WEBVTT 00:00:00.520 --> 00:00:05.400 Verses 4 to 10, and it's on page 1218. 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:18.140 Reading from verse 4. 00:00:18.140 --> 00:00:32.480 As you come to him, the living stone rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious to him, 00:00:33.079 --> 00:00:40.140 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, 00:00:40.600 --> 00:00:45.019 offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 00:00:45.020 --> 00:00:47.500 For in the scripture it says, 00:00:48.320 --> 00:00:52.340 See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, 00:00:52.760 --> 00:00:56.359 and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:02.020 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. 00:01:03.120 --> 00:01:09.240 But to those who do not believe, the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, 00:01:09.840 --> 00:01:14.120 and a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. 00:01:15.019 --> 00:01:18.259 They stumble because they disobey the message, 00:01:19.459 --> 00:01:23.259 which is also what they were destined for. 00:01:23.260 --> 00:01:32.280 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, 00:01:32.400 --> 00:01:39.420 that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light. 00:01:40.120 --> 00:01:44.939 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. 00:01:44.939 --> 00:01:50.519 Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 00:01:52.579 --> 00:01:59.519 Keith, I'm going to ask if you'd like to come up now and help us through and explain this to us a little bit more. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:03.159 Before you do, I'm going to pray for you and for us. Is that okay? 00:02:03.159 --> 00:02:06.379 Let's pray together. 00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:12.000 Father, we thank you so much for bringing Keith and Cag here this weekend. 00:02:12.759 --> 00:02:17.939 We thank you for their encouragement to Ralph and Cherry while they were away. 00:02:18.079 --> 00:02:23.519 Thank you for their church family where they could belong and be a part of. 00:02:23.520 --> 00:02:27.300 We thank you for Keith for his gifts and abilities. 00:02:28.180 --> 00:02:32.800 And we pray that you would fill him and fill us with your Holy Spirit, 00:02:33.439 --> 00:02:36.520 that we may hear afresh your word, 00:02:37.620 --> 00:02:41.980 speaking directly to our lives and together as a church family, 00:02:42.580 --> 00:02:45.800 that we may understand who we are 00:02:45.800 --> 00:02:50.420 and what you have called us to be in this world. 00:02:50.419 --> 00:02:55.619 So please bless us and may none of us leave this morning 00:02:55.619 --> 00:03:01.239 without being encouraged, challenged and transformed. 00:03:02.719 --> 00:03:05.539 We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:03:13.539 --> 00:03:15.399 Well, thank you very much, Johnny. 00:03:15.400 --> 00:03:21.039 And thank you too to everyone for your very warm welcome this weekend. 00:03:21.860 --> 00:03:26.800 We've thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and so thank you to everyone. 00:03:27.620 --> 00:03:29.980 Then selecting a passage for today, 00:03:30.020 --> 00:03:35.460 I was influenced by the fact that we just finished a six-week series on the church 00:03:35.460 --> 00:03:39.659 back at our home church in which we've been looking at some of the metaphors in scripture 00:03:39.659 --> 00:03:42.879 used to describe the church. 00:03:42.879 --> 00:03:47.019 We looked at the church as a body, the church as branches on a vine, 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:50.699 the church as a bride, the church as a family. 00:03:51.439 --> 00:03:56.539 But I've chosen this one today, the church as a spiritual house. 00:03:56.979 --> 00:04:00.939 Now the building metaphor is a particularly relevant one, isn't it? 00:04:01.900 --> 00:04:05.919 In most cultures, I think it's true in your culture, it's certainly true in ours, 00:04:06.300 --> 00:04:08.599 that a great many people, when they think of the church, 00:04:08.680 --> 00:04:11.979 they automatically think of the building that the church occupies. 00:04:11.979 --> 00:04:14.599 Do you remember the old children's chorus? 00:04:14.719 --> 00:04:17.139 It's a little hard with one hand on the microphone, 00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:18.699 but do you remember the one that's sort of, 00:04:18.779 --> 00:04:22.459 there's the church, there's the steeple, you open the doors and there are the people. 00:04:23.180 --> 00:04:26.079 You know, that is what a lot of people think, isn't it, of the church. 00:04:26.279 --> 00:04:27.139 It's a building. 00:04:28.259 --> 00:04:30.379 But obviously in looking at the church this morning, 00:04:30.759 --> 00:04:33.539 we're not looking at the church as a physical structure. 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:38.519 We're looking, though, as the church as people. 00:04:38.519 --> 00:04:41.519 And it's this metaphor here in 1 Peter. 00:04:42.259 --> 00:04:49.419 You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house. 00:04:49.519 --> 00:04:52.680 Not a physical house, but a spiritual house. 00:04:53.859 --> 00:04:57.680 Now just a little bit about the people that Peter's writing to. 00:04:58.099 --> 00:05:00.959 He's writing to Christians who are undergoing suffering. 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:04.120 The letter begins with that in chapter 1 verse 6. 00:05:04.120 --> 00:05:11.600 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 00:05:12.500 --> 00:05:14.860 And the very end of the letter, chapter 5 verse 10. 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:22.980 And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ after you have suffered a little while. 00:05:23.300 --> 00:05:26.019 So if you like, the bookends of 1 Peter are suffering. 00:05:26.399 --> 00:05:29.660 And you'll see quite a lot of references in between to their suffering. 00:05:29.660 --> 00:05:35.820 Now these Christians may have thought that because they're suffering, something has perhaps gone wrong. 00:05:36.620 --> 00:05:37.720 As we might too. 00:05:38.180 --> 00:05:43.980 But Peter assures them of the great reality and the great salvation that is theirs in Christ. 00:05:44.420 --> 00:05:48.620 And the eternal inheritance that nothing can destroy. 00:05:49.700 --> 00:05:51.720 Their suffering should not surprise them. 00:05:52.100 --> 00:05:54.580 Because they follow one who suffered for them. 00:05:54.940 --> 00:05:56.840 That is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:56.839 --> 00:06:00.439 Now I'm going to look at our passage in three parts. 00:06:00.699 --> 00:06:08.219 In many ways, verses 4 and 5 lay out the teaching that the remainder of the passage, verses 6 to 10, sort of unpack. 00:06:08.979 --> 00:06:10.060 Under three headings. 00:06:10.139 --> 00:06:10.859 A new temple. 00:06:11.560 --> 00:06:12.560 A new identity. 00:06:12.859 --> 00:06:13.739 And a new purpose. 00:06:14.019 --> 00:06:21.979 And I appreciate the work of a chap called Angus Maclay in his short commentary on 1 Peter for that sort of structure. 00:06:22.120 --> 00:06:23.339 So a new temple. 00:06:24.039 --> 00:06:24.859 A new identity. 00:06:25.679 --> 00:06:26.679 And a new purpose. 00:06:26.839 --> 00:06:31.359 And if you want to put those headings roughly a third down your helpful sheets, that would be good. 00:06:32.259 --> 00:06:34.139 So firstly, a new temple. 00:06:34.259 --> 00:06:35.739 Let me read again the first verses. 00:06:35.839 --> 00:06:36.899 Verses 4 to 8. 00:06:36.979 --> 00:06:44.419 As you come to him, that is Christ, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him, 00:06:44.799 --> 00:06:50.059 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, 00:06:50.120 --> 00:06:54.579 offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 00:06:54.579 --> 00:06:56.479 For in Scripture it says, 00:06:56.479 --> 00:07:04.500 See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and a precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. 00:07:04.500 --> 00:07:07.500 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. 00:07:07.500 --> 00:07:13.680 Now to those who do not believe, the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. 00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:17.660 And a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. 