WEBVTT 00:00:00.760 --> 00:00:05.360 Well, I should warn you, this morning I'm not just going to preach a sermon. 00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:10.720 As if that weren't bad enough, I'm actually going to preach a sermon on a sermon. 00:00:11.599 --> 00:00:15.099 So, it's going to be doubly worse this morning. 00:00:16.580 --> 00:00:17.179 I'm kidding. 00:00:17.260 --> 00:00:18.080 I promise you this. 00:00:18.120 --> 00:00:22.260 I promise you that this sermon is far from boring. 00:00:22.800 --> 00:00:28.480 Not mine, but the sermon that we're going to look at in Acts 13, Paul's synagogue sermon 00:00:28.480 --> 00:00:30.260 that Luke records for us here. 00:00:31.100 --> 00:00:34.460 I mean, just listen to an outline of this sermon. 00:00:34.560 --> 00:00:38.280 This is what Paul has to say to them and to us. 00:00:39.899 --> 00:00:48.960 That the long story has come to its climax, and that your greatest problem has been solved, 00:00:49.859 --> 00:00:51.939 and that the future is breaking in. 00:00:53.880 --> 00:00:55.439 Those are huge claims. 00:00:55.439 --> 00:01:02.280 That the climax to the story has come, that your problem is solved, and that the future 00:01:02.280 --> 00:01:03.119 is breaking in. 00:01:04.439 --> 00:01:07.739 Aren't you at least a little curious about how that could be? 00:01:09.340 --> 00:01:11.299 Well, let's look then at how Paul begins. 00:01:11.900 --> 00:01:13.959 This is Acts 13. 00:01:14.219 --> 00:01:15.739 Let's pick up in verse 13. 00:01:16.280 --> 00:01:19.939 Paul and Barnabas are on their first missionary journey, and Luke picks it up like this. 00:01:19.939 --> 00:01:49.920 He says, 00:01:49.939 --> 00:01:54.879 Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen. 00:01:55.879 --> 00:02:00.120 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay 00:02:00.120 --> 00:02:03.039 in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted army led them out of it. 00:02:03.379 --> 00:02:07.459 And for about 40 years he put up with them in the wilderness, and after destroying seven 00:02:07.459 --> 00:02:10.539 nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 00:02:10.659 --> 00:02:13.039 All this took about 450 years. 00:02:13.579 --> 00:02:16.379 And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 00:02:16.379 --> 00:02:20.060 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of 00:02:20.060 --> 00:02:21.340 Benjamin for 40 years. 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:26.240 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:32.099 said, I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart who will do all my will. 00:02:32.099 --> 00:02:43.340 Of this man's offspring, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 00:02:44.479 --> 00:02:48.639 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 00:02:49.299 --> 00:02:51.259 And as John was finishing his course, he said, 00:02:51.259 --> 00:02:53.039 What do you suppose that I am? 00:02:53.539 --> 00:02:54.219 I'm not he. 00:02:54.939 --> 00:03:02.219 But behold, after me, one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I'm not worthy to untie. 00:03:06.219 --> 00:03:09.319 The novelist Flannery O'Connor once said, 00:03:09.319 --> 00:03:20.060 In the long run, a people is known not by its statements or its statistics, but by the stories 00:03:20.060 --> 00:03:20.979 it tells. 00:03:23.659 --> 00:03:26.599 Now you might think, well, she was a novelist. 00:03:27.099 --> 00:03:28.120 Of course she would say that. 00:03:29.560 --> 00:03:30.680 But think about it. 00:03:31.879 --> 00:03:36.659 You know, in the ancient Near East, in the third and second and first millennia B.C., there 00:03:36.659 --> 00:03:43.479 were kings and kingdoms who amassed great military strength and built massive buildings and conquered 00:03:43.479 --> 00:03:48.620 and ruled vast empires, statements and statistics that could fill volumes. 00:03:48.919 --> 00:03:57.579 But of all those kingdoms that came and went, there was one little people whose political 00:03:57.579 --> 00:04:01.759 independence was actually pretty short-lived in comparison. 00:04:03.219 --> 00:04:06.319 And whose military might wasn't actually much to speak about. 00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:09.259 And whose architectural achievements were pretty small. 00:04:10.799 --> 00:04:14.419 And yet, it's that people that we remember. 00:04:16.240 --> 00:04:16.980 Why? 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:24.360 Because what they had was this powerful story. 00:04:25.319 --> 00:04:35.740 The true story of the one God who created all things and who made humanity in his image. 00:04:36.319 --> 00:04:43.139 And who after the ravage of human idolatry and rebellion, who, when humans had gone their own way into misery, 00:04:43.839 --> 00:04:47.159 was going to make things right. 00:04:47.160 --> 00:04:54.540 The story to the story of the one true God. 00:04:54.540 --> 00:05:01.600 The story to which the people of Israel held fast and held forth was that this one true God had put into motion a rescue plan. 00:05:02.140 --> 00:05:12.840 A plan that through one family, salvation, total healing and restoration would come to the whole world. 00:05:12.839 --> 00:05:18.959 That's the story Paul is retelling in these verses. 00:05:18.959 --> 00:05:26.639 And when you look at it, what a gripping and, quite frankly, really gritty story it is. 00:05:26.639 --> 00:05:36.379 Verses 17 through 22 take us from Abraham through the Exodus, from the wilderness to the promised land, from the judges to the kings, and through it all, 00:05:36.379 --> 00:05:46.379 God was taking the initiative in grace to call and preserve a people through whom his blessing would come to every nation on earth. 00:05:46.379 --> 00:05:59.899 And as the history went forward, God's promises more and more began to converge and narrow on the hope of a king. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:04.959 A king in the line of the great King David. 00:06:04.959 --> 00:06:10.680 Now, if you go back to the beginning of the story, these promises actually began in Genesis. 00:06:10.859 --> 00:06:11.639 That's where Paul begins. 00:06:11.799 --> 00:06:16.699 God tells Abraham, in your offspring, the world's going to be blessed. 00:06:16.979 --> 00:06:18.319 That's Genesis 22, 18. 00:06:19.639 --> 00:06:25.159 And then isn't it interesting that a thousand years later, in 2 Samuel 7, when God makes his promise to David, 00:06:25.819 --> 00:06:28.319 that he will establish his house and his throne forever, 00:06:28.719 --> 00:06:31.719 again, he picks up the language of offspring. 00:06:31.720 --> 00:06:39.140 I'll raise up your offspring after you, and I will establish his kingdom forever. 00:06:41.320 --> 00:06:41.960 Coincidence? 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:47.540 Well, nearly all the Hebrew prophets saw the connection. 00:06:48.680 --> 00:06:55.600 That what God promised would happen through the offspring of Abraham would be fulfilled in God's renewed promise through David's offspring. 00:06:55.600 --> 00:07:02.920 That this coming king would not only restore Israel, but unleash God's blessing, his healing and restoring reign into the whole world. 00:07:03.340 --> 00:07:07.120 And friends, we could go through the prophets and cite passage after passage after passage, 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:11.400 where that connection is made between this worldwide blessing that God promised to Abraham, 00:07:11.700 --> 00:07:15.580 and what God would do through his coming Davidic king. 00:07:15.579 --> 00:07:20.259 Isaiah 55, that we read earlier, is just one of them. 00:07:21.219 --> 00:07:23.159 Come, Isaiah says. 00:07:24.019 --> 00:07:24.899 Come and drink. 00:07:25.579 --> 00:07:26.300 Come and eat. 00:07:27.180 --> 00:07:28.719 Come and be made totally new. 00:07:29.439 --> 00:07:29.800 Why? 00:07:31.399 --> 00:07:33.560 Because the king at last has come. 00:07:33.560 --> 00:07:44.980 Now, you can imagine, as Paul's sort of recounting the story, the whole synagogue sort of nodding in approval. 00:07:45.220 --> 00:07:46.100 Yes, that's right. 00:07:46.240 --> 00:07:47.259 That's our history. 00:07:48.500 --> 00:07:49.340 That's right. 00:07:50.699 --> 00:07:55.740 But imagine how surprised they must have been when he concluded this sort of well-worn narrative 00:07:55.740 --> 00:08:02.400 with what he says in verse 23 of this man's offspring, David's offspring. 00:08:03.920 --> 00:08:08.400 God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:12.480 Can you imagine what that must have been like? 00:08:12.960 --> 00:08:15.079 How many jaws dropped? 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:17.980 How many eyes grew wide? 00:08:19.079 --> 00:08:22.720 How many people who were sort of drifting off to sleep suddenly jolted awake? 00:08:23.660 --> 00:08:24.879 What did he just say? 00:08:26.540 --> 00:08:30.400 Did a murmur start to ripple through that ancient synagogue? 00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:34.379 Or was it so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop? 00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:39.600 What did he just say? 00:08:41.379 --> 00:08:48.639 Well, he just said that the story, the story of the one true God, the creator God of heaven and earth, 00:08:48.700 --> 00:08:53.919 and the covenant God of Abraham and David, that God has done it. 00:08:53.919 --> 00:09:00.439 That the story's reached its climax, and it's reached it in Jesus. 00:09:00.440 --> 00:09:07.220 Friend, I wonder what story you live by. 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:11.440 As humans, it's almost impossible not to do that. 00:09:12.640 --> 00:09:16.640 What narrative is running underneath the sort of assortment of your days? 00:09:16.740 --> 00:09:19.860 Maybe it's not something you've really thought about or articulated to yourself. 00:09:19.860 --> 00:09:26.879 Maybe you've just sort of absorbed it from the culture that we live in, a story of finding personal fulfillment, 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:33.840 maybe in love or in achievement, or perhaps making a difference, leaving the world a better place. 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:37.000 But go a little deeper. 00:09:38.440 --> 00:09:40.540 What story do you really live by? 00:09:40.539 --> 00:09:48.919 Now, perhaps the big story that you say you believe doesn't have much room for God, or not much need for him. 00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:56.179 And yet, doesn't your story still include those elements about the enduring value of love, 00:09:56.899 --> 00:10:02.939 and the importance of our actions, and the concept, the very concept of making a difference? 00:10:02.940 --> 00:10:14.960 Friends, let me ask you, do those elements really make any sense in a story where all we are is just time and chance and matter? 00:10:17.800 --> 00:10:20.220 Do they make any sense in a story without God? 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:30.139 Could it be that the story that this passage is inviting us into actually makes more sense of reality as we know it, 00:10:30.340 --> 00:10:34.120 and as we experience it, than all the other stories that we so easily absorb? 