WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.679 Well, in August 2014, Kevin Garrett, who we just mentioned, was arrested by local authorities and placed in detention. 00:00:12.720 --> 00:00:24.679 As a follower of Jesus, along with his wife Julia, they sought to serve the people of Asia, bringing practical aid and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those that they met. 00:00:24.679 --> 00:00:33.539 On Thursday of this week, Kevin was released after nearly two years' imprisonment and reunited with his family. 00:00:35.659 --> 00:00:44.320 When I met Kevin a few years ago, he shared this verse about his work and ministry. 00:00:44.879 --> 00:00:46.340 It comes from Philippians. 00:00:48.019 --> 00:00:50.299 He put it up on a screen and he read, 00:00:50.299 --> 00:01:03.379 For it has been granted to you, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also suffer for him. 00:01:06.079 --> 00:01:17.379 And Kevin then went on to explain that both he and his wife Julia knew that to serve Christ where they were would mean opposition and persecution. 00:01:17.379 --> 00:01:28.780 They understood clearly that to be a follower of Jesus Christ meant that in some way you will get hit. 00:01:30.299 --> 00:01:33.859 Now that's the big message of 1 Peter. 00:01:34.500 --> 00:01:36.859 Have a look at chapter 1, verse 1. 00:01:36.859 --> 00:01:48.060 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God's elect, that is God's chosen people who belong to God, 00:01:49.219 --> 00:01:54.420 but are strangers in the world and have been scattered throughout. 00:01:55.200 --> 00:02:00.359 Peter is writing to believers who, on the one hand, belong to Jesus, 00:02:00.359 --> 00:02:07.799 but as a result of their belonging to Jesus, do not belong in this world. 00:02:07.959 --> 00:02:11.259 In fact, look at the end of verse 6 of chapter 1. 00:02:12.580 --> 00:02:17.419 They have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:20.300 They have been misunderstood. 00:02:20.879 --> 00:02:22.120 They've been excluded. 00:02:22.520 --> 00:02:24.159 They've been accused wrongly. 00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:26.159 They've been abused and mocked. 00:02:26.159 --> 00:02:33.919 Because they love Jesus, opposition and persecution is their daily experience. 00:02:36.039 --> 00:02:40.300 Now, this is something we have to face up to ourselves. 00:02:41.199 --> 00:02:46.840 If we are followers of Jesus, this will be our experience. 00:02:47.780 --> 00:02:50.300 We might not have to leave our home or country. 00:02:50.620 --> 00:02:52.879 We might not suffer prison like Kevin. 00:02:52.879 --> 00:02:56.680 But to be a Christian means we will get hit. 00:02:58.120 --> 00:03:01.199 One writer put it like this. 00:03:02.579 --> 00:03:09.319 We have become outsiders, just as Jesus was an outsider. 00:03:10.039 --> 00:03:14.340 We are marginal in our culture because Jesus is marginal. 00:03:14.819 --> 00:03:18.319 The cross is the ultimate expression of marginalization. 00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:27.060 And to follow Jesus, to follow his example, is to experience marginalization and hostility. 00:03:27.060 --> 00:03:36.939 So the big question we want to ask ourselves today is, how do we live in this kind of culture? 00:03:38.280 --> 00:03:41.599 How do we survive in this kind of world? 00:03:42.900 --> 00:03:49.759 Well, rather than conform our beliefs to fit in or compromise our behavior to be accepted, 00:03:49.759 --> 00:03:55.979 we are to live our lives as God's children in this world. 00:03:57.120 --> 00:03:59.060 Two big things we're going to look at. 00:03:59.139 --> 00:04:00.019 Here's the first one. 00:04:01.399 --> 00:04:04.939 The commands to live as God's children. 00:04:05.939 --> 00:04:07.519 Look at verse 13. 00:04:07.520 --> 00:04:16.840 Therefore, so in view of the hostility we face, in view of the trials and the struggles, 00:04:18.379 --> 00:04:22.540 verse 13, prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled, 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:31.420 set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 00:04:31.420 --> 00:04:34.220 That's the big command of verse 13. 00:04:34.640 --> 00:04:35.740 Set your hope. 00:04:36.319 --> 00:04:39.600 Be clear of your hope. 00:04:40.699 --> 00:04:47.400 You see, living life as a Christian now is going to be tough, but the future is glorious. 00:04:49.060 --> 00:04:53.420 So we set our hope on that grace that is to come. 00:04:54.160 --> 00:04:58.879 Now we've got to understand that hope in the Bible is not how we understand hope. 00:04:58.879 --> 00:05:05.860 I hope that Chelsea will win the league, or I hope that it's going to be dry tomorrow. 00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:12.339 Those things are uncertain and not guaranteed, especially if you're a Chelsea supporter. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:17.600 However, the hope that is to come, the grace that we are to receive, 00:05:17.879 --> 00:05:21.000 is absolutely guaranteed and totally assured. 00:05:21.339 --> 00:05:23.040 That's what hope in Scripture is. 00:05:23.219 --> 00:05:24.279 It is guaranteed. 00:05:24.779 --> 00:05:26.699 That's what he told us in verse 3. 00:05:26.699 --> 00:05:30.399 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:30.719 --> 00:05:35.420 In his great mercy, he has given us new birth, this new beginning, a fresh start, 00:05:35.719 --> 00:05:41.159 into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 00:05:41.159 --> 00:05:47.000 and into an inheritance that can never perish, never spoil, never fade, 00:05:47.180 --> 00:05:50.379 and it's kept in heaven for you. 00:05:50.379 --> 00:06:00.620 Because Jesus rose from the grave, defeating our death, our future hope is guaranteed. 00:06:03.399 --> 00:06:08.600 Later today, Mayo are going to play Dublin in the All-Ireland Final. 00:06:10.319 --> 00:06:14.719 Now suppose Mayo knew they were going to win. 00:06:14.720 --> 00:06:20.460 Somehow, they just knew that victory was theirs. 00:06:20.580 --> 00:06:21.580 It was guaranteed. 00:06:23.180 --> 00:06:28.900 They would still have to go out and play and compete and tackle and score. 00:06:29.340 --> 00:06:33.840 But no matter the hits they take, no matter the intensity of the fight, 00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:36.360 even if they went behind in the score, 00:06:36.640 --> 00:06:42.160 they would keep on going because they knew victory was assured. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:45.180 Well, that's how it is for us. 00:06:45.900 --> 00:06:47.600 Our future is guaranteed. 