WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.880 Well, a couple of years ago, I was reading a biography about Bonhoeffer. 00:00:10.700 --> 00:00:16.719 ! I'm not sure if any of you have read that book. It's by Eric Metaxas. It's about 500-600 00:00:16.719 --> 00:00:23.960 ! And I'm not much of a reader, but I thought, you know, maybe this is worth a shot and I'll 00:00:23.960 --> 00:00:29.760 tackle this book and see how it goes. And what was interesting to me as I read through this 00:00:29.760 --> 00:00:40.260 book, there was almost a sense in which Bonhoeffer became a close friend. There was, Eric did 00:00:40.260 --> 00:00:46.780 such a good job at kind of leading the reader through the story of this man and his heart 00:00:46.780 --> 00:00:52.680 for people and his willingness to risk much for the sake of Christ and for the sake of 00:00:52.680 --> 00:00:59.060 the church and all of the struggles that he went through and the churches that he helped 00:00:59.060 --> 00:01:05.100 to establish and the people he was able to encourage and the challenges that he faced. 00:01:05.260 --> 00:01:12.200 And you knew it was coming. You knew at the end of this story that it was going to end 00:01:12.200 --> 00:01:18.760 in the martyrdom of this man. And the closer and closer you got to the end of this book, 00:01:18.920 --> 00:01:26.060 the slower and slower my pace became because I just didn't want to say goodbye. He had really 00:01:26.060 --> 00:01:35.659 become a close friend. And this morning we come to the end of this letter in 1 John. And it's 00:01:35.659 --> 00:01:42.680 my prayer that God has done for you what he has done for me and that Jesus has become sweeter 00:01:42.680 --> 00:01:50.900 through the study of 1 John. And that the beloved apostle John has become a dear friend. Now, 00:01:50.900 --> 00:01:57.340 fortunately, we don't have to say goodbye to this friend because we know that next week we're going 00:01:57.340 --> 00:02:02.180 to, even though we're going to be in a different part of Scripture, we're going to be seeing and 00:02:02.180 --> 00:02:10.840 coming to appreciate the same main character, the same person who is central in every part of the 00:02:10.840 --> 00:02:18.879 Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. We'll see the story of God come to light for us again next week. 00:02:18.879 --> 00:02:25.099 And so even though we're wrapping up our study in 1 John, really the same themes and the same truths 00:02:25.099 --> 00:02:31.620 that we have been studying throughout our series in 1 John will continue in our study as we move in 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:39.159 to 1 Thessalonians. Last Sunday I had the opportunity of teaching the junior high and high school. 00:02:39.159 --> 00:02:49.060 And I asked one of my kids afterwards, so what did you think? How did it go? And they said to me, 00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:53.159 well, it was the same thing that Caleb taught on Wednesday. I mean... 00:02:53.159 --> 00:03:02.460 So Caleb's doing a great job. I just have appreciated his ministry. But I want to let you know, 00:03:02.460 --> 00:03:09.460 that is the truth. No matter where we go in the Scripture, whether we're in the minor prophets, 00:03:10.159 --> 00:03:14.260 you know, Hosea and Joel and Amos and Obadiah, what do they have to add to the story? Well, 00:03:14.460 --> 00:03:21.620 let me tell you, they have to add much to the story because it's all about God. From start to finish, 00:03:21.800 --> 00:03:29.600 the story is a story about God. And so as we come to the Scripture, no matter where we are, 00:03:29.599 --> 00:03:34.560 whether we're teaching about the life of David or teaching about the life of Joseph or we're in 00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:40.120 the New Testament, we're learning about the abiding life, we're learning the story about God 00:03:40.120 --> 00:03:49.780 and how to have that sweet fellowship with Him that He craves for us. Do you realize that God 00:03:49.780 --> 00:03:59.579 desires and craves fellowship with you? He craves it so much that He sent Jesus Christ to this 00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:09.340 earth, to die for us, to bridge the fellowship gap, the sin gap that disrupts fellowship with Him. 00:04:10.180 --> 00:04:18.000 He bridged that gap to make salvation possible, to make fellowship possible, to make joy, 00:04:19.120 --> 00:04:27.240 abounding joy possible for you, and to connect us not only to Christ, but to connect us to one another. 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:34.540 It really is a remarkable story and it's been encouraging to my own heart as we walk through 00:04:34.540 --> 00:04:40.980 the study of 1 John and to pick up the same themes as we look again at 1 Thessalonians and 00:04:40.980 --> 00:04:50.379 we're going to be moving through that in the coming weeks. So in the closing of our time with 1 John, 00:04:50.379 --> 00:04:56.719 let me invite you to take your Bibles if you would please, as we open up to 1 John chapter 5. 00:04:58.519 --> 00:05:03.019 We're going to begin in verse 6 and we're going to move to the end of the chapter, 00:05:04.019 --> 00:05:12.560 taking this piece by piece. Now maybe you're asking the question, how does this relate to 00:05:12.560 --> 00:05:17.560 the communion service that we're going to be having here towards the end of our time together? 00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:23.240 And I want to help make that connection. Some of you have probably already made that connection 00:05:23.240 --> 00:05:28.480 or already very aware, but for those of you who have not made the connection, 00:05:29.240 --> 00:05:36.540 I want us to realize that if the Bible is the story about God, whether we're in 1 Corinthians chapter 11, 00:05:37.360 --> 00:05:43.540 or whether we're in the Gospels, or whether we're in 1 John, or anywhere else in the Bible for that 00:05:43.540 --> 00:05:49.660 matter, because it's the story about God, it's the story of redemption. It's the story of salvation. 00:05:49.960 --> 00:06:01.220 It's the message of God's rescue. And so it's really great for me to be able to see the story of God, 00:06:01.280 --> 00:06:07.040 even in unique places, and to appreciate that as we go to those places. And so this morning, 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:13.860 as we're in 1 John chapter 5, I want us to see that the message of the story of Christ is the same. 00:06:15.220 --> 00:06:22.260 It's the story of his redemption for us, his body, and his blood, and his price that he paid for us 00:06:22.260 --> 00:06:25.520 to bridge the gap for salvation and fellowship with him. 00:06:25.519 --> 00:06:36.560 As we look at this passage this morning, there's going to be something that stands out and is 00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:44.519 inescapable for us as we look at these verses. And I hope that as you read the Scripture, 00:06:44.680 --> 00:06:50.299 it's your habit to read with a pen, not only so that you can underline and highlight the things that are 00:06:50.299 --> 00:06:54.620 important and that stand out to you, but so that you can take notes along the way. 00:06:55.519 --> 00:07:01.599 Well, this might be a good opportunity for you to continue that practice, because what I want to 00:07:01.599 --> 00:07:08.719 point out to you in the first part, or in these concluding words, is the certainty that we have 00:07:08.719 --> 00:07:15.459 as those who abide in Christ. There is certainty in the Christian life. 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:24.620 Notice in verses 6 through 12, there is a recurring word that we're going to see over and over and over 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:32.459 again. It's the word testify. We see that word there at the very beginning of verse 6. 00:07:32.780 --> 00:07:41.100 This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by the water only, but by the water and the blood. 00:07:41.720 --> 00:07:44.780 And the Spirit is the one who testifies. 00:07:44.779 --> 00:07:57.159 In verse 7, we find there are three that testify. In verse 8, we see these three agree, meaning in the 00:07:57.159 --> 00:08:02.739 mouth of two or three witnesses, a thing will be established. They're testifying. In verse 10, we'll see 00:08:02.739 --> 00:08:11.539 whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. In verse 11, and this is the testimony. 00:08:11.540 --> 00:08:20.879 Then if we, as we look at verses 13 to 21, he shifts from this use of the word testimony to a use of a word 00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:29.960 to know. In verse 13, he says, I write these things to you who believe, that you may know. And I would 00:08:29.960 --> 00:08:36.379 encourage you to underline that you may know. Verse 14, and this is the confidence. 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:51.200 In verse 15, and if we know, then we know that we have. Then in verse 18, we know. And in verse 20, 00:08:51.679 --> 00:09:03.720 and we know, so that we may know. It is inescapable what John is trying to get at in these remaining 00:09:03.720 --> 00:09:12.700 verses of his little letter to the church of Ephesus. There is something that can be known, 00:09:13.060 --> 00:09:22.139 that can be examined, that can be rested on, and you can have confidence in the truths that he's been 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:30.160 articulating throughout this little letter. Over this past week, we had the privilege as a family, 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:37.699 we do Netflix from time to time. And my wife found a little movie called The Case for Christ. 00:09:38.659 --> 00:09:45.019 It's really the story of Lee Strobel. And if you know anything about his story, he was an investigative 00:09:45.019 --> 00:09:53.179 reporter for the Chicago Tribune. He was an atheist, and he was adamant about the fact that there was not 00:09:53.179 --> 00:09:58.439 a deity that existed. Well, through some circumstances that took place in his family, 00:09:59.539 --> 00:10:06.519 namely, his family was having dinner, and his daughter began to choke on some food. 00:10:07.679 --> 00:10:15.379 And by God's providence, a lady came to help clear the food from the little girl's throat, 00:10:15.379 --> 00:10:21.960 and lo and behold, she was a Christian. And through this interaction that was taking place between 00:10:21.960 --> 00:10:28.039 this lady and her committed testimony to the gospel, and suggesting that this did not happen 00:10:28.039 --> 00:10:36.419 by circumstance, but this was a divine appointment, the wife began to take some interest, 00:10:36.639 --> 00:10:41.299 and went to church, and came and essentially committed her life to Christ. 