WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.799 Good morning, church. Good morning, church. Turn with me to Proverbs chapter 9. 00:00:12.939 --> 00:00:19.160 Proverbs chapter 9 is found on page 533 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.600 Let's read this chapter together. 00:00:38.759 --> 00:00:45.960 Wisdom has built her house. She has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts. 00:00:46.140 --> 00:00:52.920 She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call 00:00:52.920 --> 00:00:58.079 from the highest places in the town. Whoever is simple, let him turn in here. 00:00:58.079 --> 00:01:05.739 To him who lacks sense, she says, come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 00:01:06.079 --> 00:01:13.239 Leave your simple ways and live and walk in the way of insight. Whoever corrects a scoffer 00:01:13.239 --> 00:01:20.539 gets himself abuse. And he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer or 00:01:20.539 --> 00:01:26.700 he will hate you. Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he 00:01:26.700 --> 00:01:33.340 will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord 00:01:33.340 --> 00:01:41.900 is the beginning of wisdom. And the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will 00:01:41.900 --> 00:01:47.719 be multiplied and years will be added to your life. If you're wise, you're wise for yourself. 00:01:47.719 --> 00:01:58.680 If you scoff, you alone will bear it. The woman folly is loud. She is seductive and knows nothing. 00:01:59.780 --> 00:02:05.659 She sits at the door of her house. She takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those 00:02:05.659 --> 00:02:13.659 who pass by, who are going straight on their way. Whoever is simple, let him turn in here. And to him 00:02:13.659 --> 00:02:22.759 who lacks sense, she says, stolen water is sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he does not 00:02:22.759 --> 00:02:31.180 know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol, of the grave. 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:37.099 Well, this morning we come to the end of the first section of Proverbs, chapters 1 through 9. And in most 00:02:37.099 --> 00:02:44.299 of this section we've heard the voice of a father speaking to his son. And his son is sort of a boy 00:02:44.299 --> 00:02:49.840 on his way to becoming a man, and the father is advising him and counseling him and warning him 00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:55.400 and directing him how to walk on the path of wisdom. And we've seen that behind the voice of 00:02:55.400 --> 00:03:00.840 the father in Proverbs, we hear the voice of God, our heavenly father, who is speaking to us as his sons 00:03:00.840 --> 00:03:07.140 and daughters guiding and disciplining and directing us. But in this concluding chapter, in chapter 9, 00:03:07.740 --> 00:03:14.620 it's not the father who's speaking, but we hear the voice of two women, wisdom and folly. 00:03:15.719 --> 00:03:23.280 The picture is as if the young man has left his father's house and is going out to establish his 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:29.039 life in the world. And he's walking down the street and he hears these two voices calling out to him 00:03:29.039 --> 00:03:35.419 from a house on either side of the street. Wisdom is calling out to him and folly is calling out to 00:03:35.419 --> 00:03:40.459 him. And they're both saying, come to my house, join me for dinner. And you know what? They're not 00:03:40.459 --> 00:03:47.319 just saying, come and get a bite to eat and go on your way. They're saying, come and live with me. 00:03:48.439 --> 00:03:53.539 Come and share intimate relations with me. Come and marry me, if you want to think about it that way. 00:03:53.539 --> 00:03:59.359 Now, the scene that Proverbs is painting here is perhaps particularly relevant if you're a young 00:03:59.359 --> 00:04:05.239 person, if you're somewhere transitioning from being a dependent child to a responsible adult, 00:04:05.719 --> 00:04:10.799 whether you're in high school and you're starting to spend more time out of the house with your 00:04:10.799 --> 00:04:16.300 friends or working a part-time job this summer or working this summer, perhaps. Maybe you're going 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:22.159 away to college or starting your first job or living on your own. And you must now make choices. 00:04:22.160 --> 00:04:29.340 And no one else will make those choices for you. And Proverbs is very relevant to that season of 00:04:29.340 --> 00:04:34.280 life, but it's not only relevant to young adults. It's also relevant to all of us as we walk through 00:04:34.280 --> 00:04:42.360 the journey of life. Don't we hear different voices calling out to us day by day saying, listen to me, 00:04:42.360 --> 00:04:50.400 come with me, come with me, trust me, follow me. And the question is, who will we listen to? 00:04:52.280 --> 00:04:56.720 Are we listening to the invitation of wisdom or are we listening to the invitation of folly? 00:04:57.060 --> 00:05:02.600 So this morning, I want to look at three aspects of the invitations that wisdom and folly present. 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:07.240 I want to look at the character of their invitations, the content of their invitations, 00:05:07.240 --> 00:05:13.100 and the consequence of their invitations. So first, the character of the invitations. 00:05:14.920 --> 00:05:18.939 I want to start with the character of wisdom's invitation in verses 1 to 4. 00:05:19.660 --> 00:05:25.560 But before I jump in, let me say a couple words about the fact that wisdom is portrayed here as a 00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:34.000 woman. Now, every so often, especially if you hang around Yale, you will hear people say that the 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:40.759 Bible has a low view of women, that the Bible reflects the male-dominated culture that it was 00:05:40.759 --> 00:05:46.120 written in. You know, isn't it true Eve led the human race into sin and so women should not be 00:05:46.120 --> 00:05:53.199 trusted? Isn't that what the Bible says about women? Well, the answer is no. And for one thing, 00:05:53.319 --> 00:05:59.519 throughout the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman. That's partly why Proverbs 00:05:59.519 --> 00:06:06.899 ends with chapter 31, the portrait of the excellent wife or the virtuous woman who opens her mouth with 00:06:06.899 --> 00:06:14.939 wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She is someone whom the Son in this book 00:06:14.939 --> 00:06:21.919 is instructed to pursue and to embrace, to become intimately involved with and deeply shaped by. 00:06:22.740 --> 00:06:29.139 If the Bible writers believed that men were inherently wiser than women, they would never portray 00:06:29.139 --> 00:06:35.800 the divine attribute of wisdom as a woman. And yet, Proverbs does. Now, of course, Proverbs has no 00:06:35.800 --> 00:06:40.339 illusions that women are always wiser than men either. Folly is also portrayed here as a woman. 