WEBVTT 00:00:00.440 --> 00:00:04.620 Well, please do have a seat, and if you have your Bibles there, then please turn back to 00:00:04.620 --> 00:00:11.140 those verses that James read for us from Philippians chapter 4, and why don't we still ourselves 00:00:11.140 --> 00:00:15.599 this morning as we come to God's holy, inerrant, and inspired Word. 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:16.460 Let's pray together. 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:26.519 So our great God and loving Heavenly Father, we would still ourselves now as we come to 00:00:26.519 --> 00:00:35.679 your Word, and we ask that you would come by your Spirit, and like those words, those 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:40.719 lyrics that we're singing just a short while ago, that you would occupy our hearts, and 00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:46.079 you would occupy our minds, and you would own it all, and you would reign supreme. 00:00:48.299 --> 00:00:50.640 And so we ask this, Lord, for your glory. 00:00:52.200 --> 00:00:52.719 Amen. 00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:52.820 Amen. 00:00:55.719 --> 00:00:58.339 So, I want to get healthy. 00:01:00.019 --> 00:01:01.420 I want to get organized. 00:01:02.479 --> 00:01:04.420 I want to live my life to the fullest. 00:01:05.459 --> 00:01:06.859 I want to learn a new hobby. 00:01:08.319 --> 00:01:12.019 And I want to spend less and save more. 00:01:13.180 --> 00:01:17.759 So according to Google, these are the top five New Year's resolutions that people in the UK 00:01:17.759 --> 00:01:21.180 made in January 2017. 00:01:21.180 --> 00:01:23.960 And now, let's take a show of hands. 00:01:24.020 --> 00:01:24.740 I always love this bit. 00:01:25.180 --> 00:01:27.880 Any resolve to do any of those things at the outset of this year? 00:01:28.980 --> 00:01:33.320 Healthy, organized, have life to the full, take up a new hobby, spend less, save more? 00:01:33.440 --> 00:01:33.700 Anybody? 00:01:34.520 --> 00:01:38.540 Nobody took out that gym membership in January thinking, come on, let's do it. 00:01:40.219 --> 00:01:40.880 It's great. 00:01:40.879 --> 00:01:42.079 Resolutions. 00:01:42.599 --> 00:01:43.079 Resolutions. 00:01:44.259 --> 00:01:46.339 The things that we love in this country. 00:01:46.519 --> 00:01:52.060 The things that we put our minds to, thinking, this is what I want my life to be about. 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:57.780 Well, this morning, as we finish our series in Philippians, we're going to be thinking about 00:01:57.780 --> 00:01:58.859 some resolutions. 00:02:00.819 --> 00:02:01.340 Philippians. 00:02:01.340 --> 00:02:07.120 If you remember this letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to this little church in this city 00:02:07.120 --> 00:02:08.520 of Philippi. 00:02:09.680 --> 00:02:13.740 Well, this morning, we see him closing his letter. 00:02:14.020 --> 00:02:15.060 Paul's going to finish it. 00:02:16.599 --> 00:02:23.960 As he thinks about his dear friends in Philippi, and as he thinks about them continuing to live 00:02:23.960 --> 00:02:29.719 out their faith, what we're going to see this morning is that in these closing verses, Paul 00:02:29.719 --> 00:02:32.600 is very purposeful, and he's very pastoral. 00:02:33.400 --> 00:02:42.360 And he leaves them with four thoughts, four themes, four virtues that he wants them to adorn 00:02:42.360 --> 00:02:47.879 as they live out their faith, shining like stars for the glory of God in their city of 00:02:47.879 --> 00:02:48.840 Philippi. 00:02:48.840 --> 00:02:52.640 He leaves them with four gospel resolutions. 00:02:53.960 --> 00:03:00.640 Before we dive in and to stop us from lapsing into moralism, we must tie these resolutions 00:03:00.640 --> 00:03:03.600 into what Paul has said previously in this letter. 00:03:03.680 --> 00:03:05.580 If you want to flick back a chapter, chapter three. 00:03:07.460 --> 00:03:10.740 Did God save Paul because he had an outstanding CV? 00:03:11.900 --> 00:03:16.600 Did God look down on the track of life and see that Paul was running really well and thought, 00:03:16.600 --> 00:03:18.180 he'll make a great one for my team? 00:03:19.120 --> 00:03:19.520 No. 00:03:19.520 --> 00:03:27.080 God saved Paul and God saved these Philippian Christians simply because he is gracious and 00:03:27.080 --> 00:03:29.080 merciful and loving. 00:03:29.900 --> 00:03:34.920 And out of his great love, he sent his son to die on the cross for them so that they could 00:03:34.920 --> 00:03:41.840 be forgiven, declared right before him and be reconciled to their maker. 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:47.879 It's 500 years we're celebrating this year of the Reformation, the famous Reformation mantra. 00:03:49.560 --> 00:03:54.900 We're saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. 00:03:55.920 --> 00:04:00.939 God has saved us, Philippians, and he's saved us and he's transforming us now. 00:04:00.939 --> 00:04:06.620 And he's making us more into the likeness of his son, Jesus Christ. 00:04:06.659 --> 00:04:07.859 He's doing that right now. 00:04:09.919 --> 00:04:14.439 And so what Paul lays out for them here, these four gospel resolutions, they're the fruits, 00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:19.439 not the roots, they're the fruits of the new hearts that God has placed in them. 00:04:19.439 --> 00:04:26.719 And to tie into the letter, verse 1 of chapter 4, these resolutions are going to help them 00:04:26.719 --> 00:04:33.139 to stand firm, going to help them be united, help them be together in the Lord. 00:04:33.779 --> 00:04:36.819 So this morning, four gospel resolutions. 00:04:36.959 --> 00:04:37.600 You ready for these? 00:04:37.639 --> 00:04:39.019 We're going to rattle through them really quickly. 00:04:39.620 --> 00:04:40.199 You ready for these? 00:04:40.659 --> 00:04:41.939 Some enthusiasm, please. 00:04:42.920 --> 00:04:43.360 Great. 00:04:43.899 --> 00:04:44.300 Great. 00:04:44.379 --> 00:04:46.500 Here's the first resolution, verses 4 to 7. 00:04:46.500 --> 00:04:50.019 It concerns what is ruling their hearts. 00:04:51.019 --> 00:04:51.740 Look at it with me. 00:04:51.779 --> 00:04:52.680 Verse 4, what does he say? 00:04:53.100 --> 00:04:53.500 Rejoice. 00:04:54.920 --> 00:04:59.459 Now, if you're on the ball, you know that's not the first time that he's mentioned that 00:04:59.459 --> 00:05:00.699 command in this letter. 00:05:00.839 --> 00:05:04.139 And if you're really on the ball, you'll notice that's not the first time that he mentions 00:05:04.139 --> 00:05:07.139 that command in that sentence, in that verse. 00:05:08.399 --> 00:05:08.759 Rejoice. 00:05:08.819 --> 00:05:10.139 Again, I say rejoice. 00:05:11.079 --> 00:05:12.240 I was trying to picture it this week. 00:05:12.939 --> 00:05:13.939 Paul with his scribe. 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:17.019 Paul says, scribe, write it down. 00:05:17.120 --> 00:05:17.480 Rejoice. 00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:18.319 Tell them to rejoice. 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:19.699 The scribe says back, come on, Paul. 00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:21.160 Do you not think they've kind of got that by now? 00:05:22.319 --> 00:05:23.879 Again, I say rejoice. 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:25.240 This is what he wants. 00:05:25.279 --> 00:05:27.779 He wants this community to rejoice. 00:05:28.879 --> 00:05:29.740 Rejoice in what? 00:05:29.819 --> 00:05:31.159 Rejoice in their circumstances. 00:05:32.519 --> 00:05:33.920 No, rejoice in the Lord. 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:37.659 Rejoice in what God has done for you in Jesus Christ. 00:05:37.660 --> 00:05:45.540 You see, Paul wants joy to be a core part of the corporate DNA of this church community. 00:05:46.280 --> 00:05:51.880 And he wants it to be a distinctive mark of every single individual believer. 00:05:51.879 --> 00:05:55.719 Now, how is that joy going to show itself? 00:05:57.420 --> 00:05:58.639 We'll see Paul in these verses. 00:05:58.839 --> 00:06:01.459 He first highlights the outward effect. 00:06:02.100 --> 00:06:04.000 Then he highlights the inward effect. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:04.939 Verse 5. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:09.980 Let your gentleness be known to all. 00:06:11.379 --> 00:06:12.379 We've got an ESV there. 00:06:12.459 --> 00:06:13.579 It says reasonableness. 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:19.959 The quality that keeps you from insisting on your own way all the time. 00:06:21.680 --> 00:06:23.060 And what does Paul want for this community? 00:06:23.180 --> 00:06:28.539 He wants them to be known for being gentle, for being kind, for being hospitable. 00:06:28.839 --> 00:06:33.139 To be those people who are known for inspiring harmony and unity, 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:36.879 both in their church community and out with. 00:06:39.560 --> 00:06:40.819 That's the outward effect of joy. 00:06:40.819 --> 00:06:42.360 I see him outline the inward effect. 00:06:43.579 --> 00:06:47.079 Don't let lingering anxiety, don't let it rule your heart. 00:06:48.060 --> 00:06:50.199 Don't let it suffocate your joy. 00:06:51.719 --> 00:06:52.519 Don't worry. 00:06:53.959 --> 00:06:56.459 Now, you can imagine these Christians, just like us, 00:06:56.519 --> 00:06:58.379 they've got everyday things to worry about. 00:07:00.259 --> 00:07:02.399 But on top of that, imagine for them, 00:07:02.459 --> 00:07:07.879 the big worry about what, wearing the Jesus is King t-shirt, 00:07:08.219 --> 00:07:11.659 in their world that wears a Caesar is King t-shirt, 00:07:11.660 --> 00:07:13.720 the worry of what that's going to mean for them. 00:07:15.180 --> 00:07:17.600 If I keep going with Christ, if I keep going with Jesus, 00:07:17.700 --> 00:07:20.420 if I keep speaking for him, where is it going to land me? 00:07:21.020 --> 00:07:22.480 And what is it going to cost me? 00:07:24.640 --> 00:07:25.560 That's a real worry. 00:07:25.880 --> 00:07:26.660 That's a real worry. 00:07:28.080 --> 00:07:30.060 What does Paul say into that real worry? 