WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.679 Well, last Sunday we heard about how Jesus was falsely accused by the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. 00:00:07.540 --> 00:00:17.080 ! Jesus had driven out a demon from a possessed man and they accused him of doing it by the power of Satan. 00:00:17.080 --> 00:00:22.539 And we heard Jesus respond to that with great wisdom. 00:00:23.320 --> 00:00:28.920 He showed very clearly that that was not only false but absurd. 00:00:30.440 --> 00:00:37.899 And he reminded them, he told them, he declared to them that he drives out demons by the power of God. 00:00:38.600 --> 00:00:43.259 And that it's evidence that the kingdom of God is now breaking into the world. 00:00:44.740 --> 00:00:56.120 Jesus also made it clear that he had far more knowledge of how fallen angels think and behave and scheme than we do. 00:00:56.119 --> 00:01:06.239 Well, on the heels of that, suddenly a woman in the crowd shouts to Jesus. 00:01:06.239 --> 00:01:11.099 I'm reading from Luke chapter 11 verse 27. 00:01:12.099 --> 00:01:16.699 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, 00:01:17.359 --> 00:01:20.739 Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you. 00:01:20.739 --> 00:01:26.780 Now, I don't know about you, but I can't help but chuckle at this. 00:01:27.640 --> 00:01:29.879 We could go with even more literal translation. 00:01:30.739 --> 00:01:35.140 Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts at which you nursed. 00:01:36.699 --> 00:01:44.699 Of course, it's a sort of poetic way of speaking where a person uses the parts to refer to the whole. 00:01:44.700 --> 00:01:51.920 In this case, it's the mothering parts of the body to refer to the whole, the mother. 00:01:52.079 --> 00:01:55.240 And so the meaning is captured well by that first one we looked at. 00:01:59.140 --> 00:02:03.219 Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you. 00:02:03.219 --> 00:02:10.180 What makes me laugh about this is that it's just a funny thing to say. 00:02:10.340 --> 00:02:14.180 It's a funny thing to shout out in this moment, especially in public. 00:02:15.400 --> 00:02:18.780 It's sort of a roundabout way of giving Jesus a compliment. 00:02:20.060 --> 00:02:27.099 She so appreciated Jesus, how he cast out the demon, how he responded to the Pharisees. 00:02:27.180 --> 00:02:28.479 She just had to say something. 00:02:28.479 --> 00:02:36.299 And it's kind of like saying, Jesus, your mom was blessed by God to have you for a son. 00:02:38.079 --> 00:02:44.439 It must have been a special gift of God's favor for your mom to have you in her womb 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:47.979 and to have you snuggled in to nurse from her. 00:02:50.019 --> 00:02:53.959 But then listen to what Jesus says back to her in response. 00:02:53.960 --> 00:03:11.520 Jesus replied, blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. 00:03:13.700 --> 00:03:15.960 Now why does Jesus respond this way? 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:20.640 At first we might think, well, maybe Jesus just can't take a compliment. 00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:24.559 Well, no, that's probably not it. 00:03:25.259 --> 00:03:29.979 Then we might wonder if there's just something not quite right with what the woman said. 00:03:30.759 --> 00:03:32.759 After all, Jesus says rather in there. 00:03:33.479 --> 00:03:35.199 He seems to correct her statement. 00:03:35.459 --> 00:03:39.399 But no, that's probably not it either. 00:03:39.539 --> 00:03:42.679 After all, as we heard from Luke back in chapter 2, 00:03:42.779 --> 00:03:45.759 the angel said that Jesus' mother was highly favored. 00:03:45.759 --> 00:03:52.259 And Mary's relative, Elizabeth, said, blessed are you among women. 00:03:53.299 --> 00:03:55.799 And there's definitely some truth to that woman's statement. 00:03:55.979 --> 00:04:01.099 Jesus' mother was blessed to have him as her son. 00:04:02.739 --> 00:04:06.959 Why Jesus responds this way to her, it just doesn't say. 00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:13.700 All we can really do is meditate carefully on Jesus' response. 00:04:15.319 --> 00:04:20.400 Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. 00:04:23.220 --> 00:04:25.720 That statement answers a question. 00:04:27.480 --> 00:04:31.939 And the question is, what makes a person blessed? 00:04:31.939 --> 00:04:36.259 What makes a person blessed? 00:04:37.420 --> 00:04:42.079 Let's reflect on that word, blessed, for a few minutes. 00:04:42.899 --> 00:04:48.319 We know from reading the Bible up till this point that God is the one who blesses people. 00:04:50.120 --> 00:04:54.000 His blessings are the good gifts that come from Him. 00:04:56.699 --> 00:05:00.680 God's blessing is His showing favor to people. 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:05.519 And we could look back on the countless examples in the Old Testament 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:10.000 of how God had blessed different people through history. 00:05:10.639 --> 00:05:14.019 And when we do, we find at least two different kinds of blessing. 00:05:15.139 --> 00:05:21.199 Some blessings came as sheer gifts of God's grace to people. 00:05:22.180 --> 00:05:25.980 The blessings of God to Abraham are an example. 00:05:25.980 --> 00:05:31.100 Abraham didn't do anything to earn God's favor. 00:05:32.280 --> 00:05:34.240 God just started appearing to him. 00:05:34.819 --> 00:05:37.000 And appearing to him again and again. 00:05:37.160 --> 00:05:39.640 And promising him all kinds of wonderful things. 00:05:42.140 --> 00:05:45.060 And so there are blessings of God's grace. 00:05:45.939 --> 00:05:48.640 Things we do nothing to earn or deserve. 00:05:49.280 --> 00:05:51.600 Things God gives simply because He is kind. 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:54.580 And generous and loves to give. 00:05:56.120 --> 00:05:57.980 Then a little later on in the story. 00:05:58.780 --> 00:06:01.379 About 400 years after Abraham. 00:06:01.560 --> 00:06:07.140 We come to a moment where God enters into a formal covenant relationship 00:06:07.140 --> 00:06:09.360 with the descendants of Abraham. 00:06:10.439 --> 00:06:13.100 And here too we read about God's blessings. 00:06:13.939 --> 00:06:17.060 But this time it's a different kind of blessing. 00:06:17.060 --> 00:06:23.500 These blessings we're about to read about are actually part of the terms of the covenant 00:06:23.500 --> 00:06:26.079 that God made with Israel. 00:06:26.339 --> 00:06:29.860 Let me just read a few of those verses from Deuteronomy chapter 28. 00:06:31.180 --> 00:06:35.579 This is God speaking through Moses to the nation of Israel. 00:06:35.579 --> 00:06:39.919 If you fully obey the Lord your God. 00:06:40.359 --> 00:06:43.819 And carefully follow all His commands I give you today. 00:06:44.500 --> 00:06:48.839 The Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 00:06:49.939 --> 00:06:53.579 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you. 00:06:54.120 --> 00:06:56.379 If you obey the Lord your God. 00:06:57.659 --> 00:06:59.240 You will be blessed in the city. 00:06:59.979 --> 00:07:01.219 And blessed in the country. 00:07:02.139 --> 00:07:04.560 The fruit of your womb will be blessed. 00:07:04.560 --> 00:07:06.879 And the crops of your land. 00:07:07.360 --> 00:07:09.360 And the young of your livestock. 00:07:10.079 --> 00:07:12.079 The calves of your herds. 00:07:12.379 --> 00:07:14.280 And the lambs of your flocks. 00:07:15.259 --> 00:07:18.759 Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. 00:07:19.660 --> 00:07:21.180 You will be blessed when you come in. 00:07:22.100 --> 00:07:23.920 And blessed when you go out. 00:07:26.040 --> 00:07:29.899 The first thing that we notice here is that these blessings are conditional. 00:07:29.899 --> 00:07:34.519 If you fully obey the Lord. 00:07:35.019 --> 00:07:37.479 And carefully follow His commands. 00:07:37.699 --> 00:07:40.139 Then I will bless you in all these ways. 00:07:40.959 --> 00:07:43.599 That's different from what we heard with Abraham. 00:07:44.599 --> 00:07:48.779 And so we see these two kinds of blessing from God. 00:07:48.779 --> 00:07:51.819 We have unconditional blessings. 00:07:53.739 --> 00:07:55.359 Unmerited favor. 00:07:56.359 --> 00:07:57.719 Just gifts of grace. 00:07:58.619 --> 00:08:00.759 And then there are these conditional blessings. 00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:04.159 We might think of them as maybe the rewards. 00:08:04.699 --> 00:08:07.679 That God promised for obedience. 00:08:07.680 --> 00:08:11.379 But here too we have to be careful. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:13.840 Because there isn't really a neutral option. 00:08:14.939 --> 00:08:17.519 If we keep going in this chapter of Deuteronomy. 00:08:17.660 --> 00:08:18.600 Chapter 28. 00:08:19.340 --> 00:08:21.319 We read later on in verse 15. 00:08:22.400 --> 00:08:24.960 However, if you do not obey the Lord your God. 00:08:25.060 --> 00:08:28.340 And do not carefully follow all His commands and decrees. 00:08:28.340 --> 00:08:29.379 I'm giving you today. 00:08:29.699 --> 00:08:31.899 All these curses will come on you. 00:08:32.200 --> 00:08:33.320 And overtake you. 00:08:34.220 --> 00:08:35.340 And then it just goes on. 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:37.480 And it lists out the same blessings. 00:08:37.640 --> 00:08:39.840 But in the form of curses. 00:08:40.460 --> 00:08:43.540 And this is where things start to feel a little bit unclear maybe. 00:08:44.540 --> 00:08:47.360 Maybe there's a question that's rising up in our minds. 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:54.060 You know, what do I need to do to have the blessing of God in my life? 00:08:54.900 --> 00:08:57.560 And if we're looking at the account of Abraham in Genesis. 00:08:57.800 --> 00:09:00.040 The answer seems to be just believe. 00:09:01.160 --> 00:09:02.640 Just trust His word. 00:09:03.320 --> 00:09:04.200 Have faith. 00:09:05.860 --> 00:09:09.020 But then if we're looking at passages like this in Deuteronomy. 00:09:09.140 --> 00:09:10.720 With Israel later on. 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:12.820 And asking that same question. 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:15.700 The answer here seems to be obey the law. 00:09:17.800 --> 00:09:19.879 Fully keep the commandments of God. 00:09:21.420 --> 00:09:23.760 And then you'll have the blessing of God in your life. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:25.060 So which is it? 00:09:25.120 --> 00:09:26.220 Is it faith? 00:09:27.260 --> 00:09:28.760 Or is it obedience? 00:09:28.759 --> 00:09:29.019 obedience? 00:09:31.779 --> 00:09:34.840 Well, by the time we get to the New Testament. 00:09:36.899 --> 00:09:41.139 We start to hear some interesting things about these two things. 00:09:41.139 --> 00:09:44.559 We're just going to read a little snippet from the book of Galatians. 00:09:45.919 --> 00:09:46.939 Chapter 3. 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:49.899 Starting in verse 7. 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:54.460 This is Paul talking to the people of Galatia. 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:54.860 He says, 00:09:54.860 --> 00:10:00.180 Understand then that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:05.899 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith. 00:10:06.399 --> 00:10:09.120 And announce the gospel in advance to Abraham. 00:10:09.560 --> 00:10:11.840 All nations will be blessed through you. 00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:17.899 So, those who rely on faith are blessed. 00:10:18.680 --> 00:10:21.440 Along with Abraham, the man of faith. 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:26.780 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse. 00:10:27.740 --> 00:10:28.820 As it is written, 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:34.540 Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the book of the law. 00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:40.259 Clearly, no one who relies on the law is justified before God. 00:10:40.259 --> 00:10:44.179 Because the righteous will live by faith. 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:48.159 The law is not based on faith. 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:50.840 On the contrary. 00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:51.860 It says, 00:10:52.059 --> 00:10:55.700 The person who does these things will live by them. 00:10:57.879 --> 00:11:00.700 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. 00:11:00.980 --> 00:11:03.100 By becoming a curse for us. 00:11:04.139 --> 00:11:04.919 For it is written, 00:11:05.340 --> 00:11:08.039 Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole. 00:11:08.039 --> 00:11:14.919 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles. 00:11:15.319 --> 00:11:16.779 Through Christ Jesus. 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:19.379 So that by faith, 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:23.699 We might receive the promise of the Spirit. 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:26.219 Now there is a lot in there. 00:11:26.319 --> 00:11:28.699 And we could take all day just on this passage. 00:11:28.700 --> 00:11:31.780 But let's just pull out a few things. 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:33.500 Paul seems to make the point here. 00:11:34.180 --> 00:11:36.500 That we must rely on faith. 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:37.840 In God's word. 00:11:38.400 --> 00:11:39.900 Just like Abraham did. 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:41.940 To receive God's blessing. 00:11:43.440 --> 00:11:46.700 He also seems to be saying that if we try and rely on works. 00:11:49.980 --> 00:11:51.700 Merely external obedience. 00:11:51.700 --> 00:11:52.620 Obedience. 00:11:53.360 --> 00:11:54.640 Apart from faith. 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:57.920 We will get nothing for ourselves. 00:11:58.680 --> 00:12:00.259 Under the terms of the law. 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.500 Except the curses. 00:12:02.900 --> 00:12:03.920 That God promised. 00:12:05.540 --> 00:12:07.400 And so we learn from Paul here. 00:12:07.580 --> 00:12:10.240 That faith is absolutely essential. 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:12.460 For obtaining God's blessing. 00:12:12.980 --> 00:12:14.040 In our lives. 00:12:14.580 --> 00:12:17.700 We shouldn't even think about trying to keep God's commandments. 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:19.759 Without faith. 00:12:19.759 --> 00:12:20.740 In our hearts. 00:12:22.440 --> 00:12:23.200 But then. 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:25.180 As we just heard in those last couple verses. 00:12:25.900 --> 00:12:27.800 Paul takes us a step further even. 00:12:29.580 --> 00:12:31.140 Verses 13 and 14. 00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:35.020 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. 00:12:35.860 --> 00:12:38.280 By becoming a curse for us. 00:12:39.400 --> 00:12:40.440 For it is written. 00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:43.000 Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole. 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:45.620 Christ redeemed us. 00:12:45.680 --> 00:12:47.680 In order that the blessing given to everyone. 00:12:47.679 --> 00:12:49.799 Abraham might come to the Gentiles. 00:12:50.079 --> 00:12:51.479 Through Christ Jesus. 00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:54.139 So that by faith. 00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:56.199 We might receive the promise. 00:12:56.699 --> 00:12:58.039 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:00.539 So there is even more here. 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:03.459 Jesus came to take the curses of the law. 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:05.159 That we deserve. 00:13:05.319 --> 00:13:06.159 Upon himself. 00:13:07.419 --> 00:13:09.539 So that we could be redeemed to God. 00:13:11.179 --> 00:13:14.059 And so that the unconditional blessings. 00:13:14.559 --> 00:13:15.779 Promised to Abraham. 00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:15.919 Abraham. 00:13:16.339 --> 00:13:17.899 Could be given to all. 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:19.919 Who have faith in God. 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:21.919 Like Abraham did. 00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:24.759 So. 00:13:25.100 --> 00:13:26.740 We come up to this truth. 00:13:27.159 --> 00:13:28.639 When it comes to blessing. 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:31.100 There is significant blessing. 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:31.939 From God. 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:33.839 That comes to all. 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:35.000 Who have faith in him. 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:36.600 And it comes. 00:13:36.799 --> 00:13:38.459 Not because we fully keep. 00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:39.500 The law. 