WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:09.359 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:10.500 Join us. 00:00:12.300 --> 00:00:24.500 Y'all, the one whose eye is on the sparrow, the one who watches you and me, who prays 00:00:24.500 --> 00:00:32.119 for us, he's talking to his heavenly father about us. 00:00:32.119 --> 00:00:43.039 And we've been listening in to his prayer in John chapter 17 as Jesus prays for shared 00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:52.400 glory with his father and for us to know life, eternal life in that glorious relationship 00:00:52.400 --> 00:00:52.960 with them. 00:00:52.960 --> 00:00:57.640 So we get to listen in again this morning. 00:00:57.960 --> 00:01:02.320 Let's ask that his words will speak life to our hearts. 00:01:02.439 --> 00:01:03.020 Pray with me. 00:01:06.120 --> 00:01:11.859 Jesus, we worship you for your eye being upon us. 00:01:13.280 --> 00:01:21.319 You tell us that we're of more value than many sparrows to you, that even the very hairs of 00:01:21.319 --> 00:01:23.379 our head are numbered. 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:35.439 How is it possible that a God of so much love and grace and might and power could care for 00:01:35.439 --> 00:01:36.299 us like that? 00:01:36.299 --> 00:01:39.299 We don't explain it. 00:01:39.299 --> 00:01:41.299 We praise you for it. 00:01:41.299 --> 00:01:45.659 We ask that we might find comfort in your care. 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:52.599 Hope in your love, even as we listen to your word. 00:01:53.299 --> 00:01:55.700 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:01:55.700 --> 00:01:55.780 Amen. 00:02:00.700 --> 00:02:08.520 In this next section of Jesus' prayer, before Jesus starts asking his father to do some specific 00:02:08.520 --> 00:02:12.520 things, he talks with him about some people. 00:02:13.400 --> 00:02:16.680 We'll read this passage in three pieces this morning. 00:02:16.840 --> 00:02:24.980 In this first piece, starting at verse 6, notice who the people are that Jesus is praying 00:02:24.980 --> 00:02:25.439 for. 00:02:25.540 --> 00:02:32.820 John 17 at verse 6, I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of 00:02:32.820 --> 00:02:33.379 the world. 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:38.240 Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:44.260 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you, for I have given them 00:02:44.260 --> 00:02:48.400 the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth 00:02:48.400 --> 00:02:51.640 that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 00:02:52.700 --> 00:02:54.460 I am praying for them. 00:02:54.960 --> 00:03:01.240 I am not praying for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 00:03:01.240 --> 00:03:08.240 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 00:03:09.939 --> 00:03:16.659 The most immediate group that Jesus is praying for here is his disciples who are right there 00:03:16.659 --> 00:03:17.860 listening in, right? 00:03:19.600 --> 00:03:26.620 But while he does say a couple things exclusively about them, most of what he prays for applies 00:03:26.620 --> 00:03:34.159 to all of his followers, as he'll say specifically in verse 20, all those who will believe in 00:03:34.159 --> 00:03:36.280 me through their word. 00:03:37.659 --> 00:03:38.719 That includes us. 00:03:39.120 --> 00:03:46.640 So with many others, I believe that we can and should understand Jesus' heart in these verses 00:03:46.640 --> 00:03:50.640 to apply to us who believe in him today. 00:03:50.639 --> 00:03:57.459 Another factor that supports that is what I want to draw our attention to for just a moment. 00:03:59.059 --> 00:04:06.539 Jesus calls these that he's praying for the people the Father has given him. 00:04:06.859 --> 00:04:10.079 In fact, three times in those verses we just read. 00:04:10.699 --> 00:04:19.139 And we know from earlier in John that the Father has given to the Son all who believe in him. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:22.120 Don't miss this. 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:30.759 Jesus is talking to his Father about this gift that the Father has given him. 00:04:30.819 --> 00:04:31.659 And what is that gift? 00:04:33.560 --> 00:04:36.500 We are that gift. 00:04:38.039 --> 00:04:45.159 Can you imagine the value of the gifts that kings and celebrities give to their children? 00:04:45.599 --> 00:04:46.959 It is mind-boggling. 00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:48.439 I'm just going to give you one example. 00:04:48.439 --> 00:04:54.180 You may have read this summer about the gift that an Indian billionaire gave to his son. 00:04:54.759 --> 00:05:06.019 Not only did he pay over $2 billion for his son's wedding, but he also threw in a 10-bedroom 00:05:06.019 --> 00:05:12.699 mansion on a private beach in Dubai valued at over $80 million. 00:05:15.759 --> 00:05:16.600 Incredible. 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:18.920 Sorry, girls. 00:05:22.920 --> 00:05:23.720 So listen. 00:05:25.160 --> 00:05:33.040 The king of the universe talks with his son before the world exists. 00:05:33.040 --> 00:05:36.560 And he decides he's going to give him a gift. 00:05:36.879 --> 00:05:40.200 And they say, we're going to create this amazing world together. 00:05:40.420 --> 00:05:42.260 And I'm going to give you what? 00:05:42.259 --> 00:05:45.879 Not a billion dollars. 00:05:46.579 --> 00:05:48.980 Not a mansion or a Mustang. 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:52.279 But a people. 00:05:53.459 --> 00:05:54.980 Ultimately, to be his bride. 00:05:55.079 --> 00:05:57.240 See, it's a wedding gift, actually, isn't it? 00:05:57.240 --> 00:06:06.500 How precious must these people be to God the Father and to Jesus the Son? 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:09.300 Have you thought about yourself that way lately? 00:06:09.480 --> 00:06:13.460 Have you realized that that's what he's saying about you? 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:20.240 What a joy it is to be a gift from the Father to the Son. 00:06:20.240 --> 00:06:23.160 You were God's. 00:06:23.480 --> 00:06:24.920 God the Father's. 00:06:24.920 --> 00:06:29.600 But before you were a twinkle in your parents' eyes, you were his. 00:06:30.079 --> 00:06:37.699 And he gave you to Jesus to save you and to shape you into his image the way God wonderfully 00:06:37.699 --> 00:06:38.699 designed you to be. 00:06:38.699 --> 00:06:42.680 So listen, you are so precious. 00:06:43.740 --> 00:06:49.539 There is no way that the Son is going to toss you aside. 