WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.520 through to verse 13. 00:00:04.440 --> 00:00:11.419 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, starting at verse 6, it's on page 1187. 00:00:14.900 --> 00:00:16.460 Let's hear God's word. 00:00:18.260 --> 00:00:26.100 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. 00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:35.780 He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us just as we also long to see you. 00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:45.439 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 00:00:46.380 --> 00:00:51.620 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 00:00:51.619 --> 00:00:59.619 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:07.900 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 00:01:09.239 --> 00:01:16.579 Now may God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 00:01:16.579 --> 00:01:25.200 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 00:01:26.079 --> 00:01:34.180 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father 00:01:34.180 --> 00:01:38.000 when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:39.959 Daniel. 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:40.019 Daniel. 00:01:46.579 --> 00:01:49.019 Thank you. 00:01:49.799 --> 00:01:51.099 I'm going to pray for you. 00:01:51.920 --> 00:01:56.179 Let's pray for Daniel and for us. 00:01:57.239 --> 00:02:04.640 Father, again we thank you so much for people that you bring to us and people that you gift, 00:02:05.099 --> 00:02:08.800 enabling them to handle your word and to be able to speak it. 00:02:08.800 --> 00:02:18.420 And we thank you for Daniel and pray for him that you would empower him and fill him with your Holy Spirit. 00:02:19.260 --> 00:02:25.840 That he may be able to speak to us with clarity and passion the truth of your word. 00:02:26.680 --> 00:02:33.800 And that for us as we listen that we would be hearing your words and that they would change us and transform us. 00:02:33.800 --> 00:02:38.240 Changing us into the church that you would have us to be. 00:02:39.200 --> 00:02:43.140 And transforming us as people to be more like you. 00:02:44.400 --> 00:02:46.840 So we pray your blessing on us all. 00:02:47.439 --> 00:02:49.040 In Jesus name we pray. 00:02:49.920 --> 00:02:50.280 Amen. 00:02:50.520 --> 00:02:50.740 Amen. 00:02:51.220 --> 00:02:51.880 Thanks man. 00:02:51.880 --> 00:02:52.880 Amen. 00:02:52.880 --> 00:02:53.880 Amen. 00:02:53.880 --> 00:02:54.380 Amen. 00:02:54.380 --> 00:02:54.880 Amen. 00:02:54.880 --> 00:02:55.880 Amen. 00:02:55.880 --> 00:02:56.880 Amen. 00:02:56.880 --> 00:02:57.880 Amen. 00:02:57.880 --> 00:02:58.880 Amen. 00:02:58.880 --> 00:02:59.880 Amen. 00:02:59.880 --> 00:03:00.880 Amen. 00:03:00.880 --> 00:03:01.880 Amen. 00:03:01.880 --> 00:03:02.880 Amen. 00:03:02.880 --> 00:03:03.780 Amen. 00:03:03.800 --> 00:03:09.880 Amen. 00:03:09.880 --> 00:03:09.920 Amen. 00:03:09.920 --> 00:03:11.560 Helps if you have the right PowerPoint and such. 00:03:11.560 --> 00:03:13.620 Good morning. 00:03:15.740 --> 00:03:20.380 I want to say thanks very much for the privilege of coming this morning. 00:03:23.480 --> 00:03:24.240 Sorry, no. 00:03:26.360 --> 00:03:27.800 Do you want a little adjustments? 00:03:27.800 --> 00:03:38.560 I have knocked these things over in the past so I don't want to do it halfway through. 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:45.800 I'm not going to start hitting it or anything. 00:03:45.800 --> 00:03:50.240 It's just to get the distractions out of the way now rather than in 10 minutes. 00:03:50.240 --> 00:03:50.760 Okay. 00:03:50.760 --> 00:03:50.800 Okay. 00:03:52.560 --> 00:03:57.240 So again, thanks for the invitation and the opportunity to come this morning. 00:03:57.240 --> 00:04:05.320 Just for those who are interested in these things, the three girls who are with us this morning, 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:09.000 two of the girls are our daughters, Evie and Emily, the younger two. 00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:10.900 The taller girl is actually my niece. 00:04:10.900 --> 00:04:14.200 Many people think we have three daughters because they look so similar. 00:04:15.640 --> 00:04:16.920 My niece is Jasmine. 00:04:18.259 --> 00:04:21.319 And they love coming. 00:04:22.180 --> 00:04:26.340 They're actually getting quite into the summer months of going around visiting all the other churches. 00:04:26.819 --> 00:04:30.920 And we'll get a full report of when we go back what creche was actually like. 00:04:30.920 --> 00:04:31.360 So... 00:04:31.360 --> 00:04:39.439 I'm going to pray. 00:04:39.740 --> 00:04:41.620 I know Johnny's prayed. 00:04:41.980 --> 00:04:44.560 I always feel we can never pray enough. 00:04:46.460 --> 00:04:48.580 Father, I do thank you for this time this morning. 00:04:51.200 --> 00:04:55.240 It is a privilege to be involved in your service, Lord. 00:04:56.040 --> 00:04:58.759 You gave us the greatest example of service, Lord. 00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:03.740 For how you gave up heaven to come to us. 00:05:05.259 --> 00:05:06.399 How you walked with us. 00:05:06.500 --> 00:05:08.000 How you washed your disciples' feet. 00:05:08.139 --> 00:05:09.339 And how you went on the cross. 00:05:10.300 --> 00:05:13.819 And suffered and bled and died for our sins. 00:05:13.980 --> 00:05:15.959 And rose again and opened the way to heaven. 00:05:17.219 --> 00:05:20.819 Help us to do everything in our lives in the light of who you are. 00:05:21.779 --> 00:05:23.259 Guide us this morning, Father. 00:05:23.920 --> 00:05:24.639 Lord Jesus. 00:05:25.180 --> 00:05:25.980 Lord Holy Spirit. 00:05:26.819 --> 00:05:27.740 Show us the way. 00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:29.100 Amen. 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:35.060 Well, I know that as a church you've been looking at the message of 1 Thessalonians for a number of weeks. 00:05:35.240 --> 00:05:40.400 So I have an introduction that if I see them I'm going quite quickly, I will start to really slow down. 00:05:40.500 --> 00:05:46.480 So it's a quick introduction to recap a little bit and try and see where we've got to. 00:05:46.540 --> 00:05:48.360 Now I know that Ralph gave you a reminder. 00:05:49.019 --> 00:05:53.240 A reminder to welcome the trustworthy message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:56.360 He laid out for us the picture of the church. 00:05:56.360 --> 00:05:58.519 The believers as a chosen people. 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:00.560 And it's God who calls us. 00:06:01.280 --> 00:06:02.560 And it's not only God. 00:06:03.319 --> 00:06:05.100 It's not only that he calls us. 00:06:05.180 --> 00:06:12.560 But the call is based on his son leaving heaven to come into a broken world to rescue and deliver us from the coming wrath. 00:06:12.560 --> 00:06:16.620 And it's just like an echo of so many other verses in Romans 6.23. 00:06:16.759 --> 00:06:21.240 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. 00:06:21.459 --> 00:06:25.540 Or Colossians 1.13 and 14. 00:06:25.720 --> 00:06:35.560 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son Helos, where we have redemption and forgiveness of sins. 00:06:35.560 --> 00:06:39.300 Because our position is based completely on the work of Christ. 00:06:40.100 --> 00:06:44.360 And Ralph reminded us that the message at the time was turning the world upside down. 00:06:44.560 --> 00:06:48.259 That the Christian gospel was turning the world upside down. 00:06:48.540 --> 00:06:51.340 And the question was, how do we live in light of that? 00:06:51.720 --> 00:06:55.639 And maybe it should be turning our personal world upside down. 00:06:55.800 --> 00:06:59.340 And turning the world around us upside down as well. 00:06:59.339 --> 00:07:03.479 And then Kevin came and he talked about our motives. 00:07:03.599 --> 00:07:07.679 And he reminded that our motives should be to live to please God. 00:07:08.039 --> 00:07:13.519 To examine ourselves carefully and make sure that our motives are kept in balance at all times. 00:07:13.919 --> 00:07:17.599 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives. 00:07:17.979 --> 00:07:19.599 Nor are we trying to trick you. 00:07:19.979 --> 00:07:25.159 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. 00:07:25.160 --> 00:07:31.040 We are not trying to please people, but God who tests our heart. 00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:35.320 And that applies in life and in ministry and all our Christian living. 00:07:35.700 --> 00:07:37.940 That our motives are to please God. 00:07:38.680 --> 00:07:40.400 And then to remember that we are to labour. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:44.220 To work always with right motives. 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:48.640 And then Tom came and he talked about great expectations. 00:07:49.280 --> 00:07:50.280 What a wonderful title. 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:52.000 Great Expectations. 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:56.480 And he reminded us that great expectations can be easily dashed. 00:07:57.160 --> 00:08:01.620 But that our expectations have to be based on the good news of the gospel. 00:08:02.300 --> 00:08:04.660 And we also thank God continually. 00:08:05.139 --> 00:08:08.300 Because when you received the word of God which you heard from us. 00:08:08.579 --> 00:08:12.600 You accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is. 00:08:13.160 --> 00:08:17.759 The word of God which is indeed at work in you who believe. 00:08:17.759 --> 00:08:23.360 So we have to rely on God's work at work with the Holy Spirit. 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:25.000 Because it's a living word. 00:08:26.039 --> 00:08:30.120 And even though they suffered and they knew trials, that's exactly what they did. 00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:32.600 They trusted God's word. 00:08:33.580 --> 00:08:35.720 And Tom challenged us to be different. 00:08:36.700 --> 00:08:38.939 And he challenged us to be prepared to suffer. 00:08:39.580 --> 00:08:42.580 And to be careful and cautious when we are in a difficult time. 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:45.160 And in the struggle. 00:08:45.920 --> 00:08:48.759 And not to be so sure about trusting our feelings. 00:08:48.940 --> 00:08:50.780 Because our feelings can trick us. 00:08:51.200 --> 00:08:53.700 Not to switch off our feelings. 00:08:53.860 --> 00:08:55.139 Not to switch off our emotions. 00:08:55.259 --> 00:08:57.420 Our emotions are a beautiful gift from God. 00:08:57.860 --> 00:09:01.660 The full range of emotions that we've been given by God are a gift to us. 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:03.100 How we enjoy life. 00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:04.520 How we share time with each other. 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:06.480 How we enjoy his nature, his beauty. 00:09:06.620 --> 00:09:08.040 How we enjoy God himself. 00:09:08.220 --> 00:09:09.140 How we love God. 00:09:09.139 --> 00:09:11.340 They all come from our emotions. 00:09:12.360 --> 00:09:14.299 But not to always trust our emotions. 00:09:14.539 --> 00:09:17.860 Because in difficult times, they can trick us. 00:09:18.919 --> 00:09:23.379 And we can let circumstances overcome us. 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:26.159 So we have to trust God in all circumstances for the outcome. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:30.580 And then last week, Alex was giving a message. 00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:32.080 Reminding us. 00:09:32.860 --> 00:09:34.299 And you notice I keep saying us. 00:09:34.480 --> 00:09:35.439 Even though I wasn't here. 00:09:35.440 --> 00:09:39.100 Because as you might have figured out, I've listened to those messages. 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:41.100 Reminding us. 00:09:41.540 --> 00:09:46.000 And at that point, I'll remind you that those messages are still on the website. 00:09:46.660 --> 00:09:49.500 And there are good messages on the website. 00:09:50.060 --> 00:09:53.000 So if you did miss them, go back and listen to them. 00:09:54.680 --> 00:09:55.980 It will encourage you. 00:09:55.980 --> 00:10:02.000 So Alex reminded us that to be strengthened and encouraged in the faith. 00:10:02.139 --> 00:10:04.039 Especially in those times of trial. 00:10:04.899 --> 00:10:08.220 But in many ways, that every day is a time of trial. 00:10:08.700 --> 00:10:13.039 As the tempter, as Satan or enemy, seeks to lead us astray. 00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:15.019 We will face trials. 00:10:15.680 --> 00:10:20.800 Alex reminded us that we need to encourage and remind each other of the truth. 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:22.639 That we may be strengthened. 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:30.379 And that our focus, just like Paul and Timothy in silence, would never be removed from the spread of the gospel. 