WEBVTT 00:00:00.200 --> 00:00:02.060 Okay, good evening everyone. 00:00:02.319 --> 00:00:02.960 Good evening. 00:00:03.160 --> 00:00:03.600 Good evening. 00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:12.679 Okay, so I wonder if you can think of a time when someone has inspired you to do something 00:00:12.679 --> 00:00:14.000 by what they've said. 00:00:16.039 --> 00:00:22.900 It has become quite common for businesses and various institutions to hire in a business 00:00:22.899 --> 00:00:31.899 expert or guru or motivational speaker to come and inspire their employees to take on 00:00:31.899 --> 00:00:39.439 some new initiative, to motivate them to make more sales or close more deals or whatever 00:00:39.439 --> 00:00:42.039 it is they need to do to make the company more money. 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:49.619 Now when it comes to a motivational speaker, the first thing I would want to hear is who 00:00:49.619 --> 00:00:51.460 are they and what have they done? 00:00:52.899 --> 00:00:56.420 Have they done something to warrant me taking the time to listen to them? 00:00:57.320 --> 00:01:02.259 And if they're there to inspire me, then I want to know that they've actually done something 00:01:02.259 --> 00:01:02.939 inspiring. 00:01:04.500 --> 00:01:10.000 Now once I know there's a reason to really listen, then I can start to evaluate what they're 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:17.939 saying and work out if what they're saying rings true and holds together as a coherent 00:01:17.939 --> 00:01:18.759 set of ideas. 00:01:18.760 --> 00:01:25.700 But when it comes to any kind of expert advice, listening alone is not enough. 00:01:27.080 --> 00:01:33.200 If I've heard something that's inspired me, well then I would actually need to do something 00:01:33.200 --> 00:01:33.700 about it. 00:01:33.700 --> 00:01:40.960 Tonight, let me tell you that you're going to hear from someone more inspiring than the 00:01:40.960 --> 00:01:47.060 most expensive business guru or the top motivational speaker and you're going to have to decide what 00:01:47.060 --> 00:01:48.900 you're going to do about what you've heard. 00:01:50.520 --> 00:01:55.079 Now you might be sitting there thinking, letting Peter preach a sermon has really gone to his 00:01:55.079 --> 00:01:55.420 head. 00:01:55.420 --> 00:02:01.740 But believe me when I say that I'm telling the truth because I'm not talking about myself. 00:02:02.359 --> 00:02:06.820 I'm not even talking about King David, the author of the psalm we're going to look at. 00:02:07.599 --> 00:02:08.759 I'm talking about God. 00:02:09.939 --> 00:02:15.740 So let's listen to what God has to say through the hand of David and let's think about who 00:02:15.740 --> 00:02:24.719 God is and what he's done, what he's said and what we should do in response. 00:02:25.780 --> 00:02:28.080 So let's look at Psalm 19. 00:02:29.240 --> 00:02:33.860 Turn to it with me, please, if you can. 00:02:33.860 --> 00:02:39.560 The heavens declare the glory of God. 00:02:40.360 --> 00:02:43.320 The skies proclaim the work of his hands. 00:02:44.560 --> 00:02:47.060 Day after day they pour forth speech. 00:02:47.960 --> 00:02:50.580 Night after night they reveal knowledge. 00:02:51.540 --> 00:02:52.600 They have no speech. 00:02:52.980 --> 00:02:54.060 They use no words. 00:02:54.680 --> 00:02:56.200 No sound is heard from them. 00:02:57.100 --> 00:03:00.420 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth. 00:03:00.419 --> 00:03:03.219 Their words to the end of the world. 00:03:04.799 --> 00:03:07.539 In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 00:03:08.699 --> 00:03:11.939 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber. 00:03:12.419 --> 00:03:15.399 Like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 00:03:16.339 --> 00:03:20.079 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other. 00:03:21.079 --> 00:03:22.819 Nothing is deprived of its warmth. 00:03:24.500 --> 00:03:27.000 The law of the Lord is perfect. 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:29.119 Refreshing the soul. 00:03:29.120 --> 00:03:32.460 The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy. 00:03:33.099 --> 00:03:34.780 Making wise the simple. 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:38.539 The precepts of the Lord are right. 00:03:39.300 --> 00:03:41.460 Giving joy to the heart. 00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:44.680 The commands of the Lord are radiant. 00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:46.939 Giving light to the eyes. 00:03:48.319 --> 00:03:50.840 The fear of the Lord is pure. 00:03:51.300 --> 00:03:52.640 Enduring forever. 00:03:53.560 --> 00:03:55.620 The decrees of the Lord are firm. 00:03:56.319 --> 00:03:57.800 And all of them are righteous. 00:03:57.800 --> 00:04:00.939 They are more precious than gold. 00:04:01.140 --> 00:04:03.040 Than much pure gold. 00:04:03.580 --> 00:04:05.640 They are sweeter than honey. 00:04:06.219 --> 00:04:07.960 Than honey from the honeycomb. 00:04:09.020 --> 00:04:11.400 By them your servant is warned. 00:04:12.180 --> 00:04:14.680 In keeping them there is a great reward. 00:04:15.740 --> 00:04:17.720 But who can discern their own errors? 00:04:19.199 --> 00:04:20.759 Forgive my hidden faults. 00:04:21.720 --> 00:04:24.379 Keep your servant also from willful sins. 00:04:24.379 --> 00:04:26.699 May they not rule over me. 00:04:27.379 --> 00:04:29.019 Then I will be blameless. 00:04:29.719 --> 00:04:31.500 Innocent of great transgression. 00:04:32.219 --> 00:04:38.159 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. 