00:06:48.180 --> 00:06:50.280 So as we live in this hostile world, 00:06:50.520 --> 00:06:52.560 no matter the hits that we take, 00:06:52.880 --> 00:06:54.840 no matter how fierce the battle, 00:06:55.140 --> 00:07:02.240 we can keep on going because our victory, our future, is sure. 00:07:05.440 --> 00:07:07.160 Now the danger is, 00:07:08.020 --> 00:07:10.480 and what can happen to us is this. 00:07:10.480 --> 00:07:15.400 We can take our eyes off our future hope. 00:07:16.439 --> 00:07:23.620 We can become overcome by the struggling and the trials and the difficulties as a Christian. 00:07:25.200 --> 00:07:27.660 And we can begin to drift and opt out. 00:07:27.980 --> 00:07:29.680 So he gives us this command, 00:07:30.180 --> 00:07:33.720 set your hope on the grace that is to come. 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:36.100 How do we do that? 00:07:36.540 --> 00:07:38.000 Well, look at verse 13 again. 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:43.160 Therefore, prepare your minds for action. 00:07:44.160 --> 00:07:47.920 Engage your thinking intentionally and deliberately. 00:07:48.459 --> 00:07:51.899 Start thinking about what God has promised us. 00:07:52.740 --> 00:07:56.259 Saturate your thoughts with the glory that is to come. 00:07:56.259 --> 00:08:02.219 In other words, we are to fill our minds with the truth of God's amazing promises. 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:07.120 We are to prepare our minds, verse 13, 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:11.159 and be self-controlled or some of the translations have it, 00:08:11.219 --> 00:08:12.519 be sober-minded. 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:17.339 To be sober-minded means to be in control of your thinking. 00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:20.939 Rather than being influenced by the world around you, 00:08:21.159 --> 00:08:25.979 we are being influenced by what God has to say in his word. 00:08:25.980 --> 00:08:31.879 I watched a chick flick once. 00:08:32.639 --> 00:08:33.420 Only one of them. 00:08:34.420 --> 00:08:37.300 Fifty first dates, if you can remember it. 00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:38.860 I think I was there. 00:08:39.600 --> 00:08:40.659 I can't remember anyway. 00:08:40.759 --> 00:08:41.440 We'll not go there. 00:08:42.820 --> 00:08:44.300 Bad, bad, bad to go there. 00:08:44.820 --> 00:08:46.960 And in it, anyway, the story of it is, 00:08:47.019 --> 00:08:50.460 is a wife who has an accident and loses her memory. 00:08:50.940 --> 00:08:54.279 She can't remember who she is or those who love her. 00:08:54.279 --> 00:08:57.620 So every morning when she wakes up, 00:08:58.360 --> 00:08:59.740 she plays a video. 00:09:00.679 --> 00:09:03.600 And in the video, her husband speaks to her, 00:09:03.939 --> 00:09:06.839 reminding her of who he is, 00:09:07.179 --> 00:09:09.919 that he is her loving husband, 00:09:10.220 --> 00:09:12.679 and that she's got a wonderful daughter who she loves. 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:16.620 And he explains all these things, all these truths to her. 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:19.759 So as she begins each day, 00:09:20.360 --> 00:09:23.699 she's reminding herself of the truth of who she is, 00:09:23.700 --> 00:09:28.140 and she's able to live out her calling and her life as she should. 00:09:29.520 --> 00:09:31.520 Now that's what he's telling us here. 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:35.280 Our minds are to be filled with the truth of God's word. 00:09:35.660 --> 00:09:41.440 We need to play the video of the gospel story over and over again to our minds. 00:09:41.780 --> 00:09:43.180 We need to tell it to us. 00:09:43.420 --> 00:09:45.140 We need to meditate upon it. 00:09:45.440 --> 00:09:47.160 We need to hear God say to us, 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:48.639 You are my child. 00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:53.039 I have loved you and chosen you from before the creation of the world. 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:54.819 I have died for you. 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:59.519 I have given you an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:02.000 You have a glorious future. 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:07.719 Set your hope on the grace that is to come. 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:12.139 So that's the first command. 00:10:12.680 --> 00:10:13.800 Be clear of your hope. 00:10:14.980 --> 00:10:16.160 And the second one is this. 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:18.399 Be holy like God. 00:10:19.420 --> 00:10:20.680 Look at verse 15. 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:27.540 But just as he, that is God who called you, is holy, 00:10:28.100 --> 00:10:30.360 so be holy in all you do, 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:31.580 for it is written, 00:10:32.180 --> 00:10:35.740 Be holy because I am holy. 00:10:35.740 --> 00:10:42.620 Now, holy in this context means to be separate and distinct. 00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:47.419 So if God is holy, that means God is set apart. 00:10:47.600 --> 00:10:51.620 God is different from everyone else and everything else. 00:10:51.899 --> 00:10:54.480 He's full of purity, full of beauty. 00:10:54.879 --> 00:10:58.200 There's no influence of evil and there's no hint of sin. 00:11:00.480 --> 00:11:02.320 Now, do you see what we're called to? 00:11:02.320 --> 00:11:07.740 If we are God's children, we are to become like God. 00:11:08.620 --> 00:11:12.480 In other words, we are to pursue a life of holiness. 00:11:13.820 --> 00:11:14.860 Verse 16. 00:11:15.820 --> 00:11:21.260 Be holy because I am holy. 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:27.179 Now, in your Bibles, you'll see there's probably a little letter at the end of it 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:32.000 and you'll see there that it's actually a quote from the book of Leviticus. 00:11:32.939 --> 00:11:34.700 Leviticus, that book in the Old Testament, 00:11:35.580 --> 00:11:38.740 one of the books that we usually tend to avoid because to us, 00:11:39.179 --> 00:11:43.360 well, it's a book full of strange laws that God gives to his people Israel. 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:50.000 He's rescued them from slavery and then he gives them all these laws 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:53.539 about what they can eat and what they can't wear, 00:11:53.940 --> 00:11:56.980 where they can go and what they can't do. 00:11:57.860 --> 00:12:03.700 And through all of these laws, God's people are being trained every single day. 00:12:04.220 --> 00:12:07.639 They're being reminded every single day that they were different. 