WEBVTT 00:00:00.200 --> 00:00:06.419 As we come to God's Word this morning, for those of you who are visiting or new, we are 00:00:06.419 --> 00:00:10.439 continuing on in our series through 2 Timothy, Paul's second letter to Timothy. 00:00:10.599 --> 00:00:12.759 So if you have your Bible, you can open it up. 00:00:13.099 --> 00:00:15.060 And we are now in chapter 4. 00:00:21.199 --> 00:00:28.100 Last Sunday, we heard Paul's final charge to Timothy to preach the Word. 00:00:28.100 --> 00:00:37.439 To correct, to rebuke, to encourage, and to discharge all the duties of his ministry. 00:00:38.719 --> 00:00:45.180 We heard the encouragement to Timothy, not to be discouraged when people don't seem to be listening, 00:00:45.920 --> 00:00:48.260 but to press on and to keep going. 00:00:48.259 --> 00:00:58.560 And with that charge given, Paul now comes to reflect a little bit on his own situation here in verse 6. 00:00:59.320 --> 00:01:02.619 Let me read these verses for us this morning. 00:01:02.619 --> 00:01:04.679 He says, 00:01:04.679 --> 00:01:12.500 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 00:01:13.219 --> 00:01:15.420 I have fought the good fight. 00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:17.859 I have finished the race. 00:01:18.560 --> 00:01:20.640 I have kept the faith. 00:01:20.640 --> 00:01:31.760 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day. 00:01:32.579 --> 00:01:38.840 And not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:42.799 These are our verses for this morning. 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:45.900 Just three verses, but there's a lot in them. 00:01:45.980 --> 00:01:48.019 And so we're just going to focus on them today. 00:01:48.019 --> 00:01:53.659 The first thing we notice is Paul's emphasis. 00:01:54.539 --> 00:01:58.259 He has just given this final charge to you, Timothy. 00:01:58.679 --> 00:01:59.939 You preach the word. 00:02:01.219 --> 00:02:04.280 You discharge all the duties of your ministry. 00:02:05.039 --> 00:02:06.579 Correct, rebuke, encourage. 00:02:08.099 --> 00:02:09.300 And now we see this shift. 00:02:09.579 --> 00:02:15.180 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 00:02:15.180 --> 00:02:25.460 And so we can hear in these words, this has the feeling of passing of the torch from Paul on to Timothy. 00:02:25.760 --> 00:02:27.080 Passing the baton to him. 00:02:28.540 --> 00:02:35.180 The next thing that we notice here in Paul's words is this phrase. 00:02:35.180 --> 00:02:39.040 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering. 00:02:40.360 --> 00:02:43.340 What does Paul mean by that? 00:02:43.340 --> 00:02:48.219 This metaphor is difficult for us to relate to today. 00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:56.219 In our modern culture, we do not have the offering of sacrifices on altars anymore. 00:02:57.280 --> 00:02:58.939 At least not in North America. 00:02:59.900 --> 00:03:07.159 But this metaphor would have been very meaningful and familiar to Timothy and to the churches of his day. 00:03:07.159 --> 00:03:19.859 A drink offering or libation is the ritual or ceremonial pouring out of liquid as an act of worship to a deity. 00:03:20.699 --> 00:03:25.840 This was actually practiced all over the ancient world and in many different religions. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:34.259 Liquids that were offered included wine, olive oil, water, milk, and even honey. 00:03:34.259 --> 00:03:38.359 And in the Greek culture of Timothy's day, this was very common. 00:03:39.399 --> 00:03:46.280 Basically, anytime someone drank wine, it was customary to first pour some of it into a shallow bowl 00:03:46.280 --> 00:03:49.539 that was specially designed for this purpose. 00:03:49.819 --> 00:03:55.419 And then they would routinely pour out these bowls on the ground to honor the gods 00:03:55.419 --> 00:03:58.280 while offering a prayer to one of the many deities. 00:03:58.280 --> 00:04:03.879 So this metaphor would have been well understood by the Greek Christians of Timothy's day. 00:04:04.620 --> 00:04:10.800 But drink offerings or libations were also part of the worship of the Israelites long before this. 00:04:11.620 --> 00:04:16.019 Back in the book of Genesis, we read about how Jacob set up a stone pillar 00:04:16.019 --> 00:04:21.160 at the place where God met with him and poured out a drink offering on it. 00:04:22.220 --> 00:04:26.220 This was also something that God commanded the Israelites to do in the days of Moses. 00:04:26.220 --> 00:04:32.240 He commanded them to offer daily sacrifices to him at the tabernacle. 00:04:33.140 --> 00:04:39.200 And these sacrifices included two lambs, one in the morning and one at twilight each day. 00:04:40.340 --> 00:04:43.260 And along with those lambs, they were to make a grain offering 00:04:43.260 --> 00:04:49.220 and pour out a libation, a drink offering of wine before the Lord. 00:04:49.220 --> 00:04:54.060 And so Paul, being a Jew and a worshiper of the one true God, 00:04:54.400 --> 00:05:00.280 no doubt had this Old Testament context in his mind as he writes this. 00:05:00.560 --> 00:05:03.160 So with that understanding, let's translate this metaphor. 00:05:03.340 --> 00:05:04.480 What is Paul saying here? 00:05:05.960 --> 00:05:09.060 First of all, drink offerings are about worship. 00:05:10.140 --> 00:05:13.000 They were used to worship, to honor God. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:24.759 For the Christians in the churches where Timothy is serving, 00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:31.819 they might have at one time offered libations to the Greek gods like Zeus and Hermes 00:05:31.819 --> 00:05:35.360 or the Roman god Liber. 00:05:36.360 --> 00:05:38.939 But now they have come to believe in the Lord, 00:05:39.500 --> 00:05:43.719 in the Father, in the Son, and in the Holy Spirit. 00:05:44.639 --> 00:05:49.659 And so this metaphor of Paul has to do with worshiping the Lord. 00:05:49.839 --> 00:05:51.480 It has to do with worshiping Jesus. 00:05:52.379 --> 00:05:56.579 And notice what Paul says is being offered in worship to the Lord. 00:05:56.579 --> 00:06:01.120 What is being poured out as the libation to honor the Lord? 00:06:03.879 --> 00:06:05.639 Paul says, I am. 00:06:07.120 --> 00:06:08.659 I am being poured out. 00:06:09.639 --> 00:06:15.120 Like I'm in the bowl that is being poured out on the ground 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:18.919 or is about to be poured out on the ground as an offering to the Lord. 00:06:18.920 --> 00:06:27.640 In other words, my life is the offering being given to God for his honor. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:30.960 So not only is this about worship, 00:06:31.160 --> 00:06:36.000 but this is probably also a metaphor pointing to Paul's imminent death. 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:41.740 When you poured out the wine in the bowl as a libation to God, that was it. 00:06:42.280 --> 00:06:44.500 That wine that you had brought was now gone. 00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:46.100 It was offered up. 00:06:46.180 --> 00:06:48.160 It was poured out as part of the sacrifice. 00:06:48.160 --> 00:06:53.280 And it's probably also intended by Paul as a bit of a word picture, 00:06:53.439 --> 00:06:56.460 a vivid picture of what's about to happen to him. 00:06:57.740 --> 00:07:01.500 Wine is what was poured out before the Lord in the daily sacrifices. 00:07:02.340 --> 00:07:04.240 The blood of the grape. 