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:41.600 And the commandments. 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:43.279 We couldn't. 00:13:44.059 --> 00:13:45.379 But because of Jesus. 00:13:46.539 --> 00:13:48.000 And what he did for us. 00:13:48.919 --> 00:13:50.519 We talked about that a little bit. 00:13:50.559 --> 00:13:51.379 A few Sundays ago. 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:52.620 There is a new covenant. 00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:55.639 There is a new and better relationship. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:57.259 Between God and man. 00:13:57.840 --> 00:13:59.379 And Christ brought it about. 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:00.179 And it's better. 00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:01.600 Than the old covenant. 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:04.000 It secures and guarantees. 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:05.360 Many wonderful. 00:14:06.080 --> 00:14:07.320 Blessings of God. 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:10.159 To those who simply put their faith in Jesus. 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:13.399 Paul says it this way. 00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:14.580 In Romans chapter 4. 00:14:16.800 --> 00:14:17.720 He says. 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:18.600 Now to the one. 00:14:18.840 --> 00:14:19.680 Who works. 00:14:20.560 --> 00:14:23.420 Wages are not credited as a gift. 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:25.379 But as an obligation. 00:14:25.379 --> 00:14:26.500 However. 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.179 To the one. 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:29.460 Who does not work. 00:14:30.159 --> 00:14:31.639 But trusts God. 00:14:32.279 --> 00:14:34.139 Who justifies the ungodly. 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:36.000 Their faith. 00:14:36.439 --> 00:14:37.179 Is credited. 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:38.519 As righteousness. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:42.340 The greatest blessings. 00:14:42.340 --> 00:14:43.720 That we can have from God. 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:45.200 Cannot be earned. 00:14:45.960 --> 00:14:47.179 By external. 00:14:47.559 --> 00:14:48.100 Obedience. 00:14:49.580 --> 00:14:50.700 Like a worker. 00:14:51.019 --> 00:14:52.139 Earns their wages. 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:53.379 It doesn't work like that. 00:14:54.059 --> 00:14:55.100 The greatest blessings. 00:14:55.100 --> 00:14:55.860 We can have. 00:14:56.580 --> 00:14:57.460 From God. 00:14:57.840 --> 00:14:58.840 Come as a gift. 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:00.940 To those. 00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:02.220 Who simply trust. 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:02.820 In him. 00:15:05.580 --> 00:15:07.080 Another wonderful passage. 00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:08.259 That's related to this. 00:15:08.840 --> 00:15:09.960 Ephesians chapter 1. 00:15:10.019 --> 00:15:11.300 I'm just going to read verse 3. 00:15:12.899 --> 00:15:13.480 Paul says. 00:15:13.840 --> 00:15:15.080 Praise be to the God. 00:15:15.159 --> 00:15:16.420 And Father of our Lord. 00:15:16.680 --> 00:15:17.600 Jesus Christ. 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:19.340 Who has blessed us. 00:15:19.379 --> 00:15:20.300 In the heavenly realms. 00:15:20.300 --> 00:15:22.360 With every spiritual blessing. 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:23.779 In Christ. 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:24.379 Christ. 00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:26.120 And then Paul goes on. 00:15:26.199 --> 00:15:27.259 For another 10 verses. 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:29.059 To list off. 00:15:29.439 --> 00:15:30.259 All these blessings. 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:31.059 That we have. 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.740 All these things. 00:15:33.740 --> 00:15:34.559 That are ours. 00:15:34.679 --> 00:15:35.519 Through Christ Jesus. 00:15:36.039 --> 00:15:36.720 They come to us. 00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:37.899 Not because we obey. 00:15:38.059 --> 00:15:38.860 Or disobey. 00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:40.679 But because we have believed. 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:41.299 In Jesus. 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:43.459 And have been united to him. 00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:44.279 They come to us. 00:15:44.279 --> 00:15:45.319 In Christ. 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.439 Through Christ. 00:15:46.839 --> 00:15:48.100 As gifts of grace. 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:48.200 Christ. 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:53.480 But now back to our passage. 00:15:54.060 --> 00:15:54.920 In Luke 11. 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:56.899 And to what Jesus said. 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:58.060 To the woman in the crowd. 00:16:00.920 --> 00:16:01.440 Blessed. 00:16:01.940 --> 00:16:03.159 Are those who hear. 00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:04.200 The word of God. 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:05.960 And obey it. 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.920 We might wonder. 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:10.220 After all those other things. 00:16:10.279 --> 00:16:11.040 We've just heard. 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:11.960 Which are true. 00:16:11.960 --> 00:16:14.780 Why does Jesus put the emphasis. 00:16:15.420 --> 00:16:16.960 On obedience here. 00:16:18.200 --> 00:16:19.400 Rather than faith. 00:16:21.440 --> 00:16:22.780 The question is. 00:16:22.940 --> 00:16:24.639 What makes a person blessed? 00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:28.200 And Jesus says this. 00:16:28.300 --> 00:16:30.420 Those who hear the word of God. 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:32.460 And obey it. 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.620 Are blessed by God. 00:16:34.620 --> 00:16:39.000 Is Jesus taking us back. 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:40.960 To the old covenant law. 00:16:41.100 --> 00:16:42.279 And urging us to seek. 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.120 God's blessing. 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:44.080 By obeying. 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:45.259 The commandments. 00:16:48.060 --> 00:16:49.240 I don't think so. 00:16:50.700 --> 00:16:52.399 What I think is going on here. 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:53.340 Is that faith. 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:54.919 Real faith. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:56.259 In God. 00:16:56.440 --> 00:16:57.179 Is implied. 00:16:58.299 --> 00:16:59.060 In this statement. 00:16:59.060 --> 00:16:59.680 Of Jesus. 00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:02.720 Sometimes as we read. 00:17:02.840 --> 00:17:03.460 Those passages. 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:05.360 In Galatians. 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:05.900 And Romans. 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:06.860 That we just looked at. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:07.980 We come out of them. 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:09.480 Ready to drive a wedge. 00:17:10.360 --> 00:17:11.640 Between faith. 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:13.140 And obedience. 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:16.000 We come out of them. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:16.680 Ready to say. 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:17.740 That the Christian life. 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:19.180 Is all about faith. 00:17:19.700 --> 00:17:20.519 And faith alone. 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:23.700 But what we sometimes miss. 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:24.519 Is that obedience. 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:26.539 Doesn't just get thrown out the window. 00:17:28.360 --> 00:17:29.160 In fact. 