WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:07.259 Lord, I know I'm a stranger here, and that's okay. 00:00:09.300 --> 00:00:12.060 We come under your family name. 00:00:14.880 --> 00:00:17.600 Jesus, you have brought us into a fold. 00:00:19.539 --> 00:00:24.140 We're with legitimacy and full hearts. 00:00:24.280 --> 00:00:25.660 We can call God our Father. 00:00:25.660 --> 00:00:35.759 We can live under his love and his acceptance and build our whole lives here. 00:00:37.039 --> 00:00:39.439 Lord, be with us tonight in your word. 00:00:40.320 --> 00:00:41.659 Lord, some of my friends are tired. 00:00:41.760 --> 00:00:47.799 Some of my friends have more going on than I'm able to know about, but we pray by your Holy Spirit, 00:00:47.960 --> 00:00:54.379 you would be causing your word to rest on us and have its good way among us. 00:00:54.380 --> 00:01:00.179 We ask that that would happen in a full measure because of your faithfulness. 00:01:00.740 --> 00:01:03.900 In Jesus' name, so be it. 00:01:05.180 --> 00:01:06.560 So, Sean's right. 00:01:08.540 --> 00:01:15.300 I want to talk about love and truth, and I see the graphic that you guys have prepared here. 00:01:16.180 --> 00:01:17.800 This would make a great tattoo. 00:01:17.799 --> 00:01:22.539 But there's a sub, and I'm not dissing the person that made this. 00:01:22.579 --> 00:01:23.179 This is good. 00:01:25.239 --> 00:01:31.259 I want to talk this whole retreat, if this were kind of the roof over what we're doing, 00:01:31.759 --> 00:01:37.140 is the life and warmth of love and truth. 00:01:37.819 --> 00:01:40.039 It's not just these two conceptually. 00:01:40.040 --> 00:01:47.219 It's the life and the warmth we draw by understanding how they work out in our hearts, 00:01:47.800 --> 00:01:53.560 how they work out in our convictions, and how they work out in community among us. 00:01:54.340 --> 00:01:58.740 I love the little letters of 2 and 3 John. 00:01:58.840 --> 00:02:02.240 They're two of the smallest letters in the whole New Testament. 00:02:02.920 --> 00:02:05.560 But there is such a way about them. 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:13.920 And when we read from the Apostle John, we're going to pick up on the inevitable life and warmth 00:02:13.920 --> 00:02:16.400 that comes from love and truth. 00:02:16.759 --> 00:02:18.819 But I want to make some new friends. 00:02:18.900 --> 00:02:22.640 I don't have enough for everyone, but I have some illustrated scripture journals 00:02:22.640 --> 00:02:24.860 that go through John's letters. 00:02:25.900 --> 00:02:28.759 This person had like a reaction back here. 00:02:28.840 --> 00:02:31.319 So I have to make sure that you get one. 00:02:31.980 --> 00:02:34.900 But who else would benefit from one of these? 00:02:35.560 --> 00:02:40.199 I'm going to do a little throwing. 00:02:40.379 --> 00:02:42.580 I'm going to trust your dexterity here. 00:02:43.960 --> 00:02:47.560 Okay, I'm not going to just cherry up on this side. 00:02:47.640 --> 00:02:48.719 I'll make my way around. 00:02:48.840 --> 00:02:49.680 Oh yeah, I got you. 00:02:50.699 --> 00:02:51.620 There's still some more. 00:02:52.780 --> 00:02:53.699 People are fear. 00:02:53.780 --> 00:02:55.199 I see that humility there. 00:02:55.280 --> 00:02:56.580 You're like, I want to get it in. 00:02:56.939 --> 00:02:57.699 All right, you ready? 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:00.640 Oh, oh, that was there. 00:03:00.640 --> 00:03:01.580 That was a double. 00:03:02.460 --> 00:03:03.759 Okay, you're good. 00:03:05.560 --> 00:03:06.020 What's up? 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:10.199 You're trying to steal her blessing, man. 00:03:12.060 --> 00:03:13.099 I'm not charismatic. 00:03:13.539 --> 00:03:14.420 That would scare you. 00:03:20.879 --> 00:03:22.879 Oh, oh yeah, I see it. 00:03:22.900 --> 00:03:23.640 Let's do this. 00:03:24.300 --> 00:03:25.480 Oh, touchdown. 00:03:25.480 --> 00:03:25.879 Touchdown. 00:03:28.020 --> 00:03:29.420 How did I miss my guy? 00:03:29.640 --> 00:03:31.480 I wouldn't even be on without him. 00:03:31.640 --> 00:03:32.259 Thank you. 00:03:32.259 --> 00:03:33.899 I have four more. 00:03:35.500 --> 00:03:36.519 I got you. 00:03:37.539 --> 00:03:38.939 Oh, I felt that. 00:03:40.280 --> 00:03:41.239 There you go. 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:42.280 And here you go, sweetie. 00:03:45.379 --> 00:03:49.060 And I'm going to get my water and eventually we're going to get into the word here. 00:03:49.060 --> 00:03:53.460 So, if you have a Bible, now you have a scripture journal. 00:03:54.319 --> 00:03:55.599 Turn to 2 John. 00:04:00.659 --> 00:04:01.420 All right. 00:04:03.599 --> 00:04:11.000 So, a way of introduction for our first message, which is entitled, 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:15.300 the combustion of the right combination. 00:04:17.060 --> 00:04:20.800 I know you're not going to relate to this, but I just have to use the illustration. 00:04:21.839 --> 00:04:23.819 When I was young, I was kind of delinquent. 00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:26.899 Meaning, I was a latchkey kid. 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:28.899 I had a lot of freedom and not a lot of money. 00:04:29.600 --> 00:04:31.540 So, I spent a lot of time at Taco Bell. 00:04:31.540 --> 00:04:35.740 There was no YouTube. 00:04:36.100 --> 00:04:37.400 There was no nothing else. 00:04:38.020 --> 00:04:40.220 But I like to collect free things. 00:04:40.980 --> 00:04:42.960 And non-dairy creamer was free. 00:04:43.760 --> 00:04:45.240 I didn't even drink coffee. 00:04:45.900 --> 00:04:47.040 But the price is right. 00:04:47.100 --> 00:04:48.879 I'm sure there was some calcium involved. 00:04:49.780 --> 00:04:55.100 And then I would get free matches from, like, you know, the convenience store. 00:04:55.100 --> 00:05:04.820 I don't know when and where I got it in my mind to combine the matches and the non-dairy powdered creamer. 00:05:05.760 --> 00:05:11.800 But somewhere in that magical 14-year-old mind of mine, I thought there must be a way. 00:05:12.760 --> 00:05:15.300 Did you know that it's very combustible? 00:05:16.480 --> 00:05:19.100 I'll teach you how to do it as we go along. 00:05:19.180 --> 00:05:20.260 I didn't do it here. 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:24.280 I mean, they don't even let you have coffee in here, so I won't try any pyrotechnics. 00:05:25.239 --> 00:05:30.819 But non-dairy creamer and lit matches create quite the combustion. 00:05:31.699 --> 00:05:32.739 You're like, that's interesting. 00:05:33.299 --> 00:05:34.799 Some of you are much smarter than me. 00:05:34.939 --> 00:05:36.779 You're running through the science and the math. 00:05:37.479 --> 00:05:38.759 Just trust me for right now. 00:05:39.419 --> 00:05:43.379 But we're not talking about cremora and matches. 00:05:44.339 --> 00:05:47.979 We're talking about love and truth at this retreat. 00:05:48.359 --> 00:05:53.159 And at times as Christians, we know that we're to have both. 00:05:53.160 --> 00:05:57.960 But we don't always know how they're meant to work together. 00:05:58.500 --> 00:06:04.420 There is a combustion that's not meant to just give a momentary flame. 00:06:04.420 --> 00:06:16.100 But a combustion that is actually what creates the warmth and dynamic that Jesus Christ intends for his people to share with one another. 00:06:16.220 --> 00:06:18.700 And that's what we're going to look at. 00:06:18.780 --> 00:06:21.580 And not just look at it. 00:06:22.460 --> 00:06:24.259 We want to learn to own this. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:31.659 I believe that combining love and truth is the craft of all Christians. 00:06:32.060 --> 00:06:42.379 We're called to know how to work these together to see the wonderful warmth that the combustion is meant to bring. 00:06:42.379 --> 00:06:49.439 With that said, let's read the first six verses of John, the second letter. 00:06:49.439 --> 00:06:59.100 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth. 00:07:00.180 --> 00:07:04.420 And not only I, but also all who know the truth. 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:10.259 Because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever. 00:07:10.259 --> 00:07:15.879 Forever, grace, mercy, and peace. 00:07:16.939 --> 00:07:25.740 Be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son in truth and love. 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:35.839 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth just as we were commanded by the Father. 00:07:35.839 --> 00:07:42.099 And now I ask you, dear lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, 00:07:42.339 --> 00:07:44.319 but the one you have from the beginning. 00:07:45.119 --> 00:07:47.199 That we love one another. 00:07:48.279 --> 00:07:49.879 And this is love. 00:07:50.399 --> 00:07:53.500 That we walk according to his commandments. 00:07:54.639 --> 00:07:56.239 This is the commandment. 00:07:56.799 --> 00:08:03.000 Just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 00:08:03.000 --> 00:08:07.259 I look forward to unpacking this together. 00:08:07.379 --> 00:08:17.120 But I think even upon a cursory reading, we can tell there is a sweetness and depth to John's writing here. 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:19.120 This is John the Apostle. 00:08:19.500 --> 00:08:25.240 So he is the human agent that the Holy Spirit used to write the Gospel of John. 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:27.620 First, second, and third John. 00:08:28.139 --> 00:08:29.060 And the Revelation. 00:08:29.060 --> 00:08:33.440 And do you know, John is known as the Apostle of Love. 00:08:34.159 --> 00:08:39.700 He uses the word love over 80 times in his collective writing. 00:08:39.700 --> 00:08:41.279 More than anyone else. 00:08:42.100 --> 00:08:45.679 But it may help us to know that this Apostle of Love, 00:08:46.960 --> 00:08:50.940 this older elder, and probably at this time, the last living Apostle, 00:08:51.940 --> 00:08:54.399 he didn't always start this way. 00:08:54.399 --> 00:08:57.340 He had a brother named James. 00:08:57.459 --> 00:09:00.659 Do you know the nickname they were given in Mark's Gospel? 00:09:01.620 --> 00:09:03.039 The Sons of Thunder. 