WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.520 Good morning. So we have reached the Advent theme of love. 00:00:06.719 --> 00:00:12.519 We've had three weeks of lighting candles. We have sang so many Christmas songs. 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:17.600 ! We've probably seen so many Christmas lights. We've probably gone to a number of Christmas parties. 00:00:18.559 --> 00:00:24.839 I woke up this morning to text from three different guys of just explaining some hard things that 00:00:24.839 --> 00:00:32.200 happened at Christmas gatherings. And so whether we're coming this morning with joy, with excitement 00:00:32.200 --> 00:00:40.539 of what this season is, what it means, or whether we're coming with just feelings of difficulty and 00:00:40.539 --> 00:00:46.700 tough things going on, I just hope in this time and I pray in this time that we're able to give 00:00:46.700 --> 00:00:52.340 some good focus to God's Word and to the Spirit working in our hearts this morning. So if y'all 00:00:52.340 --> 00:00:57.480 will, go ahead and turn with me to John chapter 15. John chapter 15. 00:01:05.100 --> 00:01:08.740 We're going to look at a number of texts this morning, but this one will be the main one we 00:01:08.740 --> 00:01:15.000 start with and the main one we end with. We're just going to look at a couple of verses here 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:25.040 to begin with, and those are verses 12 and 13. Verses 12 and 13 of John chapter 15. Let's go ahead 00:01:25.040 --> 00:01:31.879 and read it. This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has 00:01:31.879 --> 00:01:38.460 no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. So that's our text this morning, a very 00:01:38.459 --> 00:01:45.439 short one, but an incredibly weighty one. Now let me give you a little bit of the context here, and 00:01:45.439 --> 00:01:51.659 then we'll read that text one more time with that context in mind. So here Jesus has been speaking a 00:01:51.659 --> 00:01:57.439 lot of rather intense words to his disciples. This section of scripture, looking back a couple 00:01:57.439 --> 00:02:03.679 chapters up till here, is often called the farewell disclosure. Jesus is speaking important words to his 00:02:03.680 --> 00:02:10.260 disciples. Now that he's been fully rejected by the Jews, his crucifixion is coming soon. And so he 00:02:10.260 --> 00:02:15.080 seems to be wanting to give full attention to them right now and build them up for what is coming soon. 00:02:15.560 --> 00:02:22.659 His death, his resurrection, his ascension. Back in chapter 13, we have Jesus washing his disciples' feet 00:02:22.659 --> 00:02:28.860 and then stating that one of them there would eventually betray him. And then we have one of those very 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:35.560 strong claims that he makes that he is the way, the truth, and the life, that no one can truly come to 00:02:35.560 --> 00:02:42.860 the Father except through him. And then midway through chapter 14, Jesus begins making it so, so clear 00:02:42.860 --> 00:02:49.520 that he is soon to be going to the Father. Look at John 14 just for a moment. Let's look at verses 15 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:54.260 through 21. It says there, 00:02:54.340 --> 00:02:59.280 If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper 00:02:59.280 --> 00:03:04.460 to be with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither 00:03:04.460 --> 00:03:11.360 sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:16.680 orphans. I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. 00:03:16.680 --> 00:03:24.379 Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 00:03:25.200 --> 00:03:31.200 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, 00:03:31.560 --> 00:03:34.439 and I will love him and manifest myself to him. 00:03:35.500 --> 00:03:42.100 I read all that this morning to show that this is a very changing time for the disciples. The Lord is explaining 00:03:42.099 --> 00:03:46.099 so much to them that he will soon no longer be with them 00:03:46.099 --> 00:03:49.560 physically, but the Spirit will come and dwell in them. 00:03:50.639 --> 00:03:55.219 And so then moving into chapter 15, where our verses that we just read a minute ago are, 00:03:55.859 --> 00:03:59.659 we see the comparison of Christ being the vine and we the branches. 00:03:59.659 --> 00:04:04.219 The branches either bear fruit, those are the true believers, or they don't bear fruit, 00:04:04.319 --> 00:04:07.479 they're cast aside, they're not real believers at all. 00:04:07.479 --> 00:04:13.399 And then the Lord hones in on what the best representation of truly bearing fruit is. 00:04:14.659 --> 00:04:16.800 That's our text this morning, verse 12 and 13 again. 00:04:16.939 --> 00:04:21.019 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:26.639 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 00:04:27.420 --> 00:04:31.000 So the Lord's commandment to his disciples here is that they would love one another, 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:37.439 but not just love one another, but love as he has loved them and as he has loved us. 00:04:38.540 --> 00:04:41.579 And then the Lord explains that love, that greater love has no one than this, 00:04:41.660 --> 00:04:43.500 that someone lay down his life for his friends. 00:04:44.259 --> 00:04:46.220 This is the love that we are called to give. 00:04:46.680 --> 00:04:52.180 And I'm hoping all of us at this point are beginning to realize how intense that is. 00:04:53.579 --> 00:04:55.660 But we see that command throughout all of Scripture. 00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:59.160 You might be thinking of all kinds of texts that sound super similar to that one. 00:04:59.160 --> 00:05:05.300 Even a couple chapters earlier in the same section, in chapter 13, verses 34 and 35, 00:05:06.180 --> 00:05:06.700 Jesus says, 00:05:06.820 --> 00:05:09.460 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. 00:05:09.660 --> 00:05:12.540 Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:18.100 By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:25.140 Notice that emphasis there as well, that we will be known by our love for one another. 00:05:25.139 --> 00:05:32.939 And so with all that in mind, I want us to note now that the Lord simply is just calling us to show love 00:05:32.939 --> 00:05:38.680 in a really intense form of love, the same that he has shown to us. 00:05:39.800 --> 00:05:44.979 So this morning I want to talk about that love, and then I want to talk about how we can express that love. 00:05:45.019 --> 00:05:47.139 And I'm going to break that down into five points. 00:05:47.139 --> 00:05:48.459 So five points. 00:05:49.579 --> 00:05:52.479 They are the Advent love expressed in Christ's birth. 00:05:53.879 --> 00:05:55.959 That's the Advent love expressed in Christ's birth. 00:05:56.539 --> 00:05:59.259 The Advent love expressed in Christ's life. 