WEBVTT 00:00:00.480 --> 00:00:03.160 Through the Gospel of John, the fourth Gospel. 00:00:04.360 --> 00:00:07.160 So please turn to John chapter 16 today. 00:00:07.940 --> 00:00:11.640 John chapter 16, our sermon text is verses 1 through 15. 00:00:14.720 --> 00:00:23.820 As I read John 16, 1 through 15 today, remember this is God's inspired, inerrant, infallible, clear and sufficient word. 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:26.320 This is God's very own word for you, His people. 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:34.159 If you believe that, if you receive God's word that way, when I'm done reading it, I'll say, this is the word of the Lord, and we'll respond, thanks be to God. 00:00:36.620 --> 00:00:38.640 John 16, beginning at verse 1. 00:00:40.399 --> 00:00:49.760 Jesus, in the last moments with His disciples, He's already left the upper room, either walking toward the Garden of Gethsemane or already there teaching them. 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:52.400 And He listened to what He says. 00:00:52.399 --> 00:01:22.379 He says, 00:01:22.400 --> 00:01:52.400 00:01:52.400 --> 00:01:54.940 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me. 00:01:55.500 --> 00:02:00.240 Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see Me no longer. 00:02:00.719 --> 00:02:04.760 Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 00:02:04.760 --> 00:02:10.200 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 00:02:10.700 --> 00:02:14.219 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. 00:02:14.560 --> 00:02:19.640 For He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears, He will speak. 00:02:19.980 --> 00:02:23.020 And He will declare to you the things that are to come. 00:02:23.020 --> 00:02:27.920 He will glorify Me, and He will take away what is Mine and declare it to you. 00:02:27.919 --> 00:02:30.819 All that the Father has is Mine. 00:02:30.819 --> 00:02:35.659 Therefore, I said that He will take what is Mine and declare it to you. 00:02:36.399 --> 00:02:38.060 And this is the word of the Lord. 00:02:38.579 --> 00:02:39.479 Thanks be to God. 00:02:39.479 --> 00:02:40.419 Thanks be to God. 00:02:40.459 --> 00:02:41.379 Indeed, you may be seated. 00:02:41.379 --> 00:02:53.819 The Bible says that the grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord endures forever. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:55.599 Let's pray. 00:02:55.599 --> 00:03:07.419 Lord, we thank you that you are not silent, that your word comes to your people again and again and again. 00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:11.620 We thank you, Lord, for what you said to your disciples, 00:03:12.199 --> 00:03:17.159 and what your Holy Spirit caused the disciples and the apostles to remember and write down. 00:03:17.780 --> 00:03:22.659 And we pray, Lord, that today your Holy Spirit will apply your word to our lives. 00:03:22.659 --> 00:03:27.319 Lord, we pray that as we hear your word, we will obey you immediately. 00:03:27.680 --> 00:03:31.620 That we will receive your word as the food that we need to eat today, Lord. 00:03:32.159 --> 00:03:34.719 You know all that we come needing, Father. 00:03:35.139 --> 00:03:36.219 We need more faith. 00:03:36.859 --> 00:03:37.759 We need more hope. 00:03:38.340 --> 00:03:39.180 We need more comfort. 00:03:40.199 --> 00:03:42.340 We turn to nothing besides you. 00:03:42.900 --> 00:03:44.439 So please feed us today, Lord. 00:03:44.500 --> 00:03:45.280 We are your children. 00:03:46.039 --> 00:03:48.039 May your word feed your children, Father. 00:03:48.680 --> 00:03:49.479 Grow our hope. 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:51.819 Establish us in the faith. 00:03:51.819 --> 00:03:53.840 And equip us for your mission, we pray. 00:03:54.340 --> 00:03:54.639 Amen. 00:03:57.219 --> 00:03:59.939 Well, beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:07.099 I want to try to show you today what I believe Jesus wants you to know about this hour. 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:11.719 It's what disciples must know about this hour. 00:04:11.719 --> 00:04:21.019 Our faith, we believe it and we receive it. 00:04:21.060 --> 00:04:25.279 But isn't it true that most of the time it's below the surface? 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:28.500 We know there's a glorious gospel, like a great treasure. 00:04:28.620 --> 00:04:30.300 We know it and we hold to it. 00:04:30.860 --> 00:04:36.800 But it often doesn't glimmer in all of its glory until we're pressed and until we're in a moment of crisis. 00:04:37.199 --> 00:04:37.839 Isn't that true? 00:04:37.839 --> 00:04:46.279 We're in this hour in which God is ministering to us by the power of his spirit. 00:04:47.219 --> 00:04:52.620 And in moments of crisis, we see the glory of Christ, that only he could have done that in a person's life. 00:04:53.179 --> 00:04:54.779 And it brings him all the glory. 00:04:55.839 --> 00:05:00.439 There's one such moment I heard about from a brother who lived in South Africa. 00:05:00.439 --> 00:05:02.439 And he's still a living man. 00:05:03.199 --> 00:05:03.759 He's still alive. 00:05:03.819 --> 00:05:05.259 This is our generation. 00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:11.860 He's a man of dark skin in South Africa, which is a divided country with a long history of racism. 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:14.720 His name was Moses. 00:05:15.319 --> 00:05:17.199 He was introduced to us as Brother Moses. 00:05:18.159 --> 00:05:20.480 He worked as a school administrator in South Africa. 00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:31.259 And he shared this terrible story of how these white racist men ran over his own son on purpose with a pickup truck. 00:05:31.900 --> 00:05:33.939 His son went to the hospital and died. 00:05:35.800 --> 00:05:38.259 That's the first part of this moment of crisis. 00:05:38.780 --> 00:05:40.340 I'm going to tell you more about him later. 00:05:40.339 --> 00:05:49.479 What came out of his lips next could only be explained as a man who has the glory of the gospel like a hidden treasure in his life. 00:05:49.819 --> 00:05:56.459 He's a man living in this final hour where all of these promises that Jesus gives to his disciples are put on display. 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:57.939 It's still happening. 00:05:58.799 --> 00:06:00.819 God still does this in your life and in mine. 00:06:01.699 --> 00:06:03.239 So that's what you need to understand. 00:06:03.579 --> 00:06:05.979 What is true about this hour that we live in? 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:09.039 The hour that was inaugurated by the disciples. 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:12.020 And that is the hour until Christ returns. 00:06:13.879 --> 00:06:15.780 See, the shepherd had called these sheep. 00:06:16.120 --> 00:06:16.920 They heard his voice. 00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:17.780 They followed him. 00:06:19.020 --> 00:06:21.379 Jesus has told them, apart from me, you can do nothing. 00:06:22.340 --> 00:06:25.360 You can just picture the disciples walking with them with sorrowful hearts. 00:06:25.400 --> 00:06:26.740 And they say, yes, we believe that. 00:06:27.520 --> 00:06:30.120 And then in the next breath, Jesus says, I'm going away. 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:32.660 Well, Lord, you're going away. 00:06:32.680 --> 00:06:33.980 And apart from you, we can do nothing. 00:06:34.540 --> 00:06:35.500 Where does that leave us? 00:06:36.720 --> 00:06:38.480 They're gripped by fear and sorrow. 00:06:39.040 --> 00:06:42.200 But Jesus tells them, this is to your advantage. 00:06:43.700 --> 00:06:44.860 How can that be? 00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:47.960 And that's what he answers in these verses. 00:06:48.200 --> 00:06:48.920 Look at verse 2. 00:06:50.640 --> 00:06:54.280 Jesus says, indeed, the hour is coming. 00:06:54.279 --> 00:06:56.699 It's not going to last forever. 00:06:57.939 --> 00:06:59.079 It'll go fast. 00:06:59.219 --> 00:07:00.059 But it's coming. 00:07:01.159 --> 00:07:04.959 He says, I'm going to send you out as sheep among the wolves. 00:07:04.959 --> 00:07:11.000 I wash your wool, and it's white because I washed you. 00:07:11.839 --> 00:07:14.339 Those woes are going to sink their fangs into you. 00:07:14.439 --> 00:07:15.159 You're going to bleed. 00:07:15.579 --> 00:07:17.680 You're going to give up your lives for my sake. 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:20.419 But this hour is to your advantage. 00:07:21.519 --> 00:07:22.299 Look at verse 4. 00:07:22.399 --> 00:07:27.240 Jesus said, I've said these things to you that when the hour comes, 00:07:27.240 --> 00:07:29.340 you may remember all I told you. 00:07:32.340 --> 00:07:38.519 So three headings of what you need to know if you're a disciple of Christ about this hour. 00:07:38.519 --> 00:07:47.180 Number one, if you are a disciple of Christ, expect persecution from unexpected people. 00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:55.900 If you are a disciple of Christ, expect persecution from unexpected people. 00:07:58.840 --> 00:08:05.500 In the old covenant, being born an Israelite, it meant that your parents are what make you part of the covenant community. 00:08:07.379 --> 00:08:12.379 Well, the Apostle Paul in Romans 9-6 reveals by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit 00:08:12.379 --> 00:08:16.980 that not all who are descended of Israel belong to Israel. 00:08:18.100 --> 00:08:20.459 Jesus said, I am the true vine. 00:08:21.379 --> 00:08:25.280 Only those grafted into me bear fruit, Jesus said. 00:08:26.639 --> 00:08:31.560 If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, expect surprising persecution. 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:35.200 I see three things Jesus said. 00:08:35.259 --> 00:08:37.399 He gives them two warnings and one encouragement. 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:41.919 Warning number one, Christ warns his disciples, his true church, 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:46.399 he says, you will be hated by the religious elite when you follow me. 00:08:47.179 --> 00:08:48.519 Look at verse one again. 00:08:48.599 --> 00:08:52.399 He said, I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 00:08:53.099 --> 00:08:56.279 The Greek word is, it's a rude word of scandalous. 