WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.780 So we just started a brand new series last Sunday. 00:00:03.439 --> 00:00:05.759 We're going to be working through the letter of 1 Timothy. 00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:12.339 And if you missed last week, then I would encourage you to go to our church website, davidsonscbc.org, 00:00:12.500 --> 00:00:15.220 and listen to that message this week. 00:00:16.160 --> 00:00:23.679 All of the background to this letter, the historical context, who is Paul, who is Timothy, where are they, 00:00:23.820 --> 00:00:26.600 what's the occasion of this letter, what's the purpose of this letter, 00:00:26.600 --> 00:00:31.280 that's all the first half of last Sunday's message and the recordings on the website. 00:00:31.540 --> 00:00:36.140 So if you missed it, I'd encourage you to take some time to listen to that this week 00:00:36.140 --> 00:00:42.880 because that's going to be the foundation for what we're going to be hearing from this letter from now until Christmas. 00:00:43.920 --> 00:00:53.380 So last Sunday, we looked at Paul's introduction and the first instructions that Paul gives to Timothy in verses 3 to 8. 00:00:53.380 --> 00:00:58.480 This morning, we're going to skip over verses 9 to 20. 00:00:58.780 --> 00:01:00.620 We'll come back to those in a couple weeks. 00:01:01.060 --> 00:01:03.160 And we're going to jump right into chapter 2. 00:01:03.820 --> 00:01:07.540 And we're going to be looking at the first eight verses there in chapter 2. 00:01:07.840 --> 00:01:12.359 I'm going to read them, and then we'll jump into things here. 00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:16.099 Paul says, 00:01:16.099 --> 00:01:25.719 I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people, 00:01:26.319 --> 00:01:34.620 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 00:01:34.620 --> 00:01:44.500 This is good and pleases God, our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 00:01:45.580 --> 00:01:55.219 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man, Christ Jesus, 00:01:55.960 --> 00:01:58.980 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. 00:01:58.980 --> 00:02:06.300 This has now been witnessed to at the proper time, and for this purpose, I was appointed a herald and an apostle. 00:02:06.620 --> 00:02:07.780 I'm telling the truth. 00:02:07.880 --> 00:02:08.740 I'm not lying. 00:02:09.219 --> 00:02:12.360 And a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 00:02:13.620 --> 00:02:22.400 Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 00:02:22.400 --> 00:02:29.599 And once again, I just want to remind us briefly of Paul's purpose in writing this letter. 00:02:29.700 --> 00:02:35.259 Just a few verses ahead in chapter 3, he says that he has written this letter. 00:02:36.180 --> 00:02:42.920 I'm writing you these instructions so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, 00:02:43.439 --> 00:02:48.540 which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 00:02:48.539 --> 00:02:56.799 So Paul is writing on behalf of Christ to give instruction to the church about how they should live their lives as followers of Jesus. 00:02:57.620 --> 00:03:01.699 There's a kind of living that goes with our faith in Jesus. 00:03:02.180 --> 00:03:05.299 In fact, it actually flows out of our faith in Jesus. 00:03:05.519 --> 00:03:10.459 And so that's what Paul's doing here in chapter 2, verses 1 to 15. 00:03:11.340 --> 00:03:16.239 He's giving these instructions about how we should live as members of God's household. 00:03:16.240 --> 00:03:22.680 I'm going to start by summarizing these verses, and then we'll look at them a little more closely. 00:03:24.040 --> 00:03:27.500 So we can break this section up into three parts. 00:03:28.860 --> 00:03:34.379 The first verse there, I'm calling it the prime directive for everyone in the church. 00:03:34.900 --> 00:03:37.020 If you're a Star Trek fan, you'll appreciate that. 00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:41.240 The prime instruction, the main mandate for everyone in the church. 00:03:41.240 --> 00:03:46.900 Then in verses 2 to 7, there is what I'm going to call the gospel rabbit trail. 00:03:48.240 --> 00:03:57.320 And then in the latter part, verses 8 to 15, specific instructions for men and specific instructions for women. 00:03:57.900 --> 00:04:01.439 But we're only going to get as far as verse 8 today in the instructions for men. 00:04:01.439 --> 00:04:05.819 So Paul's prime directive is this. 00:04:06.879 --> 00:04:13.460 Pray, pray, pray, and give thanks for all people. 00:04:15.259 --> 00:04:26.620 He says, I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people. 00:04:26.620 --> 00:04:32.939 Even though Paul has already given some instructions earlier in this letter to Timothy, 00:04:33.399 --> 00:04:37.579 he highlights this particular instruction as being of first importance. 00:04:38.180 --> 00:04:40.959 He says, I urge then, first of all. 00:04:40.959 --> 00:04:47.620 So as Paul reflects on his recent visit to that church there in Ephesus, 00:04:48.180 --> 00:04:51.219 and what the Christians there in the church need to do, 00:04:51.539 --> 00:04:53.180 this is at the top of the list. 00:04:53.519 --> 00:04:57.039 First of all the other things, pray. 00:04:59.379 --> 00:04:59.819 Prayer. 00:05:00.899 --> 00:05:01.719 What is prayer? 00:05:02.459 --> 00:05:05.079 I think we kind of all know what prayer is. 00:05:05.139 --> 00:05:06.779 Very simply, it's talking to God. 00:05:06.779 --> 00:05:14.539 It's speaking to the unseen, living God. 00:05:16.839 --> 00:05:20.139 And Paul gives us some different words to describe prayer here. 00:05:21.099 --> 00:05:25.959 The first word, petitions, has to do with asking God to meet our urgent needs. 00:05:26.919 --> 00:05:30.199 The second word, prayers, is just a general word, 00:05:30.699 --> 00:05:33.819 but also means kind of to ask God for things. 00:05:33.819 --> 00:05:41.959 The third word, intercession, means to ask God for something on behalf of someone else. 00:05:43.139 --> 00:05:46.659 And the fourth word, thanksgiving, means what it sounds like. 00:05:46.879 --> 00:05:52.800 Not asking God for things, but saying thank you to God for things that he has given to us. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:59.459 And then finally, at the end of the sentence, is who we're to ask or give thanks for? 00:05:59.459 --> 00:06:02.239 He says, for all people. 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:05.419 On behalf of all people. 00:06:05.959 --> 00:06:11.259 So this is mainly all about asking God to meet the needs of other people. 00:06:12.060 --> 00:06:14.279 Asking him to grant things for other people. 00:06:14.459 --> 00:06:16.719 Asking to act on behalf of other people. 00:06:17.319 --> 00:06:21.779 And giving thanks in relation to other people. 00:06:21.779 --> 00:06:30.199 This is what Christ longs for the Christians in Ephesus to do. 00:06:30.299 --> 00:06:31.939 First of all the other things. 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:35.459 And you know, when we look at these various words, 00:06:36.339 --> 00:06:38.739 there's a lot of similarities. 00:06:38.959 --> 00:06:40.500 There's some overlap in their meaning. 00:06:41.039 --> 00:06:45.539 And so in some ways, it's just like he's saying it three times over. 00:06:45.639 --> 00:06:47.500 Petitions, prayers, intercessions. 