00:10:41.299 --> 00:10:49.319 Christ. Well, Lee was not interested in this taking place in his family, and so he determined 00:10:49.319 --> 00:10:54.979 that as an investigative reporter, he was going to find the facts that would disprove Christianity. 00:10:56.000 --> 00:11:03.379 One of his Christian co-workers says, well, if you're going to take Christianity out, you need to go 00:11:03.379 --> 00:11:09.120 to the heart of Christianity, and that is the resurrection. So he spent the next several months trying to 00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:16.879 disprove the resurrection, and through the course of that process, came to understand that the evidence 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:25.720 was overwhelming. And through that process, God led him to faith in Christ. You see, this world would 00:11:25.720 --> 00:11:35.080 have us believe that those who are Christians are just living by blind faith. There's just ignorance in 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:43.060 them. They've abandoned all rational thinking. They're not thinking and evaluating the facts as they are, 00:11:43.160 --> 00:11:51.139 the things that you can touch and see and evaluate and examine up close. But John wants us to understand 00:11:51.139 --> 00:12:00.240 that the Christian life, although it is a life of faith, it is also a life of proof. It's a life of evidence. 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:09.700 It's a life that the criteria can stack up and help us to help to demonstrate that what we believe 00:12:09.700 --> 00:12:19.860 really does have substance. There can be certainty in the Christian life. And so this passage this morning 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:26.299 is a passage of encouragement, really. There are at least five things that I see in this passage 00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:33.539 that we can take comfort in and to know that God has established these truths, 00:12:34.039 --> 00:12:38.399 and we can have certainty and confidence about these truths. 00:12:40.899 --> 00:12:46.939 I think I'm going to do something a little different this morning. I usually spend the bulk of my time on 00:12:46.939 --> 00:12:52.139 point number one, and then we don't have time to get to the others. I hear some chuckling. 00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:59.699 I, I, I, I, guilty as charged, I, I understand. So we're, we're going to, we're going to move through 00:12:59.699 --> 00:13:06.159 point number one. We're going to go two, three, four, and five, okay? So stick with me. And then we'll go 00:13:06.159 --> 00:13:14.199 back to point one because point one really helps to fill out our time of communion. So pray for me in 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:20.240 this process so that we can really get to the, the real heart of, of what this is, is talking about this 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:26.700 morning. The first point, though, I, I want to just put it there for you so that you have it in your 00:13:26.700 --> 00:13:33.240 reservoir. We'll come back to it in just a moment. But, but the first point that we see here in, in verses 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:44.240 6 through 10, is that we can have certainty about Jesus Christ. There is no question in this letter 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:52.279 who is the central figure of John's attention. He begins this whole letter with, with this 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:58.620 exuberance and enthusiasm about the person of Christ. He says, we, we have seen him. We've, we've heard him. 00:13:58.620 --> 00:14:03.500 We've, we've touched him. We, we've spent time with him. We've, we've listened to his message and, and we 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:11.539 are commending him to you. Make no mistake about it. There is nothing that matters more than Jesus 00:14:11.539 --> 00:14:20.139 Christ. He, he begins with that and he finishes with that very, very idea. We, we've seen it throughout 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:25.779 chapter 4. We've seen it here at the beginning of chapter 5. He finishes with that thought here in 00:14:25.779 --> 00:14:32.759 chapter 5. He wants you to understand that you can be certain about Jesus Christ. And we'll look at 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:41.699 those witnesses towards the end of our message this morning. Point number two. That was the fastest 00:14:41.699 --> 00:14:47.899 point number one we've ever had, huh? All right. Point number two. We're, we're, we're going to pick this 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:57.319 up here in verse 11. And John wants us to recognize that if there is certainty about Jesus Christ, 00:14:57.879 --> 00:15:07.519 there is also certainty about the future. Certainty about the future. Notice what it says here, 00:15:07.840 --> 00:15:17.679 beginning in verse 11. And this is the testimony, again, that key word, that God gave us eternal, 00:15:17.679 --> 00:15:28.879 eternal life. And this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life. Whoever does not have the Son of God 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:39.159 does not have life. Can you hear the heart of this beloved apostle pleading with his audience in the 00:15:39.159 --> 00:16:06.100 midst of difficulty that they're experiencing? Those that had abandoned this church, he, he alludes to them in chapter 2. And he says they were not of us because they, they went away from us. The, the turmoil that was taking place in, in this city of Ephesus and for this specific church. He wants this church to understand that however uncertain their circumstances are in the moment, 00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:13.100 there is certainty about the future. There is certainty about eternal life. 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:21.100 There is certainty about eternal life. I write these things that you may know that you have eternal life. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:34.460 life, he says in chapter 5, verse 13. Jesus' death and resurrection guarantees future life for all of those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:16:35.440 --> 00:16:41.220 After all, that is why Jesus came in the first place. We all know John 3, 16. 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:52.360 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. 00:16:53.960 --> 00:17:00.639 Jesus came so that you could have hope and confidence about the future. 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:05.579 And if there is confidence about the future, 00:17:05.579 --> 00:17:08.579 what else matters? 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:11.299 What else is there? 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:16.699 If you know that the difficulties that you're facing are only temporary, 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:20.460 if you know the struggles and the conflicts that, 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:24.480 that you are experiencing right now are, are just superficial, 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:30.779 if you recognize that the, the challenges that you face are only momentary, 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:34.099 but there is a future hope in heaven, 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:36.420 there is eternal life with God, 00:17:37.319 --> 00:17:39.920 nothing else begins to matter. 00:17:41.359 --> 00:17:44.119 John wants his, his congregation, 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:48.740 these, these people that he has spent so much time shepherding and pastoring 00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:49.660 to know, 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:51.279 if you know him, 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:54.220 you know everything that matters. 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:56.879 You can have confidence about the future. 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:59.220 And in this expression, 00:17:59.400 --> 00:18:01.100 he is, he is pleading with, 00:18:01.220 --> 00:18:01.940 with the rest, 00:18:02.040 --> 00:18:03.380 those who don't know Jesus, 00:18:04.260 --> 00:18:05.300 if you know him, 00:18:06.300 --> 00:18:08.580 you can have eternal life as well. 00:18:10.340 --> 00:18:12.720 So many during Jesus's ministry were, 00:18:12.960 --> 00:18:14.700 were interested in this question. 00:18:15.760 --> 00:18:18.900 We see the rich young ruler in Matthew chapter 19, 00:18:19.100 --> 00:18:20.780 who, who came to Jesus and said, 00:18:20.780 --> 00:18:21.380 good teacher, 00:18:22.080 --> 00:18:25.840 what good thing shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:28.420 And then in Luke chapter 10, 00:18:28.520 --> 00:18:30.980 the lawyer that comes and asks a similar question, 00:18:31.760 --> 00:18:33.020 a lawyer stands up and, 00:18:33.020 --> 00:18:34.480 and tested him saying, 00:18:34.600 --> 00:18:34.840 teacher, 00:18:34.980 --> 00:18:37.640 what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:44.100 This is the question of anyone who is really interested in what's coming in the future. 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:47.400 Any religious institution, 00:18:47.600 --> 00:18:49.180 any orientation of, 00:18:49.340 --> 00:18:52.180 of spirituality has the future and, 00:18:52.320 --> 00:18:52.940 and the, 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:55.680 the eternal life as its final objective. 00:18:55.680 --> 00:19:00.400 But only those who are in Christ can experience it. 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.019 Jesus says, 00:19:02.180 --> 00:19:02.640 I am the way, 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:03.420 the truth, 00:19:03.600 --> 00:19:05.860 and the life. 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:09.320 No one comes to the Father except through me. 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:11.039 You want life? 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:14.620 You must come through the author of life, 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:16.100 the initiator of life, 00:19:16.160 --> 00:19:17.340 not only physical life, 00:19:17.799 --> 00:19:19.560 but spiritual life. 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:23.019 Jesus came to bring life. 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:24.919 We see that in John chapter 10, 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:25.779 verse 10. 