00:28:52.880 --> 00:28:59.680 And the Lord God speaks to them and says, you put yourself above my people, ruling over them with injustice. 00:29:00.120 --> 00:29:01.460 I will punish you. 00:29:02.060 --> 00:29:03.100 You will perish. 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:06.880 And I will bring my vengeance upon my people. 00:29:07.600 --> 00:29:09.440 That's the context of Psalm 82. 00:29:11.300 --> 00:29:12.640 Now think about this. 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:15.400 It's the feast of dedication. 00:29:15.400 --> 00:29:24.480 So on their minds, it's that statue of Zeus and the pigs on the altar being pushed back out. 00:29:25.560 --> 00:29:31.300 And you know, in the Old Testament, when God brings judgment on his people, it's because they've turned to the idols, to the gods. 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:39.539 I think Psalm 82 is pointing out to these men ruling over God's people. 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:42.740 You have made yourself like a god. 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:46.480 You have made yourself like your own idol. 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:52.799 Because when Christ comes to redeem his people, to fulfill all the law, there are no Baals. 00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:54.460 There are no Asherah. 00:29:54.539 --> 00:29:56.899 There are no one of these other false gods of the nations. 00:29:56.900 --> 00:30:03.800 But he's saying, you, you corrupt leaders have become your own idols. 00:30:05.640 --> 00:30:09.680 So the Lord Jesus now makes the argument from the lesser to the greater. 00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:17.540 He says, if God used that term speaking to these mere men, 00:30:17.539 --> 00:30:24.519 And I am the son consecrated by the father sent into the world. 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:32.139 You can't say I'm misusing that term because I said I am the son of God. 00:30:32.859 --> 00:30:36.159 So on a technical level, they have no grounds to arrest him. 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:37.019 It's not his time. 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:44.619 I think on a deeper, on a spiritual level, Psalm 82, which says this, 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:47.639 God has taken his place in the divine council. 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:50.200 In the midst of the gods, he holds judgment. 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:56.139 And he says, nevertheless, as I look at you men, you shall all die. 00:30:56.960 --> 00:30:59.500 You will perish like any other prince. 00:30:59.660 --> 00:31:01.700 But I am the true temple. 00:31:02.160 --> 00:31:05.039 I am the consecrated son of God. 00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:11.700 I am the one who is coming to redeem and to bring the justice of God to the land. 00:31:13.559 --> 00:31:15.539 Those who are grabbing power. 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:18.920 Those who were oppressing the people of God. 00:31:20.379 --> 00:31:24.879 Those who were celebrating Hanukkah as a political celebration. 00:31:25.399 --> 00:31:29.779 Their eyes were blind to the reality of his spiritual kingdom. 00:31:30.579 --> 00:31:33.920 Jesus fulfills the purpose of the very temple. 00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:40.279 He was consecrated, set apart, dedicated, and sent into the world to remain holy. 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:45.160 His prayer is our song. 00:31:45.300 --> 00:31:49.120 Take my life and let it be consecrated, Father, to thee. 00:31:49.500 --> 00:31:51.279 Take my moments and my days. 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:53.860 Let them flow with endless praise. 00:31:53.859 --> 00:32:00.719 The wisdom of God, greater than Solomon, walking among us. 