WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.480 A very good morning. It's good to see you guys this day. 00:00:03.540 --> 00:00:09.259 If you're wondering, our crowd is sparse this morning, not because people are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, 00:00:09.259 --> 00:00:09.259 00:00:30.399 --> 00:00:35.659 let's turn together in our copy of God's Word to Romans chapter 14. 00:00:36.380 --> 00:00:42.140 We're actually going to finish chapter 14 today by looking at verses 13 through 23, 00:00:42.340 --> 00:00:50.439 but by way of reminder, recall how we've gotten to where we've gotten in the simplest way to summarize the first 11 chapters. 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:54.359 Paul sums it up in chapter 12 verse 1 by saying, 00:00:54.960 --> 00:00:57.939 the mercies of God, which is everything he's presented prior to that, 00:00:57.939 --> 00:01:04.480 I will say that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone forever. 00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:10.780 In light of this, we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. 00:01:11.579 --> 00:01:18.140 Verse 1 of chapter 12, which is this vertical access response to what God has done for us in Christ. 00:01:18.280 --> 00:01:21.219 We're to offer ourselves fully to him, right? 00:01:21.400 --> 00:01:26.859 Vertical access here, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, 00:01:26.859 --> 00:01:32.700 which then plays out in the horizontal access of that offering, right? 00:01:32.819 --> 00:01:36.620 That now our lives are to be characterized by love. 00:01:36.760 --> 00:01:40.859 Chapter 12 verse 9, Paul exhorts us to let love be genuine, 00:01:41.319 --> 00:01:45.680 to abhor what is evil, and to cling fast to what is good, 00:01:45.799 --> 00:01:49.260 and therein he summarizes for us godliness. 00:01:49.260 --> 00:01:55.460 To be characterized by this, loving genuinely, right? 00:01:55.600 --> 00:02:00.700 Which he then begins to play out for us throughout the rest of his letter to the Romans. 00:02:01.460 --> 00:02:06.840 So last week we looked at the beginning of chapter 14, verses 1 through 12, 00:02:07.020 --> 00:02:09.280 to see these exhortations he gives, 00:02:09.540 --> 00:02:11.120 to welcome one another, 00:02:11.360 --> 00:02:14.439 to not despise one another, 00:02:14.439 --> 00:02:17.759 and to not pass judgment on one another. 00:02:17.859 --> 00:02:22.359 You can see that in verses 1 through 3 and verse 5. 00:02:22.879 --> 00:02:24.919 About particular things, right? 00:02:24.979 --> 00:02:26.939 He's referring to opinions. 00:02:27.960 --> 00:02:30.539 Notice that there in verse 1, right? 00:02:30.740 --> 00:02:31.659 About opinions. 00:02:31.900 --> 00:02:33.620 Not about doctrinal issues, 00:02:33.719 --> 00:02:35.819 not about things that are clearly taught to us in the Scriptures, 00:02:35.819 --> 00:02:38.979 but about those things that exist in the gray. 00:02:38.979 --> 00:02:44.119 Those issues that are not clearly spoken to in the Scriptures. 00:02:44.879 --> 00:02:47.439 He's exhorting us to welcome each other, 00:02:47.500 --> 00:02:48.659 not despise one another, 00:02:48.759 --> 00:02:52.560 and to not pass judgment on one another about opinions. 00:02:53.339 --> 00:02:57.060 The examples from the text are about eating and drinking, 00:02:57.859 --> 00:03:00.319 and the observance of particular days. 00:03:00.379 --> 00:03:04.299 But of course we can see that that plays itself out in varying ways, 00:03:04.299 --> 00:03:06.039 as our culture is shifting. 00:03:06.780 --> 00:03:07.819 Certainly it does. 00:03:07.819 --> 00:03:11.199 Now the teaching in here is not incredibly complex. 00:03:11.319 --> 00:03:13.259 In fact, I told Wes earlier this week, 00:03:13.319 --> 00:03:15.599 I really just want to get up and read the text to you and say, 00:03:16.099 --> 00:03:16.319 okay. 00:03:17.919 --> 00:03:20.060 How it plays out in our lives, though, 00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:22.620 has a lot of complexity with it. 00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:24.439 Lots of complexity. 00:03:24.680 --> 00:03:29.099 The application of the truths found in chapter 14 00:03:29.099 --> 00:03:32.759 are not going to be easy to walk out together. 00:03:33.159 --> 00:03:35.219 So let's see if we can look at it together, 00:03:35.219 --> 00:03:37.120 wrap our minds around it together, 00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:39.560 so that we're best equipped to do so. 00:03:39.879 --> 00:03:42.700 Let's begin by reading in verse 13. 00:03:42.699 --> 00:03:48.459 Therefore, let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, 00:03:48.799 --> 00:03:53.199 but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 00:03:53.839 --> 00:03:58.079 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, 00:03:58.519 --> 00:04:01.679 but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 00:04:01.680 --> 00:04:04.420 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, 00:04:04.460 --> 00:04:05.980 you are no longer walking in love. 00:04:06.180 --> 00:04:09.300 By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 00:04:09.960 --> 00:04:12.920 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:15.800 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:19.560 but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 00:04:20.399 --> 00:04:24.000 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:28.339 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 00:04:29.439 --> 00:04:31.779 Do not for the sake of food destroy the work of God. 00:04:32.220 --> 00:04:33.639 Everything is indeed clean, 00:04:33.800 --> 00:04:37.160 but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 00:04:37.660 --> 00:04:39.939 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine 00:04:39.939 --> 00:04:41.860 or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 00:04:42.540 --> 00:04:45.720 The faith that you have keep between yourself and God. 00:04:46.420 --> 00:04:50.060 Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 00:04:50.060 --> 00:04:52.939 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, 00:04:53.100 --> 00:04:54.939 because the eating is not from faith. 00:04:55.259 --> 00:04:58.139 For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. 00:04:58.540 --> 00:04:59.420 Join me in prayer. 00:05:00.579 --> 00:05:02.899 Father God, we thank you for your holy word. 00:05:03.019 --> 00:05:05.379 We thank you that it was inspired by the Spirit, 00:05:05.920 --> 00:05:07.319 given to men to write, 00:05:07.920 --> 00:05:11.279 that this day we might open it and feast upon it. 00:05:11.959 --> 00:05:17.180 I thank you that it is the sufficient source of guidance for our lives, 00:05:17.180 --> 00:05:23.480 that you have revealed to us in it all things we need to know to live godly before men. 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:27.500 That where it doesn't speak, we have latitude. 00:05:28.180 --> 00:05:31.280 Where it does, we are certainly called to obey. 00:05:32.180 --> 00:05:34.139 And so I pray this day that you'll help us each 00:05:34.139 --> 00:05:38.639 to apply the truths contained in the last half of chapter 14 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:42.720 as we exercise liberty amongst one another. 00:05:43.139 --> 00:05:44.399 And I pray this in Christ's name. 00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:45.540 Amen. 00:05:45.540 --> 00:05:45.680 Amen. 00:05:47.180 --> 00:05:53.759 So, we talked again last week about how we're meant to be interacting with our liberty. 00:05:54.600 --> 00:05:54.780 Right? 00:05:54.959 --> 00:05:59.199 I think maybe I gave a fair amount of justification to be liberated. 00:05:59.660 --> 00:06:02.160 In fact, Paul calls the stronger brother, 00:06:03.180 --> 00:06:04.560 the one who practices liberty, 00:06:04.680 --> 00:06:10.480 who recognizes that he's been set free from bondage to periphery things, 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:13.899 and now has freedom in Christ. 00:06:13.899 --> 00:06:18.959 The weak brother is the one who abstains because he's afraid of what may happen, 00:06:18.959 --> 00:06:23.739 who's still working out his faith in some sense by his work. 00:06:24.679 --> 00:06:25.279 Right? 00:06:25.279 --> 00:06:32.719 I think, though, we're too quick as Christians to stand in camps of the can-dos and the can't-dos. 00:06:32.939 --> 00:06:36.799 We make lists, we make signs, and we beat each other up with them. 00:06:37.679 --> 00:06:37.879 Right? 00:06:37.879 --> 00:06:44.240 And, specifically, Paul begins to address those who are the stronger brethren. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:50.680 Those who practice these liberties and how they ought to do so appropriately. 00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:55.740 Now, before we get into the specific exhortation found in verse 13, 00:06:55.939 --> 00:07:00.040 I want to make an overarching observation from the text. 00:07:00.540 --> 00:07:01.819 Notice verse 14. 00:07:02.900 --> 00:07:03.259 Paul says, 00:07:03.259 --> 00:07:09.279 So notice Paul says, 00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:18.259 So the question is, 00:07:18.459 --> 00:07:20.159 how does a clean thing, right, as Paul says, 00:07:20.420 --> 00:07:22.819 everything is clean, everything is permissible, 00:07:23.539 --> 00:07:26.120 become unclean or impermissible? 00:07:26.279 --> 00:07:27.519 How is it that that happens? 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:31.279 And what we must notice here is that cleanliness and uncleanliness, 00:07:31.479 --> 00:07:33.879 or permissibility or impermissibility, 00:07:34.079 --> 00:07:37.459 is a matter of conscience and motive. 