00:07:30.060 --> 00:07:34.079 The Lord is at hand. 00:07:34.079 --> 00:07:36.740 The Lord is at hand. 00:07:37.680 --> 00:07:40.040 Presumably referring to Christ's return 00:07:40.040 --> 00:07:44.639 and his very real presence with them now. 00:07:46.120 --> 00:07:47.920 And because the Lord is at hand, 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:50.540 don't let worry cripple you 00:07:50.540 --> 00:07:53.500 and don't let it sap you 00:07:53.500 --> 00:07:56.180 of the joy of knowing Jesus Christ 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:57.760 as your Lord, your King, and your Savior. 00:07:59.060 --> 00:08:00.500 And how you tackle that worry 00:08:00.500 --> 00:08:02.220 is not by the way of positive thinking. 00:08:02.980 --> 00:08:04.260 How you tackle that worry 00:08:04.260 --> 00:08:07.280 is by devoting yourselves to prayer. 00:08:09.520 --> 00:08:10.480 Look what he writes. 00:08:10.640 --> 00:08:11.360 In everything. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:13.480 Comprehensive. 00:08:14.280 --> 00:08:15.000 In everything, 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:17.660 bring the things on your mind 00:08:17.660 --> 00:08:19.939 to your loving Heavenly Father. 00:08:21.520 --> 00:08:22.340 Spread them 00:08:22.340 --> 00:08:24.860 before his sovereign throne 00:08:24.860 --> 00:08:26.160 and commit them 00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:27.020 to his loving, 00:08:27.260 --> 00:08:28.660 fatherly, tenderly care. 00:08:30.300 --> 00:08:31.940 And do it with thanksgiving. 00:08:33.560 --> 00:08:34.540 Just in case you thought 00:08:34.540 --> 00:08:35.740 this was a one-way thing, 00:08:37.040 --> 00:08:38.680 God will guard your heart 00:08:38.680 --> 00:08:39.399 and your mind 00:08:39.399 --> 00:08:41.519 by his peace. 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:43.600 The scripture, I find, 00:08:43.660 --> 00:08:44.820 is full of beautiful promises. 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:47.500 God's words to his people 00:08:47.500 --> 00:08:48.440 well, here is 00:08:48.440 --> 00:08:50.039 a wonderful promise 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:51.360 for us to grasp this morning. 00:08:52.539 --> 00:08:53.220 Paul says, 00:08:53.299 --> 00:08:54.039 he prays, 00:08:54.500 --> 00:08:55.580 he wants them to know 00:08:55.580 --> 00:08:56.679 the peace of God 00:08:56.679 --> 00:08:59.259 because the God of peace 00:08:59.259 --> 00:09:00.879 is really with them. 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:04.159 Deliberate metaphor, 00:09:04.320 --> 00:09:04.519 I think, 00:09:04.580 --> 00:09:05.299 from Paul there. 00:09:05.480 --> 00:09:06.120 God's peace 00:09:06.120 --> 00:09:07.039 will surround them, 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:07.659 will shield them, 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:08.519 protect their hearts 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:09.179 and their minds. 00:09:10.179 --> 00:09:10.399 Remember, 00:09:10.460 --> 00:09:11.559 they're in a Roman colony. 00:09:12.340 --> 00:09:13.200 Familiar with the things 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:13.919 of the Roman army, 00:09:13.980 --> 00:09:14.740 I'm sure that metaphor 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:15.940 speaks volumes, 00:09:15.940 --> 00:09:18.380 deeply into their lives. 00:09:19.420 --> 00:09:19.880 So, 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:21.020 resolution number one, 00:09:22.760 --> 00:09:23.440 be joyful. 00:09:24.680 --> 00:09:25.460 Be joyful. 00:09:25.700 --> 00:09:26.640 Let me ask you this morning, 00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:27.580 what is ruling your heart? 00:09:29.800 --> 00:09:30.280 Outwardly, 00:09:30.880 --> 00:09:32.220 what are you known for? 00:09:32.400 --> 00:09:33.000 Are you known for 00:09:33.000 --> 00:09:34.820 exhibiting gentleness? 00:09:34.820 --> 00:09:36.480 Are you known 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:38.320 as one who brings harmony? 00:09:38.560 --> 00:09:39.000 One who 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:41.200 encourages unity? 00:09:42.740 --> 00:09:43.620 And inwardly, 00:09:44.100 --> 00:09:45.040 is there a sense 00:09:45.040 --> 00:09:46.040 of this peace 00:09:46.040 --> 00:09:48.320 that Paul outlines here? 00:09:49.720 --> 00:09:50.420 Are you maybe here 00:09:50.420 --> 00:09:50.879 this morning 00:09:50.879 --> 00:09:51.700 and you're allowing 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:53.360 worry to dominate you? 00:09:54.560 --> 00:09:55.520 Is anxiety, 00:09:55.700 --> 00:09:56.520 is it clouding 00:09:56.520 --> 00:09:57.280 your soul? 00:09:58.880 --> 00:09:59.680 I've tried to make it 00:09:59.680 --> 00:10:00.600 a rule in my own life 00:10:00.600 --> 00:10:01.060 this week 00:10:01.060 --> 00:10:01.460 and I've looked 00:10:01.460 --> 00:10:02.080 really strange 00:10:02.080 --> 00:10:02.620 as I've walked up 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:03.100 Wolfian Road 00:10:03.100 --> 00:10:03.740 trying to do it. 00:10:03.740 --> 00:10:04.180 See, 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:04.799 every time I worry 00:10:04.799 --> 00:10:05.139 and I worry 00:10:05.139 --> 00:10:06.000 about a lot of things, 00:10:06.500 --> 00:10:07.240 I worry about myself, 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:08.060 I worry about other people, 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:08.960 every time I've worried 00:10:08.960 --> 00:10:10.340 I try to catch it, 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:11.860 I just try to throw it up. 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:13.360 God, 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:13.840 you care, 00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:14.539 you tell me 00:10:14.539 --> 00:10:15.320 that you're going 00:10:15.320 --> 00:10:15.840 to be with me. 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:16.919 Take that worry 00:10:16.919 --> 00:10:17.539 and I take it 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:17.980 to the Lord 00:10:17.980 --> 00:10:18.440 in prayer. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:20.220 Look really strange 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:20.840 and I'm not. 00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:24.600 Sinclair Ferguson 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:25.279 writes this, 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:27.620 anxiety cannot continue 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:28.840 to breathe easily 00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:30.340 in an atmosphere 00:10:30.340 --> 00:10:32.040 suffused with prayer. 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:34.940 And in our world 00:10:34.940 --> 00:10:36.100 where fear and worry 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:37.600 seem to be everywhere, 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:40.360 what a witness it will be 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:41.460 to the watching world 00:10:41.460 --> 00:10:42.420 that God's people 00:10:42.420 --> 00:10:43.060 are known 00:10:43.060 --> 00:10:44.240 as people 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:44.899 who are marked 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:45.720 by prayer 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:47.279 and marked by joy 00:10:47.279 --> 00:10:48.419 and marked by 00:10:48.419 --> 00:10:49.879 that sense of peace. 00:10:51.199 --> 00:10:52.159 Resolution number one, 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:52.939 dear Philippians, 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:53.559 be joyful. 00:10:55.120 --> 00:10:56.000 Second resolution, 00:10:56.199 --> 00:10:56.919 this is verses 00:10:56.919 --> 00:10:57.759 eight and nine, 00:10:57.839 --> 00:10:58.799 concerns what is 00:10:58.799 --> 00:10:59.600 filling their minds. 00:11:00.299 --> 00:11:00.819 So what's ruling 00:11:00.819 --> 00:11:01.439 their hearts, 00:11:01.659 --> 00:11:01.980 firstly, 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:02.459 secondly, 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:03.959 what's filling 00:11:03.959 --> 00:11:04.600 their minds 00:11:04.600 --> 00:11:05.519 from verse eight. 00:11:06.819 --> 00:11:07.980 If you follow it along, 00:11:08.819 --> 00:11:09.539 Paul outlines 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:10.439 what he wants them 00:11:10.439 --> 00:11:11.519 to be thinking about. 00:11:12.620 --> 00:11:13.759 Just follow the words, 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:14.699 whatever is true. 00:11:14.700 --> 00:11:17.140 noble, 00:11:18.640 --> 00:11:19.220 right, 00:11:20.620 --> 00:11:21.160 pure, 00:11:21.960 --> 00:11:22.360 lovely, 00:11:23.400 --> 00:11:23.879 admirable, 00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:25.400 excellent, 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:27.040 praiseworthy. 00:11:27.180 --> 00:11:28.200 So he wants them 00:11:28.200 --> 00:11:29.460 to fill their minds 00:11:29.460 --> 00:11:30.520 with the things 00:11:30.520 --> 00:11:31.000 that are going to 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:32.060 inspire them 00:11:32.060 --> 00:11:33.379 in their worship 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:34.020 of God. 00:11:35.060 --> 00:11:35.840 I was thinking 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:36.420 about it this week, 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:36.580 I mean, 00:11:36.620 --> 00:11:37.920 he could have so easily 00:11:37.920 --> 00:11:38.840 have used the opposite 00:11:38.840 --> 00:11:39.580 of those words, 00:11:39.640 --> 00:11:40.100 could he not? 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:41.960 Don't think about 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:43.360 that which is false. 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:44.840 Don't think about 00:11:44.840 --> 00:11:45.800 that which is ugly, 00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:46.960 but you see for Paul, 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:48.360 simply to resist things 00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:49.259 that will not cut it. 00:11:49.919 --> 00:11:50.500 He wants them 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:51.379 not just to resist, 00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:52.600 but to replace. 00:11:53.560 --> 00:11:54.399 So not just keep 00:11:54.399 --> 00:11:55.399 your mind clear 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:56.460 of bad things, 00:11:56.919 --> 00:11:58.279 but fill your mind up 00:11:58.279 --> 00:11:59.659 with good things. 