00:07:18.259 --> 00:07:23.500 They stumble because they disobey the message which is also what they were destined for. 00:07:23.500 --> 00:07:31.160 Now whenever you find a large building site, whether it's for residential or commercial purposes, 00:07:31.779 --> 00:07:37.060 what you usually find at the entrance to that building site are large advertising boards, 00:07:37.579 --> 00:07:40.759 usually with the name of the builder on the outside. 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:45.259 So in England we might have said it's Costain, Balfour Beatty or Barrett Homes. 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:50.000 And I asked Ralph on Friday when we arrived, who are the main builders in Ireland? 00:07:50.159 --> 00:07:52.939 And he said, well there's Pearson, was it McNamara's? 00:07:52.980 --> 00:07:54.879 But unfortunately I think they've both gone bust, have they? 00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:56.420 Which is rather a shame. 00:07:56.560 --> 00:07:58.740 So you're not seeing so many new building sites. 00:07:59.699 --> 00:08:01.180 But that is what happens, isn't it? 00:08:01.219 --> 00:08:06.740 When a building site is happening, you'll see the builder advertising who's doing the construction. 00:08:07.539 --> 00:08:11.740 Well when we look at the church, it's very important we never ever forget who the builder is. 00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:14.319 The builder is God himself. 00:08:14.920 --> 00:08:21.900 From our passage we are told, aren't we, the living stones are being built into a spiritual house. 00:08:22.560 --> 00:08:26.639 The living stones don't build themselves into the living house. 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:27.600 They're being built. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:29.120 Being built by someone else. 00:08:29.199 --> 00:08:30.860 They're being built by God. 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:40.220 And God's first act in the building of this spiritual house is to lay the foundation stone 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:42.980 upon which the whole house stands. 00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:49.220 And that foundation stone is Jesus Christ, we're told, who is chosen and is precious. 00:08:50.360 --> 00:08:54.980 And Peter quotes part of Psalm 118, doesn't he, in verse 6, when he says of Christ, 00:08:55.480 --> 00:09:00.660 he, see, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and a precious cornerstone. 00:09:01.540 --> 00:09:06.040 Now the cornerstone was literally the first stone to be laid. 00:09:06.039 --> 00:09:12.059 It was the stone upon which the rest of the building rested. 00:09:12.879 --> 00:09:18.259 The walls that went out from the stone that way, and the walls that went out that way, 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:24.539 and the walls that went up that way, all rested and depended on that cornerstone. 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:33.699 So basically if you had a wonky cornerstone, you'd end up with a very insecure structure rising up from it. 00:09:33.700 --> 00:09:35.879 The walls wouldn't be in line. 00:09:36.580 --> 00:09:40.500 So the cornerstone is absolutely central to the whole building. 00:09:41.300 --> 00:09:47.940 So Jesus is that chosen and precious cornerstone upon which the spiritual house is built. 00:09:48.840 --> 00:09:50.220 But we read something more of him. 00:09:50.280 --> 00:09:55.100 He wasn't just chosen, he wasn't just precious, he was also rejected by men. 00:09:55.100 --> 00:10:02.860 Now a story probably most of you have heard at some point in the Bible is the parable Jesus tells of the tenants. 00:10:03.899 --> 00:10:07.960 And in that story we read, don't we, how a man planted a vineyard. 00:10:08.540 --> 00:10:11.940 He rented it out to some tenants and he went away, didn't he? 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:16.019 And as with all landlords though, he expected some rent to be paid. 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:21.039 So he sent back from time to time servants to collect the rent from the tenants. 00:10:21.220 --> 00:10:25.679 But of course the tenants beat up the servants and sent them away empty handed. 00:10:26.460 --> 00:10:32.139 Finally the owner of the vineyard thought, well I'll send my son, surely they'll respect him. 00:10:32.980 --> 00:10:37.019 But when the son was coming, the tenants, the wicked tenants, saw the son coming and said, 00:10:37.100 --> 00:10:40.579 well if we kill him, then the vineyard will be ours. 00:10:41.019 --> 00:10:42.480 So that's what they did, wasn't it? 00:10:43.319 --> 00:10:44.939 Well how did the owner react? 00:10:44.940 --> 00:10:49.080 Well Jesus said that the owner would come and he would kill the tenants. 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:51.260 He'd give the vineyard to others. 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:54.200 Well this was of course a parable, a story. 00:10:55.200 --> 00:10:59.920 But then Jesus quoted the very same line that Peter quotes here. 00:11:00.660 --> 00:11:05.760 That the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone or the cornerstone. 00:11:06.640 --> 00:11:12.580 Then we read that the chief priests and teachers of the law looked for a way to arrest Jesus 00:11:12.580 --> 00:11:18.040 because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:24.860 See the parable of the tenants speaks of the fact that Jesus Christ would be rejected by men. 00:11:25.419 --> 00:11:29.480 Just as Peter says in the passage, he would be arrested, he would be beaten, 00:11:29.599 --> 00:11:32.299 he would be nailed to a Roman cross and left to die. 00:11:33.719 --> 00:11:35.439 Man would do this wicked thing. 00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:42.940 But his death in God's bigger scheme of things was integral, wasn't it, to the building of the spiritual house. 00:11:43.800 --> 00:11:47.880 His death was God's way of dealing with sin as we've sung already this morning. 00:11:48.380 --> 00:11:56.480 And the proof that his death was sufficient to deal with sin was that God raised his son to life again on the third day. 00:11:56.480 --> 00:12:01.320 Hence Peter describes Jesus here as the living stone. 00:12:02.019 --> 00:12:04.740 The one who died but the one who rose again. 00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:12.019 And it is on this crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ that the building is erected. 00:12:12.100 --> 00:12:14.519 The spiritual house is built. 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:20.100 And who are the living stones that become a part of the spiritual house? 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:24.480 Well the identity of the living stones runs right through the passage. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:25.840 Look firstly at verse 4. 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:28.399 As you come to him. 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:32.480 Secondly in verse 6 as part of the quotation from Psalm 118. 00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:35.639 The one who trusts in him. 00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:38.740 And thirdly in verse 7. 00:12:39.019 --> 00:12:40.740 Now to you who believe. 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:43.920 That could be now to you who believe in him. 00:12:45.080 --> 00:12:48.480 See to be a part of the new temple or the spiritual house. 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:55.460 To be like living stones depends entirely upon putting your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:13:01.560 See when we put our faith in him we become like living stones because we're born again. 00:13:02.420 --> 00:13:03.420 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:13:03.539 --> 00:13:05.500 Peter said this in chapter 1 verse 3. 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:08.180 He's given us new birth into a living hope. 00:13:08.279 --> 00:13:09.639 And chapter 1 verse 23. 00:13:10.039 --> 00:13:12.320 For you have been born again. 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:16.800 So God's building this new temple. 00:13:16.980 --> 00:13:19.000 He's building this spiritual house. 00:13:19.640 --> 00:13:21.640 And it's built upon the living stone. 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:22.840 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:23.240 --> 00:13:25.640 And we become a part of the spiritual house. 00:13:25.800 --> 00:13:28.740 Once we put our faith in him. 