00:08:56.519 --> 00:09:00.099 I say these words to keep you from being scandalized. 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:05.519 In the King James, it's to keep you from being offended. 00:09:06.139 --> 00:09:06.879 Do you get the picture? 00:09:07.460 --> 00:09:08.500 You're going to be persecuted. 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:11.500 Verse two, they will put you out of the synagogues. 00:09:12.460 --> 00:09:13.560 They will hate you. 00:09:13.559 --> 00:09:16.479 So the question is, who is they? 00:09:18.079 --> 00:09:21.419 Well, in John 15, 18, he says, when the world hates you, 00:09:21.679 --> 00:09:23.939 know that it hated me before it hated you. 00:09:24.799 --> 00:09:26.799 So it's going to be the world that hates you. 00:09:27.339 --> 00:09:30.819 But this, he said, of the rulers of the synagogue, 00:09:31.359 --> 00:09:32.659 they are the worldly ones. 00:09:33.559 --> 00:09:37.179 And in John chapter nine, verse 22, we saw this months ago. 00:09:37.179 --> 00:09:39.719 There was the man born blind from birth. 00:09:39.819 --> 00:09:43.139 And the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus 00:09:43.139 --> 00:09:45.879 to be the anointed one, the Messiah, the Christ, 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:48.739 that he would be put out of the synagogue. 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:54.359 So these rulers of the synagogue were the religious elite. 00:09:54.559 --> 00:09:57.179 And Jesus is saying those are the men who are worldly. 00:09:57.359 --> 00:09:58.159 They are of the world. 00:09:58.159 --> 00:10:05.519 John Gill commented on the language used here, 00:10:05.639 --> 00:10:08.240 not put out in the lesser sense, 00:10:08.319 --> 00:10:10.939 like here's one local synagogue, but there's many others. 00:10:11.699 --> 00:10:13.120 This being put out of the synagogue, 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:16.360 it was the greatest form of discipline 00:10:16.360 --> 00:10:18.219 that they had authority to carry out. 00:10:18.699 --> 00:10:23.360 All of their hatred and all of the spite they had toward Jesus Christ, 00:10:23.439 --> 00:10:25.620 they were going to carry out on his disciples, 00:10:25.839 --> 00:10:26.879 on those who followed him. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:30.860 Gill pointed out that it's the greatest excommunication. 00:10:31.259 --> 00:10:34.879 A person was cut out from the whole body of the Jewish community, 00:10:35.539 --> 00:10:37.500 which is often referred to as the synagogue 00:10:37.500 --> 00:10:40.039 or the congregation of the people. 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:44.120 It was to be given over to utter destruction. 00:10:45.419 --> 00:10:48.139 Jesus is saying, disciples, my true disciples, 00:10:48.340 --> 00:10:52.179 brace yourself for the rage of the religious elite. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:54.620 They will hate Christ, 00:10:54.620 --> 00:10:58.100 and they will hate you who belong to Christ. 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:02.039 There's one way to get out of that, 00:11:02.200 --> 00:11:03.019 because that sounds awful. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:05.399 I love how Vodibachum put it. 00:11:05.460 --> 00:11:07.419 He said, persecution can be avoided. 00:11:08.019 --> 00:11:10.000 All you have to do is compromise. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:14.860 Jesus said very clearly in Luke 9, 23, 00:11:15.100 --> 00:11:17.039 if anyone would come after me, 00:11:17.179 --> 00:11:18.539 let him deny himself 00:11:18.539 --> 00:11:20.700 and take up his cross daily 00:11:20.700 --> 00:11:22.039 and follow me. 00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:24.779 And in Luke 14, 28, 00:11:24.899 --> 00:11:27.019 Jesus warns all of his true disciples 00:11:27.019 --> 00:11:28.980 to count the cost. 00:11:29.220 --> 00:11:30.360 This is one of the costs 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:32.419 disciples must count. 00:11:32.419 --> 00:11:36.779 The second warning Jesus gives is this. 00:11:38.279 --> 00:11:39.620 Christ warns you, disciple, 00:11:40.299 --> 00:11:41.959 many who think they serve God 00:11:41.959 --> 00:11:46.159 are enemies of Christ's true church. 00:11:47.899 --> 00:11:50.039 Many who think they serve God 00:11:50.039 --> 00:11:52.599 are enemies of Christ's true church. 00:11:53.019 --> 00:11:53.920 That's what he warns them 00:11:53.920 --> 00:11:54.879 in verses 2 and 3. 00:11:54.980 --> 00:11:55.560 Look in your Bible. 00:11:56.360 --> 00:11:56.740 He says, 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.500 Indeed, the hour is coming 00:11:58.500 --> 00:11:59.980 when whoever kills you 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:01.200 will think he is offering 00:12:01.200 --> 00:12:02.920 a service to God. 00:12:03.700 --> 00:12:04.580 Do you get the picture? 00:12:06.460 --> 00:12:08.040 Here's a lamb that followed 00:12:08.040 --> 00:12:09.060 the good shepherd 00:12:09.060 --> 00:12:10.040 and heard his voice. 00:12:10.580 --> 00:12:12.300 And they're going to take that lamb 00:12:12.299 --> 00:12:14.039 and they're going to slaughter it. 00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:15.879 And they think they're offering 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:17.399 that as a sacrifice to God. 00:12:18.579 --> 00:12:19.439 Verse 3 says, 00:12:19.579 --> 00:12:20.899 They will do these things 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:23.679 because they have not known 00:12:23.679 --> 00:12:26.259 the Father nor me. 00:12:28.599 --> 00:12:31.299 The disciples were following Christ, 00:12:31.839 --> 00:12:32.579 going into it, 00:12:32.740 --> 00:12:34.679 expecting that they would have 00:12:34.679 --> 00:12:35.799 to have their lives taken 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:37.279 by the men of the world. 00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:40.299 What makes it even harder to bear 00:12:40.299 --> 00:12:42.159 is that when their lives get taken, 00:12:42.299 --> 00:12:43.399 those who did that 00:12:43.399 --> 00:12:44.399 think they're doing it 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:46.259 out of zeal and love for God. 00:12:47.819 --> 00:12:48.659 John Gill said, 00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:49.740 Those men believe that 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:50.859 whoever sheds the blood 00:12:50.859 --> 00:12:51.899 of a wicked man 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:53.819 is one who is then 00:12:53.819 --> 00:12:54.819 offering a sacrifice. 00:12:55.079 --> 00:12:56.139 This is a gift to God. 00:12:57.059 --> 00:12:58.219 They thought that sacrifice 00:12:58.219 --> 00:12:59.199 would have been acceptable 00:12:59.199 --> 00:13:00.519 and well-pleasing to God. 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:03.299 Well, who immediately comes to mind 00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:04.819 as one who did exactly that? 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:07.039 It was Saul, wasn't it? 00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:08.719 Saul of Tarsus. 00:13:08.919 --> 00:13:10.539 He thought he was doing this 00:13:10.539 --> 00:13:11.839 as a service unto the Lord, 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:12.860 going out of his way 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:14.519 and persecuting the Christians, 00:13:15.700 --> 00:13:16.660 taking their lives, 00:13:16.920 --> 00:13:18.540 thinking it was to please God. 00:13:20.280 --> 00:13:21.800 Well, Sinclair Ferguson pointed out, 00:13:21.940 --> 00:13:23.320 Real loyalty to Christ, 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:25.639 it does create friction 00:13:25.639 --> 00:13:27.160 in the hearts of those 00:13:27.160 --> 00:13:30.060 who pay Christ only lip service. 00:13:31.060 --> 00:13:32.700 Loyalty arouses the conscience 00:13:32.700 --> 00:13:33.980 and it leaves people 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:35.600 with only two alternatives. 00:13:36.600 --> 00:13:39.060 Follow Christ or silence him. 00:13:39.059 --> 00:13:42.319 Often, their only way 00:13:42.319 --> 00:13:43.559 of silencing Christ 00:13:43.559 --> 00:13:46.000 is by silencing his servants. 00:13:47.339 --> 00:13:49.779 So count the cost, disciple. 00:13:51.179 --> 00:13:52.199 We're told by Paul, 00:13:52.299 --> 00:13:53.439 your life will be either 00:13:53.439 --> 00:13:55.579 a stench leading some to death 00:13:55.579 --> 00:13:57.039 as you follow Christ, 00:13:57.119 --> 00:13:58.359 or it'll be an aroma 00:13:58.359 --> 00:14:00.019 leading others to life. 00:14:00.500 --> 00:14:02.239 And it's nothing that you do. 00:14:02.500 --> 00:14:04.179 It's simply abiding in Christ. 00:14:04.179 --> 00:14:06.179 That's the effect it will have. 00:14:07.579 --> 00:14:08.679 So be warned. 00:14:09.439 --> 00:14:11.079 Many who think they serve God 00:14:11.079 --> 00:14:14.439 are enemies of Christ's true church. 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:17.439 After those two warnings, 00:14:17.539 --> 00:14:18.539 I see an encouragement. 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:21.159 Jesus Christ encourages his disciples. 00:14:22.099 --> 00:14:23.859 When your hour comes, 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:26.939 remember my word. 00:14:26.940 --> 00:14:30.260 Christ encourages you 00:14:30.260 --> 00:14:31.180 who are his disciple. 00:14:31.340 --> 00:14:32.940 When your hour comes, 00:14:33.660 --> 00:14:36.540 remember his word. 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:38.840 In verse 4, he says, 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:40.660 I've said these things to you 00:14:40.660 --> 00:14:43.520 that when their hour comes, 00:14:44.060 --> 00:14:44.900 you may remember 00:14:44.900 --> 00:14:46.540 I told them to you. 00:14:49.380 --> 00:14:50.760 When that hour comes, 00:14:52.280 --> 00:14:53.640 these apostles would preach 00:14:53.640 --> 00:14:54.640 this glorious gospel 00:14:54.640 --> 00:14:56.280 after the Holy Spirit filled them. 00:14:57.940 --> 00:14:59.400 There's that man, 00:14:59.500 --> 00:15:00.540 a descendant of a Greek. 