WEBVTT 00:00:00.340 --> 00:00:05.040 Well, good morning, everyone. Are we doing okay? Yeah, great to see you this morning. 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:09.380 Thank you so much to Fiona and band and everyone who's contributed to our service thus far. 00:00:09.660 --> 00:00:14.780 Maybe you want to grab your Bibles and turn back to those verses that Kat read for us in Colossians chapter 1. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:20.500 And God has so much to teach us this morning through his word. 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:23.179 I've been so blessed just to study this passage this week. 00:00:23.859 --> 00:00:28.460 And it's my prayer that God, by his spirit, would speak to us and challenge our own hearts 00:00:28.460 --> 00:00:30.519 as we come to hear what he has to say to us this morning. 00:00:30.620 --> 00:00:33.980 So with that thought in our minds, let's turn to the Lord and let's pray 00:00:33.980 --> 00:00:35.799 and ask that he would help us this morning. 00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:44.760 In Psalm 119, the psalmist writes this. 00:00:45.880 --> 00:00:50.040 Your statutes are wonderful, therefore I obey them. 00:00:50.600 --> 00:00:53.200 The unfolding of your words, it gives light. 00:00:53.640 --> 00:00:56.000 It gives understanding to the simple. 00:00:56.000 --> 00:01:02.060 And so, Heavenly Father, we would want to make it our prayer this morning at the outset of our time together 00:01:02.060 --> 00:01:10.500 that that would be our experience, that we would know how wonderful your word to us is. 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:15.140 And Father, would we leave here this morning with a greater picture of your son, Jesus Christ. 00:01:15.480 --> 00:01:18.700 We can only do that if your spirit comes and helps us. 00:01:19.060 --> 00:01:21.460 And so we pray that he would come now and be with us. 00:01:21.519 --> 00:01:23.120 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 00:01:23.120 --> 00:01:23.260 Amen. 00:01:24.200 --> 00:01:28.439 Well, to get us thinking this afternoon, here's a quiz question for you. 00:01:28.600 --> 00:01:34.960 What do Charles Dickens, Woody Allen, Muhammad Ali and Prince Charles have in common? 00:01:35.500 --> 00:01:36.719 Anybody? Anybody? 00:01:41.060 --> 00:01:42.700 So just when you... Anybody? 00:01:42.700 --> 00:01:43.980 They're all the four. 00:01:43.980 --> 00:01:44.980 They're all the four. 00:01:45.140 --> 00:01:45.939 Okay, no, not that one. 00:01:48.480 --> 00:01:51.680 Just when you thought Prince Charles couldn't get any cooler, 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:56.980 all four of them were or are registered amateur magicians. 00:01:57.939 --> 00:01:58.780 Did you know that? 00:02:00.120 --> 00:02:01.560 Registered amateur magicians. 00:02:01.600 --> 00:02:03.060 And what do they say about a good magician? 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:07.800 Never reveals his or her secrets. 00:02:07.799 --> 00:02:13.840 Ironically, I went on Google this week and I asked Google who the first person was to coin that phrase 00:02:13.840 --> 00:02:15.659 and it would appear that it is a mystery. 00:02:16.859 --> 00:02:21.060 Well, with those verses in Colossians in our minds, turn there, 00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:27.819 what we're going to see is that there is a mystery that's right at the heart of these verses. 00:02:27.819 --> 00:02:38.439 Now, you'll see Paul mention it three times, verse 26 and 27 of chapter 1 and verse 2 of chapter 2. 00:02:40.939 --> 00:02:43.459 There's a mystery right at the heart of these verses. 00:02:46.099 --> 00:02:47.299 But here's the difference. 00:02:48.659 --> 00:02:51.560 Unlike our magician friends, when Paul talks about a mystery, 00:02:52.639 --> 00:02:55.879 he's not talking about something that will be forever kept from us, 00:02:55.879 --> 00:03:00.579 something that only a certain level of person will be allowed into. 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:06.539 He's talking about something that has been once kept hidden 00:03:06.539 --> 00:03:08.919 and has now been disclosed for the world to see. 00:03:10.060 --> 00:03:13.740 You see, in English, a mystery, and I looked this up, the Collins English Dictionary, 00:03:14.039 --> 00:03:17.579 a mystery is something that is difficult or impossible to understand. 00:03:17.900 --> 00:03:19.900 That's what a mystery is, is we understand it. 00:03:20.579 --> 00:03:23.000 So you think about the secret recipe to Coke. 00:03:23.340 --> 00:03:24.159 It's a mystery. 00:03:24.159 --> 00:03:29.579 You think about what goes on in Area 51 out in the desert in Nevada. 00:03:30.500 --> 00:03:34.639 That is a mystery, despite what Independence Day the film would teach us. 00:03:34.939 --> 00:03:35.780 It's a mystery. 00:03:36.199 --> 00:03:38.819 Remember, as a child being fascinated, anyone else do this, 00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:40.780 by the mystery machine in Scooby-Doo. 00:03:41.060 --> 00:03:42.300 Do you remember that? 00:03:42.740 --> 00:03:44.199 The mystery machine in Scooby-Doo. 00:03:44.359 --> 00:03:48.159 The van that somehow had everything that the gang would ever need in it 00:03:48.159 --> 00:03:51.060 for any given occasion and any given challenge, 00:03:51.060 --> 00:03:53.900 but no one quite knew how it all fitted in that tiny little machine. 00:03:53.979 --> 00:03:54.640 It was a mystery. 00:03:56.180 --> 00:03:59.199 But in Greek, you see, a mystery is something quite different. 00:03:59.300 --> 00:04:02.659 The Greek word mysterion, which you can see how we got our word mystery, 00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:08.080 is a secret that was once kept hidden and now has been revealed to the world. 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:13.300 Something that was once hidden, now it's out there for everyone to see. 00:04:14.120 --> 00:04:18.740 So this is a lot more like the Apple XS launch in September that's just gone. 00:04:19.340 --> 00:04:19.460 Okay? 00:04:19.960 --> 00:04:21.860 Plans that were once hidden from public view, 00:04:22.020 --> 00:04:24.759 plans that only a certain amount of people were being let into, 00:04:25.340 --> 00:04:26.939 but now they've gone public. 00:04:26.939 --> 00:04:29.899 Now it's on show for the world to see, 00:04:30.339 --> 00:04:33.660 and it's on show for the world to see so that they can get in on this. 00:04:33.959 --> 00:04:37.279 There's a mystery that's right at the heart of these verses today. 00:04:38.500 --> 00:04:42.680 Now it would appear that Paul has chosen his word quite deliberately there, 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:47.040 because what's most likely going on in the background to these verses 00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:49.500 is that these false teachers, 00:04:49.600 --> 00:04:52.920 remember we saw them in our first couple of sermons, 00:04:52.920 --> 00:04:57.800 they claim to have access to some kind of spiritual secret knowledge, 00:04:58.220 --> 00:05:02.759 they claim to be in on a mystery that the rest of you ordinary Christians in Colossae 00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:04.759 that you're not in on, you're missing out. 00:05:06.580 --> 00:05:07.700 And Paul says that's nonsense, 00:05:08.379 --> 00:05:12.220 because God's put his mysteries on show for the world to see. 00:05:13.600 --> 00:05:16.480 And what he wants them to see in these verses, Paul, 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:20.800 is that this mystery is the reason for his ministry. 00:05:20.800 --> 00:05:26.020 This mystery is the reason why he does what he does. 00:05:26.840 --> 00:05:30.100 If you look at it there, this is why he endures suffering. 00:05:30.220 --> 00:05:30.600 Do you see it? 00:05:30.660 --> 00:05:32.319 He rejoices in it. 00:05:33.280 --> 00:05:35.259 Not that he enjoys hardship, 00:05:35.540 --> 00:05:39.780 but he rejoices in the why he's going through what he's going through, 00:05:39.900 --> 00:05:41.300 and the what it means, 00:05:41.960 --> 00:05:43.240 and that he's in chains. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.580 The only reason he's in chains is because he's proclaiming Christ, 00:05:47.300 --> 00:05:48.639 and because he's proclaiming Christ, 00:05:48.639 --> 00:05:50.540 more and more people are coming to know Christ, 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:51.500 and so he says, 00:05:51.580 --> 00:05:53.040 I rejoice in what I'm going through. 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:57.620 And boy, did Paul suffer for proclaiming Christ. 00:05:58.900 --> 00:06:01.780 Shipwreck, imprisonment, abandonment, beatings, 00:06:01.840 --> 00:06:03.879 all because he proclaimed Jesus Christ. 00:06:04.900 --> 00:06:07.580 Just look how he presses it home in these verses here, 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:11.540 filling up in the afflictions of Christ. 00:06:11.620 --> 00:06:12.280 That's what he says. 00:06:12.360 --> 00:06:12.800 Do you see it? 00:06:14.040 --> 00:06:17.800 Not that there's anything lacking in what Jesus has done on the cross. 