WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.599 If you could please turn in your Bibles to 2 Corinthians chapter 10, which is on page 1165 of your church Bibles. 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:26.240 ! So 2 Corinthians chapter 10, and starting in verse 1. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.079 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you. 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:42.500 I, Paul, who am timid when face to face with you, but bold towards you when away. 00:00:43.120 --> 00:00:53.740 I beg you that when I come, I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be towards some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 00:00:54.500 --> 00:00:58.939 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 00:00:58.939 --> 00:01:03.219 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. 00:01:03.759 --> 00:01:08.200 On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 00:01:08.599 --> 00:01:15.159 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:19.859 and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 00:01:20.780 --> 00:01:26.719 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience once your obedience is complete. 00:01:26.719 --> 00:01:29.679 You are judging by appearances. 00:01:30.539 --> 00:01:38.480 If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. 00:01:39.299 --> 00:01:46.799 So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:48.659 I will not be ashamed of it. 00:01:48.659 --> 00:01:53.060 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:02:01.219 For some say his letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing. 00:02:02.079 --> 00:02:09.879 Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present. 00:02:09.879 --> 00:02:16.139 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. 00:02:16.639 --> 00:02:22.400 When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 00:02:23.180 --> 00:02:27.300 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:33.620 but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, 00:02:34.159 --> 00:02:37.479 a sphere that also includes you. 00:02:37.479 --> 00:02:43.459 We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, 00:02:43.939 --> 00:02:46.839 for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. 00:02:47.719 --> 00:02:52.479 Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. 00:02:53.319 --> 00:02:56.719 Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, 00:02:57.259 --> 00:03:01.079 our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, 00:03:01.679 --> 00:03:05.699 so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. 00:03:05.699 --> 00:03:11.639 For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory. 00:03:12.439 --> 00:03:16.599 But let the one who boasts boast in the Lord, 00:03:17.339 --> 00:03:20.879 for it is not the one who commands himself who is approved, 00:03:21.219 --> 00:03:23.620 but the one whom the Lord commands. 00:03:23.620 --> 00:03:40.200 Thank you. 00:03:40.200 --> 00:03:40.219 Thank you. 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:44.020 Well, good evening. Nice to see you. 00:03:45.860 --> 00:03:46.480 Hello. 00:03:47.580 --> 00:03:48.580 Good evening. 00:03:49.219 --> 00:03:50.120 That's good. 00:03:50.120 --> 00:03:53.920 Glad there's someone there. 00:04:00.219 --> 00:04:04.180 Well, let's pray and ask for God's help. 00:04:10.759 --> 00:04:12.340 Father, thank you. 00:04:12.340 --> 00:04:15.180 Thank you for your grace, 00:04:16.199 --> 00:04:17.100 your kindness, 00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:18.800 and your love. 00:04:19.840 --> 00:04:23.439 Thank you that you give to us all that we need 00:04:23.439 --> 00:04:26.139 to live the Christian life. 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:30.620 And help us now as we listen to your word, 00:04:31.579 --> 00:04:34.160 that you will speak to us afresh, 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:37.860 and that you will strengthen us individually, 00:04:37.860 --> 00:04:41.939 and strengthen us together as your people. 00:04:42.939 --> 00:04:44.220 For we need you. 00:04:45.319 --> 00:04:47.240 And it's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:04:48.080 --> 00:04:48.460 Amen. 00:04:48.460 --> 00:04:48.620 Amen. 00:04:52.620 --> 00:04:54.439 Sorry, just a sec there. 00:04:54.439 --> 00:05:00.000 It's Monday morning, 00:05:00.759 --> 00:05:02.459 and you arrive at work. 00:05:02.839 --> 00:05:05.120 Despite working through the weekend, 00:05:05.660 --> 00:05:08.399 you are the first one in the office. 00:05:09.259 --> 00:05:11.040 Such is your dedication, 00:05:11.420 --> 00:05:12.120 your commitment, 00:05:12.620 --> 00:05:13.879 and your concern. 00:05:14.920 --> 00:05:15.959 At coffee break, 00:05:16.040 --> 00:05:18.339 your boss calls you into the office. 00:05:19.180 --> 00:05:21.300 But you know that by his tone, 00:05:21.300 --> 00:05:23.579 things are not good. 00:05:25.100 --> 00:05:26.939 No need to sit down. 00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:29.240 I've come to the conclusion 00:05:29.240 --> 00:05:31.000 that you're not up to the task. 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:33.439 You're far too weak. 00:05:34.639 --> 00:05:36.360 You're very unimpressive. 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:39.300 You don't measure up. 00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.839 You're just too ordinary. 00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:44.720 What we need are people 00:05:44.720 --> 00:05:47.579 who are self-assured and self-sufficient. 00:05:48.220 --> 00:05:51.019 There's no place for you here. 00:05:51.019 --> 00:05:55.060 How would you feel? 00:05:56.779 --> 00:05:57.419 Small? 00:05:58.879 --> 00:05:59.560 Inadequate? 00:05:59.839 --> 00:06:00.719 Embarrassed? 00:06:01.779 --> 00:06:04.639 Well, that's not unlike the situation 00:06:04.639 --> 00:06:07.159 the Apostle Paul finds himself in 00:06:07.159 --> 00:06:09.219 that we come to in chapter 10. 00:06:09.220 --> 00:06:12.280 Having brought the gospel to Corinth, 00:06:13.020 --> 00:06:15.660 having seen a church being planted, 00:06:16.280 --> 00:06:18.580 having cared for them for many years, 00:06:19.160 --> 00:06:20.840 having loved them deeply, 00:06:21.380 --> 00:06:23.860 it seems that there is a push 00:06:23.860 --> 00:06:26.540 to get them out of the church. 00:06:26.540 --> 00:06:29.720 In chapters 1 to 7, 00:06:29.840 --> 00:06:32.200 there was pushback against his message. 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:35.040 And then in these closing chapters, 00:06:35.240 --> 00:06:37.020 in chapters 10 to 13, 00:06:37.760 --> 00:06:39.680 it seems there is a pushback 00:06:39.680 --> 00:06:41.400 against the messenger, 00:06:41.700 --> 00:06:43.200 Paul himself. 00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:47.099 You see, new leaders had come into town 00:06:47.099 --> 00:06:50.479 and they had been influencing the church. 00:06:51.099 --> 00:06:53.639 Don't bother with that Paul character. 00:06:54.139 --> 00:06:55.680 He's on his way out. 00:06:56.899 --> 00:06:59.800 He's far too weak. 00:07:00.839 --> 00:07:01.899 Look at verse 1. 00:07:03.060 --> 00:07:06.219 I, Paul, who am timid. 00:07:07.339 --> 00:07:10.240 He's all bark and no bite. 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:14.100 And he doesn't seem to be very impressive. 00:07:14.780 --> 00:07:15.800 Look at verse 10. 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:18.100 This is Paul writing about 00:07:18.100 --> 00:07:20.040 what these people say about him. 00:07:20.840 --> 00:07:24.160 For some say his letters are weighty and forceful, 00:07:25.019 --> 00:07:26.220 but in person, 00:07:27.439 --> 00:07:29.060 he is unimpressive. 00:07:30.220 --> 00:07:33.720 And his speaking amounts to nothing. 00:07:34.800 --> 00:07:36.639 He's a terrible preacher. 00:07:38.280 --> 00:07:39.800 Or look at verse 15. 00:07:40.259 --> 00:07:42.720 Where they're saying he simply doesn't measure up. 00:07:42.819 --> 00:07:44.520 It seems to be that they were 00:07:44.520 --> 00:07:46.560 fighting amongst themselves 00:07:46.560 --> 00:07:48.800 as to all the different places 00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:50.500 they had been to share the gospel 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:52.080 and the great work they'd done. 00:07:52.600 --> 00:07:54.460 But Paul responds, verse 15, 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:56.720 neither do we go beyond our limits 00:07:56.720 --> 00:07:59.759 by boasting of work done by others. 00:08:00.860 --> 00:08:02.300 They were simply saying 00:08:02.300 --> 00:08:04.000 his ministry influence 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:06.240 wasn't up to scratch. 00:08:06.240 --> 00:08:09.960 In fact, some don't even think 00:08:09.960 --> 00:08:11.879 that Paul is a Christian. 00:08:12.500 --> 00:08:13.500 Look at verse 7. 00:08:14.819 --> 00:08:16.620 You are judging by appearances. 00:08:17.259 --> 00:08:18.500 If anyone is confident 00:08:18.500 --> 00:08:20.160 that they belong to Christ, 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:22.980 well, they should consider again 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:25.000 that we belong to Christ 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:27.759 just as much as they do. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:31.539 Now, we mightn't face 00:08:31.539 --> 00:08:33.779 the same kind of level of pushback, 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:36.480 but I think we all have experienced 00:08:37.159 --> 00:08:38.819 being criticised. 00:08:39.939 --> 00:08:42.100 Our Christian values and our opinions 00:08:42.100 --> 00:08:43.700 aren't always accepted, 00:08:44.360 --> 00:08:45.799 but rejected. 00:08:45.799 --> 00:08:48.859 It can be hard to live 00:08:48.859 --> 00:08:50.099 the Christian life 00:08:50.099 --> 00:08:51.719 in this world, 00:08:52.240 --> 00:08:54.120 especially when we go to work 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:55.519 or mix with our friends. 00:08:56.099 --> 00:08:58.139 We can feel weak. 00:08:59.199 --> 00:09:00.819 What could I ever do? 00:09:01.959 --> 00:09:03.639 We feel unimpressive. 00:09:04.299 --> 00:09:06.819 What do I have to offer? 00:09:07.919 --> 00:09:10.039 We might feel we lack influence. 00:09:10.439 --> 00:09:12.939 What difference can I possibly make 00:09:12.940 --> 00:09:15.540 in my sphere of friends? 00:09:16.880 --> 00:09:19.720 In fact, even in our down days, 00:09:20.020 --> 00:09:22.000 we can feel, verse 7, 00:09:22.800 --> 00:09:26.040 that we don't even belong to Christ. 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:31.000 So what's our answer to this? 00:09:32.080 --> 00:09:33.480 What's your response? 00:09:33.620 --> 00:09:34.560 What can we say? 00:09:35.940 --> 00:09:37.660 Well, for the most part, 00:09:37.780 --> 00:09:38.540 we can say, 00:09:38.760 --> 00:09:41.420 it's actually true, isn't it? 00:09:41.419 --> 00:09:43.799 We are weak. 00:09:44.719 --> 00:09:46.719 We are unimpressive. 00:09:47.779 --> 00:09:49.579 We are lacking influence. 00:09:50.139 --> 00:09:52.019 We don't always measure up 00:09:52.019 --> 00:09:52.959 as a Christian. 00:09:53.459 --> 00:09:55.199 You see, we are following 00:09:55.199 --> 00:09:58.159 the way of Christ. 00:09:59.139 --> 00:10:01.399 Look at how Paul responded 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:03.120 to these accusations 00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:04.899 and criticisms. 00:10:06.199 --> 00:10:07.339 Verse 1. 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:10.340 By the humility 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:13.220 and gentleness of Christ, 00:10:13.940 --> 00:10:15.259 I appeal to you. 00:10:15.960 --> 00:10:17.200 How would you respond 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:18.220 if you were faced 00:10:18.220 --> 00:10:19.320 with such criticism? 