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:02.800 The Advent love expressed in Christ's death. 00:06:04.099 --> 00:06:06.419 The Advent love expressed in Christ's resurrection. 00:06:07.240 --> 00:06:09.699 And the Advent love we should express. 00:06:09.919 --> 00:06:12.699 I thought Nathan had stolen my notes this morning in the opening. 00:06:13.039 --> 00:06:13.620 I was like, wow. 00:06:14.259 --> 00:06:15.079 That was great. 00:06:15.079 --> 00:06:21.939 Now, I don't intend this sermon at all to be exhaustive on any of these points. 00:06:22.159 --> 00:06:27.399 As I wrote it, I ended up thinking of more and more and more and more scriptures that we could pull from. 00:06:27.479 --> 00:06:31.240 And I think we'll all feel a little bit by the end that we've been all over the New Testament. 00:06:33.139 --> 00:06:39.299 I think it's impossible to unpack all of those and see all of the Lord's love for us. 00:06:39.300 --> 00:06:44.180 It's the hymn that I grew up singing this hymn a lot called The Love of God, where it says, 00:06:44.259 --> 00:06:47.960 The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. 00:06:48.900 --> 00:06:49.780 And another verse that says, 00:06:49.879 --> 00:06:53.520 Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made? 00:06:53.939 --> 00:06:57.879 Were every stock on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade? 00:06:58.319 --> 00:07:01.160 To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, 00:07:01.620 --> 00:07:05.400 nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky. 00:07:05.399 --> 00:07:07.139 I think that rings so true. 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:12.259 We cannot fully comprehend, we cannot fully explain the love of God, 00:07:12.419 --> 00:07:14.579 but let's savor it a little bit this morning. 00:07:14.779 --> 00:07:20.159 Let's jump in a little bit and let's go ahead and start with the Advent love expressed in Christ's birth. 00:07:21.139 --> 00:07:23.939 I think initially, and I think rightfully so, 00:07:24.359 --> 00:07:28.599 we tend to think of God's love most as expressed in the cross. 00:07:29.219 --> 00:07:32.019 I think that's a good thing, that that's what we think of first. 00:07:32.019 --> 00:07:36.759 Even by our text this morning, we know that that is the greatest love that can be shown, 00:07:36.859 --> 00:07:39.500 that someone give up their life for their friends. 00:07:40.039 --> 00:07:46.740 But I think it's going to be helpful this morning for us to think about all of those aspects of the Lord's incarnation 00:07:46.740 --> 00:07:50.159 and how they show his love, especially since at Christmas time, 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:54.799 what we particularly tend to focus on is the coming of Christ as a baby. 00:07:55.819 --> 00:07:57.139 Now let's think about the birth for a moment. 00:07:57.139 --> 00:08:00.779 I think we immediately are drawn to think of animals, 00:08:01.180 --> 00:08:04.259 to think of shepherds, to think of wise men, 00:08:04.519 --> 00:08:06.680 think of people coming to visit, bringing gifts. 00:08:07.399 --> 00:08:10.919 Even as Jesus being laid in a manger because there was not room for them, 00:08:11.719 --> 00:08:15.620 in the end that Jesus' parents were truly staying in an area that was meant for animals 00:08:15.620 --> 00:08:18.979 because there was no other space because everyone had come to be taxed. 00:08:19.019 --> 00:08:21.959 And I think that all is good, that our minds are drawn there. 00:08:21.959 --> 00:08:26.639 We do truly see the love of God in Jesus' humble birth. 00:08:26.839 --> 00:08:29.279 I think so many of our songs capture this particularly. 00:08:29.899 --> 00:08:31.979 Think about what child is this, where we sing, 00:08:32.539 --> 00:08:36.659 Why lies he in such mean a state where ox and lamb are feeding? 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:40.939 Or even in the new song, I think it was last week that we did, 00:08:41.600 --> 00:08:42.480 Joy Has Dawned. 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:43.860 Let me read those lyrics to you. 00:08:43.860 --> 00:08:48.419 Joy has dawned upon the world, promised from creation. 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:52.659 God's salvation now unfurled, hope for every nation. 00:08:53.300 --> 00:08:56.860 Not with fanfares from above, not with scenes of glory, 00:08:57.320 --> 00:09:00.139 but a humble gift of love, Jesus born of Mary. 00:09:01.159 --> 00:09:04.220 Sounds of wonder fill the sky with the songs of angels, 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:07.500 as the mighty prince of life shelters in a stable. 00:09:08.279 --> 00:09:11.200 Hands that set each star in place shape the earth in darkness, 00:09:11.200 --> 00:09:14.220 Cling now to a mother's breast, vulnerable and helpless. 00:09:15.200 --> 00:09:17.860 Shepherds bow before the lamb, gazing at the glory. 00:09:18.600 --> 00:09:21.440 Gifts of men from distant lands prophesy the story. 00:09:22.020 --> 00:09:23.480 Gold, a king is born today. 00:09:23.660 --> 00:09:25.000 Incense, God is with us. 00:09:25.600 --> 00:09:29.520 Myrrh, his death will make a way, and by his blood, he will win us. 00:09:30.140 --> 00:09:33.000 Son of Adam, son of heaven, given as a ransom. 00:09:34.020 --> 00:09:37.080 Reconciling God and man, Christ our mighty champion. 00:09:37.759 --> 00:09:40.379 What a savior, what a friend, what a glorious mystery. 00:09:40.379 --> 00:09:43.899 Once a babe in Bethlehem, now the Lord of history. 00:09:46.080 --> 00:09:51.620 So yes, this Lord of eternity, this Lord of history, he was born as a baby. 00:09:51.860 --> 00:09:55.460 An actual baby, just like many of those that are in the room now. 00:09:55.600 --> 00:09:57.939 So vulnerable, so helpless. 00:09:58.340 --> 00:10:02.480 Not born with heavenly fanfare and glory, as the song just expressed. 00:10:03.320 --> 00:10:05.820 But instead, born helpless and stable. 00:10:05.820 --> 00:10:08.520 Because the town didn't have room for him. 00:10:09.320 --> 00:10:12.100 Now these were certainly humble circumstances physically. 00:10:12.780 --> 00:10:14.780 I think that is definitely true. 00:10:15.440 --> 00:10:20.320 Whether we picture a birth at home or in a hospital, this was neither of those things. 00:10:20.400 --> 00:10:21.420 I think that is clear. 00:10:21.800 --> 00:10:22.960 Not what we would picture. 00:10:23.720 --> 00:10:28.879 But I want us to think more about the spiritual humbling that the Lord was going through here. 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:30.600 Y'all turn with me to Philippians 2. 00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:31.759 Philippians 2. 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:43.700 Here in Philippians 2, we're going to read the first 11 verses. 00:10:47.840 --> 00:10:51.600 Familiar passage, but maybe not as familiar in this context. 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:54.139 Let's read the first 11 verses here. 