WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.440 Ever find yourself saying the things that you never swore you would say that you heard from your parents? 00:00:16.440 --> 00:00:23.500 ! Yeah, I'm there. I've been there. I continue to live in that space. 00:00:23.500 --> 00:00:27.120 How about some of these statements? 00:00:27.120 --> 00:00:32.120 Don't look at me with those eyes. 00:00:32.120 --> 00:00:37.120 Quiet down. I can't hear myself think. 00:00:37.120 --> 00:00:44.120 Or, as long as you're under my roof, you live by my rules. 00:00:44.120 --> 00:00:50.120 Or, shut the door. We were raised in a barn. 00:00:50.120 --> 00:00:56.120 Or, stop crying. This is my favorite. Stop crying or I'll give you something to cry about. 00:00:56.119 --> 00:01:01.119 I think I've said that more than once. 00:01:01.119 --> 00:01:06.120 No means no. And that's all no means. 00:01:06.120 --> 00:01:09.120 Or, I'm going to count to three. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:14.120 And one that we use quite often at our home is, 00:01:14.120 --> 00:01:18.120 If you eat too many snacks, you might ruin your dinner. 00:01:18.120 --> 00:01:26.120 Well, I want to key in on that last phrase because I think that's probably true in the Christian life as well. 00:01:27.120 --> 00:01:36.120 Over the last couple weeks, we've been talking about the significance of fruitfulness and talking about the importance of our abiding relationship in Christ. 00:01:36.120 --> 00:01:53.120 And I think what stands in the way more than anything else in life is that we fill ourself up with all of the good things of life and we have no space left for the best thing in God. 00:01:53.120 --> 00:02:10.120 What stands in the way of an abiding relationship with Christ is that we find ourselves abiding and satisfying our heart and soul, at least temporarily, in everything else other than Christ. 00:02:10.120 --> 00:02:14.120 So we have no room left in our hearts for Him. 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:25.120 We have no room left in our life to be filled up with the real soul-satisfying life source of Jesus. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:30.120 And so, because of that, we do not abide in Christ. 00:02:30.120 --> 00:02:34.120 And because of that, we are barren in life. 00:02:34.120 --> 00:02:37.120 We are empty in our fruitfulness. 00:02:38.120 --> 00:02:50.120 And we wonder why we can't find the kind of rest and satisfaction and contentment our soul really needs. 00:02:50.120 --> 00:02:53.120 C.S. Lewis puts it this way. 00:02:53.120 --> 00:03:00.120 It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. 00:03:00.120 --> 00:03:17.120 We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and pleasure and ambition, when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum, 00:03:17.120 --> 00:03:24.120 because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. 00:03:24.120 --> 00:03:29.120 We are far too easily pleased. 00:03:29.120 --> 00:03:41.120 And yet, as we look into the scriptures, we see that the psalmist, in particular, his heart was filled up with a deep, satisfying relationship with God. 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:44.120 He says in Psalm 1611, 00:03:44.120 --> 00:03:50.120 There is fullness of joy at his right hand, our pleasures forevermore. 00:03:50.120 --> 00:03:53.120 Is that your experience this morning? 00:03:53.120 --> 00:04:00.120 An experience of being filled up with the pleasure and wonder of God today? 00:04:00.120 --> 00:04:05.120 We have been spoiling our dinner, as it were. 00:04:05.120 --> 00:04:27.560 The things that were meant to nurture and encourage and comfort and give us joy and peace and meaning and purpose in life are spoiled by the things of life we fill ourself up with to kind of salve over the hurt and the anxiety and the pressures that we feel from day to day. 00:04:27.560 --> 00:04:37.560 We run to the well of the world rather than running to the true life source that can be found in God. 00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:52.560 When we come to our text this morning, in John chapter 15, verses 12 to 17, and I have to be honest, it was really difficult this week for me to get my arms around this passage. 00:04:52.560 --> 00:05:08.560 Not because the truths that are in the passage are difficult to grasp, but there seems to be so much interplay between concepts that seem to interact with one another. 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:14.560 And it's hard to know what comes first and hard to know what follows afterwards. 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:21.120 What stands as the starting point for the fruitfulness that God wants us to have? 00:05:22.199 --> 00:05:26.879 And how do we, as God's people, live in a way that is pleasing to him? 00:05:29.439 --> 00:05:32.959 The challenge comes to us because of two things, I believe. 00:05:32.959 --> 00:05:43.079 First, the challenge comes because most of the words that we read and most of the concepts that we'll find in this passage of Scripture are familiar to us. 00:05:44.199 --> 00:05:47.560 And that's a challenge because we have grown up with them. 00:05:48.120 --> 00:05:54.339 From the time that we were in church, from the earliest points of our life, we've heard about the love of Christ. 00:05:55.139 --> 00:05:59.659 And so as soon as we hear about the love of Christ, we figure we can just flip that switch. 00:05:59.660 --> 00:06:05.620 We've heard this message, we know this truth, we can check out and just think about what's happening the rest of the week. 00:06:07.460 --> 00:06:12.560 There's a familiarity, but there's also something that is quite foreign about this passage. 00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:18.820 When we talk about an abiding relationship, when we talk about dwelling and existing in God, 00:06:18.960 --> 00:06:27.580 we don't comprehend, it doesn't quite compute because we know doing, but we don't know being. 00:06:27.579 --> 00:06:30.740 How can we do being? 00:06:31.180 --> 00:06:33.539 How can I accomplish that in my life? 00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:42.360 And that's what makes a passage like this so difficult, is the competition between the familiar and the foreign. 00:06:43.539 --> 00:06:49.139 Well, I wish I could tell you that I have all the answers, but I trust that through our time this morning, 00:06:49.219 --> 00:06:53.519 there will be at least a little clarity in our understanding of the Scripture. 00:06:53.519 --> 00:06:57.639 So if you would, please turn to John chapter 15. 00:06:58.459 --> 00:06:59.560 John chapter 15. 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:04.879 Let me read for us, beginning in verse 9, and I'll read through verse 12. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:12.039 If you're a guest with us this morning, it's on page 901 in the Pew Bible in front of you. 00:07:13.019 --> 00:07:18.899 I'm starting in verse 9 because it provides a little segue into our discussion for this morning. 00:07:19.599 --> 00:07:21.519 He says this, excuse me, it's 902. 00:07:21.519 --> 00:07:26.019 As the Father loved me, so I have loved you. 00:07:27.019 --> 00:07:28.740 Abide in my love. 00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:32.459 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, 00:07:32.859 --> 00:07:36.659 just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love. 00:07:37.539 --> 00:07:41.899 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, 00:07:42.399 --> 00:07:44.719 and that your joy may be full. 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:49.960 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 00:07:50.760 --> 00:07:56.380 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 00:07:57.280 --> 00:08:00.340 You are my friends if you do what I command. 00:08:01.440 --> 00:08:06.340 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:08.460 But I have called you friends. 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:13.299 For all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 00:08:14.299 --> 00:08:17.359 You did not choose me, but I chose you, 00:08:17.759 --> 00:08:20.599 and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, 00:08:21.120 --> 00:08:22.939 and that your fruit should abide, 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:26.939 so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, 00:08:27.579 --> 00:08:28.539 He may give it to you. 00:08:28.540 --> 00:08:30.800 These things I command you, 00:08:31.540 --> 00:08:35.180 so that you will love one another. 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:39.440 Well, one thing is absolutely clear in this passage. 00:08:40.180 --> 00:08:43.820 There is something to be understood in relationship to love. 00:08:44.720 --> 00:08:51.620 As a matter of fact, the Gospel of John is so incaptivated by this concept of love, 00:08:51.940 --> 00:08:57.220 57 times John talks about love throughout his Gospel record. 00:08:57.220 --> 00:09:02.180 Four times as many as any of the other Gospel records. 00:09:03.279 --> 00:09:08.160 And in these few chapters, from chapter 13 to 17, 00:09:08.360 --> 00:09:13.660 in these last final hours, the final moments of Jesus with His disciples, 00:09:14.460 --> 00:09:19.820 Jesus is talking about love 34 out of those 57 times. 00:09:19.820 --> 00:09:24.980 Almost 60% of the time He spends talking about love, 00:09:24.980 --> 00:09:28.240 He is dealing with the issue with His disciples. 00:09:29.440 --> 00:09:35.259 He wants His disciples to know that there is staying power, 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:38.620 there is buttressing strength, 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:42.220 there is fortification for a life of a disciple. 00:09:43.180 --> 00:09:47.840 As He comes to understand and to dwell in the love of Christ, 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:51.440 it will accomplish the objective that God has for them. 00:09:52.240 --> 00:09:57.080 If they come to terms with what He means about this important concept of love. 00:09:58.500 --> 00:10:00.379 And so in these final moments, 00:10:00.660 --> 00:10:04.040 these final hours of Jesus with His disciples, 00:10:04.180 --> 00:10:06.480 before He will go to the cross, 00:10:06.580 --> 00:10:10.420 He wants them to appreciate what it means 00:10:10.419 --> 00:10:14.159 to be filled up with the love of Christ. 00:10:15.879 --> 00:10:18.959 This morning, as we approach this passage, 00:10:19.120 --> 00:10:21.659 I want to ask this pertinent question. 00:10:22.699 --> 00:10:23.799 The question is, 00:10:24.839 --> 00:10:27.000 are you a friend of God? 00:10:27.819 --> 00:10:29.779 And I ask you that question because 00:10:29.779 --> 00:10:32.579 we come to that in the middle of this passage, 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:36.160 and what will robe our life, 00:10:36.280 --> 00:10:39.920 the fruit that will be evidenced from our life 00:10:39.920 --> 00:10:45.300 will demonstrate whether or not you are truly a friend of God today. 00:10:46.580 --> 00:10:50.379 Well, we find something about friendship through these verses, 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:52.040 beginning in verse 12. 