WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.200 The nature and the timing of the second coming of Jesus has been a topic of concern for Christians for nearly 2,000 years. 00:00:11.900 --> 00:00:15.339 ! Many predictions have happened as well as well as it would happen. 00:00:15.339 --> 00:00:31.920 And the most recent prediction was from a South African pastor who claimed in June this year that the rapture, the coming of Jesus, would occur in this past week, if you were not aware, on the 23rd of September. 00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:43.280 Although there's been some confusion, it could have been any time between 23rd and 25th of September based on the different time zones and exactly when Jesus would land. 00:00:43.280 --> 00:00:47.039 Again, social media exploded. 00:00:48.579 --> 00:01:02.079 A thing called Rapture Talk is a corner of TikTok filled with videos of content where people are getting ready for the return of Jesus on the 23rd of September. 00:01:02.079 --> 00:01:13.400 A lot of the content is very practical in terms of tips, ensuring that the anticipation of the disappearance of Christians from the world would not leave a mess behind. 00:01:13.980 --> 00:01:25.640 Some were selling their cars, others their homes, others quitting jobs or, if not quitting jobs, applying for eternity leave from their employers. 00:01:25.640 --> 00:01:31.939 Others were stockpiling survival kits, leaving Bibles marked with key passages. 00:01:32.620 --> 00:01:39.579 Others were unlocking their mobile phones so that those left behind could, in fact, use their mobile phone. 00:01:42.120 --> 00:01:45.980 There was the inevitable ridicule as well. 00:01:45.980 --> 00:01:52.820 One person laments that the rapture, the timing of the rapture was one day before payday. 00:01:53.480 --> 00:01:57.880 And so therefore, a whole month of work for no pay. 00:01:58.659 --> 00:02:03.140 Others posted that it would make rent more affordable for those who were left behind. 00:02:03.140 --> 00:02:17.759 Some even pranked their Christian housemates by leaving piles of clothes randomly on the floor and hiding in the hope that their Christian friends would say, 00:02:17.860 --> 00:02:20.699 Oh no, we've missed out and we've got it all wrong. 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:24.139 Now, I find that kind of cheeky. 00:02:24.139 --> 00:02:40.199 But I also know that this chapter tells us that for the Thessalonians, the thought of missing the coming of Jesus produced a whole heap of confusion, hysteria and discouragement. 00:02:40.699 --> 00:02:48.279 And so this topic, while there's stuff that I've chuckled at in this last week, is crucial. 00:02:48.280 --> 00:03:06.039 Quite a lot of ink has been spilled on these verses in 2 Thessalonians 2 over the past 200 years, especially, particularly with the rise of a theology called dispensationalism from the 1830s. 00:03:07.680 --> 00:03:17.920 This chapter, according to biblical scholars, is one of the most difficult of the entire New Testament to understand. 00:03:18.280 --> 00:03:20.259 And it's done my head in. 00:03:21.319 --> 00:03:26.939 And we need to be careful how we interpret it, how we understand it. 00:03:27.539 --> 00:03:40.360 And the key to understanding it is to focus on the bits that we know and are certain of, rather than the bits that we want to speculate on. 00:03:40.360 --> 00:03:44.600 The ones that we have particular questions of. 00:03:45.320 --> 00:03:48.500 And the ones that we think we've got solved. 00:03:50.020 --> 00:03:53.880 So it requires a great deal of humility and open hearts. 00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:55.160 So I've got three points. 00:03:55.680 --> 00:03:57.320 It's on the St. Paul's app as well. 00:03:57.800 --> 00:04:02.820 The problem of deception, the power of deception, and disempowering deception. 00:04:02.819 --> 00:04:16.839 So the problem, the first thing we can absolutely be certain of is that Paul is writing these verses here so the Thessalonians are not unsettled or alarmed by wrong thinking. 00:04:17.740 --> 00:04:20.539 That is, false teaching rocks faith. 00:04:21.300 --> 00:04:22.439 It diminishes hope. 00:04:22.719 --> 00:04:26.219 And when hope is diminished, Christian lives wander. 00:04:27.560 --> 00:04:29.000 There's a lack of purpose to it. 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:31.839 So you see that in the second half of verse 1. 00:04:32.839 --> 00:04:43.300 The particular false teaching that has rocked them is in verse 1 concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him. 00:04:43.500 --> 00:04:46.360 This, as I said, is a massive topic. 00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:56.300 And Paul has already written a bunch about it in 1 Thessalonians 1 and last week in 2 Thessalonians chapter 1. 00:04:57.779 --> 00:04:58.579 Thessalonians says, 00:04:58.579 --> 00:05:15.719 That's why he's written. 00:05:15.719 --> 00:05:23.299 But for the Thessalonians, as we open up to Thessalonians 2, are their hopes dashed? 00:05:23.300 --> 00:05:30.120 You see, verse 3, the false teaching is that maybe they've missed it. 00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:32.060 Jesus has already come and they've missed it. 00:05:32.740 --> 00:05:39.480 And if they've missed the coming of Jesus, then what awaits them is what they already know of the coming. 00:05:39.639 --> 00:05:45.180 It's just purely condemnation by God on the day of judgment. 00:05:45.180 --> 00:05:49.180 And so it's no wonder their faith has been rocked. 00:05:50.560 --> 00:05:52.019 Deception destroys. 00:05:53.540 --> 00:05:54.420 It destroys. 00:05:56.100 --> 00:06:01.860 Deception is the act of getting others to believe what is true and valid, 00:06:02.420 --> 00:06:06.519 what is in actual fact false and invalid. 00:06:06.519 --> 00:06:15.180 Very few people would say that they are easily deceived. 00:06:17.180 --> 00:06:22.740 For the Thessalonians, their deception was that they had missed the coming of Jesus. 00:06:22.740 --> 00:06:35.939 Often our deception in the West is to so live for the moment that we don't look for the coming of Jesus. 00:06:37.240 --> 00:06:39.139 That's more likely our deception. 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:47.779 And the problem is in both deceptions is they call us to take our eyes off eternal hope. 00:06:48.379 --> 00:06:54.599 And when that hope, that happens, we stop living for and with Jesus in the present. 00:06:56.939 --> 00:07:00.379 And Paul does not want them or us to be deceived. 00:07:00.939 --> 00:07:03.659 Verse 3, don't let anyone deceive you in any way. 00:07:03.660 --> 00:07:12.220 And so Paul writes this chapter, and in fact, his entire letters here to the Thessalonians, 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:14.660 out of pastoral concern. 00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:17.120 He doesn't want hopes to be dashed. 00:07:17.320 --> 00:07:20.460 He doesn't want faith and love to be diminished in any way. 00:07:22.780 --> 00:07:28.440 And so his goal here in this chapter is not to predict the future. 00:07:31.080 --> 00:07:33.400 He wants to see gospel confidence. 00:07:33.660 --> 00:07:35.140 That's why these are written. 00:07:35.900 --> 00:07:39.740 Hope, faith and love is what's at stake. 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:47.160 And so as we move into this chapter, we must not miss the forest for the trees, 00:07:47.640 --> 00:07:53.820 even if the tree is what we particularly want our attention to be attached to. 00:07:54.920 --> 00:07:56.000 So the power of deception. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:08:07.199 This brings us to the most confusing part of this chapter with all its questions and missing pieces. 00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:10.139 It's like we're trying to put a puzzle together without pieces. 00:08:11.339 --> 00:08:14.680 Paul says in verse 3 that they haven't missed the second coming Jesus, 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:22.079 because that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed. 00:08:22.079 --> 00:08:29.519 And when it comes to the timing of Jesus' arrival, that's all we know. 00:08:30.339 --> 00:08:30.939 That's it. 00:08:30.939 --> 00:08:37.179 This is where it gets tricky. 00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:40.080 Who is the man of lawlessness? 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:48.060 So many people in the Western world, particularly, 00:08:48.500 --> 00:08:52.580 their whole focus of this passage is to identify who the man of lawlessness is. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:09:02.480 Paul does not give us enough distinguishing features for us to point out the man of lawlessness in a police lineup. 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:04.320 At all. 00:09:06.639 --> 00:09:14.480 For 1900 years, Christians have been diligently trying to find a contemporary in their world 00:09:14.480 --> 00:09:18.320 that leads us to think that that person there is the candidate. 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:19.320 They fit the bill. 00:09:19.659 --> 00:09:20.860 They is the man of lawlessness. 00:09:21.560 --> 00:09:28.180 In our current day and age, there seems to be a temperature rising saying Donald Trump is the man of lawlessness. 00:09:28.179 --> 00:09:35.379 In the early days of when Paul wrote these, the prime candidate was the Roman emperor, 00:09:35.699 --> 00:09:42.559 and in particular, the emperor Caligula, who set up a statue of himself in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem 00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:45.859 and demanded that that statue of him be worshipped. 