WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.820 Well, as you look down the road at this new year, what attitude best describes your outlook? 00:00:11.259 --> 00:00:14.080 Are you optimistic? 00:00:15.759 --> 00:00:17.600 Not many of us are. 00:00:19.179 --> 00:00:22.760 Would you be maybe cautiously optimistic? 00:00:24.679 --> 00:00:26.039 Wishful thinking. 00:00:26.039 --> 00:00:29.140 Are you confident? 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:40.380 I don't know anyone who is confident as they look over the horizon of 2021. 00:00:41.359 --> 00:00:43.780 There's just so many unknowns, aren't there? 00:00:44.759 --> 00:00:50.179 We've got a new president as of January the 20th and a new Congress. 00:00:50.179 --> 00:00:59.340 There's just a lot of unknowns of how that's going to affect the economy, the job situation. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:01.320 Health care. 00:01:02.380 --> 00:01:03.799 Race relations. 00:01:05.739 --> 00:01:06.900 Religious liberty. 00:01:08.359 --> 00:01:11.239 And other issues that we care about. 00:01:11.239 --> 00:01:20.479 It's hard to begin this new year with confidence when so many people are still coming down with the coronavirus. 00:01:21.699 --> 00:01:24.319 So many hospitalized. 00:01:26.099 --> 00:01:27.579 People that we know. 00:01:28.840 --> 00:01:33.259 People connected to our church family who have died from it recently. 00:01:33.260 --> 00:01:37.620 When you look at all that's happening in the world right now. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:40.960 Just on the earthly level. 00:01:42.020 --> 00:01:45.600 There really isn't much to be confident about, is there? 00:01:46.900 --> 00:01:50.060 But I want to direct you to a place in God's Word this morning. 00:01:50.060 --> 00:01:53.159 Where every Christian. 00:01:53.159 --> 00:01:55.920 This is a message directed to Christians. 00:01:56.640 --> 00:02:03.159 Where every Christian can find not only confidence, but comfort. 00:02:04.320 --> 00:02:07.540 Not just at the beginning of a new year, this new year. 00:02:08.199 --> 00:02:10.599 But every day of our lives. 00:02:11.340 --> 00:02:13.500 It's Philippians chapter 1 verse 6. 00:02:14.439 --> 00:02:15.280 It's one verse. 00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:16.360 I'm going to put it on the screen. 00:02:16.360 --> 00:02:20.280 Paul is writing to a church. 00:02:21.580 --> 00:02:22.100 Christians. 00:02:23.220 --> 00:02:25.400 He says that I am sure of this. 00:02:26.420 --> 00:02:28.660 That he who began a good work in you. 00:02:29.500 --> 00:02:31.240 Will bring it to completion. 00:02:31.920 --> 00:02:33.720 At the day of Jesus Christ. 00:02:34.840 --> 00:02:37.560 The NIV and New American Standard translations. 00:02:38.520 --> 00:02:40.220 They translate this. 00:02:40.520 --> 00:02:41.660 And I am confident. 00:02:43.020 --> 00:02:43.880 The ESV says. 00:02:43.880 --> 00:02:45.420 I am sure of. 00:02:45.419 --> 00:02:46.219 Others say. 00:02:46.419 --> 00:02:47.319 I am confident. 00:02:48.039 --> 00:02:48.719 Of this. 00:02:49.339 --> 00:02:50.899 That he who began a good work in you. 00:02:51.039 --> 00:02:52.699 Will bring it to completion. 00:02:53.699 --> 00:02:55.279 At the day of Jesus Christ. 00:02:55.939 --> 00:02:58.139 This message this morning is designed. 00:02:59.459 --> 00:03:00.179 To be. 00:03:01.239 --> 00:03:02.279 Heard and received. 00:03:02.279 --> 00:03:03.500 As an individual. 00:03:04.879 --> 00:03:06.479 I'm speaking to individuals. 00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:09.339 Who claim to be Christians. 00:03:09.339 --> 00:03:13.339 The message is designed for true. 00:03:14.060 --> 00:03:15.060 Children of God. 00:03:15.419 --> 00:03:16.819 You know. 00:03:16.819 --> 00:03:17.519 Some messages. 00:03:17.519 --> 00:03:19.000 Especially here lately. 00:03:19.119 --> 00:03:20.259 We've been thinking about. 00:03:20.459 --> 00:03:21.439 Our country. 00:03:22.459 --> 00:03:23.739 The church as a whole. 00:03:24.939 --> 00:03:25.619 Families. 00:03:26.779 --> 00:03:27.179 But this is. 00:03:27.339 --> 00:03:28.399 This is for you. 00:03:28.519 --> 00:03:29.639 As an individual Christian. 00:03:30.279 --> 00:03:31.259 To let sink in. 00:03:32.119 --> 00:03:33.060 Think about you. 00:03:35.319 --> 00:03:36.599 Paul is writing. 00:03:37.399 --> 00:03:38.039 To you. 00:03:38.039 --> 00:03:39.439 About something. 00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:39.840 About something. 00:03:39.840 --> 00:03:39.859 About something. 00:03:39.859 --> 00:03:41.000 That you can. 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:41.759 And should. 00:03:41.759 --> 00:03:43.199 Be confident. 00:03:43.199 --> 00:03:44.000 About. 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:45.439 Today. 00:03:46.439 --> 00:03:47.500 And every day. 00:03:47.500 --> 00:03:48.359 Of your life. 00:03:49.079 --> 00:03:49.539 No matter. 00:03:49.699 --> 00:03:50.879 What else is happening. 00:03:52.560 --> 00:03:53.340 God. 00:03:54.340 --> 00:03:54.879 Has. 00:03:55.739 --> 00:03:56.299 Is. 00:03:56.819 --> 00:03:57.899 And will continue. 00:03:58.379 --> 00:03:59.919 To work in your life. 00:04:01.519 --> 00:04:03.259 To make you more like Jesus. 00:04:03.259 --> 00:04:04.259 Be confident. 00:04:04.259 --> 00:04:05.259 Be confident. 00:04:05.259 --> 00:04:06.379 Be confident. 00:04:06.379 --> 00:04:06.939 Of that. 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:08.699 Let's look at it. 00:04:09.139 --> 00:04:09.739 Number one. 00:04:10.539 --> 00:04:11.620 We can be confident. 00:04:11.620 --> 00:04:12.780 That God has begun. 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:14.179 His work of salvation. 00:04:14.179 --> 00:04:15.280 In us. 00:04:15.579 --> 00:04:16.060 And again. 00:04:16.659 --> 00:04:18.180 I'm writing to Christians. 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:20.959 Paul is writing to. 00:04:21.360 --> 00:04:22.000 Christians. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:22.959 In the church. 00:04:23.039 --> 00:04:23.719 At Philippi. 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:25.280 And he knows. 00:04:25.280 --> 00:04:26.180 Most of them. 00:04:26.380 --> 00:04:26.940 Personally. 00:04:28.020 --> 00:04:29.240 God used him. 00:04:29.700 --> 00:04:30.260 To go there. 00:04:30.320 --> 00:04:30.940 And preach. 00:04:31.600 --> 00:04:32.440 And many people. 00:04:32.560 --> 00:04:33.220 Were saved. 00:04:34.040 --> 00:04:34.720 And formed. 00:04:34.820 --> 00:04:35.440 That church. 00:04:35.980 --> 00:04:36.820 As he writes. 00:04:36.820 --> 00:04:37.520 This letter. 00:04:37.980 --> 00:04:38.900 He has people. 00:04:39.080 --> 00:04:39.620 In mind. 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:41.020 One. 00:04:41.160 --> 00:04:41.800 For an example. 00:04:42.920 --> 00:04:43.460 Is. 00:04:43.700 --> 00:04:43.960 A woman. 00:04:44.200 --> 00:04:44.720 Named Lydia. 00:04:45.620 --> 00:04:46.940 And her conversion. 00:04:48.320 --> 00:04:48.880 Really. 00:04:49.100 --> 00:04:49.920 The way it's described. 00:04:50.040 --> 00:04:50.640 In the book of Acts. 00:04:50.700 --> 00:04:51.360 Really helps us. 00:04:51.440 --> 00:04:51.980 To understand. 00:04:52.540 --> 00:04:53.420 How God. 00:04:53.720 --> 00:04:54.620 Is the author. 00:04:54.680 --> 00:04:55.480 Of our salvation. 00:04:56.060 --> 00:04:56.840 Look at this. 00:04:58.460 --> 00:04:59.420 The Lord. 00:04:59.580 --> 00:05:00.880 Opened her heart. 00:05:00.880 --> 00:05:02.660 To pay attention. 00:05:02.660 --> 00:05:03.820 To what was said. 00:05:04.420 --> 00:05:04.980 By Paul. 00:05:05.700 --> 00:05:06.720 That's Luke's way. 00:05:06.780 --> 00:05:07.180 Of saying. 00:05:07.320 --> 00:05:07.660 The Lord. 00:05:07.760 --> 00:05:08.740 Opened her heart. 00:05:09.320 --> 00:05:09.960 To hear. 00:05:10.180 --> 00:05:11.200 To believe. 00:05:11.400 --> 00:05:12.320 To respond. 00:05:12.500 --> 00:05:13.360 To the gospel. 00:05:13.520 --> 00:05:14.400 That Paul preached. 00:05:14.980 --> 00:05:15.500 We're told. 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:16.300 That she was baptized. 00:05:17.520 --> 00:05:18.860 That she asked. 00:05:18.960 --> 00:05:19.620 Or invited. 00:05:19.760 --> 00:05:20.080 Paul. 00:05:20.160 --> 00:05:20.900 And his traveling. 00:05:21.040 --> 00:05:21.680 Companions. 00:05:21.840 --> 00:05:23.320 To stay at her home. 00:05:23.319 --> 00:05:24.599 While they were in Philippi. 00:05:25.360 --> 00:05:26.079 She really. 00:05:26.819 --> 00:05:28.360 As soon as she was converted. 00:05:29.079 --> 00:05:29.519 The Lord. 00:05:29.639 --> 00:05:30.500 Opened her eyes. 00:05:30.620 --> 00:05:31.439 Opened her heart. 00:05:31.540 --> 00:05:32.360 Opened her mind. 00:05:32.360 --> 00:05:33.099 To see. 00:05:33.099 --> 00:05:34.599 The truth about Jesus. 00:05:36.040 --> 00:05:37.339 She trusted him. 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:39.459 And. 00:05:40.180 --> 00:05:41.659 By inviting Paul. 00:05:41.819 --> 00:05:41.899 And. 00:05:42.439 --> 00:05:43.399 His associates. 00:05:43.659 --> 00:05:44.680 To stay with her. 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:46.019 That would have been. 00:05:46.019 --> 00:05:46.860 Where the first. 00:05:46.860 --> 00:05:47.019 Church. 00:05:48.019 --> 00:05:48.840 In Philippi. 00:05:49.319 --> 00:05:50.259 Would have met. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:51.319 Where the first teaching. 00:05:51.500 --> 00:05:52.600 Would have been taking place. 00:05:53.600 --> 00:05:54.660 What I want us to see. 00:05:54.780 --> 00:05:55.040 Is that. 00:05:55.720 --> 00:05:56.759 Throughout the Bible. 00:05:58.040 --> 00:05:58.560 Salvation. 00:05:58.819 --> 00:05:58.879 Is. 00:05:59.720 --> 00:06:00.139 First. 00:06:00.319 --> 00:06:00.980 And foremost. 00:06:01.280 --> 00:06:01.759 Described. 00:06:02.560 --> 00:06:03.860 As the work of God. 00:06:05.180 --> 00:06:05.939 Think about it. 