WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.620 John chapter 15, starting at verse 12. 00:00:04.299 --> 00:00:08.339 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 00:00:09.279 --> 00:00:13.900 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 00:00:14.780 --> 00:00:18.179 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 00:00:19.440 --> 00:00:25.100 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. 00:00:25.100 --> 00:00:26.560 But I have called you friends. 00:00:26.559 --> 00:00:30.579 For all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 00:00:31.399 --> 00:00:37.600 You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, 00:00:38.159 --> 00:00:45.280 and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 00:00:46.099 --> 00:00:50.560 These things I command you, so that you will love one another. 00:00:51.759 --> 00:00:56.299 If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you. 00:00:56.560 --> 00:01:01.060 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. 00:01:01.679 --> 00:01:07.840 But because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 00:01:08.780 --> 00:01:12.840 Remember the word that I said to you, a servant is not greater than his master. 00:01:13.219 --> 00:01:16.780 If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 00:01:16.780 --> 00:01:21.260 If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 00:01:21.260 --> 00:01:29.020 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 00:01:29.820 --> 00:01:36.480 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 00:01:37.140 --> 00:01:40.060 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 00:01:40.060 --> 00:01:49.060 If I had not done, I'm sorry, yeah, if I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. 00:01:49.320 --> 00:01:53.299 But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 00:01:54.520 --> 00:01:57.460 But the word that is written in the law must be fulfilled. 00:01:57.640 --> 00:01:59.700 They hated me without a cause. 00:01:59.700 --> 00:02:09.599 But when the helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 00:02:10.259 --> 00:02:15.840 And you also will bear witness about me because you have been with me from the beginning. 00:02:16.860 --> 00:02:18.259 This is the word of the Lord. 00:02:19.580 --> 00:02:20.759 Thanks be to God indeed. 00:02:20.900 --> 00:02:21.500 You may be seated. 00:02:29.699 --> 00:02:36.879 Would you pray with me? 00:02:50.500 --> 00:02:53.379 Father, I pray that your word will go forth with power. 00:02:53.939 --> 00:02:57.399 That the word of Jesus Christ will be clear. 00:02:57.400 --> 00:03:05.939 I pray, Lord, that you will open the eyes of our heart to behold Christ as he speaks to his disciples. 00:03:07.439 --> 00:03:11.120 I pray that you will strip us of our good works. 00:03:11.939 --> 00:03:14.020 Strip us of our false assurance. 00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:18.800 I pray that you will drive us to depend on Christ, the true vine. 00:03:20.540 --> 00:03:26.020 We pray, Lord, that for those who you call your friends, those for whom you died, 00:03:26.020 --> 00:03:32.100 that you will give a true assurance, a deeper hope, a more pure joy. 00:03:32.820 --> 00:03:38.200 That you'll do all of this for your glory, for our good, and for Christ's sake we ask. 00:03:38.620 --> 00:03:38.960 Amen. 00:03:45.480 --> 00:03:47.939 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:03:47.939 --> 00:03:52.460 How do you know that God chose you? 00:03:55.020 --> 00:03:57.520 How do you know that God chose you? 00:04:00.159 --> 00:04:07.860 A Victorian lady in London once asked Charles Spurgeon, the preacher there, 00:04:07.860 --> 00:04:15.439 if it's possible to reconcile God's sovereignty with man's responsibility. 00:04:15.439 --> 00:04:17.920 You've been in those debates. 00:04:18.500 --> 00:04:21.699 God's sovereignty or man's responsibility. 00:04:23.899 --> 00:04:25.259 Maybe you know the answer. 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:27.660 Spurgeon said, I wouldn't try. 00:04:29.060 --> 00:04:29.899 Why not? 00:04:31.079 --> 00:04:33.779 You don't reconcile friends. 00:04:33.779 --> 00:04:42.299 The Bible in some places puts a lot of emphasis on your responsibility and mine. 00:04:43.500 --> 00:04:45.039 Choose this day whom you will serve. 00:04:45.139 --> 00:04:47.659 As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, said Joshua. 00:04:48.559 --> 00:04:50.679 Jesus commanded, repent and believe. 00:04:51.479 --> 00:04:52.659 There's a responsibility. 00:04:53.359 --> 00:04:55.699 You must respond to the gospel when you hear it. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:58.199 That's on you to respond. 00:04:58.199 --> 00:05:03.000 In other words, when you don't respond with faith and repentance, believing in Christ, 00:05:03.379 --> 00:05:05.819 you are standing in defiance of King Jesus. 00:05:06.039 --> 00:05:07.360 You are rebelling against Him. 00:05:09.079 --> 00:05:11.300 He says, obey my command. 00:05:12.019 --> 00:05:13.399 Jesus says, bear fruit. 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:16.480 His commands are very clear. 00:05:17.139 --> 00:05:19.139 But look at verse 16 that we just read. 00:05:19.139 --> 00:05:33.300 Jesus says, you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit that abides. 00:05:34.099 --> 00:05:36.060 Look at what he says in verse 19. 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:38.699 You are not of the world. 00:05:38.959 --> 00:05:39.159 Why? 00:05:39.659 --> 00:05:42.319 Because I chose you out of this world. 00:05:42.319 --> 00:05:51.040 The Bible teaches that you will only repent if you have been chosen out of this world. 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:55.740 Jesus says, you must be born again in order to believe. 00:05:56.500 --> 00:05:58.060 Babies don't choose to be born. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:06:00.019 That's something that the Spirit does. 00:06:01.500 --> 00:06:07.079 And Jesus says in this same chapter, apart from me, you can bear no fruit. 00:06:07.719 --> 00:06:10.719 The emphasis on these verses is on God's sovereignty. 00:06:10.720 --> 00:06:16.780 So the big question for you and for me, how do I know? 00:06:17.460 --> 00:06:20.460 How can I know that God chose me? 00:06:22.640 --> 00:06:25.680 I believe in these passages here, this passage, these verses, 00:06:26.700 --> 00:06:30.280 our Lord Jesus gives us five answers to that question and a caution. 00:06:30.840 --> 00:06:33.960 So I'm going to try to bring to you five points of reflection. 00:06:34.840 --> 00:06:37.160 You can know that God chose you. 00:06:37.400 --> 00:06:39.680 Five points of reflection and also one caution. 00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:51.980 Number one, you can know that God chose you if he causes you to love his friends. 00:06:54.540 --> 00:07:02.920 You can know that God chose you, number one, if he causes you to love his friends. 00:07:04.600 --> 00:07:05.720 Do you? 00:07:05.720 --> 00:07:05.760 Do you? 00:07:05.759 --> 00:07:10.800 Look at verse 12. 00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:18.379 Jesus says, this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 00:07:19.259 --> 00:07:26.539 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 00:07:26.540 --> 00:07:34.340 In verse 14, he says, you are my friends if you do what I command you to do. 00:07:40.040 --> 00:07:41.480 Jesus is saying this, 00:07:41.480 --> 00:07:50.900 My people, those who belong to me, that I say are my friends, they will obey me. 00:07:51.600 --> 00:07:55.720 My people will do what Israel, national Israel, could never do. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:07:59.680 That's why the New Testament calls Christians the true Israel. 00:07:59.680 --> 00:08:05.600 And that is to show divine love to one another. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:10.560 My people, Jesus says, will keep God's moral law. 00:08:11.220 --> 00:08:14.280 They will respond in obedience to King Jesus. 00:08:16.160 --> 00:08:18.720 So the big question is, who are his friends? 00:08:19.460 --> 00:08:23.240 Who are those that Jesus laid down his life for? 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:29.079 He says, there's no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. 00:08:31.720 --> 00:08:35.440 We need to make sense of what Jesus preaches here with all of Scripture. 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:39.779 Is all of the world a friend of Christ? 00:08:41.919 --> 00:08:43.639 The obvious answer is no. 00:08:43.799 --> 00:08:45.259 But think about what this means. 00:08:45.259 --> 00:08:52.259 In Psalm 2, the world, left on its own, hates God. 00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:55.620 The world, left on its own, mocks King Jesus. 00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:59.639 The world, on its own, is at enmity with God. 00:09:01.100 --> 00:09:02.620 Ecclesiastes 9.3 says, 00:09:02.819 --> 00:09:05.879 Your heart, O child of man, every single one, 00:09:06.580 --> 00:09:10.159 is full of evil and madness. 00:09:12.100 --> 00:09:14.240 So, who is it that's a friend of God? 00:09:14.240 --> 00:09:15.700 If that's how the whole world is. 00:09:17.220 --> 00:09:19.340 Well, Romans 5.10 answers that question. 00:09:19.860 --> 00:09:23.600 While we, we all, were enemies with God, 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:28.600 He reconciled us by the death of His Son. 00:09:30.039 --> 00:09:32.279 So, who are the true friends of God? 00:09:33.000 --> 00:09:36.620 It's those who were reconciled to the Father by the death of the Son. 00:09:37.340 --> 00:09:40.220 It's those for whom Christ died. 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:46.259 There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. 