WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.500 Let's read from Colossians chapter 2, verses 1-7. 00:00:13.080 --> 00:00:15.240 This is Paul's letter to the Colossians, verses 1-7. 00:00:15.240 --> 00:00:15.679 ! 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:19.199 This is Paul's letter to the Colossians, verses 1-7. 00:00:22.160 --> 00:00:23.199 And we read this, 00:00:23.199 --> 00:00:27.199 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, 00:00:27.199 --> 00:00:29.120 and for those at Laodicea, 00:00:29.120 --> 00:00:31.839 and for all who have not seen me face to face, 00:00:32.320 --> 00:00:34.439 that their hearts may be encouraged, 00:00:34.780 --> 00:00:36.340 being knit together in love, 00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:40.280 to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:43.620 and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 00:00:44.359 --> 00:00:47.859 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 00:00:48.620 --> 00:00:52.620 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments, 00:00:53.320 --> 00:00:57.520 for though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, 00:00:57.520 --> 00:01:00.140 rejoicing to see your good order 00:01:00.140 --> 00:01:02.640 and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 00:01:03.580 --> 00:01:06.620 Therefore, as you received Christ, 00:01:07.379 --> 00:01:08.540 Christ Jesus the Lord, 00:01:09.460 --> 00:01:10.500 so walk in Him, 00:01:11.500 --> 00:01:12.939 rooted and built up in Him, 00:01:13.480 --> 00:01:14.859 and established in the faith, 00:01:15.500 --> 00:01:16.659 just as you were taught, 00:01:17.219 --> 00:01:18.719 abounding in thanksgiving. 00:01:18.719 --> 00:01:21.079 This is God's holy word. 00:01:22.539 --> 00:01:26.120 We turn this evening to Colossians chapter 2 00:01:26.120 --> 00:01:27.180 and the first seven verses, 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:30.400 that passage that Corey read for us. 00:01:33.680 --> 00:01:37.319 Stay, don't stray. 00:01:38.819 --> 00:01:43.340 It's actually the name of a stay-put primer 00:01:43.340 --> 00:01:46.620 for concealers and eyeshadows. 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:49.780 The advertising blurb says, 00:01:50.640 --> 00:01:52.960 this dual action power primer 00:01:52.960 --> 00:01:56.820 works 360 degrees around the eyes 00:01:56.820 --> 00:02:01.100 to make concealers and eyeshadows stay put. 00:02:01.939 --> 00:02:03.820 Concealers don't crease, 00:02:04.640 --> 00:02:07.700 eyeshadows stay vibrant and true. 00:02:07.700 --> 00:02:13.360 Well, my knowledge of female cosmetic products 00:02:13.360 --> 00:02:15.520 is, I am sure you will be glad to know, 00:02:16.060 --> 00:02:17.259 fairly limited. 00:02:17.460 --> 00:02:20.360 In fact, it's practically non-existent. 00:02:20.980 --> 00:02:24.819 But what I can gather from stay, don't stray 00:02:24.819 --> 00:02:27.900 is that it's something applied to the skin 00:02:27.900 --> 00:02:31.140 to make sure that what is put on next 00:02:31.140 --> 00:02:32.599 stays put. 00:02:33.819 --> 00:02:37.659 I imagine it to be some kind of cream or glue 00:02:37.659 --> 00:02:41.120 that keeps your eyeliner in the right place 00:02:41.120 --> 00:02:45.099 and stops it running and spoiling the effect. 00:02:45.419 --> 00:02:48.759 I'm glad I've shared that with you this evening. 00:02:49.659 --> 00:02:51.340 Well, by now you are wondering 00:02:51.340 --> 00:02:52.919 if I've lost my mind. 00:02:53.139 --> 00:02:54.680 What on earth am I doing 00:02:54.680 --> 00:02:58.359 speaking about a particular type of makeup? 00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:02.859 But it's this idea of stay, don't stray 00:03:02.859 --> 00:03:05.560 that I think helpfully sums up 00:03:05.560 --> 00:03:09.580 the message of Paul's letter to the Colossians. 00:03:10.500 --> 00:03:14.159 Paul is writing to remind these Christian believers 00:03:14.159 --> 00:03:17.280 that all they need to grow and mature 00:03:17.280 --> 00:03:20.599 as Christians is to be found 00:03:20.599 --> 00:03:22.539 in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:03:23.159 --> 00:03:24.939 They don't need to look elsewhere. 00:03:25.480 --> 00:03:28.300 They need to keep their focus on Jesus. 00:03:28.699 --> 00:03:31.020 He needs to be at the center. 00:03:31.020 --> 00:03:34.960 They need to stay and stick with Him. 00:03:36.180 --> 00:03:38.800 And in many ways, this was the burden 00:03:38.800 --> 00:03:40.860 of Paul's work as an apostle 00:03:40.860 --> 00:03:43.660 and as a servant of Christ. 00:03:43.879 --> 00:03:45.439 He longed to see men and women 00:03:45.439 --> 00:03:48.340 come into a relationship with Jesus 00:03:48.340 --> 00:03:51.580 and find in Him their rest 00:03:51.580 --> 00:03:53.040 and their salvation. 00:03:54.439 --> 00:03:55.920 And even though in one sense 00:03:55.920 --> 00:03:57.000 the Colossian believers 00:03:57.000 --> 00:03:58.719 and those at Laodicea 00:03:58.719 --> 00:04:00.479 were strangers to him, 00:04:01.340 --> 00:04:03.120 nonetheless, Paul struggled 00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:06.719 or agonized in prayer for them. 00:04:07.280 --> 00:04:11.139 He longed to see them grow and mature. 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:14.139 And as we noted last week, 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:15.360 this is the great aim, 00:04:15.699 --> 00:04:17.399 really, of pastoral ministry, 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:22.199 to present everyone mature in Christ. 00:04:23.600 --> 00:04:24.399 Paul writes here, 00:04:24.399 --> 00:04:26.259 I want you to know the struggle 00:04:26.259 --> 00:04:27.519 I have for you 00:04:27.519 --> 00:04:29.060 and those at Laodicea 00:04:29.060 --> 00:04:30.779 and for all who have not seen me 00:04:30.779 --> 00:04:31.560 face to face, 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:33.879 that their hearts may be encouraged, 00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:35.699 being knit together in love 00:04:35.699 --> 00:04:36.879 to reach all the riches 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:39.060 of full assurance of understanding 00:04:39.060 --> 00:04:41.500 and the knowledge of God's mystery, 00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:43.099 which is Christ, 00:04:44.079 --> 00:04:45.299 in whom are hidden 00:04:45.299 --> 00:04:47.839 all the treasures of wisdom 00:04:47.839 --> 00:04:49.060 and knowledge. 00:04:50.339 --> 00:04:52.120 Of course, as we know, 00:04:52.120 --> 00:04:53.040 there were those 00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:55.240 in and around the Colossian church 00:04:55.240 --> 00:04:58.360 that had a very different message 00:04:58.360 --> 00:05:00.160 to the Apostle Paul. 00:05:01.060 --> 00:05:02.240 Paul says in verse 4, 00:05:02.600 --> 00:05:03.579 I say this in order 00:05:03.579 --> 00:05:05.240 that no one may delude you 00:05:05.240 --> 00:05:06.800 with plausible arguments. 00:05:07.100 --> 00:05:08.980 For though I am absent in body, 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:10.379 I am with you in spirit, 00:05:10.780 --> 00:05:12.860 rejoicing to see your good order 00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:15.300 and the firmness of your faith 00:05:15.300 --> 00:05:16.780 in Christ. 00:05:16.779 --> 00:05:19.599 These other teachers 00:05:19.599 --> 00:05:21.000 promoted a wisdom 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:22.039 and a knowledge 00:05:22.039 --> 00:05:23.839 apart from 00:05:23.839 --> 00:05:24.859 or supplemental 00:05:24.859 --> 00:05:27.059 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:28.119 --> 00:05:28.819 Their arguments 00:05:28.819 --> 00:05:30.339 were indeed plausible. 00:05:31.239 --> 00:05:32.539 They had a lot of fine words, 00:05:32.619 --> 00:05:34.979 a lot of high-sounding phrases 00:05:34.979 --> 00:05:36.039 rolled off their tongues. 00:05:36.139 --> 00:05:37.699 They spoke of spiritual fullness 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:38.359 and abundance. 00:05:38.659 --> 00:05:40.679 They pandered to people's pride 00:05:40.679 --> 00:05:42.239 and sense of insecurity. 00:05:42.699 --> 00:05:44.159 They offered secret knowledge 00:05:44.160 --> 00:05:45.439 and enlightenment. 00:05:47.520 --> 00:05:49.140 But Paul wanted the Colossians 00:05:49.140 --> 00:05:51.320 to stay with Christ 00:05:51.320 --> 00:05:54.240 and not move away from Him. 00:05:54.920 --> 00:05:57.020 He wanted them to remain secure 00:05:57.020 --> 00:05:59.140 in the apostolic gospel. 00:05:59.900 --> 00:06:01.860 He wanted them to keep Jesus 00:06:01.860 --> 00:06:03.800 firmly at the center. 00:06:04.440 --> 00:06:06.960 Because Christ is all 00:06:06.960 --> 00:06:08.700 that His people need. 00:06:08.780 --> 00:06:09.660 He is enough. 00:06:09.660 --> 00:06:12.400 In Him are all the treasures 00:06:12.400 --> 00:06:15.140 of wisdom and knowledge. 00:06:16.260 --> 00:06:17.380 And so, what we have 00:06:17.380 --> 00:06:19.180 in the verses that follow 00:06:19.180 --> 00:06:21.880 is Paul's exhortation 00:06:21.880 --> 00:06:23.140 to the Colossians. 00:06:24.420 --> 00:06:26.320 And one writer calls it 00:06:26.320 --> 00:06:28.220 a concise summary 00:06:28.220 --> 00:06:29.020 of the whole letter. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:31.960 How are they going to move forward 00:06:31.960 --> 00:06:33.680 in faith and grow to maturity? 00:06:33.940 --> 00:06:35.300 How are they going to stay, 00:06:35.460 --> 00:06:36.120 not stray? 00:06:36.960 --> 00:06:39.440 Well, we have it in verses 6 and 7. 00:06:40.080 --> 00:06:42.620 Therefore, as you received 00:06:42.620 --> 00:06:44.080 Christ Jesus the Lord, 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:45.780 so walk in Him, 00:06:46.080 --> 00:06:47.620 rooted and built up in Him, 00:06:47.780 --> 00:06:49.640 and established in the faith, 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:51.100 just as you were taught, 00:06:51.380 --> 00:06:53.440 abounding in thanksgiving. 00:06:54.360 --> 00:06:55.900 And it's really upon these verses 00:06:55.900 --> 00:06:58.740 that I want to land for a moment 00:06:58.740 --> 00:06:59.580 this evening. 00:07:00.520 --> 00:07:01.900 Because as I've said, 00:07:01.980 --> 00:07:03.800 these verses kind of sum up, 00:07:04.080 --> 00:07:05.900 encapsulate the message 00:07:05.900 --> 00:07:07.140 of the whole letter. 00:07:07.139 --> 00:07:10.860 Build your life on Jesus Christ. 00:07:11.659 --> 00:07:13.959 Here is Paul revealing to us 00:07:13.959 --> 00:07:16.099 the way of growth and maturity 00:07:16.099 --> 00:07:17.519 in the Christian life. 00:07:18.199 --> 00:07:20.719 How can we remain close to Jesus, 00:07:21.139 --> 00:07:23.199 even in a world where there are 00:07:23.199 --> 00:07:24.699 so many different voices 00:07:24.699 --> 00:07:26.659 clamoring for our attention? 00:07:27.659 --> 00:07:29.180 Here is how we too 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:32.639 can stay, not stray. 00:07:32.639 --> 00:07:35.479 These words are applicable 00:07:35.479 --> 00:07:36.680 to us as individuals. 00:07:36.899 --> 00:07:38.079 I think they're also applicable 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:40.500 to us as a church. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:42.339 As God's people, 00:07:42.479 --> 00:07:44.860 we must continue to press on 00:07:44.860 --> 00:07:47.599 towards growth and maturity 00:07:47.599 --> 00:07:48.740 in Christ. 00:07:48.740 --> 00:07:51.819 So let me summarize these verses 00:07:51.819 --> 00:07:53.920 under three brief headings, 00:07:54.019 --> 00:07:55.620 three key elements 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:58.019 of Christian life and growth. 00:07:58.180 --> 00:07:59.840 Three words, as it were. 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:01.420 The first word is the word, 00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:03.759 it is actually a word, 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:05.120 I haven't actually made it up, 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:06.759 relentlessness. 00:08:07.660 --> 00:08:09.060 There's a relentlessness 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:12.100 about Christian life and growth. 00:08:12.100 --> 00:08:15.100 Therefore, as you received 00:08:15.100 --> 00:08:16.800 Christ Jesus the Lord, 00:08:17.140 --> 00:08:20.220 so walk in Him. 00:08:21.040 --> 00:08:22.420 Sometimes we say, don't we, 00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:24.700 start as you mean to go on. 00:08:24.840 --> 00:08:25.960 Here Paul says, 00:08:26.140 --> 00:08:28.379 go on as you started. 00:08:29.120 --> 00:08:30.960 Keep going in the same way 00:08:30.960 --> 00:08:33.759 that you began the Christian life. 00:08:34.820 --> 00:08:36.200 So how did the Christian life 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:37.620 begin for the Colossians? 00:08:38.440 --> 00:08:39.600 Paul puts it very simply, 00:08:39.720 --> 00:08:40.259 very clearly. 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:44.379 They received Christ Jesus the Lord. 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:47.679 The word that Paul uses here 00:08:47.679 --> 00:08:49.500 for receiving Christ 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:50.879 is a Greek word, 00:08:51.840 --> 00:08:52.799 paralambano. 00:08:53.700 --> 00:08:55.100 And it sounds like something 00:08:55.100 --> 00:08:56.200 that might be performed 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:58.080 on Strictly Come Dancing. 00:08:58.600 --> 00:09:00.519 But no, it is not 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:03.200 an exotic Latin American dance. 