WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.259 We can turn back to our reading in 2 Corinthians chapter 12. 00:00:05.040 --> 00:00:08.339 I'll just read again at verse 9 and verse 10. 00:00:11.759 --> 00:00:14.640 2 Corinthians chapter 12, verse 9. 00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:20.700 But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 00:00:21.280 --> 00:00:27.240 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 00:00:27.940 --> 00:00:35.240 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. 00:00:35.820 --> 00:00:39.820 For when I am weak, then I am strong. 00:00:39.820 --> 00:00:51.799 As we come to these words and we see the strength and weakness that it speaks of, do you feel strong today? 00:00:52.759 --> 00:00:57.820 And if you do feel strong, then what or who is giving you that strength? 00:00:58.480 --> 00:01:01.000 Where is that strength coming from? 00:01:01.859 --> 00:01:08.439 Or if maybe you feel weak today, maybe you're feeling that weakness as you come in here today. 00:01:08.439 --> 00:01:14.439 And maybe you're asking, well, where can I find strength to help in this weakness? 00:01:15.319 --> 00:01:20.099 That's really what Paul is describing for us here in these verses. 00:01:20.239 --> 00:01:26.239 There's much in these verses, but I want us to think today of grace for our weakness. 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:34.280 When I was younger, at Christmas time, one of my favorite programs was The World's Strongest Man. 00:01:34.280 --> 00:01:39.299 It's much simpler to find it when there was only three or four channels to choose from, 00:01:39.379 --> 00:01:42.700 but it was one of these programs I would always look forward to watching. 00:01:43.379 --> 00:01:51.819 And seeing these men who were just so well built, moving trucks or just big barrels of weights, 00:01:52.500 --> 00:01:56.400 and just things that you seem to think would be impossible to do, 00:01:56.520 --> 00:01:59.200 they're able to do it in their strength. 00:01:59.319 --> 00:02:01.500 I always loved watching that. 00:02:01.500 --> 00:02:06.379 Nowadays, I think it usually takes place over the summer months, about June, 00:02:06.459 --> 00:02:10.740 and last year was actually a Scotsman, Tom Stoltman, from Inmergordon, 00:02:10.840 --> 00:02:14.180 who won that title of The World's Strongest Man. 00:02:15.199 --> 00:02:20.360 And when you look at them, you immediately think of strength and power. 00:02:21.099 --> 00:02:24.560 They just look as if they're strong, the bulging arms and legs, 00:02:24.719 --> 00:02:27.599 their height, the breadth of their shoulders. 00:02:27.599 --> 00:02:30.519 Everything about them just looks powerful. 00:02:31.500 --> 00:02:35.019 And when you see pictures of them beside ordinary people, 00:02:35.519 --> 00:02:37.639 they look so tiny in comparison. 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:41.979 Even people who may be over six foot, they still look so small 00:02:41.979 --> 00:02:44.939 beside these giants who are so powerful. 00:02:46.180 --> 00:02:47.639 But are they strong? 00:02:48.639 --> 00:02:50.500 Or do they have weaknesses? 00:02:51.479 --> 00:02:54.939 You can imagine us trying to go up against them in one of these competitions. 00:02:54.939 --> 00:02:59.579 We couldn't even move the things that they're lifting with one hand. 00:03:00.819 --> 00:03:03.000 But are they always strong? 00:03:03.520 --> 00:03:04.639 How strong are they? 00:03:04.740 --> 00:03:05.659 Do they have weaknesses? 00:03:05.879 --> 00:03:06.500 Well, they do. 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:08.060 They have weaknesses. 00:03:08.280 --> 00:03:11.340 And very often, these weaknesses develop over time 00:03:11.340 --> 00:03:13.860 because of the pressures that they're putting on their bodies. 00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:16.340 The strain takes its toll. 00:03:16.579 --> 00:03:19.840 And very often, later in life, even still in young life, 00:03:19.900 --> 00:03:20.939 they end up crippled. 00:03:20.939 --> 00:03:25.879 And some have even died young because of the strain put on their hearts. 00:03:26.620 --> 00:03:31.000 So they may look strong, but there's a weakness in them. 00:03:31.859 --> 00:03:34.219 And as you're reading through 2 Corinthians, 00:03:34.419 --> 00:03:35.939 this section that we've been reading, 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:38.319 you have these super apostles, 00:03:38.960 --> 00:03:41.379 and you have Paul the apostle. 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:44.019 And almost as you're looking at them, 00:03:44.299 --> 00:03:46.359 they would say there's no comparison. 00:03:47.639 --> 00:03:48.939 But what we find is, 00:03:49.019 --> 00:03:51.979 just like these world's strongest men, 00:03:52.680 --> 00:03:54.599 there is weakness behind everybody. 00:03:54.799 --> 00:03:56.099 And we are the same ourselves. 00:03:56.219 --> 00:03:58.259 There are times when we can feel strong, 00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:00.939 but yet there's still a weakness in us. 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:03.460 And there are times when we can feel weak, 00:04:03.840 --> 00:04:06.139 and yet we know that there is a strength with us 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:09.599 that is beyond anything that we can manage ourselves. 00:04:09.599 --> 00:04:11.979 And that's what Paul is saying here, 00:04:12.060 --> 00:04:14.359 what the grace of God gives us, 00:04:14.439 --> 00:04:15.239 this strength, 00:04:15.379 --> 00:04:17.860 this grace that is always sufficient, 00:04:18.060 --> 00:04:19.399 for in our weakness, 00:04:19.560 --> 00:04:22.699 his strength is made perfect in us. 00:04:23.339 --> 00:04:25.339 So when you look at the city of Corinth, 00:04:25.459 --> 00:04:26.879 to which Paul was writing, 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:28.500 and to which he administered, 00:04:29.279 --> 00:04:33.300 you find that this was a place that was strong in many ways. 00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:36.180 The city itself was strong and powerful, 00:04:36.180 --> 00:04:38.840 financially powerful, 00:04:39.100 --> 00:04:40.340 politically powerful, 00:04:41.019 --> 00:04:43.300 full of people from all over the place, 00:04:43.400 --> 00:04:45.980 many who were wealthy and powerful people. 00:04:46.600 --> 00:04:48.120 And so there was a lot of strength, 00:04:48.500 --> 00:04:50.199 as it was perceived in this city. 00:04:50.240 --> 00:04:52.800 And they also had these super apostles, 00:04:53.259 --> 00:04:55.560 as we see in verse 5 of chapter 11. 