WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.280 If you have your Bible with you, you can open it up to John chapter 15. 00:00:14.620 --> 00:00:17.660 We're continuing to plug away at this teaching of Jesus. 00:00:18.879 --> 00:00:23.559 These words of Jesus were spoken to his disciples on the night of his betrayal. 00:00:23.559 --> 00:00:28.980 And this is after the Last Supper, but before they get to the Garden of Gethsemane. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:44.299 Jesus has been using this analogy of vine and branches and fruit to convey some really important truths to these men. 00:00:44.960 --> 00:00:48.980 As we've seen so far, all of this is about relationship. 00:00:50.659 --> 00:00:55.439 The relationship of the Father with his Son Jesus, gardener and vine. 00:00:55.439 --> 00:01:02.280 And the relationship of the branches, those followers of Jesus with Jesus the vine. 00:01:03.239 --> 00:01:10.060 And last week we considered the sober warnings of Jesus about just how important it is for all his followers to remain in him. 00:01:10.620 --> 00:01:14.000 So that we might bear the fruit that God desires. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:21.560 And we took comfort in the assurance of Jesus that he will remain in us and hold us. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:26.620 Well, this morning we're going to move fairly quickly through a number of verses here. 00:01:26.700 --> 00:01:34.299 And then we're going to camp a little bit on just one thought that Jesus said here in John chapter 15. 00:01:34.480 --> 00:01:37.900 So let's pick this up in verse 7. 00:01:37.900 --> 00:01:43.040 Jesus said, 00:01:43.040 --> 00:01:52.640 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:57.320 This could be a whole sermon right here, but I'm going to not do that. 00:01:58.580 --> 00:01:59.880 Again, we heard this earlier. 00:02:00.020 --> 00:02:05.080 Jesus promises to answer their prayers and give them the things that they ask for. 00:02:05.079 --> 00:02:07.859 And again, it seems a lot like a blank check. 00:02:07.939 --> 00:02:09.719 It's almost like he's just encouraging them. 00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:11.979 You know, write whatever you want in that blank. 00:02:12.840 --> 00:02:14.960 Ask and I will do it for you. 00:02:15.939 --> 00:02:21.879 But then we notice again that there are some qualifications that go with that. 00:02:23.180 --> 00:02:27.840 Requirements for this blank check of prayer to be cash, to be delivered on. 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:32.400 First, it requires that they remain in him. 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:35.879 That they are walking in relationship with him. 00:02:36.939 --> 00:02:40.980 Continuing to trust and obey and follow. 00:02:42.240 --> 00:02:46.039 And second, Jesus adds in something new. 00:02:46.120 --> 00:02:46.460 He says, 00:02:46.699 --> 00:02:53.819 If my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. 00:02:53.819 --> 00:02:56.099 If my words remain in you. 00:02:57.639 --> 00:03:03.239 Over the years, I've had a Christian brother or two who I've asked this question to. 00:03:04.579 --> 00:03:07.060 So what are you reading in your Bible these days? 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:09.400 And the answer has been, 00:03:10.719 --> 00:03:15.979 Well, reading is not really my preferred method of relating to God. 00:03:15.979 --> 00:03:18.560 It's not really my love language. 00:03:19.539 --> 00:03:24.039 I feel closest to God when I'm just praying or out on a stroll in nature. 00:03:25.979 --> 00:03:28.780 I'm always glad to hear that someone feels close to God. 00:03:28.780 --> 00:03:33.739 And I'm always glad to hear that people are praying and enjoying the beauty of God's creation. 00:03:34.739 --> 00:03:43.280 But according to Jesus, our relationship with him, our remaining in him, has to include his words. 00:03:43.280 --> 00:03:47.640 Jesus gives us words. 00:03:48.560 --> 00:03:52.259 And they're to be at the core of our relationship with him. 00:03:52.979 --> 00:03:54.740 He gives us words of truth. 00:03:55.580 --> 00:03:56.900 Words of encouragement. 00:03:58.219 --> 00:03:59.080 Words of rebuke. 00:04:00.259 --> 00:04:01.060 Words of promise. 00:04:01.740 --> 00:04:02.379 Words of hope. 00:04:03.719 --> 00:04:04.580 Words of instruction. 00:04:04.800 --> 00:04:05.219 Commands. 00:04:05.379 --> 00:04:06.319 All kinds of words. 00:04:07.039 --> 00:04:11.500 And we have many of them right here in our Bibles. 00:04:11.500 --> 00:04:20.800 And so this is one of the qualifications, the guarding statements to this whatever you wish. 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:23.300 Ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. 00:04:23.920 --> 00:04:27.060 If my words remain in you. 00:04:27.160 --> 00:04:30.180 If you are holding on to the things that I say. 00:04:30.180 --> 00:04:36.180 If we're not continually surrendering ourselves to these words of Jesus. 00:04:38.040 --> 00:04:38.800 Obeying them. 00:04:38.959 --> 00:04:39.620 Trusting them. 00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:45.259 Then we don't have the assurance that Jesus will do for us whatever we ask. 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:51.399 This is God's way of kind of guarding that whatever. 00:04:51.399 --> 00:04:54.599 That seeming blank check of prayer. 00:04:54.699 --> 00:04:59.099 And ensuring that we don't just use prayer for our own selfish ambition. 00:04:59.819 --> 00:05:03.239 Or to satisfy our own greed or pride. 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:09.840 If you remain in me and my words remain in you. 00:05:10.100 --> 00:05:13.319 Ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. 00:05:14.120 --> 00:05:16.120 This is to my Father's glory. 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:18.800 That you bear much fruit. 00:05:19.600 --> 00:05:21.860 Showing yourselves to be my disciples. 00:05:23.319 --> 00:05:24.639 Notice the flow here. 00:05:25.180 --> 00:05:29.740 The goal of asking in prayer is to bring glory to the Father. 00:05:29.740 --> 00:05:35.720 The result of asking in prayer is that we might bear much fruit. 00:05:37.579 --> 00:05:38.720 Think about this. 00:05:39.280 --> 00:05:44.819 It's not just the words of Jesus that are indispensable to this relationship that we have with him. 00:05:44.960 --> 00:05:47.360 It's also this prayerful asking. 00:05:48.680 --> 00:05:50.540 How is the Father glorified? 00:05:51.579 --> 00:05:55.100 How does this much fruit come in our lives? 00:05:55.100 --> 00:05:59.760 It comes as we ask whatever we wish. 00:06:01.320 --> 00:06:02.820 And receive it from God. 00:06:05.160 --> 00:06:10.879 But sometimes I wonder if all too often we fall back into that faithless frame of mind. 00:06:11.340 --> 00:06:13.879 Where we just, you know, decide not to pray. 00:06:15.520 --> 00:06:16.920 Not to ask for things. 00:06:17.220 --> 00:06:17.780 What's the point? 00:06:17.939 --> 00:06:19.100 God will do what he will do. 00:06:20.580 --> 00:06:22.379 But that's not what Jesus says here. 00:06:22.460 --> 00:06:23.879 He says God is glorified. 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:30.139 We will bear much fruit as we ask for things and receive them from him. 00:06:31.939 --> 00:06:35.959 One of the verses in the Bible that haunts me in a good way, I think, 00:06:36.439 --> 00:06:40.759 is a statement made by James in James chapter 4 verse 2. 