WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.839 Please take your Bibles and open them up to John chapter 17 this morning. 00:00:07.960 --> 00:00:13.019 John chapter 17 is our normal practice to just walk through books of the Bible. 00:00:13.359 --> 00:00:17.320 And we've been walking through the book of John since last February. 00:00:17.719 --> 00:00:20.260 And so we've made our way to chapter 17 now. 00:00:20.660 --> 00:00:23.199 If you didn't bring your own Bible, that's okay. 00:00:23.420 --> 00:00:25.879 We have Bibles in the seat backs there in front of you. 00:00:26.240 --> 00:00:28.500 But I do recommend that you have a Bible open. 00:00:28.500 --> 00:00:32.679 I want you to see this with your own eyes, not just hear it from my lips, 00:00:32.799 --> 00:00:35.259 but see the Word of God open before you. 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:38.700 Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:41.179 And we're in John chapter 17 this morning. 00:00:41.299 --> 00:00:43.640 I'll read verses 6 through 19. 00:00:44.500 --> 00:00:48.140 And when you've found that, if you would, please, let's stand in honor of the Word of God. 00:00:48.140 --> 00:01:00.020 John 17 verses 6 through 19. 00:01:00.020 --> 00:01:00.920 Jesus says, 00:01:00.920 --> 00:01:28.640 I am praying for them. 00:01:28.640 --> 00:01:35.000 I am not praying for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 00:01:35.819 --> 00:01:40.579 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 00:01:41.019 --> 00:01:46.260 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:55.000 Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:59.299 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. 00:01:59.659 --> 00:02:05.819 I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 00:02:06.379 --> 00:02:08.419 But now I am coming to you. 00:02:08.960 --> 00:02:14.199 In these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 00:02:14.199 --> 00:02:22.339 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 00:02:22.899 --> 00:02:28.439 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 00:02:29.159 --> 00:02:32.739 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 00:02:33.899 --> 00:02:35.560 Sanctify them in the truth. 00:02:36.099 --> 00:02:38.199 Your word is truth. 00:02:38.199 --> 00:02:43.219 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 00:02:43.780 --> 00:02:50.019 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 00:02:50.519 --> 00:02:53.459 This is God's holy, perfect word. 00:02:53.599 --> 00:02:54.780 Let's bow once more in prayer. 00:02:54.979 --> 00:03:02.899 Lord, we ask that you would sanctify us now in truth, as we open up and declare your word. 00:03:02.979 --> 00:03:03.979 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:03:04.620 --> 00:03:04.919 Amen. 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:06.359 You may be seated. 00:03:06.359 --> 00:03:06.439 Amen. 00:03:08.199 --> 00:03:08.599 Amen. 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:19.119 Have you ever asked the question, what does Jesus want? 00:03:20.219 --> 00:03:25.139 You know, the normal way that we tend to think about things is in terms of what we want, isn't it? 00:03:25.379 --> 00:03:32.659 Our plans for our life, and maybe, if we're on a good day, how Jesus might fit into our plans for our life. 00:03:32.819 --> 00:03:37.620 But have you ever stopped and asked yourself, well, what does Jesus want? 00:03:38.199 --> 00:03:41.139 What does Jesus want for his people? 00:03:41.879 --> 00:03:44.879 What does Jesus want for his church? 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:47.079 What does Jesus want for you? 00:03:47.080 --> 00:03:53.620 Here in John chapter 17, we are listening in to one of the prayers of Jesus. 00:03:53.820 --> 00:03:56.380 This is often called the high priestly prayer. 00:03:56.840 --> 00:04:01.100 And this is a close-up look into the heart of Christ. 00:04:01.880 --> 00:04:10.140 We get to listen in to some of Jesus' desires for his people as he spills them out into prayer to the Father. 00:04:10.139 --> 00:04:11.939 And here's what I want us to see this morning. 00:04:12.059 --> 00:04:14.719 This is sort of the big idea for our sermon this morning. 00:04:15.079 --> 00:04:18.759 It is that Jesus desires wonderful things for his people. 00:04:19.860 --> 00:04:20.120 Amen. 00:04:21.079 --> 00:04:25.899 Jesus desires wonderful things for his people. 00:04:26.019 --> 00:04:29.419 He came to accomplish these gifts for his people. 00:04:30.159 --> 00:04:36.699 Here in our passage, he's preparing to go to the cross and die and then rise again to accomplish these things for his people. 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:41.439 Here he's praying and asking the Father, would you take what you have planned? 00:04:42.159 --> 00:04:44.199 Take what I'm getting ready to accomplish. 00:04:44.860 --> 00:04:49.800 And would you apply these gifts to my people in full? 00:04:50.599 --> 00:04:54.699 Jesus desires wonderful things for his people. 00:04:55.459 --> 00:04:59.620 So the questions for us as we walk through this passage together this morning is twofold. 00:04:59.719 --> 00:05:00.659 Really two questions. 00:05:01.139 --> 00:05:03.159 Is what people and what things? 00:05:03.160 --> 00:05:08.840 What does Jesus want and who does he want them for? 00:05:09.760 --> 00:05:15.540 And I got to admit to you, I got a little bit carried away with the outline this week with my alliteration bug. 00:05:15.620 --> 00:05:16.420 But y'all bear with me. 00:05:16.740 --> 00:05:19.700 Okay, this is a priestly prayer for a particular people. 00:05:21.740 --> 00:05:26.500 A priestly prayer for a particular people. 00:05:26.640 --> 00:05:31.940 First, I want you to notice here that Jesus, he's praying for a particular people here. 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:34.420 And we see this in verses 6 through 10. 00:05:34.540 --> 00:05:38.420 I want you, again, if you have your Bible open, put your eyes here on the passage. 00:05:38.800 --> 00:05:40.079 Verses 6 through 10. 00:05:40.519 --> 00:05:43.199 We're picking up in the middle of a prayer here. 00:05:43.319 --> 00:05:48.399 John 17 is one extended prayer between Jesus and the Father. 00:05:48.500 --> 00:05:53.759 Verses 1 through 5, we saw last week, Jesus was primarily praying for himself. 00:05:53.759 --> 00:06:01.779 And we saw he asked the Father, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had before the world existed. 00:06:01.959 --> 00:06:04.779 He was praying for himself in verses 1 through 5. 00:06:05.240 --> 00:06:14.560 But now in verse 6, and in our passage this morning, he's turning his attention now to pray primarily for his disciples. 00:06:15.459 --> 00:06:17.139 Look there with me to verse 6. 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:47.120 Jesus says, 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:48.220 I hope it's clear. 00:06:48.600 --> 00:06:51.459 He's not praying for everyone everywhere. 00:06:52.259 --> 00:06:56.439 He's praying for a particular group of people in this prayer. 00:06:56.540 --> 00:06:57.740 Look there to verse 9. 00:06:57.860 --> 00:06:58.180 He says, 00:06:58.600 --> 00:07:00.199 Again, I am praying for them. 00:07:00.980 --> 00:07:02.639 I am not praying for the world. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:08.399 I am praying for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:12.300 Not everyone, but these particular men. 00:07:12.300 --> 00:07:18.020 Specifically, in these verses, it's these particular, specific 11 men. 00:07:18.759 --> 00:07:20.579 12 minus Judas. 00:07:20.900 --> 00:07:27.500 These 11 men who were called to follow Jesus, who have spent the better part of the past three years with him, 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:33.879 following him, listening to his teaching, observing his miracles, seeing him day in and day out. 00:07:33.939 --> 00:07:37.480 They were blessed to be called to follow Jesus. 00:07:37.660 --> 00:07:38.319 Not everyone. 00:07:38.800 --> 00:07:40.000 These men. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:47.160 And you might wonder, as we look at this, you might wonder, well, what in the world makes these 11 men so special? 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:50.079 Why them? 00:07:51.040 --> 00:07:52.360 Why them in particular? 00:07:52.560 --> 00:07:57.100 Why were they, out of all the people in that region, in that time, in that area, 00:07:57.100 --> 00:07:59.460 why these 11 men? 00:07:59.640 --> 00:08:05.400 What was it that the Lord saw in them to count them worthy of this sort of blessing? 