00:10:19.820 --> 00:10:21.780 Would you get your back up 00:10:21.780 --> 00:10:23.840 and respond with anger 00:10:23.840 --> 00:10:24.700 and aggression? 00:10:26.080 --> 00:10:27.100 No, he says, 00:10:27.180 --> 00:10:29.000 we are Christ people. 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:31.280 It's with humility 00:10:31.280 --> 00:10:32.340 and gentleness 00:10:32.980 --> 00:10:34.220 that we respond. 00:10:34.220 --> 00:10:35.960 You see, 00:10:36.040 --> 00:10:36.920 we don't live 00:10:36.920 --> 00:10:38.540 as the world does. 00:10:38.940 --> 00:10:39.860 Look at verse 2. 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:42.180 I beg you 00:10:42.180 --> 00:10:43.759 that when I come, 00:10:43.860 --> 00:10:45.000 I may not have to be 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:45.700 as bold 00:10:45.700 --> 00:10:46.620 or as forceful 00:10:46.620 --> 00:10:47.779 as I expect to be 00:10:47.779 --> 00:10:48.980 towards some people 00:10:48.980 --> 00:10:50.500 who think 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:51.720 that we live 00:10:51.720 --> 00:10:52.660 by the standards 00:10:52.660 --> 00:10:53.800 of this world. 00:10:54.759 --> 00:10:55.700 For though we live 00:10:55.700 --> 00:10:56.399 in the world, 00:10:56.960 --> 00:10:58.759 we do not wage war 00:10:58.759 --> 00:11:00.680 as the world does. 00:11:01.800 --> 00:11:02.320 Yes, 00:11:02.320 --> 00:11:03.680 we live in the world, 00:11:03.680 --> 00:11:05.860 but our standards 00:11:05.860 --> 00:11:07.360 are not the standards 00:11:07.360 --> 00:11:08.240 of the world. 00:11:09.200 --> 00:11:10.440 We don't strive 00:11:10.440 --> 00:11:11.760 for self-sufficiency. 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:13.920 We strive for humility. 00:11:14.940 --> 00:11:16.280 We don't aspire 00:11:16.280 --> 00:11:17.600 to be self-assured. 00:11:17.960 --> 00:11:18.800 We aspire 00:11:18.800 --> 00:11:20.540 to be gentle. 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:23.860 This is the way 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:25.160 of Christ 00:11:25.160 --> 00:11:25.820 who said, 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:26.760 you can see it there 00:11:26.760 --> 00:11:27.520 on the screen, 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:29.280 what Jesus said, 00:11:29.400 --> 00:11:31.020 take my yoke upon you 00:11:31.019 --> 00:11:32.860 and learn from me, 00:11:33.539 --> 00:11:35.679 for I am gentle 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:37.659 and humble 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:38.779 of heart 00:11:38.779 --> 00:11:41.899 and you will find rest 00:11:41.899 --> 00:11:43.539 for your souls. 00:11:44.199 --> 00:11:45.079 That's Jesus. 00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:46.779 What's he like? 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:48.600 He's gentle 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:49.819 and humble 00:11:49.819 --> 00:11:50.559 of heart. 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:52.860 The prophet Isaiah 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:53.939 spoke of Christ 00:11:53.939 --> 00:11:54.779 in this way. 00:11:56.439 --> 00:11:57.779 He will not shout 00:11:57.779 --> 00:11:58.779 or cry out 00:11:58.779 --> 00:12:00.419 or raise his voice 00:12:00.419 --> 00:12:01.399 in the streets. 00:12:02.459 --> 00:12:03.699 He's humble. 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:06.299 A bruised reed 00:12:06.299 --> 00:12:07.439 he will not break 00:12:07.439 --> 00:12:09.759 and a smouldering wick 00:12:09.759 --> 00:12:11.399 he will not snuff out. 00:12:12.240 --> 00:12:13.559 He's gentle. 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:15.159 You see, 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:16.100 this is the way 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:17.220 of Christ. 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:18.980 And when Christ 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:20.399 came into the world, 00:12:20.939 --> 00:12:22.500 he faced opposition, 00:12:23.159 --> 00:12:24.879 he faced accusation, 00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:26.220 and he came 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.519 in weakness. 00:12:28.200 --> 00:12:28.879 He wasn't 00:12:28.879 --> 00:12:29.939 very impressive. 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:32.080 He lacked influence. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:33.559 He walked 00:12:33.559 --> 00:12:34.259 to the cross 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:34.679 humbly 00:12:34.679 --> 00:12:35.360 and prayed, 00:12:35.740 --> 00:12:36.779 not my will, 00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:37.899 but your will 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:38.439 be done. 00:12:39.439 --> 00:12:40.340 He looked upon 00:12:40.340 --> 00:12:41.039 his enemies 00:12:41.039 --> 00:12:42.480 from the cross, 00:12:43.340 --> 00:12:43.919 gently 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:44.799 praying, 00:12:45.039 --> 00:12:45.519 Father, 00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:47.000 forgive them. 00:12:47.779 --> 00:12:48.439 He died 00:12:48.439 --> 00:12:48.980 a death 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:49.639 of shame 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:50.320 and scorn, 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:51.240 but yet 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:52.080 it was through 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:52.860 his death 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:54.000 that we find 00:12:54.000 --> 00:12:54.620 forgiveness 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:55.940 of all of our sin, 00:12:56.419 --> 00:12:57.399 a new life 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:59.440 and eternal joy. 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:01.100 You see, 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:01.720 we live 00:13:01.720 --> 00:13:02.960 in this world, 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:05.259 but as Christians, 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.820 we don't live 00:13:06.820 --> 00:13:08.139 by the standards 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:09.560 of this world. 00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:11.580 We respond 00:13:11.580 --> 00:13:12.940 to every injustice 00:13:12.940 --> 00:13:14.720 with humility 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:17.139 and every rejection 00:13:17.139 --> 00:13:19.100 with gentleness. 00:13:19.100 --> 00:13:21.320 we follow 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:22.259 the way 00:13:22.259 --> 00:13:23.180 of Christ 00:13:23.180 --> 00:13:24.340 amidst 00:13:24.340 --> 00:13:25.000 criticism 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:26.460 and judgment. 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:28.360 We go 00:13:28.360 --> 00:13:29.139 his way. 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:31.740 However, 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:34.759 being humble 00:13:34.759 --> 00:13:36.000 and being 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:36.720 gentle 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:38.100 does not 00:13:38.100 --> 00:13:38.540 mean 00:13:38.540 --> 00:13:39.240 hopeless 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:40.700 and helpless. 00:13:42.040 --> 00:13:42.440 You see, 00:13:42.540 --> 00:13:43.060 we have been 00:13:43.060 --> 00:13:44.139 given all 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:45.500 that we need 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:46.879 to stand 00:13:46.879 --> 00:13:47.639 strong 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:48.480 in the face 00:13:48.480 --> 00:13:48.939 of all 00:13:48.939 --> 00:13:49.740 pushback 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:50.559 that we 00:13:50.559 --> 00:13:51.419 may face. 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:53.399 Three things 00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:54.199 from this text 00:13:54.199 --> 00:13:54.939 we're going to see 00:13:54.939 --> 00:13:55.980 that we have been 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:57.000 given by God 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:58.120 to enable us 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.059 to stand 00:13:59.059 --> 00:13:59.679 strong 00:13:59.679 --> 00:14:00.799 every time 00:14:00.799 --> 00:14:01.360 we face 00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:02.539 pushback, 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:03.500 every time 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:04.240 we're criticized, 00:14:04.939 --> 00:14:05.740 every time 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:06.759 we are judged 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:07.659 wrongly. 00:14:08.319 --> 00:14:09.059 We have been 00:14:09.059 --> 00:14:09.519 given 00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:11.419 divine power, 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:13.759 gospel authority 00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:15.399 and the 00:14:15.399 --> 00:14:16.460 Lord's 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:17.480 commendation. 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:19.059 everything we 00:14:19.059 --> 00:14:19.559 need 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:20.639 to be able 00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:21.399 to stand 00:14:21.399 --> 00:14:22.059 strong 00:14:22.059 --> 00:14:23.179 in the face 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:24.220 of accusation 00:14:24.220 --> 00:14:25.879 and opposition. 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:27.679 So first, 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:29.799 we have been 00:14:29.799 --> 00:14:30.259 given 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:32.419 divine power 00:14:32.419 --> 00:14:33.860 to fight 00:14:33.860 --> 00:14:35.580 the enemies 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:36.840 of Christ. 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:38.439 Divine power. 00:14:39.100 --> 00:14:39.759 Verse three. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:41.860 For though 00:14:41.860 --> 00:14:42.460 we live 00:14:42.460 --> 00:14:43.159 in the world, 00:14:43.159 --> 00:14:45.179 we do not 00:14:45.179 --> 00:14:46.240 wage war 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:47.360 as the world 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:48.000 does. 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:49.339 No, 00:14:49.839 --> 00:14:50.639 the weapons 00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:51.439 we fight 00:14:51.439 --> 00:14:51.860 with 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:53.500 are not 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:54.219 the weapons 00:14:54.219 --> 00:14:54.980 of the world. 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:56.439 On the 00:14:56.439 --> 00:14:56.959 contrary, 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:58.179 they have 00:14:58.179 --> 00:14:59.659 divine power 00:14:59.659 --> 00:15:01.500 to demolish 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:03.219 strongholds. 00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:04.679 Now this 00:15:04.679 --> 00:15:05.559 isn't a 00:15:05.559 --> 00:15:06.480 physical battle. 