00:06:41.699 --> 00:06:46.100 Now there's a context to that statement, but the statement's true either way. 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:49.939 However you look at it, at the end there, he says, 00:06:49.939 --> 00:07:03.779 How many things do we not have simply because we have not asked God for them? 00:07:03.779 --> 00:07:10.339 Now as I just mentioned, there are reasons why what we ask might not be given. 00:07:10.899 --> 00:07:15.339 If we're not remaining in Jesus, if his words are not remaining in us, 00:07:15.579 --> 00:07:19.000 and James will even go on here in this passage to give some more reasons. 00:07:19.579 --> 00:07:24.599 If we're just asking to gratify ourselves or out of wrong motives, 00:07:24.699 --> 00:07:28.139 we ought not to expect to receive what we ask for. 00:07:28.139 --> 00:07:32.139 But those things aside, this is still true. 00:07:32.279 --> 00:07:38.019 You do not have sometimes because you do not ask God. 00:07:38.019 --> 00:07:48.419 How many things do we not have simply because we haven't asked God for them? 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:51.579 Because we don't believe he cares enough. 00:07:52.979 --> 00:07:55.699 Or we don't believe that he can do something like that 00:07:55.699 --> 00:07:57.939 because it just seems so hard or so impossible. 00:07:59.979 --> 00:08:03.159 This is why prayer on Sunday mornings like we just did 00:08:03.159 --> 00:08:06.099 and prayer this Thursday evening are so important. 00:08:06.100 --> 00:08:10.460 God in his wisdom and sovereignty has decided 00:08:10.460 --> 00:08:14.980 to give to those who ask. 00:08:16.100 --> 00:08:19.620 To bring fruit from prayers that are prayed 00:08:19.620 --> 00:08:22.020 and requests that are made. 00:08:23.660 --> 00:08:27.300 Think back over some of those stories in the Old Testament. 00:08:27.720 --> 00:08:31.580 How many times did God act and intervene in response 00:08:31.580 --> 00:08:34.300 to the prayer of a man or woman? 00:08:34.299 --> 00:08:37.000 Countless times. 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:42.419 Now sometimes he graciously acts even when we don't pray. 00:08:43.199 --> 00:08:44.319 And that's a wonderful thing. 00:08:44.419 --> 00:08:46.539 He is a gracious and compassionate God. 00:08:46.659 --> 00:08:47.599 And he loves sinners. 00:08:49.299 --> 00:08:52.879 But many times, often the pattern we see is that he acts 00:08:52.879 --> 00:08:55.859 and he gives and he does things in response 00:08:55.859 --> 00:08:58.679 to the humble prayers of his people. 00:08:58.679 --> 00:09:03.439 Verse 8. 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:05.679 This is to my Father's glory 00:09:05.679 --> 00:09:08.079 that you bear much fruit 00:09:08.079 --> 00:09:11.259 showing yourselves to be my disciples. 00:09:12.039 --> 00:09:14.519 Now we talked about this verse already 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:15.799 in a few messages, 00:09:16.039 --> 00:09:18.219 but I just want to note one more thing from this verse. 00:09:18.220 --> 00:09:22.540 God gets glory 00:09:22.540 --> 00:09:28.060 when we show ourselves to be Jesus' disciples. 00:09:28.059 --> 00:09:32.899 You know, sometimes we get worried 00:09:32.899 --> 00:09:34.059 about what outsiders, 00:09:35.259 --> 00:09:36.719 people who don't believe in Christ, 00:09:37.119 --> 00:09:39.139 think of us and about our faith. 00:09:39.479 --> 00:09:42.179 We worry that if we're too Christian, 00:09:42.639 --> 00:09:43.739 we might offend them, 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:45.699 push them away. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:49.579 And the temptation can sometimes run very strong 00:09:49.579 --> 00:09:52.079 just to, you know, kind of hide our faith 00:09:52.080 --> 00:09:55.259 and to live as an undercover follower of Christ. 00:09:56.820 --> 00:09:58.759 But God wants you and me 00:09:58.759 --> 00:10:04.340 to show ourselves to be disciples of Jesus. 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:05.580 He wants it to be known. 00:10:05.980 --> 00:10:06.920 He wants it to be seen. 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:08.220 He wants it to be obvious 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:10.700 by the much good fruit in our lives, 00:10:11.020 --> 00:10:14.420 which will include our conduct and our love, 00:10:14.700 --> 00:10:16.280 but also our words, 00:10:16.860 --> 00:10:18.620 our testimony to the King. 00:10:19.540 --> 00:10:21.120 And so I want to encourage you this morning 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:25.139 don't let the fear of man intimidate you. 00:10:26.580 --> 00:10:30.120 And don't let the praise of man allure you. 00:10:30.899 --> 00:10:32.259 Jesus is the King. 00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:35.320 And one day the whole world is going to see that 00:10:35.320 --> 00:10:36.000 when He comes. 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:40.279 Verse 9. 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:44.000 As the Father has loved me, 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:45.759 so have I loved you. 00:10:46.620 --> 00:10:49.060 Now remain in my love. 00:10:49.059 --> 00:10:51.739 If you keep my commands, 00:10:51.919 --> 00:10:53.679 you will remain in my love 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:56.159 just as I have kept my Father's commands 00:10:56.159 --> 00:10:58.839 and remain in His love. 00:10:59.939 --> 00:11:01.359 I have told you this 00:11:01.359 --> 00:11:04.399 so that my joy may be in you 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:07.819 and so that your joy may be complete. 00:11:09.799 --> 00:11:12.259 Love and obedience are the theme of these verses 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:13.879 and we're going to come back 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:15.839 and linger over them another day. 00:11:15.840 --> 00:11:17.700 But for this morning, 00:11:17.780 --> 00:11:19.540 let's focus in on what Jesus says 00:11:19.540 --> 00:11:20.820 here in verse 11. 00:11:20.960 --> 00:11:22.879 This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. 00:11:25.340 --> 00:11:26.879 I have told you this 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:29.460 so that my joy may be in you 00:11:29.460 --> 00:11:32.940 and that your joy may be complete. 00:11:35.639 --> 00:11:37.780 Do you know that Jesus wants you 00:11:37.780 --> 00:11:38.980 to be happy? 00:11:38.980 --> 00:11:42.639 And now I know that 00:11:42.639 --> 00:11:44.659 many Christian teachers out there 00:11:44.659 --> 00:11:45.879 have tried to make a distinction 00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:47.259 between joy and happiness 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:49.940 and there's some truth to that. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:52.240 There's some truth to how we use those words today. 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:55.080 Sometimes we do use that word happy 00:11:55.080 --> 00:11:57.740 in a really fleeting and shallow way 00:11:57.740 --> 00:11:59.960 like Happy Meals at McDonald's. 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:01.039 You know, 00:12:01.180 --> 00:12:02.539 buy this meal for your kids 00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:03.680 and it will make them happy. 