WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.320 Good morning, my name is Sam and I'm on the ministry team here at St Paul's. 00:00:03.459 --> 00:00:07.780 Let me also endorse James' plug for his small group. 00:00:07.879 --> 00:00:09.919 He's a good leader and if you've never been in a small group, 00:00:10.099 --> 00:00:12.220 Sunday afternoons would be a good one to be a part of. 00:00:13.040 --> 00:00:17.059 But let me pray and then we're going to open up that passage that was read for us 00:00:17.059 --> 00:00:18.940 and another one in John as well. 00:00:20.980 --> 00:00:23.900 Father God, we do thank you for the chance to gather this morning. 00:00:23.900 --> 00:00:29.640 We thank you for the chance to open your word and reflect on what it means to love. 00:00:30.539 --> 00:00:34.439 God, we ask that you would enable us to recognise in ourselves 00:00:34.439 --> 00:00:39.359 definitions that we've held to that are not consistent with you, 00:00:40.079 --> 00:00:43.679 maybe practices that we have gotten in the habit of 00:00:43.679 --> 00:00:46.560 that don't reflect who you are and what you've done. 00:00:47.260 --> 00:00:50.480 I pray that this morning the result of us gathering like this would be 00:00:50.480 --> 00:00:54.780 that our hearts are transformed, our minds are renewed 00:00:54.780 --> 00:00:59.039 and we are equipped by your spirit to live lives of love. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:00.219 Amen. 00:01:02.079 --> 00:01:06.140 It may come as a surprise to you, it may come as a surprise to my wife, 00:01:06.500 --> 00:01:08.819 but once upon a time I was a hopeless romantic. 00:01:09.659 --> 00:01:11.939 As a teenager, there's no need to giggle, 00:01:12.420 --> 00:01:15.400 as a teenager I loved watching romantic movies. 00:01:15.519 --> 00:01:17.439 I loved soppy love stories. 00:01:17.439 --> 00:01:20.760 I would get very emotional in dramas and that sort of thing. 00:01:20.840 --> 00:01:25.280 I didn't mind crying when, you know, the pet died or whatever it was. 00:01:25.280 --> 00:01:32.359 I just, I had this very fanciful version of what I figured my romantic future would be. 00:01:32.980 --> 00:01:35.879 I was, I would never tell anyone this at the time, 00:01:35.960 --> 00:01:39.680 but as a 16-year-old I would dream about being, you know, 00:01:39.740 --> 00:01:43.540 the male hero in the classic drama, rescuing the damsel in distress. 00:01:43.540 --> 00:01:46.780 It's very strange. 00:01:46.880 --> 00:01:50.960 But that's kind of what I got fed that love was supposed to look like. 00:01:51.660 --> 00:01:53.960 My family was a little bit dysfunctional. 00:01:54.020 --> 00:01:55.580 I've shared with you a bit before. 00:01:55.740 --> 00:01:57.960 I won't go into it too much right now. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:02:00.140 But my parents separated when I was 14. 00:02:00.680 --> 00:02:02.580 And even before that, my dad travelled a lot. 00:02:02.579 --> 00:02:06.620 So I didn't really have a picture of what love might look like in a family. 00:02:06.840 --> 00:02:10.680 What, you know, kind of real love looked like when you had to deal with five kids 00:02:10.680 --> 00:02:14.340 and some of those kids being unhelpful and disobedient and that sort of stuff. 00:02:14.400 --> 00:02:19.180 So the only picture I had was what I saw in movies like Love Actually. 00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:23.620 And other equally helpful love stories. 00:02:26.020 --> 00:02:29.939 But the reality is that I'm probably not alone in this. 00:02:29.939 --> 00:02:34.900 You might not have a romantic definition of what love is like, 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:38.379 but trying to work out what love is supposed to be is actually kind of difficult. 00:02:39.340 --> 00:02:43.919 When you listen to the voices around you that are telling you what it's supposed to look like, 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:47.340 whether it's what you saw modelled in your own mother and father, 00:02:47.500 --> 00:02:51.759 whether it's movies, whether it's books, whether it's media, whether it's whatever, 00:02:52.500 --> 00:02:56.659 it is actually difficult for us to pin down what love should be. 00:02:56.659 --> 00:03:05.000 And so imagine the challenge when we as followers of Jesus are called to this extreme countercultural love, 00:03:05.180 --> 00:03:06.939 this love that loves enemies. 00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:12.800 Imagine how much trouble we would have actually figuring out what that looks like. 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:19.340 And so often we find ourselves qualifying the commands to love that we find in Scripture. 00:03:20.180 --> 00:03:23.639 One of the great maxims that you hear around churches is, 00:03:23.639 --> 00:03:26.819 I have to love my enemies, but I don't have to like them. 00:03:27.139 --> 00:03:29.259 Now, I'm not going to go into whether that's right or wrong, 00:03:29.359 --> 00:03:33.699 but isn't it interesting that we like to qualify some of the really difficult instructions 00:03:33.699 --> 00:03:36.979 when it comes to the love that God has called us to? 00:03:38.539 --> 00:03:44.319 But the good news is we're actually not required to guess what love is like. 00:03:44.539 --> 00:03:49.399 We're not actually required to try and come up with our own path for how we might love. 00:03:49.400 --> 00:03:53.659 We've been given a model and his name is Jesus. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:03:58.700 We are called to love like Jesus. 00:04:00.659 --> 00:04:06.120 We are called to emulate the love that he models for us, the pattern that he sets out. 00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:11.879 And in God's word, we see picture after picture of what that love is in different circumstances, 00:04:12.080 --> 00:04:14.159 in different situations, with different people. 00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:19.620 We're dropping into John's gospel today, and John's gospel can kind of be chopped in half. 00:04:20.040 --> 00:04:23.360 The first half is sometimes known as the book of Psalms, 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:27.120 where Jesus is doing lots of things to prove who he is. 00:04:27.399 --> 00:04:30.279 And in this second half, which starts in John 13, 00:04:30.959 --> 00:04:33.600 it's almost like the story slows down. 00:04:34.480 --> 00:04:39.079 So the first three years almost in entirety are in the first 12 chapters. 00:04:39.079 --> 00:04:42.019 And then this last bit, everything slows down. 00:04:42.459 --> 00:04:44.539 And there's a sentence in John chapter 13. 00:04:44.680 --> 00:04:47.139 If you've got John 15 open, turn back one page, 00:04:47.919 --> 00:04:51.459 because this sentence at the beginning of John 13 is very important. 00:04:52.219 --> 00:04:53.360 Verse 1, it says, 00:04:53.800 --> 00:04:55.839 It was just before the Passover feast. 00:04:55.919 --> 00:04:57.699 So this is the video that we watched with the kids. 00:04:57.699 --> 00:05:17.620 We're about to slow down in Jesus' life in the second half of John's gospel. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:22.079 He's about to really make it clear what his love looks like, 00:05:22.480 --> 00:05:27.780 because very shortly he's going to utter the very significant words, 00:05:28.439 --> 00:05:33.199 as I have loved you, so you must love one another. 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:40.040 This back end of John's gospel is focused in on what Jesus' love looks like. 00:05:40.780 --> 00:05:44.000 It is focused in on a very brief period in Jesus' life. 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:46.759 Even though love has been on display the whole way through, 00:05:47.759 --> 00:05:51.420 what Jesus is focusing on now is the ultimate expression, 00:05:51.699 --> 00:05:54.480 the full extent of his love. 00:05:55.500 --> 00:05:58.959 And so I want to look with you today at two scenes in particular. 00:05:59.459 --> 00:06:01.160 And the first one is chapter 13. 00:06:01.279 --> 00:06:02.579 It's the video that we watched. 00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:07.220 The time has come to show his love fully. 00:06:07.220 --> 00:06:13.200 A couple of months ago, Bailey, who is my son, he's three and a bit, 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:15.780 developed some tinea on his toe. 00:06:16.380 --> 00:06:17.560 I think that's disgusting. 00:06:18.260 --> 00:06:19.100 Just telling you. 00:06:19.320 --> 00:06:21.760 But as a dad, I don't get to choose what I do with that. 00:06:21.840 --> 00:06:23.120 I've got to look after him. 00:06:23.580 --> 00:06:26.860 And so we had a nightly routine that involved me putting on a rubber glove 00:06:26.860 --> 00:06:29.240 to make sure that I didn't touch that disgusting fungus, 00:06:29.740 --> 00:06:32.680 getting some antifungal cream and rubbing it on his toes, 00:06:32.760 --> 00:06:33.740 which he called tickling. 00:06:33.740 --> 00:06:36.819 And so he would be helpful and flick around and put cream everywhere. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:39.500 But I found it kind of gross. 00:06:40.939 --> 00:06:42.980 It's not really the kind of job you want, 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:45.439 but it's one of the jobs that you have to do as a dad. 00:06:46.819 --> 00:06:51.980 In John 13, we see Jesus doing a job that probably would make some of us 00:06:51.980 --> 00:06:52.920 feel kind of similar. 00:06:53.800 --> 00:06:57.240 Maybe a little bit squeamish, a little bit grossed out, 00:06:57.319 --> 00:06:58.300 a little bit uncomfortable. 00:06:59.079 --> 00:07:02.500 I mean, I think that the cartoon on the screen depicted it quite well. 00:07:02.500 --> 00:07:07.920 There would have been animal poo on their feet. 00:07:08.699 --> 00:07:10.079 Who knows what else? 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:14.959 And so it's not really a job that the disciples were queuing up to do. 00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:20.420 You didn't see any of them tripping over themselves to be the most servant-hearted. 