WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.760 I'm sorry, 23. 00:00:03.640 --> 00:00:09.200 You may have heard of the two elderly couples who were having a chat one day. 00:00:10.279 --> 00:00:11.640 ! And one of the men said to the other, 00:00:11.640 --> 00:00:15.000 Fred, how was that memory clinic that you went to last month? 00:00:16.280 --> 00:00:18.019 And Fred replied, it was really great. 00:00:18.400 --> 00:00:23.179 They taught me all sorts of new techniques, visualisation, association. 00:00:23.460 --> 00:00:26.219 It's really made a big difference to me. 00:00:27.179 --> 00:00:28.140 Fred said, that's brilliant. 00:00:28.400 --> 00:00:29.500 What's the name of the clinic? 00:00:30.640 --> 00:00:32.640 At that point, Fred's face goes blank. 00:00:33.340 --> 00:00:34.600 He thought and he thought. 00:00:35.579 --> 00:00:37.179 And he couldn't remember what the name was. 00:00:37.859 --> 00:00:40.340 But a smile breaks over his face and he says, 00:00:40.460 --> 00:00:41.560 what do you call that flower? 00:00:42.219 --> 00:00:44.939 With the long stem and the thorns. 00:00:45.700 --> 00:00:47.679 And the friend says, a rose. 00:00:48.179 --> 00:00:48.960 Yes, that's it. 00:00:49.200 --> 00:00:50.000 He changed to his wife. 00:00:50.260 --> 00:00:52.019 Rose, what was the name of that clinic? 00:00:53.260 --> 00:00:54.820 Now, who are the kind of tricks that are drunk? 00:00:54.960 --> 00:00:56.219 That's the... isn't it? 00:00:56.620 --> 00:00:59.600 There are some things in life we can forget and it just doesn't matter. 00:01:00.420 --> 00:01:03.780 And there are other things that we cannot forget. 00:01:05.780 --> 00:01:08.460 There are some things that if we forget them in life, it's to our peril. 00:01:08.459 --> 00:01:18.619 And the Bible is constantly reminding you and I of the importance of remembering the truth of God's word and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:18.620 --> 00:01:24.320 The German reformer, Martin Luther, recognized how forgetful we are when he said this. 00:01:24.319 --> 00:01:32.739 It is most necessary that we learn the gospel well, teach it to others and beat it into their heads continually. 00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:40.699 And in this series of Isaiah, what you have from chapter 13 to 23, we could say is Isaiah doing a bit of head beating. 00:01:40.700 --> 00:01:42.700 There are ten oracles. 00:01:42.700 --> 00:01:46.460 There are ten messages, ten sermons about neighbouring cities. 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:49.120 About the nations surrounding Judah. 00:01:50.060 --> 00:01:52.540 And today it's the fourth of the ten. 00:01:53.260 --> 00:01:54.020 I'm going to look at it. 00:01:54.019 --> 00:01:59.079 But the message to the people of Judah throughout these oracles has been the same. 00:02:00.239 --> 00:02:00.819 And it's this. 00:02:00.920 --> 00:02:02.019 They are not to trust. 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:07.399 Don't you even dare trust in the nations around you, God says. 00:02:08.300 --> 00:02:12.219 You are to trust people of Judah only in the Lord. 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:18.419 I don't know about you, but the temptation is when we start reading through a section like Isaiah 13 to 23, 00:02:19.139 --> 00:02:22.900 and we see that kind of repetition, that it's the same message, 00:02:23.800 --> 00:02:27.460 we think, okay, I'm going to just skip a little bit forward until I get something new. 00:02:28.680 --> 00:02:30.039 We're going to miss out some of it. 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:33.060 And in a sense I've done a little bit on that in the series, 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:36.259 even though there are ten oracles, we've only looked at four of them. 00:02:36.259 --> 00:02:45.399 But if we do skip ahead, we need to at least acknowledge that Isaiah spent 11 chapters on the same overall point. 00:02:46.599 --> 00:02:55.159 And the reason he does that is because you and I so easily forget that it's the Lord who we're to trust in all things. 00:02:56.180 --> 00:02:58.599 It is the Lord that we're to trust in everything. 00:02:59.819 --> 00:03:00.739 And we forget. 00:03:01.759 --> 00:03:03.219 It's not so much in our heads, is it? 00:03:03.219 --> 00:03:06.219 If I was to give you a pop quiz this morning and ask, 00:03:06.479 --> 00:03:08.979 who are you to trust in life and in death? 00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:12.719 Well, most of us, nearly all of us would say, we're going to trust in the Lord. 00:03:14.000 --> 00:03:15.419 But it's not we forget in our hearts. 00:03:16.719 --> 00:03:18.919 Our hearts constantly need to be reminded. 00:03:19.500 --> 00:03:23.860 Our wills constantly need to be reminded that we need to trust in the Lord. 00:03:24.360 --> 00:03:27.879 Our hearts continually want to trust in other things. 00:03:28.819 --> 00:03:31.139 In our reputation to justify ourselves. 00:03:31.139 --> 00:03:34.459 Maybe in our job status, for our security. 00:03:34.759 --> 00:03:36.939 Maybe we trust in our ability in sport. 00:03:37.159 --> 00:03:38.079 Or our popularity. 00:03:38.819 --> 00:03:39.579 Or our music. 00:03:39.859 --> 00:03:40.979 Or our cooking. 00:03:41.259 --> 00:03:42.539 Or our exam results. 00:03:42.839 --> 00:03:45.839 Or even we can trust in how great a family we are. 00:03:47.339 --> 00:03:51.259 Our hearts don't naturally want to trust in God. 00:03:51.259 --> 00:03:55.840 So don't we find we need to beat the gospel into our heads continually? 00:03:57.159 --> 00:04:00.319 So that it keeps going deep down into our hearts. 00:04:00.659 --> 00:04:06.659 So that if nothing else this morning, we can at least give Isaiah some credit for reminding you and I how forgetful we are. 00:04:08.180 --> 00:04:09.979 When it comes to the truth of God's word. 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:12.560 Which is why you've got so many of these oracles. 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:16.920 Now having said that, Isaiah's ten oracles, they are not copycats. 00:04:17.019 --> 00:04:18.879 They are not carbon copies of each other. 00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:22.500 Each oracle goes out to a different nation. 00:04:23.100 --> 00:04:23.759 And city. 00:04:24.060 --> 00:04:26.680 And in particular it highlights an idol. 00:04:26.819 --> 00:04:27.959 Something that they were trusting in. 00:04:28.379 --> 00:04:30.379 Or a god that they were following. 00:04:31.379 --> 00:04:32.180 Or worshipping. 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:35.180 So as we come to the oracle in Isaiah 23. 00:04:35.379 --> 00:04:36.060 That is no different. 00:04:36.160 --> 00:04:37.019 It's about Tyre. 00:04:38.060 --> 00:04:42.040 And it focuses on something specific that was going on in the city of Tyre. 00:04:42.459 --> 00:04:45.680 Tyre in the time of Isaiah was a Phoenician city. 00:04:46.620 --> 00:04:49.060 It was on an island right off the coast of the Mediterranean. 00:04:50.399 --> 00:04:52.960 And it's a suitable conclusion to these oracles. 00:04:53.899 --> 00:04:57.740 Because Isaiah began, if you remember chapter 13, he began with Babylon. 00:04:58.819 --> 00:05:00.360 And Babylon was known for its might. 00:05:00.360 --> 00:05:02.180 It was known for its army. 00:05:02.319 --> 00:05:04.660 For its military and cultural achievements. 00:05:06.020 --> 00:05:07.759 And Tyre is the last of the oracles. 00:05:09.020 --> 00:05:11.900 And it's just as well known as Babylon in the ancient world. 00:05:12.139 --> 00:05:13.980 But it's not known for its military might. 00:05:14.819 --> 00:05:16.879 It's known for its commercial wealth. 00:05:17.740 --> 00:05:19.819 It's known as a financial centre. 00:05:20.300 --> 00:05:24.300 It is, if you like, the square mile of the city. 00:05:25.300 --> 00:05:27.759 Or Wall Street of the ancient world. 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:33.500 So the standing in the first place and the last place in these oracles. 00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:35.800 Is Babylon and Tyre. 00:05:37.159 --> 00:05:39.839 And it's summing up all that's impressive in the world. 00:05:40.899 --> 00:05:42.079 Might and rights. 00:05:42.420 --> 00:05:43.339 Wealth and power. 00:05:44.180 --> 00:05:46.819 All that would be a new room for a little nation. 00:05:46.819 --> 00:05:49.540 And here in Isaiah 23. 00:05:50.639 --> 00:05:55.480 Judah, the people of God, are faced with the temptation to line themselves up with another nation. 00:05:56.279 --> 00:05:57.040 Another place. 00:05:57.120 --> 00:05:57.740 Another city. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:06:02.639 In this case, to line themselves with the economic superpower of the world. 00:06:02.779 --> 00:06:05.519 And God comes in with the same message. 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:08.120 Of where they're really pleased they trust. 00:06:08.259 --> 00:06:08.800 Their faith. 00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:14.120 And in this case, it is to trust the Lord and not in the prophets. 00:06:14.920 --> 00:06:16.439 P-R-O-F-I-T-S 00:06:16.439 --> 00:06:20.620 To trust the Lord and not in the prophets. 00:06:21.520 --> 00:06:23.520 So we're going to flesh out today by looking at three things. 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:25.780 I want us to first think about the purposes of God. 00:06:26.699 --> 00:06:28.000 That are revealed in the message. 00:06:28.439 --> 00:06:30.300 I want us to think of the future of the prophets. 