WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.020 James 1, verse 27. That's where we're picking things up. 00:00:06.020 --> 00:00:15.599 And we're tempted to think that when James tells his hearers to keep themselves unstained from the world, 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:21.780 ! That he means, right, enough with the sex, drugs, and rock and roll. 00:00:24.780 --> 00:00:27.120 Stay away from the basement clubs in Soho. 00:00:27.120 --> 00:00:30.120 Nothing good happens after midnight. 00:00:31.839 --> 00:00:36.020 We saw last time, a couple of weeks ago, that he's talking about something else. 00:00:36.780 --> 00:00:45.159 What he's talking about is living as Christians according to the same values as the world around us. 00:00:46.159 --> 00:00:52.579 In 1.19 and following, James' concern was that in response to the persecution and the trials 00:00:52.579 --> 00:00:56.640 that this scattered group of believers are experiencing, 00:00:57.179 --> 00:01:00.579 that they would get drawn into a kind of revolutionary anger. 00:01:02.079 --> 00:01:03.879 The sort of thing that we see today. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:08.200 When people don't get what they want, when they're badly treated, 00:01:08.579 --> 00:01:10.819 they riot, and they fight, 00:01:10.819 --> 00:01:14.259 and they even burn cities to the ground. 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:20.179 And it's all talked about as a kind of virtuous thing. 00:01:21.500 --> 00:01:26.559 It's one of the ways that a worldly culture responds to suffering, or indeed perceived suffering. 00:01:26.560 --> 00:01:30.859 Well, this morning, James continues on this thread. 00:01:31.400 --> 00:01:35.379 Only this time, the worldly value that he addresses, 00:01:35.980 --> 00:01:37.420 it's there in chapter 2, verse 1, 00:01:37.560 --> 00:01:40.260 is favoritism, partiality. 00:01:41.120 --> 00:01:46.659 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:46.659 --> 00:01:49.340 The way to get things done in the world, 00:01:49.939 --> 00:01:51.759 the way that you get ahead, 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:53.700 often the way that you get out of trouble, 00:01:54.319 --> 00:01:56.399 is by knowing rich and powerful people. 00:01:58.060 --> 00:02:01.299 And usually the two go together, rich and powerful. 00:02:01.819 --> 00:02:05.560 So if you can ingratiate yourself with a rich person, you can benefit. 00:02:07.379 --> 00:02:09.859 Start-up businesses, understand this. 00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:13.079 Start-up entrepreneurs network like mad, 00:02:13.219 --> 00:02:15.240 hoping that the rich guy will invest. 00:02:15.240 --> 00:02:19.040 Or that the influential person will use their product, 00:02:19.140 --> 00:02:20.659 and they can put it on their social media. 00:02:23.280 --> 00:02:27.080 Partiality is something that is considered a veritable positive thing 00:02:27.080 --> 00:02:28.560 in the world of start-up business. 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:30.980 On a personal level, 00:02:31.500 --> 00:02:33.620 rich and powerful people can do things, 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:35.260 and can get things, 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:36.500 and can go places. 00:02:36.660 --> 00:02:38.219 And if they like having you around, 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:41.500 well, you get favor by association. 00:02:43.140 --> 00:02:44.939 We treat rich people differently. 00:02:46.120 --> 00:02:47.520 We make time for them. 00:02:48.600 --> 00:02:51.219 We can clear our schedule for them. 00:02:52.219 --> 00:02:53.560 We give them attention. 00:02:54.840 --> 00:02:56.219 We laugh at their jokes, 00:02:56.620 --> 00:02:59.219 because we want to benefit in some way. 00:03:00.260 --> 00:03:03.520 And the reason that that kind of behavior is worldly 00:03:03.520 --> 00:03:06.939 is because it's actually a form of self-love. 00:03:06.939 --> 00:03:13.500 There's lots of talk in our culture today about the rich using people. 00:03:14.359 --> 00:03:15.359 That may be true. 00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:20.539 But plenty of people use the rich as well in order to get what they want. 00:03:20.539 --> 00:03:26.239 The point is that James says that there isn't to be any of this in the church. 00:03:28.099 --> 00:03:29.419 But it's really important, I think, 00:03:29.459 --> 00:03:33.199 that we see that James isn't referring here simply to financial wealth. 00:03:33.199 --> 00:03:35.639 Remember that these believers, 00:03:35.780 --> 00:03:36.439 to whom he writes, 00:03:36.479 --> 00:03:38.159 have come to faith in Christ from Judaism, 00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:41.819 and they have been scattered because they've been persecuted 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:44.119 for naming the name of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:03:44.119 --> 00:03:48.699 and not bowing the knee to the Jewish system. 00:03:48.699 --> 00:03:53.079 So, when James gives this mini parable in verses 2 and 4, 00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:54.419 he has 2 to 4. 00:03:54.479 --> 00:03:56.639 He has a particular kind of rich person in mind. 00:03:57.319 --> 00:03:59.959 So, do you see, it's interesting the details that are mentioned. 00:04:01.759 --> 00:04:05.299 This person who comes into their gathering is wearing a signet ring, 00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:08.159 and he has fine clothing, verse 2. 00:04:08.639 --> 00:04:10.939 Those point to his authority. 00:04:12.239 --> 00:04:13.879 And we're told in verses 6 and 7 00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:17.639 that this rich person is actually an oppressor and a blasphemer. 00:04:17.639 --> 00:04:19.500 I think what we're supposed to see is 00:04:19.500 --> 00:04:21.620 that this isn't just a generic wealthy person. 00:04:22.659 --> 00:04:25.500 This man is some kind of leader from the Jewish establishment 00:04:25.500 --> 00:04:27.219 who has come to see them. 00:04:28.639 --> 00:04:31.139 So, what's happening is this beleaguered group thinks, 00:04:31.319 --> 00:04:34.539 well, if we can treat this guy well, 00:04:35.180 --> 00:04:37.620 with all of his authority, all of his influence, 00:04:37.899 --> 00:04:40.319 he might use that influence in order to help us. 00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:43.079 It's a bit like today, 00:04:43.079 --> 00:04:46.639 us trying to get favor from the local MP 00:04:46.639 --> 00:04:47.819 or even the prime minister. 00:04:49.060 --> 00:04:50.519 They come along on Sunday, 00:04:50.620 --> 00:04:51.939 and we make a fuss of them 00:04:51.939 --> 00:04:53.879 because, well, they might be able to help us. 00:04:54.519 --> 00:04:57.719 They might be able to assist us in our mission. 00:04:59.479 --> 00:05:00.599 So, you're unwelcome. 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:02.379 Down at the door there, 00:05:02.439 --> 00:05:04.120 and two men arrive at the same time. 00:05:04.180 --> 00:05:06.199 One of them pulls up in a Range Rover 00:05:06.199 --> 00:05:07.319 with blacked-out windows, 00:05:07.439 --> 00:05:08.659 and you think he looks familiar, 00:05:08.779 --> 00:05:09.759 very well-dressed. 00:05:10.159 --> 00:05:11.339 You might have seen him on television. 00:05:11.339 --> 00:05:13.239 Hello, sir. 00:05:14.019 --> 00:05:14.759 Lovely to meet you. 00:05:14.759 --> 00:05:15.779 You're very, very welcome. 00:05:15.879 --> 00:05:16.799 Let me get you a seat. 00:05:16.919 --> 00:05:17.419 Come with me. 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:18.159 Come this way. 00:05:19.819 --> 00:05:21.039 The other guy arrives. 00:05:21.939 --> 00:05:22.859 He looks a bit shabby. 00:05:23.339 --> 00:05:23.659 Morning. 00:05:24.019 --> 00:05:24.659 Very welcome. 00:05:25.939 --> 00:05:26.959 Wait there for a moment. 00:05:27.179 --> 00:05:27.359 Sorry. 00:05:27.519 --> 00:05:29.019 Just, if you don't actually, 00:05:29.739 --> 00:05:30.859 just grab a seat wherever. 00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:32.679 I think there's one over there somewhere. 00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:33.479 In fact, you know, 00:05:33.539 --> 00:05:34.779 maybe you just want to perch on the floor. 00:05:35.459 --> 00:05:36.059 That's all right. 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:39.240 It can be a subtle kind of thing, 00:05:39.339 --> 00:05:40.600 but it's usually pretty obvious. 00:05:41.839 --> 00:05:43.879 The person with wealth and authority and power 00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:44.879 gets special treatment. 00:05:47.920 --> 00:05:49.759 It's the same self-love 00:05:49.759 --> 00:05:53.240 that marks the culture on display in the church. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:56.160 And James says it's worldly and it's ugly. 00:05:57.100 --> 00:05:59.000 Just like anger, actually, 00:05:59.220 --> 00:06:01.519 it doesn't bring about the righteousness of God. 00:06:01.579 --> 00:06:03.879 He's saying political manipulation, 00:06:03.879 --> 00:06:07.420 working the rich does not accomplish God's work. 00:06:08.740 --> 00:06:09.819 Indeed, when you do that, 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:10.680 look at verse 4. 