00:10:35.180 --> 00:10:41.139 A story that actually makes sense of our longing for love, and our longing to see things put right, 00:10:41.639 --> 00:10:46.040 and our sort of intractable valuing of what we do. 00:10:50.220 --> 00:10:56.379 To be sure, the story that's beckoning to us here is an invitation into something so much bigger. 00:10:57.840 --> 00:11:06.600 Something that takes us from our small desires up into something that's shot through with grandeur. 00:11:08.440 --> 00:11:13.460 It's calling us to step into the story of God for which we were made. 00:11:16.720 --> 00:11:18.519 At the end of the Chronicles of Narnia, 00:11:18.519 --> 00:11:22.079 forgive me for always using illustrations from the Chronicles of Narnia, 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:24.779 I've been reading it to my son in the evenings, 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:27.220 so it's fresh in my mind. 00:11:28.299 --> 00:11:29.919 But at the end, the very end, 00:11:31.419 --> 00:11:33.120 Lewis describes a little stable, 00:11:33.860 --> 00:11:35.279 a small little shed, 00:11:36.639 --> 00:11:39.659 that from the outside looks shabby, 00:11:40.059 --> 00:11:40.620 and tight, 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:41.699 and confining, 00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:42.779 and dark. 00:11:44.480 --> 00:11:47.539 But when the characters actually go inside, 00:11:47.539 --> 00:11:50.120 they find just the opposite. 00:11:51.079 --> 00:11:54.500 That it opens up into a vast world 00:11:54.500 --> 00:11:56.319 that's actually more real, 00:11:56.579 --> 00:11:59.179 and more fulfilling than anything they've ever known. 00:11:59.860 --> 00:12:00.639 From the outside, 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:02.179 it looked confining, 00:12:02.339 --> 00:12:03.139 but inside, 00:12:04.139 --> 00:12:06.519 it was what they were created for. 00:12:07.039 --> 00:12:08.000 For life, 00:12:08.659 --> 00:12:09.299 and freedom. 00:12:09.299 --> 00:12:12.159 So often, 00:12:12.299 --> 00:12:14.139 Christianity from the outside 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:15.659 can seem like that. 00:12:15.979 --> 00:12:17.519 A humble little stable, 00:12:18.139 --> 00:12:19.719 maybe even a little tight, 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:20.939 and confining. 00:12:22.219 --> 00:12:24.359 But if you humble yourself, 00:12:24.859 --> 00:12:26.359 and step in, 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:28.519 you actually find 00:12:28.519 --> 00:12:30.199 just the opposite. 00:12:31.659 --> 00:12:33.759 It's not something that takes away 00:12:33.759 --> 00:12:34.699 your best, 00:12:34.759 --> 00:12:36.519 not something that diminishes you, 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:38.879 or diminishes your view of reality, 00:12:38.960 --> 00:12:40.779 but something that finally 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:43.419 brings it to life. 00:12:44.340 --> 00:12:46.199 And opens it up in ways 00:12:46.199 --> 00:12:47.980 that you could have only dreamed. 00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:51.740 And at the center, 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:52.960 bringing it all together, 00:12:53.059 --> 00:12:54.439 at the climax of it all, 00:12:55.559 --> 00:12:56.980 is the person of Jesus. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:12:59.279 That he is the one 00:12:59.279 --> 00:13:00.799 who will fulfill and complete, 00:13:01.039 --> 00:13:03.319 not just the threads of Israel's story, 00:13:03.320 --> 00:13:06.700 but of yours and mine as well. 00:13:09.100 --> 00:13:10.640 That's what verse 23 means. 00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:12.400 And think of all the other 00:13:12.400 --> 00:13:13.580 implications of that verse. 00:13:13.680 --> 00:13:14.300 We could probably preach 00:13:14.300 --> 00:13:16.320 this whole sermon on that verse. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.660 Doesn't that verse tell us 00:13:17.660 --> 00:13:18.220 that first, 00:13:18.300 --> 00:13:19.400 God is very faithful, 00:13:19.860 --> 00:13:21.340 that he keeps his promises, 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:22.860 that after 2,000 years, 00:13:23.040 --> 00:13:24.480 he didn't let one of them 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:25.700 fall to the ground, 00:13:26.300 --> 00:13:27.240 that this is a God 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:28.420 that you can trust, 00:13:28.920 --> 00:13:30.840 even if it takes a long time. 00:13:30.840 --> 00:13:32.879 And second, 00:13:33.019 --> 00:13:34.120 that isn't Paul telling us here 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:35.820 that all those promises of God 00:13:35.820 --> 00:13:37.000 find their yes, 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:38.700 as Paul will say in 2 Corinthians 00:13:38.700 --> 00:13:39.300 a little later, 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:41.240 in the person and work of Jesus. 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:42.899 That he's the center 00:13:42.899 --> 00:13:43.820 of the Old Testament 00:13:43.820 --> 00:13:44.920 as well as the New Testament, 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:46.280 that all of it led to him. 00:13:47.240 --> 00:13:47.540 Christian, 00:13:47.600 --> 00:13:48.920 do you read your Bible that way? 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:51.139 Do you read your Bible 00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:52.940 not primarily as a long list of rules 00:13:52.940 --> 00:13:53.820 that we have to keep 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:54.480 or a bunch of sort of 00:13:54.480 --> 00:13:55.820 old, dusty, irrelevant stories, 00:13:56.019 --> 00:13:58.100 but as the single great drama 00:13:58.100 --> 00:13:59.120 that's come to fulfillment 00:13:59.120 --> 00:14:01.080 for all of us in Jesus? 00:14:05.560 --> 00:14:06.779 Another thing that this verse 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:08.840 means for us is that, 00:14:09.200 --> 00:14:09.399 you know, 00:14:09.440 --> 00:14:11.019 if the climax of God's story 00:14:11.019 --> 00:14:12.919 has come through the events 00:14:12.919 --> 00:14:14.519 of Jesus' life, 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:17.620 then what's at stake here 00:14:17.620 --> 00:14:19.919 is actually something 00:14:19.919 --> 00:14:21.679 that we can investigate. 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:26.100 We can look at the historical evidence 00:14:26.100 --> 00:14:27.540 for his life 00:14:27.540 --> 00:14:28.940 and for his death 00:14:28.940 --> 00:14:30.340 and for his resurrection 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:32.920 that we can go to the sources 00:14:32.920 --> 00:14:35.580 and see for ourselves. 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:38.960 And that's good news 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:40.740 if you're exploring Christianity 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:42.800 or if you're spiritually curious. 00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:45.540 No one is asking you 00:14:45.540 --> 00:14:47.720 to make a leap in the dark. 00:14:49.440 --> 00:14:51.100 Instead, consider the claims. 00:14:52.040 --> 00:14:53.200 Look at the evidence. 00:14:53.200 --> 00:14:55.280 The very book that we're studying 00:14:55.280 --> 00:14:55.640 this morning, 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:56.220 the book of Acts, 00:14:56.259 --> 00:14:57.200 is actually the second part 00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:58.040 of a two-volume work. 00:14:58.220 --> 00:14:58.920 The first part, 00:14:58.980 --> 00:14:59.700 the Gospel of Luke, 00:15:00.080 --> 00:15:01.920 is Luke's own orderly account 00:15:01.920 --> 00:15:02.860 of the life of Jesus 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:04.940 based on eyewitness accounts 00:15:04.940 --> 00:15:06.460 and his own historical research 00:15:06.460 --> 00:15:08.360 written well before the end 00:15:08.360 --> 00:15:09.040 of the first century. 00:15:09.160 --> 00:15:09.360 That is, 00:15:09.560 --> 00:15:10.600 in the lifetime 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:12.280 of the followers 00:15:12.280 --> 00:15:13.320 of Jesus themselves. 00:15:15.560 --> 00:15:16.100 Luke's Gospel 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:17.180 is a great place 00:15:17.180 --> 00:15:17.840 to begin 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.200 your investigation 00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:20.740 of who Jesus is. 00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:23.720 If you want some other suggestions 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:24.440 on where to begin, 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:25.580 there's a book stall downstairs. 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:26.480 I'd be happy to make 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.220 some recommendations 00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:28.279 to you after the service. 00:15:30.180 --> 00:15:30.399 But you know, 00:15:30.419 --> 00:15:31.120 there's another implication 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:32.200 of Jesus being the climax 00:15:32.200 --> 00:15:33.019 of this story. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:34.759 And Paul alludes to it 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:35.759 in verse 24 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:36.879 with his reference 00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:38.060 to John the Baptist. 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.460 That might have seemed 00:15:39.460 --> 00:15:40.960 like a bit of an odd thing 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:41.740 to throw in there. 00:15:43.220 --> 00:15:43.720 But you know, 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:45.159 we know that the news 00:15:45.159 --> 00:15:46.259 of John the Baptist's ministry 00:15:46.259 --> 00:15:47.200 had actually reached 00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:47.940 all the way 00:15:47.940 --> 00:15:48.680 to Asia Minor 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:49.639 where Paul is now. 00:15:49.639 --> 00:15:49.980 In fact, 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:50.620 a little later 00:15:50.620 --> 00:15:51.379 in chapter 19, 00:15:51.379 --> 00:15:51.960 we're actually going 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:53.059 to meet some disciples 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:53.840 of John the Baptist 00:15:53.840 --> 00:15:55.100 who made it all the way 00:15:55.100 --> 00:15:55.659 to Ephesus, 00:15:55.879 --> 00:15:57.399 which is like on the western coast 00:15:57.399 --> 00:15:58.240 of modern-day Turkey. 