WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.759 The psalm says you get to hear from me again, so we're going to read from 1 Thessalonians 00:00:06.759 --> 00:00:07.459 chapter 3. 00:00:08.839 --> 00:00:12.220 If you have your church Bibles, it's on page 1187. 00:00:13.280 --> 00:00:18.080 If you bring your own Bible, you're familiar, and you'll find 1 Thessalonians in the New 00:00:18.080 --> 00:00:18.400 Testament. 00:00:18.679 --> 00:00:23.500 So we're going to read from 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 in verses 1 to 10. 00:00:23.500 --> 00:00:30.500 Page 1187. 00:00:39.259 --> 00:00:42.939 1 Thessalonians 3 and verse 1. 00:00:43.939 --> 00:00:50.740 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 00:00:50.740 --> 00:00:57.460 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of 00:00:57.460 --> 00:01:04.240 Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith so that no one would be unsettled 00:01:04.240 --> 00:01:05.540 by these trials. 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:09.879 For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 00:01:10.680 --> 00:01:16.800 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. 00:01:16.799 --> 00:01:20.200 And it turned out that way, as you well know. 00:01:21.239 --> 00:01:27.519 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. 00:01:28.299 --> 00:01:35.579 I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have 00:01:35.579 --> 00:01:36.959 been in vain. 00:01:36.959 --> 00:01:44.439 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought us good news about your faith 00:01:44.439 --> 00:01:45.559 and love. 00:01:46.280 --> 00:01:52.019 He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:54.979 just as we also long to see you. 00:01:55.859 --> 00:02:03.019 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about 00:02:03.019 --> 00:02:05.640 you because of your faith. 00:02:06.700 --> 00:02:11.780 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 00:02:12.680 --> 00:02:18.919 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our 00:02:18.919 --> 00:02:21.319 God because of you? 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:29.099 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking 00:02:29.099 --> 00:02:30.400 in your faith. 00:02:30.400 --> 00:02:32.480 Amen. 00:02:33.480 --> 00:02:34.039 Thanks, Lord. 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:40.439 Thanks a million, Ralph. 00:02:41.259 --> 00:02:42.180 Good morning, everybody. 00:02:44.400 --> 00:02:46.040 Why don't we pray just to start? 00:02:52.379 --> 00:02:53.780 Lord, I need your help. 00:02:54.659 --> 00:02:56.460 We all need your help this morning. 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:56.560 Amen. 00:02:57.560 --> 00:03:01.140 To hear what your word has to say to us as a church family. 00:03:02.560 --> 00:03:05.980 Give us a vision of how glorious Jesus is. 00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:15.939 And show us the privilege that it is to help and strengthen one another in our faith. 00:03:17.040 --> 00:03:18.860 In Jesus' name we pray this. 00:03:19.960 --> 00:03:20.280 Amen. 00:03:20.280 --> 00:03:20.419 Amen. 00:03:23.840 --> 00:03:26.939 Well, to start, I want to ask you a very profound question. 00:03:28.460 --> 00:03:33.199 One which philosophers throughout the centuries have wrestled with. 00:03:34.340 --> 00:03:35.099 Here it is. 00:03:35.900 --> 00:03:38.960 How are you doing? 00:03:39.659 --> 00:03:40.259 How are you doing? 00:03:41.199 --> 00:03:41.460 Okay. 00:03:41.460 --> 00:03:47.379 Every time I go up to Calum and ask him, how are you doing? 00:03:47.500 --> 00:03:49.659 He answers me, Asher, you know yourself. 00:03:51.920 --> 00:03:55.719 Now, of course, I don't know how Calum is doing. 00:03:55.800 --> 00:03:56.860 I can't read his mind. 00:03:56.860 --> 00:03:59.800 So I say, how are you really doing, Calum? 00:03:59.800 --> 00:04:01.540 And then he'll tell me something. 00:04:01.640 --> 00:04:05.080 But if you were to ask me that question this morning, how are you doing? 00:04:06.340 --> 00:04:09.860 I'd probably say something along the lines of, you know, how my weekend is going. 00:04:10.480 --> 00:04:11.820 Been a busy week with work. 00:04:12.400 --> 00:04:13.060 I'm tired. 00:04:14.040 --> 00:04:15.180 Something I'm looking forward to. 00:04:15.220 --> 00:04:16.300 Maybe the rugby later on. 00:04:17.060 --> 00:04:17.220 Okay. 00:04:17.220 --> 00:04:21.100 But in essence, I'm going to tell you about me. 00:04:21.720 --> 00:04:22.680 My health. 00:04:23.340 --> 00:04:24.000 My job. 00:04:24.940 --> 00:04:25.740 My weekend. 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:29.940 But the interesting thing is this. 00:04:30.860 --> 00:04:38.660 If you were to meet Paul, the apostle, the writer of this letter, on the streets of Corinth 2,000 years ago, 00:04:38.700 --> 00:04:42.020 and if you were to say, Paul, how are you doing? 00:04:43.280 --> 00:04:46.260 You'd get a very surprising answer. 00:04:47.220 --> 00:04:58.560 Because in this text, we see that Paul cannot separate his own well-being from that of his brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:05:00.140 --> 00:05:07.280 His answer would show that he is only doing as well as his church family is doing. 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:09.780 If they suffer, he hurts. 00:05:10.820 --> 00:05:14.900 If they stray from the Lord, he fears for them. 00:05:14.899 --> 00:05:17.899 If they make progress, he rejoices. 00:05:19.319 --> 00:05:27.639 Now, for people like us in an individualistic society, that kind of love and care is just odd. 00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:28.799 Right? 00:05:28.919 --> 00:05:31.519 It's a little bit over the top. 00:05:32.599 --> 00:05:32.779 You know? 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:35.479 Surely God doesn't want us to love each other that much. 00:05:35.480 --> 00:05:41.180 And that's why we really need to hear this text this morning. 00:05:43.100 --> 00:05:53.240 Because when you trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord, you don't just get forgiveness, the gift of the Holy Spirit, eternity in heaven. 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:54.620 And these are all wonderful benefits. 00:05:54.620 --> 00:05:57.639 But actually, what you get is Christ himself. 00:06:00.240 --> 00:06:07.759 And along with him, all of those who have also put their faith in Christ. 00:06:07.759 --> 00:06:10.219 You get a family. 00:06:12.480 --> 00:06:19.599 And in this passage, Paul actually shows us what it looks like to love our family in Christ. 00:06:19.819 --> 00:06:21.920 And where we get the power to do that. 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:32.639 He's going to show us what an awesome privilege it is to help one another on the journey with Christ through this world. 00:06:32.680 --> 00:06:33.719 It's not a chore. 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:35.659 It's a privilege. 00:06:35.660 --> 00:06:38.460 So we need to pay attention. 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:42.740 Two simple things we're going to see today are that love cares deeply. 00:06:43.860 --> 00:06:45.220 That's like the feeling of love. 00:06:46.340 --> 00:06:49.540 And secondly, love acts sacrificially. 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:50.640 That's what love does. 00:06:51.940 --> 00:06:53.520 Okay, so firstly, love cares deeply. 00:06:53.960 --> 00:06:59.420 Here are a few things that we should feel in our relationships with one another. 00:07:01.680 --> 00:07:05.220 And the first one is a longing to be together. 00:07:05.220 --> 00:07:09.040 Now, here's the context of this letter of Thessalonians. 00:07:09.560 --> 00:07:14.140 Paul and Silas had traveled to Thessalonica and many people had believed in Christ. 00:07:14.600 --> 00:07:22.480 But, as many of you know, after only three weeks, they had to flee the town because a mob broke out against them. 00:07:22.780 --> 00:07:23.860 Now, here's the thing. 00:07:23.920 --> 00:07:31.340 Did Paul just move on to the next church planting project and slowly forget about the believers back in Thessalonica? 00:07:31.339 --> 00:07:34.019 In some ways, no one would blame him. 00:07:34.339 --> 00:07:35.079 He was so busy. 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:39.079 But look back at chapter 2, verse 17. 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:45.959 And halfway down through that verse, it actually says, Paul says, 00:07:46.219 --> 00:07:51.979 Out of our intense longing, we made every effort to see you. 00:07:53.339 --> 00:07:55.379 And then look down at chapter 3, verse 5. 00:07:56.860 --> 00:07:57.360 He says, 00:07:57.360 --> 00:08:15.139 So a love that cares deeply is a love which longs to be with your family in Christ. 00:08:15.139 --> 00:08:17.520 To do life with them. 00:08:17.519 --> 00:08:22.500 And not just having a polite chat on a Sunday morning and saying, 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:24.240 I'll be praying for you this week. 00:08:25.539 --> 00:08:30.899 That's good, but Paul demonstrates a whole life approach here. 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:32.659 Which says, 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:35.159 I long to do life alongside you. 00:08:37.659 --> 00:08:40.000 How does that compare to your attitude and mine? 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:47.259 Do we seek out opportunities to walk alongside each other in life? 00:08:48.320 --> 00:08:50.039 Or is it just a Sunday thing? 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:52.659 Or a Wednesday thing? 00:08:55.559 --> 00:09:01.299 Longing to be together is one sign of a love that cares deeply. 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:04.120 Here's the second. 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:09.059 Fearing for their spiritual well-being. 00:09:09.059 --> 00:09:11.299 Does it ever frighten you? 00:09:12.319 --> 00:09:17.059 That your brother or sister could be in danger from walking away from Jesus? 00:09:18.439 --> 00:09:20.859 Look at what Paul says in verse 5. 00:09:23.500 --> 00:09:25.379 Halfway down through the verse, he says, 00:09:25.639 --> 00:09:29.159 I was afraid that in some way, 00:09:29.399 --> 00:09:30.359 the tempter, Satan, 00:09:31.159 --> 00:09:32.019 had tempted you. 00:09:32.219 --> 00:09:34.979 And that our labors might have been in vain. 00:09:35.979 --> 00:09:36.299 See there, 00:09:36.299 --> 00:09:41.459 Paul's first concern was not their health or finances or physical safety. 00:09:43.299 --> 00:09:49.359 He was afraid they were drift away from the beauty and eternal safety of Christ. 