WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.580 Money and success won't make you happy or content. 00:00:08.480 --> 00:00:09.000 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.039 I was rich. I had everything. 00:00:34.420 --> 00:00:38.320 I guess it's like the old songs about movie and pop stars who want to commit suicide. 00:00:38.820 --> 00:00:41.000 They have everything and yet they are so unhappy. 00:00:41.420 --> 00:00:44.600 It is true. I had nothing on the inside. 00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:54.719 We could quote film star after music icon after business tycoon and they would have a similar tale. 00:00:55.079 --> 00:00:57.159 All the money, no peace. 00:00:57.159 --> 00:01:01.039 All the success, no contentment, no satisfaction. 00:01:01.939 --> 00:01:04.019 Mick Jagger was right all those years ago. 00:01:05.780 --> 00:01:12.340 Mick Jagger was also right that we try and we try and we try to find it in all the same places. 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:16.959 We still believe that money and success are the answer. 00:01:17.840 --> 00:01:20.620 Because we believe that we are the exception to the rule. 00:01:20.620 --> 00:01:23.640 You see, money and success won't make you happy and content. 00:01:23.640 --> 00:01:30.700 It's advice that we hear all the time but we think that we would actually be okay with it. 00:01:31.180 --> 00:01:37.780 If we were trusted with it, if we had money, if we had success, we wouldn't fall for those old trip wires that everyone else tripped over. 00:01:37.780 --> 00:01:43.000 All the testimonies are the same. 00:01:43.540 --> 00:01:44.540 They don't work. 00:01:44.739 --> 00:01:47.480 You get money, they solve one problem, they create another. 00:01:47.740 --> 00:01:50.820 You get success, it solves one problem, it creates many others. 00:01:51.879 --> 00:01:54.240 We think though that we're the exception. 00:01:54.359 --> 00:01:56.099 If we just had those things, we'd be content. 00:01:56.460 --> 00:01:57.180 We'd be happy. 00:01:57.480 --> 00:02:00.560 We would have that inner peace that we're all striving for. 00:02:00.560 --> 00:02:03.920 And so we just follow the same path. 00:02:04.100 --> 00:02:07.100 It is, when you think about it, the definition of madness. 00:02:08.879 --> 00:02:21.520 And part of the reason it is just so crazy, so crazy to live that way, so crazy to continue down the same path that everybody says don't make you happy, don't deliver contentment. 00:02:21.520 --> 00:02:26.880 And the people that have got the things that we think if we had them, they'd make us content, they say it doesn't make you content. 00:02:27.300 --> 00:02:38.860 The reason why it is so crazy to live this way is that actually satisfaction and contentment and peace and joy are actually available. 00:02:41.180 --> 00:02:48.100 You see, the longings that we have for these things aren't some cruel trick that our hearts play on us. 00:02:48.099 --> 00:02:56.060 Those desires and longings that are there exist because in God's design, there is actually a way that they can be met. 00:02:58.459 --> 00:03:00.299 And that is in relationship with Him. 00:03:01.620 --> 00:03:03.560 You see, we were made for God. 00:03:04.379 --> 00:03:05.159 And it's true. 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:06.639 All of us know this. 00:03:07.019 --> 00:03:11.599 The Christian life is beset in the present by frustration and struggle. 00:03:11.759 --> 00:03:12.079 Yes. 00:03:12.080 --> 00:03:27.940 However, many of us, most of us, if we're absolutely honest with ourselves, we know that those who follow Christ can and do know contentment of some degree and joy of some degree in our lives. 00:03:28.540 --> 00:03:40.980 But more than that, we know that those things in their fullness, contentment and joy and peace, those things in their fullest sense are our future. 00:03:42.080 --> 00:03:48.760 That's what the writer to the Hebrews is describing when he talks about rest in our passage this evening. 00:03:50.340 --> 00:03:56.580 Quoting Psalm 95, talking about God's people in an earlier generation, he says, chapter 3, verse 11, 00:03:56.980 --> 00:04:00.420 As I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter my rest. 00:04:00.880 --> 00:04:02.860 He talks again in 4, verse 3. 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:03.560 Can you see? 00:04:03.560 --> 00:04:10.219 The good news came to, for he who has believed, for we who have believed, enter that rest. 00:04:10.560 --> 00:04:14.439 As he has said, as I swore in my wrath, they shall never enter my rest. 00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:21.720 The rest that the they that he's talking about failed to receive was the peace and prosperity of Canaan, the promised land. 00:04:21.720 --> 00:04:30.020 But the writer to the Hebrews is applying this to his first century hearers and the future that they look forward to. 00:04:30.240 --> 00:04:33.540 He is holding out to them, entering his rest. 00:04:35.220 --> 00:04:38.820 His rest is the state that God is in eternally. 00:04:39.060 --> 00:04:42.680 You see, before God created the world, he was at rest. 00:04:42.680 --> 00:04:50.560 That's how he describes his perfect communion of love and joy as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 00:04:51.480 --> 00:04:55.300 He entered time to create our world, his work of creation. 00:04:55.900 --> 00:04:58.740 And when he had completed that work, he rested. 00:05:00.379 --> 00:05:02.199 So one commentator says this, quote, 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:05.800 The goal of human existence, here it is, here's why we all exist. 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:09.920 The goal of human existence is a share in God's own glory. 00:05:09.920 --> 00:05:18.420 It is stated explicitly in chapter 2, verse 10, that God is leading, do you remember last week, many sons to glory. 00:05:19.220 --> 00:05:26.660 And this must mean a share in God's own way of existing, a participation in God's own presence and power. 00:05:27.200 --> 00:05:30.780 This rest is therefore to live as God lives, end quote. 00:05:30.779 --> 00:05:39.859 Life in the presence of the supremely wonderful, supremely joyful, supremely content God. 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:44.379 That's actually what we talk about when we talk about eternal life. 00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:49.639 You know, when we talk to people about, put your faith in Jesus Christ and you'll receive eternal life. 00:05:49.919 --> 00:05:55.019 That can sound a bit like you'll receive existence for a very long time. 00:05:55.019 --> 00:05:58.000 Now, eternity is a very long time. 00:05:58.299 --> 00:06:01.339 But that is what we're talking about when we talk about the life of eternity. 00:06:01.759 --> 00:06:04.199 When we come to Christ, this is what we receive. 00:06:04.479 --> 00:06:05.899 This is what we look forward to. 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:11.659 Life in the presence of the supremely wonderful, joyful, content God. 00:06:13.419 --> 00:06:18.959 And the perfect fullness of this, and the full experience of this, 00:06:18.959 --> 00:06:24.579 is what we look forward to as God's children, as we were described last week as brothers of Jesus. 00:06:28.079 --> 00:06:32.019 Now, for most of us, that future day is a long way off. 00:06:32.060 --> 00:06:33.939 At least we hope it's a long way off. 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:38.859 And this text reminds us that if we're going to partake of this rest, we need to persevere to the end. 00:06:38.919 --> 00:06:39.959 Chapter 3, verse 6. 00:06:40.299 --> 00:06:40.799 Can you see? 00:06:40.799 --> 00:06:44.319 And we are Christ's house, that is, we belong to Him, 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:48.799 if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. 00:06:49.959 --> 00:06:51.519 Look down 3, verse 14. 00:06:51.680 --> 00:06:58.120 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 00:06:58.139 --> 00:06:59.560 He's saying you've got to keep going. 00:06:59.979 --> 00:07:02.339 If you want this rest, you've got to keep going. 00:07:02.719 --> 00:07:09.719 But the truth is, like these first hearers, we're beset by temptation. 00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:13.159 Temptation from within, temptation from without. 00:07:13.160 --> 00:07:20.280 And the thought of struggling on for 2 or 3 or 4 or hopefully 5 or 6 more decades, 00:07:21.520 --> 00:07:23.280 well, it feels like an impossible task. 00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:27.299 Yes, we want the contentment. 00:07:27.459 --> 00:07:28.459 We want the joy. 00:07:28.919 --> 00:07:30.119 But how do we get there? 00:07:30.519 --> 00:07:33.299 That's the question that we're dealing with this evening. 00:07:34.139 --> 00:07:40.479 The contentment, the joy, the rest, sharing in the presence and the power of God. 00:07:40.559 --> 00:07:41.779 That is what is held out to us. 00:07:42.019 --> 00:07:43.219 That's what we're looking forward to. 00:07:43.399 --> 00:07:44.299 How do we get there? 00:07:44.919 --> 00:07:47.799 Well, Hebrews 3 and 4 tell us. 00:07:47.800 --> 00:07:51.100 The answer runs right through these chapters, and it's this. 00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:54.180 We get there by faithfulness. 00:07:55.400 --> 00:07:59.699 We get there by choosing faith and choosing obedience to Christ 00:07:59.699 --> 00:08:03.400 and by rejecting the alternative, which is unbelief. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:09.139 To make this point, Hebrews has us learn the lesson of history, 00:08:09.240 --> 00:08:10.400 the history of God's people. 00:08:11.340 --> 00:08:12.720 And the author says first, 00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:14.100 If we're going to get there, 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:18.660 first of all, we must hold fast to the faithful son. 00:08:19.760 --> 00:08:22.920 We must hold fast to the faithful son. 00:08:23.040 --> 00:08:25.180 That's chapter 3, verses 1 to 6. 00:08:25.320 --> 00:08:26.040 3, verse 1. 00:08:26.040 --> 00:08:29.140 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, 00:08:29.280 --> 00:08:32.580 consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:35.040 who was faithful to him, who appointed him, 00:08:35.100 --> 00:08:37.600 just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. 00:08:38.220 --> 00:08:41.120 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, 00:08:41.120 --> 00:08:45.720 as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:48.600 As those who are in Christ's family, 00:08:48.700 --> 00:08:52.399 we are called to consider or to contemplate Jesus. 00:08:53.539 --> 00:08:56.500 And to do so because he is both, do you see, 00:08:56.779 --> 00:08:59.519 our apostle and our high priest. 00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:00.840 Now, that's an interesting phrase 00:09:00.840 --> 00:09:02.340 because it's the only place in the Bible 00:09:02.340 --> 00:09:04.620 where Christ is called an apostle. 00:09:04.620 --> 00:09:09.799 The word we heard this morning means sent one. 00:09:10.799 --> 00:09:12.500 So an apostle is sent, 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:16.500 and he is sent with the authority and the commission of the one who does the sending. 00:09:16.820 --> 00:09:19.259 So Christ's apostle, apostles, the 12, 00:09:19.600 --> 00:09:21.899 they were sent out by him and they had his authority. 00:09:22.039 --> 00:09:24.200 That's what we saw in Acts 9 this morning. 00:09:24.840 --> 00:09:26.860 Here, though, Christ is the apostle. 00:09:26.860 --> 00:09:29.519 So what's going on there? 00:09:29.600 --> 00:09:32.100 Well, it is he has been sent by God the Father 00:09:32.100 --> 00:09:34.659 and represents God to us. 00:09:37.159 --> 00:09:40.899 At the same time, he's also called our high priest. 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:44.340 That is, as one of us, 00:09:44.779 --> 00:09:47.399 he is to represent us to God. 00:09:48.279 --> 00:09:50.000 The priests were chosen from among the people 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:52.879 and stood before the people to represent them to God. 00:09:52.879 --> 00:09:56.500 So for Christ to be our apostle and high priest 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:59.759 means that he represents God perfectly to us 00:09:59.759 --> 00:10:02.639 and us perfectly to God. 00:10:03.659 --> 00:10:07.159 So when it comes to thinking about your standing before God, 00:10:08.779 --> 00:10:11.759 in Christ you have one who has been faithful to his calling 00:10:11.759 --> 00:10:14.659 and he has done all that you need. 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:19.000 Boys and girls, how much is left for you to pay? 00:10:20.700 --> 00:10:21.259 Zero. 00:10:21.259 --> 00:10:21.340 Zero. 00:10:22.279 --> 00:10:24.319 He has done all that you need. 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:27.919 And that, I want to say, just to be clear, 00:10:28.039 --> 00:10:31.740 that is where our journey to glory, to rest, must start. 00:10:31.860 --> 00:10:33.120 If you want to know God, 00:10:33.720 --> 00:10:37.319 if you want to be in relationship to the God of all the earth, 00:10:37.379 --> 00:10:38.879 you need to put your faith in Jesus. 00:10:40.899 --> 00:10:44.019 One of the most compelling invitations that Jesus makes 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:45.439 during his earthly ministry 00:10:45.439 --> 00:10:48.480 is when he calls people who were stubbornly rejecting him 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:49.519 in Matthew chapter 11. 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:50.399 And he says this, 00:10:51.259 --> 00:10:52.700 very familiar to many of us. 00:10:52.840 --> 00:10:55.000 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 00:10:55.220 --> 00:10:58.039 and I will give you rest. 00:10:59.319 --> 00:11:00.159 That's the offer. 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:03.059 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:04.639 for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 00:11:04.720 --> 00:11:07.179 and you will find rest for your souls. 00:11:07.679 --> 00:11:10.259 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. 00:11:10.759 --> 00:11:12.860 Rest for your soul. 00:11:12.860 --> 00:11:15.320 No religious system. 00:11:15.320 --> 00:11:17.960 No secular vision of life. 00:11:17.960 --> 00:11:22.820 No spiritual practice can give you this deep, enduring soul rest. 00:11:22.820 --> 00:11:29.020 But because he is a faithful apostle and high priest, 00:11:30.340 --> 00:11:34.900 Jesus restores us to the relationship where this rest is available. 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:40.959 That's why, in the context of chapter 3, he is greater than Moses. 00:11:41.199 --> 00:11:46.840 Remember, Moses is the great hero of those who want to go back to the old shadows of old covenant Judaism. 00:11:46.840 --> 00:11:50.340 The author uses the image of a house. 00:11:50.340 --> 00:11:51.120 3 verse 4, 00:11:51.120 --> 00:12:07.100 Remember at the start of this series, 00:12:07.100 --> 00:12:09.500 I talked about this lesser to the greater argument, 00:12:09.740 --> 00:12:13.580 that you see again and again and again in the book of Hebrews. 00:12:13.740 --> 00:12:14.500 Here it is again. 00:12:14.840 --> 00:12:15.840 So he's not saying, 00:12:16.159 --> 00:12:17.159 Moses was bad, 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:18.379 Jesus is good, 00:12:18.620 --> 00:12:19.700 old covenant bad, 00:12:20.080 --> 00:12:21.200 new covenant good. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:23.360 Both are described, you see here, as faithful. 00:12:23.519 --> 00:12:25.500 Moses was faithful in all God's house. 00:12:26.720 --> 00:12:28.740 Christ is faithful over God's house. 00:12:29.040 --> 00:12:29.840 Both are faithful. 00:12:30.200 --> 00:12:33.200 But Moses was a servant in God's house. 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:36.700 Therefore, how much more greater, 00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:39.500 and worthy of glory is Christ as a son. 00:12:41.779 --> 00:12:43.500 Moses was faithful as a servant. 00:12:43.980 --> 00:12:45.800 His ministry pointed forward to Christ. 00:12:45.940 --> 00:12:50.200 Christ is greater than Moses because he brings a better, fuller salvation. 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:56.300 We see this in that Christ is both the builder of God's house and Lord over the house. 00:12:57.720 --> 00:12:59.220 And the house that he's talking about here, 00:12:59.279 --> 00:13:00.320 the house that he built, 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:01.680 was composed of people. 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:03.960 Do you remember in 1 Peter chapter 2, 00:13:04.040 --> 00:13:04.860 as you come to him, 00:13:04.860 --> 00:13:07.240 a living stone rejected by men, 00:13:07.300 --> 00:13:09.019 but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:09.980 you yourselves, 00:13:10.080 --> 00:13:10.960 like living stones, 00:13:11.019 --> 00:13:12.879 are being built up as a spiritual house 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:14.340 to be a holy priesthood, 00:13:14.560 --> 00:13:16.159 to offer spiritual sacrifices 00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:18.279 acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:21.259 He's talking to a congregation of the people of God 00:13:21.259 --> 00:13:21.759 and he's saying, 00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:22.879 you're a spiritual house. 00:13:23.320 --> 00:13:25.340 You're building blocks that have been built together 00:13:25.340 --> 00:13:27.180 into God's house. 00:13:28.820 --> 00:13:32.160 When it comes to the Christian house, 00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:33.759 there are three classes of people. 00:13:35.560 --> 00:13:37.060 Some are never in the house. 00:13:37.680 --> 00:13:39.120 They have no interest in the house. 00:13:39.540 --> 00:13:40.560 They don't go to the house. 00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:41.879 They don't knock the door or nothing. 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:42.980 They're never in the house. 00:13:44.280 --> 00:13:46.700 Others look like they're in the house for a while. 00:13:46.700 --> 00:13:49.620 They behave like they belong for a time, 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:50.759 but then they walk away. 00:13:51.820 --> 00:13:54.400 Then there are those who truly belong, 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:56.340 the elect of God. 00:13:57.100 --> 00:13:57.879 And they are those, 00:13:58.080 --> 00:13:59.379 verse 6 of chapter 3, 00:13:59.500 --> 00:14:03.700 who remain holding fast their confidence to the end. 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:06.620 See what he's saying? 