00:07:05.300 --> 00:07:10.240 And now Paul seems to be using this metaphorically to refer to his death 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:17.420 and how his blood will soon be poured out as an offering of worship to God. 00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:23.920 And we can kind of see this pointing to his death because of what Paul says next. 00:07:24.020 --> 00:07:24.300 He says, 00:07:24.400 --> 00:07:29.880 I'm already being poured out like a drink offering and the time of my departure is near. 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:42.019 Paul is basically saying, 00:07:42.159 --> 00:07:42.879 I'm at the end. 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:45.800 My death is going to happen soon. 00:07:45.800 --> 00:07:51.020 These are the words of a man who sees that this is it. 00:07:52.759 --> 00:07:53.780 He's at the end. 00:07:55.240 --> 00:08:00.580 And so I think we're right to understand this metaphor about the drink offering is pointing to Paul's death. 00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:04.040 I'm already being poured out like a drink offering. 00:08:04.040 --> 00:08:06.020 This is Paul saying metaphorically, 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:07.220 I'm about to die. 00:08:07.740 --> 00:08:08.520 My life, 00:08:09.160 --> 00:08:14.040 my blood is about to be poured into the ground as an offering of worship to my Lord. 00:08:16.140 --> 00:08:19.360 And there is some wondering about the time here. 00:08:19.660 --> 00:08:20.879 We see the word already. 00:08:21.800 --> 00:08:24.040 And the time for my departure is near. 00:08:24.040 --> 00:08:27.480 How much longer does Paul have? 00:08:28.840 --> 00:08:29.180 Well, 00:08:29.220 --> 00:08:31.640 if we glance down the page just a little bit to verse nine, 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:33.460 Paul says to Timothy there, 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:35.659 do your best to come to me quickly. 00:08:36.820 --> 00:08:43.240 As in travel from where you are in Ephesus to where I am in Rome, 00:08:43.340 --> 00:08:44.879 which would have taken a little while. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:51.759 So this probably doesn't mean that he's dying as he writes this or that tomorrow is going to be his last day, 00:08:51.860 --> 00:08:54.039 but that Paul knows that the end is very near. 00:08:54.860 --> 00:08:58.120 Things are coming to a head and it's not going to be much longer now. 00:08:58.240 --> 00:09:02.000 God is about to receive my life as an offering of worship. 00:09:03.519 --> 00:09:11.659 And it's at this point that we hear Paul reflect back over how his life is going, has gone. 00:09:11.659 --> 00:09:18.899 We hear Paul share his thoughts with us as he considers that his time is up. 00:09:20.259 --> 00:09:25.120 These words have often been referred to as the last will and testament of Paul. 00:09:25.620 --> 00:09:27.219 The last words of Paul. 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:33.339 And so what does Paul have to say as he glances back over the life that he has lived 00:09:33.339 --> 00:09:37.539 from the day that he first came to believe in Jesus until now? 00:09:37.539 --> 00:09:39.860 He says, 00:09:40.459 --> 00:09:42.399 I have fought the good fight. 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:45.939 I have finished the race. 00:09:46.839 --> 00:09:49.240 I have kept the faith. 00:09:50.899 --> 00:09:54.459 Three brief yet powerful statements. 00:09:55.639 --> 00:09:56.799 Let's consider each of them. 00:09:58.360 --> 00:09:59.399 First, he says, 00:09:59.480 --> 00:10:01.399 I have fought the good fight. 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:05.799 Do you remember what Paul wrote in his first letter to Timothy? 00:10:05.919 --> 00:10:09.139 Those of you who are with us when we made our way through that letter. 00:10:09.740 --> 00:10:12.919 Back in his first letter to Timothy, sometime before this, 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:17.500 he was warning Timothy about the temptation and trap of greed. 00:10:18.819 --> 00:10:20.980 And he said this to Timothy back there. 00:10:21.079 --> 00:10:21.419 He said, 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:38.519 But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 00:10:39.199 --> 00:10:42.000 Fight the good fight of the faith. 00:10:43.139 --> 00:10:49.500 And we talked about those words last December and how living the Christian life is about pursuing righteousness. 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:55.679 It's about pursuing godliness, a deeper devotion to God. 00:10:56.080 --> 00:11:02.799 It's about pursuing a deeper faith in Jesus and a greater love for people. 00:11:03.539 --> 00:11:06.740 It's about enduring hardship and trouble when it comes. 00:11:07.820 --> 00:11:13.460 And it's about striving to live a life of gentleness and self-control. 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:18.600 And Paul sort of summed up all of this with this charge to Timothy back then. 00:11:19.400 --> 00:11:23.060 This charge to fight the good fight of the faith. 00:11:24.180 --> 00:11:27.759 This is the metaphor Paul uses to describe the Christian life. 00:11:28.680 --> 00:11:29.759 It's a fight. 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:32.139 It's a battle. 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:35.240 But it's the good fight. 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:35.840 It's the fight. 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:36.240 It's the fight. 00:11:36.240 --> 00:11:37.240 It's the fight. 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:39.320 It's the fight for what's right. 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:40.980 And noble. 00:11:41.680 --> 00:11:42.279 And true. 00:11:43.180 --> 00:11:46.639 It's the fight to be and to do these things. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:48.740 To live righteously. 00:11:50.180 --> 00:11:51.340 Devoted to God. 00:11:52.200 --> 00:11:53.440 Full of faith in Him. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:54.399 Full of love. 00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:56.960 Pressing on even when it's hard. 00:11:57.180 --> 00:12:00.000 And living with gentleness and self-control. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:01.320 That's a struggle. 00:12:01.320 --> 00:12:04.220 It's a battle. 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:05.280 It's not easy. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:07.980 But it's worth fighting for. 00:12:08.300 --> 00:12:09.300 It's the good fight. 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:13.060 And so now here in Paul's second letter to Timothy. 00:12:13.440 --> 00:12:15.780 As Paul is looking back over his life. 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:17.500 Since he became a follower of Jesus. 00:12:17.640 --> 00:12:19.260 He says this to Timothy. 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:22.480 He says, I have fought the good fight. 00:12:26.700 --> 00:12:28.520 These words speak to my heart. 00:12:28.519 --> 00:12:31.319 This is what I want to be able to say. 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:34.019 When I come to the end of my life. 00:12:34.559 --> 00:12:35.879 And look back over it. 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:37.500 I want to be able to say with Paul. 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:40.480 I have fought the good fight. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:44.960 Living for Jesus day after day. 00:12:45.319 --> 00:12:46.720 And week after week. 00:12:46.819 --> 00:12:48.639 Is a noble war. 00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:52.720 It's not a lazy boy recliner. 