00:06:42.279 --> 00:06:47.259 And it's not only in the book of Proverbs where wisdom, the figure of woman wisdom appears. 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:55.000 Jesus himself refers to this proverbial figure. For example, in Luke chapter 735, Jesus says, 00:06:55.000 --> 00:07:00.899 wisdom is justified by all her children. Now, the interesting thing is, in that verse, 00:07:00.980 --> 00:07:07.759 in the context of that verse, Jesus is actually speaking about himself. The woman wisdom, this 00:07:07.759 --> 00:07:15.980 personification in Proverbs, points us forward to Jesus Christ in an important way. She embodies the 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:21.019 character of Jesus. Now, woman wisdom is not identical with Jesus. We don't worship woman wisdom. 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:26.180 Neither do we worship Moses or David or other Old Testament characters or figures who pointed 00:07:26.180 --> 00:07:31.859 forward to Jesus. But the point is, the Bible has a very honoring view of women. And this is just one 00:07:31.859 --> 00:07:37.579 example of that. So having dealt with that, let's consider the character of wisdom's invitation. 00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:44.240 In particular, what we see here in verses 1 to 3 is that wisdom is a very hard-working woman. 00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:52.400 Look at all that she does. Wisdom has built her house. And you know, her house is not just a 00:07:52.400 --> 00:07:59.040 little shack by the side of the road. It says it has seven pillars. She has hewn, she has carved out 00:07:59.040 --> 00:08:05.560 these seven pillars. Now, normal houses did not have pillars. This means this is a palace or even a 00:08:05.560 --> 00:08:12.939 temple. It's a building of solid and magnificent construction. She has slaughtered her beasts. Again, 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:18.219 in the ancient world, you don't have meat for dinner every night. Meat was a luxury. This means 00:08:18.219 --> 00:08:24.920 it's a royal feast. It's a special occasion. And wisdom has prepared a special royal feast for her 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:30.579 guests. She has mixed her wine. That doesn't mean she's watered it down. It means she's mixed it with 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:37.019 honey or spices to make it fragrant and sweet. She has set her table, prepared a place for her honored 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:42.419 guests. She has sent out her young women, that is her followers or her disciples, to call out 00:08:42.419 --> 00:08:49.839 verse 3. Verse 3 could also be translated, she has sent out her young women. She calls out from the 00:08:49.839 --> 00:08:55.399 highest places of the town. In other words, wisdom is calling out through her ambassadors, inviting 00:08:55.399 --> 00:09:03.659 people to come into her house. Wisdom has done all this work to build her house and prepare a great 00:09:03.659 --> 00:09:07.419 feast and invite her honored guests, but then look at who she invites to the feast. 00:09:07.419 --> 00:09:15.679 Whoever is simple, let him turn in here. And to him who lacks sense, she says, come. 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:22.939 Now, the word simple in the book of Proverbs, it doesn't mean what we usually think it means. 00:09:23.819 --> 00:09:28.159 It doesn't mean just someone who's sort of happy with, you know, the basics in life and content. 00:09:28.159 --> 00:09:37.299 And the word simple in Proverbs means naive or gullible or irresponsible or immature or aimless. 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:44.639 It's connected to the verb deceive or seduce. It means someone who's easily led astray, easily deceived. 00:09:46.339 --> 00:09:53.639 So when you read simple in Proverbs, think immature or irresponsible or easily deceived. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:58.139 And this is who wisdom invites into her house. 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:03.840 And then she invites those who lack sense, that is, those who lack understanding, those who lack 00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:13.980 discernment. Isn't this a striking contrast? A royal feast prepared for undeserving and unremarkable guests. 00:10:15.600 --> 00:10:20.220 Now consider the character of Folly's invitation in verse 13 through 16. 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:26.120 Now, one thing is the same. The invitation is issued to the same group of people. 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:30.019 Verse 16, to the simple and those lacking sense. 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:35.040 Both wisdom and folly are calling out to the same group of people. 00:10:36.180 --> 00:10:42.000 And the assumption here, by the way, is that none of us are born wise. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:52.059 We all start out in life simple and lacking sense that is easily deceived, immature, and irresponsible. 00:10:53.539 --> 00:10:56.039 That's the nature we're born with in this fallen world. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:11:02.600 And if we just follow the natural course of our nature, our human desires, our immaturity leads us into folly. 00:11:03.440 --> 00:11:07.240 Proverbs 14, 18 says, the simple acquire folly. 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:11.500 Proverbs also says, folly is bound up in the heart of a child. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:14.639 That's the natural progression that we follow. 00:11:16.799 --> 00:11:21.460 And folly in Proverbs is not just being immature and irresponsible and easily deceived. 00:11:21.639 --> 00:11:23.179 Folly is a more settled condition. 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:28.120 It means being stubborn and unrestrained and unteachable. 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:33.500 It's a more hardened and more permanent condition. 00:11:33.500 --> 00:11:39.480 Now, wisdom and folly both extend their invitations to the same group of people. 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:42.759 But unlike wisdom, consider the character of folly. 00:11:44.200 --> 00:11:48.539 Folly has not diligently built her house and prepared a meal for her guests. 00:11:50.340 --> 00:11:51.919 What is the woman folly doing? 00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:55.860 She's lounging around and mouthing off. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:12:00.979 She's just sitting there, verse 14, at the door of her house. 