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:07.759 It isn't 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:08.419 fought with 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:09.579 suicide bombers 00:15:09.580 --> 00:15:10.300 and gun 00:15:10.300 --> 00:15:11.000 attacks. 00:15:11.639 --> 00:15:12.040 No, 00:15:12.220 --> 00:15:13.000 this is a 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:13.680 spiritual 00:15:13.680 --> 00:15:14.400 battle 00:15:14.400 --> 00:15:15.700 fought with 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:16.280 the word 00:15:16.280 --> 00:15:17.000 of God 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:18.200 and the 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:19.040 spirit of 00:15:19.040 --> 00:15:19.440 God. 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:21.139 It's a war 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:21.900 that sets 00:15:21.900 --> 00:15:22.920 people free 00:15:22.920 --> 00:15:24.000 from strongholds. 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:25.740 It releases 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.740 those who are 00:15:26.740 --> 00:15:27.780 enslaved in 00:15:27.780 --> 00:15:28.840 unbelief 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:30.200 to trust 00:15:30.200 --> 00:15:31.020 in Christ. 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:32.500 You see, 00:15:32.600 --> 00:15:33.100 this war 00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:33.720 isn't about 00:15:33.720 --> 00:15:34.160 us. 00:15:34.460 --> 00:15:35.000 It's about 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.920 those who are 00:15:35.920 --> 00:15:36.900 opposed to 00:15:36.900 --> 00:15:37.420 Christ, 00:15:37.419 --> 00:15:38.860 those who 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.539 are enemies 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:40.419 of Christ. 00:15:41.779 --> 00:15:42.360 So how 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:42.699 do you 00:15:42.699 --> 00:15:43.159 and I, 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:44.559 as we face 00:15:44.559 --> 00:15:45.620 this new 00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:46.039 week, 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:46.939 and we go 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:47.459 to work 00:15:47.459 --> 00:15:48.039 or spending 00:15:48.039 --> 00:15:48.620 time with 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:49.079 friends, 00:15:49.339 --> 00:15:50.000 how do we 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:51.620 fight this 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:52.479 spiritual 00:15:52.479 --> 00:15:53.079 battle? 00:15:54.339 --> 00:15:54.839 Well, 00:15:55.679 --> 00:15:56.599 we must 00:15:56.599 --> 00:15:57.500 know where 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:58.279 the battle 00:15:58.279 --> 00:15:59.219 is. 00:15:59.919 --> 00:16:00.539 Verse 4, 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:01.279 pay attention 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:02.099 and see where 00:16:02.099 --> 00:16:02.579 the battle 00:16:02.579 --> 00:16:02.980 is. 00:16:03.079 --> 00:16:03.639 Verse 4, 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:04.919 the weapons 00:16:04.919 --> 00:16:05.620 we fight 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:06.919 with are 00:16:06.919 --> 00:16:07.419 not the 00:16:07.419 --> 00:16:07.799 weapons 00:16:07.799 --> 00:16:08.179 of the 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:08.620 world. 00:16:09.559 --> 00:16:09.979 On the 00:16:09.979 --> 00:16:10.379 country, 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:10.799 they have 00:16:10.799 --> 00:16:11.719 divine power 00:16:11.719 --> 00:16:12.740 to demolish 00:16:12.740 --> 00:16:14.679 strongholds. 00:16:15.459 --> 00:16:16.799 We demolish 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:17.839 arguments 00:16:17.839 --> 00:16:19.019 and every 00:16:19.019 --> 00:16:19.759 pretension 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:20.579 that sets 00:16:20.579 --> 00:16:21.299 itself up 00:16:21.299 --> 00:16:21.939 against the 00:16:21.939 --> 00:16:22.519 knowledge of 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:22.879 God, 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:23.759 and we 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:24.860 take captive 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:26.759 every thought 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:28.099 to make it 00:16:28.099 --> 00:16:28.599 obedient 00:16:28.599 --> 00:16:30.099 to Christ. 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:32.139 You see, 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:32.740 the battle 00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:34.159 lies in 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:34.899 the hearts 00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:36.000 and in 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:36.840 the minds 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:37.860 of people. 00:16:38.819 --> 00:16:39.299 People 00:16:39.299 --> 00:16:40.019 don't 00:16:40.019 --> 00:16:40.919 believe the 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:41.379 gospel 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:42.980 because they 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:43.799 have believed 00:16:43.799 --> 00:16:44.720 the devil's 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:45.279 lies. 00:16:46.079 --> 00:16:46.620 Back in 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:47.259 chapter 4, 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:47.919 verse 5, 00:16:48.019 --> 00:16:48.340 you might 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:48.939 remember it 00:16:48.939 --> 00:16:49.199 says, 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:50.179 the God 00:16:50.179 --> 00:16:50.699 of this 00:16:50.699 --> 00:16:51.360 age, 00:16:52.079 --> 00:16:52.559 who's the 00:16:52.559 --> 00:16:52.919 God of 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:53.439 this age? 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:54.379 But Satan 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:56.340 has blinded 00:16:56.340 --> 00:16:57.199 the minds 00:16:57.199 --> 00:16:58.360 of unbelievers. 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.319 They're in 00:16:59.319 --> 00:16:59.699 his 00:16:59.699 --> 00:17:01.220 stronghold. 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:03.019 They listen, 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:04.059 verse 5, 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:05.700 to the 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.420 arguments 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:08.019 of this 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:08.639 age. 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:09.879 The 00:17:09.879 --> 00:17:10.339 argument 00:17:10.339 --> 00:17:10.799 that will 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:11.160 say, 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:12.099 no, 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:12.940 you're 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.500 God. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.680 It's 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:15.099 your 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:15.680 life. 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:16.559 It's 00:17:16.559 --> 00:17:17.019 your 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:17.519 body. 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:18.420 It's 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:18.799 your 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:19.400 choice. 00:17:19.879 --> 00:17:20.160 You 00:17:20.160 --> 00:17:20.879 decide 00:17:20.879 --> 00:17:21.720 who you 00:17:21.720 --> 00:17:22.259 want to 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:22.559 be, 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:23.319 and you 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:24.099 decide to 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:24.440 be the 00:17:24.440 --> 00:17:25.019 person you 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:25.420 want to 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:25.559 be. 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:26.099 You 00:17:26.099 --> 00:17:26.720 live however 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:27.700 you please, 00:17:27.839 --> 00:17:28.500 as long 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:28.859 as you're 00:17:28.859 --> 00:17:29.259 happy, 00:17:29.599 --> 00:17:30.160 and it 00:17:30.160 --> 00:17:30.700 makes you 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:31.180 glad. 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:32.700 you live 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:33.259 that way. 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:36.360 It's the 00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:37.340 cult of 00:17:37.340 --> 00:17:37.880 self. 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:39.660 And yet, 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:40.400 surprisingly, 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:41.340 we're the 00:17:41.340 --> 00:17:42.279 most lonely 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:43.620 and insecure 00:17:43.620 --> 00:17:44.340 people 00:17:44.340 --> 00:17:44.980 possible. 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:46.580 They've 00:17:46.580 --> 00:17:46.779 been 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.560 entrapped. 00:17:48.320 --> 00:17:48.740 They've 00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:49.180 listened 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:50.200 to the 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:50.860 lies. 00:17:51.279 --> 00:17:51.620 Look at 00:17:51.620 --> 00:17:51.960 the end 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:52.320 of verse 00:17:52.320 --> 00:17:52.820 5. 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:55.080 We take 00:17:55.080 --> 00:17:55.680 captive 00:17:55.680 --> 00:17:56.840 every 00:17:56.840 --> 00:17:57.539 thought 00:17:57.539 --> 00:17:58.640 to make 00:17:58.640 --> 00:17:59.259 it obedient 00:17:59.259 --> 00:18:00.060 to Christ. 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:00.819 every 00:18:00.819 --> 00:18:01.579 idea 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:02.119 that we 00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:02.379 hear, 00:18:02.460 --> 00:18:02.679 every 00:18:02.679 --> 00:18:03.359 philosophy, 00:18:03.879 --> 00:18:04.179 every 00:18:04.179 --> 00:18:04.819 thought 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:05.919 that sets 00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:06.679 itself up 00:18:06.679 --> 00:18:07.079 against 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:07.619 Christ, 00:18:07.960 --> 00:18:08.619 we seek 00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:09.299 to win 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.720 over so 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:11.179 that they 00:18:11.179 --> 00:18:11.619 become 00:18:11.619 --> 00:18:12.279 obedient 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:13.759 to the 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.179 gospel. 