00:09:47.439 --> 00:09:51.919 Once upon a time, with the rise of Islam, Muhammad was the prime candidate. 00:09:51.919 --> 00:09:58.120 In the 16th and 17th century, Martin Luther identified the role of the pope, the papacy, 00:09:58.179 --> 00:10:00.699 as the man of lawlessness. 00:10:01.719 --> 00:10:07.659 They returned favour and said, no, actual fact, it was Martin Luther who's the man of lawlessness, 00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:12.500 other popular contenders throughout history, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler, 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:16.120 and the list is virtually endless. 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:22.579 Some scholars reading this actually say it's most likely not a person, 00:10:22.699 --> 00:10:23.939 it's more likely a movement. 00:10:23.940 --> 00:10:28.120 It could be an ideology, even an institution. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:31.860 The reality is, who knows? 00:10:32.880 --> 00:10:35.800 And every prediction has been wrong. 00:10:36.280 --> 00:10:41.220 Every prediction has been wrong, without exception. 00:10:43.520 --> 00:10:45.700 And verse 6 doesn't clear things up for us either. 00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:50.200 It tells us the man of lawlessness is currently being held back. 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:52.080 Who's doing the restraining? 00:10:53.800 --> 00:10:58.200 Multiple answers to that question over the centuries. 00:10:58.540 --> 00:11:05.160 And to add confusion, the reference to holding back is in the present tense, 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:10.000 suggesting the man of lawlessness, whoever that is, 00:11:10.040 --> 00:11:14.500 has been held back for 1,900 years since this was first written. 00:11:14.500 --> 00:11:17.879 That's an old person. 00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:20.620 Or is it multiple people? 00:11:21.399 --> 00:11:23.919 Or is it an institution or an ideology? 00:11:25.200 --> 00:11:29.980 It's also difficult to know what the temple is referring to in verse 4. 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:32.820 Scholars have confused about this one. 00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:35.220 The temple in Jerusalem doesn't exist, 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:39.419 and there is no reference at all for the temple being rebuilt 00:11:39.419 --> 00:11:42.220 in a physical form once it was actually destroyed. 00:11:42.220 --> 00:11:47.940 The New Testament says that the church and the individual Christian 00:11:47.940 --> 00:11:51.840 are both now the temple of God with the Holy Spirit. 00:11:53.800 --> 00:11:57.120 And so any reference to a future rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem 00:11:57.120 --> 00:11:59.600 is a misreading of Scripture. 00:12:01.540 --> 00:12:05.639 There are so many questions about the second coming, 00:12:05.639 --> 00:12:13.080 and yet we actually don't need to know the answers in order to have hope. 00:12:14.100 --> 00:12:15.259 Put it this way. 00:12:15.980 --> 00:12:16.699 Understand it. 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:18.740 Let's wind history back. 00:12:19.539 --> 00:12:25.699 If I was an Israelite reading all the Old Testament prophecies 00:12:25.699 --> 00:12:28.720 about the coming of the future Messiah, 00:12:29.319 --> 00:12:32.100 that is what we know to be the first coming of Jesus, 00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:38.639 what would I conclude about the nature and the timing of his coming, 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:43.519 about the identity of the Messiah? 00:12:44.740 --> 00:12:47.000 Would I have expected Jesus? 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:52.100 No. 00:12:52.100 --> 00:12:56.820 The reality is that when he did arrive, 00:12:56.940 --> 00:12:58.920 the experts on the Messiah, 00:12:59.420 --> 00:13:00.500 the teachers of the law, 00:13:00.820 --> 00:13:03.080 did not even notice him. 00:13:06.200 --> 00:13:08.580 And for 30-odd years, 00:13:08.680 --> 00:13:09.720 they rejected him. 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:18.820 He was not the one they thought the prophecies were predicting, 00:13:19.420 --> 00:13:21.040 and so we need to be careful. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:24.740 And make sure we focus on what we do know. 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:26.460 So what do we do know? 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:27.100 First of all, 00:13:27.180 --> 00:13:30.240 we know that the man of lawlessness is quintessentially lawless. 00:13:31.220 --> 00:13:34.680 Lawlessness is not the same as being a lawbreaker. 00:13:35.440 --> 00:13:36.820 There's a distinction here. 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:42.060 The lawbreaker acknowledges the rightfulness of law, 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:44.720 but fails to obey it fully. 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:49.540 I acknowledge the goodness of speed limits, 00:13:49.540 --> 00:13:55.060 unless it gets in the way of me needing to be somewhere in a hurry. 00:13:57.139 --> 00:14:01.120 Lawlessness means without law. 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:02.840 That is, 00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:06.039 there's no goodness in a speed limit at all. 00:14:07.679 --> 00:14:12.060 This lawless one specifically rejects the eternal, 00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:13.399 absolute law of God. 00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:18.320 They reject God being the determiner of right and wrong, 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:19.919 and absolute truth. 00:14:21.320 --> 00:14:21.720 And so, 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:22.019 therefore, 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:28.019 the second thing we can be certain of is that they reject God. 00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:36.860 And this lawless one does not do it by arguing that God doesn't exist. 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:41.519 They set themselves up as God to be worshipped. 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:44.779 They deceive everyone to say, 00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:45.759 God does exist, 00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:46.860 but I am God. 00:14:49.159 --> 00:14:49.740 Thirdly, 00:14:50.460 --> 00:14:55.100 this lawless one will work real signs and wonders with great power, 00:14:55.100 --> 00:14:58.879 but all of it is in the service of a great lie. 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:01.980 They are not false signs and wonders. 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:05.699 They are real signs and wonders. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:08.519 He is empowered and driven by Satan, 00:15:08.980 --> 00:15:10.139 animated by Satan, 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:11.419 serving Satan, 00:15:11.580 --> 00:15:13.220 accomplishing Satan's purposes. 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:15.759 And this means, 00:15:15.899 --> 00:15:16.559 number four, 00:15:17.519 --> 00:15:18.319 that they will have, 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:22.419 they'll be unparalleled in their ability to deceive. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:27.620 Because they'll be in the place of God, 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:30.559 claiming to be God, 00:15:32.139 --> 00:15:34.720 showing the powers and wonders of God. 00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:45.920 Hence my picture on the screen. 00:15:47.660 --> 00:15:48.759 When you see that, 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:51.300 you don't automatically imagine a man of lawlessness. 00:15:53.680 --> 00:15:55.500 You're not getting what you think you're getting. 00:15:58.700 --> 00:15:59.139 However, 00:15:59.320 --> 00:16:01.519 Paul carefully records in verse 10, 00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:04.799 that only those who are perishing will be deceived. 00:16:06.340 --> 00:16:07.399 Very crucially, 00:16:07.579 --> 00:16:09.120 the word perishing there 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:13.299 is the same word Paul uses elsewhere in the New Testament 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:16.059 to specifically describe those 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:19.439 who reject the gospel of Christ. 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:23.860 That's a very significant clue 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:26.380 to the nature of the deceiving. 00:16:29.900 --> 00:16:31.240 The deceiver 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:36.100 doesn't say the gospel doesn't exist. 00:16:36.900 --> 00:16:39.760 The deceiver gives you an alternative gospel, 00:16:40.760 --> 00:16:43.260 an alternative good news 00:16:43.260 --> 00:16:45.080 to cling your life to. 00:16:45.080 --> 00:16:49.420 The followers of lawlessness 00:16:49.420 --> 00:16:52.520 have failed to love the truth of Christ's gospel. 00:16:52.879 --> 00:16:54.680 Instead of loving truth, 00:16:55.020 --> 00:16:57.740 verse 12 literally says, 00:16:58.040 --> 00:16:59.620 they take pleasure 00:16:59.620 --> 00:17:02.920 in unrighteousness. 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:05.980 And the final certainty that we can 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:07.220 about the man of lawlessness 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:09.860 is that they are going to be destroyed. 