WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.179 15 verse 18. So if you've got one of the church Bibles, the black ones, which are on the back 00:00:06.179 --> 00:00:10.019 desk if you don't have one, it's page 902. 00:00:19.140 --> 00:00:21.640 John 15 verse 18. 00:00:21.640 --> 00:00:30.179 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 00:00:31.380 --> 00:00:35.600 If you are of the world, the world would love you as its own. 00:00:36.679 --> 00:00:43.960 But because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 00:00:45.280 --> 00:00:50.120 Remember the word that I said to you, a servant is not greater than his master. 00:00:50.119 --> 00:00:55.519 If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 00:00:56.459 --> 00:01:00.939 If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 00:01:02.159 --> 00:01:09.120 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 00:01:10.420 --> 00:01:19.099 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 00:01:20.120 --> 00:01:23.300 Whoever hates me hates my father also. 00:01:24.420 --> 00:01:30.219 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:34.200 But now they have seen and hated both me and my father. 00:01:34.200 --> 00:01:39.460 But the word that is written in their law must be fulfilled. 00:01:40.159 --> 00:01:42.140 They hated me without a cause. 00:01:43.480 --> 00:01:53.219 But when the helper comes, whom I will send to you from the father, the spirit of truth, who proceeds from the father, he will bear witness about me. 00:01:53.219 --> 00:01:58.379 And you also will bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning. 00:01:59.939 --> 00:02:03.340 I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 00:02:04.439 --> 00:02:06.620 They will put you out of the synagogues. 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:14.079 Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 00:02:14.080 --> 00:02:19.480 And they will do these things because they have not known the father nor me. 00:02:20.380 --> 00:02:28.140 But I have said these things to you that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told them to you. 00:02:28.140 --> 00:02:28.220 Amen. 00:02:44.080 --> 00:02:49.140 Well, I'm often known around the traps here as Eeyore. 00:02:49.560 --> 00:02:52.080 I reckon I see the miserable side of life. 00:02:52.240 --> 00:02:55.580 Well, the mantle today has been translated and shifted onto Rob. 00:02:55.760 --> 00:03:01.220 So I'm positively euphoric compared to Rob's introduction. 00:03:05.900 --> 00:03:08.020 We all want to be accepted, don't we? 00:03:08.720 --> 00:03:09.980 We all want to be welcomed. 00:03:09.979 --> 00:03:14.539 We all want to be at ease in whatever context we find ourselves in. 00:03:15.119 --> 00:03:17.459 That's what it is to be relational beings, isn't it? 00:03:18.719 --> 00:03:25.560 Nobody wants to be isolated, rejected, certainly not despised and hated. 00:03:27.579 --> 00:03:34.120 And I think one of the things I really appreciate about being Australian is that Australia gets that by and large. 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:39.519 So as Australians, we sense that racism and sexism is bad. 00:03:39.979 --> 00:03:43.959 And that a commitment to multiculturalism is good. 00:03:45.819 --> 00:03:53.879 But we're slowly as a nation recognizing past wrongs to indigenous people and working to get some real healing. 00:03:55.139 --> 00:04:04.439 We're developing disability support programs, valuing people for who they are rather than what they can or cannot do. 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:17.800 And we rightly applaud people and programs designed to promote unity among Australians. 00:04:17.800 --> 00:04:32.800 But mixed in among that, I need to tell you this morning, if you haven't already worked out, there are those who use the language of unity, but their design is altogether different. 00:04:32.939 --> 00:04:40.120 Their design is actually to promote disharmony and exclusion and isolation. 00:04:40.120 --> 00:04:44.280 Two words dominate our culture at the moment. 00:04:44.280 --> 00:04:48.840 The words inclusivity and the word tolerance. 00:04:49.500 --> 00:04:57.000 That is, these two words both are banded around as being open and accepting of all views. 00:04:57.000 --> 00:05:07.560 Especially they're used in terms of being open and accepting of all gender expressions, all sexual expression. 00:05:10.680 --> 00:05:14.740 As I say, it's the language of inclusiveness. 00:05:14.740 --> 00:05:35.840 But behind that apparent language of unity is, dare I say, a ruthless agenda to silence any critique of moves to redefine personhood, to redefine identity through this new thing called gender fluidity. 00:05:36.660 --> 00:05:38.340 Unrestricted sexual expression. 00:05:38.339 --> 00:05:39.379 Unrestricted sexual expression. 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:43.659 And Christians bear the brunt of this attack. 00:05:45.459 --> 00:05:56.559 And the attack aims to remove from our society, from our culture, any reference or influence from historic, the ethic of historic biblical Christianity. 00:05:57.259 --> 00:06:03.120 And replace it with an ethic of, anything goes, driven by my imagination. 00:06:06.419 --> 00:06:07.559 A couple of examples. 00:06:07.560 --> 00:06:11.300 Two weeks ago, Monty Python team member Terry Jones died. 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:18.879 The response to his death, a massive celebration of his life. 00:06:19.100 --> 00:06:23.120 Focused in one line, his most famous, or as I would say, infamous line. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:25.259 He's not the Messiah. 00:06:25.779 --> 00:06:27.600 He's just a very naughty boy. 00:06:28.319 --> 00:06:30.699 From the Life of Brian movie. 00:06:32.680 --> 00:06:36.519 Now that whole movie is called a satire, but I think it's just hit. 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:41.899 It just ridicules from beginning to end the life and death of Jesus. 00:06:43.259 --> 00:06:48.279 It was always and remains one of the most popular movies ever produced. 00:06:48.279 --> 00:06:59.339 This week, John McEnroe published what can only be called a vitriolic YouTube directed at Margaret Court. 00:07:01.739 --> 00:07:09.439 Begging her tennis fraternity not to acknowledge her Grand Slam victory 50 years ago. 00:07:09.439 --> 00:07:14.300 He called her, among other things, a despicable homophobe. 00:07:16.180 --> 00:07:16.939 Inutterably offensive. 00:07:19.819 --> 00:07:20.259 Why? 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:24.680 Because she spoke against homosexuality. 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:33.740 And the irony for me was, you have this vitriolic outpouring from McEnroe, which I would call hate speech. 00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:38.439 And it's applauded Margaret Court, demonized. 00:07:38.439 --> 00:07:45.000 And again this week, Israel Folau back in the news. 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:55.879 He's been forced to sign a contract and promised that he would make no public comment as a Christian in order to play rugby league again. 