00:14:07.680 --> 00:14:09.020 Jesus is greater than Moses, 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:10.800 so hold fast to the faithful son. 00:14:10.799 --> 00:14:14.979 So you go from here. 00:14:15.079 --> 00:14:15.639 I say to you, 00:14:15.839 --> 00:14:17.120 hold fast to the faithful son. 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:18.099 You say, 00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:18.479 great, 00:14:18.579 --> 00:14:20.000 I'm going to hold fast to the faithful son. 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:21.039 What does that look like? 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:22.240 Thanks for asking. 00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:23.059 Point number two, 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:23.819 here's what we do. 00:14:24.439 --> 00:14:25.779 Cultivate a faithful heart. 00:14:25.979 --> 00:14:27.000 If the first point is, 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:27.379 he says, 00:14:27.459 --> 00:14:28.959 hold fast to the faithful son. 00:14:29.719 --> 00:14:30.419 The second point, 00:14:31.479 --> 00:14:32.279 how do we do that? 00:14:32.339 --> 00:14:33.599 We cultivate a faithful heart. 00:14:34.979 --> 00:14:36.559 And there are two key aspects 00:14:36.559 --> 00:14:37.819 of what this means. 00:14:37.819 --> 00:14:38.839 The first is this. 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:46.519 Heed God's word today. 00:14:49.159 --> 00:14:50.799 Heed God's word today. 00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:53.159 You can't miss the refrain from Psalm 95 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:54.959 running all the way through. 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:57.479 Chapter 3, verse 7. 00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:59.679 Chapter 3, verse 15. 00:15:00.319 --> 00:15:02.339 Chapter 4, verse 6. 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:05.519 Today, if you hear his voice, 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:07.500 do not harden your hearts, 00:15:07.659 --> 00:15:09.279 as in the rebellion. 00:15:10.799 --> 00:15:13.379 The word today, here, 00:15:13.599 --> 00:15:14.519 is used most often 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:16.139 in the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, 00:15:16.719 --> 00:15:17.919 where the people are told 00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:19.179 of the demands of the covenant 00:15:19.179 --> 00:15:21.059 on them today. 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:22.079 Deuteronomy 4, 00:15:22.719 --> 00:15:23.500 particularly, 00:15:23.799 --> 00:15:24.500 repeated there. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.179 Here, 00:15:26.959 --> 00:15:27.599 the book of Hebrews, 00:15:27.740 --> 00:15:28.979 God is speaking by his son. 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:29.339 Remember, 00:15:29.479 --> 00:15:30.439 chapter 1, verse 1. 00:15:30.539 --> 00:15:31.059 And again, 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:32.099 chapter 3, verse 7, 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:32.959 by his spirit, 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:35.000 through the scriptures. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:38.779 And because God is outside of time, 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:40.379 his word is always today. 00:15:42.259 --> 00:15:43.539 And the emphasis here 00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:44.139 on listening, 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:44.600 hearing, 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:45.860 and responding in faith 00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:48.159 is to us in the moment. 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:50.340 You see, 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:51.440 this is not what the people 00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:52.240 in the wilderness did. 00:15:52.299 --> 00:15:53.480 Look at verse 8. 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:55.960 Today, if you hear his voice, 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:56.920 do not harden your hearts, 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:57.759 as in the rebellion 00:15:57.759 --> 00:15:58.740 on the day of testing 00:15:58.740 --> 00:15:59.759 in the wilderness, 00:16:00.180 --> 00:16:01.519 where your fathers put me 00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:02.220 to the test 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:03.200 and saw my works 00:16:03.200 --> 00:16:04.080 for 40 years. 00:16:04.740 --> 00:16:04.980 Therefore, 00:16:05.100 --> 00:16:05.700 I was provoked 00:16:05.700 --> 00:16:06.480 with that generation 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:06.920 and said, 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:07.899 they always go astray 00:16:07.899 --> 00:16:08.480 in their heart. 00:16:08.820 --> 00:16:10.259 They have not known my ways. 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:13.800 I said at the beginning, 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:14.960 the author here 00:16:14.960 --> 00:16:16.180 is taking us 00:16:16.180 --> 00:16:18.200 on a history lesson, 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:18.639 as it were, 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:19.899 from the people of God 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:20.759 under the old covenant. 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.439 And he's saying, 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:22.960 when the people of old 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:23.919 rebelled against God, 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:24.639 they were faithless 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:25.720 in three ways. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:27.720 He outlines it there. 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.059 Verse 8, 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:30.120 they hardened their hearts. 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:32.259 In the Bible, 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:33.159 the heart is the seat 00:16:33.159 --> 00:16:33.779 of both knowledge 00:16:33.779 --> 00:16:34.419 and choice. 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:36.659 And to speak of it 00:16:36.659 --> 00:16:37.779 being hardened in this way 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:38.500 is to describe 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:39.740 a conscious choice 00:16:39.740 --> 00:16:41.259 to refuse to hear 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:41.860 and to refuse 00:16:41.860 --> 00:16:43.120 to obey God's word. 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:44.240 That's what it means. 00:16:44.439 --> 00:16:45.179 A hard heart, 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:47.100 that's how a hard heart 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:47.679 is expressed, 00:16:47.679 --> 00:16:49.559 to refuse to hear 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:50.299 and obey God. 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:52.360 Secondly, 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:52.960 their hearts 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:54.519 went astray. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:55.240 Verse 10, 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:56.919 this has the sense 00:16:56.919 --> 00:16:57.840 of allowing their hearts 00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:58.960 to wander morally, 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:00.779 to be led off 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:02.279 after sin and foolishness. 00:17:02.679 --> 00:17:04.140 Their decision was, 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.240 actually over here 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:05.720 looks better, 00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:06.200 I'm going to go 00:17:06.200 --> 00:17:06.879 in this direction. 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:08.359 I'm going to believe 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:08.900 the promises 00:17:08.900 --> 00:17:10.059 of the culture over here 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:10.660 and I'm going to go 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:11.460 in that direction. 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:15.059 Their hearts went astray 00:17:15.059 --> 00:17:15.940 and then thirdly, 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:17.140 they saw, 00:17:17.140 --> 00:17:17.720 verse 10, 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:18.640 three verse 10, 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:19.940 and they saw God's ways 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:21.400 and ignored them. 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:22.720 See, 00:17:22.800 --> 00:17:23.380 he says there, 00:17:23.840 --> 00:17:24.640 they have not known 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:25.300 my ways. 00:17:26.380 --> 00:17:27.460 Their not knowing there 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:28.780 isn't about ignorance, 00:17:29.360 --> 00:17:30.280 isn't about knowledge. 