00:09:48.040 --> 00:09:50.100 You can know that God chose you. 00:09:51.500 --> 00:09:55.040 If He causes you to have that love for His friends. 00:09:55.160 --> 00:09:55.879 What kind of love? 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:58.540 Self-sacrificing love. 00:09:58.879 --> 00:10:00.840 He laid down His life for His friends. 00:10:00.840 --> 00:10:05.980 Do you love Christians? 00:10:06.620 --> 00:10:11.519 Do you love those for whom Jesus Christ, the Son, shed His precious blood? 00:10:13.420 --> 00:10:16.320 Think about all that is said in that phrase that Jesus, 00:10:17.320 --> 00:10:20.100 the God-man, the second person of the Trinity, 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:22.139 He laid it all down. 00:10:22.139 --> 00:10:27.299 What all did Christ lay down for you who He calls His friends? 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:30.100 John Gill helped me see this. 00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:32.319 Christ came down from heaven. 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:35.580 He laid aside His glory and royal majesty. 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:37.360 He laid down His life. 00:10:38.439 --> 00:10:41.980 Not only His gold and silver and the riches of heaven, 00:10:43.059 --> 00:10:47.179 not only did He forsake all the riches that He could claim on the world He created, 00:10:47.840 --> 00:10:49.299 they were all His already. 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:51.240 But He laid all of that down. 00:10:51.319 --> 00:10:54.159 And what's more, He laid down His very life. 00:10:55.479 --> 00:10:58.719 There is nothing dearer to a man than Himself. 00:10:59.259 --> 00:10:59.919 His all. 00:11:00.419 --> 00:11:03.719 And that's what Christ laid down for His friends. 00:11:07.359 --> 00:11:09.500 How do you know if you are Christ's friends? 00:11:10.719 --> 00:11:13.919 How do you know if Christ laid down His life for you? 00:11:15.500 --> 00:11:16.439 He says, 00:11:16.440 --> 00:11:18.760 those that I purchase with my blood, 00:11:19.160 --> 00:11:22.540 they will have my love one for another. 00:11:23.040 --> 00:11:23.880 It's a promise. 00:11:25.620 --> 00:11:29.700 You don't earn Christ's love by your obedience. 00:11:31.460 --> 00:11:32.640 It's the opposite. 00:11:34.080 --> 00:11:37.280 It's Christ's obedience to His Father 00:11:37.280 --> 00:11:41.300 that earns a love that you're incapable of generating. 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:44.500 He earned this love for you 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:47.299 and puts it inside of you and inside of me. 00:11:49.740 --> 00:11:52.759 King Jesus calls you to love His bride, 00:11:53.679 --> 00:11:54.799 His church, 00:11:56.079 --> 00:11:57.539 the family of God. 00:11:58.719 --> 00:12:02.959 King Jesus calls you to have that kind of self-sacrificing love 00:12:02.959 --> 00:12:05.539 for the family in the row next to you, 00:12:05.620 --> 00:12:06.699 in front or behind you. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:10.180 that you would lay down your life one for another. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:16.440 God did not choose you because you were fruitful. 00:12:17.800 --> 00:12:19.300 God makes you fruitful 00:12:19.300 --> 00:12:22.960 because He chose you. 00:12:22.960 --> 00:12:27.040 You can know that God chose you 00:12:27.040 --> 00:12:28.660 if He causes you 00:12:28.660 --> 00:12:30.879 more and more and more and more 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:32.759 to love His friends. 00:12:36.180 --> 00:12:38.620 You can also know that God chose you, 00:12:38.680 --> 00:12:39.200 number two, 00:12:40.680 --> 00:12:43.980 if He bears fruit in your life. 00:12:43.980 --> 00:12:48.440 You can know that God did in fact choose you 00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:52.500 if He bears His fruit in your life. 00:12:54.180 --> 00:12:54.800 Does He? 00:12:58.080 --> 00:12:59.300 Look at verse 15. 00:13:00.940 --> 00:13:03.399 No longer do I call you servants, 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:05.259 for the servant does not know 00:13:05.259 --> 00:13:06.759 what his master is doing. 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:08.680 But I have called you friends, 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:11.000 for all that I have heard from my Father 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:12.420 I have made known to you. 00:13:12.419 --> 00:13:14.240 You did not choose me, 00:13:14.339 --> 00:13:15.159 but I chose you 00:13:15.159 --> 00:13:16.000 and appointed you 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:16.959 that you should go 00:13:16.959 --> 00:13:18.240 and bear fruit 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:20.179 and that your fruit should abide 00:13:20.179 --> 00:13:22.500 so that whatever you ask the Father 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:23.379 in my name, 00:13:23.679 --> 00:13:24.759 He may give it to you. 00:13:25.559 --> 00:13:27.059 These things I command you 00:13:27.059 --> 00:13:30.959 so that you will love one another. 00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:39.920 The ironic thing is that 00:13:39.920 --> 00:13:42.740 Jesus is promising something to the disciples 00:13:42.740 --> 00:13:43.860 that they don't have yet. 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:45.139 He says, 00:13:45.420 --> 00:13:48.360 you're my friends because you have it all. 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:50.040 I've revealed the gospel to you, 00:13:50.100 --> 00:13:51.160 the plan of the Father. 00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:52.360 You have it all. 00:13:53.060 --> 00:13:53.940 And they're sitting there 00:13:53.940 --> 00:13:55.700 not understanding this great teaching. 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:57.080 But remember, 00:13:57.180 --> 00:13:57.740 He has told them 00:13:57.740 --> 00:13:58.800 that the Spirit will come back 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:00.279 and He'll remind you of these things. 00:14:00.859 --> 00:14:02.439 Can you just picture the joy 00:14:02.439 --> 00:14:05.000 and the humility of old man John, 00:14:05.079 --> 00:14:06.219 the old apostle now, 00:14:06.859 --> 00:14:09.319 looking back and the Spirit reminding him 00:14:09.319 --> 00:14:10.259 word for word 00:14:10.259 --> 00:14:11.639 what Christ promised. 00:14:12.599 --> 00:14:13.139 He's saying, 00:14:13.219 --> 00:14:14.740 I did not understand this. 00:14:15.139 --> 00:14:15.759 Yet He's saying, 00:14:15.819 --> 00:14:16.479 I'm His friend. 00:14:16.740 --> 00:14:17.899 But a servant is the one 00:14:17.899 --> 00:14:18.779 who doesn't understand. 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:20.219 I was a servant, 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:21.199 but He's calling me a friend. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:26.200 The glorious truth here is this. 00:14:27.080 --> 00:14:30.100 The best morality in the world 00:14:30.100 --> 00:14:33.640 will not prove a man to be a Christian. 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:35.259 In the words of Charles Spurgeon, 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:38.320 but if a man has no Christian love, 00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:41.220 it proves that he is not a child of God. 00:14:42.280 --> 00:14:44.300 See, no amount of good works 00:14:44.300 --> 00:14:45.860 can prove to yourself 00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:46.400 you're a Christian 00:14:46.400 --> 00:14:47.340 or save you that way. 00:14:47.420 --> 00:14:49.160 However, the caution is there. 00:14:49.159 --> 00:14:50.919 If there is no love 00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:53.100 that God has to put in your heart, 00:14:53.459 --> 00:14:54.819 we do have proof. 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:57.399 You are not engrafted into the true vine. 00:15:00.839 --> 00:15:02.620 But think about the encouragement. 00:15:03.179 --> 00:15:05.240 He's speaking as immediate audiences 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:06.839 from the Lord Jesus Christ 00:15:06.839 --> 00:15:07.899 to the 12 disciples 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:09.039 or the 11 that remain 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:10.779 and He'll pull Paul into this. 00:15:11.459 --> 00:15:12.319 And to the disciples, 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:14.480 He's giving these promises. 00:15:15.899 --> 00:15:17.679 And through the disciples to the church 00:15:17.679 --> 00:15:18.399 and through the church 00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:19.879 over the centuries to us. 00:15:21.239 --> 00:15:22.279 And that's why the disciples 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:23.500 are an encouragement to us 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:24.439 because the disciples 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:26.079 did not bear fruit 00:15:26.079 --> 00:15:28.139 of selfless love 00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:29.000 toward one another. 00:15:29.099 --> 00:15:29.359 Remember, 00:15:29.479 --> 00:15:31.159 who was it that washed their feet? 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:33.139 They couldn't even wash each other's feet 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:34.319 just a few hours prior. 00:15:35.239 --> 00:15:36.219 Jesus Christ Himself 00:15:36.219 --> 00:15:37.759 had to show that basic love 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:38.819 toward them. 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:41.039 The disciples did not know 00:15:41.039 --> 00:15:42.620 what their Master was doing. 00:15:42.699 --> 00:15:43.459 They were servants. 