00:06:17.800 --> 00:06:20.300 Let's be very clear about what he's not saying there. 00:06:21.340 --> 00:06:23.620 It's most likely, I think, a reference to the truth, 00:06:23.699 --> 00:06:26.860 that if Jesus has given his life for his people, 00:06:27.660 --> 00:06:30.480 if that's what he's done for his church, 00:06:31.560 --> 00:06:36.180 then why would the servant of God expect anything less for his or her life? 00:06:36.180 --> 00:06:38.840 This is the reason why he toils. 00:06:38.939 --> 00:06:42.680 This is the reason he struggles with all the energy that God gives him. 00:06:42.780 --> 00:06:44.780 It's the reason why he prays. 00:06:44.819 --> 00:06:46.519 It's the reason why he gets up in the morning. 00:06:46.620 --> 00:06:47.879 It's the reason why he speaks. 00:06:47.879 --> 00:06:49.139 It's the reason why he lives. 00:06:49.459 --> 00:06:53.300 Because this mystery is so life-transformingly good 00:06:53.300 --> 00:06:57.339 that it's become the very reason that Paul does what he does. 00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:03.180 And that's probably the point, to stop and to ask you 00:07:03.180 --> 00:07:07.519 to consider why you do what you do in life. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:11.620 Why do you do what you do in life? 00:07:11.620 --> 00:07:19.160 You know, as I see it, if the events of the last few weeks have taught us anything, 00:07:20.160 --> 00:07:23.120 it's that life is vapor. 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:29.040 Life is here today and it is gone tomorrow. 00:07:29.199 --> 00:07:30.220 It is short. 00:07:32.160 --> 00:07:36.240 It's not true that death is the great taboo subject of our generation. 00:07:36.240 --> 00:07:39.340 Oh, sure, we try and cover up in language, 00:07:39.680 --> 00:07:43.259 but there's something of the sobering reality of it 00:07:43.259 --> 00:07:46.220 that we're faced with every time it happens, 00:07:46.319 --> 00:07:49.680 that we are here today and gone tomorrow. 00:07:50.879 --> 00:07:52.860 That life really is like a game of Monopoly, 00:07:52.960 --> 00:07:54.759 if you remember playing that when you were young. 00:07:54.860 --> 00:07:55.980 I don't know, maybe you still play it. 00:07:57.819 --> 00:08:00.960 You can own all the hotels on the board, 00:08:01.340 --> 00:08:03.879 or you can own one little house on Old Kent Road. 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:06.100 But at the end of the day, 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:08.540 all those pieces are going to go back in the box. 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:10.519 And we're all the same. 00:08:12.659 --> 00:08:15.019 Now, we were down at Burrow Muir SU Group on Wednesday 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:18.259 and we were looking at the parable of the rich young fool 00:08:18.259 --> 00:08:20.100 as we find it in Luke chapter 12. 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:23.079 And we were looking at it together 00:08:23.079 --> 00:08:25.180 and somebody piped up at my table and said, 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:27.519 come on, Jesus, that's a very morbid thought. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.920 And somebody on the other side of the table pipes up and says, 00:08:30.980 --> 00:08:31.879 yeah, but isn't that reality? 00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:32.240 Reality. 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:35.259 Love it when somebody else does a lesson for you. 00:08:35.299 --> 00:08:35.939 It's great, isn't it? 00:08:36.340 --> 00:08:38.139 But isn't that reality so true? 00:08:39.740 --> 00:08:41.500 Friends, why do you do what you do in life? 00:08:42.379 --> 00:08:43.200 Why do you do it? 00:08:43.620 --> 00:08:44.419 What's going on? 00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:48.299 Here's my favorite news story from this week. 00:08:50.240 --> 00:08:51.519 Anybody see this guy in the news? 00:08:53.159 --> 00:08:54.659 Pumpkin Man, as I like to call him. 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:57.159 Did you see him this week? 00:08:57.259 --> 00:08:58.899 He sailed down the river Ouse 00:08:58.899 --> 00:09:01.079 in a giant pumpkin that he'd hollowed out. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:01.899 Do you know why he did it? 00:09:03.539 --> 00:09:05.279 Because he wanted the Guinness World Record 00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:07.459 and how this mind works, I don't understand, right? 00:09:07.500 --> 00:09:08.879 How he looked at the Guinness World Records 00:09:08.879 --> 00:09:11.179 and thought there's a record there to be had, right? 00:09:11.879 --> 00:09:13.399 He looks at the Guinness World Records 00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:15.059 and he thinks there's not somebody in there 00:09:15.059 --> 00:09:17.039 who's got a record for the largest pumpkin boat. 00:09:21.079 --> 00:09:23.039 Friends, why do you do what you do in life? 00:09:23.039 --> 00:09:27.659 Surely a big reason why Paul tells 00:09:27.659 --> 00:09:29.279 these Colossian Christians what he's doing 00:09:29.279 --> 00:09:32.099 is not just so that they'll understand 00:09:32.099 --> 00:09:33.139 what's going on in his mind. 00:09:34.699 --> 00:09:36.719 Surely he wants them to see 00:09:36.719 --> 00:09:38.860 that this mystery, if you get it, 00:09:38.919 --> 00:09:40.360 if you see Jesus Christ here, 00:09:40.419 --> 00:09:42.679 then this is the only thing that's worth living for. 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:44.459 This is the only thing that's going to endure. 00:09:44.779 --> 00:09:46.480 This is the only thing that gives you purpose 00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:47.559 in life and meaning. 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:51.899 And so simply as we try and wrestle 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:53.000 with what Paul is saying here, 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:54.579 I've got two questions for us this morning. 00:09:54.659 --> 00:09:56.219 Two questions I want us all to think about. 00:09:56.339 --> 00:09:57.099 Okay, two questions. 00:09:57.179 --> 00:09:57.939 Here's the first one. 00:09:59.079 --> 00:10:00.500 Have you grasped the heart of the mystery? 00:10:02.579 --> 00:10:04.179 Come with me to verse 26. 00:10:08.859 --> 00:10:09.779 Paul writes this. 00:10:11.139 --> 00:10:13.219 The mystery that has been kept hidden 00:10:13.219 --> 00:10:14.719 for ages and generations, 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:18.200 but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:21.279 To them God has chosen to make known 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:22.660 among the Gentiles 00:10:22.660 --> 00:10:25.560 the glorious riches of this mystery, 00:10:26.480 --> 00:10:29.180 which is Christ in you, 00:10:30.340 --> 00:10:31.220 the hope of glory. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:34.680 C.S. Lewis once said of the Bible, 00:10:34.840 --> 00:10:37.100 I have been reading poems, romances, 00:10:37.399 --> 00:10:39.060 vision, literature, legends and myths 00:10:39.060 --> 00:10:39.940 my whole life. 00:10:40.240 --> 00:10:41.480 I know what they are like. 00:10:42.180 --> 00:10:44.220 And I know that none of them are like the Bible. 00:10:45.639 --> 00:10:48.279 See, Lewis recognized that there is no story 00:10:48.279 --> 00:10:50.440 quite like the story that the Bible tells. 00:10:51.480 --> 00:10:52.879 It's why if you look closely, 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:54.720 and we can talk about this afterwards if you want, 00:10:54.980 --> 00:10:56.940 you'll find that many of the most loved stories 00:10:56.940 --> 00:10:58.660 that we love as a people, 00:10:59.220 --> 00:11:01.460 they actually have echoes of the Bible story in them. 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:03.879 God created the world. 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:05.600 He created it good. 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:07.940 He created Adam and Eve, 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:10.200 the very first few beings in his image, 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:11.740 beautifully and wonderfully made. 00:11:12.659 --> 00:11:13.860 And it was very good. 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:17.980 The creatures were living in harmony with their creator, 00:11:17.980 --> 00:11:19.840 but Adam and Eve, 00:11:19.920 --> 00:11:21.680 they rebelled against God. 00:11:22.420 --> 00:11:23.700 They sinned against him. 00:11:23.700 --> 00:11:25.200 And sin entered the human equation. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.100 I remember being young, 00:11:26.519 --> 00:11:27.879 growing up in Sunday school, 00:11:27.980 --> 00:11:28.139 I remember, 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:30.800 somebody explaining to sin to me as, 00:11:31.159 --> 00:11:31.659 sorry God, 00:11:31.779 --> 00:11:32.639 I'm in charge, 00:11:32.740 --> 00:11:33.580 no to your rules. 