WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.919 Well, good evening, everyone. It is lovely to be back. Alistair, very impressed by all the names. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:14.040 There's quite a few of them, and some challenging enough. But the church I normally attend is 00:00:14.040 --> 00:00:18.980 Bellevue Chapel. For those who have been coming to Brunsfield for a while will be familiar with 00:00:18.980 --> 00:00:25.640 Bellevue, as there are some great strong links. But it's lovely to be here this evening. And also, 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:30.600 there was a swap that we needed to make because last week, for very good reasons, but we had people 00:00:30.600 --> 00:00:36.820 wanting to be baptized, and Graham filled in for me last week. But it does mean that I'm closing off 00:00:36.820 --> 00:00:43.640 this series in 2 Timothy. So I hope, maybe not having been able to listen to all the sermons so 00:00:43.640 --> 00:00:49.420 far, that what I can share with you this evening will fit in with what you've looked at so far. 00:00:49.960 --> 00:00:54.880 Again, I don't know how many of this series you have been able to listen to or attend to, 00:00:54.880 --> 00:00:59.359 if there's quite a few. I hope it's been really worthwhile. It's an absolutely 00:00:59.359 --> 00:01:06.719 tremendous letter, one of the most personal ones that we find in the Bible. And yet, although it 00:01:06.719 --> 00:01:12.740 was, of course, first and foremost written to Timothy, it is very applicable to us as well. 00:01:13.260 --> 00:01:18.640 And talking about applying, that's always the challenge, isn't it? You go through a series, 00:01:18.640 --> 00:01:25.140 but what about the application? I do hope that we don't just rush on to the next letter, the next 00:01:25.140 --> 00:01:32.299 book, but that we will take time in what God has been speaking to us about as a church, but also as 00:01:32.299 --> 00:01:38.340 individuals that we will take time to apply. Well, this evening, the title is Keeping Your Head, 00:01:38.439 --> 00:01:45.040 which is not in the ESV, but is actually found in the NIV. But if you don't mind, I'm going to change it 00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:52.360 slightly. Because with you tonight, I want to think of the simple words, finishing well. 00:01:53.520 --> 00:02:01.140 Finishing well. Because I think that captures what Paul is trying to, in his final charge, 00:02:01.660 --> 00:02:07.920 tries to lay on Timothy's heart. And when I talk about finishing well, I had to think of a picture 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:13.460 that I remember seeing in the newspaper a couple of years ago, of a beautiful replica of one of those 00:02:13.460 --> 00:02:19.320 17th century ships, one of those tall ships. I don't know if you can picture it. I can't remember 00:02:19.320 --> 00:02:26.000 if it was built either in the Netherlands or in England, in the UK itself. But it was built over 00:02:26.000 --> 00:02:32.300 several months, maybe even over a year, trying to use the same materials, trying to use the same 00:02:32.300 --> 00:02:39.040 techniques as they would have done back in the 17th century. And then they moved the ship, 00:02:39.039 --> 00:02:47.199 they sailed the ship all the way across to Australia, where it was to be docked and used as a museum. 00:02:48.019 --> 00:02:51.719 And of course, the building took a long time, the sailing took a long time, several weeks. 00:02:52.439 --> 00:03:01.340 But the headline in the newspaper was that the ship stranded three miles outside of Sydney Harbor. 00:03:02.699 --> 00:03:03.899 Can you imagine the feelings? 00:03:03.900 --> 00:03:14.740 The disappointment, the embarrassment, being so close, and yet so far. Even the people waiting on the dock site, 00:03:14.920 --> 00:03:20.900 waiting for it to come in and to welcome it, it didn't come. It was stranded and they did repair it. 00:03:20.920 --> 00:03:25.700 And I think it's there now. But just one of those examples of not finishing well. 00:03:26.560 --> 00:03:31.740 I do remember reading this article at a similar time of being at a conference where one of the speakers 00:03:31.740 --> 00:03:38.700 was a man called Don Carson. He's written a variety of books. He's Canadian originally. He's a professor in America. 00:03:39.240 --> 00:03:44.659 But one of the most personal things I heard him say during that conference was, and it's not the exact words, 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:48.120 but basically that it was telling us who were sitting there as church leaders, 00:03:49.040 --> 00:03:56.740 that he was very conscious of the fact that he, and he was, I think at that time, about 60s, early 60s, 00:03:56.740 --> 00:04:04.439 he could still do something that would totally mess up all that he had been able to do for his God and for his King. 00:04:05.100 --> 00:04:08.560 He could have done something that would just totally discredit any books that he'd written. 00:04:10.180 --> 00:04:15.480 And he wanted to press upon us the need and the importance of finishing well. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:17.460 It's one thing to start well. 00:04:17.459 --> 00:04:24.739 And how exciting. I hope you experience that here in Brunsfield, of people starting off on that journey with Jesus. 00:04:25.079 --> 00:04:29.500 And how exciting it is to hear their testimony of how God has been very patiently working, 00:04:30.199 --> 00:04:34.159 and how they finally come to say yes to Jesus as Lord and Savior. 00:04:35.859 --> 00:04:37.240 But that's only half the story. 00:04:38.019 --> 00:04:41.459 The other half is for us to finish well. 00:04:42.379 --> 00:04:43.839 And it's hard to finish well. 00:04:43.839 --> 00:04:45.679 I mean, the Bible is full of examples. 00:04:46.379 --> 00:04:48.060 Think of God's very own people. 00:04:49.239 --> 00:04:55.219 Where we know of a whole generation who ended up in the desert and never moved out of the desert, 00:04:55.219 --> 00:04:58.719 even though it had been God's intention to move them to the promised land. 00:04:59.879 --> 00:05:00.939 Think of King Saul. 00:05:02.519 --> 00:05:03.359 Taller than me. 00:05:04.519 --> 00:05:05.699 Much better looking than me. 00:05:06.099 --> 00:05:07.859 A very obvious choice is king. 00:05:07.919 --> 00:05:09.679 Much more obvious than King David. 00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:17.040 But as far as we know, he finished his life by throwing himself on a sword. 00:05:17.500 --> 00:05:19.040 I was even thinking of the prophet Jonah. 00:05:19.699 --> 00:05:21.920 We don't actually know a whole lot about his life. 00:05:22.879 --> 00:05:29.840 But you get the impression that the story we get when he's called to Nineveh isn't so much the only thing that he did in his life. 00:05:29.899 --> 00:05:30.639 He was a prophet. 00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:36.439 So he must have very faithfully and honorably served his God, proclaiming the truths of God. 00:05:36.439 --> 00:05:41.420 But the open ending of the book of Jonah gives us that question mark. 00:05:41.519 --> 00:05:45.319 Did Jonah ultimately finish well himself? 00:05:46.360 --> 00:05:53.819 And I think that's the essence of what Paul's final charge is all about to his dear son in the faith, Timothy. 00:05:54.720 --> 00:05:55.939 By the way, there's a little side note. 00:05:56.019 --> 00:06:01.659 I remember running a summer camp and I wasn't very well versed yet in the Bible. 00:06:01.879 --> 00:06:04.680 And somebody asked me, so was Paul a father? 00:06:04.680 --> 00:06:09.319 Well, me reading about him calling Timothy a son, I thought, well, he must have been married. 00:06:09.420 --> 00:06:10.160 He must have been a father. 00:06:10.220 --> 00:06:13.379 But this is a son in the faith, Timothy. 00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:17.680 And he loved him dearly, like as if it was one of his own sons. 00:06:18.699 --> 00:06:23.000 And tonight I simply want to look at, first of all, the how we finish well. 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:25.840 Secondly, the why we must finish well. 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:30.699 But also, lastly, the help that is available to finish well. 00:06:31.639 --> 00:06:32.060 Is that okay? 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:33.100 Three points? 00:06:33.100 --> 00:06:35.920 First, the how, the why, and then the help. 00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:37.040 Because we'll need help. 00:06:37.700 --> 00:06:38.900 First of all, then the how. 00:06:39.540 --> 00:06:42.580 I think the how is found in verse 5. 00:06:43.520 --> 00:06:48.320 It says in verse 5, and I'm just reading from the NIV, it says there, but keep your head. 00:06:49.280 --> 00:06:51.480 There's the title of tonight's sermon. 00:06:51.580 --> 00:06:52.140 Keep your head. 00:06:52.139 --> 00:06:54.539 In the ESV, it says be sober-minded. 00:06:57.620 --> 00:06:59.500 Keep your head sorry in all situations. 00:06:59.759 --> 00:07:00.500 Endure hardship. 00:07:01.620 --> 00:07:03.339 Do the work of an evangelist. 00:07:03.339 --> 00:07:07.060 And discharge all the duties of your ministry. 00:07:07.060 --> 00:07:10.500 Or again, if you're using the ESV, which is more literal. 00:07:10.779 --> 00:07:15.099 The more literal translation is fulfill your ministry. 00:07:15.539 --> 00:07:16.060 Four elements. 00:07:16.060 --> 00:07:31.600 And what I find very interesting here is that actually the list doesn't allow us as followers of Christ to simply cruise through our Christian life here on earth. 00:07:31.600 --> 00:07:43.320 We don't finish well by running off into the desert, sitting in some kind of cave, or for that matter, even running to church and hiding in church. 00:07:43.879 --> 00:07:50.740 Desperately seeking to avoid any danger or any conflict or any distraction or any temptation. 