WEBVTT

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 Now, again, if you have your Bibles, perhaps you can turn with me to Luke chapter 12.

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 We're going to read from verses 13 to 34.

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 That's on page 1044.

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 And we find Jesus, again, teaching about anxiety.

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 Last week it was the fear of man.

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 This time it's different anxieties connected to money.

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 We're going to think about what it means to be rich towards God.

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 Let's again hear God's Word.

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 Luke chapter 12 at verse 13.

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 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,

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 Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.

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 Jesus replied, Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?

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 Then he said to them, Watch out.

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 Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.

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 Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.

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 And he told them this parable.

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 The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.

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 He thought to himself, What shall I do?

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 I have no place to store my crops.

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 Then he said, This is what I'll do.

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 I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones.

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 And there I will store my surplus grain.

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 And I'll say to myself, You have plenty of grain laid up for many years.

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 Take life easy.

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 Eat, drink, and be merry.

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 But God said to him, You fool.

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 This very night your life will be demanded from you.

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 Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?

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 This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves,

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 but is not rich towards God.

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 Then Jesus said to his disciples,

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 Therefore I tell you,

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 Do not worry about your life, what you will eat,

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 or about your body, what you will wear.

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 For life is more than food,

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 and a body more than clothes.

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 Consider the ravens.

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 They do not sow or reap.

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 They have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them.

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 And how much more valuable you are than birds.

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 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?

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 Since you cannot do this very little thing,

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 why do you worry about the rest?

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 Consider how the wild flowers grow.

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 They do not labor or spin.

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 Yet I tell you,

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 not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

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 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field,

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 which is here today,

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 and tomorrow is thrown into the fire,

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 how much more will he clothe you,

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 you of little faith?

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 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink.

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 Do not worry about it.

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 For the pagan world runs after all such things,

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 and your father knows that you need them.

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 But seek his kingdom,

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 and these things will be given to you as well.

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 Do not be afraid, little flock,

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 for your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

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 Sell your possessions and give to the poor.

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 Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out,

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 a treasure in heaven that will never fail,

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 where no thief comes near,

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 and no moth destroys.

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 For where your treasure is,

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 there your heart will be also.

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 Amen.

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 So let's begin by asking ourselves a question.

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 What is your relationship with money and possessions like?

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 Because we all have one.

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 So whether we are living off the bank of mum and dads,

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 whether we are trying to make our student loans last to the end of the term,

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 whether we find ourselves building a career and perhaps thinking about property,

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 whether we're at the stage of retirement and worrying about how our pensions will last,

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 whether we find ourselves today comfortable financially,

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 or whether the cost of living crisis has hit you hard,

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 all of us have some kind of relationship to money.

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 What does it say about us?

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 What does it say about our heart?

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 What does it do to our heart when we have money,

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 and also when we struggle for money?

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 Money was a topic that Jesus spoke on often.

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 His most frequent warnings were around the topic of money.

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 And Luke, who's very concerned about rich and poor and wealth,

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 emphasizes Jesus' teaching.

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 So in Luke chapter 9 verse 25,

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 we have these striking words,

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 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world,

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 and yet lose or forfeit their very sale?

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 As Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem,

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 he will meet a rich young man who refuses to follow Jesus

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 because he loves his money too much.

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 And Jesus will say,

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 How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.

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 It's easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle.

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 So money is something that obviously is essential to life.

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 The Bible reminds us that money is something that can be used to bless others,

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 should be used to bless others.

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 But there's also this warning,

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 this recurring warning that Jesus presents,

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 that money can become for us a distraction.

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 Money can, in the first instance,

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 keep us from seeing that we need God,

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 from recognizing that only God can truly satisfy,

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 or it can take all of our energy,

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 all of our heart away from serving Jesus

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 because we have anxiety about,

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 will I have enough money to provide for myself?

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 So if our wallets stand as a window into our hearts and our souls,

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 Jesus wants to say two things to us.

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 First, he wants to warn us.

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 He warns us to guard against greed.

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 And secondly, he wants to encourage his people to say,

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 I am the answer to your anxieties about money and indeed about everything.

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 So let's look at verses 13 to 21 together,

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 where Jesus says to guard against all kinds of greed.

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 So we find that often, don't we,

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 our newspaper headlines,

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 they delight in exposing greed.

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 You know, corporate bonuses,

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 in hard times,

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 those who are found guilty of stealing from charities,

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 you know, some of those crazy football transfer deals,

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 the newspapers delight to expose that kind of greed.

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 But there's also the more acceptable forms

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 that we perhaps hardly even spot.

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 How many people find themselves chasing a career only for the wage that it offers,

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 rather than because they feel it's a good fit for them?

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 Or how many people find themselves trapped in this consumerism cycle

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 of earning or borrowing simply to spend on the next thing and the next thing?

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 Or we concern ourselves for looking after our own future,

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 and it prevents us from open-handed generosity.

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 What's the case here?

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 Look at verses 13 to 15.

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 Jesus is speaking to a great crowd,

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 and someone from the crowd says to him,

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 Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.

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 Jesus, judge in my favor.

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 Jesus, I want to make sure that I get a good deal.

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 Here is a self-interested brother

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 who is risking dividing the family

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 for the sake of making sure he has gain.

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 And he says,

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 Jesus, I want you to judge in my case and in my favor.

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 Jesus will judge.

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 But not on property law.

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 Jesus has something far, far bigger.

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 Jesus wants to judge his heart and our hearts.

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 And Jesus brings a judgment on,

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 here is what really matters.

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 Verse 15,

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 Watch out.

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 Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.

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 Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.

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 And from this conversation from the crowd,

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 Jesus then goes on to tell a story,

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 a parable to illustrate his point.

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 It's the ultimate,

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 you can't take it with you story.

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 The plot is very simple.

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 A farmer has some surplus wealth.

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 That leads to a decision

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 towards selfish spending.

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 To gaining more and more,

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 imagining it will bring security and comfort.

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 But that dream becomes a nightmare

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 as judgment comes

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 and his life is gone.

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 Into his story,

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 Jesus presents the reality of mortality and eternity.

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 He wants to cut through that chasing after wealth

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 to remind us,

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 the one with the most toys,

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 the one with the most comfort,

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 the one with the most experiences

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 does not win

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 if we're not rich towards God.

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 And notice that Jesus takes us

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 to the biblical category

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 of wisdom and folly.

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 Verse 20,

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 God said to him,

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 You fool.

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 A fool in the Bible,

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 Old Testament wisdom,

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 Proverbs,

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 Psalms,

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 the fool is someone who says in his heart,

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 there is no God.

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 Or that God doesn't see

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 or care about what I do with my life.

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 And so Jesus pitches this story

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 in the context of Old Testament wisdom.

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 So we're going to use,

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 actually,

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 some Old Testament wisdom

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 to ask ourselves for questions

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 in the light of this story

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 and in light of Jesus' warning

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 to guard against greed.

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 Here's the first question

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 to ask ourselves,

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 Who gets the credit?

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 So in Proverbs chapter 30

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 and verse 9,

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 there is this wise request,

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 Give me neither poverty nor riches.

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 And of riches he says,

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 Otherwise I may have too much

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 and disown you and say,

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 Who is the Lord?

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 If we have too much money,

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 it can lead us away from God.

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 Proverbs 3 verse 9 also says,

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 Honor the Lord with your wealth

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 and with the firstfruits of your harvest.

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 In this parable,

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 who gave the wealth?

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 Verse 16,

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 The ground of a certain rich man

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 yielded an abundant harvest.

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 God gave the wealth.

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 God caused the growth.

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 God gives every good gift.

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 And we are invited to serve

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 as stewards of God's gifts

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 to use them for God's glory.

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 But notice that this man

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 is absolutely self-centered,

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 not God-centered.

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 Listen to the conversation

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 he has with himself.

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 What shall I do?

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 I have no place to store my crops.

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 This is what I'll do.

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 I'll tear down my barns.

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 I'll build bigger ones.

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 And there I'll store my surplus grain.

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 It's all about himself.

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 The danger of wealth and greed

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 is that it can lead us to self-trust.

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 I earned this on the basis of my skills.

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 I received this wealth

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 because of my hard work.

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 Forgetting God gave those skills.

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 He gave our abilities.

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 It is that danger

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 that we can enjoy God's gifts

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 in the world that he created

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 while we reject God the giver.

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 Instead, we're called to a better way

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 to love God with our money,

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 to treat it as his and not ours,

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 and to send it out

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 on the things that he loves.

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 Second question,

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 what's my bottom line?

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 Proverbs 11 verse 26

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 says,

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 people curse the one who hoards grain,

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 but they pray God's blessing

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 on the one who is willing to sell.

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 The way Jesus tells this parable

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 invites us to recognize

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 that because of this man's greed,

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 he has isolated himself

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 from others.

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 And often, greed cuts like a knife

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 through human relationships.

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 His only thought is,

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 how can I build those bigger barns?

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 How can I get a bigger stockpile

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 to look after myself?

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 Not thinking,

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 who else can benefit?

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 His bottom line is,

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 let me look after number one.

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 It's my comfort that matters

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 more than my community.

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 Indeed, they can curse me if they want

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 because I'm sitting secure here

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 in my nice cozy castle.

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 God has a different bottom line,

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 doesn't he?

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 God gives us a different guide

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 for how we are to use our money.

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 We are, as Jesus says,

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 to guard against greed,

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 to not spend or save selfishly,

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 rather to use money

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 so that others can live well,

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 so that we can seek to extend God's kingdom,

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 that we might follow God's pattern,

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 God the great giver,

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 God the one who gives us life,

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 God who ultimately in the gospel

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 gave us his son's life.

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 A third question to consider

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 from this story is this,

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 where is my identity found?

00:14:06.059 --> 00:14:08.759
 Again, in Proverbs chapter 10, verse 15,

00:14:09.059 --> 00:14:10.000
 we read there,

00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:11.839
 the wealth of the rich

00:14:11.839 --> 00:14:14.599
 is their fortified city.

00:14:15.339 --> 00:14:17.019
 That's a negative assessment.

00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:20.639
 Rich people can so easily think,

00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:22.000
 here is my security

00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:24.360
 because I've got plenty

00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:25.500
 laid up for myself.

00:14:26.580 --> 00:14:28.299
 And we know it's a negative assessment

00:14:28.299 --> 00:14:29.399
 because all through the Bible,

00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:31.279
 God presents himself

00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:33.139
 as the refuge

00:14:33.139 --> 00:14:35.620
 that people should seek to run to.