00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:32.700 They saw what God did 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:33.360 among his people. 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:34.340 They knew that he had 00:17:34.340 --> 00:17:35.140 given them his law 00:17:35.140 --> 00:17:36.060 for how they should 00:17:36.060 --> 00:17:36.860 live to please him. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.480 It's about rebellious 00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:39.180 disobedience. 00:17:39.580 --> 00:17:40.380 It's about saying, 00:17:40.740 --> 00:17:42.020 I know what God says 00:17:42.020 --> 00:17:43.780 and I'm going to do 00:17:43.780 --> 00:17:44.360 something else. 00:17:45.139 --> 00:17:45.639 And that's what 00:17:45.639 --> 00:17:46.259 the people did. 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:48.379 God was speaking today, 00:17:49.159 --> 00:17:49.959 in the moment, 00:17:50.059 --> 00:17:50.759 in the present, 00:17:51.179 --> 00:17:51.839 and that was how 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:52.740 the people responded. 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:54.519 They were faithless 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:55.539 rather than faithful. 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:57.419 And that is why 00:17:57.419 --> 00:17:57.919 he was angry 00:17:57.919 --> 00:17:58.759 with that generation. 00:17:59.439 --> 00:17:59.979 That is why 00:17:59.979 --> 00:18:00.699 he refused 00:18:00.699 --> 00:18:01.459 to bring them 00:18:01.459 --> 00:18:02.099 into his rest. 00:18:02.179 --> 00:18:02.599 That is why 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:03.619 they did not get 00:18:03.619 --> 00:18:04.459 to the rest 00:18:04.459 --> 00:18:05.399 that lay ahead of them. 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:09.559 And our author 00:18:09.559 --> 00:18:10.359 applies the same 00:18:10.359 --> 00:18:11.179 warning to the Hebrews 00:18:11.179 --> 00:18:12.459 as he does to us 00:18:12.459 --> 00:18:13.179 today. 00:18:15.359 --> 00:18:16.519 3 verse 12. 00:18:18.139 --> 00:18:18.559 Take care, 00:18:18.679 --> 00:18:19.000 brothers, 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:20.259 lest there be 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:21.579 in any of you 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:21.979 an evil, 00:18:22.159 --> 00:18:22.679 unbelieving, 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:23.019 that is, 00:18:23.099 --> 00:18:23.939 faithless heart, 00:18:24.619 --> 00:18:25.399 leading you to fall 00:18:25.399 --> 00:18:26.139 away from the living 00:18:26.139 --> 00:18:26.479 God. 00:18:26.599 --> 00:18:27.799 But exhort one another 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:28.599 every day, 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:29.740 as long as it is 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:30.679 called today, 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:31.619 that none of you 00:18:31.619 --> 00:18:32.199 may be hardened 00:18:32.199 --> 00:18:33.000 by the deceitfulness 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.479 of sin. 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:36.379 He's saying, 00:18:36.459 --> 00:18:36.879 watch out. 00:18:39.319 --> 00:18:40.559 If you refuse 00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:41.519 the word of God, 00:18:41.579 --> 00:18:42.359 if you don't receive 00:18:42.359 --> 00:18:42.919 it with faith, 00:18:42.919 --> 00:18:43.919 if you consistently 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:45.279 choose folly, 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.880 making bad choices 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:47.400 that lead you 00:18:47.400 --> 00:18:48.200 away from God, 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:48.860 and if knowing 00:18:48.860 --> 00:18:49.620 how God's word 00:18:49.620 --> 00:18:50.580 calls you to live, 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:51.480 you choose another 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:51.840 route, 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:53.180 you're in danger 00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:53.800 of falling away 00:18:53.800 --> 00:18:54.360 from Christ. 00:18:56.640 --> 00:18:57.420 Watch out. 00:18:57.420 --> 00:19:00.779 So, 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:01.700 we need to take 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:02.640 an honest heart check, 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:03.060 don't we? 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.240 If you play around 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:05.740 with sin, 00:19:06.300 --> 00:19:07.360 you cannot expect 00:19:07.360 --> 00:19:07.960 to persevere 00:19:07.960 --> 00:19:08.440 to glory. 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:11.019 You will fall 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:11.360 away. 00:19:12.080 --> 00:19:12.759 You will forfeit 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:13.279 your rest, 00:19:13.360 --> 00:19:13.860 just like 00:19:13.860 --> 00:19:15.640 3, 16 to 18, 00:19:15.779 --> 00:19:17.259 those in the Old Testament. 00:19:17.380 --> 00:19:18.000 Their example is 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:18.700 very sobering. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.600 Look at verse 16. 00:19:19.599 --> 00:19:22.139 For those, 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.439 for who were those 00:19:23.439 --> 00:19:23.919 who heard 00:19:23.919 --> 00:19:24.659 and yet rebelled? 00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:25.980 Was it not all 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:26.779 those who left 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.299 Egypt, 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:29.219 led by Moses? 00:19:31.639 --> 00:19:32.419 Who was it 00:19:32.419 --> 00:19:33.019 that rebelled? 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:35.719 Some who'd 00:19:35.719 --> 00:19:36.240 experienced 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:36.719 the glories 00:19:36.719 --> 00:19:37.279 of the Exodus. 00:19:38.379 --> 00:19:38.980 They'd seen 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:39.679 firsthand 00:19:39.679 --> 00:19:40.319 the miraculous 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:41.059 rescue through 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:41.679 the Red Sea. 00:19:41.839 --> 00:19:42.359 God had done 00:19:42.359 --> 00:19:43.079 great things 00:19:43.079 --> 00:19:43.740 in their time. 00:19:44.959 --> 00:19:45.799 But they hardened 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:46.199 their hearts 00:19:46.199 --> 00:19:46.919 and wandered away 00:19:46.919 --> 00:19:47.539 and so fell 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:48.099 in the desert. 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:51.699 You hear people 00:19:51.699 --> 00:19:52.259 say from time 00:19:52.259 --> 00:19:52.579 to time, 00:19:52.699 --> 00:19:53.919 if God just 00:19:53.919 --> 00:19:54.459 turned up 00:19:54.459 --> 00:19:55.639 and showed 00:19:55.639 --> 00:19:56.240 himself in a 00:19:56.240 --> 00:19:56.899 miraculous way 00:19:56.899 --> 00:19:57.419 in my life, 00:19:57.480 --> 00:19:57.859 well then, 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.679 I would absolutely 00:19:59.679 --> 00:20:00.219 follow him 00:20:00.219 --> 00:20:00.859 no matter what. 00:20:01.219 --> 00:20:02.059 That's what I want. 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:03.000 If he did that, 00:20:03.199 --> 00:20:03.899 then I'd be able 00:20:03.899 --> 00:20:04.379 to believe 00:20:04.379 --> 00:20:05.799 and I wouldn't 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:06.539 be so faithless 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.519 or I wouldn't 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:09.099 struggle in the 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:09.679 way that I do. 00:20:10.119 --> 00:20:10.319 Well, 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:11.000 that's not true. 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:14.619 That's not true 00:20:14.619 --> 00:20:15.859 because those 00:20:15.859 --> 00:20:16.599 who left 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:17.199 Egypt, 00:20:17.419 --> 00:20:17.919 led by 00:20:17.920 --> 00:20:18.300 Moses, 00:20:18.759 --> 00:20:19.360 did the same. 00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:21.420 Imagine talking 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:22.019 to one of them. 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.660 Say to them, 00:20:24.820 --> 00:20:25.860 were you actually 00:20:25.860 --> 00:20:26.320 there? 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:28.580 Did you see 00:20:28.580 --> 00:20:30.240 the sea part? 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:32.140 Oh yeah, 00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:32.600 I walked 00:20:32.600 --> 00:20:33.420 through the Red Sea. 00:20:34.140 --> 00:20:34.759 Dry land. 00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:37.519 We got to the 00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:38.060 other side, 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:39.259 we all sang hymns. 