WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.759 And before we get into tonight's message, I think one of the honors of getting to speak back to back is you get to add an addendum. 00:00:13.640 --> 00:00:18.820 And so before we get to tonight, I want an addendum on the last message from this morning. 00:00:18.820 --> 00:00:40.379 As I left from preaching, this thought struck me that one of the main things that keeps us from a life of just basking in the perfection of Christ is a preoccupation with our own pursuit of personal perfection. 00:00:41.500 --> 00:00:46.620 And I believe that is probably an impression that the Spirit may be encouraging you. 00:00:46.619 --> 00:00:50.879 I know we're going to have a time of contemplative prayer at the end of this evening. 00:00:51.419 --> 00:00:53.719 I'm excited to be a part of that with you guys. 00:00:53.719 --> 00:00:56.579 But I think it's a faithful question. 00:00:57.599 --> 00:01:07.579 Is your own pursuit of personal perfection keeping you from enjoying and living in the perfection of Christ? 00:01:08.219 --> 00:01:15.239 Because brother and sister, our faith is fully built on the perfection of Christ. 00:01:15.239 --> 00:01:17.939 Not the perfection of his people. 00:01:18.659 --> 00:01:25.219 And if our pursuit of that obstructs that view, we're missing a major life channel. 00:01:25.419 --> 00:01:26.939 And I just, I want to submit that. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:29.979 Now that said, we are turning to 3 John. 00:01:31.619 --> 00:01:36.599 And I am really, I mean, it's not like, I don't know. 00:01:36.599 --> 00:01:42.819 If you ask me between 2 and 3 John, which one I love more, I'd actually go 3 John. 00:01:44.459 --> 00:01:46.079 But I love them both. 00:01:46.359 --> 00:01:49.239 So go ahead, turn your Bibles to 3 John. 00:01:53.159 --> 00:01:59.359 Tonight, the title of our message is Loving Well in the Church. 00:01:59.840 --> 00:02:04.859 Something I'm picking up that you guys are already doing very well. 00:02:04.859 --> 00:02:09.460 So, turn to 3 John. 00:02:10.900 --> 00:02:12.340 A way of introduction. 00:02:12.560 --> 00:02:14.020 How many of you like old homes? 00:02:15.919 --> 00:02:16.400 Great. 00:02:16.860 --> 00:02:18.979 It's just a few of us. 00:02:19.099 --> 00:02:19.479 All right. 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:24.000 I'll tell you what I love most about old homes. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:29.539 I love those old radiator heaters. 00:02:30.860 --> 00:02:33.020 Those cast iron ones. 00:02:35.599 --> 00:02:37.139 Christina's like, where is this going to go? 00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:39.599 These guys don't even know. 00:02:39.680 --> 00:02:41.240 They're Googling as we speak. 00:02:41.620 --> 00:02:44.479 But if you've ever been in an old house, you see them. 00:02:44.620 --> 00:02:45.159 They're high. 00:02:45.300 --> 00:02:46.099 They're raised. 00:02:46.259 --> 00:02:47.159 They're ribbed. 00:02:47.159 --> 00:02:53.639 And what's wonderful about them is the kind of warmth they produce. 00:02:54.300 --> 00:02:56.280 It's a deep warmth. 00:02:56.719 --> 00:03:01.479 You feel it in almost every area of the house. 00:03:01.939 --> 00:03:11.259 And I contrast those kind of old school cast iron heaters with what I would call cheap heat. 00:03:11.259 --> 00:03:16.919 Like when you go to Target to get a space heater, you're concerned it's going to burn down your house. 00:03:17.259 --> 00:03:23.000 It's either too hot because it's directly on you, but it's leaving other areas cold. 00:03:23.620 --> 00:03:24.939 And here's the reality. 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:31.599 When we look at 3 John, when we've considered the truths already from 2 John, 00:03:32.139 --> 00:03:37.719 God intends to warm the church the right way. 00:03:38.419 --> 00:03:40.180 To not use cheap heat. 00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:45.620 In our day, cheap heat can be motivational talks that we should be kind to each other. 00:03:45.719 --> 00:03:47.620 That we should greet new people. 00:03:47.939 --> 00:03:52.719 But those can all come across as fake, even dangerous. 00:03:53.620 --> 00:04:00.500 There is a greater, truer source of an imbibing warmth. 00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:06.580 And that's what the Apostle John is calling the church to be marked by. 00:04:06.580 --> 00:04:16.199 And brothers and sisters, when we love the church well, we produce that kind of heat. 00:04:16.819 --> 00:04:18.720 And here's why that's so important. 00:04:19.879 --> 00:04:21.980 It is a very cold world. 00:04:23.120 --> 00:04:26.600 It is a very cold world. 00:04:27.400 --> 00:04:29.600 And people don't just need heat. 00:04:29.600 --> 00:04:31.820 They need warmth. 00:04:31.820 --> 00:04:31.900 They need warmth. 00:04:33.340 --> 00:04:36.240 And if there's a place, they're going to find it. 00:04:37.200 --> 00:04:38.740 Find it like no other. 00:04:40.080 --> 00:04:43.780 May it be among us who are numbered as Jesus' people. 00:04:44.960 --> 00:04:45.439 All right. 00:04:45.540 --> 00:04:51.879 With that said, I want to read the first eight verses of 3 John. 00:04:51.879 --> 00:04:58.659 The elder to the beloved Gaius, who I love in truth. 00:04:59.560 --> 00:05:03.540 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you. 00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:08.019 And that you may be in good health as it goes well with your soul. 00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:13.699 For I rejoice greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth. 00:05:14.139 --> 00:05:17.360 As indeed you are walking in the truth. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:24.580 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:31.220 Beloved, it is a faithful thing that you do in all your efforts for these brothers. 00:05:31.920 --> 00:05:37.139 Strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:42.620 You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 00:05:42.620 --> 00:05:48.560 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 00:05:49.120 --> 00:05:56.300 Therefore, we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 00:05:57.079 --> 00:05:57.819 Let's pray. 00:05:59.680 --> 00:06:06.879 Father, we want to live in the warmth that you intend. 00:06:06.879 --> 00:06:14.959 Let us not substitute that for cheap sources of heat. 00:06:15.579 --> 00:06:20.139 We need a radiant and lasting warmness among us. 00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:24.560 Lord, it's not just that the world is cold. 00:06:24.659 --> 00:06:27.659 There are things that are cold in us. 00:06:28.659 --> 00:06:32.680 That are tired and worn. 00:06:32.680 --> 00:06:39.319 So, bring us closer to that warmth in this passage. 