WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.060 Philippians chapter 3, it's on page 1180 in the Red Church Bible. 00:00:14.060 --> 00:00:18.260 Philippians chapter 3, starting at verse 4, 4-11. 00:00:23.539 --> 00:00:26.240 Though I myself have reasons for such confidence, 00:00:26.240 --> 00:00:29.300 if anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, 00:00:29.940 --> 00:00:36.200 I have more, circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel of the tribe of Benjamin, 00:00:36.660 --> 00:00:40.740 a Hebrew of Hebrews, in regard to the law a Pharisee, 00:00:40.980 --> 00:00:46.200 as for zeal, persecuting the church, as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 00:00:47.100 --> 00:00:50.939 But whatever was to my profit I now consider lost for the sake of Christ. 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:55.500 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness 00:00:55.500 --> 00:01:00.179 of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. 00:01:00.980 --> 00:01:04.960 I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, 00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:08.040 not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, 00:01:08.579 --> 00:01:10.659 but that which is through faith in Christ, 00:01:11.099 --> 00:01:14.280 the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 00:01:14.280 --> 00:01:17.519 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, 00:01:18.180 --> 00:01:20.659 and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, 00:01:21.019 --> 00:01:22.500 becoming like him in his death, 00:01:22.980 --> 00:01:26.980 so that somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 00:01:26.980 --> 00:01:32.340 And then just moving on to the next chapter, chapter 4, starting verse 9. 00:01:32.340 --> 00:01:39.920 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me, 00:01:40.100 --> 00:01:43.560 put it into practice, and the God of peace will be with you. 00:01:44.820 --> 00:01:48.820 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. 00:01:49.400 --> 00:01:53.820 Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 00:01:54.780 --> 00:01:56.840 I am not saying this because I am in need, 00:01:57.020 --> 00:01:59.980 for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. 00:01:59.980 --> 00:02:04.439 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 00:02:05.020 --> 00:02:08.920 I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, 00:02:09.460 --> 00:02:13.700 whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 00:02:13.939 --> 00:02:16.699 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 00:02:17.819 --> 00:02:19.900 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 00:02:20.860 --> 00:02:22.640 Moreover, as you Philippians know, 00:02:23.659 --> 00:02:26.240 in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, 00:02:26.640 --> 00:02:28.180 when I set out from Macedonia, 00:02:28.180 --> 00:02:31.580 not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, 00:02:31.800 --> 00:02:32.700 except you only. 00:02:33.599 --> 00:02:35.360 For even when I was in Thessalonica, 00:02:35.599 --> 00:02:38.280 you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 00:02:39.540 --> 00:02:41.180 Not that I am looking for a gift, 00:02:41.520 --> 00:02:43.960 but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 00:02:44.520 --> 00:02:46.800 I have received full payment and even more. 00:02:47.319 --> 00:02:48.480 I am amply supplied, 00:02:48.900 --> 00:02:51.960 now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. 00:02:52.600 --> 00:02:53.860 They are a fragrant offering, 00:02:54.180 --> 00:02:55.480 an acceptable sacrifice, 00:02:56.080 --> 00:02:56.920 pleasing to God. 00:02:56.919 --> 00:03:02.119 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 00:03:02.879 --> 00:03:05.359 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. 00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:06.000 Amen. 00:03:07.119 --> 00:03:08.319 We finish there, verse 20. 00:03:09.939 --> 00:03:11.439 I'm going to ask Ralph to come up now. 00:03:12.039 --> 00:03:13.339 Ralph's going to speak to us. 00:03:14.779 --> 00:03:16.099 Just before he does, 00:03:16.259 --> 00:03:17.759 we'll just pray for him. 00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:24.599 Our loving Heavenly Father, 00:03:24.659 --> 00:03:27.879 we just thank you for each person here this morning. 00:03:28.019 --> 00:03:29.319 You know our needs, Lord. 00:03:29.899 --> 00:03:31.459 You know if we're not contented, Lord. 00:03:31.519 --> 00:03:36.060 We just pray that you would help us to learn to be contented in you. 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:38.019 Lord, we pray for Ralph as he speaks, 00:03:38.399 --> 00:03:40.299 that you would anoint him with your Holy Spirit, Lord, 00:03:40.300 --> 00:03:42.500 and would give him the words that you want him to say. 00:03:43.140 --> 00:03:45.560 We just ask these things, Lord Jesus, in your precious name. 00:03:45.860 --> 00:03:46.100 Amen. 00:03:46.100 --> 00:03:46.219 Amen. 00:03:46.219 --> 00:04:08.759 Good morning, everyone. 00:04:09.560 --> 00:04:12.300 Thank you, Ian, for leading this morning and introducing our theme. 00:04:12.300 --> 00:04:18.160 We're going to be looking and focusing in on the verses in chapter 4. 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:20.600 So if you could have your Bibles open. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:24.379 I think that would be a good help as we go through the verses. 00:04:25.180 --> 00:04:27.319 Sorry, that's actually very difficult to see, isn't it? 00:04:28.220 --> 00:04:29.120 Can people read that? 00:04:29.460 --> 00:04:30.160 Just about? 00:04:30.340 --> 00:04:30.580 Okay. 00:04:31.259 --> 00:04:32.560 I'll pick a different color next time. 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:38.120 Okay, so if you could just click on to the next slide. 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:38.540 Thanks, Xavier. 00:04:39.220 --> 00:04:40.240 Okay, that's a bit better. 00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:46.560 How many of you recognize these two verses this morning? 00:04:46.900 --> 00:04:47.639 Are they familiar? 00:04:48.220 --> 00:04:51.019 Are they ones you've come across or heard in different contexts? 00:04:52.280 --> 00:04:55.680 From the section that we're going to be looking at in Philippians chapter 4, 00:04:56.120 --> 00:04:59.680 these are really the two standout verses, aren't they? 00:04:59.699 --> 00:05:02.680 They're the ones that really are easy to latch onto 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:06.680 because they're positive, they're full of hope, they're full of promise. 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:09.540 They're really easy ones to kind of focus in on. 00:05:09.540 --> 00:05:13.240 And indeed, I think they are two of the key verses in this passage. 