Sermons
Do You Love Me?
Sun, Oct 08, 2017
Teacher: Tom Blackford Series: Sunday Sermons PM - 2017 Scripture: John 21:15-17
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“Do You Love Me?”
John 21:15–17
INTRO:
Good Evening.
If I were to ask you to give your definition of love, I’m sure we would have different opinions of love based on our individual experience and understanding. Love is a very important thing and love is the most important characteristic of a Christian.
But before I get into my sermon, I wanted to share with you an article I read recently about a woman and man who had broken their engagement. After a couple of months, Mary realized how much her ex-fiancé meant to her, here is the letter she wrote: -
Dearest Jimmy,
No words could ever express the great unhappiness I've felt since breaking off our engagement. Please say you'll take me back. No one could ever take your place in my heart, so please forgive me. I love you, I love you, I love you!.
Mary
P.S. Congratulations on winning the lottery.
As you know frequently there are conditions attached, and even sometimes a hidden agenda attached to love. Are we like this? I would like us to take a look at 3 key points in my sermon tonight.
I. In the first one, I’m going to be asking us what our relationship is like with Jesus.
A. In the second point is the question about what is our relationship is like with our church family.
B. Then third, I would like us to consider: Do we love the world enough to go and share the gospel with them?
II. Let’s start with this; what do we understand about what this world thinks love is? The oxford dictionary gives us 2 different definitions: - The first one: 1) Love is a strong feeling of affection – either sexual or platonic. 2) The second definition the Oxford dictionary has is love is a great interest and pleasure in something. These 2 definitions of love are based on the physical nature of an emotion. What about the spiritual?
A. I’m sure if I ask each and everyone here this evening if you love Jesus, you would all say yes. Then what is our relationship with Christ like? Are we walking with Him hand in hand or are we following from a distance? I would like to look at the conversation between Jesus and Peter after the Lord’s resurrection. Before we do that, I want to present a bigger dynamic picture.
B. Peter had become very confident of his firm friendship with Jesus, unfortunately during the Passover feast, a prideful debate broke out regarding who loves Jesus the most. Peter, our bold Peter, believed that he Loved Jesus most—more than the other disciples. Let us read in Luke 22: 31 – 34 – "And the Lord said, 'Simon, Simon, Simon. Behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethern.' And he said unto Him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death'. And He said, 'I tell thee Peter, the cock shall not crow this day before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me."
C. Jesus tells Peter that Satan wants to split up the disciples. He mentions in this text that Peter is going to desert Him, and then return to strengthen the disciples. Peter states that he’s ready to follow Jesus to prison. But Jesus brings the eager Peter back to earth. He tells Peter that before the cock crows, he will deny knowing the Lord 3 times. It’s interesting how much pride had entered the minds of the disciples. Like Peter, do we get over confident in our relationship with Jesus?
D. We know the story, in Luke 22:54–62, Jesus had been seized in the garden and He was brought to the high priest’s house with Peter following at a distance. This is where Peter denied knowing the Lord three times. I’m sure we all know these verses. Luke’s gospel tells us that The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Now Peter remembered the word of the Lord, and how He had said to him, "The cock shall not crow this day before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me." Then Peter went out and wept bitterly.
E. It’s difficult to demonstrate love when the heat is on, isn’t it? Peter was willing to follow Jesus, but only from a safe distance. Peter panicked. I think he thought that if had he admitted to being a disciple of Christ he would have faced the same punishment as the Lord.
F. Would that have happened? I don't know but I recall when John, the Lord’s mother Mary and Mary Magdalene followed Christ all the way to the cross, we didn’t see them persecuted there. They weren’t sent to the cross with the Lord. I think that sometimes we put obstacles in our way that may not really be there. This is what can happen when we are not walking hand in hand with the Lord, we lose our comfort. We lose our trust in Jesus Christ. We lose our trust in His protection and fear overtakes us.
G. Now I suspect that some may be wondering how love and denial can go hand in hand? If Peter denied Jesus, did he really love Him? I believe that Peter loved Jesus in a way we’ll never understand.
1. Initially Peter’s love for Jesus had conditions attached it seems, but when Peter made eye contact with the Lord, I believe he realized he had just betrayed not only his best friend but also betrayed the Messiah.
2. This is the man that left everything he owned to follow Jesus. He loved Him that much, he drew his sword at Gethsemane even though there were many people there to arrest Jesus.
3. Then at Galilee, Peter was so excited that Jesus was there because the last time He saw The Lord, he had denied Him 3 times and he remembered that look the Lord had given him. Yes Peter made a mistake, but Peter made a mistake and repented.
III. Now Paul tells the church in Philippi in Philippians 3:12–14 – "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. "
A. Paul tells us, when we make a mistake, we can’t linger over it. We need to repent and press on toward what lies ahead. Just as Jesus predicted, Peter would came back, be reconciled to the flock, and strengthen the flock.
B. John 21:4–8, the disciples had returned to their boat and had gone fishing, Just after daybreak, Jesus appeared, but the disciples did not know that it was Him. After the miraculous catch of fish, John realized it was Jesus and said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea, not even waiting for the boat to moor.