00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:37.840
 But in this parable,

00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:39.000
 we have a man who preaches

00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:40.600
 a false gospel to himself.

00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:43.399
 This wealth that God has given,

00:14:43.860 --> 00:14:45.720
 this is the key to my security

00:14:45.720 --> 00:14:47.460
 and to my comfort

00:14:47.460 --> 00:14:49.299
 and to my joy.

00:14:49.299 --> 00:14:51.039
 I'll say to myself,

00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:52.559
 you have plenty of grain

00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:54.259
 laid up for many years.

00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:56.099
 Take life easy,

00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:57.359
 eat, drink, and be merry.

00:14:57.459 --> 00:14:58.359
 The key to life,

00:14:58.779 --> 00:14:59.959
 having money.

00:15:01.959 --> 00:15:04.039
 Money spins a web of lies.

00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.459
 Money tells us it can satisfy

00:15:07.459 --> 00:15:09.079
 our longings.

00:15:09.639 --> 00:15:10.359
 But actually,

00:15:10.479 --> 00:15:12.939
 we often find ourselves enslaved

00:15:12.939 --> 00:15:15.539
 because we never get enough.

00:15:16.439 --> 00:15:17.240
 And then occasionally,

00:15:17.399 --> 00:15:18.279
 perhaps in the newspapers,

00:15:18.279 --> 00:15:19.159
 you read the stories,

00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:20.079
 the interviews of those

00:15:20.079 --> 00:15:21.360
 who do get enough,

00:15:21.459 --> 00:15:23.399
 who do become the multimillionaires.

00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:24.860
 And what we find is often,

00:15:25.939 --> 00:15:27.299
 they too feel emptiness

00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:28.379
 and a sense of longing.

00:15:29.799 --> 00:15:30.759
 Money says to us,

00:15:31.139 --> 00:15:31.439
 listen,

00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:32.659
 trust in me,

00:15:32.720 --> 00:15:34.339
 I can give you security.

00:15:36.220 --> 00:15:38.019
 But we know that money can come

00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:39.000
 and money can go.

00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:41.600
 The banking crisis

00:15:41.600 --> 00:15:43.319
 in the early 2000s

00:15:43.319 --> 00:15:43.919
 brought with it

00:15:43.919 --> 00:15:44.959
 a huge spike

00:15:44.959 --> 00:15:46.819
 in suicides

00:15:46.819 --> 00:15:48.500
 of guys

00:15:48.500 --> 00:15:49.099
 head up,

00:15:49.179 --> 00:15:50.079
 high up

00:15:50.079 --> 00:15:51.439
 in the banking industry.

00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:52.819
 Their life

00:15:52.819 --> 00:15:53.500
 had been completely

00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:54.360
 bound up

00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.659
 with their wealth

00:15:55.659 --> 00:15:57.379
 and it did not give security.

00:15:59.079 --> 00:16:00.259
 Money would say to us,

00:16:00.479 --> 00:16:02.159
 I am the only savior you need.

00:16:02.299 --> 00:16:03.099
 If you have me,

00:16:03.179 --> 00:16:04.419
 you have the good life.

00:16:04.419 --> 00:16:07.259
 And we can so easily

00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:08.479
 believe that lie,

00:16:08.559 --> 00:16:09.799
 we can be like children

00:16:09.799 --> 00:16:11.439
 building sandcastles

00:16:11.439 --> 00:16:12.740
 on the beach

00:16:12.740 --> 00:16:13.839
 all the while

00:16:13.839 --> 00:16:15.519
 ignoring the reality

00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:16.439
 of the waves

00:16:16.439 --> 00:16:17.479
 of uncertainty,

00:16:17.799 --> 00:16:18.500
 of death,

00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.019
 and of the judgment

00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:20.740
 of God.

00:16:22.339 --> 00:16:23.959
 And Jesus warns us,

00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:26.419
 don't build your life

00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.059
 and identity

00:16:27.059 --> 00:16:28.179
 on money and stuff.

00:16:28.819 --> 00:16:30.779
 You cannot take it with you.

00:16:30.779 --> 00:16:32.659
 It can so easily

00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:33.459
 be lost

00:16:33.459 --> 00:16:34.779
 and it does not

00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:36.079
 give ultimate security.

00:16:38.039 --> 00:16:39.159
 Question four

00:16:39.159 --> 00:16:41.179
 is the question,

00:16:41.339 --> 00:16:42.639
 what am I

00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:44.319
 living for?

00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:46.199
 Proverbs 11,

00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.259
 verse four

00:16:47.259 --> 00:16:48.360
 takes us

00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:49.299
 in the same direction

00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:50.019
 as the conclusion

00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:51.039
 of Jesus' parable.

00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:53.959
 Wealth is worthless

00:16:53.959 --> 00:16:55.779
 in the day of wrath,

00:16:56.319 --> 00:16:57.759
 but righteousness

00:16:57.759 --> 00:17:00.120
 delivers from death.

00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:02.899
 Go to verse 20,

00:17:03.579 --> 00:17:04.359
 verse 21.

00:17:05.740 --> 00:17:06.660
 God says,

00:17:07.180 --> 00:17:07.879
 you fool

00:17:07.879 --> 00:17:09.319
 this very night,

00:17:10.019 --> 00:17:10.720
 your life

00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.440
 will be demanded

00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:12.180
 from you.

00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:14.160
 This is how it will be

00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:14.680
 with whoever

00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:15.559
 stores up things

00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.099
 for themselves

00:17:16.099 --> 00:17:17.180
 but is not rich

00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:18.559
 towards God.

00:17:18.639 --> 00:17:19.299
 The judgment

00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:20.180
 falls.

00:17:21.359 --> 00:17:22.160
 This man has

00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:23.799
 distracted himself

00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.420
 to death.

00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.200
 He has chosen

00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:27.339
 to live for greed

00:17:27.339 --> 00:17:29.119
 and not God.

00:17:29.839 --> 00:17:30.500
 His energy

00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:31.099
 and his heart

00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:31.440
 has gone

00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:33.299
 to bigger barns,

00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:34.599
 bigger piles,

00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:35.859
 greater wealth

00:17:35.859 --> 00:17:36.579
 and comfort

00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:38.240
 only to discover

00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:40.059
 that what he was chasing

00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:42.640
 was fool's gold.

00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:45.279
 And so Jesus

00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:46.319
 gives this story

00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:47.140
 as a loving

00:17:47.140 --> 00:17:48.200
 warning

00:17:48.200 --> 00:17:49.440
 that wealth

00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:51.339
 so often

00:17:51.339 --> 00:17:52.440
 becomes an idol

00:17:52.440 --> 00:17:53.559
 in our heart,

00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:56.680
 becomes the key

00:17:56.680 --> 00:17:57.480
 to our happiness,

00:17:57.640 --> 00:17:58.279
 our security,

00:17:58.279 --> 00:17:58.980
 our hopes

00:17:58.980 --> 00:17:59.599
 and dreams.

00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.839
 He reminds us

00:18:01.839 --> 00:18:02.399
 that wealth

00:18:02.399 --> 00:18:04.139
 can isolate us

00:18:04.139 --> 00:18:06.339
 as it makes us selfish

00:18:06.339 --> 00:18:07.740
 and not generous.

00:18:08.639 --> 00:18:09.440
 He says to us,

00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:10.119
 your wealth

00:18:10.119 --> 00:18:11.480
 can be dangerous

00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:13.279
 so you need to be

00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:13.960
 on guard

00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.920
 because this life

00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:16.019
 is not

00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.859
 all

00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:18.339
 there is.

00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:23.619
 and then from there

00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:25.819
 he continues

00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:26.480
 to talk

00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:27.159
 about money

00:18:27.159 --> 00:18:28.619
 but to treat it

00:18:28.619 --> 00:18:29.480
 in a very different way

00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:29.939
 because there's

00:18:29.939 --> 00:18:31.000
 a different audience.

00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:32.319
 His attention

00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:33.119
 now turns

00:18:33.119 --> 00:18:35.240
 to his followers

00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:36.639
 and he seeks

00:18:36.639 --> 00:18:37.639
 to answer

00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:39.159
 the anxieties

00:18:39.159 --> 00:18:40.539
 of his followers

00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:41.779
 in verses 22

00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:43.459
 to 34.

00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:46.079
 verse 22

00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:46.660
 then Jesus

00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:47.799
 said to his disciples

00:18:47.799 --> 00:18:49.240
 therefore I tell you

00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:50.740
 do not worry

00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.400
 about your life

00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:52.160
 what you will eat

00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:54.019
 or about your body

00:18:54.019 --> 00:18:55.480
 what you will wear.

00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:57.559
 So Jesus knows

00:18:57.559 --> 00:18:58.700
 that worries

00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.660
 about wealth

00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:00.940
 can be a possible

00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:01.559
 barrier

00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:03.220
 for any follower

00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:03.819
 of Jesus.

00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:05.740
 For example

00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:06.240
 we might

00:19:06.240 --> 00:19:07.079
 find ourselves

00:19:07.079 --> 00:19:07.340
 saying

00:19:07.340 --> 00:19:08.440
 well I would love

00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.000
 to serve

00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:09.840
 but first of all

00:19:09.840 --> 00:19:10.480
 I need to make sure

00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:11.079
 I've got my own

00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:12.019
 personal security

00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:12.700
 sorted out.

00:19:12.700 --> 00:19:16.000
 that we do

00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:16.819
 want to follow

00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:17.819
 Jesus our master

00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:18.380
 but we have this

00:19:18.380 --> 00:19:19.340
 battle in our heart

00:19:19.340 --> 00:19:20.200
 where money also

00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:21.380
 wants to be our master.

00:19:22.380 --> 00:19:23.500
 Where we can easily

00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:24.460
 have that tendency

00:19:24.460 --> 00:19:25.880
 to be self-serving

00:19:25.880 --> 00:19:26.940
 rather than

00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:27.620
 sacrificial

00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.700
 when it comes

00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:29.860
 to our money.

00:19:31.840 --> 00:19:32.480
 And so Jesus

00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:33.740
 wants to deal

00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:34.420
 with those

00:19:34.420 --> 00:19:35.580
 anxieties

00:19:35.580 --> 00:19:36.680
 and to invite

00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.660
 trust.