00:12:03.679 --> 00:12:05.979 But happy can still be used 00:12:05.979 --> 00:12:07.059 to refer to joy 00:12:07.059 --> 00:12:09.699 as a synonym for joy 00:12:09.699 --> 00:12:10.519 like in the hymn, 00:12:10.639 --> 00:12:11.399 Trust and Obey. 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:13.379 For there's no other way 00:12:13.379 --> 00:12:15.599 to be happy in Jesus 00:12:15.599 --> 00:12:17.500 than to trust and obey. 00:12:17.620 --> 00:12:18.319 At their core, 00:12:18.459 --> 00:12:19.739 happiness and joy 00:12:19.739 --> 00:12:20.839 are synonyms. 00:12:20.939 --> 00:12:21.859 They mean the same thing. 00:12:21.939 --> 00:12:23.000 They both refer to 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:24.099 an inward delight, 00:12:25.159 --> 00:12:26.659 an inward satisfaction, 00:12:27.819 --> 00:12:28.740 an inward pleasure 00:12:28.740 --> 00:12:30.379 that we come to have 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:31.479 or to feel. 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:34.360 The question is not so much 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:36.120 about which is the right word 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:38.320 but about what can make us 00:12:38.320 --> 00:12:39.639 truly happy 00:12:39.639 --> 00:12:41.539 or who. 00:12:43.940 --> 00:12:45.600 Ever since the Garden of Eden 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:46.639 long ago, 00:12:47.560 --> 00:12:49.279 the devil has been preaching 00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:52.480 and one of his main messages 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:53.379 is this. 00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:55.620 God wants you 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:56.920 to be miserable. 00:12:58.159 --> 00:13:00.300 He wants you to go unfulfilled. 00:13:00.299 --> 00:13:03.479 He wants you to be unsatisfied. 00:13:04.479 --> 00:13:05.799 He wants you to have 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:07.120 less than the best. 00:13:07.699 --> 00:13:09.439 He offers you no inward delight. 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:10.919 Come, 00:13:11.819 --> 00:13:12.859 taste and see 00:13:12.859 --> 00:13:15.000 this fruit from the tree 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:16.779 that he told you not to eat of. 00:13:17.579 --> 00:13:19.120 This will bring you 00:13:19.120 --> 00:13:20.779 great delight. 00:13:22.059 --> 00:13:23.099 It's a lie. 00:13:23.100 --> 00:13:28.379 probably referring back 00:13:28.379 --> 00:13:29.920 to all that he said before. 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:32.320 All this talk 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:33.580 of remaining in Jesus 00:13:33.580 --> 00:13:35.420 and his words 00:13:35.420 --> 00:13:36.320 remaining in us 00:13:36.320 --> 00:13:37.379 and remaining in his love. 00:13:37.519 --> 00:13:38.480 Referring to all that, 00:13:38.659 --> 00:13:39.399 Jesus says, 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:41.200 I have told you this 00:13:41.200 --> 00:13:42.100 so that my joy 00:13:42.680 --> 00:13:43.899 may be in you 00:13:43.899 --> 00:13:45.340 and so that your joy 00:13:45.340 --> 00:13:46.639 may be complete. 00:13:47.920 --> 00:13:49.160 I want you 00:13:49.160 --> 00:13:50.120 to be happy. 00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:53.600 and embracing 00:13:53.600 --> 00:13:54.500 this truth, 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:55.639 these core truths 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:56.940 about my relationship 00:13:56.940 --> 00:13:57.580 with you, 00:13:57.740 --> 00:13:58.600 that's where you're 00:13:58.600 --> 00:13:59.340 going to find it. 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:03.000 Give yourselves to me. 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:03.759 Give yourselves 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:04.580 to my love. 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:05.320 Give yourselves 00:14:05.320 --> 00:14:06.399 to my words, 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:07.399 to prayer. 00:14:08.039 --> 00:14:09.259 This is what will make 00:14:09.259 --> 00:14:09.879 your joy 00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:10.120 complete. 00:14:13.299 --> 00:14:13.820 Complete. 00:14:13.820 --> 00:14:16.500 Not just a little bit 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:16.960 of joy. 00:14:18.040 --> 00:14:18.820 Not just 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:20.160 some joy. 00:14:21.080 --> 00:14:22.180 But complete. 00:14:22.860 --> 00:14:23.340 Maximum. 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:24.480 Full. 00:14:25.820 --> 00:14:26.340 The meter 00:14:26.340 --> 00:14:27.180 to the top. 00:14:29.220 --> 00:14:30.060 Do you know 00:14:30.060 --> 00:14:30.620 that Jesus 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:31.700 wants that for you? 00:14:32.520 --> 00:14:33.620 He doesn't want you 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:34.320 to be miserable. 00:14:35.820 --> 00:14:36.740 How would that 00:14:36.740 --> 00:14:37.760 bring glory to him? 00:14:38.880 --> 00:14:39.980 How does that show 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:41.160 his matchless worth 00:14:41.160 --> 00:14:42.120 and beauty? 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:42.600 No. 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:44.919 God wants you 00:14:44.919 --> 00:14:46.060 to be the happiest 00:14:46.060 --> 00:14:47.019 that you can be. 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:49.919 The challenge is 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:51.820 will we trust 00:14:51.820 --> 00:14:52.659 that our life 00:14:52.659 --> 00:14:53.539 in Christ 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:55.019 and our obedience 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:55.899 to Christ 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:56.820 and our relationship 00:14:56.820 --> 00:14:57.600 with Christ 00:14:57.600 --> 00:14:59.039 is the way 00:14:59.039 --> 00:15:00.679 to that fullness 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:01.299 of joy? 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.799 Or 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:04.620 will we look 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:05.299 for that joy 00:15:05.299 --> 00:15:05.960 instead 00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:08.299 in lesser things? 00:15:08.919 --> 00:15:09.799 Created things? 00:15:09.799 --> 00:15:12.479 Now don't get me 00:15:12.479 --> 00:15:12.740 wrong. 00:15:12.819 --> 00:15:13.500 The things of earth 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.579 have been created 00:15:14.579 --> 00:15:15.620 for our joy. 00:15:16.319 --> 00:15:17.099 I don't want to 00:15:17.099 --> 00:15:17.679 create a false 00:15:17.679 --> 00:15:18.639 dichotomy here. 00:15:19.199 --> 00:15:19.779 1 Timothy 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:20.559 chapter 5 00:15:20.559 --> 00:15:21.339 verse 17 00:15:21.339 --> 00:15:22.000 Paul says 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:22.699 command those 00:15:22.699 --> 00:15:23.279 who are rich 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:23.959 in this present 00:15:23.959 --> 00:15:24.419 world 00:15:24.419 --> 00:15:25.979 to put their 00:15:25.979 --> 00:15:27.039 hope in God 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:28.059 who richly 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:28.799 provides us 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:29.719 with everything 00:15:29.719 --> 00:15:31.240 for our 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:31.759 enjoyment. 