00:12:02.659 --> 00:12:05.219 And she's loud, verse 13. 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:11.299 Now, this is not a general criticism of people who speak with a high volume. 00:12:12.719 --> 00:12:13.019 Okay? 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:14.639 We're all right here. 00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:15.319 Okay? 00:12:15.799 --> 00:12:16.399 You know? 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:20.319 The half Italian side of me, we like to speak with a loud volume. 00:12:21.199 --> 00:12:21.600 All right? 00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:26.740 The word loud is used for a chaotic and disturbing kind of noise. 00:12:26.819 --> 00:12:29.819 In other words, it's saying folly's always making a commotion. 00:12:30.699 --> 00:12:32.879 She's stirring up a racket. 00:12:32.879 --> 00:12:39.259 She's sort of creating chaos. 00:12:40.799 --> 00:12:43.700 Then it says she's seductive and knows nothing. 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:49.220 I think perhaps she doesn't even… 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:52.600 She's not even fully aware of her own foolishness. 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:54.159 Right? 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:58.679 She's seductive and she's not even fully aware of it. 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:01.759 And that's the nature of folly or sin in the Bible. 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:02.519 It isn't true. 00:13:02.600 --> 00:13:03.580 It makes us blind. 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:13.139 Sin makes us blind to our own faults and blind to our own pride and blind to the ways that we hurt others. 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:17.299 Deceiving others and being deceived in ourselves all at the same time. 00:13:17.419 --> 00:13:22.100 We think we're always in the right when really we might be quite far in the wrong. 00:13:22.600 --> 00:13:23.860 That's the nature of folly. 00:13:25.559 --> 00:13:27.200 So folly's causing chaos. 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:30.059 She's deceiving and being deceived and she does nothing productive. 00:13:31.759 --> 00:13:39.139 Wisdom has built her house, made her bread, mixed her wine, slaughtered her beasts, set her table, organized the invitations. 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:40.819 Folly has done none of those things. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:47.539 And the only thing she offers in verse 17 is something that is not rightfully hers to give. 00:13:49.080 --> 00:13:50.960 So that's the character of the invitations. 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:57.400 Now let's consider, secondly, the content of the invitations. 00:13:58.220 --> 00:14:00.740 Go back to wisdom's invitation, verse 5 and 6. 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:06.100 In verse 5 we see that wisdom's invitation is free and generous. 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:09.980 The first thing she says is, come, eat, drink. 00:14:11.160 --> 00:14:16.500 Wisdom has prepared this royal feast and she invites people who are immature and irresponsible and easily deceived. 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:18.759 And she says, eat my bread. 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:20.100 Drink my wine. 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:21.120 I've made it for you. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:23.279 I've prepared for it all. 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:24.600 I've paid for it all. 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:26.240 This is not a potluck. 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:27.659 You don't need to bring anything. 00:14:28.279 --> 00:14:29.399 There's no entrance fee. 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:30.919 There are no prerequisites. 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:32.360 There's no admissions test. 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:34.299 Whoever is simple, let him just come. 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:35.159 Turn in here. 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:36.559 Whosoever will may come. 00:14:36.559 --> 00:14:43.099 This is a free and joyous and gracious feast and all may come. 00:14:44.599 --> 00:14:46.959 You are invited. 00:14:50.839 --> 00:15:02.819 But also, if you look down at verse 6, her free and gracious invitation is accompanied by a call that can sometimes feel costly and difficult. 00:15:04.579 --> 00:15:06.419 Leave your simple ways. 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:07.959 And live. 00:15:08.839 --> 00:15:10.779 And walk in the way of insight. 00:15:12.099 --> 00:15:14.479 In other words, wisdom says, come as you are. 00:15:14.839 --> 00:15:15.699 Come to the feast. 00:15:16.079 --> 00:15:21.059 But if you come to my feast, you will not say, you will not remain just as you are. 00:15:21.739 --> 00:15:23.399 I've come to meet you right where you are. 00:15:23.479 --> 00:15:24.439 I love you that much. 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:28.179 But I love you too much to let you simply stay right where you are. 00:15:29.479 --> 00:15:30.739 Leave your simple ways. 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:31.939 Walk in the way of insight. 00:15:32.059 --> 00:15:34.019 This is a call to conversion, to repentance. 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:40.319 What the Bible calls turning from sin and following Christ. 00:15:41.559 --> 00:15:44.819 To leave behind immature and irresponsible ways. 00:15:44.960 --> 00:15:47.000 To launch out on the path of insight. 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:53.539 And verse 10 says the path of insight is characterized by knowledge of the Holy One. 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:58.059 That is by a living relationship with God Himself. 00:15:58.059 --> 00:16:02.419 And you know, sometimes that can feel very intimidating. 00:16:04.019 --> 00:16:08.779 You know, some of you might be just hearing this message or just starting to follow Christ. 00:16:08.919 --> 00:16:11.500 And doesn't that sometimes feel really intimidating? 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:16.100 To walk with the Holy One. 00:16:17.059 --> 00:16:20.240 To leave behind the familiar old habits. 00:16:20.320 --> 00:16:21.759 Even if you know they're bad habits. 00:16:21.799 --> 00:16:24.059 And you know you really should and want to get rid of them. 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:25.279 But they're familiar. 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:28.559 And they've been part of your life for so long. 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.519 And they give you comfort. 