WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.880 Take out your copy of God's Word, which I hope you have with you today, and turn to the book of Romans, chapter 8. 00:00:09.400 --> 00:00:12.259 I'll tell you it's a blessing to be here with you today. 00:00:14.080 --> 00:00:20.000 My wife is not, and she wanted me to share her grief with you that she couldn't be here. 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:29.679 Our oldest son is sick once again as our house continues to be plagued with illness, and so I ask for your continued prayers for them and for her. 00:00:29.679 --> 00:00:32.159 She really, really misses the church. 00:00:33.159 --> 00:00:39.439 I'm thankful I can be here kind of to stand in her place and represent the family and to preach to you this morning. 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:43.519 Let's open together in a word of prayer, and we'll dive in together. 00:00:49.019 --> 00:00:59.500 Father God, it is a blessing this morning to meet with your church, your church that was purchased by the life, the work, the death, the resurrection. 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:02.119 The ascension of Jesus Christ. 00:01:03.719 --> 00:01:07.620 And thank you, Father, for these people who have the Spirit of God abiding in them. 00:01:08.340 --> 00:01:15.299 We might come together and join as one to sing praises to your name, to study your inspired scripture. 00:01:16.900 --> 00:01:19.840 And truly, God, we need you in this hour. 00:01:19.840 --> 00:01:27.100 Father, the understanding of your word is as much of a miracle as the inspiration of it. 00:01:28.500 --> 00:01:33.880 And Father, we cry to you this morning that we might see clearly the truths you would have for us this day, 00:01:33.920 --> 00:01:42.439 that you would speak individually into our lives, that we might know you more and exalt you more as a result. 00:01:42.439 --> 00:01:42.640 Amen. 00:01:43.640 --> 00:01:45.539 We pray this in the precious name of Christ. 00:01:46.599 --> 00:01:47.079 Amen. 00:01:48.739 --> 00:01:54.939 And we have come in our study together of the book of Romans to chapter 8, 00:01:55.039 --> 00:01:58.079 which is the great climactic chapter of the book of Romans. 00:01:58.200 --> 00:02:00.500 It doesn't mean any of it's less important, 00:02:00.500 --> 00:02:06.439 but I believe that the most precious of the truths are found in chapter 8. 00:02:06.659 --> 00:02:09.000 And lest we forget where we've been, 00:02:09.139 --> 00:02:11.960 I kind of want to run through quickly the rest of the book for you 00:02:11.960 --> 00:02:15.020 to lay a foundation for us to build upon. 00:02:15.139 --> 00:02:17.819 In chapter 1, the first 17 verses, 00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:21.500 Paul gives his greeting and then his abbreviated, 00:02:22.219 --> 00:02:28.199 his simplistic presentation of the gospel to us there in verses 16 and 17. 00:02:28.199 --> 00:02:33.959 And then he begins beyond that to talk about humanity's great need of the gospel, 00:02:34.119 --> 00:02:42.739 that no one, Jew or Greek, is exempt from the curse that Adam and Eve bought for us in the original sin. 00:02:43.099 --> 00:02:48.579 And that there is nothing anyone can do on their own to gain salvation. 00:02:49.139 --> 00:02:52.120 We are all in a desperate state. 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:54.699 We all need salvation. 00:02:54.699 --> 00:02:58.219 In the beginning in chapter 3, verse 21, 00:02:58.539 --> 00:03:02.359 he begins to greater develop the gospel of Jesus Christ for us, 00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:08.060 to have us see that Jesus Christ stood in the place of the church, 00:03:08.599 --> 00:03:14.339 bore the wrath of God that we had purchased for ourselves on our behalf. 00:03:14.519 --> 00:03:17.979 And that if we place our faith in Jesus Christ, 00:03:18.399 --> 00:03:20.739 in His person and in His work, 00:03:20.740 --> 00:03:22.159 that we'll be saved. 00:03:22.159 --> 00:03:26.780 And He develops that for us through the end of chapter 5, verse 21. 00:03:27.580 --> 00:03:28.260 That helps me. 00:03:28.360 --> 00:03:33.400 321 to 521 is His clear gospel presentation for us. 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:35.360 And then chapters 6 and 7, 00:03:36.140 --> 00:03:40.120 He gives to us the negative benefits of the gospel. 00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:43.620 Now, by that I don't mean the bad benefits, of course, 00:03:43.620 --> 00:03:47.539 but the negative voice benefits of the gospel. 00:03:47.840 --> 00:03:51.500 The things that no longer exist because of the gospel. 00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:54.980 That we are now no longer slaves of sin. 00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:59.159 We're not held captive to the power of sin anymore. 00:03:59.520 --> 00:04:02.379 That we have, the body of sin has been brought to nothing. 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:05.319 That believers have died to the law. 00:04:05.400 --> 00:04:07.120 You hear the negative voice in that. 00:04:07.120 --> 00:04:12.300 In chapter 8, we come to the positive effects. 00:04:12.960 --> 00:04:17.340 And He teaches us about the ministry of the Spirit of God in our lives. 00:04:17.600 --> 00:04:20.000 The indwelling Spirit that we all have. 00:04:20.680 --> 00:04:23.379 Those things are, the ministries of the Spirit, 00:04:23.680 --> 00:04:27.120 are our sanctification and our security. 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:29.600 Chapter 8, verse 2, He says, 00:04:29.699 --> 00:04:32.959 The law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus 00:04:32.959 --> 00:04:35.639 from the law of sin and death. 00:04:35.639 --> 00:04:37.579 And the Spirit of God is about that work, 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:41.439 continually moving us toward perfection in Christ. 00:04:42.159 --> 00:04:44.120 In chapter 8, verse 14, He says, 00:04:44.199 --> 00:04:47.959 All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:52.899 So the Spirit is a seal for those who have placed their faith in Christ. 00:04:53.419 --> 00:04:58.159 That we are secure, that we are held securely in the hands of Christ. 00:04:58.159 --> 00:05:02.459 And that we will, in fact, finish this process of sanctification. 00:05:02.459 --> 00:05:05.799 So those are the two ministries of the Spirit of God. 00:05:06.439 --> 00:05:13.039 But in verse 17, He introduces a new concept for the book of Romans. 00:05:13.279 --> 00:05:15.339 And that's the concept of suffering. 