WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.200 Well, good evening. Let me thank you again for the invitation to come and to spend the weekend with you. 00:00:07.940 --> 00:00:10.060 It has been a real joy and an encouragement. 00:00:11.279 --> 00:00:15.400 And please do be assured of our prayers for yourself as a congregation. 00:00:16.240 --> 00:00:21.559 And we cherish your prayers for our fellowship in Kilmally and Ardenamerican. 00:00:23.240 --> 00:00:25.280 We come this evening to worship God. 00:00:25.620 --> 00:00:28.060 And as we do, some words from the psalmist. 00:00:28.059 --> 00:00:30.719 Give thanks to the Lord. Call upon his name. 00:00:31.719 --> 00:00:34.659 Make known his deeds among the people. Sing to him. 00:00:35.739 --> 00:00:39.739 Sing praises to him. Tell of all his wondrous works. 00:00:40.979 --> 00:00:47.500 Well, we're going to sing praises to our great God and Savior in the words of the 100th Psalm, 00:00:47.599 --> 00:00:55.460 the metrical version of the 100th Psalm, which can be found on page 362 of the Scottish Psalter. 00:00:55.460 --> 00:00:59.920 And we'll sing verses 1 to 5 of the 100th Psalm. 00:00:59.920 --> 00:01:26.079 O people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice. 00:01:26.079 --> 00:01:35.579 Him serve with birth, his grace forthel. 00:01:35.579 --> 00:01:43.900 Come ye before him and rejoice. 00:01:43.900 --> 00:01:55.700 Know that the Lord is called in thee. 00:01:55.700 --> 00:02:05.379 With a kind in thee, heaven's day. 00:02:05.379 --> 00:02:14.740 We are his folk, he doth us take. 00:02:14.740 --> 00:02:25.080 And for his sheep, he doth us take. 00:02:25.080 --> 00:02:34.740 O enter then his gates with grace. 00:02:34.740 --> 00:02:43.740 Approach with joy, his courts unto. 00:02:43.740 --> 00:02:53.740 Praise God and bless his name always. 00:02:53.740 --> 00:03:04.960 For why the Lord our God is good. 00:03:04.960 --> 00:03:14.100 For why the Lord our God is good. 00:03:14.100 --> 00:03:24.120 His mercy is forever sure. 00:03:24.120 --> 00:03:33.439 His truth that old and earthly stood. 00:03:33.439 --> 00:03:42.120 And shall promise to each nature. 00:03:42.120 --> 00:04:00.159 Let us now approach almighty God in prayer. 00:04:00.159 --> 00:04:00.860 Let us pray. 00:04:00.860 --> 00:04:13.760 Gracious God, our hearts do rejoice to approach your courts once more with joy. 00:04:13.760 --> 00:04:17.360 To enter these gates with praise. 00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:22.360 Lord, how we delight to sing to you. 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:28.780 To tell forth your praise to one another and to the wider world. 00:04:28.780 --> 00:04:36.660 How we love to sing of your mercy and your steadfast love. 00:04:36.660 --> 00:04:40.180 How we love to praise you that your word is truth. 00:04:42.180 --> 00:04:45.520 How we love to reflect on your goodness to us. 00:04:45.519 --> 00:04:48.519 That you have saved us. 00:04:48.519 --> 00:04:51.519 That you have sustained us. 00:04:51.519 --> 00:04:54.519 And all this through your sovereign grace. 00:04:54.519 --> 00:05:01.859 Lord, how good it is for us to know that we are the sheep of your pasture. 00:05:01.859 --> 00:05:07.659 We are those you feed with the milk of your word. 00:05:07.659 --> 00:05:13.000 We are those you lead through the guidance of your Holy Spirit. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:16.000 As you lead us to streams of water. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:19.839 Where you restore and refresh our souls. 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:25.060 And how good it is to know that you are our shepherd. 00:05:25.839 --> 00:05:28.000 As we pass through days of difficulty. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:34.079 As some of us perhaps walk through that darkest valley even tonight. 00:05:34.079 --> 00:05:38.079 To know that we need not fear any evil. 00:05:38.079 --> 00:05:40.079 For you are with us. 00:05:40.079 --> 00:05:43.079 Your rod and your staff they comfort us. 00:05:43.079 --> 00:05:47.079 For you are our shepherd. 00:05:47.079 --> 00:05:48.079 Our shepherd. 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:51.079 And so we come to you in faith. 00:05:51.079 --> 00:05:54.079 In faith believing in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:54.079 --> 00:05:55.079 The good shepherd. 00:05:56.079 --> 00:05:57.079 We look to him. 00:05:57.079 --> 00:05:59.079 To his death and resurrection. 00:05:59.079 --> 00:06:03.079 We look to his laying down of his life. 00:06:03.079 --> 00:06:04.079 And his taking it up again. 00:06:04.079 --> 00:06:09.079 In order that we might know the forgiveness of our sins. 00:06:09.079 --> 00:06:12.079 And we might be raised to newness of life. 00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:18.079 We thank you that he is alive forevermore. 00:06:19.079 --> 00:06:23.079 Death has no dominion over him. 00:06:25.079 --> 00:06:28.079 And that he cares for us day and night. 00:06:29.079 --> 00:06:31.079 That he keeps watch over us. 00:06:31.079 --> 00:06:32.079 Our comings. 00:06:32.079 --> 00:06:33.079 Our goings. 00:06:33.079 --> 00:06:35.079 That he keeps our lives. 00:06:35.079 --> 00:06:39.079 Thank you for his tender care. 00:06:39.079 --> 00:06:43.079 That he carries his lambs close to his chest. 00:06:43.079 --> 00:06:45.079 That he binds up our wounds. 00:06:45.079 --> 00:06:47.079 That he drives away the wolves. 00:06:47.079 --> 00:06:50.079 Who would lead us away from the fold and from the father. 00:06:54.079 --> 00:06:57.079 And so this evening as we gather in his name. 00:06:57.079 --> 00:06:59.079 For the final time this weekend. 00:07:00.079 --> 00:07:02.079 We ask that the love of Christ. 00:07:03.079 --> 00:07:04.079 May be found among us. 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:09.079 That the peace of Christ would rule in our hearts. 00:07:09.079 --> 00:07:12.079 As one body of his people. 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:16.079 That the word of Christ would dwell in us richly. 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:18.079 As we sing to one another. 00:07:18.079 --> 00:07:20.079 With psalms and spiritual songs. 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:24.079 And that the name of Christ may be honored. 00:07:24.079 --> 00:07:26.079 In all we say and do. 00:07:27.079 --> 00:07:28.079 Today. 00:07:28.079 --> 00:07:30.079 And into the week to come. 00:07:31.079 --> 00:07:32.079 And so we thank you. 00:07:33.079 --> 00:07:34.079 And worship you. 00:07:34.079 --> 00:07:36.079 And pray to you now. 00:07:36.079 --> 00:07:38.079 In his holy name. 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:39.079 Amen. 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:40.079 Amen. 00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:41.079 Amen. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:42.079 Amen. 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:43.079 Amen. 00:07:47.079 --> 00:07:49.079 Well our second item of praise. 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:51.079 Is taken from Sing Psalms. 00:07:51.079 --> 00:07:53.079 Page 163. 00:07:54.079 --> 00:07:55.079 Sing Psalms. 00:07:56.079 --> 00:07:57.079 Psalm 119. 00:07:58.079 --> 00:07:59.079 Verse 97. 00:07:59.079 --> 00:08:00.079 To verse 104. 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:01.079 Oh Lord. 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:02.079 How much I love your holy law. 00:08:02.079 --> 00:08:05.079 I meditate upon it all the day. 00:08:05.079 --> 00:08:08.079 It makes me wiser than my enemies. 00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:12.079 For your commandments ever with me stay. 00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:14.079 Psalm 119. 00:08:15.079 --> 00:08:16.079 Verse 97. 00:08:16.079 --> 00:08:18.079 Through to verse 104. 00:08:18.079 --> 00:08:19.180 and four. 00:08:48.080 --> 00:09:06.900 It makes me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments never let me stay. 00:09:06.899 --> 00:09:29.860 I have more insight than my teacher job, for all new laws I've meditated each day. 00:09:29.860 --> 00:09:49.620 I've more discerned than the elder job, because your righteous receipts are holy. 00:09:49.620 --> 00:10:12.620 I've kept my feet from every evil path, but I may be obedient to your word, 00:10:12.620 --> 00:10:23.419 and I have not departed from your laws. 00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:32.620 For you yourself have taught me this, O Lord. 00:10:32.620 --> 00:10:54.980 How pleasing to my taste are all your words, for sweet they are that had me on my tongue. 00:10:54.980 --> 00:11:04.080 From your commands I gain enlightenment. 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:14.759 So I reject and teach path as strong. 00:11:24.980 --> 00:11:34.180 Well, this evening I wanted to read together with you from Paul's letter to the Colossians, 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:38.000 in chapter 3, reading the first 17 verses. 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:42.680 Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 to 17. 00:11:43.500 --> 00:11:48.779 If you have before your church Bible, that's on page 1185. 00:11:48.779 --> 00:12:05.240 Let us hear together the word of God. 00:12:07.319 --> 00:12:13.799 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, 00:12:14.379 --> 00:12:15.980 seated at the right hand of God. 00:12:15.980 --> 00:12:21.899 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 00:12:22.680 --> 00:12:27.519 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 00:12:28.680 --> 00:12:33.659 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:38.899 Put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you, 00:12:38.899 --> 00:12:46.840 sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:51.199 On account of these, the wrath of God is coming. 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:55.360 In these, you too once walked when you were living in them, 00:12:55.679 --> 00:12:58.059 but now you must put them all away. 00:12:58.059 --> 00:13:10.599 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices, 00:13:11.259 --> 00:13:18.019 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 00:13:18.019 --> 00:13:27.659 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:31.840 but Christ is all and in all. 00:13:33.939 --> 00:13:36.980 Put all men as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:45.019 compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 00:13:45.899 --> 00:13:49.720 Bearing with one another, and if one has a complaint against another, 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:51.460 forgiving each other. 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:57.340 As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 00:13:58.680 --> 00:14:00.840 And above all these, put on love, 00:14:01.720 --> 00:14:04.659 which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 00:14:04.659 --> 00:14:08.759 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:11.000 to which indeed you were called in one body. 00:14:11.919 --> 00:14:12.980 And be thankful. 00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:15.639 Let the word of Christ dwell in you, 00:14:15.699 --> 00:14:18.719 richly teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:22.919 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs 00:14:22.919 --> 00:14:26.219 with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 00:14:27.159 --> 00:14:28.219 And whatever you do, 00:14:29.019 --> 00:14:30.220 in word or deed, 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:34.299 do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:39.079 giving thanks to God the Father through him. 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:47.759 And we do give thanks to God the Father for his word to us. 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:53.280 We'll sing once more now. 00:14:54.300 --> 00:14:57.160 This time from Sing Psalms, page 17. 