00:07:38.899 --> 00:07:39.560 Verse 14. 00:07:39.659 --> 00:07:44.279 Anyone who thinks it unclean, to them it is, in fact, unclean. 00:07:44.680 --> 00:07:49.680 Verse 22 and verse 23 speak to our conscience before God, 00:07:50.539 --> 00:07:54.719 knowing that we've been given permission by him in the Spirit. 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:57.060 Let's look at some other texts. 00:07:57.060 --> 00:07:58.560 Titus 1.15. 00:07:59.860 --> 00:08:00.360 Paul writes, 00:08:00.459 --> 00:08:02.319 To the pure, all things are pure. 00:08:02.780 --> 00:08:04.819 But to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, 00:08:04.899 --> 00:08:08.879 but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 00:08:09.800 --> 00:08:12.399 Mark chapter 7, verse 15. 00:08:13.279 --> 00:08:17.019 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, 00:08:17.220 --> 00:08:20.680 but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. 00:08:20.840 --> 00:08:21.560 This is Jesus speaking. 00:08:22.300 --> 00:08:25.879 There's nothing outside of a person by going into him can defile him, 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:28.879 but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:30.839 And skip down to verse 18 and 19. 00:08:31.339 --> 00:08:32.159 And he said to them, 00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:34.899 Then are you also without understanding? 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:39.720 Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 00:08:39.720 --> 00:08:44.680 since it enters not his heart, but his stomach, and is expelled? 00:08:44.680 --> 00:08:45.040 Right? 00:08:46.180 --> 00:08:48.080 And then Mark adds the commentary, 00:08:48.639 --> 00:08:51.620 Thus he declared all foods clean. 00:08:52.300 --> 00:08:56.840 So notice that what Jesus is saying is it's not those exterior things that ultimately really matter. 00:08:56.840 --> 00:09:00.360 What ultimately matters is our heart. 00:09:01.340 --> 00:09:02.879 And so the question must be asked, 00:09:03.040 --> 00:09:07.639 What do our actions, and in this text here, particularly about our liberty, 00:09:08.440 --> 00:09:10.240 say about our hearts? 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:13.019 What do they say about our faith? 00:09:13.680 --> 00:09:17.540 Do our actions say that our hearts are resting in God as our portion, 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:21.680 our sufficiency, our satisfaction, our treasure? 00:09:22.359 --> 00:09:25.439 Or do they say something else entirely? 00:09:26.579 --> 00:09:29.500 I'll give you an example from my own living. 00:09:30.179 --> 00:09:32.839 Many of you may not have noticed this, and that's quite alright, 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:37.899 but I have tended to dress a little nicer as the years have gone on here when I preach. 00:09:38.679 --> 00:09:40.639 There was a day, if you've been around for a while, 00:09:40.739 --> 00:09:42.439 that I wouldn't have tucked my shirt in, 00:09:42.939 --> 00:09:43.879 would have been collared, 00:09:44.479 --> 00:09:46.740 probably would have had my sleeves rolled up. 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:50.539 I never wore open-toed shoes, so I kept the shoes on. 00:09:51.539 --> 00:09:53.500 This is not how I like to dress, though. 00:09:54.299 --> 00:09:56.060 And as time has gone on, 00:09:56.360 --> 00:09:58.480 I've felt the conviction that 00:09:58.480 --> 00:10:02.560 if somebody's going to not hear the gospel 00:10:02.560 --> 00:10:04.440 because I'm not wearing a tie, 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:05.860 how dare I? 00:10:07.320 --> 00:10:09.659 If this was a crowd that I thought required a jacket, 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:10.919 I would do that too. 00:10:11.019 --> 00:10:12.180 I would stand up here and sweat 00:10:12.179 --> 00:10:17.239 because the gospel is that important to me. 00:10:18.239 --> 00:10:21.419 What do our actions say about where our hearts are? 00:10:21.779 --> 00:10:25.639 What do our actions say about what is ultimately important to us? 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:28.099 If I were to travel and speak, 00:10:28.199 --> 00:10:29.339 I would take a jacket with me, 00:10:29.439 --> 00:10:31.599 just to be sure I could cover that. 00:10:31.899 --> 00:10:35.339 If a King James-only church ever asked me to come speak there, 00:10:35.679 --> 00:10:37.979 I would probably talk to them about the scriptures, 00:10:38.299 --> 00:10:40.359 but I would do it from a King James-only Bible, 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:42.519 because I would want them to hear 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:44.460 the things that I'm saying to them 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:48.460 because that is what is ultimately important to me. 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:51.580 My tie also gives me a place to clip my mic, 00:10:51.740 --> 00:10:52.360 which I appreciate. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:57.060 Verse 17 of our text says, 00:10:57.360 --> 00:11:00.899 the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking. 00:11:01.700 --> 00:11:03.899 So we get too wrapped up into these periphery things 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:06.120 and we miss the main point. 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:08.279 Proverbs 4, 23 says, 00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:10.799 keep your heart with all vigilance, 00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:14.279 for from it flows the springs of life. 00:11:15.360 --> 00:11:16.740 So it's a matter of our heart. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:18.919 The clean becomes unclean 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:21.639 because we have improper motivation. 00:11:22.339 --> 00:11:24.839 Our consciences cannot be clean before God 00:11:24.839 --> 00:11:27.860 because our hearts are not clean before God 00:11:27.860 --> 00:11:30.019 and we must get this part of it right. 00:11:31.039 --> 00:11:32.279 All the judgmentalism, 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:35.120 all of the unwelcoming attitudes, 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:37.679 all of those things would just dissipate 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:39.360 if our hearts were right 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:43.519 about these unclear issues in the scriptures. 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:45.860 So here's the exhortation, 00:11:45.940 --> 00:11:46.500 verse 13. 00:11:46.840 --> 00:11:47.299 Therefore, 00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:48.779 therefore, 00:11:48.940 --> 00:11:50.980 retaining back to the previous verses, 00:11:51.460 --> 00:11:52.960 verses 10 through 12, 00:11:53.419 --> 00:11:55.679 it talks about God's ultimate and final judgment. 00:11:55.899 --> 00:11:56.720 So in light of that, 00:11:56.779 --> 00:11:58.600 knowing that God is the final and ultimate judge, 00:11:58.919 --> 00:11:59.120 therefore, 00:11:59.120 --> 00:12:02.799 let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, 00:12:02.799 --> 00:12:05.659 but rather decide never to put a stumbling block 00:12:05.659 --> 00:12:08.580 or hindrance in the way of a brother. 00:12:09.720 --> 00:12:11.179 Now it's important to know here 00:12:11.179 --> 00:12:13.700 that the stumbling block he's referring to 00:12:13.700 --> 00:12:16.240 is not the same way in which Christ 00:12:16.240 --> 00:12:18.139 is referred to the stumbling block for Israel. 00:12:18.659 --> 00:12:20.220 So know that is the case. 00:12:21.220 --> 00:12:23.720 That's not the same thing he's talking about here. 00:12:23.720 --> 00:12:24.840 In fact, 00:12:25.100 --> 00:12:25.500 instead, 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:26.920 he's talking about, 00:12:27.040 --> 00:12:29.139 the Greek here is 00:12:29.139 --> 00:12:29.720 apolomai. 00:12:31.420 --> 00:12:31.540 Right? 00:12:32.040 --> 00:12:32.480 Excuse me. 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:33.720 I'm going to back up just a little bit. 00:12:34.019 --> 00:12:35.240 The idea of the stumbling block 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:37.700 is the idea of tripping over something. 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:39.860 A hindrance would be something like a fence 00:12:39.860 --> 00:12:41.019 that would have been used in that way. 00:12:41.320 --> 00:12:42.660 Something that would have kept the brother 00:12:42.660 --> 00:12:45.700 from progressing in spiritual nature. 00:12:46.240 --> 00:12:46.440 Right? 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:48.740 That would prevent their well-being. 00:12:48.860 --> 00:12:50.800 This is what the stumbling block or hindrance is 00:12:50.800 --> 00:12:52.019 that he's referring to. 00:12:52.019 --> 00:12:53.540 We see again in verse 20, 00:12:53.720 --> 00:12:55.220 the last half in verse 21. 00:12:55.879 --> 00:12:58.200 It is wrong for anyone to make another brother stumble 00:12:58.200 --> 00:12:59.200 by what he eats. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:02.240 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:04.879 or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:06.820 1 Corinthians 8-9 says, 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:09.080 But take care that this right of yours, 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:09.759 your liberty, 00:13:10.080 --> 00:13:12.240 does not somehow become a stumbling block 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:13.460 to the weak. 