00:06:47.839 --> 00:06:49.919 Pray, pray, pray. 00:06:49.919 --> 00:06:50.039 Pray. 00:06:51.779 --> 00:06:55.199 I want to hear all kinds of prayers for all people. 00:06:56.699 --> 00:06:57.719 Jesus is saying. 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:00.059 And give thanks too. 00:07:01.799 --> 00:07:04.659 Do you hear the urgency of this instruction? 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:10.779 How are we doing as a church when it comes to prayer for others? 00:07:12.259 --> 00:07:15.819 Well, we have two things that we do that are focused entirely on prayer. 00:07:15.819 --> 00:07:21.939 The first is we have a prayer meeting on the first Tuesday of every month here at the church at 7. 00:07:21.939 --> 00:07:25.360 And this usually lasts about an hour. 00:07:25.360 --> 00:07:31.600 And for the part where we're praying, it's almost entirely focused on praying for others. 00:07:31.600 --> 00:07:39.420 Some of you have never been to this prayer meeting or are very, very infrequently come. 00:07:40.020 --> 00:07:42.900 And I want to ask you, if that's you, why? 00:07:42.899 --> 00:07:55.500 Do you believe that Jesus would have us meet together and ask him for things on behalf of others? 00:07:55.500 --> 00:08:02.500 And that he will do these things when we pray, when we ask him for things. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:07.639 This is what he wanted to see, first of all, in the church at Ephesus. 00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:09.540 And really, once a month is not that often. 00:08:10.579 --> 00:08:13.139 And for just an hour is not that long. 00:08:15.079 --> 00:08:16.379 And so I want to encourage you. 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:18.620 Come out to that prayer meeting that we have. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:22.600 When I first came here six years ago, we had maybe two or three women, 00:08:23.879 --> 00:08:28.120 sometimes weekly, on and off, gathering just in the morning to do some prayer. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:33.240 And then it kind of fell by the wayside as some people moved and things changed. 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:39.720 And lately, we've been blessed to see sometimes as many as seven to ten people out at these prayer meetings. 00:08:39.820 --> 00:08:41.179 And so that's a real encouragement. 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:43.180 And so I just want to encourage you. 00:08:43.240 --> 00:08:44.480 Let's keep on with this. 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:45.899 Let's press into this. 00:08:47.060 --> 00:08:48.139 This is our opportunity. 00:08:48.620 --> 00:08:49.820 To gather and to pray. 00:08:50.659 --> 00:08:55.639 And that's what the Lord is really looking for here in the church of Ephesus. 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:57.480 And I think in all of our churches. 00:08:58.480 --> 00:09:00.720 The second thing we do is what we just did. 00:09:01.120 --> 00:09:05.279 Sunday mornings, almost every Sunday, we just take time during the service to pray. 00:09:06.159 --> 00:09:12.340 And I'm so thankful that all of you feel so free to just share what's on your heart. 00:09:12.340 --> 00:09:15.639 And what you know of for needs that we can pray for. 00:09:15.740 --> 00:09:16.759 Let's keep doing that. 00:09:17.240 --> 00:09:18.139 And let's know why. 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:23.200 So those are the corporate moments that we have dedicated to prayer. 00:09:23.200 --> 00:09:32.480 But what are some of the other ways that we can ensure that we're giving prayer the time that Christ thinks it should have in our lives? 00:09:32.480 --> 00:09:38.480 I was reading a book this summer called What Church Can Be by Matthew Cruz. 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:42.019 And he offered this very practical, simple idea. 00:09:42.340 --> 00:09:44.399 And I'm sure probably most of you have heard it before. 00:09:44.500 --> 00:09:46.300 It's nothing new or revolutionary. 00:09:47.460 --> 00:09:51.360 He said, start and surround everything in prayer. 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:55.940 We often say grace before the meal. 00:09:55.940 --> 00:09:57.899 We give thanks to God for the food. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:10:03.039 But what if we did that all through the day when we start anything? 00:10:03.940 --> 00:10:05.139 When we start everything? 00:10:06.700 --> 00:10:11.519 Start it with a quick prayer and give thanks at the end for God's supply. 00:10:11.779 --> 00:10:14.600 God's help that he gave us the strength to do that thing. 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:19.080 I'm thinking about cutting the grass. 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:24.560 Lord, please give me the strength and the energy to cut the grass again. 00:10:24.940 --> 00:10:29.500 And help me think about the things that are beneficial to your kingdom as I do it. 00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:33.399 And then thank him for his provision when the job is done. 00:10:35.039 --> 00:10:41.659 For you students, pray and ask God to help you with that assignment that you're looking at on your desk. 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:44.620 And you, for whatever reason, I don't want to do this. 00:10:45.759 --> 00:10:46.659 Or test. 00:10:47.799 --> 00:10:52.019 And then thank the Lord when he provides and helps you through it. 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:57.080 In Matt Cruz's book, he says, referring to his church, he says, 00:10:57.080 --> 00:11:02.460 we often pause, sometimes multiple times in a meeting or conversation, 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:06.080 and sometimes even mid-sentence to pray. 00:11:07.660 --> 00:11:11.600 He says, the Father is never more than a word away. 00:11:12.940 --> 00:11:14.340 I thought that was really good. 00:11:15.320 --> 00:11:18.080 So how is your prayer life doing right now? 00:11:20.060 --> 00:11:23.600 Do you have time set aside each day to pray? 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:29.300 To talk to the God who created the heavens and the earth? 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:32.460 To share your heart with him? 00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:37.779 And also to ask for his intervention in your life and in the lives of others? 00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:43.860 Do you know that he wants you to talk to him and to ask him for things? 00:11:44.740 --> 00:11:45.840 All kinds of things. 00:11:45.940 --> 00:11:47.960 And especially things for other people. 00:11:47.960 --> 00:11:52.139 That's another thing we see here. 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:53.060 For all people. 00:11:53.180 --> 00:11:56.360 It's easy to spend my prayer time on me. 00:11:56.660 --> 00:11:57.580 And on how I feel. 00:11:57.639 --> 00:11:58.080 And what I need. 00:11:58.120 --> 00:11:59.200 And we shouldn't stop that. 00:11:59.500 --> 00:12:00.900 The Lord tells us to do that. 00:12:01.300 --> 00:12:03.500 But let's not miss out on praying for others. 00:12:04.060 --> 00:12:06.060 Thinking of others who really need help. 00:12:06.600 --> 00:12:07.080 Today. 00:12:07.300 --> 00:12:07.900 And this week. 