00:04:38.719 --> 00:04:41.740 Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 00:04:41.740 --> 00:04:45.439 Let's pray. 00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:55.360 Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to come together and look at your word and consider it for ourselves. 00:04:55.360 --> 00:04:58.840 And I pray like David. 00:04:59.139 --> 00:05:05.699 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. 00:05:06.240 --> 00:05:10.360 Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 00:05:10.360 --> 00:05:12.360 Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 00:05:12.360 --> 00:05:17.600 So, let's start by looking at the first six verses of this psalm. 00:05:18.900 --> 00:05:23.240 And let's see whether this God is really worth listening to. 00:05:24.400 --> 00:05:26.439 So, how can we answer that question? 00:05:27.780 --> 00:05:31.819 Well, just like a motivational speaker, we can ask, who is he? 00:05:32.180 --> 00:05:32.879 What's he done? 00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:38.579 And we can see who God is and what he's done through creation. 00:05:39.180 --> 00:05:40.759 Through our natural world. 00:05:41.819 --> 00:05:43.560 It speaks without words. 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:45.159 Without a voice. 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:47.579 It tells us a lot about God. 00:05:49.779 --> 00:05:50.740 David writes, 00:05:51.159 --> 00:05:52.959 The heavens declare the glory of God. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:55.480 The skies proclaim the work of his hands. 00:05:57.620 --> 00:05:59.079 Can you picture David? 00:05:59.079 --> 00:06:07.300 David, perhaps in his shepherd days, out in the open, staring into the vastness of the night sky. 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:14.240 Have you ever stopped to ponder the immensity and beauty of the heavens? 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:21.579 One thing I still miss about my home, where I grew up in Northern Ireland, is the dark skies. 00:06:22.759 --> 00:06:26.259 Having grown up out in the countryside and now living in the big city, 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:29.079 stars are much harder to see at night. 00:06:30.459 --> 00:06:37.579 And there is something magnificent about seeing a clear, dark sky with its thousands of pinprick lights. 00:06:38.639 --> 00:06:44.920 Being able to pick out the vast Milky Way or watch shooting stars streak across the sky. 00:06:44.920 --> 00:06:50.560 When we go to Altna Creek in Aviemore for the dine weekend away, 00:06:51.040 --> 00:06:52.840 I always hope for a clear sky. 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:56.420 So that we can see the stars during our night walks. 00:06:56.939 --> 00:07:00.439 Though it can be pretty difficult to get the kids to stop, 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:03.939 turn off their torches, their phones, 00:07:04.680 --> 00:07:07.200 and look up and let their eyes adjust 00:07:07.200 --> 00:07:11.639 so that they can really see the beauty of the night sky. 00:07:14.920 --> 00:07:19.199 And even the very scale of the universe is amazing. 00:07:20.140 --> 00:07:23.939 It's something that as a child I can remember thinking about and struggling with. 00:07:25.280 --> 00:07:27.460 How could the universe be infinite? 00:07:28.860 --> 00:07:33.580 How is it possible for space to just go on and on and on and on and on? 00:07:33.579 --> 00:07:37.620 But equally, how could it stop? 00:07:38.259 --> 00:07:41.000 How could there be nothing? 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:44.459 How could there not even be empty space? 00:07:44.719 --> 00:07:45.800 Surely there must be something. 00:07:47.279 --> 00:07:51.500 So anyway, I just had to stop thinking about it and accept that it's beyond me. 00:07:52.699 --> 00:07:56.299 And I thought it might be worthwhile to just watch a short video. 00:07:56.839 --> 00:07:58.279 It's just three minutes long. 00:07:58.279 --> 00:08:09.759 This video, it's from an app, a phone app called Cosmic Eye. 00:08:10.199 --> 00:08:11.759 So that's why it's in portrait mode, 00:08:12.359 --> 00:08:14.500 even though we're watching it on widescreen. 00:08:15.279 --> 00:08:16.099 So forgive me that. 00:08:16.259 --> 00:08:17.819 And let's just take these three minutes 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:21.659 to have a think about the very scale of God's universe. 00:08:21.660 --> 00:08:28.360 Okay, so hopefully that helps to just give you some idea 00:08:28.360 --> 00:08:31.820 of the scale of the universe that God has created. 00:08:32.899 --> 00:08:34.960 I just feel that even the scale of the universe 00:08:34.960 --> 00:08:39.399 tells us so much of God's power and awesomeness. 00:08:42.320 --> 00:08:44.279 So David talks about the heavens. 00:08:44.840 --> 00:08:46.379 He also talks about the skies. 00:08:46.379 --> 00:08:50.600 And the skies can provide just as many wonders, 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:55.480 mighty towering clouds, beautiful rainbows, 00:08:56.200 --> 00:09:00.639 breathtaking sunsets, and awe-inspiring thunderstorms. 00:09:01.379 --> 00:09:05.240 I personally have always really enjoyed being in a thunderstorm 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:13.759 with a healthy sense of the danger they pose, 00:09:13.759 --> 00:09:18.600 but nonetheless just really enjoying the raw power on display. 00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:21.059 And it points me to God's power. 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:27.240 It just gives me a little hint of his almighty power. 00:09:29.139 --> 00:09:31.279 Now at the end of verse four, 00:09:31.779 --> 00:09:35.039 we see David turns his attention to the sun, 00:09:36.059 --> 00:09:38.700 this bridegroom, this champion. 