WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980 Please join me in taking out your copy of God's Word, which I hope you have with you this morning, that it is well read and treasured in your hearts. 00:00:29.980 --> 00:00:43.140 This is God's Word to us. It was written for His glory and for our good. We would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands. 00:00:43.140 --> 00:00:46.859 I'm going to begin reading in verse 17 of Acts 20. 00:00:47.880 --> 00:00:54.359 Now from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 00:00:54.359 --> 00:01:24.340 And when they came to him, he said to them, 00:01:24.340 --> 00:01:40.159 And now behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 00:01:40.159 --> 00:01:55.459 But I do not account my life of any value, nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course in the ministry that I receive from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 00:01:55.459 --> 00:02:08.819 Experts in various fields, from relationships to time management, from investing to gardening, are highly sought after. 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:18.560 If anyone has been successful at anything, they will find an eager audience waiting to glean the secrets for their own success. 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:29.879 When it comes to successfully ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are not meant to look to the successes of our contemporaries, 00:02:30.039 --> 00:02:36.960 because their success, by God's definition of the word, is yet to be seen. 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:44.699 Ministry success cannot be measured by its size or its resources. 00:02:44.699 --> 00:02:52.739 Remember a very large crowd gathered to chant, crucify him, crucify him. 00:02:53.599 --> 00:03:02.339 The largest church in America is pastored by a man who does not preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:03:03.620 --> 00:03:10.199 You see, God's kingdom comes most often in quiet ways. 00:03:10.199 --> 00:03:19.379 It is ever advancing, pressing on, bringing light to the darkness of the heart of mankind, 00:03:19.379 --> 00:03:23.739 but it does so most often quietly. 00:03:24.819 --> 00:03:29.199 Jesus said in Luke chapter 17, verses 20 and 21, 00:03:29.359 --> 00:03:34.199 after being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come. 00:03:34.199 --> 00:03:35.500 He said this, 00:03:35.500 --> 00:03:40.319 The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed. 00:03:41.119 --> 00:03:44.579 Nor will they say, look, here it is, or there. 00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:50.519 For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. 00:03:51.819 --> 00:03:56.479 So how then is success measured by God's definition? 00:03:56.479 --> 00:04:07.060 How can we know if what we are doing as a church, as a ministry, or as individuals with ministries working? 00:04:08.379 --> 00:04:16.639 We hold up our work to the inerrant, authoritative, sufficient word of God. 00:04:16.639 --> 00:04:20.860 If we are walking in obedience to his word, 00:04:21.479 --> 00:04:27.680 then regardless of what results may come, that is success. 00:04:29.259 --> 00:04:34.479 Charles Colson, who is a very interesting character I would encourage you to go look into, 00:04:35.099 --> 00:04:39.159 founded a ministry called Prison Fellowship, 00:04:39.199 --> 00:04:43.060 and I want to read to you a quote from their monthly newsletter, which is called Jubilee. 00:04:43.060 --> 00:04:46.780 This is from a book by Kent and Barbara Hughes, which I commend to you, 00:04:46.819 --> 00:04:50.480 called Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome. 00:04:51.660 --> 00:04:53.019 Charles Colson wrote this, 00:04:54.280 --> 00:04:59.699 By the time you read this, we will have dedicated our new national offices near Washington, D.C. 00:05:00.340 --> 00:05:03.399 As a result of this and other recent expansions, 00:05:03.620 --> 00:05:06.600 many people have written me to the effect that, 00:05:06.600 --> 00:05:07.160 quote, 00:05:07.519 --> 00:05:12.319 God is obviously blessing Prison Fellowship's ministry, end quote. 00:05:13.060 --> 00:05:17.860 As much as I am sincerely certain that God is indeed blessing us, 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:22.780 I believe even more certainly that it's a dangerous and misguided policy 00:05:22.780 --> 00:05:29.759 to measure God's blessings by standards of visible, tangible, material success. 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:34.660 The inference is that when things are prospering, God is blessing us, 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:39.939 and conversely, that when things are going poorly or unpublicized, 00:05:39.939 --> 00:05:44.279 God's blessing is not upon the work or it is unimportant. 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:50.719 We must continuously use the measure of our obedience to the guidelines of his word 00:05:50.719 --> 00:05:54.819 as the real and only standard of our success, 00:05:55.100 --> 00:06:00.159 not some more supposedly tangible or glamorous scale. 00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:03.620 So in our text today, 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:08.840 Paul is meeting with the Ephesian elders in the city of Miletus. 00:06:09.800 --> 00:06:13.140 We found out some weeks ago in verse 16 of this chapter 00:06:13.140 --> 00:06:18.500 that Paul's travel itinerary was pressing him to skip past the city of Ephesus 00:06:18.500 --> 00:06:22.080 in order to make it to Jerusalem by Pentecost. 00:06:22.079 --> 00:06:28.060 However, he knew that he would not be given another opportunity to meet with the church in Ephesus, 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:34.500 so he meets with the elders of the church on a layover on this journey toward Jerusalem. 00:06:35.279 --> 00:06:37.979 You see that in verse 17. 00:06:38.979 --> 00:06:42.919 So he has these final words with the elders of the church of Ephesus, 00:06:43.159 --> 00:06:47.259 his final words to the Ephesian church. 00:06:47.259 --> 00:06:52.339 These are Paul's parting words for the church that he loved so dearly 00:06:52.339 --> 00:06:55.219 and had spent so much time with. 00:06:56.180 --> 00:07:00.800 And he begins by reminding them of his ministry among them. 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:07.560 He will encourage them to continue faithful ministry in the rest of his discourse in chapter 20. 00:07:08.060 --> 00:07:14.599 But he begins by setting himself forward as a model for successful ministry. 00:07:14.600 --> 00:07:17.100 He says in verse 18, 00:07:17.920 --> 00:07:25.540 You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia. 00:07:26.580 --> 00:07:32.120 So this morning, as we consider the success of our individual service to the Lord, 00:07:33.120 --> 00:07:36.720 we look to the Bible for God's definition of success. 