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:14.019 Right? 00:13:14.320 --> 00:13:15.420 So the exhortation is, 00:13:15.540 --> 00:13:16.860 do not do something 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:19.040 that causes a weaker brother 00:13:19.040 --> 00:13:21.279 to stumble into sin. 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:24.159 The weaker brother who has decided 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:25.759 that their conscience is not clean 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:27.000 before God for doing something. 00:13:27.439 --> 00:13:29.360 They've decided that they ought not to. 00:13:29.699 --> 00:13:31.319 And yet by the way we practice our liberty, 00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:32.959 we draw them into it. 00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:35.139 We cause them to stumble in that way. 00:13:35.240 --> 00:13:35.559 We cause, 00:13:35.819 --> 00:13:37.519 we weaken their faith 00:13:37.519 --> 00:13:38.799 in that way. 00:13:38.799 --> 00:13:40.699 And Paul gives in the text 00:13:40.699 --> 00:13:42.259 for this exhortation 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:43.699 at least four reasons 00:13:43.699 --> 00:13:45.059 why we shouldn't. 00:13:45.879 --> 00:13:46.839 Past judgment. 00:13:47.539 --> 00:13:48.519 Why we should decide 00:13:48.519 --> 00:13:49.759 never to put a stumbling block 00:13:49.759 --> 00:13:50.359 or hindrance 00:13:50.359 --> 00:13:51.479 in the way of a brother. 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:53.359 Firstly, 00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:55.959 because it destroys the one 00:13:55.959 --> 00:13:57.459 for whom Christ died. 00:13:57.859 --> 00:13:59.639 We see this in verse 15. 00:14:00.159 --> 00:14:00.240 Alright? 00:14:00.319 --> 00:14:01.419 And here's our Greek word, 00:14:01.959 --> 00:14:02.559 apollomai. 00:14:03.559 --> 00:14:04.199 Apollomai. 00:14:04.259 --> 00:14:05.840 It means devastation. 00:14:06.379 --> 00:14:08.800 The Greek squalor W.E. Vines explains, 00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:10.960 the idea is not extinction, 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.259 but ruin, 00:14:12.640 --> 00:14:13.200 loss. 00:14:13.560 --> 00:14:14.740 Not of being, 00:14:15.340 --> 00:14:16.520 but of well-being. 00:14:17.180 --> 00:14:19.720 It destroys the well-being, 00:14:19.840 --> 00:14:21.140 the spiritual well-being 00:14:21.140 --> 00:14:23.660 of the weaker brother. 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:26.379 Matthew 18, 14. 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:27.200 Jesus says, 00:14:27.200 --> 00:14:28.620 So it is not the will of my Father 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:29.280 who is in heaven 00:14:29.280 --> 00:14:31.700 that one of these little ones 00:14:31.700 --> 00:14:32.960 should perish. 00:14:32.960 --> 00:14:34.259 That's the parable 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:35.060 of the lost sheep. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:36.100 Right? 00:14:36.540 --> 00:14:37.540 He's not talking about 00:14:37.540 --> 00:14:39.540 those who are not already saved. 00:14:39.920 --> 00:14:40.720 He's talking about 00:14:40.720 --> 00:14:41.820 those who are. 00:14:41.980 --> 00:14:42.560 The sheep. 00:14:42.800 --> 00:14:43.879 And when one goes astray, 00:14:44.080 --> 00:14:45.420 we go and we search it out 00:14:45.420 --> 00:14:46.519 and we bring it back in 00:14:46.519 --> 00:14:47.300 because we don't want it 00:14:47.300 --> 00:14:48.040 to perish. 00:14:48.580 --> 00:14:49.100 Apollomai. 00:14:49.420 --> 00:14:52.019 To not be of good being 00:14:52.019 --> 00:14:52.860 spiritually. 00:14:53.720 --> 00:14:54.940 That's what he's referring to. 00:14:55.620 --> 00:14:56.460 Those of you familiar 00:14:56.460 --> 00:14:57.900 with the Pilgrim's Progress, 00:14:58.560 --> 00:15:00.280 there's a famous character 00:15:00.280 --> 00:15:01.060 in the book 00:15:01.060 --> 00:15:02.940 named Apollyon. 00:15:03.660 --> 00:15:04.560 This is where 00:15:04.560 --> 00:15:07.060 Bunyan got this name for him. 00:15:07.160 --> 00:15:07.960 We understand him 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:08.560 to be the devil. 00:15:08.840 --> 00:15:09.519 And what does he do 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:09.980 with Christian? 00:15:10.120 --> 00:15:11.700 He fights with Christian 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:13.440 to bring him back 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:14.280 into his kingdom. 00:15:15.600 --> 00:15:17.019 But Christian is secure. 00:15:17.740 --> 00:15:18.600 Christian is secure 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.280 because of what 00:15:19.280 --> 00:15:20.519 the Lord of the kingdom 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:21.280 he's walking in 00:15:21.280 --> 00:15:21.879 has done for him. 00:15:21.920 --> 00:15:23.480 What Christ has done for him. 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:24.060 And he's given him 00:15:24.060 --> 00:15:25.300 the tools to fight off 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:26.120 Apollyon. 00:15:26.440 --> 00:15:26.639 Right? 00:15:26.800 --> 00:15:27.960 That his walk 00:15:27.960 --> 00:15:29.480 would not be devastated. 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:30.879 It's a fun connection 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:31.759 for you 00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:32.299 to the other night 00:15:32.299 --> 00:15:33.159 when we read that together. 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:34.759 That's the Greek word 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:36.439 that that name Apollyon 00:15:36.439 --> 00:15:37.519 comes from 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:39.039 in the Pilgrim's Progress. 00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:40.860 So we ought not judge. 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:41.620 We ought to decide 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:42.799 not to put a stumbling block 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:43.419 or a hindrance 00:15:43.419 --> 00:15:44.419 in the way of our brother 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:45.559 because it destroys 00:15:45.559 --> 00:15:46.659 the one for whom 00:15:46.659 --> 00:15:47.159 Christ died. 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:48.059 Do you feel the weight 00:15:48.059 --> 00:15:48.539 of that? 00:15:49.739 --> 00:15:50.679 That as you practice 00:15:50.679 --> 00:15:51.339 your liberty 00:15:51.339 --> 00:15:52.319 as you say 00:15:52.319 --> 00:15:53.599 I've been set free 00:15:53.599 --> 00:15:54.959 to do this 00:15:54.959 --> 00:15:56.059 or dress this way 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:57.619 partake of this thing 00:15:57.619 --> 00:15:59.339 that if you don't do 00:15:59.339 --> 00:16:00.059 so carefully 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:02.459 you will cause 00:16:02.459 --> 00:16:03.259 your brother 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:05.059 to be weak. 00:16:05.339 --> 00:16:06.119 You will cause 00:16:06.119 --> 00:16:06.579 your brother 00:16:06.579 --> 00:16:08.519 to strain 00:16:08.519 --> 00:16:09.619 spiritually. 00:16:11.639 --> 00:16:12.319 That is 00:16:12.319 --> 00:16:13.739 antithesis of love. 00:16:13.939 --> 00:16:14.039 Right? 00:16:14.079 --> 00:16:14.799 That's the opposite 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:16.019 of what we're being called 00:16:16.019 --> 00:16:16.299 to do. 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.679 To walk as children of light. 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:18.860 To walk in love 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:20.299 the end of chapter 13. 00:16:20.799 --> 00:16:22.100 It's the opposite of that. 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:23.399 We ought to be 00:16:23.399 --> 00:16:24.559 seeking each other's 00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:25.899 mutual upbuilding 00:16:25.899 --> 00:16:27.159 as he says later here 00:16:27.159 --> 00:16:28.199 in the chapter. 00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:30.740 The second reason 00:16:30.740 --> 00:16:32.840 is because 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:34.600 not passing judgment 00:16:34.600 --> 00:16:36.220 not putting the stumbling block 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:36.679 or hindrance 00:16:36.679 --> 00:16:37.240 in the way of a brother 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.639 is acceptable to God 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:40.480 and it is approved 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:41.419 by men. 00:16:41.899 --> 00:16:42.779 It's verse 16 00:16:42.779 --> 00:16:44.179 through 18. 00:16:44.179 --> 00:16:46.439 1 Corinthians 9 00:16:46.439 --> 00:16:47.239 19 says 00:16:47.239 --> 00:16:48.299 For though I am 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:49.620 free from all 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:50.639 I have made myself 00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.639 a servant to all 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:53.219 that I might win 00:16:53.219 --> 00:16:54.639 more of them. 00:16:55.439 --> 00:16:56.779 Martin Luther once said 00:16:56.779 --> 00:16:57.659 a Christian man 00:16:57.659 --> 00:16:58.639 is the most free 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.539 Lord of all 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.959 and subject to none. 