WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.019 If you would turn with me in your Bibles to 1st Timothy and the first chapter where Paul writes 00:00:08.019 --> 00:00:16.120 ! in such a personal and passionate way setting forth the need to be clear about what the church of Christ is. 00:00:16.120 --> 00:00:25.339 in verse 5 the aim of our charge is love that dishes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 00:00:25.339 --> 00:00:38.939 And then we have Paul's own testimony as he shares with Timothy and with us how it is the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ broke into his heart and life changing him guiding him and molding him. 00:00:38.939 --> 00:00:54.920 Which leads to that glorious statement in verse 15 the saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the foremost. 00:00:55.340 --> 00:00:57.580 We'll just bow in prayer for a moment. 00:00:58.940 --> 00:01:03.000 Lord what a privilege it is to meet together in this way with our Bibles open. 00:01:04.020 --> 00:01:06.900 And we pray in doing so Lord our hearts too would be open. 00:01:07.700 --> 00:01:12.560 That our minds would be led by the Spirit to fix on the things that are above. 00:01:13.340 --> 00:01:15.420 To meditate on Jesus. 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:25.420 We pray that the teaching we find in this letter would be of benefit to us Lord in our pilgrimage here on earth. 00:01:26.140 --> 00:01:34.359 And we pray tonight that it might add that extra depth and dimension to our singing of the new song that is put in our mouth. 00:01:35.140 --> 00:01:37.000 Our God to magnify. 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:39.520 Be with us we pray this evening. 00:01:39.980 --> 00:01:42.740 Bless your word above all Lord to our hearts in Jesus name. 00:01:43.159 --> 00:01:43.520 Amen. 00:01:43.519 --> 00:01:43.659 Amen. 00:01:46.560 --> 00:01:49.259 As I said the church of Christ is a very clear aim. 00:01:49.420 --> 00:01:54.899 And that aim was driving the Apostle Paul to be clear in his instruction to Timothy. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:56.959 Reminding him in these words in verse 5. 00:01:57.299 --> 00:01:58.840 The aim of our charge. 00:01:58.979 --> 00:02:03.539 He says to young Timothy as he begins to step up to leadership. 00:02:03.899 --> 00:02:05.340 Keep this as the focus Timothy. 00:02:05.739 --> 00:02:08.120 Don't swerve away as others do. 00:02:08.120 --> 00:02:09.520 As he says in verse 6. 00:02:09.520 --> 00:02:16.400 Certain persons by swerving from these have wandered away into vain discussions. 00:02:16.500 --> 00:02:18.360 To swerve is to miss the mark. 00:02:18.420 --> 00:02:19.900 It's to wander aimlessly. 00:02:20.500 --> 00:02:22.580 And it's the opposite of what he says in verse 5. 00:02:22.680 --> 00:02:24.180 The aim of our charge. 00:02:24.180 --> 00:02:26.920 And so when the world and the flesh and the devil come in. 00:02:27.159 --> 00:02:28.840 The contrast is stark. 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:32.260 The Christian church has an aim that is fixed. 00:02:32.879 --> 00:02:35.580 To seek in the hearts of those around us. 00:02:35.780 --> 00:02:36.599 A pure heart. 00:02:36.819 --> 00:02:37.620 A good conscience. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:39.060 And a sincere faith. 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:41.200 And of course it's all of Christ. 00:02:41.500 --> 00:02:42.360 That's where he begins. 00:02:42.760 --> 00:02:44.879 He is an apostle of Christ Jesus. 00:02:45.080 --> 00:02:46.600 By command of God. 00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:47.400 Sent. 00:02:47.920 --> 00:02:48.400 Apostled. 00:02:48.400 --> 00:02:53.539 To teach and declare the unsearchable riches of Christ. 00:02:54.379 --> 00:02:59.360 Everything that we do then must have this singular focus and determination. 00:02:59.360 --> 00:03:05.680 That we would not swerve away from the glorious gospel of our Lord and Saviour. 00:03:06.580 --> 00:03:10.319 He speaks of a sincere doctrine. 00:03:10.980 --> 00:03:16.960 He speaks of people who have begun to swerve from the language in verse 11. 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:19.000 And is at the end of verse 10. 00:03:19.200 --> 00:03:20.140 Sound doctrine. 00:03:20.500 --> 00:03:21.560 Healthy doctrine. 00:03:21.939 --> 00:03:24.360 A gospel that is focused wholly on Jesus. 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:27.420 In accordance with the glorious gospel of the blessed God. 00:03:27.700 --> 00:03:29.140 With which I have been entrusted. 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:29.800 So Timothy. 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:30.960 Here's the charge. 00:03:31.200 --> 00:03:31.939 Here's the focus. 00:03:32.219 --> 00:03:33.280 Here's our aim. 00:03:34.100 --> 00:03:35.240 Make it all of Christ. 00:03:35.340 --> 00:03:36.159 Whatever you do. 00:03:36.460 --> 00:03:37.580 It's all of Christ. 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:38.939 It's all of Jesus. 00:03:40.080 --> 00:03:41.060 And so we cannot. 00:03:41.460 --> 00:03:43.280 As Christians in our day and age. 00:03:43.740 --> 00:03:44.939 Allow the riptide. 00:03:44.939 --> 00:03:46.719 Of secular culture. 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:52.800 To interfere with anything that comes close to our achieving. 00:03:53.040 --> 00:03:54.080 And this aim. 00:03:54.520 --> 00:03:56.300 Making Jesus known. 00:03:56.939 --> 00:03:59.460 Where he has set us down and raised us up. 00:03:59.460 --> 00:04:02.439 Where he has given you the opportunity to be witnesses to him. 00:04:02.640 --> 00:04:03.740 It is for us all. 00:04:04.080 --> 00:04:06.219 To maintain this clear aim. 00:04:06.780 --> 00:04:08.280 To seek in people around us. 00:04:08.540 --> 00:04:10.780 These wonderful words of verse 5. 00:04:10.780 --> 00:04:15.419 Love that issues from a pure heart. 00:04:15.659 --> 00:04:17.019 A good conscience. 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:18.639 And a sincere faith. 00:04:19.800 --> 00:04:21.620 But to help us this evening. 00:04:21.939 --> 00:04:22.660 Grasp that. 00:04:22.779 --> 00:04:24.079 And take it away home with us. 00:04:24.540 --> 00:04:25.860 What we find in this letter. 00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:28.680 Is that Paul gives us a very personal example. 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:31.439 Of the saving power of the gospel. 00:04:31.439 --> 00:04:33.100 He shares his story. 00:04:33.899 --> 00:04:35.100 He gives us his testimony. 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:36.639 And that's what we find here. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:38.259 From verse 12 onwards. 00:04:38.259 --> 00:04:39.420 I thank him. 00:04:39.500 --> 00:04:40.699 He has given me strength. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:41.899 Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:04:42.259 --> 00:04:43.519 Because he judged me faithful. 00:04:43.680 --> 00:04:44.939 Appointing me to his service. 00:04:45.259 --> 00:04:47.019 Though formerly I was a blasphemer. 00:04:47.519 --> 00:04:48.000 Persecutor. 00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:49.219 An insolent opponent. 00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:51.019 But I received mercy. 00:04:51.019 --> 00:04:53.319 Because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief. 00:04:53.579 --> 00:04:55.860 And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me. 00:04:56.259 --> 00:04:57.680 With the faith and love. 00:04:58.099 --> 00:04:59.199 That are in Christ Jesus. 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:02.819 So to think about that for a short time this evening. 00:05:02.939 --> 00:05:03.519 First of all. 00:05:03.599 --> 00:05:04.379 We find Paul. 00:05:04.620 --> 00:05:06.159 As he turns to Timothy. 00:05:06.219 --> 00:05:07.000 And his personal. 00:05:07.620 --> 00:05:08.759 And shares his testimony. 00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:09.680 It begins with. 00:05:09.819 --> 00:05:11.219 An admission of guilt. 00:05:12.000 --> 00:05:13.039 That's where he is. 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:14.459 Formerly. 00:05:14.659 --> 00:05:16.000 I was a blasphemer. 00:05:16.819 --> 00:05:17.419 Persecutor. 00:05:18.019 --> 00:05:19.419 And insolent opponent. 00:05:19.639 --> 00:05:21.039 He doesn't try and hide. 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:21.879 Or dumb down. 00:05:22.339 --> 00:05:24.500 Just how bad things were in his heart. 00:05:24.919 --> 00:05:25.659 Even though. 00:05:25.980 --> 00:05:28.240 At the point of his conversion. 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:30.340 He was to all intents and purposes. 00:05:30.600 --> 00:05:32.480 One of the most religious men on earth. 00:05:33.060 --> 00:05:34.800 He was a Pharisee of the Pharisees. 00:05:35.019 --> 00:05:36.960 He was steeped in the Old Testament scriptures. 00:05:36.960 --> 00:05:39.560 He knew the traditions of the elders and the fathers. 00:05:39.980 --> 00:05:41.360 He knew his way around a synagogue. 00:05:41.740 --> 00:05:43.840 And he knew his way around the Old Testament scriptures. 00:05:44.040 --> 00:05:45.560 That would put us to shame this evening. 00:05:45.680 --> 00:05:47.920 He could verbatim repeat. 00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:50.000 Many, many chapters. 00:05:50.180 --> 00:05:51.079 Off by heart. 00:05:51.180 --> 00:05:52.860 They were drilled from young ages. 00:05:52.980 --> 00:05:53.639 He had learned. 00:05:53.980 --> 00:05:55.759 He had a keen intellect. 00:05:56.420 --> 00:05:57.540 He knew his Bible. 00:05:58.240 --> 00:05:59.400 And yet. 00:05:59.720 --> 00:06:00.379 Here he is. 00:06:00.920 --> 00:06:02.420 Admitting his guilt. 