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:02.440 And a nutritionist 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:03.180 will tell us 00:12:03.180 --> 00:12:04.700 there's three kinds 00:12:04.700 --> 00:12:05.360 of foods 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:05.919 that we put 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:06.639 into our body. 00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:07.740 We put in brain food, 00:12:08.580 --> 00:12:09.820 food that helps us grow. 00:12:09.820 --> 00:12:11.960 We put in junk food. 00:12:12.900 --> 00:12:13.940 From what I understand, 00:12:14.040 --> 00:12:14.460 junk food, 00:12:14.540 --> 00:12:15.420 just empty calories, 00:12:15.560 --> 00:12:16.060 not really good, 00:12:16.120 --> 00:12:16.640 not really bad, 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:17.580 just empty calories. 00:12:18.080 --> 00:12:19.280 And they're toxic foods. 00:12:20.140 --> 00:12:20.760 So the foods 00:12:20.760 --> 00:12:21.500 that we put 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:22.260 into our body, 00:12:22.420 --> 00:12:23.720 they're just not good 00:12:23.720 --> 00:12:24.320 for that to be 00:12:24.320 --> 00:12:25.080 in our bloodstream, 00:12:25.220 --> 00:12:25.840 not good for that 00:12:25.840 --> 00:12:26.680 to be in our system. 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:27.560 That's what Paul 00:12:27.560 --> 00:12:28.240 is saying here. 00:12:29.160 --> 00:12:29.740 That what is true 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:30.540 for your body 00:12:30.540 --> 00:12:32.940 is true for your mind. 00:12:34.040 --> 00:12:35.300 So don't just be about 00:12:35.300 --> 00:12:37.000 avoiding the toxic thoughts, 00:12:37.220 --> 00:12:38.160 you've got to be about 00:12:38.160 --> 00:12:39.620 going after the brain thoughts. 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:40.080 If you're going to 00:12:40.080 --> 00:12:41.039 continue to grow. 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:43.919 The Roman emperor 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:44.960 Marcus Aurelius, 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:46.019 writing probably 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:47.440 a hundred or so years 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:48.720 after Paul is writing here, 00:12:49.320 --> 00:12:50.139 famously said 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:51.560 to his men 00:12:51.560 --> 00:12:53.399 that a man's soul 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:54.500 becomes dyed 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:55.620 with the colour 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:56.700 of his thoughts. 00:12:58.460 --> 00:12:59.379 And if that's true 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:00.659 for Roman citizens, 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:02.659 how much truer 00:13:02.659 --> 00:13:03.179 is that 00:13:03.179 --> 00:13:04.299 of heavenly citizens? 00:13:06.440 --> 00:13:07.460 What does Paul say? 00:13:07.539 --> 00:13:08.399 Meditate on these things? 00:13:08.500 --> 00:13:08.799 No, he says 00:13:08.799 --> 00:13:10.000 practice these things. 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:11.019 You've got to put it 00:13:11.019 --> 00:13:11.559 into practice 00:13:11.559 --> 00:13:12.120 in your life. 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:12.959 And the things 00:13:12.959 --> 00:13:14.120 that you've seen from me, 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:15.620 the things you've received, 00:13:15.719 --> 00:13:16.359 the things you've heard, 00:13:16.439 --> 00:13:17.179 the things that you've seen, 00:13:17.399 --> 00:13:18.000 fill your mind 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:19.219 with these things. 00:13:20.859 --> 00:13:21.779 Resolution number two, 00:13:21.879 --> 00:13:22.459 be holy. 00:13:24.039 --> 00:13:25.319 Let me ask you this morning, 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:27.279 what's filling your mind? 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:29.639 What's filling your mind? 00:13:30.679 --> 00:13:31.299 Living a world, 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:31.620 don't we, 00:13:31.679 --> 00:13:32.399 that's constantly 00:13:32.399 --> 00:13:33.379 hitting us with images, 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:35.120 with words, 00:13:35.820 --> 00:13:36.379 with pictures, 00:13:36.879 --> 00:13:38.039 what's going into your mind? 00:13:38.539 --> 00:13:39.799 Always taking stuff in. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:41.799 Reminded of this recently, 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:42.179 we've, 00:13:43.039 --> 00:13:43.460 Alex and I, 00:13:43.500 --> 00:13:44.220 we bought Chloe 00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:46.620 the Gruffalo audio book, 00:13:46.700 --> 00:13:47.379 if you know the Gruffalo, 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.240 the kid's story, 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:49.019 and she comes up to me 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:49.320 recently, 00:13:49.439 --> 00:13:49.659 Chloe, 00:13:49.720 --> 00:13:50.340 and she can tell me 00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:52.039 who the author is, 00:13:52.120 --> 00:13:52.679 she tells me the name 00:13:52.679 --> 00:13:53.179 of the author, 00:13:53.600 --> 00:13:54.500 she tells me the name 00:13:54.500 --> 00:13:55.379 of the person 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:56.220 who narrated it, 00:13:56.539 --> 00:13:57.120 and she tells me 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:58.139 the name of the person 00:13:58.139 --> 00:13:59.019 who illustrated it. 00:13:59.019 --> 00:14:01.559 She's taking it in 00:14:01.559 --> 00:14:02.360 all the time, 00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:03.100 taking it in 00:14:03.100 --> 00:14:04.079 from this audio book. 00:14:04.419 --> 00:14:04.539 Friends, 00:14:04.579 --> 00:14:05.039 let me ask you, 00:14:05.079 --> 00:14:06.279 what is filling your mind? 00:14:08.819 --> 00:14:09.919 Programs that we watch 00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:10.460 on TV, 00:14:12.199 --> 00:14:13.679 the lyrics that we listen to, 00:14:14.799 --> 00:14:16.340 the websites that we visit, 00:14:16.419 --> 00:14:17.620 the images that we see, 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:19.779 do some of us need to say 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:20.639 no this morning? 00:14:23.100 --> 00:14:24.059 And do some of us need 00:14:24.059 --> 00:14:25.179 to say yes this morning? 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:27.340 Is there not such 00:14:27.340 --> 00:14:28.439 an attractive message 00:14:28.440 --> 00:14:29.280 in the city 00:14:29.280 --> 00:14:30.780 that we live in, 00:14:30.880 --> 00:14:31.920 that the way to peace, 00:14:32.020 --> 00:14:32.600 that the way to 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:34.080 even perhaps experience 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:35.120 something of the divine 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:36.860 is found by 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:37.940 emptying your mind? 00:14:39.540 --> 00:14:40.080 Would you see how 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:41.000 Paul is saying here 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:42.280 the very opposite? 00:14:43.660 --> 00:14:45.060 Fill your minds up 00:14:45.060 --> 00:14:45.960 with truth 00:14:45.960 --> 00:14:47.980 concerning the God of peace. 00:14:48.140 --> 00:14:49.140 Fill your minds up 00:14:49.140 --> 00:14:50.120 with these things 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:50.820 that are going to 00:14:50.820 --> 00:14:51.560 inspire you 00:14:51.560 --> 00:14:52.660 to worship God. 00:14:54.400 --> 00:14:55.140 Think about it 00:14:55.140 --> 00:14:55.840 in your own life. 00:14:55.920 --> 00:14:56.940 Here's my question for you. 00:14:57.020 --> 00:14:57.720 How are you going to 00:14:57.720 --> 00:14:58.460 fill up your mind 00:14:58.460 --> 00:14:58.960 this week 00:14:58.960 --> 00:14:59.639 with the things 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:00.080 that are going to 00:15:00.080 --> 00:15:00.720 inspire you 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:01.700 to worship God? 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:04.040 I think in particular 00:15:04.040 --> 00:15:04.759 in terms of our 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:05.940 relationship with 00:15:05.940 --> 00:15:07.080 God's words. 00:15:08.160 --> 00:15:09.019 How much exposure 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:10.220 are you giving yourself 00:15:10.220 --> 00:15:11.860 to the Lord's word? 00:15:12.060 --> 00:15:13.019 Think about the what. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.899 What resources are out there 00:15:15.899 --> 00:15:16.920 that could help you? 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:18.660 Bible reading notes, 00:15:18.860 --> 00:15:19.200 podcasts, 00:15:19.700 --> 00:15:20.060 sermons, 00:15:20.279 --> 00:15:20.860 audio books, 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:21.680 audio Bibles, 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:22.060 videos. 00:15:22.160 --> 00:15:23.080 We've got a plethora 00:15:23.080 --> 00:15:24.700 of resources available 00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:25.220 to us, 00:15:25.280 --> 00:15:25.560 don't we, 00:15:25.580 --> 00:15:26.440 in this generation. 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:28.680 What is going to help you 00:15:28.680 --> 00:15:30.379 to maximize that exposure 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.700 to the Lord's words? 00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:33.060 Think about the what. 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:34.020 Think about the when. 00:15:35.400 --> 00:15:36.340 How could you redeem 00:15:36.340 --> 00:15:37.820 that commute to work? 