00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:10.340 They now belong to God. 00:12:10.340 --> 00:12:15.139 So when they sat down to have their food, their breakfast or their lunch, 00:12:15.399 --> 00:12:18.259 when they got dressed in the morning and put on certain clothes, 00:12:18.540 --> 00:12:22.080 when they went out to work, the things they could touch and not touch, 00:12:22.740 --> 00:12:25.420 they couldn't get through any part of the day 00:12:25.420 --> 00:12:28.620 without this reminder that they were separate, 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:32.019 that they were different, that they belonged to God. 00:12:32.259 --> 00:12:34.519 So as they went out amongst the nations, 00:12:35.040 --> 00:12:40.080 all this training would remind them that they were to behave as God's people. 00:12:40.080 --> 00:12:41.000 They were different. 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:47.300 Now the same principle applies to us. 00:12:49.240 --> 00:12:51.040 We are God's people 00:12:51.040 --> 00:12:56.000 and we are to train ourselves to be holy. 00:12:56.540 --> 00:13:00.200 We are to be separate and distinct, 00:13:00.580 --> 00:13:03.240 not by the food we eat or the clothes we wear, 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:05.460 but by our behaviour. 00:13:06.460 --> 00:13:08.140 Look at verse 14. 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:11.139 As obedient children, 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:11.860 as obedient children, 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:17.019 do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance, 00:13:17.299 --> 00:13:19.259 but just as he who called you be holy, 00:13:19.580 --> 00:13:21.259 so be holy in all you do. 00:13:23.159 --> 00:13:25.580 We're to be different by our behaviour. 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:31.500 When you watch a great match on television, 00:13:31.920 --> 00:13:34.360 like Dublin and Mayo this afternoon, 00:13:34.740 --> 00:13:37.520 you watch the skill of the players. 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:40.560 They don't have to think about what to do. 00:13:41.160 --> 00:13:44.759 In the intensity of the battle on the pitch, 00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:46.900 it all becomes instinct. 00:13:46.899 --> 00:13:48.899 It's almost habit. 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:49.379 It's habit. 00:13:50.059 --> 00:13:54.459 Because they've been putting in the hard training through the months and through the winter, 00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:56.019 they just perform. 00:13:56.199 --> 00:13:57.600 It's just natural. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:14:00.960 Now, in the same way, 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:03.639 as we pursue a life of holiness, 00:14:03.920 --> 00:14:06.700 as we train ourselves to become like God, 00:14:07.019 --> 00:14:08.779 when the hostility comes, 00:14:08.980 --> 00:14:12.980 in the midst of the opposition and the fight on the pitch, 00:14:13.019 --> 00:14:13.519 as it were, 00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:15.600 we will obey. 00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:18.379 It will become our natural instinct. 00:14:18.659 --> 00:14:21.960 It will become our habit to obey Christ. 00:14:22.200 --> 00:14:25.139 Rather than conform to the standards of this world 00:14:25.139 --> 00:14:28.279 and fit in and live that way, 00:14:28.659 --> 00:14:33.620 our habit will be naturally to obey Christ. 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:36.580 In other words, 00:14:36.920 --> 00:14:40.259 if we are not training ourselves in holiness, 00:14:40.720 --> 00:14:43.259 if we are not seeking to obey Christ, 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:45.399 when the hostility comes, 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:47.139 when the trial comes, 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:49.019 we will conform. 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:51.580 We'll buckle under the pressure. 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:54.759 And we'll begin to modify our behaviour 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.879 so that we do fit in. 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:59.000 And we are accepted. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:05.259 So two very clear commands to God's children. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:07.759 Be clear of your hope. 00:15:08.940 --> 00:15:10.440 Get your minds in gear 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:13.580 and remember what is to come. 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:15.700 And the second command, 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:17.280 be holy like God. 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:18.480 Train yourself, 00:15:18.780 --> 00:15:19.780 discipline yourself 00:15:19.780 --> 00:15:22.400 to become holy like him 00:15:22.400 --> 00:15:24.720 so that you can stand strong 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:26.620 in the heat of the battle. 00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:31.779 The second big idea is this, 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:34.240 the motivation to live as God's children. 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:35.820 You see, 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:37.200 training to be holy, 00:15:38.320 --> 00:15:40.580 preparing our minds for action, 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:42.379 sounds like hard work. 00:15:43.220 --> 00:15:44.899 And I hope we sense that. 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:46.019 It is hard work. 00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:48.600 It's going to be tough. 00:15:48.600 --> 00:15:52.200 And because we're called to do this, 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:54.420 we need the right kind of motivation 00:15:54.420 --> 00:15:56.720 to follow these laws, 00:15:56.879 --> 00:15:58.000 to follow these commands. 00:15:59.300 --> 00:16:01.680 So we have two motivations. 00:16:01.920 --> 00:16:02.820 Here's the first one. 00:16:04.320 --> 00:16:05.820 Our future judgment. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:08.540 Look at verse 17. 00:16:08.539 --> 00:16:13.620 Since you call on a father 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:17.659 who judges each man's work impartially, 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:21.579 live your lives as strangers here 00:16:21.579 --> 00:16:24.120 in reverent fear. 