WEBVTT 00:00:00.460 --> 00:00:04.060 Welcome morning. Good to see you. It's a great song, isn't it? 00:00:05.879 --> 00:00:08.900 Well, encourage the guy who picked it, would you? 00:00:10.179 --> 00:00:12.120 I mean, that's a good song, isn't it? 00:00:12.460 --> 00:00:14.700 There's so much to say. I think it's true. 00:00:14.820 --> 00:00:18.859 The last few songs we've sung, thanks for who's choosing the music this morning, 00:00:18.980 --> 00:00:22.960 has a really good connection with the passage, which is always good, 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:25.500 just to have a theme that we can follow through. 00:00:25.500 --> 00:00:33.119 Drew, thanks so much for allowing me to come this morning and share in God's Word with you. 00:00:33.640 --> 00:00:36.780 I forgot to check what time you finish. 00:00:37.939 --> 00:00:39.060 That's good for me. 00:00:40.420 --> 00:00:41.600 That's bad for you. 00:00:42.539 --> 00:00:45.579 So I'll do my best. I think I know about what kind of time we will. 00:00:45.579 --> 00:00:49.879 Oh, it's in bright. Not what time we finish, but the clock's nice and bright up there. 00:00:50.120 --> 00:00:51.340 So that's good. 00:00:51.340 --> 00:00:56.580 Okay, grab a Bible. We're in Romans 8. You're in Romans 8. 00:00:57.300 --> 00:00:58.480 That's where you've been. 00:00:58.920 --> 00:01:01.900 So if you have a Bible or you've got it on your phone or whatever, 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:03.760 it'd be good for you to see the passage. 00:01:05.719 --> 00:01:10.680 I'm bad enough running off on rabbit trails, so you need to see what's there, 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:13.060 and you need to know what's a sudden rabbit trail, 00:01:13.320 --> 00:01:15.960 and you can then take that into consideration. 00:01:15.959 --> 00:01:21.459 And when we're just right there in the Word itself, you know what we're looking at. 00:01:21.599 --> 00:01:29.039 So thanks to Kat for reading that passage of God's Word to us this morning. 00:01:29.559 --> 00:01:35.259 This is one of my...Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. 00:01:35.719 --> 00:01:37.979 Romans 8, anybody's favorite chapter in the Bible? 00:01:38.179 --> 00:01:40.359 It's a good chapter in the Bible. 00:01:40.379 --> 00:01:42.739 All of the Bible's good. Don't get me wrong. 00:01:42.739 --> 00:01:45.899 Okay, well, Wayne said Romans 8 is good. The rest is not. 00:01:46.039 --> 00:01:47.899 You know, don't go away with that kind of a thought. 00:01:48.459 --> 00:01:52.560 There's just some things that, you know, for whatever reason, I don't know, 00:01:52.959 --> 00:01:54.539 hit us in certain ways. 00:01:54.679 --> 00:01:58.039 And this is just a very, very precious chapter in the Bible for me. 00:01:58.079 --> 00:02:00.479 In fact, at one point I memorized Romans 8. 00:02:00.560 --> 00:02:05.140 I wish I'd memorized all of Romans, but at least I've gone for one chapter. 00:02:05.299 --> 00:02:09.139 I remember memorizing Romans 8 years and years ago. 00:02:09.139 --> 00:02:11.939 I used to share a house with a guy. 00:02:12.079 --> 00:02:12.719 We worked together. 00:02:13.139 --> 00:02:17.239 And every day when we came home, we would exercise together. 00:02:17.239 --> 00:02:23.059 We had like a weight room downstairs in our house and we would go and exercise together. 00:02:23.599 --> 00:02:30.299 But we wouldn't allow ourselves to touch the weights until we'd memorize Scripture together. 00:02:30.419 --> 00:02:31.459 So we would first sit. 00:02:31.619 --> 00:02:36.560 And I remember he was memorizing Proverbs 3 and I was memorizing Romans 8. 00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:39.319 So our mantra was memorize, then exercise. 00:02:39.920 --> 00:02:40.659 Is that good? 00:02:41.259 --> 00:02:42.620 We thought it was good. 00:02:43.759 --> 00:02:44.780 Memorize, then exercise. 00:02:45.039 --> 00:02:46.099 Get your priorities right. 00:02:46.740 --> 00:02:47.800 Get your priorities right. 00:02:48.300 --> 00:02:51.840 Okay, if you're into exercise or you're into whatever hobby, get your priorities right. 00:02:53.140 --> 00:02:54.539 God's Word's more important, isn't it? 00:02:55.300 --> 00:02:57.360 We so often run off to other things. 00:02:57.640 --> 00:02:58.219 Day begins. 00:02:58.819 --> 00:03:00.219 We've got so much to do. 00:03:00.219 --> 00:03:04.439 And we treat God's Word as though it's second rate. 00:03:04.520 --> 00:03:05.039 Don't do that. 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:06.580 It's a big temptation. 00:03:06.740 --> 00:03:08.319 We probably all fall into that trap at times. 00:03:08.620 --> 00:03:12.079 But I've loved this passage for years. 00:03:12.199 --> 00:03:13.800 God's Word is so precious. 00:03:13.960 --> 00:03:19.419 I think this chapter, Romans 8, is probably one of the greatest passages on sanctification in the Bible. 00:03:19.419 --> 00:03:34.459 So, this whole idea of just being separated out for God, being sanctified for God, that the transforming work of God in the life of a man or a woman who would say to God, 00:03:34.539 --> 00:03:36.000 God, I take you at your Word. 00:03:37.019 --> 00:03:38.060 I trust you. 00:03:38.139 --> 00:03:38.899 I don't understand. 00:03:39.219 --> 00:03:40.859 There's so much I don't understand. 00:03:41.459 --> 00:03:43.879 But I just, I am, you know, you're big enough. 00:03:44.139 --> 00:03:45.500 You're trustworthy enough. 00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:47.780 So, I trust you with my life. 00:03:48.919 --> 00:03:51.460 I rest my life on what Jesus Christ has done for me. 00:03:51.520 --> 00:03:52.960 And God transforms us. 00:03:53.120 --> 00:03:57.879 And Romans 8, 6, 7, and 8 in particular, a big part of that in the Bible. 00:03:58.039 --> 00:03:59.479 Paul, you'll know this now. 00:03:59.560 --> 00:04:00.159 You're in Romans 8. 00:04:00.199 --> 00:04:00.860 I'm sure you'll know this. 00:04:00.939 --> 00:04:07.939 Paul starts off Romans by talking about how nobody is inherently right with God. 00:04:08.039 --> 00:04:08.740 Is that right? 00:04:08.840 --> 00:04:11.379 He starts off, first few chapters are all about that. 00:04:11.379 --> 00:04:18.000 That nobody is inherently right with God because of our sin. 00:04:18.680 --> 00:04:21.240 It's a level playing ground for everybody. 00:04:21.819 --> 00:04:25.240 Romans 3, 23, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 00:04:25.259 --> 00:04:27.219 That's the first three chapters of Romans. 00:04:27.300 --> 00:04:29.120 I think we can move on with the slides. 00:04:29.240 --> 00:04:30.879 I think we're getting into this now. 00:04:30.959 --> 00:04:34.180 I'm not quite sure if that's up there or whether I put that up there or I'm dreaming or whatever. 00:04:34.279 --> 00:04:34.639 I don't know. 00:04:35.639 --> 00:04:38.240 Nobody is inherently right with God. 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:46.560 And then he tells us about how, in the next bit, how anybody can be made right with God. 00:04:46.860 --> 00:04:47.040 Right? 00:04:48.060 --> 00:04:54.800 Nobody is right with God inherently, but anybody can be made right with God through faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. 00:04:54.800 --> 00:04:56.360 We've been singing about that all morning. 00:04:57.579 --> 00:04:58.840 Anybody can do that. 