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:10.760 Well, if you've been paying any attention over the last 17 chapters of John, 00:08:11.340 --> 00:08:15.720 hopefully you would have noticed enough to realize, not a thing. 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:18.320 Not a thing. 00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:23.140 These 11 disciples, as we've walked through the Gospel of John, 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:25.000 I mean, they are a piece of work. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:30.660 They are constantly fumbling and bumbling and confused. 00:08:31.019 --> 00:08:34.600 They don't know who Jesus really is and what he really came to do. 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:38.179 They're constantly misunderstanding the person and work of Christ. 00:08:38.679 --> 00:08:41.960 I think that what we're seeing as we walk through John is that 00:08:41.960 --> 00:08:46.799 they are not called to follow Jesus because they were qualified. 00:08:48.059 --> 00:08:51.139 And I think that that may just be the point. 00:08:51.139 --> 00:09:00.399 In this prayer, we get to peel back some of the layers here of how these men came to follow Jesus. 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:05.080 This was sheerly God's choosing. 00:09:05.840 --> 00:09:07.639 Again, I want you to follow this here in the passage. 00:09:07.819 --> 00:09:10.259 They belonged to God the Father. 00:09:10.259 --> 00:09:13.679 However, they were given to Jesus. 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:19.639 Jesus called them to follow him and they received Jesus. 00:09:21.019 --> 00:09:25.159 And although this is primarily a prayer for these 11 men, these 11 disciples, 00:09:25.299 --> 00:09:28.059 here's what I want us to see, the application for us this morning. 00:09:28.700 --> 00:09:32.360 This is how it works for every single Christian. 00:09:32.360 --> 00:09:39.580 This is the story of how anyone has come to follow Christ. 00:09:40.340 --> 00:09:41.220 Think about it with me. 00:09:41.340 --> 00:09:43.500 I want you to see it again in the flow of the passage. 00:09:44.019 --> 00:09:48.100 How does anybody come to be a part of God's people? 00:09:49.060 --> 00:09:52.539 I want us to see it here in order in four parts. 00:09:54.300 --> 00:10:00.019 Belonging, giving, manifesting, receiving. 00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:03.419 How does anybody come to be a part of God's people? 00:10:03.579 --> 00:10:05.159 Four parts here in our passage. 00:10:05.539 --> 00:10:09.579 Belonging, giving, manifesting, receiving. 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:11.519 This is how salvation works. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:12.340 Follow it with me. 00:10:12.939 --> 00:10:18.500 Our inclusion in the particular people of God, it begins with God. 00:10:19.220 --> 00:10:21.600 It begins with God's choosing. 00:10:21.840 --> 00:10:28.000 Jesus says, I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:29.980 Not everyone, just these 11. 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:33.139 Yours they were, and you gave them to me. 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:35.120 Yours they were. 00:10:35.259 --> 00:10:35.759 Do you hear that? 00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:37.820 That's belonging language. 00:10:38.539 --> 00:10:40.639 And you gave them to me. 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:43.440 You remember last week from John 17, verse 2. 00:10:43.559 --> 00:10:45.960 You can look up there a few verses earlier. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:50.299 The authority that God the Father has given to God the Son, 00:10:50.299 --> 00:10:54.059 The authority that God the Father has given to the Messiah, 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:56.159 Verse 2 of chapter 17, 00:10:56.419 --> 00:11:02.500 Is to give eternal life to all whom you have given Him. 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:08.299 In the eternal, sovereign wisdom of God, 00:11:08.439 --> 00:11:11.219 These men belonged to God. 00:11:11.939 --> 00:11:13.939 And because they belonged to God, 00:11:14.079 --> 00:11:17.379 They specifically were then given to Christ. 00:11:17.379 --> 00:11:21.519 And Christ was given authority to give them eternal life. 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:21.759 Why? 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:23.360 Because they belonged to God. 00:11:24.059 --> 00:11:25.759 And because they were given to Christ, 00:11:25.840 --> 00:11:26.720 What did Jesus do? 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:29.879 He manifested God's name to them. 00:11:30.639 --> 00:11:31.580 He says in verse 8, 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:34.379 I have given them the words you gave me. 00:11:34.500 --> 00:11:38.220 He declared and manifested the truth to them, 00:11:38.279 --> 00:11:41.379 The glory of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:43.299 And because they were gods, 00:11:43.379 --> 00:11:44.980 And because God gave them to Christ, 00:11:45.080 --> 00:11:48.480 And because Christ manifested the glory of God to them, 00:11:48.659 --> 00:11:49.279 What happened? 00:11:49.480 --> 00:11:51.080 They received Him. 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:51.879 Of course they did. 00:11:52.580 --> 00:11:53.379 How could they not? 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:57.960 This is an unbreakable chain of God's sovereign plan of salvation, 00:11:57.960 --> 00:12:01.840 To draw sinners into His particular people. 00:12:01.960 --> 00:12:02.539 That's the flow. 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:03.080 Do you see it? 00:12:04.200 --> 00:12:04.960 One more time. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:08.639 Who belongs to the particular people of God 00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:12.240 Is those who belonged to God before the ages began. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:15.460 Who were then given to Christ, 00:12:15.560 --> 00:12:17.720 That He might accomplish their salvation, 00:12:17.900 --> 00:12:20.800 That He might manifest the glory of God to them 00:12:20.800 --> 00:12:21.980 Through the word, 00:12:22.120 --> 00:12:23.040 Through the gospel, 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:27.139 And that they might receive Him by faith. 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:29.139 Christian, 00:12:30.420 --> 00:12:33.440 Peel back the layers of your own salvation for a moment. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:37.920 Think through your own testimony for a moment. 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:40.220 I'm so excited that at the end of the service this morning, 00:12:40.280 --> 00:12:42.160 We get to hear Bailey's testimony. 00:12:42.420 --> 00:12:46.540 We get to hear a story of how God has saved one individual person. 00:12:46.920 --> 00:12:49.700 Think back on your own salvation story. 00:12:49.820 --> 00:12:52.240 If you have placed your faith in Christ, 00:12:52.540 --> 00:12:54.480 There's only one way that that's happened. 00:12:55.259 --> 00:12:58.460 There's a thousand different variations of this story in the room, 00:12:58.460 --> 00:12:59.740 In the world today. 00:13:00.060 --> 00:13:01.879 But there's only one way that this happened. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:03.900 The word came to you, 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:05.299 And you believed it. 00:13:06.299 --> 00:13:10.360 We only see the last two steps of this process in our experience, don't we? 00:13:10.799 --> 00:13:12.360 The word has come to you, 00:13:12.459 --> 00:13:14.000 And you have received it. 00:13:14.039 --> 00:13:16.279 But peel back the layers a bit. 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:18.519 How did you come to believe it? 00:13:18.579 --> 00:13:20.860 Well, it was delivered to you. 00:13:21.860 --> 00:13:23.620 It was delivered to you. 00:13:24.199 --> 00:13:25.220 Someone, somewhere, 00:13:25.319 --> 00:13:26.860 Maybe in a church service like this, 00:13:26.959 --> 00:13:29.039 Maybe a gospel tract, 00:13:29.039 --> 00:13:31.319 Maybe it was a conversation with a friend, 00:13:31.439 --> 00:13:34.099 Maybe you had a faithful praying family member. 