00:09:03.840 --> 00:09:05.240 The word is related 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:07.360 to this idea of receiving 00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:09.620 a tradition from others. 00:09:10.259 --> 00:09:12.519 So what Paul is writing about here 00:09:12.519 --> 00:09:13.340 is more than just 00:09:13.340 --> 00:09:15.939 a subjective experience 00:09:15.939 --> 00:09:17.379 of receiving Christ 00:09:17.379 --> 00:09:18.379 into one's heart 00:09:18.379 --> 00:09:19.580 by the power of the Spirit. 00:09:20.279 --> 00:09:22.059 It's also about receiving 00:09:22.059 --> 00:09:22.960 the tradition 00:09:22.960 --> 00:09:24.179 or the teaching 00:09:24.179 --> 00:09:25.379 of the gospel. 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:27.379 And you might recall 00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:28.279 that Paul writes 00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:30.139 about that gospel tradition, 00:09:30.299 --> 00:09:30.620 famously, 00:09:30.860 --> 00:09:31.980 1 Corinthians 15. 00:09:31.980 --> 00:09:34.080 I deliver to you 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:35.300 as of first importance 00:09:35.300 --> 00:09:38.080 what I also received, 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:40.139 that Christ died for our sins 00:09:40.139 --> 00:09:41.700 in accordance with the Scriptures, 00:09:41.920 --> 00:09:42.700 that He was buried, 00:09:42.820 --> 00:09:43.759 that He was raised 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:44.659 on the third day 00:09:44.659 --> 00:09:46.840 in accordance with the Scriptures. 00:09:47.920 --> 00:09:50.159 So receiving Christ Jesus, 00:09:50.420 --> 00:09:51.000 the Lord, 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:52.820 involves both receiving 00:09:52.820 --> 00:09:54.720 the apostolic teaching 00:09:54.720 --> 00:09:55.539 about Jesus, 00:09:55.759 --> 00:09:56.899 that is the gospel, 00:09:56.899 --> 00:09:58.699 and believing it, 00:09:58.740 --> 00:10:00.840 as well as this heart submission 00:10:00.840 --> 00:10:02.879 to Jesus Christ as Lord. 00:10:03.899 --> 00:10:05.120 We receive the teaching 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:05.879 about Him, 00:10:06.120 --> 00:10:06.740 who He is, 00:10:06.819 --> 00:10:07.519 what He has done 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:08.379 in His life, 00:10:08.500 --> 00:10:09.539 death, and resurrection, 00:10:09.539 --> 00:10:13.259 as well as a personal union 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:14.299 with Christ. 00:10:15.139 --> 00:10:16.139 Christ in us, 00:10:16.199 --> 00:10:16.879 the hope of glory. 00:10:17.079 --> 00:10:18.000 These two things 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:19.240 really go together. 00:10:20.259 --> 00:10:20.899 Receiving Christ 00:10:21.699 --> 00:10:22.740 into our lives 00:10:22.740 --> 00:10:23.899 involves both doctrine 00:10:23.899 --> 00:10:25.779 and experience. 00:10:26.439 --> 00:10:27.000 The gospel 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:28.039 that is preached 00:10:28.039 --> 00:10:28.959 and proclaimed 00:10:28.959 --> 00:10:30.299 is all about 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:31.519 the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:31.679 --> 00:10:32.899 The one that we receive 00:10:32.899 --> 00:10:33.860 into our lives 00:10:33.860 --> 00:10:34.919 is none other 00:10:34.919 --> 00:10:37.259 than that self-same Jesus, 00:10:37.399 --> 00:10:39.860 the very Son of God. 00:10:40.459 --> 00:10:42.600 So becoming a Christian 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:44.899 involves us believing 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:46.679 certain things about Jesus, 00:10:47.439 --> 00:10:49.059 but more than that, 00:10:49.559 --> 00:10:50.460 it involves Him 00:10:50.460 --> 00:10:52.299 coming to live within us 00:10:52.299 --> 00:10:53.879 by His Spirit. 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:55.659 The gospel, 00:10:55.899 --> 00:10:56.899 we've said this before, 00:10:56.959 --> 00:10:57.759 is not just about 00:10:57.759 --> 00:10:59.139 receiving kind of happiness, 00:10:59.939 --> 00:11:00.759 nice feelings, 00:11:00.939 --> 00:11:01.799 joy, and peace. 00:11:01.939 --> 00:11:02.899 It's all about 00:11:02.899 --> 00:11:05.379 receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:06.979 When people receive 00:11:06.979 --> 00:11:07.659 the gospel, 00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:09.299 they receive Him. 00:11:10.219 --> 00:11:11.279 To become a Christian 00:11:11.279 --> 00:11:13.359 is to receive Jesus Christ 00:11:13.359 --> 00:11:15.019 into your life. 00:11:16.079 --> 00:11:17.139 It is for Christ 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:19.479 to come and live within you. 00:11:20.039 --> 00:11:21.099 That's how the New Testament 00:11:21.100 --> 00:11:22.300 speaks, isn't it? 00:11:22.759 --> 00:11:24.659 It's no longer I that live, 00:11:24.759 --> 00:11:25.279 says Paul, 00:11:25.420 --> 00:11:27.159 but Christ that lives 00:11:27.159 --> 00:11:28.659 within me. 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:30.540 And this Jesus 00:11:30.540 --> 00:11:31.759 that we receive 00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:34.180 is not one of our own making. 00:11:34.600 --> 00:11:35.659 It's not a fantasy 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:36.740 of our own thinking. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:38.920 He is Christ Jesus, 00:11:39.300 --> 00:11:40.120 the Lord. 00:11:41.180 --> 00:11:43.360 We receive Him. 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:46.840 not just the parts 00:11:46.840 --> 00:11:48.300 that we like 00:11:48.300 --> 00:11:49.360 or we're drawn to. 00:11:50.340 --> 00:11:52.039 We don't get to pick and choose. 00:11:53.019 --> 00:11:53.500 Sometimes, 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:55.620 when I was younger, 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:56.419 I used to hear people 00:11:56.419 --> 00:11:57.560 say things like, 00:11:58.300 --> 00:11:58.519 oh, 00:11:58.600 --> 00:12:00.019 I accepted Jesus 00:12:00.019 --> 00:12:01.080 as my Savior, 00:12:01.519 --> 00:12:03.320 but not as Lord. 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:05.360 And what they often 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:06.259 believed by that 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:07.360 was that they could have 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:09.039 all their sins forgiven 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:09.680 and then, 00:12:09.759 --> 00:12:10.060 you know, 00:12:10.100 --> 00:12:10.740 could just live 00:12:10.740 --> 00:12:11.899 any way we please. 00:12:11.899 --> 00:12:13.799 as if Jesus 00:12:13.799 --> 00:12:14.659 could be divided 00:12:14.659 --> 00:12:15.579 or separated. 00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:17.759 But Jesus Christ 00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:19.120 is always Savior and Lord. 00:12:20.059 --> 00:12:21.179 Christ and all His benefits 00:12:21.179 --> 00:12:22.000 come together. 00:12:25.100 --> 00:12:26.100 Calvin writes, 00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:27.360 the whole gospel 00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:28.579 is contained 00:12:28.579 --> 00:12:30.100 in Christ. 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:33.179 It's all wrapped up in Him. 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:34.240 He's at the center 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:34.959 of it all. 00:12:35.740 --> 00:12:36.579 The Christian faith 00:12:36.579 --> 00:12:37.419 is not centered, 00:12:37.559 --> 00:12:37.679 really, 00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:38.539 on ethics 00:12:38.539 --> 00:12:39.379 or morality 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:40.500 or philosophy. 00:12:40.739 --> 00:12:41.419 It's centered 00:12:41.419 --> 00:12:43.000 on the person 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:44.259 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:45.579 --> 00:12:46.120 So, 00:12:46.199 --> 00:12:47.139 what Paul is saying here 00:12:47.139 --> 00:12:47.439 is that 00:12:47.439 --> 00:12:48.659 in the same way 00:12:48.659 --> 00:12:49.839 as you receive Jesus, 00:12:50.059 --> 00:12:51.339 so you are to continue 00:12:51.339 --> 00:12:52.339 in the Christian life. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:53.699 Walk in Him. 00:12:54.000 --> 00:12:54.979 Live in union 00:12:54.979 --> 00:12:55.679 with Jesus 00:12:55.679 --> 00:12:56.699 through faith 00:12:56.699 --> 00:12:57.339 in the gospel. 00:12:57.620 --> 00:12:58.439 You've been brought 00:12:58.439 --> 00:13:00.000 into a relationship 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:01.139 with Jesus Christ. 00:13:01.339 --> 00:13:02.559 You have received Him, 00:13:02.779 --> 00:13:03.799 so don't deviate 00:13:03.799 --> 00:13:04.959 from that path. 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:06.780 Don't change direction 00:13:06.780 --> 00:13:08.060 or switch to some other 00:13:08.060 --> 00:13:09.620 pattern or way of living. 00:13:09.940 --> 00:13:10.780 Don't be listening 00:13:10.780 --> 00:13:11.940 to other voices. 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:14.280 The Christian life 00:13:14.280 --> 00:13:16.320 begins and continues 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:18.180 with faith and trust 00:13:18.180 --> 00:13:19.120 in Jesus. 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:22.500 It's all rooted in Him. 00:13:23.139 --> 00:13:24.300 Press on with Jesus. 00:13:24.600 --> 00:13:25.740 Keep on with Him. 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:26.759 There is, you see, 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:28.200 this relentlessness 00:13:28.200 --> 00:13:30.360 to Christian growth 00:13:30.360 --> 00:13:31.420 and maturity. 00:13:31.660 --> 00:13:32.540 It's a long obedience 00:13:32.540 --> 00:13:34.100 in the same direction. 00:13:34.100 --> 00:13:35.460 It's traveling 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:37.259 with Jesus every day. 00:13:37.659 --> 00:13:39.019 As you receive Him, 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.480 so go on with Him. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:41.620 Stick with Jesus. 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:42.639 Be relentless 00:13:42.639 --> 00:13:43.940 in your fellowship 00:13:43.940 --> 00:13:44.960 with Him. 00:13:46.420 --> 00:13:47.480 And that's something 00:13:47.480 --> 00:13:48.899 that Jesus Himself 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:49.600 spoke about 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:50.659 with His disciples. 00:13:51.200 --> 00:13:52.240 Corrie read 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:53.500 those verses 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:54.980 as our invitation 00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:55.600 to worship. 00:13:56.600 --> 00:13:57.740 Abide in Me 00:13:57.740 --> 00:13:59.019 and I in you. 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:00.560 As the branch 00:14:00.560 --> 00:14:01.440 cannot bear fruit 00:14:01.440 --> 00:14:02.139 by itself 00:14:02.139 --> 00:14:03.080 unless it abides 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:03.560 in the vine, 00:14:03.559 --> 00:14:04.679 neither can you 00:14:04.679 --> 00:14:06.339 unless you abide 00:14:06.339 --> 00:14:06.979 in Me. 00:14:07.579 --> 00:14:08.439 I am the vine, 00:14:08.519 --> 00:14:09.239 you are the branches. 00:14:09.579 --> 00:14:10.659 Whoever abides in Me 00:14:10.659 --> 00:14:11.339 and I in him, 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:12.119 He it is 00:14:12.119 --> 00:14:13.199 that bears much fruit. 00:14:14.079 --> 00:14:15.179 For apart from Me, 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:17.359 you can do nothing. 00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:19.959 How do we grow 00:14:19.959 --> 00:14:20.939 and become 00:14:20.939 --> 00:14:22.799 productive as Christians? 00:14:23.679 --> 00:14:24.579 We abide 00:14:24.579 --> 00:14:25.239 or remain 00:14:25.239 --> 00:14:25.839 in the vine. 00:14:26.719 --> 00:14:27.919 We remain 00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:29.319 in a relationship 00:14:29.320 --> 00:14:30.000 with Jesus. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:32.080 We need to rest 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:32.620 in 00:14:32.620 --> 00:14:34.140 and depend 00:14:34.140 --> 00:14:34.879 upon 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:36.440 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:37.820 at all times. 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:40.120 There's an old 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:41.260 Anglican prayer 00:14:41.260 --> 00:14:42.580 that says, 00:14:43.120 --> 00:14:43.860 Without thee, 00:14:44.520 --> 00:14:45.580 we are not able 00:14:45.580 --> 00:14:47.080 to please thee. 00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:48.900 We need to be 00:14:48.900 --> 00:14:49.420 relentless 00:14:49.420 --> 00:14:50.360 in this regard. 00:14:50.920 --> 00:14:52.420 We mustn't wander off. 00:14:52.980 --> 00:14:54.300 We need to stay, 00:14:54.440 --> 00:14:55.080 not stray. 