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:30.559 Faith and obedience. 00:17:31.160 --> 00:17:32.059 Go together. 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:36.980 They were always meant. 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:39.019 To go together. 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:41.100 Now. 00:17:41.900 --> 00:17:42.360 Faith. 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:43.559 By itself. 00:17:43.720 --> 00:17:44.759 Is the basis. 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:46.539 Of our right standing with God. 00:17:47.100 --> 00:17:48.340 That much is clear. 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:49.079 From the scriptures. 00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:54.539 Faith is the only way. 00:17:54.640 --> 00:17:55.779 That we enter into. 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:57.759 God's many blessings. 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:57.900 Things. 00:17:59.160 --> 00:17:59.640 But. 00:17:59.640 --> 00:18:00.319 All obedience. 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:01.079 Obedience. 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:01.940 Must also. 00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:03.759 Come out of. 00:18:03.920 --> 00:18:05.019 The faith that we have. 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:06.819 For it to be genuine. 00:18:08.879 --> 00:18:10.099 To say it another way. 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:11.720 If we hear the word of God. 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.839 And truly believe it. 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:14.400 Truly. 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:15.779 Take it seriously. 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:16.940 Then we will. 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:17.660 Obey it. 00:18:18.599 --> 00:18:19.539 Faith and obedience. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:20.859 Go together. 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:22.500 Let's hear this from. 00:18:22.940 --> 00:18:23.339 James. 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:24.819 James chapter 2. 00:18:24.819 --> 00:18:27.319 He says it better than anyone ever could. 00:18:28.939 --> 00:18:29.700 James says. 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:31.500 What good is it my brothers and sisters. 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:33.500 If someone claims to have faith. 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:35.019 But has no deeds. 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:38.039 Can such faith save him? 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:42.619 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes. 00:18:43.339 --> 00:18:44.519 And daily food. 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:47.079 If one of you says to them. 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:48.879 Go in peace. 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:50.180 Keep warm. 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:51.180 And well fed. 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:54.900 But does nothing about their physical needs. 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:57.279 What good is it? 00:18:59.440 --> 00:19:00.599 In the same way. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:02.200 Faith by itself. 00:19:02.440 --> 00:19:04.819 If it is not accompanied by action. 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:06.539 Is dead. 00:19:08.639 --> 00:19:09.819 But someone will say. 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:11.240 You have faith. 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:12.940 I have deeds. 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:15.840 Show me your faith. 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:16.799 Without deeds. 00:19:17.360 --> 00:19:19.240 And I will show you my faith. 00:19:19.820 --> 00:19:21.080 By my deeds. 00:19:22.840 --> 00:19:25.039 You believe that there is one God. 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:26.700 Good. 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:29.140 Even the demons believe that. 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:30.920 And shudder. 00:19:32.920 --> 00:19:34.340 You foolish person. 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:37.519 Do you want evidence that faith without deeds. 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:38.580 Is useless. 00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:42.140 Was not our father Abraham. 00:19:42.140 --> 00:19:43.259 Abraham considered righteous. 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:45.080 For what he did. 00:19:45.620 --> 00:19:47.540 When he offered his son Isaac. 00:19:47.540 --> 00:19:48.220 On the altar. 00:19:49.580 --> 00:19:51.560 You see that his faith. 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:53.180 And his actions. 00:19:53.540 --> 00:19:54.740 Were working together. 00:19:55.360 --> 00:19:56.400 And his faith. 00:19:56.560 --> 00:19:57.520 Was made complete. 00:19:58.040 --> 00:19:59.220 By what he did. 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:02.880 So James reminds us. 00:20:03.040 --> 00:20:04.520 That true faith. 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:06.440 Is inseparable. 00:20:07.040 --> 00:20:07.980 From obedience. 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:09.080 To God's commands. 00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:10.000 Abraham. 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:11.039 Abraham. 00:20:11.199 --> 00:20:11.839 He says. 00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:12.539 Showed. 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.480 That his faith. 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.500 Was genuine. 00:20:15.199 --> 00:20:15.720 How? 00:20:16.919 --> 00:20:18.980 By obeying God's command. 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:20.599 To offer Isaac on the altar. 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.740 And if you're not familiar. 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:23.539 With that story. 00:20:24.619 --> 00:20:26.220 God didn't make him go through. 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:27.759 With killing his own son. 00:20:27.819 --> 00:20:28.639 It was a test. 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:31.699 But Abraham showed. 00:20:31.699 --> 00:20:33.379 That he had faith in God. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.659 By obeying. 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.259 God's command. 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:38.759 True faith. 00:20:38.879 --> 00:20:40.079 Cannot be separated. 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:42.660 From the obedience. 00:20:42.859 --> 00:20:43.960 That springs from it. 00:20:45.680 --> 00:20:46.420 In fact. 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:47.680 If we look in the book of Romans. 00:20:47.879 --> 00:20:48.680 It's twice there. 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:49.819 But we'll just look at the first. 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:50.740 Example. 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.559 Paul actually calls. 00:20:53.160 --> 00:20:53.720 Obedience. 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:54.400 The obedience. 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:55.460 Of faith. 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:58.000 He starts off. 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:59.220 In Romans chapter 1. 00:20:59.279 --> 00:20:59.900 By introducing. 00:21:00.240 --> 00:21:00.660 Himself. 00:21:00.779 --> 00:21:01.440 As an apostle. 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:01.900 And. 00:21:02.539 --> 00:21:03.859 How he has come to proclaim. 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.519 The gospel. 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:07.000 And what's the goal. 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.019 Of all of the work. 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:08.700 That he's doing. 00:21:08.700 --> 00:21:09.379 As an apostle. 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:10.119 It's this. 00:21:10.119 --> 00:21:10.839 Through him. 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:11.900 We receive grace. 