00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:54.579 That's the worst thing that could possibly happen to them. 00:09:54.979 --> 00:09:58.039 And Paul was gripped with fear that it would. 00:09:58.039 --> 00:10:00.879 And that's real love. 00:10:03.099 --> 00:10:04.939 You don't really love someone 00:10:04.939 --> 00:10:09.059 if you're not afraid for them when they're in danger. 00:10:09.059 --> 00:10:12.199 This might be a silly example, 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:18.039 but imagine if your friend started chatting online to someone every day. 00:10:20.039 --> 00:10:21.259 And next thing they say, 00:10:21.339 --> 00:10:25.699 oh, my online friend has asked me to meet up in town at the weekend. 00:10:25.819 --> 00:10:26.579 I think I'm going to go. 00:10:27.379 --> 00:10:28.319 I'm looking forward to it. 00:10:28.320 --> 00:10:31.000 What would you say? 00:10:32.220 --> 00:10:33.660 Would you not tell them? 00:10:34.420 --> 00:10:36.440 You feared for their safety 00:10:36.440 --> 00:10:38.560 if you were a good friend to them? 00:10:41.420 --> 00:10:43.280 I remember when I was a teenager. 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:44.600 You know when you're a teenager, 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:46.560 you go through all these sorts of phases? 00:10:48.520 --> 00:10:49.940 Maybe you still do when you're an adult. 00:10:50.660 --> 00:10:51.360 But anyway, 00:10:51.480 --> 00:10:53.200 one of these phases as a teenager, 00:10:53.200 --> 00:10:56.879 I got into this kind of dark rock music. 00:10:59.180 --> 00:11:00.660 I was a Christian at the time, 00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:03.520 but I had this older, wiser Christian friend. 00:11:03.640 --> 00:11:04.379 His name was Jono. 00:11:05.020 --> 00:11:06.300 And he cared about me. 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:08.980 He cared about my walk with Jesus. 00:11:11.620 --> 00:11:13.900 But in my enthusiasm about this music, 00:11:14.980 --> 00:11:16.120 I sent it on to Jono, 00:11:16.200 --> 00:11:16.500 and I was like, 00:11:16.540 --> 00:11:17.680 Jono, you've got to listen to this. 00:11:18.160 --> 00:11:20.100 This is class. 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:23.920 And he got back to me a few days later 00:11:23.920 --> 00:11:24.940 by email, 00:11:25.180 --> 00:11:26.259 and he said, 00:11:27.100 --> 00:11:28.960 Sam, 00:11:29.200 --> 00:11:31.360 this music isn't good for your heart. 00:11:33.700 --> 00:11:34.340 He said, 00:11:34.379 --> 00:11:35.000 I'm worried 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:38.100 if you get deeper and deeper into this music, 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:41.940 it'll slowly lead you away from Jesus. 00:11:44.180 --> 00:11:45.340 And I was miffed. 00:11:46.960 --> 00:11:49.320 I did not like him saying that. 00:11:49.320 --> 00:11:52.280 How dare he criticize my taste in music? 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:54.620 And I was so excited to tell him. 00:11:56.980 --> 00:11:58.900 But it planted the seed in my mind. 00:12:00.640 --> 00:12:01.780 And within a few weeks, 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:06.640 I had actually seen that what Jono said was right. 00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:08.040 I had replaced it with music 00:12:08.040 --> 00:12:08.980 that actually helped me 00:12:08.980 --> 00:12:11.160 to grow closer to Jesus. 00:12:12.300 --> 00:12:13.580 It was good for my heart. 00:12:13.700 --> 00:12:14.740 And you know what? 00:12:15.280 --> 00:12:16.000 Reflecting on that, 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:17.940 Jono actually cared enough for me 00:12:17.940 --> 00:12:20.659 to worry about my spiritual health 00:12:20.659 --> 00:12:22.100 because he saw there was danger. 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:27.000 He cared enough to have that awkward conversation as well. 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:29.200 And just thinking about each other, 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:29.799 right, 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:32.480 I think we can tend to miss 00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:34.500 the spiritual dangers in each other's lives. 00:12:34.539 --> 00:12:35.700 Or if we see them, 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:37.580 we don't want to have that awkward conversation. 00:12:37.580 --> 00:12:39.600 Because in Ireland, 00:12:39.720 --> 00:12:40.680 we don't really, you know, 00:12:41.080 --> 00:12:43.340 confront each other on those things. 00:12:44.340 --> 00:12:44.920 Well, actually, 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:46.139 that's not living in accord 00:12:46.139 --> 00:12:48.040 with what God's word tells us to do. 00:12:49.280 --> 00:12:52.040 Your brothers and sisters sitting around you 00:12:52.040 --> 00:12:54.620 are engaged in a spiritual battle. 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:57.680 And Satan is trying to pull us 00:12:57.680 --> 00:13:00.780 as far away as possible from Jesus. 00:13:00.779 --> 00:13:05.939 Paul knew for the Thessalonians, 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:09.059 Satan was going to try and use persecution 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:10.259 to try and tempt them away. 00:13:10.339 --> 00:13:11.259 It's not worth it. 00:13:11.579 --> 00:13:12.919 It's not worth the following Jesus. 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:15.319 For us, 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:17.079 it might be some relational suffering 00:13:17.079 --> 00:13:17.779 or some illness 00:13:17.779 --> 00:13:19.059 that's just not going away 00:13:19.059 --> 00:13:21.019 and Satan is tempting us. 00:13:21.079 --> 00:13:21.659 He's telling us, 00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:23.000 God isn't good. 00:13:24.579 --> 00:13:25.720 He's not strong enough. 00:13:27.419 --> 00:13:28.459 For others of us, 00:13:28.519 --> 00:13:30.579 it's success and health 00:13:30.580 --> 00:13:32.280 and everything just going really well. 00:13:33.340 --> 00:13:34.500 And Satan's telling us, 00:13:34.540 --> 00:13:35.300 you don't need God. 00:13:36.440 --> 00:13:37.540 Oh, you're fine on your own. 00:13:38.259 --> 00:13:39.320 Why do you need a savior? 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:45.139 All of us are engaged 00:13:45.139 --> 00:13:47.379 in a spiritual battle. 00:13:47.560 --> 00:13:48.259 Let's not be naive. 00:13:49.700 --> 00:13:51.060 The question is this. 00:13:52.660 --> 00:13:53.960 Do we ever fear 00:13:53.960 --> 00:13:56.420 that our brothers and sisters 00:13:56.420 --> 00:13:57.740 might give in to those lies? 00:13:57.740 --> 00:14:00.919 Paul shows us 00:14:00.919 --> 00:14:02.039 that if we care deeply enough, 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:02.379 we will. 00:14:04.019 --> 00:14:04.440 Number one, 00:14:04.480 --> 00:14:05.120 we're going to long 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.779 to be with them 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:07.399 and number two, 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:08.379 we will fear 00:14:08.379 --> 00:14:10.659 for their spiritual well-being 00:14:10.659 --> 00:14:12.200 when we see 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:12.700 that they are 00:14:12.700 --> 00:14:13.759 in spiritual danger. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:17.940 But here's the bit 00:14:17.940 --> 00:14:19.320 that really blew me away 00:14:19.320 --> 00:14:20.460 when I read this text first. 00:14:20.519 --> 00:14:20.960 And I don't know, 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:22.639 when Ralph was reading it out, 00:14:22.700 --> 00:14:24.340 did you notice this also? 00:14:24.340 --> 00:14:28.620 Because Paul is telling us 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:29.080 what happened. 00:14:29.180 --> 00:14:29.320 You see, 00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:30.879 he sent Timothy out 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:32.280 to the church in Thessalonica 00:14:32.280 --> 00:14:33.820 to see how they were doing, 00:14:33.899 --> 00:14:34.820 to find out. 00:14:35.300 --> 00:14:36.620 And then Timothy comes back 00:14:36.620 --> 00:14:39.200 with a good report 00:14:39.200 --> 00:14:40.639 of their faith. 00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:43.019 And look at the effect 00:14:43.019 --> 00:14:44.180 this has on Paul 00:14:44.180 --> 00:14:44.800 in verse 8. 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:45.180 I love this. 00:14:45.220 --> 00:14:45.899 He says this. 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:49.459 For now we really live, 00:14:50.059 --> 00:14:53.319 since you are standing firm 00:14:53.319 --> 00:14:54.279 in the Lord. 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:55.980 Now we really live. 00:14:56.039 --> 00:14:57.220 Is that not extraordinary? 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:01.779 Paul is claiming that 00:15:01.779 --> 00:15:03.259 when he didn't know 00:15:03.259 --> 00:15:04.799 if his brothers and sisters 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:05.620 were still walking 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.220 with the Lord, 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:09.240 he was only half alive. 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:11.939 The not knowing 00:15:11.939 --> 00:15:13.139 was killing him. 00:15:13.139 --> 00:15:16.139 That is next level love. 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:18.139 How can we care 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:19.179 like that? 00:15:21.460 --> 00:15:22.939 Enough that we could 00:15:22.939 --> 00:15:24.379 genuinely say, 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:28.240 I'm only doing as well 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.879 as my brothers and sisters 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:30.399 are doing. 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:35.860 Back in 2010, 00:15:36.199 --> 00:15:37.299 a mining accident 00:15:37.299 --> 00:15:38.720 rocked the globe. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.179 I think most of you 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:42.679 were alive at that point 00:15:42.679 --> 00:15:43.799 and might be able 00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:44.919 to remember it. 