00:06:40.459 --> 00:06:43.319 And as it is mainly found in Jesus Christ. 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:46.680 We ask this in his name. 00:06:47.840 --> 00:06:49.780 Come minister among us through your word. 00:06:50.899 --> 00:06:51.660 May it be so. 00:06:52.939 --> 00:07:01.439 All right, the big idea, friends, is loving one another well is what will warm the church brightly. 00:07:01.439 --> 00:07:03.579 Now, a little bit about 3 John. 00:07:04.240 --> 00:07:10.899 By way of word count, 3 John is the shortest book in the entire New Testament. 00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:16.560 And unlike 2 John that was written in a metaphorical sense to an unnamed church, 00:07:17.060 --> 00:07:21.240 here John is actually writing to an individual, Gaius. 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:27.519 And this is about as close as we're going to get to a piece of personal first century correspondence. 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:32.919 Most likely, 1, 2, and 3 John were all delivered in a package. 00:07:33.379 --> 00:07:35.379 And they were sent to different areas. 00:07:35.519 --> 00:07:38.659 And this letter went specifically to Gaius. 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:42.639 And what we're going to see in this little letter 00:07:42.639 --> 00:07:49.379 is really what can make up the elements of our warmth 00:07:49.379 --> 00:07:52.639 and how we love one another well in the church. 00:07:52.639 --> 00:07:55.079 We're going to look at it in three points this evening. 00:07:55.819 --> 00:07:59.599 The first is love in a whole way. 00:08:00.419 --> 00:08:03.459 See, if we're going to learn to love one another in the church, 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:07.180 we need to learn to love one another as whole people. 00:08:07.879 --> 00:08:09.199 People as we are. 00:08:09.360 --> 00:08:12.819 People in real life and real time. 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:14.539 That is so important. 00:08:15.219 --> 00:08:18.620 But oftentimes when we think of care, we think about dichotomy. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:22.800 Well, if I'm going to care for you, am I going to care for you physically or spiritually? 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:26.439 But the reality is we are all both. 00:08:27.139 --> 00:08:29.680 We are physical and we are spiritual. 00:08:29.840 --> 00:08:32.179 We are whole people in that way. 00:08:32.320 --> 00:08:35.419 So if we're to have this kind of warmth, 00:08:36.019 --> 00:08:39.000 there must be a wholeness to our love. 00:08:39.360 --> 00:08:42.039 Look at this with me in verse 2. 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:43.440 He says this, 00:08:43.440 --> 00:08:57.080 Now many say that because John has more of a Greek influence, 00:08:57.720 --> 00:09:02.660 he was just doing your usual Greek introduction to a piece of correspondence. 00:09:03.640 --> 00:09:06.020 But I think there's much more that's happening. 00:09:06.020 --> 00:09:08.740 There is a wider sense of care. 00:09:09.420 --> 00:09:12.680 The first part says that all may go well with you. 00:09:13.440 --> 00:09:15.160 What's included in that? 00:09:16.100 --> 00:09:19.140 Well, I think circumstances and provisions. 00:09:20.540 --> 00:09:25.360 How many of you know that if your dishwasher goes out, that's a problem? 00:09:26.280 --> 00:09:28.140 Or your car breaks down? 00:09:28.860 --> 00:09:30.680 Or you lose a job? 00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:33.540 Or you have a health setback? 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:35.940 Does that not affect your life? 00:09:37.120 --> 00:09:38.620 Does that not affect you? 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:41.420 It absolutely does. 00:09:41.419 --> 00:09:47.179 John's greeting here contains a thought for the whole of Gaius. 00:09:47.279 --> 00:09:54.079 That things provisionally, situationally, may go well with you because those things do matter. 00:09:54.240 --> 00:09:55.839 They have a real place. 00:09:56.360 --> 00:10:00.219 I remember growing up, I would visit my grandparents in Dubuque, Iowa. 00:10:00.939 --> 00:10:04.899 And my grandpa would always ask me about how my car was doing. 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:06.719 Like even before I had a license. 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:10.540 I was like, Grandpa, do you think I'm like just stealing cars and going around? 00:10:10.899 --> 00:10:13.300 No, you know, it's just part of how I care for people. 00:10:13.620 --> 00:10:17.279 And I ended up working, I had a career with Subaru for years. 00:10:17.540 --> 00:10:22.100 And so oftentimes in the fellowship, I'll ask my congregants, how's your car running? 00:10:22.700 --> 00:10:25.560 And they're like, man, you care about our soul and our Subaru. 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:26.620 I'm like, that's right. 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:28.740 If you had a Honda, I really don't care. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:31.620 No, I'm just playing about that part. 00:10:31.700 --> 00:10:33.840 But listen, those things matter. 00:10:34.560 --> 00:10:36.299 It's not the main thing. 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:42.519 But if we're going to love people in a holistic way, we're bringing the parts of their life in. 00:10:42.700 --> 00:10:51.419 And we're showing care and consideration for those parts that just kind of seem nominal, unimportant, unspiritual. 00:10:51.419 --> 00:10:56.579 But that really affect the whole of our person and our lives. 00:10:57.079 --> 00:11:01.159 So when we see that, we continue to go on because he continues to go on. 00:11:01.199 --> 00:11:05.379 And he says this, and that you may be in good health. 00:11:06.019 --> 00:11:08.559 Now here I do want us to slow up a little bit. 00:11:08.860 --> 00:11:13.519 Because I don't think we talk enough about health and our bodies. 00:11:13.659 --> 00:11:19.879 And you're like, oh great, like this guy, like we're going to be talking about protein powder and this crazy stuff. 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:22.259 I knew this was going to go downhill eventually. 00:11:23.559 --> 00:11:24.240 No. 00:11:25.059 --> 00:11:30.639 Remember textually, the things John's fighting against have a strong Gnostic flavor. 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:38.340 So because of their negative view about the body, it was hard for them to believe the incarnation. 