00:06:10.980 --> 00:06:11.360 He's saying, 00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:13.680 you make distinctions among yourselves 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:15.659 and you become judges with evil thoughts. 00:06:17.159 --> 00:06:19.620 Literally, you divide yourselves. 00:06:20.159 --> 00:06:21.600 That problem sound familiar? 00:06:21.699 --> 00:06:23.139 We heard that right at the start of the letter 00:06:23.139 --> 00:06:24.259 in chapter 1, verse 8. 00:06:25.159 --> 00:06:26.339 Double-mindedness. 00:06:27.300 --> 00:06:27.779 Divided. 00:06:28.139 --> 00:06:29.500 One foot in the kingdom of God, 00:06:29.600 --> 00:06:30.759 one foot in the world. 00:06:30.759 --> 00:06:33.600 One foot in the kingdom of service 00:06:33.600 --> 00:06:36.000 one foot in the kingdom of equality. 00:06:36.879 --> 00:06:38.660 One foot in the kingdom of 00:06:38.660 --> 00:06:40.020 out for what I can get. 00:06:40.240 --> 00:06:42.439 Let's work the angles and see if we can get ahead. 00:06:43.780 --> 00:06:44.740 And James says, 00:06:44.879 --> 00:06:45.420 don't do it. 00:06:47.140 --> 00:06:49.080 And he goes on to provide two reasons 00:06:49.080 --> 00:06:50.780 why we're not to do it. 00:06:50.980 --> 00:06:51.720 Point number one, 00:06:52.240 --> 00:06:54.620 he says it's against God's design. 00:06:55.280 --> 00:06:56.560 To show partiality 00:06:56.560 --> 00:07:00.120 within the church 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:01.660 is against God's design. 00:07:01.660 --> 00:07:02.400 Verse 5, 00:07:02.520 --> 00:07:04.360 Listen, my beloved brothers. 00:07:06.680 --> 00:07:08.360 Has not God chosen those 00:07:08.360 --> 00:07:09.640 who are poor in the world 00:07:09.640 --> 00:07:10.620 to be rich in faith 00:07:10.620 --> 00:07:11.520 and heirs of the kingdom, 00:07:11.920 --> 00:07:14.140 which he has promised to those who love him? 00:07:14.460 --> 00:07:16.140 But you have dishonored the poor man. 00:07:16.139 --> 00:07:20.959 A couple of weeks ago, 00:07:20.979 --> 00:07:22.379 we heard James tell the poor man 00:07:22.379 --> 00:07:24.759 to rejoice in his exaltation 00:07:24.759 --> 00:07:25.759 for this reason. 00:07:26.019 --> 00:07:27.240 In the economy of God, 00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:29.240 it is the poor whom he chooses. 00:07:30.180 --> 00:07:32.219 He goes to those that the world overlooks. 00:07:32.419 --> 00:07:33.699 He meets them in their need 00:07:33.699 --> 00:07:35.139 and he chooses them 00:07:35.139 --> 00:07:36.860 to be in his family. 00:07:37.139 --> 00:07:38.639 Now, James isn't saying, 00:07:38.740 --> 00:07:40.120 he's definitely not saying, 00:07:40.180 --> 00:07:41.939 as some theologians seem to want to say, 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:43.439 that material poverty 00:07:43.439 --> 00:07:45.159 is a requirement for salvation. 00:07:45.160 --> 00:07:46.960 He can't be saying that. 00:07:47.660 --> 00:07:49.580 God doesn't choose the poor 00:07:49.580 --> 00:07:50.939 because they are poor. 00:07:51.400 --> 00:07:53.720 He's saying that what is required 00:07:53.720 --> 00:07:55.560 is humility, 00:07:56.340 --> 00:07:57.580 poverty of spirit. 00:07:58.180 --> 00:07:59.680 Remember, I said at the outset 00:07:59.680 --> 00:08:02.100 that this letter echo after echo 00:08:02.100 --> 00:08:04.260 after echo of the Sermon on the Mount. 00:08:05.080 --> 00:08:05.980 Who is blessed? 00:08:06.140 --> 00:08:07.400 Who finds favor with God? 00:08:07.460 --> 00:08:09.740 Who flourishes in God's eyes? 00:08:09.740 --> 00:08:11.160 The poor in spirit. 00:08:12.800 --> 00:08:15.180 And anyone who possesses 00:08:15.180 --> 00:08:16.300 that kind of poverty 00:08:16.300 --> 00:08:17.819 can be saved. 00:08:18.860 --> 00:08:20.259 Indeed, they will be saved. 00:08:21.960 --> 00:08:23.720 In practice, what that means, however, 00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:26.160 is that those who have 00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:27.500 very little materially 00:08:27.500 --> 00:08:30.160 are actually at a spiritual advantage. 00:08:31.519 --> 00:08:32.639 How is that the case? 00:08:32.639 --> 00:08:34.360 Well, if you have nothing else 00:08:34.360 --> 00:08:35.000 to hope in, 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:37.580 you're very aware of your need 00:08:37.580 --> 00:08:38.799 and you're open 00:08:38.799 --> 00:08:39.939 to what Christ has to offer. 00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:40.720 That's why Luke, 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:42.580 when he uses his beatitudes, 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:44.199 he says in Luke chapter 6, verse 20, 00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:45.019 blessed are the poor. 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:48.379 If you have plenty of other things 00:08:48.379 --> 00:08:49.139 to trust in, 00:08:49.799 --> 00:08:50.179 money, 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:50.919 contact, 00:08:51.199 --> 00:08:51.679 influence, 00:08:52.059 --> 00:08:53.879 then you look to those things 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:54.699 to deliver the life 00:08:54.699 --> 00:08:55.259 that you want 00:08:55.259 --> 00:08:57.379 and what ends up happening 00:08:57.379 --> 00:08:58.259 is that you resist 00:08:58.259 --> 00:08:59.419 what God is doing in your life 00:08:59.419 --> 00:09:00.360 to grow you to maturity. 00:09:00.939 --> 00:09:02.139 When trials come, 00:09:02.500 --> 00:09:03.279 how many of us, 00:09:03.319 --> 00:09:04.279 the first thing we think 00:09:04.279 --> 00:09:05.699 is we can pay our way out of this, 00:09:06.079 --> 00:09:08.259 we can ring somebody 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:09.179 who will help us 00:09:09.179 --> 00:09:10.360 to get our way out of this. 00:09:10.559 --> 00:09:12.079 If only I had 00:09:12.079 --> 00:09:13.979 that level of influence, 00:09:14.039 --> 00:09:15.379 if only I was that kind of person, 00:09:15.439 --> 00:09:17.000 well then I could fix this situation. 00:09:19.860 --> 00:09:20.740 That's the problem. 00:09:21.199 --> 00:09:22.620 If you have those things, 00:09:22.659 --> 00:09:23.860 you tend to trust in them. 00:09:26.079 --> 00:09:27.439 That is why Jesus says 00:09:27.439 --> 00:09:28.599 in the following verses 00:09:28.600 --> 00:09:29.519 in Luke chapter 6, 00:09:29.580 --> 00:09:29.920 he starts, 00:09:30.040 --> 00:09:30.680 blessed are the poor, 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:31.680 he goes through his beatitudes, 00:09:31.779 --> 00:09:32.360 and then he says, 00:09:32.440 --> 00:09:32.980 624, 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:34.720 woe to you who are rich 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:35.540 for you have already 00:09:35.540 --> 00:09:36.519 received your comfort. 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:40.980 If we have resources, 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:42.800 we can fix things. 00:09:44.060 --> 00:09:45.259 Without those resources, 00:09:45.460 --> 00:09:46.680 when things come our way 00:09:46.680 --> 00:09:48.200 from God under His hand 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:48.940 to cause us 00:09:48.940 --> 00:09:50.519 to have to lean on Him 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:51.320 and have to grow, 00:09:52.200 --> 00:09:53.360 what ends up happening? 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:55.899 We lean on Him and we grow 00:09:55.899 --> 00:09:57.320 and we're spiritually much healthier. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:00.860 Woe to you who are rich 00:10:00.860 --> 00:10:01.540 for you have already 00:10:01.540 --> 00:10:02.320 received your comfort. 00:10:02.420 --> 00:10:03.340 Hey, by the way, 00:10:04.040 --> 00:10:05.379 this is why God sends 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:07.040 trials of various kinds 00:10:07.040 --> 00:10:09.100 to those who are truly His, 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:10.940 trials that money 00:10:10.940 --> 00:10:12.379 and contacts and influence 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:13.620 can't do anything to fix. 00:10:15.420 --> 00:10:17.420 God is intent on maturing us, 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:18.700 on growing us up, 00:10:19.399 --> 00:10:20.800 whatever we have materially, 00:10:20.920 --> 00:10:22.060 whatever we have in terms 00:10:22.060 --> 00:10:23.560 of contacts and influence. 00:10:23.559 --> 00:10:25.679 And sometimes He will send 00:10:25.679 --> 00:10:26.539 things our way 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:27.619 that whatever we have 00:10:27.619 --> 00:10:28.319 can't fix, 00:10:28.619 --> 00:10:29.259 like sickness, 00:10:29.959 --> 00:10:31.919 like problems with our children, 00:10:32.579 --> 00:10:34.239 like relational breakdown. 00:10:35.179 --> 00:10:36.659 Your money doesn't work. 00:10:37.219 --> 00:10:38.519 Your contacts are no help. 00:10:39.019 --> 00:10:40.459 Your influence delivers nothing. 00:10:41.639 --> 00:10:42.579 What's happening? 