WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.480 Excellent. Well, let me encourage you friends to keep that passage in Luke chapter 4 open in front of you. 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:14.240 And really my aim this morning is to get one word in our minds. 00:00:14.359 --> 00:00:22.320 And it's one word that I hope is the match that lights the fuse to the dynamite that is this passage. 00:00:22.699 --> 00:00:28.000 Particularly this time of year, to be clear on this, what we're going to be thinking about this morning, 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:31.559 we'll do our souls the world of goods. 00:00:31.699 --> 00:00:38.000 Now, to try and get us to that word, let me tell you about something that happened recently in the world of darts. 00:00:39.460 --> 00:00:41.460 Okay, any darts enthusiasts out there? 00:00:41.600 --> 00:00:45.780 Particularly after Friday night, Luke Littler, 17 years old. 00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:51.140 I still can't believe somebody makes a living out of playing darts, let alone becoming a multimillionaire at the age of 17. 00:00:51.240 --> 00:00:51.859 But there you go. 00:00:52.560 --> 00:00:57.900 If you're not familiar with how darts works, here's your headlines. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:00.500 You start at 5.01. This is how it happens. 00:01:00.600 --> 00:01:01.640 You start at 5.01. 00:01:02.659 --> 00:01:06.980 And the aim is to beat your opponent and getting down to zero. 00:01:07.299 --> 00:01:08.819 That's the aim of the game in darts, right? 00:01:09.379 --> 00:01:12.599 Now, technically, in darts enthusiasts, you can help me with the answer here. 00:01:12.859 --> 00:01:16.180 Technically, you can do that in how many darts? 00:01:17.460 --> 00:01:18.460 Nine, right? 00:01:18.760 --> 00:01:20.000 You can do that in nine darts. 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:20.540 Nine darts. 00:01:20.680 --> 00:01:26.700 And at the recent PDC World Championships, a man called Christian Kist did it. 00:01:26.760 --> 00:01:29.299 He did it in nine darts, what they call a nine darter. 00:01:29.840 --> 00:01:30.579 Crowd went wild. 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:34.439 He walked away with, get this, 60 grand just for that feat. 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:37.740 Now, if you weren't interested before, you're certainly interested now, right? 00:01:38.439 --> 00:01:40.460 60 grand for pulling off a nine darter. 00:01:40.459 --> 00:01:43.839 Here's the reason I think our culture goes crazy for darts. 00:01:44.919 --> 00:01:53.579 It is because it's one of the few sports where you can be perfect, right? 00:01:53.639 --> 00:01:56.619 Every other sport that we play, you can play well. 00:01:56.780 --> 00:01:57.979 Somebody can have a blinder. 00:01:58.739 --> 00:02:00.319 Somebody can be unplayable. 00:02:00.519 --> 00:02:03.459 Somebody can be sparkling superlatives everywhere. 00:02:03.919 --> 00:02:09.959 But darts is one of these few sports where technically, technically, you can be perfect. 00:02:11.120 --> 00:02:13.900 And there's our word in your mind. 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:14.800 It's the word perfect. 00:02:16.680 --> 00:02:23.800 And let me take us from the world of darts to our lives at the outset of 2024, right? 00:02:25.540 --> 00:02:31.040 Because that concept is in the air right now, being perfect, right? 00:02:31.080 --> 00:02:35.640 Or certainly trying to aim towards a new year, a new us. 00:02:35.640 --> 00:02:37.400 I heard that phrase this time of year. 00:02:37.480 --> 00:02:38.580 It's what we love to use, isn't it? 00:02:38.580 --> 00:02:40.700 A new year, a new us. 00:02:40.719 --> 00:02:48.400 And we're all thinking of ways that we can be a better version of us in the year ahead, right? 00:02:48.540 --> 00:02:54.140 Bigger, fitter, healthier, faster, stronger, more able. 00:02:54.139 --> 00:03:02.199 And I'm here to tell us this morning and remind my own soul that that's a pressure that we just don't need in life. 00:03:03.179 --> 00:03:08.919 My one aim this morning is to help us savor the one person who is perfect. 00:03:08.919 --> 00:03:11.059 And it's not us. 00:03:11.059 --> 00:03:12.059 And it's not us. 00:03:12.919 --> 00:03:14.759 Because this year might be about those things. 00:03:14.799 --> 00:03:15.780 I've got no idea. 00:03:16.579 --> 00:03:18.179 But here's my question for you. 00:03:18.279 --> 00:03:19.299 What if it's not? 00:03:19.300 --> 00:03:25.300 For all we know, it might be the exact opposite of those things. 00:03:25.300 --> 00:03:32.840 Because if the year 2020 taught us anything, is that we have no idea what tomorrow holds. 00:03:32.920 --> 00:03:33.480 We really don't. 00:03:33.540 --> 00:03:34.200 Do you know why I call it? 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:36.900 I call it the year of the ostrich, right? 00:03:37.400 --> 00:03:38.360 Year of the ostrich. 00:03:38.360 --> 00:03:41.600 Because I hear people talking about what happened in 2020 in our world. 00:03:41.599 --> 00:03:44.840 And it's as if we'll put our heads in the sand and pretend it never happened. 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:50.359 Like we haven't learned the lessons of that season of life that really we have got no idea. 00:03:50.879 --> 00:03:52.859 No idea what the future holds. 