00:07:55.879 --> 00:08:04.279 And the Catalan Dragons team that have signed him have been absolutely pilloried in the press this week. 00:08:07.240 --> 00:08:11.379 While only two hours later, after the news broke of him being signed by the Catalan Dragons, 00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:19.379 the Wigan Warriors and another team in the same comp advertised that their next game was going to be dedicated to gay pride. 00:08:19.379 --> 00:08:24.279 And everybody got on board and said, what a perfect response. 00:08:25.459 --> 00:08:26.439 One is silenced. 00:08:27.459 --> 00:08:30.860 One is encouraged to flaunt their position. 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:35.679 Why is it like this? 00:08:38.559 --> 00:08:43.299 Well, we have the answer direct from Jesus' own lips in these verses this morning. 00:08:43.299 --> 00:08:52.759 But before I jump into the passage, I need to do some revision because it's six weeks since we've been in John's biography of Jesus. 00:08:52.879 --> 00:08:58.059 As Rob introduced, chapter 14 to 16 is called Jesus' Farewell Discourse. 00:09:00.359 --> 00:09:03.879 For obvious reasons, he had told his disciples that he was going away. 00:09:05.139 --> 00:09:10.419 Meaning he was about to go to his death in order to achieve God's purpose in salvation. 00:09:10.419 --> 00:09:22.439 But we shouldn't think of the farewell discourse as a warm and fuzzy hug and kiss goodbye like you would dropping the kids off to school. 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:37.740 The right picture of the farewell discourse is that of the supreme commander briefing his troops before the decisive battle in a war. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:40.500 That's the picture you need to have in mind. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:41.960 This is serious stuff. 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:44.320 The stakes are high. 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:49.779 The disciples, we're told, were confused and terrified about Jesus going away. 00:09:49.820 --> 00:09:50.720 We can understand that. 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:59.700 So Jesus walks them through what was about to happen in the immediate future, that is in the next 24, 48 hours, 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:03.980 and in the longer term to them as disciples of Jesus. 00:10:03.980 --> 00:10:11.220 And everything he says to them is framed by the opening and closing sentences of the unit. 00:10:11.920 --> 00:10:13.300 Chapter 14, verse 1. 00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:15.659 Do not let your hearts be troubled. 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:18.379 And chapter 16, verse 33. 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:22.340 I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. 00:10:23.379 --> 00:10:25.259 In the world you will have tribulation. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:27.279 But take heart. 00:10:28.259 --> 00:10:29.580 I have overcome the world. 00:10:29.580 --> 00:10:32.700 There are the brackets that frame this. 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:38.440 This is a sobering piece of literature. 00:10:38.920 --> 00:10:40.300 This is a sobering speech. 00:10:41.480 --> 00:10:44.740 This is a very sobering farewell briefing. 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:59.840 Now let's jump into the passage, beginning with what can only be described as unambiguous language of Jesus and ideas that confront us. 00:11:01.440 --> 00:11:03.860 Jesus is calling his disciples here to battle stations. 00:11:04.259 --> 00:11:06.120 If I can follow through the military metaphor. 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:12.120 Battle stations brace for an avalanche of hatred. 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:20.019 In these verses, six times in the first two verses, Jesus used the word hate or hatred. 00:11:21.320 --> 00:11:22.899 And that's not just an English translation. 00:11:23.080 --> 00:11:26.620 That is fair dingam to the Greek word. 00:11:26.940 --> 00:11:28.100 It's a strong word. 00:11:28.179 --> 00:11:29.080 There's no getting around it. 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:36.200 And this is what the disciples should expect to experience. 00:11:36.200 --> 00:11:44.580 And then added to that, as you read through the passage, references to totally unjust persecution. 00:11:46.360 --> 00:11:47.580 Irrational persecution. 00:11:48.540 --> 00:11:49.060 Sanctions. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:49.940 Injury. 00:11:50.780 --> 00:11:52.860 And even death, says Jesus. 00:11:53.220 --> 00:11:57.140 That's what you guys, my followers, have to look forward to. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:12:01.679 That's going to be the new normal for you. 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:04.419 As it has been, will become the normal for me. 00:12:04.919 --> 00:12:05.840 And has been the normal. 00:12:07.519 --> 00:12:10.240 You can just hear Jesus, see Jesus looking around. 00:12:11.439 --> 00:12:14.539 Eyeballing all his disciples saying, hey guys, this is not a game. 00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:15.620 This is not a dress rehearsal. 00:12:15.919 --> 00:12:16.879 This is the real thing. 00:12:19.699 --> 00:12:20.399 Listen up. 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:25.740 And he goes on then to, as he briefs them, to talk about hostiles. 00:12:26.159 --> 00:12:28.379 Hostiles on the outside, beyond our ranks. 00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:30.279 And he calls them here the world. 00:12:30.819 --> 00:12:36.519 Which is, in John's gospel, humankind in rebellion against God. 00:12:38.220 --> 00:12:44.539 And six times again, the world is mentioned in these first two verses. 00:12:45.299 --> 00:12:48.879 And it's how the world will deal with his disciples. 00:12:50.399 --> 00:12:55.299 The world is humankind in rebellion against God's rule. 00:12:55.620 --> 00:13:01.199 And it includes, therefore, my friends, the majority of our fellow Australians. 00:13:04.419 --> 00:13:09.039 And it includes, if you move around the world, the majority of most nations around the world. 00:13:13.679 --> 00:13:15.299 What does Jesus say? 00:13:15.299 --> 00:13:25.159 That inevitably, not possibly, but inevitably, they will unleash hatred on Christians. 00:13:25.500 --> 00:13:26.399 The followers of Jesus. 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:30.039 And I pick up three reasons in here. 00:13:30.139 --> 00:13:30.379 Why? 00:13:31.019 --> 00:13:31.939 Why will they do that? 00:13:32.019 --> 00:13:36.279 Well, it's because, first of all, we identify with Jesus, who is God's king. 00:13:36.939 --> 00:13:37.339 Verse 18. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:41.579 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 00:13:41.580 --> 00:13:43.600 In verse 20 and 21. 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:45.620 Remember the word that I said to you. 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:47.660 A servant is not greater than his master. 00:13:48.360 --> 00:13:52.080 If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 00:13:52.500 --> 00:13:56.220 If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 00:13:58.420 --> 00:14:03.620 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name. 