00:05:15.859 --> 00:05:17.219 So, in verse 17, He says, 00:05:17.359 --> 00:05:22.319 And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, 00:05:22.819 --> 00:05:24.959 provided we suffer with Him, 00:05:25.500 --> 00:05:28.979 in order that we also may be glorified with Him. 00:05:28.980 --> 00:05:34.759 And Paul was certainly a man who was familiar with suffering. 00:05:35.400 --> 00:05:35.960 Turn quickly. 00:05:36.020 --> 00:05:39.340 I want you to put your little ribbon or your finger here. 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:42.420 Turn quickly with me to 2 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:05:46.020 --> 00:05:50.280 I want you to see that this is not a concept foreign to Paul 00:05:50.280 --> 00:05:51.500 that he's going to write about. 00:05:51.500 --> 00:05:55.759 2 Corinthians chapter 11, verse 25. 00:06:02.540 --> 00:06:03.139 Paul writes, 00:06:03.139 --> 00:06:33.139 00:06:33.139 --> 00:06:37.959 Paul knew what it was to suffer. 00:06:38.979 --> 00:06:40.759 Any careful reader of Scripture, 00:06:40.919 --> 00:06:44.060 as I'm sure all of you are astute Bible scholars, 00:06:44.860 --> 00:06:48.219 also know that it's not a foreign concept to the pages of Scripture. 00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:51.419 Jesus talked about suffering in Luke 9, 23. 00:06:51.699 --> 00:06:51.959 He said, 00:06:52.039 --> 00:06:53.139 If anyone would come after me, 00:06:53.399 --> 00:06:54.699 let him deny himself, 00:06:55.279 --> 00:06:56.240 take up his cross, 00:06:56.339 --> 00:06:58.139 which is a place people died daily, 00:06:58.819 --> 00:06:59.479 and follow me. 00:07:00.379 --> 00:07:02.579 Paul again wrote of suffering in 2 Timothy 3, 12. 00:07:02.579 --> 00:07:02.819 He said, 00:07:02.899 --> 00:07:03.039 Indeed, 00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:06.339 all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus 00:07:06.339 --> 00:07:08.620 will be persecuted. 00:07:09.319 --> 00:07:10.759 The author of Hebrews said it, 00:07:10.859 --> 00:07:12.019 in Hebrews chapter 12, 00:07:12.240 --> 00:07:13.099 verses 6 and 7. 00:07:13.439 --> 00:07:15.819 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves 00:07:15.819 --> 00:07:18.899 and chastises every son whom He receives. 00:07:19.240 --> 00:07:20.759 It is for discipline that you have to endure. 00:07:20.939 --> 00:07:22.579 God is treating you as sons. 00:07:22.919 --> 00:07:25.579 For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 00:07:26.459 --> 00:07:29.159 Peter talked about it in 1 Peter 4, 13. 00:07:29.379 --> 00:07:31.899 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, 00:07:31.899 --> 00:07:36.039 that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. 00:07:37.359 --> 00:07:39.779 So, what is meant of suffering? 00:07:39.859 --> 00:07:42.659 What type of suffering are we talking about? 00:07:42.959 --> 00:07:46.639 And I believe there's a great spectrum of suffering for the Christian. 00:07:47.279 --> 00:07:49.259 It certainly includes persecution, 00:07:50.060 --> 00:07:50.519 physical, 00:07:50.919 --> 00:07:51.719 imprisonment, 00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:53.639 martyrdom. 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:55.699 It includes those things without a doubt. 00:07:56.199 --> 00:07:57.879 Suffering for the sake of Christ does. 00:07:58.639 --> 00:08:02.019 But I think it also includes other things. 00:08:02.399 --> 00:08:06.599 I think anything that we experience on the path to righteousness, 00:08:07.019 --> 00:08:08.399 in the process of sanctification, 00:08:08.779 --> 00:08:11.500 in this world that is unpleasant for us as believers, 00:08:11.500 --> 00:08:13.379 is suffering. 00:08:14.379 --> 00:08:15.920 I have a head cold today. 00:08:17.180 --> 00:08:21.160 My head cold is a result of the curse of sin in this world. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:23.959 If I sound nasally to you, 00:08:24.620 --> 00:08:28.019 my head feels worse than I sound now, I'm sure. 00:08:29.060 --> 00:08:30.819 That is suffering. 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:35.939 Young people feeling strange on a college campus, 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:38.299 where everyone parties and does what they want, 00:08:38.379 --> 00:08:42.620 they seek their perceived greatest joy and momentary pleasure, 00:08:43.240 --> 00:08:45.899 and you feel odd and out of place, 00:08:46.460 --> 00:08:47.019 is suffering. 00:08:47.759 --> 00:08:51.240 You may get made fun of for being a goody two-shoes, 00:08:51.279 --> 00:08:52.319 or a holier-than-thou. 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:55.519 Certainly qualifies as suffering. 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:58.539 So all of us, in some way, 00:08:58.699 --> 00:09:00.159 if we are in Christ, 00:09:00.299 --> 00:09:03.439 experience this discomfort in this world. 00:09:03.559 --> 00:09:06.600 We long for something greater. 00:09:08.500 --> 00:09:11.039 So this morning is not just for those of you 00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:12.679 who are going overseas, 00:09:12.899 --> 00:09:15.539 where you may possibly experience persecution. 00:09:16.460 --> 00:09:18.480 It's for all of us this morning. 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:22.980 Let's read together verses 18-25, 00:09:23.179 --> 00:09:24.059 which is our text for today. 00:09:26.139 --> 00:09:27.939 Paul continues his discourse, 00:09:28.679 --> 00:09:29.340 verse 18, 00:09:29.779 --> 00:09:33.720 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time 00:09:33.720 --> 00:09:36.579 are not worth comparing with the glory 00:09:36.579 --> 00:09:37.980 that is to be revealed to us. 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:40.579 For the creation waits with eager longing 00:09:40.579 --> 00:09:42.240 for the revealing of the sons of God. 00:09:42.419 --> 00:09:44.399 For the creation was subjected to futility, 00:09:44.480 --> 00:09:45.120 not willingly, 00:09:45.620 --> 00:09:47.319 but because of Him who subjected it, 00:09:47.659 --> 00:09:49.220 in hope that the creation itself 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:51.100 will be set free from its bondage to corruption 00:09:51.100 --> 00:09:53.899 and attain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 00:09:53.899 --> 00:09:55.620 For we know that the whole creation 00:09:55.620 --> 00:09:57.720 has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth 00:09:57.720 --> 00:09:58.759 until now. 00:09:58.939 --> 00:09:59.959 And not only the creation, 00:10:00.319 --> 00:10:01.139 but we ourselves, 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:02.639 who are the first fruits of the Spirit, 00:10:02.799 --> 00:10:04.759 grown inwardly as we wait eagerly 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:05.819 for adoption as sons, 00:10:05.939 --> 00:10:07.019 the redemption of our bodies. 