00:07:20.420 --> 00:07:27.160 And so instead, Jesus gets up and models something for them, 00:07:28.280 --> 00:07:30.180 demonstrates something for them. 00:07:31.460 --> 00:07:35.720 And so in the story, you see Jesus on his knees, 00:07:36.560 --> 00:07:39.000 humbly washing their feet. 00:07:39.780 --> 00:07:43.540 Their teacher, their leader, the one they're following, 00:07:43.700 --> 00:07:47.220 assuming the lowly position and washing their feet. 00:07:47.220 --> 00:07:52.840 And listen to what he says as he finishes in verse 12 of chapter 13. 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:56.600 When he had finished washing their feet, 00:07:56.700 --> 00:07:59.160 he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 00:07:59.220 --> 00:08:02.580 You can almost imagine how uncomfortable everyone would have been feeling at this point. 00:08:03.080 --> 00:08:06.740 Maybe enjoying the fact that they had nice clean feet now and they could have dinner, 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:10.579 but their boss, if you like, their hero, 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:14.519 had just done something that they were too proud to do themselves. 00:08:14.800 --> 00:08:16.960 And he comes back and sits in his place. 00:08:17.180 --> 00:08:20.840 And there just would have been this awkwardness hanging in the air of, 00:08:21.100 --> 00:08:22.139 are we about to get in trouble? 00:08:23.600 --> 00:08:24.620 What does he say? 00:08:24.620 --> 00:08:29.379 Do you understand what I've done for you? 00:08:31.079 --> 00:08:36.179 You call me teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. 00:08:37.080 --> 00:08:40.759 Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, 00:08:41.240 --> 00:08:43.980 you also should wash one another's feet. 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:48.340 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 00:08:48.779 --> 00:08:52.159 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, 00:08:52.159 --> 00:08:55.059 nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 00:08:55.539 --> 00:09:00.100 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 00:09:02.459 --> 00:09:05.100 Jesus is about to be taken from them. 00:09:05.719 --> 00:09:09.039 Jesus is about to give his life up, and yet he models again, 00:09:09.439 --> 00:09:12.980 this is what love looks like if you are a follower of Jesus. 00:09:13.699 --> 00:09:17.259 Love is costly and sacrificial and active. 00:09:18.139 --> 00:09:21.259 There's this incredible interaction in this chapter where Peter says, 00:09:21.259 --> 00:09:23.379 no, no, Jesus, you can't wash my feet. 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:28.519 It almost reminds you of the scene when John is nervous about baptising Jesus. 00:09:28.899 --> 00:09:31.000 But the issue for Peter here is, 00:09:31.379 --> 00:09:36.019 he doesn't want Jesus' love for him to cost Jesus. 00:09:37.639 --> 00:09:40.879 He doesn't want Jesus to have to do something disgusting 00:09:40.879 --> 00:09:43.679 in order to express his love for Peter. 00:09:44.439 --> 00:09:44.860 Why? 00:09:44.860 --> 00:09:50.060 Because if that's the kind of love that Jesus shows, 00:09:50.820 --> 00:09:54.220 it's also the kind of love that Jesus expects. 00:09:55.879 --> 00:09:58.500 One of the reasons that our culture and our world, 00:09:58.580 --> 00:10:04.139 and maybe even us, are so uncomfortable with a crucified saviour, 00:10:05.440 --> 00:10:07.320 a servant-hearted saviour, 00:10:07.320 --> 00:10:09.879 is because if that's who we follow, 00:10:11.280 --> 00:10:14.740 that demands a life of sacrifice, 00:10:15.480 --> 00:10:17.460 a life of service, 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:19.360 a life of love, 00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:22.400 even for those who are difficult to love. 00:10:24.780 --> 00:10:29.640 Love is costly and sacrificial and active. 00:10:29.639 --> 00:10:33.480 One of the things I've tried to instil in my son 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:35.519 is that he is loved. 00:10:36.340 --> 00:10:37.860 I'll try and remind him a lot, 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:39.360 maybe even to the point where he's annoyed 00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:40.740 because he's just learnt how to say, 00:10:40.860 --> 00:10:43.019 I don't love you in return when he's sick of hearing it. 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:45.480 But one of the things that I've taught him, 00:10:45.519 --> 00:10:46.659 one of the phrases is I say, 00:10:46.779 --> 00:10:47.860 Bailey, who does Daddy love? 00:10:48.220 --> 00:10:49.399 He says, Daddy loves Bailey. 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:50.419 And then I keep saying it, 00:10:50.439 --> 00:10:52.379 and then he just pushes me in the face or something 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:53.179 because he's sick of me. 00:10:53.179 --> 00:10:56.259 But one of the challenges is 00:10:56.259 --> 00:10:58.579 those words are empty 00:10:58.579 --> 00:11:01.500 and even confusing and misleading 00:11:01.500 --> 00:11:03.879 if I don't follow through and actually love him. 00:11:05.399 --> 00:11:08.579 When he's tired and a little bit unhelpful 00:11:08.579 --> 00:11:09.799 and a little bit complaining, 00:11:10.699 --> 00:11:12.039 how do I treat him then? 00:11:12.879 --> 00:11:13.659 Do I love him? 00:11:14.059 --> 00:11:15.759 Does Daddy love Bailey in that moment? 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:18.099 Or is it just words that I speak 00:11:18.099 --> 00:11:19.759 when we're having fun in front of the TV 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:21.339 or playing with toys? 00:11:23.179 --> 00:11:27.359 Real love requires more than words. 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:32.159 To quote a cheesy Christian pop band from the 80s, 00:11:32.259 --> 00:11:33.159 love is a verb. 00:11:35.719 --> 00:11:37.419 Love requires doing something. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.539 One of the challenges for us 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:44.759 is that we are inherently lazy people. 00:11:46.479 --> 00:11:48.059 It comes back to that thing of, 00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:49.339 yeah, I have to love my enemy, 00:11:49.479 --> 00:11:50.620 but I don't have to like them. 00:11:50.959 --> 00:11:52.019 Because what we do there 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:54.159 is we create love to be this kind of 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:55.980 vague sense of well-being 00:11:55.980 --> 00:11:57.439 that requires no action. 00:11:59.120 --> 00:12:00.059 So I can love them 00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:01.379 as long as I don't have to talk to them, 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:02.480 go near them, 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:03.799 give anything to them, 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:05.240 let them come anywhere near me, 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:06.699 because that would be liking. 00:12:08.480 --> 00:12:09.600 We're minimalists. 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:12.299 We want to do just what is required. 00:12:12.299 --> 00:12:15.859 But that's not the kind of love that Jesus models. 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:20.240 There is no line that Jesus is not willing to go below 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:23.959 in order to love and serve his disciples 00:12:23.959 --> 00:12:26.379 and in order to love and serve us. 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:30.259 Jesus models love that is costly, 00:12:30.519 --> 00:12:31.879 sacrificial and active. 00:12:32.379 --> 00:12:34.000 But also, and this is really important 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:35.519 because I think we miss this sometimes, 00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:37.779 in this story here, 00:12:38.559 --> 00:12:40.600 Jesus models love for those 00:12:40.600 --> 00:12:42.419 who don't love him back. 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:46.340 Did you notice in the cartoon 00:12:46.340 --> 00:12:49.139 and more importantly in the scripture in John 13, 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:51.899 whose feet does Jesus wash? 00:12:53.480 --> 00:12:54.500 His disciples. 00:12:55.860 --> 00:12:58.120 All of his disciples. 00:12:58.120 --> 00:13:01.500 Even the feet of Judas, 00:13:02.080 --> 00:13:04.840 who is about to leave and betray him. 00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:08.560 I mean, it's one thing for Jesus 00:13:08.560 --> 00:13:10.360 to be willing to sit there 00:13:10.360 --> 00:13:11.980 and wash the grime off the feet 00:13:11.980 --> 00:13:14.200 of the 11 men who love him 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:16.019 and will continue the mission 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:17.340 after Jesus is gone. 00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:24.519 But how could Jesus kneel there on the floor 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:27.620 and wipe filth 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:29.899 off the feet of the one 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:31.340 who is about to sell him 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:32.819 for silver? 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:39.059 The answer is in verse 3. 00:13:41.740 --> 00:13:43.439 Says that Jesus knew 00:13:43.439 --> 00:13:45.579 that the Father had put all things 00:13:45.579 --> 00:13:46.579 under his power 00:13:46.579 --> 00:13:48.379 and that he had come from God 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:49.779 and was returning to God. 00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:51.600 So he got up from the meal, 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:53.179 took off his outer clothing 00:13:53.179 --> 00:13:55.299 and wrapped a towel around his waist. 00:13:56.039 --> 00:13:57.359 The thing that enabled him 00:13:57.359 --> 00:13:58.799 to serve both his friends 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:00.079 and his betrayer 00:14:00.079 --> 00:14:02.279 was a confidence 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.639 in his heavenly Father, 00:14:04.199 --> 00:14:05.779 was a trust in what God 00:14:05.779 --> 00:14:06.739 was about to do. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:10.839 Remember that this is just a snapshot. 