WEBVTT 00:00:00.860 --> 00:00:05.759 Well, I'll turn again, if you will, back to 1 Peter chapter 2. 00:00:07.020 --> 00:00:11.380 The sermon this night will be through verses 1-3, the first three verses. 00:00:13.220 --> 00:00:19.640 Just a reminder, next Sunday begins our new series in Adult Sunday School on the means of grace, 00:00:20.120 --> 00:00:25.859 on the preaching and reading of scripture, on baptism, on the Lord's Supper and prayer. 00:00:25.859 --> 00:00:34.840 So each week we'll go through each one of those, and if you can, it'd be very edifying for all of you to come. 00:00:35.379 --> 00:00:40.100 And this evening we look at those very topics here in 1 Peter chapter 2. 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:42.780 Peter addresses those for us. 00:00:44.879 --> 00:00:50.539 Well, last Thursday, of course, was Halloween, but it was also another very special day. 00:00:50.760 --> 00:00:53.859 Does anybody know what we celebrate on October 31st? 00:00:53.859 --> 00:00:55.019 Reformation Day. 00:00:55.019 --> 00:00:57.039 Reformation Day, all right, good. 00:00:59.140 --> 00:01:04.459 So Reformation Day is the day we remember on October 31st, 1517, 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:11.680 that Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg 00:01:11.680 --> 00:01:14.859 and started the Protestant Reformation. 00:01:14.859 --> 00:01:20.840 And the theology of the Reformers swept across Europe, 00:01:21.019 --> 00:01:25.159 and thousands and thousands of people were converted to the true gospel. 00:01:26.060 --> 00:01:29.239 But things didn't always go so well. 00:01:29.459 --> 00:01:33.539 So in 1546, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V 00:01:33.539 --> 00:01:40.180 sent his imperial troops into Germany to destroy the Protestant delegation there. 00:01:40.180 --> 00:01:46.280 The Roman Catholic Emperor had decided that the Protestant princes had given him enough trouble, 00:01:46.900 --> 00:01:48.440 and it was time to take them out. 00:01:48.620 --> 00:01:51.660 And thousands of Christians were killed in Germany. 00:01:51.800 --> 00:01:56.500 Many more fled for their lives, and fear swept across Europe. 00:01:56.700 --> 00:01:59.740 All the Protestants were in fear that this was it. 00:02:00.020 --> 00:02:01.620 This was the end for them. 00:02:01.680 --> 00:02:02.860 They would be exterminated. 00:02:02.859 --> 00:02:09.400 The Reformed churches in Geneva also grew worried with this act of Charles V. 00:02:09.400 --> 00:02:17.000 There were rumors that the Pope himself was leading an army of 25,000 men into Geneva 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:20.300 to slaughter the Reformed church there. 00:02:20.439 --> 00:02:24.199 Well, the entire population of Geneva was about 12,000 people at the time, 00:02:24.280 --> 00:02:26.139 so it wouldn't have been much of a fair fight. 00:02:26.139 --> 00:02:32.539 The political and religious leaders in Geneva knew that the internal squabbles 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:36.919 that they were having in that day would only weaken the defenses of their city 00:02:36.919 --> 00:02:39.459 against this external threat. 00:02:40.299 --> 00:02:45.639 And so in March of 1547, the pastors of that city summoned all the people together, 00:02:45.959 --> 00:02:50.159 and they encouraged them to reconcile with one another. 00:02:50.159 --> 00:02:57.639 They knew that internal unity was absolutely essential for them to survive these potential attacks. 00:02:58.379 --> 00:03:01.900 The pastors called for a day of prayer for their brothers and sisters in Germany, 00:03:02.699 --> 00:03:04.979 and also for their own unification. 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:07.780 Now, as it turns out, the rumors were not true. 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:10.639 The Pope, indeed, did not lead an army into Geneva. 00:03:10.759 --> 00:03:11.639 The city was spared. 00:03:12.400 --> 00:03:15.379 But this unity that had developed over this time, 00:03:16.139 --> 00:03:17.639 it served to strengthen the city, 00:03:17.639 --> 00:03:20.639 and it continued to unite them in years to come. 00:03:20.759 --> 00:03:25.000 And Geneva was enabled to endure future threats that came from Roman Catholics, 00:03:25.079 --> 00:03:29.539 and it became a haven of refuge for exiled Protestants from across Europe 00:03:29.539 --> 00:03:32.899 to come there fleeing the persecution from Roman Catholics. 00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:36.939 Many in this country, indeed, fled to Geneva and were strengthened there. 00:03:36.939 --> 00:03:39.679 And they were strengthened in part because of this internal unity 00:03:39.679 --> 00:03:41.299 that had developed in the city. 00:03:43.479 --> 00:03:47.199 Now, although we in this country do not often face the threat of physical persecution, 00:03:47.199 --> 00:03:51.299 we do have to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who do face it every day. 00:03:52.139 --> 00:03:54.419 Those who are persecuted for the cause of Christ. 00:03:54.519 --> 00:03:55.379 We must remember them. 00:03:55.459 --> 00:03:56.139 We must pray for them. 00:03:56.419 --> 00:04:00.619 We must seek to help them, not only as individuals, but as the corporate body of Christ. 00:04:01.399 --> 00:04:06.099 And even if we here are not in threat of physical danger for our faith, 00:04:06.159 --> 00:04:09.620 we have to remember that all Christians live as pilgrims. 00:04:09.879 --> 00:04:13.839 We are exiled from our ultimate home in heaven. 00:04:13.840 --> 00:04:17.840 And as we suffer the travails of life lived under the sun, 00:04:18.160 --> 00:04:20.699 we must seek unity within the body of Christ, 00:04:21.180 --> 00:04:24.300 as we are assaulted from without and from within, 00:04:24.800 --> 00:04:26.800 while we journey to the promised land. 00:04:27.120 --> 00:04:30.899 And Peter instructs us here in these matters in 1 Peter 2. 00:04:31.780 --> 00:04:36.459 He urges exiled pilgrims to discard the sinful encumbrances 00:04:36.459 --> 00:04:39.959 and to nourish their souls on their journey to heaven. 00:04:41.239 --> 00:04:45.079 In our passage, we see Peter's instructions for exiled Christians. 00:04:45.560 --> 00:04:47.139 These instructions come in three parts. 00:04:48.579 --> 00:04:54.259 First, Peter's instructions for exiles are based on their redemptive relationship with Christ. 00:04:55.679 --> 00:04:58.799 Secondly, Peter instructs exiles to long for Christ. 00:04:58.800 --> 00:05:05.120 And finally, Peter instructs exiles to reconcile with one another. 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:12.020 So first we see Peter's instructions for exiles are based upon their redemptive relationship with Christ. 00:05:12.580 --> 00:05:14.259 Now, if you look at verse 1 of chapter 1, 00:05:14.980 --> 00:05:20.660 Peter addresses his letter to the exiles, the elect exiles of dispersion. 00:05:21.240 --> 00:05:24.439 Again, in verse 17 of chapter 1, he references the exiles. 00:05:24.439 --> 00:05:29.639 This idea of Christians as exiles or pilgrims, it goes all the way back to the time of Abraham. 00:05:30.639 --> 00:05:33.180 In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, 00:05:33.319 --> 00:05:36.759 the same word is used of Abraham when he's speaking to the Hittites. 00:05:36.879 --> 00:05:40.500 He says, I am a stranger and an exile among you. 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:46.159 The other time in the New Testament that this word is used is in the book of Hebrews, 00:05:46.279 --> 00:05:47.779 where again it refers to Abraham, 00:05:48.220 --> 00:05:52.639 but also Christians before and after him as exiles on the earth. 00:05:52.639 --> 00:05:55.819 So Peter, in one sense, is addressing all Christians in his letter, 00:05:56.159 --> 00:06:01.039 and he's addressing them as exiles, as those sojourners without their home. 00:06:02.319 --> 00:06:06.759 Peter later encourages these exiles in chapter 5 to stand firm in the grace of God 00:06:06.759 --> 00:06:08.000 as they journey throughout the world. 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:11.919 In chapters 3 and 4, he instructs these pilgrims on the path to salvation 00:06:11.919 --> 00:06:13.959 that they will indeed face persecution. 00:06:15.180 --> 00:06:17.120 In chapter 5, he sums it up and he says, 00:06:17.539 --> 00:06:20.680 he instructs us here to remain faithful under pressure, 00:06:20.680 --> 00:06:27.000 living as exiles in this world as they progress towards God's ultimate rest. 00:06:28.280 --> 00:06:31.939 Interestingly here, in verse 3 of chapter 2, 00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:34.420 Peter quotes Psalm 34, 00:06:34.780 --> 00:06:37.319 If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:41.139 We saw in the version of that psalm earlier in the service. 00:06:42.100 --> 00:06:43.939 Now the heading of that psalm reads, 00:06:43.939 --> 00:06:53.519 You recall that David was a fugitive from King Saul, 00:06:53.620 --> 00:06:57.019 and for many years he sojourned throughout southern Israel. 00:06:57.439 --> 00:06:59.399 He was forced to leave his homeland, 00:07:00.259 --> 00:07:01.740 and Saul is on the run. 00:07:01.819 --> 00:07:03.980 He's after David, seeking to kill him. 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:07.800 And Saul eventually drives him out of the land of promise, 00:07:07.800 --> 00:07:12.220 and David is forced to seek refuge in the hand of Israel's greatest enemy, 00:07:12.360 --> 00:07:13.000 the Philistines. 00:07:13.960 --> 00:07:16.360 And he goes to King Abimelech, 00:07:16.960 --> 00:07:18.620 seeking refuge from Saul. 00:07:19.699 --> 00:07:22.060 David never is able to settle in peace. 00:07:22.780 --> 00:07:27.420 He's never able to rest in the land of promise that God had given his people. 00:07:28.580 --> 00:07:31.400 And so he's driven into the hands of the Philistines. 