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:35.000 Sorry God, 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:35.800 I'm in charge, 00:11:35.920 --> 00:11:36.680 no to your rules. 00:11:36.820 --> 00:11:38.960 Sin entered the human equation. 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:40.879 Adam and Eve sinned, 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:42.960 it separated them from God. 00:11:43.960 --> 00:11:45.240 Separated them from God. 00:11:46.060 --> 00:11:46.560 And their sin, 00:11:46.639 --> 00:11:46.900 if you like, 00:11:46.960 --> 00:11:48.879 didn't just cause upward chaos. 00:11:50.400 --> 00:11:52.519 Their sin caused inward chaos. 00:11:52.780 --> 00:11:52.879 I mean, 00:11:52.940 --> 00:11:54.180 if you read Genesis, 00:11:54.320 --> 00:11:54.900 Genesis 3, 00:11:55.019 --> 00:11:55.320 4, 00:11:55.840 --> 00:11:57.220 the Bible begins to use words 00:11:57.220 --> 00:11:58.639 that it never used before, 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.500 like shame, 00:12:00.160 --> 00:12:00.940 and fear, 00:12:01.780 --> 00:12:02.620 and guilt. 00:12:02.940 --> 00:12:05.720 As if to show us that sin has broken 00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:09.100 their very core beings. 00:12:09.680 --> 00:12:10.600 It's broken it. 00:12:10.600 --> 00:12:13.560 And it's caused outward chaos as well. 00:12:13.659 --> 00:12:15.019 The relationships with one another, 00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:16.759 the relationships between human beings 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:17.519 are broken. 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:20.019 And since then, 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:22.379 sin has affected and infected 00:12:22.379 --> 00:12:24.540 the entire human race. 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:24.759 Friends, 00:12:24.800 --> 00:12:26.340 I've been a Christian for about 16, 00:12:26.460 --> 00:12:27.139 going on 17, 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:27.639 18 years, 00:12:27.700 --> 00:12:28.379 something like that. 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:30.399 One of the reasons I became a Christian 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:32.540 is because the Bible, 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:33.080 when I read it, 00:12:33.120 --> 00:12:34.320 began to make too much sense. 00:12:35.680 --> 00:12:36.759 Too much sense. 00:12:37.660 --> 00:12:39.040 That what this was telling me, 00:12:39.100 --> 00:12:39.480 and of course, 00:12:39.480 --> 00:12:40.340 that's what you'd expect 00:12:40.340 --> 00:12:41.360 from the Creator's Word, 00:12:41.440 --> 00:12:41.720 isn't it? 00:12:42.259 --> 00:12:43.820 Something of what this was telling me 00:12:43.820 --> 00:12:45.659 was resonating with what I was seeing 00:12:45.659 --> 00:12:46.100 in here, 00:12:46.379 --> 00:12:47.500 and what I was seeing out there. 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:52.300 I remember studying Macbeth at school. 00:12:52.399 --> 00:12:53.159 If you grew up in Scotland, 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:54.840 that was kind of what we always did. 00:12:55.279 --> 00:12:56.000 And there's that scene, 00:12:56.060 --> 00:12:56.320 isn't there, 00:12:56.340 --> 00:12:57.240 where Lady Macbeth, 00:12:57.300 --> 00:12:58.580 after she's committed murder, 00:12:58.700 --> 00:13:00.560 she's sleepwalking through the castle. 00:13:00.680 --> 00:13:01.879 What she's doing is she's 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:03.580 rubbing her hands together. 00:13:03.680 --> 00:13:04.320 Do you remember that scene? 00:13:04.440 --> 00:13:05.560 She's rubbing her hands together, 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.639 trying to get that spot, 00:13:07.159 --> 00:13:08.779 trying to get that stain out of her hands. 00:13:08.779 --> 00:13:09.779 And she just can't do it. 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:10.539 She keeps on rubbing. 00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:11.339 She keeps on rubbing. 00:13:11.419 --> 00:13:12.939 She cannot get the stain out. 00:13:13.079 --> 00:13:14.899 That's what the Bible is saying 00:13:14.899 --> 00:13:15.399 about sin. 00:13:15.480 --> 00:13:16.299 It's done in our lives. 00:13:18.939 --> 00:13:19.799 That's a problem. 00:13:22.039 --> 00:13:22.899 Do you see it summed up 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:23.939 in that world that Paul 00:13:23.939 --> 00:13:25.079 brought out last week 00:13:25.079 --> 00:13:25.839 in verse 21? 00:13:26.419 --> 00:13:27.459 In our natural state, 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:29.079 we are alienated from God. 00:13:30.120 --> 00:13:30.740 All of us, 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:31.799 alienated from God. 00:13:31.799 --> 00:13:32.240 But, 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:33.740 God's plan, 00:13:34.459 --> 00:13:35.000 gloriously, 00:13:35.159 --> 00:13:35.959 was to make a way 00:13:35.960 --> 00:13:37.340 to reconcile us 00:13:37.340 --> 00:13:37.980 to himself. 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:38.940 You see, 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:39.700 God's mystery, 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:40.460 and this is where we begin 00:13:40.460 --> 00:13:41.200 to get into the mystery, 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:42.240 is not an if. 00:13:43.019 --> 00:13:43.740 It's a how. 00:13:44.879 --> 00:13:45.980 How is God 00:13:45.980 --> 00:13:47.540 going to achieve that? 00:13:47.660 --> 00:13:48.400 Because he certainly 00:13:48.400 --> 00:13:48.960 can't do it 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:50.220 through mankind's efforts. 00:13:52.040 --> 00:13:52.200 Well, 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:53.360 the Bible's a wonderful story 00:13:53.360 --> 00:13:54.040 about how he chose 00:13:54.040 --> 00:13:54.540 a people 00:13:54.540 --> 00:13:55.220 through whom he would 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:55.879 accomplish it. 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:58.000 He raised up servants. 00:13:58.660 --> 00:13:59.639 He raised up prophets. 00:13:59.840 --> 00:14:00.620 He raised up kings 00:14:00.620 --> 00:14:01.620 who spoke about 00:14:01.620 --> 00:14:02.320 how God was going 00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:03.379 to do this in part. 00:14:04.120 --> 00:14:05.240 God's plan to win 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:06.000 for himself 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:07.460 a worshipping people, 00:14:08.340 --> 00:14:09.500 not just of Jews 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:10.340 who are privileged 00:14:10.340 --> 00:14:11.540 to the works of God, 00:14:11.620 --> 00:14:12.800 but of Gentiles, 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:13.660 that is, 00:14:13.700 --> 00:14:14.960 non-Jewish people. 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.240 That's us. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:18.640 They were strangers 00:14:18.640 --> 00:14:19.780 from the promises of God 00:14:19.780 --> 00:14:20.500 and about how God 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.280 was going to take 00:14:21.280 --> 00:14:21.860 this people 00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:22.760 and not just watch 00:14:22.760 --> 00:14:23.340 over them, 00:14:24.700 --> 00:14:25.960 but dwell with them. 00:14:27.200 --> 00:14:28.020 Live with them. 00:14:28.820 --> 00:14:29.700 And by consequence, 00:14:30.060 --> 00:14:31.220 make the impossible, 00:14:31.220 --> 00:14:32.580 make the two 00:14:32.580 --> 00:14:33.519 become one. 00:14:35.220 --> 00:14:35.420 See, 00:14:35.480 --> 00:14:36.440 the mystery of the Old Testament 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:37.660 is how is God 00:14:37.660 --> 00:14:38.800 going to do that? 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:39.340 And remember, 00:14:39.460 --> 00:14:40.500 these Colossian Christians, 00:14:40.680 --> 00:14:41.440 Paul's writing here 00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:41.940 something like 00:14:41.940 --> 00:14:43.279 only 30 years or so 00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:44.639 after Jesus has died, 00:14:44.960 --> 00:14:45.540 has risen, 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:46.720 and has ascended 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:47.420 into heaven. 00:14:47.540 --> 00:14:48.779 Paul says this mystery 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:49.700 is one that is not 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:51.440 hidden anymore. 00:14:52.460 --> 00:14:54.019 It is out in the open 00:14:54.019 --> 00:14:54.899 for all to see. 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:56.000 How has God done it? 00:14:56.060 --> 00:14:56.980 Do you see in the verses? 00:14:58.580 --> 00:14:59.060 Christ. 