00:10:30.899 --> 00:10:32.620 The good news of Jesus Christ. 00:10:33.299 --> 00:10:38.000 He encouraged us, every one of us, to live together in full Christian fellowship. 00:10:38.220 --> 00:10:42.899 Bringing the guiding truth of the living word and the power of God's living word. 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:43.919 The gospel. 00:10:44.879 --> 00:10:45.819 Into our lives. 00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:56.500 And when I was listening to those messages and preparing, it reminded me of something that I came across a while ago in a daily devotional from Spurgeon. 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.080 And he said, 00:10:58.080 --> 00:11:08.580 The love which the early Christians felt towards the Lord was not a quiet emotion which they hid within themselves in the secret chambers of their souls. 00:11:09.280 --> 00:11:13.100 And which they only spoke of when they met on the first day of the week. 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:17.220 And sang hymns in honor of Christ Jesus the crucified. 00:11:17.220 --> 00:11:33.840 But it was a passion with them of such vehement and all-consuming energy that it was visible in their actions, spoke in their commonest talk, and looked out of their eyes even in their commonest glances. 00:11:33.840 --> 00:11:47.240 Love to Jesus was a flame which fed upon the core and heart of their being, and therefore, from its own force, burned its way into the outer man and shone there. 00:11:47.240 --> 00:11:53.700 So that's a quick recap that's brought us to where we are today. 00:11:54.320 --> 00:11:57.039 And I hope I've been faithful to what the other guys were trying to bring you. 00:11:57.100 --> 00:11:58.440 And I believe that I have. 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:05.139 And today we're at 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 and verses 6 down to 13. 00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:06.940 So we're going to read them again. 00:12:07.639 --> 00:12:10.399 But Timothy has just now come to us from you. 00:12:11.100 --> 00:12:13.919 And has brought good news about your faith and love. 00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:22.860 He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 00:12:23.779 --> 00:12:32.199 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:37.899 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:48.279 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 00:12:50.759 --> 00:12:57.579 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 00:12:57.580 --> 00:13:03.080 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 00:13:03.440 --> 00:13:09.379 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:18.440 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 00:13:18.440 --> 00:13:24.200 So let's take a look at these verses before we begin to apply them to ourselves. 00:13:24.800 --> 00:13:32.060 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and sight. 00:13:33.200 --> 00:13:34.380 Paul is happy. 00:13:35.980 --> 00:13:39.760 Put simply, he's happy with the report that has come back. 00:13:40.140 --> 00:13:41.460 Because he's concerned. 00:13:41.580 --> 00:13:43.600 He was concerned that they might have been led astray. 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:49.019 And Paul, as a Jew, probably had good reason to fear. 00:13:49.800 --> 00:13:52.159 Because he knew the history of his own people. 00:13:53.860 --> 00:14:00.060 They had been repeatedly called by God and repeatedly turned and gone their own way. 00:14:00.360 --> 00:14:03.180 Whether it was in the desert after coming up out of Egypt. 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:08.420 Or whether it was their refusal to take the land when they were told to take the land. 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:12.059 Or in the time of the whole period of the judges. 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:16.159 When they repeatedly rejected their God and turned to idols. 00:14:16.779 --> 00:14:19.199 Paul knew the history of his own people. 00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:24.879 And he knew how the devil, how Satan, the tempter, can get in and destroy the work. 00:14:25.319 --> 00:14:29.139 So he had good reason and good experience to know. 00:14:29.679 --> 00:14:32.039 But he got a good report. 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:36.459 And he was happy to hear about their faith and love. 00:14:36.460 --> 00:14:40.879 And he got a good account as well of their attitude towards themselves. 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:43.600 Their attitude towards Paul and Timothy and Silas. 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:45.240 They had pleasant memories. 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:47.480 And they were anxious to see them. 00:14:48.400 --> 00:14:49.680 It's a good report. 00:14:50.280 --> 00:14:51.519 I'm repeating that, aren't I? 00:14:52.460 --> 00:14:53.200 There's a reason. 00:14:53.420 --> 00:14:54.300 It's a good report. 00:14:55.160 --> 00:14:56.100 And he says to them, 00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:58.460 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, 00:14:58.700 --> 00:15:01.420 we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 00:15:01.419 --> 00:15:06.299 Well, the outcome for him, for them, for Paul, for Timothy and Silas, 00:15:07.079 --> 00:15:08.479 was that in their struggles, 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:12.159 the steadfast faith of the Thessalonians had encouraged them, 00:15:12.279 --> 00:15:13.199 had buoyed them up, 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:15.339 had bolstered them in their position, 00:15:15.719 --> 00:15:18.419 and his joy outflows from that into verse 8. 00:15:18.659 --> 00:15:20.439 For now we really live. 00:15:20.440 --> 00:15:25.140 We really live since you are standing firm on the Lord. 00:15:26.460 --> 00:15:28.500 And how can we thank God enough for you 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:32.680 in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 00:15:34.060 --> 00:15:36.760 Paul is so grateful, so thankful, 00:15:37.280 --> 00:15:39.840 even though they've had huge difficulty. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:42.740 And Paul's taken the time to remind them 00:15:42.740 --> 00:15:45.480 that they've been in difficulty themselves. 00:15:46.100 --> 00:15:47.880 He doesn't focus on it. 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:51.700 He doesn't make it the main factor of his communication. 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.960 He is happy to leave it behind 00:15:53.960 --> 00:15:57.399 and focus on the joy that they all have together 00:15:57.399 --> 00:15:59.220 in the presence of God, 00:15:59.320 --> 00:16:00.639 in their heavenly reward, 00:16:00.960 --> 00:16:04.500 because of their steadfast holding to the faith. 00:16:06.720 --> 00:16:08.799 Night and day we pray most earnestly 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:10.360 that we may see you again 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:12.840 and supply what is lacking in your faith. 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:16.460 You're ceaseless, never-ending, never-stopping prayer. 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:19.740 Even though Paul and Silas and Timothy 00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:22.420 have been involved in fostering their growth 00:16:22.420 --> 00:16:23.820 and have brought the word to them 00:16:23.820 --> 00:16:25.680 and have prayed with them and care for them, 00:16:26.680 --> 00:16:27.540 he's saying to them, 00:16:27.680 --> 00:16:28.900 we still haven't stopped. 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:31.700 We continue night and day to pray 00:16:31.700 --> 00:16:33.720 that we may spend time with you again 00:16:33.720 --> 00:16:36.000 and help you where you are, 00:16:36.540 --> 00:16:38.280 help you where you are struggling, 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:41.300 with you to help you make up the things 00:16:41.300 --> 00:16:43.700 that are missing in your life of faith. 00:16:43.700 --> 00:16:46.560 And come into verse 11, 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:47.759 where he says, 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:50.900 Now may our God and Father himself 00:16:50.900 --> 00:16:52.840 and our Lord Jesus clear the way 00:16:52.840 --> 00:16:54.420 for us to come to you. 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:58.540 Paul's reliance on God. 00:16:59.220 --> 00:17:01.620 Even though it is his desire to get there, 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.900 to be there to help them, 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:05.600 he's clearly saying that he cannot do it, 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:07.080 they cannot do it, 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:09.460 unless God clears the way. 00:17:09.460 --> 00:17:14.299 He's committing the journey to the Lord. 00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:15.640 Don't start the journey 00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:17.240 unless you commit it to the Lord. 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:19.500 I don't know Peter and I don't know Maeve, 00:17:20.079 --> 00:17:22.400 but they are starting their journey. 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:23.620 That struck me this morning. 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:26.079 They came up here and with you, 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:29.160 they are committing their journey to the Lord. 00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:32.519 And in verse 12, 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:34.100 and you know, 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:36.840 I keep thinking when I come to verses like these, 00:17:38.060 --> 00:17:40.840 we are told in so many places, 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:41.700 in so many ways, 00:17:41.840 --> 00:17:43.880 how can you understand the Bible? 00:17:44.080 --> 00:17:44.240 You know, 00:17:44.300 --> 00:17:46.180 the Bible is so hard to understand. 00:17:46.320 --> 00:17:47.140 And this verse, 00:17:47.800 --> 00:17:48.380 verse 12, 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:50.560 is one of those very, very tricky, 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:51.759 complicated, 00:17:52.740 --> 00:17:52.980 oh, 00:17:53.660 --> 00:17:55.700 very, very difficult verses to understand. 00:17:55.700 --> 00:17:58.360 May the Lord make your love increase 00:17:58.360 --> 00:17:59.620 and overflow for each other 00:17:59.620 --> 00:18:00.500 and for everyone else, 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:01.680 just as our does few. 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:04.039 Hands up if you don't understand that verse. 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:08.519 It's not that complicated really, 00:18:08.680 --> 00:18:08.960 is it? 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:10.880 But it's a prayer. 00:18:11.340 --> 00:18:13.080 It's not a castaway statement. 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.960 May the Lord, 00:18:15.120 --> 00:18:15.559 again, 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:17.180 that reliance on the Lord, 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.940 Paul is saying to them, 00:18:19.080 --> 00:18:21.880 reminding them that your reliance is on the Lord, 00:18:22.019 --> 00:18:24.860 which will make your love increase and overflow. 00:18:25.700 --> 00:18:27.480 Just as his does, 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:28.759 as Timothy does, 00:18:29.160 --> 00:18:30.240 as Silas does. 00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:32.420 And verse 13, 00:18:32.620 --> 00:18:33.779 may he strengthen your hearts 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:35.600 so that you will be blameless and holy 00:18:35.600 --> 00:18:36.900 in the presence of God, 00:18:37.120 --> 00:18:37.600 our Father, 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:41.860 when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 00:18:43.620 --> 00:18:44.740 And he's saying to them there, 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:46.200 and if you look at the beginning of the sentence, 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.279 may he, 00:18:48.100 --> 00:18:50.039 because of the way we speak English, 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:52.220 may he has a little bit of a, 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:53.019 oh, 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:54.579 he could like, 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:55.200 you know, 00:18:55.299 --> 00:18:55.720 he could, 00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.680 it's possible, 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:59.339 but it's more definite than that. 