00:03:53.120 --> 00:03:55.439 And our lives are so, so fragile. 00:03:56.139 --> 00:03:58.680 And yet we run around thinking that we are immortal. 00:04:00.799 --> 00:04:04.579 And that's why my one goal is to help us take in the one who is perfect. 00:04:04.579 --> 00:04:09.859 And understand why savoring him is such good news. 00:04:09.860 --> 00:04:13.320 Because life this year is not to be found in being a better us. 00:04:14.780 --> 00:04:16.800 Life, true life is to be found. 00:04:16.900 --> 00:04:21.420 And true rest is to be found in embracing the truer Jesus. 00:04:23.620 --> 00:04:26.620 And this passage in Luke comes hot off the heels of Christmas. 00:04:28.639 --> 00:04:32.020 Chapters 1 and 2, Luke showed us how and where Jesus came. 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:32.900 Right? 00:04:33.199 --> 00:04:36.960 Mary, Zechariah, shepherds, Bethlehem. 00:04:37.020 --> 00:04:39.280 It's what Luke's been doing in the opening two chapters. 00:04:39.860 --> 00:04:42.600 Chapter 3 is all about who Jesus is. 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:43.540 Right? 00:04:43.600 --> 00:04:44.240 He's sequential. 00:04:44.400 --> 00:04:45.180 He's moving on. 00:04:45.879 --> 00:04:46.960 Who Jesus is. 00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:49.960 And we get John the Baptist, this forerunner to Jesus. 00:04:50.819 --> 00:04:53.020 We get Jesus' baptism. 00:04:54.480 --> 00:04:55.439 You have Jesus. 00:04:55.680 --> 00:04:57.340 You have the Spirit. 00:04:57.500 --> 00:04:58.900 And you have the voice from heaven. 00:04:58.899 --> 00:04:59.439 Heaven. 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:01.799 So you have, friends, follow the logic. 00:05:01.959 --> 00:05:06.379 You have the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all in the same situation. 00:05:06.859 --> 00:05:10.379 And we're meant to be thinking, when was the last time that happened in the Bible story? 00:05:11.879 --> 00:05:13.259 It happened at creation. 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:13.699 Right? 00:05:14.239 --> 00:05:16.439 The Father, the Son, and the Spirit happened at creation. 00:05:16.699 --> 00:05:20.819 We're meant to read this and think about God is up to something here. 00:05:20.819 --> 00:05:26.719 And then we get Jesus' family tree in chapter 4. 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:30.339 Or sorry, the end of chapter 3. 00:05:30.560 --> 00:05:33.519 Luke begins to flesh out his family tree. 00:05:33.699 --> 00:05:35.019 Who this Jesus is. 00:05:35.379 --> 00:05:40.060 And in chapter 4, Luke begins to flesh out for us why Jesus came. 00:05:40.060 --> 00:05:44.899 And the clue to this is in the very last verse of chapter 3. 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:47.120 If you've got the text there, come with me and see this. 00:05:47.459 --> 00:05:49.699 The very last verse of chapter 3. 00:05:50.220 --> 00:05:52.800 Luke wants us to see at verse 37. 00:05:53.819 --> 00:05:56.800 Who Jesus is related to. 00:05:58.399 --> 00:06:01.079 And who does he trace it all the way back to? 00:06:01.160 --> 00:06:03.040 Where does this family tree go all the way? 00:06:03.139 --> 00:06:03.959 See it in the text. 00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:04.740 Who is it? 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:06.980 It's Adam. 00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:09.100 It's Adam. 00:06:10.819 --> 00:06:12.800 Now I found a great website this week. 00:06:13.939 --> 00:06:17.399 It's called World Population Clock Live. 00:06:18.480 --> 00:06:19.839 If you're bored this afternoon. 00:06:20.920 --> 00:06:22.259 It's well worth going to. 00:06:22.480 --> 00:06:25.439 You can find out what number person you are in the world. 00:06:26.120 --> 00:06:27.379 According to your birthday. 00:06:27.540 --> 00:06:31.639 Big anniversary coming up for me on the 10th of January, year 2033. 00:06:31.920 --> 00:06:34.800 I'll be the 6th billionth person to be alive in the world. 00:06:35.840 --> 00:06:36.759 It's in the diary. 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:40.019 But here's the thing. 00:06:40.060 --> 00:06:41.259 See when we talk about Adam. 00:06:43.040 --> 00:06:45.000 Here is human being number one. 00:06:46.740 --> 00:06:47.620 Number one. 00:06:47.780 --> 00:06:50.519 That's the significance of Adam. 00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:54.040 That's the connection that Luke wants us to see. 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:57.199 Jesus comes from him. 00:06:57.199 --> 00:07:01.639 Now let me show you why that matters. 00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:04.259 We have to go on a journey here through the Bible story. 00:07:04.959 --> 00:07:06.099 Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. 00:07:06.199 --> 00:07:09.300 God creates the world out of nothing. 00:07:09.300 --> 00:07:14.659 And he places Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. 00:07:14.660 --> 00:07:19.220 Now why is the Garden of Eden significant in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2? 00:07:20.480 --> 00:07:22.220 For its beauty, absolutely. 00:07:22.380 --> 00:07:28.340 But it's significant because this is the place where God and mankind dwell in perfect harmony together. 