00:09:39.299 --> 00:09:41.379 It rises at one end of the heavens 00:09:41.379 --> 00:09:43.319 and makes its circuit to the other. 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:46.220 Nothing is deprived of its warmth. 00:09:47.659 --> 00:09:49.879 Now, perhaps David didn't know about Scotland. 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:53.059 But in all seriousness, 00:09:54.059 --> 00:09:55.279 even here in Scotland, 00:09:55.379 --> 00:09:58.419 we are totally dependent on the sun and its warmth. 00:09:59.559 --> 00:10:01.919 Without the sun shining on the earth, 00:10:02.139 --> 00:10:03.419 it would soon freeze. 00:10:04.019 --> 00:10:05.659 It would just take a matter of weeks. 00:10:06.580 --> 00:10:09.379 And any plants without artificial light would soon die. 00:10:09.379 --> 00:10:15.620 And if you've ever experienced a solar eclipse, 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:17.740 or even just a partial eclipse, 00:10:18.679 --> 00:10:21.480 then you'll know the eerie feeling of darkness during the day, 00:10:21.779 --> 00:10:24.460 and may well have noticed the drop in temperature that occurs 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:26.899 even within that short time. 00:10:26.899 --> 00:10:31.360 And staying on the theme of eclipses, 00:10:32.459 --> 00:10:38.199 listen to an explanation from a NASA website explaining how an eclipse happens. 00:10:38.200 --> 00:10:50.140 eclipses occur due to the special coincidence of the moon and the sun being the same angular size. 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:55.879 The sun is 400 times wider than the moon. 00:10:55.879 --> 00:11:00.580 But it is 400 times further away. 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:05.039 So they coincidentally appear to be the same size in our sky. 00:11:05.700 --> 00:11:10.679 This is what allows us the phenomenal beauty of the total solar eclipse. 00:11:10.679 --> 00:11:14.259 Now you see that NASA's explanation, 00:11:14.779 --> 00:11:18.939 it recognizes the phenomenal beauty of an eclipse. 00:11:19.839 --> 00:11:23.120 But it simply puts it down to coincidence. 00:11:25.099 --> 00:11:26.919 The study of nature, 00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:30.339 both in a scientific sense and in an art sense, 00:11:30.559 --> 00:11:34.099 is a very wonderful and worthwhile thing. 00:11:34.100 --> 00:11:40.399 But when we completely miss its designer and creator, 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:42.560 then we're in trouble. 00:11:43.940 --> 00:11:46.360 Paul tells us in Romans chapter 1, 00:11:47.460 --> 00:11:48.519 verse 20, 00:11:49.060 --> 00:11:51.060 For since the creation of the world, 00:11:51.740 --> 00:11:53.200 God's invisible qualities, 00:11:54.019 --> 00:11:56.680 his eternal power and divine nature, 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:58.580 have been clearly seen, 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:02.860 being understood from what has been made, 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:05.960 so that people are without excuse. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:09.419 For although they knew God, 00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:12.320 they neither glorified him as God, 00:12:12.539 --> 00:12:14.300 nor gave thanks to him. 00:12:15.180 --> 00:12:17.560 But their thinking became futile, 00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:20.180 and their foolish hearts were darkened. 00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:22.879 Although they claimed to be wise, 00:12:23.180 --> 00:12:24.399 they became fools. 00:12:26.259 --> 00:12:29.139 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, 00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:31.720 and worshipped and served created things, 00:12:31.720 --> 00:12:33.440 rather than the creator. 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:37.940 So if you don't already, 00:12:38.759 --> 00:12:41.379 then please do take time to be amazed 00:12:41.379 --> 00:12:43.340 by God's creation. 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:47.000 But always let it point you 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:49.060 to God's invisible qualities. 00:12:52.560 --> 00:12:54.200 So I hope from this, 00:12:54.300 --> 00:12:57.340 you've just had a little bit of a sense 00:12:57.340 --> 00:13:01.000 that God really is worth listening to. 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:04.580 He's worth taking the time to hear. 00:13:05.019 --> 00:13:05.660 And thankfully, 00:13:06.280 --> 00:13:07.500 God doesn't leave us 00:13:07.500 --> 00:13:10.940 with just the silent proclamation of creation. 00:13:11.940 --> 00:13:14.360 He has more to say. 00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:17.620 So we've evaluated God's work. 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:21.120 Now let's evaluate his words. 00:13:23.879 --> 00:13:26.600 So what is God's word like? 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:29.620 What will we see if we take the time 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:31.379 to evaluate God's words? 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:35.019 Perhaps it's worthwhile to picture David again, 00:13:35.519 --> 00:13:37.460 having stared into the night sky, 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:40.179 having felt the warmth of the sun as it rises. 00:13:40.179 --> 00:13:43.179 He's been amazed at God's handiwork, 00:13:43.899 --> 00:13:48.139 and then starts to think of all that he's read 00:13:48.139 --> 00:13:50.779 or been taught from the scriptures. 