[0:00] Let us resume our public worship of God by singing to his praise from Psalm 84.
[0:15] Psalm 84. And we're singing from the beginning of the psalm. How lovely is thy dwelling place. O Lord of hosts, to me, the tabernacle of thy grace, how pleasant, Lord, they be.
[0:32] My thirsty soul longs vehemently. Yea, faints thy courts to see. My very heart and flesh cry out, O living God, for thee. Behold, the sparrow findeth out an house wherein to rest.
[0:46] A swan also for herself hath purchased a nest. Even thine own authors where she save her young ones forth may bring. O thou almighty Lord of hosts, who art my God and King.
[1:01] Blessed are they in thy house that dwell. They ever give thee praise. Blessed is the man whose strength thou art, in whose heart are thy ways. Who passing thorough bakers veil, therein do dig up wells.
[1:15] Also the rain that falleth down the pools with water fills. Let us sing these verses to God's praise. How lovely is thy dwelling place.
[1:27] O Lord of hosts, to me. How lovely is thy dwelling place.
[1:42] O Lord of hosts, to me. While lovely is thy house that bl Volt on me.
[2:05] Thank you God, voor God, to may erre Boom Goodbye.
[2:17] Give thanks my course to sin, my heavenly heart of death, and thy heart, O living God, for thee.
[2:44] Behold the light, O find the light, and now put it into rest.
[3:02] The swan nova stoke o'erc'er, Father, chesitade, In thy no longer rest is if thy God was forbidden.
[3:36] O thou almighty Lord of all, to art my God and King.
[3:55] Blessed are they in thine house, and dwell in the given free place.
[4:13] Let's give some unto the Lord, and thou art in whose heart are thy ways.
[4:31] Who cast in the dark of the earth, and thou art in the kingdom of the earth.
[4:49] O thou art in the kingdom of the earth, and thou art in the kingdom of the earth.
[5:10] Let us join together in prayer. Let's pray. Lord God in heaven, we give thanks that we can understand in a measure the pleasure that your seventh psalmist took in coming to the house of God.
[5:33] And the joy that filled his heart as he thought of the goodness and the grace of his God.
[5:48] Lord God in heaven, we bless you and thank you that as your people are enabled to contemplate these things that marvel, or marvel to them.
[6:01] Even in the face of their own wanton forsaking of the things that are good and wholesome.
[6:17] In the face of their own wanton forsaking of the things that are good and wholesome, or marvel to them. With neglect writ large over their lives. Neglect and negligence, and a failure to appreciate what you have given to us.
[6:35] And that's so much so that it is a wonder that you still are willing to countenance the gatherings of your people.
[6:48] And to make your pleasure, your presence felt in our midst. But we pray that you would give to us out of the depth of the resources that are used to bestow upon us, and deserving as we are of the least of your measures.
[7:11] We give thanks for this day that we have been enabled to meet as we have done. And as we meet this evening, may it be blessed to us.
[7:24] May it yield a fruit in our lives. And may that which was wrought in your name prove beneficial to all present.
[7:35] Not just the infants that have been brought into the courts of your house and present it before God.
[7:48] As in the eyes of the congregation. May they, in the depth of their soul, be blessed by the God who is able to enrich life in a way that we are seldom able to appreciate or understand.
[8:12] We can read your word and we can find there those who, even in their young lives, were touched by the hand of God.
[8:24] We can read of Samson's and we can read of Samuel's. We can read of some who, from the womb, were consecrated to the service of God, even though initially they were not able to appreciate what marked them out.
[8:50] We give thanks that that is still within the realms of possibility. And that the youth that we see raised up within our community can still be adorning the house of God.
[9:08] Do not allow us to despair of the possibility that we may yet see a stirring up of dry bones amongst us.
[9:21] That we may yet see a revival of religion in our communities. That we may yet see a revival of our communities.
[9:55] And there were those who walked with him and who thought it something that was inappropriate for him to show interest in the young of his own day.