00:05:13.819 --> 00:05:17.939 But I think one of the reasons why these two verses are so familiar to us 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:22.140 is because they're often quoted publicly by Christians. 00:05:22.320 --> 00:05:24.980 So they're not verses that are just known by us as Christians, 00:05:25.400 --> 00:05:28.700 but they're kind of verses in some ways that are out there. 00:05:29.439 --> 00:05:34.320 Philippians 4.13 is loved by professional sports athletes. 00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:40.319 So sports people love to quote it because it very powerfully associates their sporting success 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:42.839 with their faith in Jesus. 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:44.899 And that's why they'll often quote verse 13. 00:05:45.659 --> 00:05:48.620 And so in the post-match interview, as they quote this verse, 00:05:48.740 --> 00:05:51.420 the meaning that's coming across to people is really this. 00:05:51.819 --> 00:05:54.139 Whatever we want to achieve in our life, 00:05:54.699 --> 00:05:57.420 Jesus is going to give us the strength to do it. 00:05:57.420 --> 00:05:59.620 And that's the kind of meaning that comes across. 00:06:00.640 --> 00:06:04.040 And 4.19 is popular for a slightly different reason. 00:06:04.160 --> 00:06:04.520 It's this. 00:06:05.040 --> 00:06:07.740 It's those that you might see on satellite television, 00:06:07.980 --> 00:06:12.340 those that preach that your best life is to be lived now. 00:06:12.780 --> 00:06:14.259 God is here to bless you. 00:06:14.420 --> 00:06:17.700 God is here to prosper you because you're a child of the King. 00:06:18.080 --> 00:06:19.780 He's going to supply all your needs. 00:06:19.779 --> 00:06:21.179 So you know what? 00:06:21.299 --> 00:06:23.239 You should have physical well-being. 00:06:23.399 --> 00:06:24.439 You should have prosperity. 00:06:24.979 --> 00:06:27.759 You need happiness and you need success in your life. 00:06:28.179 --> 00:06:32.039 And that's often how verse 19 is quoted or made known to people. 00:06:32.899 --> 00:06:36.799 So given how popular these verses are in those contexts, 00:06:37.259 --> 00:06:40.619 it's hard, isn't it, to read them sometimes in any other way. 00:06:41.519 --> 00:06:47.359 You see, the use or what I would say the misuse of these verses is so great 00:06:47.360 --> 00:06:50.699 that at times we fail to see how glorious 00:06:50.699 --> 00:06:54.180 and how Christ-centered these verses actually are. 00:06:54.960 --> 00:06:59.860 You see, these verses and this passage is not ultimately about striving for sporting success 00:06:59.860 --> 00:07:02.120 and striving for financial well-being. 00:07:02.680 --> 00:07:06.780 These verses, ironically, point away from those things 00:07:06.780 --> 00:07:11.600 and point instead to contentment in Christ. 00:07:12.660 --> 00:07:15.600 The abuse of God's word is twisted. 00:07:16.280 --> 00:07:17.000 It's dangerous. 00:07:17.360 --> 00:07:18.240 It's sinful. 00:07:18.860 --> 00:07:25.340 But we can take the precious words of God off the page of the Bible and apply them. 00:07:25.740 --> 00:07:26.759 We can do that. 00:07:27.120 --> 00:07:30.800 But we better be very sure that what we speak 00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:33.540 and how we speak them is how God speaks them. 00:07:34.439 --> 00:07:37.100 So I want to lay in front of you this morning from the beginning 00:07:37.100 --> 00:07:41.180 what I believe that God is teaching us through his word 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:42.360 that we're looking at this morning. 00:07:42.360 --> 00:07:47.780 And this is the theme that I want to build on and come back to again this morning. 00:07:47.920 --> 00:07:48.400 And it's this. 00:07:48.399 --> 00:07:55.279 The source of Christian contentment is Jesus himself. 00:07:56.279 --> 00:07:59.079 He himself meets all of our needs 00:07:59.079 --> 00:08:04.159 and he himself is our strength for every life circumstance. 00:08:04.160 --> 00:08:06.880 Now there's a lot packed in there, but we're going to look at it together. 00:08:07.500 --> 00:08:11.380 So with this in mind as a focus, because I believe that's what the passage is teaching, 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:15.460 how do we understand then verse 13 and verse 19? 00:08:15.580 --> 00:08:16.400 How do they fit in? 00:08:16.460 --> 00:08:17.300 Where do they come up? 00:08:17.300 --> 00:08:22.280 And I think to do that properly, to have a good grasp of verses 13 and 19, 00:08:22.579 --> 00:08:24.819 we need to put the verses in context, don't we? 00:08:24.860 --> 00:08:26.319 We hear that a lot, but it's true. 00:08:26.639 --> 00:08:28.860 We need to look at the verses in the context of the passage. 00:08:29.280 --> 00:08:32.740 We need to look at the context of the book of Philippians, what's going on there. 00:08:33.200 --> 00:08:37.100 And I think ultimately they have to fit within the bigger storyline of the Bible 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:40.159 so that it makes sense, it hangs together, 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:42.379 and we can have confidence in what we understand. 00:08:43.620 --> 00:08:44.799 So if we look at the book of Philippians, 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:48.439 Paul, the Apostle Paul, identifies himself as the author. 00:08:48.819 --> 00:08:51.399 He's writing a letter to a church in Philippi. 00:08:52.079 --> 00:08:54.319 So the city of Philippi doesn't really exist anymore, 00:08:54.779 --> 00:08:58.339 but it was located in what we know as modern-day Greece. 00:08:58.459 --> 00:09:03.519 So it's that part of the world where the early apostles and Christians went to 00:09:03.519 --> 00:09:05.539 as the word began to spread out from Israel. 00:09:06.139 --> 00:09:08.339 And Paul set up this church in Philippi. 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:10.879 So it's a church that he knows, 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:14.199 and it's a church that really has a special place in his affections. 00:09:14.200 --> 00:09:16.640 If you read the book of Philippians, he loves the church. 00:09:16.740 --> 00:09:18.259 He cares deeply for the church. 00:09:19.040 --> 00:09:21.540 And chapter 4, as you can see, because we're nearing the end, 00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:24.560 is the last chapter of the book. 00:09:25.420 --> 00:09:27.120 And as we reach verse 10, 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:30.820 Paul is speaking directly to the church. 00:09:31.520 --> 00:09:33.700 And he's talking about their, what does he say, 00:09:33.780 --> 00:09:35.360 their renewed concern for him. 00:09:36.300 --> 00:09:36.879 What's that? 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:39.620 Well, if we look down at verse 18, we'll get an idea. 