00:13:34.839 --> 00:13:35.279 Somehow, 00:13:35.860 --> 00:13:36.559 Some way, 00:13:36.659 --> 00:13:40.579 The word of Christ was delivered to you. 00:13:40.719 --> 00:13:43.439 You were blessed to be placed in that time, 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:44.080 That time, 00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:45.100 In that place, 00:13:45.160 --> 00:13:46.340 In that period of time, 00:13:46.400 --> 00:13:47.700 In that place of the world, 00:13:47.780 --> 00:13:50.160 Where the gospel might come to you. 00:13:50.820 --> 00:13:52.300 And whether it was the first time, 00:13:52.340 --> 00:13:53.540 Or the thousandth time you heard it, 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:54.380 For whatever reason, 00:13:54.520 --> 00:13:55.520 That time it hit, 00:13:55.660 --> 00:13:56.040 Didn't it? 00:13:57.040 --> 00:13:57.980 Or that time, 00:13:58.060 --> 00:13:58.820 For whatever reason, 00:13:58.900 --> 00:14:01.020 Your eyes were opened up, 00:14:01.100 --> 00:14:02.260 To the glory of God, 00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:03.480 And the gospel of Christ. 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:05.840 Oh, why? 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:08.200 Why you? 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:10.420 Why not the person next to you? 00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:11.159 Why that time? 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:13.399 Why not the thousand times before that? 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:15.980 Why did you suddenly believe the truth, 00:14:16.060 --> 00:14:17.240 And not your brother, 00:14:17.360 --> 00:14:18.060 Not your sister, 00:14:18.200 --> 00:14:19.539 Not your cousin? 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:21.340 What did God see in you, 00:14:21.420 --> 00:14:24.960 To count you worthy of being brought into the people of God? 00:14:26.180 --> 00:14:27.159 Like the disciples, 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:27.620 Church, 00:14:27.700 --> 00:14:29.220 Not a single thing. 00:14:30.300 --> 00:14:32.840 Not a single thing. 00:14:33.480 --> 00:14:34.879 It is because, 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:37.100 In God's infinite wisdom, 00:14:37.240 --> 00:14:38.120 By his incredible, 00:14:38.320 --> 00:14:39.759 Unfathomable grace, 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:40.259 Christian, 00:14:40.659 --> 00:14:43.539 You belonged to God in eternity. 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:46.279 And he gave you to Christ. 00:14:47.180 --> 00:14:49.080 And the word came to you in power. 00:14:49.920 --> 00:14:51.080 And you received it. 00:14:51.680 --> 00:14:52.659 You believed it. 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:56.340 Our belonging to the particular people of God, 00:14:56.440 --> 00:14:58.100 Is God arranged, 00:14:58.340 --> 00:14:59.320 Son accomplished, 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:00.879 Spirit applied, 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:02.800 By the grace of God alone, 00:15:02.799 --> 00:15:04.620 That no man may boast, 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:06.240 In the presence of God. 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:08.919 Now, 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:10.379 I recognize there may be some, 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:12.000 In the room this morning, 00:15:12.139 --> 00:15:14.019 Who are far from the Lord. 00:15:14.779 --> 00:15:16.200 There may be some this morning, 00:15:16.519 --> 00:15:17.159 Who have, 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:18.860 Have come to church services, 00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:21.000 Who have heard the gospel a thousand times, 00:15:21.060 --> 00:15:21.840 Who are very familiar, 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.259 With the word of God, 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:24.779 But have not yet, 00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:26.419 Put their faith in Christ. 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:27.220 I want you to hear, 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:28.060 This, 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:30.559 The invitation to come, 00:15:30.639 --> 00:15:32.219 And belong to the people of God, 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:32.899 Is for you, 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:33.899 This morning. 00:15:34.599 --> 00:15:36.319 If you would turn from your sin, 00:15:36.979 --> 00:15:38.279 And trust in Christ, 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.519 This moment, 00:15:39.919 --> 00:15:42.119 You will be brought out of the domain of darkness, 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:44.899 And transferred into the kingdom of his beloved son. 00:15:45.739 --> 00:15:46.500 This moment, 00:15:46.959 --> 00:15:49.819 You can be adopted into the family of God, 00:15:49.879 --> 00:15:51.779 If you would only receive him, 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:52.739 By faith. 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:53.620 But know, 00:15:54.600 --> 00:15:55.539 That that receiving, 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:56.799 Is because, 00:15:57.200 --> 00:15:58.700 You belonged to him, 00:15:58.919 --> 00:15:59.980 In eternity past. 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:02.620 Have you received him? 00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:04.919 Have you received him? 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:06.480 If you have, 00:16:06.580 --> 00:16:06.940 The church, 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:08.340 I have good news, 00:16:08.440 --> 00:16:09.960 The rest of this passage, 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:12.379 Everything that Jesus prays for his disciples, 00:16:12.600 --> 00:16:13.419 Here in this passage, 00:16:13.680 --> 00:16:15.120 Is for you. 00:16:15.299 --> 00:16:16.700 This is point number two. 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:17.060 Second, 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:18.879 The priestly prayer, 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:19.440 We've covered, 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:21.100 Who he's praying for, 00:16:21.200 --> 00:16:21.759 Now this is, 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:22.720 What is he praying for? 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:23.980 For them. 00:16:24.080 --> 00:16:25.799 Verses 11 through 19. 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:28.899 This is what Jesus wants, 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:30.299 For every believer. 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:32.299 This is what he has purchased, 00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:33.700 For his people, 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:34.720 On the cross. 00:16:34.820 --> 00:16:35.159 These are, 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:36.960 Blood bought promises, 00:16:37.279 --> 00:16:38.220 For every believer. 00:16:39.340 --> 00:16:40.220 Five prayers, 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:40.720 Here, 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:42.620 That I see in the second half of our passage. 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:43.480 Each one of these is, 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:44.639 Is so glorious. 00:16:44.779 --> 00:16:45.360 Five prayers. 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:46.480 Prayer number one, 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:49.960 He asks for our perseverance. 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:52.639 Perseverance. 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:54.720 Look there to verse 10. 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:55.159 He says, 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.820 All mine are yours, 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:58.500 And yours are mine, 00:16:58.740 --> 00:17:00.740 And I am glorified in them. 00:17:01.440 --> 00:17:03.060 And I am no longer in the world, 00:17:03.180 --> 00:17:04.680 But they are in the world, 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:05.900 And I am coming to you. 00:17:06.380 --> 00:17:08.339 Keep them in your name, 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:11.079 Which you have given me. 00:17:11.939 --> 00:17:12.659 Keep them, 00:17:12.659 --> 00:17:12.679 Keep them, 00:17:12.679 --> 00:17:12.699 Keep them, 00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:14.179 In your name, 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:16.539 Which you have given me. 