My sermon notes for Sunday, June 24^th as we continue our study through The Gospel of John. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.

 

John 16:25–33 – [25] “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. [26] In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; [27] for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. [28] I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

[29] His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! [30] Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” [31] Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? [32] Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. [33] I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)

Final teaching with the disciples.  VERY IMPORTANT, PERSONAL

• He is reminding them of all that He has been trying to teach them.
• He is telling them the TRUTH they need to hear:
  • His upcoming crucifixion and the grief/doubt that will follow,
• He is also leaving them with words of COMFORT
  • Sorrow to Joy
  • You will be overcomers. YOU WILL BE OK. YOU CAN DO THIS.

Words of TRUTH and COMFORT

Love, Faith, and Hope

Love – 25-27a

The love the Father has for His.  He loves you because you loved Me

• God loves the World – A general love
• Gods loves those that are His through Christ – Specific love
  • Judas left… they stayed.  He did not see/grasp Jesus for who He truly way.
  • Through repentance and faith.  People who see/grasp Jesus for who He truly is.
  • A faith that lead to life change (devotion and obedience/followship)
    • The difference between what I MUST DO AS A CHRISTIAN and WE I DO BECAUSE I AM A CHRISTIAN.

They could not at first grasp it, but an HOUR IS COMING WHEN I WILL TELL YOU PLAINLY

• When they receive the promise of the Helper they will truly understand the LOVE OF THE FATHER
  • All that we have in the Father, through the ministry of the Son and made known through the Spirit

Faith – 27b-32

Believe in ME.  Trust in ME

Their current faith

• They had an immature faith/trust
• They would a few hours from now scatter and deny Him
• Yet, Jesus would not be alone. The Father would be with Him.

Their future faith

• They will have a mature faith/trust
• They would not scatter in fear but scatter in the power of the Spirit
• They are not alone because the LORD will be with them. Just as the Father was with the Son. (LO I AM WITH YOU)

Hope – v. 33

As we hope in Christ, we will overcome the world

 

The FOUNDATION that hope is built upon

Peace – You may have peace

• Lack of hostility. Inner peace and assurance
• We are not alone. We have the helper

Courage – Take heart – have courage

• Belief that leads to action. Stand firm, live out
• I CAN do it, because He had done it.
• Get my heart right, get my mind right, Get my life right.

Victory – Jesus has overcome the World

Jesus conquered:

• Sin
• Death
• Satan

 

We to can be overcomers now as we Love and Follow after Christ.

We to will be overcomers for all eternity As we reign with Him for all eternity.

ALREADY, BUT NOT YET

My sermon notes for Sunday, June 17^th as we continue our study through The Gospel of John. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.

John 16:16-24 – [16] “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” [17] So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” [18] So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” [19] Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? [20] Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. [21] When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. [22] So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. [23] In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. [24] Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (ESV)

A quick review:  Christ’s words to the disciples

• The world will hate you – 15:18
• I say these things, so you will not fall away – 16:1
• I am going away, and sorrow has filled your heart… it is for your advantage…I will send the helper. – 16:4-7

John 16:16-24 – From Sorrow to Joy

Here in verses 16-20 as the cross is just a few hours away…

• He becomes more personal with them.
• There will be tough days ahead.
• I must do it.
• But great news will follow.

I must leave – vv. 16-19

This is not the first time He has shared that He was leaving.  Leaving and going to a specific destination.  They would not TRULY (KEY WORD) understand, but neither did everyone else.

The struggle was over:

• Who Jesus truly was.
• Who sent Him.
• Why He came
• What that meant to them.

If they knew who He truly was, then they would have known He had to leave.

He has referenced His leaving several times:

Publicly – 7:33-34 – (feasts of booths) [33] Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. [34] You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” [35] The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? [36] What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?” (ESV)

Publicly – 12:32–36 – [32] And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” [33] He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. [34] So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” [35] So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. [36] While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

To the disciples after Judas left – John 13:31–33 – [31] When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. [32] If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. [33] Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ (

To the disciples – John 14:18–19 – [18] “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. [19] Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

HE HAS TO LEAVE… SO THAT

Your sorrow will turn to joy – vv. 20-24

\

Here their sorrow comes into play.