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:06.540 Like this. 00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:08.560 I want you. 00:06:08.860 --> 00:06:09.939 Boys and girls. 00:06:10.939 --> 00:06:11.920 Young people. 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:13.780 Middle-aged people. 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:15.459 Old people. 00:06:16.160 --> 00:06:17.060 See the older I get. 00:06:17.100 --> 00:06:17.620 I can just say. 00:06:17.660 --> 00:06:18.220 Old people. 00:06:18.220 --> 00:06:19.000 When you're young. 00:06:19.259 --> 00:06:19.860 People think. 00:06:20.019 --> 00:06:21.379 Well he's in being insulting. 00:06:22.639 --> 00:06:23.980 I wouldn't have. 00:06:24.100 --> 00:06:25.360 An AARP card. 00:06:26.100 --> 00:06:27.019 But I could. 00:06:29.519 --> 00:06:30.160 Unfortunately. 00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:31.000 Age wise. 00:06:31.699 --> 00:06:32.300 So this applies. 00:06:32.420 --> 00:06:32.800 To everybody. 00:06:35.460 --> 00:06:37.060 Before you were born. 00:06:38.180 --> 00:06:38.899 If you're a Christian. 00:06:39.860 --> 00:06:40.439 God. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:41.720 Chose. 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:42.540 You. 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:44.639 To be his. 00:06:44.680 --> 00:06:46.680 God. 00:06:46.680 --> 00:06:46.720 God. 00:06:46.720 --> 00:06:47.240 Chose. 00:06:47.240 --> 00:06:47.439 You. 00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:48.420 To be his. 00:06:48.420 --> 00:06:48.500 In. 00:06:50.540 --> 00:06:51.259 Christ. 00:06:52.400 --> 00:06:53.120 Paul. 00:06:53.220 --> 00:06:53.720 Describes. 00:06:53.780 --> 00:06:53.939 That. 00:06:54.139 --> 00:06:54.439 Very. 00:06:54.660 --> 00:06:55.060 Clearly. 00:06:56.060 --> 00:06:57.000 In Ephesians. 00:06:57.120 --> 00:06:57.900 Chapter 1. 00:06:58.019 --> 00:06:58.660 In several. 00:06:58.780 --> 00:06:59.220 Verses. 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:00.100 But here's the one. 00:07:00.180 --> 00:07:00.860 I want you to look at. 00:07:01.899 --> 00:07:02.240 God. 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:02.980 Chose. 00:07:03.100 --> 00:07:03.620 Us. 00:07:04.280 --> 00:07:04.960 In him. 00:07:05.800 --> 00:07:06.759 That's Christ. 00:07:07.579 --> 00:07:08.840 Before the foundation. 00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:10.560 Of the world. 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:11.060 Before. 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:11.120 Before. 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:15.600 He got started. 00:07:16.660 --> 00:07:17.139 God. 00:07:18.100 --> 00:07:18.500 Planned. 00:07:18.600 --> 00:07:18.980 For you. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:19.660 To be you. 00:07:21.740 --> 00:07:22.600 And he. 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:23.800 Chose you. 00:07:23.959 --> 00:07:24.939 To be his. 00:07:26.019 --> 00:07:26.980 Born again. 00:07:28.319 --> 00:07:28.779 Child. 00:07:29.779 --> 00:07:31.079 To live with him. 00:07:31.399 --> 00:07:31.920 Forever. 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:33.660 To have a relationship with him. 00:07:33.879 --> 00:07:35.500 Throughout your earthly life here. 00:07:35.500 --> 00:07:37.639 And then for all eternity. 00:07:38.060 --> 00:07:38.879 In heaven. 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:41.660 At some point. 00:07:41.740 --> 00:07:42.660 In your life. 00:07:44.199 --> 00:07:44.939 God. 00:07:46.579 --> 00:07:47.379 Graciously. 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:48.360 Worked. 00:07:49.839 --> 00:07:51.379 To have the gospel. 00:07:52.500 --> 00:07:52.920 Taught. 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:53.699 Preached. 00:07:53.920 --> 00:07:54.759 Explained. 00:07:55.160 --> 00:07:55.519 Shared. 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:56.680 However you want to describe it. 00:07:57.500 --> 00:07:58.540 To you. 00:07:59.500 --> 00:08:00.139 Maybe. 00:08:00.500 --> 00:08:01.579 Several times. 00:08:01.579 --> 00:08:03.060 But at some point. 00:08:03.099 --> 00:08:03.659 In your life. 00:08:04.019 --> 00:08:04.439 God. 00:08:05.240 --> 00:08:05.719 Worked. 00:08:05.719 --> 00:08:06.339 In your life. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:07.139 Graciously. 00:08:09.300 --> 00:08:10.039 To enable you. 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:10.779 To hear the gospel. 00:08:12.159 --> 00:08:13.240 And he gave you. 00:08:13.399 --> 00:08:14.019 The gift. 00:08:14.139 --> 00:08:15.000 Of faith. 00:08:15.839 --> 00:08:16.419 To believe. 00:08:16.579 --> 00:08:17.099 That gospel. 00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:17.860 To believe. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:18.899 Understand. 00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:20.459 That you were a sinner. 00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:22.699 And that Jesus. 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:24.000 Came into this world. 00:08:24.079 --> 00:08:24.899 To die on the cross. 00:08:24.979 --> 00:08:25.639 To pay the penalty. 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:26.939 For your sins. 00:08:27.799 --> 00:08:29.079 And you trusted Jesus. 00:08:29.079 --> 00:08:29.279 Jesus. 00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:31.959 Paul explains. 00:08:32.579 --> 00:08:32.980 This. 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:34.360 Or how this works. 00:08:34.699 --> 00:08:35.740 In Ephesians chapter 2. 00:08:35.779 --> 00:08:36.539 Verses 8 and 9. 00:08:36.620 --> 00:08:37.199 Look at this. 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:39.819 For by grace. 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:41.579 You have been saved. 00:08:41.819 --> 00:08:42.360 Through faith. 00:08:42.699 --> 00:08:45.100 And this is not your own doing. 00:08:46.319 --> 00:08:48.259 It is the gift of God. 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:50.519 Not a result. 00:08:50.819 --> 00:08:51.079 Of works. 00:08:52.460 --> 00:08:53.819 So that no one. 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:55.319 May boast. 00:08:55.320 --> 00:08:59.760 You are not a Christian. 00:08:59.760 --> 00:09:00.379 Because. 00:09:00.600 --> 00:09:02.180 You were so smart. 00:09:02.840 --> 00:09:04.080 That you figured it all out. 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:06.600 You are not a Christian. 00:09:06.720 --> 00:09:07.900 Because you were such a. 00:09:07.900 --> 00:09:09.240 A nice person. 00:09:10.660 --> 00:09:12.100 That it just sort of. 00:09:12.960 --> 00:09:13.320 You know. 00:09:13.840 --> 00:09:15.379 Came naturally for you. 00:09:17.300 --> 00:09:18.300 You are a Christian. 00:09:18.500 --> 00:09:18.980 Because. 00:09:19.660 --> 00:09:21.460 God worked in your mind. 00:09:21.540 --> 00:09:22.040 In your heart. 00:09:22.160 --> 00:09:22.820 In your thinking. 00:09:22.980 --> 00:09:23.580 In your feeling. 00:09:23.580 --> 00:09:27.000 To bring you under conviction. 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:29.259 That you were a sinner. 00:09:29.400 --> 00:09:30.200 In need of a savior. 00:09:31.820 --> 00:09:33.500 And it may have been your parent. 00:09:33.800 --> 00:09:34.960 Or a grandparent. 00:09:35.180 --> 00:09:36.220 Or a Sunday school teacher. 00:09:36.340 --> 00:09:37.020 Or a pastor. 00:09:38.180 --> 00:09:39.379 Who shared with you. 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:40.620 The good news about Jesus. 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:43.580 And you exercised. 00:09:45.180 --> 00:09:45.500 Faith. 00:09:46.360 --> 00:09:46.720 In him. 00:09:46.860 --> 00:09:47.960 You trusted him. 00:09:47.960 --> 00:09:48.960 Paul. 00:09:48.960 --> 00:09:49.840 Paul. 00:09:50.080 --> 00:09:50.800 Talks about it. 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:52.940 That salvation. 00:09:53.139 --> 00:09:53.560 Is a gift. 00:09:53.780 --> 00:09:54.240 From God. 00:09:55.280 --> 00:09:56.160 But no one. 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:56.620 Is saved. 00:09:56.680 --> 00:09:57.580 Until they believe. 00:09:57.720 --> 00:09:58.400 Like this. 00:09:58.980 --> 00:09:59.580 For everyone. 00:09:59.800 --> 00:10:00.300 Who calls. 00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:01.280 On the name of the Lord. 00:10:01.420 --> 00:10:02.519 Will be saved. 00:10:03.680 --> 00:10:04.660 People who don't call. 00:10:04.700 --> 00:10:05.379 On the name of the Lord. 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:06.500 Will not be saved. 00:10:08.460 --> 00:10:09.500 I want you to understand. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:10.820 That God is sovereign. 00:10:11.500 --> 00:10:12.440 In salvation. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:15.360 He initiates. 00:10:15.420 --> 00:10:15.740 Everything. 00:10:15.740 --> 00:10:16.779 He does the work. 00:10:16.779 --> 00:10:17.600 Of bringing about. 00:10:17.720 --> 00:10:18.200 A new birth. 00:10:18.600 --> 00:10:19.080 Regeneration. 00:10:20.659 --> 00:10:21.200 He opened. 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:21.659 As he says. 00:10:22.100 --> 00:10:22.840 He opened. 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:23.720 Lydia's. 00:10:23.960 --> 00:10:24.960 Spiritual eyes. 00:10:25.060 --> 00:10:25.560 And ears. 00:10:25.700 --> 00:10:26.240 And heart. 00:10:27.060 --> 00:10:28.259 For her to understand. 00:10:28.419 --> 00:10:28.960 That's what he does. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:29.740 In everyone's life. 00:10:31.940 --> 00:10:32.820 But God. 00:10:32.980 --> 00:10:33.799 Calls us. 00:10:33.940 --> 00:10:34.519 To exercise. 00:10:35.940 --> 00:10:36.379 Faith. 