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:18.559 He says in verse 12, 00:17:18.679 --> 00:17:19.740 While I was with them, 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:20.899 I kept them in your name, 00:17:20.939 --> 00:17:21.740 Which you have given me. 00:17:22.199 --> 00:17:23.319 I have guarded them, 00:17:23.419 --> 00:17:25.519 Not one of them has been lost, 00:17:25.579 --> 00:17:26.740 Except for Judas, 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:28.439 Who he calls the son of destruction. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:30.339 And that wasn't an accident, 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:32.559 That was that the scripture might be fulfilled. 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.759 And now he says, 00:17:34.299 --> 00:17:34.319 Father, 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:36.619 Keep them in your name. 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:37.379 Keep them. 00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:38.500 Well, 00:17:38.500 --> 00:17:40.279 This is a prayer for perseverance. 00:17:41.480 --> 00:17:42.240 Better yet, 00:17:42.299 --> 00:17:43.259 It's a prayer for, 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:45.299 For sovereign preservation, 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:47.019 Of the saints. 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:49.279 And we believe in something called, 00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:51.099 The perseverance of the saints. 00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:52.160 Have you heard that term before? 00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:54.359 Perseverance of the saints. 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:55.160 And what that means, 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:57.940 Is that anyone who is truly a believer, 00:17:58.139 --> 00:17:59.879 Anyone who is in Christ, 00:18:00.400 --> 00:18:03.299 Anyone who is a part of the people of God, 00:18:03.700 --> 00:18:05.980 Will make it to the end. 00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:07.940 That's perseverance of the saints. 00:18:08.660 --> 00:18:10.139 But what undergirds, 00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:12.259 And supports that perseverance of the saints, 00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:14.799 Is the preservation of the father. 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:18.740 It's the preservation of God the father, 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:21.899 Who keeps a hold of his people, 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:24.879 To ensure that they will make it to the end. 00:18:24.940 --> 00:18:25.659 Let me ask you something, 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.059 Christian. 00:18:27.220 --> 00:18:28.619 What is it? 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:30.079 How do you know, 00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:31.279 That tomorrow morning, 00:18:31.339 --> 00:18:32.740 You're going to wake up believing the gospel? 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:35.899 What is it? 00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:36.659 In you? 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:38.940 What confidence do you have, 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:40.419 That you will wake up tomorrow morning, 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:42.119 Believing the gospel? 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:43.200 Let me ask you a different way. 00:18:43.200 --> 00:18:45.500 Whose grip do you trust? 00:18:45.620 --> 00:18:47.080 Your grip on God, 00:18:47.140 --> 00:18:49.319 Or God's grip on you? 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:53.539 When I walk my kids, 00:18:53.580 --> 00:18:54.940 Across a busy parking lot, 00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:57.299 Whose grip do you think I trust? 00:18:58.880 --> 00:19:00.100 Their grip on me? 00:19:01.360 --> 00:19:03.819 Or my grip on them? 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:06.819 No, I do what every good parent ought to do, 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:07.240 I say, 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:08.620 Take my hand. 00:19:09.100 --> 00:19:09.279 Right? 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:10.559 And he does. 00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:12.379 And when he grips my hand, 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:14.700 I know that he's listening to me, 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:16.480 He's trusting me, 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:18.059 And I grip his hand, 00:19:18.139 --> 00:19:19.940 And I'm preserving him, 00:19:20.179 --> 00:19:20.759 But guess what? 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:23.419 If he ever begins to loosen his grip on me, 00:19:23.480 --> 00:19:24.119 You know what I do? 00:19:25.119 --> 00:19:27.579 I tighten my grip on him, 00:19:27.639 --> 00:19:28.419 I don't let him go, 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:30.720 I tighten my grip on him, 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:31.619 I pull him closer, 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:31.919 I say, 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:32.319 No, no, no, 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:34.019 You hold my hand, 00:19:34.059 --> 00:19:36.359 Until we've made it safely across, 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:37.720 Why do I do that? 00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:38.900 Because he's my child. 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.559 And I love him. 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:43.360 And so it is with those, 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:45.100 Who are children of God. 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:45.500 Of course, 00:19:45.620 --> 00:19:48.299 You hold on to him by faith, 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:49.900 As he holds on to you, 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:50.480 But church, 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:54.319 It is his holding on to you, 00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:55.740 That assures, 00:19:55.860 --> 00:19:57.160 That you will make it safely, 00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:58.039 To the other end, 00:19:58.120 --> 00:19:59.880 Not the other way around. 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:02.560 Our assurance, 00:20:03.660 --> 00:20:05.480 Of a perseverance of the saints, 00:20:05.600 --> 00:20:06.320 Our assurance, 00:20:06.780 --> 00:20:09.780 Is not because we are strong, 00:20:10.580 --> 00:20:12.620 Not because we are faithful, 00:20:12.800 --> 00:20:14.560 We can't have assurance, 00:20:14.680 --> 00:20:15.840 If it depends on us, 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:18.140 Our assurance, 00:20:18.800 --> 00:20:20.000 Is that God himself, 00:20:20.120 --> 00:20:21.720 Will keep us to the end, 00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:23.440 He will hold us fast, 00:20:23.520 --> 00:20:24.160 We just sang, 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:26.360 He will hold us fast, 00:20:26.360 --> 00:20:28.900 For our Savior loves us so, 00:20:28.900 --> 00:20:32.000 He will hold us fast, 00:20:32.780 --> 00:20:35.540 Our Father will not release, 00:20:35.540 --> 00:20:36.280 His grip, 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:37.620 On his children, 00:20:38.360 --> 00:20:40.100 For whom the Son of God has died, 00:20:40.280 --> 00:20:42.960 But you know what, 00:20:43.280 --> 00:20:44.340 To take this illustration, 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:46.060 A step further, 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.440 I have a problem, 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:48.500 I have three kids, 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:49.180 Okay, 00:20:49.640 --> 00:20:50.540 And that's not a problem, 00:20:50.800 --> 00:20:50.940 Right, 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:51.480 The problem is, 00:20:51.540 --> 00:20:52.320 I only have two hands, 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:52.720 Right, 00:20:52.820 --> 00:20:53.980 