Embracing Friendship with Christ: Love in Action
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound relational nature of Jesus as depicted in John 15, where He calls us friends rather than servants. This shift from servitude to friendship signifies a deep, personal connection with Christ, emphasizing that our relationship with Him is built on love and mutual respect. We are reminded of the importance of expressing love within our church community, not just in thought but in action. Just as we cherish our pastors and leaders, it is crucial to vocalize our appreciation and support for them, especially during challenging times.
The hymns we sing, such as "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "It Is Well," serve as powerful reminders of Jesus' role as our Savior and friend. These hymns encapsulate the essence of our faith, teaching us that Jesus bears our sins and griefs, and through His sacrifice, we find peace and salvation. The Gospel of John, often referred to as the gospel of relationality, underscores this intimate bond we share with Christ.
In our daily lives, we are called to embody this love and friendship, extending it to those around us. The church is not just a building or an idealized community; it is made up of real people with real struggles. By loving one another openly and sincerely, we reflect the love of Christ and strengthen the bonds within our community. Let us strive to live out this love, making it a tangible and visible part of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Express Love Openly: It is essential to express our love and appreciation for one another, especially within the church community. Just as we cherish our pastors, we should vocalize our support and gratitude for them, fostering a culture of encouragement and mutual respect. [02:15]
2. Jesus as Our Friend: John 15 highlights the transition from servitude to friendship with Jesus, emphasizing a personal and loving relationship. This friendship is built on mutual respect and love, reminding us that we are valued and cherished by Christ. [04:03]
3. The Power of Hymns: Hymns like "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "It Is Well" are more than just songs; they are profound declarations of faith. They teach us about Jesus' role as our Savior and friend, who bears our sins and offers us peace and salvation. [05:24]
4. Living Out Love: The church is composed of real people with real struggles, and it is our duty to love one another openly and sincerely. By doing so, we reflect the love of Christ and strengthen the bonds within our community, making our faith a visible and tangible part of our lives. [09:25]
5. The Gospel of Relationality: The Gospel of John is often referred to as the gospel of relationality, highlighting the intimate bond we share with Christ. This relationship is not based on servitude but on friendship, underscoring the importance of love and mutual respect in our walk with Jesus. [11:02]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:15] - Expressing Love in the Church
[04:03] - Jesus as Our Friend
[05:24] - The Power of Hymns
[09:25] - Living Out Love
[11:02] - The Gospel of Relationality
[51:56] - Dismissal and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 15:12-15 (NIV): "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 15:12-15, what is the greatest expression of love that Jesus mentions?
2. How does Jesus describe the shift in relationship between Him and His followers in John 15:15?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the importance of expressing love openly within the church community? [02:15]
4. What role do hymns like "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "It Is Well" play in understanding Jesus' relationship with us, according to the sermon? [05:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be called a friend of Jesus rather than a servant, as described in John 15:15? How does this change our understanding of our relationship with Him?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of expressing love and appreciation within the church community. Why might this be particularly important during challenging times? [02:15]
3. How do the hymns mentioned in the sermon help to reinforce the message of Jesus bearing our sins and offering us peace and salvation? [05:24]
4. The sermon refers to the Gospel of John as the "gospel of relationality." How does this perspective influence the way we live out our faith in daily life? [11:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt appreciated and supported by your church community. How did it impact your faith and sense of belonging? How can you extend that same support to others? [02:15]
2. Jesus calls us friends and not servants. How does this change the way you approach your relationship with Him? What practical steps can you take to deepen this friendship? [04:03]
3. Think about the hymns "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "It Is Well." How do these songs resonate with your personal experiences of faith and struggles? Can you share a specific instance where a hymn brought you comfort or clarity? [05:24]
4. The sermon encourages us to "love out loud." Identify one person in your church community who might need encouragement or support. What specific action can you take this week to show them love and appreciation? [09:25]
5. The church is made up of real people with real struggles. How can you be more intentional in building genuine relationships within your church community? What barriers might you need to overcome to do this? [09:25]
6. Reflect on the idea of the Gospel of John being the "gospel of relationality." How does this perspective challenge or affirm your current understanding of your faith journey? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this relational approach? [11:02]
7. Consider the importance of vocalizing appreciation for your pastors and leaders. When was the last time you expressed your gratitude to them? Plan a specific way to show your appreciation in the coming week. [02:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Expressing Love Openly
It is essential to express our love and appreciation for one another, especially within the church community. Just as we cherish our pastors, we should vocalize our support and gratitude for them, fostering a culture of encouragement and mutual respect. This act of expressing love is not just a nice gesture but a vital part of building a strong, supportive community. When we openly express our love and appreciation, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged, especially during challenging times.