00:16:29.700 --> 00:16:31.259 And they make you feel at ease. 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:33.820 And God's saying, leave those behind. 00:16:34.940 --> 00:16:36.179 And that feels hard. 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:37.080 It feels costly. 00:16:37.080 --> 00:16:40.879 It's also a call to leave behind former associations. 00:16:41.180 --> 00:16:42.520 And commit to a new community. 00:16:43.020 --> 00:16:47.320 The beginning of verse 6 can also be translated, leave the company of the simple. 00:16:49.020 --> 00:16:52.600 And Proverbs talks a lot about the importance of growing in wisdom as part of a community. 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:56.620 It's not something, it's not a path that you just walk solo. 00:16:57.860 --> 00:17:00.759 Proverbs says, he who walks with the wise grows wise. 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:02.080 But a companion of fools. 00:17:03.180 --> 00:17:05.360 If you hang out with fools all day, you will suffer harm. 00:17:07.079 --> 00:17:11.480 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:15.839 And so Proverbs is, and again, that can feel intimidating, right? 00:17:15.919 --> 00:17:17.339 You walk into a church. 00:17:17.419 --> 00:17:20.519 I mean, I know how I feel as a pastor of a church. 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:23.439 If I just happen to visit another church that I've never been to before. 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:25.759 And I'm used to being in church. 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:27.980 So I understand it can feel intimidating. 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.819 Especially if you've never been in church. 00:17:30.619 --> 00:17:33.819 And we talk about joining a small group or coming to a Sunday school class. 00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:35.460 And you think, I don't know. 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:40.259 You know, or praying with another Christian, like out loud, really? 00:17:42.100 --> 00:17:43.039 I get it. 00:17:43.880 --> 00:17:45.220 It can feel intimidating. 00:17:45.400 --> 00:17:46.180 It feels new. 00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:50.360 But that's what wisdom is calling us into, a new community. 00:17:51.360 --> 00:17:52.980 Where we're walking together. 00:17:54.340 --> 00:17:56.360 And seeking to grow in wisdom together. 00:17:56.359 --> 00:18:00.039 Now look down at verse 8 and 9. 00:18:00.159 --> 00:18:06.859 These verses show us that walking in the path of wisdom looks like humbly receiving correction and instruction from others. 00:18:07.899 --> 00:18:08.599 Verse 8. 00:18:08.979 --> 00:18:09.379 Reprove. 00:18:10.439 --> 00:18:12.000 Well, that means rebuke or correct. 00:18:12.099 --> 00:18:13.759 A wise man and he will love you. 00:18:15.399 --> 00:18:21.119 In other words, wisdom isn't so much about being knowledgeable as it is about being teachable. 00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:32.839 Wisdom isn't just grudgingly accepting correction when you're backed into a corner and you know you're dead wrong and you can't weasel out of it. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:41.279 Wisdom means an eager willingness to listen and learn from others even when you think that you're mostly or completely in the right. 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:46.299 Some people are very knowledgeable. 00:18:47.559 --> 00:18:50.720 You can be very knowledgeable even about the Bible and theology. 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:56.339 But that's not always the same thing as being humble and teachable. 00:18:58.160 --> 00:19:02.259 And if you're very knowledgeable but not teachable, according to Proverbs, you are not wise. 00:19:05.160 --> 00:19:06.279 But let's be honest. 00:19:07.579 --> 00:19:10.899 Cultivating a teachable spirit does not come naturally to most of us. 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:15.580 How many of you are honestly eager for someone to rebuke and correct you? 00:19:15.660 --> 00:19:16.480 Raise your hand high. 00:19:17.780 --> 00:19:21.259 And everybody else take notice of who those people are. 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:23.080 Right? 00:19:23.180 --> 00:19:25.480 I mean, I know I have a ways to go. 00:19:26.560 --> 00:19:29.060 Many times I don't respond well when I'm criticized. 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:36.360 But I can look back on many times in my life when someone has spoken a hard word to me in love. 00:19:37.100 --> 00:19:38.519 And I'm thankful they did. 00:19:40.900 --> 00:19:45.680 Because even if I didn't respond well right away, I'm a better man today because of it. 00:19:48.280 --> 00:19:51.280 So wisdom is about being open to receive correction. 00:19:51.400 --> 00:19:55.380 But it's also about being open and desiring to receive instruction. 00:19:55.580 --> 00:19:56.040 Verse 9. 00:19:56.780 --> 00:19:59.400 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser. 00:20:00.400 --> 00:20:01.380 Teach a righteous man. 00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:02.800 He will increase in learning. 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:08.819 In other words, being teachable is not just a phase in life that you go through as a child or as a young adult. 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:11.599 And then you become an adult and you know everything. 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:13.099 No! 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:19.059 Teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning all the way to the end of his days. 00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:26.379 Now, every once in a while, I have spoken to an older Christian. 00:20:27.559 --> 00:20:30.119 Someone who's been around the church for years and years. 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:32.440 Longer than I have. 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:34.899 And they've become jaded. 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:37.319 And they say things like, 00:20:37.319 --> 00:20:41.819 I've heard so many sermons I don't really need to hear anymore. 00:20:42.939 --> 00:20:46.319 I'm not really going to learn anything that I don't already know. 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:49.679 I've sat in so many Bible studies. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:51.519 I'm not interested in those anymore. 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:55.500 Maybe I'll come to church once a month. 00:20:56.319 --> 00:20:57.279 That's about it. 00:20:57.279 --> 00:21:03.159 And if it's too hot and the church has no AC, forget about it. 