[10:10] But his words to them, where suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
[10:21] We pray that you would bless our young. Bless the instruction that they receive in Sunday school. Bless the instruction they receive within the home.
[10:35] Bless the parents who are concerned for their spiritual well-being. Bless the instruction that they receive in Sunday school.
[10:46] Remember all who bear that burden with them and for them. That we would remember this generation which has fallen into a state of dereliction of many of the duties that you have entrusted to us.
[11:04] Restore to us your own favour. Lift up your countenance upon us that we may be saved.
[11:15] We pray that you would remember the preaching of the gospel to that end. Here in this place. Here in this place. And in all the congregations of our island and beyond.
[11:27] We pray for mercy for all the ways in which the word of the living God is promptly overlooked and forgotten.
[11:39] We pray that you would empower us from on high. That when we do preach the word. That it may go out from the pulpits of our land as a word that is owned by the God of heaven.
[11:57] And that it may yield the fruit that you have destined for it. It would be to your glory. We remember our congregation as a whole.
[12:08] Particularly those who are unable to be with us. And we are mindful of many amongst us who are unwell at this time. Some confined to their homes.
[12:19] Some on beds of sickness and some within hospital. Others who are permanently being cared for by others within their own homes.
[12:31] And other homes appointed to that end. We pray that you would be near to all such who are part of your extended family here in this world.
[12:45] That is a family that knows the blessing of God upon them through all the vicissitudes of life.
[12:56] All the changes that we experience through our journey from youth to old age. We pray that you would keep them in peace whose mind has stayed upon you.
[13:12] Perfect peace as you alone are able to bestow upon. We remember the grieving and the sorrowful. Your voice has been heard again touching the lives of some within their fellowship here.
[13:29] We commit them to you. And ask that you would heal their heart. Thankful that some who are mourning can say truthfully that they do not mourn as others who are without hope.
[13:44] Their hope is a real hope. A hope that has been strengthened and nurtured by the conviction that the salvation that is wrought by Christ was the portion of their loved ones.
[14:03] Here in this life they did not leave it until the last days of their life in order to make that known. We bless you and thank you for every one that bears testimony to the saving interest of Christ in their lives.
[14:19] Those who have for many years spoken much about their love for Christ and in particular his love for them. We give thanks that he is able to do much in the lives of his people here in this world.
[14:38] And even through their testimony that they are living epistles written by his own hand. And as they are read by all men what they read is the truth concerning the saving grace of Christ.
[14:57] So we pray your blessing upon this world in which we live. Our nation goes through governance. Our nation goes through governance. All the nations of the earth and their troubles.
[15:08] There are many. As we see a variant of the COVID virus appearing on this horizon. We do not know what this means.
[15:21] We are in the hands of others with regard to that. But most of all we are in new hands. Whatever it is that you have in you for us may we be reconciled to it.
[15:33] Grant wisdom to the wise. Grant direction to those who are responsible for steering and leading us in the things of this world.
[15:47] Governments be they local or national or international. We remember those who are sorrowing over loved ones lost through calamity at sea or on land.
[16:02] Those who are grieving the loss of those who are perishing by the hand of others. And those who are broken in their body and mind by virtue of their journey through life.
[16:17] Continue to bless us together for a short time we've gathered in this place. Bless your word as we read it. As we reflect upon what it says to us.
[16:30] Guide us in it we pray for giving sin. In Jesus name. Amen. We're going to hear the word of God as we have it in the New Testament scriptures.
[16:41] Paul's epistle to the Philippians chapter 4. We'll read the whole chapter. Paul's epistle to the Philippians chapter 4.
[16:57] Reading from the beginning. Therefore my brethren, dearly beloved and long-term, my joy and crown, So stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
[17:10] I beseech you idios and beseech Sintyhi that they may be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yoke fellow.
[17:24] Help those women which laboured with me in the gospel. With Clement also, and with other, my fellow labourers whose names are in the book of life.
[17:36] Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing.
[17:48] But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, Let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
[18:06] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things, those things which you have both learned and received and heard, and seen in me do, and the God of peace shall be with you.