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:39.740 Could you listen 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:41.060 to something in the car? 00:15:41.800 --> 00:15:42.900 Could you listen 00:15:42.900 --> 00:15:43.840 to an audio book 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:44.920 before you go to bed? 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:45.420 Could you listen 00:15:45.420 --> 00:15:46.120 to the Bible 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:48.060 before you go to bed? 00:15:49.140 --> 00:15:49.900 You put on some 00:15:49.900 --> 00:15:50.580 worship music 00:15:50.580 --> 00:15:51.100 as you're doing 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:51.540 in the dishes. 00:15:51.700 --> 00:15:52.440 What can we do 00:15:52.440 --> 00:15:53.480 to be filling up 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:54.379 our minds 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:55.580 with the things 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.360 that will inspire us 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:57.360 to worship our Lord? 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:01.840 Proverbs chapter 15 00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:02.680 verse 14. 00:16:02.779 --> 00:16:03.659 A wise person 00:16:03.659 --> 00:16:04.920 is hungry for knowledge 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:06.060 while the fool 00:16:06.060 --> 00:16:07.220 feeds on trash. 00:16:09.060 --> 00:16:10.019 So gospel resolution 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:10.620 number two. 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:11.220 Be holy. 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:13.779 And the third resolution 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:15.300 verses 10 to 13 00:16:15.300 --> 00:16:16.279 concerns what is 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:17.420 driving their desires. 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:19.600 Verse 10. 00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:21.899 You see Paul reflects 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:23.420 on the gift 00:16:23.420 --> 00:16:24.240 that he's received 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:25.259 from the Philippians. 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:26.860 Remember we saw 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:27.519 earlier in the letter 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:28.080 they've sent 00:16:28.080 --> 00:16:29.840 Epaphroditus to Paul 00:16:29.840 --> 00:16:31.460 with a financial gift 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:32.259 to support him 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:33.360 in his missionary work. 00:16:34.920 --> 00:16:36.000 But in these verses 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:37.100 you see it's strange. 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:37.740 Paul wants them 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.180 to know that 00:16:38.180 --> 00:16:39.100 although he's delighted 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:39.940 with that gift, 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:41.180 he's delighted 00:16:41.180 --> 00:16:41.960 with their partnership 00:16:41.960 --> 00:16:42.680 and their support, 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:43.840 he's not relying on it. 00:16:45.060 --> 00:16:45.500 Now why? 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:47.740 Because he's learned 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:48.519 something. 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:50.879 It's really important 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:51.659 there that we see 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:52.879 that he's learned that. 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:55.240 That he didn't just 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.560 acquire it by default, 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:57.060 he wasn't just 00:16:57.060 --> 00:16:57.840 born this way. 00:16:57.919 --> 00:16:58.620 That God through 00:16:58.620 --> 00:17:00.399 the school of experience 00:17:00.399 --> 00:17:01.480 and hard knocks 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:02.379 has taught him 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:04.140 and has molded him 00:17:04.140 --> 00:17:05.500 and he's learned 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:06.480 something through that. 00:17:07.980 --> 00:17:08.880 What's he learned? 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:09.640 Verse 12. 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:11.279 He's learned a secret. 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:13.779 The secret of what? 00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:16.399 The secret of being content. 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:18.940 You see here Paul 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:20.460 has learned to cope 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:21.920 with not just 00:17:21.920 --> 00:17:22.740 the ups and downs 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.259 of life, 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:24.119 but he's learned 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:25.519 to rejoice 00:17:25.519 --> 00:17:26.920 regardless of 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:27.819 whatever comes 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:29.480 his way in life. 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:31.579 He says, 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:31.899 doesn't he, 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:32.500 verse 12, 00:17:32.639 --> 00:17:33.480 that throughout the course 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:34.399 of his missionary life, 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:35.059 what has he known? 00:17:35.139 --> 00:17:35.899 He's known poverty, 00:17:36.099 --> 00:17:36.819 he's known plenty, 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:38.299 he's known hunger, 00:17:38.379 --> 00:17:39.099 and he's known fullness. 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:40.459 Those things have been 00:17:40.459 --> 00:17:41.719 his constant companions 00:17:41.719 --> 00:17:42.480 as he's gone about 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.039 his life. 00:17:44.980 --> 00:17:45.679 And in it all, 00:17:45.899 --> 00:17:46.579 he's learned. 00:17:47.439 --> 00:17:48.219 He's learned 00:17:48.219 --> 00:17:49.579 to be content. 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:52.699 How? 00:17:53.319 --> 00:17:54.279 How has he done that? 00:17:55.819 --> 00:17:56.339 Remember there was 00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:57.639 a busker that 00:17:57.639 --> 00:17:59.579 was at the end 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.619 of Rose Street in town. 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:02.219 The busker, 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:03.000 you need one song. 00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:03.259 Do you know what 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:03.759 the song was? 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.579 Don't worry, 00:18:05.179 --> 00:18:06.000 be happy. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.719 People loved it. 00:18:07.719 --> 00:18:08.679 He had one song. 00:18:09.099 --> 00:18:10.019 Wasn't a massive fan of it. 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:11.679 But this was his song. 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:12.859 Don't worry, 00:18:12.919 --> 00:18:13.319 be happy. 00:18:13.419 --> 00:18:14.079 Is this what Paul's 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:14.879 tapped into here? 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:16.759 These are the lyrics 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:17.779 that he's making his own? 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:18.879 No. 00:18:19.899 --> 00:18:21.379 To see how for Paul, 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.779 his contentment 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:24.000 goes so much deeper 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:26.839 and it goes so much wider, 00:18:27.839 --> 00:18:29.399 so much more purpose 00:18:29.399 --> 00:18:30.619 to what Paul is saying here. 00:18:30.719 --> 00:18:31.480 Verse 13, 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:32.659 I can do everything. 00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:34.379 Look at it there 00:18:34.379 --> 00:18:34.819 if you've got it. 00:18:34.839 --> 00:18:35.539 I can do everything. 00:18:35.980 --> 00:18:37.219 Probably more literally, 00:18:37.219 --> 00:18:38.599 I can do all this. 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:40.240 Refer him back 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:41.059 to what he's spoken 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:41.899 about previously. 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:43.099 I can do all this 00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:43.899 through him 00:18:43.899 --> 00:18:46.480 who strengthens me. 00:18:47.399 --> 00:18:47.859 See, 00:18:47.939 --> 00:18:48.399 for Paul, 00:18:48.500 --> 00:18:49.500 the chorus of his life 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:50.240 is not life 00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:51.079 as a roller coaster, 00:18:51.240 --> 00:18:51.539 Christians. 00:18:51.659 --> 00:18:52.219 You've just got to 00:18:52.219 --> 00:18:52.919 go to ride it. 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.879 For Paul, 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:57.719 his chorus, 00:18:58.240 --> 00:18:59.779 through Christ 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:02.299 who strengthens me. 00:19:03.399 --> 00:19:04.659 Through Christ 00:19:04.659 --> 00:19:06.139 who strengthens me. 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:07.280 I'm content 00:19:07.280 --> 00:19:08.560 because I have all 00:19:08.560 --> 00:19:09.120 I need 00:19:09.120 --> 00:19:10.520 in Jesus Christ. 