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:30.540 The living stone. 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:31.580 Jesus Christ. 00:13:32.440 --> 00:13:34.420 Now let me apply this in a couple of ways. 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:35.820 Firstly to Christians. 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:39.220 Who maybe like these first readers of this letter. 00:13:39.220 --> 00:13:44.779 Are perhaps suffering and being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:49.700 See when opposition against God and his people is raging. 00:13:49.920 --> 00:13:55.080 It would be quite easy wouldn't it to think that somehow God's put on hold the building process. 00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:59.620 But the reality is nothing can stop God building his church. 00:13:59.759 --> 00:14:01.019 Jesus said didn't he one day. 00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:05.639 I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. 00:14:06.500 --> 00:14:07.700 It's very interesting isn't it. 00:14:07.700 --> 00:14:08.860 In the parts of the world. 00:14:09.400 --> 00:14:14.300 Often where the persecution and the opposition to God's people is most intense. 00:14:14.300 --> 00:14:17.720 Are the places where the church is growing most. 00:14:20.160 --> 00:14:20.680 Clearly. 00:14:21.140 --> 00:14:22.040 And most strongly. 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:23.900 So that's the first thing. 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:25.560 This should be an encouragement to us. 00:14:25.780 --> 00:14:26.800 That when we face opposition. 00:14:27.300 --> 00:14:29.920 Nothing can stop the building of the spiritual house. 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:31.200 Secondly. 00:14:31.340 --> 00:14:33.280 To a person who's not yet a Christian. 00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:37.300 There's no way of ignoring the living stone. 00:14:37.700 --> 00:14:41.500 He's either the stone who is your eternal security. 00:14:42.300 --> 00:14:43.620 Or he is the stone. 00:14:44.300 --> 00:14:46.640 That you will stumble and fall over. 00:14:47.520 --> 00:14:49.520 The passage makes very clear doesn't it. 00:14:49.520 --> 00:14:51.660 That some will put their faith in him. 00:14:51.800 --> 00:14:53.460 And will not be put to shame. 00:14:54.300 --> 00:14:56.200 But others who do not believe. 00:14:56.300 --> 00:14:57.180 We're told. 00:14:57.580 --> 00:14:59.660 Will stumble because they disobey the message. 00:14:59.840 --> 00:15:01.780 Which is also what they're destined for. 00:15:01.779 --> 00:15:04.699 See to not believe. 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:06.939 To disobey the message. 00:15:06.939 --> 00:15:07.879 It's the same thing. 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:10.139 Is actually to reject the gospel. 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:12.199 It's to reject the only one. 00:15:12.439 --> 00:15:13.939 Who is your hope. 00:15:14.959 --> 00:15:15.819 The living stone. 00:15:15.939 --> 00:15:16.740 Jesus Christ. 00:15:17.339 --> 00:15:19.959 Now you may think that there's sort of some middle ground. 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:21.240 That you can occupy. 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:23.419 A sort of a neutral zone. 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:26.240 A place where you can sort of stay on the fence. 00:15:26.819 --> 00:15:28.259 With regard to Jesus. 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:28.460 Jesus. 00:15:29.279 --> 00:15:31.000 I sometimes say to our church. 00:15:31.100 --> 00:15:32.360 You know when it comes to Jesus. 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:33.659 You can't be Switzerland. 00:15:34.460 --> 00:15:36.360 You cannot remain neutral. 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:39.419 He is either your eternal security. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:42.019 Or he is the stone. 00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:43.460 Upon which you will stumble. 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:44.860 And fall. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.840 So that's the first thing. 00:15:48.819 --> 00:15:49.600 He is building. 00:15:50.299 --> 00:15:51.919 A new temple. 00:15:52.120 --> 00:15:53.500 A new spiritual house. 00:15:54.659 --> 00:15:55.179 Secondly. 00:15:55.179 --> 00:15:57.959 What of our new identity. 00:15:58.299 --> 00:15:59.439 As living stones. 00:16:00.679 --> 00:16:01.799 Well foundational. 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:03.819 To the life of God's people. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:04.919 Throughout the Old Testament. 00:16:05.079 --> 00:16:05.919 You'll probably know this. 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:08.000 Was the tent of meeting. 00:16:08.159 --> 00:16:09.000 Or the tabernacle. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:11.519 Which later became a more permanent structure. 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.339 In the temple. 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:14.199 And this was the place. 00:16:14.339 --> 00:16:15.919 Where God presenced himself. 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:17.939 In a cloud. 00:16:18.699 --> 00:16:20.539 Known as his Shekinah glory. 00:16:20.679 --> 00:16:22.079 There over the mercy seat. 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:23.319 In the Holy of Holies. 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:25.520 But now. 00:16:25.660 --> 00:16:27.000 God has revealed himself. 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:27.740 Personally. 00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:28.220 Hasn't he? 00:16:28.280 --> 00:16:29.720 In his son. 00:16:30.060 --> 00:16:31.300 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:34.080 And he has made his dwelling among us. 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:36.320 He's taken up residence. 00:16:36.320 --> 00:16:36.780 As well. 00:16:36.920 --> 00:16:37.379 In us. 00:16:37.480 --> 00:16:38.540 By his Holy Spirit. 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:40.960 That's why we have no need. 00:16:41.420 --> 00:16:43.100 For that physical temple. 00:16:43.580 --> 00:16:44.280 That building. 00:16:44.700 --> 00:16:45.780 We have become. 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:47.220 A new temple. 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:49.340 A spiritual house. 00:16:50.020 --> 00:16:51.000 And very prominent. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:52.299 In the old temple. 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.620 Were the priests. 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:54.179 Weren't they? 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:55.679 They were the men. 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:57.100 Who were the ones. 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:58.299 Permitted by the law. 00:16:58.399 --> 00:16:59.100 To conduct. 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:00.399 The various practices. 00:17:00.399 --> 00:17:01.480 There in the temple. 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:02.679 Particularly. 00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:04.619 The sacrificial practices. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:07.420 So it should come as no surprise. 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:08.700 That if there's no need. 00:17:08.779 --> 00:17:10.160 For the temple. 00:17:10.160 --> 00:17:10.839 Any longer. 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:12.720 There's also no need. 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:14.660 For the priesthood. 00:17:15.839 --> 00:17:16.759 And twice. 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:18.119 In this morning's passage. 00:17:18.119 --> 00:17:19.239 It's interesting. 00:17:19.239 --> 00:17:20.619 How we are described. 00:17:21.239 --> 00:17:22.359 The new spiritual house. 00:17:22.479 --> 00:17:23.279 The living stones. 00:17:23.779 --> 00:17:25.059 Look with me at verse 5. 00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:26.439 You also. 00:17:26.879 --> 00:17:28.239 This is our new identity. 00:17:28.699 --> 00:17:29.219 You also. 00:17:29.479 --> 00:17:30.379 Like living stones. 00:17:30.639 --> 00:17:31.819 Are being built. 