00:13:52.479 --> 00:13:56.539 And when David thinks and writes about God's words, 00:13:57.339 --> 00:13:58.659 it's interesting to note 00:13:58.659 --> 00:14:00.699 that whereas before, 00:14:00.839 --> 00:14:01.819 in thinking of creation, 00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:04.679 he uses the word God, 00:14:04.679 --> 00:14:07.559 he now switches to Lord, 00:14:08.479 --> 00:14:09.679 which is actually the way 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:11.319 God's personal name 00:14:11.319 --> 00:14:13.959 is shown in most English Bibles. 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:17.939 It perhaps would be better rendered as Yahweh, 00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:20.799 God's personal name. 00:14:22.319 --> 00:14:23.339 But the point is 00:14:23.339 --> 00:14:26.159 that David first thinks about God's greatness, 00:14:27.620 --> 00:14:29.259 this God who created the universe, 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:33.199 and then moves to thinking about God 00:14:33.199 --> 00:14:34.639 in personal terms. 00:14:34.679 --> 00:14:38.979 This amazing God 00:14:38.979 --> 00:14:40.219 has made himself known, 00:14:40.579 --> 00:14:42.199 not just in a big, 00:14:42.459 --> 00:14:44.659 far-off kind of way, 00:14:45.239 --> 00:14:46.919 but also in a right here, 00:14:47.839 --> 00:14:49.399 something to say about your life 00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:50.500 kind of way. 00:14:54.199 --> 00:14:56.839 God has drawn near to us 00:14:56.839 --> 00:14:58.219 in his word. 00:15:00.699 --> 00:15:02.439 And what does David make 00:15:02.439 --> 00:15:03.919 of Yahweh's words? 00:15:04.679 --> 00:15:06.500 Have a look at verses 7 to 10. 00:15:09.079 --> 00:15:11.419 Yahweh's law is perfect. 00:15:12.419 --> 00:15:14.059 His statutes are trustworthy. 00:15:15.059 --> 00:15:16.779 His precepts are right. 00:15:17.199 --> 00:15:18.759 His commands are radiant. 00:15:19.559 --> 00:15:21.959 His decrees are firm and righteous, 00:15:22.159 --> 00:15:23.639 more precious than gold, 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:24.919 and sweeter than honey. 00:15:26.039 --> 00:15:27.699 Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? 00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:28.840 Perfect, 00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:29.800 trustworthy, 00:15:30.400 --> 00:15:30.780 right, 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:31.740 radiant, 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:33.200 firm and righteous, 00:15:33.660 --> 00:15:35.120 more precious than gold, 00:15:35.540 --> 00:15:37.120 and sweeter than honey. 00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:43.019 And what effect does David say they have? 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:46.700 They refresh the soul. 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:49.960 They make the simple wise. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:52.700 They give joy to the heart 00:15:52.700 --> 00:15:55.340 and give light to the eyes. 00:15:55.340 --> 00:16:00.580 So what is it that God says? 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:05.280 Well, tradition gives the number of commandments 00:16:05.280 --> 00:16:06.399 in the Old Testament 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:08.780 as 613 commands. 00:16:09.660 --> 00:16:11.040 That's rather a lot for us 00:16:11.040 --> 00:16:12.340 to consider just now. 00:16:13.440 --> 00:16:15.920 And I don't have a nice three-minute video 00:16:15.920 --> 00:16:17.060 that I can show you 00:16:17.060 --> 00:16:18.500 to amaze you with God's commands. 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:19.899 But thankfully, 00:16:20.059 --> 00:16:21.320 Jesus summarizes 00:16:21.320 --> 00:16:22.279 all of God's law 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:23.379 in just two commands. 00:16:24.620 --> 00:16:27.039 In Matthew chapter 22, 00:16:27.620 --> 00:16:28.639 an expert in the law 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:30.539 tries to test Jesus 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:31.440 with this question. 00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:33.120 Teacher, 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:34.679 which is the greatest command 00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:35.299 in the law? 00:16:36.899 --> 00:16:37.840 Jesus replied, 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:39.980 Love the Lord your God 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:41.539 with all your heart 00:16:41.539 --> 00:16:43.379 and with all your soul 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:44.980 and with all your mind. 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:46.960 This is the first 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:48.220 and greatest command. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:50.659 And the second is like it. 00:16:51.200 --> 00:16:52.019 Love your neighbor 00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:53.299 as yourself. 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:55.960 All the law 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:56.820 and the prophets 00:16:56.820 --> 00:16:59.340 hang on these two commandments. 00:17:01.399 --> 00:17:02.419 Here we see 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:03.279 the very heart 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:04.599 of the law. 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:07.119 This is what it's all about. 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:09.079 Loving God 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:12.180 and loving others. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.720 Can you imagine 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:18.380 what the world would be like 00:17:18.380 --> 00:17:19.380 if it kept 00:17:19.380 --> 00:17:20.660 these commands? 00:17:23.080 --> 00:17:24.240 What a difference 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:25.000 it would make. 00:17:27.080 --> 00:17:28.140 What a difference 00:17:28.140 --> 00:17:28.620 it would make 00:17:28.620 --> 00:17:29.900 to our own lives. 00:17:29.900 --> 00:17:39.200 but we have creation 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:41.180 but we have creation 00:17:41.180 --> 00:17:45.920 and now know so much more about it. 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:49.120 We have the completed Bible 00:17:49.120 --> 00:17:52.920 and within it we have the definitive account 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:55.460 of Jesus' life and teachings. 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:58.140 And in Jesus, like we sang, 00:17:58.680 --> 00:18:02.700 we have the full and final revelation of God. 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:09.740 At the start of the service we heard from Hebrews chapter 1. 00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:13.799 Let's read Hebrews chapter 1 verses 1 to 3 again. 00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:19.700 In the past, God spoke to our ancestors 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:24.279 through the prophets at many times and in various ways. 00:18:25.120 --> 00:18:27.099 But in these last days, 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:30.220 he has spoken to us by his Son, 00:18:31.120 --> 00:18:33.640 whom he appointed heir of all things 00:18:33.640 --> 00:18:37.039 and through whom also he made the universe. 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:40.920 The Son is the radiance of God's glory 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:44.819 and the exact representation of his being, 00:18:45.460 --> 00:18:49.539 sustaining all things by his powerful word. 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:54.339 Jesus is the ultimate way 00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:57.240 that God speaks to humanity. 00:18:57.240 --> 00:19:02.859 And if you read what the Bible says about Jesus 00:19:02.859 --> 00:19:05.420 and evaluate his work and words, 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:08.640 I think you would agree 00:19:08.640 --> 00:19:11.359 that the description David gives of God's word 00:19:11.359 --> 00:19:13.960 could pretty well apply to Jesus. 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:16.880 Jesus is perfect. 00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:19.259 Jesus is trustworthy, 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:23.920 right, radiant, firm and righteous, 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:25.640 more precious than gold 00:19:25.640 --> 00:19:26.900 and sweeter than honey. 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:30.980 Again, we see God's character in Jesus. 00:19:31.640 --> 00:19:32.980 We see it in creation. 00:19:33.500 --> 00:19:34.820 We see it in his word 00:19:34.820 --> 00:19:37.320 and we see it in Jesus. 00:19:39.820 --> 00:19:40.860 And ultimately, 00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:43.380 we see it in Jesus' death on the cross 00:19:43.380 --> 00:19:45.320 and glorious resurrection. 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:46.119 God, 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:48.319 God, 00:19:48.460 --> 00:19:49.879 who asks us 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:51.319 to love him 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:53.379 and to love others, 00:19:54.099 --> 00:19:55.980 first loved us. 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:59.119 Romans chapter 5, verse 8, 00:19:59.659 --> 00:20:00.159 says, 00:20:00.740 --> 00:20:03.679 God demonstrates his own love for us in this. 00:20:04.460 --> 00:20:06.339 While we were still sinners, 00:20:07.379 --> 00:20:09.220 Christ died for us. 00:20:11.599 --> 00:20:13.480 So I hope that you can see 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:17.400 that God's words are good. 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:21.059 If you don't already, 00:20:21.620 --> 00:20:24.120 then please do take time 00:20:24.120 --> 00:20:26.200 to read and meditate 00:20:26.200 --> 00:20:27.819 on God's word. 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:32.000 And when you need help to understand, 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:33.759 because we all do, 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:37.160 please ask a member of Brunsfield. 00:20:37.860 --> 00:20:38.819 Join a home group 00:20:38.819 --> 00:20:42.599 or look for other good resources 00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:44.099 that I can point you to 00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:45.480 or Graham can point you to 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.819 or many others can point you to. 00:20:48.159 --> 00:20:49.559 And I know in my life 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:51.500 that I don't do this enough. 00:20:52.419 --> 00:20:52.619 You know, 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:54.159 thankfully as part of my job, 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:56.139 I have to read the Bible 00:20:56.139 --> 00:20:57.859 so I can teach it to children. 