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:40.080 So they tried to deny it. 00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:44.879 But with that same thinking that our bodies are either bad or unimportant, 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:49.240 wow, a prayer for health would seem out of place. 00:11:49.879 --> 00:11:57.279 Unless there was a warm sense of care that not just your circumstances and provisions in life matter, 00:11:57.939 --> 00:11:59.240 your health matters. 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:01.740 Your bodies matter. 00:12:02.220 --> 00:12:08.679 Now listen, I think in our day, we run the risk of caring too little or too much about our bodies. 00:12:09.580 --> 00:12:16.679 And so let me just give a really short theology of the body if you're like tempted to downplay it. 00:12:16.679 --> 00:12:20.259 God is pro-body. 00:12:20.979 --> 00:12:23.919 He made us to be embodied spirits. 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:30.739 And part of our hope of the resurrection is that our spirits will be rejoined with resurrected bodies. 00:12:31.299 --> 00:12:38.719 As creatures, not the creator, we were always meant to be embodied people. 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:43.120 But we have a lot of shame and discomfort with our bodies. 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:46.620 What we need to understand is that God does not. 00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:50.320 He sees it as a good thing that we're embodied people. 00:12:50.680 --> 00:12:55.160 Not necessarily that all the ways our bodies are affected by the fall here. 00:12:55.639 --> 00:12:57.080 Not all that is good. 00:12:57.580 --> 00:13:04.759 But the concept of a body and the eternal reality that we will be embodied in the new heavens and the new earth. 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:08.179 Friends, we are bound to this. 00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:11.639 So we must get comfortable with it at some level. 00:13:11.819 --> 00:13:15.259 Let me say this from Laura Ferguson Wilbert. 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:24.360 God made us with bodies and came in a body and died in a body and rose again in a body. 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:29.000 And one day, all his people will dwell with him forever. 00:13:29.679 --> 00:13:32.860 Every one of us in our own glorified body. 00:13:32.860 --> 00:13:37.879 Each of those realities matter to the entire gospel narrative. 00:13:38.519 --> 00:13:47.220 And so they should each inform the way we interact with the world around us or fellow humans on earth. 00:13:48.139 --> 00:13:49.720 Even think about the sacraments. 00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:51.740 What are the sacraments? 00:13:52.820 --> 00:13:58.779 They're a physical way that God is communicating spiritual reality to us. 00:13:59.080 --> 00:14:00.600 So we think of baptism. 00:14:00.600 --> 00:14:05.420 That is what's something we've applied the merits of Christ to our life. 00:14:06.080 --> 00:14:12.960 So what baptism is saying, when I go on that water, I'm saying I'm identifying with Jesus Christ. 00:14:13.360 --> 00:14:16.340 His death was for me and for my sins. 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:19.519 That would be enough to profess that. 00:14:19.519 --> 00:14:26.679 God gives us a physical symbol in the church of that spiritual reality. 00:14:26.679 --> 00:14:34.759 So that when we go down in the water and when we're raised, we're physically engaging a spiritual reality. 00:14:35.679 --> 00:14:37.019 Communion is the same way. 00:14:37.839 --> 00:14:40.079 Have you thought about the significance of communion? 00:14:40.919 --> 00:14:42.439 To take in the elements. 00:14:42.539 --> 00:14:43.120 No, don't worry. 00:14:43.120 --> 00:14:45.579 I don't believe in transubstation or anything like that. 00:14:45.580 --> 00:14:53.800 But the fact that we're physically taking something in as a sign of I have received Christ as my own. 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:57.440 His death was for my sins. 00:14:57.740 --> 00:15:00.879 His body was broken for my salvation. 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:03.180 His blood shed for me. 00:15:03.280 --> 00:15:06.960 Yet we internalize them by ingesting them. 00:15:07.680 --> 00:15:09.060 Those are both very physical. 00:15:09.500 --> 00:15:11.100 And who created the sacraments? 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:11.580 Yes. 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:15.580 They're from God to us. 00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:19.040 And so God is not ashamed of this. 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:20.060 Even John's desire. 00:15:20.159 --> 00:15:22.000 Did you see that at the end of John 2 today? 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:23.659 What was he eager to do? 00:15:23.759 --> 00:15:25.759 To write the believers or to see them? 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:29.360 He longs to see them face to face. 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:37.660 We all know there's a difference of communing with someone in person, in body, and not in body. 00:15:37.659 --> 00:15:42.360 Our bodies truly do matter. 00:15:42.519 --> 00:15:43.939 Why am I saying all this? 00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:51.159 If we're to love one another in a holistic way, that thinking has to come into play. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:55.000 I know some of you aren't here yet, and you're going to be like, why did he use this one? 00:15:55.059 --> 00:15:55.519 I don't know. 00:15:55.579 --> 00:15:56.219 It's in my notes. 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:58.019 Metapause is real. 00:15:59.659 --> 00:16:01.039 That's what my notes say. 00:16:02.679 --> 00:16:04.679 That's what people with hot flashes tell me. 00:16:04.679 --> 00:16:07.739 I'm not sure you have anyone in your church with metapause. 00:16:09.959 --> 00:16:10.519 Listen. 00:16:11.379 --> 00:16:12.959 Yeah, I'm lost now. 00:16:14.379 --> 00:16:16.179 That was from my home congregation. 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:19.139 I got a lot of sisters going through that right now. 00:16:19.319 --> 00:16:25.139 But in all seriousness, breaking an ankle matters. 00:16:26.859 --> 00:16:29.599 Desiring to have kids matters. 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:31.519 Not being able to have kids matters. 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:35.699 Having kids and not being able to sleep because it's so hard matters. 