WEBVTT 00:00:00.280 --> 00:00:06.020 Well, good morning everyone. It's great to see you. I love that description of men with 00:00:06.020 --> 00:00:09.740 beards and women with soft skin. I don't know if you love that. I'd love to grow a beard. 00:00:10.339 --> 00:00:15.519 It ain't happening anytime soon. But it's so great, isn't it, to celebrate our church 00:00:15.519 --> 00:00:20.080 family together. It's just been such a great week, that holiday club. So I do ask you to 00:00:20.080 --> 00:00:24.080 continue to pray for all the children that were there this week, that they would really 00:00:24.080 --> 00:00:28.000 come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord, Saviour and King. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:34.439 We turn this morning to Philippians chapter 3. So maybe you want to turn there just now. 00:00:34.500 --> 00:00:37.859 If you've got your Bibles, you can grab it. If you use your phone, you can scroll down. 00:00:39.679 --> 00:00:45.840 Philippians chapter 3, verses 17, and we'll take it right through to 4, the end of 4, verse 00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:54.359 3 as well. So this is the Apostle Paul, and we join him here at chapter 3 and verse 17. 00:00:54.359 --> 00:01:03.679 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the 00:01:03.679 --> 00:01:12.280 pattern we gave you. For as I have often told you before and now say again, even with tears, 00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:20.319 many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their God is their 00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:28.679 stomach and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is 00:01:28.679 --> 00:01:35.859 in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power 00:01:35.859 --> 00:01:42.199 that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that 00:01:42.200 --> 00:01:50.579 they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy 00:01:50.579 --> 00:01:58.560 and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. I plead with Yodia and I plead 00:01:58.560 --> 00:02:04.920 with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yoke fellow, help these 00:02:04.920 --> 00:02:12.099 women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my 00:02:12.099 --> 00:02:18.759 fellow workers whose names are in the book of life. Amen. We pray that God would bless the reading of his 00:02:18.759 --> 00:02:21.460 word this morning. Why don't we just pause for a moment's prayer. 00:02:21.460 --> 00:02:33.439 So speak to us now, our loving and gracious Heavenly Father, as we turn to your living words. 00:02:34.680 --> 00:02:40.319 Would you challenge us and would you change us, we pray, because we ask in the name of our King and 00:02:40.319 --> 00:02:47.560 our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. Well, I wonder by show of hands this morning, if there's anyone here 00:02:47.560 --> 00:02:55.599 that has more than one passport. Anybody got more than one passport? There's a couple, let's see them 00:02:55.599 --> 00:03:01.360 in the air. Does anyone want to tell me where their more than one passport is? Sorry, you know what I mean. 00:03:01.640 --> 00:03:08.780 U.S. and British. U.S. and British. U.S. right, American and British. Excellent. Anyone else? 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:16.900 There's one over here. British and Irish. Excellent. So to burst your bubble, 00:03:16.900 --> 00:03:23.420 I was reading about a man this week who has not one, nor two, nor three, nor four passports. He has 00:03:23.420 --> 00:03:29.900 eight passports. Via different routes, he is officially a citizen of eight different countries. 00:03:29.980 --> 00:03:37.480 And I wrote them down. Cape Verde, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitson, Nevis, Ireland, Canada, 00:03:38.180 --> 00:03:42.819 and the United Kingdom. Do you know what his nickname is? He's the Octai Citizen. 00:03:42.819 --> 00:03:49.799 Which, if you ask me, sounds like the worst superhero ever invented, the Octai Citizen. 00:03:50.439 --> 00:03:53.620 Well, here's what I want you to do this morning is you think about your passport. 00:03:55.099 --> 00:03:58.379 I want to ask you one simple question. Where do you belong? 00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:03.419 Where do you belong? Where is home? 00:04:04.719 --> 00:04:08.680 You know, over the summer months as a church, we've been working our way through this little 00:04:08.680 --> 00:04:15.640 letter that Paul wrote to this little church in Philippi. This small band of Christians who are 00:04:15.640 --> 00:04:22.500 seeking to live out their faith in Jesus Christ and in the midst of their city of Philippi. 00:04:23.400 --> 00:04:27.780 And you might remember way back at the outset of this series, we considered what kind of city 00:04:27.780 --> 00:04:33.879 Philippi was. You might remember those three Ps that we looked at. We thought about the fact that it was 00:04:33.879 --> 00:04:38.879 a prestigious city. That was our first P. There's a lot of famous names in history come from this city. 00:04:39.699 --> 00:04:45.500 We thought about the fact that it was a pagan city. It was rife with pagan gods. It was full of worship 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:52.360 to the emperor. And we thought about the fact that it was a proud city. Because this is a Roman colony. 00:04:53.420 --> 00:04:59.379 This is a place where many Roman soldiers would go upon retiring from active duty. They'd go to 00:04:59.379 --> 00:05:05.279 Philippi. And so you can imagine that Philippi is a place full of people who are loyal to Caesar 00:05:05.279 --> 00:05:11.800 and who love the things of Rome. I was trying to picture it this week. Imagine that there was a 00:05:11.800 --> 00:05:18.139 World Cup on and the citizens of Philippi are trying to support Rome. And they're singing the 00:05:18.139 --> 00:05:22.279 Roman national anthem. They're singing it with gusto. They've got the full Roman strip on. They've got 00:05:22.279 --> 00:05:25.040 the strip. They've got the shorts. They've got the socks. They've got the hat. They've got the scarf. 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:27.620 They've got the foam hand. They've got the face paints to go with it. 00:05:27.620 --> 00:05:31.220 What is their chant? Caesar! Caesar! 00:05:31.840 --> 00:05:35.000 This is a place full of people who are loyal to Caesar. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:40.439 You ask them where their citizenship is. Where do they come from? They would say, 00:05:40.899 --> 00:05:42.000 we come from Philippi. 00:05:44.079 --> 00:05:49.199 But Paul wants these Christians to understand that when it comes to singing your national anthem, 00:05:49.319 --> 00:05:54.199 when it comes to singing your tune, the place where you belong, the place where you come from, 00:05:54.199 --> 00:05:59.939 the place that you call home, you understand that you would sing a different song. 00:06:01.019 --> 00:06:01.579 Now why? 00:06:03.079 --> 00:06:05.759 Philippians, don't you see that you belong to Christ? 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:08.039 You don't belong to Caesar. 00:06:09.180 --> 00:06:15.759 And because you belong to Christ, your home, the place where you belong, isn't Philippi. 00:06:15.759 --> 00:06:17.379 It's heaven. 00:06:19.279 --> 00:06:23.139 So Paul has been telling them this far in this letter, isn't it? 00:06:23.159 --> 00:06:28.019 That because you're Christ, you don't need to think like Philippi. 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:29.519 You want to think like Christ. 