00:10:37.340 --> 00:10:38.440 And our responsibility. 00:10:39.299 --> 00:10:40.620 To act on what he makes. 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:41.379 Clear to us. 00:10:41.659 --> 00:10:42.440 To respond. 00:10:42.539 --> 00:10:43.360 To what he's doing. 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:44.519 By us. 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:46.179 Actually believing in Jesus. 00:10:47.019 --> 00:10:47.720 Trusting him. 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:48.939 Calling on him. 00:10:48.939 --> 00:10:49.899 To save us. 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:51.679 Turning from our sins. 00:10:52.460 --> 00:10:53.299 All this. 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:55.079 Goes together. 00:10:56.079 --> 00:10:56.579 Now Jesus. 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:57.939 Confirms that salvation. 00:10:58.480 --> 00:10:59.720 Is the work of God. 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:02.039 And originates with God. 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:03.819 Very clearly. 00:11:04.539 --> 00:11:06.220 In what he said to Peter. 00:11:07.500 --> 00:11:08.840 After Jesus asked him. 00:11:09.480 --> 00:11:10.559 Who do you say that I am? 00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:11.659 Look at this. 00:11:12.500 --> 00:11:14.379 It's in Matthew chapter 16. 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:15.699 He said to them. 00:11:16.539 --> 00:11:18.240 Who do you say that I am? 00:11:18.319 --> 00:11:19.860 That's Jesus speaking to his disciples. 00:11:21.019 --> 00:11:22.740 Well Simon Peter spoke up. 00:11:24.039 --> 00:11:24.960 Simon Peter replied. 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:26.980 You are the Christ. 00:11:27.699 --> 00:11:29.759 The son of the living God. 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:31.860 And Jesus answered him. 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:33.460 Blessed are you. 00:11:33.579 --> 00:11:34.720 Simon bar Jonah. 00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:36.059 Simon son of Jonah. 00:11:36.720 --> 00:11:38.340 For flesh and blood. 00:11:38.340 --> 00:11:40.340 Has not revealed this to you. 00:11:40.340 --> 00:11:41.340 But my father. 00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:43.940 But my father. 00:11:44.139 --> 00:11:44.980 Who is in heaven. 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:47.220 Peter didn't figure it out. 00:11:47.820 --> 00:11:49.800 Nobody explained it to him. 00:11:51.399 --> 00:11:52.000 God. 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:54.379 Revealed it. 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:56.320 Made it clear. 00:11:57.360 --> 00:11:58.580 Turned the light on. 00:11:58.680 --> 00:11:59.080 For Peter. 00:11:59.879 --> 00:12:00.940 And the others. 00:12:01.720 --> 00:12:03.280 To enable them to understand. 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:04.860 Who Jesus was. 00:12:05.200 --> 00:12:06.460 And to respond to him. 00:12:06.680 --> 00:12:07.440 As they did. 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:09.520 I say all that to say. 00:12:09.880 --> 00:12:11.660 If you are a Christian. 00:12:13.500 --> 00:12:14.760 Be confident. 00:12:16.060 --> 00:12:17.760 You didn't by accident. 00:12:17.900 --> 00:12:18.620 Become a Christian. 00:12:18.900 --> 00:12:21.160 And maybe fade away. 00:12:23.160 --> 00:12:24.640 God chose you. 00:12:24.760 --> 00:12:25.680 Before you were ever born. 00:12:25.760 --> 00:12:27.080 From the foundation of the world. 00:12:27.780 --> 00:12:29.900 To be his child. 00:12:30.060 --> 00:12:30.680 You are chosen. 00:12:30.800 --> 00:12:31.540 You are special. 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:34.799 And you responded. 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:36.379 You. 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:37.919 At some point in the past. 00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:38.779 Trusted Jesus. 00:12:38.779 --> 00:12:39.879 As your Savior and Lord. 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:41.599 And you still trust him. 00:12:44.240 --> 00:12:46.679 You are a follower of his. 00:12:46.879 --> 00:12:47.740 Right now. 00:12:48.779 --> 00:12:50.620 That assures us. 00:12:51.459 --> 00:12:52.759 That God loves us. 00:12:53.759 --> 00:12:54.599 He didn't have to. 00:12:55.360 --> 00:12:56.659 He chose to. 00:12:57.819 --> 00:12:59.279 And it's not based on anything. 00:12:59.279 --> 00:13:00.419 That we are. 00:13:00.559 --> 00:13:01.419 Or have done. 00:13:02.699 --> 00:13:03.179 It's. 00:13:03.799 --> 00:13:05.399 All originated with God. 00:13:06.939 --> 00:13:08.500 Just part of his purpose. 00:13:10.059 --> 00:13:10.779 Part of his. 00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:11.559 Heart. 00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:12.159 For you. 00:13:13.959 --> 00:13:14.399 Now. 00:13:14.519 --> 00:13:15.220 If God has. 00:13:15.299 --> 00:13:15.939 Beguns at the work. 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:16.480 In you. 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:17.659 And that verse. 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:18.279 We're looking at. 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:18.639 Says. 00:13:18.959 --> 00:13:19.939 He's going to bring it. 00:13:20.259 --> 00:13:20.799 To completion. 00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:21.819 When Jesus returns. 00:13:22.259 --> 00:13:23.459 We can be confident. 00:13:23.459 --> 00:13:24.139 That he is. 00:13:24.259 --> 00:13:25.220 Continuing his work. 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:25.519 In us. 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:26.299 Right now. 00:13:26.299 --> 00:13:27.079 Number two. 00:13:27.080 --> 00:13:28.580 We can be confident. 00:13:28.920 --> 00:13:29.400 That God. 00:13:29.780 --> 00:13:30.620 Is continually. 00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:31.980 Is continuing. 00:13:32.280 --> 00:13:33.200 His work of salvation. 00:13:33.200 --> 00:13:33.940 In us. 00:13:34.680 --> 00:13:35.340 Right now. 00:13:36.940 --> 00:13:37.820 Right now. 00:13:39.060 --> 00:13:40.220 God chose you. 00:13:40.280 --> 00:13:40.879 And called you. 00:13:40.940 --> 00:13:41.780 You trust in Jesus. 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:42.800 God's working. 00:13:42.920 --> 00:13:43.500 In your life. 00:13:43.540 --> 00:13:43.960 Right now. 00:13:46.280 --> 00:13:48.259 He is developing you. 00:13:48.460 --> 00:13:49.180 More and more. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:50.160 As time goes by. 00:13:51.300 --> 00:13:52.220 Into the image. 00:13:52.220 --> 00:13:52.740 Of his son. 00:13:52.800 --> 00:13:53.060 Jesus. 00:13:53.060 --> 00:13:54.120 We read in Romans 8. 00:13:54.140 --> 00:13:54.620 29. 00:13:55.460 --> 00:13:56.320 God's shaping. 00:13:56.320 --> 00:13:56.980 And molding. 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:57.900 Your character. 00:13:59.160 --> 00:14:00.240 Through good times. 00:14:00.300 --> 00:14:00.600 And bad. 00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:01.879 Through hard times. 00:14:01.940 --> 00:14:02.560 And easy times. 00:14:02.920 --> 00:14:04.020 Through people. 00:14:04.200 --> 00:14:04.700 That's easy. 00:14:04.780 --> 00:14:05.440 To get along with. 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:06.020 And people. 00:14:06.140 --> 00:14:06.600 That's hard. 00:14:06.680 --> 00:14:07.520 To get along with. 00:14:09.160 --> 00:14:09.900 Through everything. 00:14:10.020 --> 00:14:10.680 That you go through. 00:14:11.800 --> 00:14:12.860 God is working. 00:14:14.020 --> 00:14:14.800 Working out. 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:15.840 His salvation. 00:14:16.780 --> 00:14:17.700 And practically. 00:14:18.260 --> 00:14:19.100 Making us. 00:14:19.240 --> 00:14:19.800 Or developing. 00:14:19.800 --> 00:14:20.720 Our character. 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:22.120 So that we'll be. 00:14:22.280 --> 00:14:22.580 More and more. 00:14:22.780 --> 00:14:23.180 Like Jesus. 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:23.379 Jesus. 00:14:25.219 --> 00:14:25.620 Now. 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:27.599 I want you to look at. 00:14:27.719 --> 00:14:28.419 A comment. 00:14:28.579 --> 00:14:30.120 Sort of an extended comment. 00:14:30.899 --> 00:14:31.359 New Testament. 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:32.479 Scholar. 00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:33.039 D.A. 00:14:33.199 --> 00:14:33.639 Carson. 00:14:34.459 --> 00:14:35.339 Some of you were involved. 00:14:35.399 --> 00:14:36.000 In a study. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:37.079 We did on Sunday nights. 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:38.079 A long time ago now. 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:40.319 On the prayers of Paul. 00:14:41.279 --> 00:14:42.139 Well Carson says. 00:14:42.219 --> 00:14:43.059 That this verse. 00:14:43.179 --> 00:14:43.679 Is almost. 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:45.199 A definition. 00:14:45.959 --> 00:14:46.799 Of what a real. 00:14:46.959 --> 00:14:47.759 Christian is. 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:48.759 Look at what he says. 00:14:48.759 --> 00:14:50.960 The New Testament. 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:51.580 Affords. 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:52.860 Not a few examples. 00:14:52.860 --> 00:14:53.559 Of people. 00:14:53.960 --> 00:14:54.779 Who made professions. 00:14:54.779 --> 00:14:55.580 Of faith. 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:56.659 That were. 00:14:57.340 --> 00:14:57.819 Spurious. 