1. To help us grow in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18) we are studying the Gospel of John. 2. In this lesson we are examining the Lord's instructions found in John 15:9-17 that relate to "love." 3. Let us keep in mind that John wrote about the Lord's "private ministry" in ch.13-17 of his Gospel. 4. As Jesus spoke to the apostles,: a. He was comforting their troubled hearts b. He was preparing them for the Great Commission. Discussion: I. (John 13:34-35) EARLIER, JESUS COMMANDED THE APOSTLES TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER
A. Jesus identified this as a "new commandment." 1. God's people under the old covenant were taught to love their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18). 2. However, the Lord's command is "new" in that it is patterned after His love. B. By loving one another the apostles would be identified as the Lord's disciples. II. (John 15:9-17) JESUS PRESENTED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO HIS NEW COMMANDMENT
A. Jesus repeated His command several times. 1. (vs.9b) "Continue ye in my love." a. (vs.9a) The basis is the Lord's mutual love with the Father (vs.9a). b. (vs.10) Abiding in the Lord's love involves keeping His commands, just as He abode in the Father's love by keeping His commands (14:15). 2. (vs.12) "Love one another, as I have loved you." a. (vs.13) Jesus described the greatest love that can be shown. b. He would soon demonstrate His love in this way. 3. (vs.17) "Love one another." B. (vs.11) Jesus explained why He gave these instructions -- so the apostles would experience joy. C. (vs.14-16) Jesus spoke about "friendship." 1. (vs.13) Jesus had just described the greatest act of love that someone can show for his friends. 2. (vs.14) The apostles would show that they were the Lord's friends by obeying His commands. 3. (vs.15) Jesus showed the apostles they were His friends by revealing information from the Father to them. 4. (vs.16a) Jesus had chosen and ordained the apostles so they would bear fruit (vs.8). 5. (vs.16b) Jesus assured the apostles that the Father would grant their requests.