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:07.060 Because they do not know him who sent me. 00:14:09.139 --> 00:14:13.799 The master-servant relationship is one of close identification. 00:14:15.460 --> 00:14:25.860 So every part of a servant's identity and daily existence was defined by the master's character and the master's business or master's affairs. 00:14:25.860 --> 00:14:33.600 Conversely, the master of the household thought of his servants almost as an extension of himself. 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:39.360 If things were good for him, then they were good for the servants. 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:42.060 And vice versa. 00:14:43.539 --> 00:14:47.860 If things went badly for the master, they were going to go badly for the servants. 00:14:47.860 --> 00:14:54.759 The other reason, another reason is because we reflect what the world hates. 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:56.700 God's sovereignty. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:57.740 Look at verse 19. 00:14:59.019 --> 00:15:03.120 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:11.759 But because you're not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore, the world hates you. 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:24.759 The fact that Christians exist is an ongoing testimony to rebellious humankind that God is alive. 00:15:25.759 --> 00:15:34.799 That God is powerful and active in his world in spite of every attempt of rebellious humankind to exclude him from his world. 00:15:35.399 --> 00:15:37.059 And to claim this world for ourselves. 00:15:37.059 --> 00:15:44.000 Christians are a reflection of God's sovereignty. 00:15:44.699 --> 00:15:53.059 The reality of salvation is that each Christian has been plucked out of the world, renewed, grafted into Jesus the true vine, 00:15:53.359 --> 00:15:59.439 the first part of the verses of chapter 15, and then sent back into the world as branches now of the vine. 00:15:59.440 --> 00:16:13.720 The totally new worldview, which at every point is at odds with the attitudes, desires, thinking of those around us, the world. 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:21.620 We now look to Jesus for identity, meaning and purpose in life. 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:27.320 We look to Jesus for our standard of right and wrong and truth, not to one another. 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:32.159 And friends, get this. 00:16:32.500 --> 00:16:39.120 Even though people will often say that they're angry at Christians because of our failings and inconsistencies, which are real, 00:16:39.220 --> 00:16:41.480 but that's not what this passage is saying to us. 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:51.700 We are hated not because people do not see Jesus or God in us, but because they do. 00:16:57.000 --> 00:17:02.220 Because they do see a fundamental difference in how we approach life. 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:07.980 A fundamental difference in where we look to for the authority of life. 00:17:07.980 --> 00:17:21.539 And that difference is a reminder to them of the thing they hate, that their professed autonomy is just that, professed. 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:24.279 And they despise that. 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:36.059 And the third reason Jesus gives in here, I think, is that because we're ambassadors of Jesus who exposes rebellion and sin. 00:17:36.160 --> 00:17:39.480 So it's God's king, God's kingdom, God's sovereignty, and God's word. 00:17:40.759 --> 00:17:41.879 Perfect trifecta. 00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:43.700 Perfect hatred. 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:46.359 For it. 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:48.399 Verses 21 to 25. 00:17:48.400 --> 00:17:54.880 All these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 00:17:55.680 --> 00:18:00.680 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin. 00:18:01.380 --> 00:18:05.180 But now, they have no excuse for their sin. 00:18:07.340 --> 00:18:09.600 Whoever hates me hates my father also. 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:16.160 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:24.920 But now they have seen and hated both me and my father. 00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:29.840 But the word that is written in their law must be fulfilled. 00:18:30.440 --> 00:18:32.259 They hated me without a cause. 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:44.500 Jesus came into this rebellious world, calling it out at every point. 00:18:45.859 --> 00:18:47.559 Exposing sin and guilt. 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:52.039 And leaving people without excuse for continued rebellion. 00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:55.240 No longer do people say, well, I didn't know that that's what God was like. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:57.019 Or I didn't know that's how God was operating. 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.240 They do now. 00:18:58.240 --> 00:19:01.519 And they refuse to accept it. 00:19:02.019 --> 00:19:08.680 Because it doesn't fit with what they think God would be like, or should be like, or should operate. 00:19:08.680 --> 00:19:20.060 And all that Jesus taught, explained, and modeled has been recorded under God's hand in what we call the Bible. 00:19:21.160 --> 00:19:27.299 And therefore continues to challenge and expose people today as Christians. 00:19:27.380 --> 00:19:34.039 You and me proclaim the words and works of Jesus in our own generation. 00:19:34.039 --> 00:19:40.119 So it's as if when we speak that, it again opens up this great chasm, this great divide. 00:19:41.639 --> 00:19:43.299 It challenges autonomy. 00:19:47.279 --> 00:19:48.180 People hate it. 00:19:49.920 --> 00:19:51.519 Can't get to Jesus. 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.059 Next best thing? 00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:55.539 They shoot the messenger. 00:19:56.619 --> 00:19:58.759 They can't rid themselves of the message. 00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:00.559 They shoot the messenger. 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:03.659 Or beat them. 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:06.980 Or whatever else they can imagine to do to them. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:16.000 And rebellious humankind, and remember what I'm talking about here is really immediate. 00:20:16.159 --> 00:20:16.659 It's around it. 00:20:17.119 --> 00:20:18.919 It might be your extended family. 00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:20.179 Some in your extended family. 00:20:20.819 --> 00:20:22.039 It might be your workmates. 00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:24.919 It might be your neighbors across the road from you. 00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:27.099 It might be the people you play sport with. 00:20:27.099 --> 00:20:31.279 Make no mistake. 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:41.000 They actually hate their proud, self-interested, autonomous hearts and lifestyles being exposed. 