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:01.660 That sentence is more definite than that. 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:03.220 It could easily be translated, 00:19:03.619 --> 00:19:05.259 so as, 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:06.599 to establish. 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:08.200 If you look at different translations, 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:10.099 you'll even see they use the word establish. 00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:12.000 But what he's saying to them is, 00:19:12.000 --> 00:19:15.400 that you would be set up firmly, 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:18.339 that you would be so solid 00:19:18.339 --> 00:19:20.839 in your heart and faith foundation, 00:19:21.599 --> 00:19:24.319 that you will be blameless 00:19:24.319 --> 00:19:26.859 and holy in the presence of our Lord. 00:19:27.099 --> 00:19:29.799 And he is talking about the sure completion of the work. 00:19:30.319 --> 00:19:32.240 We talked about it already this morning, 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:35.259 talking about the sure completion of the work that was begun, 00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:38.440 and it's in the same spirit as Philippians 1, 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:39.119 verse 6. 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:40.200 God, 00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:41.900 who began a good work in them, 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:43.079 will bring it to completion. 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:47.500 It's the same spirit as in Colossians 3, 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:48.940 verse 4, 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:49.779 when it says, 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:50.359 when Christ, 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:51.160 who is your life, 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:51.660 appears, 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:54.900 then you also will appear with him in glory. 00:19:55.619 --> 00:19:59.140 It's about the completion of the work that had begun, 00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:01.579 and it's not just about their daily walk, 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:03.319 and their daily sanctification. 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:06.639 It's about the completion of the race. 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:09.899 Running the race well. 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:12.899 When Johnny started talking this morning, 00:20:12.980 --> 00:20:13.279 I thought, 00:20:13.439 --> 00:20:13.639 oh, 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.399 do I need to go home? 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:16.960 Is he going to actually give my whole message? 00:20:17.119 --> 00:20:18.299 But I think we're okay. 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:20.960 It's about the holding fast, 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:22.379 and running of the race well, 00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:25.240 and the perfect completion of God's work. 00:20:25.619 --> 00:20:27.960 When we come into glory with Jesus, 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:29.439 and he is saying, 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:31.059 as we've been reminded, 00:20:31.379 --> 00:20:33.000 keep your eyes focused, 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:35.399 the Lord is coming back, 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:39.579 and he goes on to talk more about this later in his letters, 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:41.679 but that's where we come to today. 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:42.679 He's saying to them, 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:44.240 be set up towards the goal, 00:20:45.079 --> 00:20:46.879 the goal that is set for you. 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:50.039 So that's what he's been saying to the Thessalonians, 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:51.139 a quick rundown through. 00:20:52.159 --> 00:20:53.740 So what's he been saying to us? 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:55.579 Well, 00:20:55.579 --> 00:21:01.599 we have time to do so much. 00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:05.500 There is so much in these verses, 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:08.339 you could come back to them time and time again. 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:10.559 And as I was praying, 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:12.359 and reading through these verses, 00:21:12.579 --> 00:21:15.000 this is the way it came to me to work through it this morning. 00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:16.559 There is a view to what's coming. 00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:18.980 There is a view to the glorious heaven. 00:21:19.279 --> 00:21:22.720 There is a view to what the completed work is. 00:21:22.819 --> 00:21:24.319 When we leave this realm, 00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:26.139 we leave this earth and we go to heaven. 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:29.119 And we are reminded in so many places 00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:33.559 that we are to have our hearts and minds set on heavenly goals. 00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:35.460 But this morning, 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:38.419 I want to talk about what I see in these verses 00:21:38.419 --> 00:21:40.919 that bring us along that path, 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.839 along that journey. 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:43.339 In verse 6, 00:21:43.419 --> 00:21:44.319 there was a good account. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.819 Well then surely, 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:49.299 as Paul got a good account back, 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:51.279 we surely have to ask, 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:53.839 if somebody came to bring an account of us back 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:55.059 to the first people 00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:56.839 who brought us the word of God, 00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:58.139 what would their account be? 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.460 For me, 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:03.500 the Lord led me to Lee Valley Bible Church 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.900 in Ballin College where I go now. 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:07.140 And, 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:08.859 through God's grace, 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.599 people opened the word to me. 00:22:10.880 --> 00:22:13.200 And very quickly I realised I was born again. 00:22:13.619 --> 00:22:14.240 And I went on. 00:22:14.299 --> 00:22:15.140 But there was people there 00:22:15.140 --> 00:22:16.180 who spent time with me, 00:22:16.319 --> 00:22:16.900 teaching me, 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:18.000 fellowshipping with me, 00:22:18.140 --> 00:22:18.940 praying with me, 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:20.000 and praying for me. 00:22:21.619 --> 00:22:23.059 Who brought me deeper 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:24.720 into a relationship with Jesus, 00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:26.519 with the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:29.660 So what would the report be of me now 00:22:29.660 --> 00:22:30.839 back to those people? 00:22:31.359 --> 00:22:32.720 What would the report be 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.960 of you 00:22:33.960 --> 00:22:36.680 back to the person, 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:37.480 to the people 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:39.019 who first shepherded you 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:40.279 in the way of Christ? 00:22:40.360 --> 00:22:41.200 Would their joy 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:43.460 be the same as Paul's? 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:48.360 As I woke this morning, 00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:49.420 I thought, 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:53.519 don't use an Olympics example. 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:55.180 Don't use an Olympics illustration, 00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:56.120 but I can't help it. 00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:58.900 It's one of my favourite illustrations. 00:22:59.319 --> 00:23:00.380 When we talk about this, 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:01.740 what would the report be back? 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:04.500 I don't want anybody 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:05.980 to get into a frame of mind 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:07.240 where something's gone wrong 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:07.759 this week 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:09.660 or this period in your life 00:23:09.660 --> 00:23:10.980 and you feel down 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:11.799 and you feel low 00:23:11.799 --> 00:23:13.079 and you feel that 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:14.059 I'm setting a target 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:15.019 that's so high for you 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:15.940 that you can't reach 00:23:15.940 --> 00:23:16.859 and that you feel like 00:23:16.859 --> 00:23:18.079 I'm taking out a stick 00:23:18.079 --> 00:23:18.859 to beat you with. 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:20.339 I just want you to think. 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:22.480 What would the report be? 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:24.279 And like the high jumper, 00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:26.539 I think I used this example here 00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:26.799 before. 00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:27.659 I use it a lot, 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:28.980 maybe because I did 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.980 a little bit of high jump 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:31.159 in school. 00:23:31.879 --> 00:23:33.720 But you don't set the bar 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:35.639 down low 00:23:35.639 --> 00:23:36.079 and go, 00:23:36.619 --> 00:23:37.019 yeah, look, 00:23:37.079 --> 00:23:37.619 I got that. 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:39.559 One metre ten. 00:23:40.440 --> 00:23:41.819 A high jumper wants to set it. 00:23:41.879 --> 00:23:44.000 You're going for the high jump. 00:23:45.139 --> 00:23:46.919 We're trying to reach high. 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:49.039 But the great thing 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:49.799 about the high jump 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:50.339 in the Olympics 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.879 is if you do miss it, 00:23:52.919 --> 00:23:54.059 there's a great big mat 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:55.359 to catch you on the other side. 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:58.399 When you're examining yourself, 00:23:58.839 --> 00:24:00.639 do not let the devil 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:01.559 drive you down 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:02.799 with self-examination. 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.859 Let the report be good. 00:24:04.919 --> 00:24:05.720 If you see something 00:24:05.720 --> 00:24:06.279 working it, 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.639 the mat to catch you 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:08.419 are the loving 00:24:08.419 --> 00:24:09.399 outstretched arms 00:24:09.399 --> 00:24:10.419 of Jesus Christ. 