00:14:11.359 --> 00:14:12.179 This is a beginning 00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:13.479 of a section of the gospel 00:14:13.479 --> 00:14:15.319 that is unapologetically 00:14:15.319 --> 00:14:16.399 marching towards 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:17.519 and pointing towards 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:19.179 and focusing in on the cross. 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:21.279 That's what this is about. 00:14:21.279 --> 00:14:24.039 The full extent of his love 00:14:24.039 --> 00:14:24.919 is not his willingness 00:14:24.919 --> 00:14:25.839 to wash poo. 00:14:27.439 --> 00:14:29.220 The full extent of his love 00:14:29.220 --> 00:14:30.019 is the willingness 00:14:30.019 --> 00:14:31.879 to suffer and die 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:33.439 so that we might know 00:14:33.439 --> 00:14:34.240 forgiveness. 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:37.559 How does Jesus 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:39.159 hang on the cross 00:14:39.159 --> 00:14:40.799 and look us in the eye 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:41.759 and pray for us 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:43.000 while we scorn him 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:44.039 and mock him? 00:14:45.980 --> 00:14:47.120 The answer is 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:48.220 he trusts God. 00:14:48.220 --> 00:14:51.399 One of the reasons 00:14:51.399 --> 00:14:52.980 that I find it really difficult 00:14:52.980 --> 00:14:53.940 to love the people 00:14:53.940 --> 00:14:54.860 who don't love me 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:56.960 is because I think 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:57.720 I'm better than them. 00:14:59.540 --> 00:15:00.940 When I was in Bible college 00:15:00.940 --> 00:15:02.060 I was having a conversation 00:15:02.060 --> 00:15:02.940 with another guy 00:15:02.940 --> 00:15:03.620 who was studying 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:05.660 and I can't remember 00:15:05.660 --> 00:15:06.940 what the exact context was 00:15:06.940 --> 00:15:07.899 but I was basically 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:09.220 having a go at someone. 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:11.800 How frustrating they were, 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:13.000 how annoying they were, 00:15:13.560 --> 00:15:14.740 how just unaware 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:15.440 they were 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:16.820 of how annoying they were. 00:15:16.820 --> 00:15:19.000 And he turned to me 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:19.300 and he said 00:15:19.300 --> 00:15:20.020 that's really sad 00:15:20.020 --> 00:15:20.920 that you feel like that. 00:15:22.300 --> 00:15:23.700 It's one of the gentlest 00:15:23.700 --> 00:15:25.180 but most pointed rebukes 00:15:25.180 --> 00:15:25.980 I've ever received. 00:15:28.680 --> 00:15:30.340 Because when we look at people 00:15:30.340 --> 00:15:31.500 and ask that question 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:32.640 why should I have to love 00:15:32.640 --> 00:15:33.860 somebody who's like that? 00:15:35.420 --> 00:15:36.740 Why should I have to love 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:37.420 the criminal? 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:38.940 Why should I have to love 00:15:38.940 --> 00:15:39.480 the bully? 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:40.900 Why should I have to love 00:15:40.900 --> 00:15:41.440 the person 00:15:41.440 --> 00:15:43.080 who has hurt me repeatedly? 00:15:43.080 --> 00:15:48.200 What we're saying is 00:15:48.200 --> 00:15:50.740 we've forgotten the gospel. 00:15:51.900 --> 00:15:52.759 We're saying 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.940 there's something in me 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:55.580 that makes me superior 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.240 or better 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:57.300 or more valuable 00:15:57.300 --> 00:15:58.379 but the gospel message 00:15:58.379 --> 00:15:59.259 is the opposite. 00:16:00.400 --> 00:16:01.420 The gospel message 00:16:01.420 --> 00:16:02.780 is that God looks at you 00:16:02.780 --> 00:16:04.379 and sees you as unworthy 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:05.080 and even worthless 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:07.759 but he loves you anyway. 00:16:07.759 --> 00:16:12.819 The gospel 00:16:12.819 --> 00:16:14.399 causes us 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:15.240 to be able to look 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:15.819 at those 00:16:15.819 --> 00:16:16.980 who are painful 00:16:16.980 --> 00:16:18.879 difficult 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:20.639 and a struggle 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:23.059 and say 00:16:23.059 --> 00:16:25.439 they deserve love 00:16:25.439 --> 00:16:26.220 just like I did. 00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:28.879 They need love 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.980 just like I did. 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:33.500 One other barrier 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:34.740 that I wanted to just flag 00:16:34.740 --> 00:16:35.080 with us 00:16:35.080 --> 00:16:35.799 when it comes to 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:37.019 being loving like Christ 00:16:37.019 --> 00:16:37.659 is culture. 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:40.139 I was thinking about this 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:40.899 and chatting with some 00:16:40.899 --> 00:16:41.419 of the team 00:16:41.419 --> 00:16:42.639 even just this morning 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:43.960 about what sort of things 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:45.519 become part of our culture 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:46.759 that actually become 00:16:46.759 --> 00:16:48.199 obstacles for us loving 00:16:48.199 --> 00:16:49.059 in the way that Jesus 00:16:49.059 --> 00:16:49.899 talks about here. 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:51.659 I want to give you 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:52.379 two examples. 00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:54.279 One I can own for myself 00:16:54.279 --> 00:16:55.500 and another is an observation 00:16:55.500 --> 00:16:56.240 from a culture 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:57.259 that I'm not a part of. 00:16:58.059 --> 00:16:58.500 Firstly, 00:16:59.059 --> 00:17:00.659 we are an achievement 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:01.419 culture. 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:03.279 Sydney, 00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:04.700 Australia especially, 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:05.940 we are an achievement 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:06.759 culture. 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:08.519 we love winners. 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.619 Think about the way 00:17:10.619 --> 00:17:12.059 we flip on a sporting 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:13.000 team when they start 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:13.319 losing. 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:16.319 We love 00:17:16.319 --> 00:17:17.099 Bernard Tomek 00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:17.920 when he almost 00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:19.440 wins a tournament 00:17:19.440 --> 00:17:20.940 and we probably 00:17:20.940 --> 00:17:21.640 hate him the rest 00:17:21.640 --> 00:17:22.039 of the time. 00:17:22.859 --> 00:17:23.799 We love the 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.299 Wallabies 00:17:24.299 --> 00:17:25.339 or the Socceroos 00:17:25.339 --> 00:17:26.200 or whatever team 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:27.000 it is you're supporting. 00:17:27.359 --> 00:17:28.480 You love the Swans 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:29.879 until about 12 hours 00:17:29.879 --> 00:17:30.140 ago. 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:31.240 Sorry, 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:32.079 that was a cheap shot. 00:17:32.079 --> 00:17:34.879 But we are an 00:17:34.879 --> 00:17:35.779 achievement culture. 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:37.799 We love people 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:38.960 who are impressive, 00:17:39.399 --> 00:17:40.379 who have skills, 00:17:40.519 --> 00:17:41.319 who have abilities. 00:17:42.359 --> 00:17:43.639 The problem is 00:17:43.639 --> 00:17:44.619 when that culture 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:45.460 becomes part of 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:46.240 what we do here. 00:17:48.539 --> 00:17:49.419 Because that's not 00:17:49.419 --> 00:17:50.439 how Jesus loves. 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:52.059 And we're called 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:53.220 to love like he did. 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:55.480 If we come to church 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.419 and only honour 00:17:56.420 --> 00:17:57.680 and only respect 00:17:57.680 --> 00:17:58.180 the people 00:17:58.180 --> 00:17:59.180 who are impressive, 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:00.680 the people 00:18:00.680 --> 00:18:01.340 who have done 00:18:01.340 --> 00:18:01.940 things, 00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:04.480 that's not 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:05.200 how Jesus 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:05.759 loves. 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:07.480 And his love, 00:18:07.900 --> 00:18:09.039 the gospel message 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:09.940 of what he has 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:10.860 done for unworthy 00:18:10.860 --> 00:18:11.340 people, 00:18:11.560 --> 00:18:12.500 is the love 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:13.759 that he calls us 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.620 to mark 00:18:14.620 --> 00:18:15.580 this community. 