00:07:37.379 --> 00:07:40.760 And in the Bible, the example of the Apostle Paul, 00:07:40.759 --> 00:07:46.199 who in this text models success for our benefit in four ways. 00:07:47.399 --> 00:07:53.980 Firstly, Paul models success as a suffering servant. 00:07:54.939 --> 00:08:01.399 Paul models for our benefit this morning success as a suffering servant. 00:08:01.560 --> 00:08:07.060 We can see this in verse 19 and further down in verse 23. 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:15.019 Paul mentions in verse 19 two areas from which suffering comes. 00:08:15.980 --> 00:08:22.280 The first is internal suffering, internal grief, anguish, 00:08:22.699 --> 00:08:27.759 feelings that are expressed with tears. 00:08:28.959 --> 00:08:31.000 As I'll show you momentarily, 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:39.279 Paul was deeply grieved whenever God was dishonored by unbeliever or believer. 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:42.440 Let me give you three examples in particular, 00:08:43.019 --> 00:08:46.740 things that grieved Paul to make this point. 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:47.379 Number one, 00:08:49.340 --> 00:08:50.299 Paul was grieved. 00:08:50.539 --> 00:08:54.000 Paul was suffering internally by unbelief, 00:08:54.759 --> 00:08:56.840 by unbelievers. 00:08:57.059 --> 00:09:00.019 We can read in Romans chapter 9 verses 2 and 3. 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:05.799 Paul writes that he has great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:10.139 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ 00:09:10.139 --> 00:09:14.639 for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen, according to the flesh. 00:09:15.360 --> 00:09:17.919 Paul looked at the lost world 00:09:17.919 --> 00:09:23.600 and people who were rejecting the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:26.620 It moved him to tears. 00:09:26.620 --> 00:09:32.620 Secondly, Paul was grieved by struggling believers. 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:36.940 Believers who weren't walking well before the Lord, 00:09:37.039 --> 00:09:40.539 who weren't pursuing holiness as they ought. 00:09:41.500 --> 00:09:44.980 He wrote to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 2, verse 4, 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:53.580 For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, 00:09:53.899 --> 00:09:59.860 not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. 00:10:01.539 --> 00:10:05.960 Thirdly, Paul was grieved by false teachers. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:10.759 Acts chapter 20, verse 29 through 31. 00:10:10.900 --> 00:10:12.400 We're about to read here. 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:16.460 I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you, 00:10:16.560 --> 00:10:17.780 not sparing the flock. 00:10:18.300 --> 00:10:22.740 And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things 00:10:22.740 --> 00:10:25.860 to draw away the disciples after them. 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:31.379 The false teachers will exist from outside and from within. 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:32.340 Verse 31, 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:40.360 Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease, night or day, 00:10:40.799 --> 00:10:45.100 to admonish every one of you with tears. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:51.559 Paul's very concern for the future of what would happen to the church at Ephesus 00:10:51.559 --> 00:10:55.179 moved him to tears in this way. 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:58.740 And in Philippians 3, verse 18, Paul wrote, 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:02.539 But for many of whom I have often told you and now tell you, 00:11:02.659 --> 00:11:08.220 even with tears walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 00:11:09.460 --> 00:11:12.259 So Paul suffered with tears. 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:14.519 He suffered internally. 00:11:15.980 --> 00:11:18.000 Do you suffer in this way? 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:24.940 Are you concerned about the glory of God in a way that you are grieved, 00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:28.920 even moved to tears over the lostness of the world, 00:11:29.420 --> 00:11:32.180 the sinfulness of the church, 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:34.600 and the venom of false teachers? 00:11:35.640 --> 00:11:36.600 You should be. 00:11:37.400 --> 00:11:38.020 You should be. 00:11:38.840 --> 00:11:41.760 I think that Christians all together and all at the same time 00:11:41.760 --> 00:11:45.180 ought to be the saddest and the happiest people. 00:11:46.080 --> 00:11:50.720 Sad because we see how horribly, wretchedly broken the world is around us 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:54.440 and happy because we have a hope beyond it. 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:57.600 You should be grieved in this way. 00:11:58.420 --> 00:11:59.200 Paul was. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:01.920 Jesus Christ was. 00:12:02.899 --> 00:12:07.340 In a striking account from Jesus' life recorded in Luke chapter 19, 00:12:07.560 --> 00:12:10.240 this is verse 41 and 42, 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:12.279 Luke records, 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:16.059 And when Jesus drew near and saw the city, Jerusalem, 00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:18.539 he wept over it, saying, 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:22.159 Would that you, even you, had known on this day 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:24.579 the things that make for peace, 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:28.139 but now they are hidden from your eyes. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:33.159 Jesus wept over the lostness of Jerusalem. 00:12:34.059 --> 00:12:37.819 So Paul suffered internally, as should we. 00:12:37.939 --> 00:12:39.339 He also suffered externally. 00:12:39.340 --> 00:12:44.160 With trials, you see in verse 18. 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:49.360 We know that Paul was no stranger to persecution. 00:12:50.500 --> 00:12:55.000 And because I have made the point repeatedly over the past year, 00:12:55.120 --> 00:12:56.639 I'm not going to belabor it this morning. 00:12:57.040 --> 00:13:00.620 If this is a new thing to you, 00:13:00.840 --> 00:13:01.860 what I'm about to say, 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:06.240 please go back to really just about any sermon we've preached in Acts 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:10.799 and listen to it and pick up this theme of persecution 00:13:10.799 --> 00:13:14.100 that's laid on the life of a Christian. 