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:00.639 Now some of those. 00:15:00.939 --> 00:15:01.240 You know. 00:15:01.559 --> 00:15:02.399 Carolina people. 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:02.819 In here. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:04.059 I put in there. 00:15:04.220 --> 00:15:04.639 That means. 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:05.200 False. 00:15:08.200 --> 00:15:08.639 Fake. 00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:10.960 Not real. 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:15.559 Look at what he says. 00:15:15.679 --> 00:15:16.080 New Testament. 00:15:16.179 --> 00:15:16.460 Affords. 00:15:16.580 --> 00:15:17.519 Not a few examples. 00:15:17.519 --> 00:15:17.939 Of people. 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:18.779 Who made professions. 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:19.159 Of faith. 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:20.559 That were spurious. 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:22.679 Evidenced. 00:15:22.779 --> 00:15:23.340 By the fact. 00:15:23.439 --> 00:15:24.279 That they did not. 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:25.120 Endure. 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:26.980 They did not. 00:15:27.059 --> 00:15:27.480 Persevere. 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:28.439 They didn't continue. 00:15:28.439 --> 00:15:29.240 In their faith. 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:30.699 For an example. 00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:31.579 At the end. 00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:32.139 Of John. 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.000 Chapter 2. 00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:34.019 Many people. 00:15:34.199 --> 00:15:34.539 Believed. 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:35.720 In Jesus's name. 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:36.539 When they saw. 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:37.480 The miraculous. 00:15:37.699 --> 00:15:38.059 Signs. 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:38.779 That he was doing. 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:39.679 But Jesus. 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:40.379 Would not. 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:41.120 Entrust. 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:41.600 Himself. 00:15:42.419 --> 00:15:43.019 To them. 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:43.899 The scripture says. 00:15:44.740 --> 00:15:45.699 We are told. 00:15:46.299 --> 00:15:47.179 He knew. 00:15:47.179 --> 00:15:48.899 That their faith. 00:15:49.439 --> 00:15:50.500 Was not genuine. 00:15:52.179 --> 00:15:53.579 A few chapters later. 00:15:53.699 --> 00:15:54.879 Carson continues to write. 00:15:55.559 --> 00:15:57.159 To those who had professed faith. 00:15:57.719 --> 00:15:58.620 Jesus declared. 00:15:59.099 --> 00:16:00.959 If you hold to my teaching. 00:16:00.959 --> 00:16:03.500 You are really my disciples. 00:16:04.699 --> 00:16:06.639 Or as Hebrews 3.14 puts it. 00:16:07.299 --> 00:16:08.819 We have come to share in Christ. 00:16:09.099 --> 00:16:10.399 If we hold firmly. 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:11.899 Till the end. 00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:12.899 The confidence. 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:13.279 The confidence. 00:16:13.279 --> 00:16:15.199 We had it first. 00:16:16.199 --> 00:16:17.539 Then last paragraph. 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:21.799 Because God is preserving the Philippians. 00:16:22.439 --> 00:16:23.439 Paul is convinced. 00:16:23.439 --> 00:16:25.579 That they will persevere. 00:16:26.579 --> 00:16:28.360 Paul gives thanks to God. 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:30.419 Because he is entirely confident. 00:16:30.819 --> 00:16:32.819 As he has watched the Philippians. 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:35.059 That God did indeed. 00:16:35.559 --> 00:16:36.860 Begin a good work in them. 00:16:36.860 --> 00:16:39.580 And the God who begins a good work. 00:16:40.419 --> 00:16:41.180 Finishes it. 00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:45.419 Here is one way. 00:16:45.580 --> 00:16:46.639 That most of us. 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:47.720 Are not like God. 00:16:49.220 --> 00:16:50.879 If you go to your house today. 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:51.740 Your garage. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:52.360 Your barn. 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:53.100 Your house. 00:16:54.100 --> 00:16:55.659 Can't you see signs. 00:16:56.340 --> 00:16:57.659 That you don't always start. 00:16:57.919 --> 00:16:58.759 You don't always finish. 00:16:58.820 --> 00:16:59.480 What you start. 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:02.899 Aren't there some unfinished projects. 00:17:04.420 --> 00:17:05.779 God never has that. 00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:09.859 God never sees anywhere. 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:12.099 Things that he has started. 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:13.299 And just abandoned. 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:15.200 Now. 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:17.579 Every one of us. 00:17:17.619 --> 00:17:18.299 Can look in the mirror. 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:19.240 And see a project. 00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:20.839 That God has not completed. 00:17:22.899 --> 00:17:24.599 But he is still working on us. 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:27.259 You and me. 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:30.799 Now here are some examples. 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:31.680 Of how God. 00:17:32.160 --> 00:17:33.119 Did this. 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:35.000 Among the Christians in Philippi. 00:17:35.779 --> 00:17:36.700 How God continued. 00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:37.759 To work. 00:17:38.099 --> 00:17:38.899 In their life. 00:17:40.019 --> 00:17:41.539 Work out their salvation. 00:17:42.139 --> 00:17:43.339 Develop their Christian character. 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:44.339 Look at this. 00:17:44.839 --> 00:17:45.279 First. 00:17:46.279 --> 00:17:47.220 These people. 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:48.899 Supported Paul. 00:17:49.039 --> 00:17:49.940 And his ministry. 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:51.119 With their prayers. 00:17:51.379 --> 00:17:52.440 And their financial support. 00:17:52.899 --> 00:17:54.279 He says in verse five. 00:17:54.619 --> 00:17:55.359 Your partnership. 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.160 In the gospel. 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:56.920 From the first day. 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.279 Until now. 00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:58.599 When God saved. 00:17:58.639 --> 00:17:59.079 These people. 00:17:59.339 --> 00:18:00.579 They were concerned. 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:02.019 About other people. 00:18:02.099 --> 00:18:03.019 Here in the good news too. 00:18:03.019 --> 00:18:04.940 And so they supported Paul. 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:05.599 First of all. 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:06.299 With their prayers. 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.619 He says in chapter one. 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:08.240 Verse 19. 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.920 For I know that through your prayers. 00:18:10.039 --> 00:18:10.920 And the help of the spirit. 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:11.980 Of Jesus Christ. 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.160 This will turn out. 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:13.900 For my. 00:18:14.619 --> 00:18:15.059 Deliverance. 00:18:15.859 --> 00:18:16.379 And then. 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:18.500 They put their money. 00:18:18.619 --> 00:18:19.519 Where their mouth was. 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:21.859 They supported him financially. 00:18:22.139 --> 00:18:22.660 Chapter four. 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:23.339 Verse 18. 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.539 I have received. 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.319 Full payment. 00:18:25.460 --> 00:18:26.139 And more. 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.859 I am well supplied. 00:18:27.859 --> 00:18:28.940 Having received. 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:29.980 From Epaphroditus. 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:31.180 The gifts. 00:18:31.900 --> 00:18:32.759 You sent. 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:35.519 They sent. 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:36.380 A messenger. 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.700 Representative from their church. 00:18:38.860 --> 00:18:40.579 To where Paul was. 00:18:41.579 --> 00:18:42.980 To meet some needs. 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:43.839 They knew he'd have. 00:18:45.319 --> 00:18:46.680 They wanted to be. 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:47.440 Partners. 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:49.519 In the ministry. 00:18:50.360 --> 00:18:50.839 The missionary. 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.079 Evangelistic activity. 