00:06:30.719 --> 00:06:33.740 You don't want to act like everyone else in Philippi. 00:06:33.800 --> 00:06:35.860 You want to act and live your life like Christ. 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:42.259 You may live in Philippi, but understand they don't belong in Philippi. 00:06:43.319 --> 00:06:49.080 A key verse for us this morning, if you've got your Bibles there, is the first part of verse, 00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:51.340 sorry, verse 20 of chapter 3. 00:06:52.400 --> 00:06:53.160 Paul writes, 00:06:54.060 --> 00:06:57.939 But our citizenship is in heaven. 00:06:58.439 --> 00:06:59.100 Do you see it there? 00:06:59.100 --> 00:07:07.939 So dear Philippians, live as a little outpost of heaven in your little city of Philippi. 00:07:08.640 --> 00:07:16.200 You may be living in Philippi, but you belong to Christ and your home, you are citizens of heaven. 00:07:16.439 --> 00:07:22.760 Now what a, just think about it, what a timeless message that is for God's people down the generations, is it not? 00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:27.379 And what a timely message for us this morning. 00:07:27.379 --> 00:07:29.339 I don't know if you've ever stopped to think about it. 00:07:30.100 --> 00:07:33.120 But our life corporately is a church, Brunsfield Evangelical. 00:07:33.819 --> 00:07:41.319 We are a little outpost of heaven in our little city of Edinburgh. 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:47.259 So what we're going to consider this morning as we look at what Paul is saying to these Christians 00:07:47.259 --> 00:07:50.139 who are seeking to live out their faith, their new citizenship, 00:07:50.959 --> 00:07:53.500 is how we should live in light of that. 00:07:53.500 --> 00:08:00.079 In the here and now, how does being a citizen of heaven, how does knowing that impact our living? 00:08:01.680 --> 00:08:05.019 Now if you remember last week, I kind of opened by saying it was a Sesame Street sermon. 00:08:06.019 --> 00:08:08.240 Well this week, it's an internet sermon. 00:08:08.939 --> 00:08:14.040 Because I want to ask us three questions, and those questions begin with W. 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:16.819 So W, W, W. 00:08:16.920 --> 00:08:18.300 It's how you're going to remember this this morning. 00:08:18.520 --> 00:08:24.220 This is the challenge to us all as we think about what it means to live as citizens of heaven in our city. 00:08:24.300 --> 00:08:27.500 So here's the first question, verses 17 to 19 of chapter 3. 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:29.720 Are you watching? 00:08:31.740 --> 00:08:32.420 Are you watching? 00:08:32.500 --> 00:08:34.580 Or rather, who are you watching? 00:08:34.700 --> 00:08:36.920 What does he say, verse 17, if you've got it there? 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:40.480 Join in imitating me. 00:08:41.399 --> 00:08:41.940 Do you see it? 00:08:41.940 --> 00:08:45.300 So follow my example, dear Philippians. 00:08:45.480 --> 00:08:48.320 Follow me, not for the sake of following me. 00:08:48.680 --> 00:08:50.640 Follow me as I follow Christ. 00:08:51.800 --> 00:08:54.920 As I go hard after Jesus Christ. 00:08:55.340 --> 00:08:57.200 And not just me, but follow others. 00:08:57.280 --> 00:08:57.920 Do you see it there? 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:59.420 Who are like me. 00:08:59.880 --> 00:09:03.180 And that they too follow hard after Jesus Christ. 00:09:04.780 --> 00:09:06.440 And follow our pattern. 00:09:06.440 --> 00:09:11.380 The Greek word there means something akin to a stamp. 00:09:12.900 --> 00:09:16.660 Follow those who've got the mark of being the real deal. 00:09:18.300 --> 00:09:21.660 Now I remember my cousin many years ago, he came back from holiday. 00:09:22.800 --> 00:09:24.120 And he had a new pair of sunglasses. 00:09:25.260 --> 00:09:26.600 You know what the sunglasses were called? 00:09:27.400 --> 00:09:27.900 Ray bombs. 00:09:27.899 --> 00:09:28.039 Ray bombs. 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:34.740 Now if you're on the ball, you'll notice, you'll probably realise that a ray bomb is a fake ray ban. 00:09:35.620 --> 00:09:37.199 So he comes back with these things. 00:09:37.699 --> 00:09:40.240 But do you know how you can tell the difference between a ray bomb and a ray ban? 00:09:41.139 --> 00:09:43.819 Do you know how you can tell what a genuine ray ban glasses are? 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:45.879 I can see some of you freaking out thinking, what have I bought? 00:09:47.500 --> 00:09:48.120 Ray ban. 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:52.419 The mark of a ray ban is that they have a little white ray ban on the top left. 00:09:52.740 --> 00:09:55.340 And they've got an RB engraved on the top right. 00:09:56.080 --> 00:09:58.500 That is the mark of a genuine ray ban. 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:01.000 And that's what Paul is saying here, is it not? 00:10:01.980 --> 00:10:05.700 Keep your eyes on the ray bans and not on the ray bombs. 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:08.340 Look for the mark. 00:10:08.580 --> 00:10:14.560 Follow those people who, in your midst, have the stamp of Christ on their lives. 00:10:14.559 --> 00:10:19.579 If you remember Paul, he singled out a few people back in chapter 2. 00:10:20.059 --> 00:10:21.819 If you want to maybe skim back there. 00:10:22.799 --> 00:10:23.239 Timothy. 00:10:24.319 --> 00:10:26.119 He's a man of proven worth. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:29.859 He's a man who loves you, who genuinely cares for you. 00:10:30.399 --> 00:10:32.939 And he's a man with a real servant heart. 00:10:33.099 --> 00:10:35.719 Paul held him up as an example to follow. 00:10:35.799 --> 00:10:36.459 There's the mark. 00:10:37.739 --> 00:10:39.359 And then we get Epaphroditus. 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:41.559 A man who loves you. 00:10:41.679 --> 00:10:43.039 A man who loves the Lord. 00:10:43.039 --> 00:10:46.879 A man who was willing to sacrifice himself. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:53.079 He was willing to risk his own body for the sake of his Lord and for the sake of the proclamation of the gospel. 00:10:53.559 --> 00:10:54.539 He holds up another man. 00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:55.879 There's the real deal. 00:10:58.299 --> 00:10:59.099 And here we are today. 00:10:59.179 --> 00:10:59.959 What does Paul say? 00:11:00.339 --> 00:11:01.500 Follow me. 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:04.439 We saw it last week, didn't we? 00:11:04.459 --> 00:11:06.519 That Paul is a man with some serious credentials. 00:11:06.519 --> 00:11:11.819 But he's a man who counts all things as loss. 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:19.139 Who counts those credentials as nothing for the all-surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ as his Lord and his King. 00:11:19.139 --> 00:11:22.519 And he's a man who strains on. 00:11:23.019 --> 00:11:25.100 Who strives on for Christ. 00:11:25.179 --> 00:11:27.019 Holding unswervingly to the truth. 00:11:27.439 --> 00:11:28.960 Knowing that he's not yet perfect. 00:11:29.799 --> 00:11:37.480 But knowing that in every single detail of his life, God is molding him and shaping him more into the likeness of Jesus Christ. 00:11:37.879 --> 00:11:41.720 And he lives as a man who's not uncertain about what is ahead of him. 00:11:42.460 --> 00:11:45.879 He lives as a man who is fully confident of what is ahead of him. 00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:48.679 That's what the stamp of Christ looks like, says Paul. 00:11:49.759 --> 00:11:51.019 Keep your eye on the Ray-Bans. 00:11:51.799 --> 00:11:53.759 Keep looking for the mark of the Ray-Bans. 00:11:54.200 --> 00:11:56.439 And forget about the Ray-Bombs. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:58.779 And notice the word keep there. 00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:00.860 It sneaks it in under the radar. 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:02.379 Keep your eyes. 00:12:03.220 --> 00:12:05.000 As if to say this is not a one-off event. 00:12:05.139 --> 00:12:07.580 This is a life pursuit of keeping your eyes on the prize. 00:12:08.919 --> 00:12:11.879 And I've been loving the athletics on BBC this week. 00:12:11.940 --> 00:12:13.500 Our boys nailed it in the relay last night. 00:12:13.539 --> 00:12:14.200 It was brilliant. 00:12:14.200 --> 00:12:21.400 But any sprinter will tell you that you run your best when you keep your eyes fixed for the whole race on one place. 00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:25.540 And that's why when you see people cross the line, where's the first place they look? 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:27.240 They look to the screen. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:29.259 Because none of them have seen it. 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:30.840 They don't know where they finished. 00:12:31.140 --> 00:12:35.080 So the only way they can work it out is by looking to the screen to tell them where they finished. 00:12:35.160 --> 00:12:36.860 Because their eyes have been on the prize the whole time. 00:12:38.140 --> 00:12:40.200 Paul says keep your eyes on us. 00:12:40.280 --> 00:12:41.940 Keep their eyes on us. 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:44.460 And why is that so important? 00:12:44.660 --> 00:12:46.580 Well, because there are other people. 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:47.860 See it there. 00:12:48.740 --> 00:12:49.840 The Ray Bonds. 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:52.340 Who are competing for your eyes. 00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:55.020 And just so is he. 00:12:55.060 --> 00:12:57.300 He's outlined the stamp of the genuine. 00:12:57.860 --> 00:13:00.580 Likewise he outlines the stamp of the counterfeit. 00:13:01.540 --> 00:13:02.120 Verse 18. 00:13:02.120 --> 00:13:06.019 Those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. 00:13:07.120 --> 00:13:08.860 People who will deny the cross. 00:13:09.560 --> 00:13:14.460 Both to its theological significance and to it being a pattern of life to follow. 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:19.700 Instead they have their minds on earthly things. 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:21.560 Seeking man's recognition. 00:13:21.779 --> 00:13:22.539 Man's praise. 00:13:22.679 --> 00:13:24.899 Living for themselves rather than for Christ. 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:26.620 But know dear Philippians. 00:13:26.939 --> 00:13:31.139 That in the end the path that they're on is a path that leads to destruction. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.439 So keep your eyes on us. 00:13:35.340 --> 00:13:36.419 Keep your eyes on us. 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:40.959 Now by way of application to our Christian lives. 00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:42.799 Let me just ask you two questions this morning. 00:13:42.919 --> 00:13:43.539 Through your eyes. 00:13:44.679 --> 00:13:46.519 Firstly, who are your eyes on? 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:48.779 Who are your eyes on? 00:13:48.939 --> 00:13:49.720 Who are your examples? 00:13:49.939 --> 00:13:50.740 Who are you looking to? 00:13:50.740 --> 00:13:53.279 First and foremost. 00:13:53.840 --> 00:13:55.139 Can you say like Paul. 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:56.180 That my eyes. 00:13:56.759 --> 00:13:57.639 Are on Christ. 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:01.279 That I'm striving for him. 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:02.200 That I'm living for him. 00:14:02.299 --> 00:14:03.440 That I'm obeying him. 00:14:04.279 --> 00:14:05.700 But secondly and probably more. 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:08.120 Directly from this passage. 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:11.440 Who are the brothers and sisters round about you. 00:14:11.539 --> 00:14:12.360 In your life. 00:14:13.440 --> 00:14:14.539 Who are examples to you? 00:14:14.659 --> 00:14:15.320 Who are you watching? 00:14:17.039 --> 00:14:18.360 Who's ahead of you in the race? 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:20.399 Who's setting a good pace as they follow Christ? 00:14:20.399 --> 00:14:23.039 Who is an example for you to look at and follow? 00:14:24.259 --> 00:14:26.279 Now I must say this is probably the. 00:14:27.179 --> 00:14:27.799 I love. 00:14:27.939 --> 00:14:28.740 I love this church. 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:32.699 But this is probably the thing that I love most about this church. 00:14:32.699 --> 00:14:33.919 Is that this church. 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:34.860 This family. 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:37.039 Is full of examples for me to follow. 00:14:38.779 --> 00:14:40.679 I see examples of this all the time. 00:14:41.480 --> 00:14:42.899 And I've watched some of you. 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:46.199 And you've gone through some really hard times in your life. 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:48.340 Some of you. 00:14:48.460 --> 00:14:49.800 You've faced illness. 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:51.780 Some of you have. 00:14:51.920 --> 00:14:53.140 I've lost some of your. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:55.020 Closest friends and family. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:59.300 Some of you have faced difficulties of work. 00:14:59.300 --> 00:14:59.780 At work. 00:15:00.520 --> 00:15:02.180 Some of you faced unemployment. 00:15:03.120 --> 00:15:04.640 Some of you have faced retirement. 00:15:04.800 --> 00:15:06.720 I had to think about what I do with my life. 00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:10.040 And many of you I know are right there at the minute. 00:15:10.960 --> 00:15:12.040 But many of you. 00:15:12.360 --> 00:15:13.240 I see. 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:15.240 Have come out the other side of that. 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:17.420 And despite the pain. 00:15:17.540 --> 00:15:18.540 Despite the questions. 00:15:18.680 --> 00:15:20.160 Your testimony is. 00:15:20.840 --> 00:15:21.200 Blessed. 00:15:21.660 --> 00:15:22.300 Be the name. 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:23.340 Of the Lord. 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:27.700 And I've watched as many others of you. 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:28.620 Have sacrificed. 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:30.500 And you've served. 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:31.560 And you've prayed. 00:15:31.860 --> 00:15:32.600 And you've visited. 00:15:32.820 --> 00:15:34.180 And you've done it all behind the scenes. 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:35.040 When nobody's seen. 00:15:35.800 --> 00:15:37.759 In any way possible that you can. 00:15:38.899 --> 00:15:39.660 And can I just say. 00:15:39.700 --> 00:15:40.960 When it comes to my life. 00:15:41.680 --> 00:15:42.840 And I hit some rocks. 