00:07:50.740 --> 00:07:57.540 I think Paul very simply wants us to realize that part of finishing well comes from doing. 00:07:59.280 --> 00:08:16.340 Now, I know this is a slight generalization, but I sometimes get the impression that Protestant theology has at times moved away from works and have been shy to talk about works being part of the Christian life. 00:08:17.079 --> 00:08:20.620 Because, and this is very true, this is very much what the Bible teaches us. 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:22.759 We are saved by faith alone. 00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:26.560 And it's true, let there be no doubt about it. 00:08:27.579 --> 00:08:31.220 It's as simple, but also as challenging as that. 00:08:31.800 --> 00:08:42.200 That simply by believing who the Lord Jesus is, and that he died for you and for me on that cross, and that his death took away our sins, 00:08:42.299 --> 00:08:46.700 so that we receive a righteousness that is of God, is how we become a Christian. 00:08:46.700 --> 00:08:56.700 But the Bible is very clear that what follows faith is works, is doing, is obedience. 00:08:57.320 --> 00:08:59.660 There's another word that isn't all that popular anymore. 00:09:00.620 --> 00:09:01.860 But faith works. 00:09:02.360 --> 00:09:04.120 From faith comes service. 00:09:04.120 --> 00:09:10.879 To give you an example, in Paul's letter to the church in Corinth, he says, at the end of chapter 15, he says, 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:14.340 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. 00:09:16.039 --> 00:09:18.259 Let nothing move you. 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:26.879 And always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:36.419 Now, I know in myself, I have a tendency to sometimes rely on what I do for God, that that will buy me his approval. 00:09:37.580 --> 00:09:41.759 So again, I also will try very much to rely on faith. 00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:51.580 But we mustn't be shy on understanding that part of finishing well is faith combined with works. 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:59.520 And Paul says here in verse 5, that part of that doing should be the work of an evangelist. 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:03.259 And part of that doing should be to fulfill our ministry. 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:11.139 And yes, these both apply to Timothy as well as ourselves. 00:10:12.520 --> 00:10:18.440 Now, of course, the Bible teaches that there are certain people with the special gift of evangelism. 00:10:18.440 --> 00:10:26.620 But hopefully, we will also know that in many different places in the Bible, but specifically Matthew 28, 00:10:26.980 --> 00:10:35.200 it teaches all of the followers of Jesus, without exception, that we are to go into the world and make disciples. 00:10:37.140 --> 00:10:41.700 Baptizing them and teaching them all that Jesus had been teaching us. 00:10:41.700 --> 00:10:50.280 And when it comes to fulfilling the ministry, very specifically, Paul mentions in chapter 4, verse 2, 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:53.600 that the ministry, referring to Timothy, is to preach the word. 00:10:55.740 --> 00:11:00.940 Which I think sometimes automatically makes us think of a pastor standing on a platform preaching. 00:11:00.940 --> 00:11:07.920 But actually, the word there, the literal word there, is proclaim the word. 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:15.740 And some clever theologian from Canada, sorry, from Australia, totally different part of the world, 00:11:16.540 --> 00:11:21.940 from Australia, called Peter Adam, actually very wisely, I think, points out the fact that 00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:28.600 proclaiming the word, or the ministry of the word, is much more than just what happens on a Sunday morning or a Sunday evening. 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:40.200 And then actually, it is the call of all of Christ's followers to also handle God's word correctly. 00:11:41.420 --> 00:11:47.259 In the sense that even in a home group setting, we proclaim the word. 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:55.279 Even in our home setting, if we have family worship, or even in a one-to-one, we proclaim the word. 00:11:55.279 --> 00:12:05.220 And so both the going out there, sharing our faith, handling, as well as handling God's word correctly, 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:08.559 will help us to finish well. 00:12:09.519 --> 00:12:10.720 And I'll explain this to you. 00:12:11.199 --> 00:12:16.439 I believe that the more we speak, or share God's word with one another, 00:12:16.439 --> 00:12:18.220 in all these different kind of settings, 00:12:18.620 --> 00:12:21.279 the more it actually helps us in our own understanding, 00:12:21.659 --> 00:12:25.139 our own conviction, as well as our own joy. 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:30.539 You have a Sunday school here, don't you? 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:32.759 Maybe you call it something. What do you call it here? 00:12:34.919 --> 00:12:35.600 Kids Church. 00:12:36.240 --> 00:12:38.360 Is any one of you involved in Kids Church? 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:41.799 A few of you. 00:12:42.259 --> 00:12:46.039 Do you ever feel that you are totally capable 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:49.019 in serving the children that you serve? 00:12:49.019 --> 00:12:55.199 Most people, certainly when people enter into that wonderful work, 00:12:56.100 --> 00:12:59.939 don't feel capable, or don't feel they have all the knowledge or the know-how. 00:13:00.519 --> 00:13:04.139 But actually, because of the simple discipline of having to prepare the lessons, 00:13:04.659 --> 00:13:06.000 prepare for the next Sunday, 00:13:06.799 --> 00:13:08.179 gets us into the word, 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:10.399 and by serving the children, 00:13:10.659 --> 00:13:13.559 we find, and I'm not speaking for you, 00:13:13.559 --> 00:13:17.279 but I have found so often people growing in their own faith, 00:13:18.099 --> 00:13:18.619 stronger, 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:19.759 wiser. 00:13:21.559 --> 00:13:24.000 I certainly experience it as a pastor. 00:13:25.319 --> 00:13:26.759 I have to be very honest 00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:29.079 that I wonder if I would be 00:13:29.079 --> 00:13:31.459 studying God's word as much as I would 00:13:31.459 --> 00:13:33.319 if I didn't have to 00:13:33.319 --> 00:13:35.619 prepare for another Sunday. 00:13:35.620 --> 00:13:38.139 And I see it as a great blessing 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:39.159 and a great privilege 00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:41.019 that I cannot preach 00:13:41.019 --> 00:13:42.620 or feed people 00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:45.159 if I do not feed myself first. 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:47.100 And through it, 00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:48.080 I have realized 00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:50.340 that God allows me 00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:53.019 to grow deeper 00:13:53.019 --> 00:13:54.899 and stronger 00:13:54.899 --> 00:13:57.519 and that I wouldn't be where I am now. 00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:00.320 Now, the other thing, 00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:01.039 he says, 00:14:01.740 --> 00:14:02.820 that strikes me about this 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:03.659 isn't just the doing, 00:14:03.659 --> 00:14:05.759 but it's also the importance of the mind, 00:14:05.939 --> 00:14:06.379 says Paul, 00:14:06.860 --> 00:14:08.399 with regards to finishing well. 00:14:09.899 --> 00:14:10.879 Literally, it says, 00:14:11.100 --> 00:14:11.919 be sober-minded 00:14:11.919 --> 00:14:12.939 or keep your head. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:17.500 The word that Paul uses here 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:19.819 refers to anything from 00:14:19.819 --> 00:14:21.339 being alert, 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:22.279 being awake, 00:14:22.419 --> 00:14:23.379 being watchful, 00:14:23.439 --> 00:14:25.879 even with a hint of concentration. 00:14:27.579 --> 00:14:28.339 In the best picture, 00:14:28.439 --> 00:14:29.399 and it's probably not a good picture, 00:14:29.500 --> 00:14:30.819 but have you ever been to London? 00:14:31.019 --> 00:14:32.559 That's the only place I can think of it. 00:14:32.559 --> 00:14:34.059 But anyone ever been to London? 00:14:34.979 --> 00:14:36.339 It is a busy place. 00:14:37.539 --> 00:14:38.579 Now, I'm really nice and tall, 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:39.639 so on the underground, 00:14:39.779 --> 00:14:40.639 it's okay for me. 00:14:40.959 --> 00:14:41.779 But we were there recently 00:14:41.779 --> 00:14:43.119 with our little girls, 00:14:43.319 --> 00:14:43.659 and boy, 00:14:43.739 --> 00:14:44.859 they found it stifling 00:14:44.859 --> 00:14:45.859 and very busy. 00:14:46.219 --> 00:14:48.279 But we went to the horse guards parade. 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:50.219 There you have them, 00:14:50.239 --> 00:14:50.779 on the horses. 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:53.559 And everybody does the same joke, 00:14:53.659 --> 00:14:54.079 don't they? 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.500 They try to distract them. 00:14:57.459 --> 00:14:58.099 But they train. 00:14:59.099 --> 00:15:00.319 Not to be distracted. 00:15:00.320 --> 00:15:01.240 They're focused. 