00:17:32.459 --> 00:17:34.139 Into a spiritual house. 00:17:34.259 --> 00:17:34.739 To be. 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:36.739 A holy priesthood. 00:17:37.739 --> 00:17:38.739 Also look further down. 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.419 At verse 9. 00:17:39.939 --> 00:17:42.000 But you are a chosen people. 00:17:42.359 --> 00:17:43.959 A royal priesthood. 00:17:44.459 --> 00:17:45.479 A holy nation. 00:17:45.479 --> 00:17:46.059 A people. 00:17:46.459 --> 00:17:47.759 Belonging to God. 00:17:48.619 --> 00:17:50.519 So those who've put their faith. 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:51.879 In the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:53.879 And have this new identity. 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:56.579 They are the new priesthood. 00:17:57.139 --> 00:17:57.579 Holy. 00:17:58.259 --> 00:17:59.000 And royal. 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:01.799 Now I quite often get asked. 00:18:02.159 --> 00:18:03.319 Are you a priest? 00:18:03.819 --> 00:18:04.599 And up until now. 00:18:04.679 --> 00:18:05.539 I've always answered. 00:18:05.639 --> 00:18:06.779 No I'm not a priest. 00:18:07.119 --> 00:18:08.219 But I think from now on. 00:18:08.279 --> 00:18:08.899 I'm going to answer. 00:18:09.059 --> 00:18:09.979 Yes and no. 00:18:11.439 --> 00:18:11.879 You see. 00:18:12.099 --> 00:18:13.659 Yes I am a priest. 00:18:13.660 --> 00:18:13.860 Christ. 00:18:14.540 --> 00:18:17.040 In that as a follower of Jesus Christ. 00:18:17.040 --> 00:18:18.660 Along with each other. 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:21.160 We are set apart aren't we? 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:22.480 We are a priesthood. 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:23.519 Holy. 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.019 And royal. 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:27.440 In that we serve the king of kings. 00:18:28.380 --> 00:18:29.840 So perhaps look around. 00:18:29.839 --> 00:18:31.220 At your fellow priesthood. 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:32.839 There we are. 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:35.139 But no I'm not a priest. 00:18:35.419 --> 00:18:36.599 And this is often the question. 00:18:36.599 --> 00:18:37.539 Behind the question. 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:39.039 No I'm not a priest. 00:18:39.139 --> 00:18:40.899 If by that people think. 00:18:41.079 --> 00:18:43.039 I'm operating as some sort of mediator. 00:18:43.439 --> 00:18:44.559 Or intermediary. 00:18:44.659 --> 00:18:46.099 Between people and God. 00:18:46.839 --> 00:18:48.299 Someone who has the hotline. 00:18:49.179 --> 00:18:50.699 The scriptures make very clear. 00:18:50.799 --> 00:18:52.559 There is only one such priest. 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:55.099 And that is our great high priest. 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:56.119 Jesus Christ. 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:59.319 Through whom we all have access. 00:19:00.099 --> 00:19:00.639 To God. 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:02.000 And that's great joy isn't it. 00:19:02.019 --> 00:19:02.519 To us. 00:19:03.719 --> 00:19:05.379 But Peter doesn't limit himself. 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:07.019 To just describing Christians. 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:08.519 As a holy and a royal priesthood. 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:09.859 He calls us doesn't he. 00:19:09.879 --> 00:19:10.939 A chosen people. 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:12.219 A holy nation. 00:19:12.219 --> 00:19:13.859 A people belonging to God. 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:18.019 I wonder are these just sort of random descriptions. 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.639 That Peter is using. 00:19:19.919 --> 00:19:21.899 Of the spiritual house. 00:19:21.939 --> 00:19:22.559 Of Christians. 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:24.500 Well incredibly. 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.400 And it is incredibly. 00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:25.880 Incredibly. 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:27.359 Peter is using here. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:29.740 Words to describe. 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:31.660 The church. 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:33.180 That God had used. 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:34.059 To describe. 00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:36.099 His Old Testament people. 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.460 Hear these words. 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.279 From the book of Exodus. 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.640 This is the Lord to Moses. 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:42.740 This is what you were to say. 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:43.900 To the house of Jacob. 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:45.660 And what you were to tell. 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:46.759 The people of Israel. 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:48.480 You yourselves. 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:49.900 Have seen what I did in Egypt. 00:19:50.319 --> 00:19:51.579 And how I carried you. 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:52.500 On eagle's wings. 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:54.180 And brought you to my cell. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.500 Now. 00:19:55.599 --> 00:19:56.940 If you obey me fully. 00:19:57.500 --> 00:19:58.799 And keep my covenant. 00:19:59.140 --> 00:20:00.519 Then out of all nations. 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:02.960 You will be my treasured possession. 00:20:03.619 --> 00:20:04.819 Although the whole earth. 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:06.099 Is mine. 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:07.039 You will be for me. 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:08.259 A kingdom of priests. 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:10.240 And a holy nation. 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:12.680 Could you see the similarity? 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:14.980 We're a treasured possession. 00:20:15.660 --> 00:20:17.019 A kingdom of priests. 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:18.119 A holy nation. 00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:20.399 But did you also notice. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.540 Is the conditional nature. 00:20:21.540 --> 00:20:22.220 Of the promise. 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:23.500 The Lord made to Moses. 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:24.600 Now. 00:20:24.800 --> 00:20:26.780 If you obey me fully. 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:28.880 Then out of all nations. 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:29.180 So. 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:30.320 It seems conditional. 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:30.820 Doesn't it? 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:32.960 That if they obey him fully. 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:34.660 Then they will be a treasured possession. 00:20:34.780 --> 00:20:35.480 A chosen people. 00:20:35.560 --> 00:20:36.180 And so on. 00:20:37.400 --> 00:20:39.280 But there are no such conditions. 00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:40.680 Applying to us. 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:41.040 Are there? 00:20:41.040 --> 00:20:41.920 From first Peter. 00:20:42.840 --> 00:20:43.880 Peter's not saying. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.920 That we're a chosen people. 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:45.759 A royal priesthood. 00:20:45.800 --> 00:20:46.539 A holy nation. 00:20:46.840 --> 00:20:47.960 A people belonging to God. 00:20:48.039 --> 00:20:49.340 If we obey the law. 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:51.160 There's none of that there. 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:53.000 So why the difference? 