WEBVTT 00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:04.280 If you're looking in one of the Pew Bibles, it's found on page 1002. 00:00:05.259 --> 00:00:10.700 We are looking at Hebrews chapter 3, verses 7 through 19 this morning. 00:00:20.820 --> 00:00:24.019 Hebrews chapter 3, starting at verse 7. 00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:35.740 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. 00:00:36.539 --> 00:00:43.239 On the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for 40 years. 00:00:44.079 --> 00:00:48.679 Therefore, I was provoked with that generation and said they always go astray in their heart. 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:50.780 They have not known my ways. 00:00:50.780 --> 00:00:55.079 As I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter my rest. 00:00:56.219 --> 00:01:05.859 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 00:01:06.420 --> 00:01:15.920 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:23.260 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 00:01:23.920 --> 00:01:29.159 As it is said today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:32.700 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? 00:01:33.640 --> 00:01:36.099 Was it not all those who left Egypt, led by Moses? 00:01:36.099 --> 00:01:39.259 And with whom was he provoked for 40 years? 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:42.899 Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 00:01:43.839 --> 00:01:48.539 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 00:01:49.179 --> 00:01:53.539 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. 00:01:53.540 --> 00:02:01.100 When I was growing up outside of Boston, I played ice hockey for the town youth hockey program. 00:02:01.820 --> 00:02:04.580 And when I was in sixth grade, I had a coach named Jack. 00:02:05.300 --> 00:02:11.740 Jack fit some people's stereotype of a native Bostonian hockey fan coach. 00:02:12.700 --> 00:02:13.780 He yelled a lot. 00:02:14.219 --> 00:02:15.180 He cursed a lot. 00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:17.240 He was missing a couple of teeth. 00:02:17.620 --> 00:02:19.200 And he had a definite Boston accent. 00:02:19.199 --> 00:02:25.839 Jack chose to have our weekly team practices on Saturday mornings at either 6 or 7 a.m. 00:02:25.859 --> 00:02:29.139 on alternating weeks in the coldest rink in our area. 00:02:29.839 --> 00:02:32.359 There was no heat in the locker rooms in the middle of winter. 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:33.139 It was freezing. 00:02:33.500 --> 00:02:39.399 But he always began with enough skating drills to leave us sweating bullets, gasping for air, 00:02:39.819 --> 00:02:41.060 pleading for a water break. 00:02:42.019 --> 00:02:42.859 Jack was a tough guy. 00:02:43.759 --> 00:02:46.639 The next year, I moved into the next age bracket. 00:02:47.299 --> 00:02:48.419 And I had a different coach. 00:02:49.239 --> 00:02:52.359 Coach Bill introduced himself to us the first day of the season. 00:02:52.879 --> 00:02:56.759 And I remember him saying, I want you all to know I'm not a yeller. 00:02:57.619 --> 00:02:58.899 I love the game of hockey. 00:02:59.060 --> 00:03:00.219 I want to help you improve. 00:03:00.339 --> 00:03:02.079 But I'm not going to scream and holler a lot. 00:03:03.099 --> 00:03:03.979 Bill was a nice guy. 00:03:04.739 --> 00:03:07.079 Even tempered, kind, reasonable. 00:03:08.079 --> 00:03:13.179 Now, because he was a nice guy, he sometimes had trouble maintaining control over a team of 00:03:13.179 --> 00:03:16.579 rambunctious middle school boys, as we were. 00:03:16.580 --> 00:03:19.700 Well, this fall, we're looking at the book of Hebrews. 00:03:20.340 --> 00:03:24.260 The book of Hebrews is written in the style of a coach addressing his team. 00:03:25.300 --> 00:03:29.740 At the end of the book, the writer describes his book as a word of exhortation. 00:03:29.740 --> 00:03:35.960 But the author of Hebrews is neither simply a tough guy who just yells and screams all the time, 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:41.840 nor simply a nice guy who's just kind and positive and affirming all the time. 00:03:42.700 --> 00:03:46.700 The book of Hebrews contains some of the sweetest comforts in the Bible. 00:03:47.660 --> 00:03:53.280 Passages that Christians have turned to over the years and held on to again and again for 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:55.919 encouragement and comfort in hard times. 00:03:56.640 --> 00:04:01.840 And at the same time, Hebrews contains some of the sternest warnings in the New Testament. 00:04:02.900 --> 00:04:06.280 Passages that can make us cringe in fear when we read them. 00:04:07.319 --> 00:04:13.000 Now, the passages we've read in the last three weeks, from chapter 2, verse 5, to chapter 3, verse 6, 00:04:13.039 --> 00:04:14.000 have been full of comfort. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:22.600 So we've seen over the last three weeks that Jesus tasted death on our behalf so that he could bring us with him to glory. 00:04:23.199 --> 00:04:30.060 We've seen that he shared in our flesh and blood human nature, that he became our brother and was made like us in every way. 00:04:31.399 --> 00:04:32.920 And so he can identify with us. 00:04:33.160 --> 00:04:39.939 And we've seen that Jesus was faithful and that he continues to be faithful as the son and the builder of God's house. 00:04:39.939 --> 00:04:49.180 But this next section, what we'll be looking at for this week and the next two weeks, from chapter 3, verse 7, to chapter 4, verse 13, is full of warnings. 00:04:50.519 --> 00:04:51.699 Don't harden your hearts. 00:04:52.459 --> 00:04:53.420 Don't fall away. 00:04:54.339 --> 00:04:56.819 Don't miss out on God's promise. 00:04:57.959 --> 00:05:00.279 And the comforts and the warnings are right next to each other. 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:06.819 And they don't cancel each other out or weaken each other, but rather they reinforce and strengthen each other. 00:05:07.240 --> 00:05:08.680 You know, Coach Jack was a tough guy. 00:05:08.680 --> 00:05:15.199 But occasionally, he would praise us for a job well done or a game well played. 00:05:16.040 --> 00:05:19.579 And when he did that, that would make my Saturday morning. 00:05:20.699 --> 00:05:28.480 His encouragement was all the more meaningful in light of his normally rough, tough demeanor and his high standards. 00:05:29.420 --> 00:05:35.300 And Coach Bill would occasionally get fed up with our laziness and our antics, and he would get in our face. 00:05:35.960 --> 00:05:37.460 And he'd call us to a higher standard. 00:05:37.459 --> 00:05:42.919 And when he did that, we'd listen, because it contrasted with his normally laid-back attitude. 00:05:44.239 --> 00:05:52.560 You see, when somebody really knows you well and has proven their commitment to you, you'll take their admonitions and warnings all the more seriously. 00:05:52.560 --> 00:06:01.500 When someone has high standards and doesn't flatter others simply to gain their approval, you'll find their encouragements all the more meaningful. 00:06:01.939 --> 00:06:04.360 Because you know they're genuine and not fake. 00:06:04.360 --> 00:06:12.740 So I pray that as we dig into Hebrews, as we see both the encouragements and the warnings, that we'll hear them as words from Jesus Christ himself. 00:06:12.740 --> 00:06:19.220 One who loves us and is committed to us and is unwaveringly loyal. 00:06:19.220 --> 00:06:30.800 And yet, one who doesn't hold back from speaking truth to us and warning us of very real spiritual dangers so that we don't fall into them unaware. 00:06:30.800 --> 00:06:37.740 Now, this morning's passage is primarily a warning, but even within this warning, there's encouragement as well. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:45.319 So we're looking at verse 7 through 19, but the heart of the passage is in 12 through 14, which is what I want to focus on for most of the time. 00:06:45.840 --> 00:06:47.500 And in these verses, we see three things. 00:06:47.540 --> 00:06:48.920 We see a warning in verse 12. 00:06:49.699 --> 00:06:51.379 We see a command in verse 13. 00:06:52.180 --> 00:06:55.199 And then we see a motivation in verse 14. 00:06:55.199 --> 00:06:59.139 So first, the warning in verse 12. 