00:15:02.640 --> 00:15:03.920 Part of it is, of course, 00:15:04.220 --> 00:15:05.240 symbolism, 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:05.879 and there is, 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:07.800 but they have a job to do. 00:15:07.900 --> 00:15:09.020 If anything would happen, 00:15:09.120 --> 00:15:10.140 they would be right there. 00:15:10.920 --> 00:15:11.580 They're alert. 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:12.140 They're awake. 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:13.460 They are sober-minded 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:14.879 in many ways. 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:15.580 And Paul says, 00:15:15.660 --> 00:15:17.080 so must we. 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.260 I actually wonder how we would do 00:15:19.260 --> 00:15:20.980 if that was our job. 00:15:21.740 --> 00:15:23.620 I wonder if I would actually get bored. 00:15:24.880 --> 00:15:25.180 I mean, 00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:26.060 I don't know how long 00:15:26.060 --> 00:15:26.880 their shifts are, 00:15:26.940 --> 00:15:27.920 but having to sit there 00:15:27.919 --> 00:15:28.759 with all these people 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:30.139 pulling funny faces, 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:32.059 I might get fed up 00:15:32.059 --> 00:15:32.319 and say, 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.740 I'm going to try to do something else. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:34.399 But we'd certainly, 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:35.079 a lot of us, 00:15:35.099 --> 00:15:36.059 would be distracted. 00:15:38.299 --> 00:15:38.620 Now, 00:15:38.699 --> 00:15:39.360 how does that work 00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:41.360 in our walk with God? 00:15:43.099 --> 00:15:44.339 What distracts us? 00:15:47.219 --> 00:15:47.959 I don't know 00:15:47.959 --> 00:15:48.860 if it matters 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:49.620 what age you are, 00:15:49.699 --> 00:15:51.120 what season in life you are. 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:52.480 There will always be things 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:53.719 that will distract us 00:15:53.719 --> 00:15:57.139 from faithfully following Jesus. 00:15:57.139 --> 00:15:59.539 and following him closely. 00:16:00.319 --> 00:16:01.199 We've been looking at 00:16:01.199 --> 00:16:02.059 the book of Daniel, 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:02.879 which I think you're doing 00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:03.340 in the morning. 00:16:03.819 --> 00:16:04.460 Then you'll know that 00:16:04.460 --> 00:16:05.319 in chapter 1, 00:16:06.159 --> 00:16:07.620 Daniel resolves 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:09.439 not to defile himself. 00:16:10.580 --> 00:16:11.340 And he does that 00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:11.879 by choosing 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:13.080 not to take any wine 00:16:13.080 --> 00:16:15.419 or any of the meat 00:16:15.419 --> 00:16:16.980 or the nice delicacies 00:16:16.980 --> 00:16:17.439 of the king. 00:16:17.519 --> 00:16:17.600 Now, 00:16:17.620 --> 00:16:18.539 there wasn't anything wrong 00:16:18.539 --> 00:16:19.059 with that. 00:16:20.939 --> 00:16:22.200 But it's simply Daniel 00:16:22.200 --> 00:16:23.419 wanting to make sure 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.799 that he doesn't get 00:16:24.799 --> 00:16:25.480 too comfortable. 00:16:25.480 --> 00:16:27.420 He doesn't get distracted. 00:16:27.920 --> 00:16:29.060 He never wants 00:16:29.060 --> 00:16:29.700 to forget 00:16:29.700 --> 00:16:30.820 his true home. 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:33.460 He wants to remain 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:34.100 sober-minded. 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:36.379 Live in the world, 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:37.060 but not allow 00:16:37.060 --> 00:16:37.700 the world 00:16:37.700 --> 00:16:39.399 to live in him. 00:16:41.800 --> 00:16:43.019 How is that with us? 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:44.580 Even the word 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:45.180 endure, 00:16:45.539 --> 00:16:46.980 where Paul talks about 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:48.200 enduring suffering, 00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:49.399 picks up that image 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:50.139 of a marathon. 00:16:50.300 --> 00:16:50.440 Well, 00:16:50.460 --> 00:16:51.600 there was a marathon today 00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:52.180 in Edinburgh. 00:16:52.179 --> 00:16:53.299 I don't think 00:16:53.299 --> 00:16:54.559 I'll ever end up 00:16:54.559 --> 00:16:55.759 doing that again. 00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:57.399 Running is boring. 00:16:58.899 --> 00:16:59.019 No, 00:16:59.459 --> 00:17:00.019 sorry, 00:17:00.179 --> 00:17:01.279 if I have heard 00:17:01.279 --> 00:17:02.139 anybody's feelings there. 00:17:02.239 --> 00:17:02.899 But anyway, 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:03.519 with a marathon, 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:05.220 it must be so hard, 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:06.579 you know, 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:07.480 those last couple 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.119 of miles 00:17:08.119 --> 00:17:09.200 to keep going, 00:17:09.899 --> 00:17:11.720 to finish the race. 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:13.339 And you must need 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:14.259 all the cheers 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:15.159 and the people 00:17:15.159 --> 00:17:16.259 pushing you on. 00:17:18.139 --> 00:17:19.179 But that's us. 00:17:19.279 --> 00:17:20.000 We're on a journey. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:22.220 We are on that race. 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.059 This world 00:17:23.059 --> 00:17:24.420 is not our home. 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:26.519 We are just passing through. 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:27.920 Heaven is our true home. 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:28.660 And we must 00:17:28.660 --> 00:17:30.079 do everything 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:31.019 in our power 00:17:31.019 --> 00:17:32.259 to set our eyes 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.039 and our mind 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:33.660 on the truth 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:37.180 and the reality 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:37.940 still to come. 00:17:40.339 --> 00:17:41.400 I wonder if we 00:17:41.400 --> 00:17:42.599 actually take our mind 00:17:42.599 --> 00:17:43.819 as serious as we should. 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:45.779 I find a lot of 00:17:45.779 --> 00:17:47.119 even Christians say, 00:17:47.220 --> 00:17:47.319 well, 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:48.519 as long as it's up here, 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:50.440 it won't do anybody harm. 00:17:52.200 --> 00:17:53.039 I think God knows 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:53.920 that what is up here 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:55.599 often comes out. 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:58.099 Hence, 00:17:58.680 --> 00:17:59.420 in Philippians, 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.079 Paul says, 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.139 whatever is true, 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:02.099 whatever is honorable, 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:02.980 whatever is just, 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:03.759 whatever is pure, 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:05.019 whatever is lovely 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:05.779 and commendable, 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:06.799 if there's anything 00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:07.779 worthy of praise, 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:10.859 think about these things. 00:18:11.519 --> 00:18:13.059 What occupies our mind? 00:18:14.139 --> 00:18:15.480 What needs cleaned up? 00:18:15.480 --> 00:18:17.740 What takes away 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.660 our alertness? 00:18:19.140 --> 00:18:19.980 Is it pride? 00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:22.160 Is it bitterness? 00:18:22.460 --> 00:18:23.759 Is it immorality? 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:27.140 Remember what it says, 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:28.240 the great commandment? 00:18:29.259 --> 00:18:30.539 Love the Lord your God 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:32.380 with all your 00:18:32.380 --> 00:18:34.400 heart, 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:36.559 soul, 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:38.599 mind, 00:18:39.319 --> 00:18:40.440 and strength. 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:42.080 So there's the how. 00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:44.580 By doing the work 00:18:44.580 --> 00:18:45.500 of an evangelist, 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:47.320 by proclaiming the word, 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:48.980 by keeping our head. 