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:11.040 So this is Paul's instruction. 00:12:11.840 --> 00:12:14.960 The first of all, top of the list instruction to Timothy. 00:12:14.960 --> 00:12:16.420 For the church there in Ephesus. 00:12:16.740 --> 00:12:17.759 And to us today. 00:12:18.300 --> 00:12:19.440 It's pray. 00:12:20.160 --> 00:12:20.639 Pray. 00:12:21.320 --> 00:12:21.720 Pray. 00:12:22.740 --> 00:12:24.540 And give thanks for all people. 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:30.580 What will you do differently in response to these words of Christ? 00:12:32.340 --> 00:12:36.940 May the Lord give us all eyes to see just how dependent we are on him. 00:12:37.379 --> 00:12:38.840 And how much we need his grace. 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:43.899 Now as Paul continues on here. 00:12:44.000 --> 00:12:46.320 He goes down a bit of a rabbit trail. 00:12:47.019 --> 00:12:48.580 And this is not a bad thing. 00:12:48.780 --> 00:12:50.540 Sometimes rabbit trails are a good thing. 00:12:50.920 --> 00:12:51.620 In this case. 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:55.019 Christ speaks through this rabbit trail in verses 2 to 7. 00:12:55.800 --> 00:12:59.420 And we're going to move pretty quickly through this section. 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:02.360 And I've called it a gospel rabbit trail. 00:13:02.540 --> 00:13:05.019 Because Paul loves the gospel. 00:13:05.019 --> 00:13:09.179 And he often gets off of what he was saying to the gospel. 00:13:09.500 --> 00:13:11.740 He wants to tell us the good news of Jesus again. 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:15.519 And so we're going to hear that here in these first couple verses. 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:20.220 So it all starts with him telling us a little bit more about who we should be praying for. 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:21.319 Of these all people. 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:24.899 And he tells us in verse 2. 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:43.439 So don't forget to pray for the people in government says Paul. 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:45.900 And if we apply these words to us today. 00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:47.740 We're talking prime ministers. 00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:49.160 Presidents. 00:13:51.180 --> 00:13:52.400 Members of parliament. 00:13:53.280 --> 00:13:54.140 Town council. 00:13:54.820 --> 00:13:55.380 Judges. 00:13:57.080 --> 00:13:59.440 Then Paul goes a little further down the rabbit trail. 00:13:59.540 --> 00:14:00.260 What's the goal? 00:14:00.660 --> 00:14:02.540 Why should we not forget to pray for them? 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:07.300 Well the goal is that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. 00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:09.260 Devoted to God. 00:14:09.259 --> 00:14:11.720 In all godliness. 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:12.679 Devoted to God. 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:14.179 And in all holiness. 00:14:15.519 --> 00:14:17.100 Meaning without compromise. 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:20.360 That's the goal. 00:14:20.939 --> 00:14:25.799 And sometimes governments and whoever is in charge can get in the way and hinder that. 00:14:25.919 --> 00:14:28.819 And so we should pray for favor with the government. 00:14:28.960 --> 00:14:30.519 So that we can be unhindered. 00:14:30.679 --> 00:14:33.799 Just live out our faith in Jesus as his church. 00:14:34.179 --> 00:14:35.460 Without any opposition. 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:39.420 And who knows maybe sometimes in answer to our prayers. 00:14:39.560 --> 00:14:45.759 God would even use the government to make laws or policies that would protect our freedom to gather. 00:14:46.180 --> 00:14:49.879 Or protect us from some of those opponents that rise up. 00:14:52.400 --> 00:14:54.019 A little further down the trail. 00:14:55.920 --> 00:14:58.340 This is good and pleasing to God. 00:14:58.840 --> 00:14:59.740 Says Paul. 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:06.440 So when we're able to live out our lives peacefully and quietly. 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:08.180 Fully devoted to God. 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.139 Without compromise. 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:10.899 God sees that as good. 00:15:11.440 --> 00:15:12.740 He's pleased by that. 00:15:14.340 --> 00:15:15.779 Don't pray for persecution. 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:17.220 To purify the church. 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:20.600 Pray that we'd be able to live out our faith. 00:15:20.960 --> 00:15:21.879 Without hindrance. 00:15:23.200 --> 00:15:25.180 This is good and it pleases God. 00:15:25.179 --> 00:15:31.959 From there Paul brings in this truth. 00:15:32.099 --> 00:15:34.059 He says God is our savior. 00:15:35.359 --> 00:15:36.139 And in verse 4. 00:15:36.959 --> 00:15:38.859 He wants all people to be saved. 00:15:39.379 --> 00:15:41.399 And to come to a knowledge of the truth. 00:15:42.839 --> 00:15:44.479 So he's a saving God. 00:15:44.719 --> 00:15:47.299 And he wants all people to be saved. 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:51.240 And how will that come about? 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:56.480 Well there's kind of two implications that rise out of this section here. 00:15:56.560 --> 00:15:58.320 And we're not going to spend a lot of time on these. 00:15:58.419 --> 00:15:59.659 But just know that they're here. 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:02.259 The first one. 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:03.759 I mean he's told us already. 00:16:03.899 --> 00:16:04.940 Pray for all people. 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:06.539 And then now in verse 4. 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:08.820 God wants all people to be saved. 00:16:09.980 --> 00:16:11.440 So there's this implication. 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:13.519 If that's what God wants. 00:16:14.060 --> 00:16:16.180 And we're to ask God to do things. 00:16:16.980 --> 00:16:20.700 We can and we should pray for anyone to be saved. 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:22.580 Who do you know? 00:16:23.820 --> 00:16:24.940 That's lost. 00:16:25.440 --> 00:16:26.779 That doesn't know Christ. 00:16:27.940 --> 00:16:29.139 Pray for their salvation. 00:16:31.200 --> 00:16:33.840 And the second thing that kind of arises here. 00:16:33.960 --> 00:16:36.399 And if you really kind of look at the flow. 00:16:36.799 --> 00:16:38.180 Of what he's saying here. 00:16:38.279 --> 00:16:39.180 Pray for the leaders. 00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:41.159 Pray for those in government. 00:16:41.320 --> 00:16:42.480 So that we can be unhindered. 00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:43.600 And live out our faith. 00:16:46.820 --> 00:16:50.519 Because God is a God who desires all people to be saved. 00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:51.699 There's an implication here. 00:16:51.799 --> 00:16:54.899 It's that people come to a saving knowledge of the truth. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:56.960 Through our public witness. 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:59.500 If we're persecuted. 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:02.439 If we're forced underground as a church. 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:04.779 The gospel is hidden. 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:06.559 From the people around us. 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:10.319 So this is a reason to pray for favor. 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:11.639 With those in government. 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:16.860 So that we can just continue shining the light in the darkness. 00:17:16.860 --> 00:17:18.340 Like that city on a hill. 00:17:19.300 --> 00:17:20.700 That Jesus talked about. 00:17:25.560 --> 00:17:26.640 And then from here. 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:29.480 Paul ends up going straight into the good news. 00:17:29.620 --> 00:17:30.300 About Jesus. 00:17:30.460 --> 00:17:30.960 The gospel. 00:17:32.320 --> 00:17:34.960 He's been talking about how God is our savior. 00:17:35.100 --> 00:17:36.759 How he wants all people to be saved. 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:38.039 And it's like at this point. 00:17:38.579 --> 00:17:39.379 It's coming. 00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:43.519 He wants all people to come to a knowledge of the truth. 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:47.420 Well what is that truth that saves us? 00:17:48.839 --> 00:17:50.400 And he lays it out for us. 00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:52.379 The truth that we need to know. 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:55.180 To be saved in verses 5 and 6. 00:17:55.180 --> 00:18:01.660 And this is how he says it. 00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:05.580 For there is one God. 00:18:06.060 --> 00:18:08.039 And one mediator. 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:10.560 Between God and mankind. 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.299 The man. 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:14.060 Christ Jesus. 00:18:14.840 --> 00:18:15.140 Amen. 00:18:17.620 --> 00:18:19.420 So there's one go between. 00:18:20.820 --> 00:18:22.100 There's only one. 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:24.299 Who stands in the gap between. 00:18:24.299 --> 00:18:25.039 God. 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.579 And us. 00:18:27.139 --> 00:18:27.859 Human beings. 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:29.799 So we have. 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:31.099 A holy God. 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:33.099 A just God. 00:18:33.559 --> 00:18:34.579 A righteous God. 00:18:34.639 --> 00:18:35.480 A good God. 00:18:35.859 --> 00:18:36.779 And then we have. 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:37.859 Us. 00:18:39.180 --> 00:18:39.940 Human beings. 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:41.839 A sinful humanity. 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:43.399 A rebellious humanity. 00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:44.099 Guilty. 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:45.879 Punishment deserving. 00:18:46.379 --> 00:18:46.940 Humanity. 00:18:47.619 --> 00:18:48.680 But the good news. 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:49.200 Paul says. 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:50.460 Is that we have a mediator. 00:18:50.899 --> 00:18:52.619 Somebody who stands in the gap. 00:18:52.619 --> 00:18:53.899 Between God. 00:18:53.899 --> 00:18:54.659 And us. 00:18:55.539 --> 00:18:56.359 We have. 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:58.359 The man. 00:18:58.699 --> 00:18:59.679 Christ Jesus. 00:19:00.479 --> 00:19:01.679 King Jesus. 00:19:03.179 --> 00:19:04.479 And according to Paul. 00:19:04.679 --> 00:19:05.699 He is one of us. 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:07.839 The other scriptures. 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:09.779 They tell us about Jesus. 00:19:09.959 --> 00:19:11.039 That he is from heaven. 00:19:11.159 --> 00:19:12.139 That he is God. 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:14.039 We know that. 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:15.539 But Paul says. 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:16.239 He is. 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:17.399 The man. 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:18.439 He is also human. 00:19:18.559 --> 00:19:19.659 He is one of us. 00:19:19.660 --> 00:19:21.140 The human being. 00:19:21.220 --> 00:19:21.840 Born of Mary. 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:22.740 The son of David. 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:25.680 And what did this mediator do? 00:19:27.300 --> 00:19:28.080 The man. 00:19:28.180 --> 00:19:28.779 Christ Jesus. 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:30.060 Who gave himself. 00:19:30.420 --> 00:19:31.340 As a ransom. 00:19:32.040 --> 00:19:33.100 For all people. 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:36.640 Paul uses metaphorical language here. 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:39.240 He paid the cost. 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:40.279 Required. 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:42.279 To set us free. 00:19:42.340 --> 00:19:43.200 From that guilt. 00:19:43.900 --> 00:19:44.980 From our sin. 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:47.180 That's what happened. 00:19:47.180 --> 00:19:48.180 When Jesus suffered. 00:19:48.539 --> 00:19:49.160 And died. 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:50.400 At the cross. 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:52.900 He suffered and died. 00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:53.940 Not for his own sins. 00:19:54.039 --> 00:19:54.779 He had none. 00:19:55.579 --> 00:19:56.500 But for ours. 00:19:56.980 --> 00:19:58.339 So that we could be forgiven. 00:19:58.759 --> 00:20:00.700 So that we could be restored to God. 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:01.839 His death. 00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:04.519 Was the ransom price. 00:20:04.839 --> 00:20:05.200 Paid. 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:07.759 To free us. 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:08.920 To restore us. 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:09.480 To our maker. 00:20:09.620 --> 00:20:10.799 To the God who loves us. 00:20:11.120 --> 00:20:11.860 So much. 00:20:12.859 --> 00:20:14.439 I love this little rabbit trail. 00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:17.439 Paul loves the good news of Jesus so much. 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:18.959 That he just steps completely away. 00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:19.919 From giving instruction. 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:21.079 And talking about prayer. 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:23.779 I got to tell you about this good news of Jesus. 00:20:25.839 --> 00:20:27.059 All the instructions. 