00:18:52.440 --> 00:18:52.900 Of Paul. 00:18:52.900 --> 00:18:52.960 Now. 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:57.000 They were also willing. 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:57.819 To endure. 00:18:58.539 --> 00:18:59.039 Suffering. 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:01.500 Sacrifice. 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:03.200 As a part of their calling. 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:04.640 To follow Jesus Christ. 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:05.279 Look at this. 00:19:05.539 --> 00:19:06.099 Chapter one. 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:06.599 Verse 29. 00:19:06.740 --> 00:19:07.019 30. 00:19:07.920 --> 00:19:08.259 He says. 00:19:08.339 --> 00:19:09.620 For it has been granted to you. 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:11.000 That for the sake of Christ. 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:14.039 You should not only believe in him. 00:19:14.579 --> 00:19:16.099 But also suffer. 00:19:16.660 --> 00:19:17.599 For his sake. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:20.420 Engage in the same conflict. 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:21.380 That you saw. 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:22.279 That I had. 00:19:22.279 --> 00:19:23.440 And now here. 00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:25.079 That I still have. 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:28.000 These Christians. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:30.000 They knew. 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:31.839 They knew. 00:19:31.839 --> 00:19:32.420 From seeing. 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:33.220 Paul. 00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:34.380 What he went through. 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:35.160 Hearing some of the things. 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:35.599 He told. 00:19:36.059 --> 00:19:37.039 And from the situation. 00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:37.700 Where they were. 00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:39.000 Where they were. 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:40.799 A very very small minority. 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:43.180 That it was going to be costly. 00:19:43.180 --> 00:19:44.660 For them to live out their faith. 00:19:45.660 --> 00:19:47.220 But they did not. 00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:48.619 Shrink back. 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.579 Now let's just pause here. 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:51.299 And think about this. 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:51.920 Personally. 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:54.960 What signs. 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:55.840 Can you see. 00:19:55.840 --> 00:19:57.120 In your life. 00:19:58.900 --> 00:20:00.400 That demonstrate. 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:02.840 The reality. 00:20:02.840 --> 00:20:04.220 Of your faith. 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:04.800 In Jesus. 00:20:06.360 --> 00:20:07.100 Let's just. 00:20:07.300 --> 00:20:08.039 To start with. 00:20:09.160 --> 00:20:09.580 Look at. 00:20:09.940 --> 00:20:10.460 The signs. 00:20:10.560 --> 00:20:11.320 That were in the. 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.620 Philippian Christians. 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:14.840 Do you care. 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:16.279 About the spiritual condition. 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:17.019 Of the people. 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:17.960 Around you. 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:21.160 Just think. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:22.880 Do you. 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:25.100 Take an interest in. 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.480 Have concern for. 00:20:26.920 --> 00:20:27.960 The spiritual condition. 00:20:29.640 --> 00:20:30.279 Of the people. 00:20:30.380 --> 00:20:30.759 Around you. 00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:33.660 Now if you are a Christian. 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:35.079 And you really believe the Bible. 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.240 Then you believe. 00:20:37.360 --> 00:20:37.920 That everyone. 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:38.900 Is born a sinner. 00:20:39.640 --> 00:20:40.700 And until they come to faith. 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:41.180 In Jesus. 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:42.799 They are separated from God. 00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:43.579 And if they die. 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:44.220 In that condition. 00:20:44.319 --> 00:20:44.779 They're going to spend. 00:20:44.900 --> 00:20:45.980 Eternity away from God. 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:46.460 In hell. 00:20:47.960 --> 00:20:50.220 Do you ever. 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:51.120 Look at people. 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:51.640 That you know. 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:52.220 That you love. 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.100 That are akin to you. 00:20:53.380 --> 00:20:54.259 You're good friends. 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:54.860 That you work with. 00:20:54.880 --> 00:20:55.460 You go to school with. 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:56.380 Do you ever look and think. 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:57.240 If they're not Christians. 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:59.559 What's going to happen to them. 00:20:59.640 --> 00:20:59.759 If. 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:01.299 They don't come to Christ. 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:04.640 Do you ever pray. 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.420 For such people. 00:21:05.980 --> 00:21:06.660 By name. 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:10.220 Do you. 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:11.640 Look for ways. 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.059 To. 00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:14.140 Share the gospel. 00:21:14.340 --> 00:21:14.559 With them. 00:21:15.299 --> 00:21:16.259 Just say a word. 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.100 From time to time. 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:18.839 Plant some seeds. 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:22.439 Do you invite them to church. 00:21:24.959 --> 00:21:26.319 And are you careful. 00:21:27.859 --> 00:21:30.240 To try to live a faithful Christian life. 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:31.539 Before them. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.899 To provide an example. 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.419 To maybe. 00:21:36.939 --> 00:21:37.799 Show them that. 00:21:38.159 --> 00:21:40.299 The Lord has done something in your life. 00:21:41.179 --> 00:21:42.159 Or to show them. 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:42.399 Yeah. 00:21:42.459 --> 00:21:43.799 The Lord has done something in your life. 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:46.899 With the hope that. 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:47.839 They'll see that. 00:21:47.919 --> 00:21:48.500 And see that. 00:21:48.919 --> 00:21:50.339 Well he could do that in my life as well. 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:52.659 So. 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:56.099 Your attitude. 00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:57.279 Your thoughts. 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:57.799 Your activities. 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:59.119 Toward other people. 00:21:59.579 --> 00:22:01.220 Do you really show an interest. 00:22:01.359 --> 00:22:02.220 In other people's spiritual. 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:03.579 Condition. 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:07.279 That's a sign of the spirit of God. 00:22:07.339 --> 00:22:08.139 Working in us. 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:08.919 If we're Christians. 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:12.060 Let's use another example. 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:13.480 From the Philippians. 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:17.220 What do your spending habits reveal. 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:20.539 About your Christian faith. 00:22:22.060 --> 00:22:22.620 Yes. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.340 It does. 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:24.640 Matter. 00:22:25.900 --> 00:22:26.220 See. 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:29.299 How we spend our time. 00:22:29.420 --> 00:22:30.420 How we spend our money. 00:22:31.660 --> 00:22:33.779 Are the loudest two statements. 00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:34.420 We can make. 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:34.980 About what. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:36.420 Means the most to us. 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.940 What our priorities are. 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:39.600 Where our heart lies. 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.500 And so. 00:22:42.880 --> 00:22:44.519 Do you give generously. 