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:50.480 And here's the why. 00:18:50.900 --> 00:18:51.860 And I'm sure that 00:18:51.860 --> 00:18:52.840 I'll touch on a few things 00:18:52.840 --> 00:18:53.440 that you've already 00:18:53.440 --> 00:18:54.480 looked at in the series 00:18:54.480 --> 00:18:55.240 so far. 00:18:56.140 --> 00:18:56.920 May they serve 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:57.460 as a reminder. 00:18:58.600 --> 00:18:59.600 But Paul mentions 00:18:59.600 --> 00:19:00.600 three reasons 00:19:00.600 --> 00:19:02.220 why we must work 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:02.900 so hard 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:03.860 at making sure 00:19:03.860 --> 00:19:04.539 we finish well. 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:05.320 First of all, 00:19:05.340 --> 00:19:05.940 there's the danger 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:06.700 of wondering. 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:08.100 Secondly, 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:09.279 there's the discouragement 00:19:09.279 --> 00:19:10.079 of opposition. 00:19:11.160 --> 00:19:11.839 And thirdly, 00:19:11.899 --> 00:19:12.539 the reality 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.680 of judgment. 00:19:14.819 --> 00:19:15.359 First of all, 00:19:15.379 --> 00:19:16.220 the danger of wondering 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:16.740 is mentioned 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:18.299 in verse 3 and 4 00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:19.339 where Paul says, 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:20.160 for the time will come 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:21.279 when men will not 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:22.779 put up with sound doctrine. 00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:23.240 Instead, 00:19:23.599 --> 00:19:24.960 to suit their own desires, 00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:25.579 they will gather 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:26.240 around them 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:27.180 a great number 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:27.660 of teachers 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:28.899 to say what their 00:19:28.899 --> 00:19:29.680 itching ears 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:30.559 want to hear. 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:31.759 And they will turn 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:32.500 their ears away 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:33.200 from the truth 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:34.920 and turn aside 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:36.879 to myths. 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.660 people will wonder. 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:43.660 People will wonder 00:19:43.660 --> 00:19:45.000 towards myths. 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.460 And this wondering 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:48.039 will happen 00:19:48.039 --> 00:19:48.759 as a result 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:49.740 of consciously 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:51.059 deciding to move 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:52.839 away from God 00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:54.180 until we move 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:54.779 in the opposite 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:56.039 direction of God. 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:57.960 It might start subtly 00:19:57.960 --> 00:19:58.960 that we start 00:19:58.960 --> 00:19:59.899 questioning things 00:19:59.899 --> 00:20:00.599 in the Bible 00:20:00.599 --> 00:20:02.220 as maybe not being true 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:03.359 and then we start 00:20:03.359 --> 00:20:03.639 wondering, 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:03.819 well, 00:20:03.839 --> 00:20:04.740 if that isn't true, 00:20:04.819 --> 00:20:06.019 then maybe something 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:07.160 else isn't true either 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:08.060 and we struggle 00:20:08.060 --> 00:20:08.700 with miracles 00:20:08.700 --> 00:20:10.000 and we end up 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:11.620 denying the resurrection 00:20:11.620 --> 00:20:12.340 of Jesus. 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:15.820 Paul, 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:16.259 unfortunately, 00:20:16.380 --> 00:20:17.080 has experienced 00:20:17.080 --> 00:20:18.380 this himself. 00:20:18.660 --> 00:20:19.060 If you look 00:20:19.060 --> 00:20:19.779 at verse 10, 00:20:20.820 --> 00:20:21.440 he mentioned 00:20:21.440 --> 00:20:22.820 a man called Demas. 00:20:24.060 --> 00:20:24.740 And Demas, 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:25.740 he says, 00:20:26.300 --> 00:20:27.100 because he loved 00:20:27.100 --> 00:20:27.900 this world, 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:29.100 has deserted me 00:20:29.100 --> 00:20:30.500 and has gone 00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:31.560 to Thessalonica. 00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:32.380 Here's someone 00:20:32.380 --> 00:20:33.620 who has wondered 00:20:33.620 --> 00:20:34.580 off. 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:36.279 And I'm sure 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.059 that Paul doesn't 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:38.240 just want Timothy 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:38.940 to realize 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:39.399 that there are 00:20:39.399 --> 00:20:40.200 other people 00:20:40.200 --> 00:20:41.079 that might wander off, 00:20:41.139 --> 00:20:41.519 but he wants 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.660 Timothy to realize 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:44.019 he could wander off. 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:45.299 And I'm sure 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:46.059 he even includes 00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:46.599 himself, 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:47.599 that he himself 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:49.920 could be naive 00:20:49.920 --> 00:20:51.519 and also realize 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:52.259 he could wander 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:53.079 off himself. 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:55.200 What about 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:55.799 the opposition? 00:20:57.119 --> 00:20:57.339 Well, 00:20:57.399 --> 00:20:58.240 Paul mentions it 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:59.279 in chapter 1, 00:20:59.319 --> 00:20:59.839 verse 8, 00:20:59.960 --> 00:21:00.519 chapter 2, 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:01.460 verse 3 and 9. 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:02.799 And in our passage, 00:21:02.799 --> 00:21:04.220 it comes as an example 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:04.819 in the person 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:05.579 of Alexander. 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:07.079 Chapter 4, 00:21:07.139 --> 00:21:08.480 verse 14 and 15, 00:21:08.639 --> 00:21:09.099 he says, 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:09.740 Alexander, 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:10.559 the metal worker, 00:21:11.079 --> 00:21:11.980 did me a great deal 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:12.480 of harm, 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:13.759 and the Lord 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:14.599 will repay him 00:21:14.599 --> 00:21:15.539 for what he has done. 00:21:16.240 --> 00:21:17.220 You too should be 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:17.819 on your guard 00:21:17.819 --> 00:21:18.519 against him 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.559 because he strongly 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:20.740 opposed our message. 00:21:22.139 --> 00:21:23.279 As a church 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:23.720 in Bellevue, 00:21:23.799 --> 00:21:24.440 we have been looking 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:25.119 at the book 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:26.480 of Ezra and Nehemiah. 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:27.700 We've been looking 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.539 at the book of Acts. 00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:29.960 We've been looking 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:31.039 at the gospel 00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:31.519 of Luke. 