00:09:03.459 --> 00:09:10.740 It sounds exciting, but the Sons of Thunder actually in Aramaic means rage. 00:09:11.579 --> 00:09:14.779 And if you read Luke's Gospel, chapter 9, 00:09:15.459 --> 00:09:18.340 remember when Jesus was being rejected, 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:20.860 do you know what James and John wanted to do? 00:09:20.860 --> 00:09:23.800 Well, they wanted to call down fire. 00:09:24.659 --> 00:09:26.539 Can you imagine saying to Christ, 00:09:27.120 --> 00:09:29.440 can you call down fire to consume these people? 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:34.740 John did not always start in a place of love, 00:09:35.340 --> 00:09:36.980 but a place of conviction. 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:40.800 A place of angst and energy. 00:09:41.620 --> 00:09:44.560 But there was something about walking with Jesus, 00:09:45.340 --> 00:09:47.560 and known as the one whom Jesus loved, 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:51.959 that the love of Christ shaped this Apostle, 00:09:53.099 --> 00:09:54.000 sweetened him, 00:09:54.879 --> 00:09:57.599 changed the atmosphere of who he was, 00:09:57.919 --> 00:10:00.899 and then changed the atmosphere of what he creates. 00:10:01.739 --> 00:10:03.639 And I believe a like work 00:10:03.639 --> 00:10:06.939 is what God wants to invest in us at this retreat, 00:10:07.599 --> 00:10:09.759 an internal warming 00:10:09.759 --> 00:10:12.559 of what's real and right, 00:10:12.559 --> 00:10:15.599 the gentle influence of Christ 00:10:15.599 --> 00:10:17.639 that changes us at our core, 00:10:18.319 --> 00:10:21.519 and then makes us effectual in our fellowship 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:24.939 in a way that leaves people with him and not ourselves. 00:10:25.679 --> 00:10:27.839 So if this can happen for John, 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:30.119 we can take great hope. 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:32.639 And it's no surprise to us then 00:10:32.639 --> 00:10:36.500 that John has almost a holy preoccupation 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:39.399 with love and truth. 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:41.779 It's throughout all his works, 00:10:41.779 --> 00:10:42.740 as we've mentioned, 00:10:42.919 --> 00:10:44.759 but tonight in this passage, 00:10:44.759 --> 00:10:46.980 we're going to consider this in two points. 00:10:47.559 --> 00:10:48.399 Our first point, 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:50.120 which will cover the first three verses, 00:10:50.860 --> 00:10:53.959 is combine love with truth. 00:10:55.199 --> 00:10:57.519 I think some of us can have a fear 00:10:57.519 --> 00:11:01.179 that if we combine truth with love, 00:11:01.879 --> 00:11:03.600 we will extinguish it, 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:05.059 not ignite it. 00:11:05.059 --> 00:11:08.739 We can fear that the two 00:11:08.739 --> 00:11:11.319 have a subtle competition with one another. 00:11:11.839 --> 00:11:13.239 That if I'm too loving, 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:14.879 I'll compromise the truth. 00:11:15.419 --> 00:11:16.539 And if I'm too truthful, 00:11:16.699 --> 00:11:18.339 I won't be loving. 00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:20.839 But I would say the commitments 00:11:20.839 --> 00:11:23.619 are really meant to go together. 00:11:24.339 --> 00:11:26.179 Now, with my opening illustration 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:27.359 with that creamer, 00:11:27.819 --> 00:11:30.739 you would think if I put creamer on fire, 00:11:30.839 --> 00:11:32.799 it would put the fire out. 00:11:32.799 --> 00:11:36.199 And friends, we must realize biblically, 00:11:37.059 --> 00:11:40.079 love and truth are not in competition 00:11:40.079 --> 00:11:41.699 with one another. 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:45.979 They're in perfect tandem. 00:11:47.299 --> 00:11:49.019 Biblically, they are inseparable. 00:11:49.579 --> 00:11:51.259 To John, did you see what we read? 00:11:51.339 --> 00:11:53.000 They're inseparable to John. 00:11:53.539 --> 00:11:56.979 They're linked in a foundational way, 00:11:57.139 --> 00:11:58.719 and we can start to see 00:11:58.719 --> 00:12:00.459 the warmth of John already. 00:12:00.460 --> 00:12:02.780 How does he start his writing? 00:12:03.560 --> 00:12:05.720 The elder to the elect lady 00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:07.300 and her children. 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:09.460 Very interesting line. 00:12:09.580 --> 00:12:12.180 Now, elder speaks both of John's age 00:12:12.180 --> 00:12:13.660 and his position of care. 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:16.660 He's a seasoned shepherd by this time. 00:12:17.240 --> 00:12:18.019 But the recipients, 00:12:18.740 --> 00:12:23.280 what's going on with the elect lady 00:12:23.280 --> 00:12:24.200 and her children? 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:25.940 We don't talk that way. 00:12:25.940 --> 00:12:29.760 And if you're familiar with John's writing, 00:12:30.580 --> 00:12:32.780 John's very influenced by Greek culture. 00:12:33.220 --> 00:12:36.720 He uses a lot of metaphor and imagery. 00:12:37.260 --> 00:12:39.300 And what we have here is most likely 00:12:39.300 --> 00:12:42.060 a personification more than it is a person. 00:12:42.840 --> 00:12:46.260 He's speaking of the church with such affection. 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:48.940 He's speaking to her as the elect lady 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:51.360 and her children. 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:54.399 It can strike us odd, 00:12:54.899 --> 00:12:57.460 but it should more impact us 00:12:57.460 --> 00:12:59.379 to see the relational warmth 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:00.960 of such a statement. 00:13:02.220 --> 00:13:03.460 Think about this. 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:05.680 When you speak of the church, 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:06.820 how do you speak of her? 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:10.220 Never speak about her 00:13:10.220 --> 00:13:12.500 without the warmth that you should. 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:15.860 The church is like an elect lady 00:13:15.860 --> 00:13:17.960 and all the saints in here, 00:13:18.580 --> 00:13:20.139 they are the children. 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:22.199 I love getting time 00:13:22.199 --> 00:13:23.740 with the Woo Girls at dinner. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:24.819 We had quite the time. 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:26.919 We shared a pretty good cookie too. 00:13:27.659 --> 00:13:29.899 But I love that they call you guys 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:31.019 all uncle and aunt. 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:31.720 Is that right? 00:13:32.399 --> 00:13:33.559 I guess unless you're new, 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:35.279 that might be part of the membership process. 00:13:37.699 --> 00:13:38.819 I love that. 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:42.600 That familial ethic. 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:45.480 And I almost left the retreat 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:46.580 when I came in here 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:48.080 because it was so evident 00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:49.700 you guys love one another. 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:50.779 They almost thought 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:52.379 these messages aren't needed. 00:13:52.480 --> 00:13:53.960 I'll give this back to Sean. 00:13:54.840 --> 00:13:56.059 But I think the reminder 00:13:56.059 --> 00:13:57.000 is always helpful. 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:58.519 If we ever see this 00:13:58.519 --> 00:14:00.100 as anything less 00:14:00.100 --> 00:14:02.100 than a warm family, 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:03.860 we're not thinking 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:05.340 or speaking of the church 00:14:05.340 --> 00:14:06.679 as we should. 00:14:07.059 --> 00:14:09.019 But the passage continues 00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:09.980 to go on. 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.179 He says, 00:14:11.179 --> 00:14:14.959 whom I love in truth. 00:14:15.959 --> 00:14:18.459 All who know the truth 00:14:18.459 --> 00:14:20.479 because of the truth 00:14:20.479 --> 00:14:22.339 that abides in us. 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:24.939 There's so much love in this place 00:14:24.939 --> 00:14:26.839 because of what we share in common. 00:14:27.620 --> 00:14:29.919 Naturally, we have many differences. 00:14:30.599 --> 00:14:33.139 But what other place do you go to 00:14:33.139 --> 00:14:35.879 where everyone is collectively saying, 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:38.279 I am here to worship Jesus Christ. 00:14:38.779 --> 00:14:40.100 I acknowledge him 00:14:40.100 --> 00:14:41.139 as my king 00:14:41.139 --> 00:14:42.399 and my savior. 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:44.519 You won't get that at Walmart. 00:14:44.779 --> 00:14:46.399 You won't get that at Barnes & Nobles. 00:14:46.519 --> 00:14:47.539 You won't get that 00:14:47.539 --> 00:14:48.679 in any other place. 00:14:49.179 --> 00:14:51.039 What we share 00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:52.720 in the truth 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:55.340 is where our love 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:56.620 comes from. 00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:57.840 And so, 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:58.820 we have to be clear 00:14:58.820 --> 00:14:59.480 about the truth. 00:14:59.559 --> 00:15:00.379 I don't want you to think 00:15:00.379 --> 00:15:02.379 that the truth needs love 00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:03.460 to warm it up. 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:06.919 Truth is not cold by itself. 