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:56.600 It's not a tempur-pedic mattress. 00:12:58.460 --> 00:12:59.879 Paul is saying to us here. 00:12:59.980 --> 00:13:01.360 It hasn't felt easy. 00:13:01.700 --> 00:13:03.120 All along the way. 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:04.519 It's been a fight. 00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:06.420 For me to follow Christ. 00:13:07.320 --> 00:13:08.980 But I have fought this fight. 00:13:09.560 --> 00:13:10.180 From then. 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:11.620 Until now. 00:13:13.960 --> 00:13:16.420 Look at the second statement that Paul makes here. 00:13:16.680 --> 00:13:18.500 He says, I have finished the race. 00:13:20.220 --> 00:13:21.620 Another powerful picture. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:24.899 The Christian life is not a life of relaxation. 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:28.240 Things do not become easy. 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:30.820 Just because we come to believe in Jesus. 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:32.519 And are saved by him. 00:13:33.539 --> 00:13:36.080 Living for Jesus is like running a race. 00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:38.700 It's got its moments. 00:13:39.460 --> 00:13:40.220 Of strain. 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:41.500 And struggle. 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:43.179 And fatigue. 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:46.919 It's not a life of chillaxing. 00:13:47.220 --> 00:13:48.799 On the Jesus Express. 00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:49.799 It's a race. 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:50.419 It's a race. 00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:51.459 To be run. 00:13:52.579 --> 00:13:55.000 And since this race starts. 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.179 When we become a Christian. 00:13:56.419 --> 00:13:58.539 And doesn't end until the day. 00:13:58.539 --> 00:13:59.539 That we die. 00:13:59.919 --> 00:14:01.779 Or until the day Jesus returns. 00:14:02.019 --> 00:14:03.319 We're probably wise. 00:14:03.539 --> 00:14:05.019 To think of it as a marathon. 00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:07.979 Rather than a 60 meter dash. 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:11.719 Has anyone here ever run a marathon? 00:14:14.679 --> 00:14:15.259 Down? 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:18.059 Good for you. 00:14:20.059 --> 00:14:21.059 I haven't. 00:14:22.319 --> 00:14:24.100 But I've got a friend in Kelowna. 00:14:24.200 --> 00:14:25.879 Who just started running last November. 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:27.980 And I've been talking to him about this. 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:31.740 And he's already now completed a few different lengths of races. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:32.620 6k. 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:34.559 And then a 10k race. 00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:37.019 And now a 13 kilometer race. 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:40.699 And when you start getting to those lengths of races. 00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:43.720 If you're an average guy like me. 00:14:44.819 --> 00:14:48.139 You're not too worried about beating everybody else. 00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:50.279 Or getting first place. 00:14:51.279 --> 00:14:52.539 It's an accomplishment. 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:54.100 It's something to celebrate. 00:14:54.319 --> 00:14:57.079 Just to get across the finish line. 00:14:58.399 --> 00:15:00.100 Just to run that distance. 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:01.639 And make it across at all. 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:04.899 And that's why we cheer and clap for people. 00:15:05.139 --> 00:15:06.819 Who come and last at a marathon. 00:15:06.819 --> 00:15:09.340 Because they're still accomplishing something amazing. 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:12.559 Something really challenging for everybody. 00:15:14.059 --> 00:15:17.399 That's what I think of as I read Paul's statement here. 00:15:17.720 --> 00:15:19.720 Notice he doesn't say I have won the race. 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:23.660 But I have finished the race. 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:26.300 This is not a competition. 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:29.100 It's about staying in it. 00:15:30.360 --> 00:15:31.820 And following Jesus. 00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:33.560 Right to the end. 00:15:35.160 --> 00:15:36.480 That's what matters most. 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:38.180 Not how fast our time was. 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:40.519 Or whether we followed Jesus better than others. 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:43.580 But that we followed him all the way to the end. 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:46.139 That we didn't give up. 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:50.039 That's what I think of as I read these words of Paul. 00:15:50.039 --> 00:15:52.039 I have fought the good fight. 00:15:52.559 --> 00:15:54.340 Not that he fought it perfectly. 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:59.960 Not that he overwhelmingly crushed it at every moment of every day. 00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:02.319 But that he didn't stop fighting. 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:03.860 Even when it was hard. 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:07.379 Even after moments of falling or failing. 00:16:07.559 --> 00:16:08.980 Even in moments of weakness. 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:10.620 Sickness. 00:16:11.620 --> 00:16:11.980 Pain. 00:16:12.799 --> 00:16:13.559 Or temptation. 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:16.639 I have finished the race. 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:18.819 Not that he won the race. 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:20.779 And ran it better and faster than everyone else. 00:16:20.859 --> 00:16:23.219 But that he finished the course laid out for him. 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:25.719 Rather than giving up. 00:16:25.939 --> 00:16:28.000 When it felt like he was desperate and weak. 00:16:28.139 --> 00:16:29.819 And couldn't take another step. 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:32.399 In other words. 00:16:32.459 --> 00:16:34.139 I don't think Paul is boasting here. 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:37.239 Saying I've been utterly victorious. 00:16:37.539 --> 00:16:38.459 I have conquered. 00:16:39.079 --> 00:16:40.339 Because I am awesome. 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:40.740 No. 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:43.040 I think he's simply saying. 00:16:43.340 --> 00:16:44.440 I have persevered. 00:16:44.660 --> 00:16:45.680 To the end. 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.600 Up till now. 00:16:48.720 --> 00:16:50.160 I haven't given up. 00:16:51.740 --> 00:16:52.759 I've kept. 00:16:53.220 --> 00:16:53.840 The faith. 