00:04:56.019 --> 00:04:57.120 That's how they're described. 00:04:57.220 --> 00:04:58.399 These super apostles, 00:04:58.600 --> 00:05:00.920 they're strong in many ways. 00:05:00.920 --> 00:05:02.819 There's this aura about them. 00:05:03.360 --> 00:05:04.780 And this message that they have, 00:05:04.840 --> 00:05:05.420 that they bring, 00:05:05.699 --> 00:05:07.879 is so appealing to others. 00:05:08.080 --> 00:05:10.800 And the people are being influenced by these, 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:11.540 and they're thinking, 00:05:11.900 --> 00:05:15.759 well, here is the strength that we need to stand in ourselves now. 00:05:16.080 --> 00:05:18.120 We've had what Paul has given us, 00:05:18.500 --> 00:05:20.319 but let's hear what they're saying about Paul. 00:05:20.460 --> 00:05:24.000 How could God give someone the gospel that is true 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:26.160 if he's suffering so much, 00:05:26.160 --> 00:05:30.160 but that they can find strength in this new message 00:05:30.160 --> 00:05:32.460 that these super apostles have? 00:05:32.540 --> 00:05:37.200 So there's perceived strength in Corinth in so many ways. 00:05:38.040 --> 00:05:39.180 And then you look at Paul, 00:05:39.220 --> 00:05:40.800 who on the other hand is a prisoner, 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:43.220 writing to the church at Corinth, 00:05:43.440 --> 00:05:44.520 someone who has, 00:05:44.580 --> 00:05:45.780 as he's describing here, 00:05:45.840 --> 00:05:47.720 been given a thorn in the flesh, 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:51.100 a weakness that's hindering him in many ways, 00:05:51.100 --> 00:05:54.500 something he's asked and pleaded with the Lord three times 00:05:54.500 --> 00:05:55.860 to take away from him, 00:05:56.160 --> 00:05:58.360 and yet the Lord is using it, 00:05:58.780 --> 00:05:59.400 a weakness, 00:05:59.760 --> 00:06:03.100 to remind him that his strength is not in himself, 00:06:03.980 --> 00:06:05.020 but in God. 00:06:06.340 --> 00:06:08.060 He's described as a fool, 00:06:08.520 --> 00:06:09.240 a madman, 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:11.020 in all these different ways. 00:06:11.880 --> 00:06:13.400 But he uses this, 00:06:13.780 --> 00:06:15.260 this perceived weakness, 00:06:15.840 --> 00:06:18.660 to show them where strength is found. 00:06:18.660 --> 00:06:20.920 He has a strength that is not his own, 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:22.980 but it's of the Lord. 00:06:22.980 --> 00:06:28.540 So who is weak and who is strong in this passage? 00:06:28.860 --> 00:06:32.800 And how can we learn lessons for ourselves today from this passage 00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:37.120 as we think of how we can see or perceive ourselves as strong 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:42.140 or recognize our weaknesses and yet find strength? 00:06:42.139 --> 00:06:47.759 God is the one who is able to give this strength. 00:06:48.759 --> 00:06:51.699 My grace is sufficient for you, 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:52.319 he says, 00:06:52.680 --> 00:06:56.099 for my power is made perfect in weakness. 00:06:56.759 --> 00:06:59.300 So are you strong today? 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:01.699 And what is that strength? 00:07:01.819 --> 00:07:02.719 Where is it from? 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:05.959 Or are you weak today? 00:07:05.959 --> 00:07:11.579 And where can you find the strength that helps in that weakness? 00:07:12.319 --> 00:07:14.719 We want to look at it under two headings. 00:07:15.399 --> 00:07:17.739 The first is looking at the strong, 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:18.639 the strength. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:20.279 Those who are strong, 00:07:20.740 --> 00:07:22.779 yet weak without faith. 00:07:23.699 --> 00:07:25.639 And then those who feel weak, 00:07:26.379 --> 00:07:28.879 but are strong with faith. 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:30.779 So just these two headings. 00:07:30.779 --> 00:07:31.379 Strong, 00:07:31.579 --> 00:07:33.319 but weak without faith. 00:07:33.319 --> 00:07:34.639 Weak, 00:07:34.939 --> 00:07:37.139 yet strong with faith. 00:07:37.839 --> 00:07:38.439 So strong, 00:07:38.519 --> 00:07:40.420 but weak without faith. 00:07:41.099 --> 00:07:44.459 What is the problem in Corinth? 00:07:45.180 --> 00:07:47.899 What is the problem with me? 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:49.839 What is the problem with you? 00:07:50.699 --> 00:07:50.920 Well, 00:07:50.939 --> 00:07:52.839 when you look at Corinth and look at ourselves, 00:07:53.740 --> 00:07:56.980 we could have a whole list of things that are problems. 00:07:57.399 --> 00:07:58.800 What's wrong with us? 00:07:58.800 --> 00:08:00.500 We could go on and on. 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:03.279 And there are many problems you could probably hide, 00:08:03.319 --> 00:08:06.599 and Corinth that are very similar to ourselves today. 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:12.659 But one of the problems that stands out here is that they are easily swayed. 00:08:13.420 --> 00:08:16.939 They're easily pulled in a different direction. 00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:20.199 And this is something that can affect us as well. 00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:21.480 You see, 00:08:21.560 --> 00:08:24.659 they're being influenced by the latest teachings. 00:08:24.660 --> 00:08:27.880 These super apostles, 00:08:28.100 --> 00:08:28.920 as they're described, 00:08:29.080 --> 00:08:29.760 have come in, 00:08:30.360 --> 00:08:33.480 and they're preaching against Paul and the message he had, 00:08:33.540 --> 00:08:38.480 and they're presenting a new gospel for the people to believe in. 00:08:39.160 --> 00:08:42.360 And so they're being influenced in this way. 00:08:42.460 --> 00:08:43.120 Something new, 00:08:43.279 --> 00:08:45.120 something exciting comes along, 00:08:45.560 --> 00:08:46.540 grabs their attention, 00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:53.080 and starts to lead them away from the gospel that Paul had given to them. 00:08:53.080 --> 00:08:57.780 Paul preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:08:58.540 --> 00:09:03.100 He didn't preach that everything would be straightforward and perfect. 