00:10:43.299 --> 00:10:44.939 God is forcing you back on Him 00:10:44.940 --> 00:10:49.060 so that you gain steadfastness, 00:10:49.180 --> 00:10:51.860 chapter 1, verse 3, 00:10:52.960 --> 00:10:54.220 so that you grow to maturity. 00:10:54.220 --> 00:11:00.460 Look, if wealth or comfort 00:11:00.460 --> 00:11:02.820 or privilege in this life 00:11:02.820 --> 00:11:04.840 causes you to miss out on Christ 00:11:04.840 --> 00:11:07.720 or to fail to grow up 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:09.300 in the ways of Christ, 00:11:10.100 --> 00:11:11.660 whatever you have, 00:11:13.120 --> 00:11:15.000 it isn't worth the pleasure 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:16.840 or confidence that it has provided. 00:11:18.060 --> 00:11:19.940 Whatever it was that you trusted in 00:11:19.940 --> 00:11:20.720 rather than Him, 00:11:21.220 --> 00:11:22.200 it wasn't worth it. 00:11:22.200 --> 00:11:26.400 So, to dishonor the poor 00:11:26.400 --> 00:11:27.720 is to push against God's design. 00:11:27.820 --> 00:11:28.759 He chooses the poor 00:11:28.759 --> 00:11:30.040 and the world to be rich in faith. 00:11:30.600 --> 00:11:31.960 And they are co-heirs 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:32.940 with everyone else 00:11:32.940 --> 00:11:33.680 in God's kingdom. 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:35.240 The ground at the foot 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:36.340 of the cross of Christ 00:11:36.340 --> 00:11:36.940 is level. 00:11:39.200 --> 00:11:40.200 However we've got 00:11:40.200 --> 00:11:41.940 to the point of poverty of spirit, 00:11:42.940 --> 00:11:44.720 that doesn't matter. 00:11:44.820 --> 00:11:45.740 That is God's work. 00:11:46.180 --> 00:11:47.100 The ground at the foot 00:11:47.100 --> 00:11:48.520 of the cross is level. 00:11:51.100 --> 00:11:51.940 Just to say, 00:11:52.200 --> 00:11:53.480 many of us 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:55.280 are rich, 00:11:55.560 --> 00:11:57.540 at least by global standards. 00:11:58.080 --> 00:11:59.280 But it may be 00:11:59.280 --> 00:12:00.900 that you feel relatively poor. 00:12:01.420 --> 00:12:02.360 You're not as rich 00:12:02.360 --> 00:12:03.440 as someone else. 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:05.560 Well, if that's the case, 00:12:05.640 --> 00:12:06.240 let me say, 00:12:06.600 --> 00:12:07.460 look at verse 5. 00:12:07.520 --> 00:12:08.500 Let verse 5 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.740 get into your bones. 00:12:09.740 --> 00:12:12.740 Listen, my beloved brothers, 00:12:12.820 --> 00:12:13.860 has God not chosen, 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:15.060 has not God chosen 00:12:15.060 --> 00:12:15.860 those who are poor 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:16.580 in the world 00:12:16.580 --> 00:12:17.919 to be rich in faith 00:12:17.919 --> 00:12:19.519 and heirs of the kingdom? 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:21.659 Our world might despise 00:12:21.659 --> 00:12:22.779 poverty and weakness. 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:23.799 God does not. 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:25.680 Our culture might choose 00:12:25.680 --> 00:12:26.840 the strong and the impressive, 00:12:27.000 --> 00:12:27.700 but God doesn't. 00:12:28.820 --> 00:12:30.159 Your poverty is no barrier 00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:31.080 to knowing Christ, 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:32.039 nor is it a barrier 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:32.720 to receiving 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:34.480 a heavenly inheritance 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:35.080 that is worth 00:12:35.080 --> 00:12:36.139 more than any 00:12:36.139 --> 00:12:37.460 earthly inheritance. 00:12:37.460 --> 00:12:39.139 Even the biggest, 00:12:41.540 --> 00:12:43.200 the Gates children, 00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:45.519 the Musk children, 00:12:47.040 --> 00:12:48.220 the Bezos children, 00:12:49.660 --> 00:12:51.500 poor kids. 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:54.220 they're all looking forward 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:55.220 to a massive inheritance. 00:12:56.360 --> 00:12:57.539 It is nothing 00:12:57.539 --> 00:12:58.500 compared to this one. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:01.240 In Christ, 00:13:01.460 --> 00:13:03.919 you inherit God's kingdom. 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:09.340 Don't show partiality 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:10.679 because it is against 00:13:10.679 --> 00:13:11.700 God's design. 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:13.279 James continues, 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:14.779 it is also secondly 00:13:14.779 --> 00:13:15.799 against God's law. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:17.399 Verses 8 to 11, 00:13:17.480 --> 00:13:18.600 if you really fulfill 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:19.419 the royal law, 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.419 according to the Scripture, 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:21.339 you shall love your neighbor 00:13:21.339 --> 00:13:21.839 as yourself, 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:22.879 you are doing well. 00:13:24.059 --> 00:13:25.319 But if you show partiality, 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:26.159 you are committing sin 00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:26.799 and are convicted 00:13:26.799 --> 00:13:28.219 by the law as transgressors. 00:13:28.459 --> 00:13:29.299 For whoever keeps 00:13:29.299 --> 00:13:29.939 the whole law 00:13:29.939 --> 00:13:31.199 but fails in one point 00:13:31.199 --> 00:13:31.979 has become guilty 00:13:31.979 --> 00:13:32.559 of all of it. 00:13:33.259 --> 00:13:34.000 For he who said, 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:34.879 do not commit adultery, 00:13:34.919 --> 00:13:35.519 also said, 00:13:35.599 --> 00:13:36.159 do not murder. 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:37.639 If you do not commit adultery 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:38.339 but do murder, 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:38.839 you have become 00:13:38.839 --> 00:13:40.819 a transgressor of the law. 00:13:42.299 --> 00:13:43.579 Now, James hasn't gone here 00:13:43.579 --> 00:13:44.740 on a theological tangent 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:46.019 to talk about the law. 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:46.599 Verse 9, 00:13:46.699 --> 00:13:47.679 partiality is still 00:13:47.679 --> 00:13:48.319 his concern. 00:13:48.320 --> 00:13:50.620 But he ties it here 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:51.240 to God's law 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:52.140 because it is such 00:13:52.140 --> 00:13:52.879 a prominent theme 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:53.580 in the Old Testament. 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:55.060 Exodus 23, 00:13:55.460 --> 00:13:56.260 Deuteronomy 1, 00:13:56.560 --> 00:13:57.400 Deuteronomy 10, 00:13:57.720 --> 00:13:58.660 Israel are commanded 00:13:58.660 --> 00:14:01.180 to act without partiality, 00:14:01.240 --> 00:14:02.340 to be impartial. 00:14:02.800 --> 00:14:03.720 And they're to do that 00:14:03.720 --> 00:14:04.480 because to do that 00:14:04.480 --> 00:14:05.080 is to mirror 00:14:05.080 --> 00:14:06.879 or to imitate God. 00:14:08.020 --> 00:14:09.440 And when we get further on, 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:10.280 when we get to Jesus' 00:14:10.460 --> 00:14:11.220 summary of the law, 00:14:11.420 --> 00:14:13.020 impartiality lies 00:14:13.020 --> 00:14:13.840 behind what He says. 00:14:13.900 --> 00:14:14.240 You remember? 00:14:14.460 --> 00:14:15.440 The Old Testament law 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:16.040 is summed up 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:16.699 in two commands. 00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:17.620 Love God 00:14:17.620 --> 00:14:18.659 and love your neighbor. 00:14:19.059 --> 00:14:19.939 And it follows. 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:22.219 It un... 00:14:22.219 --> 00:14:23.039 Whatever. 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:24.299 There's no disconnection. 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:25.719 It has to follow 00:14:25.719 --> 00:14:26.740 that you simply 00:14:26.740 --> 00:14:28.000 cannot love your neighbor 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:28.799 if you discriminate 00:14:28.799 --> 00:14:29.419 against them. 00:14:31.339 --> 00:14:32.539 Just sit on the floor there. 00:14:32.579 --> 00:14:33.079 I'm going to talk 00:14:33.079 --> 00:14:33.759 to the rich guy. 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:38.339 Partiality is a failure 00:14:38.339 --> 00:14:39.379 of neighbor love. 00:14:41.259 --> 00:14:42.459 It is very simple, 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:44.799 but it is so important. 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:46.059 James speaks to those 00:14:46.059 --> 00:14:47.500 because of its importance. 