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.740 To the work of the Lord. 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:48.019 Through this church. 00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:51.480 And other Christian organizations. 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.039 Maybe. 00:22:53.640 --> 00:22:54.779 And I want to pause here. 00:22:54.860 --> 00:22:55.220 And say. 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:57.259 I have no idea. 00:22:57.380 --> 00:22:58.460 What anybody in this church. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:22:59.279 Gives. 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:01.240 All I know. 00:23:01.319 --> 00:23:02.039 Is what I see. 00:23:02.120 --> 00:23:02.740 In the newsletter. 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:03.579 Just like you. 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:07.460 And I want to say. 00:23:08.120 --> 00:23:09.259 It appears. 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:11.079 That we either have. 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:12.140 A lot of people. 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:13.740 Who give. 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:14.480 Faithfully. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.400 Or we've got. 00:23:16.539 --> 00:23:17.240 A few people. 00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:18.240 Who give a tremendous amount. 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:21.559 Because. 00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:23.000 A lot. 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:23.839 Of money. 00:23:24.100 --> 00:23:24.640 Is given. 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:26.579 In terms of. 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:27.140 Tithes and. 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:27.660 Offering. 00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:28.220 Offerings. 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:28.700 To the Lord. 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:29.660 Through this church. 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:31.799 And if you're faithful. 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:32.460 In your giving. 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:34.079 I want to thank you. 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:34.480 For that. 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:36.120 Now. 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:37.200 I know you don't give to me. 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.279 Hope you don't give to me. 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:40.360 But I just want to thank you. 00:23:40.380 --> 00:23:41.200 And commend you. 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:42.360 For being faithful to the Lord. 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:42.960 In that way. 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:45.480 But if you don't give. 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:47.240 Why not? 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:50.400 It is a part of our Christian responsibility. 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:52.799 What we do with our money. 00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:55.000 Shows what is most important. 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:56.099 To us. 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:57.779 Then. 00:23:59.120 --> 00:24:00.779 What are you sacrificing. 00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:03.120 Or willing to sacrifice. 00:24:05.120 --> 00:24:06.279 That demonstrates. 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:09.200 You are a real. 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:11.960 Committed follower of Jesus. 00:24:11.960 --> 00:24:12.160 Jesus. 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:15.799 Let's just think of it this way. 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:19.019 How do you spend your time? 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.319 See the most. 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:23.840 Two most precious commodities. 00:24:24.100 --> 00:24:24.880 That we have today. 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:26.000 Time and money. 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:27.220 And for a lot of people. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:27.840 Today. 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.600 Their time is more important. 00:24:29.600 --> 00:24:30.120 Than their money. 00:24:30.259 --> 00:24:31.120 Some people will give. 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:32.279 Their money. 00:24:32.360 --> 00:24:33.340 When they won't give their time. 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:35.100 So I want to ask you. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:37.319 How do you spend your time? 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:40.000 Is it all. 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:42.720 Just about you. 00:24:43.799 --> 00:24:44.980 Doing what you want to do. 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:45.779 When you want to do it. 00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:46.599 How you want to do it. 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:49.220 Maybe it. 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:51.279 It includes your family. 00:24:51.439 --> 00:24:51.579 But. 00:24:52.659 --> 00:24:54.240 Do you just only spend your time. 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:55.899 On you and your family. 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.819 Or do you give. 00:25:01.139 --> 00:25:01.939 Of your time. 00:25:04.639 --> 00:25:06.299 Make some hard decisions. 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:06.879 Sometimes. 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:08.579 Make some sacrifices. 00:25:08.579 --> 00:25:09.299 At times. 00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:11.339 To actually. 00:25:12.859 --> 00:25:14.220 Be faithful to the Lord. 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:16.000 And getting involved. 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:17.079 In someone's life. 00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:18.059 Or being involved. 00:25:18.139 --> 00:25:19.119 In some kind of ministry. 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:22.220 And you're doing it. 00:25:22.319 --> 00:25:22.960 Unto the Lord. 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:24.039 And to those people. 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:27.059 Think about this. 00:25:28.099 --> 00:25:29.519 In terms of sacrifice. 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:31.019 Maybe suffering. 00:25:32.419 --> 00:25:33.439 Do you ever shy. 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:34.559 Away from. 00:25:34.899 --> 00:25:36.220 Identifying yourself. 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:37.220 As a Christian. 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:38.220 As a Christian. 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:40.220 In front of certain people. 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:40.819 In front of certain people. 00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:41.960 Maybe at school. 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:43.120 Or at work. 00:25:44.120 --> 00:25:45.299 Or in your neighborhood. 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:48.160 Because you're afraid. 00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:49.940 That it might cost you something. 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:52.940 If people really perceive you. 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:54.240 As a serious minded Christian. 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:57.740 Maybe it's just. 00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:59.539 They'll laugh at you. 00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:01.519 Make fun of you. 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:04.620 Or maybe they'll exclude you. 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:06.940 From their group. 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:10.319 It could deny you. 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:12.279 Cost you a promotion at work. 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:17.619 Are you willing to sacrifice. 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:20.059 Suffer. 00:26:20.559 --> 00:26:21.000 Ridicule. 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:22.660 Exclusion. 00:26:24.059 --> 00:26:24.960 Or more. 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:27.519 In order to be faithful to the Lord. 00:26:28.859 --> 00:26:31.180 Sometimes that is what the Lord calls us to do. 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:35.700 God continues to work in the life of every Christian. 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:37.700 To give us the desire. 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.799 And the ability. 00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:41.539 To serve him. 00:26:42.539 --> 00:26:44.240 To please him. 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:47.120 To do his will. 00:26:49.120 --> 00:26:51.180 If you don't have such desires. 00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:54.700 You have no reason to think. 00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:56.759 That you are a Christian. 00:26:56.759 --> 00:27:02.099 On every child. 