00:06:30.460 --> 00:06:31.819 P-R-O-F-I-T-S 00:06:31.819 --> 00:06:38.519 And then I want us to think of the transformation that comes to generosity in our lives. 00:06:38.599 --> 00:06:39.819 So first of all, the purposes of God. 00:06:40.819 --> 00:06:42.620 The chapter is divided into two sections. 00:06:43.279 --> 00:06:44.180 And you might have noticed that. 00:06:44.300 --> 00:06:46.939 The first section begins and ends in the same way. 00:06:47.019 --> 00:06:47.659 Look at verse 1. 00:06:48.939 --> 00:06:50.199 The oracle concerning Tyre. 00:06:50.519 --> 00:06:53.000 Wail Oshet of Tyre. 00:06:53.180 --> 00:06:53.759 Of Tarshish. 00:06:54.019 --> 00:06:55.620 Or Tarshish, as it was pronounced. 00:06:56.339 --> 00:06:58.079 That's the first part of the oracle. 00:06:58.459 --> 00:07:00.500 And then you look at verse 14. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:03.139 Wail Oshet of Tarshish. 00:07:03.199 --> 00:07:04.019 There the book ends. 00:07:05.139 --> 00:07:07.000 Tarshish is probably most famous, isn't it? 00:07:07.319 --> 00:07:12.579 It's the city that Jonah didn't want to go to. 00:07:13.579 --> 00:07:14.680 He wanted to run away from. 00:07:16.040 --> 00:07:17.959 It's a city that's now in Spain. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:20.439 In one of the many colonies. 00:07:20.600 --> 00:07:23.040 Established by the Phoenicians around the Mediterranean in the world. 00:07:23.180 --> 00:07:25.300 And it was a base for their lucrative sea trade. 00:07:25.379 --> 00:07:26.000 It was a sea force. 00:07:27.319 --> 00:07:30.000 And it was rolling in wealth. 00:07:30.500 --> 00:07:36.259 But when the news reaches the ships of Tarshish. 00:07:36.519 --> 00:07:38.420 The news coming to the ships is not good at all. 00:07:39.620 --> 00:07:41.160 They're told to wail, aren't they? 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:43.120 They're told to mourn. 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:44.839 They're told to lament. 00:07:44.959 --> 00:07:47.660 And in verses 2-7 we are given the reason for the lamenting. 00:07:47.939 --> 00:07:49.480 The what of what is going to happen. 00:07:50.480 --> 00:07:52.759 They are to wail because of the stunning news. 00:07:52.759 --> 00:07:55.539 Of Tyre's collapse. 00:07:56.560 --> 00:07:58.060 There's about to be a Black Monday. 00:07:58.839 --> 00:07:59.759 And destruction. 00:08:01.319 --> 00:08:04.879 No one in that world would have believed the news that they were receiving. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:08.120 We get a sense that we have a reputation of Tyre. 00:08:08.319 --> 00:08:09.199 Look at verse 3. 00:08:09.300 --> 00:08:10.459 What are they called in verse 3? 00:08:10.579 --> 00:08:11.719 Verse 20 of chapter 23. 00:08:12.139 --> 00:08:14.819 They are called the merchant of the nations. 00:08:14.819 --> 00:08:37.480 Tyre's traders carried a reputation before them. 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:38.840 Everywhere they went. 00:08:39.300 --> 00:08:41.379 But Isaiah says that will be no more. 00:08:43.220 --> 00:08:44.980 The downfall will be so swift. 00:08:45.840 --> 00:08:49.420 That the homeland sailors, they'll hear the news before they even get to the shore. 00:08:50.399 --> 00:08:54.460 And we're told that a hushed silence will come over the neighbouring city of Sidon. 00:08:54.759 --> 00:08:56.460 And as they get the news, they are incredulous. 00:08:57.200 --> 00:08:58.159 They can't believe it. 00:08:58.379 --> 00:09:01.060 That this could ever have happened to the mighty Tyre. 00:09:01.059 --> 00:09:10.979 But Isaiah says that the nation of Egypt would weep as he contemplated the devastating impact on her weak exports. 00:09:12.099 --> 00:09:18.039 Tarshish would get news because refugees would start flooding back to that city. 00:09:18.579 --> 00:09:20.279 Because there's nothing left for them. 00:09:21.099 --> 00:09:21.739 In Tyre. 00:09:23.019 --> 00:09:28.379 In other words, Isaiah wants us to see that a lot of people have got a lot to lose in Isaiah 23. 00:09:28.379 --> 00:09:33.340 A lot of people have got a great deal to lose in the collapse of Tyre. 00:09:33.580 --> 00:09:36.919 But when this collapse would come, it will hit the Mediterranean world hard. 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:38.519 Like a wall street crash. 00:09:39.740 --> 00:09:41.460 Of devastating proportions. 00:09:42.139 --> 00:09:45.899 And it won't just be this country, but across the globe the ripples will be felt. 00:09:47.419 --> 00:09:49.899 And verse 2 to 7 gives them what is going to happen. 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:52.179 But verses 8 to 12 give us the why. 00:09:53.100 --> 00:09:54.000 Look at verse 8. 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:56.580 Whose purpose necessitates Tyre? 00:09:56.580 --> 00:09:57.259 Who's planned it? 00:09:58.379 --> 00:09:59.679 It's from days of old. 00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:02.820 Whose feet carried her to settle far away? 00:10:03.139 --> 00:10:04.759 Who has purposed this against Tyre? 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:06.580 The bestower of crowns. 00:10:06.620 --> 00:10:07.539 Whose merchants are princes. 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:09.039 Whose traders are the honour of the earth. 00:10:09.439 --> 00:10:09.899 Who is it? 00:10:09.960 --> 00:10:10.360 Verse 9. 00:10:10.419 --> 00:10:11.000 The Lord of hosts. 00:10:11.939 --> 00:10:13.340 The Lord of hosts has purposed it. 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:16.080 To defile a pompous pride of all glory. 00:10:16.159 --> 00:10:17.759 To dishonour all the honour to the earth. 00:10:18.100 --> 00:10:19.720 Cross over your land like the Nile. 00:10:19.799 --> 00:10:20.860 O daughter of Tarshish. 00:10:20.939 --> 00:10:22.080 There's no restraint anymore. 00:10:23.759 --> 00:10:25.480 He's stretched out his hand over the sea. 00:10:25.659 --> 00:10:26.820 He's shaken the kingdoms. 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:29.200 The Lord has given command concerning Canaan. 00:10:29.300 --> 00:10:30.480 To destroy its stronghold. 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:31.379 And he said. 00:10:31.480 --> 00:10:32.760 You will no more exalt. 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:35.800 O oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. 00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:37.840 Arise cross over to Cyprus. 00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:39.400 Even there you will have no rest. 00:10:39.879 --> 00:10:40.680 It's pretty straightforward. 00:10:41.900 --> 00:10:42.440 It is God. 00:10:43.840 --> 00:10:45.740 God is the purpose driven God. 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:49.100 Who has purposed all things according to his plan. 00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:51.700 You can't underline that enough. 00:10:51.700 --> 00:10:53.820 The message of Isaiah is. 00:10:53.900 --> 00:10:56.120 God is the sovereign God over all the nations. 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.420 And he plans. 00:10:59.100 --> 00:11:01.080 And he purposes what is going to happen. 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:02.300 And Isaiah says. 00:11:02.400 --> 00:11:04.020 The destruction of Tyre will be no different. 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:07.360 The Lord Almighty planned this destruction. 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:08.640 He purposed it. 00:11:08.860 --> 00:11:10.620 But what is particularly important to know. 00:11:10.940 --> 00:11:13.040 Here is that the reason given for the judgment. 00:11:13.480 --> 00:11:14.200 Of destruction. 00:11:14.940 --> 00:11:16.700 Is not that God is against commerce. 00:11:17.920 --> 00:11:19.440 It's not that God is against banking. 00:11:19.440 --> 00:11:21.740 It's not that God is against city traders. 00:11:22.440 --> 00:11:24.240 It's not that he's against markets. 00:11:24.800 --> 00:11:25.020 No. 00:11:25.260 --> 00:11:26.460 God is against pride. 00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:28.960 And that's why he judges Tyre. 00:11:30.420 --> 00:11:32.380 He judges her for her self-confidence. 00:11:33.440 --> 00:11:34.800 Which she has adopted. 00:11:35.020 --> 00:11:36.540 As a result of her affluence. 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:37.360 I am rich. 00:11:37.420 --> 00:11:37.940 He says. 00:11:38.680 --> 00:11:39.740 No one can touch me. 00:11:40.200 --> 00:11:40.900 And her wealth. 00:11:41.020 --> 00:11:41.520 And her income. 00:11:42.080 --> 00:11:43.680 And that is one of the great consistent messages. 00:11:43.820 --> 00:11:44.220 Of the Bible. 00:11:44.400 --> 00:11:44.680 Isn't it? 00:11:46.080 --> 00:11:47.500 That one of God's purposes. 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:48.860 Throughout all of history. 00:11:48.860 --> 00:11:50.360 Is to humble the proud. 00:11:52.460 --> 00:11:53.159 And it's pretty difficult. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:55.240 To read a passage like this. 00:11:55.960 --> 00:11:57.180 And not in some manner. 00:11:57.300 --> 00:11:58.019 Think that it's. 00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:00.180 Not relevant to our city. 00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:03.419 I read this week. 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:04.500 In a newspaper. 00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:06.300 Of a report of a meeting. 