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:28.759 Yes, God is our loving father 00:16:28.759 --> 00:16:32.600 who chose us before the creation of the world, 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:34.759 who loves us deeply, 00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:40.159 is also our judge. 00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:42.960 He is our father 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:46.860 who judges each person's work impartially, 00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.500 completely fairly. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:50.320 One day, 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:52.200 every single one of us here 00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:54.879 will have to stand before the father 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:57.379 and give an account for our lives. 00:16:58.759 --> 00:17:00.519 Everything that we've ever said, 00:17:01.700 --> 00:17:03.220 everything that we've ever done, 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:05.519 everything that we've ever thought, 00:17:05.839 --> 00:17:07.420 our most public deeds 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:09.339 and our most private acts 00:17:09.339 --> 00:17:10.960 will all be unveiled 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:12.839 and laid out before the father. 00:17:13.119 --> 00:17:14.859 And we will have to give an account 00:17:14.859 --> 00:17:15.839 for our life. 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:17.960 Why we did this 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:19.420 and why we didn't do that. 00:17:22.220 --> 00:17:25.019 So because of God's coming judgment, 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:27.620 look at the end of verse 17. 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:31.180 Live your lives as strangers here 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:33.340 in reverent fear. 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:38.120 The fact that there's a future judgment 00:17:38.120 --> 00:17:40.920 should motivate us 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:44.059 to live rightly today, 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:46.200 to follow out the commands 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:48.380 that he has given us. 00:17:51.660 --> 00:17:52.880 In Matthew 10, 00:17:54.220 --> 00:17:57.480 Jesus sends his disciples out into the world 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:59.559 to be his witness. 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.180 And as he does, 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.059 he says this. 00:18:02.920 --> 00:18:03.720 He says to them, 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:06.100 I am sending you out like sheep 00:18:06.100 --> 00:18:07.660 among wolves. 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:10.900 That it's going to be dangerous. 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:11.779 It's going to be hard. 00:18:11.779 --> 00:18:13.680 And then he said this. 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:17.080 Do not be afraid of those 00:18:17.080 --> 00:18:18.420 who can kill the body, 00:18:18.820 --> 00:18:21.400 but cannot kill the soul. 00:18:22.340 --> 00:18:25.259 Rather be afraid or fear the one 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:27.040 who can destroy both hell, 00:18:27.440 --> 00:18:28.920 both soul and body, 00:18:29.800 --> 00:18:30.420 in hell. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:32.620 You see, 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:35.980 we fear what people think of us. 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:37.700 We fear, 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:39.500 what will people think of me 00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:41.060 if I say what I believe? 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:44.900 We fear how people are going to treat us 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:47.640 if we talk about our faith in Jesus. 00:18:47.640 --> 00:18:49.200 No, 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:51.460 says Peter. 00:18:52.420 --> 00:18:54.580 Live your lives as strangers here 00:18:54.580 --> 00:18:56.420 in reverent fear. 00:18:57.140 --> 00:18:58.920 Don't be fearing the world. 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:02.420 Don't be fearing people's opinions of you. 00:19:02.660 --> 00:19:05.000 It doesn't matter what people think of you. 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:06.640 Rather, 00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:08.100 fear our Father 00:19:08.100 --> 00:19:10.259 who is judge. 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:12.359 You see, 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:14.000 being God's children 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:16.500 does not give us this license 00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:17.660 to live as we please 00:19:17.660 --> 00:19:18.920 and think it doesn't matter. 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:20.799 It does matter. 00:19:21.879 --> 00:19:23.259 God takes seriously 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:24.359 that calling. 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:24.759 He says, 00:19:24.879 --> 00:19:25.740 I've called you 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:26.859 to be holy, 00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:28.160 to live different, 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.960 to be my children 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:30.859 in this world. 00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:35.339 So as children of the Father, 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:38.539 we want to take that seriously. 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:40.339 We want to please our Father. 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:43.519 We want to do what's right 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:44.460 as a demonstration 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:46.539 of our love for Him. 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:48.879 That we belong to Him. 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:52.559 So be motivated 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:55.039 by our future judgments. 00:19:57.359 --> 00:19:58.500 But also, 00:19:59.099 --> 00:20:02.779 as we look towards 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:03.960 our future judgment, 00:20:04.159 --> 00:20:05.420 we should also look back 00:20:05.420 --> 00:20:06.779 to our past redemption. 