00:15:07.939 --> 00:15:08.919 Truth, biblically, 00:15:09.159 --> 00:15:12.039 is very warm. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:13.299 I think of the beginning 00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:14.080 of this letter. 00:15:14.899 --> 00:15:15.500 Grace, 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:17.360 mercy, 00:15:18.059 --> 00:15:19.100 and peace 00:15:19.100 --> 00:15:21.100 will be with us 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:22.340 from God the Father 00:15:22.340 --> 00:15:24.519 and from Jesus Christ, 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:25.879 the Father's Son, 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:28.960 in truth and love. 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:31.220 is there anything cold 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:32.500 about grace 00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:34.100 or mercy 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:35.400 or peace 00:15:35.400 --> 00:15:36.320 from the Father? 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:38.420 That's all truth. 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:39.960 See, it's not just like 00:15:39.960 --> 00:15:41.600 John is this warm apostle 00:15:41.600 --> 00:15:43.920 and he kind of warms up 00:15:43.920 --> 00:15:44.879 truth with love. 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:46.820 If we see truth rightly, 00:15:47.040 --> 00:15:48.820 truth already comes to us 00:15:48.820 --> 00:15:50.300 very warm, 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:52.139 very alive, 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:54.360 and we definitely see that 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:56.500 in John's writing here. 00:15:56.580 --> 00:15:58.560 And this also shouldn't surprise us 00:15:58.559 --> 00:16:00.459 because what does John 00:16:00.459 --> 00:16:02.839 refer to Jesus as 00:16:02.839 --> 00:16:03.619 in his gospel? 00:16:04.419 --> 00:16:05.559 The truth. 00:16:06.839 --> 00:16:08.159 Jesus himself 00:16:08.159 --> 00:16:10.099 says he's the truth. 00:16:11.099 --> 00:16:12.599 Is Jesus cold? 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:14.379 Aloof? 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.239 No. 00:16:17.079 --> 00:16:18.399 Full of grace 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:20.399 and truth. 00:16:21.059 --> 00:16:21.439 Friends, 00:16:21.559 --> 00:16:23.619 this is a warm reality 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.460 and this, 00:16:25.080 --> 00:16:26.620 these are the ties 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:27.159 that bind. 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:29.060 Any other heat 00:16:29.060 --> 00:16:30.039 is artificial. 00:16:31.039 --> 00:16:32.039 But if the warmth 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:33.799 we have for one another 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:35.279 we draw from Christ, 00:16:35.580 --> 00:16:36.419 that warmth 00:16:36.419 --> 00:16:37.379 will be real 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:38.060 and ever 00:16:38.060 --> 00:16:39.179 with us. 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:40.240 So let me ask you, 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:42.080 what is your love 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:42.740 and connection 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:43.779 to other Christians 00:16:43.779 --> 00:16:44.480 based on? 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:47.299 Season of life? 00:16:48.980 --> 00:16:49.620 Similar interests? 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:50.220 Interests? 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:52.980 Or a savior 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:53.860 like none of us 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:54.679 could have imagined 00:16:54.679 --> 00:16:55.879 would bring us together? 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:57.980 All right, 00:16:58.139 --> 00:16:58.580 that's, 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:00.240 that's that. 00:17:00.379 --> 00:17:00.759 There's, 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:01.799 there's more to us 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:03.500 that we need to see here. 00:17:03.940 --> 00:17:05.000 And it's not just 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:05.779 that the truth 00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:06.819 is something beautiful 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:07.559 and binding. 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:08.900 It's something 00:17:08.900 --> 00:17:10.180 to be embodied. 00:17:10.400 --> 00:17:11.200 This leads us 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:12.900 to our second point 00:17:12.900 --> 00:17:13.440 and these will 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:14.799 cover the last 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:15.519 three verses 00:17:15.519 --> 00:17:16.359 of our passage. 00:17:16.359 --> 00:17:19.919 this point 00:17:19.919 --> 00:17:20.799 is to combine 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:21.479 love 00:17:21.479 --> 00:17:24.000 with truth 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:26.199 and obedience. 00:17:27.699 --> 00:17:28.719 And this is maybe 00:17:28.719 --> 00:17:30.079 the most important part 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.959 that I think 00:17:30.959 --> 00:17:31.419 we'll get 00:17:31.419 --> 00:17:32.119 out of this 00:17:32.119 --> 00:17:33.099 tonight. 00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:34.459 So something 00:17:34.459 --> 00:17:35.199 I didn't tell you 00:17:35.199 --> 00:17:35.979 about the Cremora, 00:17:36.099 --> 00:17:37.319 so if you go try this, 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:38.139 again, 00:17:38.219 --> 00:17:38.740 that's on you, 00:17:38.819 --> 00:17:39.879 I make no disclaimers 00:17:39.879 --> 00:17:40.699 or anything like that. 00:17:40.899 --> 00:17:41.799 I've actually burned 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:42.439 my eyebrows 00:17:42.439 --> 00:17:43.139 doing this. 00:17:43.959 --> 00:17:45.219 It's not just like 00:17:45.220 --> 00:17:46.740 you can take the matches 00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:47.600 and throw them 00:17:47.600 --> 00:17:48.380 on a pile 00:17:48.380 --> 00:17:50.339 of the non-dairy creamer. 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:51.880 You actually have 00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:53.019 to oxygenate 00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:54.839 the non-dairy creamer. 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:55.880 It has to have 00:17:55.880 --> 00:17:56.700 enough oxygen. 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:58.059 So you have to 00:17:58.059 --> 00:17:59.259 drop it from on top, 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.339 let it kind of 00:18:00.339 --> 00:18:01.819 mingle like a fine powder. 00:18:01.900 --> 00:18:02.440 I know some of you 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.180 are paying attention 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:04.839 and you hold the match 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.460 like underneath it 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:07.400 away from you though 00:18:07.400 --> 00:18:07.980 because if you have 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:08.960 big brows like this, 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:09.960 you'll leave with no brows. 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:12.100 And you do it like that 00:18:12.100 --> 00:18:13.400 and it works perfect. 00:18:13.400 --> 00:18:14.980 And I think a lot 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:15.880 of people have tried 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:17.040 the love and truth thing 00:18:17.040 --> 00:18:18.380 but they don't realize 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:19.660 something needs 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:21.100 to be mixed in. 00:18:21.620 --> 00:18:22.780 That thing that needs 00:18:22.780 --> 00:18:23.740 to be mixed in 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.740 for this to work, 00:18:25.080 --> 00:18:25.980 it's oxygen 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:27.240 in the illustration. 00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:29.340 It's obedience 00:18:29.340 --> 00:18:31.380 when the Apostle John 00:18:31.380 --> 00:18:32.280 is talking to us. 00:18:32.580 --> 00:18:33.560 And now that might 00:18:33.560 --> 00:18:34.519 throw us the most. 00:18:34.620 --> 00:18:34.940 We're like, 00:18:35.360 --> 00:18:35.600 okay, 00:18:35.640 --> 00:18:36.120 you're telling me 00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:37.500 the truth is not cold, 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:38.380 it's actually got 00:18:38.380 --> 00:18:39.060 its own warmth, 00:18:39.180 --> 00:18:39.759 but obedience, 00:18:40.040 --> 00:18:42.180 that's a hard sell. 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:44.320 Well, I'm happy 00:18:44.320 --> 00:18:45.360 to try to sell this. 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:46.920 Obedience should be 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:48.620 a very warm word 00:18:48.620 --> 00:18:50.100 and I would say 00:18:50.100 --> 00:18:51.440 from John's writing, 00:18:51.840 --> 00:18:53.759 a word we always connect 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:55.700 to truth and love. 00:18:55.900 --> 00:18:57.440 Because it's not just 00:18:57.440 --> 00:18:59.560 that John had joy 00:18:59.560 --> 00:19:00.820 in them for their love. 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:02.340 Read this with me. 00:19:02.440 --> 00:19:03.700 This is so great. 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:04.880 Verse four, 00:19:04.880 --> 00:19:07.580 I rejoice greatly 00:19:07.580 --> 00:19:09.360 to find some 00:19:09.360 --> 00:19:10.540 of your children 00:19:10.540 --> 00:19:12.960 walking in the truth 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:15.820 just as we were commanded 00:19:15.820 --> 00:19:17.860 by the Father. 