• Weep, Lament, Sorrow, Anguish – vv. 20-21
• His arrest and crucifixion will bring great emotion over the next few days.

LISTEN TO ME.  I AM GOING.  YOU WILL BE FULL OF SORROW, BUT JOY IS COMING

Joy (keys to understanding our JOY IN CHRIST)

1. Pain – v. 21

• Pain before Birth
• Crucifixion before Resurrection
• Difficulty before Joy
• Our DEATH before NEW LIFE

2. Presence – vv. 22-23a

• See me again (resurrection)
• Will not have to ask. You will know
  • See Jesus, when the Spirit comes (v. 13 – reveal truth)

3. Provision – 23b-24a

• What ever you ask in JESUS name, the FATHER will provide.
• Father is all about glorifying the Son.

4. Pleasure – 24b

• When we have the PRESENCE and the PROVISION, then our JOY IS FULL

CONCLUSION:

These verses laid a great foundation for the way the disciples would eventually live their lives.  AS CHRIST FOLLOWING, DISCIPLE MAKERS. Yes, they went through the sorrows of the Passion of Jesus, but when the Spirit came they turned the world upside down for Jesus.

Because they understood THE WHY OF THE SEPARATION.  They finally (because of the Spirit) saw JESUS TRULY WAS.  They truly embraced who He was and what He sent them to do.

• DO WE TRULY KNOW WHO JESUS IS?
• DO WE TRULY HAVE JOY IN JESUS?

My sermon notes for Sunday night, June 10^th.  Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net

 

The Holy Spirit – So Great A Salvation

 

The Trinity and our salvation

 

Have we ever thought what an incredible BIG DEAL our salvation is?  Have we ever considered the grace filled, super natural, love inspired change that takes place in one’s heart and life when they become a child of God?

 

This is what is taking place form the heavenlies when one is “born again”

 

The Father’s work

• Foreknowledge
• Predestination/Election
• Reconciliation
• Adoption

 

The Son’s work

• Atonement
• Propitiation
• Redemption
• Justification

 

The Spirit’s work

• Calling
• Regeneration
• Security

 

God and Man’s work

• Faith
• Repentance
• Sanctification
• Perseverance

 

 

The Holy Spirit and salvation (more specific)

 

He directs and enables evangelistic efforts

• Philip/Ethiopian – Acts 8:26,29
• Great Commission – Acts 1:8

 

He convicts the unbeliever of sin

• This morning’s message – John 16:8-11

 

He regenerates (saves) the person.

• He cleanses the person from sin and gives them the new nature Titus 3:5
• As He performs this spiritual “new birth,” the person enters “the kingdom of God” (eternal life – John 3:3-7,16

 

He indwells the person

• Takes us residence – John 14:16-17,23

 

He seals (eternally secures) the person.

• The presence of the Holy Spirit is the “seal” or guarantee that a person is saved and will remain saved.  Eph. 1:13

 

He fills the person

• To be controlled.  Obedient to.
• Jesus was full of the Spirit. Luke 4:1 At the temptation
• We are command to do this.…  Eph. 5:18 All the others we are not commanded to DO… THEY ARE DONE.

My sermon notes for Sunday, June 10^th as we continue our study through The Gospel of John. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net

 

John 16:5–15 – “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. [5] But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ [6] But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. [7] Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. [8] And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: [9] concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; [10] concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; [11] concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

[12] “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. [13] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. [14] He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. [15] All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

 

John 16:5-15 – The Helper is coming

 

I must go way – vv. 5-7

(He did go away)

 

I am going to Him who sent me

• fulfill what I came to do
• Return to the Father and my heavenly role.
• To the cross, then to glory.