00:20:53.120 --> 00:20:54.980 Is God applying different standards. 00:20:55.620 --> 00:20:57.279 To his people in the Old Testament. 00:20:57.420 --> 00:20:57.880 And the New. 00:20:58.840 --> 00:21:00.800 Well the difference is once again. 00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:01.440 Christ. 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:04.060 See Jesus succeeded. 00:21:04.060 --> 00:21:05.779 In fulfilling the law. 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:07.200 Where Israel failed. 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:10.300 He perfectly kept the law. 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:12.480 He perfectly obeyed his father. 00:21:12.819 --> 00:21:14.139 And he did it for them. 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.460 And he did it for us. 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:19.460 He was the one who lived the perfect life. 00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:20.799 That Israel could not. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:22.059 And we can't. 00:21:23.099 --> 00:21:24.859 So the Old Testament believer. 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:27.519 Could not be saved by their own law keeping. 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:30.279 And neither can the New Testament believer. 00:21:31.259 --> 00:21:33.019 They look forward in faith. 00:21:33.419 --> 00:21:35.299 To the perfect life of Jesus. 00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:37.659 And we look back in faith. 00:21:38.659 --> 00:21:39.919 To the same one. 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:42.180 And in verse 10. 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:44.740 Peter brings this marvelous truth home. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.659 To his readers. 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:48.680 By reminding them of what God has done for them. 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:49.980 In Christ. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:52.899 These are some of my favorite verses in the whole Bible. 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:53.659 When he says this. 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:55.419 Once you were not a people. 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:57.559 But now you are. 00:21:57.859 --> 00:21:59.059 The people of God. 00:21:59.919 --> 00:22:01.740 Once you'd not received mercy. 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:03.299 But now you have. 00:22:04.139 --> 00:22:05.180 Received mercy. 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:08.200 And just cast your eyes across the page. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.820 To chapter 1 verse 18. 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.320 He says this. 00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:14.320 For you know that it was not with perishable things. 00:22:14.440 --> 00:22:15.779 Such as silver or gold. 00:22:15.860 --> 00:22:16.900 That you were redeemed. 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:20.160 From the empty way of life handed down to you. 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:21.299 From your forefathers. 00:22:22.360 --> 00:22:24.799 He describes their pre-Christian existence. 00:22:25.299 --> 00:22:27.400 As an empty way of life. 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:29.700 See an empty life. 00:22:29.780 --> 00:22:31.220 It smacks of futility. 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:31.780 Doesn't it? 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:33.880 It smacks of meaninglessness. 00:22:35.340 --> 00:22:37.519 And then in chapter 4 verse 3. 00:22:37.780 --> 00:22:38.500 He says this. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:40.880 For you've spent enough time in the past. 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:43.200 Doing what the pagans choose to do. 00:22:43.920 --> 00:22:44.500 Living in debauchery. 00:22:45.280 --> 00:22:45.680 Lust. 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:46.640 Drunkenness. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:47.299 Orgies. 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.019 Carousing. 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:50.720 And detestable idolatry. 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:52.440 And then the next verse. 00:22:52.560 --> 00:22:53.480 This old life. 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:56.960 Is described as a flood of dissipation. 00:22:57.820 --> 00:22:58.680 Now dissipation. 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.720 Again it describes. 00:23:00.060 --> 00:23:01.960 A futile and an aimless. 00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:03.740 Wasting away of something. 00:23:05.200 --> 00:23:07.320 Now if you're a follower of Christ. 00:23:07.580 --> 00:23:09.140 As I'm sure many of you are. 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:11.080 Then there was a time. 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:12.759 When you were not. 00:23:13.080 --> 00:23:14.320 It's quite a pointed question. 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:15.339 By Johnny this morning. 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:16.099 To my wife. 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:18.740 Have you always been a Christian? 00:23:19.679 --> 00:23:20.819 The answer was no. 00:23:21.879 --> 00:23:22.480 There was a time. 00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:23.919 When she didn't know Christ. 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:26.220 There was a time. 00:23:26.379 --> 00:23:27.299 When she and I. 00:23:27.399 --> 00:23:28.000 And you too. 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:29.859 Did not know him. 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:31.779 And had not received his mercy. 00:23:32.339 --> 00:23:33.460 A time when we lived. 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.779 Under the condemnation. 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:35.980 Of our sin. 00:23:36.919 --> 00:23:37.839 Now for some of us. 00:23:37.899 --> 00:23:39.700 Our pre-Christian lives. 00:23:39.939 --> 00:23:41.960 Were morally fairly respectable. 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:44.079 But for others of us. 00:23:44.079 --> 00:23:45.699 And I'd certainly include myself. 00:23:46.879 --> 00:23:48.699 My pre-Christian life. 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.559 Was more akin. 00:23:50.359 --> 00:23:52.579 To the readers of Peter's first letter. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.759 I did spend enough time. 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:56.500 Quite enough time in the past. 00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:59.179 Doing all sorts of stupid things. 00:23:59.519 --> 00:24:00.799 And ungodly things. 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.899 But the scale of our immorality. 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:04.819 Is not the issue. 00:24:05.659 --> 00:24:06.720 What we're to celebrate. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:09.039 Is the fact that God chose. 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:10.619 To rescue us. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.940 From that meaninglessness. 00:24:13.159 --> 00:24:14.920 From that wasted life. 00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:17.420 So the second point. 00:24:17.659 --> 00:24:18.539 First point is. 00:24:18.619 --> 00:24:20.799 Is that we are a new temple. 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:22.099 We are a spiritual house. 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:23.980 The second is our new identity. 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:26.299 And we can be confident. 00:24:27.420 --> 00:24:30.240 Because of what God has done for us in Christ. 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:33.079 I have been chosen by him. 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:34.779 And I belong to him. 00:24:35.819 --> 00:24:37.640 There was a time when I wasn't. 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:38.680 But now I am. 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:41.960 And no one and nothing can rob me. 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.120 Of that. 