00:06:02.840 --> 00:06:04.360 Because he was a blasphemer. 00:06:04.860 --> 00:06:05.840 A persecutor. 00:06:06.259 --> 00:06:07.280 An insolent opponent. 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:10.980 The Apostle Paul always stands to us as a reminder. 00:06:11.500 --> 00:06:12.220 A warning. 00:06:13.060 --> 00:06:14.460 That being religious. 00:06:15.280 --> 00:06:16.139 Saves no one. 00:06:17.019 --> 00:06:18.900 It's not about the outward condition. 00:06:19.280 --> 00:06:20.360 And outward adherence. 00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:21.740 To the rules and regulations. 00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:23.240 And traditions and distinctives. 00:06:23.400 --> 00:06:24.819 That we create as we. 00:06:25.319 --> 00:06:26.439 Go together in pilgrimage. 00:06:26.439 --> 00:06:27.879 These things have their place. 00:06:27.980 --> 00:06:28.699 Of course they do. 00:06:29.100 --> 00:06:30.959 And they help us express our faith. 00:06:31.219 --> 00:06:32.819 And they help us in our worship. 00:06:32.959 --> 00:06:34.300 And they help us in our devotions. 00:06:34.399 --> 00:06:35.160 And in our disciplines. 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:37.199 But they don't save us. 00:06:38.279 --> 00:06:39.300 They come secondary. 00:06:39.839 --> 00:06:41.199 It is from a heart. 00:06:41.319 --> 00:06:43.279 That has been shaped in love. 00:06:43.420 --> 00:06:44.600 Issuing from a pure heart. 00:06:44.720 --> 00:06:45.680 And a good conscience. 00:06:45.839 --> 00:06:46.879 And a sincere faith. 00:06:47.040 --> 00:06:48.779 That everything else finds its place. 00:06:48.779 --> 00:06:51.119 But Paul had got it back to front. 00:06:51.659 --> 00:06:53.139 He was on a one man mission. 00:06:53.139 --> 00:06:54.219 To impress God. 00:06:54.659 --> 00:06:56.099 To do God's business. 00:06:56.479 --> 00:06:57.539 To do God's work. 00:06:57.799 --> 00:06:58.819 In the land of Israel. 00:06:59.039 --> 00:07:00.359 He was going to stamp out. 00:07:00.599 --> 00:07:01.559 This sect. 00:07:01.659 --> 00:07:03.000 That was speaking of the Jesus. 00:07:03.259 --> 00:07:04.039 Of Nazareth. 00:07:04.159 --> 00:07:05.879 This false teacher. 00:07:06.079 --> 00:07:08.079 This man who claimed to be a prophet. 00:07:08.199 --> 00:07:10.000 And made himself equal with God. 00:07:10.059 --> 00:07:11.879 He was about the business of God. 00:07:11.919 --> 00:07:12.699 Or so he thought. 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:15.479 And as he reflects back in this. 00:07:15.699 --> 00:07:16.180 He uses. 00:07:17.139 --> 00:07:18.659 Very searching language. 00:07:18.819 --> 00:07:19.979 He doesn't spare himself. 00:07:20.099 --> 00:07:21.060 In his admission of guilt. 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:22.180 I was a blasphemer. 00:07:23.300 --> 00:07:23.819 Persecutor. 00:07:24.699 --> 00:07:25.899 An insolent opponent. 00:07:26.860 --> 00:07:27.860 I think that. 00:07:28.060 --> 00:07:29.159 That shows us. 00:07:29.279 --> 00:07:30.079 That Paul never. 00:07:30.879 --> 00:07:31.360 Really. 00:07:32.419 --> 00:07:33.439 In some sense. 00:07:33.539 --> 00:07:34.519 Forgave himself. 00:07:35.360 --> 00:07:36.419 For his involvement. 00:07:36.659 --> 00:07:37.560 In his persecution. 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:38.819 Of the church of Christ. 00:07:38.819 --> 00:07:39.360 On earth. 00:07:39.939 --> 00:07:41.279 He was up to his neck in it. 00:07:41.279 --> 00:07:42.779 He was the chief witness. 00:07:42.779 --> 00:07:44.000 At the stoning to death. 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:44.500 Of Stephen. 00:07:44.899 --> 00:07:45.799 He had his letters. 00:07:45.799 --> 00:07:47.399 To throw more Christians. 00:07:47.399 --> 00:07:47.919 In jail. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:48.779 He was in the heart. 00:07:48.819 --> 00:07:49.319 Of the work. 00:07:49.379 --> 00:07:50.679 That was being involved. 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:51.299 That oppressed. 00:07:51.399 --> 00:07:52.259 The people of God. 00:07:52.359 --> 00:07:53.459 That split up. 00:07:54.059 --> 00:07:54.459 Parents. 00:07:54.539 --> 00:07:55.339 That took children away. 00:07:55.339 --> 00:07:55.739 From them. 00:07:55.819 --> 00:07:57.019 All the persecution. 00:07:57.219 --> 00:07:57.919 And imprisonment. 00:07:58.019 --> 00:07:58.699 And suffering. 00:07:58.779 --> 00:07:59.319 That he imposed. 00:07:59.399 --> 00:07:59.899 In the church. 00:07:59.959 --> 00:08:00.500 I think it. 00:08:00.799 --> 00:08:01.779 Marked his soul. 00:08:02.459 --> 00:08:02.959 There's a little wonder. 00:08:03.059 --> 00:08:04.439 As he reflects back. 00:08:04.599 --> 00:08:05.659 He speaks of his. 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:07.019 Being a persecutor. 00:08:07.359 --> 00:08:08.779 An insolent opponent. 00:08:10.119 --> 00:08:10.539 You see. 00:08:10.540 --> 00:08:11.460 He says here. 00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:13.060 This is how I used to be. 00:08:13.840 --> 00:08:15.060 I thought I was righteous. 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:17.600 I thought God approved of me. 00:08:18.400 --> 00:08:20.319 I couldn't have been more wrong. 00:08:22.280 --> 00:08:23.200 And as he looks back. 00:08:23.580 --> 00:08:25.240 This painful admission of guilt. 00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:26.620 Leaves him saying. 00:08:26.700 --> 00:08:27.740 I was a blaspheming. 00:08:28.220 --> 00:08:28.700 Persecuting. 00:08:28.960 --> 00:08:29.520 Ignorant. 00:08:30.360 --> 00:08:30.879 Insolent. 00:08:31.100 --> 00:08:31.520 Ignorant. 00:08:31.900 --> 00:08:32.420 Unbeliever. 00:08:32.700 --> 00:08:35.120 It's about as bad as it gets. 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:38.240 And this is for this religious zealot. 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:39.139 This Pharisee. 00:08:39.539 --> 00:08:40.940 This man steeped in the scriptures. 00:08:41.679 --> 00:08:42.759 So we draw a line. 00:08:42.879 --> 00:08:44.419 We apply this to ourselves tonight. 00:08:44.500 --> 00:08:45.139 Of course we do. 00:08:45.360 --> 00:08:46.179 In and of ourselves. 00:08:46.820 --> 00:08:48.039 The scripture makes clear. 00:08:48.539 --> 00:08:49.840 That all have sinned. 00:08:49.919 --> 00:08:51.419 And come short of the glory of God. 00:08:52.279 --> 00:08:53.860 We mustn't deny that. 00:08:54.220 --> 00:08:55.139 We mustn't avoid that. 00:08:55.220 --> 00:08:56.460 We mustn't dilute it. 00:08:56.600 --> 00:08:57.519 Or delete it. 00:08:58.060 --> 00:08:59.560 Many people will take the scripture. 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:01.799 And there's a lot of cutting and pasting going on. 00:09:01.919 --> 00:09:02.679 In our lifetime. 00:09:02.759 --> 00:09:03.759 And in previous generations. 00:09:04.259 --> 00:09:05.379 When the gospel cuts. 00:09:05.459 --> 00:09:07.219 That little bit too close to the quick. 00:09:07.359 --> 00:09:08.979 When it gets too close to the heart. 00:09:09.159 --> 00:09:10.639 When it suddenly gets too personal. 00:09:10.719 --> 00:09:11.479 What do people do? 00:09:11.559 --> 00:09:12.319 They close the book. 00:09:12.779 --> 00:09:13.419 They put it away. 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:14.819 Or they cut and paste. 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:16.439 And take out the bits they don't like. 00:09:16.779 --> 00:09:18.259 And they're left with a husk. 00:09:18.319 --> 00:09:19.319 They're left with something. 00:09:19.439 --> 00:09:20.559 There's a pressure. 00:09:21.279 --> 00:09:22.839 That's permanent and constant. 00:09:22.839 --> 00:09:24.099 On the church of Christ. 00:09:24.239 --> 00:09:25.239 And the pressure is always. 00:09:25.799 --> 00:09:26.559 To conform. 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:28.719 Dial it down a bit. 00:09:28.720 --> 00:09:30.759 Don't talk about sin. 00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:33.600 Do you have to emphasize hell? 00:09:34.200 --> 00:09:36.340 God surely is not a God of judgment. 00:09:36.620 --> 00:09:37.279 And righteousness. 00:09:37.540 --> 00:09:38.019 And wrath. 00:09:38.139 --> 00:09:39.540 Surely God is love. 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:40.000 And light. 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:40.540 And mercy. 00:09:40.639 --> 00:09:41.180 And peace. 00:09:42.040 --> 00:09:44.500 And so people take the bits they like. 00:09:44.540 --> 00:09:46.940 And the bits that sit comfortably with them. 00:09:47.060 --> 00:09:49.200 And reject the rest. 00:09:49.320 --> 00:09:50.620 And what they do of course is. 00:09:51.279 --> 00:09:53.779 They create another gospel. 00:09:54.279 --> 00:09:55.940 Certain persons by swerving from these. 00:09:56.279 --> 00:09:57.180 Have wandered away. 00:09:57.179 --> 00:09:58.839 Into vain discussion. 00:09:59.120 --> 00:10:00.699 Desiring to be teachers of the law. 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:02.159 Without understanding. 00:10:02.559 --> 00:10:03.639 Either what they're saying. 00:10:03.679 --> 00:10:06.039 Or the things about which they make confident assertions. 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:08.099 It was happening 2,000 years ago. 00:10:08.679 --> 00:10:09.959 And it's happening tonight in Scotland. 00:10:10.299 --> 00:10:11.279 People are denying. 00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:13.419 And diluting the gospel. 00:10:14.239 --> 00:10:15.279 And in Paul's letters. 00:10:15.419 --> 00:10:16.719 Particularly his early letters. 00:10:16.719 --> 00:10:18.379 To the Galatians and Thessalonians. 00:10:18.379 --> 00:10:20.159 We find him making the call. 00:10:20.379 --> 00:10:21.960 Stand firm. 00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:23.519 I am amazed. 