00:09:03.800 --> 00:09:07.080 He preached that there would be challenges and problems along the way, 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:08.139 as there always is. 00:09:08.920 --> 00:09:11.420 But yet these other apostles come, 00:09:11.419 --> 00:09:15.019 and they're proclaiming that surely someone who is trusting in the Lord 00:09:15.019 --> 00:09:17.559 shouldn't suffer in this way. 00:09:18.879 --> 00:09:22.179 And there's a warning for ourselves there today as well. 00:09:22.839 --> 00:09:26.360 If we are listening to the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:09:27.139 --> 00:09:29.000 then we should see that it's a gospel 00:09:29.000 --> 00:09:32.120 that doesn't mean that we are not going to go through challenges, 00:09:32.799 --> 00:09:35.179 that we are not going to suffer along the way. 00:09:35.179 --> 00:09:37.799 And we see today that there are those who will come in, 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:41.179 and they can be described as the super apostles of today, 00:09:41.659 --> 00:09:43.959 who have this message that seems appealing, 00:09:44.620 --> 00:09:45.719 that seems good, 00:09:45.819 --> 00:09:46.759 that seems right, 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:48.239 that they'll say that, 00:09:48.359 --> 00:09:49.239 well, if you're suffering, 00:09:49.339 --> 00:09:51.639 it's because your faith isn't strong enough. 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:54.179 It's your fault. 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:54.639 It's on you. 00:09:54.679 --> 00:09:57.739 You've got to change yourself in some way. 00:09:58.120 --> 00:09:59.500 They'll come in and say these things, 00:09:59.559 --> 00:10:01.519 and they can seem so plausible, 00:10:01.519 --> 00:10:04.279 and the fault can seem to be with us. 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:09.819 But then we're to see that Jesus himself has said, 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:10.799 in this world, 00:10:11.179 --> 00:10:12.620 you will have many troubles. 00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:14.519 So Jesus, 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:15.980 and trusting in Jesus, 00:10:16.139 --> 00:10:20.579 isn't the means of getting away from all the troubles of this world. 00:10:21.159 --> 00:10:22.000 Far from it. 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:25.539 We will go through troubles like everybody else. 00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:28.960 And we will go through all these different challenges. 00:10:28.960 --> 00:10:36.040 And Paul himself outlines that for us in verse 23 to verse 29 of chapter 11. 00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:40.560 There's a whole list of things there that he goes through, 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:42.700 of the imprisonments, 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:44.139 the labors he's gotten, 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:45.019 the beatings, 00:10:45.060 --> 00:10:46.320 the near-death experience, 00:10:47.139 --> 00:10:47.840 the lashes. 00:10:48.200 --> 00:10:53.400 He goes through this long list of things that he suffered because of his faith. 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:56.240 And these super apostles are saying, 00:10:56.340 --> 00:10:56.399 well, 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:58.899 surely if Paul was really trusting in the Lord, 00:10:59.299 --> 00:11:01.459 these things wouldn't happen. 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:02.620 Therefore, 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:04.019 listen to us, 00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:08.500 that we have a more superior message to give, 00:11:08.579 --> 00:11:12.559 one that will truly help you to achieve all things. 00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:16.679 But they are boasting in themselves. 00:11:16.979 --> 00:11:18.439 They are boasting as Hebrews. 00:11:18.699 --> 00:11:19.979 They are boasting as Israelites. 00:11:20.559 --> 00:11:22.879 They are boasting as the offspring of Abram. 00:11:22.939 --> 00:11:24.979 They are boasting as the servant of Christ. 00:11:25.659 --> 00:11:27.039 All of it sounds plausible. 00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:28.639 All of it sounds good. 00:11:29.099 --> 00:11:31.559 But the message that they have is wrong. 00:11:31.559 --> 00:11:36.939 And what Paul does is highlight this, 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:39.319 that they are boasting in the flesh, 00:11:39.479 --> 00:11:42.019 that they are boasting in themselves. 00:11:43.339 --> 00:11:45.799 They may have strength, 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:47.399 as it would seem outwardly. 00:11:47.739 --> 00:11:51.319 They may have this aura about them that looks so strong 00:11:51.319 --> 00:11:53.419 and what other people should desire. 00:11:54.079 --> 00:11:55.759 They may feel that they are strong, 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:58.199 but ultimately they have no faith. 00:11:58.200 --> 00:12:01.640 They are not trusting in Jesus Christ. 00:12:01.960 --> 00:12:05.520 They are not trusting in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:12:06.240 --> 00:12:07.500 And without faith, 00:12:07.580 --> 00:12:08.280 they have nothing. 00:12:09.480 --> 00:12:10.640 The same as ourselves. 00:12:10.780 --> 00:12:11.500 Without faith, 00:12:11.640 --> 00:12:12.560 we have nothing. 00:12:12.660 --> 00:12:14.379 We have no strength of ourselves. 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:18.720 Jesus teaches that in John 15, verse 5. 00:12:18.820 --> 00:12:19.879 Apart from me, 00:12:20.060 --> 00:12:21.320 you can do nothing. 00:12:21.320 --> 00:12:24.280 When he's preaching about the vine and the branches. 00:12:25.320 --> 00:12:26.440 Apart from me, 00:12:26.620 --> 00:12:27.940 you can do nothing. 00:12:29.160 --> 00:12:32.060 But that's what these super apostles are saying. 00:12:32.140 --> 00:12:32.800 It's the opposite. 00:12:34.080 --> 00:12:35.300 That you can do it. 00:12:36.379 --> 00:12:38.879 So what do you rely on today? 00:12:39.660 --> 00:12:41.940 Where is your strength today? 00:12:42.020 --> 00:12:42.920 Is it in yourself? 00:12:43.660 --> 00:12:45.480 Is it in your faith? 00:12:45.780 --> 00:12:46.660 Or your works? 00:12:46.740 --> 00:12:47.840 Or whatever you are doing? 