WEBVTT 00:00:00.280 --> 00:00:05.120 So this morning we're going to be reading from actually three different passages in 1 Peter. 00:00:05.299 --> 00:00:10.720 So we're going to be starting with chapter 1, verses 1 to 9. 00:00:11.620 --> 00:00:13.060 So from verse 1. 00:00:13.439 --> 00:00:24.940 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 00:00:24.940 --> 00:00:29.720 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father in the sanctification of the Spirit, 00:00:30.200 --> 00:00:33.799 for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood. 00:00:34.600 --> 00:00:37.579 May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 00:00:39.079 --> 00:00:42.400 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:43.180 --> 00:00:50.640 According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 00:00:50.640 --> 00:00:57.520 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 00:00:58.259 --> 00:01:05.140 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in a last time. 00:01:06.740 --> 00:01:13.640 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 00:01:13.640 --> 00:01:21.299 so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold, that perishes though it is tested by fire, 00:01:21.879 --> 00:01:27.480 may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:01:28.340 --> 00:01:30.560 Though you have not seen him, you love him. 00:01:31.219 --> 00:01:39.519 Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 00:01:39.519 --> 00:01:44.039 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 00:01:44.959 --> 00:01:48.939 We'll move on now to chapter 2, verses 4 to 12. 00:01:50.439 --> 00:01:52.039 So from verse 4. 00:01:53.299 --> 00:02:00.340 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men, but in the sight of God, chosen and precious, 00:02:01.079 --> 00:02:05.560 you yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:11.920 to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 00:02:12.680 --> 00:02:14.060 For it stands in Scripture. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:19.939 Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, 00:02:20.620 --> 00:02:23.319 and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. 00:02:24.699 --> 00:02:28.620 So the honour is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:32.400 the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 00:02:32.400 --> 00:02:37.219 And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. 00:02:38.039 --> 00:02:43.259 They stumbled because they disobeyed the word as they were destined to do. 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:50.740 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, 00:02:51.379 --> 00:02:56.960 that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 00:02:57.780 --> 00:03:01.180 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people. 00:03:01.180 --> 00:03:05.640 Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 00:03:06.900 --> 00:03:11.980 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, 00:03:12.599 --> 00:03:14.599 which wage war against your soul. 00:03:15.460 --> 00:03:17.840 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honourable, 00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:20.740 so that when they speak against you as evildoers, 00:03:20.980 --> 00:03:24.800 they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:32.219 And lastly, we'll move on to chapter 4, verses 12 to 19. 00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:36.680 So from chapter 4, verse 12. 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:43.260 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you 00:03:43.260 --> 00:03:45.360 as though something strange were happening to you. 00:03:46.200 --> 00:03:49.620 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, 00:03:49.800 --> 00:03:53.439 that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 00:03:54.200 --> 00:03:56.700 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, 00:03:56.800 --> 00:04:00.659 you are blessed because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 00:04:00.659 --> 00:04:06.759 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 00:04:07.680 --> 00:04:11.120 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, 00:04:11.519 --> 00:04:14.019 but let him glorify God in that name. 00:04:15.019 --> 00:04:18.439 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God. 00:04:18.699 --> 00:04:19.959 And if it begins with us, 00:04:20.420 --> 00:04:23.240 what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel? 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:27.340 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, 00:04:27.519 --> 00:04:29.819 what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? 