00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:24.500 He said to the Galatians. 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:25.879 You are so soon turning. 00:10:26.340 --> 00:10:27.519 From the gospel you heard. 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:28.659 To a different gospel. 00:10:28.759 --> 00:10:29.740 To another gospel. 00:10:30.200 --> 00:10:31.360 This gospel that's corrupt. 00:10:31.480 --> 00:10:33.200 This gospel that is leading you away. 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:34.379 Into darkness. 00:10:34.700 --> 00:10:35.340 And indifference. 00:10:35.460 --> 00:10:36.220 And unbelief. 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:39.340 And so Paul makes it very clear. 00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:39.980 To Timothy. 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:42.600 As his time in leadership. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:43.600 Gets closer. 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:46.139 That he needs to understand. 00:10:46.320 --> 00:10:47.580 And be dialed in. 00:10:48.340 --> 00:10:49.200 To what he's leading. 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:50.600 And what he's saying. 00:10:50.680 --> 00:10:51.460 And what he believes. 00:10:51.480 --> 00:10:52.100 And what he's teaching. 00:10:52.300 --> 00:10:53.420 And we find that throughout. 00:10:53.820 --> 00:10:55.000 The pastoral epistles. 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:56.399 And so we tonight are reminded. 00:10:57.159 --> 00:10:58.860 Of the gravity of our situation. 00:10:59.019 --> 00:11:00.139 Out with Christ. 00:11:01.139 --> 00:11:02.960 Which makes the communion weekend. 00:11:02.960 --> 00:11:03.759 So special. 00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:06.139 In the hearts and lives. 00:11:06.259 --> 00:11:07.100 Of the Lord's people. 00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:08.940 Because we too. 00:11:09.060 --> 00:11:10.639 Come into a communion weekend. 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:11.540 Conscious. 00:11:11.539 --> 00:11:11.939 Consciousness. 00:11:12.279 --> 00:11:13.699 Of what once we were. 00:11:14.439 --> 00:11:15.360 Where we were. 00:11:15.719 --> 00:11:17.299 As Isaiah chapter 1 puts it. 00:11:17.819 --> 00:11:18.299 Utterly. 00:11:18.419 --> 00:11:18.759 Thoroughly. 00:11:19.219 --> 00:11:19.740 Estranged. 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:20.919 To God. 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:22.319 Doing our own thing. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:22.860 Our own way. 00:11:22.899 --> 00:11:23.500 In our own time. 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:24.839 Living for ourselves. 00:11:25.819 --> 00:11:27.059 Pressing on with life. 00:11:27.659 --> 00:11:29.000 Living life to the full. 00:11:29.579 --> 00:11:30.319 Filling our heads. 00:11:30.399 --> 00:11:30.919 And our minds. 00:11:30.919 --> 00:11:31.980 With the things of the world. 00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:33.079 Darkness. 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:36.699 And that's where Paul. 00:11:36.819 --> 00:11:37.379 Takes us. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:38.259 In the beginning. 00:11:38.659 --> 00:11:39.500 Few sentences. 00:11:39.500 --> 00:11:40.120 Of his. 00:11:40.120 --> 00:11:42.200 His personal story. 00:11:42.279 --> 00:11:42.940 His testimony. 00:11:43.940 --> 00:11:44.779 And we know tonight. 00:11:44.779 --> 00:11:45.879 That we need to. 00:11:46.340 --> 00:11:47.019 Reflect on this. 00:11:47.139 --> 00:11:48.259 Because God sees us. 00:11:48.259 --> 00:11:48.899 As we are. 00:11:49.399 --> 00:11:49.879 Sinners. 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:52.340 Deserving of his eternal punishment. 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:54.159 Under his just. 00:11:54.500 --> 00:11:55.480 And holy judgment. 00:11:56.779 --> 00:11:57.100 There are. 00:11:57.200 --> 00:11:58.320 There is scene after scene. 00:11:58.360 --> 00:11:58.899 In the scripture. 00:11:59.080 --> 00:12:00.039 Particularly in Revelations. 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:00.860 Chapter 20. 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.240 Where we see. 00:12:02.639 --> 00:12:03.560 That it matters. 00:12:03.560 --> 00:12:04.320 How we live. 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:05.180 And it absolutely matters. 00:12:05.240 --> 00:12:06.000 How we respond. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:06.879 To the gospel. 00:12:06.879 --> 00:12:07.779 In this life. 00:12:08.179 --> 00:12:09.200 Because we will be. 00:12:09.419 --> 00:12:10.600 Held to account. 00:12:10.779 --> 00:12:11.580 In the life to come. 00:12:11.659 --> 00:12:12.059 Revelation. 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:13.539 And chapter 20. 00:12:14.539 --> 00:12:15.340 Describes for us. 00:12:15.379 --> 00:12:15.779 A scene. 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:16.519 That is. 00:12:16.779 --> 00:12:17.340 Given to. 00:12:17.779 --> 00:12:18.080 John. 00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:19.399 It's the great white throne. 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:20.039 Of judgment. 00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:22.399 And I saw a great white throne. 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:22.899 And him. 00:12:23.080 --> 00:12:24.220 Who was seated on it. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:25.440 From his presence. 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:26.399 Earth and sky. 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:27.139 Fled away. 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:28.100 And no place. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:29.100 Was found for them. 00:12:29.340 --> 00:12:30.259 And I saw the dead. 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:31.220 Great and small. 00:12:31.620 --> 00:12:32.899 Standing before the throne. 00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:33.939 And books are opened. 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:36.039 Then another book was opened. 00:12:36.319 --> 00:12:37.399 Which is the book of life. 00:12:38.079 --> 00:12:39.000 And the dead were judged. 00:12:39.019 --> 00:12:40.220 By what was written in the books. 00:12:40.299 --> 00:12:41.500 According to what they'd done. 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:43.399 It's a solemn. 00:12:43.679 --> 00:12:44.779 Searching scene. 00:12:45.259 --> 00:12:46.159 Of judgment. 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:47.579 And accountability. 00:12:47.959 --> 00:12:49.240 Before the Lord our God. 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:50.899 And Paul. 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:51.919 Is here acknowledging. 00:12:52.959 --> 00:12:54.159 That's where he was heading. 00:12:55.079 --> 00:12:56.340 And he was heading there. 00:12:56.340 --> 00:12:57.480 Because he was a sinner. 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:58.799 And his sin. 00:12:59.139 --> 00:12:59.639 Held him. 00:12:59.980 --> 00:13:00.699 And the only. 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:02.240 Declaration. 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:03.139 That would come. 00:13:03.259 --> 00:13:04.500 From the great white throne. 00:13:04.779 --> 00:13:05.620 Had he stood there. 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:06.460 Out with Christ. 00:13:06.560 --> 00:13:07.759 Was guilty. 00:13:08.620 --> 00:13:09.720 Depart from me. 00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:10.600 You workers. 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:11.700 Of lawlessness. 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:13.480 That's where his. 00:13:14.240 --> 00:13:15.340 Testimony begins. 00:13:16.360 --> 00:13:16.879 But. 00:13:17.220 --> 00:13:18.139 We praise God. 00:13:18.620 --> 00:13:19.680 Because his testimony. 00:13:19.680 --> 00:13:20.360 Goes on. 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:22.740 But I. 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:24.039 Received. 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:25.320 Mercy. 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:26.600 And so. 00:13:26.740 --> 00:13:27.460 While his testimony. 00:13:27.460 --> 00:13:27.879 Begins. 00:13:27.980 --> 00:13:29.060 With the admission of guilt. 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:29.940 Secondly. 00:13:30.060 --> 00:13:30.519 We find. 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:31.399 An acknowledgement. 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:32.639 Of grace. 00:13:33.360 --> 00:13:33.959 But I. 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:34.779 Received. 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:35.419 Mercy. 00:13:35.860 --> 00:13:36.139 And here. 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:37.299 Is a forgiven sinner. 00:13:37.419 --> 00:13:38.059 Reflecting. 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:39.000 With all his heart. 00:13:39.100 --> 00:13:39.539 And mind. 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:40.759 His deep theological. 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:41.340 Awareness. 00:13:41.480 --> 00:13:42.240 His personal. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:42.720 Encounter. 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:43.299 With Christ. 00:13:43.419 --> 00:13:44.459 His apostleship. 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:45.579 His visions. 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:46.579 His understanding. 