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:44.920 To have examples of people. 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:46.080 Who have been through it before. 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:48.200 Is absolutely incredible. 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:51.660 I've got my binoculars out. 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.560 Like that video. 00:15:52.559 --> 00:15:53.879 And I've watched. 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:56.559 And it is absolutely inspiring. 00:15:58.039 --> 00:16:00.099 Surely that is what Paul is talking about here. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:08.019 Surely that is the joy of what it means to be part of a church who is full of examples. 00:16:08.599 --> 00:16:09.159 First question. 00:16:09.239 --> 00:16:10.859 Who are your eyes on? 00:16:11.119 --> 00:16:12.039 Second question. 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:14.059 Whose eyes are on you? 00:16:15.419 --> 00:16:16.379 So you may have noticed. 00:16:16.500 --> 00:16:20.259 I don't know all the building work that's been going on in the corridor behind us. 00:16:20.599 --> 00:16:22.059 Do you know why we had to do that? 00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:23.959 Do you know why we had to knock down a wall? 00:16:24.079 --> 00:16:25.259 Do you know why we had to put in a lift? 00:16:25.339 --> 00:16:26.579 Because this place is growing. 00:16:28.019 --> 00:16:29.019 And we're full of kids. 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:32.000 We have to make room for kids. 00:16:32.119 --> 00:16:33.639 These are growth problems. 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:35.319 These are great problems to have. 00:16:35.320 --> 00:16:36.879 But what responsibility. 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:37.460 But what responsibility? 00:16:39.460 --> 00:16:41.920 As we think about these young minds. 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:45.580 The question that we need to be asking ourselves is not where can we fit them. 00:16:46.420 --> 00:16:49.680 The question we need to be asking ourselves is what are we showing them? 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:54.219 What are we showing these young minds? 00:16:54.219 --> 00:16:55.299 Not just on a Sunday. 00:16:55.559 --> 00:16:56.819 But like the video was saying. 00:16:57.319 --> 00:16:58.339 Behind the scenes. 00:16:59.199 --> 00:17:00.279 In our homes. 00:17:00.599 --> 00:17:02.259 In our everyday lives. 00:17:02.699 --> 00:17:04.359 The way that we talk about one another. 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:06.059 The way that we interact with one another. 00:17:06.159 --> 00:17:09.659 The way that we deal with stressful situations when they come up in our lives. 00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:11.659 Whose eyes are on you? 00:17:11.660 --> 00:17:20.440 Is it not true that the most important thing that we can pass on to this generation, the next generation, is not a building. 00:17:21.040 --> 00:17:22.880 As lovely as this building is. 00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:24.019 It's not a building. 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:29.160 It's a living and an active faith and a love for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:34.880 You know the video that we watched earlier. 00:17:35.120 --> 00:17:37.820 It's an excerpt taken from a book by Don Carson. 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:39.680 You want to read the whole thing. 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:41.720 We've got 25 copies on sale this morning. 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:42.799 Just a pound. 00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:45.039 You just grab it when you go this morning. 00:17:45.120 --> 00:17:46.340 Just put your pound coin in the box. 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:47.279 Just 60 pages. 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:48.400 You'll get through it in an afternoon. 00:17:48.940 --> 00:17:52.320 I was thinking a lot about what it means to pass on an example to the next generation. 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:53.420 You want to read it? 00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:54.600 Can I highly recommend it? 00:17:54.640 --> 00:17:56.580 You'll get it before you go this morning. 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:59.100 But not just the young generation. 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.880 Who is here this morning? 00:18:00.980 --> 00:18:04.660 Who is in your life that you could begin to meet up with? 00:18:05.120 --> 00:18:06.400 And share life with? 00:18:06.400 --> 00:18:10.480 So I'm going to leave with you this morning to think about and to pray through. 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:14.740 You may be living in Philippi, Philippians. 00:18:14.820 --> 00:18:16.000 But you belong to Christ. 00:18:16.560 --> 00:18:17.900 And you're citizens of heaven. 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:18.960 You've got to ask yourself. 00:18:19.480 --> 00:18:22.640 Who are you looking to? 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:24.019 Second question. 00:18:24.140 --> 00:18:25.880 And this is verses 20. 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:27.880 Sorry, verse 20 of chapter 3. 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.820 Right through to verse 1 of chapter 4. 00:18:30.259 --> 00:18:31.000 Are you waiting? 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:35.079 Verse 20. 00:18:36.640 --> 00:18:37.980 Our citizenship is in heaven. 00:18:39.619 --> 00:18:42.640 You see, unlike these false teachers whose end is destruction, 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:44.640 do you see how Paul wants these Philippians to know 00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:48.759 that because they belong to Christ, their end is heaven. 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:55.000 And from there, they await a saviour. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:58.900 So he's telling them, isn't he, that they are in a waiting game. 00:18:59.039 --> 00:19:02.640 Their lives are to be spent waiting for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:04.700 Now here's the question. 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:08.259 What does it mean to wait well? 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:11.119 Is it like when you're at the dentist? 00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:15.180 You know, you go to the waiting room, you pick up a glossy magazine, 00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:16.460 and you kill a bit of time. 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:19.039 You look at your watch before it's your turn to go in. 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:21.099 No, it's not like that. 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:22.880 Is it like going to the bus stop? 00:19:22.880 --> 00:19:25.520 And you get to the bus stop, and you look at the screen, and it's blank. 00:19:25.580 --> 00:19:27.560 And you think, I've got no idea when this bus is coming. 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:28.540 I really hope it's coming. 00:19:29.160 --> 00:19:30.200 It's not like that either. 00:19:31.600 --> 00:19:34.040 So what does waiting well look like? 00:19:35.600 --> 00:19:39.000 I remember when we told our little two-year-old that she was having a birthday party. 