00:10:07.459 --> 00:10:09.159 For in this hope we were saved. 00:10:09.419 --> 00:10:11.259 Now hope that is seen is not hope, 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:13.059 for who hopes for what he sees? 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:15.100 But if we hope for what we do not see, 00:10:15.379 --> 00:10:17.620 we wait for it with patience. 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:21.200 So not only does he give to us 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:24.639 this new concept in Romans of suffering, 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:26.139 but at the same time, 00:10:26.759 --> 00:10:30.200 he begins to speak to us about future glory. 00:10:32.039 --> 00:10:34.980 So he talks to us about a hope 00:10:34.980 --> 00:10:38.179 that transcends suffering, 00:10:38.539 --> 00:10:42.419 a hope that comes in above suffering, 00:10:42.419 --> 00:10:46.139 a hope that is greater than suffering, 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:49.399 that puts suffering in its proper place. 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:54.259 And that hope is hope in future glory. 00:10:54.379 --> 00:10:55.819 Look at it in the text. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:58.459 Verse 18, he speaks of the glory 00:10:58.459 --> 00:11:00.399 that is to be revealed to us. 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:03.240 Verse 19, he speaks of the revealing 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:04.299 of the sons of God. 00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:05.240 And verse 21, 00:11:05.659 --> 00:11:08.980 the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 00:11:08.980 --> 00:11:13.000 Verse 23, we wait eagerly for adoption of sons, 00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:15.080 the redemption of our bodies. 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:17.659 And in verse 25, we're waiting for it, 00:11:17.860 --> 00:11:21.700 the glory that is to be revealed to us with patience. 00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:24.740 The glory that is coming 00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:29.460 puts in proper place the suffering we experience now. 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:32.779 So what is meant by that, 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:36.159 this glory that is to be revealed to us? 00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:38.899 He speaks of the redemption of our bodies, 00:11:38.980 --> 00:11:43.639 it is the shedding of all the weight of sin in this world. 00:11:44.320 --> 00:11:47.960 It is restoring us to our Adamic nature, 00:11:48.779 --> 00:11:53.200 putting us back in the place we were created to be. 00:11:53.639 --> 00:11:55.420 As Adam and Eve were created, 00:11:55.659 --> 00:11:57.159 had perfect union with God, 00:11:57.460 --> 00:12:00.000 lived in an environment that was totally unspoiled 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:01.139 by the curse of sin, 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:05.580 that is the place we're advancing back to 00:12:05.580 --> 00:12:07.560 as believers in Christ. 00:12:07.559 --> 00:12:09.479 It's an exalted state. 00:12:10.500 --> 00:12:12.219 Daniel 12, 3 speaks of it. 00:12:12.479 --> 00:12:16.199 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above. 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:18.219 And those who turn many to righteousness, 00:12:18.659 --> 00:12:21.439 like the stars, forever and ever. 00:12:21.819 --> 00:12:22.899 Matthew 13, 43, 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:26.359 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father. 00:12:26.819 --> 00:12:29.199 He who has ears, let him hear. 00:12:29.200 --> 00:12:34.220 We are working our way back to perfection. 00:12:34.580 --> 00:12:36.020 That's what it means to be glorified. 00:12:36.860 --> 00:12:39.500 If you have ever felt the weight of sin in your life, 00:12:39.540 --> 00:12:40.540 and I pray that you have, 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:43.780 you will revel in this truth 00:12:43.780 --> 00:12:45.280 that one day, 00:12:45.540 --> 00:12:49.300 no longer will you have to battle with sin. 00:12:49.299 --> 00:12:53.899 You will be perfect and complete in Christ. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:59.079 That is the hope that transcends suffering. 00:12:59.719 --> 00:13:03.459 But he elaborates a little bit to help us understand this. 00:13:03.959 --> 00:13:06.459 And he speaks of the creation, 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:07.939 beginning in verse 19, 00:13:07.940 --> 00:13:15.080 What does he mean by the creation? 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:17.180 I think it's important that we understand that properly 00:13:17.180 --> 00:13:19.580 and get what he's talking about. 00:13:20.580 --> 00:13:25.200 Certainly all things besides God are created. 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:29.280 I don't believe he's speaking of all things. 00:13:29.800 --> 00:13:33.020 I don't think he's talking about angels or demons, 00:13:33.019 --> 00:13:37.199 because we see that the creation was subjected in hope. 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:41.419 And angels and demons don't need hope. 00:13:41.679 --> 00:13:42.779 Well, I shouldn't say it that way. 00:13:43.240 --> 00:13:44.279 Angels don't need hope. 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:47.259 They are already perfect and holy and abide with God. 00:13:48.019 --> 00:13:48.960 Demons need hope. 00:13:49.220 --> 00:13:50.559 They're just never going to get it. 00:13:52.199 --> 00:13:54.559 Their eternal state, both angels and demons, 00:13:54.740 --> 00:13:56.939 has already been fixed. 00:13:58.699 --> 00:14:01.220 So I don't think he's talking about angels or demons. 00:14:01.220 --> 00:14:05.279 Is he talking about the lost, the unbeliever? 00:14:06.300 --> 00:14:07.800 I would say to you, no. 00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:13.259 Because he says that the creation was subjected to futility. 00:14:13.620 --> 00:14:16.920 Not willingly, but because of him who subjected it. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:17.680 That's verse 20. 00:14:19.379 --> 00:14:23.160 The lost willingly subject themselves to futility. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:28.440 The lost willingly feed their flesh and sin against God. 00:14:28.440 --> 00:14:32.740 So he's not speaking about those who are unbelievers, the lost. 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:36.460 He's speaking about those who are saved then? 00:14:36.800 --> 00:14:37.160 No. 00:14:37.500 --> 00:14:41.960 Because later he actually compares us to the creation, doesn't he? 00:14:42.040 --> 00:14:42.540 Verse 23, 00:14:42.640 --> 00:14:43.540 And not only the creation, 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:47.580 but we ourselves, writing this book to Christians, 00:14:47.860 --> 00:14:50.180 have the first fruits of the Spirit. 00:14:50.320 --> 00:14:51.580 So he's not speaking about Christians. 00:14:51.580 --> 00:14:56.700 He's speaking of all things visible, inanimate and animate. 00:14:57.720 --> 00:15:03.940 He's personifying nature for us when he speaks of the creation. 00:15:04.540 --> 00:15:06.320 It's nature personified. 00:15:06.840 --> 00:15:08.920 They have been subjected. 00:15:09.800 --> 00:15:10.720 By whom? 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:12.680 Let's look at the text there. 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:14.580 For the creation was subjected to futility. 00:15:14.580 --> 00:15:15.180 Futility. 00:15:15.540 --> 00:15:20.280 The word futility here means devoid of appropriateness. 00:15:21.320 --> 00:15:23.520 Frail, wanting in vigor. 00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:27.660 The creation is not as it was intended to be. 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:31.300 And it was subjected by God. 00:15:31.940 --> 00:15:33.340 It was part of the curse. 00:15:34.400 --> 00:15:35.360 Genesis chapter 3. 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:38.320 The nature itself was cursed. 00:15:38.320 --> 00:15:43.900 Sin ushered in death, not just for humanity, but for nature itself. 00:15:44.520 --> 00:15:45.680 Look at spring. 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:48.660 It's kind of a reminder of this as you go throughout your year. 00:15:48.920 --> 00:15:50.720 Every year, we're currently in spring. 00:15:51.360 --> 00:15:55.320 Nature puts on this great show, this big effort to live, to grow high, 00:15:55.480 --> 00:15:57.379 to compete for resources. 00:15:58.080 --> 00:16:00.100 You have the clearing in the forest with the pine trees. 00:16:00.160 --> 00:16:03.880 They pop up first trying to grab some of that sunlight before they get shaded out. 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:14.779 But every year, summer comes, fall comes, the leaves wither, things go back into dormancy, things die. 00:16:16.259 --> 00:16:18.059 It has been subjected. 00:16:18.220 --> 00:16:21.659 It does not have the vigor that it was meant to have. 00:16:21.799 --> 00:16:24.700 And it's because of our sin. 00:16:26.639 --> 00:16:30.019 Isaiah 24, 4-7 reads, 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:58.279 The wine mourns, the vine languishes, all the merry-hearted sigh. 00:16:58.279 --> 00:17:03.519 So because of sin, the earth itself groans. 00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:04.259 You see the language there? 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:08.019 Groans in expectation of the coming glory. 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:14.940 I read to you a number of weeks ago an excerpt a little bit longer than I'm going to read to you today 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:19.579 from the great sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards. 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:26.420 Part of that sermon was based off of this section of Scripture that we're reading today. 00:17:26.420 --> 00:17:28.640 So I just want to read this to you again. 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:32.220 And the point he's making, just so you don't get all lost in his language, 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:36.400 is that the earth doesn't willingly even bear us, 00:17:37.200 --> 00:17:40.360 the ones who ushered the curse into the world. 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:45.539 The earth would gladly get rid of us, quit serving us so that we might sin against God. 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:47.240 So listen carefully to this. 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:50.480 Were it not for the sovereign pleasure of God, 00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:53.000 the earth would not bear you one moment, 00:17:53.339 --> 00:17:54.720 for you are a burden to it. 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:56.640 The creation groans with you. 00:17:56.900 --> 00:17:59.859 The creation is made subject to the bondage of your corruption, 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:00.960 not willingly. 00:18:01.220 --> 00:18:04.900 The sun does not willingly shine upon you to give you light to serve sin and Satan. 00:18:05.299 --> 00:18:09.259 The earth does not willingly yield her increase to satisfy your lusts, 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:12.819 nor is it willingly a stage for your wickedness to be acted upon. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:17.379 The earth does not willingly serve you for breath to maintain the flame of life in your vitals 00:18:17.379 --> 00:18:20.519 while you spend your life in the service of God's enemies. 00:18:21.099 --> 00:18:21.659 You catch all that? 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:25.460 The earth doesn't even want us to breathe because we're enemies of God. 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:29.399 God's creatures are good and were made for men to serve God with 00:18:29.399 --> 00:18:32.139 and do not willingly subserve to any other purpose 00:18:32.139 --> 00:18:37.659 and groan when they are abused to purposes so directly contrary to their nature and end. 00:18:37.660 --> 00:18:42.040 And the world would spew you out were it not for the sovereign hand of him 00:18:42.040 --> 00:18:44.540 who had subjected it in hope. 00:18:45.560 --> 00:18:51.380 So we see this eager longing of nature, this groaning with him. 00:18:51.540 --> 00:18:54.660 And that's a recurring word that we see in the text here. 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.840 We see it of nature. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:58.060 We see it of ourselves as Christians. 00:18:58.059 --> 00:19:05.919 And then in the coming weeks, verse 26, we'll see that the Spirit groans as well. 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:07.940 And we'll get there next week, Lord willing. 