00:14:47.579 --> 00:14:49.659 He can't emphasize this enough. 00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:50.359 In fact, he says, 00:14:50.439 --> 00:14:51.379 listen, to those of you 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.419 that want to wriggle out of this, 00:14:52.659 --> 00:14:53.500 I've got something to say. 00:14:53.899 --> 00:14:55.019 They say, okay, well, 00:14:55.699 --> 00:14:57.639 maybe do fall down 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:58.779 on the partiality front. 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:01.240 Maybe not great at that, 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:02.299 but I'm good at the others. 00:15:02.459 --> 00:15:03.339 I'm pretty good at the others, 00:15:03.379 --> 00:15:04.199 most of them anyway. 00:15:04.299 --> 00:15:05.039 I'll take the test. 00:15:05.099 --> 00:15:05.919 I'm sure I'll do a solid 00:15:05.919 --> 00:15:06.759 seven out of ten 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:07.719 on the Ten Commandments. 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:09.240 He says, no. 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:11.299 The law comes as a whole. 00:15:11.299 --> 00:15:14.839 You can't break it in one place 00:15:14.839 --> 00:15:16.279 and not destroy the whole thing. 00:15:17.759 --> 00:15:19.559 It's a bit like bursting a football. 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:21.639 You can't burst a football 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:23.399 and put a hole in one place 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:24.759 and not ruin the whole thing. 00:15:25.199 --> 00:15:25.879 If you tried to say, 00:15:25.959 --> 00:15:27.120 but no, it's not ruined. 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.620 There's only a tiny hole there. 00:15:29.019 --> 00:15:30.059 The hole's only in that part. 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:30.899 It's nonsense. 00:15:32.139 --> 00:15:33.339 One place it breaks, 00:15:33.379 --> 00:15:34.779 the whole thing is useless. 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:36.159 And if you start going, 00:15:36.219 --> 00:15:36.839 oh, no, there's only 00:15:36.839 --> 00:15:37.559 a tiny hole there, 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:38.419 you miss the point. 00:15:38.419 --> 00:15:42.279 God's law requires us 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:44.539 to love our poor neighbor. 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:48.319 It's saying here, 00:15:48.439 --> 00:15:49.339 if you only have time 00:15:49.339 --> 00:15:49.860 for the rich, 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:50.519 you're in sin. 00:15:53.259 --> 00:15:54.759 So, partiality is against 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:55.479 God's design. 00:15:55.620 --> 00:15:57.039 It's against God's law. 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:59.219 This is James' kind of one-two 00:15:59.219 --> 00:16:00.360 as to why favoritism 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:02.480 has no place in the church. 00:16:04.599 --> 00:16:05.779 But I said at the beginning, 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:07.579 it kind of comes naturally to us. 00:16:08.419 --> 00:16:11.459 We might know that favoritism 00:16:11.459 --> 00:16:12.279 is an ugly trait, 00:16:12.339 --> 00:16:13.379 but it just kind of happens. 00:16:14.659 --> 00:16:17.699 We gravitate towards rich 00:16:17.699 --> 00:16:18.319 and influential 00:16:18.319 --> 00:16:19.139 and powerful people 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.779 if we can gain their favor. 00:16:21.819 --> 00:16:22.740 So, how do we change? 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:25.459 How do we change? 00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:26.299 Well, I want to suggest 00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:27.639 that we focus ourselves. 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:28.740 We lift our eyes. 00:16:28.819 --> 00:16:29.719 We focus our gaze. 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:30.719 We turn our hearts 00:16:30.719 --> 00:16:31.659 to three realities 00:16:31.659 --> 00:16:33.099 that James mentions 00:16:33.099 --> 00:16:33.879 in the passage here, 00:16:33.879 --> 00:16:34.699 but he mentions them 00:16:34.699 --> 00:16:36.299 almost in passing. 00:16:36.299 --> 00:16:38.120 So, the first one 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:39.399 is the fatherhood of God. 00:16:40.159 --> 00:16:41.179 Look at verse 27. 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:42.599 Chapter 1, verse 27. 00:16:45.599 --> 00:16:46.599 Religion that is pure 00:16:46.599 --> 00:16:48.079 and undefiled before God 00:16:48.079 --> 00:16:49.019 is this, 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:50.659 to visit orphans 00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:51.019 and widows 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:51.539 in their affliction, 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.679 to keep oneself unstained 00:16:52.679 --> 00:16:53.099 from the world. 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:53.959 He doesn't say that. 00:16:54.939 --> 00:16:56.019 He doesn't say God. 00:16:56.419 --> 00:16:57.419 He says God the Father. 00:16:57.419 --> 00:17:01.059 The sort of religion 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:02.839 that God the Father loves 00:17:02.839 --> 00:17:05.920 reflects God the Father's 00:17:05.920 --> 00:17:07.119 posture towards the world. 00:17:07.639 --> 00:17:10.259 He loves as a perfect father. 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:13.279 It's terrible. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.899 It's a terrible home 00:17:15.899 --> 00:17:18.259 where fathers have favorite children. 00:17:20.119 --> 00:17:21.259 You see it in families 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:21.940 where one child 00:17:21.940 --> 00:17:23.099 is particularly talented. 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.480 They get all the time 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:25.000 and attention. 00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:26.359 Why is that? 00:17:26.359 --> 00:17:27.279 In the hope that the child 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:29.139 can make it in some way. 00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:30.419 Whatever area 00:17:30.419 --> 00:17:31.359 their talent lies, 00:17:31.439 --> 00:17:32.219 it's often couched 00:17:32.219 --> 00:17:32.659 in terms of, 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.459 I just want to give them 00:17:33.459 --> 00:17:34.399 the best opportunities 00:17:34.399 --> 00:17:35.019 they can. 00:17:35.319 --> 00:17:35.879 But actually, 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:36.859 it's usually much more 00:17:36.859 --> 00:17:37.479 about the parents 00:17:37.479 --> 00:17:38.619 because if your child 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:39.759 becomes rich and famous, 00:17:40.219 --> 00:17:40.779 there's a good chance 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:41.500 you will as well. 00:17:44.659 --> 00:17:45.959 Favoritism among children, 00:17:47.079 --> 00:17:48.479 favoritism among your children 00:17:48.479 --> 00:17:49.519 is really destructive. 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:53.519 One of my children 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:55.240 describes themselves 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:57.119 as favorite child. 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:59.420 They come to my office 00:17:59.420 --> 00:18:00.099 after school 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:00.759 and they say, 00:18:01.299 --> 00:18:01.660 Hi, Dad, 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:02.480 favorite child here 00:18:02.480 --> 00:18:04.480 and continue. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:05.519 Sometimes they even 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:06.519 sign off their emails, 00:18:06.759 --> 00:18:07.059 Yours, 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:08.379 favorite child. 00:18:10.339 --> 00:18:10.559 Now, 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:10.980 their siblings 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:11.879 find this annoying. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:13.240 So, 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:14.279 we've had a few 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:15.500 dinner table summits 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:17.440 where I make it clear 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:17.940 to them 00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:20.539 who my favorite 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:21.279 really is. 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:24.240 Obviously, 00:18:24.380 --> 00:18:24.859 I go around 00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:25.579 and tell them things 00:18:25.579 --> 00:18:26.599 that I value about all of them. 