WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.100 We're going to pray together now. 00:00:02.540 --> 00:00:04.120 This is out of Galatians 5. 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:06.980 It's going to be responsive prayer together. 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:12.939 Merciful God, we think of the freedom that Paul speaks about, 00:00:12.939 --> 00:00:16.019 and too often we accept it as the freedom to do what we like, 00:00:16.320 --> 00:00:18.740 rather than being obedient to you 00:00:18.740 --> 00:00:22.420 and serious about reflecting your character into this world. 00:00:23.080 --> 00:00:25.140 So we confess this morning with shame 00:00:25.140 --> 00:00:30.480 that whenever we've taken and devoured one another, 00:00:30.960 --> 00:00:33.500 such things as discord and factions exist, 00:00:33.659 --> 00:00:36.179 even within our faith communities together. 00:00:36.620 --> 00:00:40.899 Forgive us when we use our freedom to be self-indulgent 00:00:40.899 --> 00:00:43.840 instead of serving one another in love. 00:00:44.299 --> 00:00:46.359 We confess that we fail miserably 00:00:46.359 --> 00:00:50.719 when we try on our own to live lives shaped by love, joy, and peace. 00:00:51.519 --> 00:00:53.079 Patience, kindness, and goodness. 00:00:53.079 --> 00:00:56.780 Faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 00:00:57.899 --> 00:01:02.399 So forgive us when we fail to be led and guided by your Holy Spirit, 00:01:02.640 --> 00:01:05.700 who enables our lives to produce such fruit. 00:01:06.340 --> 00:01:09.099 Fruit which enrich and enhance our lives, 00:01:09.420 --> 00:01:11.840 and through us, the lives of others. 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:15.120 So merciful God, we confess also our failure 00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:17.359 to seek the empowerment of your Holy Spirit. 00:01:18.099 --> 00:01:21.780 When we are confronted daily with the challenges of following Jesus, 00:01:21.780 --> 00:01:25.780 when we look at the cost which Jesus sets on his discipleship, 00:01:26.420 --> 00:01:29.760 we confess that so often we fail to meet that cost. 00:01:30.799 --> 00:01:36.519 So forgive us when we fail to take Jesus' demands on our lives seriously enough, 00:01:37.040 --> 00:01:39.240 forgetting that our love for us, 00:01:39.420 --> 00:01:41.780 he has already walked the hard road, 00:01:42.379 --> 00:01:43.400 the way of the cross. 00:01:43.400 --> 00:01:45.500 Let's pray together. 00:01:45.500 --> 00:01:46.780 Gracious and loving God, 00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:48.820 in and through Jesus Christ, 00:01:49.260 --> 00:01:51.640 you have given us the freedom 00:01:51.640 --> 00:01:53.800 and the power 00:01:53.800 --> 00:01:55.320 to live 00:01:55.320 --> 00:01:56.600 by your Spirit 00:01:56.600 --> 00:01:58.400 and to be guided 00:01:58.400 --> 00:01:59.600 by your Spirit. 00:02:00.900 --> 00:02:02.560 May our acceptance of these gifts 00:02:02.560 --> 00:02:04.640 be visible as we bear profusely 00:02:04.640 --> 00:02:05.920 the fruit of the Spirit 00:02:05.920 --> 00:02:08.700 and as we faithfully follow Jesus 00:02:08.700 --> 00:02:10.560 on the challenging road 00:02:10.560 --> 00:02:11.480 of discipleship. 00:02:11.479 --> 00:02:13.099 This we pray 00:02:13.099 --> 00:02:15.060 in the mighty name of Jesus. 00:02:15.619 --> 00:02:16.619 Everybody, amen. 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:20.219 Today's scripture reading 00:02:20.219 --> 00:02:22.819 is found in Galatians chapter 5, 00:02:23.199 --> 00:02:25.719 verse 1 and verses 13 through 25. 00:02:26.199 --> 00:02:28.120 Please follow along in your bulletin. 00:02:28.120 --> 00:02:31.360 It is for freedom 00:02:31.360 --> 00:02:33.259 that Christ has set us free. 00:02:34.200 --> 00:02:35.159 Stand firm then 00:02:35.159 --> 00:02:36.620 and do not let yourselves 00:02:36.620 --> 00:02:37.659 be burdened again 00:02:37.659 --> 00:02:38.759 by a yoke of slavery. 00:02:39.700 --> 00:02:41.159 You, my brothers and sisters, 00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:42.500 were called to be free, 00:02:42.960 --> 00:02:44.520 but do not use your freedom 00:02:44.520 --> 00:02:46.080 to indulge the flesh. 00:02:46.599 --> 00:02:46.920 Rather, 00:02:47.300 --> 00:02:49.340 serve one another humbly in love. 00:02:50.140 --> 00:02:51.500 For the entire law 00:02:51.500 --> 00:02:52.180 is fulfilled 00:02:52.180 --> 00:02:53.980 in keeping this one command. 00:02:54.740 --> 00:02:55.680 Love your neighbor 00:02:55.680 --> 00:02:56.659 as yourself. 00:02:56.659 --> 00:02:58.280 If you bite 00:02:58.280 --> 00:02:59.659 and devour each other, 00:03:00.079 --> 00:03:00.819 watch out 00:03:00.819 --> 00:03:02.379 or you will be destroyed 00:03:02.379 --> 00:03:03.120 by each other. 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:05.139 So I say, 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:06.460 walk in the Spirit 00:03:06.460 --> 00:03:08.280 and you will not gratify 00:03:08.280 --> 00:03:09.599 the desires of the flesh. 00:03:10.180 --> 00:03:11.519 For the flesh desires 00:03:11.519 --> 00:03:12.280 what is contrary 00:03:12.280 --> 00:03:13.039 to the Spirit 00:03:13.039 --> 00:03:14.079 and the Spirit 00:03:14.079 --> 00:03:14.879 what is contrary 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:15.639 to the flesh. 00:03:16.079 --> 00:03:17.219 They are in conflict 00:03:17.219 --> 00:03:17.919 with each other 00:03:17.919 --> 00:03:19.199 so that you are not 00:03:19.199 --> 00:03:20.419 to do whatever you want. 00:03:21.060 --> 00:03:21.819 But if you are led 00:03:21.819 --> 00:03:22.460 by the Spirit, 00:03:22.620 --> 00:03:23.800 you are not under the law. 00:03:23.800 --> 00:03:25.939 The acts of the flesh 00:03:25.939 --> 00:03:26.820 are obvious. 00:03:27.560 --> 00:03:28.680 Sexual immorality, 00:03:29.200 --> 00:03:29.719 impurity, 00:03:30.020 --> 00:03:31.020 and debauchery. 00:03:31.820 --> 00:03:33.240 Idolatry and witchcraft. 00:03:33.840 --> 00:03:34.280 Hatred, 00:03:34.719 --> 00:03:35.120 discord, 00:03:35.500 --> 00:03:35.860 jealousy, 00:03:36.460 --> 00:03:37.219 fits of rage. 00:03:37.740 --> 00:03:38.580 Selfish ambition, 00:03:39.140 --> 00:03:39.700 dissensions, 00:03:40.380 --> 00:03:40.820 factions, 00:03:41.300 --> 00:03:41.780 and envy. 00:03:42.600 --> 00:03:43.220 Drunkenness, 00:03:43.560 --> 00:03:44.000 orgies, 00:03:44.220 --> 00:03:44.880 and the like. 00:03:44.879 --> 00:03:46.680 I warn you, 00:03:46.819 --> 00:03:47.699 as I did before, 00:03:47.919 --> 00:03:49.319 that those who live like this 00:03:49.319 --> 00:03:50.280 will not inherit 00:03:50.280 --> 00:03:51.280 the kingdom of God. 00:03:52.079 --> 00:03:53.919 But the fruit of the Spirit 00:03:53.919 --> 00:03:54.919 is love, 00:03:55.579 --> 00:03:55.900 joy, 00:03:56.960 --> 00:03:57.379 peace, 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:58.560 patience, 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:00.460 kindness and goodness, 00:04:01.219 --> 00:04:02.180 faithfulness, 00:04:02.759 --> 00:04:03.219 gentleness, 00:04:03.519 --> 00:04:04.359 and self-control. 00:04:05.400 --> 00:04:06.680 Against such things 00:04:06.680 --> 00:04:07.719 there is no law. 00:04:09.079 --> 00:04:09.939 Those who belong 00:04:09.939 --> 00:04:10.840 to Christ Jesus 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:12.400 have crucified the flesh 00:04:12.400 --> 00:04:13.439 with its passions 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:14.340 and desires. 00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:16.540 Since we live by the Spirit, 00:04:16.779 --> 00:04:17.899 let us keep in step 00:04:17.899 --> 00:04:18.740 with the Spirit. 00:04:19.879 --> 00:04:20.879 This is the reading 00:04:20.879 --> 00:04:21.560 of God's Word. 00:04:23.480 --> 00:04:24.500 Please be seated. 00:04:26.180 --> 00:04:27.920 Today is Pentecost. 00:04:28.759 --> 00:04:29.579 This is the day 00:04:29.579 --> 00:04:30.339 we celebrate 00:04:30.339 --> 00:04:31.439 and commemorate 00:04:31.439 --> 00:04:33.139 when God poured out 00:04:33.139 --> 00:04:34.240 His Holy Spirit 00:04:34.240 --> 00:04:35.219 on the church. 00:04:35.939 --> 00:04:37.800 This is the church's birthday. 00:04:38.279 --> 00:04:39.699 Happy birthday, church. 00:04:40.300 --> 00:04:41.560 And I'd like you to turn 00:04:41.560 --> 00:04:42.139 to your neighbor, 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:42.980 at least to two others, 00:04:43.100 --> 00:04:43.319 and say, 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:44.519 happy birthday, church. 00:04:44.519 --> 00:04:46.019 Happy birthday. 00:04:47.519 --> 00:04:48.339 Happy birthday. 00:04:49.539 --> 00:04:50.899 And how old are we? 00:04:52.359 --> 00:04:53.779 Give or take a year or two, 00:04:53.979 --> 00:04:55.979 1,980. 00:04:56.579 --> 00:04:57.959 I'm sorry that Walter Mark 00:04:57.959 --> 00:04:59.060 is unable to produce 00:04:59.060 --> 00:05:00.120 a cake that size 00:05:00.120 --> 00:05:02.759 with 1,980 candles, 00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:03.839 but we have said 00:05:03.839 --> 00:05:05.599 happy birthday, church. 00:05:06.419 --> 00:05:07.299 Now most of you know 00:05:07.299 --> 00:05:08.919 that we've been going through 00:05:08.919 --> 00:05:10.039 Paul's letter 00:05:10.039 --> 00:05:10.919 to the Christians 00:05:10.919 --> 00:05:12.019 in Galatia. 00:05:12.019 --> 00:05:13.319 And today we're going 00:05:13.319 --> 00:05:14.279 to explore together 00:05:14.279 --> 00:05:15.419 chapter 5. 00:05:16.199 --> 00:05:17.139 And appropriately, 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:18.639 our theme for today 00:05:18.639 --> 00:05:20.919 is life in the Holy Spirit. 00:05:21.240 --> 00:05:23.859 Life in the Holy Spirit. 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:25.319 Now here in this 00:05:25.319 --> 00:05:26.299 remarkable letter, 00:05:26.979 --> 00:05:27.919 the Apostle Paul 00:05:27.919 --> 00:05:29.779 speaks of the Christian life 00:05:29.779 --> 00:05:30.659 in three ways. 00:05:31.180 --> 00:05:31.539 First, 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:33.839 it is the life of faith. 00:05:34.339 --> 00:05:35.859 In chapter 2, verse 20, 00:05:35.860 --> 00:05:37.699 as the Apostle Paul 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:40.259 reflects and muses 00:05:40.259 --> 00:05:41.199 on his own life, 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:42.040 he declares, 00:05:42.660 --> 00:05:43.840 I have been crucified 00:05:43.840 --> 00:05:44.600 with Christ. 00:05:44.960 --> 00:05:46.120 I no longer live, 00:05:46.520 --> 00:05:48.420 but Christ lives in me. 00:05:48.960 --> 00:05:50.379 The life I live in the body, 00:05:50.920 --> 00:05:52.280 I live by faith 00:05:52.280 --> 00:05:53.620 in the Son of God 00:05:53.620 --> 00:05:54.740 who loved me 00:05:54.740 --> 00:05:56.639 and gave Himself for me. 00:05:56.639 --> 00:05:58.980 I live by faith. 00:05:58.980 --> 00:06:00.400 So the Christian life 00:06:00.400 --> 00:06:01.660 is a life of faith. 00:06:02.740 --> 00:06:03.280 And then Paul, 00:06:03.439 --> 00:06:03.800 secondly, 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:05.640 speaks of the Christian life 00:06:05.640 --> 00:06:06.980 as a life of freedom. 00:06:07.420 --> 00:06:08.240 So when you turn 00:06:08.240 --> 00:06:09.740 to the sheet you have 00:06:09.740 --> 00:06:10.759 of our scripture reading, 00:06:11.280 --> 00:06:12.400 Paul begins by saying, 00:06:12.600 --> 00:06:13.980 it is for freedom 00:06:13.980 --> 00:06:15.240 that Christ 00:06:15.240 --> 00:06:16.620 has set us free. 00:06:17.220 --> 00:06:18.200 Stand firm then 00:06:18.200 --> 00:06:19.680 and do not let yourselves 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:20.720 be burdened again 00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:22.939 by a yoke of slavery. 00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:24.560 Verse 13, 00:06:24.720 --> 00:06:25.680 you, my brothers, 00:06:25.900 --> 00:06:27.439 were called to be free. 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:29.959 So it's a life of freedom. 00:06:30.620 --> 00:06:31.540 We no longer live 00:06:31.540 --> 00:06:32.740 under the constraint 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:33.779 and shackles 00:06:33.779 --> 00:06:35.399 of the Old Testament law 00:06:35.399 --> 00:06:37.639 with all its do's and don'ts. 00:06:37.959 --> 00:06:38.899 We are free people. 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:40.439 We have been delivered 00:06:40.439 --> 00:06:42.300 by the Lord Jesus Christ 00:06:42.300 --> 00:06:43.399 and our life 00:06:43.399 --> 00:06:44.439 is to be expressed 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:45.939 by freedom. 