00:19:09.139 --> 00:19:10.240 Groans within us. 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:12.339 Isaiah 65, 17 says, 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:16.240 For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, 00:19:16.379 --> 00:19:20.839 and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:25.359 And that's what we groan for as we suffer here. 00:19:25.359 --> 00:19:27.259 Like the creation. 00:19:28.459 --> 00:19:32.059 There's a phrase I want you to see in verse 19. 00:19:32.619 --> 00:19:33.479 That phrase is, 00:19:33.719 --> 00:19:34.779 Waits with eager longing. 00:19:34.879 --> 00:19:38.439 The creation waits with eager longing. 00:19:38.599 --> 00:19:42.579 And it's a very similar Greek phrase to verse 25, 00:19:42.899 --> 00:19:45.879 speaking of Christians, that we wait for it with patience. 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:51.399 And it means, literally, to watch from the head. 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:53.619 So that's interesting. 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:56.119 So you have to pull that out a little bit more, 00:19:56.199 --> 00:19:58.159 look at other places it's used in Greek literature, 00:19:58.599 --> 00:20:03.359 to see that it means to watch with neck outstretched. 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:07.479 So the picture of it is a looking for something. 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:09.219 Like as if you're on your tippy toes. 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:13.519 To look out in expectation of the glory that's coming. 00:20:13.599 --> 00:20:14.679 That's the picture we're getting. 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:17.679 The personification of nature is that nature groans 00:20:17.679 --> 00:20:19.500 because it's been subjected to futility. 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.720 It's weak in vigor. 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:23.519 And it's waiting expectantly 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:27.259 for the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:35.279 This earth is in a downward spiral. 00:20:36.660 --> 00:20:38.319 There are some who think, 00:20:39.039 --> 00:20:40.000 macro-revolutionists, 00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:42.259 that we're increasingly getting better. 00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:43.079 We're not. 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:44.359 We're not. 00:20:44.559 --> 00:20:46.700 This earth one day will be destroyed 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:48.080 and a new one will be created. 00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:48.799 Praise God. 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:51.259 If you have any doubt of that, 00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:53.460 you have to cut your grass 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:55.420 every single week right now. 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:57.400 And if you don't weed your garden, 00:20:57.740 --> 00:21:00.059 the weeds will absolutely take over. 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:03.059 Chaos reigns in the world we live in. 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:06.720 Our house right now is being attacked by, 00:21:07.360 --> 00:21:08.900 I believe what are called sugar ants. 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:10.640 They're everywhere. 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:12.380 This morning as I was looking over my notes, 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:12.880 I kept going. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:15.900 And on my desk, 00:21:15.940 --> 00:21:16.940 there's no food on my desk. 00:21:17.020 --> 00:21:17.600 What are they doing? 00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:19.780 Chaos reigns in this world 00:21:19.780 --> 00:21:22.240 and it's spiraling downward 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:26.100 toward ultimate destruction. 00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:29.480 And so he uses some interesting language 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:32.800 even as the nature goes through this groaning 00:21:32.800 --> 00:21:35.520 and he speaks of childbirth. 00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:36.460 Verse 22 he says, 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:39.759 We know the whole creation has been groaning together 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:43.000 in the pains of childbirth until now. 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:45.539 Isn't that interesting language? 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.819 I've never given birth to a child. 00:21:48.120 --> 00:21:50.059 I don't actually know what that feels like. 00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:52.360 I'm told that it's absolutely horrible. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:55.600 Sam, my wife, 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:59.400 has three levels of pain I've learned 00:21:59.400 --> 00:22:00.940 over the past six years. 00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:04.440 If I hear her exclaim from the kitchen, 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:06.580 and she's done something in the kitchen 00:22:06.580 --> 00:22:09.700 and she outwardly speaks of it, 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:11.200 it's really not that serious. 00:22:11.320 --> 00:22:11.900 I've learned that. 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:12.900 For the first couple of years, 00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:14.700 I would throw, drop, 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:15.460 whatever I was doing 00:22:15.460 --> 00:22:17.039 and rush to the kitchen. 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:19.420 I've learned that it's really not that big a deal. 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:20.500 I still go check on her. 00:22:20.580 --> 00:22:22.220 She's usually burnt herself a little bit 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:23.279 or minor cut. 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.820 Not a huge deal. 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:28.240 That's the first level of pain for my wife. 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:32.340 If my wife jokes about pain, 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:34.000 she's at another level. 