C. Then we have this beautiful dialogue between Jesus and Peter in John 21:15–17 – "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?'" Peter replies '" Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee." Then Jesus says to Peter “If that’s the case, feed my lambs.” [para] "He saith unto him again the second time, 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?' He saith unto Him, yea, Lord thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, 'Feed my sheep'. He saith unto him the third time, 'Lovest thou me?' Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” "And he said unto Him, Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, 'Feed my sheep'."
D. It is interesting that Jesus asked Peter 3 times. Is it a coincidence that 3 times Peter denied knowing Jesus and 3 times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him? Perhaps it needed Jesus to ask 3 times for the message to sink in. In this passage there are 2 forms of love being referred to in the Greek.
E. The first one Peter replies to with the word ‘Phileo’. We have the word Philadelphia, the city, which is known as the city of brotherly love. It’s taken from the two Greek words ‘Phileo’ = love and ‘adelphos’ = brother. Phileo is the type of love we would demonstrate for our family. It’s the affectionate kind of love.
F. The second term is the Greek word ‘agapao’, this comes from the Greek word ‘agape’ which means to give alms/charity—that is to give love without condition. We call this Godly love.
G. let’s put this passage into its context, John 21:15–17 – "15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou (agapao) me more than these?' He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.' 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou (agapao) me?' Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) you.' He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou (Phileo) me?' Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, ' Lovest thou (Phileo) me?' And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee.' Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” [KJV]
IV. I don't think we should be critical of Peter and his answer. Peter is being asked by our Lord if Peter loves Him unconditionaly to which Peter answeres that he loves Jesus like a brother. Three times Peter is asked. Grievous as this was for Peter, it wiped out all guilt of his denials; and the Saviour's total forgiveness is implicit in the threefold charge to care for the church which Jesus came to establish. The external situation associated with this triple confession of love calls to mind the denials.
A. Lets look at the setting in this chapter. Verse 4 tells us that it is morning. Verse 9 tells us there is fire of coals. If you recall in John 18:25 Peter stood and warmed himself, denied Jesus for the third time and immediatly the cock crew for it was morning. Now in chapter 21 Jesus commissions Peter, “Feed my sheep”. Peter here is being assigned the role of a shepherd.
B. It isn’t just our relationship with Jesus that needs to be right. We have a responsibility to develop and strengthen our relationships with our church family.
C. What is our relationship like with our brethren? Are we looking out for their spiritual well being?
D. What did Jesus mean when He said to Peter – “Take care of my sheep”? “Feed my sheep”?
E. We read in Philippians 2:1-4 – "If there be therefore and consolation in Christ, if any comfort in love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Paul tells the church in Philippi that we have a responsibility to look after the spiritual needs and welfare of others before our own. Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – "Two are better than one; because they have a good return for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
F. This is why it so important to be around our church family. If we try and do things on our own there is a chance no one will be there to help us when we fall. If we are surrounded by our brethren we will have someone to help us when we stumble.
G. You would think this would be self evident when you have experienced life for awhile. In the air-force we worked in teams, for safety of course but also it was the best way to get things done. In my civilian work life I always found jobs went faster and more smoothly when a team was involved. And then there is the example God gives us in Genesis.
H. If we care for one another, if we love one another, we will look out for one another without question. We have a responsibility to look out for one another and our spiritual health and safety. Unfortunately sometimes this means correction.
I. Proverbs 9:8 tells us "A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you; the wise, when rebuked, will love you." No one likes to be scolded or told they are making an error, but sometimes we need direction. We don’t always realize what we are doing and we don’t realize it could be doing damage, perhaps even so far as tarnishing the reputation of the church. It could also be putting our salvation in danger.
V. We can be stubborn about it but we sometimes just need to be told we are wrong whatever our feelings.
A. I heard a story about two battleships assigned to a training squadron. They had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days. The story is related by a sailor who was serving on the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge as night fell. He explained; “the visibility was poor with patchy fog, so our captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities as he should.”
1. “Shortly after dark, our lookout on the wing reported, "Light, bearing on the starboard bow." "Is it steady or is it moving astern?" the captain called out. The lookout replied, "It’s steady, Captain," which meant we were on a dangerous collision course.”
2. The captain then called to the signalman, "Signal that ship: 'We are on a collision course. Advise you change course twenty degrees.'"
3. Back came the signal, "Advisable for you to change course twenty degrees." The captain said, "Send: "I'm a captain, change course twenty degrees.'" "I'm a seaman second-class," "You had better change course twenty degrees."
4. By that time the captain was furious. He spat out, "Send: 'I'm a battleship. Change course twenty degrees.'" Back came the flashing light, "I'm a lighthouse." ... at that point we changed course.”
B. If someone truly does love us, they will point out the dangers for us. We need to understand that our brothers and sisters are looking out for us because they love us. We don’t want to see anyone fall away from the Lord, do we? I wonder sometimes if we fail to recognize this love because we fail to have that kind of love within us?