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:08.200 The Son of God, the true and final temple, the meeting point between forgiven worshipers and the holy God, 00:32:08.620 --> 00:32:12.120 correctly interprets the Bible for them. 00:32:12.119 --> 00:32:15.939 That's our privilege throughout the week. 00:32:15.939 --> 00:32:21.959 When you pick up your Bible and you read it, you pray and ask, God, help me to rightly read your word. 00:32:22.699 --> 00:32:29.479 Show me how how your word is fulfilled by Christ, how your word unveils the spiritual kingdom of heaven. 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:33.539 And as the Holy Spirit does that and teaches you, we do this together. 00:32:33.940 --> 00:32:36.579 You will grow in your assurance of faith. 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:40.079 Jesus says also, look at my works. 00:32:40.299 --> 00:32:45.299 In verse 37, he says, if I am not doing the works of my father, then do not believe me. 00:32:45.660 --> 00:32:49.620 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works. 00:32:49.619 --> 00:32:58.139 Your assurance grows as you come to know and understand the meaning of Christ's works. 00:32:58.579 --> 00:33:03.619 Jesus says, even if you reject me, you reject my message, you reject my word. 00:33:04.699 --> 00:33:05.899 He invites them. 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:06.719 He compels them. 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:08.939 He urges them to believe based on his works. 00:33:10.119 --> 00:33:17.239 The only works they saw at this time were signs that pointed to what he would do on the cross to redeem his people. 00:33:17.240 --> 00:33:28.299 So we now have the privilege of having all the scripture show us how every sign, every work of God, this magnalia day, this wondrous work of God throughout all of redemptive history. 00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:29.720 It points to Christ. 00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:36.680 So your assurance grows as he teaches you to know and understand the meaning of all of his works. 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:38.700 That's what our life is for. 00:33:39.759 --> 00:33:42.359 He says that you may know and understand. 00:33:42.359 --> 00:33:51.419 Notice how this is fulfilling what was lacking in the leaders in Psalm 82, verse 5, which says they have neither knowledge nor understanding. 00:33:51.619 --> 00:33:52.500 The same phrase. 00:33:53.479 --> 00:33:56.379 Christ points out you are like those leaders. 00:33:57.479 --> 00:33:58.979 See, they walk in darkness. 00:33:59.339 --> 00:34:04.019 Psalm 82 says, Jesus says those in darkness are not my sheep. 00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:07.160 Give us a plain answer. 00:34:07.460 --> 00:34:08.119 They had asked. 00:34:08.699 --> 00:34:16.400 Jesus says, you need to know and understand that the father is in me and I am in the father. 00:34:17.960 --> 00:34:20.380 This is the greatest statement he's made so far. 00:34:20.539 --> 00:34:22.759 It's even greater than what he said in John 6. 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:24.699 He said, I came down from heaven. 00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:27.360 It's even greater than what he said in John 8. 00:34:27.579 --> 00:34:30.420 He said before Abraham was, I am. 00:34:30.420 --> 00:34:37.360 And now he says, the father is in me and I am in the father. 00:34:39.940 --> 00:34:44.440 Well, again, in verse 39, they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. 00:34:44.539 --> 00:34:46.360 He had promised them, like we saw last week. 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:50.820 No one takes his life from him, but he lays it down willingly. 00:34:51.280 --> 00:34:54.380 And now is not the time when you will lay it down yet. 00:34:54.380 --> 00:35:01.519 But Jesus came to, he said, I came not to bring peace, but the sword. 00:35:02.660 --> 00:35:04.619 He's saying, I am in the father. 00:35:04.980 --> 00:35:06.099 The father is in me. 00:35:06.820 --> 00:35:10.019 Psalm 82 describes the judgment of God that's coming. 00:35:10.280 --> 00:35:18.059 The psalmist cries out, how long will you judge unjustly to these wicked rulers and show partiality to the wicked? 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:21.220 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless. 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:24.779 Maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 00:35:25.339 --> 00:35:26.659 Rescue the weak and the needy. 