00:13:46.579 --> 00:13:47.240 Of what he'd seen. 00:13:47.319 --> 00:13:48.159 In the seventh heavens. 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:49.459 All these blessings. 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.559 He had been given. 00:13:51.379 --> 00:13:52.419 Does not ever. 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:53.459 Leave him. 00:13:53.779 --> 00:13:54.360 From forgetting. 00:13:54.799 --> 00:13:55.779 Where it all began. 00:13:56.079 --> 00:13:56.419 I. 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:57.699 Received. 00:13:58.480 --> 00:13:58.960 Mercy. 00:13:58.960 --> 00:14:00.080 And that's what he says. 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:00.820 In verse 13. 00:14:00.980 --> 00:14:01.820 And if you read on. 00:14:01.920 --> 00:14:02.980 Down to verse 16. 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:04.460 Look what he says again. 00:14:05.200 --> 00:14:05.680 But I. 00:14:06.320 --> 00:14:06.759 Received. 00:14:07.220 --> 00:14:07.639 Mercy. 00:14:08.700 --> 00:14:09.220 His. 00:14:09.580 --> 00:14:10.019 Admission. 00:14:10.259 --> 00:14:11.100 Of guilt. 00:14:11.800 --> 00:14:12.620 Is now. 00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:14.560 Overcome. 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:15.720 With an acknowledgement. 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:16.940 Of grace. 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:17.840 I. 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:18.780 Received. 00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:19.200 Mercy. 00:14:19.200 --> 00:14:20.400 A book. 00:14:20.400 --> 00:14:21.480 I would always recommend. 00:14:21.660 --> 00:14:21.920 Is J. 00:14:21.980 --> 00:14:22.120 I. 00:14:22.220 --> 00:14:22.700 Packers. 00:14:22.980 --> 00:14:23.840 Knowing God. 00:14:24.379 --> 00:14:24.720 And in there. 00:14:24.780 --> 00:14:25.340 There's a chapter. 00:14:25.520 --> 00:14:26.060 On grace. 00:14:26.180 --> 00:14:27.000 And what grace is. 00:14:27.040 --> 00:14:27.520 And he answers. 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:28.120 The question. 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:29.680 Of why grace. 00:14:29.780 --> 00:14:30.740 Means so much. 00:14:30.920 --> 00:14:32.140 To the Christian man. 00:14:32.379 --> 00:14:32.860 And woman. 00:14:32.940 --> 00:14:33.620 And he says this. 00:14:33.780 --> 00:14:34.180 Surely. 00:14:34.759 --> 00:14:35.340 It is because. 00:14:35.500 --> 00:14:36.320 Once someone. 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:37.120 Is convinced. 00:14:37.300 --> 00:14:37.980 That their need. 00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:39.300 Is as described. 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:40.960 The New Testament. 00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:42.180 Gospel of grace. 00:14:42.540 --> 00:14:43.080 Cannot. 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:44.200 But sweep them. 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:44.960 Off their feet. 00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:45.960 With wonder. 00:14:46.280 --> 00:14:47.020 And joy. 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:47.600 Why? 00:14:47.600 --> 00:14:49.460 Because it. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:50.420 Tells us. 00:14:50.940 --> 00:14:51.840 How our judge. 00:14:52.580 --> 00:14:53.879 Has become our saviour. 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:56.580 There is the gospel. 00:14:56.680 --> 00:14:57.279 Of grace. 00:14:57.879 --> 00:14:59.100 This is the sound. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:14:59.820 Doctrine. 00:15:00.220 --> 00:15:00.820 In accordance. 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:01.700 With the glorious. 00:15:01.700 --> 00:15:02.279 Gospel. 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:03.300 Of the blessed God. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:04.580 Our judge. 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:06.840 Has become our saviour. 00:15:07.740 --> 00:15:08.320 And so. 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:09.279 Paul immediately. 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.460 Acknowledges. 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:11.320 His guilt. 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:12.019 And his. 00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:13.519 Self-righteousness. 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:15.220 And sense of self-worth. 00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:16.879 And his self-glorification. 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:17.740 Convinced. 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:18.899 He was doing God's work. 00:15:18.939 --> 00:15:19.480 All the time. 00:15:19.539 --> 00:15:20.860 He was an insolent opponent. 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:22.019 And a blaspheming. 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:22.740 Persecutor. 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:24.100 But I received mercy. 00:15:24.679 --> 00:15:25.720 Because I had acted. 00:15:25.939 --> 00:15:26.299 Ignorantly. 00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:27.399 In unbelief. 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:28.879 And the grace of our Lord. 00:15:29.220 --> 00:15:30.039 Overflowed for me. 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:30.779 With the faith. 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:31.460 And love. 00:15:32.340 --> 00:15:33.320 That are in Christ Jesus. 00:15:33.559 --> 00:15:35.340 This is a trustworthy saying. 00:15:35.899 --> 00:15:37.360 Deserving a full acceptance. 00:15:37.539 --> 00:15:38.340 Christ Jesus. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:39.799 Came into the world. 00:15:40.179 --> 00:15:41.220 To save sinners. 00:15:42.019 --> 00:15:43.159 Of whom I am the foremost. 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:46.219 We know he wasn't one of the original. 00:15:46.639 --> 00:15:47.639 Apostolic band. 00:15:47.959 --> 00:15:48.860 Perhaps that also. 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:50.659 Was in Paul's heart and mind. 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:51.719 When he wrote these words. 00:15:52.259 --> 00:15:54.019 Knowing that he was the least of the apostles. 00:15:54.639 --> 00:15:55.299 For his. 00:15:55.819 --> 00:15:56.860 Persecuting past. 00:15:57.059 --> 00:15:57.699 It was there. 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:58.860 In his heart. 00:15:58.939 --> 00:15:59.639 And in his mind. 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:00.799 But here. 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:01.559 With these words. 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:02.519 I received mercy. 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:03.500 Were at the very heart. 00:16:03.679 --> 00:16:04.740 Of every testimony. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:05.500 We will ever hear. 00:16:06.219 --> 00:16:07.259 Because we are all. 00:16:07.559 --> 00:16:08.699 As was said in. 00:16:08.899 --> 00:16:09.559 Days of old. 00:16:09.799 --> 00:16:11.019 Trophies of grace. 00:16:11.019 --> 00:16:13.199 We are saved by grace. 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:14.500 And through faith. 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:15.539 This is the heart. 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:17.039 Of the testimony of Paul. 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:18.240 And of every Christian here. 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:18.699 This evening. 00:16:19.659 --> 00:16:20.840 This is the sound doctrine. 00:16:20.919 --> 00:16:21.539 Of the gospel. 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:22.899 Of the glory of God. 00:16:22.980 --> 00:16:23.779 For we receive. 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:25.039 What we need most. 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:25.740 In Christ. 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:26.720 The forgiveness. 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:27.919 Of our sin. 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:29.480 We don't deserve it. 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.480 We can't earn it. 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:33.980 We simply receive it. 00:16:34.340 --> 00:16:35.179 In faith. 00:16:36.799 --> 00:16:37.559 There's a wonderful. 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:38.460 Summary of this. 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:39.559 In the shorter catechism. 00:16:39.879 --> 00:16:40.299 Faith. 00:16:40.299 --> 00:16:41.839 In Jesus Christ. 00:16:42.279 --> 00:16:43.240 Is a saving grace. 00:16:43.359 --> 00:16:44.339 Whereby we receive. 00:16:44.659 --> 00:16:45.459 And rest upon him. 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:45.879 Alone. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:46.719 For salvation. 00:16:47.079 --> 00:16:47.919 As he has offered. 00:16:48.039 --> 00:16:49.039 To us in the gospel. 00:16:50.120 --> 00:16:50.979 And so we reflect. 00:16:51.079 --> 00:16:52.559 In that wonderful reality. 00:16:52.939 --> 00:16:53.799 As Paul did. 00:16:53.859 --> 00:16:54.719 Right at the start. 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:55.719 I am an apostle. 00:16:55.719 --> 00:16:56.539 Of Christ Jesus. 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.659 By command of God. 00:16:57.679 --> 00:16:58.199 Our saviour. 00:16:58.199 --> 00:16:59.439 And of Christ Jesus. 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:00.539 Our hope. 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.519 We might almost expect. 