[18:37] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last, your care of me hath flourished again, wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
[18:51] Not that I speak in respect of want, for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am therewith, to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
[19:05] Everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.
[19:18] Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians, know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
[19:38] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity, not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
[19:53] But I have all and abound. I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an order of a sweet smell, a sacrifice, acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
[20:11] But my God shall supply all you need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever.
[20:23] Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me, greet you. All the saints salute you.
[20:35] Chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Lord and his blessing to this reading of his word and to his name be the praise.
[20:52] I'm going to sing now from Psalm 24. Psalm 24, from the beginning of the psalm. The earth belongs unto the Lord and all that it contains.
[21:07] The world that is inhabited and all that there remains. For the foundations thereof he on the seas did lay, and he hath it established upon the floods to stay.
[21:19] Who is the man that shall ascend into the hill of God, or who within his holy place shall have a firm abode. Whose hands are clean, whose heart is pure, and unto vanity who hath not lifted up his soul, nor sworn deceitfully.
[21:37] He from the eternal shall receive the blessing him upon, and righteousness even from the God of his salvation. This is the generation that after him inquire, O Jacob, who do seek thy face with their whole heart's desire.
[21:56] And so on. These verses, Psalm 24, verses 1 to 6, the earth belongs unto the Lord and all that it contains. The earth belongs unto the Lord and all that it contains.
[22:24] The world that is inhabited and all that there remains.
[22:39] For the foundations that all pay on the seas they lay, and the other is the place established upon the cross to see.
[23:09] Who is the man that shall ascend into the hill of God, all who within his holy place shall have a firm above.
[23:40] Whose sun shall clean whose heart is pure and the the blessing in him upon.
[24:27] Unrighteousness came from the God of his salvation.
[24:42] This is the of his salvation. The nations that have doubted in and wine.
[24:57] O Jacob who who sing thy this with their whole heart's desire.
[25:11] life. Amen. I'd like us to turn now to the passage of scripture that we read.
[25:23] The New Testament calls epistle to the Philippians chapter 4. And we can read again at verse 9. those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do and the God of peace shall be with you.
[25:50] Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do and the God of peace shall be with you.
[26:00] All we have to do is read this final chapter of the epistle to discover how important the mind is in the Christian life.
[26:18] The closing verses of the epistle feature exhortations focusing mainly on the thinking of the Christian.
[26:32] As Christians they are the focus as Paul says of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. They are beneficiaries of countless spiritual blessings and Paul assures them that a glorious inheritance awaits them.
[26:57] And because that is true Paul encourages them to persevere. He says that they must stand fast in the Lord as they live out their Christian lives in a world that is clearly opposed to what they believe.
[27:20] They can act and react on the basis of what God has taught them in his word and what they discover of him through his sometimes impenetrable providences at other times what they discover of him through the testimony and witnesses of the saints that bear his name in the world.