00:20:27.479 --> 00:20:27.819 The prayer. 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.819 That's important. 00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:30.259 But this good news. 00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:31.299 Is supreme. 00:20:32.639 --> 00:20:33.839 Do you know. 00:20:34.859 --> 00:20:36.319 That Jesus loves you. 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:40.399 That he gave his life as a ransom for you. 00:20:40.400 --> 00:20:44.420 Because God wants all people to be saved. 00:20:44.500 --> 00:20:46.000 He wants you to be saved. 00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:50.480 Jesus is the only way. 00:20:51.320 --> 00:20:52.480 He's the one mediator. 00:20:53.080 --> 00:20:54.840 Between God and man. 00:20:55.440 --> 00:20:56.320 And there is no other. 00:20:56.440 --> 00:20:57.480 Have you called out to him? 00:20:57.560 --> 00:20:58.480 Have you believed in him? 00:20:58.540 --> 00:21:00.900 Have you received his gracious and free gift. 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:01.940 Of salvation? 00:21:03.460 --> 00:21:04.460 If you haven't. 00:21:04.560 --> 00:21:05.240 I urge you. 00:21:05.820 --> 00:21:06.800 Do it today. 00:21:06.800 --> 00:21:06.860 Do it today. 00:21:06.860 --> 00:21:06.940 Do it. 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:13.980 Paul then goes on in the last part of verse 6. 00:21:14.080 --> 00:21:15.360 In the first part of verse 7. 00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:19.860 To describe how this ransom paid by Jesus at the cross was witnessed. 00:21:20.080 --> 00:21:21.200 There were people who saw this. 00:21:21.259 --> 00:21:23.420 This is what Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are about. 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:25.660 They tell the story of what they saw. 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:30.200 And Paul tells us that he himself was also chosen to be an apostle. 00:21:30.920 --> 00:21:32.080 To be a preacher. 00:21:32.340 --> 00:21:34.720 Someone who would proclaim that good news about Jesus. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:36.819 To the non-Jewish peoples. 00:21:36.960 --> 00:21:37.720 The Gentiles. 00:21:38.620 --> 00:21:42.079 And now that Paul has gone on this gospel rabbit trail. 00:21:42.160 --> 00:21:43.600 This beautiful gospel rabbit trail. 00:21:43.600 --> 00:21:44.380 Right to the end. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:48.380 He comes back to where he was before all this. 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:49.680 With verse 8. 00:21:50.740 --> 00:21:54.920 Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray. 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:58.019 Lifting up holy hands. 00:21:58.940 --> 00:22:01.539 Without anger or disputing. 00:22:01.539 --> 00:22:08.000 So there's a sense in which Paul's just kind of coming back to the instruction. 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:09.920 Back to the subject of prayer. 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:12.859 But there's also a sense in which he's going forward. 00:22:12.940 --> 00:22:16.000 Now he's going to focus on some specifics for men. 00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:17.720 And specifics for women. 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:21.639 And he's going to add in some other things too. 00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:22.859 Some other instructions. 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:26.559 But what surprises me every single time I read this passage. 00:22:26.899 --> 00:22:29.599 Is that the first thing that he tells the men to do. 00:22:29.599 --> 00:22:31.539 Is to pray. 00:22:33.139 --> 00:22:35.859 The same thing that he just told the whole church to do. 00:22:37.439 --> 00:22:39.639 He just said that back up in verse 1. 00:22:39.859 --> 00:22:40.980 Pray, pray, pray. 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:42.159 All these kinds of prayers. 00:22:45.459 --> 00:22:47.639 Why does he feel the need to say it again? 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:48.899 Specifically. 00:22:49.899 --> 00:22:50.639 To the men. 00:22:50.640 --> 00:22:56.100 And it's not just that the men in Ephesus were lacking in prayer. 00:22:57.140 --> 00:23:01.000 He says, I want the men everywhere to pray. 00:23:02.600 --> 00:23:03.960 Lifting up holy hands. 00:23:07.800 --> 00:23:10.640 Sometimes maybe we men have thick skulls. 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:15.100 Or we do hear it. 00:23:15.099 --> 00:23:18.359 But then we just let it go out the other ear. 00:23:18.459 --> 00:23:19.259 We forget it. 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:22.599 Maybe we weren't in our listening box. 00:23:22.679 --> 00:23:24.980 When Paul said it the first three times. 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:26.159 Back up in verse 1. 00:23:26.859 --> 00:23:28.379 And so he tells us a fourth time. 00:23:28.639 --> 00:23:30.319 In light of all this that I've been saying. 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:31.980 Men, listen. 00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:34.719 I want you to pray. 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:40.240 Is it that we men tend to flounder. 00:23:40.960 --> 00:23:42.519 And struggle with prayer. 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.559 More often than the women. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:49.819 Or is it that Christ wants us men to take the lead. 00:23:49.860 --> 00:23:50.740 When it comes to prayer. 00:23:50.860 --> 00:23:51.920 To lead our families. 00:23:52.180 --> 00:23:53.440 And our church into prayer. 00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:55.200 Maybe both. 00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:59.700 And there's not really any wiggle room here. 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.079 I mean. 00:24:00.839 --> 00:24:03.579 I want the men everywhere to pray. 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:05.139 So men. 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:06.639 Let me ask you a question. 00:24:07.899 --> 00:24:11.019 Is Davidson, Saskatchewan included in everywhere? 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:15.480 Is Crake included in everywhere? 00:24:16.399 --> 00:24:18.980 Is out on wherever you live on an acreage. 00:24:19.139 --> 00:24:21.339 Or farm included in everywhere? 00:24:22.899 --> 00:24:23.419 Yes. 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:27.339 So then is Jesus Christ. 00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:28.539 Through the Apostle Paul. 00:24:28.659 --> 00:24:29.720 Speaking to you. 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:31.000 And to me here. 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:33.779 I want you to pray. 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:36.559 If you're a man and a follower of Jesus. 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:38.880 He's saying it to you. 00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:46.619 God wants us men. 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:49.599 To make our speaking to him. 00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:50.759 A priority. 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:53.700 He wants us men. 