00:06:50.740 --> 00:06:55.399 There's no way Jesus is going to set you down somewhere and forget about you. 00:06:57.199 --> 00:07:04.719 No, he will surely keep those precious ones who have been given to him by his Father. 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:08.940 In fact, that's why he's praying for you here. 00:07:09.560 --> 00:07:11.620 That's how he feels about you. 00:07:13.160 --> 00:07:18.420 So having talked with his Father about these people, about this precious gift, 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:21.180 he's just reveling in that with his Father. 00:07:21.700 --> 00:07:23.900 Jesus then prays for us. 00:07:25.300 --> 00:07:28.820 In verses 11 to 19, we learn that he is praying 00:07:28.819 --> 00:07:36.199 because he knows that it is hard to be in this world and not of this world. 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:40.959 That's a description of Christians you may have heard before, 00:07:41.019 --> 00:07:44.219 even before Bill mentioned it earlier this morning. 00:07:44.740 --> 00:07:47.439 In the world but not of the world. 00:07:47.959 --> 00:07:49.759 It actually comes from this prayer. 00:07:50.620 --> 00:07:54.120 In the world, there in verse 11. 00:07:54.120 --> 00:08:00.780 And later, he'll pray that we not be taken out of the world, 00:08:01.280 --> 00:08:05.720 but that we actually be sent into the world. 00:08:06.680 --> 00:08:09.259 On the other hand, that's in the world. 00:08:09.319 --> 00:08:12.500 On the other hand, not of the world. 00:08:12.819 --> 00:08:13.959 Verse 14. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:18.620 And again, the exact same phrase in verse 16. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:23.480 In this context, as often in John, 00:08:23.959 --> 00:08:30.000 the world is a place and a people where life is thought about 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:32.860 and lived out apart from God. 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:35.419 That's the world's mindset. 00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:38.720 Its values are opposed to God's. 00:08:39.000 --> 00:08:42.820 The world is man-centered, not God-centered. 00:08:42.820 --> 00:08:48.900 And Jesus knows that we are and we will be in the world. 00:08:49.560 --> 00:08:54.160 Located in a culture not seeking to honor God. 00:08:55.100 --> 00:08:59.500 He also knows that we are not of the world. 00:09:00.140 --> 00:09:06.060 Jesus has told his followers that our lives are to be shaped by divine priorities, 00:09:06.440 --> 00:09:08.640 by eternal realities. 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:14.699 In the midst of people whose lives are shaped by human priorities, 00:09:14.919 --> 00:09:19.279 by earthly values, like immediate results and satisfaction. 00:09:20.960 --> 00:09:25.240 And so, we read things like Romans chapter 12 that says, 00:09:25.419 --> 00:09:27.939 do not be conformed to this world. 00:09:28.059 --> 00:09:29.960 How is it that we're going to be different? 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:31.139 What changes us? 00:09:31.220 --> 00:09:32.539 What will set us apart? 00:09:32.539 --> 00:09:37.220 Be transformed by the renewal of your mind. 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:41.980 Be different because your mind is renewed. 00:09:42.180 --> 00:09:47.580 Not so much where you live or how you look or where you work. 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:49.840 Those aren't so much the things that are different. 00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:55.759 But your philosophy of life, your lifestyle, your values are different. 00:09:55.759 --> 00:10:05.419 This in the world but not of the world tension is one that we feel in so many ways. 00:10:05.860 --> 00:10:08.980 Just stop and think about where you experience it. 00:10:09.740 --> 00:10:17.360 I was eating with one of our men recently who said that he feels almost like he's living a double life. 00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:23.580 One on Sunday with everyone around him talking about the value of Jesus. 00:10:24.700 --> 00:10:32.580 And another one the rest of the week with everyone around him talking about the value of money and success and the bottom line. 00:10:32.700 --> 00:10:39.759 And he struggles to navigate the two to bring the life of Jesus into his daily life. 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:40.980 You feel that tension? 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:42.039 Some of you do. 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:51.419 Others of us feel it when we struggle against the sin in our hearts and the broken world around us. 00:10:51.699 --> 00:10:57.039 Every day it's there and we think why hasn't Jesus taken us home and made us perfect already? 00:10:57.699 --> 00:11:02.319 I mean he conquered sin and death at the cross and the grave. 00:11:02.899 --> 00:11:06.519 So when he goes to heaven why don't his followers just go ahead and go with him? 00:11:06.519 --> 00:11:14.000 If he came to bring us into this perfect relationship with himself and the father and that's what it's all about. 00:11:14.059 --> 00:11:14.899 Jesus I'm ready. 00:11:15.019 --> 00:11:15.819 Why not now? 00:11:15.939 --> 00:11:16.159 Right? 00:11:16.559 --> 00:11:17.659 Who's for that? 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:22.100 And yet we're here. 00:11:23.720 --> 00:11:28.159 I remember feeling this tension around relationships when I went to college. 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:36.980 I knew that Jesus sent me into the world and to have friends who weren't all like me and didn't yet know him. 00:11:37.059 --> 00:11:39.879 Didn't share some of my values and morals. 00:11:40.459 --> 00:11:41.539 I was to be like him. 00:11:41.579 --> 00:11:44.579 A friend of tax collectors and sinners. 00:11:44.839 --> 00:11:45.019 Right? 00:11:45.579 --> 00:11:48.639 I was supposed to shine his light there in those relationships. 00:11:50.299 --> 00:11:52.980 But also when was too much? 00:11:52.980 --> 00:12:01.700 I mean where almost all my friends would live differently and where they would begin to influence my values. 00:12:02.060 --> 00:12:05.259 Some of us feel that tension relationally. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:09.279 Or where do I send my kids to school? 00:12:11.180 --> 00:12:16.080 Or when does loving my neighbor mean cheering for them and when does it mean challenging them? 00:12:16.080 --> 00:12:22.300 What popular entertainment do I enjoy so I can talk with others about it? 00:12:22.460 --> 00:12:26.139 Or which ones do I avoid and I seem weird and left out? 