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:44.459 But by grace, 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.060 Jesus says, 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:45.900 you are my friends 00:15:45.900 --> 00:15:46.780 and you've been appointed 00:15:46.780 --> 00:15:48.120 to bear good fruit. 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:49.580 It would happen eventually 00:15:49.580 --> 00:15:51.740 even if it wasn't evident yet. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:53.600 But that's who they already are. 00:15:53.860 --> 00:15:55.120 He declared it of them. 00:15:55.980 --> 00:15:57.600 The disciples did not choose 00:15:57.600 --> 00:15:59.460 to follow Jesus Christ. 00:16:00.160 --> 00:16:01.040 But He says, 00:16:01.139 --> 00:16:01.680 by grace, 00:16:01.780 --> 00:16:03.160 I'm the one who called you. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:05.800 I'm the one who chose you. 00:16:06.800 --> 00:16:07.879 And I am the one 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:09.379 who am revealing to you 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:10.900 all that the Father 00:16:10.900 --> 00:16:12.780 has shown to me. 00:16:12.779 --> 00:16:14.919 and that the Spirit will remind 00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:17.059 and inspire in the New Testament. 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:20.039 The disciples did not obey Christ 00:16:20.039 --> 00:16:21.779 even to pray with Him. 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:23.079 Later that night, 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:24.500 they all fell asleep. 00:16:24.579 --> 00:16:25.220 Do you remember that? 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:27.639 They did not abide in Him. 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.319 The disciples, 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:30.839 they forsook Christ. 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:32.039 They ran away from Him. 00:16:32.439 --> 00:16:34.399 They abandoned Jesus 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:36.779 to save their own lives. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:37.919 So they thought. 00:16:37.919 --> 00:16:42.459 God did not choose the disciples 00:16:42.459 --> 00:16:44.019 because they were fruitful. 00:16:45.079 --> 00:16:46.759 But because He chose them, 00:16:47.079 --> 00:16:48.620 look how fruitful He made 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:49.459 His true disciples 00:16:49.459 --> 00:16:51.299 by the power of the Spirit. 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:53.479 That same principle is true 00:16:53.479 --> 00:16:54.179 for you and me. 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:55.120 What an encouragement. 00:16:55.839 --> 00:16:57.139 God did not choose you 00:16:57.139 --> 00:16:59.099 because you were fruitful. 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:01.059 He chose you because 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:03.579 He will make you fruitful. 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:06.100 Your obedience does not make you 00:17:06.100 --> 00:17:06.980 friends with Christ, 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:10.140 but obedience does characterize 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:12.880 all of Christ's true friends. 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:14.460 Jesus says, 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:16.960 I choose you. 00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:20.900 You are my friend. 00:17:23.400 --> 00:17:26.380 Augustine, profound insight. 00:17:27.340 --> 00:17:28.579 What is a friend? 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:33.960 A single soul dwelling in two bodies. 00:17:34.980 --> 00:17:36.079 Isn't that a beautiful way 00:17:36.079 --> 00:17:37.839 to describe our union to Christ? 00:17:38.879 --> 00:17:40.339 A single soul. 00:17:40.579 --> 00:17:42.639 You are united spiritually with Christ. 00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:44.659 You're in this body on earth, 00:17:44.899 --> 00:17:46.960 but your soul is united to Him. 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:49.119 You are friends with God 00:17:49.119 --> 00:17:50.439 through Jesus Christ. 00:17:55.099 --> 00:17:57.299 You can know that God chose you 00:17:57.299 --> 00:18:00.399 if He bears fruit 00:18:00.399 --> 00:18:02.079 in your life. 00:18:04.919 --> 00:18:07.039 You can also know that God chose you, 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:07.899 number three, 00:18:08.839 --> 00:18:11.180 if you are not of this world. 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:16.000 You can know that God chose you 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:18.680 if you don't belong to this world. 00:18:20.899 --> 00:18:21.619 Do you? 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:25.480 Are you of this world still? 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:29.339 Look at what He says in verse 18. 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:31.759 If the world hates you, 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:33.140 know that it has hated me 00:18:33.140 --> 00:18:34.259 before it hated you. 00:18:35.099 --> 00:18:36.660 If you were of the world, 00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:38.440 the world would love you as its own. 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:40.339 But because you are not of the world, 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:42.559 but I chose you out of the world, 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:43.360 therefore, 00:18:43.900 --> 00:18:45.180 the world hates you. 00:18:46.839 --> 00:18:48.480 Remember the word that I said to you, 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:50.599 a servant is not greater than his master. 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:53.179 If they persecuted me, 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:55.779 they will also persecute you. 00:18:56.879 --> 00:18:58.839 If they kept my word, 00:18:59.259 --> 00:19:01.199 they will also keep yours. 00:19:04.339 --> 00:19:06.179 When the Lord Jesus would minister 00:19:06.179 --> 00:19:07.319 in a town or village, 00:19:07.439 --> 00:19:09.919 there were many who would come and listen, 00:19:10.459 --> 00:19:12.740 but we're also told that many turned their backs 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.519 and walked away, 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.519 didn't believe, 00:19:14.879 --> 00:19:15.839 but some believed. 00:19:16.899 --> 00:19:18.740 Even after He rose from the dead, 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:20.339 we're told that same thing. 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:22.279 Many came and they bore witness 00:19:22.279 --> 00:19:23.480 that Christ is alive. 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:25.079 Over 500 witnesses. 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:28.599 But yet many still did not believe. 00:19:29.319 --> 00:19:30.180 They abandoned Him. 00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:33.400 Jesus says, 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:34.440 Disciples, 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.440 you abandon me, 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:36.339 you will abandon me 00:19:36.339 --> 00:19:37.700 in the hours to come. 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:40.279 But when my spirit is on you, 00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:43.140 I'm going to inspire the word of God, 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:43.900 the New Testament. 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:47.240 And the church for thousands of years 00:19:47.240 --> 00:19:48.759 will hold on to these words. 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:52.220 And I will make them hear my word 00:19:52.220 --> 00:19:54.460 through what simple fishermen like you 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:56.180 are going to put down in writing. 00:19:56.660 --> 00:20:00.339 I will breathe out the rest of God's revelation 00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:01.880 through men like you. 00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:04.120 What a glorious promise. 00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:06.259 Jesus says, 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.920 This is true for you, disciples, 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:11.779 because you are my servants. 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:13.140 He's making an argument 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:14.720 from the greater to the lesser. 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:16.259 Christ is greater. 00:20:17.039 --> 00:20:18.319 The disciples and you and I, 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.019 we are lesser. 00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:21.339 Whatever is true of the one who is greater, 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:22.680 by consequence, 00:20:22.819 --> 00:20:24.360 becomes true of us. 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:25.940 He is the master. 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.240 We are the servants. 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:28.559 And He says, 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:30.299 If they persecute the master, 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:32.180 what would you expect as the servants? 00:20:32.279 --> 00:20:33.640 Of course they're going to come after you. 