00:06:46.439 --> 00:06:47.139 Then thirdly, 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:48.779 it is life in the Spirit. 00:06:49.279 --> 00:06:50.279 And we'll zoom in 00:06:50.279 --> 00:06:52.360 and focus on that thought 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:54.100 and theme for this morning. 00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:55.620 Life of faith, 00:06:55.620 --> 00:06:57.840 a life of freedom, 00:06:58.800 --> 00:06:59.899 the life of the Spirit. 00:07:00.439 --> 00:07:01.300 All these are like 00:07:01.300 --> 00:07:02.860 three strands in a row. 00:07:03.120 --> 00:07:04.319 They're all intertwined. 00:07:04.519 --> 00:07:05.740 You can't separate them. 00:07:06.060 --> 00:07:06.620 But today, 00:07:06.780 --> 00:07:08.340 we're going to explore together 00:07:08.340 --> 00:07:10.139 life in the Spirit. 00:07:10.699 --> 00:07:10.959 Now, 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:12.740 let me comment a bit 00:07:12.740 --> 00:07:13.300 on freedom. 00:07:14.879 --> 00:07:16.300 During these past Sundays, 00:07:16.399 --> 00:07:17.519 we've been looking at 00:07:17.519 --> 00:07:19.620 how the Apostle Paul 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:20.959 warned the Christians 00:07:20.959 --> 00:07:22.139 in Galatia 00:07:22.139 --> 00:07:23.560 not to be hoodwinked 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:24.639 but the Judaizers. 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:25.540 They were saying, 00:07:25.899 --> 00:07:26.120 yes, 00:07:26.379 --> 00:07:27.180 trust in Jesus, 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:28.420 accept the gospel, 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:30.519 plus add on 00:07:30.519 --> 00:07:32.139 the works of the law. 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:33.180 Then your salvation 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:34.519 can be guaranteed. 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:36.019 But the Apostle Paul 00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:36.340 is saying, 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:36.660 no, 00:07:37.040 --> 00:07:38.240 we have been delivered 00:07:38.240 --> 00:07:39.980 from the law. 00:07:40.360 --> 00:07:41.779 And he says in verse 1, 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:43.180 do not let yourselves 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:45.019 be burdened again 00:07:45.019 --> 00:07:47.019 by the yoke of slavery. 00:07:47.660 --> 00:07:48.459 This is surprising. 00:07:48.459 --> 00:07:50.739 If Jesus came 00:07:50.739 --> 00:07:52.279 to set us free from sin, 00:07:52.759 --> 00:07:53.419 we accept. 00:07:53.680 --> 00:07:54.399 Our theology 00:07:54.399 --> 00:07:56.839 resonates with that. 00:07:57.180 --> 00:07:57.919 But some of us 00:07:57.919 --> 00:07:58.500 still find it 00:07:58.500 --> 00:07:59.620 very difficult to understand 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:01.039 how we are freed 00:08:01.039 --> 00:08:02.479 from the law. 00:08:02.839 --> 00:08:03.599 Isn't the law 00:08:03.599 --> 00:08:04.240 of Moses 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:05.060 God's law? 00:08:05.740 --> 00:08:06.899 Did he not receive it 00:08:06.899 --> 00:08:08.039 on Mount Sinai? 00:08:08.479 --> 00:08:09.899 Was it not mediated 00:08:09.899 --> 00:08:10.839 by angels? 00:08:11.319 --> 00:08:12.500 How can we be freed 00:08:12.500 --> 00:08:13.719 from this law? 00:08:14.779 --> 00:08:15.079 Now, 00:08:15.399 --> 00:08:15.799 you must understand 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:17.780 that law 00:08:17.780 --> 00:08:19.020 was given 00:08:19.020 --> 00:08:20.680 in order to guide Israel 00:08:20.680 --> 00:08:21.980 to be the covenant 00:08:21.980 --> 00:08:22.960 people of God. 00:08:23.280 --> 00:08:24.160 And law included 00:08:24.160 --> 00:08:25.819 the ritualistic law, 00:08:25.960 --> 00:08:26.879 the civil law, 00:08:27.160 --> 00:08:28.680 and also the moral, 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:29.819 ethical law. 00:08:30.540 --> 00:08:31.699 And in Galatians, 00:08:31.840 --> 00:08:33.000 Paul says in chapter 3, 00:08:33.019 --> 00:08:34.180 verse 23, 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:36.259 the law imprisoned us. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:38.139 We were kept in jail 00:08:38.139 --> 00:08:39.200 by the law. 00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:40.940 And then he also says 00:08:40.940 --> 00:08:42.320 the law is like 00:08:42.320 --> 00:08:43.799 a very strict schoolmaster 00:08:43.799 --> 00:08:46.039 or disciplinarian 00:08:46.039 --> 00:08:47.179 by the Gogos. 00:08:47.639 --> 00:08:48.199 And that is 00:08:48.199 --> 00:08:50.459 a household steward 00:08:50.459 --> 00:08:52.059 who would be in charge 00:08:52.059 --> 00:08:53.339 of the education 00:08:53.339 --> 00:08:54.219 and tuition 00:08:54.219 --> 00:08:55.419 of young children. 00:08:55.979 --> 00:08:56.719 You can almost have 00:08:56.719 --> 00:08:58.719 the image of a teacher 00:08:58.719 --> 00:09:00.379 with a cane in his hand. 00:09:00.799 --> 00:09:01.899 You write something wrong, 00:09:02.019 --> 00:09:02.839 say something wrong, 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:03.519 whack. 00:09:04.339 --> 00:09:04.979 And the law 00:09:04.979 --> 00:09:05.839 was like that. 00:09:06.459 --> 00:09:06.819 And yet, 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:07.620 why is it that 00:09:07.620 --> 00:09:08.439 we don't want to 00:09:08.439 --> 00:09:09.879 run away from the law 00:09:09.879 --> 00:09:10.859 if it's so 00:09:10.859 --> 00:09:12.319 depicted that way? 00:09:12.320 --> 00:09:13.940 By the way, 00:09:14.000 --> 00:09:14.300 do you have 00:09:14.300 --> 00:09:15.140 a favorite fruit? 00:09:16.120 --> 00:09:17.200 What is your favorite fruit? 00:09:18.500 --> 00:09:19.120 Some of you 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:19.800 might be oranges, 00:09:20.040 --> 00:09:20.440 apples, 00:09:21.080 --> 00:09:21.660 for those of us 00:09:21.660 --> 00:09:22.580 who come from Singapore 00:09:22.580 --> 00:09:23.200 or Malaysia, 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:24.100 durians. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:27.440 And there are kinds 00:09:27.440 --> 00:09:28.080 of things like 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:29.440 strawberries and so on. 00:09:29.700 --> 00:09:30.240 But if you were 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:31.740 to ask a Jewish rabbi, 00:09:32.560 --> 00:09:34.040 what is your favorite fruit? 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:34.640 Do you know 00:09:34.640 --> 00:09:35.440 what his answer is? 00:09:36.260 --> 00:09:37.040 He would say 00:09:37.040 --> 00:09:37.880 a pomegranate. 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:39.380 Why? 00:09:39.379 --> 00:09:41.320 Because in Israel, 00:09:41.740 --> 00:09:42.559 the pomegranate 00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:44.740 has 613 seeds. 00:09:45.980 --> 00:09:47.679 613 seeds. 00:09:48.519 --> 00:09:49.159 And that is 00:09:49.159 --> 00:09:50.539 the number of regulations 00:09:50.539 --> 00:09:51.799 in the Jewish law. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:55.019 365 prohibitions, 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:56.939 the don'ts, 00:09:57.379 --> 00:09:59.340 and 248 commands, 00:09:59.480 --> 00:09:59.860 the do. 00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:01.439 Don't do this, 00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:02.639 don't do that, 00:10:02.960 --> 00:10:03.399 do this, 00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:03.919 do this, 00:10:04.080 --> 00:10:05.340 and then you will live. 00:10:06.120 --> 00:10:06.879 Now the Jews, 00:10:07.220 --> 00:10:07.559 sadly, 00:10:07.559 --> 00:10:08.239 they thought that 00:10:08.239 --> 00:10:09.000 if they kept, 00:10:09.319 --> 00:10:10.319 observed the law 00:10:10.319 --> 00:10:11.299 of Moses, 00:10:11.559 --> 00:10:12.559 then they would earn 00:10:12.559 --> 00:10:13.419 their brownie points 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:13.979 from God. 00:10:14.419 --> 00:10:15.359 They would be loved, 00:10:15.479 --> 00:10:16.639 accepted by God. 00:10:16.779 --> 00:10:18.000 So they worked their way, 00:10:18.079 --> 00:10:18.939 did all they could. 00:10:19.639 --> 00:10:20.279 And Paul says, 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:21.439 that's not the way 00:10:21.439 --> 00:10:22.539 to get right with God. 00:10:22.879 --> 00:10:23.579 It's not the way 00:10:23.579 --> 00:10:24.259 of justification. 00:10:24.979 --> 00:10:26.039 We are all justified 00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:29.519 in Jesus Christ alone. 00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:34.519 But then someone might say, 00:10:34.620 --> 00:10:34.919 all right, 00:10:35.019 --> 00:10:36.139 Christ has set us free 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:36.899 from the law. 00:10:36.980 --> 00:10:37.579 Does it mean 00:10:37.579 --> 00:10:38.659 because I'm now 00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:39.480 under grace, 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:41.899 I can do what I like? 00:10:43.199 --> 00:10:43.620 And of course, 00:10:43.659 --> 00:10:44.740 some of us remember 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:45.679 the freedom days 00:10:45.679 --> 00:10:47.220 of the early 70s, 00:10:47.259 --> 00:10:47.879 the hippies 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:48.899 in California, 00:10:49.439 --> 00:10:50.480 when there was free love, 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:51.159 free sex, 00:10:51.299 --> 00:10:52.019 everything free, 00:10:52.340 --> 00:10:52.919 and you can do 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:53.539 what you like, 00:10:53.759 --> 00:10:54.799 and licentiousness 00:10:54.799 --> 00:10:55.379 crept in. 00:10:55.559 --> 00:10:56.419 Remember those days? 00:10:56.419 --> 00:10:58.599 But freedom is not like that. 00:10:59.259 --> 00:11:00.399 Freedom is towards 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:01.240 a responsibility 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:02.919 because in our text, 00:11:03.319 --> 00:11:05.419 we are told in verse 13, 00:11:05.559 --> 00:11:05.799 brothers, 00:11:06.360 --> 00:11:07.539 you were called to be free, 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:08.919 but, 00:11:09.319 --> 00:11:11.039 here's a strong conjunction, 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:11.620 but, 00:11:12.039 --> 00:11:13.879 do not use your freedom 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:15.120 to indulge 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:16.240 in the sinful nature, 00:11:16.579 --> 00:11:17.059 the flesh. 00:11:17.539 --> 00:11:17.839 Rather, 00:11:18.279 --> 00:11:19.879 serve one another in love. 00:11:20.120 --> 00:11:20.759 The new law, 00:11:20.860 --> 00:11:21.679 the entire law, 00:11:22.019 --> 00:11:22.779 is summed up 00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:23.860 in a single command, 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:25.679 love your neighbor 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:26.879 as yourself. 00:11:27.719 --> 00:11:28.319 And so here, 00:11:28.459 --> 00:11:29.439 we are told very clearly 00:11:29.439 --> 00:11:30.279 that freedom 00:11:30.279 --> 00:11:31.639 is to a responsibility, 00:11:32.099 --> 00:11:33.639 to love the Lord our God, 00:11:33.839 --> 00:11:34.979 and also to love 00:11:34.979 --> 00:11:35.879 our neighbors 00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:37.559 as ourselves. 00:11:38.219 --> 00:11:38.799 So freedom 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:40.839 is to responsibility, 00:11:41.179 --> 00:11:42.459 not to anarchy. 00:11:43.239 --> 00:11:43.500 Now, 00:11:44.019 --> 00:11:44.959 someone might ask, 00:11:45.239 --> 00:11:45.839 what's the difference 00:11:45.839 --> 00:11:46.979 between a Christian 00:11:46.979 --> 00:11:48.439 who is set free, 00:11:48.699 --> 00:11:49.699 who has the Holy Spirit, 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:51.039 and one who's not 00:11:51.039 --> 00:11:51.819 very aware 00:11:51.819 --> 00:11:52.959 that the Holy Spirit 00:11:52.959 --> 00:11:54.019 recites him, 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:54.679 leads him, 00:11:54.679 --> 00:11:55.699 and empowers him. 00:11:56.439 --> 00:11:56.579 Now, 00:11:56.579 --> 00:11:56.919 some of you 00:11:56.919 --> 00:11:57.679 have been to China, 00:11:58.159 --> 00:11:58.939 and you've seen 00:11:58.939 --> 00:12:00.000 on the busy roads 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:00.579 of Shanghai, 00:12:00.859 --> 00:12:01.419 or Beijing, 00:12:02.319 --> 00:12:03.120 or Chengdu, 00:12:03.679 --> 00:12:04.859 bicycles. 