WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.600 You may be seated. 00:00:02.600 --> 00:00:03.459 Good morning. 00:00:05.080 --> 00:00:09.179 My name's Matthew Capone, and I'm the pastor here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church, 00:00:09.179 --> 00:00:12.179 and it's my joy to bring God's Word to you today. 00:00:12.679 --> 00:00:15.540 A special welcome if you're new or visiting with us. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:20.260 We're glad that you're here, and we're glad that you're here not because we're trying to fill seats, 00:00:20.500 --> 00:00:22.900 but because we're following Jesus together. 00:00:23.320 --> 00:00:27.560 And as we follow Jesus together, we become convinced that there's no one so good. 00:00:27.559 --> 00:00:31.679 They don't need God's grace, and no one so bad that they can't have it, 00:00:31.759 --> 00:00:36.939 which is why we come back week after week to hear what God has to say to us in His Word. 00:00:38.159 --> 00:00:40.799 We're continuing our series in the Gospel of Mark. 00:00:40.899 --> 00:00:47.079 You'll remember that the Gospels tell the story of Jesus and His life and His death and His resurrection. 00:00:47.519 --> 00:00:51.019 And when we were in chapters 1 through 8, we were asking these two questions, 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:53.439 who is Jesus and how do we respond to Him? 00:00:53.980 --> 00:00:57.320 Peter finally confesses in chapter 8 that Jesus is the Christ. 00:00:57.320 --> 00:01:01.980 He's the one that's been expected from the beginning of time, from the Old Testament. 00:01:02.520 --> 00:01:06.780 And so now there's a shift that's happened where we are now with the disciples 00:01:06.780 --> 00:01:11.579 as they learn what it actually means to follow Jesus as the Christ. 00:01:11.780 --> 00:01:15.519 They think, as Peter does, that it's going to lead them to glory, 00:01:16.099 --> 00:01:21.060 and Jesus has to teach them over and over that it's also going to include suffering. 00:01:22.040 --> 00:01:27.740 And so two weeks ago, we saw that the disciples became a little independent, 00:01:27.900 --> 00:01:31.659 forgot that they needed Jesus, and so they were trying to cast out demons without prayer. 00:01:32.020 --> 00:01:38.480 And they continued that self-sufficiency last week when we found them arguing about who is actually the greatest. 00:01:38.480 --> 00:01:44.719 We're going to continue that same theme this week as the disciples feel this tug, 00:01:44.800 --> 00:01:52.740 this temptation to be ones who have this special access to Jesus that no one else is going to be able to experience. 00:01:52.740 --> 00:01:58.439 That maybe by being close to Him, they could have the glory that they hoped for. 00:01:58.439 --> 00:02:05.299 And Jesus instead teaches them a lesson about how open His arms are. 00:02:06.039 --> 00:02:09.639 And so with that, I'm going to invite you to turn with me to God's Word. 00:02:09.719 --> 00:02:15.759 You can turn in your Bible, you can turn on your phone, or you can turn in your worship guide. 00:02:16.180 --> 00:02:19.060 No matter where you turn, remember that this is God's Word, 00:02:19.120 --> 00:02:23.780 and God tells us that His Word is more precious than gold, even the finest gold, 00:02:23.780 --> 00:02:28.319 and it's sweeter than honey, even honey that comes straight from the honeycomb. 00:02:28.979 --> 00:02:33.180 And so that's why we read now Mark 9, starting at verse 38. 00:02:34.180 --> 00:02:35.420 John said to Him, 00:02:35.939 --> 00:02:40.219 Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, 00:02:40.360 --> 00:02:44.420 and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us. 00:02:45.120 --> 00:02:46.240 But Jesus said, 00:02:46.240 --> 00:02:54.080 Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in My name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 00:02:54.760 --> 00:02:58.100 For the one who is not against us is for us. 00:02:58.920 --> 00:03:00.460 For truly I say to you, 00:03:00.600 --> 00:03:05.260 Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ 00:03:05.260 --> 00:03:08.100 will by no means lose his reward. 00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:09.700 Verse 42, 00:03:10.340 --> 00:03:14.280 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, 00:03:14.280 --> 00:03:19.520 it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck 00:03:19.520 --> 00:03:22.120 and he were thrown into the sea. 00:03:23.520 --> 00:03:26.740 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's Word. 00:03:28.740 --> 00:03:37.039 Our Father in Heaven, we thank You again that You're gracious and that You speak to us. 00:03:37.900 --> 00:03:41.099 You know that we stumble around often in this life, 00:03:41.199 --> 00:03:43.900 and so You show us the right way to go. 00:03:43.900 --> 00:03:47.300 You give us Your Word to direct us and to guide us. 00:03:47.740 --> 00:03:49.599 We ask that You would do that this morning, 00:03:49.879 --> 00:03:54.020 that You would speak clearly to us in a way that we can understand. 00:03:54.920 --> 00:03:57.360 You'd show us our need for Your grace, 00:03:57.759 --> 00:04:00.819 and You'd also encourage us with Your mercy, 00:04:01.140 --> 00:04:05.939 that we would leave here loving and trusting You more than when we came. 00:04:06.759 --> 00:04:09.719 We ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:04:10.240 --> 00:04:10.560 Amen. 00:04:10.560 --> 00:04:10.719 Amen. 00:04:13.900 --> 00:04:19.980 You're probably tired at this point of hearing about all the different disruptions 00:04:19.980 --> 00:04:26.800 and changes that happened in 2020 after the coronavirus came and flipped things upside down for us. 00:04:26.800 --> 00:04:34.600 But one of the things that did not make as much press was the fact that it became the year in which podcasts blew up. 00:04:34.600 --> 00:04:38.700 Now, podcasts were apparently invented as early as 2004. 00:04:39.160 --> 00:04:41.680 They're slowly on the rise during all those years, 00:04:41.680 --> 00:04:44.700 and suddenly when people find themselves trapped at home, 00:04:44.700 --> 00:04:49.560 more than ever they're going to listen to what it is that people have to say across the Internet. 