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:47.719 33 men 00:15:47.719 --> 00:15:49.120 had driven down 00:15:49.120 --> 00:15:50.159 into this copper mine 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:50.539 in Chile 00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:52.719 when the mountain 00:15:52.719 --> 00:15:53.959 caved in behind them. 00:15:56.419 --> 00:15:58.120 I want you to imagine 00:15:58.120 --> 00:16:00.759 that your brother 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:02.120 was trapped in the mine 00:16:02.120 --> 00:16:05.679 and your family 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.859 are all there, right? 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:08.079 Huddled together 00:16:08.079 --> 00:16:08.679 by that mine shaft 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:10.599 as the rescue teams 00:16:10.599 --> 00:16:12.179 are working around you. 00:16:12.179 --> 00:16:12.799 I just want to ask, 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:14.019 what are you feeling 00:16:14.019 --> 00:16:15.759 as two, 00:16:16.239 --> 00:16:17.599 three days pass? 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:19.539 Five, 00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:20.599 six days, 00:16:20.699 --> 00:16:21.599 still no news. 00:16:24.099 --> 00:16:24.579 Ten, 00:16:24.739 --> 00:16:25.539 eleven days, 00:16:25.839 --> 00:16:26.799 still nothing 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:28.019 from the drilling. 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:30.339 Fifteen, 00:16:30.919 --> 00:16:31.759 sixteen days, 00:16:31.839 --> 00:16:32.259 you're beginning 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:32.979 to lose hope. 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:36.019 now, 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:37.100 if a news reporter 00:16:37.100 --> 00:16:38.340 came over to you 00:16:38.340 --> 00:16:39.399 and asked you 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:40.300 that profound question 00:16:40.300 --> 00:16:40.560 again, 00:16:40.899 --> 00:16:42.620 how are you doing? 00:16:44.779 --> 00:16:45.759 What would you say? 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:49.379 You might be 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:50.080 perfectly healthy. 00:16:51.220 --> 00:16:51.940 You might have 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:52.519 a nice house 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:53.200 and a good job 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:53.720 and everything else 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:54.100 going well, 00:16:54.180 --> 00:16:56.379 but none of that 00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:56.940 would matter 00:16:56.940 --> 00:16:57.620 in that moment, 00:16:57.680 --> 00:16:58.019 would it? 00:16:58.019 --> 00:17:00.779 you would say, 00:17:00.899 --> 00:17:03.199 I'm in agony 00:17:03.199 --> 00:17:05.759 because my brother 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:07.119 is down there 00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:08.700 and I don't know 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:09.799 if he's safe 00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:10.400 or not. 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:14.740 You see, 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:15.759 in that moment, 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:18.700 you're only doing 00:17:18.700 --> 00:17:19.660 as well as your brother 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.119 is doing. 00:17:20.119 --> 00:17:23.819 nothing else matters 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:25.500 if they aren't safe 00:17:25.500 --> 00:17:27.199 and that's a picture 00:17:27.199 --> 00:17:28.659 of how Paul feels 00:17:28.659 --> 00:17:30.459 about his family 00:17:30.459 --> 00:17:31.059 in Christ. 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.799 That's how we should 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.799 feel about ours too. 00:17:36.379 --> 00:17:37.679 He was in agony 00:17:37.679 --> 00:17:38.339 over them, 00:17:38.899 --> 00:17:40.000 not knowing 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:40.799 if they were safe 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:41.239 in Christ 00:17:41.239 --> 00:17:42.079 and then when he hears 00:17:42.079 --> 00:17:42.659 the good news 00:17:42.659 --> 00:17:43.899 that they are safe, 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:45.139 what does he say? 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:45.599 He says, 00:17:45.659 --> 00:17:47.039 now we really live 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:48.979 and in his very 00:17:48.979 --> 00:17:49.759 next breath, 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:50.740 in verse 9. 00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:51.779 Just look at that. 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:52.140 He says, 00:17:52.879 --> 00:17:54.359 how can we thank 00:17:54.359 --> 00:17:55.859 God enough for you 00:17:55.859 --> 00:17:56.500 in return 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:57.859 for all the joy 00:17:57.859 --> 00:17:58.559 we have 00:17:58.559 --> 00:17:59.619 in the presence 00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:00.819 of our God 00:18:00.819 --> 00:18:02.259 because of you? 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:06.099 Again, 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:07.059 we often think 00:18:07.059 --> 00:18:08.359 love for each other 00:18:08.359 --> 00:18:09.319 means a pleasant chat 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:10.140 on a Sunday morning 00:18:10.140 --> 00:18:12.059 and I'll be praying 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:12.900 for you during the week. 00:18:13.779 --> 00:18:14.500 That's great. 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:15.339 We should do that. 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:16.940 But if that's all 00:18:16.940 --> 00:18:17.359 we're doing, 00:18:17.420 --> 00:18:18.420 we're falling so, 00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:19.259 so short 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:20.480 of God's vision 00:18:20.480 --> 00:18:21.019 for us 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:22.879 as a church family. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:24.839 Paul shows us 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:25.440 a whole life 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.160 model of care. 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:28.539 We need to grow in this. 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:30.379 Yes, 00:18:30.460 --> 00:18:31.119 we should be all 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:32.180 over the practical needs 00:18:32.180 --> 00:18:34.119 when someone's sick 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:34.700 or lonely 00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:35.619 or needing help, 00:18:35.680 --> 00:18:36.799 but the most important 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:38.019 thing we will care about 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:38.440 is this. 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:38.759 Brother, 00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:39.400 sister, 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:40.460 are you walking 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:42.180 with the Lord? 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:42.279 Lord, 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:44.279 what is more important 00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:44.660 than that? 00:18:44.660 --> 00:18:46.779 what else 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:47.400 is going to last 00:18:47.400 --> 00:18:47.740 forever? 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.100 That's real love 00:18:52.100 --> 00:18:52.759 for your brothers 00:18:52.759 --> 00:18:53.360 and sisters. 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.840 Love that cares deeply. 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:56.320 Now, 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.900 maybe you, 00:18:58.040 --> 00:18:58.420 like me, 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:00.920 are sitting there 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:01.420 and thinking, 00:19:01.540 --> 00:19:02.040 do you know what? 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:04.400 It doesn't really 00:19:04.400 --> 00:19:05.200 match up with my life 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:05.620 so well. 00:19:06.060 --> 00:19:06.880 Maybe you're convicted, 00:19:07.600 --> 00:19:08.300 like I am, 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:11.799 that you fall short 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:12.259 of this. 00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:14.619 And I think it's natural 00:19:14.619 --> 00:19:15.099 in some ways 00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:16.819 because our sinful hearts 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:18.720 generally tend 00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:19.879 to put ourselves first, 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:20.159 right? 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:23.139 How do we grow 00:19:23.139 --> 00:19:24.779 these sort of 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:26.379 affections of love 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:27.919 for one another 00:19:27.919 --> 00:19:28.919 in the church family? 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:32.720 Well, 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:33.220 the answer is 00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:33.879 in verse 12. 