May 1, 2005
Morning Sermon Outline
”LOVE ONE ANOTHER”
John 13:33-35
Three things Christ would have His disciples understand:
1. His death on the cross is glorious – John 13:31-32
2. His time with them was now very short – John 13:33
3. Through obedience to His “new commandment” they would change the world – John 13:34-35
We should aim to understand the beautiful newness of this new commandment:
I. This commandment is new because it takes into account the great salvation Christ accomplished on the cross for us. It figures from that, if God has so loved and forgiven us, we ought also (in the same manner) love and forgive each other:
1. Christ hinted at this washing away of sins when he washed the disciples feet, telling them they should do the same
2. EXTREME forgiving and loving of each other because of Christ’s work on the cross and God’s forgiveness is a great theme in the New Testament – Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 6:12-14; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 4:8
3. The Old Testament Laws (10 commandments) did not do this, there was no forgiveness inherit in the commands themselves, they are Holy and harsh – Exodus 20:18-21; Hebrews 12:18-24
4. The Old Testament Sacrificial system did not do this. It looked forward to and build a sort of bridge to real forgiveness but it did not procure it – Hebrews 10:4
5. Therefore, it is when Christ is about to procure such a great salvation and forgiveness for His people, as He loved them so He calls them to this higher degree of love for each other – compare Leviticus 19:18 to John 13:34
II. Not only that but in giving this new commandment Christ also sees His disciples as those who (because of His death and resurrection) will fully participate in the blessings of His New Covenant (the NEW commandment is connected to the NEW Covenant) –
1. This he spoke of in His Lord’s Supper which they were probably celebrating when He gave this command –
2. Blessings included: the fullness of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2
3. A full understanding of regeneration
4. A fuller understanding of God’s word and laws
5. An understanding of Christ’s cross / God’ plan
6. With all this there is a fuller enabling to be loving – Galatians 5:22-26
III. Lastly, this commandment is new because it benefits from the absolute perfection of Christ’s example (and seeks to spread that!) –
1. The Pharisees and scribes distorted the meaning of Leviticus 19:18 as they did other Scripture
2. Christ would fulfill the Law perfectly, He gives us an example to follow – Philippians 2:1-11; Colossians 3:12-14
3. Christ was the perfect LOVE SEED (John 12:24), we are to be little love seeds – John 13:35
Application for Today
1. Seek to understand and appreciate what Christ did for you on the cross
2. Seek to love and forgive your brothers and sisters in Christ, as Christ did
3. Let us all, as individuals and as a group seek to be love seeds for Christ -
NKJ John 12:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