00:17:01.620 --> 00:17:02.519 To say Christ Jesus. 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:03.120 Our Lord. 00:17:03.219 --> 00:17:04.359 But we notice in verse 1. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:05.740 That he immediately refers. 00:17:05.819 --> 00:17:06.859 To Christ Jesus. 00:17:06.859 --> 00:17:08.079 As our hope. 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:10.460 Because it is in Christ alone. 00:17:10.679 --> 00:17:11.639 Our hope. 00:17:11.639 --> 00:17:12.919 Is found. 00:17:14.139 --> 00:17:15.919 And so we come to him. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:16.679 In repentance. 00:17:17.399 --> 00:17:18.299 And faith. 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:20.119 And here we have the ultimate. 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:21.439 Divine intervention. 00:17:21.919 --> 00:17:22.839 Words that contain. 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:24.379 What we can describe. 00:17:24.439 --> 00:17:25.139 In verse 15. 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:27.000 This wonderful combination. 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:29.439 Of the simple expression. 00:17:29.439 --> 00:17:30.119 Of faith. 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:31.419 Being placed alongside. 00:17:31.419 --> 00:17:32.759 The deepest words. 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.379 Of theology. 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:34.299 Listen to them again. 00:17:34.299 --> 00:17:35.720 Christ Jesus. 00:17:36.319 --> 00:17:37.339 Came into the world. 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:38.259 To save. 00:17:39.319 --> 00:17:39.839 Sinners. 00:17:40.879 --> 00:17:42.519 This is the simplest. 00:17:42.680 --> 00:17:43.779 Expression of faith. 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:45.879 As well as it being. 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.740 The deepest words. 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.359 Of theology. 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:49.259 And speaking of deep theology. 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:50.720 When I mentioned to you. 00:17:50.779 --> 00:17:51.539 As we go through. 00:17:51.940 --> 00:17:53.000 Archibald Alexander. 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.359 He was an American. 00:17:54.839 --> 00:17:55.240 Pastor. 00:17:55.599 --> 00:17:56.519 And very. 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:58.480 A famous professor. 00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:59.039 Of theology. 00:17:59.039 --> 00:17:59.680 In Princeton. 00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:00.399 He was there. 00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:01.119 Right at the beginning. 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.559 And led Princeton. 00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:04.079 To become this great. 00:18:04.440 --> 00:18:05.319 English speaking. 00:18:05.419 --> 00:18:06.240 Theological center. 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:06.940 Of excellence. 00:18:07.460 --> 00:18:08.720 And modern day leaders. 00:18:08.899 --> 00:18:09.359 Such as. 00:18:09.419 --> 00:18:09.500 St. 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:10.099 Peter Ferguson. 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.599 Highly commend. 00:18:11.720 --> 00:18:12.720 That we read his works. 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:13.980 And we remind ourselves. 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:14.899 Of who. 00:18:15.440 --> 00:18:16.399 Archibald Alexander. 00:18:16.919 --> 00:18:17.419 Was. 00:18:17.559 --> 00:18:18.720 And what he achieved. 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:19.599 One of his colleagues. 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:20.839 Described him this way. 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:22.700 He was the Shakespeare. 00:18:23.379 --> 00:18:24.480 Of the Christian heart. 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:27.240 What a testimony that is. 00:18:27.559 --> 00:18:28.240 The Shakespeare. 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:30.059 Of the Christian heart. 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:31.059 Well this is what. 00:18:31.279 --> 00:18:32.279 Alexander said. 00:18:32.559 --> 00:18:33.039 Of. 00:18:33.940 --> 00:18:34.419 His. 00:18:34.839 --> 00:18:35.359 Teaching. 00:18:35.919 --> 00:18:37.299 His theological acumen. 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:38.779 His deep understanding. 00:18:39.419 --> 00:18:39.799 And. 00:18:40.179 --> 00:18:40.779 His. 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:41.879 His developed. 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:42.720 Sense. 00:18:42.879 --> 00:18:43.639 Of the Christian faith. 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:44.259 This is what he said. 00:18:44.379 --> 00:18:45.599 All my theology. 00:18:46.319 --> 00:18:47.059 Is reduced. 00:18:47.539 --> 00:18:48.859 To this narrow compass. 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:50.679 Christ Jesus. 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:52.399 Came into the world. 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:53.859 To save sinners. 00:18:55.139 --> 00:18:56.240 And we rejoice. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.039 In that hope. 00:18:57.659 --> 00:18:58.299 For it is. 00:18:58.440 --> 00:18:59.639 The glorious gospel. 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:01.200 Of the blessed God. 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:02.500 It is healthy. 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:03.460 Gospel. 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:04.220 Doctrine. 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:06.039 This is the greatest sound. 00:19:06.200 --> 00:19:06.880 We'll ever hear. 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.080 These words. 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:08.819 Sum up. 00:19:09.120 --> 00:19:09.960 The message of. 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:10.680 God. 00:19:10.779 --> 00:19:11.259 To the world. 00:19:11.360 --> 00:19:12.000 To storm away. 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:12.880 The nation. 00:19:13.059 --> 00:19:13.500 Tonight. 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:14.759 Christ Jesus. 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:15.819 Came into the world. 00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:17.319 To save sinners. 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:19.859 And the wonder of the gospel. 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:20.200 Tonight. 00:19:20.299 --> 00:19:20.919 We all know. 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:22.899 Is that through faith in Jesus. 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:23.759 We receive. 00:19:24.159 --> 00:19:24.539 Grace. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:25.879 Mercy. 00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:27.359 And peace. 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.839 Instead of the eternal banishment. 00:19:30.039 --> 00:19:30.740 We have earned. 00:19:30.939 --> 00:19:31.960 We receive grace. 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:33.500 And as he says in verse 16. 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:35.359 What does belief lead us to? 00:19:35.519 --> 00:19:37.539 It leads to eternal life. 00:19:37.539 --> 00:19:37.639 Life. 00:19:38.819 --> 00:19:39.960 Eternity beckons. 00:19:40.659 --> 00:19:41.920 Eternity with Christ. 00:19:42.639 --> 00:19:43.460 When there be no. 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:45.019 Preparatory services. 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:47.700 No communion weekends. 00:19:48.399 --> 00:19:49.319 No bread and wine. 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:50.879 Pointing us to the Savior. 00:19:51.399 --> 00:19:52.460 For we'll see him. 00:19:53.099 --> 00:19:54.119 Face to face. 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:56.440 Eternity beckons. 00:19:56.920 --> 00:19:58.319 To all who love and trust. 00:19:58.799 --> 00:20:00.039 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:01.659 Eternity beckons. 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:03.180 To all who can be defined. 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.039 By these words. 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:06.079 Love that issues from a pure heart. 00:20:06.460 --> 00:20:07.299 A good conscience. 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:09.059 And sincere faith. 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:10.200 Again. 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:11.220 Quoting the Catechism. 00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:12.940 Saving faith. 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:14.019 Or faith in Jesus. 00:20:14.139 --> 00:20:15.059 Is a saving grace. 00:20:15.139 --> 00:20:16.039 Whereby we receive. 00:20:16.339 --> 00:20:17.240 And rest upon him. 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:17.779 Alone. 00:20:17.899 --> 00:20:18.559 For salvation. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:20.099 As he has offered to us. 00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:20.639 In the gospel. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:22.240 We offer one and all. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.379 This great message. 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:24.879 And this wonderful Savior. 