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:16.759 That's 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:17.279 where the 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.139 battle is. 00:18:18.700 --> 00:18:19.200 It's in 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:19.740 people's 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:20.159 hearts 00:18:20.159 --> 00:18:21.059 and in 00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:21.299 their 00:18:21.299 --> 00:18:21.919 minds. 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:23.319 So how 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:23.679 do we 00:18:23.679 --> 00:18:24.220 change 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:24.779 people's 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:25.059 hearts 00:18:25.059 --> 00:18:25.679 and minds? 00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:26.779 Think of 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:27.339 the people 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:27.799 who we 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:28.319 mix with, 00:18:28.579 --> 00:18:29.039 the people 00:18:29.039 --> 00:18:29.359 that we 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:29.599 know, 00:18:29.599 --> 00:18:30.480 who are 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:31.399 in that 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:32.179 stronghold 00:18:32.179 --> 00:18:32.399 of 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:33.079 unbelief. 00:18:33.319 --> 00:18:33.759 How are 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.119 we going 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:34.699 to change 00:18:34.699 --> 00:18:35.279 their hearts 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:35.839 and change 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:36.359 their minds 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:36.839 to think 00:18:36.839 --> 00:18:37.379 differently? 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.259 How do 00:18:39.259 --> 00:18:39.819 we fight 00:18:39.819 --> 00:18:40.699 this war 00:18:40.699 --> 00:18:42.259 and convince 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:42.899 people of 00:18:42.899 --> 00:18:43.579 the truth? 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:45.559 Well, 00:18:45.679 --> 00:18:46.059 we know 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:46.339 where the 00:18:46.339 --> 00:18:46.919 battle is. 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.359 It's in 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:47.939 hearts and 00:18:47.939 --> 00:18:48.500 minds. 00:18:50.059 --> 00:18:50.619 We've 00:18:50.619 --> 00:18:50.919 got to 00:18:50.919 --> 00:18:51.319 know what 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:51.500 our 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:51.839 weapon 00:18:51.839 --> 00:18:52.299 is. 00:18:53.199 --> 00:18:53.399 Verse 00:18:53.399 --> 00:18:53.839 4. 00:18:53.839 --> 00:18:55.740 The 00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:56.480 weapons we 00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:56.899 fight 00:18:56.899 --> 00:18:58.159 with are 00:18:58.159 --> 00:18:58.619 not the 00:18:58.619 --> 00:18:59.240 weapons of 00:18:59.240 --> 00:18:59.899 the world. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:01.099 On the 00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:01.559 contrary, 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:02.079 they have 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:03.359 divine power 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:05.059 to demolish 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:06.599 strongholds. 00:19:07.339 --> 00:19:08.039 Divine 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:09.980 power to 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.659 demolish 00:19:10.659 --> 00:19:11.599 arguments. 00:19:12.659 --> 00:19:13.259 Divine 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:14.099 power to 00:19:14.099 --> 00:19:14.799 take people 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:16.099 captive for 00:19:16.099 --> 00:19:16.579 Christ. 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.439 What is 00:19:17.439 --> 00:19:18.759 this divine 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.559 power that 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:20.039 we've been 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:20.359 given? 00:19:20.359 --> 00:19:21.979 Well, 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:22.379 it's not 00:19:22.379 --> 00:19:22.939 by being 00:19:22.939 --> 00:19:23.740 clever and 00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:24.319 sophisticated. 00:19:25.359 --> 00:19:26.000 It's not 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:26.519 by being 00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:27.439 bullish and 00:19:27.439 --> 00:19:27.939 arrogant. 00:19:28.859 --> 00:19:29.879 It's by 00:19:29.879 --> 00:19:30.859 the humble 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:32.719 gospel message 00:19:32.719 --> 00:19:34.019 with the 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:35.319 spirit's 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:36.059 gentle 00:19:36.059 --> 00:19:37.000 work. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:38.799 Those are 00:19:38.799 --> 00:19:39.579 our weapons. 00:19:40.659 --> 00:19:41.379 The humble 00:19:41.379 --> 00:19:42.579 gospel message 00:19:42.579 --> 00:19:44.279 and the 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:45.019 spirit's 00:19:45.019 --> 00:19:45.519 gentle 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:46.419 work. 00:19:47.219 --> 00:19:48.000 As people 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:48.599 hear the 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:49.240 truth that 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:50.259 Jesus Christ 00:19:50.259 --> 00:19:50.879 is God, 00:19:51.220 --> 00:19:51.700 as we 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:52.619 proclaim the 00:19:52.619 --> 00:19:53.519 victory of 00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:54.619 Christ over 00:19:54.619 --> 00:19:55.720 sin by his 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:56.859 death, as we 00:19:56.859 --> 00:19:58.039 declare Christ 00:19:58.039 --> 00:19:59.680 triumphant over 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:00.680 death by his 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:02.039 resurrection, as 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:03.740 we humbly and 00:20:03.740 --> 00:20:04.960 gently speak of 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:06.400 Christ, so 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.740 hearts and 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.759 minds are 00:20:08.759 --> 00:20:10.440 set free from 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:11.759 the stronghold 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:13.420 of unbelief. 00:20:15.900 --> 00:20:17.359 Everyone here 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:18.119 this evening 00:20:18.119 --> 00:20:19.219 who is a 00:20:19.219 --> 00:20:20.599 Christian has 00:20:20.599 --> 00:20:21.359 been won 00:20:21.359 --> 00:20:22.639 over by 00:20:22.639 --> 00:20:23.699 God's divine 00:20:23.699 --> 00:20:24.500 power at 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:24.939 work in 00:20:24.939 --> 00:20:25.599 your life. 00:20:27.119 --> 00:20:28.099 If you're 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:28.799 not yet a 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.219 Christian, 00:20:29.939 --> 00:20:31.279 you are still 00:20:31.279 --> 00:20:31.779 in that 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:32.739 stronghold of 00:20:32.739 --> 00:20:33.539 unbelief, 00:20:33.979 --> 00:20:34.799 believing the 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:35.839 lies, the 00:20:35.839 --> 00:20:36.279 false 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.119 arguments. 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:40.019 Now, none 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:40.619 of us have 00:20:40.619 --> 00:20:41.279 power to 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:42.579 change anybody's 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:43.099 heart or 00:20:43.099 --> 00:20:43.539 mind. 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.519 Remember, we're 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:47.079 weak, we're 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:49.079 unimpressive, we 00:20:49.079 --> 00:20:49.740 don't measure 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:50.220 up. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:53.460 But, go 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:53.920 back to 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:54.900 chapter 4 with 00:20:54.900 --> 00:20:55.500 me a minute, 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.500 chapter 4, 00:20:56.980 --> 00:20:57.920 verse 7. 00:20:57.920 --> 00:21:06.660 A similar 00:21:06.660 --> 00:21:07.420 argument was 00:21:07.420 --> 00:21:07.880 here, we're 00:21:07.880 --> 00:21:08.480 weak, we're 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:09.620 unimpressive, we 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:10.259 don't measure 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:11.900 up, but, 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:12.840 chapter 4, 00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:14.519 verse 7, we 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.519 have this 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:17.360 treasure in 00:21:17.360 --> 00:21:18.560 jars of clay 00:21:18.560 --> 00:21:20.019 to show that 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:20.920 this all 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:21.920 surpassing 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:23.420 power is 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:24.240 from God, 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:25.740 not from 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:26.279 us. 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:28.399 jars of 00:21:28.399 --> 00:21:28.799 clay, 00:21:29.920 --> 00:21:30.460 cracked 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.720 pots, 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:32.700 we're 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:33.339 fragile, 00:21:33.899 --> 00:21:34.079 we're 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:34.859 disposable, 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.639 but within 00:21:36.639 --> 00:21:37.519 us we have 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:38.379 this treasure 00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:39.500 from God, 00:21:39.799 --> 00:21:40.579 the treasure 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.460 that is the 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:42.139 simple, 00:21:42.660 --> 00:21:43.099 humble, 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:44.059 gospel 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:44.960 message, 00:21:46.339 --> 00:21:47.379 and the 00:21:47.379 --> 00:21:48.319 gentle work 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:49.460 of God's 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:49.980 spirit. 