WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.859 --> 00:00:14.019 Amen is right. 00:00:14.740 --> 00:00:15.660 Thank you, guys. 00:00:17.160 --> 00:00:18.480 You're going to get a turn to sing it later. 00:00:19.080 --> 00:00:19.600 Hang in there. 00:00:22.879 --> 00:00:26.280 It's so good to have a God like that, isn't it? 00:00:26.900 --> 00:00:29.400 To have someone whose faithfulness you can trust. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:30.899 All the time. 00:00:32.100 --> 00:00:34.340 We're in Ephesians 6 this morning. 00:00:35.119 --> 00:00:41.159 In fact, we're in the last four verses of Ephesians 6, the last chapter of Ephesians. 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:42.880 Don't say amen yet. 00:00:43.439 --> 00:00:47.519 This is not the last sermon in this series on Ephesians. 00:00:48.060 --> 00:00:48.960 We're almost there. 00:00:49.620 --> 00:00:50.700 But there's a couple more. 00:00:51.120 --> 00:00:54.260 Did you know there's another letter in the Bible to the church in Ephesus? 00:00:54.879 --> 00:00:55.620 It's a shorter one. 00:00:56.260 --> 00:00:57.760 We're going to look at that very briefly. 00:00:58.379 --> 00:00:59.820 But we're almost at the end. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:00.479 We're close. 00:01:00.560 --> 00:01:02.520 And you can be excited then and make me feel bad. 00:01:04.120 --> 00:01:09.079 But the last time we were in Ephesians, we wrestled with the reality that we are at war. 00:01:09.859 --> 00:01:14.219 That there's spiritual warfare going on day by day in our lives. 00:01:14.219 --> 00:01:18.060 That demands of us that we stand firm in Christ. 00:01:18.280 --> 00:01:28.099 That we be taking up the armor of God, actively abiding in Christ in order to battle against the forces of evil that rage against us. 00:01:28.099 --> 00:01:32.559 We talked about the importance of standing firm in Christ. 00:01:32.559 --> 00:01:37.519 And knowing that wartime demands different priorities from peacetime. 00:01:37.619 --> 00:01:38.640 Demands sacrifices. 00:01:38.959 --> 00:01:42.759 Demands looking at things differently because of where we are. 00:01:42.760 --> 00:01:49.260 And this morning, Paul picking up on that is going to give his parting words to the church in Ephesus. 00:01:49.500 --> 00:01:53.700 Words that are full of significance and meaning for us. 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:57.480 What would Paul like to leave us with at the end of this letter? 00:01:57.480 --> 00:02:00.920 Let's give our attention again to God's holy word. 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:03.680 Ephesians 6 at verse 21. 00:02:03.680 --> 00:02:08.920 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 00:02:09.300 --> 00:02:13.540 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will tell you everything. 00:02:14.540 --> 00:02:16.760 I have sent him to you for this very purpose. 00:02:17.080 --> 00:02:20.760 That you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts. 00:02:22.140 --> 00:02:27.879 Peace be to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:02:27.879 --> 00:02:33.939 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. 00:02:34.539 --> 00:02:40.439 The grass withers, the flowers fade, but these words of our God will stand forever. 00:02:40.859 --> 00:02:43.500 Let's ask for his help as we look at them together. 00:02:43.659 --> 00:02:44.259 Pray with me. 00:02:46.900 --> 00:02:49.979 Father, we come to you because these are your words. 00:02:50.759 --> 00:02:55.000 Because we believe you spoke them not only to the church in Ephesus, 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:58.340 but to the church in Huntsville today. 00:02:59.280 --> 00:03:00.560 And that we need them. 00:03:00.860 --> 00:03:03.199 And that we need you to speak, Father. 00:03:03.960 --> 00:03:08.319 We hear from men and we know of men's good ideas and advice. 00:03:08.520 --> 00:03:10.960 We need to hear from you. 00:03:11.560 --> 00:03:13.979 Would you speak clearly by your spirit? 00:03:14.120 --> 00:03:15.719 Would you speak to our hearts? 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:17.319 And would you change us? 00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:19.879 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:03:20.900 --> 00:03:21.240 Amen. 00:03:21.240 --> 00:03:21.379 Amen. 00:03:23.580 --> 00:03:26.159 Apparently, it never really happened this way. 00:03:26.379 --> 00:03:32.760 But there's a great scene anyway in the movie Braveheart where William Wallace and his ragtag 00:03:32.760 --> 00:03:39.820 bunch of Scottish soldiers, if you can call them that, are fighting against the more numerous, 00:03:40.640 --> 00:03:45.020 more highly trained, more confident English army. 00:03:45.020 --> 00:03:49.980 And there's a scene where they're so, they've been discouraged. 00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:51.820 They've been frustrated. 00:03:52.020 --> 00:03:54.040 Things haven't often gone their way. 00:03:54.280 --> 00:03:58.000 And they're just outnumbered by the English army. 00:03:58.320 --> 00:04:01.160 So much to the point that as they get ready for this one battle, 00:04:01.660 --> 00:04:03.520 the leader of the English army says, 00:04:03.860 --> 00:04:05.719 we can beat them with just our Irishmen. 00:04:06.360 --> 00:04:08.400 We're just going to send the Irish out against them. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:09.340 They can handle them. 00:04:09.340 --> 00:04:14.780 And so he sends the Irish out front and they run towards the Scots and they're charging towards 00:04:14.780 --> 00:04:17.139 each other and then they stop. 00:04:18.040 --> 00:04:22.060 And they get there and they slow down and they shake hands and they hug and the Irish switch 00:04:22.060 --> 00:04:22.500 sides. 00:04:23.079 --> 00:04:26.680 And they come over and it's reinforcements for the Scottish army. 00:04:27.040 --> 00:04:28.160 A jolt of energy. 00:04:28.579 --> 00:04:30.120 A burst of excitement. 00:04:30.439 --> 00:04:32.060 They have more than they thought. 00:04:32.199 --> 00:04:34.060 These guys will stand with us too. 00:04:34.060 --> 00:04:41.139 There are many great battle scenes and movies where reinforcements come just in the nick of time. 00:04:41.720 --> 00:04:43.459 I'm sure you have your favorite. 00:04:43.600 --> 00:04:45.600 I'm going to mention just one more. 00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:51.480 These are two examples of just movies I've seen so that you know that I do watch things 00:04:51.480 --> 00:04:53.220 other than Disney princess movies. 00:04:53.980 --> 00:05:01.660 So I figure Braveheart and Lord of the Rings, maybe I can get my man card back at the end. 00:05:01.660 --> 00:05:08.960 And so Lord of the Rings in the two towers, there's an epic battle between the forces of 00:05:08.960 --> 00:05:11.580 good and the forces of evil, the Battle of Helm's Deep. 00:05:12.420 --> 00:05:16.140 And if you've seen the movie and if you haven't, you can probably imagine a little of what it 00:05:16.140 --> 00:05:16.600 looks like. 00:05:16.660 --> 00:05:23.120 You've got Aragorn and Gimli and Legolas and the rest of the good guys fighting hard to 00:05:23.120 --> 00:05:24.080 defend a fortress. 00:05:24.079 --> 00:05:29.699 But they're battling against these unearthly creatures of Saruman. 00:05:30.180 --> 00:05:33.120 And he sent them against them and they've come in the battle. 00:05:33.219 --> 00:05:34.859 They're just overwhelming them. 00:05:35.019 --> 00:05:36.539 The fortress is collapsing. 00:05:36.719 --> 00:05:37.779 They're flooding in. 00:05:37.939 --> 00:05:43.779 One black creature after another flooding in and overwhelming the guys which of course 00:05:43.779 --> 00:05:45.620 are painted in shining clothes. 00:05:46.159 --> 00:05:49.240 And Legolas' hair is brighter than anything else on the screen. 00:05:49.240 --> 00:05:51.939 And here they're just being overrun. 00:05:52.139 --> 00:05:54.960 And the leaders are backing up and saying, we've got to get out. 00:05:55.879 --> 00:05:57.079 We've got to give in. 00:05:57.360 --> 00:05:58.139 This is over. 00:05:58.259 --> 00:05:59.460 We've been defeated. 00:05:59.639 --> 00:06:01.560 We couldn't hold out long enough. 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:02.980 And then what happens? 00:06:04.139 --> 00:06:05.740 Gandalf, of course. 00:06:06.139 --> 00:06:09.879 Gandalf shows up on the hill, the wizard riding a horse. 00:06:10.280 --> 00:06:11.460 And the battle stops. 00:06:11.579 --> 00:06:13.920 And everyone turns and looks at Gandalf. 00:06:13.920 --> 00:06:19.360 And just a few seconds later, hosts of men on a horseback come rushing over the hill, 00:06:19.460 --> 00:06:19.640 right? 00:06:20.759 --> 00:06:24.140 Reinforcements that Gandalf has recruited and brought in. 00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:27.200 And all of a sudden, the good guys are back on top. 00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:31.860 And they chase the Uruk-hai away from the fortress and into the forest for them to get 00:06:31.860 --> 00:06:32.319 destroyed. 00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:34.100 It's a great, great victory. 00:06:34.759 --> 00:06:37.240 They showed up just at the right moment. 