00:04:30.639 --> 00:04:34.699 Therefore, let those who suffer according to God's will 00:04:34.699 --> 00:04:38.199 entrust their souls to a faithful creator while doing good. 00:04:41.579 --> 00:04:42.780 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:04:45.220 --> 00:04:47.600 Why don't we pray as we come to God's word. 00:04:47.600 --> 00:05:00.300 Father, I pray that you would fortify us in the message of your gospel, 00:05:00.640 --> 00:05:02.040 in the mercy we've received. 00:05:03.500 --> 00:05:07.420 Lord, fill us with joy in the hope that you've given us 00:05:07.420 --> 00:05:13.700 and give us a high sense of calling to proclaim that hope 00:05:13.700 --> 00:05:17.020 to a world that so desperately needs it. 00:05:17.600 --> 00:05:20.480 So please be with us as we come to your word. 00:05:20.840 --> 00:05:21.560 Humble us. 00:05:23.439 --> 00:05:26.300 We always need your help to understand what you're saying 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:30.900 and we always need your help to change our attitudes and hearts. 00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:33.420 So please be with each one of us. 00:05:34.140 --> 00:05:40.980 Please speak through me and may you be glorified in our time now. 00:05:41.580 --> 00:05:42.960 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:05:42.959 --> 00:05:43.039 Amen. 00:05:45.759 --> 00:05:52.859 Well, I suppose I want to start with a few caveats. 00:05:53.579 --> 00:05:57.319 As we come to the topic of being the church in a hostile society, 00:05:58.659 --> 00:06:02.979 I don't want to cause alarm or panic, 00:06:02.980 --> 00:06:09.660 and yet the scripture does call us to be prepared to count the cost. 00:06:11.980 --> 00:06:13.720 I'd really... 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:15.520 I want to be balanced. 00:06:15.780 --> 00:06:19.360 The church in Australia has huge freedoms. 00:06:20.140 --> 00:06:21.520 The fact that we're here today, 00:06:22.180 --> 00:06:25.879 I don't think anyone was expecting the police to stop here. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:31.800 There's so many tax helps that the church receives 00:06:31.800 --> 00:06:33.439 in Christian schools and hospitals. 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:35.339 We have huge freedoms. 00:06:37.279 --> 00:06:39.560 A Christian can become prime minister. 00:06:40.279 --> 00:06:42.279 So let's be balanced here. 00:06:42.279 --> 00:06:47.379 But I want to be real about the common pressure 00:06:47.379 --> 00:06:54.199 that comes with being a Christian in Australia today. 00:06:55.199 --> 00:06:58.879 I also don't want to limit what hostility looks like. 00:06:59.079 --> 00:07:04.379 I think there can be hot and cold forms of hostility. 00:07:05.099 --> 00:07:07.279 The hot is obvious when you're insulted, 00:07:07.279 --> 00:07:08.359 when you're threatened, 00:07:09.019 --> 00:07:12.259 but the cold is still very hostile. 00:07:13.959 --> 00:07:17.199 So, for instance, you think of a married couple who are arguing 00:07:17.199 --> 00:07:19.339 and all of a sudden the arguments stop. 00:07:19.759 --> 00:07:20.839 Has the hostility gone? 00:07:21.099 --> 00:07:21.839 Not necessarily. 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:26.519 Indifference, it can be... 00:07:26.519 --> 00:07:27.519 It's still hostility. 00:07:27.779 --> 00:07:28.479 It's cold. 00:07:29.979 --> 00:07:32.299 So there's a lot of indifference in our society 00:07:32.299 --> 00:07:33.379 and that can be infectious. 00:07:33.379 --> 00:07:37.319 So there's different forms of hostility. 00:07:40.040 --> 00:07:41.339 So having said all that, 00:07:41.420 --> 00:07:43.740 people smarter than me have observed 00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:47.120 that Australia is now a post-Christian society. 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:51.180 Just think of some of the great European countries 00:07:51.180 --> 00:07:52.639 of the Reformation, 00:07:53.779 --> 00:07:56.240 like Germany and France, 00:07:56.360 --> 00:07:57.800 where all these battles were fought. 00:07:59.000 --> 00:08:00.899 The church in other parts of the world 00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:03.620 are sending missionaries back to those countries. 00:08:04.539 --> 00:08:05.439 They're post-Christian 00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:08.739 and Australia is heading in a similar way. 00:08:11.919 --> 00:08:13.419 Stephen McAlpine, 00:08:13.819 --> 00:08:16.039 I've really benefited a lot from this book. 00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:19.599 It's only, I don't know, 00:08:19.739 --> 00:08:22.659 100-odd pages if you listen to audiobooks. 00:08:23.339 --> 00:08:24.259 I don't know what that would be, 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:26.060 two hours in your commutes. 00:08:26.379 --> 00:08:27.239 It's a really good book 00:08:27.240 --> 00:08:29.800 and that's where I've stolen that title, 00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:30.800 Being the Bad Guys. 00:08:31.920 --> 00:08:33.120 His main thesis is 00:08:33.120 --> 00:08:35.139 Let's Be the Best Bad Guys That We Can Be. 