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.659 And at the same time 00:17:02.659 --> 00:17:03.079 he said 00:17:03.079 --> 00:17:03.939 the next sentence 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:04.799 a Christian man 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:05.599 is the most 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:06.899 dutiful servant of all 00:17:06.899 --> 00:17:07.819 and subject 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:09.579 to everyone. 00:17:10.700 --> 00:17:12.319 So serving Christ 00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:13.279 in this way 00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:15.859 not passing judgment 00:17:15.859 --> 00:17:16.879 being sure 00:17:16.879 --> 00:17:17.660 that we walk 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:18.279 carefully 00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:19.279 in our liberty 00:17:19.279 --> 00:17:21.059 it's acceptable to God 00:17:21.059 --> 00:17:21.899 and it's approved 00:17:21.899 --> 00:17:22.599 by men. 00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:24.119 He says to us 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:25.099 to not let anybody 00:17:25.099 --> 00:17:25.879 call something 00:17:25.879 --> 00:17:26.639 that we find 00:17:26.639 --> 00:17:27.960 clean, good, 00:17:28.139 --> 00:17:29.279 acceptable, evil. 00:17:30.379 --> 00:17:31.220 He's talking about 00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:31.599 generally 00:17:31.599 --> 00:17:32.259 about mankind 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.240 don't let people 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:33.720 look at you 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:34.220 and say 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:36.039 he practices evil. 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:37.339 Be very careful 00:17:37.339 --> 00:17:38.519 how you walk. 00:17:39.119 --> 00:17:39.740 Something might be 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:40.759 permissible to you 00:17:40.759 --> 00:17:41.879 but it's not always 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:42.740 beneficial. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:44.180 is it? 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:47.440 Thirdly 00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:50.740 not passing 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:51.500 the judgment 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:54.019 not putting 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:54.759 stumbling block 00:17:54.759 --> 00:17:55.420 or hindrance 00:17:55.420 --> 00:17:56.259 in the way 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:56.799 of our brothers 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:58.440 pursues 00:17:58.440 --> 00:17:59.180 the work 00:17:59.180 --> 00:18:00.180 of God. 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:02.380 Verse 19 00:18:02.380 --> 00:18:03.099 through the first 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:03.819 half of 20 00:18:03.819 --> 00:18:05.740 let's read that together 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:06.359 so then let us 00:18:06.359 --> 00:18:06.900 pursue 00:18:06.900 --> 00:18:08.539 what makes for peace 00:18:08.539 --> 00:18:09.779 and for mutual 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:10.319 upbuilding 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:11.679 do not 00:18:11.679 --> 00:18:12.179 for the sake 00:18:12.179 --> 00:18:12.700 of food 00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:13.299 destroy 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:14.500 the work 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:15.799 of God. 00:18:16.599 --> 00:18:17.299 We can look 00:18:17.299 --> 00:18:17.759 previously 00:18:17.759 --> 00:18:18.679 in verse 18 00:18:18.679 --> 00:18:19.319 excuse me 00:18:19.319 --> 00:18:19.960 verse 17 00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:21.779 the kingdom of God 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:22.159 is not a matter 00:18:22.159 --> 00:18:22.480 of eating 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:22.740 and drinking 00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:23.519 but of righteousness 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:24.799 and peace 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.919 and joy. 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:28.300 so it pursues 00:18:28.300 --> 00:18:28.620 the work 00:18:28.620 --> 00:18:28.920 of God 00:18:28.920 --> 00:18:29.220 to live 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.720 in this way 00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:30.360 namely 00:18:30.360 --> 00:18:31.080 it pursues 00:18:31.080 --> 00:18:31.779 righteousness 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:33.140 and peace 00:18:33.140 --> 00:18:34.360 and joy. 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:36.160 Ephesians 4 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:36.680 3 says 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:37.080 that we are 00:18:37.080 --> 00:18:37.940 to be eager 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:38.500 to maintain 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:39.360 the unity 00:18:39.360 --> 00:18:40.740 of the spirit 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:42.120 in the bond 00:18:42.120 --> 00:18:43.880 of peace. 00:18:43.880 --> 00:18:46.160 1 Corinthians 8 00:18:46.160 --> 00:18:47.200 12 and 13 00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:48.340 reads 00:18:48.340 --> 00:18:48.720 thus 00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:49.560 sinning against 00:18:49.560 --> 00:18:50.060 your brothers 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:50.860 and wounding 00:18:50.860 --> 00:18:51.500 their conscience 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:52.320 when it is weak 00:18:52.320 --> 00:18:52.960 you sin 00:18:52.960 --> 00:18:53.860 against 00:18:53.860 --> 00:18:54.820 Christ 00:18:54.820 --> 00:18:55.660 therefore 00:18:55.660 --> 00:18:56.200 if food 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:56.760 makes my brother 00:18:56.760 --> 00:18:57.140 stumble 00:18:57.140 --> 00:18:58.200 I will never 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.820 eat meat 00:18:58.820 --> 00:19:00.080 lest I make 00:19:00.080 --> 00:19:00.800 my brother 00:19:00.800 --> 00:19:01.900 stumble. 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:03.220 I mentioned 00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:04.040 this last week 00:19:04.040 --> 00:19:04.740 what was happening 00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:05.540 at this time 00:19:05.540 --> 00:19:06.320 that there were 00:19:06.320 --> 00:19:06.940 some meats 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:07.560 that the Jews 00:19:07.560 --> 00:19:08.800 found impermissible 00:19:08.800 --> 00:19:10.040 according to 00:19:10.040 --> 00:19:11.400 old Mosaic law 00:19:11.400 --> 00:19:13.200 and for the Gentiles 00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:13.820 meats that were 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.779 offered to idols 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:16.200 they saw as 00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:16.720 dirty. 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:18.399 So many of the 00:19:18.399 --> 00:19:18.939 weak brethren 00:19:18.939 --> 00:19:19.559 wouldn't partake 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:19.960 of these meats. 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:20.460 In fact 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:20.919 as we see 00:19:20.919 --> 00:19:21.240 in the beginning 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:21.859 of verse 14 00:19:21.859 --> 00:19:22.339 some of them 00:19:22.339 --> 00:19:23.220 became vegetarians 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:23.899 because they so 00:19:23.899 --> 00:19:24.779 wanted to avoid 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:25.839 these meats 00:19:25.839 --> 00:19:26.460 and Paul here 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.679 says in 1 Corinthians 00:19:27.679 --> 00:19:28.539 that he himself 00:19:28.539 --> 00:19:28.879 would become 00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:29.379 a vegetarian 00:19:29.379 --> 00:19:30.460 in order to be 00:19:30.460 --> 00:19:31.179 sure that he 00:19:31.179 --> 00:19:31.899 didn't put 00:19:31.899 --> 00:19:33.039 a stumbling block 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:33.859 in the way 00:19:33.859 --> 00:19:34.980 of his brothers. 00:19:35.179 --> 00:19:36.000 Do we orient 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:36.639 our lives 00:19:36.639 --> 00:19:37.379 like that? 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:40.480 Everything we do 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:41.779 seeking the good 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:42.819 of those 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:43.559 who are part 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.039 of the family. 