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:08.819 Well, the warning in verse 12 flows out of the long quotation in verses 7 through 11, the quotation from Psalm 95, which we read earlier in the service. 00:07:09.219 --> 00:07:15.019 The writer of Hebrews, he's basically preaching from Psalm 95 in the next chapter and a half. 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:19.279 So if you notice, he quotes pieces of it five different times. 00:07:19.279 --> 00:07:25.359 Chapter 3, verse 7 through 11, chapter 3, verse 15, chapter 4, verse 3, chapter 4, verse 5, chapter 4, verse 7. 00:07:26.500 --> 00:07:27.099 And he's doing that. 00:07:27.159 --> 00:07:34.939 He's sort of, he's basically expounding and preaching and applying this psalm to his hearers in the present day. 00:07:35.559 --> 00:07:39.619 Now, the first half of Psalm 93, as we heard earlier, it's a summons. 00:07:39.739 --> 00:07:42.139 It's a call to praise God, praise God for his greatness. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:49.159 He's the great king over all the earth and over the mountains and the sea, as well as for his kindness. 00:07:50.119 --> 00:07:53.859 Because it says he's our maker, our God, our shepherd. 00:07:54.899 --> 00:07:58.459 But then the second half of the psalm, which is quoted here as a warning. 00:07:59.859 --> 00:08:03.419 Don't harden your hearts as you did back in the wilderness. 00:08:04.619 --> 00:08:10.519 It's looking back to the time when the people of Israel were going through the wilderness after they had been delivered from slavery in Egypt. 00:08:10.519 --> 00:08:15.279 And the writer of Hebrews is saying as Christians, you're in a very similar place spiritually. 00:08:15.279 --> 00:08:19.799 If you look back to chapter 2, verse 14, he says, 00:08:19.899 --> 00:08:27.019 Jesus has liberated us from lifelong slavery under the oppressive rule of the devil. 00:08:27.619 --> 00:08:36.579 Just as the Israelites had been liberated from lifelong slavery under the oppressive rule of Pharaoh in Egypt. 00:08:37.159 --> 00:08:41.319 God had delivered them wonderfully, miraculously, brought them out. 00:08:41.320 --> 00:08:48.400 And then chapter 3, verse 1 through 6, we saw last week that Jesus is compared to Moses. 00:08:49.340 --> 00:08:52.800 Moses was great and faithful, but Jesus is even greater. 00:08:54.640 --> 00:08:56.840 So we've experienced a great deliverance in the past. 00:08:56.940 --> 00:08:58.900 We have a promise of great things to come in the future. 00:08:59.160 --> 00:09:03.020 But our life right now is a long walk through the wilderness. 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:05.439 We're not yet in the promised land. 00:09:05.539 --> 00:09:07.579 We're in this middle stage where life is hard. 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:11.819 And it's easy to get discouraged and lose heart. 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:19.539 You know, in almost any worthwhile endeavor, the beginning is full of excitement and energy and hope. 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:23.639 But the middle stage is when the going gets tough. 00:09:23.639 --> 00:09:25.960 And it's easy to lose heart. 00:09:26.919 --> 00:09:36.659 If you go for a hike to climb a mountain, there's an initial energy and excitement as you set off on the trail into the woods and start climbing. 00:09:37.439 --> 00:09:41.000 But after a while, the trail just seems to wind back and forth. 00:09:41.059 --> 00:09:43.620 And you've crossed the same stream five times. 00:09:43.659 --> 00:09:44.759 And your feet are now wet. 00:09:44.759 --> 00:09:48.559 And as you get higher, the wind picks up and it gets colder. 00:09:49.960 --> 00:09:56.580 And you start to think, wouldn't it have been just wonderful if I was sleeping and resting in my bed? 00:10:00.319 --> 00:10:05.879 Or in the rhythm of the school year, the excitement of a new semester fades into the weariness of midterms. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:09.939 Or in work, the relief of a new job offer or a promotion 00:10:09.940 --> 00:10:15.920 can sometimes fade into the drudgery of the daily grind. 00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:27.100 Or in marriage, the honeymoon of bliss fades into the reality of facing differences and conflict and unmet expectations. 00:10:28.380 --> 00:10:29.860 Now, it's not all bad. 00:10:30.760 --> 00:10:32.660 There's good things along the way. 00:10:32.659 --> 00:10:42.120 But in all these cases, the temptation is to give in to weariness and become bitter. 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:49.899 The word translated rebellion in verse 8 and verse 15 could also be translated bitterness. 00:10:51.199 --> 00:10:53.439 It's the bitterness that makes us draw back and say, 00:10:53.819 --> 00:10:56.419 why did I ever get married in the first place? 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:59.879 Maybe it would have been better if I just stayed single. 00:10:59.879 --> 00:11:02.939 Or why did I ever set out to climb this mountain? 00:11:04.240 --> 00:11:08.679 Maybe this trail is just a dead end, going round and round in circles. 00:11:08.799 --> 00:11:10.759 Maybe this mountain doesn't have a summit at all. 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:18.039 Now, when you think of it, that's an irrational statement. 00:11:18.559 --> 00:11:22.200 But we make a lot of irrational statements and don't realize it. 00:11:23.179 --> 00:11:25.039 It's the same thing with being a Christian. 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:38.199 The exhilaration, the joy of being a new Christian can sometimes fade into the difficulties of fighting temptation and facing opposition and being called to make sacrifices and not seeing immediate results. 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:40.559 All of us can become weary. 00:11:41.439 --> 00:11:47.620 And if we're not watchful, weariness can easily turn into bitterness and hard-heartedness. 00:11:47.620 --> 00:11:51.139 And that's the warning that the author gives us. 00:11:51.980 --> 00:12:01.100 Today, if you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as you did back then in the rebellion, in the bitterness. 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:08.120 Now, he's referring primarily to when the people of Israel had gone through the promised land 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:13.460 and they had come to the edge of the promised land and sent in some spies to check it out. 00:12:14.039 --> 00:12:16.000 It's recounted in Numbers 13 and 14. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:17.419 He's referring back to that passage. 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:18.620 There's a few parallels. 00:12:19.100 --> 00:12:20.759 But two of the spies come back and they say, 00:12:21.179 --> 00:12:22.080 This land is great. 00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:23.320 It's exceedingly good. 00:12:23.639 --> 00:12:28.220 If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land just as he promised. 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:29.600 So do not fear. 00:12:30.240 --> 00:12:32.000 The Lord is with us. 00:12:33.039 --> 00:12:34.399 The other ten spies say, 00:12:34.899 --> 00:12:36.059 The land is very good. 00:12:36.820 --> 00:12:40.139 But the people who dwell in the land are strong and tall. 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:42.980 And their cities are very large and fortified. 00:12:42.980 --> 00:12:47.500 And compared to them, we seemed like grasshoppers. 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:50.740 Now, what was the difference in those two reports? 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:53.680 There was no factual difference. 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:56.379 They had the same experience. 00:12:56.460 --> 00:12:57.279 They saw the same land. 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:59.080 They agreed it's a good land. 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:04.520 The difference was in the value that they placed on certain things. 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:11.300 For Joshua and Caleb, the two faithful spies, God was the foremost value in their minds. 