00:13:14.220 --> 00:13:19.740 Those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:13:20.259 --> 00:13:21.659 Paul was no stranger to it, 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:25.240 and it must be said that neither should we be strangers 00:13:25.240 --> 00:13:29.000 to persecution, external suffering. 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:34.620 Wherever Paul went, some responded favorably to the gospel preached, 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:38.419 and some responded with hostility. 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:41.899 Verse 23, further down in our text, 00:13:42.039 --> 00:13:42.379 Paul says, 00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:45.440 The Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:50.240 that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:55.659 Beloved, do you experience hostility? 00:13:56.460 --> 00:13:59.899 As you compassionately plead with people 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:04.399 to respond to the gracious call of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:14:04.779 --> 00:14:07.159 do you meet opposition? 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:11.620 Persecution looks different in different places, right? 00:14:11.620 --> 00:14:16.000 We are not likely to be detained, imprisoned, beaten. 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:21.379 Do you experience hostility toward the message that you preach? 00:14:22.340 --> 00:14:25.500 If you do not, you are either, 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:28.299 A, not preaching, 00:14:28.659 --> 00:14:31.740 you're just not sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:33.139 or B, if you are, 00:14:33.460 --> 00:14:37.840 you're not actually sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:14:38.159 --> 00:14:39.039 You've neutered it. 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:40.519 You've taken away its offense. 00:14:40.960 --> 00:14:43.600 Because when the gospel is preached, 00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:46.139 some will respond favorably to it, 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:48.960 and some will respond with hostility. 00:14:49.920 --> 00:14:54.519 So we see Paul modeling success for us 00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:57.100 as a suffering servant. 00:14:58.340 --> 00:15:00.279 Secondly, Paul models success 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:03.960 as a shepherd of God's people. 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:06.440 They're going to alliterate. 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:07.220 I think I heard a snicker. 00:15:07.320 --> 00:15:07.879 Yes, they will. 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:12.980 Paul models success 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:17.120 as a shepherd of God's people. 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:20.700 Here we go. 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:21.200 Verse 20. 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:25.320 Paul did not fear man, 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:28.500 but rather Paul feared God 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:33.039 and therefore sought the good of God's people. 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:37.879 He did not shrink from declaring anything. 00:15:38.519 --> 00:15:40.379 He did not draw back. 00:15:40.699 --> 00:15:42.899 He did not withhold anything 00:15:42.899 --> 00:15:46.199 that was profitable. 00:15:47.599 --> 00:15:49.379 Paul proclaimed the gospel 00:15:49.379 --> 00:15:51.839 with all of its nuance, 00:15:52.419 --> 00:15:54.779 the whole counsel of God he taught, 00:15:55.319 --> 00:15:57.719 and he did so unashamedly. 00:15:57.720 --> 00:16:00.779 He wrote to the Galatian church 00:16:00.779 --> 00:16:02.480 in Galatians chapter 1, 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:04.180 verses 6 through 10. 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:08.480 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:10.860 Him who called you in the grace of Christ 00:16:10.860 --> 00:16:14.220 and are turning to a different gospel. 00:16:14.820 --> 00:16:16.340 Not that there is another one, 00:16:16.680 --> 00:16:18.180 but there are some who trouble you 00:16:18.180 --> 00:16:20.700 and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 00:16:21.800 --> 00:16:25.019 But even if we or an angel from heaven 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:26.980 should preach to you a gospel 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:28.639 contrary to the one we preached to you, 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:30.899 let him be accursed. 00:16:31.699 --> 00:16:33.139 As we have said before, 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:34.720 so now I say again, 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:37.379 if anyone is preaching to you a gospel 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:39.220 contrary to the one you received, 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:42.019 let him be accursed. 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:43.579 Now verse 10. 00:16:44.579 --> 00:16:47.579 For am I now seeking the approval of man 00:16:47.579 --> 00:16:48.960 or of God? 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:51.720 Or am I trying to please man? 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:54.220 If I were still trying to please man, 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:57.920 I would not be a servant of Christ. 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:02.899 Paul models his success as a shepherd, 00:17:03.560 --> 00:17:07.660 as a faithful expositor of God's Word. 00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:11.940 He takes the text and he explains it. 00:17:12.860 --> 00:17:16.339 Of course, this has very weighty implication 00:17:16.339 --> 00:17:18.279 for public teaching. 00:17:19.140 --> 00:17:21.799 Paul taught the Ephesians in public. 00:17:21.799 --> 00:17:24.799 You at this point may be thinking, 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:27.299 well then this has nothing to do with me 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:29.059 because I am not gifted as a teacher 00:17:29.059 --> 00:17:32.579 and I do not have a public ministry. 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:37.839 But Paul also taught from house to house. 00:17:39.019 --> 00:17:40.879 Now, he did so as an apostle 00:17:40.879 --> 00:17:43.079 and I'm sure that he saw this activity 00:17:43.079 --> 00:17:45.220 as part of his public service to the church, 00:17:45.299 --> 00:17:47.559 that he didn't divorce the two in his mind. 00:17:47.559 --> 00:17:50.839 But it did mean that he was in relationship 00:17:50.839 --> 00:17:52.960 with the Ephesians. 