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:40.300 Thinking back 00:20:40.300 --> 00:20:40.660 actually, 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:41.500 it was quite a 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.019 thing now that 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:42.620 you mention it. 00:20:44.400 --> 00:20:44.800 Well, 00:20:44.860 --> 00:20:45.440 that's quite a 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:46.060 story to tell. 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.200 Do they get you 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:47.700 up at church 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:48.319 to share that 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:48.799 and talk about 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.440 what it was like? 00:20:50.600 --> 00:20:50.960 Well, 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:51.360 I don't really 00:20:51.360 --> 00:20:51.819 go to church 00:20:51.819 --> 00:20:52.160 anymore, 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:52.700 to be honest. 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.180 It was a bit 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:56.000 tough in those 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:56.779 early days in the 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:57.039 wilderness. 00:20:58.180 --> 00:20:58.700 We had some 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.420 struggles as a 00:20:59.420 --> 00:21:00.180 family and to be 00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:00.400 honest, 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:00.980 I found the 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:02.380 preaching after a 00:21:02.380 --> 00:21:02.920 while didn't 00:21:02.920 --> 00:21:03.539 really connect 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:04.000 with me. 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:05.580 Plus, 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:06.039 we were trying 00:21:06.039 --> 00:21:06.640 to make things 00:21:06.640 --> 00:21:07.500 work and I 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:08.920 needed to provide 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:09.500 and I was 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.460 working very hard. 00:21:10.580 --> 00:21:11.000 I needed to be 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.580 on the road a 00:21:11.580 --> 00:21:11.980 fair bit. 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:14.680 looking back 00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:14.880 now, 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:15.480 it was quite 00:21:15.480 --> 00:21:15.920 impressive, 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:17.380 but I'm in a 00:21:17.380 --> 00:21:17.940 different place 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:18.200 now. 00:21:20.799 --> 00:21:21.599 Is that even 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:22.039 possible? 00:21:23.299 --> 00:21:24.019 It sounds 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:24.480 absurd, 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:24.960 doesn't it? 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.059 That's what 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.799 Hebrews tells us 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:27.140 happens. 00:21:27.900 --> 00:21:28.539 That's how 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.339 deceitful our 00:21:29.339 --> 00:21:30.259 hearts can be. 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:32.099 None of us 00:21:32.099 --> 00:21:33.059 can presume 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:34.240 on past 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:34.980 experience 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:36.180 or the 00:21:36.180 --> 00:21:36.819 soundness 00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:37.380 of our 00:21:37.380 --> 00:21:37.720 church. 00:21:38.360 --> 00:21:38.940 These guys 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:39.660 heard Moses 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:40.299 preach to them. 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:42.839 or the 00:21:42.839 --> 00:21:43.159 ministers 00:21:43.159 --> 00:21:43.639 we've heard. 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:44.180 These guys 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:44.819 heard Moses 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.480 preach to them. 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:47.579 Whatever it 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.079 might be that 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:48.480 we think, 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:48.700 well, 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:49.440 because I 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:50.019 grew up in 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:50.480 that family 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:50.919 or I went 00:21:50.919 --> 00:21:51.220 to that 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:51.599 church or 00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:51.960 was part 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.220 of that 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.659 group or 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:53.279 I read 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:53.960 that translation 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:54.240 of the 00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:54.619 Bible or 00:21:54.619 --> 00:21:55.200 whatever it 00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:55.659 might be, 00:21:55.899 --> 00:21:56.399 we cannot 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:57.019 presume on 00:21:57.019 --> 00:21:57.419 the basis 00:21:57.419 --> 00:21:57.859 of those 00:21:57.859 --> 00:21:58.299 things that 00:21:58.299 --> 00:21:58.980 we are in 00:21:58.980 --> 00:21:59.419 the right 00:21:59.419 --> 00:22:00.019 with God. 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:03.319 How do 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:03.619 you know 00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:03.919 that you're 00:22:03.919 --> 00:22:04.259 in the right 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:04.720 with God? 00:22:06.619 --> 00:22:07.279 You hear 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:07.879 his voice 00:22:07.879 --> 00:22:09.619 and today 00:22:09.619 --> 00:22:10.339 you heed 00:22:10.339 --> 00:22:10.679 what it 00:22:10.679 --> 00:22:11.079 says 00:22:11.079 --> 00:22:12.059 and you 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:12.759 follow it 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:13.599 wherever it 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.019 leads 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:15.259 no matter 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:15.839 what. 00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:18.559 That's 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.019 actually the 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:19.459 basis of 00:22:19.459 --> 00:22:19.659 what it 00:22:19.659 --> 00:22:19.979 means to 00:22:19.979 --> 00:22:20.259 believe. 00:22:20.379 --> 00:22:20.859 Chapter 4 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:21.339 verse 3, 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:21.859 have a look. 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:22.899 4 verse 3, 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.599 for good news 00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:24.279 came to us 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:25.019 just as them, 00:22:25.399 --> 00:22:25.979 them being a 00:22:25.979 --> 00:22:26.179 wilderness 00:22:26.179 --> 00:22:26.839 generation, 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:27.839 but the 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:28.500 message they 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.059 heard did 00:22:29.059 --> 00:22:29.719 not benefit 00:22:29.719 --> 00:22:30.459 them because 00:22:30.459 --> 00:22:31.819 they were not 00:22:31.819 --> 00:22:32.659 united by faith 00:22:32.659 --> 00:22:33.159 to those who 00:22:33.159 --> 00:22:33.459 listen. 00:22:34.199 --> 00:22:34.959 For we who 00:22:34.959 --> 00:22:35.979 have believed 00:22:35.979 --> 00:22:37.479 enter that 00:22:37.479 --> 00:22:37.859 rest. 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:40.179 the root 00:22:40.179 --> 00:22:40.459 of all 00:22:40.459 --> 00:22:40.719 of our 00:22:40.719 --> 00:22:41.139 problems 00:22:41.139 --> 00:22:43.339 is that 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:43.959 we believe 00:22:43.959 --> 00:22:44.919 other things 00:22:44.919 --> 00:22:45.719 over God's 00:22:45.719 --> 00:22:45.959 word. 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:47.059 He speaks 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:47.519 to us in 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:47.819 scripture. 