00:19:26.559 --> 00:19:26.940 He says, 00:19:27.139 --> 00:19:27.879 I have come 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:29.700 that they might have life 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:32.899 and that they might have it abundantly. 00:19:35.399 --> 00:19:37.059 And those apart from Christ 00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:38.419 will only know death. 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:40.980 Romans chapter 6, 23, 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:43.220 for the wages of sin is death, 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:46.819 but the gift of God is eternal life 00:19:46.819 --> 00:19:48.940 through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 00:19:49.900 --> 00:19:52.779 The question for us this morning 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:56.860 is do you know Jesus Christ? 00:19:57.500 --> 00:19:58.539 And if you know him 00:19:58.539 --> 00:20:01.339 and have embraced him as Savior, 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:04.839 then you have the joy of eternal life. 00:20:04.839 --> 00:20:06.639 You see, 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:08.359 the resurrection of Christ 00:20:08.359 --> 00:20:10.059 changes everything for us. 00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:12.740 Paul picks up this theme 00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:15.059 in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. 00:20:15.939 --> 00:20:16.579 And basically, 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:18.720 he recounts the significance 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:19.619 of the resurrection. 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:21.539 He says, 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:22.980 it is the resurrection 00:20:22.980 --> 00:20:25.139 that gives purpose to our message. 00:20:25.819 --> 00:20:27.859 In 1 Corinthians 15, 14, 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:28.379 he says, 00:20:28.679 --> 00:20:30.419 if Christ has not been raised, 00:20:30.679 --> 00:20:32.619 then our preaching is in vain. 00:20:32.619 --> 00:20:36.159 It is also the resurrection 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:38.139 that gives our faith substance. 00:20:39.099 --> 00:20:40.679 In 1 Corinthians 15, 00:20:40.939 --> 00:20:43.059 verse 14, it says, 00:20:43.439 --> 00:20:44.959 if Christ has not been raised, 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:47.479 then our faith is in vain. 00:20:48.919 --> 00:20:50.159 It is also the resurrection 00:20:50.159 --> 00:20:51.839 that activates our obedience. 00:20:52.939 --> 00:20:54.359 In verse 17, he says, 00:20:54.439 --> 00:20:56.119 if Christ has not been raised, 00:20:56.199 --> 00:20:59.119 then you are still in your sins. 00:21:00.419 --> 00:21:01.619 And it is the resurrection 00:21:01.619 --> 00:21:02.599 that gives us hope. 00:21:02.619 --> 00:21:03.239 for the future. 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:05.699 In 1 Corinthians 15, verse 19, 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:06.059 he says, 00:21:06.539 --> 00:21:08.159 if in Christ we have hope 00:21:08.159 --> 00:21:09.279 in this life only, 00:21:10.279 --> 00:21:12.839 we are of people most to be pitied. 00:21:13.179 --> 00:21:14.459 But, in fact, 00:21:14.879 --> 00:21:16.779 Christ has been raised from the dead, 00:21:17.119 --> 00:21:18.559 the firstborn of those 00:21:18.559 --> 00:21:20.139 who have fallen asleep. 00:21:21.579 --> 00:21:24.119 Because of Christ's resurrection life, 00:21:24.439 --> 00:21:25.579 we who are in Christ 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:26.699 will also experience 00:21:26.699 --> 00:21:28.399 the life that he has to give. 00:21:29.939 --> 00:21:30.639 What hope? 00:21:30.640 --> 00:21:31.640 What certainty? 00:21:31.640 --> 00:21:32.480 What certainty? 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:32.540 What certainty? 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:35.980 The certainty of Christ's resurrection 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:37.660 leads to certainty 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:39.360 of future life for those 00:21:39.360 --> 00:21:40.100 who are in Christ. 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:44.120 And we come to our next point. 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:45.960 Not only certainty, 00:21:46.380 --> 00:21:47.400 not only certainty 00:21:47.400 --> 00:21:48.800 about the future, 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:51.440 but certainty about answered prayer. 00:21:51.580 --> 00:21:53.980 We see that in verses 14 to 17. 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:57.019 Here's what it says. 00:21:57.019 --> 00:21:59.440 And this is the confidence 00:21:59.440 --> 00:22:01.319 that we have towards him, 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:03.339 that if we ask anything 00:22:03.339 --> 00:22:04.559 according to his will, 00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.859 he hears us. 00:22:06.460 --> 00:22:08.440 And if we know that he hears us 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:09.900 in whatever we ask, 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:12.099 we know that we have the request 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:14.180 that we have asked of him. 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:18.720 This is the confidence, 00:22:19.060 --> 00:22:19.580 John says. 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:22.740 If you are in relationship, 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:25.380 an abiding relationship with Christ, 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:28.860 then Christ will hear your prayers. 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:33.320 And if you are in a relationship with Christ, 00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:35.480 an abiding relationship with him, 00:22:35.640 --> 00:22:37.100 he not only hears your prayers, 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:38.960 but he fills that out 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:42.740 and defines what his hearing actually means. 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:43.860 Notice, 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:47.480 how does John describe the hearing? 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:51.960 If he hears us in whatever we ask, 00:22:52.039 --> 00:22:54.920 we know that we have the request 00:22:54.920 --> 00:22:57.160 that we have asked of him. 00:22:57.340 --> 00:22:59.299 That's what it means when God hears. 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:02.480 Time out. 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:04.180 That is not my experience. 00:23:06.559 --> 00:23:07.720 Is that your experience? 00:23:08.960 --> 00:23:09.720 Everything we ask, 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:10.799 we receive of him? 00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:12.779 Okay, so then there must be 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:14.700 something going on here. 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:17.120 There must be a dynamic 00:23:17.120 --> 00:23:19.500 that we need to begin to understand 00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:21.940 when John is describing 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:24.680 the asking and the praying, 00:23:25.079 --> 00:23:26.279 the hearing and receiving. 00:23:27.360 --> 00:23:28.640 What is taking place? 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:30.720 Remember, 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:34.259 as we have introduced this series 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:36.380 and as we have been talking about this series 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:38.079 through the past couple of months, 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:40.559 we've mentioned that this is really 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:42.599 just an exposition of the upper room discourse. 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:43.359 Okay? 00:23:44.000 --> 00:23:46.039 So it shouldn't be any surprise to you 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:47.659 to know that Jesus, 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:49.199 on at least four occasions, 00:23:49.699 --> 00:23:52.240 actually uses the exact same phrase. 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:54.720 In John chapter 14, 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:56.299 I would just encourage you, 00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:57.259 why don't you just keep your finger 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:59.619 for a moment in 1 John chapter 5 00:23:59.619 --> 00:24:00.500 and turn with me 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:02.720 to John chapter 14 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:04.279 so you can see this 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:06.200 and maybe even underline it for yourself. 00:24:07.559 --> 00:24:08.620 John 14, 00:24:09.100 --> 00:24:12.740 verses 13 and 14. 00:24:17.380 --> 00:24:20.640 Whatever you ask in my name, 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:22.079 this I will do, 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:25.819 that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 00:24:25.819 --> 00:24:29.259 if you ask me anything in my name, 00:24:29.460 --> 00:24:30.299 I will do it. 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:33.279 Now move to chapter 15, 00:24:33.379 --> 00:24:34.899 verses 7 and 8. 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:37.460 If you abide in me 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:39.639 and my words abide in you, 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:41.539 ask whatever you wish 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.919 and it will be done for you. 00:24:43.659 --> 00:24:46.740 By this my Father is glorified 00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:48.759 that you bear much fruit 00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:50.980 and so prove to be my disciples. 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:54.039 Now chapter 15, 00:24:54.120 --> 00:24:56.120 verses 16 and 17. 00:24:59.339 --> 00:25:00.279 You did not choose me, 00:25:00.380 --> 00:25:01.380 but I chose you 00:25:01.380 --> 00:25:02.400 and appointed you 00:25:02.400 --> 00:25:04.220 that you should go and bear fruit 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:06.319 and that your fruit should abide 00:25:06.319 --> 00:25:08.900 so that whatever you ask the Father 00:25:08.900 --> 00:25:10.019 in my name, 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:12.000 he may give it to you. 00:25:12.819 --> 00:25:14.380 These things I command you 00:25:14.380 --> 00:25:16.519 so that you will love one another. 