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:33.200 We have 00:21:33.200 --> 00:21:34.299 tumbled 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:36.440 over the fact 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:37.700 that time and time again, 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:39.180 opposition is part 00:21:39.180 --> 00:21:40.359 of the Christian life. 00:21:41.819 --> 00:21:42.240 The opposition 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:43.059 might come from 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:44.259 the outside in, 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:44.900 it might come 00:21:44.900 --> 00:21:45.680 from within, 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:49.579 but there are 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:50.420 constantly 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:51.720 people, 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:54.759 even spiritual 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.279 opposition 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:55.960 in the form 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:57.700 of Satan himself 00:21:57.700 --> 00:21:58.680 who is described 00:21:58.680 --> 00:22:02.880 as a roaring lion 00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:03.579 seeking who 00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:04.400 he may devour 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:05.799 that will try 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:06.980 to discourage us, 00:22:07.360 --> 00:22:07.980 tip us up, 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.880 try to keep us away 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:11.000 and take us away 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:12.700 from the Lord. 00:22:13.340 --> 00:22:14.059 The result 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:15.160 that might be 00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:16.079 that because 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:16.860 of the opposition 00:22:16.860 --> 00:22:18.000 we want to give up, 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:19.039 it's too hard. 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.000 And Paul knows 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:21.519 that and has 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.579 experienced that himself. 00:22:23.140 --> 00:22:23.480 But I think 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.200 the most important 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:24.920 one that Paul 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:25.720 wants to hold 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:26.420 before Timothy 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:28.059 is simply 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:28.839 the reality 00:22:28.839 --> 00:22:29.700 of judgment. 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:31.519 He says it twice 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:32.160 in our passage. 00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:32.839 Chapter 4, 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:33.279 verse 1, 00:22:33.360 --> 00:22:33.720 he says, 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:34.319 in the presence 00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:34.920 of God 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:35.819 and of Christ Jesus 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:36.700 who will judge 00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:37.180 the living 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:37.740 and the dead 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:39.120 and in view 00:22:39.120 --> 00:22:39.980 of his appearing 00:22:39.980 --> 00:22:40.779 and his kingdom, 00:22:41.120 --> 00:22:41.839 I give you 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:42.400 this chart. 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:44.279 And again 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:44.860 in verse 8, 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:47.339 he says, 00:22:47.720 --> 00:22:48.360 now there is 00:22:48.360 --> 00:22:49.120 in store for me 00:22:49.120 --> 00:22:49.720 the crown 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.360 of righteousness 00:22:50.360 --> 00:22:51.559 which the Lord, 00:22:51.640 --> 00:22:52.420 the righteous 00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:53.519 judge, 00:22:54.200 --> 00:22:55.039 will award me 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:56.159 on that day 00:22:56.159 --> 00:22:57.240 and not only 00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:57.740 to me 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.440 but also 00:22:58.440 --> 00:22:59.259 to all 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:00.039 who have longed 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:01.420 for his appearing. 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:03.980 Timothy, 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.720 Brunsfield, 00:23:06.659 --> 00:23:09.059 you may face 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:09.680 opposition. 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:12.259 Any of us 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:13.079 could be in danger 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:13.799 of starting 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:14.559 to wander 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:16.700 away from truth. 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:18.460 But most 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.639 of all, 00:23:20.639 --> 00:23:21.420 there is 00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:22.379 in the future 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:23.060 a day 00:23:23.060 --> 00:23:23.860 where we 00:23:23.860 --> 00:23:24.380 will have 00:23:24.380 --> 00:23:25.060 to face 00:23:25.060 --> 00:23:26.180 the judgment 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:27.080 seat of God. 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:28.180 Now, 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:28.600 in many ways, 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:29.460 this is good news. 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:31.360 And if there's 00:23:31.360 --> 00:23:32.460 anyone who is 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.140 here tonight 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:33.780 who's ever 00:23:33.780 --> 00:23:35.720 suffered injustice 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:36.820 or ever suffered 00:23:36.820 --> 00:23:38.760 from pain 00:23:38.760 --> 00:23:39.400 or have been 00:23:39.400 --> 00:23:39.960 a victim 00:23:39.960 --> 00:23:41.520 on the receiving 00:23:41.520 --> 00:23:42.460 end of injustice, 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:43.480 this is great news 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:44.300 because one day 00:23:44.300 --> 00:23:45.280 things will be 00:23:45.280 --> 00:23:45.860 set right. 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:49.819 But it's also 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:50.359 bad news 00:23:50.359 --> 00:23:51.059 because it 00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:51.899 includes us. 00:23:54.619 --> 00:23:55.459 But fortunately, 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:55.899 there's also 00:23:55.899 --> 00:23:56.399 good news 00:23:56.399 --> 00:23:57.079 because in 00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:57.899 Christ Jesus, 00:23:58.039 --> 00:23:58.639 we have nothing 00:23:58.639 --> 00:23:59.379 to fear, 00:23:59.979 --> 00:24:01.399 only to look 00:24:01.399 --> 00:24:02.039 forward to. 00:24:02.719 --> 00:24:03.279 When we come 00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:04.699 before the throne 00:24:04.699 --> 00:24:07.500 and we can 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:08.599 claim the grace 00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:09.359 and mercy 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:10.419 that was 00:24:10.419 --> 00:24:11.019 brought through 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:11.439 Jesus, 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:13.420 but also 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:13.880 if we've 00:24:13.880 --> 00:24:14.720 lived faithfully 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:16.200 like Paul 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:17.480 received the 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:17.900 crown 00:24:17.900 --> 00:24:19.220 of righteousness. 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:22.039 But if we 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:22.820 live consciously 00:24:22.820 --> 00:24:23.820 with that future, 00:24:24.380 --> 00:24:25.180 knowing that 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:25.660 there will be 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.140 a day 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:26.960 that all of us 00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:27.400 will have to 00:24:27.400 --> 00:24:27.880 give account 00:24:27.880 --> 00:24:28.640 of our life, 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:31.000 will help us 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:31.660 as Paul 00:24:31.660 --> 00:24:33.120 to finish 00:24:33.120 --> 00:24:33.559 well. 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:34.900 It will 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:35.740 motivate us. 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.180 And I really 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:38.660 think that 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.320 these three, 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:40.019 the reality 00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:40.640 of wondering, 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:41.940 the opposition 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:42.500 as well as 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:43.400 the future 00:24:43.400 --> 00:24:44.300 judgment day 00:24:44.300 --> 00:24:45.520 really put 00:24:45.520 --> 00:24:46.540 power in 00:24:46.540 --> 00:24:47.580 Paul's charge. 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:49.240 Paul is not 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:50.060 giving a little 00:24:50.060 --> 00:24:51.000 pat on the back 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:51.600 to Timothy. 