00:07:28.339 --> 00:07:29.339 God creates this place. 00:07:29.339 --> 00:07:31.239 God creates this place. 00:07:31.239 --> 00:07:40.739 He puts Adam and Eve there to steward his good creation for his glory under his rule for their flourishing. 00:07:40.740 --> 00:07:44.319 And let me just say, that is where we will flourish as human beings. 00:07:45.680 --> 00:07:49.620 Not out with, not going it independently, not going it on our own. 00:07:49.699 --> 00:07:53.699 We flourish when we come to have a relationship with our creator. 00:07:54.759 --> 00:07:55.960 Makes sense, doesn't it? 00:07:55.959 --> 00:07:58.639 Have you ever tried to build an Ikea flat pack with a furniture? 00:08:00.159 --> 00:08:02.659 Tried to do it without the creator's instructions? 00:08:03.579 --> 00:08:04.939 It always goes wrong. 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:07.759 This is where mankind flourishes. 00:08:09.799 --> 00:08:10.719 That's the blueprint. 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:14.379 But someone else appears in the garden. 00:08:15.479 --> 00:08:17.179 The devil appears in the garden. 00:08:17.599 --> 00:08:19.339 Crafty and created. 00:08:19.819 --> 00:08:20.759 That's what we're told there. 00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:22.479 Genesis 3 verse 1. 00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:23.539 There he is. 00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:25.639 He's masquerading as a serpent. 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:28.180 And he starts speaking to Adam and Eve. 00:08:29.479 --> 00:08:32.600 The devil is not silent. 00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:34.159 He is also preaching. 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:40.840 In the words of Hugh Latimer in a sermon he preached in at St. Paul's Cathedral in 1548. 00:08:41.879 --> 00:08:45.659 The devil is the most diligent preacher in all the realm. 00:08:45.860 --> 00:08:50.139 He's always feeding mankind a vision of greatness. 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:52.039 And where true life is to be found. 00:08:52.759 --> 00:08:55.519 And his word is always out to undermine God. 00:08:56.120 --> 00:08:59.699 In the words of Roy Keane, the football pundit, that's his job. 00:09:01.100 --> 00:09:04.559 What he says to Adam and Eve, and this is a pincer movement, right? 00:09:04.639 --> 00:09:10.100 He says to Adam and Eve, Genesis 3, pincer 1, he seeks to undermine the authority of God. 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:11.460 What is he saying? 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:13.379 Keep these in your mind for where we're going. 00:09:13.379 --> 00:09:15.600 Did God really say? 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:18.439 Did God really say? 00:09:19.840 --> 00:09:22.779 Pincer 2, he seeks to undermine the goodness of God. 00:09:23.100 --> 00:09:24.259 Gil did not say. 00:09:25.259 --> 00:09:29.120 He knows when you eat of that fruit, you will be like him. 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:32.940 And Adam and Eve, they buy it. 00:09:32.940 --> 00:09:39.900 And they eat the fruit from the tree that God had specifically said for them not to eat from. 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:40.720 And here's the thing. 00:09:42.160 --> 00:09:43.400 It's a bait and a switch. 00:09:43.399 --> 00:09:47.279 Satan promised life and freedom. 00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:48.840 He held that out to Adam and Eve. 00:09:49.519 --> 00:09:51.340 And instead, what did they get? 00:09:52.039 --> 00:09:53.439 They get shame and guilt. 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:55.100 Bait and switch. 00:09:55.100 --> 00:10:00.740 And Adam and Eve are banished from the garden. 00:10:00.920 --> 00:10:10.320 And from their sin sneeze, all of creation and every human being ever since catches this sin cold. 00:10:10.680 --> 00:10:16.180 And right here, life is not ended, but life is now cursed. 00:10:17.659 --> 00:10:23.259 And let's be clear that God would be compromising on his holiness if he failed to do that. 00:10:23.259 --> 00:10:32.220 But what God does in the moment, in Genesis 3, 15, is that he pronounces in that moment to Satan. 00:10:32.419 --> 00:10:33.939 And get this, we've got to get this, right? 00:10:34.279 --> 00:10:39.319 Pronounces in that moment to Satan that he will raise up someone from whose line? 00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:42.100 From Adam's line. 00:10:42.919 --> 00:10:47.559 Who will come and will crush Satan decisively. 00:10:47.559 --> 00:10:53.619 And in the process, he will undo all the catastrophic effects of the fall. 00:10:54.319 --> 00:10:56.099 Now, how is he going to do that? 00:10:57.419 --> 00:11:08.319 Because this one who will come from Adam's line will be everything and do everything that Adam failed to be and do. 00:11:08.320 --> 00:11:17.600 God promises to send and to raise up a better Adam. 00:11:19.020 --> 00:11:21.640 And so here is Jesus descended from whom? 00:11:23.040 --> 00:11:23.640 Adam. 00:11:25.540 --> 00:11:29.400 But Jesus didn't come to a garden where Adam started. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:32.919 Verse 1 of Luke chapter 4. 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:37.279 Jesus comes to the wilderness where Adam ended. 