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:36.039 If you have a look 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:36.460 down at that, 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:37.059 chapter 3, 00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:37.700 verse 12, 00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:40.579 and Paul prays 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:41.539 for his brothers 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:42.039 and sisters 00:19:42.039 --> 00:19:42.720 and he says this, 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:43.740 may the Lord 00:19:43.740 --> 00:19:45.639 make your love 00:19:45.639 --> 00:19:46.839 increase 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:48.139 and overflow 00:19:48.139 --> 00:19:49.279 for each other 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.740 and for everyone else 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:52.019 just as ours 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:52.759 does for you. 00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:54.019 I am so thankful 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:55.480 God inspired Paul 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:56.539 to put that prayer there 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:59.960 because it's 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:01.519 only the Lord 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:03.440 who can make 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:04.519 our love 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:06.000 increase 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:06.720 and overflow 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:07.500 for each other. 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:08.279 That's the key. 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:09.599 This is not 00:20:09.599 --> 00:20:11.799 a try-harder 00:20:11.799 --> 00:20:13.000 situation. 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:15.240 This is a 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:17.720 lean-closer-into-Jesus 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:19.279 thing. 00:20:19.919 --> 00:20:21.480 The only person 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:22.079 who ever 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:23.879 perfectly lived this out. 00:20:23.919 --> 00:20:24.419 Now remember, 00:20:24.819 --> 00:20:26.079 it is only Jesus. 00:20:27.159 --> 00:20:28.220 We look at Paul here 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:28.460 and say, 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:29.119 this is amazing. 00:20:29.220 --> 00:20:29.799 Just remember 00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:30.839 Paul's past. 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:33.539 His life mission 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:34.419 originally was 00:20:34.419 --> 00:20:35.819 picking off the Christians 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:36.519 one by one. 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:39.039 He was out 00:20:39.039 --> 00:20:39.819 to get them. 00:20:41.619 --> 00:20:42.839 Then he met Jesus 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:45.079 and his heart 00:20:45.079 --> 00:20:46.240 got transformed 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:46.960 completely. 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:51.439 And so also, 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:53.839 we look to Jesus. 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.019 It's actually 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:55.879 through our union 00:20:55.879 --> 00:20:57.000 with Jesus 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:58.839 that we begin 00:20:58.839 --> 00:20:59.379 to care 00:20:59.379 --> 00:21:00.579 like he does. 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:03.419 and if Christ's 00:21:03.419 --> 00:21:04.119 spirit lives 00:21:04.119 --> 00:21:04.679 in us, 00:21:05.079 --> 00:21:06.240 the closer 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:06.960 we walk 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:07.399 with him, 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:07.980 the more 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:08.759 the fruits 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:09.439 of that spirit 00:21:09.439 --> 00:21:10.039 will grow 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:10.740 naturally. 00:21:12.179 --> 00:21:13.259 And he gives us 00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:14.039 new desires 00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:14.659 to actually 00:21:14.659 --> 00:21:16.299 want to love 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:17.480 like this, 00:21:17.679 --> 00:21:18.399 to see it as 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:19.199 something we get 00:21:19.199 --> 00:21:19.500 to do, 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.199 not a chore 00:21:20.199 --> 00:21:21.039 to take off. 00:21:21.659 --> 00:21:22.619 We begin to see 00:21:22.619 --> 00:21:23.359 how privileged 00:21:23.359 --> 00:21:24.399 we are 00:21:24.399 --> 00:21:25.099 to invest 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:25.740 in what's going 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:27.000 to last forever, 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:27.579 that is, 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.639 one another. 00:21:28.640 --> 00:21:32.500 So that's 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:33.100 the first point. 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:33.900 Love cares 00:21:33.900 --> 00:21:34.320 deeply. 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.220 And walking 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:37.200 closer with Jesus, 00:21:37.380 --> 00:21:38.380 we begin to feel 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:39.300 that kind of 00:21:39.300 --> 00:21:40.520 love for each 00:21:40.520 --> 00:21:40.700 other. 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:41.300 But we don't 00:21:41.300 --> 00:21:41.860 just see how 00:21:41.860 --> 00:21:43.100 love feels 00:21:43.100 --> 00:21:44.860 in this text, 00:21:44.880 --> 00:21:45.640 we also see 00:21:45.640 --> 00:21:47.140 how love 00:21:47.140 --> 00:21:47.800 acts 00:21:47.800 --> 00:21:48.759 sacrificially. 00:21:49.620 --> 00:21:50.020 And Paul 00:21:50.020 --> 00:21:50.480 shows us 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:51.040 some of these 00:21:51.040 --> 00:21:52.060 actions that 00:21:52.060 --> 00:21:52.960 naturally flow 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.500 out of that 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.160 heart of love. 00:21:54.300 --> 00:21:54.720 And we're 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:55.340 going to go 00:21:55.340 --> 00:21:55.720 through three 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:55.920 of them 00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:56.360 really quick. 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:56.700 It says, 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:57.660 the first one's 00:21:57.660 --> 00:21:58.160 found in verse 00:21:58.160 --> 00:21:58.500 two. 00:21:58.640 --> 00:22:00.800 If you look 00:22:00.800 --> 00:22:00.980 there, 00:22:01.060 --> 00:22:02.160 Paul says 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:02.680 that he sent 00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:03.300 Timothy to 00:22:03.300 --> 00:22:04.100 strengthen 00:22:04.100 --> 00:22:05.440 and encourage 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.840 them in 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.500 their faith. 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:09.020 Now, 00:22:09.060 --> 00:22:09.360 if God 00:22:09.360 --> 00:22:09.920 gives you 00:22:09.920 --> 00:22:10.640 a heart 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:11.920 to care 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:12.280 for your 00:22:12.280 --> 00:22:13.020 brothers and 00:22:13.020 --> 00:22:13.420 sisters, 00:22:13.540 --> 00:22:14.100 you will 00:22:14.100 --> 00:22:14.640 begin to 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:15.380 move towards 00:22:15.380 --> 00:22:15.700 them in 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:16.060 love. 00:22:16.360 --> 00:22:16.620 And you 00:22:16.620 --> 00:22:17.060 will ask, 00:22:17.300 --> 00:22:17.800 how can I 00:22:17.800 --> 00:22:18.540 encourage my 00:22:18.540 --> 00:22:19.020 brother or 00:22:19.020 --> 00:22:20.259 sister to 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:20.700 walk with 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:21.040 the Lord? 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.320 During the 00:22:24.320 --> 00:22:24.540 week, 00:22:24.580 --> 00:22:25.080 as you pray 00:22:25.080 --> 00:22:25.400 for them, 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:25.720 you might 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:25.920 ask, 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:26.300 what's a 00:22:26.300 --> 00:22:26.680 verse that 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.040 the Lord's 00:22:27.040 --> 00:22:27.400 put in my 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:27.820 heart to 00:22:27.819 --> 00:22:28.759 share with 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:28.960 them? 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:32.740 Maybe that 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.319 might mean 00:22:33.319 --> 00:22:34.000 texting and 00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:34.519 asking if we 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:34.819 can meet 00:22:34.819 --> 00:22:35.099 up for 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:35.480 lunch or 00:22:35.480 --> 00:22:35.960 for coffee. 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:38.359 How can 00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:39.039 I be an 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:39.639 encouragement 00:22:39.639 --> 00:22:40.439 to you? 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.279 In verse 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.720 three, we 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:44.179 find the 00:22:44.179 --> 00:22:45.019 reason why 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:46.720 Paul sent 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.439 Timothy to 00:22:47.439 --> 00:22:48.079 strengthen their 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:48.439 faith. 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:49.419 Verse three 00:22:49.419 --> 00:22:49.639 says, 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:51.039 so that no 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:51.619 one would 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:52.559 be unsettled 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:53.259 by these 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:53.819 trials, 00:22:54.159 --> 00:22:54.659 for you 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:55.319 know quite 00:22:55.319 --> 00:22:56.279 well that 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:56.619 we are 00:22:56.619 --> 00:22:57.420 destined for 00:22:57.420 --> 00:22:57.700 them. 