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:29.220 Hard questions. 00:12:30.700 --> 00:12:33.180 None of which I will answer this morning. 00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:34.220 Ha, ha, ha. 00:12:34.420 --> 00:12:36.100 I just can ask them. 00:12:36.720 --> 00:12:37.759 You think about it. 00:12:40.040 --> 00:12:43.440 I'm wanting us to feel where that tension shows up. 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:44.640 It's not easy, is it? 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:52.080 It's hard living as God's people in a world not centered on him. 00:12:53.460 --> 00:12:58.600 Regardless of how you feel it, it's hard and Jesus gets it. 00:12:59.199 --> 00:13:00.840 He's been here, hasn't he? 00:13:02.519 --> 00:13:08.659 Notice, by the way, here he's not particularly telling us how to live. 00:13:09.720 --> 00:13:12.319 He does that some other places for sure. 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:18.900 He will challenge our isolation from the world or our living like the world. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:20.700 He'll challenge us on both those. 00:13:20.700 --> 00:13:29.900 But here what I want you to see is he's acknowledging the reality of this tension, the difficulty of our situation. 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:34.399 And he's praying for us. 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:36.360 Don't you love that? 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:38.699 Don't you love Jesus' heart there? 00:13:38.879 --> 00:13:41.500 I hope that encourages you wherever you are. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:50.500 I hope listening in to him pray will even help you learn somehow to pray for yourself when you're feeling and living in this tension. 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:58.899 I hope you'll remember that your heavenly father holds the keys to your life even more than you do. 00:13:59.740 --> 00:14:01.340 And that's a good thing. 00:14:01.559 --> 00:14:03.080 A really good thing. 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:10.400 Jesus understands the tension, the danger, the difficulty we face. 00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:12.000 And he prays two things. 00:14:12.460 --> 00:14:14.960 Two things he asks God to do. 00:14:15.720 --> 00:14:19.080 The first is for us to be protected. 00:14:20.660 --> 00:14:21.620 Listen to him. 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:22.259 Verse 11. 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:26.860 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. 00:14:27.679 --> 00:14:29.000 And I am coming to you. 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:35.759 Holy Father, keep them in your name which you have given me that they may be one even as we are one. 00:14:36.620 --> 00:14:40.080 While I was with them, I kept them in your name which you have given me. 00:14:40.299 --> 00:14:46.980 I have guarded them and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction that the scripture might be fulfilled. 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:54.620 But now I am coming to you and these things I speak in the world that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 00:14:55.500 --> 00:15:02.220 I have given them your word and the world has hated them because they are not of the world just as I am not of the world. 00:15:02.539 --> 00:15:08.560 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 00:15:09.920 --> 00:15:12.240 Holy Father, keep them. 00:15:13.420 --> 00:15:14.240 Jesus prays. 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:14.899 Keep them. 00:15:15.300 --> 00:15:16.060 Hold them. 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:17.059 Protect them. 00:15:17.059 --> 00:15:17.639 Protect them. 00:15:18.019 --> 00:15:20.479 Not from broken legs. 00:15:21.199 --> 00:15:24.079 Not from scary situations. 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:26.219 Not from hurt feelings. 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:30.159 But from falling away. 00:15:31.839 --> 00:15:33.979 Keep them in your name. 00:15:34.619 --> 00:15:35.339 Unified. 00:15:35.579 --> 00:15:37.139 Next week we'll talk about unity. 00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:43.159 Jesus is praying that we would be protected for the Father. 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:51.480 Just as he guarded his disciples and didn't lose any of them except Judas' unique situation prophesied long ago. 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:58.779 But there's a challenge that is coming for his disciples and for us. 00:15:59.299 --> 00:16:05.459 And that is that Jesus, the one who has been doing all of the keeping, is leaving them. 00:16:05.460 --> 00:16:12.519 Father, they're in such a dangerous situation. 00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:15.340 Please keep them in your name. 00:16:15.420 --> 00:16:17.620 Keep them faithful to you. 00:16:17.980 --> 00:16:19.420 Full of your joy. 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:21.800 Not needing to look anywhere else. 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:24.860 Secure in our relationship. 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:26.700 Eternally safe, Father. 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:27.560 Keep them. 00:16:27.559 --> 00:16:31.779 Jesus says, you've put them in my hands, this gift. 00:16:32.739 --> 00:16:34.199 But I'm going away. 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:36.559 So now I'm putting them back in yours. 00:16:36.559 --> 00:16:47.619 This part of Jesus' prayer made me think of a visit that our family took several years ago to Rock City in Chattanooga. 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:49.679 If you've been, it's a beautiful place. 00:16:50.979 --> 00:16:57.159 It's a dangerous place if you're a child unaware of cliffs and what's on the other side of them. 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:58.959 Nobody gets hurt in this story. 00:16:58.960 --> 00:17:05.039 When we went, I held our little girl really tightly by the hand. 00:17:05.340 --> 00:17:08.740 Sometimes held her, picked her up, carried her in my arms. 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:12.559 But at one point, I did need to step away to the restroom. 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:19.660 When I stepped away to the restroom, did I say to her, now you go hold on to mommy's hand while I'm gone? 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:26.380 Or did I say, hey, Christy, will you hold on to her while I'm gone? 