00:14:58.040 --> 00:15:00.060 We'll sing Psalm 16, 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:02.540 beginning at verse 7, 00:15:02.539 --> 00:15:05.519 and singing through to the end of the psalm. 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:08.299 Page 17, 00:15:09.179 --> 00:15:10.599 Psalm 16, 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:12.679 I'll praise the Lord my God, 00:15:13.079 --> 00:15:15.120 whose counsel guides my choice, 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:16.779 and even in the night my heart 00:15:16.779 --> 00:15:19.659 recalls instruction's voice. 00:15:19.659 --> 00:15:34.980 I'll praise the Lord my God, 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:44.220 whose counsel guides my choice, 00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:53.960 and even in the night my heart, 00:15:53.960 --> 00:16:02.320 recalls instruction's voice. 00:16:02.320 --> 00:16:09.700 Before me constantly, 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:11.700 I said, 00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:14.940 I said, 00:16:14.940 --> 00:16:17.440 The Lord, 00:16:17.440 --> 00:16:20.920 the Lord, 00:16:20.920 --> 00:16:31.120 because he is at my right hand, 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:38.440 I'll not be overgrown. 00:16:38.440 --> 00:16:41.880 Therefore, 00:16:41.880 --> 00:16:49.240 my heart is clout, 00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:58.780 My tongue with joy will sing, 00:16:58.779 --> 00:17:09.579 My body to rest secure, 00:17:09.579 --> 00:17:17.660 In hope unwevering, 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:25.259 For you will not allow, 00:17:25.259 --> 00:17:36.059 My soul in death to stay, 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:42.079 What will you leave, 00:17:42.079 --> 00:17:46.879 Your holy one, 00:17:46.879 --> 00:17:53.700 To see the tombs decay, 00:17:53.700 --> 00:18:04.500 You have made known to me, 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:12.500 The path of life divine, 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:19.299 This shall I know, 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:24.299 At your right hand, 00:18:24.299 --> 00:18:32.299 Joy from your face will shine. 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:47.919 Well, please do keep your Bible open there to Colossians chapter 3, 00:18:48.879 --> 00:18:54.099 as we think together about our new life in Christ. 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:59.219 I'm not much of a football fan, 00:18:59.219 --> 00:19:03.699 But I know that with the summer season comes the transfer market, 00:19:03.700 --> 00:19:10.500 As players are sold often at great expense from one club to another. 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:16.500 A transferred player comes under new management. 00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:19.299 They put on a new group, 00:19:19.299 --> 00:19:23.299 They find themselves with new teammates, 00:19:23.299 --> 00:19:26.099 Part of a new community. 00:19:26.099 --> 00:19:31.299 And in a sense, that's a bit like the Christian life. 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:34.899 When we come to know the Lord, 00:19:34.899 --> 00:19:36.899 We come under new management. 00:19:36.899 --> 00:19:39.299 We have a new identity. 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:42.099 We belong to a new community. 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:46.099 It is a picture of the Christian life. 00:19:46.099 --> 00:19:50.099 It is a picture of the difference Christ makes. 00:19:50.099 --> 00:19:58.099 This morning we thought about the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:04.259 We came to the very heart of the gospel, 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:09.099 The matters the Apostle Paul described as of first importance. 00:20:12.500 --> 00:20:15.799 The Psalms, the prophecies of the Old Testament, 00:20:15.799 --> 00:20:20.079 Looked forward to the events that were fulfilled at Calvary's cross. 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:22.500 And at the empty tomb. 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:29.299 And the death and resurrection of our Lord are at the foundation of the Christian life, 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:32.699 But also the basis of our Christian experience. 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:39.980 And in Colossians chapter 2 from verse 20 into the chapter we read, chapter 3, 00:20:40.659 --> 00:20:43.859 We see that when we trust the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:46.819 We die to the old ways. 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:51.220 We are raised to newness of life. 00:20:51.220 --> 00:21:00.019 We are transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:03.220 And more than that, we are transformed. 00:21:03.220 --> 00:21:08.019 We are renewed after the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:15.460 And that was the experience of the young church in Colossae. 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:19.460 It's a very interesting history of that church. 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:22.819 It's in Asia Minor, what we would now know as Turkey. 00:21:22.819 --> 00:21:27.220 And it's not a church the Apostle Paul ever visited. 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:31.919 It seems that when he was preaching around Asia Minor, 00:21:31.919 --> 00:21:38.220 He met this fellow Epaphras, who was from Colossae. 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:42.059 Epaphras encountered Paul's ministry. 00:21:42.279 --> 00:21:43.899 He encounters Paul's message. 00:21:44.419 --> 00:21:46.460 He encountered Paul's Messiah. 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:49.840 And he became a believer. 00:21:51.180 --> 00:21:54.700 And Epaphras was excited about his new faith. 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:58.279 And when he went home, he told everyone, 00:21:58.360 --> 00:22:01.140 He wanted to share with everyone what had happened to him. 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:07.240 And so we imagine he might have rounded up his friends and his family, 00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:10.079 His school classmates, his work colleagues. 00:22:10.880 --> 00:22:12.279 Maybe he prepared a buffet. 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:18.000 And then he shared with them his testimony and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:22:19.619 --> 00:22:27.539 And it seems that a church was born, a small, fledgling church that met in the home of this man Philemon. 00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:32.079 But the gospel bore fruit. 00:22:32.879 --> 00:22:37.019 As Paul reminds us in chapter 1, it's bearing fruit all around the world. 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:40.440 And he prayed that it would continue to bear fruit in their lives. 00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:45.860 The fruit of faith and of love and of hope. 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:51.980 So though he hadn't met them, he had heard of them. 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:56.600 And so Paul, who himself was in prison at this time, writes to them. 00:22:57.559 --> 00:23:00.420 To tell them of his joy. 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:04.039 And to encourage them in their faith. 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:11.740 And the purpose of the letter seems to be to encourage them to continue in Christ, 00:23:12.159 --> 00:23:15.960 in whom all the fullness of deity dwells. 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:20.879 There was circulating at that time false teaching. 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:24.539 Teaching based upon human tradition. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:26.039 Human teaching. 00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:32.980 A teaching that seemed to encourage either legalism on one hand or mysticism on the other. 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:40.440 And Paul writes to this young church to remind them to remain faithful to Christ. 00:23:40.599 --> 00:23:46.039 Not to become distracted by the latest fad and novelty circulating. 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:51.159 He reminds them not to be enslaved to human teachings. 00:23:52.700 --> 00:23:56.240 Because a divine work has taken place in their lives. 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:58.460 They have died with Christ. 00:23:58.819 --> 00:24:01.079 And they have been raised with Christ. 00:24:03.119 --> 00:24:07.700 You see, the Christian faith is not a matter of turning over a new leaf. 00:24:08.379 --> 00:24:11.379 It is beginning a new life. 00:24:11.380 --> 00:24:15.160 They were raised to newness of life. 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:17.980 They died to the old ways of life. 00:24:19.780 --> 00:24:24.040 And so he reminds them to continue in Christ. 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:28.840 To keep looking to the glorious inheritance which is theirs in him. 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:33.600 One with himself, I cannot die. 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:35.900 My soul is purchased by his blood. 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:38.700 My life is safe with Christ on high. 00:24:38.820 --> 00:24:42.240 With Christ, my Savior and my God. 00:24:43.080 --> 00:24:45.080 They were residents in Colossae. 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.780 Maybe they'd grown up there. 00:24:46.860 --> 00:24:48.140 Maybe they'd built homes there. 00:24:49.100 --> 00:24:52.540 But ultimately they were citizens of heaven. 00:24:54.340 --> 00:24:55.820 They had houses. 00:24:57.160 --> 00:25:00.960 But their true home was with Christ above. 00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:04.980 And so having been raised to newness of life, 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:08.039 they are to die to the old way of life. 00:25:08.140 --> 00:25:11.700 What a former generation of Christians called mortification. 00:25:12.840 --> 00:25:18.460 Putting to death the old ways in which they once walked. 00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:25.100 If you're a rugby fan, maybe you sing Flower of Scotland at Scotland Games. 00:25:26.360 --> 00:25:27.640 And it has that line, 00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:29.160 Those days are past now. 00:25:29.160 --> 00:25:31.759 And in the past they must remain. 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:37.440 Well, for the believer, those words could be written under the old life. 00:25:37.560 --> 00:25:38.980 These things are in the past. 00:25:39.060 --> 00:25:41.480 And in the past they must remain. 00:25:41.600 --> 00:25:45.040 Because we've been raised to newness of life. 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:50.220 And so in our reading this morning in verses 5, 00:25:50.320 --> 00:25:52.060 this evening in fact 5 to 11, 00:25:53.160 --> 00:25:55.779 Paul reminds them to put out the old. 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:58.200 In verse 12 to 17, to bring in the new. 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:00.920 Putting out the old. 00:26:01.300 --> 00:26:02.000 Putting to death. 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:02.720 Putting away. 00:26:03.580 --> 00:26:06.240 And then putting on the new in Christ. 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:14.759 The story is told of a couple of young ladies who would attend parties. 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.539 Wild parties. 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:17.660 And they became to faith. 