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:50.360 Martin Luther once said, 00:12:50.480 --> 00:12:54.740 God our Father has made all things depend on faith. 00:12:54.740 --> 00:12:57.940 So that whoever has faith will have everything. 00:12:57.940 --> 00:13:00.600 And whoever does not have faith will have nothing. 00:13:02.279 --> 00:13:06.659 Faith to know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:09.799 That all sufficient grace. 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:14.799 The writer to the Hebrews in chapter 11, verse 6 says as well, 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:15.939 Without faith, 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:17.919 it is impossible to please him. 00:13:18.339 --> 00:13:20.099 For whoever would draw near to God 00:13:20.099 --> 00:13:22.039 must believe that he exists 00:13:22.039 --> 00:13:25.000 and that he rewards those who seek him. 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:30.879 It's about faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:35.240 These super apostles and the people who were believing in him, 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:36.740 they felt strong, 00:13:36.820 --> 00:13:37.799 they had confidence, 00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:40.839 but it would be their downfall 00:13:40.839 --> 00:13:44.079 if they continued in this way 00:13:44.079 --> 00:13:47.879 because they didn't know the grace of God. 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:52.859 So are you strong today? 00:13:53.939 --> 00:13:56.879 And what is your strength today? 00:13:56.959 --> 00:13:59.139 We could say in so many ways, 00:13:59.419 --> 00:14:00.339 I'm strong. 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:02.759 I'm doing fine. 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:05.740 Things are going well in my life. 00:14:05.819 --> 00:14:06.639 I don't have worries. 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.699 I'm a good person. 00:14:08.039 --> 00:14:09.360 We can list it off. 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:11.860 We can have all of these things that sound good 00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:15.259 and sound as if we are strong in ourselves. 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:17.779 But do you have faith? 00:14:19.080 --> 00:14:21.919 Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:25.819 Do you know his grace that is all sufficient? 00:14:26.059 --> 00:14:28.639 Apart from him, you can do nothing. 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:31.580 It's one of these fables, 00:14:31.700 --> 00:14:34.519 one of these stories told to give an illustration. 00:14:34.519 --> 00:14:39.340 And it's about a stag that is drinking from a pool of water. 00:14:39.840 --> 00:14:41.919 And as he's drinking from the pool of water, 00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:44.279 he's seeing his reflection in the water. 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:46.740 And he's looking at himself like a mirror, 00:14:46.899 --> 00:14:48.679 the reflection on the water. 00:14:48.679 --> 00:14:51.839 And he's seeing his antlers so big, 00:14:52.159 --> 00:14:53.059 so powerful, 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:55.159 and he's so proud of them. 00:14:55.959 --> 00:14:58.719 But then in his image that he sees in the water, 00:14:58.839 --> 00:15:01.000 he sees his little spindly legs. 00:15:01.539 --> 00:15:05.219 And he's so disappointed that they're so small and insignificant. 00:15:05.739 --> 00:15:06.539 And he's thinking, 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:08.339 what rubbish legs I have. 00:15:09.059 --> 00:15:12.620 But then he's disturbed by the sound of a mountain lion behind him. 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:14.679 And he has to run. 00:15:15.620 --> 00:15:20.340 And it's these spindly legs that carry him fast away from the mountain lion 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:26.080 into a forest where then his antlers get caught up in the thickets there. 00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:29.440 And he ends up trapped because of these antlers. 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:33.240 And the mountain lion catches him and diverges. 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:36.200 What's the story telling us? 00:15:37.080 --> 00:15:39.520 Well, it's telling us to look in the mirror. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:41.480 And what do we see? 00:15:42.220 --> 00:15:44.280 What do you see when you look in the mirror today? 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:45.580 What do you take pride in? 00:15:45.640 --> 00:15:47.700 What do you boast in of yourself? 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:49.220 What strengths do you see? 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:51.200 Or what do you think is strong? 00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:54.080 And what things do you see as a weakness? 00:15:55.140 --> 00:15:57.379 What things do you think will hinder you 00:15:57.379 --> 00:15:59.180 and that you would want to be better? 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:01.800 So often when we look in the mirror, 00:16:01.900 --> 00:16:03.100 we look at ourselves. 00:16:03.940 --> 00:16:05.680 And think we can do things ourselves. 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:07.879 That we can be strong of ourselves. 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:13.359 That faith is like the spindly legs that seem so insignificant, so weak. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:17.659 That we're weak to have faith in God when we can manage by ourselves. 00:16:19.539 --> 00:16:22.039 But it's our faith that is able to save. 00:16:22.579 --> 00:16:23.500 Not ourselves. 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:28.139 And the faith that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:29.239 --> 00:16:31.699 So what do we see when we look in the mirror? 00:16:32.599 --> 00:16:34.779 What gives us strength today? 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:36.779 What weaknesses do we see? 00:16:37.199 --> 00:16:39.659 And do we have it the right way around? 00:16:41.159 --> 00:16:47.740 Well, Paul goes on to show us weakness, yet strength in faith. 