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:51.379 That is 00:21:51.379 --> 00:21:52.599 God's all 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:53.440 surpassing 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:54.680 power in 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:55.619 our lives 00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:56.399 so that 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:56.779 as we 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.519 speak his 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.079 truth, 00:21:58.739 --> 00:22:00.259 lives are 00:22:00.259 --> 00:22:00.919 changed. 00:22:01.879 --> 00:22:02.939 We may be 00:22:02.939 --> 00:22:03.579 humble and 00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:04.000 gentle, 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:05.619 but we're 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:06.359 not hopeless 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.079 and helpless. 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:09.059 We've been 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:10.439 given divine 00:22:10.439 --> 00:22:12.199 power to 00:22:12.199 --> 00:22:12.819 fight the 00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:14.259 enemies of 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:14.759 Christ. 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:14.900 Christ. 00:22:16.099 --> 00:22:17.000 So when 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:17.519 you go to 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.259 work tomorrow 00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:18.980 morning or 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:19.519 wherever you 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:19.920 are and 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:20.480 whatever you 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:22.099 do, go 00:22:22.099 --> 00:22:23.240 with confidence. 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:24.599 God has 00:22:24.599 --> 00:22:25.160 given you 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:26.319 divine power 00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:27.319 in the 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:28.359 gospel message. 00:22:29.940 --> 00:22:30.660 Second, 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:36.339 what do we 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:36.940 have second? 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:38.039 We have 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:39.279 gospel authority 00:22:39.279 --> 00:22:40.140 to strengthen 00:22:40.140 --> 00:22:41.099 the church of 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:41.559 Christ. 00:22:41.559 --> 00:22:43.319 gospel authority 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:44.240 to strengthen 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:45.000 the church of 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.500 Christ. 00:22:46.220 --> 00:22:46.599 You see, 00:22:46.679 --> 00:22:47.339 being in this 00:22:47.339 --> 00:22:48.200 battle can be 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:48.639 tough. 00:22:49.639 --> 00:22:50.139 In fact, 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:51.119 as we face 00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:52.099 resistance to 00:22:52.099 --> 00:22:52.720 the gospel, 00:22:53.359 --> 00:22:54.279 it can shake 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:55.079 our confidence. 00:22:55.899 --> 00:22:56.720 And all of us 00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.619 here need to be 00:22:57.619 --> 00:22:58.119 strengthened. 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:58.980 And the 00:22:58.980 --> 00:23:00.019 encouragement in 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:00.899 this section is 00:23:00.899 --> 00:23:02.319 we have all the 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:03.779 resources to 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:04.799 encourage one 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:06.659 another as we 00:23:06.659 --> 00:23:07.619 follow Christ. 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:07.799 Christ. 00:23:08.799 --> 00:23:10.000 But first, 00:23:10.139 --> 00:23:11.039 we must know 00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:12.119 where the 00:23:12.119 --> 00:23:13.639 struggle is. 00:23:14.379 --> 00:23:14.859 Look at 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:15.539 verse 7. 00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:18.339 Back to 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:19.079 chapter 10. 00:23:19.479 --> 00:23:20.299 Chapter 10, 00:23:20.379 --> 00:23:20.959 verse 7. 00:23:21.859 --> 00:23:22.459 You are 00:23:22.459 --> 00:23:23.359 judging by 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:24.139 appearances. 00:23:25.079 --> 00:23:25.759 If anyone 00:23:25.759 --> 00:23:26.559 is confident 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:27.079 that they 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:27.759 belong to 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.239 Christ, 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:30.000 they should 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:31.199 consider again 00:23:31.199 --> 00:23:31.779 that we 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:33.619 belong to 00:23:33.619 --> 00:23:34.459 Christ just 00:23:34.459 --> 00:23:35.159 as much 00:23:35.159 --> 00:23:36.199 as they 00:23:36.199 --> 00:23:36.519 do. 00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:38.900 Let me 00:23:38.900 --> 00:23:39.559 ask you a 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:40.460 heart-searching 00:23:40.460 --> 00:23:41.099 question. 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:43.180 If you're a 00:23:43.180 --> 00:23:43.700 Christian, 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:45.799 have you ever 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:47.579 doubted that 00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:48.500 you belong to 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:48.960 Christ? 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:50.539 Have you ever 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:51.279 doubted that? 00:23:52.400 --> 00:23:53.420 I do. 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:55.660 On most 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:57.180 days, I 00:23:57.180 --> 00:23:58.180 feel my 00:23:58.180 --> 00:23:58.920 weakness. 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:00.980 I struggle 00:24:00.980 --> 00:24:01.660 that I'm not 00:24:01.660 --> 00:24:02.619 very impressive. 00:24:03.879 --> 00:24:04.740 I look at 00:24:04.740 --> 00:24:05.519 my so-called 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:06.500 successes and 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:08.759 I know I 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.460 don't measure 00:24:09.460 --> 00:24:09.920 up. 00:24:11.380 --> 00:24:12.160 And then I 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:12.599 have a look 00:24:12.599 --> 00:24:13.180 inside. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:14.880 And I 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:15.359 look at my 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:16.160 sin and my 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:16.660 failure. 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:18.200 And I 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:19.099 wonder if I'm 00:24:19.099 --> 00:24:19.599 a Christian 00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:20.099 at all. 00:24:21.799 --> 00:24:22.640 And I say 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:23.099 this not 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:23.740 because I'm 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:24.339 unique, 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:26.559 but because I 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:27.099 think it's how 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:27.799 we can all 00:24:27.799 --> 00:24:28.960 feel at times. 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:30.920 But look 00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:31.839 what it says, 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:32.880 verse 7. 00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:35.140 you're judging 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:35.880 by 00:24:35.880 --> 00:24:37.200 appearances. 00:24:38.260 --> 00:24:38.620 The 00:24:38.620 --> 00:24:39.740 accusations and 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.420 the criticisms 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.340 against Paul 00:24:41.340 --> 00:24:42.880 were all 00:24:42.880 --> 00:24:43.960 external. 00:24:46.100 --> 00:24:46.600 You see, 00:24:46.820 --> 00:24:47.500 a lack of 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.200 results, 00:24:48.760 --> 00:24:50.200 or even of 00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:51.220 great successes, 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:52.860 is not the 00:24:52.860 --> 00:24:53.500 measure of 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.640 where you 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:55.100 and I 00:24:55.100 --> 00:24:55.860 belong to 00:24:55.860 --> 00:24:56.340 Christ. 00:24:57.120 --> 00:24:58.140 Whether we're 00:24:58.140 --> 00:24:59.060 struggling with 00:24:59.060 --> 00:25:00.180 sin, or we're 00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:00.940 faithful in 00:25:00.940 --> 00:25:02.400 obedience, that 00:25:02.400 --> 00:25:03.000 isn't the 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.740 measure of 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:04.220 whether we 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:04.900 belong to 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:05.400 Christ. 00:25:06.900 --> 00:25:07.400 You see, we 00:25:07.400 --> 00:25:08.200 can so easily 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:09.039 fall into the 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:09.480 trap of 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:10.039 thinking as 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:10.420 the world 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:10.799 does. 00:25:11.360 --> 00:25:11.900 No, we 00:25:11.900 --> 00:25:13.120 don't judge 00:25:13.120 --> 00:25:14.519 by appearances. 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.299 The Christian 00:25:16.299 --> 00:25:17.120 life isn't 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:18.019 based on my 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:18.580 performance. 00:25:19.160 --> 00:25:19.860 Our ministry 00:25:19.860 --> 00:25:20.660 life isn't 00:25:20.660 --> 00:25:21.400 assessed by 00:25:21.400 --> 00:25:22.220 success. 00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:24.360 We live by 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:25.519 something better 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:27.140 and greater. 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:28.900 We know 00:25:28.900 --> 00:25:29.620 the struggle, 00:25:29.619 --> 00:25:30.719 we know 00:25:30.719 --> 00:25:31.219 where we're 00:25:31.219 --> 00:25:33.679 weak, and 00:25:33.679 --> 00:25:34.399 so we know 00:25:34.399 --> 00:25:35.139 where we go 00:25:35.139 --> 00:25:35.939 to, to the 00:25:35.939 --> 00:25:37.079 source, to be 00:25:37.079 --> 00:25:37.639 strengthened. 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:39.559 We can be 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.579 confident that 00:25:40.579 --> 00:25:42.159 we do belong 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:43.000 to Christ, no 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:43.599 matter what 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.599 anybody might 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.539 say, or 00:25:45.539 --> 00:25:46.299 however I 00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:47.000 might feel. 