00:18:18.160 --> 00:18:19.300 We must be 00:18:19.300 --> 00:18:19.700 careful 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:21.300 that love 00:18:21.300 --> 00:18:22.120 for one another 00:18:22.120 --> 00:18:23.320 is not defined 00:18:23.320 --> 00:18:24.320 by what we get 00:18:24.320 --> 00:18:25.160 back or how 00:18:25.160 --> 00:18:25.620 impressive 00:18:25.619 --> 00:18:26.479 or how love 00:18:26.479 --> 00:18:27.259 worthy the other 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:28.119 person is, 00:18:29.439 --> 00:18:30.439 but is defined 00:18:30.439 --> 00:18:31.559 by the love 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:32.159 that Jesus 00:18:32.159 --> 00:18:32.779 has shown, 00:18:33.239 --> 00:18:34.019 by the value 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:34.759 that he has 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:36.199 placed on every 00:18:36.199 --> 00:18:37.199 son and daughter 00:18:37.199 --> 00:18:37.759 that he has 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.459 died for 00:18:38.459 --> 00:18:39.099 and forgiven. 00:18:41.099 --> 00:18:41.959 The second 00:18:41.959 --> 00:18:42.719 one is, 00:18:44.159 --> 00:18:45.299 second example 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:45.919 is that that 00:18:45.919 --> 00:18:46.759 comes particularly 00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:47.739 in Chinese 00:18:47.739 --> 00:18:48.359 or Asian 00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:48.919 cultures. 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:50.000 And I think 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:50.479 this can be 00:18:50.479 --> 00:18:50.939 a strength 00:18:50.939 --> 00:18:51.439 and a weakness, 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:52.799 but in Asian 00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:53.479 cultures it 00:18:53.479 --> 00:18:54.179 tends to be 00:18:54.179 --> 00:18:54.699 in a way 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:55.519 that Anglo 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:56.220 cultures are 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:56.559 weak. 00:18:57.440 --> 00:18:58.340 Chinese cultures 00:18:58.340 --> 00:18:59.360 respect and 00:18:59.360 --> 00:18:59.880 revere 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:01.160 seniority. 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.180 Age is a 00:19:03.180 --> 00:19:04.059 mark of wisdom 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:04.740 and honour, 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:06.059 and so younger 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:07.640 Chinese people 00:19:07.640 --> 00:19:08.600 will respect 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:09.759 and defer 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:11.000 to their 00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:11.539 parents, 00:19:11.660 --> 00:19:12.319 their grandparents, 00:19:12.580 --> 00:19:13.080 their aunties, 00:19:13.180 --> 00:19:13.600 their uncles, 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:14.340 to older people, 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:15.080 whereas in Anglo 00:19:15.080 --> 00:19:15.559 culture, 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:16.660 you know, 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.559 there's no respect 00:19:17.559 --> 00:19:17.880 given, 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:18.400 unfortunately, 00:19:18.519 --> 00:19:19.019 to a fault. 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:21.039 But the 00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:21.920 challenge is 00:19:21.920 --> 00:19:23.119 when that 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:23.920 defines our 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.500 relationships 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.420 here as 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:25.700 well. 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:28.500 When, 00:19:28.660 --> 00:19:29.160 because you 00:19:29.160 --> 00:19:29.700 are older 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.299 than me, 00:19:31.139 --> 00:19:32.079 you know 00:19:32.079 --> 00:19:32.359 better. 00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:33.680 Now, 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:34.240 you might, 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:36.940 but age 00:19:36.940 --> 00:19:37.420 is not the 00:19:37.420 --> 00:19:37.720 point. 00:19:38.859 --> 00:19:39.660 The thing 00:19:39.660 --> 00:19:40.980 that defines 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:41.599 us as a 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:42.440 community is 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:43.000 that we are 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:44.480 all unworthy 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:45.440 and powerless 00:19:45.440 --> 00:19:46.420 apart from 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:46.779 Jesus. 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.279 The thing 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:49.920 that blocks 00:19:49.920 --> 00:19:50.539 love in 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:51.140 this community 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:51.800 is holding 00:19:51.800 --> 00:19:52.460 on to things 00:19:52.460 --> 00:19:52.960 that are part 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:53.320 of the way 00:19:53.320 --> 00:19:53.740 the world 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.779 works at 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:55.340 the expense 00:19:55.340 --> 00:19:55.620 of what 00:19:55.620 --> 00:19:56.039 the gospel 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:56.580 has done. 00:19:57.600 --> 00:19:58.100 The gospel 00:19:58.100 --> 00:19:58.680 has drawn 00:19:58.680 --> 00:19:59.600 people who 00:19:59.600 --> 00:20:00.060 have no 00:20:00.060 --> 00:20:00.539 right to 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:00.820 be in 00:20:00.820 --> 00:20:01.100 close 00:20:01.100 --> 00:20:01.700 relationship 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:02.240 together 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:03.019 by the 00:20:03.019 --> 00:20:03.740 same grace 00:20:03.740 --> 00:20:04.279 of Jesus 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:04.820 Christ. 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:06.600 Culture 00:20:06.600 --> 00:20:07.400 does not 00:20:07.400 --> 00:20:08.480 define what 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:08.820 it looks 00:20:08.820 --> 00:20:09.279 like to 00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:09.560 love. 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:12.820 The gospel 00:20:12.820 --> 00:20:14.140 says that 00:20:14.140 --> 00:20:15.259 a 90-year-old 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.160 Chinese man 00:20:16.160 --> 00:20:16.940 can choose 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:17.600 to serve 00:20:17.600 --> 00:20:18.820 a five-year-old 00:20:18.820 --> 00:20:19.680 Chinese child. 00:20:21.400 --> 00:20:22.440 The gospel 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:24.460 says that 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:25.000 the person 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:25.380 who is 00:20:25.380 --> 00:20:26.140 skillful enough 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:26.519 to lead 00:20:26.519 --> 00:20:27.220 every ministry 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:27.860 we do 00:20:27.860 --> 00:20:29.640 can choose 00:20:29.640 --> 00:20:30.900 to serve 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:31.980 the person 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:32.360 who has 00:20:32.360 --> 00:20:33.100 just arrived 00:20:33.100 --> 00:20:33.519 and has 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.019 absolutely 00:20:34.019 --> 00:20:34.540 nothing 00:20:34.540 --> 00:20:35.259 tangible 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:35.880 to offer. 00:20:38.060 --> 00:20:39.100 The love 00:20:39.100 --> 00:20:39.560 that we are 00:20:39.560 --> 00:20:40.580 called to 00:20:40.580 --> 00:20:41.300 replicate 00:20:41.300 --> 00:20:43.480 is the 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.259 love of 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:44.580 Jesus. 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:46.880 love 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:47.160 that's 00:20:47.160 --> 00:20:47.660 costly, 00:20:48.340 --> 00:20:49.000 sacrificial, 00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:49.960 active, 00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:51.060 and even 00:20:51.060 --> 00:20:51.620 for or 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:52.100 especially 00:20:52.100 --> 00:20:52.740 for those 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.140 who don't 00:20:53.140 --> 00:20:53.400 give it 00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:53.740 back. 00:20:55.540 --> 00:20:56.279 At the 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:56.560 end of 00:20:56.560 --> 00:20:57.380 chapter 13 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:57.759 Jesus 00:20:57.759 --> 00:20:58.460 words like 00:20:58.460 --> 00:20:58.880 this in 00:20:58.880 --> 00:20:59.600 verse 34 00:20:59.600 --> 00:21:00.940 he says 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:01.300 a new 00:21:01.300 --> 00:21:01.920 command I 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:02.700 give you 00:21:02.700 --> 00:21:05.160 love one 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:06.120 another as 00:21:06.120 --> 00:21:06.800 I have 00:21:06.800 --> 00:21:07.440 loved you 00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:08.759 so you 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:09.320 must love 00:21:09.320 --> 00:21:10.000 one another. 