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:12.839 And apostleship. 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:14.859 To call all the Gentiles. 00:21:15.119 --> 00:21:16.359 To the obedience. 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:18.700 That comes from faith. 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:21.240 For his name's sake. 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.779 Here it is again. 00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:24.619 True faith. 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:26.400 Cannot be separated. 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:28.099 From obedience. 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:30.759 A saying. 00:21:31.139 --> 00:21:32.099 Widely attributed. 00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:33.440 To Martin Luther. 00:21:33.440 --> 00:21:34.799 In the days. 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.680 Of the reformation. 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.120 Is. 00:21:36.320 --> 00:21:37.480 We are saved. 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:38.539 By faith alone. 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.700 But the faith. 00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:41.360 That saves. 00:21:41.880 --> 00:21:43.080 Is never alone. 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:45.580 It's always accompanied. 00:21:45.580 --> 00:21:46.519 By the works. 00:21:46.799 --> 00:21:47.660 That it does. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:50.960 Or in the actual words. 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:51.660 Of Martin Luther. 00:21:51.660 --> 00:21:52.799 From his commentary. 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.900 On the book of Romans. 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:55.180 He said this. 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:55.519 He said. 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:55.940 Faith. 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:57.120 Is a living. 00:21:57.840 --> 00:21:58.440 Busy. 00:21:59.019 --> 00:21:59.539 Active. 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:00.920 Mighty thing. 00:22:00.920 --> 00:22:02.460 And so. 00:22:02.560 --> 00:22:03.200 It's impossible. 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:03.740 For it. 00:22:03.800 --> 00:22:04.620 Not to do. 00:22:04.800 --> 00:22:05.400 Good works. 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.320 Incessantly. 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:08.860 He said. 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:09.600 It's impossible. 00:22:09.600 --> 00:22:10.300 To separate. 00:22:10.300 --> 00:22:10.840 Works. 00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:11.480 From faith. 00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:13.060 Quite as impossible. 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:14.620 As to separate. 00:22:15.340 --> 00:22:15.700 Burning. 00:22:16.800 --> 00:22:17.600 And shining. 00:22:18.600 --> 00:22:19.440 From fire. 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:19.500 Father. 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:27.100 And so. 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:28.120 With those things in mind. 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:28.620 I think. 00:22:29.059 --> 00:22:30.700 Jesus has no problem. 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:31.700 Telling this woman. 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.980 And the whole crowd. 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:34.740 That what we must do. 00:22:34.840 --> 00:22:36.420 To know the blessing of God. 00:22:36.600 --> 00:22:37.460 In our lives. 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.480 Is to hear. 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.519 His word. 00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:41.200 And obey it. 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:42.759 Faith. 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:43.620 Is implied. 00:22:43.619 --> 00:22:46.519 He's talking. 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.579 About hearing. 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:49.299 God speak. 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:50.839 Believing. 00:22:50.839 --> 00:22:51.679 What is heard. 00:22:52.239 --> 00:22:53.419 Taking it to heart. 00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:54.559 Taking it seriously. 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:55.000 So. 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:56.079 So truly. 00:22:56.239 --> 00:22:56.879 That obedience. 00:22:56.879 --> 00:22:57.919 Is what follows. 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:01.979 And really. 00:23:02.299 --> 00:23:03.939 We didn't even have to go through. 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:05.119 All those other passages. 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:08.239 To see this. 00:23:08.959 --> 00:23:10.179 Jesus phrases it. 00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:10.919 Very simply. 00:23:11.199 --> 00:23:11.939 And powerfully. 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:14.160 On purpose. 00:23:17.840 --> 00:23:19.400 What is our response to be? 00:23:20.360 --> 00:23:21.720 If we desire to know. 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:22.420 God's blessing. 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:23.140 In our lives. 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:25.420 God pouring his goodness. 00:23:25.580 --> 00:23:26.539 And favor upon us. 00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:27.140 We need only. 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:28.259 To listen carefully. 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:30.180 To what God is saying. 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:33.140 And do what he says. 00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:37.019 That's it. 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:41.880 Jesus doesn't go into detail. 00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:42.320 Here. 00:23:42.320 --> 00:23:43.019 About how. 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:44.240 We will be blessed. 00:23:44.340 --> 00:23:44.860 By God. 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:47.400 He doesn't elaborate. 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:48.779 On what blessings. 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:51.720 Each of us. 00:23:51.860 --> 00:23:52.559 Will experience. 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:54.559 At least. 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:54.840 Not. 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:55.559 Here. 00:23:57.320 --> 00:23:58.480 He does talk about. 00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.440 Some of those things. 00:23:59.519 --> 00:24:00.259 In other places. 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:00.820 Though. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:04.940 But I think. 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.720 When we hear this. 00:24:05.940 --> 00:24:06.279 Sort of. 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:07.400 One line statement. 00:24:08.519 --> 00:24:09.400 Blessed are those. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.720 Who hear the word of God. 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:10.799 God. 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:12.380 And obey it. 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:15.400 The question. 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:16.180 That we're moved to. 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:16.360 Is. 00:24:16.440 --> 00:24:17.299 Do we believe that? 00:24:19.900 --> 00:24:21.279 Do you really believe that? 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:27.539 As we begin to. 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:28.899 To respond to Jesus. 00:24:28.899 --> 00:24:29.920 By trusting. 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:31.799 And obeying his words. 00:24:31.839 --> 00:24:32.319 Again. 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:33.480 And again. 00:24:33.660 --> 00:24:34.160 And again. 00:24:34.160 --> 00:24:34.259 Again. 00:24:34.899 --> 00:24:36.039 We start to see. 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.180 All kinds of things. 