In our daily interactions, let us make it a point to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those around us. Whether it’s a simple thank you, a word of encouragement, or a heartfelt note, these expressions of love can make a significant difference in someone’s life. By doing so, we not only uplift others but also strengthen the bonds within our church community, reflecting the love of Christ in tangible ways. [02:15]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who has been a source of support or inspiration to you. How can you express your appreciation to them today in a meaningful way?
Day 2: Jesus as Our Friend
John 15 highlights the transition from servitude to friendship with Jesus, emphasizing a personal and loving relationship. This friendship is built on mutual respect and love, reminding us that we are valued and cherished by Christ. Unlike a master-servant relationship, where obedience is often driven by duty, a friendship with Jesus is characterized by love, trust, and mutual respect.
Jesus calls us friends because He has shared with us everything He learned from the Father. This intimate relationship invites us to walk closely with Him, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued. As friends of Jesus, we are called to live out this relationship in our daily lives, extending the same love and respect to others that He has shown us. [04:03]
John 15:15 (ESV): "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. How does viewing Him as a friend rather than a master change the way you interact with Him and live out your faith?
Day 3: The Power of Hymns
Hymns like "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "It Is Well" are more than just songs; they are profound declarations of faith. They teach us about Jesus' role as our Savior and friend, who bears our sins and offers us peace and salvation. These hymns encapsulate the essence of our faith, reminding us of the deep truths of the Gospel and the comfort we find in Christ.
Singing hymns is a powerful way to internalize these truths and keep them at the forefront of our minds. They serve as a source of encouragement and strength, especially during difficult times. As we sing these hymns, let us meditate on the words and allow them to deepen our understanding of Jesus' love and sacrifice for us. [05:24]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: Choose a hymn that resonates with you and spend time meditating on its lyrics. How does this hymn deepen your understanding of Jesus' love and sacrifice for you?
Day 4: Living Out Love
The church is composed of real people with real struggles, and it is our duty to love one another openly and sincerely. By doing so, we reflect the love of Christ and strengthen the bonds within our community, making our faith a visible and tangible part of our lives. This love is not just a feeling but an action that requires us to be intentional in our interactions with others.
Living out love means being present for one another, offering support, and extending grace and forgiveness. It means going beyond our comfort zones to meet the needs of those around us. As we embody this love, we create a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, reflecting the heart of Christ to the world. [09:25]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Think of a practical way you can show love to someone in your church community this week. How can you be intentional in meeting their needs and offering support?
Day 5: The Gospel of Relationality
The Gospel of John is often referred to as the gospel of relationality, highlighting the intimate bond we share with Christ. This relationship is not based on servitude but on friendship, underscoring the importance of love and mutual respect in our walk with Jesus. The relational nature of the Gospel invites us into a deep, personal connection with Christ, where we are known and loved.
This relational aspect of the Gospel also extends to our relationships with others. As we experience the love and friendship of Jesus, we are called to extend that same love and friendship to those around us. By doing so, we create a community that reflects the heart of Christ and embodies the relational nature of the Gospel. [11:02]
John 13:34-35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationships within your church community. How can you cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections that reflect the relational nature of the Gospel?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes the church can be like a proud parent who loves their child, but never really says it out loud. Well, in a long, hard, difficult season, it is time to say it out loud, and to live it out loud. Love out loud. Love one another." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "One of the ways I came to know that Jesus was my Savior was in the hymns. One of them many of you will know. And here I'm talking about John 15, and how Jesus says he is our friend. So one of the hymns I learned was, what a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and grief to bear. This is how I came to know that Jesus was my Savior." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "That Jesus is my Savior. That Jesus is my friend who carries all of the weight of all of that. Well, John is the gospel of relationality. Jesus says, I no longer call you servants, but I've called you friends." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I preach in a lot of churches, churches, most Sundays, somewhere in Western North Carolina. I've met many of you in your churches. And invariably someone will come up to me. This has happened in many of these churches and they'll say something. And you can probably guess what they're going to say to me. Don't move our pastor. We love our pastor. And so I've learned to look at them for a moment, and as directly as I can, and say, you have just told me you love your pastor. Please tell your pastor that you love her." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Dana Robert of Boston University is, to my mind, a friend. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. I've called you friends. 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