00:14:55.080 --> 00:14:56.740 We must continue 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.820 in Him, 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:58.540 walking 00:14:58.540 --> 00:14:59.780 in Him, 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:02.100 staying with Him 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:03.500 and holding 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.440 onto Him 00:15:04.440 --> 00:15:05.759 by faith 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:06.080 alone. 00:15:07.200 --> 00:15:08.820 There's a relentlessness 00:15:08.820 --> 00:15:09.360 here 00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:10.360 about 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:11.180 Christian 00:15:11.180 --> 00:15:12.040 growth. 00:15:13.280 --> 00:15:14.040 And that brings me 00:15:14.040 --> 00:15:15.200 to the second word here, 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:17.120 steadfastness. 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:18.480 There is a 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:19.080 steadfastness 00:15:19.800 --> 00:15:20.080 about 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:21.259 Christian 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:22.000 life 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:23.000 and growth. 00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:25.159 Look at 00:15:25.159 --> 00:15:26.539 what Paul says here, 00:15:26.659 --> 00:15:27.080 Rooted 00:15:27.080 --> 00:15:28.980 and built 00:15:28.980 --> 00:15:29.679 up in Him 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:31.299 and established 00:15:31.299 --> 00:15:32.100 in the faith 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:33.460 just 00:15:33.460 --> 00:15:34.539 as you were 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:35.019 taught. 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:36.519 So, 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.000 Paul uses 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:37.440 three 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:39.200 separate metaphors 00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:40.220 to make this point. 00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:40.779 Rooted, 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:42.259 built up, 00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:43.600 established, 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:45.639 all related 00:15:45.639 --> 00:15:46.799 to this concept 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:47.799 of stability. 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:49.360 To grow, 00:15:49.559 --> 00:15:50.019 there must be 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:50.580 stability. 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:51.600 Without it, 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:52.300 any growth 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:52.980 may prove 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:53.720 temporary 00:15:53.720 --> 00:15:55.000 or short-lived. 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:56.840 And the metaphors 00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:57.519 he uses 00:15:57.519 --> 00:15:58.399 are drawn 00:15:58.399 --> 00:15:59.139 from the worlds 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:00.680 of agriculture 00:16:00.680 --> 00:16:01.860 and architecture. 00:16:02.920 --> 00:16:03.399 He speaks 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:04.100 of being rooted 00:16:04.100 --> 00:16:05.279 like a plant 00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:06.399 in the rich 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:07.100 soil 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:08.519 of Jesus Christ. 00:16:09.180 --> 00:16:09.700 A tree 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:10.320 or plant 00:16:10.320 --> 00:16:11.320 does not flourish 00:16:11.320 --> 00:16:12.320 without being 00:16:12.320 --> 00:16:13.620 properly rooted 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.460 and grounded 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:15.139 in the soil. 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:17.300 He then speaks 00:16:17.300 --> 00:16:18.019 of being built 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:18.899 up in Christ 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:19.720 and established 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:20.560 in the faith. 00:16:20.559 --> 00:16:22.259 Here is something 00:16:22.259 --> 00:16:23.199 that is growing 00:16:23.199 --> 00:16:24.179 and being added 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:24.500 to, 00:16:24.819 --> 00:16:25.659 and yet in order 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.859 for that to happen 00:16:26.859 --> 00:16:27.679 effectively, 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:28.899 foundations 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:29.959 need to be 00:16:29.959 --> 00:16:30.559 established. 00:16:31.079 --> 00:16:32.039 In order for the 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:33.299 plant to grow up, 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:34.919 it needs roots 00:16:34.919 --> 00:16:35.819 to be put down. 00:16:36.219 --> 00:16:37.039 In order for the 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:37.899 structure to be 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:38.659 built up, 00:16:38.839 --> 00:16:39.559 the foundations 00:16:39.559 --> 00:16:40.259 have to be 00:16:40.259 --> 00:16:41.079 dug down. 00:16:42.739 --> 00:16:43.959 How true it is 00:16:43.959 --> 00:16:44.639 that in the 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:45.399 Christian life, 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:46.500 the only way up 00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:47.059 is down. 00:16:47.059 --> 00:16:49.159 to grow up, 00:16:49.239 --> 00:16:49.759 you have to dig 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:50.179 down. 00:16:51.059 --> 00:16:51.979 Down into Christ, 00:16:52.119 --> 00:16:52.899 down into the 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:53.919 grace of God, 00:16:54.039 --> 00:16:54.879 down into the 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:55.919 fertile soil 00:16:55.919 --> 00:16:56.539 of the gospel, 00:16:56.699 --> 00:16:57.519 down into the 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.179 bedrock 00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:58.799 of God's 00:16:58.799 --> 00:16:59.379 unchanging 00:16:59.379 --> 00:17:00.019 character. 00:17:01.479 --> 00:17:02.299 Proper roots 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:03.679 and foundations 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:05.000 are vital 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:06.500 because it's 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:07.299 these that give 00:17:07.299 --> 00:17:07.819 our lives 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:08.579 stability and 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:08.879 growth. 00:17:10.539 --> 00:17:11.419 If we are to 00:17:11.419 --> 00:17:11.899 grow and be 00:17:11.899 --> 00:17:12.480 built up, 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.899 we need to be 00:17:13.899 --> 00:17:14.579 established 00:17:14.579 --> 00:17:15.319 in the 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:15.779 faith. 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:17.259 And when Paul 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:19.019 mentions faith 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:19.839 here, he's not 00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:20.980 referring to our 00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:22.579 action of trust 00:17:22.579 --> 00:17:23.399 and dependence 00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:24.220 on Christ. 00:17:24.639 --> 00:17:25.059 Crowley was 00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:25.639 speaking about 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:26.399 that this 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:26.759 morning. 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:28.319 He's talking 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:29.539 about the 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:30.259 faith. 00:17:31.399 --> 00:17:32.299 That is the 00:17:32.299 --> 00:17:32.759 apostolic 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.179 teaching. 00:17:34.179 --> 00:17:34.639 Jude in his 00:17:34.639 --> 00:17:35.259 letter speaks 00:17:35.259 --> 00:17:36.480 of the faith 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.259 once and for 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.139 all delivered 00:17:38.139 --> 00:17:39.359 to the saints. 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:41.339 According to 00:17:41.339 --> 00:17:42.139 the New Testament, 00:17:42.359 --> 00:17:42.919 there is a 00:17:42.919 --> 00:17:43.699 body of truth 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.519 that we can 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:45.039 call the 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:45.920 Christian faith. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:48.460 Luke, 00:17:48.980 --> 00:17:49.600 Acts 6, 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:50.160 verse 7, 00:17:50.880 --> 00:17:51.259 And the 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:52.000 word of God 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.759 continued to 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.220 increase, 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:53.519 and the 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:53.840 number of 00:17:53.840 --> 00:17:54.420 the disciples 00:17:54.420 --> 00:17:55.259 multiplied 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:56.000 greatly in 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:56.380 Jerusalem, 00:17:56.580 --> 00:17:57.039 and a 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:57.500 great many 00:17:57.500 --> 00:17:57.860 of the 00:17:57.860 --> 00:17:58.319 priests 00:17:58.319 --> 00:17:58.819 became 00:17:58.819 --> 00:17:59.380 obedient 00:17:59.380 --> 00:18:00.019 to 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:01.600 the 00:18:01.600 --> 00:18:02.180 faith. 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.039 Paul 00:18:03.039 --> 00:18:03.360 writes, 00:18:04.240 --> 00:18:04.640 Galatians 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:05.380 1.23, 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:06.440 They only 00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:07.019 were hearing 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:07.559 it said, 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:08.019 He who 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.500 used to 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:09.519 persecute us 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:10.700 is now 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.299 preaching 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.500 the faith. 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:13.279 He once 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:14.079 tried to 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:14.619 destroy. 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:17.200 From the 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:17.839 outset of 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:18.279 the Christian 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:18.779 church, 00:18:19.180 --> 00:18:19.779 there has 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.220 always been 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:21.039 a recognizable, 00:18:21.299 --> 00:18:21.960 defensible 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:22.960 gospel. 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.339 There are 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:24.660 things that 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:24.960 are true 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.359 and false 00:18:25.359 --> 00:18:25.640 about 00:18:25.640 --> 00:18:26.079 Christianity. 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:27.160 There is 00:18:27.160 --> 00:18:27.680 only one 00:18:27.680 --> 00:18:27.980 Lord, 00:18:28.059 --> 00:18:28.579 one faith, 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:29.539 one baptism, 00:18:30.119 --> 00:18:30.619 one God 00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:31.039 and Father 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:31.380 of our 00:18:31.380 --> 00:18:31.839 Lord Jesus 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:32.359 Christ. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:33.119 There is 00:18:33.119 --> 00:18:33.579 only one 00:18:33.579 --> 00:18:34.000 gospel. 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:36.000 There is 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:36.539 only one 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:37.019 Christ. 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:38.539 There is 00:18:38.539 --> 00:18:39.099 only one 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:39.480 Savior. 