00:15:58.340 --> 00:15:59.120 That's a long way 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:00.240 from Jerusalem 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:00.799 and the Jordan 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:01.919 where John was ministering. 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:02.919 So you see, 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:03.840 Paul's audience 00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:05.000 in Pisidian Antioch here 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:05.819 would have been familiar 00:16:05.819 --> 00:16:06.740 with John the Baptist's 00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:08.199 reputation and character. 00:16:08.559 --> 00:16:10.159 And Paul's reminding them here 00:16:10.159 --> 00:16:12.220 that John came preaching 00:16:12.220 --> 00:16:13.539 a baptism of repentance 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:15.779 to all the people of Israel 00:16:15.779 --> 00:16:17.639 to prepare the way 00:16:17.639 --> 00:16:19.500 for this coming one. 00:16:19.639 --> 00:16:21.939 In other words, 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:23.419 John's message 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:25.439 was that everyone, 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:29.600 even good religious Israelites, 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:32.299 had a deep problem 00:16:32.299 --> 00:16:34.639 that only God could solve. 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:38.360 And that actually brings us 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.639 to the next big point 00:16:39.639 --> 00:16:40.960 of Paul's sermon here. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:42.980 That Jesus is not only 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:44.220 the climax of the story, 00:16:44.279 --> 00:16:45.019 but because of that, 00:16:45.059 --> 00:16:46.039 He's also the answer 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:47.779 to our greatest problem. 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:50.019 Let's read verses 26 through 43. 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:51.620 Paul continues, 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:51.980 Brothers, 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:54.659 sons of the family of Abraham 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:55.419 and those among you 00:16:55.419 --> 00:16:56.019 who fear God, 00:16:56.319 --> 00:16:57.939 to us has been sent 00:16:57.939 --> 00:16:59.079 the message of this salvation. 00:17:00.179 --> 00:17:01.579 For those who live in Jerusalem 00:17:01.579 --> 00:17:02.279 and their rulers, 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:03.860 because they did not recognize Him 00:17:03.860 --> 00:17:05.039 nor understand the utterances 00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:05.700 of the prophets 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.960 which are read every Sabbath, 00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:07.839 fulfilled them 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:09.339 by condemning Him. 00:17:10.599 --> 00:17:11.680 And though they found in Him 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:13.039 no guilt worthy of death, 00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:14.660 they asked Pilate 00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:15.680 to have Him executed. 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:17.860 And when they had carried out 00:17:17.860 --> 00:17:19.100 all that was written of Him, 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:20.740 they took Him down 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:21.460 from the tree 00:17:21.460 --> 00:17:23.000 and laid Him in a tomb. 00:17:24.120 --> 00:17:25.600 But God raised Him 00:17:25.600 --> 00:17:26.259 from the dead. 00:17:27.340 --> 00:17:28.259 And for many days 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:29.040 He appeared to those 00:17:29.040 --> 00:17:29.860 who had come up with Him 00:17:29.860 --> 00:17:31.140 from Galilee to Jerusalem, 00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:32.680 who are now His witnesses 00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:33.300 to the people. 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:34.680 And we bring you 00:17:34.680 --> 00:17:35.400 the good news 00:17:35.400 --> 00:17:36.600 that what God promised 00:17:36.600 --> 00:17:37.259 to the fathers, 00:17:37.660 --> 00:17:38.779 this He has fulfilled 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.840 to us, their children, 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:41.560 by raising Jesus. 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:42.779 As also it is written 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:43.539 in the second Psalm, 00:17:43.879 --> 00:17:44.700 You are my son, 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:45.839 today I have begotten you. 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:47.279 And as for the fact 00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:47.960 that He raised Him 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:48.399 from the dead, 00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:49.359 no more to return 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:49.799 to corruption, 00:17:49.879 --> 00:17:50.759 He's spoken in this way, 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:51.720 I will give you 00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:52.920 the holy and sure 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:53.899 blessings of David. 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:56.000 Therefore, He says also 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:56.700 in another Psalm, 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:58.019 you will not let your Holy One 00:17:58.019 --> 00:17:58.680 see corruption. 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:00.779 For David, 00:18:01.639 --> 00:18:02.319 after he had served 00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:03.059 the purpose of God 00:18:03.059 --> 00:18:03.779 in his generation, 00:18:03.920 --> 00:18:04.519 fell asleep 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:06.220 and was laid with his fathers 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:07.819 and saw corruption. 00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:10.539 But he whom God raised up 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:12.420 did not see corruption. 00:18:13.779 --> 00:18:14.859 Let it be known to you, 00:18:14.940 --> 00:18:15.539 therefore, brothers, 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:17.700 that through this man 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:20.519 forgiveness of sins 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:21.700 is proclaimed to you. 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:23.660 And by him, 00:18:23.759 --> 00:18:25.119 everyone who believes 00:18:25.119 --> 00:18:26.720 is freed from everything 00:18:26.720 --> 00:18:27.799 from which you could not 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:28.319 be freed 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:29.799 by the law of Moses. 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:32.079 Beware, therefore, 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:33.819 lest what is said 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:34.319 in the prophets 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:34.960 should come about, 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:36.099 Look, you scoffers, 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:37.420 be astounded and perish, 00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:38.980 for I am doing a work 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:39.619 in your days, 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:41.059 a work that you will 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:41.740 not believe, 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:43.720 even if one tells it to you. 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:46.380 As they went out, 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:47.240 the people begged 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:48.180 that these things 00:18:48.180 --> 00:18:48.940 might be told them 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:49.599 the next Sabbath. 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:51.200 And after the meeting 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:51.680 of the synagogue 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:52.259 broke up, 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:52.839 many Jews 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:53.660 and devout converts 00:18:53.660 --> 00:18:54.120 to Judaism 00:18:54.120 --> 00:18:55.400 followed Paul and Barnabas, 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:57.079 who, as they spoke with them, 00:18:57.660 --> 00:18:59.000 urged them to continue 00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:00.120 in the grace of God. 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:04.240 In verse 39, 00:19:04.400 --> 00:19:05.019 Paul points us 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:05.900 to the greatest problem 00:19:05.900 --> 00:19:06.759 that we all have. 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:08.440 Look again at that verse. 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.860 Do you see the little 00:19:09.860 --> 00:19:11.000 superscript number 00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:12.500 after the word freed? 00:19:13.360 --> 00:19:14.100 That's telling you 00:19:14.100 --> 00:19:14.660 to look down 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:15.519 in the bottom of the margin. 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:17.000 And there it tells you 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.519 that that word 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:19.240 literally means justified. 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:21.539 To be justified 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:23.820 means to be pronounced righteous. 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:25.600 In other words, 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:26.680 it means to have 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:27.860 a verdict 00:19:27.860 --> 00:19:29.660 declared over you, 00:19:30.180 --> 00:19:30.759 pronouncing you 00:19:30.759 --> 00:19:31.900 not just innocent, 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.460 but in the right, 00:19:34.080 --> 00:19:35.240 totally acceptable, 00:19:36.320 --> 00:19:37.380 totally approved. 00:19:37.380 --> 00:19:37.460 approved. 