00:12:06.460 --> 00:12:07.279 Where somebody said. 00:12:07.379 --> 00:12:09.300 This system needs reformed. 00:12:09.580 --> 00:12:10.740 Speaking of the city of London. 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:12.879 And if it doesn't get reformed. 00:12:12.980 --> 00:12:13.820 We will destroy it. 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:15.920 It's a very strong language. 00:12:15.920 --> 00:12:16.320 Isn't it? 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:20.940 But I think in some of those things. 00:12:21.420 --> 00:12:22.379 There are some. 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:23.820 Right concerns. 00:12:25.200 --> 00:12:26.100 About the city. 00:12:26.460 --> 00:12:27.560 That we do have to recognise. 00:12:27.640 --> 00:12:28.160 As relevant. 00:12:30.280 --> 00:12:30.760 There are. 00:12:30.900 --> 00:12:31.560 A lot of people. 00:12:31.700 --> 00:12:32.100 Very. 00:12:32.300 --> 00:12:32.420 Very. 00:12:32.600 --> 00:12:33.840 Anti-capitalism. 00:12:35.300 --> 00:12:36.480 I'll read a bit more about this. 00:12:36.700 --> 00:12:37.600 One of the slogans. 00:12:37.660 --> 00:12:38.200 Of their movement. 00:12:38.320 --> 00:12:39.320 Is we are the 99%. 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:40.320 You know. 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:41.180 It's the Occupy movement. 00:12:41.260 --> 00:12:42.220 You don't hear so much of them now. 00:12:42.220 --> 00:12:42.740 You can. 00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:43.420 What's that? 00:12:43.560 --> 00:12:44.420 Sitting in banks. 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:44.759 Occupy. 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:46.840 We are the 99%. 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:47.379 They said. 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:49.240 And it's an intriguing. 00:12:49.540 --> 00:12:49.920 Slogan. 00:12:49.980 --> 00:12:50.340 Isn't it? 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:53.120 People who sit in banks. 00:12:53.379 --> 00:12:54.759 And financial institutions. 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:57.480 We are the 99%. 00:12:57.480 --> 00:12:58.759 Standing against the Ukrainian. 00:12:59.000 --> 00:12:59.399 Of the cent. 00:13:00.899 --> 00:13:01.360 But to be honest. 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:02.240 The more I read of it. 00:13:02.279 --> 00:13:03.420 The more it got on my nerves. 00:13:03.540 --> 00:13:05.139 And it is hopelessly idealistic. 00:13:05.820 --> 00:13:06.379 So today. 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:07.820 I am starting a new movement. 00:13:08.820 --> 00:13:10.120 And I'd like you to join it. 00:13:10.520 --> 00:13:11.620 You can be here for the launch. 00:13:11.700 --> 00:13:12.740 You can say I was there. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:16.020 And here is my slogan. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:18.060 We are the 100%. 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:20.820 We are the 100%. 00:13:20.820 --> 00:13:23.640 Let me explain what I mean by that. 00:13:24.560 --> 00:13:26.240 We are all part of the system. 00:13:28.100 --> 00:13:29.240 And the root of the problem. 00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:30.260 That you may be able to see. 00:13:30.340 --> 00:13:31.220 In the corporate world. 00:13:31.520 --> 00:13:32.320 And the economy. 00:13:32.800 --> 00:13:33.540 And maybe you can see it. 00:13:33.560 --> 00:13:34.400 In the political world. 00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:35.700 And our economic world. 00:13:35.700 --> 00:13:37.560 The root of that problem. 00:13:38.540 --> 00:13:39.460 Isaiah says. 00:13:39.560 --> 00:13:40.160 Is pride. 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:43.280 And that pride. 00:13:43.760 --> 00:13:44.200 Absolutely. 00:13:44.700 --> 00:13:45.800 Every single one of us. 00:13:45.860 --> 00:13:46.400 Is guilty of. 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:49.020 All of us. 00:13:49.820 --> 00:13:50.720 Have built. 00:13:50.940 --> 00:13:51.800 Bought into the system. 00:13:51.900 --> 00:13:53.040 We are guilty of greed. 00:13:54.340 --> 00:13:56.040 We are guilty of consumerism. 00:13:56.100 --> 00:13:57.300 We are guilty of materialism. 00:13:57.580 --> 00:13:58.720 Because each. 00:13:59.180 --> 00:13:59.920 Each of us. 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:00.820 Deep down. 00:14:01.220 --> 00:14:02.660 Wants to define ourselves. 00:14:02.740 --> 00:14:03.980 By what we have. 00:14:04.880 --> 00:14:05.920 Or define ourselves. 00:14:05.920 --> 00:14:07.040 By what we look like. 00:14:07.820 --> 00:14:08.820 Or define ourselves. 00:14:08.900 --> 00:14:09.740 By what we own. 00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:10.500 Or define ourselves. 00:14:10.580 --> 00:14:11.400 By what we achieve. 00:14:12.780 --> 00:14:14.540 And we are part of the problem. 00:14:17.460 --> 00:14:18.920 So there is a lack of humility. 00:14:19.080 --> 00:14:20.280 Dare I say there is pride. 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:22.740 There is pride. 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:24.260 That points the finger. 00:14:24.540 --> 00:14:26.020 On the other side of the issue. 00:14:26.160 --> 00:14:26.480 And says. 00:14:26.700 --> 00:14:27.740 They are the problem. 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:31.279 And we can't do that. 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:32.879 Because we are the hundred percent. 00:14:34.500 --> 00:14:36.180 Let me quote this again. 00:14:36.340 --> 00:14:37.960 From Alexander Solzhenitsyn. 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:38.620 It says this. 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:40.120 If only there were evil people. 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:40.600 Somewhere. 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:40.080 If only there were evil people. 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:40.639 Somewhere. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:42.659 Insidiously committing evil deeds. 00:14:43.539 --> 00:14:44.460 And it were necessary. 00:14:44.580 --> 00:14:45.820 Only to separate them. 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:46.580 From the rest of us. 00:14:46.940 --> 00:14:48.179 And destroy them. 00:14:49.179 --> 00:14:50.679 But the line dividing. 00:14:50.899 --> 00:14:52.019 Good and evil. 00:14:52.159 --> 00:14:53.060 Cuts through the heart. 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:54.899 Of every human being. 00:14:56.259 --> 00:14:56.980 And who is willing. 00:14:57.080 --> 00:14:58.460 To destroy a piece of his own heart. 00:15:00.820 --> 00:15:01.600 God declares. 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.639 That his purpose here. 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:03.580 Is to judge. 00:15:03.580 --> 00:15:05.480 The economic powerhouse. 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:06.020 Of Tyre. 00:15:06.960 --> 00:15:07.820 And the reason. 00:15:07.920 --> 00:15:08.340 He says. 00:15:08.440 --> 00:15:09.379 Is because of her. 00:15:10.060 --> 00:15:10.500 Pride. 00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:13.280 And that is something. 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:14.200 Of which we are all guilty. 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:17.200 Secondly. 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:17.759 We don't just see. 00:15:17.820 --> 00:15:18.840 The purposes of God here. 00:15:18.900 --> 00:15:19.620 We see the future. 00:15:19.780 --> 00:15:20.400 Of the prophets. 00:15:21.420 --> 00:15:22.740 Look in verses 15 to 18. 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:25.500 In that day. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.520 In that day. 00:15:26.580 --> 00:15:27.340 Tyre will be forgotten. 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:28.180 For 70 years. 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:30.379 At the days of one king. 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:32.220 At the end of 70 years. 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.060 It will happen to Tyre. 00:15:33.059 --> 00:15:33.759 As in the son. 00:15:33.819 --> 00:15:34.399 And prostitute. 00:15:35.379 --> 00:15:35.919 Take a heart. 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:36.579 Go about the city. 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:37.459 You have forgotten prostitute. 00:15:37.619 --> 00:15:38.539 Make sweet melodies. 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:39.619 Sing many songs. 00:15:39.979 --> 00:15:40.959 That you may be remembered. 00:15:41.859 --> 00:15:43.159 At the end of 70 years. 00:15:43.219 --> 00:15:44.199 The Lord will visit Tyre. 00:15:44.319 --> 00:15:45.799 And she will return to her wages. 00:15:45.919 --> 00:15:47.119 And will prostitute herself. 00:15:47.239 --> 00:15:48.559 With all the kingdoms of the world. 00:15:48.599 --> 00:15:49.519 On the face of the earth. 00:15:49.959 --> 00:15:50.679 Her merchandise. 00:15:50.679 --> 00:15:50.879 Her merchandise. 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:50.879 00:15:51.879 --> 00:15:52.219 Will be. 00:15:52.779 --> 00:15:53.919 Holy to the Lord. 00:15:55.859 --> 00:15:56.839 Will not be stored. 00:15:56.979 --> 00:15:57.359 Or hoarding. 00:15:57.439 --> 00:15:58.039 But her merchandise. 00:15:58.179 --> 00:15:58.559 Will supply. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:15:59.699 Abundant food. 00:15:59.799 --> 00:16:00.419 And fine clothing. 00:16:00.519 --> 00:16:01.179 For those who dwell. 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:01.859 Before the Lord. 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:05.119 It seems that Isaiah is predicting. 00:16:05.219 --> 00:16:06.239 A period of 70 years. 00:16:07.199 --> 00:16:08.079 During which time. 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:09.239 Tyre would lie desolate. 00:16:10.219 --> 00:16:11.659 Which probably refers to. 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:14.379 The period between the campaign. 00:16:14.459 --> 00:16:15.439 Of the Assyrian ruler. 00:16:15.579 --> 00:16:16.119 Sennacherib. 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:17.139 In 701 BC. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:19.459 And then the decline of Assyria. 00:16:19.459 --> 00:16:20.719 Some 70 years later. 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:24.039 But what Isaiah seems to mention here. 00:16:24.119 --> 00:16:24.679 In highlight. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:25.699 Which he wants us to know. 00:16:25.779 --> 00:16:27.739 Is the prostituting heart of the nation. 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:29.779 As he puts it. 00:16:30.919 --> 00:16:32.700 And he's not referring primarily there. 00:16:32.700 --> 00:16:33.639 To sexual activity. 00:16:34.480 --> 00:16:35.320 And sexual sin. 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:36.419 Rather he's saying. 00:16:36.659 --> 00:16:38.519 That all the activity of Tyre. 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:39.639 Was done for one thing. 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:39.960 Money. 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:42.460 Everything they did. 00:16:42.460 --> 00:16:43.919 Was for the money. 00:16:44.060 --> 00:16:45.039 Just as in prostitution. 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:48.139 And after the 70 years of devastation. 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:49.440 It appears that Tyre. 00:16:49.600 --> 00:16:50.720 Hadn't really learned anything. 00:16:51.060 --> 00:16:51.879 At least initially. 00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:52.560 She returned. 00:16:52.680 --> 00:16:52.960 The society. 00:16:53.320 --> 00:16:53.960 To her proud. 00:16:54.039 --> 00:16:54.879 And selfish ways. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:56.519 But in verse 18. 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:57.600 Can you see that? 00:16:57.720 --> 00:16:58.980 It's utter transformation. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:02.799 There's something of a major development. 00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:03.379 Isn't there? 00:17:03.500 --> 00:17:04.559 Because now we see. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:05.380 That her profits. 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.339 And her earnings. 00:17:06.339 --> 00:17:07.440 Will be set apart. 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:08.579 For the Lord. 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:12.380 We know that Tyre. 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:13.380 Was there. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.680 To supply materials. 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:15.559 For the temple. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:16.940 At Julia's return. 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:17.519 From Babylon. 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:19.579 We read that in Ezra chapter 3. 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:21.799 But as we've seen. 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:22.579 Several times. 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:23.740 As you go through Isaiah. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:26.240 Isaiah operates in three time zones. 00:17:27.319 --> 00:17:28.819 They operate in the now. 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:30.700 And the later. 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:32.420 And the much later. 00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:33.539 So when he speaks. 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:34.140 What he says. 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.279 Applies to the now. 00:17:35.400 --> 00:17:35.880 And the later. 00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:36.700 And the much later. 00:17:39.400 --> 00:17:40.980 And the scale of events. 00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:42.799 To which Isaiah is talking about here. 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:46.500 Seem to be much larger. 00:17:46.599 --> 00:17:47.319 Than what is talked about. 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:48.059 In the book of Ezra. 00:17:49.460 --> 00:17:50.420 Something bigger. 00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:51.299 Is in view. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.319 Yes. 00:17:52.319 --> 00:17:53.460 Ezra 3 is in view. 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:54.299 But it's bigger than that. 00:17:54.359 --> 00:17:54.859 The question is. 00:17:54.899 --> 00:17:55.319 What is it? 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:57.419 So there's some debate. 00:17:57.500 --> 00:17:58.700 When you come to verse 18. 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:01.059 Some believe that. 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:02.839 Isaiah was just looking forward. 00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:03.500 To a day. 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:05.299 When God will reclaim. 00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:06.159 Everything. 00:18:07.139 --> 00:18:07.539 Riches. 00:18:07.659 --> 00:18:08.839 Because they ultimately. 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:09.720 Belong to him. 00:18:09.799 --> 00:18:11.200 For the blessing of those who are his. 00:18:12.379 --> 00:18:12.980 And it's possible. 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:13.879 I think it's more likely. 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:15.059 And others think that. 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:16.500 There's more going on here. 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:17.859 Than just God. 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:19.240 Taking the profits. 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:23.200 That it is actually a picture here. 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:25.160 Of future transformation. 00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:28.799 It's a picture of a converted. 00:18:29.620 --> 00:18:29.980 Prostitute. 00:18:31.740 --> 00:18:32.140 Consecrating. 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:32.779 Giving. 00:18:33.160 --> 00:18:34.900 All that her old life. 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.779 Now past. 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:36.400 And gone. 00:18:36.480 --> 00:18:37.140 Has meant. 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:39.839 One reason I think that's the case. 00:18:39.880 --> 00:18:41.460 Is that in Deuteronomy 23.18. 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:43.920 It tells us that it was forbidden. 00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:46.160 To bring the earnings of prostitution. 00:18:46.160 --> 00:18:47.279 As an offering to the Lord. 00:18:48.600 --> 00:18:49.400 But now. 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.320 That prostitute. 00:18:50.580 --> 00:18:51.920 Is converted now. 00:18:53.080 --> 00:18:54.740 And everything that she has. 00:18:54.860 --> 00:18:55.759 Everything that she's got. 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:56.900 She hands over to the Lord. 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:57.580 And to his people. 00:18:58.019 --> 00:18:59.400 It's all now his. 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:00.519 And she hands it to him. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:03.480 No longer is it kept. 00:19:03.560 --> 00:19:04.640 A selfish game. 00:19:05.120 --> 00:19:06.840 So the sense is that one day. 00:19:07.560 --> 00:19:08.960 All things will come together. 00:19:09.060 --> 00:19:10.019 For the glory of God. 00:19:10.860 --> 00:19:13.000 And the blessings of God's people. 00:19:14.100 --> 00:19:14.800 Some riches. 00:19:14.980 --> 00:19:16.100 Will be brought willingly. 00:19:17.160 --> 00:19:19.140 By those who trust the Lord. 00:19:20.220 --> 00:19:21.580 They'll be handed over to him. 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:24.440 But there is a sense. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.279 Isn't there in the Bible. 00:19:27.120 --> 00:19:28.160 That other riches. 00:19:28.360 --> 00:19:29.940 Will be taken from those. 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:31.279 Who trusted in other things. 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:35.360 But the future of all prophets. 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:38.680 Is such that they will be in the hands of God. 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:39.759 For the enjoyment of his people. 00:19:41.800 --> 00:19:42.680 Seems to me that. 00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:44.200 Isaiah 23 presents you and I. 