00:18:40.619 --> 00:18:40.759 And 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:41.539 stability and 00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:42.399 growth only 00:18:42.399 --> 00:18:43.059 come as 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:43.359 we are 00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:44.180 established 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:45.200 in Him 00:18:45.200 --> 00:18:45.819 and in 00:18:45.819 --> 00:18:46.039 this 00:18:46.039 --> 00:18:46.519 faith. 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:48.200 And that's 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:49.960 why we 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:50.599 prize 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:51.799 teaching 00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:52.940 highly in 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:53.519 the church. 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:54.299 Paul says, 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:54.960 just as 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:55.240 you were 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:55.839 taught, 00:18:56.839 --> 00:18:57.319 the faith 00:18:57.319 --> 00:18:57.740 must be 00:18:57.740 --> 00:18:58.220 taught. 00:19:00.099 --> 00:19:00.539 I remember 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:01.019 many years 00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:01.420 ago being 00:19:01.420 --> 00:19:01.700 at a 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:02.240 conference 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:04.460 where Dr. 00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:04.779 Jim 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:05.319 Packer, 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:06.639 Anglican 00:19:06.639 --> 00:19:07.799 theologian, 00:19:07.899 --> 00:19:08.339 was the 00:19:08.339 --> 00:19:08.759 speaker. 00:19:09.799 --> 00:19:10.220 And at the 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:10.539 end there 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:10.759 was an 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.159 opportunity 00:19:11.159 --> 00:19:11.460 for 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:11.960 questions. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:13.519 I was 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.119 very young 00:19:14.119 --> 00:19:15.659 and so I 00:19:15.659 --> 00:19:16.180 plucked up 00:19:16.180 --> 00:19:16.700 the courage 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:17.220 to ask 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:18.000 him a 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:18.420 question. 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:19.500 And usually 00:19:19.500 --> 00:19:19.799 he asks 00:19:19.799 --> 00:19:20.159 some kind 00:19:20.159 --> 00:19:20.639 of really 00:19:20.639 --> 00:19:21.779 difficult 00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:22.299 question. 00:19:22.639 --> 00:19:23.399 So I 00:19:23.399 --> 00:19:23.680 said, 00:19:24.159 --> 00:19:24.799 I asked 00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:25.079 him what 00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:25.639 he thought 00:19:25.639 --> 00:19:26.879 the greatest 00:19:26.879 --> 00:19:27.519 need of the 00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:28.259 church was 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:28.680 in our 00:19:28.680 --> 00:19:28.960 day and 00:19:28.960 --> 00:19:29.460 generation. 00:19:29.639 --> 00:19:29.899 That was 00:19:29.899 --> 00:19:30.440 my question 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:30.799 to him. 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:31.680 And without 00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:32.220 hesitating, 00:19:32.379 --> 00:19:32.720 he said 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:33.059 this, 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:34.440 to teach 00:19:34.440 --> 00:19:35.339 the gospel. 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:36.000 That was 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:36.619 his response. 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:37.500 Teach 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.160 the gospel. 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:40.319 For God's 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:40.819 people to 00:19:40.819 --> 00:19:41.140 grow, 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:41.640 there must 00:19:41.640 --> 00:19:42.079 be the 00:19:42.079 --> 00:19:42.559 teaching 00:19:42.559 --> 00:19:43.380 of the 00:19:43.380 --> 00:19:43.680 gospel. 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:45.180 All the 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:45.880 treasures of 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:46.339 knowledge and 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:47.140 wisdom hidden 00:19:47.140 --> 00:19:48.099 in Christ are 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:48.400 to be 00:19:48.400 --> 00:19:49.019 unpacked. 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:50.140 We need to 00:19:50.140 --> 00:19:50.619 know the 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:51.019 faith, 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:52.299 or we 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:52.900 will become 00:19:52.900 --> 00:19:53.460 prey to 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:53.980 those who 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:54.339 peddle 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:55.900 falsehood and 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:56.339 error. 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:57.880 Mark 00:19:57.880 --> 00:19:58.380 Johnston, 00:19:58.559 --> 00:19:58.980 in his 00:19:58.980 --> 00:20:00.299 banner of 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:01.079 truth commentary, 00:20:01.220 --> 00:20:01.819 shares the 00:20:01.819 --> 00:20:02.339 story of a 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:04.180 friend who 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:05.099 saw in his 00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:05.740 congregation, 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:06.799 many in his 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:07.259 congregation, 00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:08.200 delivered from 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:08.579 a false 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:10.420 gospel without 00:20:10.420 --> 00:20:11.500 actually having 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:12.240 to directly 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:13.559 criticize those 00:20:13.559 --> 00:20:14.400 who had taught 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:15.120 it, their 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:16.579 previous minister 00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:17.180 and others in 00:20:17.180 --> 00:20:17.779 the congregation. 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:19.400 And when he 00:20:19.400 --> 00:20:19.900 asked his 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:20.539 friend how he 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:21.180 had managed 00:20:21.180 --> 00:20:21.940 to do this, 00:20:23.140 --> 00:20:23.480 his friend 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:24.059 simply said 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:24.440 this, 00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:25.920 if you want 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.460 to show a 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:26.880 line as 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:27.259 crooked, 00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:29.420 just draw a 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:30.120 straight line 00:20:30.120 --> 00:20:31.140 beside it. 00:20:32.420 --> 00:20:32.960 And that's 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:33.480 what Paul is 00:20:33.480 --> 00:20:33.920 telling us 00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:34.240 here. 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:35.759 The gospel 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:37.039 is our 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:38.620 straight line. 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:39.859 And the 00:20:39.859 --> 00:20:40.259 word of 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:40.680 Christ, 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:41.359 the gospel, 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.779 is vital to 00:20:42.779 --> 00:20:43.299 the health 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:44.019 and well-being 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.480 of churches 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.240 and Christians 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.779 because Jesus 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:48.880 Christ himself 00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:49.759 is the very 00:20:49.759 --> 00:20:50.380 source of 00:20:50.380 --> 00:20:51.240 spiritual life 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.440 and vitality. 00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:53.759 The problems 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:54.640 and anxieties 00:20:54.640 --> 00:20:55.299 and difficulties 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:56.599 we all experience 00:20:56.599 --> 00:20:57.380 in this life 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:58.099 have, 00:20:59.039 --> 00:20:59.460 at the end 00:20:59.460 --> 00:21:00.099 of the day, 00:21:00.240 --> 00:21:00.859 their answer 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:01.640 in him. 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:03.400 Our great 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:04.060 need is to 00:21:04.060 --> 00:21:04.519 know him 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:04.920 better, 00:21:05.100 --> 00:21:05.740 to come 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.740 to love 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.340 him more. 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:09.280 And so 00:21:09.280 --> 00:21:09.740 tonight you 00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:10.360 may be weighed 00:21:10.360 --> 00:21:10.980 down with 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:11.840 the burden 00:21:11.840 --> 00:21:12.620 of your sins. 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:12.880 Well, 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:13.880 Jesus is 00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:14.259 the great 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:15.060 burden-bearer. 00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:16.420 Maybe you're 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:17.100 facing death. 00:21:17.160 --> 00:21:17.660 He's the 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.320 firstborn 00:21:18.320 --> 00:21:18.759 from the 00:21:18.759 --> 00:21:19.120 dead. 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:19.820 Are you 00:21:19.820 --> 00:21:20.160 weak? 00:21:20.280 --> 00:21:20.720 Christ is 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:21.180 strong. 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.019 Are we 00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.700 foolish? 00:21:22.860 --> 00:21:23.259 He is the 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:23.720 wisdom of 00:21:23.720 --> 00:21:24.080 God. 00:21:24.620 --> 00:21:24.980 Are we 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:25.240 in the 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:25.519 dark? 00:21:25.580 --> 00:21:25.880 He's the 00:21:25.880 --> 00:21:26.640 very light 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:26.940 of the 00:21:26.940 --> 00:21:27.240 world. 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:29.080 Are we 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:29.519 lost? 00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:30.960 He is the 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:31.280 way. 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:32.619 Are we 00:21:32.619 --> 00:21:33.259 tired and 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:34.240 exhausted and 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:34.519 weary? 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.799 He is our 00:21:35.799 --> 00:21:36.440 rest. 00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:39.940 Are our lives 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:41.440 stained with 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:41.940 guilt? 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:44.339 His blood 00:21:44.339 --> 00:21:45.740 makes the 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:46.859 foulest clean. 00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:50.259 Of course, 00:21:50.460 --> 00:21:50.839 you do 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:51.599 sometimes hear 00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:52.339 people say 00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:53.879 that Christianity 00:21:53.879 --> 00:21:54.940 is better 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:56.599 caught than 00:21:56.599 --> 00:21:57.160 taught. 