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:20.380 What was John's joy in? 00:19:21.880 --> 00:19:23.640 Not just the truth. 00:19:24.260 --> 00:19:26.260 The truth lived out. 00:19:26.780 --> 00:19:27.120 Remember, 00:19:27.320 --> 00:19:28.660 John loves imagery 00:19:28.660 --> 00:19:29.400 and metaphor. 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.520 Walking was a metaphor 00:19:31.520 --> 00:19:32.420 we see elsewhere. 00:19:32.640 --> 00:19:34.000 Paul uses it in Scripture. 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:35.240 So does our Lord. 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:37.259 But John uses it here. 00:19:37.539 --> 00:19:39.299 He doesn't just rejoice 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:40.240 in the children 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:41.140 that they're children. 00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:42.799 He rejoices 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:43.960 that they're living 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:45.559 out the truth. 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:49.259 When you think 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:51.319 of what makes you glad 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:52.619 for the believers 00:19:52.619 --> 00:19:54.039 you're in fellowship with, 00:19:55.140 --> 00:19:56.500 is it their obedience 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:57.839 to Jesus Christ 00:19:57.839 --> 00:19:59.279 that comes up 00:19:59.279 --> 00:20:00.720 among all the other things 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:02.799 you love about them? 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:06.339 I think it certainly can 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:08.119 and it ought to have 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.640 a place in us. 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:12.000 I've said for years, 00:20:12.579 --> 00:20:13.660 I don't think 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:14.559 there is anything 00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:15.539 more beautiful 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:17.759 in the whole world 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:19.579 than healthy, 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:20.500 mature, 00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:22.240 Christian disciples. 00:20:23.660 --> 00:20:25.579 I think in John's language, 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:27.480 I don't think John thinks 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:27.980 there's anything 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:28.799 more beautiful 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:30.519 than believers 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.220 living out 00:20:31.220 --> 00:20:32.059 what they believe. 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:36.819 I love what Psalm 16, 3 says. 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.639 As for the saints 00:20:38.639 --> 00:20:39.240 in the land, 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.899 they are the excellent ones 00:20:40.899 --> 00:20:43.740 in whom is all my delight. 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:49.420 Oh, friends, 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:52.440 what do you praise 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:54.559 to one another? 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:55.839 What do you encourage 00:20:55.839 --> 00:20:56.740 one another in? 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:58.819 Because what you praise, 00:20:58.920 --> 00:20:59.440 you promote. 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:00.920 Andrew and I, 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:02.759 I'm going to call you out, Andrew. 00:21:03.339 --> 00:21:04.279 Both Andrew and I, 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:05.339 we like some new balances. 00:21:06.180 --> 00:21:08.319 And it's no lie, 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.700 they're on both of our feet, 00:21:09.779 --> 00:21:10.440 so we're guilty 00:21:10.440 --> 00:21:11.559 as charged. 00:21:12.119 --> 00:21:13.859 We're recovering sneakerheads. 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:14.720 We don't believe 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:16.819 people fully under Jesus Christ 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:17.319 can be under 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:18.319 that kind of bondage, 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:20.079 so we're seeking 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:21.599 reformation together. 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:23.419 And I think God's 00:21:23.419 --> 00:21:24.000 given us grace, 00:21:24.099 --> 00:21:25.460 but I don't love my man 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:25.980 because he's got 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:27.019 some NBs on. 00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:29.220 I don't just love him 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:30.299 because he smiles. 00:21:31.460 --> 00:21:32.859 I love the sincerity 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.480 and sweetness 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:34.480 of his faith. 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:36.240 But if all I ever 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:37.500 talk to Andrew about 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.440 is new balances, 00:21:38.659 --> 00:21:39.519 what I'm praising, 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.500 I'm promoting. 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:43.259 And so when I'm 00:21:43.259 --> 00:21:44.160 fellowshipping with 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:44.759 other believers, 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:46.200 when I'm in communion 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:46.740 with them, 00:21:46.900 --> 00:21:48.880 I don't want to just talk. 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.680 I want to make fire. 00:21:51.720 --> 00:21:53.279 I want to engender 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:55.180 the things that matter most. 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:55.519 Listen, 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:57.000 how many lies 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:58.200 are out there in the world 00:21:58.200 --> 00:21:59.579 about what it means 00:21:59.579 --> 00:22:00.240 to be a woman, 00:22:00.420 --> 00:22:00.940 what it means 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:01.799 to be a man? 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:03.160 And you can read 00:22:03.160 --> 00:22:03.900 the little videos 00:22:03.900 --> 00:22:04.680 and get lost 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:05.819 in the rabbit trails, 00:22:06.140 --> 00:22:07.160 and all of a sudden 00:22:07.160 --> 00:22:07.980 you have no more 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:10.059 orientation of what matters. 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:12.039 And then for a believer 00:22:12.039 --> 00:22:13.639 to strengthen your hand 00:22:13.639 --> 00:22:15.099 in God's grace 00:22:15.099 --> 00:22:16.079 in your life 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:17.139 and to say, 00:22:17.339 --> 00:22:19.599 I love the way 00:22:19.599 --> 00:22:21.059 you are living out truth. 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:22.339 I love the way 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:23.480 you are living out 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.759 your faith in this trial. 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:25.960 I love the way 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:27.319 you're living your faith 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:28.399 out in this blessing. 00:22:28.960 --> 00:22:29.319 Friends, 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:31.119 we need that. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.059 Our relationships 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.720 were meant 00:22:33.720 --> 00:22:35.619 to carry that kind 00:22:35.619 --> 00:22:36.559 of convoy 00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:38.319 to bring the strength 00:22:38.319 --> 00:22:39.819 that we need. 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:42.759 Now, 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:43.960 some of us 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:44.819 may be thinking, 00:22:45.679 --> 00:22:45.940 well, 00:22:45.960 --> 00:22:46.980 if we only talk 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:47.559 about Jesus, 00:22:47.720 --> 00:22:48.200 is this going 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:49.079 to be real anymore? 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:50.279 Like, 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.500 I could say to Sean, 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:52.159 nice flan. 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:52.419 I mean, 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:53.740 I do this kind of stuff 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.759 you'll hear about 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.980 when we get into 3 John. 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.200 For tonight, 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:57.539 it's like, 00:22:57.599 --> 00:22:57.720 well, 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.679 can I ever just give 00:22:58.679 --> 00:22:59.980 someone a regular compliment? 