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:50.120 And that's what we want to see. 00:16:50.699 --> 00:16:54.559 We can feel weak in our faith and in the gospel. 00:16:54.559 --> 00:16:59.099 But when we are with Christ, when we are in Christ, 00:16:59.699 --> 00:17:02.519 that is what our strength is. 00:17:03.239 --> 00:17:05.639 And so Paul describes his own weakness, 00:17:06.419 --> 00:17:09.639 and yet the strength that he gets from God. 00:17:10.460 --> 00:17:11.659 And that's what we need. 00:17:12.119 --> 00:17:15.519 Weak yet strong in faith. 00:17:15.519 --> 00:17:19.539 How does Paul counter the super apostles? 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:22.700 What arguments does he present? 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:27.400 Well, he shows that he boasts in the same things. 00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:32.660 And this can sound a little maybe stupid at first to say, 00:17:32.740 --> 00:17:34.900 why is he boasting in the same things? 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:38.160 Well, he's boasting in the same things, but with a different reason. 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:42.980 He's boasting to highlight the grace that God gives. 00:17:43.580 --> 00:17:49.160 So he is able to say the same things that the apostles are able to say as well. 00:17:50.120 --> 00:17:52.480 Are they Hebrews, he says in verse 22? 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:53.779 So am I. 00:17:54.300 --> 00:17:55.320 Are they Israelites? 00:17:55.860 --> 00:17:56.660 So am I. 00:17:57.460 --> 00:17:59.259 Are they the offspring of Abraham? 00:17:59.620 --> 00:18:00.480 So am I. 00:18:00.820 --> 00:18:02.420 Are they servants of Christ? 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:04.019 I am a Bethel. 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:07.259 So he's boasting in exactly the same things, 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:11.860 but he is boasting in them by the grace that God has given him. 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:15.039 Not to put himself, to promote himself, 00:18:15.920 --> 00:18:18.860 but to promote the praising of God. 00:18:19.860 --> 00:18:23.900 And then he goes on to talk about this experience that he had. 00:18:25.340 --> 00:18:30.640 14 years ago, he speaks about this in verse 2, going down there. 00:18:30.640 --> 00:18:32.720 We're not going to go into the details of this. 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:36.840 Paul himself almost says he's not clear exactly in it anyway. 00:18:37.240 --> 00:18:38.600 But we're not going to go into the details. 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:43.160 But he has this experience with God that he could easily make a boast. 00:18:44.100 --> 00:18:47.640 That he could easily come up against the super apostles and say, 00:18:47.780 --> 00:18:49.900 well, you have your experience of God. 00:18:50.340 --> 00:18:51.320 This is mine. 00:18:52.280 --> 00:18:54.100 That I was taken up into heaven. 00:18:54.660 --> 00:18:57.160 That I was caught up into paradise, as he says. 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:59.300 He could easily make this the argument to show, 00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:02.619 I have been given a superior message by God. 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:05.000 But he doesn't. 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:08.240 He was given something that he says in verse 4, 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:12.759 I heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 00:19:14.059 --> 00:19:18.200 And so he was shown something, but he's not able to tell what. 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:23.619 But then he shows that in order not to make him proud and boastful, 00:19:24.099 --> 00:19:26.460 the Lord gave him a weakness. 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:28.799 In verse 7, 00:19:28.940 --> 00:19:33.960 So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, 00:19:34.100 --> 00:19:36.220 a thorn was given me in the flesh, 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:38.759 a messenger of Satan to harass me, 00:19:39.180 --> 00:19:40.940 to keep me from being too elated. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:42.600 To keep him from boasting, 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:45.220 he was given this weakness. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:49.640 And people have speculated about what this weakness was. 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:53.080 We don't maybe know entirely what it is. 00:19:53.080 --> 00:19:55.940 But he was given something in his own life and experience. 00:19:56.440 --> 00:20:00.540 And he pleaded with God to take it away from him three times. 00:20:01.860 --> 00:20:04.880 But then the Lord gave him these words. 00:20:05.420 --> 00:20:07.460 Such precious words. 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:10.640 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:12.520 that it should leave me. 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:14.440 But he said to me, 00:20:14.940 --> 00:20:18.200 My grace is sufficient for you, 00:20:18.619 --> 00:20:22.139 for my power is made perfect in weakness. 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:25.279 And therefore I will boast, he said, 00:20:25.339 --> 00:20:27.240 all the more gladly of my weaknesses, 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:33.359 so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:38.039 God allowed this into his life. 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:41.419 God gave him this weakness, 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:44.500 this thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. 00:20:44.500 --> 00:20:48.779 And to keep him with his focus on glorifying God 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:52.299 and the grace that God is able to give. 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:55.879 God allows experiences in life 00:20:55.879 --> 00:20:58.479 that can be difficult, that can be hard, 00:20:58.959 --> 00:21:01.259 but that ultimately that can assure us 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:04.700 of the sufficiency of the grace of God. 00:21:05.619 --> 00:21:08.740 My grace is sufficient for you, 00:21:09.099 --> 00:21:13.019 for my power is made perfect in weakness. 