 

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth

• It is to your advantage
  • My death, burial and resurrection
• The Helper will come

 

The Helper will come – vv. 8-15

(He did come)

 

Jesus told them He was sending the Helper – John 14:16-17, 23-26: 15:26-27

• Helper – come along side, like me (another Me)

 

Convict the world – vv. 8-11

• Of sin – the truth about man. Who he really is.
  • 2 Sam. 12:7 – Nathan to David. You are that man.
• Of righteousness – the truth about God. Who He really is.
• Of judgement – the truth about the inevitable combination of man’s sin and God’s righteousness.
• NOTICE… The Spirit came to do this. ONLY the Spirit can do these.  We cannot nor is it our job.  IT IS THE ROLE OF THE SPIRIT
• Our role is to live as missionaries fulfilling the Great Commission
  • Invest, influence, and invite
  • pray, proclaim, and persuade

 

Reveal truth and give direction to those that are His – vv. 12-13

• You cannot bear them now, but …
  • They did not get it them, but after Acts 2, they turned the world upside down.
• He MAKES KNOWN TRUTH.
  • Only way to explain the world. TRUTH IS REVEALED. WE WOULD NEVER AND COULD NEVER FIND IT ON OUR ON.
• Speaks and declares on the authority of God
  • Spirit of God and the Word of God
  • The idea of absolute truth, because it is from God.

 

Glorify the Son – vv. 14-15

• Spirit will reveal Jesus perfectly TO and THROUGH those that are His.
• If Jesus is the central figure of all Scripture. Then naturally the Spirit will make Him the central figure in our life.
• The Holy Spirit makes Christ prominent. Christ becomes a BIG DEAL to ME and to THOSE I am BEARING WITNESS TO.

Biblical Separation 2 Cor 6:14-7:1

 

2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 – The Command

1. Do not be unequally yoked – vv.14-16 (Deut. 22:10)
2. Come out from amongst them – vv.17-18 (Is. 52:11, 2 Sam. 7:14)
3. Cleanse yourselves and perfect holiness – v. 7:1

• Holiness is not an option. My work, my part in sanctification
• Of the flesh and spirit. External & internal.
• It is a joyful work in progress
  • Completing what has already been started
  • I do so out of fear, love, and respect of the Lord

 

PERSONAL SEPARATION

People

• Do they drag you down or do you pick them up?
• Do they respect who you are in Christ?
• What is the purpose of your fellowship… to see them know & grow in the Lord?

 

Places

• Why do I want to be here?
• Will this affect my influence and witness?
• Can I be a faithful witness? Will I be tempted to sin?

 

Practices

• Will it cause others to stumble? Will it undermine biblical truth?

 

CHURCH SEPARATION

BROAD TO NARROW APPROACH

1. Meeting a need within our community

• Outside the confines of the local church body.
• Working with govt, other faiths/religion, civic organizations.
  • Meeting needs. Giving out food, water, clothing

 

2. Churches coming together for ministry purposes

• People we believe are going to heaven. If we are going to heaven with them, then we need to figure out how to work with them. Absolutes must be agreed upon
• With careful hesitation (not at first, but willing to listen and pray about it)
• Why am I a Baptist and not Methodist or Presby. or Pentecostal. Because I believe we are true to scripture.

 

3. Within the walls of the church.  Teaching/Preaching

• VERY careful consideration. More no than yes.
• Social, Political… no
• Like minded, (absolutes and core convictions are non-negotiable)
• I am intentional about preaching material and invitation. WHAT IS SAID AND HOW IT IS SAID.