00:23:01.659 --> 00:23:02.700 Can I ever say 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.679 that's a nice coat 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:04.600 or something else? 00:23:05.060 --> 00:23:06.180 Of course you can. 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:07.680 But I don't think 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:08.680 we need to fear 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.900 that this kind 00:23:09.900 --> 00:23:10.680 of promotion 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:13.080 of godly living 00:23:13.080 --> 00:23:14.420 is somehow 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:15.600 less human, 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:17.100 less warm, 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:18.019 or less real 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:19.080 than other things 00:23:19.080 --> 00:23:20.019 we could talk about. 00:23:21.140 --> 00:23:22.460 I don't know about you, 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:24.100 but when I came 00:23:24.100 --> 00:23:25.480 to faith in Jesus Christ, 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:25.920 I learned 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:26.940 a kingdom mystery. 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:29.620 I was afraid 00:23:29.620 --> 00:23:30.400 that the more 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:31.940 I conformed my life 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.480 to Jesus Christ, 00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:34.460 the less I would be 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.120 in touch with 00:23:35.120 --> 00:23:35.920 who I really am. 00:23:36.599 --> 00:23:37.400 I thought I would 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:38.279 lose myself. 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:39.519 In fact, 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:40.500 the scripture did call me 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.319 to lose myself. 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:43.660 But the paradox here 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:44.360 is that in losing 00:23:44.360 --> 00:23:45.579 yourself in Christ, 00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:48.099 you really find yourself. 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:50.920 I am more truly human, 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:53.240 more truly alive, 00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:55.140 more truly myself 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:55.960 in Christ 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:58.099 than I would be 00:23:58.099 --> 00:23:59.059 ever in my own 00:23:59.059 --> 00:24:00.400 identity or kingdom building. 00:24:00.400 --> 00:24:02.360 And if we believe 00:24:02.360 --> 00:24:03.160 that fundamentally, 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:05.300 we have no fear 00:24:05.300 --> 00:24:06.640 of this kind 00:24:06.640 --> 00:24:08.360 of holy promotion 00:24:08.360 --> 00:24:10.140 among one another. 00:24:11.060 --> 00:24:11.540 So, 00:24:12.420 --> 00:24:13.580 carrying on with this, 00:24:13.780 --> 00:24:14.300 this is where 00:24:14.300 --> 00:24:15.540 John increases 00:24:15.540 --> 00:24:17.600 his argument. 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:19.700 Look at verses 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:21.019 five and six 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:21.500 with me. 00:24:21.860 --> 00:24:22.900 He says this. 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:26.840 I'm going to 00:24:26.840 --> 00:24:27.580 bathe my eyes. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:28.340 I'm getting worse 00:24:28.340 --> 00:24:28.660 all the time. 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:29.740 I lost my regular 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:30.519 Bible this week. 00:24:30.540 --> 00:24:31.440 I have my study Bible 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.380 with a smaller print. 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:34.340 I know you're like, 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:35.560 you guys are not 00:24:35.560 --> 00:24:36.400 thinking about aging 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:37.220 and needing bigger 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:37.860 print Bibles, 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:38.860 but your brother up here 00:24:38.860 --> 00:24:39.019 is, 00:24:39.060 --> 00:24:39.759 but I found where 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:40.300 we're at. 00:24:41.740 --> 00:24:43.420 And now I ask you, 00:24:43.540 --> 00:24:44.200 dear lady, 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:46.160 not as though I were 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:47.060 writing you a new 00:24:47.060 --> 00:24:47.740 commandment, 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:50.240 but the one we have 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.140 had from the beginning. 00:24:51.360 --> 00:24:52.060 It just echoes 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:52.779 1 John. 00:24:53.639 --> 00:24:54.399 Even echoes 00:24:54.399 --> 00:24:55.039 the gospel. 00:24:55.339 --> 00:24:56.059 John is just, 00:24:56.179 --> 00:24:57.419 if you need to study 00:24:57.419 --> 00:24:58.000 anything in the Bible, 00:24:58.139 --> 00:24:59.319 read all of John's stuff 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:00.599 in sequential order. 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:01.279 It's amazing. 00:25:02.379 --> 00:25:03.960 That we love 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.659 one another. 00:25:05.440 --> 00:25:07.200 And this is love. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.980 This is a definition 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.799 for us. 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:12.059 That we walk 00:25:12.059 --> 00:25:13.119 according to 00:25:13.119 --> 00:25:14.319 his commandments. 00:25:15.159 --> 00:25:16.240 This is the 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:16.819 commandment, 00:25:16.940 --> 00:25:17.879 just as you have 00:25:17.879 --> 00:25:18.539 heard from the 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:18.859 beginning, 00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:20.500 so that you 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:21.399 should walk 00:25:21.400 --> 00:25:22.320 in it. 00:25:22.320 --> 00:25:23.840 This is love 00:25:23.840 --> 00:25:25.580 that we walk 00:25:25.580 --> 00:25:26.540 according 00:25:26.540 --> 00:25:27.840 to his 00:25:27.840 --> 00:25:28.740 commandments. 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:31.100 This is such 00:25:31.100 --> 00:25:32.280 a paradigm shift. 00:25:33.380 --> 00:25:34.980 I will 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:35.980 love you 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:36.800 best 00:25:36.800 --> 00:25:38.740 when I obey 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:39.880 Jesus most. 00:25:42.360 --> 00:25:43.820 I never even 00:25:43.820 --> 00:25:44.600 thought about this 00:25:44.600 --> 00:25:45.259 before I read 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:45.900 this in John. 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:47.640 This wasn't 00:25:47.640 --> 00:25:48.980 on my radar. 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:50.339 But the 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:51.900 apostle John 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.640 by the 00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:53.460 Holy Spirit 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:54.599 wants to get 00:25:54.599 --> 00:25:55.440 this truth 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:57.480 embedded in us. 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.400 That the 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:58.960 best, 00:25:59.059 --> 00:25:59.900 most loving 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:01.200 thing I can 00:26:01.200 --> 00:26:02.099 do for the 00:26:02.099 --> 00:26:02.660 community, 00:26:03.120 --> 00:26:04.279 the best way 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:05.319 I can love you 00:26:05.319 --> 00:26:06.740 is to keep 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.380 the commandments 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:08.500 of Jesus Christ. 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:09.839 The plural's 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:10.839 important there. 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:12.099 Let me read 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:12.799 some verses 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.539 here because 00:26:13.539 --> 00:26:14.160 this is 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:15.759 beautiful. 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:17.279 In John's 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:17.680 gospel, 00:26:18.759 --> 00:26:19.299 Jesus is 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:20.160 recorded saying 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:20.700 this, 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:21.980 John chapter 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.640 15, 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:24.420 if you keep 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:25.319 my commandments, 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:27.099 you will 00:26:27.099 --> 00:26:27.819 abide in 00:26:27.819 --> 00:26:28.500 my love. 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:30.079 Just, 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:32.500 just as I 00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:32.960 have kept 00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:33.779 my father's 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.299 commandments 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:35.200 and abide 00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:36.599 in his love. 