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:20.779 And they got an invitation one day through the post saying, 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:21.680 Come to this party. 00:26:21.740 --> 00:26:22.460 It's going to be great. 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.779 And they wrote back and said, 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:26.740 We cannot attend because we are dead. 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:31.319 They had died to the old way of life. 00:26:31.319 --> 00:26:32.960 Those days are past now. 00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:35.740 And in the past they must remain. 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:41.700 And Paul underlines this break with the past in three ways. 00:26:42.679 --> 00:26:46.259 Verse 5, he says, put to death. 00:26:47.079 --> 00:26:50.299 Verse 8, he says, put away. 00:26:50.879 --> 00:26:53.700 Verse 9, he says, put off. 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:59.279 He is emphasizing the decisive break with the past. 00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:03.000 When someone comes to a living faith in the living Lord Jesus. 00:27:05.340 --> 00:27:07.620 And the Colossians used to live. 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:12.299 They used to walk in the ways of the ancient world. 00:27:13.620 --> 00:27:17.880 Verse 7, he says, in these you used to walk when you were living in them. 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:21.320 Ways that were not pleasing to God. 00:27:23.060 --> 00:27:30.780 And Paul has this rather unhappy list between verse 5 and between verse 9 and verse 5. 00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:36.300 In which he really describes the pattern of life in the ancient world. 00:27:37.380 --> 00:27:39.960 It reads rather like the works of the flesh. 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:43.000 He describes elsewhere in Galatians 5. 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:47.099 And he describes how the people of his day. 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:50.140 And how the people of Colossae used to walk. 00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:51.599 How they used to talk. 00:27:52.619 --> 00:27:54.079 He describes their conduct. 00:27:54.839 --> 00:27:55.900 Their conversation. 00:27:56.180 --> 00:27:59.940 He describes how they used their body and their tongue. 00:28:02.380 --> 00:28:06.279 And he says their lives were characterized by a lack of self-control. 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:08.759 And by loose speech. 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:12.460 Verse 5, immorality. 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:13.759 Impurity. 00:28:14.299 --> 00:28:14.700 Passion. 00:28:15.180 --> 00:28:15.880 Evil desire. 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.019 Covetousness. 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:18.380 And idolatry. 00:28:20.119 --> 00:28:23.400 This was normal in the ancient world. 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.859 This was acceptable. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:27.180 This is what everybody was doing. 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:32.140 And though it was acceptable to the wider society. 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:33.819 It wasn't acceptable to God. 00:28:34.839 --> 00:28:36.759 Verse 6, on account of these. 00:28:37.200 --> 00:28:39.720 The wrath of God is coming. 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:43.559 People abusing their own bodies. 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:48.339 People using and abusing one another for entertainment and exploitation. 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:53.599 And he says, you as Christians, you've got to put that to death. 00:28:54.599 --> 00:28:56.019 You've got to close the door. 00:28:56.159 --> 00:28:59.000 You've got to draw a line under it. 00:28:59.000 --> 00:29:02.619 And you've got to honor God with your body. 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:06.579 Because you are now part of Christ's body. 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:10.200 And so honor him with your body. 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:15.940 So he warns them about a lack of self-control. 00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:18.700 And then he warns them against loose speech. 00:29:18.819 --> 00:29:19.600 Verse 8. 00:29:20.900 --> 00:29:21.759 Put these away. 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.519 Anger. 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:24.019 Wrath. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.340 Malice. 00:29:26.059 --> 00:29:26.819 Slander. 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:29.840 And obscene talk from your mouth. 00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:37.339 I wonder if that list describes the atmosphere in anybody's home. 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:39.539 Or anybody's workplace. 00:29:40.220 --> 00:29:42.519 Or anybody's school playground. 00:29:44.899 --> 00:29:48.899 He warns them against anger. 00:29:49.539 --> 00:29:50.539 Outbursts of anger. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.619 Shouting matches. 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:53.779 Slagging matches. 00:29:53.779 --> 00:29:57.660 He warns them against malice. 00:29:58.259 --> 00:29:58.740 Gossip. 00:29:59.319 --> 00:30:00.000 Slander. 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:03.279 Talking about people behind their back. 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.879 Tearing them down. 00:30:05.200 --> 00:30:06.879 Instead of building them up. 00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:09.000 Sarcasm. 00:30:09.319 --> 00:30:12.079 Or as one person I met called it. 00:30:12.399 --> 00:30:13.160 Scarcasm. 00:30:14.940 --> 00:30:15.460 Bullying. 00:30:16.220 --> 00:30:17.000 Cyberbullying. 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:18.460 Cynical. 00:30:18.660 --> 00:30:19.019 Critical. 00:30:19.619 --> 00:30:20.099 Language. 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:25.279 And he warns them against obscene talk from their mouths. 00:30:25.639 --> 00:30:26.119 Blasphemy. 00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:27.500 Casual. 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:28.519 Innuendo. 00:30:30.839 --> 00:30:31.899 Finally verse 9. 00:30:31.980 --> 00:30:32.779 Against lying. 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:34.740 Deception. 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:37.119 Even the little white lie. 00:30:39.480 --> 00:30:41.619 And the Apostle Paul says that when we come to Christ. 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:43.399 He is Lord over not just our bodies. 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:44.480 But over our mouths. 00:30:46.539 --> 00:30:48.519 Not just our conduct has to change. 00:30:48.519 --> 00:30:50.420 But our conversation as well. 00:30:53.859 --> 00:30:55.819 When I was growing up in the 80s. 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:59.259 There was a comedy duo called Cannon and Ball. 00:30:59.359 --> 00:31:00.700 I'm sure some of you remember them. 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:03.639 And they used to do stand-up comedy. 00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:06.700 They used to present at TV shows. 00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:11.059 And they enjoyed all the trappings of celebrity life. 00:31:11.139 --> 00:31:12.119 But it came at a cost. 00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:15.460 And they experienced some difficulties. 00:31:15.619 --> 00:31:16.900 And in the midst of these difficulties. 00:31:16.900 --> 00:31:18.259 One of them became a Christian. 00:31:18.860 --> 00:31:21.040 There was an evangelist who used to visit theatres. 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:23.060 And he shared the gospel with one of them. 00:31:23.880 --> 00:31:26.320 And he shared the gospel with his comedy partner. 00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:27.600 And they both came to faith. 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:31.580 And they quite literally cleaned up the act. 00:31:32.620 --> 00:31:34.280 They weren't on television so much. 00:31:34.360 --> 00:31:36.420 Their careers didn't reach the same highs. 00:31:36.680 --> 00:31:38.259 But they continued to perform. 00:31:39.080 --> 00:31:40.860 And they said we don't do that anymore. 00:31:40.859 --> 00:31:44.119 We don't do blue language. 00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:46.299 Unless our show is family friendly. 00:31:46.439 --> 00:31:47.399 We don't do it. 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:51.799 Because the Lord had cleaned up their act. 00:31:51.919 --> 00:31:54.019 He had cleaned out their mouths. 00:31:54.899 --> 00:31:57.839 And they put away the old conversation. 00:31:58.039 --> 00:31:58.979 The old speech. 00:31:59.619 --> 00:32:00.699 The old self. 00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:06.160 Proverbs has much to say. 00:32:06.559 --> 00:32:07.640 About speech. 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:09.279 It's New Testament counterpart. 00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:10.340 The letter of James. 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:12.100 Has much to teach us. 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:12.980 About the tongue. 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:16.080 It's power for good. 00:32:16.259 --> 00:32:17.799 And it's power for evil. 00:32:18.660 --> 00:32:20.420 It's capacity to bless. 00:32:20.620 --> 00:32:22.000 And it's potential to curse. 00:32:23.059 --> 00:32:25.600 And it says no man can tame the tongue. 00:32:25.599 --> 00:32:28.079 But there is one. 00:32:29.299 --> 00:32:30.199 And the God man. 00:32:30.279 --> 00:32:31.399 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:33.099 Can tame our tongues. 00:32:33.639 --> 00:32:36.259 And put a new song into our mouths. 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:40.679 So we are to put to death. 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:42.219 Put away. 00:32:42.699 --> 00:32:45.299 Put off the old ways. 00:32:46.959 --> 00:32:48.119 And the reason is. 00:32:48.599 --> 00:32:50.579 Verse 10 and verse 11. 00:32:50.699 --> 00:32:52.939 Because we have a new identity in Christ. 00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:55.299 And we belong to a new community. 00:32:55.599 --> 00:32:57.299 Community in Christ. 00:33:00.059 --> 00:33:01.519 Negatively we put off. 00:33:01.980 --> 00:33:03.480 Put away the old ways. 00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:05.199 But positively. 00:33:05.740 --> 00:33:06.899 We put on. 00:33:07.519 --> 00:33:08.799 The new self. 00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:09.699 Verse 10. 00:33:11.439 --> 00:33:12.619 And in his letter. 00:33:12.719 --> 00:33:13.819 Paul has introduced us. 00:33:13.939 --> 00:33:16.199 To a range of theological concepts. 00:33:17.339 --> 00:33:18.279 He's taught us. 00:33:18.439 --> 00:33:20.579 That we have redemption in Christ. 00:33:21.419 --> 00:33:23.279 We have literally been bought back. 00:33:23.419 --> 00:33:24.980 From slavery to sin. 00:33:24.980 --> 00:33:26.839 He has bought us back. 00:33:26.839 --> 00:33:28.940 Not with silver and gold. 00:33:28.940 --> 00:33:30.019 But with his own blood. 00:33:31.700 --> 00:33:32.819 We have redemption. 00:33:34.259 --> 00:33:36.000 And we have reconciliation. 00:33:36.860 --> 00:33:38.380 To God as our father. 00:33:39.420 --> 00:33:41.579 Once each of us was alienated. 00:33:41.720 --> 00:33:42.839 Hostile in mind. 00:33:43.160 --> 00:33:44.279 Doing evil deeds. 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:44.720 Peace. 