00:13:12.100 --> 00:13:13.340 And so they were talking about God. 00:13:13.420 --> 00:13:16.180 They were confident in God's greatness and confident in God's goodness. 00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:19.379 They were realistic about the challenges they were facing. 00:13:20.220 --> 00:13:22.480 But they trusted God's promise and his provision. 00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:28.779 For the other ten, the people of the land were the biggest thing in their minds. 00:13:30.039 --> 00:13:33.560 We seem to ourselves like grasshoppers. 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:35.580 And so we seem to them. 00:13:35.779 --> 00:13:36.700 That was their conclusion. 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:39.379 It's almost a comical description. 00:13:40.420 --> 00:13:42.460 I mean, really, they weren't that tall. 00:13:42.460 --> 00:13:51.820 But their lack of trust in God gave them a twisted view of themselves in relation to others. 00:13:52.639 --> 00:13:59.800 It's like using a camera to take a picture of people, except the auto-zoom lens focuses in on the person's shoes. 00:14:01.320 --> 00:14:09.800 And so the shoes are prominently displayed in the photo, and everything else is fuzzy and out of focus. 00:14:09.799 --> 00:14:16.500 You see, when our heart focuses in on something other than the Lord himself, 00:14:17.339 --> 00:14:22.379 when something else becomes bigger or better in our minds, we lose perspective. 00:14:23.979 --> 00:14:25.899 It could be a good thing that we focus on. 00:14:26.939 --> 00:14:27.979 The desire to get married. 00:14:28.599 --> 00:14:30.000 Or the desire to have children. 00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:33.139 Or even the desire not to have children for a time. 00:14:33.539 --> 00:14:34.639 Or to lose weight. 00:14:34.699 --> 00:14:35.479 Or to gain muscle. 00:14:35.939 --> 00:14:37.139 Or to advance in a career. 00:14:37.259 --> 00:14:39.319 Or to take some time off and relax. 00:14:39.799 --> 00:14:44.519 Or it could be a bad thing that occupies our minds. 00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:47.919 A relationship that went sour. 00:14:48.479 --> 00:14:50.079 Or a paralyzing grief. 00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:52.099 Or a life-threatening illness. 00:14:53.199 --> 00:14:57.259 Now, all these things are very real things. 00:14:57.839 --> 00:14:58.899 They're not unimportant. 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:02.299 It's appropriate that we give proper attention to them. 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:04.259 That we pray about them. 00:15:04.919 --> 00:15:08.000 And pursue wisdom in regards to them. 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:13.279 But it's very easy for any of those things to become bigger in our minds than God himself. 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:16.440 They begin to dominate our thought life. 00:15:17.440 --> 00:15:19.340 They consume our emotional energy. 00:15:19.559 --> 00:15:22.019 They become the default topic of all our conversations. 00:15:22.980 --> 00:15:24.379 We post about them on Facebook. 00:15:25.039 --> 00:15:27.039 We read about them in our spare time. 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:30.299 They become the grid through which we see the rest of the world. 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:36.059 And everything else we experience seems to point us back to whatever that thing is. 00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:38.599 They become the object of our focus. 00:15:38.699 --> 00:15:41.799 And everything else becomes fuzzy. 00:15:43.099 --> 00:15:44.539 Including God. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:48.599 Now, maybe we're still very engaged in spiritual activities. 00:15:48.719 --> 00:15:49.719 Maybe we pray a lot. 00:15:50.199 --> 00:15:54.059 But our prayers, again, begin to focus on that one thing. 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:57.339 That particular desire. 00:15:57.439 --> 00:15:59.579 God, please give me that one thing. 00:16:00.179 --> 00:16:03.480 And if you give me that one thing, then I'll know that you love me. 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:05.820 And that you're good. 00:16:07.340 --> 00:16:11.240 But you see, if we say that, we've latched on to something else. 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:14.779 That's become bigger in our hearts than God. 00:16:15.580 --> 00:16:18.240 And we've made God merely a means to an end. 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:22.820 Instead of the beginning and the end of all things. 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:28.300 Or maybe our appetite for spiritual things diminishes. 00:16:28.299 --> 00:16:31.299 We go a few days without praying. 00:16:31.979 --> 00:16:33.519 And we hardly notice the difference. 00:16:34.339 --> 00:16:35.819 Because our mind's occupied elsewhere. 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:38.659 We pick up the Bible and read a chapter or two. 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:39.740 And it seems boring. 00:16:40.479 --> 00:16:41.039 And distant. 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.339 And lifeless. 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:44.799 The truths about God's holiness. 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:46.359 And God's power. 00:16:46.479 --> 00:16:47.059 And God's love. 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:48.979 And God's wisdom don't draw us in anymore. 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:55.859 Maybe we engage in practices that some time ago would have made us feel guilty. 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:59.820 Because we know that they're not pleasing God. 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:01.300 But now we justify them. 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:03.419 Because they help us achieve our goals. 00:17:03.940 --> 00:17:04.819 Or numb our pain. 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:08.220 That is what verse 12 and 13 describe. 00:17:09.140 --> 00:17:11.160 As an evil, unbelieving heart. 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:14.900 That is being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:19.900 You see, that's not just something that happens to really bad people. 00:17:21.420 --> 00:17:24.099 Who do really weird and crazy things. 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:28.839 We are all vulnerable to this dynamic. 00:17:29.799 --> 00:17:31.759 Of a heart that grows hard. 00:17:32.699 --> 00:17:36.240 Of a heart that just gradually stops believing. 00:17:36.919 --> 00:17:40.079 That God is greater than all things. 00:17:40.659 --> 00:17:42.579 And better than all things. 00:17:43.399 --> 00:17:45.619 That he is great and he is good. 00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:49.759 And Hebrews warns us. 00:17:50.399 --> 00:17:51.739 Against that bitterness. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:53.359 That hard heartedness. 00:17:54.479 --> 00:17:56.839 But then in verse 13, he doesn't just give us a warning. 00:17:56.979 --> 00:17:59.279 He gives us a command to counteract. 00:18:00.379 --> 00:18:02.979 You might see this as a preventative medicine. 00:18:03.479 --> 00:18:06.179 To counteract this spiritual disease. 00:18:07.179 --> 00:18:08.839 He says, exhort one another. 00:18:09.579 --> 00:18:10.799 Every day. 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:13.159 As long as it is called today. 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:16.159 So that none of you may be hardened. 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:18.119 By the deceitfulness of sin. 00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:20.399 Now it's interesting. 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:22.240 Both the warning and the command. 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:24.319 In verse 12 and verse 13. 00:18:24.440 --> 00:18:26.460 They're not simply addressed to us as individuals. 00:18:26.899 --> 00:18:28.639 They're addressed to us as a community. 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:33.200 He doesn't say, in order to guard your heart. 