00:07:31.540 --> 00:07:33.180 Thankfully, David was able to escape, 00:07:33.460 --> 00:07:35.740 using his cunning, using his trust in the Lord. 00:07:35.740 --> 00:07:38.439 And Psalm 34 references this. 00:07:38.900 --> 00:07:41.639 Psalm 34 tells us of God's faithfulness to his servant, 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:42.960 and deliverance from suffering. 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:47.439 Even though the psalmist is deceived on all sides by his enemies, 00:07:47.819 --> 00:07:49.620 he knows that he can trust in God, 00:07:49.900 --> 00:07:52.019 that God indeed will deliver him. 00:07:53.360 --> 00:07:57.960 The hearers of 1 Peter immediately would have recognized this quotation from this psalm. 00:07:58.019 --> 00:07:59.040 They would know Psalm 34. 00:07:59.379 --> 00:08:01.000 They would know that he's speaking of David, 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:03.800 and especially that context of exile, 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:08.379 of dispersion and his activity as a fugitive. 00:08:10.800 --> 00:08:15.120 Peter here is associating his hearers with David in exile. 00:08:15.860 --> 00:08:20.819 They too long for deliverance from the persecution that they face from the hands of the Romans. 00:08:21.280 --> 00:08:25.639 They too long for rest in their homeland that God has promised them. 00:08:25.939 --> 00:08:29.180 Like David, they must sojourn outside of the land of promise, 00:08:29.500 --> 00:08:31.360 as they await God's ultimate rescue. 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:35.740 These pilgrims are compelled by Peter to remain faithful to God, 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:41.279 and to anticipate that ultimate Sabbath rest that one day they will enter as their reward. 00:08:41.740 --> 00:08:44.639 Just as God rewarded David with the kingdom of Israel, 00:08:45.539 --> 00:08:50.259 although it too was a mere type and shadow of the heavenly kingdom that is to come. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:53.620 Now these instructions that Peter gives these exiles here 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:57.019 are based on their redemptive relationship with Christ. 00:08:58.159 --> 00:08:58.840 He tells them, 00:08:58.960 --> 00:09:02.159 If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:05.259 Now this phrase here, it's kind of like a rhetorical question. 00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:07.879 The answer, of course, is yes. 00:09:08.320 --> 00:09:11.240 Now children, imagine if your parents said, 00:09:11.679 --> 00:09:15.039 We can get ice cream if indeed you really want some. 00:09:15.580 --> 00:09:16.679 Well, of course you want some. 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:17.659 Who doesn't want ice cream? 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:19.299 That's what Peter is basically saying here. 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:21.879 If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 00:09:21.879 --> 00:09:22.879 And of course you have. 00:09:23.460 --> 00:09:27.419 You know what it means to taste that the Lord is good. 00:09:27.700 --> 00:09:30.759 He writes to those who intimately know Christ. 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:35.120 They know what it means in verse 3 of chapter 1 when he says, 00:09:35.220 --> 00:09:37.519 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:38.039 --> 00:09:39.279 According to his great mercy, 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:42.559 he has caused us to be born again to a living hope 00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:45.740 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 00:09:45.919 --> 00:09:46.840 They know this. 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:48.799 And they know it intimately. 00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:52.959 They know what it means to taste that the Lord is good. 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:56.639 They recognize the Christ as the living stone, as we read in verse 4. 00:09:57.679 --> 00:10:00.379 In the sight of God, he is chosen and precious. 00:10:02.039 --> 00:10:04.859 Just as Peter's hearers were exiles from their homeland 00:10:04.859 --> 00:10:08.319 and they suffered persecution in this present evil age, 00:10:09.439 --> 00:10:13.139 more so our Savior Jesus Christ was the ultimate exile. 00:10:13.139 --> 00:10:19.059 He left his home in heaven and came to earth to suffer as a man for our disobedience 00:10:19.059 --> 00:10:25.319 and to earn the righteousness that we need to stand before God as holy and justified in his sight. 00:10:25.699 --> 00:10:28.779 He came to his own and his own received him not. 00:10:29.919 --> 00:10:33.120 Just as David was persecuted by Saul, even more so. 00:10:33.699 --> 00:10:36.100 Christ was despised and rejected by men. 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:41.800 He was exiled outside of the city of Jerusalem and crucified by his own people. 00:10:43.180 --> 00:10:48.340 The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus suffered outside the gates 00:10:48.340 --> 00:10:51.800 in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 00:10:52.100 --> 00:10:55.580 He was sent outside the city to suffer and die as a common criminal 00:10:55.580 --> 00:10:58.980 so that he could bring us one day into God's heavenly city 00:10:58.980 --> 00:11:02.600 as citizens, as heirs of Christ. 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:06.420 Christ was exiled as a man of no esteem 00:11:06.420 --> 00:11:10.480 so that we could be adopted as God's own children. 00:11:11.980 --> 00:11:14.279 Now when David was exiled by the hand of Saul, 00:11:14.800 --> 00:11:17.940 in Psalm 34 you recall that he had already been anointed king 00:11:17.940 --> 00:11:20.000 by the prophet Samuel. 00:11:20.240 --> 00:11:21.180 He was the true king. 00:11:21.800 --> 00:11:23.720 But his own subjects rejected him 00:11:23.720 --> 00:11:27.639 as they followed the former king, the false king Saul. 00:11:28.560 --> 00:11:31.060 Well, the Lord Jesus, the king of kings, came to earth 00:11:31.059 --> 00:11:32.779 and he inaugurated his kingdom 00:11:32.779 --> 00:11:34.839 but his own subjects rejected him. 00:11:35.519 --> 00:11:38.419 The exiled king died on behalf of his people 00:11:38.419 --> 00:11:42.239 so that he might make them citizens of his eternal kingdom. 00:11:42.619 --> 00:11:45.299 And one day he will return as conferring king, 00:11:45.299 --> 00:11:47.939 no longer the humble suffering servant 00:11:47.939 --> 00:11:49.659 but as the victorious monarch. 00:11:50.039 --> 00:11:51.379 And he will vanquish his enemies 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:54.059 and establish his kingdom which will last forever. 00:11:54.519 --> 00:11:56.139 And he will bring us into that kingdom 00:11:56.139 --> 00:11:58.019 and we will be his loyal subjects, 00:11:58.019 --> 00:12:01.279 no longer his enemies but his faithful servants 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:02.980 ruling alongside him. 00:12:03.840 --> 00:12:06.159 Reconcile to God and we will remain forever 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:08.759 as obedient servants in Christ 00:12:08.759 --> 00:12:11.019 and testimonies to his great rule. 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:14.120 We long for that day. 00:12:15.439 --> 00:12:19.000 But even now, even today, 00:12:20.220 --> 00:12:23.480 we have tasted that the Lord is good. 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:26.940 We know what it is to go from darkness to light. 00:12:26.940 --> 00:12:28.899 We know what it means to be forgiven 00:12:28.899 --> 00:12:30.920 and to be reconciled with God. 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:32.220 And we long for that day 00:12:32.220 --> 00:12:33.860 when Christ will consummate his kingdom 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:35.720 and establish his throne forever. 00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:37.039 But even today, 00:12:37.720 --> 00:12:41.120 we know that God has declared us righteous in Christ 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:43.820 and we have experienced that he is good. 00:12:45.399 --> 00:12:48.139 We have tasted the goodness of the word of God 00:12:48.139 --> 00:12:49.920 and the powers of the age to come, 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:51.320 as Hebrews tells us. 00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:54.020 We taste that goodness 00:12:54.020 --> 00:12:56.940 every time we feed upon 00:12:56.940 --> 00:12:58.840 the body and blood of Christ 00:12:58.840 --> 00:13:00.660 in the supper of the Lord. 00:13:01.320 --> 00:13:02.500 This is where we taste 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:03.860 that the Lord is good. 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:06.360 We receive Christ and all his benefits 00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:07.620 through the means of grace 00:13:07.620 --> 00:13:09.900 that he has ordained for us. 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:12.560 You see, early on in the history of the church, 00:13:13.620 --> 00:13:14.800 the early Christians recognized 00:13:14.800 --> 00:13:16.740 that this passage was referencing 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.540 the Lord's supper. 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:21.919 And the only two uses of this word 00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:22.980 in the New Testament 00:13:22.980 --> 00:13:25.639 are in clear Lord's supper passages. 00:13:26.199 --> 00:13:27.959 So the early church actually incorporated 00:13:27.959 --> 00:13:29.559 this verse into the form 00:13:29.559 --> 00:13:30.319 that they would read 00:13:30.319 --> 00:13:32.259 before they celebrated the supper. 00:13:32.719 --> 00:13:34.459 They knew they received Christ 00:13:34.459 --> 00:13:35.599 and all his benefits 00:13:35.599 --> 00:13:38.259 when they came to the table of the Lord. 00:13:39.419 --> 00:13:41.699 Nothing unites Christians together more 00:13:41.699 --> 00:13:44.939 than when we partake of the Lord's supper. 