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:47.719 Look at 00:25:47.719 --> 00:25:48.359 verse 8. 00:25:49.959 --> 00:25:51.319 So even if I 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.259 boast somewhat 00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:53.500 freely about the 00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:54.639 authority the 00:25:54.639 --> 00:25:55.739 Lord gave us 00:25:55.739 --> 00:25:57.179 for building 00:25:57.180 --> 00:25:59.380 you up, rather 00:25:59.380 --> 00:26:00.080 than tearing 00:26:00.080 --> 00:26:01.759 you down, I 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.539 will not be 00:26:02.539 --> 00:26:03.200 ashamed of 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:03.500 it. 00:26:04.560 --> 00:26:05.160 Paul is 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:06.060 saying, look, 00:26:06.700 --> 00:26:07.360 we need to 00:26:07.360 --> 00:26:08.160 go back to 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:09.140 the authority 00:26:09.140 --> 00:26:10.240 of the 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:10.660 gospel. 00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:12.720 Paul had 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:13.460 received a 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.460 message, but 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:14.900 it wasn't 00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:15.519 something that 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.200 he had made 00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:17.500 up himself to 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.220 make us feel 00:26:18.220 --> 00:26:18.860 good about 00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:19.539 ourselves. 00:26:20.080 --> 00:26:20.620 As if we're 00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:21.080 going to 00:26:21.080 --> 00:26:21.740 counsellor 00:26:21.740 --> 00:26:22.440 Paul and 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:23.340 told, sit 00:26:23.340 --> 00:26:24.180 down here on 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:25.600 the therapy 00:26:25.600 --> 00:26:26.299 chair and 00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:27.160 let me tell 00:26:27.160 --> 00:26:27.600 you things 00:26:27.600 --> 00:26:27.960 that you'll 00:26:27.960 --> 00:26:28.580 feel better 00:26:28.580 --> 00:26:29.400 about yourself. 00:26:30.080 --> 00:26:30.740 No, he's 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.759 saying, I've 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:33.299 received gospel 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:33.980 authority, 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:35.519 authority from 00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:36.680 the Lord, and 00:26:36.680 --> 00:26:37.539 that authority 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.220 was the 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:39.200 assurance and 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:39.940 the confidence 00:26:39.940 --> 00:26:41.500 of the 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.000 gospel. 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:43.539 Look at 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:44.180 verse 8. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.279 The gospel 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.420 builds us 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:47.840 up. 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.440 It doesn't 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.019 tear us 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:50.460 down. 00:26:51.740 --> 00:26:52.340 A wrong 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:53.160 understanding 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:53.560 of the 00:26:53.560 --> 00:26:54.140 gospel will 00:26:54.140 --> 00:26:54.820 break us 00:26:54.820 --> 00:26:55.400 and destroy 00:26:55.400 --> 00:26:55.820 us. 00:26:56.259 --> 00:26:56.840 Living by 00:26:56.840 --> 00:26:57.700 performance, 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:58.800 trying to 00:26:58.800 --> 00:26:59.480 strive to 00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:00.600 meet expectations 00:27:00.600 --> 00:27:01.480 will crush 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:01.900 you. 00:27:03.100 --> 00:27:03.980 Instead, he's 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:04.740 saying, I 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:05.420 want you to 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:06.060 go back to 00:27:06.060 --> 00:27:06.640 the gospel 00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:07.019 that I 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:07.700 told you 00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.140 about, 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:09.740 where we 00:27:09.740 --> 00:27:10.240 hear the 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:10.820 simple 00:27:10.820 --> 00:27:12.100 truths that 00:27:12.100 --> 00:27:12.759 through our 00:27:12.759 --> 00:27:13.420 faith in 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:13.900 Christ, 00:27:14.380 --> 00:27:15.000 through our 00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:16.100 union in 00:27:16.100 --> 00:27:17.140 Christ, we 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:18.000 are saved 00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:19.040 and secure 00:27:19.040 --> 00:27:20.000 forever. 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.800 Christ is 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:23.339 now our 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:24.259 stronghold. 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.659 He holds 00:27:25.659 --> 00:27:26.399 us fast 00:27:26.399 --> 00:27:27.139 and he 00:27:27.139 --> 00:27:27.720 will not 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.279 let us 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:28.720 go. 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:30.419 Have a 00:27:30.419 --> 00:27:30.759 look with 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:31.159 me to 00:27:31.159 --> 00:27:32.039 chapter 1, 00:27:33.119 --> 00:27:34.759 verse 21. 00:27:35.899 --> 00:27:36.680 As we 00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:37.220 remind 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:37.960 ourselves 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:39.720 of the 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.759 gospel truth 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:41.180 that we 00:27:41.180 --> 00:27:41.659 need to 00:27:41.659 --> 00:27:42.500 hear time 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:43.000 and time 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:44.119 again when 00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:44.879 we struggle 00:27:44.879 --> 00:27:45.319 in our 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:46.220 Christian life 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:46.919 and feel we 00:27:46.919 --> 00:27:47.579 don't measure 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:48.159 up and I 00:27:48.159 --> 00:27:48.819 don't belong 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.519 to Christ, 00:27:49.879 --> 00:27:50.639 hear these 00:27:50.639 --> 00:27:51.179 words. 00:27:51.679 --> 00:27:52.419 Chapter 1, 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:53.339 verse 21. 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.379 Now it 00:27:55.379 --> 00:27:56.460 is God 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.799 who makes 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.700 both us 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.659 and you 00:27:59.659 --> 00:28:00.960 stand 00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:01.960 firm 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:03.139 in Christ. 00:28:03.859 --> 00:28:04.119 He 00:28:04.119 --> 00:28:04.720 appointed 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:05.220 us, 00:28:05.639 --> 00:28:06.079 set his 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:06.579 seal of 00:28:06.579 --> 00:28:06.980 ownership 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:07.619 on us 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:08.299 and put 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:08.899 his spirit 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.319 in our 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:09.720 hearts 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:10.179 as a 00:28:10.179 --> 00:28:10.759 deposit 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:13.439 guaranteeing 00:28:13.439 --> 00:28:14.919 what is 00:28:14.919 --> 00:28:15.720 to come. 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:17.240 Let's 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:17.700 go back 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:18.279 to chapter 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:18.720 10. 00:28:19.860 --> 00:28:20.400 You see 00:28:20.400 --> 00:28:21.440 we live 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:22.019 by the 00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:22.819 authority 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:23.960 of the 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:24.420 gospel. 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:25.400 What 00:28:25.400 --> 00:28:25.900 matters 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.400 is not 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:26.839 how I 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.380 feel 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:27.720 about 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:28.299 myself 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.079 or what 00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:29.420 anybody 00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:29.920 else 00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:30.259 says 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:30.620 about 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:30.980 me 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:31.440 or 00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:31.680 what 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:31.920 the 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:32.339 world 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:32.839 thinks 00:28:32.839 --> 00:28:33.019 of 00:28:33.019 --> 00:28:33.299 me. 00:28:33.620 --> 00:28:33.960 What 00:28:33.960 --> 00:28:34.559 matters 00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:35.279 is what 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:35.600 the 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:36.100 gospel 00:28:36.100 --> 00:28:37.220 says, 00:28:37.420 --> 00:28:37.819 what 00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:38.400 Christ 00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:38.700 has 00:28:38.700 --> 00:28:39.039 done 00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:39.360 for 00:28:39.360 --> 00:28:39.740 me 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.180 on 00:28:40.180 --> 00:28:40.480 my 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.039 behalf. 