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.700 Jesus is not 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.460 calling us to 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.140 do anything 00:26:40.140 --> 00:26:41.019 he did not 00:26:41.019 --> 00:26:41.960 do himself 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:42.400 here. 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:44.160 These things 00:26:44.160 --> 00:26:45.080 I have spoken 00:26:45.080 --> 00:26:45.640 to you 00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:47.500 that my 00:26:47.500 --> 00:26:48.420 joy may 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:49.400 be in you 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:50.360 and that 00:26:50.360 --> 00:26:51.259 your joy 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:52.180 may be 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:52.740 full. 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.680 What I'm 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.380 prescribing 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:56.900 from the 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:57.620 apostle of 00:26:57.620 --> 00:26:58.140 love 00:26:58.140 --> 00:26:59.560 is not 00:26:59.560 --> 00:27:00.240 legalism. 00:27:01.160 --> 00:27:02.060 It is not 00:27:02.060 --> 00:27:02.640 threat. 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:03.759 This will 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.660 not take you 00:27:04.660 --> 00:27:05.160 away from 00:27:05.160 --> 00:27:05.560 the heart 00:27:05.560 --> 00:27:06.160 of Christ 00:27:06.160 --> 00:27:06.540 or the 00:27:06.540 --> 00:27:06.980 gospel. 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:07.940 This is 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:08.480 what Jesus 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.220 Christ did 00:27:09.220 --> 00:27:09.700 himself. 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:10.440 Friends, 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:11.000 and it will 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:12.000 not take you 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.620 away from 00:27:12.619 --> 00:27:13.879 life and 00:27:13.879 --> 00:27:14.379 joy. 00:27:14.959 --> 00:27:15.659 There is 00:27:15.659 --> 00:27:17.199 fullness of 00:27:17.199 --> 00:27:18.279 joy and 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:18.979 life here. 00:27:19.579 --> 00:27:20.299 He goes on 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.699 in the first 00:27:21.699 --> 00:27:22.199 letter of 00:27:22.199 --> 00:27:22.459 John. 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:22.939 He says 00:27:22.939 --> 00:27:23.359 this, 00:27:23.959 --> 00:27:24.439 for this 00:27:24.439 --> 00:27:25.000 is the 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:25.379 love of 00:27:25.379 --> 00:27:25.819 God, 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:27.079 that we 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:27.899 keep his 00:27:27.899 --> 00:27:28.500 commandments. 00:27:29.559 --> 00:27:29.799 Oh, 00:27:30.719 --> 00:27:31.159 and his 00:27:31.159 --> 00:27:31.679 commandments 00:27:31.679 --> 00:27:32.679 are not 00:27:32.679 --> 00:27:33.939 burdensome. 00:27:36.199 --> 00:27:37.179 Did anything 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:37.779 that Jesus 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.479 teach, 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:42.660 was it 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:43.000 full of 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:43.339 hate, 00:27:44.680 --> 00:27:45.079 regret, 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:47.240 burden, 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:48.860 deception? 00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:51.400 No. 00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:53.200 These 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:53.680 commandments 00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:54.500 are beautiful. 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.099 They come 00:27:56.099 --> 00:27:56.819 from God's 00:27:56.819 --> 00:27:57.019 heart, 00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:57.539 his very 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.400 nature. 00:27:59.039 --> 00:27:59.660 And remember, 00:27:59.779 --> 00:28:00.299 this is all 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:01.019 familial. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.160 Our Father 00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:02.900 wants to 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.579 share his 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:04.440 heart and 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:05.180 likeness with 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:05.360 us, 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.460 not just in 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:07.400 original creation, 00:28:07.400 --> 00:28:07.920 but in 00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:08.580 Christ and 00:28:08.580 --> 00:28:08.960 the Holy 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:10.080 Spirit in 00:28:10.080 --> 00:28:11.620 renewal of 00:28:11.620 --> 00:28:12.400 our creation. 00:28:13.340 --> 00:28:13.820 Friends, 00:28:14.360 --> 00:28:15.360 this is 00:28:15.360 --> 00:28:16.160 life. 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:17.620 But oftentimes, 00:28:18.060 --> 00:28:18.660 we don't 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:19.860 connect keeping 00:28:19.860 --> 00:28:20.759 commandments to 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.740 love or truth 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:23.340 or warmth or 00:28:23.340 --> 00:28:23.840 life. 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:24.820 But the 00:28:24.820 --> 00:28:25.500 apostle of 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.060 love is 00:28:26.060 --> 00:28:26.820 showing us 00:28:26.820 --> 00:28:27.780 a better 00:28:27.780 --> 00:28:28.140 way, 00:28:28.840 --> 00:28:29.480 a rich 00:28:29.480 --> 00:28:29.900 way. 00:28:30.320 --> 00:28:30.720 And one 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:31.000 more, 00:28:31.100 --> 00:28:31.560 in case we're 00:28:31.560 --> 00:28:31.680 like, 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:32.259 I still don't 00:28:32.259 --> 00:28:32.540 know. 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:33.420 This is what 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:33.840 we signed 00:28:33.840 --> 00:28:34.180 up from, 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.420 and I'm 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:34.540 going to 00:28:34.540 --> 00:28:34.980 pull something 00:28:34.980 --> 00:28:35.300 that's not 00:28:35.300 --> 00:28:35.840 from John, 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:36.180 just in 00:28:36.180 --> 00:28:36.500 case you're 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:36.640 like, 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:36.900 well, 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:37.480 I don't 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:37.720 even think 00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:38.080 he has a 00:28:38.080 --> 00:28:38.660 full Bible. 00:28:38.800 --> 00:28:39.140 That's why 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:39.440 he just 00:28:39.440 --> 00:28:39.840 gives out 00:28:39.840 --> 00:28:40.640 John journals. 00:28:41.640 --> 00:28:42.200 That's what 00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:42.700 he lost. 00:28:42.780 --> 00:28:43.019 He doesn't 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:43.500 even owe 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:43.920 one. 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:44.580 Small 00:28:44.580 --> 00:28:44.960 print. 00:28:46.360 --> 00:28:47.300 This is in 00:28:47.300 --> 00:28:47.780 the Great 00:28:47.780 --> 00:28:48.259 Commission 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.019 itself. 00:28:49.560 --> 00:28:50.060 I love 00:28:50.060 --> 00:28:50.460 this. 00:28:50.460 --> 00:28:51.300 The risen 00:28:51.300 --> 00:28:52.200 Christ says 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:52.519 to his 00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:53.120 disciples, 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:55.080 all authority 00:28:55.080 --> 00:28:56.240 in heaven 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:56.880 and on earth 00:28:56.880 --> 00:28:57.259 has been 00:28:57.259 --> 00:28:57.700 given to 00:28:57.700 --> 00:28:57.920 me. 00:28:58.640 --> 00:28:59.000 Go 00:28:59.000 --> 00:28:59.600 therefore 00:28:59.600 --> 00:29:00.759 and make 00:29:00.759 --> 00:29:01.440 disciples of 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:02.019 all nations. 00:29:02.160 --> 00:29:02.860 We're familiar 00:29:02.860 --> 00:29:03.440 with that. 00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:04.860 Baptizing 00:29:04.860 --> 00:29:05.360 them in the 00:29:05.360 --> 00:29:05.940 name of the 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.559 Father and 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.160 the Son and 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:07.519 the Holy 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:07.940 Spirit. 00:29:08.500 --> 00:29:08.900 Yes. 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:11.059 Teaching them 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:13.059 to observe 00:29:13.059 --> 00:29:14.019 all that I 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:14.519 have commanded 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:14.820 you. 00:29:16.059 --> 00:29:16.620 Yes. 