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:13.020 When things go well 00:19:13.020 --> 00:19:13.340 for me, 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:13.500 yeah, 00:19:13.520 --> 00:19:14.259 that's great 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:15.880 and I rejoice in that 00:19:15.880 --> 00:19:17.000 but I have something 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.940 far better 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:19.540 in Christ. 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:20.720 When things go 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:21.860 poorly for me, 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:22.140 listen, 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:22.960 that's okay 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:24.560 because I have something 00:19:24.560 --> 00:19:25.780 far better 00:19:25.780 --> 00:19:27.160 in Christ. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:29.600 My hope in this life 00:19:29.600 --> 00:19:30.460 is not based 00:19:30.460 --> 00:19:31.280 on the facts 00:19:31.280 --> 00:19:32.320 of my life. 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:33.659 It's based 00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:34.419 on the facts 00:19:34.419 --> 00:19:35.460 about Christ 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:36.899 and my fellowship 00:19:36.899 --> 00:19:38.179 with him. 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:39.299 My joy 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:40.240 is not derived 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:41.019 from the changing 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:41.839 circumstances 00:19:41.839 --> 00:19:42.859 of my life. 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:43.839 My joy 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:44.659 is derived 00:19:44.659 --> 00:19:45.740 from the unchanging 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:47.279 facts about Christ. 00:19:49.439 --> 00:19:50.460 Dear Philippians, 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:50.919 who I love, 00:19:50.960 --> 00:19:51.819 I love so much, 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:52.980 my joy, 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:53.500 my crown, 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:56.480 let me let you 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:59.639 in on the secret. 00:19:59.939 --> 00:20:00.299 Come in. 00:20:00.679 --> 00:20:01.319 What's the secret? 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:03.679 If you've got Christ, 00:20:04.700 --> 00:20:05.480 get everything. 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.319 If you have Christ, 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.099 if you know Christ 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:09.859 as your saviour, 00:20:09.939 --> 00:20:10.700 you've got everything. 00:20:12.159 --> 00:20:13.359 Resolution number three, 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:14.319 be content. 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:17.619 Be content. 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:19.740 Let me ask you this morning, 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:20.500 what is driving 00:20:20.500 --> 00:20:21.220 your desires? 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:24.359 I remember I was so excited 00:20:24.359 --> 00:20:24.899 last summer 00:20:24.899 --> 00:20:25.460 I got an upgrade 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.079 on my iPhone. 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:27.859 Particularly, 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.619 I looked at it 00:20:28.619 --> 00:20:29.039 in the magazine 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:29.559 for ages, 00:20:30.119 --> 00:20:30.619 particularly because 00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:31.220 it had this finger 00:20:31.220 --> 00:20:32.279 recognition software. 00:20:33.259 --> 00:20:33.839 Remember for like 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:34.579 two days afterwards 00:20:34.579 --> 00:20:35.680 I felt like James Bond. 00:20:36.100 --> 00:20:36.700 I felt like Q 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.259 just slipped me 00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:37.940 a little phone there. 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:40.740 Two days later, 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:41.980 I come across 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:42.500 somebody with a 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.100 newer iPhone. 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:45.519 Walking on 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.079 Princess Street, 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:46.700 I walk past 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:48.039 the iPhone shop, 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.860 walk past the Apple shop 00:20:49.860 --> 00:20:50.460 and I think, 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:51.860 I know I only got 00:20:51.860 --> 00:20:52.759 that one two days ago, 00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:53.400 but actually, 00:20:53.519 --> 00:20:54.180 I really want that one. 00:20:54.279 --> 00:20:54.900 How long can I, 00:20:55.440 --> 00:20:56.100 do I have to wait 00:20:56.100 --> 00:20:56.779 until I get that one? 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:57.600 My phone actually, 00:20:57.720 --> 00:20:58.240 there's an app 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:58.740 that tells you 00:20:58.740 --> 00:20:59.140 how long 00:20:59.140 --> 00:21:00.460 until your next upgrade. 00:21:00.779 --> 00:21:01.700 It's not been good for me. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.220 But do you know 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:05.779 what's coming after 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:06.620 the iPhone 6? 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:08.920 The iPhone 7. 00:21:09.059 --> 00:21:09.220 Do you know 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:09.660 what's coming after 00:21:09.660 --> 00:21:10.359 the iPhone 7? 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:11.880 It's the iPhone 8. 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:12.059 Do you know 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:12.559 what's coming after 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:13.200 the iPhone 8? 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:14.779 It's the iPhone 9. 00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:18.960 A sinful soul 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:20.480 doesn't naturally 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.980 do contentment. 00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:23.880 Doesn't naturally do it 00:21:23.880 --> 00:21:24.700 and I am encouraged 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:26.600 when I see 00:21:26.600 --> 00:21:27.820 Paul declare here 00:21:27.820 --> 00:21:28.600 that this is something 00:21:28.600 --> 00:21:29.400 that he learnt. 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:31.740 This is something 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:32.480 that he learnt 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.160 that God, 00:21:33.560 --> 00:21:34.480 through the circumstances 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.060 of his life, 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:35.800 moulded him 00:21:35.800 --> 00:21:36.660 and shaped him 00:21:36.660 --> 00:21:37.620 and taught him stuff 00:21:37.620 --> 00:21:38.380 about the sufficiency 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:39.900 of his son Jesus Christ. 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:42.440 What a great lesson 00:21:42.440 --> 00:21:44.140 I found this week. 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.760 It's not true 00:21:46.760 --> 00:21:47.640 that our world out there 00:21:47.640 --> 00:21:48.780 is feeding us the story 00:21:48.780 --> 00:21:49.460 that you'll be happy 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:49.960 with more. 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:52.160 You're missing out 00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:53.240 if you don't have bigger. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.559 You'll be better off 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:55.140 with newer. 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:56.539 If only you went 00:21:56.539 --> 00:21:57.420 on that holiday, 00:21:57.660 --> 00:21:58.720 if only you lived 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.480 in that house, 00:21:59.559 --> 00:22:00.259 had that job, 00:22:00.339 --> 00:22:01.039 knew those people, 00:22:01.120 --> 00:22:01.819 had those clothes, 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:02.779 shopped in those places, 00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:04.039 if only you were living 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:04.980 in an attachment area 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.559 so your kids 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:06.579 could go to that school. 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:08.759 This is what the world 00:22:08.759 --> 00:22:10.160 is telling us. 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:12.279 Our world shouts at us, 00:22:12.359 --> 00:22:13.700 the grass is greener 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:15.059 over here. 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:17.519 Little wonder 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.559 that so many people 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.299 in our nation 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.940 resolve to save more 00:22:20.940 --> 00:22:23.039 and spend less this year. 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:26.200 not only does our sinful souls 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:27.120 not do contentment, 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:28.000 but we live in a world 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:29.200 that doesn't do contentment. 