00:19:40.320 --> 00:19:41.060 In January, 00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:41.740 the New York Times 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:42.460 ran an article 00:19:42.460 --> 00:19:43.000 called 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:44.840 A Race to the Front Row. 00:19:45.800 --> 00:19:46.280 Did any of you 00:19:46.280 --> 00:19:46.800 read this? 00:19:48.140 --> 00:19:48.900 And the article 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:49.560 was basically 00:19:49.560 --> 00:19:50.340 about how people 00:19:50.340 --> 00:19:51.620 in exercise classes, 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:52.620 in spinning classes 00:19:52.620 --> 00:19:53.260 in particular, 00:19:53.620 --> 00:19:54.720 have become obsessed 00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:56.020 with getting a spot 00:19:56.020 --> 00:19:57.080 in the front row 00:19:57.080 --> 00:19:57.740 of the class. 00:19:59.060 --> 00:19:59.780 I've never been 00:19:59.780 --> 00:20:00.520 to a spinning class 00:20:00.520 --> 00:20:00.980 myself, 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:02.600 but apparently 00:20:02.600 --> 00:20:03.100 in some of the 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:04.180 higher intensity classes, 00:20:04.300 --> 00:20:04.780 the instructor 00:20:04.780 --> 00:20:05.800 will actually pick 00:20:05.800 --> 00:20:07.240 who gets to ride 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:07.680 in front. 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:10.039 According to the article 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:11.620 for these avid exercisers, 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:12.740 a place up front 00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:14.059 is a status symbol 00:20:14.059 --> 00:20:15.160 akin to sitting 00:20:15.160 --> 00:20:15.700 front row 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.240 at a concert 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:17.000 or a fashion show. 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:18.579 It shows you're fit enough 00:20:18.579 --> 00:20:19.279 to keep up 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:20.160 and confident 00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:20.920 in your ability 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:21.859 to lead a class. 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:24.380 So it's actually 00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.259 become a thing, 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:25.740 I guess, 00:20:25.900 --> 00:20:26.940 to strive 00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:28.200 for the front row, 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:29.680 to get the instructor 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:30.779 to publicly affirm 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:31.480 that you've got 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.079 what it takes 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:32.920 to ride in front 00:20:32.920 --> 00:20:33.740 of everybody else 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:34.620 and set the pace. 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:36.700 Listen to how 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.200 one person 00:20:37.200 --> 00:20:38.160 describes the feeling 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:39.579 of having the instructor 00:20:39.579 --> 00:20:40.279 select her 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:40.960 for the front row. 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:43.460 I remember seeing 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:45.099 the front desk staff 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:46.640 confer with the instructor 00:20:46.640 --> 00:20:48.259 and he glanced over 00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:48.640 at me 00:20:48.640 --> 00:20:49.700 and then looked back 00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:50.140 at them 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:51.240 and nodded. 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:54.059 I was so honored 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:54.880 and excited 00:20:54.880 --> 00:20:56.839 that he recognized me 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:58.200 as a strong rider. 00:20:59.079 --> 00:20:59.579 And then the article 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:00.240 goes on to say, 00:21:00.740 --> 00:21:01.839 she's still starry-eyed 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:02.279 about it. 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:05.079 I kept looking at myself 00:21:05.079 --> 00:21:05.620 in the mirror 00:21:05.620 --> 00:21:06.339 during class 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:06.720 thinking, 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.299 I feel strong 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:09.000 and beautiful. 00:21:11.099 --> 00:21:11.880 But apparently 00:21:11.880 --> 00:21:12.500 at some gyms 00:21:12.500 --> 00:21:12.980 there's a step 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:13.779 even higher 00:21:13.779 --> 00:21:14.500 than the front row. 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:15.160 This is how 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:15.920 that article ends. 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:16.859 For those 00:21:16.859 --> 00:21:17.519 for whom 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.180 the front row 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:19.519 isn't VIP enough, 00:21:19.640 --> 00:21:20.200 one gym 00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:20.960 has a new badge 00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:21.340 of honor, 00:21:22.100 --> 00:21:23.460 riding the podium, 00:21:23.880 --> 00:21:24.460 a.k.a. 00:21:24.740 --> 00:21:25.840 the instructor's bike. 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:28.140 The gym equivalent 00:21:28.140 --> 00:21:29.539 of being Courtney Cox 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.740 pulled on stage 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.460 to dance 00:21:31.460 --> 00:21:32.580 with Bruce Springsteen. 00:21:34.880 --> 00:21:35.720 One rider 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.500 who started out 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:37.380 as a back row rider 00:21:37.380 --> 00:21:38.680 was recently invited up. 00:21:39.600 --> 00:21:40.400 She said she's not 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:41.680 the selfie-taking type, 00:21:41.900 --> 00:21:42.640 but after class 00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:43.180 she nonetheless 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:43.819 took one 00:21:43.819 --> 00:21:44.299 and shared it 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:44.840 on Facebook 00:21:44.840 --> 00:21:46.360 where it became 00:21:46.360 --> 00:21:47.500 her most liked 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:48.759 picture of 2014. 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:51.580 She said, 00:21:51.640 --> 00:21:52.059 you can see 00:21:52.059 --> 00:21:52.640 the joy 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:53.440 and pride 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:54.080 in that picture. 00:21:54.920 --> 00:21:55.660 It's like 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:57.180 I was chosen. 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:00.860 Now of course 00:22:00.860 --> 00:22:01.299 this is a bit 00:22:01.299 --> 00:22:01.940 of a silly thing, 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:02.259 isn't it? 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:04.039 But I think 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:04.519 it points us 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:04.940 to something 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:05.539 pretty deep. 00:22:07.620 --> 00:22:08.360 What is it 00:22:08.360 --> 00:22:08.920 about us 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:09.480 as humans 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:11.160 that makes us 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:12.100 crave some kind 00:22:12.100 --> 00:22:12.600 of verdict 00:22:12.600 --> 00:22:13.660 over our lives? 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:15.799 What will make 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:16.779 us transform 00:22:16.779 --> 00:22:17.860 even a spinning 00:22:17.860 --> 00:22:18.420 class 00:22:18.420 --> 00:22:20.279 into a place 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.980 where we crave 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:22.560 and strive 00:22:22.560 --> 00:22:23.500 and long 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.320 to get public 00:22:24.320 --> 00:22:25.060 affirmation, 00:22:25.560 --> 00:22:26.759 to get a verdict 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:27.480 of our worth 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:28.240 and worthiness? 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.220 It's probably 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:31.779 not spinning 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:32.500 for you. 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:34.120 It's not for me. 00:22:35.380 --> 00:22:36.060 But it's probably 00:22:36.060 --> 00:22:36.560 something 00:22:36.560 --> 00:22:37.620 or someone. 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.519 Your peers, 00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:40.160 your parents, 00:22:40.320 --> 00:22:40.860 your spouse, 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:41.580 your children. 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:43.060 Each one of us 00:22:43.060 --> 00:22:44.680 looks to something 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.700 as our judge 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:46.519 that will pass 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.539 an external verdict 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:48.619 over our lives, 00:22:48.660 --> 00:22:48.920 a verdict 00:22:48.920 --> 00:22:49.720 that we hope 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.639 will be positive. 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:53.339 Why is that? 00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:56.339 Is it because 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:57.099 we're psychologically 00:22:57.099 --> 00:22:58.019 maladjusted? 00:22:58.079 --> 00:22:58.619 Did our parents 00:22:58.619 --> 00:22:59.400 not reinforce 00:22:59.400 --> 00:23:00.339 good self-esteem 00:23:00.339 --> 00:23:00.779 in us? 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:02.440 No. 