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:40.819 And so Jesus in the wilderness. 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:42.980 Here's the thing that Luke wants us to know. 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:53.299 It's not like he's gone on a trip, got lost, and done the stereotypical male thing and been too stubborn to ask for directions, right? 00:11:53.299 --> 00:11:58.279 Who leads him there in Luke chapter 4? 00:11:58.439 --> 00:12:00.979 Who leads Jesus into the wilderness? 00:12:01.719 --> 00:12:03.559 The Spirit leads him there. 00:12:03.699 --> 00:12:04.819 Which tells you what? 00:12:04.899 --> 00:12:05.839 Which tells us what? 00:12:06.099 --> 00:12:10.019 That what's going on here is wonderfully deliberate. 00:12:10.859 --> 00:12:12.419 It's got purpose to it. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:13.859 And it's full of meaning. 00:12:15.439 --> 00:12:16.919 And Satan appears. 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:18.240 And what is Satan doing? 00:12:18.759 --> 00:12:20.240 Satan is preaching. 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:23.840 Temptation 1. 00:12:23.940 --> 00:12:24.379 Do you see? 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:30.659 It's an attempt to make Jesus question his identity. 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:36.460 If you are the Son of God, make these stones become bread. 00:12:38.460 --> 00:12:41.960 Jesus knows his identity is not something to be flaunted. 00:12:43.419 --> 00:12:49.000 It's earthed in a relationship of loving obedience to his Father. 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:53.799 And so Jesus says, man shall not live by bread alone. 00:12:53.980 --> 00:13:01.039 Temptation 2 is an attempt to make Jesus fast track his destiny. 00:13:02.460 --> 00:13:05.559 I will give you authority if you bow down and worship me. 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:07.200 That's the devil's play. 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:09.279 And to be honest, he's half right. 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:16.439 Because Jesus' life is going to end with all authority being given to him. 00:13:16.579 --> 00:13:19.179 But not because it's been given to him by Satan. 00:13:20.559 --> 00:13:24.120 Only because it's been given to him by his Father. 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:33.799 Only because he was first willing to go to the cross to carry out his plan to save his people. 00:13:33.919 --> 00:13:39.620 And so Jesus thunders back, worship the Lord God and serve him only. 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:47.720 Temptation 3 is an attempt to make Jesus rethink his priority. 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:51.299 Throw yourself down from here. 00:13:51.399 --> 00:13:53.299 The devil quotes there from Psalm 91. 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:55.960 Clearly the devil knows the scriptures. 00:13:57.799 --> 00:13:59.039 It's a psalm if you look at it. 00:13:59.100 --> 00:14:02.820 It's all about God's protection over his people. 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:08.740 But right at the end of that psalm, why does God protect his people? 00:14:08.840 --> 00:14:10.100 Not because they test him. 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:15.560 But because my beloved ones love me and honor me. 00:14:17.480 --> 00:14:19.020 But let's stand back for a moment. 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:20.640 Lest we get lost in the detail. 00:14:20.780 --> 00:14:22.160 And look at this from above. 00:14:22.280 --> 00:14:23.680 Do a compare and contrast. 00:14:25.060 --> 00:14:30.060 Friends, do you hear the echoes of the serpent in Eden in Luke chapter 4? 00:14:30.059 --> 00:14:33.059 Did God really say? 00:14:34.559 --> 00:14:37.279 Gives Jesus the offer of authority. 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:38.819 You will be like him. 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:46.579 In other words, the essence of the lies that Satan tempted Adam with, he tempts Jesus with. 00:14:46.619 --> 00:14:47.799 And here's the beauty of this. 00:14:48.179 --> 00:14:55.679 Where Adam failed miserably, Jesus passes with flying colors. 00:14:55.679 --> 00:15:02.299 Here is one who has come to be perfect. 00:15:04.219 --> 00:15:08.839 And the scene ends, verse 13, with Satan leaving to return at an opportune time. 00:15:09.159 --> 00:15:11.319 Now the question is, when is that opportune time? 00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:16.719 The next time we see the devil is in Luke 22. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:20.500 When Satan enters Judas. 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:27.720 And Jesus' final earthly hours that began in betrayal end in crucifixion as he dies. 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:29.660 And here's the conundrum. 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:35.160 The perfect one is crucified. 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:40.980 The perfect one, the sinless one, is impaled on a cross. 00:15:41.080 --> 00:15:42.540 He is cursed. 00:15:43.199 --> 00:15:44.719 Now what on earth is going on there? 