00:33:44.720 --> 00:33:45.039 But now. 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:46.559 Chapter 1 verse 22. 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:48.099 He has reconciled us. 00:33:48.200 --> 00:33:48.839 In his body. 00:33:50.220 --> 00:33:51.299 Making peace. 00:33:52.000 --> 00:33:53.700 In order that we might be holy. 00:33:54.119 --> 00:33:55.480 And blameless before him. 00:33:57.680 --> 00:33:58.700 And in these. 00:33:59.420 --> 00:34:00.139 Verses here. 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:01.099 He introduces us. 00:34:01.200 --> 00:34:02.519 To the idea of renewal. 00:34:02.899 --> 00:34:04.200 Of regeneration. 00:34:04.200 --> 00:34:07.680 That the Lord is inwardly. 00:34:08.159 --> 00:34:09.420 Transforming us. 00:34:09.780 --> 00:34:10.840 Day by day. 00:34:10.980 --> 00:34:11.800 By his spirit. 00:34:11.920 --> 00:34:12.559 More and more. 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:14.139 Into the likeness of Christ. 00:34:17.019 --> 00:34:18.460 One hymn writer says. 00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:19.860 In these words. 00:34:19.980 --> 00:34:20.699 Lord change. 00:34:21.059 --> 00:34:21.699 To flesh. 00:34:21.780 --> 00:34:22.740 My stony heart. 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:24.340 The veil of sin. 00:34:24.420 --> 00:34:25.079 Again remove. 00:34:25.240 --> 00:34:26.280 Apply your blood. 00:34:26.820 --> 00:34:27.240 Renew. 00:34:27.480 --> 00:34:28.000 Convert. 00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:29.340 And melt it. 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:30.539 By your dying love. 00:34:32.860 --> 00:34:34.139 This heart. 00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:34.739 By love. 00:34:34.860 --> 00:34:35.360 Subdue. 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:36.940 And by your spirit. 00:34:37.239 --> 00:34:38.420 Make it new. 00:34:40.699 --> 00:34:41.400 C.S. Lewis. 00:34:41.760 --> 00:34:42.619 Said that when. 00:34:42.780 --> 00:34:43.139 The Lord. 00:34:43.619 --> 00:34:44.179 Moves into. 00:34:44.659 --> 00:34:45.340 Our hearts. 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:46.360 He doesn't just make. 00:34:46.360 --> 00:34:47.099 A few repairs. 00:34:48.500 --> 00:34:49.519 He undertakes. 00:34:49.519 --> 00:34:50.739 A major renovation. 00:34:50.739 --> 00:34:51.619 Of our lives. 00:34:52.800 --> 00:34:53.320 Sometimes. 00:34:53.860 --> 00:34:54.340 Uncomfortable. 00:34:55.179 --> 00:34:55.900 But ultimately. 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:57.179 That we might be renewed. 00:34:57.179 --> 00:34:58.719 In knowledge. 00:34:59.159 --> 00:35:00.019 After the image. 00:35:00.399 --> 00:35:01.359 Of our creator. 00:35:03.199 --> 00:35:04.679 So we have a new identity. 00:35:05.839 --> 00:35:06.940 And we belong. 00:35:07.299 --> 00:35:08.879 To a new community. 00:35:10.619 --> 00:35:11.319 Verse 11. 00:35:12.299 --> 00:35:13.719 One in which there is neither. 00:35:13.899 --> 00:35:14.699 Greek nor Jew. 00:35:14.919 --> 00:35:15.619 Circumcised. 00:35:15.719 --> 00:35:16.559 Uncircumcised. 00:35:16.699 --> 00:35:17.299 Barbarian. 00:35:17.299 --> 00:35:17.899 Slivian. 00:35:18.419 --> 00:35:18.779 Scythian. 00:35:18.879 --> 00:35:19.359 Slave. 00:35:19.759 --> 00:35:20.480 Or free. 00:35:22.539 --> 00:35:23.980 The Christian church. 00:35:24.299 --> 00:35:25.339 Is the most. 00:35:25.619 --> 00:35:26.239 Diverse. 00:35:26.239 --> 00:35:27.239 Body. 00:35:27.239 --> 00:35:27.279 Body. 00:35:27.539 --> 00:35:28.219 Institution. 00:35:28.219 --> 00:35:29.539 On the face. 00:35:29.539 --> 00:35:30.559 Of the planet. 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:33.479 And in the first century. 00:35:33.819 --> 00:35:34.579 It was characterized. 00:35:34.579 --> 00:35:36.039 By that same diversity. 00:35:37.219 --> 00:35:38.279 There were Jewish. 00:35:38.659 --> 00:35:39.159 Believers. 00:35:40.479 --> 00:35:41.019 There were. 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:41.939 Greek. 00:35:42.479 --> 00:35:42.979 Believers. 00:35:44.379 --> 00:35:45.259 The sophisticated. 00:35:45.959 --> 00:35:46.559 Cultured. 00:35:46.779 --> 00:35:47.199 Greek. 00:35:47.679 --> 00:35:48.339 Would be found. 00:35:48.519 --> 00:35:49.500 Sitting in the pew. 00:35:49.859 --> 00:35:50.939 Next to the tough. 00:35:51.359 --> 00:35:52.159 Barbarian. 00:35:52.359 --> 00:35:53.259 Or the Scythian. 00:35:53.260 --> 00:35:55.560 The slaves. 00:35:55.560 --> 00:35:57.020 Would find themselves. 00:35:57.020 --> 00:35:58.180 On an equal footing. 00:35:58.180 --> 00:35:59.620 With their masters. 00:36:01.420 --> 00:36:02.660 All divisions. 00:36:02.660 --> 00:36:03.620 Of race. 00:36:04.060 --> 00:36:05.060 And class. 00:36:05.420 --> 00:36:06.200 And freedom. 00:36:06.360 --> 00:36:07.220 Were done away with. 00:36:07.300 --> 00:36:08.800 Or ought to have been done away with. 00:36:09.940 --> 00:36:11.220 Because all. 00:36:11.600 --> 00:36:12.440 Were in Christ. 00:36:13.000 --> 00:36:14.440 And Christ is all. 00:36:14.680 --> 00:36:15.380 And in. 00:36:15.840 --> 00:36:16.240 All. 00:36:16.239 --> 00:36:16.359 Whole. 00:36:18.639 --> 00:36:19.559 And so they belonged. 00:36:19.979 --> 00:36:20.799 To a new. 00:36:21.299 --> 00:36:21.759 Community. 00:36:23.019 --> 00:36:24.219 And the characteristic. 00:36:24.219 --> 00:36:25.219 Of that community. 00:36:25.219 --> 00:36:25.979 Verse 12. 00:36:26.519 --> 00:36:27.279 Was to be. 00:36:27.659 --> 00:36:28.219 Holiness. 00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:30.739 Drawing on language. 00:36:30.739 --> 00:36:31.739 From the Old Testament. 00:36:32.199 --> 00:36:33.099 Paul tells us. 00:36:33.199 --> 00:36:34.019 That they together. 00:36:34.019 --> 00:36:35.819 Were God's chosen ones. 00:36:36.579 --> 00:36:37.139 Holy. 00:36:37.919 --> 00:36:38.479 And. 00:36:38.899 --> 00:36:39.379 Beloved. 00:36:39.380 --> 00:36:43.400 So they had to put to death. 00:36:43.480 --> 00:36:44.320 The old ways. 00:36:45.920 --> 00:36:47.599 For their individual good. 00:36:48.539 --> 00:36:49.700 And for the good. 00:36:49.760 --> 00:36:51.000 Of the Christian community. 00:36:51.000 --> 00:36:52.740 In which they had been called. 00:36:55.519 --> 00:36:57.360 If they were to continue living. 00:36:57.840 --> 00:36:58.559 And speaking. 00:36:59.079 --> 00:36:59.680 And behaving. 00:36:59.820 --> 00:37:01.099 As they formerly had. 00:37:01.860 --> 00:37:02.880 It would be harmful. 00:37:02.880 --> 00:37:03.599 To the community. 00:37:03.660 --> 00:37:04.539 It would probably blow. 00:37:04.539 --> 00:37:06.119 The little church apart. 00:37:07.940 --> 00:37:08.640 And so Paul says. 00:37:08.639 --> 00:37:09.879 Put all these things away. 00:37:10.519 --> 00:37:11.779 You've got a new identity. 00:37:11.779 --> 00:37:12.359 In Christ. 00:37:12.480 --> 00:37:13.679 God is at work in you. 00:37:14.960 --> 00:37:16.599 And you are one of his people. 00:37:16.980 --> 00:37:18.139 In his community. 00:37:20.779 --> 00:37:21.900 It's a lovely picture. 00:37:22.000 --> 00:37:22.279 Isn't it? 00:37:22.299 --> 00:37:23.599 Of the before and after. 00:37:23.940 --> 00:37:25.059 Of the Christian life. 00:37:25.139 --> 00:37:26.500 How they used to walk. 00:37:26.859 --> 00:37:27.799 How they now. 00:37:28.259 --> 00:37:28.779 Lived. 00:37:30.159 --> 00:37:31.460 It looks very similar. 00:37:31.460 --> 00:37:31.859 To. 00:37:32.559 --> 00:37:33.539 The description. 00:37:33.679 --> 00:37:34.739 Of the works of the flesh. 00:37:34.900 --> 00:37:36.139 In Galatians chapter 5. 00:37:36.259 --> 00:37:37.460 Just as the following verses. 00:37:37.599 --> 00:37:38.440 Remind us of the fruit. 00:37:38.639 --> 00:37:39.519 Of the spirit. 00:37:40.900 --> 00:37:41.799 But Paul says. 00:37:41.920 --> 00:37:42.559 Put to death. 00:37:42.679 --> 00:37:43.119 Put away. 00:37:43.279 --> 00:37:43.819 Put off. 00:37:44.199 --> 00:37:45.179 These old paths. 00:37:45.879 --> 00:37:47.379 Because you have a new identity. 00:37:48.159 --> 00:37:49.920 And you belong to a new community. 00:37:49.920 --> 00:37:50.559 In Christ. 00:37:53.079 --> 00:37:54.759 But what is to be the characteristic? 00:37:55.420 --> 00:37:56.900 What are to be the characteristics. 00:37:57.239 --> 00:37:58.559 Of that new community? 00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:00.839 And in verse 12. 00:38:00.920 --> 00:38:02.219 He gives us this list. 00:38:02.839 --> 00:38:04.159 This list of spiritual. 00:38:04.839 --> 00:38:05.279 Adjectives. 00:38:05.359 --> 00:38:06.339 Of spiritual fruit. 00:38:06.340 --> 00:38:09.100 And interestingly. 00:38:09.340 --> 00:38:11.079 As he addresses the people. 00:38:11.260 --> 00:38:13.559 He does so in plural verbs. 00:38:14.720 --> 00:38:15.700 So he's writing. 00:38:15.940 --> 00:38:17.700 Not only to us as individuals. 00:38:17.840 --> 00:38:19.380 In the individual qualities. 00:38:19.380 --> 00:38:20.220 Of our lives. 00:38:21.059 --> 00:38:23.780 But he's writing to what a congregational life. 00:38:23.780 --> 00:38:24.660 Should look like. 00:38:24.720 --> 00:38:26.200 What should be the characteristics. 00:38:26.900 --> 00:38:28.039 Of a congregation. 00:38:28.380 --> 00:38:29.780 Of his people. 00:38:29.780 --> 00:38:33.560 And we notice how often. 00:38:33.800 --> 00:38:34.620 That phrase. 00:38:34.740 --> 00:38:35.460 One another. 00:38:35.800 --> 00:38:36.240 Is repeated. 00:38:37.320 --> 00:38:38.740 We are to bear with one another. 00:38:39.060 --> 00:38:41.200 We are to forgive one another. 00:38:41.300 --> 00:38:43.080 We are to teach and admonish one another. 00:38:43.079 --> 00:38:46.599 And so in using that language. 00:38:46.719 --> 00:38:48.239 And employing these plurals. 00:38:48.239 --> 00:38:50.019 The apostle Paul is assuming. 00:38:50.219 --> 00:38:50.980 That as Christians. 00:38:51.179 --> 00:38:52.340 We will belong. 00:38:52.900 --> 00:38:54.539 To a believing community. 00:38:55.539 --> 00:38:57.239 That we will gather together. 00:38:58.519 --> 00:38:59.239 And meet together. 00:39:00.079 --> 00:39:00.900 For encouragement. 00:39:01.840 --> 00:39:03.460 That our lives will overlap. 00:39:03.579 --> 00:39:05.099 Not only on a Sunday service. 00:39:05.099 --> 00:39:06.360 Or perhaps a midweek meeting. 00:39:06.639 --> 00:39:08.139 But at other points during the week. 00:39:08.480 --> 00:39:09.860 When we enjoy friendship. 00:39:09.860 --> 00:39:11.720 And fellowship in his name. 00:39:13.400 --> 00:39:15.460 That we are to relate to one another. 00:39:16.059 --> 00:39:18.300 As members of a community. 00:39:18.820 --> 00:39:19.760 A multicultural. 00:39:20.360 --> 00:39:22.680 A multi-generational society. 00:39:25.740 --> 00:39:28.400 And he says the qualities of that community. 00:39:28.900 --> 00:39:29.980 Which is being renewed. 00:39:29.980 --> 00:39:32.320 After the image of its creator. 00:39:33.019 --> 00:39:34.420 Are to reflect. 00:39:34.620 --> 00:39:36.740 At the attributes of God. 00:39:37.059 --> 00:39:37.660 In some way. 00:39:37.659 --> 00:39:40.259 Holy. 00:39:41.519 --> 00:39:42.359 Beloved. 00:39:43.259 --> 00:39:44.179 Compassionate. 00:39:45.039 --> 00:39:45.460 Kind. 00:39:46.359 --> 00:39:46.879 Humble. 00:39:47.759 --> 00:39:48.139 Meek. 00:39:49.199 --> 00:39:49.539 Patient. 00:39:51.500 --> 00:39:53.259 The word love. 00:39:53.480 --> 00:39:54.619 Is very central here. 00:39:55.379 --> 00:39:56.199 They are beloved. 00:39:57.039 --> 00:39:59.779 They are supremely to put on love. 00:40:01.059 --> 00:40:03.099 But they are to reflect. 00:40:03.099 --> 00:40:04.299 God's kindness. 00:40:04.300 --> 00:40:07.019 They are to reflect. 00:40:07.019 --> 00:40:08.460 The compassion of Christ. 00:40:09.240 --> 00:40:10.800 Who we read in the Gospels. 00:40:11.039 --> 00:40:12.080 Had compassion. 00:40:12.640 --> 00:40:13.700 When he met people. 00:40:14.080 --> 00:40:14.600 In need. 00:40:15.680 --> 00:40:16.640 They are to reflect. 00:40:16.760 --> 00:40:17.360 The humility. 00:40:17.740 --> 00:40:18.320 Of Christ. 00:40:19.240 --> 00:40:20.320 Humbling himself. 