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:54.440 It says, 00:10:54.440 --> 00:11:02.139 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 00:11:02.680 --> 00:11:08.139 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 00:11:08.540 --> 00:11:14.480 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 00:11:15.220 --> 00:11:19.519 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 00:11:19.519 --> 00:11:28.019 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:32.559 but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 00:11:33.139 --> 00:11:39.039 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:44.139 Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 00:11:44.139 --> 00:11:49.519 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:54.779 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 00:11:55.980 --> 00:12:03.179 So Paul's aim here in this text is to encourage believers here to share in affection and sympathy and love. 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:09.340 He's encouraging them to truly embrace and express that unity they have as believers in our Lord. 00:12:09.340 --> 00:12:11.320 So that's the drive of this text. 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:16.440 But what I want to note here is the reason he is giving for that. 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:24.060 He's saying that this mindset is ours in Christ Jesus, and then he expresses how Christ displayed the mindset himself. 00:12:24.860 --> 00:12:27.100 Let's look at verses 5 through 7 one more time. 00:12:27.100 --> 00:12:49.279 Again, we see the Lord of the universe choosing not to consider what was true of him for a time, 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:54.700 choosing to set it aside, not counting equality with God a thing to even be grasped. 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:56.840 And so he emptied himself of that. 00:12:57.040 --> 00:13:00.879 He was born in the form of a servant, born in the likeness of men, 00:13:01.780 --> 00:13:06.020 setting aside that position he had with being with the Father from all eternity past. 00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:11.720 This Lord of the universe choosing to be born as the most helpless form of a human. 00:13:12.360 --> 00:13:17.060 He didn't show up here as an adult, just ready to conquer the earth. 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:20.240 He showed up as a baby, totally helpless. 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:31.600 So this Lord who created everything we know, chose to humble himself, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:13:31.680 --> 00:13:33.720 and was born here as a baby. 00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:35.820 Such great love for us in that. 00:13:36.659 --> 00:13:37.460 Now let's go to point two. 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:40.840 The Advent love expressed in Christ's life. 00:13:41.320 --> 00:13:43.720 The Advent love expressed in Christ's life. 00:13:43.720 --> 00:13:52.320 I think this is a point that at times can be a bit overlooked, overshadowed by either the birth or the death. 00:13:52.800 --> 00:13:57.600 But I think it's important for us to think about the love that he showed throughout his life. 00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:05.300 Firstly, let's think about what it really meant to be walking into this world becoming fully man. 00:14:05.860 --> 00:14:10.600 Yes, he was 100% still Lord of the universe, but he was also 100% a man. 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:14.899 I think when we were back in studying Hebrews a couple years ago, I guess, 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:19.159 this hit me pretty hard in Hebrews 4, verses 14 through 16, where it said, 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:24.680 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. 00:14:25.040 --> 00:14:26.680 Let us hold fast our confession. 00:14:27.259 --> 00:14:30.840 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, 00:14:31.200 --> 00:14:36.040 but one who is in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 00:14:36.039 --> 00:14:40.079 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, 00:14:40.179 --> 00:14:44.659 that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:47.159 Our Lord understands. 00:14:48.179 --> 00:14:53.439 It says here that we have a high priest who is completely able to sympathize with our weaknesses. 00:14:54.019 --> 00:14:57.240 It's not as if our Lord is up in the heavens looking down and saying, 00:14:57.759 --> 00:15:01.000 Oh my goodness, why are they still struggling with sin? 00:15:01.059 --> 00:15:01.879 That is so dumb. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:04.079 Think about everything I've done for them and they're still struggling. 00:15:04.080 --> 00:15:07.639 That's not the mindset that the Lord has for us. 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.040 Praise the Lord, right? 00:15:10.520 --> 00:15:11.980 That's not what he's doing at all. 00:15:12.900 --> 00:15:19.400 And while we do truly act very terrible, for lack of a better word, 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:24.920 we truly act as dogs returning to their vomit when we return to sin. 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:26.220 The Lord understands. 00:15:26.320 --> 00:15:30.759 He knows our weakness because he has experienced those temptations firsthand. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:32.840 Because he became a human. 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:35.379 But notice, without sin. 00:15:36.419 --> 00:15:40.779 We've likely never even experienced the full amount of temptation that our Lord did. 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:43.299 Because we give in to sin so easily. 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:45.919 We give in to our flesh constantly. 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:48.139 Think about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. 00:15:48.720 --> 00:15:50.559 Go ahead and turn with me again to Matthew 4. 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:51.600 Matthew 4. 00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:54.799 Going to look at his temptation here. 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:55.799 Matthew 4. 00:16:06.079 --> 00:16:06.779 Matthew 4. 00:16:06.859 --> 00:16:07.959 Picking up in verse 1. 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:10.039 Says, 00:16:10.179 --> 00:16:13.979 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:18.179 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:20.479 And the tempter came and said to him, 00:16:20.559 --> 00:16:24.079 If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:25.740 But he answered, 00:16:25.900 --> 00:16:26.400 It is written, 00:16:26.560 --> 00:16:31.120 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. 