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:57.160 That in itself. 00:16:57.300 --> 00:16:58.080 Is an accomplishment. 00:16:58.080 --> 00:16:59.200 Worth celebrating. 00:17:00.200 --> 00:17:01.680 When you consider the things. 00:17:01.780 --> 00:17:02.800 That the apostle Paul. 00:17:03.680 --> 00:17:04.160 Endured. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:06.360 From the day that he first believed. 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:07.019 Until now. 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:09.819 Let's remember some of those things. 00:17:09.900 --> 00:17:11.879 Which he lists off to the Corinthians. 00:17:12.139 --> 00:17:13.480 In his letter to the Corinthians. 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:16.500 From 2 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:17.859 He says. 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:19.900 Five times I received from the Jews. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:21.639 The 40 lashes minus one. 00:17:22.819 --> 00:17:24.960 Three times I was beaten with rods. 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:27.859 Once I was pelted with stones. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:30.619 Three times I was shipwrecked. 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:32.139 I spent a night. 00:17:32.139 --> 00:17:34.200 And a day in the open sea. 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:37.080 I have been constantly on the move. 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:39.440 I've been in danger from rivers. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:41.660 In danger from bandits. 00:17:42.160 --> 00:17:44.140 In danger from my fellow Jews. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:46.460 In danger from Gentiles. 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:48.380 In danger in the city. 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:50.319 In danger in the country. 00:17:50.860 --> 00:17:52.019 In danger at sea. 00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:54.180 And in danger from false believers. 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:56.580 I have labored and toiled. 00:17:56.700 --> 00:17:58.299 And have often gone without sleep. 00:17:58.299 --> 00:18:01.099 I have known hunger. 00:18:01.399 --> 00:18:02.299 And thirst. 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:05.039 And have often gone without food. 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:07.019 I have been cold. 00:18:07.339 --> 00:18:08.019 And naked. 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:10.200 Besides everything else. 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:12.399 I face daily the pressure of my concern. 00:18:12.399 --> 00:18:13.299 For all the churches. 00:18:14.319 --> 00:18:15.259 Who is weak. 00:18:15.319 --> 00:18:16.700 And I do not feel weak. 00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:18.339 Who is led into sin. 00:18:18.399 --> 00:18:19.960 And I do not inwardly burn. 00:18:21.139 --> 00:18:22.419 If I must boast. 00:18:22.639 --> 00:18:23.980 I will boast of the things. 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:26.279 That show my weakness. 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:29.619 So when Paul simply states. 00:18:29.899 --> 00:18:31.119 I have kept the faith. 00:18:31.639 --> 00:18:33.660 We know it's not a triumphant boast. 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:34.680 As in look at me. 00:18:35.200 --> 00:18:35.960 I'm awesome. 00:18:36.399 --> 00:18:36.700 No. 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:38.420 It's a grateful sigh. 00:18:39.379 --> 00:18:41.779 That through all these things. 00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:42.619 That he endured. 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:44.759 By the grace of God. 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.639 I kept the faith. 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:49.259 I did not renounce. 00:18:49.619 --> 00:18:50.660 Jesus my Lord. 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.839 I did not turn away. 00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:53.019 From Christ. 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:56.740 Even when everything inside me. 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:57.500 Was screaming. 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:00.240 Like Job's wife. 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.660 Just curse God. 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:02.379 And die. 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:04.740 Even when everyone. 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:06.139 Had abandoned him. 00:19:07.139 --> 00:19:08.680 And the doubts began to rise. 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:09.759 Is following Jesus. 00:19:09.900 --> 00:19:11.559 Really worth all this? 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:13.440 Paul is saying. 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.579 I didn't throw in the towel. 00:19:14.579 --> 00:19:15.200 With Jesus. 00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:17.200 I have kept. 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:17.960 The faith. 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:21.960 I wonder how these words. 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:22.799 Hit you this morning. 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.600 Are they encouraging? 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:29.340 Could it be that. 00:19:29.539 --> 00:19:31.220 Some of you are feeling the strain. 00:19:33.299 --> 00:19:34.319 And the struggle. 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:37.579 Weakness. 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:39.680 Sorrow. 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:42.720 Pain. 00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:46.519 Temptation. 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.380 Don't give up. 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:54.759 Don't stop. 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:55.759 Fighting. 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:57.019 The good fight. 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.660 Keep running the race. 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:04.779 That Jesus has laid out before us. 00:20:06.259 --> 00:20:07.220 Don't surrender. 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:08.140 Yourself. 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:09.799 To the desires of the flesh. 00:20:10.600 --> 00:20:12.420 Or to the desires of the devil. 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:13.440 And go off. 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.580 And live as you please. 00:20:14.680 --> 00:20:14.840 No. 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:16.539 Hold on to that faith. 00:20:19.820 --> 00:20:20.340 Because. 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:21.740 There is. 00:20:21.860 --> 00:20:22.420 A good. 00:20:23.019 --> 00:20:23.460 End. 00:20:23.840 --> 00:20:24.500 To this fight. 00:20:26.820 --> 00:20:28.000 To this race. 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:30.860 For all who belong. 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:31.480 To Jesus. 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:34.660 After reflecting briefly. 00:20:35.060 --> 00:20:35.700 On how. 00:20:36.180 --> 00:20:36.779 He has lived. 