00:14:59.700 --> 00:15:00.540 One word. 00:15:01.220 --> 00:15:01.620 Christ. 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:04.100 He is the center 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:04.980 of this mystery. 00:15:05.160 --> 00:15:05.800 He is the one 00:15:05.800 --> 00:15:06.379 through whom God 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:07.100 is going to reconcile 00:15:07.100 --> 00:15:08.139 all things in heaven 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:08.639 and on earth 00:15:08.639 --> 00:15:09.279 to himself. 00:15:09.960 --> 00:15:10.740 He is the one 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:11.279 who has come 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:12.200 to reconcile 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:13.220 sinful people 00:15:13.220 --> 00:15:13.899 to God, 00:15:14.300 --> 00:15:16.139 to cleanse us, 00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:17.259 to make us whole, 00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:19.120 to forgive us. 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:19.940 Friends, 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:20.560 I wonder if you need 00:15:20.560 --> 00:15:21.080 to remember 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:21.920 the forgiveness 00:15:21.920 --> 00:15:24.500 that is offered 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:24.960 through the blood 00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:25.639 of Jesus Christ 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.220 this morning. 00:15:26.399 --> 00:15:27.100 Isn't it wonderful 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:28.879 that our sins are many, 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.440 but his mercy is more? 00:15:30.440 --> 00:15:32.560 that my sins are abounding, 00:15:32.680 --> 00:15:33.540 but his grace 00:15:33.540 --> 00:15:35.080 super abounds? 00:15:36.940 --> 00:15:37.880 And Christ is going 00:15:37.880 --> 00:15:38.760 to present us to God 00:15:38.760 --> 00:15:39.660 wholly in his sight. 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:40.760 The heart of this mystery, 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:41.140 friends, 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:41.960 is that you and I 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:42.640 can know God. 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:45.560 The lyrics of that song 00:15:45.560 --> 00:15:46.580 we'll sing later on. 00:15:46.640 --> 00:15:47.680 Your blood has washed 00:15:47.680 --> 00:15:48.480 away my sin, 00:15:48.640 --> 00:15:48.880 Jesus, 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:49.780 thank you. 00:15:50.300 --> 00:15:51.520 The Father's wrath, 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:52.340 that's his anger 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:53.120 against my sin, 00:15:53.440 --> 00:15:54.840 completely satisfied, 00:15:55.040 --> 00:15:55.280 Jesus, 00:15:55.460 --> 00:15:55.880 thank you. 00:15:55.879 --> 00:15:57.299 once your enemy, 00:15:58.500 --> 00:15:59.919 now seated at your table, 00:16:00.039 --> 00:16:00.379 Jesus, 00:16:01.299 --> 00:16:02.059 thank you. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:03.820 Thank you. 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:07.259 And as if that were 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:08.299 not mind-blowing enough, 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:09.320 see what he says next 00:16:09.320 --> 00:16:10.500 at the end of verse 27. 00:16:15.080 --> 00:16:15.919 And this is where 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:16.679 all those hours 00:16:16.679 --> 00:16:17.659 doing prepositions 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:18.159 at school 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:18.620 will come 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:19.799 and pay dividends. 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:20.840 Remember doing prepositions 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:21.559 in French class 00:16:21.559 --> 00:16:21.919 at school? 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:23.460 Here's the only thing 00:16:23.460 --> 00:16:24.360 I remember in French 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:24.960 class, right? 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:27.420 Le chien est sous le tableau. 00:16:28.300 --> 00:16:28.480 Yeah? 00:16:29.660 --> 00:16:30.860 Dog is under the table. 00:16:32.540 --> 00:16:33.600 Prepositions really matter. 00:16:33.800 --> 00:16:34.920 Here is where 00:16:34.920 --> 00:16:35.860 those finally pay off. 00:16:35.920 --> 00:16:36.600 Where is Christ? 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:37.660 Do you see? 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:40.259 He's not over you. 00:16:41.420 --> 00:16:42.900 He's not beside you. 00:16:43.680 --> 00:16:45.040 He's not behind you. 00:16:45.420 --> 00:16:46.259 He's not under you. 00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:46.800 Where is he? 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:48.379 He's in you. 00:16:48.379 --> 00:16:49.300 Do you see it? 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.560 God in Christ 00:16:51.560 --> 00:16:52.580 and through his spirit 00:16:52.580 --> 00:16:53.400 lives, 00:16:53.680 --> 00:16:54.240 dwells, 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:55.080 occupies 00:16:55.080 --> 00:16:55.980 the hearts 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:57.620 of his people. 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.800 The same Christ, 00:16:59.879 --> 00:17:00.360 and I think this is 00:17:00.360 --> 00:17:00.920 where the flow 00:17:00.920 --> 00:17:01.740 of the letter goes 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:02.680 who Paul has described 00:17:02.680 --> 00:17:03.020 for them 00:17:03.020 --> 00:17:04.440 at verses 15 to 20. 00:17:04.640 --> 00:17:05.380 That Christ, 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:06.779 the Christ who blew 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.259 our minds, 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:08.160 the Christ who's bigger 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:09.100 than we think he is. 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:10.519 He lives in us. 00:17:11.160 --> 00:17:11.500 Now. 00:17:11.860 --> 00:17:12.120 Today. 00:17:12.579 --> 00:17:12.900 Here. 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:13.640 Now. 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:16.940 What a glorious foretaste 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:17.579 you see of what 00:17:17.579 --> 00:17:18.319 will one day 00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:19.440 we will know in full 00:17:19.440 --> 00:17:20.519 when we stand in glory. 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:23.859 Verse 28. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.740 Paul gives himself 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:25.199 to what? 00:17:25.279 --> 00:17:26.119 To telling others 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:27.460 this whole mystery 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:28.720 about Christ. 00:17:28.819 --> 00:17:29.659 This whole mystery. 00:17:30.139 --> 00:17:30.339 Friends, 00:17:30.379 --> 00:17:30.819 let me ask you, 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:31.799 how are you doing today 00:17:31.799 --> 00:17:33.299 at proclaiming, 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:34.179 at telling others 00:17:34.179 --> 00:17:35.179 about Jesus Christ? 00:17:36.619 --> 00:17:37.399 Big challenge, 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:37.659 isn't it, 00:17:37.659 --> 00:17:38.319 when we see something 00:17:38.319 --> 00:17:38.759 like this? 00:17:38.819 --> 00:17:39.419 The man who's made 00:17:39.419 --> 00:17:39.879 it his mission 00:17:39.879 --> 00:17:40.539 to tell others 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:41.619 about Jesus Christ. 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.240 Because it's only 00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:44.019 through faith in him 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:45.139 that we can know God. 00:17:45.240 --> 00:17:45.980 What a privilege. 00:17:47.699 --> 00:17:48.059 It's hard, 00:17:48.159 --> 00:17:48.919 is that everybody 00:17:48.919 --> 00:17:50.419 would hear about 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:51.259 and put their faith 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:52.140 in Jesus Christ 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:53.240 and go on to what? 00:17:53.300 --> 00:17:53.680 Do you see? 00:17:54.860 --> 00:17:55.220 Maturity. 00:17:57.300 --> 00:17:57.700 Maturity. 00:17:58.700 --> 00:17:59.400 Nourished on the 00:17:59.400 --> 00:18:00.300 truths of the faith. 