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:34.720 Against the deceitfulness of sin. 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:37.099 You should constantly self-examine. 00:18:38.099 --> 00:18:38.579 Yourself. 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:41.740 Now that's not a bad idea. 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:42.939 To examine our own hearts. 00:18:44.299 --> 00:18:44.779 Periodically. 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:46.679 But that's not what he says here. 00:18:47.639 --> 00:18:48.819 Because in many cases. 00:18:49.199 --> 00:18:49.839 We're blind. 00:18:50.359 --> 00:18:51.759 To our own greatest weakness. 00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:54.299 That's the deceitfulness of sin. 00:18:54.919 --> 00:18:55.919 We don't recognize. 00:18:56.439 --> 00:18:57.819 That we're falling into it. 00:18:58.079 --> 00:18:59.699 Even as we are falling into it. 00:19:01.919 --> 00:19:02.720 Earlier this week. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:03.759 I was talking with somebody. 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:05.579 Who has experienced rock climbing. 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:07.579 And he was explaining to me. 00:19:07.579 --> 00:19:09.359 That if you're doing a dangerous climb. 00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:11.799 That you will literally tie yourself. 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:12.899 With a rope. 00:19:13.159 --> 00:19:14.059 To another climber. 00:19:15.059 --> 00:19:16.000 And you will take turns. 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:17.240 Advancing up the rock. 00:19:17.859 --> 00:19:19.220 And using your safety gear. 00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:21.379 To attach yourself securely to the rock. 00:19:22.119 --> 00:19:23.159 So that as you. 00:19:23.379 --> 00:19:24.379 As you climb. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.039 One of you. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.419 Will always be. 00:19:27.099 --> 00:19:27.619 Securely. 00:19:28.119 --> 00:19:28.599 Fastened. 00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:29.460 To the rock. 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:30.539 If you fall. 00:19:31.659 --> 00:19:32.679 Your partner will catch you. 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:34.240 And if they fall. 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:35.539 You can catch them. 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:37.259 Now in some cases. 00:19:37.259 --> 00:19:38.759 If you're a really good rock climber. 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:40.200 Being tied to somebody else. 00:19:40.200 --> 00:19:41.279 Can slow you down a bit. 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:43.119 And so some rock climbers. 00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:44.200 Refuse to do this. 00:19:44.940 --> 00:19:46.200 They refuse to be tied. 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:46.940 To anybody else. 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:48.379 And they insist on going it alone. 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:50.759 But the consequences. 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.680 Of going it alone. 00:19:52.379 --> 00:19:53.180 Can be disastrous. 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:56.240 You might not always die. 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:57.879 But you can easily break a limb. 00:19:57.880 --> 00:20:00.340 And by going it alone. 00:20:00.540 --> 00:20:01.640 So that nobody else. 00:20:01.640 --> 00:20:02.620 Can slow you down. 00:20:03.140 --> 00:20:05.000 You're also forfeiting the opportunity. 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:07.100 To help a weaker climber. 00:20:07.780 --> 00:20:09.380 Learn by climbing alongside you. 00:20:10.760 --> 00:20:11.780 So let me ask you. 00:20:11.860 --> 00:20:13.140 Are you trying to go it alone. 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:14.200 As a Christian. 00:20:15.100 --> 00:20:16.420 Or have you tied yourself. 00:20:16.520 --> 00:20:17.200 To other believers. 00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:19.680 As you seek to be anchored. 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:20.340 Together. 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:21.700 To the rock. 00:20:22.020 --> 00:20:23.040 Who is Jesus Christ. 00:20:23.880 --> 00:20:24.560 Hebrews says. 00:20:24.559 --> 00:20:25.460 Exhort one another. 00:20:25.599 --> 00:20:26.799 Every day. 00:20:27.919 --> 00:20:28.919 And three times he says. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:29.359 Today. 00:20:30.359 --> 00:20:30.720 Today. 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:32.099 Today. 00:20:33.099 --> 00:20:34.279 Don't wait for tomorrow. 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:35.679 Or next year. 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:37.419 This is not a good idea. 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:39.319 To keep in the back of your mind. 00:20:39.379 --> 00:20:40.799 For whenever you can get around to it. 00:20:41.179 --> 00:20:42.440 This is an important matter. 00:20:43.139 --> 00:20:44.460 That calls for decisive. 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:46.019 Daily action. 00:20:47.879 --> 00:20:49.220 Are you in relationships. 00:20:49.220 --> 00:20:50.319 With other Christians. 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:52.179 On a daily basis. 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.919 Where you are exhorting. 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:55.919 One another. 00:20:56.639 --> 00:20:58.379 Means urging one another on. 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:59.519 Encouraging one another. 00:20:59.839 --> 00:21:00.539 Cheering on. 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:01.460 One another. 00:21:02.919 --> 00:21:03.919 If you're married. 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:06.679 Do you seek to encourage your spouse. 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:07.579 Spiritually. 00:21:07.919 --> 00:21:08.919 Every day. 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:11.099 A few weeks before. 00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.579 My wife and I got married. 00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:13.879 She said to me. 00:21:13.919 --> 00:21:15.279 I think we should commit to pray. 00:21:15.379 --> 00:21:16.019 Every day. 00:21:16.659 --> 00:21:17.299 In marriage. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:19.419 And I hemmed and hawed. 00:21:19.419 --> 00:21:19.859 I said. 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:21.599 Well that sounds a little legalistic. 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:23.799 I think we should pray regularly. 00:21:23.799 --> 00:21:26.500 But I don't see why it has to be every day. 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:28.059 But she insisted. 00:21:28.299 --> 00:21:30.659 And since I was already an elder here at Trinity. 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:33.980 And elders are supposed to be devoted to the word of God and prayer. 00:21:34.199 --> 00:21:36.379 I felt too ashamed to refuse. 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:38.299 So I agreed. 00:21:39.799 --> 00:21:40.819 She was right. 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.859 She was so right. 00:21:43.859 --> 00:21:46.779 And I'm so thankful that she insisted. 00:21:47.159 --> 00:21:48.740 On a daily discipline of prayer. 00:21:49.439 --> 00:21:51.740 Because the daily routine of prayer. 00:21:52.179 --> 00:21:53.259 Is especially important. 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:55.799 On the nights when we don't feel like praying together. 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:58.519 When we've just had a fight. 00:21:59.219 --> 00:22:00.439 Or when one of us is annoyed. 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:04.019 Do you know how hard it is to pray with someone. 00:22:04.159 --> 00:22:04.719 For someone. 