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:56.039 To make our relationship with him. 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.359 A priority. 00:24:57.359 --> 00:25:01.359 Why else would he single us out like this? 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:03.599 And tell us a fourth time. 00:25:05.439 --> 00:25:06.419 Too many men. 00:25:07.459 --> 00:25:08.559 Even in the church. 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:10.139 Are apathetic. 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:12.359 Just don't care. 00:25:12.500 --> 00:25:13.679 Just along for the ride. 00:25:14.679 --> 00:25:16.139 Are too busy with work. 00:25:16.379 --> 00:25:17.419 Too busy with hobbies. 00:25:17.579 --> 00:25:18.740 Too busy with sports. 00:25:19.219 --> 00:25:20.659 To be spending time in prayer. 00:25:20.660 --> 00:25:24.240 We need to come to our senses men. 00:25:24.620 --> 00:25:27.279 And we need to hear these words of Jesus to us. 00:25:27.400 --> 00:25:30.400 I want the men everywhere to pray. 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:37.840 Paul then gives us two more instructions. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:40.980 To go along with that instruction to pray. 00:25:41.380 --> 00:25:42.840 He addresses two problems. 00:25:42.839 --> 00:25:46.319 That we as men tend to have. 00:25:46.439 --> 00:25:48.039 Perhaps a little more than women. 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:54.399 He says I want the men. 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.679 To pray. 00:25:56.159 --> 00:25:57.339 Lifting up holy hands. 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:58.699 Without anger. 00:25:59.480 --> 00:26:00.299 Or disputing. 00:26:01.679 --> 00:26:03.159 Without anger or disputing. 00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:04.419 Let's talk about these two things. 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:05.459 For just a couple minutes. 00:26:07.179 --> 00:26:09.459 We are to be without anger. 00:26:09.460 --> 00:26:13.900 And the reason is because anger. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:15.420 Is a sin. 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:17.360 Now. 00:26:17.620 --> 00:26:17.799 Yeah. 00:26:17.900 --> 00:26:18.600 There is a thing. 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:20.000 Is righteous anger. 00:26:20.079 --> 00:26:21.019 That is such a thing. 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:22.039 But in the Bible. 00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:24.140 God tells us that most of our anger. 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:25.620 Is not of that sort. 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:27.440 It's of the unrighteous. 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:28.360 Sort. 00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:29.680 The sinful sort. 00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:32.440 Let me ask you a question. 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.640 Are you angry. 00:26:34.340 --> 00:26:35.140 At anyone. 00:26:37.340 --> 00:26:38.360 In this church. 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:39.440 Outside this church. 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:41.200 From the past. 00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:46.640 Are you harboring resentment. 00:26:46.640 --> 00:26:47.579 Towards someone. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:54.100 Are you hanging on to a grievance. 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:54.840 Or an offense. 00:26:59.680 --> 00:27:00.660 These things. 00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:03.180 Are a problem. 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:05.079 They don't fit with the faith. 00:27:05.600 --> 00:27:07.400 That we have in Jesus Christ. 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:09.019 They fit with the flesh. 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:10.960 They fit with that sinful nature. 00:27:11.819 --> 00:27:12.579 Listen again. 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:13.299 To what Jesus. 00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:14.440 And Paul. 00:27:14.599 --> 00:27:15.139 And James. 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.700 Had to say about anger. 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:18.299 In other moments. 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:19.639 Jesus said it like this. 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:20.019 He said. 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:21.379 You have heard that it was said. 00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:22.559 To the people long ago. 00:27:22.819 --> 00:27:23.879 You shall not murder. 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:26.259 And anyone who murders. 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:27.539 Will be subject to judgment. 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:29.779 But I tell you. 00:27:29.879 --> 00:27:31.460 That anyone who is angry. 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:33.019 With a brother or sister. 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:35.339 Will be subject to judgment. 00:27:35.339 --> 00:27:42.079 James said it like this. 00:27:42.079 --> 00:27:43.299 He said. 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:44.799 Everyone should be quick to listen. 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.720 Slow to speak. 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.959 And slow to become angry. 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:51.639 Because man's anger. 00:27:51.879 --> 00:27:54.079 Does not produce the righteousness. 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:55.299 That God desires. 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:57.180 Therefore. 00:27:57.180 --> 00:27:57.740 He said. 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:59.039 Get rid of all. 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:00.440 Moral. 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.200 Filth. 00:28:01.619 --> 00:28:02.259 And the evil. 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:03.139 That is so. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.319 Prevalent. 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.240 So that's again. 00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:07.799 The tendency. 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:08.220 Yes. 00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:09.019 We can get angry. 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:10.460 But more often than not. 00:28:10.639 --> 00:28:12.099 It doesn't produce the righteousness. 00:28:12.099 --> 00:28:13.480 That God desires. 00:28:13.639 --> 00:28:14.879 It's not that righteous. 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:15.819 Anger. 00:28:16.180 --> 00:28:16.519 In fact. 00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:17.259 He goes so far. 00:28:17.339 --> 00:28:17.839 As to say. 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:19.159 In the next breath. 00:28:19.940 --> 00:28:21.039 It's moral filth. 