00:25:17.860 --> 00:25:18.920 And then chapter 16, 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:20.960 verses 23 and 24. 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:23.140 Chapter 16, 00:25:23.400 --> 00:25:25.220 verses 23 and 24. 00:25:26.360 --> 00:25:27.299 In that day, 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.839 you will ask nothing of me. 00:25:29.620 --> 00:25:30.099 Truly, truly, 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:30.779 I say to you, 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:32.740 whatever you ask of the Father 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:34.140 in my name, 00:25:34.380 --> 00:25:35.799 he will give it to you. 00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:37.380 Until now, 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:38.799 you have asked nothing in my name. 00:25:39.160 --> 00:25:39.680 Ask, 00:25:40.380 --> 00:25:41.339 and you will receive 00:25:41.339 --> 00:25:44.120 that your joy may be full. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:46.940 What in the world is going on here? 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.360 What in the world 00:25:48.360 --> 00:25:50.059 is Jesus trying to commend 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:51.839 to his disciples? 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:55.240 Is there a magic formula? 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:57.740 Is there a process 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:59.000 that we need to go through 00:25:59.000 --> 00:26:00.519 in order to get this answer 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.879 from God that we're looking for? 00:26:02.559 --> 00:26:04.139 Well, if you were here last week, 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:05.659 you know the answer to that question 00:26:05.659 --> 00:26:06.299 is no, 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:07.720 there's not a magic formula. 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:10.079 That's the old way of doing life. 00:26:10.079 --> 00:26:12.299 But we've been called to the new way. 00:26:12.859 --> 00:26:15.059 The new way that sets us free 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:17.619 from the pressure of this world 00:26:17.619 --> 00:26:19.199 and the pressure of performance 00:26:19.199 --> 00:26:20.000 and responsibility. 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:22.960 But what we're talking about here 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:24.740 is in conjunction 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:26.879 with who Jesus is himself. 00:26:27.679 --> 00:26:28.679 And in conjunction 00:26:28.679 --> 00:26:30.359 with the abiding life 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:31.319 that we've been called to. 00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:33.879 Notice Jesus points to that 00:26:33.879 --> 00:26:35.199 at least a couple of times 00:26:35.199 --> 00:26:37.559 throughout this section. 00:26:37.559 --> 00:26:39.440 and also says, 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:41.259 if you pray anything 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:43.599 or ask anything in my name, 00:26:44.200 --> 00:26:45.799 then I will do it. 00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:47.480 What in the world 00:26:47.480 --> 00:26:48.240 is he talking about? 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:53.740 It begins and ends with Jesus. 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:55.980 That's the answer. 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:59.159 The abiding life 00:26:59.159 --> 00:27:00.859 out of which flows 00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:01.919 forgiveness 00:27:01.919 --> 00:27:03.720 and cleansing 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:05.119 and obedience 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:06.619 and love 00:27:06.619 --> 00:27:07.719 and confidence 00:27:07.719 --> 00:27:08.719 satisfaction 00:27:08.719 --> 00:27:09.979 and fellowship 00:27:09.979 --> 00:27:11.179 boldness 00:27:11.179 --> 00:27:12.139 in his presence 00:27:12.139 --> 00:27:13.219 endurance 00:27:13.219 --> 00:27:14.699 in the Christian life 00:27:14.699 --> 00:27:15.479 hope 00:27:15.479 --> 00:27:16.579 and joy 00:27:16.579 --> 00:27:17.639 and clarity 00:27:17.639 --> 00:27:18.799 and life. 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:20.039 What else 00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:20.759 is there 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:22.439 to be had? 00:27:23.479 --> 00:27:24.579 It is all found 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.119 in him. 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.539 And so if we 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:28.519 as we learn 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:29.839 to be satisfied 00:27:29.839 --> 00:27:30.639 in him 00:27:30.639 --> 00:27:32.000 and as we are praying 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:32.859 for the things 00:27:32.859 --> 00:27:34.199 that are oriented 00:27:34.199 --> 00:27:35.199 towards finding 00:27:35.199 --> 00:27:36.159 sufficiency 00:27:36.159 --> 00:27:37.319 in Christ 00:27:37.319 --> 00:27:39.219 seeking his glory 00:27:39.219 --> 00:27:41.159 strengthening his body 00:27:41.159 --> 00:27:42.819 building his kingdom 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:44.079 then we will find 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:45.399 that all of our hopes 00:27:45.399 --> 00:27:46.379 and dreams 00:27:46.379 --> 00:27:47.319 and prayers 00:27:47.319 --> 00:27:48.419 will be answered 00:27:48.419 --> 00:27:49.359 in the power 00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:50.199 of Christ. 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.359 Because as our 00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:52.859 orientation 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:55.119 is moving 00:27:55.119 --> 00:27:55.839 in the direction 00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:57.099 of being satisfied 00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:57.639 in him 00:27:57.639 --> 00:27:59.000 and looking to him 00:27:59.000 --> 00:28:00.979 for his glory 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:01.819 and looking for him 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:02.880 for his strength 00:28:02.880 --> 00:28:03.720 and seeking 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.299 to be about 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:05.039 his purposes 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:07.500 then nothing else 00:28:07.500 --> 00:28:07.900 matters. 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.599 And he is delighted 00:28:10.599 --> 00:28:11.660 to answer those prayers 00:28:11.660 --> 00:28:12.640 because those are 00:28:12.640 --> 00:28:12.980 the things 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.440 that he wants 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:14.120 to accomplish 00:28:14.120 --> 00:28:15.400 in and through us. 00:28:18.400 --> 00:28:19.519 Perhaps the best 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.319 example of this 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:21.779 is Paul. 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:23.319 Paul 00:28:23.319 --> 00:28:24.400 when he prays 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:25.420 in 2 Corinthians 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:26.059 chapter 12 00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:26.519 he says 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:27.819 remember 00:28:27.819 --> 00:28:28.980 he has this 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.880 thorn in the flesh 00:28:29.880 --> 00:28:30.320 right? 00:28:30.600 --> 00:28:31.220 And he prays 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:31.780 three times 00:28:31.780 --> 00:28:32.060 that God 00:28:32.060 --> 00:28:32.740 would take it away 00:28:32.740 --> 00:28:34.940 and the answer 00:28:34.940 --> 00:28:35.700 at least 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:36.800 in that specific 00:28:36.800 --> 00:28:37.600 request was no. 00:28:37.900 --> 00:28:38.660 My grace 00:28:38.660 --> 00:28:39.580 is sufficient 00:28:39.580 --> 00:28:40.080 for you 00:28:40.080 --> 00:28:41.440 for my power 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:42.240 is made perfect 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:42.880 in weakness. 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:43.640 Now listen 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:44.440 that was not 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.360 a no answer 00:28:45.360 --> 00:28:46.500 that was a yes 00:28:46.500 --> 00:28:46.900 answer. 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:50.180 That was a yes 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:51.320 answer because 00:28:51.320 --> 00:28:52.340 at the heart 00:28:52.340 --> 00:28:53.580 what Paul wanted 00:28:53.580 --> 00:28:54.900 was for the glory 00:28:54.900 --> 00:28:55.360 of God 00:28:55.360 --> 00:28:56.140 to be known 00:28:56.140 --> 00:28:57.280 and for the kingdom 00:28:57.280 --> 00:28:58.240 of God 00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:59.160 to be advanced 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:00.279 and the power 00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:00.840 of God 00:29:00.840 --> 00:29:01.900 working through 00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:02.400 the life 00:29:02.400 --> 00:29:03.160 of Paul 00:29:03.160 --> 00:29:04.400 to be obvious. 00:29:06.640 --> 00:29:08.040 And God says 00:29:08.040 --> 00:29:09.440 Paul 00:29:09.440 --> 00:29:10.040 you want 00:29:10.040 --> 00:29:10.860 the right things. 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:13.900 The only way 00:29:13.900 --> 00:29:14.680 this can happen 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:15.740 the best way 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.800 this can happen 00:29:16.800 --> 00:29:18.460 is to strip you 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:19.279 of your personal 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:19.820 strength 00:29:19.820 --> 00:29:21.259 so I can rush 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:22.660 in with divine 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:23.180 strength. 