00:19:40.279 --> 00:19:41.519
 He doesn't want

00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:42.240
 fears about

00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:43.299
 paying the bills.

00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:44.779
 He doesn't want

00:19:44.779 --> 00:19:45.440
 fears about

00:19:45.440 --> 00:19:46.259
 us providing

00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:46.920
 for ourselves

00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:47.779
 and our future

00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:49.339
 to take our energy

00:19:49.339 --> 00:19:50.299
 to take our hearts

00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:51.079
 away from him.

00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:52.940
 He doesn't want

00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:53.680
 us to overly

00:19:53.680 --> 00:19:54.940
 worry about

00:19:54.940 --> 00:19:55.859
 the cost

00:19:55.859 --> 00:19:56.579
 of supporting

00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:57.519
 church mission.

00:19:58.220 --> 00:19:58.940
 He doesn't want

00:19:58.940 --> 00:19:59.620
 our hearts

00:19:59.620 --> 00:20:00.220
 to be gripped

00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:00.940
 by fear

00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:01.859
 as we're called

00:20:01.859 --> 00:20:02.559
 to spend

00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:03.680
 on others.

00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:05.620
 He wants

00:20:05.620 --> 00:20:06.180
 to free us

00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:07.240
 from those anxieties

00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:09.140
 so that we're

00:20:09.140 --> 00:20:10.740
 ready to follow

00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:11.200
 Jesus.

00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:13.220
 This Savior,

00:20:13.380 --> 00:20:14.039
 the Savior who,

00:20:14.620 --> 00:20:14.859
 remember,

00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:16.319
 left the glory

00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:17.339
 and honor of

00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:17.700
 heaven,

00:20:18.839 --> 00:20:19.640
 to come and

00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:20.359
 to be born

00:20:20.359 --> 00:20:21.640
 in poverty,

00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:23.819
 to live in

00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:24.720
 humility,

00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:26.539
 to be homeless,

00:20:27.099 --> 00:20:28.440
 and to be

00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:29.099
 stripped of

00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:29.839
 everything

00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:31.519
 as he died

00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:32.240
 to save us.

00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:34.299
 How can we be

00:20:34.299 --> 00:20:35.079
 ready to follow

00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:35.779
 this Jesus

00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:36.640
 as our Savior?

00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:38.920
 Two things

00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:39.559
 to remember.

00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.079
 First,

00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:40.799
 remember,

00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:42.680
 this is your

00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:43.839
 Father's world,

00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:45.579
 so trust him

00:20:45.579 --> 00:20:46.180
 to provide.

00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:50.380
 When Jesus says

00:20:50.380 --> 00:20:51.160
 in verse 22,

00:20:51.259 --> 00:20:51.660
 I tell you,

00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:52.180
 do not worry

00:20:52.180 --> 00:20:52.859
 about your life,

00:20:52.900 --> 00:20:53.440
 what you'll eat,

00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:54.120
 or about your body,

00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:54.819
 what you'll wear,

00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:55.640
 for life is more

00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:56.640
 than food and the body

00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:57.420
 more than clothes.

00:20:57.819 --> 00:20:58.380
 He's not saying

00:20:58.380 --> 00:20:59.019
 be reckless,

00:20:59.140 --> 00:20:59.599
 he's not saying

00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:00.480
 don't make provision

00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:01.079
 for yourself,

00:21:01.120 --> 00:21:02.039
 but he is saying

00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.279
 do not worry

00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:04.539
 excessively

00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:06.319
 about those things,

00:21:06.399 --> 00:21:07.720
 about the physical

00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.799
 stuff of life,

00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.799
 don't let them

00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:10.839
 take your energy

00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:11.680
 and activity

00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.839
 as disciples,

00:21:13.379 --> 00:21:14.460
 keep the right

00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.420
 perspective.

00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:18.279
 In that sense,

00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:19.159
 that life is bigger

00:21:19.159 --> 00:21:20.579
 than this life,

00:21:21.079 --> 00:21:21.740
 life is more

00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.460
 than stuff,

00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.539
 but also,

00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:24.859
 remember

00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:26.159
 who we belong to.

00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:27.879
 Your creator

00:21:27.879 --> 00:21:29.159
 is your

00:21:29.159 --> 00:21:30.079
 Father.

00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.359
 And so,

00:21:31.359 --> 00:21:32.019
 we're invited

00:21:32.019 --> 00:21:32.979
 to live

00:21:32.979 --> 00:21:33.759
 with trust

00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.459
 in him.

00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:35.759
 So,

00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.259
 Jesus says,

00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:36.779
 look around.

00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:37.919
 Verse 24,

00:21:38.679 --> 00:21:39.500
 look at the ravens,

00:21:39.639 --> 00:21:40.500
 consider the ravens,

00:21:40.699 --> 00:21:41.379
 they don't sow

00:21:41.379 --> 00:21:41.819
 or reap,

00:21:41.919 --> 00:21:42.299
 they have no

00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:42.779
 storeroom

00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.139
 or barn,

00:21:43.219 --> 00:21:43.799
 yet God

00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:45.139
 feeds them.

00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:46.759
 The ravens

00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.339
 were a bird

00:21:47.339 --> 00:21:47.740
 that were

00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.939
 unclean

00:21:48.939 --> 00:21:50.219
 in Jesus'

00:21:50.419 --> 00:21:50.579
 day,

00:21:50.699 --> 00:21:51.179
 they had

00:21:51.179 --> 00:21:52.099
 no value,

00:21:52.399 --> 00:21:52.799
 you weren't

00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.459
 allowed to eat

00:21:53.459 --> 00:21:53.659
 them,

00:21:53.719 --> 00:21:54.259
 you couldn't

00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:54.979
 sacrifice

00:21:54.979 --> 00:21:55.799
 them,

00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:56.500
 they had

00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:57.439
 no value,

00:21:57.599 --> 00:21:58.439
 but God

00:21:58.439 --> 00:21:59.219
 feeds them,

00:21:59.220 --> 00:21:59.500
 they don't

00:21:59.500 --> 00:21:59.819
 need to

00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.559
 stress,

00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:01.360
 they don't

00:22:01.360 --> 00:22:01.720
 need to

00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:02.440
 busy themselves

00:22:02.440 --> 00:22:03.120
 storing up,

00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:03.779
 God

00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:04.400
 provides.

00:22:05.880 --> 00:22:06.440
 Jesus says,

00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:06.799
 how much

00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:07.779
 more valuable

00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:09.059
 are my

00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:09.759
 children

00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.839
 than

00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:11.420
 ravens?

00:22:14.620 --> 00:22:15.519
 Look around,

00:22:16.839 --> 00:22:17.279
 look at the

00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:18.200
 wildflowers,

00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:19.039
 they don't

00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:19.579
 labor or

00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:19.880
 spin,

00:22:19.980 --> 00:22:20.720
 verse 27,

00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:21.799
 yet I tell

00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:21.940
 you,

00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:22.279
 not even

00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:22.960
 Solomon in

00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:23.319
 all his

00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:23.860
 splendor

00:22:23.860 --> 00:22:24.460
 was dressed

00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:24.980
 like one

00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.720
 of thieves.

00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:27.259
 Think about

00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:28.579
 the wildflowers,

00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:29.680
 think for

00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:30.000
 those of

00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:30.359
 you who

00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:31.039
 were in

00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:31.819
 Edinburgh

00:22:31.819 --> 00:22:32.379
 in the

00:22:32.379 --> 00:22:32.740
 spring,

00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:33.460
 about the

00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.279
 cherry blossoms

00:22:34.279 --> 00:22:34.980
 in the

00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:35.400
 meadows,

00:22:35.619 --> 00:22:36.359
 beautiful

00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:37.900
 explosion of

00:22:37.900 --> 00:22:38.240
 color,

00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:39.660
 God provides

00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:41.220
 fragile beauty

00:22:41.220 --> 00:22:41.680
 for these

00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.480
 wildflowers

00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:42.799
 that are,

00:22:43.140 --> 00:22:43.400
 as it were,

00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:44.000
 here today

00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:44.480
 and gone

00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:45.099
 tomorrow,

00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:46.160
 and if God

00:22:46.160 --> 00:22:47.559
 clothes the

00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:48.160
 flowers of

00:22:48.160 --> 00:22:48.559
 the field,

00:22:48.879 --> 00:22:49.799
 how much

00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:51.819
 more will

00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:52.700
 he take care

00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:53.519
 of us,

00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:54.079
 because we

00:22:54.079 --> 00:22:54.900
 have more

00:22:54.900 --> 00:22:56.440
 value to

00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:56.859
 him.

00:22:57.259 --> 00:23:01.019
 Look

00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:01.460
 around,

00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.220
 verse 29

00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.799
 to 31,

00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:04.819
 look around

00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:05.119
 at the

00:23:05.119 --> 00:23:05.720
 pagans,

00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:06.879
 look at

00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:07.279
 those who

00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:08.279
 don't know

00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:09.420
 God as

00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:10.059
 creator,

00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:10.900
 and learn,

00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:12.059
 do not set

00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:12.720
 your heart on

00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:13.059
 what you'll

00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:13.799
 eat or drink,

00:23:13.879 --> 00:23:14.420
 do not worry

00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:15.039
 about it,

00:23:15.519 --> 00:23:15.859
 for the

00:23:15.859 --> 00:23:16.460
 pagan world

00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:17.099
 runs after

00:23:17.099 --> 00:23:17.579
 all such

00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:17.960
 things,

00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:18.940
 and your

00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:19.619
 father knows

00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:19.879
 that you

00:23:19.879 --> 00:23:20.379
 need them.

00:23:21.799 --> 00:23:22.400
 If you

00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:22.920
 don't know

00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.379
 God as

00:23:23.379 --> 00:23:24.000
 father,

00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:24.980
 Jesus says,

00:23:25.079 --> 00:23:25.619
 look at the

00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:26.039
 pagans,

00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:27.099
 they've got

00:23:27.099 --> 00:23:27.379
 all that

00:23:27.379 --> 00:23:28.019
 stress because

00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:28.259
 they're having

00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:28.899
 to rely on

00:23:28.899 --> 00:23:29.439
 themselves,

00:23:29.899 --> 00:23:30.459
 or they're

00:23:30.459 --> 00:23:31.039
 chasing and

00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:31.599
 they're grabbing

00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.019
 because they

00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.639
 act like this

00:23:32.639 --> 00:23:33.359
 life is all

00:23:33.359 --> 00:23:33.719
 there is,

00:23:34.839 --> 00:23:35.139
 you know

00:23:35.139 --> 00:23:35.859
 something different,

00:23:35.959 --> 00:23:36.299
 you know a

00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:36.719
 better way,

00:23:36.759 --> 00:23:37.299
 you know your

00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:37.719
 father,

00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.259
 you know this

00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:38.599
 is his

00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:39.159
 world,

00:23:40.359 --> 00:23:41.119
 he knows

00:23:41.119 --> 00:23:41.819
 what we

00:23:41.819 --> 00:23:42.179
 need.