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.759 The bit 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:12.340 that's new 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:14.619 as I 00:21:14.619 --> 00:21:15.159 have loved 00:21:15.159 --> 00:21:15.419 you. 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:17.559 There's 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.159 always been 00:21:18.159 --> 00:21:18.679 the command 00:21:18.679 --> 00:21:19.019 for the 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.459 people of 00:21:19.459 --> 00:21:19.899 God to 00:21:19.899 --> 00:21:20.359 care for 00:21:20.359 --> 00:21:20.759 one another 00:21:20.759 --> 00:21:21.119 to look 00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:21.639 after one 00:21:21.639 --> 00:21:22.139 another but 00:21:22.139 --> 00:21:22.980 now we're 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:23.899 getting clearer 00:21:23.899 --> 00:21:24.879 definition as 00:21:24.879 --> 00:21:25.879 I have loved 00:21:25.879 --> 00:21:26.220 you. 00:21:26.379 --> 00:21:27.259 Not just in 00:21:27.259 --> 00:21:27.679 this foot 00:21:27.679 --> 00:21:28.279 washing although 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:29.059 that's part of 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:29.759 it but we 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:30.319 are marching 00:21:30.319 --> 00:21:31.000 towards the 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:31.659 cross now 00:21:31.659 --> 00:21:34.220 sacrificially, 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.319 costly, 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:36.359 actively, 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.359 even for our 00:21:38.359 --> 00:21:38.819 enemies. 00:21:38.819 --> 00:21:40.419 and verse 00:21:40.419 --> 00:21:41.439 35 by 00:21:41.439 --> 00:21:43.259 this all 00:21:43.259 --> 00:21:43.759 men will 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:44.539 know that 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.039 you are my 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:46.139 disciples if 00:21:46.139 --> 00:21:46.740 you love 00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:48.240 one another. 00:21:49.379 --> 00:21:50.579 The gospel 00:21:50.579 --> 00:21:51.399 message that 00:21:51.399 --> 00:21:51.839 we want to 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:52.359 take to the 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:52.720 world, the 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.240 message that 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:53.460 there is 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:54.000 hope and 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.439 forgiveness 00:21:54.439 --> 00:21:55.159 on offer 00:21:55.159 --> 00:21:56.019 for even 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:57.079 the darkest 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:59.980 heart is 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:00.759 made clearer, 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:02.819 is even 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:04.559 proclaimed by 00:22:04.559 --> 00:22:05.319 our love 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:06.079 that is like 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:07.259 Jesus, our 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:07.859 love for one 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:08.559 another and 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:09.159 our service 00:22:09.159 --> 00:22:09.599 of one 00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:09.919 another. 00:22:10.339 --> 00:22:10.879 We are 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:11.500 called to 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:12.259 love like 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:13.740 Jesus but 00:22:13.740 --> 00:22:14.179 the great 00:22:14.179 --> 00:22:15.940 news is that 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:16.339 we're called 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.019 to love like 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:17.740 Jesus because 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:18.359 we've been 00:22:18.359 --> 00:22:19.039 loved by 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:19.579 Jesus. 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:22.859 As I have 00:22:22.859 --> 00:22:23.539 loved you. 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:25.399 See it's not 00:22:25.399 --> 00:22:26.419 just a model 00:22:26.419 --> 00:22:27.000 that Jesus 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:27.539 gives us, 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:28.019 it's actually 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:29.019 the means for 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:29.599 our love. 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.759 It's the thing 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.619 that empowers 00:22:31.619 --> 00:22:32.220 our love. 00:22:32.659 --> 00:22:33.359 It's the thing 00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:34.139 that enables 00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:34.799 our love. 00:22:34.919 --> 00:22:35.619 The model that 00:22:35.619 --> 00:22:36.079 we are given 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:36.779 in Christ is 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.799 also the thing 00:22:37.799 --> 00:22:39.680 that achieves 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:41.339 love in 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:41.960 his community. 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:44.279 When I was 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:44.759 just starting 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.059 out in 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:45.539 ministry I 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:46.159 had a boss 00:22:46.159 --> 00:22:46.460 who would 00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:47.059 often ask 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:47.319 me the 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:47.720 question, 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:48.480 what is 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:49.379 your sanctified 00:22:49.379 --> 00:22:50.000 daydream? 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:51.339 Which was 00:22:51.339 --> 00:22:52.000 his way of 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:52.319 asking, 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:53.039 what do you 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:53.440 think God 00:22:53.440 --> 00:22:53.899 wants you to 00:22:53.899 --> 00:22:54.159 do in 00:22:54.159 --> 00:22:54.539 ministry? 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:55.799 And I was 00:22:55.799 --> 00:22:56.899 young and I 00:22:56.899 --> 00:22:57.639 was enthusiastic 00:22:57.639 --> 00:22:58.319 and I would 00:22:58.319 --> 00:22:59.139 unashamedly 00:22:59.139 --> 00:22:59.879 respond every 00:22:59.879 --> 00:23:00.700 time with, 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:02.680 I see myself 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:03.619 preaching to 00:23:03.619 --> 00:23:04.339 thousands of 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:04.639 people. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:06.799 Now I 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:07.439 honestly believe 00:23:07.439 --> 00:23:07.939 I did that 00:23:07.939 --> 00:23:08.279 out of a 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:08.879 somewhat pure 00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:09.220 heart. 00:23:09.659 --> 00:23:10.240 I'm a sinner 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:10.899 like you so 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:11.379 part of it was 00:23:11.379 --> 00:23:11.899 probably just the 00:23:11.899 --> 00:23:12.639 desire to be on 00:23:12.639 --> 00:23:13.299 stage in front of 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:13.740 thousands of 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:14.419 people but deep 00:23:14.419 --> 00:23:15.480 down I really 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.259 just want as 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.059 many people as 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:17.779 possible to hear 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:18.419 about the love 00:23:18.419 --> 00:23:19.319 of Jesus. 00:23:21.379 --> 00:23:21.980 That's what I 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.659 would dream about, 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.279 that's what I 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:25.259 would always look 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:25.879 forward to. 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:30.160 But one of the 00:23:30.160 --> 00:23:30.680 things that I've 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:31.200 had to learn 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:31.560 through my 00:23:31.560 --> 00:23:32.360 Christian life 00:23:32.360 --> 00:23:34.180 is that having 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:35.100 a big vision 00:23:35.100 --> 00:23:35.640 like that, 00:23:35.660 --> 00:23:36.020 and it's a 00:23:36.020 --> 00:23:36.580 good vision, 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:37.740 our church has 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.420 a big vision 00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:38.940 as well, 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:41.980 is that it 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.680 will never be 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:44.880 achieved by me 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:45.520 trying really 00:23:45.520 --> 00:23:45.860 hard. 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:47.700 It will never 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:48.880 be achieved by 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:49.780 a certain skill 00:23:49.780 --> 00:23:50.560 set or a 00:23:50.560 --> 00:23:51.420 certain individual. 