00:10:52.759 --> 00:10:53.500 It begins with, 00:10:53.660 --> 00:10:54.840 This is my commandment, 00:10:54.900 --> 00:10:58.200 that you love one another as I have loved you. 00:10:58.200 --> 00:11:00.560 Front and center, 00:11:00.700 --> 00:11:04.000 we see that the friendship with God comes 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:06.759 because you are cherished by Christ. 00:11:07.460 --> 00:11:10.040 You are cherished by Christ. 00:11:10.759 --> 00:11:11.160 Notice, 00:11:11.320 --> 00:11:13.660 everything that will follow from their life 00:11:13.660 --> 00:11:18.440 is a result of the initiating love of Christ for them. 00:11:20.220 --> 00:11:21.640 This is my commandment, 00:11:22.220 --> 00:11:23.160 that you love, 00:11:23.320 --> 00:11:23.680 how? 00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:27.379 You love as I have loved you. 00:11:28.200 --> 00:11:32.060 Their ability to bear the fruitfulness of love 00:11:32.060 --> 00:11:35.180 will come as a result of understanding 00:11:35.180 --> 00:11:39.720 and steeping themselves in the love of Christ, 00:11:40.720 --> 00:11:42.660 as I have loved you. 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:48.000 We saw that the key for fruitfulness 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:51.960 is this abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:56.060 Jesus begins to put some flesh on that in verse 9, 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:58.899 where he begins to be more specific 00:11:58.899 --> 00:12:01.839 about what does that abiding relationship look like. 00:12:02.199 --> 00:12:03.979 It's not just abiding in Christ, 00:12:04.099 --> 00:12:06.359 it's abiding in something very specifically. 00:12:07.199 --> 00:12:09.399 Abiding, as it says at the end of verse 9, 00:12:09.579 --> 00:12:11.639 in His love, 00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:15.299 which will produce a changed life, 00:12:16.039 --> 00:12:17.039 a pure life, 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:18.619 a holy life. 00:12:18.620 --> 00:12:21.779 Well, you might say, 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:23.820 that sounds like doing to me. 00:12:24.940 --> 00:12:26.779 How do we do this? 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:32.240 What does it mean to have an abiding relationship with Christ 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:34.279 that is abiding in His love? 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:35.620 Help me understand. 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:39.519 How do we exist in God's love? 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:42.460 How are we aware of this love 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:44.680 and come to appreciate this love? 00:12:44.679 --> 00:12:48.139 Is it about being satisfied with Him? 00:12:49.019 --> 00:12:51.620 Is it about being secure in His love? 00:12:52.559 --> 00:12:54.399 What is this really about? 00:12:55.199 --> 00:12:57.500 How does one arrive in this place? 00:12:58.979 --> 00:13:02.639 This is where the familiar moves into the realm of the foreign. 00:13:03.699 --> 00:13:05.059 And whatever the answer is, 00:13:05.179 --> 00:13:09.259 Jesus is proposing that the key to fruitfulness 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:12.559 is this concept of loving. 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:15.960 So whatever will come from our life 00:13:15.960 --> 00:13:17.639 in terms of fruitfulness 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:19.480 is dependent upon understanding 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:22.319 the significance of abiding in His love. 00:13:24.080 --> 00:13:24.919 And the Apostle Paul 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:28.000 reinforces this significance 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:29.899 in Ephesians chapter 3. 00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:33.460 Listen as I read from verses 14 to 19. 00:13:34.939 --> 00:13:36.519 Paul is praying for the church of Ephesus. 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:36.939 He says, 00:13:36.940 --> 00:13:39.440 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:42.780 from whom every family in heaven and earth is named, 00:13:43.240 --> 00:13:44.980 that according to the riches of His glory 00:13:44.980 --> 00:13:47.680 He may grant you to be strengthened with power 00:13:47.680 --> 00:13:49.500 through His Spirit in your inner being. 00:13:50.040 --> 00:13:50.620 Now this, 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:54.640 So that Christ may dwell, 00:13:54.740 --> 00:13:55.460 same word, 00:13:55.720 --> 00:13:57.380 in your hearts through faith. 00:13:57.720 --> 00:13:58.600 And what does it lead to? 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:02.280 That you, being rooted and grounded in love, 00:14:02.280 --> 00:14:04.420 may have strength to comprehend 00:14:04.419 --> 00:14:06.079 with all the saints 00:14:06.079 --> 00:14:08.519 what is the breadth and length 00:14:08.519 --> 00:14:10.360 and height and depth 00:14:10.360 --> 00:14:12.079 and to know the love of Christ 00:14:12.079 --> 00:14:13.740 that surpasses knowledge. 00:14:14.659 --> 00:14:17.279 This is not only a significant concept 00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:19.240 for the church of Ephesus to understand, 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:21.339 but it was something that they still 00:14:21.339 --> 00:14:23.000 hadn't quite come to terms with. 00:14:23.000 --> 00:14:24.960 And so Paul is praying 00:14:24.960 --> 00:14:27.279 that God would do a work in their life 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:28.799 to help tune them in 00:14:28.799 --> 00:14:29.580 to the significance 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:32.659 of this abiding relationship with Christ, 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:35.019 abiding in His love. 00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:37.559 And we know this is important 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:39.320 because John, 00:14:39.460 --> 00:14:40.399 this beloved apostle, 00:14:40.820 --> 00:14:42.559 actually deals with the church of Ephesus 00:14:42.559 --> 00:14:44.559 in Revelation chapter 2, 00:14:45.159 --> 00:14:46.740 and it's clear that this church 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:49.039 had forgotten the significance 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:50.919 of what Paul was telling them. 00:14:53.519 --> 00:14:56.819 Jesus, through the gospel writer John, 00:14:57.339 --> 00:14:59.719 says this in Revelation chapter 2 00:14:59.719 --> 00:15:01.360 about this church. 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:03.199 I know your works, 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:04.519 your toil, 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:06.059 your patient endurance, 00:15:06.319 --> 00:15:07.419 and how you cannot bear 00:15:07.419 --> 00:15:08.379 with those who are evil, 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:09.959 but have tested those 00:15:09.959 --> 00:15:11.299 who call themselves apostles 00:15:11.299 --> 00:15:11.919 and are not, 00:15:12.139 --> 00:15:13.500 and have found them to be false. 00:15:14.059 --> 00:15:15.419 All sounds good on the surface. 00:15:15.419 --> 00:15:18.899 I know you are enduring patiently 00:15:18.899 --> 00:15:21.240 and bearing up for my namesake 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:22.779 and have not grown weary. 00:15:23.439 --> 00:15:24.799 Still very good. 00:15:25.259 --> 00:15:26.679 But, he says, 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:28.459 I have this against you, 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.639 that you have abandoned 00:15:30.639 --> 00:15:33.439 the love you had at first. 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:36.419 Somehow in all of their orthodoxy, 00:15:37.419 --> 00:15:40.339 somehow in all of their purity of doctrine, 00:15:40.500 --> 00:15:42.500 they had forgotten the significance 00:15:42.500 --> 00:15:44.860 of this abiding relationship 00:15:44.860 --> 00:15:46.320 with Christ, 00:15:46.659 --> 00:15:49.259 abiding in his love. 00:15:50.779 --> 00:15:51.919 So whatever this is 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:53.320 that we need to know 00:15:53.320 --> 00:15:54.460 about abiding in the love 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:56.379 is foundational for everything 00:15:56.379 --> 00:15:57.700 in the Christian life. 00:15:58.740 --> 00:16:00.000 It stands before obedience. 00:16:01.019 --> 00:16:02.740 It stands even before relationships 00:16:02.740 --> 00:16:03.860 with our brothers and sisters. 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:06.580 It stands before our mission. 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:09.259 But what is it? 00:16:10.060 --> 00:16:11.740 And how do I obtain it? 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:14.320 I'd like to suggest 00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:15.659 that the way to nurture 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:17.840 this abiding relationship 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:18.399 with Christ, 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:21.180 abiding in the love of Christ, 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:23.759 is for us 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:25.539 to put away other loves 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:27.440 and to be filled up 00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:29.639 with the love of God. 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:33.320 Clearly, Jesus 00:16:33.320 --> 00:16:36.259 says in verse 9, 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:38.240 as the Father has loved me, 00:16:38.559 --> 00:16:40.299 so have I loved you. 00:16:40.779 --> 00:16:41.840 Jesus himself 00:16:41.840 --> 00:16:42.960 set the model 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:44.379 of drinking 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:45.259 at the well 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.419 of the Father's love 00:16:46.419 --> 00:16:48.019 so that he could pour out 00:16:48.019 --> 00:16:49.480 the love of God 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:50.379 for his disciples. 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:53.059 We see throughout 00:16:53.059 --> 00:16:54.179 the course of 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:55.460 the Gospel of John 00:16:55.460 --> 00:16:57.439 that Jesus himself 00:16:57.439 --> 00:16:58.919 had been ministered to 00:16:58.919 --> 00:17:00.279 by the love of the Father. 00:17:00.279 --> 00:17:02.980 And as a result 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.119 of being ministered to 00:17:04.119 --> 00:17:04.960 by the love of the Father, 00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:06.460 was able to dispense 00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.319 that love 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:08.139 on the people 00:17:08.139 --> 00:17:10.420 that he was surrounded with. 00:17:11.379 --> 00:17:11.720 So, 00:17:12.160 --> 00:17:13.220 how do we pursue 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:14.180 an abiding relationship 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:14.720 with Christ? 