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:17.759 And then he goes on to say in verse 10, 00:21:17.819 --> 00:21:18.460 at the end of it, 00:21:18.539 --> 00:21:21.980 when I am weak, then I am strong. 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:24.980 And behind all of this is a reminder 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:28.460 not to look to the super apostles, 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:33.340 not to look to a gospel that sounds great and wonderful, 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:36.640 but has no substance to it and no reality to it, 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:40.259 that says there will be no suffering if you believe this, 00:21:40.840 --> 00:21:44.480 but to look to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:21:45.539 --> 00:21:49.299 And to see that whatever experience we have, 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:53.680 that God is able to give grace in it. 00:21:53.680 --> 00:21:56.799 So whether we are going through illness, 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:59.140 whether we are going through grief, 00:21:59.820 --> 00:22:03.480 whether we are going through multitude of challenges in our life, 00:22:04.320 --> 00:22:05.820 that God is able to say, 00:22:05.900 --> 00:22:09.060 I am able to give you the grace that is sufficient. 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:12.560 The grace that will keep us 00:22:12.560 --> 00:22:15.039 and sustain us through it all. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:21.259 And what is our greatest reminder in this? 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:25.180 Well, it's a reminder that brings us back 00:22:25.180 --> 00:22:27.420 to Jesus and what he's done. 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:30.359 What did he do for his people? 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:33.879 What did he do for you as you believe in him? 00:22:34.879 --> 00:22:35.859 Where do we look? 00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:39.139 We don't look in the mirror and look at ourselves. 00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:41.819 We look to the cross. 00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:47.339 And there we see what Christ has done for us. 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:53.059 For it is reminding us that everything that comes our way 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:56.879 has been foreordained by God, 00:22:57.879 --> 00:23:00.299 but that he gives grace to help. 00:23:00.859 --> 00:23:04.000 It is all part of God's plan. 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:07.119 This was a messenger from Satan. 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:09.299 It's described as here. 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:12.460 He gave a messenger from Satan 00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:14.480 to hinder him, to harass him, 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:16.680 to keep him from being too elated. 00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:20.119 And God gives things in our life 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:22.700 that can seem as if it's from Satan himself. 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:24.639 Job, in the Old Testament, 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:26.799 was plagued by so many things, 00:23:27.180 --> 00:23:28.720 by Satan who was allowed 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:32.119 to take him and to do things to him 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:33.359 that seemed so cruel, 00:23:34.139 --> 00:23:35.740 and yet God kept him in it. 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:38.799 And when you look at the cross, 00:23:38.900 --> 00:23:41.440 it seems like Satan is victorious there. 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:45.200 That Judas, Satan put it in his heart 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:46.859 to betray Jesus. 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:49.500 That at the hands of wicked men, 00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:53.279 Satan used them to crucify the Lord Jesus. 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:56.099 And yet when you read about what happened at the cross 00:23:56.099 --> 00:23:58.220 as it speaks of it in Acts chapter 2, 00:23:58.220 --> 00:24:01.120 it says there that Jesus was delivered over 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:03.059 by the predetermined plan 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:05.360 and foreknowledge of God. 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:09.759 That God knew exactly what was going on. 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:13.600 That God, this was all part of God's plan. 00:24:14.120 --> 00:24:16.420 And so that as Paul is looking at his life 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:19.279 and he looks at this list in chapter 11 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:21.200 of all the things that he has suffered, 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:24.079 they don't make him any less than apostle. 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:28.759 But he suffered them on behalf of his Lord Jesus Christ. 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:31.639 And in all things he could say, 00:24:32.419 --> 00:24:34.019 my grace is sufficient. 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:39.220 The grace of God was sufficient for all things. 00:24:39.359 --> 00:24:40.480 So God knows. 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:42.899 God has mapped out our lives. 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:45.639 He knows everything that we need 00:24:45.639 --> 00:24:47.159 and when we need it. 00:24:47.220 --> 00:24:48.839 And he has grace to give. 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:51.879 Charles Simeon. 00:24:52.279 --> 00:24:54.759 He lived in the 17 and 1800s. 00:24:54.799 --> 00:24:55.459 He was a preacher. 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:59.119 And one time he was waiting to conduct a funeral 00:24:59.119 --> 00:25:00.439 in a cemetery. 00:25:00.659 --> 00:25:01.980 He was waiting for them to arrive 00:25:01.980 --> 00:25:04.039 where he was going to conduct the funeral. 00:25:04.379 --> 00:25:05.139 And while he was waiting, 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:07.639 he decided to have a walk around the cemetery. 