[27:48] Some of you will be familiar with the writings of Warren Weersby. He's a prolific writer of Christian books and he's talking about in one of the books he's talking about the Christian joy the joy of the Christian and he at length goes into the reason why the Christian should be recognised as someone who has joy in their heart but he uses this illustration or he touches on this as an illustration for joy and he points to what is the word of God the scripture and he says that the scripture is often spoken of as bread for the soul sometimes it is spoken of as strong meat again for sustaining the soul he speaks of the word of
[29:02] God speaks as of milk even the sincere milk of the word of God and again the scripture is identified as what is honey sweet to the mouth and we as be I suppose often you could call a guilty of a tongue in cheek comment but this comment is often true for all that he says if any person cannot make a meal of bread and milk and meat and honey then they have spent too much time in the company of such as the prodigal son who lived away from his father's earth but you can see the point that he is making for the believer there is provision made in the word of
[30:11] God which satisfies their hunger and not only satisfies their hunger but strengthens them for the way that they are on it enables them to thrive they must eat in order to create an appetite and they must eat in order to satisfy that appetite and the reason for that is that the world that they live in will test their strength and the strength that they need to live in the world the preacher George Philip says of the believer in this world there is a battle going on for the control of people's minds seeking the eradication of all
[31:14] Christian and moral truths and influences and the introduction and cultivation of a lifestyle in which there are no objective or absolute standards the Christian has standards and morals and objectives that they do not need to be embarrassed about where do they come from they come from this word that Paul speaks of and directs us to but looking at this passage and here in particular Paul states that he has learned from others just as he must be the means by which others learn from him those things he says which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do what he is is a conduit to this word of truth and he is the source under
[32:27] God's hand by which they are to learn how to live and to sustain life in this world he says what you have seen what you have learned it's not enough for you just to to sit in a class it's not enough just to be present when the lessons are read or whatever you must then do them you must then put them into practice and that is really the burden of what the apostle has to say to us here to the Christian in particular that the focus of the apostle is on learning from others from what they see in others and what they see others accomplish or achieve by their resorting to the word of
[33:28] God Martin Lloyd Jones another well-known Christian writer asks this question and when I read the question and the person who was asking the question I said to myself well how would I answer this question the question was this do I always place everything in my life and everything that happens to me in the context of my Christian faith and then look at it in the light of that context how would I respond to that how would you respond to it is your response to life and gender is it a considered response if you are a
[34:32] Christian if you are a man or woman of faith if you are someone who has put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ how do you behave with regard to what this world has to say to you or what this world has to say about you how do you behave when things in this world seemingly work against you how do you behave when there is a providence that is working against you is the first point of call is your first interaction with that is it how am I supposed to deal with this as a believer or is that something that takes place somewhere down the line you know at what stage does my Christian faith become the thing that
[35:35] I look to first or the thing that I look to rather it would be good that it would be the first thing that this is the very first point the touchstone of my life my Christian faith my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ or is it something that comes into its own somewhere down the line I think just as I'm speaking to you I remember an illustration describing to us a ship a large sailing vessel tied alongside a berth there was a whole series of ropes that secured it in place and you saw the most obvious ones there were some going right up to I don't know the parts of our ship or boat boat but when you look
[36:43] I remember quite often when I was in school taking a walk along the quay side there and the larger vessels you saw there were several ropes that tied them alongside tied and some of the ropes you saw they went from the quay to the vessel and you saw them taut and tightened but there were others that you did not see you saw them only when the vessel began to be untied or when a strain came upon them there were ropes that were more submerged now I don't know if that analogy helps in this case but when you think about the Christian faith what is the most obvious thing to you with regard to your relationship to Christ at what stage does your relationship to Christ become the most important thing to you is that somewhere down the line when others other things have been exhausted or other other strengths have been found not to be as as strong as they represented themselves to be men who are in the story and the
[38:45] Lord who was in the ship with them or in a boat with them was asleep and they looked to him in their time of jeopardy perhaps they were not as conscious of their need of him until the story but at least in the context of my Christian faith and my looking at whatever it is that brings me to ask the question what does my faith mean in this situation where does Christ come into this then the question is surely a worthy one to ask but it is not one that is asked by the unbeliever because the unbeliever does not believe in God nor know anything about him and because they don't have that belief in God that question will not occur for the believer you know it may be an embarrassment for them to discover the point at which they begin to consider the place that Christ has in their life but for the unbeliever it is not it's not a thought that occurred to them at all that's the thing let's consider for a moment what what