00:06:38.280 --> 00:06:42.660 Now, in both of those examples, things turn out well. 00:06:42.660 --> 00:06:45.439 It ends well for the good guys. 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:52.280 But can you relate to how those discouraged soldiers would have felt before the reinforcement 00:06:52.280 --> 00:06:52.960 showed up? 00:06:54.439 --> 00:07:01.500 To feel overwhelmed, to feel at the end of everything you have and you've done everything and you're 00:07:01.500 --> 00:07:02.900 going to get defeated. 00:07:03.620 --> 00:07:04.820 This is the end of it. 00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:10.560 In the fight for the kingdom of God, in the battle that we wage against the forces of darkness, 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:12.879 it's easy to get discouraged, isn't it? 00:07:13.860 --> 00:07:15.180 Have you ever felt that way before? 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:16.680 Do you feel that way this morning? 00:07:17.879 --> 00:07:22.000 It's easy to think we aren't strong enough, that we should just give in, give up. 00:07:23.139 --> 00:07:30.840 Perhaps you feel outnumbered, overmatched, lonely even in your labor for God. 00:07:30.839 --> 00:07:38.459 Maybe you can relate to how I've felt wrestling against personal sin in my own heart and life. 00:07:39.379 --> 00:07:40.739 Like it just keeps coming up. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:42.719 Even in the middle of a worship service. 00:07:43.339 --> 00:07:44.120 There's my sin. 00:07:44.199 --> 00:07:50.259 I thought I had that idol under control that I'd really managed it and then it comes back 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:50.979 up again. 00:07:51.219 --> 00:07:54.000 Like I'm never going to just be done with it. 00:07:54.659 --> 00:07:57.239 There it is, rearing its ugly head again. 00:07:57.240 --> 00:08:01.879 Maybe you've been seeking to live sacrificially. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:06.139 To seek first God's kingdom and His priorities. 00:08:06.379 --> 00:08:11.360 To live with kingdom priorities in a world that tells you to seek first yourself. 00:08:12.639 --> 00:08:15.800 To get your own pleasure and fulfillment taken care of. 00:08:16.740 --> 00:08:17.620 And you feel alone. 00:08:19.079 --> 00:08:21.379 No one else is trying to live this way. 00:08:21.879 --> 00:08:23.100 I'm discouraged. 00:08:23.259 --> 00:08:24.819 It's discouraging to be alone. 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:29.680 Maybe you've been seeking to honor God in a difficult relationship. 00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:32.700 You feel you're the only one who cares. 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:34.799 Nothing seems to get better. 00:08:34.919 --> 00:08:39.059 You're alone in the fight and now you're, to be honest, ready to quit too. 00:08:39.220 --> 00:08:43.200 Why bother if he or she's not going to be a part of it? 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:49.080 Maybe you've been laboring to see God's kingdom come here in Huntsville and He's given you 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:55.000 a passion for a part of this city or an aspect of your life where you want to see God's kingdom 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:59.900 come and you want to see things change but you feel like you're fighting fire with a water 00:08:59.900 --> 00:09:00.240 bottle. 00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:03.180 That you're just spitting on the fire. 00:09:03.179 --> 00:09:08.179 You're seeking to bring light into darkness to push back the effects of the fall in your 00:09:08.179 --> 00:09:12.819 community and you think you're doing what God wants you to do but it seems like there's 00:09:12.819 --> 00:09:13.620 no progress. 00:09:14.839 --> 00:09:15.699 So you're overwhelmed. 00:09:17.159 --> 00:09:17.679 Discouraged. 00:09:18.939 --> 00:09:22.719 And Paul understands the Ephesians could easily feel that way. 00:09:22.720 --> 00:09:27.620 Called into spiritual warfare against the forces of evil and indwelling sin. 00:09:28.720 --> 00:09:33.220 Surrounded by a culture of idolatry and self-serving hedonism. 00:09:33.680 --> 00:09:36.620 Struggling with difficult relationships even within the church. 00:09:37.580 --> 00:09:39.620 They can't find someone who's easy to get along with. 00:09:41.139 --> 00:09:43.160 As he closes this letter, here's Paul's heart. 00:09:43.240 --> 00:09:44.180 Here's what he wants to do. 00:09:44.440 --> 00:09:48.600 He wants to offer some encouragement to discouraged believers. 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:51.420 That's what he has for us this morning. 00:09:51.419 --> 00:09:56.659 Not only is there the armor of God for us as we fight these battles but also there are 00:09:56.659 --> 00:09:57.559 reinforcements. 00:09:58.479 --> 00:09:59.679 We won't be left alone. 00:09:59.819 --> 00:10:02.219 We need not ultimately be discouraged. 00:10:02.759 --> 00:10:10.559 There are reinforcements both for today, for daily strength and support and for eternity, 00:10:10.799 --> 00:10:12.839 for eternal security and blessing. 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:19.299 Let's look at the great hope and encouragement offered to us in this passage. 00:10:19.299 --> 00:10:25.579 Paul begins by speaking of the daily reinforcements that we have here and now. 00:10:25.679 --> 00:10:27.779 What I'll call gospel partnership. 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:29.740 You could just say people. 00:10:31.299 --> 00:10:33.159 Starts with P too so that works. 00:10:33.299 --> 00:10:33.959 You can just people. 00:10:34.159 --> 00:10:36.059 All of the words today start with P. 00:10:37.159 --> 00:10:38.819 Look at how clear Paul is. 00:10:39.039 --> 00:10:42.079 That the Christian life is not one lived on our own. 00:10:42.459 --> 00:10:44.159 In isolation from others. 00:10:44.159 --> 00:10:49.219 At first he mentions our mutual need for prayer in the verses leading up to our passage. 00:10:49.319 --> 00:10:50.219 Look at verse 18. 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:54.539 He's just told them about the armor of God and what's needed in this battle. 00:10:54.980 --> 00:10:57.419 Praying at all times in the spirit. 00:10:58.159 --> 00:11:00.059 With all prayer and supplication. 00:11:00.539 --> 00:11:02.339 To that end keep alert with all perseverance. 00:11:02.620 --> 00:11:04.860 Making supplication for all the saints. 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:06.060 And for me. 00:11:06.419 --> 00:11:10.500 That words would be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. 00:11:10.680 --> 00:11:12.680 For which I'm an ambassador in chains. 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:15.300 That I may declare it boldly as I ought to speak. 00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:16.180 Pray for me. 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:21.159 As we put on the armor of God for the battle we fight each day. 00:11:21.300 --> 00:11:23.820 Paul says praying all the time. 00:11:24.220 --> 00:11:25.759 For all the saints. 00:11:26.720 --> 00:11:30.600 Paul shared several times in Ephesians how he's praying for them, hasn't he? 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:34.039 He writes his prayers out for them right there in the letter. 00:11:34.039 --> 00:11:35.659 Now he's doing what? 00:11:35.779 --> 00:11:38.419 He's asking them to pray for him. 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:41.120 Here's what you can pray for me. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:44.899 They're together in partnership for the sake of the gospel. 00:11:45.199 --> 00:11:46.719 So they share in that together. 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:49.240 Even when he's been sent out from them. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:52.399 They share in it together by praying for each other. 00:11:53.639 --> 00:11:56.120 Bible commentator Matthew Henry once wrote, 00:11:56.579 --> 00:12:02.360 The greatest remembrance of our friends is to remember them before the throne of grace. 00:12:02.360 --> 00:12:06.860 It shouldn't be just a spiritual platitude when someone says, 00:12:06.980 --> 00:12:07.500 Pray for me. 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:10.000 And we think, Oh sure, I'll pray for you. 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:11.940 And don't. 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:15.200 Prayer is the work of the kingdom. 00:12:15.659 --> 00:12:20.120 And it's the way we can partner with someone because God works through our prayers. 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:21.700 He's active there. 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:24.039 He works in places we can't. 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:26.180 In times we can't. 00:12:26.179 --> 00:12:28.259 For the gospel to advance. 00:12:29.839 --> 00:12:30.679 So prayer. 