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:30.240 Which one of those did I say? 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:32.640 Well, the latter, of course. 00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:42.240 The situation was too dangerous and our child too precious to trust the child's grip. 00:17:43.220 --> 00:17:46.579 We held on to her. 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:58.720 Jesus is saying the situation is too dangerous and God's children too precious to leave them 00:17:58.720 --> 00:18:01.120 to their own faithfulness. 00:18:01.120 --> 00:18:09.259 Jesus entrusts his precious gifts to the strong grip of their heavenly father, 00:18:09.440 --> 00:18:16.279 of whom he has already told us no one can snatch them out of his hand. 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:17.360 No one. 00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:19.480 And nothing. 00:18:21.259 --> 00:18:22.920 Including Satan himself. 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:33.000 Don't take them out of the world, Jesus prays, but keep them from the evil one. 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:40.060 Protect them, Father, from the one who would seek to harm their souls. 00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:43.000 Who would tempt them to doubt your goodness. 00:18:43.400 --> 00:18:46.620 Who would cause them to shipwreck their faith. 00:18:46.619 --> 00:18:56.699 I hope it is no formality to you when we pray, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:18:57.679 --> 00:19:05.959 Satan and his minions are real and they hate God and therefore they hate his children. 00:19:06.619 --> 00:19:09.000 He desires to devour you. 00:19:09.419 --> 00:19:14.279 He works to make you distrust the most trustworthy person in the world. 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:25.000 If you are in the world, child of God, follower of Jesus, you're in spiritual warfare. 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:30.399 You have an adversary who's intent on your harm. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:33.740 That's part of why it's hard to pray sometimes. 00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:37.500 That's part of why it's hard to obey God's word sometimes. 00:19:37.680 --> 00:19:41.859 That's part of why it's hard to be assured of your salvation sometimes. 00:19:41.859 --> 00:19:48.019 But we fight in prayer, asking for God's help. 00:19:48.379 --> 00:19:52.659 Taking up the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. 00:19:52.959 --> 00:19:57.839 Knowing that greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:58.339 Why? 00:19:58.619 --> 00:20:06.619 Because the Son asked the Father to send the Spirit to live in us and keep us. 00:20:06.619 --> 00:20:10.699 And Jesus keeps praying. 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:11.259 You know that? 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.859 He's praying for you now. 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:20.079 He is always living to intercede for us, Hebrews chapter 7 says. 00:20:21.179 --> 00:20:22.179 Don't despair. 00:20:22.899 --> 00:20:28.419 If Jesus has plucked you off of the cliff's edge to save your soul, 00:20:28.599 --> 00:20:31.439 if he wrapped his arms around you, he will keep you. 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:38.580 Even when he's not here physically, he has prayed for you and he's placed your hand in his father's. 00:20:38.820 --> 00:20:42.500 Don't trust anyone else except him to keep you. 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:44.200 But you can trust him. 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:47.039 His eye is on the sparrow. 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:51.000 So you know he watches you. 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.940 He must. 00:20:52.940 --> 00:21:02.160 Jesus' solution to our protection is not, however, what we might like to think. 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:03.660 Just bring me home, Jesus. 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:07.340 It's not taking us out of the world. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:08.559 We are in the world. 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:12.440 But we are not of the world. 00:21:14.340 --> 00:21:17.279 So Jesus prays not only that we be protected, 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:20.720 but also that we be projected. 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:24.299 Now I almost hesitated to use that, 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:27.519 and I want to just acknowledge that clearly that is a word I chose 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:29.980 to help us remember these two things, right? 00:21:31.920 --> 00:21:35.360 I want us to remember the two things Jesus prays for us 00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:39.339 so that we can pray them for ourselves and for others, 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:41.600 protected and projected. 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:48.579 Picture a projectile that is being sent from far away 00:21:48.579 --> 00:21:51.019 to land in the world. 00:21:51.159 --> 00:21:52.639 That's what I have in mind. 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:54.899 But let's see what Jesus means by this. 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:56.299 Probably more helpful than my word. 00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:58.740 Listen at verse 16. 00:22:00.179 --> 00:22:01.899 They are not of the world, 00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:04.419 just as I am not of the world. 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:07.519 Sanctify them in the truth. 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:09.659 Your word is truth. 00:22:09.660 --> 00:22:12.620 As you sent me into the world, 00:22:12.620 --> 00:22:16.779 so I have sent them into the world. 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:20.680 They are not of the world. 00:22:20.800 --> 00:22:24.420 Just like Jesus, whose home was in heaven, 00:22:25.140 --> 00:22:27.400 our citizenship is somewhere else. 00:22:27.840 --> 00:22:29.480 We belong there. 00:22:30.120 --> 00:22:33.259 So it's right that we don't always fit in here. 00:22:33.960 --> 00:22:38.120 Jesus prays that we would be set apart from the world. 00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:41.979 That's what the word sanctify means. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:42.839 Set apart. 