00:21:58.359 --> 00:21:58.940 Or as we 00:21:58.940 --> 00:21:59.500 say here in 00:21:59.500 --> 00:21:59.940 Scotland, 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:01.440 better felt 00:22:01.440 --> 00:22:01.980 than 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:02.519 telt. 00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:04.519 But it is a 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:05.099 very dangerous 00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:06.700 thing to pit 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.519 doctrine and 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:08.599 experience against 00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:09.400 one another, 00:22:09.940 --> 00:22:11.019 because Christianity 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:12.720 is both felt 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:13.660 and telt. 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.059 It's both 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:15.859 caught and 00:22:15.859 --> 00:22:16.220 taught. 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.660 Christianity 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:19.460 that is all 00:22:19.460 --> 00:22:20.039 feelings, 00:22:20.539 --> 00:22:20.940 emotions, 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:21.859 and experience 00:22:21.859 --> 00:22:22.579 will not 00:22:22.579 --> 00:22:23.400 long survive 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:25.359 in this 00:22:25.359 --> 00:22:25.900 harsh and 00:22:25.900 --> 00:22:26.440 sometimes 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:27.980 difficult world. 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:29.099 And likewise, 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:29.740 a Christianity 00:22:29.740 --> 00:22:30.700 that is purely 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:31.599 cerebral, 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:33.200 dominated only 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:33.740 by head 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.180 knowledge, 00:22:34.660 --> 00:22:35.500 will become 00:22:35.500 --> 00:22:37.539 dry and 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.720 arid and 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.200 stale. 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.539 Martin Lloyd 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.660 Jones wrote 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:43.200 these words, 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.740 to be a 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:45.140 Christian is 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:45.960 not only to 00:22:45.960 --> 00:22:46.539 believe the 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:47.140 teaching of 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:47.880 Christ and to 00:22:47.880 --> 00:22:48.640 practice it, 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:50.059 it's not only to 00:22:50.059 --> 00:22:51.000 try to follow the 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:51.839 pattern and 00:22:51.839 --> 00:22:52.620 example of 00:22:52.620 --> 00:22:53.039 Christ, 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:53.119 Christ. 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:55.039 It is to be so 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:56.619 vitally related 00:22:56.619 --> 00:22:57.460 to Christ 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:59.039 that His 00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:00.220 life and 00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:01.139 His power 00:23:01.139 --> 00:23:02.159 are working 00:23:02.159 --> 00:23:03.139 in us. 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:05.240 It is to be 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:06.399 in Christ. 00:23:07.379 --> 00:23:08.319 It is for 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:09.519 Christ to 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:10.639 be in 00:23:10.639 --> 00:23:11.079 us. 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.200 So, 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:13.539 Christian 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:14.500 stability needs 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:15.139 both doctrine 00:23:15.139 --> 00:23:16.180 and experience. 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:17.779 They go 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:18.440 together. 00:23:18.440 --> 00:23:21.000 a long time 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:21.620 ago when I 00:23:21.620 --> 00:23:23.080 was in the 00:23:23.080 --> 00:23:23.460 Boys' 00:23:23.580 --> 00:23:24.100 Brigade, 00:23:24.700 --> 00:23:25.680 that is a 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:26.700 uniformed 00:23:26.700 --> 00:23:27.120 Christian 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:28.000 organization 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.720 established in 00:23:29.720 --> 00:23:30.900 1883 by 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:31.320 Sir William 00:23:31.320 --> 00:23:31.820 Alexander 00:23:31.820 --> 00:23:32.720 Smith in 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.160 Glasgow. 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:34.720 That's for 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:35.299 those of you 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:36.559 who are not 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:37.100 in Scotland 00:23:37.100 --> 00:23:37.799 or Northern 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:38.660 Ireland or 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.500 England. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:39.660 England, 00:23:39.900 --> 00:23:41.420 and in 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:41.779 the Boys' 00:23:41.880 --> 00:23:42.339 Brigade, 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:44.339 the badge 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:45.019 is an 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:45.400 anchor. 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:47.180 And we 00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:47.819 would sometimes 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:48.779 sing a 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.519 song based 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:49.819 on the 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:50.160 brigade 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.259 motto drawn 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:51.779 from Hebrews 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.539 619, 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:54.180 sure and 00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:55.259 steadfast. 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:57.000 I won't 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.740 sing it to 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.000 you. 00:23:58.579 --> 00:23:58.940 You'll be 00:23:58.940 --> 00:23:59.359 glad to 00:23:59.359 --> 00:23:59.539 know. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:00.140 Sure and 00:24:00.140 --> 00:24:01.039 steadfast, 00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:02.259 the brigade 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:02.680 boys' 00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:03.140 motto, 00:24:03.380 --> 00:24:03.740 clear. 00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:05.240 That's our 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:06.799 watchword when 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.740 trouble and 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.839 trials are 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:09.220 near. 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.259 Friends, 00:24:11.319 --> 00:24:11.599 that's the 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:11.980 idea. 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:12.640 The Christian 00:24:12.640 --> 00:24:13.240 believer is 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:13.960 to be sure 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:15.359 and steadfast. 00:24:16.140 --> 00:24:16.779 Stability. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:18.500 So that even 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.279 when trouble 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:20.200 and trials 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:21.240 arise, 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:23.799 come near, 00:24:25.079 --> 00:24:25.700 faith will 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:26.160 not be 00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:26.920 uprooted or 00:24:26.920 --> 00:24:27.359 destroyed. 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:29.900 Through our 00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:30.640 union with 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:31.619 Christ and 00:24:31.619 --> 00:24:32.539 by the 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.460 Holy Spirit, 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:34.539 Jesus 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:36.059 communicates 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:36.740 His life 00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:37.579 and strength 00:24:37.579 --> 00:24:38.160 to His 00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:38.500 people. 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:39.859 through the 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:40.420 teaching of 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.000 the gospel, 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:41.680 we are 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:42.319 strengthened 00:24:42.319 --> 00:24:43.500 and established 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:44.359 in this 00:24:44.359 --> 00:24:44.759 faith. 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:46.440 Our 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:47.200 understanding 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:47.660 of the 00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:48.220 person and 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:48.640 work of 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:49.539 Jesus grows, 00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:50.420 deepens, 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:51.140 and expands, 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.839 and we are 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.640 built up 00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:53.779 in Him 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.700 to become 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:56.900 more like 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:57.400 Him. 00:24:59.140 --> 00:24:59.839 What will 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:00.220 keep you 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:00.660 steady? 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:02.180 What will 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:02.559 make you 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:03.480 steadfast? 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:03.599 Christ, 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:04.960 the way 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:05.960 of progress 00:25:05.960 --> 00:25:07.460 in the 00:25:07.460 --> 00:25:07.779 Christian 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.259 life, 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:09.480 is not 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:10.160 by leaving 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:11.360 or abandoning 00:25:11.360 --> 00:25:11.940 the gospel 00:25:11.940 --> 00:25:12.599 of Christ 00:25:12.599 --> 00:25:13.039 or by 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.720 looking 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:14.740 somewhere 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.680 else or 00:25:15.680 --> 00:25:16.099 to some 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:16.519 other 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:17.299 teachings. 00:25:18.420 --> 00:25:19.319 It is 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:20.940 by more 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:21.440 firmly 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:22.759 rooting and 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.579 establishing 00:25:23.579 --> 00:25:24.259 ourselves 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:25.620 in Jesus 00:25:25.620 --> 00:25:26.279 Christ and 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:26.559 in His 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:26.940 gospel. 00:25:27.900 --> 00:25:28.799 The life 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.360 of Jesus 00:25:29.360 --> 00:25:29.960 in our 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:30.360 hearts, 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:31.039 the truth 00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:31.519 of Jesus 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:32.379 in our 00:25:32.379 --> 00:25:32.899 minds. 