00:22:48.359 --> 00:22:48.979 Today we 00:22:48.979 --> 00:22:49.539 open it up 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:49.839 and we 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:50.579 read it 00:22:50.579 --> 00:22:53.659 and then we 00:22:53.659 --> 00:22:54.059 do what our 00:22:54.059 --> 00:22:54.619 first parents 00:22:54.619 --> 00:22:55.099 did in the 00:22:55.099 --> 00:22:55.379 garden. 00:22:56.199 --> 00:22:56.619 We say, 00:22:56.719 --> 00:22:57.539 did God 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:58.579 really say 00:22:58.579 --> 00:22:59.319 that thing? 00:22:59.719 --> 00:23:00.659 Does what 00:23:00.659 --> 00:23:01.619 appears to be 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:02.359 absolutely 00:23:02.359 --> 00:23:03.379 crystal clear 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:04.339 and obvious 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:05.240 here really 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:05.799 mean what it 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:06.139 says? 00:23:06.140 --> 00:23:07.759 because you 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:07.920 know, 00:23:08.520 --> 00:23:09.240 I really 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.080 like living 00:23:10.080 --> 00:23:10.720 this way 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.700 and what I 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:12.160 read here 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:12.580 seems to 00:23:12.580 --> 00:23:12.960 rule that 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:13.220 out, 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:14.400 so it 00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:14.800 can't mean 00:23:14.800 --> 00:23:15.040 that. 00:23:16.680 --> 00:23:17.400 There are 00:23:17.400 --> 00:23:18.040 scandalous 00:23:18.040 --> 00:23:18.580 and really 00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:19.259 obvious ways 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.640 that people 00:23:19.640 --> 00:23:20.140 do that, 00:23:20.380 --> 00:23:21.100 but all of 00:23:21.100 --> 00:23:21.460 us, 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.100 if we're 00:23:22.100 --> 00:23:22.460 honest with 00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:22.900 ourselves, 00:23:23.080 --> 00:23:23.520 are tempted 00:23:23.520 --> 00:23:23.900 in that 00:23:23.900 --> 00:23:24.320 direction. 00:23:25.759 --> 00:23:26.640 We battle 00:23:26.640 --> 00:23:27.259 hard, 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:27.980 wandering, 00:23:28.320 --> 00:23:28.780 faithless 00:23:28.780 --> 00:23:29.460 hearts, 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:30.340 and so we 00:23:30.340 --> 00:23:30.700 need to 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.200 watch out. 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:33.740 God's voice 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.520 has never been 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.259 more accessible 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:37.420 to us 00:23:37.420 --> 00:23:38.099 than it is 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:38.420 now. 00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:38.940 You can 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:39.460 listen to 00:23:39.460 --> 00:23:39.619 it, 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:39.960 you can 00:23:39.960 --> 00:23:40.379 read it, 00:23:40.440 --> 00:23:40.680 you can 00:23:40.680 --> 00:23:41.319 access it 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:41.660 in all 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:42.039 kinds of 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:42.339 different 00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:42.879 formats, 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:44.420 listen to 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.039 it today 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:45.960 and heed 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:46.279 what it 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:46.579 says. 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:50.079 Now the 00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:50.700 author knows 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:51.200 heed God's 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:51.599 word today, 00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:51.960 that's how 00:23:51.960 --> 00:23:52.440 you cultivate 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:52.859 a faithful 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:53.139 heart, 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:53.480 that's the 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:53.960 first step, 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:54.200 but the 00:23:54.200 --> 00:23:54.680 author knows 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:54.900 that we 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.279 can't do 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:55.599 this on 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:55.940 our own, 00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:57.139 and he 00:23:57.139 --> 00:23:57.379 doesn't 00:23:57.379 --> 00:23:57.900 expect us 00:23:57.900 --> 00:23:58.319 to either. 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:58.879 The second 00:23:58.879 --> 00:23:59.579 aspect of 00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:00.220 cultivating a 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:00.779 faithful heart, 00:24:00.900 --> 00:24:01.480 313, 00:24:01.980 --> 00:24:02.660 exhort one 00:24:02.660 --> 00:24:03.539 another every 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:04.220 day as long 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:04.559 as it is 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:05.079 called today, 00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:05.740 that none 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.120 of you may 00:24:06.120 --> 00:24:06.600 be hardened 00:24:06.600 --> 00:24:06.980 by the 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:07.500 deceitfulness 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:08.339 of sin. 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:09.079 The first 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:09.640 aspect of 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:10.220 cultivating a 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:10.720 faithful heart 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:11.039 is heed 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:11.539 God's word 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:11.960 today, 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:12.519 the second 00:24:12.519 --> 00:24:13.339 is heed 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:14.240 God's word 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:14.759 together. 00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:16.920 You were 00:24:16.920 --> 00:24:17.759 never meant 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:18.279 to make 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:18.880 the pilgrimage 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:19.720 to glory, 00:24:19.880 --> 00:24:20.559 to your rest 00:24:20.559 --> 00:24:21.180 on your own, 00:24:21.779 --> 00:24:23.620 because you 00:24:23.620 --> 00:24:24.000 wouldn't be 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.559 able to do 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.339 it on your 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:25.600 own. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:26.559 Some of you 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:26.920 think you 00:24:26.920 --> 00:24:27.120 will, 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:27.839 but you're 00:24:27.839 --> 00:24:28.160 wrong, 00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:29.120 sin is really 00:24:29.120 --> 00:24:29.680 deceitful, 00:24:29.880 --> 00:24:30.259 and we are 00:24:30.259 --> 00:24:30.940 all really 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:31.480 prone to 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.039 being self 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.559 deceived. 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:33.899 The house 00:24:33.899 --> 00:24:34.639 that God 00:24:34.639 --> 00:24:35.240 built is 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:35.960 the church. 00:24:37.679 --> 00:24:38.039 If you 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:38.599 belong to 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:39.200 that house, 00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:40.619 you should 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:41.099 belong in a 00:24:41.099 --> 00:24:41.619 meaningful way 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:42.159 to a local 00:24:42.159 --> 00:24:42.559 church. 00:24:43.419 --> 00:24:44.220 We all 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:44.679 need to 00:24:44.679 --> 00:24:45.500 belong to 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:45.960 a group of 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:46.359 people who 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:46.960 will exhort 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:48.000 us every 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:48.579 day that 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.139 God gives 00:24:49.139 --> 00:24:49.639 us breath. 