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:49.019 Well, we need to go back to the garden. 00:15:51.199 --> 00:15:53.459 God says to Adam in Genesis 3, 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:56.579 Did you eat from that tree? 00:15:58.740 --> 00:16:02.679 Now friends, that is what they call in the business a closed question. 00:16:03.959 --> 00:16:04.059 Right? 00:16:04.199 --> 00:16:05.099 Laura Kusenberg. 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:07.439 She makes a living out of this, doesn't she? 00:16:07.500 --> 00:16:11.099 Getting politicians on her BBC show and asking them questions and saying to them, 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:13.899 All I need from you is a yes or a no answer. 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:16.379 The public want to know one way or another. 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:17.420 And she's really good at it. 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:20.460 Because what is the answer to that question? 00:16:20.940 --> 00:16:23.600 Did you eat from the fruit of the tree? 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:25.360 What's the answer to that question? 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:26.920 Someone help me out. 00:16:27.560 --> 00:16:28.320 It's yes. 00:16:29.180 --> 00:16:30.300 Yes is the answer. 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:32.759 That could have been the shortest conversation ever. 00:16:33.340 --> 00:16:34.300 Yes is the answer. 00:16:34.299 --> 00:16:37.939 But instead of holding his hands up and saying guilty is charged, 00:16:38.179 --> 00:16:40.279 Where does Adam point in Genesis 3? 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:42.299 He points and he says, 00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:43.919 This woman that you gave me. 00:16:46.939 --> 00:16:49.479 Do you see how there's two accusations in there from Adam? 00:16:49.819 --> 00:16:50.579 You gave me. 00:16:50.699 --> 00:16:53.639 In other words, he points the fault at God. 00:16:55.419 --> 00:16:56.719 God, you're at fault here. 00:16:56.779 --> 00:17:00.639 There needs to be a product recall on the helper you designed for me. 00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:03.779 I hope you kept the receipt because you're going to have to take that one back. 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:04.759 I'm innocent. 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:05.759 She's guilty. 00:17:05.960 --> 00:17:06.819 I'm not to blame. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:08.899 Put the blame on her. 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:14.740 She needs to take the rap for this one so that I can be in the clear. 00:17:14.859 --> 00:17:15.879 That's Adam's play. 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:24.339 But in wonderful contrast, friends, you see Jesus as the new Adam. 00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:26.980 What's he doing on the cross? 00:17:26.980 --> 00:17:56.960 Adam's life began in the garden. 00:17:56.980 --> 00:18:02.440 But it ended with him bringing his bride out with him out into the wilderness. 00:18:04.620 --> 00:18:08.180 Well, here is Jesus beginning in the wilderness. 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:13.799 And he's come to bring his bride with him back to the garden. 00:18:13.799 --> 00:18:26.579 And so as we begin to draw this together, let me zoom in here and give us two little applications and then zoom out and give us one big application. 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:26.940 Okay? 00:18:27.299 --> 00:18:28.119 Two, one. 00:18:28.119 --> 00:18:31.819 Here's the two little applications. 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:32.779 Here's number one. 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:37.539 And particularly, friends, when we fail this year. 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:41.460 And when life doesn't go to plan. 00:18:42.819 --> 00:18:45.639 Maybe even when we drift into sin. 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:49.039 When the devil does the bait and switch on us. 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:53.139 Maybe when we grow cold in our affections. 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:59.740 When we think particularly that our performance causes us. 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:05.420 Sorry, particularly when our performance causes us to doubt whether God truly loves us. 00:19:05.539 --> 00:19:09.059 Whether we can be truly accepted in his sight. 00:19:09.059 --> 00:19:10.099 Here's the first one. 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:15.259 Jesus has won the battle that we couldn't win. 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:24.299 Jesus saves us, get this, by his doing as well as his dying. 00:19:26.179 --> 00:19:29.919 He saves us by his doing as well as his dying. 00:19:29.920 --> 00:19:38.800 In other words, if Jesus had died for us, just died for us, in terms of our debt of sin, he would have gotten us back to zero. 00:19:40.279 --> 00:19:41.680 A clean slate. 00:19:42.620 --> 00:19:47.720 But to be a Christian is to have our lives united to Jesus. 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:51.300 Whereas before we were caught up in Adam. 