00:28:21.099 --> 00:28:21.680 It's evil. 00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.680 Get rid of it. 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:23.360 Finally. 00:28:25.860 --> 00:28:27.480 Paul to the Ephesians. 00:28:27.820 --> 00:28:29.640 In his letter to the Ephesians. 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:30.160 Says this. 00:28:30.240 --> 00:28:30.779 Get rid. 00:28:31.060 --> 00:28:31.820 Of all. 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:32.720 Bitterness. 00:28:33.140 --> 00:28:33.600 Rage. 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:34.640 And anger. 00:28:35.660 --> 00:28:36.220 So men. 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:38.120 We need to pray. 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:40.660 And we need to do so. 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:42.259 Without anger. 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:45.580 How are you doing with anger? 00:28:47.620 --> 00:28:49.940 Do you need to ask the Lord for help with this? 00:28:52.680 --> 00:28:57.200 And anger is sometimes one of those things that we learn to manage. 00:28:57.460 --> 00:29:00.160 We learn to refrain from letting it leak out. 00:29:00.660 --> 00:29:01.680 At church. 00:29:03.080 --> 00:29:04.080 At work. 00:29:05.620 --> 00:29:07.440 But usually it comes out at home. 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.940 With our family. 00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:12.759 How are you doing? 00:29:13.840 --> 00:29:16.039 Do you need to ask your spouse or children. 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:17.900 How you're doing with this? 00:29:17.900 --> 00:29:22.380 Do you need to ask forgiveness to them? 00:29:22.600 --> 00:29:25.420 And apologize for moments this past week? 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:29.980 Without anger. 00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:34.420 The second thing he says is I want the men everywhere to pray. 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:37.960 Lifting up holy hands without anger. 00:29:38.320 --> 00:29:39.740 Without disputing. 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:41.920 This is an interesting one. 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:45.420 There's an implication here. 00:29:45.420 --> 00:29:46.240 Men. 00:29:46.680 --> 00:29:48.360 We need to come together. 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:49.440 To pray. 00:29:52.440 --> 00:29:55.240 Why would he tell us not to dispute. 00:29:55.860 --> 00:29:56.759 When we pray. 00:29:57.820 --> 00:29:59.779 If he really just intends for us to pray. 00:29:59.860 --> 00:30:00.940 All by ourselves at home. 00:30:02.620 --> 00:30:03.779 I want you to pray. 00:30:04.039 --> 00:30:05.200 Without disputing. 00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:08.800 We need to come together. 00:30:08.940 --> 00:30:09.180 Men. 00:30:09.440 --> 00:30:09.980 And pray. 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:13.180 And we need to do so without disputing. 00:30:13.320 --> 00:30:14.420 Without arguing. 00:30:14.580 --> 00:30:15.320 Without fighting. 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:17.320 And let's be honest. 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:20.180 Sometimes the flesh does get the better of us. 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:20.640 And we. 00:30:21.420 --> 00:30:22.860 Give in to that temptation. 00:30:23.460 --> 00:30:24.259 We say things. 00:30:24.380 --> 00:30:25.080 We do things. 00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:26.800 We offend someone. 00:30:27.360 --> 00:30:28.380 We get into an argument. 00:30:29.080 --> 00:30:29.640 We fight. 00:30:31.160 --> 00:30:32.380 But what will we do. 00:30:32.880 --> 00:30:33.279 Afterwards. 00:30:35.920 --> 00:30:37.519 What will we do with that tension. 00:30:38.200 --> 00:30:40.120 Now there between that person and us. 00:30:41.860 --> 00:30:43.500 That broken relationship. 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:48.119 Will we be real men. 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:49.119 And take action. 00:30:49.119 --> 00:30:50.059 And take action. 00:30:50.059 --> 00:30:52.059 And humble ourselves. 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:53.239 Before that brother. 00:30:53.239 --> 00:30:54.179 Or sister. 00:30:54.959 --> 00:30:56.639 And admit what we did. 00:30:56.959 --> 00:30:58.279 Or said that was wrong. 00:30:58.279 --> 00:31:03.660 And on the other side of things. 00:31:04.660 --> 00:31:05.619 Will we forgive. 00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:08.059 Will we truly forgive. 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:08.920 And let go. 00:31:10.379 --> 00:31:11.779 Of that thing that was said. 00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:12.639 Or done to us. 00:31:13.019 --> 00:31:15.119 Or will we do that ungodly thing. 00:31:15.539 --> 00:31:17.920 And let the dispute just linger. 00:31:18.599 --> 00:31:19.660 Beneath the surface. 00:31:20.660 --> 00:31:22.039 For who knows how long. 00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:24.639 Hold on to that grievance. 00:31:25.119 --> 00:31:25.539 Forever. 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:25.659 Forever. 00:31:29.159 --> 00:31:31.299 But he never apologized to me. 00:31:34.119 --> 00:31:35.460 Why should I forgive him? 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:37.119 Why should I let that go? 00:31:38.899 --> 00:31:41.539 Listen to what Paul says in his letter to the Colossians. 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:42.559 He says. 00:31:42.639 --> 00:31:44.379 Therefore as God's chosen people. 00:31:44.779 --> 00:31:46.420 Holy and dearly loved. 00:31:46.619 --> 00:31:47.539 Clothe yourselves. 00:31:48.039 --> 00:31:48.960 With compassion. 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:50.840 Kindness. 00:31:51.840 --> 00:31:52.440 Humility. 00:31:53.579 --> 00:31:54.200 Gentleness. 00:31:54.840 --> 00:31:55.900 And patience. 00:31:57.120 --> 00:31:58.539 Bear with each other. 00:31:58.720 --> 00:32:00.220 And forgive one another. 00:32:00.380 --> 00:32:02.519 If any of you has a grievance against someone. 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:03.240 Forgive. 00:32:04.340 --> 00:32:06.340 As the Lord forgave you. 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:10.019 So we're to bear with one another men. 00:32:11.860 --> 00:32:13.440 And we are to forgive one another. 00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:15.299 Do you have a grievance against someone? 00:32:15.299 --> 00:32:18.279 And the Lord forgave you. 00:32:18.759 --> 00:32:20.139 Of all your sins. 00:32:21.559 --> 00:32:23.359 Would you now withhold the same. 00:32:23.879 --> 00:32:24.740 From your brother. 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:26.279 Or your sister. 00:32:27.639 --> 00:32:28.899 Look at what the Lord did. 00:32:28.980 --> 00:32:30.099 To get you off the hook. 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:31.180 For all your sins. 00:32:31.940 --> 00:32:33.440 Would you now keep your brother. 00:32:33.579 --> 00:32:34.119 Your sister. 00:32:34.379 --> 00:32:35.059 On the hook. 00:32:35.440 --> 00:32:36.680 For the things that they did. 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:37.440 Or said to you. 