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:07.160 Brother, sister, 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:11.160 if that reflects your attitude, 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:15.460 let me be the first to acknowledge that the church has often fallen short, 00:21:16.740 --> 00:21:17.720 including the sermons. 00:21:19.380 --> 00:21:22.380 But if you think that you have nothing more to learn 00:21:22.380 --> 00:21:26.480 from God's holy and inspired Word, 00:21:26.820 --> 00:21:29.340 written for our instruction and our correction, 00:21:29.339 --> 00:21:34.199 you have fallen into sinful arrogance and self-reliance. 00:21:35.159 --> 00:21:38.939 And you do not fit this chapter's description of a wise person 00:21:38.939 --> 00:21:40.639 who wants to add to their learning. 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:44.959 It's not just about, is the preacher smarter than you? 00:21:45.019 --> 00:21:46.159 He might not be. 00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:48.839 But are you listening to the voice of God Himself 00:21:48.839 --> 00:21:51.319 speaking to you through the preacher 00:21:51.319 --> 00:21:54.079 and through your brothers and sisters in Christ? 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:57.819 1 Thessalonians 2.13 says, 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:59.679 When you received the Word of God, 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:01.500 which you heard from us, 00:22:02.279 --> 00:22:04.819 you accepted it not as the Word of men, 00:22:05.639 --> 00:22:09.619 but as what it really is, the Word of God, 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:13.599 which is at work in you who believe. 00:22:15.419 --> 00:22:16.899 Now, some of you may be weary. 00:22:18.639 --> 00:22:21.240 Some of you may have endured ugly conflicts, 00:22:22.159 --> 00:22:23.059 silly debates, 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:26.619 and disappointing results in the church far more than I have. 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:28.639 But I know this. 00:22:29.179 --> 00:22:32.559 Jesus Christ has seen everything you have seen 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:34.019 and far more, 00:22:34.199 --> 00:22:36.399 and He still loves His church. 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:39.779 He still loves His bride with an undying love 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:41.419 and an unwavering loyalty, 00:22:41.419 --> 00:22:43.099 and He wants you to do the same. 00:22:43.439 --> 00:22:45.679 If you respect a man, you don't diss his wife. 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:48.579 And if you love Jesus, don't give up on His church. 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:51.299 And don't ever stop learning from His Word. 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:55.960 Let the wise listen and add to their learning. 00:22:58.659 --> 00:23:00.680 So that's the content of wisdom's invitation. 00:23:01.919 --> 00:23:03.180 It's free and generous, 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:03.980 but on the other hand, 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:06.139 it feels costly and difficult to us 00:23:06.139 --> 00:23:09.480 because it calls us to change and to humble ourselves. 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:15.680 By contrast, consider the content of folly's invitation. 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.500 Verse 17, 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:20.460 Stolen water is sweet. 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:23.420 Bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 00:23:25.099 --> 00:23:27.160 Do you notice that folly makes no demands? 00:23:29.720 --> 00:23:31.240 Folly says you don't have to change. 00:23:31.240 --> 00:23:36.480 You don't have to humble yourself and listen and learn. 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:38.440 Just come and indulge yourself. 00:23:38.579 --> 00:23:39.759 We're going to have a great time. 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:42.980 It all seems so easy at first 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:44.799 compared to the way of wisdom. 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:49.579 On the one hand, we should notice 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:52.279 the feast that folly offers 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.680 is nowhere near as good 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:55.660 as the feast that wisdom promises. 00:23:58.120 --> 00:23:59.859 Wisdom has prepared a royal feast, 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:00.759 meat and wine. 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:01.900 And bread. 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:04.000 Folly only promises bread and water. 00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:07.359 Sometimes we miss that. 00:24:09.519 --> 00:24:11.460 What the true God promises 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:14.420 is far richer and far better 00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:16.120 and far more enduring 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:18.039 than anything this world can offer. 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:22.180 And sometimes we miss that 00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:24.799 when we're listening to folly's invitation. 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:27.819 But even though the feast of folly 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:29.539 pales in comparison to wisdom, 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:33.079 the feast of folly still has a present 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:35.119 and immediate and perverse attraction. 00:24:36.819 --> 00:24:38.759 I mean, let's be honest with ourselves. 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:41.359 Ever since the Garden of Eden, 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:43.519 there's a very real attraction 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:46.460 to indulging in forbidden pleasures. 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:49.620 Whether it's binge eating, 00:24:49.620 --> 00:24:52.559 or drinking alone, 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:54.799 or using drugs, 00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:57.319 or masturbating, 00:24:57.680 --> 00:25:00.660 no one else can see me. 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:03.079 No one else knows. 00:25:03.900 --> 00:25:05.079 At least not now. 00:25:05.079 --> 00:25:07.759 And there's an initial high, 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.419 or a comfort, 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:09.980 or at least a numbing of the pain 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:11.839 that comes from secretly indulging 00:25:11.839 --> 00:25:13.259 in forbidden pleasures. 