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:09.480 look at verse 18. 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:15.660 For you know 00:20:15.660 --> 00:20:16.440 that it was not 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:17.740 with perishable things 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:19.259 such as silver or gold 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:20.299 that you were redeemed 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:21.660 from the empty way of life 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:22.619 handed down to you 00:20:22.619 --> 00:20:23.680 from your forefathers, 00:20:24.359 --> 00:20:26.759 but with the precious blood 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:27.440 of Christ, 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:30.139 a lamb without blemish 00:20:30.139 --> 00:20:31.759 or defect, 00:20:32.639 --> 00:20:33.220 chosen 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:35.319 before the creation 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:35.980 of the world. 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:40.500 Now that's referring back 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:41.939 to a great event 00:20:41.939 --> 00:20:42.980 in the Old Testament. 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:44.579 The Exodus. 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:47.220 That great act 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:48.019 of salvation 00:20:48.019 --> 00:20:49.319 when God 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:50.220 redeemed 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:51.000 His people 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:52.859 from slavery 00:20:52.859 --> 00:20:53.879 in Egypt. 00:20:54.439 --> 00:20:55.240 God came 00:20:55.240 --> 00:20:56.579 and He rescued them 00:20:56.579 --> 00:20:58.419 from their cruel bondage 00:20:58.419 --> 00:20:59.000 to Pharaoh 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.339 so that they could 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:01.279 come out 00:21:01.279 --> 00:21:03.180 and belong to God 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:04.200 and be His people. 00:21:05.359 --> 00:21:06.299 And central 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:07.440 to that redemption 00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:08.940 was 00:21:08.940 --> 00:21:10.160 the blood 00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:11.359 of a lamb. 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.420 Let's remind ourselves 00:21:13.420 --> 00:21:14.579 of that story. 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:16.160 Keep your finger 00:21:16.160 --> 00:21:17.039 in 1 Peter 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:17.680 and go back 00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:19.240 to Exodus chapter 12. 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:23.339 The story here 00:21:23.339 --> 00:21:24.480 is what's called 00:21:24.480 --> 00:21:25.359 the Passover. 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:27.500 Exodus chapter 12. 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.460 So God 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:29.759 has 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:32.339 heard their cry. 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:34.000 They're in slavery 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:34.740 and He has come 00:21:34.740 --> 00:21:35.740 to rescue them. 00:21:37.120 --> 00:21:38.259 And at the heart 00:21:38.259 --> 00:21:39.039 of their rescue, 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:40.319 the heart of their redemption 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:41.819 was the blood 00:21:41.819 --> 00:21:42.380 of a lamb. 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:46.460 Chapter 12 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:49.279 verse 3. 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.500 So God 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.519 speaks to Moses 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:54.460 and Moses speaks 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:55.120 to the people. 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:55.720 Verse 3. 00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:56.400 He says, 00:21:56.539 --> 00:21:57.640 Tell the whole community 00:21:57.640 --> 00:21:58.319 of Israel 00:21:58.319 --> 00:22:00.539 that on the tenth day 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:01.200 of this month 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:02.160 each man 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:03.420 is to take a lamb 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:05.180 for his family 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:08.319 one for each household. 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:09.819 So every family 00:22:09.819 --> 00:22:11.779 takes a lamb. 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:14.460 Now read down 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:15.240 at verse 5. 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:17.180 The animals 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:18.039 you choose 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:20.400 must be year old males 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:22.620 without defect, 00:22:23.900 --> 00:22:24.960 without blemish. 00:22:26.660 --> 00:22:27.840 And you may take them 00:22:27.840 --> 00:22:28.340 from sheep 00:22:28.340 --> 00:22:29.039 or the goats 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:30.799 if they hadn't lambs. 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:32.360 Take care of them 00:22:32.360 --> 00:22:33.539 until the 14th day 00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:34.039 of the month 00:22:34.039 --> 00:22:35.799 when all the people 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:36.539 of the community 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:37.200 of Israel 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:39.360 must slaughter them 00:22:39.360 --> 00:22:40.680 at twilight. 