00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:05.979 And these are 00:12:05.979 --> 00:12:07.199 motorized bicycles. 00:12:07.559 --> 00:12:08.139 They are powered. 00:12:08.239 --> 00:12:09.219 There's an engine there. 00:12:09.959 --> 00:12:10.159 Now, 00:12:10.199 --> 00:12:10.859 suppose you were to 00:12:10.859 --> 00:12:12.079 ride one of these bicycles, 00:12:12.599 --> 00:12:13.779 and then rev up 00:12:13.779 --> 00:12:14.659 the engine, 00:12:15.019 --> 00:12:15.579 and you find that 00:12:15.579 --> 00:12:16.439 you'll be able to 00:12:16.439 --> 00:12:17.959 ride speedily, 00:12:18.679 --> 00:12:19.459 and you would 00:12:19.459 --> 00:12:21.000 rejoice in the new freedom, 00:12:21.339 --> 00:12:22.099 the new power 00:12:22.100 --> 00:12:23.800 that your bike has. 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:25.680 At the same time, 00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:27.340 if you say to yourself, 00:12:27.440 --> 00:12:28.460 I can do what I like 00:12:28.460 --> 00:12:28.980 because I've got 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:30.120 this powerful engine, 00:12:30.580 --> 00:12:31.639 does it mean you can 00:12:31.639 --> 00:12:32.740 neglect, 00:12:33.779 --> 00:12:35.080 break the traffic law, 00:12:36.240 --> 00:12:37.300 ride to red lights? 00:12:38.580 --> 00:12:38.960 Or, 00:12:39.240 --> 00:12:39.440 you say, 00:12:39.500 --> 00:12:39.920 now that I've got 00:12:39.920 --> 00:12:40.440 this power, 00:12:40.580 --> 00:12:41.320 I can just 00:12:41.320 --> 00:12:43.920 bang my bike 00:12:43.920 --> 00:12:44.940 against a wall, 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:45.759 a stone wall, 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:47.060 and everything be okay? 00:12:47.779 --> 00:12:48.600 Of course not. 00:12:49.139 --> 00:12:49.740 It's just like 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:51.360 when your child grows up, 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:52.200 those of you who have children, 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:52.460 you say, 00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:52.659 look, 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:53.379 you must learn 00:12:53.379 --> 00:12:54.220 to love your brother. 00:12:54.899 --> 00:12:55.779 And then the son says, 00:12:55.860 --> 00:12:56.040 yeah, 00:12:56.200 --> 00:12:57.500 I love my brother, 00:12:57.600 --> 00:12:58.440 I love my brother. 00:12:58.980 --> 00:12:59.800 And the next moment, 00:12:59.940 --> 00:13:01.180 you find that he bites 00:13:01.180 --> 00:13:02.180 his younger brother. 00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:03.379 I love. 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:04.779 There's no law now, 00:13:04.820 --> 00:13:05.659 I can do what I like 00:13:05.659 --> 00:13:06.720 because I love. 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:07.700 That's not true 00:13:07.700 --> 00:13:09.360 because we still 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:10.899 obey some of the 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:12.220 ethical guidelines 00:13:12.220 --> 00:13:13.899 of the law 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:14.820 of God. 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:15.899 So here, 00:13:15.899 --> 00:13:17.000 we must remember 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:18.620 freedom is to serve, 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:19.419 to love God. 00:13:19.740 --> 00:13:20.799 Freedom is to be able 00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:22.220 to love and serve 00:13:22.220 --> 00:13:22.860 our neighbours. 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:24.159 But now let's look 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:25.799 at life in the Spirit. 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:28.539 Life in the Spirit 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:30.699 is a normal Christian life. 00:13:31.419 --> 00:13:32.579 It's not for just 00:13:32.579 --> 00:13:34.340 a few elite believers, 00:13:34.559 --> 00:13:35.459 it's for all 00:13:35.459 --> 00:13:37.199 who name Jesus 00:13:37.199 --> 00:13:38.959 as Saviour and Lord. 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.559 We began life 00:13:40.559 --> 00:13:41.480 with the Holy Spirit. 00:13:41.799 --> 00:13:42.819 We are born again 00:13:42.819 --> 00:13:43.919 of the Holy Spirit. 00:13:44.340 --> 00:13:45.559 He regenerates us, 00:13:45.559 --> 00:13:46.419 He gives us 00:13:46.419 --> 00:13:47.339 new life. 00:13:47.839 --> 00:13:48.599 He brought us 00:13:48.599 --> 00:13:50.139 and applied 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:51.919 the wonderful benefits 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:52.919 of the cross to us 00:13:52.919 --> 00:13:54.539 so that we can be called 00:13:54.539 --> 00:13:55.599 God's people 00:13:55.599 --> 00:13:56.959 and He's the one 00:13:56.959 --> 00:13:58.679 who sets us free 00:13:58.679 --> 00:13:59.919 and life begins 00:13:59.919 --> 00:14:00.339 with Him. 00:14:00.799 --> 00:14:01.459 And that's why 00:14:01.459 --> 00:14:02.899 in chapter 3 00:14:02.899 --> 00:14:03.659 of Galatians, 00:14:04.079 --> 00:14:04.979 Paul rebuked them. 00:14:05.079 --> 00:14:05.439 He says, 00:14:06.199 --> 00:14:07.339 how did you start 00:14:07.339 --> 00:14:08.239 your Christian life? 00:14:08.599 --> 00:14:09.599 Galatians 3.3 00:14:09.599 --> 00:14:10.759 Are you so foolish? 00:14:11.379 --> 00:14:12.659 After beginning 00:14:12.659 --> 00:14:13.839 with the Spirit, 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:15.300 are you now trying 00:14:15.300 --> 00:14:16.500 to attain your goal 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:17.700 by human effort? 00:14:18.300 --> 00:14:19.040 We begin 00:14:19.040 --> 00:14:20.940 with the Holy Spirit 00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:22.240 and we continue 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:23.639 with the Holy Spirit. 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:25.460 That is life 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:26.940 in the Spirit. 00:14:27.899 --> 00:14:28.720 And let's look 00:14:28.720 --> 00:14:29.440 at this life. 00:14:30.280 --> 00:14:30.840 And if you look 00:14:30.840 --> 00:14:31.879 at your passage, 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:32.780 the first thing is 00:14:32.780 --> 00:14:34.519 that we are to be led 00:14:34.519 --> 00:14:36.460 by the Holy Spirit. 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:37.800 Glance at verse 18. 00:14:37.799 --> 00:14:39.740 But if you are led 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:41.259 by the Spirit, 00:14:41.719 --> 00:14:44.899 you are not under law. 00:14:45.859 --> 00:14:46.819 Now in the Old Testament, 00:14:47.359 --> 00:14:48.379 and for most of these 00:14:48.379 --> 00:14:49.240 Jewish believers 00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:50.240 and especially 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.579 the Judaizing teachers, 00:14:52.419 --> 00:14:55.179 the law was the guide, 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:56.639 the leader to life. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:58.000 Because the word Torah 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:59.779 means direction. 00:15:01.099 --> 00:15:01.639 But then, 00:15:02.419 --> 00:15:03.319 Paul says, 00:15:03.459 --> 00:15:03.679 no, 00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:04.679 that's all changed. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:05.639 In the New Covenant, 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.319 when Christ came, 00:15:07.559 --> 00:15:08.299 when the Holy Spirit 00:15:08.299 --> 00:15:09.039 was poured out, 00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:10.399 our new leader 00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:12.240 is the Holy Spirit. 00:15:12.679 --> 00:15:13.639 Step aside law. 00:15:14.080 --> 00:15:15.019 You've done your shift. 00:15:15.539 --> 00:15:15.879 Now, 00:15:16.299 --> 00:15:17.500 it's the Holy Spirit 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:19.159 who is going to lead us 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:20.319 and to guide us. 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:22.179 We are to be led 00:15:22.179 --> 00:15:23.639 by the Holy Spirit. 00:15:25.100 --> 00:15:26.279 The Holy Spirit 00:15:26.279 --> 00:15:27.819 displaces the law. 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:29.620 He is our new leader. 00:15:30.179 --> 00:15:31.059 Now it's very interesting 00:15:31.059 --> 00:15:32.419 that today, 00:15:33.240 --> 00:15:33.759 Pentecost, 00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:34.319 we call it, 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:35.399 the Jews call it Shavuot, 00:15:35.600 --> 00:15:36.059 which means 00:15:36.059 --> 00:15:37.620 the Feast of Weeks. 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:38.919 It's also a time 00:15:38.919 --> 00:15:40.120 when they commemorate 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.500 the giving of the law 00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:42.740 on Mount Sinai. 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:44.159 So, 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.220 their Pentecost, 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:45.860 Shavuot, 00:15:46.259 --> 00:15:47.240 commemorates the giving 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:48.039 of the law 00:15:48.039 --> 00:15:49.139 on Mount Sinai. 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:49.879 And yet, 00:15:50.240 --> 00:15:51.340 in God's dispensation, 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:52.500 on this very day, 00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:53.399 God is saying, 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:55.960 there's a new leader 00:15:55.960 --> 00:15:57.299 that I'm entrusting 00:15:57.299 --> 00:15:58.580 for you, church, 00:15:59.120 --> 00:15:59.939 and that is 00:15:59.939 --> 00:16:01.580 the Holy Spirit Himself. 00:16:01.580 --> 00:16:02.940 And that's why, 00:16:03.220 --> 00:16:04.139 both individually 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:05.360 and corporately 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:06.040 as a church, 00:16:06.400 --> 00:16:08.040 we are to be led 00:16:08.040 --> 00:16:08.960 by the Holy Spirit. 00:16:10.040 --> 00:16:10.340 Now, 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:10.820 if we are led 00:16:10.820 --> 00:16:11.680 by the Holy Spirit, 00:16:11.800 --> 00:16:12.460 what would happen? 00:16:13.220 --> 00:16:14.259 In Romans 8, 00:16:14.379 --> 00:16:15.040 verse 14, 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:15.860 we are told 00:16:15.860 --> 00:16:17.500 that as many 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:18.500 as are led, 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:19.220 same phrase, 00:16:19.520 --> 00:16:20.200 by the Spirit, 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:22.300 we are the children, 00:16:22.540 --> 00:16:23.040 the sons 00:16:23.040 --> 00:16:23.879 and daughters 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:24.620 of God. 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:26.759 And in Ephesians 4, 00:16:26.820 --> 00:16:27.220 verse 4, 00:16:27.280 --> 00:16:27.660 we are told, 00:16:27.659 --> 00:16:29.519 God sent His Son 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:30.740 at the right time 00:16:30.740 --> 00:16:31.539 into the world 00:16:31.539 --> 00:16:33.039 to rescue us, 00:16:33.079 --> 00:16:33.879 to deliver us, 00:16:34.059 --> 00:16:35.219 and then God also 00:16:35.219 --> 00:16:36.579 sent His Spirit 00:16:36.579 --> 00:16:38.019 into our hearts, 00:16:38.299 --> 00:16:39.079 a double sending, 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:40.319 the sending of the Son, 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.600 the sending of the Spirit. 