00:40:21.380 --> 00:40:22.900 To the point of death. 00:40:24.019 --> 00:40:24.840 They are to reflect. 00:40:24.960 --> 00:40:25.600 The meekness. 00:40:26.000 --> 00:40:26.780 Of Christ. 00:40:27.560 --> 00:40:28.460 They are to reflect. 00:40:28.580 --> 00:40:29.680 The patience of Christ. 00:40:29.780 --> 00:40:31.519 Was he not so very patient. 00:40:31.720 --> 00:40:32.840 With his disciples. 00:40:32.840 --> 00:40:34.720 As they failed. 00:40:34.720 --> 00:40:35.480 To understand. 00:40:35.480 --> 00:40:36.700 All that he had been. 00:40:37.160 --> 00:40:37.480 Teaching. 00:40:38.019 --> 00:40:38.440 To them. 00:40:40.640 --> 00:40:41.840 So they are being. 00:40:42.100 --> 00:40:42.800 Renewed. 00:40:43.300 --> 00:40:44.300 After the image. 00:40:44.700 --> 00:40:45.900 Of their creator. 00:40:46.900 --> 00:40:48.420 And as the spirit of God. 00:40:48.480 --> 00:40:49.440 Is at work in their heart. 00:40:49.519 --> 00:40:50.000 They are to. 00:40:50.440 --> 00:40:51.220 Be renewed. 00:40:51.220 --> 00:40:52.180 After his likeness. 00:40:52.260 --> 00:40:52.860 To demonstrate. 00:40:53.000 --> 00:40:53.720 These seem qualities. 00:40:53.920 --> 00:40:54.360 These seem. 00:40:54.880 --> 00:40:55.400 Attributes. 00:40:55.620 --> 00:40:56.260 That he. 00:40:56.440 --> 00:40:57.380 Has demonstrated. 00:40:57.380 --> 00:40:58.340 To them. 00:40:58.340 --> 00:40:59.019 What. 00:41:01.019 --> 00:41:02.600 Is a Christian church. 00:41:02.600 --> 00:41:03.940 To look like. 00:41:06.079 --> 00:41:07.140 And what are to be. 00:41:07.220 --> 00:41:08.019 The characteristics. 00:41:08.539 --> 00:41:09.340 Of a fellowship. 00:41:10.940 --> 00:41:12.039 And I want to suggest. 00:41:12.280 --> 00:41:12.740 Just briefly. 00:41:12.980 --> 00:41:13.620 Four things. 00:41:13.940 --> 00:41:14.720 Which our attention. 00:41:14.900 --> 00:41:15.480 Is drawn to. 00:41:16.100 --> 00:41:16.980 In these verses. 00:41:18.100 --> 00:41:19.300 Verse 12 to 14. 00:41:19.480 --> 00:41:20.500 The love of Christ. 00:41:21.420 --> 00:41:22.519 Verse 15. 00:41:22.720 --> 00:41:24.100 The peace of Christ. 00:41:25.059 --> 00:41:25.840 Verse 16. 00:41:25.920 --> 00:41:26.980 The word of Christ. 00:41:26.980 --> 00:41:29.119 And then verse 17. 00:41:29.119 --> 00:41:30.159 The name. 00:41:30.159 --> 00:41:31.219 Of Christ. 00:41:33.579 --> 00:41:34.800 Paul has already. 00:41:34.800 --> 00:41:36.019 Commended this church. 00:41:36.340 --> 00:41:36.900 Chapter 1. 00:41:37.000 --> 00:41:37.619 For their love. 00:41:38.460 --> 00:41:39.340 And their faith. 00:41:39.940 --> 00:41:40.679 And their hope. 00:41:41.699 --> 00:41:42.400 And he here. 00:41:42.460 --> 00:41:42.920 Reminds them. 00:41:43.039 --> 00:41:44.159 That they are beloved. 00:41:44.619 --> 00:41:45.500 Of God. 00:41:46.659 --> 00:41:47.659 And as such. 00:41:47.820 --> 00:41:48.579 They are to. 00:41:48.880 --> 00:41:49.159 Love. 00:41:49.699 --> 00:41:49.960 One. 00:41:50.380 --> 00:41:50.740 Another. 00:41:52.480 --> 00:41:53.039 Chosen. 00:41:53.920 --> 00:41:54.280 Holy. 00:41:55.179 --> 00:41:55.740 Dearly. 00:41:56.300 --> 00:41:56.880 Loved. 00:41:57.780 --> 00:41:58.740 They are to remember. 00:41:59.820 --> 00:42:00.619 His gracious. 00:42:00.619 --> 00:42:01.840 And loving initiative. 00:42:02.099 --> 00:42:02.699 In the gospel. 00:42:03.599 --> 00:42:04.679 In sending Christ. 00:42:04.840 --> 00:42:05.519 Into the world. 00:42:05.639 --> 00:42:06.000 For he. 00:42:06.420 --> 00:42:06.659 So. 00:42:07.000 --> 00:42:07.860 Loved the world. 00:42:07.960 --> 00:42:08.940 He gave his only son. 00:42:10.079 --> 00:42:11.099 That whosoever believes. 00:42:11.179 --> 00:42:11.760 Should not perish. 00:42:11.860 --> 00:42:12.340 But have. 00:42:12.880 --> 00:42:13.900 Eternal life. 00:42:16.119 --> 00:42:17.219 So they are to love. 00:42:17.300 --> 00:42:17.659 One another. 00:42:17.780 --> 00:42:18.719 In showing compassion. 00:42:18.719 --> 00:42:19.460 And kindness. 00:42:20.360 --> 00:42:21.300 In being meek. 00:42:21.500 --> 00:42:22.320 In exercising. 00:42:22.539 --> 00:42:23.019 Patience. 00:42:23.440 --> 00:42:24.340 With one another. 00:42:24.340 --> 00:42:24.539 One. 00:42:24.539 --> 00:42:28.519 One poet. 00:42:28.599 --> 00:42:29.360 Puts it like this. 00:42:29.460 --> 00:42:30.199 Oh may that mind. 00:42:30.300 --> 00:42:31.179 Be formed in us. 00:42:31.259 --> 00:42:31.940 Which in your life. 00:42:32.019 --> 00:42:32.480 We see. 00:42:33.179 --> 00:42:34.380 May we be humble. 00:42:34.500 --> 00:42:34.759 Lowly. 00:42:34.820 --> 00:42:35.039 Meek. 00:42:35.119 --> 00:42:35.719 From pride. 00:42:35.800 --> 00:42:36.159 And envy. 00:42:36.279 --> 00:42:36.519 Free. 00:42:37.940 --> 00:42:38.340 We may. 00:42:38.460 --> 00:42:38.940 May we. 00:42:39.019 --> 00:42:39.440 To others. 00:42:39.519 --> 00:42:39.900 Stoop. 00:42:40.000 --> 00:42:40.500 And learn. 00:42:40.579 --> 00:42:41.639 To imitate your love. 00:42:42.639 --> 00:42:43.779 So shall we bear. 00:42:43.860 --> 00:42:44.639 Your image here. 00:42:45.199 --> 00:42:45.840 And share. 00:42:46.279 --> 00:42:46.779 A throne. 00:42:47.179 --> 00:42:47.480 Above. 00:42:47.480 --> 00:42:47.599 Love. 00:42:49.659 --> 00:42:50.320 To remember. 00:42:50.480 --> 00:42:50.860 God's love. 00:42:50.960 --> 00:42:52.079 There to resemble. 00:42:52.079 --> 00:42:52.619 His son. 00:42:52.699 --> 00:42:53.400 In showing that love. 00:42:53.480 --> 00:42:54.000 To one another. 00:42:55.400 --> 00:42:56.460 And there to. 00:42:56.920 --> 00:42:57.400 Recall. 00:42:58.079 --> 00:42:58.860 How the Lord. 00:42:58.980 --> 00:42:59.679 Treated them. 00:43:00.960 --> 00:43:01.519 When they. 00:43:02.099 --> 00:43:02.599 Perhaps. 00:43:03.079 --> 00:43:03.800 Have differences. 00:43:04.280 --> 00:43:05.139 Among themselves. 00:43:07.840 --> 00:43:08.940 There's overlap here. 00:43:09.019 --> 00:43:09.679 With our study. 00:43:10.579 --> 00:43:11.740 Just the other evening. 00:43:12.240 --> 00:43:13.000 Last night. 00:43:13.099 --> 00:43:14.079 As we thought about the. 00:43:14.760 --> 00:43:15.199 Unmerciful. 00:43:15.199 --> 00:43:16.480 Servant. 00:43:17.139 --> 00:43:18.539 One who is forgiven much. 00:43:19.480 --> 00:43:20.000 And yet. 00:43:20.099 --> 00:43:20.299 Who. 00:43:20.759 --> 00:43:21.099 Failed. 00:43:21.460 --> 00:43:22.419 To forgive others. 00:43:22.480 --> 00:43:23.559 As he had been forgiven. 00:43:25.199 --> 00:43:26.480 And Paul says. 00:43:26.599 --> 00:43:27.719 If you have a complaint. 00:43:27.719 --> 00:43:28.699 Against one another. 00:43:29.359 --> 00:43:30.379 Forgive one another. 00:43:30.500 --> 00:43:30.759 Why? 00:43:31.859 --> 00:43:32.960 As the Lord. 00:43:32.960 --> 00:43:33.980 Has forgiven you. 00:43:34.279 --> 00:43:35.399 So you also. 00:43:35.679 --> 00:43:36.039 Must. 00:43:36.559 --> 00:43:37.039 Forgive. 00:43:39.039 --> 00:43:40.579 As we prayed this morning. 00:43:40.719 --> 00:43:41.219 Forgive us. 00:43:41.379 --> 00:43:42.000 Our debts. 00:43:43.339 --> 00:43:44.460 As we forgive. 00:43:44.460 --> 00:43:45.940 Our debtors. 00:43:48.579 --> 00:43:49.740 So supremely. 00:43:50.139 --> 00:43:51.820 We are to resemble Christ. 00:43:51.880 --> 00:43:52.559 As we are renewed. 00:43:52.679 --> 00:43:53.260 In his image. 00:43:53.420 --> 00:43:54.280 In showing love. 00:43:54.380 --> 00:43:54.940 To one another. 00:43:55.139 --> 00:43:56.059 And especially. 00:43:56.300 --> 00:43:57.159 When in the context. 00:43:57.159 --> 00:43:57.539 Of a. 00:43:57.900 --> 00:43:59.380 Multi-generational community. 00:43:59.519 --> 00:44:00.440 There might be misunderstanding. 00:44:01.920 --> 00:44:02.820 And we are then. 00:44:02.900 --> 00:44:03.840 To forgive one another. 00:44:04.000 --> 00:44:05.260 To bear with one another. 00:44:05.699 --> 00:44:06.420 In love. 00:44:09.360 --> 00:44:10.440 Above all these. 00:44:10.500 --> 00:44:11.019 He says. 00:44:11.019 --> 00:44:13.219 All these spiritual fruit. 00:44:13.360 --> 00:44:14.059 Put on. 00:44:14.619 --> 00:44:14.920 Love. 00:44:15.539 --> 00:44:16.199 The greatest. 00:44:16.199 --> 00:44:17.219 Of these. 00:44:17.340 --> 00:44:17.980 Is love. 00:44:17.980 --> 00:44:19.259 Which binds everything together. 00:44:19.739 --> 00:44:20.320 In perfect. 00:44:20.679 --> 00:44:21.179 Harmony. 00:44:21.179 --> 00:44:26.279 I don't read many of these. 00:44:26.659 --> 00:44:27.359 Royal magazines. 00:44:27.599 --> 00:44:27.779 But. 00:44:28.039 --> 00:44:28.980 It's always interesting. 00:44:29.079 --> 00:44:30.399 Whenever there's a royal function. 00:44:31.099 --> 00:44:32.000 How the newspapers. 00:44:32.359 --> 00:44:32.919 And magazines. 00:44:32.919 --> 00:44:33.799 Always like to. 00:44:33.839 --> 00:44:34.899 To point out the wardrobe. 00:44:35.739 --> 00:44:35.940 You know. 00:44:36.079 --> 00:44:36.980 Princess so and so. 00:44:37.059 --> 00:44:37.839 Was wearing a hat. 00:44:37.940 --> 00:44:38.699 By this designer. 00:44:38.919 --> 00:44:38.980 And. 00:44:38.980 --> 00:44:39.859 And a jacket. 00:44:39.859 --> 00:44:40.199 By. 00:44:40.460 --> 00:44:41.619 By this fashion house. 00:44:42.919 --> 00:44:43.399 Interested. 00:44:43.399 --> 00:44:44.559 In what they put on. 00:44:45.219 --> 00:44:46.480 When they go to school. 00:44:46.659 --> 00:44:47.199 When they open. 00:44:47.519 --> 00:44:48.639 Some civic building. 00:44:48.639 --> 00:44:52.199 What do we put on. 00:44:52.940 --> 00:44:54.139 What do people see. 00:44:54.679 --> 00:44:56.299 As we make our way to school. 00:44:56.420 --> 00:44:56.819 As we. 00:44:57.279 --> 00:44:58.420 Start at the workplace. 00:44:58.420 --> 00:44:59.139 At 8 a.m. 00:44:59.179 --> 00:44:59.519 Tomorrow. 00:45:00.259 --> 00:45:01.299 As we go on holiday. 00:45:02.879 --> 00:45:04.099 Do we put on love. 00:45:06.679 --> 00:45:07.859 The love of Christ. 00:45:07.859 --> 00:45:08.980 Is to be. 00:45:09.359 --> 00:45:10.739 The defining characteristic. 00:45:11.339 --> 00:45:12.799 Of the Christian community. 00:45:14.559 --> 00:45:15.719 But then he says. 00:45:15.859 --> 00:45:16.460 Verse 15. 00:45:16.460 --> 00:45:17.480 The peace of Christ. 00:45:18.039 --> 00:45:18.960 Is to rule. 00:45:19.260 --> 00:45:20.280 In our hearts. 00:45:21.880 --> 00:45:23.119 We long for peace. 00:45:24.119 --> 00:45:25.019 In our world. 00:45:26.820 --> 00:45:27.539 Belovedly. 00:45:27.619 --> 00:45:28.440 To have a ceasefire. 00:45:28.539 --> 00:45:29.079 In Ukraine. 00:45:29.280 --> 00:45:29.780 Or Sudan. 00:45:30.079 --> 00:45:30.500 Or Yemen. 00:45:32.320 --> 00:45:32.960 Belovedly. 00:45:33.079 --> 00:45:34.260 For the conflict. 00:45:34.380 --> 00:45:34.960 In Manipur. 00:45:35.059 --> 00:45:35.840 North East India. 00:45:36.380 --> 00:45:37.699 To come to an end. 00:45:40.039 --> 00:45:41.360 We long for peace. 00:45:41.559 --> 00:45:42.280 In our lives. 00:45:42.519 --> 00:45:43.480 And in our hearts. 00:45:43.480 --> 00:45:45.980 That we might say. 00:45:46.139 --> 00:45:46.340 Oh. 00:45:46.400 --> 00:45:47.360 Peace like a river. 00:45:47.500 --> 00:45:48.460 Attendeth our way. 00:45:50.199 --> 00:45:51.500 We long to know more. 00:45:51.539 --> 00:45:52.539 Of the peace of Christ. 00:45:52.599 --> 00:45:53.480 Which surpasses. 00:45:53.679 --> 00:45:54.780 All understanding. 00:45:54.980 --> 00:45:55.619 And guards. 00:45:55.699 --> 00:45:56.860 Our hearts and minds. 00:45:59.500 --> 00:46:00.740 And all these things. 00:46:00.740 --> 00:46:01.639 Are promised. 00:46:03.900 --> 00:46:04.940 But the peace here. 00:46:05.059 --> 00:46:05.260 I think. 00:46:05.320 --> 00:46:05.760 Is peace. 00:46:05.760 --> 00:46:06.780 Between the members. 00:46:06.780 --> 00:46:08.380 Of a Christian community. 00:46:08.380 --> 00:46:10.900 In our lives. 00:46:11.960 --> 00:46:12.519 Corporately. 00:46:14.700 --> 00:46:16.019 Paul has already said. 00:46:16.119 --> 00:46:16.760 If you just look back. 00:46:16.800 --> 00:46:17.099 A page. 00:46:17.180 --> 00:46:17.579 Chapter 1. 00:46:17.640 --> 00:46:18.079 Verse 20. 00:46:18.519 --> 00:46:20.260 That Christ came to make peace. 00:46:20.559 --> 00:46:21.380 Between man. 00:46:21.539 --> 00:46:22.260 And God. 00:46:22.440 --> 00:46:23.900 By the blood of his cross. 