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:45.539 This is my new identity. 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:47.819 Again. 00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:48.920 Let me just apply this. 00:24:49.140 --> 00:24:50.859 In a fairly simple way. 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:52.620 About four years ago. 00:24:52.620 --> 00:24:54.900 I was looking through my emails. 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:56.280 I have looked through them since. 00:24:56.380 --> 00:24:57.300 You'll be relieved to know. 00:24:58.040 --> 00:25:00.420 And I received one from our bank. 00:25:00.560 --> 00:25:02.440 We still had a bank in the United States. 00:25:02.580 --> 00:25:03.800 Where we used to live. 00:25:04.320 --> 00:25:06.100 And I've maintained an account there. 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:08.519 And the email from the bank. 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:10.000 Looks totally legitimate. 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:11.920 And so I answered it. 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:14.280 I provided them with all the information. 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:15.200 They were asking for. 00:25:15.280 --> 00:25:15.560 Anyway. 00:25:15.840 --> 00:25:16.740 About a week later. 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:18.600 I happened to be out in the States. 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:20.560 At our old branch. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.740 Checking some things. 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:24.860 And the man behind the counter. 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:25.460 He said. 00:25:25.900 --> 00:25:27.620 He had asked me. 00:25:27.700 --> 00:25:28.800 Where I've come from. 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:29.060 I said. 00:25:29.100 --> 00:25:30.280 Well I've just arrived this morning. 00:25:30.360 --> 00:25:31.180 And so on and so forth. 00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:33.060 And then he looked at the screen. 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:34.700 And he looked rather perplexed. 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:34.980 He said. 00:25:35.040 --> 00:25:35.240 Well. 00:25:36.080 --> 00:25:38.540 There's two maximum withdrawals. 00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:39.860 From an ATM machine. 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:41.880 In West Virginia last week. 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:43.259 Was that you? 00:25:43.340 --> 00:25:43.759 And I said. 00:25:43.800 --> 00:25:44.600 No it wasn't. 00:25:44.600 --> 00:25:46.200 I've never been to West Virginia. 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:47.340 And he said. 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:47.660 Oh. 00:25:48.080 --> 00:25:49.180 I guessed as much. 00:25:50.100 --> 00:25:50.500 You see. 00:25:50.620 --> 00:25:51.280 That email. 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:53.019 Was complete bogus email. 00:25:53.019 --> 00:25:56.619 It was people wanting all my information. 00:25:56.619 --> 00:25:58.859 Which I freely provided for them. 00:25:58.960 --> 00:26:00.079 And I will never again. 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:02.559 It was a scam. 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:04.799 Someone had stolen what? 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.680 My identity. 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:10.259 And they profited from it. 00:26:10.820 --> 00:26:11.580 But you know what. 00:26:11.620 --> 00:26:12.620 There's someone else. 00:26:12.620 --> 00:26:15.240 Who is in the identity theft business. 00:26:15.860 --> 00:26:17.980 He's not interested in your bank accounts. 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:19.640 That person is Satan. 00:26:20.779 --> 00:26:22.940 Few things Satan wants more. 00:26:23.660 --> 00:26:25.840 Than to rob us of believing. 00:26:26.400 --> 00:26:27.580 That in Christ. 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:29.620 We have a new identity. 00:26:29.619 --> 00:26:31.500 He wants us. 00:26:31.500 --> 00:26:31.879 You see. 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:33.439 To feel condemned. 00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:35.139 He wants us. 00:26:35.139 --> 00:26:35.899 To wallow. 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:36.959 In self pity. 00:26:37.439 --> 00:26:38.099 He wants us. 00:26:38.159 --> 00:26:38.699 To doubt. 00:26:38.859 --> 00:26:39.579 God's goodness. 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:40.739 And God's grace. 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:41.659 He wants us. 00:26:41.699 --> 00:26:42.239 To believe. 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.399 He rather. 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.359 Does not want us. 00:26:44.399 --> 00:26:44.859 To believe. 00:26:44.959 --> 00:26:45.719 That in Christ. 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.139 I and you. 00:26:47.219 --> 00:26:48.559 Are a new creation. 00:26:48.699 --> 00:26:49.699 The old has gone. 00:26:50.339 --> 00:26:51.579 And the new has come. 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:53.739 And sometimes. 00:26:53.939 --> 00:26:55.079 He does a pretty good job. 00:26:55.079 --> 00:26:55.599 Doesn't he? 00:26:56.099 --> 00:26:57.059 At robbing us. 00:26:57.759 --> 00:26:58.919 Of that security. 00:26:58.920 --> 00:26:59.700 Of robbing us. 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:01.259 Of that new identity. 00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:04.340 So we're a new temple. 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:05.519 We are being built. 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:07.060 Into a spiritual house. 00:27:07.660 --> 00:27:09.560 And we have a new identity. 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:11.360 In Christ. 00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:12.100 Lastly. 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:14.039 We have a new purpose. 00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:15.420 For our lives. 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:17.480 And this is really. 00:27:17.560 --> 00:27:18.920 Verses 9 and 10. 00:27:19.580 --> 00:27:20.820 Think back to the priests. 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:21.940 There in the temple. 00:27:23.460 --> 00:27:24.980 One of their major roles. 00:27:25.100 --> 00:27:25.440 Wasn't it? 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.420 It was the offering. 00:27:26.420 --> 00:27:27.519 Of sacrifices. 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:28.980 And if you want. 00:27:29.059 --> 00:27:29.839 To read about. 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:30.940 What the Old Testament. 00:27:31.160 --> 00:27:32.220 Priests did. 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:34.119 Then maybe this afternoon. 00:27:34.359 --> 00:27:34.879 Curl up. 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:35.960 With a cup of coffee. 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:36.500 Or tea. 00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:37.460 And read. 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:38.599 The book of Leviticus. 00:27:39.599 --> 00:27:40.400 And if you get. 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:40.960 To the end of it. 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:41.420 And you wonder. 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:41.980 What on earth. 00:27:42.059 --> 00:27:42.759 Was all that about? 00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:43.960 Then turn to the New Testament. 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:45.039 And read the book of Hebrews. 00:27:45.119 --> 00:27:45.920 Because that will make. 00:27:46.359 --> 00:27:46.720 Sense. 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.819 Of all that you've read. 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.579 Because here you'll read. 00:27:49.639 --> 00:27:50.200 That the old. 00:27:50.440 --> 00:27:51.500 Sacrificial system. 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:53.160 Detailed for you. 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:53.940 In Leviticus. 