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.779 Trials are 00:22:59.779 --> 00:23:00.180 coming in 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:00.619 each other's 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:00.920 lives. 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.720 That's why we 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.000 need to 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.460 strengthen each 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:03.660 other. 00:23:03.899 --> 00:23:04.539 Really simple. 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:06.619 And when we 00:23:06.619 --> 00:23:07.299 do strengthen 00:23:07.299 --> 00:23:07.819 each other, 00:23:08.180 --> 00:23:08.859 when those 00:23:08.859 --> 00:23:09.500 trials come, 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:10.019 we will be 00:23:10.019 --> 00:23:10.399 able to 00:23:10.399 --> 00:23:12.220 stand firm 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:12.839 in Jesus. 00:23:16.139 --> 00:23:16.740 Here's the 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.200 second way 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:17.700 that love 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:18.240 acts 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:19.420 sacrificially. 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:20.920 In verse 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.379 five, we 00:23:21.379 --> 00:23:21.779 read how 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:22.500 Paul sent 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:23.539 Timothy to 00:23:23.539 --> 00:23:24.579 inquire about 00:23:24.579 --> 00:23:25.159 the church's 00:23:25.159 --> 00:23:25.480 faith. 00:23:25.659 --> 00:23:27.220 So when we 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:28.000 reach out to 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.960 encourage someone 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:30.599 in their faith, 00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:31.259 that's not just a 00:23:31.259 --> 00:23:32.240 once-off thing. 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:34.939 Take that off 00:23:34.939 --> 00:23:35.399 the list. 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:38.500 Now this kind 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.179 of deep love 00:23:39.179 --> 00:23:39.759 makes us want 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.500 to keep 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.960 reaching out 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:43.759 to hear how 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:44.339 they are doing 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:44.960 in their faith. 00:23:45.939 --> 00:23:46.899 And Paul says 00:23:46.899 --> 00:23:48.659 why we should 00:23:48.659 --> 00:23:49.199 do that in 00:23:49.199 --> 00:23:49.740 verse five. 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:50.079 He says, 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.079 because Satan 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:52.359 is going to 00:23:52.359 --> 00:23:52.720 tempt. 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:54.019 We've 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:54.559 already talked 00:23:54.559 --> 00:23:54.940 about that 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:55.460 this morning, 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.400 how we are 00:23:56.400 --> 00:23:57.200 all engaged 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:57.900 in a spiritual 00:23:57.900 --> 00:23:58.339 battle. 00:23:59.079 --> 00:23:59.519 And if we 00:23:59.519 --> 00:23:59.940 do nothing 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:00.460 to help 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:00.960 each other, 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:01.900 Satan will 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:02.559 try and 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:02.900 tempt us 00:24:02.900 --> 00:24:03.240 away. 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:06.160 So don't 00:24:06.160 --> 00:24:07.019 just ask 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:08.860 about someone's 00:24:08.860 --> 00:24:09.220 health, 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.019 or their 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:10.440 job, 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:11.120 or their 00:24:11.120 --> 00:24:11.539 school. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.000 That's good. 00:24:13.360 --> 00:24:14.160 But also ask 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:14.640 them, how are 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:15.140 those things 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:15.740 affecting your 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.000 faith? 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.519 How are you 00:24:17.519 --> 00:24:18.360 meeting the 00:24:18.360 --> 00:24:19.200 Lord in 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:20.500 those contexts? 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:23.259 Or ask, how 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:23.500 is your 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:23.980 Bible reading 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.240 going? 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:27.059 Do you 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:27.900 get time to 00:24:27.900 --> 00:24:29.519 pray during 00:24:29.519 --> 00:24:29.880 your day? 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:32.920 And if 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:33.400 someone asks 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:33.740 you those 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:34.119 questions, 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:34.440 that's not 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:34.779 them being 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:35.279 nosy. 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:36.940 That's them 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:38.319 actually caring 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:39.579 for you 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.660 enough to 00:24:40.660 --> 00:24:41.460 support you 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:42.480 against Satan's 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.019 attacks. 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.460 Here's a third 00:24:47.460 --> 00:24:47.779 thing. 00:24:47.779 --> 00:24:50.440 one more 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:51.039 act of love, 00:24:51.119 --> 00:24:51.839 and we do 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.180 need to be 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:52.799 careful how we 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.359 interpret this 00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:53.539 one. 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:54.920 Have a look 00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:55.220 at it in 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:55.619 verse 10. 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:58.940 Paul says, 00:24:59.019 --> 00:25:00.059 night and 00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:01.019 day, we 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:02.000 pray most 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.920 earnestly that 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:03.680 we may see 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:04.180 you again, 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:05.639 and supply 00:25:05.639 --> 00:25:06.420 what is 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:08.160 lacking in 00:25:08.160 --> 00:25:08.680 your faith. 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.819 Now, what 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:10.019 does this 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:10.200 mean? 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:10.920 Is Paul 00:25:10.920 --> 00:25:11.519 saying that 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:12.160 their saving 00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:13.259 faith in 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:14.099 Christ is 00:25:14.099 --> 00:25:14.899 incomplete? 00:25:14.900 --> 00:25:18.360 Well, no. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.519 We know that 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:19.960 because he's 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:20.740 already addressed 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.600 them in this 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:22.960 letter as 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:23.360 those who 00:25:23.360 --> 00:25:23.759 are loved 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:24.280 by God 00:25:24.280 --> 00:25:25.120 and chosen 00:25:25.120 --> 00:25:25.680 by him. 00:25:25.780 --> 00:25:27.280 So, let's 00:25:27.280 --> 00:25:27.700 just get this 00:25:27.700 --> 00:25:27.980 clear. 00:25:28.820 --> 00:25:29.340 If your 00:25:29.340 --> 00:25:30.420 faith is in 00:25:30.420 --> 00:25:31.860 Christ alone, 00:25:32.820 --> 00:25:34.019 that is all 00:25:34.019 --> 00:25:35.600 you need to 00:25:35.600 --> 00:25:36.600 be safe in 00:25:36.600 --> 00:25:36.840 him. 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:38.100 Okay? 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:38.940 It's not the 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:40.040 size of your 00:25:40.040 --> 00:25:42.000 faith that 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.380 matters. 00:25:42.380 --> 00:25:44.340 it's who 00:25:44.340 --> 00:25:45.020 your faith 00:25:45.020 --> 00:25:45.500 is placed 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:45.780 in. 00:25:48.260 --> 00:25:49.080 But Paul 00:25:49.080 --> 00:25:49.820 is making 00:25:49.820 --> 00:25:50.300 a point 00:25:50.300 --> 00:25:52.580 here that 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:53.240 these believers 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:53.780 in Christ 00:25:53.780 --> 00:25:54.340 have their 00:25:54.340 --> 00:25:54.800 weaknesses. 