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.519 And this came true, 00:20:36.579 --> 00:20:37.920 we read in Acts 1-3. 00:20:37.920 --> 00:20:41.259 Jesus presented Himself alive to them 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.220 after His suffering 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:44.080 by many proofs. 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:45.759 And He appeared to them for 40 days 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:47.759 speaking to them about the kingdom of God. 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.759 And then these disciples, 00:20:50.600 --> 00:20:51.320 including Paul, 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:52.120 all of the apostles, 00:20:52.279 --> 00:20:54.240 went forth with this glorious revelation 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:56.080 and the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:56.960 And what did they do? 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.259 In Acts 14, 00:20:58.259 --> 00:21:00.160 they heralded boldly 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:01.700 for Jesus Christ. 00:21:02.140 --> 00:21:03.839 And they bore witness 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:06.839 of the word of His grace. 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:10.379 All that Christ was promising them now, 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:12.160 it comes out to play 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:13.400 in the history of the church 00:21:13.400 --> 00:21:14.680 in the book of Acts. 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:17.879 They would die as martyrs, 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:18.660 but they knew 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:20.119 the world hates them 00:21:20.119 --> 00:21:21.619 and hates the message of Christ 00:21:21.619 --> 00:21:25.140 because it first hated God Himself. 00:21:25.140 --> 00:21:28.820 Well, how is this true for you and me? 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:31.480 You are not of this world, 00:21:31.660 --> 00:21:32.940 according to verse 18, 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.700 if you are hated 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:36.840 by the world for Christ's sake 00:21:36.840 --> 00:21:38.980 because He chose you 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:40.100 out of the world. 00:21:41.380 --> 00:21:43.340 We experience the hatred of the world 00:21:43.340 --> 00:21:44.860 in mild ways. 00:21:45.640 --> 00:21:46.940 We need to be bracing ourselves 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:47.740 and training ourselves 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.500 and being disciplined 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:49.740 to be hated even more. 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:52.520 You are not of this world, 00:21:52.600 --> 00:21:53.820 according to verse 19, 00:21:53.819 --> 00:21:56.200 if you hear the voice of Christ, 00:21:56.579 --> 00:21:57.319 your Good Shepherd, 00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:58.399 calling you. 00:21:58.839 --> 00:21:59.740 Do you hear Him? 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:01.480 Or do you hear the clamor 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:03.220 and the loud voices of the world 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:05.279 over the voice of your Good Shepherd? 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.799 You are not of the world, 00:22:07.879 --> 00:22:09.059 according to verse 19, 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:10.399 if you are freed 00:22:10.399 --> 00:22:11.879 from the ruler of this world. 00:22:12.639 --> 00:22:15.319 And Christ is truly your master now. 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:17.319 Satan can no longer claim 00:22:17.319 --> 00:22:18.859 any dominion over you. 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.519 You are set free 00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:22.159 and you belong to Christ. 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:23.299 You have a good master. 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:25.740 You are not of this world, 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:26.799 according to verse 20, 00:22:26.899 --> 00:22:28.980 if you keep the words of Christ 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:31.240 and His word given to you 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:32.299 by the apostles. 00:22:32.439 --> 00:22:34.139 You keep the word of God. 00:22:34.379 --> 00:22:35.460 You read the New Testament 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:37.819 and His Spirit presses it to you 00:22:37.819 --> 00:22:38.759 as truth 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:40.159 and He feeds your soul. 00:22:42.159 --> 00:22:43.179 We have a danger. 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:45.460 Though we belong to Christ, 00:22:45.639 --> 00:22:47.960 our bodies are battling against sin. 00:22:48.939 --> 00:22:50.019 Thomas Watson said, 00:22:50.019 --> 00:22:51.000 all the danger 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:52.539 is when the world 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:53.599 finds some way 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:54.639 into your heart. 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:57.339 He gives this awesome metaphor. 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:57.799 He says, 00:22:57.900 --> 00:22:58.420 the water 00:22:58.420 --> 00:23:00.400 is useful for sailing 00:23:00.400 --> 00:23:01.440 the ship. 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:03.279 So the water would be like 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:03.779 the world 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:04.960 and the ship is your life. 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:06.759 All the danger is 00:23:06.759 --> 00:23:07.720 when the water 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:08.980 gets into the ship. 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:11.000 And so the fear 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:12.160 is when the world 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:13.619 gets into the heart. 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:17.179 Don't shipwreck your faith. 00:23:17.659 --> 00:23:18.599 Don't be entangled 00:23:18.599 --> 00:23:19.599 in this world. 00:23:19.699 --> 00:23:20.579 You do not belong 00:23:20.579 --> 00:23:21.319 to this world. 00:23:21.899 --> 00:23:22.739 Christ chose you 00:23:22.739 --> 00:23:23.899 out of the world. 00:23:24.739 --> 00:23:26.279 And if the world hates you, 00:23:26.959 --> 00:23:28.199 take that as an encouragement 00:23:28.199 --> 00:23:29.379 that God chose you 00:23:29.379 --> 00:23:30.519 out of this world. 00:23:32.619 --> 00:23:33.979 God did not choose you 00:23:33.979 --> 00:23:35.759 because you were fruitful. 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:37.599 God makes you fruitful 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:40.139 because He chose you. 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:42.320 You can know 00:23:42.320 --> 00:23:43.380 that God chose you 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:45.060 if you are not 00:23:45.060 --> 00:23:46.400 of this world. 00:23:50.600 --> 00:23:52.180 Here comes the caution. 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:56.020 If you don't believe 00:23:56.020 --> 00:23:57.100 in Jesus Christ, 00:23:57.540 --> 00:24:00.080 then you are perishing 00:24:00.080 --> 00:24:02.100 with this world. 00:24:02.099 --> 00:24:05.639 If you don't believe 00:24:05.639 --> 00:24:07.759 in Jesus Christ 00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:10.359 as your personal 00:24:10.359 --> 00:24:12.139 Lord and Savior, 00:24:12.959 --> 00:24:14.759 you remain in your sin. 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:15.519 You remain under 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:16.439 the wrath of God. 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:18.279 You remain in bondage 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:19.079 to this world 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:20.480 that is perishing. 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:23.159 Do you believe? 00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:25.159 Do you truly believe? 00:24:27.459 --> 00:24:28.899 Look at what Jesus says 00:24:28.899 --> 00:24:30.079 starting in verse 21. 00:24:30.079 --> 00:24:31.980 All these things they do, 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:32.719 to you, 00:24:32.899 --> 00:24:33.959 on account of my name 00:24:33.959 --> 00:24:35.679 because they do not know 00:24:35.679 --> 00:24:36.759 Him who sent me. 00:24:37.219 --> 00:24:38.199 If I had not come 00:24:38.199 --> 00:24:39.159 and spoken to them, 00:24:39.439 --> 00:24:40.439 they would not have been 00:24:40.439 --> 00:24:41.539 guilty of sin. 00:24:41.959 --> 00:24:43.539 But now they have no excuse 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:44.339 for their sin. 00:24:44.899 --> 00:24:45.980 Whoever hates me 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:47.279 hates my Father also. 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:49.519 If I had not done 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.359 among them 00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:51.519 the works that 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.679 no one else did, 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.679 they would not be guilty 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:54.279 of sin. 