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:24.300 This is my 00:29:24.300 --> 00:29:24.880 yes 00:29:24.880 --> 00:29:25.060 yes 00:29:25.060 --> 00:29:28.380 not a no. 00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:32.520 As the author 00:29:32.520 --> 00:29:33.100 says 00:29:33.100 --> 00:29:35.100 for all 00:29:35.100 --> 00:29:35.820 the promises 00:29:35.820 --> 00:29:36.580 of God 00:29:36.580 --> 00:29:37.260 find 00:29:37.260 --> 00:29:38.560 their yes 00:29:38.560 --> 00:29:39.380 in 00:29:39.380 --> 00:29:40.120 him. 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:43.260 That is why 00:29:43.260 --> 00:29:44.000 it is through 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:44.460 him 00:29:44.460 --> 00:29:45.420 that we utter 00:29:45.420 --> 00:29:46.300 our amen 00:29:46.300 --> 00:29:47.580 to God 00:29:47.580 --> 00:29:48.300 for his 00:29:48.300 --> 00:29:49.100 glory. 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:51.459 all of the 00:29:51.459 --> 00:29:51.939 answers 00:29:51.939 --> 00:29:53.159 to our 00:29:53.159 --> 00:29:53.599 prayers 00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:54.459 are yes 00:29:54.459 --> 00:29:55.459 in Christ 00:29:55.459 --> 00:29:57.599 as long 00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:57.959 as our 00:29:57.959 --> 00:29:58.379 prayers are 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:58.919 oriented 00:29:58.919 --> 00:30:00.339 towards the 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:01.299 glory of God 00:30:01.299 --> 00:30:02.199 and the 00:30:02.199 --> 00:30:02.819 desire for 00:30:02.819 --> 00:30:03.119 him 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:04.359 to be 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:05.139 evident 00:30:05.139 --> 00:30:05.939 in all 00:30:05.939 --> 00:30:06.299 of the 00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:06.639 affairs 00:30:06.639 --> 00:30:07.240 of life. 00:30:08.639 --> 00:30:09.240 His desire 00:30:09.240 --> 00:30:09.939 is for you 00:30:09.939 --> 00:30:10.740 to grow 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.279 in your 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:12.019 abiding 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:12.779 relationship 00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:13.839 with him 00:30:13.839 --> 00:30:15.199 and for 00:30:15.199 --> 00:30:15.759 those who 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:16.599 are affected 00:30:16.599 --> 00:30:17.079 by your 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:17.439 ministry 00:30:17.439 --> 00:30:17.759 to be 00:30:17.759 --> 00:30:18.500 drawn in 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:20.159 to relationship 00:30:20.159 --> 00:30:20.579 with him 00:30:20.579 --> 00:30:20.959 as well. 00:30:23.179 --> 00:30:24.259 So God's 00:30:24.259 --> 00:30:25.019 answers are 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:25.359 yes. 00:30:25.439 --> 00:30:25.679 We have 00:30:25.679 --> 00:30:26.439 confidence in 00:30:26.439 --> 00:30:26.699 that. 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:27.879 But notice 00:30:27.879 --> 00:30:28.599 as it moves 00:30:28.599 --> 00:30:29.000 to verses 00:30:29.000 --> 00:30:29.679 16 and 00:30:29.679 --> 00:30:30.039 17 00:30:30.039 --> 00:30:30.659 there is 00:30:30.659 --> 00:30:31.379 also this 00:30:31.379 --> 00:30:32.179 confidence 00:30:32.179 --> 00:30:32.599 that we 00:30:32.599 --> 00:30:33.099 have in 00:30:33.099 --> 00:30:33.799 God's 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:34.459 answer of 00:30:34.459 --> 00:30:34.919 forgiveness. 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:36.339 Forgiveness 00:30:36.339 --> 00:30:37.019 of sin. 00:30:38.939 --> 00:30:39.220 Let me 00:30:39.220 --> 00:30:39.639 read this 00:30:39.639 --> 00:30:40.099 for us 00:30:40.099 --> 00:30:40.459 in verse 00:30:40.459 --> 00:30:41.659 16 and 00:30:41.659 --> 00:30:42.220 17. 00:30:43.339 --> 00:30:43.779 If anyone 00:30:43.779 --> 00:30:44.339 sees his 00:30:44.339 --> 00:30:44.619 brother 00:30:44.619 --> 00:30:45.500 committing a 00:30:45.500 --> 00:30:46.099 sin not 00:30:46.099 --> 00:30:46.599 leading to 00:30:46.599 --> 00:30:47.759 death he 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:48.379 shall ask 00:30:48.379 --> 00:30:48.819 and God 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:49.180 will give 00:30:49.180 --> 00:30:49.740 him life. 00:30:50.519 --> 00:30:51.000 To those 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:51.519 who commit 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:52.139 sins that 00:30:52.139 --> 00:30:52.579 do not 00:30:52.579 --> 00:30:52.940 lead to 00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:54.160 death there 00:30:54.160 --> 00:30:54.799 is sin 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:55.359 that leads 00:30:55.359 --> 00:30:55.920 to death. 00:30:56.720 --> 00:30:57.180 I do not 00:30:57.180 --> 00:30:57.899 say that one 00:30:57.899 --> 00:30:58.299 should pray 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:58.879 about that. 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:00.480 All wrongdoing 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.240 is sin but 00:31:01.240 --> 00:31:02.279 there is sin 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:03.200 that does not 00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:03.799 lead to 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:04.119 death. 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:05.359 What in 00:31:05.359 --> 00:31:05.920 the world 00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:06.500 is this 00:31:06.500 --> 00:31:07.259 talking about? 00:31:08.180 --> 00:31:08.859 I don't 00:31:08.859 --> 00:31:09.119 know. 00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:11.339 I don't 00:31:11.339 --> 00:31:12.160 know definitively. 00:31:13.139 --> 00:31:13.579 But here 00:31:13.579 --> 00:31:13.879 are some 00:31:13.879 --> 00:31:14.220 things that 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:14.460 we do 00:31:14.460 --> 00:31:14.679 know. 00:31:15.939 --> 00:31:16.519 First of 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:16.859 all we 00:31:16.859 --> 00:31:18.139 understand 00:31:18.139 --> 00:31:19.179 that what 00:31:19.179 --> 00:31:20.599 John is 00:31:20.599 --> 00:31:21.319 talking about 00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:22.319 is not 00:31:22.319 --> 00:31:23.159 talking about 00:31:23.159 --> 00:31:23.799 praying for 00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:24.299 somebody's 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:25.339 salvation so 00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:26.139 they find 00:31:26.139 --> 00:31:26.720 their way and 00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:27.339 now all of a 00:31:27.339 --> 00:31:28.139 sudden magically 00:31:28.139 --> 00:31:28.679 become a 00:31:28.679 --> 00:31:29.000 Christian. 00:31:29.919 --> 00:31:30.539 Certainly we 00:31:30.539 --> 00:31:30.899 need to be 00:31:30.899 --> 00:31:31.359 praying for 00:31:31.359 --> 00:31:32.119 the souls of 00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:32.559 those who 00:31:32.559 --> 00:31:33.179 are lost. 00:31:33.579 --> 00:31:34.639 Jesus on 00:31:34.639 --> 00:31:35.359 the cross 00:31:35.359 --> 00:31:35.980 says Father 00:31:35.980 --> 00:31:36.619 forgive them 00:31:36.619 --> 00:31:37.179 they know 00:31:37.179 --> 00:31:37.519 not what 00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:37.939 they do. 00:31:38.859 --> 00:31:39.399 We need to 00:31:39.399 --> 00:31:40.019 be praying 00:31:40.019 --> 00:31:40.700 for the 00:31:40.700 --> 00:31:41.180 lost. 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:42.539 But we 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:43.339 cannot pray 00:31:43.339 --> 00:31:44.099 them to 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:44.619 salvation. 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:45.339 We cannot 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:45.980 pray them 00:31:45.980 --> 00:31:46.619 into heaven. 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:47.879 That is 00:31:47.879 --> 00:31:48.299 something they 00:31:48.299 --> 00:31:48.920 must do for 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.400 themselves. 00:31:50.180 --> 00:31:50.759 Repentance 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.799 and obedience 00:31:51.799 --> 00:31:53.119 and yielding 00:31:53.119 --> 00:31:53.740 to God is 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.119 something that 00:31:54.119 --> 00:31:54.680 has to happen 00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:55.259 personally. 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:56.740 Something that 00:31:56.740 --> 00:31:57.500 only can be 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:58.440 done individually. 00:31:58.799 --> 00:31:59.339 We can't do 00:31:59.339 --> 00:32:00.119 it for them. 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:01.420 So this is 00:32:01.420 --> 00:32:02.299 not a prayer 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:03.519 for salvation 00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:04.460 for those who 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:05.180 are lost. 00:32:05.180 --> 00:32:05.299 lost. 00:32:06.200 --> 00:32:06.860 This is 00:32:06.860 --> 00:32:08.620 also not a 00:32:08.620 --> 00:32:09.740 prayer for 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:11.700 forgiveness to 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.680 those who are 00:32:12.680 --> 00:32:13.660 absent in the 00:32:13.660 --> 00:32:14.259 process. 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:16.440 What I mean by 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:18.539 that is if you 00:32:18.539 --> 00:32:19.279 are aware of 00:32:19.279 --> 00:32:21.080 individuals in 00:32:21.080 --> 00:32:21.720 your life who 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:22.279 are Christians 00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:23.779 and are sinning 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:24.900 their sin 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:25.480 doesn't lead to 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:25.960 death meaning 00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:26.740 their sin isn't 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.320 going to lead 00:32:27.320 --> 00:32:28.120 them to eternal 00:32:28.120 --> 00:32:28.620 destruction. 