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:33.539 And then secondly, the written word of God. 00:12:33.759 --> 00:12:39.059 We're about to be told that Paul is sending Tychicus to Ephesus to encourage them. 00:12:39.819 --> 00:12:42.139 But first, before we see what he's going to do, 00:12:42.419 --> 00:12:49.620 notice that Tychicus almost certainly was carrying the very letter we've been studying for the last few months with him. 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:55.980 Paul sends Tychicus with God's word for the Ephesian church. 00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:59.980 Paul doesn't merely pray for the people he's in partnership with. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:02.360 He tells them what he prays for them. 00:13:03.060 --> 00:13:05.600 And he encourages them with God's word. 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:09.940 Do you share God's word with your brothers and sisters? 00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:15.399 Do you tell them how you're praying for them and how they can pray for you? 00:13:15.399 --> 00:13:19.980 Isn't it a great encouragement to get a note, a text, an email? 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:23.240 Whatever it is, something that shares God's word with you, 00:13:23.340 --> 00:13:27.480 that encourages your heart in the loneliness and busyness of the battle, 00:13:27.559 --> 00:13:29.079 that says, I'm in it with you. 00:13:29.139 --> 00:13:30.659 You're not in it alone. 00:13:32.559 --> 00:13:38.179 And both of those things are encouraging reinforcements in the battle that God uses in our lives. 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:41.399 But there's one more, and I want you to think about it this way. 00:13:41.399 --> 00:13:45.579 Suppose you have some longtime friends from way back. 00:13:46.179 --> 00:13:49.679 They knew you when, and you haven't lived in the same town with them for a while, 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:53.059 and you love them, and you pray for them, and you care about them, 00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:54.759 but you don't get to talk much anymore. 00:13:55.779 --> 00:13:57.799 You keep in touch through Christmas cards. 00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:58.799 You got anybody like that? 00:13:59.159 --> 00:14:01.819 You hear from them once a year, and you know what's going on 00:14:01.819 --> 00:14:05.519 because you see that they've gotten one year older than the last time you got to talk with them. 00:14:06.120 --> 00:14:06.980 And it's great. 00:14:07.079 --> 00:14:07.500 You love them. 00:14:07.579 --> 00:14:08.480 You can pray for them. 00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:10.819 You can be excited to see their family grow. 00:14:12.299 --> 00:14:14.959 But imagine that this year, instead of a Christmas card, 00:14:15.039 --> 00:14:16.779 they came through Huntsville over the holidays. 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:20.120 Imagine you got to spend a whole evening with them, 00:14:20.819 --> 00:14:22.759 sharing stories, catching each other up, 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:25.039 telling them what was going on in your life, 00:14:25.340 --> 00:14:27.659 laughing together, crying together, 00:14:28.480 --> 00:14:30.840 after not seeing them for years and years. 00:14:31.939 --> 00:14:33.939 Someone who knows you and your story. 00:14:33.939 --> 00:14:36.139 That's a different kind of encouragement, isn't it? 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:39.980 To be with them, to have them in your presence. 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:45.960 Wasn't it different last week to have one of our missionary partners here with us? 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:48.340 Someone who'd grown up here and gone out, 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:50.100 and then Justin Houston is here. 00:14:50.200 --> 00:14:51.379 You can shake his hand. 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:53.399 You can hear his stories. 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:56.759 Have him open God's Word and encourage us 00:14:56.759 --> 00:15:00.680 to be able to put my arm around him and pray for him. 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:06.719 It feels different from praying for him from thousands of miles away. 00:15:07.339 --> 00:15:09.759 God often sends reinforcements, 00:15:09.959 --> 00:15:13.959 spiritual aid and encouragement for the weary among us, 00:15:15.019 --> 00:15:17.239 often through the presence of other Christians. 00:15:17.479 --> 00:15:19.279 Look at verses 21 and 22. 00:15:20.859 --> 00:15:21.559 Paul says, 00:15:21.559 --> 00:15:42.359 Paul says this, 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:45.480 I'm going to live the reality that I've been teaching you about 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.620 through this whole letter. 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:49.019 I'm going to start living it in front of you. 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:51.519 The reality that in Christ, 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:53.800 God has connected us to each other. 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:56.220 That y'all aren't just numbers to me. 00:15:56.680 --> 00:15:57.560 Your names, 00:15:58.259 --> 00:16:00.700 even terrible names like Tychicus, 00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:02.680 that you have to say over and over. 00:16:02.779 --> 00:16:04.539 It's unnecessarily difficult. 00:16:05.340 --> 00:16:07.340 But your names and your faces, 00:16:07.340 --> 00:16:10.340 you actually mean something to me. 00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.639 I remember y'all, 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:12.600 I was with you. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:14.560 You're partners for the gospel. 00:16:14.940 --> 00:16:16.620 Brothers and sisters in Christ, 00:16:16.740 --> 00:16:18.940 we're connected to each other because of him. 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:21.460 And so God is building us together. 00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:22.759 What has Paul been teaching us? 00:16:23.040 --> 00:16:24.899 He's making a family out of us 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:27.440 that we would be built up into a temple 00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:29.220 where he can dwell by his Spirit. 00:16:29.680 --> 00:16:30.160 Paul says, 00:16:30.440 --> 00:16:33.100 that's the reality that I'm going to live in front of you. 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:36.180 Enough that I would send Tychicus to you. 00:16:36.179 --> 00:16:40.019 Notice he sent him there to tell you how we are. 00:16:40.679 --> 00:16:43.099 That may not strike you as strange, 00:16:43.219 --> 00:16:44.959 but Paul, you've just written us a letter. 00:16:45.079 --> 00:16:45.959 It's a long letter. 00:16:46.479 --> 00:16:47.659 Just tell us how you are. 00:16:47.819 --> 00:16:50.759 Why does he have to travel thousands of miles over sea 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:52.819 to tell us how you are? 00:16:54.559 --> 00:16:56.819 Because it is different in person. 00:16:57.519 --> 00:17:00.120 Because we care about and love each other, 00:17:00.199 --> 00:17:01.819 because there's an encouragement there. 00:17:02.139 --> 00:17:03.799 It's not just writing it down. 00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:05.940 Time and time again in Paul's letters, 00:17:06.079 --> 00:17:07.859 messengers like Tychicus go 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:10.500 and they give information from Paul 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:12.559 and bring reports back to Paul. 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:16.039 They need to know about him. 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:18.480 And he needs to know about them. 00:17:19.139 --> 00:17:22.579 People are valuable to Paul. 00:17:23.579 --> 00:17:26.480 They're valuable to us here at Southwood too. 00:17:26.579 --> 00:17:28.720 They must be if we understand 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:31.339 the kind of community the gospel creates. 00:17:31.339 --> 00:17:33.799 It doesn't create nameless faces 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:36.359 that sit in a sanctuary with you every Sunday. 00:17:36.619 --> 00:17:37.419 It doesn't. 00:17:38.019 --> 00:17:40.099 It creates a community of people 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:42.039 where you know who they are 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:43.559 and you're able to lock arms. 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:45.259 Vital relationships, 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:47.879 partnerships together for the sake of the gospel. 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.919 These aren't just random people 00:17:49.919 --> 00:17:51.539 Paul goes to church with 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:52.980 or used to go to church with. 00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:56.139 They're partners with whom he must lock arms 00:17:56.139 --> 00:17:57.419 for the sake of the gospel. 