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:56.559 But now they have seen 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:57.259 and hated 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:58.959 both me and my Father. 00:24:58.959 --> 00:25:00.859 The word that is written 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:01.779 in their law 00:25:01.779 --> 00:25:03.279 must be fulfilled. 00:25:04.279 --> 00:25:05.179 They hated me 00:25:05.179 --> 00:25:06.319 without a cause. 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:09.519 If you mock 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:10.799 those Christ 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:12.119 calls His friends, 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:13.659 He says, 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:15.319 you persecute Christ Himself 00:25:15.319 --> 00:25:16.379 in verse 21. 00:25:17.439 --> 00:25:18.439 And this reveals 00:25:18.439 --> 00:25:19.839 in your heart 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:21.599 you hate God. 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:23.819 If you make excuses 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:25.179 to deny His word, 00:25:25.179 --> 00:25:26.240 to protect 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.599 your precious sin, 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:29.519 then you don't know God. 00:25:30.160 --> 00:25:31.000 That's what He says 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:31.859 in verse 22. 00:25:32.620 --> 00:25:34.059 If you will dismiss 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:35.680 all of Christ's works 00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:36.539 that He revealed 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:37.160 in Scripture, 00:25:37.859 --> 00:25:38.339 and you'll say 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:39.079 it's made up, 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:40.440 it's just something 00:25:40.440 --> 00:25:41.900 the men wrote down. 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:43.960 In verse 24, 00:25:44.140 --> 00:25:44.620 He says, 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:46.099 you don't know 00:25:46.099 --> 00:25:47.620 the true salvation 00:25:47.620 --> 00:25:49.099 that all of those signs 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:49.940 are pointing to. 00:25:51.160 --> 00:25:52.740 If you deny Christ, 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:54.720 then you hate Him. 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:56.460 you rebel 00:25:56.460 --> 00:25:57.519 against King Jesus, 00:25:58.519 --> 00:26:00.019 although He has done 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:00.500 nothing 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:01.920 to deserve that. 00:26:07.079 --> 00:26:08.059 Tell me, 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:10.819 are not many of you 00:26:10.819 --> 00:26:11.700 despairing 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:13.440 at what has been said? 00:26:14.860 --> 00:26:15.380 That's what 00:26:15.380 --> 00:26:17.000 George Whitefield 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:17.480 asked 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:18.900 a group 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:19.519 after preaching 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:20.100 the gospel. 00:26:21.400 --> 00:26:22.720 That despair, 00:26:23.120 --> 00:26:23.839 that caution, 00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:26.619 that's a blessing 00:26:26.619 --> 00:26:27.619 if it drives you 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:28.139 to Christ. 00:26:28.799 --> 00:26:29.179 He said, 00:26:29.339 --> 00:26:29.480 oh, 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:30.439 that the world 00:26:30.439 --> 00:26:31.539 was filled 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:33.000 with this despair. 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:34.619 Jesus came down 00:26:34.619 --> 00:26:35.679 to save us, 00:26:35.879 --> 00:26:36.859 not only from 00:26:36.859 --> 00:26:37.759 the guilt of sin, 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:38.279 but also 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:39.319 from the power 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:39.799 of sin. 00:26:40.859 --> 00:26:42.259 You do not belong 00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:42.959 to the world. 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:44.959 If you are 00:26:44.959 --> 00:26:45.839 caught up 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.399 in the pattern 00:26:46.399 --> 00:26:47.119 of this world, 00:26:48.119 --> 00:26:49.399 and you are 00:26:49.399 --> 00:26:51.379 secretly loving sin 00:26:51.379 --> 00:26:51.879 more than you 00:26:51.879 --> 00:26:52.839 love your Savior, 00:26:53.839 --> 00:26:55.500 you need to 00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:56.439 be warned. 00:26:59.240 --> 00:26:59.959 This world 00:26:59.959 --> 00:27:00.659 is perishing. 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:02.099 Do you belong 00:27:02.099 --> 00:27:02.819 to this perishing 00:27:02.819 --> 00:27:03.240 world, 00:27:03.459 --> 00:27:04.199 or do you belong 00:27:04.199 --> 00:27:04.799 to Christ? 00:27:05.419 --> 00:27:06.279 If you belong 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:06.720 to Christ, 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:07.559 He chose you 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:09.119 out of this world. 00:27:12.419 --> 00:27:13.599 So the big question 00:27:13.599 --> 00:27:14.759 today is this, 00:27:15.179 --> 00:27:15.980 how do you know 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:17.000 that God chose you 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:17.579 out of the world? 00:27:17.899 --> 00:27:18.679 Do you want to know 00:27:18.679 --> 00:27:18.919 that? 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:22.019 Do you want to know 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:23.100 that God has chosen 00:27:23.100 --> 00:27:23.440 me? 00:27:25.320 --> 00:27:26.580 Then there's one thing 00:27:26.580 --> 00:27:27.779 He calls you to do. 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.039 Repent. 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:31.279 Every person 00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:32.220 who believes 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:33.360 and repents 00:27:33.360 --> 00:27:35.019 is chosen by God. 00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:36.000 That means the Holy 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:37.180 Spirit is causing you 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:38.539 to give up your pride, 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:39.700 to turn to Him, 00:27:39.940 --> 00:27:41.140 to humble yourself, 00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:42.320 to receive His 00:27:42.320 --> 00:27:43.220 free salvation. 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:47.039 As we walk 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:47.440 through His 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:47.759 Scripture, 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:48.620 as we read 00:27:48.620 --> 00:27:49.200 these words, 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:49.559 we're hearing 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.160 the words of 00:27:50.160 --> 00:27:51.380 Jesus Christ Himself. 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.620 Do you see Him? 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:55.460 If you're opening 00:27:55.460 --> 00:27:55.960 your eyes, 00:27:56.059 --> 00:27:56.799 it's the Spirit 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.799 causing you 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.819 to behold Jesus. 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:01.559 You see God 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:02.759 when you see Jesus. 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:05.620 He lives for you 00:28:05.620 --> 00:28:07.360 off of the pages 00:28:07.360 --> 00:28:07.980 of the Bible, 00:28:08.100 --> 00:28:09.039 before your eyes. 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:10.659 So to walk 00:28:10.659 --> 00:28:11.259 away from Him, 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:12.200 to reject Him, 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:13.259 is to hate Him, 00:28:13.680 --> 00:28:14.879 is to despise Him. 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:17.180 And it makes us 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:18.220 no better than those 00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:19.119 who would put Him 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:19.759 on a cross 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:21.240 in a few hours. 00:28:22.740 --> 00:28:23.500 Now the comfort 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.379 is many of us 00:28:24.379 --> 00:28:25.980 have heard the Gospel 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:26.940 and the Spirit 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:28.059 has shown us the Lord, 00:28:28.119 --> 00:28:28.599 but we're still 00:28:28.599 --> 00:28:29.200 tangled up 00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:30.099 with the world. 