00:25:56.340 --> 00:25:56.720 And in the 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:57.220 rest of this 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:57.580 letter, he's 00:25:57.580 --> 00:25:57.900 actually going 00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:58.340 to address 00:25:58.340 --> 00:25:58.840 these head 00:25:58.840 --> 00:25:59.300 on, from 00:25:59.300 --> 00:26:00.140 sexual sin 00:26:00.140 --> 00:26:01.660 to idleness 00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:02.560 to taking 00:26:02.560 --> 00:26:03.020 revenge. 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:05.740 And we all 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.040 know the 00:26:06.040 --> 00:26:06.600 areas in our 00:26:06.600 --> 00:26:07.000 lives, too, 00:26:07.060 --> 00:26:07.300 where we 00:26:07.300 --> 00:26:07.640 struggle. 00:26:08.020 --> 00:26:08.280 Right? 00:26:08.360 --> 00:26:08.760 We struggle 00:26:08.760 --> 00:26:09.160 with sin. 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:10.160 We struggle 00:26:10.160 --> 00:26:10.700 with suffering 00:26:10.700 --> 00:26:11.300 and sadness. 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:12.840 We struggle 00:26:12.840 --> 00:26:13.100 to be 00:26:13.100 --> 00:26:13.780 faithful to 00:26:13.780 --> 00:26:14.200 God. 00:26:16.100 --> 00:26:16.760 Now, that 00:26:16.760 --> 00:26:17.280 doesn't mean 00:26:17.280 --> 00:26:17.960 we're outside 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.780 of Christ 00:26:18.780 --> 00:26:20.740 because we 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:21.360 struggle. 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:24.360 No, the 00:26:24.360 --> 00:26:25.140 very fact that 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:25.620 we're not 00:26:25.620 --> 00:26:26.280 okay with 00:26:26.280 --> 00:26:26.840 our sin 00:26:26.840 --> 00:26:28.360 shows the 00:26:28.360 --> 00:26:28.740 new heart 00:26:28.740 --> 00:26:29.240 we have 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:29.940 in Christ. 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:31.960 But what 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:32.760 God is 00:26:32.760 --> 00:26:33.460 calling us 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.140 to do 00:26:34.140 --> 00:26:35.600 is to 00:26:35.600 --> 00:26:36.820 supply what 00:26:36.820 --> 00:26:37.580 is lacking 00:26:37.580 --> 00:26:38.680 in each 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:39.060 other's 00:26:39.060 --> 00:26:39.280 faith. 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.220 so, for 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:40.740 instance, 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:43.619 my experience 00:26:43.619 --> 00:26:44.200 in dealing 00:26:44.200 --> 00:26:44.920 with anger 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:46.819 might help 00:26:46.819 --> 00:26:47.579 somebody else 00:26:47.579 --> 00:26:48.200 in the church 00:26:48.200 --> 00:26:48.920 family who's 00:26:48.920 --> 00:26:49.440 struggling with 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:49.759 that now, 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:50.000 too. 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:53.819 Your experience 00:26:53.819 --> 00:26:54.299 in dealing 00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:55.480 with jealousy 00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:57.480 might help 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:57.960 someone like 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:59.539 me who's 00:26:59.539 --> 00:26:59.960 dealing with 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.259 that. 00:27:01.079 --> 00:27:02.319 Your experience 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:02.819 in fighting 00:27:02.819 --> 00:27:03.799 lust might 00:27:03.799 --> 00:27:04.339 help someone 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:04.980 else in the 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:05.700 middle of that 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:06.099 battle. 00:27:06.099 --> 00:27:06.559 can you 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:07.039 see how 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.480 we can 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.659 support one 00:27:08.659 --> 00:27:09.240 another and 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.039 supply what 00:27:10.039 --> 00:27:10.639 is lacking 00:27:10.639 --> 00:27:11.019 in each 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:11.319 other's 00:27:11.319 --> 00:27:11.679 faith? 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:15.059 We just 00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:15.459 need to be 00:27:15.459 --> 00:27:16.039 honest and 00:27:16.039 --> 00:27:16.559 open about 00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:16.899 our own 00:27:16.899 --> 00:27:17.339 struggles 00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:20.179 and unafraid 00:27:20.179 --> 00:27:20.879 to ask 00:27:20.879 --> 00:27:21.899 others about 00:27:21.899 --> 00:27:22.259 theirs, 00:27:22.399 --> 00:27:22.559 too. 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.219 What a 00:27:26.219 --> 00:27:26.779 privilege it 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:28.139 is to 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:29.339 supply what 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:29.879 is lacking 00:27:29.879 --> 00:27:30.939 in each 00:27:30.939 --> 00:27:31.240 other's 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:31.539 faith. 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:31.579 love. 00:27:33.159 --> 00:27:33.700 It's 00:27:33.700 --> 00:27:33.960 God's 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:34.339 beautiful 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:35.920 design for 00:27:35.920 --> 00:27:36.379 love in 00:27:36.379 --> 00:27:36.839 the church. 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:39.339 But as 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:39.899 we finish, 00:27:40.579 --> 00:27:41.180 I want to 00:27:41.180 --> 00:27:41.559 bring you 00:27:41.559 --> 00:27:41.940 back to 00:27:41.940 --> 00:27:42.460 that mining 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:43.180 accident in 00:27:43.180 --> 00:27:43.359 Chile. 00:27:45.700 --> 00:27:46.980 For 16 00:27:46.980 --> 00:27:48.579 days, the 00:27:48.579 --> 00:27:49.379 rescue teams 00:27:49.379 --> 00:27:50.240 drilled and 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.099 drilled without 00:27:51.099 --> 00:27:51.759 success. 00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:53.279 But on 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:54.220 the 17th 00:27:54.220 --> 00:27:56.539 day, they 00:27:56.539 --> 00:27:57.180 found a 00:27:57.180 --> 00:27:58.240 note stuck 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:58.920 onto one 00:27:58.920 --> 00:27:59.180 of the 00:27:59.180 --> 00:27:59.839 drill bits 00:27:59.839 --> 00:28:00.839 with insulating 00:28:00.839 --> 00:28:01.259 tape. 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:02.680 after pulling 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.619 it back up 00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:05.000 700 meters 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:06.720 out of the 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:07.039 mountain. 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:08.960 And here's 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:09.379 the actual 00:28:09.379 --> 00:28:10.720 note on 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:11.159 the screen. 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:12.259 Now, this 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:12.759 is the part 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:14.119 where me, 00:28:14.659 --> 00:28:15.039 as someone 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:15.279 who has 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:16.240 never studied 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:16.639 Spanish, 00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.059 need someone 00:28:17.059 --> 00:28:17.359 to help 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:17.740 me to 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:18.159 read this. 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:18.420 Is there 00:28:18.420 --> 00:28:18.980 anyone here 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:20.519 who... 00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:20.920 Go on, 00:28:21.339 --> 00:28:21.559 Katrina. 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:21.559 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:22.700 going to 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:23.559 go on, 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:23.559 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:23.559 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:24.700 going to 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:24.559 go on, 00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:25.559 Katrina. 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:25.639 We're going to 00:28:25.639 --> 00:28:26.460 go on, 00:28:26.460 --> 00:28:27.559 Katrina. 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:29.700 We're going to 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.200 go on, 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:30.559 Katrina. 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:31.700 We're going to 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:32.179 go on, 00:28:32.179 --> 00:28:32.559 Katrina. 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:33.000 Well done. 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:34.059 That matches 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:34.579 with my 00:28:34.579 --> 00:28:35.440 little English 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:36.220 translation I 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:36.639 have here. 00:28:36.740 --> 00:28:37.720 All 33 of 00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:38.099 us are 00:28:38.099 --> 00:28:38.579 fighting the 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:38.879 shelter. 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:39.480 Well done, 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:39.759 Katrina. 