[40:23] Paul wants to emphasize at this particular point he says these things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do and I think the emphasis there for the apostle is on what he has seen and what they have seen in him when we are exposed to God's word it is expected that there be some kind of result and we know that the apostle puts a fair bit of emphasis on the need for fruit and the need for that to be true just go back for a moment to the previous chapter brethren he says be followers together of me and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example be followers of me now Paul is not somebody who is making a grand claim for himself but what he is saying is based upon his own relationship with the
[41:46] Lord and his own understanding that it is what the Lord has taught him that he does then he is confidently encouraging others to follow this example he mentions this more than once he draws attention to his walk not just because he considers himself an apostle which is what he is he is someone who is following Christ with all diligence pressing on towards the high calling of God in Christ Jesus and he makes this qualification in his letter to the Corinthian church imitate me just he says as I imitate Christ God and I suppose that's the bottom line we cannot invite people to follow our example if our example is a bad one if our example is a poor one if our example is based on anything other than on good authority
[43:03] Paul's encouragement to follow the example of others himself in particular others like it is based on this understanding that what they exemplify is something that is worthwhile that is worthy again Paul writes in this epistle let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men and so on familiar passage but he cites the example this time not his own example but the example of Christ the example of Christ's willingness to pursue the life of a servant a dulloy somebody who was willing to serve others and
[44:13] Paul says that is my example that is the example I seek to follow in my calling I want to be like Christ and he directs others to look to this Christ in that way to be someone who follows Christ it's not surprising because we know that Christ himself sets before us the example of others even in his own life he sets before us the example that he sets others that we are to follow in John chapter 13 we find Christ there giving this instruction Jesus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God and went to God he rises from the supper and laid aside his garments and took a towel and girded himself you know that you know that passage this was the passage where the
[45:19] Lord Jesus washed the disciples feet and Christ says this is what I am showing you this is what I want you to do I want you to follow my example so in other words what Paul is teaching us here he is not just emphasizing need need need for personal holiness and the pursuit of the example of others who lead you to it an
[47:23] A short time ago I was reading about a preacher, Charles Simeon. And Simeon was a renowned preacher of his own generation.
[47:36] And quite a... His sermons were very effective sermons. More so towards the latter part of his ministry.
[47:48] Because many to whom he ministered initially thought that personally he was not someone that was...
[48:00] Because of his personality more than anything else. His sermons were not as much accepted. But at whatever stage somebody came to him and gave him this bit of advice.
[48:13] He said to him, I would recommend to you that you have a watchful eye over yourself. For generally speaking, as a minister is, so are the people.
[48:32] It was not a trivial thing that was being asked of him. But something where the example that he was setting before others was to be highly guarded.
[48:49] Because carelessness was an encouragement to carelessness on the part of others. Now, Paul could be charged with lack of humility.
[49:01] But that would be a false charge. His example is only to be followed, as he says, only as he follows Christ. Others have to follow him in order that they may see Christ better or follow Christ more closely.
[49:19] Then their witness in turn can be a witness that can be used for good. For the good of others. Whether that is in suitable speech.
[49:32] In our walk. In our love. In our faith. Or whatever. Finally, it says, brethren, verse 8. Whatever soings are true.
[49:44] Whatever. Whatsoever things are honest. Whatsoever things are just. Whatsoever things are pure. Whatsoever things are lovely. Whatsoever things are of good report.
[49:54] If there be any virtue. If there be any praise. Think on these things. The activity of the mind. The activity of reflection.
[50:09] Meditation. Consideration. In order to follow. In order to be something that we can be with the help of God.
[50:20] Strangely enough. When I was looking at this. On my computer. There's. I don't know if it's from Microsoft.
[50:31] Or whatever. There's. Pages. That. Screensavers. Or some description. That. That change periodically. And.
[50:42] Recently. The screensaver. Was. Of a lighthouse. A lighthouse. A lighthouse. And.
[50:52] The caption. That came. With this lighthouse. Was. Sometimes. A lighthouse. Doesn't have to be tall. In order to get. The job done.
[51:04] And. The lighthouse. In question. Is a lighthouse. Called. Robins Reef. Lighthouse. In. The United States. Of America. And if you looked at the picture.
[51:15] Of the lighthouse. It wasn't. Perched on the high cliff. Like many of our. Lighthouses. It was sitting down.
[51:26] Almost nestling. On a reef. At the base of. A. A bridge. Going across a river. It's a stubby wee thing. But it was still a lighthouse.
[51:36] And I was thinking. When I was looking at that. You know. Some people. In their imagination. They think that the only possible candidate.