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:26.659 Who gave himself. 00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:27.680 For the sin. 00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:29.940 That banished us from God. 00:20:30.579 --> 00:20:32.019 The reality then of God's grace. 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:33.359 Fills Paul's heart. 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:35.359 It's the foundation of his testimony. 00:20:35.359 --> 00:20:36.180 His letter. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.519 And his entire ministry. 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:39.759 We notice the words there in verse 14. 00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:41.460 The grace of our Lord. 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:42.819 Overflowed. 00:20:42.940 --> 00:20:43.599 For me. 00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:45.279 With the faith and love. 00:20:45.399 --> 00:20:46.500 That are in Christ Jesus. 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:47.659 It absolutely. 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:49.639 Turned him inside out. 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:50.759 And his transformation. 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:51.619 Began. 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:53.559 And that's where we'll go to. 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:54.460 Close this evening. 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.500 As well as his entire ministry. 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:57.819 Being shaped by grace. 00:20:57.819 --> 00:20:58.339 And his focus. 00:20:58.339 --> 00:21:00.339 And his focus. 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:01.539 Being God our Savior. 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.279 And the Lord Jesus. 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:04.099 Our hope. 00:21:04.659 --> 00:21:06.439 And it's interesting just to note. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.059 In the passing. 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:07.759 That hope. 00:21:08.099 --> 00:21:09.419 In the New Testament letters. 00:21:09.659 --> 00:21:11.419 Appears nearly 60 times. 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:13.559 The apostles were driven. 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:14.359 Again and again. 00:21:14.659 --> 00:21:15.500 Back to the hope. 00:21:15.879 --> 00:21:16.799 That shaped them. 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:17.980 That moulded them. 00:21:18.039 --> 00:21:18.679 That held them. 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:20.279 The hope that we have. 00:21:20.419 --> 00:21:21.399 In Jesus Christ. 00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:22.300 And here it is. 00:21:22.600 --> 00:21:24.180 In 1 Timothy 1 verse 1. 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.519 Christ Jesus. 00:21:25.780 --> 00:21:27.160 Our hope. 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:28.800 So we have. 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:30.620 An awareness of guilt. 00:21:31.220 --> 00:21:32.360 And an acknowledgement of grace. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.480 Just briefly this. 00:21:33.620 --> 00:21:34.800 We have a life transformed. 00:21:36.360 --> 00:21:37.380 I received. 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:38.400 Mercy. 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:39.580 We notice that. 00:21:39.800 --> 00:21:41.220 There's a phrase that he uses. 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.360 Toward the end of the chapter. 00:21:43.280 --> 00:21:44.680 And his encouragement toward Timothy. 00:21:45.040 --> 00:21:47.460 But he calls him to wage the good warfare. 00:21:48.220 --> 00:21:49.240 Holding faith. 00:21:49.880 --> 00:21:50.700 And a good conscience. 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:52.420 That takes a transformation. 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:54.000 By grace. 00:21:54.100 --> 00:21:54.819 And through faith. 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.740 That requires. 00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:58.539 Someone to know the Lord Jesus. 00:21:58.860 --> 00:21:59.759 For themselves. 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:00.519 To wage. 00:22:00.860 --> 00:22:01.620 The good warfare. 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:03.100 That's what a preparatory. 00:22:03.539 --> 00:22:04.620 Service is all about. 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.360 To remind us. 00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:06.100 And call us to. 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:07.900 To stand in the good warfare. 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.759 To remind ourselves. 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:10.000 Who we are in Christ. 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:11.519 That we have become children. 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.319 Of the living God. 00:22:12.600 --> 00:22:14.259 Not because we've earned it. 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:16.160 But because we've received. 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:17.700 The forgiveness of sin. 00:22:18.680 --> 00:22:19.480 This is grace. 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:21.400 And as with every testimony. 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:23.099 The impact of grace. 00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:24.940 Leads to this transformation. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.660 This charge. 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:27.900 I entrust to you Timothy. 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:29.420 In accordance to the prophecies. 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:30.160 Previously made. 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.620 Wage the good warfare. 00:22:32.420 --> 00:22:34.140 Rely on the Lord Jesus. 00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:35.640 Who is your hope. 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:36.380 Timothy. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.420 My true child. 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.059 In the faith. 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:38.620 Grace. 00:22:39.299 --> 00:22:39.579 Mercy. 00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:40.019 And peace. 00:22:40.099 --> 00:22:40.980 From God the Father. 00:22:40.980 --> 00:22:42.579 In Christ Jesus. 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:43.140 Our Lord. 00:22:44.099 --> 00:22:45.120 It's grace. 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:47.220 That explains this transformation. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:49.099 In the apostles life. 00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:51.400 And in every Christian's life. 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.059 Here this evening. 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:54.019 For Paul. 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:55.200 His unbelief. 00:22:55.559 --> 00:22:56.339 Becomes belief. 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.539 His persecution. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.680 Becomes praise. 00:22:58.900 --> 00:22:59.579 His anger. 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.559 Becomes adoration. 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:01.400 His works. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.360 Become worship. 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.440 He's no longer. 00:23:03.900 --> 00:23:05.420 Trying to save himself. 00:23:05.420 --> 00:23:08.320 He's no longer thinking. 00:23:08.320 --> 00:23:08.980 His efforts. 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:10.140 Will impress God. 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:12.100 He's no longer thinking. 00:23:12.100 --> 00:23:13.320 That by imposing. 00:23:13.320 --> 00:23:14.460 His convictions. 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.480 On others. 00:23:16.080 --> 00:23:16.880 God will give him. 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:17.700 A big tick. 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:18.620 And reserve. 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.240 A place. 00:23:19.340 --> 00:23:20.000 In the new Jerusalem. 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.620 For him. 00:23:22.560 --> 00:23:23.900 To go back to Packer. 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:25.460 In that chapter. 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:25.940 On grace. 00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:26.700 He says this. 00:23:26.820 --> 00:23:27.300 Religion. 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.220 The religion. 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:28.880 Of the Bible. 00:23:29.580 --> 00:23:30.300 Is a religion. 00:23:30.300 --> 00:23:30.980 Of grace. 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.600 Or it is nothing. 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:34.900 It is a religion. 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:35.380 Of grace. 00:23:35.460 --> 00:23:36.259 That brings us here. 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:36.740 Tonight. 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:38.440 It is a table. 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:38.980 Of grace. 