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:07.259 Romans 3, 24, being justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 00:05:07.259 --> 00:05:09.240 That's the next two chapters of Romans. 00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:13.819 And then in chapters 6 to 8, where we are towards the end of that now, this morning, 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:24.079 Paul talks about God's purpose to constantly transform everybody who does come to him by faith in Jesus Christ. 00:05:24.180 --> 00:05:25.079 This is his promise. 00:05:25.579 --> 00:05:26.759 This is what he's going to do. 00:05:27.019 --> 00:05:28.759 This is part of what the cross is for. 00:05:29.539 --> 00:05:32.719 Romans 6, 6. 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:40.260 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with. 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:42.720 And that we should no longer. 00:05:43.380 --> 00:05:44.880 Things have changed. 00:05:45.800 --> 00:05:46.740 Something's happened. 00:05:47.840 --> 00:05:51.540 That we should no longer be slaves to sin. 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:53.140 Is that an incredible thought? 00:05:53.340 --> 00:05:56.120 It's God's promise for our lives. 00:05:56.600 --> 00:05:58.540 I'm not the man that I hope I once will. 00:05:58.660 --> 00:06:00.080 I one day will be. 00:06:00.079 --> 00:06:05.599 We sang that song about one day we'll see him and be like, I'm not the man that I hope one day I will be, 00:06:05.719 --> 00:06:07.819 but I am surely not the man that I was. 00:06:09.139 --> 00:06:10.680 Because God has been at work in my life. 00:06:10.740 --> 00:06:12.719 And I would imagine most of you could say that. 00:06:12.779 --> 00:06:13.180 Is that fair? 00:06:13.839 --> 00:06:15.740 You're probably not there yet. 00:06:17.779 --> 00:06:23.019 If you don't believe that, talk to your wife, your husband, or your children, or whatever. 00:06:23.019 --> 00:06:28.579 But we're not who we were if we're following Christ and his spirit is within us. 00:06:28.659 --> 00:06:36.299 And so comes Romans 8, where Paul encourages now believers to live a Christ-like life. 00:06:36.699 --> 00:06:39.019 That's what this is all about here. 00:06:39.079 --> 00:06:42.019 He's encouraging us to live a Christ-like life. 00:06:42.799 --> 00:06:43.799 Right now. 00:06:43.800 --> 00:06:48.319 Don't wait for then when you'll be there and you'll see him like it and everything will change. 00:06:48.379 --> 00:06:49.520 Don't wait for that. 00:06:50.139 --> 00:06:52.660 God's got purposes for you now. 00:06:53.360 --> 00:06:56.580 A desire for you to live for Christ in this world now. 00:06:57.560 --> 00:06:59.740 That's kind of where we are here in Romans 8. 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:04.639 By the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. 00:07:04.860 --> 00:07:14.120 Regardless of how broken our lives might be or how tragic the consequences of the fallenness of the world is around us. 00:07:14.180 --> 00:07:15.780 God has promised us. 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:17.040 Romans 8.28. 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:19.120 I think it was to verse 30. 00:07:19.220 --> 00:07:20.319 I prepared to verse 30. 00:07:20.780 --> 00:07:24.639 I'm not quite sure whether Kat got it right or I've got it right or we both got it wrong or whatever. 00:07:24.800 --> 00:07:26.840 But I think it's through to verse 30. 00:07:26.839 --> 00:07:30.599 So if it's not, then you guys will see 28 to 30 again next week. 00:07:31.539 --> 00:07:37.519 God's promised us, Romans 8.28, that he is working everything together for our good, 00:07:37.959 --> 00:07:45.419 predestining us to be conformed to the very image of his beloved son. 00:07:45.739 --> 00:07:48.179 Listen, that's sanctification, isn't it? 00:07:48.379 --> 00:07:50.000 And it's a staggering thing. 00:07:50.399 --> 00:07:51.799 It's a staggering thing. 00:07:52.799 --> 00:07:55.139 You know, I try to change myself and it doesn't work. 00:07:55.139 --> 00:07:57.839 God changes me and I'm changed. 00:07:58.779 --> 00:08:01.959 And I've seen it happen in my life and I'm sure you've seen it happen in your life. 00:08:02.099 --> 00:08:13.579 And yet, and yet, the process of this amazing transformation that we call sanctification or transformation or whatever. 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:20.659 The process of this amazing transformation, although I'm sure it is deliriously delightful. 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:26.740 From the perspective of the shores of heaven. 00:08:28.120 --> 00:08:33.399 It's actually dreadfully difficult for us in the here and now. 00:08:33.480 --> 00:08:33.939 Is that fair? 00:08:34.639 --> 00:08:37.159 This transformation, this sanctification process. 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:39.659 Anybody find sanctification a bit hard? 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:40.100 Right? 00:08:40.100 --> 00:08:40.980 Right? 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:46.299 Although deliriously delightful because God is seeing us become more like Jesus. 00:08:46.419 --> 00:08:49.899 That is deliriously delightful from the shores of heaven. 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:53.500 But from the perspective often that we have right now, 00:08:53.719 --> 00:09:02.519 it is dreadfully difficult as we just experienced the Holy Spirit's purifying power in our lives day by day. 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:07.840 Which is probably why Paul kicks off this passage in verse 18 by saying, 00:09:08.500 --> 00:09:14.059 I do consider that our present sufferings, tough stuff. 00:09:15.340 --> 00:09:17.120 Prayed about that this morning. 00:09:17.199 --> 00:09:18.899 We've thought about that this morning. 00:09:18.980 --> 00:09:20.960 Graham did as he led us in prayer. 00:09:20.960 --> 00:09:33.379 I do consider, he says, that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us. 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:48.259 So listen, deliriously delightful from the shores of eternity and yet dreadfully difficult at times for the Spirit to chip away all that stuff in our lives that doesn't look like Jesus. 00:09:49.580 --> 00:09:49.860 Right? 00:09:49.860 --> 00:09:53.899 I came across a great poem years ago. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:55.620 I've used it many, many times. 00:09:55.740 --> 00:09:56.560 Maybe I've used it here. 00:09:56.700 --> 00:09:58.659 If I have, then forgive me. 00:09:58.740 --> 00:10:03.100 It's written by Jill Briscoe, Stuart Briscoe's wife. 00:10:03.220 --> 00:10:04.300 And it's called Chiseled. 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:08.580 Let me just read it to you with this kind of sanctifying work of God in mind. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:09.840 It's called Chiseled. 00:10:11.159 --> 00:10:12.100 And she writes, 00:10:12.100 --> 00:10:18.659 Chiseled by the circumstances ministry arranges. 00:10:18.659 --> 00:10:26.000 Hammered by the things allowed that made such drastic changes. 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:30.919 In my life and fondest dreams I'd hoped to realize. 00:10:31.259 --> 00:10:33.320 Chiseled by my circumstances. 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:36.200 I'm chiseled down to size. 