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:55.640 When Jesus saves us, buys us to himself, we are caught up in Jesus. 00:19:56.400 --> 00:19:57.300 Caught up in Christ. 00:19:57.299 --> 00:20:00.579 And we're caught up to his perfect life. 00:20:01.039 --> 00:20:08.419 His perfect life of obedience and worship and wholeheartedness and sinlessness. 00:20:08.899 --> 00:20:11.000 A life that we could not live. 00:20:12.659 --> 00:20:13.720 That life. 00:20:14.819 --> 00:20:17.180 His perfectly righteous life. 00:20:17.259 --> 00:20:18.419 That's the word the Bible uses. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:19.579 Righteousness. 00:20:19.659 --> 00:20:20.919 Just means perfect. 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:21.799 God glorifying. 00:20:22.119 --> 00:20:25.440 That righteous life he shares with us. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:31.779 And so that means in God's eyes we are declared not just not guilty. 00:20:32.259 --> 00:20:35.200 But we are declared fully righteous. 00:20:35.840 --> 00:20:36.420 So what? 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:40.140 Let me just say that makes all the difference in the world. 00:20:41.620 --> 00:20:44.700 God looks on us the same way as he does his son. 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.660 Got to understand that. 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:47.860 He looks on us. 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:52.799 He doesn't love us any more on our good days and less on our bad days. 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:56.799 Because our lives are united to Jesus, his love for us is steadfast. 00:20:57.579 --> 00:20:58.680 And how does he love us? 00:20:58.879 --> 00:21:01.859 He loves us like he loves his son. 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:05.180 Friends, you and I are not saved because of our righteousness. 00:21:06.139 --> 00:21:07.940 We're not saved because we perform. 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:10.019 We're not saved because we're good enough. 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:14.079 We are saved simply because we have been brought up into Jesus' life. 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:17.019 And that's what we sing if you clocked it in the first song. 00:21:17.179 --> 00:21:19.299 Simon, wherever you are, brilliant pick. 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:25.919 My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. 00:21:26.159 --> 00:21:30.899 That's what that hymn, that's why Christians have sung it down the years because it's what it declares. 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:35.240 He wins the battle that we couldn't win. 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:38.200 It's not on us. 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:39.799 It's all about him. 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:45.240 And number two, Jesus has broken the chains that we couldn't break. 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:51.000 This really could be the year of change. 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:56.140 Do you know Oprah's message this year? 00:21:57.720 --> 00:22:04.839 It was all about, and I did Google it, how this is going to be a year for rebuilding for people. 00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:05.440 Right? 00:22:05.920 --> 00:22:06.319 Rebuilding. 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:09.200 What she said is this is an inside job. 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:13.059 Change comes from within. 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:15.980 And on one level, friends, that is so unhelpful. 00:22:16.839 --> 00:22:18.279 It's so unhelpful, isn't it? 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:22.859 Because many of us look inside here and we don't see a hero. 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:25.680 We see a damsel in distress. 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:28.980 It is not up to us. 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:32.019 We do not have the capabilities to make this year perfect. 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:36.599 But on another level, she's probably speaking a lot more truth than she knows. 00:22:37.819 --> 00:22:42.279 Because for the Christian, the power to change really does come from within. 00:22:42.399 --> 00:22:43.660 But not because of us. 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:48.360 It is because of the one who resides there. 00:22:49.320 --> 00:22:54.920 The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, lives inside of us. 00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:59.279 The same Spirit that led Jesus here. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:02.200 We've got the same Spirit living inside of us. 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:06.240 Which means that we have the power to say no to sin. 00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:10.940 And we have the power to say yes to God and His ways. 00:23:12.360 --> 00:23:15.120 And the Spirit transforms us inwardly. 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:17.900 He gives us new resolutions. 