00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:41.379 Losing sleep on finals or because of stress or anxiety, it matters. 00:16:41.779 --> 00:16:47.480 And if I'm going to care for you in a holistic way, I'm going to embrace those things. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:50.939 You know the old adage, put yourself in the shoes of another. 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:57.179 If I want a warmer, more holistic care, I'm going to try to put myself in your body so that 00:16:57.179 --> 00:17:00.919 when you're suffering, I'm not just going to say, oh, sorry, hope you get better. 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:04.679 I know how these things can throw us. 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:11.460 But now, there's some other people that they prioritize the body too much. 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.779 That's also a problem. 00:17:14.919 --> 00:17:17.500 They think that they'll turn back the hands of time. 00:17:17.619 --> 00:17:22.519 They'll reverse the curse if they eat enough vitamins and work out enough and everything else. 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:26.000 That becomes its own kind of idolatry. 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:31.680 And we don't want to go that far, but we don't want to neglect the importance for care. 00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:38.599 And no matter where you're at on the spectrum, we have to realize that we care for one another 00:17:38.599 --> 00:17:47.839 as whole people, body and spirit, who are affected by the circumstances and provisions of real life. 00:17:47.839 --> 00:17:52.659 Our care must include that to be helpful. 00:17:52.919 --> 00:17:57.339 Now, I'm going to expound where John goes here. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:59.439 Because he ends with this. 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:03.279 As it goes well with your soul. 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:08.119 Now, soul here is not referring to the opposite of the material. 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:13.199 Rather, soul here is communicating the whole of life. 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:18.660 This is a prayer for a holistic care. 00:18:19.319 --> 00:18:23.460 I want all of you to be well and in balance with what matters. 00:18:24.319 --> 00:18:29.160 You're like, man, this, how is this Christ-centered? 00:18:30.940 --> 00:18:33.880 Does not Christ, the Good Shepherd, care for all of who we are? 00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:36.259 He knows all our needs. 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:40.279 Even the very hairs on our head are known by him. 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:44.759 The care we have of Christ is very holistic. 00:18:45.099 --> 00:18:51.980 And just a story about, we were in Indiana two summers ago, and my son Peter and I, who's now in the military, 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:53.920 we went to go work out that afternoon. 00:18:54.619 --> 00:18:57.740 And so after we worked out, we went to the Walmart to get protein. 00:18:57.920 --> 00:19:00.940 I know, it just sounds like a total bro story. 00:19:01.379 --> 00:19:03.660 It has working out Walmart and protein. 00:19:03.819 --> 00:19:05.259 I know, it's already bad. 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:14.319 But we're there, and the cashier kid starts talking to us, and he's like, so what do you do to bulk? 00:19:14.980 --> 00:19:19.519 And so me and my son start talking about what we're buying and what we're taking, 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:22.500 and I was just like, this isn't sitting with me. 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:24.980 And I stopped. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:27.579 I said, listen, man, I'm just going to level with you. 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:29.799 None of this stuff really matters. 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:32.660 Listen, we all have a certain body type. 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:36.040 We can all get so big unless you want to get on roids, then you just ruin your life. 00:19:36.660 --> 00:19:38.980 But I got a little PSA in there. 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:40.440 You know, I'm not for the steroids. 00:19:41.100 --> 00:19:43.660 And I said, but you know what really matters? 00:19:43.800 --> 00:19:45.700 And I actually quoted from this passage. 00:19:46.640 --> 00:19:51.400 I said, the Apostle John said, you know, I hope you're in good health and things go well, 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:53.360 as it goes well with your soul. 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:57.000 I go, really, at the end of the day, man, this stuff doesn't matter. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:20:03.359 What really matters is that we know God and that things are well with our soul. 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:05.440 So, you know, take all the protein you want. 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:08.180 You probably get a store discount, but I got something better for you. 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:11.319 And so I talked to him for a few more minutes about that. 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:15.299 It's not just unbelievers at Walmart that need those reminders. 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:19.140 Some of us have downplayed this thing too much. 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:21.720 Some of us have put too much hope in here. 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:24.200 I got bit by something. 00:20:24.200 --> 00:20:26.220 We think it might be spiders now. 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:29.019 And by the way, all you guys are like coming up with Spider-Man jokes 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:30.960 when you heard of spiders and not bed bugs. 00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:36.420 I got bit by some bugs in Oklahoma and it knocked me out. 00:20:37.200 --> 00:20:38.500 It knocked me out. 00:20:39.420 --> 00:20:41.100 Friends, we're very weak. 00:20:42.039 --> 00:20:42.900 We're very weak. 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:45.779 We need to be more comfortable with that. 00:20:46.319 --> 00:20:52.220 And we need to be more caring, humble, open, and honest with one another about that. 