00:19:39.820 --> 00:19:40.600 So excited. 00:19:41.760 --> 00:19:43.180 So every morning, I would get her up. 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:44.600 She'd say, Daddy, it's my birthday today. 00:19:45.020 --> 00:19:45.560 I said, today? 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:46.800 It's not today, sweetheart. 00:19:47.300 --> 00:19:47.820 It's not today. 00:19:48.780 --> 00:19:50.600 And Alex, my wife, would ask her over dinner, 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:52.180 Chloe, guess what's coming up? 00:19:52.180 --> 00:19:53.340 Guess what's coming up? 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:56.019 And she would have that puzzled look in her face, 00:19:56.080 --> 00:19:56.759 and she couldn't work out. 00:19:56.840 --> 00:19:58.779 And then she realized, my birthday's coming up. 00:19:58.799 --> 00:19:59.240 My birthday. 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:01.500 We'd put the girls down at night, 00:20:01.560 --> 00:20:04.340 and we could hear Chloe in the monitor singing happy birthday to herself. 00:20:06.560 --> 00:20:08.740 Happy birthday to Chloe. 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:10.740 And then I kid you not, 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:12.240 ooh, a cake. 00:20:12.500 --> 00:20:13.560 Blow out the candles, Chloe. 00:20:17.640 --> 00:20:19.779 Our citizenship is in heaven. 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:25.319 And from there, we await a saviour. 00:20:25.519 --> 00:20:26.399 Do you see what he's saying? 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:29.839 For Paul, waiting does not mean resting. 00:20:30.879 --> 00:20:33.579 For Paul, waiting does not mean hesitating. 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:37.019 For Paul, waiting means anticipating. 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:41.319 It's not about twiddling your thumbs, 00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:43.960 wondering if it's going to happen. 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:46.920 Sorry, it's not about twiddling your thumbs, 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:48.420 wondering when it's going to happen. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:50.099 It's not about crossing your fingers, 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:52.940 wondering, hoping that it might one day happen. 00:20:53.359 --> 00:20:55.940 It's about lifting your hands in worship, 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:58.480 and using your hands in the service, 00:20:58.680 --> 00:21:00.339 the joyful service of the Lord, 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:01.319 knowing the truth, 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:02.819 and living in the truth, 00:21:02.879 --> 00:21:05.039 that one day is going to happen. 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:07.180 Do you see how for Paul, 00:21:07.319 --> 00:21:09.619 the end makes a real difference 00:21:09.619 --> 00:21:11.099 to how he lives now? 00:21:13.299 --> 00:21:15.259 And what will happen when Christ returns? 00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:16.379 Look at verse 21. 00:21:17.740 --> 00:21:19.759 He'll transform our lowly bodies 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:23.799 to be like his glorious body. 00:21:26.119 --> 00:21:27.399 Now we noticed the pattern, didn't we, 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:28.240 in chapter 2, 00:21:28.339 --> 00:21:29.240 if you want to flick it back, 00:21:29.319 --> 00:21:30.399 verses 5 to 11. 00:21:30.899 --> 00:21:31.859 Paul took us through it. 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:33.940 Thought about Christ, 00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:35.120 he humbled himself. 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:38.360 And because he humbled himself, 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:39.980 because he went so low, 00:21:40.620 --> 00:21:41.840 God exalted him. 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:45.460 God glorified him. 00:21:46.420 --> 00:21:47.920 And it's the same pattern for us, 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:49.059 as followers of Christ, 00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:50.500 that as we humble ourselves, 00:21:51.559 --> 00:21:52.759 when Christ returns, 00:21:53.320 --> 00:21:54.559 God will glorify us. 00:21:56.519 --> 00:21:57.799 It's interesting at this point 00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:58.940 that Paul talks about the body. 00:21:58.940 --> 00:22:02.220 Could it be that there were people 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:03.019 in these circles 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:04.240 who were saying that 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.940 perfection in this body, 00:22:06.600 --> 00:22:07.519 in this life, 00:22:07.580 --> 00:22:08.160 is possible? 00:22:09.340 --> 00:22:10.100 Were there maybe people 00:22:10.100 --> 00:22:10.799 in these circles 00:22:10.799 --> 00:22:12.080 who were saying that the body, 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:13.440 this is where all your investment 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:14.180 needs to be? 00:22:15.820 --> 00:22:16.220 Perhaps. 00:22:17.360 --> 00:22:17.920 But whatever, 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:19.640 Paul wants them to know 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:21.740 that they have lowly bodies. 00:22:22.900 --> 00:22:24.160 As if to say this, 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:27.279 this is not where all your investment 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:27.899 should be. 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:28.879 Looks will fade, 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:31.579 the grass withers, 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:32.599 the flowers fall, 00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:34.279 illness was set in, 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:35.899 strength will dwindle. 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:37.899 Who would have thought 00:22:37.899 --> 00:22:38.519 that one day, 00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:39.279 Usain Bolt 00:22:39.279 --> 00:22:40.480 wouldn't be the fastest man 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.019 in the world? 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:42.779 Strength will fade. 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:45.980 Presumably that is why 00:22:45.980 --> 00:22:46.879 Paul can say 00:22:46.879 --> 00:22:48.200 in verse 20 of chapter 1 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:48.920 that his desire 00:22:48.920 --> 00:22:49.500 is that Christ 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.000 will be honoured 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:50.779 in his body. 00:22:51.960 --> 00:22:52.660 And how he can say 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:53.559 of Epaphroditus 00:22:53.559 --> 00:22:54.660 that he was willing 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.619 to risk his body 00:22:55.619 --> 00:22:56.839 for the sake of the gospel. 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:58.059 Because the hope 00:22:58.059 --> 00:22:58.700 of the Christian 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.599 is that there awaits 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.980 a transformed body. 