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:13.140 He is quintessentially lawless, 00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:14.660 he opposes God 00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:17.180 and so condemned by the law of God, 00:17:17.320 --> 00:17:18.540 he opposes 00:17:18.540 --> 00:17:20.700 and is therefore doomed by God. 00:17:21.180 --> 00:17:22.340 Verse 8 tells us, 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:24.220 the Lord Jesus will overthrow 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:26.520 with the breath of his mouth 00:17:26.520 --> 00:17:29.720 and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 00:17:31.360 --> 00:17:33.160 Jesus will only need to exert 00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:35.920 as much effort as a mere breath 00:17:35.920 --> 00:17:38.700 to defeat the lawless one. 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:43.259 And so what we can be certain of here 00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:46.120 is that whatever transpires in the future 00:17:46.120 --> 00:17:48.360 and is obvious from this text 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:52.299 is that God is sovereign 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:54.340 and he is all-powerful. 00:17:57.440 --> 00:17:59.420 And we can be absolutely certain 00:17:59.420 --> 00:18:01.880 that the man of lawlessness is not God. 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:04.000 God has no equal. 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:05.779 Whatever is in the future, 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:06.839 God reigns 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:08.079 and all his, 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:09.359 the deceiving 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:10.880 of the man of lawlessness 00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:12.279 is simply fulfilling 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:13.819 God's plans and purposes. 00:18:17.000 --> 00:18:20.000 So to avoid deception, 00:18:20.900 --> 00:18:22.140 to avoid deception, 00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:25.000 we need to understand, 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:28.500 we don't need to know 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:30.599 the identity of the deceiver. 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:33.919 We need to know 00:18:33.919 --> 00:18:35.179 how it is 00:18:35.179 --> 00:18:37.119 that they are deceiving. 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:39.339 What's their playbook? 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.859 How do they work? 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:43.259 And verse 7 00:18:43.259 --> 00:18:46.059 is a crucial verse 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:47.299 to help us understand. 00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:51.259 The secret power of lawlessness 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:53.139 is already at work. 00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:55.319 We need to know 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:59.740 that the secret of lawlessness, 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.500 or if you like, 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:02.000 the power of deception 00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:03.319 of the man of lawlessness 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:06.160 is already at work right now 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:08.240 and has been for 1900 years. 00:19:12.079 --> 00:19:14.039 We don't need to know 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:15.880 the secret power of, 00:19:15.940 --> 00:19:16.160 sorry, 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:16.740 we need to know 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:18.400 the secret power of lawlessness, 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:20.859 not the mystery 00:19:20.859 --> 00:19:23.620 of the secret identity 00:19:23.620 --> 00:19:25.640 of the powerful man of lawlessness. 00:19:25.640 --> 00:19:28.780 Before the man of lawlessness 00:19:28.780 --> 00:19:29.620 is revealed, 00:19:29.800 --> 00:19:32.420 lawlessness is operating secretly. 00:19:32.560 --> 00:19:33.660 The Greek word there, 00:19:33.780 --> 00:19:35.300 translated secret in verse 7, 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:37.640 literally is mystery. 00:19:39.180 --> 00:19:41.640 The mystery of iniquity. 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:43.140 The mystery of sin. 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:43.880 The power. 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:46.060 The secret power of sin. 00:19:47.380 --> 00:19:49.440 What is the mystery of sin 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:50.600 that is in play now? 00:19:50.600 --> 00:19:50.660 Now? 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:51.100 Now? 00:19:51.100 --> 00:19:51.100 00:19:51.100 --> 00:19:51.100 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:58.000 Verse 4 is the key clue. 00:19:59.220 --> 00:20:00.360 He sets himself up 00:20:00.360 --> 00:20:01.380 in God's temple. 00:20:01.960 --> 00:20:02.340 Literally, 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:06.100 quite literally 00:20:06.100 --> 00:20:07.180 in the original language, 00:20:07.520 --> 00:20:08.960 he takes his seat 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:11.060 in the temple. 00:20:12.320 --> 00:20:13.780 Takes his seat in the temple. 00:20:19.400 --> 00:20:21.080 We could try and work out 00:20:21.080 --> 00:20:22.500 what temple he's talking about, 00:20:22.600 --> 00:20:23.520 but more and crucially, 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:24.579 what we need to understand 00:20:24.579 --> 00:20:25.480 is how does the Bible 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.599 understand the seat 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:27.279 in the temple? 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:30.220 What's he saying here? 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:31.980 What's the nature 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:33.359 of the secret power of lawlessness? 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:36.379 Some have interpreted 00:20:36.379 --> 00:20:38.019 this as a man of lawlessness 00:20:38.019 --> 00:20:39.720 will be a great political leader. 00:20:39.839 --> 00:20:41.000 He will rebuild the temple 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:41.660 in Jerusalem, 00:20:41.660 --> 00:20:43.180 and when that happens, 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:45.099 Jesus will come back 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:45.720 at some point. 00:20:46.579 --> 00:20:48.639 That's not the point of this. 00:20:49.879 --> 00:20:51.240 That is importing 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.759 a theological framework 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:54.720 that began in the 1830s 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:56.200 into this passage. 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.599 This here is talking 00:21:00.599 --> 00:21:01.400 about the role 00:21:01.400 --> 00:21:02.220 and the purpose 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:02.920 of the temple. 00:21:03.879 --> 00:21:04.579 The temple 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:05.740 was the place 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.960 where God met 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:09.119 with his people 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:10.859 in the Old Testament times. 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.019 The temple 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:13.519 represents 00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:15.039 ultimate reality, 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:16.700 and the man of lawlessness 00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:17.720 is putting themselves 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.640 at the centre 00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:20.079 of the ultimate reality, 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:21.779 that you must govern 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:22.460 your life 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:23.339 by this. 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:24.980 In the centre 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:25.699 of the temple, 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:27.599 in Old Testament times 00:21:27.599 --> 00:21:28.639 for the Israelite, 00:21:29.699 --> 00:21:31.240 was something 00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:32.679 that revealed 00:21:32.679 --> 00:21:34.119 what was the centre 00:21:34.119 --> 00:21:35.740 of ultimate reality. 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:37.480 The reality 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:38.460 of both creation 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.319 and redemption. 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.699 What was it? 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:44.440 Was it a statue? 