00:22:30.140 --> 00:22:30.799 And so the question 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:31.940 that we have to ask ourselves 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.519 this morning 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:34.380 is do we dance 00:22:34.380 --> 00:22:35.400 to the world's tune? 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:38.039 Does our joy, 00:22:38.140 --> 00:22:39.339 does it ebb and flow 00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:40.940 with the changing circumstances 00:22:40.940 --> 00:22:41.980 of our lives 00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:42.859 or is there, 00:22:43.099 --> 00:22:44.460 whatever comes our way, 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:47.700 a deep satisfaction in 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:49.360 and a trust in 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:50.220 the goodness 00:22:50.220 --> 00:22:51.120 of our God? 00:22:53.340 --> 00:22:54.559 Remember this older man 00:22:54.559 --> 00:22:55.779 growing up in church? 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:57.640 He was called Martin. 00:22:58.480 --> 00:22:59.440 Martin lost his job. 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:00.880 I was only, 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:01.660 I remember I was only 00:23:01.660 --> 00:23:02.799 10 or so at the time. 00:23:03.360 --> 00:23:04.259 Martin lost his job. 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:04.819 Wife, 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:05.420 two kids, 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:06.420 mortgage to pay, 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:07.620 serious worry. 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:09.740 I remember my mum 00:23:09.740 --> 00:23:10.500 taking me up 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:11.480 with her 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:12.120 to speak to him 00:23:12.120 --> 00:23:12.580 one day 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:14.799 and she said, 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:15.000 Martin, 00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:15.619 I'm so sorry. 00:23:16.199 --> 00:23:16.879 I'm so sorry. 00:23:17.939 --> 00:23:18.720 And he looked at her 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.639 with a smile in his eye 00:23:19.639 --> 00:23:20.159 and he said, 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.079 Hazel, 00:23:21.139 --> 00:23:21.740 it's my mum's name, 00:23:21.799 --> 00:23:22.119 Hazel, 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.579 I'm the Lord's, 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:25.119 I'm the Lord's 00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:25.839 and he knows 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:26.720 what he's doing with me. 00:23:29.559 --> 00:23:30.299 Amazing is that, 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:33.220 a young teenager 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:34.139 growing up in church, 00:23:35.439 --> 00:23:36.319 actually the impression 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:37.079 that something like that 00:23:37.079 --> 00:23:37.500 makes me. 00:23:39.319 --> 00:23:40.359 Whatever my lot, 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.960 whatever my lot, 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:43.659 you have taught me 00:23:43.659 --> 00:23:44.259 to say 00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:46.240 that it is well, 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:48.179 it is well 00:23:48.179 --> 00:23:49.939 with my soul. 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.839 Jeremiah Burroughs' 00:23:52.919 --> 00:23:54.099 famous English Puritan, 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:55.480 Christian contentment 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:57.159 is that sweet, 00:23:57.699 --> 00:23:58.019 inward, 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:58.939 quiet, 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:00.659 gracious frame of spirit 00:24:00.659 --> 00:24:02.899 which freely submits to 00:24:02.899 --> 00:24:03.799 and delights in 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:05.119 God's wise 00:24:05.119 --> 00:24:06.519 and fatherly disposal 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:08.119 in every condition. 00:24:10.199 --> 00:24:11.619 Resolution number three, 00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:12.679 be content. 00:24:14.339 --> 00:24:15.299 And the fourth 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:16.619 and the final resolution, 00:24:16.879 --> 00:24:18.399 verses 14 to 23, 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:20.459 concerns what is flowing 00:24:20.459 --> 00:24:21.299 from their lives. 00:24:22.739 --> 00:24:23.500 So as he thinks 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.319 about these Christians, 00:24:25.639 --> 00:24:26.299 it's incredible 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:27.899 that what causes 00:24:27.899 --> 00:24:29.479 Paul most joy 00:24:29.479 --> 00:24:31.459 is that this church 00:24:31.459 --> 00:24:33.039 have entered into 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:33.879 a meaningful 00:24:33.879 --> 00:24:34.839 and an ongoing 00:24:34.839 --> 00:24:36.299 partnership with him. 00:24:36.899 --> 00:24:38.219 Not just financially, 00:24:38.459 --> 00:24:39.419 you get the distinct 00:24:39.419 --> 00:24:40.500 impression as you get 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.460 through this letter 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:42.579 that the partnership 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.500 between these two, 00:24:43.579 --> 00:24:44.359 between Paul and the 00:24:44.359 --> 00:24:44.839 Philippians, 00:24:45.119 --> 00:24:46.019 goes a lot deeper 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:46.759 than that. 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:47.680 In fact, 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:48.400 it's almost as if 00:24:48.400 --> 00:24:49.119 they are yoked 00:24:49.119 --> 00:24:50.859 together with him. 00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:52.619 Verse 14, 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:54.579 sharing in his troubles 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:56.779 that they really care 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.420 about this man, 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.640 they really love this man 00:24:58.640 --> 00:24:59.480 and he loves them 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:01.079 and they really are 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:02.140 willing to stand 00:25:02.140 --> 00:25:02.799 with him, 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:03.619 Macedonia, 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:04.460 Thessalonica. 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:06.519 And what he rejoices 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:08.180 in most is not the 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:09.140 gift that he's got 00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:09.660 from them, 00:25:09.920 --> 00:25:10.880 but rather what he 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:12.039 rejoices in most is 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:13.819 what that gift tells him 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:15.220 about what is going on 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:16.000 in their hearts. 00:25:17.579 --> 00:25:18.740 Here is a gift 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:19.500 receiver 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:21.920 rejoicing 00:25:21.920 --> 00:25:23.500 because of what 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:25.259 the gift tells him 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.319 about the hearts 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:27.140 of the gift 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:27.940 givers. 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:30.660 Paul rejoices 00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:31.400 that the grace 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:32.039 of God 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.980 transforming them 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:34.059 is so at work, 00:25:34.140 --> 00:25:34.900 is so prevalent 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:36.380 that it is 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:37.519 overflowed 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:38.680 in this generous 00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:39.380 gift. 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:40.860 Paul rejoices 00:25:40.860 --> 00:25:41.400 that the grace 00:25:41.400 --> 00:25:41.759 of God 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:42.340 is so clearly 00:25:42.340 --> 00:25:42.680 at work 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.519 in their lives 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:44.279 that not only 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:44.720 have they given 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.480 him a gift, 00:25:46.880 --> 00:25:47.700 the bigger picture, 00:25:48.400 --> 00:25:48.980 they've bought 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:50.640 into the mission. 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:53.299 They've bought 00:25:53.299 --> 00:25:53.960 into the mission. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.279 They view 00:25:55.279 --> 00:25:56.019 their resources 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:56.860 through the kingdom 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.519 lens. 00:25:57.940 --> 00:25:59.160 Whatever I have, 00:25:59.259 --> 00:25:59.360 Lord, 00:25:59.420 --> 00:25:59.920 it's yours, 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:00.580 it's from you, 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.440 I want to use it 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:02.240 for your glory. 