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:30.620 You can't just 00:32:30.620 --> 00:32:31.380 shoot off these 00:32:31.380 --> 00:32:32.320 prayers and pray 00:32:32.320 --> 00:32:32.960 for forgiveness 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:34.740 for them and 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:36.079 that will all 00:32:36.079 --> 00:32:36.640 of a sudden be 00:32:36.640 --> 00:32:37.059 covered. 00:32:37.660 --> 00:32:37.799 Okay? 00:32:38.880 --> 00:32:40.079 I'll just pray 00:32:40.079 --> 00:32:40.640 for everyone in 00:32:40.640 --> 00:32:41.099 my church. 00:32:41.359 --> 00:32:41.940 They're sinning 00:32:41.940 --> 00:32:42.400 these various 00:32:42.400 --> 00:32:43.839 sins and then 00:32:43.839 --> 00:32:44.200 we'll be 00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:45.299 perfectly sanctified. 00:32:46.039 --> 00:32:47.099 No, as John 00:32:47.099 --> 00:32:48.039 says in 1 John 00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:48.640 chapter 1, 00:32:49.019 --> 00:32:49.980 if we confess 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:51.180 our sin, he is 00:32:51.180 --> 00:32:52.039 faithful and just 00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:52.380 to forgive. 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:54.440 That again is 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:55.720 also requires 00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:56.519 personal 00:32:56.519 --> 00:32:57.599 brokenness. 00:32:58.420 --> 00:32:59.200 It requires 00:32:59.200 --> 00:32:59.980 personal 00:32:59.980 --> 00:33:00.680 confession. 00:33:01.880 --> 00:33:02.460 A personal 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.640 recognition of 00:33:03.640 --> 00:33:04.160 our own 00:33:04.160 --> 00:33:05.420 dysfunction and 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:06.519 stepping out 00:33:06.519 --> 00:33:07.080 of line. 00:33:07.740 --> 00:33:08.320 Now, what I 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:08.860 think this is 00:33:08.860 --> 00:33:09.420 talking about 00:33:09.420 --> 00:33:10.720 is closer to 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.240 what we find 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:11.720 in James 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:12.360 chapter 5. 00:33:13.060 --> 00:33:13.960 James chapter 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.680 5, that 00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:16.500 verse 16, 00:33:17.620 --> 00:33:18.519 where those 00:33:18.519 --> 00:33:19.360 who are involved 00:33:19.360 --> 00:33:20.680 in sin ask 00:33:20.680 --> 00:33:21.420 for their 00:33:21.420 --> 00:33:22.120 fellow brothers 00:33:22.120 --> 00:33:23.759 and sisters to 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.160 come around 00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:24.400 them. 00:33:25.540 --> 00:33:26.259 And it says, 00:33:26.540 --> 00:33:26.759 therefore, 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:27.680 confess your 00:33:27.680 --> 00:33:28.759 sin to one 00:33:28.759 --> 00:33:30.060 another and 00:33:30.060 --> 00:33:31.320 pray for one 00:33:31.320 --> 00:33:32.820 another that you 00:33:32.820 --> 00:33:33.420 may be healed. 00:33:33.420 --> 00:33:35.259 the prayer of 00:33:35.259 --> 00:33:35.660 a righteous 00:33:35.660 --> 00:33:36.460 person has 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:37.220 great power 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:38.220 as it is 00:33:38.220 --> 00:33:38.539 working. 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:41.400 I don't know 00:33:41.400 --> 00:33:41.800 about you, 00:33:41.880 --> 00:33:42.200 but there have 00:33:42.200 --> 00:33:42.800 been times in 00:33:42.800 --> 00:33:44.460 my life where 00:33:44.460 --> 00:33:44.840 I have been 00:33:44.840 --> 00:33:47.980 so, felt so 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:49.920 bankrupt 00:33:49.920 --> 00:33:50.640 spiritually. 00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:52.539 I feel so 00:33:52.539 --> 00:33:54.860 disqualified as 00:33:54.860 --> 00:33:55.400 an individual. 00:33:55.620 --> 00:33:56.320 I feel like I've 00:33:56.320 --> 00:33:57.440 blown it so 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:58.960 much that God 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.900 couldn't possibly 00:33:59.900 --> 00:34:00.600 hear my prayer. 00:34:00.599 --> 00:34:02.879 and so I 00:34:02.879 --> 00:34:04.919 confess my 00:34:04.919 --> 00:34:06.279 sin to a 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:06.899 brother in 00:34:06.899 --> 00:34:07.659 Christ and 00:34:07.659 --> 00:34:08.380 say, would 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:09.019 you just please 00:34:09.019 --> 00:34:09.559 pray for me? 00:34:10.259 --> 00:34:10.719 I just need 00:34:10.719 --> 00:34:12.400 God to rush 00:34:12.400 --> 00:34:13.199 into my life 00:34:13.199 --> 00:34:13.779 and to fill 00:34:13.779 --> 00:34:14.619 the vacuum 00:34:14.619 --> 00:34:15.420 of my heart. 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:16.900 And that 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.759 brother comes 00:34:17.759 --> 00:34:18.519 alongside and 00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:19.039 says, I'd just 00:34:19.039 --> 00:34:19.779 love to pray 00:34:19.779 --> 00:34:20.139 for you. 00:34:21.299 --> 00:34:23.400 And in his 00:34:23.400 --> 00:34:24.259 righteousness 00:34:24.259 --> 00:34:27.000 carries me to 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:27.380 the throne, 00:34:27.380 --> 00:34:29.760 pleads for 00:34:29.760 --> 00:34:30.539 me on my 00:34:30.539 --> 00:34:31.920 behalf for 00:34:31.920 --> 00:34:32.460 forgiveness, 00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:34.160 pleads for 00:34:34.160 --> 00:34:35.019 God's mercy to 00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:35.480 come through, 00:34:35.840 --> 00:34:37.840 and I am 00:34:37.840 --> 00:34:38.660 met by the 00:34:38.660 --> 00:34:39.280 fellowship of 00:34:39.280 --> 00:34:39.800 God and I 00:34:39.800 --> 00:34:40.980 am joined in 00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:41.720 fellowship with 00:34:41.720 --> 00:34:41.900 him. 00:34:43.099 --> 00:34:43.920 That is the 00:34:43.920 --> 00:34:44.619 blessing that we 00:34:44.619 --> 00:34:45.539 have as believers 00:34:45.539 --> 00:34:46.660 in Christ, to do 00:34:46.660 --> 00:34:47.200 that for one 00:34:47.200 --> 00:34:48.160 another as we're 00:34:48.160 --> 00:34:48.960 willing to confess 00:34:48.960 --> 00:34:49.660 our faults to 00:34:49.660 --> 00:34:50.619 one another so 00:34:50.619 --> 00:34:51.180 that you might be 00:34:51.180 --> 00:34:51.440 healed. 00:34:53.059 --> 00:34:53.780 Galatians chapter 00:34:53.780 --> 00:34:54.539 6, 1 and 2 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.420 says much the 00:34:55.420 --> 00:34:55.940 same thing. 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:57.360 It says, 00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:57.920 Brothers, if 00:34:57.920 --> 00:34:58.740 anyone is caught 00:34:58.740 --> 00:34:59.639 in a transgression, 00:35:00.099 --> 00:35:00.559 you who are 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:01.720 spiritual, restore 00:35:01.720 --> 00:35:03.079 such a one in a 00:35:03.079 --> 00:35:03.740 spirit of 00:35:03.740 --> 00:35:04.280 gentleness. 00:35:05.179 --> 00:35:05.940 That's what we're 00:35:05.940 --> 00:35:06.740 talking about here. 00:35:07.860 --> 00:35:08.139 We're talking 00:35:08.139 --> 00:35:09.840 about recognizing 00:35:09.840 --> 00:35:10.800 the dysfunction 00:35:10.800 --> 00:35:12.380 of your brother 00:35:12.380 --> 00:35:13.139 or sister in 00:35:13.139 --> 00:35:14.280 Christ, and 00:35:14.280 --> 00:35:14.760 rather than 00:35:14.760 --> 00:35:15.300 holding that 00:35:15.300 --> 00:35:16.059 against them, 00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:17.920 rushing to the 00:35:17.920 --> 00:35:19.019 rescue to seek 00:35:19.019 --> 00:35:19.980 to bring them 00:35:19.980 --> 00:35:20.579 into fellowship 00:35:20.579 --> 00:35:21.079 with God, 00:35:22.200 --> 00:35:23.099 praying with 00:35:23.099 --> 00:35:23.840 them over sin, 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:25.340 seeking God's 00:35:25.340 --> 00:35:25.740 forgiveness, 00:35:25.940 --> 00:35:27.240 filling the gap, 00:35:27.400 --> 00:35:28.019 filling the void 00:35:28.019 --> 00:35:28.659 of their own 00:35:28.659 --> 00:35:29.700 spiritual life, 00:35:29.820 --> 00:35:30.740 and seeking to 00:35:30.740 --> 00:35:31.320 lead them in 00:35:31.320 --> 00:35:32.500 communion with 00:35:32.500 --> 00:35:33.139 God himself. 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.420 Verses 18 and 00:35:36.420 --> 00:35:39.059 19, our next 00:35:39.059 --> 00:35:40.400 point, talk about 00:35:40.400 --> 00:35:42.000 the certainty of 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:43.920 spiritual preservation, 00:35:44.679 --> 00:35:45.480 certainty of 00:35:45.480 --> 00:35:47.720 divine preservation. 00:35:50.679 --> 00:35:51.639 Let me read this 00:35:51.639 --> 00:35:52.179 for us. 00:35:52.179 --> 00:35:52.480 Let's see. 00:35:52.480 --> 00:35:52.480 00:35:55.940 --> 00:35:58.760 we know that 00:35:58.760 --> 00:35:59.720 everyone who has 00:35:59.720 --> 00:36:00.619 been born of God 00:36:00.619 --> 00:36:01.400 does not keep 00:36:01.400 --> 00:36:01.940 on sinning. 00:36:02.980 --> 00:36:04.820 But he who is 00:36:04.820 --> 00:36:05.619 born of God 00:36:05.619 --> 00:36:06.780 protects him, 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:08.659 and the evil one 00:36:08.659 --> 00:36:10.340 does not touch him. 00:36:11.300 --> 00:36:12.360 We know that we 00:36:12.360 --> 00:36:13.179 are from God, 00:36:13.240 --> 00:36:14.059 and the whole world 00:36:14.059 --> 00:36:15.679 lies in the power 00:36:15.679 --> 00:36:17.019 of the evil one. 00:36:17.019 --> 00:36:20.199 and we know the 00:36:20.199 --> 00:36:20.960 Son of God has 00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:21.559 come and has 00:36:21.559 --> 00:36:22.179 given us 00:36:22.179 --> 00:36:23.460 understanding so 00:36:23.460 --> 00:36:24.480 that we may 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:25.300 know him who 00:36:25.300 --> 00:36:25.940 is true, 00:36:26.719 --> 00:36:27.619 and we are in 00:36:27.619 --> 00:36:28.239 him who is 00:36:28.239 --> 00:36:28.619 true, 00:36:28.940 --> 00:36:30.139 in his Son, 00:36:30.400 --> 00:36:31.679 Jesus Christ. 