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:32.180 And the church 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:33.279 was born out of those 00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:33.819 who cried, 00:28:33.920 --> 00:28:34.659 crucify Him. 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:36.180 And the disciples 00:28:36.180 --> 00:28:37.399 who fled Him 00:28:37.399 --> 00:28:38.519 to spare their life, 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:39.220 He said, 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:39.980 I laid down 00:28:39.980 --> 00:28:41.119 my life for you 00:28:41.119 --> 00:28:42.599 and I call you friends 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:43.960 when you abandoned me. 00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:45.799 So every time 00:28:45.799 --> 00:28:47.160 we have forsaken Christ, 00:28:47.420 --> 00:28:48.700 it drives us back 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.720 just like the disciples 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:51.180 to rely on Him, 00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:52.240 not ourselves. 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.319 And to receive 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:54.279 His free salvation, 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.920 to rest in Him, 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:57.139 to abide in Him, 00:28:57.799 --> 00:28:59.379 to truly see Him, 00:28:59.639 --> 00:29:00.420 our Good Shepherd, 00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:01.500 and to follow Him 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:03.119 more and more each day. 00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:05.299 Be comforted 00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:06.039 by this promise. 00:29:06.039 --> 00:29:07.500 You did not 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.700 choose God. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:11.359 God has chosen you. 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:13.460 While you're running away, 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:14.279 He calls to you, 00:29:14.339 --> 00:29:15.039 come to me. 00:29:16.159 --> 00:29:17.019 Come to me 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:17.819 and find rest 00:29:17.819 --> 00:29:18.460 for your soul. 00:29:18.559 --> 00:29:19.399 You're not going to find it 00:29:19.399 --> 00:29:20.420 anywhere else. 00:29:21.659 --> 00:29:22.980 And God did not choose you 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:24.000 because you were 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:25.180 being fruitful already, 00:29:25.379 --> 00:29:27.019 but because He has chosen you, 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:27.940 He promises 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:29.779 He will bear His fruit 00:29:29.779 --> 00:29:30.819 in your life 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.539 so that He gets 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.180 all the glory. 00:29:32.180 --> 00:29:35.120 But if you don't believe 00:29:35.120 --> 00:29:36.120 in Jesus Christ, 00:29:36.600 --> 00:29:38.039 then you are perishing 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:39.180 with this world. 00:29:39.680 --> 00:29:40.519 There is a world 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:41.840 that is yet to come. 00:29:44.600 --> 00:29:47.580 Two more points of reflection. 00:29:49.140 --> 00:29:49.779 You can know 00:29:49.779 --> 00:29:50.799 that God chose you 00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:53.480 if His Spirit 00:29:53.480 --> 00:29:55.539 strengthens your faith 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.480 in Christ. 00:29:57.340 --> 00:29:58.519 You can know 00:29:58.519 --> 00:30:00.100 that God chose you 00:30:00.099 --> 00:30:01.500 if His Holy Spirit 00:30:01.500 --> 00:30:02.259 is strengthening 00:30:02.259 --> 00:30:03.579 your faith in Him. 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:07.559 Look at verse 26. 00:30:07.679 --> 00:30:08.240 Jesus says, 00:30:08.379 --> 00:30:09.480 when the Helper comes, 00:30:10.399 --> 00:30:11.659 see, you need the Helper. 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:13.939 You need the God Himself, 00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:14.639 the Holy Spirit, 00:30:14.719 --> 00:30:15.679 to apply all of this 00:30:15.679 --> 00:30:16.699 to make it so 00:30:16.699 --> 00:30:17.740 in your life. 00:30:18.439 --> 00:30:19.459 When the Helper comes, 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:21.159 whom I will send to you 00:30:21.159 --> 00:30:22.319 from My Father, 00:30:22.419 --> 00:30:23.439 the Spirit of truth 00:30:23.439 --> 00:30:24.419 who proceeds 00:30:24.419 --> 00:30:25.159 from the Father, 00:30:25.879 --> 00:30:27.099 He will bear witness 00:30:27.099 --> 00:30:28.939 about Me. 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:31.299 So if you do believe, 00:30:31.460 --> 00:30:32.180 if you have 00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:33.299 the gift of faith 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:33.900 from God, 00:30:33.980 --> 00:30:34.980 it's because the Spirit 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:35.880 is bearing witness 00:30:35.880 --> 00:30:36.700 to you. 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:37.960 It is God, 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.080 the Holy Spirit, 00:30:39.340 --> 00:30:40.000 bearing witness, 00:30:40.360 --> 00:30:40.940 causing you 00:30:40.940 --> 00:30:41.860 to believe 00:30:41.860 --> 00:30:42.820 by faith. 00:30:44.420 --> 00:30:45.279 So He says, 00:30:45.380 --> 00:30:46.320 when the Helper comes, 00:30:46.400 --> 00:30:47.680 beginning of verse 26, 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:49.059 He will bear witness 00:30:49.059 --> 00:30:49.640 about Me. 00:30:49.900 --> 00:30:50.880 End of verse 26. 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:51.799 And what He says 00:30:51.799 --> 00:30:52.360 in the middle 00:30:52.360 --> 00:30:53.740 gives us a wonderful 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:55.440 doctrine of the Holy Spirit. 00:30:56.440 --> 00:30:57.720 He says two things 00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:59.500 about this sending 00:30:59.500 --> 00:31:00.400 or proceeding 00:31:00.400 --> 00:31:00.960 of the Spirit. 00:31:01.079 --> 00:31:01.779 First He says, 00:31:02.579 --> 00:31:03.600 the Spirit whom 00:31:03.600 --> 00:31:04.680 I will send. 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:05.339 Do you see that 00:31:05.339 --> 00:31:06.180 in verse 26? 00:31:07.019 --> 00:31:07.600 The Spirit whom 00:31:07.600 --> 00:31:08.240 I will send, 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:10.319 the Spirit of truth, 00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:12.860 who proceeds 00:31:12.860 --> 00:31:13.660 from the Father. 00:31:16.059 --> 00:31:16.579 So, 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:18.259 a couple of points 00:31:18.259 --> 00:31:18.880 that we need to 00:31:18.880 --> 00:31:19.519 pay attention 00:31:19.519 --> 00:31:20.500 and hold on to here. 00:31:20.960 --> 00:31:21.860 The Holy Spirit, 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:22.880 Jesus Christ Himself 00:31:22.880 --> 00:31:23.620 is revealing, 00:31:24.120 --> 00:31:24.779 the Holy Spirit 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:25.539 proceeds 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:26.960 in the active, 00:31:27.319 --> 00:31:28.299 continuous tense. 00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:30.379 This is a doctrine 00:31:30.379 --> 00:31:31.779 called eternal generation 00:31:31.779 --> 00:31:33.079 or eternal procession. 00:31:33.559 --> 00:31:33.759 Like, 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:34.920 the Holy Spirit 00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:36.420 is always proceeding 00:31:36.420 --> 00:31:37.279 from God the Father. 00:31:37.980 --> 00:31:38.859 The Holy Spirit 00:31:38.859 --> 00:31:40.759 did not come into being 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:41.700 or was not a created being. 00:31:41.779 --> 00:31:42.299 The Holy Spirit 00:31:42.299 --> 00:31:43.480 has eternally 00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:44.759 been proceeding 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:45.759 in the present tense 00:31:45.759 --> 00:31:46.579 continuously 00:31:46.579 --> 00:31:47.799 from the Father. 00:31:48.339 --> 00:31:48.819 But yet, 00:31:48.879 --> 00:31:49.619 there's a special 00:31:49.619 --> 00:31:50.460 pouring out 00:31:50.460 --> 00:31:51.000 of the Spirit 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:52.200 that was reserved 00:31:52.200 --> 00:31:53.259 for the fullness of time 00:31:53.259 --> 00:31:54.200 when the Son 00:31:54.200 --> 00:31:55.319 would accomplish His work. 00:31:56.059 --> 00:31:56.440 And then, 00:31:56.740 --> 00:31:56.920 He, 00:31:57.080 --> 00:31:57.980 as He ascends, 00:31:58.039 --> 00:31:58.319 He says, 00:31:58.400 --> 00:31:59.039 it's good for you. 00:31:59.259 --> 00:31:59.840 It's good for you 00:31:59.840 --> 00:32:00.460 that I go 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:02.200 because then I will send 00:32:02.200 --> 00:32:03.059 the Spirit 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:04.380 to apply it, 00:32:04.640 --> 00:32:04.779 who? 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:06.019 To my friends. 