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:40.140 That you can anticipate. 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:40.920 This coming. 00:23:41.060 --> 00:23:41.720 Lord's day. 00:23:42.300 --> 00:23:42.880 His fellowship. 00:23:43.060 --> 00:23:43.480 In grace. 00:23:43.540 --> 00:23:43.960 The preaching. 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:44.500 Of the word. 00:23:44.600 --> 00:23:45.500 Brings us to grace. 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:46.800 Because all these things. 00:23:46.940 --> 00:23:47.740 Bring us to Christ. 00:23:48.280 --> 00:23:48.860 Our hope. 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:50.259 And he is our hope. 00:23:50.540 --> 00:23:51.940 Because of the love. 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:52.740 And grace. 00:23:53.100 --> 00:23:54.180 Which overflows. 00:23:54.380 --> 00:23:55.240 From him. 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:56.580 Into the hearts. 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:57.720 Of all those. 00:23:57.800 --> 00:23:58.460 Who come to him. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:59.040 In repentance. 00:23:59.580 --> 00:24:00.140 And faith. 00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:00.820 We've sung about it. 00:24:00.860 --> 00:24:01.480 Already tonight. 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:02.580 He took me. 00:24:02.620 --> 00:24:03.580 From a fearful pit. 00:24:04.060 --> 00:24:04.480 And from the. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:05.140 Miry clay. 00:24:05.839 --> 00:24:06.579 And on a rocky. 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.480 Set my feet. 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:08.440 Establishing. 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:09.740 My way. 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:11.720 Even a new song. 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:12.779 In my mouth. 00:24:13.400 --> 00:24:14.019 Our God. 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:14.920 To magnify. 00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:16.380 Many shall see it. 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:17.759 And shall fear. 00:24:17.819 --> 00:24:18.380 And on the Lord. 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:18.900 We lie. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:19.960 Oh blessed. 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:20.519 Is the man. 00:24:20.559 --> 00:24:21.279 Whose trust. 00:24:21.880 --> 00:24:23.019 Upon the Lord. 00:24:23.539 --> 00:24:24.220 Relies. 00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:25.920 That is your focus. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:26.480 Going forward. 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:28.079 Into the communion season. 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:29.200 Your hope. 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:30.700 Is Christ Jesus. 00:24:31.240 --> 00:24:31.860 Your Lord. 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.380 Your saviour. 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:34.640 And your friend. 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:36.340 And he is all of these. 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:37.480 To all of those. 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:38.559 Who love him. 00:24:39.220 --> 00:24:39.980 And trust him. 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.759 Who have repented of their sin. 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:43.019 With sincerity of heart. 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:44.340 And have come to him. 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:45.799 With a sincere faith. 00:24:46.819 --> 00:24:47.140 Praying. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.600 Lord be merciful to me. 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:48.940 A sinner. 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:49.880 What then? 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:50.559 Wage. 00:24:51.080 --> 00:24:51.779 The good warfare. 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.740 Fight the good fight. 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:54.900 Run the race. 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:55.799 That is set before you. 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:56.519 Endure. 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:57.519 Persevere. 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:59.079 And rely in the presence. 00:24:59.079 --> 00:24:59.879 Of your friend. 00:24:59.960 --> 00:25:00.440 And Lord. 00:25:01.160 --> 00:25:02.079 To be with you. 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.059 This. 00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:05.220 Transformation. 00:25:05.420 --> 00:25:06.220 That leads Paul. 00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:07.879 To encourage us. 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:09.079 To wage a good warfare. 00:25:10.099 --> 00:25:11.019 Will be expressed. 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:11.960 By yourselves. 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:12.639 When you gather. 00:25:12.900 --> 00:25:13.619 At the table. 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:14.299 On Sunday. 00:25:15.139 --> 00:25:16.180 Because at the table. 00:25:16.299 --> 00:25:16.900 You are pointing. 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.819 Not to yourself. 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:19.680 None of us point. 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:20.180 To ourselves. 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:20.740 At the table. 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:21.980 And I know. 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:22.700 There are times. 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.660 Where we probably. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:24.359 Have all felt. 00:25:24.639 --> 00:25:25.559 Going to the table. 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:27.440 A test. 00:25:28.359 --> 00:25:29.059 Where we felt. 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:30.919 Do I belong there? 00:25:31.399 --> 00:25:32.339 Do I deserve. 00:25:32.339 --> 00:25:33.299 To be there? 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:35.019 Can I receive. 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:35.639 Grace. 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:36.159 There? 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.200 And we struggle. 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:38.579 With that. 00:25:38.819 --> 00:25:39.220 Because. 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:40.500 The best of men. 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:41.279 Are men at best. 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.720 Because we're flesh. 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.139 And blood. 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.460 Because. 00:25:44.679 --> 00:25:45.599 We can say. 00:25:45.679 --> 00:25:46.599 Often as Paul did. 00:25:46.659 --> 00:25:47.579 O wretched man. 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.059 That I am. 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:48.960 Who will deliver me. 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:50.059 From this body of death. 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:50.779 We feel. 00:25:50.899 --> 00:25:51.259 Don't we. 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:52.559 Through our tender conscience. 00:25:52.919 --> 00:25:53.419 The weight. 00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:54.560 Of sinfulness. 00:25:54.860 --> 00:25:55.539 And weakness. 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:57.320 And unrighteousness. 00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:57.940 And slips. 00:25:58.220 --> 00:25:58.720 And fails. 00:25:58.820 --> 00:25:59.480 And faults. 00:26:00.160 --> 00:26:00.700 And we cry. 00:26:00.820 --> 00:26:01.720 Lord be merciful. 00:26:02.640 --> 00:26:03.279 To me a sinner. 00:26:04.080 --> 00:26:05.920 The table cuts through all that. 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:08.360 Christ knows you. 00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:09.220 Christian friend. 00:26:09.800 --> 00:26:10.680 He knows the struggles. 00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:11.340 That you have. 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:12.140 He knows the weight. 00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:12.720 Upon you. 00:26:12.800 --> 00:26:13.180 He knows. 00:26:13.600 --> 00:26:14.560 The difficulties. 00:26:14.560 --> 00:26:16.259 That we all face. 00:26:16.340 --> 00:26:17.060 In this world. 00:26:17.100 --> 00:26:17.960 As we pilgrimage. 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:18.880 Together. 00:26:18.880 --> 00:26:19.000 Together. 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:20.880 That's why. 00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:21.600 There's a table. 00:26:22.880 --> 00:26:24.260 To encourage us. 00:26:24.360 --> 00:26:25.060 And nourish us. 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:26.000 And feed us. 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:28.320 As we wage this good warfare. 00:26:28.900 --> 00:26:30.200 Looking unto Jesus. 00:26:31.020 --> 00:26:31.660 We don't go there. 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:32.700 Because we're perfect. 00:26:33.280 --> 00:26:34.120 We don't go there. 00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:34.940 To be saved. 