00:17:57.420 --> 00:18:00.180 Because it's hard to fight alone. 00:18:00.300 --> 00:18:02.420 And it's hard to sacrifice alone. 00:18:02.560 --> 00:18:02.759 Amen? 00:18:03.600 --> 00:18:04.300 It's hard. 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:07.539 The discouragement of the struggle 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.660 can be overwhelming. 00:18:09.800 --> 00:18:12.560 The sense of isolation can be devastating. 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:14.320 And so Paul needs them 00:18:14.320 --> 00:18:15.920 and their prayers. 00:18:16.220 --> 00:18:17.720 Paul needs them 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:19.420 and their prayers. 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:21.560 They need him and his. 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:24.480 Two brief points of application 00:18:24.480 --> 00:18:26.399 here about gospel partnership. 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:30.240 The first is we need it. 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:32.899 You need it. 00:18:33.919 --> 00:18:34.960 I need it. 00:18:36.419 --> 00:18:37.639 Don't fight alone. 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:40.139 Paul didn't try it 00:18:40.139 --> 00:18:41.919 and he doesn't recommend it. 00:18:43.179 --> 00:18:44.179 And you say, 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:46.200 oh, but I don't have time 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:48.379 to connect with them. 00:18:48.380 --> 00:18:51.280 To be part of a community like that. 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:53.360 To lock arms over there. 00:18:53.660 --> 00:18:54.100 It's just, 00:18:54.180 --> 00:18:55.220 it takes too much. 00:18:55.320 --> 00:18:56.440 I don't have margin. 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:58.160 I know that feeling. 00:18:59.300 --> 00:19:00.940 But I've learned actually 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:03.000 you don't have time not to. 00:19:03.840 --> 00:19:05.480 We don't have enough time 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:06.340 on this earth 00:19:06.340 --> 00:19:08.340 to neglect partnership. 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:09.760 We need each other. 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:12.300 You need gospel partnership 00:19:12.300 --> 00:19:13.100 in your life. 00:19:13.180 --> 00:19:14.860 Not just formal church membership. 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:18.819 A functional church family. 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:20.259 A small group, 00:19:20.419 --> 00:19:21.039 so to speak. 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:23.479 Partnership across miles and miles 00:19:23.479 --> 00:19:24.479 that you can share 00:19:24.479 --> 00:19:25.659 and labor alongside. 00:19:27.139 --> 00:19:28.039 I'm convinced 00:19:28.039 --> 00:19:29.479 some of the most vital members 00:19:29.479 --> 00:19:30.099 of our church 00:19:30.099 --> 00:19:31.039 rarely come through 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:32.039 these doors anymore. 00:19:33.159 --> 00:19:34.399 Some of our elderly 00:19:34.399 --> 00:19:36.259 shut-in members 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:39.279 pray for this church 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.519 and for the advance 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.679 of the kingdom here 00:19:41.679 --> 00:19:43.019 so faithfully. 00:19:43.019 --> 00:19:44.759 people you may not 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:45.759 have even met. 00:19:46.619 --> 00:19:48.119 Every time I get to see 00:19:48.119 --> 00:19:48.920 Delilah Harris, 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:50.039 some of you know Delilah. 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:51.920 Every time I see her 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:52.480 she tells me 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:53.339 how she's been praying 00:19:53.339 --> 00:19:54.180 for me 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:55.700 and for this church. 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:57.660 The last time I was with her 00:19:57.660 --> 00:19:58.400 you know what she said? 00:19:59.279 --> 00:19:59.720 She said, 00:19:59.779 --> 00:20:01.139 well I need to remind you 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:02.079 I need that list. 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:03.400 You know what list she wanted? 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:06.900 The entire membership list 00:20:06.900 --> 00:20:07.619 of Southwood. 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:09.720 You only gave me part 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.400 last time. 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:12.220 I pray for each one of them 00:20:12.220 --> 00:20:12.879 by name. 00:20:13.019 --> 00:20:16.299 Most of you don't know Delilah 00:20:16.299 --> 00:20:18.379 but she prays for you 00:20:18.379 --> 00:20:19.460 by name. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:22.099 And you need that. 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:24.339 I need that. 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:26.400 I need to know 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:27.680 that she's praying for me 00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:29.019 and I need her prayers. 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:30.139 What a great encouragement 00:20:30.139 --> 00:20:30.680 that is. 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:32.259 Even if you don't know her 00:20:32.259 --> 00:20:33.660 we need prayer. 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:34.619 We need people 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:36.139 who point us to God's word. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.180 We need people 00:20:37.180 --> 00:20:38.639 who show up in our lives 00:20:38.639 --> 00:20:39.700 to encourage us 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.940 for the sake of the gospel. 00:20:41.420 --> 00:20:42.920 We're not okay on our own. 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:44.019 We're not just strong enough 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.900 to power through. 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:47.880 We need gospel partnership. 00:20:50.740 --> 00:20:51.820 And so do others. 00:20:54.460 --> 00:20:55.700 Your spouse needs it. 00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:58.240 Your kids need it. 00:20:58.640 --> 00:20:59.700 Your friends need it. 00:20:59.700 --> 00:21:01.100 Your pastor needs it. 00:21:01.300 --> 00:21:03.300 Your search committee needs it. 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:04.740 Were you listening to Tripp? 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:07.139 Thank you for your honesty. 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:09.799 Y'all led us in that 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:10.759 through this season. 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:12.720 Grace Crawford wrote 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.740 in the issue of branches 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:15.779 that will be in your mailbox 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:16.519 this weekend 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:17.220 or this week. 00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:19.220 She's another search committee member. 00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:19.759 She says, 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:20.700 why am I grateful 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.879 to you all? 00:21:22.140 --> 00:21:23.240 Because you've provided 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:24.420 much needed support 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:25.220 with your prayers, 00:21:25.420 --> 00:21:25.720 emails, 00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:26.500 recommendations 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.799 and words of encouragement. 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:29.619 The weight that we feel 00:21:29.619 --> 00:21:30.160 is heavy 00:21:30.160 --> 00:21:31.140 and yet you continue 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:31.940 to remind us 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:33.259 this is God's sovereign will 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:33.960 not ours. 00:21:34.319 --> 00:21:35.299 He knows Southwood 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.279 and loves her dearly. 