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.839 Like everything else, 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:18.200 we have to develop 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:19.599 a taste for it. 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:21.559 You have to develop 00:17:21.559 --> 00:17:22.180 a taste 00:17:22.180 --> 00:17:23.559 for the love of Christ 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:24.899 that is sweeter 00:17:24.899 --> 00:17:25.619 and better 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:27.460 than any other love. 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:30.259 And I would suggest 00:17:30.259 --> 00:17:31.860 that you do that 00:17:31.860 --> 00:17:32.660 in a similar way 00:17:32.660 --> 00:17:33.860 that you do anything else. 00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:34.900 That if you're on a diet 00:17:34.900 --> 00:17:36.299 and you're getting rid 00:17:36.299 --> 00:17:38.160 of salty foods 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:39.039 or sweet foods, 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:40.059 you do that 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:41.940 by immersing yourself 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:43.700 in the diet 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:45.860 and learning to enjoy 00:17:45.860 --> 00:17:47.240 those new foods. 00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:49.620 If you are trying 00:17:49.620 --> 00:17:51.420 to become more fit 00:17:51.420 --> 00:17:54.559 and just be more physically fit 00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:55.860 in terms of endurance, 00:17:55.859 --> 00:17:58.099 you go and you may start 00:17:58.099 --> 00:17:58.699 by walking 00:17:58.699 --> 00:17:59.659 and then you'll go 00:17:59.659 --> 00:18:00.219 into running 00:18:00.219 --> 00:18:01.879 and you'll develop 00:18:01.879 --> 00:18:02.879 an enjoyment 00:18:02.879 --> 00:18:04.439 for the exercise 00:18:04.439 --> 00:18:05.959 that overcomes the pain. 00:18:07.199 --> 00:18:07.719 Similarly, 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:09.299 when we develop 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.240 a taste for God 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:11.199 that overcomes 00:18:11.199 --> 00:18:12.559 other tastes, 00:18:13.879 --> 00:18:15.699 even a taste for family 00:18:15.699 --> 00:18:17.240 or a taste for jobs 00:18:17.240 --> 00:18:18.619 or a taste for hobbies 00:18:18.619 --> 00:18:19.179 or leisure, 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:22.500 I think one way 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:23.319 for us to do that 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:25.039 is to lay aside 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:27.079 good things 00:18:27.079 --> 00:18:28.559 so that we can enjoy 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:29.599 the best things 00:18:29.599 --> 00:18:30.480 in God. 00:18:32.799 --> 00:18:34.279 And I think fasting 00:18:34.279 --> 00:18:35.720 is one way for us 00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:37.159 to begin to nurture 00:18:37.159 --> 00:18:40.559 a love for Christ 00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:41.740 and to enjoy 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:43.480 love of Christ. 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:45.439 Fasting is a way 00:18:45.439 --> 00:18:46.399 for us to demonstrate 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:47.839 that God has 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:49.299 our attention. 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:51.460 we sing, 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:53.500 tune my heart 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:55.159 to sing your praise, 00:18:56.659 --> 00:18:57.720 to sing your grace. 00:18:58.059 --> 00:19:00.279 It is the posture 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:00.940 of our heart 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:02.279 to lay aside 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:03.519 for a time 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:04.899 other enjoyments, 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:05.720 other pleasures 00:19:05.720 --> 00:19:06.440 for us 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:07.619 to sit 00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:08.319 and to bask 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.879 in the encouragement 00:19:09.879 --> 00:19:10.899 and the love 00:19:10.899 --> 00:19:11.460 of Christ. 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:13.059 John Piper 00:19:13.059 --> 00:19:13.759 puts it this way, 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.159 he says, 00:19:14.159 --> 00:19:14.720 fasting 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:16.019 is our way 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:17.000 to express 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:18.519 our deep longing 00:19:18.519 --> 00:19:19.299 for God, 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:21.079 our supreme 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.740 dependence 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:23.559 and to look 00:19:23.559 --> 00:19:24.100 to Him 00:19:24.100 --> 00:19:25.360 for further direction, 00:19:26.100 --> 00:19:27.039 greater presence 00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:28.500 and fuller taste 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.279 for Him. 00:19:30.319 --> 00:19:31.400 The greatest enemy 00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:32.400 of hunger 00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:33.059 for God 00:19:33.059 --> 00:19:34.579 is not poison 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:36.559 but the apple pie. 00:19:37.360 --> 00:19:38.019 The greatest 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:38.700 adversary 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:39.559 of love 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:40.180 to God 00:19:40.180 --> 00:19:40.759 is not 00:19:40.759 --> 00:19:41.759 His enemies 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:43.640 but His gifts. 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.339 and the most 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:46.539 deadly appetites 00:19:46.539 --> 00:19:46.980 are not 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.680 for the poison 00:19:47.680 --> 00:19:48.259 of evil 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:50.339 but for the simplest 00:19:50.339 --> 00:19:51.660 pleasures of earth. 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:53.700 For when these 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:54.900 replace an appetite 00:19:54.900 --> 00:19:55.600 for God 00:19:55.600 --> 00:19:56.160 Himself, 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:58.180 the idolatry 00:19:58.180 --> 00:19:59.240 is scarcely 00:19:59.240 --> 00:20:00.460 recognizable 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:02.039 and almost 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:03.220 incurable. 00:20:04.220 --> 00:20:05.440 Do you understand? 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:07.580 we fill 00:20:07.580 --> 00:20:08.480 ourselves 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.019 up 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:09.820 with the good 00:20:09.820 --> 00:20:10.900 gifts of God 00:20:10.900 --> 00:20:12.039 that 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.440 take up 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:14.279 the space 00:20:14.279 --> 00:20:14.900 for the 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:15.600 best 00:20:15.600 --> 00:20:16.680 things of God 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:17.200 Himself. 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:19.700 We fill up 00:20:19.700 --> 00:20:20.600 our moments 00:20:20.600 --> 00:20:21.759 and our days 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:23.279 with good 00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:23.920 activities, 00:20:24.820 --> 00:20:25.700 even the kinds 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:26.080 of things 00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:26.380 that God 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:27.019 has commanded 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:27.840 us to do. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.380 Good things 00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:31.740 that cover up 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.920 and cover over 00:20:32.920 --> 00:20:33.880 the best things 00:20:33.880 --> 00:20:35.720 that enjoying 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:36.880 who God 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:37.180 is 00:20:37.180 --> 00:20:38.920 and saturating 00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:39.680 our lives 00:20:39.680 --> 00:20:40.720 in the love 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:41.320 of Christ. 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:42.440 Finding that 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:43.860 He is sufficient, 00:20:44.160 --> 00:20:44.920 finding that 00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:45.660 He is able 00:20:45.660 --> 00:20:46.240 to provide 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:46.860 comfort, 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:47.900 that He is able 00:20:47.900 --> 00:20:48.520 to meet our 00:20:48.520 --> 00:20:48.980 needs, 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:49.680 that He is 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:50.640 better than 00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:51.980 that sport 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:53.640 or that good 00:20:53.640 --> 00:20:54.240 thing that you 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:54.800 enjoy. 00:20:55.260 --> 00:20:55.880 Setting it 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:56.600 aside for a 00:20:56.600 --> 00:20:57.280 time so that 00:20:57.280 --> 00:20:58.040 you can 00:20:58.040 --> 00:21:00.220 just appreciate 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.860 and treasure 00:21:01.860 --> 00:21:02.520 Christ. 00:21:03.880 --> 00:21:04.420 I don't know 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:04.620 if you've 00:21:04.620 --> 00:21:06.580 ever gone 00:21:06.580 --> 00:21:07.280 for an 00:21:07.280 --> 00:21:07.960 extended period 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:08.400 of time 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:09.380 in fasting 00:21:09.380 --> 00:21:10.340 and putting 00:21:10.340 --> 00:21:11.100 aside food, 00:21:11.620 --> 00:21:11.940 but let me 00:21:11.940 --> 00:21:12.460 tell you, 00:21:12.800 --> 00:21:14.240 it's a little 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:15.780 scary just to 00:21:15.780 --> 00:21:16.440 think about 00:21:16.440 --> 00:21:17.520 it as a 00:21:17.520 --> 00:21:17.980 possibility. 