00:04:49.700 --> 00:04:52.460 In fact, many people began starting podcasts because they were bored 00:04:52.460 --> 00:04:55.000 and didn't know what to do as they were trapped at home. 00:04:55.379 --> 00:04:58.020 And so I don't remember if it was 2020 or 2021, 00:04:58.420 --> 00:05:00.920 but it was declared the year of the podcast, 00:05:00.920 --> 00:05:03.780 that podcasts were going to be bigger than ever before. 00:05:04.740 --> 00:05:09.699 Now, if you're familiar with podcasts, you know you can typically access them wherever you want. 00:05:09.780 --> 00:05:12.560 Maybe you access them on the app that's on your iPhone. 00:05:13.060 --> 00:05:16.700 Maybe you hate Apple, and so instead you use Google Podcasts. 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:18.780 Maybe you have an app like Stitcher. 00:05:18.860 --> 00:05:22.720 Maybe you go onto Spotify, but most of the time you're able to find it wherever you want. 00:05:22.720 --> 00:05:27.060 It's your convenience that dictates the source of the podcast. 00:05:28.440 --> 00:05:31.460 Except there are a couple that buck the trend. 00:05:31.560 --> 00:05:33.580 So if you're a really big deal, 00:05:33.980 --> 00:05:37.420 I've spoken before about the secular profits of our age. 00:05:37.760 --> 00:05:41.420 Some of those secular profits have exclusive deals on their podcasts. 00:05:41.700 --> 00:05:44.760 I think specifically Brene Brown and Joe Rogan, 00:05:45.080 --> 00:05:49.200 if you want to listen to them, you have to go through Spotify. 00:05:49.199 --> 00:05:54.539 No Apple Podcasts, no Google Podcasts, no Stitcher, 00:05:54.579 --> 00:05:57.219 because there is an exclusive contract they have. 00:05:57.300 --> 00:06:01.079 Why? Because there's so much money to be made. 00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:05.779 In fact, there was an outcry at one point for Joe Rogan to be canceled from Spotify, 00:06:06.120 --> 00:06:10.139 and they surprised a lot of people by not canceling him. 00:06:10.740 --> 00:06:14.719 And cynically, I'll say, there's a lot of money to be made. 00:06:15.919 --> 00:06:17.860 Bottom line matters. 00:06:17.860 --> 00:06:19.220 Money talks. 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:22.020 And so what if someone else posted one of these podcasts? 00:06:22.160 --> 00:06:24.199 Well, Spotify would have the right to go after them. 00:06:24.500 --> 00:06:25.879 In fact, they probably would. 00:06:25.939 --> 00:06:30.680 I'm sure they have many lawyers who work for them to enforce their rights. 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:34.280 And that would be a legitimate enforcement of this exclusive contract that they have. 00:06:35.460 --> 00:06:38.040 Now, there's also another kind of exclusivity, 00:06:38.180 --> 00:06:41.480 not legitimate, but illegitimate claims to exclusivity. 00:06:41.680 --> 00:06:42.740 So this shows up. 00:06:43.139 --> 00:06:44.939 If you're familiar with the U.S. Constitution, 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:47.199 you know it outlines the idea of patents, 00:06:47.399 --> 00:06:48.779 that if you invent something, 00:06:49.079 --> 00:06:52.879 you can get a patent on it so that other people can't use it without your permission 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:54.360 and without paying you for it. 00:06:54.980 --> 00:07:01.199 The only problem is that the patent system is sometimes abused to the point of absurdity. 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:06.259 So you may have heard of patent number 6080436, 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:14.339 which was issued in the year 2000 for the great and innovative invention of thermally refreshinged bread. 00:07:15.959 --> 00:07:19.779 Thermally refreshinged bread is what you and I commonly call toast. 00:07:19.779 --> 00:07:27.259 Now, you don't need to know a lot about the history of toast to know that it existed long before the year 2000. 00:07:27.979 --> 00:07:31.679 And so you can imagine how comical it would be for the person who owns this patent, 00:07:31.979 --> 00:07:34.299 officially issued to them by the U.S. government, 00:07:34.299 --> 00:07:40.599 to try to claim that all the makers and users and creators of toast owe them a paycheck. 00:07:40.600 --> 00:07:47.580 There's legitimate things that are exclusive and illegitimate things that are not actually exclusive, 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:50.740 and that's what we hit up against in this passage. 00:07:51.140 --> 00:07:57.420 John comes to Jesus knowing that Jesus is his Joe Rogan and he is Spotify. 00:07:58.320 --> 00:08:02.700 Jesus, someone else has been playing your tracks without permission. 00:08:04.140 --> 00:08:05.920 Verse 38, 00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:09.379 Hey, teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:13.360 and we tried to stop him because he was not following us. 00:08:14.020 --> 00:08:15.379 Don't worry, Jesus. 00:08:15.660 --> 00:08:16.960 We called your lawyers. 00:08:18.720 --> 00:08:21.759 And we sent them a cease and desist letter 00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:28.240 because we know that we, the disciples, are the exclusive platform for the Jesus show. 00:08:28.460 --> 00:08:32.759 If there's healing that's going to happen, it needs to run through us. 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:35.879 We can't let these prophets get out of control. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:40.779 We can't lose the money and the fame and the glory that is to be made. 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:48.340 And Jesus has some hard news for the disciples. 00:08:49.340 --> 00:08:52.439 When it comes to his healing and power, 00:08:52.580 --> 00:08:55.460 when it comes to the news of the gospel, 00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:58.439 he is not Joe Rogan on Spotify. 00:08:59.220 --> 00:09:01.240 He is like toast. 