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:50.240 And as I say, since they can't rid themselves of the message, they certainly do a good job of trying to rid themselves of the messengers. 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:55.400 That's hostiles from without the ranks. 00:20:55.500 --> 00:21:00.519 But then, more insidious, Jesus also warms about hostiles within the ranks. 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:07.440 Those who love religion, but hate Jesus. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:09.359 Chapter 16, verses 1 to 3. 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:12.099 Now, at first read, this doesn't sound right. 00:21:12.099 --> 00:21:28.159 But what Jesus is saying here, if we just go on the face value of the words, what Jesus is saying here is that the worst treatment that his disciples will receive will come from those who claim to be doing God's work. 00:21:29.819 --> 00:21:31.439 Who are religious people. 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:39.559 And particularly here, the religious people Jesus is referring to are the Jewish religious authorities. 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:54.519 Jesus knew that within the next 24, 48 hours, he was about to experience their ruthless, senseless, violent, murderous hatred. 00:21:54.519 --> 00:22:03.259 Every bit of it done in the belief that they were God's agents protecting God's reputation. 00:22:07.160 --> 00:22:09.079 And his disciples should expect the same. 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:13.519 Talks here about excommunication, verse 2, from the synagogues. 00:22:14.599 --> 00:22:16.500 Now, that doesn't mean much to us in our culture. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:19.500 But what it meant in those days was a massive thing. 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:29.160 Excommunication meant you were cut off from family privilege, from social privilege, from economic privilege, from religious privilege, from political privilege. 00:22:29.380 --> 00:22:30.720 You were totally isolated. 00:22:34.859 --> 00:22:37.339 In your local town or village. 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:40.720 But even then, says Jesus, sometimes that won't be enough. 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:47.559 Sometimes the hatred will burn so deep that nothing short of your death will satisfy. 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:51.559 Man, that's a sort of hatred, isn't it? 00:22:57.200 --> 00:23:03.160 Why would religious people be so capable of such deep hatred? 00:23:04.400 --> 00:23:06.759 Well, Jesus has been saying it right through in his ministry. 00:23:07.900 --> 00:23:11.119 For three years now, almost three years, Jesus has been saying the same thing. 00:23:11.119 --> 00:23:12.899 And he's been saying the same thing. 00:23:12.979 --> 00:23:18.719 Because Jesus has exposed their outside-in religious practices. 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:27.699 Jesus has shown how they think that they can set the criterion for acceptance by God. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:33.219 That what God will be pleased about is, one, that they're Jewish, as opposed to all the other races. 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:39.140 Two, that they do their prayers, and they read their Bible, and they do all these religious acts, and they offer their sacrifices. 00:23:39.620 --> 00:23:44.559 It's a self-salvation that they had concluded would meet with acceptance to God. 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:47.700 And therefore, when they stood before God, God would actually reward them. 00:23:47.779 --> 00:23:50.720 Because, well, you're a good person. 00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:59.240 And they thought that they were protectors of God, so Jesus had to go. 00:24:00.579 --> 00:24:05.600 But Jesus took away their control of their salvation. 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:14.740 They had reduced it to a relatively easy self-salvation, which rewarded their pride and their goodness. 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:18.660 And was racially best. 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:21.460 Jesus said, no, you're totally wrong. 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:22.839 Totally wrong. 00:24:26.259 --> 00:24:28.940 They said, no, you must be wrong, Jesus. 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:32.579 And they backed their own thinking. 00:24:34.079 --> 00:24:39.799 So Jesus, his message, and all who promoted his message, would have to be silenced. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:49.759 We talk about people being intransigent, people being unwilling to change a position. 00:24:52.559 --> 00:24:54.180 Doesn't come much clearer than that. 00:24:55.740 --> 00:25:01.480 And the one who shows himself to be God, repeatedly by what he does and by what he says, 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:08.539 is rejected in favor of their own opinion about how to get to heaven. 00:25:08.539 --> 00:25:16.700 Friends, a very simple conclusion out of all of that is don't ever expect it. 00:25:17.379 --> 00:25:22.639 Don't ever expect to be welcomed and at ease in the world. 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:30.899 The sad thing is we still hold out hope for that, don't we? 00:25:35.379 --> 00:25:37.099 And that's part of being relational. 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:45.420 But we mustn't hold out so much hope that then prizes away from the truth of Jesus. 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:57.299 Inseparably joined into Jesus, chapter 15, verses 1, following, the vine and the branches. 00:25:57.460 --> 00:26:05.019 Inseparably joined into Jesus means inevitably linked to hatred directed at him. 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:11.299 Now this is where we sometimes bring ourselves unstuck. 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:16.480 Because I think we genuinely think if only people knew more about God. 00:26:18.039 --> 00:26:19.920 It's an information problem. 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:23.539 If only Christians could be more consistent. 00:26:25.139 --> 00:26:28.259 And less sort of public scandals. 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:30.460 It's a perception problem. 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:36.120 If only, if only, if only then people would believe. 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:40.819 More people would come to Jesus. 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:44.960 But in fact, the opposite is the case. 00:26:46.620 --> 00:26:51.019 The more people realize what God is really like, 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:57.139 the more they see a reflection of God in those who are the followers of Jesus, 00:26:57.900 --> 00:27:01.639 the more their hatred rises. 00:27:03.339 --> 00:27:04.920 And they back themselves. 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:14.960 Battle stations means being prepared. 00:27:15.080 --> 00:27:16.960 But battle stations also means weapons ready. 