00:22:04.859 --> 00:22:05.699 When you're mad at them. 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:10.740 You have to either not pray. 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:12.100 Or give up your anger. 00:22:14.620 --> 00:22:15.480 That's the point. 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:17.920 Daily prayer prevents us. 00:22:18.400 --> 00:22:19.620 From going to bed angry. 00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:22.620 It forces us to work through our conflicts. 00:22:23.620 --> 00:22:25.380 It prevents us from hardening our hearts. 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:26.900 Against each other. 00:22:27.340 --> 00:22:28.059 And against the Lord. 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:29.940 Now by the way. 00:22:30.460 --> 00:22:31.420 That is one reason. 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:33.340 Why you should not marry someone. 00:22:33.339 --> 00:22:35.359 If they are not a fellow believer. 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:36.279 In Jesus Christ. 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:38.159 Because you will lack. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:40.679 A consistent spiritual foundation. 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:41.959 For your family. 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:43.599 You will not be able. 00:22:43.699 --> 00:22:45.099 To stand together as a team. 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:46.879 In spiritual matters. 00:22:47.399 --> 00:22:48.559 And exhort one another. 00:22:48.919 --> 00:22:50.799 As fellow sharers in Christ. 00:22:51.839 --> 00:22:52.859 Encourage your spouse. 00:22:53.199 --> 00:22:53.659 Spiritually. 00:22:54.559 --> 00:22:55.119 Every day. 00:22:56.379 --> 00:22:57.379 If you're a parent. 00:22:58.139 --> 00:22:59.759 Do you seek to encourage your children. 00:23:00.359 --> 00:23:00.839 Spiritually. 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:01.819 Every day. 00:23:01.819 --> 00:23:03.439 Over the summer. 00:23:03.679 --> 00:23:04.539 We were having dinner. 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.480 With a Christian family. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:07.240 While the kids were playing. 00:23:07.399 --> 00:23:08.480 I asked the dad. 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:08.799 I said. 00:23:08.859 --> 00:23:10.339 How are you trying to. 00:23:10.740 --> 00:23:12.119 Lead and care for your family. 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:12.700 Spiritually. 00:23:13.439 --> 00:23:13.919 He said. 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:14.220 Well. 00:23:14.439 --> 00:23:14.700 You know. 00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:15.480 We've actually started. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.859 Having a family Bible study. 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:18.299 He said. 00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:19.079 The kids are old enough. 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:20.419 To understand at least some things. 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:21.359 The youngest is three. 00:23:22.059 --> 00:23:23.439 So we started by reading through. 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:25.059 A children's Bible story book. 00:23:25.139 --> 00:23:26.460 And would read one story each night. 00:23:26.899 --> 00:23:28.319 But now we're actually reading directly. 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:28.899 From the Bible. 00:23:28.899 --> 00:23:30.259 We're just going through the book of John. 00:23:30.379 --> 00:23:31.559 Reading a little bit each night. 00:23:32.179 --> 00:23:33.079 We read a little bit. 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.599 Talk about it briefly. 00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:35.259 And then we pray. 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:36.619 And he said. 00:23:36.679 --> 00:23:38.220 I have to travel a couple of days. 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:38.839 A week. 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:40.279 During the week. 00:23:40.359 --> 00:23:40.879 For work. 00:23:41.559 --> 00:23:42.259 But recently. 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:43.899 I've started calling home on Skype. 00:23:44.440 --> 00:23:45.599 And so we've been doing. 00:23:45.819 --> 00:23:47.019 Our family prayer time. 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:47.720 Over Skype. 00:23:48.639 --> 00:23:49.899 And I was challenged. 00:23:50.099 --> 00:23:50.940 By his example. 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:53.039 This guy is not a pastor. 00:23:53.399 --> 00:23:54.759 He's not an elder in a church. 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:57.059 He's actually never even taught Sunday school in a church. 00:23:57.639 --> 00:23:58.579 Or a Bible study. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:59.759 He didn't go to seminary. 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:00.799 He didn't go to Bible college. 00:24:01.720 --> 00:24:03.220 But he's living out this command. 00:24:03.819 --> 00:24:05.460 In his family context. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:07.799 Deuteronomy 6 says this. 00:24:07.879 --> 00:24:10.559 These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 00:24:11.419 --> 00:24:13.339 You shall teach them diligently to your children. 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:15.899 And talk of them when you sit in your house. 00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:17.579 And when you walk by the way. 00:24:17.639 --> 00:24:18.440 And when you lie down. 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:19.299 And when you rise. 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.740 He's saying not just at set times. 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:23.980 But throughout the normal context. 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:25.460 Of everyday life. 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:26.779 Speaking freely. 00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:27.980 With our children. 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:29.160 About God. 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:29.819 His greatness. 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:30.839 And his goodness. 00:24:32.339 --> 00:24:32.640 Parents. 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:33.640 That's the primary way. 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:35.680 That our children will learn about God. 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:38.380 It's not through. 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:39.960 The children's ministry classes. 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:40.940 That are happening next door. 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:42.200 Those are very helpful. 00:24:42.279 --> 00:24:43.539 They're a helpful supplement. 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:45.359 Sort of like taking a vitamin. 00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:48.599 But if you just take a vitamin. 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.399 Once a week. 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.919 And don't do anything else. 00:24:51.719 --> 00:24:53.059 It won't have much effect. 00:24:53.699 --> 00:24:56.000 The main way that our kids will learn about God. 00:24:56.119 --> 00:24:57.359 Is through our daily example. 00:24:58.319 --> 00:24:59.359 Every day of the week. 00:25:00.639 --> 00:25:02.219 So encourage your children spiritually. 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.119 Every day. 00:25:03.619 --> 00:25:04.939 Now what about if you're single. 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:06.799 You might be asking. 00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:09.919 Are you involved in Christian community. 00:25:09.920 --> 00:25:12.039 Where you are giving and receiving. 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.880 Daily exhortation. 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:17.180 You know it's not enough to simply come once a week. 