00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:55.019 He was meeting with them in their homes, 00:17:55.159 --> 00:17:56.339 breaking bread with them, 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:59.000 addressing their questions and concerns, 00:17:59.539 --> 00:18:02.639 giving personal application of gospel truths. 00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:05.839 And we are all meant to be in relationship 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:07.539 with others, 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:10.579 drawing them toward God and godliness. 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:14.919 You may not hold the position of pastor, 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:16.899 but there is someone in your life 00:18:16.899 --> 00:18:18.339 that needs Bible instruction 00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:20.639 and you may be the only one 00:18:20.639 --> 00:18:23.059 that can teach them what is profitable. 00:18:24.379 --> 00:18:25.019 So beloved, 00:18:25.199 --> 00:18:28.599 do you shrink from declaring God's Word? 00:18:29.679 --> 00:18:32.099 May it not be so of the members 00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:33.879 of Christ Family Church, 00:18:34.599 --> 00:18:35.019 Dahlonega. 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:35.420 Third, 00:18:36.619 --> 00:18:40.359 Paul models success 00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:43.879 as a seeker of the lost. 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:47.440 As a seeker of the lost. 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:49.319 Verse 21. 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:52.180 Paul was an evangelist. 00:18:53.420 --> 00:18:55.400 He viewed himself as such. 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:58.799 And if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, 00:18:59.139 --> 00:19:00.700 so should you. 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:03.759 In Mark chapter 4, 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:06.859 Jesus tells the parable of the sower 00:19:06.859 --> 00:19:08.779 who sows seed, 00:19:08.879 --> 00:19:09.759 which is the Word of God. 00:19:09.839 --> 00:19:13.720 And that seed falls on various types of ground. 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:16.379 I hope that you're familiar with this parable. 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:18.339 The good soil. 00:19:19.140 --> 00:19:21.000 The ground that represents 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:24.599 those who are true followers of Jesus Christ. 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:26.819 The good soil does what? 00:19:27.599 --> 00:19:29.480 Bears fruit. 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:31.099 It bears fruit. 00:19:31.799 --> 00:19:33.319 This is the very evidence 00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:35.899 that it is the good soil. 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:37.539 How do we know good soil is good soil? 00:19:38.220 --> 00:19:39.359 It bears fruit. 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:43.220 Jesus gives an explanation of the parable 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:44.779 off to the side with the disciples 00:19:44.779 --> 00:19:46.859 later on in Mark chapter 4. 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:49.419 This is verses 20 through 22. 00:19:49.659 --> 00:19:50.039 Jesus says, 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:52.460 But those that were sown on the good soil 00:19:52.460 --> 00:19:54.179 are the ones who hear the Word 00:19:54.179 --> 00:19:56.339 and accept it 00:19:56.339 --> 00:19:57.960 and bear fruit 00:19:57.960 --> 00:20:00.259 thirtyfold and sixtyfold 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:01.359 and a hundredfold. 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:03.119 And He said to them, 00:20:03.940 --> 00:20:05.039 Is a lamp brought in 00:20:05.039 --> 00:20:06.379 to be put under a basket 00:20:06.379 --> 00:20:07.680 or under a bed 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:09.299 and not on a stand? 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:11.539 For nothing is hidden 00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:13.359 except to be made manifest, 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:15.319 nor is anything secret 00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:18.599 except to come to light. 00:20:19.599 --> 00:20:21.019 Now there can be some debate 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:23.900 over what Jesus meant by fruit. 00:20:23.900 --> 00:20:26.380 Those that give evidence 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:27.180 that they are good soil. 00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:28.620 What is the fruit? 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:30.259 What is the evidencing? 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:31.759 And I think that we can speak 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:32.720 a lot about fruit. 00:20:32.820 --> 00:20:34.460 There's lots of fruit analogy 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:35.120 in the Scripture. 00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:36.220 Fruits of the Spirit. 00:20:36.340 --> 00:20:37.720 We could run down that list 00:20:37.720 --> 00:20:39.320 and say these are the things 00:20:39.320 --> 00:20:41.060 that Jesus is talking about. 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:43.660 Is He referring to good deeds? 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:45.980 Yeah, He is. 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:50.300 Does He specifically mean conversion? 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:53.119 I think so. 00:20:53.639 --> 00:20:55.319 I think He's coming in more narrowly. 00:20:55.440 --> 00:20:56.480 It can include the others, 00:20:56.539 --> 00:20:57.339 but I think He's coming in 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.859 more narrowly. 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:01.039 I believe that verse 21 and 22 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:01.960 help us to see 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:04.059 that those who are good soil 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:05.919 become sowers 00:21:05.919 --> 00:21:08.039 in various measures. 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:10.919 Thirty, sixty, hundredfold. 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:14.740 But sowers nonetheless. 