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:33.740 And in 00:15:33.740 --> 00:15:34.259 1 Timothy 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:34.959 chapter 4 00:15:34.959 --> 00:15:35.479 verse 4 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:36.620 everything 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:37.580 God created 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.279 is good 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.460 and nothing 00:15:39.460 --> 00:15:40.019 is to be 00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:40.500 rejected 00:15:40.500 --> 00:15:41.720 if it is 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:42.180 received 00:15:42.180 --> 00:15:43.060 with thanksgiving. 00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:45.080 The things 00:15:45.080 --> 00:15:45.519 of earth 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:45.840 have been 00:15:45.840 --> 00:15:46.220 created 00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:46.700 for our 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:47.120 joy. 00:15:48.940 --> 00:15:49.800 But notice 00:15:49.800 --> 00:15:50.159 that they're 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:50.500 meant to 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:50.920 give us 00:15:50.920 --> 00:15:51.240 joy 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:51.580 like 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:52.240 gifts 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:52.860 give us 00:15:52.860 --> 00:15:53.200 joy. 00:15:55.320 --> 00:15:56.019 They are 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:56.740 good things 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:57.100 that we're 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:57.480 meant to 00:15:57.480 --> 00:15:57.940 enjoy 00:15:57.940 --> 00:15:59.220 as we 00:15:59.220 --> 00:15:59.960 acknowledge 00:15:59.960 --> 00:16:01.180 the one 00:16:01.180 --> 00:16:02.180 who gave 00:16:02.180 --> 00:16:02.860 them to 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:03.200 us 00:16:03.200 --> 00:16:04.320 and the 00:16:04.320 --> 00:16:04.700 love that 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:05.140 he has 00:16:05.140 --> 00:16:05.580 in giving 00:16:05.580 --> 00:16:05.920 them. 00:16:08.259 --> 00:16:08.920 I love 00:16:08.920 --> 00:16:09.180 the way 00:16:09.180 --> 00:16:09.700 that C.S. 00:16:09.780 --> 00:16:09.980 Lewis 00:16:09.980 --> 00:16:11.020 captures this 00:16:11.020 --> 00:16:11.700 in his 00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:12.480 meditations 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:12.940 in a 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:13.440 tool shed. 00:16:14.180 --> 00:16:14.460 And I 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:15.240 didn't have 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:15.640 time to 00:16:15.640 --> 00:16:15.920 dig out 00:16:15.920 --> 00:16:16.340 the exact 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:16.840 quotation 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:17.180 and I'm 00:16:17.180 --> 00:16:17.660 taking some 00:16:17.660 --> 00:16:18.040 major 00:16:18.040 --> 00:16:19.800 liberalities 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:20.340 in my 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:21.660 quoting of 00:16:21.660 --> 00:16:22.220 this but 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:23.860 hopefully the 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:24.300 gist is 00:16:24.300 --> 00:16:24.820 enough to 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:25.640 get by 00:16:25.640 --> 00:16:26.320 with here. 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:27.480 Imagine that 00:16:27.480 --> 00:16:27.840 you're in a 00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:28.740 dark tool shed 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:30.540 and you look 00:16:30.540 --> 00:16:31.020 up and you 00:16:31.020 --> 00:16:31.460 see this 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:32.000 little beam 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:32.420 of light 00:16:32.419 --> 00:16:33.620 coming through 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:34.459 one of the 00:16:34.459 --> 00:16:35.659 cracks in 00:16:35.659 --> 00:16:36.120 the roof. 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:37.979 That little 00:16:37.979 --> 00:16:38.639 ray, 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:40.319 that beam 00:16:40.319 --> 00:16:40.879 of light, 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:42.219 it's such a 00:16:42.219 --> 00:16:42.839 good thing 00:16:42.839 --> 00:16:43.439 in the 00:16:43.439 --> 00:16:44.259 darkness of 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:44.939 the tool shed. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:46.919 It lets you 00:16:46.919 --> 00:16:47.539 see a little 00:16:47.539 --> 00:16:48.179 bit of what's 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:48.819 around you. 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:50.079 As you pass 00:16:50.079 --> 00:16:50.659 your hand 00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:51.360 through it, 00:16:51.399 --> 00:16:51.899 you can feel 00:16:51.899 --> 00:16:52.479 the warmth 00:16:52.479 --> 00:16:54.339 on your skin. 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:56.599 It gives you 00:16:56.599 --> 00:16:57.139 a measure of 00:16:57.139 --> 00:16:57.740 happiness, 00:16:58.599 --> 00:16:59.159 that little 00:16:59.159 --> 00:17:00.639 ray of 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.579 light here 00:17:01.579 --> 00:17:01.939 in the 00:17:01.939 --> 00:17:02.339 darkness. 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:04.680 C.S. 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:05.180 Lewis said 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:06.460 that enjoying 00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.359 the good 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:07.839 things of 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:09.039 earth is 00:17:09.039 --> 00:17:09.599 like that. 00:17:10.180 --> 00:17:10.720 God has 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.299 filled the 00:17:11.299 --> 00:17:11.839 whole world 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:12.359 with all 00:17:12.359 --> 00:17:12.779 kinds of 00:17:12.779 --> 00:17:13.319 these little 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.319 rays of 00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:14.740 light, 00:17:15.259 --> 00:17:16.559 good things 00:17:16.559 --> 00:17:17.339 that do 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:17.819 good for 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:18.039 us, 00:17:18.099 --> 00:17:18.420 that we 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:19.079 can enjoy. 