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.059 And what's the sending 00:16:43.059 --> 00:16:43.839 of the Spirit for? 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:45.579 That we can call God 00:16:45.579 --> 00:16:47.159 Abba, Father. 00:16:47.659 --> 00:16:49.500 That we can appreciate 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:51.639 and embrace 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:52.879 our identity 00:16:52.879 --> 00:16:54.120 as children 00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:55.179 of the living God. 00:16:55.699 --> 00:16:56.559 And so the Holy Spirit 00:16:56.559 --> 00:16:57.120 does that. 00:16:57.120 --> 00:16:57.759 when we are led 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:58.360 by the Spirit, 00:16:58.759 --> 00:16:59.960 we can say to God, 00:17:00.220 --> 00:17:00.500 now, 00:17:00.700 --> 00:17:01.899 I don't have to fear you 00:17:01.899 --> 00:17:02.580 as the judge, 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:04.220 as that heavenly policeman 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:05.220 who's trying to see 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:06.500 whether I break the law 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:07.440 and then whack, 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:08.859 you penalize me. 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:09.400 No, 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.799 you are now Abba, 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:11.579 Papa, 00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:12.640 Daddy. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.259 And I enjoy 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:15.859 an intimate relationship 00:17:15.859 --> 00:17:16.400 with you. 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:17.539 But who makes 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.640 that identity real? 00:17:19.640 --> 00:17:20.700 Who reminds us 00:17:20.700 --> 00:17:22.180 of that precious relationship? 00:17:22.819 --> 00:17:23.759 The Holy Spirit. 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:25.519 So if we are led 00:17:25.519 --> 00:17:26.380 by the Holy Spirit, 00:17:26.380 --> 00:17:27.020 we have 00:17:27.020 --> 00:17:28.360 an entirely new 00:17:28.360 --> 00:17:29.760 perspective of God 00:17:29.760 --> 00:17:31.180 who now becomes 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:32.520 not the fearful judge, 00:17:33.340 --> 00:17:35.340 but our loving, 00:17:35.820 --> 00:17:36.260 intimate, 00:17:36.820 --> 00:17:37.500 heavenly Father. 00:17:37.760 --> 00:17:38.700 And we call Him 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:39.480 Abba. 00:17:39.580 --> 00:17:40.360 So the Holy Spirit 00:17:40.360 --> 00:17:41.560 leads us 00:17:41.560 --> 00:17:43.180 into mercy. 00:17:43.820 --> 00:17:45.040 And then the Holy Spirit 00:17:45.040 --> 00:17:46.200 also leads us 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:47.120 into holiness. 00:17:47.580 --> 00:17:48.720 And this is very important. 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:50.340 One of my favorite passages 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:52.459 is 2 Corinthians 3, 00:17:52.919 --> 00:17:53.720 verse 17, 00:17:54.439 --> 00:17:55.119 18 onwards. 00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:57.119 And Paul was saying, 00:17:57.339 --> 00:17:57.740 and we, 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:58.500 we believers, 00:17:58.720 --> 00:18:00.399 we will unveil faces 00:18:00.399 --> 00:18:01.779 as we behold 00:18:01.779 --> 00:18:02.939 the glory of God. 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:04.399 We are changed 00:18:04.399 --> 00:18:05.480 from one degree 00:18:05.480 --> 00:18:06.819 of glory to another. 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.259 He's saying that 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.819 when we look 00:18:09.819 --> 00:18:10.519 into the face 00:18:10.519 --> 00:18:11.559 of Jesus, 00:18:11.919 --> 00:18:12.939 as we sing the song, 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:14.059 Turn Your Eyes 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.779 Upon Jesus, 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:15.859 look full 00:18:15.859 --> 00:18:17.039 in His Wonderful Face, 00:18:17.559 --> 00:18:18.519 when that happens, 00:18:19.199 --> 00:18:20.879 what will take place? 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:21.740 We'll become 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:23.259 more and more 00:18:23.259 --> 00:18:23.740 like Him. 00:18:24.199 --> 00:18:24.879 Now this week, 00:18:25.379 --> 00:18:27.099 I happened to glance 00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:28.019 at an article 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:28.539 called 00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:29.859 Mirror Neuron. 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:31.979 And this tells us 00:18:31.979 --> 00:18:32.379 that 00:18:32.379 --> 00:18:34.459 in the front 00:18:34.459 --> 00:18:35.059 of our head, 00:18:35.139 --> 00:18:35.699 all of us have 00:18:35.699 --> 00:18:37.339 this particular neuron, 00:18:37.679 --> 00:18:38.679 biological phenomenon, 00:18:38.680 --> 00:18:40.140 which helps us 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:40.900 to empathize 00:18:40.900 --> 00:18:41.640 with other people. 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:42.880 And in the case 00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:43.779 of married couples, 00:18:44.340 --> 00:18:44.940 if they have 00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:45.840 a happy marriage 00:18:45.840 --> 00:18:46.820 because they spend 00:18:46.820 --> 00:18:47.519 time together, 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:49.240 they look at each other's face, 00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:49.720 what happens? 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:50.240 They become 00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:51.200 more and more 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:52.140 like each other. 00:18:52.620 --> 00:18:53.380 Now don't look at me 00:18:53.380 --> 00:18:53.900 and my wife, 00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:54.759 don't look at Tobin 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:55.519 and Christina, 00:18:56.360 --> 00:18:57.420 but this is quite true 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:58.779 because you become 00:18:58.779 --> 00:19:00.220 like the object 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:01.580 that you spend time with. 00:19:02.080 --> 00:19:02.920 So when we look 00:19:02.920 --> 00:19:03.400 at Jesus, 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:05.060 we become more 00:19:05.060 --> 00:19:06.420 like the Lord Jesus. 00:19:06.600 --> 00:19:08.160 We become Christ-like 00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:09.259 and this is what 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:10.980 the Apostle Paul tells us. 00:19:11.040 --> 00:19:11.519 If we are led 00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.180 by the Spirit, 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:13.920 we become more 00:19:13.920 --> 00:19:15.140 and more like Him. 00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:16.880 Now one day, 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:18.259 there was a man 00:19:18.259 --> 00:19:19.380 who was praying 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:19.759 this prayer, 00:19:19.820 --> 00:19:20.259 Lord Jesus, 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:22.340 I want to become 00:19:22.340 --> 00:19:23.040 more like You. 00:19:23.300 --> 00:19:23.860 Holy Spirit, 00:19:23.980 --> 00:19:24.880 I want to produce 00:19:24.880 --> 00:19:25.620 Your fruit, 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:26.759 the fruit of love, 00:19:26.920 --> 00:19:27.660 peace, joy, 00:19:28.040 --> 00:19:28.920 patience, kindness, 00:19:29.160 --> 00:19:30.340 goodness, and so on. 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:32.480 Will You help me 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:33.340 do that? 00:19:33.800 --> 00:19:35.000 He was praying 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.500 this prayer. 00:19:36.120 --> 00:19:36.440 And then, 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:37.460 on Monday morning, 00:19:37.540 --> 00:19:38.019 he was rushing 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:38.740 off to work. 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:40.299 And as he rushed 00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:40.700 to work, 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:41.359 just as he was 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:42.019 about to ascend 00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:42.539 the steps 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:43.859 to catch his MTR, 00:19:44.379 --> 00:19:45.299 what happened? 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:46.519 He knocked over 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.440 a fruit store 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:49.000 and all the fruits 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:50.720 went tumbling down. 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.339 What was he to do? 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:54.059 Because he had been 00:19:54.059 --> 00:19:54.720 praying that day 00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:55.200 that he would be 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:55.900 more like Jesus, 00:19:56.180 --> 00:19:56.740 that he would have 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:57.839 the fruit of the Spirit 00:19:57.839 --> 00:19:59.299 and he was already 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.299 quite late for work. 00:20:00.879 --> 00:20:01.660 So as he was about 00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:02.759 to run up the steps, 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:03.779 he suddenly stopped 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:05.160 and went down again 00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:06.580 and began to help 00:20:06.580 --> 00:20:07.120 the vendor 00:20:07.120 --> 00:20:08.259 who incidentally 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:08.840 was blind. 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:11.080 The blind vendor. 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:12.680 He began to pick up 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:13.660 the fruits 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:14.779 and place them back 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:16.640 in their right positions. 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:18.840 And after everything 00:20:18.840 --> 00:20:19.380 was done, 00:20:19.800 --> 00:20:22.019 this blind fruit seller 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:23.620 got hold of his hands 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:25.140 and asked this question, 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:27.160 are you Jesus? 00:20:28.900 --> 00:20:29.860 Are you Jesus? 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:33.200 So what happens is 00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:34.100 that when the Holy Spirit 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:34.740 leads us, 00:20:34.820 --> 00:20:35.580 in our character 00:20:35.580 --> 00:20:37.120 there's a tremendous change. 00:20:37.560 --> 00:20:39.160 We become more 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:41.500 and more like Jesus. 00:20:42.280 --> 00:20:43.340 The problem is that 00:20:43.340 --> 00:20:44.180 individually 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:46.000 and also as a church, 00:20:46.080 --> 00:20:46.660 so often 00:20:46.660 --> 00:20:48.360 we want to control 00:20:48.360 --> 00:20:49.400 our own lives, 00:20:49.640 --> 00:20:50.480 we want to set 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:51.460 our agenda, 00:20:51.940 --> 00:20:52.840 we want to control 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:53.360 the Spirit 00:20:53.359 --> 00:20:54.419 rather than 00:20:54.419 --> 00:20:55.259 the other way around 00:20:55.259 --> 00:20:56.839 because we should be led, 00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:57.979 controlled, 00:20:58.379 --> 00:20:58.699 guided 00:20:58.699 --> 00:21:00.139 by the Holy Spirit 00:21:00.139 --> 00:21:00.639 himself, 00:21:01.019 --> 00:21:02.439 led by the Spirit. 