00:20:58.019 --> 00:20:59.539 I have to study passages 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:03.019 and really kind of understand them 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:03.859 as best I can 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:04.480 so that I can, 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:06.339 in a simple way, 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:07.679 explain it to children. 00:21:07.680 --> 00:21:10.340 But there's something different 00:21:10.340 --> 00:21:13.000 about just enjoying God's word 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:14.320 for itself. 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:16.920 To read it 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:18.380 and to meditate on it 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:19.279 like David did. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:23.400 And that leads me on 00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:25.120 to my third and final point. 00:21:26.120 --> 00:21:28.299 So we've evaluated God's work. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:31.060 We've evaluated God's words. 00:21:31.720 --> 00:21:34.580 Now let's evaluate ourselves. 00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:38.699 Now if you are very keen 00:21:38.699 --> 00:21:40.759 on having three points 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:42.220 all starting with the same letter, 00:21:42.939 --> 00:21:45.099 you can go Glasgow for this last point 00:21:45.099 --> 00:21:47.919 and say evaluating ourselves. 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:52.039 But I'll just stick to ourselves. 00:21:53.419 --> 00:21:56.079 So what about ourselves? 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:59.059 Like I said at the start, 00:21:59.119 --> 00:22:00.179 it's all very well hearing 00:22:00.179 --> 00:22:01.799 an inspirational speaker 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:04.439 realizing that they're worth listening to 00:22:04.439 --> 00:22:07.079 and agreeing with what they've said. 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:11.119 But if we don't put into practice 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:12.039 what we've heard, 00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:14.960 then it's all a bit pointless. 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:18.399 So what then for us? 00:22:18.400 --> 00:22:20.400 What do we see 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:22.460 when we evaluate ourselves 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:25.680 in light of what God has said? 00:22:28.280 --> 00:22:30.060 So let's first look 00:22:30.060 --> 00:22:32.160 at verses 11 to 13 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:35.440 and see what David saw. 00:22:37.820 --> 00:22:40.019 David knows that God's law 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:41.500 is a warning to him 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:44.720 and also the way 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.940 to great reward. 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:48.140 And it shows him 00:22:48.140 --> 00:22:50.299 that we have two different kinds 00:22:50.299 --> 00:22:51.000 of problems 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:53.920 in keeping to God's law. 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:56.259 Hidden faults 00:22:56.259 --> 00:22:58.579 and willful sins. 00:22:59.900 --> 00:23:00.920 These hidden faults 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:02.579 are not just faults 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.700 that are hidden from others, 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:05.920 but are actually hidden 00:23:05.920 --> 00:23:07.059 from ourselves. 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:10.179 Who can discern 00:23:10.179 --> 00:23:11.359 their own errors? 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:12.579 David puts it. 00:23:13.879 --> 00:23:15.559 And in a commentary I read 00:23:15.559 --> 00:23:18.799 it was put like this. 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:20.480 The truth is 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:22.099 you have no idea 00:23:22.099 --> 00:23:24.339 how sinful you are. 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:27.200 Compared to God 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:29.019 and his word 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:31.759 we fall very short indeed. 00:23:32.639 --> 00:23:34.899 We don't need to try to sin. 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:37.820 It will happen 00:23:37.820 --> 00:23:39.480 without us even realizing. 00:23:41.340 --> 00:23:42.660 The next problem 00:23:42.660 --> 00:23:43.980 is willful sin 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:46.060 and the stranglehold 00:23:46.060 --> 00:23:48.120 that it can put us in. 00:23:49.300 --> 00:23:50.920 The sin where we know 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:51.700 it's wrong 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:54.019 but we just do it anyway. 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:56.519 Perhaps we feel 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:58.460 we just can't help ourselves. 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:00.960 Or maybe we've justified it 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:02.000 in our own minds. 