00:22:42.680 --> 00:22:43.519 Then they are 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:44.200 to take some 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:44.799 of the blood 00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:45.839 and put it 00:22:45.839 --> 00:22:46.639 on the sides 00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:47.220 and the tops 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:48.059 of the door frames 00:22:48.059 --> 00:22:48.680 of the houses 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:49.639 where they eat 00:22:49.639 --> 00:22:50.899 the lambs. 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:54.119 Now why would you 00:22:54.119 --> 00:22:55.019 go putting blood 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:56.419 all over your front door? 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:58.980 It seems rather gross 00:22:58.980 --> 00:23:00.480 to us in our age 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.180 to think of getting 00:23:01.180 --> 00:23:02.019 a paintbrush out 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:03.299 and slapping blood 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:04.079 all over it. 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:06.279 Well let's see 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:06.759 the reason. 00:23:06.939 --> 00:23:07.659 Verse 12. 00:23:09.659 --> 00:23:11.299 On that same night 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:12.139 God says 00:23:12.139 --> 00:23:13.599 I will pass 00:23:13.599 --> 00:23:14.720 through Egypt 00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:16.919 and strike down 00:23:16.919 --> 00:23:18.359 every firstborn 00:23:18.359 --> 00:23:19.399 both men 00:23:19.399 --> 00:23:20.039 and animals 00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:21.259 and I will bring 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:21.720 judgment 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:23.159 on all the gods 00:23:23.159 --> 00:23:23.619 of Egypt. 00:23:24.079 --> 00:23:25.460 I am the Lord. 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.839 The blood 00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:28.259 that they've painted 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:29.019 on the doors 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:30.359 will be a sign 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:30.960 for you 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.799 on the houses 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:32.619 where you are 00:23:32.619 --> 00:23:33.819 and when I see 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.519 the blood 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.639 that you've put 00:23:35.639 --> 00:23:36.319 on the doors 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:37.819 I will pass 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.879 over you 00:23:38.879 --> 00:23:40.459 and no destructive 00:23:40.459 --> 00:23:41.579 plague will touch 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:41.899 you 00:23:41.899 --> 00:23:43.079 when I strike 00:23:43.079 --> 00:23:43.879 Egypt. 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:46.439 Go back 00:23:46.439 --> 00:23:47.259 to 1 Peter. 00:23:48.199 --> 00:23:48.879 You see 00:23:48.879 --> 00:23:50.000 the people knew 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:51.119 that they were 00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:52.079 just like 00:23:52.079 --> 00:23:53.139 in some sense 00:23:53.139 --> 00:23:53.879 the Egyptians. 00:23:54.379 --> 00:23:55.579 They were rebellious 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.419 and sinful. 00:23:56.919 --> 00:23:57.459 They too 00:23:57.459 --> 00:23:58.519 deserved God's 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:58.879 judgment 00:23:58.879 --> 00:24:00.099 but God 00:24:00.099 --> 00:24:01.079 in his grace 00:24:01.079 --> 00:24:02.159 provided a way. 00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:04.259 So we can picture 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.899 the scene 00:24:04.899 --> 00:24:06.519 the father of the house 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:07.399 takes the lamb 00:24:07.399 --> 00:24:08.799 and he slaughters 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:09.219 the lamb 00:24:09.219 --> 00:24:10.799 he slits the lamb's throat 00:24:10.799 --> 00:24:12.299 and as he does so 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:12.899 he's saying 00:24:12.899 --> 00:24:14.099 this lamb 00:24:14.099 --> 00:24:15.419 dies 00:24:15.419 --> 00:24:17.079 instead of me 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:18.539 and my family. 00:24:19.159 --> 00:24:20.000 As the blood 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:21.459 dripped onto the floor 00:24:21.459 --> 00:24:22.759 it was a reminder 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.779 that the lamb 00:24:23.779 --> 00:24:25.539 loses its life 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:27.479 so that they 00:24:27.479 --> 00:24:29.039 might have life. 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:30.919 Judgment falls 00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:32.240 not on the people 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:34.700 but on the lamb 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:35.720 a substitute. 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:38.380 Now says Peter 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:39.860 take all that picture 00:24:39.860 --> 00:24:40.440 with us 00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:41.420 and come back 00:24:41.420 --> 00:24:42.900 to 1 Peter 00:24:42.900 --> 00:24:44.140 and verse 18 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:44.759 and 19. 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:46.860 This he says 00:24:46.860 --> 00:24:47.840 is what God 00:24:47.840 --> 00:24:48.800 has done for us 00:24:48.800 --> 00:24:49.860 in Christ. 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:51.420 We are people 00:24:51.420 --> 00:24:52.300 who deserve 00:24:52.300 --> 00:24:53.080 judgment 00:24:53.080 --> 00:24:54.320 but Christ 00:24:54.320 --> 00:24:55.800 the ultimate lamb 00:24:55.800 --> 00:24:57.180 who was without sin 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:58.240 without blemish 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.720 without defect 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:01.299 has died 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:02.519 in our place. 