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.099 And do you see 00:23:02.099 --> 00:23:03.420 the freedom that that gives us 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.480 to live our lives, 00:23:04.839 --> 00:23:05.639 risk our lives 00:23:05.639 --> 00:23:06.680 for the sake of the glory 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:07.359 of Jesus Christ 00:23:07.359 --> 00:23:07.859 because we know 00:23:07.859 --> 00:23:08.759 it's not all about this. 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:12.599 And on that day, 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:16.099 transformed bodies, 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.099 and on that day, 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.619 glorified bodies 00:23:18.619 --> 00:23:20.059 like our Saviour 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:20.619 and our King, 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:21.859 Jesus Christ. 00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:23.440 And how can he do that? 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:25.759 Quite simply, 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:26.220 says Paul, 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:27.059 because he's got the power. 00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:30.180 Jonathan Edwards, 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:31.400 famous American Puritan, 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.319 to go to heaven 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:34.299 fully to enjoy God 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:35.860 is infinitely better 00:23:35.860 --> 00:23:37.420 than the most pleasant 00:23:37.420 --> 00:23:38.980 of accommodations here. 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.480 So let me ask you again, 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:42.940 are you waiting? 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.440 How are you waiting? 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.779 Are you waiting well? 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:50.539 Are you living 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:52.420 for something in your life? 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.759 Whoever you are this morning, 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:55.019 are you investing in stuff 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:55.740 that's going to fade? 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:58.599 Are you investing in that 00:23:58.599 --> 00:23:59.900 in which moths and rust 00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:00.920 cannot destroy? 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:03.879 Well, dear Philippians, 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:04.819 because of what's yours 00:24:04.819 --> 00:24:05.359 in Christ, 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:06.680 because of what's ahead in you, 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:08.440 verse 1 of chapter 4, 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:09.480 stand firm then. 00:24:09.900 --> 00:24:10.559 Stand firm. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.480 Don't let it go. 00:24:12.940 --> 00:24:14.420 Stand firm in the Lord 00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:16.019 because you may be living 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.839 in Philippi, 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:17.900 but know that you belong 00:24:17.900 --> 00:24:18.460 to Christ 00:24:18.460 --> 00:24:19.339 and know that the future 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:20.099 ahead of you 00:24:20.099 --> 00:24:21.420 is heaven 00:24:21.420 --> 00:24:22.400 because you are citizens 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:23.320 of that kingdom. 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:25.800 Are you waiting? 00:24:26.259 --> 00:24:27.560 Third question this morning, 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:29.500 verses 2 to 3 of chapter 4, 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:30.600 are you working? 00:24:32.279 --> 00:24:33.220 More specifically, 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:34.300 are you working it out? 00:24:35.800 --> 00:24:36.759 Do you see how Paul moves 00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:37.460 from the future 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.320 to the present? 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:40.340 Do you see how he moves 00:24:40.340 --> 00:24:41.160 from the general 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:43.039 to the very specific? 00:24:43.300 --> 00:24:44.340 So he's heard about 00:24:44.340 --> 00:24:45.519 this tension in this church 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.759 between two of its members. 00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:49.660 Do you see it mentioned there 00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:50.360 at verse 2, 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:53.440 Yodea and Syntyche, 00:24:54.660 --> 00:24:55.759 who for whatever reason 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.640 they aren't quite seeing 00:24:56.640 --> 00:24:57.300 eye to eye? 00:24:58.960 --> 00:25:00.120 Now two things to see. 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:00.480 Firstly, 00:25:00.560 --> 00:25:01.000 we don't know 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:01.860 who these women were, 00:25:02.880 --> 00:25:04.000 but you can probably infer 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:04.680 that they are two 00:25:04.680 --> 00:25:05.720 big personalities, 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:07.440 both prominent enough 00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:08.000 in this church 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.960 that if they continue 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:09.640 to disagree, 00:25:09.840 --> 00:25:10.540 this is going to cause 00:25:10.540 --> 00:25:11.180 big problems 00:25:11.180 --> 00:25:11.940 for their fellowship. 00:25:13.320 --> 00:25:14.259 And we don't know 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:14.720 what they were 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.660 disagreeing about. 00:25:16.640 --> 00:25:17.000 Again, 00:25:17.080 --> 00:25:17.940 you can probably infer 00:25:17.940 --> 00:25:18.660 that it wasn't something 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:19.360 that was fundamental 00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:20.320 to the faith. 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:21.980 Because remember way back, 00:25:22.040 --> 00:25:23.220 well just chapter 3 rather, 00:25:23.320 --> 00:25:24.160 that he's gone to town 00:25:24.160 --> 00:25:25.000 on the false teachers. 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:26.880 And you'd have thought 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:27.600 if this was a false 00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:28.180 teaching issue, 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:29.300 he would have gone to town 00:25:29.300 --> 00:25:29.900 here as well, 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:30.460 but he doesn't. 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:33.259 But what we do know 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:33.920 is what he wants 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:35.100 these two women to do. 00:25:35.180 --> 00:25:35.680 Do you see it? 