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:40.299 Chiseled by the word of God that happened to my heart. 00:10:40.860 --> 00:10:44.500 Shattered by the truth I know you want me to impart. 00:10:45.379 --> 00:10:50.539 Broken by the word of power that has first broken me. 00:10:50.539 --> 00:10:54.959 Driven by the force of God to speak and set me free. 00:10:55.879 --> 00:11:00.399 Chiseled by the people that you bring into my life. 00:11:00.799 --> 00:11:01.799 People who are difficult. 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:05.740 And cause me stress and strife. 00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:08.899 Teach me, Lord, to honor them. 00:11:09.139 --> 00:11:11.079 And help me, Lord, to see. 00:11:11.339 --> 00:11:15.199 They're not as near as awkward or as difficult as me. 00:11:15.200 --> 00:11:18.980 Chiseled by my secret pride. 00:11:19.220 --> 00:11:21.100 I choose not to confess. 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:25.560 Sobered by your knowing that my life's so passionless. 00:11:26.660 --> 00:11:30.980 Shaped by all my sad regrets that cause you so much grief. 00:11:31.720 --> 00:11:33.440 Chiseled by my secret sin. 00:11:34.500 --> 00:11:35.820 And shallow unbelief. 00:11:37.600 --> 00:11:39.060 Chiseled by my children's choices. 00:11:40.240 --> 00:11:42.160 Chiseled by their pain. 00:11:42.159 --> 00:11:45.600 Feeling I can hardly breathe or ever smile again. 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:50.139 Daring not to glance at heaven and see my father frown. 00:11:51.980 --> 00:11:57.079 Yet looking anyway to see compassion smiling down. 00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:01.659 So chisel, Lord, until you see the likeness of your son. 00:12:02.439 --> 00:12:05.939 Blow by living blow remade the image you've begun. 00:12:05.939 --> 00:12:11.240 I only want to be like you and lie still in your hand. 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:16.879 So craft this piece of marble me into the pattern plan. 00:12:17.919 --> 00:12:18.759 That's good, isn't it? 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:20.320 That's sanctification. 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:22.220 That's sanctification. 00:12:22.960 --> 00:12:25.700 And that's what chapter 8 here is all about. 00:12:26.940 --> 00:12:30.259 And that's why I think Paul talks about so many times in this passage. 00:12:30.259 --> 00:12:30.899 You'll see it. 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:33.980 I'm not going to have just like three points here this morning. 00:12:34.080 --> 00:12:37.299 I'm just going to kind of run through the passage just in case you're waiting for the first point. 00:12:37.299 --> 00:12:43.740 That's why I think Paul kind of talks constantly here in this passage about waiting patiently. 00:12:44.939 --> 00:12:45.120 Right? 00:12:45.639 --> 00:12:46.659 Waiting patiently. 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:51.199 Fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace. 00:12:53.339 --> 00:12:53.740 Patience. 00:12:54.859 --> 00:12:57.699 Paul talks in 1 Corinthians 13 about love. 00:12:58.379 --> 00:12:59.299 Love is... 00:12:59.979 --> 00:13:00.779 Isn't that interesting? 00:13:01.439 --> 00:13:03.079 It comes up everywhere. 00:13:03.920 --> 00:13:04.740 It comes up everywhere. 00:13:04.900 --> 00:13:06.200 Is anybody here this morning patient? 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:09.139 Any patient people here this morning? 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:10.220 Isn't that interesting? 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:12.020 Isn't that interesting? 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:13.920 None of us want to just say... 00:13:13.920 --> 00:13:17.200 Because you just know somebody is sitting around you that knows you, don't you? 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:18.900 And you can't raise your hand. 00:13:19.180 --> 00:13:20.300 You can't raise your hand. 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:22.600 Patience is just one of those things. 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:23.879 It's waiting. 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:26.620 But it's waiting in a place where you're not comfortable. 00:13:26.940 --> 00:13:29.020 You don't need patience when you're... 00:13:29.020 --> 00:13:30.680 You know, we've just got back from Florida. 00:13:31.339 --> 00:13:32.819 My mother lives over there. 00:13:32.959 --> 00:13:34.339 We need to visit her every now and again. 00:13:34.539 --> 00:13:35.319 Somebody's got to do it. 00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:37.459 So we go over and we see her. 00:13:37.559 --> 00:13:39.979 So I wore my white shirt this morning so you can see my tan. 00:13:41.579 --> 00:13:42.579 Lovely over there. 00:13:42.759 --> 00:13:43.159 Sunshine. 00:13:43.559 --> 00:13:47.659 And when we're laying over there in the sun and, you know, Sarah doesn't say to me, 00:13:47.739 --> 00:13:49.000 you know, are you being patient? 00:13:49.679 --> 00:13:53.159 You know, you don't need patience when you're in the south of France and you're just laying 00:13:53.159 --> 00:13:54.959 out in the sun and everything's fine. 00:13:54.959 --> 00:13:57.319 You need patience when you're somewhere you don't want to be. 00:13:58.079 --> 00:13:58.459 Is that fair? 00:13:58.460 --> 00:14:01.220 You need patience when you're somewhere you don't want to be. 00:14:01.580 --> 00:14:05.040 You need to get somewhere on time and there is a traffic jam. 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:06.180 Right? 00:14:06.840 --> 00:14:08.800 Anybody been on the bypass recently? 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:09.759 Edinburgh is growing. 00:14:10.900 --> 00:14:14.259 When more kids were little, we used to take them down to the Guile on a Friday afternoon 00:14:14.259 --> 00:14:15.879 and buy them a sandwich and walk around. 00:14:16.019 --> 00:14:19.040 And I wouldn't go anywhere near the bypass on a Friday now. 00:14:19.639 --> 00:14:20.960 Anyway, you need patience. 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:22.220 You need patience. 00:14:22.540 --> 00:14:23.460 And he talks about... 00:14:23.460 --> 00:14:27.500 Those are just little things compared to probably what Paul's talking about here. 00:14:27.820 --> 00:14:30.100 But he talks so often in verse 25. 00:14:30.460 --> 00:14:32.800 He says, for the things that we don't yet have. 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:33.360 You see that? 00:14:33.780 --> 00:14:37.180 With the Spirit helping us in our weakness, we are patient. 00:14:37.800 --> 00:14:39.160 We need to wait patiently. 00:14:39.320 --> 00:14:41.740 This is good stuff, but it's tough stuff. 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:45.759 And so just with the time that we have left, let me show you a bit of what I would call 00:14:45.759 --> 00:14:46.939 the now and then. 00:14:47.700 --> 00:14:48.019 Okay? 00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:53.039 The now and then of this passage or the now and then of the Christian life. 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:54.360 There's a now, there's a then. 00:14:54.439 --> 00:14:54.639 Right? 