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:03.479 This is the mark 00:21:03.479 --> 00:21:04.459 of a life in the Spirit. 00:21:04.939 --> 00:21:05.500 And secondly, 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.699 we are to walk 00:21:07.699 --> 00:21:08.359 or live 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:09.259 by the Spirit. 00:21:09.439 --> 00:21:10.119 Verse 16, 00:21:10.679 --> 00:21:11.319 so I say, 00:21:11.399 --> 00:21:12.039 and this here is 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:13.399 Paul's rallying cry, 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:14.519 so I say, 00:21:14.959 --> 00:21:16.599 live by the Spirit 00:21:16.599 --> 00:21:18.519 and you will not gratify 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.699 the desires 00:21:19.699 --> 00:21:21.299 of the sinful nature. 00:21:21.859 --> 00:21:23.199 Or in some translations, 00:21:23.799 --> 00:21:24.279 walk 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:26.779 in the Holy Spirit. 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:27.879 The Holy Spirit 00:21:27.879 --> 00:21:29.240 is not only the guide, 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:30.579 He's also the pathway. 00:21:31.119 --> 00:21:31.419 Walk 00:21:31.419 --> 00:21:32.599 in the road, 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.319 the path 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:34.359 of the Holy Spirit, 00:21:34.479 --> 00:21:34.919 the way 00:21:34.919 --> 00:21:36.119 He opens up 00:21:36.119 --> 00:21:36.579 to you. 00:21:37.379 --> 00:21:37.819 Now we know 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:38.740 that one of the 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:40.579 New Testament 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.719 descriptions 00:21:41.719 --> 00:21:42.699 of the Holy Spirit 00:21:42.699 --> 00:21:43.939 is He's the paraclete, 00:21:44.199 --> 00:21:44.479 Greek 00:21:44.479 --> 00:21:45.740 parakletos, 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:46.579 which means 00:21:46.579 --> 00:21:48.000 one who is called 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:49.479 to stand alongside. 00:21:49.979 --> 00:21:51.000 In legal terms, 00:21:51.419 --> 00:21:52.099 your advocate, 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:53.399 your defense counsel 00:21:53.399 --> 00:21:54.039 or attorney, 00:21:54.519 --> 00:21:55.139 He's called 00:21:55.139 --> 00:21:56.659 to stand alongside you, 00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:58.000 to defend you, 00:21:58.159 --> 00:21:59.399 and to walk with you. 00:22:00.699 --> 00:22:01.299 And here, 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:02.740 Paul says 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:03.740 that we are 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.859 to live 00:22:04.859 --> 00:22:06.299 by the Holy Spirit, 00:22:06.619 --> 00:22:07.139 to walk 00:22:07.139 --> 00:22:08.059 by the Holy Spirit. 00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:08.980 In other words, 00:22:09.139 --> 00:22:09.740 every day, 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:11.079 the Holy Spirit 00:22:11.079 --> 00:22:12.500 is to guide 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:13.759 and lead us. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.219 Then the amazing thing 00:22:15.219 --> 00:22:15.579 is this, 00:22:15.740 --> 00:22:16.439 as we walk 00:22:16.439 --> 00:22:17.319 with the Holy Spirit, 00:22:17.319 --> 00:22:19.619 as the parakletos 00:22:19.619 --> 00:22:20.980 walks alongside us, 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:22.000 does it mean 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:22.500 we're going to have 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:23.240 a leisurely, 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:24.599 gentle stroll? 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:26.559 Everything will be well? 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:28.259 We'll be on cloud nine, 00:22:28.399 --> 00:22:29.559 we'll have blue skies, 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:31.159 and no problems at all? 00:22:32.159 --> 00:22:33.099 Not at all. 00:22:33.619 --> 00:22:35.819 Because when we walk 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:36.740 with the Holy Spirit, 00:22:37.319 --> 00:22:38.619 something happens. 00:22:38.919 --> 00:22:40.439 We begin to be aware 00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:42.000 of a fierce 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:43.740 internal conflict 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:44.980 in our lives. 00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:46.299 Because if you 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:48.120 look at the text again 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.940 in verse 13, 00:22:49.380 --> 00:22:50.240 do not use 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:50.759 your freedom 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:51.600 to indulge 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.759 the sinful nature, 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:54.360 rather serve 00:22:54.360 --> 00:22:55.080 one another. 00:22:56.320 --> 00:22:56.740 And then, 00:22:56.920 --> 00:22:58.259 here we are told 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:58.700 that 00:22:58.700 --> 00:23:01.860 verse 17, 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.840 the sinful nature 00:23:02.840 --> 00:23:03.580 or the flesh 00:23:03.580 --> 00:23:04.779 desires what is 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:06.140 contrary to the Spirit, 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:07.100 and the Spirit 00:23:07.100 --> 00:23:07.920 what is contrary 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:09.259 to the sinful nature 00:23:09.259 --> 00:23:10.160 or to the flesh. 00:23:10.440 --> 00:23:10.840 Now, 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:11.640 the flesh is not 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:12.440 the meat 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:13.180 that clothes 00:23:13.180 --> 00:23:14.220 your bony skeleton. 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:15.500 It talks about 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:17.160 our sinful nature 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:18.580 with its propensity 00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:19.500 to sin, 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.440 to do evil. 00:23:21.580 --> 00:23:22.160 And here, 00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:23.059 we are told 00:23:23.059 --> 00:23:24.120 that the Spirit 00:23:24.120 --> 00:23:24.920 and the flesh 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:25.980 or our sinful nature 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:27.620 are in conflict 00:23:27.620 --> 00:23:28.440 with one another. 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:29.940 And that's why 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:32.019 Paul says to us 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.980 that we 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:35.620 must allow Him 00:23:35.620 --> 00:23:36.880 to lead us, 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:37.920 to guide us. 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:38.440 So he says, 00:23:38.840 --> 00:23:40.400 live by the Spirit. 00:23:40.440 --> 00:23:41.380 or walk 00:23:41.380 --> 00:23:42.700 by the Holy Spirit. 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:43.740 So here, 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:44.759 our Christian life 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:45.840 is set, 00:23:46.120 --> 00:23:46.500 as it were, 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:47.080 in the tension 00:23:47.080 --> 00:23:47.840 of a conflict. 00:23:48.840 --> 00:23:49.660 And in order 00:23:49.660 --> 00:23:51.620 to know 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.340 more and more 00:23:52.340 --> 00:23:53.080 about life 00:23:53.080 --> 00:23:53.620 in the Spirit, 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:55.259 we have to be guided 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.620 and led by Him. 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:57.400 Because those 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:57.860 who are 00:23:57.860 --> 00:23:59.740 led by the Spirit 00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:00.299 know 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:01.320 that we 00:24:01.320 --> 00:24:03.019 are the children 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:03.980 of God. 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:04.980 we want God 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:05.799 to run 00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:06.700 our lives 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:07.360 completely. 00:24:07.360 --> 00:24:08.279 So we are 00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:08.779 to live 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.680 by the Spirit. 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:10.740 This is His 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.900 rallying call. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.240 But once we try 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:14.500 to live by the Holy Spirit, 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:16.000 we begin to sense 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:16.640 that in us 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:17.839 there are two natures. 00:24:18.420 --> 00:24:19.339 A lower nature 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:20.660 called the flesh 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:21.740 or sin, 00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:23.299 our sinful nature. 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:24.700 And the other one 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:26.240 is our new nature, 00:24:26.660 --> 00:24:27.480 which has been 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:29.460 saved, 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:30.420 recreated 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:31.779 in Christ Jesus. 00:24:32.100 --> 00:24:32.660 And there is 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:34.120 an ongoing 00:24:34.120 --> 00:24:35.240 tension. 00:24:35.800 --> 00:24:36.840 And Paul says to us, 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:38.000 we are 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:39.460 to be led 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:40.500 by the Holy Spirit. 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:41.180 We are not 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:42.240 to be dragged down 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:43.560 by this sinful nature. 00:24:44.340 --> 00:24:45.300 We are to allow 00:24:45.300 --> 00:24:46.279 the Holy Spirit 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:46.820 of God 00:24:46.820 --> 00:24:48.420 to lift us up. 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:49.759 And that is 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:51.440 what the Apostle Paul 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:52.640 is saying to us. 00:24:52.840 --> 00:24:53.259 Live 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:55.440 by the Holy Spirit 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:56.460 and also 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.900 to keep in step 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:59.220 with the Holy Spirit. 00:24:59.580 --> 00:25:00.180 So here is 00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:01.140 Paul's 00:25:01.140 --> 00:25:02.500 rallying cry. 