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:18.160 To a large gathering. 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:18.920 And hear a sermon. 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:20.019 From a distance. 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:21.200 Behind a pillar. 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.720 Yes I know some of you are behind there. 00:25:24.920 --> 00:25:25.620 That's okay. 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:28.300 You need to be. 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:29.940 In ongoing relationships. 00:25:30.420 --> 00:25:31.279 With other Christians. 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:33.480 Where you can live out this command. 00:25:34.580 --> 00:25:35.400 And this is hard. 00:25:36.039 --> 00:25:37.860 Because the society we live in. 00:25:37.860 --> 00:25:38.900 Is structured around. 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:40.140 Individual privacy. 00:25:41.040 --> 00:25:42.120 And mobility. 00:25:43.620 --> 00:25:44.519 Rather than. 00:25:45.120 --> 00:25:45.560 Stability. 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:46.880 And community. 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:49.360 And so we need to be intentional. 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:50.519 Otherwise. 00:25:51.160 --> 00:25:52.360 This usually won't happen. 00:25:53.160 --> 00:25:53.759 Now you might ask. 00:25:53.800 --> 00:25:54.420 Where do I start? 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:55.820 Well first. 00:25:56.100 --> 00:25:57.000 Go to a small group. 00:25:57.800 --> 00:25:59.140 Whether it's on campus. 00:25:59.140 --> 00:26:00.060 With a campus fellowship. 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:02.140 Or one of the Trinity small groups. 00:26:02.980 --> 00:26:05.000 Where you can begin to develop relationships. 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:06.040 With other Christians. 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.940 Where you're regularly. 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:08.980 Encouraging one another. 00:26:10.080 --> 00:26:10.600 Second. 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:12.019 Find a prayer partner. 00:26:12.759 --> 00:26:13.559 Another guy. 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:14.600 Or another girl. 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:16.059 That you commit to pray with. 00:26:16.320 --> 00:26:16.980 Every week. 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:18.880 If you're struggling. 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:20.100 With a specific sin. 00:26:20.380 --> 00:26:21.539 That you often fall into. 00:26:21.660 --> 00:26:22.920 Ask them to hold you accountable. 00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:25.080 So that you don't just. 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:25.960 Fall. 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:26.980 And keep falling. 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:28.600 But that when you fall. 00:26:29.160 --> 00:26:30.120 You have someone. 00:26:30.320 --> 00:26:31.240 That you're tied to. 00:26:31.600 --> 00:26:32.539 Who will help to catch you. 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:34.000 And remind you. 00:26:34.680 --> 00:26:35.680 Of who you're connected to. 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:36.920 Jesus. 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:38.319 Third. 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:40.279 I would challenge you. 00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:42.000 To consider your living arrangements. 00:26:43.059 --> 00:26:44.420 Throughout the history of the church. 00:26:44.899 --> 00:26:45.539 Single people. 00:26:45.700 --> 00:26:46.519 Of the same gender. 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:48.220 Have often banded together. 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:49.240 To live in community. 00:26:49.639 --> 00:26:51.240 And carry out God's work together. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:52.819 In the Middle Ages. 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.960 These communities developed. 00:26:54.079 --> 00:26:54.980 Into monasteries. 00:26:55.139 --> 00:26:56.240 Now monasteries. 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:58.019 Generally have a bad reputation. 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:59.259 In the Protestant church. 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.859 Because in some cases. 00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:02.200 They became totally. 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:03.779 Set apart from the world. 00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:05.140 Morally corrupt. 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:06.720 And theologically in error. 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:08.259 But in the beginning. 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:09.180 They were communities. 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:10.279 Of single men. 00:27:10.400 --> 00:27:11.200 Or single women. 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:13.079 Who devoted themselves. 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:13.799 To prayer. 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:14.980 And study. 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.359 And acts of mercy. 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:17.460 And hospitality. 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:18.799 And evangelism. 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.700 They became a family. 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:22.000 To people who had. 00:27:22.299 --> 00:27:22.940 No family. 00:27:23.660 --> 00:27:24.799 They took people in. 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:26.519 Who had nowhere else to go. 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.200 And they courageously. 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:29.140 Extended the love. 00:27:29.140 --> 00:27:29.700 Of Christ. 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:31.900 In dangerous parts of the world. 00:27:33.080 --> 00:27:34.100 And as they did that. 00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:35.100 Being single. 00:27:35.380 --> 00:27:36.360 Wasn't simply. 00:27:36.840 --> 00:27:37.940 An unwelcome burden. 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.860 It wasn't simply. 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:40.960 A license to do. 00:27:41.040 --> 00:27:41.860 As they pleased. 00:27:42.540 --> 00:27:43.880 It became a kingdom. 00:27:44.320 --> 00:27:45.500 Focused calling. 00:27:47.259 --> 00:27:47.820 Being single. 00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:49.000 Does not need to mean. 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:50.300 Being solitary. 00:27:51.040 --> 00:27:51.580 Alone. 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:52.800 Unfulfilled. 00:27:53.060 --> 00:27:53.900 Or selfish. 00:27:54.680 --> 00:27:55.300 In Christ. 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:56.100 Your singleness. 00:27:56.560 --> 00:27:57.340 Whether you are young. 00:27:57.340 --> 00:27:57.980 Or old. 00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:59.259 Is an opportunity. 00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:00.660 For single minded. 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:01.380 Devotion. 00:28:01.380 --> 00:28:02.319 To the king. 00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:03.620 And freedom. 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:04.599 To invest. 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:05.700 In his kingdom. 00:28:07.640 --> 00:28:08.860 So we've seen the warning. 00:28:09.660 --> 00:28:10.599 Against growing bitter. 00:28:11.360 --> 00:28:12.240 We've seen the medicine. 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:14.039 Exhort one another. 00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:15.460 Encourage one another. 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.400 Every day. 