00:09:02.759 --> 00:09:08.919 The disciples are trying to patent something that belongs to everyone. 00:09:10.620 --> 00:09:13.200 In verse 39, Jesus is simply saying, 00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:15.059 Actually, anyone can make toast. 00:09:15.159 --> 00:09:16.659 You can't hold a patent on that. 00:09:18.319 --> 00:09:22.879 Anyone who works in my name has access to my power. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:27.799 You can spread the gospel just by doing it. 00:09:27.799 --> 00:09:32.859 You do not need permission from the 12 disciples. 00:09:35.339 --> 00:09:38.299 Now, you might want to give the disciples a break at this point. 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:41.479 You could say, well, we saw in Mark chapter 3 and chapter 6 00:09:41.479 --> 00:09:44.139 that Jesus had given them this special commission 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:47.299 to go out teaching and healing and casting out demons. 00:09:47.299 --> 00:09:50.379 And so it would just be natural that they would assume at this point 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:53.179 that these people had not received that special commission. 00:09:53.299 --> 00:09:55.939 Maybe we just need to cut the disciples a break. 00:09:56.039 --> 00:09:58.959 Give them the benefit of the doubt that they're just confused. 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:04.199 The only problem with that is that the disciples actually play their cards 00:10:04.199 --> 00:10:08.079 in a painful way in verse 38. 00:10:08.080 --> 00:10:23.280 Following here in the gospel of Mark is a key word 00:10:23.280 --> 00:10:27.759 that has already shown up nine times before this episode. 00:10:28.080 --> 00:10:34.600 Every single one of those times, the word follow refers to Jesus. 00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:42.980 After this episode, this word is going to show up seven more times 00:10:42.980 --> 00:10:45.700 in reference to Jesus. 00:10:46.779 --> 00:10:51.279 The very last time this word was used was in Mark chapter 8, verse 3. 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:53.680 Jesus said, if anyone would come after me, 00:10:53.779 --> 00:10:58.820 let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 00:10:58.820 --> 00:11:05.100 The disciples have turned something upside down. 00:11:05.180 --> 00:11:08.680 There is a confusion about what's actually happening. 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:11.080 Jesus has told them nine times before, 00:11:11.160 --> 00:11:12.620 and he'll tell them seven times later, 00:11:12.700 --> 00:11:14.980 that the following is about him. 00:11:16.400 --> 00:11:20.840 And the disciples still think it's about them. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:24.960 They are more concerned with people following them 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:27.240 than following after Jesus. 00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:31.019 There is this insecurity, this jealousy that they're experiencing. 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:35.299 They thought they were the ones who had special access to Jesus. 00:11:35.460 --> 00:11:38.200 And suddenly, these people are not just succeeding, 00:11:38.560 --> 00:11:41.000 they're succeeding where the disciples failed. 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:43.580 Remember the problem two episodes ago. 00:11:43.840 --> 00:11:46.220 The disciples were not able to cast out a demon. 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:48.720 And what are these people doing? 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:53.360 They are able to do what the disciples could not. 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:55.940 Remember Jesus told them, chapter 9, verse 29, 00:11:55.940 --> 00:12:00.220 this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:03.100 And after that humbling, 00:12:03.440 --> 00:12:08.000 last time the disciples are still arguing about who is the greatest. 00:12:08.680 --> 00:12:12.860 And so they've forgotten where the true power comes from. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:17.760 They've forgotten where the true glory comes from. 00:12:18.280 --> 00:12:21.020 They are making the same mistake 00:12:21.019 --> 00:12:24.139 that they made last week and the week before. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:28.799 The disciples want the power to rest with them 00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:30.659 when in fact it rests with Jesus. 00:12:31.720 --> 00:12:34.840 The disciples want a life of independence 00:12:34.840 --> 00:12:38.120 and all Jesus offers them is dependence. 00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:42.659 Last week we talked about the fact that there's this principle 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:44.500 that Jesus gives them where in the gospel 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:48.220 we push ourselves down and lift other people up 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:49.679 rather than vice versa. 00:12:49.820 --> 00:12:51.779 We see the same thing here this morning 00:12:51.779 --> 00:12:53.259 but adding a different layer. 00:12:53.679 --> 00:12:57.039 Our goal is seeking Jesus' glory, 00:12:57.899 --> 00:12:59.460 not our own. 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:02.700 Our goal in the Christian life 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:04.620 is seeking Jesus' glory, 00:13:05.060 --> 00:13:06.159 not our own. 00:13:06.159 --> 00:13:08.679 And yet the disciples are more interested 00:13:08.679 --> 00:13:10.699 in people following them than Jesus. 00:13:10.919 --> 00:13:14.179 They are more interested in their name than Jesus' name. 00:13:14.259 --> 00:13:17.579 The confusion that Peter introduced in chapter 8 00:13:17.579 --> 00:13:18.799 still continues. 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:23.259 And so the point, the humbling point is this. 