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:45.100 With two ways of living. 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:49.140 One way is the way of tired. 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:51.580 It's the way of pride. 00:19:52.580 --> 00:19:53.700 And the way of greed. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:56.019 And living for ourselves. 00:19:57.360 --> 00:19:58.220 Earning an income. 00:19:58.360 --> 00:20:00.240 So that you can climb the social ladder. 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:01.140 A bigger salary. 00:20:02.720 --> 00:20:03.560 A better house. 00:20:04.600 --> 00:20:05.720 A better image. 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:07.819 A fancier wardrobe. 00:20:07.819 --> 00:20:09.259 More expensive toys. 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:12.400 But the other way. 00:20:12.600 --> 00:20:13.140 Is to recognise. 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:14.579 That everything that you have. 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:16.539 Actually belongs to the Lord of glory. 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:19.640 And it's to be used for his glory. 00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:23.560 The problem of going from the first path. 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:24.520 To the second path. 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:25.560 Is that greed. 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:27.080 Is one of the hardest sins. 00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:28.740 To identify in our lives. 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:32.120 I've been the minister of this church. 00:20:32.200 --> 00:20:33.060 I think 30 years. 00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:33.680 On Thursday. 00:20:35.020 --> 00:20:36.040 And no one. 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:39.160 No one has ever come to me. 00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:40.720 And said. 00:20:40.780 --> 00:20:42.040 I really struggle with this sin. 00:20:42.039 --> 00:20:44.659 And the sin is. 00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:45.500 Greed. 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:47.119 No one. 00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:49.119 Lots of other things. 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:51.980 But no one really admits to it. 00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:54.759 What we are very good at. 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:56.039 Is we're very good at. 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:57.339 Identifying other people who are greedy. 00:20:57.420 --> 00:20:57.740 Aren't we? 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:02.000 But it's very very rare. 00:21:02.119 --> 00:21:03.059 That you will hear someone say. 00:21:03.159 --> 00:21:05.000 I am actually a very greedy person. 00:21:07.139 --> 00:21:08.440 We're willing to admit other sins. 00:21:08.639 --> 00:21:10.079 But greed just doesn't happen to be one of them. 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:12.259 That's why Jesus says. 00:21:12.399 --> 00:21:12.559 Isn't he? 00:21:12.579 --> 00:21:13.480 Jesus is very clear. 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:15.939 That you've always got to be on your guard against greed. 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.899 You've got to be on the watch for greed. 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:19.659 Because it's not. 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:22.699 It's one of the most difficult sins to spot. 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:26.679 But rather than give you clues. 00:21:26.679 --> 00:21:28.139 As to what to look for in your life. 00:21:28.179 --> 00:21:29.539 As to whether you're a greedy person or not. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.939 I want to give you a suggestion. 00:21:31.159 --> 00:21:32.419 A couple of suggestions in our lives. 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:33.839 Where we see a transformation. 00:21:35.159 --> 00:21:35.980 In our lives. 00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:37.679 From greed to generosity. 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:39.379 How do we make that switch? 00:21:40.699 --> 00:21:41.919 What might it look like. 00:21:41.939 --> 00:21:43.419 If we move in the direction. 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:44.460 Suggested this year. 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:47.240 As we live out the truth. 00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:48.659 That everything that we have. 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:50.059 Every single thing that we have. 00:21:50.139 --> 00:21:50.919 Belongs to the Lord. 00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:52.199 And is to be used for his glory. 00:21:54.099 --> 00:21:55.500 And the first place to transition. 00:21:55.659 --> 00:21:56.819 From greed to generosity. 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:57.619 Is in our attitude. 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:59.000 To our work and our income. 00:22:00.599 --> 00:22:02.259 How we look at our work. 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:02.980 And our income. 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:06.220 The business entire. 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.819 The city entire. 00:22:07.819 --> 00:22:10.160 Had one central goal in their trading. 00:22:10.339 --> 00:22:10.940 And it was this. 00:22:11.059 --> 00:22:12.640 It was their own glory. 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:15.140 It was to build themselves up. 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:17.160 And so the income. 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:17.980 And the profits. 00:22:18.140 --> 00:22:18.799 And the bonuses. 00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:20.380 Enabled them. 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:22.339 To increasingly live. 00:22:22.579 --> 00:22:23.460 More selfish. 00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:26.339 And increase luxurious living. 00:22:26.860 --> 00:22:28.220 And increase their stature. 00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:29.019 And their reputation. 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:30.299 That's what they did with their money. 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:33.039 Their goal was their own glory. 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.339 A friend of mine. 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:38.119 Used to run a consultancy company. 00:22:39.480 --> 00:22:40.339 And at the bottom. 00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:41.599 Of his website. 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:43.599 And on his head. 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:44.200 Notepaper. 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.559 There were three words. 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:46.680 Three little words. 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:47.879 Sali. 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:48.940 Deo. 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:49.920 Gloria. 00:22:52.039 --> 00:22:52.500 A few seconds. 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:53.279 And pass. 00:22:53.440 --> 00:22:55.039 Or you drive your car past. 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:55.759 Turn right. 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.279 And a few seconds. 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:56.660 You go out. 00:22:56.940 --> 00:22:57.799 Go across the lights. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:59.160 And follow the road round. 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:00.879 And as you're turning around. 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:01.920 You will see a house. 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:03.319 On the right. 00:23:04.140 --> 00:23:05.059 And above the door. 00:23:05.140 --> 00:23:05.759 It's a wooden door. 00:23:05.819 --> 00:23:06.379 And above the door. 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:06.839 You will see. 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:07.720 I think it's an eagle. 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:08.759 Carved in the door. 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:10.220 Carved in the window. 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:11.779 And underneath the window. 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.940 Is engraved. 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:13.940 S. 00:23:14.099 --> 00:23:14.579 D. 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:15.299 G. 00:23:16.119 --> 00:23:16.759 Fort Laudy. 00:23:16.879 --> 00:23:17.440 Old home. 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.299 If you know that. 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.359 Sali. 00:23:20.539 --> 00:23:20.779 Deo. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:21.079 Gloria. 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:21.819 What does it mean? 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.359 It means. 