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:17.560 And finally. 00:28:17.560 --> 00:28:18.600 In verse 14. 00:28:18.600 --> 00:28:19.500 We see the motivation. 00:28:20.620 --> 00:28:21.780 The driving force. 00:28:21.780 --> 00:28:22.640 Behind all this. 00:28:23.540 --> 00:28:23.740 He says. 00:28:23.840 --> 00:28:25.100 We have come to share in Christ. 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.259 If indeed. 00:28:26.360 --> 00:28:27.820 We hold our original confidence. 00:28:27.960 --> 00:28:28.640 Firm to the end. 00:28:29.600 --> 00:28:30.720 Now in one sense. 00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:31.580 Verse 14. 00:28:31.580 --> 00:28:32.120 Is a warning. 00:28:33.240 --> 00:28:33.800 He says. 00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:35.400 If we don't persevere to the end. 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:36.080 In faith. 00:28:36.840 --> 00:28:37.840 Then we have not truly. 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:38.920 Come to share. 00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:39.700 In Christ. 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:40.180 Christ. 00:28:40.580 --> 00:28:41.279 In other words. 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:41.920 It's possible. 00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:42.779 For a time. 00:28:42.779 --> 00:28:44.440 To have an appearance. 00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:45.900 Of being Christian. 00:28:46.319 --> 00:28:47.519 Without the reality. 00:28:47.840 --> 00:28:48.720 Of sharing. 00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:49.539 In Jesus. 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:51.480 Just as in any group. 00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:52.279 That has a mission. 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.840 There are some people. 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.700 Who really believe. 00:28:54.700 --> 00:28:55.240 In the mission. 00:28:55.779 --> 00:28:56.779 And some people. 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:57.900 Who come along. 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:59.200 For side benefits. 00:29:00.360 --> 00:29:00.920 For example. 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:01.640 For several years. 00:29:01.640 --> 00:29:02.000 I led. 00:29:02.160 --> 00:29:03.080 Spring break trips. 00:29:03.160 --> 00:29:04.279 For college students. 00:29:04.279 --> 00:29:05.440 Where we worked. 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.559 With Habitat for Humanity. 00:29:06.639 --> 00:29:07.259 Building houses. 00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:09.000 And every year. 00:29:09.359 --> 00:29:09.879 Some students. 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:10.559 Came on the trip. 00:29:10.619 --> 00:29:11.579 Because they really wanted. 00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:12.519 To help people. 00:29:12.619 --> 00:29:13.399 By building houses. 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.220 Alongside them. 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:16.240 Other people came. 00:29:16.639 --> 00:29:17.339 Because they wanted. 00:29:17.339 --> 00:29:18.279 To hang out with friends. 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:19.000 And because we went. 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:19.500 To Florida. 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.399 In March. 00:29:22.379 --> 00:29:23.240 And because the trip. 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:24.279 Was only a week long. 00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:25.579 We would usually. 00:29:25.579 --> 00:29:26.579 Manage just fine. 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:28.339 But one year. 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:29.799 The weather was cold. 00:29:30.299 --> 00:29:31.259 The work was unpleasant. 00:29:31.859 --> 00:29:32.859 And disorganized. 00:29:33.079 --> 00:29:33.960 The housing was bad. 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:36.019 And students. 00:29:36.119 --> 00:29:36.700 Started grumbling. 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:38.680 And you could begin. 00:29:38.680 --> 00:29:39.279 To see. 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:40.180 A little bit. 00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:42.200 Who was really on board. 00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:43.019 And therefore. 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:44.139 Willing to stick it out. 00:29:44.819 --> 00:29:45.960 And who had come along. 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.639 For the ride. 00:29:47.079 --> 00:29:48.059 But had never really. 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:48.859 Believed in the mission. 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:49.740 In the first place. 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.579 You see. 00:29:51.619 --> 00:29:52.460 Life in the wilderness. 00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:53.279 Is hard. 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:55.119 The constant trials. 00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:55.839 Gradually. 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:57.119 Peel away. 00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:58.259 The layers. 00:29:58.799 --> 00:29:59.299 And reveal. 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.759 What we really believe. 00:30:01.399 --> 00:30:02.460 Deep inside our hearts. 00:30:02.460 --> 00:30:03.100 We see. 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:03.620 You see. 00:30:03.620 --> 00:30:04.819 Now maybe you're here. 00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:06.059 Maybe you're not. 00:30:06.539 --> 00:30:07.759 A believer in Jesus. 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:09.500 Maybe you've come with a friend. 00:30:09.600 --> 00:30:10.279 Or family member. 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:11.200 Or there's something. 00:30:11.299 --> 00:30:12.180 About this community. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.539 Or spirituality. 00:30:13.539 --> 00:30:15.259 That draws you in. 00:30:16.140 --> 00:30:16.779 And if that's you. 00:30:16.860 --> 00:30:17.940 We're glad you've come. 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:19.640 We hope you'll come back. 00:30:20.120 --> 00:30:21.100 But let me urge you. 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:23.180 Don't simply come along. 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:24.340 And enjoy. 00:30:24.579 --> 00:30:25.279 The benefits. 00:30:25.519 --> 00:30:26.600 Of this community. 00:30:26.600 --> 00:30:27.100 Of people. 00:30:27.099 --> 00:30:28.759 Consider the person. 00:30:29.219 --> 00:30:29.980 Who is at the center. 00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:31.019 Of our identity. 00:30:31.579 --> 00:30:32.339 And the center. 00:30:32.459 --> 00:30:32.919 Of our mission. 00:30:33.019 --> 00:30:34.399 Consider Jesus Christ. 00:30:34.939 --> 00:30:35.379 Himself. 00:30:37.419 --> 00:30:38.459 This verse is a warning. 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:40.199 But it's also a comfort. 00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:42.419 Because it points us. 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.799 Ultimately not to ourselves. 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:45.559 But it points us to Jesus. 00:30:46.679 --> 00:30:48.039 It says that sharing in Christ. 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:48.899 Is a foundation. 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:51.199 That enables us to persevere. 00:30:51.279 --> 00:30:52.480 And hold firm to the end. 00:30:53.139 --> 00:30:53.639 You see. 00:30:53.699 --> 00:30:54.619 He does not say. 00:30:54.619 --> 00:30:57.519 If we hold fast. 00:30:57.519 --> 00:30:58.319 Until the end. 00:30:59.039 --> 00:30:59.339 Then. 00:30:59.939 --> 00:31:00.619 We will come. 00:31:00.699 --> 00:31:01.619 To share in Christ. 00:31:02.619 --> 00:31:03.819 He does not say that. 00:31:04.159 --> 00:31:04.500 He says. 00:31:04.719 --> 00:31:05.939 We have come. 00:31:06.459 --> 00:31:07.759 To share in Christ. 