[51:48] To fulfil the word of God. As Paul brings it to our attention here. Are those of exceptional gifts. And people who are.
[51:59] In a position. To influence others. In some way. That we consider ourselves. Not able. But the fact of the matter is.
[52:11] That what Paul is saying here. And the truth that he is conveying. Is applicable to all. Wherever they are placed. Not just in the prominence.
[52:23] Of the. Of the public eye. But anywhere. And everywhere. Where the Lord has placed us. That we are able.
[52:33] By our actions. To exert. An influence for good. On others. And because. We are able to do that.
[52:45] Then we are living out. This word. That Paul encourages us. To engage with. A word. That reminds us. The. The.
[52:58] The truth. That. The mind is all important. And how. The mind. Uses the word.
[53:09] Of God. In a purposeful. And in a meaningful way. Now there is a final promise. And this is what it is. The God of peace.
[53:20] Will be with you. He says. In verse 7. Paul speaks about. The peace of God. As though it were. A military garrison. High walls.
[53:33] Protecting. All that are inside. From attack. The peace of God. Which passes all understanding. Shall keep your hearts. And minds.
[53:44] Through Christ Jesus. This Christian. Preacher. Sinclair Fergen. Very astutely. Says. Of this passage.
[53:57] That. Within this modern world. Peace is highly desirable. It is a highly. Desirable.
[54:07] Commodity. And I don't know. If you've noticed this. But Ferguson certainly did. And I would agree with him. Some of the philosophies. Or the teachings.
[54:18] Of the modern world. Would have you. Empty your mind. Of all kinds of things. This is what you do.
[54:28] This is how you're going to deal. With your problems. Just. Study yourself. Pour out of your mind. Everything and anything.
[54:38] That is disturbing. Your peace. And as you. As you. Steady yourself. And as you take time. To do that. Creating a vacuum.
[54:49] That is free. From all disturbances. But the reality. For the Christian. Is not. To empty. Your mind.
[55:01] Of what causes peace. What causes. Dis-peace. But to fill your mind. With what causes peace. Instead of emptying.
[55:13] To ensure that. Your mind. Is properly filled. And what. Properly filled. Means. Is. This truth of God.
[55:25] This meat. Strong meat. This bread. This honey. Whatever. It is. That God's word.
[55:36] Represents. To you. You cannot. You cannot. Fill your mind. With better. You cannot.
[55:49] Take from the word. Anything. That would not. Be. Better. Than what this world. Has to offer.
[55:59] Because surely. As we said. Early on. This world. Is constantly. Trying to fill. Your mind.
[56:09] With all kinds. Of. Of. Of. Dribble. All kinds. Of. Meaningless. Nonsense. That may be. Of. Of use. To them. But it's.
[56:21] Of no use. To you. Because. As Paul says. Your mind. Is fixed. On Christ. And us. A mind. That is fixed. On Christ. These things.
[56:32] That you are presented. With. Are of. Little. Or no value. There is much more. To peace. In the world.
[56:43] Than making your. Heads empty. It is only. When we are right. With God. And ordering. Our lives. To please God. That we will.
[56:54] Ever. Know his peace. If you go to my study. There is a. Stack of books. I always have. Beside me there.
[57:05] Some of them. Are just books. That. Tell of the experience. Of some of the older saints. Or some of the recent saints. They have in them. Small stories.
[57:16] Some snippets. That. That are an encouragement. To myself. And from time to time. I will take a book. And just. Read through it. For a wee while.
[57:27] One of them is. The. Story. Of. Happy Norman. Tharamudson. As he was known. And just coincidentally.
[57:40] On one of the occasions. That. Happy Norman. Was struggling. With his own faith. I wouldn't recommend. What he did. To anyone.
[57:50] But this is what he did. He said. I decided. To spend time. With the world. To see.
[58:01] If what I had. With the Lord. Was anything. Like it should be. He gave himself.
[58:12] I don't know how long for. To the company. Of those who had no interest. In God. Or in Christ. And he very quickly.