00:23:43.679 --> 00:23:44.179
 And because

00:23:44.179 --> 00:23:44.759
 that's true,

00:23:44.859 --> 00:23:45.579
 verse 31,

00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:47.379
 seek his

00:23:47.379 --> 00:23:48.339
 kingdom,

00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:49.639
 put his

00:23:49.639 --> 00:23:50.240
 kingdom first,

00:23:50.299 --> 00:23:50.779
 put following

00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.439
 Jesus first,

00:23:51.679 --> 00:23:53.480
 and these

00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:53.939
 things will be

00:23:53.939 --> 00:23:54.459
 given to you

00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:54.940
 as well,

00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:55.840
 learn to

00:23:55.840 --> 00:23:56.840
 rest in

00:23:56.840 --> 00:23:57.400
 the care

00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:58.059
 of God

00:23:58.059 --> 00:23:58.700
 for our

00:23:58.700 --> 00:23:59.640
 today and

00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:00.160
 tomorrow,

00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.600
 and live

00:24:01.600 --> 00:24:02.160
 as a

00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:02.819
 disciple of

00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:03.180
 Jesus.

00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:05.279
 Get the

00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:05.579
 balance,

00:24:05.640 --> 00:24:05.980
 this is how

00:24:05.980 --> 00:24:06.539
 Jesus taught

00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.100
 us to pray,

00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:07.940
 remember in

00:24:07.940 --> 00:24:08.579
 Luke 11,

00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.240
 the Lord's

00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.519
 prayer,

00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:12.440
 we seek

00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.220
 the kingdom

00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:14.140
 first,

00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:15.500
 and we

00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.319
 ask our

00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:17.799
 father for

00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:18.319
 our daily

00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:18.799
 bread.

00:24:21.120 --> 00:24:22.000
 Thinking about

00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:22.740
 sections like

00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.299
 this always

00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:23.740
 make me

00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:24.539
 think of

00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:25.200
 George

00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:25.779
 Muller.

00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:26.980
 George

00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:27.539
 Muller is a

00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:28.539
 wonderful example

00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:28.880
 of this,

00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:29.220
 he was a

00:24:29.220 --> 00:24:30.180
 guy in

00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:30.940
 the 19th

00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:31.640
 century who

00:24:31.640 --> 00:24:32.299
 oversaw

00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:33.380
 multiple

00:24:33.380 --> 00:24:34.620
 orphanages in

00:24:34.620 --> 00:24:35.380
 the south

00:24:35.380 --> 00:24:36.319
 of England,

00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:37.480
 looking after

00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.339
 tens of

00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:39.000
 thousands of

00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:39.980
 children over

00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:40.539
 a number of

00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:40.759
 years,

00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:41.220
 and the

00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:41.779
 amazing thing

00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:42.759
 about George

00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:43.299
 Muller is he

00:24:43.299 --> 00:24:44.319
 never made

00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:46.059
 public the

00:24:46.059 --> 00:24:46.799
 needs that

00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:47.740
 those orphanages

00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.120
 had,

00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:48.759
 and there

00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:49.400
 were many

00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:50.420
 times where

00:24:50.420 --> 00:24:50.920
 they struggled

00:24:50.920 --> 00:24:51.819
 to pay the

00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:52.119
 bills,

00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:53.079
 many times

00:24:53.079 --> 00:24:53.960
 they worried

00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:54.460
 about how

00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:54.759
 they would

00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:55.240
 feed the

00:24:55.240 --> 00:24:55.559
 children,

00:24:55.919 --> 00:24:56.240
 but what

00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:58.059
 he did is

00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:58.700
 he prayed,

00:24:59.639 --> 00:24:59.899
 and he

00:24:59.899 --> 00:25:00.720
 encouraged people

00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:01.419
 to pray,

00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:03.480
 and to read

00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:04.200
 his story is

00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:05.700
 to read amazing

00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:06.639
 story after

00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:07.299
 story of

00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:07.799
 God's

00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:08.639
 providing,

00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:10.439
 people being

00:25:10.439 --> 00:25:11.000
 moved in

00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:11.480
 their hearts

00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:11.899
 from all

00:25:11.899 --> 00:25:12.359
 around the

00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:13.119
 world to

00:25:13.119 --> 00:25:13.960
 be generous,

00:25:15.399 --> 00:25:16.299
 God cares,

00:25:16.879 --> 00:25:17.379
 this is our

00:25:17.379 --> 00:25:18.200
 father's world,

00:25:18.379 --> 00:25:19.119
 trust him to

00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:19.539
 provide.

00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:21.039
 If we're

00:25:21.039 --> 00:25:21.680
 anxious about

00:25:21.680 --> 00:25:22.279
 the cost of

00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:22.539
 living,

00:25:22.599 --> 00:25:22.839
 and that

00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:23.279
 seems all

00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:23.759
 consuming,

00:25:24.839 --> 00:25:25.440
 if we're

00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:26.000
 anxious about

00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:26.759
 the cost of

00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:27.920
 serving Jesus,

00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:28.220
 and we

00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:28.799
 wonder can we

00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.920
 afford generosity,

00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:31.720
 if we're

00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:32.379
 anxious about

00:25:32.379 --> 00:25:33.500
 the life of a

00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.000
 disciple,

00:25:34.879 --> 00:25:35.379
 knowing that

00:25:35.379 --> 00:25:36.279
 following Jesus

00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.000
 is the road of

00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.899
 dying to self,

00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:38.720
 and facing

00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:39.299
 rejection,

00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:39.759
 what do we

00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.599
 need to do?

00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:42.519
 To look around,

00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:43.039
 and ultimately

00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:43.799
 to look up.

00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:45.460
 It's my

00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.279
 father's world,

00:25:47.220 --> 00:25:48.159
 and I trust

00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:49.620
 him, trust

00:25:49.620 --> 00:25:49.900
 him to

00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:50.380
 provide, I

00:25:50.380 --> 00:25:50.880
 trust him

00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:52.040
 with my

00:25:52.040 --> 00:25:52.759
 life.

00:25:52.820 --> 00:25:53.120
 That's the

00:25:53.120 --> 00:25:53.640
 first thing to

00:25:53.640 --> 00:25:54.220
 remember, this is

00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:54.759
 your father's

00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:55.440
 world, trust

00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:55.740
 him to

00:25:55.740 --> 00:25:56.140
 provide.

00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:57.460
 The second

00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.100
 is this,

00:25:58.779 --> 00:25:59.440
 Jesus says to

00:25:59.440 --> 00:25:59.920
 his followers,

00:26:00.100 --> 00:26:01.220
 remember you

00:26:01.220 --> 00:26:02.259
 are rich in

00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:04.519
 Christ, so be

00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:04.980
 generous.

00:26:06.560 --> 00:26:07.480
 Jesus presents

00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.660
 the only true

00:26:08.660 --> 00:26:10.340
 solution to

00:26:10.340 --> 00:26:11.960
 escaping the

00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:13.100
 grip that money

00:26:13.100 --> 00:26:13.660
 can have on

00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:14.180
 our hearts.

00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:16.920
 That stranglehold

00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:17.420
 that can have

00:26:17.420 --> 00:26:17.920
 our hearts, so

00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:19.140
 either we tend

00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:20.740
 towards greed, or

00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:22.140
 we tend towards

00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:22.740
 anxiety.

00:26:23.080 --> 00:26:23.519
 How do we

00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.500
 escape that

00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:24.960
 trap?

00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:27.660
 Jesus says,

00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.560
 only as we

00:26:29.560 --> 00:26:30.380
 come to see

00:26:30.380 --> 00:26:32.779
 ourselves rich in

00:26:32.779 --> 00:26:33.220
 Christ.

00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:35.820
 Verse 21,

00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:37.640
 this is how it

00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.100
 will be with

00:26:38.100 --> 00:26:39.000
 whoever stores up

00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.380
 things for

00:26:39.380 --> 00:26:40.100
 themselves but is

00:26:40.100 --> 00:26:41.380
 not rich towards

00:26:41.380 --> 00:26:41.759
 God.

00:26:41.840 --> 00:26:42.460
 To be rich

00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:43.420
 towards God,

00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:44.660
 the end of the

00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:45.200
 day, is to have

00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:47.220
 Jesus Christ as

00:26:47.220 --> 00:26:48.440
 Lord and

00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:48.940
 Savior.

00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.559
 Verse 31,

00:26:51.840 --> 00:26:53.059
 to seek his

00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:54.420
 kingdom and

00:26:54.420 --> 00:26:55.080
 these things will

00:26:55.080 --> 00:26:55.799
 be given to

00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:56.920
 you as well.

00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.160
 It's only when

00:26:59.160 --> 00:27:00.259
 our heart is set

00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:00.840
 on the Lord

00:27:00.840 --> 00:27:02.140
 Jesus Christ as

00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:03.059
 our true and

00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:04.720
 living hope that

00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:05.360
 we have the

00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:06.380
 freedom, the

00:27:06.380 --> 00:27:07.279
 single-minded

00:27:07.279 --> 00:27:08.420
 devotion to seek

00:27:08.420 --> 00:27:09.480
 his kingdom and

00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.420
 not our own.

00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:12.480
 To pray and to

00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:13.480
 work, your kingdom

00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:14.380
 come and your

00:27:14.380 --> 00:27:15.279
 will be done.

00:27:17.539 --> 00:27:18.620
 Verse 32,

00:27:19.400 --> 00:27:20.200
 do not be

00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:21.120
 afraid, little

00:27:21.120 --> 00:27:22.740
 flock, for your

00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:23.579
 father has been

00:27:23.579 --> 00:27:24.620
 pleased to give

00:27:24.620 --> 00:27:25.299
 you the kingdom.

00:27:26.140 --> 00:27:26.980
 It's only as we

00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:28.240
 know Christ as

00:27:28.240 --> 00:27:29.759
 our good shepherd

00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:31.120
 that we know

00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:32.019
 that there is no

00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:33.539
 need to fear.