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:26.920 They say, 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:27.660 No, that's boring. 00:18:27.759 --> 00:18:28.480 Who's your favorite? 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:30.059 I say, 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:30.480 Well, of course, 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:31.480 your mother's my favorite. 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:34.079 Good fathers 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:34.839 don't discriminate. 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:40.819 And we don't love 00:18:40.819 --> 00:18:41.380 our children 00:18:41.380 --> 00:18:42.980 for what we can get 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:43.519 from them. 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:47.900 And we don't discriminate 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:49.579 because 00:18:49.579 --> 00:18:51.480 that is an imitation 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:52.299 of how God loves 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:52.859 His children. 00:18:55.400 --> 00:18:56.460 As we've said, 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:57.420 He loves those 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:58.839 who have nothing 00:18:58.839 --> 00:18:59.660 to give 00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:01.420 in return. 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:04.640 God loves those 00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.500 who know 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.319 that their hands 00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:07.099 are empty. 00:19:09.619 --> 00:19:10.480 And to those 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:11.160 who know that, 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:13.759 He showers us 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:14.619 with the love 00:19:14.619 --> 00:19:15.699 of a perfect 00:19:15.699 --> 00:19:16.079 Father. 00:19:18.839 --> 00:19:20.159 Whatever your experience 00:19:20.159 --> 00:19:21.039 of earthly fathers, 00:19:21.159 --> 00:19:22.299 and I know for some of us 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:23.179 that's not great, 00:19:23.659 --> 00:19:24.399 say the least, 00:19:25.619 --> 00:19:26.759 but whether your experience 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:27.859 is good or bad, 00:19:27.919 --> 00:19:28.879 when you come to God, 00:19:28.939 --> 00:19:29.639 you are received 00:19:29.639 --> 00:19:30.339 by a Father 00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:31.559 who loves you 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:32.739 indiscriminately. 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:35.479 In our sin, 00:19:35.559 --> 00:19:36.739 we're all the shabby guy. 00:19:37.699 --> 00:19:38.679 We're all the guy 00:19:38.679 --> 00:19:39.739 with nothing to offer. 00:19:40.679 --> 00:19:41.519 Spiritually speaking, 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:42.160 you can have 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:43.440 all the zeros 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.039 in the world 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.539 at the end 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:45.400 of your bank account. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.940 Spiritually speaking, 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:49.059 we're all the shabby guy. 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:50.759 When it comes to God, 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:51.660 that currency 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:52.420 doesn't work. 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:58.059 And yet, 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:58.879 in our shabbiness, 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.700 God doesn't wait 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:00.799 for us to get cleaned up 00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:03.180 in order to accept us. 00:20:03.400 --> 00:20:03.920 You know that, 00:20:03.980 --> 00:20:04.279 don't you? 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:07.559 God isn't waiting 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:08.200 for you 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:10.259 to clean up your life, 00:20:10.619 --> 00:20:11.440 to show yourself 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:12.220 to be impressive, 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:14.119 to be able to perform 00:20:14.119 --> 00:20:14.720 at a level 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.440 that He can go, 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:16.240 well, okay, 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:17.200 I'll accept you. 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:18.759 No. 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:21.660 He doesn't wait 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:22.779 for you to sort yourself out. 00:20:22.819 --> 00:20:23.619 He comes to you 00:20:23.619 --> 00:20:24.559 at your worst, 00:20:25.339 --> 00:20:27.740 and He says, 00:20:27.839 --> 00:20:28.379 my son 00:20:28.379 --> 00:20:31.119 shed His blood for you. 00:20:31.119 --> 00:20:31.119 00:20:31.119 --> 00:20:31.119 00:20:31.119 --> 00:20:31.119 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:35.240 Come and welcome. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.779 God doesn't overlook you. 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.139 He loves you, 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.220 and He welcomes you 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:42.799 in the Lord Jesus. 00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:45.700 And here's the thing. 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:46.799 It is to the degree 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:47.440 that you know 00:20:47.440 --> 00:20:48.420 that love yourself, 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:49.700 that you know it 00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:50.139 in your heart, 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:51.039 not just up here, 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:51.960 not just that you can 00:20:51.960 --> 00:20:52.740 answer the question, 00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:53.500 does God love me? 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:54.299 Yes, God loves me 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:55.700 because I put my faith 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.359 in the Lord Jesus. 00:20:56.879 --> 00:20:57.899 It's that when you 00:20:57.899 --> 00:20:58.940 experience that 00:20:58.940 --> 00:21:00.940 in the depths 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:01.779 of who you are, 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.839 that you know 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:04.279 that you've been 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:05.399 welcomed into God's family, 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:06.039 that you know 00:21:06.039 --> 00:21:07.079 that you are secure 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:07.899 in His love 00:21:07.899 --> 00:21:09.740 despite your spiritual poverty. 00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:12.419 It is to the degree 00:21:12.419 --> 00:21:13.599 that you know that yourself 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:15.159 that you won't look down 00:21:15.159 --> 00:21:15.639 on others. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.740 First reality 00:21:18.740 --> 00:21:19.459 we need to grasp 00:21:19.459 --> 00:21:20.419 is the fatherhood of God. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:20.859 The second 00:21:20.859 --> 00:21:22.179 is in verse 1, 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:23.419 it is the glory of Christ. 00:21:24.139 --> 00:21:24.539 Again, 00:21:24.939 --> 00:21:25.619 James includes 00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:27.240 a detail almost in passing 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.439 that is absolutely 00:21:28.439 --> 00:21:30.759 massively important. 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.439 My brothers, 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:32.500 show no partiality 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:33.319 as you hold the faith 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:34.460 in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.500 He could have gone on 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:35.859 from there, 00:21:35.919 --> 00:21:36.359 but he adds, 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:37.500 the Lord of glory. 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.399 Why does he do that? 