00:19:45.579 --> 00:19:46.799 So it pursues 00:19:46.799 --> 00:19:47.500 the work of God 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:48.319 this building up 00:19:48.319 --> 00:19:49.119 of righteousness 00:19:49.119 --> 00:19:50.440 and peace 00:19:50.440 --> 00:19:51.440 and joy 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:52.299 it brings 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.000 to earth 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:54.039 the kingdom 00:19:54.039 --> 00:19:55.480 of heaven. 00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:58.980 Fourthly 00:19:58.980 --> 00:20:01.079 it promotes 00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:01.960 a clean 00:20:01.960 --> 00:20:02.759 conscience 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:04.460 which leads 00:20:04.460 --> 00:20:05.480 to joy. 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:07.220 Verse 22 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:08.059 and 23 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:10.200 the faith 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:10.639 that you have 00:20:10.639 --> 00:20:11.079 keep between 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:11.519 yourself 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.159 and God 00:20:12.159 --> 00:20:13.279 blessed 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:13.980 or happy 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:14.659 or joyful 00:20:14.659 --> 00:20:16.179 is the one 00:20:16.179 --> 00:20:16.720 who has no 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.079 reason 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:17.879 to pass 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.179 judgment 00:20:18.179 --> 00:20:18.819 on himself 00:20:18.819 --> 00:20:19.500 for what 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.099 he approves 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:20.779 but whoever 00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:21.720 has doubts 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:22.399 is condemned 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.000 if he eats 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:23.500 because the 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.480 eating is not 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:25.059 from faith 00:20:25.059 --> 00:20:25.859 for whatever 00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:26.339 does not 00:20:26.339 --> 00:20:26.960 proceed 00:20:26.960 --> 00:20:27.639 from faith 00:20:27.639 --> 00:20:28.759 is sin. 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:30.799 So 22a 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.619 the first part 00:20:31.619 --> 00:20:31.859 of that 00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:32.500 is aimed 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:33.240 at the 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:34.319 stronger brother. 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:35.319 The faith 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:35.879 that you have 00:20:35.879 --> 00:20:36.359 keep it 00:20:36.359 --> 00:20:36.559 between 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:36.859 yourself 00:20:36.859 --> 00:20:37.299 and God. 00:20:38.639 --> 00:20:39.119 Blessed 00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:39.700 is the one 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.299 who has no 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:40.839 reason to pass 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:41.099 judgment 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:41.500 on himself 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:41.779 for what 00:20:41.779 --> 00:20:42.359 he approves. 00:20:43.639 --> 00:20:44.019 If you have 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.599 the faith 00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:45.960 to believe 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:46.419 the gospel 00:20:46.419 --> 00:20:46.980 to the degree 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:47.579 that you have 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:48.200 liberty 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:48.700 and you 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:49.460 practice it 00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:50.220 or don't 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:51.099 you can also 00:20:51.099 --> 00:20:52.079 in your liberty 00:20:52.079 --> 00:20:53.240 not do things 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:54.639 keep that 00:20:54.639 --> 00:20:55.299 between yourself 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:55.759 and God 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.200 don't make 00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:56.819 issues 00:20:56.819 --> 00:20:57.439 out of 00:20:57.439 --> 00:20:59.139 non-issues. 00:20:59.939 --> 00:21:00.399 We're so 00:21:00.399 --> 00:21:01.399 apt to do 00:21:01.399 --> 00:21:01.839 this 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:03.139 because we 00:21:03.139 --> 00:21:03.720 will be 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:04.259 blessed 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:04.779 we will have 00:21:04.779 --> 00:21:05.539 joy 00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:06.680 if we're 00:21:06.680 --> 00:21:07.220 clean 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:07.500 we have 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:07.839 clean 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:08.299 consciousness 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:09.240 before God 00:21:09.240 --> 00:21:09.759 for what 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:09.980 we 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.779 approve. 00:21:12.379 --> 00:21:13.339 The same 00:21:13.339 --> 00:21:13.940 applies 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:15.059 the joy 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:15.420 that's at 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:15.740 stake 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.059 here 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:16.720 to the 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:16.940 weaker 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:17.319 brother. 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:18.019 Notice 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.680 verse 23 00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:19.039 we get 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:19.240 this 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:19.680 segue 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:20.200 the last 00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:20.359 half 00:21:20.359 --> 00:21:20.819 of 22 00:21:20.819 --> 00:21:21.799 into 23 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:22.700 23 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.000 says 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:23.299 but whoever 00:21:23.299 --> 00:21:23.839 has doubts 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:24.500 is condemned 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:25.160 if he eats 00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:28.039 because his 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:28.960 faith doesn't 00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:29.619 permit it. 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:30.839 He doesn't 00:21:30.839 --> 00:21:31.599 believe that 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.200 what he's 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:33.079 allowed to 00:21:33.079 --> 00:21:33.259 do 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:33.759 he's doing. 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:35.200 Because the 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:35.740 eating is 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.180 not 00:21:36.180 --> 00:21:37.220 from 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:37.660 faith 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:38.859 for 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:39.079 whatever 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:39.579 does not 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.059 proceed 00:21:40.059 --> 00:21:40.440 from 00:21:40.440 --> 00:21:40.920 faith 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:42.000 is 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:42.359 sin. 00:21:43.980 --> 00:21:44.339 And this 00:21:44.339 --> 00:21:45.000 is often 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:45.579 used 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:46.039 the little 00:21:46.039 --> 00:21:46.440 ending 00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:46.720 here 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:46.839 of 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:47.000 verse 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:47.480 23 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:47.980 to 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:48.899 recognize 00:21:48.899 --> 00:21:49.960 that what 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:51.019 is good 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:51.299 and what 00:21:51.299 --> 00:21:51.799 is bad 00:21:51.799 --> 00:21:52.139 what is 00:21:52.139 --> 00:21:52.720 permissible 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.019 and 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:53.619 impermissible 00:21:53.619 --> 00:21:54.259 is a matter 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:54.960 of faith. 