00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:22.500 That's actually a command in the army. 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:23.340 Weapons ready. 00:27:25.380 --> 00:27:30.580 A good commander ensures that his troops have all the firepower they need 00:27:30.579 --> 00:27:34.179 for the incoming battle. 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:39.139 That means the right weapons and the proper supply of ammunition to feed those weapons. 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:46.519 Jesus provides both defensive and offensive weapons 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:51.179 that are never exhausted in terms of ammunition. 00:27:52.179 --> 00:27:54.480 The Holy Spirit, verses 26 and 27. 00:27:54.480 --> 00:28:00.519 But the helper, but when the helper comes, 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:04.000 and the word there in the Greek is advocate, it's a legal term, 00:28:04.059 --> 00:28:05.460 but when the advocate comes, 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:07.519 whom I will send to you from the Father, 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:09.059 the Spirit of truth, 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:10.880 who proceeds from the Father, 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:12.900 he will bear witness about me. 00:28:14.160 --> 00:28:15.380 And you also 00:28:15.380 --> 00:28:17.299 will bear witness. 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:23.259 The word paraclete 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:26.839 is like having a personal QC 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:28.440 at your beck and call. 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:33.339 Whose job is to work in and through 00:28:33.339 --> 00:28:35.500 each of the followers of Jesus 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.619 to assist them 00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:39.339 advocate Christ's lordship 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:42.640 and Christ's message of salvation 00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:45.039 in this hostile world 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:48.480 while Jesus isn't here. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:52.140 In Acts chapter 1, verse 8, 00:28:52.400 --> 00:28:54.440 the Holy Spirit is described there as dunamis, 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:55.700 that is dynamite. 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:58.360 The Holy Spirit is the power of God 00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:59.160 in salvation. 00:29:00.759 --> 00:29:01.099 So, 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:04.740 he is not just the perfect defense weapon 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:06.319 who's there to assist us, 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:08.539 he is the perfect offensive weapon. 00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:10.019 He is God's dynamite 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:11.620 to blast through 00:29:11.620 --> 00:29:12.440 unbelief. 00:29:12.440 --> 00:29:19.279 His witness through us 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:20.500 as Christ's followers 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:22.240 will achieve that 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.740 which we could never achieve 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:24.299 on our own. 00:29:25.460 --> 00:29:26.120 Arrest 00:29:26.120 --> 00:29:27.480 and renew 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:28.400 unbelieving, 00:29:28.580 --> 00:29:29.220 rebellious hearts, 00:29:29.340 --> 00:29:30.539 convicting them of truth, 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:32.000 as we see next week 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:33.120 in chapter 16, 00:29:33.660 --> 00:29:35.039 convicting them of truth 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:36.039 in respect to 00:29:36.039 --> 00:29:37.500 sin and righteousness 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:38.160 and judgment. 00:29:42.900 --> 00:29:43.640 Weapons ready, 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:44.579 the Holy Spirit. 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:46.740 He comes from the Father 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:49.259 so knows every part of the battle 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:52.319 and every one of Jesus' troops 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:53.059 personally. 00:29:55.339 --> 00:29:56.400 What a great assurance, 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.900 what a great reassurance 00:29:57.900 --> 00:29:59.299 to keep us from giving up 00:29:59.299 --> 00:30:00.079 and that's exactly 00:30:00.079 --> 00:30:02.240 why these words are spoken by Jesus. 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:05.319 To keep us from stumbling 00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:06.519 and giving up. 00:30:06.519 --> 00:30:07.839 Hear this. 00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:09.339 With this weapon, 00:30:09.460 --> 00:30:10.420 this Holy Spirit, 00:30:10.799 --> 00:30:11.700 our Holy Spirit 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:12.759 within us, 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:14.079 it means this, 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:16.900 that we are never alone 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:17.559 in the battle. 00:30:19.900 --> 00:30:21.819 And we are never powerless 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:23.519 in the face 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:26.619 of this avalanche of hatred. 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:37.039 loving one another. 00:30:37.899 --> 00:30:38.539 Verse 17. 00:30:39.199 --> 00:30:40.439 So it can be argued 00:30:40.439 --> 00:30:41.719 whether you put verse 17 00:30:41.719 --> 00:30:43.339 in one passage or the other. 00:30:43.859 --> 00:30:45.039 I'm going with Don Carson. 00:30:45.179 --> 00:30:46.579 I think it's a transition verse. 00:30:46.659 --> 00:30:47.739 So it does apply to this. 00:30:47.819 --> 00:30:48.839 Jesus has said repeatedly 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:50.399 in this section 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:52.819 of the farewell discourse, 00:30:52.819 --> 00:30:54.599 is repeatedly said, 00:30:55.099 --> 00:30:56.259 look, 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:58.299 you must love one another 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:59.419 as I have loved you. 00:31:00.919 --> 00:31:01.700 Loving one another 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:03.159 is a key 00:31:03.159 --> 00:31:06.679 function for God's people. 00:31:09.259 --> 00:31:10.240 Loving one another. 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:12.900 we are, 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.339 in this battle, 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:15.240 we are to be 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:16.000 as committed 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:17.680 to one another, 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:20.180 to one another's safety 00:31:20.180 --> 00:31:21.120 and well-being 00:31:21.120 --> 00:31:23.779 as Christ is to us. 