00:16:32.080 --> 00:16:35.540 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple. 00:16:35.780 --> 00:16:36.400 And said to him, 00:16:36.700 --> 00:16:38.800 If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. 00:16:39.160 --> 00:16:39.740 For it is written, 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:41.660 He will command his angels concerning you. 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:45.879 And on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against the stone. 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:47.820 Jesus said to him, 00:16:48.200 --> 00:16:49.200 Again, it is written, 00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:51.480 You shall not put the Lord your God to the test. 00:16:52.360 --> 00:16:57.019 So again, the devil took him up to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 00:16:57.639 --> 00:16:58.320 And he said to him, 00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:02.120 All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me. 00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:03.800 Then Jesus said to him, 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:04.880 Be gone, Satan, 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.599 For it is written, 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:07.279 You shall worship the Lord your God, 00:17:07.339 --> 00:17:09.440 And him only shall you serve. 00:17:10.079 --> 00:17:11.099 Then the devil left him, 00:17:11.160 --> 00:17:11.519 And behold, 00:17:11.599 --> 00:17:14.180 Angels came and were ministering to him. 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:19.840 Jesus went through the greatest temptation that we could imagine. 00:17:21.120 --> 00:17:22.860 Tempted by the devil himself here, 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:25.000 Not like us just, you know, 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:27.820 Giving in to our own flesh as we so often do. 00:17:28.840 --> 00:17:29.720 And what did he do? 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:34.220 He fought the temptation with bringing to mind scripture after scripture after scripture. 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:40.060 Our Lord did not have to go through this temptation or come and live a life here with all its hardships at all. 00:17:40.700 --> 00:17:41.480 But he did. 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:42.500 He chose to. 00:17:42.500 --> 00:17:43.559 And why is that? 00:17:44.680 --> 00:17:48.559 Because he considered our interests more important than his own. 00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:55.519 The Lord of the universe came to serve rather than to be served because of his great love for us. 00:17:55.700 --> 00:17:57.519 Because he wanted to show it to us. 00:17:57.920 --> 00:18:02.319 To truly love, not just in word, but in deed, in what he did, his work. 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:05.339 And think about his ministry just for a moment. 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:06.779 Our Lord was not popular. 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.680 He didn't hold punches. 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:10.220 He cut right to heart issues. 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:13.259 He cut straight into religious hypocrisy. 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:15.339 And why did he do this? 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:18.220 He did this because he loved us. 00:18:18.539 --> 00:18:20.900 He considered our interests higher than his own. 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:25.799 He cared about us knowing the truth and not just what we'd like to believe about ourselves. 00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:30.360 We know he was eventually accused of blasphemy and condemned. 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:31.539 He was then put to death. 00:18:32.100 --> 00:18:32.839 Death on a cross. 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:34.720 Because of false accusations. 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:36.740 That will get us into our third point. 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:39.940 The advent love expressed in Christ's death. 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:42.700 The advent love expressed in Christ's death. 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:44.500 This is likely to be our longest point. 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:46.200 And I think for good reason. 00:18:47.140 --> 00:18:49.339 Our text this morning, John 15, 13 says, 00:18:49.440 --> 00:18:54.319 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:59.019 Our Lord expresses his love in the greatest way possible. 00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:01.059 By laying down his life for us. 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:06.859 But I want to take a minute and try to remember, why is that so important? 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:15.779 We've got to remember for it to mean anything that we need his death in order to be in right standing with God. 00:19:15.779 --> 00:19:25.940 I think last week our guest preacher, Seth, from Emmanuel Community, did a wonderful job of thinking about people in two groups. 00:19:26.180 --> 00:19:28.160 Thinking about believers in two groups. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:29.220 Of prodigal kids. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:32.700 Those who may have what they consider more of a rough background. 00:19:32.920 --> 00:19:34.339 Or church kids, he called them. 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:38.220 Those who have grown up in the church and have been around the gospel their whole lives. 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:43.920 And I think it's true that those groups do tend to think in different ways at times. 00:19:43.920 --> 00:19:47.920 While the prodigals may seem to struggle with guilt of past sin more. 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:54.539 The church kids may seem to struggle more with needing a reminder that their good deeds don't earn them any favor with God. 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:57.320 And they're just as sinful as anyone else. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.300 We all need the grace of our Lord. 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:09.000 And because we're all sinful, we have to remember that because of that sin, without Christ, we are therefore forever separated from God. 00:20:09.880 --> 00:20:10.400 Forever. 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:10.440 Forever. 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:16.120 Because of God's holiness, he is committed to eradicating sin and making sure sin has just punishment. 