110 likes | 188 Views
He is Willing to Die. John 12: 20-33 p. 992. L - I - F - E. SUMMARY of everything so far: L et Go. Jesus did not cling to his privileges, nor can we! I ntimacy We enter the unity of love in the Trinity F aith Step out and take hold of All God has for us.
E N D
He is Willing to Die John 12: 20-33 p. 992
L - I - F - E ... SUMMARY of everything so far: Let Go. Jesus did not cling to his privileges, nor can we! Intimacy We enter the unity of love in the Trinity Faith Step out and take hold of All God has for us. Essential decisions At crisis points, have to make HARD choices
1. Death Produces Fruit • Two types of Death / Dying • Die (1) – The end of life on earth in our current bodies • Die (2) – Eternal consequence of separation from God. • Jesus here talks about (1). • The Bible generally treats “end of life on earth” as inconsequential !!! • “The hour has come ... to be glorified” (v 23) • “Greeks” = “Greek speaking Gentiles” – Interested in Jesus (v 20) • Contrasts with the “Pharisees” who hate his influence (v 19, 37ff)
1. Death Produces Fruit ... • “The hour has come ... to be glorified” (v 23) • Just like a seed, Jesus’ death will produce a plentiful harvest ((v 24) • Jesus will open the Kingdom of God to “ALL people” (v 32) • The “Greeks” will then be fully welcome to know him !!! • “All people” – not everyone, but anyone • “glorified” – Jesus’ death is also the ultimate obedience to God’s will. • Jesus refuses to seek his own glory – always the will of the Father. • We too will produce fruit when we put God first . . .
2. Death Produces Life • Love – Hate relationship with “Life” [on earth]. (v 25) Indulgent life now – vs – Eternal life • The Issue: Faithful obedience to the will of God. • Jesus’ obedience was absolute – even to the point of (brutal) death • Jeevan’s email about “Babu” – faithful under threat. • Dr John Lumsden – faithful where you are.
2. Death Produces Life ... • Hate life ... in this world (v 25) • Being faithfully in tune with the will of God in our lives: • How do we respond to the experiences of every day? • Our Dog “Sasha” outside the Wendy’s in Squamish • Consider changing ONE thing you do in your every day life. • Video games, lunchtimes, internet, one other person,...
3. Follow to Glory • Two simple truths (v 26): • “Whoever serves me must follow me” • “My Father will honour the one who serves me” • Following is not always easy: • Jesus’ task “troubled” his soul (v 27) • Jesus pursued faithfulness to God in spite of the cost !!! • Cost – Benefit: The Glory of Intimacy with God for Eternity
Hearing . . . • Quirky little note: “a voice from heaven ...” (v 28-30) • The crowd said it “thundered” • Others said it was an “Angel” • Jesus said: “It was for your benefit, not mine” • What do you say when God speaks to you ???
L - I - F - E • Death produces Fruit ... If we put God First • Death produces Life ... Consider changing one thing you do • Follow to Glory ... Intimacy with God for Eternity How do we hear ???