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:36.859 So I took Sam to Tallulah Gorge 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:38.139 before we got married 00:22:38.139 --> 00:22:39.720 and we were down in the gorge 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.459 and hiking around 00:22:40.459 --> 00:22:41.799 and she tried to hop across a rock 00:22:41.799 --> 00:22:42.459 and she slipped 00:22:42.459 --> 00:22:43.659 and she hit her tailbone. 00:22:44.859 --> 00:22:46.639 And she hopped up and laughed it off 00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:47.720 like, no big deal. 00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:49.500 That was really spazzy, 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:50.059 but I'm good. 00:22:50.699 --> 00:22:53.399 And I was told that it turned her backside 00:22:53.399 --> 00:22:55.199 all kinds of colors. 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:57.500 And she was in a lot of pain for weeks. 00:22:57.500 --> 00:23:00.240 So Sam has a second level of pain 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:02.500 that's worse than the expressive, 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:04.619 I'm in a lot of pain level 00:23:04.619 --> 00:23:06.259 where she jokes it off 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:07.380 and laughs about it. 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:09.680 When Sam went into labor 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:10.980 with our first son, 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:13.880 I learned that my wife 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:14.940 has a third level of pain, 00:23:15.059 --> 00:23:15.859 which is silence. 00:23:18.200 --> 00:23:20.000 And when she says nothing, 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:22.039 she is in a whole nother place. 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:24.299 And I, knowing that, 00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:25.700 in my knowledge, 00:23:25.700 --> 00:23:26.920 her highest level of pain 00:23:26.920 --> 00:23:27.700 was a joking level. 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.779 I tried to joke with her a lot 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:30.860 and I was not funny at all 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:32.940 to her. 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:36.279 So I know that that has been 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:37.860 a unique experience for her 00:23:37.860 --> 00:23:40.180 and a whole nother level of pain. 00:23:40.259 --> 00:23:41.580 So why does he talk about 00:23:41.580 --> 00:23:43.259 the earth groaning 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.680 in the pains of childbirth? 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:45.539 And it's because 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:47.319 there's something glorious 00:23:47.319 --> 00:23:49.840 and wonderful to rejoice in 00:23:49.840 --> 00:23:52.299 at the end of that process. 00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:56.180 It's very difficult for a man. 00:23:56.259 --> 00:23:57.879 Ladies, I know that labor 00:23:57.879 --> 00:23:58.819 is the worst for you. 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:00.619 It's very difficult for a man 00:24:00.619 --> 00:24:01.940 to stand by and watch 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:03.940 his wife suffer in that way. 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:05.419 It's so hard because you want 00:24:05.419 --> 00:24:06.539 to do something to help. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:08.299 And I mean, just like massaging 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:09.000 feet and shoulders 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:09.960 just doesn't quite do it. 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:11.419 You want to take the pain away. 00:24:11.899 --> 00:24:13.019 But you go through that 00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:14.319 because you know 00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:16.079 at the end of that process, 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:17.720 a baby will be born. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:19.180 You'll hold your son 00:24:19.180 --> 00:24:20.659 or your daughter in your hands 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:22.279 and so it makes the pain worth it. 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:24.000 How many crazy ladies 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.500 do you know 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:25.519 that go through this horrific 00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:26.720 experience of giving birth 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:28.560 and like that day they go, 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.680 I want another baby. 00:24:30.320 --> 00:24:31.200 My wife did it. 00:24:32.040 --> 00:24:32.820 And my thought was, 00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:33.840 are you kidding me? 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:35.519 Have you lost your mind? 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:36.560 I just watched. 00:24:36.640 --> 00:24:37.420 I was so horrible. 00:24:39.360 --> 00:24:41.100 But it was worth it in the end. 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:41.620 Right? 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:43.060 It was worth it in the end. 00:24:43.060 --> 00:24:44.060 And that's why creation 00:24:44.640 --> 00:24:46.420 is personified in this way 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:47.620 because the suffering 00:24:47.620 --> 00:24:49.840 is worth the glory 00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:50.659 to be revealed. 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:52.779 You know what Paul, 00:24:52.919 --> 00:24:53.819 all the suffering 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.740 that Paul endured 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:56.139 and he says to us 00:24:56.139 --> 00:24:57.139 in verse 18, 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:58.539 I consider the sufferings 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:59.259 of this present time 00:24:59.259 --> 00:25:01.039 are not even worth comparing. 