00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:01.140 This is what he wants 00:18:01.140 --> 00:18:02.019 for these believers. 00:18:03.060 --> 00:18:04.039 Growing in their love 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:04.759 for the Lord. 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:06.580 Delighting him 00:18:06.580 --> 00:18:07.800 with every word and deed. 00:18:08.060 --> 00:18:08.660 That's the goal 00:18:08.660 --> 00:18:09.480 for every Christian. 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:10.600 Maturity. 00:18:10.900 --> 00:18:11.539 That we would grow. 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:15.180 And I've had the privilege 00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:16.100 over the past few weeks 00:18:16.100 --> 00:18:16.759 of being involved 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:19.359 in two Thanksgiving services 00:18:19.359 --> 00:18:20.240 for the lives 00:18:20.240 --> 00:18:21.240 of dear sisters 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:22.039 here at the church. 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:23.640 And let me just tell you 00:18:23.640 --> 00:18:24.279 what a joy 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:25.359 and privilege that was. 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:26.400 See, 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:27.799 to research the lives 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:29.480 of two seasoned saints 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:30.640 who I only knew 00:18:30.640 --> 00:18:31.700 for a couple of years 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:34.099 was tremendously thrilling. 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.819 And I read about 00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:37.379 their lives 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:37.940 and man, 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:38.579 had they gone through 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:39.079 some stuff 00:18:39.079 --> 00:18:40.240 that I had no idea about. 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:42.379 Losing husbands, 00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:44.599 caring for children, 00:18:44.599 --> 00:18:47.019 dealing with physical pain 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.819 in their own bodies 00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:48.439 to the extent 00:18:48.439 --> 00:18:49.039 I'm reading this 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:49.939 thinking I have hardly 00:18:49.939 --> 00:18:50.500 lived through 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:51.759 anything in my life. 00:18:53.319 --> 00:18:53.959 But what struck me 00:18:53.959 --> 00:18:55.879 most about both of them, 00:18:57.359 --> 00:18:57.759 I'm talking about 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:58.480 Elma and Margo, 00:18:58.539 --> 00:18:59.240 dear sisters here, 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.000 both of them, 00:19:00.439 --> 00:19:02.039 was their unwavering 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:03.019 love for the Lord, 00:19:03.719 --> 00:19:05.119 their service of his people, 00:19:05.659 --> 00:19:06.399 and the focus 00:19:06.399 --> 00:19:07.039 on the future. 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:10.119 As I was at the graveside 00:19:10.119 --> 00:19:11.079 with the family on Monday, 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:11.500 someone, 00:19:11.639 --> 00:19:12.159 as he reflected 00:19:12.159 --> 00:19:13.159 on Margo's life, 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:14.199 read the words 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:15.299 of Psalm 112. 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:17.660 Surely the righteous 00:19:17.660 --> 00:19:18.759 will never be shaken. 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:20.920 They will remember forever. 00:19:21.840 --> 00:19:22.960 They will be remembered forever. 00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:24.039 They will have no fear 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:24.779 of bad news. 00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:26.600 Their hearts are steadfast, 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:28.140 trusting in the Lord. 00:19:29.440 --> 00:19:29.720 Friends, 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.779 that is Christian maturity. 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:33.340 It's not about age. 00:19:33.400 --> 00:19:34.100 It's not about the number 00:19:34.100 --> 00:19:35.299 of rings that are on the tree. 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:36.299 It's not about the things 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:37.019 that you've lived through. 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:38.039 Christian maturity 00:19:38.039 --> 00:19:39.220 is about being about 00:19:39.220 --> 00:19:41.000 being fully persuaded 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:44.000 that throughout every storm, 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:45.299 throughout every trial, 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:46.599 throughout every tear, 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.059 pain, 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:47.680 and question 00:19:47.680 --> 00:19:48.680 that God is good. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.720 And he's good for his word. 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.319 We can trust him. 00:19:54.119 --> 00:19:55.339 And it's why I'm so grateful 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:57.220 for a wide church family. 00:19:57.380 --> 00:19:58.480 And it's why I'd encourage 00:19:58.480 --> 00:20:00.119 those in a younger generation, 00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:00.920 trying not to look at 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:01.579 anyone on here, 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:02.900 to get to know 00:20:02.900 --> 00:20:03.819 the older generation. 00:20:04.460 --> 00:20:05.400 Because you will learn 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:06.380 so much about 00:20:06.380 --> 00:20:07.700 what a life of Christian 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:09.059 maturity looks like. 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.839 And it's why I'd encourage 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:11.880 the older generation 00:20:11.880 --> 00:20:12.460 to get to know 00:20:12.460 --> 00:20:13.460 the younger generation 00:20:13.460 --> 00:20:14.080 because you have 00:20:14.080 --> 00:20:15.080 so much wisdom. 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:17.640 Experiences that you can 00:20:17.640 --> 00:20:19.620 pass on to help others 00:20:19.620 --> 00:20:22.280 in that battle for maturity. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.240 Isn't it not incredible 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:24.880 that God in his almighty wisdom 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:26.140 has given us each other 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:27.540 to walk this Christian life with? 00:20:28.260 --> 00:20:29.180 That we can minister 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:30.180 to one another, friends, 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:31.560 because his spirit lives in us. 00:20:34.060 --> 00:20:35.020 Verse 29, 00:20:35.019 --> 00:20:37.559 For this I struggle and toil 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.680 with all the energy 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:39.879 that God so powerfully 00:20:39.879 --> 00:20:40.700 works in me. 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:41.420 Do you see? 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.740 He loves doing this. 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:43.579 It's a privilege. 00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:45.279 God has called them 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:45.900 to this role 00:20:45.900 --> 00:20:46.619 and God will give them 00:20:46.619 --> 00:20:47.680 the power to carry out 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:48.180 this role 00:20:48.180 --> 00:20:49.359 to present these 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:50.480 Colossian Christians 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:52.139 mature in Christ. 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:54.619 I wonder, 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:56.079 you're here today 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:56.759 and you would describe 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:58.319 yourself inwardly, 00:20:58.359 --> 00:20:59.039 maybe not outwardly, 00:20:59.079 --> 00:21:00.720 but as a maturing Christian. 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:01.539 Are you growing 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:02.480 by God's grace? 