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:26.279 If your goal is Jesus' glory, 00:13:26.579 --> 00:13:30.100 you will rejoice when other people succeed. 00:13:30.100 --> 00:13:34.560 If your goal is Jesus' glory, 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:38.120 you will rejoice when other people succeed. 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:40.720 Even when, especially when, 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:42.800 people who are serving Christ 00:13:42.800 --> 00:13:46.000 see more fruit and success than you. 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:50.320 Because the fact that it's more than yours is irrelevant. 00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:53.040 What matters, what's important, 00:13:53.159 --> 00:13:55.080 what is underscored and underlined here 00:13:55.080 --> 00:13:57.220 is that Jesus' name and his glory 00:13:57.220 --> 00:13:58.740 are filling the earth. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:04.220 That is what should fill the disciples' heart with joy. 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:08.639 And so Jesus here is going to give us three principles 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:11.980 to understand the unity that we actually have together 00:14:11.980 --> 00:14:15.400 as we are following Jesus as one people. 00:14:15.520 --> 00:14:17.580 Those three principles we'll go through quickly. 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:20.780 Principle one, power always has a source. 00:14:22.120 --> 00:14:24.280 Principle two, there's no exclusive group. 00:14:24.860 --> 00:14:27.159 Principle three, small things matter. 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:29.600 One, power always has a source. 00:14:29.839 --> 00:14:31.319 Two, there's no exclusive group. 00:14:31.720 --> 00:14:33.759 And three, small things matter. 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:35.699 So first, in verse 39, 00:14:35.939 --> 00:14:37.740 Jesus helps them understand that power 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:39.299 always has a source. 00:14:40.059 --> 00:14:41.459 I want you to think about it like this. 00:14:42.360 --> 00:14:44.939 Some of you know that at the end of June, 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:48.100 I had an outside spigot on my house 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:48.959 that had a leak, 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:51.000 and I ended up flooding my basement. 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:54.399 So I had the joy of having ProServe come in 00:14:54.399 --> 00:14:55.539 and rip out all my flooring 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:57.539 and bring in their dryers to heat it all out. 00:14:58.259 --> 00:15:00.580 And so my basement was completely unusable. 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:01.919 Actually, it still is. 00:15:01.940 --> 00:15:02.879 It hasn't been restored yet. 00:15:02.919 --> 00:15:04.539 That's another story for another time. 00:15:05.419 --> 00:15:06.559 But I had a burst spigot 00:15:06.559 --> 00:15:08.299 from a frozen pipe over the winter. 00:15:08.840 --> 00:15:11.220 So I had the plumber come out to fix this 00:15:11.220 --> 00:15:13.360 because I wanted to use my outside hose again. 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:15.399 But I had one fear in all of this, 00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:18.240 which is that there is not just one outside spigot 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:20.899 over my basement, there are two outside spigots. 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:23.180 And so in the back of my mind, 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:26.299 I thought, what if the other spigot 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:27.680 has a leak as well? 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:29.659 So I was afraid to turn it on. 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:30.620 I wasn't going to turn it on. 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:32.139 So I wasn't going to use any outside hose 00:15:32.139 --> 00:15:33.560 because I didn't know for sure. 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:34.940 So I explained this to the plumber. 00:15:35.019 --> 00:15:36.539 I said, look, we're going to get this one 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:37.720 broken pipe fixed. 00:15:37.799 --> 00:15:39.019 The drywall has been cut out. 00:15:39.620 --> 00:15:41.299 What about the other one? 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:43.799 We're not going to cut out the drywall 00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:44.840 just to take a look at it, right? 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:46.700 I can't see what's behind that wall. 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:48.580 And yet I'm afraid to turn it on 00:15:48.580 --> 00:15:51.420 because what if I flood my basement all over again 00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:53.580 and I have a whole other insurance deductible? 00:15:54.700 --> 00:15:56.400 My plumber said, look, we're going to do this 00:15:56.400 --> 00:15:56.980 to check it out. 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:59.900 I'll put a pressure gauge on that other spigot 00:15:59.900 --> 00:16:00.980 and we're going to turn it on. 00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:03.500 If there's a leak, the pressure will be low. 00:16:03.560 --> 00:16:05.740 If there isn't a leak, the pressure will be high. 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:08.920 We'll never have to look at the source. 00:16:09.040 --> 00:16:10.800 We don't have to look inside 00:16:10.800 --> 00:16:14.120 because the power will confirm 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:15.639 the source that's inside. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:18.259 And of course, he turns it on. 