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:02.540 The Spirit regenerated him 00:15:02.540 --> 00:15:03.840 and filled him. 00:15:04.300 --> 00:15:05.620 And he helps with serving the tables. 00:15:05.740 --> 00:15:07.920 He gets appointed as a proto-deacon. 00:15:08.720 --> 00:15:10.400 And he remembers these words 00:15:10.400 --> 00:15:11.160 that were written down 00:15:11.160 --> 00:15:11.860 by the apostles. 00:15:12.640 --> 00:15:13.620 And it's with joy 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:15.380 that Stephen takes the stones 00:15:15.380 --> 00:15:16.020 on his head. 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:17.920 And the Lord opens up 00:15:17.920 --> 00:15:18.740 the heavens to him 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:19.960 like he had done to Ezekiel 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:20.920 and the prophets. 00:15:21.380 --> 00:15:22.460 And he dies the martyr, 00:15:23.380 --> 00:15:24.340 the blood of Stephen. 00:15:24.340 --> 00:15:27.120 Remembering the word of God 00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:27.980 and declaring it 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:28.960 with the last breath. 00:15:29.840 --> 00:15:30.680 And those who hear 00:15:30.680 --> 00:15:31.800 that gospel preached, 00:15:32.460 --> 00:15:33.399 God regenerates. 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:35.680 And there's Saul, 00:15:36.160 --> 00:15:37.560 the criminal in this story, 00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:38.980 who God saves, 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:39.800 God regenerates, 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:41.120 reveals himself to Saul. 00:15:41.600 --> 00:15:42.500 Gives him a new name, 00:15:42.560 --> 00:15:43.500 you belong to me now. 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:46.600 So when that hour comes 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:47.720 for Paul now, 00:15:48.600 --> 00:15:49.879 Paul remembers the words 00:15:49.879 --> 00:15:50.500 of the Lord. 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:51.720 And he says, 00:15:52.539 --> 00:15:53.240 I'm on that side 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:54.059 with Stephen now. 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:56.399 To die would be gain. 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:57.539 It would be to my advantage 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:58.480 to be with my Lord, 00:15:58.580 --> 00:15:59.659 but to live as Christ. 00:16:00.179 --> 00:16:02.159 And I lay my life down for him 00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:03.440 and I lay my life down 00:16:03.440 --> 00:16:04.659 for his people. 00:16:05.220 --> 00:16:06.580 Because he first laid down 00:16:06.580 --> 00:16:07.419 his life for me. 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:11.899 God can save even Saul. 00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:13.919 And God can save you 00:16:13.919 --> 00:16:16.419 and God can save your enemy. 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:18.679 God can save those 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:19.759 who right now 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:20.720 may be like Saul. 00:16:22.079 --> 00:16:23.919 They may be persecuting those 00:16:23.919 --> 00:16:25.179 who they should be loving. 00:16:27.459 --> 00:16:28.980 Saul later reflected on this 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:30.240 when his name was Paul 00:16:30.240 --> 00:16:30.799 and he said, 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:32.559 what I did as Saul, 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:33.939 now I see as Paul, 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:35.519 I did it ignorantly 00:16:35.519 --> 00:16:36.679 in unbelief. 00:16:36.779 --> 00:16:38.000 I did not know the Father. 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:39.779 Although I knew all the Hebrew 00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:40.439 and I knew it all, 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:42.519 I did not know Jesus Christ. 00:16:44.819 --> 00:16:45.720 So disciples, 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:47.000 we can bear persecution 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:48.079 with patience. 00:16:48.959 --> 00:16:49.860 As someone put it, 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:51.899 we can pity our persecutors 00:16:51.899 --> 00:16:53.579 and we can pray for them. 00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:56.100 We can bear our sufferings 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:57.220 with greater patience 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:58.699 because we know that 00:16:58.699 --> 00:16:59.959 whatever we are going through 00:16:59.959 --> 00:17:02.720 was appointed by Christ 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:03.860 for your life. 00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:04.879 And he said, 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:06.399 this is what you should expect. 00:17:06.400 --> 00:17:09.120 That gives us comfort. 00:17:10.120 --> 00:17:12.040 A true disciple learns to trust 00:17:12.040 --> 00:17:13.960 the Word of God. 00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:15.340 That's what Jesus trusted. 00:17:15.840 --> 00:17:17.080 According to his human nature, 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:18.640 Jesus trusted the Word of God 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:19.800 for his life. 00:17:21.420 --> 00:17:22.820 Thomas Brooks, a Puritan, wrote 00:17:22.820 --> 00:17:25.120 that death shall be the funeral 00:17:25.120 --> 00:17:26.200 of all his sins, 00:17:26.300 --> 00:17:26.840 his sorrows, 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:27.620 his afflictions, 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:28.480 his temptations, 00:17:28.840 --> 00:17:29.740 his vexations, 00:17:30.060 --> 00:17:30.400 his oppressions, 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:32.700 and his persecutions. 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:34.380 This is what God promises. 00:17:34.380 --> 00:17:36.880 Do you receive and trust 00:17:36.880 --> 00:17:37.540 that promise? 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:39.220 When you die in this life, 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:40.700 it'll be the end of all of that. 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.800 God's Word also promises 00:17:42.800 --> 00:17:43.960 that your death 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:44.920 will be the resurrection 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:46.440 of all your hopes, 00:17:46.800 --> 00:17:47.520 all your joys, 00:17:47.780 --> 00:17:48.640 all your delights, 00:17:48.820 --> 00:17:49.380 all your comforts, 00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:51.340 and all your contentments. 00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:53.560 This is what the Word of God promises. 00:17:54.880 --> 00:17:56.940 So, to die is gain, truly. 00:17:57.960 --> 00:17:59.640 And to live is Christ. 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:03.180 So if you are a disciple of Christ, 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:05.900 expect that type of persecution. 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:07.400 We have been warned 00:18:07.400 --> 00:18:09.440 by Christ himself as his disciples. 00:18:09.880 --> 00:18:10.920 And we've been encouraged 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:11.900 to hold on, 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:13.380 remember his Word. 00:18:14.519 --> 00:18:15.799 The second heading is that 00:18:15.799 --> 00:18:17.060 if you are Christ's disciple, 00:18:17.600 --> 00:18:18.880 Christ promises help 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:22.060 in your confusion and sorrow. 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:25.200 If you are Christ's disciple, 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:28.120 he promises help, 00:18:28.220 --> 00:18:29.480 with a capital H, 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:32.120 in your confusion 00:18:32.120 --> 00:18:34.559 and in your sorrow. 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:38.120 He promises this in verse 4. 00:18:40.620 --> 00:18:42.400 He understands his disciples 00:18:42.400 --> 00:18:43.660 will be confused. 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:44.880 In verse 4 he says, 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:46.440 I did not say these things 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:48.220 to you from the beginning 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:50.740 because I was with you. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:55.360 See, the very presence of Christ 00:18:55.360 --> 00:18:56.299 with his disciples 00:18:56.299 --> 00:18:58.119 made him the true object 00:18:58.119 --> 00:18:58.879 of the malice 00:18:58.879 --> 00:18:59.559 and the rage 00:18:59.559 --> 00:19:01.220 and the hatred against God. 00:19:02.359 --> 00:19:03.480 When he sent them out 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:05.039 two by two to preach, 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:06.220 he knew they were going 00:19:06.220 --> 00:19:06.859 to be persecuted 00:19:06.859 --> 00:19:08.099 at some level there, 00:19:08.159 --> 00:19:09.259 but it was not even directed 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:09.819 at them. 00:19:10.099 --> 00:19:11.419 It was directed at the message 00:19:11.419 --> 00:19:12.419 and at Christ himself. 00:19:13.039 --> 00:19:13.940 He was with them 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:15.200 and he gathered them back 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:16.799 and he himself comforted them. 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:17.759 He says, 00:19:17.899 --> 00:19:19.059 this is going to be different. 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.639 It's not a quick mission 00:19:20.639 --> 00:19:21.339 and you come back 00:19:21.339 --> 00:19:22.879 and my presence comforts you. 