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.440 As we 00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:34.839 were singing 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:35.460 this morning, 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:36.339 He is 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:37.019 our sure 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:37.839 and steady 00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:38.339 anchor 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:39.440 in a 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:39.879 world of 00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:40.519 unbelief 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:42.059 and lies. 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:43.339 So, 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:43.700 there is a 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:44.359 relentlessness 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:45.079 here about 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:45.480 Christian 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:45.879 growth, 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:46.839 and there is 00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:48.139 a steadfastness 00:25:48.139 --> 00:25:49.220 about Christian 00:25:49.220 --> 00:25:49.659 growth, 00:25:50.139 --> 00:25:50.940 and then 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:51.700 thirdly here, 00:25:52.119 --> 00:25:52.639 there is a 00:25:52.639 --> 00:25:53.559 thankfulness 00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:54.879 about Christian 00:25:54.879 --> 00:25:56.079 life and 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:56.539 growth, 00:25:57.599 --> 00:25:58.299 abounding 00:25:58.299 --> 00:25:59.639 in 00:25:59.639 --> 00:26:00.799 thanksgiving 00:26:00.799 --> 00:26:02.220 to Him. 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:02.940 The word 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:03.940 for abounding 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:04.619 here literally 00:26:04.619 --> 00:26:05.079 means 00:26:05.079 --> 00:26:06.700 overflowing. 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:08.960 Commentators 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:09.899 speculate that 00:26:09.899 --> 00:26:10.419 this may have 00:26:10.419 --> 00:26:11.259 been one of 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:12.119 the catchwords 00:26:12.119 --> 00:26:12.919 used by the 00:26:12.919 --> 00:26:13.559 false teachers 00:26:13.559 --> 00:26:14.899 in Colossae. 00:26:15.919 --> 00:26:16.279 And so, 00:26:16.339 --> 00:26:17.319 Paul may be 00:26:17.319 --> 00:26:18.059 repeating it 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:19.339 here to 00:26:19.339 --> 00:26:20.460 underline his 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.259 point that the 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:22.200 authentic Christian 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:23.500 life flows 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.599 out of union 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:25.559 with Jesus 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.079 Christ, 00:26:26.379 --> 00:26:27.039 and indeed 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:28.039 it overflows 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:29.339 with thanksgiving 00:26:29.339 --> 00:26:30.339 to Him. 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:32.299 again, 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.180 if I can 00:26:33.180 --> 00:26:34.659 quote a song 00:26:34.659 --> 00:26:35.279 from my 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:35.919 childhood 00:26:35.919 --> 00:26:37.440 Sunday school, 00:26:39.019 --> 00:26:39.919 running over, 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:41.539 running over, 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:42.919 my cup's 00:26:42.919 --> 00:26:43.339 full and 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:43.980 running over. 00:26:44.359 --> 00:26:44.779 There are 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.240 actions, 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:45.879 but I'm not 00:26:45.879 --> 00:26:46.240 going to do 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:46.399 them. 00:26:47.619 --> 00:26:48.359 Since the 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:49.079 Lord saved 00:26:49.079 --> 00:26:49.480 me, 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:50.039 I'm as 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:50.619 happy as 00:26:50.619 --> 00:26:51.059 can be, 00:26:51.419 --> 00:26:52.259 my cup's 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.960 full and 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:54.919 running over. 00:26:54.920 --> 00:26:56.539 And that's 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:56.900 what Paul 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:57.380 is referring 00:26:57.380 --> 00:26:57.940 to here. 00:26:58.380 --> 00:26:59.080 Lives so 00:26:59.080 --> 00:27:00.160 brimful of 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:01.000 thanksgiving to 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:01.640 God that they 00:27:01.640 --> 00:27:02.660 are running 00:27:02.660 --> 00:27:03.000 over. 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:04.960 And this 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.440 note of 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:06.259 thanksgiving is 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:07.220 a great feature 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:07.820 in so many 00:27:07.820 --> 00:27:08.620 of Paul's 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:09.019 writings. 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:10.200 It tells the 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:11.100 Thessalonians, 00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:12.740 1 Thessalonians 5, 00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:13.039 18, 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:14.000 give thanks in 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.960 all circumstances. 00:27:15.519 --> 00:27:16.200 In the very 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:17.160 next chapter, 00:27:17.360 --> 00:27:18.039 chapter 3, 00:27:18.160 --> 00:27:18.700 that we'll look 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:19.880 at next month, 00:27:20.220 --> 00:27:21.259 verses 15 through 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.240 17, this is what 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:22.740 he says. 00:27:23.180 --> 00:27:23.700 Let the peace 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:24.380 of Christ rule 00:27:24.380 --> 00:27:25.039 in your hearts, 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:25.880 to which indeed 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:26.460 you were called 00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:27.279 on one body, 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:29.620 and be thankful. 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:31.480 Let the Word of 00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:32.160 Christ dwell in 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:32.700 you richly, 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:33.259 teaching, 00:27:33.420 --> 00:27:34.059 admonishing one 00:27:34.059 --> 00:27:34.900 another in all 00:27:34.900 --> 00:27:35.279 wisdom, 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:36.220 singing psalms, 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:36.559 hymns, 00:27:36.640 --> 00:27:37.779 and spiritual songs 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:39.700 with thankfulness 00:27:39.700 --> 00:27:41.019 in your hearts 00:27:41.019 --> 00:27:41.599 to God. 00:27:42.640 --> 00:27:43.359 And whatever you 00:27:43.359 --> 00:27:44.039 do in word or 00:27:44.039 --> 00:27:44.380 deed, do 00:27:44.380 --> 00:27:44.880 everything in 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.519 the name of 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:46.279 the Lord Jesus, 00:27:47.200 --> 00:27:48.500 giving thanks to 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.460 God the Father 00:27:49.460 --> 00:27:50.420 through Him. 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:52.279 thankfulness is 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.560 a key ingredient 00:27:53.560 --> 00:27:54.620 for Christian 00:27:54.620 --> 00:27:55.180 growth. 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:56.320 An attitude of 00:27:56.320 --> 00:27:57.300 gratitude is 00:27:57.300 --> 00:27:57.680 vital. 00:27:58.680 --> 00:27:59.440 So, as the 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:00.019 Lord's people, 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:01.120 we're not to be 00:28:01.120 --> 00:28:02.779 consumed with 00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:03.840 resentment and 00:28:03.840 --> 00:28:04.240 bitterness. 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.160 We're not to be 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:07.200 known as 00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:08.420 grumblers and 00:28:08.420 --> 00:28:09.620 complainers. 00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:11.279 We're not to be 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:11.700 a bunch of 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:12.460 moaning minis. 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:15.100 Our lives are to 00:28:15.100 --> 00:28:16.160 be running over 00:28:16.160 --> 00:28:17.180 with thankfulness. 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:19.759 Now, that's not 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.940 always easy or 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:22.200 natural for us to 00:28:22.200 --> 00:28:22.820 do, is it? 00:28:24.340 --> 00:28:25.500 And you may be 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.160 saying or you may 00:28:26.160 --> 00:28:26.660 be thinking, 00:28:26.860 --> 00:28:28.240 yeah, but how can 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.039 I be thankful 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:29.720 after what's 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:31.620 happened to me, 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:32.320 what's happened in 00:28:32.320 --> 00:28:32.980 my life? 00:28:35.620 --> 00:28:36.320 Friends, there are 00:28:36.320 --> 00:28:39.480 always things we 00:28:39.480 --> 00:28:40.080 can be thankful 00:28:40.080 --> 00:28:41.560 for, always. 00:28:41.559 --> 00:28:44.539 there's a story 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:46.339 in the book, 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:47.259 The Hiding 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:47.839 Place, 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:48.779 that says 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:49.579 Corrie 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:50.579 Ten Boom's 00:28:50.579 --> 00:28:52.440 account of 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:53.500 her and her 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:54.460 sister Betsy. 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:55.859 And part of that 00:28:55.859 --> 00:28:57.319 account is the 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:58.359 time they spent 00:28:58.359 --> 00:29:00.019 in a concentration 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:00.940 camp in 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:02.139 Ravensbrook for 00:29:02.139 --> 00:29:05.679 helping Jews 00:29:05.679 --> 00:29:06.579 escape the 00:29:06.579 --> 00:29:06.940 Nazis. 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:08.799 and they 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.340 were placed 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:11.000 in a cramped, 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:12.680 what you would 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.580 call flea-ridden 00:29:13.580 --> 00:29:14.539 accommodation with 00:29:14.539 --> 00:29:15.259 hundreds of other 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:15.539 women. 00:29:16.940 --> 00:29:17.940 I could paraphrase 00:29:17.940 --> 00:29:18.380 it, but I'll just 00:29:18.380 --> 00:29:19.980 read the part of 00:29:19.980 --> 00:29:20.360 the story. 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:22.799 Corrie started 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:24.140 up, striking 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.900 her head on the 00:29:24.900 --> 00:29:25.620 cross slats 00:29:25.620 --> 00:29:26.059 above. 00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:27.600 Something had 00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:28.539 bitten her leg. 00:29:29.440 --> 00:29:30.340 Fleas, she 00:29:30.340 --> 00:29:30.740 cried. 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.559 Betsy, the 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:33.220 place is 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:34.180 swarming with 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:35.440 them, descending 00:29:35.440 --> 00:29:35.900 from the 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.420 platform, 00:29:36.420 --> 00:29:37.400 edging down a 00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:38.019 narrow aisle. 