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:03.539 Friends, 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:04.200 have you grasped 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:05.019 the heart of the mystery? 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:07.399 Have you grasped 00:21:07.399 --> 00:21:08.119 the heart of the mystery? 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:09.119 And here's the second question 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:10.279 that's a lot shorter, okay? 00:21:10.899 --> 00:21:11.819 Second question. 00:21:13.159 --> 00:21:14.059 Has this mystery 00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:14.819 grasped your heart? 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:18.240 Verse 1 of chapter 2, 00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:19.180 why does Paul struggle 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:20.339 for those at Colossae 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:21.200 and those Christians 00:21:21.200 --> 00:21:22.519 nine miles down the road 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.259 in Laodicea 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:24.779 who clearly they have 00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:25.819 got a relationship with? 00:21:25.920 --> 00:21:27.480 Why does Paul work so hard 00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:28.220 for these Christians 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:29.099 who he has never 00:21:29.099 --> 00:21:30.000 just seen his own words? 00:21:30.019 --> 00:21:30.619 He'd never met them 00:21:30.619 --> 00:21:31.399 face to face. 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:34.200 Because he loves them, 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:35.360 that's why he loves them. 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:37.980 Now he's not conjured 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:39.040 that up by himself. 00:21:39.420 --> 00:21:40.680 Something of God's heart 00:21:40.680 --> 00:21:42.820 for his people 00:21:42.820 --> 00:21:44.720 is in Paul. 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:47.500 Paul's kingdom heart 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:49.100 for brothers and sisters 00:21:49.100 --> 00:21:50.519 the world over 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:52.400 really shines through 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.300 in this little section, 00:21:53.380 --> 00:21:53.720 doesn't it? 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:55.019 He just loves them. 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:56.540 He loves them. 00:21:56.980 --> 00:21:57.940 As brothers and sisters 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:58.340 in Christ, 00:21:58.340 --> 00:21:59.140 he loves them. 00:21:59.140 --> 00:22:02.420 So I'd encourage you 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:03.040 to get stuck 00:22:03.040 --> 00:22:04.120 into that prayer card. 00:22:04.220 --> 00:22:04.840 Come to the prayer meeting 00:22:04.840 --> 00:22:05.420 on Wednesday night 00:22:05.420 --> 00:22:05.860 and get stuck 00:22:05.860 --> 00:22:06.700 into that prayer card. 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:07.660 It's a wonderful chance 00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:08.380 to pray for brothers 00:22:08.380 --> 00:22:09.400 and sisters around the world 00:22:09.400 --> 00:22:10.280 who we will never meet 00:22:10.280 --> 00:22:11.020 face to face. 00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:12.480 Now I've been praying 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:13.500 for the last couple of months. 00:22:13.600 --> 00:22:13.920 I don't know about 00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:14.940 some of you guys in here, 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:15.580 but I've been praying 00:22:15.580 --> 00:22:17.040 for that lady in Pakistan. 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.660 All over the news this week, 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:19.920 hasn't it? 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:20.380 I've been praying 00:22:20.380 --> 00:22:21.540 for Asia Bibi 00:22:21.540 --> 00:22:24.100 facing the death penalty 00:22:24.100 --> 00:22:24.680 in Pakistan 00:22:24.680 --> 00:22:25.980 because she stood tall 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.900 for Jesus Christ. 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:27.500 And boy, 00:22:27.580 --> 00:22:28.600 did my soul rejoice 00:22:28.600 --> 00:22:29.160 the other day 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:30.000 when the news came out 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:30.860 that the Supreme Court 00:22:30.860 --> 00:22:31.400 in Pakistan 00:22:31.400 --> 00:22:33.320 had found her not guilty. 00:22:34.440 --> 00:22:35.160 Joyous occasion, 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:35.600 wasn't it? 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:36.940 Just felt that joy 00:22:36.940 --> 00:22:37.620 inside of my soul 00:22:37.620 --> 00:22:37.980 for her 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:38.660 because I've been praying 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:39.040 for her. 00:22:39.120 --> 00:22:40.180 She's my sister in Christ. 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:40.780 It's incredible. 00:22:42.300 --> 00:22:42.700 And the news 00:22:42.700 --> 00:22:43.360 in the last few days 00:22:43.360 --> 00:22:44.440 that she's still greatly 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:45.220 in need of her prayers 00:22:45.220 --> 00:22:46.440 and so are all the Christians 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:47.320 that live in Pakistan. 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:50.580 Paul loves these Christians. 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:51.280 He loves them 00:22:51.280 --> 00:22:51.880 who he's never met 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:52.580 face to face. 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:53.740 He's got a kingdom heart 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.280 and he labors 00:22:54.280 --> 00:22:55.100 for three things. 00:22:55.180 --> 00:22:55.580 Do you see? 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:56.359 First, 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:57.339 that they'd be encouraged 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:57.859 in heart. 00:22:59.639 --> 00:23:00.399 Encouraged in heart. 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:00.679 Remember, 00:23:00.879 --> 00:23:02.000 the heart in this culture 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:02.659 is not so much 00:23:02.659 --> 00:23:03.359 about emotions 00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:04.399 as it is in ours. 00:23:04.699 --> 00:23:06.179 It's about the very core 00:23:06.179 --> 00:23:06.839 of a person, 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:08.460 the thing that drives them, 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:09.119 their will. 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:11.839 In other words, 00:23:11.899 --> 00:23:12.679 the heart is not just 00:23:12.679 --> 00:23:13.539 about how one feels, 00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:14.939 it's about how one thinks 00:23:14.939 --> 00:23:15.899 and acts and wills. 00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:16.879 Paul works that 00:23:16.879 --> 00:23:17.519 these people 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.419 would be strengthened 00:23:18.419 --> 00:23:19.480 in the deepest part 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:20.359 of their inner being. 00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:22.619 Friends, 00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:23.939 oh that that would be 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:25.900 why we come to church 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:26.559 on a Sunday. 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:29.200 To encourage 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:30.440 one another 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:31.640 deep in our souls 00:23:31.640 --> 00:23:32.380 and hearts. 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:34.660 Secondly, 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:35.180 they would be 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:36.220 knit together in love. 00:23:36.340 --> 00:23:37.420 It's a wonderful metaphor, 00:23:37.620 --> 00:23:37.920 isn't it? 00:23:38.180 --> 00:23:39.220 Picturing their unity 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:40.059 in Christ. 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.420 Knit together. 