00:36:33.019 --> 00:36:34.139 He is the 00:36:34.139 --> 00:36:35.000 true God 00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:36.139 and eternal 00:36:36.139 --> 00:36:36.579 life. 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:38.059 Little children, 00:36:38.239 --> 00:36:39.280 keep yourselves 00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:40.099 from idols. 00:36:40.099 --> 00:36:41.940 over the past 00:36:41.940 --> 00:36:43.039 couple of weeks, 00:36:43.079 --> 00:36:43.319 we have been 00:36:43.319 --> 00:36:43.900 talking about 00:36:43.900 --> 00:36:45.500 the overcoming, 00:36:46.019 --> 00:36:46.679 victorious, 00:36:47.039 --> 00:36:48.480 triumphant life 00:36:48.480 --> 00:36:49.199 of the Christian. 00:36:49.940 --> 00:36:51.019 Not because of 00:36:51.019 --> 00:36:52.119 some resident 00:36:52.119 --> 00:36:53.019 power that we 00:36:53.019 --> 00:36:53.880 have in and of 00:36:53.880 --> 00:36:54.279 ourselves, 00:36:54.339 --> 00:36:55.059 but because of 00:36:55.059 --> 00:36:55.719 the indwelling 00:36:55.719 --> 00:36:56.819 power of the 00:36:56.819 --> 00:36:57.339 Holy Spirit 00:36:57.339 --> 00:36:58.759 who strengthens 00:36:58.759 --> 00:37:00.259 us for this 00:37:00.259 --> 00:37:01.299 walk that we 00:37:01.299 --> 00:37:01.880 have from day 00:37:01.880 --> 00:37:02.159 to day. 00:37:03.039 --> 00:37:03.639 It is an 00:37:03.639 --> 00:37:04.239 overcoming, 00:37:04.519 --> 00:37:05.299 triumphant life 00:37:05.299 --> 00:37:06.519 because of this 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:07.679 abiding relationship 00:37:07.679 --> 00:37:08.480 that we experience 00:37:08.480 --> 00:37:09.099 with Christ. 00:37:09.099 --> 00:37:10.699 because of the 00:37:10.699 --> 00:37:11.539 power of the 00:37:11.539 --> 00:37:12.139 Spirit that is 00:37:12.139 --> 00:37:13.239 working within. 00:37:14.679 --> 00:37:15.319 That is what 00:37:15.319 --> 00:37:16.400 John wants them 00:37:16.400 --> 00:37:17.039 to have confidence 00:37:17.039 --> 00:37:17.400 about. 00:37:18.199 --> 00:37:18.920 No matter how 00:37:18.920 --> 00:37:20.460 bad this life 00:37:20.460 --> 00:37:21.339 becomes, 00:37:21.819 --> 00:37:22.539 no matter how 00:37:22.539 --> 00:37:23.119 great your 00:37:23.119 --> 00:37:24.039 adversary might 00:37:24.039 --> 00:37:24.440 be, 00:37:24.960 --> 00:37:25.639 and he points 00:37:25.639 --> 00:37:26.259 to how bad 00:37:26.259 --> 00:37:26.759 he is, 00:37:27.259 --> 00:37:28.519 he says here 00:37:28.519 --> 00:37:30.559 that the evil 00:37:30.559 --> 00:37:31.920 one cannot 00:37:31.920 --> 00:37:32.539 touch him. 00:37:35.119 --> 00:37:35.759 Peter, 00:37:36.679 --> 00:37:37.339 in talking about 00:37:37.339 --> 00:37:38.119 the characteristics 00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:39.159 of the evil 00:37:39.159 --> 00:37:39.400 one, 00:37:39.480 --> 00:37:39.719 says, 00:37:40.079 --> 00:37:40.579 watch out, 00:37:41.859 --> 00:37:42.500 Satan walks 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:43.219 around like a 00:37:43.219 --> 00:37:43.839 roaring lion 00:37:43.839 --> 00:37:44.599 seeking whom 00:37:44.599 --> 00:37:45.559 he may devour. 00:37:46.259 --> 00:37:47.319 We have a 00:37:47.319 --> 00:37:48.179 great adversary. 00:37:49.759 --> 00:37:50.579 So often, 00:37:50.699 --> 00:37:51.699 I find myself 00:37:51.699 --> 00:37:52.779 becoming 00:37:52.779 --> 00:37:54.420 complacent, 00:37:57.079 --> 00:37:57.559 sometimes 00:37:57.559 --> 00:37:59.039 apathetic, 00:38:00.179 --> 00:38:01.839 maybe even a 00:38:01.839 --> 00:38:02.839 little ignorant 00:38:02.840 --> 00:38:04.500 to the involvement 00:38:04.500 --> 00:38:05.039 of our 00:38:05.039 --> 00:38:05.860 adversary in 00:38:05.860 --> 00:38:06.320 this world. 00:38:07.660 --> 00:38:08.700 It finds a 00:38:08.700 --> 00:38:09.360 way to use 00:38:09.360 --> 00:38:10.019 the systems 00:38:10.019 --> 00:38:10.820 of this world 00:38:10.820 --> 00:38:11.900 to corrupt, 00:38:12.740 --> 00:38:13.760 to lead us 00:38:13.760 --> 00:38:14.360 into sin, 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:16.100 to change our 00:38:16.100 --> 00:38:17.079 orientation in 00:38:17.079 --> 00:38:18.059 terms of how we 00:38:18.059 --> 00:38:18.700 think, the 00:38:18.700 --> 00:38:19.579 philosophies of 00:38:19.579 --> 00:38:20.160 this world, 00:38:20.800 --> 00:38:21.820 to lead us in a 00:38:21.820 --> 00:38:22.880 direction that 00:38:22.880 --> 00:38:23.900 takes us away 00:38:23.900 --> 00:38:24.600 from God. 00:38:24.599 --> 00:38:27.440 God says, 00:38:27.440 --> 00:38:27.900 but those who 00:38:27.900 --> 00:38:28.319 have this 00:38:28.319 --> 00:38:28.599 abiding 00:38:28.599 --> 00:38:29.159 relationship 00:38:29.159 --> 00:38:29.880 with Christ, 00:38:31.639 --> 00:38:32.519 God says, 00:38:32.819 --> 00:38:33.480 in the end, 00:38:34.679 --> 00:38:35.519 nothing can 00:38:35.519 --> 00:38:36.000 touch you. 00:38:36.599 --> 00:38:37.380 No matter how 00:38:37.380 --> 00:38:38.380 bad it gets, 00:38:39.159 --> 00:38:40.039 you are mine. 00:38:41.920 --> 00:38:42.480 Kind of like 00:38:42.480 --> 00:38:43.699 what he says 00:38:43.699 --> 00:38:44.119 to Peter. 00:38:45.059 --> 00:38:45.380 He says, 00:38:45.739 --> 00:38:45.960 Peter, 00:38:46.779 --> 00:38:47.360 Satan has 00:38:47.360 --> 00:38:48.119 desired to 00:38:48.119 --> 00:38:48.559 sift you 00:38:48.559 --> 00:38:49.199 like wheat, 00:38:49.960 --> 00:38:51.119 but I've 00:38:51.119 --> 00:38:51.659 prayed for you. 00:38:51.659 --> 00:38:53.219 I've prayed 00:38:53.219 --> 00:38:53.679 for you. 00:38:54.519 --> 00:38:55.119 You're mine, 00:38:55.279 --> 00:38:55.480 Peter. 00:38:56.759 --> 00:38:57.599 No one can 00:38:57.599 --> 00:38:58.059 touch you 00:38:58.059 --> 00:38:58.759 because you 00:38:58.759 --> 00:38:59.799 belong to 00:38:59.799 --> 00:39:00.159 me. 00:39:01.359 --> 00:39:02.159 We have that 00:39:02.159 --> 00:39:02.679 promise in 00:39:02.679 --> 00:39:03.359 Ephesians chapter 00:39:03.359 --> 00:39:04.599 1 that the 00:39:04.599 --> 00:39:05.819 Holy Spirit is 00:39:05.819 --> 00:39:06.699 our guarantee 00:39:06.699 --> 00:39:07.839 of salvation 00:39:07.839 --> 00:39:08.659 until the 00:39:08.659 --> 00:39:09.099 coming of 00:39:09.099 --> 00:39:09.599 Christ. 00:39:09.980 --> 00:39:10.719 Nothing can 00:39:10.719 --> 00:39:11.359 touch you. 00:39:12.359 --> 00:39:12.619 You don't 00:39:12.619 --> 00:39:13.259 have to worry 00:39:13.259 --> 00:39:14.619 about what's 00:39:14.619 --> 00:39:14.960 coming. 00:39:16.000 --> 00:39:16.359 They may 00:39:16.359 --> 00:39:16.819 touch your 00:39:16.819 --> 00:39:18.159 life, but 00:39:18.159 --> 00:39:18.559 they cannot 00:39:18.559 --> 00:39:19.099 touch your 00:39:19.099 --> 00:39:19.420 soul. 00:39:19.980 --> 00:39:20.399 They cannot 00:39:20.399 --> 00:39:20.920 affect your 00:39:20.920 --> 00:39:21.239 future 00:39:21.239 --> 00:39:21.779 destiny. 00:39:22.359 --> 00:39:22.959 You belong 00:39:22.959 --> 00:39:23.699 to me. 00:39:24.219 --> 00:39:24.679 You can be 00:39:24.679 --> 00:39:25.179 settled in 00:39:25.179 --> 00:39:25.419 that. 00:39:25.699 --> 00:39:26.139 You can move 00:39:26.139 --> 00:39:26.659 forward in 00:39:26.659 --> 00:39:27.799 confidence because 00:39:27.799 --> 00:39:28.259 of that and 00:39:28.259 --> 00:39:29.319 because of the 00:39:29.319 --> 00:39:30.399 confidence of 00:39:30.399 --> 00:39:31.479 divine preservation, 00:39:32.099 --> 00:39:33.199 there can be 00:39:33.199 --> 00:39:34.539 great risk 00:39:34.539 --> 00:39:35.679 taking in the 00:39:35.679 --> 00:39:36.559 spiritual life. 00:39:41.259 --> 00:39:42.279 I'm challenged 00:39:42.279 --> 00:39:43.959 to think of 00:39:43.959 --> 00:39:44.699 what we might 00:39:44.699 --> 00:39:45.339 be able to 00:39:45.339 --> 00:39:46.099 accomplish if 00:39:46.099 --> 00:39:46.759 we were willing 00:39:46.759 --> 00:39:48.119 to really trust 00:39:48.119 --> 00:39:48.879 in the promise 00:39:48.879 --> 00:39:50.019 of that divine 00:39:50.019 --> 00:39:50.479 preservation. 00:39:51.239 --> 00:39:52.939 what might 00:39:52.939 --> 00:39:53.699 we be able 00:39:53.699 --> 00:39:54.259 to do? 00:39:55.419 --> 00:39:56.199 I was even 00:39:56.199 --> 00:39:56.779 thinking about 00:39:56.779 --> 00:39:57.419 this a couple 00:39:57.419 --> 00:39:58.239 years ago when 00:39:58.239 --> 00:39:59.779 one of my 00:39:59.779 --> 00:40:00.459 kids started 00:40:00.459 --> 00:40:01.239 learning Arabic. 00:40:02.039 --> 00:40:02.579 I thought to 00:40:02.579 --> 00:40:04.399 myself, what is 00:40:04.399 --> 00:40:04.939 this going to 00:40:04.939 --> 00:40:05.959 mean in terms of 00:40:05.959 --> 00:40:06.899 where is she 00:40:06.899 --> 00:40:07.699 going to end 00:40:07.699 --> 00:40:07.919 up? 00:40:07.919 --> 00:40:08.719 What is God 00:40:08.719 --> 00:40:09.379 doing in her 00:40:09.379 --> 00:40:10.399 life to move 00:40:10.399 --> 00:40:11.879 her to places 00:40:11.879 --> 00:40:13.599 of riskiness, 00:40:14.179 --> 00:40:16.479 the jeopardy 00:40:16.479 --> 00:40:17.359 of the 00:40:17.359 --> 00:40:18.559 physical life? 00:40:18.559 --> 00:40:18.659 life? 00:40:19.659 --> 00:40:20.179 What might 00:40:20.179 --> 00:40:20.820 her future 00:40:20.820 --> 00:40:21.480 become? 00:40:23.860 --> 00:40:24.400 That is, 00:40:25.019 --> 00:40:25.679 should be a 00:40:25.679 --> 00:40:26.400 minor concern 00:40:26.400 --> 00:40:26.940 because what 00:40:26.940 --> 00:40:27.779 really matters 00:40:27.779 --> 00:40:29.019 is that we 00:40:29.019 --> 00:40:30.139 are anchored 00:40:30.139 --> 00:40:30.579 in him. 00:40:30.759 --> 00:40:31.159 We are 00:40:31.159 --> 00:40:32.099 preserved by 00:40:32.099 --> 00:40:32.420 him. 00:40:32.659 --> 00:40:33.480 We have a 00:40:33.480 --> 00:40:34.340 future destiny 00:40:34.340 --> 00:40:35.119 in heaven 00:40:35.119 --> 00:40:35.860 because of 00:40:35.860 --> 00:40:36.139 him. 00:40:37.139 --> 00:40:37.699 It should 00:40:37.699 --> 00:40:38.279 lead us to 00:40:38.279 --> 00:40:40.019 great risk 00:40:40.019 --> 00:40:41.619 taking in 00:40:41.619 --> 00:40:42.360 our missions 00:40:42.360 --> 00:40:42.840 endeavors, 00:40:43.779 --> 00:40:44.079 in our 00:40:44.079 --> 00:40:44.799 willingness to 00:40:44.799 --> 00:40:46.039 accept much 00:40:46.039 --> 00:40:46.500 for the sake 00:40:46.500 --> 00:40:46.800 of him. 00:40:49.059 --> 00:40:49.579 Finally, 00:40:50.179 --> 00:40:50.739 verses 20 00:40:50.739 --> 00:40:51.179 and 21, 00:40:52.059 --> 00:40:52.460 we have 00:40:52.460 --> 00:40:53.000 certainty 00:40:53.000 --> 00:40:54.239 about the 00:40:54.239 --> 00:40:54.539 truth. 00:40:56.199 --> 00:40:56.739 Certainty 00:40:56.739 --> 00:40:57.199 about the 00:40:57.199 --> 00:40:57.519 truth. 