00:14:55.299 --> 00:14:58.159 And they're connected, but they're not exactly the same. 00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.779 There's a now and there's a then. 00:14:59.819 --> 00:15:01.419 And I think that's what Paul is talking about here. 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:04.100 The now and then of this passage. 00:15:04.500 --> 00:15:07.179 Because it's absolutely chock full of examples, 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:12.460 this little section here, of the struggles that we face now. 00:15:12.819 --> 00:15:13.600 Did you see that? 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:17.080 The struggles that we face now, as well as. 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:22.680 He doesn't stop there, but he gets on to talking also about the glory that we see then. 00:15:23.080 --> 00:15:27.500 The struggles that we face now, the glory that we see then. 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:30.840 In fact, we probably should have started in verse 17. 00:15:31.420 --> 00:15:36.060 Because that's where Paul sets the stage by saying that if we're children of God now, 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:39.519 then there's an inheritance that we're going to receive then. 00:15:39.600 --> 00:15:40.399 You see that there? 00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:43.559 We're heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:44.360 Isn't that good? 00:15:44.860 --> 00:15:51.100 If indeed, or as indeed, he says, we suffer with him now, 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:57.600 so that we may also be glorified with him then. 00:15:57.679 --> 00:15:58.799 Isn't that amazing? 00:15:58.799 --> 00:16:04.479 Verse 19, waiting in eager expectation, he says, 00:16:05.199 --> 00:16:12.339 along with the whole of creation is waiting for the children of God to be revealed. 00:16:13.099 --> 00:16:15.240 But the point is, we're not there yet. 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:16.399 Right? 00:16:17.219 --> 00:16:20.000 The glory of the children of God will be revealed. 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:21.719 God's promised that it's going to be revealed. 00:16:22.019 --> 00:16:23.599 The problem is, we're not there yet. 00:16:25.139 --> 00:16:26.379 We're not there yet. 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:26.500 Right? 00:16:28.799 --> 00:16:37.099 You know, I don't know if anybody here this morning is satisfied with how Christ-like you look right now. 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:37.519 Are you? 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:41.479 Anybody satisfied with how Christ-like they look right now? 00:16:41.559 --> 00:16:43.299 Say, I've arrived. 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:43.819 I'm there. 00:16:43.879 --> 00:16:44.519 I'm satisfied. 00:16:44.819 --> 00:16:46.579 I don't need any more Christ-likeness. 00:16:47.139 --> 00:16:47.399 Anybody? 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:48.799 Right? 00:16:49.079 --> 00:16:51.479 So no hands in this church this morning are going up. 00:16:51.899 --> 00:16:54.779 You can raise them when we sing, but not on these questions. 00:16:55.839 --> 00:16:56.099 Right? 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:57.639 Nobody's going to raise you. 00:16:57.639 --> 00:16:58.440 Of course we're not. 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:59.700 We're not satisfied. 00:16:59.840 --> 00:17:00.960 That tells us something. 00:17:02.180 --> 00:17:03.240 That tells us something. 00:17:03.340 --> 00:17:05.539 That's why I think Paul talks about the frustration. 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:07.319 Right? 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:10.980 Because there's so much in my life that I don't like. 00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:13.519 I don't. 00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:15.180 It's not just my wife doesn't like it. 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:15.980 I don't like it. 00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:18.559 So much in my life I don't like. 00:17:18.559 --> 00:17:19.339 I'm frustrated. 00:17:19.559 --> 00:17:20.240 I'm frustrated. 00:17:20.619 --> 00:17:21.639 See it in verse 20. 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:22.859 I'm frustrated. 00:17:23.359 --> 00:17:27.539 Paul talks about the frustration that the whole creation experiences because of its brokenness. 00:17:27.599 --> 00:17:28.079 Doesn't it? 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:29.220 It's frustrating. 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:30.159 It's a frustration. 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:31.879 It's not what it should be. 00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:34.939 You ever feel a frustration of your brokenness? 00:17:35.119 --> 00:17:35.319 Do you? 00:17:36.459 --> 00:17:39.319 You ever feel a frustration of your brokenness? 00:17:40.259 --> 00:17:41.279 Your own sin. 00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:42.859 Your own humanness. 00:17:42.919 --> 00:17:44.079 Your own fallenness. 00:17:44.159 --> 00:17:45.139 Isn't it frustrating? 00:17:46.199 --> 00:17:47.079 Our humanness. 00:17:47.159 --> 00:17:47.720 Our brokenness. 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:48.579 It's frustrating. 00:17:48.699 --> 00:17:49.799 If we love God. 00:17:50.399 --> 00:17:51.720 And we want to be like Jesus. 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:53.399 Then our brokenness is frustrating. 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:55.159 We can feel it. 00:17:56.159 --> 00:17:58.240 You ever watch the 10 o'clock news and get frustrated? 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:01.359 Because of the brokenness of the world. 00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:03.199 You ever get frustrated with other people? 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:06.079 Who are broken? 00:18:07.299 --> 00:18:09.279 Not everybody can raise their hands now. 00:18:09.859 --> 00:18:10.039 Right? 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:12.220 We all get frustrated with other people. 00:18:12.839 --> 00:18:13.319 Don't we? 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:14.200 No, no. 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:15.599 You're just a nice church. 00:18:16.639 --> 00:18:17.960 We get frustrated with other people. 00:18:18.099 --> 00:18:18.619 Because of their brokenness. 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.000 It's just. 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:19.639 It's in. 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:19.919 You know. 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.659 God's just so realistic in his word. 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:22.099 Isn't he? 00:18:22.220 --> 00:18:22.919 It's frustrating. 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:23.919 We know it's frustrating. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:24.659 We feel it. 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:26.819 But this is the now. 00:18:27.579 --> 00:18:28.500 This is the now. 00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:29.559 And yet. 