00:17:21.180 --> 00:17:21.839 But we 00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:22.119 need to 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:22.740 remember that 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.220 that little 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:24.859 beam shining 00:17:24.859 --> 00:17:25.399 down in the 00:17:25.399 --> 00:17:25.859 tool shed 00:17:25.859 --> 00:17:26.399 does not 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:27.279 exist on 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:27.740 its own. 00:17:28.399 --> 00:17:29.139 It has a 00:17:29.139 --> 00:17:29.680 source and 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:30.240 you can look 00:17:30.240 --> 00:17:31.480 up along 00:17:31.480 --> 00:17:32.099 the beam 00:17:32.099 --> 00:17:33.099 and trace 00:17:33.099 --> 00:17:33.460 it back 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:33.859 to its 00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:34.220 source, 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.319 something that's 00:17:35.319 --> 00:17:36.140 even more 00:17:36.140 --> 00:17:37.339 wonderful and 00:17:37.339 --> 00:17:37.839 awesome, 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:40.500 the sun. 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:43.720 in the same 00:17:43.720 --> 00:17:44.099 way, the 00:17:44.099 --> 00:17:44.559 things of 00:17:44.559 --> 00:17:45.099 earth, all 00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:45.559 the good 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:45.960 created 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.859 things that 00:17:46.859 --> 00:17:47.200 God has 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:47.740 given us, 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:49.500 they have 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:50.220 their source 00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:52.400 and we 00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:52.940 are meant 00:17:52.940 --> 00:17:54.359 to trace 00:17:54.359 --> 00:17:55.339 them back 00:17:55.339 --> 00:17:56.079 up to the 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:56.859 source and 00:17:56.859 --> 00:17:57.460 to receive 00:17:57.460 --> 00:17:57.900 those things, 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:58.539 to enjoy 00:17:58.539 --> 00:17:59.099 them as 00:17:59.099 --> 00:18:00.279 gifts from 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:00.759 the God 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:01.519 who has 00:18:01.519 --> 00:18:02.119 given them. 00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:06.639 complete 00:18:06.639 --> 00:18:07.919 and full 00:18:07.919 --> 00:18:09.539 joy comes 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:11.939 from 00:18:11.939 --> 00:18:12.559 relationship 00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:13.099 with the 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:13.479 source, 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:15.359 with the 00:18:15.359 --> 00:18:15.679 vine, 00:18:15.959 --> 00:18:16.539 with Jesus, 00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:17.379 with the 00:18:17.379 --> 00:18:17.719 Father. 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:20.699 God does 00:18:20.699 --> 00:18:21.959 want us 00:18:21.959 --> 00:18:22.379 to be 00:18:22.379 --> 00:18:22.759 happy, 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:24.819 but he 00:18:24.819 --> 00:18:25.199 is the 00:18:25.199 --> 00:18:25.979 source of 00:18:25.979 --> 00:18:26.539 all joy 00:18:26.539 --> 00:18:27.559 and happiness. 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:29.339 That's what 00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:29.899 I want for 00:18:29.899 --> 00:18:30.719 you, says 00:18:30.719 --> 00:18:31.279 Jesus. 00:18:31.279 --> 00:18:32.359 maximum 00:18:32.359 --> 00:18:32.879 joy, 00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:34.660 fullest of 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:35.420 happinesses, 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:35.819 and that's 00:18:35.819 --> 00:18:36.039 why I'm 00:18:36.039 --> 00:18:36.599 telling you 00:18:36.599 --> 00:18:37.039 all this 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.519 stuff about 00:18:37.519 --> 00:18:38.420 my relationship 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:38.960 with you 00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:39.279 and how 00:18:39.279 --> 00:18:39.660 you need 00:18:39.660 --> 00:18:40.200 to remain 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:40.700 in me 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:41.799 and my 00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:42.299 words 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:44.519 and prayer. 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:48.039 How could 00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:48.519 this be, 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:49.180 you might 00:18:49.180 --> 00:18:49.519 wonder? 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:51.519 How could 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:52.180 anyone be 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:53.099 truly happy 00:18:53.099 --> 00:18:54.059 when someone 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.500 else is 00:18:54.500 --> 00:18:55.000 telling them 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:55.319 what to 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:55.539 do? 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:58.720 This is a 00:18:58.720 --> 00:18:59.200 question we 00:18:59.200 --> 00:18:59.559 can all 00:18:59.559 --> 00:19:00.339 sympathize with 00:19:00.339 --> 00:19:00.740 because 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:01.779 the devil 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:02.480 has another 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.079 sermon that 00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:03.740 he loves 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:04.299 to preach. 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:07.000 You can't 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:07.680 be happy 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:09.380 unless you 00:19:09.380 --> 00:19:10.039 are the 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:10.460 boss, 00:19:11.259 --> 00:19:12.500 unless you 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:13.019 are in 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:14.200 charge of 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:14.620 your own 00:19:14.620 --> 00:19:15.099 life, 00:19:15.620 --> 00:19:16.220 making the 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:16.700 decisions, 00:19:16.859 --> 00:19:17.299 calling the 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:17.620 shots. 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:18.599 That's where 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:19.839 true satisfaction 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:20.680 and happiness 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.799 is found. 00:19:22.220 --> 00:19:22.819 Freedom to 00:19:22.819 --> 00:19:23.440 do whatever 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:24.279 I please. 