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:19.460 The pressure goes all the way up. 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:21.659 And so we know there's no leak, right? 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:24.759 Point is this, that this high pressure, 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:26.100 this level of pressure 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:28.940 only comes from an intact pipe. 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:31.320 That's the only way the pressure gauge 00:16:31.320 --> 00:16:32.259 could go up all the way. 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:34.779 The power we see 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:38.139 confirms the source we can't see. 00:16:38.139 --> 00:16:40.500 We know from the pressure 00:16:40.500 --> 00:16:42.080 the pipe has no leaks. 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:45.980 We know from the casting out of demons 00:16:45.980 --> 00:16:48.460 that the source is divine. 00:16:49.939 --> 00:16:52.100 If there's true power, 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:55.720 then these people are truly working for Jesus. 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:58.919 If they are actually casting out demons, 00:16:59.279 --> 00:17:01.840 then their source is legitimate. 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:04.980 Jesus doesn't have to tear open the wall to see. 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:07.860 He doesn't have to investigate more into this group 00:17:07.860 --> 00:17:11.039 to know if they are using his name correctly. 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:13.700 You can't fake water pressure. 00:17:15.140 --> 00:17:20.740 You cannot fake the supernatural power of God at work. 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:26.900 And so verse 39, when he says, 00:17:28.900 --> 00:17:30.819 no one who does a mighty work in my name 00:17:30.819 --> 00:17:33.700 will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me, 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:34.759 he's saying this, 00:17:35.180 --> 00:17:37.539 the outside spigot with high pressure 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:40.799 will not shortly thereafter spring a leak in August. 00:17:42.160 --> 00:17:43.960 It has pressure now, 00:17:44.420 --> 00:17:45.920 it'll have pressure later. 00:17:46.880 --> 00:17:49.640 The power confirms the source. 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:53.120 The point is this, 00:17:53.860 --> 00:17:57.440 when we see the transformation of hearts and lives, 00:17:57.779 --> 00:18:00.920 when we see the defeat of evil in this world, 00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:03.620 when we see the fruits of the spirit 00:18:03.620 --> 00:18:05.880 springing up within us 00:18:05.880 --> 00:18:07.700 and other people around us, 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:09.720 we know the source. 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:13.640 We don't have to wonder whether God is at work. 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:15.600 We know he is. 00:18:18.100 --> 00:18:22.820 The presence of God is accompanied by the power of God. 00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:24.240 That's what happens 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:27.320 when someone legitimately does something in Jesus' name. 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:32.720 Now, you all know that I am hardcore, 00:18:32.919 --> 00:18:35.099 ride or die Presbyterian. 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:38.240 I went to a Presbyterian college. 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:40.159 I went to a Presbyterian seminary. 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:42.379 I was baptized into a Presbyterian church. 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:45.159 We're Presbyterian church right here, right now. 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:46.420 And, 00:18:46.500 --> 00:18:53.259 I would rather you go to an Anglican or a Baptist church 00:18:53.259 --> 00:18:56.019 where the power of God is at work 00:18:56.019 --> 00:19:02.259 than to a Presbyterian church that is dying and limp. 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:07.920 I would rather you go to an Anglican or Baptist church 00:19:07.920 --> 00:19:10.500 where the power of God is at work 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:13.380 than a Presbyterian church that is dying and limp. 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:17.080 There is no one group or denomination 00:19:17.080 --> 00:19:19.820 that has a monopoly on God and his power. 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:23.480 Jesus is telling the disciples here, 00:19:23.860 --> 00:19:28.180 his power is there for those who work in his name. 00:19:29.420 --> 00:19:32.440 Power reveals the source. 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:37.060 The power doesn't just reveal the source, 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:40.640 but he gives us a second principle here in verse 40 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:42.440 that there is no exclusive group 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:46.220 for the one who is not against us is for us. 00:19:47.180 --> 00:19:47.660 In other words, 00:19:47.860 --> 00:19:49.640 there's only two types of people in this world. 00:19:50.620 --> 00:19:53.300 There's not, you know, normal, regular Christians 00:19:53.300 --> 00:19:56.720 and then super elite, private knowledge Christians. 00:19:57.560 --> 00:19:59.320 There are those who follow me 00:19:59.320 --> 00:20:00.940 and those who don't follow me. 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:04.360 Those who follow me have access to my power. 