00:23:53.580 --> 00:23:54.500 This is where 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.440 this stuff gets 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:56.340 really practical. 00:23:58.240 --> 00:23:59.019 If we're going 00:23:59.019 --> 00:24:00.019 to love like 00:24:00.019 --> 00:24:02.039 Jesus in a 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:02.840 way that draws 00:24:02.840 --> 00:24:03.799 people in, in a 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:05.039 way that preaches 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.860 the gospel, in a 00:24:05.860 --> 00:24:06.480 way that sees 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:08.140 lives transformed 00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:09.500 by the hope and 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:10.299 forgiveness that 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.019 is on offer, 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:14.000 loving like 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:15.820 Jesus is 00:24:15.820 --> 00:24:16.840 possible because 00:24:16.840 --> 00:24:17.580 we've been loved 00:24:17.580 --> 00:24:18.559 by Jesus. 00:24:19.600 --> 00:24:20.180 And then now 00:24:20.180 --> 00:24:21.059 in John 15, 00:24:22.420 --> 00:24:23.320 flip back there 00:24:23.320 --> 00:24:23.940 if you went to 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.680 John 13, 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.980 John 15, 00:24:26.080 --> 00:24:26.600 verse 4, 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:30.000 remain in me 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:31.019 and I will 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:31.799 remain in you. 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:33.860 No branch can 00:24:33.860 --> 00:24:34.580 bear fruit by 00:24:34.580 --> 00:24:35.640 itself, it must 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:36.279 remain in the 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.500 vine, neither can 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:38.200 you bear fruit 00:24:38.200 --> 00:24:39.140 unless you remain 00:24:39.140 --> 00:24:39.580 in me. 00:24:39.820 --> 00:24:40.920 I am the vine, 00:24:41.120 --> 00:24:41.539 you are the 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:41.960 branches. 00:24:42.360 --> 00:24:43.440 If a man remains 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:44.560 in me and I in 00:24:44.560 --> 00:24:45.299 him, he will 00:24:45.299 --> 00:24:46.560 bear much fruit. 00:24:47.320 --> 00:24:48.240 Apart from me, 00:24:48.580 --> 00:24:49.200 you can do 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:49.580 nothing. 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:52.599 love like Jesus, 00:24:52.819 --> 00:24:53.879 love by Jesus, 00:24:54.379 --> 00:24:56.419 love in Jesus. 00:24:57.419 --> 00:24:58.779 Our hearts desire 00:24:58.779 --> 00:24:59.559 as a church, and 00:24:59.559 --> 00:25:00.619 I'm sure for many 00:25:00.619 --> 00:25:01.699 of you, the thing 00:25:01.699 --> 00:25:02.879 that drives you is 00:25:02.879 --> 00:25:03.639 fruit. 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:06.059 You want more to 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:06.659 know Jesus. 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:07.599 It's like we talked 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:08.339 about last week. 00:25:08.379 --> 00:25:09.139 You have a heart 00:25:09.139 --> 00:25:10.519 that is desperate 00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:11.599 for lost people to 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:12.599 know the joy that 00:25:12.599 --> 00:25:14.419 you know, to know 00:25:14.419 --> 00:25:15.159 the incredible, 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:16.480 unconditional love 00:25:16.480 --> 00:25:17.079 of a heavenly 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:19.000 father, to know 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.640 the hope of 00:25:19.640 --> 00:25:19.980 heaven. 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:22.680 It is a big 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.099 vision. 00:25:24.759 --> 00:25:25.640 That's the fruit 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:26.660 talked about here. 00:25:28.120 --> 00:25:28.620 Lives 00:25:28.620 --> 00:25:29.539 transformed. 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:31.259 It's the fruit of 00:25:31.259 --> 00:25:31.960 our own lives 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.640 lived out in 00:25:32.640 --> 00:25:34.460 love, and it's 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.319 important for us 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:35.779 to dream. 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:37.480 It's important for 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:38.259 us to have that 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:39.400 heart to do big 00:25:39.400 --> 00:25:40.279 things for God. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.660 In fact, it's 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:42.819 even almost required 00:25:42.819 --> 00:25:43.799 in chapter 15. 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:46.899 But what's the 00:25:46.899 --> 00:25:47.659 command in this 00:25:47.659 --> 00:25:48.019 chapter? 00:25:49.399 --> 00:25:50.000 It's a chapter 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:51.099 about vines and 00:25:51.099 --> 00:25:52.220 branches and fruit 00:25:52.220 --> 00:25:53.039 and love and all 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:53.460 this stuff. 00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:53.919 What's the 00:25:53.919 --> 00:25:54.240 command? 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:56.279 It's not to 00:25:56.279 --> 00:25:56.799 bear fruit. 00:25:59.039 --> 00:26:00.240 The command in 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:01.299 John 15 is that 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:02.339 first word in 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:02.879 verse 4. 00:26:04.919 --> 00:26:05.440 Remain. 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:08.899 That's the 00:26:08.899 --> 00:26:09.419 instruction. 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:12.639 Now, we get 00:26:12.639 --> 00:26:13.359 evidence of what 00:26:13.359 --> 00:26:13.979 that remaining 00:26:13.979 --> 00:26:14.699 will look like. 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:16.259 In verse 7, it 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:16.799 says, if you 00:26:16.799 --> 00:26:17.799 remain in me and 00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:19.240 my words remain in 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:20.839 you, we need to be 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:22.019 Bible-saturated 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:22.419 people. 00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:22.979 That's what it 00:26:22.979 --> 00:26:23.939 means to live in 00:26:23.939 --> 00:26:24.740 the love of God. 00:26:24.919 --> 00:26:25.719 Not so that we'll 00:26:25.719 --> 00:26:27.059 have knowledge, but 00:26:27.059 --> 00:26:27.799 when we sit in 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:28.639 God's word, we 00:26:28.639 --> 00:26:30.419 hear his voice, we 00:26:30.419 --> 00:26:31.639 get encouragement, we 00:26:31.639 --> 00:26:32.479 get assurance, we 00:26:32.479 --> 00:26:33.379 get reminded that 00:26:33.379 --> 00:26:34.159 his love is 00:26:34.159 --> 00:26:34.899 unconditional, that 00:26:34.899 --> 00:26:35.459 his love is 00:26:35.459 --> 00:26:36.319 powerful, that his 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:37.459 love is effective. 00:26:37.859 --> 00:26:38.939 Again, in verse 7, 00:26:39.459 --> 00:26:40.519 if you remain in me 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:41.479 and my words remain 00:26:41.479 --> 00:26:42.759 in you, ask 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.839 whatever you wish 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:44.559 and it will be 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:45.279 given to you. 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:47.319 Jump down to 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:48.099 verse 16. 00:26:49.099 --> 00:26:49.619 You did not 00:26:49.619 --> 00:26:50.539 choose me, but I 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:51.339 chose you and 00:26:51.339 --> 00:26:52.279 appointed you to 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:53.220 go and bear fruit, 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:54.180 fruit that will 00:26:54.180 --> 00:26:54.619 last. 00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:55.879 Then the Father 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:56.519 will give you 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.420 whatever you ask 00:26:57.420 --> 00:26:58.019 in my name. 00:26:59.539 --> 00:26:59.980 Prayer. 00:27:01.700 --> 00:27:02.779 Absolutely call 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:04.240 is prayer. 00:27:06.079 --> 00:27:06.859 Remaining in the 00:27:06.859 --> 00:27:08.279 love of Jesus is 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:09.619 about depending on 00:27:09.619 --> 00:27:10.859 him for everything. 00:27:12.619 --> 00:27:14.039 That's what God's 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:16.420 love does, is it 00:27:16.420 --> 00:27:17.839 takes weak and 00:27:17.839 --> 00:27:20.220 powerless, unimpressive 00:27:20.220 --> 00:27:23.079 people and adopts 00:27:23.079 --> 00:27:24.339 them as dearly loved 00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:25.279 sons and daughters 00:27:25.279 --> 00:27:28.119 and empowers them to 00:27:28.119 --> 00:27:29.700 do incredible things 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:30.819 for God's glory and 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:31.599 God's purpose. 