00:23:42.559 --> 00:23:43.320 Remember when our first 00:23:43.320 --> 00:23:44.240 little girl was born, 00:23:44.400 --> 00:23:44.660 Chloe, 00:23:44.820 --> 00:23:45.620 the first thing 00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:46.220 they put on them, 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:46.500 don't they, 00:23:46.600 --> 00:23:48.279 in the hostels, 00:23:48.380 --> 00:23:48.799 is they put on 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:49.539 a wee knitted hat. 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:51.320 A wee knitted hat. 00:23:52.059 --> 00:23:52.559 Remember thinking, 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.259 looking at it thinking, 00:23:53.379 --> 00:23:54.119 that looks flimsy. 00:23:55.419 --> 00:23:56.179 And then I took it off 00:23:56.179 --> 00:23:57.039 and I tried to pull it. 00:23:57.119 --> 00:23:57.319 Boy, 00:23:57.419 --> 00:23:58.859 is that not flimsy. 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:00.559 Because it's been 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:01.899 knit together really well. 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.639 It holds, 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:03.919 it keeps the heat in. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:04.619 That's what Paul's 00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:05.220 picturing here, 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:05.519 isn't it? 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.240 Knit together. 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:07.399 You're not going to 00:24:07.399 --> 00:24:07.940 come apart. 00:24:08.679 --> 00:24:09.279 Knit together. 00:24:10.659 --> 00:24:11.220 I remember singing 00:24:11.220 --> 00:24:12.200 in church when I was young, 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:13.139 bind us together, 00:24:13.139 --> 00:24:13.419 Lord, 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:14.379 bind us together 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.139 with cords 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:16.740 that cannot be broken. 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:17.720 Bind us together, 00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:18.059 Lord, 00:24:18.339 --> 00:24:19.159 bind us together, 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.579 bind us together 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:21.059 in love. 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:23.480 That's his heart, 00:24:23.599 --> 00:24:23.799 isn't it, 00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:24.379 for this church. 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.460 Was the false teaching 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:26.399 in the background here, 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:27.500 was it putting the unity 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:28.139 of this church 00:24:28.139 --> 00:24:28.779 in jeopardy, 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:29.240 perhaps? 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.379 Or could it just be 00:24:31.379 --> 00:24:32.019 that the devil 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:33.079 would love to disrupt 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:33.559 the unity 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.679 of any gathering 00:24:34.679 --> 00:24:35.559 of believers? 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:37.759 Paul strives, 00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:38.480 he works hard, 00:24:38.539 --> 00:24:39.259 he prays, 00:24:39.299 --> 00:24:40.139 he gives it his all 00:24:40.139 --> 00:24:40.899 for the unity 00:24:40.899 --> 00:24:41.819 of the church. 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.059 And it's a great challenge 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:44.579 to think about, 00:24:44.659 --> 00:24:45.000 isn't it? 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:46.099 And I asked myself 00:24:46.099 --> 00:24:47.119 this week in my own heart 00:24:47.119 --> 00:24:48.440 whether I am doing 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:48.960 the same. 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:50.659 I can so often 00:24:50.659 --> 00:24:51.200 get lazy, 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:51.580 can't we, 00:24:51.620 --> 00:24:52.180 with our words 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:52.940 and with our thoughts, 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:53.779 we can get careless 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.500 with our moods 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:55.140 and our actions. 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.120 So much so, 00:24:56.180 --> 00:24:57.200 the little loose threads 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:58.259 begin to emerge 00:24:58.259 --> 00:25:00.019 in terms of our relationships 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:00.660 with one another. 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:01.580 Let's be on our guard 00:25:01.580 --> 00:25:02.840 against that. 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:03.539 Don Carson, 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:04.779 New Testament commentator, 00:25:04.840 --> 00:25:05.340 writes this, 00:25:05.400 --> 00:25:06.400 we will see profound 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:07.799 spiritual renovation 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:09.539 if by God's grace 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:10.519 we make it our commitment 00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:12.080 not to put anyone down 00:25:12.080 --> 00:25:14.440 except on our prayer list. 00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:16.600 Paul labors 00:25:16.600 --> 00:25:17.100 that they would be 00:25:17.100 --> 00:25:18.000 knit together in love 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:18.660 and thirdly, 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:19.240 that they would get 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:20.380 to know Christ better. 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:23.259 To get a greater appreciation 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:24.220 of what he's done, 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:25.480 to get a greater grasp 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:27.019 of their identity in him, 00:25:27.319 --> 00:25:28.440 to get a bigger picture 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:30.039 of God's cosmic purposes 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.120 that he's working out 00:25:31.120 --> 00:25:32.059 through Christ 00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:33.319 and to understand 00:25:33.319 --> 00:25:34.380 the enormity, 00:25:35.080 --> 00:25:35.799 the grandeur 00:25:35.799 --> 00:25:37.039 of what is ahead of them. 00:25:38.620 --> 00:25:40.080 Notice the words he uses there, 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:41.279 riches, wisdom, 00:25:41.580 --> 00:25:42.580 knowledge, treasure, 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.220 as if to say, 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:43.580 guys, 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:44.440 get your head around 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:45.440 how good this is. 00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:47.980 If you remember, 00:25:48.080 --> 00:25:48.519 and this is just 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:49.200 the stage of life 00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:49.580 we're at 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:49.980 and the things 00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:50.819 that we watch on TV, 00:25:50.919 --> 00:25:51.179 do you remember 00:25:51.179 --> 00:25:53.539 Abu's face in Aladdin 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:54.859 when he sees 00:25:54.859 --> 00:25:55.759 the cave of wonders? 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:57.419 That's what he's 00:25:57.419 --> 00:25:58.059 picturing here, 00:25:58.139 --> 00:25:58.480 isn't it? 00:25:59.059 --> 00:26:00.079 Just so good. 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:02.220 He wants our souls 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:03.399 to be so satisfied 00:26:03.399 --> 00:26:04.240 with Christ. 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:04.799 He wants them 00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:05.539 to be convinced 00:26:05.539 --> 00:26:07.399 beyond any shadow 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:07.879 of a doubt 00:26:07.879 --> 00:26:09.480 that Christ is everything 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:11.139 that they will ever need. 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:12.480 And so don't be deluded. 