00:13:44.940 --> 00:13:48.200 When we are assaulted from without, 00:13:48.820 --> 00:13:51.560 we come together as the body of Christ 00:13:51.560 --> 00:13:54.040 and we eat from the same loaf 00:13:54.040 --> 00:13:56.160 and we drink from the same cup. 00:13:56.260 --> 00:13:57.000 We are one 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:59.500 as we assemble around this table 00:13:59.500 --> 00:14:02.600 and we experience a supernatural unity 00:14:02.600 --> 00:14:05.800 as we feed on the body and blood of Christ. 00:14:05.799 --> 00:14:08.059 Now when we come to the table, 00:14:08.819 --> 00:14:11.639 we are brought back to the cross of Christ 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:13.939 as we partake of the same body 00:14:13.939 --> 00:14:15.399 that was crucified for us 00:14:15.399 --> 00:14:16.859 and we drink the same blood 00:14:16.859 --> 00:14:18.459 that was shed for us. 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:20.740 Christ is the sacrificial meal. 00:14:21.599 --> 00:14:23.439 But he not only takes us back to the cross, 00:14:23.639 --> 00:14:24.659 he takes us forward. 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:28.779 The supper foreshadows the eternal Sabbath rest 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:30.459 when we will eat and drink together 00:14:30.459 --> 00:14:32.859 in the presence of the Lord. 00:14:32.860 --> 00:14:36.100 Our King is no longer exiled from his homeland. 00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:39.159 He has completed his redemptive work 00:14:39.159 --> 00:14:41.440 and he has entered into the age to come. 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:44.300 Christ is the first fruit of the final resurrection 00:14:44.300 --> 00:14:46.399 and we will follow him in that resurrection. 00:14:46.580 --> 00:14:47.840 He has already been rewarded 00:14:47.840 --> 00:14:50.220 with the blessings of that consummated kingdom. 00:14:50.620 --> 00:14:53.259 And every time we partake of his body and blood 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:54.399 here in the supper, 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:57.360 we taste the powers of the age to come. 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:59.320 We experience a foretaste 00:14:59.320 --> 00:15:00.879 of that eternal Sabbath rest 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:04.659 where we will again partake of the supper with Christ 00:15:04.659 --> 00:15:06.939 in the marriage feast of the Lamb. 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:10.139 Peter's hearers knew 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:13.039 what it meant to go from darkness to light. 00:15:13.139 --> 00:15:15.179 They knew that formerly they had not known God 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:17.340 but now they had come to be known by God 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:18.419 in an intimate way. 00:15:19.179 --> 00:15:20.519 And not only known by God, 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:22.100 but by Christ. 00:15:23.039 --> 00:15:24.620 You see, in Psalm 34, 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:25.240 it says, 00:15:25.340 --> 00:15:27.320 Taste and see that Yahweh is good. 00:15:27.320 --> 00:15:30.040 But when Peter translates it here, 00:15:30.560 --> 00:15:31.060 he says, 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:34.200 Taste and see that the Lord Jesus Christ is good. 00:15:34.260 --> 00:15:35.720 It's not enough to know the Father. 00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:37.840 You must know the Father through the Son, 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:39.340 Jesus Christ. 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:40.240 He is the Lord. 00:15:41.340 --> 00:15:43.900 We have to come into a relationship with Him. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:45.360 We have to be known by Him. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:48.480 This is a thoroughly Trinitarian passage. 00:15:48.480 --> 00:15:51.659 God the Father feeds us 00:15:51.659 --> 00:15:53.800 with the true and proper 00:15:53.800 --> 00:15:55.580 body and blood of Christ 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:57.879 by the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:58.879 --> 00:15:59.920 It is through the Spirit 00:15:59.920 --> 00:16:02.720 that we taste that the Lord is good. 00:16:03.820 --> 00:16:04.899 This is why we confess 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:07.920 in Westminster Confession 29.7, 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:09.340 speaking of the supper, 00:16:10.039 --> 00:16:10.840 Worthy receivers, 00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:13.620 outwardly partaking of visible elements 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.379 in this sacrament, 00:16:14.920 --> 00:16:15.659 do then also, 00:16:15.820 --> 00:16:16.720 inwardly by faith, 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:18.259 really and indeed, 00:16:18.480 --> 00:16:20.259 yet not carnally and corporately, 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:21.580 but spiritually. 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:23.139 And this spiritually should be capital. 00:16:23.379 --> 00:16:25.000 It's speaking of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:25.440 --> 00:16:26.800 We spiritually receive 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:28.399 and feed upon Christ crucified 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:30.920 and all benefits of His death. 00:16:31.320 --> 00:16:32.620 We feed on Christ 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:34.800 by the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:36.800 --> 00:16:38.840 So our redemptive relationship with Christ 00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:40.180 serves as the foundation 00:16:40.180 --> 00:16:42.379 for Peter's edifying instructions 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.779 for his fellow exiles. 00:16:44.800 --> 00:16:46.240 We pilgrims are sustained 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:47.779 on our journey to our heavenly home, 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:50.139 for we indeed have tasted 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:51.399 that the Lord is good. 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:52.839 Now secondly, 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:53.559 we see that 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:55.879 based on this redemptive relationship, 00:16:56.480 --> 00:16:57.779 Peter instructs exiles 00:16:57.779 --> 00:16:59.019 to long for Christ. 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:00.620 Look down at verse 2. 00:17:01.439 --> 00:17:02.559 Like newborn infants, 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:05.319 long for the pure spiritual milk. 00:17:05.319 --> 00:17:12.879 Now this analogy of infants 00:17:12.879 --> 00:17:16.319 stresses the desperate need 00:17:16.319 --> 00:17:18.720 that we have for spiritual nourishment. 00:17:19.439 --> 00:17:20.359 Now unlike those 00:17:20.359 --> 00:17:22.399 whom Paul scolds in Corinthians 00:17:22.399 --> 00:17:23.740 when he tells them 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:25.879 you haven't grown up to solid food, 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:26.939 you're still stuck on milk, 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:29.679 or those in the book of Hebrews 00:17:29.679 --> 00:17:30.980 who were equally stunted, 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:33.379 Peter here is not rebuking them 00:17:33.380 --> 00:17:34.920 for their need for this milk. 00:17:35.020 --> 00:17:36.220 Indeed, he's commending them. 00:17:36.860 --> 00:17:38.720 Long for this pure spiritual milk. 00:17:38.800 --> 00:17:39.860 This is a perpetual need. 00:17:39.940 --> 00:17:41.260 This is a need that we will have 00:17:41.260 --> 00:17:43.100 throughout our entire life. 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:45.600 Now this infant metaphor 00:17:45.600 --> 00:17:47.540 is entirely appropriate. 00:17:48.860 --> 00:17:49.980 Children, those of you 00:17:49.980 --> 00:17:51.780 who have younger brothers and sisters, 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.620 do you remember 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:55.020 when your little brother or little sister 00:17:55.020 --> 00:17:56.280 came home from the hospital 00:17:56.280 --> 00:17:58.040 and your parents brought them 00:17:58.040 --> 00:17:58.560 into the house? 00:17:58.700 --> 00:17:59.560 What could they do? 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.860 Did they make dinner for you? 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:04.219 Did they help you clean up your room? 00:18:05.219 --> 00:18:06.079 No, they didn't do anything. 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:06.799 They're helpless. 00:18:07.199 --> 00:18:08.179 They just kind of sit there. 00:18:08.899 --> 00:18:09.659 They can't help you. 00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:10.500 They can't do anything. 00:18:10.659 --> 00:18:11.619 They have nothing. 00:18:11.699 --> 00:18:12.259 They have no way 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:13.019 to defend for themselves. 00:18:13.139 --> 00:18:14.379 They can't even feed themselves. 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:16.779 And so are we. 00:18:16.879 --> 00:18:17.619 We are weak. 00:18:18.299 --> 00:18:19.479 We are vulnerable. 00:18:20.179 --> 00:18:22.199 We are highly susceptible to harm. 00:18:22.279 --> 00:18:23.339 We can't defend ourselves. 