Text: John 15:11-21

Introduction:  “… a man lay down his life for his friends…”  Jesus

• Jesus said this
• Jesus did this
• Jesus expects this

1. Obeying the commands of God brings joy  V 11-14
   1. Having a clear conscience brings joy
   2. Having a loving spirit brings joy
   3. Doing loving actions brings joy
2. Jesus commands His disciples to love others   V 12-17
   1. Love other disciples in God’s family  John 13:34-35; I john 4:21
   2. Love others in need whom you can help   Luke 10:25-37
   3. Love other humans who are sinners like you
3. Hatred is more like the world than like God     V 18-21
   1. The Bible declares God’s hatred toward sin, but not toward sinners.  Deut. 12:31; 16:22; Malachi 2:16
   2. The Bible declares God’s love for sinners who are dead in sin.     John 3:16-17; Titus 3:4-7; I john 4:9-11, 19
   3. The Bible declares God’s provision to save sinners from their sin.  Romans 5:8-10; 6:23

Action Points:

• Have you personally benefited from God’s love offered to you through His Son?
• How are you genuinely laying down your life in love for others as God commanded?
• Do you have real joy in your soul by seeking to be right with and obedient to God in your life?
• What is hindering your experience of God’s joy in your life?