00:27:02.640 --> 00:27:03.519 Every teenager. 00:27:05.079 --> 00:27:05.799 Sit up. 00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:07.559 Pay attention to what I'm about to say. 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:10.400 A lot of you. 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:12.359 And maybe adults. 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:14.539 Made professions of faith. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:15.700 When you were young. 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:18.140 You were baptized. 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:21.539 There's several people in here. 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:22.680 I baptized you. 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:26.440 I want you to understand. 00:27:27.319 --> 00:27:29.200 That if you are truly saved. 00:27:31.079 --> 00:27:32.700 If you're truly a Christian. 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:36.220 The Spirit of God lives within you. 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:38.619 And he gives you the desire. 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:40.599 To please God. 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:43.599 To want to. 00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:46.379 Do what God wants you to do. 00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:49.200 For an example. 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.500 If you're really a Christian. 00:27:50.619 --> 00:27:51.440 Boys and girls. 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:52.539 Young people. 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:55.359 The Spirit of God within you. 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:56.660 Gives you a desire. 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:59.200 To not tell lies. 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:04.400 Even though it may get you in trouble. 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:06.759 The Spirit of God. 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:08.700 Will give you the desire. 00:28:08.920 --> 00:28:10.599 To speak the truth. 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:13.279 Even if you suffer for it. 00:28:15.539 --> 00:28:17.059 To treat other people. 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:18.879 The way that you want to be treated. 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:22.119 To love people. 00:28:22.119 --> 00:28:24.559 To serve people. 00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:24.599 To serve people. 00:28:26.719 --> 00:28:27.979 And I want you to understand. 00:28:28.659 --> 00:28:30.359 Whether you're eight years old. 00:28:30.439 --> 00:28:31.500 Or 88 years old. 00:28:32.239 --> 00:28:35.500 If you don't have those desires within you. 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:39.160 If the Spirit of God is not within you. 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:40.319 Prompting you. 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:41.519 Giving you the desire. 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:42.839 To please God. 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:43.640 To do his will. 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.859 To speak the truth. 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.900 To love people. 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:46.960 To forgive people. 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:47.319 You think. 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:49.360 You think. 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.880 I don't know what you're talking about. 00:28:51.600 --> 00:28:52.880 There's no way in the world. 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:53.660 That you're a Christian. 00:28:56.140 --> 00:28:57.579 You may have professed faith. 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:58.600 You may have been baptized. 00:28:59.019 --> 00:29:00.660 That was all meaningless. 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:03.920 Unless there. 00:29:04.400 --> 00:29:05.860 Are evidences. 00:29:05.859 --> 00:29:07.959 Of a work of God. 00:29:08.719 --> 00:29:09.479 Within you. 00:29:10.959 --> 00:29:12.179 In your desires. 00:29:13.699 --> 00:29:14.759 Let's go a little bit further. 00:29:16.399 --> 00:29:17.719 The Spirit of God works in us. 00:29:17.759 --> 00:29:18.679 To give us the desire. 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:19.659 And the ability. 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.639 To serve God. 00:29:24.079 --> 00:29:26.059 If you don't use any of your time. 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:27.259 Talents or treasure. 00:29:28.219 --> 00:29:29.639 To serve the Lord. 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:31.759 Because. 00:29:32.679 --> 00:29:34.619 You don't really care about pleasing him. 00:29:34.619 --> 00:29:36.359 You don't even think about pleasing him. 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:40.579 I don't see how you can have. 00:29:40.699 --> 00:29:42.179 Any confidence right now. 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:44.939 That the Lord's working. 00:29:44.939 --> 00:29:45.939 In your life. 00:29:48.099 --> 00:29:49.179 It's just not. 00:29:49.639 --> 00:29:50.539 Something the Bible. 00:29:50.739 --> 00:29:51.779 Will give you confidence about. 00:29:53.299 --> 00:29:53.739 Because. 00:29:53.939 --> 00:29:55.079 Everyone in whom God. 00:29:55.199 --> 00:29:55.959 Has worked. 00:29:56.839 --> 00:29:58.219 He continues to work. 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.659 And he gives us. 00:30:00.739 --> 00:30:01.339 The desires. 00:30:01.479 --> 00:30:02.139 And the ability. 00:30:02.659 --> 00:30:03.399 To please him. 00:30:03.479 --> 00:30:04.299 To do his will. 00:30:04.619 --> 00:30:09.399 But if you have those desires. 00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:12.959 You have those heartfelt desires. 00:30:13.619 --> 00:30:15.339 And you find ways. 00:30:15.479 --> 00:30:16.419 To serve him. 00:30:17.219 --> 00:30:18.559 Because you want to. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:21.279 It pleases you. 00:30:21.699 --> 00:30:22.659 To please God. 00:30:22.659 --> 00:30:25.439 Then you have every reason. 00:30:25.579 --> 00:30:26.379 To be confident. 00:30:27.199 --> 00:30:28.619 That God is working. 00:30:28.619 --> 00:30:29.719 In your life. 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:31.219 That's one of the ways. 00:30:31.299 --> 00:30:32.959 That God gives you assurance. 00:30:32.960 --> 00:30:35.240 He's the one. 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:36.340 That gives you those desires. 00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:38.200 He's the one. 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:40.180 That gives you that ability. 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:41.900 Now. 00:30:42.360 --> 00:30:43.539 If we have confidence. 00:30:43.680 --> 00:30:45.000 That God has started to work in us. 00:30:45.400 --> 00:30:46.579 And we see signs. 00:30:46.680 --> 00:30:48.319 That he is still working in us. 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:50.720 Then we can also be confident. 00:30:51.420 --> 00:30:53.519 That he will finish that work in us. 00:30:53.920 --> 00:30:54.360 Number three. 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:55.779 We can be confident. 00:30:55.779 --> 00:30:56.980 That God will complete. 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:58.460 His work of salvation in us. 00:30:58.579 --> 00:31:00.079 Look at that verse one more time. 00:31:00.860 --> 00:31:02.079 Now I am sure of this. 00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:03.920 Or I am confident of this. 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:05.960 That he who began a good work in you. 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:07.620 Will bring it to completion. 00:31:07.980 --> 00:31:09.360 At the day of Jesus Christ. 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:11.740 This is one of the clearest promises. 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:12.920 You'll ever find in the Bible. 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:13.620 That God. 00:31:14.900 --> 00:31:16.279 Will never give up. 00:31:16.380 --> 00:31:16.839 On you. 00:31:19.319 --> 00:31:20.240 God's goal. 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:22.039 Is for you to develop. 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:24.759 Christ like character. 00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:27.440 He's going to work in you. 00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:28.680 He is working in you. 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:29.899 Throughout your life. 00:31:30.299 --> 00:31:31.799 Until Jesus comes. 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.720 To perfect that. 00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:35.659 Now. 00:31:37.399 --> 00:31:38.559 If you're a Christian. 00:31:39.920 --> 00:31:42.059 Let this encourage you. 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.519 Right now. 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:46.119 Because the truth may be. 00:31:47.700 --> 00:31:49.319 As you came in here this morning. 00:31:49.639 --> 00:31:50.500 Before you came in here. 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:52.160 But as you came in here this morning. 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:54.660 And you're thinking about all this. 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:55.859 It may be. 00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:57.039 That you would have to say. 