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.460 Was it an image 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.100 of God? 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:48.640 No, 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:51.160 it was a piece 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:51.980 of furniture 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.819 that pointed 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:53.600 to an event. 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:55.600 It was, 00:21:55.740 --> 00:21:55.960 in fact, 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:56.900 a wooden box 00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:58.279 at the centre 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:59.880 of the temple 00:21:59.880 --> 00:22:02.400 called the Ark 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:03.059 of the Covenant, 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:05.539 and that Ark 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:06.079 contained 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:08.639 the two stone tablets 00:22:08.639 --> 00:22:09.899 inscribed 00:22:09.899 --> 00:22:10.619 with 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:12.379 the Ten Commandments. 00:22:15.659 --> 00:22:16.240 We, 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.179 two other things 00:22:17.179 --> 00:22:17.720 that pointed 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:18.700 to God's goodness 00:22:18.700 --> 00:22:21.079 and God's power. 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.079 And both, 00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:25.000 all of that there, 00:22:25.119 --> 00:22:25.619 this thing 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:27.079 was the sacred object 00:22:27.079 --> 00:22:27.779 at the centre 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:28.440 of the temple 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:32.940 and the lid 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:34.440 on top of the temple 00:22:34.440 --> 00:22:34.920 was a, 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:36.299 on top of this Ark 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:37.620 was a gold slab. 00:22:39.059 --> 00:22:40.200 And each year, 00:22:40.840 --> 00:22:41.559 once a year, 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:43.259 on the Day of Atonement, 00:22:43.920 --> 00:22:44.840 the high priest 00:22:44.840 --> 00:22:45.660 would come 00:22:45.660 --> 00:22:47.120 into there 00:22:47.120 --> 00:22:48.019 on behalf 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:50.220 of all Israelites. 00:22:50.620 --> 00:22:51.140 They would come 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:53.600 into the Holy of Holies 00:22:53.600 --> 00:22:54.559 and they would 00:22:54.559 --> 00:22:55.880 sprinkle the blood 00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:57.779 of a sacrificed animal 00:22:57.779 --> 00:23:00.660 on the top 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:01.399 of the Ark 00:23:01.399 --> 00:23:02.119 of the Covenant, 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:03.299 on that slab 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:05.160 for atonement 00:23:05.160 --> 00:23:06.180 for the sins 00:23:06.180 --> 00:23:07.259 of God's people. 00:23:08.359 --> 00:23:09.680 And that slab 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:11.639 where the blood 00:23:11.639 --> 00:23:12.680 was sprinkled 00:23:12.680 --> 00:23:14.740 was called 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:17.259 the mercy seat. 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:21.240 It's very significant 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:22.339 when it says 00:23:22.339 --> 00:23:23.279 he will take 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:24.160 his seat. 00:23:24.160 --> 00:23:26.800 there is no 00:23:26.800 --> 00:23:28.840 other furniture, 00:23:29.100 --> 00:23:29.519 there's no 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.540 other seats 00:23:30.540 --> 00:23:31.580 in the temple. 00:23:31.660 --> 00:23:32.519 There's only one 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.580 seat in the temple 00:23:33.580 --> 00:23:34.600 and it is 00:23:34.600 --> 00:23:35.840 the mercy seat. 00:23:36.779 --> 00:23:38.259 And it's the place 00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:38.980 where God 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.480 sat 00:23:39.480 --> 00:23:40.160 and dwelt 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:41.019 with his people. 00:23:42.040 --> 00:23:43.360 And the slab 00:23:43.360 --> 00:23:43.759 there 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:44.900 with the offering 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:45.519 of blood, 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:46.820 the condemnation 00:23:46.820 --> 00:23:47.740 of the law 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:48.580 which the Ark 00:23:48.580 --> 00:23:50.060 of the Covenant 00:23:50.060 --> 00:23:51.560 held, 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:53.320 with the offering 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:53.839 of the blood, 00:23:53.919 --> 00:23:54.819 the condemnation 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:55.379 of the law 00:23:55.379 --> 00:23:56.139 would be taken 00:23:56.139 --> 00:23:56.679 away 00:23:56.679 --> 00:23:58.139 and the violations 00:23:58.139 --> 00:23:59.819 of God's law 00:23:59.819 --> 00:24:00.759 were covered 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:01.679 by the sprinkling 00:24:01.679 --> 00:24:02.259 of the blood. 00:24:03.720 --> 00:24:04.779 And so the mystery 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:06.939 that God gave 00:24:06.939 --> 00:24:07.439 Israel 00:24:07.439 --> 00:24:08.480 in their temple 00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:10.139 is the exact same 00:24:10.139 --> 00:24:11.159 that he gives us 00:24:11.159 --> 00:24:11.619 now. 00:24:11.839 --> 00:24:12.899 It is the mystery 00:24:12.899 --> 00:24:13.619 which says 00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:15.299 that all life 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:16.179 flows 00:24:16.179 --> 00:24:20.379 from this mystery. 00:24:20.380 --> 00:24:22.860 and it's the mystery 00:24:22.860 --> 00:24:24.000 that all life 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.600 flows. 00:24:26.020 --> 00:24:26.720 My life 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:27.320 for yours. 00:24:28.680 --> 00:24:30.140 All of creation 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:31.720 and all of redemption 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:32.580 is built 00:24:32.580 --> 00:24:33.940 on that mystery. 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:36.700 It is my life 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.940 for yours. 00:24:39.320 --> 00:24:40.640 That's the central 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:41.120 mystery 00:24:41.120 --> 00:24:42.160 of all 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:43.080 of reality. 00:24:44.340 --> 00:24:45.640 And the reality 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.620 of lawlessness 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:47.939 is the exact 00:24:47.939 --> 00:24:48.539 opposite. 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:52.679 It is 00:24:52.679 --> 00:24:54.500 your life 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:56.099 surrendered 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:56.779 for me 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:59.059 and that is 00:24:59.059 --> 00:24:59.599 the nature 00:24:59.599 --> 00:25:00.159 of the man 00:25:00.159 --> 00:25:00.899 of lawlessness. 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.379 That is 00:25:04.379 --> 00:25:04.919 the mystery 00:25:04.919 --> 00:25:05.599 of sin. 00:25:09.099 --> 00:25:10.059 God's law 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:10.500 says 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.439 lay down 00:25:11.439 --> 00:25:12.219 your life 00:25:12.219 --> 00:25:13.119 for others. 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.559 Sin says 00:25:14.559 --> 00:25:15.539 you lay down 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:16.179 your life 00:25:16.179 --> 00:25:16.679 for me. 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:20.480 The man 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.259 of lawlessness 00:25:21.259 --> 00:25:22.440 will deceive 00:25:22.440 --> 00:25:24.740 for his own 00:25:24.740 --> 00:25:25.179 gain 00:25:25.179 --> 00:25:26.960 even though 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:27.599 he knows 00:25:27.599 --> 00:25:28.379 he is destroyed 00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:30.259 and he will 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:30.599 take 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:31.480 everyone 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.200 with him. 00:25:35.639 --> 00:25:36.579 The secret 00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:37.579 power of lawlessness 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:38.619 is a philosophy 00:25:38.619 --> 00:25:39.700 an ideology 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:40.599 a belief 00:25:40.599 --> 00:25:41.500 that goes 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.220 right back 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:42.899 to the very 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:44.100 first act 00:25:44.100 --> 00:25:44.820 of rebellion 00:25:44.820 --> 00:25:46.519 against God 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:46.759 in the 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:47.040 Garden 00:25:47.040 --> 00:25:47.480 of Eden 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:50.200 where God 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:50.519 says 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:51.259 I have 00:25:51.259 --> 00:25:51.759 given you 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:52.640 all of 00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:52.960 this 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.500 for your 00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:54.019 enjoyment 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:55.140 but you 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:56.040 must obey 00:25:56.040 --> 00:25:56.820 my word. 