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:38.420 End of verse 2, 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:39.660 agree. 00:25:41.360 --> 00:25:41.740 Literally, 00:25:41.880 --> 00:25:43.160 be of the same mind. 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:44.440 There's that mind word again 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:45.640 cropping up in this letter. 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:47.720 Be of the same mind 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.559 and let that mind 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.940 be the mind of Christ. 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.539 Bring humility 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.319 to the party. 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.240 This is what he's saying. 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:57.680 Humility of Jesus Christ. 00:25:58.600 --> 00:25:59.360 He did not grasp 00:25:59.360 --> 00:25:59.900 at greatness, 00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:01.680 but rather he modeled 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:02.240 humility. 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:03.180 Going so low, 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:05.120 obeying the will 00:26:05.120 --> 00:26:06.000 of his heavenly father 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:07.100 to such lengths 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:08.480 that he gave up 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.900 his life on the cross. 00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:12.240 That is to be your mind, 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.140 dear sisters. 00:26:13.539 --> 00:26:13.980 And so, 00:26:14.100 --> 00:26:14.640 Judea, 00:26:14.640 --> 00:26:15.600 and so synticky. 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:16.700 Do you see how Christ 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:17.600 calls you to bring 00:26:17.600 --> 00:26:18.400 that mindset 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:20.680 and to reconcile 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:21.540 with each other 00:26:21.540 --> 00:26:22.320 with that mindset? 00:26:23.780 --> 00:26:24.500 Dear sisters 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:25.040 who have worked 00:26:25.040 --> 00:26:26.540 so hard with me, 00:26:26.600 --> 00:26:27.240 whose names are 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:28.060 in the book of life, 00:26:28.120 --> 00:26:28.780 do you see how 00:26:28.780 --> 00:26:29.860 outplace it is 00:26:29.860 --> 00:26:31.620 to insist 00:26:31.620 --> 00:26:32.580 in your own way 00:26:32.580 --> 00:26:34.160 when you follow 00:26:34.160 --> 00:26:35.080 a king and a savior 00:26:35.080 --> 00:26:36.080 who did not insist 00:26:36.080 --> 00:26:37.020 on his own way? 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:39.879 You've got to agree, 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:40.579 says Paul. 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:41.480 You've got to work 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:42.019 this one out. 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.559 You can imagine 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:45.379 that as this letter 00:26:45.379 --> 00:26:46.059 is read publicly 00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:46.799 to this church, 00:26:46.940 --> 00:26:47.099 I mean, 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:47.819 they are loving 00:26:47.819 --> 00:26:48.500 chapter 4, 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.079 verse 1. 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:50.139 Stand firm in the Lord. 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:50.599 Hallelujah! 00:26:53.559 --> 00:26:54.480 But then they get 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:55.299 to 4, 00:26:55.420 --> 00:26:56.039 verse 2. 00:26:57.379 --> 00:26:57.819 Things would have 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.299 gotten a little 00:26:58.299 --> 00:26:59.440 chillier. 00:27:00.960 --> 00:27:02.220 But standing firm 00:27:02.220 --> 00:27:02.859 as a church 00:27:02.859 --> 00:27:04.059 means standing together 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:04.740 as a church. 00:27:04.900 --> 00:27:05.519 And while there's 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.460 a rift in the camp, 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:06.960 do you see that 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:07.799 that is in danger? 00:27:09.860 --> 00:27:10.539 And so for the 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:11.340 continued growth 00:27:11.340 --> 00:27:12.019 of this church 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:12.500 and for the 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:13.480 continued mission 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:14.240 of this church 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:14.740 and for the 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.940 continued goal 00:27:15.940 --> 00:27:17.160 of pursuing Christ, 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:18.600 you've got to 00:27:18.600 --> 00:27:19.279 work this one out. 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:22.840 And see, 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:24.019 it's not just 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.920 any kind of agreement. 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:25.819 It's not just 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:27.720 getting the wedding 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.120 photo, 00:27:28.259 --> 00:27:29.259 play happy families. 00:27:29.420 --> 00:27:29.880 Do you see that 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:30.400 they've got to work 00:27:30.400 --> 00:27:30.900 this one out 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:31.660 in the Lord? 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:33.880 3, 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.460 verse 1. 00:27:34.620 --> 00:27:35.620 Rejoice in the Lord. 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:37.460 4, verse 2. 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:37.799 You've got to 00:27:37.799 --> 00:27:38.519 agree in the Lord. 00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:41.299 They need to be at one. 00:27:41.920 --> 00:27:42.519 They need to see 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.279 that Christ Jesus 00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:44.220 has made them one. 00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:45.400 They need to 00:27:45.400 --> 00:27:46.079 humble themselves. 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:46.860 They need to 00:27:46.860 --> 00:27:48.480 settle their 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:49.000 differences. 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.519 And all of that 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:52.980 is becoming 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.860 more like Christ. 