00:20:17.280 --> 00:20:21.420 And so because of that, we have no way to be in God's presence. 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:25.860 Because as all humans, we have sinned and are by our own nature sinful. 00:20:26.620 --> 00:20:29.019 So Christ's death is massively important. 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:32.440 To note that a little bit more, let's look at Romans 5. 00:20:32.780 --> 00:20:33.300 Romans 5. 00:20:33.380 --> 00:20:34.019 Y'all turn with me there. 00:20:34.019 --> 00:20:39.000 I warned y'all. 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.660 You're making y'all turn everywhere. 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:44.099 So Romans 5. 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:51.259 I think everybody that preaches an Advent topic is always tempted to use this text a lot. 00:20:51.920 --> 00:20:54.039 Probably the ultimate Advent text. 00:20:54.039 --> 00:20:58.920 I just want to look at verses 6 through 11 here. 00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:01.960 It says, 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:06.140 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:08.819 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person. 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:11.600 Though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die. 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:17.460 But God chose his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 00:21:18.140 --> 00:21:24.799 Since therefore we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:32.720 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more now that we are reconciled shall we be saved by his life. 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:39.720 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 00:21:41.159 --> 00:21:45.759 So looking at the early parts of this text for a minute, we see that Christ died for the ungodly. 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:48.759 Simply those totally unlike God. 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:55.799 Then we see a note that it's rare that someone will even die for someone they consider to be a good person. 00:21:56.740 --> 00:22:01.460 I think a lot of us in here would say that we would die for our family. 00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:03.220 I think a lot of us would say that. 00:22:03.920 --> 00:22:08.720 Those close to us or maybe even someone we know to be a really great person. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:16.940 But realistically, in our hearts, I think that list of people that we would choose to die for is probably relatively small. 00:22:16.940 --> 00:22:20.759 Notice what the text goes on to say. 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:25.259 That the Lord chose his love for us and that he died for us while we were yet sinners. 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:27.580 Not somebody he was close to. 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:31.920 Not someone that he thought would do great things or had already done great things. 00:22:32.380 --> 00:22:34.140 But he died for the ungodly. 00:22:34.880 --> 00:22:38.980 Christ showed his love for us and that while we were still sinners, he died for us. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:42.440 Christ died for people that were dead in their sins, right? 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:43.920 Couldn't do anything but sin. 00:22:43.920 --> 00:22:47.480 We were not a good people to choose to die for. 00:22:48.180 --> 00:22:51.900 And that makes Christ's love so much greater. 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:57.220 When we consider that he died for a people that were dead that he would have to make alive. 00:22:57.480 --> 00:23:00.820 To change our hearts of stone into a heart of flesh. 00:23:01.060 --> 00:23:02.340 To make us new creations. 00:23:03.360 --> 00:23:05.860 Didn't die for perfect, put together Christians. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:08.920 But while we were still sinners. 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:11.940 Praise our Lord for that love. 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:15.380 And let's remember why that death is so important. 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:20.620 It's because it wasn't just a very hard physical death. 00:23:20.779 --> 00:23:22.840 Although it was a very hard physical death. 00:23:22.900 --> 00:23:24.840 Harder than any of us can likely imagine. 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:28.559 But that terrible death that man meant for evil. 00:23:28.700 --> 00:23:31.180 God in his infinite wisdom meant for good. 00:23:31.640 --> 00:23:33.759 When Jesus was dying on that cross. 00:23:33.820 --> 00:23:34.200 And he said, 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:36.440 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:41.299 The Lord was pouring out the wrath that was due our sin. 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.700 That our sins deserved. 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:46.740 Our perfect Savior dying there who had done no wrong, committed no sin. 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:49.539 He suffered the wrath of God for our sin. 00:23:50.420 --> 00:23:54.660 For those of us who have placed our faith in the completed work that the Lord has done. 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:57.680 Jesus said right there as he was dying. 00:23:58.279 --> 00:24:00.420 It is finished. 00:24:01.540 --> 00:24:05.000 We no longer have the wrath of God hanging over us for our sin. 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:07.259 We are forever forgiven. 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:10.200 Because of Jesus' blood shed on our behalf. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.200 Right there. 00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:14.480 We are not justified by anything good we have done. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:17.700 But simply by his blood being shed on our behalf. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:20.740 And that being the punishment for our sin. 00:24:22.079 --> 00:24:24.059 Such great love that he has shown us in his death. 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:25.220 That has made us free. 00:24:25.360 --> 00:24:27.339 Not because of anything good in us. 00:24:27.559 --> 00:24:30.480 But all by his grace in his death. 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:33.220 So our debt is forever paid. 00:24:33.880 --> 00:24:36.220 We no longer suffer the wrath of God. 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.940 Because his punishment. 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:40.640 Our punishment was placed on him. 