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.579 When Jesus 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:04.700 went to the cross 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.799 as the drip 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:07.079 as the blood 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:08.099 dripped to the ground 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:09.279 he was giving 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:10.579 his life for us 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:11.740 so that we 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:13.019 might have life. 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:14.079 The judgment 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.640 falls 00:25:14.640 --> 00:25:15.980 not on us 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:17.779 but on Jesus 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:19.140 the substitute. 00:25:21.140 --> 00:25:21.920 All of this 00:25:21.920 --> 00:25:22.480 means 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:23.720 look at the end 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.559 of verse 18 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:26.740 this means 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.379 that we have 00:25:27.379 --> 00:25:27.919 now been 00:25:27.919 --> 00:25:28.740 redeemed 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.779 from the 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:30.980 empty way 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.759 of life 00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:32.779 handed down 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.299 to you 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:34.740 from your forefathers. 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:36.139 As we were born 00:25:36.139 --> 00:25:37.119 into this world 00:25:37.119 --> 00:25:38.279 we were born 00:25:38.279 --> 00:25:39.859 with a sinful nature 00:25:39.859 --> 00:25:41.259 a heart 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:42.319 that's rebellious 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:42.899 to God 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:43.700 and he's saying 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:44.779 I've now rescued 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:45.659 you from that 00:25:45.659 --> 00:25:46.539 from that empty 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:47.339 way of living 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:48.619 and I've given you 00:25:48.619 --> 00:25:49.700 a new way to live 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:50.819 you've now become 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.700 my children. 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:54.539 You see 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.380 when we face 00:25:55.380 --> 00:25:56.019 hostility 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:56.840 in this world 00:25:56.840 --> 00:25:59.360 when we feel 00:25:59.360 --> 00:26:00.340 like outsiders 00:26:00.340 --> 00:26:01.500 when we are 00:26:01.500 --> 00:26:02.140 shut out 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:03.299 because of our faith 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:04.000 when we're 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.500 misunderstood 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:05.559 because of the 00:26:05.559 --> 00:26:06.380 stand we take 00:26:06.380 --> 00:26:07.120 when we're 00:26:07.120 --> 00:26:08.279 accused wrongly 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:09.880 when we experience 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:10.759 this opposition 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:11.500 and persecution 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:12.900 we will be 00:26:12.900 --> 00:26:13.779 tempted to look 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.600 for an easier 00:26:14.600 --> 00:26:15.059 way 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:16.940 but remember 00:26:16.940 --> 00:26:17.380 he says 00:26:17.380 --> 00:26:18.160 to give up 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:19.240 and to go back 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:20.259 is actually 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:20.960 to go back 00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:21.920 into an empty 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:22.779 way of life 00:26:22.779 --> 00:26:25.240 the acceptance 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:26.099 that the world 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:26.519 offers 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.400 is empty 00:26:27.400 --> 00:26:28.039 it will never 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:29.019 satisfy you 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:29.920 the belonging 00:26:29.920 --> 00:26:30.619 that the world 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:31.119 gives you 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:31.819 is false 00:26:31.819 --> 00:26:32.900 there's nothing 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:33.740 there for you 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.400 it's going back 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:36.319 into slavery 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:37.579 it's going back 00:26:37.579 --> 00:26:38.359 under a harsh 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.359 master again 00:26:39.359 --> 00:26:40.379 but Christ 00:26:40.379 --> 00:26:41.460 has freed you 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:41.920 from that 00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:42.559 and given you 00:26:42.559 --> 00:26:43.279 a new life 00:26:43.279 --> 00:26:45.500 therefore 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.599 verse 21 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:49.019 through him 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:50.859 you believe 00:26:50.859 --> 00:26:51.539 in God 00:26:51.539 --> 00:26:53.159 who raised him 00:26:53.159 --> 00:26:53.879 from the dead 00:26:53.879 --> 00:26:56.059 and glorified him 00:26:56.059 --> 00:26:58.019 and so your faith 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:58.919 and hope 00:26:58.919 --> 00:27:00.839 are in God 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:03.419 we've been rescued 00:27:03.419 --> 00:27:05.199 from an empty 00:27:05.199 --> 00:27:06.039 way of life 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:07.839 so don't go back 00:27:07.839 --> 00:27:08.379 to it 00:27:08.379 --> 00:27:09.939 it will destroy 00:27:09.939 --> 00:27:10.779 you and kill 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:11.099 you 00:27:11.099 --> 00:27:12.559 rather look 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.319 to the life 00:27:13.319 --> 00:27:14.059 that Christ 00:27:14.059 --> 00:27:14.639 gives you 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:15.759 which satisfies 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:16.980 you and fulfills 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:17.320 you 00:27:17.320 --> 00:27:19.220 and gives you 00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:20.060 that glorious 00:27:20.060 --> 00:27:20.800 inheritance 00:27:20.800 --> 00:27:24.060 so as we think 00:27:24.060 --> 00:27:24.680 about these 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.259 commands 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:25.840 that we are 00:27:25.840 --> 00:27:26.320 to live 00:27:26.320 --> 00:27:28.320 to set our 00:27:28.320 --> 00:27:28.720 hope 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.640 on what is 00:27:29.640 --> 00:27:30.160 to come 00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:31.560 to be holy 00:27:31.560 --> 00:27:32.380 like God 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:33.580 we need our 00:27:33.580 --> 00:27:34.200 motivation 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:36.280 our future 00:27:36.280 --> 00:27:36.780 judgment 00:27:36.780 --> 00:27:38.820 and our 00:27:38.820 --> 00:27:39.720 past redemption 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:41.400 it's a little 00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:41.880 bit like 00:27:41.880 --> 00:27:42.940 driving a car 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:43.840 and I'll finish 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:44.419 with this 00:27:44.419 --> 00:27:45.439 illustration 00:27:45.439 --> 00:27:46.839 you picture 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.339 yourself 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:48.299 driving on 00:27:48.299 --> 00:27:48.959 down the road 00:27:48.959 --> 00:27:49.599 as you're 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.019 driving 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:50.579 you're looking 00:27:50.579 --> 00:27:51.240 out the front 00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:51.720 you're looking 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:52.659 through the screen 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:53.779 to what's coming 00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:54.779 but at the same 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:55.439 time you always 00:27:55.439 --> 00:27:55.980 have an eye 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:56.919 on your little 00:27:56.919 --> 00:27:57.720 mirror to see 00:27:57.720 --> 00:27:58.679 what's happened 00:27:58.679 --> 00:27:59.480 behind 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.519 or what's going 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:00.899 on 00:28:00.899 --> 00:28:02.399 and if you 00:28:02.399 --> 00:28:02.959 keep looking 00:28:02.959 --> 00:28:03.919 out there 00:28:03.919 --> 00:28:04.480 and you keep 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.179 looking back 00:28:05.179 --> 00:28:06.419 then you'll 00:28:06.419 --> 00:28:07.240 drive safely 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:08.500 and it's 00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:08.899 going to go 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.299 right 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:11.240 now in the 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:11.779 same way 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.459 that is what 00:28:12.459 --> 00:28:13.059 we are to do 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:13.799 as we journey 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:14.639 on with 00:28:14.639 --> 00:28:15.039 the Lord 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:15.859 we are to 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:16.940 look towards 00:28:16.940 --> 00:28:18.039 our future 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:18.599 judgments 00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:21.619 but we are to 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:22.460 look back in the 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:23.599 mirror to our 00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:24.740 past redemption 00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:26.679 we are to look 00:28:26.679 --> 00:28:27.559 back and remember 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:28.500 all that Christ 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.159 has done for us 00:28:29.159 --> 00:28:30.059 so that we can 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:31.079 keep on going 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:33.179 not in fear 00:28:33.179 --> 00:28:33.759 of the sense 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:34.460 that he's never 00:28:34.460 --> 00:28:35.220 going to accept 00:28:35.220 --> 00:28:36.419 me but he will 00:28:36.419 --> 00:28:36.960 accept me 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:37.460 because of 00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:38.000 Christ 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:40.240 and because I 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:40.899 will face him 00:28:40.899 --> 00:28:41.399 as judge 00:28:41.400 --> 00:28:42.280 I will seek 00:28:42.280 --> 00:28:42.900 to love him 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:43.480 and please 00:28:43.480 --> 00:28:43.759 him 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:45.259 so we have 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:46.440 our focus 00:28:46.440 --> 00:28:47.759 on the future 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:49.300 and on the 00:28:49.300 --> 00:28:49.740 past 00:28:49.740 --> 00:28:51.380 and that will 00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:51.920 give us the 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:52.500 motivation 00:28:52.500 --> 00:28:54.000 to keep going 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.519 forward 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:56.000 as God's 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.340 children 00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:57.980 let's pray 00:28:57.980 --> 00:28:58.620 together 00:28:58.619 --> 00:29:01.599 thanks 00:29:01.599 --> 00:29:14.079 to him 00:29:14.079 --> 00:29:14.399 and 00:29:14.399 --> 00:29:15.579 to be 00:29:15.579 --> 00:29:45.559 Thank you.