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:55.339 I think that's the health that we see here. 00:20:56.960 --> 00:21:00.220 I'm going to skip the Timothy passage because it basically says the same thing. 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:01.980 Let's jump to our second point. 00:21:03.339 --> 00:21:06.759 And this may be one that catches your attention a little bit more. 00:21:06.839 --> 00:21:08.740 I appreciate you hanging with me on the other one. 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:11.579 Love in a rejoicing way. 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:15.980 I want you to hear this in the third and fourth verse. 00:21:16.859 --> 00:21:22.399 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, 00:21:22.599 --> 00:21:25.579 as indeed you are walking in the truth. 00:21:26.139 --> 00:21:32.659 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 00:21:32.899 --> 00:21:36.279 Now that's kind of similar to some stuff in 2 John, isn't it? 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:38.559 But here's some notables. 00:21:39.399 --> 00:21:41.319 Beloved only appears here. 00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:44.519 Rejoiced greatly appears in 2 John. 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:48.399 But this statement, I have no greater joy. 00:21:49.119 --> 00:21:51.240 I have no greater joy. 00:21:51.639 --> 00:21:56.619 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 00:21:57.720 --> 00:22:00.879 John's not given to flattery or exaggeration. 00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:08.080 His greatest joy is seeing other Christians living out their faith like we talked about. 00:22:08.400 --> 00:22:10.920 Here's the angle where I want to take this tonight. 00:22:11.420 --> 00:22:14.740 Because this isn't just exclusive to John. 00:22:15.100 --> 00:22:16.840 What did Paul say about the believers? 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:20.760 You are my joy and my crown. 00:22:22.320 --> 00:22:23.820 I want to ask you something. 00:22:25.100 --> 00:22:29.640 When's the last time you have rejoiced over another believer? 00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:32.340 With that kind of joy. 00:22:35.120 --> 00:22:42.000 Because that kind of joy is the joy that our Father in Heaven has for us. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:49.420 And are we mirroring that in our words and fellowship with one another? 00:22:50.280 --> 00:22:54.880 Of all the people, why this should be such an honestly warm place 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:59.580 is that there are so many things to rejoice over in one another. 00:22:59.579 --> 00:23:02.500 I see you guys with those encouragement bags. 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:04.199 By the way, I see them filling up. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:05.599 I see people working. 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:07.539 I mean, you have like encouragement stations. 00:23:07.679 --> 00:23:09.119 It's like you guys are doing shift work. 00:23:09.379 --> 00:23:10.199 I see you going. 00:23:10.359 --> 00:23:11.500 People are sitting in chairs. 00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:13.159 I love that. 00:23:13.179 --> 00:23:15.319 I love that ethic. 00:23:16.679 --> 00:23:18.679 Let me kind of switch this on you. 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:22.359 God is making each one of you to be an encouragement bag. 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:27.719 And he's dropping things in you to share with other believers. 00:23:28.719 --> 00:23:33.079 Because I don't think we believe that we are rejoiced over. 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:36.759 Like the Bible says, God rejoices in us. 00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:39.699 But when we start doing this more, 00:23:40.079 --> 00:23:42.899 we're more mindful of that love from the Father 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:45.099 when we learn how to do this well. 00:23:45.599 --> 00:23:47.699 Now, how did John do it here? 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:53.120 John says this, and this unfortunately falls on weird ears in our times. 00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:55.539 They testified to your truth. 00:23:56.059 --> 00:23:58.299 Now, your truth has become a popular thing, 00:23:58.360 --> 00:24:00.039 and I really don't like that line at all. 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:01.180 What's your truth? 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:02.759 I'm like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:04.000 Truth doesn't work like that. 00:24:04.620 --> 00:24:06.080 But truth works like this. 00:24:07.100 --> 00:24:09.299 Testifying to your truth means, you know what? 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:11.400 I see that you're the real deal. 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:15.380 So when I came up here and said one of my favorite things about Sean 00:24:15.380 --> 00:24:16.640 is he is the real thing, 00:24:17.280 --> 00:24:19.519 that's something that I rejoice in. 00:24:20.280 --> 00:24:23.320 But it's something that John is rejoicing the believers 00:24:23.320 --> 00:24:26.200 when he sees the genuineness of their faith. 00:24:26.560 --> 00:24:29.640 That's their faith testifying to truth. 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:32.480 And the truth testifying to their faith. 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:34.120 He uses the same metaphor. 00:24:34.320 --> 00:24:36.860 He uses in 2 John, walking in the truth, 00:24:37.140 --> 00:24:38.620 that truth lived out. 00:24:38.619 --> 00:24:41.839 The point is we need to learn to harness it. 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:43.719 Like Monsters, Inc. 00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:45.359 Do you remember that movie? 00:24:45.939 --> 00:24:46.619 Some of you like... 00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:49.479 Was that a childhood classic for you? 00:24:49.959 --> 00:24:51.139 Oh, yeah, see, that's one. 00:24:52.159 --> 00:24:52.359 Yes. 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:56.639 I'm glad we have different seasons represented. 00:24:57.939 --> 00:25:01.319 But what did they originally think they could draw energy from? 00:25:02.219 --> 00:25:02.739 Fear. 00:25:03.379 --> 00:25:03.979 Screams. 00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:05.739 Screams, yes, technically, yes. 00:25:05.919 --> 00:25:06.279 Come on. 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:09.859 I shouldn't expect you guys to be any less literal. 