00:20:36.940 --> 00:20:38.080 Paul now tells us. 00:20:38.380 --> 00:20:40.680 About what he is looking forward to. 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:42.560 In the days ahead. 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:45.519 It's as if Paul is standing. 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.539 On the edge. 00:20:46.940 --> 00:20:47.740 Of life. 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.779 And death. 00:20:50.779 --> 00:20:51.299 Finally. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:53.120 Made it to the finish line. 00:20:53.940 --> 00:20:55.500 And this is what he sees. 00:20:56.060 --> 00:20:57.740 This is what he anticipates. 00:20:58.320 --> 00:21:00.519 Now there is in store for me. 00:21:01.060 --> 00:21:02.000 The crown. 00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:03.259 Of righteousness. 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:05.380 Which the Lord. 00:21:05.380 --> 00:21:07.440 The righteous judge. 00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:07.480 The righteous judge. 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:09.560 Will award to me. 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.840 On that day. 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:13.200 And not only to me. 00:21:13.800 --> 00:21:15.280 But also to all. 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.380 Who have longed. 00:21:16.780 --> 00:21:17.860 For his appearing. 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:20.740 Is death the end. 00:21:21.280 --> 00:21:21.900 For a Christian. 00:21:22.780 --> 00:21:23.760 Not at all. 00:21:24.760 --> 00:21:26.060 At the end of. 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:27.160 Life's race. 00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:29.160 When we run for Jesus. 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:31.380 There is the crown. 00:21:31.380 --> 00:21:32.440 Of righteousness. 00:21:33.100 --> 00:21:34.420 Which he gives us. 00:21:34.800 --> 00:21:35.500 At the end. 00:21:37.779 --> 00:21:38.840 Let's notice here. 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:40.000 That Paul is continuing. 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.620 The metaphor. 00:21:40.620 --> 00:21:41.360 A little bit. 00:21:42.080 --> 00:21:43.480 The word for crown here. 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:45.120 Is the Greek word. 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:46.240 That was used to describe. 00:21:46.320 --> 00:21:47.519 A wreath made of foliage. 00:21:48.100 --> 00:21:48.759 That they would. 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:49.980 Often give. 00:21:50.240 --> 00:21:50.519 To. 00:21:51.640 --> 00:21:52.840 People who competed. 00:21:52.840 --> 00:21:53.600 In the games. 00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:54.380 As an award. 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:57.779 And so Paul is continuing. 00:21:57.779 --> 00:21:58.319 The metaphor. 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.220 A little bit here. 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:00.940 I've run the race. 00:22:01.139 --> 00:22:01.819 He says. 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:03.019 And at the end. 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.759 Of life's race. 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:04.799 There is a prize. 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:06.639 There is a reward. 00:22:06.819 --> 00:22:08.220 God gives the crown. 00:22:08.879 --> 00:22:09.980 The victor's crown. 00:22:10.099 --> 00:22:10.859 Of righteousness. 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:12.680 To those who fight. 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:13.519 This good fight. 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:14.180 Till the end. 00:22:15.379 --> 00:22:16.619 And finish this race. 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:17.819 And to those who keep. 00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:18.299 The faith. 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.200 What is. 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.420 This crown. 00:22:23.139 --> 00:22:23.960 Of righteousness. 00:22:26.660 --> 00:22:27.139 Most. 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:28.200 Good Bible scholars. 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:29.120 And interpreters. 00:22:29.120 --> 00:22:29.940 Humbly admit. 00:22:29.940 --> 00:22:31.180 That it's difficult. 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:32.160 To pin down. 00:22:32.280 --> 00:22:32.900 Precisely. 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:33.780 What Paul means. 00:22:33.780 --> 00:22:34.340 By this. 00:22:35.340 --> 00:22:36.380 He just kind of. 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:37.600 Sort of throws it out there. 00:22:37.700 --> 00:22:38.200 He doesn't. 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:39.140 Explain. 00:22:39.820 --> 00:22:40.620 What it is. 00:22:40.860 --> 00:22:42.080 Or unpack it here. 00:22:42.580 --> 00:22:42.860 And so. 00:22:43.020 --> 00:22:43.880 Good Bible scholars. 00:22:44.080 --> 00:22:44.560 Interpreters. 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:46.140 Kind of make their best guess here. 00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:48.000 Based on similar uses. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:48.900 Of crown. 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.220 As a metaphor. 00:22:51.220 --> 00:22:52.100 In the New Testament. 00:22:52.840 --> 00:22:54.320 And based on what the Bible. 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:55.740 Teaches about righteousness. 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:57.460 In other places. 00:22:58.339 --> 00:23:00.039 Here are some of the possibilities. 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:05.759 One idea is that the crown of righteousness. 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:07.500 Is a crown that it is. 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:09.519 Awarded for righteousness. 00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:12.099 That it is the prize of victory. 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:13.920 Awarded for a righteous life. 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:16.839 And the Bible speaks elsewhere. 00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:17.940 About how God's people. 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:18.960 Will be rewarded. 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.380 For the good works. 00:23:20.599 --> 00:23:21.359 That they have done. 00:23:21.799 --> 00:23:22.359 In faith. 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:25.839 A second idea. 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:27.479 Is that the crown of righteousness. 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.099 Means. 00:23:29.619 --> 00:23:29.799 That. 00:23:30.939 --> 00:23:31.500 Righteousness. 00:23:31.659 --> 00:23:32.619 Actually is. 00:23:32.859 --> 00:23:33.319 The crown. 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.579 The prize of victory. 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:35.419 That. 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:37.299 Is righteousness itself. 00:23:38.419 --> 00:23:39.259 And some of the other. 00:23:39.459 --> 00:23:41.019 Metaphorical uses of crown. 