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:04.319 Or maybe we're able 00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:05.200 to downplay it 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:05.700 and think 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:06.640 well 00:24:06.640 --> 00:24:08.740 what we're doing 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:10.279 is not really that bad. 00:24:10.819 --> 00:24:11.960 It could be worse. 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:14.640 But if we're not careful 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:16.299 it will lead us 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:17.400 to what David describes 00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:19.440 as great transgression. 00:24:21.160 --> 00:24:21.420 You see 00:24:21.420 --> 00:24:23.079 sin can easily snowball 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:25.700 and get out of control. 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:28.980 So what can we do? 00:24:29.859 --> 00:24:31.200 What can be done? 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:33.039 Firstly 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:34.619 we need to recognize 00:24:34.619 --> 00:24:36.259 that we are not 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.859 basically good. 00:24:38.859 --> 00:24:40.859 Not when we evaluate ourselves 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:42.180 in light of God's character 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:43.119 and word. 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:48.920 When we ask ourselves 00:24:48.920 --> 00:24:50.799 how are we 00:24:50.799 --> 00:24:52.079 at loving God 00:24:52.079 --> 00:24:53.099 and loving others 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:58.460 what is that evaluation like? 00:24:58.460 --> 00:24:59.620 I know 00:24:59.620 --> 00:25:00.340 when I think 00:25:00.340 --> 00:25:01.220 about myself 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:03.759 even just loving 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.860 those who love me 00:25:04.860 --> 00:25:06.640 can be so hard. 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:08.420 Parents 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.420 siblings 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:10.620 spouse 00:25:10.620 --> 00:25:11.840 children 00:25:11.840 --> 00:25:13.920 yes I love them 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:14.220 but 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:15.100 at times 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:16.000 do I really show it? 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:17.420 No. 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.259 Romans 3 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:20.740 23 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.700 puts it like this 00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:23.580 for all have sinned 00:25:23.580 --> 00:25:25.259 and fall short 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.140 of the glory 00:25:26.140 --> 00:25:26.880 of God. 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.380 So 00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:31.319 like David says 00:25:31.319 --> 00:25:32.740 we need to ask 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.680 for forgiveness 00:25:33.680 --> 00:25:35.279 and 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:36.559 if we 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.059 confess 00:25:37.059 --> 00:25:38.019 our sins 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:39.420 God is 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:40.120 faithful 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:41.440 and just 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:42.140 and will 00:25:42.140 --> 00:25:42.980 forgive us 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.799 our sins 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:45.460 and purify us 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.500 from all 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:48.059 unrighteousness. 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:51.179 we also need 00:25:51.179 --> 00:25:51.539 God 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.879 to keep us 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.599 from willful 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:54.039 sin 00:25:54.039 --> 00:25:55.119 and 00:25:55.119 --> 00:25:55.639 great 00:25:55.639 --> 00:25:56.480 transgression. 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:59.059 We absolutely 00:25:59.059 --> 00:25:59.720 need God's 00:25:59.720 --> 00:26:00.099 help 00:26:00.099 --> 00:26:01.019 to overcome 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:01.599 sin. 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:02.919 It is not 00:26:02.919 --> 00:26:03.539 something we can 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:03.859 do 00:26:03.859 --> 00:26:04.919 on our own 00:26:04.919 --> 00:26:08.519 and if we 00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:09.000 do these 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.440 things 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:10.859 then we 00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:11.179 will be 00:26:11.179 --> 00:26:11.740 blameless 00:26:11.740 --> 00:26:13.720 not because 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:14.299 we're perfect 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:16.099 but because 00:26:16.099 --> 00:26:16.539 we are 00:26:16.539 --> 00:26:17.019 forgiven 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:18.559 because of 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:19.000 God's 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:19.579 grace. 