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:23.899 This is going to be different. 00:19:23.900 --> 00:19:26.880 In Matthew 10, 17, 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:27.540 he said, 00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.780 you will be hated by all men, 00:19:28.940 --> 00:19:30.400 persecuted from city to city, 00:19:30.900 --> 00:19:32.100 beat in the synagogues, 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:33.320 delivered up to councils 00:19:33.320 --> 00:19:34.880 and brought before kings 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:35.460 and governors. 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:38.140 But now this is why he says, 00:19:38.320 --> 00:19:40.259 you get a greater help. 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:40.880 He says, 00:19:40.920 --> 00:19:42.120 it's to your advantage. 00:19:42.900 --> 00:19:44.500 You get the help, 00:19:44.820 --> 00:19:45.700 the comforter, 00:19:46.060 --> 00:19:46.759 the advocate. 00:19:46.880 --> 00:19:47.680 Look at verse 5. 00:19:48.940 --> 00:19:50.340 Now I am going to him 00:19:50.340 --> 00:19:50.960 who sent me 00:19:50.960 --> 00:19:52.700 and none of you asks me, 00:19:53.060 --> 00:19:53.860 where are you going? 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:54.380 And then, 00:19:54.380 --> 00:19:59.740 Jesus is telling the disciples, 00:20:00.320 --> 00:20:02.140 there is a reality 00:20:02.140 --> 00:20:03.180 you don't even see. 00:20:03.800 --> 00:20:04.920 There is a realm 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:06.400 you don't even access 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.920 or can even dream of. 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.460 And that's the glory 00:20:09.460 --> 00:20:10.380 set before him. 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.180 And the thought of them, 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:12.820 his disciples, 00:20:12.980 --> 00:20:13.860 being united to him 00:20:13.860 --> 00:20:14.660 was the joy 00:20:14.660 --> 00:20:16.280 with which he marched 00:20:16.280 --> 00:20:16.860 to the cross 00:20:16.860 --> 00:20:17.820 to pay for their sin. 00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:23.460 Christ had his future glory 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:24.039 in mind 00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:25.399 because he knew 00:20:25.399 --> 00:20:26.319 from that place, 00:20:26.419 --> 00:20:27.200 that future glory, 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:28.319 he would pour out 00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:29.460 his Holy Spirit 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:31.000 on his disciples. 00:20:31.839 --> 00:20:32.839 He would be preparing 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:33.819 mansions for them 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:34.960 while his Holy Spirit 00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:35.799 would be carrying out 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:37.399 his mission on earth 00:20:37.399 --> 00:20:38.839 of bringing the true heaven 00:20:38.839 --> 00:20:40.059 down to earth 00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:41.539 in a spiritual sense 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:42.619 through the preached word 00:20:42.619 --> 00:20:43.639 gathered up 00:20:43.639 --> 00:20:44.419 into the church. 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:46.539 So he looks at the disciples 00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:48.000 and he sees the sadness 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:48.940 on their face. 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:50.259 But in his heart, 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:51.560 he knows the glory. 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:52.800 He's comforting them 00:20:52.800 --> 00:20:53.660 with a promise 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:54.800 that only he can imagine. 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:57.740 So Christ understands 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:58.620 that his disciples 00:20:58.620 --> 00:20:59.680 feel confused. 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:02.200 But Christ also cares 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:03.300 for his disciples 00:21:03.300 --> 00:21:05.000 in their deep sorrow. 00:21:06.100 --> 00:21:06.960 Look at verse 6. 00:21:07.360 --> 00:21:07.740 He says, 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:08.559 because I have said 00:21:08.559 --> 00:21:10.019 these things to you, 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:12.380 sorrow has filled your heart. 00:21:13.180 --> 00:21:14.279 He recognizes it 00:21:14.279 --> 00:21:15.059 and he tells them, 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:15.799 I see you. 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:16.900 I see what you're feeling. 00:21:18.220 --> 00:21:19.680 The reasons for their sorrow, 00:21:19.779 --> 00:21:20.079 he says, 00:21:20.120 --> 00:21:21.099 are these things. 00:21:21.579 --> 00:21:22.599 He says these things 00:21:22.599 --> 00:21:23.900 six times in this chapter. 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:25.599 It's like a climax 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:26.559 of what he's been preaching 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:27.079 all along. 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:28.160 Now he's just referring 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:29.240 to it as a lump sum. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.380 These things, 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:30.900 these things, 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:31.519 these things. 00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:32.859 It's persecution. 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:34.299 It's being put out 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:34.799 of the synagogue 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.599 by the elite. 00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:37.160 It's losing their lives. 00:21:38.579 --> 00:21:39.460 And the deepest point 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:40.000 of their grief, 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:41.480 it's that Christ himself 00:21:41.480 --> 00:21:43.220 would no longer be with them 00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:44.079 on this earth. 00:21:45.640 --> 00:21:46.579 So sorrow 00:21:46.579 --> 00:21:47.799 had filled the minds 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:48.519 of the disciples. 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.799 One commentator put, 00:21:51.859 --> 00:21:52.599 it had seized 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:53.539 on all the powers 00:21:53.539 --> 00:21:54.279 and faculties 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:55.120 of their souls 00:21:55.120 --> 00:21:57.440 that Christ recognizes that 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.039 and calls it 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:58.759 in this moment. 00:21:59.140 --> 00:22:00.359 He pauses his teaching 00:22:00.359 --> 00:22:01.900 and he identifies 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:03.240 what it is 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.019 on their faces. 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:07.519 Not only does Christ 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:08.480 comfort them 00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:09.359 and recognize that 00:22:09.359 --> 00:22:10.879 in their sorrow. 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:11.960 Number three, 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:13.299 Christ only does 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:14.740 for his disciples 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:16.519 what is best for them. 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:19.079 In their confusion, 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:20.039 in their sorrow, 00:22:20.139 --> 00:22:20.500 he says, 00:22:20.619 --> 00:22:21.319 what I am doing 00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:22.839 is to your advantage. 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:23.920 This is for your good. 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:25.359 Look at verse seven. 00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:27.539 I tell you the truth, 00:22:27.639 --> 00:22:28.680 it is to your advantage 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:29.460 that I go away 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:31.139 for if I do not go away, 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:33.940 then the helper 00:22:33.940 --> 00:22:35.380 will not come to you. 00:22:35.780 --> 00:22:36.660 But if I go, 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.680 then I will send him 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:38.740 to you. 00:22:40.360 --> 00:22:41.460 He uses the phrase, 00:22:41.540 --> 00:22:42.340 I'm going away. 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:45.100 He's using earthly language 00:22:45.100 --> 00:22:46.000 to tell them 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.400 of the most glorious thing 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:48.360 that has ever happened 00:22:48.360 --> 00:22:49.560 in human history. 00:22:50.100 --> 00:22:50.960 That God, 00:22:51.120 --> 00:22:52.080 who took on flesh, 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.460 will march 00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:55.000 a journey to the cross 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:56.280 and to the grave 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:57.680 and he will be ascended 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:58.899 at the right hand 00:22:58.899 --> 00:22:59.480 of the Father. 