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:14.659 But would the report say 00:24:14.659 --> 00:24:15.220 that your faith 00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:15.779 has deepened 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:16.919 since those first days? 00:24:17.359 --> 00:24:18.579 Are we striving in prayer 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.740 and study of the word 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:21.180 and in meditation 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:21.839 of the word 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:22.859 and calling on God 00:24:22.859 --> 00:24:23.759 to have our faith 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:24.599 grow in love 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:25.799 and not just love 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:26.379 for each other, 00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:27.720 so often 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.440 when we encounter 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:29.240 that word 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:30.539 and the word love, 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:31.740 people start talking 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.680 about the love 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:33.700 we have for each other. 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:35.159 But we have to think 00:24:35.159 --> 00:24:35.740 about the love 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:37.359 we have for the Lord. 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:38.500 Are we in love 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:40.019 with the Lord? 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:42.639 When you first came 00:24:42.639 --> 00:24:43.419 to the Lord, 00:24:43.799 --> 00:24:45.099 did it consume you? 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:48.279 Does that love 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:49.339 still consume you? 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:52.019 Are you growing steadily 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:52.759 and strengthening 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:53.859 that love constantly 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:56.179 in faith and love? 00:24:56.179 --> 00:24:56.919 It says. 00:24:57.399 --> 00:24:58.199 And I almost want 00:24:58.199 --> 00:24:58.839 to find the word 00:24:58.839 --> 00:24:59.679 hope here. 00:25:00.719 --> 00:25:02.119 But Paul has hoped. 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:03.799 He has hoped 00:25:03.799 --> 00:25:04.740 for a good report 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:06.259 and that he has hoped 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:07.059 that their faith 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:08.119 would hold fast 00:25:08.119 --> 00:25:10.019 based on the gospel. 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:12.279 So we have faith 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.379 with hope and love 00:25:13.379 --> 00:25:14.839 and we have to live 00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:15.379 in the light 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:16.379 of that hope. 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:19.039 And that hope 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:19.960 is stored up for us 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:20.379 in heaven 00:25:20.379 --> 00:25:21.720 which is the love 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:22.200 of Christ 00:25:22.200 --> 00:25:23.379 shown for us 00:25:23.379 --> 00:25:23.940 in the gospel 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:25.220 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:26.359 shown for us 00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:27.639 in nail-pierced 00:25:27.639 --> 00:25:28.400 hands and feet 00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:29.519 shown for us 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.599 by the stripes 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:33.119 on him 00:25:33.119 --> 00:25:34.420 by which we are healed. 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:36.279 So could we strive 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:36.960 that there would be 00:25:36.960 --> 00:25:38.120 a good report of us 00:25:38.120 --> 00:25:39.680 a good report of us 00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:41.200 as faithful servants 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:43.320 and not that it would 00:25:43.320 --> 00:25:44.560 just be a good report 00:25:44.560 --> 00:25:46.980 of what a great character 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:47.360 we are. 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.240 You know like something 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:49.080 you know you get 00:25:49.080 --> 00:25:50.500 Josephine Sofa 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:51.519 she's great crack. 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.539 She's great in the night out. 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:55.039 Or Joseph 00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:55.840 oh do you know what 00:25:55.840 --> 00:25:56.360 now if you need 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:57.120 your wall fixed 00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:57.660 or you need 00:25:57.660 --> 00:25:58.740 the place cleaned 00:25:58.740 --> 00:26:00.340 Joe's the man to go for. 00:26:00.560 --> 00:26:01.360 They're great 00:26:01.360 --> 00:26:02.580 to have that character. 00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:05.460 But a report 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:06.279 that says 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:07.740 you love 00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:09.599 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:10.960 above all else. 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:12.619 That you serve 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:13.500 God the Father. 00:26:14.399 --> 00:26:15.379 That you seek 00:26:15.379 --> 00:26:16.299 the Holy Spirit 00:26:16.299 --> 00:26:17.099 and his way. 00:26:17.939 --> 00:26:18.519 And that it is 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.539 all that you are 00:26:19.539 --> 00:26:20.819 and all that we are 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:21.799 and all that we live 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:23.199 and is clearly visible 00:26:23.199 --> 00:26:23.819 in our lives. 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:24.980 Do we value 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:26.119 reports like this? 00:26:26.439 --> 00:26:27.159 Do we value 00:26:27.159 --> 00:26:28.639 that that's what we think 00:26:28.639 --> 00:26:29.539 of other people 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:30.779 and that's what 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:31.980 we should put first 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:32.960 when we want 00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:33.779 to think about them? 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:35.019 And that's what 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:35.680 we should put first 00:26:35.680 --> 00:26:36.779 in the idea of ourselves 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:37.660 when we want people 00:26:37.660 --> 00:26:39.180 to think about us 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:41.000 so that we have 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:42.299 pleasant memories 00:26:42.299 --> 00:26:42.920 of people. 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:48.039 It breaks my heart 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:48.680 and I don't say 00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:49.220 this lightly. 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:51.480 It breaks my heart 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:53.380 the number of times 00:26:53.380 --> 00:26:54.319 I have had it said 00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:54.700 to me 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:55.880 when I mention 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.860 somebody's name 00:26:56.860 --> 00:26:57.579 and the response 00:26:57.579 --> 00:26:58.079 goes along 00:26:58.079 --> 00:26:59.460 oh yeah yeah 00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:00.559 you know 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.200 but they're always 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:02.059 bringing everything 00:27:02.059 --> 00:27:02.960 back to the Bible 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:03.620 or they're always 00:27:03.620 --> 00:27:04.779 trying to spiritualize 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:05.160 everything 00:27:05.160 --> 00:27:05.840 or talk about 00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:06.680 spiritual things. 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:09.200 It breaks my heart 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:10.400 when that's the response. 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:11.620 To me 00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:12.559 that's the greatest 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.380 report 00:27:13.380 --> 00:27:14.600 that could be made 00:27:14.600 --> 00:27:15.200 about someone. 00:27:15.539 --> 00:27:17.019 If that's what 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.759 somebody was saying 00:27:17.759 --> 00:27:18.259 about me 00:27:18.259 --> 00:27:19.700 I'd have to tell you 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:21.440 I would be pleased. 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:24.500 I don't know 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:25.039 any of you here 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:25.940 maybe that is not 00:27:25.940 --> 00:27:26.539 a problem here 00:27:26.539 --> 00:27:27.200 but it is one 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.279 I have encountered. 00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:31.059 But if it is a problem 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:32.360 we need to do 00:27:32.360 --> 00:27:33.720 something about ourselves 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:35.120 if our memories 00:27:35.120 --> 00:27:35.799 of people 00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:36.600 are tainted 00:27:36.600 --> 00:27:37.500 by the fact 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:39.259 that they're spiritual 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:41.100 and properly 00:27:41.100 --> 00:27:41.940 spiritual. 00:27:42.259 --> 00:27:43.200 If we truly 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:43.880 have faith 00:27:43.880 --> 00:27:44.400 and love 00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:44.920 growing 00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:45.740 and love 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.420 for the Lord 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:47.400 feeding out 00:27:47.400 --> 00:27:47.920 into a love 00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:48.500 that we have 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.519 for everybody else 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.980 then surely 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:51.859 our memories 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:53.200 will be pleasant 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:54.000 of our brothers 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:54.700 and sisters 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:55.799 because we 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.639 will remember 00:27:56.639 --> 00:27:57.980 that we 00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:59.680 are sinners 00:27:59.680 --> 00:28:01.240 saved by grace 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.680 and we have 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.579 the same grace 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:04.539 poured out on us 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:06.299 and the same mercy 00:28:06.299 --> 00:28:07.220 given to us 00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:08.799 and just 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:10.160 like everybody else 00:28:10.160 --> 00:28:12.339 that not one of us 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:14.000 is perfect. 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:16.519 Not one of us 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:17.139 got in here 00:28:17.139 --> 00:28:18.119 clean this morning. 