00:22:43.459 --> 00:22:46.939 Holy, set apart to be gods, 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:49.799 like the word saints in English. 00:22:49.979 --> 00:22:51.619 How Paul, for example, 00:22:51.959 --> 00:22:53.739 addresses all God's people, 00:22:53.899 --> 00:22:56.599 the saints in Christ, 00:22:57.619 --> 00:23:00.299 in Colossae in one letter. 00:23:00.659 --> 00:23:02.939 Those who live in the world in Colossae, 00:23:03.319 --> 00:23:05.479 or Huntsville, or wherever it is, 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:08.180 but are set apart in Christ, 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:09.200 united to him, 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:11.160 we are God's possession, 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:12.360 not the world's. 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:13.700 God's people, 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:15.339 not the world's people. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.539 God's children, 00:23:16.980 --> 00:23:19.180 not the world's children. 00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:21.880 So how does God do that? 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:23.460 How does he sanctify us? 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:25.720 In the truth. 00:23:26.660 --> 00:23:29.059 Your word is truth. 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:33.700 What better way to ensure we're protected from the devil, 00:23:33.919 --> 00:23:36.399 who is the father of lies, 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:40.319 than to immerse ourselves in the truth. 00:23:40.679 --> 00:23:42.740 Truth is under attack in our day. 00:23:43.579 --> 00:23:44.639 Is there truth, 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:45.460 people ask? 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:47.059 Man, 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:47.659 in any way, 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.500 if it gets you ahead, 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:51.399 who cares if it's true what you say? 00:23:52.899 --> 00:23:54.059 Where's truth? 00:23:55.159 --> 00:23:55.419 Well, 00:23:55.420 --> 00:23:57.720 your word is truth. 00:23:57.800 --> 00:23:59.400 We don't have to wonder where to find it. 00:24:00.440 --> 00:24:04.259 And there is plenty here for us to embrace. 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:05.000 Plenty, 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:06.160 I think you'll agree, 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:09.779 that sets us apart from the world around us 00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:14.019 when we do embrace a life according to God's truth. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.900 I'll just give you a few examples. 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:19.360 In a world that says you succeed by projecting strength, 00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:21.240 God's word says, 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:23.379 boast gladly in your weaknesses 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:25.919 because of his all-sufficient grace. 00:24:26.259 --> 00:24:27.439 When I am weak, 00:24:27.659 --> 00:24:29.419 then I am strong. 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:31.079 2 Corinthians 12. 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:34.579 When everyone else demeans their opponents 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:36.839 and attacks their competition, 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.299 God's word says, 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.339 love your enemies, 00:24:39.679 --> 00:24:42.059 pray for those who persecute you. 00:24:42.219 --> 00:24:43.099 Matthew 5. 00:24:44.919 --> 00:24:47.379 In a culture of make your own way to God 00:24:47.380 --> 00:24:48.360 however you'd like, 00:24:48.520 --> 00:24:51.800 God's word says salvation is to be found in no one else 00:24:51.800 --> 00:24:54.460 for there's no other name than the name of Jesus 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:56.720 by which we must be saved. 00:24:57.420 --> 00:24:58.200 Acts 4. 00:24:59.540 --> 00:25:02.020 In a world where you're taught to look out for number one, 00:25:02.120 --> 00:25:03.640 to fight for what's yours, 00:25:03.900 --> 00:25:04.780 God's word says, 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:07.140 do nothing out of selfish ambition, 00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:11.720 but consider others better than yourselves. 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:12.820 Philippians 2. 00:25:12.819 --> 00:25:14.619 If your life is shaped this way, 00:25:14.659 --> 00:25:16.879 you're gonna be weird. 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:19.439 Different, right? 00:25:19.659 --> 00:25:21.319 These are not normal things. 00:25:21.579 --> 00:25:22.539 In an anxious world, 00:25:22.639 --> 00:25:23.399 God's word says, 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.500 don't worry. 00:25:24.579 --> 00:25:25.559 Remember the sparrow? 00:25:25.839 --> 00:25:27.819 You can actually seek first my kingdom. 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:29.139 Matthew 6. 00:25:30.519 --> 00:25:32.399 When everyone else is trying to get ahead 00:25:32.399 --> 00:25:33.439 and find the good life, 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.399 God's word says, 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:35.419 deny yourself. 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:36.980 Take up your cross. 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:37.980 Follow Jesus. 00:25:38.159 --> 00:25:39.279 Because to save your life, 00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:40.619 you actually have to lose it. 00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:41.679 Matthew 16. 00:25:41.959 --> 00:25:43.139 Crazy talk, right? 00:25:43.879 --> 00:25:45.279 In a world of self-promotion, 00:25:45.559 --> 00:25:46.339 God's word says, 00:25:46.679 --> 00:25:47.359 that can make sense 00:25:47.359 --> 00:25:48.459 because it's not to us, 00:25:48.539 --> 00:25:49.039 not to us, 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:51.319 but to your name be the glory. 00:25:51.719 --> 00:25:52.699 Psalm 115. 