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:10.539 Screams. 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:13.440 But screams based on fear and horror. 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:16.740 And what did they actually find at the end of the movie? 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:17.960 Left after. 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:18.680 Yes. 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.399 What's more powerful? 00:25:21.139 --> 00:25:21.700 Left after. 00:25:21.839 --> 00:25:22.019 Yeah. 00:25:22.639 --> 00:25:25.339 I think sometimes we think, 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:27.740 if I can just be tough enough with other believers, 00:25:28.460 --> 00:25:30.539 if I can just be stern and serious enough, 00:25:30.779 --> 00:25:32.299 if I can scare them a little bit, 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:35.779 yeah, that's really going to be what energizes and warms the church. 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:37.460 It's just, we're going to be serious. 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:38.180 We're serious. 00:25:39.220 --> 00:25:40.079 Yeah, yeah. 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:41.259 I bet we're serious. 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:45.099 But we're seriously loved. 00:25:46.359 --> 00:25:51.119 And I'm seriously concerned we don't believe how much we're loved. 00:25:51.119 --> 00:25:55.239 And actually, that's at the root of so many of our issues. 00:25:56.599 --> 00:26:03.079 And what I want us to see is that when we rejoice over one another in this way, 00:26:03.459 --> 00:26:06.039 it energizes the church more than fear, 00:26:06.479 --> 00:26:09.819 legalism, harshness, judgmentalism ever will. 00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:13.639 Friends, and this is what we want. 00:26:13.739 --> 00:26:14.699 Forget about just the world. 00:26:14.779 --> 00:26:15.699 The world needs this. 00:26:15.700 --> 00:26:17.980 This is what we want more of. 00:26:18.259 --> 00:26:21.559 And this is what and why Jesus purchased these things. 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:27.299 And so, friends, we want to learn to see other believers the way the Father does 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:30.480 so we can join in His rejoicing over them 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:34.460 so we can all come to believe that more and more. 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:38.400 When we do that, there's not a square inch of the place. 00:26:38.660 --> 00:26:40.340 There's not a person left out. 00:26:40.580 --> 00:26:42.559 You know what my concern about those bags is? 00:26:43.080 --> 00:26:45.640 Like someone's going to pull a Charlie Brown and not get any. 00:26:46.640 --> 00:26:48.059 You guys already know who Charlie Brown is. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:50.660 You'll have to look that up. 00:26:50.880 --> 00:26:53.400 But I'm always afraid someone's going to be left out. 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:58.240 Do you know the Father rejoices over every one of His children? 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:02.460 He means for every corner of the room to be warm 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:05.019 and every person to feel loved and secured. 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:09.460 And friends, the work of the church, our work of loving one another, 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:12.600 well, is not done until that is known. 00:27:13.920 --> 00:27:15.279 And I do think it's possible. 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:17.180 Last one. 00:27:18.319 --> 00:27:19.680 Love in a shared way. 00:27:20.879 --> 00:27:24.359 So first we have just embracing one another as whole people. 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:29.879 We have the importance of rejoicing over one another in truth 00:27:29.879 --> 00:27:32.059 as it's lived out and believed. 00:27:32.599 --> 00:27:35.200 And finally, love in a shared way. 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:38.599 Listen, if we're really going to be warm, 00:27:39.059 --> 00:27:40.220 we've got to work together. 00:27:40.220 --> 00:27:43.620 You know the believers I know most? 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:45.940 I know them by their forearms. 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:48.200 Not because they're big, 00:27:48.779 --> 00:27:52.799 but because they roll them up and they work. 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:57.000 When you labor side by side with another believer, 00:27:57.399 --> 00:27:58.980 that's when you really bond. 00:27:59.579 --> 00:28:00.859 How many of you in the church, 00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:03.399 the people you're closest with are the people you serve with? 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:05.299 It happens. 00:28:06.139 --> 00:28:07.599 And I think it's part of it. 00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:10.919 And what I love is how many of you share the work. 00:28:10.920 --> 00:28:12.640 That shows good leadership. 00:28:13.340 --> 00:28:16.960 Good leadership brings in participation because guess what? 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:19.100 We all want to participate. 00:28:20.080 --> 00:28:22.800 Really, in our hearts, we don't want to be spectators. 00:28:23.360 --> 00:28:28.500 A lot of churches are hot because they have a show. 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:32.019 But spectators are never warm. 00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:35.220 Spectators never produce warmth. 00:28:36.140 --> 00:28:39.460 But when we serve side by side with one another, 00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:42.539 when we feel that we have an actual place, 00:28:42.619 --> 00:28:44.359 that it matters that we're here, 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:47.640 friends, that really does change the dynamic. 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:50.619 And we see it in verses five through eight. 00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:55.059 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in your efforts 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:56.200 for these brothers. 