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.779 We will experience 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:04.880 all kinds 00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:06.519 of eternal conflict, 00:25:07.100 --> 00:25:08.580 but we are 00:25:08.580 --> 00:25:09.460 to allow 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.200 the Holy Spirit 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:10.940 to guide us, 00:25:11.160 --> 00:25:11.580 especially 00:25:11.580 --> 00:25:12.600 when we fight 00:25:12.600 --> 00:25:13.440 this civil war 00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:14.759 between our flesh 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:16.120 and the Holy Spirit. 00:25:16.660 --> 00:25:17.799 And this raging 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:18.400 conflict 00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:20.380 can only be settled 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:21.480 if we allow 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.640 the Holy Spirit 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:24.200 to take over, 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.600 to govern our lives 00:25:25.600 --> 00:25:27.100 and our decisions. 00:25:27.099 --> 00:25:27.240 Christians. 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:29.659 So, 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:31.579 here we are 00:25:31.579 --> 00:25:33.000 told by 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:35.259 the Apostle Paul 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:36.079 very clearly 00:25:36.079 --> 00:25:37.279 that we are 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:37.959 to live 00:25:37.959 --> 00:25:39.099 and walk 00:25:39.099 --> 00:25:41.079 by the Holy Spirit. 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:42.500 It's Paul's 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:44.019 rallying cry. 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:45.019 Because you see, 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:45.819 it's the Holy Spirit 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:46.359 himself 00:25:46.359 --> 00:25:48.559 who leads us 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:50.879 to tell us 00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:51.839 that we are 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:53.079 the children of God. 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:54.460 It's the Holy Spirit 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:55.740 who reminds us 00:25:55.740 --> 00:25:56.500 that we are 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:57.299 his sons. 00:25:57.699 --> 00:25:58.339 He's the one 00:25:58.339 --> 00:25:59.240 who leads us 00:25:59.240 --> 00:26:00.839 into intimacy 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:02.460 with God himself. 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:03.799 And he's the one 00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:05.079 who makes us 00:26:05.079 --> 00:26:06.839 more and more 00:26:06.839 --> 00:26:08.220 like Jesus Christ 00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:08.939 himself. 00:26:09.379 --> 00:26:09.980 This is 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:11.179 life 00:26:11.179 --> 00:26:12.279 in the Spirit. 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:13.339 So, 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.019 my dear brothers 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.939 and sisters, 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.159 as we 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:18.939 live our lives 00:26:18.939 --> 00:26:19.379 together, 00:26:19.639 --> 00:26:20.159 we have to ask 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:20.560 ourselves 00:26:20.560 --> 00:26:21.380 who is guiding, 00:26:21.840 --> 00:26:22.600 who is leading us. 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:23.580 Can I ask you 00:26:23.580 --> 00:26:24.279 to pray for a moment 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:25.180 because I sense 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:26.840 a bit of confusion. 00:26:27.060 --> 00:26:27.940 Let me be very honest. 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:28.800 As a preacher, 00:26:29.300 --> 00:26:30.140 something is happening 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:30.620 because 00:26:30.620 --> 00:26:32.480 in the heavenlies 00:26:32.480 --> 00:26:34.100 and the Holy Spirit 00:26:34.100 --> 00:26:35.180 wants to speak to us 00:26:35.180 --> 00:26:36.000 but also 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:37.840 the spirits 00:26:37.840 --> 00:26:38.759 that are not for us 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:39.759 are so against us. 00:26:39.800 --> 00:26:40.180 Can I ask you 00:26:40.180 --> 00:26:41.400 to pray for a moment? 00:26:42.220 --> 00:26:42.860 Pray with me, 00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:43.400 please. 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:43.480 Amen. 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:43.519 Amen. 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:43.560 Amen. 00:26:43.560 --> 00:26:43.620 Amen. 00:26:43.620 --> 00:26:43.680 Amen. 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:43.700 Amen. 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:43.740 Amen. 00:26:43.740 --> 00:26:43.779 Amen. 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:43.820 Amen. 00:26:43.820 --> 00:26:44.340 Amen. 00:26:44.340 --> 00:26:44.620 Amen. 00:26:44.620 --> 00:26:45.620 Amen. 00:26:45.620 --> 00:26:45.660 Amen. 00:26:45.660 --> 00:26:45.680 Amen. 00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:50.700 Amen. 00:26:56.360 --> 00:26:56.880 Lord, 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:58.000 we thank you so much 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.440 that you are here. 00:27:00.360 --> 00:27:01.380 Will you come now 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:03.740 and work in our lives 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:05.640 that we can follow you, 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:07.060 love you, 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.560 and trust in you? 00:27:08.759 --> 00:27:09.160 And Father, 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.560 I do not know 00:27:10.560 --> 00:27:11.720 what's happening right now 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.860 but I just ask you 00:27:12.860 --> 00:27:13.340 to come 00:27:13.340 --> 00:27:16.019 and pour your Spirit 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:16.540 in us 00:27:16.540 --> 00:27:18.259 that we may live lives 00:27:18.259 --> 00:27:20.619 really pleasing to you. 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.599 And Holy Spirit, 00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:24.420 come and take over 00:27:24.420 --> 00:27:27.220 so that the life we live 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:28.400 may be a life 00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:30.039 that's really pleasing 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:31.440 in your eyes. 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.720 In Jesus' name. 00:27:33.299 --> 00:27:33.619 Amen. 00:27:40.619 --> 00:27:42.180 So we are talking about 00:27:42.180 --> 00:27:43.900 living. 00:27:44.420 --> 00:27:46.140 Can you just pray for me 00:27:46.140 --> 00:27:46.559 for a moment 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.539 because I just sense, 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:48.319 as it were, 00:27:48.399 --> 00:27:49.420 a kind of strong 00:27:49.420 --> 00:27:50.879 spiritual attack 00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:53.519 from the powers of darkness. 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:55.799 And this is a very real 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.599 ongoing battle. 00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:57.559 So can we just pray? 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:08.759 Lord, 00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:10.059 as we come into 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:11.019 your presence today, 00:28:11.460 --> 00:28:12.680 we thank you so much 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:14.119 that you are here. 00:28:15.159 --> 00:28:16.139 Will you lead us? 00:28:16.139 --> 00:28:17.259 Will you strengthen us 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:18.240 that we may be able 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:20.519 to understand your word 00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:21.140 to love you? 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:22.660 And I don't understand 00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:23.400 why there is this 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:24.059 very big 00:28:24.059 --> 00:28:25.900 spiritual attack 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.559 going on. 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.720 But I just pray 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:28.539 that we may 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:29.759 learn 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:31.359 to know 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:31.819 the power 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:32.559 of your Holy Spirit 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:33.599 and in Jesus' name 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:34.660 we command 00:28:34.660 --> 00:28:36.019 all spirits of fear, 00:28:36.599 --> 00:28:36.980 doubt 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:37.879 to leave 00:28:37.879 --> 00:28:39.759 so that we can be alive 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:40.759 through the work 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:41.779 of the Holy Spirit 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:44.200 in our lives. 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:45.480 so Holy Spirit 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:46.000 come 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:47.539 and take over 00:28:47.539 --> 00:28:48.900 in Jesus' name. 00:28:49.580 --> 00:28:49.920 Amen. 00:28:49.920 --> 00:28:50.019 Amen. 00:28:50.019 --> 00:28:54.099 By the way, 00:29:10.639 --> 00:29:11.039 water's something 00:29:11.039 --> 00:29:26.700 sometimes in preaching 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:32.619 there can be also the powers of darkness coming 00:29:32.619 --> 00:29:36.359 to stop the clear word of God from being spoken 00:29:36.359 --> 00:29:40.220 and I find suddenly like the enemy is trying to sow seeds of confusion 00:29:40.220 --> 00:29:43.440 here I'm telling you as a preacher some of the battles we face 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:45.500 and we try to expound God's word 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:48.519 so let's just ask the Holy Spirit to come again 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:50.420 Spirit of God you are here 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:52.779 in Jesus name I take authority 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:56.559 and command all spirits of confusion to live 00:29:56.559 --> 00:30:01.319 and I also want to pray that you Holy Spirit will come and take over 00:30:01.319 --> 00:30:02.779 so that we can 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:09.160 know your presence and your life 00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:15.519 and also the reality of you guiding us today in our exposition 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:17.800 so we commit this time to you Lord 00:30:17.800 --> 00:30:21.980 and ask that you will direct our thoughts and our minds 00:30:21.980 --> 00:30:23.220 in Jesus name 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:24.440 Amen 00:30:24.440 --> 00:30:47.180 my mind has just gone blank for this is very unusual I don't know what God is doing in our midst 00:30:47.180 --> 00:30:48.120 that's good 00:30:48.120 --> 00:30:50.620 I'm going to ask is Mark here 00:30:50.620 --> 00:30:52.220 we had the worship team come up 00:30:52.220 --> 00:30:54.920 and we're just going to spend some time praying 00:30:54.920 --> 00:30:58.440 and going into a time of just continued worship 00:30:58.440 --> 00:31:02.299 and as they go I just want to pray for our time here 