Three kids is a good thing, 00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:55.720 Two hands, 00:20:55.779 --> 00:20:56.839 Makes it a little bit difficult, 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:58.400 It's not a problem, 00:20:58.460 --> 00:20:59.420 When my wife is with me, 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:00.420 Then we have four hands, 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.120 To deal with, 00:21:01.220 --> 00:21:02.880 But when I'm on my own, 00:21:02.940 --> 00:21:04.319 And we're crossing a parking lot, 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:06.019 I can only grab two hands, 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:06.259 And so, 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:07.000 Do you know what I do, 00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:09.480 I'll grab as many hands as I can, 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:10.779 But then I say, 00:21:10.860 --> 00:21:11.360 Hey guys, 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:13.440 You grab a hold of one another, 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:16.180 Everybody grab a hand, 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:17.759 I'm going to hold on to you, 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:19.480 You hold on to one another, 00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:21.000 You hold each other's hands, 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:23.200 You make sure that your brother makes it across, 00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:25.480 You make sure he doesn't run off into traffic, 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:27.720 You take ownership for your brother, 00:21:27.900 --> 00:21:29.319 Who's right beside you, 00:21:29.920 --> 00:21:31.240 You care for your brother, 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:34.920 And that's exactly what the church is meant to do, 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:38.259 This is the second prayer here for his people, 00:21:38.359 --> 00:21:38.640 Look here, 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:42.859 It's a prayer for unity amongst God's people, 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.039 Unity, 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:45.319 Did you see that? 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:46.619 He says, 00:21:46.619 --> 00:21:46.980 Father, 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:49.259 Keep them in your name, 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:50.220 So that, 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:51.019 What's the result? 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:51.759 So that, 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:54.220 They may be one, 00:21:54.819 --> 00:21:55.240 Even, 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:56.480 As we, 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:57.799 Are one, 00:21:58.799 --> 00:22:00.779 And we're going to spend more time on this next week, 00:22:00.839 --> 00:22:01.440 And so I'm going to, 00:22:01.600 --> 00:22:03.380 I'm going to save some of it for then, 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:03.660 Okay, 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:03.920 But, 00:22:04.100 --> 00:22:05.120 But just for now, 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:05.680 Know this, 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:07.380 Our individual, 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:09.720 Vertical unity with God, 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:11.799 Through faith in Christ, 00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:13.120 When you put your faith in Christ, 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:15.019 You are united to God, 00:22:15.120 --> 00:22:15.380 Boom, 00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:15.779 One, 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:16.940 Vertical union, 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:19.680 That vertical union with God, 00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:24.460 Spills out and produces horizontal union with one another, 00:22:25.140 --> 00:22:26.299 That's the church, 00:22:27.060 --> 00:22:28.019 That's the church, 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:30.480 Now the good news is that God has, 00:22:30.560 --> 00:22:31.720 Has many hands, 00:22:31.900 --> 00:22:32.080 Okay, 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.240 Metaphorically speaking, 00:22:33.360 --> 00:22:33.860 Many hands, 00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:36.680 As many hands as he has children to hold on to, 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:39.980 And he keeps you vertically firm, 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:41.759 He holds you fast, 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:42.680 But, 00:22:42.680 --> 00:22:42.700 But, 00:22:43.400 --> 00:22:44.200 He also, 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:46.279 Expects and commands, 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:47.720 And enables us, 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:49.000 As a church, 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:51.940 To hold on to one another, 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:56.779 And when you join a local church family, 00:22:57.119 --> 00:22:57.700 Like this, 00:22:58.700 --> 00:23:00.460 You're joining a family, 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:03.019 That locks arms together, 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:05.240 And we make sure, 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:06.740 We hold each other's hands, 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:08.059 And we bring each other along, 00:23:08.139 --> 00:23:09.200 We ensure that, 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:12.019 That one another makes it safely home, 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:14.039 That's what Jesus wants for his church, 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:16.680 Not only this, 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:17.480 Third prayer, 00:23:17.660 --> 00:23:18.039 Believer, 00:23:18.879 --> 00:23:19.599 Third prayer, 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:23.019 He wants you to have his joy, 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:27.379 He wants you to have his joy, 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:28.859 Now, 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:29.500 Seaweed Bay, 00:23:29.879 --> 00:23:31.379 We have a mission statement, 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.619 Our mission, 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:35.440 We exist to magnify the glory of God, 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:37.579 In the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:39.099 And there's three ways, 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:39.900 That we've identified, 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:42.019 That we go about that work, 00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:43.440 Of magnifying God's glory, 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:45.400 Do y'all remember what way number one is, 00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:46.700 What is it, 00:23:46.859 --> 00:23:47.139 Members, 00:23:47.339 --> 00:23:47.619 Help me, 00:23:47.940 --> 00:23:48.579 Come on, 00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:50.839 Oh man, 00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:51.700 We got some work to do, 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:52.240 Come on, 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:55.779 We enjoy God, 00:23:56.559 --> 00:23:58.259 We enjoy God, 00:23:58.380 --> 00:23:58.779 Enjoy, 00:23:58.980 --> 00:23:59.339 Equip, 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:00.200 Evangelize, 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:00.539 Come on, 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.279 Enjoy, 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:02.519 Equip, 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:03.759 Evangelize, 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:07.859 Christ has come, 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:09.759 That sinners like us, 00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:12.059 