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:38.160 That God has said. 00:24:39.160 --> 00:24:40.119 Through Jesus. 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.240 Through the apostles. 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:42.579 Through the whole Bible. 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:42.659 People. 00:24:44.179 --> 00:24:45.259 And it starts to get. 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.179 A little more clear. 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:46.859 How. 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.659 God blesses people. 00:24:49.939 --> 00:24:51.099 It's not the same. 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.899 For everybody. 00:24:52.279 --> 00:24:53.460 Though there are some things. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:54.720 That we all have in common. 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:58.159 What are those. 00:24:59.159 --> 00:25:00.000 Unconditional things. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.199 That God gives to us. 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:01.720 Through Christ. 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:02.460 Well there's lots. 00:25:02.460 --> 00:25:03.439 In here about that. 00:25:04.199 --> 00:25:05.359 We heard some of those. 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:05.799 Already. 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:08.139 But there's other places. 00:25:08.139 --> 00:25:09.899 Which show some of the unique ways. 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:10.740 That God may. 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:11.559 Bring. 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:12.680 A blessing. 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:13.259 Into. 00:25:14.139 --> 00:25:14.859 Our lives. 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:19.740 Some of those places. 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:20.359 In the Bible. 00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:22.440 Bring correction. 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:25.639 They help us see that. 00:25:26.139 --> 00:25:26.819 Of course. 00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.960 We cannot earn. 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:28.940 God's. 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:29.720 Favor. 00:25:29.859 --> 00:25:30.639 Or his blessings. 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:32.720 He's not like a vending machine. 00:25:32.839 --> 00:25:33.399 Of blessing. 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:34.519 Where we. 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:34.879 You know. 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:35.539 Put in the right. 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:36.899 Combination of things. 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:38.240 And a prayer. 00:25:39.819 --> 00:25:41.339 And out comes what we want. 00:25:41.399 --> 00:25:41.839 Or need. 00:25:44.159 --> 00:25:45.559 Some of God's blessings. 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:46.799 Even come. 00:25:47.220 --> 00:25:48.240 Somewhat naturally. 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:49.619 From obedience. 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:51.240 Because. 00:25:51.799 --> 00:25:52.940 Doing the right thing. 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:53.500 Is. 00:25:53.879 --> 00:25:55.119 A kindness to others. 00:25:56.420 --> 00:25:57.899 And it's good for us. 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:00.500 And we. 00:26:00.619 --> 00:26:01.740 We reap what we sow. 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:02.559 In relationships. 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:04.579 When we live God's way. 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.879 In accordance. 00:26:05.879 --> 00:26:05.919 In accordance. 00:26:05.919 --> 00:26:06.859 With his commandments. 00:26:07.859 --> 00:26:09.399 It just has this sort of. 00:26:09.519 --> 00:26:10.000 Natural. 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:11.240 Built-in blessing. 00:26:11.240 --> 00:26:12.259 That comes with it. 00:26:13.879 --> 00:26:15.220 Others of God's blessings. 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:16.259 We may never know. 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.619 Unless we just do. 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.819 What Jesus says. 00:26:20.399 --> 00:26:22.019 Unless we make every effort. 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:23.419 To obey God's words. 00:26:24.079 --> 00:26:25.179 That we have heard. 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:26.180 God has. 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:27.180 God has. 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:28.100 God has likely. 00:26:28.100 --> 00:26:29.980 Let all of us. 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:31.400 Learn some things. 00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:32.779 The hard way. 00:26:34.120 --> 00:26:35.340 To teach us. 00:26:36.200 --> 00:26:37.160 To listen. 00:26:37.600 --> 00:26:38.360 And to obey. 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.359 God. 00:26:39.359 --> 00:26:40.719 And even. 00:26:40.719 --> 00:26:41.799 That he does that. 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:43.859 Is a blessing. 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:44.519 In disguise. 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:46.359 Isn't it? 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.859 That God brings. 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:50.599 Into our lives. 00:26:50.699 --> 00:26:51.899 Those formative moments. 00:26:52.899 --> 00:26:53.919 And even. 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:54.439 Let's us. 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:55.039 Face. 00:26:55.159 --> 00:26:55.859 The consequences. 00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:56.839 Of our actions. 00:26:58.839 --> 00:26:59.759 That too. 00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:00.379 Is a blessing. 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:04.420 There's another place. 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:05.380 The Sermon on the Mount. 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:07.060 Where Jesus tells us. 00:27:07.320 --> 00:27:08.080 Not to worry. 00:27:08.200 --> 00:27:08.840 About the things. 00:27:08.840 --> 00:27:09.660 We need in life. 00:27:10.040 --> 00:27:11.260 But to seek first. 00:27:11.840 --> 00:27:12.580 God's kingdom. 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:14.180 And his righteousness. 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:15.220 And there's a promise. 00:27:15.220 --> 00:27:16.080 That goes with that. 00:27:16.140 --> 00:27:17.180 That if we do that. 00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:18.080 All the things. 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:18.700 That we need. 00:27:18.820 --> 00:27:19.600 Will be given to us. 00:27:19.780 --> 00:27:20.020 As well. 00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:22.040 And so. 00:27:22.280 --> 00:27:22.340 God. 00:27:22.400 --> 00:27:23.540 God blesses us. 00:27:23.620 --> 00:27:24.340 With provision. 00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:26.500 Of everything we need. 00:27:26.580 --> 00:27:27.420 When we seek him. 00:27:27.520 --> 00:27:28.680 When we draw near to him. 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.400 When we listen. 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:31.740 And respond to his word. 00:27:31.840 --> 00:27:32.500 With obedience. 00:27:34.760 --> 00:27:35.560 I want to get. 00:27:36.020 --> 00:27:37.040 A little more practical. 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:38.280 And just give an illustration. 00:27:40.580 --> 00:27:41.360 Because we're kind of. 00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:42.760 Talking abstractly here. 00:27:43.860 --> 00:27:44.740 Blessed are those. 00:27:44.820 --> 00:27:45.980 Who hear the word of God. 00:27:46.040 --> 00:27:46.680 And obey it. 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.200 What do those words. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:49.940 Mean for us. 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:51.400 If we're deliberately. 