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:30.319 He says. 00:18:30.399 --> 00:18:31.079 Verse 21. 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:32.379 It's in hope. 00:18:32.679 --> 00:18:33.559 We're feeling this now. 00:18:33.619 --> 00:18:34.579 But it's in hope. 00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:35.619 It's not the end of the story. 00:18:35.859 --> 00:18:36.500 It's in hope. 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:36.980 In hope. 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:39.619 That the creation itself will be liberated. 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:41.720 From its bondage to decay. 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:42.960 And brought into the freedom. 00:18:43.319 --> 00:18:45.099 Of the glory. 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:48.879 Of the children of God. 00:18:48.939 --> 00:18:49.279 He says. 00:18:49.359 --> 00:18:49.700 Wow. 00:18:50.379 --> 00:18:50.859 It's amazing. 00:18:50.939 --> 00:18:51.879 What an incredible thought. 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:54.480 That the frustration isn't in vain. 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:58.000 Doesn't make it disappear. 00:18:58.259 --> 00:19:00.480 But it does perhaps make it a bit more bearable. 00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:02.259 That it's in hope. 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:11.259 Most of us are usually prepared to go through the frustration of the airport experience. 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:12.799 Anybody been on holiday yet? 00:19:12.839 --> 00:19:13.099 Or no. 00:19:13.140 --> 00:19:15.119 It's probably the beginning of the holiday season. 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:16.879 Some of you have holidays planned. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:18.279 Some of you are going to fly. 00:19:19.099 --> 00:19:20.900 Some of you are going to drive. 00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:23.279 Some of you are smart. 00:19:23.379 --> 00:19:24.359 And you're not going to go anywhere. 00:19:24.359 --> 00:19:26.419 You know. 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:28.139 But usually we're prepared. 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:28.639 Aren't we? 00:19:28.799 --> 00:19:29.359 We're prepared. 00:19:29.439 --> 00:19:30.839 We know there's going to be traffic. 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:32.259 We know there's going to be issues. 00:19:32.379 --> 00:19:33.599 We know there's going to be delays. 00:19:33.899 --> 00:19:36.179 But we're prepared to go through that frustration. 00:19:36.639 --> 00:19:37.939 Because of the end game. 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:39.639 Right? 00:19:39.719 --> 00:19:40.219 The holiday. 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:42.579 The arrival. 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:44.839 And here we are talking about being made like Jesus. 00:19:45.719 --> 00:19:45.939 Alright? 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:48.480 This isn't just some place where you're going to go sit in the sun. 00:19:48.820 --> 00:19:51.100 We're talking about being made like Jesus. 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:53.220 And what about the groaning? 00:19:53.799 --> 00:19:54.320 It's more. 00:19:54.580 --> 00:19:55.700 When I finish with the frustration. 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.059 Okay? 00:19:56.080 --> 00:19:56.860 I've got more to go. 00:19:57.740 --> 00:19:58.740 What about the groaning? 00:19:58.840 --> 00:20:02.360 He talks about this groaning in verses 22 and 23. 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:02.960 Do you see that? 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:03.400 Look at that. 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:04.400 Those groaning. 00:20:05.039 --> 00:20:05.400 He says. 00:20:05.420 --> 00:20:06.019 What about that? 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:07.940 We know that the whole creation groans. 00:20:08.580 --> 00:20:10.360 As in the pains of childbirth. 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:12.460 Right up to the present time. 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:14.420 You can just kind of feel it. 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:14.860 Can't you? 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:17.080 Anybody get up this morning? 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.140 Right? 00:20:23.039 --> 00:20:23.700 Do any of you. 00:20:23.820 --> 00:20:24.700 Are any of you. 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:25.880 Are any of you. 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:27.559 One of those kind of really. 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.580 You know. 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.320 Crazy people. 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:30.900 That just hops out of bed in the morning. 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:33.180 You know. 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.120 It's. 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:36.480 You groan. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:37.840 You groan. 00:20:37.920 --> 00:20:38.559 I'm sure. 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:39.799 You groan. 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:41.400 I'm going to be 58 this year. 00:20:41.480 --> 00:20:42.259 And I'm groaning. 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:45.360 I groan a lot more getting out of bed now than I used to. 00:20:45.940 --> 00:20:46.500 I feel it. 00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:47.360 I feel the decay. 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:49.779 I feel the aging. 00:20:50.100 --> 00:20:50.940 We're groaning. 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:52.900 Not just physically. 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:53.960 Spiritually. 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:54.559 We feel it. 00:20:54.600 --> 00:20:55.360 We groan. 00:20:56.080 --> 00:20:57.900 Because we're fighting against sin. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:58.620 All the spirit. 00:20:58.880 --> 00:20:59.059 Right? 00:20:59.140 --> 00:20:59.559 Galatians. 00:20:59.660 --> 00:21:00.120 The spirit. 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.740 Warring against the flesh. 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:02.500 And the flesh against. 00:21:02.559 --> 00:21:03.259 And we feel that. 00:21:03.320 --> 00:21:04.059 We groan. 00:21:04.100 --> 00:21:04.860 It gets us. 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.219 We're groaning. 00:21:06.319 --> 00:21:07.559 Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5. 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:10.179 Because we can't wait to get out of this mortal tent. 00:21:11.399 --> 00:21:14.919 And into the heavenly body that God's preparing for us. 00:21:14.919 --> 00:21:16.859 He talks about there. 00:21:18.039 --> 00:21:19.000 And isn't it incredible? 00:21:19.199 --> 00:21:22.979 And this shocked me in a new way as I prepared for this this morning. 