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:42.559 In the New Testament. 00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:43.819 May lead us to think. 00:23:43.879 --> 00:23:44.799 Along these lines. 00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:45.979 Elsewhere. 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:46.959 We hear about believers. 00:23:46.959 --> 00:23:48.319 Receiving the crown. 00:23:48.459 --> 00:23:49.279 Of life. 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:51.700 James chapter 1 verse 12. 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:53.039 Or the crown of glory. 00:23:53.639 --> 00:23:55.799 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 4. 00:23:56.059 --> 00:23:57.039 And in those cases. 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:57.740 We kind of know. 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:59.519 That life is what is received. 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:02.920 Glory is what is received. 00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:04.160 And so perhaps here. 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:05.160 That's what it means. 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:06.019 That righteousness. 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:07.599 Is what is received. 00:24:08.879 --> 00:24:10.339 Some see this righteousness. 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:12.359 As being what we call. 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:14.420 Our theologians call. 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:16.240 Imputed righteousness. 00:24:16.680 --> 00:24:18.539 The imputed righteousness of Christ. 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:18.619 Christ. 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:21.339 Meaning that a right standing with God. 00:24:21.460 --> 00:24:22.700 Is given to us. 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:24.059 Not by works. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.159 But by faith in Jesus. 00:24:27.379 --> 00:24:28.879 And then others quickly point out. 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:29.460 Based on. 00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:30.139 On the. 00:24:30.299 --> 00:24:31.240 The writings of Paul. 00:24:31.339 --> 00:24:31.799 Elsewhere. 00:24:31.920 --> 00:24:32.960 That all believers. 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:35.000 Have this righteousness already. 00:24:35.119 --> 00:24:36.759 We have a right standing with God. 00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:37.220 Already. 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:37.960 By faith. 00:24:38.379 --> 00:24:39.480 But that at the end. 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:39.980 Perhaps. 00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:41.200 This refers to us. 00:24:42.139 --> 00:24:43.980 Entering into the fullest experience. 00:24:44.619 --> 00:24:45.099 Of that. 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:47.859 As we come to stand before the judge. 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:49.700 And. 00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:51.500 Our verdict is not. 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:52.799 Guilty. 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:53.460 Or condemned. 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:56.579 Others see this righteousness. 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.839 A little bit differently. 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.559 As scholar. 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:03.579 George Knight. 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.139 Puts it. 00:25:04.879 --> 00:25:06.480 Rather than being the crown. 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:08.539 Which will bring final justification. 00:25:08.879 --> 00:25:10.359 It is much more likely. 00:25:10.359 --> 00:25:11.940 That it refers to that permanent. 00:25:11.940 --> 00:25:12.700 And perfect. 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.339 State. 00:25:13.339 --> 00:25:14.139 Of righteousness. 00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:16.000 Into which the Christian. 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:16.740 Is brought. 00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:18.279 By God. 00:25:20.759 --> 00:25:22.539 Referring to our being made. 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:24.119 Perfect. 00:25:25.399 --> 00:25:25.919 Incorruptible. 00:25:27.919 --> 00:25:29.319 Several scholars suggest. 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:30.899 That we not be too dogmatic. 00:25:30.899 --> 00:25:32.220 About which one it is. 00:25:32.459 --> 00:25:33.899 And that we leave room. 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:35.039 Even for the possibility. 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:36.059 That Paul intends. 00:25:36.179 --> 00:25:37.079 Some combination. 00:25:37.599 --> 00:25:38.639 Of these truths. 00:25:39.099 --> 00:25:40.259 By this phrase. 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:42.920 We don't want to minimize. 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:44.559 The idea of reward. 00:25:44.559 --> 00:25:45.980 For the race run here. 00:25:45.980 --> 00:25:46.660 Because it's. 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:47.500 Pretty clear. 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.359 That that's here. 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:50.039 Nor should we be too quick. 00:25:50.119 --> 00:25:50.500 To limit. 00:25:50.640 --> 00:25:51.980 What Paul has in his mind. 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:53.740 When he refers to us. 00:25:53.859 --> 00:25:55.220 Receiving righteousness. 00:25:55.799 --> 00:25:57.140 On that final day. 00:25:58.420 --> 00:25:59.359 But one thing. 00:25:59.440 --> 00:26:00.599 That seems really clear. 00:26:01.099 --> 00:26:02.839 Is who this crown of righteousness. 00:26:03.339 --> 00:26:03.980 Is for. 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:06.079 It is not. 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:07.039 Just for Paul. 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:10.240 It is not as though. 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:10.960 The Christian life. 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:11.759 Is a competition. 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.980 And only one person. 00:26:12.980 --> 00:26:14.099 In each generation. 00:26:14.099 --> 00:26:15.000 Or one person. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.899 In each church. 00:26:16.299 --> 00:26:16.819 Wins. 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:18.259 Comes in first place. 00:26:18.359 --> 00:26:19.519 And receives the prize. 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:21.079 Look at what Paul says. 00:26:21.159 --> 00:26:21.799 Here in verse 8. 00:26:21.879 --> 00:26:22.220 He says. 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:23.339 There is in store for me. 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:24.500 The crown of righteousness. 00:26:24.859 --> 00:26:25.839 Which the Lord. 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:27.119 The righteous judge. 00:26:27.139 --> 00:26:28.099 Will award to me. 00:26:28.159 --> 00:26:28.879 On that day. 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:31.119 And not only to me. 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.819 But also. 00:26:33.180 --> 00:26:33.839 To all. 