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.299 That's the journey. 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:02.299 That's the going away, 00:23:02.399 --> 00:23:02.920 this trip 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:04.379 that he's telling them about. 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:05.879 And he will come back. 00:23:08.379 --> 00:23:09.039 He says, 00:23:09.119 --> 00:23:10.259 it's to your advantage. 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:11.440 Why is that? 00:23:11.639 --> 00:23:12.079 Theologically, 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:12.899 what is happening 00:23:12.899 --> 00:23:14.180 in this going away, 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:16.059 this full work of Christ? 00:23:17.139 --> 00:23:18.319 John Gill put it this way, 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.240 I must go, 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:20.500 in the words of Christ, 00:23:20.599 --> 00:23:22.119 to open the way for you 00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:23.720 into the Holy of Holies 00:23:23.720 --> 00:23:24.460 by my blood. 00:23:24.460 --> 00:23:26.180 I must go to remove 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:27.000 all charges 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:28.840 and accusations against you. 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:30.680 I must go to take possession 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:32.600 of heaven for you. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:34.700 I must go to prepare 00:23:34.700 --> 00:23:36.319 mansions for you 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:37.220 to dwell with me 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:38.160 in my Father's house. 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:39.819 I must go to appear 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:41.059 in the presence of God 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:42.160 on your behalf. 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:44.400 I must go to be your advocate. 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:46.420 I must go to make intercession 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:48.100 for all good things for you. 00:23:48.360 --> 00:23:49.579 I must go to mediate 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:50.620 between you and God. 00:23:50.880 --> 00:23:52.440 I must go to present 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:53.340 your petitions 00:23:53.340 --> 00:23:54.380 to the Father. 00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:55.920 I must go to see 00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:58.440 that every blessing of grace 00:23:58.440 --> 00:24:00.640 is applied to you, 00:24:00.980 --> 00:24:01.480 my people. 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:03.860 That's why it's to 00:24:03.860 --> 00:24:05.700 the advantage of his disciples 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:07.400 that Jesus go away. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.900 The last John Gill quote 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:11.579 says, 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:13.140 If Christ had not gone away 00:24:13.140 --> 00:24:14.740 to die and rise again, 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:16.420 there would have been nothing 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:18.480 for the Spirit to do. 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:22.220 no blood to sprinkle, 00:24:22.819 --> 00:24:24.480 no righteousness to reveal, 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:26.460 no fruit to bear, 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:29.200 and no salvation to apply. 00:24:30.620 --> 00:24:32.480 In that moment of deep sorrow, 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:34.620 of deep confusion, 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:37.420 Jesus promises them, 00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:38.819 what I am doing 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:40.440 is best for you. 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:42.500 This is for your good. 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:43.880 Do you trust me? 00:24:43.880 --> 00:24:43.940 Do you trust me? 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:46.319 Do you trust me? 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:51.220 And getting to know 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:52.220 each one of you 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:52.779 and different ones 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:53.539 in our congregation, 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.599 it's humbling. 00:24:55.240 --> 00:24:55.859 I'm humbled 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:57.740 because I've not had to endure 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:59.900 some of the most painful things 00:24:59.900 --> 00:25:00.559 imaginable 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:01.740 that you've shared, 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:03.059 that you had to endure. 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:07.059 And so I feel like 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.839 I'm not even the one 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.919 who can comfort you 00:25:08.919 --> 00:25:11.700 because I have not identified 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:12.779 with you in the suffering 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.319 in that way. 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:15.399 What I can do 00:25:15.399 --> 00:25:16.460 is give you the word 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:17.419 of Jesus Christ. 00:25:17.879 --> 00:25:18.679 He identifies 00:25:18.679 --> 00:25:20.139 with those hardest things 00:25:20.139 --> 00:25:20.819 you went through. 00:25:21.659 --> 00:25:22.319 And in reasons 00:25:22.319 --> 00:25:23.700 we can't understand now, 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:24.960 the confusion 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.799 and the deep sorrow 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.679 that we still feel, 00:25:28.159 --> 00:25:29.119 Jesus Christ says, 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.980 whatever I do 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.919 in your life, 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:34.400 it is for your good. 00:25:35.380 --> 00:25:36.620 Do you trust my word? 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:38.420 Do you trust the word 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:39.800 of Jesus Christ, 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:40.340 your Lord? 00:25:41.840 --> 00:25:44.080 If you are Christ's disciple, 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:47.500 God promises help 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:49.560 in your confusion 00:25:49.560 --> 00:25:50.980 and sorrow. 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:54.019 Praise God for the Spirit 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:55.519 who is our help. 00:25:56.460 --> 00:25:57.200 And that's our third 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.360 and final heading for today. 00:25:58.460 --> 00:25:59.700 If you are Christ's disciple, 00:25:59.840 --> 00:26:01.420 His Spirit will 00:26:01.420 --> 00:26:02.519 guide you 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:04.360 into all truth. 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:07.880 If you are Christ's disciple, 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:10.200 it's okay that you don't 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:11.400 have it all figured out now, 00:26:11.720 --> 00:26:12.880 that you have big questions. 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:15.940 His Spirit will guide you 00:26:15.940 --> 00:26:17.980 into all truth. 00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:20.000 What a glorious promise. 00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:22.340 The Holy Spirit, 00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:24.620 I'll show you four things here. 00:26:24.619 --> 00:26:25.819 number one, 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:28.599 graciously convicts you. 00:26:29.679 --> 00:26:30.779 The Holy Spirit 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:32.719 graciously convicts you. 00:26:33.739 --> 00:26:34.579 Look at verse 8. 00:26:35.439 --> 00:26:36.539 When He comes, 00:26:37.059 --> 00:26:37.459 the helper, 00:26:37.579 --> 00:26:38.079 the comforter, 00:26:38.179 --> 00:26:38.739 the advocate, 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:40.019 the Spirit of truth, 00:26:40.439 --> 00:26:41.179 when He comes, 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:42.099 He will convict 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:43.000 the world 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:44.119 concerning sin 00:26:44.119 --> 00:26:45.319 and righteousness 00:26:45.319 --> 00:26:46.279 and judgment. 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.459 That's what He'll do. 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:49.579 And then He opens it up, 00:26:49.639 --> 00:26:50.339 He unpacks it. 00:26:50.559 --> 00:26:51.619 And notice how each thing 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:52.399 that the Spirit does 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:53.200 points you where? 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:55.440 It points you to Jesus Christ. 00:26:56.820 --> 00:26:57.340 So, 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:59.000 we saw previously 00:26:59.000 --> 00:26:59.880 how the Holy Spirit 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:00.980 is the second advocate. 00:27:01.160 --> 00:27:02.460 Jesus Christ is the advocate 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:03.280 of His disciples. 