00:26:03.400 --> 00:26:04.019 And they're using 00:26:04.019 --> 00:26:04.640 their resources 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:05.320 with a kingdom 00:26:05.320 --> 00:26:05.980 mindset. 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:06.980 Do you see that? 00:26:08.900 --> 00:26:09.440 How does Paul 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:10.080 describe that? 00:26:10.160 --> 00:26:10.820 Verse 18, 00:26:11.580 --> 00:26:12.680 a fragrant offering, 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:14.920 an acceptable 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.820 sacrifice, 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:16.840 pleasing 00:26:16.840 --> 00:26:17.980 to God. 00:26:20.279 --> 00:26:20.759 Resolution 00:26:20.759 --> 00:26:21.380 number four, 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:22.240 be sacrificial. 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:24.559 Be sacrificial. 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:27.000 So let me ask you 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:27.400 this morning, 00:26:27.400 --> 00:26:28.080 what is flowing 00:26:28.080 --> 00:26:28.820 from your life. 00:26:30.320 --> 00:26:31.000 What's flowing 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.720 from your life? 00:26:33.180 --> 00:26:34.019 Are you partnering 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:34.820 with other Christians? 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.620 Are you investing 00:26:37.620 --> 00:26:38.460 what you have 00:26:38.460 --> 00:26:39.740 in the work 00:26:39.740 --> 00:26:40.320 of the kingdom? 00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:42.060 Are we 00:26:42.060 --> 00:26:43.600 corporately using 00:26:43.600 --> 00:26:44.320 what we have 00:26:44.320 --> 00:26:45.360 for the Lord's work 00:26:45.360 --> 00:26:46.540 in this city 00:26:46.540 --> 00:26:47.340 and in this world? 00:26:48.840 --> 00:26:49.440 And I think about it 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.080 really practically, 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:50.840 the missionaries 00:26:50.840 --> 00:26:51.460 we support 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:52.500 as a church, 00:26:52.660 --> 00:26:53.180 the Leakeys, 00:26:53.280 --> 00:26:54.040 Michael Gunperts, 00:26:54.100 --> 00:26:54.620 Jim Burnett, 00:26:54.619 --> 00:26:55.119 the legs, 00:26:55.359 --> 00:26:56.119 even Michelle 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:56.719 who was up here 00:26:56.719 --> 00:26:57.500 last Sunday evening 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:58.519 gone to work 00:26:58.519 --> 00:26:58.899 for a year 00:26:58.899 --> 00:26:59.819 in the mercy ships. 00:27:00.719 --> 00:27:01.579 Do these people 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.179 know that we're 00:27:02.179 --> 00:27:02.579 with them? 00:27:03.939 --> 00:27:04.599 Do they know 00:27:04.599 --> 00:27:05.279 that we're with them? 00:27:05.479 --> 00:27:06.019 Even thinking of 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:06.539 John Gillen 00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:07.019 working down 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:07.639 in Muir House, 00:27:07.719 --> 00:27:08.339 do these people 00:27:08.339 --> 00:27:08.819 know that we 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.359 are with them? 00:27:10.399 --> 00:27:10.899 Could they do 00:27:10.899 --> 00:27:11.239 with some 00:27:11.239 --> 00:27:11.699 encouragement 00:27:11.699 --> 00:27:12.279 this week? 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:13.799 Maybe just a text, 00:27:13.899 --> 00:27:14.599 maybe just an email, 00:27:14.719 --> 00:27:15.199 whatever it is 00:27:15.199 --> 00:27:15.979 to encourage them 00:27:15.979 --> 00:27:16.479 in their work. 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:17.279 Wouldn't it be 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:17.919 hilarious if they 00:27:17.919 --> 00:27:18.799 got 60 emails? 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:22.319 We're using 00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:23.019 what we have 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.519 for the Lord's 00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:23.879 work here 00:27:23.879 --> 00:27:24.559 at Brunsfield. 00:27:25.399 --> 00:27:26.119 It's a great way 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:26.919 to think about 00:27:26.919 --> 00:27:27.759 financial giving 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:28.500 in this place, 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:29.019 that everything 00:27:29.019 --> 00:27:30.200 we have is God's, 00:27:30.579 --> 00:27:31.259 we're just using it, 00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:31.779 we're just giving it 00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:32.299 back to him 00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:33.319 to use in his service, 00:27:33.659 --> 00:27:34.440 but we're also 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:36.099 investing in the work 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:36.500 of the Lord 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.240 in this place. 00:27:38.279 --> 00:27:39.200 The staff team, 00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:39.899 the building work, 00:27:39.940 --> 00:27:40.659 the events that we 00:27:40.659 --> 00:27:41.180 can put on, 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:41.899 the 50th, 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:42.339 the heating, 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:42.819 the lighting, 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:43.720 the coffee and biscuits, 00:27:43.859 --> 00:27:45.559 investing our resources 00:27:45.559 --> 00:27:47.159 in a way that opens 00:27:47.159 --> 00:27:48.019 up opportunities 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:48.779 for us as a 00:27:48.779 --> 00:27:49.299 community, 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.799 to impact this 00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:51.700 community with the 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:52.960 gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:56.399 I'm sure you noticed 00:27:56.399 --> 00:27:56.940 the other day 00:27:56.940 --> 00:27:58.660 what I found myself 00:27:58.660 --> 00:27:59.299 reading an article 00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.319 about Bruce Forsyth, 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:02.259 a man just about 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.059 90 I think. 00:28:03.839 --> 00:28:04.660 This article was 00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:06.180 waxing lyrical, 00:28:06.279 --> 00:28:06.879 but the legacy 00:28:06.879 --> 00:28:07.899 that Bruce Forsyth 00:28:07.899 --> 00:28:09.619 has left at that age. 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:11.599 And it got me 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.359 thinking about 00:28:12.359 --> 00:28:14.399 another 90 year old 00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:15.839 who left a legacy. 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:17.660 Many of you 00:28:17.660 --> 00:28:18.820 will remember, 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:19.380 some of you 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:20.660 may have come 00:28:20.660 --> 00:28:21.120 after her, 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:21.860 but we used to 00:28:21.860 --> 00:28:22.519 have a dear sister 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:23.279 here called Rita. 00:28:24.600 --> 00:28:25.560 And Rita was just 00:28:25.560 --> 00:28:26.440 an incredible woman 00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:26.960 of faith. 00:28:27.800 --> 00:28:28.680 And she went to be 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:29.019 with the Lord 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:29.680 not long after 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:30.740 her 90th birthday. 00:28:31.300 --> 00:28:31.759 I think it was only 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:32.420 a matter of weeks. 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:33.000 She went to be 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:33.480 with the Lord. 00:28:33.920 --> 00:28:34.400 And we had a big 00:28:34.400 --> 00:28:35.240 celebration for her 00:28:35.240 --> 00:28:35.960 for her 90th birthday 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:36.779 party at the bridge 00:28:36.779 --> 00:28:37.540 just down the road. 00:28:37.539 --> 00:28:38.879 And she said 00:28:38.879 --> 00:28:39.639 for her birthday, 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:40.599 I don't want 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:41.819 any presents please. 00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:42.579 I want you to 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:43.200 take the money 00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:43.639 that you would 00:28:43.639 --> 00:28:44.460 have spent on me 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.359 and I want all 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:46.240 that money to go 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:47.500 to starting a fund 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:48.480 that will put in 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:49.059 a lift. 00:28:50.139 --> 00:28:51.019 Because this church 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:51.519 is growing 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:52.859 and this lift 00:28:52.859 --> 00:28:53.359 will provide 00:28:53.359 --> 00:28:53.960 and open up 00:28:53.960 --> 00:28:54.920 so many opportunities 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:56.039 for us as a family, 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:57.319 as a church family 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:58.379 to continue to grow. 00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:00.180 What a legacy! 