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:16.779 Now, the pleasure doesn't last very long, 00:25:17.579 --> 00:25:19.799 and then you're left either wanting more 00:25:19.799 --> 00:25:22.259 or disgusted with yourself 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:23.599 for what you've done. 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:26.219 But the pleasure is very real, 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:27.199 even if it's fleeting. 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:29.419 Our easily deceived hearts 00:25:29.419 --> 00:25:30.699 feel a perverse attraction 00:25:30.699 --> 00:25:31.819 to folly's promises. 00:25:34.419 --> 00:25:35.119 But you know, 00:25:35.159 --> 00:25:37.159 it's not just the base forbidden pleasures 00:25:37.159 --> 00:25:39.439 of folly that tempt us. 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:43.139 There are also more sophisticated forms 00:25:43.139 --> 00:25:43.839 of folly 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:45.500 that we can fall into. 00:25:46.659 --> 00:25:47.819 Verses 7 and 8 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:49.419 and verse 12 00:25:49.419 --> 00:25:50.579 refer to the scoffer. 00:25:50.579 --> 00:25:54.240 We might call him the cynic. 00:25:56.399 --> 00:25:58.059 The scoffer has no interest 00:25:58.059 --> 00:25:59.899 in being corrected or instructed. 00:26:00.119 --> 00:26:01.139 In fact, he dismisses 00:26:01.139 --> 00:26:02.220 or even retaliates 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:02.839 against people 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:04.480 who try to correct and instruct him. 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:06.099 He looks at others with disdain, 00:26:06.919 --> 00:26:09.079 those unenlightened ones. 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:12.559 He sneers and mocks. 00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:14.619 He's always skeptical. 00:26:14.799 --> 00:26:15.679 He's always questioning. 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:17.639 But his motive is not to learn the truth, 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:19.099 but simply to undermine 00:26:19.099 --> 00:26:20.879 what other people are saying. 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:22.039 Undermine. 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:23.679 Because in the end, 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:25.819 the scoffer is loyal only to himself. 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:29.439 And sometimes this kind of folly 00:26:29.439 --> 00:26:31.579 can appear in very sophisticated guises. 00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:36.059 It's prevalent in elite academic circles. 00:26:37.319 --> 00:26:39.000 If you walk in those circles, 00:26:39.219 --> 00:26:39.699 beware. 00:26:39.700 --> 00:26:42.779 You can be initiated 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:44.259 into the guild of scoffers 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:46.779 who are all in the know 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:50.100 and who know what everyone else 00:26:50.100 --> 00:26:52.279 in the world doesn't. 00:26:56.140 --> 00:26:57.180 So we see the content 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:58.400 of wisdom's invitation 00:26:58.400 --> 00:27:00.500 can seem at first costly and difficult, 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:02.340 and the content of folly's invitation 00:27:02.340 --> 00:27:03.779 seems at first easy 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.819 and pleasurable 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:05.940 and rewarding. 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:08.380 But finally, 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:09.580 we need to see the consequence 00:27:09.580 --> 00:27:11.880 of the invitations. 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:14.160 Not just the character 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:15.559 or the content, 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:16.320 but the consequence. 00:27:19.259 --> 00:27:21.120 If you accept wisdom's invitation, 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:23.360 and if you follow 00:27:23.360 --> 00:27:25.220 its costly and difficult path, 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.860 where will it lead you in the end? 00:27:28.580 --> 00:27:29.640 And verse 6 says, 00:27:30.600 --> 00:27:31.539 and verse 11 says, 00:27:31.600 --> 00:27:32.920 it will lead you to life. 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:35.200 Leave your simple ways 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:35.820 and live. 00:27:36.100 --> 00:27:37.080 Really live. 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:37.660 Verse 11, 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.680 for by me your days 00:27:38.680 --> 00:27:39.420 will be multiplied 00:27:39.420 --> 00:27:40.500 and years will be added 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:41.180 to your life. 00:27:43.060 --> 00:27:43.840 Proverbs says that 00:27:43.840 --> 00:27:44.880 following the path of wisdom 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.600 will add years, 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.000 days, 00:27:46.080 --> 00:27:47.100 and years to your life. 00:27:47.420 --> 00:27:48.720 And Jesus says even more. 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:50.620 Jesus says, 00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:51.420 if you follow me, 00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:52.539 if you take up your cross 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:53.300 and follow me, 00:27:54.080 --> 00:27:56.039 if you enter by the narrow gate 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:58.900 and walk on the hard way, 00:27:58.960 --> 00:27:59.840 it leads to life, 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:00.700 not just now, 00:28:00.700 --> 00:28:02.120 but eternally. 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:05.480 Following Jesus 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.799 leads to life and joy 00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:07.440 that will last 00:28:07.440 --> 00:28:08.519 for all eternity. 00:28:10.920 --> 00:28:11.880 This week I was talking 00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:12.319 to somebody 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:12.880 who was going through 00:28:12.880 --> 00:28:13.740 a really hard time. 00:28:14.620 --> 00:28:15.360 And he said to me, 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.460 if I keep following God, 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.500 does it get any easier? 