Sermon Series: Living Beyond Myself

The Great Gamble

John 13:1-17

(Audio recording not available)
by Dan Houze, November 12, 2006

1. We take great gambles for those we love.
"It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love." (v.1)

2. We take great gambles because we are secure with who we are.
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him" (vv. 3-5)

3. We take great gambles because we know whom we serve.
"Then, Lord, Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!' Jesus answered, ‘A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." (vv8b-10)

IMPLICATIONS FOR YOU AND ME:

1. Jesus has an expectation that those of us who are his followers will live beyond ourselves.
"Do you understand what I have done for you? he asked them. You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (vv.12b-15)

2. Jesus promises that if we do live beyond ourselves, we will be the recipients of God's sovereign blessing and favor.
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (v.17)

What, Me a Priest?

Audio recording

by Dan Houze, November 19, 2006.

Three things to understand about the nature of our Priesthood:

1. It has a royal nature that reflects who we are.
   1 Peter 2:9
   
2. It has a holy nature that reflects who we are becoming.
   1 Peter 2:5
   
3. It has an administrative nature that reflects what we do.
   1 Peter 4:10
   

Questions for application:

1. Where are you finding your identity?
2. Are you actively engaged in becoming holy as God intended? How?
3. Where are you in the game? In the stands, on the bench, or on the field?
4. What would you say into the mike? (What role would you give as you introduce yourself as a follower of Christ and a priest?)