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:25.839 We are completely dependent 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:27.959 upon another for sustenance. 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:30.679 We need this life-giving milk 00:18:30.680 --> 00:18:31.779 above all else. 00:18:31.860 --> 00:18:33.120 We cannot survive 00:18:33.120 --> 00:18:34.799 unless we are fed. 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:37.500 Also, like infants, 00:18:38.299 --> 00:18:39.259 not only are we helpless, 00:18:40.019 --> 00:18:40.960 but as infants, 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:41.980 we must be free 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:42.799 from the corruption 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:45.000 of living in a sinful world. 00:18:45.620 --> 00:18:46.340 Now, although infants 00:18:46.340 --> 00:18:48.400 aren't free from original sin, 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:50.000 they bear the guilt of Adam's sin. 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:50.940 Yet they are free 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:52.460 from the guile 00:18:52.460 --> 00:18:53.779 and the deceit 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:54.759 that we develop 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:56.259 as we grow into adulthood. 00:18:56.799 --> 00:18:58.180 Infants don't willfully 00:18:58.180 --> 00:18:58.960 harm their neighbor. 00:18:58.960 --> 00:19:00.720 They don't have this 00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:02.779 hardness of sin 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.940 that we experience 00:19:03.940 --> 00:19:04.720 as we grow older. 00:19:04.819 --> 00:19:05.319 They're naive. 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:06.340 They're in a good sense. 00:19:06.740 --> 00:19:08.180 They're as gentle as doves. 00:19:09.620 --> 00:19:10.519 And so we exiles 00:19:10.519 --> 00:19:11.079 are instructed 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:12.299 to long for milk 00:19:12.299 --> 00:19:13.200 as infants. 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:14.840 Now, even though 00:19:14.840 --> 00:19:16.759 this longing here 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.880 is not a command 00:19:17.880 --> 00:19:19.240 by Peter, 00:19:19.299 --> 00:19:19.880 it's really more 00:19:19.880 --> 00:19:21.039 of a reminder 00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:22.140 of the benefits 00:19:22.140 --> 00:19:22.880 that we receive. 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:23.700 Infants don't have 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.600 to be told to eat. 00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:26.360 They don't have to be commanded 00:19:26.359 --> 00:19:27.459 now is the time to eat. 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:28.399 They have this longing. 00:19:28.519 --> 00:19:29.699 They instinctually know 00:19:29.699 --> 00:19:31.199 they need this milk 00:19:31.199 --> 00:19:31.899 to survive. 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:33.159 And so, too, 00:19:33.219 --> 00:19:34.259 we need the spiritual milk 00:19:34.259 --> 00:19:34.919 to survive 00:19:34.919 --> 00:19:36.740 on our pilgrim journey. 00:19:37.919 --> 00:19:39.119 Now, there is much debate 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:41.240 as to the identity 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:42.259 of this milk. 00:19:42.339 --> 00:19:42.979 You may have seen 00:19:42.979 --> 00:19:44.619 translations that say 00:19:44.619 --> 00:19:45.719 the pure milk 00:19:45.719 --> 00:19:46.599 of the Word. 00:19:47.399 --> 00:19:48.219 Certainly, this milk 00:19:48.219 --> 00:19:48.879 is related to 00:19:48.879 --> 00:19:50.000 the inscripturated 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:50.779 Word of God. 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:52.779 At the end of chapter 1, 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:54.599 Peter reminds us 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:55.119 of the greatness 00:19:55.119 --> 00:19:56.899 of the Word of God. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:57.619 Verse 22, 00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:59.539 Having purified your souls 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:00.319 by your obedience 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:00.879 to the truth 00:20:00.879 --> 00:20:01.759 for a sincere 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:02.559 brotherly love, 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.799 love one another 00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:05.160 earnestly from a pure heart. 00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:06.240 Since you have been 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:06.660 born again, 00:20:06.740 --> 00:20:07.700 not of perishable seed, 00:20:07.759 --> 00:20:08.579 but of imperishable, 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:09.779 through the living 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:10.480 and abiding 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:11.279 Word of God. 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:12.480 For all flesh 00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:13.200 is like grass 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:14.139 and all its glory 00:20:14.139 --> 00:20:15.559 like the flower of grass. 00:20:15.740 --> 00:20:16.639 The grass withers 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.759 and the flower falls, 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.559 but the Word of the Lord 00:20:19.559 --> 00:20:20.619 remains forever. 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:22.299 So this milk, 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:22.879 of course, 00:20:23.039 --> 00:20:24.379 includes the written 00:20:24.379 --> 00:20:25.059 Word of God, 00:20:25.959 --> 00:20:26.699 but it's much more 00:20:26.699 --> 00:20:27.099 than that. 00:20:28.939 --> 00:20:29.939 Based on our 00:20:29.939 --> 00:20:31.159 redemptive relationship 00:20:31.159 --> 00:20:31.699 with Christ, 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:32.559 we are commanded 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:34.219 to long for this 00:20:34.219 --> 00:20:35.099 pure spiritual milk, 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:37.000 which is the sustenance 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:38.279 of the Christian life. 00:20:38.759 --> 00:20:39.679 And the sustenance 00:20:39.679 --> 00:20:41.419 is Christ Himself. 00:20:42.479 --> 00:20:44.179 We long for Him. 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:46.219 We are nourished by Him. 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.959 We grow as we are fed 00:20:47.959 --> 00:20:48.739 by Him. 00:20:48.739 --> 00:20:49.959 Just as infants 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:51.160 need milk all day, 00:20:51.259 --> 00:20:51.720 every day, 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:52.980 so too we exiled 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:53.720 Christians need 00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:55.440 Christ to survive. 00:20:55.600 --> 00:20:56.380 We need Him 00:20:56.380 --> 00:20:57.700 and all His benefits 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:58.740 to sustain us 00:20:58.740 --> 00:21:01.000 on our Christian journey. 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:03.079 He is the fine 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:05.240 that sustains us 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:06.079 as we sojourn 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:06.799 in this world. 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:08.440 Well, 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.460 how do we receive Christ? 00:21:09.880 --> 00:21:10.940 How are we nourished 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:11.720 by this milk? 00:21:12.360 --> 00:21:12.840 Of course, 00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:14.240 it's through the Word of God, 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:15.180 but more specifically, 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:16.420 it's through the preaching 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:17.319 of the Gospel. 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:18.720 Peter mentions this 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:20.460 at the end of verse 25, 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:21.039 chapter 1. 00:21:21.399 --> 00:21:22.460 And this Word 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:23.759 is the good news 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:25.000 that was preached 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:25.720 to you. 00:21:27.139 --> 00:21:28.599 We receive Christ 00:21:28.599 --> 00:21:29.779 and all His benefits 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.839 every Lord's Day 00:21:30.839 --> 00:21:31.980 when the minister 00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:33.099 preaches the Gospel 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:34.099 to us. 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.980 This is why we confess 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:36.619 in the Second 00:21:36.619 --> 00:21:37.379 Helvetic Confession. 00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:38.839 Wherefore, 00:21:38.919 --> 00:21:39.679 when this Word of God 00:21:39.679 --> 00:21:40.259 is now preached 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:41.039 in every church 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:42.039 by preachers 00:21:42.039 --> 00:21:42.799 lawfully called, 00:21:42.799 --> 00:21:43.740 we believe 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:45.539 that the very Word 00:21:45.539 --> 00:21:46.220 of God 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:47.019 is proclaimed 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:47.799 and received 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:48.639 by the faithful. 