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:41.860 Therefore 00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:42.460 we can 00:28:42.460 --> 00:28:42.759 say, 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:43.400 verse 7, 00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.299 if anyone 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:45.079 is confident 00:28:45.079 --> 00:28:45.600 that they 00:28:45.599 --> 00:28:46.219 belong to 00:28:46.219 --> 00:28:46.699 Christ, 00:28:47.059 --> 00:28:47.939 they should 00:28:47.939 --> 00:28:48.459 consider 00:28:48.459 --> 00:28:49.559 again that 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:50.599 we too 00:28:50.599 --> 00:28:51.439 belong to 00:28:51.439 --> 00:28:52.379 Christ just 00:28:52.379 --> 00:28:53.139 as much 00:28:53.139 --> 00:28:54.339 as they 00:28:54.339 --> 00:28:54.659 do. 00:28:57.259 --> 00:28:58.199 So if 00:28:58.199 --> 00:28:58.419 you're 00:28:58.419 --> 00:28:58.879 struggling 00:28:58.879 --> 00:29:00.959 today and 00:29:00.959 --> 00:29:01.199 you're 00:29:01.199 --> 00:29:01.699 wondering, 00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:02.500 am I a 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:02.980 Christian? 00:29:04.659 --> 00:29:05.419 Struggling 00:29:05.419 --> 00:29:06.159 with sin? 00:29:07.679 --> 00:29:08.059 Struggling 00:29:08.059 --> 00:29:09.059 with criticism? 00:29:10.459 --> 00:29:11.480 Hear the 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:11.980 word of 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:12.559 the gospel. 00:29:13.919 --> 00:29:14.359 It is 00:29:14.359 --> 00:29:15.139 what Christ 00:29:15.140 --> 00:29:15.660 has done 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.220 for you 00:29:16.220 --> 00:29:17.320 that 00:29:17.320 --> 00:29:17.860 assures 00:29:17.860 --> 00:29:18.360 you and 00:29:18.360 --> 00:29:18.780 gives you 00:29:18.780 --> 00:29:19.400 confidence 00:29:19.400 --> 00:29:20.480 that you 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:21.140 are his 00:29:21.140 --> 00:29:22.220 forever. 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.700 And so 00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:24.360 we gather 00:29:24.360 --> 00:29:24.759 and we 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.400 point each 00:29:25.400 --> 00:29:26.080 other back 00:29:26.080 --> 00:29:26.780 to Christ. 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:27.360 We 00:29:27.360 --> 00:29:28.040 remind 00:29:28.040 --> 00:29:28.460 one 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:28.860 another 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:29.880 of all 00:29:29.880 --> 00:29:30.460 that Jesus 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.000 has done. 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:32.140 We build 00:29:32.140 --> 00:29:32.820 each other 00:29:32.820 --> 00:29:33.240 up. 00:29:34.460 --> 00:29:35.360 We don't 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:36.160 tear each 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:37.040 other down. 00:29:38.040 --> 00:29:38.640 We 00:29:38.640 --> 00:29:39.340 strengthen 00:29:39.340 --> 00:29:40.060 one another 00:29:40.060 --> 00:29:40.759 with the 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:42.080 gospel as 00:29:42.080 --> 00:29:42.720 we go 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:43.779 to battle 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:44.559 together. 00:29:45.559 --> 00:29:46.440 We may 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:47.019 be humble 00:29:47.019 --> 00:29:47.720 and gentle 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:49.019 but we 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:49.480 are not 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:50.220 hopeless and 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:50.559 helpless. 00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:51.079 We have 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:51.620 gospel 00:29:51.620 --> 00:29:52.259 authority 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:53.779 to strengthen 00:29:53.779 --> 00:29:55.279 the church. 00:29:57.980 --> 00:29:58.700 Third, 00:29:59.240 --> 00:29:59.700 and I'm 00:29:59.700 --> 00:29:59.980 going to 00:29:59.980 --> 00:30:00.860 summarize this 00:30:00.860 --> 00:30:01.940 quickly because 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:02.559 I know 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.200 time is 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:03.720 going and I 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:04.019 want to 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:04.360 get to 00:30:04.360 --> 00:30:05.360 an application 00:30:05.360 --> 00:30:06.000 or two. 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:07.680 But third, 00:30:07.680 --> 00:30:08.100 we have 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:08.720 God's 00:30:08.720 --> 00:30:09.640 commendation 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:10.519 to continue 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.299 the work 00:30:11.299 --> 00:30:12.660 of Christ. 00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:14.000 Now in 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:14.860 verses 12 00:30:14.860 --> 00:30:15.960 to 18 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:16.720 it seems 00:30:16.720 --> 00:30:17.400 that they 00:30:17.400 --> 00:30:18.900 were arguing 00:30:18.900 --> 00:30:19.360 amongst 00:30:19.360 --> 00:30:20.180 themselves of 00:30:20.180 --> 00:30:21.180 all the 00:30:21.180 --> 00:30:21.880 different places 00:30:21.880 --> 00:30:22.500 they'd been 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:23.620 and all the 00:30:23.620 --> 00:30:24.320 effect and 00:30:24.320 --> 00:30:25.160 influence they 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:25.860 had had and 00:30:25.860 --> 00:30:26.860 they compared 00:30:26.860 --> 00:30:27.580 themselves to 00:30:27.580 --> 00:30:28.039 Paul and 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:28.519 thought well 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.160 Paul isn't 00:30:29.160 --> 00:30:29.840 up to much 00:30:29.840 --> 00:30:30.860 and look at 00:30:30.860 --> 00:30:31.420 what we've 00:30:31.420 --> 00:30:31.900 done and 00:30:31.900 --> 00:30:32.660 look at the 00:30:32.660 --> 00:30:33.460 churches we've 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:34.039 planted and 00:30:34.039 --> 00:30:34.560 look how many 00:30:34.560 --> 00:30:35.080 people have 00:30:35.080 --> 00:30:35.600 been baptized 00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:36.620 in our church 00:30:36.619 --> 00:30:37.439 and all 00:30:37.439 --> 00:30:38.039 these things 00:30:38.039 --> 00:30:38.500 were going 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:38.879 on. 00:30:39.139 --> 00:30:39.539 What does 00:30:39.539 --> 00:30:40.259 Paul say 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:41.019 verse 12? 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:42.559 We do not 00:30:42.559 --> 00:30:43.339 dare to 00:30:43.339 --> 00:30:44.259 classify or 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:45.239 compare ourselves 00:30:45.239 --> 00:30:45.859 with some 00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:46.879 who commend 00:30:46.879 --> 00:30:47.519 themselves. 00:30:48.239 --> 00:30:49.019 When they 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:50.259 measure themselves 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.339 by themselves 00:30:51.339 --> 00:30:52.119 and compare 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:53.119 themselves with 00:30:53.119 --> 00:30:53.759 themselves, 00:30:54.479 --> 00:30:55.759 they are not 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:56.399 wise. 00:30:57.879 --> 00:30:59.139 Verse 18 00:30:59.139 --> 00:31:01.059 For it is not 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:01.699 the one who 00:31:01.699 --> 00:31:02.759 commends himself 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:03.679 who is approved 00:31:03.679 --> 00:31:05.759 but the one 00:31:05.759 --> 00:31:07.000 whom the Lord 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:08.400 commends. 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:10.400 You see if 00:31:10.400 --> 00:31:10.779 you're a 00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:11.720 Christian today 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:13.579 it's the 00:31:13.579 --> 00:31:14.359 Lord who has 00:31:14.359 --> 00:31:15.000 given you 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.700 approval. 00:31:16.599 --> 00:31:17.319 It's the 00:31:17.319 --> 00:31:17.759 Lord who 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:18.599 saved you 00:31:18.599 --> 00:31:19.579 and equipped 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:19.940 you. 00:31:20.660 --> 00:31:21.519 It's his 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.500 commendation 00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:22.980 that we 00:31:22.980 --> 00:31:23.779 stand on 00:31:23.779 --> 00:31:24.940 and we go 00:31:24.940 --> 00:31:26.019 forth in 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:26.579 confidence. 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:27.960 And what's 00:31:27.960 --> 00:31:29.119 our calling? 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:30.500 Well look at 00:31:30.500 --> 00:31:31.019 the middle of 00:31:31.019 --> 00:31:31.879 verse 15. 00:31:31.880 --> 00:31:35.460 Our hope is 00:31:35.460 --> 00:31:36.000 that your 00:31:36.000 --> 00:31:37.220 faith continues 00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:38.000 to grow, 00:31:38.800 --> 00:31:39.960 our sphere 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:40.860 of activity 00:31:40.860 --> 00:31:41.560 among you 00:31:41.560 --> 00:31:42.340 will greatly 00:31:42.340 --> 00:31:44.240 expand so 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:44.920 that we can 00:31:44.920 --> 00:31:45.500 preach the 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.180 gospel in 00:31:46.180 --> 00:31:47.840 regions beyond 00:31:47.840 --> 00:31:48.260 you. 00:31:49.020 --> 00:31:49.820 That was his 00:31:49.820 --> 00:31:51.420 simple way of 00:31:51.420 --> 00:31:52.160 life, his 00:31:52.160 --> 00:31:53.420 simple way of 00:31:53.420 --> 00:31:53.900 thinking, 00:31:54.540 --> 00:31:55.420 that God had 00:31:55.420 --> 00:31:56.400 commended him 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:57.500 and approved 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:58.540 him to go and 00:31:58.540 --> 00:31:59.420 preach the 00:31:59.420 --> 00:31:59.840 gospel. 00:31:59.839 --> 00:32:01.379 You don't 00:32:01.379 --> 00:32:02.480 need anybody's 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:02.939 permission. 00:32:03.819 --> 00:32:04.199 You don't 00:32:04.199 --> 00:32:04.740 need your 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.339 boss's 00:32:05.339 --> 00:32:05.720 permission. 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:06.480 You don't 00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:06.919 need your 00:32:06.919 --> 00:32:07.619 neighbour's 00:32:07.619 --> 00:32:08.039 permission. 00:32:08.579 --> 00:32:08.939 You don't 00:32:08.939 --> 00:32:09.359 need the 00:32:09.359 --> 00:32:10.059 government's 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:11.240 authority to 00:32:11.240 --> 00:32:11.899 go and bring 00:32:11.899 --> 00:32:12.459 the word of 00:32:12.459 --> 00:32:12.720 God. 