00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:35.099
 He is the one

00:27:35.099 --> 00:27:35.980
 who laid down

00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:37.039
 his life for us.

00:27:37.360 --> 00:27:37.880
 He is the one

00:27:37.880 --> 00:27:38.660
 who has called

00:27:38.660 --> 00:27:39.980
 us into God's

00:27:39.980 --> 00:27:40.960
 flock, into

00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:41.740
 God's family.

00:27:41.740 --> 00:27:42.940
 He is the gate

00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:43.599
 through which we

00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:44.680
 enter into the

00:27:44.680 --> 00:27:45.799
 eternal kingdom of

00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.880
 God and in him

00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:48.160
 we are eternally

00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:48.819
 secure.

00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:53.240
 Verse 34, for

00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:53.680
 where your

00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:54.740
 treasure is,

00:27:55.539 --> 00:27:56.559
 there your heart

00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:58.539
 will be also.

00:27:59.579 --> 00:28:00.980
 To know Christ,

00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:02.559
 for him to have

00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:03.660
 our heart,

00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:05.200
 is to have

00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:06.160
 eternal treasure

00:28:06.160 --> 00:28:06.660
 in heaven.

00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.400
 That is the one

00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:09.180
 treasure that can

00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:09.819
 never be taken

00:28:09.819 --> 00:28:10.700
 from us, can never

00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.319
 be lost.

00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:12.559
 And it is to have

00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:13.420
 a greater glory,

00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:14.480
 a greater wealth

00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:16.279
 than anything

00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:17.539
 that this world

00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:17.920
 offers.

00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:21.299
 Notice what Jesus

00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:22.740
 says in verse 33

00:28:22.740 --> 00:28:23.600
 and 34.

00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:25.240
 Or notice what he

00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.819
 connects.

00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:26.900
 He connects our

00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:27.640
 hearts and our

00:28:27.640 --> 00:28:28.120
 treasure.

00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:30.039
 Sell your

00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.759
 possessions and

00:28:30.759 --> 00:28:31.240
 give to the

00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.519
 poor.

00:28:32.080 --> 00:28:33.059
 Provide purses for

00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:33.640
 yourselves that

00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.559
 will not wear out.

00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:35.680
 A treasure in

00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:36.200
 heaven that will

00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:37.480
 never fail, where

00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:38.279
 no thief comes

00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.180
 near and no moth

00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:39.799
 destroys.

00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:41.460
 For where your

00:28:41.460 --> 00:28:42.640
 treasure is, there

00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:43.960
 your heart will be

00:28:43.960 --> 00:28:44.640
 also.

00:28:45.440 --> 00:28:46.220
 Our heart and our

00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:46.940
 treasure, they go

00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:47.400
 together.

00:28:47.519 --> 00:28:48.340
 So when Christ has

00:28:48.340 --> 00:28:50.539
 our heart, when we

00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:52.380
 know that we are

00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:53.640
 rich in Christ, in

00:28:53.640 --> 00:28:54.160
 him we have

00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:57.480
 everything, that's an

00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.480
 implication for our

00:28:58.480 --> 00:28:58.759
 money.

00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.320
 Jesus says, then

00:29:01.320 --> 00:29:01.720
 there'll be the

00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:03.460
 freedom to gladly be

00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:06.420
 generous, to give

00:29:06.420 --> 00:29:08.480
 wisely, to ministries,

00:29:08.620 --> 00:29:09.560
 to churches, to

00:29:09.560 --> 00:29:11.400
 people, to help

00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:12.460
 spiritually and

00:29:12.460 --> 00:29:13.019
 physically.

00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:14.960
 Then there'll be the

00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:15.620
 joy and the

00:29:15.620 --> 00:29:16.720
 excitement of using

00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.920
 our money to bless

00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:18.779
 others rather than

00:29:18.779 --> 00:29:19.680
 hoarding it or feeling

00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:20.700
 anxious about it.

00:29:22.620 --> 00:29:24.420
 Tim Keller, in one of

00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:25.160
 his books, used the

00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:26.259
 imagery of scattering

00:29:26.259 --> 00:29:26.940
 seed.

00:29:28.300 --> 00:29:29.460
 You know, to view our

00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:30.940
 money as seed.

00:29:30.940 --> 00:29:33.500
 We scatter it not

00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:35.180
 looking for a harvest

00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:35.900
 for ourselves.

00:29:36.039 --> 00:29:37.360
 We scatter it so that

00:29:37.360 --> 00:29:39.059
 Christ's grace and

00:29:39.059 --> 00:29:40.059
 Christ's life and

00:29:40.059 --> 00:29:41.080
 Christ's word might

00:29:41.080 --> 00:29:42.360
 grow in the lives of

00:29:42.360 --> 00:29:42.700
 others.

00:29:42.820 --> 00:29:43.720
 Because we've come to

00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:45.600
 understand that's real

00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:46.059
 riches.

00:29:47.460 --> 00:29:49.100
 Changed lives to the

00:29:49.100 --> 00:29:50.980
 glory of God, that's

00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:52.799
 wealth to pursue.

00:29:54.100 --> 00:29:55.279
 And so to help us

00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:57.660
 towards that, in verse

00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:59.000
 33, Jesus gives this,

00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:00.120
 begins to give us this

00:30:00.119 --> 00:30:02.139
 comparison, to see what

00:30:02.139 --> 00:30:03.259
 has real value.

00:30:03.359 --> 00:30:04.059
 Is it treasure on

00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:05.659
 earth or is it

00:30:05.659 --> 00:30:06.539
 treasure in heaven?

00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:08.779
 So that we do not

00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:10.019
 find ourselves chasing

00:30:10.019 --> 00:30:12.559
 fool's gold, but that

00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:13.859
 we gladly live for the

00:30:13.859 --> 00:30:14.959
 real thing, pursuing

00:30:14.959 --> 00:30:15.399
 treasure.

00:30:15.859 --> 00:30:17.259
 Think about riches on

00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:17.699
 earth.

00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:20.479
 If we have wealth, then

00:30:20.479 --> 00:30:22.500
 we will likely have some

00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:24.359
 measure of status.

00:30:24.699 --> 00:30:25.319
 Some measure of

00:30:25.319 --> 00:30:25.539
 status.

00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:28.539
 But when we are rich in

00:30:28.539 --> 00:30:31.779
 Christ, what is true of

00:30:31.779 --> 00:30:33.339
 us is that we are

00:30:33.339 --> 00:30:35.980
 children, the king of

00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:36.639
 the universe.

00:30:37.700 --> 00:30:38.740
 That's unbelievable

00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:39.759
 status right there.

00:30:40.879 --> 00:30:42.039
 Riches on earth, when we

00:30:42.039 --> 00:30:42.920
 have them, we know this,

00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:43.579
 we're not naive.

00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:45.859
 They can provide some

00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:46.839
 security.

00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:50.259
 But when we are rich in

00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:53.279
 Christ, we have the

00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:53.720
 security.

00:30:53.720 --> 00:30:53.880
 security.

00:30:54.059 --> 00:30:54.920
 We have Romans 8

00:30:54.920 --> 00:30:55.319
 security.

00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:56.480
 We have the security that

00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:59.539
 all things work together

00:30:59.539 --> 00:31:00.539
 for the good of those who

00:31:00.539 --> 00:31:01.000
 love him.

00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.660
 Riches on earth.

00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:06.120
 We have money.

00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:07.720
 We have some surplus

00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.059
 wealth.

00:31:08.460 --> 00:31:10.220
 That can bring us some

00:31:10.220 --> 00:31:10.579
 joy.

00:31:10.819 --> 00:31:11.779
 And we're not naive, but

00:31:11.779 --> 00:31:12.579
 that's one of the good

00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:13.519
 things that God gives.

00:31:13.600 --> 00:31:14.380
 We have money so that we

00:31:14.380 --> 00:31:15.079
 can enjoy life.

00:31:15.160 --> 00:31:15.839
 We can enjoy it with

00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:16.140
 others.

00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:17.620
 But we know there's

00:31:17.620 --> 00:31:18.700
 always the day after.

00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:21.420
 We know things wear out.

00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:23.539
 But when we have riches

00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:27.279
 in Christ, we have joy in

00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:28.720
 this life and everlasting

00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:29.340
 joy.

00:31:29.580 --> 00:31:30.880
 Perfect joy in the world

00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:31.480
 to come.

00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:37.120
 Riches on earth, they can

00:31:37.120 --> 00:31:38.460
 be extremely helpful for

00:31:38.460 --> 00:31:38.580
 us.

00:31:38.640 --> 00:31:40.580
 They can free us from some

00:31:40.580 --> 00:31:41.300
 debt.

00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:42.920
 Find ourselves in debt.

00:31:42.980 --> 00:31:43.500
 It's good to have money

00:31:43.500 --> 00:31:44.160
 to pay it off.

00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:46.759
 But when we are rich in

00:31:46.759 --> 00:31:50.460
 Christ, we are set free

00:31:50.460 --> 00:31:52.220
 from the only debt that

00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:55.319
 would destroy us eternally.

00:31:56.319 --> 00:31:58.140
 Our moral debt before God.

00:31:59.160 --> 00:32:00.779
 Of robbing him of glory.

00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:02.920
 Of not giving him the

00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:03.759
 honor that he deserves.

00:32:03.960 --> 00:32:05.840
 All of that graciously

00:32:05.840 --> 00:32:06.440
 forgiven.

00:32:07.579 --> 00:32:08.799
 Cancelled by the

00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.960
 sacrificial work of the

00:32:09.960 --> 00:32:11.299
 Lord Jesus as we heard in

00:32:11.299 --> 00:32:12.100
 Colossians 2.

00:32:12.940 --> 00:32:15.840
 So Christ serves to answer

00:32:15.840 --> 00:32:18.600
 our deep anxieties by

00:32:18.599 --> 00:32:20.259
 pointing us to the greater

00:32:20.259 --> 00:32:22.379
 riches we have in him.

00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:25.139
 He makes us truly rich.

00:32:26.139 --> 00:32:27.399
 Freeing us to serve

00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:27.939
 others.

00:32:28.839 --> 00:32:29.679
 Do we know it?

00:32:30.359 --> 00:32:31.059
 Do we live it?

00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:32.439
 Do we experience that?