00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.579 There's no point 00:25:02.579 --> 00:25:03.359 in even setting it 00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:04.459 on the scale together. 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:05.379 It'd be pointless 00:25:05.379 --> 00:25:07.059 with the glory 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.959 that is to be revealed. 00:25:08.059 --> 00:25:08.579 It's going to be 00:25:08.579 --> 00:25:10.859 that much better. 00:25:11.379 --> 00:25:12.639 It's worth enduring. 00:25:14.179 --> 00:25:15.679 2 Corinthians 5, 00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:16.639 4 and 5, 00:25:16.899 --> 00:25:17.279 he wrote, 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:19.379 For while we are still 00:25:19.379 --> 00:25:20.099 in this tent, 00:25:20.160 --> 00:25:20.859 we groan, 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:21.940 being burdened, 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.700 not that we would be unclothed, 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.319 but that we would be 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:25.519 further clothed 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:26.960 so that what is mortal 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:28.319 may be swallowed up 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:29.259 by life. 00:25:29.859 --> 00:25:30.920 He who has prepared us 00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:31.839 for this very thing 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:32.500 is God, 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:33.539 who has given us 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.139 the Spirit 00:25:34.139 --> 00:25:35.779 as a guarantee. 00:25:36.639 --> 00:25:37.940 And there's that ministry again 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:39.879 of the Spirit of Christ 00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:41.240 dwelling within us, 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:42.879 giving us a deposit 00:25:42.879 --> 00:25:45.859 on what is to come. 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:47.799 So we certainly 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:50.959 enjoy this life 00:25:50.959 --> 00:25:51.959 because of God. 00:25:52.939 --> 00:25:54.099 We certainly get 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:54.619 taste, 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:56.519 glimpses of heaven 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.159 because we've been 00:25:57.159 --> 00:25:58.079 brought back 00:25:58.079 --> 00:25:58.879 into union 00:25:58.879 --> 00:25:59.959 with Him. 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.799 But it is still 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:03.279 just a glimpse 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:04.679 of what's to come. 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.500 It's good now. 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.299 If you've experienced 00:26:07.299 --> 00:26:08.059 the goodness of God, 00:26:08.119 --> 00:26:10.119 it's so good now. 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.279 It's going to be 00:26:11.279 --> 00:26:12.439 so much better. 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:14.639 Infinitely better, 00:26:14.919 --> 00:26:15.479 in fact. 00:26:16.099 --> 00:26:16.420 And so, 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.519 we have a hope 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.180 and it's a hope 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:19.980 that we don't see. 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:22.160 We don't experience 00:26:22.160 --> 00:26:23.200 it in full now. 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:23.839 It's not that we've 00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:24.839 been to heaven 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:25.599 and come back 00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:25.940 and said, 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:26.759 that was a cool place. 00:26:26.819 --> 00:26:27.279 I'm looking forward 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:28.019 to getting back there. 00:26:28.099 --> 00:26:29.160 We haven't actually 00:26:29.160 --> 00:26:31.200 seen it in full experience, 00:26:31.339 --> 00:26:32.640 but we know it's coming. 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:33.880 We get glimpses of it 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:34.700 and we long 00:26:34.700 --> 00:26:35.779 for it. 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:37.240 He says that, 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.500 for in this hope 00:26:38.500 --> 00:26:39.200 we were saved. 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:39.460 Now, 00:26:39.900 --> 00:26:40.519 hope that is seen 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:41.259 is not hope 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.279 for who hopes 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.200 for what he sees. 00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:44.160 If we had this already, 00:26:44.160 --> 00:26:45.200 it wouldn't be hope 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:45.560 at all. 00:26:45.880 --> 00:26:46.580 But if we hope 00:26:46.580 --> 00:26:48.380 for what we do not see, 00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:49.820 we wait for it 00:26:49.820 --> 00:26:51.080 with patience. 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:54.220 And that then 00:26:54.220 --> 00:26:55.259 is the hope 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.620 that transcends 00:26:56.620 --> 00:26:57.600 our suffering. 00:26:58.600 --> 00:27:00.160 That allows us 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:02.019 to bear up 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:03.440 underneath it. 00:27:04.320 --> 00:27:05.400 There is nothing 00:27:05.400 --> 00:27:06.580 in this world 00:27:06.580 --> 00:27:07.759 that can touch 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:08.379 your joy 00:27:08.379 --> 00:27:09.359 in Christ. 00:27:10.119 --> 00:27:10.779 Because this, 00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:13.079 it's so good. 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.519 You have been 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:15.240 bought. 