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:22.039 we are all sinners 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:24.220 and if we would 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:25.240 keep that in mind 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:26.500 and take the time 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.119 to look 00:28:27.119 --> 00:28:28.960 to look in love 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:29.900 at everyone 00:28:29.900 --> 00:28:30.680 around us 00:28:30.680 --> 00:28:32.619 and you know 00:28:32.619 --> 00:28:33.200 the expression 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:33.879 to look through 00:28:33.879 --> 00:28:35.119 rose tinted glasses 00:28:35.119 --> 00:28:37.599 could we look at people 00:28:37.599 --> 00:28:38.460 with righteousness 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:39.559 tinted glasses 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:43.119 not self-righteousness 00:28:43.119 --> 00:28:44.139 certainly not our own 00:28:44.139 --> 00:28:45.160 self-righteousness 00:28:45.160 --> 00:28:46.740 but the righteousness 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:48.220 that they are clothed 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:48.460 in 00:28:48.460 --> 00:28:50.720 by the completed 00:28:50.720 --> 00:28:51.539 work of Jesus 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.380 the righteousness 00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:53.819 that God sees 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:54.559 covering 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:55.559 each other 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:56.700 because 00:28:56.700 --> 00:28:58.700 of what Jesus 00:28:58.700 --> 00:28:59.279 has done 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:01.019 so that we will 00:29:01.019 --> 00:29:01.620 see that 00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:02.140 and we will 00:29:02.140 --> 00:29:02.900 take pleasure 00:29:02.900 --> 00:29:03.660 in each other's 00:29:03.660 --> 00:29:04.079 company 00:29:04.079 --> 00:29:05.839 and miss each other 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:07.420 and long to see 00:29:07.420 --> 00:29:07.819 each other 00:29:07.819 --> 00:29:08.559 like they did. 00:29:09.819 --> 00:29:10.839 Maybe that leads us 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:11.579 naturally into 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:12.059 verse 7 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:12.440 where he says 00:29:12.440 --> 00:29:14.080 therefore brothers 00:29:14.080 --> 00:29:15.039 in all our distress 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:15.779 and persecution 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:17.100 we were encouraged 00:29:17.100 --> 00:29:17.779 about you 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.860 because of your faith 00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:20.980 in all their distress 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:22.000 and persecution 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:24.660 they were tied up 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:26.259 and I don't mean 00:29:26.259 --> 00:29:26.700 tied up 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:27.840 in what most of us 00:29:27.840 --> 00:29:28.680 call being tied up 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:28.960 today 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:29.860 like with 00:29:29.860 --> 00:29:30.080 you know 00:29:30.080 --> 00:29:30.820 I'm so tied up 00:29:30.820 --> 00:29:31.519 with my schedule 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:32.880 it wasn't just 00:29:32.880 --> 00:29:33.840 a hectic life 00:29:33.840 --> 00:29:34.700 that kept them busy 00:29:34.700 --> 00:29:36.279 they were in real 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:37.420 real trouble 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:39.900 and they're letting 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:40.880 the Thessalonians 00:29:40.880 --> 00:29:41.880 know that they were 00:29:41.880 --> 00:29:42.940 in real trouble 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:46.440 and in that trouble 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:47.400 what encouraged them 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:49.560 the steadfast faith 00:29:49.560 --> 00:29:51.680 of those 00:29:51.680 --> 00:29:53.020 in Thessalonica 00:29:53.020 --> 00:29:53.940 they were 00:29:53.940 --> 00:29:55.880 uplifted 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:58.080 and the other thing 00:29:58.080 --> 00:29:58.620 that I see 00:29:58.620 --> 00:29:59.580 is remarkable 00:29:59.580 --> 00:30:00.160 in this 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:01.040 and again 00:30:01.040 --> 00:30:01.740 maybe you have 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.360 this figured out 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:02.820 and you have 00:30:02.820 --> 00:30:03.500 taken me aside 00:30:03.500 --> 00:30:03.920 afterwards 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:04.720 and speak to me 00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.300 more severely 00:30:05.300 --> 00:30:11.040 Paul was in 00:30:11.040 --> 00:30:11.700 serious trouble 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:12.319 when he wrote 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:12.840 this letter 00:30:12.840 --> 00:30:13.539 but where 00:30:13.539 --> 00:30:14.480 is his focus 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:16.259 his focus 00:30:16.259 --> 00:30:17.000 is on faith 00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:17.480 and love 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:18.600 and his focus 00:30:18.600 --> 00:30:19.400 is on seeing 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:19.720 them 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:21.059 his focus 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:22.259 in his trouble 00:30:22.259 --> 00:30:23.759 is on the gospel 00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:25.100 his focus 00:30:25.100 --> 00:30:26.019 is on his love 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:27.000 for them 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:28.539 he's not wallowing 00:30:28.539 --> 00:30:29.200 in self pity 00:30:29.200 --> 00:30:29.940 he's not getting 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:30.700 so wrapped up 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:31.539 in his own concerns 00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:32.259 that he's forgetting 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:32.799 about them 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:34.559 so I believe 00:30:34.559 --> 00:30:35.559 there is a reminder 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:36.519 for us here 00:30:36.519 --> 00:30:37.860 to not get lost 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:39.419 in our struggles 00:30:39.419 --> 00:30:40.379 it is so easy 00:30:40.379 --> 00:30:41.359 for us to feel 00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:42.039 depressed 00:30:42.039 --> 00:30:42.959 it is so easy 00:30:42.959 --> 00:30:44.159 for us to feel 00:30:44.159 --> 00:30:44.559 troubled 00:30:44.559 --> 00:30:46.519 and I don't 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.539 think that where 00:30:47.539 --> 00:30:48.579 we live today 00:30:48.579 --> 00:30:49.359 we're persecuted 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:49.839 much 00:30:49.839 --> 00:30:50.479 not in the way 00:30:50.479 --> 00:30:50.979 these guys 00:30:50.979 --> 00:30:51.599 were persecuted 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:52.279 we can have 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:52.899 difficulties 00:30:52.899 --> 00:30:53.859 in our families 00:30:53.859 --> 00:30:54.719 we can 00:30:54.719 --> 00:30:55.500 if you're very 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:56.459 vocal about your 00:30:56.459 --> 00:30:56.859 faith 00:30:56.859 --> 00:30:58.059 where you work 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:58.699 you certainly 00:30:58.699 --> 00:30:59.159 can have 00:30:59.159 --> 00:30:59.759 difficulties 00:30:59.759 --> 00:31:01.619 but in the kind 00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:02.279 of persecution 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:02.740 where you're 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:03.479 taken from your 00:31:03.479 --> 00:31:03.839 home 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:04.719 without warning 00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:05.319 you're beaten 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:07.079 you're arrested 00:31:07.079 --> 00:31:08.100 you're put in prison 00:31:08.100 --> 00:31:09.000 you're executed 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:09.680 we don't have 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:10.259 those kind of 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:10.600 struggles 00:31:10.600 --> 00:31:12.500 but we do 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:13.920 have life struggles 00:31:13.920 --> 00:31:16.000 but don't get 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.460 lost 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.779 in the struggles 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:18.759 is a message 00:31:18.759 --> 00:31:19.420 to us here 00:31:19.420 --> 00:31:20.779 there are 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:21.500 other people 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.360 around us 00:31:22.360 --> 00:31:23.500 and we are 00:31:23.500 --> 00:31:24.360 building lives 00:31:24.360 --> 00:31:25.079 based on the 00:31:25.079 --> 00:31:25.500 gospel 00:31:25.500 --> 00:31:26.920 in faith 00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:27.980 hope 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:29.079 and love 00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:31.220 as Alex 00:31:31.220 --> 00:31:31.460 said 00:31:31.460 --> 00:31:32.180 look around 00:31:32.180 --> 00:31:34.360 be encouraged 00:31:34.720 --> 00:31:37.120 and be encouraged 00:31:37.120 --> 00:31:38.160 helping each other 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:38.759 to grow 00:31:38.759 --> 00:31:40.079 in that faith 00:31:40.079 --> 00:31:41.620 as we hold 00:31:41.620 --> 00:31:42.279 these things 00:31:42.279 --> 00:31:43.220 important 00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:44.539 and keep a focus 00:31:44.539 --> 00:31:45.559 on what is right 00:31:45.559 --> 00:31:47.660 the things that 00:31:47.660 --> 00:31:48.259 people do 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:48.920 in service 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.480 of the Lord 00:31:49.480 --> 00:31:50.480 will encourage us 00:31:50.480 --> 00:31:51.299 in our difficulties 00:31:51.299 --> 00:31:52.480 and as we serve 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:53.680 we'll encourage people 00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:54.259 and we'll keep 00:31:54.259 --> 00:31:55.100 moving forward 00:31:55.100 --> 00:31:56.799 so that's just 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.539 two things 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:59.000 have a good account 00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:00.620 that people 00:32:00.620 --> 00:32:01.240 would have a good 00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:02.000 account of us 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:02.720 and that we 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:03.500 wouldn't get lost 00:32:03.500 --> 00:32:04.220 in the struggle 00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:05.420 the third thing 00:32:05.420 --> 00:32:05.839 I want to move 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:06.600 on to this 00:32:06.600 --> 00:32:07.200 morning is 00:32:07.200 --> 00:32:09.539 he tells them 00:32:09.539 --> 00:32:10.539 now we really 00:32:10.539 --> 00:32:11.420 live since you 00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:11.920 are standing 00:32:11.920 --> 00:32:12.420 firm 00:32:12.420 --> 00:32:14.380 in the struggle 00:32:14.380 --> 00:32:16.579 there will always 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:17.460 be a temptation 00:32:17.460 --> 00:32:18.019 to quit 00:32:18.019 --> 00:32:21.960 my wife 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:22.620 will tell you 00:32:22.620 --> 00:32:25.740 this is one 00:32:25.740 --> 00:32:26.319 of my biggest 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:26.759 struggles 00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:29.539 when things 00:32:29.539 --> 00:32:30.079 start to go 