00:29:38.320 --> 00:29:38.820 They made their 00:29:38.820 --> 00:29:39.560 way to a patch 00:29:39.560 --> 00:29:39.980 of light. 00:29:40.360 --> 00:29:41.279 Hear another 00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:42.000 one, Corrie 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:42.320 wailed. 00:29:42.660 --> 00:29:43.440 Betsy, how can 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.360 we live in 00:29:44.360 --> 00:29:45.400 such a place? 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:48.480 Show us, show 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:50.140 us how, Betsy 00:29:50.140 --> 00:29:51.340 said matter-of-factly. 00:29:51.620 --> 00:29:52.259 It took Corrie 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:53.200 for a moment to 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:53.920 realize that her 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:54.360 sister was 00:29:54.360 --> 00:29:54.740 praying. 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:57.580 Corrie, Betsy 00:29:57.580 --> 00:29:58.279 then exclaimed 00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:59.620 excitedly, he's 00:29:59.620 --> 00:30:00.160 given us the 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:00.539 answer. 00:30:00.840 --> 00:30:01.700 Before we asked 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:02.279 as he always 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:03.200 does, in the 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:03.720 Bible this 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:04.120 morning, where 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:04.440 was it? 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.120 Read that part 00:30:05.120 --> 00:30:05.440 again. 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:06.600 Corrie checked 00:30:06.600 --> 00:30:07.140 to see that 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:07.559 there were no 00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:08.380 guards nearby, 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:09.600 drew from a 00:30:09.600 --> 00:30:10.279 pouch a small 00:30:10.279 --> 00:30:10.900 Bible that 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:11.680 she'd managed to 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:12.440 smuggle into the 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:13.480 concentration camp. 00:30:13.740 --> 00:30:14.220 It was in 00:30:14.220 --> 00:30:15.180 1 Thessalonians, 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:15.980 she said, finding 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:17.160 the passage in 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:17.539 the feeble 00:30:17.539 --> 00:30:17.900 light. 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:19.680 Here it is. 00:30:21.019 --> 00:30:21.539 Comfort the 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:22.500 frightened, help 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:23.279 the weak, be 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:23.779 patient with 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:24.140 everyone. 00:30:24.580 --> 00:30:25.080 See that none 00:30:25.080 --> 00:30:25.720 of you repays 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.539 evil for evil, 00:30:26.660 --> 00:30:27.279 but always seek 00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:28.420 to do good to 00:30:28.420 --> 00:30:29.200 one another and 00:30:29.200 --> 00:30:29.640 to all. 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:30.360 Rejoice 00:30:30.360 --> 00:30:31.059 always, pray 00:30:31.059 --> 00:30:32.580 constantly, give 00:30:32.579 --> 00:30:33.679 thanks in all 00:30:33.679 --> 00:30:34.699 circumstances for 00:30:34.699 --> 00:30:35.220 this is the 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:36.399 will of God in 00:30:36.399 --> 00:30:37.039 Christ Jesus. 00:30:37.720 --> 00:30:39.159 That's it, Betsy 00:30:39.159 --> 00:30:39.699 interrupted. 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:40.579 That's his 00:30:40.579 --> 00:30:40.939 answer. 00:30:41.299 --> 00:30:42.059 Give thanks in 00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:42.899 all circumstances. 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:43.899 That's what we 00:30:43.899 --> 00:30:44.319 can do. 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:45.279 We can start 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:46.419 right now to 00:30:46.419 --> 00:30:47.159 thank God for 00:30:47.159 --> 00:30:47.740 every single 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:48.460 thing about this 00:30:48.460 --> 00:30:48.960 barracks. 00:30:50.619 --> 00:30:51.339 Corrie stared 00:30:51.339 --> 00:30:51.839 at her 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:53.039 incredulously. 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:55.960 Then around the 00:30:55.960 --> 00:30:58.000 dark, foul-smelling 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:59.639 room, such as, 00:30:59.640 --> 00:31:00.600 she inquired. 00:31:01.640 --> 00:31:02.400 Such as being 00:31:02.400 --> 00:31:03.000 assigned here 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:03.440 together. 00:31:04.540 --> 00:31:05.120 Corrie bit her 00:31:05.120 --> 00:31:05.420 lip. 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.580 Oh yes, Lord 00:31:06.580 --> 00:31:07.480 Jesus, such as 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:08.080 what you're holding 00:31:08.080 --> 00:31:08.759 in your hands. 00:31:09.020 --> 00:31:09.380 Corrie looked 00:31:09.380 --> 00:31:09.759 down at the 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:10.040 Bible. 00:31:10.340 --> 00:31:10.920 Yes, thank you, 00:31:10.980 --> 00:31:11.540 dear Lord, that 00:31:11.540 --> 00:31:12.000 there was no 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:12.980 inspection when we 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.580 entered here. 00:31:13.820 --> 00:31:14.259 Thank you for 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:14.780 all the women 00:31:14.780 --> 00:31:15.300 here in this 00:31:15.300 --> 00:31:16.180 room who will 00:31:16.180 --> 00:31:16.940 come to meet 00:31:16.940 --> 00:31:17.360 you and its 00:31:17.360 --> 00:31:17.780 pages. 00:31:18.600 --> 00:31:19.160 Yes, agreed 00:31:19.160 --> 00:31:19.580 Betsy. 00:31:19.660 --> 00:31:20.200 Thank you for 00:31:20.200 --> 00:31:21.080 the crowding 00:31:21.080 --> 00:31:21.420 here. 00:31:21.620 --> 00:31:22.020 Since we're 00:31:22.020 --> 00:31:22.920 packed so close, 00:31:23.120 --> 00:31:24.020 many more will 00:31:24.020 --> 00:31:24.360 hear. 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:26.220 She looked at 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:26.720 her sister 00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:27.700 expectantly and 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:28.380 prodded. 00:31:28.860 --> 00:31:29.180 Corrie, 00:31:29.640 --> 00:31:30.600 all right, 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:31.300 thank you for 00:31:31.300 --> 00:31:32.000 the jammed, 00:31:32.120 --> 00:31:32.480 crammed, 00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:32.980 stuffed, 00:31:33.300 --> 00:31:33.600 packed, 00:31:33.900 --> 00:31:34.360 suffocating 00:31:34.360 --> 00:31:34.759 crowds. 00:31:36.380 --> 00:31:36.900 Thank you, 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:37.680 Betsy continued 00:31:37.680 --> 00:31:39.020 on, for the 00:31:39.020 --> 00:31:40.500 fleas and 00:31:40.500 --> 00:31:41.640 for, that was 00:31:41.640 --> 00:31:42.240 too much for 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:42.580 Corrie. 00:31:43.100 --> 00:31:43.700 She cut in 00:31:43.700 --> 00:31:44.000 on her 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:44.340 sister. 00:31:45.100 --> 00:31:45.480 Betsy, 00:31:46.100 --> 00:31:46.600 there's no 00:31:46.600 --> 00:31:47.320 way even 00:31:47.320 --> 00:31:48.220 God can 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:48.620 make me 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:49.580 grateful for 00:31:49.580 --> 00:31:50.060 a flea. 00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:51.740 Give 00:31:51.740 --> 00:31:52.280 thanks in 00:31:52.280 --> 00:31:53.180 all circumstances, 00:31:53.580 --> 00:31:53.840 Betsy 00:31:53.840 --> 00:31:54.240 corrected. 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:54.980 Doesn't say 00:31:54.980 --> 00:31:55.400 in pleasant 00:31:55.400 --> 00:31:56.160 circumstances. 00:31:57.340 --> 00:31:57.820 Fleas are 00:31:57.820 --> 00:31:58.420 part of this 00:31:58.420 --> 00:31:58.920 place where 00:31:58.920 --> 00:31:59.460 God has put 00:31:59.460 --> 00:31:59.740 us. 00:32:00.600 --> 00:32:00.840 And so 00:32:00.840 --> 00:32:01.279 they stood 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:01.880 between the 00:32:01.880 --> 00:32:02.340 stacks of 00:32:02.340 --> 00:32:02.800 bunks and 00:32:02.800 --> 00:32:03.360 gave thanks 00:32:03.360 --> 00:32:04.380 for fleas. 00:32:05.080 --> 00:32:05.640 Though on 00:32:05.640 --> 00:32:06.279 that occasion, 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:07.580 Corrie thought 00:32:07.580 --> 00:32:08.400 Betsy was 00:32:08.400 --> 00:32:09.140 surely wrong. 00:32:10.840 --> 00:32:11.180 Weeks 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:13.779 passed and 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.640 Betsy told 00:32:14.640 --> 00:32:15.000 Corrie, 00:32:15.840 --> 00:32:16.039 you know, 00:32:16.100 --> 00:32:16.519 we've never 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:17.380 understood why 00:32:17.380 --> 00:32:17.840 we had so 00:32:17.840 --> 00:32:18.420 much freedom 00:32:18.420 --> 00:32:19.000 in the big 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:19.820 room for 00:32:19.820 --> 00:32:20.100 Christian 00:32:20.100 --> 00:32:20.539 ministry. 00:32:21.120 --> 00:32:21.320 Well, 00:32:21.360 --> 00:32:22.060 I find out. 00:32:22.700 --> 00:32:23.460 This afternoon 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:23.860 there was 00:32:23.860 --> 00:32:24.860 confusion in 00:32:24.860 --> 00:32:25.259 my knitting 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:25.820 group about 00:32:25.820 --> 00:32:26.580 sock sizes, 00:32:26.579 --> 00:32:27.159 so we 00:32:27.159 --> 00:32:27.519 asked the 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:28.259 supervisor to 00:32:28.259 --> 00:32:28.639 come and 00:32:28.639 --> 00:32:29.099 settle it, 00:32:29.179 --> 00:32:29.399 but she 00:32:29.399 --> 00:32:29.759 wouldn't. 00:32:30.359 --> 00:32:31.039 She wouldn't 00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:31.519 step through 00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:31.919 the door, 00:32:32.179 --> 00:32:32.500 and neither 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:32.839 would the 00:32:32.839 --> 00:32:33.220 guards. 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:34.559 And do you 00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:34.980 know why? 00:32:36.500 --> 00:32:37.000 Betsy 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:37.519 could not 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:37.980 keep the 00:32:37.980 --> 00:32:39.299 triumph from 00:32:39.299 --> 00:32:40.039 her voice, 00:32:40.599 --> 00:32:41.019 as she 00:32:41.019 --> 00:32:41.659 exclaimed, 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:43.960 because of 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:45.179 the fleas. 00:32:46.539 --> 00:32:47.220 That's what 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:47.819 she said. 00:32:48.119 --> 00:32:49.000 That place 00:32:49.000 --> 00:32:49.960 is crawling 00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:51.339 with fleas. 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:53.679 Corrie's 00:32:53.679 --> 00:32:54.299 mind raced 00:32:54.299 --> 00:32:54.960 back to their 00:32:54.960 --> 00:32:55.539 first hour in 00:32:55.539 --> 00:32:56.079 the barracks. 00:32:56.980 --> 00:32:57.639 She remembered 00:32:57.639 --> 00:32:58.720 Betsy bowing 00:32:58.720 --> 00:33:00.399 her head and 00:33:00.399 --> 00:33:01.240 thanking God 00:33:01.240 --> 00:33:02.379 for creatures 00:33:02.379 --> 00:33:04.299 that Corrie 00:33:04.299 --> 00:33:05.240 could see no 00:33:05.240 --> 00:33:05.799 use for. 00:33:07.420 --> 00:33:08.099 Isn't that an 00:33:08.099 --> 00:33:08.500 astonishing 00:33:08.500 --> 00:33:08.960 story? 00:33:10.879 --> 00:33:11.519 Overflowing 00:33:11.519 --> 00:33:12.420 with 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:13.119 thanksgiving. 00:33:14.200 --> 00:33:14.740 They were in 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:15.319 a Nazi 00:33:15.319 --> 00:33:16.019 concentration 00:33:16.019 --> 00:33:16.779 camp. 00:33:20.220 --> 00:33:20.960 You see, 00:33:21.079 --> 00:33:21.619 thankfulness is 00:33:21.619 --> 00:33:22.440 such a crucial 00:33:22.440 --> 00:33:23.059 spiritual 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:23.539 discipline. 