00:27:03.860 --> 00:27:05.019 Jesus Christ is the advocate 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:05.540 in heaven 00:27:05.540 --> 00:27:07.019 pleading your case, 00:27:07.180 --> 00:27:07.840 defending you 00:27:07.840 --> 00:27:09.400 in the legal court. 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:10.200 Here, 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:10.780 the Holy Spirit 00:27:10.780 --> 00:27:11.620 is advocating 00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:13.000 for Jesus Christ. 00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:14.560 It's the Spirit of truth 00:27:14.560 --> 00:27:15.560 pointing to Christ. 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:16.960 So, 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:17.679 the Holy Spirit 00:27:17.679 --> 00:27:19.539 in a legal court setting, 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:20.799 the Holy Spirit 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:22.819 is the defending attorney. 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.559 And Jesus Christ 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:25.079 is the one 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:25.599 in heaven 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:27.000 the Spirit defends. 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:28.319 Well, 00:27:28.359 --> 00:27:29.079 what does that make us 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:29.639 as disciples? 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:31.000 We don't have to defend Christ. 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:33.379 That makes us witnesses. 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:35.299 I would like to call 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:35.960 my first witness 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:36.619 to the stand. 00:27:37.899 --> 00:27:38.859 Is what the Spirit 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:40.200 is saying about Jesus Christ 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:41.099 true in your life? 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:43.099 Do you testify 00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:43.919 that this is true? 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:45.759 If you take 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.360 the Lord's Supper, 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:47.420 you are proclaiming 00:27:47.420 --> 00:27:49.240 that gospel of Jesus Christ 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.120 until the day 00:27:50.120 --> 00:27:50.940 that He returns. 00:27:53.180 --> 00:27:53.960 What is it 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:54.560 that the Spirit 00:27:54.560 --> 00:27:55.860 testifies to 00:27:55.860 --> 00:27:56.980 and defends? 00:27:57.519 --> 00:27:58.320 Look at verse 9. 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.440 Concerning sin 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:00.519 because they do not 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.759 believe in me, 00:28:01.880 --> 00:28:02.500 Jesus Christ. 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:03.320 So the Spirit 00:28:03.320 --> 00:28:04.259 comes and convicts 00:28:04.259 --> 00:28:04.660 of sin 00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:05.800 so they will believe 00:28:05.800 --> 00:28:06.340 in Christ. 00:28:06.660 --> 00:28:07.980 It's a gracious conviction. 00:28:09.140 --> 00:28:10.060 That's the first use 00:28:10.060 --> 00:28:10.900 of the moral law 00:28:10.900 --> 00:28:11.920 in evangelism. 00:28:12.600 --> 00:28:13.860 We go to a community college 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:15.379 we bring up 00:28:15.379 --> 00:28:16.139 any topic 00:28:16.139 --> 00:28:16.879 under the sun 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:18.119 and we can use 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:19.139 the moral law of God 00:28:19.139 --> 00:28:19.899 and the Spirit 00:28:19.899 --> 00:28:20.979 by the power of Christ 00:28:20.979 --> 00:28:22.399 will convict of sin. 00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:24.139 And that conviction 00:28:24.139 --> 00:28:24.699 of sin 00:28:24.699 --> 00:28:25.699 it makes you need 00:28:25.699 --> 00:28:26.559 I need a Savior. 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:27.619 It makes you know that. 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:28.859 And He humbles us. 00:28:28.919 --> 00:28:30.039 It's a gracious conviction 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:31.059 that drives us 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:31.959 to the cross 00:28:31.959 --> 00:28:33.039 of Jesus Christ. 00:28:35.599 --> 00:28:36.879 Acts 2.23 00:28:36.879 --> 00:28:39.359 this was inaugurated. 00:28:39.459 --> 00:28:39.899 The Spirit 00:28:39.899 --> 00:28:41.079 convicted the world 00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:43.059 not just these disciples 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:44.659 not just the 3,000 00:28:44.659 --> 00:28:45.299 that would believe 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.079 but He convicted 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:47.819 all nations represented. 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.839 Acts 2.23 says 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:50.639 this Jesus 00:28:50.639 --> 00:28:51.519 Peter's preaching 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:53.399 He was delivered up 00:28:53.399 --> 00:28:54.559 according to the 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:55.480 definite plan 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:56.359 and foreknowledge 00:28:56.359 --> 00:28:56.859 of God 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:59.099 because you 00:28:59.099 --> 00:29:00.220 crucified 00:29:00.220 --> 00:29:01.519 and killed Him. 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:03.859 You lawless men 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:05.159 put the Son of God 00:29:05.159 --> 00:29:05.799 on the cross. 00:29:06.679 --> 00:29:07.379 And that's a gracious 00:29:07.379 --> 00:29:07.939 conviction 00:29:07.940 --> 00:29:09.420 to see your sin 00:29:09.420 --> 00:29:10.420 that put Him there. 00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.620 Jerry Bridges said 00:29:12.620 --> 00:29:13.200 conviction 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:15.420 should actually grow 00:29:15.420 --> 00:29:16.360 throughout 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:18.000 our Christian lives. 00:29:18.380 --> 00:29:18.860 In fact 00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:19.580 one sign 00:29:19.580 --> 00:29:20.640 of spiritual growth 00:29:20.640 --> 00:29:22.200 is an increasing 00:29:22.200 --> 00:29:23.259 awareness 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:25.160 of our sinfulness. 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:27.680 Jerry Bridges 00:29:27.680 --> 00:29:28.039 is saying 00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:28.519 you want to see 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.279 a mature Christian 00:29:29.279 --> 00:29:29.920 there's a Christian 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:31.500 who is so aware 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.860 of his own sinfulness. 00:29:34.600 --> 00:29:35.680 So the Spirit 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:37.120 graciously convicts you. 00:29:37.119 --> 00:29:37.639 Number two 00:29:37.639 --> 00:29:38.500 the Spirit 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:39.879 shows you 00:29:39.879 --> 00:29:41.299 Christ's 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:41.759 righteousness. 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.339 It builds 00:29:43.339 --> 00:29:44.279 one builds on the other. 00:29:44.379 --> 00:29:45.059 Look at verse 10 00:29:45.059 --> 00:29:46.299 the Spirit 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:47.319 ministers 00:29:47.319 --> 00:29:48.719 concerning righteousness 00:29:48.719 --> 00:29:49.759 Jesus says 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:51.039 because I go to the Father 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:52.459 and you will see me 00:29:52.459 --> 00:29:53.399 no longer. 00:29:53.919 --> 00:29:54.579 Now think about that 00:29:54.579 --> 00:29:55.659 what does going to the Father 00:29:55.659 --> 00:29:56.179 have to do with 00:29:56.179 --> 00:29:57.439 the righteousness of Christ? 00:29:58.679 --> 00:29:59.639 Well Jesus died 00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:00.339 for sin 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:02.319 but He was only 00:30:02.319 --> 00:30:03.539 raised from the dead 00:30:03.539 --> 00:30:03.959 because 00:30:03.959 --> 00:30:05.159 the Father 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:06.620 saw the obedience 00:30:06.620 --> 00:30:07.779 of the suffering servant 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.920 His entire life 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:09.980 His righteousness 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:11.240 His active obedience 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:12.540 His fulfillment 00:30:12.540 --> 00:30:13.420 of the moral law 00:30:13.420 --> 00:30:15.680 and because He was sinless 00:30:15.680 --> 00:30:17.180 and He died in our place 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:17.860 now the Father 00:30:17.860 --> 00:30:18.860 raises Him 00:30:18.860 --> 00:30:19.540 from the dead. 00:30:20.540 --> 00:30:20.880 He says 00:30:20.880 --> 00:30:21.759 this is a life 00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:22.920 that merited 00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:24.019 eternal life 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:25.180 not because He lacked anything 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:26.420 but He merited it 00:30:26.420 --> 00:30:27.060 on behalf 00:30:27.060 --> 00:30:28.140 of His people 00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:29.820 of those He came to save. 00:30:29.819 --> 00:30:32.960 1 Peter 1.8 says 00:30:32.960 --> 00:30:34.839 though you have not seen Him 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:35.679 you love Him 00:30:35.679 --> 00:30:36.859 though you do not 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:37.659 now see Him 00:30:37.659 --> 00:30:39.299 you believe in Him 00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:40.359 and rejoice 00:30:40.359 --> 00:30:42.019 with joy inexpressible 00:30:42.019 --> 00:30:44.059 filled with glory. 