May know his joy, 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:15.220 Now that's unfathomable for us, 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:16.940 But can you imagine, 00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:18.859 Can you imagine the joy, 00:24:18.859 --> 00:24:20.819 That comes with being the son of God, 00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:24.200 Can you imagine Jesus' joy, 00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:25.059 Just for a moment, 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:27.179 The joy that comes from, 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:29.139 From perfect relationship, 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:29.980 With the father, 00:24:30.939 --> 00:24:33.299 The joy that would come from being sinless, 00:24:33.399 --> 00:24:34.819 You know sin is the thief of joy, 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:36.259 And our idols, 00:24:36.439 --> 00:24:37.139 Our sins, 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.819 Although they promise us joy, 00:24:38.899 --> 00:24:39.679 They never deliver, 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:41.819 Sin is the thief of joy, 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:44.740 The joy of knowing, 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:47.359 That you are in perfect right standing with God, 00:24:47.460 --> 00:24:49.140 That nothing at all can separate you, 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:50.299 From the love of God, 00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:51.819 That the grave itself, 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:53.220 Can't divide you from him, 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:56.299 That no matter what's laying ahead of you, 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:58.019 That you have glory, 00:24:58.160 --> 00:24:58.799 At the end of the day, 00:24:58.839 --> 00:24:59.680 To look forward to, 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.559 Can you imagine the joy, 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.519 Of being Jesus, 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:04.960 Friend, 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:06.860 And the good news of the gospel, 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:08.660 Is that, 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:10.840 Jesus came to give, 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:13.079 That joy to us, 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:15.740 Jesus has come, 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:18.620 To give us what he alone has earned, 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:20.220 And he gives it freely, 00:25:20.340 --> 00:25:21.240 To sinners like us, 00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:22.700 By faith alone, 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:24.900 We have received full access, 00:25:25.340 --> 00:25:26.380 To God the father, 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.380 Through Jesus Christ, 00:25:27.920 --> 00:25:29.380 We have received, 00:25:29.579 --> 00:25:31.200 Full atonement for sin, 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.799 Through Jesus Christ, 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:34.440 We have received, 00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:35.579 Full pardon, 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:37.259 Forgiveness for our sins, 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:37.879 We have received, 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:39.379 His righteousness, 00:25:39.659 --> 00:25:41.240 Credit to our bankrupt accounts, 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:41.899 By faith, 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.480 We have received, 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:45.200 Hope beyond this life, 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:46.419 That no matter what this life, 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.279 Throws at us, 00:25:47.639 --> 00:25:49.220 That nothing can separate us, 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:50.599 From the love of God, 00:25:50.659 --> 00:25:52.099 In Christ Jesus our Lord, 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:54.519 Even death itself, 00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:56.940 Can only bring us closer to him, 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.759 This is his joy, 00:25:58.879 --> 00:25:59.779 That he has given to us, 00:25:59.879 --> 00:26:00.220 Church, 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:02.759 Are you rejoicing, 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:03.879 And what God has done for you, 00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:04.460 In the gospel, 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:07.480 That's what Jesus wants, 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:08.759 For his people, 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:09.960 And not only this, 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:10.759 Prayer number four, 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:14.339 He desires our protection, 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:15.980 In this world, 00:26:16.659 --> 00:26:18.019 Our protection, 00:26:18.579 --> 00:26:19.659 In this world, 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:20.559 You know that joy, 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:21.940 We know in this life, 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:23.339 Is not without trials, 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:23.819 Is it? 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:26.200 We do not live, 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:27.720 In a perfect world, 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:29.899 Following Christ, 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:32.079 Will not make your life easy, 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:36.139 Look to verse 14, 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:36.639 He says, 00:26:37.199 --> 00:26:38.799 I've given them your word, 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:41.460 And the world has hated them, 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:43.419 Because they are not of the world, 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:45.439 Just as I am not of the world, 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.159 Listen to this, 00:26:46.740 --> 00:26:47.079 He says, 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:48.779 I do not ask that you take them, 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.919 Out of the world, 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:50.579 Why not? 00:26:51.899 --> 00:26:52.879 That's what we want, 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:53.159 Right? 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:54.139 We would prefer, 00:26:55.319 --> 00:26:55.839 But he says, 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:57.179 I do not ask that you take them, 00:26:57.379 --> 00:26:58.119 Out of the world, 00:26:58.119 --> 00:26:59.299 But that you keep them, 00:26:59.299 --> 00:27:01.419 From the evil one, 00:27:01.459 --> 00:27:01.659 Church, 00:27:01.699 --> 00:27:02.299 This isn't a prayer, 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.519 For our escape, 00:27:03.719 --> 00:27:04.500 From the world, 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:05.119 It's a prayer, 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:06.659 For our protection, 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:08.500 In the world, 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.299 Christian, 00:27:10.399 --> 00:27:10.819 We should know, 00:27:10.959 --> 00:27:11.500 That we are, 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:12.859 In the middle, 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:14.799 Of a spiritual battle, 00:27:15.619 --> 00:27:16.699 At all times, 00:27:17.239 --> 00:27:18.339 As long as we are, 00:27:18.419 --> 00:27:19.439 In the world, 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.139 We are not, 00:27:20.139 --> 00:27:21.579 In peace time, 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:23.579 Coming to Christ, 00:27:23.679 --> 00:27:24.339 It gives you, 