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:57.340 This one 00:25:57.340 --> 00:25:57.720 word 00:25:57.720 --> 00:26:00.060 and Adam 00:26:00.060 --> 00:26:00.300 and Eve 00:26:00.300 --> 00:26:00.800 say no 00:26:00.800 --> 00:26:01.180 God's 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:01.660 holding back 00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:02.100 from me. 00:26:02.980 --> 00:26:03.440 No no no 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:03.940 he's holding 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:04.280 back. 00:26:04.400 --> 00:26:05.019 They believe 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.600 the lie 00:26:05.600 --> 00:26:06.300 of Satan 00:26:06.300 --> 00:26:07.320 that God 00:26:07.320 --> 00:26:07.860 is not 00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:08.280 good 00:26:08.280 --> 00:26:10.240 and for 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:10.580 my 00:26:10.580 --> 00:26:11.160 fulfillment 00:26:11.160 --> 00:26:11.680 for my 00:26:11.680 --> 00:26:12.360 realization 00:26:12.359 --> 00:26:13.259 for my 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:14.639 desire 00:26:14.639 --> 00:26:15.279 to know 00:26:15.279 --> 00:26:15.619 what's 00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:15.939 right 00:26:15.939 --> 00:26:16.659 and wrong 00:26:16.659 --> 00:26:17.319 and to 00:26:17.319 --> 00:26:17.899 be like 00:26:17.899 --> 00:26:18.299 God 00:26:18.299 --> 00:26:19.219 I must 00:26:19.219 --> 00:26:19.919 eat of 00:26:19.919 --> 00:26:20.459 the fruit 00:26:20.459 --> 00:26:21.059 and all 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:21.619 destruction 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:22.219 flows. 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:25.059 And the 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:25.559 destruction 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.399 that flows 00:26:26.399 --> 00:26:27.319 the power 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:27.859 of sin 00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:28.559 is that it 00:26:28.559 --> 00:26:29.119 sets people 00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:29.879 against one 00:26:29.879 --> 00:26:30.279 another 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:31.419 it sets you 00:26:31.419 --> 00:26:31.919 against your 00:26:31.919 --> 00:26:32.639 very self 00:26:32.639 --> 00:26:33.199 it sets you 00:26:33.199 --> 00:26:34.059 against creation 00:26:34.059 --> 00:26:34.979 and it sets you 00:26:34.979 --> 00:26:35.719 against God 00:26:35.719 --> 00:26:36.119 himself. 00:26:36.919 --> 00:26:37.259 My 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.299 life for 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:38.859 yours 00:26:38.859 --> 00:26:39.619 is the 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:40.279 central 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:41.279 reality 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:41.879 of the 00:26:41.879 --> 00:26:42.579 Godhead. 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:45.000 It's the 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:45.740 central reality 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.179 of all 00:26:46.179 --> 00:26:46.879 of creation 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:47.759 of the 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:48.079 Jewish 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:48.479 temple 00:26:48.479 --> 00:26:48.959 and the 00:26:48.959 --> 00:26:49.299 Christian 00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:49.839 faith. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:50.759 You see 00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:51.139 Jesus 00:26:51.139 --> 00:26:51.759 Christ 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:53.259 at his 00:26:53.259 --> 00:26:53.979 first coming 00:26:53.979 --> 00:26:54.719 talked about 00:26:54.719 --> 00:26:55.299 the law 00:26:55.299 --> 00:26:56.019 and obeyed 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:56.379 the law 00:26:56.379 --> 00:26:56.799 of God 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.500 like no 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:57.979 other 00:26:57.979 --> 00:26:58.639 human 00:26:58.639 --> 00:26:59.099 being. 00:26:59.939 --> 00:27:00.439 He didn't 00:27:00.439 --> 00:27:01.579 go away 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:04.000 with the 00:27:04.000 --> 00:27:04.199 law. 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:04.559 He made 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:04.799 it very 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.179 clear he 00:27:05.179 --> 00:27:05.879 didn't do 00:27:05.879 --> 00:27:06.159 away 00:27:06.159 --> 00:27:06.460 with the 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:06.619 law. 00:27:06.939 --> 00:27:07.619 He upheld 00:27:07.619 --> 00:27:08.460 the demands 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:08.919 of the 00:27:08.919 --> 00:27:09.259 law 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:10.139 absolutely 00:27:10.139 --> 00:27:11.139 perfectly. 00:27:11.699 --> 00:27:12.159 Galatians 00:27:12.159 --> 00:27:12.879 4.4 00:27:12.879 --> 00:27:13.899 and 5 00:27:13.899 --> 00:27:14.299 puts it 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:14.720 like this 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:15.279 God sent 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:15.779 his son 00:27:15.779 --> 00:27:16.159 born of 00:27:16.159 --> 00:27:16.460 a woman 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.139 born under 00:27:17.139 --> 00:27:17.659 the law 00:27:17.659 --> 00:27:18.539 to redeem 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:19.279 those under 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:19.679 the law 00:27:19.679 --> 00:27:20.099 that we 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:21.500 might receive 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:23.000 adoption to 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:23.579 sonship. 00:27:23.699 --> 00:27:24.119 How did 00:27:24.119 --> 00:27:24.419 you do 00:27:24.419 --> 00:27:24.759 that? 00:27:26.619 --> 00:27:27.199 2 Corinthians 00:27:27.199 --> 00:27:28.159 5.21 00:27:28.159 --> 00:27:29.539 says that 00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:30.019 God made 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:30.480 him who had 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:30.960 no sin 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:31.420 to be sin 00:27:31.420 --> 00:27:31.940 for us 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:32.759 so that 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.240 in him 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:33.620 we might 00:27:33.620 --> 00:27:34.140 become the 00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:34.539 righteousness 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.200 of God. 00:27:36.900 --> 00:27:38.000 What is 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:39.180 the Christian 00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:39.700 faith? 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.100 Jesus 00:27:42.100 --> 00:27:43.180 exchanged 00:27:43.180 --> 00:27:44.259 his life 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:44.799 for ours. 00:27:46.900 --> 00:27:47.620 That's the 00:27:47.620 --> 00:27:47.900 central 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:48.519 message of 00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:48.920 Christianity. 00:27:49.460 --> 00:27:49.799 It's the 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.200 gospel. 00:27:50.740 --> 00:27:51.340 Jesus has 00:27:51.340 --> 00:27:52.100 satisfied the 00:27:52.100 --> 00:27:52.860 demands of 00:27:52.860 --> 00:27:53.200 the law 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:53.720 of God. 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:55.100 In Jesus 00:27:55.100 --> 00:27:55.380 we are 00:27:55.380 --> 00:27:55.759 forgiven, 00:27:56.160 --> 00:27:56.420 we are 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:56.880 loved by 00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:58.079 God and 00:27:58.079 --> 00:27:58.960 that creates 00:27:58.960 --> 00:27:59.799 a love 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.740 for every 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:02.059 word that 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.420 proceeds from 00:28:03.420 --> 00:28:04.160 the mouth 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:04.880 of God. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:08.160 The secret 00:28:08.160 --> 00:28:08.940 power of 00:28:08.940 --> 00:28:10.180 lawlessness 00:28:10.180 --> 00:28:11.620 that is at 00:28:11.620 --> 00:28:12.740 display right 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:14.359 now utterly 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:15.420 hates God's 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.480 word and it 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:17.079 hates the 00:28:17.079 --> 00:28:17.900 gospel which is 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:18.519 the central 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:19.339 of God's 00:28:19.339 --> 00:28:19.620 word. 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:21.819 And the 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:22.759 great deception 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:24.539 that's making 00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:25.240 a life, 00:28:25.400 --> 00:28:26.440 is to make 00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:27.180 the life of 00:28:27.180 --> 00:28:28.220 unrighteousness 00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:28.839 attractive. 00:28:28.839 --> 00:28:30.459 the great 00:28:30.459 --> 00:28:31.339 deception of 00:28:31.339 --> 00:28:32.720 lawlessness is 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.839 to say you 00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:34.740 will not 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:36.139 receive full 00:28:36.139 --> 00:28:36.740 complete 00:28:36.740 --> 00:28:37.439 fulfillment as 00:28:37.439 --> 00:28:38.079 an individual. 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:38.939 In fact, 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:39.779 it's restrictive 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:41.459 in your life 00:28:41.459 --> 00:28:42.859 if you obey 00:28:42.859 --> 00:28:43.699 God's word. 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:45.359 You need to 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:46.939 reject that in 00:28:46.939 --> 00:28:47.859 order to live a 00:28:47.859 --> 00:28:48.519 full and 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:49.319 wholesome life. 00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:50.839 You need to 00:28:50.839 --> 00:28:51.720 set yourself up 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:53.279 as the ruler and 00:28:53.279 --> 00:28:54.019 determiner of your 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.339 life. 00:28:54.339 --> 00:29:00.419 So how do 00:29:00.419 --> 00:29:01.399 we disempower 00:29:01.399 --> 00:29:02.199 that deception? 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:04.039 The first 00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:04.419 step 00:29:04.419 --> 00:29:10.139 is to see 00:29:10.139 --> 00:29:10.539 that the 00:29:10.539 --> 00:29:11.519 principle of 00:29:11.519 --> 00:29:12.019 lawlessness 00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:12.740 is at work 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:13.059 now. 00:29:13.179 --> 00:29:13.519 That's the 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:13.980 first step. 00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:16.419 We cannot 00:29:16.419 --> 00:29:17.619 avoid what 00:29:17.619 --> 00:29:18.279 we do not 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:19.799 see and 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:20.220 acknowledge. 00:29:20.220 --> 00:29:22.460 everyone 00:29:22.460 --> 00:29:23.720 operates on 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:24.660 the default 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:26.240 principle of 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:27.100 lawlessness. 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:28.660 Our default 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:29.779 position is 00:29:29.779 --> 00:29:30.339 it's your 00:29:30.339 --> 00:29:30.940 life for 00:29:30.940 --> 00:29:31.360 mine. 00:29:31.860 --> 00:29:32.720 You exist 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.360 to serve 00:29:33.360 --> 00:29:33.740 me. 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:35.259 You exist 00:29:35.259 --> 00:29:36.380 to affirm 00:29:36.380 --> 00:29:36.759 me. 00:29:37.600 --> 00:29:38.200 You exist 00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:39.460 to build 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:39.960 me. 00:29:41.420 --> 00:29:42.339 All of us 00:29:42.339 --> 00:29:42.920 want to rule 00:29:42.920 --> 00:29:43.360 our own 00:29:43.360 --> 00:29:43.980 life, be 00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:44.620 masters of 00:29:44.620 --> 00:29:44.880 our own 00:29:44.880 --> 00:29:45.500 destiny and 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:46.120 determiners of 00:29:46.120 --> 00:29:46.640 what is right 00:29:46.640 --> 00:29:47.039 and wrong. 00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:47.700 That's the 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.180 nature of the 00:29:48.180 --> 00:29:48.799 very first 00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:49.839 sin of 00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:50.339 lawlessness 00:29:50.339 --> 00:29:50.839 in the 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:51.220 garden of 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:51.419 Eden. 00:29:51.759 --> 00:29:52.539 And all 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:53.399 destruction in 00:29:53.399 --> 00:29:53.839 our life 00:29:53.839 --> 00:29:54.539 flows from 00:29:54.539 --> 00:29:55.359 it and 00:29:55.359 --> 00:29:56.079 yet we 00:29:56.079 --> 00:29:57.299 justify it 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:58.019 consistently. 00:30:01.139 --> 00:30:02.279 The second 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:04.559 step to 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:05.319 disempowering 00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:06.919 deception is 00:30:06.919 --> 00:30:07.519 to do the 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:08.159 same thing 00:30:08.159 --> 00:30:09.119 that overcomes 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:09.639 the man of 00:30:09.639 --> 00:30:10.119 lawlessness 00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:10.939 here in 00:30:10.939 --> 00:30:11.699 verse 8. 00:30:12.919 --> 00:30:13.939 What is it 00:30:13.939 --> 00:30:14.579 that destroys 00:30:14.579 --> 00:30:15.079 the man of 00:30:15.079 --> 00:30:15.480 lawlessness? 00:30:16.559 --> 00:30:17.639 The splendour 00:30:17.639 --> 00:30:18.399 of his 00:30:18.399 --> 00:30:18.959 coming. 00:30:19.839 --> 00:30:20.439 I talked 00:30:20.439 --> 00:30:20.819 about this 00:30:20.819 --> 00:30:21.399 last week. 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:21.980 It is the 00:30:21.980 --> 00:30:22.799 splendour. 00:30:23.039 --> 00:30:23.419 Not just 00:30:23.419 --> 00:30:23.859 his coming. 00:30:24.159 --> 00:30:24.659 It is the 00:30:24.659 --> 00:30:26.119 splendour of 00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:26.679 his coming. 00:30:27.039 --> 00:30:27.339 In other 00:30:27.339 --> 00:30:28.039 words, look 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:28.859 to the 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.799 splendour of 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.759 Jesus Christ. 00:30:31.159 --> 00:30:31.559 He is 00:30:31.559 --> 00:30:32.259 better than 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:32.959 any offer 00:30:32.959 --> 00:30:33.619 of righteousness. 00:30:33.899 --> 00:30:34.259 What he 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:34.959 offers us 00:30:34.959 --> 00:30:36.299 in life, 00:30:36.399 --> 00:30:37.079 in life in 00:30:37.079 --> 00:30:37.759 him right 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:38.419 now is 00:30:38.419 --> 00:30:39.000 fundamentally 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:39.959 better than 00:30:39.959 --> 00:30:41.159 anything that 00:30:41.159 --> 00:30:41.799 we think that 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:42.299 we could build 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:43.359 for this world 00:30:43.359 --> 00:30:43.799 can offer. 00:30:45.220 --> 00:30:46.039 Look at the 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:46.740 splendour of 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.460 the mystery 00:30:47.460 --> 00:30:48.420 of God's 00:30:48.420 --> 00:30:49.000 grace to 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:49.539 me, a 00:30:49.539 --> 00:30:50.200 sinner in 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.039 Jesus Christ. 00:30:53.059 --> 00:30:54.000 Marvel at 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:54.839 the gospel of 00:30:54.839 --> 00:30:55.559 Jesus Christ 00:30:55.559 --> 00:30:56.240 and all its 00:30:56.240 --> 00:30:56.980 implications. 00:30:58.359 --> 00:30:59.099 His life 00:30:59.099 --> 00:30:59.660 for mine. 00:31:01.620 --> 00:31:02.539 He died 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:02.859 that I 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.620 might live. 00:31:04.460 --> 00:31:05.319 Marvel at 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:05.880 the gospel 00:31:05.880 --> 00:31:06.579 that declares 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:07.319 that the 00:31:07.319 --> 00:31:08.400 Christian is 00:31:08.400 --> 00:31:09.400 because of 00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:10.240 Jesus Christ. 