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.539 To God alone. 00:23:24.539 --> 00:23:25.879 Be the glory. 00:23:27.119 --> 00:23:27.960 It's the same words. 00:23:28.099 --> 00:23:29.019 The same three words. 00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:30.339 Johann Sebastian Bach wrote. 00:23:30.399 --> 00:23:31.659 On every piece of music. 00:23:32.139 --> 00:23:32.799 He composed. 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:33.319 Sali. 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:33.799 Deo. 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:34.319 Gloria. 00:23:34.659 --> 00:23:35.319 To God alone. 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:35.960 Be the glory. 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.180 And that is the attitude. 00:23:38.299 --> 00:23:39.059 That God wants you to have. 00:23:39.119 --> 00:23:39.879 About your work. 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:41.980 And I think. 00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:43.000 By implication of that. 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:43.659 Of our income. 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:44.599 That we've received. 00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:45.299 From that work. 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:47.500 That it is all. 00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:48.139 Ultimately. 00:23:48.319 --> 00:23:49.480 For God's glory. 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:51.779 And that is why. 00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:53.059 I want to argue with you. 00:23:53.139 --> 00:23:53.859 That I think the Bible. 00:23:53.859 --> 00:23:54.699 Instructs you. 00:23:54.759 --> 00:23:55.099 To give. 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.059 At least. 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:57.439 10% of your income. 00:23:58.819 --> 00:23:59.479 To ministry. 00:23:59.579 --> 00:23:59.719 A mission. 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.359 You can argue. 00:24:00.479 --> 00:24:00.639 And say. 00:24:00.699 --> 00:24:01.159 With the New Testament. 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:02.219 Never says about 10%. 00:24:02.219 --> 00:24:03.099 I would want to argue. 00:24:03.179 --> 00:24:03.299 Back. 00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:03.699 It speaks about. 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.539 A lot more than that. 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.579 But in actually. 00:24:06.899 --> 00:24:08.699 A very practical way. 00:24:08.979 --> 00:24:09.579 We show. 00:24:09.659 --> 00:24:10.559 That we're fighting. 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:10.679 We're fighting. 00:24:10.919 --> 00:24:12.119 Greed in our lives. 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:14.259 And we are acknowledging. 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:15.039 That actually. 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:16.319 All that we have. 00:24:16.419 --> 00:24:17.559 Belongs to God. 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:18.619 And we want to use it. 00:24:18.659 --> 00:24:19.179 For his glory. 00:24:20.699 --> 00:24:21.679 All that we have. 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:23.039 We've been made stewards. 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:24.319 Of. 00:24:25.079 --> 00:24:26.279 We are stewards. 00:24:26.379 --> 00:24:27.119 Of this income. 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:27.839 That ultimately. 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:28.579 Comes from him. 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:30.799 And that actually. 00:24:30.879 --> 00:24:31.619 Has to affect the way. 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.359 We use money. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.159 Spend money. 00:24:33.279 --> 00:24:34.079 Invest money. 00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:35.659 Sali deo gloria. 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:38.519 The second. 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.220 Related way. 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:39.500 I think. 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.800 We are transformed. 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:41.380 From greed. 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:42.040 To generosity. 00:24:42.740 --> 00:24:43.540 Has to do with. 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:44.019 Our thinking. 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:44.740 Particularly about us. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:45.380 As a church. 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:48.140 About investing. 00:24:49.600 --> 00:24:50.380 In our vision. 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.140 If I can put it like that. 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:51.759 I don't like the word. 00:24:51.820 --> 00:24:52.019 Vision. 00:24:52.080 --> 00:24:52.440 You know that. 00:24:53.580 --> 00:24:54.279 But at the start. 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:55.060 Of this academic year. 00:24:55.140 --> 00:24:56.320 I just want to remind you. 00:24:56.420 --> 00:24:57.080 Of what we're facing. 00:24:58.880 --> 00:24:59.480 In the summertime. 00:24:59.660 --> 00:25:00.200 I read. 00:25:00.300 --> 00:25:00.840 Lots of books. 00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:03.339 That I don't get to read. 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:03.899 During the year. 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:05.000 And I always pick one book. 00:25:05.079 --> 00:25:05.339 That I. 00:25:05.439 --> 00:25:06.379 I know I won't like. 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:06.859 Written by. 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:08.899 Someone from a very difficult. 00:25:09.159 --> 00:25:10.259 Different theological perspective. 00:25:10.379 --> 00:25:11.039 Who I won't like. 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:11.980 And. 00:25:12.339 --> 00:25:13.459 He certainly did that this year. 00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:14.879 One book that will drive me nuts. 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.779 But there was one quote. 00:25:16.899 --> 00:25:17.720 That I got out of this book. 00:25:17.959 --> 00:25:18.659 Let me read it to you. 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:21.180 If the size. 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:22.000 Of the vision. 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:22.860 That you have. 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:23.620 For your life. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.240 Isn't intimidating. 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:25.940 To you. 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:27.740 It is likely. 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:28.540 That it's insulting. 00:25:28.540 --> 00:25:29.060 To God. 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:30.640 It's good isn't it. 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:32.160 Two good lines. 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:33.040 In a pretty awful book. 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:35.279 If the size. 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:35.779 Of the vision. 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.360 That you have. 00:25:36.420 --> 00:25:36.900 For your life. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.720 Isn't intimidating. 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.220 To you. 00:25:38.640 --> 00:25:39.320 It's likely. 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.000 That it's insulting. 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:40.500 To God. 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:42.759 And I think. 00:25:42.860 --> 00:25:43.460 We need to apply that. 00:25:43.540 --> 00:25:43.660 To us. 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:44.259 As a church. 00:25:46.140 --> 00:25:46.720 If the size. 00:25:46.720 --> 00:25:47.200 Of the vision. 00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:47.940 Of our congregation. 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:49.259 Isn't intimidating to us. 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:49.799 It is likely. 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:50.980 That it's insulting to God. 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:53.600 Well. 00:25:53.620 --> 00:25:54.400 What is our vision. 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:55.100 You say. 00:25:56.200 --> 00:25:56.860 That's the same vision. 00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:57.559 As every other church. 00:25:58.559 --> 00:25:59.700 We want to see people. 00:25:59.820 --> 00:26:00.620 Come to know God. 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:01.500 Through Jesus Christ. 00:26:01.580 --> 00:26:02.519 By the power of his spirit. 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:05.019 We want people. 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.580 To become. 00:26:05.580 --> 00:26:07.019 People of the book. 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:07.440 Can we. 00:26:08.660 --> 00:26:09.580 We want to see. 