00:46:25.180 --> 00:46:26.220 That he. 00:46:26.420 --> 00:46:27.280 Is the great. 00:46:27.599 --> 00:46:28.480 Peace maker. 00:46:28.599 --> 00:46:30.180 He comes to preach peace. 00:46:30.880 --> 00:46:32.240 To those far off. 00:46:32.300 --> 00:46:33.380 And those who are near. 00:46:35.280 --> 00:46:36.380 And he calls us. 00:46:36.460 --> 00:46:37.320 To be peacemakers. 00:46:37.320 --> 00:46:39.740 But he calls us also. 00:46:39.900 --> 00:46:41.360 To be peace keepers. 00:46:42.320 --> 00:46:43.519 Those who keep. 00:46:43.760 --> 00:46:44.240 The peace. 00:46:47.880 --> 00:46:49.080 The peace of Christ. 00:46:49.240 --> 00:46:50.480 Is to rule in your hearts. 00:46:52.000 --> 00:46:52.600 The word. 00:46:53.460 --> 00:46:53.920 Literally. 00:46:54.260 --> 00:46:55.180 Means something like. 00:46:55.240 --> 00:46:55.780 A judge. 00:46:56.360 --> 00:46:57.220 An umpire. 00:46:57.600 --> 00:46:58.280 A referee. 00:47:00.559 --> 00:47:01.720 The peace of Christ. 00:47:01.860 --> 00:47:03.280 Is to have the final say. 00:47:05.039 --> 00:47:06.000 When we're thinking. 00:47:06.180 --> 00:47:07.180 How we might respond. 00:47:07.860 --> 00:47:08.580 To somebody. 00:47:08.740 --> 00:47:09.860 Or some situation. 00:47:09.860 --> 00:47:11.580 The peace of Christ. 00:47:11.580 --> 00:47:12.620 Is to be the umpire. 00:47:12.800 --> 00:47:13.620 That determines. 00:47:13.800 --> 00:47:14.539 How we respond. 00:47:16.960 --> 00:47:18.100 The theologian. 00:47:18.200 --> 00:47:18.880 John Woodhouse. 00:47:18.880 --> 00:47:19.240 Says. 00:47:19.460 --> 00:47:19.940 This peace. 00:47:20.200 --> 00:47:21.320 Is now to rule. 00:47:21.440 --> 00:47:22.539 In the company of believers. 00:47:23.300 --> 00:47:24.880 It is to hold sway. 00:47:25.240 --> 00:47:26.800 To call the tune among us. 00:47:27.480 --> 00:47:28.080 This peace. 00:47:28.260 --> 00:47:28.920 Is to determine. 00:47:29.059 --> 00:47:29.760 Our relationships. 00:47:29.760 --> 00:47:30.580 With one. 00:47:30.960 --> 00:47:31.340 Another. 00:47:31.340 --> 00:47:31.440 Honor. 00:47:33.880 --> 00:47:34.960 So if we are. 00:47:34.960 --> 00:47:36.079 Criticized. 00:47:37.880 --> 00:47:39.019 The peace of Christ. 00:47:39.019 --> 00:47:39.940 Is to be the umpire. 00:47:39.940 --> 00:47:41.180 As to how we respond. 00:47:42.880 --> 00:47:44.320 Somebody says something. 00:47:44.320 --> 00:47:45.180 Unkind. 00:47:45.180 --> 00:47:46.160 Perhaps. 00:47:46.580 --> 00:47:46.860 Untrue. 00:47:46.860 --> 00:47:48.400 The peace of Christ. 00:47:48.480 --> 00:47:48.980 Determines. 00:47:48.980 --> 00:47:50.140 How we react to that. 00:47:51.680 --> 00:47:52.980 If you're a young adult. 00:47:52.980 --> 00:47:53.280 And you. 00:47:53.380 --> 00:47:54.800 You don't want to come to church. 00:47:54.860 --> 00:47:55.580 And there's a fight. 00:47:55.580 --> 00:47:56.580 Every Sunday morning. 00:47:56.579 --> 00:47:58.679 The peace of Christ. 00:47:58.679 --> 00:47:59.559 Is to determine. 00:48:00.239 --> 00:48:01.199 How you may honor. 00:48:01.619 --> 00:48:02.420 Your parents. 00:48:03.799 --> 00:48:04.980 If we're nurturing. 00:48:05.539 --> 00:48:06.079 Bitterness. 00:48:06.179 --> 00:48:06.960 And unforgiveness. 00:48:06.960 --> 00:48:07.900 In our hearts. 00:48:08.000 --> 00:48:09.000 The peace of Christ. 00:48:09.920 --> 00:48:11.179 Tells us to go. 00:48:11.500 --> 00:48:12.539 And make peace. 00:48:13.159 --> 00:48:14.759 With those who have wronged us. 00:48:16.860 --> 00:48:18.340 Let the peace of Christ. 00:48:18.340 --> 00:48:19.059 He says. 00:48:19.400 --> 00:48:19.819 Rule. 00:48:20.259 --> 00:48:21.279 In your hearts. 00:48:21.799 --> 00:48:22.539 And be thankful. 00:48:25.199 --> 00:48:26.340 That theme of thankfulness. 00:48:26.579 --> 00:48:28.259 Runs all the way through. 00:48:28.340 --> 00:48:29.000 The next section. 00:48:29.119 --> 00:48:29.739 Verse 15. 00:48:30.400 --> 00:48:31.840 We'll think about the word of Christ. 00:48:32.559 --> 00:48:34.059 And we're to sing with thankfulness. 00:48:34.059 --> 00:48:34.980 As we have done tonight. 00:48:35.920 --> 00:48:36.860 And then 17. 00:48:36.940 --> 00:48:38.739 We're to think about the name of Christ. 00:48:39.460 --> 00:48:42.400 And giving thanks in all things. 00:48:43.219 --> 00:48:45.239 We are to cultivate an attitude. 00:48:45.599 --> 00:48:46.460 Of gratitude. 00:48:48.219 --> 00:48:49.500 And Paul's life. 00:48:50.139 --> 00:48:52.159 Was characterized by thanksgiving. 00:48:53.219 --> 00:48:54.119 He was in prison. 00:48:54.759 --> 00:48:55.340 As he wrote. 00:48:55.460 --> 00:48:56.460 Not a comfortable prison. 00:48:56.460 --> 00:48:57.280 With a television. 00:48:57.280 --> 00:48:57.300 With a television. 00:48:57.720 --> 00:48:59.460 Three hot meals brought to him every day. 00:49:00.480 --> 00:49:02.199 But he thanked God. 00:49:02.519 --> 00:49:03.900 As he opens the letter. 00:49:04.400 --> 00:49:06.159 Because of what the Lord has done. 00:49:06.360 --> 00:49:07.300 In Colossae. 00:49:08.840 --> 00:49:11.139 And despite his discomfort. 00:49:11.400 --> 00:49:12.880 He had found contentment. 00:49:13.099 --> 00:49:15.280 And he showed gratitude. 00:49:15.280 --> 00:49:21.160 And so he moves on from the peace of Christ. 00:49:21.960 --> 00:49:22.840 Verse 15. 00:49:23.040 --> 00:49:23.720 16 rather. 00:49:23.720 --> 00:49:25.440 To the word of Christ. 00:49:25.880 --> 00:49:28.640 That is to dwell in us richly. 00:49:28.639 --> 00:49:29.639 The Colossae. 00:49:29.639 --> 00:49:32.679 The Colossians had heard. 00:49:32.679 --> 00:49:34.779 What is described in chapter 1 verse 5. 00:49:34.920 --> 00:49:36.480 As the word of truth. 00:49:37.440 --> 00:49:38.879 The word of the gospel. 00:49:39.019 --> 00:49:40.079 The word of Christ. 00:49:40.079 --> 00:49:40.519 Paul's ministry. 00:49:40.519 --> 00:49:41.079 Paul's ministry. 00:49:41.079 --> 00:49:42.079 The word of Christ. 00:49:42.079 --> 00:49:42.759 Paul's ministry. 00:49:42.759 --> 00:49:45.139 Was a ministry of the word. 00:49:45.239 --> 00:49:45.779 Verse 20. 00:49:45.940 --> 00:49:47.619 He proclaimed Christ. 00:49:49.619 --> 00:49:52.159 He preached the word of Christ. 00:49:53.739 --> 00:49:56.340 And he wants that word of Christ. 00:49:56.460 --> 00:49:59.539 To dwell in them richly. 00:49:59.539 --> 00:50:02.420 The things they read. 00:50:03.380 --> 00:50:05.079 The things they listen to. 00:50:05.440 --> 00:50:06.759 The things they speak about. 00:50:06.860 --> 00:50:08.300 The things they sing about. 00:50:10.000 --> 00:50:11.519 The word of Christ. 00:50:13.639 --> 00:50:17.579 And we are in a supremely privileged position here. 00:50:18.259 --> 00:50:19.860 In the West. 00:50:20.639 --> 00:50:24.739 Something like 95% of all Christian resources. 00:50:24.739 --> 00:50:27.259 Are in the English language. 00:50:27.260 --> 00:50:30.760 We have a super abundance. 00:50:31.560 --> 00:50:32.460 Of Bibles. 00:50:32.900 --> 00:50:33.340 To read. 00:50:33.440 --> 00:50:34.380 Of Christian books. 00:50:34.620 --> 00:50:35.940 To enjoy. 00:50:36.300 --> 00:50:37.340 Of sermons. 00:50:37.600 --> 00:50:38.280 And talks. 00:50:38.460 --> 00:50:39.280 And seminars. 00:50:39.440 --> 00:50:40.160 To listen to. 00:50:40.340 --> 00:50:41.400 Of music. 00:50:41.800 --> 00:50:42.400 To play. 00:50:42.620 --> 00:50:43.740 In our cars. 00:50:43.960 --> 00:50:44.960 Or as we jog. 00:50:45.220 --> 00:50:46.200 Along the street. 00:50:47.980 --> 00:50:49.600 The word of Christ. 00:50:49.820 --> 00:50:51.820 Dwelling in us richly. 00:50:54.380 --> 00:50:55.480 And Paul says. 00:50:55.580 --> 00:50:56.220 Very interestingly. 00:50:57.260 --> 00:50:58.240 That it's to dwell in us. 00:50:58.320 --> 00:50:58.920 As we teach. 00:50:58.980 --> 00:50:59.620 And admonish. 00:50:59.780 --> 00:51:00.260 One another. 00:51:00.260 --> 00:51:00.980 In all wisdom. 00:51:01.420 --> 00:51:02.620 Singing psalms. 00:51:02.700 --> 00:51:03.060 And hymns. 00:51:03.120 --> 00:51:04.200 And spiritual songs. 00:51:06.600 --> 00:51:07.440 Paul's ministry. 00:51:07.540 --> 00:51:08.040 If you look back. 00:51:08.120 --> 00:51:09.020 To chapter 128. 00:51:10.380 --> 00:51:11.560 Was of teaching. 00:51:12.560 --> 00:51:13.040 Everyone. 00:51:13.440 --> 00:51:14.340 In all wisdom. 00:51:15.880 --> 00:51:16.720 But he says. 00:51:16.840 --> 00:51:17.580 Every believer. 00:51:17.580 --> 00:51:18.920 Has some responsibility. 00:51:18.920 --> 00:51:20.020 To do the same. 00:51:21.120 --> 00:51:21.960 Maybe not. 00:51:22.080 --> 00:51:22.640 As he did. 00:51:22.700 --> 00:51:23.520 Open air preaching. 00:51:23.860 --> 00:51:24.520 Maybe not. 00:51:24.580 --> 00:51:25.160 As he did. 00:51:25.159 --> 00:51:26.659 Preaching in churches. 00:51:26.659 --> 00:51:27.779 Writing letters. 00:51:28.779 --> 00:51:29.699 But instead. 00:51:29.839 --> 00:51:30.339 In singing. 00:51:32.619 --> 00:51:34.019 And when we gather. 00:51:34.699 --> 00:51:35.399 As a company. 00:51:35.399 --> 00:51:36.299 Of the Lord's people. 00:51:37.099 --> 00:51:37.859 Three things. 00:51:37.980 --> 00:51:38.480 Are happening. 00:51:39.819 --> 00:51:41.000 We're exalting. 00:51:41.139 --> 00:51:41.639 The Lord. 00:51:41.719 --> 00:51:42.579 We're lifting up. 00:51:42.819 --> 00:51:43.639 The Lord's name. 00:51:43.699 --> 00:51:44.699 And giving him the glory. 00:51:46.399 --> 00:51:47.739 We're evangelizing. 00:51:47.799 --> 00:51:48.279 The world. 00:51:48.440 --> 00:51:49.779 As the word is preached. 00:51:49.859 --> 00:51:50.719 And the word is sung. 00:51:50.719 --> 00:51:52.879 And we're seeking. 00:51:53.119 --> 00:51:54.099 To edify. 00:51:54.339 --> 00:51:55.099 One another. 00:51:56.099 --> 00:51:57.500 As we sing. 00:51:57.719 --> 00:51:58.980 The words of scripture. 00:51:59.639 --> 00:52:00.159 Teaching. 00:52:00.659 --> 00:52:01.339 And reminding. 00:52:01.339 --> 00:52:01.919 One another. 00:52:01.919 --> 00:52:03.539 Of the mighty works of God. 00:52:05.000 --> 00:52:05.559 Singing. 00:52:06.059 --> 00:52:06.719 To one another. 00:52:07.059 --> 00:52:07.739 Applying. 00:52:07.959 --> 00:52:08.719 These truths. 00:52:08.879 --> 00:52:09.559 Into our own. 00:52:09.799 --> 00:52:10.079 Life. 00:52:10.539 --> 00:52:11.139 Circumstances. 00:52:11.139 --> 00:52:14.659 And so. 00:52:14.759 --> 00:52:15.299 As we gather. 00:52:16.679 --> 00:52:17.339 We're not. 00:52:17.420 --> 00:52:18.299 Like passengers. 00:52:18.299 --> 00:52:19.099 On a bus. 00:52:19.219 --> 00:52:19.759 It's not just. 00:52:19.900 --> 00:52:21.139 A happy coincidence. 00:52:21.139 --> 00:52:22.460 We're all in the same place. 00:52:22.460 --> 00:52:23.279 At the same time. 00:52:24.139 --> 00:52:25.420 But we're participants. 00:52:25.420 --> 00:52:26.500 In a worship. 00:52:27.000 --> 00:52:27.460 Service. 00:52:28.519 --> 00:52:29.900 Being ministered to. 00:52:30.039 --> 00:52:30.599 But also. 00:52:31.079 --> 00:52:31.659 Ministering. 00:52:31.759 --> 00:52:32.420 One to another. 00:52:33.420 --> 00:52:34.319 As we sing. 00:52:34.460 --> 00:52:35.099 These psalms. 00:52:35.199 --> 00:52:35.839 And hymns. 00:52:36.139 --> 00:52:37.559 And spiritual songs. 00:52:37.559 --> 00:52:39.940 With thankfulness. 00:52:40.400 --> 00:52:41.099 In our hearts. 00:52:41.179 --> 00:52:41.619 To God. 00:52:43.320 --> 00:52:44.799 We are participants. 00:52:45.639 --> 00:52:46.279 And not. 00:52:46.799 --> 00:52:47.320 Passengers. 00:52:50.400 --> 00:52:51.739 The love of Christ. 00:52:52.440 --> 00:52:53.840 The peace of Christ. 00:52:54.539 --> 00:52:55.960 The word of Christ. 00:52:56.860 --> 00:52:57.619 And finally. 00:52:57.920 --> 00:52:58.500 The name. 00:52:58.920 --> 00:52:59.820 Of the Lord. 00:53:00.059 --> 00:53:00.880 Jesus Christ. 00:53:01.980 --> 00:53:03.079 Whatever you do. 00:53:03.159 --> 00:53:03.699 He says. 00:53:04.340 --> 00:53:05.159 Do it all. 00:53:05.239 --> 00:53:05.719 In the name. 00:53:06.000 --> 00:53:06.480 Of the Lord. 00:53:06.559 --> 00:53:07.320 Jesus Christ. 00:53:07.559 --> 00:53:07.679 Jesus Christ. 00:53:10.239 --> 00:53:11.199 When we came over. 00:53:11.299 --> 00:53:11.739 On the ferry. 00:53:11.840 --> 00:53:12.599 There were some big. 00:53:13.299 --> 00:53:13.699 HGVs. 00:53:14.079 --> 00:53:15.440 When we travel back tomorrow. 