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:19.620 And if you're 00:21:19.620 --> 00:21:20.080 anything like 00:21:20.080 --> 00:21:20.280 me, 00:21:20.380 --> 00:21:21.100 there's a number 00:21:21.100 --> 00:21:22.120 of good reasons 00:21:22.120 --> 00:21:23.580 not to have 00:21:23.580 --> 00:21:24.280 that exercise. 00:21:24.600 --> 00:21:24.760 Like, 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.480 I've got to 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:27.080 work today. 00:21:27.280 --> 00:21:27.680 How am I 00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:28.080 going to have 00:21:28.080 --> 00:21:28.620 the energy 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:29.480 that I need 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:31.620 to carry 00:21:31.620 --> 00:21:32.019 on the 00:21:32.019 --> 00:21:32.559 duties of 00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:33.059 my day, 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:33.700 whether I'm 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:35.099 a mom or 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:35.940 whether I'm 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:36.920 an employee or 00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:38.660 all the 00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:39.480 pressures that 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.720 exist on my 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.240 life. 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:43.240 And yet, 00:21:44.360 --> 00:21:45.480 Piper goes 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.180 on to say, 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:48.019 the strongest, 00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:49.480 most mature 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.200 Christians I 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:50.480 have ever 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:52.000 met are the 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:52.960 hungriest for 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.259 God. 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:55.160 It might seem 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:55.759 that those who 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.599 eat most would 00:21:56.599 --> 00:21:57.460 be least hungry, 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:58.960 but that's 00:21:58.960 --> 00:21:59.360 not the way 00:21:59.360 --> 00:21:59.819 it works 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.380 with an 00:22:00.380 --> 00:22:01.400 inexhaustible 00:22:01.400 --> 00:22:02.259 fountain, 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.519 an infinite 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:05.200 feast, 00:22:06.000 --> 00:22:06.360 and a 00:22:06.360 --> 00:22:06.840 glorious 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.660 Lord. 00:22:08.660 --> 00:22:09.140 The more 00:22:09.140 --> 00:22:10.180 deeply you 00:22:10.180 --> 00:22:10.920 walk with 00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:11.380 Christ, 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:12.440 the hungrier 00:22:12.440 --> 00:22:13.539 you get 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:14.660 for Christ. 00:22:16.039 --> 00:22:16.860 I would 00:22:16.860 --> 00:22:17.279 like to 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:17.819 suggest 00:22:17.819 --> 00:22:19.480 that the 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:20.759 discipline of 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:21.400 fasting that 00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:22.279 is so elusive 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:23.539 for us as 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:24.600 people may 00:22:24.600 --> 00:22:25.400 very well be 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:26.059 the very thing 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:26.680 that stands 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.319 in the way 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:27.960 of us 00:22:27.960 --> 00:22:29.139 enjoying and 00:22:29.139 --> 00:22:30.480 savoring this 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.480 abiding love 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:32.099 of Christ. 00:22:33.379 --> 00:22:34.059 Letting it 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:34.480 thrive, 00:22:34.700 --> 00:22:35.179 letting it be 00:22:35.179 --> 00:22:35.619 nurtured, 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:36.539 letting it grow 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:37.539 in our life. 00:22:38.939 --> 00:22:39.559 I would 00:22:39.559 --> 00:22:40.319 encourage us 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:41.159 to consider 00:22:41.159 --> 00:22:42.339 the significance 00:22:42.339 --> 00:22:43.659 of fasting, 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:44.639 of putting away 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:45.779 other loves 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:46.779 so that you 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:48.859 can revel 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:49.659 and marvel 00:22:49.659 --> 00:22:51.019 at the love 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:51.579 of Christ 00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:52.439 and see that 00:22:52.439 --> 00:22:53.079 he is able 00:22:53.079 --> 00:22:53.639 and sufficient 00:22:53.639 --> 00:22:54.259 to meet 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.419 every need. 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:57.000 second, 00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:57.519 we find 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.259 here as we 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:58.980 continue to 00:22:58.980 --> 00:22:59.380 move on 00:22:59.380 --> 00:22:59.980 in verse 12, 00:23:00.060 --> 00:23:00.320 it says, 00:23:00.840 --> 00:23:01.740 this is my 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.140 commandment 00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:02.500 that you 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:03.160 love one 00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:04.000 another as 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:04.320 I have 00:23:04.320 --> 00:23:04.840 loved you. 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:07.759 We find 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:09.140 that we are 00:23:09.140 --> 00:23:09.539 not only 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:10.320 cherished by 00:23:10.320 --> 00:23:10.740 Christ, 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.600 we find that 00:23:11.600 --> 00:23:11.860 we are 00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:12.480 commanded 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:13.400 to love. 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.580 We are 00:23:14.580 --> 00:23:15.120 commanded 00:23:15.120 --> 00:23:15.880 to love. 00:23:16.580 --> 00:23:17.400 This is my 00:23:17.400 --> 00:23:17.960 commandment 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.420 that you 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.880 love one 00:23:19.880 --> 00:23:20.420 another. 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:22.240 Now, 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:22.580 this ought 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:23.039 to sound 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:23.940 really familiar 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:24.500 to us 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:24.920 as we 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:26.120 started our 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:27.060 year and 00:23:27.060 --> 00:23:27.380 as we 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:28.279 set forth 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:28.920 the initiative 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:29.300 of the 00:23:29.300 --> 00:23:29.720 art of 00:23:29.720 --> 00:23:30.060 neighboring, 00:23:30.580 --> 00:23:31.100 we talked 00:23:31.100 --> 00:23:31.480 about the 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:31.960 significance 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:33.140 of loving 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:33.840 the Lord 00:23:33.840 --> 00:23:34.220 your God 00:23:34.220 --> 00:23:34.480 with all 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:34.779 your heart 00:23:34.779 --> 00:23:35.140 and soul 00:23:35.140 --> 00:23:35.539 and mind 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:36.320 and loving 00:23:36.320 --> 00:23:36.820 your neighbor 00:23:36.820 --> 00:23:37.500 as yourself. 00:23:38.580 --> 00:23:38.759 Now, 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:39.759 the gospel 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.480 writer John 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.400 doesn't mention 00:23:41.400 --> 00:23:42.300 that those 00:23:42.300 --> 00:23:42.920 commands 00:23:42.920 --> 00:23:44.320 anywhere in 00:23:44.320 --> 00:23:45.220 his gospel 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:46.220 record and 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:46.840 yet here 00:23:46.840 --> 00:23:48.320 in these 00:23:48.320 --> 00:23:49.220 final moments 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:49.920 he addresses 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:50.640 the significance 00:23:50.640 --> 00:23:51.360 of love 00:23:51.360 --> 00:23:52.440 to his 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:52.900 disciples 00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:54.460 and they 00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:55.480 stand here 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:55.680 at the 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.019 forefront. 00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:57.480 Loving 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:58.700 God leads 00:23:58.700 --> 00:23:59.339 to loving 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:00.620 one another. 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:02.519 You want 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:02.819 a fruitful 00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:03.240 life? 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:05.420 Abide in 00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:06.000 Christ's 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:06.299 love. 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.000 Plug in 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:08.579 to true 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:08.960 love. 