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.220 Lives. 00:26:10.380 --> 00:26:10.640 To be. 00:26:11.340 --> 00:26:11.860 Transformed. 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:12.840 So that they become. 00:26:13.120 --> 00:26:14.000 More and more. 00:26:14.120 --> 00:26:15.019 Like the Lord Jesus. 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.500 We want to see people. 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:17.140 Trained. 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:17.960 And equipped. 00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:19.380 To live out the Christian life. 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:20.320 In their workplace. 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:21.340 And wherever they are. 00:26:22.840 --> 00:26:23.500 We want to see. 00:26:23.580 --> 00:26:24.320 Covenant children. 00:26:24.560 --> 00:26:25.080 Raised. 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:26.759 We want to see. 00:26:27.040 --> 00:26:27.480 Internationals. 00:26:27.600 --> 00:26:27.900 Reached. 00:26:28.140 --> 00:26:28.800 We want to see. 00:26:28.880 --> 00:26:29.240 Workers. 00:26:29.420 --> 00:26:30.080 Raised up. 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.060 And sent out. 00:26:31.120 --> 00:26:31.820 Around the world. 00:26:32.060 --> 00:26:33.120 We want to plant churches. 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.160 And we want to build. 00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:35.900 A bigger building. 00:26:36.040 --> 00:26:37.540 Because that will enable us. 00:26:37.620 --> 00:26:38.780 In the long term. 00:26:38.860 --> 00:26:39.520 To proclaim. 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:40.340 Christ. 00:26:40.700 --> 00:26:41.960 And to reach people. 00:26:42.080 --> 00:26:42.800 In this area. 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:43.720 In further afield. 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:44.039 Years. 00:26:44.839 --> 00:26:46.160 And not just in our day. 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:47.400 But for generations to come. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:51.100 And so we need to start dreaming. 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:57.120 What God might do. 00:26:57.380 --> 00:26:58.880 In and through this church. 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.380 Dream of things. 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:02.140 That might. 00:27:02.700 --> 00:27:03.360 Bring us. 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:04.180 As a body. 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:05.559 To maturity in Christ. 00:27:06.700 --> 00:27:07.440 Dream of things. 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.740 That will enable us. 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:10.059 To effectively. 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:11.380 Reach out to people. 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:13.920 And I think. 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:14.380 One of the things. 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:15.940 That might hold us back. 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:16.460 From dreaming. 00:27:16.620 --> 00:27:17.120 And praying. 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:19.299 As much as we could have done. 00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:19.960 I think sometimes. 00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:20.839 In the UK church. 00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:21.660 It is fear. 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:23.900 And particularly. 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:25.339 Financial fear. 00:27:27.420 --> 00:27:28.240 One of the dangers. 00:27:28.339 --> 00:27:28.700 Is we think. 00:27:28.759 --> 00:27:30.380 We've always got to play it safe. 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:32.839 And if playing it safe. 00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:34.019 Means being a good steward. 00:27:34.079 --> 00:27:34.720 Of what we have. 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:35.420 And that is God. 00:27:35.579 --> 00:27:36.460 I'm all for it. 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:37.819 But if playing it safe. 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:38.799 Means avoiding. 00:27:39.600 --> 00:27:40.380 Intimidating vision. 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:42.779 If playing it safe. 00:27:42.840 --> 00:27:44.539 Means not taking risks. 00:27:44.680 --> 00:27:45.299 For God. 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.620 I don't think that is God. 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:47.220 Or him at all. 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.259 And I expect. 00:27:50.380 --> 00:27:51.160 Some of you are sitting there. 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:51.340 And thinking. 00:27:51.440 --> 00:27:52.720 How dare you talk to us. 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:53.920 About money and giving again. 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:54.640 Don't you know. 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:55.740 How expensive it is. 00:27:55.779 --> 00:27:56.519 To live in this city. 00:27:57.840 --> 00:27:58.759 And I hear you. 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.380 But I think. 00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:02.079 With a right. 00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:03.160 On godly vision. 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:04.079 Comes creativity. 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:06.160 With godly vision. 00:28:06.160 --> 00:28:06.600 Godly vision. 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:07.340 Comes freedom. 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.100 And boldness. 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:08.900 And with godly vision. 00:28:09.140 --> 00:28:09.940 Our priorities. 00:28:10.080 --> 00:28:11.960 Including our financial priorities. 00:28:12.100 --> 00:28:13.240 Become much much clearer. 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:14.279 When we realise. 00:28:14.420 --> 00:28:15.060 What it is. 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:16.140 We are to do. 00:28:17.100 --> 00:28:17.860 Then our priorities. 00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:18.600 Become much clearer. 00:28:21.140 --> 00:28:22.160 So I'm asking you. 00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:22.720 To start praying. 00:28:22.820 --> 00:28:23.960 God clarify our vision. 00:28:25.580 --> 00:28:26.300 What is it. 00:28:26.340 --> 00:28:26.820 That God. 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:27.160 Would. 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:28.700 Be asking us to do. 00:28:29.620 --> 00:28:30.600 To enable people. 00:28:30.680 --> 00:28:31.800 To come to know Christ. 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:33.779 To enable people. 00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:34.960 To come to maturity in Christ. 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:35.900 To bring others. 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:36.500 To Christ. 00:28:36.580 --> 00:28:37.240 Let's risk. 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:39.560 Let's do things. 00:28:39.560 --> 00:28:40.280 Where we realise. 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:41.240 The only way. 00:28:41.320 --> 00:28:42.380 That this could happen. 00:28:43.340 --> 00:28:44.660 Is if we trust in the Lord. 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:46.400 Is that a great place to be. 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:48.820 So that more. 00:28:48.820 --> 00:28:49.580 And more people. 00:28:49.580 --> 00:28:51.320 Can come to know Christ. 00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:53.160 And can come to be like Christ. 00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:55.920 In the words. 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:56.840 The pioneer missionary. 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:57.740 William Carey. 00:28:58.120 --> 00:28:59.120 That we expect. 00:28:59.340 --> 00:28:59.900 Great things. 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:00.519 From God. 00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:02.720 And at the same time. 00:29:02.820 --> 00:29:03.400 We attempt. 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.380 Great things. 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:05.400 For God. 00:29:06.520 --> 00:29:07.200 One last thing. 00:29:07.260 --> 00:29:07.800 As we finish up. 00:29:08.100 --> 00:29:08.540 And it really is. 00:29:08.600 --> 00:29:09.440 The missing piece of the jigsaw. 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:10.180 We ask ourselves. 00:29:10.280 --> 00:29:11.200 What changes a person. 00:29:11.900 --> 00:29:12.460 What is it. 00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:13.220 What is the dynamic. 00:29:13.340 --> 00:29:14.160 That changes a person. 00:29:14.660 --> 00:29:15.700 From a place of greed. 00:29:15.800 --> 00:29:16.360 Generosity. 00:29:16.359 --> 00:29:17.939 How do you move. 00:29:18.159 --> 00:29:18.839 From that place. 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:19.779 Where you are willing. 