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:08.259 And so this urge, this desire in the human heart 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:09.820 to be in this elite group, 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:11.279 to have secret knowledge, 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:12.680 to have extra power, 00:20:13.360 --> 00:20:15.600 it's all an illusion. 00:20:16.400 --> 00:20:17.860 It's all a delusion. 00:20:18.900 --> 00:20:22.740 You are not on some secret elite team. 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:25.079 You're in one of two camps. 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:28.019 Either you're for Jesus 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:31.299 or you are against Jesus. 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:34.519 You are special 00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:40.140 not because you have done something great or significant. 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:42.000 You are not special 00:20:42.000 --> 00:20:45.339 because you belong to the right denomination or group. 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:48.079 You are special and you are only special 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:52.039 because Jesus chose you. 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:57.640 Like every other Christian. 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:02.120 You are special and you are only special 00:21:02.120 --> 00:21:04.339 because Jesus chose you. 00:21:05.460 --> 00:21:07.120 That's the heart of the gospel, right? 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:09.759 God doesn't look on us 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:11.900 and determine whether we're worth something 00:21:11.900 --> 00:21:13.539 based on our actions or our merit. 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:15.460 No, Romans 5, 8, 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:16.880 while we were still sinners, 00:21:17.380 --> 00:21:19.440 Christ died for you. 00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:22.920 Your significance and your status 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:26.160 is not because of the way God uses you. 00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:28.960 It is simply because God chooses you. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:32.160 Your significance and status 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:35.180 does not come from the way that God uses you. 00:21:35.400 --> 00:21:38.480 It comes simply because He chooses you. 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:41.980 The disciples are looking for identity and value 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:44.640 and security in what they can perform and do 00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:45.880 and Jesus here says, 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:47.720 find identity and value 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:50.519 simply in the fact that you belong to me. 00:21:52.120 --> 00:21:53.420 That's enough. 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:59.860 That is enough for us here this morning. 00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:02.939 So principle one, 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:04.299 power reveals the source. 00:22:05.459 --> 00:22:06.179 Principle two, 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:08.119 there's no exclusive group. 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:10.519 It's not your great actions 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:12.099 that earn you some favor from God. 00:22:12.159 --> 00:22:14.159 And principle three is a follow-on to that. 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:17.719 Even small, unimpressive acts matter 00:22:17.719 --> 00:22:19.639 for good or for ill. 00:22:20.719 --> 00:22:22.059 That's why He tells us, 00:22:22.139 --> 00:22:23.259 verses 41, 42, 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:25.539 whoever gives you a cup of water to drink 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:27.319 because you belong to Christ 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:30.180 will by no means lose His reward. 00:22:31.160 --> 00:22:33.200 God is not impressed 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:35.960 with the same things that we're impressed with. 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:39.220 He's talking to these disciples 00:22:39.220 --> 00:22:41.819 who think that maybe if they're powerful 00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:42.660 and great enough, 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:44.440 maybe if they have the right group 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:46.539 and they do things that no other people can do, 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:49.319 that they can access this reward, 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:51.200 this significance that others can't. 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:53.160 They can finally have the meaning 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:54.180 that they're searching for. 00:22:55.160 --> 00:22:56.960 And what Jesus is telling them here is, 00:22:57.059 --> 00:22:58.900 look, those are all great things. 00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:01.440 It is great to cast out demons. 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:04.400 You know what's also great? 00:23:05.900 --> 00:23:09.759 The small, unseen, simple task 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:11.279 of giving someone a cup of water. 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:16.059 You don't need to cast out demons 00:23:16.059 --> 00:23:19.440 to be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:24.600 Even those who simply hand out glasses of water 00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:25.420 will be received. 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:28.759 Even small things matter. 