00:21:16.019 --> 00:21:18.500 Is a lamp brought in 00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:19.919 to be put under a basket? 00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:20.519 Right? 00:21:20.899 --> 00:21:24.200 This good Word that's been sown in us, 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:25.799 is it meant to be hidden away? 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:27.859 Absolutely not. 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.720 Is a thing that's invisible 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:31.279 meant to stay invisible? 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:34.460 No, it's meant to come to light. 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:39.139 So the good soil becomes sowers. 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.240 We sow the Word. 00:21:41.879 --> 00:21:43.200 So a successful ministry 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:45.419 is one that seeks the lost 00:21:45.420 --> 00:21:47.820 by faithfully sowing the seed 00:21:47.820 --> 00:21:50.480 of God's Word in the world. 00:21:51.580 --> 00:21:52.740 God makes the soil. 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:55.180 We sow the seed. 00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:57.779 The effect that the Word bears 00:21:57.779 --> 00:21:58.720 in a person's heart 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:00.120 is the work of God. 00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:02.120 But we must ask ourselves 00:22:02.120 --> 00:22:04.120 if we are sowing a seed 00:22:04.120 --> 00:22:05.759 that can be germinated, 00:22:06.560 --> 00:22:07.259 sprouted, 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.560 and cultivated. 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:12.440 Are we preaching the gospel? 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:14.679 Are we sowing seed at all? 00:22:14.819 --> 00:22:16.079 And if it's being sown, 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:19.779 is it the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.039 that God may use it 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:23.139 to change the lives of people? 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:26.379 Let's look at Paul's summary 00:22:26.379 --> 00:22:28.740 of his evangelistic method 00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:30.720 to consider that just a bit 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.859 this morning. 00:22:32.379 --> 00:22:33.240 First, we can see 00:22:33.240 --> 00:22:34.639 that he testified. 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:36.019 He testified. 00:22:36.719 --> 00:22:37.919 This doesn't mean merely 00:22:37.919 --> 00:22:39.199 that he shares his testimony, 00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:40.899 although it can mean that. 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:42.199 He typically did. 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.479 He often shared 00:22:43.479 --> 00:22:46.099 the grace of God to him. 00:22:46.199 --> 00:22:46.939 He talked about 00:22:46.939 --> 00:22:47.959 what had happened, 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:49.819 the transformative power of God 00:22:49.819 --> 00:22:50.979 in his life. 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:53.399 But it must include more, right? 00:22:53.539 --> 00:22:54.759 It must include more. 00:22:55.439 --> 00:22:56.339 And to testify 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:58.119 means in the original language 00:22:58.119 --> 00:23:01.639 that he solemnly urged his hearers. 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:03.419 He was urging them 00:23:03.419 --> 00:23:05.779 to flee from the wrath to come. 00:23:06.159 --> 00:23:07.839 He was teaching them 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:10.079 of their infinite transgression 00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:12.740 before an infinitely holy God. 00:23:12.939 --> 00:23:14.919 He was speaking of God's judgment 00:23:14.919 --> 00:23:17.379 for those who were his enemies 00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:18.419 and urging them, 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:19.599 pleading with them 00:23:19.599 --> 00:23:21.359 to flee from that wrath 00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:23.659 and to flee to Christ. 00:23:24.459 --> 00:23:26.740 He did so indiscriminately, 00:23:26.979 --> 00:23:30.439 both to Jews and to Greeks. 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:32.660 If someone does not know 00:23:32.660 --> 00:23:34.200 the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:23:34.400 --> 00:23:35.740 then they have fulfilled 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.539 the prerequisite 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:39.240 to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:42.279 Paul shared with everyone, 00:23:42.920 --> 00:23:44.380 everywhere. 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:46.500 And what was it 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:48.039 that he testified to? 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:51.740 He preached repentance towards God 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:55.460 and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:23:56.259 --> 00:23:57.559 Repentance towards God 00:23:57.559 --> 00:24:00.960 and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:03.079 You don't have to pay attention 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:04.420 when I'm sitting with the kids. 00:24:04.839 --> 00:24:05.839 But if you are, 00:24:06.099 --> 00:24:07.339 when I pray with them 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:08.640 on Sunday morning, 00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:09.599 what do I pray 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:10.920 that God would work in their hearts? 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:13.720 Repentance and faith. 00:24:13.720 --> 00:24:15.960 I use biblical language 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:16.819 because biblical language 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:19.059 communicates Bible ideas. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.539 So what are these things? 00:24:20.759 --> 00:24:23.000 Repentance and faith. 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:24.799 Repentance, 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:27.019 the word in the original language 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:28.779 carries with it a lot. 00:24:29.620 --> 00:24:31.759 It's not simply being sorry. 