00:32:34.679 --> 00:32:37.939
 Being rich in Christ is the

00:32:37.939 --> 00:32:39.719
 key to a healthy

00:32:39.719 --> 00:32:42.059
 relationship to our money.

00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.779
 Helps us to understand this

00:32:44.779 --> 00:32:46.159
 life is not all there is so

00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:47.500
 that we would guard against

00:32:47.500 --> 00:32:48.519
 greed and just living for

00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:48.920
 today.

00:32:50.360 --> 00:32:51.920
 It will help us to grow to

00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:54.140
 trust our Father in heaven.

00:32:54.420 --> 00:32:56.940
 To provide for our needs.

00:32:57.360 --> 00:32:59.120
 Rather than living consumed by

00:32:59.120 --> 00:32:59.779
 anxiety.

00:33:01.700 --> 00:33:03.480
 And as we come to see Christ and

00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:05.100
 his kingdom as true riches.

00:33:05.580 --> 00:33:07.259
 We'll gladly give our hearts,

00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.500
 our lives,

00:33:08.900 --> 00:33:10.200
 and our money

00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:11.900
 for his sake,

00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:13.240
 for his kingdom,

00:33:13.860 --> 00:33:14.700
 for his glory.

00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:16.680
 Let's pray about that

00:33:16.680 --> 00:33:17.019
 together.

00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:19.759
 Lord,

00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:20.900
 our God,

00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:22.259
 we recognize

00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:23.160
 each one of us

00:33:23.160 --> 00:33:23.819
 has our own

00:33:23.819 --> 00:33:25.740
 relationship to money

00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:27.440
 that can change

00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:28.240
 at different times.

00:33:28.340 --> 00:33:29.440
 It can tend towards

00:33:29.440 --> 00:33:31.880
 contentment at some points

00:33:31.880 --> 00:33:33.080
 and greed at other points

00:33:33.080 --> 00:33:34.640
 or anxiety at other times.

00:33:35.360 --> 00:33:35.640
 Lord,

00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:36.620
 we pray that you would

00:33:36.620 --> 00:33:37.620
 settle our hearts

00:33:37.620 --> 00:33:38.460
 on this wonderful

00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:39.180
 reality.

00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:41.000
 That we live in

00:33:41.000 --> 00:33:42.900
 our Father's world.

00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:44.740
 That we would know you

00:33:44.740 --> 00:33:46.079
 as Father through faith

00:33:46.079 --> 00:33:46.600
 in Jesus

00:33:46.600 --> 00:33:48.019
 and learn to trust you.

00:33:49.539 --> 00:33:49.880
 And that

00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:50.940
 you would give us

00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:51.920
 the eyes of faith

00:33:51.920 --> 00:33:52.680
 to understand

00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:53.980
 that if we have Jesus,

00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:55.299
 we have all the wealth

00:33:55.299 --> 00:33:55.840
 and riches

00:33:55.840 --> 00:33:57.100
 we could ever need

00:33:57.100 --> 00:33:58.640
 or ever imagine.

00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:00.319
 And that,

00:34:00.420 --> 00:34:00.500
 Lord,

00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:01.759
 that would free us up

00:34:01.759 --> 00:34:03.460
 to be radically

00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:04.160
 generous,

00:34:04.799 --> 00:34:05.539
 to give,

00:34:05.660 --> 00:34:06.299
 to support

00:34:06.299 --> 00:34:07.659
 the church

00:34:07.659 --> 00:34:08.659
 that we belong to,

00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:09.460
 to give,

00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:10.360
 to be a blessing

00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:11.219
 to our family

00:34:11.219 --> 00:34:11.980
 and our friends,

00:34:12.340 --> 00:34:13.380
 to give so that

00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:14.259
 global mission

00:34:14.259 --> 00:34:15.179
 could continue.

00:34:16.360 --> 00:34:17.519
 And all for your glory

00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:18.099
 we pray.

00:34:18.860 --> 00:34:19.199
 Amen.

00:34:23.699 --> 00:34:24.059
 Now,

00:34:24.279 --> 00:34:25.039
 I think the boys and girls

00:34:25.039 --> 00:34:25.840
 are just going to

00:34:25.840 --> 00:34:27.940
 come and join us.

00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:29.139
 So we'll give them

00:34:29.139 --> 00:34:29.460
 a moment.

00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:29.619
 Amen.

00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:29.659
 Amen.

00:34:29.659 --> 00:34:29.699
 Amen.

00:34:29.699 --> 00:34:29.759
 Amen.

00:34:29.759 --> 00:34:29.840
 Amen.

00:34:29.840 --> 00:34:30.239
 Amen.

00:34:36.300 --> 00:35:02.640
 I want to read

00:35:02.640 --> 00:35:04.100
 one verse

00:35:04.100 --> 00:35:05.620
 together.

00:35:06.300 --> 00:35:08.180
 So we've just been

00:35:08.180 --> 00:35:08.840
 thinking about that

00:35:08.840 --> 00:35:10.019
 reality that to know

00:35:10.019 --> 00:35:11.280
 Christ is to have

00:35:11.280 --> 00:35:13.340
 true riches.

00:35:13.600 --> 00:35:13.760
 Well,

00:35:14.180 --> 00:35:15.400
 in 2 Corinthians

00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:17.720
 chapter 8

00:35:17.720 --> 00:35:19.680
 and verse 9,

00:35:20.460 --> 00:35:21.400
 we have this,

00:35:21.800 --> 00:35:22.880
 For you know

00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:23.760
 the grace

00:35:23.760 --> 00:35:25.560
 of our Lord

00:35:25.560 --> 00:35:26.600
 Jesus Christ,

00:35:27.539 --> 00:35:28.120
 that though

00:35:28.120 --> 00:35:29.280
 He was rich,

00:35:30.160 --> 00:35:31.580
 yet for your sake

00:35:31.580 --> 00:35:33.280
 He became poor,

00:35:33.280 --> 00:35:34.900
 so that you,

00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.620
 through His poverty,

00:35:37.160 --> 00:35:39.320
 might become rich.

00:35:40.320 --> 00:35:40.980
 And so we are

00:35:40.980 --> 00:35:41.840
 reminded of the

00:35:41.840 --> 00:35:42.340
 gospel.

00:35:43.560 --> 00:35:44.519
 The God who gives

00:35:44.519 --> 00:35:45.340
 each one of us

00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:45.960
 our life

00:35:45.960 --> 00:35:47.320
 is the God

00:35:47.320 --> 00:35:48.120
 who also gave

00:35:48.120 --> 00:35:48.940
 His Son Jesus

00:35:48.940 --> 00:35:50.280
 to come into this world.

00:35:51.280 --> 00:35:52.620
 And Jesus gladly

00:35:52.620 --> 00:35:53.519
 and willingly

00:35:53.519 --> 00:35:55.240
 made this journey

00:35:55.240 --> 00:35:57.019
 from the riches

00:35:57.019 --> 00:35:57.720
 and the glory

00:35:57.720 --> 00:35:58.380
 of heaven

00:35:58.380 --> 00:35:59.599
 to come

00:35:59.599 --> 00:36:00.280
 to live

00:36:00.280 --> 00:36:01.039
 a life

00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.740
 of perfect

00:36:01.740 --> 00:36:02.240
 obedience

00:36:02.240 --> 00:36:03.960
 here on the earth,

00:36:04.720 --> 00:36:05.740
 to go

00:36:05.740 --> 00:36:07.000
 to the cross,

00:36:07.579 --> 00:36:10.019
 to give His life

00:36:10.019 --> 00:36:11.920
 in our place,

00:36:12.380 --> 00:36:14.240
 so that we,

00:36:14.920 --> 00:36:16.320
 through His poverty,

00:36:17.320 --> 00:36:18.940
 we might become rich.

00:36:20.220 --> 00:36:21.140
 So we've been

00:36:21.140 --> 00:36:22.119
 reminding ourselves

00:36:22.119 --> 00:36:23.079
 from God's Word

00:36:23.079 --> 00:36:23.720
 that to know

00:36:23.720 --> 00:36:25.119
 Jesus as Savior

00:36:25.119 --> 00:36:26.400
 is what it means

00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:27.039
 to be rich,

00:36:27.099 --> 00:36:28.320
 to be rich towards God,

00:36:28.380 --> 00:36:29.079
 to have treasure

00:36:29.079 --> 00:36:29.820
 in heaven.

00:36:30.880 --> 00:36:31.760
 And as we come

00:36:31.760 --> 00:36:32.660
 to the Lord's table

00:36:32.660 --> 00:36:33.380
 and as we think

00:36:33.380 --> 00:36:34.640
 about the bread

00:36:34.640 --> 00:36:35.539
 and the wine,

00:36:36.480 --> 00:36:37.420
 we're being reminded

00:36:37.420 --> 00:36:38.559
 about an incredible

00:36:38.559 --> 00:36:39.660
 cost, aren't we?

00:36:40.240 --> 00:36:41.780
 The incredible cost

00:36:41.780 --> 00:36:43.260
 the Son of God

00:36:43.260 --> 00:36:44.260
 paid

00:36:44.260 --> 00:36:45.980
 that His people

00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:47.619
 might be set free

00:36:47.619 --> 00:36:48.619
 and saved.

00:36:49.640 --> 00:36:51.720
 Giving up His life

00:36:51.720 --> 00:36:53.220
 to give us

00:36:53.220 --> 00:36:54.420
 eternal life.

00:36:54.420 --> 00:36:56.460
 So as we take

00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:56.900
 the bread

00:36:56.900 --> 00:36:57.539
 and as we take

00:36:57.539 --> 00:36:57.900
 the wine,

00:36:58.700 --> 00:37:00.139
 we remember that.

00:37:02.320 --> 00:37:03.200
 This meal,

00:37:03.320 --> 00:37:04.099
 this simple meal

00:37:04.099 --> 00:37:04.900
 is for those

00:37:04.900 --> 00:37:06.119
 who know

00:37:06.119 --> 00:37:06.900
 Jesus

00:37:06.900 --> 00:37:07.860
 as Lord

00:37:07.860 --> 00:37:08.599
 and Savior,

00:37:08.840 --> 00:37:09.700
 who belong

00:37:09.700 --> 00:37:10.800
 to His church,

00:37:11.340 --> 00:37:12.559
 who can say,

00:37:12.800 --> 00:37:13.840
 by God's grace,

00:37:14.420 --> 00:37:15.320
 I am rich,

00:37:15.980 --> 00:37:17.019
 I have treasure

00:37:17.019 --> 00:37:17.500
 in heaven

00:37:17.500 --> 00:37:18.420
 because I'm trusting

00:37:18.420 --> 00:37:19.059
 in Jesus.