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:13.519 We keep 00:32:13.519 --> 00:32:14.000 our head 00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:14.939 down, we 00:32:14.939 --> 00:32:15.379 live our 00:32:15.379 --> 00:32:16.139 life simply 00:32:16.139 --> 00:32:17.000 and we 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:17.799 continue on 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:18.240 the work 00:32:18.240 --> 00:32:18.879 of Christ 00:32:18.879 --> 00:32:19.799 as we 00:32:19.799 --> 00:32:20.339 bring the 00:32:20.339 --> 00:32:21.779 gospel to 00:32:21.779 --> 00:32:22.319 others. 00:32:23.579 --> 00:32:24.259 We have 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:24.819 God's 00:32:24.819 --> 00:32:25.659 commendation, 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:26.879 we have 00:32:26.879 --> 00:32:27.419 gospel 00:32:27.419 --> 00:32:28.099 authority 00:32:28.099 --> 00:32:29.159 authority and 00:32:29.159 --> 00:32:29.519 we have 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:31.279 divine power 00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:32.819 to do all 00:32:32.819 --> 00:32:33.500 that God 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:34.579 has called 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:35.439 us to do. 00:32:36.899 --> 00:32:37.719 Now let me 00:32:37.719 --> 00:32:38.639 just make two 00:32:38.639 --> 00:32:40.480 short comments 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:42.159 as we come 00:32:42.159 --> 00:32:43.059 to a close. 00:32:44.339 --> 00:32:45.000 You know 00:32:45.000 --> 00:32:45.559 that we as 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:46.159 a church 00:32:46.159 --> 00:32:48.019 are beginning 00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:48.699 the process 00:32:48.699 --> 00:32:49.339 of looking 00:32:49.339 --> 00:32:50.019 for a new 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:52.259 pastor and 00:32:52.259 --> 00:32:52.699 you may be 00:32:52.699 --> 00:32:52.980 wondering, 00:32:53.139 --> 00:32:53.639 well what kind 00:32:53.639 --> 00:32:54.219 of person 00:32:54.219 --> 00:32:54.919 should we be 00:32:54.919 --> 00:32:55.639 looking for? 00:32:55.640 --> 00:32:57.460 who could 00:32:57.460 --> 00:32:58.180 be pastor? 00:32:59.560 --> 00:33:00.040 Well I 00:33:00.040 --> 00:33:00.620 think we 00:33:00.620 --> 00:33:01.040 would be 00:33:01.040 --> 00:33:01.820 very good 00:33:01.820 --> 00:33:02.280 to pay 00:33:02.280 --> 00:33:02.780 attention 00:33:02.780 --> 00:33:04.180 to chapter 00:33:04.180 --> 00:33:06.340 10 and 00:33:06.340 --> 00:33:07.180 ask ourselves 00:33:07.180 --> 00:33:07.800 the simple 00:33:07.800 --> 00:33:08.460 question, 00:33:08.840 --> 00:33:10.400 does this 00:33:10.400 --> 00:33:11.960 man come 00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:12.860 with humility 00:33:12.860 --> 00:33:14.720 and gentleness? 00:33:15.080 --> 00:33:15.640 Verse 1. 00:33:16.780 --> 00:33:17.580 Is he 00:33:17.580 --> 00:33:18.100 gentle? 00:33:18.820 --> 00:33:19.620 Is he 00:33:19.620 --> 00:33:20.020 humble? 00:33:20.920 --> 00:33:21.800 Is he a 00:33:21.800 --> 00:33:22.700 raging bull 00:33:22.700 --> 00:33:23.140 who will 00:33:23.140 --> 00:33:23.880 stamp you 00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:24.460 down and 00:33:24.460 --> 00:33:25.160 crush you? 00:33:26.059 --> 00:33:26.900 Or will 00:33:26.900 --> 00:33:27.480 he encourage 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.700 you and 00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:29.600 support you? 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:31.220 Humble and 00:33:31.220 --> 00:33:31.620 gentle. 00:33:32.960 --> 00:33:33.660 Will he 00:33:33.660 --> 00:33:34.640 come depending 00:33:34.640 --> 00:33:35.539 on himself, 00:33:35.940 --> 00:33:37.019 his cleverness, 00:33:37.539 --> 00:33:38.860 his sophistication? 00:33:39.860 --> 00:33:40.860 Or will 00:33:40.860 --> 00:33:41.700 he come with 00:33:41.700 --> 00:33:43.180 divine power? 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:45.160 Depending on 00:33:45.160 --> 00:33:46.079 the gentle 00:33:46.079 --> 00:33:48.319 gospel and 00:33:48.319 --> 00:33:48.860 the humble 00:33:48.860 --> 00:33:50.240 work of the 00:33:50.240 --> 00:33:50.779 spirit. 00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:52.279 Will he 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:53.759 depend on 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:54.759 divine power? 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:56.839 Will he 00:33:56.839 --> 00:33:57.379 come with 00:33:57.379 --> 00:33:57.900 gospel 00:33:57.900 --> 00:33:58.619 authority? 00:33:59.900 --> 00:34:01.019 Giving people 00:34:01.019 --> 00:34:02.000 assurance and 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:03.180 confidence that 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:03.799 in all our 00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:04.259 struggles, 00:34:04.400 --> 00:34:04.900 in all our 00:34:04.900 --> 00:34:05.180 life, 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:05.839 he will 00:34:05.839 --> 00:34:06.400 bring you 00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:07.480 back again 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.099 and again 00:34:08.099 --> 00:34:08.579 to the 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:09.500 simple gospel 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:10.780 reminding you 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:11.139 of what 00:34:11.139 --> 00:34:11.800 Christ has 00:34:11.800 --> 00:34:12.079 done. 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:14.059 Will he 00:34:14.059 --> 00:34:14.639 preach the 00:34:14.639 --> 00:34:15.340 gospel to 00:34:15.340 --> 00:34:15.619 you? 00:34:15.619 --> 00:34:16.619 God 00:34:16.619 --> 00:34:16.920 will 00:34:16.920 --> 00:34:19.159 and does 00:34:19.159 --> 00:34:19.559 he come 00:34:19.559 --> 00:34:19.940 with the 00:34:19.940 --> 00:34:20.380 Lord's 00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:21.259 commendation? 00:34:22.199 --> 00:34:22.679 Not 00:34:22.679 --> 00:34:23.219 living a 00:34:23.219 --> 00:34:23.739 life or 00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:24.319 a ministry 00:34:24.319 --> 00:34:25.139 of comparing 00:34:25.139 --> 00:34:25.940 himself with 00:34:25.940 --> 00:34:26.619 this church 00:34:26.619 --> 00:34:27.079 or that 00:34:27.079 --> 00:34:28.019 church or 00:34:28.019 --> 00:34:28.759 this person 00:34:28.759 --> 00:34:29.179 or that 00:34:29.179 --> 00:34:30.139 person and 00:34:30.139 --> 00:34:30.759 what they've 00:34:30.759 --> 00:34:31.119 done and 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:31.559 what we 00:34:31.559 --> 00:34:31.980 should be 00:34:31.980 --> 00:34:32.380 doing. 00:34:34.059 --> 00:34:34.839 But does 00:34:34.839 --> 00:34:35.359 he come 00:34:35.359 --> 00:34:36.420 approved by 00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:36.980 the Lord 00:34:36.980 --> 00:34:39.139 who keeps 00:34:39.139 --> 00:34:39.639 his head 00:34:39.639 --> 00:34:41.759 down and 00:34:41.759 --> 00:34:42.619 continues to 00:34:42.619 --> 00:34:43.159 preach the 00:34:43.159 --> 00:34:44.719 gospel to a 00:34:44.719 --> 00:34:45.539 community that 00:34:45.539 --> 00:34:46.259 we live in 00:34:46.259 --> 00:34:47.719 that are in 00:34:47.719 --> 00:34:48.899 a stronghold 00:34:48.899 --> 00:34:49.619 who have 00:34:49.619 --> 00:34:50.279 listened to 00:34:50.279 --> 00:34:51.000 lies and 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:52.439 false arguments? 00:34:54.679 --> 00:34:55.859 That is the 00:34:55.859 --> 00:34:56.439 kind of 00:34:56.439 --> 00:34:57.779 pastor you 00:34:57.779 --> 00:34:58.339 need. 00:34:59.279 --> 00:35:00.199 At the 00:35:00.199 --> 00:35:01.239 very least 00:35:01.239 --> 00:35:02.500 that is what 00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:03.079 you need. 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:05.980 But it's 00:35:05.980 --> 00:35:06.480 not just 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:06.980 about a 00:35:06.980 --> 00:35:07.399 pastor, 00:35:07.919 --> 00:35:09.179 it's about 00:35:09.179 --> 00:35:09.859 us as a 00:35:09.859 --> 00:35:10.319 church. 00:35:11.799 --> 00:35:12.719 Are we 00:35:12.719 --> 00:35:13.759 humble and 00:35:13.759 --> 00:35:14.199 gentle? 00:35:14.719 --> 00:35:15.839 do we 00:35:15.839 --> 00:35:16.419 live by 00:35:16.419 --> 00:35:17.059 divine 00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:18.079 power? 00:35:18.939 --> 00:35:19.819 Are we 00:35:19.819 --> 00:35:20.559 resting in 00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:20.980 gospel 00:35:20.980 --> 00:35:21.639 authority? 00:35:22.779 --> 00:35:23.679 And are we 00:35:23.679 --> 00:35:24.379 living with 00:35:24.379 --> 00:35:25.019 the Lord's 00:35:25.019 --> 00:35:25.839 commendation? 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:27.839 That is what 00:35:27.839 --> 00:35:28.459 makes a 00:35:28.459 --> 00:35:28.859 church, 00:35:29.179 --> 00:35:30.119 that is what 00:35:30.119 --> 00:35:30.699 makes a 00:35:30.699 --> 00:35:31.159 pastor, 00:35:32.159 --> 00:35:33.000 and that is 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:33.599 what gives 00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:34.699 glory and 00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:35.459 honour to 00:35:35.459 --> 00:35:35.819 God. 00:35:36.679 --> 00:35:37.639 Let's pray. 00:35:37.639 --> 00:35:37.719 Amen. 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.719 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:39.719 Amen. 00:35:44.719 --> 00:35:50.599 Lord, thank 00:35:50.599 --> 00:35:51.500 you that you 00:35:51.500 --> 00:35:52.099 do not 00:35:52.099 --> 00:35:52.919 leave us 00:35:52.919 --> 00:35:55.359 alone to 00:35:55.359 --> 00:35:55.939 walk the 00:35:55.939 --> 00:35:56.899 Christian life 00:35:56.899 --> 00:35:58.559 or to 00:35:58.559 --> 00:35:59.439 continue in 00:35:59.439 --> 00:35:59.799 in our 00:35:59.799 --> 00:36:00.339 ministry 00:36:00.339 --> 00:36:01.339 individually 00:36:01.339 --> 00:36:02.019 and as a 00:36:02.019 --> 00:36:02.480 church. 00:36:03.679 --> 00:36:04.579 But you 00:36:04.579 --> 00:36:05.079 have given 00:36:05.079 --> 00:36:06.099 us all 00:36:06.099 --> 00:36:06.919 the resources, 00:36:07.919 --> 00:36:09.419 your divine 00:36:09.419 --> 00:36:10.019 power, 00:36:10.019 --> 00:36:12.300 with gospel 00:36:12.300 --> 00:36:14.380 authority and 00:36:14.380 --> 00:36:15.000 the Lord's 00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:15.840 commendation. 00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:17.800 We go in 00:36:17.800 --> 00:36:18.759 your strength 00:36:18.759 --> 00:36:20.460 and in your 00:36:20.460 --> 00:36:21.000 ability, 00:36:22.000 --> 00:36:22.940 for we know 00:36:22.940 --> 00:36:23.539 our weakness, 00:36:24.599 --> 00:36:25.300 we know our 00:36:25.300 --> 00:36:25.780 struggles, 00:36:26.619 --> 00:36:27.559 and therefore 00:36:27.559 --> 00:36:28.440 we depend 00:36:28.440 --> 00:36:29.599 upon you. 00:36:30.500 --> 00:36:31.300 Father, would 00:36:31.300 --> 00:36:31.920 you please 00:36:31.920 --> 00:36:33.480 provide the 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:34.420 right person 00:36:34.420 --> 00:36:35.400 to pastor 00:36:35.400 --> 00:36:36.280 this church, 00:36:36.280 --> 00:36:37.860 and will 00:36:37.860 --> 00:36:38.480 you continue 00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:39.120 to shape 00:36:39.120 --> 00:36:39.600 and mould 00:36:39.600 --> 00:36:41.220 us to be 00:36:41.220 --> 00:36:41.760 the kind 00:36:41.760 --> 00:36:42.340 of church 00:36:42.340 --> 00:36:42.960 you call 00:36:42.960 --> 00:36:43.680 us to be. 00:36:44.600 --> 00:36:45.240 In Jesus' 00:36:45.500 --> 00:36:45.780 name, 00:36:47.100 --> 00:36:47.480 Amen.