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:42.379 I have received full payment and even more. 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:43.720 I am amply supplied. 00:09:44.200 --> 00:09:48.120 Now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, 00:09:48.419 --> 00:09:52.720 they are a fragrant offering and acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 00:09:53.480 --> 00:09:59.000 So Epaphroditus, who is the person who brought this gift from the church to Paul, 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:02.460 he was mentioned earlier in the book of Philippians, back in chapter 2. 00:10:03.100 --> 00:10:04.860 And there we learn a bit of the context. 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:13.820 The church in Philippi had sent Epaphroditus essentially on a missions trip with two aims in mind. 00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:15.879 We heard about Yelena's missions trip this morning, 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:19.539 and she had a particular aim or purpose in that, and it was a main focus. 00:10:19.800 --> 00:10:23.779 Well, Epaphroditus was doing a similar job for his local church in going to Paul. 00:10:24.360 --> 00:10:29.200 The first role, he was going as a messenger to bring news about the home church to Paul. 00:10:29.300 --> 00:10:32.000 And the second role was as a carrier of this gift. 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:35.019 So the church was sending some type of gift to Paul. 00:10:35.340 --> 00:10:36.460 It may have been money. 00:10:36.700 --> 00:10:37.799 It may have been food. 00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:39.779 It may have been writing materials. 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:40.320 We don't know. 00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:45.220 But it was some gift that was very valuable to Paul in meeting his needs. 00:10:46.360 --> 00:10:50.480 So with that in mind, we can certainly say that at a basic level, 00:10:50.580 --> 00:10:53.340 these verses are a thank you note, aren't they? 00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:58.639 They're a thank you note from Paul to the church because of their generous gift. 00:10:59.399 --> 00:11:01.000 And they're no less than that. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:08.860 That is one meaning of these verses, a kindly worded thank you note from Paul to a supporting church. 00:11:09.340 --> 00:11:15.559 But somehow, in the midst of this thank you note, Paul manages to sneak in verses 13 and 19. 00:11:16.139 --> 00:11:16.960 What's the connection? 00:11:17.500 --> 00:11:21.500 How does Paul weave together what at one level is a simple thank you note 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:24.320 with such celebrated and well-known verses? 00:11:24.320 --> 00:11:28.280 Well, verse 10, again, starting there. 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:33.200 Paul starts out in a joyous mood, rejoicing because of their renewed concern. 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:39.740 And if we, again, if we look at the context, we can see Paul's own circumstances because he refers to him in the letter. 00:11:40.400 --> 00:11:44.040 And we might even get an idea that we think we know why he's rejoicing. 00:11:44.160 --> 00:11:44.800 It makes sense. 00:11:45.379 --> 00:11:47.000 Paul is writing the letter from prison. 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:51.299 He's under attack, under attack from the authorities that have taken him and incarcerated him. 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:55.720 And he's even under attack from other Christians who are actually happy about him being in prison 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:57.740 and are making trouble for Paul while he's imprisoned. 00:11:58.440 --> 00:12:00.779 So he's in a very desperate situation. 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:06.860 Where are his loyal churches, the ones that he set up that he sweat blood and tears to establish? 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:08.220 Where are they in this? 00:12:08.559 --> 00:12:10.320 Where is the support that he needs? 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:12.559 Where is the relief that's going to come? 00:12:12.559 --> 00:12:14.919 Because he's suffering and he deserves relief. 00:12:15.059 --> 00:12:16.019 He deserves support. 00:12:16.939 --> 00:12:19.079 And at last, the gift arrives. 00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:20.779 It's relief. 00:12:20.979 --> 00:12:21.399 It's joy. 00:12:21.539 --> 00:12:22.039 It's happiness. 00:12:22.239 --> 00:12:22.719 It's food. 00:12:23.639 --> 00:12:28.419 I don't know about you, but if I was in prison, if I was hungry, if I was chained, 00:12:28.819 --> 00:12:33.139 if I was having my ministry under attack in that situation by other Christians, 00:12:33.859 --> 00:12:38.119 you know, I think it would be okay to be at least a little bit happy about a gift that came in. 00:12:38.119 --> 00:12:39.039 The package. 00:12:39.500 --> 00:12:42.219 I'd feel relieved, elated, joyous. 00:12:42.559 --> 00:12:43.979 At having my needs met. 00:12:44.359 --> 00:12:48.279 Happy that at last my circumstances are improving. 00:12:49.319 --> 00:12:50.459 We're in for shock. 00:12:51.459 --> 00:12:52.419 Paul is rejoicing. 00:12:52.899 --> 00:12:54.479 But not for those reasons. 00:12:54.579 --> 00:12:56.159 Not for the reasons that we would think. 00:12:56.799 --> 00:13:03.219 Verse 11 and what follows simply blows away our assumptions about Paul's rejoicing. 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:04.679 Verse 11. 00:13:04.679 --> 00:13:08.139 I'm not saying this because I'm in need. 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:13.439 For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 00:13:13.440 --> 00:13:20.940 Paul will give us the reason why he's rejoicing greatly in verse 14 and onwards and we'll get to that. 00:13:22.200 --> 00:13:23.860 But now we just want to look at verse 11. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:32.259 And the main point that Paul is making in verse 11 is that his rejoicing has nothing to do with his change in personal circumstances. 00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:35.399 Due to this gift, he's shifting the focus away from the gift. 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:44.300 Where we might in those circumstances with, and I have to say some justification, rejoice in the gift and the change that's brought about. 00:13:44.299 --> 00:13:45.659 But Paul doesn't. 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:58.439 His reason for rejoicing is not because his physical needs have been met, as it says in verse 11, but because he has learned contentment whatever his circumstances. 