00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:08.819 If indeed. 00:31:08.919 --> 00:31:09.759 We hold our confidence. 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:10.500 Firm to the end. 00:31:11.159 --> 00:31:11.599 In other words. 00:31:11.859 --> 00:31:13.139 Our union with Jesus. 00:31:13.699 --> 00:31:14.859 Our connection to him. 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:16.079 And not. 00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:18.039 Our self-generated efforts. 00:31:18.839 --> 00:31:19.739 Not the strength. 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:20.459 Of our willpower. 00:31:21.259 --> 00:31:22.279 Our union with Jesus. 00:31:22.399 --> 00:31:23.500 Is what enables us. 00:31:23.500 --> 00:31:24.880 To hold firm. 00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:25.859 To the end. 00:31:26.940 --> 00:31:28.160 And when we fall down. 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:29.859 To get back up again. 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:33.039 You see. 00:31:33.099 --> 00:31:33.420 Jesus. 00:31:33.599 --> 00:31:34.019 Our brother. 00:31:34.720 --> 00:31:36.079 Has taken hold of us. 00:31:36.500 --> 00:31:37.740 And he will not let go. 00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:39.059 He has become. 00:31:39.160 --> 00:31:39.619 In every way. 00:31:39.680 --> 00:31:40.079 Like we are. 00:31:40.140 --> 00:31:40.980 So that he might share. 00:31:41.059 --> 00:31:42.380 All that he has with us. 00:31:43.500 --> 00:31:44.140 As we've seen. 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:45.500 Just in these last few weeks. 00:31:45.599 --> 00:31:46.380 Jesus has become. 00:31:46.859 --> 00:31:47.660 The founder. 00:31:47.799 --> 00:31:48.299 The pioneer. 00:31:48.299 --> 00:31:49.299 Of our salvation. 00:31:49.880 --> 00:31:51.019 He's blazed a trail. 00:31:51.099 --> 00:31:51.900 That we might follow. 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:52.599 In his steps. 00:31:52.599 --> 00:31:54.000 And he knows. 00:31:54.000 --> 00:31:54.579 That the road. 00:31:54.699 --> 00:31:55.379 That we must walk. 00:31:55.459 --> 00:31:55.980 Through the wilderness. 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:56.779 Of this life. 00:31:56.779 --> 00:31:57.819 Is hard. 00:31:58.599 --> 00:31:59.099 He's walked. 00:31:59.219 --> 00:32:00.279 Every step. 00:32:00.399 --> 00:32:01.240 Of that road. 00:32:01.519 --> 00:32:02.000 Himself. 00:32:04.319 --> 00:32:05.459 He's our coach. 00:32:06.159 --> 00:32:07.259 He's our captain. 00:32:07.659 --> 00:32:08.939 And he's our victorious. 00:32:08.939 --> 00:32:09.599 King. 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.439 And he's provided. 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:12.459 Even these warnings. 00:32:12.859 --> 00:32:14.299 To be like guardrails. 00:32:14.859 --> 00:32:15.839 On a highway. 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:17.819 Like safety ropes. 00:32:17.819 --> 00:32:19.059 That anchor us. 00:32:19.379 --> 00:32:20.259 To the rock. 00:32:20.859 --> 00:32:22.339 That is higher than we are. 00:32:22.599 --> 00:32:25.259 So that we might not fall off a cliff. 00:32:25.579 --> 00:32:26.319 And keep falling. 00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:28.179 That we might not grow bitter. 00:32:28.779 --> 00:32:29.859 And hard hearted. 00:32:30.219 --> 00:32:32.019 But that we might hold fast to him. 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:33.079 Even as he. 00:32:33.419 --> 00:32:34.299 Has taken hold. 00:32:34.639 --> 00:32:35.179 Of us. 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:36.799 So today. 00:32:36.919 --> 00:32:37.419 If you hear. 00:32:37.959 --> 00:32:38.639 Jesus voice. 00:32:39.199 --> 00:32:39.779 Do not harden. 00:32:40.240 --> 00:32:40.779 Your hearts. 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:41.759 Let us pray. 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:41.879 Amen. 00:32:41.879 --> 00:32:41.939 Amen. 00:32:41.939 --> 00:32:41.959 Amen. 00:32:41.959 --> 00:32:42.000 Amen. 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:42.039 Amen. 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:42.419 Amen. 00:32:42.419 --> 00:32:42.459 Amen. 00:32:42.459 --> 00:32:42.539 Amen. 00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:42.559 Amen. 00:32:42.559 --> 00:32:42.619 Amen. 00:32:42.619 --> 00:32:42.639 Amen. 00:32:42.639 --> 00:32:42.659 Amen. 00:32:42.659 --> 00:32:43.659 Amen. 00:32:43.659 --> 00:32:43.819 Amen. 00:32:43.819 --> 00:32:44.659 Amen. 00:32:44.659 --> 00:32:44.740 Amen. 00:32:44.740 --> 00:32:45.740 Amen. 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:45.819 Amen. 00:32:45.819 --> 00:32:46.659 Amen. 00:32:46.659 --> 00:32:46.779 Amen. 00:32:46.779 --> 00:32:47.740 Amen. 00:32:47.740 --> 00:32:47.779 Amen. 00:32:47.779 --> 00:32:48.740 Amen. 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:49.740 Amen. 00:32:49.740 --> 00:32:49.779 Amen. 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:49.819 Amen. 00:32:52.599 --> 00:32:52.659 Amen. 00:32:53.879 --> 00:32:54.419 Amen. 00:32:54.419 --> 00:32:54.699 Lord Jesus. 00:32:54.819 --> 00:32:55.359 We thank you. 00:32:57.359 --> 00:32:59.399 We thank you that you speak to us. 00:33:00.459 --> 00:33:01.439 Not simply. 00:33:02.319 --> 00:33:02.779 Not only. 00:33:03.119 --> 00:33:04.579 As an authority who is over us. 00:33:04.980 --> 00:33:07.139 But as one who has become like us. 00:33:07.740 --> 00:33:09.299 And who has faced temptation. 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.219 Just as we. 00:33:11.619 --> 00:33:12.559 Do every day. 00:33:13.679 --> 00:33:14.539 And has walked. 00:33:15.079 --> 00:33:16.679 Through the wilderness of this life. 00:33:16.679 --> 00:33:16.819 Amen. 00:33:16.819 --> 00:33:16.879 Amen. 00:33:16.879 --> 00:33:16.899 Amen. 00:33:16.899 --> 00:33:17.019 Amen. 00:33:17.019 --> 00:33:17.039 Amen. 00:33:17.039 --> 00:33:17.099 Amen. 00:33:17.099 --> 00:33:17.119 Amen. 00:33:17.119 --> 00:33:17.179 Amen. 00:33:17.179 --> 00:33:17.240 Amen. 00:33:17.240 --> 00:33:17.599 Amen. 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:17.619 Amen. 00:33:17.619 --> 00:33:17.759 Amen. 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:18.059 Amen. 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:18.079 Amen. 00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:18.659 Amen. 00:33:18.659 --> 00:33:18.719 Amen. 00:33:18.719 --> 00:33:18.779 Amen. 00:33:18.779 --> 00:33:18.839 Amen. 00:33:18.839 --> 00:33:18.939 Amen. 00:33:18.939 --> 00:33:19.000 Amen. 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:19.039 Amen. 00:33:19.039 --> 00:33:19.059 Amen. 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:19.079 Amen. 00:33:19.079 --> 00:33:19.659 Amen. 00:33:19.659 --> 00:33:20.159 Amen. 00:33:20.159 --> 00:33:20.939 Amen. 00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:21.680 Amen. 00:33:22.880 --> 00:33:24.200 Amen. 00:33:24.200 --> 00:33:24.640 Amen. 00:33:24.640 --> 00:33:25.160 Amen. 00:33:25.160 --> 00:33:26.320 Amen. 00:33:26.320 --> 00:33:26.700 Amen. 00:33:27.180 --> 00:33:27.400 Amen. 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:28.320 Amen. 00:33:28.759 --> 00:33:29.180 Amen. 00:33:49.440 --> 00:33:49.500 Amen. 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:50.680 Amen. 00:33:50.680 --> 00:33:52.220 that you might bring us with you to glory. 00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:55.200 Lord, we pray that we would look back 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:56.500 to what you have done in the past 00:33:56.500 --> 00:33:58.799 and be thankful for it 00:33:58.799 --> 00:34:00.279 and that we would look forward 00:34:00.279 --> 00:34:01.820 to what you promised to do in the future 00:34:01.820 --> 00:34:03.580 and be motivated by that. 00:34:06.140 --> 00:34:08.860 Lord, would you strengthen us to hold firm to you 00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:10.599 and hold firm to each other 00:34:10.599 --> 00:34:13.539 to take every opportunity that we have 00:34:13.539 --> 00:34:16.159 to encourage and comfort 00:34:16.159 --> 00:34:19.360 and urge on one another. 00:34:20.679 --> 00:34:22.000 For your sake. Amen.