00:25:08.379 --> 00:25:10.079 And he liked to look in the cemetery 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:12.939 at things that were written on the gravestones. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:17.039 Maybe more so than different kinds of words 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.799 were written on it. 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:19.519 Not just scripture texts, 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.399 but different things. 00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:22.159 And one caught his eye. 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.639 And when he read it, 00:25:25.299 --> 00:25:26.519 it said this, 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:29.339 When from the dust of death I rise 00:25:29.339 --> 00:25:31.980 to claim my mansion in the skies, 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:34.980 even then shall this be all my plea. 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:38.819 Jesus hath lived and died for me. 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:41.379 And that just caught his attention. 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:44.139 When we rise from the dust, 00:25:44.140 --> 00:25:47.720 Jesus hath lived and died for me. 00:25:47.860 --> 00:25:49.900 A statement of faith. 00:25:50.460 --> 00:25:53.160 And he was so struck by these words 00:25:53.160 --> 00:25:54.920 that he was looking around for someone 00:25:54.920 --> 00:25:57.600 to share what he'd just read with. 00:25:57.680 --> 00:26:00.560 Wanted someone else to see these words. 00:26:00.780 --> 00:26:04.700 And he was caught by seeing a young woman nearby 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:06.300 who was obviously distressed. 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:08.820 And he approached her and said, 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:10.460 Come and read these words. 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:11.840 See if they will help you. 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:14.039 And she read these words, 00:26:14.199 --> 00:26:17.179 Jesus hath lived and died for me. 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:19.720 And he shared with her the gospel. 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:20.740 And he spoke to her. 00:26:20.779 --> 00:26:23.199 And he even took her name and her address. 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:25.939 And he went to visit her the next day, 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:27.939 knowing that she'd been so distressed. 00:26:28.899 --> 00:26:30.679 And what he found in the house 00:26:30.679 --> 00:26:32.859 was a dire situation. 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:36.359 It was a home afflicted with poverty. 00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:39.839 This woman's mother was dying with asthma. 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:43.480 She had two children who were sick and suffering 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:45.079 in so many different ways. 00:26:45.899 --> 00:26:48.720 And he was just taken up by this. 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.619 And he helped them. 00:26:50.199 --> 00:26:52.559 He sought help for them in different ways. 00:26:52.659 --> 00:26:54.799 And their lives were transformed. 00:26:55.939 --> 00:26:58.299 And later on, that woman spoke to him 00:26:58.299 --> 00:27:01.919 about the day that he had come to her in the cemetery. 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:03.500 And she said to him, 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:06.380 I had been there for five hours in despair. 00:27:07.560 --> 00:27:08.960 Despairing of life. 00:27:09.720 --> 00:27:11.200 Despairing of my future. 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:14.080 Contemplating my very life. 00:27:15.080 --> 00:27:18.320 Until you came and showed me what was written. 00:27:18.319 --> 00:27:21.059 And she said, 00:27:21.159 --> 00:27:22.839 that was the moment I realized 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:25.799 that Christ is able to help. 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:30.079 That his grace is available to me. 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:35.879 Her life was changed by the grace of God. 00:27:36.899 --> 00:27:40.159 And that is the power of the grace of God. 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:44.080 It's not about being strong in ourselves. 00:27:44.600 --> 00:27:47.300 It's not about boasting in ourselves. 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:50.480 It's about seeing our weakness. 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:54.380 That we are frail and fragile people. 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:56.140 That we all have troubles 00:27:56.140 --> 00:27:58.940 that we cannot face up to by ourselves. 00:28:00.320 --> 00:28:03.460 That there is a gracious and a loving God 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:05.279 who is able to help. 00:28:05.840 --> 00:28:07.080 Who is able to say, 00:28:07.079 --> 00:28:10.159 my grace is sufficient for you. 00:28:11.439 --> 00:28:15.939 For my power is made perfect in weakness. 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:20.639 What are you relying on for your strength today? 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:23.119 There's a hymn called, 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:24.720 I could not do without thee. 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:27.319 One of the verses says this. 00:28:28.179 --> 00:28:29.759 I could not do without thee. 00:28:30.099 --> 00:28:31.759 I cannot stand alone. 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:34.359 I have no strength or goodness, 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:36.619 no wisdom of my own. 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:38.859 But thou, beloved Saviour, 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:41.980 art all in all to me. 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:44.259 And weakness will be power 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:47.379 if leaning hard on thee. 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:52.059 Are you leaning on the Saviour today? 