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.220 As long 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:50.740 as there 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:51.519 are days 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:51.960 called 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:52.440 today, 00:24:52.899 --> 00:24:53.799 we need 00:24:53.799 --> 00:24:54.359 one another 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:55.159 to exhort 00:24:55.159 --> 00:24:55.599 us towards 00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:55.980 a deeper 00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:56.460 and a more 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:56.779 faithful 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:58.000 devotion to 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.279 him. 00:24:58.279 --> 00:25:01.700 alongside 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:02.059 that, 00:25:02.160 --> 00:25:02.579 the clearest 00:25:02.579 --> 00:25:03.180 foretaste 00:25:03.180 --> 00:25:03.519 of that 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:03.899 future 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:05.379 rest is 00:25:05.379 --> 00:25:05.940 experienced 00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:06.639 now when 00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:07.200 we gather 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:07.559 each 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:07.940 Lord's 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:08.099 Day. 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:08.700 4 verse 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.119 9, 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:10.680 there remains 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:11.119 a Sabbath 00:25:11.119 --> 00:25:11.720 rest for 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:12.079 those who 00:25:12.079 --> 00:25:12.559 have entered 00:25:12.559 --> 00:25:13.200 the rest 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:13.819 of belonging 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.539 to Christ. 00:25:14.879 --> 00:25:15.399 You enter 00:25:15.399 --> 00:25:16.019 your rest 00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:16.339 when you 00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:16.980 put your 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:17.420 faith in 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:17.700 Jesus, 00:25:18.240 --> 00:25:18.639 but there 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:19.279 remains a 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:19.480 Sabbath 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.000 rest that 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:20.319 future 00:25:20.319 --> 00:25:20.759 day, 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:22.279 and it 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:22.579 is on 00:25:22.579 --> 00:25:23.139 the Lord's 00:25:23.139 --> 00:25:23.460 Day when 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:23.839 we come 00:25:23.839 --> 00:25:24.299 together 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:25.799 under the 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.559 preaching of 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:26.899 God's 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:27.059 Word. 00:25:27.059 --> 00:25:27.399 Look at 00:25:27.399 --> 00:25:28.000 chapter 4 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:29.240 verse 12. 00:25:29.639 --> 00:25:29.839 For the 00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:30.240 Word of 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:30.639 God is 00:25:30.639 --> 00:25:31.079 living and 00:25:31.079 --> 00:25:31.339 active, 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:32.000 sharper than 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:32.700 any two-edged 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:33.019 sword, 00:25:33.159 --> 00:25:33.740 piercing to 00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:34.200 the division 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:34.679 of soul 00:25:34.679 --> 00:25:34.940 and of 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:35.240 spirit, 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:35.759 of joints 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.059 and of 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:36.339 marrow, 00:25:36.839 --> 00:25:37.339 and discerning 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:37.899 the thoughts 00:25:37.899 --> 00:25:38.679 and intentions 00:25:38.679 --> 00:25:39.539 of the 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:39.839 heart. 00:25:39.960 --> 00:25:40.359 And no 00:25:40.359 --> 00:25:41.159 creature is 00:25:41.159 --> 00:25:41.619 hidden from 00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:42.059 his sight, 00:25:42.119 --> 00:25:42.519 but all 00:25:42.519 --> 00:25:42.919 are naked 00:25:42.919 --> 00:25:43.440 and exposed 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:43.799 to the 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.159 eyes of 00:25:44.159 --> 00:25:44.779 him to 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:45.099 whom we 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:45.559 must give 00:25:45.559 --> 00:25:45.940 account. 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.659 Where is 00:25:47.659 --> 00:25:49.440 the two-edged 00:25:49.440 --> 00:25:49.960 sword of 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.679 God's Word 00:25:50.679 --> 00:25:52.159 unleashed in 00:25:52.159 --> 00:25:52.879 the context 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.359 where God 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:53.899 has promised 00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:54.279 that he 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:54.779 will visit 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.220 that by 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:55.779 his Spirit? 00:25:55.919 --> 00:25:56.399 It is when 00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:56.860 the church 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.259 gathers. 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.560 And it is 00:25:58.560 --> 00:25:59.120 here where 00:25:59.120 --> 00:25:59.660 that work 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.080 is going 00:26:00.080 --> 00:26:00.460 on, 00:26:00.780 --> 00:26:01.240 where the 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:01.700 Spirit of 00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:01.900 God 00:26:01.900 --> 00:26:02.740 recalibrates 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:03.200 our hearts 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:03.680 to keep 00:26:03.680 --> 00:26:04.280 us going 00:26:04.280 --> 00:26:05.019 so that we 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.460 make it 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:06.160 to glory. 00:26:07.120 --> 00:26:07.740 I want to 00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:08.259 suggest that 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:08.759 the main 00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:10.140 today of 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:10.980 Hebrews 4 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.920 is the 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:12.400 today of 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:12.840 the Lord's 00:26:12.840 --> 00:26:13.040 Day. 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:14.860 There is 00:26:14.860 --> 00:26:15.680 nowhere more 00:26:15.680 --> 00:26:16.259 important than 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:16.820 you can be 00:26:16.820 --> 00:26:18.320 on a Sunday. 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:19.580 Look at the 00:26:19.580 --> 00:26:20.120 work that is 00:26:20.120 --> 00:26:20.460 happening, 00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:21.160 verse 12, 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:21.800 when God's 00:26:21.800 --> 00:26:22.140 Word is 00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:23.019 opened and 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.540 proclaimed, 00:26:24.100 --> 00:26:24.700 piercing to 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:25.120 the division 00:26:25.120 --> 00:26:25.540 of soul 00:26:25.540 --> 00:26:26.120 and spirit, 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.500 joints and 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:27.820 marrow, 00:26:28.540 --> 00:26:29.120 discerning the 00:26:29.120 --> 00:26:29.500 thoughts and 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:30.140 intentions of 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:30.519 the heart. 