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:34.960 A lot of people are sorry for their sin 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:36.339 because they're afraid 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:38.940 of the consequence of their sin. 00:24:38.940 --> 00:24:41.759 But godly sorrow 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:44.240 leads to repentance. 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:45.380 So what is repentance? 00:24:45.580 --> 00:24:47.140 It's being sorry for sin. 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:50.080 It's recognizing your guilt before God. 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:52.000 It's wanting to flee 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:53.320 from God's wrath, 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:54.680 understanding the judgment 00:24:54.680 --> 00:24:55.680 that will come. 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:58.580 But it's not just that 00:24:58.580 --> 00:25:00.019 you don't want the consequence. 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:01.940 It's that you hate the sin itself. 00:25:03.080 --> 00:25:05.299 You hate that you ever offended 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:07.180 the holiness of God. 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:09.860 This good and loving and kind God 00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:11.200 that gave us good instruction 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:13.100 that we just threw away 00:25:13.100 --> 00:25:15.380 because we wanted to be gods ourselves. 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.660 It's hating that. 00:25:18.120 --> 00:25:20.019 It's hating that I ever said, 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:21.740 I am a God 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:24.400 and I don't need your good instruction. 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:27.019 It's running back to Him 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:29.620 and recognizing that He is good. 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.400 And it's turning from that sin 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:33.460 into His good command. 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:37.060 So repentance is the whole of us. 00:25:37.860 --> 00:25:38.680 And the Christian life 00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:39.560 is a life of repentance, 00:25:39.720 --> 00:25:40.360 turning from sin 00:25:40.360 --> 00:25:41.360 and turning towards holiness 00:25:41.360 --> 00:25:44.920 and improving in these things. 00:25:45.620 --> 00:25:48.440 So repentance toward God 00:25:48.440 --> 00:25:50.820 and of faith 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:52.740 in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:53.960 --> 00:25:54.740 Now the word here, 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:55.519 translated faith, 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:59.460 means mental recognition. 00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:02.240 It's a little weightier 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:03.299 than we might think of 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:04.059 if you just say, 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:06.960 do you believe that Jesus lived? 00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:08.360 Well, sure. 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:10.039 Do you believe that Jesus was 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:11.140 the Son of God? 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:11.579 Well, yeah. 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:13.720 Do you believe that His 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:15.500 atoning work on the cross 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.759 is the only way 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:18.039 to be reconciled to God? 00:26:18.200 --> 00:26:19.600 We must be saved 00:26:19.600 --> 00:26:20.880 by grace alone, 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:21.640 through faith alone, 00:26:21.860 --> 00:26:23.059 in Christ alone, 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.200 forever. 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:24.799 Yes. 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:26.080 Rest. 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:27.819 We pick up all of these things. 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.160 All that comes with 00:26:29.160 --> 00:26:30.400 what the Bible has to say 00:26:30.400 --> 00:26:34.019 about our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.680 Believing in Him. 00:26:36.100 --> 00:26:37.740 There are some these days 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:38.420 that will say 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:39.819 that you can have Jesus 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:40.680 as your Savior 00:26:40.680 --> 00:26:42.680 and not as your Lord. 00:26:43.160 --> 00:26:45.299 And that is a lie from hell. 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.500 The two come together 00:26:47.500 --> 00:26:48.640 and they always do. 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.759 And Paul says here, 00:26:50.579 --> 00:26:51.900 He pleads with people. 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:53.000 He testifies. 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:55.119 He's strongly urging them 00:26:55.119 --> 00:26:57.000 to repentance towards God 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:59.240 and of faith in who? 00:27:00.099 --> 00:27:03.119 Our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:04.099 If He is your Savior, 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:06.859 He is your Lord. 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:08.799 It's understanding who He is 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:11.019 and what He has done for us. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:13.379 Worship Him with our minds 00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:14.299 and faith. 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:15.980 Worship Him with our whole selves 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:18.500 in repentance. 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.900 This is the gospel 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:21.299 of Jesus Christ. 00:27:21.400 --> 00:27:22.279 This is the good seed 00:27:22.279 --> 00:27:23.319 that we want to sow 00:27:23.319 --> 00:27:24.319 in people's lives. 