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:39.139 Anyway, that requires more clarification. 00:08:39.320 --> 00:08:41.480 You're going to have to listen to it, read it. 00:08:43.019 --> 00:08:44.860 You need to be living under a rock 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:47.240 not to notice the social and political pressure 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:53.180 that the LGBTQTI plus inclusion and celebration, 00:08:53.179 --> 00:08:56.559 it's a movement built on the view 00:08:56.559 --> 00:08:58.259 that the world is material, 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:00.659 there is nothing above us that we can't see 00:09:00.659 --> 00:09:05.120 and therefore the individual can be enthroned 00:09:05.120 --> 00:09:06.299 over our lives 00:09:06.299 --> 00:09:08.939 because there is nothing else. 00:09:09.759 --> 00:09:10.699 You're enthroned 00:09:10.699 --> 00:09:16.859 and it's promoting a new social definition of love. 00:09:17.779 --> 00:09:19.139 It's tolerance, it's inclusion, 00:09:19.299 --> 00:09:20.679 it's celebrating authenticity 00:09:20.679 --> 00:09:25.199 where you expect to be welcomed as a society 00:09:25.199 --> 00:09:27.259 if you express what you feel on the inside. 00:09:29.779 --> 00:09:32.259 So it's important for us to understand 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:33.459 the goal of this movement 00:09:33.459 --> 00:09:37.199 isn't just to loosen sexual morals. 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:41.679 The goal is actually offering a totally different hope. 00:09:42.339 --> 00:09:43.339 It's a different gospel. 00:09:44.859 --> 00:09:47.299 How are we going to get peace as a society? 00:09:47.299 --> 00:09:50.419 How are we going to get meaning in our life? 00:09:50.620 --> 00:09:51.359 What's our purpose? 00:09:55.039 --> 00:09:59.519 I think we feel the conflict with this different gospel 00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:04.399 when someone can earn their way 00:10:04.399 --> 00:10:07.199 to become head coach of Essendon Football Club 00:10:07.199 --> 00:10:09.859 and the next day, because of their church ties, 00:10:11.079 --> 00:10:12.379 has to resign. 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:15.840 I think we can feel this clash of gospels 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:17.720 around the family dinner table 00:10:17.720 --> 00:10:22.379 when teenagers who are being discipled online 00:10:22.379 --> 00:10:25.500 and at school are just confronting 00:10:25.500 --> 00:10:27.980 with their parents and grandparents going, 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:30.340 whoa, you are intolerant. 00:10:30.860 --> 00:10:31.820 You are outdated. 00:10:33.860 --> 00:10:36.440 So it's a conflict of gospels. 00:10:37.419 --> 00:10:40.559 It's conflicts of different hope for the world. 00:10:40.559 --> 00:10:47.279 I think I got a glimpse of the passion of this gospel 00:10:47.279 --> 00:10:52.079 in a TV interview with Rikki Coghlan, 00:10:52.239 --> 00:10:54.019 hopefully I'm pronouncing her name right, 00:10:54.459 --> 00:10:59.559 over the swimming decision about whether to include 00:10:59.559 --> 00:11:02.599 transgender women in women's swimming. 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:07.980 Halfway through the interview, 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:10.980 she just becomes really clear and really passionate 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:12.000 and this is what she says. 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:15.720 We're talking about people's lives and identities here. 00:11:16.540 --> 00:11:17.820 We're not just talking about swimming. 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:20.440 We're talking about people's lives and identities. 00:11:20.899 --> 00:11:24.060 We're also talking about the kind of world we want to live in. 00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:26.600 If you want to live in a one-dimensional world 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:29.379 where we see ourselves as less diverse 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:31.720 and a place that's less welcoming of difference 00:11:31.720 --> 00:11:37.500 or if we want a world that is more open and generous and inclusive, 00:11:38.519 --> 00:11:40.940 it's a different hope. 00:11:44.540 --> 00:11:49.440 And many have observed that the cost of this agenda is free speech 00:11:49.440 --> 00:11:51.260 and it's not just religious free speech. 00:11:51.540 --> 00:11:54.820 Many are feeling the pressure to be quiet. 00:11:56.980 --> 00:11:59.960 Many, many, not just Christians, many are feeling this pressure. 00:12:02.540 --> 00:12:04.620 Now I think the natural response is fear. 00:12:07.680 --> 00:12:08.580 It's fear. 00:12:09.860 --> 00:12:11.160 It's a natural response, 00:12:11.320 --> 00:12:15.040 but I think if we stay in fear, 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:19.139 I think it pushes us towards building the wrong house. 