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.259 And I said, 00:28:20.299 --> 00:28:20.940 I can't promise 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:21.880 it will get easier, 00:28:22.340 --> 00:28:23.819 but it does get better. 00:28:25.140 --> 00:28:25.700 And he said, 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.360 well that's good, 00:28:27.039 --> 00:28:28.059 because better matters 00:28:28.059 --> 00:28:28.759 more than easier. 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:30.240 I said, 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:30.759 yeah brother, 00:28:30.839 --> 00:28:31.359 that's right. 00:28:33.879 --> 00:28:34.339 You know, 00:28:34.339 --> 00:28:34.900 we read earlier 00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.960 from the Sermon on the Mount 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:38.259 where Jesus said, 00:28:38.539 --> 00:28:39.259 everyone who hears 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:40.299 these words of mine 00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:41.400 and does them, 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:41.960 that is, 00:28:42.180 --> 00:28:43.200 takes them to heart, 00:28:43.539 --> 00:28:44.460 believes them, 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.779 trusts them, 00:28:46.339 --> 00:28:47.879 and begins to obey them, 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:50.099 will be like a wise man 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:50.879 who built his house 00:28:50.879 --> 00:28:51.619 on the rock. 00:28:52.839 --> 00:28:54.000 And the rain fell 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.799 and the floods came 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:55.480 and the winds blew 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:56.400 and beat on that house, 00:28:56.400 --> 00:28:57.920 but it did not fall 00:28:57.920 --> 00:28:59.480 because it was founded 00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:01.700 on the rock. 00:29:03.120 --> 00:29:03.420 You see, 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:04.160 whether you choose 00:29:04.160 --> 00:29:05.180 the wise path 00:29:05.180 --> 00:29:06.440 or the foolish path, 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:07.800 if you go to wisdom's house 00:29:07.800 --> 00:29:08.900 or folly's house, 00:29:09.580 --> 00:29:10.640 troubles and trials 00:29:10.640 --> 00:29:11.340 in this world 00:29:11.340 --> 00:29:12.360 are going to come 00:29:12.360 --> 00:29:13.280 either way. 00:29:14.300 --> 00:29:15.180 And in the end, 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:16.440 we will stand before God 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:17.500 on judgment day 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:19.100 when everything 00:29:19.100 --> 00:29:20.000 that can be shaken 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.800 will be shaken, 00:29:20.900 --> 00:29:21.700 when heaven and earth 00:29:21.700 --> 00:29:22.840 will flee from his presence 00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:23.740 and we will stand 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:25.159 naked before him 00:29:25.159 --> 00:29:26.699 and exposed 00:29:26.699 --> 00:29:28.679 and we can't hide anything. 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:31.319 But here's the promise. 00:29:32.459 --> 00:29:33.399 If you trust 00:29:33.399 --> 00:29:34.500 in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:35.740 if you build your house 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:36.779 on the rock, 00:29:37.399 --> 00:29:38.679 if you build your life 00:29:38.679 --> 00:29:39.959 on Jesus Christ himself, 00:29:40.119 --> 00:29:42.059 he will hold you fast. 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:44.199 He will hold on to you 00:29:44.199 --> 00:29:45.059 through all the troubles 00:29:45.059 --> 00:29:46.199 and trials of this life 00:29:46.199 --> 00:29:47.419 and he will save you 00:29:47.419 --> 00:29:48.480 from the judgment to come 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.759 so that you do not need 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:50.679 to fear that day. 00:29:50.680 --> 00:29:53.759 He has died 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:55.060 for our sins, 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:56.740 he has risen from the dead 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:57.759 and he will come again 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:58.279 in glory 00:29:58.279 --> 00:30:00.019 and we can stand firm 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:01.080 on his promise. 00:30:02.600 --> 00:30:03.799 The path of wisdom, 00:30:03.940 --> 00:30:05.080 the path of following Christ 00:30:05.080 --> 00:30:05.779 is costly 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:07.580 and difficult at times, 00:30:08.400 --> 00:30:09.860 but it's a better way 00:30:09.860 --> 00:30:11.660 and it leads to life. 00:30:14.640 --> 00:30:17.380 But the passage today ends 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:19.860 by reminding us 00:30:19.859 --> 00:30:20.459 of the consequence 00:30:20.459 --> 00:30:21.799 of following 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:23.599 the foolish path. 00:30:25.259 --> 00:30:26.319 Folly's calling out. 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:28.819 She doesn't make any demands. 00:30:29.139 --> 00:30:30.059 It's an easy path 00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:30.859 to go on. 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:33.179 It's pleasurable 00:30:33.179 --> 00:30:34.139 in the here and now. 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:37.119 But verse 18, 00:30:38.279 --> 00:30:39.979 but he does not know 00:30:39.979 --> 00:30:42.240 that the dead are there, 00:30:42.959 --> 00:30:44.079 that her guests 00:30:44.079 --> 00:30:44.939 are in the depths 00:30:44.939 --> 00:30:45.719 of the grave. 00:30:45.720 --> 00:30:48.240 The passage ends 00:30:48.240 --> 00:30:48.799 with a note 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:50.120 of dire warning. 00:30:51.319 --> 00:30:52.299 The invitation 00:30:52.299 --> 00:30:52.960 of folly 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:54.539 is a total sham. 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.700 However easy 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:58.420 and pleasurable 00:30:58.420 --> 00:30:59.279 it may seem 00:30:59.279 --> 00:30:59.799 at first, 00:30:59.920 --> 00:31:00.440 its end 00:31:00.440 --> 00:31:01.059 is certain 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:02.400 and final death. 