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:50.259 Christ Himself 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:51.619 speaks to us 00:21:51.619 --> 00:21:52.940 through the mouth 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:53.599 of the minister 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:54.940 as He faithfully 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:56.639 proclaims His Word. 00:21:57.659 --> 00:21:58.619 We also confess 00:21:58.619 --> 00:21:59.339 in the Westminster 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:01.039 Larger Catechism, 00:22:01.119 --> 00:22:01.859 155, 00:22:02.419 --> 00:22:03.379 the Spirit of God 00:22:03.379 --> 00:22:04.059 makes the reading, 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.079 but especially 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:05.680 the preaching 00:22:05.680 --> 00:22:06.379 of the Word 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:07.440 an effectual means 00:22:07.440 --> 00:22:08.119 of enlightening, 00:22:08.639 --> 00:22:09.079 convincing, 00:22:09.399 --> 00:22:10.240 and humbling sinners, 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:11.519 of driving them 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.299 out of themselves 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:13.859 and drawing them 00:22:13.859 --> 00:22:14.700 unto Christ. 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:16.039 This is primarily 00:22:16.039 --> 00:22:17.099 how we long 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:18.019 for that pure 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:18.759 spiritual milk. 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:19.579 We attend 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.180 to the means 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:20.720 of grace. 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.559 We attend 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.279 to the preaching 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.039 of the Gospel 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:25.240 and the administration 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:26.480 of the sacraments. 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:27.180 This is how 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:28.279 we are granted faith 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:29.819 and this is how 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:30.940 our faith is nourished 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:31.619 and strengthened. 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.779 That great passage 00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:35.099 from the Apostle Paul 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:36.200 in Romans chapter 10. 00:22:36.879 --> 00:22:37.420 How are they 00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:38.139 to call on Him 00:22:38.139 --> 00:22:38.740 in whom they have 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:39.299 not believed? 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:40.019 And how are they 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:41.200 to believe on Him 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:42.200 of whom they 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:42.840 have never heard? 00:22:42.920 --> 00:22:43.480 And how are they 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:43.900 to hear 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:45.000 without someone 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.340 preaching? 00:22:45.860 --> 00:22:46.400 And how are they 00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:46.799 to preach 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:47.559 unless they are sent? 00:22:47.640 --> 00:22:48.299 As it is written, 00:22:48.700 --> 00:22:49.259 how beautiful 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:49.960 are the feet 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:50.500 of those 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.180 who preach 00:22:51.180 --> 00:22:51.920 the good news. 00:22:52.340 --> 00:22:52.779 So faith 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:53.480 comes from hearing 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:54.319 and hearing 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:55.440 through the Word 00:22:55.440 --> 00:22:56.019 of Christ. 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.019 It is through 00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:57.539 the preaching 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:58.259 of the Gospel 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:59.600 that the Holy Spirit 00:22:59.600 --> 00:23:00.700 creates faith 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.279 in our hearts 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:01.720 to believe 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:02.539 and we are adopted 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:03.440 into God's family 00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.880 and then He works 00:23:04.880 --> 00:23:05.700 through the administration 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.720 of the sacraments 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:07.580 to strengthen 00:23:07.580 --> 00:23:08.299 and nourish 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:08.900 our faith 00:23:08.900 --> 00:23:09.880 in Christ. 00:23:09.880 --> 00:23:10.920 The preaching 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:11.900 of the Gospel 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.760 and the administration 00:23:12.760 --> 00:23:13.460 of the sacraments 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:14.440 are the life force 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:16.220 for exiled Christians. 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.580 And as we journey 00:23:19.580 --> 00:23:20.520 on our pilgrim way 00:23:20.520 --> 00:23:22.560 when we suffer persecution 00:23:22.560 --> 00:23:24.300 or when Christians 00:23:24.300 --> 00:23:25.160 around the world 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:25.820 suffer 00:23:25.820 --> 00:23:27.200 we must cling 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:27.780 to Christ 00:23:27.780 --> 00:23:29.200 and we must cling 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:29.600 to Him 00:23:29.600 --> 00:23:30.900 as we have received Him 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:32.540 in the means of grace. 00:23:32.660 --> 00:23:33.280 This is what is 00:23:33.280 --> 00:23:33.940 really real. 00:23:35.040 --> 00:23:35.920 When we face 00:23:35.920 --> 00:23:37.000 moments of doubt 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:38.240 or when we stare 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:39.400 death in the face 00:23:39.400 --> 00:23:40.900 we will not 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:42.000 cling to our experiences. 00:23:43.579 --> 00:23:44.740 We will not trust 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:45.440 our feelings 00:23:45.440 --> 00:23:46.160 and emotions 00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:47.200 to tell us 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:47.980 that we are safe 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:48.440 in Christ. 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:49.759 When we face 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.579 that final hour 00:23:50.579 --> 00:23:51.079 we will cling 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:51.559 to Christ 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:52.259 and we will cling 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:52.599 to Him 00:23:52.599 --> 00:23:54.180 as we have received Him 00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:55.279 in the preaching 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:56.000 of the Gospel 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:57.119 and the administration 00:23:57.119 --> 00:23:58.059 of the sacraments. 00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:59.380 When we receive Christ 00:23:59.380 --> 00:24:00.920 and all His benefits 00:24:00.920 --> 00:24:02.940 we will know 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:03.640 that the Gospel 00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:04.140 that has been 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:05.039 proclaimed to us 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.819 is true 00:24:05.819 --> 00:24:06.700 and it's true 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:07.579 for us. 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:08.879 Martin Luther said 00:24:08.879 --> 00:24:10.460 it's not enough 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:10.819 to know 00:24:10.819 --> 00:24:11.480 that Christ died 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:12.099 for my sins. 00:24:12.379 --> 00:24:12.899 We must know 00:24:12.899 --> 00:24:13.720 that Christ died 00:24:13.720 --> 00:24:15.019 for my sins. 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.079 And when we take 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:17.899 that last breath 00:24:17.899 --> 00:24:19.480 we will trust 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.119 those promises 00:24:20.119 --> 00:24:21.819 for us are true 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.759 as we have received 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.420 them through 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:24.359 the means of grace. 