00:37:19.059 --> 00:37:23.739
 We read in Colossians 3

00:37:23.739 --> 00:37:24.619
 and verse 4,

00:37:25.039 --> 00:37:25.820
 when Christ,

00:37:25.980 --> 00:37:27.000
 who is your life,

00:37:27.099 --> 00:37:27.619
 appears,

00:37:28.239 --> 00:37:29.659
 you also will appear

00:37:29.659 --> 00:37:30.380
 with Him

00:37:30.380 --> 00:37:31.719
 in glory.

00:37:32.559 --> 00:37:34.519
 As Jesus meets us

00:37:34.519 --> 00:37:34.960
 here

00:37:34.960 --> 00:37:36.059
 at His table,

00:37:37.259 --> 00:37:38.360
 He wants this meal

00:37:38.360 --> 00:37:39.480
 to be a reminder

00:37:39.480 --> 00:37:41.279
 of the great feast

00:37:41.279 --> 00:37:42.179
 awaiting us,

00:37:42.259 --> 00:37:43.480
 the great hope,

00:37:43.940 --> 00:37:44.960
 the great glory,

00:37:45.400 --> 00:37:46.480
 the great fellowship

00:37:46.480 --> 00:37:48.219
 that's awaiting us.

00:37:49.280 --> 00:37:50.440
 So this is a meal

00:37:50.440 --> 00:37:51.900
 for the Lord's people.

00:37:53.780 --> 00:37:54.840
 So if that's you,

00:37:54.960 --> 00:37:56.420
 then please do come

00:37:56.420 --> 00:37:57.719
 and receive.

00:37:58.800 --> 00:37:59.380
 But let me say,

00:37:59.460 --> 00:38:00.679
 if that's not you today,

00:38:01.099 --> 00:38:02.039
 if you're not a follower

00:38:02.039 --> 00:38:02.539
 of Jesus,

00:38:02.679 --> 00:38:03.920
 if you don't yet trust Him

00:38:03.920 --> 00:38:04.500
 as your Lord

00:38:04.500 --> 00:38:05.179
 and your Savior,

00:38:05.820 --> 00:38:07.039
 then please

00:38:07.039 --> 00:38:08.380
 don't come forward

00:38:08.380 --> 00:38:09.360
 to take the bread

00:38:09.360 --> 00:38:09.840
 and the wine.

00:38:10.500 --> 00:38:11.340
 But let me invite you

00:38:11.340 --> 00:38:12.500
 to think about

00:38:12.500 --> 00:38:13.240
 what we've heard

00:38:13.240 --> 00:38:14.000
 in God's Word.

00:38:14.119 --> 00:38:15.199
 Think about the treasure

00:38:15.199 --> 00:38:16.779
 that Jesus offers

00:38:16.779 --> 00:38:18.039
 through His own life,

00:38:18.399 --> 00:38:18.679
 death,

00:38:18.739 --> 00:38:19.439
 and resurrection

00:38:19.439 --> 00:38:20.619
 that in the fullness

00:38:20.619 --> 00:38:21.059
 of time

00:38:21.059 --> 00:38:22.099
 you might come to Him

00:38:22.099 --> 00:38:24.099
 and you might receive.

00:38:25.799 --> 00:38:26.579
 I'm going to read

00:38:26.579 --> 00:38:27.659
 for us

00:38:27.659 --> 00:38:29.719
 from 1 Corinthians

00:38:29.719 --> 00:38:30.539
 chapter 11

00:38:30.539 --> 00:38:33.319
 verse 22,

00:38:34.480 --> 00:38:35.639
 verse 23 rather.

00:38:36.319 --> 00:38:37.339
 For I received

00:38:37.339 --> 00:38:38.119
 from the Lord

00:38:38.119 --> 00:38:39.599
 what I also

00:38:39.599 --> 00:38:40.779
 passed on to you.

00:38:41.579 --> 00:38:42.379
 The Lord Jesus

00:38:42.379 --> 00:38:42.919
 on the night

00:38:42.919 --> 00:38:43.619
 He was betrayed

00:38:43.619 --> 00:38:45.099
 took bread

00:38:45.099 --> 00:38:46.480
 and when He had

00:38:46.480 --> 00:38:47.299
 given thanks

00:38:47.299 --> 00:38:48.199
 He broke it.

00:38:48.859 --> 00:38:50.400
 Let's pray together.

00:38:53.400 --> 00:38:53.960
 Lord,

00:38:54.299 --> 00:38:55.359
 our God,

00:38:55.460 --> 00:38:56.299
 we thank You

00:38:56.299 --> 00:38:58.000
 for Your grace

00:38:58.000 --> 00:38:59.039
 towards us

00:38:59.039 --> 00:39:00.159
 in the Lord Jesus.

00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:02.500
 We thank You

00:39:02.500 --> 00:39:04.019
 for His willingness

00:39:04.019 --> 00:39:04.759
 to leave

00:39:04.759 --> 00:39:06.000
 the glory of heaven,

00:39:06.539 --> 00:39:07.920
 to live for us,

00:39:07.980 --> 00:39:09.279
 to suffer and die for us,

00:39:09.339 --> 00:39:10.759
 to rise again for us,

00:39:10.760 --> 00:39:12.440
 so that by trusting

00:39:12.440 --> 00:39:13.100
 in Him,

00:39:13.940 --> 00:39:15.140
 we too would have

00:39:15.140 --> 00:39:15.880
 that hope

00:39:15.880 --> 00:39:18.120
 of eternal glory.

00:39:19.580 --> 00:39:20.100
 Lord,

00:39:20.160 --> 00:39:20.860
 we thank You

00:39:20.860 --> 00:39:21.440
 for Jesus

00:39:21.440 --> 00:39:22.280
 being willing

00:39:22.280 --> 00:39:23.380
 to lay down

00:39:23.380 --> 00:39:24.240
 His life

00:39:24.240 --> 00:39:28.000
 to make rebel sinners

00:39:28.000 --> 00:39:29.720
 into His friends,

00:39:30.080 --> 00:39:31.540
 to call us

00:39:31.540 --> 00:39:32.580
 into the family

00:39:32.580 --> 00:39:33.160
 of God.

00:39:33.840 --> 00:39:34.860
 We recognize

00:39:34.860 --> 00:39:36.380
 as we share

00:39:36.380 --> 00:39:37.220
 the Lord's Supper

00:39:37.220 --> 00:39:38.220
 as the people of God

00:39:38.219 --> 00:39:39.119
 that we don't do it

00:39:39.119 --> 00:39:39.759
 on the basis

00:39:39.759 --> 00:39:40.939
 of our own merit.

00:39:42.159 --> 00:39:43.179
 We recognize

00:39:43.179 --> 00:39:44.099
 that it's all

00:39:44.099 --> 00:39:45.259
 because of Jesus

00:39:45.259 --> 00:39:46.839
 and His blood

00:39:46.839 --> 00:39:47.559
 shed for us

00:39:47.559 --> 00:39:48.199
 on the cross.

00:39:49.899 --> 00:39:50.399
 Lord,

00:39:50.480 --> 00:39:51.159
 we ask

00:39:51.159 --> 00:39:51.819
 that You would

00:39:51.819 --> 00:39:52.980
 meet with us

00:39:52.980 --> 00:39:53.879
 as You promised,

00:39:54.659 --> 00:39:55.179
 that You would

00:39:55.179 --> 00:39:56.579
 strengthen our hearts

00:39:56.579 --> 00:39:57.539
 by faith

00:39:57.539 --> 00:39:58.899
 as we

00:39:58.899 --> 00:40:00.319
 take this moment

00:40:00.319 --> 00:40:01.379
 to consider,

00:40:01.559 --> 00:40:02.399
 to remember

00:40:02.399 --> 00:40:04.259
 the Lord Jesus

00:40:04.259 --> 00:40:06.059
 suffering and dying

00:40:06.059 --> 00:40:07.139
 in our place

00:40:07.139 --> 00:40:08.420
 and for our sins,

00:40:09.119 --> 00:40:10.380
 as we consider

00:40:10.380 --> 00:40:12.739
 the glorified Lord Jesus

00:40:12.739 --> 00:40:13.880
 who sends us

00:40:13.880 --> 00:40:15.019
 His presence,

00:40:15.159 --> 00:40:16.039
 who sends us

00:40:16.039 --> 00:40:16.719
 His Spirit,

00:40:17.460 --> 00:40:18.599
 who would feed us

00:40:18.599 --> 00:40:19.779
 spiritually today,

00:40:20.279 --> 00:40:21.940
 and who has prepared

00:40:21.940 --> 00:40:23.739
 an eternal home

00:40:23.739 --> 00:40:25.400
 in glory for us

00:40:25.400 --> 00:40:26.820
 so that we know

00:40:26.820 --> 00:40:27.599
 that there is still

00:40:27.599 --> 00:40:28.579
 that great feast

00:40:28.579 --> 00:40:29.279
 to come.

00:40:30.639 --> 00:40:31.039
 Lord,

00:40:31.099 --> 00:40:32.259
 we pray that You

00:40:32.259 --> 00:40:33.519
 would humble our hearts,

00:40:34.719 --> 00:40:36.000
 You'd fill our hearts,

00:40:36.059 --> 00:40:37.460
 with great joy

00:40:37.460 --> 00:40:38.400
 and gladness,

00:40:40.739 --> 00:40:41.299
 gratitude

00:40:41.299 --> 00:40:42.500
 for all that You

00:40:42.500 --> 00:40:43.320
 have done for us

00:40:43.320 --> 00:40:44.460
 in the gospel.

00:40:45.739 --> 00:40:46.059
 Amen.

00:40:48.059 --> 00:40:48.539
 Now,

00:40:48.900 --> 00:40:51.380
 we're going to sing.