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.379 How is it 00:21:56.379 --> 00:21:56.920 that God 00:21:56.920 --> 00:21:57.539 is leading 00:21:57.539 --> 00:21:58.139 us? 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:59.240 So 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:00.119 me wearing 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:00.599 a tie 00:22:00.599 --> 00:22:01.440 because I 00:22:01.440 --> 00:22:01.720 feel that 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:02.539 God wants 00:22:02.539 --> 00:22:02.879 me to wear 00:22:02.879 --> 00:22:03.259 a tie 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:03.779 on this 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:04.039 Sunday 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:04.460 morning 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.240 proceeds 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:05.440 from 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:05.759 faith 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.319 and therefore 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:07.379 it's good 00:22:07.379 --> 00:22:08.059 for me to 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:08.579 do this 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.720 very thing. 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:12.420 If I wore 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:12.960 this tie 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:13.759 simply to 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.359 please men 00:22:14.359 --> 00:22:15.619 it wouldn't 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:15.940 be from 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:16.339 faith 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.299 and it 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:17.720 would be 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:18.480 sin. 00:22:20.420 --> 00:22:21.200 If you 00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:22.000 have decided 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:22.779 to abstain 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.480 from alcohol 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.140 and yet 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:24.539 you feel 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:25.259 this pressure 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:25.940 to practice 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.440 your liberty 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:27.900 as some 00:22:27.900 --> 00:22:28.279 people we 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:28.759 know do 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:29.980 and therefore 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.660 you drink 00:22:30.660 --> 00:22:31.640 just because 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:32.339 you just 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:32.559 want to 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:32.980 prove 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:33.539 I'm set 00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:33.839 free in 00:22:33.839 --> 00:22:34.160 Christ 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:34.920 I'm allowed 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:35.680 it's okay 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:36.960 but it 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.160 doesn't 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:37.619 proceed from 00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:38.200 faith 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:39.539 from an 00:22:39.539 --> 00:22:39.819 earnest 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:40.579 searching out 00:22:40.579 --> 00:22:41.000 of God's 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:41.339 will for 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:41.900 your life 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:43.559 sin. 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.200 It's a 00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:45.740 strong 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:46.740 exhortation 00:22:46.740 --> 00:22:47.640 to the 00:22:47.640 --> 00:22:47.819 weaker 00:22:47.819 --> 00:22:48.220 brother. 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:50.180 1 Timothy 00:22:50.180 --> 00:22:50.940 1.19 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:52.099 Paul writes 00:22:52.099 --> 00:22:52.539 we are to 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:53.599 hold faith 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:54.259 and a good 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:54.980 conscience 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:56.380 by rejecting 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:56.779 this 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.559 some have 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:57.819 made 00:22:57.819 --> 00:22:58.539 shipwreck 00:22:58.539 --> 00:22:59.980 of their 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:00.339 faith. 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.059 We're to 00:23:02.059 --> 00:23:02.640 hold to 00:23:02.640 --> 00:23:02.960 that 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:04.180 we're to 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:05.720 search out 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:06.539 before God 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:08.240 I so wish 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:08.720 sometimes 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:09.360 that the 00:23:09.360 --> 00:23:09.839 Bible just 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.539 had a simple 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:11.160 to do list 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.440 like the 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:12.200 appendix A 00:23:12.200 --> 00:23:12.779 right we 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.099 could just 00:23:13.099 --> 00:23:14.120 flip to the 00:23:14.120 --> 00:23:14.539 back and 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:14.700 there would 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:14.940 be a 00:23:14.940 --> 00:23:15.440 don't do 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:15.740 and a 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:16.579 do list 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.339 that sums 00:23:17.339 --> 00:23:17.779 up for 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:17.960 us 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.339 everything 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:19.000 instructed 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.539 to us 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:20.160 and that 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:20.420 it goes 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:20.880 beyond 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:21.200 even what 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:21.539 the scriptures 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:22.059 go beyond 00:23:22.059 --> 00:23:22.460 just so I 00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:22.740 can be 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:23.019 sure 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:23.539 right 00:23:23.539 --> 00:23:24.720 tie on 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.019 Sunday 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:25.680 got it 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:26.360 right 00:23:26.360 --> 00:23:27.160 no tie 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:27.480 the rest 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:27.660 of the 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:27.900 day 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:28.480 the rest 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:28.640 of the 00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:28.880 weeks 00:23:28.880 --> 00:23:29.220 okay 00:23:29.220 --> 00:23:29.839 I'm good 00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:30.700 right 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.339 don't you 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:31.620 wish we 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:31.860 could just 00:23:31.860 --> 00:23:32.259 do that 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.620 sometimes 00:23:32.620 --> 00:23:33.059 just have 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:33.779 a new 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.279 law 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:35.000 handed down 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:35.539 to us 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:36.140 right 00:23:36.140 --> 00:23:36.680 just make 00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:36.980 it a little 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:37.380 