00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:20.579 To let go. 00:29:20.699 --> 00:29:21.740 Of your personal resources. 00:29:22.539 --> 00:29:23.279 When you are willing. 00:29:23.379 --> 00:29:24.399 To spend money. 00:29:24.539 --> 00:29:25.279 On God's work. 00:29:25.379 --> 00:29:26.159 And God's people. 00:29:27.679 --> 00:29:28.079 Well. 00:29:28.159 --> 00:29:29.000 Here is what changes it. 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:29.759 It is the gospel. 00:29:31.139 --> 00:29:31.899 It is the gospel. 00:29:31.899 --> 00:29:33.299 That brings you and I. 00:29:33.979 --> 00:29:34.699 To a place. 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:35.740 Of cheerful. 00:29:36.879 --> 00:29:37.319 Exhilarating. 00:29:38.659 --> 00:29:38.979 Giving. 00:29:40.659 --> 00:29:41.079 The gospel. 00:29:41.199 --> 00:29:41.679 The writer Luke. 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.399 Tells of an occasion. 00:29:42.479 --> 00:29:43.859 When Jesus was at a dinner party. 00:29:43.919 --> 00:29:44.319 It was held. 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:45.299 By the religious leaders. 00:29:45.799 --> 00:29:46.759 And on that day. 00:29:46.859 --> 00:29:47.939 A well known prostitute. 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:48.939 Turns up to the party. 00:29:50.179 --> 00:29:51.419 And everybody recognized her. 00:29:51.439 --> 00:29:52.299 When she walks in. 00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:53.079 You can imagine. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:53.599 The muttering. 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.279 And the touching. 00:29:54.399 --> 00:29:54.980 They are not happy. 00:29:55.059 --> 00:29:55.619 She is there. 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:56.839 And around the room. 00:29:56.919 --> 00:29:58.159 All the guests notice her. 00:29:58.359 --> 00:29:59.599 Every eye is on her. 00:30:00.220 --> 00:30:01.399 And around her neck. 00:30:01.519 --> 00:30:02.039 The prostitute. 00:30:02.179 --> 00:30:03.740 Had a small flask. 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:05.519 It was kind of. 00:30:05.960 --> 00:30:07.279 A little flask. 00:30:07.480 --> 00:30:08.960 Of expensive perfume. 00:30:10.039 --> 00:30:11.339 It was a trade market. 00:30:11.439 --> 00:30:12.019 It was one of the tools. 00:30:12.119 --> 00:30:12.519 Of the trade. 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:13.679 And those flasks. 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:15.580 Had long skinny necks. 00:30:15.900 --> 00:30:16.380 Which meant. 00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:17.420 They were nearly impossible. 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.360 To pour out from. 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:20.740 But you could smell the perfume. 00:30:20.860 --> 00:30:21.720 And it was an expensive. 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:23.000 Accessory of fragrance. 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:23.539 And beauty. 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:25.860 But if you wanted to pour the perfume out. 00:30:26.060 --> 00:30:27.380 You've got to break the flask. 00:30:28.460 --> 00:30:29.519 The neck of the flask. 00:30:29.600 --> 00:30:31.200 Which then rendered the flask useless. 00:30:32.820 --> 00:30:33.680 And that was exactly. 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:34.440 What that woman did. 00:30:34.640 --> 00:30:35.320 That day. 00:30:36.160 --> 00:30:37.200 She approached Jesus. 00:30:37.320 --> 00:30:38.580 She brought the neck of the flask. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:40.019 And she poured perfume on his feet. 00:30:40.120 --> 00:30:41.279 And she wiped his feet. 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:42.580 With her hair. 00:30:42.579 --> 00:30:43.579 In devotion to Jesus. 00:30:45.019 --> 00:30:45.919 And leave us to say. 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.720 The other guests. 00:30:46.799 --> 00:30:47.720 The religious folk there. 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.980 They were scandalised. 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:49.819 By what she'd done. 00:30:50.139 --> 00:30:51.579 And here is what Jesus says. 00:30:51.699 --> 00:30:52.579 Luke 7.47. 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:54.980 I tell you. 00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:55.980 Her many sins. 00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:56.779 Have been forgiven. 00:30:57.639 --> 00:30:59.000 For she loved much. 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.419 But he was being forgiven. 00:31:01.579 --> 00:31:01.980 Little. 00:31:02.439 --> 00:31:02.859 Loved. 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:03.419 Little. 00:31:03.419 --> 00:31:03.519 Little. 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:33.519 ikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikkikk 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:35.559 probably not going to be that generous 00:31:35.559 --> 00:31:36.059 with your money. 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:39.559 But when you begin to understand, 00:31:39.680 --> 00:31:41.599 when you begin to grasp the scandalous 00:31:41.599 --> 00:31:43.059 love of God to us, 00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:45.420 through Jesus Christ, that though 00:31:45.420 --> 00:31:47.559 he wasn't rich, he became poor 00:31:47.559 --> 00:31:49.619 on our behalf, so that 00:31:49.619 --> 00:31:51.799 we could become rich. When you realise 00:31:51.799 --> 00:31:53.400 that because of the scandalous love, 00:31:53.519 --> 00:31:55.759 you have been freed to love God 00:31:55.759 --> 00:31:57.379 and to love others scandalous, 00:31:57.440 --> 00:31:58.759 it changes absolutely everything. 00:32:00.420 --> 00:32:01.379 And God's love was so 00:32:01.380 --> 00:32:03.640 outrageous enough to send his sons to die 00:32:03.640 --> 00:32:05.600 in your place on the cross. Why? 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:06.560 Because of your pride. 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:09.620 Your pride was to serve condemnation 00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:11.680 like Tyre, because of my greed. 00:32:12.840 --> 00:32:13.540 Because of my 00:32:13.540 --> 00:32:15.700 prostituting heart, which will run 00:32:15.700 --> 00:32:17.440 after anything and everything 00:32:17.440 --> 00:32:19.440 but God, to find 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:21.680 satisfaction. And Jesus took 00:32:21.680 --> 00:32:22.680 the penalty for all that. 00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:25.600 And God's love is outrageous 00:32:25.600 --> 00:32:27.760 enough that if you trust in my son, God says, 00:32:27.760 --> 00:32:29.800 if you trust on that cross who has died in your 00:32:29.799 --> 00:32:31.500 place, you become my child. 00:32:32.659 --> 00:32:33.460 And you call me 00:32:33.460 --> 00:32:34.019 Father. 00:32:35.059 --> 00:32:35.619 And not only 00:32:35.619 --> 00:32:37.779 do you become my child, you become my 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:38.240 heir. 00:32:39.139 --> 00:32:40.220 And he says we have become 00:32:40.220 --> 00:32:42.019 co-heirs with the Lord Jesus 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:43.940 who rightfully owns everything in the 00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:44.399 universe. 00:32:45.359 --> 00:32:46.099 Do you understand that? 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:48.200 That we become 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:49.960 co-heirs with the Lord Jesus who owns 00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:51.099 everything. And if that is true, 00:32:52.440 --> 00:32:54.259 and if that is true, it releases 00:32:54.259 --> 00:32:55.220 the grip, doesn't it? 00:32:55.220 --> 00:32:59.120 Because you realise that this life is not 00:32:59.120 --> 00:33:00.460 the be-all and the end-all. 00:33:01.380 --> 00:33:03.039 And you realise that everything that you have 00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:04.240 rightly belongs to Jesus. 00:33:04.640 --> 00:33:07.000 And you can't wait to share it with those who love God. 00:33:08.539 --> 00:33:09.019 And when you 00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:11.140 take hold of the scandalous love of God 00:33:11.140 --> 00:33:12.839 poured out on us, your 00:33:12.839 --> 00:33:14.860 attitude to everything including your money is 00:33:14.860 --> 00:33:15.799 radically transformed. 00:33:17.500 --> 00:33:19.039 And as Martin Luther intimated, 00:33:19.160 --> 00:33:21.079 you and I, we are experts at forgetting 00:33:21.079 --> 00:33:21.600 this stuff. 00:33:21.599 --> 00:33:24.419 And so when I asked you this evening 00:33:24.419 --> 00:33:26.000 what was the sermon about, you might say 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:26.819 I've got no idea. 00:33:28.079 --> 00:33:29.359 Which is why we need to learn the 00:33:29.359 --> 00:33:30.099 gospel well. 00:33:31.299 --> 00:33:32.839 And we need to teach it to each other. 00:33:34.119 --> 00:33:35.279 And we need to beat each other 00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:36.879 over their head with it, contenderly. 00:33:38.039 --> 00:33:39.399 Friends, brothers and sisters, 00:33:39.559 --> 00:33:40.459 trust in the Lord 00:33:40.459 --> 00:33:42.559 and not in the prophets. 00:33:42.559 --> 00:33:44.219 Let's pray.