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:25.579 Eternal peace, 00:27:25.879 --> 00:27:26.559 But we are not, 00:27:26.679 --> 00:27:27.519 In peace time, 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:27.759 Yet, 00:27:27.839 --> 00:27:28.579 That time will come, 00:27:28.619 --> 00:27:29.659 When Christ returns, 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:31.039 And sets all things right, 00:27:31.379 --> 00:27:32.359 But right now, 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:34.139 Until the return of Christ, 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:35.000 We are in, 00:27:35.199 --> 00:27:36.699 Spiritual battle, 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.899 And we are warned, 00:27:39.079 --> 00:27:40.599 1 Peter 5, 00:27:40.639 --> 00:27:40.819 8, 00:27:40.899 --> 00:27:41.839 Be sober minded, 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:42.659 Be watchful, 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:44.159 Your adversary, 00:27:44.299 --> 00:27:44.679 The devil, 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:45.779 Prowls around, 00:27:45.879 --> 00:27:46.960 Like a roaring lion, 00:27:47.119 --> 00:27:47.960 Seeking someone, 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:49.240 To devour, 00:27:50.379 --> 00:27:51.139 Ephesians 6, 00:27:51.199 --> 00:27:51.460 11, 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.160 It tells us, 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:54.319 Put on the whole armor of God, 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:55.700 That you may be able, 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:57.519 To stand against the schemes, 00:27:57.600 --> 00:27:58.279 Of the devil, 00:27:58.420 --> 00:27:59.200 Do you think the devil, 00:27:59.200 --> 00:28:00.019 The devil is, 00:28:00.079 --> 00:28:01.000 Is scheming, 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:01.660 Against you? 00:28:03.100 --> 00:28:04.140 For we do not wrestle, 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:05.440 Against flesh and blood, 00:28:05.559 --> 00:28:06.500 But against the rulers, 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:08.120 Against the authorities, 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:10.340 Against the cosmic powers, 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.600 Over this present darkness, 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:13.240 Against the spiritual forces, 00:28:13.240 --> 00:28:13.940 Of evil, 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:15.500 In the heavenly places, 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:16.180 Therefore, 00:28:16.860 --> 00:28:19.420 Take up the whole armor of God, 00:28:19.960 --> 00:28:20.880 That you may be able, 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:21.680 To withstand, 00:28:21.860 --> 00:28:22.780 In the evil day, 00:28:22.900 --> 00:28:24.040 And having done all, 00:28:24.620 --> 00:28:26.260 To stand firm, 00:28:26.380 --> 00:28:26.640 Church, 00:28:26.700 --> 00:28:27.360 We need to know, 00:28:28.200 --> 00:28:29.400 That as long as, 00:28:29.520 --> 00:28:31.080 We are in this world, 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:33.900 We are in the devil's crosshairs, 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:37.240 And we are in a spiritual battle, 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:38.360 At all times, 00:28:38.359 --> 00:28:40.219 We take comfort, 00:28:40.219 --> 00:28:41.719 In the prayer of Jesus, 00:28:41.899 --> 00:28:43.039 And in the cross of Jesus, 00:28:43.159 --> 00:28:44.459 That he's defeated that enemy, 00:28:44.599 --> 00:28:45.959 And he's prayed for our protection, 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:47.139 But church, 00:28:47.339 --> 00:28:49.079 We're called to armor up, 00:28:49.639 --> 00:28:52.240 Are you prepared, 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.699 Every day, 00:28:54.099 --> 00:28:55.259 For the spiritual battle, 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:56.179 That lays ahead of you? 00:28:58.719 --> 00:28:59.799 Fifth and finally, 00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:01.939 Fifth and finally, 00:29:01.940 --> 00:29:03.860 He prays, 00:29:03.860 --> 00:29:05.720 For our holiness, 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:08.900 What does Jesus want, 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.759 For his people? 00:29:10.860 --> 00:29:12.400 He wants you to be holy, 00:29:12.400 --> 00:29:16.160 They are not of the world, 00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:18.039 Just as I am not of the world, 00:29:18.380 --> 00:29:19.500 Sanctify them, 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:20.440 In the truth, 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:21.360 He prays, 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:22.820 Your word, 00:29:23.360 --> 00:29:24.100 Is truth, 00:29:24.880 --> 00:29:26.059 As you sent me, 00:29:26.140 --> 00:29:26.920 Into the world, 00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:28.380 So I have sent them, 00:29:28.620 --> 00:29:29.400 Into the world, 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:30.420 And for their sake, 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:32.140 I consecrate myself, 00:29:32.400 --> 00:29:34.280 That they also may be, 00:29:34.280 --> 00:29:35.360 Sanctified, 00:29:35.540 --> 00:29:36.759 In truth, 00:29:37.320 --> 00:29:38.480 Church, 00:29:38.580 --> 00:29:38.980 Christ, 00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:40.060 Desires, 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:41.120 His people, 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:41.940 To be, 00:29:42.600 --> 00:29:42.960 Holy, 00:29:43.800 --> 00:29:44.840 To be, 00:29:44.900 --> 00:29:46.360 To be distinct, 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.759 Ephesians chapter 5, 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:51.680 Calls husbands to love their wives, 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:53.060 As Christ loved the church, 00:29:53.140 --> 00:29:54.980 And gave himself up for her, 00:29:55.420 --> 00:29:55.800 Why? 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:58.240 That he might wash her as water, 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:58.900 With water, 00:29:58.900 --> 00:29:59.460 With the word, 00:29:59.540 --> 00:30:01.960 That he might present her to himself, 00:30:02.080 --> 00:30:02.700 In holiness, 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:03.759 In splendor, 00:30:03.820 --> 00:30:04.640 Without blemish, 00:30:05.180 --> 00:30:08.200 Christ didn't just die to save you, 00:30:08.300 --> 00:30:11.259 He died to conform you into his image, 00:30:12.180 --> 00:30:13.960 To make you holy, 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:15.900 So he prays here, 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:16.480 Lord, 00:30:16.640 --> 00:30:18.820 Don't take them out of the world, 00:30:19.000 --> 00:30:20.019 Keep them there, 00:30:20.140 --> 00:30:23.000 But make them distinct from the world, 00:30:23.860 --> 00:30:25.160 Make them weird, 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:27.000 Do y'all, 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.300 Do y'all, 00:30:27.300 --> 00:30:29.560 Do y'all realize how weird Christians are? 00:30:31.080 --> 00:30:33.860 Do you ever feel out of place, 00:30:33.860 --> 00:30:34.860 In the world? 00:30:34.940 --> 00:30:35.080 I mean, 00:30:35.120 --> 00:30:35.640 My goodness, 00:30:36.519 --> 00:30:37.400 If you don't, 00:30:37.800 --> 00:30:40.300 If you have never once felt out of place, 00:30:40.340 --> 00:30:41.920 Around your non-believing friends, 00:30:42.080 --> 00:30:42.360 Felt, 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:44.040 Felt a little bit of tension, 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:44.880 In the workplace, 00:30:44.880 --> 00:30:48.140 If you've never wrestled with how to watch a movie, 00:30:48.140 --> 00:30:53.420 The pressures that face us in the world that we live in, 00:30:53.520 --> 00:30:54.440 Every day, 00:30:54.660 --> 00:30:57.160 If you don't feel out of place here, 00:30:57.280 --> 00:30:57.900 Something's wrong, 00:30:57.900 --> 00:31:03.120 And Jesus calls you to be distinct from the world, 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:03.340 I mean, 00:31:03.360 --> 00:31:07.019 Have you ever paid much attention to the way the New Testament describes Christians? 