00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:27.359 this too 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:27.899 is a lie. 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:30.839 If we 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:31.240 just look 00:19:31.240 --> 00:19:31.639 up one 00:19:31.639 --> 00:19:32.000 verse 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.599 before this, 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:35.200 we read, 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:36.619 if you 00:19:36.619 --> 00:19:37.160 keep my 00:19:37.160 --> 00:19:37.720 commands, 00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:38.319 you will 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:39.059 remain in 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:39.680 my love 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:41.019 just as I 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:41.440 have kept 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:42.160 my father's 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:42.740 commands and 00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:43.220 remain in 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:43.819 his love. 00:19:43.819 --> 00:19:43.879 love. 00:19:46.379 --> 00:19:46.980 Even 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.480 Jesus, 00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:48.099 the son 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:48.659 of God, 00:19:48.879 --> 00:19:49.679 the word 00:19:49.679 --> 00:19:50.539 who became 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:51.039 flesh, 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:51.960 even Jesus 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:52.759 lived as a 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:53.379 man under 00:19:53.379 --> 00:19:53.919 authority. 00:19:55.019 --> 00:19:55.980 He had the 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.439 father's 00:19:56.439 --> 00:19:57.960 commands coming 00:19:57.960 --> 00:19:58.439 to him. 00:19:59.159 --> 00:20:00.200 He had God 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:00.700 the father 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:01.419 telling him 00:20:01.419 --> 00:20:02.179 what to do. 00:20:02.639 --> 00:20:03.039 Yes. 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:06.519 But what 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:06.940 does Jesus 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:07.299 say? 00:20:07.399 --> 00:20:07.819 He says, 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:08.839 I remained 00:20:08.839 --> 00:20:09.159 in, 00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:10.500 I lived 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.079 in my 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:11.700 father's 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:12.759 love by 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:13.420 obeying 00:20:13.420 --> 00:20:14.399 his commands. 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:16.599 Fullness 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:16.980 of joy 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:17.639 doesn't come 00:20:17.639 --> 00:20:18.200 from having 00:20:18.200 --> 00:20:18.960 this illusion 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:19.399 that we 00:20:19.399 --> 00:20:20.059 are now 00:20:20.059 --> 00:20:20.879 somehow free 00:20:20.879 --> 00:20:21.319 to do 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:22.099 whatever we 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:22.559 want. 00:20:23.399 --> 00:20:24.399 If Jesus 00:20:24.399 --> 00:20:25.079 could so 00:20:25.079 --> 00:20:26.119 deeply enjoy 00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:26.920 his father's 00:20:26.920 --> 00:20:28.019 love in 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.440 the place 00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:29.200 of submission 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:31.420 and obedience 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.680 with his 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:32.960 father 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:33.559 telling him 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:33.940 what to 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:34.259 do, 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:36.420 so can 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:36.660 we. 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:39.960 Most of 00:20:39.960 --> 00:20:40.319 you probably 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:40.900 know someone 00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:41.259 in your 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:41.900 life who's 00:20:41.900 --> 00:20:42.319 maybe a 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:42.799 little younger 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:43.299 than you, 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.319 a little less 00:20:44.319 --> 00:20:44.920 experienced 00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:45.640 than you 00:20:45.640 --> 00:20:45.900 are. 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:47.539 Maybe you've 00:20:47.539 --> 00:20:47.819 had a 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:48.200 conversation 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:48.799 with them 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.180 where you 00:20:49.180 --> 00:20:50.500 see them 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:51.660 and how 00:20:51.660 --> 00:20:52.079 they've 00:20:52.079 --> 00:20:52.360 kind of 00:20:52.360 --> 00:20:52.840 got their 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:53.259 sights 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:53.799 locked 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.680 on something. 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:56.100 And if I 00:20:56.100 --> 00:20:56.559 can just 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:57.200 get this 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:57.640 thing, 00:20:58.420 --> 00:20:59.539 I'll be 00:20:59.539 --> 00:20:59.920 happy. 00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:00.579 I'll be 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:00.960 set. 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:02.420 And this 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:02.720 is how 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:03.000 I'm going 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.339 to do 00:21:03.339 --> 00:21:03.559 it. 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:04.980 And as 00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:05.680 you listen 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:06.200 to them, 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:06.620 you think 00:21:06.620 --> 00:21:07.039 back to 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:07.420 maybe how 00:21:07.420 --> 00:21:07.860 you learned 00:21:07.860 --> 00:21:08.400 that lesson 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:08.839 the hard 00:21:08.839 --> 00:21:09.900 way when 00:21:09.900 --> 00:21:10.120 you were 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:10.420 younger. 