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:29.299 Deliver them from the hand of the wicked. 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:35.899 And this cry for help from judgment from heaven before the counsel of God is answered. 00:35:36.500 --> 00:35:40.119 The father sends the son to bring that judgment. 00:35:40.980 --> 00:35:43.819 When all the foundations of the earth will be shaken. 00:35:44.559 --> 00:35:47.000 Arise, oh God, judge the earth. 00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:51.940 Now the kingdom of Christ, the judgment of Christ came in two parts. 00:35:52.659 --> 00:35:53.760 He answers this cry. 00:35:54.780 --> 00:36:00.500 God will rain down his judgment, his wrath against sin and abuse. 00:36:01.340 --> 00:36:03.059 And he'll rain it down in two phases. 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:11.039 He'll rain it down first on the cross of Jesus Christ for all those who Christ will inherit from the nations. 00:36:11.039 --> 00:36:29.739 And those who are not hidden in Christ, when Christ returns, he will rain down the justice of God, setting all things right on every man who tries to stand as a God, as a little statue of Zeus before the creator of heaven and earth. 00:36:30.659 --> 00:36:33.400 Are you assured of your security? 00:36:33.400 --> 00:36:35.400 That day is coming. 00:36:35.400 --> 00:36:35.900 That day is coming. 00:36:39.559 --> 00:36:45.820 Can you sing from your own experience, not the experience of your parents, of your spouse? 00:36:46.079 --> 00:36:46.820 Can you sing? 00:36:47.820 --> 00:36:56.039 Oh, what grace that you would see me as your child and as your friend, safe, secure in you forever. 00:36:57.000 --> 00:36:58.820 That's how I pour out my praise. 00:36:58.820 --> 00:37:07.160 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty, good and gracious King. 00:37:07.820 --> 00:37:09.620 His kingdom is coming. 00:37:12.760 --> 00:37:20.280 You can know that you are secure if your assurance is growing in Christ as your only hope. 00:37:20.580 --> 00:37:22.039 He is your only hope. 00:37:22.039 --> 00:37:29.699 In verse 40, we see that Jesus went away across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first. 00:37:30.199 --> 00:37:31.340 And there he remained. 00:37:32.420 --> 00:37:37.920 Remember how the gospel of John begins with the prologue and then the action sequence starts with John the baptizer. 00:37:37.920 --> 00:37:54.280 Well, this is giving us a textual hint that now we're approaching the long ending of the book, the prologue, which is the passion and the prayers of Christ in that final week of his ministry where he will lay down his life for his sheep. 00:37:55.200 --> 00:37:56.360 Now look at verse 41. 00:37:57.220 --> 00:37:58.980 And many came to him. 00:37:58.980 --> 00:38:06.900 Second Peter 2 says that the dog and the pig will go back to their sin like vomit. 00:38:07.740 --> 00:38:10.300 But it's the clean, the clean one, the sheep. 00:38:10.920 --> 00:38:14.280 They will follow the shepherd into green pastures. 00:38:14.280 --> 00:38:20.220 And those who follow Jesus, who came to him, who went away with him. 00:38:20.820 --> 00:38:21.519 Picture that. 00:38:21.600 --> 00:38:25.160 They're turning their back on the establishment, on the Jews. 00:38:25.340 --> 00:38:30.440 They're following him into the wilderness, the place that represents the cleansing by baptism. 00:38:31.660 --> 00:38:37.480 They confess everything that John the baptizer said about this man was true. 00:38:38.260 --> 00:38:39.960 Well, what did John the baptizer say? 00:38:41.600 --> 00:38:43.540 We got to see this this fall. 00:38:44.280 --> 00:38:48.200 In John chapter 1 verse 29, John the baptizer preached, 00:38:48.680 --> 00:38:52.480 Behold the Lamb of God who takes away your sin. 00:38:53.120 --> 00:38:56.960 In John chapter 3 verse 27, John the baptizer preached, 00:38:57.440 --> 00:39:03.160 A person cannot receive even one good thing unless it is given him from heaven. 00:39:03.800 --> 00:39:07.120 In John chapter 3 verse 29, John the baptizer preached, 00:39:07.120 --> 00:39:08.960 I am the friend of the bridegroom. 