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:09.160 We're called exiles, 00:31:09.720 --> 00:31:10.380 Sojourners, 00:31:10.600 --> 00:31:11.160 Strangers, 00:31:11.500 --> 00:31:12.000 Pilgrims, 00:31:12.340 --> 00:31:16.480 None of these terms suggest any lasting belonging here and now, 00:31:17.800 --> 00:31:18.900 And yet the Lord says, 00:31:19.259 --> 00:31:21.780 Don't take them out of the world, 00:31:22.600 --> 00:31:23.700 Keep them there, 00:31:23.800 --> 00:31:26.000 But make them distinct, 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:26.460 Why? 00:31:26.460 --> 00:31:29.140 That the world might know, 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:30.920 That there is a God, 00:31:31.400 --> 00:31:32.759 Who makes sinners holy, 00:31:33.680 --> 00:31:35.360 That the world might know, 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:36.799 That there is a Savior, 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:39.380 Who can redeem any sinner, 00:31:39.920 --> 00:31:41.480 From the most heinous, 00:31:41.620 --> 00:31:43.480 Despicable life imaginable, 00:31:43.920 --> 00:31:44.980 He can take them, 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:46.180 And by His blood alone, 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:48.140 He can wash them clean, 00:31:48.940 --> 00:31:49.920 Transform them, 00:31:49.980 --> 00:31:50.799 A new creation, 00:31:51.319 --> 00:31:53.180 So they might be a living witness, 00:31:53.299 --> 00:31:54.279 To the glory of God, 00:31:54.340 --> 00:31:55.360 And the gospel of Christ, 00:31:55.359 --> 00:31:56.679 So that everyone they knew, 00:31:56.679 --> 00:31:57.019 Would say, 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:57.939 Why don't you, 00:31:57.979 --> 00:31:59.639 You act the way you used to act, 00:32:00.139 --> 00:32:01.199 Why don't you go out with us, 00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:02.399 The way you used to go out with us, 00:32:02.439 --> 00:32:04.119 Why don't you speak the way you used to speak, 00:32:04.339 --> 00:32:06.199 And you have an opportunity to say, 00:32:06.539 --> 00:32:08.759 God has washed me clean, 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.759 By the blood of Jesus, 00:32:10.639 --> 00:32:11.740 Nothing in me, 00:32:12.419 --> 00:32:13.500 I didn't up and decide, 00:32:13.579 --> 00:32:14.619 To be a better man today, 00:32:15.179 --> 00:32:16.819 The Lord has saved me, 00:32:16.879 --> 00:32:17.859 By His grace, 00:32:17.859 --> 00:32:21.619 Church, 00:32:21.659 --> 00:32:23.500 Are you prepared to make that answer, 00:32:23.639 --> 00:32:24.339 When you're asked, 00:32:24.439 --> 00:32:25.059 What's wrong with you? 00:32:28.459 --> 00:32:30.679 Jesus wants us to be different, 00:32:30.919 --> 00:32:33.419 Christ came to save us, 00:32:33.479 --> 00:32:35.740 And to sanctify us, 00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:36.079 Church, 00:32:36.319 --> 00:32:39.059 This is what Jesus wants for you, 00:32:39.740 --> 00:32:42.179 This is what Jesus wants, 00:32:42.679 --> 00:32:43.500 For His people, 00:32:43.599 --> 00:32:44.639 And I'll simply ask you, 00:32:44.979 --> 00:32:46.579 Again as we close this morning, 00:32:46.579 --> 00:32:49.019 Is this what you want for yourself? 00:32:52.339 --> 00:32:54.419 Are you praying, 00:32:55.419 --> 00:32:57.299 And asking the Lord, 00:32:58.019 --> 00:32:58.720 God would you, 00:32:58.839 --> 00:33:00.859 Would you keep me in your name? 00:33:01.779 --> 00:33:04.139 God would you strengthen my faith today? 00:33:04.919 --> 00:33:06.619 God would you point my eyes again, 00:33:06.919 --> 00:33:07.460 And again, 00:33:07.679 --> 00:33:08.359 And again, 00:33:08.579 --> 00:33:10.179 And again to the cross of Christ, 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.439 Because I am distracted, 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:12.279 And lured away, 00:33:12.399 --> 00:33:13.119 Prone to wonder, 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:13.859 Lord I feel it, 00:33:13.899 --> 00:33:15.699 Would you keep me in your name? 00:33:15.759 --> 00:33:16.559 Are you asking, 00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:17.460 Are you asking Him for that? 00:33:19.039 --> 00:33:20.179 Are you asking Him, 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:21.559 To unite your hearts, 00:33:21.619 --> 00:33:22.599 With your brothers and sisters, 00:33:22.699 --> 00:33:23.559 And your church family? 00:33:24.740 --> 00:33:26.339 To knit your hearts together, 00:33:26.339 --> 00:33:27.019 In love? 00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:28.119 Are you asking, 00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:29.519 Not just for an individual, 00:33:29.519 --> 00:33:30.839 Relationship with God, 00:33:30.939 --> 00:33:32.379 But for a fellowship, 00:33:32.579 --> 00:33:33.279 With other believers, 00:33:33.439 --> 00:33:34.599 Who will hold you, 00:33:34.879 --> 00:33:36.460 And carry you safely home? 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:38.480 Are you asking, 00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:39.579 That you might know, 00:33:39.579 --> 00:33:41.399 Know the joy of the Lord, 00:33:42.259 --> 00:33:42.939 That you might, 00:33:43.039 --> 00:33:44.359 Might understand the joy, 00:33:44.460 --> 00:33:45.960 That comes from being saved, 00:33:46.960 --> 00:33:48.279 Are you asking, 00:33:48.639 --> 00:33:48.839 Friend, 00:33:48.919 --> 00:33:49.179 Are you, 00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:50.799 Are you praying for the protection, 00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:52.720 Of Christ from the evil one? 00:33:52.779 --> 00:33:53.539 Are you asking, 00:33:53.639 --> 00:33:54.220 Are you praying, 00:33:54.319 --> 00:33:54.539 Are you, 00:33:54.720 --> 00:33:56.059 Are you coming to His word, 00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:56.960 That you might be, 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:57.759 Holy? 00:33:57.759 --> 00:34:01.859 Church, 00:34:01.920 --> 00:34:02.460 In just a moment, 00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:02.960 We have, 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.500 The privilege of, 00:34:05.500 --> 00:34:07.259 Of hearing from Bailey, 00:34:08.519 --> 00:34:09.619 Now I want to let that come, 00:34:09.760 --> 00:34:10.420 From his lips, 00:34:10.500 --> 00:34:11.000 Not mine, 00:34:11.079 --> 00:34:12.219 But I want you to understand, 00:34:12.320 --> 00:34:12.940 What we're seeing, 00:34:13.019 --> 00:34:13.639 In baptism, 00:34:14.219 --> 00:34:15.940 Is a living example, 00:34:15.940 --> 00:34:17.139 Of everything we're talking about, 00:34:17.219 --> 00:34:17.619 This morning, 00:34:17.619 --> 00:34:20.500 And as we go to these waters, 00:34:20.579 --> 00:34:21.319 In just a moment, 00:34:21.940 --> 00:34:23.119 I want to encourage you, 00:34:23.199 --> 00:34:24.799 To be praying for Him, 00:34:24.900 --> 00:34:26.440 What Jesus has prayed for His people, 00:34:26.679 --> 00:34:27.380 In this passage, 00:34:28.299 --> 00:34:28.799 Let's pray, 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:29.199 Lord, 00:34:32.559 --> 00:34:33.699 We praise you, 00:34:33.699 --> 00:34:34.920 For the cross of Christ, 00:34:35.779 --> 00:34:36.900 We praise you, 00:34:37.000 --> 00:34:37.599 For the grace, 00:34:37.699 --> 00:34:38.900 Of being called your people, 00:34:39.599 --> 00:34:41.500 We praise you, 00:34:41.579 --> 00:34:42.739 For everything that he's accomplished, 00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:44.679 For us on our behalf, 00:34:44.779 --> 00:34:45.440 We love you, 00:34:45.659 --> 00:34:45.839 Lord, 00:34:45.900 --> 00:34:47.219 We pray that if there are any here, 00:34:47.219 --> 00:34:48.419 Who do not know you, 00:34:48.980 --> 00:34:49.239 God, 00:34:49.279 --> 00:34:50.339 Would you put faith, 00:34:50.379 --> 00:34:51.599 In their hearts right now, 00:34:52.599 --> 00:34:53.599 Draw them to faith, 00:34:53.659 --> 00:34:54.659 In their Messiah, 00:34:55.959 --> 00:34:56.139 Lord, 00:34:56.159 --> 00:34:56.759 Would you bring them, 00:34:56.879 --> 00:34:57.879 Into the people of God, 00:34:58.559 --> 00:34:59.219 And for us, 00:34:59.279 --> 00:34:59.939 The church, 00:35:00.099 --> 00:35:00.279 Lord, 00:35:00.379 --> 00:35:01.759 Those who know you, 00:35:01.819 --> 00:35:02.519 We pray God, 00:35:02.519 --> 00:35:03.439 That you would take, 00:35:03.539 --> 00:35:05.139 Everything Christ has accomplished, 00:35:05.319 --> 00:35:06.739 And apply it to our hearts, 00:35:06.839 --> 00:35:07.359 By faith, 00:35:07.439 --> 00:35:08.399 We ask in Jesus name, 00:35:09.459 --> 00:35:09.759 Amen.