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:10.240 It will 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.860 change you. 00:24:12.220 --> 00:24:12.779 You will 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:13.200 become a 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:13.839 channel for 00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:14.860 the love 00:24:14.860 --> 00:24:15.400 that Christ 00:24:15.400 --> 00:24:15.819 has poured 00:24:15.819 --> 00:24:16.299 into your 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:16.720 life and 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:16.980 it will 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:17.960 flow out 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:19.500 everywhere 00:24:19.500 --> 00:24:20.200 you go. 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.319 He mentions 00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:25.539 here love 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:26.039 for one 00:24:26.039 --> 00:24:26.319 another. 00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:28.779 Almost as 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.140 many as 00:24:29.140 --> 00:24:29.960 60 times 00:24:29.960 --> 00:24:30.440 throughout the 00:24:30.440 --> 00:24:30.880 New Testament 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:31.600 we find the 00:24:31.600 --> 00:24:32.059 significance 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:33.400 of love 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:33.840 for one 00:24:33.840 --> 00:24:34.059 another. 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:34.620 We find the 00:24:34.620 --> 00:24:35.019 significance 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:35.720 of our 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.500 relationship 00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.420 within the 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:37.799 body of 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.160 Christ. 00:24:38.980 --> 00:24:39.519 We find 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:39.960 various 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:40.460 commands 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:41.579 like we 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:41.759 are to 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:42.220 pray for 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:42.660 one another. 00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:43.660 We are to 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:44.039 bear one 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:44.400 another's 00:24:44.400 --> 00:24:44.779 burdens. 00:24:45.579 --> 00:24:46.100 We are to 00:24:46.100 --> 00:24:46.680 sing to 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:47.180 one another 00:24:47.180 --> 00:24:48.279 and comfort 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:48.840 one another. 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:50.060 Confess our 00:24:50.060 --> 00:24:50.519 faults to 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:50.940 one another. 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:52.320 Prefer one 00:24:52.320 --> 00:24:52.580 another. 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:53.160 Be devoted 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:53.519 to one 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:53.740 another. 00:24:53.880 --> 00:24:54.759 Forgive one 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:55.080 another. 00:24:55.860 --> 00:24:56.279 In order 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:57.039 for us to 00:24:57.039 --> 00:24:58.480 express the 00:24:58.480 --> 00:24:58.880 love of 00:24:58.880 --> 00:25:00.880 God, it 00:25:00.880 --> 00:25:01.299 has to 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:01.860 happen as 00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:02.279 we are in 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.299 community with 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:03.759 one another. 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:06.340 God calls 00:25:06.340 --> 00:25:07.360 us to this 00:25:07.360 --> 00:25:08.299 kind of life. 00:25:08.920 --> 00:25:09.640 It pours out 00:25:09.640 --> 00:25:10.360 on the people 00:25:10.360 --> 00:25:11.560 that God 00:25:11.560 --> 00:25:13.080 has communicated 00:25:13.080 --> 00:25:13.820 his love to 00:25:13.820 --> 00:25:14.259 and it will 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:14.840 be shared 00:25:14.840 --> 00:25:15.420 amongst 00:25:15.420 --> 00:25:16.519 those people. 00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:18.000 The love 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:18.560 of Christ 00:25:18.560 --> 00:25:18.980 and the 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:19.440 spirit of 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:19.700 Christ 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.180 create 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:20.680 harmony 00:25:20.680 --> 00:25:21.600 within 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:22.600 the body 00:25:22.600 --> 00:25:23.140 of Christ. 00:25:23.920 --> 00:25:24.320 That's how 00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:24.779 it works. 00:25:26.380 --> 00:25:26.680 And Jesus 00:25:26.680 --> 00:25:27.259 gives us a 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:27.880 real practical 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:28.539 example of 00:25:28.539 --> 00:25:28.800 how that 00:25:28.800 --> 00:25:29.480 plays out 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:29.820 in verse 00:25:29.820 --> 00:25:30.300 13. 00:25:31.140 --> 00:25:31.420 He says, 00:25:31.800 --> 00:25:31.779 Greater 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:32.380 love has 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:32.840 no one 00:25:32.840 --> 00:25:33.460 than this, 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:34.660 that someone 00:25:34.660 --> 00:25:35.180 lay down 00:25:35.180 --> 00:25:35.840 his life 00:25:35.840 --> 00:25:36.820 for his 00:25:36.820 --> 00:25:37.259 friends. 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:39.700 Again, 00:25:39.800 --> 00:25:40.640 Christ is 00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:41.300 the perfect 00:25:41.300 --> 00:25:41.920 illustration. 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:43.519 In just 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:43.920 a few 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:44.620 hours from 00:25:44.619 --> 00:25:45.719 this point 00:25:45.719 --> 00:25:46.219 in Jesus' 00:25:46.439 --> 00:25:47.139 conversation 00:25:47.139 --> 00:25:47.839 with his 00:25:47.839 --> 00:25:48.239 disciples, 00:25:48.399 --> 00:25:48.679 he would 00:25:48.679 --> 00:25:49.159 do that 00:25:49.159 --> 00:25:49.739 very thing. 00:25:50.399 --> 00:25:50.679 He would 00:25:50.679 --> 00:25:51.159 lay down 00:25:51.159 --> 00:25:51.839 his life 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:52.619 for his 00:25:52.619 --> 00:25:53.059 disciples. 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:54.179 Lay down 00:25:54.179 --> 00:25:54.759 his life 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:55.579 for the 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:55.959 world. 00:25:57.199 --> 00:25:57.479 He was 00:25:57.479 --> 00:25:58.279 calling his 00:25:58.279 --> 00:25:58.939 disciples to 00:25:58.939 --> 00:25:59.379 the same 00:25:59.379 --> 00:26:00.000 kind of 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:00.219 love. 00:26:00.419 --> 00:26:01.000 He's calling 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:02.039 his followers 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:02.879 to the same 00:26:02.879 --> 00:26:03.479 kind of 00:26:03.479 --> 00:26:03.839 love. 00:26:04.919 --> 00:26:05.679 The ultimate 00:26:05.679 --> 00:26:06.519 expression of 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:07.000 love in 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.779 being willing 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:08.199 to lay 00:26:08.199 --> 00:26:08.779 down your 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.579 very life 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:10.779 love for 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.359 the people 00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:13.019 who are 00:26:13.019 --> 00:26:14.240 part of 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:14.500 the body 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:15.039 of Christ. 00:26:17.179 --> 00:26:17.799 And we 00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:18.159 can talk 00:26:18.159 --> 00:26:19.139 about this 00:26:19.139 --> 00:26:19.619 ultimate 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:20.460 example of 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:20.720 love, 00:26:20.899 --> 00:26:21.799 but certainly 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:22.579 if this is 00:26:22.579 --> 00:26:23.299 the epitome 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:23.879 of love, 00:26:24.179 --> 00:26:24.699 certainly it 00:26:24.699 --> 00:26:24.960 should be 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:25.619 easier for 00:26:25.619 --> 00:26:26.000 us to 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:26.939 love in 00:26:26.939 --> 00:26:27.619 the spaces 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:28.240 in between, 00:26:28.359 --> 00:26:28.619 right? 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:32.139 In our 00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:32.899 sharing with 00:26:32.899 --> 00:26:33.319 one another. 00:26:33.819 --> 00:26:34.539 In our 00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:35.779 forgiving of 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.240 one another. 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:37.799 in our 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:39.500 preferring of 00:26:39.500 --> 00:26:39.940 one another. 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:41.940 In being 00:26:41.940 --> 00:26:42.480 willing to 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:43.519 see their 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.480 preferences in 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:45.819 deferring to 00:26:45.819 --> 00:26:46.160 them. 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:47.880 In not 00:26:47.880 --> 00:26:48.359 harboring 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:48.859 bitterness. 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:50.240 In not 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:51.200 speaking evil. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:52.460 In not 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.240 demanding our 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:53.620 way. 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:54.880 All of 00:26:54.880 --> 00:26:55.460 these ways 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.339 for us to 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:58.160 demonstrate 00:26:58.160 --> 00:26:59.640 this love 00:26:59.640 --> 00:27:00.480 of laying 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:02.019 down our 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:03.299 life for 00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:05.480 our brothers. 