bit simpler 00:23:37.380 --> 00:23:37.680 do you ever 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.620 ask why 00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:39.440 that hasn't 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:39.720 happened 00:23:39.720 --> 00:23:40.180 for us 00:23:40.180 --> 00:23:41.120 why is it 00:23:41.120 --> 00:23:41.319 that we're 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:41.799 given very 00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:42.180 specific 00:23:42.180 --> 00:23:42.660 parameters 00:23:42.660 --> 00:23:43.259 about some 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:43.660 things 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:44.420 and not 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.019 others 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:47.660 if treated 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.259 properly 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:49.259 it draws 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:49.720 us 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:50.839 to God 00:23:50.839 --> 00:23:52.779 he wants 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.640 to know 00:23:53.640 --> 00:23:54.019 you 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:54.359 and to 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:55.000 be known 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:55.599 by you 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:57.139 if I 00:23:57.139 --> 00:23:57.579 had a list 00:23:57.579 --> 00:23:58.079 of rules 00:23:58.079 --> 00:23:58.619 would I 00:23:58.619 --> 00:23:59.000 ever 00:23:59.000 --> 00:23:59.799 implore God 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.680 for his 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:00.960 will for 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:01.420 my life 00:24:01.420 --> 00:24:02.400 no I 00:24:02.400 --> 00:24:02.519 had to 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:02.839 follow the 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:03.079 list of 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:03.400 rules 00:24:03.400 --> 00:24:04.660 right 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:07.160 in that 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:07.539 way 00:24:07.539 --> 00:24:08.400 our savior 00:24:08.400 --> 00:24:08.759 could have 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.059 been 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:10.539 a pink 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:11.119 bunny rabbit 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:12.779 that comes 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:13.180 to the earth 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:13.720 hands us a 00:24:13.720 --> 00:24:13.980 list of 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.240 rules and 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:14.960 says do 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:15.400 this 00:24:15.400 --> 00:24:16.420 and you 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:16.680 will be 00:24:16.680 --> 00:24:17.099 saved 00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:18.180 right 00:24:18.180 --> 00:24:18.879 that's not 00:24:18.879 --> 00:24:19.099 what we've 00:24:19.099 --> 00:24:19.579 been called 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:20.059 to in 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:20.559 Christ 00:24:20.559 --> 00:24:21.339 we've been 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:21.619 called to 00:24:21.619 --> 00:24:22.160 a relationship 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:22.779 we've been 00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.079 called 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.799 brothers 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:24.799 we are 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:25.599 his adopted 00:24:25.599 --> 00:24:26.179 children 00:24:26.179 --> 00:24:26.740 now 00:24:26.740 --> 00:24:27.500 right 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:28.279 and as 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:28.500 such 00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:28.859 we've been 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:29.119 given 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:29.899 latitude 00:24:29.899 --> 00:24:31.000 in some 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:31.500 things 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:33.379 we're meant 00:24:33.379 --> 00:24:33.919 to come 00:24:33.919 --> 00:24:34.599 close to 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:34.899 him 00:24:34.899 --> 00:24:35.460 to know 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:36.159 how it 00:24:36.159 --> 00:24:36.359 is 00:24:36.359 --> 00:24:36.859 we're meant 00:24:36.859 --> 00:24:37.539 to walk 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.039 out 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:38.679 our faith 00:24:38.679 --> 00:24:39.740 what is it 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.119 that my 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:40.679 love 00:24:40.679 --> 00:24:41.819 looks like 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:42.639 right 00:24:42.639 --> 00:24:43.759 day to 00:24:43.759 --> 00:24:44.079 day 00:24:44.079 --> 00:24:44.839 moment 00:24:44.839 --> 00:24:45.819 by moment 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:46.879 as I 00:24:46.879 --> 00:24:47.319 said I 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:47.859 find this 00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:48.179 teaching 00:24:48.179 --> 00:24:48.559 rather 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:49.359 simple 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:50.059 I don't 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:50.399 think there's 00:24:50.399 --> 00:24:51.039 a terrible 00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:51.419 amount of 00:24:51.419 --> 00:24:52.079 complexity to 00:24:52.079 --> 00:24:52.519 it but 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:52.939 putting it 00:24:52.939 --> 00:24:53.480 into action 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:53.699 in our 00:24:53.699 --> 00:24:54.319 lives 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:55.139 can be 00:24:55.139 --> 00:24:55.619 horribly 00:24:55.619 --> 00:24:56.139 complex 00:24:56.139 --> 00:24:58.339 but that 00:24:58.339 --> 00:24:58.799 complexity 00:24:58.799 --> 00:25:00.179 causes us 00:25:00.179 --> 00:25:00.659 to depend 00:25:00.659 --> 00:25:01.259 on him 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:02.099 for those 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:02.480 answers 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:03.559 to recognize 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:04.039 that we're 00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:04.599 regenerate 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:05.259 we are new 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:05.839 creations 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:06.720 and therefore 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:07.259 we have the 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:07.639 spirit of 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:07.879 God 00:25:07.879 --> 00:25:08.699 abiding in 00:25:08.699 --> 00:25:09.000 us to 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:09.480 direct 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:10.279 our every 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.039 step 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:12.980 what is 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:13.480 permissible 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:14.159 what is 00:25:14.159 --> 00:25:14.819 impermissible 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:15.399 right 00:25:15.399 --> 00:25:16.099 it's a matter 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:16.679 of 00:25:16.679 --> 00:25:17.659 conscience 00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:19.820 ask 00:25:19.820 --> 00:25:20.400 that God 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:21.000 would work 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:21.540 in you 00:25:21.540 --> 00:25:22.779 the proper 00:25:22.779 --> 00:25:23.779 form of 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:24.480 this love 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.180 that you 00:25:25.180 --> 00:25:26.060 might not 00:25:26.060 --> 00:25:26.960 cast 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:27.540 judgment 00:25:27.540 --> 00:25:28.519 that you 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.120 might seek 00:25:29.120 --> 00:25:29.600 to not 00:25:29.600 --> 00:25:30.300 put a 00:25:30.300 --> 00:25:30.620 stumbling 00:25:30.620 --> 00:25:30.980 block 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.480 or a 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:31.920 hindrance 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:33.240 and walk 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:33.680 your faith 00:25:33.680 --> 00:25:34.140 out 00:25:34.140 --> 00:25:36.300 see how 00:25:36.300 --> 00:25:37.100 it plays 00:25:37.100 --> 00:25:38.720 out 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:39.240 