00:24:52.080 --> 00:24:52.759 It's not a little 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:53.560 hot cup of 00:24:53.560 --> 00:24:54.060 cocoa. 00:24:54.320 --> 00:24:54.640 It's just 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:55.259 encouraging. 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.200 Paul knows 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.580 what lies ahead 00:24:57.580 --> 00:24:58.140 for Timothy. 00:24:58.580 --> 00:24:59.460 And his charge 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:00.280 comes from a 00:25:00.280 --> 00:25:00.660 deep, 00:25:00.840 --> 00:25:01.560 deep care 00:25:01.560 --> 00:25:01.980 and love. 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:06.040 And I hope 00:25:06.040 --> 00:25:06.820 you feel that 00:25:06.820 --> 00:25:07.320 deep love 00:25:07.320 --> 00:25:07.800 and care. 00:25:09.300 --> 00:25:10.320 Because I hope, 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:11.240 honestly hope 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:14.019 that we will 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.220 all of us 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:15.839 see each other 00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:17.599 in the life 00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:18.220 after this. 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:19.960 That we will 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:20.500 not come to 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:21.000 heaven and all 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:21.359 of a sudden 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:21.759 thinking, 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:22.779 I used to 00:25:22.779 --> 00:25:23.500 sit next to 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.099 so and so 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:24.579 and they're 00:25:24.579 --> 00:25:25.039 not here. 00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:28.960 But let me 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.819 finish on the 00:25:29.819 --> 00:25:30.939 encouraging word 00:25:30.939 --> 00:25:31.980 and the news 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:32.679 that there is 00:25:32.679 --> 00:25:32.980 help. 00:25:33.659 --> 00:25:34.099 Because I don't 00:25:34.099 --> 00:25:34.559 want anyone, 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.019 and I don't 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:35.500 think Paul 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:36.059 wanted Timothy 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:36.700 to go away 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:37.539 frightened and 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:37.819 worried. 00:25:37.919 --> 00:25:38.259 Am I just 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:39.019 going to drop 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:39.220 off? 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.519 Am I going 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.059 to slip? 00:25:41.379 --> 00:25:41.700 No, 00:25:41.740 --> 00:25:42.160 Paul says 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:42.400 there is 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:42.639 help. 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:44.000 And help 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:44.500 comes really 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:44.799 in two 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:45.139 forms. 00:25:46.639 --> 00:25:46.879 And I 00:25:46.879 --> 00:25:47.079 think it's 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:47.599 really important 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:48.960 to acknowledge 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:51.940 and receive 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:52.379 the help 00:25:52.379 --> 00:25:52.619 that is 00:25:52.619 --> 00:25:52.900 available. 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:53.500 Sometimes I 00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:54.019 think in our 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:54.960 individualistic 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:56.180 society we 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:56.900 fall in the 00:25:56.900 --> 00:25:57.519 trap of 00:25:57.519 --> 00:25:58.279 applying all 00:25:58.279 --> 00:25:58.799 this on our 00:25:58.799 --> 00:25:59.059 own. 00:25:59.119 --> 00:25:59.619 But we need 00:25:59.619 --> 00:26:00.200 help and it's 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:00.539 there. 00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:02.220 And the first 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:03.299 help is 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:04.099 actually Paul 00:26:04.099 --> 00:26:04.900 offering in 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:05.639 himself. 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:06.559 Look with me 00:26:06.559 --> 00:26:07.119 to verse 6, 00:26:07.639 --> 00:26:09.919 7, 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:10.240 and 8. 00:26:11.720 --> 00:26:12.619 He says, 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:13.539 For I, 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.059 Timothy, 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:14.859 am already 00:26:14.859 --> 00:26:15.399 being poured 00:26:15.399 --> 00:26:16.240 out like a 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:16.819 drink offering, 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:18.179 and the time 00:26:18.179 --> 00:26:19.099 has come for 00:26:19.099 --> 00:26:19.859 my departure. 00:26:20.899 --> 00:26:21.619 I have 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:22.179 fought the 00:26:22.179 --> 00:26:22.639 good fight. 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:23.740 I have 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.319 finished the 00:26:24.319 --> 00:26:24.539 race. 00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:25.259 I have 00:26:25.259 --> 00:26:25.759 kept the 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.099 faith. 00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:27.579 Now there 00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:28.240 is in store 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:28.740 for me the 00:26:28.740 --> 00:26:30.179 crown of 00:26:30.179 --> 00:26:30.740 righteousness. 00:26:31.339 --> 00:26:31.700 What is 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.119 Paul doing? 00:26:34.119 --> 00:26:34.740 I don't 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.079 think he's 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:35.480 boasting. 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:38.379 I don't 00:26:38.379 --> 00:26:39.039 think he's 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:39.980 always saying 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:40.379 to Timothy, 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:41.039 you know, 00:26:42.159 --> 00:26:42.839 na, na, na, 00:26:42.839 --> 00:26:43.240 na, na, 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:44.299 I'm already 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:44.659 here. 00:26:45.319 --> 00:26:45.679 Now you 00:26:45.679 --> 00:26:46.019 try. 00:26:46.819 --> 00:26:47.559 That's not 00:26:47.559 --> 00:26:47.919 Paul. 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.480 I think 00:26:49.480 --> 00:26:50.599 Paul simply 00:26:50.599 --> 00:26:51.480 wants to 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:51.980 encourage 00:26:51.980 --> 00:26:52.700 Timothy to 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:53.139 realize, 00:26:53.559 --> 00:26:53.899 you know, 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:54.279 it is 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:54.779 possible. 00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:56.700 And if 00:26:56.700 --> 00:26:57.039 you know 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:57.859 of any, 00:26:58.240 --> 00:26:58.940 even part 00:26:58.940 --> 00:26:59.259 of what 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.059 Paul had 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:00.399 to go 00:27:00.399 --> 00:27:01.259 through for 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:01.960 his faith, 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.259 the lashings, 00:27:03.839 --> 00:27:04.940 the imprisonments, 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:06.360 yet for 00:27:06.360 --> 00:27:07.019 him to 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:07.980 testify that 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:08.600 he's finished 00:27:08.600 --> 00:27:09.140 the race, 00:27:09.340 --> 00:27:09.759 kept the 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:10.100 faith, 00:27:11.220 --> 00:27:11.600 he's saying 00:27:11.600 --> 00:27:12.080 to Timothy, 00:27:12.380 --> 00:27:13.000 it is also 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:13.820 possible for 00:27:13.820 --> 00:27:15.220 you to 00:27:15.220 --> 00:27:15.759 follow my 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:16.500 example, 00:27:17.559 --> 00:27:18.640 be encouraged, 00:27:19.000 --> 00:27:19.759 and remember 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:20.160 me. 