00:28:56.200 --> 00:28:58.500 Brothers, strangers as they are, 00:28:59.059 --> 00:29:02.319 who testified to your love before the church, 00:29:02.900 --> 00:29:05.700 you will do well to send them on their journey 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:08.120 in a manner worthy of God. 00:29:08.900 --> 00:29:11.420 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, 00:29:11.580 --> 00:29:13.640 accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 00:29:14.259 --> 00:29:17.360 Therefore, we ought to support people like these 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:22.120 that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 00:29:22.779 --> 00:29:24.519 Now listen, at this point, 00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:26.960 2 John is probably the last living apostle. 00:29:28.379 --> 00:29:32.639 That apostolic age is ending. 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:37.579 And all the gospel proclamation that's going forward 00:29:37.579 --> 00:29:40.859 is happening through traveling missionaries. 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:45.059 We already saw in 2 John that the deceivers, 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:47.599 ones going with a false or altered message, 00:29:47.859 --> 00:29:49.980 should not be received or endorsed. 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:55.960 But now here, we're called to give wide and warm support 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:58.779 to those who are doing this work. 00:29:58.880 --> 00:30:03.039 In fact, this here in 3 John is the strongest 00:30:03.039 --> 00:30:07.779 and most specific passage about support for missionaries 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:09.099 in the New Testament. 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:11.700 Now here's the whole warmth of this. 00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:15.980 They're not getting the support because they're familiar. 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:19.240 They're getting the support because they're family. 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:23.799 John says, strangers as they are. 00:30:24.599 --> 00:30:27.839 Yet, their care, their support, 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:29.940 John says that is faithful, 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:33.180 and he recognizes their efforts, 00:30:33.380 --> 00:30:36.500 and he ties it back to love. 00:30:36.900 --> 00:30:38.600 When we love the Savior, 00:30:38.840 --> 00:30:40.620 we love the gospel advance. 00:30:41.080 --> 00:30:43.960 We get behind the support of that, 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:46.120 and that's how it ought to be. 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:48.779 Because if our fellowship is in the truth, 00:30:49.160 --> 00:30:51.759 and these people are promoting the true gospel, 00:30:52.100 --> 00:30:53.880 that means they are true family. 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.660 They should have true support. 00:30:55.660 --> 00:30:59.759 Friends, that is a connection that is wonderful. 00:31:00.300 --> 00:31:03.580 And it actually is part of what our shared worship 00:31:03.580 --> 00:31:05.080 is meant to look like. 00:31:05.700 --> 00:31:07.259 And then, check this out. 00:31:08.060 --> 00:31:12.279 Did you know that 3 John is the only New Testament document 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:14.460 that doesn't mention Jesus by name? 00:31:16.040 --> 00:31:19.080 But what it does say is amazing. 00:31:20.080 --> 00:31:22.100 Why did these people go out? 00:31:22.099 --> 00:31:25.519 For the sake of the name. 00:31:26.699 --> 00:31:28.679 Jesus isn't referenced by name here, 00:31:29.059 --> 00:31:31.779 but for the sake of the name. 00:31:31.959 --> 00:31:34.379 The name that is above all names. 00:31:34.859 --> 00:31:37.779 The name that everyone under heaven and earth 00:31:37.779 --> 00:31:38.879 will bow before. 00:31:39.099 --> 00:31:43.359 That name is their great motivation. 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:47.359 Listen, we don't even know these missionaries' names. 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:49.980 And isn't that beautiful? 00:31:49.980 --> 00:31:54.480 To be lost in the name of another. 00:31:55.759 --> 00:31:57.839 And then, think about this. 00:31:58.700 --> 00:31:59.420 John is saying, 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:01.980 I don't want this to be funded by the Gentiles. 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:05.579 And he's emphasizing those in the world 00:32:05.579 --> 00:32:06.420 who are unbelievers. 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:07.620 But what he's really saying is, 00:32:07.940 --> 00:32:11.460 I intend the family work to be family funded. 00:32:12.120 --> 00:32:15.779 And there is a sense that that really works well. 00:32:15.779 --> 00:32:20.139 Have you guys ever heard of that Christian insurance, 00:32:20.399 --> 00:32:21.440 Samaritan's Purse? 00:32:22.740 --> 00:32:23.819 Do you guys know what it is? 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:26.940 It's kind of like you help pay the other people's bills 00:32:26.940 --> 00:32:28.500 and then you write them a note. 00:32:29.240 --> 00:32:30.359 I'm not sure it always works. 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:31.559 I'm not an insurance person. 00:32:31.879 --> 00:32:34.720 But it's made to warm up the whole process of insurance. 00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:39.140 It's made to give it a more rich kind of connected feel. 00:32:39.400 --> 00:32:40.920 That's something that people made. 00:32:41.660 --> 00:32:46.120 The gospel advance should always feel like it's coming from the family. 00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:50.720 Should always feel warmth and connected sinews to it. 00:32:50.740 --> 00:32:51.519 And I love this. 00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:54.460 Ought to support is in the continual. 00:32:54.740 --> 00:32:58.019 Meaning that this is to be an ongoing conviction. 00:32:58.740 --> 00:33:00.059 And then I love this line. 00:33:00.059 --> 00:33:04.639 Again, in a manner worthy of God. 00:33:05.440 --> 00:33:07.359 That's not just a standard. 00:33:09.339 --> 00:33:11.720 That's actually a window for worship. 00:33:13.119 --> 00:33:16.700 Friends, whatever we do in the church in love for one another 00:33:16.700 --> 00:33:21.480 should be with a thought that it matches the worthiness of our God. 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:24.460 In a manner worthy of Him. 00:33:24.460 --> 00:33:29.640 That we may be fellow workers for the truth. 00:33:29.840 --> 00:33:31.860 Do you see the investment there? 