00:40:59.699 --> 00:41:00.099 We know 00:41:00.099 --> 00:41:00.420 him, 00:41:02.340 --> 00:41:02.619 we know, 00:41:02.659 --> 00:41:02.960 excuse me, 00:41:03.000 --> 00:41:03.559 we know that 00:41:03.559 --> 00:41:04.039 the son of 00:41:04.039 --> 00:41:05.159 God has 00:41:05.159 --> 00:41:06.119 come and 00:41:06.119 --> 00:41:06.539 has given 00:41:06.539 --> 00:41:07.380 us understanding 00:41:07.380 --> 00:41:08.880 so that we 00:41:08.880 --> 00:41:09.679 may know 00:41:09.679 --> 00:41:10.639 him who 00:41:10.639 --> 00:41:12.019 is true. 00:41:13.019 --> 00:41:13.779 We are in 00:41:13.779 --> 00:41:15.119 him who is 00:41:15.119 --> 00:41:15.880 true in 00:41:15.880 --> 00:41:16.579 his son, 00:41:16.739 --> 00:41:17.480 Jesus Christ. 00:41:17.819 --> 00:41:18.880 He is the 00:41:18.880 --> 00:41:19.559 true God 00:41:19.559 --> 00:41:20.539 and eternal 00:41:20.539 --> 00:41:20.960 life. 00:41:22.019 --> 00:41:22.619 It is 00:41:22.619 --> 00:41:23.619 astounding 00:41:23.619 --> 00:41:24.339 to think 00:41:24.339 --> 00:41:26.299 that we 00:41:26.299 --> 00:41:27.319 have access 00:41:27.319 --> 00:41:28.579 to truth. 00:41:29.579 --> 00:41:30.139 We have 00:41:30.139 --> 00:41:30.639 the ability 00:41:30.639 --> 00:41:31.599 to walk 00:41:31.599 --> 00:41:32.239 through this 00:41:32.239 --> 00:41:33.500 life convinced 00:41:33.500 --> 00:41:34.279 of the 00:41:34.279 --> 00:41:34.739 truth, 00:41:35.159 --> 00:41:35.699 anchored in 00:41:35.699 --> 00:41:36.179 the truth, 00:41:36.519 --> 00:41:37.079 walking in 00:41:37.079 --> 00:41:37.579 the truth. 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:40.339 God has 00:41:40.339 --> 00:41:40.819 given us 00:41:40.819 --> 00:41:41.579 understanding 00:41:41.579 --> 00:41:42.699 through his 00:41:42.699 --> 00:41:43.259 word and 00:41:43.259 --> 00:41:43.579 through his 00:41:43.579 --> 00:41:44.239 Holy Spirit 00:41:44.239 --> 00:41:46.219 spirit and 00:41:46.219 --> 00:41:46.799 because of 00:41:46.799 --> 00:41:47.419 the truth 00:41:47.419 --> 00:41:48.279 that he has 00:41:48.279 --> 00:41:49.219 given to us 00:41:49.219 --> 00:41:49.699 through his 00:41:49.699 --> 00:41:51.199 son, we 00:41:51.199 --> 00:41:51.479 know we 00:41:51.479 --> 00:41:52.379 can please 00:41:52.379 --> 00:41:52.839 him and 00:41:52.839 --> 00:41:53.519 fellowship with 00:41:53.519 --> 00:41:54.739 him and 00:41:54.739 --> 00:41:55.699 we can give 00:41:55.699 --> 00:41:56.299 that message 00:41:56.299 --> 00:41:56.839 to those who 00:41:56.839 --> 00:41:57.279 desperately 00:41:57.279 --> 00:41:57.799 need it. 00:42:00.699 --> 00:42:01.079 As we 00:42:01.079 --> 00:42:01.639 come to 00:42:01.639 --> 00:42:03.139 the end of 00:42:03.139 --> 00:42:03.799 our service 00:42:03.799 --> 00:42:04.219 and now 00:42:04.219 --> 00:42:05.859 move to 00:42:05.859 --> 00:42:07.219 this time 00:42:07.219 --> 00:42:07.839 of communion, 00:42:08.119 --> 00:42:08.919 I want us 00:42:08.919 --> 00:42:09.899 now to back 00:42:09.899 --> 00:42:10.859 up to 00:42:10.859 --> 00:42:11.239 point number 00:42:11.239 --> 00:42:11.500 one. 00:42:11.500 --> 00:42:15.199 certainty 00:42:15.199 --> 00:42:16.400 about 00:42:16.400 --> 00:42:17.159 Jesus 00:42:17.159 --> 00:42:17.659 Christ. 00:42:19.860 --> 00:42:20.659 What a 00:42:20.659 --> 00:42:21.280 sweet truth 00:42:21.280 --> 00:42:22.039 this is. 00:42:23.920 --> 00:42:24.300 And God 00:42:24.300 --> 00:42:24.760 has given 00:42:24.760 --> 00:42:26.000 us evidences 00:42:26.000 --> 00:42:27.079 in three 00:42:27.079 --> 00:42:27.860 different ways. 00:42:28.719 --> 00:42:29.099 Evidence 00:42:29.099 --> 00:42:29.739 through the 00:42:29.739 --> 00:42:30.079 water, 00:42:31.239 --> 00:42:31.579 evidence 00:42:31.579 --> 00:42:32.380 through the 00:42:32.380 --> 00:42:32.760 blood, 00:42:32.920 --> 00:42:33.460 and evidence 00:42:33.460 --> 00:42:34.000 through his 00:42:34.000 --> 00:42:34.579 Holy Spirit. 00:42:35.639 --> 00:42:36.019 We could 00:42:36.019 --> 00:42:36.440 spend an 00:42:36.440 --> 00:42:37.280 entire message 00:42:37.280 --> 00:42:37.940 talking about 00:42:37.940 --> 00:42:38.780 these three 00:42:38.780 --> 00:42:39.460 evidences that 00:42:39.460 --> 00:42:39.980 God has given 00:42:39.980 --> 00:42:40.440 to us. 00:42:41.079 --> 00:42:41.659 The evidence 00:42:41.659 --> 00:42:41.960 of the 00:42:41.960 --> 00:42:42.420 water is 00:42:42.420 --> 00:42:42.920 the evidence 00:42:42.920 --> 00:42:43.280 of his 00:42:43.280 --> 00:42:43.800 baptism. 00:42:44.900 --> 00:42:45.340 It's the 00:42:45.340 --> 00:42:46.039 evidence of 00:42:46.039 --> 00:42:47.440 Jesus in 00:42:47.440 --> 00:42:48.000 his willingness 00:42:48.000 --> 00:42:48.599 to be 00:42:48.599 --> 00:42:49.019 obedient. 00:42:50.440 --> 00:42:51.039 John, if 00:42:51.039 --> 00:42:51.539 you remember 00:42:51.539 --> 00:42:52.019 John the 00:42:52.019 --> 00:42:52.760 Baptist, when 00:42:52.760 --> 00:42:53.519 Jesus came 00:42:53.519 --> 00:42:53.920 to be 00:42:53.920 --> 00:42:54.480 baptized, 00:42:55.159 --> 00:42:56.219 pushed back 00:42:56.219 --> 00:42:57.000 against Jesus 00:42:57.000 --> 00:42:57.940 and essentially 00:42:57.940 --> 00:42:58.659 said, what are 00:42:58.659 --> 00:42:59.099 you doing here? 00:42:59.159 --> 00:42:59.940 You don't need 00:42:59.940 --> 00:43:00.619 baptism. 00:43:00.780 --> 00:43:01.179 This is the 00:43:01.179 --> 00:43:01.800 baptism of 00:43:01.800 --> 00:43:02.159 repentance. 00:43:03.539 --> 00:43:04.019 And Jesus, 00:43:04.619 --> 00:43:05.320 in response 00:43:05.320 --> 00:43:05.639 to him, 00:43:05.699 --> 00:43:06.199 says, I 00:43:06.199 --> 00:43:07.659 must fulfill 00:43:07.659 --> 00:43:08.599 all 00:43:08.599 --> 00:43:09.440 righteousness. 00:43:09.980 --> 00:43:12.539 this is 00:43:12.539 --> 00:43:13.360 necessary 00:43:13.360 --> 00:43:14.639 because I 00:43:14.639 --> 00:43:15.199 must now 00:43:15.199 --> 00:43:15.559 be the 00:43:15.559 --> 00:43:16.260 means of 00:43:16.260 --> 00:43:16.780 righteousness 00:43:16.780 --> 00:43:17.659 to all. 00:43:18.579 --> 00:43:19.539 Instead of 00:43:19.539 --> 00:43:20.719 forgiveness 00:43:20.719 --> 00:43:21.980 flowing through 00:43:21.980 --> 00:43:24.360 the sacrifices, 00:43:25.340 --> 00:43:26.240 instead of 00:43:26.240 --> 00:43:27.260 purity coming 00:43:27.260 --> 00:43:28.059 through the 00:43:28.059 --> 00:43:28.940 washing of 00:43:28.940 --> 00:43:29.880 the priests 00:43:29.880 --> 00:43:30.559 and their 00:43:30.559 --> 00:43:31.400 communion with 00:43:31.400 --> 00:43:32.619 God through 00:43:32.619 --> 00:43:33.920 the context 00:43:33.920 --> 00:43:34.639 of the 00:43:34.639 --> 00:43:35.019 temple, 00:43:35.960 --> 00:43:36.940 Jesus established 00:43:36.940 --> 00:43:38.079 himself as the 00:43:38.079 --> 00:43:39.039 means by which 00:43:39.039 --> 00:43:39.719 we can get 00:43:39.719 --> 00:43:40.179 to God. 00:43:41.259 --> 00:43:42.099 Jesus must 00:43:42.099 --> 00:43:42.960 fulfill all 00:43:42.960 --> 00:43:43.639 righteousness. 00:43:44.400 --> 00:43:45.019 That forgiveness 00:43:45.019 --> 00:43:46.000 flows through 00:43:46.000 --> 00:43:46.320 him. 00:43:46.679 --> 00:43:46.980 Cleansing 00:43:46.980 --> 00:43:47.960 comes through 00:43:47.960 --> 00:43:49.119 Christ and 00:43:49.119 --> 00:43:49.500 not through 00:43:49.500 --> 00:43:49.779 any other 00:43:49.779 --> 00:43:50.279 means. 00:43:52.079 --> 00:43:53.599 Baptism was 00:43:53.599 --> 00:43:54.119 the way for 00:43:54.119 --> 00:43:54.599 Jesus to 00:43:54.599 --> 00:43:55.199 fulfill all 00:43:55.199 --> 00:43:55.659 righteousness. 00:43:56.779 --> 00:43:57.779 The righteousness 00:43:57.779 --> 00:43:58.559 that couldn't be 00:43:58.559 --> 00:44:00.139 fulfilled through 00:44:00.139 --> 00:44:01.039 the millennia, 00:44:01.119 --> 00:44:01.360 through the 00:44:01.360 --> 00:44:01.960 generations, 00:44:02.300 --> 00:44:03.300 was finally 00:44:03.300 --> 00:44:04.239 fulfilled in 00:44:04.239 --> 00:44:05.119 Jesus Christ. 00:44:05.119 --> 00:44:05.239 Christ. 00:44:06.380 --> 00:44:07.299 Jesus ups the 00:44:07.299 --> 00:44:07.880 ante in 00:44:07.880 --> 00:44:08.859 Matthew chapter 00:44:08.859 --> 00:44:09.480 5, the 00:44:09.480 --> 00:44:10.420 Sermon on the 00:44:10.420 --> 00:44:10.579 Mount. 00:44:10.980 --> 00:44:12.460 And when they 00:44:12.460 --> 00:44:13.199 couldn't fulfill 00:44:13.199 --> 00:44:13.819 even what they 00:44:13.819 --> 00:44:14.639 understood about 00:44:14.639 --> 00:44:15.900 the law, the 00:44:15.900 --> 00:44:16.539 letter of the 00:44:16.539 --> 00:44:17.279 law, Jesus 00:44:17.279 --> 00:44:18.480 raises the 00:44:18.480 --> 00:44:19.940 bar to 00:44:19.940 --> 00:44:20.679 extraordinary 00:44:20.679 --> 00:44:21.559 levels and 00:44:21.559 --> 00:44:22.179 says, well, you 00:44:22.179 --> 00:44:22.659 have heard it 00:44:22.659 --> 00:44:24.380 said, but I 00:44:24.380 --> 00:44:25.000 say to you, 00:44:25.559 --> 00:44:26.920 which essentially 00:44:26.920 --> 00:44:27.440 was, you 00:44:27.440 --> 00:44:28.059 thought the law 00:44:28.059 --> 00:44:29.000 was hard before. 00:44:29.239 --> 00:44:29.839 Let me tell you 00:44:29.839 --> 00:44:30.279 what I really 00:44:30.279 --> 00:44:30.739 mean. 00:44:30.739 --> 00:44:34.159 Only Jesus 00:44:34.159 --> 00:44:34.779 could fulfill 00:44:34.779 --> 00:44:35.259 righteousness. 00:44:36.679 --> 00:44:37.079 And that 00:44:37.079 --> 00:44:38.399 testimony of 00:44:38.399 --> 00:44:39.019 the pure, 00:44:39.339 --> 00:44:39.599 radiant 00:44:39.599 --> 00:44:40.339 righteousness of 00:44:40.339 --> 00:44:42.639 Christ is a 00:44:42.639 --> 00:44:43.579 testimony for 00:44:43.579 --> 00:44:47.199 us of God's 00:44:47.199 --> 00:44:48.919 authentication 00:44:48.919 --> 00:44:49.899 through his 00:44:49.899 --> 00:44:51.619 son that he 00:44:51.619 --> 00:44:53.119 was truly 00:44:53.119 --> 00:44:53.939 God. 00:44:54.959 --> 00:44:56.259 It is the 00:44:56.259 --> 00:44:56.979 first testimony 00:44:56.979 --> 00:44:58.239 that speaks to 00:44:58.239 --> 00:44:59.000 the fact that he 00:44:59.000 --> 00:45:00.079 is who he said 00:45:00.079 --> 00:45:00.439 he was. 00:45:00.440 --> 00:45:01.940 only God could 00:45:01.940 --> 00:45:02.820 live the holy 00:45:02.820 --> 00:45:03.159 life. 00:45:04.720 --> 00:45:05.200 I'm going to 00:45:05.200 --> 00:45:06.460 pray for us 00:45:06.460 --> 00:45:07.519 and we're going 00:45:07.519 --> 00:45:09.119 to remember the 00:45:09.119 --> 00:45:10.300 holy life of God 00:45:10.300 --> 00:45:11.800 through the bread 00:45:11.800 --> 00:45:13.519 because it was 00:45:13.519 --> 00:45:14.200 through the bread 00:45:14.200 --> 00:45:15.200 that Jesus says, 00:45:15.440 --> 00:45:16.159 not my will but 00:45:16.159 --> 00:45:17.260 thine be done. 00:45:17.380 --> 00:45:19.059 I will let my 00:45:19.059 --> 00:45:20.119 obedience lead to 00:45:20.119 --> 00:45:20.820 the point of 00:45:20.820 --> 00:45:21.800 death, even 00:45:21.800 --> 00:45:22.800 death on a 00:45:22.800 --> 00:45:23.300 cross. 00:45:25.700 --> 00:45:27.139 Let me pray as 00:45:27.139 --> 00:45:28.300 we remember the 00:45:28.300 --> 00:45:29.019 bread this morning.