00:26:12.899 --> 00:26:13.599 Do you see the warning? 00:26:13.699 --> 00:26:14.319 Don't be deluded 00:26:14.319 --> 00:26:16.439 by those who would 00:26:16.439 --> 00:26:17.439 seek to derail you 00:26:17.439 --> 00:26:18.059 in your pursuit 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:18.960 of Jesus Christ 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:20.439 by claiming 00:26:20.439 --> 00:26:22.419 in plausible arguments. 00:26:22.579 --> 00:26:23.039 Do you see that? 00:26:23.200 --> 00:26:23.599 Plausible? 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.799 That there's something 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:26.399 beyond Christ 00:26:26.399 --> 00:26:27.519 to see and experience 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.000 and know. 00:26:28.159 --> 00:26:29.279 People trying to convince you 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:29.720 that somehow 00:26:29.720 --> 00:26:30.679 you are missing out. 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.299 What does he say? 00:26:31.379 --> 00:26:32.119 Remain firm. 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:33.819 Maintain your good order. 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:34.519 Stay rooted 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:36.059 in Christ. 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:38.759 Friends, 00:26:38.799 --> 00:26:39.200 as we close, 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:39.839 a good magician 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:40.639 may never reveal 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:41.279 their secrets. 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:43.639 But God's mystery 00:26:43.639 --> 00:26:44.359 is not something 00:26:44.359 --> 00:26:44.920 that's hidden 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:46.500 and it's not something 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:46.960 that's difficult 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:47.599 to understand. 00:26:47.899 --> 00:26:48.319 In fact, 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:49.440 it's out in the open 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.240 for all to see. 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:52.279 Jesus Christ. 00:26:53.200 --> 00:26:54.039 Here is the mystery 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:55.279 that explains my ministry, 00:26:55.440 --> 00:26:56.019 says Paul. 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:57.099 Here is the reason 00:26:57.099 --> 00:26:58.000 why Paul does 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.220 what he does. 00:26:59.299 --> 00:27:00.139 Let me take you back 00:27:00.139 --> 00:27:00.700 as we close 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.440 to Pumpkin Man. 00:27:03.379 --> 00:27:04.559 I was trying to picture him 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:04.940 this week 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:05.960 sitting in his armchair 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:06.500 with his 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:08.279 Guinness World Record 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:08.899 in his hand. 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:10.259 He's slurping 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:11.259 some pumpkin soup 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:12.359 and he's tucking 00:27:12.359 --> 00:27:13.420 into some pumpkin pie 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:14.279 and he's sloshing 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:14.779 it all down 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:16.160 with a pumpkin spice latte. 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:18.980 And he's looking 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:19.559 at his pumpkin. 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:23.059 Give it a week, friends. 00:27:23.119 --> 00:27:23.660 That pumpkin, 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:24.980 his life's best achievement, 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:25.859 will be rotting, 00:27:26.019 --> 00:27:26.660 decomposing 00:27:26.660 --> 00:27:27.660 in front of his eyes 00:27:27.660 --> 00:27:28.879 and like it was 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:29.740 this week at our street, 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:30.680 he will simply take it 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:31.680 and put it on the curb. 00:27:33.700 --> 00:27:33.920 Friends, 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:35.299 why do you do 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:36.879 what you do in life? 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:40.379 Contrast Pumpkin Man 00:27:40.380 --> 00:27:41.640 with the words 00:27:41.640 --> 00:27:43.160 of Christian Missionary 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:43.880 C.T. Studd 00:27:43.880 --> 00:27:44.820 and with this we close, 00:27:44.900 --> 00:27:46.100 who wrote a prayer 00:27:46.100 --> 00:27:46.840 for his life 00:27:46.840 --> 00:27:47.900 and it went like this. 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.380 Give me, Father, 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:51.440 a purpose deep. 00:27:52.340 --> 00:27:53.800 In joy or sorrow 00:27:53.800 --> 00:27:55.000 thy word to keep, 00:27:55.760 --> 00:27:56.840 faithful and true 00:27:56.840 --> 00:27:58.160 whatever the strife 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:59.140 pleasing thee 00:27:59.140 --> 00:28:00.840 in my daily life. 00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:02.380 Only one life 00:28:02.380 --> 00:28:04.340 till soon be passed. 00:28:05.060 --> 00:28:06.120 Only what's done 00:28:06.119 --> 00:28:06.959 for Christ 00:28:06.959 --> 00:28:08.659 will last. 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:09.839 Friends, 00:28:09.899 --> 00:28:10.539 have you grasped 00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:11.379 the heart of the mystery? 00:28:12.479 --> 00:28:13.679 And has the mystery 00:28:13.679 --> 00:28:15.219 grasped your heart? 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:16.699 Let's pray together. 00:28:22.959 --> 00:28:23.719 Heavenly Father, 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.439 we would thank you 00:28:24.439 --> 00:28:25.219 so much for today. 00:28:25.379 --> 00:28:25.939 Thank you, 00:28:26.699 --> 00:28:27.679 dear Father, 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:28.479 that you are a God 00:28:28.479 --> 00:28:29.179 who speaks. 00:28:29.180 --> 00:28:32.060 and we pray 00:28:32.060 --> 00:28:33.200 that your spirit 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:33.900 would be working 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:34.500 amongst us 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:35.039 even now 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:35.799 as we reflect 00:28:35.799 --> 00:28:36.440 on what your word 00:28:36.440 --> 00:28:37.080 has challenged us 00:28:37.080 --> 00:28:37.779 with this morning. 00:28:39.279 --> 00:28:39.660 Father, 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:40.539 we know our own hearts, 00:28:40.620 --> 00:28:41.519 we know our own proneness 00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:42.100 to wander 00:28:42.100 --> 00:28:43.340 and so it's our prayer 00:28:43.340 --> 00:28:44.779 that you would bind us 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:45.519 to yourself, 00:28:46.860 --> 00:28:48.080 that you would teach us 00:28:48.080 --> 00:28:48.860 wonderful things 00:28:48.860 --> 00:28:49.440 from your word, 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.060 that you would help us 00:28:50.060 --> 00:28:50.940 grant something more 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:52.700 of the all-surpassing 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.620 premise of Jesus 00:28:53.620 --> 00:28:54.860 better than anything else 00:28:54.860 --> 00:28:55.299 that this world 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.100 could offer us 00:28:56.100 --> 00:28:57.779 and that you would help us 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:58.920 have our eyes fixed on him. 00:28:59.180 --> 00:29:00.820 Father, 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:01.500 thank you so much 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:02.140 that you love us. 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:03.799 Thank you that your spirit 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:04.460 lives in us 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:05.640 and we pray that you 00:29:05.640 --> 00:29:06.620 would help us now 00:29:06.620 --> 00:29:07.620 as we continue on 00:29:07.620 --> 00:29:08.180 in this service. 00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:08.960 In Jesus' name, 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:09.580 Amen.