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:24.539 As I say, 00:31:24.599 --> 00:31:25.240 you can read back through 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:26.759 chapter 13 and 15 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:27.460 and you'll see that. 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:28.359 Love one another 00:31:28.359 --> 00:31:29.480 as I have loved you. 00:31:30.920 --> 00:31:31.140 Friends, 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:32.519 here's where it comes to us 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.519 in this battle. 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:36.599 We have a responsibility 00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:37.759 to support 00:31:37.759 --> 00:31:39.519 and help one another 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:40.460 stay faithful 00:31:40.460 --> 00:31:42.559 in the face of persecution 00:31:42.559 --> 00:31:43.220 and attack. 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:46.079 We are to remind one another 00:31:46.079 --> 00:31:47.920 of the truth of the gospel 00:31:47.920 --> 00:31:49.400 and the certainty 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:50.559 of Christ's victory 00:31:50.559 --> 00:31:52.819 when we're in danger 00:31:52.819 --> 00:31:53.799 of being overwhelmed 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:55.019 by hatred. 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:59.559 Now this is such a big weapon 00:31:59.559 --> 00:32:00.539 in scripture, 00:32:01.460 --> 00:32:02.139 but my friends, 00:32:02.200 --> 00:32:02.680 it's a weapon 00:32:02.680 --> 00:32:03.440 we obviously 00:32:03.440 --> 00:32:04.799 just don't value 00:32:04.799 --> 00:32:05.440 that much. 00:32:09.420 --> 00:32:10.660 We are to lovingly 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:11.460 rescue 00:32:11.460 --> 00:32:12.640 and rehabilitate 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:13.880 those who do stumble 00:32:13.880 --> 00:32:15.160 or go astray 00:32:15.160 --> 00:32:16.600 or get battle weary. 00:32:18.700 --> 00:32:20.019 In chapter 15, 00:32:20.360 --> 00:32:21.080 the first part of it, 00:32:21.360 --> 00:32:22.019 talks about 00:32:22.019 --> 00:32:23.440 evidence of 00:32:23.440 --> 00:32:24.220 the vine 00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:24.840 and the branches 00:32:24.840 --> 00:32:25.580 working right 00:32:25.580 --> 00:32:26.920 is abiding in Jesus. 00:32:29.779 --> 00:32:30.000 Well, 00:32:30.019 --> 00:32:30.440 I would say 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:31.259 on the basis of that 00:32:31.259 --> 00:32:31.420 then, 00:32:31.420 --> 00:32:32.080 that failing 00:32:32.080 --> 00:32:33.259 to love one another 00:32:33.259 --> 00:32:34.160 is failing 00:32:34.160 --> 00:32:35.000 to abide 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:35.759 in Jesus. 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:39.620 Even worse, 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:42.120 I think 00:32:42.120 --> 00:32:43.279 it's equivalent 00:32:43.279 --> 00:32:44.420 to discarding 00:32:44.420 --> 00:32:45.460 the weapon 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:47.160 issued by Jesus 00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:49.680 and actually 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:50.900 assist the enemy 00:32:50.900 --> 00:32:51.960 in their attack. 00:32:52.160 --> 00:32:52.840 How does that assist 00:32:52.840 --> 00:32:53.140 the enemy? 00:32:53.140 --> 00:32:55.020 because before the enemy 00:32:55.020 --> 00:32:56.160 can even get to us, 00:32:56.800 --> 00:32:57.640 we have wounded 00:32:57.640 --> 00:32:58.200 one another 00:32:58.200 --> 00:32:58.580 within. 00:32:58.580 --> 00:32:58.700 Within. 00:33:02.700 --> 00:33:06.500 How awful is that? 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:06.559 that? 00:33:12.940 --> 00:33:13.539 But again, 00:33:13.599 --> 00:33:14.220 as I said earlier, 00:33:14.279 --> 00:33:15.000 it's so common 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:16.460 in our local churches. 00:33:19.339 --> 00:33:20.380 Battle stations. 00:33:22.759 --> 00:33:23.539 Weapons ready. 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:27.640 Friends, 00:33:28.000 --> 00:33:29.000 with those two 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:29.779 commands, 00:33:29.859 --> 00:33:30.940 we can be encouraged 00:33:30.940 --> 00:33:33.400 because everything 00:33:33.400 --> 00:33:34.400 is as King 00:33:34.400 --> 00:33:35.019 Jesus said 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:35.460 it would be. 00:33:37.680 --> 00:33:38.779 He knows 00:33:38.779 --> 00:33:39.600 precisely 00:33:39.600 --> 00:33:40.539 what we are 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.000 going through. 00:33:41.420 --> 00:33:41.900 He's been there 00:33:41.900 --> 00:33:42.380 before us. 00:33:44.960 --> 00:33:46.000 He's not some 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:46.880 uncaring, 00:33:47.220 --> 00:33:48.019 dispassionate 00:33:48.019 --> 00:33:49.340 commander 00:33:49.339 --> 00:33:53.139 who just 00:33:53.139 --> 00:33:54.019 sees his people 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:55.000 as cannon fodder. 00:33:57.659 --> 00:33:58.359 He knew 00:33:58.359 --> 00:33:58.899 what was coming. 00:33:59.079 --> 00:33:59.819 He's provided 00:33:59.819 --> 00:34:00.799 for every 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:01.919 assurance 00:34:01.919 --> 00:34:02.699 and comfort 00:34:02.699 --> 00:34:03.740 and reassurance. 00:34:05.919 --> 00:34:07.119 But more than that, 00:34:08.799 --> 00:34:09.259 everything 00:34:09.259 --> 00:34:10.039 is going 00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:11.219 exactly to plan. 00:34:11.360 --> 00:34:12.099 Jesus said this 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:13.000 before it all 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:13.380 happened 00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:14.259 so that we'd know 00:34:14.259 --> 00:34:15.119 when it happened 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:16.460 that he was 00:34:16.460 --> 00:34:17.019 in control, 00:34:17.119 --> 00:34:17.500 that he could 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:18.239 see ahead, 00:34:18.619 --> 00:34:19.299 that he is 00:34:19.300 --> 00:34:19.900 the Lord 00:34:19.900 --> 00:34:20.640 and God 00:34:20.640 --> 00:34:21.240 that he claimed 00:34:21.240 --> 00:34:21.660 to be. 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:23.240 He knows 00:34:23.240 --> 00:34:23.760 the end 00:34:23.760 --> 00:34:24.220 of the battle 00:34:24.220 --> 00:34:24.880 before we even 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:25.440 join it. 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:31.519 He knows 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:32.019 his troops 00:34:32.019 --> 00:34:32.640 by name. 