00:27:06.240 --> 00:27:06.980 for one 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:07.279 another. 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.359 We may 00:27:09.359 --> 00:27:09.859 also talk 00:27:09.859 --> 00:27:10.339 about laying 00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:10.660 down our 00:27:10.660 --> 00:27:12.319 preferences and 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:13.000 serving behind 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:13.620 the scenes. 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:14.859 We might 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:15.259 talk about 00:27:15.259 --> 00:27:15.700 laying down 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:16.299 our agenda 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:17.279 to make a 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:18.039 hospital visit 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:19.000 or making 00:27:19.000 --> 00:27:19.599 a meal for 00:27:19.599 --> 00:27:20.160 someone who 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:21.620 is in 00:27:21.620 --> 00:27:22.039 need. 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.039 We might 00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:23.480 talk about 00:27:23.480 --> 00:27:23.900 laying down 00:27:23.900 --> 00:27:24.380 our comfort 00:27:24.380 --> 00:27:24.819 to reach 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.799 out, to 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:26.059 talk to 00:27:26.059 --> 00:27:26.599 that person 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:27.059 that you've 00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:28.160 seen for 00:27:28.160 --> 00:27:28.819 so many 00:27:28.819 --> 00:27:30.019 weeks and 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:30.559 maybe even 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:31.319 years here at 00:27:31.319 --> 00:27:31.620 the church, 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:32.000 but you've 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:33.240 never reached 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:34.339 out and 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:35.220 gotten to 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:35.700 know them 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.420 personally. 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.480 What do we 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:38.980 need to do 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.559 to lay 00:27:39.559 --> 00:27:41.059 down our 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:42.120 life for 00:27:42.120 --> 00:27:42.640 the sake 00:27:42.640 --> 00:27:43.299 of loving 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:44.660 the people 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.019 that God 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:45.980 has put 00:27:45.980 --> 00:27:46.539 right in 00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:46.819 front of 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:47.120 us? 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:50.000 Are you 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:50.740 a friend 00:27:50.740 --> 00:27:51.740 of Christ? 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:52.259 It will 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.900 show up in 00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:53.279 the way 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:53.779 that you 00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:55.420 love others. 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.339 Moving on 00:27:58.339 --> 00:27:58.980 now to 00:27:58.980 --> 00:28:00.339 verse 14. 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:01.819 It says, 00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:02.640 You are my 00:28:02.640 --> 00:28:03.339 friends if 00:28:03.339 --> 00:28:03.920 you do what 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:04.380 I command 00:28:04.380 --> 00:28:04.620 you. 00:28:05.620 --> 00:28:06.320 No longer 00:28:06.320 --> 00:28:07.240 do I call 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:07.900 you servants 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:08.440 for the 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:09.360 servant does 00:28:09.360 --> 00:28:09.960 not know 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.640 what his 00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.100 master is 00:28:11.100 --> 00:28:11.740 doing, but 00:28:11.740 --> 00:28:12.220 I have 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:12.920 called you 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.840 friends. 00:28:14.740 --> 00:28:15.380 For all 00:28:15.380 --> 00:28:15.800 that I 00:28:15.800 --> 00:28:16.320 have heard 00:28:16.320 --> 00:28:16.740 from my 00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:17.920 father I 00:28:17.920 --> 00:28:18.320 have made 00:28:18.320 --> 00:28:19.120 known to 00:28:19.120 --> 00:28:19.380 you. 00:28:19.880 --> 00:28:20.500 You are 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:21.740 called his 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:22.420 friends. 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:23.480 Now this 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:24.120 was a 00:28:24.120 --> 00:28:24.740 revolutionary 00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:25.779 concept for 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:26.400 the disciples. 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.680 The disciples 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.759 who knew 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:29.779 themselves to 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.740 be servants, 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:31.460 who had been 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:32.160 called the 00:28:32.160 --> 00:28:32.920 servants of 00:28:32.920 --> 00:28:33.320 God. 00:28:33.880 --> 00:28:34.300 And not 00:28:34.300 --> 00:28:34.940 just any 00:28:34.940 --> 00:28:35.840 servant, but 00:28:35.840 --> 00:28:37.160 the word in 00:28:37.160 --> 00:28:37.740 the Greek is 00:28:37.740 --> 00:28:38.279 actually the 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.240 word doulos, 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:39.880 or the word 00:28:39.880 --> 00:28:40.580 for slave. 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:42.620 It was the 00:28:42.620 --> 00:28:43.240 word for 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.019 submission. 00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:44.980 It was the 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:45.460 word for 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:46.720 total surrender. 00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:48.279 It was the 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:48.860 word of 00:28:48.860 --> 00:28:50.320 conformity to 00:28:50.320 --> 00:28:52.019 the master, 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:53.039 of following 00:28:53.039 --> 00:28:53.800 his orders, 00:28:54.120 --> 00:28:54.820 and doing 00:28:54.820 --> 00:28:55.259 what he 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:55.980 expects. 00:28:57.300 --> 00:28:57.800 And Jesus 00:28:57.800 --> 00:28:58.980 moves them 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.660 from this 00:28:59.660 --> 00:29:00.519 position of 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.580 submission and 00:29:01.579 --> 00:29:03.539 surrender to 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:04.480 a position of 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.079 friendship. 00:29:06.659 --> 00:29:07.220 Now this is 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:08.199 not to 00:29:08.199 --> 00:29:09.539 suppose that 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.019 they are now 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:11.039 somehow equal 00:29:11.039 --> 00:29:11.759 with God, 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:14.480 but to 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.019 demonstrate 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:16.319 their unique 00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:18.079 function as 00:29:18.079 --> 00:29:18.819 partnering with 00:29:18.819 --> 00:29:20.159 God in this 00:29:20.159 --> 00:29:21.119 special role that 00:29:21.119 --> 00:29:21.559 he has called 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:21.899 them to. 00:29:22.679 --> 00:29:23.960 The privilege of 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:25.179 representing God 00:29:25.179 --> 00:29:25.839 in the earth. 00:29:27.879 --> 00:29:28.619 Throughout the 00:29:28.619 --> 00:29:29.079 Old Testament, 00:29:29.079 --> 00:29:30.199 we see examples 00:29:30.199 --> 00:29:31.240 of how 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:32.939 Moses and 00:29:32.939 --> 00:29:33.899 Nehemiah 00:29:33.899 --> 00:29:34.799 prayed about 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:36.059 the people of 00:29:36.059 --> 00:29:36.759 Israel as being 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:37.460 servants or 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.539 slaves of God. 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:40.899 And now Jesus 00:29:40.899 --> 00:29:42.699 is helping his 00:29:42.699 --> 00:29:43.339 disciples to 00:29:43.339 --> 00:29:43.919 understand that 00:29:43.919 --> 00:29:45.099 not only are 00:29:45.099 --> 00:29:45.980 they disciples, 00:29:46.179 --> 00:29:46.639 which is a 00:29:46.639 --> 00:29:47.619 notch up from 00:29:47.619 --> 00:29:48.480 being a 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.399 servant, 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.399 but they are 00:29:50.399 --> 00:29:52.559 even called to 00:29:52.559 --> 00:29:53.359 be a friend 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:53.960 of his. 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.419 And as 00:29:56.419 --> 00:29:56.939 friends, 00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:59.160 God has 00:29:59.160 --> 00:29:59.519 let them 00:29:59.519 --> 00:30:00.120 in on 00:30:00.120 --> 00:30:01.240 this mystery 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:03.279 of the 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:03.759 word of 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.220 the Father 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:04.920 to them. 00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:06.759 Jesus has 00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:07.759 opened the 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:08.559 floodgates of 00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:09.140 knowledge, 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:09.840 the knowledge 00:30:09.840 --> 00:30:10.720 of God 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:12.080 to his 00:30:12.080 --> 00:30:12.700 disciples. 