00:39:09.220 --> 00:39:12.200 I rejoice greatly at the bridegroom's voice. 00:39:12.199 --> 00:39:17.059 And in John chapter 3 verse 31, John the baptizer preached, 00:39:17.059 --> 00:39:20.039 He who comes from heaven is above all. 00:39:20.399 --> 00:39:23.059 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard. 00:39:23.480 --> 00:39:26.899 Whoever receives his testimony believes that God is true. 00:39:27.519 --> 00:39:30.379 He whom God has sent utters the words of God. 00:39:30.779 --> 00:39:32.379 He gives the spirit without measure. 00:39:32.759 --> 00:39:35.919 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. 00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:40.019 Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life. 00:39:40.200 --> 00:39:43.019 But the wrath of God remains on him. 00:39:44.460 --> 00:39:49.880 They confess everything John the baptizer said is true of Christ. 00:39:49.880 --> 00:39:55.840 If you reject Christ, the wrath of God remains on you. 00:39:56.920 --> 00:40:01.400 But behold the Lamb of God who takes away your sin. 00:40:02.780 --> 00:40:07.579 Your assurance grows as you follow your shepherd as your only hope. 00:40:08.420 --> 00:40:14.360 My last observation for today is that your assurance grows as you see others believing. 00:40:14.360 --> 00:40:18.960 You see many everywhere believing in him as their good shepherd. 00:40:19.519 --> 00:40:20.559 Look at verse 42. 00:40:21.620 --> 00:40:22.440 They followed him. 00:40:23.720 --> 00:40:24.800 He preached to them. 00:40:25.700 --> 00:40:28.660 And many believed in him there. 00:40:31.360 --> 00:40:32.820 Many believed. 00:40:32.820 --> 00:40:40.000 Hasn't it been a joy to get to know one another and to hear each other's stories? 00:40:41.039 --> 00:40:43.320 How was it that you heard the shepherd's voice? 00:40:44.440 --> 00:40:46.440 How was it that he called out to you? 00:40:46.920 --> 00:40:48.100 He called you away. 00:40:49.240 --> 00:40:50.820 He spoke life to you. 00:40:51.660 --> 00:40:53.620 How was it that you believed? 00:40:54.960 --> 00:40:58.480 I think our assurance grows as we get to hear that from one another. 00:40:58.480 --> 00:41:05.559 And when we get to read or hear from our missionaries, look, in this least reached people group, 00:41:05.780 --> 00:41:09.179 they heard the gospel and many believed in him there. 00:41:09.840 --> 00:41:11.579 Doesn't that grow your assurance? 00:41:13.219 --> 00:41:19.679 What a joy it is when we get to celebrate even one person whose life God turns around 00:41:19.679 --> 00:41:22.860 because they heard the shepherd's voice. 00:41:22.860 --> 00:41:33.599 I picture a man in the shadows fleeing as a fugitive from a totalitarian regime. 00:41:34.400 --> 00:41:45.079 And there's the border between that kingdom that he's from and this kingdom that promises peace, rest, parks, education, medical care, everything he needs. 00:41:45.079 --> 00:41:55.480 Nothing matters for that man in the shadows, that fugitive than to know for whom does the gate into that kingdom open? 00:41:58.119 --> 00:41:59.299 Jesus says, 00:41:59.659 --> 00:42:06.719 I am the gate to the kingdom of the spiritual realm, the kingdom of heaven. 00:42:06.719 --> 00:42:14.419 I am the shepherd who guides you, who calls you, who leads you by faith, with confidence, with assurance. 00:42:14.739 --> 00:42:17.959 If you are in me, I am the gate. 00:42:18.179 --> 00:42:19.919 There's no one else you need to fear. 00:42:20.579 --> 00:42:22.039 I am the good shepherd. 00:42:22.179 --> 00:42:25.319 I not only am the gate, I hold you in my hands. 00:42:25.859 --> 00:42:29.799 Well, what if they encircle around me and try to take me away to a labor camp? 00:42:30.480 --> 00:42:34.939 No one can snatch you out of my hands, Jesus says. 00:42:34.940 --> 00:42:37.960 I am the king of kings, the prince of peace. 00:42:38.700 --> 00:42:48.380 I am the only passage point from the curses of sin and death in this world into the holy kingdom of God. 00:42:49.260 --> 00:42:51.280 In John 10, 9, Jesus says, 00:42:51.480 --> 00:42:56.960 If anyone enters by me, he will be saved. 00:42:56.960 --> 00:43:03.000 And we read here that many who heard this entered the kingdom of heaven. 