00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:33.619 Prayer is the 00:27:33.619 --> 00:27:35.139 evidence that we 00:27:35.139 --> 00:27:36.339 understand it's only 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:38.319 by him, only by 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.919 his love. 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:41.439 As a preacher, I 00:27:41.439 --> 00:27:42.619 often get nervous 00:27:42.619 --> 00:27:43.339 when I get to the 00:27:43.339 --> 00:27:43.939 end of a sermon 00:27:43.939 --> 00:27:45.000 preparation and the 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.819 application that I'm 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:46.659 walking towards is 00:27:46.659 --> 00:27:47.500 read the Bible and 00:27:47.500 --> 00:27:49.939 pray because, you 00:27:49.939 --> 00:27:50.759 know, someone's going 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.519 to tell me afterwards, 00:27:51.639 --> 00:27:52.099 we know. 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.439 We've heard that 00:27:53.439 --> 00:27:53.819 before. 00:27:54.179 --> 00:27:54.919 That can't be the 00:27:54.919 --> 00:27:55.480 only point. 00:27:55.480 --> 00:28:00.319 But what if it's so 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:01.079 key that we just 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:01.559 need to hear it 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:01.839 again? 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:04.259 Just one more 00:28:04.259 --> 00:28:04.640 time. 00:28:07.420 --> 00:28:08.400 Remaining in God's 00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:10.720 love means hearing 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:13.259 his voice, means 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:14.339 being actively 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:15.660 dependent on him 00:28:15.660 --> 00:28:17.259 in everything and 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:18.099 for everything. 00:28:18.640 --> 00:28:19.380 I mean, we're told 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:20.000 there in no 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:20.880 uncertain words in 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:22.279 verse 5, apart from 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:23.579 him, you can do 00:28:23.579 --> 00:28:24.079 nothing. 00:28:25.379 --> 00:28:26.379 You need him to 00:28:26.379 --> 00:28:26.960 wake in the 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:27.220 morning. 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:28.939 You need his 00:28:28.939 --> 00:28:29.960 strength to achieve 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:31.839 anything, let alone 00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:33.220 this Christ-like love 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:34.000 that he's called us 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:35.579 to, this love for 00:28:35.579 --> 00:28:37.480 enemies, this service 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:38.419 of one another, even 00:28:38.419 --> 00:28:39.779 when we annoy each 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.019 other. 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:44.119 Remaining in 00:28:44.119 --> 00:28:46.559 Christ is about 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.960 having his power at 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:48.639 work in us. 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.240 That's what the 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:50.819 whole vine image is. 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:52.099 The life that 00:28:52.099 --> 00:28:52.919 comes from the 00:28:52.919 --> 00:28:53.879 vine flowing 00:28:53.879 --> 00:28:54.679 through the 00:28:54.679 --> 00:28:55.359 branches to 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:56.039 produce the 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:56.359 fruit. 00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:57.919 We're just a 00:28:57.919 --> 00:28:58.879 conduit of his 00:28:58.879 --> 00:28:59.779 power and his 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.819 love and his 00:29:00.819 --> 00:29:01.240 hope. 00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:04.059 But the 00:29:04.059 --> 00:29:04.639 incredible thing 00:29:04.639 --> 00:29:05.139 is, is he 00:29:05.139 --> 00:29:05.859 pours out good 00:29:05.859 --> 00:29:06.419 things to us 00:29:06.419 --> 00:29:07.000 along the way. 00:29:07.159 --> 00:29:08.419 Verse 11, I've 00:29:08.419 --> 00:29:09.579 told you this so 00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:11.159 that my joy may be 00:29:11.159 --> 00:29:12.399 in you and that 00:29:12.399 --> 00:29:13.359 your joy may be 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:13.779 complete. 00:29:14.779 --> 00:29:15.759 Loving each other 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:16.700 can be a joy, 00:29:17.339 --> 00:29:18.419 even when it's 00:29:18.419 --> 00:29:19.279 sacrificial and 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:19.659 costly. 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:22.939 Verse 15, I 00:29:22.939 --> 00:29:23.599 no longer call 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:24.240 you servants 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:24.740 because a 00:29:24.740 --> 00:29:25.460 servant does not 00:29:25.460 --> 00:29:25.839 know his 00:29:25.839 --> 00:29:26.679 master's business. 00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:27.799 Instead, I've 00:29:27.799 --> 00:29:28.159 called you 00:29:28.159 --> 00:29:29.139 friends for 00:29:29.139 --> 00:29:29.919 everything that I 00:29:29.919 --> 00:29:30.500 learned from my 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:31.259 father I've made 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:31.939 known to you. 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:33.179 We're not the 00:29:33.179 --> 00:29:34.179 hired helpers. 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:37.220 We're partners. 00:29:38.279 --> 00:29:39.480 We're co-heirs 00:29:39.480 --> 00:29:40.279 with Christ. 00:29:40.419 --> 00:29:41.359 We are friends on 00:29:41.359 --> 00:29:42.059 his mission. 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:44.980 Remain. 00:29:45.720 --> 00:29:46.399 That's the 00:29:46.399 --> 00:29:46.740 command. 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:48.200 That's the 00:29:48.200 --> 00:29:48.720 instruction. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:51.019 verse 12 in 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:51.900 chapter 15 00:29:51.900 --> 00:29:53.019 echoes chapter 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:53.480 13. 00:29:53.600 --> 00:29:54.120 It says, my 00:29:54.120 --> 00:29:54.680 command is 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:56.120 this, love 00:29:56.120 --> 00:29:57.259 each other as 00:29:57.259 --> 00:29:57.839 I have loved 00:29:57.839 --> 00:29:58.140 you. 00:29:58.579 --> 00:29:59.380 Verse 17 00:29:59.380 --> 00:30:00.299 finishes, this 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:01.140 is my command, 00:30:01.620 --> 00:30:02.120 love each 00:30:02.120 --> 00:30:02.380 other. 00:30:05.559 --> 00:30:06.360 But this 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:07.120 passage is about 00:30:07.120 --> 00:30:07.579 remaining. 00:30:08.620 --> 00:30:09.380 It's about 00:30:09.380 --> 00:30:10.140 vines and 00:30:10.140 --> 00:30:10.440 fruit. 00:30:10.559 --> 00:30:12.100 So why add 00:30:12.100 --> 00:30:12.539 those two 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.140 commands to 00:30:13.140 --> 00:30:13.460 love? 00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:13.539 love? 00:30:15.340 --> 00:30:15.799 If the 00:30:15.799 --> 00:30:16.539 instruction is 00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:17.120 that we must 00:30:17.120 --> 00:30:17.840 remain in 00:30:17.840 --> 00:30:18.539 Christ, why 00:30:18.539 --> 00:30:19.180 do we end up 00:30:19.180 --> 00:30:19.700 there with the 00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:20.539 command to 00:30:20.539 --> 00:30:21.140 love again? 00:30:22.620 --> 00:30:23.460 Well, because 00:30:23.460 --> 00:30:24.740 it's the key. 00:30:26.500 --> 00:30:27.200 Loving like 00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:28.279 Jesus is made 00:30:28.279 --> 00:30:29.700 possible because 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:30.720 we have been 00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:31.519 loved by 00:30:31.519 --> 00:30:31.980 Jesus. 00:30:34.539 --> 00:30:35.240 And it's 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:36.960 empowered when 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:38.180 we remain in 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:38.539 Jesus. 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:40.120 The key in 00:30:40.120 --> 00:30:40.940 this passage in 00:30:40.940 --> 00:30:41.759 John 15, and 00:30:41.759 --> 00:30:42.379 this is how we 00:30:42.379 --> 00:30:42.660 need to 00:30:42.660 --> 00:30:43.740 understand John 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.519 13, this is 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:45.079 how we need to 00:30:45.079 --> 00:30:45.700 understand the 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.759 gospel, this is 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.319 how we need to 00:30:47.319 --> 00:30:48.200 understand every 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:49.420 aspect of being a 00:30:49.420 --> 00:30:49.940 Christian and 00:30:49.940 --> 00:30:50.640 following Jesus. 00:30:51.140 --> 00:30:52.559 The key is not 00:30:52.559 --> 00:30:53.559 our love. 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:56.960 It's his love 00:30:56.960 --> 00:30:57.640 for us. 00:30:59.099 --> 00:31:00.680 As he loved, 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:02.099 so we must 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:02.480 love. 00:31:03.400 --> 00:31:04.359 And his love is 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:05.440 not just a fuzzy 00:31:05.440 --> 00:31:06.039 feeling. 