00:13:59.439 --> 00:14:02.679 And he goes on in verse 12 to explain this, doesn't he? 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:05.240 He says he knows what it is to be in need. 00:14:05.339 --> 00:14:07.019 And he knows what it is to have plenty. 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:09.279 He knows what it is to be well fed. 00:14:09.539 --> 00:14:10.859 He knows what it is to be hungry. 00:14:10.860 --> 00:14:13.720 To live with much and to live in want. 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:15.879 Paul has experienced it all. 00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:25.940 And it's been through all of these different circumstances that he has learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:28.460 So the gift arrives. 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:31.100 His contentment remains where it is. 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:34.100 It's unmoved by the change in circumstances. 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:37.700 And we can miss this very easily, can't we? 00:14:37.700 --> 00:14:43.860 We can miss how counter-cultural this all is of what's happening in verses 10 to 12. 00:14:44.740 --> 00:14:51.180 Because we all long, don't we, naturally, for comfort, for relief, for having our needs met. 00:14:51.280 --> 00:14:53.240 None of us like to be put out. 00:14:53.879 --> 00:14:54.840 So we look for it. 00:14:54.920 --> 00:14:55.820 We look for these things. 00:14:55.920 --> 00:14:58.440 And we expect others to look for it, to be like us. 00:14:58.440 --> 00:15:04.420 And likewise, when we provide things for others, whether that's within a family context or to friends, 00:15:05.280 --> 00:15:11.880 you know, we do it expecting that in some way their happiness is going to be increased because of our generosity. 00:15:11.880 --> 00:15:16.720 We expect, you know, when we do these things, that there's going to be some change, some increase in happiness, 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:19.700 that we're going to bring relief and people will be happy because of what we've done. 00:15:19.700 --> 00:15:25.680 So there's something quite unfamiliar at work in these verses, things we're not used to. 00:15:26.700 --> 00:15:30.180 And it's unfamiliar because it's not our experience often day by day, is it? 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:32.540 Contentment like this. 00:15:33.520 --> 00:15:35.040 Now, we use different words. 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:37.800 So I want to open this up a little bit more. 00:15:38.200 --> 00:15:39.620 You know, we talk about being happy. 00:15:39.620 --> 00:15:40.960 It's a word we use. 00:15:41.019 --> 00:15:50.779 We talk about being peace or being calm or being satisfied or the Jewish word shalom, which encompasses all of those things. 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:55.419 But when we speak of contentment, it comes with this constant qualification. 00:15:56.279 --> 00:16:00.360 It's contentment that is based on circumstances. 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:09.940 But such contentment dependent on circumstances is clearly, compared to what Paul is speaking about, a counterfeit contentment. 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:13.180 Because he speaks of contentment apart from circumstances. 00:16:13.899 --> 00:16:17.399 So the contentment that is based on circumstances is a lie. 00:16:17.960 --> 00:16:19.399 It's a counterfeit contentment. 00:16:20.560 --> 00:16:25.200 Now, the list of circumstances that we can base our contentment on is endless. 00:16:25.680 --> 00:16:26.639 And I think you'll know why. 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:29.060 It's easy to understand why it's an endlessness. 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:35.299 Because whatever we set our hearts upon, that's where contentment is going to lie, isn't it? 00:16:35.359 --> 00:16:37.539 Whatever we want in our hearts. 00:16:38.799 --> 00:16:39.859 So a few examples. 00:16:40.159 --> 00:16:41.959 They're not here, so I can speak about them easily. 00:16:42.359 --> 00:16:49.259 For my three- and five-year-olds, for Christopher and Kalina, contentment is based on completing a collection of toys. 00:16:50.199 --> 00:16:56.759 So whether that's a series of Happy Meal toys from McDonald's, whether it's a set of Lego sets of Ninjago Lego. 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:59.439 If it's a set of Princess toys, it doesn't matter. 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:05.359 They promise me they'll be happy once they get all of the set, once the set is complete. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:06.440 And do you know what? 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:06.859 They are. 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:08.180 For a whole afternoon. 00:17:08.559 --> 00:17:08.980 It's great. 00:17:09.579 --> 00:17:11.339 But then a new set comes along, doesn't it? 00:17:11.359 --> 00:17:13.079 And there's something else on the telly that they want. 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:16.460 And it's contentment based on advertising. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:19.340 I'm going to take a short little aside for parents. 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:22.519 The Happy Meal toys you can buy without buying a Happy Meal. 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:24.420 They'll sell them to you for about a euro. 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:28.279 So that's my tip for anyone that's stuck having to complete a set of Happy Meal toys. 00:17:29.100 --> 00:17:31.340 But it's contentment based on advertising, isn't it? 00:17:32.120 --> 00:17:38.019 And for certain types, and again, this is an easy one because it's me included, it's gadgets. 00:17:38.660 --> 00:17:41.500 There always seems to be a gadget that I'd like. 00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:52.440 For the last while, it's been a network-attached storage drive for homes so we can put all our photos and all our music and all our movies on a backup drive and accesses from any of our computers or whatever around the house. 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:55.440 And I got it a few weeks ago, and it's brilliant. 00:17:57.200 --> 00:18:01.880 But I know, and it's already starting to happen, that my attention is switching to another gadget. 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:06.079 So it's contentment that's based on stuff, on things. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:08.759 And they're the easy examples to list off. 00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:16.839 And another set of easy examples is to look around at those that seek to live without society's moral constraints. 