00:40:52.259 --> 00:40:53.119
 We're going to sing

00:40:53.119 --> 00:40:53.779
 a section of,

00:40:53.840 --> 00:40:54.699
 or two sections actually,

00:40:54.799 --> 00:40:55.980
 of Psalm 73,

00:40:56.880 --> 00:40:58.320
 and as we're singing,

00:40:58.759 --> 00:40:59.860
 folks will steward you

00:40:59.860 --> 00:41:00.239
 to come,

00:41:00.320 --> 00:41:01.219
 if you're receiving

00:41:01.219 --> 00:41:01.799
 the Lord's Supper,

00:41:01.900 --> 00:41:02.539
 to come and take

00:41:02.539 --> 00:41:02.980
 some bread

00:41:02.980 --> 00:41:03.820
 and take some wine.

00:41:04.800 --> 00:41:06.620
 The lighter colored cups

00:41:06.620 --> 00:41:07.559
 are non-alcoholic,

00:41:07.600 --> 00:41:08.840
 the darker are alcoholic.

00:41:09.440 --> 00:41:09.580
 So,

00:41:09.680 --> 00:41:10.920
 if you take those,

00:41:11.660 --> 00:41:12.300
 take them back

00:41:12.300 --> 00:41:12.840
 to your seats

00:41:12.840 --> 00:41:13.760
 and then hold on to them

00:41:13.760 --> 00:41:14.920
 so that we can eat

00:41:14.920 --> 00:41:15.580
 and drink together

00:41:15.580 --> 00:41:16.460
 after we have sung.

00:41:16.519 --> 00:41:16.620
 So,

00:41:16.680 --> 00:41:17.180
 let's stand

00:41:17.180 --> 00:41:19.340
 to sing Psalm 73 together.

00:41:19.340 --> 00:41:30.700
 Surely the Lord is good

00:41:30.700 --> 00:41:32.680
 to Israel,

00:41:32.680 --> 00:41:39.880
 to those who in their hearts

00:41:39.880 --> 00:41:43.280
 are true and pure,

00:41:43.280 --> 00:41:47.060
 but as for me,

00:41:47.060 --> 00:41:52.680
 my feet had almost slipped,

00:41:53.200 --> 00:41:58.060
 my foothold had become

00:41:58.060 --> 00:42:00.980
 quite insecure.

00:42:00.980 --> 00:42:10.039
 For when I saw the wicked

00:42:10.039 --> 00:42:13.420
 prospering,

00:42:13.420 --> 00:42:17.619
 I envied them

00:42:17.619 --> 00:42:21.960
 their arrogant success.

00:42:21.960 --> 00:42:28.420
 They keep their bodies

00:42:28.420 --> 00:42:31.960
 healthy, fit, and strong.

00:42:31.960 --> 00:42:38.099
 They do not have to

00:42:38.099 --> 00:42:41.559
 struggle with distress.

00:42:41.559 --> 00:42:48.279
 They are not plagued

00:42:48.279 --> 00:42:52.259
 by human weaknesses.

00:42:52.260 --> 00:42:58.380
 from burdens common

00:42:58.380 --> 00:43:00.740
 to mankind

00:43:00.740 --> 00:43:02.920
 they're free.

00:43:02.920 --> 00:43:08.100
 They therefore clothe

00:43:08.100 --> 00:43:13.240
 themselves with violence.

00:43:13.860 --> 00:43:18.040
 Pride is their necklace,

00:43:18.039 --> 00:43:23.039
 fraunted shamelessly.

00:43:25.099 --> 00:43:29.199
 When in my heart

00:43:29.199 --> 00:43:34.519
 I was consumed with grief,

00:43:35.239 --> 00:43:38.759
 and when my soul

00:43:38.759 --> 00:43:43.039
 was filled with bitterness,

00:43:43.039 --> 00:43:51.500
 then I was like a brute beast

00:43:51.500 --> 00:43:54.480
 in your sight,

00:43:54.480 --> 00:44:00.320
 so full of ignorance

00:44:00.320 --> 00:44:05.159
 and foolishness.

00:44:05.159 --> 00:44:11.639
 yet I remain with you

00:44:11.639 --> 00:44:15.159
 continually.

00:44:15.159 --> 00:44:19.519
 By my right hand,

00:44:19.519 --> 00:44:25.199
 you hold me as my guide.

00:44:25.199 --> 00:44:31.699
 You lead me with your counsel

00:44:31.699 --> 00:44:34.699
 to the end,

00:44:34.699 --> 00:44:41.699
 and take me into glory

00:44:41.699 --> 00:44:44.699
 to abide.

00:44:44.699 --> 00:44:48.699
 In heaven,

00:44:48.699 --> 00:44:54.699
 whom have I but you alone?

00:44:54.699 --> 00:45:00.980
 On earth there's no one

00:45:00.980 --> 00:45:04.699
 else whom I adore.

00:45:04.699 --> 00:45:10.779
 Although my heart may

00:45:10.779 --> 00:45:14.699
 fail as fresh grow weak,

00:45:14.699 --> 00:45:19.699
 God is my strength

00:45:19.699 --> 00:45:24.699
 and portion evermore.

00:45:24.699 --> 00:45:31.699
 Those who are far from you

00:45:31.699 --> 00:45:34.699
 will be cut down.

00:45:34.699 --> 00:45:41.699
 All those who are unfaithful

00:45:41.699 --> 00:45:43.699
 you destroy,

00:45:43.699 --> 00:45:48.699
 but I'll draw near

00:45:48.699 --> 00:45:53.699
 and shelter in my God.

00:45:53.699 --> 00:45:58.699
 Your deeds, O Lord,

00:45:58.699 --> 00:46:04.699
 I will recount with joy.

00:46:12.699 --> 00:46:16.699
 Let me read for us from Isaiah 53.

00:46:16.699 --> 00:46:19.699
 Who has believed our message?

00:46:19.699 --> 00:46:22.699
 And to whom has the arm of the Lord

00:46:22.699 --> 00:46:23.699
 been revealed?

00:46:23.699 --> 00:46:24.699
 He grew up before him

00:46:24.699 --> 00:46:26.699
 like a tender shoot,

00:46:26.699 --> 00:46:29.699
 and like a root out of dry ground,

00:46:29.699 --> 00:46:30.699
 he had no beauty or majesty

00:46:30.699 --> 00:46:32.699
 to attract us to him,

00:46:32.699 --> 00:46:34.699
 nothing in his appearance

00:46:34.699 --> 00:46:36.699
 that we should desire him.

00:46:36.699 --> 00:46:39.699
 He was despised and rejected

00:46:39.699 --> 00:46:40.699
 by mankind,

00:46:40.699 --> 00:46:42.699
 a man of suffering

00:46:42.699 --> 00:46:44.699
 and familiar with pain.

00:46:44.699 --> 00:46:46.699
 Like one from whom people

00:46:46.699 --> 00:46:48.699
 hide their faces,

00:46:48.699 --> 00:46:49.699
 he was despised,

00:46:49.699 --> 00:46:52.699
 and we held him in low esteem.

00:46:52.699 --> 00:46:55.699
 Surely he took up our pain

00:46:55.699 --> 00:46:57.699
 and bore our suffering.

00:46:57.699 --> 00:47:00.699
 Yet we considered him punished by God,

00:47:00.699 --> 00:47:03.699
 stricken by him and afflicted.

00:47:03.699 --> 00:47:07.699
 But he was pierced for our transgressions,

00:47:07.699 --> 00:47:11.699
 he was crushed for our iniquities.

00:47:11.699 --> 00:47:14.699
 The punishment that brought us peace

00:47:14.699 --> 00:47:15.699
 was on him,

00:47:15.699 --> 00:47:18.699
 and by his wounds we are healed.

00:47:18.699 --> 00:47:22.699
 We all, like sheep, have gone astray.

00:47:22.699 --> 00:47:25.699
 Each of us has turned to our own way,

00:47:25.699 --> 00:47:28.699
 and the Lord has laid on him

00:47:28.699 --> 00:47:31.699
 the iniquity of us all.

00:47:31.699 --> 00:47:32.699
 Please have a seat.

00:47:32.699 --> 00:47:45.699
 I receive from the Lord

00:47:45.699 --> 00:47:47.699
 what I also passed on to you.

00:47:47.699 --> 00:47:48.699
 The Lord Jesus,

00:47:48.699 --> 00:47:50.699
 on the night he was betrayed,

00:47:50.699 --> 00:47:52.699
 took bread,

00:47:52.699 --> 00:47:54.699
 and when he had given thanks,

00:47:54.699 --> 00:47:55.699
 he broke it and said,

00:47:55.699 --> 00:47:58.699
 this is my body which is for you.

00:47:58.699 --> 00:48:01.699
 Do this in remembrance of me.

00:48:01.699 --> 00:48:03.699
 So let's eat and remember.

00:48:11.699 --> 00:48:12.699
 In the same way, after supper,

00:48:12.699 --> 00:48:14.699
 he took the cup saying,

00:48:14.699 --> 00:48:17.699
 this cup is the new covenant in my blood.

00:48:17.699 --> 00:48:19.699
 Do this whenever you drink it

00:48:19.699 --> 00:48:21.699
 in remembrance of me.

00:48:21.699 --> 00:48:24.699
 For whenever you eat this bread,

00:48:24.699 --> 00:48:26.699
 and drink this cup,

00:48:26.699 --> 00:48:29.699
 you proclaim the Lord's death

00:48:29.699 --> 00:48:31.699
 until he comes.

00:48:31.699 --> 00:48:32.699
 So let's drink together.

00:48:32.699 --> 00:48:47.699
 Let me lead us in prayer once again.

00:48:47.699 --> 00:48:55.699
 We have now been commemorating the death of Christ.

00:48:55.699 --> 00:48:59.699
 Lord, grant that by the power of that act,

00:48:59.699 --> 00:49:02.699
 sin may be crucified in us,

00:49:02.699 --> 00:49:04.699
 the world crucified to us,

00:49:04.699 --> 00:49:06.699
 and we to the world.

00:49:06.699 --> 00:49:08.699
 And enable your children

00:49:08.699 --> 00:49:11.699
 so to carry about with us continually

00:49:11.699 --> 00:49:13.699
 the dying of the Lord Jesus,

00:49:13.699 --> 00:49:17.699
 so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed

00:49:17.699 --> 00:49:19.699
 in our mortal bodies.

00:49:19.699 --> 00:49:20.699
 Amen.

00:49:20.699 --> 00:49:23.699
 And now, as we close,

00:49:23.699 --> 00:49:25.699
 let's sing our closing hymn,

00:49:25.699 --> 00:49:27.699
 which is in Christ alone.

00:49:27.699 --> 00:49:30.699
 And again, let's stand together to sing.