00:21:36.700 --> 00:21:37.619 This is his church 00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:38.680 and we remain confident 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.660 that he will continue 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:40.519 to bless us, 00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:41.240 keep us 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:42.539 and forever make his face 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.619 shine upon us. 00:21:44.140 --> 00:21:46.039 Thank you for reaching out to us 00:21:46.039 --> 00:21:47.539 as your words and prayers 00:21:47.539 --> 00:21:48.420 have been tremendous 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.799 in feeding our spirits 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:51.519 and she finishes this way, 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:53.000 please continue. 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:55.759 While progress continues 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.319 to be made, 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:57.420 the heaviness is real 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:58.519 and Satan has attacked 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.519 in various ways 00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:01.019 attempting to distract 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:02.460 and deter from God's will. 00:22:02.879 --> 00:22:03.740 As we move forward 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.879 in these final stages, 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:05.740 your prayers, 00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:07.039 support and encouragement 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:08.440 are needed more than ever. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:10.680 To say again 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:11.980 what Tripp just told you 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:13.200 in the announcement. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:14.940 Pray for them, 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:15.920 partner with them, 00:22:15.980 --> 00:22:17.180 you get to be a part of it. 00:22:17.539 --> 00:22:18.519 And it's not just 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:19.379 the search committee. 00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:21.519 Who needs your gospel 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.720 partnership this week? 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:25.259 Who needs you to pray for them 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:26.619 and also needs to know 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:28.420 that you're praying for them? 00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:30.639 Who needs you to talk football 00:22:30.639 --> 00:22:32.539 or kids with them 00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:34.759 and also show them God's word? 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:37.200 Encourage them from his word. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:39.480 Who needs you to show up? 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:41.200 Just to show up. 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:42.779 How many times in your life 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:44.659 has the most encouraging 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:46.060 and helpful person 00:22:46.060 --> 00:22:47.640 in a difficult situation 00:22:47.640 --> 00:22:48.220 been the one 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:49.660 who didn't say a single word? 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:52.700 Has that happened in your life? 00:22:53.220 --> 00:22:54.500 The most helpful person 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.279 of all the people 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:57.279 who wanted to engage with you, 00:22:57.340 --> 00:22:58.360 the one who just came 00:22:58.360 --> 00:22:59.220 and hugged you, 00:23:00.400 --> 00:23:00.960 held you, 00:23:01.400 --> 00:23:02.259 cried with you? 00:23:03.259 --> 00:23:04.440 How many times is that 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:05.720 how God brought encouragement 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:07.160 into your life? 00:23:07.440 --> 00:23:08.800 What a great encouragement that is. 00:23:08.860 --> 00:23:09.920 Who needs it from you? 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:11.940 Is there a loved one 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:13.900 hurting and grieving? 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.960 Is there a friend battling 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:17.800 through the pain 00:23:17.800 --> 00:23:19.240 and loneliness of divorce? 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:22.820 Is there a mission partner here 00:23:22.820 --> 00:23:23.920 or around the globe 00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:25.039 feeling overwhelmed? 00:23:26.360 --> 00:23:28.019 The gospel partnership, 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:30.039 people locking arms 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:31.600 and working together 00:23:31.600 --> 00:23:32.740 for the sake of the kingdom 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:34.120 is so much what God 00:23:34.120 --> 00:23:35.160 has called the church to. 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:36.860 It's so much who we are 00:23:36.860 --> 00:23:39.160 that we want to make it easy for you. 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:41.140 It's so important to us 00:23:41.140 --> 00:23:41.840 as a church. 00:23:42.300 --> 00:23:43.440 You don't have to go 00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:45.340 30 steps outside 00:23:45.340 --> 00:23:46.680 the doors of this room 00:23:46.680 --> 00:23:48.840 to find out what's going on 00:23:48.840 --> 00:23:49.779 and how you can pray 00:23:49.779 --> 00:23:50.980 for every single one 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:51.600 of our local 00:23:51.600 --> 00:23:52.960 and global mission partners. 00:23:53.080 --> 00:23:53.580 Did you know that? 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.340 Every one of them. 00:23:55.540 --> 00:23:57.200 There's a wall right out there. 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:58.680 It says express grace over it. 00:23:58.759 --> 00:24:00.120 It's our mission partner wall. 00:24:01.060 --> 00:24:02.100 You can go there 00:24:02.100 --> 00:24:04.200 and it's really served up for you. 00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:05.840 You can watch a video about them. 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:07.620 There's postcards 00:24:07.619 --> 00:24:09.739 and you can write them a note. 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:11.159 Send it around the world 00:24:11.159 --> 00:24:12.279 and you don't have to leave 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:12.899 this building. 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:14.019 30 steps, I counted. 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:16.299 You can go over there. 00:24:16.459 --> 00:24:17.659 We'll take care of the stamp. 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:18.599 There's pens. 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:19.299 There's notes. 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:21.019 And you can send it to them 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.479 and encourage them 00:24:22.479 --> 00:24:24.319 and have partnership with them 00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:25.079 in what they're doing. 00:24:27.179 --> 00:24:28.379 Where would God send you 00:24:28.379 --> 00:24:29.259 to be a Tychicus? 00:24:29.699 --> 00:24:31.319 To carry His word of encouragement 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.739 to someone who needs it. 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:34.519 What a great gift 00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:35.960 that God has called us 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:37.019 not into isolation, 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:38.859 not as individual people 00:24:38.859 --> 00:24:39.940 who are now on our own 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:40.880 to figure things out, 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:41.900 but into community 00:24:41.900 --> 00:24:43.059 with others 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:44.880 serving Him. 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:46.519 Daily reinforcements 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.440 in the battle. 00:24:49.120 --> 00:24:50.079 But that's not all 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:51.500 that this passage references. 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:53.140 There are daily reinforcements 00:24:53.140 --> 00:24:54.440 in gospel partnership. 00:24:55.359 --> 00:24:57.079 There are eternal reinforcements 00:24:57.079 --> 00:24:58.299 in gospel promises. 00:24:58.660 --> 00:24:59.720 Look at verse 23. 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:03.380 Peace be to the brothers 00:25:03.380 --> 00:25:05.400 and love with faith 00:25:05.400 --> 00:25:06.420 from God the Father 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:07.819 and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:09.339 Grace be with all 00:25:09.339 --> 00:25:11.100 who love our Lord Jesus Christ 00:25:11.100 --> 00:25:13.339 with love incorruptible. 