00:21:12.100 --> 00:21:12.660 It might 00:21:12.660 --> 00:21:13.240 be plain as 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:13.600 day to 00:21:13.600 --> 00:21:13.920 you that 00:21:13.920 --> 00:21:14.360 they just 00:21:14.360 --> 00:21:15.019 aren't seeing 00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:15.480 clearly. 00:21:16.360 --> 00:21:17.019 This isn't 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:17.339 the thing 00:21:17.339 --> 00:21:17.620 that will 00:21:17.620 --> 00:21:17.980 make them 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.420 happy. 00:21:19.120 --> 00:21:19.519 This won't 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:19.799 be a 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:20.299 blessing in 00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:20.920 their lives. 00:21:22.319 --> 00:21:22.860 And the 00:21:22.860 --> 00:21:23.200 way that 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:23.660 they're prepared 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:24.220 to get it, 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:24.759 it might even 00:21:24.759 --> 00:21:25.400 be damaging. 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:26.019 It might even 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.779 have lasting 00:21:26.779 --> 00:21:27.960 consequences. 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:29.019 And so you 00:21:29.019 --> 00:21:29.460 tell them, 00:21:29.600 --> 00:21:30.380 don't do it. 00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:31.760 do this 00:21:31.760 --> 00:21:32.280 instead. 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.640 This is 00:21:33.640 --> 00:21:33.940 going to be 00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:34.460 much better 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:34.920 for you. 00:21:36.760 --> 00:21:37.440 Is that 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:37.900 not what 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:38.460 Jesus is 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.840 doing when 00:21:39.840 --> 00:21:40.260 he gives 00:21:40.260 --> 00:21:41.100 his commands 00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:41.700 to us? 00:21:43.280 --> 00:21:44.080 Is he not 00:21:44.080 --> 00:21:44.640 the one who 00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:45.440 sees clearly 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:47.100 the consequences 00:21:47.100 --> 00:21:48.180 and the 00:21:48.180 --> 00:21:48.880 effects of 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:49.420 our decisions? 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:51.880 is it 00:21:51.880 --> 00:21:52.680 possible that 00:21:52.680 --> 00:21:53.380 all along 00:21:53.380 --> 00:21:54.900 he only 00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:55.840 commands us 00:21:55.840 --> 00:21:57.440 to do 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.240 things because 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:59.180 he loves us 00:21:59.180 --> 00:22:00.140 so much 00:22:00.140 --> 00:22:01.660 and knows 00:22:01.660 --> 00:22:02.660 what's best 00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:03.200 for us, 00:22:03.380 --> 00:22:04.120 what we 00:22:04.120 --> 00:22:04.880 truly need, 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.259 what will 00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:06.039 really make 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:06.600 us happy? 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:09.680 And so I 00:22:09.680 --> 00:22:10.100 want to just 00:22:10.100 --> 00:22:11.200 encourage all 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:12.500 of us simply 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:13.779 this morning, 00:22:14.100 --> 00:22:14.720 surrender your 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:15.980 life to 00:22:15.980 --> 00:22:16.519 Jesus, 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:18.279 the vine. 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:20.360 it's only 00:22:20.360 --> 00:22:20.800 through him 00:22:20.800 --> 00:22:21.100 that we 00:22:21.100 --> 00:22:21.519 can have 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:21.980 this fullest 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:22.620 of joys. 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:25.640 Maybe you're 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:25.980 here and 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.340 you've never 00:22:26.340 --> 00:22:26.900 done this. 00:22:27.860 --> 00:22:28.640 If that's 00:22:28.640 --> 00:22:28.920 you, I 00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:29.120 want to 00:22:29.120 --> 00:22:29.860 encourage you, 00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:30.519 do it 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:30.900 today. 00:22:34.060 --> 00:22:34.720 Maybe you're 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:35.039 here and 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.320 you do 00:22:35.320 --> 00:22:35.700 believe, 00:22:35.880 --> 00:22:37.019 but not 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:37.320 all the 00:22:37.320 --> 00:22:37.580 way, 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:38.700 just kind 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:39.060 of part 00:22:39.060 --> 00:22:39.340 way. 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:40.620 I want 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:41.120 to encourage 00:22:41.120 --> 00:22:41.320 you, 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:41.800 surrender 00:22:41.800 --> 00:22:42.400 your life 00:22:42.400 --> 00:22:43.060 to Jesus, 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.480 be baptized, 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:45.440 make that 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:46.500 declaration that 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:47.200 he is the 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:47.539 king. 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:49.779 hand the 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:50.180 reins of 00:22:50.180 --> 00:22:50.559 your life 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:50.879 over to 00:22:50.879 --> 00:22:51.019 him 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:51.519 completely. 00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.259 He is 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:52.740 the good 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.279 and gracious 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:53.740 king. 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.420 Maybe you're 00:22:56.420 --> 00:22:56.720 here and 00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.139 you've already 00:22:57.139 --> 00:22:57.700 done that, 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:59.279 but the 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.740 joy just 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:00.359 isn't here. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:03.279 Have you 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.000 drifted from 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:04.339 Jesus' 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:04.879 words? 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:06.960 From 00:23:06.960 --> 00:23:07.339 prayer? 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:10.799 Draw near 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:11.220 to him 00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:11.579 again, 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:13.539 and he 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:13.879 will draw 00:23:13.879 --> 00:23:14.259 near to 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:14.519 you. 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:17.700 finally, 00:23:18.139 --> 00:23:19.220 there is 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:19.619 a time 00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:20.240 to weep 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:21.460 and mourn. 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:23.519 Even 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:23.940 Jesus 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:24.500 cried 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:25.660 and wept 00:23:25.660 --> 00:23:26.220 at times. 00:23:26.879 --> 00:23:27.339 We do 00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:27.900 still live 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:28.139 in a 00:23:28.139 --> 00:23:28.379 broken 00:23:28.379 --> 00:23:28.819 world. 00:23:30.519 --> 00:23:30.839 Sometimes 00:23:30.839 --> 00:23:31.799 this joy 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:32.420 that Jesus 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:33.259 speaks of, 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.500 it has 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:35.099 to coexist 00:23:35.099 --> 00:23:35.619 in our 00:23:35.619 --> 00:23:35.980 hearts 00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:36.920 with grief 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:38.460 and sorrow. 00:23:39.859 --> 00:23:40.619 But there 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:41.059 is coming 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:41.519 a day, 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:43.200 Jesus 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:43.660 said, 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:44.700 when every 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.259 tear 00:23:45.259 --> 00:23:45.960 will be 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:46.200 wiped 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:46.579 away. 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:48.559 A day 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:48.940 of no 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:49.539 more sorrow, 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.000 no more 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:51.339 pain, 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:51.799 no more 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:52.220 crying. 00:23:53.859 --> 00:23:54.119 Jesus 00:23:54.119 --> 00:23:54.839 will return, 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:56.139 he will 00:23:56.139 --> 00:23:56.559 reign, 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:57.660 he will 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:58.500 defeat and 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.220 silence the 00:23:59.220 --> 00:24:00.119 devil forever, 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:01.420 and God 00:24:01.420 --> 00:24:01.759 will make 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:02.279 all things 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:02.559 new. 00:24:03.559 --> 00:24:04.460 And this 00:24:04.460 --> 00:24:05.599 fullest of 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.819 joys will 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:07.139 be all 00:24:07.139 --> 00:24:07.759 that's left. 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:08.779 It will be 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.220 the only, 00:24:09.339 --> 00:24:09.759 it will be 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.720 the always, 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:11.720 forever, 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.240 for all 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:13.799 who belong 00:24:13.799 --> 00:24:14.960 to Jesus. 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:17.819 I'll end 00:24:17.819 --> 00:24:18.220 with these 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:20.119 words of 00:24:20.119 --> 00:24:20.900 Christ himself. 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:21.500 Look, 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.339 I am 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:23.099 coming soon. 00:24:24.619 --> 00:24:25.640 And yes, 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:26.559 I am 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:27.259 coming soon. 00:24:28.660 --> 00:24:29.019 Amen. 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:30.279 Come, 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:31.279 Lord Jesus. 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:35.640 Let's pray. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:41.400 Father in 00:24:41.400 --> 00:24:41.640 heaven, 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.440 work this 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:43.980 joy in 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:44.279 us, 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:45.059 we pray. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:46.879 Draw us 00:24:46.879 --> 00:24:47.779 closer into 00:24:47.779 --> 00:24:48.700 fellowship with 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:48.920 you, 00:24:49.420 --> 00:24:50.440 relationship with 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:50.579 you. 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:51.059 Take us 00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:51.579 deeper than 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:51.940 we've ever 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:52.960 been with 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:53.680 you before, 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:55.779 and open 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.279 up this 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:57.059 fullness of 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:57.559 joy that 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:58.339 we all 00:24:58.339 --> 00:24:58.700 long to 00:24:58.700 --> 00:24:59.019 have. 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:02.259 Strengthen 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:03.980 us with 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:04.480 that joy, 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:04.980 we pray, 00:25:05.660 --> 00:25:06.619 for your 00:25:06.619 --> 00:25:07.039 glory. 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:08.400 In Jesus' 00:25:08.400 --> 00:25:08.779 name, 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.579 amen.