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:22.100 Which means that this year really could be the year of change. 00:23:22.840 --> 00:23:24.100 It really could be. 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:25.740 Not of our circumstances. 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:27.460 Way bigger than that. 00:23:27.460 --> 00:23:31.620 But all to do with the thing that really matters in life. 00:23:31.680 --> 00:23:33.220 And the thing that God is really concerned about. 00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:34.259 About our characters. 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:39.180 Could this year, friends, be the year of self-control? 00:23:41.380 --> 00:23:47.000 When we make progress in that area of our lives that continues to trip us up and clog us up. 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:51.079 When it comes to our love for and our pursuit of Jesus. 00:23:51.079 --> 00:24:05.059 Could this year be the year when prayer replaces anxiety? 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:18.539 Could this be the year when the hard wax of bitterness towards someone else melts and gives way to forgiveness? 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:25.339 When loving time in the Word replaces binging time on Netflix? 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:27.460 Let me ask you as we step into another year. 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:29.940 Where would you love to grow? 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:33.460 Where would you love to grow? 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.659 Have you gone to God with that? 00:24:35.819 --> 00:24:38.399 Pray to Him, Lord, help me change. 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:41.980 Where would you love to grow? 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:46.559 And as we close, let me zoom out. 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:51.720 And give you one big application here. 00:24:53.099 --> 00:25:00.279 And I just want to share with you the simplest and yet the most profound illustration of what this means for us. 00:25:00.360 --> 00:25:01.339 And I read it recently. 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:04.900 Unashamedly stole it from a guy called Andrew Wilson. 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:07.680 And that book is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:08.640 If you've read it. 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:12.140 Now we started out thinking about darts. 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:15.800 Let me close with getting us to think about chess. 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:19.040 We're all about the high octane sports this time of year. 00:25:21.080 --> 00:25:22.700 Now here's, I don't know anything about chess. 00:25:22.800 --> 00:25:24.500 But here's the one thing I know about chess. 00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:25.780 Can I share it with you? 00:25:26.300 --> 00:25:27.440 Here's the one thing I know. 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:31.080 I know what the most important piece on the board is. 00:25:33.820 --> 00:25:34.620 It's the king. 00:25:34.619 --> 00:25:42.359 And the thing about it, chess, is it's the kind of game that you can be having a shocker. 00:25:43.719 --> 00:25:43.879 Right? 00:25:44.059 --> 00:25:45.719 Pawns falling all over the place. 00:25:45.959 --> 00:25:47.019 Strategy out the window. 00:25:47.159 --> 00:25:50.279 Your opponent can be absolutely dominating you in chess. 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:52.039 You can see no way out. 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:53.479 It feels like a defeat. 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.879 But here's the thing in chess. 00:25:56.979 --> 00:25:58.500 See if your king is still standing. 00:26:00.179 --> 00:26:01.500 Your king is still there. 00:26:01.500 --> 00:26:06.079 See no matter what happens to you, you're still in the game. 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.380 Still in the game. 00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:12.720 And because your king is still in the game, so are you. 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:18.420 Now friends, we have no idea what this year holds. 00:26:18.839 --> 00:26:19.339 Absolutely. 00:26:19.440 --> 00:26:21.259 I gave up that game a long time ago. 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:21.779 Right? 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:24.660 No idea what this year holds. 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:25.560 For our world. 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:27.380 For our families. 00:26:27.820 --> 00:26:29.000 For those that we love. 00:26:29.340 --> 00:26:30.220 For our health. 00:26:30.660 --> 00:26:31.740 For our futures. 00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:32.980 For our employment. 00:26:33.820 --> 00:26:36.320 Our world could absolutely crumble this year. 00:26:36.820 --> 00:26:37.259 Could. 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:41.160 But whatever happens, here's what you need to know. 