00:24:24.619 --> 00:24:25.379 Just as sure 00:24:25.379 --> 00:24:27.279 as we eat 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:28.039 this bread 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:29.579 and we drink 00:24:29.579 --> 00:24:30.279 this cup 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:31.659 so too 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.480 we are sure 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.579 that we have 00:24:33.579 --> 00:24:34.420 eaten His body 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:34.920 and we have 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:35.680 drunk His blood 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:36.460 and that we have 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:37.160 eternal life 00:24:37.160 --> 00:24:38.080 and that He will 00:24:38.080 --> 00:24:38.860 raise us up 00:24:38.860 --> 00:24:40.100 on the last day 00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:41.120 as He promised us 00:24:41.120 --> 00:24:42.500 in John chapter 6. 00:24:43.620 --> 00:24:44.340 Just as sure 00:24:44.340 --> 00:24:45.420 as we've been baptized 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:47.120 whether you remember 00:24:47.120 --> 00:24:47.660 it or not 00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:48.539 just as sure 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:49.420 as you've been a witness 00:24:49.420 --> 00:24:50.060 to others 00:24:50.060 --> 00:24:50.900 who've been baptized 00:24:50.900 --> 00:24:52.400 we know 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:53.580 that Christ 00:24:53.580 --> 00:24:54.720 has taken us 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:55.980 through those waters 00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:56.500 of death 00:24:56.500 --> 00:24:57.840 and He has brought us 00:24:57.840 --> 00:24:58.340 out safely 00:24:58.340 --> 00:24:59.180 on the other side. 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:00.880 And just as sure 00:25:00.880 --> 00:25:01.539 as we've heard 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.039 the minister 00:25:02.039 --> 00:25:03.140 proclaim the Gospel 00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:03.820 to us 00:25:03.820 --> 00:25:05.060 we know 00:25:05.060 --> 00:25:06.000 that Christ 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:06.600 has delivered 00:25:06.600 --> 00:25:07.160 to us 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:07.840 the good news 00:25:07.840 --> 00:25:08.600 that He has died 00:25:08.600 --> 00:25:09.140 for us 00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:09.840 that He has 00:25:09.840 --> 00:25:10.740 reconciled us 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.240 to God. 00:25:12.560 --> 00:25:13.520 When we're confronted 00:25:13.520 --> 00:25:14.740 with the difficulty 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.320 that comes 00:25:15.320 --> 00:25:15.900 with the life 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:16.580 of exile 00:25:16.580 --> 00:25:17.920 we must look 00:25:17.920 --> 00:25:18.540 to the means 00:25:18.540 --> 00:25:18.960 that God 00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:19.740 has given us 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:21.040 to receive Christ 00:25:21.040 --> 00:25:22.120 and all His benefits. 00:25:23.540 --> 00:25:24.320 It is true 00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:25.220 we have tasted 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:26.380 that the Lord 00:25:26.380 --> 00:25:27.100 is good. 00:25:28.759 --> 00:25:29.740 Peter's exile 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:30.960 here is new 00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:31.460 what it was 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:32.180 to trust in Christ. 00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:32.740 They have tasted 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.200 that the Lord 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:33.620 is good 00:25:33.620 --> 00:25:34.740 and based on 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.299 their redemptive 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:35.759 relationship 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.340 with Christ 00:25:36.340 --> 00:25:38.000 God instructs 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:38.720 them to long 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:39.240 for Christ 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.960 to desire 00:25:39.960 --> 00:25:40.580 this pure 00:25:40.580 --> 00:25:41.360 spiritual milk 00:25:41.360 --> 00:25:42.460 with the result 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:43.720 that they could 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:44.539 grow together 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:45.400 in unity. 00:25:45.860 --> 00:25:46.140 This is our 00:25:46.140 --> 00:25:46.680 third point. 00:25:47.680 --> 00:25:48.960 Peter instructs 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:49.880 exiled Christians 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:50.759 to be edifying 00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:51.640 to build up 00:25:51.640 --> 00:25:52.160 one another 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:53.660 as they reconcile 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:55.060 with one another. 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:56.360 It's only because 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:57.019 we have received 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:57.720 Christ and all 00:25:57.720 --> 00:25:58.180 His benefits 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:58.779 through the Word 00:25:58.779 --> 00:25:59.400 and the Sacraments 00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:00.259 that now 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:01.180 we can grow 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:01.740 in Christ 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:02.460 and love 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:02.980 our neighbor. 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:04.720 So, 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:05.580 verse 1 00:26:05.580 --> 00:26:07.120 of chapter 2 00:26:07.120 --> 00:26:10.019 we must put away 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:11.080 all these 00:26:11.080 --> 00:26:12.220 sinful encumbrances 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.060 that weigh us 00:26:13.060 --> 00:26:13.820 down as we 00:26:13.820 --> 00:26:14.440 journey to our 00:26:14.440 --> 00:26:15.180 final homeland. 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:16.600 Peter instructs us 00:26:16.600 --> 00:26:17.160 here that this 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:17.960 isn't all going 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.820 to happen at once. 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:19.960 We can't snap 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:20.540 our fingers 00:26:20.540 --> 00:26:21.280 and instantly 00:26:21.280 --> 00:26:22.060 be sanctified 00:26:22.060 --> 00:26:22.660 as much as 00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:23.300 we would like to. 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:25.079 We know that 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:25.639 we will deal 00:26:25.639 --> 00:26:26.319 with the presence 00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:26.859 of sin 00:26:26.859 --> 00:26:27.980 as long as 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:28.500 we journey 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.980 on earth. 00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:31.579 We will never 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:32.159 be perfectly 00:26:32.159 --> 00:26:32.799 sanctified 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:33.379 while we are 00:26:33.379 --> 00:26:34.740 still in these 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.659 sinful bodies 00:26:35.659 --> 00:26:36.599 but we must 00:26:36.599 --> 00:26:38.319 begin to put 00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:39.240 away these 00:26:39.240 --> 00:26:40.119 sinful behaviors. 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:40.639 This is a 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:41.599 lifelong process 00:26:41.599 --> 00:26:42.579 but we can 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:44.460 begin to set 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:45.099 aside these 00:26:45.099 --> 00:26:45.700 encumbrances 00:26:45.700 --> 00:26:46.359 that weigh us 00:26:46.359 --> 00:26:46.659 down. 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:47.279 Now, 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:47.839 Peter writes 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.279 and, 00:26:48.379 --> 00:26:48.740 you see, 00:26:48.879 --> 00:26:49.319 in between 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:50.539 each of these 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:51.500 lists of 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:52.159 bad things 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:53.580 and he wants 00:26:53.580 --> 00:26:53.900 the reader 00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:54.519 to stop 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:55.120 and focus 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:55.519 on each 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.100 one and so 00:26:56.100 --> 00:26:56.500 we'll do 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.000 that now. 00:26:57.360 --> 00:26:57.660 We must 00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:58.160 put away 00:26:58.160 --> 00:26:59.000 all malice. 