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:55.139 When people tell you 00:25:55.139 --> 00:25:56.239 the evil in your life 00:25:56.239 --> 00:25:58.259 is too much to trust God 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:59.619 in the midst of, 00:25:59.939 --> 00:26:01.179 you should just give up. 00:26:01.639 --> 00:26:02.419 God's word says, 00:26:02.619 --> 00:26:04.439 nothing can separate us 00:26:04.439 --> 00:26:05.839 from the love of God. 00:26:06.099 --> 00:26:06.879 Romans 8. 00:26:08.459 --> 00:26:10.479 When the world looks for life and wealth, 00:26:10.480 --> 00:26:11.200 power, 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.140 success, 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:12.860 pleasure, 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:13.660 sex, 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:14.579 comfort, 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:16.360 God's word says, 00:26:17.319 --> 00:26:18.460 eternal life 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:20.440 is knowing God 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:22.640 and Jesus Christ 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:23.740 whom he has sent. 00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:25.200 That was just last week 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:26.500 here in John 17. 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:29.620 We could go on and on 00:26:29.620 --> 00:26:31.460 with lots of examples, 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.480 but Jesus prays 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.880 that the truth of his word 00:26:35.880 --> 00:26:37.759 will so shape us, 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:39.700 will set us apart, 00:26:39.700 --> 00:26:41.039 make us very different 00:26:41.039 --> 00:26:42.180 in some ways, 00:26:42.319 --> 00:26:43.640 not just for the sake 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:44.460 of being different. 00:26:44.539 --> 00:26:45.799 You don't get points for that. 00:26:47.080 --> 00:26:48.960 God's people are set apart 00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:50.140 for a purpose. 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:52.759 They are his 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:55.340 for his mission, right? 00:26:55.440 --> 00:26:56.960 We are sent people, 00:26:57.100 --> 00:26:57.460 aren't we? 00:26:58.240 --> 00:26:59.840 Sent into the world, 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.180 notice, 00:27:00.340 --> 00:27:01.420 not away from it, 00:27:01.640 --> 00:27:03.700 not into a Christian subculture, 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:06.880 but into a God-hating world. 00:27:06.880 --> 00:27:08.360 That's where we're sent. 00:27:09.420 --> 00:27:10.380 Just as Jesus, 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:11.600 notice verse 18, 00:27:12.940 --> 00:27:14.420 just in the same way 00:27:14.420 --> 00:27:16.400 Jesus was sent into the world 00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:18.940 to represent God to people, 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:21.600 to bless them in word 00:27:21.600 --> 00:27:22.720 and in deed, 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:24.180 to show them 00:27:24.180 --> 00:27:26.200 the God they could know 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:28.600 and love and trust. 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:30.679 And as we read God's truth, 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:32.019 we realize we too 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:33.159 are his ambassadors 00:27:33.159 --> 00:27:35.139 projected from far away 00:27:35.139 --> 00:27:36.579 to land here, 00:27:36.719 --> 00:27:38.139 to implore the world, 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.839 to be reconciled to God. 00:27:40.599 --> 00:27:41.299 We're sent, 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:42.939 the Bible tells us, 00:27:43.139 --> 00:27:43.939 to bear his image, 00:27:44.439 --> 00:27:46.019 to declare his praise, 00:27:46.339 --> 00:27:47.379 to make disciples 00:27:47.379 --> 00:27:48.480 of all nations, 00:27:48.719 --> 00:27:50.599 to be witnesses for Jesus, 00:27:50.959 --> 00:27:52.659 to live such beautiful lives 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:53.759 that people see us 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:54.859 and they actually glorify 00:27:54.859 --> 00:27:55.759 God himself, 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:56.699 not us. 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:59.259 It says we're sent here 00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:00.120 to give a reason 00:28:00.120 --> 00:28:01.519 for the hope we have, 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:03.220 to pray for the city 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:04.740 where God has placed us, 00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:05.700 to work to see 00:28:05.700 --> 00:28:06.819 his kingdom come 00:28:06.819 --> 00:28:08.160 and his will to be done 00:28:08.160 --> 00:28:09.840 on earth as it is in heaven. 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:12.200 We have a purpose here, 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:12.680 don't we? 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:15.019 Listen, 00:28:15.180 --> 00:28:16.519 every single one of us 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:18.700 who is living in this world 00:28:18.700 --> 00:28:21.880 but who is not of this world 00:28:21.880 --> 00:28:23.600 because our citizenship 00:28:23.600 --> 00:28:24.440 is in heaven 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:27.220 lives sent today 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:29.720 with a real purpose. 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:32.559 Brothers and sisters, 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:34.140 this is really good news. 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:35.279 You are in your office. 00:28:36.620 --> 00:28:38.120 You are in your classroom. 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:40.120 You are in your neighborhood. 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:43.720 You are in your dance class, 00:28:43.960 --> 00:28:45.380 your sports teams. 00:28:45.500 --> 00:28:47.400 You live in your retirement community 00:28:47.400 --> 00:28:50.580 because the Savior 00:28:50.580 --> 00:28:51.759 who loves you 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:53.440 and prays for you 00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:55.259 sent you there, 00:28:57.120 --> 00:28:58.140 placed you there 00:28:58.140 --> 00:28:59.380 on purpose, 00:29:00.080 --> 00:29:01.460 goes with you there 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:03.720 for the glory of his name. 00:29:03.800 --> 00:29:04.500 That's why you're there. 