00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:27.759 Paul stated in Romans 1, 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:29.019 verse 16, 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.900 I am not ashamed 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:31.619 of the gospel 00:27:31.619 --> 00:27:33.779 for it is the power of God 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:34.539 for salvation 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:37.339 to everyone who believes. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.460 Beloved, 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.119 are you ashamed 00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:40.779 of the gospel 00:27:40.779 --> 00:27:42.440 of Jesus Christ? 00:27:43.339 --> 00:27:43.940 Don't be. 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:46.480 It is powerful 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:49.160 and eternally good. 00:27:50.160 --> 00:27:51.200 Learn to share it. 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:53.900 Just solemnly urge people 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:56.279 to come to faith. 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:58.120 Show yourself 00:27:58.120 --> 00:28:00.299 to be good soil. 00:28:02.380 --> 00:28:03.079 Fourthly, 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:05.860 Paul models success 00:28:05.860 --> 00:28:10.480 as a spirit-filled bond servant. 00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:18.460 Now you like it 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:19.319 when I hyphenate words 00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:19.860 back to back. 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:21.799 Spirit-filled bond servant. 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:26.779 Verses 22-24. 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:28.720 Paul speaks 00:28:28.720 --> 00:28:30.559 of being constrained 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:32.019 by the Spirit 00:28:32.019 --> 00:28:33.480 as the reason 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:34.460 he is hastening 00:28:34.460 --> 00:28:36.059 to Jerusalem. 00:28:37.099 --> 00:28:38.259 He is convinced 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:40.160 that this is the next step 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:40.740 in his ministry 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:41.500 and desires 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:42.240 to be faithful 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:43.619 to that step, 00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:44.420 to go to Jerusalem, 00:28:44.619 --> 00:28:45.339 to make it there 00:28:45.339 --> 00:28:47.819 by the day of Pentecost. 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:50.279 The word that ESV translates 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:50.940 constrained 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:53.079 could also be translated 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:54.440 bound. 00:28:55.879 --> 00:28:57.319 Paul began his summary 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:58.099 of his ministry 00:28:58.099 --> 00:28:58.539 in Ephesus 00:28:58.539 --> 00:28:59.400 in verse 19 00:28:59.400 --> 00:29:00.599 with the phrase 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:03.099 serving the Lord. 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:04.779 Serving here 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:05.900 is the verb form 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:07.080 of the Greek word 00:29:07.080 --> 00:29:07.920 doulos 00:29:07.920 --> 00:29:10.380 or bond servant. 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:12.620 So Paul is presented 00:29:12.620 --> 00:29:14.019 in this short summary 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:15.160 of his ministry 00:29:15.160 --> 00:29:16.900 himself as being 00:29:16.900 --> 00:29:18.600 bound up to, 00:29:18.780 --> 00:29:19.920 in service to, 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:21.880 enslaved to 00:29:21.880 --> 00:29:23.100 the Holy Spirit 00:29:23.100 --> 00:29:24.560 and to Christ. 00:29:25.320 --> 00:29:27.300 He has laid aside 00:29:27.300 --> 00:29:28.120 his will 00:29:28.120 --> 00:29:29.840 and he is walking 00:29:29.840 --> 00:29:30.700 in the will 00:29:30.700 --> 00:29:32.200 of his Lord. 00:29:32.800 --> 00:29:34.100 Jesus as his Savior 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:36.419 and his Lord. 00:29:37.339 --> 00:29:38.079 He states this 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:38.859 in verse 24 00:29:38.859 --> 00:29:39.519 in this way 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:40.659 and I absolutely love this. 00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:41.159 He says, 00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:42.819 but I do not account 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.939 my life 00:29:43.939 --> 00:29:45.519 of any value 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.980 nor as precious 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.899 to myself. 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.299 He was saying 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:49.719 by my own terms, 00:29:50.199 --> 00:29:51.639 I don't count my life 00:29:51.639 --> 00:29:52.279 as of any value. 00:29:52.339 --> 00:29:53.099 There's no value 00:29:53.099 --> 00:29:53.919 to me. 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:54.779 It's not precious 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:55.899 to me 00:29:55.899 --> 00:29:57.279 if only. 00:29:57.619 --> 00:29:58.099 Don't miss 00:29:58.099 --> 00:29:58.939 the if only. 00:29:59.439 --> 00:30:00.759 He has great value. 00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:02.039 He has a service 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.940 to be rendered. 00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:04.619 He has a purpose 00:30:04.619 --> 00:30:05.399 for his life. 00:30:05.859 --> 00:30:07.599 If only I may finish 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:08.980 my course 00:30:08.980 --> 00:30:09.960 in the ministry 00:30:09.960 --> 00:30:10.599 that I receive 00:30:10.599 --> 00:30:11.379 from the Lord Jesus 00:30:11.379 --> 00:30:12.559 to testify 00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:13.440 to the gospel 00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.980 of the grace of God. 00:30:16.440 --> 00:30:17.819 So the value 00:30:17.819 --> 00:30:18.899 of his life 00:30:18.899 --> 00:30:19.759 is that he's been 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.839 given a ministry 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:21.899 as all who are 00:30:21.899 --> 00:30:22.500 in Christ 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:23.159 have 00:30:23.159 --> 00:30:24.359 to testify 00:30:24.359 --> 00:30:25.839 to the gospel 00:30:25.839 --> 00:30:27.059 of the grace 00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:27.639 of God. 00:30:27.640 --> 00:30:30.320 Jesus charged 00:30:30.320 --> 00:30:31.040 the apostles 00:30:31.040 --> 00:30:32.040 to the same 00:30:32.040 --> 00:30:34.000 type of mentality 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:35.020 in Mark 8 00:30:35.020 --> 00:30:36.700 verses 34 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:37.740 and 35. 