00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:04.420 and Father we just thank you 00:31:04.420 --> 00:31:09.820 Father we thank you that you are the one that is in control of all things 00:31:09.820 --> 00:31:13.060 Father we just pray that your spirit would be with us 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:18.079 we thank you just for your word which continues to show us the power of your son 00:31:18.079 --> 00:31:20.740 and his spirit that comes into our lives 00:31:20.740 --> 00:31:23.899 Lord we pray as we come before you even now 00:31:23.899 --> 00:31:27.099 I know that even as I think through this passage 00:31:27.099 --> 00:31:30.019 and we so often struggle with what it means to 00:31:30.019 --> 00:31:31.799 to walk in the spirit 00:31:31.799 --> 00:31:33.579 and to walk and be your children Lord 00:31:33.579 --> 00:31:36.559 and I realize that there's even some people here right now 00:31:36.559 --> 00:31:37.279 who are wondering 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:39.879 what that even looks like for them 00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:41.119 and they don't know you Lord 00:31:41.119 --> 00:31:43.279 we pray for them Lord 00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:45.000 that even in this part in their life 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:47.419 that they would realize their need for you 00:31:47.419 --> 00:31:48.839 they'd realize 00:31:48.839 --> 00:31:52.299 that they have tried to be God in their life for so long 00:31:52.299 --> 00:31:53.460 but as they look at their life 00:31:53.460 --> 00:31:54.740 they realize that these things 00:31:54.740 --> 00:31:57.859 just aren't things that can sustain their soul 00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:59.960 and bring them to you 00:31:59.960 --> 00:32:02.419 Father we pray for those here 00:32:02.420 --> 00:32:04.660 that you would enter into their life 00:32:04.660 --> 00:32:05.700 and they would feel your presence 00:32:05.700 --> 00:32:07.259 and know that you're real and true 00:32:07.259 --> 00:32:09.980 and that you are the power to save them 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:12.980 Father I pray for the rest of us here 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:14.700 who are in your family 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:17.080 but often we go off on journeys 00:32:17.080 --> 00:32:19.300 apart from your spirit 00:32:19.300 --> 00:32:20.740 we try to pedal the bike 00:32:20.740 --> 00:32:22.660 without the engine and the power 00:32:22.660 --> 00:32:26.480 and we wonder why we get so tired 00:32:26.480 --> 00:32:27.380 and frustrated 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:28.519 and lonely 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:30.539 and feel hopeless 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:34.500 Father I just pray for those of us here 00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:35.259 who do that 00:32:35.259 --> 00:32:36.019 and we all do that 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:37.259 your word says in our journey 00:32:37.259 --> 00:32:39.259 that we would come to you 00:32:39.259 --> 00:32:41.579 and we would just lay our lives before you 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:45.079 that we'd surrender our desires 00:32:45.079 --> 00:32:46.039 that we'd surrender 00:32:46.039 --> 00:32:48.940 our trying to work out 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:50.500 our salvation and complete it 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:51.359 we would surrender 00:32:51.359 --> 00:32:55.359 trying to add something to your gospel 00:32:55.359 --> 00:32:57.740 which is already perfect and whole and true 00:32:57.740 --> 00:33:00.900 and that we would trust in you 00:33:00.900 --> 00:33:03.700 Father I thank you for my dear brother here 00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:04.620 Pastor Troi 00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:06.700 pray that you would be with him 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:08.000 that you would strengthen him 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:10.559 Father I thank you for all of us 00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:12.819 that we all need you 00:33:12.819 --> 00:33:14.980 and we need your strength and power 00:33:14.980 --> 00:33:17.859 as we enter into this time to worship 00:33:17.859 --> 00:33:19.900 to be with you 00:33:19.900 --> 00:33:22.859 please ask your spirit to be with us 00:33:22.859 --> 00:33:23.859 and to change us 00:33:23.859 --> 00:33:25.740 and we love you 00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:27.859 in Jesus name 00:33:27.859 --> 00:33:29.019 Amen 00:33:29.019 --> 00:33:31.219 why don't we just continue in prayer 00:33:31.219 --> 00:33:32.019 worshiping 00:33:32.019 --> 00:33:41.019 I think sometimes when we come up here 00:33:41.019 --> 00:33:42.059 to bring God's word 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:44.719 you feel like 00:33:44.719 --> 00:33:46.899 okay if I've worked out this speech 00:33:46.899 --> 00:33:48.139 I've got it all set up 00:33:48.139 --> 00:33:50.359 and it should be great 00:33:50.359 --> 00:33:53.740 and you don't realize what happens 00:33:53.740 --> 00:33:54.939 if God is there 00:33:54.939 --> 00:33:56.059 and he meets you 00:33:56.059 --> 00:33:57.539 and he has something else to share 00:33:57.539 --> 00:33:58.939 in your life 00:33:58.939 --> 00:34:00.099 and you don't understand 00:34:00.099 --> 00:34:01.939 the spiritual dynamics 00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:02.939 sometimes 00:34:02.939 --> 00:34:03.799 I think as a pastor 00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:05.539 you take those things for granted 00:34:05.539 --> 00:34:07.740 I shared with you one time 00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:08.480 about two weeks ago 00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:09.940 that you guys just hear these sermons 00:34:09.940 --> 00:34:11.000 for one time 00:34:11.000 --> 00:34:11.900 and then you're gone 00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:13.400 and we have to 00:34:13.400 --> 00:34:15.139 think of them 00:34:15.139 --> 00:34:16.139 for months 00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:17.880 and allow God's spirit 00:34:17.880 --> 00:34:19.360 to hit us 00:34:19.360 --> 00:34:20.400 and to change us 00:34:20.400 --> 00:34:21.820 and in the middle of that 00:34:21.820 --> 00:34:23.400 you see that this spiritual battle 00:34:23.400 --> 00:34:24.599 is real 00:34:24.599 --> 00:34:27.380 that the world 00:34:27.380 --> 00:34:28.200 we see 00:34:28.200 --> 00:34:29.360 and we see on TV 00:34:29.360 --> 00:34:29.980 is just 00:34:29.980 --> 00:34:31.519 the physical 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:33.880 but God's word says 00:34:33.880 --> 00:34:34.780 there's so much more 00:34:34.780 --> 00:34:35.400 spiritually 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:37.320 around us 00:34:37.320 --> 00:34:39.039 there's angels 00:34:39.039 --> 00:34:39.740 there's demons 00:34:39.740 --> 00:34:41.019 and not to fear that 00:34:41.019 --> 00:34:43.340 to realize that God 00:34:43.340 --> 00:34:44.440 goes before us 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:45.220 and we walk 00:34:45.220 --> 00:34:45.780 in the power 00:34:45.780 --> 00:34:46.720 of Jesus Christ 00:34:46.719 --> 00:34:48.659 we can trust him 00:34:48.659 --> 00:34:50.119 who vanquished 00:34:50.119 --> 00:34:51.059 all those forces 00:34:51.059 --> 00:34:52.939 on the cross 00:34:52.939 --> 00:34:55.679 so in some ways 00:34:55.679 --> 00:34:57.079 you just got 00:34:57.079 --> 00:34:59.559 a better visual 00:34:59.559 --> 00:35:02.519 of what it means 00:35:02.519 --> 00:35:03.859 to walk with God 00:35:03.859 --> 00:35:05.699 and walk in the spirit 00:35:05.699 --> 00:35:08.079 than you could have heard 00:35:08.079 --> 00:35:11.500 in a sermon 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:15.500 our hope and our prayer 00:35:15.500 --> 00:35:16.059 prayers that you wouldn't 00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:16.940 forget today 00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:18.699 but you think about 00:35:18.699 --> 00:35:19.320 what it means 00:35:19.320 --> 00:35:20.179 for me to walk 00:35:20.179 --> 00:35:20.780 with God 00:35:20.780 --> 00:35:22.380 what does it mean 00:35:22.380 --> 00:35:23.119 for me to walk 00:35:23.119 --> 00:35:23.800 in the power 00:35:23.800 --> 00:35:24.380 of his spirit 00:35:24.380 --> 00:35:24.780 what does it mean 00:35:24.780 --> 00:35:26.000 for me to trust him 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:29.159 and do I do that 00:35:29.159 --> 00:35:33.559 or do I rely on myself 00:35:33.559 --> 00:35:35.920 and how eloquent I am 00:35:35.920 --> 00:35:37.400 and how competent I am 00:35:37.400 --> 00:35:38.320 in my business world 00:35:38.320 --> 00:35:42.160 we are leaving here 00:35:42.160 --> 00:35:43.760 about one o'clock 00:35:43.760 --> 00:35:45.420 for a beach party 00:35:45.420 --> 00:35:46.440 we would love 00:35:46.440 --> 00:35:47.160 for you to join us 00:35:47.160 --> 00:35:48.740 there's two big 00:35:48.740 --> 00:35:49.820 massive buses 00:35:49.820 --> 00:35:50.519 downstairs 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:51.920 we would love 00:35:51.920 --> 00:35:52.580 for you to meet us 00:35:52.580 --> 00:35:53.200 on those buses 00:35:53.200 --> 00:35:53.780 and come to 00:35:53.780 --> 00:35:54.780 St. Stephen's Beach 00:35:54.780 --> 00:35:56.880 there's little flyers 00:35:56.880 --> 00:35:57.380 to pick up 00:35:57.380 --> 00:35:58.080 on the way out 00:35:58.080 --> 00:35:58.980 it's going to be 00:35:58.980 --> 00:35:59.640 a great time 00:35:59.640 --> 00:36:00.200 of fellowship 00:36:00.200 --> 00:36:00.920 and just continuing 00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:01.580 to talk about 00:36:01.580 --> 00:36:02.039 what it means 00:36:02.039 --> 00:36:02.820 to be a family 00:36:02.820 --> 00:36:04.880 that we are a family 00:36:04.880 --> 00:36:05.600 and that we do 00:36:05.600 --> 00:36:06.300 this together 00:36:06.300 --> 00:36:08.840 also there's some 00:36:08.840 --> 00:36:10.240 CDs for sale 00:36:10.240 --> 00:36:11.940 of Mark and Carrie 00:36:11.940 --> 00:36:12.680 and they've been here 00:36:12.680 --> 00:36:13.400 we know when we started 00:36:13.400 --> 00:36:13.860 the church 00:36:13.860 --> 00:36:14.700 we prayed about 00:36:14.700 --> 00:36:15.780 people who would come in 00:36:15.780 --> 00:36:16.860 and mentor us 00:36:16.860 --> 00:36:19.300 Pastor Chua is one of those 00:36:19.300 --> 00:36:20.120 and Mark and Carrie 00:36:20.120 --> 00:36:21.120 have been on this journey 00:36:21.120 --> 00:36:22.120 with us for two months 00:36:22.120 --> 00:36:23.620 and there's some CDs 00:36:23.620 --> 00:36:24.160 of theirs 00:36:24.160 --> 00:36:25.680 out in the lobby 00:36:25.680 --> 00:36:26.500 for sale 00:36:26.500 --> 00:36:27.980 and I encourage you 00:36:27.980 --> 00:36:29.300 to pick one of those up 00:36:29.300 --> 00:36:32.060 yesterday I was at 00:36:32.060 --> 00:36:32.980 the training time 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:34.340 for the kids club 00:36:34.340 --> 00:36:35.840 so I think 00:36:35.840 --> 00:36:36.680 the volunteers 00:36:36.680 --> 00:36:37.240 freaked out 00:36:37.240 --> 00:36:38.120 when I walked in there 00:36:38.120 --> 00:36:38.860 because I just wanted 00:36:38.860 --> 00:36:39.940 to see what it was like 00:36:39.940 --> 00:36:41.480 to get trained 00:36:41.480 --> 00:36:42.240 as a teacher 00:36:42.240 --> 00:36:43.700 for the kids 00:36:43.700 --> 00:36:44.440 that God has put 00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:45.320 into our world 00:36:45.320 --> 00:36:47.780 and it was a great experience 00:36:47.780 --> 00:36:48.920 I mean the teacher 00:36:48.920 --> 00:36:51.260 Susie is incredibly competent 00:36:51.260 --> 00:36:53.640 and it was fun 00:36:53.640 --> 00:36:54.579 and you can see 00:36:54.579 --> 00:36:55.519 on the Facebook page 00:36:55.519 --> 00:36:56.900 our picture of that time 00:36:56.900 --> 00:36:58.519 but one of the things 00:36:58.519 --> 00:36:59.880 that hit me spiritually 00:36:59.880 --> 00:37:01.600 when I was there 00:37:01.600 --> 00:37:03.200 was the lack 00:37:03.200 --> 00:37:05.360 of guys 00:37:05.360 --> 00:37:10.760 and I just started praying 00:37:10.760 --> 00:37:11.680 from yesterday 00:37:11.680 --> 00:37:13.620 and I was praying 00:37:13.620 --> 00:37:14.500 that God would bring 00:37:14.500 --> 00:37:15.640 five men 00:37:15.640 --> 00:37:17.019 who would be willing 00:37:17.019 --> 00:37:17.519 to commit 00:37:17.519 --> 00:37:18.400 one Sunday 00:37:18.400 --> 00:37:19.400 a month 00:37:19.400 --> 00:37:21.820 to love on the kids 00:37:21.820 --> 00:37:23.539 that God has brought 00:37:23.539 --> 00:37:24.079 to us 00:37:24.079 --> 00:37:26.300 and to encourage them 00:37:26.300 --> 00:37:27.700 and to point them 00:37:27.700 --> 00:37:28.140 to Jesus 00:37:28.140 --> 00:37:29.740 so I'm praying 00:37:29.740 --> 00:37:31.019 for five men 00:37:31.019 --> 00:37:31.780 to come up 00:37:31.780 --> 00:37:32.360 today 00:37:32.360 --> 00:37:33.079 today 00:37:33.079 --> 00:37:34.220 at the beach 00:37:34.220 --> 00:37:35.160 sometime this week 00:37:35.160 --> 00:37:35.620 and say hey 00:37:35.620 --> 00:37:36.519 I want to join you 00:37:36.519 --> 00:37:37.280 on this journey 00:37:37.280 --> 00:37:39.559 because we need men 00:37:39.559 --> 00:37:40.300 and there are some 00:37:40.300 --> 00:37:41.340 great guys 00:37:41.340 --> 00:37:42.160 in those classes 00:37:42.160 --> 00:37:44.180 but we need 00:37:44.180 --> 00:37:45.599 more of those 00:37:45.599 --> 00:37:48.820 five guys 00:37:48.820 --> 00:37:52.579 one Sunday a week 00:37:52.579 --> 00:37:54.620 and it would change 00:37:54.620 --> 00:37:55.900 the life of the kids 00:37:55.900 --> 00:37:57.160 that you minister to 00:37:57.159 --> 00:38:00.199 we sent off 00:38:00.199 --> 00:38:01.199 the university ministry 00:38:01.199 --> 00:38:01.759 on a mission 00:38:01.759 --> 00:38:02.739 to the Philippines 00:38:02.739 --> 00:38:04.460 all the support 00:38:04.460 --> 00:38:04.960 that you guys 00:38:04.960 --> 00:38:05.519 gave them 00:38:05.519 --> 00:38:07.000 plus $40,000 00:38:07.000 --> 00:38:08.859 that they're taking 00:38:08.859 --> 00:38:09.679 to help plant 00:38:09.679 --> 00:38:10.460 a new church 00:38:10.460 --> 00:38:11.940 in Manila 00:38:11.940 --> 00:38:13.960 so since God 00:38:13.960 --> 00:38:14.500 has allowed 00:38:14.500 --> 00:38:15.179 this church 00:38:15.179 --> 00:38:15.799 to plant 00:38:15.799 --> 00:38:17.199 you guys 00:38:17.199 --> 00:38:17.779 as a family 00:38:17.779 --> 00:38:18.500 have been a part 00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:18.920 of helping 00:38:18.920 --> 00:38:20.139 three other churches 00:38:20.139 --> 00:38:21.159 plant 00:38:21.159 --> 00:38:22.960 in Japan 00:38:22.960 --> 00:38:23.920 in Hong Kong 00:38:23.920 --> 00:38:24.500 and Manila 00:38:24.500 --> 00:38:25.880 and that's why 00:38:25.880 --> 00:38:26.380 we believe 00:38:26.380 --> 00:38:26.739 that God 00:38:26.739 --> 00:38:27.400 has us here 00:38:27.400 --> 00:38:28.940 so I'm going to 00:38:28.940 --> 00:38:29.880 pray for the offering 00:38:29.880 --> 00:38:30.739 we don't take offering 00:38:30.739 --> 00:38:31.300 and we talk about 00:38:31.300 --> 00:38:31.780 that all the time 00:38:31.780 --> 00:38:32.500 they're in the blue 00:38:32.500 --> 00:38:33.559 purple envelopes 00:38:33.559 --> 00:38:35.400 as you feel like 00:38:35.400 --> 00:38:36.360 God has led you 00:38:36.360 --> 00:38:37.840 and you give 00:38:37.840 --> 00:38:39.000 in response to that 00:38:39.000 --> 00:38:40.099 in these kiosks 00:38:40.099 --> 00:38:41.519 but I'm going to try 00:38:41.519 --> 00:38:42.199 something we've never 00:38:42.199 --> 00:38:42.659 done before 00:38:42.659 --> 00:38:43.219 I'm going to pray 00:38:43.219 --> 00:38:43.960 for the offering 00:38:43.960 --> 00:38:45.320 because I feel like 00:38:45.320 --> 00:38:46.119 God wants us 00:38:46.119 --> 00:38:46.659 to use it 00:38:46.659 --> 00:38:47.780 in amazing ways 00:38:47.780 --> 00:38:48.519 for his kingdom 00:38:48.519 --> 00:38:50.519 and I think 00:38:50.519 --> 00:38:51.239 we need to be praying 00:38:51.239 --> 00:38:52.300 that we're in step 00:38:52.300 --> 00:38:53.139 with his spirit 00:38:53.139 --> 00:38:55.299 as he leads us 00:38:55.299 --> 00:38:56.879 in that direction 00:38:56.879 --> 00:38:59.900 let me pray for us 00:38:59.900 --> 00:39:01.019 Father we just 00:39:01.019 --> 00:39:02.099 thank you for this day 00:39:02.099 --> 00:39:04.019 we thank you 00:39:04.019 --> 00:39:04.879 that you are 00:39:04.879 --> 00:39:05.480 in control 00:39:05.480 --> 00:39:06.379 and we are not 00:39:06.379 --> 00:39:08.359 we thank you 00:39:08.359 --> 00:39:09.259 that despite 00:39:09.259 --> 00:39:10.679 all of our best 00:39:10.679 --> 00:39:11.259 plans 00:39:11.259 --> 00:39:11.900 that they 00:39:11.900 --> 00:39:14.699 they don't mean 00:39:14.699 --> 00:39:15.079 anything 00:39:15.079 --> 00:39:16.079 if you're not there 00:39:16.079 --> 00:39:17.019 and if often 00:39:17.019 --> 00:39:17.579 they don't mean 00:39:17.579 --> 00:39:17.980 anything 00:39:17.980 --> 00:39:18.839 if you're there 00:39:18.839 --> 00:39:19.920 because you change 00:39:19.920 --> 00:39:20.539 those things 00:39:20.539 --> 00:39:21.299 and you teach us 00:39:21.299 --> 00:39:22.079 something different 00:39:22.079 --> 00:39:24.039 you teach us 00:39:24.039 --> 00:39:25.039 something about yourself 00:39:25.039 --> 00:39:25.639 and you teach us 00:39:25.639 --> 00:39:26.739 something about you 00:39:26.739 --> 00:39:28.779 and so Lord 00:39:28.779 --> 00:39:29.440 I just pray 00:39:29.440 --> 00:39:30.719 for today 00:39:30.719 --> 00:39:32.420 as we think about 00:39:32.420 --> 00:39:32.860 what it means 00:39:32.860 --> 00:39:34.059 to walk in your spirit 00:39:34.059 --> 00:39:35.679 that we would be 00:39:35.679 --> 00:39:36.279 people who would 00:39:36.279 --> 00:39:36.980 trust you 00:39:36.980 --> 00:39:38.039 as a big God 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:40.519 to change our lives 00:39:40.519 --> 00:39:42.739 to empower us 00:39:42.739 --> 00:39:43.279 with the power 00:39:43.279 --> 00:39:44.059 of your Holy Spirit 00:39:44.059 --> 00:39:44.639 that we would feel 00:39:44.639 --> 00:39:45.179 your presence 00:39:45.179 --> 00:39:45.679 that we would 00:39:45.679 --> 00:39:47.400 walk in that power 00:39:47.400 --> 00:39:48.059 and that strength 00:39:48.059 --> 00:39:48.619 and your kingdom 00:39:48.619 --> 00:39:49.319 would be different 00:39:49.319 --> 00:39:50.619 as we walk 00:39:50.619 --> 00:39:51.219 in that way 00:39:51.219 --> 00:39:52.940 and Lord 00:39:52.940 --> 00:39:53.440 we thank you 00:39:53.440 --> 00:39:54.539 for this tithe 00:39:54.539 --> 00:39:55.980 these money 00:39:55.980 --> 00:39:56.739 it's kind of funny 00:39:56.739 --> 00:39:57.719 it's your money 00:39:57.719 --> 00:39:59.380 it's kind of like 00:39:59.380 --> 00:40:00.699 our kids asking us 00:40:00.699 --> 00:40:01.420 money so they can 00:40:01.420 --> 00:40:02.539 buy us a Christmas present 00:40:02.539 --> 00:40:04.420 it's our money 00:40:04.420 --> 00:40:05.719 and we give it to them 00:40:05.719 --> 00:40:06.980 and they buy 00:40:06.980 --> 00:40:07.819 something amazing 00:40:07.819 --> 00:40:09.239 or something not so amazing 00:40:09.239 --> 00:40:10.460 and we act amazed 00:40:10.460 --> 00:40:12.839 but it's our money 00:40:12.839 --> 00:40:15.339 but they give it back 00:40:15.339 --> 00:40:15.900 to us 00:40:15.900 --> 00:40:16.859 and in that same way 00:40:16.859 --> 00:40:17.679 we come to you 00:40:17.679 --> 00:40:19.819 and we present 00:40:19.819 --> 00:40:20.379 your money 00:40:20.379 --> 00:40:22.019 back to you 00:40:22.019 --> 00:40:24.099 and we know 00:40:24.099 --> 00:40:25.059 that even as you do that 00:40:25.059 --> 00:40:25.679 your word says 00:40:25.679 --> 00:40:26.460 that you're amazed 00:40:26.460 --> 00:40:28.679 and so we pray 00:40:28.679 --> 00:40:29.519 for the tithe 00:40:29.519 --> 00:40:30.099 today 00:40:30.099 --> 00:40:32.159 and the next couple weeks 00:40:32.159 --> 00:40:33.099 as we continue 00:40:33.099 --> 00:40:34.239 to be about planting 00:40:34.239 --> 00:40:35.779 and reaching out 00:40:35.779 --> 00:40:36.679 and planting churches 00:40:36.679 --> 00:40:39.099 we pray for the money 00:40:39.099 --> 00:40:39.879 that you've entrusted 00:40:39.879 --> 00:40:40.259 to us 00:40:40.259 --> 00:40:40.940 that we would be 00:40:40.940 --> 00:40:42.219 faithful stewards 00:40:42.219 --> 00:40:42.559 of it 00:40:42.559 --> 00:40:44.239 and use it 00:40:44.239 --> 00:40:44.819 to expand 00:40:44.819 --> 00:40:45.539 your kingdom 00:40:45.539 --> 00:40:47.599 and Lord I confess 00:40:47.599 --> 00:40:48.219 even now 00:40:48.219 --> 00:40:48.900 we don't know 00:40:48.900 --> 00:40:49.980 actually what exactly 00:40:49.980 --> 00:40:50.779 that looks like 00:40:50.779 --> 00:40:51.440 because you're continuing 00:40:51.440 --> 00:40:52.400 to bring new things 00:40:52.400 --> 00:40:53.179 into our lives 00:40:53.179 --> 00:40:54.320 and into our family here 00:40:54.320 --> 00:40:56.360 but I pray 00:40:56.360 --> 00:40:57.119 that we would be open 00:40:57.119 --> 00:40:57.980 to those things 00:40:57.980 --> 00:41:00.900 I pray that we'd be open 00:41:00.900 --> 00:41:01.820 to your spirit 00:41:01.820 --> 00:41:03.739 moving in our life 00:41:03.739 --> 00:41:05.539 and so we pray 00:41:05.539 --> 00:41:06.219 for the university 00:41:06.219 --> 00:41:06.960 and that church 00:41:06.960 --> 00:41:08.239 they're planting right now 00:41:08.239 --> 00:41:09.519 that it would make 00:41:09.519 --> 00:41:09.940 a difference 00:41:09.940 --> 00:41:10.679 in the Philippines 00:41:10.679 --> 00:41:12.019 and lives would be changed 00:41:12.019 --> 00:41:13.059 and your son 00:41:13.059 --> 00:41:14.079 would be lifted up 00:41:14.079 --> 00:41:15.699 and glorified 00:41:15.699 --> 00:41:17.199 and exalted 00:41:17.199 --> 00:41:19.539 and so Father 00:41:19.539 --> 00:41:20.079 I pray 00:41:20.079 --> 00:41:22.179 for our church family 00:41:22.179 --> 00:41:22.579 right now 00:41:22.579 --> 00:41:23.199 I pray especially 00:41:23.199 --> 00:41:24.119 for Pastor Trois 00:41:24.119 --> 00:41:25.179 that you would be with him 00:41:25.179 --> 00:41:26.400 that you would strengthen him 00:41:26.400 --> 00:41:28.940 that you would block aside 00:41:28.940 --> 00:41:29.679 the attacks 00:41:29.679 --> 00:41:30.239 that are happening 00:41:30.239 --> 00:41:31.380 in his life right now 00:41:31.380 --> 00:41:31.980 that he would feel 00:41:31.980 --> 00:41:32.559 your presence 00:41:32.559 --> 00:41:33.319 and your goodness 00:41:33.319 --> 00:41:36.119 and I pray for all of that 00:41:36.119 --> 00:41:37.219 all of us 00:41:37.219 --> 00:41:38.599 because I know 00:41:38.599 --> 00:41:39.940 that if we are your children 00:41:39.940 --> 00:41:42.779 we experience that too 00:41:42.779 --> 00:41:43.420 in our journey 00:41:43.420 --> 00:41:45.480 and so we pray 00:41:45.480 --> 00:41:46.300 for the food 00:41:46.300 --> 00:41:47.159 and for the sun 00:41:47.159 --> 00:41:47.960 and for the fellowship 00:41:47.960 --> 00:41:48.780 and for the beach 00:41:48.780 --> 00:41:49.680 and for the community 00:41:49.680 --> 00:41:51.220 and for Cyberport 00:41:51.220 --> 00:41:53.019 and for the west side 00:41:53.019 --> 00:41:54.260 of Hong Kong Island 00:41:54.260 --> 00:41:55.780 and for the 200,000 people 00:41:55.780 --> 00:41:57.820 here who speak English 00:41:57.820 --> 00:41:58.980 who don't know you 00:41:58.980 --> 00:41:59.740 94% 00:41:59.740 --> 00:42:01.320 and for the thousands 00:42:01.320 --> 00:42:01.780 of people 00:42:01.780 --> 00:42:02.920 who speak Cantonese 00:42:02.920 --> 00:42:03.539 and Tagalog 00:42:03.539 --> 00:42:05.300 and so many other languages 00:42:05.300 --> 00:42:07.460 who are walking 00:42:07.460 --> 00:42:08.099 in darkness 00:42:08.099 --> 00:42:10.380 help us to be faithful 00:42:10.380 --> 00:42:12.840 help us to be a good family 00:42:12.840 --> 00:42:14.200 to show them your son 00:42:14.200 --> 00:42:15.920 we love you 00:42:15.920 --> 00:42:17.380 and we pray these things 00:42:17.380 --> 00:42:17.700 in your son 00:42:17.700 --> 00:42:18.380 in Jesus name 00:42:18.380 --> 00:42:19.559 amen 00:42:19.559 --> 00:42:21.720 okay so this is 00:42:21.720 --> 00:42:23.440 just so you won't miss me 00:42:23.440 --> 00:42:24.119 at the beach 00:42:24.119 --> 00:42:25.800 I'll be wearing this 00:42:25.800 --> 00:42:26.280 okay 00:42:26.280 --> 00:42:29.200 so we'll see you 00:42:29.200 --> 00:42:29.960 at one o'clock 00:42:29.960 --> 00:42:30.579 for the buses 00:42:30.579 --> 00:42:31.559 and if not at one 00:42:31.559 --> 00:42:31.960 we'll meet you 00:42:31.960 --> 00:42:32.920 at St. Stephen's Beach 00:42:32.920 --> 00:42:33.840 there's a lot of food 00:42:33.840 --> 00:42:34.660 a lot of drinks 00:42:34.660 --> 00:42:36.420 and God bless you 00:42:36.420 --> 00:42:37.420 and we'll see you here 00:42:37.420 --> 00:42:38.039 or there 00:42:38.039 --> 00:42:39.059 take care