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:17.860 Yes. 00:29:18.519 --> 00:29:19.640 And behold, 00:29:20.200 --> 00:29:21.920 I'm with you 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:23.920 always to the 00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:25.519 end of the 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:26.000 age. 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:28.660 I know it's 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:29.039 late, 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:30.360 so I won't 00:29:30.360 --> 00:29:30.940 stress it. 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:32.900 Make this a 00:29:32.900 --> 00:29:33.620 point of prayer. 00:29:33.619 --> 00:29:35.759 don't let 00:29:35.759 --> 00:29:36.179 this be 00:29:36.179 --> 00:29:36.500 something 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:37.199 conceptual. 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:38.959 This is 00:29:38.959 --> 00:29:39.519 how we're 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:40.559 to understand 00:29:40.559 --> 00:29:41.000 how we 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.679 craft these 00:29:41.679 --> 00:29:42.039 things. 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:43.459 This is a 00:29:43.459 --> 00:29:44.299 calling for 00:29:44.299 --> 00:29:45.000 all of us. 00:29:45.319 --> 00:29:45.839 I don't 00:29:45.839 --> 00:29:46.899 expect us 00:29:46.899 --> 00:29:47.319 to get it 00:29:47.319 --> 00:29:47.799 in a moment. 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:48.459 I don't 00:29:48.459 --> 00:29:48.959 have it 00:29:48.959 --> 00:29:50.059 all myself, 00:29:50.399 --> 00:29:51.319 but I 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:51.959 want to 00:29:51.959 --> 00:29:52.679 learn this 00:29:52.679 --> 00:29:53.959 craft better 00:29:53.959 --> 00:29:54.659 and better. 00:29:55.000 --> 00:29:55.619 And if I'm 00:29:55.619 --> 00:29:55.879 going to 00:29:55.879 --> 00:29:56.759 learn how 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:58.079 love and 00:29:58.079 --> 00:29:59.000 truth work, 00:29:59.239 --> 00:29:59.979 I need to 00:29:59.979 --> 00:30:00.539 learn how 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:01.159 obedience 00:30:01.160 --> 00:30:02.279 mingles in 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:02.620 and I 00:30:02.620 --> 00:30:03.259 need to 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:04.120 see the 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:05.140 good intention 00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:06.100 of my 00:30:06.100 --> 00:30:07.640 father in 00:30:07.640 --> 00:30:08.220 all of 00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:08.600 this. 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:09.700 So, 00:30:10.360 --> 00:30:10.900 we carry 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:11.360 on with 00:30:11.360 --> 00:30:12.580 this and 00:30:12.580 --> 00:30:12.900 I would 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:13.880 ask in 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:14.180 your 00:30:14.180 --> 00:30:15.779 friendships, 00:30:16.779 --> 00:30:18.500 how much 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:19.120 do you care 00:30:19.120 --> 00:30:19.560 about one 00:30:19.560 --> 00:30:20.019 another's 00:30:20.019 --> 00:30:21.680 obedience and 00:30:21.680 --> 00:30:22.320 how much do 00:30:22.320 --> 00:30:22.960 you care about 00:30:22.960 --> 00:30:23.279 your own 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:23.660 obedience? 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:23.779 obedience. 00:30:24.840 --> 00:30:25.759 I work with 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.360 parents and 00:30:26.360 --> 00:30:27.080 youth at our 00:30:27.080 --> 00:30:27.720 church and I 00:30:27.720 --> 00:30:28.240 get a lot of 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:29.060 questions about 00:30:29.060 --> 00:30:29.500 gossip. 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:30.920 And we do a 00:30:30.920 --> 00:30:32.080 lot of Q&A and 00:30:32.080 --> 00:30:32.500 some of our 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:33.080 youth stuff and 00:30:33.080 --> 00:30:33.460 they're like, 00:30:34.060 --> 00:30:35.279 what do I do 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:36.620 if I'm in a 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.240 circle with my 00:30:37.240 --> 00:30:37.900 friends and they 00:30:37.900 --> 00:30:38.860 start gossiping? 00:30:39.519 --> 00:30:40.540 Should I make a 00:30:40.540 --> 00:30:41.420 declaration that 00:30:41.420 --> 00:30:42.019 that's sinful? 00:30:42.600 --> 00:30:43.680 Should I leave? 00:30:43.779 --> 00:30:44.440 Should I wait? 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:45.060 And they're trying 00:30:45.060 --> 00:30:46.440 to navigate how 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:47.180 to do this. 00:30:48.840 --> 00:30:49.519 Here's what I'm 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:49.860 saying. 00:30:50.980 --> 00:30:52.259 If we care about 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:52.920 our own 00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:54.480 obedience, I 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.500 know the best 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:56.100 way to love 00:30:56.100 --> 00:30:56.980 somebody else is 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:57.700 to be obedient 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:58.300 to Christ. 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:00.640 And if I want 00:31:00.640 --> 00:31:01.320 to love them, 00:31:01.420 --> 00:31:01.980 their obedience 00:31:01.980 --> 00:31:02.759 is something I'm 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:03.180 going to care 00:31:03.180 --> 00:31:03.500 about. 00:31:04.519 --> 00:31:05.700 But do we see 00:31:05.700 --> 00:31:06.840 anything cold or 00:31:06.840 --> 00:31:07.640 harsh in this 00:31:07.640 --> 00:31:08.640 apostle of love? 00:31:09.880 --> 00:31:10.440 No. 00:31:11.300 --> 00:31:12.300 So when we 00:31:12.300 --> 00:31:13.420 think about how 00:31:13.420 --> 00:31:14.600 we live this 00:31:14.600 --> 00:31:15.380 out and how 00:31:15.380 --> 00:31:16.259 we look out 00:31:16.259 --> 00:31:17.019 for one another, 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:18.840 it's not 00:31:18.840 --> 00:31:19.320 rigid. 00:31:20.279 --> 00:31:21.100 It's not 00:31:21.100 --> 00:31:21.620 mean. 00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:22.140 It's not 00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:22.720 proud. 00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:23.400 It's not 00:31:23.400 --> 00:31:24.039 condemning. 00:31:24.460 --> 00:31:25.160 It should have 00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:26.539 life and 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:27.120 warmth. 00:31:27.880 --> 00:31:28.460 Now, that's 00:31:28.460 --> 00:31:29.120 really gracious 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:29.660 that you said, 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.339 I love people 00:31:30.339 --> 00:31:31.059 well enough that 00:31:31.059 --> 00:31:31.519 I can. 00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:32.680 And that's kind 00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:33.360 of my policy. 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:34.120 I'll love you 00:31:34.120 --> 00:31:35.059 big, and if I 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:35.559 see something, 00:31:35.660 --> 00:31:36.460 I'll tell you. 00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:38.420 But that's 00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:38.880 something you 00:31:38.880 --> 00:31:39.779 learn to work 00:31:39.779 --> 00:31:40.039 on. 00:31:40.140 --> 00:31:41.100 That is a 00:31:41.100 --> 00:31:41.740 craft. 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:42.740 But there's 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:43.700 no place for 00:31:43.700 --> 00:31:45.500 condemnation when 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.279 we do this. 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:47.759 And listen, 00:31:48.120 --> 00:31:48.660 and give each 00:31:48.660 --> 00:31:49.299 other grace. 00:31:49.680 --> 00:31:50.360 We're not always 00:31:50.360 --> 00:31:50.819 going to walk 00:31:50.819 --> 00:31:51.220 this out 00:31:51.220 --> 00:31:51.720 perfectly. 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:52.839 Someone's 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:53.299 going to care 00:31:53.299 --> 00:31:54.039 about your 00:31:54.039 --> 00:31:54.879 obedience, and 00:31:54.879 --> 00:31:55.279 you're going to 00:31:55.279 --> 00:31:55.939 feel like they're 00:31:55.939 --> 00:31:57.059 overstepping their 00:31:57.059 --> 00:31:57.439 bounds. 00:31:58.179 --> 00:31:58.819 Someone's going to 00:31:58.819 --> 00:31:59.720 make a hard call 00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:00.539 about something, and 00:32:00.539 --> 00:32:01.319 maybe they didn't do 00:32:01.319 --> 00:32:02.099 it the right way. 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:04.379 Yeah, we're 00:32:04.379 --> 00:32:05.139 learning together. 00:32:05.939 --> 00:32:06.859 I don't think this 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:07.779 son of thunder got 00:32:07.779 --> 00:32:08.379 here overnight. 00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:10.579 I think he was 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.740 gradually shaped by 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.759 the love of Christ 00:32:12.759 --> 00:32:14.099 over time. 00:32:14.099 --> 00:32:15.240 And I have that 00:32:15.240 --> 00:32:16.579 same confidence that 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:17.439 that grace that's 00:32:17.439 --> 00:32:19.219 with the apostle is 00:32:19.219 --> 00:32:20.879 also with us. 00:32:21.399 --> 00:32:22.299 Check out these two 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:22.679 quotes. 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:23.579 They're wonderful. 