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:41.679 Well, 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:42.879 I think it's to remind us 00:21:42.879 --> 00:21:44.279 that there is only 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:46.639 one truly glorious person. 00:21:47.159 --> 00:21:48.939 There is only one man 00:21:48.939 --> 00:21:49.579 who has walked 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:50.619 the path of trials 00:21:50.619 --> 00:21:51.220 to maturity 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:51.839 and to glory. 00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:53.919 Hebrews 5, 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:54.720 verses 8 and 9, 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:56.200 although he was a son, 00:21:56.679 --> 00:21:57.700 he learned obedience 00:21:57.700 --> 00:21:58.759 through what he suffered 00:21:58.759 --> 00:22:02.359 and being made perfect, 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:03.119 mature. 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:05.240 He became the source 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:06.200 of eternal salvation 00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:07.879 to all who obey him. 00:22:08.140 --> 00:22:09.039 That's the pattern. 00:22:09.379 --> 00:22:10.579 And it is this pattern 00:22:10.579 --> 00:22:11.879 holding to the faithfulness 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:12.299 of Jesus 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:13.859 that James exhorts us 00:22:13.859 --> 00:22:14.640 to imitate. 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:15.879 We could summarize 00:22:15.879 --> 00:22:16.859 the letter to this point, 00:22:16.900 --> 00:22:17.180 I think, 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:17.579 this way. 00:22:17.819 --> 00:22:18.900 Rejoice in your trials 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:20.000 as Jesus rejoiced. 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:21.440 Remain steadfast, 00:22:21.599 --> 00:22:22.039 persevere 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:23.299 as he persevered, 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:24.859 and be made mature 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:26.779 as he was made mature. 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:31.579 Part of our love 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:32.220 of the rich 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:34.200 is their glory, 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:36.460 their power 00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:37.419 and their authority 00:22:37.419 --> 00:22:38.419 and their status, 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:39.859 and that's what we're drawn to 00:22:39.859 --> 00:22:40.779 and that's what we want 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.539 to share of. 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:44.779 So, if we can just 00:22:44.779 --> 00:22:45.759 make them like us, 00:22:47.159 --> 00:22:47.879 we can just get 00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:49.500 rich adjacent. 00:22:49.879 --> 00:22:50.359 That would be the way 00:22:50.359 --> 00:22:51.019 it would be described, 00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:51.319 isn't it? 00:22:51.339 --> 00:22:52.059 If we can just get 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:52.839 alongside them, 00:22:52.839 --> 00:22:53.699 we'll get caught up 00:22:53.699 --> 00:22:54.679 in that glory ourselves. 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.599 We'll get to share 00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:56.919 some of that glory. 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:57.919 Remember, 00:22:58.480 --> 00:22:59.519 having lunch 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.439 with a wealthy friend 00:23:00.439 --> 00:23:01.639 a number of years ago 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:03.179 and it was quite 00:23:03.179 --> 00:23:03.859 an experience. 00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:05.179 The people 00:23:05.179 --> 00:23:06.419 that waited 00:23:06.419 --> 00:23:06.980 on the table 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.559 and the people 00:23:07.559 --> 00:23:08.779 that were also 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:09.419 at the table, 00:23:09.879 --> 00:23:11.099 they treated me 00:23:11.099 --> 00:23:11.959 very differently 00:23:11.959 --> 00:23:13.339 because I was 00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:14.019 with the big guy. 00:23:14.619 --> 00:23:15.939 I was sharing 00:23:15.939 --> 00:23:16.879 in that glory. 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:21.179 The problem is, 00:23:22.059 --> 00:23:22.679 it is when we 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:23.480 desire that, 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:25.519 when we pursue 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:26.380 that and we 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:27.380 want their favor 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:28.340 in order to get it, 00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:29.140 it does terrible 00:23:29.140 --> 00:23:29.920 things to us. 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:30.820 I don't mean 00:23:30.820 --> 00:23:31.759 even just the sinister 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:32.440 things that people 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:33.160 do for the praise 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:33.660 of the rich. 00:23:35.920 --> 00:23:36.580 I mean, 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.140 laughing at jokes 00:23:38.140 --> 00:23:38.820 that aren't funny. 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:41.360 Yes, of course. 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:44.279 Flattery. 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:46.840 Denying your values 00:23:46.840 --> 00:23:47.480 in order just 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:48.480 to keep them on side. 00:23:48.600 --> 00:23:49.299 Keeping your mouth 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:50.180 shut when the big guy 00:23:50.180 --> 00:23:50.960 states his opinions 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:51.480 about things 00:23:51.480 --> 00:23:52.000 that you think 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:52.519 are nonsense. 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:54.900 Why are we 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.700 drawn to this? 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:58.019 In the world, 00:23:58.100 --> 00:23:58.620 it's because 00:23:58.620 --> 00:23:59.579 of the glory hunger 00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:00.180 that exists 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:01.140 in the human soul. 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.900 We, all of us, 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.900 are created 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:06.740 for glory 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:08.600 and there is this, 00:24:08.840 --> 00:24:09.400 as it were, 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:11.140 this gap in the soul, 00:24:11.259 --> 00:24:11.920 this emptiness, 00:24:12.420 --> 00:24:13.600 this lack of glory 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:15.159 and we're hungry 00:24:15.159 --> 00:24:15.759 for it. 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:17.219 But what we do 00:24:17.219 --> 00:24:18.059 is we decide 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:18.740 that the glory 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:19.339 of the rich 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:20.159 in this life 00:24:20.159 --> 00:24:21.039 is enough for us 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:21.759 and we settle 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.659 for so little 00:24:22.659 --> 00:24:23.500 when we do that. 00:24:25.459 --> 00:24:26.619 Because whatever glory 00:24:26.619 --> 00:24:27.039 that is, 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.899 it's always fleeting, 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:29.419 it's always dissatisfying, 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:30.199 the pleasures 00:24:30.199 --> 00:24:30.879 always come 00:24:30.879 --> 00:24:31.419 and they go. 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:33.419 And when Christians 00:24:33.419 --> 00:24:34.219 do this, 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:36.579 when we seek 00:24:36.579 --> 00:24:37.919 the approval 00:24:37.919 --> 00:24:38.939 of the influential 00:24:38.939 --> 00:24:39.799 and the rich, 00:24:40.459 --> 00:24:41.379 what we're doing, 00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:42.100 we do that 00:24:42.100 --> 00:24:43.640 because we've diminished 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:44.460 or we've forgotten 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:45.500 the glory of Christ. 