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:35.640 Person by person 00:34:35.640 --> 00:34:36.480 across this 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:37.080 universe, 00:34:39.100 --> 00:34:40.039 God's salvation 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.560 purpose 00:34:40.560 --> 00:34:41.460 is being 00:34:41.460 --> 00:34:42.100 achieved 00:34:42.100 --> 00:34:43.260 in spite 00:34:43.260 --> 00:34:43.840 of all 00:34:43.840 --> 00:34:44.380 the hatred 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:46.160 and God's 00:34:46.160 --> 00:34:46.539 glory 00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:47.519 is being 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:48.080 displayed. 00:34:49.300 --> 00:34:50.300 God's 00:34:50.300 --> 00:34:51.300 salvation 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:52.440 will be 00:34:52.440 --> 00:34:53.300 achieved. 00:34:53.300 --> 00:34:54.340 Do we take 00:34:54.340 --> 00:34:54.900 collateral 00:34:54.900 --> 00:34:55.300 damage? 00:34:55.300 --> 00:34:56.220 Absolutely. 00:34:56.220 --> 00:34:58.400 But that's a 00:34:58.400 --> 00:34:58.720 battle. 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:05.039 The battle 00:35:05.039 --> 00:35:06.180 is as Jesus 00:35:06.180 --> 00:35:06.820 said it would 00:35:06.820 --> 00:35:07.100 be. 00:35:07.680 --> 00:35:08.400 The outcome 00:35:08.400 --> 00:35:09.380 is as Jesus 00:35:09.380 --> 00:35:10.039 promised it 00:35:10.039 --> 00:35:10.400 will be. 00:35:11.680 --> 00:35:12.500 God will be 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:12.980 glorified. 00:35:13.840 --> 00:35:14.539 Not one of his 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:15.060 people will be 00:35:15.060 --> 00:35:15.440 lost. 00:35:15.440 --> 00:35:17.760 God's salvation 00:35:17.760 --> 00:35:18.420 purpose will be 00:35:18.420 --> 00:35:19.139 achieved. 00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:21.039 Friends, 00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:21.880 our weapons 00:35:21.880 --> 00:35:23.159 are more than 00:35:23.159 --> 00:35:24.039 adequate for the 00:35:24.039 --> 00:35:24.679 task God 00:35:24.679 --> 00:35:25.300 calls us to. 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:27.559 Repeated 00:35:27.559 --> 00:35:28.539 attacks have 00:35:28.539 --> 00:35:29.440 been repulsed 00:35:29.440 --> 00:35:31.240 and Christ's 00:35:31.240 --> 00:35:32.400 cause is 00:35:32.400 --> 00:35:33.340 alive as 00:35:33.340 --> 00:35:33.940 has always 00:35:33.940 --> 00:35:34.220 been. 00:35:35.960 --> 00:35:36.679 We should be 00:35:36.679 --> 00:35:37.579 encouraged but I 00:35:37.579 --> 00:35:38.260 want to pose one 00:35:38.260 --> 00:35:38.900 question as I 00:35:38.900 --> 00:35:39.220 close. 00:35:39.840 --> 00:35:40.519 Just very 00:35:40.519 --> 00:35:40.900 briefly, 00:35:41.039 --> 00:35:41.579 just more or 00:35:41.579 --> 00:35:42.079 less to throw it 00:35:42.079 --> 00:35:42.599 into your mind 00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:42.900 to think 00:35:42.900 --> 00:35:43.139 about. 00:35:44.839 --> 00:35:45.519 Given all 00:35:45.519 --> 00:35:45.920 the above 00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:46.339 that Jesus 00:35:46.339 --> 00:35:46.779 said, 00:35:47.099 --> 00:35:47.739 what if I've 00:35:47.739 --> 00:35:48.380 not experienced 00:35:48.380 --> 00:35:48.940 that attack? 00:35:49.139 --> 00:35:49.539 What if the 00:35:49.539 --> 00:35:50.079 attack hasn't 00:35:50.079 --> 00:35:50.380 come? 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:53.099 Well, let me 00:35:53.099 --> 00:35:53.579 just throw a 00:35:53.579 --> 00:35:53.880 couple of 00:35:53.880 --> 00:35:54.460 things into 00:35:54.460 --> 00:35:54.819 your mind 00:35:54.819 --> 00:35:55.119 to think 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:55.380 about. 00:35:56.219 --> 00:35:56.480 A couple 00:35:56.480 --> 00:35:56.960 of perhaps. 00:35:59.699 --> 00:36:00.139 Perhaps 00:36:00.139 --> 00:36:02.119 what it 00:36:02.119 --> 00:36:02.539 means is 00:36:02.539 --> 00:36:02.759 that what 00:36:02.759 --> 00:36:03.420 the world 00:36:03.420 --> 00:36:04.819 hears from 00:36:04.819 --> 00:36:05.980 you is no 00:36:05.980 --> 00:36:06.480 challenge. 00:36:10.779 --> 00:36:11.360 There's a 00:36:11.360 --> 00:36:12.000 big movement 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:12.659 among Christians 00:36:12.659 --> 00:36:13.539 today that 00:36:13.539 --> 00:36:14.159 argues that 00:36:14.159 --> 00:36:15.519 the best way 00:36:15.519 --> 00:36:16.059 we can get 00:36:16.059 --> 00:36:16.920 along Christians 00:36:16.920 --> 00:36:17.420 and see them 00:36:17.420 --> 00:36:18.480 saved is to 00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:19.199 move towards 00:36:19.199 --> 00:36:20.139 them and to 00:36:20.139 --> 00:36:20.739 find as many 00:36:20.739 --> 00:36:21.519 common points 00:36:21.519 --> 00:36:22.300 as we can so 00:36:22.300 --> 00:36:23.920 that the gap 00:36:23.920 --> 00:36:24.559 between our 00:36:24.559 --> 00:36:25.380 gospel message 00:36:25.380 --> 00:36:26.000 and their 00:36:26.000 --> 00:36:26.760 lifestyle at the 00:36:26.760 --> 00:36:27.519 moment is as 00:36:27.519 --> 00:36:27.980 small as 00:36:27.980 --> 00:36:28.300 possible. 00:36:29.059 --> 00:36:29.380 So we 00:36:29.380 --> 00:36:30.300 emphasize the 00:36:30.300 --> 00:36:31.300 positives of 00:36:31.300 --> 00:36:32.659 Christianity and 00:36:32.659 --> 00:36:33.099 the gospel, 00:36:33.579 --> 00:36:33.940 the things that 00:36:33.940 --> 00:36:34.619 are likely to 00:36:34.619 --> 00:36:35.420 like, and we 00:36:35.420 --> 00:36:36.420 downplay the 00:36:36.420 --> 00:36:36.820 negatives. 00:36:37.139 --> 00:36:37.760 We don't talk 00:36:37.760 --> 00:36:38.219 so much about 00:36:38.219 --> 00:36:38.940 sin and judgment 00:36:38.940 --> 00:36:39.480 and giving up 00:36:39.480 --> 00:36:40.460 autonomy and new 00:36:40.460 --> 00:36:40.920 obedience. 00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:45.860 But my 00:36:45.860 --> 00:36:46.940 friends, the 00:36:46.940 --> 00:36:47.619 divide is so 00:36:47.619 --> 00:36:48.039 great, it 00:36:48.039 --> 00:36:48.420 can't be 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:49.900 crossed without 00:36:49.900 --> 00:36:50.380 compromise. 00:36:50.860 --> 00:36:51.260 It can't be 00:36:51.260 --> 00:36:51.760 brought together 00:36:51.760 --> 00:36:52.480 without compromise. 00:36:54.059 --> 00:36:54.719 What the 00:36:54.719 --> 00:36:55.519 world needs 00:36:55.519 --> 00:36:57.019 is not 00:36:57.019 --> 00:36:57.699 identification 00:36:57.699 --> 00:36:58.420 with it, 00:36:59.340 --> 00:37:00.280 but a real 00:37:00.280 --> 00:37:00.860 alternative. 00:37:01.539 --> 00:37:01.940 What the 00:37:01.940 --> 00:37:02.519 world needs 00:37:02.519 --> 00:37:03.300 is counter 00:37:03.300 --> 00:37:04.420 cultural people 00:37:04.420 --> 00:37:05.599 who are prepared 00:37:05.599 --> 00:37:06.139 to stand up 00:37:06.139 --> 00:37:06.380 and say, 00:37:06.780 --> 00:37:07.719 look, this 00:37:07.719 --> 00:37:09.500 empty way of 00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:10.239 life handed 00:37:10.239 --> 00:37:10.759 down from 00:37:10.759 --> 00:37:10.919 our 00:37:10.919 --> 00:37:11.579 forefathers 00:37:11.579 --> 00:37:12.359 is just 00:37:12.359 --> 00:37:12.899 that, it's 00:37:12.899 --> 00:37:13.219 empty. 