C. Hebrews 3:12–13 – "Take heed, brethers, lest there be in any of you a evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today: lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
D. The Hebrew writer tells us to encourage one another every few days? No, daily. Just checking to see if you’re still awake. The Hebrew writer tells us to encourage one another daily so that our hearts don’t harden. We have a responsibility to look out for one another and encourage each other. How often? Daily to help us to remain faithful.
VI. Let me ask this. What are we doing to help encourage one another? I heard a story about a baseball game. There was a guy during the 50’s who owned the stolen base record. Then in 1992, I believe it was, his record was about to be broken. He was there at the stadium to watch. He was asked; “What do you think about your record being broken?” He replied, "this kid is about to do in 11 years what took me 19 to do. I’m excited, this kid is amazing." Are we cheering each other on when it’s our record being broken? Can we swallow that little bit of humble pie because someone is better than we are? It’s hard, isn’t it? But we need to do it.
A. We also need to be treating one another equally. I heared of a person in another congregation, he was an active member— and his family was. He would do what he could for the congregation. He couldn’t put much money in the offering because he had financial difficulties. He never asked the congregation for anything.
B. One day he needed help and turned to the congregation and said, “My dad’s passed away. Is there any chance we could have some help? The leadership said, “Unfortunately we can’t help you.”
C. Not long after the leadership put money into some trival thing requested by another member. It appeared they helped this other man because his family put more money in the offering every week.
D. James warns us about giving preferential treatment in James 2:1-5 – and I paraphrase - "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
E. Just as Jesus said in Luke 6:32, it’s easy to love those that love us. We need to demonstrate love to all people, even people we don’t get along with. I’m not saying we have to be best friends with everyone in the church, but we should love them and look out for them.
VII. James then continues in James 2:14–18 – "What doth it profit, my brethern, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou has faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works and I will show thee my faith by my works."
A. Faith with deeds demonstrate our faith and belief in Christ. John tells us that faith with deeds working hand in hand is a demonstration of love.
B. Then we read in 1 John 3:16–18 – "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethern. But whoso hath the world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little childern, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
C. John tells us that we can say “We love” as much as we want, but say it sincerely. Sincere love is displayed in our actions. Any married couple knows this.
D. In Acts 2:44–47, we can see love at work in the early church – "And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. "
E. This type of love has no conditions attached. It’s the application of Love. Wanting to do the right thing with no hidden motives or looking to receive anything in return. It’s the demonstration of selflessness. Agape – alms giving without question, godly love.
F. And it’s not just to our brethren. Are we demonstrating the Love of Jesus to all people regardless of their background? I don’t want to spend too much time on this but it’s not just our brothers.
G. Certainly there are many people in the world with bad reputations that are difficult to love. Luke 5:27-31 – "And after these things He went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom; and He said unto him, 'Follow me.' And he left all, rose up, and followed Him. And Levi made Him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmered against His disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
H. Even though some people are difficult to love, Jesus puts appearance and reputation behind. Jesus came to save sinners. Some of us may have been one of these unlovable rogues, but the grace of Jesus saw through our reputation and we were called to repent and turn away from our worldly ways.
VIII. Jesus said in John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, He sent His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but receive everlasting life.
A. For God so loved “the world” – not just you, not just me. This includes everyone whether they be fat or thin, tall or short, rich or poor—everyone. This is reinforced in the Great commission.
B. Jesus says in Mark 16:15–16 - "15 “Go into all the world and preach to the rich people? No, He didn’t say that, did He? He said go and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
C. We need to share the gospel, the story of love with all creation, regardless of their background or where they come from. Have you seen the film the sixth sense? Where the kid turns round to Bruce Willis and tells him, “I see dead people.” Look out the window folks. Look out the window and you will see dead people, lost souls, souls in desperate need of saving. The people out there don’t know the danger that faces them, but we do! Are we honestly going to let them perish because we couldn’t find it within ourselves to love their souls?
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion there are three points we should consider. Going through the applications:
The first one was 1) our relationship with Jesus - We have to walk hand in hand with Jesus. We can’t follow from a distance otherwise we lose the trust and protection we find in Him.
The second: 2) Our relationship with our church family - We have a responsibility to look out for one another. We need to encourage one another daily. We need to treat one another equally.
The third point tonight: 3) Our relationship with non-Christians - God loves all people, and we have the responsibility to share the gospel and show them, show them, the way to salvation, regardless of background and reputation.
I’m going to finish with this antidote. Newspaper columnist George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me."
Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan "Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and as generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then that’s when you drop the bomb. Tell him that you're getting a divorce. That will really hurt him." With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful. Will he ever be surprised!" And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting "as if." For two months she showered love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing. When she didn't return, Crane called. "Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?" "Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered I really do love him." Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds.
Just like that woman, we can use motion to create emotion. We are never going to love anyone if we don’t make an effort to love them first. We must share the same mindset as Christ. Let us love the whole world. See, Jesus is having an intimate conversation with each one of us today and He is asking each one of us... “Do you love me?”
Based on sermon by Martin Huburn – 21/02/2014
Where and when we meet
Chardon, Ohio 44024