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:55.720 Was based upon. 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:57.039 The sacrifice of animals. 00:27:57.680 --> 00:27:59.160 And it could never truly. 00:27:59.360 --> 00:28:00.700 Deal with the hearts. 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:01.700 Of the worshippers. 00:28:02.640 --> 00:28:03.400 It was. 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:04.480 God's plan. 00:28:05.080 --> 00:28:05.519 Initially. 00:28:05.920 --> 00:28:06.680 But it was a plan. 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.680 That pointed forward. 00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:10.120 To the ultimate sacrifice. 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:11.759 Who would come. 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:13.600 Who would be able to deal. 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:14.380 With the hearts. 00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:15.180 And consciences. 00:28:15.820 --> 00:28:16.580 Of people. 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.960 That of course. 00:28:17.960 --> 00:28:19.039 Is Jesus Christ. 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:20.799 And how he laid down. 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:21.320 His life. 00:28:21.400 --> 00:28:22.299 And shed his blood. 00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:23.859 For us. 00:28:25.159 --> 00:28:25.919 So it shouldn't be. 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:27.220 It shouldn't surprise us. 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:27.539 Should it. 00:28:27.899 --> 00:28:28.099 If. 00:28:28.379 --> 00:28:29.000 There is no need. 00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:30.279 For the old temple anymore. 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:31.919 And that we're being built into the. 00:28:32.399 --> 00:28:33.259 New temple. 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:34.919 The spiritual house. 00:28:35.159 --> 00:28:35.740 There's no need. 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:37.000 For the old priesthood anymore. 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:38.220 Because we have become. 00:28:38.399 --> 00:28:38.500 This. 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:40.240 This holy and royal priesthood. 00:28:40.440 --> 00:28:41.279 There is no need. 00:28:41.339 --> 00:28:43.039 For the old sacrifices anymore. 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:46.539 But there is a sacrifice. 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:48.039 That it does take place. 00:28:48.159 --> 00:28:48.720 Verse five. 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.720 You also. 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:51.299 Like living stones. 00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:52.059 Are being built. 00:28:52.059 --> 00:28:53.339 Into a spiritual house. 00:28:53.339 --> 00:28:55.059 To be a holy priesthood. 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:56.720 What's our sacrifice? 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:59.059 Offering spiritual sacrifices. 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:01.000 Acceptable to God. 00:29:01.139 --> 00:29:02.399 Through Jesus Christ. 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:04.200 So what are. 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.579 Spiritual sacrifices. 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:06.720 Acceptable to God. 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:07.879 Through Jesus Christ. 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:08.879 What do they look like? 00:29:09.399 --> 00:29:10.099 Well thankfully. 00:29:10.859 --> 00:29:12.319 We haven't got a guess about it. 00:29:12.359 --> 00:29:13.759 Or brainstorm the subject. 00:29:14.099 --> 00:29:15.319 Verse nine tells us. 00:29:16.200 --> 00:29:17.659 You are a chosen people. 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.759 A royal priesthood. 00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:19.599 A holy nation. 00:29:19.919 --> 00:29:21.399 A people belonging to God. 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:22.140 And here it is. 00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:26.420 That you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness. 00:29:26.620 --> 00:29:28.820 Into his marvellous lights. 00:29:30.019 --> 00:29:31.660 So the sacrifice. 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:34.580 That all of God's people offer to him now. 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.840 Is not killing animals. 00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:37.640 And sprinkling things with blood. 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:40.660 But it is the sacrifice of praise. 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:44.980 It is doing in part what we have been doing here together. 00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:47.100 Singing God's glory. 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:48.560 Praising his name. 00:29:50.120 --> 00:29:52.820 Now this isn't just a New Testament concept. 00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:54.940 Isaiah says this in chapter 43. 00:29:54.940 --> 00:29:57.420 The people I form for myself. 00:29:57.660 --> 00:30:00.080 That they may proclaim my praise. 00:30:00.079 --> 00:30:02.379 The writer to the Hebrews says. 00:30:02.379 --> 00:30:03.279 Through Jesus. 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:03.359 Through Jesus. 00:30:03.359 --> 00:30:05.119 Therefore let us continually. 00:30:05.339 --> 00:30:08.419 Offer to God a sacrifice of praise. 00:30:08.699 --> 00:30:10.980 The fruit of lips that confess. 00:30:11.399 --> 00:30:12.399 His name. 00:30:13.679 --> 00:30:16.720 So God's people are delighting in him. 00:30:16.819 --> 00:30:19.159 Because of what he has done for us. 00:30:19.359 --> 00:30:20.220 In Christ. 00:30:20.220 --> 00:30:24.180 Calling us out of the darkness of our old lives. 00:30:24.180 --> 00:30:26.140 Where it was futile and meaningless. 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:30.700 Bringing us into the light of his son. 00:30:30.880 --> 00:30:32.140 Filling us with his spirit. 00:30:32.140 --> 00:30:36.200 And giving us a new purpose for our very existence here on earth. 00:30:36.839 --> 00:30:39.140 That we would declare God's praises. 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:42.720 What does it look like to declare God's praises? 00:30:42.860 --> 00:30:44.700 Well we declare God's praises alone. 00:30:45.940 --> 00:30:47.779 And we declare God's praises together. 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:51.259 We can declare God's praises as God's people. 00:30:51.420 --> 00:30:52.539 And in some instances. 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:54.759 Non-Christians within earshot. 00:30:54.879 --> 00:30:55.759 Can be impacted. 00:30:56.180 --> 00:30:58.500 By God's people declaring God's praises. 00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.240 And worshipping. 00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:01.440 We can declare God's praises. 00:31:01.440 --> 00:31:03.660 When we share the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:31:03.660 --> 00:31:04.740 With someone else. 00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:08.299 We can declare God's praises in prayer to God. 00:31:08.920 --> 00:31:10.500 In our speech to one another. 00:31:11.180 --> 00:31:13.480 And in the songs of worship that we sing. 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:15.660 And we can declare God's praises. 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:17.119 By the very manner in which. 00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:18.839 We live our lives. 00:31:19.339 --> 00:31:20.599 As Paul tells the Romans. 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:22.739 Therefore brothers in view of God's mercy. 00:31:23.159 --> 00:31:25.839 To offer your bodies as living sacrifices. 00:31:26.279 --> 00:31:27.539 Holy and pleasing to God. 00:31:27.619 --> 00:31:30.000 This is your spiritual act of worship. 00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:33.159 So the very offering up of our lives to God. 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:36.519 Is a declaration of praise to him. 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:41.699 Now these are all ways that we can declare God's praises. 