so I 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.720 ask again 00:25:39.720 --> 00:25:40.180 what do 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.480 our actions 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:40.920 say 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.980 about our 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:42.380 hearts 00:25:42.380 --> 00:25:44.100 particularly 00:25:44.100 --> 00:25:44.600 regarding 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.379 our liberty 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:46.559 what do 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:46.879 they say 00:25:46.879 --> 00:25:47.259 about our 00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:47.740 faith 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:49.719 do our 00:25:49.719 --> 00:25:49.939 actions 00:25:49.939 --> 00:25:50.339 say that 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:50.719 our hearts 00:25:50.719 --> 00:25:51.240 are resting 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:51.879 in God 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:52.399 as our 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:52.839 portion 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:53.319 as our 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:53.819 completion 00:25:53.819 --> 00:25:55.019 right 00:25:55.019 --> 00:25:55.559 our 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.199 sufficiency 00:25:56.199 --> 00:25:56.980 our 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:57.779 satisfaction 00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:58.139 our 00:25:58.139 --> 00:25:58.519 treasure 00:25:58.519 --> 00:25:58.980 is that 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.259 what our 00:25:59.259 --> 00:25:59.539 actions 00:25:59.539 --> 00:25:59.959 say 00:25:59.959 --> 00:26:00.719 as we 00:26:00.719 --> 00:26:01.019 practice 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:01.319 liberty 00:26:01.319 --> 00:26:01.699 together 00:26:01.699 --> 00:26:02.139 or does 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:02.379 it say 00:26:02.379 --> 00:26:02.639 something 00:26:02.639 --> 00:26:03.000 entirely 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:03.399 different 00:26:03.399 --> 00:26:04.279 does it 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:04.519 say that 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:04.659 our 00:26:04.659 --> 00:26:05.439 God 00:26:05.439 --> 00:26:05.799 is now 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:05.959 our 00:26:05.959 --> 00:26:06.279 liberty 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:06.819 that we 00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:06.980 have 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:07.119 in 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:07.480 Christ 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:10.199 Hebrews 00:26:10.199 --> 00:26:11.099 3 00:26:11.099 --> 00:26:11.899 12 00:26:11.899 --> 00:26:12.059 through 00:26:12.059 --> 00:26:12.500 14 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.480 says 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:15.220 take care 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:15.640 brothers 00:26:15.640 --> 00:26:16.220 lest there 00:26:16.220 --> 00:26:16.740 be in 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.299 any of 00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:17.480 you 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:17.920 an 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:18.380 evil 00:26:18.380 --> 00:26:19.220 unbelieving 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:19.660 heart 00:26:19.660 --> 00:26:20.620 leading you 00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:21.059 to fall 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:21.480 away 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:21.880 from the 00:26:21.880 --> 00:26:22.039 living 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:22.440 God 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:23.400 but exhort 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:23.920 one another 00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:24.740 every day 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:25.339 as long 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:25.720 as it is 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:25.940 called 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:26.319 today 00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:26.779 that none 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:26.960 of you 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:27.279 may be 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:27.620 hardened 00:26:27.620 --> 00:26:28.180 by the 00:26:28.180 --> 00:26:28.680 deceitfulness 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.480 of sin 00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:30.440 for we 00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:30.799 have come 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:31.279 to share 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:31.860 in Christ 00:26:31.860 --> 00:26:32.440 if indeed 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:33.120 we hold 00:26:33.120 --> 00:26:33.700 our original 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:34.360 confidence 00:26:34.360 --> 00:26:35.039 firm 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:35.940 to the 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:36.180 end 00:26:36.180 --> 00:26:38.000 so you 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:38.240 see that 00:26:38.240 --> 00:26:38.400 we're 00:26:38.400 --> 00:26:38.700 meant to 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.140 work 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:39.680 together 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.500 on this 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:40.880 type of 00:26:40.880 --> 00:26:41.240 stuff 00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:41.980 right 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:42.660 not to 00:26:42.660 --> 00:26:42.819 let 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:43.079 these 00:26:43.079 --> 00:26:43.899 little 00:26:43.899 --> 00:26:44.359 issues 00:26:44.359 --> 00:26:44.699 the 00:26:44.699 --> 00:26:45.919 non-issues 00:26:45.919 --> 00:26:46.179 that we 00:26:46.179 --> 00:26:46.419 make 00:26:46.419 --> 00:26:46.799 issues 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:47.119 become 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:47.740 a dividing 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.240 thing 00:26:48.240 --> 00:26:48.720 amongst 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.159 us 00:26:49.159 --> 00:26:50.480 but to 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:50.919 exhort 00:26:50.919 --> 00:26:51.460 one another 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:52.539 to see 00:26:52.539 --> 00:26:52.899 that the 00:26:52.899 --> 00:26:53.259 way we 00:26:53.259 --> 00:26:53.679 live 00:26:53.679 --> 00:26:54.259 matters 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:54.899 and to 00:26:54.899 --> 00:26:55.179 walk 00:26:55.179 --> 00:26:55.379 these 00:26:55.379 --> 00:26:55.599 things 00:26:55.599 --> 00:26:55.799 out 00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:56.119 not to 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:56.240 let 00:26:56.240 --> 00:26:56.379 the 00:26:56.379 --> 00:26:56.879 deceitfulness 00:26:56.879 --> 00:26:57.480 of sin 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:58.039 creep 00:26:58.039 --> 00:26:58.339 in 00:26:58.339 --> 00:26:59.000 even 00:26:59.000 --> 00:26:59.419 as we 00:26:59.419 --> 00:26:59.579 do 00:26:59.579 --> 00:27:00.139 things 00:27:00.139 --> 00:27:00.819 that 00:27:00.819 --> 00:27:01.299 are 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:01.799 scripturally 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:02.359 permissible 00:27:02.359 --> 00:27:03.199 but by 00:27:03.199 --> 00:27:03.599 the way 00:27:03.599 --> 00:27:04.099 we do 00:27:04.099 --> 00:27:04.339 them 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:04.759 have 00:27:04.759 --> 00:27:05.139 become 00:27:05.139 --> 00:27:06.059 impermissible 00:27:06.059 --> 00:27:06.740 we're 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:06.960 meant to 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:07.359 press 00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:07.579 each 00:27:07.579 --> 00:27:07.819 other 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:08.220 into 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:08.799 the 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.240 truth 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.799 that we 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:11.079 might 00:27:11.079 --> 00:27:11.679 have 00:27:11.679 --> 00:27:12.419 confidence 00:27:12.420 --> 00:27:13.200 firm 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:14.200 to the 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:14.440 end 00:27:14.440 --> 00:27:15.360 let's pray 00:27:15.360 --> 00:27:15.680 together 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:16.120 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:16.259 turn 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.259 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:46.240 Thank you.