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:43.860 But I would wager to say this morning. 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:48.519 That we are all here because our Lord didn't stay in the grave. 00:24:49.339 --> 00:24:52.240 If he had stayed we would have truly no hope. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:54.500 And that gets us to number four. 00:24:54.620 --> 00:24:57.079 The advent love expressed in Christ's resurrection. 00:24:57.960 --> 00:25:00.720 The advent love expressed in Christ's resurrection. 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:06.000 So let's read verses 9-11 of Romans 5 one more time. 00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:10.120 It says since therefore we have now been justified by his blood. 00:25:10.640 --> 00:25:13.700 Much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:18.360 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his son. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:23.100 Much more now that we are reconciled shall we be saved by his life. 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:24.799 More than that. 00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:27.559 We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:27.900 --> 00:25:30.319 Through whom we have now received reconciliation. 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:35.700 So yes we have been justified declared righteous before God. 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:37.939 By the Lord shedding his blood on our behalf. 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:38.759 And that's wonderful. 00:25:39.619 --> 00:25:42.200 Now we are saved from the wrath of God. 00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:45.220 Because our Lord took the wrath of God on himself. 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:46.119 There's no more guilt. 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:47.139 No more offense. 00:25:47.679 --> 00:25:49.519 Remember Colossians 2 14 15. 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:50.539 And you who were dead. 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:53.240 And your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. 00:25:53.339 --> 00:25:55.019 God made alive together with him. 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:57.460 Having forgiven us all our trespasses. 00:25:57.579 --> 00:25:59.379 By canceling the record of debt. 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:01.579 That stood against us with its legal demands. 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:02.900 That he set aside. 00:26:03.639 --> 00:26:04.779 Nailing it to the cross. 00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:06.619 He disarmed the rulers and authorities. 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:08.160 And put them to open shame. 00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:10.980 By triumphing over them in him. 00:26:11.579 --> 00:26:13.279 The truth of the gospel in his death. 00:26:13.379 --> 00:26:15.000 Is truly wonderful. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:17.160 That we are fully forgiven. 00:26:17.319 --> 00:26:18.059 That there is no debt. 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:19.700 That there is no more separation. 00:26:20.099 --> 00:26:21.279 That even our current sins. 00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:22.319 Our future sins. 00:26:22.579 --> 00:26:24.420 Are fully forgiven in Christ. 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:29.359 But the resurrection is so important. 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:32.160 Notice what verse 10 is saying. 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:34.160 Now that we are reconciled. 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:38.259 We are truly being and will be saved by his life. 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:41.859 Chapter 5 of Romans continues after this text. 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:42.940 And into 6. 00:26:42.940 --> 00:26:44.680 We don't have time to do all of that today. 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:48.240 But reminding us that Adam our forefather sinned. 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:50.440 And therefore sin passed to all. 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:52.400 And because sin passed to all. 00:26:52.539 --> 00:26:53.519 Death passed to all. 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:55.440 But now in Christ. 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:57.119 We see his act of righteousness. 00:26:57.299 --> 00:26:57.980 On the cross. 00:26:58.279 --> 00:27:00.160 And remember that that gives us his righteousness. 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:01.680 Our sin is placed on him. 00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:03.900 But notice this. 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:04.799 His resurrection. 00:27:05.099 --> 00:27:06.220 That life talked about. 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:08.019 Is also passed to us. 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:11.500 So that now we are no longer dead in our sins. 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:13.240 But alive to God. 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:14.960 Think about what we say. 00:27:15.640 --> 00:27:17.339 Every time there is a baptism. 00:27:18.680 --> 00:27:19.599 We always say. 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:22.099 You have been buried with Christ in baptism. 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.779 As they are coming up we say. 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:25.120 And now raised to walk. 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:27.339 In newness of life. 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:30.220 Think about how rich. 00:27:30.519 --> 00:27:32.099 How sweet that picture is. 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:34.279 When we remember what it is picturing. 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:36.000 Christ's death. 00:27:36.120 --> 00:27:36.680 His burial. 00:27:37.359 --> 00:27:38.079 His resurrection. 00:27:38.079 --> 00:27:39.799 Because of Christ's life. 00:27:39.899 --> 00:27:41.079 We now have the ability. 00:27:41.079 --> 00:27:41.879 To walk. 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:43.419 In newness of life. 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:44.599 Romans 6. 00:27:44.720 --> 00:27:45.859 Really gets into this. 00:27:45.939 --> 00:27:47.199 And I encourage y'all to read that. 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:47.919 Later on. 00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:50.339 Follow that flow in it. 00:27:50.419 --> 00:27:50.919 But it's clear. 