00:31:05.100 --> 00:31:05.880 And of course, 00:31:05.960 --> 00:31:06.819 the Sermon on the Mount, 00:31:07.900 --> 00:31:08.860 the words of Jesus 00:31:08.860 --> 00:31:09.640 end in exactly 00:31:09.640 --> 00:31:10.360 the same way. 00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:13.079 everyone who hears 00:31:13.079 --> 00:31:14.059 these words of mine 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:15.339 and does not 00:31:15.339 --> 00:31:16.519 do them 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:18.419 will be like 00:31:18.419 --> 00:31:19.079 a foolish man 00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:19.759 who built his house 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:20.439 on the sand. 00:31:21.099 --> 00:31:22.159 And the rain fell 00:31:22.159 --> 00:31:23.019 and the floods came 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.740 and the winds blew 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:24.319 and beat against 00:31:24.319 --> 00:31:24.959 that house 00:31:24.959 --> 00:31:25.839 and it fell. 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:27.439 And great 00:31:27.439 --> 00:31:28.719 was its fall. 00:31:30.719 --> 00:31:31.559 There are only 00:31:31.559 --> 00:31:32.539 two ways to live 00:31:32.539 --> 00:31:33.859 in the end. 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:35.879 There are only 00:31:35.879 --> 00:31:36.639 two paths 00:31:36.640 --> 00:31:37.600 and you cannot 00:31:37.600 --> 00:31:38.540 choose both. 00:31:39.120 --> 00:31:40.000 You cannot go 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:41.259 into both houses. 00:31:41.900 --> 00:31:42.680 You cannot go 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:43.560 both ways 00:31:43.560 --> 00:31:44.420 at the same time. 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:44.900 You cannot 00:31:44.900 --> 00:31:45.740 choose neither. 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:46.759 There is no 00:31:46.759 --> 00:31:47.759 third option. 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:50.860 It is with 00:31:50.860 --> 00:31:51.680 Christ 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:53.740 who is to us 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.900 wisdom from God 00:31:54.900 --> 00:31:57.000 for it is 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:57.440 following 00:31:57.440 --> 00:31:58.540 our own 00:31:58.540 --> 00:31:59.160 path 00:31:59.160 --> 00:31:59.980 and the idols 00:31:59.980 --> 00:32:00.720 of this world 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:01.500 into folly. 00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:03.700 One way 00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:04.900 ends in eternal life. 00:32:04.980 --> 00:32:05.520 The other way 00:32:05.520 --> 00:32:06.620 ends in eternal death. 00:32:06.640 --> 00:32:09.880 Have you committed 00:32:09.880 --> 00:32:10.920 to follow Christ? 00:32:11.060 --> 00:32:12.040 Have you received 00:32:12.040 --> 00:32:12.759 his invitation? 00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:15.460 Don't postpone 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:16.920 that decision. 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.860 Look to Christ. 00:32:22.020 --> 00:32:23.040 Come to him today. 00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:27.220 Jesus is the divine voice 00:32:27.220 --> 00:32:28.520 calling out to us 00:32:28.520 --> 00:32:29.440 behind wisdom's 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:30.259 call in Proverbs. 00:32:32.360 --> 00:32:33.200 Let us hear 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:33.920 and respond to him. 00:32:34.620 --> 00:32:35.440 Let us pray. 00:32:35.440 --> 00:32:36.000 Father, 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:36.580 Father, 00:32:46.860 --> 00:32:47.440 we thank you 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:50.440 for speaking to us 00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:50.960 in your word. 00:32:52.840 --> 00:32:53.799 And we thank you 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.840 that when we had 00:32:54.840 --> 00:32:55.840 fallen into sin, 00:32:56.840 --> 00:32:57.840 you did not 00:32:57.840 --> 00:32:58.500 leave us alone. 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:00.980 We thank you 00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:01.519 that you came 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:02.200 after us. 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:03.220 You sent your son, 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:04.000 Jesus Christ, 00:33:04.240 --> 00:33:06.079 to die on the cross 00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:06.539 for us, 00:33:06.620 --> 00:33:07.779 to prepare a feast 00:33:07.779 --> 00:33:08.339 for us, 00:33:08.779 --> 00:33:09.980 to welcome us, 00:33:12.380 --> 00:33:13.480 prodigal sons 00:33:13.480 --> 00:33:14.039 and daughters, 00:33:14.240 --> 00:33:14.640 home 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:16.720 to you. 00:33:20.220 --> 00:33:21.339 We pray that today 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:22.000 by the… 00:33:22.000 --> 00:33:22.880 that your Holy Spirit 00:33:22.880 --> 00:33:24.319 would enable us 00:33:24.319 --> 00:33:25.539 to respond rightly 00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:26.039 to you. 00:33:26.039 --> 00:33:29.259 whether that's 00:33:29.259 --> 00:33:30.200 for the first time 00:33:30.200 --> 00:33:31.920 or by fixing 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:32.819 our eyes on you 00:33:32.819 --> 00:33:33.720 in a fresh way 00:33:33.720 --> 00:33:39.460 and committing 00:33:39.460 --> 00:33:40.299 to walk with you 00:33:40.299 --> 00:33:40.899 on the path 00:33:40.899 --> 00:33:42.059 where you lead us. 00:33:42.139 --> 00:33:42.599 We thank you 00:33:42.599 --> 00:33:43.519 that you do not 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:44.180 leave us alone. 00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:47.259 Thank you, 00:33:47.339 --> 00:33:47.480 Father, 00:33:47.559 --> 00:33:48.460 for sending your son. 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:49.619 Thank you, 00:33:49.659 --> 00:33:49.839 Jesus, 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.839 for sending your spirit 00:33:50.839 --> 00:33:51.740 to us. 00:33:53.099 --> 00:33:53.759 Draw us near 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:54.259 to yourself, 00:33:54.339 --> 00:33:54.700 we pray 00:33:54.700 --> 00:33:57.539 that we may 00:33:57.539 --> 00:33:58.099 feast on you 00:33:58.099 --> 00:33:58.559 with joy. 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.379 In your name 00:33:59.379 --> 00:33:59.759 we pray. 00:34:00.160 --> 00:34:00.460 Amen.