Redemption Bible Church of New Braunfels, TX

Expect to be hated by the world as you abide in Jesus and His love.

1) Jesus is hated first and foremost. (18-25)

-because He has authority over the world. (19-20)

-because He exposes the world’s sinful condition. (21-25)

2) Keep telling others about Jesus. (26-27)

3) Keep pressing on in faith. (16:1-4)

You cannot truly love one another if you don’t abide in Jesus’ love.

As we abide in Jesus’ love…

We have fullness of joy (9-11)

We show that we are friends of Jesus (14-16)

We love like Jesus (12-13, 17)

Expect to be pruned to bear fruit as you abide in Jesus.

1) Everyone faces the shears. (1-3)

2) Abide in Jesus and you will thrive. (4a, 5a, 7-8)

Disciples will not flourish as they are intended in they are not abiding nor pruned.

3) Disconnect from Jesus and you will die. (4b, 5b-6)

Expect the help of the Spirit and the Son as you love and obey the Son.

1) The Spirit helps us by dwelling with us and in us. (15-17)

2) The Son helps us by giving us assurance. (18-24)

-of His return. (18)

-of life forever with Him. (19)

-that Jesus is God. (20)

-of His love. (21-24)

3) The Spirit helps us by teaching us and reminding us of Jesus’ words. (25-26)

4) The Son helps us by giving us peace. (27-31) 

Expect future hope and present help for your troubled heart.

 1. Look forward to a future with Christ. (1-7)

2. Look to Christ for help right now. (8-14)

“The goodness of God means that God is the final standard of good, and that all that God is and does is worthy of approval.” -Wayne Grudem

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Because God is good, I can give thanks…

-when I’m distressed. (5-7)

-when I’m safe in His refuge. (8-9)

-when I’m surrounded and pushed hard. (10-13)

-for my salvation! (14-16)

-when I’m being disciplined. (17-18)

-in all His providential working. (19-27)

How to cultivate a grateful heart.

-Make time for reflection.

-Make time for meditation.

-Record His work.

-Have gratitude check points.

-Intentionally pray ACTS.

Expect a life of sacrificial love …

…through the power of Jesus’ death, (31-33)

…among the people of the church, (34)

Love = you before me

Old standard = love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18)

New standard = love like Jesus

Do I want to know them?

Can I see beyond the obvious differences to understand their heart?

Will I put their interests ahead of mine?

Do I desire their spiritual growth?

Am I willing to do what I can if asked?

…as a witness to the world, (35)

…with some bumps along the way. (36-38)

Expect to be hurt by those close to you.

1. The Bible prepares us to be hurt. (18-20)

Romans 8:16-17

Philippians 3:10

1 Peter 4:12-13

2. Betrayal will always hurt. (21-25)

Ways we go overboard:

-suspicion

-hard hearted

-bitter

-disobedient

3. Meet it head on in love. (26-27)

4. Don’t expect it to make sense. (28-30)

Expect a life of service like Jesus.

Matthew 12:11-12

Matthew 20:25-28

Serving like Jesus involves our entire being.

1. Flows from a heart of steadfast love. (1-3)

Disordered hearts

-love of recognition

-desire for reward

-self-righteousness

2. Put our hands into self-less action. (4-11)

Philippians 2:5-7

Nobody is too good to serve.

Nobody is too good or bad to be served.

3. Understand in our head the magnitude and blessing of what Jesus did. (12-17)