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:35.420 You're like, how many of you feel like when you give money or support 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:37.220 you're actually not doing the real work? 00:33:38.559 --> 00:33:40.319 John doesn't say that. 00:33:41.579 --> 00:33:46.480 He says that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:50.640 John has a sense that everybody plays an important role. 00:33:51.100 --> 00:33:53.180 And John is not downplaying those. 00:33:53.180 --> 00:33:56.160 He's not overplaying the people who are going 00:33:56.160 --> 00:33:59.039 or underplaying the people that are sending. 00:33:59.640 --> 00:34:02.060 Don't ever underplay your role. 00:34:02.720 --> 00:34:05.779 If you are supporting the work of the truth, 00:34:05.860 --> 00:34:08.619 you are a fellow worker in that. 00:34:09.740 --> 00:34:12.519 Now, something we'll see tomorrow morning 00:34:12.519 --> 00:34:14.680 that I'll kind of get you ready for 00:34:14.680 --> 00:34:15.980 and we'll close with this, 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:20.920 is this whole concept of name becomes very important for John. 00:34:21.559 --> 00:34:22.760 And we'll see this tomorrow, 00:34:22.760 --> 00:34:24.760 but here's where I want to end this. 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:27.940 For the sake of the name. 00:34:29.500 --> 00:34:30.780 For the sake of the name. 00:34:33.180 --> 00:34:35.500 One of my favorite things about the church 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:39.300 is that this is the one place we all come 00:34:39.300 --> 00:34:42.420 and we all say someone else is king. 00:34:43.920 --> 00:34:45.140 Someone else is Lord. 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:53.680 That makes this place so uniquely wonderful. 00:34:53.679 --> 00:34:59.119 And friends, I think one of the greatest things we need to do 00:34:59.119 --> 00:35:03.259 is we need to recapture the warmth 00:35:03.259 --> 00:35:07.419 that we have in the affections of Christ for us. 00:35:07.799 --> 00:35:10.039 We sing about these songs. 00:35:10.159 --> 00:35:12.699 I think a time of contemplative prayer tonight 00:35:12.699 --> 00:35:14.219 is so good 00:35:14.219 --> 00:35:16.059 because we really, 00:35:16.219 --> 00:35:20.279 we won't love others this way 00:35:20.279 --> 00:35:24.179 unless we're already secure that we are this loved. 00:35:24.179 --> 00:35:27.559 I feel like one of the reasons 00:35:27.559 --> 00:35:30.679 that we are so focused on our own names 00:35:30.679 --> 00:35:34.699 is because we feel like if we can make our names great, 00:35:34.919 --> 00:35:36.480 then we'll be loved. 00:35:37.039 --> 00:35:38.599 Then we'll be secure. 00:35:39.119 --> 00:35:40.839 If I'm prominent enough, 00:35:41.399 --> 00:35:42.359 pretty enough, 00:35:42.819 --> 00:35:43.559 strong enough, 00:35:44.000 --> 00:35:44.579 tough enough, 00:35:44.919 --> 00:35:45.579 kind enough, 00:35:45.919 --> 00:35:46.599 helpful enough, 00:35:46.599 --> 00:35:49.299 if I make my name great enough, 00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:50.860 I will be loved. 00:35:53.480 --> 00:35:56.519 But that's not what creates the warmth among us. 00:35:57.659 --> 00:35:59.699 It's that there is one name above all. 00:36:01.199 --> 00:36:03.599 The only name that really matters. 00:36:05.259 --> 00:36:08.000 And as my one sister said earlier in the game, 00:36:09.059 --> 00:36:11.599 and we find our names in his book. 00:36:12.219 --> 00:36:15.000 We find our names written on his hand. 00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:18.840 And if we find our names in that name, 00:36:20.519 --> 00:36:22.099 more specifically, 00:36:22.960 --> 00:36:26.619 if we find that we are truly that loved 00:36:26.619 --> 00:36:30.059 in a way where I don't have to look out for myself 00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:31.320 to be loved, 00:36:31.739 --> 00:36:35.099 then we become free to love one another. 00:36:35.760 --> 00:36:37.440 And I just want to remind you, 00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:39.619 we're not making anything up. 00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:41.860 This love exists. 00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:42.860 It is truth. 00:36:42.860 --> 00:36:44.579 It is truth. 00:36:45.820 --> 00:36:49.219 You cannot be more loved than you are right now, 00:36:49.920 --> 00:36:52.960 but you can live in that love more than you do. 00:36:53.460 --> 00:36:56.280 You can live out of the health and security 00:36:56.280 --> 00:36:57.619 and freedom of that. 00:36:58.079 --> 00:36:58.699 And that, 00:36:59.239 --> 00:37:01.139 that is what I believe 00:37:01.139 --> 00:37:03.159 God is seeking to warm us 00:37:03.159 --> 00:37:05.340 in this part of 3 John tonight. 00:37:05.880 --> 00:37:06.539 Let's pray. 00:37:06.539 --> 00:37:14.420 Father, 00:37:14.420 --> 00:37:16.800 Father, thank you that we're not alone in this work 00:37:16.800 --> 00:37:20.440 of believing this love. 00:37:20.440 --> 00:37:24.340 we thank you for the Holy Spirit 00:37:24.340 --> 00:37:26.159 who cries out in us, 00:37:26.260 --> 00:37:27.159 Abba, Father. 00:37:28.079 --> 00:37:31.559 The Holy Spirit that shows us the love of Christ 00:37:31.559 --> 00:37:34.480 and shines a light on it in our hearts. 00:37:35.099 --> 00:37:36.980 We pray, Lord, help. 00:37:38.039 --> 00:37:40.579 Help our unbelief over your love. 00:37:40.579 --> 00:37:44.779 Lord, it's not weakness 00:37:44.779 --> 00:37:47.980 to want to believe your love more. 00:37:50.099 --> 00:37:52.639 Lord, we're vulnerable and insecure 00:37:52.639 --> 00:37:54.799 and self-absorbed when we don't. 00:37:55.840 --> 00:37:57.980 So, Lord, for the sake of your name, 00:37:58.500 --> 00:38:00.460 for the sake of your name, 00:38:01.460 --> 00:38:03.900 let us know 00:38:03.900 --> 00:38:07.420 and be warmed in your love afresh. 00:38:08.539 --> 00:38:11.700 Lord, there are some that are just tired. 00:38:12.340 --> 00:38:13.760 They're tired, Lord. 00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:19.280 Let them know that who you are is enough. 00:38:20.139 --> 00:38:22.240 Lord, there are some that are so deep 00:38:22.240 --> 00:38:23.720 in the performance trap 00:38:23.720 --> 00:38:26.700 of just thinking they have to be perfect 00:38:26.700 --> 00:38:30.280 that they never stop to enjoy your perfection. 00:38:32.160 --> 00:38:32.619 But, Lord, 00:38:32.619 --> 00:38:37.259 Lord, may your name and your love 00:38:37.259 --> 00:38:38.579 be more to us. 00:38:39.559 --> 00:38:41.799 And may that make all the difference among us 00:38:41.799 --> 00:38:42.719 in Jesus' name. 00:38:43.380 --> 00:38:44.039 So be it.