00:28:53.139 --> 00:28:55.279 We can go on trying to pretend 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:59.119 that we have perceived strength of ourselves. 00:28:59.119 --> 00:29:01.299 which is reality, 00:29:01.299 --> 00:29:02.539 which is reality a weakness 00:29:02.539 --> 00:29:04.759 if we have not faith. 00:29:06.479 --> 00:29:08.639 But if we even feel weak today, 00:29:09.179 --> 00:29:11.099 if we feel so uncertain 00:29:11.099 --> 00:29:13.159 about so many things in our life, 00:29:13.679 --> 00:29:14.519 the life of others 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:15.879 or the world in which we live, 00:29:15.959 --> 00:29:17.159 but we have faith, 00:29:18.359 --> 00:29:19.799 then we can be strong 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:21.779 and know the grace 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:24.299 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:26.919 may he help us to come, 00:29:27.619 --> 00:29:28.759 not in our strength, 00:29:28.839 --> 00:29:29.839 but in our weakness, 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:32.059 to know his strength 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:33.519 made perfect 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.419 and his grace 00:29:34.419 --> 00:29:36.740 that is always sufficient. 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:37.639 Let us pray. 00:29:37.640 --> 00:29:42.240 Lord, our gracious God, 00:29:42.300 --> 00:29:43.200 we do thank you 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:44.960 for the grace that you give 00:29:44.960 --> 00:29:46.060 in times of need. 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:47.160 We thank you 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:48.660 that it is ever sufficient 00:29:48.660 --> 00:29:51.040 and help us not to be swayed 00:29:51.040 --> 00:29:52.480 by the things of this world 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:54.880 that say we will be strong in them, 00:29:55.660 --> 00:29:56.700 that we would recognize 00:29:56.700 --> 00:29:57.820 that without faith 00:29:57.820 --> 00:29:58.600 we have nothing, 00:29:59.160 --> 00:30:00.080 but by faith 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:01.340 we have all that we need. 00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:03.319 We have everything in Christ 00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:05.559 for now and for eternity. 00:30:06.139 --> 00:30:07.619 So in our weakness, Lord, 00:30:07.699 --> 00:30:08.679 may you help us 00:30:08.679 --> 00:30:09.919 by your grace 00:30:09.919 --> 00:30:11.799 that we may be able to say 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:12.679 when I am weak, 00:30:12.899 --> 00:30:14.959 then I am strong. 00:30:15.319 --> 00:30:16.959 We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:30:17.459 --> 00:30:17.799 Amen. 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:22.879 We're going to conclude 00:30:22.879 --> 00:30:24.740 by singing to God's praise 00:30:24.740 --> 00:30:26.439 in Psalm 27. 00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:28.839 Sing Psalm's version, 00:30:28.839 --> 00:30:31.279 Psalm 27, page 32. 00:30:32.159 --> 00:30:34.099 We'll sing from verse 11 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:35.519 down to the end of the psalm, 00:30:35.579 --> 00:30:36.759 these three stanzas. 00:30:38.419 --> 00:30:40.859 Psalm 27 at verse 11. 00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:42.559 Teach me, O Lord, 00:30:42.639 --> 00:30:43.519 who I should live 00:30:43.519 --> 00:30:44.779 and lead me in your way. 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:46.419 Make straight my path 00:30:46.419 --> 00:30:47.639 because my foes 00:30:47.639 --> 00:30:49.000 oppress me every day. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.459 Give me not over 00:30:50.459 --> 00:30:52.259 to the will of vehement enemies, 00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:54.720 for liars rise to slander me 00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:56.220 and breathe out cruelties. 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:57.659 Yet I am sure 00:30:57.659 --> 00:30:58.679 that in this life 00:30:58.679 --> 00:31:00.619 God's goodness I will see. 00:31:00.619 --> 00:31:02.019 Wait for the Lord, 00:31:02.119 --> 00:31:03.379 be strong, take heart. 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:05.179 For him wait patiently. 00:31:05.359 --> 00:31:06.919 We'll sing these three stanzas 00:31:06.919 --> 00:31:08.259 to God's praise. 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:15.900 Teach me, O Lord, 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:19.879 how I should live 00:31:19.879 --> 00:31:26.599 and lead me in your way. 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:31.599 make straight my path 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:35.619 because my foes 00:31:35.619 --> 00:31:42.599 oppress me every day. 00:31:42.599 --> 00:31:48.779 Give me not over 00:31:48.779 --> 00:31:58.779 to the will of vehement enemies. 00:31:58.779 --> 00:32:08.480 For liars rise to slander me 00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:16.480 and breathe out cruelties. 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:20.980 Yet I am sure 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:25.680 that in this life 00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:32.720 God's goodness I will see. 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:34.720 wait for the Lord. 00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:37.680 Wait for the Lord, 00:32:37.680 --> 00:32:41.980 be strong, take heart. 00:32:42.579 --> 00:32:48.180 For him wait patiently. 00:32:48.180 --> 00:32:51.880 After the benediction, 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:53.320 I'll go to the door to my left. 00:32:53.400 --> 00:32:54.539 We'll close with the benediction. 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:56.360 Now may grace, 00:32:56.680 --> 00:32:57.620 mercy and peace 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:58.360 from God, 00:32:58.580 --> 00:32:59.000 Father, 00:32:59.279 --> 00:33:00.620 Son and Holy Spirit 00:33:00.620 --> 00:33:01.640 rest upon 00:33:01.640 --> 00:33:03.440 and abide with you all 00:33:03.440 --> 00:33:04.640 now and forevermore. 00:33:05.039 --> 00:33:05.400 Amen. 00:33:05.400 --> 00:33:05.500 Amen. 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:36.400 Amen.