00:28:40.639 --> 00:28:41.359 Monica was 00:28:41.359 --> 00:28:41.720 my next 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:42.240 bet there to 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:42.639 help me out. 00:28:44.399 --> 00:28:45.259 But yeah, 00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:47.119 what an 00:28:47.119 --> 00:28:47.919 incredible note 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:48.580 to receive. 00:28:49.580 --> 00:28:50.060 On the 00:28:50.060 --> 00:28:51.039 17th day, 00:28:51.620 --> 00:28:52.620 the crowds 00:28:52.620 --> 00:28:54.080 erupted 00:28:54.080 --> 00:28:55.420 into shouts 00:28:55.420 --> 00:28:56.259 of joy, 00:28:56.320 --> 00:28:56.660 all on 00:28:56.660 --> 00:28:57.460 national television, 00:28:57.600 --> 00:28:58.519 all screens 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:58.980 throughout the 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.300 world. 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:01.039 Everyone was 00:29:01.039 --> 00:29:02.200 overwhelmed 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:04.279 with relief. 00:29:05.180 --> 00:29:05.779 Knowing that 00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:06.240 their loved 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:06.660 ones were 00:29:06.660 --> 00:29:08.860 safe meant 00:29:08.860 --> 00:29:09.480 the families 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:10.300 could really 00:29:10.300 --> 00:29:11.100 live again. 00:29:13.560 --> 00:29:14.060 Now, 00:29:14.120 --> 00:29:14.340 it took 00:29:14.340 --> 00:29:15.740 52 days 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.480 to execute 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.420 the rescue 00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:17.779 mission. 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:18.100 So they 00:29:18.100 --> 00:29:18.580 had to 00:29:18.580 --> 00:29:19.320 bore this 00:29:19.320 --> 00:29:20.000 new tunnel 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.800 right down 00:29:20.800 --> 00:29:21.140 to where 00:29:21.140 --> 00:29:21.620 the miners 00:29:21.620 --> 00:29:21.900 were. 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.580 But after 00:29:24.580 --> 00:29:25.140 digging that 00:29:25.140 --> 00:29:25.640 new tunnel, 00:29:26.480 --> 00:29:28.100 all 33 00:29:28.100 --> 00:29:28.800 of the 00:29:28.800 --> 00:29:30.000 miners were 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:30.880 lifted to 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:31.980 safety to 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.380 meet their 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:32.779 families. 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:33.400 Now, 00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:34.920 can you 00:29:34.920 --> 00:29:35.519 imagine what 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:35.960 that hug 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.500 felt like? 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:40.500 Welcoming 00:29:40.500 --> 00:29:41.019 back your 00:29:41.019 --> 00:29:41.340 brother, 00:29:42.779 --> 00:29:43.480 having wondered 00:29:43.480 --> 00:29:44.100 would he 00:29:44.100 --> 00:29:44.940 ever make 00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:45.120 it? 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:47.420 Imagine 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:48.400 the joy 00:29:48.400 --> 00:29:48.880 of that 00:29:48.880 --> 00:29:49.200 reunion. 00:29:49.300 --> 00:29:49.779 I wish 00:29:49.779 --> 00:29:50.539 I was 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:50.880 there to 00:29:50.880 --> 00:29:51.160 see it, 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:51.480 don't you? 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:54.460 But do you 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:54.800 know what the 00:29:54.800 --> 00:29:55.340 wonderful thing 00:29:55.340 --> 00:29:55.640 is? 00:29:58.060 --> 00:29:58.580 That 00:29:58.580 --> 00:29:59.240 reunion is 00:29:59.240 --> 00:29:59.740 just a 00:29:59.740 --> 00:30:00.519 foretaste 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:01.740 of a far 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.480 greater 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.740 reunion to 00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:04.000 come. 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:07.400 One day, 00:30:07.640 --> 00:30:08.420 we who have 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:09.080 trusted in 00:30:09.080 --> 00:30:09.640 Christ will 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:10.180 witness the 00:30:10.180 --> 00:30:10.880 completion of 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:11.600 a far 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:12.900 surpassing 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:13.700 rescue 00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:14.220 mission. 00:30:14.220 --> 00:30:16.079 there is 00:30:16.079 --> 00:30:16.339 a day 00:30:16.339 --> 00:30:16.799 coming when 00:30:16.799 --> 00:30:17.299 we will 00:30:17.299 --> 00:30:17.960 be delivered 00:30:17.960 --> 00:30:18.779 out of 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.460 this world 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:20.039 of sin 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:21.440 into the 00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:22.120 glorious 00:30:22.120 --> 00:30:23.059 light of 00:30:23.059 --> 00:30:23.920 God's new 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:24.640 heavens and 00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:24.920 earth. 00:30:25.880 --> 00:30:26.559 All our 00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:27.059 sin, 00:30:27.740 --> 00:30:28.079 sadness, 00:30:28.279 --> 00:30:28.740 and suffering 00:30:28.740 --> 00:30:29.539 behind us. 00:30:30.100 --> 00:30:30.940 And all 00:30:30.940 --> 00:30:31.279 that will 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:31.799 fill our 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.759 minds in 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.220 that moment 00:30:33.220 --> 00:30:33.559 will be 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:35.220 wonder and 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:36.960 praise for 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:37.759 the Father's 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:39.400 plan and 00:30:39.400 --> 00:30:40.259 the Son's 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:41.579 sacrifice which 00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:42.259 saved us. 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:42.920 and as we 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:43.740 gaze upon 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:45.140 his beauty 00:30:45.140 --> 00:30:46.759 and glory, 00:30:47.079 --> 00:30:48.539 we will 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:49.180 know in 00:30:49.180 --> 00:30:49.779 an instant 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:52.200 this is 00:30:52.200 --> 00:30:52.559 what I 00:30:52.559 --> 00:30:52.920 was made 00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:53.140 for. 00:30:54.420 --> 00:30:55.839 To be 00:30:55.839 --> 00:30:57.000 with Christ 00:30:57.000 --> 00:30:58.240 forever. 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:02.039 But then 00:31:02.039 --> 00:31:02.940 we will 00:31:02.940 --> 00:31:03.559 notice 00:31:03.559 --> 00:31:04.480 people 00:31:04.480 --> 00:31:05.799 standing 00:31:05.799 --> 00:31:06.799 around us 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:09.240 in spotless 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:09.839 robes 00:31:09.839 --> 00:31:11.379 whom God 00:31:11.380 --> 00:31:11.820 is also 00:31:11.820 --> 00:31:12.300 rescued. 00:31:14.440 --> 00:31:14.760 And I 00:31:14.760 --> 00:31:15.160 do believe 00:31:15.160 --> 00:31:15.360 we will 00:31:15.360 --> 00:31:15.840 see and 00:31:15.840 --> 00:31:16.580 recognize 00:31:16.580 --> 00:31:17.080 each other 00:31:17.080 --> 00:31:17.320 there. 00:31:19.420 --> 00:31:20.040 What a 00:31:20.040 --> 00:31:20.720 reunion that 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:21.000 is going 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:21.320 to be. 00:31:23.280 --> 00:31:23.980 We are 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:24.380 going to 00:31:24.380 --> 00:31:25.220 run into 00:31:25.220 --> 00:31:25.880 each other's 00:31:25.880 --> 00:31:26.220 arms. 00:31:26.340 --> 00:31:26.640 We will 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:27.160 laugh. 00:31:27.820 --> 00:31:28.340 Tears of 00:31:28.340 --> 00:31:28.820 joy will 00:31:28.820 --> 00:31:29.500 stream down 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:29.980 our cheeks. 00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:30.700 We will 00:31:30.700 --> 00:31:31.480 sing for 00:31:31.480 --> 00:31:32.100 joy to 00:31:32.100 --> 00:31:32.780 our Savior 00:31:32.780 --> 00:31:33.640 together. 00:31:34.160 --> 00:31:34.640 We will 00:31:34.640 --> 00:31:35.160 look in 00:31:35.160 --> 00:31:35.640 each other's 00:31:35.640 --> 00:31:37.540 eyes and 00:31:37.540 --> 00:31:37.960 know that 00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:39.460 every act 00:31:39.460 --> 00:31:40.279 of love 00:31:40.279 --> 00:31:41.860 was worth 00:31:41.860 --> 00:31:42.480 it just 00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:43.240 to see 00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:44.759 you here. 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.680 And if 00:31:48.680 --> 00:31:49.400 God had 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:49.799 us to 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:50.420 play some 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:51.740 small part 00:31:51.740 --> 00:31:52.799 in helping 00:31:52.799 --> 00:31:53.319 each other 00:31:53.319 --> 00:31:53.740 on the 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.039 journey, 00:31:54.180 --> 00:31:54.539 we will 00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:55.299 say what 00:31:55.299 --> 00:31:56.140 a privilege 00:31:56.140 --> 00:31:57.200 that was. 00:31:58.519 --> 00:31:59.319 One I 00:31:59.319 --> 00:31:59.620 never 00:31:59.620 --> 00:32:00.180 deserved. 