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:44.420 Here's what we need to know. 00:26:45.060 --> 00:26:48.460 That our king is always standing. 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:52.279 And he's doing more than just standing. 00:26:53.120 --> 00:26:54.600 And this is what the ascension is. 00:26:55.880 --> 00:27:00.420 He's ruling and he's reigning in the place of all authority at God's right hand. 00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:01.960 For us. 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:07.220 Because when Jesus ascended to heaven, God was giving him all authority. 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.180 That's what's going on. 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.600 God is giving him all authority. 00:27:10.759 --> 00:27:11.000 Why? 00:27:11.340 --> 00:27:13.380 Because he lived this kind of life. 00:27:14.340 --> 00:27:16.279 He lived this perfect life. 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:18.539 And because he died this kind of death. 00:27:18.599 --> 00:27:20.220 He died this perfect death. 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.720 As far as saviors go. 00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:23.299 Jesus. 00:27:24.399 --> 00:27:25.379 Is perfect. 00:27:28.379 --> 00:27:29.119 New year. 00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:29.740 New us. 00:27:31.139 --> 00:27:33.399 I think I've come to the conclusion in my mind actually. 00:27:33.539 --> 00:27:34.220 Beginning of the year. 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:36.500 It will probably be same me. 00:27:38.119 --> 00:27:39.200 But same Jesus. 00:27:40.839 --> 00:27:41.639 Let me pray. 00:27:43.399 --> 00:27:44.139 And friends. 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:45.379 Maybe just in the silence now. 00:27:45.380 --> 00:27:46.620 That question of. 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:48.520 Where would you love to grow? 00:27:50.520 --> 00:27:53.160 Why not just take it to God in prayer just now? 00:27:54.060 --> 00:27:56.200 Where would we love to grow? 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:05.200 And so the words of Romans chapter 5. 00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:10.140 For if by the trespass of the one man. 00:28:10.140 --> 00:28:13.059 Death reigned through that one man. 00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:19.400 How much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace. 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:25.080 And the gift of righteousness reign in the life through the one man. 00:28:25.580 --> 00:28:26.700 Jesus Christ. 00:28:26.700 --> 00:28:27.200 Father. 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:28.299 So Father. 00:28:28.380 --> 00:28:30.460 We thank you that we stand here today as. 00:28:31.340 --> 00:28:33.400 Those of us who put our faith in Jesus. 00:28:33.600 --> 00:28:35.759 We are standing here today loved by you. 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:36.460 Cherished. 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:39.680 Not because of what we have done or who we are. 00:28:40.559 --> 00:28:44.080 Thank you that you love us because our lives have been united to Jesus. 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:45.559 Father. 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:45.619 Lord. 00:28:45.619 --> 00:28:47.480 I pray for many of us this year. 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:49.839 Maybe this particular season. 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:50.059 Lord. 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:51.599 We are struggling with doubts. 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.819 We're struggling with guilt. 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:54.579 We've got all sorts of questions. 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:56.779 And fears about the year ahead. 00:28:57.619 --> 00:28:57.779 Lord. 00:28:57.839 --> 00:29:00.460 May just a knowledge of who Jesus is. 00:29:01.019 --> 00:29:02.200 And his beauty. 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:04.059 And his kingship. 00:29:04.720 --> 00:29:07.480 May it just come with a fresh power this morning. 00:29:09.339 --> 00:29:09.659 Lord. 00:29:09.659 --> 00:29:14.019 We pray this year that you would help us become more like him. 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:14.960 Lord. 00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:17.980 Thank you that because of your spirit dwelling inside of us. 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:22.720 Really nothing is off the table when it comes to our characters. 00:29:22.940 --> 00:29:23.059 Lord. 00:29:23.139 --> 00:29:24.839 We long to be more like him. 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:26.240 So Father. 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:28.619 We thank you for your love for us. 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:30.559 It's steadfast. 00:29:30.639 --> 00:29:31.480 It's never changing. 00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:31.779 Lord. 00:29:31.879 --> 00:29:35.420 Help us fix our eyes on the person of your son. 00:29:35.500 --> 00:29:37.700 We pray in his wonderful name. 00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:38.859 Amen.