00:27:56.660 --> 00:27:57.279 Mark Dever 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:58.079 in his wonderful 00:27:58.079 --> 00:27:58.519 little book 00:27:58.519 --> 00:27:58.759 called 00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.360 The Compelling 00:27:59.360 --> 00:27:59.860 Community 00:27:59.860 --> 00:28:00.480 writes this. 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:01.680 When two people 00:28:01.680 --> 00:28:02.579 share Christ, 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:04.240 even if everything 00:28:04.240 --> 00:28:05.299 else in their life 00:28:05.299 --> 00:28:05.839 is different, 00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:07.140 then they are 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:08.059 closer than even 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:09.059 blood ties could 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:09.440 bring them. 00:28:11.400 --> 00:28:12.299 So let me ask you 00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:12.720 this morning, 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.200 are you working? 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:16.299 Are you working it out? 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:18.120 Is there somebody 00:28:18.120 --> 00:28:18.960 here this morning 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:19.720 who you need to 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:20.380 get right with? 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:22.380 See, our unity 00:28:22.380 --> 00:28:23.440 as a church is such 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.220 a precious thing. 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:24.799 If you look at 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:25.279 what's going on 00:28:25.279 --> 00:28:26.000 in the world just now, 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:26.779 is that not incredible? 00:28:27.620 --> 00:28:28.420 The unity that we 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:29.319 have in our diversity, 00:28:29.319 --> 00:28:30.299 the thing that Christ 00:28:30.299 --> 00:28:30.680 has done, 00:28:30.740 --> 00:28:31.420 not that we are good, 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:32.120 but he's great, 00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:34.440 it's worth fighting 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:34.779 for. 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:35.840 It's worth 00:28:35.840 --> 00:28:36.580 humbling ourselves 00:28:36.580 --> 00:28:36.900 for. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:38.519 Stand firm, 00:28:38.620 --> 00:28:39.060 says Paul. 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:39.640 You may be living 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:40.320 in Philippi, 00:28:40.400 --> 00:28:41.100 but you belong to 00:28:41.100 --> 00:28:41.400 Christ. 00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:42.000 Your citizenship 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:42.660 is in heaven. 00:28:43.420 --> 00:28:44.019 You are not 00:28:44.019 --> 00:28:45.000 octi-citizens. 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:47.420 You are uni-citizens. 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:51.080 Many of you, 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:51.420 I'm sure, 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:52.300 love the Narnia 00:28:52.300 --> 00:28:53.539 series by C.S. Lewis. 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:55.580 I love the way 00:28:55.580 --> 00:28:56.740 that the last battle 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.660 comes to a conclusion. 00:28:58.680 --> 00:28:59.220 If you remember 00:28:59.220 --> 00:29:00.860 that story, 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:01.379 Ray Jewel, 00:29:01.459 --> 00:29:02.000 the horse, 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:03.879 he describes 00:29:03.879 --> 00:29:04.599 what it's like 00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:05.899 for him to come 00:29:05.899 --> 00:29:06.259 home, 00:29:06.979 --> 00:29:08.299 and he says this, 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:08.799 I've come home 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.399 at last. 00:29:10.159 --> 00:29:11.019 This is my real 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:11.479 country. 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:12.859 I belong here. 00:29:13.199 --> 00:29:14.000 This is the land 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:14.559 I've been looking 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:15.659 forward to all my 00:29:15.659 --> 00:29:16.139 life, 00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:17.539 and though I never 00:29:17.539 --> 00:29:18.539 knew it until now. 00:29:19.719 --> 00:29:20.799 Come further up 00:29:20.799 --> 00:29:22.539 and come further in. 00:29:25.599 --> 00:29:26.539 You may be living 00:29:26.539 --> 00:29:27.219 in Philippi, 00:29:27.299 --> 00:29:27.859 but you belong 00:29:27.859 --> 00:29:28.439 to Christ, 00:29:28.939 --> 00:29:29.679 and you're citizens 00:29:29.679 --> 00:29:30.139 of heaven. 00:29:31.339 --> 00:29:32.199 So as we close, 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:32.859 let me ask you, 00:29:32.879 --> 00:29:33.379 are you watching? 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:35.639 Are you watching? 00:29:36.959 --> 00:29:37.779 Are you waiting? 00:29:37.919 --> 00:29:38.559 How are you waiting? 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.559 Are you waiting well? 00:29:39.779 --> 00:29:40.699 Are we waiting well? 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.399 And are you working? 00:29:43.099 --> 00:29:44.240 Are we working hard 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:45.419 to work it out? 00:29:47.759 --> 00:29:48.459 Let me pray 00:29:48.459 --> 00:29:49.039 as we close. 00:29:49.039 --> 00:29:55.500 Father God, 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.279 we thank you so much 00:29:56.279 --> 00:29:57.180 for the wonderful 00:29:57.180 --> 00:29:57.879 truths that we've 00:29:57.879 --> 00:29:58.519 seen in your word 00:29:58.519 --> 00:29:59.099 this morning. 00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:02.500 May what is true 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:03.480 about what is 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.359 ahead of us 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:05.819 spur us on 00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:06.940 even more 00:30:06.940 --> 00:30:08.639 to live freely 00:30:08.639 --> 00:30:09.279 and to live 00:30:09.279 --> 00:30:10.319 wholly for Christ 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:10.980 and his kingdom 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:12.019 here and now. 00:30:13.159 --> 00:30:14.200 So would you be 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:15.799 helping us this week 00:30:15.799 --> 00:30:17.259 to watch 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:19.359 and to wait 00:30:19.359 --> 00:30:21.099 and to work 00:30:21.099 --> 00:30:22.419 and to know 00:30:22.419 --> 00:30:23.399 so closely 00:30:23.399 --> 00:30:24.720 the love of Christ 00:30:24.720 --> 00:30:26.339 that surpasses 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:28.240 all understanding 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:30.079 because it's in his name 00:30:30.079 --> 00:30:30.619 that we pray, 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:31.619 dear Heavenly Father. 00:30:32.359 --> 00:30:32.740 Amen. 00:30:32.740 --> 00:30:32.839 Amen.