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:24.079 So we can look outside, maybe, of the church, and we can talk about the rioters in London finding contentment in lawlessness. 00:18:24.740 --> 00:18:26.900 Or we can take the usual suspects. 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:32.500 We can talk about people that find contentment in alcohol, drugs, casual sex, whatever it might be. 00:18:32.500 --> 00:18:39.680 And so we look at the world outside, and it's very clear that counterfeit contentment is rife outside the church. 00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:42.339 Contentment that's based on immoral living. 00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:45.819 But now there's harder examples to face. 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:50.599 Ones that I hope shift us around in our seats this morning. 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:57.160 You see, counterfeit contentment will latch on to anything and everything it can. 00:18:57.160 --> 00:19:02.340 Our contentment meter can be tuned to family life. 00:19:03.660 --> 00:19:06.340 If we're managing to not argue too much at home. 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:13.779 If I can sit in peace and quiet for an evening, then our contentment will last as long as that. 00:19:14.860 --> 00:19:16.980 Our contentment can be affected by our jobs. 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:20.000 Times when we're happy with our jobs. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:22.019 Times when we're just simply fed up. 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:26.720 Contentment can be affected by church life. 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:32.160 You know, if people would just agree with me, things would just go so much better. 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:33.259 Don't they see that? 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:37.559 But then they start having other opinions and ideas and thoughts. 00:19:37.859 --> 00:19:41.420 And our contentment about church life is just shot, isn't it? 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:45.279 You see, counterfeit contentment does run through the world out there. 00:19:45.379 --> 00:19:49.700 But it runs through the church in equal measure and in equal ways within here. 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:57.539 So all of us, whether it's outside or inside, will struggle with circumstances that rob us of our contentment. 00:19:58.539 --> 00:19:59.180 And do you know what? 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:01.080 And we see this in these verses. 00:20:01.220 --> 00:20:04.519 It doesn't matter as well how much you have or don't have. 00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:09.299 When we feel that we're in need materially and we don't have things, we're not content. 00:20:10.340 --> 00:20:14.120 And when we feel that we have plenty, the reality is we're not content. 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:16.559 Because we're looking over our shoulder in case it's taken away. 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:19.419 Or we're looking ahead for the next thing that we need to get. 00:20:20.159 --> 00:20:22.559 You see, things come and things go. 00:20:23.379 --> 00:20:25.679 Contentment on those things will ebb and flow. 00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:30.179 But now, now let's look at verse 12 again. 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:32.740 And let's read through to verse 13. 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:57.319 Do you see it? 00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:59.859 Do you see it in those verses? 00:21:00.139 --> 00:21:05.439 Hunger, food, plenty, want, all have been replaced by this truth. 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:11.539 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:16.980 Paul is no more and no less content because of the gift. 00:21:17.740 --> 00:21:23.039 He faces into the gift with Jesus as he has faced hunger with Jesus. 00:21:23.039 --> 00:21:28.639 You see, Paul has shifted the focus of his contentment off himself and off the things around him. 00:21:29.019 --> 00:21:32.779 And he's firmly placed it on the person of Jesus Christ. 00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:38.940 This is the secret learned by Paul and that he's sharing with us here this morning through these words. 00:21:41.119 --> 00:21:43.819 I don't know what kind of questions you have when you hear something like that. 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:45.139 It's a grand statement. 00:21:45.399 --> 00:21:46.319 It's a great verse. 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:49.599 But what is Christ's contentment, firstly? 00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:51.339 And how do we learn it? 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:55.159 They have to be the key questions because what is this? 00:21:55.219 --> 00:21:55.859 How do we get it? 00:21:56.659 --> 00:22:02.099 Well, the good news is that Paul has already shown us back in chapter 3 what Christ's contentment is. 00:22:02.179 --> 00:22:04.599 And that's why we read those verses in chapter 3 earlier. 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:10.939 Now, we can but glance back at chapter 3 and dip our toes into the shallow waters. 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:15.620 But I hope that what we see there will lead you back to chapter 3. 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:17.140 And you'll spend some time. 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:19.980 Your appetite will be wet for God's word. 00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:21.580 And that you're going to come back here. 00:22:22.860 --> 00:22:23.640 Philippians 3. 00:22:23.779 --> 00:22:26.440 I'm just going to focus in on verses 7 to 9. 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:32.160 But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:40.080 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, 00:22:40.640 --> 00:22:42.680 for whose sake I have lost all things. 00:22:43.080 --> 00:22:48.019 I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:51.539 not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, 00:22:51.539 --> 00:22:55.039 but that which is through faith in Christ. 00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:58.740 Again, can you see it? 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:01.019 Can you feel it in those verses? 00:23:01.660 --> 00:23:03.700 Or better, can you see him? 00:23:04.580 --> 00:23:05.820 Can you feel him? 00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:08.420 Jesus Christ. 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.960 His perfect record. 