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:24.179 But isn't it incredible? 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:25.599 I'd seen this many, many times before. 00:21:25.659 --> 00:21:26.319 And I thought about it. 00:21:26.839 --> 00:21:29.000 But it shocked me in a kind of a new way this morning. 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:32.439 Isn't it incredible that the spirit groans with us? 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:33.799 Isn't that? 00:21:33.859 --> 00:21:35.619 I've never quite seen it from that angle before. 00:21:35.679 --> 00:21:39.240 I know that he intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words in prayer. 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:40.460 And I kind of stopped with that. 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.720 I didn't think about the word groaning. 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:42.539 Isn't it just? 00:21:42.619 --> 00:21:43.319 I'm just going to lay it. 00:21:43.419 --> 00:21:45.839 I don't want to make a big theological deal out of this this morning. 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:46.539 All right? 00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:47.480 I just want to lay it on you. 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.139 Think about it. 00:21:48.139 --> 00:21:48.919 I just found it incredible. 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:50.659 The spirit groans with us. 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:52.119 Not that the spirit is in sin. 00:21:54.379 --> 00:21:55.500 But it's the same word. 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:58.119 It's the same word. 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:59.460 The spirit groans with us. 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:01.179 In the same way the spirit helps us in our weakness. 00:22:01.639 --> 00:22:02.700 We don't know how we ought to pray. 00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:06.099 But the spirit himself intercedes to us through wordless groans. 00:22:06.819 --> 00:22:08.099 Isn't that interesting? 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:10.279 Searching our hearts. 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:11.379 Knowing our hearts. 00:22:11.740 --> 00:22:12.439 Feeling our hearts. 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:16.000 And interceding for us in accordance with the will of God. 00:22:16.679 --> 00:22:20.819 And I think he's groaning perhaps because he knows how hard it is for us. 00:22:22.159 --> 00:22:25.639 He's groaning with us because he knows how hard it is for us. 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:27.020 Because he is searching. 00:22:27.160 --> 00:22:28.560 We're told in verse 27 there. 00:22:28.820 --> 00:22:30.680 He's searching our hearts. 00:22:33.540 --> 00:22:34.840 And yet all the while. 00:22:34.940 --> 00:22:36.980 And here's where the direction changes a little bit. 00:22:37.020 --> 00:22:37.720 I'm almost finished. 00:22:38.080 --> 00:22:38.740 All the while. 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:40.340 There remains. 00:22:40.600 --> 00:22:41.220 Paul says here. 00:22:41.780 --> 00:22:44.240 This eager expectation and hope. 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.220 There's frustration. 00:22:46.740 --> 00:22:47.740 There's groaning. 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:52.060 I'm being chipped and chiseled away at. 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:53.559 But all the while. 00:22:53.659 --> 00:22:55.240 Paul makes it very clear. 00:22:56.179 --> 00:22:57.819 He makes it very clear. 00:22:58.179 --> 00:23:01.819 There is this strange eager expectation. 00:23:02.659 --> 00:23:03.720 And hope. 00:23:04.139 --> 00:23:05.679 That he talks about in verse 19. 00:23:05.919 --> 00:23:07.399 Talks about in verse 24. 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:09.339 Talks about in verse 25. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:13.399 Because the now. 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:14.379 He says. 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.379 He begins with this. 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:16.399 The now. 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:19.460 Isn't even worthy to be compared with the then. 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:22.640 So there's this eager expectation. 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:25.340 God giving us. 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:25.720 He says. 00:23:25.840 --> 00:23:27.820 The first fruits of his spirit. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.000 It's like he gives us. 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:29.700 This. 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:30.480 This. 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:31.860 This down payment. 00:23:32.620 --> 00:23:34.160 He gives us this front. 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:35.400 End blessing. 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:37.340 The first fruits. 00:23:37.580 --> 00:23:38.580 Of the spirit. 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.040 He says. 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:39.540 He gives. 00:23:39.600 --> 00:23:40.740 You see that in verse 23. 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:43.160 To help us in the frustration. 00:23:43.779 --> 00:23:45.120 And to help us in the groaning. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:46.519 And to help us in the praying. 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:48.279 And to help us in the persevering. 00:23:48.339 --> 00:23:48.960 Isn't that good? 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:51.319 Isn't that good? 00:23:52.599 --> 00:23:53.539 And the knowledge. 00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:54.759 Not just the spirit. 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:55.779 That's there. 00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:56.980 Just kind of doing something. 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.180 Outside of us. 00:23:58.279 --> 00:23:59.120 And we just kind of. 00:23:59.220 --> 00:24:00.380 Are like a rag doll. 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:01.440 And he animates us. 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.220 It's more than that. 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:03.220 We have life. 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:03.740 Real life. 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:04.359 We interact. 00:24:04.359 --> 00:24:06.059 We engage with the spirit. 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:08.960 And so it's not just the spirit in us. 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:10.299 And we're just all floppy. 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.159 And he does his thing. 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:12.539 That's not how it goes. 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:15.460 He works in every part of our being. 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:16.099 Our emotion. 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:16.759 Our will. 