00:30:44.639 --> 00:30:45.460 That's the ministry 00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:46.259 of the Holy Spirit 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.220 pointing to you 00:30:47.220 --> 00:30:47.519 yes 00:30:47.519 --> 00:30:48.419 you're a sinner 00:30:48.419 --> 00:30:49.700 you need to be forgiven 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:50.460 and washed clean 00:30:50.460 --> 00:30:51.099 by His blood 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:52.419 but it's His righteousness 00:30:52.419 --> 00:30:53.779 that covers you. 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:55.359 It's the Spirit 00:30:55.359 --> 00:30:55.779 who gives you 00:30:55.779 --> 00:30:57.179 a joy inexpressible 00:30:57.180 --> 00:30:58.799 and filled with the glory 00:30:58.799 --> 00:30:59.779 of the Son 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:00.940 His righteousness 00:31:00.940 --> 00:31:01.820 put unto you. 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:03.960 Number three 00:31:03.960 --> 00:31:05.039 the Spirit shows you 00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:06.360 that Satan 00:31:06.360 --> 00:31:07.740 was crushed. 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:10.180 The moment when 00:31:10.180 --> 00:31:11.380 when Christ 00:31:11.380 --> 00:31:12.920 suffered the wound 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:13.500 on the heel 00:31:13.500 --> 00:31:15.000 the serpent's head 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.759 was crushed. 00:31:16.120 --> 00:31:17.100 That same moment 00:31:17.100 --> 00:31:17.759 on the cross 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:18.759 it was the death 00:31:18.759 --> 00:31:19.960 of death itself 00:31:19.960 --> 00:31:20.759 and the death 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:21.580 of Jesus Christ. 00:31:21.700 --> 00:31:22.500 Look at verse 11 00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:24.320 the Spirit reveals to you 00:31:24.320 --> 00:31:25.220 concerning judgment 00:31:25.220 --> 00:31:26.539 because the ruler 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:27.500 of this world 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:29.099 is judged. 00:31:30.279 --> 00:31:30.899 What did Jesus 00:31:30.899 --> 00:31:31.960 accomplish on the cross 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.559 according to 00:31:32.559 --> 00:31:33.299 Colossians 2 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:34.319 15 and 16 00:31:34.319 --> 00:31:35.639 on the cross 00:31:35.639 --> 00:31:36.379 Jesus Christ 00:31:36.379 --> 00:31:37.259 disarmed 00:31:37.259 --> 00:31:38.099 the rulers 00:31:38.099 --> 00:31:38.779 and authorities 00:31:38.779 --> 00:31:40.180 of the spiritual realm 00:31:40.180 --> 00:31:41.279 and put them 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.079 to shame 00:31:42.079 --> 00:31:43.519 by triumphing 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.399 over them 00:31:44.399 --> 00:31:45.539 in Christ. 00:31:46.940 --> 00:31:47.740 Number four 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:48.259 the Spirit 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:49.039 illuminates 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:50.420 God's Word 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:51.379 to you. 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:52.799 The Spirit 00:31:52.799 --> 00:31:53.659 illuminates 00:31:53.659 --> 00:31:54.700 God's Word 00:31:54.700 --> 00:31:55.200 to you. 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.299 Look at verse 12 00:31:56.299 --> 00:31:57.899 Jesus said 00:31:57.899 --> 00:31:58.460 I still have 00:31:58.460 --> 00:31:59.039 many things 00:31:59.039 --> 00:31:59.639 to say to you 00:31:59.639 --> 00:32:00.680 but you cannot 00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:02.359 bear them now. 00:32:02.879 --> 00:32:03.379 When the Spirit 00:32:03.379 --> 00:32:04.079 of truth comes 00:32:04.079 --> 00:32:04.839 He will guide you 00:32:04.839 --> 00:32:05.779 into all the truth 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.720 and He will not 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:07.639 speak on His own 00:32:07.639 --> 00:32:08.039 authority 00:32:08.039 --> 00:32:09.200 but whatever He 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:10.299 hears He will speak 00:32:10.299 --> 00:32:11.379 and He will declare 00:32:11.379 --> 00:32:12.000 to you 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:12.919 the things that 00:32:12.919 --> 00:32:13.480 are to come. 00:32:13.680 --> 00:32:14.460 He will glorify 00:32:14.460 --> 00:32:14.879 me 00:32:14.879 --> 00:32:15.980 for He will take 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:16.619 what is mine 00:32:16.619 --> 00:32:17.359 and declare it 00:32:17.359 --> 00:32:17.700 to you 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:18.559 and all that the 00:32:18.559 --> 00:32:19.159 Father has 00:32:19.159 --> 00:32:19.700 is mine 00:32:19.700 --> 00:32:20.680 therefore I said 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:22.000 that He will take 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:22.899 what is mine 00:32:22.899 --> 00:32:24.159 and declare it 00:32:24.159 --> 00:32:25.039 to you. 00:32:25.039 --> 00:32:28.059 the Holy Spirit 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:28.940 according to 00:32:28.940 --> 00:32:29.619 verse 13 00:32:29.619 --> 00:32:30.359 will guide 00:32:30.359 --> 00:32:31.579 these apostles 00:32:31.579 --> 00:32:33.200 into all 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:33.799 truth. 00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:35.019 Yes there's 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:35.779 more revelation 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:37.119 the whole New Testament 00:32:37.119 --> 00:32:37.920 still needs to be 00:32:37.920 --> 00:32:38.159 written 00:32:38.159 --> 00:32:40.019 and they will 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:40.559 take what is 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.339 Christ's 00:32:41.339 --> 00:32:42.619 the full work 00:32:42.619 --> 00:32:43.099 of Christ 00:32:43.099 --> 00:32:43.639 and the Spirit 00:32:43.639 --> 00:32:44.899 will open it up 00:32:44.899 --> 00:32:45.920 for the church. 00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:47.940 The Spirit 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:48.740 will help 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:49.359 these apostles 00:32:49.359 --> 00:32:50.319 to declare it 00:32:50.319 --> 00:32:52.079 and the New Testament 00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:53.180 will be breathed 00:32:53.180 --> 00:32:54.460 out by the Holy Spirit 00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:56.279 and now that 00:32:56.279 --> 00:32:57.240 same Holy Spirit 00:32:57.240 --> 00:32:58.420 who regenerates 00:32:58.420 --> 00:32:59.160 and who calls you 00:32:59.160 --> 00:33:00.240 to believe in Christ 00:33:00.240 --> 00:33:01.519 that same Holy Spirit 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:03.420 ministers His own 00:33:03.420 --> 00:33:04.220 word that He breathed 00:33:04.220 --> 00:33:05.200 out to you 00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:06.660 and He guides you 00:33:06.660 --> 00:33:07.680 too through His word 00:33:07.680 --> 00:33:09.120 into all truth. 00:33:10.380 --> 00:33:11.420 That's why we believe 00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:12.799 what Colossians 3.16 00:33:12.799 --> 00:33:14.640 we believe it as witnesses 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:15.720 we can testify 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:16.660 not only is this 00:33:16.660 --> 00:33:17.180 what it says 00:33:17.180 --> 00:33:18.279 this has been true 00:33:18.279 --> 00:33:19.759 that as we let 00:33:19.759 --> 00:33:20.680 the word of Christ 00:33:20.680 --> 00:33:21.759 dwell in you richly 00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:24.000 He establishes us 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:24.539 in our faith 00:33:24.539 --> 00:33:25.819 we teach one another 00:33:25.819 --> 00:33:27.200 into all wisdom 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:28.519 and we do this 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:29.460 with thankfulness 00:33:29.460 --> 00:33:30.420 in our hearts 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:31.200 to God 00:33:31.200 --> 00:33:31.980 it's the ministry 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:32.920 of the Holy Spirit 00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:33.879 in us 00:33:33.879 --> 00:33:35.680 if you are 00:33:35.680 --> 00:33:36.539 Christ's disciple 00:33:36.539 --> 00:33:37.799 His Spirit 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:38.799 will guide you 00:33:38.799 --> 00:33:40.539 into all truth 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:44.420 so the focus today 00:33:44.420 --> 00:33:45.299 is this hour 00:33:45.299 --> 00:33:46.220 what we 00:33:46.220 --> 00:33:47.400 as followers of Christ 00:33:47.400 --> 00:33:48.160 need to know 00:33:48.160 --> 00:33:49.539 about this hour 00:33:49.539 --> 00:33:51.720 Jesus said 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:52.899 in verse 2 00:33:52.899 --> 00:33:53.339 indeed 00:33:53.339 --> 00:33:54.799 the hour 00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:55.619 has come 00:33:55.619 --> 00:33:57.220 in verse 4 00:33:57.220 --> 00:33:58.559 He said these things 00:33:58.559 --> 00:33:59.240 to disciples 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:00.079 that when the hour 00:34:00.079 --> 00:34:00.720 has come 00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:02.079 you'll remember 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:03.659 