00:33:23.539 --> 00:33:25.279 We need to 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:26.139 constantly be 00:33:26.139 --> 00:33:27.220 reminding ourselves 00:33:27.220 --> 00:33:28.159 of God's 00:33:28.159 --> 00:33:28.740 goodness and 00:33:28.740 --> 00:33:29.440 grace towards 00:33:29.440 --> 00:33:29.839 us. 00:33:30.240 --> 00:33:30.960 We need to 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:31.659 be feeding 00:33:31.659 --> 00:33:32.680 our faith 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:33.960 with fresh 00:33:33.960 --> 00:33:35.440 memories of 00:33:35.440 --> 00:33:36.460 Christ's goodness 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:37.139 and mercy 00:33:37.139 --> 00:33:38.200 towards us. 00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:39.460 Because in a 00:33:39.460 --> 00:33:39.659 way, 00:33:39.819 --> 00:33:41.119 thankfulness is 00:33:41.119 --> 00:33:41.779 what will keep 00:33:41.779 --> 00:33:43.279 us tied to 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:44.039 Jesus Christ. 00:33:44.200 --> 00:33:44.700 It's the 00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:46.240 super glue 00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:47.659 that sticks us 00:33:47.659 --> 00:33:48.539 close to Him. 00:33:48.539 --> 00:33:50.899 it's part of 00:33:50.899 --> 00:33:51.359 the function 00:33:51.359 --> 00:33:52.740 as we 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.539 celebrated this 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:53.779 morning, 00:33:53.839 --> 00:33:54.200 the Lord's 00:33:54.200 --> 00:33:54.399 Supper. 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:56.440 We remember 00:33:56.440 --> 00:33:57.659 and celebrate 00:33:57.659 --> 00:33:58.139 our Lord 00:33:58.139 --> 00:33:58.940 Jesus Christ 00:33:58.940 --> 00:33:59.740 and all that 00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:00.259 He has done 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:00.920 for us, 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:02.420 especially in 00:34:02.420 --> 00:34:03.159 His death 00:34:03.159 --> 00:34:03.940 on the cross. 00:34:04.639 --> 00:34:05.500 We fellowship 00:34:05.500 --> 00:34:06.899 with Him 00:34:06.899 --> 00:34:07.420 and with one 00:34:07.420 --> 00:34:08.039 another in the 00:34:08.039 --> 00:34:08.480 power of the 00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:08.800 Spirit. 00:34:09.400 --> 00:34:09.980 That's why in 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:10.639 some traditions 00:34:10.639 --> 00:34:12.719 the Supper is 00:34:12.719 --> 00:34:13.239 known as the 00:34:13.239 --> 00:34:13.880 Eucharist. 00:34:14.320 --> 00:34:14.800 The word 00:34:14.800 --> 00:34:15.279 just means 00:34:15.279 --> 00:34:15.900 thanksgiving. 00:34:15.900 --> 00:34:19.260 It was 00:34:19.260 --> 00:34:19.780 Shakespeare's 00:34:19.780 --> 00:34:20.180 King Lear 00:34:20.180 --> 00:34:20.700 who famously 00:34:20.700 --> 00:34:22.180 declared how 00:34:22.180 --> 00:34:22.820 sharper than 00:34:22.820 --> 00:34:23.539 a serpent's 00:34:23.539 --> 00:34:24.559 tooth it is 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:25.639 to have a 00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:26.180 thankless 00:34:26.180 --> 00:34:26.980 child. 00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:28.500 And Corey 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:29.460 told a story 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:30.019 this morning 00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:32.260 about a 00:34:32.260 --> 00:34:33.019 thankless 00:34:33.019 --> 00:34:34.220 son. 00:34:35.700 --> 00:34:36.079 There's a 00:34:36.079 --> 00:34:37.320 story from 00:34:37.320 --> 00:34:37.820 long ago 00:34:37.820 --> 00:34:38.099 on the 00:34:38.099 --> 00:34:38.539 island of 00:34:38.539 --> 00:34:39.119 Mauritius 00:34:39.119 --> 00:34:40.800 of a mother 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:41.539 and a daughter 00:34:41.539 --> 00:34:42.160 who were 00:34:42.160 --> 00:34:43.000 slaves. 00:34:44.019 --> 00:34:44.420 And the 00:34:44.420 --> 00:34:45.160 mother saved 00:34:45.160 --> 00:34:45.619 and worked 00:34:45.619 --> 00:34:46.179 tirelessly 00:34:46.179 --> 00:34:46.799 over the 00:34:46.799 --> 00:34:47.440 years to 00:34:47.440 --> 00:34:48.639 get enough 00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:49.179 money to 00:34:49.179 --> 00:34:49.599 buy their 00:34:49.599 --> 00:34:49.980 freedom. 00:34:50.779 --> 00:34:52.139 But she 00:34:52.139 --> 00:34:52.539 could only 00:34:52.539 --> 00:34:53.099 accumulate 00:34:53.099 --> 00:34:54.159 enough funds 00:34:54.159 --> 00:34:55.679 to obtain 00:34:55.679 --> 00:34:56.460 freedom for 00:34:56.460 --> 00:34:56.799 one. 00:34:57.819 --> 00:34:58.239 She couldn't 00:34:58.239 --> 00:34:58.639 do it for 00:34:58.639 --> 00:34:59.119 herself. 00:34:59.839 --> 00:35:00.239 She could 00:35:00.239 --> 00:35:01.339 only purchase 00:35:01.339 --> 00:35:02.159 her daughter's 00:35:02.159 --> 00:35:03.079 freedom and 00:35:03.079 --> 00:35:03.699 she did it 00:35:03.699 --> 00:35:04.519 gladly and 00:35:04.519 --> 00:35:04.839 willingly. 00:35:06.659 --> 00:35:06.980 And then 00:35:06.980 --> 00:35:07.579 sometime later 00:35:07.579 --> 00:35:08.039 the women 00:35:08.039 --> 00:35:09.559 had the 00:35:09.559 --> 00:35:10.079 occasion to 00:35:10.079 --> 00:35:10.500 enter a 00:35:10.500 --> 00:35:10.859 room where 00:35:10.859 --> 00:35:11.279 her daughter 00:35:11.279 --> 00:35:11.839 was sitting. 00:35:12.799 --> 00:35:13.059 And she 00:35:13.059 --> 00:35:13.880 went across 00:35:13.880 --> 00:35:14.519 and she sat 00:35:14.519 --> 00:35:15.519 down beside 00:35:15.519 --> 00:35:15.900 her. 00:35:17.219 --> 00:35:17.599 And the 00:35:17.599 --> 00:35:18.400 daughter became 00:35:18.400 --> 00:35:19.780 furious and 00:35:19.780 --> 00:35:20.159 angry. 00:35:21.360 --> 00:35:22.059 She rebuked 00:35:22.059 --> 00:35:22.480 her mother. 00:35:23.199 --> 00:35:24.420 How dare you 00:35:24.420 --> 00:35:25.420 sit in my 00:35:25.420 --> 00:35:25.940 presence. 00:35:26.639 --> 00:35:27.500 You're just a 00:35:27.500 --> 00:35:28.179 slave. 00:35:29.119 --> 00:35:30.079 I am a 00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:30.599 free woman. 00:35:32.599 --> 00:35:33.259 What appalling 00:35:33.259 --> 00:35:33.920 ingratitude. 00:35:35.900 --> 00:35:36.579 She'd forgotten 00:35:36.579 --> 00:35:38.400 the price that 00:35:38.400 --> 00:35:39.199 had been paid 00:35:39.199 --> 00:35:40.919 and who had 00:35:40.919 --> 00:35:41.519 paid it for 00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:41.819 her. 00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:43.500 Friends, we 00:35:43.500 --> 00:35:43.939 dare not do 00:35:43.939 --> 00:35:44.399 the same. 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:46.819 Don't be a 00:35:46.819 --> 00:35:48.299 thankless child 00:35:48.299 --> 00:35:49.159 of God. 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.439 Never forget 00:35:51.439 --> 00:35:53.119 the price that 00:35:53.119 --> 00:35:53.759 has been paid 00:35:53.759 --> 00:35:54.159 for your 00:35:54.159 --> 00:35:56.079 freedom or 00:35:56.079 --> 00:35:56.819 the one who 00:35:56.819 --> 00:35:57.399 paid it for 00:35:57.399 --> 00:35:57.779 us. 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:00.939 We need to 00:36:00.939 --> 00:36:02.739 ask God to 00:36:02.739 --> 00:36:03.379 lead us ever 00:36:03.379 --> 00:36:05.099 to Calvary and 00:36:05.099 --> 00:36:05.879 to the cross. 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:07.579 because at 00:36:07.579 --> 00:36:08.039 the end of 00:36:08.039 --> 00:36:08.480 the day, 00:36:09.619 --> 00:36:10.300 that will 00:36:10.300 --> 00:36:11.000 keep us 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:12.460 drifting away 00:36:12.460 --> 00:36:13.000 from Jesus 00:36:13.000 --> 00:36:13.519 Christ. 00:36:14.640 --> 00:36:15.140 It's looking 00:36:15.140 --> 00:36:16.360 to the cross 00:36:16.360 --> 00:36:17.900 of Christ 00:36:17.900 --> 00:36:19.700 that helps 00:36:19.700 --> 00:36:20.579 us to stay 00:36:20.579 --> 00:36:22.220 and not 00:36:22.220 --> 00:36:22.599 stray. 00:36:23.599 --> 00:36:24.559 Jesus paid 00:36:24.559 --> 00:36:25.079 it all. 00:36:25.619 --> 00:36:26.640 All to 00:36:26.640 --> 00:36:27.559 Him I 00:36:27.559 --> 00:36:27.940 owe. 00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:29.559 Sin had 00:36:29.559 --> 00:36:30.160 left a 00:36:30.160 --> 00:36:31.340 crimson stain. 00:36:31.740 --> 00:36:32.400 He washed 00:36:32.400 --> 00:36:33.240 it white 00:36:33.240 --> 00:36:34.180 as snow. 00:36:34.179 --> 00:36:36.679 I love 00:36:36.679 --> 00:36:37.279 that answer 00:36:37.279 --> 00:36:38.559 of the 00:36:38.559 --> 00:36:39.179 evangelist 00:36:39.179 --> 00:36:39.559 Gypsy 00:36:39.559 --> 00:36:41.000 Smith at 00:36:41.000 --> 00:36:41.299 the end 00:36:41.299 --> 00:36:41.579 of his 00:36:41.579 --> 00:36:42.019 life. 00:36:43.059 --> 00:36:43.259 When he 00:36:43.259 --> 00:36:43.699 was asked 00:36:43.699 --> 00:36:44.199 the secret 00:36:44.199 --> 00:36:44.579 of his 00:36:44.579 --> 00:36:45.059 long and 00:36:45.059 --> 00:36:45.379 fruitful 00:36:45.379 --> 00:36:45.960 ministry, 00:36:46.139 --> 00:36:46.599 he replied, 00:36:47.739 --> 00:36:48.399 I never 00:36:48.399 --> 00:36:50.039 lost the 00:36:50.039 --> 00:36:51.079 wonder of 00:36:51.079 --> 00:36:51.559 it all. 00:36:52.879 --> 00:36:53.299 And what 00:36:53.299 --> 00:36:53.759 is that 00:36:53.759 --> 00:36:54.500 if it is 00:36:54.500 --> 00:36:54.719 not 00:36:54.719 --> 00:36:55.519 thankfulness? 00:36:57.139 --> 00:36:57.879 We need 00:36:57.879 --> 00:36:58.339 to stay, 00:36:58.599 --> 00:36:59.099 not stray. 00:36:59.679 --> 00:37:00.019 How do 00:37:00.019 --> 00:37:00.460 we do it? 00:37:00.659 --> 00:37:01.219 Relentlessness. 00:37:01.980 --> 00:37:02.619 Keep pressing 00:37:02.619 --> 00:37:03.000 on. 00:37:03.500 --> 00:37:03.659 Be 00:37:03.659 --> 00:37:04.239 relentless 00:37:04.239 --> 00:37:05.039 in abiding 00:37:05.039 --> 00:37:06.139 in Jesus. 00:37:06.940 --> 00:37:07.619 Steadfastness. 00:37:07.819 --> 00:37:08.239 Keep digging 00:37:08.239 --> 00:37:08.619 down. 00:37:09.219 --> 00:37:09.379 Be 00:37:09.379 --> 00:37:10.440 steadfastly 00:37:10.440 --> 00:37:11.159 anchoring 00:37:11.159 --> 00:37:11.899 your faith 00:37:11.899 --> 00:37:12.440 in Jesus 00:37:12.440 --> 00:37:12.920 Christ. 00:37:13.819 --> 00:37:14.359 Thankfulness. 00:37:14.519 --> 00:37:14.659 Keep 00:37:14.659 --> 00:37:14.899 looking 00:37:14.899 --> 00:37:15.239 up. 00:37:16.379 --> 00:37:16.519 Be 00:37:16.519 --> 00:37:16.839 ever 00:37:16.839 --> 00:37:17.379 thankful 00:37:17.379 --> 00:37:18.319 for all 00:37:18.319 --> 00:37:19.019 that Christ 00:37:19.019 --> 00:37:19.940 has done 00:37:19.940 --> 00:37:20.819 for you. 00:37:22.000 --> 00:37:22.679 By God's 00:37:22.679 --> 00:37:22.980 grace, 00:37:23.099 --> 00:37:23.599 may these 00:37:23.599 --> 00:37:25.119 three hallmarks 00:37:25.119 --> 00:37:26.219 be evidenced 00:37:26.219 --> 00:37:27.039 in our 00:37:27.039 --> 00:37:27.980 Christian lives 00:37:27.980 --> 00:37:29.059 and experience 00:37:29.059 --> 00:37:30.379 that we 00:37:30.379 --> 00:37:30.719 too 00:37:30.719 --> 00:37:31.779 will be 00:37:31.780 --> 00:37:32.260 a people 00:37:32.260 --> 00:37:33.480 who will 00:37:33.480 --> 00:37:33.860 stay 00:37:33.860 --> 00:37:35.100 and not 00:37:35.100 --> 00:37:35.440 stray. 00:37:35.940 --> 00:37:36.480 Let's pray 00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:36.800 together. 00:37:36.800 --> 00:37:36.900 Amen. 00:37:44.900 --> 00:37:45.440 God, 00:37:45.480 --> 00:37:45.820 our Father, 00:37:45.920 --> 00:37:46.460 we thank you 00:37:46.460 --> 00:37:47.120 for all that you 00:37:47.120 --> 00:37:47.580 have given 00:37:47.580 --> 00:37:48.220 to us 00:37:48.220 --> 00:37:49.380 in your 00:37:49.380 --> 00:37:49.760 Son, 00:37:50.000 --> 00:37:50.440 our Lord 00:37:50.440 --> 00:37:51.240 Jesus Christ. 00:37:51.239 --> 00:37:51.359 Christ, 00:37:52.079 --> 00:37:53.179 we thank you 00:37:53.179 --> 00:37:53.939 that in him 00:37:53.939 --> 00:37:55.759 are all the 00:37:55.759 --> 00:37:56.139 treasures 00:37:56.139 --> 00:37:57.279 of wisdom 00:37:57.279 --> 00:37:58.299 and knowledge. 00:37:59.599 --> 00:38:00.199 Lord, 00:38:00.239 --> 00:38:01.059 we pray that 00:38:01.059 --> 00:38:01.959 by your 00:38:01.959 --> 00:38:02.699 Holy Spirit 00:38:02.699 --> 00:38:03.239 you would 00:38:03.239 --> 00:38:03.819 help us 00:38:03.819 --> 00:38:04.659 be 00:38:04.659 --> 00:38:05.379 relentless 00:38:05.379 --> 00:38:06.299 in our 00:38:06.299 --> 00:38:07.119 Christian lives, 00:38:07.199 --> 00:38:07.639 walking 00:38:07.639 --> 00:38:08.579 with Jesus, 00:38:09.659 --> 00:38:10.399 that you 00:38:10.399 --> 00:38:10.899 would be, 00:38:11.279 --> 00:38:11.639 help us 00:38:11.639 --> 00:38:12.019 to be 00:38:12.019 --> 00:38:12.919 steadfast 00:38:12.919 --> 00:38:13.399 in the 00:38:13.399 --> 00:38:13.759 faith, 00:38:13.760 --> 00:38:16.680 and that 00:38:16.680 --> 00:38:16.920 you would 00:38:16.920 --> 00:38:17.280 help us 00:38:17.280 --> 00:38:17.700 always 00:38:17.700 --> 00:38:18.200 to be 00:38:18.200 --> 00:38:18.880 thankful 00:38:18.880 --> 00:38:20.000 for all 00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:20.280 your 00:38:20.280 --> 00:38:21.040 goodness 00:38:21.040 --> 00:38:22.120 towards us, 00:38:22.900 --> 00:38:23.600 that we 00:38:23.600 --> 00:38:24.100 may grow, 00:38:24.860 --> 00:38:25.260 that we 00:38:25.260 --> 00:38:25.960 may mature, 00:38:26.880 --> 00:38:27.400 and that we 00:38:27.400 --> 00:38:27.860 may bear 00:38:27.860 --> 00:38:28.820 fruit for 00:38:28.820 --> 00:38:29.340 your glory. 00:38:30.000 --> 00:38:30.480 We pray 00:38:30.480 --> 00:38:31.100 this in 00:38:31.100 --> 00:38:31.380 Jesus' 00:38:31.560 --> 00:38:31.720 name. 00:38:32.320 --> 00:38:32.620 Amen.