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:07.099 It's not just, 00:31:07.279 --> 00:31:07.599 oh, isn't it 00:31:07.599 --> 00:31:08.319 nice that God 00:31:08.319 --> 00:31:08.759 thinks I'm 00:31:08.759 --> 00:31:09.200 special. 00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:12.299 God's love is 00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:12.920 effective. 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:15.080 God's love is 00:31:15.080 --> 00:31:16.080 doing something. 00:31:16.240 --> 00:31:17.160 It's achieving an 00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:17.559 outcome. 00:31:17.720 --> 00:31:18.360 It's working. 00:31:19.100 --> 00:31:20.019 God's love is a 00:31:20.019 --> 00:31:20.660 love that he has 00:31:20.660 --> 00:31:21.759 put in you that 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:22.819 is transforming 00:31:22.819 --> 00:31:23.640 your heart. 00:31:24.860 --> 00:31:25.799 It's enabling 00:31:25.799 --> 00:31:26.799 you to see that 00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:28.940 annoying person as 00:31:28.940 --> 00:31:29.640 someone that God 00:31:29.640 --> 00:31:30.759 loves and someone 00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:31.519 who you can love 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:31.799 too. 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:33.799 It's enabling you 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:34.900 to bear fruit, to 00:31:34.900 --> 00:31:35.980 speak the gospel in 00:31:35.980 --> 00:31:36.680 such a way that 00:31:36.680 --> 00:31:37.580 people might come 00:31:37.580 --> 00:31:38.539 to know the love 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.139 and forgiveness 00:31:39.139 --> 00:31:40.339 of Christ that 00:31:40.339 --> 00:31:40.819 they don't 00:31:40.819 --> 00:31:41.980 deserve but that 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:42.720 they desperately 00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:43.159 want. 00:31:48.159 --> 00:31:50.039 The key is not 00:31:50.039 --> 00:31:51.299 our love, it's 00:31:51.299 --> 00:31:52.039 God's love and 00:31:52.039 --> 00:31:52.599 that's why 00:31:52.599 --> 00:31:53.700 remaining is the 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:54.000 command. 00:31:54.960 --> 00:31:55.579 That's why 00:31:55.579 --> 00:31:56.500 remaining is the 00:31:56.500 --> 00:31:57.940 instruction because 00:31:57.940 --> 00:31:59.119 growing is the 00:31:59.119 --> 00:31:59.879 key to serving. 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:02.299 Being in Christ 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:02.960 and knowing his 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:03.539 love for you, 00:32:03.599 --> 00:32:04.099 apart from 00:32:04.099 --> 00:32:04.639 anything you 00:32:04.639 --> 00:32:05.339 would ever do, 00:32:05.559 --> 00:32:06.299 is the key to 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:07.139 being released to 00:32:07.139 --> 00:32:08.039 serve joyfully. 00:32:08.539 --> 00:32:09.859 and without 00:32:09.859 --> 00:32:11.680 burden and 00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:13.059 lovingly, even 00:32:13.059 --> 00:32:13.879 when it costs, 00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:17.220 remain, dwell, 00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:20.079 soak, live in 00:32:20.079 --> 00:32:20.960 Jesus. 00:32:23.079 --> 00:32:24.700 In his forgiveness, 00:32:25.539 --> 00:32:27.000 in his love, 00:32:27.879 --> 00:32:29.240 in his purpose, 00:32:29.700 --> 00:32:30.480 in his hope, 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:33.360 hope, so that we 00:32:33.360 --> 00:32:34.079 can bear fruit, 00:32:34.680 --> 00:32:36.539 so that we can 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.339 love like he 00:32:37.339 --> 00:32:38.579 did, so that we 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:39.579 can serve, so 00:32:39.579 --> 00:32:39.980 that we can 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:41.200 transform the 00:32:41.200 --> 00:32:42.099 world with his 00:32:42.099 --> 00:32:42.860 hope. 00:32:45.960 --> 00:32:46.960 Let me leave you 00:32:46.960 --> 00:32:47.640 with these last 00:32:47.640 --> 00:32:48.299 two verses. 00:32:49.920 --> 00:32:51.000 Jesus says, 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:52.160 you did not 00:32:52.160 --> 00:32:52.940 choose me, 00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:54.519 but I chose 00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:56.160 you, and I 00:32:56.160 --> 00:32:56.759 appointed you 00:32:56.759 --> 00:32:57.400 to go and 00:32:57.400 --> 00:32:58.119 bear fruit, 00:32:58.440 --> 00:32:59.059 fruit that 00:32:59.059 --> 00:32:59.819 will last, 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:01.000 then the 00:33:01.000 --> 00:33:01.420 Father will 00:33:01.420 --> 00:33:01.779 give you 00:33:01.779 --> 00:33:02.259 whatever you 00:33:02.259 --> 00:33:02.859 ask in my 00:33:02.859 --> 00:33:03.140 name. 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:05.660 This is my 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:06.039 command, 00:33:07.400 --> 00:33:08.460 love each 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:08.720 other. 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.440 Let's pray. 00:33:11.440 --> 00:33:22.019 Father God, 00:33:22.120 --> 00:33:22.779 please help 00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:23.500 us this 00:33:23.500 --> 00:33:24.680 morning, and 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:25.180 not just this 00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:25.600 morning, but 00:33:25.600 --> 00:33:26.799 every day, to 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.880 feel the weight 00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:28.620 of your love. 00:33:30.600 --> 00:33:31.600 Help us to 00:33:31.600 --> 00:33:32.600 remember again 00:33:32.600 --> 00:33:33.519 the power of 00:33:33.519 --> 00:33:34.200 your love to 00:33:34.200 --> 00:33:34.980 reach out to a 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:35.840 lost person like 00:33:35.840 --> 00:33:37.140 us, the 00:33:37.140 --> 00:33:38.039 sufficiency of 00:33:38.039 --> 00:33:39.220 your love to 00:33:39.220 --> 00:33:40.140 wash us clean 00:33:40.140 --> 00:33:40.860 by the blood of 00:33:40.860 --> 00:33:41.200 Jesus. 00:33:42.080 --> 00:33:43.180 The completeness 00:33:43.180 --> 00:33:43.900 of your love 00:33:43.900 --> 00:33:44.640 that is working 00:33:44.640 --> 00:33:45.240 in us to 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:46.000 prepare us for 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:46.559 heaven, for 00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:47.220 eternity with 00:33:47.220 --> 00:33:47.480 you. 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:50.500 And in the 00:33:50.500 --> 00:33:51.380 security of 00:33:51.380 --> 00:33:53.160 your love, may 00:33:53.160 --> 00:33:53.559 we be 00:33:53.559 --> 00:33:54.480 energized and 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:55.660 empowered to 00:33:55.660 --> 00:33:56.500 show that same 00:33:56.500 --> 00:33:57.240 love to our 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:57.720 brothers and 00:33:57.720 --> 00:33:59.720 sisters, and 00:33:59.720 --> 00:34:00.140 to the world 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:00.920 around us, and 00:34:00.920 --> 00:34:01.580 to our enemies. 00:34:03.380 --> 00:34:04.080 May we 00:34:04.080 --> 00:34:04.799 proclaim the 00:34:04.799 --> 00:34:05.640 gospel through 00:34:05.640 --> 00:34:07.500 active, costly, 00:34:08.059 --> 00:34:09.280 sacrificial love. 00:34:09.280 --> 00:34:11.880 love, enable 00:34:11.880 --> 00:34:12.840 us to trust 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:13.360 you and to 00:34:13.360 --> 00:34:14.260 be so confident 00:34:14.260 --> 00:34:14.640 in your 00:34:14.640 --> 00:34:15.280 goodness that 00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:15.720 we can 00:34:15.720 --> 00:34:17.300 gladly bear 00:34:17.300 --> 00:34:17.840 the cost 00:34:17.840 --> 00:34:19.420 ourselves so 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:19.900 that we might 00:34:19.900 --> 00:34:20.580 show love to 00:34:20.580 --> 00:34:21.280 those in need. 00:34:21.280 --> 00:34:24.519 father, may we 00:34:24.519 --> 00:34:26.140 remain in you. 00:34:27.540 --> 00:34:28.780 May we soak in 00:34:28.780 --> 00:34:29.700 your word, listen 00:34:29.700 --> 00:34:30.519 to your promises, 00:34:30.820 --> 00:34:31.580 hear your voice, 00:34:31.740 --> 00:34:32.700 cry out to you in 00:34:32.700 --> 00:34:35.300 prayer, in such a 00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:35.920 way that your 00:34:35.920 --> 00:34:37.200 power and your 00:34:37.200 --> 00:34:38.060 love and your 00:34:38.060 --> 00:34:39.160 hope flows through 00:34:39.160 --> 00:34:40.040 us and produces 00:34:40.040 --> 00:34:40.440 fruit. 00:34:40.440 --> 00:34:43.800 father, we have a 00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:44.880 big vision as a 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:45.280 church. 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:46.980 We don't just 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:47.700 want to be a 00:34:47.700 --> 00:34:48.400 group of people 00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:48.860 who meets 00:34:48.860 --> 00:34:49.280 together. 00:34:50.059 --> 00:34:51.059 We want to be 00:34:51.059 --> 00:34:52.059 your tool for 00:34:52.059 --> 00:34:52.780 your purposes. 00:34:53.639 --> 00:34:54.320 We want to be 00:34:54.320 --> 00:34:55.240 used to see the 00:34:55.240 --> 00:34:56.440 world transformed, 00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:57.980 to see people 00:34:57.980 --> 00:34:58.940 drawn into your 00:34:58.940 --> 00:34:59.599 kingdom from 00:34:59.599 --> 00:35:00.360 darkness to 00:35:00.360 --> 00:35:00.940 light, from 00:35:00.940 --> 00:35:01.480 death to 00:35:01.480 --> 00:35:01.940 life. 00:35:02.820 --> 00:35:03.980 So please, 00:35:04.139 --> 00:35:07.619 God, work in 00:35:07.619 --> 00:35:09.500 us, change 00:35:09.500 --> 00:35:10.579 us, equip us, 00:35:10.760 --> 00:35:13.519 empower us to 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:14.539 love like Jesus 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:14.920 did. 00:35:16.539 --> 00:35:17.179 Amen.