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:15.900 Paul concludes with a benediction, 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:18.220 a good word of blessing 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.259 for God's people. 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.620 And the whole point 00:25:20.620 --> 00:25:21.640 of a benediction 00:25:21.640 --> 00:25:23.019 is that these gifts 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:24.420 and promises are lasting, 00:25:24.880 --> 00:25:26.420 that they're eternal resources 00:25:26.420 --> 00:25:28.019 of encouragement and hope 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:29.579 for God's people. 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:31.460 They're gifts and blessings 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:33.360 now in many ways, 00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:34.539 but especially 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:35.839 they're eternal promises. 00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:37.960 Maybe if you're writing a hymn, 00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:39.500 you'd say strength for today 00:25:39.500 --> 00:25:41.539 and bright hope for tomorrow 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:44.079 would be good words to use. 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:46.500 Notice the last word 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:48.640 in this verse, incorruptible. 00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:51.799 It's a really significant word, 00:25:51.880 --> 00:25:52.620 but it's a little hard 00:25:52.620 --> 00:25:53.559 to know where it fits 00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:54.299 in this verse. 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:56.579 It means something that lasts, 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.000 something that's immortal, 00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:59.680 something that never decays. 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:02.180 Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 15 00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:04.180 to talk about our resurrection bodies. 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:05.460 They'll be glorious 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:06.380 and that will last 00:26:06.380 --> 00:26:07.380 and not break down 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:08.960 like these bodies. 00:26:09.359 --> 00:26:10.539 Something that won't decay, 00:26:10.660 --> 00:26:12.240 that'll never end. 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:15.400 And it fits in this verse 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:17.039 equally well with grace 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:18.099 and with love. 00:26:18.920 --> 00:26:20.339 And translators and commentators 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:22.380 disagree on where to put it 00:26:22.380 --> 00:26:23.359 and how to understand it. 00:26:23.619 --> 00:26:24.180 Let me tell you, 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:25.120 the net of that 00:26:25.120 --> 00:26:26.680 is actually the same thing. 00:26:27.680 --> 00:26:29.560 Because Paul is not saying, 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:30.740 when we talk about 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.960 love incorruptible, 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:33.960 Paul is not saying this. 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:36.000 Grace will be 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.759 and will come 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.820 to all those 00:26:37.820 --> 00:26:39.460 whose love is strong enough 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:41.220 that it never fails, 00:26:41.360 --> 00:26:43.700 that you never let Jesus down, 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:46.120 that your love never wanes, 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:47.519 that it's strong to the end. 00:26:47.900 --> 00:26:49.340 Anybody who does that, 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:51.039 those people will get grace. 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:54.819 Grace, that's not what Paul is saying. 00:26:55.819 --> 00:26:56.759 That can't be the meaning. 00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.159 Why? 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.119 First of all, 00:26:58.159 --> 00:27:00.119 because that's not what grace means. 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:02.079 Grace is not something 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:04.379 I have to perform well enough to earn. 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:08.019 Grace is an unmerited gift. 00:27:09.139 --> 00:27:11.299 Secondly, that can't be the right way 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:12.119 to understand it 00:27:12.119 --> 00:27:14.099 because the whole book of Ephesians 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:14.960 has been telling us 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:16.119 it's God's love 00:27:16.119 --> 00:27:18.359 that is so beyond measure, 00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:20.139 so without end, 00:27:20.579 --> 00:27:21.539 is so perfect. 00:27:21.699 --> 00:27:22.439 It's His love, 00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:24.799 not ours that's described that way. 00:27:25.199 --> 00:27:26.379 This is not about 00:27:26.379 --> 00:27:28.119 the quality of our love, 00:27:28.319 --> 00:27:29.679 but about the permanence 00:27:29.679 --> 00:27:31.019 of God's blessing. 00:27:31.719 --> 00:27:32.859 And so the reason 00:27:32.859 --> 00:27:33.959 the word incorruptible 00:27:33.959 --> 00:27:35.659 still works right here with love, 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:37.139 the reason it can be 00:27:37.139 --> 00:27:38.619 love that doesn't decay, 00:27:38.819 --> 00:27:40.379 is that it works with both of them. 00:27:41.159 --> 00:27:43.359 It's eternal grace and love. 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:45.259 God's eternal, 00:27:45.679 --> 00:27:46.839 never-ending grace 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.939 rescues us 00:27:47.939 --> 00:27:49.779 and gives us a love 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:50.720 for our Savior 00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:51.839 that will indeed last 00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:52.399 through eternity, 00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:52.819 won't it? 00:27:53.399 --> 00:27:55.039 Because of what He's done for us, 00:27:55.179 --> 00:27:56.939 we will indeed love Him forever. 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:59.859 It will not fade away. 00:28:00.639 --> 00:28:02.059 Not because we never fail, 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:04.339 but because He never fails. 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:06.099 Because the resources of His grace 00:28:06.099 --> 00:28:06.959 never run out. 00:28:07.419 --> 00:28:09.319 Because the reinforcements for us 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:10.439 are eternal. 00:28:10.859 --> 00:28:12.039 That's His promise. 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:15.639 So in addition to love, 00:28:15.819 --> 00:28:17.399 Paul offers the blessing of God 00:28:17.399 --> 00:28:19.759 in his two favorite words for this 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.659 throughout his letters. 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.180 He started this letter 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:23.319 with these two things. 00:28:23.839 --> 00:28:25.639 Grace and peace. 00:28:27.639 --> 00:28:28.559 When they're from God, 00:28:28.659 --> 00:28:30.139 they're more than mere well wishes. 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:31.240 Just a nice thing 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.960 at the end of the letter. 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:33.220 You know, be happy. 00:28:34.259 --> 00:28:34.980 Have a good day. 00:28:34.980 --> 00:28:38.819 They're promises of His blessing 00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:40.440 because they're coming from God. 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:42.960 Peace from the only one 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:44.100 who can truly offer it. 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.700 Peace already with Him 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:46.539 because of Jesus, 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:47.279 we've learned. 00:28:47.600 --> 00:28:48.360 And ultimately, 00:28:48.600 --> 00:28:49.039 one day, 00:28:49.160 --> 00:28:50.120 peace altogether 00:28:50.120 --> 00:28:51.160 because of Jesus. 