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.680 That Paul 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.360 himself was 00:27:25.360 --> 00:27:25.940 able to do 00:27:25.940 --> 00:27:26.200 it, 00:27:26.600 --> 00:27:27.680 meaning also 00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:28.940 you can. 00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:30.700 Practically, 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.220 I think it 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:31.480 means, 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.160 and I'm 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:33.160 borrowing a 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:33.880 phrase that I 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:34.620 found in a 00:27:34.619 --> 00:27:35.199 book written 00:27:35.199 --> 00:27:35.599 by John 00:27:35.599 --> 00:27:36.059 Piper, 00:27:36.599 --> 00:27:36.979 where he 00:27:36.979 --> 00:27:37.319 says, 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:37.699 in one of 00:27:37.699 --> 00:27:38.239 his chapters, 00:27:38.399 --> 00:27:38.759 he says, 00:27:38.879 --> 00:27:39.639 read Christian 00:27:39.639 --> 00:27:40.259 biography. 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:42.399 Basically, 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:42.879 that chapter 00:27:42.879 --> 00:27:43.539 is all about 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:43.899 that we 00:27:43.899 --> 00:27:44.479 should make 00:27:44.479 --> 00:27:45.599 more effort 00:27:45.599 --> 00:27:46.579 in reading 00:27:46.579 --> 00:27:48.139 of some 00:27:48.139 --> 00:27:48.399 of the, 00:27:48.459 --> 00:27:48.819 we call 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.559 them heroes 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:49.959 of the 00:27:49.959 --> 00:27:50.179 faith. 00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:50.479 I think 00:27:50.479 --> 00:27:51.039 that's a 00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:51.459 terrible, 00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:52.059 terrible 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:52.719 phrase or 00:27:52.719 --> 00:27:53.059 title. 00:27:53.959 --> 00:27:54.419 Paul isn't 00:27:54.419 --> 00:27:54.979 a hero 00:27:54.979 --> 00:27:55.399 of the 00:27:55.399 --> 00:27:55.639 faith, 00:27:55.779 --> 00:27:56.399 he is just 00:27:56.399 --> 00:27:56.799 like one 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.179 of us. 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:57.579 We shouldn't 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:57.779 put him 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.039 on a 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:58.559 pedestal, 00:27:58.919 --> 00:27:59.099 but we 00:27:59.099 --> 00:27:59.699 should learn 00:27:59.699 --> 00:28:00.099 from his 00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:00.679 life and 00:28:00.679 --> 00:28:01.119 how he 00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:02.299 remained 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:03.699 faithful to 00:28:03.699 --> 00:28:04.000 Jesus. 00:28:04.619 --> 00:28:06.239 And we 00:28:06.239 --> 00:28:06.819 should read 00:28:06.819 --> 00:28:07.239 all the 00:28:07.239 --> 00:28:07.599 Christian 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:08.299 biography that 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:08.639 is in the 00:28:08.639 --> 00:28:08.879 Bible, 00:28:08.979 --> 00:28:09.659 but throughout 00:28:09.659 --> 00:28:10.119 history, 00:28:10.239 --> 00:28:10.579 there are so 00:28:10.579 --> 00:28:11.099 many great 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:11.599 books out 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:11.859 there that 00:28:11.859 --> 00:28:12.459 can encourage 00:28:12.459 --> 00:28:12.719 us, 00:28:12.979 --> 00:28:13.259 of people 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:13.539 that have 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:14.079 gone before 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:14.519 us. 00:28:17.139 --> 00:28:17.759 I also 00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:18.239 think that 00:28:18.239 --> 00:28:18.500 is what 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:19.179 church is 00:28:19.179 --> 00:28:19.699 all about. 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:21.439 We should 00:28:21.439 --> 00:28:23.199 allow people 00:28:23.199 --> 00:28:25.059 to read our 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:25.819 biographies, 00:28:25.899 --> 00:28:26.279 we should 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.599 share stories, 00:28:27.659 --> 00:28:28.119 much more 00:28:28.119 --> 00:28:28.579 than we do. 00:28:28.579 --> 00:28:30.359 and I 00:28:30.359 --> 00:28:31.240 would say 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.740 to the 00:28:31.740 --> 00:28:32.000 younger 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:32.379 people in 00:28:32.379 --> 00:28:32.539 this 00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:32.879 congregation, 00:28:33.199 --> 00:28:33.500 look at 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:34.019 the older 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:34.639 generation 00:28:34.639 --> 00:28:35.399 who are 00:28:35.399 --> 00:28:35.740 a little 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:36.299 bit closer 00:28:36.299 --> 00:28:37.619 to going 00:28:37.619 --> 00:28:37.980 to the 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:38.579 true home 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.579 and learn 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:40.019 from how 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:40.519 they have 00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:41.079 continued 00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:42.259 to stand 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:43.460 firm and 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:43.919 keep the 00:28:43.919 --> 00:28:44.220 faith. 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:46.139 That's what 00:28:46.139 --> 00:28:46.599 Paul is 00:28:46.599 --> 00:28:46.939 doing. 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:48.199 And vice 00:28:48.199 --> 00:28:48.519 versa, 00:28:48.659 --> 00:28:49.119 those who 00:28:49.119 --> 00:28:50.000 are a little 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.519 bit further 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.039 in the 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:52.619 season of 00:28:52.619 --> 00:28:53.039 life, 00:28:53.599 --> 00:28:55.159 allow and 00:28:55.159 --> 00:28:55.639 take the 00:28:55.639 --> 00:28:56.559 opportunity to 00:28:56.559 --> 00:28:58.299 teach generations 00:28:58.299 --> 00:28:59.019 growing up 00:28:59.019 --> 00:29:00.379 what you've 00:29:00.379 --> 00:29:02.579 learned to 00:29:02.579 --> 00:29:03.179 stick to 00:29:03.179 --> 00:29:03.740 the path 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.259 and to 00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:04.700 the road. 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:07.200 Paul offers 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:08.179 himself as 00:29:08.179 --> 00:29:09.159 that help. 00:29:09.419 --> 00:29:10.079 But lastly, 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:10.700 and most 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:11.179 importantly, 00:29:11.399 --> 00:29:11.720 the help 00:29:11.720 --> 00:29:13.419 comes from 00:29:13.419 --> 00:29:14.879 Jesus himself. 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:16.480 Because Paul 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:16.919 says in 00:29:16.919 --> 00:29:17.700 verse 17, 00:29:18.399 --> 00:29:18.779 but the 00:29:18.779 --> 00:29:19.799 Lord stood 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:20.419 at my 00:29:20.419 --> 00:29:21.240 sight and 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:21.720 gave me 00:29:21.720 --> 00:29:22.559 strength, 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:23.539 so that 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.200 through me 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:24.779 the message 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.339 might be 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:25.679 fully 00:29:25.679 --> 00:29:26.139 proclaimed, 00:29:26.140 --> 00:29:26.600 and all 00:29:26.600 --> 00:29:27.300 the Gentiles 00:29:27.300 --> 00:29:27.960 might hear 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:28.200 it. 00:29:29.520 --> 00:29:29.860 And I 00:29:29.860 --> 00:29:30.000 was 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:30.340 delivered 00:29:30.340 --> 00:29:30.800 from the 00:29:30.800 --> 00:29:31.220 lion's 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:31.580 mouth. 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:32.620 And again 00:29:32.620 --> 00:29:32.920 in verse 00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:33.240 18, 00:29:33.320 --> 00:29:33.520 he says, 00:29:33.600 --> 00:29:33.820 the Lord 00:29:33.820 --> 00:29:34.500 will rescue 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:34.980 me from 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:35.900 every evil 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.360 attack. 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:38.220 Here are 00:29:38.220 --> 00:29:39.100 two thoughts 00:29:39.100 --> 00:29:39.660 to finish 00:29:39.660 --> 00:29:39.960 on. 00:29:42.160 --> 00:29:42.720 Finish 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:45.340 well does 00:29:45.340 --> 00:29:46.200 come from 00:29:46.200 --> 00:29:47.300 combining 00:29:47.300 --> 00:29:48.300 faith with 00:29:48.300 --> 00:29:49.200 works and 00:29:49.200 --> 00:29:49.560 doing, 00:29:50.060 --> 00:29:50.780 serving the 00:29:50.780 --> 00:29:51.140 Lord. 00:29:53.540 --> 00:29:54.140 It is also 00:29:54.140 --> 00:29:54.780 being aware 00:29:54.780 --> 00:29:55.480 of opposition 00:29:55.480 --> 00:29:56.660 and the 00:29:56.660 --> 00:29:57.180 danger of 00:29:57.180 --> 00:29:57.640 wandering. 