The Cost of Following Jesus is Great, the Reward for Following Jesus is Greater

- Would you rather be loved by the world or belong to Jesus? (v. 18-20)

- Would you rather be accepted by the world or known by God? (v. 21-25)

- Would you rather have an extra hour in the world or an eternity with Jesus? (v. 15:26-16:4)

How does abiding in Christ reshape our relationships?

- The Command to Love reshapes how we relate to one another. vs 12-13 "love one another as I have loved you"

- The Call to Friendship reshapes how we relate to Christ. vs 14-15 "but I have called you friends"

- The Choice of Grace reshapes how we relate to the world. vs 16-17 "You did not choose me, but I chose you"

How do I know if I am spiritually alive?

- Spiritual life is only found in Jesus – “apart from me you can do nothing”

- Spiritual life is only possible through abiding – “abide in me”

- Spiritual life is only seen through bearing God-glorifying fruit – “by this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit”

What difference does the Holy Spirit make to your life?

His Encouraging Presence (14:17,26; others), “He will come, that is, the Spirit of Truth, who the world cannot receive because it cannot behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” (17)

- His Indwelling Presence (7,18,21,23)

- His Illuminating Power (26)

His Extraordinary Gifts (27-31), “…my peace I give to you…” (27)

- Peace (27)

- Joy (28)

- Faith (29)

New Life is just the beginning:

- New Life in Christ produces Love toward God and Love toward Others. vs. 1-3

- New Life in Christ leads to Obedience to God. Vs. 2-3

- New Life in Christ results in Victory over the World. Vs. 4-5

Response:

- Celebrate the new life we have and lean into this process of Growth and Obedience.

- Help each other along this journey of growth.

“What Does it Look Like to Love Jesus?”

- The Experience of Trinitarian Love (15-23), “If you love me you will keep my commandments…I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever…” (15,16)

- The Evidence of Trinitarian Love (18-24), “I will not leave you as orphans…if anyone loves me, he will keep my word…” (18,23)

What Should We Do When Plans Change?

- We Can Worship God (1-4), ‘…It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die…So Jacob took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to God…”

- We Can Follow God (4b-7), “…Do not be afraid… I myself will go with you to Egypt…then Jacob set out from Beersheba…” (3,4,5)

Turn to Jesus and the assurance only he can provide. 

- Assurance for the Confused (v. 1-7) - We know the end of the story, and it is with Jesus.

- Assurance for the Doubting (v. 8-11) - Jesus is God, and the evidence is certain.

- Assurance for the Weary (v. 12-14) - Jesus is working, and we will see his power.

How will “they” know we are Christians? They will see…

A New Renown (31-33), “…now is the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him…” (31)

- They should see “trust” in suffering…

A New Resolve (34-35), “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples…” (34,35)

- They should see ‘’love” in conflict…

A New Reality (36-38), “…Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (36)

- They should see “dependence” in pressure…