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:03.819 Look, 00:23:03.859 --> 00:23:04.319 you can have 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:05.180 the most awesome 00:23:05.180 --> 00:23:05.700 parents, 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:07.299 but you're still 00:23:07.299 --> 00:23:07.700 going to live 00:23:07.700 --> 00:23:08.099 your life 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:08.539 looking for 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.059 something 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:09.619 or someone 00:23:09.619 --> 00:23:10.680 to justify you. 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:14.340 You see, 00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:14.500 friends, 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:14.900 according to 00:23:14.900 --> 00:23:15.299 the Bible, 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:15.700 we, 00:23:15.820 --> 00:23:16.620 all of us, 00:23:16.680 --> 00:23:17.539 have a righteousness 00:23:17.539 --> 00:23:18.400 problem. 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.360 And it's our 00:23:20.360 --> 00:23:21.019 biggest one. 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:22.759 And the fact 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.200 that we can 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:23.900 turn anything, 00:23:24.080 --> 00:23:24.820 even a spinning 00:23:24.820 --> 00:23:25.160 class, 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:26.120 into an opportunity 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:27.100 for justification 00:23:27.100 --> 00:23:28.840 is a deep sign 00:23:28.840 --> 00:23:29.680 that something 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:31.080 has gone wrong. 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:34.080 And this is it. 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:36.340 You see, 00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:37.220 we've lost 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:39.100 the most important 00:23:39.100 --> 00:23:40.779 verdict of all, 00:23:41.779 --> 00:23:42.680 the verdict 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:43.380 of the God 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:44.339 who created us. 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:47.500 We were made 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.460 to have His 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:49.059 approval 00:23:49.059 --> 00:23:50.460 and His delight, 00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:51.559 to have His 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:53.019 word of favor 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.339 spoken over us. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:56.799 But because of sin, 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:58.539 we've lost it. 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.720 And now, 00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:03.460 instead of standing 00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:04.500 under God's approval, 00:24:05.180 --> 00:24:06.019 we stand under 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:06.660 His just 00:24:06.660 --> 00:24:08.000 condemnation. 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:10.440 And no amount 00:24:10.440 --> 00:24:11.120 of good works 00:24:11.120 --> 00:24:12.160 could ever get it back. 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.759 At the end of verse 39, 00:24:13.900 --> 00:24:14.680 Paul says flatly, 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:16.100 the law can't 00:24:16.100 --> 00:24:16.759 free you. 00:24:16.900 --> 00:24:17.240 That is, 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:18.740 it can't justify you. 00:24:18.920 --> 00:24:19.320 Why? 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:20.360 For the simple reason 00:24:20.360 --> 00:24:21.080 that we don't keep 00:24:21.080 --> 00:24:21.480 the law. 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:22.700 That we break it 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:23.400 over and over 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:23.759 and over. 00:24:23.860 --> 00:24:24.500 And somewhere, 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.080 somehow, 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.480 we got this strange idea 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.640 that we could build up 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:28.360 good works that will 00:24:28.360 --> 00:24:29.640 cancel out our bad works. 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:31.580 As if any human judge 00:24:31.580 --> 00:24:32.580 would let you off the hook 00:24:32.580 --> 00:24:33.360 for robbing a bank 00:24:33.360 --> 00:24:34.480 because you let an old lady 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.279 cross the street. 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:38.960 No, 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:39.880 there's no hope 00:24:39.880 --> 00:24:40.820 of solving our 00:24:40.820 --> 00:24:41.880 righteousness problem 00:24:41.880 --> 00:24:42.660 through our own 00:24:42.660 --> 00:24:43.660 law keeping. 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.560 We can't get God's 00:24:46.560 --> 00:24:47.580 good verdict that way. 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.300 It's got to come 00:24:49.300 --> 00:24:50.700 from outside of us. 00:24:52.420 --> 00:24:53.300 And that, 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:53.960 Paul says, 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:56.080 is exactly what God 00:24:56.080 --> 00:24:56.680 in Christ 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:57.180 has done 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:58.120 for us. 00:24:59.580 --> 00:25:00.740 He lived a life 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:02.100 that always pleased God. 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:04.359 And though no guilt 00:25:04.359 --> 00:25:05.299 could be found in him 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.039 at all, 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:07.819 he was condemned, 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:09.539 verse 27 says. 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.759 And he was executed, 00:25:12.719 --> 00:25:13.299 verse 28. 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.079 And he was buried, 00:25:16.179 --> 00:25:16.819 verse 29. 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.279 But though Jesus 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:20.500 didn't deserve death, 00:25:21.219 --> 00:25:21.480 you see, 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:22.240 this death wasn't 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:22.939 an accident 00:25:22.939 --> 00:25:24.639 or a mere tragedy. 00:25:25.039 --> 00:25:25.279 No, 00:25:25.379 --> 00:25:26.079 even this 00:25:26.079 --> 00:25:26.899 was actually part 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:27.980 of God's plan 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:29.159 foretold in the prophets, 00:25:29.259 --> 00:25:29.639 Paul says. 00:25:29.919 --> 00:25:30.740 Written of him 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:31.240 in the scriptures 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:32.519 hundreds of years before. 00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:34.720 Why did Christ 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:36.140 undergo such a death? 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:38.220 The answer is actually 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.160 found in verse 29, 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:41.259 but it's easy to miss. 00:25:42.859 --> 00:25:44.120 When Jesus was executed, 00:25:44.220 --> 00:25:44.980 it was by Roman 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:46.440 crucifixion on a cross. 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:48.259 So why in the world 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:49.039 does Paul call 00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:50.559 the cross a tree? 00:25:53.400 --> 00:25:53.940 Well, remember 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:54.900 that Paul is speaking here 00:25:54.900 --> 00:25:55.839 to a Jewish audience 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:57.680 steeped in Old Testament 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:58.140 scripture. 00:25:59.019 --> 00:25:59.900 And when Paul says 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:00.480 that Jesus died 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.099 on a tree, 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:01.920 he's actually making 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:02.480 an allusion 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:04.319 to a verse 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:05.259 in Deuteronomy 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.860 21, 23 00:26:06.860 --> 00:26:07.519 that they would have 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:08.099 all known, 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:09.819 where it says 00:26:09.819 --> 00:26:10.500 that a man 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:12.079 hung on a tree 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:13.099 is cursed 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:13.819 by God. 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:16.880 Jesus on the cross 00:26:16.880 --> 00:26:17.539 was bearing 00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:18.579 God's curse, 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:20.180 God's condemnation, 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:21.980 not for his own sins, 00:26:22.579 --> 00:26:23.539 but for ours. 00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:26.680 On the cross, 00:26:26.819 --> 00:26:27.980 Jesus stepped 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:29.319 right into the middle 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:30.200 of our righteousness 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:30.879 problem, 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:32.139 and took the verdict 00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:33.359 our sins deserve 00:26:33.359 --> 00:26:34.339 in our place. 