00:27:00.060 --> 00:27:00.700 This is a 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:02.000 mean-spirited 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:02.740 disposition. 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.259 Peter places 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:04.980 all before 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:05.360 there to 00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:06.340 signal every 00:27:06.340 --> 00:27:07.180 kind of 00:27:07.180 --> 00:27:07.640 malice, 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:08.340 every kind 00:27:08.340 --> 00:27:09.800 of mal-intention. 00:27:10.920 --> 00:27:11.560 These exiles 00:27:11.560 --> 00:27:12.240 must shed 00:27:12.240 --> 00:27:13.140 every evil 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:13.980 disposition 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:14.880 which is the 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:15.560 opposite of 00:27:15.560 --> 00:27:15.900 love, 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:17.720 whatever form 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.640 that manifests 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.200 itself. 00:27:21.300 --> 00:27:21.900 Peter then 00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:22.780 instructs his 00:27:22.780 --> 00:27:23.220 hearers to 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:23.720 be free 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:24.300 from all 00:27:24.300 --> 00:27:24.860 deceit. 00:27:25.860 --> 00:27:26.440 This is the 00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:27.360 taking advantage 00:27:27.360 --> 00:27:27.940 of another 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:28.480 person through 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:29.100 underhanded 00:27:29.100 --> 00:27:29.660 means or 00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:30.280 crackiness. 00:27:31.340 --> 00:27:32.140 Isaiah speaks 00:27:32.140 --> 00:27:32.580 of Christ 00:27:32.580 --> 00:27:33.060 that no 00:27:33.060 --> 00:27:34.400 deceit was 00:27:34.400 --> 00:27:34.860 found in 00:27:34.860 --> 00:27:35.380 his mouth. 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:37.900 We sojourners 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:38.400 on the road 00:27:38.400 --> 00:27:38.920 to salvation 00:27:38.920 --> 00:27:39.380 must be 00:27:39.380 --> 00:27:39.720 truth to 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.120 one another 00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:40.900 and avoid 00:27:40.900 --> 00:27:42.060 this deceitful 00:27:42.060 --> 00:27:42.680 speech that 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:43.320 is so harmful. 00:27:45.660 --> 00:27:46.060 Put away 00:27:46.060 --> 00:27:46.660 all malice 00:27:46.660 --> 00:27:46.960 and all 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.440 deceit 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:48.840 and hypocrisy, 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:49.780 the opposite 00:27:49.780 --> 00:27:50.900 of truth. 00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:52.040 In ancient 00:27:52.040 --> 00:27:52.360 Greek, 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:53.200 this word 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:53.640 was used 00:27:53.640 --> 00:27:54.280 for actors 00:27:54.280 --> 00:27:54.860 who played 00:27:54.860 --> 00:27:55.380 a role 00:27:55.380 --> 00:27:55.840 on the 00:27:55.840 --> 00:27:56.320 stage. 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:57.640 You recall 00:27:57.640 --> 00:27:58.120 that Jesus 00:27:58.120 --> 00:27:59.519 repeatedly rebukes 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:00.040 the scribes 00:28:00.040 --> 00:28:00.580 and the Pharisees 00:28:00.580 --> 00:28:01.100 for playing 00:28:01.100 --> 00:28:01.740 the role 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:02.259 of the 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:02.960 truly righteous. 00:28:03.820 --> 00:28:04.160 This sin 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:04.940 is devastating 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:05.600 to the 00:28:05.600 --> 00:28:05.759 church. 00:28:05.840 --> 00:28:06.080 We have 00:28:06.080 --> 00:28:06.300 to be 00:28:06.300 --> 00:28:07.100 open and 00:28:07.100 --> 00:28:07.660 honest with 00:28:07.660 --> 00:28:08.080 one another, 00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:08.780 warts and 00:28:08.780 --> 00:28:09.000 all. 00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.220 And as we 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:12.240 journey on 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.840 our way, 00:28:13.320 --> 00:28:14.360 this sin 00:28:14.360 --> 00:28:15.280 of hypocrisy 00:28:15.280 --> 00:28:15.960 is especially 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:17.080 dangerous in 00:28:17.080 --> 00:28:17.660 times of 00:28:17.660 --> 00:28:18.660 hardship and 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:19.060 suffering. 00:28:19.320 --> 00:28:19.660 We have to 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:20.180 know who we 00:28:20.180 --> 00:28:20.820 can count on 00:28:20.820 --> 00:28:22.380 when we 00:28:22.380 --> 00:28:23.200 are assaulted 00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:24.140 from without. 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:25.180 We must 00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:25.740 put aside 00:28:25.740 --> 00:28:26.600 this hypocrisy. 00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:29.759 Put aside 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:30.460 all envy. 00:28:31.340 --> 00:28:32.140 This inhibits 00:28:32.140 --> 00:28:32.840 the love and 00:28:32.840 --> 00:28:33.480 affection within 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:34.000 the body of 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:34.299 Christ. 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:35.640 In the 00:28:35.640 --> 00:28:36.140 ancient world, 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:36.680 many people 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.460 believed that 00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:38.460 the success 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:39.400 of one person 00:28:39.400 --> 00:28:40.820 inhibited the 00:28:40.820 --> 00:28:41.840 success of 00:28:41.840 --> 00:28:42.080 another. 00:28:42.440 --> 00:28:42.980 The cake 00:28:42.980 --> 00:28:43.620 was only so 00:28:43.620 --> 00:28:44.440 big, so if 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.039 my neighbor 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:45.500 got a big 00:28:45.500 --> 00:28:45.940 slice, well, 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:46.420 that means that 00:28:46.420 --> 00:28:47.380 my slice will 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:48.160 be much smaller. 00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:49.019 And so they 00:28:49.019 --> 00:28:49.640 were very 00:28:49.640 --> 00:28:50.580 envious of 00:28:50.580 --> 00:28:51.040 one another, 00:28:51.820 --> 00:28:52.759 wished ill on 00:28:52.759 --> 00:28:53.200 their neighbor. 00:28:54.540 --> 00:28:55.220 These exiles 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:56.620 are victims of 00:28:56.620 --> 00:28:57.480 the slander from 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.300 the Gentiles in 00:28:58.300 --> 00:28:58.800 chapter 2, 00:28:58.840 --> 00:28:59.500 verse 12, who 00:28:59.500 --> 00:29:00.360 speak evil of 00:29:00.360 --> 00:29:00.840 them as 00:29:00.840 --> 00:29:01.500 wrongdoers. 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:03.240 But the only 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:04.000 other time that 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:04.580 this word is 00:29:04.580 --> 00:29:05.160 used in the 00:29:05.160 --> 00:29:05.620 New Testament 00:29:05.620 --> 00:29:07.540 is of slander 00:29:07.540 --> 00:29:08.160 of fellow 00:29:08.160 --> 00:29:08.600 Christians. 00:29:10.800 --> 00:29:11.440 Why do we 00:29:11.440 --> 00:29:12.060 turn on one 00:29:12.060 --> 00:29:13.560 another in 00:29:13.560 --> 00:29:14.040 times of 00:29:14.040 --> 00:29:14.340 trial? 00:29:14.940 --> 00:29:15.500 How much 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:16.100 more in 00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:16.559 times of 00:29:16.559 --> 00:29:18.000 hardship do 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:18.459 we need to 00:29:18.459 --> 00:29:19.319 be edifying 00:29:19.319 --> 00:29:20.619 instead of 00:29:20.619 --> 00:29:21.579 tearing down? 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:25.579 Pilgrims 00:29:25.579 --> 00:29:26.299 traveling to 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:26.819 ultimate 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:27.899 salvation must 00:29:27.899 --> 00:29:28.519 cast away 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.439 these sinful 00:29:29.439 --> 00:29:30.599 impediments 00:29:30.599 --> 00:29:31.099 that block 00:29:31.099 --> 00:29:31.699 our path. 00:29:32.339 --> 00:29:32.579 And this 00:29:32.579 --> 00:29:33.039 improper 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:34.279 behavior remains 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:34.740 a constant 00:29:34.740 --> 00:29:36.000 temptation, but 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:36.399 it is a great 00:29:36.399 --> 00:29:37.179 distraction from 00:29:37.179 --> 00:29:38.139 our journey, and 00:29:38.139 --> 00:29:38.879 we must avoid 00:29:38.879 --> 00:29:39.719 these restrictive 00:29:39.719 --> 00:29:41.059 encumbrances and 00:29:41.059 --> 00:29:41.819 embrace the 00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:42.759 nourishing benefits 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:43.419 that come from 00:29:43.419 --> 00:29:44.599 Christ and the 00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:44.939 gospel. 