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:13.380 His perfect death. 00:23:14.100 --> 00:23:21.580 His perfect obedience and life in exchange for the rubbish that we want to base our contentment on. 00:23:21.579 --> 00:23:27.039 And when Paul says rubbish, he doesn't just mean letting go of the bad things in our life. 00:23:27.579 --> 00:23:30.559 If we look back at verses 4 to 6, Paul, what's he doing there? 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:32.059 He's listing all of the good things. 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:33.259 His righteous achievements. 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:34.919 All his good works. 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:36.299 All his good deeds. 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.980 All of his moral behavior. 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:40.480 Rubbish. 00:23:41.939 --> 00:23:42.319 Crap. 00:23:43.919 --> 00:23:44.720 Contentment robbing. 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:46.480 Enslaving. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:54.000 Self-salvation records that need to be dumped and tossed to the side. 00:23:55.720 --> 00:24:01.140 The source of Christian contentment is Jesus himself. 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:04.559 He himself meets all of our needs. 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:10.240 And he himself is our strength for every life circumstance. 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:17.839 If we leave behind our own efforts to find contentment, and we replace them with the person of Jesus, 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:22.960 then it will be his strength that allow us to face all of life. 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:26.680 Have you hit any crisis points in your life? 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:30.480 Maybe you've hit crisis points multiple times. 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:31.620 Maybe there's one at the moment. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:34.240 You know when things are just turned upside down? 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:37.559 The stable things are just no longer stable? 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:40.200 Marriage is hard. 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:42.120 Church has been threatened. 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:44.259 Work has no escape. 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:48.420 There's no joy in making decisions about college or school or the future. 00:24:50.039 --> 00:24:50.920 Think back. 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:53.140 Where was your contentment then? 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:55.140 Eating more food? 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.400 Watching more television? 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:59.200 Playing video games? 00:24:59.359 --> 00:24:59.980 Getting drunk? 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:01.400 Dodgy internet websites? 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:03.859 Just trying harder not to slip? 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:07.559 Thinking about, well, you know, I'm not as bad as some others in the church. 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:09.279 Is that where your contentment was? 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:13.980 You see, a crisis will show up for us, our counterfeit contentment. 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:19.120 And it should drive us to learn the secrets of contentment in Christ. 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:25.279 You see, Christ's contentment will be there for us to give us strength in every circumstances, 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:27.819 any circumstance, the good and the bad. 00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:36.099 But unless we count everything as rubbish compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ, 00:25:36.439 --> 00:25:42.179 then we're going to continue to fall back to our own performance and idols whenever our contentment is threatened. 00:25:42.180 --> 00:25:43.160 And that's what's going to happen. 00:25:45.100 --> 00:25:47.380 So I think that's one thing that we need to do. 00:25:47.380 --> 00:25:54.259 It's to discipline our hearts so that our gaze is away from these things, away from counterfeit contentment, 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:56.539 and we're focused on contentment in Christ. 00:25:57.840 --> 00:26:00.080 And now the second question, well, how do we learn this? 00:26:00.120 --> 00:26:02.279 If this is what Christ's contentment is, how do we get it? 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:06.399 Well, we need to actively cultivate contentment. 00:26:07.899 --> 00:26:12.359 And for that, we're going to come back to, remember Paul said he was rejoicing in verse 10, 00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:15.420 and we saw that that really wasn't about having his needs met. 00:26:16.139 --> 00:26:20.240 We come back to that because if the gift from the church meant nothing to Paul's contentment, 00:26:20.379 --> 00:26:22.200 why was he rejoicing in verse 10? 00:26:22.279 --> 00:26:22.940 What's that about? 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:32.779 And I believe it's this, because in the gift, Paul saw that the church in Philippi was cultivating contentment. 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.320 This is why he rejoices. 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:38.460 It was good of them to share in his troubles. 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.360 Isn't that what he says? 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:43.080 This gift, hand-delivered by Epaphroditus, 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:47.220 it continued a long-established pattern that they had of supporting Paul, 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:50.000 and we see it in verses 15 and 16. 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:53.539 Again and again, they sent him gifts when he was in need. 00:26:55.339 --> 00:27:00.920 And Paul calls this support, in verse 15, the matter of giving and receiving, 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:03.660 or if you like, the business of giving and receiving. 00:27:04.400 --> 00:27:07.400 And in this transaction, there's two parties involved, isn't there? 00:27:07.859 --> 00:27:10.420 There's the party who gives and the party who receives. 00:27:10.640 --> 00:27:11.859 The party that gives, the party that receives. 