00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:30.440 wrong 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:31.440 the temptation 00:32:31.440 --> 00:32:32.180 to quit 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:33.840 comes down 00:32:33.840 --> 00:32:34.480 on top of me 00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:35.480 the devil 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:36.779 knows where 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:37.539 my weakness 00:32:37.539 --> 00:32:38.299 is on this 00:32:38.299 --> 00:32:39.720 I come from 00:32:39.720 --> 00:32:40.980 a long line 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:42.340 of quitters 00:32:42.340 --> 00:32:45.740 it is ingrained 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:47.220 into me 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:47.980 and I struggle 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:48.580 with this 00:32:48.580 --> 00:32:50.100 but this has 00:32:50.100 --> 00:32:51.000 encouraged me 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:51.700 so much 00:32:51.700 --> 00:32:53.580 everybody's going 00:32:53.580 --> 00:32:53.980 to have different 00:32:53.980 --> 00:32:54.440 areas 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:56.120 fight the temptation 00:32:56.120 --> 00:32:56.759 to quit 00:32:56.759 --> 00:32:57.840 in whatever it is 00:32:57.839 --> 00:32:58.839 don't quit 00:32:58.839 --> 00:32:59.299 loving 00:32:59.299 --> 00:33:00.220 don't quit 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:00.819 hoping 00:33:00.819 --> 00:33:01.939 don't quit 00:33:01.939 --> 00:33:03.159 looking at 00:33:03.159 --> 00:33:03.759 each other 00:33:03.759 --> 00:33:05.159 with righteousness 00:33:05.159 --> 00:33:06.419 tinted glasses 00:33:06.419 --> 00:33:07.299 remembering 00:33:07.299 --> 00:33:09.779 how much 00:33:09.779 --> 00:33:10.319 you've been 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:11.000 saved from 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:13.619 in grief 00:33:13.619 --> 00:33:14.619 in trouble 00:33:14.619 --> 00:33:15.439 in difficulty 00:33:15.439 --> 00:33:16.339 there will always 00:33:16.339 --> 00:33:17.159 be a temptation 00:33:17.159 --> 00:33:17.839 to hide 00:33:17.839 --> 00:33:18.919 but we do 00:33:18.919 --> 00:33:19.959 need to remind 00:33:19.959 --> 00:33:20.519 each other 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:21.419 that God 00:33:21.419 --> 00:33:22.179 is sovereign 00:33:22.179 --> 00:33:23.439 and he knows 00:33:23.439 --> 00:33:24.259 where we are 00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:25.119 he knows 00:33:25.119 --> 00:33:25.619 where we've 00:33:25.619 --> 00:33:26.099 come from 00:33:26.099 --> 00:33:27.139 and he knows 00:33:27.139 --> 00:33:27.500 where we're 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:28.119 going to be 00:33:28.119 --> 00:33:30.419 we need to 00:33:30.419 --> 00:33:31.299 run that race 00:33:31.299 --> 00:33:31.659 well 00:33:31.659 --> 00:33:33.119 it all 00:33:33.119 --> 00:33:33.699 feeds in 00:33:33.699 --> 00:33:34.139 together 00:33:34.139 --> 00:33:35.980 their steadfast 00:33:35.980 --> 00:33:36.339 stand 00:33:36.339 --> 00:33:37.359 encouraged Paul 00:33:37.359 --> 00:33:38.399 Paul's joy 00:33:38.399 --> 00:33:38.759 in their 00:33:38.759 --> 00:33:39.240 steadfast 00:33:39.240 --> 00:33:39.639 stand 00:33:39.639 --> 00:33:40.480 encouraged 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:40.799 them 00:33:40.799 --> 00:33:41.519 we need 00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:42.139 to talk 00:33:42.139 --> 00:33:42.519 to each 00:33:42.519 --> 00:33:42.740 other 00:33:42.740 --> 00:33:43.019 about 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:43.399 what's 00:33:43.399 --> 00:33:43.859 really 00:33:43.859 --> 00:33:44.240 going 00:33:44.240 --> 00:33:44.599 on 00:33:44.599 --> 00:33:45.240 Paul 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:45.639 has let 00:33:45.639 --> 00:33:45.819 them 00:33:45.819 --> 00:33:46.139 know 00:33:46.139 --> 00:33:47.139 how he's 00:33:47.139 --> 00:33:47.419 doing 00:33:47.419 --> 00:33:48.719 how he felt 00:33:48.719 --> 00:33:49.299 about them 00:33:49.299 --> 00:33:50.199 and that 00:33:50.199 --> 00:33:50.740 lifted them 00:33:50.740 --> 00:33:50.939 up 00:33:50.939 --> 00:33:52.119 it's a 00:33:52.119 --> 00:33:52.539 two way 00:33:52.539 --> 00:33:52.859 thing 00:33:52.859 --> 00:33:53.339 he's 00:33:53.339 --> 00:33:53.879 communicating 00:33:53.879 --> 00:33:54.359 with them 00:33:54.359 --> 00:33:55.279 they're 00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:55.839 communicating 00:33:55.839 --> 00:33:56.299 back 00:33:56.299 --> 00:33:57.379 and it 00:33:57.379 --> 00:33:57.939 seems very 00:33:57.939 --> 00:33:58.639 open and 00:33:58.639 --> 00:33:59.299 honest and 00:33:59.299 --> 00:33:59.720 frank 00:33:59.720 --> 00:34:01.359 so as we 00:34:01.359 --> 00:34:01.939 stand firm 00:34:01.939 --> 00:34:02.639 we encourage 00:34:02.639 --> 00:34:03.220 others by 00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:03.679 taking a 00:34:03.679 --> 00:34:04.039 stand but 00:34:04.039 --> 00:34:04.619 we need to 00:34:04.619 --> 00:34:05.179 speak to 00:34:05.179 --> 00:34:05.519 each other 00:34:05.519 --> 00:34:07.019 really really 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:08.179 speak to 00:34:08.179 --> 00:34:08.599 each other 00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:09.539 to let each 00:34:09.539 --> 00:34:10.079 other know 00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:11.579 how we feel 00:34:11.579 --> 00:34:13.259 really feel 00:34:13.259 --> 00:34:13.880 about what's 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:14.460 going on in 00:34:14.460 --> 00:34:15.059 our lives 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:16.659 we can fall 00:34:16.659 --> 00:34:17.460 into the trap 00:34:17.460 --> 00:34:18.239 that really 00:34:18.239 --> 00:34:19.199 godly people 00:34:19.199 --> 00:34:20.319 paint on a 00:34:20.319 --> 00:34:20.659 smile 00:34:20.659 --> 00:34:22.400 and everything 00:34:22.400 --> 00:34:22.840 is 00:34:22.840 --> 00:34:24.319 hunky 00:34:24.319 --> 00:34:24.699 dory 00:34:24.699 --> 00:34:26.779 it's not 00:34:26.779 --> 00:34:27.059 hunky 00:34:27.059 --> 00:34:27.419 dory 00:34:27.419 --> 00:34:29.359 some of 00:34:29.359 --> 00:34:29.859 the greatest 00:34:29.859 --> 00:34:30.539 fathers of 00:34:30.539 --> 00:34:30.919 the faith 00:34:30.919 --> 00:34:32.119 right from 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:32.939 back as 00:34:32.939 --> 00:34:33.339 far as 00:34:33.339 --> 00:34:33.659 Peter 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:34.159 up to 00:34:34.159 --> 00:34:34.599 now 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:35.460 have had 00:34:35.460 --> 00:34:35.879 dark 00:34:35.879 --> 00:34:36.399 days of 00:34:36.399 --> 00:34:36.799 the soul 00:34:36.799 --> 00:34:37.159 where it 00:34:37.159 --> 00:34:37.779 all felt 00:34:37.779 --> 00:34:38.159 like it 00:34:38.159 --> 00:34:38.739 was falling 00:34:38.739 --> 00:34:39.259 apart 00:34:39.259 --> 00:34:41.679 don't think 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:42.319 you're alone 00:34:42.319 --> 00:34:44.199 but if we 00:34:44.199 --> 00:34:44.799 all look at 00:34:44.799 --> 00:34:45.239 each other 00:34:45.239 --> 00:34:45.699 and I'm going 00:34:45.699 --> 00:34:46.039 to say it 00:34:46.039 --> 00:34:46.480 again with 00:34:46.480 --> 00:34:46.980 righteousness 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:47.559 tinted 00:34:47.559 --> 00:34:47.879 glasses 00:34:47.879 --> 00:34:48.379 we can 00:34:48.379 --> 00:34:48.879 build a 00:34:48.879 --> 00:34:49.399 trust that 00:34:49.399 --> 00:34:49.919 allows us 00:34:49.919 --> 00:34:50.699 to really 00:34:50.699 --> 00:34:51.419 open up 00:34:51.420 --> 00:34:51.820 with as 00:34:51.820 --> 00:34:52.440 many people 00:34:52.440 --> 00:34:52.820 as we 00:34:52.820 --> 00:34:53.159 can 00:34:53.159 --> 00:34:54.940 where we 00:34:54.940 --> 00:34:55.599 don't look 00:34:55.599 --> 00:34:55.860 at the 00:34:55.860 --> 00:34:56.180 troubles 00:34:56.180 --> 00:34:56.639 and the 00:34:56.639 --> 00:34:56.980 faults 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:57.440 and everything 00:34:57.440 --> 00:34:57.700 else 00:34:57.700 --> 00:34:57.980 and we 00:34:57.980 --> 00:34:58.639 really do 00:34:58.639 --> 00:34:59.559 help each 00:34:59.559 --> 00:34:59.780 other 00:34:59.780 --> 00:35:02.840 and our 00:35:02.840 --> 00:35:03.460 churches are 00:35:03.460 --> 00:35:03.900 changing 00:35:03.900 --> 00:35:05.099 we have 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:05.639 multicultural 00:35:05.639 --> 00:35:06.180 churches 00:35:06.180 --> 00:35:07.079 with people 00:35:07.079 --> 00:35:07.720 from different 00:35:07.720 --> 00:35:08.139 countries 00:35:08.139 --> 00:35:08.639 and you know 00:35:08.639 --> 00:35:08.960 what 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:10.139 for Irish 00:35:10.139 --> 00:35:10.820 people here 00:35:10.820 --> 00:35:12.420 some of 00:35:12.420 --> 00:35:12.960 our brothers 00:35:12.960 --> 00:35:13.519 and sisters 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:14.159 from different 00:35:14.159 --> 00:35:14.880 places can 00:35:14.880 --> 00:35:15.559 really help 00:35:15.559 --> 00:35:16.139 us with this 00:35:16.139 --> 00:35:16.360 one 00:35:16.360 --> 00:35:17.639 because as 00:35:17.639 --> 00:35:17.940 Irish 00:35:17.940 --> 00:35:18.460 people 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:19.199 how are 00:35:19.199 --> 00:35:19.480 you going 00:35:19.480 --> 00:35:20.199 grand 00:35:20.199 --> 00:35:23.220 how are 00:35:23.220 --> 00:35:23.559 you in 00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:23.860 Ireland 00:35:23.860 --> 00:35:24.659 is not a 00:35:24.659 --> 00:35:25.019 question 00:35:25.019 --> 00:35:25.460 it's a 00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:26.059 greeting 00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:26.460 and our 00:35:26.460 --> 00:35:26.800 reflex 00:35:26.800 --> 00:35:27.639 is grand 00:35:27.639 --> 00:35:28.740 one of 00:35:28.740 --> 00:35:29.599 the simplest 00:35:29.599 --> 00:35:30.139 things we 00:35:30.139 --> 00:35:30.599 can start 00:35:30.599 --> 00:35:31.639 doing to 00:35:31.639 --> 00:35:32.099 each other 00:35:32.099 --> 00:35:33.780 and again 00:35:33.780 --> 00:35:34.420 I work with 00:35:34.420 --> 00:35:34.699 a South 00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:35.300 African lady 00:35:35.300 --> 00:35:35.619 and when she 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:36.320 started working 00:35:36.320 --> 00:35:36.840 with us 00:35:36.840 --> 00:35:38.500 it was kind 00:35:38.500 --> 00:35:38.900 of funny 00:35:38.900 --> 00:35:39.699 I come in 00:35:39.699 --> 00:35:40.099 the morning 00:35:40.099 --> 00:35:41.079 how are you 00:35:41.079 --> 00:35:42.340 and she 00:35:42.340 --> 00:35:42.659 would start 00:35:42.659 --> 00:35:43.179 to tell me 00:35:43.179 --> 00:35:44.900 and she'd be 00:35:44.900 --> 00:35:45.420 five minutes 00:35:45.420 --> 00:35:45.940 into telling 00:35:45.940 --> 00:35:46.280 me and she'd 00:35:46.280 --> 00:35:46.780 go oh 00:35:46.780 --> 00:35:47.579 sorry you just 00:35:47.579 --> 00:35:47.920 were saying 00:35:47.920 --> 00:35:48.360 good morning 00:35:48.360 --> 00:35:48.820 weren't you 00:35:48.820 --> 00:35:49.980 and I was 00:35:49.980 --> 00:35:50.280 saying you 00:35:50.280 --> 00:35:50.740 know what 00:35:50.740 --> 00:35:51.160 you've taught 00:35:51.160 --> 00:35:51.720 me something 00:35:51.720 --> 00:35:52.980 so now I 00:35:52.980 --> 00:35:53.700 make a point 00:35:53.700 --> 00:35:55.519 when I actually 00:35:55.519 --> 00:35:56.019 want to know 00:35:56.019 --> 00:35:56.599 I say somebody 00:35:56.599 --> 00:35:57.240 how are you 00:35:57.240 --> 00:35:57.940 and I go 00:35:57.940 --> 00:35:58.160 grand 00:35:58.160 --> 00:35:58.760 no no no 00:35:58.760 --> 00:36:00.820 how are you 00:36:00.820 --> 00:36:02.059 and there's a 00:36:02.059 --> 00:36:02.680 woman who goes 00:36:02.680 --> 00:36:03.340 to our church 00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:05.420 and she catches 00:36:05.420 --> 00:36:06.140 me every Sunday 00:36:06.140 --> 00:36:06.880 morning going 00:36:06.880 --> 00:36:07.280 out the door 00:36:07.280 --> 00:36:07.579 and she goes 00:36:07.579 --> 00:36:08.059 how are you 00:36:08.059 --> 00:36:09.019 and I do it 00:36:09.019 --> 00:36:09.700 I go grand 00:36:09.700 --> 00:36:10.099 and she's 00:36:10.099 --> 00:36:12.440 how are you 00:36:12.440 --> 00:36:13.960 and we have 00:36:13.960 --> 00:36:15.280 learned so 00:36:15.280 --> 00:36:16.539 much about 00:36:16.539 --> 00:36:17.099 how God 00:36:17.099 --> 00:36:17.640 works in our 00:36:17.639 --> 00:36:17.960 lives 00:36:17.960 --> 00:36:18.559 and those 00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:18.980 times of 00:36:18.980 --> 00:36:19.179 prayer 00:36:19.179 --> 00:36:20.279 I've got 00:36:20.279 --> 00:36:20.779 sidetracked 00:36:20.779 --> 00:36:21.199 sorry 00:36:21.199 --> 00:36:23.879 we have to 00:36:23.879 --> 00:36:24.559 stand fast 00:36:24.559 --> 00:36:25.400 we have to 00:36:25.400 --> 00:36:25.859 come together 00:36:25.859 --> 00:36:26.480 we have to 00:36:26.480 --> 00:36:27.199 encourage each 00:36:27.199 --> 00:36:27.460 other 00:36:27.460 --> 00:36:29.199 and thank God 00:36:29.199 --> 00:36:30.259 in all the joy 00:36:30.259 --> 00:36:31.400 that we share 00:36:31.400 --> 00:36:32.079 while we're doing 00:36:32.079 --> 00:36:32.659 those things 00:36:32.659 --> 00:36:33.839 we have to care 00:36:33.839 --> 00:36:34.299 about the 00:36:34.299 --> 00:36:35.199 spiritual welfare 00:36:35.199 --> 00:36:35.940 of our brothers 00:36:35.940 --> 00:36:36.440 and sisters 00:36:36.440 --> 00:36:37.019 we have to 00:36:37.019 --> 00:36:38.139 care deeply 00:36:38.139 --> 00:36:39.219 does it 00:36:39.219 --> 00:36:40.139 actually excite 00:36:40.139 --> 00:36:40.299 us 00:36:40.299 --> 00:36:41.139 does it thrill 00:36:41.139 --> 00:36:41.779 us 00:36:41.780 --> 00:36:43.680 when we see 00:36:43.680 --> 00:36:44.080 our brothers 00:36:44.080 --> 00:36:44.640 and sisters 00:36:44.640 --> 00:36:45.240 going on 00:36:45.240 --> 00:36:45.740 well in 00:36:45.740 --> 00:36:46.240 our walk 00:36:46.240 --> 00:36:47.519 does it 00:36:47.519 --> 00:36:48.260 thrill you 00:36:48.260 --> 00:36:49.640 when you see 00:36:49.640 --> 00:36:50.100 your brother 00:36:50.100 --> 00:36:50.820 and sister 00:36:50.820 --> 00:36:51.820 come to a 00:36:51.820 --> 00:36:52.800 difficult time 00:36:52.800 --> 00:36:53.800 and they 00:36:53.800 --> 00:36:55.240 stand fast 00:36:55.239 --> 00:36:56.879 or does it 00:36:56.879 --> 00:36:57.639 carelessly 00:36:57.639 --> 00:36:59.219 pass you 00:36:59.219 --> 00:36:59.439 by 00:36:59.439 --> 00:37:01.379 we live 00:37:01.379 --> 00:37:01.899 in a very 00:37:01.899 --> 00:37:02.379 me 00:37:02.379 --> 00:37:03.259 orientated 00:37:03.259 --> 00:37:03.879 society 00:37:03.879 --> 00:37:05.679 our whole 00:37:05.679 --> 00:37:06.939 western world 00:37:06.939 --> 00:37:08.519 is based 00:37:08.519 --> 00:37:09.119 on the 00:37:09.119 --> 00:37:09.419 I 00:37:09.419 --> 00:37:10.279 the individual 00:37:10.279 --> 00:37:12.039 as Christians 00:37:12.039 --> 00:37:12.759 we have to 00:37:12.759 --> 00:37:13.459 get past it 00:37:13.459 --> 00:37:14.059 we really 00:37:14.059 --> 00:37:14.739 have to work 00:37:14.739 --> 00:37:15.379 to get past 00:37:15.379 --> 00:37:15.500 it 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:16.139 our struggles 00:37:16.139 --> 00:37:17.079 our joys 00:37:17.079 --> 00:37:17.779 our triumphs 00:37:17.779 --> 00:37:18.399 our losses 00:37:18.399 --> 00:37:19.359 are shared 00:37:19.359 --> 00:37:19.879 together 00:37:19.880 --> 00:37:20.960 we are 00:37:20.960 --> 00:37:21.460 united 00:37:21.460 --> 00:37:21.940 together 00:37:21.940 --> 00:37:22.500 in Christ 00:37:22.500 --> 00:37:22.860 we are 00:37:22.860 --> 00:37:23.220 fully 00:37:23.220 --> 00:37:23.780 joined 00:37:23.780 --> 00:37:24.260 together 00:37:24.260 --> 00:37:24.920 in Christ 00:37:24.920 --> 00:37:26.720 so that's 00:37:26.720 --> 00:37:27.360 three things 00:37:27.360 --> 00:37:27.800 a good 00:37:27.800 --> 00:37:28.220 account 00:37:28.220 --> 00:37:29.320 don't get 00:37:29.320 --> 00:37:29.820 lost in 00:37:29.820 --> 00:37:30.320 the struggle 00:37:30.320 --> 00:37:31.300 stand firm 00:37:31.300 --> 00:37:32.559 and pray 00:37:32.559 --> 00:37:35.180 pray deeply 00:37:35.180 --> 00:37:36.420 and never 00:37:36.420 --> 00:37:36.940 stop 00:37:36.940 --> 00:37:39.280 Paul has his 00:37:39.280 --> 00:37:39.780 prayer section 00:37:39.780 --> 00:37:40.500 here he does 00:37:40.500 --> 00:37:41.320 it in all 00:37:41.320 --> 00:37:41.660 his letters 00:37:41.660 --> 00:37:42.099 he has a 00:37:42.099 --> 00:37:42.700 prayer section 00:37:42.700 --> 00:37:43.140 and he's 00:37:43.140 --> 00:37:43.579 praying 00:37:43.579 --> 00:37:43.980 and he is 00:37:43.980 --> 00:37:44.380 pleading 00:37:44.380 --> 00:37:46.320 and I'm 00:37:46.320 --> 00:37:46.820 heavy on 00:37:46.820 --> 00:37:47.380 the Spurgeon 00:37:47.380 --> 00:37:48.059 quotes at the 00:37:48.059 --> 00:37:48.519 moment because 00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:48.880 I've just 00:37:48.880 --> 00:37:49.280 read two 00:37:49.280 --> 00:37:49.860 books on 00:37:49.860 --> 00:37:50.340 Spurgeon 00:37:50.340 --> 00:37:53.200 but Spurgeon 00:37:53.200 --> 00:37:53.700 said that 00:37:53.700 --> 00:37:54.300 prayer is 00:37:54.300 --> 00:37:54.860 the throbbing 00:37:54.860 --> 00:37:55.440 machine that 00:37:55.440 --> 00:37:55.940 drives the 00:37:55.940 --> 00:37:56.300 church 00:37:56.300 --> 00:37:57.960 well pray 00:37:57.960 --> 00:37:58.920 ceaselessly 00:37:58.920 --> 00:37:59.900 day and 00:37:59.900 --> 00:38:00.240 night 00:38:00.240 --> 00:38:01.840 never ever 00:38:01.840 --> 00:38:03.200 stop praying 00:38:03.200 --> 00:38:07.340 and pray 00:38:07.340 --> 00:38:08.120 that we 00:38:08.120 --> 00:38:09.059 would build 00:38:09.059 --> 00:38:09.960 churches that 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:11.000 look like 00:38:11.000 --> 00:38:11.360 this 00:38:11.360 --> 00:38:11.840 that we 00:38:11.840 --> 00:38:12.599 would work 00:38:12.599 --> 00:38:13.420 together with 00:38:13.420 --> 00:38:14.240 the Holy Spirit 00:38:14.240 --> 00:38:14.860 with God the 00:38:14.860 --> 00:38:15.220 Father with 00:38:15.220 --> 00:38:15.820 the Lord Jesus 00:38:15.820 --> 00:38:16.860 to build what 00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:17.620 is lacking in 00:38:17.620 --> 00:38:18.160 each other's 00:38:18.160 --> 00:38:18.460 faith 00:38:18.460 --> 00:38:18.519 faith 00:38:18.519 --> 00:38:19.860 we have to 00:38:19.860 --> 00:38:20.220 build the 00:38:20.220 --> 00:38:20.720 trust and 00:38:20.720 --> 00:38:21.300 love together 00:38:21.300 --> 00:38:21.800 so that we 00:38:21.800 --> 00:38:22.380 can share 00:38:22.380 --> 00:38:23.960 with each 00:38:23.960 --> 00:38:24.519 other fully 00:38:24.519 --> 00:38:26.179 so that if we 00:38:26.179 --> 00:38:28.059 lovingly see 00:38:28.059 --> 00:38:28.639 what the needs 00:38:28.639 --> 00:38:29.300 are we can 00:38:29.300 --> 00:38:30.320 speak into 00:38:30.320 --> 00:38:30.880 the needs 00:38:30.880 --> 00:38:33.280 that if we 00:38:33.280 --> 00:38:34.300 truly care 00:38:34.300 --> 00:38:35.500 we can get 00:38:35.500 --> 00:38:36.380 alongside someone 00:38:36.380 --> 00:38:37.099 and help them 00:38:37.099 --> 00:38:38.440 and avoid the 00:38:38.440 --> 00:38:39.440 trap of falling 00:38:39.440 --> 00:38:41.240 into the 00:38:41.240 --> 00:38:41.840 mindset of 00:38:41.840 --> 00:38:43.440 going oh I 00:38:43.440 --> 00:38:44.380 wish so and 00:38:44.380 --> 00:38:45.420 so would just 00:38:45.420 --> 00:38:47.039 insert your 00:38:47.039 --> 00:38:47.639 own personal 00:38:47.639 --> 00:38:48.340 gripe here 00:38:48.340 --> 00:38:50.800 because that's 00:38:50.800 --> 00:38:51.639 what can happen 00:38:51.639 --> 00:38:52.180 to us we 00:38:52.180 --> 00:38:52.780 can get into 00:38:52.780 --> 00:38:53.400 that frame of 00:38:53.400 --> 00:38:53.880 mind oh would 00:38:53.880 --> 00:38:54.300 they ever just 00:38:54.300 --> 00:38:54.700 do it my 00:38:54.700 --> 00:38:57.659 way or why 00:38:57.659 --> 00:38:57.980 aren't they 00:38:57.980 --> 00:38:59.960 doing whatever 00:38:59.960 --> 00:39:00.940 we have our 00:39:00.940 --> 00:39:01.680 personal gripes 00:39:01.680 --> 00:39:02.599 if we have to 00:39:02.599 --> 00:39:03.639 pray endlessly 00:39:03.639 --> 00:39:05.059 so we don't 00:39:05.059 --> 00:39:05.619 even have to go 00:39:05.619 --> 00:39:06.119 and talk to 00:39:06.119 --> 00:39:06.659 people but if 00:39:06.659 --> 00:39:07.320 we see things 00:39:07.320 --> 00:39:07.760 that we will 00:39:07.760 --> 00:39:09.440 pray pray pray 00:39:09.440 --> 00:39:11.579 pray pray and 00:39:11.579 --> 00:39:12.519 rely on the 00:39:12.519 --> 00:39:13.300 Lord in that 00:39:13.300 --> 00:39:14.079 prayer to make 00:39:14.079 --> 00:39:14.460 your love 00:39:14.460 --> 00:39:15.199 increase and 00:39:15.199 --> 00:39:16.119 overflow for 00:39:16.119 --> 00:39:16.819 each other and 00:39:16.819 --> 00:39:17.480 for everyone 00:39:17.480 --> 00:39:21.599 it's often said 00:39:21.599 --> 00:39:22.559 to me if we 00:39:22.559 --> 00:39:23.279 could just love 00:39:23.279 --> 00:39:23.860 each other a 00:39:23.860 --> 00:39:24.500 little bit more 00:39:24.500 --> 00:39:26.039 we'd be doing 00:39:26.039 --> 00:39:27.159 better but that's 00:39:27.159 --> 00:39:27.900 starting from the 00:39:27.900 --> 00:39:29.380 wrong end you've 00:39:29.380 --> 00:39:30.860 got to love the 00:39:30.860 --> 00:39:32.420 Lord first so 00:39:32.420 --> 00:39:33.019 that love will 00:39:33.019 --> 00:39:34.840 flow out the 00:39:34.840 --> 00:39:35.759 Lord has to be 00:39:35.759 --> 00:39:36.519 involved from the 00:39:36.519 --> 00:39:37.139 very beginning 00:39:37.139 --> 00:39:38.659 seeking the 00:39:38.659 --> 00:39:39.380 Lord's way is 00:39:39.380 --> 00:39:40.059 what we need 00:39:40.059 --> 00:39:41.960 we have a 00:39:41.960 --> 00:39:43.380 responsibility to 00:39:43.380 --> 00:39:44.240 grow and work 00:39:44.240 --> 00:39:45.300 we cannot 00:39:45.300 --> 00:39:46.300 simply sit 00:39:46.300 --> 00:39:46.960 still and 00:39:46.960 --> 00:39:47.579 expect to 00:39:47.579 --> 00:39:49.000 grow now we 00:39:49.000 --> 00:39:49.860 can sit still 00:39:49.860 --> 00:39:50.340 and know the 00:39:50.340 --> 00:39:50.920 Lord and spend 00:39:50.920 --> 00:39:51.440 time with the 00:39:51.440 --> 00:39:52.039 Lord but growth 00:39:52.039 --> 00:39:52.860 takes effort 00:39:52.860 --> 00:39:55.559 and as a 00:39:55.559 --> 00:39:57.200 plant needs 00:39:57.200 --> 00:39:57.700 all the 00:39:57.700 --> 00:39:58.480 elements for 00:39:58.480 --> 00:39:59.400 growth the 00:39:59.400 --> 00:40:00.400 correct soil 00:40:00.400 --> 00:40:01.539 the right 00:40:01.539 --> 00:40:02.860 temperature light 00:40:02.860 --> 00:40:03.599 and moisture 00:40:03.599 --> 00:40:05.539 we like the 00:40:05.539 --> 00:40:07.099 plants need 00:40:07.099 --> 00:40:07.619 the right 00:40:07.619 --> 00:40:09.920 conditions for 00:40:09.920 --> 00:40:12.280 growth we 00:40:12.280 --> 00:40:12.760 need to 00:40:12.760 --> 00:40:13.500 balance our 00:40:13.500 --> 00:40:14.300 lives properly 00:40:14.300 --> 00:40:15.019 with time 00:40:15.019 --> 00:40:16.380 spent in 00:40:16.380 --> 00:40:16.920 the word 00:40:16.920 --> 00:40:18.160 in meditation 00:40:18.160 --> 00:40:19.320 in prayer 00:40:19.320 --> 00:40:20.160 in proper 00:40:20.160 --> 00:40:20.640 Christian 00:40:20.640 --> 00:40:21.420 fellowship with 00:40:21.420 --> 00:40:21.900 one another 00:40:21.900 --> 00:40:22.640 where we share 00:40:22.640 --> 00:40:23.300 our burdens 00:40:23.300 --> 00:40:24.360 in the light of 00:40:24.360 --> 00:40:25.240 the gospel so 00:40:25.240 --> 00:40:26.320 we build something 00:40:26.320 --> 00:40:27.560 that is solid 00:40:27.560 --> 00:40:28.640 and lasting 00:40:28.640 --> 00:40:31.000 we need to 00:40:31.000 --> 00:40:32.560 build a 00:40:32.560 --> 00:40:33.500 solid wall in 00:40:33.500 --> 00:40:34.200 our lives 00:40:34.199 --> 00:40:36.679 and the 00:40:36.679 --> 00:40:37.279 foundation 00:40:37.279 --> 00:40:38.599 has to be 00:40:38.599 --> 00:40:39.039 Jesus 00:40:39.039 --> 00:40:40.719 so that we 00:40:40.719 --> 00:40:41.619 will start to 00:40:41.619 --> 00:40:42.259 look like what 00:40:42.259 --> 00:40:42.919 we're supposed to 00:40:42.919 --> 00:40:43.339 look like 00:40:43.339 --> 00:40:44.599 like in Romans 00:40:44.599 --> 00:40:45.500 in chapter 12 00:40:45.500 --> 00:40:46.119 where we are 00:40:46.119 --> 00:40:47.419 told be 00:40:47.419 --> 00:40:48.799 devoted to 00:40:48.799 --> 00:40:49.299 one another 00:40:49.299 --> 00:40:50.059 flee from 00:40:50.059 --> 00:40:50.939 evil cling to 00:40:50.939 --> 00:40:51.460 what is good 00:40:51.460 --> 00:40:52.399 it's by doing 00:40:52.399 --> 00:40:53.399 all these things 00:40:53.399 --> 00:40:53.919 in proper 00:40:53.919 --> 00:40:55.500 balance that 00:40:55.500 --> 00:40:56.019 the Lord will 00:40:56.019 --> 00:40:56.559 set us up 00:40:56.559 --> 00:40:57.099 firmly where 00:40:57.099 --> 00:40:57.480 we are 00:40:57.480 --> 00:41:01.900 and we 00:41:01.900 --> 00:41:02.260 will know 00:41:02.260 --> 00:41:02.740 the joy 00:41:02.740 --> 00:41:03.059 of the 00:41:03.059 --> 00:41:03.420 presence 00:41:03.420 --> 00:41:03.860 of God 00:41:03.860 --> 00:41:04.280 the Father 00:41:04.280 --> 00:41:04.699 when the 00:41:04.699 --> 00:41:05.260 Lord comes 00:41:05.260 --> 00:41:05.599 with all 00:41:05.599 --> 00:41:06.000 his holy 00:41:06.000 --> 00:41:06.360 ones 00:41:06.360 --> 00:41:12.920 we have 00:41:12.920 --> 00:41:13.480 to be set 00:41:13.480 --> 00:41:13.699 up 00:41:13.699 --> 00:41:14.460 towards the 00:41:14.460 --> 00:41:14.740 goal 00:41:14.740 --> 00:41:16.519 there is 00:41:16.519 --> 00:41:17.219 a lot 00:41:17.219 --> 00:41:17.980 lot more 00:41:17.980 --> 00:41:19.500 that can be 00:41:19.500 --> 00:41:19.900 said about 00:41:19.900 --> 00:41:20.519 these verses 00:41:20.519 --> 00:41:22.659 some people 00:41:22.659 --> 00:41:23.059 might have 00:41:23.059 --> 00:41:23.579 wanted me 00:41:23.579 --> 00:41:24.059 to spend 00:41:24.059 --> 00:41:24.840 more time 00:41:24.840 --> 00:41:26.719 focusing on 00:41:26.719 --> 00:41:27.119 the last 00:41:27.119 --> 00:41:27.500 verses 00:41:27.500 --> 00:41:28.459 and talking 00:41:28.459 --> 00:41:28.959 about the 00:41:28.959 --> 00:41:29.619 heavenly things 00:41:29.619 --> 00:41:29.980 where we 00:41:29.980 --> 00:41:30.359 should have 00:41:30.359 --> 00:41:30.779 our minds 00:41:30.779 --> 00:41:31.139 and hearts 00:41:31.139 --> 00:41:31.480 set 00:41:31.480 --> 00:41:35.159 if you 00:41:35.159 --> 00:41:35.559 want me to 00:41:35.559 --> 00:41:36.199 continue for 00:41:36.199 --> 00:41:36.679 another half 00:41:36.679 --> 00:41:36.879 an hour 00:41:36.879 --> 00:41:37.239 I'd be happy 00:41:37.239 --> 00:41:37.679 to do that 00:41:37.679 --> 00:41:37.939 now 00:41:37.939 --> 00:41:39.439 no 00:41:39.439 --> 00:41:41.179 but we've 00:41:41.179 --> 00:41:42.500 had five 00:41:42.500 --> 00:41:42.939 things 00:41:42.939 --> 00:41:43.679 let the 00:41:43.679 --> 00:41:44.219 account be 00:41:44.219 --> 00:41:44.519 good 00:41:44.519 --> 00:41:45.679 don't get 00:41:45.679 --> 00:41:46.339 lost in the 00:41:46.339 --> 00:41:46.679 struggle 00:41:46.679 --> 00:41:48.699 stand firm 00:41:48.699 --> 00:41:50.419 pray and 00:41:50.419 --> 00:41:51.439 never stop 00:41:51.439 --> 00:41:52.500 for everything 00:41:52.500 --> 00:41:53.399 and everyone 00:41:53.399 --> 00:41:55.419 we need to 00:41:55.419 --> 00:41:55.839 keep our 00:41:55.839 --> 00:41:56.399 eyes fixed 00:41:56.400 --> 00:41:56.760 on that 00:41:56.760 --> 00:41:57.180 point 00:41:57.180 --> 00:41:58.139 on Jesus 00:41:58.139 --> 00:41:59.180 the author 00:41:59.180 --> 00:42:00.280 and perfecter 00:42:00.280 --> 00:42:01.220 the author 00:42:01.220 --> 00:42:01.980 and finisher 00:42:01.980 --> 00:42:02.400 of our 00:42:02.400 --> 00:42:02.780 faith 00:42:02.780 --> 00:42:04.920 Jesus is 00:42:04.920 --> 00:42:05.660 coming again 00:42:05.660 --> 00:42:07.599 and all 00:42:07.599 --> 00:42:08.180 this struggle 00:42:08.180 --> 00:42:08.660 all this 00:42:08.660 --> 00:42:09.039 life 00:42:09.039 --> 00:42:09.660 all this 00:42:09.660 --> 00:42:10.139 thing that 00:42:10.139 --> 00:42:10.880 clutters up 00:42:10.880 --> 00:42:11.960 our existence 00:42:11.960 --> 00:42:13.720 will be swept 00:42:13.720 --> 00:42:14.099 away 00:42:14.099 --> 00:42:15.480 we live 00:42:15.480 --> 00:42:16.280 in the certain 00:42:16.280 --> 00:42:16.940 hope of the 00:42:16.940 --> 00:42:17.519 coming of the 00:42:17.519 --> 00:42:17.800 Lord 00:42:17.800 --> 00:42:18.700 he will 00:42:18.700 --> 00:42:19.200 return 00:42:19.200 --> 00:42:20.720 and we do 00:42:20.720 --> 00:42:21.360 not look at 00:42:21.360 --> 00:42:21.740 the things 00:42:21.740 --> 00:42:22.139 which are 00:42:22.139 --> 00:42:22.680 seen 00:42:22.680 --> 00:42:25.019 but we look 00:42:25.019 --> 00:42:25.420 at the things 00:42:25.420 --> 00:42:25.740 which are 00:42:25.740 --> 00:42:26.139 unseen 00:42:26.139 --> 00:42:27.900 and like 00:42:27.900 --> 00:42:28.480 Paul 00:42:28.480 --> 00:42:29.320 who longed 00:42:29.320 --> 00:42:29.800 greatly 00:42:29.800 --> 00:42:30.599 after heaven 00:42:30.599 --> 00:42:32.079 we need 00:42:32.079 --> 00:42:32.480 to know 00:42:32.480 --> 00:42:32.980 that as 00:42:32.980 --> 00:42:33.840 we groan 00:42:33.840 --> 00:42:34.300 on this 00:42:34.300 --> 00:42:34.619 earth 00:42:34.619 --> 00:42:36.059 we have 00:42:36.059 --> 00:42:36.639 a greater 00:42:36.639 --> 00:42:37.500 finish 00:42:37.500 --> 00:42:38.900 than the 00:42:38.900 --> 00:42:39.240 beginning 00:42:39.240 --> 00:42:39.840 we had 00:42:39.840 --> 00:42:41.860 for while 00:42:41.860 --> 00:42:42.340 we are in 00:42:42.340 --> 00:42:42.920 this tent 00:42:42.920 --> 00:42:44.960 we groan 00:42:44.960 --> 00:42:45.539 and are 00:42:45.539 --> 00:42:46.119 burdened 00:42:46.119 --> 00:42:47.159 because we 00:42:47.159 --> 00:42:47.500 do not 00:42:47.500 --> 00:42:48.039 wish to be 00:42:48.039 --> 00:42:48.720 unclothed 00:42:48.720 --> 00:42:49.579 but to be 00:42:49.579 --> 00:42:50.059 clothed 00:42:50.059 --> 00:42:50.420 with our 00:42:50.420 --> 00:42:50.900 heavenly 00:42:50.900 --> 00:42:51.300 dwelling 00:42:51.300 --> 00:42:52.560 so that 00:42:52.560 --> 00:42:52.960 what is 00:42:52.960 --> 00:42:53.440 mortal 00:42:53.440 --> 00:42:53.860 may be 00:42:53.860 --> 00:42:54.140 swallowed 00:42:54.140 --> 00:42:54.420 up 00:42:54.420 --> 00:42:54.680 by 00:42:54.680 --> 00:42:55.140 life 00:42:55.140 --> 00:42:56.420 the 00:42:56.420 --> 00:42:56.880 life 00:42:56.880 --> 00:42:57.180 that 00:42:57.180 --> 00:42:57.320 is 00:42:57.320 --> 00:42:57.460 in 00:42:57.460 --> 00:42:57.620 the 00:42:57.620 --> 00:42:58.140 resurrection 00:42:58.140 --> 00:43:00.340 and 00:43:00.340 --> 00:43:00.760 Jonathan 00:43:00.760 --> 00:43:01.220 Edwards 00:43:01.220 --> 00:43:01.700 said 00:43:01.700 --> 00:43:03.320 in this 00:43:03.320 --> 00:43:04.460 the apostle 00:43:04.460 --> 00:43:04.940 Paul 00:43:04.940 --> 00:43:05.440 acted 00:43:05.440 --> 00:43:05.760 as 00:43:05.760 --> 00:43:06.220 becomes 00:43:06.220 --> 00:43:06.420 a 00:43:06.420 --> 00:43:06.840 Christian 00:43:06.840 --> 00:43:07.820 for 00:43:07.820 --> 00:43:08.200 those 00:43:08.200 --> 00:43:08.420 who 00:43:08.420 --> 00:43:08.560 are 00:43:08.560 --> 00:43:08.900 indeed 00:43:08.900 --> 00:43:09.480 Christians 00:43:09.480 --> 00:43:10.160 don't 00:43:10.160 --> 00:43:10.660 belong 00:43:10.660 --> 00:43:10.880 to 00:43:10.880 --> 00:43:11.120 this 00:43:11.120 --> 00:43:11.519 world 00:43:11.519 --> 00:43:12.400 and 00:43:12.400 --> 00:43:12.820 therefore 00:43:12.820 --> 00:43:13.140 it 00:43:13.140 --> 00:43:13.340 is 00:43:13.340 --> 00:43:13.720 very 00:43:13.720 --> 00:43:14.620 unbecoming 00:43:14.620 --> 00:43:15.320 in them 00:43:15.320 --> 00:43:15.720 to have 00:43:15.720 --> 00:43:15.920 their 00:43:15.920 --> 00:43:16.300 minds 00:43:16.300 --> 00:43:16.660 taken 00:43:16.660 --> 00:43:16.940 up 00:43:16.940 --> 00:43:17.120 by 00:43:17.120 --> 00:43:17.400 these 00:43:17.400 --> 00:43:17.800 things 00:43:17.800 --> 00:43:18.560 the 00:43:18.560 --> 00:43:19.080 example 00:43:19.080 --> 00:43:19.620 of 00:43:19.620 --> 00:43:20.039 Paul 00:43:20.039 --> 00:43:20.640 may 00:43:20.640 --> 00:43:21.039 make 00:43:21.039 --> 00:43:21.500 all 00:43:21.500 --> 00:43:22.039 people 00:43:22.039 --> 00:43:22.840 ashamed 00:43:22.840 --> 00:43:23.240 whose 00:43:23.240 --> 00:43:23.720 minds 00:43:23.720 --> 00:43:23.980 are 00:43:23.980 --> 00:43:24.460 occupied 00:43:24.460 --> 00:43:25.060 chiefly 00:43:25.060 --> 00:43:25.260 with 00:43:25.260 --> 00:43:25.580 things 00:43:25.580 --> 00:43:25.740 of 00:43:25.740 --> 00:43:25.940 this 00:43:25.940 --> 00:43:26.360 world 00:43:26.360 --> 00:43:27.080 or 00:43:27.080 --> 00:43:27.340 about 00:43:27.340 --> 00:43:27.840 gaining 00:43:27.840 --> 00:43:28.480 estates 00:43:28.480 --> 00:43:28.700 or 00:43:28.700 --> 00:43:29.220 acquiring 00:43:29.220 --> 00:43:29.760 honours 00:43:29.760 --> 00:43:31.160 we 00:43:31.160 --> 00:43:33.140 have 00:43:33.140 --> 00:43:33.740 feet 00:43:33.740 --> 00:43:34.060 of 00:43:34.060 --> 00:43:34.400 clay 00:43:34.400 --> 00:43:35.880 and 00:43:35.880 --> 00:43:36.039 we 00:43:36.039 --> 00:43:36.360 look 00:43:36.360 --> 00:43:36.740 down 00:43:36.740 --> 00:43:37.060 so 00:43:37.060 --> 00:43:37.460 easily 00:43:37.460 --> 00:43:39.440 but 00:43:39.440 --> 00:43:39.740 just 00:43:39.740 --> 00:43:40.019 like 00:43:40.019 --> 00:43:40.460 Stephen 00:43:40.460 --> 00:43:41.700 when he 00:43:41.700 --> 00:43:41.900 stood 00:43:41.900 --> 00:43:42.220 in front 00:43:42.220 --> 00:43:42.500 of the 00:43:42.500 --> 00:43:42.980 Sanhedrin 00:43:42.980 --> 00:43:43.340 and it 00:43:43.340 --> 00:43:43.560 was 00:43:43.560 --> 00:43:43.920 coming 00:43:43.920 --> 00:43:44.320 apart 00:43:44.320 --> 00:43:44.560 and 00:43:44.560 --> 00:43:44.960 everything 00:43:44.960 --> 00:43:45.220 was 00:43:45.220 --> 00:43:45.460 coming 00:43:45.460 --> 00:43:45.700 down 00:43:45.700 --> 00:43:46.039 on top 00:43:46.039 --> 00:43:46.340 of him 00:43:46.340 --> 00:43:46.960 we 00:43:46.960 --> 00:43:47.160 have 00:43:47.160 --> 00:43:47.320 to 00:43:47.320 --> 00:43:47.539 get 00:43:47.539 --> 00:43:47.779 our 00:43:47.779 --> 00:43:48.400 eyes 00:43:48.400 --> 00:43:48.699 off 00:43:48.699 --> 00:43:48.900 our 00:43:48.900 --> 00:43:49.199 feet 00:43:49.199 --> 00:43:49.719 we 00:43:49.719 --> 00:43:49.960 have 00:43:49.960 --> 00:43:50.099 to 00:43:50.099 --> 00:43:50.259 get 00:43:50.259 --> 00:43:50.420 our 00:43:50.420 --> 00:43:50.779 eyes 00:43:50.779 --> 00:43:51.019 off 00:43:51.019 --> 00:43:51.179 our 00:43:51.179 --> 00:43:51.800 difficulties 00:43:51.800 --> 00:43:52.519 we 00:43:52.519 --> 00:43:52.920 have 00:43:52.920 --> 00:43:53.159 to 00:43:53.159 --> 00:43:53.800 look 00:43:53.800 --> 00:43:54.159 up 00:43:54.159 --> 00:43:56.059 and 00:43:56.059 --> 00:43:56.340 see 00:43:56.340 --> 00:43:56.519 the 00:43:56.519 --> 00:43:56.820 glory 00:43:56.820 --> 00:43:57.000 of 00:43:57.000 --> 00:43:57.360 God 00:43:57.360 --> 00:43:58.699 and 00:43:58.699 --> 00:43:58.880 the 00:43:58.880 --> 00:43:59.079 Son 00:43:59.079 --> 00:43:59.279 of 00:43:59.279 --> 00:43:59.800 Man 00:43:59.800 --> 00:44:01.039 seated 00:44:01.039 --> 00:44:01.279 at 00:44:01.279 --> 00:44:01.460 his 00:44:01.460 --> 00:44:01.719 right 00:44:01.719 --> 00:44:01.920 hand 00:44:01.920 --> 00:44:02.279 side 00:44:02.279 --> 00:44:03.880 and 00:44:03.880 --> 00:44:03.980 we 00:44:03.980 --> 00:44:04.059 have 00:44:04.059 --> 00:44:04.159 to 00:44:04.159 --> 00:44:04.420 know 00:44:04.420 --> 00:44:04.659 that 00:44:04.659 --> 00:44:05.039 power 00:44:05.039 --> 00:44:05.340 and 00:44:05.340 --> 00:44:05.659 seek 00:44:05.659 --> 00:44:05.920 that 00:44:05.920 --> 00:44:06.219 power 00:44:06.219 --> 00:44:06.480 and 00:44:06.480 --> 00:44:06.699 live 00:44:06.699 --> 00:44:06.820 in 00:44:06.820 --> 00:44:06.940 the 00:44:06.940 --> 00:44:07.179 light 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.320 of 00:44:07.320 --> 00:44:07.500 that 00:44:07.500 --> 00:44:07.880 power 00:44:07.880 --> 00:44:09.539 so 00:44:09.539 --> 00:44:10.000 now 00:44:10.000 --> 00:44:11.279 may 00:44:11.279 --> 00:44:11.440 our 00:44:11.440 --> 00:44:11.719 God 00:44:11.719 --> 00:44:11.880 and 00:44:11.880 --> 00:44:12.139 Father 00:44:12.139 --> 00:44:12.639 himself 00:44:12.639 --> 00:44:12.900 and 00:44:12.900 --> 00:44:13.099 our 00:44:13.099 --> 00:44:13.400 Lord 00:44:13.400 --> 00:44:13.699 Jesus 00:44:13.699 --> 00:44:14.179 clear 00:44:14.179 --> 00:44:14.380 the 00:44:14.380 --> 00:44:14.639 way 00:44:14.639 --> 00:44:14.860 for 00:44:14.860 --> 00:44:15.119 us 00:44:15.119 --> 00:44:15.279 to 00:44:15.279 --> 00:44:15.519 come 00:44:17.539 --> 00:44:17.880 insert 00:44:17.880 --> 00:44:18.159 here 00:44:18.159 --> 00:44:18.420 for 00:44:18.420 --> 00:44:18.820 you 00:44:18.820 --> 00:44:19.139 to 00:44:19.139 --> 00:44:19.440 go 00:44:19.440 --> 00:44:19.679 to 00:44:19.679 --> 00:44:19.920 each 00:44:19.920 --> 00:44:20.179 other 00:44:20.179 --> 00:44:20.960 in 00:44:20.960 --> 00:44:21.320 love 00:44:21.320 --> 00:44:22.059 may 00:44:22.059 --> 00:44:22.239 the 00:44:22.239 --> 00:44:22.480 Lord 00:44:22.480 --> 00:44:22.779 make 00:44:22.779 --> 00:44:22.900 your 00:44:22.900 --> 00:44:23.119 love 00:44:23.119 --> 00:44:23.659 increase 00:44:23.659 --> 00:44:23.980 and 00:44:23.980 --> 00:44:24.639 overflow 00:44:24.639 --> 00:44:25.079 for 00:44:25.079 --> 00:44:25.239 each 00:44:25.239 --> 00:44:25.460 other 00:44:25.460 --> 00:44:25.639 and 00:44:25.639 --> 00:44:25.820 for 00:44:25.820 --> 00:44:26.219 everyone 00:44:26.219 --> 00:44:26.639 else 00:44:26.639 --> 00:44:27.759 just 00:44:27.759 --> 00:44:27.980 as 00:44:27.980 --> 00:44:28.199 ours 00:44:28.199 --> 00:44:28.480 does 00:44:28.480 --> 00:44:28.679 for 00:44:28.679 --> 00:44:28.900 you 00:44:28.900 --> 00:44:30.039 may 00:44:30.039 --> 00:44:30.239 he 00:44:30.239 --> 00:44:30.679 strengthen 00:44:30.679 --> 00:44:30.960 your 00:44:30.960 --> 00:44:31.400 hearts 00:44:31.400 --> 00:44:32.019 so 00:44:32.019 --> 00:44:32.179 that 00:44:32.179 --> 00:44:32.279 you 00:44:32.279 --> 00:44:32.440 will 00:44:32.440 --> 00:44:32.579 be 00:44:32.579 --> 00:44:33.039 blameless 00:44:33.039 --> 00:44:33.259 and 00:44:33.259 --> 00:44:33.559 holy 00:44:33.559 --> 00:44:33.739 in 00:44:33.739 --> 00:44:33.880 the 00:44:33.880 --> 00:44:34.219 presence 00:44:34.219 --> 00:44:34.400 of 00:44:34.400 --> 00:44:34.539 a 00:44:34.539 --> 00:44:34.880 God 00:44:34.880 --> 00:44:35.139 and 00:44:35.139 --> 00:44:35.579 Father 00:44:35.579 --> 00:44:36.460 when 00:44:36.460 --> 00:44:36.639 our 00:44:36.639 --> 00:44:36.980 Lord 00:44:36.980 --> 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