00:29:05.100 --> 00:29:07.259 For the good of your relationship 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:07.780 with him, 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:08.660 he'll meet you there 00:29:08.660 --> 00:29:09.600 so you know him more. 00:29:09.840 --> 00:29:10.640 For the blessing 00:29:10.640 --> 00:29:12.200 of the people around you there 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:14.440 who need to know him so much 00:29:14.440 --> 00:29:15.820 and can taste him through you. 00:29:15.819 --> 00:29:17.839 I gotta tell you, 00:29:17.879 --> 00:29:18.659 he didn't send you there 00:29:18.659 --> 00:29:19.799 because he thought it would be 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:20.879 easy or comfortable. 00:29:21.119 --> 00:29:22.579 He knew it wouldn't. 00:29:23.679 --> 00:29:26.179 But he does pray for you there 00:29:26.179 --> 00:29:28.579 because he knew it would be hard. 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:31.240 But for your good 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:33.079 and for his glory, 00:29:34.919 --> 00:29:36.619 Jesus prays for you. 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:38.799 The Father hears his prayers. 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:41.299 The Spirit goes with you 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:43.240 wherever he sends you 00:29:43.240 --> 00:29:43.880 today, 00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:44.819 this week. 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.700 As we come to this table, 00:29:48.819 --> 00:29:50.259 notice the last verse 00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:51.579 of this section of the prayer. 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:52.400 Verse 19. 00:29:55.140 --> 00:29:56.359 And for their sake, 00:29:56.819 --> 00:29:58.460 I consecrate myself 00:29:58.460 --> 00:30:00.319 that they also 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:01.559 may be sanctified 00:30:01.559 --> 00:30:03.000 in truth. 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:05.539 It's the same word 00:30:05.539 --> 00:30:06.440 when Jesus says, 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:08.240 I consecrate myself. 00:30:08.880 --> 00:30:11.000 It's I sanctify myself. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.460 Consecrate probably helps us 00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:14.180 to understand 00:30:14.180 --> 00:30:15.220 what's going on 00:30:15.220 --> 00:30:16.420 because Jesus is setting 00:30:16.420 --> 00:30:18.000 himself apart, right, 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:19.759 for God's mission 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:22.500 by becoming the sacrifice, 00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:24.619 the consecrated sacrifice 00:30:24.619 --> 00:30:25.940 for us. 00:30:26.140 --> 00:30:26.299 See, 00:30:26.599 --> 00:30:29.359 for their sake. 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:31.859 He's praying again 00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:33.079 about the cross. 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:35.440 He doesn't merely pray 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:37.400 that God would set us apart 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:39.220 for himself 00:30:39.220 --> 00:30:40.019 and his mission 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:40.620 in the world. 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:43.660 Jesus goes first. 00:30:44.860 --> 00:30:46.200 He doesn't send us anywhere. 00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:48.339 He hasn't already gone. 00:30:48.480 --> 00:30:49.920 Even the hard places 00:30:49.920 --> 00:30:51.240 of being in the world 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:53.120 but not of the world. 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:55.000 So that through his death, 00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:57.539 we will be truly sanctified, 00:30:57.940 --> 00:30:59.579 fully and finally 00:30:59.579 --> 00:31:00.740 set apart 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:01.740 for God 00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:03.900 and for the same mission 00:31:03.900 --> 00:31:05.160 to bring God 00:31:05.160 --> 00:31:06.200 to the world 00:31:06.200 --> 00:31:07.180 and the world 00:31:07.180 --> 00:31:08.560 to God. 00:31:09.720 --> 00:31:10.360 Wow, 00:31:10.420 --> 00:31:11.240 can you believe 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:13.160 Jesus did that for you? 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:14.640 You remember 00:31:14.640 --> 00:31:16.180 what a precious gift 00:31:16.840 --> 00:31:17.519 you are 00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:18.440 to Jesus? 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:19.360 That Jesus 00:31:19.360 --> 00:31:21.160 prays for you 00:31:21.160 --> 00:31:24.180 and Jesus 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:26.160 dies for you 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:27.860 so that you can be 00:31:27.860 --> 00:31:29.180 absolutely confident 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:30.180 today 00:31:30.820 --> 00:31:33.380 and this week 00:31:33.380 --> 00:31:35.260 and forever 00:31:35.260 --> 00:31:37.240 that you will be 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:38.060 protected 00:31:38.060 --> 00:31:39.840 in the Father's hand. 00:31:40.460 --> 00:31:41.200 That you will be 00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:41.880 projected 00:31:41.880 --> 00:31:43.980 into the Father's world 00:31:43.980 --> 00:31:45.700 for the Father's glory. 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:48.960 That's what he was telling 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:49.600 his disciples 00:31:49.600 --> 00:31:50.620 this same night. 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:52.020 He sat with them 00:31:52.020 --> 00:31:54.640 and he took bread 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:56.600 and he broke it 00:31:56.600 --> 00:31:57.840 and he gave it to them 00:31:57.840 --> 00:31:59.140 as I am ministering 00:31:59.140 --> 00:31:59.740 in his name 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:00.960 give this bread to you. 