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:17.779 Our intellect. 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:20.299 That's part of being made in the image of God. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:20.559 And he. 00:24:20.619 --> 00:24:22.279 He interacts with us. 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:23.519 In those different areas. 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:24.659 And so it's not just. 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:26.099 The spirit in us. 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:27.279 But it's the knowledge. 00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:27.940 He says here. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.559 Look at this. 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:29.639 My goodness. 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:30.819 The knowledge. 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:33.180 That God is. 00:24:33.480 --> 00:24:35.220 Working all of these things. 00:24:35.639 --> 00:24:35.960 Together. 00:24:36.579 --> 00:24:37.079 He says. 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:37.879 For. 00:24:38.259 --> 00:24:38.740 Our good. 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:39.659 Did you see that in verse. 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.460 Verse 28. 00:24:40.680 --> 00:24:41.040 Everything. 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:43.600 Everything. 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:46.240 He is working. 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:47.200 Together. 00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:49.080 All the frustration. 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:51.460 You got to get this. 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.519 You've got to get this. 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:55.040 Because it will give you perseverance. 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:56.860 All the frustration. 00:24:58.700 --> 00:24:59.240 You think. 00:24:59.300 --> 00:24:59.400 Wow. 00:24:59.400 --> 00:24:59.980 The frustration. 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:01.800 That's just such a godless thing. 00:25:02.320 --> 00:25:03.440 And it may be in some ways. 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:04.019 A godless thing. 00:25:04.060 --> 00:25:05.640 The groaning may be a godless thing. 00:25:05.640 --> 00:25:07.740 But god takes those things. 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:09.780 The temptations that you face. 00:25:10.100 --> 00:25:12.500 God takes all those things. 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:14.640 Paul says. 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.840 And uses them. 00:25:17.540 --> 00:25:19.240 He works them together. 00:25:19.380 --> 00:25:19.880 I like that. 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:20.740 That's a good picture. 00:25:20.860 --> 00:25:21.060 Right? 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:23.220 Like the master craftsman. 00:25:23.300 --> 00:25:24.120 He was there in the beginning. 00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:25.120 Making the world. 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:25.980 Here he's making. 00:25:26.560 --> 00:25:27.040 Us. 00:25:27.220 --> 00:25:27.960 Remaking us. 00:25:28.020 --> 00:25:28.700 In the image of Christ. 00:25:28.860 --> 00:25:30.060 He takes all those things. 00:25:30.100 --> 00:25:31.060 And he works them together. 00:25:31.320 --> 00:25:31.680 It says. 00:25:31.820 --> 00:25:32.120 For. 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:32.740 Our. 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.140 Our. 00:25:33.140 --> 00:25:33.440 Good. 00:25:33.620 --> 00:25:35.500 And please don't miss the wording here. 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:37.140 Don't miss the wording here. 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.759 Because sometimes I think we do as Christian. 00:25:39.079 --> 00:25:41.319 Paul doesn't say that God works all these things. 00:25:41.859 --> 00:25:42.299 Together. 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:43.339 That feel good. 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.720 He doesn't say that. 00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.559 It's not the wording he uses. 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:47.180 He doesn't say he works. 00:25:47.299 --> 00:25:48.400 He takes all these things. 00:25:48.539 --> 00:25:49.460 And works them together. 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.460 To feel good. 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:50.680 No. 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:52.000 He says he works them together. 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:52.900 For good. 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.440 For good. 00:25:54.660 --> 00:25:55.240 So often. 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.880 We know they don't feel good. 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:01.039 But we got to trust them. 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:03.920 That even though they don't feel good. 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:05.299 They're for good. 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:07.399 And there is a huge difference there. 00:26:07.819 --> 00:26:09.779 The fire doesn't feel good. 00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:13.039 The fire doesn't feel good. 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:14.920 But man. 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:15.980 It gets rid of the garbage. 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:16.740 Doesn't it? 00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:18.920 It gets rid of the garbage. 00:26:19.079 --> 00:26:20.319 It doesn't feel good. 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:23.299 When we're being purified. 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:25.299 Because fire does that. 00:26:25.539 --> 00:26:26.539 Fire does that. 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:29.519 It doesn't feel good. 00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:30.259 When you're in the fire. 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:31.200 But it's for good. 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:33.399 It gets rid of the garbage. 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:35.619 And then finally. 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:36.960 Please don't do what I think. 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:38.339 So many people do. 00:26:38.799 --> 00:26:39.799 With this passage. 00:26:39.960 --> 00:26:40.599 Romans 8.28. 00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:41.059 Whoop. 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.519 We quote Romans 8.28. 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:43.759 How come we don't always quote. 00:26:43.819 --> 00:26:44.700 Romans 8.28. 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:45.720 And 29. 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:49.359 We stop at Romans 8.28. 