00:43:04.940 --> 00:43:09.720 They entered his kingdom and found rest. 00:43:10.860 --> 00:43:15.440 They could now sing of that peace that passes understanding. 00:43:16.360 --> 00:43:22.000 It's the peace of faith, of full assurance, of confidence in the things we hope for. 00:43:22.960 --> 00:43:24.480 Fanny Crosby, once again, 00:43:24.480 --> 00:43:28.900 It's a peace of perfect submission to Christ. 00:43:28.900 --> 00:43:30.699 All is at rest. 00:43:31.260 --> 00:43:44.780 I, in my Savior, am happy and blessed, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. 00:43:44.780 --> 00:43:48.460 This is a daily experience. 00:43:48.920 --> 00:43:52.160 This is a daily experience if you know Christ. 00:43:53.140 --> 00:43:57.000 Here's the second part of the canon of Dort's definition of this type of assurance. 00:43:57.280 --> 00:43:59.780 It's the sense and certainty. 00:44:00.019 --> 00:44:01.880 See how it's a personal experience? 00:44:01.880 --> 00:44:06.160 The sense and certainty of your election as a child of God. 00:44:06.680 --> 00:44:26.599 It is a matter for daily humiliation before him, for adoring the depth of his mercies, for cleansing yourself, for rendering grateful returns of ardent love to him who first manifested so great love toward us. 00:44:26.820 --> 00:44:27.099 Amen. 00:44:27.099 --> 00:44:27.200 Amen. 00:44:27.199 --> 00:44:27.239 Amen. 00:44:29.339 --> 00:44:31.739 Well, we've come to the end of John chapter 10. 00:44:34.379 --> 00:44:41.179 I hope you've been able to see, as I have more and more with these weeks, how glorious a good shepherd we have. 00:44:45.019 --> 00:44:51.159 There's a connection between this passage at the Feast of Dedication with what Jesus had taught previously. 00:44:51.279 --> 00:44:54.319 Last time he was in Jerusalem, he taught of the good shepherd. 00:44:54.319 --> 00:44:55.299 Now he comes back. 00:44:55.539 --> 00:44:56.719 He reapplies it. 00:44:57.199 --> 00:44:58.460 And people made their decision. 00:44:59.239 --> 00:45:00.259 Do we stone him? 00:45:01.019 --> 00:45:02.259 Or do we follow him? 00:45:03.879 --> 00:45:15.779 If you follow him, then these words that I'm about to read, reinterpreting Psalm 23, in light of what Christ revealed in John 10, will be a great comfort to you. 00:45:15.819 --> 00:45:17.239 And that's my prayer that they will be. 00:45:17.980 --> 00:45:20.879 This is a little poem by a Dutch Reformed pastor. 00:45:20.880 --> 00:45:21.880 The shepherd is my lamb. 00:45:21.880 --> 00:45:25.400 The shepherd is my lamb. 00:45:26.340 --> 00:45:28.599 He tasted my want. 00:45:29.140 --> 00:45:32.200 He laid down in the wilderness. 00:45:33.200 --> 00:45:36.920 He endured the judgment storm waters. 00:45:37.700 --> 00:45:40.099 He relinquished his soul. 00:45:40.099 --> 00:45:46.219 He was nailed to the cursed cross for my sinful namesake. 00:45:46.219 --> 00:45:55.619 Yea, when he walked through the valley of the shadow of death, he took up my sin alone under wrath. 00:45:57.199 --> 00:46:00.079 With the rod and the scourge, they beat him. 00:46:00.079 --> 00:46:05.779 He was made to hunger and thirst in the presence of his enemies. 00:46:07.400 --> 00:46:11.840 His head took a mocking thorn of crown of thorns. 00:46:11.840 --> 00:46:18.260 The bitter cup of God's wrath, he drank, drank to the dregs. 00:46:19.480 --> 00:46:33.600 Surely all the days of his sinless life were mercifully for my good, so that now I can dwell in the house of the Lord, my Savior, my Lamb, my Shepherd forever. 00:46:33.599 --> 00:46:48.599 Father, make sure that the Lord Jesus Christ and he alone is the assurance of your security. 00:46:49.759 --> 00:46:50.819 Let's pray. 00:46:50.819 --> 00:46:50.900 Amen. 00:46:50.900 --> 00:46:51.900 Amen. 00:47:02.720 --> 00:47:10.380 Oh, God, it's your grace in Christ that is the sole efficient cause of our salvation. 00:47:11.380 --> 00:47:13.900 We were each born spiritually dead. 00:47:14.420 --> 00:47:18.820 We were incapable of even cooperating with your regenerating grace. 00:47:18.820 --> 00:47:22.780 But because you are love, you loved us first. 00:47:23.620 --> 00:47:28.500 And because you loved us first, you will never let us go. 00:47:29.680 --> 00:47:36.740 None can snatch us away from you, our good shepherd, our God, and our King. 00:47:37.539 --> 00:47:37.880 Amen.