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:42.839 But I wonder. 00:31:43.239 --> 00:31:43.939 I'll end with this. 00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:44.620 How? 00:31:45.360 --> 00:31:49.279 How can we be a people that want to declare God's praises? 00:31:50.059 --> 00:31:56.400 How can we be a people that don't want to conform to the world around us? 00:31:56.519 --> 00:32:02.420 How can we be a people from whom the good news of Jesus Christ spills out? 00:32:02.420 --> 00:32:16.200 How can we be a people that delights in Christ? 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:19.279 That it is visible and evident to others. 00:32:19.380 --> 00:32:20.960 Would you like to be a people like that? 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:22.820 I know I'd like to be a person like that. 00:32:23.300 --> 00:32:23.900 I know I might. 00:32:24.140 --> 00:32:26.320 The church at home would like to be like that. 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:30.539 Well look at the very first five words of this morning's passage. 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:32.220 Because I think there's our clue. 00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:35.259 If you have your own Bible in front of you. 00:32:35.379 --> 00:32:38.720 Feel free to underline those first five words. 00:32:39.899 --> 00:32:42.419 As you come to him. 00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:46.399 As you come to him. 00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:51.340 See these first five words are not just the way into the Christian life. 00:32:51.580 --> 00:32:53.860 But they're the way on in the Christian life. 00:32:55.040 --> 00:32:59.200 We don't simply come to Jesus as saviour and lord in repentance and faith. 00:32:59.580 --> 00:33:00.780 Once and that's it. 00:33:01.860 --> 00:33:07.480 But the whole Christian life is continually a process of coming to him. 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:12.500 And the reason why many of us live sort of substandard Christian lives. 00:33:13.940 --> 00:33:17.940 We lay ourselves continually open to the attacks of the enemy. 00:33:18.099 --> 00:33:19.900 And his arrows do hit home. 00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:24.900 Is that we don't come to him regularly. 00:33:26.079 --> 00:33:28.299 We need to learn to savour him. 00:33:28.779 --> 00:33:30.880 We need to learn to delight in him. 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:35.400 We need to learn to treasure him more than anything else. 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:42.180 And when we allow our minds and our hearts to be renewed by the truth of who he is. 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:43.440 What he has done. 00:33:43.820 --> 00:33:46.460 And the reality of who I am in him. 00:33:47.620 --> 00:33:51.120 Then it is far harder for the enemy's arrows to hit home. 00:33:51.600 --> 00:33:52.980 They will just bounce off. 00:33:56.120 --> 00:33:58.900 Now when I preached on this passage a few weeks back. 00:33:59.460 --> 00:34:03.640 I happened to say to people the first thing in the morning I do is make coffee. 00:34:03.640 --> 00:34:05.480 Probably like some of you. 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:06.780 I sit down. 00:34:06.860 --> 00:34:08.140 I try to have a bit of a quiet time. 00:34:08.160 --> 00:34:08.700 And I joked. 00:34:08.800 --> 00:34:11.119 I said what I need is a mug that says. 00:34:11.920 --> 00:34:13.260 As you come to him. 00:34:14.200 --> 00:34:17.500 And do you know about ten days ago I found in our porch at home. 00:34:17.640 --> 00:34:19.559 Someone had left a little box. 00:34:19.960 --> 00:34:21.360 And in it was a white mug. 00:34:21.860 --> 00:34:23.360 With five words on it. 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:25.160 As you come to him. 00:34:25.200 --> 00:34:26.340 I was going to bring it as a prop. 00:34:26.519 --> 00:34:28.320 But we got on the plane and I said to Cag. 00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:30.500 Blah I've forgotten my prop. 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:33.719 But someone had got a little mug printed. 00:34:33.800 --> 00:34:34.980 As you come to him. 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:38.780 Because that's something we need to do daily isn't it. 00:34:39.780 --> 00:34:41.340 Not as an insurance policy. 00:34:41.480 --> 00:34:43.260 Not as a sort of superstitious thing. 00:34:44.659 --> 00:34:46.940 But as an absolute necessity. 00:34:47.820 --> 00:34:48.920 As we come to him. 00:34:49.300 --> 00:34:50.440 The living stone. 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:55.199 Then we will be built as living stones. 00:34:55.199 --> 00:34:57.659 So we're a new temple. 00:34:57.919 --> 00:34:59.339 We're a spiritual house. 00:34:59.919 --> 00:35:01.219 No need for the old temple. 00:35:02.179 --> 00:35:02.559 It's us. 00:35:02.699 --> 00:35:03.739 We're being built into it. 00:35:03.819 --> 00:35:05.460 We're God's people all around the world. 00:35:06.500 --> 00:35:07.839 No need for the old priesthood. 00:35:08.359 --> 00:35:09.439 We are the priesthood. 00:35:09.519 --> 00:35:10.099 We're royal. 00:35:10.679 --> 00:35:11.439 We're holy. 00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:13.019 We've been set apart by God. 00:35:13.679 --> 00:35:15.379 No need for the old sacrifices. 00:35:17.259 --> 00:35:18.259 New sacrifices. 00:35:18.399 --> 00:35:19.819 A sacrifice of praise. 00:35:21.319 --> 00:35:21.759 Delighting. 00:35:22.419 --> 00:35:22.960 In God. 00:35:22.960 --> 00:35:25.260 Let's pray. 00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:29.720 Dear Lord God. 00:35:29.780 --> 00:35:31.119 We thank you for your truth. 00:35:31.220 --> 00:35:32.240 We thank you for your word. 00:35:32.360 --> 00:35:33.579 We thank you Lord for. 00:35:35.679 --> 00:35:39.000 The fact that Lord you have called us out of darkness. 00:35:39.000 --> 00:35:40.920 Into your most marvellous light. 00:35:41.760 --> 00:35:44.199 Thank you there was a time when we did not know your mercy. 00:35:44.320 --> 00:35:45.119 But now we do. 00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:50.000 Thank you Lord that you've chosen us. 00:35:50.480 --> 00:35:52.300 From before the beginning of time. 00:35:52.960 --> 00:35:58.059 Thank you Lord that you've given us a new reason for living as well. 00:35:59.000 --> 00:36:00.519 That we could delight in you. 00:36:01.440 --> 00:36:02.880 We could marvel at you. 00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:03.860 We could treasure you. 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:07.340 And that Lord we could declare your praises. 00:36:08.599 --> 00:36:11.940 Help us Lord to be a people that delight in you. 00:36:11.940 --> 00:36:13.960 In speech. 00:36:14.559 --> 00:36:15.380 In thought. 00:36:16.159 --> 00:36:17.059 In word. 00:36:17.980 --> 00:36:20.400 By our very lives and how we live them Lord. 00:36:21.200 --> 00:36:23.000 Christ would shine through us. 00:36:24.360 --> 00:36:28.820 And as and when Lord you give us those opportunities to give reason for the hope that we have. 00:36:29.900 --> 00:36:32.019 May we declare with great grace. 00:36:32.260 --> 00:36:34.079 And yet too with great courage. 00:36:34.920 --> 00:36:36.579 That it is Jesus Christ. 00:36:37.300 --> 00:36:38.220 Who is the answer. 00:36:38.219 --> 00:36:40.379 God bless you. 00:36:40.379 --> 00:36:41.139 Our name is Jesus Christ. 00:36:41.139 --> 00:36:41.980 Let us Center for courage. 00:36:44.459 --> 00:36:46.059 The musicians are going to come up. 00:36:46.199 --> 00:36:46.959 Shall I hand back to you Johnny? 00:36:47.179 --> 00:36:48.059 All right. 00:36:48.059 --> 00:36:48.659 Thank you. 00:36:48.679 --> 00:36:48.859 Thank you. 00:36:48.959 --> 00:36:49.579 Thank you. 00:36:50.179 --> 00:36:50.519 Thank you. 00:36:50.819 --> 00:36:51.019 Thank you. 00:36:51.019 --> 00:36:54.539 Thank you. 00:36:56.799 --> 00:37:00.019 Thank you. 00:37:00.079 --> 00:37:00.579 Let us pull. 00:37:00.579 --> 00:37:00.959 Thank you. 00:37:00.959 --> 00:37:02.439 Thank you. 00:37:03.000 --> 00:37:03.099 Thank you. 00:37:03.719 --> 00:37:04.619 Thank you. 00:37:04.619 --> 00:37:05.139 Thank you. 00:37:05.139 --> 00:37:05.179 Thank you. 00:37:05.179 --> 00:37:05.719 Thank you. 00:37:05.719 --> 00:37:06.000 Thank you. 00:37:06.299 --> 00:37:07.079 Thank you. 00:37:07.079 --> 00:37:08.000 Thank you.