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:16.359 You belong 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:17.740 to the Most High God. 00:27:18.140 --> 00:27:19.299 And one day, 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:20.440 as we progress 00:27:20.440 --> 00:27:21.160 through this life, 00:27:21.220 --> 00:27:21.819 as we progress 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:22.440 in this process 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:23.700 of sanctification, 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:24.759 this perfecting, 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:25.519 one day, 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:26.940 we will be perfect, 00:27:27.160 --> 00:27:27.759 glorified, 00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:28.940 done 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:30.039 with this world, 00:27:30.420 --> 00:27:31.539 living in everlasting 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.099 joy 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:32.879 with him. 00:27:34.579 --> 00:27:34.940 Suffering 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:35.359 in this world 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:35.980 isn't even worth 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:37.539 comparing with that. 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:39.539 Let's bear up 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:41.000 together in it. 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:42.779 Let's look like this 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:43.920 as we suffer. 00:27:44.860 --> 00:27:45.339 Waiting 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:46.819 for the coming glory. 00:27:47.120 --> 00:27:47.880 I think most of us 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.720 look like this. 00:27:52.559 --> 00:27:53.039 Waiting 00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:54.019 for the coming glory. 00:27:54.339 --> 00:27:54.599 Oh God. 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:55.640 And I believe 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:56.420 that's what the world 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:57.480 sees the church doing. 00:27:57.960 --> 00:27:59.000 And as we do that, 00:27:59.059 --> 00:28:00.059 we look to the same 00:28:00.059 --> 00:28:01.160 comforts that the world 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:01.640 looks to. 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:03.000 And we have such 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:04.220 a great comfort, 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.019 a coming 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:06.059 joy 00:28:06.059 --> 00:28:06.900 that's going 00:28:06.900 --> 00:28:07.980 to be everlasting. 00:28:10.139 --> 00:28:11.180 If you've been here 00:28:11.180 --> 00:28:12.180 much at all, 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.920 you've heard this 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.799 John Newton quote, 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:15.000 but it's so perfect. 00:28:15.099 --> 00:28:15.799 I have to read it 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.359 to you again. 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:18.099 He said, 00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:18.920 suppose a man 00:28:18.920 --> 00:28:20.079 was going to New York 00:28:20.079 --> 00:28:20.799 to take possession 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:22.019 of a large estate 00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:23.079 and his carriage 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:23.680 should break down 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.379 one mile 00:28:24.379 --> 00:28:24.940 before he got 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:25.440 to the city, 00:28:25.579 --> 00:28:26.599 which obliged him 00:28:26.599 --> 00:28:27.480 to walk the rest 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:27.799 of the way 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.420 to the inheritance. 00:28:28.579 --> 00:28:29.500 He's got a massive 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:30.259 inheritance waiting 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:30.619 for him 00:28:30.619 --> 00:28:31.920 and he's almost there 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:33.279 and his carriage 00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:33.800 breaks down 00:28:33.800 --> 00:28:34.960 and he can't 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:35.460 get there 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:36.420 except for walking. 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:38.300 What a fool 00:28:38.300 --> 00:28:39.200 we should think him 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:40.080 if we saw him 00:28:40.080 --> 00:28:41.019 wringing his hands 00:28:41.019 --> 00:28:42.400 and blubbering out 00:28:42.400 --> 00:28:43.779 all the remaining mile. 00:28:44.220 --> 00:28:45.240 My carriage is broken. 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:46.840 My carriage is broken. 00:28:47.700 --> 00:28:48.980 He wouldn't care. 00:28:49.080 --> 00:28:49.840 He wouldn't give a rip 00:28:49.840 --> 00:28:50.420 about the carriage, 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:50.779 would he? 00:28:50.880 --> 00:28:51.740 Because his inheritance 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.400 will buy him 00:28:52.400 --> 00:28:53.019 as many carriages 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:54.259 as if he could ever have. 00:28:54.580 --> 00:28:55.720 He'd gladly hop out of it, 00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:56.720 leave it behind 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.320 in his mind, 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:59.240 and press on 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:00.220 to the goal. 00:29:02.539 --> 00:29:04.439 What a great joy 00:29:04.439 --> 00:29:06.259 we have in Christ now 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:08.519 and what a greater joy 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:10.200 we will have in him 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:11.339 one day. 00:29:11.859 --> 00:29:13.019 So let us together 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:14.019 as a church 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:15.919 bear up under suffering 00:29:15.919 --> 00:29:17.939 in light of the hope 00:29:17.939 --> 00:29:19.480 of future glory. 00:29:19.939 --> 00:29:20.759 Let's pray together.