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:36.900 We certainly don't take the communion. 00:26:37.020 --> 00:26:38.200 In the hope it will make us Christian. 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:40.500 We go there. 00:26:40.580 --> 00:26:42.000 Because we have been saved. 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:44.120 And because the Lord Jesus. 00:26:44.340 --> 00:26:45.500 Our Lord and Savior. 00:26:46.020 --> 00:26:47.260 Says and commands. 00:26:47.260 --> 00:26:48.360 Do this. 00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:49.980 In remembrance of me. 00:26:50.040 --> 00:26:50.600 Do what? 00:26:51.320 --> 00:26:52.100 Remember me. 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:53.800 By taking part in this supper. 00:26:54.820 --> 00:26:55.820 Pass the bread. 00:26:56.120 --> 00:26:57.040 And take the wine. 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:58.740 And remember the cost. 00:26:58.740 --> 00:26:59.640 Of your redemption. 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:01.680 Your Lord and Savior. 00:27:01.800 --> 00:27:02.240 And friend. 00:27:03.620 --> 00:27:04.520 He loved us. 00:27:05.080 --> 00:27:06.700 And gave himself for us. 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:09.520 And he has prepared a feast for you. 00:27:09.600 --> 00:27:10.820 This coming Lord's day. 00:27:11.700 --> 00:27:12.720 And so we pray that. 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:14.060 He would be there. 00:27:14.140 --> 00:27:15.060 In his grace. 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:15.640 And mercy. 00:27:15.740 --> 00:27:16.220 And peace. 00:27:16.800 --> 00:27:17.560 Blessing that meal. 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.380 To your hearts. 00:27:18.380 --> 00:27:20.140 And that you might say. 00:27:20.340 --> 00:27:21.260 As Paul did. 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:23.480 I received mercy. 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:26.040 That's why we go to the table. 00:27:26.760 --> 00:27:27.280 We go there. 00:27:27.360 --> 00:27:28.200 Having received. 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:29.260 The grace. 00:27:30.060 --> 00:27:30.880 And mercy. 00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:31.840 Of Christ. 00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:33.360 We receive. 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:34.160 From him. 00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:35.580 What we do not deserve. 00:27:36.380 --> 00:27:37.580 We receive forgiveness. 00:27:37.580 --> 00:27:38.160 For sin. 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.200 That we cannot earn. 00:27:39.600 --> 00:27:40.400 God in his mercy. 00:27:40.400 --> 00:27:41.420 Did not give Paul. 00:27:41.540 --> 00:27:42.520 What he deserved. 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:43.440 Instead. 00:27:43.660 --> 00:27:44.960 God in his grace. 00:27:45.380 --> 00:27:45.980 Gave Paul. 00:27:45.980 --> 00:27:47.680 What he did not deserve. 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:49.880 I received. 00:27:50.579 --> 00:27:50.920 Mercy. 00:27:52.099 --> 00:27:52.960 Christ Jesus. 00:27:53.640 --> 00:27:54.579 Came into the world. 00:27:55.360 --> 00:27:56.420 To save sinners. 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.519 May he bless you. 00:27:58.880 --> 00:27:59.819 As you remember him. 00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:01.000 In that special way. 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.200 At his table. 00:28:02.860 --> 00:28:03.980 This coming Lord's day. 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:04.980 Let's bow in prayer. 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:05.620 Let's bow in prayer for a moment. 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:08.400 Our Lord and our God. 00:28:08.539 --> 00:28:09.160 We thank you. 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:11.200 That we can spend this time together. 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:12.259 Around your word. 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:14.720 We bless and praise you. 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:16.120 For the wonder of the gospel. 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:18.500 Words perhaps Lord. 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.480 That are so familiar. 00:28:19.480 --> 00:28:20.680 To many of us. 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:22.660 And yet we will never plumb. 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:24.220 The depths of these things. 00:28:25.100 --> 00:28:26.360 And we see here Lord. 00:28:26.560 --> 00:28:28.440 The simplicity of faith. 00:28:29.600 --> 00:28:31.580 The deep things of theology. 00:28:31.580 --> 00:28:32.740 In a sentence. 00:28:33.700 --> 00:28:35.140 And we pray that that sentence. 00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:37.279 Would bind up your people. 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:38.519 In these days to come. 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:40.100 That they might feed. 00:28:40.400 --> 00:28:41.400 Feed deeply. 00:28:41.820 --> 00:28:42.660 At the table. 00:28:43.120 --> 00:28:44.200 That they might be fed. 00:28:44.320 --> 00:28:45.500 Richly by your word. 00:28:45.580 --> 00:28:46.840 In the preparatory services. 00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:48.240 And that Lord. 00:28:48.340 --> 00:28:49.720 They would be a real harvest. 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:51.279 And growth among your people. 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:53.319 And that the gospel of grace. 00:28:53.380 --> 00:28:54.339 Would take root in hearts. 00:28:54.400 --> 00:28:54.980 And lives. 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:55.740 Up and down. 00:28:56.140 --> 00:28:57.420 And across the congregation. 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:59.120 Hear us Lord. 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:00.240 In all these things we pray. 00:29:00.680 --> 00:29:01.500 Draw near to us. 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.420 And forgive our sin. 00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:04.100 And everything we ask. 00:29:04.100 --> 00:29:05.460 Is in the name of Jesus. 00:29:05.819 --> 00:29:06.319 Our Lord. 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.140 And our hope. 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:08.140 Amen. 00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:14.500 We'll return to sing psalms this evening. 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:17.400 And we'll sing from Psalm 36. 00:29:17.400 --> 00:29:19.720 Psalm 36. 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:21.920 Singing from verse 5. 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:22.960 To verse 9. 00:29:23.580 --> 00:29:24.700 To the tune Huddersfield. 00:29:25.300 --> 00:29:27.320 Your steadfast love is great. 00:29:27.380 --> 00:29:27.920 Oh Lord. 00:29:28.320 --> 00:29:29.720 It reaches heaven high. 00:29:30.180 --> 00:29:31.500 Your faithfulness is wonderful. 00:29:31.640 --> 00:29:32.880 Extending to the sky. 00:29:33.320 --> 00:29:34.900 Your righteousness is very great. 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:36.740 Like mountains high and steep. 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:38.820 Your justice is like ocean depths. 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:40.200 Both man and beast. 00:29:40.740 --> 00:29:41.180 You keep. 00:29:41.320 --> 00:29:42.600 Verses 5 to 9. 00:29:42.800 --> 00:29:44.000 We'll stand together. 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:44.160 Amen. 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.160 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.160 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.160 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.160 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.160 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:46.160 Amen. 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.160 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:55.860 Your steadfast love is great. 00:29:55.860 --> 00:29:57.480 Oh Lord. 00:29:57.480 --> 00:30:04.680 It reaches heaven high. 00:30:04.680 --> 00:30:12.480 Your faithfulness is wonderful. 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:20.180 And standing to the sky. 00:30:20.180 --> 00:30:30.180 Your righteousness is very great. 00:30:30.180 --> 00:30:36.180 Like mountains high and steep. 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:45.880 Your justice is like ocean depths. 00:30:45.880 --> 00:30:52.880 Both man and beast you keep. 00:30:52.880 --> 00:31:02.580 How precious is your steadfast love. 00:31:02.580 --> 00:31:09.580 What confidence it brings. 00:31:09.579 --> 00:31:10.159 For night and night. 00:31:10.159 --> 00:31:12.279 For night and night. 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:13.279 For night and night. 00:31:13.279 --> 00:31:14.500 For night and night. 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.500 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:25.559 I sheltered in the shadow of your wings. 00:31:25.559 --> 00:31:34.660 They feast within your hearts and drink. 00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:41.180 From streams of pure delight. 00:31:41.180 --> 00:31:50.600 For with you is the source of light. 00:31:50.920 --> 00:31:57.820 In your light we see light. 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:07.580 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:12.180 Amen. 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.180