00:29:01.119 --> 00:29:01.519 And tonight 00:29:01.519 --> 00:29:02.159 the vision evening, 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:02.960 please come along, 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:03.379 we're going to 00:29:03.379 --> 00:29:04.440 celebrate and mark 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.319 all the work 00:29:05.319 --> 00:29:06.279 that's gone on out here. 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:08.700 Some of you 00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:09.379 are looking at me funny 00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:09.960 because your visitors 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:10.740 are just through that. 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:12.399 We're going to 00:29:12.399 --> 00:29:13.339 celebrate and mark it. 00:29:13.399 --> 00:29:13.700 Is that not 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:15.059 a fantastic legacy 00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:16.599 a 90-year-old 00:29:16.599 --> 00:29:17.220 to leave 00:29:17.220 --> 00:29:18.259 this church family? 00:29:18.859 --> 00:29:19.859 Investing your resources 00:29:19.859 --> 00:29:20.460 for the work 00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:21.019 of the kingdom. 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:22.579 Resolution number four, 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:23.420 be sacrificial. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:26.039 Four gospel resolutions. 00:29:27.059 --> 00:29:27.639 Be joyful, 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:29.139 be holy, 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:30.480 be content, 00:29:31.119 --> 00:29:31.980 be sacrificial. 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:33.059 Stand firm, 00:29:33.180 --> 00:29:33.879 Philippians, 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:35.460 as you take the gospel 00:29:35.460 --> 00:29:36.579 to your city 00:29:36.579 --> 00:29:37.799 of Philippi. 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:40.740 Now one final thought 00:29:40.740 --> 00:29:41.079 from me 00:29:41.079 --> 00:29:41.600 and then we're done. 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:43.460 I reckon these 00:29:43.460 --> 00:29:44.120 Philippian Christians 00:29:44.120 --> 00:29:44.880 would be greatly 00:29:44.880 --> 00:29:46.180 encouraged by Paul's letter. 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:46.579 Do you not? 00:29:47.319 --> 00:29:47.960 Get this thing? 00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:49.200 You're reading it out. 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:50.079 Yeah, there's challenges 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:51.880 but what encouragement. 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:55.039 But if they needed 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:56.240 a little bit more encouragement 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:57.340 then look how he signs 00:29:57.340 --> 00:29:58.200 off this letter. 00:29:59.059 --> 00:29:59.960 It's important, isn't it? 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:01.319 We see that a letter 00:30:01.319 --> 00:30:01.680 is like this 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:02.360 all the way through 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:02.840 to the end 00:30:02.840 --> 00:30:03.440 because there's some 00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:04.519 diamonds at the end. 00:30:04.519 --> 00:30:06.539 As we close this morning 00:30:06.539 --> 00:30:07.680 look at verse 21. 00:30:10.379 --> 00:30:11.200 Greet the saints. 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:12.859 Greet the saints. 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:14.240 The brothers who are with me 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:15.160 send their greetings. 00:30:16.119 --> 00:30:17.240 And notice this little detail. 00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:19.059 Especially those 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:20.539 of Caesar's household. 00:30:22.460 --> 00:30:23.299 So Paul wants 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:24.900 the Philippians to know 00:30:24.900 --> 00:30:25.980 that they are Christians 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:27.920 at some level or another 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:30.139 working for Caesar in Rome. 00:30:31.099 --> 00:30:31.799 If you want to think 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.319 about it like that, 00:30:32.359 --> 00:30:32.920 it's kind of like 00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:33.880 the civil service. 00:30:35.840 --> 00:30:36.539 Is it not thrilling 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:37.779 to think that God 00:30:37.779 --> 00:30:39.120 in his sovereign purposes 00:30:39.120 --> 00:30:40.240 has his people 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.160 doing his work 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:42.600 in the city of Rome 00:30:42.600 --> 00:30:43.640 even in this 00:30:43.640 --> 00:30:44.779 humongous kingdom 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:45.759 at the time of Rome? 00:30:46.560 --> 00:30:47.400 God's got his people 00:30:47.400 --> 00:30:48.160 at work in here. 00:30:48.860 --> 00:30:49.720 God's got his people. 00:30:50.580 --> 00:30:52.100 And the kingdom of Christ 00:30:52.100 --> 00:30:53.880 is beginning to penetrate 00:30:53.880 --> 00:30:55.800 even the humongous 00:30:55.800 --> 00:30:57.080 kingdom of Rome. 00:30:57.079 --> 00:30:59.179 Is it not incredible 00:30:59.179 --> 00:30:59.939 to think about 00:30:59.939 --> 00:31:01.279 as we stand here today 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:04.079 so many years on 00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:06.199 that one of these kingdoms 00:31:06.199 --> 00:31:07.139 you only read about 00:31:07.139 --> 00:31:07.919 in the history books 00:31:07.919 --> 00:31:09.939 but one of these kingdoms 00:31:09.939 --> 00:31:11.500 not only does it advance 00:31:11.500 --> 00:31:12.939 and grow every day 00:31:12.939 --> 00:31:14.519 but actually it comes 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:15.899 with a cast iron guarantee 00:31:15.899 --> 00:31:17.419 that the gates of hell 00:31:17.419 --> 00:31:19.019 will never prevail against it. 00:31:19.679 --> 00:31:20.740 Is that not an incredible thought? 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:22.460 I wonder what odds 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:23.279 you would have got on that 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:25.059 when you finish this letter. 00:31:25.059 --> 00:31:26.319 But it's true. 00:31:28.099 --> 00:31:29.039 All the more reason 00:31:29.039 --> 00:31:29.599 Philippians 00:31:29.599 --> 00:31:31.000 to shine like stars 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:32.079 and to resolve 00:31:32.079 --> 00:31:33.099 to live your lives 00:31:33.099 --> 00:31:34.899 worthy of the gospel 00:31:34.899 --> 00:31:36.379 of Jesus Christ. 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:39.619 So spirit come 00:31:39.619 --> 00:31:41.399 put strength 00:31:41.399 --> 00:31:42.639 in every stride 00:31:42.639 --> 00:31:44.119 give grace 00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:45.259 for every hurdle 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:46.859 that we may run 00:31:46.859 --> 00:31:47.659 with faith 00:31:47.659 --> 00:31:49.319 to win the prize 00:31:49.319 --> 00:31:50.659 of a servant 00:31:50.659 --> 00:31:51.539 good and faithful 00:31:51.539 --> 00:31:53.819 as saints of old 00:31:53.819 --> 00:31:55.039 still line the way 00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:57.159 retelling triumphs 00:31:57.159 --> 00:31:58.019 of his grace 00:31:58.019 --> 00:32:00.399 we hear their calls 00:32:00.399 --> 00:32:01.680 and we hunger 00:32:01.680 --> 00:32:02.480 for the day 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:03.980 when with Christ 00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:05.200 we will stand 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:06.159 in glory. 00:32:07.899 --> 00:32:08.559 And so to God 00:32:08.559 --> 00:32:09.180 our Father 00:32:09.180 --> 00:32:10.980 be glory 00:32:10.980 --> 00:32:11.899 forever 00:32:11.899 --> 00:32:13.000 and ever. 00:32:13.639 --> 00:32:14.019 Amen. 00:32:14.579 --> 00:32:15.379 Let's pray together. 00:32:17.379 --> 00:32:18.119 Our Father 00:32:18.119 --> 00:32:19.099 we thank you so much 00:32:19.099 --> 00:32:19.779 for this morning. 00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:21.599 Lord we want to praise you 00:32:21.599 --> 00:32:22.019 today 00:32:22.019 --> 00:32:22.599 that we have 00:32:22.599 --> 00:32:23.599 your word 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:25.079 in our language. 00:32:25.920 --> 00:32:26.559 That what a joy 00:32:26.559 --> 00:32:27.180 it has been 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:27.879 over the summer 00:32:27.879 --> 00:32:28.859 to spend time 00:32:28.859 --> 00:32:29.720 in this letter 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:30.920 to the Philippians. 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:32.599 And so we ask 00:32:32.599 --> 00:32:33.200 Lord that you would 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:33.779 help us 00:32:33.779 --> 00:32:35.039 as your people 00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:35.920 this week 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:37.339 as your spirit 00:32:37.339 --> 00:32:37.960 is at work 00:32:37.960 --> 00:32:38.680 in us 00:32:38.680 --> 00:32:40.759 to do what Paul 00:32:40.759 --> 00:32:41.759 says to these 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.379 Philippians 00:32:42.380 --> 00:32:43.860 to practice 00:32:43.860 --> 00:32:45.740 these things 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:47.440 and to do it 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:48.240 for your glory 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:49.500 and to do it 00:32:49.500 --> 00:32:50.240 for your kingdom 00:32:50.240 --> 00:32:51.240 and to do it 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:52.020 for the building up 00:32:52.020 --> 00:32:52.720 of your church 00:32:52.720 --> 00:32:53.540 in this place 00:32:53.540 --> 00:32:54.040 we ask. 00:32:54.280 --> 00:32:55.120 In Jesus name 00:32:55.120 --> 00:32:56.040 Amen.