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:35.399 Who have longed. 00:26:35.659 --> 00:26:36.519 For his appearing. 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:41.599 The crown of righteousness. 00:26:41.599 --> 00:26:42.779 Is for all. 00:26:43.139 --> 00:26:44.180 Who fight. 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:45.039 The good fight. 00:26:46.399 --> 00:26:47.460 It's for all. 00:26:47.639 --> 00:26:48.259 Who finish. 00:26:48.399 --> 00:26:48.940 The race. 00:26:49.799 --> 00:26:50.779 Marked out for us. 00:26:51.579 --> 00:26:52.379 It's for all. 00:26:52.539 --> 00:26:52.700 Who. 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.859 By perseverance. 00:26:54.579 --> 00:26:54.899 Keep. 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:55.680 The faith. 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:58.200 And there's one thing. 00:26:58.740 --> 00:26:59.200 That all. 00:26:59.339 --> 00:26:59.460 Who. 00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:00.859 Who do these things. 00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:01.680 Have in common. 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:03.119 We fight. 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.680 And we run. 00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:06.379 And we keep. 00:27:06.380 --> 00:27:06.980 Keep the faith. 00:27:08.520 --> 00:27:09.640 Because we long. 00:27:10.320 --> 00:27:11.140 For the appearing. 00:27:11.840 --> 00:27:12.580 Of Jesus. 00:27:14.900 --> 00:27:15.620 In fact. 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:16.880 A more literal translation. 00:27:17.080 --> 00:27:17.620 Of that word. 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:18.260 Longed. 00:27:18.680 --> 00:27:19.460 Is loved. 00:27:21.040 --> 00:27:22.000 To all. 00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:23.100 Who have loved. 00:27:23.580 --> 00:27:24.440 His appearing. 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:24.500 appearing. 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.460 The crown. 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:28.039 Of righteousness. 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:28.600 Is given. 00:27:28.600 --> 00:27:29.400 To all. 00:27:29.400 --> 00:27:31.019 Who have loved. 00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:32.340 Christ Jesus. 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.720 Appearing. 00:27:34.840 --> 00:27:35.779 This is. 00:27:36.140 --> 00:27:36.840 Perhaps. 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:37.759 A deeper way. 00:27:37.840 --> 00:27:38.220 Of saying. 00:27:38.360 --> 00:27:38.840 That the crown. 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:39.360 Is given. 00:27:39.880 --> 00:27:40.620 To all. 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:42.240 Who truly believe. 00:27:42.640 --> 00:27:43.759 In Christ Jesus. 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:43.879 Jesus. 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:46.539 How can you. 00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:47.180 Long for. 00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:48.019 How can you. 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:48.579 Love. 00:27:49.019 --> 00:27:49.460 The appearing. 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.039 Of Jesus. 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:50.680 The second. 00:27:50.819 --> 00:27:51.119 Coming. 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:51.720 Of Jesus. 00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.099 Unless. 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:54.359 You believe. 00:27:54.599 --> 00:27:55.079 In Jesus. 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:57.079 That he came. 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:58.779 That he. 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:00.200 Died for us. 00:28:00.420 --> 00:28:00.720 That he. 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:01.579 Rose again. 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:01.940 That he. 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:02.339 Ascended. 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:02.879 To heaven. 00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:04.579 And that yes. 00:28:05.359 --> 00:28:06.000 He is. 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:06.500 The coming. 00:28:06.619 --> 00:28:06.980 Christ. 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:09.019 He is. 00:28:09.420 --> 00:28:10.000 The coming. 00:28:10.119 --> 00:28:10.319 King. 00:28:10.359 --> 00:28:10.940 Of the kingdom. 00:28:11.059 --> 00:28:11.440 Of God. 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:11.839 That he. 00:28:11.900 --> 00:28:12.339 Proclaimed. 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:15.359 A true believer. 00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:16.339 Not only believes. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:16.859 All this. 00:28:16.859 --> 00:28:17.500 About Jesus. 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:18.459 But we believe it. 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.579 So sincerely. 00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.679 That we actually. 00:28:20.679 --> 00:28:21.259 Long. 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:22.019 For Jesus. 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:23.019 To return. 00:28:23.919 --> 00:28:25.039 We love. 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:25.899 The truth. 00:28:26.379 --> 00:28:26.980 That he. 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:27.480 Is coming. 00:28:27.579 --> 00:28:27.919 Back. 00:28:28.899 --> 00:28:30.199 Because we love him. 00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:33.919 And so. 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:34.579 I want to ask you. 00:28:34.699 --> 00:28:35.059 This morning. 00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:35.779 Do you long. 00:28:35.899 --> 00:28:36.599 For the return. 00:28:36.899 --> 00:28:37.519 Of Jesus. 00:28:40.119 --> 00:28:41.240 Do you love. 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:43.000 The sure reality. 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:45.120 That he is coming back. 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:49.200 If we belong to Jesus. 00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:50.319 This is no cause. 00:28:50.319 --> 00:28:50.940 For dread. 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:53.220 We can actually. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:53.759 Long. 00:28:53.759 --> 00:28:55.339 For the appearance. 00:28:55.339 --> 00:28:56.240 Of Jesus. 00:28:56.660 --> 00:28:58.400 The righteous judge. 00:28:59.519 --> 00:29:01.019 Because we have faith. 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:03.460 We have confidence. 00:29:03.940 --> 00:29:05.440 That when we stand before him. 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.160 Our verdict. 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:07.180 Will not be. 00:29:08.180 --> 00:29:08.700 Ultimately. 00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:09.660 Guilty. 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:11.500 Or condemned. 00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:14.460 We have confidence. 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:15.920 That he took the punishment. 