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:37.539 And then three days later, 00:26:37.919 --> 00:26:39.740 God raised him 00:26:39.740 --> 00:26:40.299 from the dead 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:43.119 to demonstrate 00:26:43.119 --> 00:26:43.899 that the full 00:26:43.899 --> 00:26:45.500 condemnation for sin 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.899 had been exhausted 00:26:46.899 --> 00:26:48.359 and satisfied 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:49.879 and put away. 00:26:51.339 --> 00:26:52.579 To declare publicly 00:26:52.579 --> 00:26:53.599 that Jesus was indeed 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.139 God's son, 00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:55.439 to confirm the promises 00:26:55.439 --> 00:26:55.939 to David 00:26:55.940 --> 00:26:57.059 and make them sure, 00:26:57.720 --> 00:26:58.880 to ensure that Jesus, 00:26:59.019 --> 00:26:59.740 this holy one, 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:00.779 would never see corruption 00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:02.400 but reign as king 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.519 on David's throne 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.259 forever. 00:27:05.340 --> 00:27:06.019 God foretold 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:07.059 all this in the verses 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.660 Paul cites 00:27:07.660 --> 00:27:09.299 in 33 through 35. 00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:11.059 You see, 00:27:11.140 --> 00:27:11.940 because Jesus conquered 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:13.120 sin through the cross, 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.220 he then could conquer 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:14.740 death 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.600 in the resurrection. 00:27:16.440 --> 00:27:17.200 Because Jesus took 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:18.460 all the condemnation 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:19.360 of sin on the cross, 00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:20.240 he could then 00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:21.299 break forth 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:22.380 into God's justification 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:23.400 in his resurrection. 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:25.259 God declaring imperfect, 00:27:25.840 --> 00:27:26.120 innocent, 00:27:26.420 --> 00:27:27.019 and righteous. 00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:30.220 And that's why 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:30.780 Paul can say 00:27:30.780 --> 00:27:31.560 in verse 38, 00:27:32.440 --> 00:27:34.019 through this man, 00:27:34.380 --> 00:27:34.720 Jesus, 00:27:35.780 --> 00:27:36.640 through him 00:27:36.640 --> 00:27:38.440 as your substitute, 00:27:38.920 --> 00:27:40.040 as your representative, 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:42.040 forgiveness of sins 00:27:42.040 --> 00:27:42.620 is proclaimed 00:27:42.620 --> 00:27:43.860 to you. 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.940 Everyone who believes, 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:49.400 Paul says in verse 39, 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.100 is justified, 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:53.040 declared righteous, 00:27:53.400 --> 00:27:54.040 by God. 00:27:56.380 --> 00:27:57.380 Because believing 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:59.680 unites us to Christ, 00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:03.040 wherein his death 00:28:03.040 --> 00:28:04.240 becomes a death 00:28:04.240 --> 00:28:05.019 for our sin, 00:28:05.560 --> 00:28:06.480 and his resurrection 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.420 becomes a verdict 00:28:07.420 --> 00:28:08.720 over our lives, 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:10.480 the verdict of justification. 00:28:13.140 --> 00:28:13.700 So friend, 00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:14.300 how are you trying 00:28:14.300 --> 00:28:14.720 to answer 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:15.820 your righteousness problem? 00:28:17.380 --> 00:28:18.000 Paul lays out 00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:18.820 three options here. 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.720 They're pretty comprehensive. 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:22.240 First, 00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:23.259 in verse 38 through 39, 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.279 you can answer it 00:28:24.279 --> 00:28:25.420 once and for all 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:25.920 through Christ. 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:27.000 You can finally stop 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:28.079 trying to justify yourself 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:29.079 through your own efforts, 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:29.940 and you can trust 00:28:29.940 --> 00:28:30.920 wholly in Christ. 00:28:31.160 --> 00:28:31.900 And that invitation 00:28:31.900 --> 00:28:33.079 is for everyone. 00:28:33.960 --> 00:28:34.920 No matter what 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:35.480 your background, 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:37.559 no matter how successful 00:28:37.559 --> 00:28:38.380 or unsuccessful 00:28:38.380 --> 00:28:39.140 you are 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:39.700 at playing 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:40.880 whatever game of life 00:28:40.880 --> 00:28:41.460 that you're in, 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:43.700 in Christ, 00:28:43.779 --> 00:28:44.420 God will forgive 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:45.900 your sins 00:28:45.900 --> 00:28:46.759 and free you, 00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:47.940 justify you 00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:48.440 instantly, 00:28:48.880 --> 00:28:49.100 utterly, 00:28:49.360 --> 00:28:49.980 and completely. 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:53.940 Second, 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:55.559 in verses 40 through 41, 00:28:55.799 --> 00:28:56.680 Paul gives a warning 00:28:56.680 --> 00:28:58.160 against rejecting 00:28:58.160 --> 00:28:59.080 the message of Christ. 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.080 You see, 00:29:01.160 --> 00:29:01.759 you can try 00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:02.299 to answer 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:03.500 your righteousness problem 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:05.400 by going back 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:06.640 to the same old things 00:29:06.640 --> 00:29:07.500 that you've done 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.240 all your life. 00:29:09.420 --> 00:29:10.580 You can jump back 00:29:10.580 --> 00:29:11.400 on the hamster wheel 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:12.279 of your own performance 00:29:12.279 --> 00:29:13.500 and try to find 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:13.820 a verdict 00:29:13.820 --> 00:29:14.279 that will bring 00:29:14.279 --> 00:29:15.059 your soul peace. 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.640 Whether it's 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:18.100 at spinning class 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:18.559 or whether it's 00:29:18.559 --> 00:29:19.379 from your spouse 00:29:19.379 --> 00:29:20.259 or whether it's 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:21.019 from your peers 00:29:21.019 --> 00:29:21.839 or whether it's 00:29:21.839 --> 00:29:22.719 from your colleagues. 00:29:24.359 --> 00:29:25.379 Or worst of all, 00:29:25.439 --> 00:29:26.679 you can live in denial 00:29:26.679 --> 00:29:28.599 and try to pretend 00:29:28.599 --> 00:29:29.939 that you don't actually 00:29:29.939 --> 00:29:30.779 do any of that. 00:29:32.199 --> 00:29:33.059 That you don't need 00:29:33.059 --> 00:29:33.759 anyone's verdict. 00:29:35.879 --> 00:29:36.740 And then you'll live 00:29:36.740 --> 00:29:37.539 tragically unaware 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.959 of what's really going on 00:29:38.959 --> 00:29:39.959 at the most fundamental 00:29:39.959 --> 00:29:41.299 level in your life. 00:29:42.099 --> 00:29:43.439 And you'll have no idea 00:29:43.439 --> 00:29:44.439 why you can't stop 00:29:44.439 --> 00:29:45.219 working late. 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:47.339 You'll have no idea 00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:48.100 why you're crushed 00:29:48.100 --> 00:29:48.819 with jealousy 00:29:48.819 --> 00:29:49.779 when your co-worker 00:29:49.779 --> 00:29:50.960 is promoted above you. 00:29:52.360 --> 00:29:53.299 You'll have no idea 00:29:53.299 --> 00:29:53.980 why your friendships 00:29:53.980 --> 00:29:55.539 always seem to disappoint you 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.860 and make you miserable. 00:29:58.140 --> 00:29:59.640 You'll live in total denial. 00:30:01.779 --> 00:30:03.120 Having no idea 00:30:03.120 --> 00:30:04.680 that under all of these 00:30:04.680 --> 00:30:05.799 you're searching 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:06.559 for a verdict 00:30:06.559 --> 00:30:07.539 over your life 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:08.720 that only God 00:30:08.720 --> 00:30:09.740 and Christ can give. 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:14.359 Third, in verse 42 00:30:14.359 --> 00:30:15.220 through 43, 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:16.279 Paul gives advice 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:17.519 to open-hearted seekers. 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:20.000 Maybe like these people 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.680 who follow Paul 00:30:20.680 --> 00:30:21.240 out of the synagogue, 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:22.160 you're not believing 00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:23.059 in Jesus yet, 00:30:23.160 --> 00:30:24.559 but your interest 00:30:24.559 --> 00:30:25.180 is sparked 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:26.799 and you want to hear more. 00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:29.460 You're honestly seeking 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:30.200 and Paul says, 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:31.539 continue in the grace 00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:32.339 of God. 00:30:32.839 --> 00:30:33.240 Thankfully, 00:30:33.380 --> 00:30:34.759 God works through means. 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:35.019 He says, 00:30:35.099 --> 00:30:35.859 put yourself 00:30:35.859 --> 00:30:36.740 in the path 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.299 of God's grace. 00:30:37.339 --> 00:30:38.059 How do you do that? 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.759 You keep coming on Sundays 00:30:39.759 --> 00:30:40.440 to hear the message 00:30:40.440 --> 00:30:40.940 of Jesus 00:30:40.940 --> 00:30:42.319 taught from the Bible. 00:30:42.659 --> 00:30:43.319 You start reading 00:30:43.319 --> 00:30:44.259 the Bible yourself. 