00:24:47.320 --> 00:24:47.960 You know, 00:24:48.020 --> 00:24:49.320 if we really grasp, 00:24:49.680 --> 00:24:50.100 again, 00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:51.020 in the deep places 00:24:51.020 --> 00:24:51.640 of our heart, 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:52.560 if we really grasp 00:24:52.560 --> 00:24:53.220 that there is only 00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:55.120 one truly glorious person, 00:24:56.100 --> 00:24:57.440 He is absolute beauty, 00:24:57.860 --> 00:24:58.860 absolute truth, 00:24:59.240 --> 00:25:00.180 absolute goodness, 00:25:00.620 --> 00:25:02.080 absolute perfection. 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:04.480 And if we really know 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.260 that through the gospel 00:25:05.260 --> 00:25:05.960 we aren't merely 00:25:05.960 --> 00:25:07.040 associated with Him, 00:25:07.060 --> 00:25:07.800 we aren't merely 00:25:07.800 --> 00:25:09.260 glory adjacent 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:11.799 in some detached way. 00:25:13.559 --> 00:25:14.299 And if we grasp 00:25:14.299 --> 00:25:15.240 that we don't merely 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.319 follow His example 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:17.200 in our own strength, 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:18.720 but we're united to Him 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:19.579 and we possess 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.680 His Holy Spirit, 00:25:20.900 --> 00:25:21.839 that changes 00:25:21.839 --> 00:25:23.000 just about everything. 00:25:24.900 --> 00:25:26.240 It changes how you think 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.079 about the very Christian 00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:27.839 life itself. 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:30.319 What is the point 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:31.680 of your Christian faith? 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:33.099 What is the point of it? 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:34.480 To glorify God 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:36.220 and enjoy Him forever. 00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:37.440 You are Christian 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:39.019 because God saved you 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:39.860 not to live 00:25:39.860 --> 00:25:41.080 your best life now, 00:25:41.559 --> 00:25:42.460 but to make you 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:43.059 like Christ, 00:25:43.120 --> 00:25:43.940 the glorious one, 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:47.120 and to bring you 00:25:47.120 --> 00:25:48.000 into a share 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:49.059 of His glory. 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:50.580 And He sends trials 00:25:50.580 --> 00:25:51.539 along the way 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.680 to ensure 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.500 that we get there, 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:55.000 to make us 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:55.640 like Christ, 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:57.180 and in order to get us 00:25:57.180 --> 00:25:57.820 to a share 00:25:57.820 --> 00:25:58.920 of that glory. 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.860 The glory path 00:26:00.860 --> 00:26:01.580 that we walk 00:26:01.580 --> 00:26:02.360 is a path 00:26:02.360 --> 00:26:03.080 that inevitably 00:26:03.080 --> 00:26:03.920 requires us 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:04.420 to go through 00:26:04.420 --> 00:26:05.460 the same trials 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:06.759 that Jesus endured. 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.440 If you want 00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:08.759 to be like Jesus, 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:09.559 if you want 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:10.579 to share eternity 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.220 with Jesus, 00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:12.319 you have to walk 00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:12.720 the path 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:13.379 that He walked. 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:17.879 When we see 00:26:17.879 --> 00:26:18.740 the glory of Christ, 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:19.680 that He is the glorious one, 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:20.460 it changes the very 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.980 Christian life itself, 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:22.680 how we view it. 00:26:24.339 --> 00:26:25.180 It especially then 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:25.799 changes also 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:26.359 how you view 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:27.000 other people 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:27.779 in the church. 00:26:27.879 --> 00:26:29.299 When you are in Christ, 00:26:29.599 --> 00:26:30.559 the glorious one, 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.579 you don't need 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:32.379 earthly glory. 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.640 Do you know that? 00:26:35.640 --> 00:26:37.620 When you have Christ, 00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:38.440 you have everything 00:26:38.440 --> 00:26:39.620 that you need. 00:26:40.820 --> 00:26:41.740 You don't need 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.620 earthly glory, 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:43.759 and you see 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.540 that your poorer 00:26:44.540 --> 00:26:45.580 brothers and sisters 00:26:45.580 --> 00:26:47.259 share in that glory 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:47.960 in the same way 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:48.640 that you do, 00:26:48.800 --> 00:26:49.780 and you're equal. 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:55.320 Can you see 00:26:55.320 --> 00:26:57.540 that Jesus Christ 00:26:57.540 --> 00:26:58.540 is the Lord of glory? 00:26:58.539 --> 00:27:01.940 And can you see 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:02.980 that all the glory 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:03.799 that you're searching 00:27:03.799 --> 00:27:04.920 for in other things 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:06.359 is found in Him? 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:10.639 Unless we are 00:27:10.639 --> 00:27:12.259 captivated by Christ's glory, 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:13.460 we will be taken up 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.680 by lesser glories. 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:15.700 We'll be sucked in 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:16.279 and seduced 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:17.339 by lesser glories. 00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:18.240 I'll be dazzled 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:19.500 by wealth and power 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.879 and anything else 00:27:20.879 --> 00:27:21.740 that I might be able 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.440 to get in on. 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:25.480 Unless I am dazzled 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.559 by Christ's glory, 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:27.440 I'll be unimpressed 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:28.680 with you if you can't 00:27:28.680 --> 00:27:29.940 meet my glory needs. 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:31.440 If you're not 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:31.980 going to be able 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:33.039 to satisfy the glory 00:27:33.039 --> 00:27:33.820 hunger within me, 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:34.860 well, you're no use to me. 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.059 And so, 00:27:37.160 --> 00:27:38.059 partiality will 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:39.019 inevitably follow. 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:40.340 Lift your gaze 00:27:40.340 --> 00:27:41.620 from the petty glories 00:27:41.620 --> 00:27:42.500 of this life 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:43.860 and set your mind 00:27:43.860 --> 00:27:44.340 and heart 00:27:44.340 --> 00:27:45.880 on the glory of Christ. 00:27:49.340 --> 00:27:50.140 Fatherhood of God, 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:50.980 the glory of Christ. 