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:52.599 That we now have the ability. 00:27:52.599 --> 00:27:53.639 To be new creatures. 00:27:53.639 --> 00:27:54.980 And truly are. 00:27:55.259 --> 00:27:55.699 New creatures. 00:27:55.699 --> 00:27:56.539 With new natures. 00:27:56.679 --> 00:27:58.259 Because of Christ's life. 00:27:58.259 --> 00:28:01.619 But I want us to be real with ourselves. 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:03.000 Here for a minute. 00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:05.339 We don't always walk. 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:07.180 In this new nature. 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:08.640 The freedom from sin. 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:10.720 We don't always walk. 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.940 In that newness of life. 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:13.960 That the Lord is empowering us to have. 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:16.619 We struggle with what we often call. 00:28:16.700 --> 00:28:17.359 The old man. 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:18.799 Or the indwelling sin. 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:20.599 We must battle against our flesh. 00:28:21.420 --> 00:28:21.900 Constantly. 00:28:23.339 --> 00:28:25.200 And I want us to think for a minute. 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:27.160 About the Lord's perspective. 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:28.119 On that. 00:28:28.619 --> 00:28:29.220 Think about. 00:28:29.539 --> 00:28:30.400 What the Lord has done. 00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:31.259 The Lord ransomed. 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:32.160 A people. 00:28:32.619 --> 00:28:33.480 Took the wrath of God. 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:34.960 For that broken people. 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:37.279 Made them have right standing with God. 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:39.079 Even gave them a new nature. 00:28:39.079 --> 00:28:39.700 By the spirit. 00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:41.200 So that they could truly choose. 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:42.700 To actively follow him. 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:44.900 And what do these people. 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:46.559 That were before. 00:28:46.879 --> 00:28:48.099 Destined for eternal punishment. 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:48.960 Without any hope. 00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:49.519 And now. 00:28:49.819 --> 00:28:50.859 Have a perfect hope. 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:51.420 In the Lord. 00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:52.059 A new nature. 00:28:52.180 --> 00:28:52.960 What do they do? 00:28:54.660 --> 00:28:55.980 They still struggle with sin. 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:58.160 They still. 00:28:58.160 --> 00:28:59.980 Want to run back to their own vomit. 00:29:01.560 --> 00:29:02.920 But what does our Lord do. 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:03.600 By the spirit. 00:29:03.940 --> 00:29:04.820 He promises that. 00:29:05.060 --> 00:29:06.420 He will bring us to completion. 00:29:06.640 --> 00:29:08.420 He will work that sanctification in it. 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:09.860 He doesn't hold our sin. 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:10.779 Against us. 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.400 Even the sin. 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:12.240 We struggle with. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:12.240 00:29:12.580 --> 00:29:13.000 Now. 00:29:13.840 --> 00:29:14.580 But he has. 00:29:14.800 --> 00:29:15.960 Unending patience. 00:29:16.300 --> 00:29:17.920 We will be saved by his life. 00:29:18.080 --> 00:29:18.840 We are adopted. 00:29:19.040 --> 00:29:20.620 We will be fully sanctified. 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.400 We will one day. 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.180 Be glorified. 00:29:23.820 --> 00:29:24.340 Even. 00:29:24.500 --> 00:29:25.400 As we struggle. 00:29:25.780 --> 00:29:27.220 The Lord is continuing. 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:28.100 The work. 00:29:28.300 --> 00:29:28.780 In us. 00:29:28.880 --> 00:29:29.800 In his resurrection. 00:29:29.800 --> 00:29:31.259 We have that new nature. 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:32.880 We have that new life. 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:34.400 And even as we struggle. 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:35.140 He will not. 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:35.940 Give up. 00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:37.100 On the good work. 00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:37.920 That he has begun. 00:29:37.920 --> 00:29:38.380 In us. 00:29:39.380 --> 00:29:40.620 We have been loved so well. 00:29:40.740 --> 00:29:41.460 By our Lord. 00:29:41.560 --> 00:29:42.700 In his birth. 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:43.759 In his life. 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.920 In his death. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:45.820 And in his resurrection. 00:29:46.200 --> 00:29:47.300 And how do we respond? 00:29:47.460 --> 00:29:48.580 This will get us to number five. 00:29:49.300 --> 00:29:49.960 Last point. 00:29:51.080 --> 00:29:52.240 The advent love. 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.640 We should express. 00:29:54.000 --> 00:29:55.620 It is the advent love. 00:29:55.820 --> 00:29:57.000 That we should express. 00:29:57.000 --> 00:30:00.019 So we have been all over the place. 00:30:00.119 --> 00:30:00.440 This morning. 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:02.039 But I want us to get back. 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:03.019 To John 15. 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:05.039 I am going to read. 00:30:05.059 --> 00:30:05.740 Read the text. 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.599 We started with. 00:30:06.660 --> 00:30:07.200 One more time. 00:30:08.140 --> 00:30:09.000 John 15. 00:30:09.079 --> 00:30:09.940 Verses 12. 00:30:10.039 --> 00:30:10.640 And 13. 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:13.259 Says. 00:30:13.380 --> 00:30:14.500 This is my commandment. 00:30:14.579 --> 00:30:15.799 That you love one another. 00:30:15.799 --> 00:30:17.039 As I have loved you. 00:30:17.700 --> 00:30:18.339 Greater love. 00:30:18.339 --> 00:30:19.480 Has no one than this. 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:20.980 That someone lay down his life. 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:22.500 For his friends. 