00:31:10.519 --> 00:31:10.799 They are 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:11.420 loved by 00:31:11.420 --> 00:31:11.819 God. 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:12.380 We are 00:31:12.380 --> 00:31:12.620 not 00:31:12.620 --> 00:31:13.160 lovable 00:31:13.160 --> 00:31:15.680 because of 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:16.000 any of the 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.599 lovability 00:31:16.599 --> 00:31:17.799 but because 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.660 it was his 00:31:18.660 --> 00:31:19.380 initiative 00:31:19.380 --> 00:31:20.940 to choose 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:21.579 to set 00:31:21.579 --> 00:31:22.140 his love 00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:22.680 for us 00:31:22.680 --> 00:31:23.660 in the 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:24.180 person of 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:24.920 Jesus Christ 00:31:24.920 --> 00:31:25.859 by Jesus 00:31:25.859 --> 00:31:26.559 giving his 00:31:26.559 --> 00:31:27.099 life for 00:31:27.099 --> 00:31:27.579 ours. 00:31:29.400 --> 00:31:30.240 And it's 00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:30.920 in that 00:31:30.920 --> 00:31:31.740 gospel of 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:32.740 Jesus Christ 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:35.619 the sprinkling 00:31:35.619 --> 00:31:38.039 the shedding 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:38.480 of his 00:31:38.480 --> 00:31:39.079 blood that 00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:39.839 fulfills 00:31:39.839 --> 00:31:41.180 all the 00:31:41.180 --> 00:31:41.680 law of 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:42.079 God. 00:31:43.200 --> 00:31:44.119 It's because 00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:44.799 of that and 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:45.640 his act that 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:46.240 we are 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:46.860 declared to 00:31:46.860 --> 00:31:47.280 be his 00:31:47.280 --> 00:31:47.740 much-loved 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:48.160 children. 00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:49.580 That in 00:31:49.580 --> 00:31:50.300 despite 00:31:50.300 --> 00:31:54.240 this is 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:54.759 in fact 00:31:54.759 --> 00:31:55.120 that you 00:31:55.120 --> 00:31:55.660 are his 00:31:55.660 --> 00:31:56.120 much-loved 00:31:56.120 --> 00:31:56.480 children 00:31:56.480 --> 00:31:57.360 despite the 00:31:57.360 --> 00:31:58.259 ongoing 00:31:58.259 --> 00:31:59.160 presence that 00:31:59.160 --> 00:31:59.440 we have 00:31:59.440 --> 00:32:00.240 inside of 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:01.420 us of 00:32:01.420 --> 00:32:02.020 lawlessness. 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:03.759 Holy Spirit 00:32:03.759 --> 00:32:04.620 is sanctifying 00:32:04.620 --> 00:32:05.360 us through 00:32:05.360 --> 00:32:06.259 belief in 00:32:06.259 --> 00:32:06.880 that truth. 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:08.060 To 00:32:08.060 --> 00:32:09.200 disempower the 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:09.780 deceiver, 00:32:10.100 --> 00:32:10.560 to stand 00:32:10.560 --> 00:32:11.320 firm in 00:32:11.320 --> 00:32:11.840 the truth, 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:13.040 to grow in 00:32:13.039 --> 00:32:14.180 confidence in 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:14.779 the gospel 00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:16.420 and stable 00:32:16.420 --> 00:32:17.039 in life, 00:32:17.159 --> 00:32:17.799 verse 5 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:18.500 calls us to 00:32:18.500 --> 00:32:19.240 hold fast to 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:19.680 the teaching 00:32:19.680 --> 00:32:20.359 of God's 00:32:20.359 --> 00:32:21.159 word. 00:32:21.159 --> 00:32:21.960 15 holds us 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:23.319 to hold fast 00:32:23.319 --> 00:32:24.359 to the teaching 00:32:24.359 --> 00:32:25.059 of God's 00:32:25.059 --> 00:32:25.339 word. 00:32:25.920 --> 00:32:26.819 That is 00:32:26.819 --> 00:32:29.079 the only 00:32:29.079 --> 00:32:31.039 way to 00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:31.720 disempower 00:32:31.720 --> 00:32:32.399 deception 00:32:32.399 --> 00:32:33.879 and the key 00:32:33.879 --> 00:32:34.980 instrument to 00:32:34.980 --> 00:32:35.659 disempower 00:32:35.659 --> 00:32:37.059 deception is 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:37.859 to marvel 00:32:37.859 --> 00:32:38.879 at the 00:32:38.879 --> 00:32:39.599 splendour 00:32:39.599 --> 00:32:40.439 of the 00:32:40.439 --> 00:32:40.959 gospel 00:32:40.959 --> 00:32:44.240 in God's 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:44.559 word. 00:32:46.779 --> 00:32:47.559 God's 00:32:47.559 --> 00:32:47.919 word is 00:32:47.919 --> 00:32:48.259 the key 00:32:48.259 --> 00:32:48.659 instrument 00:32:48.659 --> 00:32:50.500 and it's 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:51.500 unfortunate that 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:51.959 this South 00:32:51.959 --> 00:32:52.979 African pastor 00:32:52.979 --> 00:32:53.779 chose to 00:32:53.779 --> 00:32:54.699 believe a 00:32:54.699 --> 00:32:55.359 dream 00:32:55.359 --> 00:32:58.039 and set 00:32:58.039 --> 00:32:58.439 his hopes 00:32:58.439 --> 00:32:58.819 on a 00:32:58.819 --> 00:32:59.379 dream 00:32:59.379 --> 00:33:00.799 rather than 00:33:00.799 --> 00:33:01.379 the authority 00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:01.959 of God's 00:33:01.959 --> 00:33:02.319 word. 00:33:03.379 --> 00:33:03.879 Because if 00:33:03.879 --> 00:33:04.319 he did, 00:33:04.839 --> 00:33:05.259 he would 00:33:05.259 --> 00:33:05.679 know, 00:33:06.399 --> 00:33:07.319 as we've 00:33:07.319 --> 00:33:08.000 already seen, 00:33:08.579 --> 00:33:09.599 1 Thessalonians 00:33:09.599 --> 00:33:10.299 chapter 4 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.059 verses 16 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:11.759 and 17 00:33:11.759 --> 00:33:12.779 are the 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:13.939 only verses 00:33:13.939 --> 00:33:14.559 in the 00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.579 entire Bible 00:33:15.579 --> 00:33:16.939 that refers 00:33:16.939 --> 00:33:18.059 in any 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:19.000 vague form 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:19.439 to this 00:33:19.439 --> 00:33:20.079 idea of 00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:20.720 a rapture 00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:21.399 as it's 00:33:21.399 --> 00:33:21.919 understood 00:33:21.919 --> 00:33:22.419 in its 00:33:22.419 --> 00:33:24.079 modern idea 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:25.059 by a 00:33:25.059 --> 00:33:25.799 very small 00:33:25.799 --> 00:33:26.279 group of 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:26.720 Christians. 00:33:27.159 --> 00:33:27.539 A very 00:33:27.539 --> 00:33:28.220 small group 00:33:28.220 --> 00:33:28.700 of Christians. 00:33:30.259 --> 00:33:30.720 It's a 00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:31.179 recent 00:33:31.179 --> 00:33:31.819 doctrine 00:33:31.819 --> 00:33:33.059 out of 00:33:33.059 --> 00:33:34.399 dispensationalism 00:33:34.399 --> 00:33:35.039 that didn't 00:33:35.039 --> 00:33:35.799 exist before 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:36.919 the 1800s. 00:33:37.319 --> 00:33:41.960 And those 00:33:41.960 --> 00:33:42.759 verses in 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:43.799 1 Thessalonians 00:33:43.799 --> 00:33:45.599 4 are 00:33:45.599 --> 00:33:46.339 about a 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:47.019 meeting of 00:33:47.019 --> 00:33:47.819 Jesus and 00:33:47.819 --> 00:33:48.599 his faithful 00:33:48.599 --> 00:33:49.720 ones to 00:33:49.720 --> 00:33:50.720 encourage them 00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:51.419 because their 00:33:51.419 --> 00:33:52.159 friends had 00:33:52.159 --> 00:33:52.599 died. 00:33:52.919 --> 00:33:53.299 And had 00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:53.960 they missed 00:33:53.960 --> 00:33:54.439 out, 00:33:56.439 --> 00:33:56.859 they are 00:33:56.859 --> 00:33:57.419 about the 00:33:57.419 --> 00:33:58.059 dead in 00:33:58.059 --> 00:33:58.720 Christ not 00:33:58.720 --> 00:33:59.460 missing out, 00:33:59.619 --> 00:34:00.339 so keep 00:34:00.339 --> 00:34:00.779 living, 00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:02.000 trusting God 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:03.179 now in 00:34:03.179 --> 00:34:03.839 the gospel. 00:34:03.839 --> 00:34:05.139 and in 00:34:05.139 --> 00:34:06.039 1 Thessalonians 00:34:06.039 --> 00:34:06.959 4 there 00:34:06.959 --> 00:34:07.599 is no 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:08.059 further 00:34:08.059 --> 00:34:09.440 information on 00:34:09.440 --> 00:34:10.500 any direction 00:34:10.500 --> 00:34:11.779 of travel once 00:34:11.779 --> 00:34:12.380 that meeting 00:34:12.380 --> 00:34:13.000 has happened. 