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:53.720 We spoke of the encouragement 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:55.460 of a long-time friend 00:28:55.460 --> 00:28:56.320 coming back 00:28:56.320 --> 00:28:58.279 and spending an evening with them. 00:28:58.660 --> 00:29:00.120 What's better than those videos 00:29:00.120 --> 00:29:01.820 of a soldier coming back home 00:29:01.820 --> 00:29:02.600 to his family? 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:05.039 Is anything more encouraging 00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:06.340 and tear-inducing 00:29:06.340 --> 00:29:07.759 than seeing them surprise 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:08.779 their family members? 00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:11.440 Bring tears and shouts of joy? 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:15.299 All of those videos are special. 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:19.879 Imagine if instead of just that, 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:21.420 instead of just I'm home, 00:29:22.079 --> 00:29:23.519 the soldier after saying, 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:24.180 I'm home, 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:26.940 whispers in his loved one's ear, 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.599 for good. 00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.940 The war is over. 00:29:31.960 --> 00:29:33.559 How much more exciting is that? 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.960 How much more encouragement 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:36.680 and rejoicing happens there? 00:29:37.039 --> 00:29:38.860 And that's exactly what God says. 00:29:39.019 --> 00:29:39.960 Peace to you 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:42.220 for good. 00:29:43.400 --> 00:29:44.819 The war will be over 00:29:44.819 --> 00:29:46.579 and we'll be at peace. 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:49.500 What a great word of blessing 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:51.039 to the one who's struggling 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:51.759 and tiring 00:29:51.759 --> 00:29:53.579 in a battle against sin. 00:29:54.100 --> 00:29:55.579 Grace be with you. 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:57.539 Jesus has conquered 00:29:57.539 --> 00:29:59.259 even your sin. 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:01.620 Your God is at peace with you 00:30:01.619 --> 00:30:03.299 and one day you'll battle sin 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:03.959 no more. 00:30:06.119 --> 00:30:07.799 To the one who's feeling alone 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:09.639 in the battle against evil, 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:12.539 peace be to you. 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:13.699 Jesus has conquered. 00:30:14.119 --> 00:30:15.319 Don't forget what's true. 00:30:15.639 --> 00:30:17.179 You battle a defeated foe 00:30:17.179 --> 00:30:18.699 and God's still at work 00:30:18.699 --> 00:30:20.059 so the broken things 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:20.919 will be fixed. 00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:22.479 Justice will come. 00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:23.939 All will be made right 00:30:23.940 --> 00:30:25.600 because God is working 00:30:25.600 --> 00:30:26.660 alongside you. 00:30:27.140 --> 00:30:28.380 He stands with you. 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.400 You're not alone. 00:30:30.380 --> 00:30:32.440 Eternal reinforcements 00:30:32.440 --> 00:30:34.120 in the gospel promises 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:35.320 of God's benediction. 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.640 I hope that's what you hear 00:30:37.640 --> 00:30:38.299 every Sunday 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:40.220 at the end of our service. 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.680 I love the benediction. 00:30:42.480 --> 00:30:44.000 It's not a mere ritual 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:45.340 or formality 00:30:45.340 --> 00:30:46.840 that we say 00:30:46.840 --> 00:30:48.220 we gotta end somehow 00:30:48.220 --> 00:30:49.500 so we do this little thing 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:49.960 at the end. 00:30:50.900 --> 00:30:52.279 It's spiritual resources 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:53.820 for God's people. 00:30:53.940 --> 00:30:55.420 And it's always about 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:57.500 grace and peace. 00:30:58.320 --> 00:30:59.220 All the way back 00:30:59.220 --> 00:31:00.559 when God told His people 00:31:00.559 --> 00:31:01.880 to receive a benediction 00:31:01.880 --> 00:31:03.100 back in number 6, 00:31:03.580 --> 00:31:04.480 God told Moses 00:31:04.480 --> 00:31:05.860 that when Aaron the priest 00:31:05.860 --> 00:31:06.900 was going to speak 00:31:06.900 --> 00:31:08.380 blessing to his people 00:31:08.380 --> 00:31:09.400 he would say this, 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.360 say to them, 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:11.580 the Lord bless you 00:31:11.580 --> 00:31:12.340 and keep you. 00:31:12.660 --> 00:31:13.740 The Lord make His face 00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:14.860 to shine upon you 00:31:14.860 --> 00:31:16.700 and be gracious to you. 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:18.000 The Lord lift up 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:19.519 His countenance upon you 00:31:19.519 --> 00:31:20.480 and give you what? 00:31:21.360 --> 00:31:21.840 Peace. 00:31:22.380 --> 00:31:23.700 The Lord be gracious 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:24.519 to you 00:31:24.519 --> 00:31:25.880 and give you peace. 00:31:26.680 --> 00:31:27.500 That's the word 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.220 that He speaks 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:28.920 to His people. 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:29.799 God didn't say 00:31:29.799 --> 00:31:30.740 tell Aaron to do it 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.380 because something 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:32.240 has just happened 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:33.940 and they need this message. 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.299 God said this is how 00:31:35.299 --> 00:31:36.319 He should always 00:31:36.319 --> 00:31:37.840 bless my people. 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:40.220 Grace and peace. 00:31:40.360 --> 00:31:41.480 Those are present 00:31:41.480 --> 00:31:43.480 and eternal realities. 00:31:44.539 --> 00:31:45.580 Whatever words of God 00:31:45.580 --> 00:31:46.700 we use in the benediction, 00:31:46.860 --> 00:31:47.740 the call is not for us 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:48.640 to go do something. 00:31:49.080 --> 00:31:50.279 It's for us to sincerely 00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:52.299 receive God's blessing. 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:53.399 It's why I'll say 00:31:53.399 --> 00:31:54.299 lift up your heads 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:56.079 and receive the Lord's benediction. 00:31:56.779 --> 00:31:58.299 Look up and revel 00:31:58.299 --> 00:31:59.720 in that the love of God 00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:01.079 is exactly what we sang 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:02.259 about it being today. 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.859 That the grace of God 00:32:03.859 --> 00:32:05.299 in Jesus is as amazing 00:32:05.299 --> 00:32:06.480 as we talk about. 00:32:06.940 --> 00:32:08.379 That you're actually 00:32:08.379 --> 00:32:09.639 at peace with God. 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:11.180 That that's real and true 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:12.359 with the creator 00:32:12.359 --> 00:32:13.180 of the universe 00:32:13.180 --> 00:32:14.220 who's your Father. 00:32:15.259 --> 00:32:16.500 That's what's being spoken 00:32:16.500 --> 00:32:17.240 to you. 00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:19.460 A word from your heavenly Father. 00:32:19.460 --> 00:32:21.079 A gospel promise 00:32:21.079 --> 00:32:22.299 to encourage you 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:23.160 in your difficulty. 00:32:24.420 --> 00:32:25.700 To empower you 00:32:25.700 --> 00:32:26.480 in your weakness. 00:32:26.880 --> 00:32:28.019 To lift your eyes 00:32:28.019 --> 00:32:28.539 as it were 00:32:28.539 --> 00:32:30.079 to an eternal reality 00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:31.539 in the midst of a darkness 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:32.319 that you don't feel 00:32:32.319 --> 00:32:33.440 like you can see beyond. 00:32:36.120 --> 00:32:37.279 There's a guy in the Bible 00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:38.420 I really relate to. 00:32:39.079 --> 00:32:40.420 His name is Gehazi. 