00:32:06.900 --> 00:32:07.799 My friends will get 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:08.500 the helper, 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:09.519 the same helper 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:10.140 that I got. 00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:13.140 The Holy Spirit 00:32:13.140 --> 00:32:13.960 will bear witness 00:32:13.960 --> 00:32:15.200 to the friends of Christ, 00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:16.400 to the truth 00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:17.880 that Jesus Christ 00:32:17.880 --> 00:32:19.840 is not a seed 00:32:19.840 --> 00:32:20.799 of Adam's 00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:21.700 cursed line, 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:22.900 but Jesus Christ 00:32:22.900 --> 00:32:23.580 was born 00:32:23.580 --> 00:32:24.840 to be the promised 00:32:24.840 --> 00:32:25.640 seed of woman. 00:32:27.640 --> 00:32:28.880 In Luke 1, 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:29.680 verse 35, 00:32:29.779 --> 00:32:30.460 we're told that 00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:31.700 it was the power 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:33.100 of the Most High 00:32:33.100 --> 00:32:35.140 that overshadowed Mary. 00:32:36.580 --> 00:32:37.100 Remember, 00:32:37.360 --> 00:32:37.840 the helper, 00:32:38.120 --> 00:32:38.600 that word is 00:32:38.600 --> 00:32:39.140 paraclete, 00:32:39.259 --> 00:32:39.640 advocate, 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:40.400 witness, 00:32:41.420 --> 00:32:41.880 comforter. 00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:43.860 And a paraclete 00:32:43.860 --> 00:32:45.200 is one who knew 00:32:45.200 --> 00:32:45.860 the character 00:32:45.860 --> 00:32:46.559 of the person 00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:47.440 that they're bearing 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:48.160 witness about. 00:32:48.500 --> 00:32:49.360 The Holy Spirit 00:32:49.360 --> 00:32:49.960 knew Jesus 00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:50.940 from the very beginning. 00:32:51.940 --> 00:32:52.340 The moment 00:32:52.340 --> 00:32:53.059 of conception, 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.460 and before that 00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:55.539 an eternity past 00:32:55.539 --> 00:32:57.400 as being the one God. 00:32:57.460 --> 00:32:58.039 The Holy Spirit 00:32:58.039 --> 00:32:58.799 bears witness 00:32:58.799 --> 00:32:59.880 to the truth 00:32:59.880 --> 00:33:01.220 of who Jesus is. 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.500 The Holy Spirit 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:03.420 also bore witness 00:33:03.420 --> 00:33:04.200 to the truth 00:33:04.200 --> 00:33:05.600 that Jesus 00:33:05.600 --> 00:33:06.559 withstood 00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:07.500 every temptation 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:09.240 and He remained 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:09.779 sinless. 00:33:10.340 --> 00:33:10.720 He showed 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.480 the perfect love 00:33:11.480 --> 00:33:11.940 of heaven 00:33:11.940 --> 00:33:12.980 on earth 00:33:12.980 --> 00:33:13.819 on behalf 00:33:13.819 --> 00:33:15.299 of fallen mankind. 00:33:17.100 --> 00:33:17.740 We're told 00:33:17.740 --> 00:33:18.360 in Luke 4, 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:18.720 11, 00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:19.880 it was the Holy Spirit 00:33:19.880 --> 00:33:21.339 that drove Jesus 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:22.160 into the wilderness 00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:22.860 to be tempted. 00:33:23.000 --> 00:33:23.640 It was the Holy Spirit 00:33:23.640 --> 00:33:25.319 that brought Jesus back 00:33:25.319 --> 00:33:26.319 and by the power 00:33:26.319 --> 00:33:27.039 of the Holy Spirit, 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:28.160 Jesus Christ 00:33:28.160 --> 00:33:28.980 ministered. 00:33:30.640 --> 00:33:31.700 The Holy Spirit 00:33:31.700 --> 00:33:32.400 bears witness 00:33:32.400 --> 00:33:33.140 to the truth 00:33:33.140 --> 00:33:33.860 that Jesus 00:33:33.860 --> 00:33:35.319 fulfilled the mission 00:33:35.319 --> 00:33:36.620 that the Father 00:33:36.620 --> 00:33:37.420 gave Him 00:33:37.420 --> 00:33:38.059 to accomplish. 00:33:38.220 --> 00:33:38.720 We read this 00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:39.319 in Luke 4, 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:39.880 18. 00:33:40.640 --> 00:33:41.460 Jesus said, 00:33:41.559 --> 00:33:42.140 The Spirit 00:33:42.140 --> 00:33:42.740 of the Lord 00:33:42.740 --> 00:33:43.460 is upon me. 00:33:43.799 --> 00:33:44.940 He has anointed me 00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:45.559 to proclaim 00:33:45.559 --> 00:33:46.140 good news 00:33:46.140 --> 00:33:46.660 to the poor. 00:33:46.660 --> 00:33:47.779 He has sent me 00:33:47.779 --> 00:33:48.320 to proclaim 00:33:48.320 --> 00:33:49.880 liberty to the captives 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:51.400 and recovery of sight 00:33:51.400 --> 00:33:52.440 to the blind, 00:33:52.759 --> 00:33:53.840 to set at liberty 00:33:53.840 --> 00:33:55.460 those who are oppressed. 00:33:56.300 --> 00:33:57.600 So when Jesus refers 00:33:57.600 --> 00:33:58.279 to the Holy Spirit 00:33:58.279 --> 00:33:58.900 as the helper, 00:33:59.259 --> 00:34:00.279 He knows the help 00:34:00.279 --> 00:34:01.040 of the Holy Spirit 00:34:01.040 --> 00:34:02.160 so intimately. 00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:04.140 This is the Spirit 00:34:04.140 --> 00:34:05.700 that helped Jesus Christ Himself 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:06.840 that He is giving 00:34:06.840 --> 00:34:07.820 as a gift 00:34:07.820 --> 00:34:08.980 to His friends. 00:34:10.519 --> 00:34:12.539 That same Holy Spirit 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:14.300 is your helper. 00:34:14.300 --> 00:34:17.640 A Puritan named 00:34:17.640 --> 00:34:18.340 Jeremy Taylor 00:34:18.340 --> 00:34:18.640 said, 00:34:18.740 --> 00:34:19.560 It is impossible 00:34:19.560 --> 00:34:20.800 for a soul 00:34:20.800 --> 00:34:21.560 to despair 00:34:21.560 --> 00:34:22.260 who remembers 00:34:22.260 --> 00:34:23.880 that your helper 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:26.480 is the omnipotent God. 00:34:27.480 --> 00:34:28.340 You can know 00:34:28.340 --> 00:34:29.740 that God chose you 00:34:29.740 --> 00:34:31.260 if His Spirit 00:34:31.260 --> 00:34:32.460 is strengthening 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:33.620 your faith 00:34:33.620 --> 00:34:34.720 in Christ. 00:34:35.660 --> 00:34:37.060 God did not choose you 00:34:37.060 --> 00:34:38.740 because you were fruitful, 00:34:39.360 --> 00:34:40.660 but God chose you 00:34:40.660 --> 00:34:41.660 and put His Spirit 00:34:41.660 --> 00:34:42.060 in you 00:34:42.060 --> 00:34:42.640 to bear 00:34:42.640 --> 00:34:44.120 the fruit of Christ. 00:34:44.300 --> 00:34:45.060 in your life 00:34:45.060 --> 00:34:45.840 to help you 00:34:45.840 --> 00:34:47.519 walk and follow Him. 00:34:49.220 --> 00:34:49.680 Finally, 00:34:49.860 --> 00:34:50.340 you can know 00:34:50.340 --> 00:34:51.740 that God chose you 00:34:51.740 --> 00:34:53.400 if you bear witness 00:34:53.400 --> 00:34:55.100 of who Christ is 00:34:55.100 --> 00:34:56.060 to you. 00:34:57.440 --> 00:34:58.539 You can know 00:34:58.539 --> 00:35:00.480 that God chose you 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.740 if you are one 00:35:01.740 --> 00:35:02.840 who bears witness 00:35:02.840 --> 00:35:04.620 of who Christ is 00:35:04.620 --> 00:35:05.560 to you. 00:35:06.760 --> 00:35:07.500 Do you? 00:35:08.640 --> 00:35:10.019 Do you bear witness 00:35:10.019 --> 00:35:10.680 of Christ? 00:35:10.679 --> 00:35:13.039 Jesus promises 00:35:13.039 --> 00:35:13.839 that His friends 00:35:13.839 --> 00:35:14.659 will do this. 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:16.019 In verse 27, 00:35:16.199 --> 00:35:18.119 You also will bear witness 00:35:18.119 --> 00:35:19.239 because you have been 00:35:19.239 --> 00:35:19.779 with me 00:35:19.779 --> 00:35:21.139 from the beginning. 00:35:22.599 --> 00:35:23.419 The disciples 00:35:23.419 --> 00:35:24.480 would receive 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:25.139 the anointing 00:35:25.139 --> 00:35:25.819 of the Holy Spirit 00:35:25.819 --> 00:35:26.779 and they would go out 00:35:26.779 --> 00:35:28.139 into the whole world 00:35:28.139 --> 00:35:29.699 declaring the gospel, 00:35:29.839 --> 00:35:30.579 the good news 00:35:30.579 --> 00:35:31.500 that God 00:35:31.500 --> 00:35:33.119 came to save sinners 00:35:33.119 --> 00:35:33.839 like me 00:35:33.839 --> 00:35:34.339 and like you. 00:35:35.419 --> 00:35:36.899 And it's every true believer 00:35:36.899 --> 00:35:37.739 following Christ 00:35:37.739 --> 00:35:38.819 that has the delight, 00:35:38.820 --> 00:35:40.640 the joy of bearing witness 00:35:40.640 --> 00:35:41.740 to their Savior, 00:35:42.180 --> 00:35:43.220 the one that you know. 00:35:43.900 --> 00:35:44.559 He is the one 00:35:44.559 --> 00:35:45.960 I heard His voice 00:35:45.960 --> 00:35:47.519 and He calls to you too. 00:35:49.780 --> 00:35:50.760 Isn't this amazing? 00:35:50.920 --> 00:35:51.900 God did not need 00:35:51.900 --> 00:35:53.000 to use disciples. 00:35:53.160 --> 00:35:53.720 He does not need 00:35:53.720 --> 00:35:54.460 to use people 00:35:54.460 --> 00:35:55.240 like you and me 00:35:55.240 --> 00:35:56.539 in this mission 00:35:56.539 --> 00:35:57.380 to save sinners. 00:35:57.880 --> 00:35:58.600 His Holy Spirit 00:35:58.600 --> 00:35:59.400 is the powerful 00:35:59.400 --> 00:36:00.539 working agent. 00:36:01.880 --> 00:36:02.980 But yet He says, 00:36:03.539 --> 00:36:04.640 you will bear witness. 00:36:05.519 --> 00:36:07.200 That's one of the purposes 00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:08.839 for which I have chosen you. 00:36:09.559 --> 00:36:10.839 I am including you 00:36:10.839 --> 00:36:11.960 in this mission. 