00:27:52.040 --> 00:27:52.440 Ignoring. 00:27:53.080 --> 00:27:53.720 God's word. 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:58.260 Maybe you've gotten. 00:27:58.400 --> 00:27:59.240 Into the habit of. 00:27:59.540 --> 00:28:00.060 I'm just going to. 00:28:00.380 --> 00:28:01.460 Give a hypothetical. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.420 Example here. 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:04.100 Maybe you've gotten. 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:04.740 Into the habit. 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.580 Of going places. 00:28:05.580 --> 00:28:06.280 You shouldn't. 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:07.120 Online. 00:28:08.120 --> 00:28:09.080 On your phone. 00:28:10.200 --> 00:28:10.540 Or. 00:28:10.900 --> 00:28:11.520 Of spending. 00:28:11.840 --> 00:28:12.940 A lot of time. 00:28:13.580 --> 00:28:14.500 That you could have been. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:15.860 You could have spent. 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:17.100 Doing. 00:28:17.780 --> 00:28:18.620 Other things. 00:28:18.680 --> 00:28:19.800 That you should be doing. 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:21.980 A lot of time. 00:28:22.040 --> 00:28:22.740 Just scrolling. 00:28:22.940 --> 00:28:23.560 Through mostly. 00:28:23.720 --> 00:28:24.580 Worthless stuff. 00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:27.500 Or online shopping. 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.340 Or I don't know. 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:29.520 Fill in the blank. 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:29.960 Whatever. 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:32.759 What might be going on. 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:33.339 In your heart. 00:28:33.339 --> 00:28:34.639 In those moments. 00:28:36.639 --> 00:28:37.940 It could be lust. 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:40.339 It could be. 00:28:42.099 --> 00:28:42.700 Greed. 00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:45.180 Coveting. 00:28:45.180 --> 00:28:48.500 It could be. 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:48.759 It could be. 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.820 Looking for something. 00:28:49.820 --> 00:28:51.120 Other than the Lord. 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:51.920 To soothe. 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.820 Whatever grief. 00:28:53.880 --> 00:28:54.799 Or pain. 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.600 Or anxiety. 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:57.160 You're feeling. 00:28:59.000 --> 00:29:00.000 And maybe you know. 00:29:00.060 --> 00:29:00.600 It's wrong. 00:29:01.100 --> 00:29:01.420 Maybe. 00:29:01.640 --> 00:29:02.039 As you. 00:29:02.259 --> 00:29:02.840 Do this. 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:03.600 You can think of. 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.039 At least. 00:29:04.160 --> 00:29:05.340 One of God's commandments. 00:29:05.340 --> 00:29:05.820 That. 00:29:06.820 --> 00:29:07.560 Runs this. 00:29:07.820 --> 00:29:08.759 Right against it. 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:09.799 Ah. 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:11.119 I'm not really listening. 00:29:11.119 --> 00:29:11.579 To him. 00:29:14.660 --> 00:29:15.319 And then. 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:17.299 What do we sometimes do? 00:29:17.400 --> 00:29:17.539 Well. 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:18.779 Might come back to this. 00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.839 Day after day. 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:20.500 After day. 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:23.220 And then. 00:29:23.299 --> 00:29:24.079 What do we tend to do? 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.299 Well. 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:24.519 We. 00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:25.900 We hide the habit. 00:29:27.660 --> 00:29:28.759 And when someone asks. 00:29:28.900 --> 00:29:29.519 What we're doing. 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:29.900 We. 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:31.960 Omit. 00:29:32.400 --> 00:29:33.500 Some of the details. 00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:35.680 Maybe tell a lie. 00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:35.940 Or. 00:29:36.140 --> 00:29:36.900 Something that's just. 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:37.680 Mostly true. 00:29:39.819 --> 00:29:40.980 Because we feel guilty. 00:29:42.339 --> 00:29:43.319 We feel shame. 00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:46.119 And then. 00:29:46.200 --> 00:29:47.179 When we feel those things. 00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:48.139 What do we sometimes do? 00:29:48.200 --> 00:29:49.359 Go back to that habit. 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.500 For some more. 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:51.899 Escape. 00:29:52.079 --> 00:29:52.259 Some. 00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:53.200 Some alleviation. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:53.919 Of that guilt. 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:57.000 And what relationships. 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:58.279 Are we neglecting. 00:29:58.460 --> 00:29:59.339 With the time. 00:29:59.439 --> 00:30:00.379 That we could be spending. 00:30:00.379 --> 00:30:00.960 With others. 00:30:00.960 --> 00:30:01.759 While we're in this. 00:30:01.879 --> 00:30:02.819 Pursuit of this. 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:03.519 Thing. 00:30:03.599 --> 00:30:04.019 Or in this. 00:30:04.399 --> 00:30:04.799 Behavior. 00:30:05.059 --> 00:30:05.839 Or this attitude. 00:30:07.079 --> 00:30:07.980 Sometimes we think. 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:08.919 Of disobeying God. 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:09.879 As just a single. 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:10.899 Transgression. 00:30:11.179 --> 00:30:11.480 And that. 00:30:11.619 --> 00:30:13.019 That is disobeying God. 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:14.619 But it's more than that. 00:30:14.659 --> 00:30:15.799 It's a relational thing. 00:30:17.579 --> 00:30:19.019 It's where we turn away. 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:19.740 From God. 00:30:20.359 --> 00:30:21.379 In our hearts. 00:30:21.419 --> 00:30:22.779 And we start ignoring him. 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:24.559 And we stop listening. 00:30:25.139 --> 00:30:25.799 To him. 00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:28.480 And before we know it. 00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:30.480 The effects of that decision. 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.659 Begin to compound. 00:30:32.319 --> 00:30:33.539 And pile up. 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.259 And of course. 00:30:36.359 --> 00:30:37.519 The natural blessings. 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:38.899 That God has given. 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:40.159 When we do what's right. 00:30:40.379 --> 00:30:41.460 They don't flow. 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.899 From those. 00:30:43.319 --> 00:30:44.019 Sins. 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:46.179 It's the opposite. 00:30:46.379 --> 00:30:46.960 Those things. 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:47.579 Ruin. 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:49.279 They damage. 00:30:49.379 --> 00:30:50.299 They destroy us. 00:30:50.639 --> 00:30:51.460 They get us looking. 00:30:51.559 --> 00:30:52.399 And thinking inward. 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.299 About ourselves. 00:30:53.619 --> 00:30:54.879 And we become distant. 00:30:54.879 --> 00:30:55.639 From people. 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:56.779 And we try to hide. 00:30:57.619 --> 00:30:58.700 And we try to minimize. 00:30:58.700 --> 00:30:59.700 That shame. 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:00.279 And that guilt. 00:31:00.439 --> 00:31:01.000 That we feel. 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:04.480 And if that's where we're living. 00:31:04.480 --> 00:31:07.380 If we belong to Christ. 00:31:08.160 --> 00:31:09.480 Here's some good news. 