00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:46.600 our survival as 00:29:46.600 --> 00:29:47.380 the church depends 00:29:47.380 --> 00:29:47.759 on us. 00:29:48.180 --> 00:29:48.580 And we have to 00:29:48.580 --> 00:29:49.340 be reconciled to 00:29:49.340 --> 00:29:50.160 one another so 00:29:50.160 --> 00:29:50.920 that we can all 00:29:50.920 --> 00:29:51.880 grow up into 00:29:51.880 --> 00:29:53.340 salvation as we 00:29:53.340 --> 00:29:54.160 are fed by the 00:29:54.160 --> 00:29:54.880 pure spiritual 00:29:54.880 --> 00:29:55.200 milk. 00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:56.299 Look again at 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:56.860 verse 2. 00:29:57.680 --> 00:29:58.180 Like newborn 00:29:58.180 --> 00:29:59.539 infants, long 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.039 for the pure 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:00.980 spiritual milk that 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:02.360 by it you may 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:03.519 grow up into 00:30:03.519 --> 00:30:04.200 salvation. 00:30:04.860 --> 00:30:05.740 This word you 00:30:05.740 --> 00:30:06.740 hear is plural. 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:08.700 In fact, all the 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:09.720 verbs in this 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.880 passage are plural. 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.120 Peter is 00:30:12.120 --> 00:30:12.940 addressing us as 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:13.200 one. 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:14.759 We are united in 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:15.200 the body of 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:15.400 Christ. 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:15.960 We're in this 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:16.299 together. 00:30:17.140 --> 00:30:17.620 We journey 00:30:17.620 --> 00:30:19.580 together on our 00:30:19.580 --> 00:30:20.480 way to the 00:30:20.480 --> 00:30:21.059 heavenly home. 00:30:21.360 --> 00:30:21.819 We are knit 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:22.559 together in the 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:23.660 body of Christ, and 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:24.840 we have tasted that 00:30:24.840 --> 00:30:25.660 the Lord is good. 00:30:26.259 --> 00:30:26.980 And it is based on 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:27.880 these promises that 00:30:27.880 --> 00:30:28.680 we must long for 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:29.700 Christ and be 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:30.580 reconciled to one 00:30:30.580 --> 00:30:31.500 another so that we 00:30:31.500 --> 00:30:33.140 can all grow up 00:30:33.140 --> 00:30:34.840 together into 00:30:34.840 --> 00:30:35.519 salvation. 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.220 This salvation 00:30:37.220 --> 00:30:38.019 starts when we are 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:38.779 regenerated, when 00:30:38.779 --> 00:30:40.180 we're born again, as 00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:41.000 Peter referenced in 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:41.539 chapter 1. 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:42.680 And it comes to 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:43.619 completion when our 00:30:43.619 --> 00:30:44.759 exile is finally 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.799 over, and we 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:47.159 enter that heavenly 00:30:47.159 --> 00:30:47.659 rest. 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:49.500 But until that day, we 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.700 must cling to Christ, 00:30:51.399 --> 00:30:52.200 who more importantly 00:30:52.200 --> 00:30:54.119 clings to us, as we 00:30:54.119 --> 00:30:55.119 hold on to one 00:30:55.119 --> 00:30:56.579 another, united in 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:57.799 love for our 00:30:57.799 --> 00:30:58.079 Savior. 00:31:01.079 --> 00:31:02.079 Well, I'm sure that 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:02.740 many of you have 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:04.000 read the book, 00:31:04.139 --> 00:31:05.159 Pilgrim's Progress. 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:06.639 At one point, it was 00:31:06.639 --> 00:31:07.980 the second best-selling 00:31:07.980 --> 00:31:08.980 book in the English 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:09.779 language behind the 00:31:09.779 --> 00:31:10.019 Bible. 00:31:10.139 --> 00:31:10.619 Now, it's probably 00:31:10.619 --> 00:31:12.180 been passed by 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:13.099 Da Vinci Code or 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:13.779 Harry Potter or 00:31:13.779 --> 00:31:14.019 something. 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:16.079 But if you haven't 00:31:16.079 --> 00:31:17.119 read Pilgrim's Progress, 00:31:17.420 --> 00:31:18.139 please do so. 00:31:18.200 --> 00:31:19.960 It is very rewarding. 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:20.899 And you recall the 00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:21.379 main character, 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:23.579 Christian, journeys on 00:31:23.579 --> 00:31:24.740 the Pilgrim pathway 00:31:24.740 --> 00:31:26.019 toward his final home 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:27.079 in the celestial city. 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.420 Along the way, he's 00:31:28.420 --> 00:31:29.579 attacked by doubt 00:31:29.579 --> 00:31:31.200 and temptation, and he 00:31:31.200 --> 00:31:32.059 trusts in the Lord, 00:31:32.139 --> 00:31:33.139 and he remains faithful 00:31:33.139 --> 00:31:33.759 to the end. 00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:35.960 And as great as that 00:31:35.960 --> 00:31:38.299 book is, one of the 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:40.339 main petitions of part 00:31:40.339 --> 00:31:42.039 one of that book is 00:31:42.039 --> 00:31:43.279 that Christian basically 00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:44.059 travels alone. 00:31:45.180 --> 00:31:46.240 He does have his two 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:48.599 friends, faithful and 00:31:48.599 --> 00:31:49.919 hopeful, who travel 00:31:49.919 --> 00:31:50.960 with him at different 00:31:50.960 --> 00:31:51.859 points in the journey. 00:31:52.339 --> 00:31:53.220 But where's the church? 00:31:54.779 --> 00:31:55.980 Where's the body of 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:58.779 Christ for Christian as 00:31:58.779 --> 00:32:00.440 he travels on his 00:32:00.440 --> 00:32:01.099 Pilgrim way? 00:32:02.099 --> 00:32:03.240 If the story were a 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:04.019 little more accurate, 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:05.159 Bunyan would have told 00:32:05.160 --> 00:32:07.080 us of a countless 00:32:07.080 --> 00:32:08.779 throng of believers, 00:32:09.300 --> 00:32:10.620 as far as the eye 00:32:10.620 --> 00:32:11.640 could see, journeying 00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:13.620 together on the 00:32:13.620 --> 00:32:15.340 Pilgrim path as we 00:32:15.340 --> 00:32:16.259 make our way to the 00:32:16.259 --> 00:32:16.860 heavenly home. 00:32:17.900 --> 00:32:19.700 Christians, innumerable, 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:21.100 would be walking 00:32:21.100 --> 00:32:22.860 together, carrying one 00:32:22.860 --> 00:32:25.000 another, reminding one 00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:26.180 another of the benefits 00:32:26.180 --> 00:32:27.820 that are theirs in Christ 00:32:27.820 --> 00:32:29.660 and promised by the 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:31.620 Holy Spirit, helping one 00:32:31.619 --> 00:32:32.799 another along the way. 00:32:34.299 --> 00:32:35.339 The body of Christ 00:32:35.339 --> 00:32:36.859 journeys together on the 00:32:36.859 --> 00:32:38.099 Pilgrim way toward the 00:32:38.099 --> 00:32:39.479 heavenly city, and we 00:32:39.479 --> 00:32:40.739 remind one another of the 00:32:40.739 --> 00:32:41.859 promises that are ours 00:32:41.859 --> 00:32:43.099 in Christ and the 00:32:43.099 --> 00:32:44.039 wonderful benefits that 00:32:44.039 --> 00:32:45.059 he has given to us 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:46.259 through the means of 00:32:46.259 --> 00:32:46.599 grace. 00:32:47.679 --> 00:32:48.659 As we are led by the 00:32:48.659 --> 00:32:49.799 Holy Spirit to the 00:32:49.799 --> 00:32:50.899 eternal kingdom, where 00:32:50.899 --> 00:32:51.759 one day we will be 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:52.799 greeted by our Savior, 00:32:53.139 --> 00:32:54.459 the crucified King, who 00:32:54.459 --> 00:32:55.699 will welcome us to his 00:32:55.699 --> 00:32:58.139 table, and forever we 00:32:58.139 --> 00:32:59.939 will sit and eat and 00:32:59.939 --> 00:33:01.359 drink with the Lord. 00:33:01.619 --> 00:33:02.679 Let's bow together in 00:33:02.679 --> 00:33:02.819 prayer. 00:33:04.299 --> 00:33:02.679 Let's bow together in 00:33:02.679 --> 00:33:04.699 prayer. 00:33:04.699 --> 00:33:02.679 Let's bow together in 00:33:02.679 --> 00:33:04.699 prayer.