00:23:30.360 --> 00:23:33.259 You do not have to worry about being great 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:34.340 and impressive. 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:36.480 You already belong to God. 00:23:38.059 --> 00:23:40.799 You do not have to worry about being great 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:41.740 or impressive. 00:23:42.160 --> 00:23:44.660 You already belong to God. 00:23:44.660 --> 00:23:49.500 And so there's many things that God does not estimate 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:51.759 in the same way that we do. 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:56.300 Last week, we ordained and installed three new elders. 00:23:57.340 --> 00:23:57.820 You know what? 00:23:57.900 --> 00:23:59.620 Being an elder is great. 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:03.279 It is a phenomenal way to serve the church. 00:24:04.300 --> 00:24:05.660 You know what's also great? 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:11.360 It's great to speak gentle and kind 00:24:11.360 --> 00:24:15.440 and loving words to your spouse over many years. 00:24:18.180 --> 00:24:21.800 You know that we have plans for phase two 00:24:21.800 --> 00:24:23.400 of this building at Cheyenne Mountain. 00:24:24.460 --> 00:24:27.300 Those were drawn up in hopes that this church would grow 00:24:27.300 --> 00:24:29.480 to a point where we would need a larger sanctuary. 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:30.380 And you know what? 00:24:30.380 --> 00:24:33.300 If that happens, that's great. 00:24:34.760 --> 00:24:36.880 You know what's also great? 00:24:39.140 --> 00:24:41.700 Being a congregation where love covers 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.840 a multitude of sins. 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:44.980 That's great. 00:24:46.800 --> 00:24:49.340 Being a congregation where we have a greeting time 00:24:49.340 --> 00:24:51.620 and we encourage someone who's hurting. 00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:56.120 Even that will not lose its reward. 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:58.360 You know what? 00:24:58.359 --> 00:25:02.519 If you wrote a book and that book helped millions of people 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:04.039 and it transformed their lives, 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:05.339 that would be truly great. 00:25:05.419 --> 00:25:06.439 I would be happy for you. 00:25:08.139 --> 00:25:09.539 You know what's also great? 00:25:11.179 --> 00:25:13.919 Getting a cup of coffee at a Starbucks 00:25:13.919 --> 00:25:16.679 that's burnt with someone who's awkward 00:25:16.679 --> 00:25:18.240 and encouraging them. 00:25:19.959 --> 00:25:22.219 And no one sees or remembers. 00:25:22.879 --> 00:25:27.319 In Jesus' eyes, that is also great. 00:25:28.359 --> 00:25:32.719 Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink 00:25:32.719 --> 00:25:34.279 because you belong to Christ 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:39.439 will by no means lose his reward. 00:25:40.479 --> 00:25:44.459 Whatever you do for Jesus is recognized by Jesus. 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:50.039 The smallest aid to Jesus' mission will not be forgotten. 00:25:51.140 --> 00:25:53.519 And the sobering word in verse 42 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:57.220 is that the smallest opposition to Jesus' mission 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:59.299 will not go unpunished. 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:04.519 The smallest aid to Jesus' mission will not be forgotten. 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:07.519 The smallest opposition to Jesus' mission 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:09.319 will not go unpunished. 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:11.419 In fact, some people think verse 42 00:26:11.419 --> 00:26:14.379 is a direct warning to the disciples, 00:26:15.159 --> 00:26:15.879 telling them, 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:18.159 don't get in the way of other people 00:26:18.159 --> 00:26:19.579 doing ministry in my name. 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:25.379 Give up your desire for greatness and power. 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:27.579 Give up your desire to be the ones 00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:31.039 whose names are recognized and applauded. 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:32.859 Don't cause other people 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:35.259 who are serving me to stumble. 00:26:36.879 --> 00:26:39.019 Instead, give them a glass of water. 00:26:41.859 --> 00:26:44.559 You don't need to be great 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:47.180 or do large and spectacular things. 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:52.079 You just need to follow Jesus together. 00:26:52.079 --> 00:26:57.599 Now this final question this passage raises 00:26:57.599 --> 00:27:00.759 is where does this great temptation come from? 00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:02.039 Where does the temptation come 00:27:02.039 --> 00:27:04.699 to serve in some magnificent way 00:27:04.699 --> 00:27:07.519 that exceeds and outpaces other people around us 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:10.519 so that we can know somehow that we matter? 00:27:11.159 --> 00:27:14.019 Well, it goes back to what we talked about two weeks ago. 00:27:14.399 --> 00:27:16.359 You've got to find food somewhere. 00:27:17.819 --> 00:27:21.139 You have to find meaning and significance somewhere. 00:27:21.140 --> 00:27:23.220 If you are not finding it 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:26.940 in the security and the love of Jesus Christ, 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:31.360 success and power and exclusivity 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:33.880 will always look good. 