00:53:15.539 --> 00:53:16.559 I'm sure there will be more. 00:53:16.719 --> 00:53:17.840 Coming back and forth. 00:53:18.779 --> 00:53:20.159 I don't know very much. 00:53:20.299 --> 00:53:21.360 About HGVs. 00:53:21.460 --> 00:53:21.639 But. 00:53:22.559 --> 00:53:23.579 I'm a little bit. 00:53:23.619 --> 00:53:24.360 Acquainted with. 00:53:24.519 --> 00:53:25.119 Eddie Stobart. 00:53:25.199 --> 00:53:26.320 Of a former generation. 00:53:27.259 --> 00:53:28.019 The founder of. 00:53:28.179 --> 00:53:28.980 The Stobart. 00:53:29.079 --> 00:53:29.840 Hollage Company. 00:53:31.299 --> 00:53:32.480 Stobart was a Christian. 00:53:33.279 --> 00:53:34.219 And his biography. 00:53:34.219 --> 00:53:35.019 Was entitled. 00:53:35.279 --> 00:53:36.759 Only the best will do. 00:53:37.559 --> 00:53:39.059 Because he believed. 00:53:39.199 --> 00:53:40.239 That whatever he was doing. 00:53:40.360 --> 00:53:41.219 Whether at home. 00:53:41.440 --> 00:53:42.440 Or in his business. 00:53:42.659 --> 00:53:43.599 Or in his church. 00:53:43.880 --> 00:53:45.380 Only the best would do. 00:53:45.679 --> 00:53:46.340 For God. 00:53:47.440 --> 00:53:47.980 He did. 00:53:48.179 --> 00:53:48.940 It all. 00:53:49.320 --> 00:53:49.980 For the name. 00:53:50.239 --> 00:53:51.079 Of the Lord. 00:53:51.360 --> 00:53:51.659 Jesus. 00:53:55.759 --> 00:53:56.940 And his lordship. 00:53:57.079 --> 00:53:57.619 Plays out. 00:53:58.299 --> 00:53:59.340 In our home. 00:54:00.079 --> 00:54:01.139 In our workplace. 00:54:01.779 --> 00:54:02.880 In our place. 00:54:02.880 --> 00:54:03.860 Of leisure. 00:54:05.360 --> 00:54:06.840 Do we ask ourselves. 00:54:06.980 --> 00:54:08.019 Am I doing this. 00:54:08.340 --> 00:54:09.180 In the name. 00:54:09.180 --> 00:54:09.940 Of the Lord. 00:54:10.019 --> 00:54:10.720 Jesus Christ. 00:54:10.840 --> 00:54:11.640 Am I behaving. 00:54:12.119 --> 00:54:12.539 In a way. 00:54:12.680 --> 00:54:13.400 That is worthy. 00:54:13.840 --> 00:54:14.300 Of. 00:54:14.760 --> 00:54:15.880 My calling. 00:54:17.160 --> 00:54:17.880 Not just. 00:54:18.019 --> 00:54:18.980 On a Sunday morning. 00:54:19.079 --> 00:54:20.019 Or Sunday evening. 00:54:21.180 --> 00:54:23.019 But during the working hours. 00:54:23.260 --> 00:54:24.880 Of the working week. 00:54:27.000 --> 00:54:28.280 Is my behavior. 00:54:28.280 --> 00:54:29.880 In keeping with his character. 00:54:29.880 --> 00:54:30.980 And will. 00:54:31.680 --> 00:54:33.320 Is it adorning the gospel. 00:54:33.519 --> 00:54:34.320 Is it enhancing. 00:54:34.500 --> 00:54:35.960 The reputation of our Lord. 00:54:36.140 --> 00:54:37.240 In this place. 00:54:39.140 --> 00:54:40.820 Do we have that same attitude. 00:54:41.220 --> 00:54:41.840 That only. 00:54:42.320 --> 00:54:42.940 The best. 00:54:43.320 --> 00:54:43.800 Will do. 00:54:44.140 --> 00:54:45.140 Whatever you do. 00:54:46.119 --> 00:54:47.160 In word or deed. 00:54:47.700 --> 00:54:47.880 Do everything. 00:54:49.079 --> 00:54:50.039 In the name of the Lord. 00:54:50.119 --> 00:54:50.860 Jesus Christ. 00:54:50.860 --> 00:54:51.220 Christ. 00:54:53.539 --> 00:54:54.500 And that keeps us. 00:54:54.539 --> 00:54:54.880 Doesn't it. 00:54:54.940 --> 00:54:55.140 From. 00:54:55.940 --> 00:54:56.280 Making. 00:54:57.120 --> 00:54:58.140 Unwise choices. 00:55:00.140 --> 00:55:01.140 Be hard for us. 00:55:01.160 --> 00:55:02.400 To fiddle the tax return. 00:55:02.500 --> 00:55:03.340 In Jesus name. 00:55:04.539 --> 00:55:05.660 Be hard to bully. 00:55:06.019 --> 00:55:06.900 Somebody in school. 00:55:06.980 --> 00:55:07.800 In Jesus name. 00:55:09.079 --> 00:55:10.280 Be hard to get drunk. 00:55:10.360 --> 00:55:11.280 In Jesus name. 00:55:12.960 --> 00:55:13.940 Because if we're doing. 00:55:14.079 --> 00:55:15.140 Everything in his name. 00:55:15.160 --> 00:55:16.440 And we're giving thanks to God. 00:55:16.519 --> 00:55:17.300 Through that name. 00:55:17.579 --> 00:55:18.640 Then we must be doing it. 00:55:18.660 --> 00:55:19.579 In line with his will. 00:55:19.579 --> 00:55:20.880 And in keeping with his character. 00:55:23.960 --> 00:55:24.940 So Paul says. 00:55:25.019 --> 00:55:25.799 Whatever you do. 00:55:25.920 --> 00:55:27.039 Monday through Sunday. 00:55:27.539 --> 00:55:28.319 Do it all. 00:55:28.559 --> 00:55:29.380 In the name. 00:55:29.739 --> 00:55:31.239 Of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:55:33.219 --> 00:55:34.159 The love of God. 00:55:34.239 --> 00:55:34.940 The peace of God. 00:55:34.940 --> 00:55:35.960 The word of Christ. 00:55:36.380 --> 00:55:37.299 The name of Christ. 00:55:38.599 --> 00:55:39.719 And we see again. 00:55:39.860 --> 00:55:40.539 The gratitude. 00:55:41.719 --> 00:55:43.039 That we give thanks. 00:55:43.360 --> 00:55:44.400 To God the Father. 00:55:44.559 --> 00:55:45.059 Through him. 00:55:45.420 --> 00:55:46.179 Three times. 00:55:46.299 --> 00:55:47.779 He has emphasized to them. 00:55:48.119 --> 00:55:48.539 The need. 00:55:48.840 --> 00:55:49.500 For gratitude. 00:55:49.579 --> 00:55:54.319 Hendrickson. 00:55:54.400 --> 00:55:55.319 The commentator says. 00:55:55.460 --> 00:55:56.900 Prayer without thanksgiving. 00:55:57.360 --> 00:55:59.599 Is like a bird without wings. 00:56:01.519 --> 00:56:02.599 Another writer says. 00:56:02.679 --> 00:56:04.239 The Christian is suspended. 00:56:04.239 --> 00:56:05.480 Between blessings. 00:56:06.039 --> 00:56:06.739 Received. 00:56:06.920 --> 00:56:08.299 And blessings hoped for. 00:56:08.799 --> 00:56:10.079 So they should always. 00:56:10.519 --> 00:56:10.840 Give. 00:56:11.460 --> 00:56:11.980 Thanks. 00:56:11.980 --> 00:56:15.539 We can very quickly. 00:56:15.539 --> 00:56:16.880 Begin to grumble. 00:56:17.719 --> 00:56:18.579 And complain. 00:56:18.719 --> 00:56:19.579 We can very quickly. 00:56:19.579 --> 00:56:21.380 Lose our contentment. 00:56:22.500 --> 00:56:23.400 But Paul says. 00:56:23.519 --> 00:56:24.240 Gratitude. 00:56:24.800 --> 00:56:25.740 Is to be. 00:56:26.740 --> 00:56:27.559 A characteristic. 00:56:28.240 --> 00:56:29.639 Of our Christian lives. 00:56:29.860 --> 00:56:31.679 And our Christian life together. 00:56:31.679 --> 00:56:35.519 One day. 00:56:35.519 --> 00:56:36.919 As part of a medical team. 00:56:36.919 --> 00:56:37.419 To Romania. 00:56:37.419 --> 00:56:38.699 We visited a nursing home. 00:56:39.419 --> 00:56:40.179 Which was. 00:56:40.500 --> 00:56:41.919 A pleasant nursing home. 00:56:42.059 --> 00:56:43.219 But the residents. 00:56:43.219 --> 00:56:43.940 Shared a room. 00:56:44.980 --> 00:56:45.619 These two ladies. 00:56:45.739 --> 00:56:47.099 One confined to her bed. 00:56:48.419 --> 00:56:49.460 And we went over. 00:56:49.559 --> 00:56:50.139 And we asked her. 00:56:50.139 --> 00:56:51.079 How she was doing. 00:56:51.179 --> 00:56:52.259 And she raised both arms. 00:56:52.259 --> 00:56:52.779 In the air. 00:56:52.879 --> 00:56:53.420 And she said. 00:56:53.480 --> 00:56:54.579 I thank the Lord. 00:56:54.579 --> 00:56:55.579 For everything. 00:56:57.900 --> 00:56:59.119 And I was rebuked. 00:57:00.699 --> 00:57:02.099 This older lady. 00:57:02.619 --> 00:57:04.000 Confined to a bed. 00:57:05.559 --> 00:57:06.400 An invalid. 00:57:07.400 --> 00:57:07.900 And yet. 00:57:08.019 --> 00:57:08.799 She was giving. 00:57:09.099 --> 00:57:09.579 Thanks. 00:57:09.900 --> 00:57:10.579 In everything. 00:57:11.619 --> 00:57:12.859 To God the Father. 00:57:13.000 --> 00:57:13.619 Through Christ. 00:57:16.500 --> 00:57:18.000 So Paul describes. 00:57:18.179 --> 00:57:19.139 What a Christian church. 00:57:19.319 --> 00:57:19.920 Should look like. 00:57:21.139 --> 00:57:23.000 These three characteristics. 00:57:23.379 --> 00:57:23.699 Love. 00:57:25.400 --> 00:57:25.839 Peace. 00:57:27.299 --> 00:57:27.900 Joy. 00:57:28.500 --> 00:57:29.219 And gratitude. 00:57:30.379 --> 00:57:32.139 How do we arrive at that? 00:57:32.920 --> 00:57:34.259 The love of Christ. 00:57:36.139 --> 00:57:37.219 Receiving that love. 00:57:37.400 --> 00:57:38.599 Responding to that love. 00:57:38.980 --> 00:57:40.219 And then sharing that love. 00:57:40.339 --> 00:57:40.819 With one another. 00:57:42.119 --> 00:57:43.379 The peace of Christ. 00:57:44.299 --> 00:57:45.519 Enjoying peace with God. 00:57:45.659 --> 00:57:47.799 Through the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:57:47.940 --> 00:57:49.279 And then seeking to maintain. 00:57:49.280 --> 00:57:50.700 And to keep the peace. 00:57:51.240 --> 00:57:53.700 Which he won at great cost to himself. 00:57:55.240 --> 00:57:56.680 The word of Christ. 00:57:57.380 --> 00:57:57.940 Read. 00:57:58.740 --> 00:57:59.260 Spoken. 00:58:00.000 --> 00:58:01.019 Sung to one another. 00:58:01.019 --> 00:58:02.019 And the name of Christ. 00:58:02.019 --> 00:58:03.780 And the name of Christ. 00:58:03.780 --> 00:58:06.059 In which we do everything. 00:58:06.679 --> 00:58:08.400 And in which we give thanks. 00:58:08.900 --> 00:58:10.340 For everything. 00:58:10.340 --> 00:58:11.340 The death and resurrection. 00:58:11.340 --> 00:58:15.300 The death and resurrection. 00:58:15.300 --> 00:58:16.500 Of the Lord. 00:58:17.300 --> 00:58:18.559 Is at the very heart. 00:58:18.720 --> 00:58:19.460 Of the gospel. 00:58:20.960 --> 00:58:22.180 And at the very heart. 00:58:22.340 --> 00:58:24.000 Of our Christian experience. 00:58:24.220 --> 00:58:25.380 If you are in Christ. 00:58:25.720 --> 00:58:26.720 You have died. 00:58:27.500 --> 00:58:28.620 To the old ways. 00:58:28.720 --> 00:58:29.500 You have put on. 00:58:29.900 --> 00:58:30.720 The new self. 00:58:30.860 --> 00:58:31.900 You have a new identity. 00:58:32.120 --> 00:58:33.620 You belong to a new community. 00:58:33.619 --> 00:58:36.299 And so give thanks to God. 00:58:36.839 --> 00:58:38.239 For all things. 00:58:40.380 --> 00:58:41.699 Maybe you are here tonight. 00:58:42.400 --> 00:58:43.519 And you are not yet. 00:58:43.519 --> 00:58:44.199 A Christian. 00:58:45.539 --> 00:58:46.440 Maybe you. 00:58:46.659 --> 00:58:47.599 Like the Bereans. 00:58:47.799 --> 00:58:49.359 Are eagerly searching the scriptures. 00:58:49.900 --> 00:58:51.659 To see if these things. 00:58:51.920 --> 00:58:52.440 Are true. 00:58:54.039 --> 00:58:55.799 Maybe you grew up in a Christian home. 00:58:55.900 --> 00:58:57.719 But you have yet to make the faith your own. 00:58:57.719 --> 00:59:00.099 Maybe at one time. 00:59:00.299 --> 00:59:01.599 You did profess faith. 00:59:01.739 --> 00:59:02.500 But you have. 00:59:03.039 --> 00:59:04.500 Cooled in your affections. 00:59:04.579 --> 00:59:06.039 Towards the things of Christ. 00:59:07.219 --> 00:59:08.219 Like the prodigal son. 00:59:08.339 --> 00:59:10.419 You find yourself in a far country. 00:59:12.259 --> 00:59:12.980 Well tonight. 00:59:13.299 --> 00:59:14.079 We can return. 00:59:14.439 --> 00:59:15.339 We can come to him. 00:59:15.419 --> 00:59:16.139 For the first time. 00:59:16.439 --> 00:59:17.759 We can come back to him. 00:59:18.019 --> 00:59:19.399 For the umpteenth time. 00:59:20.899 --> 00:59:22.139 And we can enjoy. 00:59:22.299 --> 00:59:23.759 That experience of his love. 00:59:24.439 --> 00:59:25.980 We can know once more. 00:59:25.980 --> 00:59:27.039 That peace. 00:59:27.719 --> 00:59:29.399 And we can find salvation. 00:59:29.839 --> 00:59:30.719 In his name. 00:59:32.699 --> 00:59:33.579 In that name. 00:59:33.639 --> 00:59:34.480 In which there is found. 00:59:34.559 --> 00:59:35.799 The forgiveness of sins. 00:59:36.439 --> 00:59:37.319 And newness. 00:59:37.819 --> 00:59:38.639 Of life. 00:59:42.139 --> 00:59:42.579 Well. 00:59:43.579 --> 00:59:44.799 We'll end there. 00:59:46.319 --> 00:59:47.419 And as we do. 00:59:47.500 --> 00:59:49.000 Before we sing our final item. 00:59:49.779 --> 00:59:51.139 I'm going to pray once more. 00:59:52.359 --> 00:59:52.759 And. 00:59:53.299 --> 00:59:54.739 We're going to remember Lizzie. 00:59:54.859 --> 00:59:55.519 Who has a. 00:59:55.519 --> 00:59:56.459 A medical. 00:59:56.460 --> 00:59:58.260 Appointment tomorrow. 00:59:58.519 --> 00:59:59.179 In Inverness. 00:59:59.519 --> 01:00:00.340 And we're going to. 01:00:00.460 --> 01:00:01.400 Give thanks as well. 01:00:01.880 --> 01:00:03.179 For those who have prepared. 