 

Things to think about:

1. Not everyone will have the same convictions. (But you biblical convictions….why you believe what you believe)
2. They key is understanding what God’s Word teaches on a given subject. That is why it is so important to have a Biblical theology.  Allow all of God’s Word to teach and instruct, not just an occasional verse or two.
3. As we grow in our knowledge…there is a danger of becoming abrasive and arrogant. Even though we may be right we still need to learn the best approach (speak the truth in love).  I try to teach in such away that people are drawn to God’s Word not pushed away from my attitude and opinion.   The deeper we grow in our own knowledge the more of an influence we should become.  Sadly, though the opposite takes place.

 

What I try to live by:

I need to meet people where they are and invest my life in them without compromising truth or my sanctification.  With the ultimate goal being that their eyes would be opened in the same way mine were.

 

My sermon notes for Sunday, June 3^rd as we continue our study through The Gospel of John. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net

 

John 15:18-6:4 – The world will hate you

John 15:18-6:4

[18] “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. [19] If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. [20] Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. [21] But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. [22] If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. [23] Whoever hates me hates my Father also. [24] If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. [25] But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

[26] “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. [27] And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. (ESV)

[1] “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. [2] They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. [3] And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. [4] But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

 

An overview of Chap. 15

15:1-11 – Our relationship with Christ – The Vine

15:12-17 – Our relationship with believers– Love one another

15:18-6:4 – Our relationship with the world – They will hate you

 

The world will hate you – vv. 18

• Who is “you” – believers/regenerate/born again/the true church
• Who is the “world” – The mass of unbelievers whose values, morals, and attitudes are opposed to the glory and truth of God and all that He is and stands for.
• Hate – Active ill will in words and conduct. a persecuting spirit. To disagree with, be opposed to.  Everything will be fine until you “bring up the truth” Just like with Jesus.
• The point of contention – TRUTH. Who God is.  Who Jesus is.  Why He came.  Why we need Him.  What that means to us.  How we should live.  What we believe.

 

• Expect it, Embrace it, Experience it (live through it)

 

Because we are not part of them – vv. 19-20

• If they persecuted Jesus, then they will persecute you.
• If they will listen to Jesus, then they will listen to us.
• Why… they are dead, but you are alive. You are new creations in Christ
• God chose you out of the World.
  • The supernatural work of God. Regeneration. When the Spirit quickens our heart and mind.
  • Our salvation, Our calling. WE ARE CHOSEN TO BE DIFFERENT.

 

Because they do not know God – v. 21

• They cannot see who He is. Cannot believe who He is.  Cannot believe what He has done through the Gospel. (no supernatural eye opening has taken place)

 

Because they are enslaved to sin – vv. 22-25

• Dead, Depraved. Blind, Helpless
• Saul/Paul before his conversion. He thought he was doing right.  They world knows no difference themselves.

 

BUT… We are born again, we know God, we are free from sin.  WE HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD LIVING WITHIN US. – vv. 26-6:4

Remember, Satan has come to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came to give life more abundantly. John 10

• Even when we are persecuted and hated. DO NOT FALL AWAY
• We have life in Christ.
  • Already…here
  • Not Yet… our ultimate glory.

 

THE HELPER/SPIRIT

• A true believer has the spirit
• The world/unbeliever will not

 

The does/has come to do

• Convicts unbelievers of sin. John 16
• John 3 – Born again
• Seals believers. Eph. 1:3
• Baptizes them into union with Christ
• Indwells believers
• Fills believers

 

Therefore, those that have the Spirit are His.  Those that do not have the Spirit are of the world.

 

The What Now:  How do these truths change our life.

• Be in the world, but not of it.
• The hatred of the world is directed toward GOD.  Not us.  They do not have an issue with us.  Their issue is with God, His Word, His truth
• Love one another. Believers love each other… remember.  We need each other. We need to stick together.
• Trust the power of the Word and the Spirit.
• Who do you want approval from… the world or the Lord. Man pleasers or God pleasers. (see verses below)
• Live confidently and obediently. Know God is working in your midst.  Join Him in what He is already doing.

 

John 12:43

for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.

 

Acts 5:29

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

 

Galatians 1:10

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Ephesians 6:6

not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.