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:11.160 God will bring the blessing. 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:11.920 Of discipline. 00:31:12.620 --> 00:31:13.819 Into our lives. 00:31:14.360 --> 00:31:15.279 To bring us back. 00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:17.539 He will bring. 00:31:17.900 --> 00:31:19.240 The blessing of correction. 00:31:19.920 --> 00:31:20.460 To us. 00:31:21.019 --> 00:31:21.940 He may withhold. 00:31:22.120 --> 00:31:22.740 Some blessings. 00:31:22.960 --> 00:31:23.440 From us. 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:26.640 Jesus said. 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:27.460 That those who prove. 00:31:27.460 --> 00:31:28.440 Faithful with little. 00:31:29.100 --> 00:31:30.080 Will be entrusted. 00:31:30.080 --> 00:31:30.660 With more. 00:31:31.860 --> 00:31:33.500 But if we're not being faithful. 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:35.240 With what God has given to us. 00:31:35.480 --> 00:31:36.720 He may not give us. 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:38.160 The more that we're hoping for. 00:31:38.360 --> 00:31:39.720 He may let us. 00:31:39.880 --> 00:31:40.980 Live in that spot. 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:41.620 For a while. 00:31:42.320 --> 00:31:43.580 We're not ready for it. 00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:45.820 We might squander it. 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:49.599 And so if we belong to Christ. 00:31:49.720 --> 00:31:50.980 God acts in these ways. 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:51.759 Out of love. 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:53.480 To bring us back to him. 00:31:54.139 --> 00:31:56.019 So that we soften our hearts to him. 00:31:56.899 --> 00:31:58.319 So that we learn to. 00:31:58.639 --> 00:31:59.839 Listen to his word. 00:32:00.480 --> 00:32:01.179 And obey it. 00:32:03.159 --> 00:32:04.819 That was a sort of hypothetical. 00:32:05.339 --> 00:32:05.539 But. 00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:07.240 What if we did the opposite? 00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:11.599 What if we put the full weight. 00:32:11.859 --> 00:32:12.919 Of our trust. 00:32:13.399 --> 00:32:14.119 In God. 00:32:14.500 --> 00:32:15.299 In Jesus. 00:32:15.819 --> 00:32:16.980 In his words. 00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:19.659 What might our lives. 00:32:19.659 --> 00:32:20.500 Look like then. 00:32:22.879 --> 00:32:24.819 If we're doing everything we can. 00:32:24.899 --> 00:32:25.839 To obey the Lord. 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:26.839 And to serve him. 00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:28.200 With all of our hearts. 00:32:28.919 --> 00:32:30.200 To seek his kingdom. 00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:33.439 Won't he supply all our needs? 00:32:35.159 --> 00:32:36.799 Won't we have more joy? 00:32:39.419 --> 00:32:40.379 Isn't it wonderful. 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:41.279 When someone asks you. 00:32:41.379 --> 00:32:41.980 How you're doing. 00:32:42.700 --> 00:32:44.000 Or what you've been up to. 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:46.220 And you can just tell them the truth. 00:32:46.220 --> 00:32:47.660 And feel no guilt or shame. 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:51.059 No need to hide. 00:32:52.940 --> 00:32:54.220 Our relationships improve. 00:32:55.079 --> 00:32:55.539 As we. 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:58.400 Give ourselves to loving one another. 00:32:58.539 --> 00:33:00.119 As Jesus has loved us. 00:33:02.059 --> 00:33:03.559 God gives us things. 00:33:03.559 --> 00:33:06.220 That we don't even need. 00:33:06.220 --> 00:33:07.359 For our enjoyment. 00:33:08.159 --> 00:33:09.720 As we stop coveting. 00:33:11.099 --> 00:33:13.079 Or buying stuff that we don't need. 00:33:13.159 --> 00:33:15.279 To satisfy our own cravings. 00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:17.599 This is not a perfect picture. 00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:17.919 But. 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:19.220 It's a start. 00:33:19.700 --> 00:33:20.859 I think you get the idea. 00:33:22.279 --> 00:33:24.159 How might God bless us. 00:33:24.159 --> 00:33:25.720 If we give our whole hearts. 00:33:26.500 --> 00:33:28.000 To hearing his word. 00:33:28.000 --> 00:33:29.640 And obeying it. 00:33:30.640 --> 00:33:31.079 Truly. 00:33:31.220 --> 00:33:32.599 There's only one way to find out. 00:33:33.640 --> 00:33:34.799 And that's to do it. 00:33:36.539 --> 00:33:37.480 What about you? 00:33:39.000 --> 00:33:39.940 Where are you at. 00:33:40.400 --> 00:33:42.539 In your relationship with God today? 00:33:46.099 --> 00:33:47.980 As you look at these words of Jesus. 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:49.980 On the screen. 00:33:53.059 --> 00:33:54.160 Do you believe them? 00:33:57.120 --> 00:33:59.140 Do you believe that God will bless you? 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:01.640 If you hear his word. 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:03.240 And obey it. 00:34:05.839 --> 00:34:07.259 Does that make you hungry. 00:34:07.259 --> 00:34:08.179 To hear more. 00:34:08.840 --> 00:34:09.659 Of God's word. 00:34:13.659 --> 00:34:15.360 Are you making every effort. 00:34:15.619 --> 00:34:16.099 In faith. 00:34:16.219 --> 00:34:17.039 To obey God. 00:34:17.980 --> 00:34:22.000 Is there any area. 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.699 Of your life. 00:34:22.800 --> 00:34:23.440 Where right now. 00:34:23.940 --> 00:34:24.639 You know. 00:34:25.179 --> 00:34:26.440 You have not been obeying. 00:34:26.519 --> 00:34:27.099 God's word. 00:34:30.699 --> 00:34:31.980 Is the spirit of God. 00:34:32.059 --> 00:34:32.420 Right now. 00:34:32.500 --> 00:34:33.719 Bringing anything to mind. 00:34:34.139 --> 00:34:35.619 About how you have been living. 00:34:38.119 --> 00:34:39.460 Things you need to confess. 00:34:40.679 --> 00:34:41.760 And repent of. 00:34:44.320 --> 00:34:45.179 Actions taken. 00:34:45.360 --> 00:34:45.980 That you know. 00:34:46.260 --> 00:34:46.699 Are wrong. 00:34:47.980 --> 00:34:50.300 Attitudes. 00:34:51.639 --> 00:34:53.019 You've been holding on to. 00:34:54.440 --> 00:34:55.119 That you know. 00:34:55.179 --> 00:34:56.079 Have been putting distance. 00:34:56.240 --> 00:34:57.139 Between you and God. 00:34:59.980 --> 00:35:00.380 Desires. 00:35:00.380 --> 00:35:01.420 That you've been feeding. 00:35:01.980 --> 00:35:03.119 That you know are sinful. 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:09.460 We're going to end it right here. 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:10.179 And I just want to. 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:12.199 Take a time. 00:35:12.319 --> 00:35:13.400 Let's take a time now. 00:35:13.659 --> 00:35:14.500 To pray quietly. 00:35:15.500 --> 00:35:16.739 To confess to the Lord. 00:35:16.839 --> 00:35:17.759 To speak to him. 00:35:19.119 --> 00:35:20.119 To bring those. 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:21.900 Things to him. 00:35:22.819 --> 00:35:23.199 Let's pray. 00:35:23.199 --> 00:35:53.179 Thank you. 00:35:53.199 --> 00:36:23.179 Thank you. 00:36:23.500 --> 00:36:37.480 Father in heaven, we thank you that for every time that we have sinned against you, that we have disobeyed you, you have made a solution for our guilt. 00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:40.139 We thank you for the cross. 00:36:40.960 --> 00:36:44.039 We thank you for what Jesus did there so that we could be forgiven. 00:36:44.039 --> 00:36:48.400 We thank you for that wonderful promise. 00:36:49.199 --> 00:36:54.219 Not only are we forgiven, but our sins are remembered no more. 00:36:54.219 --> 00:37:10.079 We thank you for this promise of blessing that we've been looking at, this simple promise that if we hear what you say and obey it, you will bless us. 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:17.119 And I pray that each one of us would draw near to you and embrace these words. 00:37:17.819 --> 00:37:20.599 Give us a willingness, Lord, to hear your word. 00:37:20.599 --> 00:37:25.099 Give us a willing spirit to obey your word. 00:37:26.659 --> 00:37:33.739 Help us believe that when we do, that's when life is best. 00:37:34.579 --> 00:37:35.940 That's how you have made us. 00:37:35.940 --> 00:37:39.220 We ask for this in Jesus' name. 00:37:40.099 --> 00:37:40.400 Amen.