01:00:03.500 --> 01:00:04.940 The food for the fellowship. 01:00:05.579 --> 01:00:06.980 And I look forward to meeting. 01:00:07.220 --> 01:00:08.220 With and speaking with. 01:00:08.720 --> 01:00:09.440 Many of you. 01:00:09.900 --> 01:00:10.619 In the hall. 01:00:10.900 --> 01:00:11.860 After the service. 01:00:13.179 --> 01:00:14.019 But let's just. 01:00:14.519 --> 01:00:16.240 Close with a brief word of prayer. 01:00:16.239 --> 01:00:16.619 Amen. 01:00:20.019 --> 01:00:20.399 Amen. 01:00:20.399 --> 01:00:20.739 Amen. 01:00:20.739 --> 01:00:21.139 Amen. 01:00:21.139 --> 01:00:21.299 Amen. 01:00:21.299 --> 01:00:21.619 Amen. 01:00:21.619 --> 01:00:22.019 Amen. 01:00:22.019 --> 01:00:22.159 Oh Lord. 01:00:22.159 --> 01:00:22.939 You are to me. 01:00:23.019 --> 01:00:24.579 My cup and portion sure. 01:00:25.539 --> 01:00:27.519 The share that is assigned to me. 01:00:28.059 --> 01:00:29.679 You guard and keep secure. 01:00:33.279 --> 01:00:33.799 Amen. 01:00:33.799 --> 01:00:34.619 Heavenly Father. 01:00:35.179 --> 01:00:37.959 We thank you for the day we have shared. 01:00:38.099 --> 01:00:40.779 We thank you for the weekend you have granted to us. 01:00:40.780 --> 01:00:44.600 we thank you for your loving kindness 01:00:44.600 --> 01:00:47.560 for your steadfast love 01:00:47.560 --> 01:00:49.200 which reaches to the heavens 01:00:49.200 --> 01:00:53.480 and your faithfulness to the sky 01:00:53.480 --> 01:00:57.740 and we thank you Lord 01:00:57.740 --> 01:00:59.160 that as we go from this place 01:00:59.160 --> 01:01:02.580 that you have reminded us once more of that love 01:01:02.580 --> 01:01:04.840 and of your grace 01:01:04.840 --> 01:01:07.900 the love you have for your people 01:01:07.900 --> 01:01:09.560 the love you have for this world 01:01:09.559 --> 01:01:14.340 you have reminded us of the work you have begun 01:01:14.340 --> 01:01:15.559 in our lives 01:01:15.559 --> 01:01:17.519 a work you promised to bring to completion 01:01:17.519 --> 01:01:18.659 on the day of Christ 01:01:18.659 --> 01:01:22.000 that we have been raised with him 01:01:22.000 --> 01:01:26.199 that our lives are hidden with him on high 01:01:26.199 --> 01:01:29.860 and so help us this week 01:01:29.860 --> 01:01:31.599 to seek the things that are above 01:01:31.599 --> 01:01:35.699 to look forward to the inheritance 01:01:35.699 --> 01:01:38.320 that he is keeping for us 01:01:38.320 --> 01:01:40.420 that place he is preparing for us 01:01:40.420 --> 01:01:44.460 and to live in light of eternity 01:01:44.460 --> 01:01:48.440 grant us grace we pray 01:01:48.440 --> 01:01:49.160 to put off 01:01:49.160 --> 01:01:50.059 to put away 01:01:50.059 --> 01:01:51.760 to put to death the old ways 01:01:51.760 --> 01:01:52.539 ways that 01:01:52.539 --> 01:01:54.920 are not pleasing to you 01:01:54.920 --> 01:01:58.880 to put to death the works of the flesh 01:01:58.880 --> 01:02:01.420 the ways of this world 01:02:01.420 --> 01:02:04.860 and instead to put on 01:02:04.860 --> 01:02:08.420 love, meekness, patience, kindness 01:02:08.420 --> 01:02:12.440 for our hearts to be good soil 01:02:12.440 --> 01:02:14.380 for the word 01:02:14.380 --> 01:02:16.940 in which it might bear fruit 01:02:16.940 --> 01:02:21.019 help us to love you as our God 01:02:21.019 --> 01:02:21.639 and our Father 01:02:21.639 --> 01:02:23.460 help us to love one another 01:02:23.460 --> 01:02:26.159 as brothers and sisters in Christ 01:02:26.159 --> 01:02:30.500 and we pray for any 01:02:30.500 --> 01:02:31.920 in the congregation 01:02:31.920 --> 01:02:35.019 who are facing trials of many kinds 01:02:35.019 --> 01:02:37.820 any who are anxious 01:02:37.820 --> 01:02:41.920 any who are confined to their homes 01:02:41.920 --> 01:02:44.759 any who are 01:02:44.759 --> 01:02:46.579 travelling to hospital 01:02:46.579 --> 01:02:48.019 and we pray very especially 01:02:48.019 --> 01:02:50.579 for Lizzie in this regard 01:02:50.579 --> 01:02:53.199 help us Lord 01:02:53.199 --> 01:02:54.119 to love one another 01:02:54.119 --> 01:02:56.719 in both word and deed 01:02:56.719 --> 01:02:59.859 and help us Lord 01:02:59.859 --> 01:03:00.859 to love those 01:03:00.859 --> 01:03:01.939 in our communities 01:03:01.939 --> 01:03:04.419 that they would look in 01:03:04.419 --> 01:03:05.599 they would see 01:03:05.599 --> 01:03:06.719 and hear something 01:03:06.719 --> 01:03:07.500 quite different 01:03:07.500 --> 01:03:10.579 that many would 01:03:10.579 --> 01:03:12.480 have their interest piqued 01:03:12.480 --> 01:03:14.399 many would like 01:03:14.399 --> 01:03:15.419 the Colossian believers 01:03:15.419 --> 01:03:16.819 hear the word of truth 01:03:16.819 --> 01:03:19.179 and cease walking 01:03:19.179 --> 01:03:20.019 in the old ways 01:03:20.019 --> 01:03:21.539 and instead walk with you 01:03:21.539 --> 01:03:25.439 and pray for your church 01:03:25.439 --> 01:03:26.339 in this nation 01:03:26.340 --> 01:03:27.640 we pray for your church 01:03:27.640 --> 01:03:29.160 throughout the world 01:03:29.160 --> 01:03:31.420 that great fruit 01:03:31.420 --> 01:03:32.079 would be born 01:03:32.079 --> 01:03:33.260 throughout the whole world 01:03:33.260 --> 01:03:35.160 and that you would raise up 01:03:35.160 --> 01:03:36.079 another generation 01:03:36.079 --> 01:03:37.140 of evangelists 01:03:37.140 --> 01:03:38.140 and preachers 01:03:38.140 --> 01:03:39.700 and Sunday school leaders 01:03:39.700 --> 01:03:41.579 and family workers 01:03:41.579 --> 01:03:43.860 and translators 01:03:43.860 --> 01:03:46.840 that the word of truth 01:03:46.840 --> 01:03:47.680 may go forth 01:03:47.680 --> 01:03:49.620 and your people 01:03:49.620 --> 01:03:50.440 may be found 01:03:50.440 --> 01:03:51.160 and built up 01:03:51.160 --> 01:03:51.840 and strengthened 01:03:51.840 --> 01:03:54.400 neighbourhoods 01:03:54.400 --> 01:03:55.059 homes 01:03:55.059 --> 01:03:55.840 lives 01:03:55.840 --> 01:03:56.880 would be transformed 01:03:56.880 --> 01:03:59.880 by the word of Christ 01:03:59.880 --> 01:04:02.579 and the love of Christ 01:04:02.579 --> 01:04:06.600 and we pray 01:04:06.600 --> 01:04:07.420 that might be true 01:04:07.420 --> 01:04:08.220 of ourselves 01:04:08.220 --> 01:04:08.519 Lord 01:04:08.519 --> 01:04:09.480 help us this week 01:04:09.480 --> 01:04:11.120 whatever we do 01:04:11.120 --> 01:04:12.820 to do so 01:04:12.820 --> 01:04:13.460 with gratitude 01:04:13.460 --> 01:04:14.600 in our hearts 01:04:14.600 --> 01:04:15.720 and your praise 01:04:15.720 --> 01:04:16.539 on our lips 01:04:16.539 --> 01:04:19.260 that we might continue 01:04:19.260 --> 01:04:19.900 in Christ 01:04:19.900 --> 01:04:22.079 that we might continue 01:04:22.079 --> 01:04:22.720 in prayer 01:04:22.719 --> 01:04:24.219 that we might continue 01:04:24.219 --> 01:04:25.239 walking in wisdom 01:04:25.239 --> 01:04:28.019 and we might continue 01:04:28.019 --> 01:04:28.699 in faith 01:04:28.699 --> 01:04:30.199 and hope 01:04:30.199 --> 01:04:31.579 and love 01:04:31.579 --> 01:04:34.119 thank you for our 01:04:34.119 --> 01:04:34.899 fellowship together 01:04:34.899 --> 01:04:35.959 thank you for the fellowship 01:04:35.959 --> 01:04:36.379 tonight 01:04:36.379 --> 01:04:38.439 and we thank you 01:04:38.439 --> 01:04:39.419 for those who in love 01:04:39.419 --> 01:04:40.539 have prepared a meal 01:04:40.539 --> 01:04:41.679 for us to enjoy 01:04:41.679 --> 01:04:44.559 so strengthen and encourage 01:04:44.559 --> 01:04:45.219 them we pray 01:04:45.219 --> 01:04:47.459 and we give thanks 01:04:47.459 --> 01:04:48.739 to you 01:04:48.739 --> 01:04:50.659 in the name of Christ 01:04:50.659 --> 01:04:51.959 Amen 01:04:51.960 --> 01:05:07.860 well we close our time 01:05:07.860 --> 01:05:08.599 together with 01:05:08.599 --> 01:05:10.619 a final psalm 01:05:10.619 --> 01:05:12.280 psalm 67 01:05:12.280 --> 01:05:12.980 on page 01:05:12.980 --> 01:05:14.420 301 01:05:14.420 --> 01:05:16.800 Scottish Psalter 01:05:16.800 --> 01:05:18.699 version of psalm 67 01:05:18.699 --> 01:05:20.260 singing the whole psalm 01:05:20.260 --> 01:05:21.340 all seven verses 01:05:21.340 --> 01:05:22.880 Lord unto us be merciful 01:05:22.880 --> 01:05:25.039 do thou us also bless 01:05:25.039 --> 01:05:27.240 and graciously cause shine 01:05:27.240 --> 01:05:28.079 on us the brightness 01:05:28.079 --> 01:05:29.640 of thy face 01:05:29.640 --> 01:05:30.160 we sing 01:05:30.160 --> 01:05:31.559 once more 01:05:31.559 --> 01:05:32.820 to the praise 01:05:32.820 --> 01:05:34.720 of our glorious God 01:05:34.720 --> 01:05:45.220 Lord unto us 01:05:45.220 --> 01:05:48.720 be merciful 01:05:48.719 --> 01:05:53.459 to thou us also bless 01:05:53.459 --> 01:05:58.259 and graciously 01:05:58.259 --> 01:06:02.259 and graciously 01:06:02.259 --> 01:06:07.959 all shine on us 01:06:07.959 --> 01:06:11.319 the brightness 01:06:11.319 --> 01:06:16.519 of thy face 01:06:16.519 --> 01:06:18.059 that so 01:06:18.059 --> 01:06:18.619 that so 01:06:18.619 --> 01:06:21.059 thy way 01:06:21.059 --> 01:06:23.259 upon 01:06:23.259 --> 01:06:26.559 the earth 01:06:26.559 --> 01:06:29.059 through all 01:06:29.059 --> 01:06:30.059 that may 01:06:30.059 --> 01:06:34.340 be known 01:06:34.340 --> 01:06:36.259 also 01:06:36.259 --> 01:06:39.059 among 01:06:39.059 --> 01:06:42.679 the nations 01:06:42.679 --> 01:06:57.359 a 01:06:57.359 --> 01:07:01.299 Tikunt 01:07:01.299 --> 01:07:02.500 of thy 01:07:02.500 --> 01:07:03.219 heavens 01:07:03.379 --> 01:07:04.219 world 01:07:04.219 --> 01:07:06.919 and people 01:07:06.919 --> 01:07:07.419 all 01:07:07.420 --> 01:07:21.659 O let the nations be glad 01:07:21.659 --> 01:07:28.700 and sing for joy always. 01:07:28.699 --> 01:07:40.779 For rightly there shall people judge 01:07:40.779 --> 01:07:48.559 and nations rule on earth. 01:07:48.559 --> 01:08:01.559 Let people praise it Lord let all the hope 01:08:01.559 --> 01:08:07.559 with the earth. 01:08:07.559 --> 01:08:18.559 Then shall the earth yield her increase. 01:08:18.559 --> 01:08:26.559 God, her God bless us shall. 01:08:26.560 --> 01:08:36.760 God shall us bless and all the earth 01:08:36.760 --> 01:08:44.560 the ends shall fear him all. 01:08:48.560 --> 01:08:51.400 The Lord bless you and keep you. 01:08:52.000 --> 01:08:54.920 The Lord make his face to shine upon you 01:08:54.920 --> 01:08:56.420 and be gracious to you. 01:08:56.560 --> 01:08:59.960 The Lord lift up his countenance upon you 01:08:59.960 --> 01:09:01.300 and give you peace. 01:09:02.300 --> 01:09:05.120 And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 01:09:05.120 --> 01:09:08.820 the steadfast love of God our heavenly Father 01:09:08.820 --> 01:09:11.600 and the fellowship of his Holy Spirit 01:09:11.600 --> 01:09:14.620 be with us all now and forevermore. 01:09:15.360 --> 01:09:15.780 Amen. 01:09:26.960 --> 01:09:31.100 Amen. 01:09:31.100 --> 01:09:31.660 Amen. 01:09:31.660 --> 01:09:32.220 Amen. 01:09:32.300 --> 01:09:32.420 Amen. 01:09:32.520 --> 01:09:32.560 Amen. 01:09:32.600 --> 01:09:33.100 Amen. 01:09:33.100 --> 01:09:33.220 Amen. 01:09:33.400 --> 01:09:33.460 Amen. 01:09:33.460 --> 01:09:34.060 Amen. 01:09:34.060 --> 01:09:34.280 Amen. 01:09:34.280 --> 01:09:34.320 Amen. 01:09:34.320 --> 01:09:34.640 Amen. 01:09:34.840 --> 01:09:35.220 Amen. 01:09:35.220 --> 01:09:35.960 Amen. 01:09:35.960 --> 01:09:36.000 Amen. 01:09:36.000 --> 01:09:36.260 Amen. 01:09:36.260 --> 01:09:36.700 Amen. 01:09:36.800 --> 01:09:37.380 Amen. 01:09:37.380 --> 01:09:39.980 Amen. 01:09:39.980 --> 01:09:40.420 Amen. 01:09:40.500 --> 01:09:40.840 And just bear, 01:09:40.840 --> 01:09:45.300 Amen. 01:09:45.300 --> 01:09:46.360 Amen. 01:09:46.360 --> 01:09:47.000 Amen. 01:09:47.000 --> 01:09:47.200 Amen. 01:09:47.200 --> 01:09:47.500 Amen. 01:09:47.600 --> 01:09:48.160 Amen. 01:09:48.160 --> 01:09:49.300 Amen. 01:09:49.300 --> 01:09:49.700 Amen. 01:09:49.700 --> 01:09:50.100 Amen. 01:09:50.100 --> 01:09:50.720 Amen. 01:09:50.720 --> 01:09:50.900 Amen. 01:09:50.900 --> 01:09:51.720 Amen. 01:09:51.720 --> 01:09:52.220 Amen. 01:09:52.220 --> 01:09:52.260 Yep. 01:09:52.260 --> 01:09:52.900 Amen. 01:09:52.900 --> 01:09:53.400 Amen. 01:09:53.400 --> 01:09:54.440 Amen. 01:09:54.640 --> 01:09:56.400 Amen.