00:36:12.099 --> 00:36:12.299 Why? 00:36:13.339 --> 00:36:14.599 Because you're my friends. 00:36:15.619 --> 00:36:16.779 And because it gives 00:36:16.779 --> 00:36:17.539 the Lord Jesus 00:36:17.539 --> 00:36:18.739 great joy 00:36:18.739 --> 00:36:20.159 and all of heaven 00:36:20.159 --> 00:36:20.859 celebrates 00:36:20.859 --> 00:36:22.159 when the Spirit 00:36:22.159 --> 00:36:23.079 applies the gospel 00:36:23.079 --> 00:36:24.059 and brings another son 00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:24.399 or daughter 00:36:24.399 --> 00:36:25.059 into the kingdom. 00:36:25.699 --> 00:36:27.000 He wants His joy 00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:28.019 to be your own. 00:36:28.939 --> 00:36:29.759 He includes us 00:36:29.759 --> 00:36:30.419 in His mission 00:36:30.419 --> 00:36:32.419 to share His joy 00:36:32.419 --> 00:36:33.139 with us. 00:36:34.339 --> 00:36:35.339 Charles Spurgeon said, 00:36:35.340 --> 00:36:36.519 to be a soul winner 00:36:36.519 --> 00:36:38.680 is the happiest thing 00:36:38.680 --> 00:36:39.539 in the world. 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:41.720 Every time God brings 00:36:41.720 --> 00:36:42.680 a soul 00:36:42.680 --> 00:36:44.079 to believe in Christ, 00:36:44.640 --> 00:36:45.680 He brings a part 00:36:45.680 --> 00:36:46.140 of heaven 00:36:46.140 --> 00:36:46.880 to earth. 00:36:48.519 --> 00:36:49.579 Do you know the joy 00:36:49.579 --> 00:36:51.980 of being a witness 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:53.280 to Jesus Christ? 00:36:54.840 --> 00:36:55.780 We're told that 00:36:55.780 --> 00:36:57.079 God rejoices 00:36:57.079 --> 00:36:59.019 when He opens 00:36:59.019 --> 00:36:59.900 the eyes of the blind 00:36:59.900 --> 00:37:00.660 to see Him. 00:37:01.160 --> 00:37:02.400 In Luke 10, 21, 00:37:02.700 --> 00:37:03.940 we're told Jesus Christ 00:37:03.940 --> 00:37:06.360 rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:08.900 He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit 00:37:08.900 --> 00:37:09.500 filling Him. 00:37:10.320 --> 00:37:10.800 And He says, 00:37:10.900 --> 00:37:11.960 I thank You, Father. 00:37:12.300 --> 00:37:12.820 There it is. 00:37:12.900 --> 00:37:14.780 Father, Holy Spirit, Son, 00:37:15.240 --> 00:37:16.019 the triune God 00:37:16.019 --> 00:37:17.240 rejoicing together. 00:37:17.840 --> 00:37:19.420 And what is He so pleased 00:37:19.420 --> 00:37:20.700 and joyful about? 00:37:21.460 --> 00:37:22.920 I praise You, Father, 00:37:23.000 --> 00:37:24.740 that You have revealed 00:37:24.740 --> 00:37:26.720 to these little children 00:37:26.720 --> 00:37:28.220 the gospel. 00:37:28.860 --> 00:37:31.360 For such was Your gracious will. 00:37:31.360 --> 00:37:36.280 It's been said that friendship 00:37:36.280 --> 00:37:38.380 cuts your sorrows in half 00:37:38.380 --> 00:37:40.860 and it doubles your joys. 00:37:41.720 --> 00:37:42.380 Jesus says, 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:43.720 You are my friends. 00:37:45.220 --> 00:37:46.720 Your sorrows you bring to me. 00:37:47.480 --> 00:37:48.980 I bear your sorrows with you. 00:37:49.579 --> 00:37:51.059 My joy I give to you. 00:37:52.200 --> 00:37:53.160 My joy is doubled 00:37:53.160 --> 00:37:53.940 by your friendship. 00:37:54.940 --> 00:37:55.860 God lacks nothing, 00:37:55.960 --> 00:37:57.039 but He doubles. 00:37:57.360 --> 00:37:58.599 He doubles it in us. 00:37:58.599 --> 00:38:00.839 He expounds and magnifies 00:38:00.839 --> 00:38:02.119 His joyful character 00:38:02.119 --> 00:38:03.440 by involving us 00:38:03.440 --> 00:38:04.039 in His mission. 00:38:05.380 --> 00:38:06.739 If that saying is true 00:38:06.739 --> 00:38:07.199 of people, 00:38:07.279 --> 00:38:08.299 how much more is it true 00:38:08.299 --> 00:38:09.119 of our Lord Jesus? 00:38:10.000 --> 00:38:10.860 Jesus Christ 00:38:10.860 --> 00:38:12.940 doesn't cut your sorrows in half. 00:38:13.079 --> 00:38:13.460 He says, 00:38:13.659 --> 00:38:15.299 Give me all of your sorrows. 00:38:15.699 --> 00:38:17.339 He bears all of our sorrows 00:38:17.339 --> 00:38:18.579 on our behalf. 00:38:19.860 --> 00:38:20.659 And we're told that 00:38:20.659 --> 00:38:21.819 in Jesus Christ 00:38:21.819 --> 00:38:23.920 is fullness of joy. 00:38:23.920 --> 00:38:25.820 not just a double joy 00:38:25.820 --> 00:38:27.099 from a human friendship. 00:38:27.539 --> 00:38:28.840 It's fullness of joy 00:38:28.840 --> 00:38:30.000 in Christ alone. 00:38:31.039 --> 00:38:32.760 You can know that God chose you 00:38:32.760 --> 00:38:34.599 if you bear witness 00:38:34.599 --> 00:38:36.840 of who Jesus Christ is to you. 00:38:37.360 --> 00:38:38.880 You get to share in His joy 00:38:38.880 --> 00:38:40.800 of seeing His name go forth. 00:38:42.740 --> 00:38:44.500 The hymn gets it so right. 00:38:45.000 --> 00:38:45.320 It says, 00:38:45.480 --> 00:38:45.740 Jesus, 00:38:46.300 --> 00:38:48.220 what a friend for sinners. 00:38:49.280 --> 00:38:49.599 Jesus, 00:38:50.159 --> 00:38:51.320 lover of my soul. 00:38:52.340 --> 00:38:53.500 Friends may fail me, 00:38:54.119 --> 00:38:55.219 foes assail me. 00:38:56.000 --> 00:38:57.079 He, my Savior, 00:38:57.260 --> 00:38:57.960 makes me whole. 00:38:59.019 --> 00:38:59.500 Hallelujah, 00:38:59.960 --> 00:39:00.820 what a Savior. 00:39:01.400 --> 00:39:01.780 Hallelujah, 00:39:02.300 --> 00:39:03.260 what a friend. 00:39:04.480 --> 00:39:04.860 Saving, 00:39:05.500 --> 00:39:05.800 helping, 00:39:06.440 --> 00:39:06.739 keeping, 00:39:07.579 --> 00:39:07.880 loving. 00:39:08.860 --> 00:39:10.519 He is with me 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:11.460 to the end. 00:39:14.079 --> 00:39:15.280 Beloved congregation 00:39:15.280 --> 00:39:16.500 of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:39:16.500 --> 00:39:17.820 you can know 00:39:17.820 --> 00:39:19.280 more assurance. 00:39:20.199 --> 00:39:21.079 You can know 00:39:21.079 --> 00:39:22.500 more of this love. 00:39:22.500 --> 00:39:23.940 You can have 00:39:23.940 --> 00:39:25.440 more of this divine joy. 00:39:27.440 --> 00:39:28.619 The reason is 00:39:28.619 --> 00:39:29.900 because you did not 00:39:29.900 --> 00:39:30.760 choose God. 00:39:31.460 --> 00:39:32.119 Jesus says, 00:39:32.659 --> 00:39:33.900 I chose you. 00:39:34.820 --> 00:39:35.980 What comfort we have 00:39:35.980 --> 00:39:36.420 in this. 00:39:37.559 --> 00:39:38.679 God did not choose you 00:39:38.679 --> 00:39:40.320 because you were faithful 00:39:40.320 --> 00:39:41.420 or fruitful. 00:39:41.420 --> 00:39:43.380 but because 00:39:43.380 --> 00:39:44.240 he has put 00:39:44.240 --> 00:39:45.480 this gift of faith 00:39:45.480 --> 00:39:46.400 and opened your eyes, 00:39:46.480 --> 00:39:47.119 he promises 00:39:47.119 --> 00:39:47.940 he will 00:39:47.940 --> 00:39:48.840 make you 00:39:48.840 --> 00:39:49.519 fruitful 00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:51.200 so that he gets 00:39:51.200 --> 00:39:52.019 all of the glory 00:39:52.019 --> 00:39:53.059 in your life 00:39:53.059 --> 00:39:54.000 and in mine. 00:39:54.680 --> 00:39:55.360 Let's pray 00:39:55.360 --> 00:39:58.159 from 2 Corinthians 5.17. 00:39:58.159 --> 00:40:01.819 Therefore, 00:40:02.019 --> 00:40:02.779 if anyone is 00:40:02.779 --> 00:40:03.420 in Christ, 00:40:03.539 --> 00:40:04.960 he is a new creation. 00:40:05.299 --> 00:40:05.859 The old has 00:40:05.859 --> 00:40:06.599 passed away. 00:40:07.059 --> 00:40:07.399 Behold, 00:40:07.440 --> 00:40:07.859 the new 00:40:07.859 --> 00:40:08.819 has come. 00:40:11.179 --> 00:40:11.659 Father, 00:40:11.739 --> 00:40:12.319 we confess 00:40:12.319 --> 00:40:13.199 we are united 00:40:13.199 --> 00:40:13.819 to you 00:40:13.819 --> 00:40:14.699 only because 00:40:14.699 --> 00:40:15.739 of Jesus Christ. 00:40:16.519 --> 00:40:17.440 It's a mystery 00:40:17.440 --> 00:40:17.879 to us. 00:40:17.960 --> 00:40:18.279 We're like 00:40:18.279 --> 00:40:19.159 these little children 00:40:19.159 --> 00:40:20.440 that you've revealed 00:40:20.440 --> 00:40:21.339 yourself to us. 00:40:21.579 --> 00:40:22.199 There's no other 00:40:22.199 --> 00:40:22.819 explanation 00:40:22.819 --> 00:40:23.980 except that this 00:40:23.980 --> 00:40:24.599 is your good 00:40:24.599 --> 00:40:25.000 pleasure. 00:40:25.000 --> 00:40:27.420 You have chosen us. 00:40:27.840 --> 00:40:28.599 You have called us 00:40:28.599 --> 00:40:29.519 your friends. 00:40:30.679 --> 00:40:31.480 We praise you, 00:40:32.039 --> 00:40:32.980 God the Son, 00:40:33.059 --> 00:40:33.539 that you are 00:40:33.539 --> 00:40:34.360 the true vine. 00:40:35.380 --> 00:40:36.000 We praise you 00:40:36.000 --> 00:40:37.079 that we've experienced, 00:40:37.239 --> 00:40:37.780 we've tasted 00:40:37.780 --> 00:40:38.920 new life 00:40:38.920 --> 00:40:40.000 in you. 00:40:40.940 --> 00:40:41.679 We ask, 00:40:41.920 --> 00:40:42.019 Father, 00:40:42.679 --> 00:40:43.400 that you will make 00:40:43.400 --> 00:40:44.119 your love 00:40:44.119 --> 00:40:46.059 real in our lives. 00:40:47.360 --> 00:40:48.420 Make your love 00:40:48.420 --> 00:40:49.119 our own. 00:40:49.699 --> 00:40:50.820 Help us to see this. 00:40:51.199 --> 00:40:52.320 We want to see this 00:40:52.320 --> 00:40:53.460 peaceful fruit 00:40:53.460 --> 00:40:54.280 of righteousness. 00:40:55.000 --> 00:40:55.840 because we are 00:40:55.840 --> 00:40:57.320 engrafted into Christ. 00:40:58.739 --> 00:40:59.679 Please teach us 00:40:59.679 --> 00:41:00.139 what it means 00:41:00.139 --> 00:41:00.780 to abide 00:41:00.780 --> 00:41:01.920 in our Savior 00:41:01.920 --> 00:41:03.719 and rest in Him 00:41:03.719 --> 00:41:04.659 as our friend. 00:41:05.000 --> 00:41:05.619 We pray this 00:41:05.619 --> 00:41:06.340 for your glory 00:41:06.340 --> 00:41:07.780 and for Christ's sake. 00:41:08.079 --> 00:41:08.320 Amen.