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:14.779 There's the party that reduces their plenty, 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:19.299 in order that the party in need may be in plenty. 00:27:19.299 --> 00:27:22.299 Change circumstances for both parties. 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:24.720 One party, the giver, is made poorer, 00:27:25.359 --> 00:27:27.579 and another party is made richer. 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:33.000 Change circumstances that highlight for both Paul and for the church 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:35.980 where their source of contentment really lies. 00:27:37.919 --> 00:27:38.619 Verse 17. 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:45.219 Paul, in all of this, he explains that he himself is not seeking a gift, 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:48.500 but what may be of benefit to the church. 00:27:49.459 --> 00:27:51.179 So Paul is rejoicing. 00:27:51.379 --> 00:27:53.139 He's rejoicing at their renewed concern, 00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:56.219 knowing that the church in Philippi, in his absence, 00:27:56.379 --> 00:27:59.699 are still cultivating contentment in Christ. 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:04.380 And the extent that they have learned it can be seen, can't it, 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:06.700 in not just the fact that they gave a gift, 00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:08.460 what seems to have been a very generous gift, 00:28:08.539 --> 00:28:10.779 because Paul says he's been well supplied, 00:28:11.519 --> 00:28:15.420 but the fact that they were willing to send one of their own people 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:17.460 to deliver that gift. 00:28:17.920 --> 00:28:22.000 A journey which almost cost Epaphroditus his life 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:23.799 because of serious illness. 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:27.680 What contentment they've cultivated. 00:28:28.639 --> 00:28:33.099 And all of this, all of this, is pleasing to God. 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:36.279 It's a sacrifice and an offering 00:28:36.279 --> 00:28:40.000 that is based on contentment in Christ. 00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:43.659 So there's an application here for us, isn't there? 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:45.919 Like the church in Philippi, 00:28:46.639 --> 00:28:50.839 we have to seek out ways and means of giving and serving others. 00:28:50.839 --> 00:28:54.720 We must demonstrate our understanding of Christ's contentment 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:56.879 that, like the Christians in Philippi, 00:28:57.799 --> 00:29:00.759 affects our wallets and affects our travel plans, 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:02.579 as well as affecting our hearts and our minds. 00:29:02.699 --> 00:29:05.119 There's no point this morning saying all of this 00:29:05.119 --> 00:29:06.359 and believing all of this 00:29:06.359 --> 00:29:08.220 unless it has a practical outwork 00:29:08.220 --> 00:29:09.980 and unless we're cultivating contentment. 00:29:11.259 --> 00:29:14.299 You see, it's possible to demonstrate our contentment in Christ. 00:29:14.419 --> 00:29:15.859 It's not just an abstract concept. 00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:17.480 We can show it each day 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:20.439 in our decisions that we make about our money and our time. 00:29:21.799 --> 00:29:23.439 Cultivating contentment is this. 00:29:23.859 --> 00:29:25.079 We practice contentment. 00:29:25.639 --> 00:29:29.179 Practical giving to those that are in need at our own expense. 00:29:30.419 --> 00:29:34.000 You see, it's through changing our own circumstances in this way 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:37.319 that we're going to move our contentment off ourselves 00:29:37.319 --> 00:29:38.259 and off our things 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:39.939 and we're going to place it in Christ 00:29:39.939 --> 00:29:40.959 and we're going to make it practical. 00:29:42.399 --> 00:29:44.039 There's another way that this happens. 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:49.279 God also comes along sovereignly 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:52.099 and cultivates contentment in our lives 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:53.619 through blessing and through suffering. 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:58.199 How do we react to change circumstances in our lives, 00:29:58.259 --> 00:29:59.559 the things that are beyond our control, 00:29:59.919 --> 00:30:01.199 when we lose our job, 00:30:02.219 --> 00:30:04.879 when a boyfriend or girlfriend leaves us, 00:30:05.579 --> 00:30:08.699 when the exam results don't pan out as we expected? 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:11.140 Are we less content? 00:30:12.580 --> 00:30:16.600 Or does all of this show a growing contentment in Christ 00:30:16.600 --> 00:30:18.500 apart from our circumstances? 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:21.000 Or we can look at it the other way 00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:22.140 because we often focus on this, 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:24.000 the difficult times, don't we, 00:30:24.039 --> 00:30:26.120 and the suffering and learning contentment through that. 00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:29.539 It's natural, isn't it, 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.459 to feel more content 00:30:30.459 --> 00:30:33.139 when we get a pay increase at work. 00:30:33.219 --> 00:30:33.759 We're happier. 00:30:34.159 --> 00:30:36.159 Or we get the college course that we wanted. 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:37.359 Our contentment goes up. 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:39.619 Or we start dating someone. 00:30:40.459 --> 00:30:42.359 Or we finally get the mobile phone 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:43.319 that we always wanted. 00:30:44.439 --> 00:30:46.000 In those circumstances, 00:30:46.559 --> 00:30:49.359 are we cultivating contentment in Christ? 00:30:49.979 --> 00:30:52.519 Or are we feeding some selfish addiction 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:54.959 to the good gifts that God has given us? 00:30:55.179 --> 00:30:56.099 What's happening then? 00:30:56.119 --> 00:31:01.639 So this is how we arrive at verse 19, isn't it? 00:31:02.879 --> 00:31:04.259 And its precious promise. 00:31:05.679 --> 00:31:07.139 God will be proven true. 00:31:08.399 --> 00:31:10.579 All of our needs will be met 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:12.859 according to God's glorious riches 00:31:12.859 --> 00:31:14.839 that are in Christ Jesus. 