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:16.559 there is no 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:17.579 evidence in 00:34:17.579 --> 00:34:18.139 the scriptures 00:34:18.139 --> 00:34:19.239 at all 00:34:19.239 --> 00:34:20.519 if you're a 00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:21.099 rapture talk 00:34:21.099 --> 00:34:21.739 person 00:34:21.739 --> 00:34:24.039 that you 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:24.920 then go 00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:25.780 with him. 00:34:28.460 --> 00:34:29.139 Nothing. 00:34:30.639 --> 00:34:31.539 It's all 00:34:31.539 --> 00:34:31.980 about the 00:34:31.980 --> 00:34:33.300 meeting and 00:34:33.300 --> 00:34:33.619 you're not 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:34.099 lost, you're 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:34.639 not forgotten. 00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:36.059 Crucially 00:34:36.059 --> 00:34:37.199 though, even 00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:38.119 more crucially, 00:34:39.460 --> 00:34:40.280 a few verses 00:34:40.280 --> 00:34:41.099 later Paul 00:34:41.099 --> 00:34:42.860 writes to 00:34:42.860 --> 00:34:43.039 the 00:34:43.039 --> 00:34:44.059 Thessalonians 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:45.639 and 00:34:45.639 --> 00:34:46.579 emphasises 00:34:46.579 --> 00:34:47.259 something that 00:34:47.259 --> 00:34:47.920 Jesus has 00:34:47.920 --> 00:34:48.920 already said. 00:34:50.839 --> 00:34:51.579 He will 00:34:51.579 --> 00:34:52.039 come back 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:52.420 like a 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:52.980 thief in 00:34:52.980 --> 00:34:53.480 the night 00:34:53.480 --> 00:34:54.619 and we 00:34:54.619 --> 00:34:55.059 do not 00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:56.059 know the 00:34:56.059 --> 00:34:56.940 time or 00:34:56.940 --> 00:34:57.619 the dates 00:34:57.619 --> 00:34:58.539 and that 00:34:58.539 --> 00:34:59.380 even Jesus 00:34:59.380 --> 00:35:00.159 does not 00:35:00.159 --> 00:35:00.900 know the 00:35:00.900 --> 00:35:01.599 time or 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:02.159 the dates. 00:35:02.719 --> 00:35:03.119 And so 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:03.759 if you 00:35:03.759 --> 00:35:04.480 have a 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:05.000 dream, 00:35:05.579 --> 00:35:06.380 even a 00:35:06.380 --> 00:35:06.880 vivid 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:08.000 dream of 00:35:08.000 --> 00:35:08.799 Jesus telling 00:35:08.799 --> 00:35:09.279 you the 00:35:09.279 --> 00:35:09.799 date of 00:35:09.799 --> 00:35:10.579 his return, 00:35:11.099 --> 00:35:12.579 you are 00:35:12.579 --> 00:35:12.759 being 00:35:12.759 --> 00:35:13.199 deceived. 00:35:16.739 --> 00:35:17.219 Because 00:35:17.219 --> 00:35:17.559 Jesus 00:35:17.559 --> 00:35:18.400 already said 00:35:18.400 --> 00:35:19.279 in his 00:35:19.279 --> 00:35:20.400 word, I 00:35:20.400 --> 00:35:20.779 don't know 00:35:20.779 --> 00:35:21.199 the time 00:35:21.199 --> 00:35:21.420 and the 00:35:21.420 --> 00:35:21.839 dates. 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:23.519 How can 00:35:23.519 --> 00:35:23.940 he tell 00:35:23.940 --> 00:35:24.279 you what 00:35:24.279 --> 00:35:24.619 he does 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:24.980 not know 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:25.420 himself? 00:35:27.619 --> 00:35:28.360 It will 00:35:28.360 --> 00:35:29.360 just happen 00:35:29.360 --> 00:35:29.759 when the 00:35:29.759 --> 00:35:30.380 father tells 00:35:30.380 --> 00:35:30.739 him to do 00:35:30.739 --> 00:35:31.159 it now. 00:35:34.579 --> 00:35:35.239 So to 00:35:35.239 --> 00:35:36.059 live with 00:35:36.059 --> 00:35:36.519 confident 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:37.079 hope, 00:35:37.079 --> 00:35:39.199 hope, and 00:35:39.199 --> 00:35:39.599 I feel 00:35:39.599 --> 00:35:40.119 for those 00:35:40.119 --> 00:35:40.360 who have 00:35:40.360 --> 00:35:40.860 been brought 00:35:40.860 --> 00:35:41.319 into this 00:35:41.319 --> 00:35:42.319 latest lie 00:35:42.319 --> 00:35:43.039 of deception, 00:35:43.880 --> 00:35:45.900 to live 00:35:45.900 --> 00:35:46.500 with confident 00:35:46.500 --> 00:35:47.119 hope so 00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:47.380 that we 00:35:47.380 --> 00:35:47.980 grow in 00:35:47.980 --> 00:35:49.279 trust of 00:35:49.279 --> 00:35:49.980 God and 00:35:49.980 --> 00:35:50.380 love for 00:35:50.380 --> 00:35:51.059 all people, 00:35:51.199 --> 00:35:51.639 we need 00:35:51.639 --> 00:35:52.199 to know 00:35:52.199 --> 00:35:52.860 our 00:35:52.860 --> 00:35:53.579 Bible. 00:35:55.579 --> 00:35:56.239 And with 00:35:56.239 --> 00:35:56.739 the gospel 00:35:56.739 --> 00:35:57.059 of the 00:35:57.059 --> 00:35:57.579 Lord Jesus 00:35:57.579 --> 00:35:58.059 is the 00:35:58.059 --> 00:35:58.500 central 00:35:58.500 --> 00:35:59.199 interpreting 00:35:59.199 --> 00:35:59.759 principle 00:35:59.759 --> 00:36:00.319 of it. 00:36:00.320 --> 00:36:04.100 Paul's 00:36:04.100 --> 00:36:04.700 desire, 00:36:04.980 --> 00:36:05.340 his whole 00:36:05.340 --> 00:36:05.960 plan, is 00:36:05.960 --> 00:36:06.320 for you to 00:36:06.320 --> 00:36:06.500 grow 00:36:06.500 --> 00:36:07.160 confidently 00:36:07.160 --> 00:36:08.380 in the 00:36:08.380 --> 00:36:08.780 gospel. 00:36:10.059 --> 00:36:10.460 And that 00:36:10.460 --> 00:36:12.780 is our 00:36:12.780 --> 00:36:13.980 desire here. 00:36:15.500 --> 00:36:16.039 In 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:17.480 1987, a 00:36:17.480 --> 00:36:18.160 pilot was 00:36:18.160 --> 00:36:19.900 flying an 00:36:19.900 --> 00:36:20.680 empty plane 00:36:20.680 --> 00:36:21.120 in the 00:36:21.120 --> 00:36:22.660 US when 00:36:22.660 --> 00:36:23.180 he heard a 00:36:23.180 --> 00:36:23.580 noise at 00:36:23.580 --> 00:36:23.860 the back 00:36:23.860 --> 00:36:24.100 of the 00:36:24.100 --> 00:36:24.420 plane. 00:36:25.420 --> 00:36:25.760 So he 00:36:25.760 --> 00:36:26.080 left a 00:36:26.080 --> 00:36:26.700 co-pilot 00:36:26.700 --> 00:36:28.280 to fly the 00:36:28.280 --> 00:36:28.680 plane while 00:36:28.680 --> 00:36:28.940 he went 00:36:28.940 --> 00:36:29.660 and investigated 00:36:29.659 --> 00:36:31.859 he discovered 00:36:31.859 --> 00:36:32.480 a door that 00:36:32.480 --> 00:36:32.719 would have 00:36:32.719 --> 00:36:33.199 been sort 00:36:33.199 --> 00:36:33.440 of left 00:36:33.440 --> 00:36:33.839 ajar. 00:36:34.099 --> 00:36:34.359 While 00:36:34.359 --> 00:36:34.759 trying to 00:36:34.759 --> 00:36:35.339 close the 00:36:35.339 --> 00:36:35.659 door, he 00:36:35.659 --> 00:36:36.199 fell out. 00:36:37.299 --> 00:36:37.679 And so 00:36:37.679 --> 00:36:38.319 the co-pilot 00:36:38.319 --> 00:36:38.819 saw what 00:36:38.819 --> 00:36:39.159 happened, 00:36:39.359 --> 00:36:39.819 radioed 00:36:39.819 --> 00:36:40.339 Coast Guard, 00:36:40.460 --> 00:36:40.859 said, hey, 00:36:41.019 --> 00:36:41.659 search area, 00:36:42.179 --> 00:36:43.099 pilot's fallen 00:36:43.099 --> 00:36:43.819 out over the 00:36:43.819 --> 00:36:44.539 Atlantic Ocean. 00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:47.559 And when 00:36:47.559 --> 00:36:48.279 the plane, 00:36:48.379 --> 00:36:48.759 which made 00:36:48.759 --> 00:36:49.279 an emergency 00:36:49.279 --> 00:36:49.899 landing, 00:36:51.259 --> 00:36:52.039 when it 00:36:52.039 --> 00:36:52.500 landed, 00:36:52.879 --> 00:36:53.199 the emergency 00:36:53.199 --> 00:36:54.099 service discovered 00:36:54.099 --> 00:36:54.940 that the 00:36:54.940 --> 00:36:55.980 pilot was 00:36:55.980 --> 00:36:56.719 hanging on 00:36:56.719 --> 00:36:57.079 to the 00:36:57.079 --> 00:36:57.539 railing of 00:36:57.539 --> 00:36:58.119 the stairs. 00:36:59.659 --> 00:37:04.139 emergency 00:37:04.139 --> 00:37:05.019 service said 00:37:05.019 --> 00:37:05.480 he was 00:37:05.480 --> 00:37:06.420 hanging on 00:37:06.420 --> 00:37:07.759 so tight 00:37:07.759 --> 00:37:10.319 they literally, 00:37:10.500 --> 00:37:11.000 he did not 00:37:11.000 --> 00:37:11.519 let go 00:37:11.519 --> 00:37:13.359 when he 00:37:13.359 --> 00:37:13.619 landed. 00:37:14.339 --> 00:37:15.359 They literally 00:37:15.359 --> 00:37:16.339 had to peel 00:37:16.339 --> 00:37:17.179 his hands 00:37:17.179 --> 00:37:18.339 off those 00:37:18.339 --> 00:37:20.279 steps by 00:37:20.279 --> 00:37:21.179 extreme 00:37:21.179 --> 00:37:22.039 force 00:37:22.039 --> 00:37:25.019 because he 00:37:25.019 --> 00:37:25.319 would not 00:37:25.319 --> 00:37:25.799 let go. 00:37:25.800 --> 00:37:28.500 do not 00:37:28.500 --> 00:37:29.200 be deceived 00:37:29.200 --> 00:37:30.440 now or 00:37:30.440 --> 00:37:30.840 in the 00:37:30.840 --> 00:37:31.280 future. 00:37:32.160 --> 00:37:32.460 Hold 00:37:32.460 --> 00:37:33.000 tight, 00:37:33.480 --> 00:37:34.340 so tight 00:37:34.340 --> 00:37:35.280 to God's 00:37:35.280 --> 00:37:35.660 word with 00:37:35.660 --> 00:37:36.140 the gospel 00:37:36.140 --> 00:37:36.600 of the 00:37:36.600 --> 00:37:37.140 Lord Jesus 00:37:37.140 --> 00:37:37.720 as its 00:37:37.720 --> 00:37:38.320 centre and 00:37:38.320 --> 00:37:38.900 its focus. 00:37:39.519 --> 00:37:40.280 That is 00:37:40.280 --> 00:37:40.700 how we 00:37:40.700 --> 00:37:41.560 stand firm 00:37:41.560 --> 00:37:42.560 with hope 00:37:42.560 --> 00:37:43.100 and grow 00:37:43.100 --> 00:37:43.740 in faith 00:37:43.740 --> 00:37:44.420 and love 00:37:44.420 --> 00:37:45.180 in the 00:37:45.180 --> 00:37:45.580 face of 00:37:45.580 --> 00:37:45.960 lawlessness. 00:37:45.960 --> 00:37:46.199 each. 00:37:46.199 --> 00:37:47.619 Stop 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:37:47.619 00:37:47.619 --> 00:38:17.599 Thank you.