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:17.580 That we deserve. 00:29:18.380 --> 00:29:19.340 For our sins. 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:21.940 When he offered himself. 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:22.799 As a sacrifice. 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:23.759 On the cross. 00:29:26.059 --> 00:29:27.240 We have confidence. 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:28.920 That he has made us. 00:29:29.140 --> 00:29:30.160 To be right. 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:31.360 With God. 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.019 By that. 00:29:32.620 --> 00:29:33.100 Gracious. 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:33.740 Gift. 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:38.940 Finally. 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:41.680 How should we live today. 00:29:42.299 --> 00:29:43.460 In light of these words. 00:29:44.579 --> 00:29:45.859 I think that Paul. 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:47.420 Has put himself forward here. 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:48.160 As an example. 00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:49.859 For us to follow. 00:29:52.700 --> 00:29:53.779 Do you see. 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:55.220 Your own. 00:29:55.579 --> 00:29:55.940 Life. 00:29:57.079 --> 00:29:58.559 As being poured out. 00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:01.359 In the service of God. 00:30:01.359 --> 00:30:04.159 In the worship. 00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:05.479 Of Jesus. 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:07.679 Do you see. 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.439 Your own life. 00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:09.479 As being an offering. 00:30:10.179 --> 00:30:10.819 To him. 00:30:13.839 --> 00:30:15.059 Paul said it this way. 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:16.379 To the church in Rome. 00:30:16.479 --> 00:30:16.740 He said. 00:30:16.799 --> 00:30:17.459 I urge you. 00:30:17.539 --> 00:30:18.459 Brothers and sisters. 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:21.019 By the mercy of God. 00:30:21.879 --> 00:30:22.379 Offer. 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.219 Your bodies. 00:30:23.559 --> 00:30:25.099 As a living sacrifice. 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:26.819 Holy. 00:30:27.159 --> 00:30:28.179 And pleasing to God. 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:29.719 This is your true. 00:30:29.839 --> 00:30:30.699 And proper worship. 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:34.420 Some have the privilege. 00:30:34.420 --> 00:30:35.500 Of dying. 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:36.819 For the Lord Jesus. 00:30:37.720 --> 00:30:38.960 But we all. 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:40.100 Have the privilege. 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:40.840 And calling. 00:30:41.120 --> 00:30:41.640 Of living. 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:43.360 For the Lord Jesus. 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:44.920 With every breath. 00:30:47.960 --> 00:30:48.620 Paul. 00:30:49.080 --> 00:30:49.580 Shows us. 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:50.759 In his own life. 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:52.240 How we should live. 00:30:54.580 --> 00:30:55.840 How we should live. 00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:56.519 For Christ. 00:30:56.840 --> 00:30:57.880 No matter what. 00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.000 Right. 00:30:59.180 --> 00:30:59.680 To the end. 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.420 Of our lives. 00:31:00.420 --> 00:31:02.360 He shows us. 00:31:02.360 --> 00:31:03.100 In his own life. 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:03.640 That yes. 00:31:03.840 --> 00:31:05.000 It will be a fight. 00:31:05.660 --> 00:31:07.060 But it is the good fight. 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:08.860 Keep fighting. 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.759 Don't give up. 00:31:12.100 --> 00:31:13.120 Run the marathon. 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:15.440 Keep your eyes. 00:31:15.980 --> 00:31:16.980 On the prize. 00:31:18.640 --> 00:31:19.980 Let the return of Jesus. 00:31:20.200 --> 00:31:20.440 Be. 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:21.779 What gets you. 00:31:22.300 --> 00:31:23.120 Out of bed. 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.180 In the morning. 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:25.920 And what motivates. 00:31:25.920 --> 00:31:26.259 That motivates. 00:31:26.259 --> 00:31:27.180 Your doings. 00:31:27.180 --> 00:31:28.320 Your efforts. 00:31:28.320 --> 00:31:29.360 Your conversations. 00:31:29.360 --> 00:31:30.300 Each day. 00:31:30.300 --> 00:31:32.060 Let the kingdom. 00:31:32.060 --> 00:31:32.800 Of Christ. 00:31:32.800 --> 00:31:33.660 Our king. 00:31:33.660 --> 00:31:34.440 Which is coming. 00:31:34.539 --> 00:31:35.600 Be what delights you. 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:38.980 And what drives you forward. 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:39.820 In obedience. 00:31:40.279 --> 00:31:42.180 To all that our king. 00:31:42.300 --> 00:31:43.200 Has commanded us. 00:31:43.200 --> 00:31:45.299 We see in these words. 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:47.100 Paul lived in light. 00:31:47.100 --> 00:31:48.279 Of the coming. 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:49.720 Of his Lord. 00:31:50.720 --> 00:31:52.440 And he is by these words. 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:54.380 Urging us to follow in his footsteps. 00:31:55.140 --> 00:31:56.480 Timothy and us. 00:31:56.720 --> 00:31:57.860 Follow in my footsteps. 00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:59.900 The crown of righteousness. 00:32:00.259 --> 00:32:01.279 The crown of life. 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:02.720 Awaits us. 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:05.819 Not just Paul. 00:32:06.400 --> 00:32:07.319 But us too. 00:32:08.100 --> 00:32:09.519 Who have longed. 00:32:09.900 --> 00:32:11.039 And love. 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:12.100 His appearing. 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:15.319 Let's pray. 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:23.240 Father I pray that you would encourage us this morning. 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:25.500 So deeply with these words. 00:32:27.579 --> 00:32:29.960 Give us perspective on our lives today. 00:32:29.960 --> 00:32:34.440 Give us perspective on the lives of those we love. 00:32:34.460 --> 00:32:36.819 As we gather around the dinner table. 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:39.319 Or celebrate with family. 00:32:43.160 --> 00:32:46.140 A life of faith in you. 00:32:46.539 --> 00:32:47.880 Is what matters most. 00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:54.340 Help us not to even consider trading that. 00:32:55.940 --> 00:32:58.079 For the empty and hollow promises. 00:32:58.740 --> 00:32:59.519 Of this world. 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:03.460 Strengthen us. 00:33:06.220 --> 00:33:08.120 Give us what we need to press on. 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:10.880 For your glory Jesus. 00:33:11.680 --> 00:33:11.900 Amen.