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:38.020 If you do not have good food, 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:40.440 poison will always be tempting. 00:27:41.520 --> 00:27:43.160 And so we're not done with this theme yet. 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:44.259 I'm going to say the same thing 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:45.500 that I said to you two weeks ago. 00:27:45.560 --> 00:27:48.640 You have to replace an old thing with a new thing. 00:27:48.640 --> 00:27:51.160 You have to find joy in something. 00:27:51.820 --> 00:27:53.840 You cannot get over that old crush 00:27:53.840 --> 00:27:56.020 until you get that new crush. 00:27:56.940 --> 00:28:00.540 You cannot overcome the allure of power 00:28:00.540 --> 00:28:03.440 until you're secure in the love of God. 00:28:04.140 --> 00:28:06.780 In a similar passage in Luke chapter 10, 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:08.620 Jesus actually makes this explicit. 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:11.580 The disciples have cast out demons in his name. 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:14.779 They're so excited and they return to Jesus 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:16.879 filled with joy because of the way 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:18.399 in which he has used them 00:28:18.399 --> 00:28:20.240 with great power and authority. 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:24.059 And Jesus gives them this gentle rebuke. 00:28:24.399 --> 00:28:25.919 Luke chapter 10, verse 20. 00:28:26.659 --> 00:28:28.599 Do not rejoice in this, 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:30.939 that the spirits are subject to you, 00:28:31.199 --> 00:28:34.099 but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. 00:28:34.099 --> 00:28:39.279 Do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you. 00:28:39.619 --> 00:28:42.259 Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. 00:28:42.719 --> 00:28:44.359 Let your joy be found, 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:46.819 not in the way that God uses you, 00:28:46.899 --> 00:28:49.099 but in the fact that he's already chosen you. 00:28:49.219 --> 00:28:51.259 Let it be found in the fact that you cannot lose 00:28:51.259 --> 00:28:54.439 the inheritance that has been stored up for you 00:28:54.439 --> 00:28:58.379 that you look forward to receiving in full on the last day. 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:02.299 Let that be the glory that you look forward to 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:03.980 and the treasure that you store up. 00:29:04.099 --> 00:29:07.959 Let that be the place where you find your joy. 00:29:09.139 --> 00:29:13.099 You already have everything you need right now 00:29:13.099 --> 00:29:16.079 because God's love for you is secure. 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:20.699 Yes, God has people with different roles in his kingdom, 00:29:20.899 --> 00:29:23.399 all pushing towards one mission, 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:26.359 no matter how great or how small, 00:29:27.179 --> 00:29:28.619 serving God. 00:29:28.619 --> 00:29:37.039 When John F. Kennedy announced the plan to reach the moon, 00:29:37.159 --> 00:29:39.319 to be the first country to put a man on the moon, 00:29:39.419 --> 00:29:41.559 one of the things that he's noted for 00:29:41.559 --> 00:29:44.339 is the clarity with which he outlined 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:46.359 the mission that the country had. 00:29:46.439 --> 00:29:48.899 He made it clear that there was one goal 00:29:48.899 --> 00:29:51.439 that everyone was pointed towards. 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.859 In fact, he did this so well 00:29:52.859 --> 00:29:55.479 that there's a famous story of a janitor 00:29:55.479 --> 00:30:00.079 who was working around this idea, this goal, 00:30:00.719 --> 00:30:02.359 and when he was interviewed, he said, 00:30:02.359 --> 00:30:06.719 I am not mopping floors. 00:30:07.719 --> 00:30:11.479 I'm putting a man on the moon. 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:15.720 When we serve Jesus Christ, 00:30:15.819 --> 00:30:17.640 as we serve Jesus Christ, 00:30:17.640 --> 00:30:20.640 we are not doing it to make for ourselves a name. 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:23.920 We are doing it for a greater purpose and mission, 00:30:24.099 --> 00:30:26.660 whether we are casting out demons 00:30:26.660 --> 00:30:30.400 or giving someone a glass of water. 00:30:31.220 --> 00:30:34.700 Either way, our hope is what Jesus says in Matthew 25, 00:30:34.860 --> 00:30:35.740 that he would say this, 00:30:35.740 --> 00:30:38.259 well done, good and faithful servant. 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:40.640 You have been faithful over a little. 00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:42.599 I will set you over much. 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:45.420 Enter into the joy of your master. 00:30:46.200 --> 00:30:46.819 Let's pray. 00:30:49.099 --> 00:30:50.220 Our Father in heaven, 00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:52.480 we thank you this morning 00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:54.519 that your love for us is secure, 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:57.720 that we can find meaning and significance, 00:30:57.980 --> 00:31:00.480 not in accomplishments or praise from others, 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:02.660 but in knowing that we belong to you. 00:31:02.920 --> 00:31:05.559 We ask that you would grow our understanding of that, 00:31:05.559 --> 00:31:06.779 that we would rejoice, 00:31:07.319 --> 00:31:08.839 not in what we've done, 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:11.740 but in the fact that our names are written in heaven. 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:14.779 We ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:15.460 Amen.