00:30:44.679 --> 00:30:45.519 You grab a friend 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:45.980 and ask them 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.519 to tell you more. 00:30:46.599 --> 00:30:47.059 You pray 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:48.240 and you ask God 00:30:48.240 --> 00:30:49.179 to tell you the truth 00:30:49.179 --> 00:30:50.399 and to make the truth 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:51.639 about Jesus clear to you 00:30:51.639 --> 00:30:52.339 and to give you 00:30:52.339 --> 00:30:53.480 humility before Him. 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:55.440 And above all, 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.039 you remember 00:30:56.039 --> 00:30:56.819 that it's all about 00:30:56.819 --> 00:30:58.119 God's grace. 00:31:00.099 --> 00:31:01.019 One of the biggest 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:02.039 barriers to belief 00:31:02.039 --> 00:31:03.220 that we all have 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:04.839 is our own pride. 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.720 Our own pride 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.640 and our own desire 00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:09.460 to want to be 00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:10.440 acceptable to God 00:31:10.440 --> 00:31:11.420 based on our own 00:31:11.420 --> 00:31:12.160 performance. 00:31:14.319 --> 00:31:14.759 You know, 00:31:14.799 --> 00:31:15.420 at the end of the day, 00:31:15.480 --> 00:31:16.680 you don't actually need 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:17.640 God to prove Himself 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:18.180 to you. 00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:20.640 You need to admit 00:31:20.640 --> 00:31:21.600 your need for grace. 00:31:23.779 --> 00:31:24.579 So how are you trying 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:25.220 to answer your 00:31:25.220 --> 00:31:26.079 righteousness problem? 00:31:26.279 --> 00:31:26.660 Scoffing? 00:31:27.140 --> 00:31:27.940 Living in denial? 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:29.460 Are you seeking? 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:31.720 Or are you believing? 00:31:33.600 --> 00:31:34.440 Paul wants to see 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:35.140 that the one 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:36.460 who brought God's story 00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:37.340 to its climax 00:31:37.340 --> 00:31:38.440 is the only one 00:31:38.440 --> 00:31:39.039 who can answer 00:31:39.039 --> 00:31:39.640 that problem 00:31:39.640 --> 00:31:41.299 once and for all. 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:45.539 Well, friends, 00:31:45.600 --> 00:31:46.259 I hear the drums. 00:31:48.319 --> 00:31:49.460 So we should end quickly. 00:31:53.059 --> 00:31:53.819 Jesus isn't just 00:31:53.819 --> 00:31:54.840 the climax of the story 00:31:54.840 --> 00:31:55.240 and the answer 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:55.640 to the problem, 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:56.340 but because of that, 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:57.799 He's brought God's future 00:31:57.799 --> 00:31:58.680 into the present. 00:31:59.840 --> 00:32:00.840 The inbreaking of the future. 00:32:00.920 --> 00:32:02.420 Let's look at 44 through 52. 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.079 The next Sabbath, 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:03.940 almost the whole city 00:32:03.940 --> 00:32:04.500 gathered to hear 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:05.220 the word of the Lord. 00:32:05.559 --> 00:32:06.180 But when the Jews 00:32:06.180 --> 00:32:06.779 saw the crowds, 00:32:06.840 --> 00:32:07.640 they were filled with jealousy 00:32:07.640 --> 00:32:08.539 and began to contradict 00:32:08.539 --> 00:32:09.500 what was spoken by Paul, 00:32:09.600 --> 00:32:10.299 reviling him. 00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:11.700 And Paul and Barnabas 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.500 spoke out boldly, 00:32:12.559 --> 00:32:12.740 saying, 00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:13.400 It was necessary 00:32:13.400 --> 00:32:14.160 that the word of God 00:32:14.160 --> 00:32:15.279 be spoken first to you. 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.900 Since you thrust it aside 00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:17.539 and judge yourselves 00:32:17.539 --> 00:32:18.539 unworthy of eternal life, 00:32:18.600 --> 00:32:18.920 behold, 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:20.259 we're turning to the Gentiles. 00:32:21.519 --> 00:32:22.200 For so the Lord 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:23.900 has commanded us, 00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:24.220 saying, 00:32:24.500 --> 00:32:25.320 I've made you a light 00:32:25.320 --> 00:32:26.080 for the Gentiles 00:32:26.080 --> 00:32:27.259 that you may bring salvation 00:32:27.259 --> 00:32:28.559 to the ends of the earth. 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:29.799 And when the Gentiles 00:32:29.799 --> 00:32:30.319 heard this, 00:32:30.659 --> 00:32:31.539 they began rejoicing 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:32.339 and glorifying 00:32:32.339 --> 00:32:33.359 the word of the Lord 00:32:33.359 --> 00:32:34.879 and as many as were appointed 00:32:34.879 --> 00:32:36.099 to eternal life believed. 00:32:36.659 --> 00:32:37.440 And the word of the Lord 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:37.980 was spreading 00:32:37.980 --> 00:32:39.019 throughout the whole region. 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:40.700 And the Jews incited 00:32:40.700 --> 00:32:41.339 the devout women 00:32:41.339 --> 00:32:42.119 of high standing 00:32:42.119 --> 00:32:43.220 and the leading men 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:43.659 of the city, 00:32:44.480 --> 00:32:45.299 stirred up persecution 00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:46.419 against Paul and Barnabas 00:32:46.419 --> 00:32:47.440 and drove them 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:48.119 out of their district. 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.899 But they shook off 00:32:49.899 --> 00:32:50.679 the dust from their feet 00:32:50.679 --> 00:32:51.079 against them 00:32:51.079 --> 00:32:51.899 and went to Iconium. 00:32:52.519 --> 00:32:53.359 And the disciples 00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:54.279 were filled with joy 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:56.000 and with the Holy Spirit. 00:32:56.700 --> 00:32:57.119 You see, friends, 00:32:57.119 --> 00:32:57.939 the Old Testament prophets 00:32:57.939 --> 00:32:59.039 all foresaw a time 00:32:59.039 --> 00:32:59.719 when the Gentiles 00:32:59.719 --> 00:33:00.419 would come streaming 00:33:00.419 --> 00:33:01.439 into the people of God 00:33:01.439 --> 00:33:02.519 and hear Luke saying, 00:33:02.719 --> 00:33:03.939 look, it's actually 00:33:03.939 --> 00:33:04.739 starting to happen. 00:33:05.079 --> 00:33:06.199 Almost the whole city 00:33:06.199 --> 00:33:06.939 shows up. 00:33:07.619 --> 00:33:08.579 Is Paul being a bit, 00:33:08.859 --> 00:33:09.619 or is Luke, excuse me, 00:33:09.619 --> 00:33:10.719 being a bit hyperbolic? 00:33:11.079 --> 00:33:12.000 Is he exaggerating a little? 00:33:13.019 --> 00:33:13.339 Maybe. 00:33:14.339 --> 00:33:15.099 Maybe not. 00:33:15.939 --> 00:33:16.539 The point is, 00:33:16.559 --> 00:33:17.859 is that God's great future 00:33:17.859 --> 00:33:19.500 is breaking in now. 00:33:19.899 --> 00:33:20.759 And Paul's had this 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:21.719 in view the whole time. 00:33:21.979 --> 00:33:22.839 Did you catch how he addressed 00:33:22.839 --> 00:33:23.799 not just the men of Israel, 00:33:23.879 --> 00:33:24.699 not just the women of Israel, 00:33:24.839 --> 00:33:26.799 but also you who fear God? 00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:28.779 These Gentile God fearers 00:33:28.779 --> 00:33:29.639 who hadn't quite converted 00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:30.139 to Judaism 00:33:30.139 --> 00:33:31.439 but were there at the synagogue. 00:33:32.459 --> 00:33:32.779 Paul says, 00:33:32.859 --> 00:33:33.579 it's for you too. 00:33:35.219 --> 00:33:36.139 And here he's talking 00:33:36.139 --> 00:33:37.399 about eternal life. 00:33:38.739 --> 00:33:39.799 That is life 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:41.619 of the age to come 00:33:41.619 --> 00:33:42.699 that has no end. 00:33:44.039 --> 00:33:45.779 The future's breaking in now 00:33:45.779 --> 00:33:47.299 and almost the whole city 00:33:47.299 --> 00:33:47.979 shows up 00:33:47.979 --> 00:33:49.139 to hear this message 00:33:49.139 --> 00:33:49.839 of salvation. 00:33:50.259 --> 00:33:51.319 You imagine how thrilling 00:33:51.319 --> 00:33:52.619 that must have been. 00:33:53.619 --> 00:33:53.919 And friend, 00:33:53.959 --> 00:33:54.319 do you believe 00:33:54.319 --> 00:33:55.240 that the same God 00:33:55.240 --> 00:33:56.720 who worked powerfully then 00:33:56.720 --> 00:33:57.500 to bring almost 00:33:57.500 --> 00:33:58.299 the whole city 00:33:58.299 --> 00:33:59.359 to hear the message 00:33:59.359 --> 00:34:00.139 is the same God 00:34:00.139 --> 00:34:01.460 who can work powerfully now 00:34:01.460 --> 00:34:04.220 when and where he chooses. 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:07.720 And what's more, 00:34:07.779 --> 00:34:09.420 this passage tells us 00:34:09.420 --> 00:34:09.860 that in this, 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:12.099 that in this in-breaking future 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:13.480 as God's ripping open 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:13.900 the present 00:34:13.900 --> 00:34:14.960 and pouring in, 00:34:16.159 --> 00:34:17.440 we've got a part to play. 00:34:18.920 --> 00:34:20.119 Look at verse 47. 00:34:20.199 --> 00:34:20.579 In 47, 00:34:20.579 --> 00:34:22.360 Paul quotes Isaiah 49.6. 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:23.420 Now what's thrilling 00:34:23.420 --> 00:34:24.500 about that verse 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:25.299 is that in the context 00:34:25.299 --> 00:34:25.759 of Isaiah, 00:34:25.860 --> 00:34:26.639 that verse is describing 00:34:26.639 --> 00:34:27.420 the servant of the Lord. 00:34:27.639 --> 00:34:28.500 It's primarily talking 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:29.139 about what Jesus 00:34:29.139 --> 00:34:29.860 would come and do. 00:34:30.420 --> 00:34:31.279 But what does Paul do here? 00:34:31.319 --> 00:34:32.460 He applies it to himself 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:33.579 and to Barnabas. 00:34:34.079 --> 00:34:34.799 Isn't that incredible? 