what He had told you 00:34:03.659 --> 00:34:05.700 Jesus said 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:06.440 of this hour 00:34:06.440 --> 00:34:07.240 it is good 00:34:07.240 --> 00:34:08.779 it is to your advantage 00:34:08.779 --> 00:34:09.559 this hour 00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:10.940 is even better 00:34:10.940 --> 00:34:13.940 we wish we could be there 00:34:13.940 --> 00:34:15.279 in the first century 00:34:15.279 --> 00:34:16.059 and see 00:34:16.059 --> 00:34:16.880 God 00:34:16.880 --> 00:34:17.639 in the flesh 00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:18.860 Jesus 00:34:18.860 --> 00:34:20.000 we don't understand it 00:34:20.000 --> 00:34:20.360 He says 00:34:20.360 --> 00:34:21.120 what we have now 00:34:21.120 --> 00:34:21.860 with the Holy Spirit 00:34:21.860 --> 00:34:22.720 is better 00:34:22.720 --> 00:34:26.120 this is 00:34:26.120 --> 00:34:26.880 the glorious 00:34:26.880 --> 00:34:27.579 hour 00:34:27.579 --> 00:34:29.240 of the Holy Spirit 00:34:29.240 --> 00:34:30.579 in the church 00:34:30.579 --> 00:34:32.039 beloved brothers 00:34:32.039 --> 00:34:32.680 and sisters 00:34:32.680 --> 00:34:34.079 believe this today 00:34:34.079 --> 00:34:36.079 this is the hour 00:34:36.079 --> 00:34:36.660 according to 00:34:36.660 --> 00:34:37.240 John 12 00:34:37.240 --> 00:34:37.760 23 00:34:37.760 --> 00:34:39.200 yes 00:34:39.200 --> 00:34:39.960 the hour 00:34:39.960 --> 00:34:40.740 has come 00:34:40.740 --> 00:34:42.059 for the Son of Man 00:34:42.059 --> 00:34:43.500 our Lord Jesus Christ 00:34:43.500 --> 00:34:44.900 to be glorified 00:34:44.900 --> 00:34:47.000 this is the hour 00:34:47.000 --> 00:34:47.559 according to 00:34:47.559 --> 00:34:48.239 John 16 00:34:48.239 --> 00:34:48.679 in which 00:34:48.679 --> 00:34:49.480 the Holy Spirit 00:34:49.480 --> 00:34:50.779 applies the redemption 00:34:50.779 --> 00:34:51.960 that Christ 00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:52.980 accomplished 00:34:52.980 --> 00:34:55.139 this is the hour 00:34:55.139 --> 00:34:55.719 according to 00:34:55.719 --> 00:34:56.219 John 4 00:34:56.219 --> 00:34:56.679 23 00:34:56.679 --> 00:34:57.239 in which 00:34:57.239 --> 00:34:57.679 the true 00:34:57.679 --> 00:34:58.360 worshipers 00:34:58.360 --> 00:34:59.139 will worship 00:34:59.139 --> 00:34:59.659 the Father 00:34:59.659 --> 00:35:00.259 in spirit 00:35:00.259 --> 00:35:01.039 and in truth 00:35:01.039 --> 00:35:02.940 this is the hour 00:35:02.940 --> 00:35:03.500 according to 00:35:03.500 --> 00:35:04.199 Matthew 10 00:35:04.199 --> 00:35:04.900 19 00:35:04.900 --> 00:35:05.539 in which 00:35:05.539 --> 00:35:06.380 when you get 00:35:06.380 --> 00:35:07.039 delivered over 00:35:07.039 --> 00:35:07.639 to those who 00:35:07.639 --> 00:35:08.619 hate Jesus Christ 00:35:08.619 --> 00:35:09.840 the Holy Spirit 00:35:09.840 --> 00:35:10.579 will give you 00:35:10.579 --> 00:35:11.500 what to say 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:13.299 this is the hour 00:35:13.299 --> 00:35:14.320 in John 00:35:14.320 --> 00:35:15.420 1st John 2 00:35:15.420 --> 00:35:15.880 18 00:35:15.880 --> 00:35:16.480 in which 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:16.820 many 00:35:16.820 --> 00:35:17.740 will abandon 00:35:17.740 --> 00:35:18.340 the faith 00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:19.320 making it 00:35:19.320 --> 00:35:19.700 plain 00:35:19.700 --> 00:35:20.320 that they 00:35:20.320 --> 00:35:20.760 were never 00:35:20.760 --> 00:35:21.639 of the true 00:35:21.639 --> 00:35:22.000 vine 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:23.720 this is the 00:35:23.720 --> 00:35:24.460 hour in which 00:35:24.460 --> 00:35:25.460 you who are not 00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:26.039 of the world 00:35:26.039 --> 00:35:26.940 will walk 00:35:26.940 --> 00:35:27.860 with your shepherd 00:35:27.860 --> 00:35:29.059 in this world 00:35:29.059 --> 00:35:30.320 as sheep 00:35:30.320 --> 00:35:31.519 among wolves 00:35:31.519 --> 00:35:34.240 this is the hour 00:35:34.240 --> 00:35:34.820 according to 00:35:34.820 --> 00:35:35.360 1st Corinthians 00:35:35.360 --> 00:35:35.760 4 00:35:35.760 --> 00:35:36.079 11 00:35:36.079 --> 00:35:36.720 through 13 00:35:36.720 --> 00:35:37.079 that 00:35:37.079 --> 00:35:37.860 when you are 00:35:37.860 --> 00:35:38.480 reviled 00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:39.800 you will bless 00:35:39.800 --> 00:35:41.640 when persecuted 00:35:41.640 --> 00:35:43.440 you will endure 00:35:43.440 --> 00:35:45.900 when slandered 00:35:45.900 --> 00:35:47.340 you will pray 00:35:47.340 --> 00:35:53.360 how glorious 00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:54.320 God's power is 00:35:54.320 --> 00:35:55.120 is often hidden 00:35:55.120 --> 00:35:56.019 until we're in a 00:35:56.019 --> 00:35:56.900 moment of crisis 00:35:56.900 --> 00:36:00.280 brother Moses 00:36:00.280 --> 00:36:01.300 of South Africa 00:36:01.300 --> 00:36:03.519 grieved 00:36:03.519 --> 00:36:04.920 he had anger 00:36:04.920 --> 00:36:07.260 he wanted to 00:36:07.260 --> 00:36:07.760 carry out 00:36:07.760 --> 00:36:08.320 vengeance 00:36:08.320 --> 00:36:09.320 on those 00:36:09.320 --> 00:36:09.760 who killed 00:36:09.760 --> 00:36:10.340 his son 00:36:10.340 --> 00:36:15.559 brother Moses 00:36:15.559 --> 00:36:16.240 stood and 00:36:16.240 --> 00:36:17.100 shared with us 00:36:17.100 --> 00:36:18.580 over a long 00:36:18.580 --> 00:36:19.039 process 00:36:19.039 --> 00:36:20.480 the Holy Spirit 00:36:20.480 --> 00:36:21.740 taught him 00:36:21.740 --> 00:36:23.160 to forgive 00:36:23.160 --> 00:36:23.620 those 00:36:23.620 --> 00:36:24.539 who killed 00:36:24.539 --> 00:36:25.340 his own son 00:36:25.340 --> 00:36:27.300 because God 00:36:27.300 --> 00:36:28.280 forgave 00:36:28.280 --> 00:36:28.820 Moses 00:36:28.820 --> 00:36:30.039 who killed 00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:30.720 the son of 00:36:30.720 --> 00:36:31.000 God 00:36:31.000 --> 00:36:31.600 with his 00:36:31.600 --> 00:36:31.840 sin 00:36:31.840 --> 00:36:39.640 that's the 00:36:39.640 --> 00:36:40.019 power 00:36:40.019 --> 00:36:40.579 of the 00:36:40.579 --> 00:36:41.220 Holy Spirit 00:36:41.220 --> 00:36:41.980 there is no 00:36:41.980 --> 00:36:43.039 other explanation 00:36:43.039 --> 00:36:43.740 for it 00:36:43.740 --> 00:36:45.059 brother Moses 00:36:45.059 --> 00:36:46.180 bears witness 00:36:46.180 --> 00:36:47.720 everything the 00:36:47.720 --> 00:36:48.480 spirit reveals 00:36:48.480 --> 00:36:49.079 about Christ 00:36:49.079 --> 00:36:49.600 is true 00:36:49.600 --> 00:36:51.340 the spirit 00:36:51.340 --> 00:36:52.260 advocates for 00:36:52.260 --> 00:36:52.600 Christ 00:36:52.600 --> 00:36:53.620 and we join 00:36:53.620 --> 00:36:54.140 in bearing 00:36:54.140 --> 00:36:54.680 witness 00:36:54.680 --> 00:36:55.640 yes because 00:36:55.640 --> 00:36:56.019 it's been 00:36:56.019 --> 00:36:56.579 true in my 00:36:56.579 --> 00:36:57.300 life also 00:36:57.300 --> 00:36:59.120 this is the 00:36:59.120 --> 00:37:00.000 hour according 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.600 to Revelation 00:37:00.600 --> 00:37:02.080 310 in which 00:37:02.080 --> 00:37:02.840 our Lord Jesus 00:37:02.840 --> 00:37:03.880 Christ calls his 00:37:03.880 --> 00:37:04.960 church to keep 00:37:04.960 --> 00:37:06.019 his word with 00:37:06.019 --> 00:37:07.320 patient endurance 00:37:07.320 --> 00:37:09.380 until he returns 00:37:09.380 --> 00:37:11.180 this is the hour 00:37:11.180 --> 00:37:12.000 according to John 00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:13.840 525 in which the 00:37:13.840 --> 00:37:14.840 dead will hear the 00:37:14.840 --> 00:37:15.880 voice of the son of 00:37:15.880 --> 00:37:17.380 God and those who 00:37:17.380 --> 00:37:19.160 hear will live 00:37:19.160 --> 00:37:21.140 this is the hour 00:37:21.140 --> 00:37:21.900 according to Luke 00:37:21.900 --> 00:37:23.380 1240 in which you 00:37:23.380 --> 00:37:24.760 must be ready for 00:37:24.760 --> 00:37:25.460 the bridegroom 00:37:25.460 --> 00:37:26.700 shall return 00:37:26.700 --> 00:37:27.720 for you 00:37:27.720 --> 00:37:28.740 in glory 00:37:28.740 --> 00:37:31.000 oh disciple 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:31.900 of Jesus 00:37:31.900 --> 00:37:32.420 Christ 00:37:32.420 --> 00:37:33.840 you must know 00:37:33.840 --> 00:37:35.520 according to 00:37:35.520 --> 00:37:36.560 Romans 13 11 00:37:36.560 --> 00:37:37.340 that the night 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:38.340 is far gone 00:37:38.340 --> 00:37:39.340 and the day 00:37:39.340 --> 00:37:39.880 is already 00:37:39.880 --> 00:37:40.660 at hand 00:37:40.660 --> 00:37:41.600 salvation 00:37:41.600 --> 00:37:42.520 is nearer 00:37:42.520 --> 00:37:43.240 to us now 00:37:43.240 --> 00:37:44.020 than when we 00:37:44.020 --> 00:37:45.300 first believed 00:37:45.300 --> 00:37:46.840 the hour 00:37:46.840 --> 00:37:47.940 has come 00:37:47.940 --> 00:37:49.640 for you 00:37:49.640 --> 00:37:50.620 to wake 00:37:50.620 --> 00:37:51.520 from your 00:37:51.520 --> 00:37:51.900 sleep 00:37:51.900 --> 00:37:53.100 amen 00:37:53.099 --> 00:37:55.480 let's pray 00:37:55.480 --> 00:37:56.099 verse 12 00:37:56.099 --> 00:37:56.940 of Romans 00:37:56.940 --> 00:37:57.480 13 00:37:57.480 --> 00:37:59.239 oh Lord 00:37:59.239 --> 00:38:00.940 may your Holy 00:38:00.940 --> 00:38:01.900 Spirit cause 00:38:01.900 --> 00:38:02.339 your true 00:38:02.339 --> 00:38:03.079 disciples to 00:38:03.079 --> 00:38:03.839 cast off 00:38:03.839 --> 00:38:04.699 the works 00:38:04.699 --> 00:38:05.219 of darkness 00:38:05.219 --> 00:38:06.460 and put on 00:38:06.460 --> 00:38:07.400 the armor 00:38:07.400 --> 00:38:08.380 of light 00:38:08.380 --> 00:38:09.579 and follow 00:38:09.579 --> 00:38:09.940 you 00:38:09.940 --> 00:38:11.099 King Jesus 00:38:11.099 --> 00:38:11.960 for your glory 00:38:11.960 --> 00:38:12.900 may your kingdom 00:38:12.900 --> 00:38:13.339 come 00:38:13.339 --> 00:38:14.420 and your will 00:38:14.420 --> 00:38:14.900 be done 00:38:14.900 --> 00:38:15.559 on earth 00:38:15.559 --> 00:38:16.400 as it is 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:16.860 in heaven 00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:17.779 amen 00:38:17.840 --> 00:38:18.660 you 00:38:18.660 --> 00:38:18.780 IS