00:30:39.460 --> 00:30:40.560 If anyone 00:30:40.560 --> 00:30:42.380 would come 00:30:42.380 --> 00:30:43.060 after me, 00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:44.900 let him deny 00:30:44.900 --> 00:30:45.440 himself 00:30:45.440 --> 00:30:46.240 and take up 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:46.960 his cross 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:48.620 and follow me. 00:30:49.540 --> 00:30:50.200 For whoever 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:50.759 would save 00:30:50.759 --> 00:30:51.360 his life 00:30:51.360 --> 00:30:52.740 will lose it. 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:53.640 But whoever 00:30:53.640 --> 00:30:54.720 loses his life 00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:55.860 for my sake 00:30:55.860 --> 00:30:56.900 and the gospels, 00:30:56.900 --> 00:30:58.519 will save it. 00:30:59.360 --> 00:31:00.240 By giving 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:01.259 our lives 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:02.120 to God, 00:31:02.560 --> 00:31:03.480 our lives 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:04.820 are saved. 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.620 Our lives 00:31:05.620 --> 00:31:06.400 have 00:31:06.400 --> 00:31:07.660 value. 00:31:08.800 --> 00:31:09.540 This gospel 00:31:09.540 --> 00:31:10.160 call, 00:31:10.680 --> 00:31:11.900 it is a costly 00:31:11.900 --> 00:31:12.460 call, 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.840 but all 00:31:13.840 --> 00:31:14.480 that we have 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:15.080 to give, 00:31:15.580 --> 00:31:16.880 our everything 00:31:16.880 --> 00:31:18.420 does not compare 00:31:18.420 --> 00:31:19.840 to the immeasurable 00:31:19.840 --> 00:31:20.460 worth 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:21.160 of knowing 00:31:21.160 --> 00:31:22.420 Jesus Christ. 00:31:23.880 --> 00:31:24.480 Have you 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.019 surrendered 00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:26.380 your life 00:31:26.380 --> 00:31:27.460 for the sake 00:31:27.460 --> 00:31:28.180 of Jesus 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:29.700 and the gospel? 00:31:30.260 --> 00:31:30.660 Have you 00:31:30.660 --> 00:31:31.080 said, 00:31:32.060 --> 00:31:32.900 truly said, 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:33.620 in your heart, 00:31:33.740 --> 00:31:34.740 it does not 00:31:34.740 --> 00:31:35.060 matter, 00:31:35.200 --> 00:31:35.440 Lord, 00:31:35.560 --> 00:31:36.360 do with me 00:31:36.360 --> 00:31:37.680 as you 00:31:37.680 --> 00:31:38.620 will. 00:31:38.940 --> 00:31:39.480 I am 00:31:39.480 --> 00:31:40.920 bound to you 00:31:40.920 --> 00:31:42.100 as a grateful 00:31:42.100 --> 00:31:42.820 response 00:31:42.820 --> 00:31:43.760 for saving 00:31:43.760 --> 00:31:44.920 my soul. 00:31:45.620 --> 00:31:46.280 This is for 00:31:46.280 --> 00:31:47.140 our eternal 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:47.760 good, 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:48.460 beloved. 00:31:49.100 --> 00:31:49.660 This 00:31:49.660 --> 00:31:51.060 is 00:31:51.060 --> 00:31:52.720 success. 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:54.299 if we 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:54.640 can see 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.259 our lives 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:56.180 lining up 00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:57.240 in increasing 00:31:57.240 --> 00:31:57.799 measure 00:31:57.799 --> 00:31:58.259 with the 00:31:58.259 --> 00:31:58.700 model 00:31:58.700 --> 00:32:00.019 of Paul 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:00.799 and of 00:32:00.799 --> 00:32:01.180 Jesus, 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.559 with the 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:03.680 good instruction 00:32:03.680 --> 00:32:04.539 of the Bible, 00:32:04.839 --> 00:32:06.140 we can say 00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:07.420 success. 00:32:08.600 --> 00:32:09.740 Let us put 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.360 God's 00:32:10.360 --> 00:32:10.900 definition 00:32:10.900 --> 00:32:11.819 of success 00:32:11.819 --> 00:32:12.980 on our 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:13.440 ministries. 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:14.980 Let us 00:32:14.980 --> 00:32:15.339 look to 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:16.019 Paul as a 00:32:16.019 --> 00:32:16.720 model and 00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:17.600 be suffering 00:32:17.600 --> 00:32:18.799 servants, 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:20.159 shepherds 00:32:20.159 --> 00:32:20.680 of God's 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:21.180 people, 00:32:21.919 --> 00:32:22.619 seekers of 00:32:22.619 --> 00:32:23.240 the lost 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:24.099 and spirit 00:32:24.099 --> 00:32:24.619 filled 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:25.099 bond 00:32:25.099 --> 00:32:25.419 servants. 00:32:26.639 --> 00:32:27.099 Let us 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:27.899 rejoice in 00:32:27.899 --> 00:32:28.639 the inerrant, 00:32:29.200 --> 00:32:29.980 authoritative, 00:32:30.339 --> 00:32:30.960 sufficient 00:32:30.960 --> 00:32:32.139 instruction we 00:32:32.139 --> 00:32:33.319 receive from 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:34.039 God's word. 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.399 Let us have 00:32:35.399 --> 00:32:36.180 a confidence 00:32:36.180 --> 00:32:37.519 that God's 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:38.960 work done 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:39.659 in God's 00:32:39.659 --> 00:32:41.299 ways yields 00:32:41.299 --> 00:32:42.200 God's good 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:43.240 intent and 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:44.180 brings him 00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:45.319 the most 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:45.680 glory. 00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:46.899 Let's pray 00:32:46.899 --> 00:32:47.240 together.