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.240 Don't do that. 00:26:50.639 --> 00:26:51.639 Because Romans 8.28. 00:26:51.639 --> 00:26:52.700 Doesn't really make. 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:53.700 Complete sense. 00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:54.000 Without. 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:55.639 Romans 8.29. 00:26:56.560 --> 00:26:58.100 God causes all things to work together. 00:26:58.300 --> 00:26:58.800 For good. 00:26:59.060 --> 00:26:59.759 To those who love God. 00:26:59.820 --> 00:27:01.460 And are called according to his purpose. 00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:02.700 Please don't stop there. 00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:03.720 Paul doesn't stop there. 00:27:03.780 --> 00:27:05.040 He goes on to verse 29. 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:09.800 It's not just that God causes all things to work together. 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:10.200 For good. 00:27:10.280 --> 00:27:12.480 It's that God causes all things to work together. 00:27:12.740 --> 00:27:14.340 For the good purpose. 00:27:15.960 --> 00:27:18.460 Of transforming us. 00:27:19.620 --> 00:27:21.340 Into the image of his son. 00:27:21.380 --> 00:27:22.680 You see that in verse 29. 00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:25.259 That's the end game we've got to keep in mind. 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:28.480 That's the end game we've got to keep in mind. 00:27:28.860 --> 00:27:30.980 Predestined to be conformed. 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:34.560 Into the image of his son. 00:27:34.780 --> 00:27:35.380 Isn't that good? 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:37.040 Isn't that good? 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:40.460 And here's the best. 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:42.400 The best is. 00:27:42.640 --> 00:27:43.660 That for those of us. 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:45.640 Who put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. 00:27:45.840 --> 00:27:47.560 The process has already started. 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:49.200 Don't have to wait for this. 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.440 You don't have to wait for this. 00:27:50.520 --> 00:27:51.160 The process is. 00:27:51.280 --> 00:27:51.680 Isn't it? 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:53.440 You can feel it. 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:54.060 You know it. 00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:55.100 You know this is a process. 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:56.779 Has already started. 00:27:57.019 --> 00:28:00.580 That those who believe will be conformed into the image of Jesus. 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:03.759 As we're called and justified and past tense. 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:06.500 In God's mind glorified. 00:28:07.779 --> 00:28:08.460 Glorified. 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:10.820 Even though we're not there yet. 00:28:11.340 --> 00:28:13.640 In God's mind it's a done deal. 00:28:13.640 --> 00:28:17.500 Glorified there is in the heiress past tense. 00:28:17.780 --> 00:28:18.820 It's a done deal. 00:28:19.480 --> 00:28:20.600 Even though we're not there yet. 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:22.040 And so. 00:28:22.580 --> 00:28:23.360 Paul says. 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:25.900 And maybe now it makes just a little bit more sense. 00:28:26.580 --> 00:28:29.360 That he considers the suffering of this now. 00:28:29.640 --> 00:28:30.620 Present time. 00:28:32.080 --> 00:28:35.160 To be not even worthy to be compared with the glory. 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:37.620 That's going to be revealed in us. 00:28:37.619 --> 00:28:43.079 At that then glorious culmination of all things. 00:28:43.979 --> 00:28:45.199 Isn't God good? 00:28:46.259 --> 00:28:47.019 Isn't he good? 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:47.699 Well let me pray. 00:28:52.179 --> 00:28:55.859 Father this is just such a good place to be. 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:56.879 On a Sunday morning. 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:58.479 Thank you. 00:28:58.959 --> 00:28:59.939 Thank you for. 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:01.939 For this. 00:29:02.659 --> 00:29:04.879 This gathering of your people here. 00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:08.500 Thank you for this corner of our city. 00:29:09.320 --> 00:29:12.500 Where you're gathering together men and women. 00:29:12.660 --> 00:29:13.800 And just as we've seen this morning. 00:29:13.940 --> 00:29:14.980 Boys and girls. 00:29:16.340 --> 00:29:16.860 Together. 00:29:17.620 --> 00:29:18.560 In Christ. 00:29:19.800 --> 00:29:24.340 Under the sound of your glorious truth. 00:29:25.040 --> 00:29:26.840 In the shadow of the cross. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:31.360 With all of your good purposes being worked out. 00:29:31.940 --> 00:29:32.600 In our lives. 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.820 We thank you this morning. 00:29:33.819 --> 00:29:37.200 Thank you for this passage of scripture. 00:29:37.379 --> 00:29:39.379 Thank you for this great letter that Paul wrote. 00:29:39.480 --> 00:29:41.240 For this particular chapter. 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:44.579 It's only going to get better next week. 00:29:45.379 --> 00:29:47.059 As they look at the end of the chapter. 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:51.039 And we realize as we pick it apart. 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:52.559 A little bit like we have this morning. 00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:54.339 That this is you. 00:29:54.539 --> 00:29:55.279 This is you. 00:29:55.439 --> 00:29:56.480 This is what you're like. 00:29:57.159 --> 00:29:58.759 This is how good you are. 00:29:59.200 --> 00:30:00.759 This is how gracious you are. 00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:03.259 This is how loving and kind you are. 00:30:04.819 --> 00:30:08.919 And so Lord we just pray as we finish up our worship time this morning here. 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:10.419 Go into the rest of the day. 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:11.200 Come back tonight. 00:30:11.879 --> 00:30:16.559 Move on into a new week of responsibilities and activities. 00:30:16.559 --> 00:30:20.940 Just to do that experiencing the frustrations and the groanings. 00:30:21.179 --> 00:30:25.039 In light of the fact that they're not even worthy to be compared. 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:27.599 With the glory that's to be revealed to us. 00:30:27.659 --> 00:30:30.539 Lord thank you for Jesus because he's made all this possible. 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:33.059 Help us to live in light of that. 00:30:33.619 --> 00:30:34.700 Live in true worship. 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:37.159 And praise of his name. 00:30:37.159 --> 00:30:38.000 Amen. 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.140 Amen. 00:30:38.140 --> 00:30:51.340 Amen.