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:43.700 We may not have disputes every day. 00:32:43.700 --> 00:32:47.519 But have we resolved the disputes. 00:32:47.920 --> 00:32:48.519 That we've had. 00:32:49.059 --> 00:32:50.059 In the past. 00:32:51.799 --> 00:32:53.059 Have we truly. 00:32:53.480 --> 00:32:54.559 Humbled ourselves. 00:32:55.740 --> 00:32:56.840 Acknowledged our sin. 00:32:57.720 --> 00:32:58.740 To others. 00:32:59.900 --> 00:33:01.279 And have we truly forgiven. 00:33:01.900 --> 00:33:03.039 From our hearts. 00:33:04.680 --> 00:33:06.960 How many times should I forgive my brother. 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:08.319 If he sins against me. 00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:09.799 Said Peter. 00:33:10.019 --> 00:33:10.500 To Jesus. 00:33:10.660 --> 00:33:11.340 On one occasion. 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:13.240 Up to seven. 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:16.220 Jesus answered. 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:17.160 I tell you. 00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:18.440 Not seven times. 00:33:18.559 --> 00:33:20.299 But 77 times. 00:33:22.059 --> 00:33:24.180 Beyond what you can even really keep track of. 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:25.579 In the course of a relationship. 00:33:26.180 --> 00:33:26.759 Keep going. 00:33:26.920 --> 00:33:27.500 Keep forgiving. 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:30.660 On another occasion. 00:33:30.900 --> 00:33:32.059 Freely you have received. 00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:34.720 Freely give. 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:38.859 I'm going to stop here today. 00:33:39.079 --> 00:33:39.880 We're going to save. 00:33:40.319 --> 00:33:41.420 Everything that follows. 00:33:41.420 --> 00:33:42.320 Paul's instructions. 00:33:42.320 --> 00:33:43.240 To the women. 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:44.920 For next Sunday. 00:33:45.620 --> 00:33:47.120 Let's just quickly recap. 00:33:47.120 --> 00:33:47.920 A little bit here. 00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:49.700 What's the big thing. 00:33:49.840 --> 00:33:51.019 That Paul wants us to do. 00:33:51.140 --> 00:33:51.840 As a church. 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:54.740 Pray. 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:55.600 Pray. 00:33:56.100 --> 00:33:56.460 Pray. 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:56.740 Pray. 00:33:58.200 --> 00:33:59.620 And he reminds us. 00:33:59.620 --> 00:34:00.880 Of the precious gospel. 00:34:01.300 --> 00:34:02.460 Of what Jesus did. 00:34:02.620 --> 00:34:03.279 For us. 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.180 Our mediator. 00:34:04.360 --> 00:34:05.759 Who paid our ransom. 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:07.140 With his life. 00:34:07.140 --> 00:34:09.180 And then to us men. 00:34:09.260 --> 00:34:10.680 In case we still didn't get it. 00:34:11.360 --> 00:34:11.840 Pray. 00:34:13.840 --> 00:34:14.840 Without anger. 00:34:16.160 --> 00:34:17.519 And without disputing. 00:34:18.660 --> 00:34:19.980 Resolve those disputes. 00:34:20.940 --> 00:34:21.780 Those fights. 00:34:21.900 --> 00:34:22.460 Those arguments. 00:34:22.660 --> 00:34:23.400 Come together. 00:34:23.800 --> 00:34:24.320 And pray. 00:34:25.460 --> 00:34:26.119 So men. 00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:28.619 It's time to lead by example. 00:34:28.619 --> 00:34:31.159 If you haven't been already. 00:34:31.339 --> 00:34:32.579 I encourage you. 00:34:32.940 --> 00:34:34.339 Come to our monthly prayer meetings. 00:34:34.799 --> 00:34:35.739 Come out to lead. 00:34:35.779 --> 00:34:37.239 On the second and fourth Tuesdays. 00:34:37.239 --> 00:34:37.719 Of the month. 00:34:37.779 --> 00:34:38.880 Where we'll spend some time. 00:34:38.940 --> 00:34:39.239 Praying. 00:34:39.559 --> 00:34:39.920 Together. 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.519 As men. 00:34:40.900 --> 00:34:41.359 I don't know. 00:34:41.440 --> 00:34:42.559 Maybe the Lord will do something. 00:34:42.559 --> 00:34:43.139 In our hearts. 00:34:43.219 --> 00:34:44.099 Maybe we'll end up doing. 00:34:44.099 --> 00:34:45.480 Some kind of a weekly thing. 00:34:45.799 --> 00:34:46.960 Before work starts. 00:34:47.440 --> 00:34:48.239 Gather for a. 00:34:48.239 --> 00:34:49.639 For a half an hour. 00:34:49.639 --> 00:34:50.019 Even. 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:50.599 Or something. 00:34:50.839 --> 00:34:51.319 Somewhere. 00:34:51.839 --> 00:34:52.779 As a group of men. 00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:53.739 And pray. 00:34:54.079 --> 00:34:55.599 What might God do. 00:34:55.699 --> 00:34:56.639 In our hearts. 00:34:56.639 --> 00:34:58.859 What might he do. 00:34:58.900 --> 00:35:00.099 In the hearts of our families. 00:35:01.239 --> 00:35:02.679 The hearts of our church. 00:35:03.039 --> 00:35:03.980 The hearts of the people. 00:35:04.039 --> 00:35:04.699 In this community. 00:35:05.259 --> 00:35:06.400 If we pray. 00:35:07.059 --> 00:35:07.500 Pray. 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:08.460 Pray. 00:35:09.559 --> 00:35:10.659 And give thanks. 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:12.559 Well. 00:35:12.719 --> 00:35:13.239 As Nate. 00:35:13.359 --> 00:35:13.859 Said it. 00:35:13.960 --> 00:35:14.579 Very well. 00:35:15.039 --> 00:35:16.179 We can only find out. 00:35:16.679 --> 00:35:17.659 By doing it. 00:35:20.299 --> 00:35:21.139 Father in heaven. 00:35:22.179 --> 00:35:23.339 Thank you for your word. 00:35:26.639 --> 00:35:28.500 And we confess. 00:35:28.619 --> 00:35:29.279 Our shortcomings. 00:35:29.379 --> 00:35:29.940 And our failures. 00:35:29.940 --> 00:35:30.819 To you right now. 00:35:30.980 --> 00:35:31.239 Lord. 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:32.059 None of us. 00:35:32.059 --> 00:35:32.599 Has been. 00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:34.679 Awesome at this. 00:35:35.299 --> 00:35:36.460 It's a hard thing. 00:35:36.920 --> 00:35:37.679 We're surrounded. 00:35:37.819 --> 00:35:38.440 By a world. 00:35:38.440 --> 00:35:39.500 That pulls our attention. 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:40.259 Away from you. 00:35:40.319 --> 00:35:41.579 In so many different ways. 00:35:43.839 --> 00:35:44.559 And sometimes. 00:35:44.559 --> 00:35:45.559 We lose sight of you. 00:35:47.839 --> 00:35:49.079 Even though you are. 00:35:50.579 --> 00:35:50.980 God. 00:35:53.980 --> 00:35:55.279 We lose sight of your love. 00:35:55.280 --> 00:35:56.519 We lose sight of your power. 00:35:56.680 --> 00:35:57.720 We lose sight of your. 00:35:59.720 --> 00:36:00.820 Eagerness to act. 00:36:01.280 --> 00:36:02.680 And intervene in our lives. 00:36:04.800 --> 00:36:05.880 So I pray Lord. 00:36:05.960 --> 00:36:06.940 That you would put these words. 00:36:07.019 --> 00:36:07.740 Deep in our hearts. 00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:08.120 And that. 00:36:08.420 --> 00:36:09.620 Especially for us men. 00:36:09.860 --> 00:36:10.860 We would respond. 00:36:12.500 --> 00:36:13.580 We would change. 00:36:14.340 --> 00:36:15.940 We would open our hearts to you. 00:36:16.260 --> 00:36:17.060 Full throttle. 00:36:18.620 --> 00:36:20.320 We ask for the glory of Christ. 00:36:21.600 --> 00:36:21.940 Amen.