00:34:35.799 --> 00:34:36.500 Paul is saying 00:34:36.500 --> 00:34:37.519 that we now 00:34:37.519 --> 00:34:38.420 have the great privilege 00:34:38.420 --> 00:34:39.259 of taking part 00:34:39.259 --> 00:34:40.920 in the very mission 00:34:40.920 --> 00:34:41.759 of Jesus 00:34:41.759 --> 00:34:43.279 to bring light 00:34:43.279 --> 00:34:44.039 to those in darkness 00:34:44.039 --> 00:34:44.619 and salvation 00:34:44.619 --> 00:34:45.880 to those in despair. 00:34:46.880 --> 00:34:47.119 And friends, 00:34:47.179 --> 00:34:47.840 if our mission 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:49.139 is really an extension 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:50.139 of the mission 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:51.299 of the risen Christ, 00:34:51.400 --> 00:34:52.359 how much boldness 00:34:52.359 --> 00:34:53.519 ought that to give us? 00:34:55.179 --> 00:34:55.900 If we come 00:34:55.900 --> 00:34:57.299 not in our own name, 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:58.500 our own strength, 00:34:58.579 --> 00:34:59.440 but as ambassadors 00:34:59.440 --> 00:35:00.480 of one who conquered 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.900 sin and death 00:35:01.900 --> 00:35:02.779 and brought life 00:35:02.779 --> 00:35:03.699 and immortality 00:35:03.699 --> 00:35:04.379 to light, 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:05.400 what genuinely 00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:06.359 do we have to fear? 00:35:09.400 --> 00:35:10.500 But Luke also shows us here 00:35:10.500 --> 00:35:12.099 that this in-breaking future 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:13.059 in which we have a role 00:35:13.059 --> 00:35:13.519 to play 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:15.139 is also a contested future. 00:35:16.259 --> 00:35:17.659 In verses 45 and 50, 00:35:17.739 --> 00:35:18.659 we see that tragically 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:20.199 some will still persist 00:35:20.199 --> 00:35:21.219 in clinging 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:22.879 to their old stories 00:35:22.879 --> 00:35:24.679 and refusing to see 00:35:24.679 --> 00:35:25.839 that the climax has come. 00:35:27.219 --> 00:35:27.719 You know, 00:35:27.759 --> 00:35:28.559 when people are sick 00:35:28.559 --> 00:35:29.039 and their bodies 00:35:29.039 --> 00:35:29.519 are failing, 00:35:29.679 --> 00:35:32.119 sometimes a sick body 00:35:32.119 --> 00:35:32.859 will reject 00:35:32.859 --> 00:35:34.759 an organ transplant 00:35:34.759 --> 00:35:35.799 meant to bring it life. 00:35:37.879 --> 00:35:38.719 In the same way, 00:35:38.779 --> 00:35:39.420 those who persist 00:35:39.420 --> 00:35:40.319 in living according 00:35:40.319 --> 00:35:40.960 to the patterns 00:35:40.960 --> 00:35:41.859 of the present age 00:35:41.859 --> 00:35:43.659 often reject 00:35:43.659 --> 00:35:45.960 the life-giving future 00:35:45.960 --> 00:35:46.920 that God begins, 00:35:46.920 --> 00:35:48.579 that He's bringing 00:35:48.579 --> 00:35:49.079 into being 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:49.760 through the Gospel. 00:35:51.119 --> 00:35:52.059 That we'd rather 00:35:52.059 --> 00:35:52.659 have our own 00:35:52.659 --> 00:35:53.820 self-centered stories 00:35:53.820 --> 00:35:54.639 where our own 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:56.079 righteousness is praised 00:35:56.079 --> 00:35:57.420 and our own tribe 00:35:57.420 --> 00:35:58.320 is exalted 00:35:58.320 --> 00:36:00.260 rather than give way 00:36:00.260 --> 00:36:00.820 to the righteousness 00:36:00.820 --> 00:36:01.579 of Christ 00:36:01.579 --> 00:36:03.220 that's freely offered 00:36:03.220 --> 00:36:03.920 to everyone 00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:04.639 who believes. 00:36:07.019 --> 00:36:07.700 Of course, 00:36:07.880 --> 00:36:08.740 we know that Paul's 00:36:08.740 --> 00:36:09.840 reaction to his fellow 00:36:09.840 --> 00:36:10.420 Jews here 00:36:10.420 --> 00:36:12.440 is actually to weep 00:36:12.440 --> 00:36:13.220 and to pray 00:36:13.220 --> 00:36:13.960 for their conversion. 00:36:14.079 --> 00:36:14.440 We see that 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:15.139 in Romans 9 00:36:15.139 --> 00:36:17.440 and we should too. 00:36:18.460 --> 00:36:18.720 But friends, 00:36:18.780 --> 00:36:18.920 also, 00:36:19.000 --> 00:36:19.760 we shouldn't expect 00:36:19.760 --> 00:36:20.240 that everyone 00:36:20.240 --> 00:36:21.820 will gladly accept Christ 00:36:21.820 --> 00:36:22.619 and accept us 00:36:22.619 --> 00:36:23.440 as His ambassadors. 00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:25.559 Following Jesus 00:36:25.559 --> 00:36:26.900 will be costly at times. 00:36:27.800 --> 00:36:28.760 We might lose friends 00:36:28.760 --> 00:36:30.099 and we might lose reputation. 00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:31.440 But, 00:36:31.679 --> 00:36:33.340 there's one thing 00:36:33.340 --> 00:36:33.960 Luke says 00:36:33.960 --> 00:36:35.420 that you won't lose. 00:36:36.200 --> 00:36:36.980 Because even though 00:36:36.980 --> 00:36:38.519 this future is contested, 00:36:39.300 --> 00:36:39.800 he shows us 00:36:39.800 --> 00:36:40.400 at the very end 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:41.139 that this is a future 00:36:41.139 --> 00:36:42.579 of indestructible joy. 00:36:42.579 --> 00:36:45.699 even in trial 00:36:45.699 --> 00:36:46.619 and hardship, 00:36:47.139 --> 00:36:48.259 they're filled 00:36:48.259 --> 00:36:49.400 with the Holy Spirit 00:36:49.400 --> 00:36:51.239 and experience His joy. 00:36:52.239 --> 00:36:53.639 These new disciples 00:36:53.639 --> 00:36:54.599 in Christ 00:36:54.599 --> 00:36:55.699 had something 00:36:55.699 --> 00:36:57.019 that their circumstances 00:36:57.019 --> 00:36:57.799 couldn't shake 00:36:57.799 --> 00:36:59.319 and that their emotions 00:36:59.319 --> 00:37:00.759 couldn't shake. 00:37:01.699 --> 00:37:02.679 They had come 00:37:02.679 --> 00:37:03.519 to know the truth 00:37:03.519 --> 00:37:04.199 about God 00:37:04.199 --> 00:37:05.019 and Jesus Christ. 00:37:05.099 --> 00:37:06.079 They'd come to know 00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:08.019 His sovereign grace. 00:37:10.039 --> 00:37:11.000 Luke highlights it 00:37:11.000 --> 00:37:11.639 in verse 48. 00:37:11.759 --> 00:37:12.480 Did you catch that? 00:37:13.079 --> 00:37:14.699 As many as were appointed 00:37:14.699 --> 00:37:15.900 to eternal life 00:37:15.900 --> 00:37:17.019 believed. 00:37:18.619 --> 00:37:19.599 Now, up to this point, 00:37:19.659 --> 00:37:20.739 Luke has stressed 00:37:20.739 --> 00:37:22.440 the very real, 00:37:22.619 --> 00:37:23.759 genuine human response 00:37:23.759 --> 00:37:24.639 of the gospel demands 00:37:24.639 --> 00:37:25.360 of each one of us. 00:37:25.440 --> 00:37:26.259 We're all called 00:37:26.259 --> 00:37:27.599 to turn and trust in the Son. 00:37:27.659 --> 00:37:28.380 But now Luke 00:37:28.380 --> 00:37:29.539 sort of fills in 00:37:29.539 --> 00:37:30.319 the picture. 00:37:31.699 --> 00:37:32.759 And here we see 00:37:32.759 --> 00:37:33.980 that the fountainhead 00:37:33.980 --> 00:37:36.420 of our desire for God 00:37:36.420 --> 00:37:38.599 is His previous desire 00:37:38.599 --> 00:37:39.199 for us. 00:37:39.199 --> 00:37:42.239 that those who believe 00:37:42.239 --> 00:37:43.819 don't have their own belief 00:37:43.819 --> 00:37:45.379 to thank for their salvation 00:37:45.379 --> 00:37:47.359 because even believing 00:37:47.359 --> 00:37:48.659 is a gift of His grace. 00:37:51.219 --> 00:37:52.559 And in that joy, 00:37:53.419 --> 00:37:54.339 they spread the gospel 00:37:54.339 --> 00:37:55.199 to the whole region. 00:37:56.199 --> 00:37:56.899 And in that joy, 00:37:57.000 --> 00:37:58.000 they endure trials 00:37:58.000 --> 00:37:58.679 and persecutions. 00:37:58.759 --> 00:37:59.519 And in that joy, 00:37:59.779 --> 00:38:01.259 they glorify the word 00:38:01.259 --> 00:38:01.779 of the Lord. 00:38:01.780 --> 00:38:05.440 And that sort of joy 00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:06.300 is for all 00:38:06.300 --> 00:38:07.260 who believe. 00:38:11.660 --> 00:38:12.500 In the long run, 00:38:12.540 --> 00:38:13.300 a people is known 00:38:13.300 --> 00:38:14.620 not by its statements 00:38:14.620 --> 00:38:16.780 or its statistics, 00:38:17.180 --> 00:38:18.680 but by the stories 00:38:18.680 --> 00:38:19.280 it tells. 00:38:19.280 --> 00:38:22.200 Friend, how do you want 00:38:22.200 --> 00:38:23.140 your life to be known? 00:38:24.740 --> 00:38:25.300 How do you want 00:38:25.300 --> 00:38:26.320 our church to be known? 00:38:28.160 --> 00:38:29.019 By statements 00:38:29.019 --> 00:38:29.820 or statistics? 00:38:31.200 --> 00:38:32.280 Things that won't last. 00:38:34.080 --> 00:38:34.920 Or the story 00:38:34.920 --> 00:38:35.820 of Jesus Christ. 00:38:37.380 --> 00:38:38.100 His death 00:38:38.100 --> 00:38:38.680 and resurrection. 00:38:38.900 --> 00:38:39.440 His spirit. 00:38:39.580 --> 00:38:40.600 His future. 00:38:42.080 --> 00:38:42.820 And the joy 00:38:42.820 --> 00:38:43.519 that He brings. 00:38:45.340 --> 00:38:46.400 May that be the case. 00:38:47.360 --> 00:38:47.920 Let's pray. 00:38:49.280 --> 00:38:49.760 Amen. 00:38:54.440 --> 00:38:55.380 Father, we pray indeed 00:38:55.380 --> 00:38:56.220 that by Your Spirit 00:38:56.220 --> 00:38:57.200 You would again 00:38:57.200 --> 00:38:58.100 open our eyes 00:38:58.100 --> 00:38:59.280 to see the beauty 00:38:59.280 --> 00:38:59.840 of Christ. 00:39:01.280 --> 00:39:02.780 And Lord, now as we sing 00:39:02.780 --> 00:39:04.019 and as we give praise 00:39:04.019 --> 00:39:04.500 to Him, 00:39:05.260 --> 00:39:07.540 Lord, make this song 00:39:07.540 --> 00:39:08.400 that we sing 00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:09.280 a prayer 00:39:09.280 --> 00:39:11.160 of response, 00:39:12.420 --> 00:39:12.860 confession, 00:39:13.140 --> 00:39:13.960 and commitment to You, 00:39:14.060 --> 00:39:14.440 we pray. 00:39:14.840 --> 00:39:15.200 Amen. 00:39:17.840 --> 00:39:18.460 Let's stand 00:39:18.460 --> 00:39:19.180 and let's sing together. 00:39:19.440 --> 00:39:19.720 Amen. 00:39:27.100 --> 00:39:27.360 Amen. 00:39:27.360 --> 00:39:28.100 Amen. 00:39:28.100 --> 00:39:28.140 Amen. 00:39:28.200 --> 00:39:30.180 Amen. 00:39:30.200 --> 00:39:30.360 Amen. 00:39:31.120 --> 00:39:32.160 Amen. 00:39:32.260 --> 00:39:32.860 Amen. 00:39:33.920 --> 00:39:35.060 Amen. 00:39:37.420 --> 00:39:38.060 Amen. 00:39:38.540 --> 00:39:39.420 Amen. 00:39:39.420 --> 00:39:39.820 Amen. 00:39:41.480 --> 00:39:41.500 Amen. 00:39:41.500 --> 00:39:42.140 Amen. 00:39:42.320 --> 00:39:42.440 Amen. 00:39:42.440 --> 00:39:42.500 Amen. 00:39:42.500 --> 00:39:42.740 Amen. 00:39:42.740 --> 00:39:42.940 Amen. 00:39:42.960 --> 00:39:43.300 Amen. 00:39:43.300 --> 00:39:44.000 Amen. 00:39:44.400 --> 00:39:44.580 Amen. 00:39:45.160 --> 00:39:45.560 Amen. 00:39:45.560 --> 00:39:46.500 Amen. 00:39:46.840 --> 00:39:46.940 AMP S tasted Him 00:39:46.940 --> 00:39:47.620 Amen. 00:39:47.660 --> 00:39:48.280 Amen. 00:39:48.280 --> 00:39:48.320 Amen. 00:39:48.320 --> 00:39:48.600 Amen. 00:39:48.600 --> 00:39:49.060 Amen.