00:32:00.180 --> 00:32:04.060 we will 00:32:04.060 --> 00:32:04.860 know in 00:32:04.860 --> 00:32:05.400 that moment 00:32:05.400 --> 00:32:06.160 what truly 00:32:06.160 --> 00:32:07.740 mattered on 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:08.240 our lives 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:09.560 back on 00:32:09.560 --> 00:32:09.860 earth. 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:11.660 Now it 00:32:11.660 --> 00:32:12.000 wasn't how 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:12.400 much money 00:32:12.400 --> 00:32:12.840 we had. 00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:15.940 It wasn't 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:16.299 where we 00:32:16.299 --> 00:32:17.000 lived or 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:18.160 where we 00:32:18.160 --> 00:32:18.920 traveled or 00:32:18.920 --> 00:32:20.420 what job 00:32:20.420 --> 00:32:20.920 we had or 00:32:20.920 --> 00:32:21.400 anything like 00:32:21.400 --> 00:32:21.640 that. 00:32:21.920 --> 00:32:22.680 All that 00:32:22.680 --> 00:32:23.500 will matter 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:25.539 is how 00:32:25.539 --> 00:32:26.279 we loved 00:32:26.279 --> 00:32:28.039 God and 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:29.120 loved his 00:32:29.120 --> 00:32:29.440 people. 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:30.940 that's it. 00:32:32.019 --> 00:32:32.700 That's all 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.980 that's going 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:33.299 to last 00:32:33.299 --> 00:32:33.640 forever. 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:36.740 Can you 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:37.220 get a vision 00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:37.720 of that day 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:38.200 in the future? 00:32:39.660 --> 00:32:40.019 Can you 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:40.380 see it? 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:44.980 Let it 00:32:44.980 --> 00:32:45.860 motivate you 00:32:45.860 --> 00:32:47.160 for the 00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:48.240 days that 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:48.620 we have 00:32:48.620 --> 00:32:49.120 left here. 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:49.440 We don't 00:32:49.440 --> 00:32:49.759 know how 00:32:49.759 --> 00:32:50.120 many we 00:32:50.120 --> 00:32:50.440 have. 00:32:52.539 --> 00:32:53.259 But we 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:53.779 do know 00:32:53.779 --> 00:32:55.740 that Jesus 00:32:55.740 --> 00:32:57.620 frees us 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:58.480 from living 00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:59.320 for ourselves 00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:02.339 and he 00:33:02.339 --> 00:33:02.740 gives us 00:33:02.740 --> 00:33:03.359 the desire 00:33:03.359 --> 00:33:04.279 and the 00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:06.359 power to 00:33:06.359 --> 00:33:06.819 love one 00:33:06.819 --> 00:33:07.079 another 00:33:07.079 --> 00:33:07.599 deeply, 00:33:08.599 --> 00:33:10.700 to help 00:33:10.700 --> 00:33:11.159 each other 00:33:11.159 --> 00:33:12.019 on the 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:12.700 journey with 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:13.139 Christ. 00:33:14.000 --> 00:33:14.399 May the 00:33:14.399 --> 00:33:14.960 Lord fill 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:16.439 us with 00:33:16.439 --> 00:33:17.480 that vision 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:18.339 of the day 00:33:18.339 --> 00:33:18.679 we will 00:33:18.679 --> 00:33:19.659 meet around 00:33:19.659 --> 00:33:20.079 the throne 00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:20.480 in heaven. 00:33:21.159 --> 00:33:21.819 And may 00:33:21.819 --> 00:33:22.159 the Lord 00:33:22.159 --> 00:33:22.939 captivate our 00:33:22.939 --> 00:33:24.439 hearts with 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:25.299 the privilege 00:33:25.299 --> 00:33:26.640 and joy 00:33:26.640 --> 00:33:26.980 that it 00:33:26.980 --> 00:33:29.140 is to 00:33:29.140 --> 00:33:29.559 strengthen 00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:31.320 and encourage 00:33:31.320 --> 00:33:32.680 one another 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:33.259 along the 00:33:33.259 --> 00:33:33.519 journey. 00:33:35.440 --> 00:33:36.039 Let's 00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:36.420 bow our 00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:36.920 heads in 00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:37.120 prayer. 00:33:45.860 --> 00:33:46.620 In the 00:33:46.620 --> 00:33:47.259 silence let's 00:33:47.259 --> 00:33:47.759 bring our 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:48.400 own confession 00:33:48.400 --> 00:33:49.180 to God. 00:33:49.180 --> 00:33:52.700 Maybe you're 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.340 convicted about 00:33:53.340 --> 00:33:54.000 your lack 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:54.480 of love. 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:57.820 Maybe you 00:33:57.820 --> 00:33:58.080 see all 00:33:58.080 --> 00:33:58.500 this as a 00:33:58.500 --> 00:33:58.820 chore, 00:33:59.279 --> 00:33:59.620 not a 00:33:59.620 --> 00:34:00.039 privilege. 00:34:03.740 --> 00:34:04.160 Let's 00:34:04.160 --> 00:34:04.740 ask God 00:34:04.740 --> 00:34:05.880 to help 00:34:05.880 --> 00:34:06.220 us to 00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:06.500 love like 00:34:06.500 --> 00:34:06.900 he does. 00:34:06.900 --> 00:34:06.900 00:34:06.900 --> 00:34:06.900 00:34:06.900 --> 00:34:05.880 to help 00:34:05.880 --> 00:34:06.220 us to 00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:06.500 love like 00:34:06.500 --> 00:34:06.900 he does. 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:42.819 Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 2.19, 00:34:42.819 --> 00:34:43.199 he says, 00:34:43.319 --> 00:34:44.199 What is our hope, 00:34:44.839 --> 00:34:46.079 our joy, 00:34:46.079 --> 00:34:49.619 or the crown in which we will glory 00:34:49.619 --> 00:34:51.759 in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? 00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:53.860 Is it not you? 00:34:55.539 --> 00:35:00.719 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 00:35:02.759 --> 00:35:04.199 Lord, forgive us. 00:35:06.059 --> 00:35:07.659 Fill us with power now 00:35:07.659 --> 00:35:10.960 to love one another like this. 00:35:14.340 --> 00:35:15.380 Change us. 00:35:16.079 --> 00:35:20.039 Let us not go home thinking we've got to try harder. 00:35:22.239 --> 00:35:24.980 Let us go home leaning closer into Jesus, 00:35:25.759 --> 00:35:29.599 the one who truly loved us 00:35:29.599 --> 00:35:35.039 and showed up by giving up his life for us on the cross. 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:39.880 Help us, Lord, to love as he did. 00:35:39.880 --> 00:35:43.720 I pray that out of this today 00:35:43.720 --> 00:35:46.960 that there will be an outpouring of love 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:50.340 towards one another in this church family. 00:35:52.519 --> 00:35:54.920 And give us the heart to do that. 00:35:56.360 --> 00:35:58.500 May actions flow out of that heart 00:35:58.500 --> 00:36:00.039 for one another. 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:04.219 For your glory and for our good, we pray. 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:05.360 Amen. 00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:09.400 If the musicians could come up, 00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:10.880 we're going to sing one last song. 00:36:15.679 --> 00:36:16.840 And it's a song called 00:36:16.840 --> 00:36:19.539 Beneath the Cross of Jesus. 00:36:19.539 --> 00:36:25.300 And it's an opportunity for us 00:36:25.300 --> 00:36:27.980 to remember what Jesus did at the cross 00:36:27.980 --> 00:36:29.519 to rescue us. 00:36:32.059 --> 00:36:34.659 And think about the family that he's brought us into. 00:36:35.159 --> 00:36:35.300 So, 00:36:35.980 --> 00:36:39.059 let's stand together as we sing this. 00:36:39.059 --> 00:36:41.119 Thank you. 00:36:41.119 --> 00:36:41.119 00:36:41.119 --> 00:36:41.119 00:37:09.159 --> 00:37:11.320 I think about the sons of Jesus. 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.320 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:12.320 Amen. 00:37:41.320 --> 00:37:42.320 Amen. 00:38:11.320 --> 00:38:12.320 Amen. 00:38:41.320 --> 00:38:42.320 Amen. 00:39:11.320 --> 00:39:38.180 Thank you. 00:39:38.180 --> 00:39:40.100 Please remain standing for a moment. 00:39:40.099 --> 00:39:42.839 And thank you all for being here today. 00:39:43.279 --> 00:39:45.980 And we're going to continue our time together over tea and coffee. 00:39:46.579 --> 00:39:48.619 I think I saw cake, actually, when I was out there earlier. 00:39:48.699 --> 00:39:49.179 That's good, too. 00:39:49.880 --> 00:39:54.699 We've been thinking about what it means to love one another deeply and from the heart. 00:39:55.460 --> 00:39:58.480 How to strengthen one another in our faith. 00:39:58.679 --> 00:40:03.360 So let's take that opportunity, start doing that now over tea and coffee, 00:40:04.019 --> 00:40:07.900 to ask about each other's faith and see how we could be a real encouragement 00:40:07.900 --> 00:40:11.280 to one another today and during the week as well. 00:40:11.960 --> 00:40:16.579 We're going to pray the prayer which was at the end of the passage today. 00:40:17.380 --> 00:40:18.660 And it's on the screen here. 00:40:18.740 --> 00:40:20.660 So could we all pray it together out loud? 00:40:21.740 --> 00:40:22.680 Let's do that. 00:40:22.679 --> 00:40:39.519 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, 00:40:40.059 --> 00:40:42.019 just as ours does for you. 00:40:42.019 --> 00:40:47.639 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy 00:40:47.639 --> 00:40:50.539 in the presence of our God and Father 00:40:50.539 --> 00:40:55.300 when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 00:40:55.800 --> 00:40:56.559 Amen. 00:40:57.840 --> 00:40:58.759 Thank you. 00:40:58.759 --> 00:40:58.759 00:40:58.759 --> 00:40:58.759 00:40:58.759 --> 00:41:00.759 Thank you. 00:41:00.759 --> 00:41:02.759 Thank you. 00:41:02.759 --> 00:41:03.759 Thank you. 00:41:03.759 --> 00:41:04.759 Thank you. 00:41:04.759 --> 00:41:06.759 Thank you. 00:41:06.759 --> 00:41:08.759 Thank you. 00:41:08.759 --> 00:41:10.759 Thank you. 00:41:10.760 --> 00:41:40.740 Thank you.