00:26:30.840 --> 00:26:31.440 It is there 00:26:31.440 --> 00:26:31.820 that we 00:26:31.820 --> 00:26:32.380 bring our 00:26:32.380 --> 00:26:32.700 hearts, 00:26:32.800 --> 00:26:33.420 we lay our 00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:33.900 hearts bare 00:26:33.900 --> 00:26:34.519 before God's 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:34.640 Word. 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:35.380 He searches 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:35.680 us, 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.940 He recalibrates 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:37.259 us and 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:37.940 changes us 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:38.880 and urges 00:26:38.880 --> 00:26:39.480 us on to 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:39.800 glory. 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.080 If you're 00:26:44.080 --> 00:26:44.880 holding fast 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:45.820 to the 00:26:45.820 --> 00:26:46.560 faithful Son, 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:47.700 you have 00:26:47.700 --> 00:26:48.880 entered your 00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:49.279 rest. 00:26:49.380 --> 00:26:49.860 You know a 00:26:49.860 --> 00:26:50.340 measure of 00:26:50.340 --> 00:26:51.200 contentment and 00:26:51.200 --> 00:26:52.460 satisfaction and 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.240 joy, but there 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:54.319 remains a 00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:55.559 rest that you 00:26:55.559 --> 00:26:56.180 don't want to 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:56.460 miss. 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.799 You don't want 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:58.299 to miss. 00:26:59.900 --> 00:27:00.779 So we must 00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:01.700 strive on. 00:27:02.580 --> 00:27:03.380 Allow God's 00:27:03.380 --> 00:27:03.759 living and 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.480 active Word to 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:05.080 search us, to 00:27:05.080 --> 00:27:05.840 search us together 00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:06.620 each Lord's Day 00:27:06.620 --> 00:27:07.220 and to cultivate 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:07.740 a heart of 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.100 faith that 00:27:08.100 --> 00:27:08.640 listens and 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:10.039 obeys Him all 00:27:10.039 --> 00:27:10.580 the way to 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:11.460 glory, all the 00:27:11.460 --> 00:27:11.819 way to 00:27:11.819 --> 00:27:12.559 contentment in 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.019 its fullest 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.779 sense, to 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:14.519 joy in its 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:15.180 fullest sense, to 00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:16.960 the rest of 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:17.580 the power and 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:18.079 presence of 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:18.379 God. 00:27:22.419 --> 00:27:23.159 Let me say 00:27:23.159 --> 00:27:23.799 in closing a 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:25.799 word to 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:26.279 those among 00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:26.839 us who are a 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.199 bit more 00:27:27.199 --> 00:27:27.559 sensitive. 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:28.399 Now these 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:29.199 warnings exist 00:27:29.199 --> 00:27:29.659 here because 00:27:29.659 --> 00:27:30.379 our hearts are 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:30.859 prone to 00:27:30.859 --> 00:27:32.759 wander, but I 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.299 know that some 00:27:33.299 --> 00:27:33.659 of you are 00:27:33.659 --> 00:27:34.179 prone to 00:27:34.179 --> 00:27:34.500 doubt. 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:37.139 And you 00:27:37.139 --> 00:27:39.000 worry, chapter 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.699 3, verse 00:27:39.699 --> 00:27:42.079 12, that you 00:27:42.079 --> 00:27:42.599 have an evil, 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:43.599 unbelieving heart 00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:44.019 that's going to 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:44.439 lead you to 00:27:44.439 --> 00:27:45.099 fall away from 00:27:45.099 --> 00:27:45.779 the living God. 00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:46.460 You worry that 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:47.019 you're not really 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.519 a Christian. 00:27:48.379 --> 00:27:49.939 You stumble, you 00:27:49.939 --> 00:27:50.619 get up again, you 00:27:50.619 --> 00:27:51.159 think, right, I'm 00:27:51.159 --> 00:27:51.519 going to keep 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:52.139 going towards 00:27:52.139 --> 00:27:52.659 glory and 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:53.139 towards this 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:53.679 rest, and you 00:27:53.679 --> 00:27:54.559 stumble again and 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:55.119 you think, maybe 00:27:55.119 --> 00:27:55.559 I'm not a 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:55.839 Christian. 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:58.579 Saving faith, faith 00:27:58.579 --> 00:27:59.179 that will get you 00:27:59.179 --> 00:28:00.919 to glory, looks to 00:28:00.919 --> 00:28:01.899 Christ and His 00:28:01.899 --> 00:28:02.299 promises. 00:28:03.659 --> 00:28:04.559 It looks to 00:28:04.559 --> 00:28:05.319 Christ and His 00:28:05.319 --> 00:28:05.699 promises. 00:28:05.699 --> 00:28:06.960 It doesn't focus on 00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:08.019 the presence or the 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:09.460 absence of faith 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:11.159 itself. 00:28:11.160 --> 00:28:13.180 So the idea, me 00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:14.940 believing is not the 00:28:14.940 --> 00:28:16.500 object of faith, Christ 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:16.840 is. 00:28:18.560 --> 00:28:19.980 So yes, if you 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:20.640 think about it like 00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:21.279 this, out of your 00:28:21.279 --> 00:28:22.759 peripheral vision, by 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:23.660 all means ask the 00:28:23.660 --> 00:28:25.200 question, do I trust 00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:25.620 Christ? 00:28:26.160 --> 00:28:27.320 Am I aware of my 00:28:27.320 --> 00:28:28.019 sin in the way I 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:28.380 should be? 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:29.640 Do I believe that 00:28:29.640 --> 00:28:30.540 Christ died for my 00:28:30.540 --> 00:28:31.420 sins and rose again 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:32.180 for my justification? 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:33.640 Do I repent of sin 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.560 when I know that I'm 00:28:34.560 --> 00:28:35.180 aware of it? 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:36.840 Look at those 00:28:36.840 --> 00:28:37.880 questions out of your 00:28:37.880 --> 00:28:38.580 peripheral vision. 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:39.500 But as you look 00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:40.539 straight on and look, 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:41.460 you must look to 00:28:41.460 --> 00:28:42.600 Christ and trust Him. 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:43.900 He is the object of 00:28:43.900 --> 00:28:44.420 your faith. 00:28:46.380 --> 00:28:47.600 Remember what the 00:28:47.600 --> 00:28:48.340 children were told a 00:28:48.340 --> 00:28:48.820 few minutes ago. 00:28:48.900 --> 00:28:49.820 What has He done 00:28:49.820 --> 00:28:51.660 that is left for you 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:52.060 to do? 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:52.600 Zero. 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:55.480 He took it all. 00:28:57.120 --> 00:28:58.680 Look to Christ and 00:28:58.680 --> 00:29:00.200 keep trusting Him and 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:01.320 don't overthink it. 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:04.519 Martin Luther, the 00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:05.140 great reformer, 00:29:05.180 --> 00:29:05.799 said this, do you 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:06.580 doubt whether you're 00:29:06.580 --> 00:29:07.620 elected to salvation? 00:29:09.060 --> 00:29:10.019 Then say your prayers, 00:29:10.140 --> 00:29:11.539 man, and you may 00:29:11.539 --> 00:29:12.480 conclude that you are. 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:14.259 It is as easy as that. 00:29:15.340 --> 00:29:16.100 Let's pray together.