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:43.039 We're rolling on good names today. 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:43.880 First Tychicus, 00:32:44.019 --> 00:32:44.620 now Gehazi. 00:32:45.200 --> 00:32:46.940 Gehazi was Elisha's servant, 00:32:47.079 --> 00:32:48.240 the prophet Elisha. 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:50.220 And what happens 00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:51.539 in their story 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:53.000 is that the king of Syria 00:32:53.000 --> 00:32:54.480 gets tired of Elisha 00:32:54.480 --> 00:32:55.980 messing up his battle plans 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:57.920 by telling the army of Israel 00:32:57.920 --> 00:32:58.620 where he's going. 00:32:59.460 --> 00:33:00.279 And so he decides 00:33:00.279 --> 00:33:01.200 to send his army 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:02.160 to get that prophet. 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:05.200 And so as they come 00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:06.160 to the city therein, 00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:07.900 one morning Gehazi walks out 00:33:07.900 --> 00:33:08.880 to get the paper, 00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:09.599 so to speak. 00:33:10.099 --> 00:33:11.039 And he looks up 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:12.079 and this is what he sees. 00:33:13.279 --> 00:33:15.240 2 Kings 6 at verse 15. 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:17.000 When the servant 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:18.120 of the man of God 00:33:18.120 --> 00:33:19.279 rose early in the morning 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:19.859 and went out, 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:20.299 behold, 00:33:20.380 --> 00:33:21.460 an army with horses 00:33:21.460 --> 00:33:22.400 and chariots 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:23.900 was all around the city. 00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:25.900 And the servant said, 00:33:26.400 --> 00:33:27.240 Alas, 00:33:28.019 --> 00:33:28.819 my master, 00:33:29.140 --> 00:33:30.519 what shall we do? 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:33.099 He comes back in, 00:33:33.180 --> 00:33:34.259 wakes Elisha up 00:33:34.259 --> 00:33:34.839 and says, 00:33:35.099 --> 00:33:36.359 it's over. 00:33:37.620 --> 00:33:38.839 Let's give up. 00:33:39.640 --> 00:33:41.039 Let's turn in. 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:43.440 There's nothing else 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:44.299 for us to do. 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:45.619 It's only going to get worse 00:33:45.619 --> 00:33:45.920 from here. 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:46.940 It's just the two of us 00:33:46.940 --> 00:33:48.159 against all of them. 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:49.720 That's all I see. 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:52.059 I know that feeling. 00:33:52.139 --> 00:33:52.899 Do you know that feeling? 00:33:55.079 --> 00:33:56.180 Here's what happens 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:58.059 to Gehazi and Elisha. 00:33:58.619 --> 00:34:00.079 Elisha said to him, 00:34:00.599 --> 00:34:01.639 do not be afraid 00:34:01.639 --> 00:34:03.440 for those who are with us 00:34:03.440 --> 00:34:04.460 are more than those 00:34:04.460 --> 00:34:05.299 who are with them. 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:06.819 Gehazi's like, 00:34:06.859 --> 00:34:07.659 come outside. 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:09.639 You haven't seen yet. 00:34:09.639 --> 00:34:11.879 And so Elisha prays 00:34:11.879 --> 00:34:12.319 and says, 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:12.900 O Lord, 00:34:13.359 --> 00:34:14.960 please open his eyes 00:34:14.960 --> 00:34:16.319 that he may see. 00:34:16.679 --> 00:34:17.500 So the Lord opened 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:18.579 the eyes of the young man 00:34:18.579 --> 00:34:19.179 and he saw. 00:34:19.599 --> 00:34:20.039 And behold, 00:34:20.139 --> 00:34:21.739 the mountain was full 00:34:21.739 --> 00:34:22.319 of horses 00:34:22.319 --> 00:34:23.659 and chariots of fire 00:34:23.659 --> 00:34:25.900 all around Elisha. 00:34:26.719 --> 00:34:27.659 What happens? 00:34:28.879 --> 00:34:29.900 Elisha knows 00:34:29.900 --> 00:34:31.179 Gehazi doesn't see 00:34:31.179 --> 00:34:31.799 the reality 00:34:31.799 --> 00:34:33.460 of the reinforcements 00:34:33.460 --> 00:34:34.059 that they have. 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:35.500 The army of God 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:36.819 there with them. 00:34:37.059 --> 00:34:38.079 So he prays God 00:34:38.079 --> 00:34:38.699 would allow him 00:34:38.699 --> 00:34:40.019 to see what is true. 00:34:41.299 --> 00:34:42.339 And he does. 00:34:42.679 --> 00:34:43.639 And God delivers them. 00:34:45.039 --> 00:34:45.859 That's what happens 00:34:45.859 --> 00:34:47.159 in gospel partnership 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:48.559 when through others 00:34:48.559 --> 00:34:50.419 God sends reinforcements 00:34:50.419 --> 00:34:51.579 to encourage us 00:34:51.579 --> 00:34:52.779 that he's with us, 00:34:52.939 --> 00:34:54.059 that it is true. 00:34:54.259 --> 00:34:55.639 It's especially what happens 00:34:55.639 --> 00:34:56.759 in gospel promises 00:34:56.759 --> 00:34:59.000 when through God's blessing 00:34:59.000 --> 00:34:59.819 of grace 00:34:59.819 --> 00:35:00.859 and peace 00:35:00.859 --> 00:35:01.679 to his people, 00:35:01.899 --> 00:35:03.339 he opens our eyes 00:35:03.339 --> 00:35:04.819 to the reinforcements 00:35:04.819 --> 00:35:06.000 with us now 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:07.739 and always. 00:35:07.739 --> 00:35:09.780 He opens our eyes 00:35:09.780 --> 00:35:10.760 to and presses 00:35:10.760 --> 00:35:11.659 into our hearts 00:35:11.659 --> 00:35:12.860 what's really true. 00:35:13.599 --> 00:35:14.699 Lest we give up. 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:16.820 Lest we despair 00:35:16.820 --> 00:35:18.179 in our discouragement. 00:35:18.579 --> 00:35:19.460 We're not alone. 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:20.940 This is true. 00:35:21.260 --> 00:35:22.719 There's grace to you. 00:35:23.059 --> 00:35:24.039 There's peace 00:35:24.039 --> 00:35:24.639 in the midst 00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:25.880 of what you're going through. 00:35:26.360 --> 00:35:27.820 I'm in control 00:35:27.820 --> 00:35:29.380 and I'm with you. 00:35:29.920 --> 00:35:31.420 God has reinforcements 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:32.440 for the battle 00:35:32.440 --> 00:35:33.420 and the victory 00:35:33.420 --> 00:35:34.500 is his. 00:35:34.599 --> 00:35:34.820 Amen? 00:35:35.740 --> 00:35:36.460 Let's pray. 00:35:39.539 --> 00:35:40.579 Oh God, 00:35:41.200 --> 00:35:42.780 open our eyes 00:35:42.780 --> 00:35:44.099 that we would see 00:35:44.099 --> 00:35:44.920 like Gehazi. 00:35:46.680 --> 00:35:48.700 We so struggle 00:35:48.700 --> 00:35:51.500 with feeling alone, 00:35:51.760 --> 00:35:52.900 with feeling discouraged, 00:35:53.280 --> 00:35:54.860 with feeling outnumbered 00:35:54.860 --> 00:35:55.659 and overwhelmed 00:35:55.659 --> 00:35:58.720 and we often don't see 00:35:58.720 --> 00:35:59.420 the point. 00:36:00.680 --> 00:36:02.260 Why keep struggling? 00:36:03.420 --> 00:36:04.840 It's exhausting. 00:36:06.519 --> 00:36:07.880 Would you open our eyes 00:36:07.880 --> 00:36:08.940 that we would see 00:36:08.940 --> 00:36:11.019 you for who you are 00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:12.700 as the glorious 00:36:12.700 --> 00:36:14.220 king over all, 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:15.400 as the one 00:36:15.400 --> 00:36:16.940 who is caring for us 00:36:16.940 --> 00:36:17.559 and even, 00:36:18.240 --> 00:36:18.460 Father, 00:36:18.599 --> 00:36:19.300 holding us 00:36:19.300 --> 00:36:20.840 in the palm of your hand. 00:36:21.360 --> 00:36:22.639 Give us that vision 00:36:22.639 --> 00:36:23.200 of you 00:36:23.200 --> 00:36:25.200 that we would know 00:36:25.200 --> 00:36:26.559 that you're caring for us 00:36:26.559 --> 00:36:27.460 moment by moment 00:36:27.460 --> 00:36:28.720 in this life 00:36:28.720 --> 00:36:30.079 and that you have 00:36:30.079 --> 00:36:31.980 everything taken care of 00:36:31.980 --> 00:36:33.559 for the life to come. 00:36:33.679 --> 00:36:34.679 Give us great hope 00:36:34.679 --> 00:36:35.360 and encouragement 00:36:35.360 --> 00:36:36.320 because of that. 00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:37.539 May we trust you 00:36:37.539 --> 00:36:38.260 more today. 00:36:39.300 --> 00:36:40.199 In Jesus' name, 00:36:40.840 --> 00:36:41.079 Amen. 00:36:41.079 --> 00:36:41.260 Amen. 00:36:45.260 --> 00:36:46.420 For more information, 00:36:46.800 --> 00:36:47.699 visit us online 00:36:47.699 --> 00:36:49.000 at southwood.org.