00:30:13.840 --> 00:30:14.160 It's 00:30:14.160 --> 00:30:14.799 staggering to 00:30:14.799 --> 00:30:15.340 consider that 00:30:15.340 --> 00:30:16.120 every word 00:30:16.120 --> 00:30:16.420 that was 00:30:16.420 --> 00:30:16.960 uttered by 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:18.120 Christ was 00:30:18.120 --> 00:30:19.320 given first 00:30:19.320 --> 00:30:19.900 and foremost 00:30:19.900 --> 00:30:20.380 by the 00:30:20.380 --> 00:30:21.360 Father to 00:30:21.360 --> 00:30:23.960 those to 00:30:23.960 --> 00:30:24.880 whom Jesus 00:30:24.880 --> 00:30:25.539 was speaking. 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:27.440 we see that 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:27.960 in John 00:30:27.960 --> 00:30:28.639 chapter 8 00:30:28.639 --> 00:30:31.259 verse 26 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:31.639 it says, 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.180 I have many 00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:32.700 things to 00:30:32.700 --> 00:30:34.000 say and 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:34.579 to judge 00:30:34.579 --> 00:30:35.399 concerning you, 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:36.039 but he 00:30:36.039 --> 00:30:36.680 who sent 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.440 me is 00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:37.799 true, 00:30:38.440 --> 00:30:38.879 and I 00:30:38.879 --> 00:30:39.480 speak to 00:30:39.480 --> 00:30:39.899 the world 00:30:39.899 --> 00:30:40.720 those things 00:30:40.720 --> 00:30:41.319 which I 00:30:41.319 --> 00:30:42.299 heard from 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:42.579 him. 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:43.859 Jesus 00:30:43.859 --> 00:30:44.700 communicated 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.339 the very 00:30:45.339 --> 00:30:46.339 words of 00:30:46.339 --> 00:30:46.839 the Father 00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:47.819 to his 00:30:47.819 --> 00:30:48.599 disciples and 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:49.339 to the 00:30:49.339 --> 00:30:50.180 people he 00:30:50.180 --> 00:30:50.659 was speaking 00:30:50.659 --> 00:30:51.139 to. 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:52.700 This was 00:30:52.700 --> 00:30:53.659 the revelation 00:30:53.660 --> 00:30:54.279 of God 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:55.000 to let 00:30:55.000 --> 00:30:55.720 them in 00:30:55.720 --> 00:30:56.340 on who 00:30:56.340 --> 00:30:57.120 God was 00:30:57.120 --> 00:30:57.480 and to 00:30:57.480 --> 00:30:58.259 fill them 00:30:58.259 --> 00:30:58.779 up with 00:30:58.779 --> 00:30:59.259 a knowledge 00:30:59.259 --> 00:30:59.740 of God 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.040 that would 00:31:00.040 --> 00:31:00.560 help them 00:31:00.560 --> 00:31:01.320 to come 00:31:01.320 --> 00:31:01.880 to a 00:31:01.880 --> 00:31:02.900 fuller and 00:31:02.900 --> 00:31:03.320 deeper 00:31:03.320 --> 00:31:04.759 love for 00:31:04.759 --> 00:31:05.019 him. 00:31:06.580 --> 00:31:07.279 It's going 00:31:07.279 --> 00:31:07.640 to lead 00:31:07.640 --> 00:31:08.100 them to 00:31:08.100 --> 00:31:08.580 a new 00:31:08.580 --> 00:31:09.220 relationship, 00:31:10.360 --> 00:31:10.840 help to 00:31:10.840 --> 00:31:11.460 nurture 00:31:11.460 --> 00:31:12.980 this love 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.840 for Christ 00:31:13.840 --> 00:31:14.620 and love 00:31:14.620 --> 00:31:15.120 for God 00:31:15.120 --> 00:31:15.519 through 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:16.340 revelation. 00:31:16.339 --> 00:31:19.619 God had 00:31:19.619 --> 00:31:20.839 privileged 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.779 these people 00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:22.459 by helping 00:31:22.459 --> 00:31:22.980 them to 00:31:22.980 --> 00:31:24.459 come into 00:31:24.459 --> 00:31:25.000 the know, 00:31:25.959 --> 00:31:26.500 to be 00:31:26.500 --> 00:31:27.319 part of 00:31:27.319 --> 00:31:28.779 the mystery 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:29.699 that Paul 00:31:29.699 --> 00:31:30.339 refers to. 00:31:31.659 --> 00:31:32.319 They were 00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:33.079 people who 00:31:33.079 --> 00:31:33.639 were called 00:31:33.639 --> 00:31:34.299 friends, 00:31:34.579 --> 00:31:35.419 friends because 00:31:35.419 --> 00:31:36.939 they were 00:31:36.939 --> 00:31:37.819 part of 00:31:37.819 --> 00:31:38.799 the revelation 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:39.419 of God. 00:31:39.939 --> 00:31:40.519 And finally, 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:41.439 as we move 00:31:41.439 --> 00:31:41.759 to verses 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.459 16 and 00:31:42.459 --> 00:31:42.879 17, 00:31:44.139 --> 00:31:44.839 we see that 00:31:44.839 --> 00:31:45.159 they were 00:31:45.159 --> 00:31:46.000 chosen to 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:46.539 fulfill 00:31:46.539 --> 00:31:47.420 his 00:31:47.420 --> 00:31:47.940 purpose. 00:31:49.079 --> 00:31:49.779 Verse 16 00:31:49.779 --> 00:31:50.519 says, 00:31:50.660 --> 00:31:51.019 you did 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:51.619 not choose 00:31:51.619 --> 00:31:51.920 me, 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:53.140 but I 00:31:53.140 --> 00:31:53.799 chose you 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:54.640 and appointed 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.539 you that 00:31:55.539 --> 00:31:56.079 you should 00:31:56.079 --> 00:31:56.759 go and 00:31:56.759 --> 00:31:57.480 bear fruit 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:58.339 and that 00:31:58.339 --> 00:31:59.000 your fruit 00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:00.299 should abide. 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:01.980 This word 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:02.619 for chosen 00:32:02.619 --> 00:32:05.180 is the 00:32:05.180 --> 00:32:05.839 word for 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:08.519 God's 00:32:08.519 --> 00:32:09.779 work in 00:32:09.779 --> 00:32:10.299 a life 00:32:10.299 --> 00:32:12.440 of selecting 00:32:12.440 --> 00:32:13.140 them out. 00:32:13.259 --> 00:32:13.720 It was an 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:14.660 active process 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.200 of God 00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:16.240 to choose 00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:16.799 them out 00:32:16.799 --> 00:32:17.019 of the 00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:17.259 crowd 00:32:17.259 --> 00:32:17.580 and to 00:32:17.580 --> 00:32:18.420 set them 00:32:18.420 --> 00:32:18.779 apart 00:32:18.779 --> 00:32:19.200 for a 00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:19.500 special 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:19.880 mission. 00:32:21.559 --> 00:32:22.200 So we 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:22.640 have seen 00:32:22.640 --> 00:32:23.240 from this 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:23.600 text, 00:32:23.700 --> 00:32:24.120 it answers 00:32:24.120 --> 00:32:24.840 the question 00:32:24.840 --> 00:32:26.000 of origination. 00:32:26.840 --> 00:32:27.180 Whose 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:28.180 mission are 00:32:28.180 --> 00:32:28.640 we talking 00:32:28.640 --> 00:32:29.059 about? 00:32:29.640 --> 00:32:30.440 Who is 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:30.680 going to 00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:31.019 get the 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:31.319 credit? 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:32.539 Who is 00:32:32.539 --> 00:32:33.519 adequate for 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:34.700 this job? 00:32:35.400 --> 00:32:35.880 How will 00:32:35.880 --> 00:32:36.580 we have the 00:32:36.580 --> 00:32:37.519 staying power 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:38.519 for what 00:32:38.519 --> 00:32:39.019 we're called 00:32:39.019 --> 00:32:39.460 to do? 00:32:40.460 --> 00:32:41.299 We'll be 00:32:41.299 --> 00:32:41.819 able to do 00:32:41.819 --> 00:32:42.319 this because 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:43.179 we understand 00:32:43.179 --> 00:32:44.079 that Christ 00:32:44.079 --> 00:32:44.759 is the 00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:45.220 source. 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:46.819 Christ is 00:32:46.819 --> 00:32:47.639 the life 00:32:47.639 --> 00:32:48.379 source and 00:32:48.379 --> 00:32:48.939 Christ is 00:32:48.939 --> 00:32:49.419 the love 00:32:49.419 --> 00:32:51.119 source for 00:32:51.119 --> 00:32:51.559 us in 00:32:51.559 --> 00:32:52.200 terms of 00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:53.559 accomplishing the 00:32:53.559 --> 00:32:54.279 objectives that 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:54.759 he's called 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:55.740 us to 00:32:55.740 --> 00:32:56.119 fulfill. 00:32:58.119 --> 00:32:59.220 So why go 00:32:59.220 --> 00:32:59.960 and bear 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:00.240 fruit? 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.439 We go and 00:33:03.439 --> 00:33:03.799 bear fruit 00:33:03.799 --> 00:33:04.519 because it's 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:05.359 a representation 00:33:05.359 --> 00:33:06.500 of our 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:06.779 God. 00:33:08.139 --> 00:33:08.559 It is 00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:09.819 the 00:33:09.819 --> 00:33:10.979 channel, 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:12.019 the 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:13.159 source of 00:33:13.159 --> 00:33:13.659 love that 00:33:13.659 --> 00:33:14.199 comes to 00:33:14.199 --> 00:33:14.699 us from 00:33:14.699 --> 00:33:15.240 Christ 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:18.000 shows up 00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:18.639 in the 00:33:18.639 --> 00:33:18.959 world. 00:33:20.659 --> 00:33:21.299 I like 00:33:21.299 --> 00:33:21.759 how John 00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:22.339 Piper puts 00:33:22.339 --> 00:33:22.539 it. 00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:23.879 He says 00:33:23.879 --> 00:33:25.519 mission is 00:33:25.519 --> 00:33:25.939 not the 00:33:25.939 --> 00:33:26.799 ultimate goal 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.119 of the 00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:27.479 church. 00:33:28.059 --> 00:33:28.279 Worship 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:28.759 is. 00:33:30.339 --> 00:33:30.919 Missions 00:33:30.919 --> 00:33:31.879 exist because 00:33:31.879 --> 00:33:32.439 worship 00:33:32.439 --> 00:33:33.240 doesn't. 00:33:34.579 --> 00:33:34.879 Worship 00:33:34.880 --> 00:33:35.520 is the 00:33:35.520 --> 00:33:35.940 ultimate, 00:33:36.500 --> 00:33:36.780 not 00:33:36.780 --> 00:33:37.300 missions. 