00:37:15.559 --> 00:37:16.159 And here I 00:37:16.159 --> 00:37:17.979 offer the 00:37:17.979 --> 00:37:18.479 alternative in 00:37:18.479 --> 00:37:18.739 the Lord 00:37:18.739 --> 00:37:19.019 Jesus. 00:37:21.699 --> 00:37:22.359 Perhaps what 00:37:22.359 --> 00:37:22.759 the world 00:37:22.759 --> 00:37:25.339 sees in you 00:37:25.339 --> 00:37:25.799 is no 00:37:25.799 --> 00:37:26.199 threat. 00:37:28.879 --> 00:37:29.599 Perhaps you've 00:37:29.599 --> 00:37:30.059 thought over 00:37:30.059 --> 00:37:30.379 the years, 00:37:30.479 --> 00:37:30.899 well, okay, 00:37:31.039 --> 00:37:31.419 yes, I'm 00:37:31.419 --> 00:37:31.979 certainly wanting 00:37:31.979 --> 00:37:32.299 to be a 00:37:32.299 --> 00:37:32.939 Christian, I 00:37:32.939 --> 00:37:33.979 certainly want 00:37:33.979 --> 00:37:34.579 to and need 00:37:34.579 --> 00:37:35.519 to identify a 00:37:35.519 --> 00:37:35.919 bit with 00:37:35.919 --> 00:37:37.079 Jesus, but 00:37:37.079 --> 00:37:38.179 I'm pretty 00:37:38.179 --> 00:37:38.619 sure I can 00:37:38.619 --> 00:37:39.599 also indulge 00:37:39.599 --> 00:37:40.319 and identify 00:37:40.319 --> 00:37:41.079 a fair bit 00:37:41.079 --> 00:37:41.340 with the 00:37:41.340 --> 00:37:43.319 world and 00:37:43.319 --> 00:37:43.960 its pleasures. 00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:49.159 The Bible 00:37:49.159 --> 00:37:49.840 warns us about 00:37:49.840 --> 00:37:50.219 that and 00:37:50.219 --> 00:37:50.779 perhaps, 00:37:50.920 --> 00:37:51.460 perhaps, 00:37:52.079 --> 00:37:52.599 lack of 00:37:52.599 --> 00:37:54.739 attack is 00:37:54.739 --> 00:37:55.480 actually evidence 00:37:55.480 --> 00:37:55.980 to you that, 00:37:56.199 --> 00:37:56.639 well, you 00:37:56.639 --> 00:37:57.259 cannot serve 00:37:57.259 --> 00:37:57.920 two masters 00:37:57.920 --> 00:37:58.400 and that one 00:37:58.400 --> 00:37:59.480 has captured 00:37:59.480 --> 00:38:00.000 your heart 00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:02.059 and it's 00:38:02.059 --> 00:38:02.559 not Jesus. 00:38:02.559 --> 00:38:02.679 Jesus. 00:38:02.679 --> 00:38:02.719 Jesus. 00:38:02.719 --> 00:38:02.759 Jesus. 00:38:02.759 --> 00:38:02.799 Jesus. 00:38:02.799 --> 00:38:02.840 Jesus. 00:38:02.840 --> 00:38:03.299 Jesus. 00:38:03.299 --> 00:38:03.719 Jesus. 00:38:03.719 --> 00:38:04.719 Jesus. 00:38:04.719 --> 00:38:04.759 Jesus. 00:38:04.759 --> 00:38:04.799 Jesus. 00:38:04.799 --> 00:38:05.799 Jesus. 00:38:05.799 --> 00:38:07.059 Jesus. 00:38:07.079 --> 00:38:08.420 And finally, 00:38:08.539 --> 00:38:08.819 the most 00:38:08.819 --> 00:38:09.480 drastic one, 00:38:09.599 --> 00:38:10.699 perhaps you're 00:38:10.699 --> 00:38:12.340 still in the 00:38:12.340 --> 00:38:14.599 world and 00:38:14.599 --> 00:38:15.779 not yet in 00:38:15.779 --> 00:38:16.119 Jesus. 00:38:19.259 --> 00:38:19.940 That's a real 00:38:19.940 --> 00:38:20.679 possibility for 00:38:20.679 --> 00:38:21.219 some here this 00:38:21.219 --> 00:38:21.420 morning. 00:38:22.639 --> 00:38:22.940 In other 00:38:22.940 --> 00:38:24.059 words, if 00:38:24.059 --> 00:38:24.420 you're in the 00:38:24.420 --> 00:38:24.779 world, then 00:38:24.779 --> 00:38:25.219 the world 00:38:25.219 --> 00:38:26.039 loves you as 00:38:26.039 --> 00:38:26.360 its own. 00:38:26.440 --> 00:38:26.679 That's what 00:38:26.679 --> 00:38:27.179 Jesus says 00:38:27.179 --> 00:38:27.420 here. 00:38:28.519 --> 00:38:28.960 Maybe that 00:38:28.960 --> 00:38:30.539 explains any 00:38:30.539 --> 00:38:31.659 lack of attack 00:38:31.659 --> 00:38:32.099 that you might 00:38:32.099 --> 00:38:32.599 perceive in 00:38:32.599 --> 00:38:33.059 your life, 00:38:33.299 --> 00:38:33.980 your circumstance. 00:38:35.199 --> 00:38:35.579 And just to 00:38:35.579 --> 00:38:35.880 keep the 00:38:35.880 --> 00:38:36.460 military theme 00:38:36.460 --> 00:38:36.980 going to the 00:38:36.980 --> 00:38:37.519 very end. 00:38:39.300 --> 00:38:40.039 When challenged 00:38:40.039 --> 00:38:41.639 by the 00:38:41.639 --> 00:38:41.980 word of 00:38:41.980 --> 00:38:44.760 Jesus, you 00:38:44.760 --> 00:38:45.360 only have two 00:38:45.360 --> 00:38:46.039 options to 00:38:46.039 --> 00:38:46.460 answer. 00:38:49.579 --> 00:38:50.940 Friend or 00:38:50.940 --> 00:38:51.360 foe. 00:38:55.539 --> 00:38:56.320 Let me pray. 00:38:56.320 --> 00:39:03.860 Lord, we pray 00:39:03.860 --> 00:39:04.140 that your 00:39:04.140 --> 00:39:04.880 word might not 00:39:04.880 --> 00:39:06.000 be stolen away 00:39:06.000 --> 00:39:06.480 from us this 00:39:06.480 --> 00:39:07.980 morning, either 00:39:07.980 --> 00:39:08.500 because of the 00:39:08.500 --> 00:39:10.380 heat or 00:39:10.380 --> 00:39:10.960 because of 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:11.640 circumstances 00:39:11.640 --> 00:39:12.320 happening among 00:39:12.320 --> 00:39:12.740 us right at 00:39:12.740 --> 00:39:13.140 this moment. 00:39:13.780 --> 00:39:14.559 We pray, Lord, 00:39:14.620 --> 00:39:15.059 that the evil 00:39:15.059 --> 00:39:15.600 one might not 00:39:15.600 --> 00:39:15.940 be able to 00:39:15.940 --> 00:39:16.360 do that. 00:39:17.400 --> 00:39:17.760 Pray, Lord, 00:39:17.760 --> 00:39:18.100 that we might 00:39:18.100 --> 00:39:18.640 be confronted 00:39:18.640 --> 00:39:20.760 by it and 00:39:20.760 --> 00:39:21.200 rightly 00:39:21.200 --> 00:39:22.360 encouraged by 00:39:22.360 --> 00:39:22.640 it, Lord, 00:39:22.700 --> 00:39:23.260 as your 00:39:23.260 --> 00:39:23.680 people. 00:39:23.679 --> 00:39:25.639 But, Lord, 00:39:25.699 --> 00:39:26.299 I pray also 00:39:26.299 --> 00:39:26.859 that any here 00:39:26.859 --> 00:39:27.299 this morning 00:39:27.299 --> 00:39:27.919 who are not 00:39:27.919 --> 00:39:28.460 your people 00:39:28.460 --> 00:39:29.480 might be 00:39:29.480 --> 00:39:29.799 rightly 00:39:29.799 --> 00:39:30.579 challenged by 00:39:30.579 --> 00:39:32.519 it and 00:39:32.519 --> 00:39:33.299 confronted by 00:39:33.299 --> 00:39:33.619 it, Lord, 00:39:33.719 --> 00:39:35.379 as a 00:39:35.379 --> 00:39:36.059 decision that 00:39:36.059 --> 00:39:36.659 is yet to 00:39:36.659 --> 00:39:37.039 be made. 00:39:37.460 --> 00:39:37.859 Will they 00:39:37.859 --> 00:39:38.699 stand with 00:39:38.699 --> 00:39:39.059 Jesus? 00:39:41.000 --> 00:39:41.699 Or will they 00:39:41.699 --> 00:39:42.779 stand with 00:39:42.779 --> 00:39:43.139 the world, 00:39:43.239 --> 00:39:43.859 even though 00:39:43.859 --> 00:39:45.559 there is no 00:39:45.559 --> 00:39:46.299 excuse left 00:39:46.299 --> 00:39:46.779 for sin, 00:39:47.460 --> 00:39:48.299 no excuse 00:39:48.299 --> 00:39:48.739 left for 00:39:48.739 --> 00:39:49.119 rebellion, 00:39:49.839 --> 00:39:50.719 no ability 00:39:50.719 --> 00:39:51.119 to plead 00:39:51.119 --> 00:39:51.579 ignorance, 00:39:52.679 --> 00:39:53.239 only the 00:39:53.239 --> 00:39:53.719 fearsome 00:39:53.719 --> 00:39:55.279 prospect of 00:39:55.279 --> 00:39:55.739 having to 00:39:55.739 --> 00:39:56.339 give account 00:39:56.339 --> 00:39:57.159 to you for 00:39:57.159 --> 00:39:57.899 having ignored 00:39:57.899 --> 00:39:58.659 the truth of 00:39:58.659 --> 00:39:58.939 Jesus. 00:40:00.279 --> 00:40:00.899 Help us, we 00:40:00.899 --> 00:40:01.419 pray in Jesus' 00:40:01.599 --> 00:40:01.739 name. 00:40:01.919 --> 00:40:02.119 Amen.