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:58.759 I am a. 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:00.700 Poor excuse of a Christian. 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:03.299 It may be. 00:32:03.380 --> 00:32:04.140 That you would say. 00:32:04.519 --> 00:32:06.779 I know that God has saved me. 00:32:06.880 --> 00:32:08.279 And that he is working in my life. 00:32:09.259 --> 00:32:10.220 I know what you mean. 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:11.279 About those desires. 00:32:14.319 --> 00:32:15.160 But lately. 00:32:15.960 --> 00:32:17.660 Or maybe for a long time. 00:32:17.660 --> 00:32:21.080 I've sort of been at arm's length. 00:32:21.680 --> 00:32:22.500 With God. 00:32:24.360 --> 00:32:25.180 It may be. 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:26.040 That you'd have to admit. 00:32:26.300 --> 00:32:26.440 That. 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:28.279 My heart's. 00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:29.240 A little bit harder. 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:31.940 My conscience. 00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:33.840 A little more calloused. 00:32:34.840 --> 00:32:36.120 Than it used to be. 00:32:36.119 --> 00:32:40.459 You may. 00:32:40.459 --> 00:32:41.779 Feel like a failure. 00:32:43.859 --> 00:32:45.179 And you may be. 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:47.019 Far from being truly. 00:32:47.639 --> 00:32:48.619 A faithful. 00:32:49.359 --> 00:32:50.439 Child of the Lord. 00:32:51.899 --> 00:32:52.959 But I want you to know. 00:32:54.139 --> 00:32:55.519 God hasn't given up on you. 00:32:58.000 --> 00:32:59.519 There's a lot of parents. 00:32:59.679 --> 00:33:00.319 And grandparents. 00:33:00.579 --> 00:33:01.259 And aunts and uncles. 00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:02.619 And teachers in this room. 00:33:02.619 --> 00:33:04.939 And in those kind of positions. 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:07.439 We have invested ourselves. 00:33:07.439 --> 00:33:08.659 In a lot of young people. 00:33:10.079 --> 00:33:11.739 And every one of us. 00:33:12.059 --> 00:33:12.500 As parents. 00:33:12.639 --> 00:33:13.119 Grandparents. 00:33:13.219 --> 00:33:13.839 Aunts and uncles. 00:33:13.919 --> 00:33:14.339 And teachers. 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:16.199 We've had students. 00:33:16.199 --> 00:33:17.699 To disappoint us. 00:33:19.959 --> 00:33:20.899 Disappoint us. 00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:22.219 Even break our hearts. 00:33:22.220 --> 00:33:27.380 But if we truly. 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:29.000 Love them. 00:33:30.600 --> 00:33:31.799 No matter what. 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:33.500 We continue to love them. 00:33:35.579 --> 00:33:37.519 Sometimes we want to smack them. 00:33:38.319 --> 00:33:40.759 And sometimes God disciplines us. 00:33:43.600 --> 00:33:45.660 I've worn out my boys. 00:33:46.039 --> 00:33:47.579 To my hand hurt. 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:49.539 When they were growing up. 00:33:49.620 --> 00:33:50.319 Hadn't done it lately. 00:33:50.880 --> 00:33:52.120 But when they were little. 00:33:52.220 --> 00:33:55.559 But I never stopped loving them. 00:33:55.759 --> 00:33:57.120 There's times I wanted to kill them. 00:33:57.660 --> 00:33:59.480 But I never stopped loving them. 00:34:00.120 --> 00:34:00.779 You know. 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:02.600 You've been there. 00:34:02.700 --> 00:34:03.480 You've done that. 00:34:04.680 --> 00:34:06.220 There's times that God does. 00:34:06.980 --> 00:34:07.319 Truly. 00:34:07.960 --> 00:34:08.599 Severely. 00:34:09.000 --> 00:34:09.820 Discipline us. 00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:11.699 Put us flat on our backs. 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:13.579 Because he loves us so much. 00:34:13.900 --> 00:34:15.159 He's not going to let us go. 00:34:15.420 --> 00:34:17.539 He's not going to let us destroy our lives. 00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:24.360 But God never gives up. 00:34:25.360 --> 00:34:26.159 Faithfulness matters. 00:34:26.239 --> 00:34:26.820 Don't misunderstand. 00:34:28.099 --> 00:34:29.719 How we live matters. 00:34:29.719 --> 00:34:34.919 But God never washes his hands of us. 00:34:34.919 --> 00:34:35.939 His children. 00:34:35.939 --> 00:34:39.579 God has been. 00:34:39.779 --> 00:34:40.139 Is. 00:34:40.339 --> 00:34:42.719 And will always be faithful to you. 00:34:44.619 --> 00:34:46.699 If you are his son. 00:34:47.199 --> 00:34:48.059 Or his daughter. 00:34:49.219 --> 00:34:50.619 You can count on it. 00:34:51.619 --> 00:34:53.000 Read the whole chapter of. 00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:54.960 Chapter 8 of Romans. 00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:56.659 One of the best statements on this. 00:34:56.900 --> 00:34:57.420 Especially. 00:34:57.659 --> 00:34:59.639 About verse 31 to the end. 00:35:01.380 --> 00:35:03.019 I want to encourage you right now. 00:35:05.199 --> 00:35:06.639 If you know you're a Christian. 00:35:06.639 --> 00:35:08.940 But you're. 00:35:10.019 --> 00:35:11.159 Just not faithful. 00:35:13.759 --> 00:35:14.480 You're not. 00:35:14.920 --> 00:35:15.259 You're more. 00:35:15.359 --> 00:35:17.239 You're suppressing more of those desires. 00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:18.299 That the Lord has given you. 00:35:19.099 --> 00:35:20.819 You're just not obeying him. 00:35:22.699 --> 00:35:23.879 Admit that to God. 00:35:25.179 --> 00:35:26.940 Confess it as the sin that it is. 00:35:27.420 --> 00:35:28.460 Repent of it. 00:35:29.879 --> 00:35:30.920 He will forgive you. 00:35:32.059 --> 00:35:33.299 He'll cleanse you. 00:35:33.379 --> 00:35:34.139 The scripture says. 00:35:34.139 --> 00:35:37.139 He'll restore you to closeness with him. 00:35:38.579 --> 00:35:40.579 If you're far from God this morning. 00:35:41.099 --> 00:35:42.339 Draw close to him. 00:35:43.400 --> 00:35:44.079 He will. 00:35:44.179 --> 00:35:44.779 The scripture says. 00:35:45.039 --> 00:35:45.699 Draw close. 00:35:46.259 --> 00:35:46.819 To you. 00:35:48.839 --> 00:35:50.279 If you're not a Christian. 00:35:51.940 --> 00:35:53.639 Call on Jesus to save you. 00:35:54.159 --> 00:35:55.059 Humble yourself. 00:35:56.019 --> 00:35:58.279 Even if you're a baptized member of this church. 00:35:58.579 --> 00:35:59.359 But you know. 00:35:59.759 --> 00:36:01.679 That you never experienced a work of God's grace. 00:36:02.179 --> 00:36:02.900 Admit that. 00:36:02.900 --> 00:36:04.639 Cry out to God. 00:36:04.780 --> 00:36:05.639 Repent of your sin. 00:36:06.139 --> 00:36:08.039 Put your trust in Jesus for real. 00:36:09.660 --> 00:36:10.099 Now. 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:13.639 You know we've begun a new year. 00:36:15.260 --> 00:36:16.599 No one knows. 00:36:17.599 --> 00:36:18.820 No matter what they tell you. 00:36:19.740 --> 00:36:22.700 No one knows what's ahead of us. 00:36:22.940 --> 00:36:23.860 As individuals. 00:36:24.380 --> 00:36:25.160 As families. 00:36:26.059 --> 00:36:27.240 As a church. 00:36:27.240 --> 00:36:29.740 As a nation even. 00:36:29.739 --> 00:36:30.739 But God knows. 00:36:30.739 --> 00:36:33.559 But God knows every detail. 00:36:34.559 --> 00:36:35.859 About this year. 00:36:37.659 --> 00:36:38.679 For you. 00:36:38.919 --> 00:36:39.579 For your family. 00:36:39.719 --> 00:36:40.359 For this church. 00:36:40.459 --> 00:36:41.179 For this country. 00:36:42.759 --> 00:36:44.239 He can be trusted. 00:36:45.299 --> 00:36:46.639 No matter what. 00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:49.239 As a Christian. 00:36:51.439 --> 00:36:52.459 Trust him. 00:36:53.559 --> 00:36:55.099 Have confidence. 00:36:55.099 --> 00:36:58.159 He who began a good work in you. 00:36:59.159 --> 00:37:00.980 Will bring it to completion. 00:37:01.980 --> 00:37:03.579 At the day of Jesus Christ. 00:37:04.679 --> 00:37:05.900 And don't forget. 00:37:06.839 --> 00:37:08.799 One of the ways that God works. 00:37:08.920 --> 00:37:10.179 Is to give us the desires. 00:37:10.719 --> 00:37:11.420 And the ability. 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:12.579 To please him. 00:37:12.739 --> 00:37:12.920 So. 00:37:13.920 --> 00:37:14.659 This year. 00:37:17.159 --> 00:37:19.019 Spend time with him every day. 00:37:19.019 --> 00:37:20.639 Asking him. 00:37:21.920 --> 00:37:23.300 To help you to. 00:37:24.300 --> 00:37:25.679 Be have a tender heart. 00:37:25.759 --> 00:37:26.259 And conscience. 00:37:28.019 --> 00:37:30.259 And act on those desires. 00:37:30.259 --> 00:37:31.199 That he gives you. 00:37:32.699 --> 00:37:33.679 Let that be a part of your. 00:37:34.159 --> 00:37:34.519 Daily. 00:37:35.099 --> 00:37:35.880 Reading the Bible. 00:37:36.079 --> 00:37:36.440 Praying. 00:37:36.599 --> 00:37:37.300 Ask God. 00:37:37.480 --> 00:37:38.780 Please help me to be sensitive. 00:37:38.780 --> 00:37:39.639 To your spirit. 00:37:39.980 --> 00:37:41.079 To know what to do. 00:37:41.679 --> 00:37:42.659 How to please you. 00:37:43.659 --> 00:37:44.219 And then. 00:37:45.480 --> 00:37:47.380 Ask him to help you to do it. 00:37:47.380 --> 00:37:49.660 To discipline yourself. 00:37:51.340 --> 00:37:52.380 To do it. 00:37:53.099 --> 00:37:54.280 To please him. 00:37:56.420 --> 00:37:58.160 We don't know what the future holds. 00:37:58.360 --> 00:38:00.140 We don't know what's going to happen this year. 00:38:01.019 --> 00:38:02.300 But we can be confident. 00:38:03.519 --> 00:38:04.720 That God is with us. 00:38:05.340 --> 00:38:06.920 And that we can please him. 00:38:08.200 --> 00:38:09.740 If we'll listen to him. 00:38:10.500 --> 00:38:11.340 And obey him. 00:38:11.880 --> 00:38:12.420 Let's pray.