00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:15.879 That's verse 19. 00:31:16.839 --> 00:31:19.899 If we cultivate contentment in Christ, 00:31:20.519 --> 00:31:21.879 verse 19 is our promise. 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:25.119 In some ways, 00:31:25.119 --> 00:31:27.419 it's a difficult promise to claim 00:31:27.419 --> 00:31:29.699 because it's been so hijacked 00:31:29.699 --> 00:31:32.259 and abused and counterfeited 00:31:32.259 --> 00:31:34.939 by the prosperity gospel preachers. 00:31:36.199 --> 00:31:38.259 If we pluck verse 19 out, 00:31:39.000 --> 00:31:40.339 off the page and we quote it, 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:42.579 then we can make it suggest 00:31:42.579 --> 00:31:44.099 that we can expect for God 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:45.619 to provide all of our wants. 00:31:46.139 --> 00:31:47.919 Cars, houses, jobs, relationships, 00:31:48.119 --> 00:31:49.259 gadgets, whatever it might be. 00:31:49.259 --> 00:31:52.200 Just say the verse and claim it. 00:31:54.779 --> 00:31:55.799 But we have to ask, 00:31:55.900 --> 00:31:57.839 are those the things that we really need? 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:03.140 Having read from verse 9 through to 19, 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:05.019 can we now say in verse 19 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:07.759 that our needs are based in houses and cars 00:32:07.759 --> 00:32:08.980 and safety and in health? 00:32:08.980 --> 00:32:12.240 If we equate this verse 00:32:12.240 --> 00:32:13.519 with material prosperity, 00:32:14.160 --> 00:32:14.880 you know what we're doing? 00:32:15.319 --> 00:32:16.740 We're replacing Jesus, 00:32:16.920 --> 00:32:17.460 the creator, 00:32:17.620 --> 00:32:19.099 with created things. 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:22.519 The gospel is trodden beyond recognition 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:23.279 if we do that. 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:25.460 You see, 00:32:25.640 --> 00:32:27.579 the source of Christian contentment 00:32:27.579 --> 00:32:28.980 is Jesus himself. 00:32:30.420 --> 00:32:33.079 He himself meets all of our needs 00:32:33.079 --> 00:32:35.120 and he himself is our strength 00:32:35.119 --> 00:32:36.959 for every life circumstance. 00:32:39.039 --> 00:32:41.039 When preparing this talk, 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:43.099 I was reminded of how well 00:32:43.099 --> 00:32:44.000 John Piper, 00:32:44.500 --> 00:32:46.059 he's a pastor and an author, 00:32:46.239 --> 00:32:48.579 confronts this sort of attack 00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:49.399 on God's word 00:32:49.399 --> 00:32:51.359 where the gospel is sold 00:32:51.359 --> 00:32:53.119 with the promise of prosperity, 00:32:53.379 --> 00:32:54.839 health and wealth in this life. 00:32:55.779 --> 00:32:56.899 And this is how he puts it. 00:32:58.239 --> 00:32:59.359 When was the last time, 00:32:59.379 --> 00:33:00.439 I can't do an American accent, 00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:01.919 when was the last time 00:33:01.919 --> 00:33:03.639 that anyone who saw you 00:33:03.639 --> 00:33:05.079 driving a BMW said, 00:33:05.699 --> 00:33:07.159 Jesus is all satisfying. 00:33:07.859 --> 00:33:08.259 Never. 00:33:09.399 --> 00:33:10.019 They'll say, 00:33:10.339 --> 00:33:12.359 did Jesus give you that? 00:33:12.879 --> 00:33:13.199 Oh, 00:33:13.579 --> 00:33:15.019 I'll take Jesus. 00:33:15.779 --> 00:33:16.799 That's idolatry. 00:33:17.619 --> 00:33:18.859 That's not the gospel. 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:20.759 That's elevating the gift 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:21.619 over the giver. 00:33:22.919 --> 00:33:24.039 I'll tell you 00:33:24.039 --> 00:33:26.619 what makes Jesus look beautiful. 00:33:27.739 --> 00:33:29.159 It's when you smash your car 00:33:29.159 --> 00:33:31.579 and your little girl 00:33:31.579 --> 00:33:33.219 goes flying through the windshields 00:33:33.219 --> 00:33:34.079 and lands dead. 00:33:35.339 --> 00:33:36.359 God is enough. 00:33:37.259 --> 00:33:38.439 God is enough. 00:33:39.219 --> 00:33:39.799 He is good. 00:33:39.899 --> 00:33:40.959 He will take care of us. 00:33:41.399 --> 00:33:42.519 He will satisfy us. 00:33:42.719 --> 00:33:43.779 He will get us through this. 00:33:44.239 --> 00:33:45.000 He is our treasure. 00:33:45.739 --> 00:33:47.299 Whom have I in heaven but you? 00:33:47.299 --> 00:33:48.460 And on earth, 00:33:48.619 --> 00:33:50.460 there is nothing I desire besides you. 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:52.279 My flesh and my heart 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:53.680 and my little girl may fail, 00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:56.579 but you are the strength of my heart 00:33:56.579 --> 00:33:57.980 and my portion forever. 00:33:57.980 --> 00:34:01.620 that makes God look glorious. 00:34:01.620 --> 00:34:01.740 God, 00:34:02.259 --> 00:34:06.000 not as the giver of cars 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:07.299 or safety or of health. 00:34:07.299 --> 00:34:09.820 You see, 00:34:09.820 --> 00:34:10.679 all our needs 00:34:10.679 --> 00:34:11.639 are met 00:34:11.639 --> 00:34:14.519 in Christ Jesus himself. 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.800 We sit 00:34:16.800 --> 00:34:19.300 under the terrible wrath 00:34:19.300 --> 00:34:21.239 of a righteous God 00:34:21.239 --> 00:34:23.000 because of our rebellion. 00:34:24.279 --> 00:34:24.759 You know what? 00:34:24.760 --> 00:34:26.260 We deserve to be punished 00:34:26.260 --> 00:34:28.740 for worshipping created things 00:34:28.740 --> 00:34:31.200 and finding our contentment in them. 00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:32.760 We deserve God's wrath. 00:34:34.860 --> 00:34:36.300 Our one need 00:34:36.300 --> 00:34:38.320 is to be saved 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:39.600 from God's wrath 00:34:39.600 --> 00:34:41.540 and brought into a relationship 00:34:41.540 --> 00:34:42.940 with his son, 00:34:43.400 --> 00:34:44.160 Jesus Christ. 00:34:44.159 --> 00:34:46.159 You see, 00:34:46.319 --> 00:34:46.699 God 00:34:46.699 --> 00:34:48.099 has given us 00:34:48.099 --> 00:34:49.019 everything we need 00:34:49.019 --> 00:34:49.739 in 00:34:49.739 --> 00:34:50.699 his 00:34:50.699 --> 00:34:51.519 son. 00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:53.019 Jesus 00:34:53.019 --> 00:34:54.199 is the gift 00:34:54.199 --> 00:34:56.859 paying the price 00:34:56.859 --> 00:34:58.339 for our sin 00:34:58.339 --> 00:34:59.859 so that we 00:34:59.859 --> 00:35:00.980 can know 00:35:00.980 --> 00:35:02.299 contentment 00:35:02.299 --> 00:35:03.179 in him. 00:35:04.420 --> 00:35:05.359 Let's pray.