00:33:37.840 --> 00:33:38.580 Because God 00:33:38.580 --> 00:33:39.120 is ultimate, 00:33:39.280 --> 00:33:39.760 not man. 00:33:41.160 --> 00:33:41.480 Worship 00:33:41.480 --> 00:33:42.280 therefore is 00:33:42.280 --> 00:33:43.060 the fuel 00:33:43.060 --> 00:33:44.200 and goal 00:33:44.200 --> 00:33:44.880 of missions. 00:33:45.900 --> 00:33:46.320 It is the 00:33:46.320 --> 00:33:46.680 goal of 00:33:46.680 --> 00:33:47.300 missions because 00:33:47.300 --> 00:33:47.940 in missions 00:33:47.940 --> 00:33:48.600 we simply 00:33:48.600 --> 00:33:49.560 aim to 00:33:49.560 --> 00:33:50.120 bring the 00:33:50.120 --> 00:33:51.360 nations into 00:33:51.360 --> 00:33:52.760 the white 00:33:52.760 --> 00:33:54.140 hot enjoyment 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:55.100 of God's 00:33:55.100 --> 00:33:55.440 glory. 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:57.080 Passion 00:33:57.080 --> 00:33:57.940 for God 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:58.580 in worship 00:33:58.580 --> 00:34:00.080 precedes the 00:34:00.080 --> 00:34:01.060 offer of 00:34:01.060 --> 00:34:01.440 God in 00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:01.760 preaching. 00:34:02.700 --> 00:34:03.180 You cannot 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:04.020 commend what 00:34:04.020 --> 00:34:04.640 you do not 00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:05.160 cherish. 00:34:06.040 --> 00:34:06.259 And the 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:06.640 more we 00:34:06.640 --> 00:34:07.300 come to 00:34:07.300 --> 00:34:08.420 bask in 00:34:08.420 --> 00:34:08.980 the glow 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:09.519 of the 00:34:09.519 --> 00:34:10.220 love of 00:34:10.220 --> 00:34:10.579 Christ, 00:34:10.740 --> 00:34:11.119 the more 00:34:11.119 --> 00:34:11.800 it will 00:34:11.800 --> 00:34:12.599 propel us 00:34:12.599 --> 00:34:13.079 into the 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:13.539 world to 00:34:13.539 --> 00:34:14.420 demonstrate 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:15.019 the love 00:34:15.019 --> 00:34:15.640 of Christ 00:34:15.640 --> 00:34:16.579 to the 00:34:16.579 --> 00:34:16.880 world. 00:34:17.980 --> 00:34:18.840 You can't 00:34:18.840 --> 00:34:19.500 commend what 00:34:19.500 --> 00:34:20.119 you do not 00:34:20.119 --> 00:34:20.619 cherish. 00:34:21.099 --> 00:34:22.019 Do you 00:34:22.019 --> 00:34:22.360 cherish 00:34:22.360 --> 00:34:22.820 Christ? 00:34:23.660 --> 00:34:24.039 Are you 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:24.700 caught up 00:34:24.700 --> 00:34:25.220 with the 00:34:25.220 --> 00:34:25.780 love of 00:34:25.780 --> 00:34:26.200 Christ 00:34:26.200 --> 00:34:26.720 today? 00:34:27.780 --> 00:34:28.559 If you 00:34:28.559 --> 00:34:28.980 are, 00:34:29.059 --> 00:34:29.300 then it 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:29.840 will lead 00:34:29.840 --> 00:34:30.260 to 00:34:30.260 --> 00:34:31.660 verse 17, 00:34:32.220 --> 00:34:32.500 which is 00:34:32.500 --> 00:34:33.340 where Jesus 00:34:33.340 --> 00:34:34.340 ends this 00:34:34.340 --> 00:34:34.820 portion. 00:34:35.640 --> 00:34:35.880 These 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:36.460 things I 00:34:36.460 --> 00:34:37.120 command you 00:34:37.120 --> 00:34:38.200 so that 00:34:38.200 --> 00:34:38.539 you will 00:34:38.539 --> 00:34:39.320 love one 00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:39.600 another. 00:34:39.740 --> 00:34:40.320 How does 00:34:40.320 --> 00:34:40.960 that happen? 00:34:42.740 --> 00:34:43.140 Well, it 00:34:43.140 --> 00:34:43.600 doesn't happen 00:34:43.600 --> 00:34:44.059 because of 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:44.320 duty. 00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:45.880 It happens 00:34:45.880 --> 00:34:46.660 because you 00:34:46.660 --> 00:34:46.900 have been 00:34:46.900 --> 00:34:47.519 filled up 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:48.120 with love, 00:34:48.539 --> 00:34:49.079 and so what 00:34:49.079 --> 00:34:49.500 you have to 00:34:49.500 --> 00:34:51.140 give is the 00:34:51.140 --> 00:34:51.400 love of 00:34:51.400 --> 00:34:52.200 Christ to 00:34:52.200 --> 00:34:52.600 the world. 00:34:53.360 --> 00:34:54.000 Are you 00:34:54.000 --> 00:34:54.579 full? 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:56.600 Are you 00:34:56.600 --> 00:34:58.400 abiding in 00:34:58.400 --> 00:34:59.480 the love of 00:34:59.480 --> 00:34:59.880 Christ? 00:34:59.880 --> 00:34:59.960 Christ, 00:35:00.180 --> 00:35:00.500 and if 00:35:00.500 --> 00:35:00.780 so, 00:35:00.860 --> 00:35:01.119 it will 00:35:01.119 --> 00:35:01.960 lead to 00:35:01.960 --> 00:35:02.480 a love 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.140 for the 00:35:03.140 --> 00:35:03.440 world. 00:35:04.019 --> 00:35:04.280 Let's 00:35:04.280 --> 00:35:04.500 pray. 00:35:11.680 --> 00:35:12.320 Lord, we 00:35:12.320 --> 00:35:12.680 thank you 00:35:12.680 --> 00:35:13.160 for the 00:35:13.160 --> 00:35:13.500 love of 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:13.860 Christ. 00:35:15.180 --> 00:35:15.680 This 00:35:15.680 --> 00:35:16.079 familiar 00:35:16.079 --> 00:35:17.039 concept that 00:35:17.039 --> 00:35:18.039 is so 00:35:18.039 --> 00:35:18.599 hard for 00:35:18.599 --> 00:35:18.940 us to 00:35:18.940 --> 00:35:19.240 miss. 00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:21.320 We talk 00:35:21.320 --> 00:35:21.820 about it 00:35:21.820 --> 00:35:22.619 almost every 00:35:22.619 --> 00:35:22.880 week. 00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:23.400 We sing 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:23.900 about it 00:35:23.900 --> 00:35:25.200 in our 00:35:25.200 --> 00:35:26.079 songs and 00:35:26.079 --> 00:35:26.340 in our 00:35:26.340 --> 00:35:26.700 worship. 00:35:27.300 --> 00:35:27.880 We hear 00:35:27.880 --> 00:35:28.280 about it 00:35:28.280 --> 00:35:28.599 on the 00:35:28.599 --> 00:35:29.000 radio. 00:35:29.880 --> 00:35:31.579 it has 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.240 become so 00:35:32.240 --> 00:35:32.960 familiar, but 00:35:32.960 --> 00:35:33.619 God, I 00:35:33.619 --> 00:35:34.099 pray that 00:35:34.099 --> 00:35:34.980 you would 00:35:34.980 --> 00:35:36.079 bring us 00:35:36.079 --> 00:35:36.400 to the 00:35:36.400 --> 00:35:38.340 point of 00:35:38.340 --> 00:35:39.160 enjoying the 00:35:39.160 --> 00:35:39.500 love of 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:40.200 Christ in 00:35:40.200 --> 00:35:40.619 a way that 00:35:40.619 --> 00:35:41.140 we have 00:35:41.140 --> 00:35:42.260 never enjoyed 00:35:42.260 --> 00:35:42.680 it before. 00:35:44.720 --> 00:35:45.440 God, I 00:35:45.440 --> 00:35:45.720 pray that 00:35:45.720 --> 00:35:46.059 you would 00:35:46.059 --> 00:35:47.720 move us 00:35:47.720 --> 00:35:48.200 to the 00:35:48.200 --> 00:35:49.539 place of 00:35:49.539 --> 00:35:50.340 setting aside 00:35:50.340 --> 00:35:51.079 other loves 00:35:51.079 --> 00:35:52.300 for a 00:35:52.300 --> 00:35:54.119 time so 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:54.360 that we 00:35:54.360 --> 00:35:54.980 can begin 00:35:54.980 --> 00:35:55.780 to appreciate 00:35:55.780 --> 00:35:56.480 the greatest 00:35:56.480 --> 00:35:57.900 love, the 00:35:57.900 --> 00:35:58.240 love of 00:35:58.240 --> 00:35:59.480 Christ, who 00:35:59.480 --> 00:36:00.039 is sufficient 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:00.480 for all 00:36:00.480 --> 00:36:00.880 things, 00:36:01.679 --> 00:36:02.260 sufficient to 00:36:02.260 --> 00:36:02.559 meet our 00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:04.179 needs, sufficient 00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:04.760 to comfort 00:36:04.760 --> 00:36:05.840 us in our 00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:07.400 hurts, sufficient 00:36:07.400 --> 00:36:08.380 to deal with 00:36:08.380 --> 00:36:09.139 our anxieties, 00:36:10.000 --> 00:36:10.579 sufficient to 00:36:10.579 --> 00:36:11.440 bring peace in 00:36:11.440 --> 00:36:11.820 the midst of 00:36:11.820 --> 00:36:12.320 the storm, 00:36:13.500 --> 00:36:14.599 sufficient to 00:36:14.599 --> 00:36:16.059 help us in 00:36:16.059 --> 00:36:16.780 our relationships, 00:36:17.760 --> 00:36:18.559 sufficient to 00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:20.219 encourage us in 00:36:20.219 --> 00:36:21.059 the midst of 00:36:21.059 --> 00:36:22.139 hard things. 00:36:22.960 --> 00:36:23.159 Lord, 00:36:24.199 --> 00:36:24.820 wherever we 00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:25.579 find ourselves 00:36:25.579 --> 00:36:26.159 this morning, 00:36:26.159 --> 00:36:26.879 I pray that 00:36:26.879 --> 00:36:27.559 you would 00:36:27.559 --> 00:36:29.579 help us to 00:36:29.579 --> 00:36:30.839 connect into 00:36:30.839 --> 00:36:32.980 this wonderful 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:33.659 love of 00:36:33.659 --> 00:36:34.039 Christ. 00:36:35.179 --> 00:36:35.899 And as we 00:36:35.899 --> 00:36:36.679 fill our 00:36:36.679 --> 00:36:38.000 lives up with 00:36:38.000 --> 00:36:39.139 an understanding 00:36:39.139 --> 00:36:40.000 and an 00:36:40.000 --> 00:36:41.059 appreciation for 00:36:41.059 --> 00:36:41.480 the love of 00:36:41.480 --> 00:36:43.239 Christ, Lord, I 00:36:43.239 --> 00:36:43.659 pray that you 00:36:43.659 --> 00:36:44.179 would help us 00:36:44.179 --> 00:36:44.559 to become 00:36:44.559 --> 00:36:46.279 conduits of 00:36:46.279 --> 00:36:46.819 that love to 00:36:46.819 --> 00:36:47.099 the world 00:36:47.099 --> 00:36:47.799 around us, 00:36:48.379 --> 00:36:48.940 wherever we 00:36:48.940 --> 00:36:49.179 are. 00:36:49.819 --> 00:36:50.460 Whether we're 00:36:50.460 --> 00:36:50.920 in the grocery 00:36:50.920 --> 00:36:52.359 store, whether 00:36:52.359 --> 00:36:52.659 we're getting 00:36:52.659 --> 00:36:53.420 our car fixed 00:36:53.420 --> 00:36:53.639 at the 00:36:53.639 --> 00:36:54.039 mechanic, 00:36:54.880 --> 00:36:55.360 whether we're 00:36:55.360 --> 00:36:56.119 stopped by the 00:36:56.119 --> 00:36:56.500 side of the 00:36:56.500 --> 00:36:58.019 road, wherever 00:36:58.019 --> 00:36:58.680 we might be, 00:36:59.200 --> 00:36:59.780 God, I pray that 00:36:59.780 --> 00:37:00.240 you would help 00:37:00.240 --> 00:37:01.840 us to be so 00:37:01.840 --> 00:37:03.260 full of the 00:37:03.260 --> 00:37:03.760 love of Christ 00:37:03.760 --> 00:37:04.420 that we see 00:37:04.420 --> 00:37:06.280 opportunities to 00:37:06.280 --> 00:37:07.159 convey that love 00:37:07.159 --> 00:37:07.720 to the people 00:37:07.720 --> 00:37:08.780 you put in our 00:37:08.780 --> 00:37:09.099 path. 00:37:10.180 --> 00:37:11.059 God, we praise 00:37:11.059 --> 00:37:12.119 you for your 00:37:12.119 --> 00:37:12.900 enduring love. 00:37:13.800 --> 00:37:14.360 Thank you for 00:37:14.360 --> 00:37:14.760 forgiveness. 00:37:15.579 --> 00:37:16.200 Thank you for 00:37:16.200 --> 00:37:16.740 patience. 00:37:17.820 --> 00:37:18.480 Thank you that 00:37:18.480 --> 00:37:21.460 even when we 00:37:21.460 --> 00:37:23.960 fail day after 00:37:23.960 --> 00:37:25.079 day, there is 00:37:25.079 --> 00:37:26.199 new mercies. 00:37:27.699 --> 00:37:28.619 We praise you, 00:37:28.699 --> 00:37:29.920 Lord, in Jesus' 00:37:30.119 --> 00:37:30.300 name. 00:37:30.579 --> 00:37:30.820 Amen.