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:24.940 I am hoping this morning. 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:25.960 As we have gone around. 00:30:25.960 --> 00:30:26.559 And around. 00:30:26.740 --> 00:30:27.319 And thought about. 00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:28.380 The Lord's love for us. 00:30:28.420 --> 00:30:29.160 That we have all experienced. 00:30:29.160 --> 00:30:29.720 Some joy. 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.539 As we remember. 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:32.240 That love. 00:30:32.980 --> 00:30:33.740 I think this sermon. 00:30:33.740 --> 00:30:34.259 Has been one. 00:30:34.340 --> 00:30:35.840 That I have been most excited. 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:37.299 To prepare for. 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:37.799 And preach. 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:38.480 Because I think the Lord. 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.340 Has been reminding me. 00:30:39.400 --> 00:30:40.420 So much of his love. 00:30:41.059 --> 00:30:42.100 In my preparation. 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:43.660 Jordan Bell and I. 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.960 Are in a core group together. 00:30:45.079 --> 00:30:46.380 And Jordan on Wednesday night. 00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:47.019 Prayed for me. 00:30:47.120 --> 00:30:47.740 That I would. 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:48.940 Experience. 00:30:49.140 --> 00:30:49.840 The love of God. 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:50.279 This week. 00:30:50.380 --> 00:30:51.039 In my preparation. 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:51.759 And I think the Lord. 00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:52.620 Answered that. 00:30:52.700 --> 00:30:53.240 So thank you. 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:55.340 And. 00:30:55.960 --> 00:30:57.240 I hope we've all been reminded. 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:57.640 A bit. 00:30:58.039 --> 00:30:59.420 But I also hope. 00:30:59.559 --> 00:31:01.140 That a bit of the weight. 00:31:01.140 --> 00:31:02.740 Has started to set in. 00:31:03.440 --> 00:31:04.259 Because notice. 00:31:04.259 --> 00:31:04.960 What the Lord. 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.640 Has commanded. 00:31:07.120 --> 00:31:08.299 That we love one another. 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:09.680 With the same love. 00:31:09.840 --> 00:31:11.500 That he has shown to us. 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:13.740 Remember that love. 00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:14.620 That we have just spent. 00:31:14.620 --> 00:31:15.400 So much time. 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:15.980 Thinking about. 00:31:16.160 --> 00:31:17.220 How wonderful it is. 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:19.720 That's the same love. 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:20.380 That we are called. 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:21.319 To express. 00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:24.379 Our high expectations. 00:31:25.059 --> 00:31:25.839 We are called. 00:31:25.919 --> 00:31:26.759 To even lay down. 00:31:26.919 --> 00:31:27.519 Our life. 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.980 For the sake of each other. 00:31:30.279 --> 00:31:31.220 This is what we are. 00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:32.299 To be known for. 00:31:32.539 --> 00:31:33.220 As Christians. 00:31:33.399 --> 00:31:34.720 As John 13 expressed. 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:35.599 It's a love. 00:31:35.679 --> 00:31:36.259 That we have. 00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:37.159 For one another. 00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:38.899 To consider others. 00:31:39.000 --> 00:31:39.899 Interest above our own. 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:40.419 To truly. 00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:41.559 Always have the mindset. 00:31:41.559 --> 00:31:42.720 Of seeking to serve. 00:31:42.819 --> 00:31:44.019 Rather than to be served. 00:31:44.480 --> 00:31:45.119 To forgive. 00:31:45.200 --> 00:31:46.039 As he is forgiven. 00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:46.619 And remember. 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:47.619 What he has forgiven. 00:31:47.700 --> 00:31:48.559 Even for yourself. 00:31:48.559 --> 00:31:50.299 To forgive. 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.919 When it's hard. 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.819 When we have suffered. 00:31:51.980 --> 00:31:53.059 Because of the sin. 00:31:53.319 --> 00:31:53.679 Expressed. 00:31:54.559 --> 00:31:55.700 To still truly. 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:56.519 Seek to forgive. 00:31:57.759 --> 00:31:58.319 Our Lord. 00:31:58.379 --> 00:31:59.079 Did this perfectly. 00:31:59.879 --> 00:32:00.440 And I would like. 00:32:00.440 --> 00:32:01.019 To remind us. 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:01.700 That the Lord. 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:02.460 Will give us. 00:32:02.460 --> 00:32:02.960 The strength. 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:03.419 To do. 00:32:03.539 --> 00:32:04.759 Whatever he calls us to. 00:32:06.200 --> 00:32:07.220 Going back to James. 00:32:07.220 --> 00:32:07.700 For a minute. 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:08.519 If we lack. 00:32:08.599 --> 00:32:08.960 Wisdom. 00:32:08.960 --> 00:32:09.740 On how to do. 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:10.579 Something like this. 00:32:10.859 --> 00:32:11.539 We're to ask. 00:32:11.619 --> 00:32:12.339 And he will give it. 00:32:12.399 --> 00:32:12.559 Right. 00:32:12.599 --> 00:32:13.240 He will give. 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.359 That wisdom. 00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:16.019 So let's truly. 00:32:16.119 --> 00:32:16.859 Seek to love. 00:32:16.940 --> 00:32:17.539 As he is loved. 00:32:17.599 --> 00:32:18.319 To forgive. 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:19.799 As he is forgiven. 00:32:19.919 --> 00:32:20.399 To forgive. 00:32:20.399 --> 00:32:21.500 Without keeping a record. 00:32:21.519 --> 00:32:22.319 Of the wrongs. 00:32:23.319 --> 00:32:24.159 To always seek. 00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:24.619 To serve. 00:32:24.639 --> 00:32:25.619 Rather than to be served. 00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:26.619 And even to be willing. 00:32:26.619 --> 00:32:28.059 To give up our own life. 00:32:28.679 --> 00:32:29.779 For the sake of others. 00:32:30.659 --> 00:32:31.240 So let's pray. 00:32:31.240 --> 00:32:31.240