00:29:59.720 --> 00:30:00.019 But the 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:00.220 helper 00:30:00.220 --> 00:30:01.680 kid is a 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:04.220 Jesus who 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:04.960 will strengthen 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:06.720 us at 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:07.460 every stage 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:07.940 of our 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:08.279 journey. 00:30:09.599 --> 00:30:10.240 What's one 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:10.740 of the names 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.640 given to 00:30:11.640 --> 00:30:11.940 Jesus? 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:13.880 He is 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:15.599 Emmanuel, 00:30:16.160 --> 00:30:19.059 God with 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:19.480 us. 00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:20.220 God 00:30:20.220 --> 00:30:24.220 with 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:26.880 God with 00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:27.220 me. 00:30:27.220 --> 00:30:28.259 But we 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:28.519 should. 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.299 Because God 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:30.640 hasn't 00:30:30.640 --> 00:30:31.200 changed. 00:30:31.380 --> 00:30:31.579 And the 00:30:31.579 --> 00:30:32.279 same God 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:32.860 who gave 00:30:32.860 --> 00:30:34.000 strength to 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:34.420 Paul, 00:30:34.779 --> 00:30:35.880 and through 00:30:35.880 --> 00:30:36.680 what Paul is 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.059 sharing here, 00:30:37.099 --> 00:30:37.579 would give the 00:30:37.579 --> 00:30:38.180 strength to 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:38.539 Timothy, 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:39.799 would also be 00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:40.500 the one giving 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:41.380 strength to 00:30:41.380 --> 00:30:41.980 each one of 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:42.299 us. 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:42.359 us. 00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:45.960 But most 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:46.399 importantly, 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.779 is that the 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.299 Lord will not 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:48.680 just give 00:30:48.680 --> 00:30:49.279 strength, 00:30:50.000 --> 00:30:51.419 he also is 00:30:51.419 --> 00:30:52.099 able and 00:30:52.099 --> 00:30:53.680 willing to 00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:54.460 rescue us 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.599 from every 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:56.339 evil attack 00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:57.000 and will 00:30:57.000 --> 00:30:57.740 bring us 00:30:57.740 --> 00:30:59.180 safely to 00:30:59.180 --> 00:31:00.639 his heavenly 00:31:00.639 --> 00:31:01.099 kingdom. 00:31:02.480 --> 00:31:03.639 So ultimately, 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:05.919 understanding the 00:31:05.919 --> 00:31:06.940 call to not 00:31:06.940 --> 00:31:07.599 just start well, 00:31:07.659 --> 00:31:08.119 but also to 00:31:08.119 --> 00:31:08.680 finish well, 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:10.779 boils down to 00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:11.259 trust, 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:12.720 and starting 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:13.420 each day 00:31:13.420 --> 00:31:14.619 in dependence 00:31:14.619 --> 00:31:15.299 of him and 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:15.460 say, 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:15.879 Lord, I 00:31:15.879 --> 00:31:16.259 need your 00:31:16.259 --> 00:31:16.839 strength. 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:18.500 I need you 00:31:18.500 --> 00:31:20.339 to take me 00:31:20.339 --> 00:31:21.079 safely home. 00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:23.859 Let's pray 00:31:23.859 --> 00:31:24.200 together. 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:27.480 Lord, we 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:28.180 thank you so 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:29.500 much again for 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:30.379 your precious 00:31:30.379 --> 00:31:30.879 word, 00:31:31.879 --> 00:31:35.139 how every 00:31:35.139 --> 00:31:35.980 part of your 00:31:35.980 --> 00:31:36.839 word is 00:31:36.839 --> 00:31:40.180 inspired by 00:31:40.180 --> 00:31:40.539 you, 00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:42.100 is your 00:31:42.100 --> 00:31:42.860 living word 00:31:42.860 --> 00:31:43.380 to us 00:31:43.380 --> 00:31:43.759 today, 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:46.680 and we 00:31:46.680 --> 00:31:47.140 thank you 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:48.539 for Paul's 00:31:48.539 --> 00:31:49.060 words to 00:31:49.060 --> 00:31:49.700 Timothy and 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:50.299 through Timothy 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.740 to us 00:31:50.740 --> 00:31:51.060 tonight. 00:31:54.060 --> 00:31:55.180 I pray that 00:31:55.180 --> 00:31:55.940 whatever stage 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:57.039 we are in 00:31:57.039 --> 00:31:57.779 our following 00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.259 of you, 00:31:58.320 --> 00:31:58.759 Lord Jesus, 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:01.400 that you 00:32:01.400 --> 00:32:02.019 will give us 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:03.000 that strength 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:05.140 to do 00:32:05.140 --> 00:32:06.240 whatever is 00:32:06.240 --> 00:32:07.100 necessary, 00:32:07.820 --> 00:32:08.680 to put in 00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:09.460 that extra 00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:11.220 effort to 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:11.600 not only 00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:12.420 start well, 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:13.060 but also to 00:32:13.060 --> 00:32:13.940 finish well, 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.740 to fight the 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.380 fight, to 00:32:16.380 --> 00:32:17.019 keep the 00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:17.660 faith and 00:32:17.660 --> 00:32:18.799 finish this 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:21.320 race, but 00:32:21.320 --> 00:32:21.740 knowing that 00:32:21.740 --> 00:32:22.480 we can call 00:32:22.480 --> 00:32:23.060 on your 00:32:23.060 --> 00:32:24.380 help that 00:32:24.380 --> 00:32:24.820 is available 00:32:24.820 --> 00:32:26.640 to us all 00:32:26.640 --> 00:32:27.240 the time. 00:32:28.180 --> 00:32:28.840 Lord, it is 00:32:28.840 --> 00:32:29.720 my prayer that 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:31.000 we may all 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:31.660 see one 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:32.680 another in 00:32:33.480 --> 00:32:34.039 our eternal 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:34.600 home in 00:32:34.600 --> 00:32:36.420 heaven, but 00:32:36.420 --> 00:32:37.240 we need you to 00:32:37.240 --> 00:32:37.640 take us 00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:38.339 safely there. 00:32:39.539 --> 00:32:40.259 So I pray 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:40.940 that for this 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.500 church, I 00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:42.200 pray that for 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:43.400 Bellevue, for 00:32:43.400 --> 00:32:44.019 other churches 00:32:44.019 --> 00:32:44.740 in this city, 00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.460 in this country, 00:32:46.380 --> 00:32:46.859 Lord, help 00:32:46.859 --> 00:32:47.460 your people, 00:32:47.620 --> 00:32:48.220 your children, 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.599 to keep the 00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:50.440 faith and to 00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:51.099 finish well, 00:32:51.859 --> 00:32:52.680 for your glory 00:32:52.680 --> 00:32:53.200 and for your 00:32:53.200 --> 00:32:54.779 honor, in 00:32:54.779 --> 00:32:55.519 Christ's name. 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:57.220 Amen. 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:57.339 Amen. 00:32:57.339 --> 00:32:57.380 Amen. 00:32:57.380 --> 00:32:57.400 Amen. 00:32:57.400 --> 00:32:57.420 Amen. 00:32:57.420 --> 00:32:59.460 Amen. 00:32:59.460 --> 00:32:59.500 Amen. 00:32:59.500 --> 00:32:59.539 Amen. 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:01.460 Amen. 00:33:01.460 --> 00:33:01.539 Amen. 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:03.460 Amen. 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:03.539 Amen. 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:05.460 Amen. 00:33:05.460 --> 00:33:05.500 Amen.