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:21.160 Jesus 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:23.039 who showed 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:23.319 us what 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:23.639 God is 00:26:23.639 --> 00:26:24.019 like 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:25.059 lived 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:27.259 in perfect 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:27.859 obedience. 00:26:28.900 --> 00:26:29.900 He never 00:26:29.900 --> 00:26:30.579 failed to 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:31.039 love 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:34.099 and he 00:26:34.099 --> 00:26:35.240 became sin 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:35.980 for us. 00:26:36.879 --> 00:26:37.539 Took the 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.079 punishment we 00:26:38.079 --> 00:26:38.559 deserved 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:39.440 so that we 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:39.799 can have 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:40.639 eternal life 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:41.539 if we are 00:26:41.539 --> 00:26:42.440 trusting in 00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:42.720 him 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:45.279 and then 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:46.759 we can 00:26:46.759 --> 00:26:47.160 truly 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:48.039 call 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:48.639 God 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:50.079 Lord 00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:51.619 our rock 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:53.119 and our 00:26:53.119 --> 00:26:54.240 redeemer. 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:57.059 Let's pray. 00:26:59.559 --> 00:27:00.619 Lord 00:27:00.619 --> 00:27:01.399 thank you 00:27:01.399 --> 00:27:01.980 for your 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:02.519 creation. 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.799 Thank you 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.379 that we 00:27:05.379 --> 00:27:05.960 can look 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:07.220 and marvel 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:07.920 at its 00:27:07.920 --> 00:27:08.440 beauty 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:09.339 and scale. 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:11.980 thank you 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.599 for using 00:27:12.599 --> 00:27:12.980 it to 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:13.480 reveal 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:13.819 your 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:14.240 glory 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:14.619 to 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:15.019 us. 00:27:17.399 --> 00:27:17.879 Lord 00:27:17.879 --> 00:27:18.319 thank you 00:27:18.319 --> 00:27:18.699 for your 00:27:18.699 --> 00:27:19.139 word. 00:27:21.059 --> 00:27:21.720 Thank you 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:22.019 that you 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.679 have given 00:27:22.679 --> 00:27:23.299 it to 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:23.699 us so 00:27:23.699 --> 00:27:24.079 that we 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:24.619 can know 00:27:24.619 --> 00:27:24.939 you. 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:27.679 Thank you 00:27:27.679 --> 00:27:28.259 for Jesus 00:27:28.259 --> 00:27:29.079 and all 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:29.399 that he 00:27:29.399 --> 00:27:29.919 revealed. 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:32.859 Lord 00:27:32.859 --> 00:27:33.299 thank you 00:27:33.299 --> 00:27:33.559 that you 00:27:33.559 --> 00:27:34.220 love us. 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:37.099 Thank you 00:27:37.099 --> 00:27:38.519 for Jesus 00:27:38.519 --> 00:27:39.139 and because 00:27:39.139 --> 00:27:39.599 of him 00:27:39.599 --> 00:27:39.879 you are 00:27:39.879 --> 00:27:40.299 willing to 00:27:40.299 --> 00:27:40.959 forgive us. 00:27:42.879 --> 00:27:43.539 Thank you 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:44.019 that because 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:44.459 you love 00:27:44.459 --> 00:27:44.799 us 00:27:44.799 --> 00:27:45.439 you are 00:27:45.439 --> 00:27:45.759 willing 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.119 to 00:27:46.119 --> 00:27:46.559 transform 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.079 us. 00:27:50.159 --> 00:27:50.679 May 00:27:50.679 --> 00:27:50.919 these 00:27:50.919 --> 00:27:51.399 words 00:27:51.399 --> 00:27:52.319 of my 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:52.779 mouth 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.599 and this 00:27:53.599 --> 00:27:53.980 meditation 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:54.480 of my 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:54.839 heart 00:27:54.839 --> 00:27:55.579 be 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:56.079 pleasing 00:27:56.079 --> 00:27:56.699 in your 00:27:56.699 --> 00:27:57.159 sight. 00:27:57.899 --> 00:27:58.399 Lord 00:27:58.399 --> 00:27:59.240 my 00:27:59.240 --> 00:27:59.740 rock 00:27:59.740 --> 00:28:01.019 and my 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:01.480 redeemer. 00:28:02.899 --> 00:28:03.279 Amen.