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:01.880 He said, 00:32:01.880 --> 00:32:02.440 take and eat. 00:32:02.740 --> 00:32:03.740 This is my body 00:32:03.740 --> 00:32:05.200 given for you. 00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:06.440 Do this 00:32:06.440 --> 00:32:07.800 in remembrance of me. 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:09.560 And in the same manner 00:32:09.560 --> 00:32:10.220 after supper 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:11.220 he took the cup 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:11.620 and said, 00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:12.560 this cup 00:32:12.560 --> 00:32:13.540 is the new covenant 00:32:13.540 --> 00:32:14.260 in my blood 00:32:14.260 --> 00:32:15.440 shed for many 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:17.080 for forgiveness of sins. 00:32:17.460 --> 00:32:18.620 Drink from it all of you 00:32:18.620 --> 00:32:19.340 for as often 00:32:19.340 --> 00:32:20.360 as you eat this bread 00:32:20.360 --> 00:32:22.100 and drink this cup 00:32:22.100 --> 00:32:23.040 you proclaim 00:32:23.040 --> 00:32:24.180 the Lord's death 00:32:24.180 --> 00:32:25.180 until he comes. 00:32:25.440 --> 00:32:25.960 You say, 00:32:26.300 --> 00:32:27.460 Jesus is dying 00:32:27.460 --> 00:32:28.640 so that I can know 00:32:28.640 --> 00:32:29.620 true life. 00:32:29.619 --> 00:32:31.099 That's what he wants us 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:32.139 to cling to. 00:32:32.339 --> 00:32:33.019 It's what he wants us 00:32:33.019 --> 00:32:33.659 to proclaim 00:32:33.659 --> 00:32:35.359 to those around us. 00:32:36.099 --> 00:32:37.119 If you hear the voice 00:32:37.119 --> 00:32:37.759 of your Savior 00:32:37.759 --> 00:32:39.459 as you listen in 00:32:39.459 --> 00:32:40.199 on this prayer, 00:32:40.299 --> 00:32:41.359 if you see here 00:32:41.359 --> 00:32:42.799 his body 00:32:42.799 --> 00:32:43.519 and blood 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:44.899 given for you, 00:32:45.399 --> 00:32:46.599 if you've been baptized 00:32:46.599 --> 00:32:48.259 into Christ 00:32:48.259 --> 00:32:50.559 by faith in him, 00:32:50.979 --> 00:32:52.479 come and eat 00:32:52.479 --> 00:32:53.719 at this table 00:32:53.719 --> 00:32:55.439 not of Southwood, 00:32:55.559 --> 00:32:57.139 not of the Presbyterians, 00:32:57.140 --> 00:32:59.440 but of the Lord Jesus. 00:32:59.620 --> 00:33:00.660 It's his table 00:33:00.660 --> 00:33:01.700 and he invites you 00:33:01.700 --> 00:33:02.340 to come. 00:33:03.360 --> 00:33:04.080 If you don't yet 00:33:04.080 --> 00:33:04.740 trust Jesus, 00:33:05.060 --> 00:33:06.540 if he's not the one 00:33:06.540 --> 00:33:07.840 in whom your hope 00:33:07.840 --> 00:33:08.540 is placed 00:33:08.540 --> 00:33:10.100 or if you haven't yet 00:33:10.100 --> 00:33:11.460 made that profession 00:33:11.460 --> 00:33:12.600 of faith public 00:33:12.600 --> 00:33:14.880 before his family, 00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:16.360 then don't come 00:33:16.360 --> 00:33:16.900 this morning 00:33:16.900 --> 00:33:18.259 and take these elements 00:33:18.259 --> 00:33:20.540 but come and observe. 00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:22.940 See what's going on. 00:33:23.100 --> 00:33:24.820 Ask us to pray with you 00:33:24.819 --> 00:33:26.059 if you would like 00:33:26.059 --> 00:33:27.700 but above all things, 00:33:27.859 --> 00:33:29.339 consider Jesus. 00:33:30.139 --> 00:33:31.319 Consider the joy 00:33:31.319 --> 00:33:32.419 that he offers you 00:33:32.419 --> 00:33:33.700 of having a Savior 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:35.119 who prays for you, 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.960 who lives for you, 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:38.740 who dies for you. 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:41.079 Let's pray 00:33:41.079 --> 00:33:42.240 and we'll celebrate together. 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:49.319 Jesus, your care for us 00:33:49.319 --> 00:33:50.359 is amazing. 00:33:51.059 --> 00:33:52.279 We marvel at it 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:55.440 and we thank you 00:33:55.440 --> 00:33:56.399 that you've given us 00:33:56.399 --> 00:33:57.899 these moments 00:33:57.899 --> 00:34:00.259 to taste and see 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:01.319 how good you are, 00:34:01.680 --> 00:34:04.059 to remember your love for us, 00:34:04.399 --> 00:34:05.940 your death in our place, 00:34:06.420 --> 00:34:07.819 your life that gives us 00:34:07.819 --> 00:34:09.199 life and hope 00:34:09.199 --> 00:34:09.980 and purpose. 00:34:11.920 --> 00:34:12.840 And so as we come 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:13.860 to celebrate, 00:34:14.039 --> 00:34:16.000 use very common elements 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:17.279 for really uncommon 00:34:17.900 --> 00:34:19.179 holy purposes. 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:20.639 Would you set them apart 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:22.059 as you have set us apart 00:34:22.059 --> 00:34:23.440 for your purpose 00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:24.139 in this world? 00:34:24.440 --> 00:34:25.319 Would they strengthen 00:34:25.319 --> 00:34:26.299 our faith today? 00:34:27.139 --> 00:34:28.099 Might we know you 00:34:28.099 --> 00:34:28.779 and trust you 00:34:28.779 --> 00:34:30.239 and live for you 00:34:30.239 --> 00:34:31.500 as we live with you 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.000 each day? 00:34:32.159 --> 00:34:33.539 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:34:34.199 --> 00:34:34.480 Amen. 00:34:35.900 --> 00:34:37.139 For more information, 00:34:37.519 --> 00:34:38.400 visit us online 00:34:38.400 --> 00:34:39.440 at southwood.org. 00:34:39.440 --> 00:34:40.179 Lord, thank you. 00:34:40.340 --> 00:34:40.519 I'll never know you 00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:40.659 about it. 00:34:41.039 --> 00:34:41.960 what a рек Tesla 00:34:41.960 --> 00:34:42.940 does to edust 00:34:42.940 --> 00:34:43.440 Hollywood 00:34:43.440 --> 00:34:44.380 лушай� 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:44.679 40 00:34:44.679 --> 00:34:45.240 40 00:34:45.240 --> 00:34:45.559 20 00:34:45.559 --> 00:34:46.740 20 00:34:46.740 --> 00:34:47.200 20 00:34:47.740 --> 00:34:48.380 20 00:34:48.380 --> 00:35:02.659 20 00:35:03.320 --> 00:35:03.820 20 00:35:03.820 --> 00:35:04.639 20 00:35:04.840 --> 00:35:06.039 20 00:35:06.039 --> 00:35:06.539 20 00:35:06.539 --> 00:35:07.300 21 00:35:07.300 --> 00:35:07.519 21 00:35:07.519 --> 00:35:08.539 20