[58:22] Came to realize. That. Whatever was in the world. For him. There was absolutely nothing. That. Gave him any sense.
[58:33] Of satisfaction. It's. It's almost the same thing. As we have here. A person. Who's troubled. By his soul. Thinking.
[58:44] Well. Maybe I've got it wrong. Maybe. Maybe. The many. Who are in the world. Who are content. With what the world. Has to give. Surely. They can't all be wrong.
[58:55] Surely. There's something there for me. Something. That could allow me to. To live my life out. In the world. In their company. And be content.
[59:05] In the world. That's not what Paul is teaching here. Paul is saying. Let your mind be fixed. On Christ. Let your mind be fixed.
[59:16] On Christ. And. The God. Of peace. Shall be with you. Fill yourself. With thoughts. Of God. And thoughts.
[59:27] Of his word. And thoughts. Of. Of his people's. Witness. And testimony. And there you will have peace. There you will find. What is. Lasting.
[59:38] And meaningful. Do you think Paul was. Giving good advice. Do you think he's giving. Words of counsel. That you could.
[59:49] Follow. What would people. Find. If they followed. Your witness. And your testimony. And your example.
[60:01] And my witness. And my testimony. My example. Would it be an encouragement. To them. To join with me. To be with me. In my walk.
[60:12] With the Lord. If that's indeed. What I have. When you pray right. Sam Gordon. Puts it like this. When you pray right. Think right.
[60:23] And live right. Then we have the sweet assurance. Of the presence. Of God. With us. Pray right. Think right.
[60:33] Live right. It's a life's work. For the believer. And I hope that. Every one of us here. Would want to be engaged in it.
[60:43] Let us pray. Amen. Amen. Blessed God. You are the one. Who counsels us. To go to your word. And to learn from your word. And to put your word into practice.
[60:55] And to do so with your help. We are challenged by this word. And every corner. And in every direction we turn. We pray that we would meet these challenges.
[61:08] With your help. And to direct us to the one who is the God of all peace. The one who is the provider of peace.
[61:19] A lasting peace. An everlasting peace. Watch over as each one cleansed from sin. In Jesus name. Amen. Our closing psalm is Psalm 143.
[61:33] The second version of the psalm. Psalm 143. We are going to sing three double stanzas. Verses 6 to 8.
[61:44] Lord. Lo I do stretch my hands to thee. My head below. For thou well understandst all my complaint and more. My thirsting soul desires and longeth after thee.
[61:57] As thirsty ground requires with rain refreshed to be. Lord let my prayer prevail. To answer it makes speed. For lo my spirit does fail.
[62:08] Hide not thy face in need. Lest I be like to those that do in darkness sit. Or him that downward goes into the dreadful pit. Because I trust in thee.
[62:21] O Lord cause me to hear. Thy loving kindness free. When morning doth appear. Cause me to know the way. Wherein my path should be.
[62:32] For why my soul on high I do lift up to thee. These verses. Do I do stretch my hands to thee. My head below.
[62:42] O Lord. O Lord. O Lord. O Lord. O Lord. I do stretch my hands to thee.
[62:54] My head below. O Lord. For thou well understandst all my comfort and more.
[63:09] Lord. My thirst in so desire. And long as after thee.
[63:21] As thirsting and green wine. With rain refreshed to be.
[63:32] Lord. Lord. Let my prayer prevail. To answer in his feet.
[63:44] For though my strength has been. I call thy wisdom in.
[63:56] Lest I be light to those. That do in darkness sin.
[64:07] All in the dark world goes. Into the dreadful pain.
[64:18] Because I trust in thee. O Lord. Cause me to hear.
[64:30] Thy loving guidance be. When morning doth appear.
[64:41] Cause me to know the way. Where did my heart should be.
[64:53] For while my soul on high. I will come to thee.
[65:04] May grace, mercy, and peace. O God. The Father. The Son. And the Holy Spirit. Rest and abide with you all.
[65:14] Now and always. Amen.