00:27:51.100 --> 00:27:51.799 And then, thirdly, 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.299 James is more explicit 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:53.840 about this, 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:54.880 the judgment to come. 00:27:54.880 --> 00:27:58.560 The judgment to come. 00:27:58.880 --> 00:28:00.360 While we might make 00:28:00.360 --> 00:28:01.120 these judgments 00:28:01.120 --> 00:28:02.220 about people now, 00:28:03.360 --> 00:28:04.800 that person's impressive, 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:06.660 that person's important, 00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:07.720 not so much. 00:28:09.700 --> 00:28:10.960 Don't forget that we will 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:11.660 all one day 00:28:11.660 --> 00:28:12.440 be judged ourselves. 00:28:12.520 --> 00:28:13.300 Look at verse 12. 00:28:14.060 --> 00:28:15.340 So speak and so act 00:28:15.340 --> 00:28:16.060 as those who are 00:28:16.060 --> 00:28:16.620 to be judged 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:18.320 under the law of liberty. 00:28:19.020 --> 00:28:19.620 For judgment 00:28:19.620 --> 00:28:20.560 is without mercy 00:28:20.560 --> 00:28:21.680 to one who has shown 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:22.360 no mercy. 00:28:22.359 --> 00:28:24.539 mercy triumphs 00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:25.059 over judgment. 00:28:27.059 --> 00:28:28.039 The law of liberty 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:29.079 that we have set aside 00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:29.659 in our judging 00:28:29.659 --> 00:28:30.459 between people 00:28:30.459 --> 00:28:32.119 won't be set aside 00:28:32.119 --> 00:28:33.019 on the last day 00:28:33.019 --> 00:28:34.679 when it is God's turn 00:28:34.679 --> 00:28:35.740 to judge us. 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:39.439 When it's not you 00:28:39.439 --> 00:28:40.179 standing at the door 00:28:40.179 --> 00:28:40.679 of the church 00:28:40.679 --> 00:28:41.579 making your judgment, 00:28:41.819 --> 00:28:42.559 oh, impressive, 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:43.879 come and sit here, 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:44.799 lovely, 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.399 let me get you 00:28:45.399 --> 00:28:45.899 a cup of tea, 00:28:46.699 --> 00:28:47.379 but it's God 00:28:47.379 --> 00:28:48.179 standing at the door 00:28:48.179 --> 00:28:48.500 of heaven 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:49.279 as you approach. 00:28:49.279 --> 00:28:52.460 As you approach 00:28:52.460 --> 00:28:54.079 holding the two tablets 00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:54.839 of the law 00:28:54.839 --> 00:28:55.839 cracked apart 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.819 because you refuse 00:28:56.819 --> 00:28:57.500 to love your neighbor 00:28:57.500 --> 00:28:58.160 as yourself. 00:28:59.359 --> 00:29:00.339 That's all of us. 00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:01.279 That's all of us. 00:29:02.579 --> 00:29:03.759 What are we hoping for 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.319 at that moment? 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.460 What do we need 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.460 at that moment? 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:09.119 What we need 00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:10.619 is mercy. 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:12.799 And we will plead, 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:13.799 Lord, 00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:15.139 have mercy on me. 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:18.039 And you know 00:29:18.039 --> 00:29:18.899 how God will reply? 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:22.000 You want mercy? 00:29:22.639 --> 00:29:23.660 How much mercy 00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:24.259 did you show 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.720 to the people 00:29:24.720 --> 00:29:25.700 who needed it from you? 00:29:26.099 --> 00:29:27.039 The poor man, 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.160 the homeless, 00:29:28.839 --> 00:29:29.339 the person 00:29:29.339 --> 00:29:29.859 who could do 00:29:29.859 --> 00:29:30.879 nothing for you. 00:29:32.079 --> 00:29:33.039 Did you give them 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:34.180 time and care? 00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:38.319 James reminds us 00:29:38.319 --> 00:29:40.059 that a day is coming 00:29:40.059 --> 00:29:42.539 and if we don't show mercy 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:43.660 to those around us now, 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:45.000 don't expect to get it 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:45.980 then from God. 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:46.019 God, 00:29:46.579 --> 00:29:49.660 it is a very solemn warning. 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:52.980 It's not just that 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:53.819 you're shortchanging 00:29:53.819 --> 00:29:55.559 yourself then 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:56.519 if you choose 00:29:56.519 --> 00:29:57.279 to pursue the favor 00:29:57.279 --> 00:29:57.720 of the rich 00:29:57.720 --> 00:29:58.240 and the powerful 00:29:58.240 --> 00:29:59.200 for what they can give you 00:29:59.200 --> 00:29:59.819 in this life, 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:01.759 but you're doing 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.759 a terrible deal 00:30:02.759 --> 00:30:04.539 with eternity. 00:30:04.539 --> 00:30:09.420 But, 00:30:09.639 --> 00:30:11.779 it's not the last word, 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:12.079 is it? 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.759 Look at verse 13. 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:18.960 It is incredibly 00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:19.519 convicting, 00:30:19.859 --> 00:30:21.319 but it's not the last word. 00:30:21.460 --> 00:30:22.639 James also reminds us 00:30:22.639 --> 00:30:23.339 that in Christ, 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:25.019 mercy triumphs 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:25.740 over judgment. 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:28.559 Because God is merciful, 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:29.460 we should be merciful. 00:30:29.619 --> 00:30:30.180 Yes, we should, 00:30:30.259 --> 00:30:31.299 but we hear the challenge. 00:30:31.299 --> 00:30:33.639 But when we sense 00:30:33.639 --> 00:30:34.419 the fact that we have 00:30:34.419 --> 00:30:34.980 failed there, 00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:35.839 we don't despair 00:30:35.839 --> 00:30:36.539 because the one 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:37.460 who demands mercy 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:38.680 has also shown mercy. 00:30:40.519 --> 00:30:41.460 Here's the thing 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:42.519 to go away with 00:30:42.519 --> 00:30:43.359 this morning. 00:30:44.720 --> 00:30:46.180 For disciples of the Lord Jesus, 00:30:46.799 --> 00:30:47.659 God's mercy 00:30:47.659 --> 00:30:49.379 is always the last word. 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:52.359 Mercy triumphs 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:54.240 over judgment. 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:56.039 The pursuit 00:30:56.039 --> 00:30:57.419 of wealth and power 00:30:57.419 --> 00:30:58.119 do not accomplish 00:30:58.119 --> 00:30:58.839 the work of God. 00:30:59.339 --> 00:31:00.279 The pursuit of wealth 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:00.740 and power 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:01.640 do not accomplish 00:31:01.640 --> 00:31:02.779 the work of God, 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:04.000 either in our lives, 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:04.920 in the church, 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.920 or in the culture. 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.460 But a deep knowledge 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:08.620 of the fatherhood of God, 00:31:08.839 --> 00:31:09.819 the glory of Christ, 00:31:09.880 --> 00:31:10.779 and the judgment to come 00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:11.640 will change us. 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:12.480 It will. 00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:13.440 It will change us. 00:31:14.019 --> 00:31:14.700 It will change 00:31:14.700 --> 00:31:15.400 our relationship 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:16.359 to earthly glory, 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:17.339 and it will change 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:18.099 how we view others 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:18.700 in the church. 00:31:19.900 --> 00:31:21.160 So, may God help us. 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:22.880 Let's pray together. 00:31:22.880 --> 00:31:22.920 Let's pray together.