00:32:24.699 --> 00:32:26.119 Ray Van Ness' work on 00:32:26.119 --> 00:32:26.859 2nd and 3rd John. 00:32:26.919 --> 00:32:27.879 By the way, there's 00:32:27.879 --> 00:32:28.439 not a lot of 00:32:28.439 --> 00:32:29.480 commentary work on 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:30.480 2nd and 3rd John. 00:32:30.579 --> 00:32:31.819 I guess scholars felt 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:32.500 like they had bigger 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:33.339 things to do. 00:32:34.259 --> 00:32:35.119 But not Ray. 00:32:35.639 --> 00:32:36.719 And Ray wrote a 00:32:36.719 --> 00:32:38.079 wonderful work in the 00:32:38.079 --> 00:32:39.379 ESV expository 00:32:39.379 --> 00:32:39.959 commentary. 00:32:40.919 --> 00:32:41.879 He says this, 00:32:41.880 --> 00:32:44.840 proper love is 00:32:44.840 --> 00:32:46.100 shaped and informed 00:32:46.100 --> 00:32:47.060 by the commands 00:32:47.060 --> 00:32:47.580 of God. 00:32:48.840 --> 00:32:49.800 To love another 00:32:49.800 --> 00:32:50.980 person is to do 00:32:50.980 --> 00:32:52.020 what God commands 00:32:52.020 --> 00:32:53.480 us to do or not 00:32:53.480 --> 00:32:55.500 do in regards to 00:32:55.500 --> 00:32:57.080 them and is to 00:32:57.080 --> 00:32:58.180 help them obey 00:32:58.180 --> 00:32:59.180 God's commands. 00:33:00.080 --> 00:33:01.540 Any action towards 00:33:01.540 --> 00:33:02.400 the other person 00:33:02.400 --> 00:33:03.900 that violates God's 00:33:03.900 --> 00:33:05.480 commands, no matter 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:06.600 how well intended 00:33:06.600 --> 00:33:08.460 or how romantically 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:11.020 inclined, is not 00:33:11.020 --> 00:33:11.500 love. 00:33:11.880 --> 00:33:13.840 any action that 00:33:13.840 --> 00:33:15.720 encourages or helps 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:17.060 that person to 00:33:17.060 --> 00:33:18.760 avoid obedience to 00:33:18.760 --> 00:33:20.040 God's commands, no 00:33:20.040 --> 00:33:22.120 matter how nice the 00:33:22.120 --> 00:33:24.760 motivation, is not 00:33:24.760 --> 00:33:25.700 love. 00:33:26.440 --> 00:33:27.140 And then Matthew 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:28.520 Henry simply and 00:33:28.520 --> 00:33:29.920 profoundly writes, 00:33:30.840 --> 00:33:33.680 it is loving to 00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:34.720 affirm people in 00:33:34.720 --> 00:33:35.180 obedience. 00:33:36.020 --> 00:33:37.700 To call people to 00:33:37.700 --> 00:33:39.400 obedience and to 00:33:39.400 --> 00:33:40.880 rebuke disobedience. 00:33:40.880 --> 00:33:44.800 friends, I want us 00:33:44.800 --> 00:33:46.680 to learn this 00:33:46.680 --> 00:33:48.400 craft 00:33:48.400 --> 00:33:50.720 of combining 00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:51.940 love and truth 00:33:51.940 --> 00:33:54.220 in a way that 00:33:54.220 --> 00:33:55.920 really brings life 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:56.900 and warmth to 00:33:56.900 --> 00:33:57.520 ourselves 00:33:57.520 --> 00:33:59.140 and to our 00:33:59.140 --> 00:33:59.640 communities. 00:34:00.300 --> 00:34:02.080 And we do this 00:34:02.080 --> 00:34:03.360 from a place of 00:34:03.360 --> 00:34:03.880 confidence. 00:34:05.080 --> 00:34:05.940 And I close here, 00:34:06.020 --> 00:34:06.720 go back to the 00:34:06.720 --> 00:34:08.900 beginning of 2 John. 00:34:11.320 --> 00:34:14.559 Grace, mercy, and 00:34:14.559 --> 00:34:17.760 peace will be with 00:34:17.760 --> 00:34:18.199 us. 00:34:19.199 --> 00:34:20.659 Do you hear the 00:34:20.659 --> 00:34:22.220 apostle of love and 00:34:22.220 --> 00:34:23.420 his confidence for the 00:34:23.420 --> 00:34:23.760 believers? 00:34:25.760 --> 00:34:27.840 Grace, mercy, and 00:34:27.840 --> 00:34:31.380 peace will be with 00:34:31.380 --> 00:34:31.800 us. 00:34:35.119 --> 00:34:37.460 Surely, goodness and 00:34:37.460 --> 00:34:38.680 mercy shall follow 00:34:38.680 --> 00:34:40.619 me all the days of 00:34:40.619 --> 00:34:41.260 my life. 00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:43.760 That confidence of 00:34:43.760 --> 00:34:44.780 the psalmist is 00:34:44.780 --> 00:34:45.820 John's confidence. 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:47.980 Friend, while we're 00:34:47.980 --> 00:34:49.019 trying to learn this 00:34:49.019 --> 00:34:50.380 craft of how this all 00:34:50.380 --> 00:34:52.740 works out, we do it 00:34:52.740 --> 00:34:53.640 with the confidence 00:34:53.640 --> 00:34:55.539 that we could not be 00:34:55.539 --> 00:34:57.200 more loved and 00:34:57.200 --> 00:34:58.260 accepted than we 00:34:58.260 --> 00:34:59.539 already are by Jesus 00:34:59.539 --> 00:35:00.039 Christ. 00:35:00.699 --> 00:35:02.019 I believe all real 00:35:02.019 --> 00:35:03.820 love, all real 00:35:03.820 --> 00:35:05.000 obedience comes from 00:35:05.000 --> 00:35:05.679 this truth. 00:35:06.440 --> 00:35:08.159 Truth is a trusted 00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:09.619 confidence. 00:35:10.539 --> 00:35:11.259 If something is 00:35:11.259 --> 00:35:12.860 true, I can rest my 00:35:12.860 --> 00:35:13.599 weight on it. 00:35:14.079 --> 00:35:14.980 And there is nothing 00:35:14.980 --> 00:35:16.059 more true than 00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:17.940 grace, mercy, and 00:35:17.940 --> 00:35:19.960 peace will always be 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:21.779 with God's people in 00:35:21.779 --> 00:35:22.659 Jesus Christ. 00:35:23.019 --> 00:35:24.579 And friend, we don't 00:35:24.579 --> 00:35:25.619 get our ultimate 00:35:25.619 --> 00:35:28.219 ideas and way of 00:35:28.219 --> 00:35:29.519 warmth and life 00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:30.440 from the apostle 00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:31.000 John. 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.659 We get it from 00:35:32.659 --> 00:35:34.659 Jesus Christ who 00:35:34.659 --> 00:35:38.400 made a rageful man 00:35:38.400 --> 00:35:41.320 a man of love, a 00:35:41.320 --> 00:35:42.619 man of strong, even 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:45.840 hyper conviction, to 00:35:45.840 --> 00:35:46.739 have a beautiful 00:35:46.739 --> 00:35:49.480 balance where truth 00:35:49.480 --> 00:35:50.579 isn't compromised 00:35:50.579 --> 00:35:53.599 and love is rich and 00:35:53.599 --> 00:35:54.280 satisfying. 00:35:55.539 --> 00:35:56.780 Friends, we can have 00:35:56.780 --> 00:35:57.460 confidence. 00:35:57.460 --> 00:35:59.199 right now, tonight, 00:36:00.199 --> 00:36:01.260 there is no way 00:36:01.260 --> 00:36:01.900 you're going to be 00:36:01.900 --> 00:36:03.639 more loved or more 00:36:03.639 --> 00:36:05.179 accepted than you 00:36:05.179 --> 00:36:05.940 already are. 00:36:06.059 --> 00:36:08.179 That is your place 00:36:08.179 --> 00:36:09.300 in Christ. 00:36:09.820 --> 00:36:10.760 Any of these 00:36:10.760 --> 00:36:12.780 renovations, they're 00:36:12.780 --> 00:36:14.420 for our joy to 00:36:14.420 --> 00:36:15.720 deepen, for our 00:36:15.720 --> 00:36:17.380 shared experience to 00:36:17.380 --> 00:36:18.639 rich in, but they 00:36:18.639 --> 00:36:20.119 will not give you any 00:36:20.119 --> 00:36:21.059 more confidence. 00:36:21.679 --> 00:36:23.420 They will not give you 00:36:23.420 --> 00:36:25.000 any more peace, 00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:26.860 mercy, and grace than 00:36:26.860 --> 00:36:28.920 he has already given 00:36:28.920 --> 00:36:29.260 you. 00:36:29.860 --> 00:36:31.920 Believer, in this way, 00:36:32.320 --> 00:36:33.980 this love of Christ, 00:36:34.460 --> 00:36:36.179 this is where we 00:36:36.179 --> 00:36:36.780 build from. 00:36:37.119 --> 00:36:38.780 It's that confidence we 00:36:38.780 --> 00:36:40.019 give ourselves to this 00:36:40.019 --> 00:36:40.780 craft. 00:36:40.920 --> 00:36:41.820 Would you pray with me? 00:36:44.619 --> 00:36:48.079 Father, I pray now as 00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:49.420 we transition to 00:36:49.420 --> 00:36:50.480 discussion groups, 00:36:50.480 --> 00:36:53.119 that you would fill 00:36:53.119 --> 00:36:54.440 those times, Lord. 00:36:55.159 --> 00:36:56.280 Give us listening 00:36:56.280 --> 00:36:57.719 ears and 00:36:57.719 --> 00:36:59.260 helpful, 00:36:59.539 --> 00:37:00.099 constructive 00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:01.159 conversation, but 00:37:01.159 --> 00:37:02.079 above all, Lord, 00:37:02.619 --> 00:37:05.059 help us learn this. 00:37:06.599 --> 00:37:07.760 Teach us your ways, 00:37:07.940 --> 00:37:08.099 Lord. 00:37:09.820 --> 00:37:11.440 We want to be more 00:37:11.440 --> 00:37:12.019 like you. 00:37:14.119 --> 00:37:15.719 Lord, we confess there 00:37:15.719 --> 00:37:17.039 are areas of our life 00:37:17.039 --> 00:37:17.599 that are in 00:37:17.599 --> 00:37:18.519 disobedience. 00:37:18.519 --> 00:37:23.639 there are areas of 00:37:23.639 --> 00:37:26.039 our life that need 00:37:26.039 --> 00:37:27.159 more of your way. 00:37:29.340 --> 00:37:30.340 Thank you for your 00:37:30.340 --> 00:37:31.480 patience with us. 00:37:32.519 --> 00:37:33.539 Thank you for your 00:37:33.539 --> 00:37:34.800 commitment to us in 00:37:34.800 --> 00:37:35.280 Christ. 00:37:36.900 --> 00:37:37.920 Lord, John's 00:37:37.920 --> 00:37:39.019 confidence is from 00:37:39.019 --> 00:37:39.539 Christ. 00:37:40.900 --> 00:37:42.480 May ours be all the 00:37:42.480 --> 00:37:42.719 more. 00:37:44.079 --> 00:37:45.239 Lord, we love you 00:37:45.239 --> 00:37:46.579 because you loved us. 00:37:46.579 --> 00:37:49.099 So lead us on as we 00:37:49.099 --> 00:37:50.539 fellowship and reflect 00:37:50.539 --> 00:37:51.519 on your word together. 00:37:52.159 --> 00:37:53.179 In Jesus' name, 00:37:53.759 --> 00:37:54.400 so be it. 00:37:54.400 --> 00:37:54.500 Amen. 00:37:55.500 --> 00:37:55.699 Amen. 00:37:55.699 --> 00:37:55.860 Amen. 00:37:55.860 --> 00:37:56.159 Amen. 00:37:56.159 --> 00:37:56.319 Amen. 00:37:56.319 --> 00:37:56.420 Amen. 00:37:56.420 --> 00:37:56.659 Amen. 00:37:56.659 --> 00:37:56.719 Amen. 00:37:56.719 --> 00:37:56.819 Amen. 00:37:56.819 --> 00:37:56.860 Amen. 00:37:56.860 --> 00:37:56.920 Amen. 00:37:56.920 --> 00:37:57.199 Amen. 00:37:59.199 --> 00:37:59.420 Amen. 00:37:59.420 --> 00:37:59.599 Amen. 00:37:59.599 --> 00:37:59.779 Amen. 00:37:59.779 --> 00:38:00.480 Amen. 00:38:00.480 --> 00:38:01.199 Amen.