00:12:19.799 --> 00:12:21.719 I'm going to describe three different ways 00:12:21.719 --> 00:12:25.500 I think it pushes us to a wrong house to build. 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:29.219 One is Christians think that the agenda now 00:12:29.219 --> 00:12:31.179 is to build a political kingdom. 00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:32.740 Let's regain the ground. 00:12:34.219 --> 00:12:36.360 We need that kind of political house. 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:39.259 We are winning or losing 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:42.740 depending on whether Christian morals are in law or not, 00:12:43.059 --> 00:12:44.379 as if that's our main agenda. 00:12:45.799 --> 00:12:48.599 I'm not saying it's wrong to say these things. 00:12:48.659 --> 00:12:52.139 It's compassionate to our society to say what's true or not, 00:12:52.740 --> 00:12:54.659 but it's not our primary calling. 00:12:57.240 --> 00:12:59.319 God's agenda isn't winning or losing 00:12:59.319 --> 00:13:03.659 depending on whether Christians hold the places of influence 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:04.559 in society or not. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:11.439 The other wrong type of house is we could be tempted 00:13:11.439 --> 00:13:14.959 to attract people into the church by being like the church. 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:17.959 Being like the world, using the same values, 00:13:18.599 --> 00:13:20.079 trying to be relevant. 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:25.259 Not attracting by being different, 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:28.019 offering an alternative, but by being similar. 00:13:29.319 --> 00:13:32.019 Hear how Jesus can make your life better. 00:13:32.819 --> 00:13:37.099 It's still built on the self as ruling your life. 00:13:37.100 --> 00:13:42.240 Even using the language of let's be authentic and inclusion. 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:45.139 We will get numbers. 00:13:45.379 --> 00:13:47.300 If we do that, we will get more numbers. 00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:51.639 But the cost is we've got no hope. 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:53.560 We've got no difference. 00:13:54.360 --> 00:13:59.879 We're just a religious form of the world's gospel. 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:06.720 The third kind of house is, well, as individuals and as families, 00:14:07.279 --> 00:14:10.279 just keep your head down and build your family, 00:14:10.460 --> 00:14:12.539 build your home, build your career. 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:15.700 Just don't be too radical for Jesus. 00:14:16.439 --> 00:14:18.179 Just keep your head down. 00:14:20.240 --> 00:14:21.100 Build your prosperity. 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:24.180 I think we're very tempted down that line. 00:14:27.159 --> 00:14:29.159 I think all these are motivated by fear. 00:14:31.060 --> 00:14:34.440 Fear that we're losing the political power. 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:41.620 We might just try and build up the numbers when the census says 00:14:41.620 --> 00:14:44.560 we're losing numbers by just being like the world. 00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:49.759 Or we just cave into the gospel of this world and go, 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:51.000 you can have it all. 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:51.919 Just be quiet. 00:14:54.619 --> 00:14:55.459 Build your house. 00:14:55.579 --> 00:14:56.139 Build your home. 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:57.139 Build your castle. 00:14:58.719 --> 00:15:01.439 None of these houses are God's building project, 00:15:01.539 --> 00:15:02.779 as we've seen this term. 00:15:04.139 --> 00:15:08.899 Don't waste your life in what will be burned up 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:11.159 when God's judgment comes. 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:15.079 Jesus' glory in the church, as it's saying. 00:15:20.199 --> 00:15:25.500 So why should we as the church respond with joy, not fear? 00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:33.379 I was trying to avoid that word joy because I was like, 00:15:33.379 --> 00:15:34.459 gee, that's unrealistic. 00:15:36.199 --> 00:15:40.039 But then 1 Peter just kept pushing me back to the word joy. 00:15:41.159 --> 00:15:43.539 I don't think it's optional. 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:49.339 We're told to move from the natural response of fear into a place of joy 00:15:49.339 --> 00:15:51.139 because that's where the gospel puts us. 00:15:53.839 --> 00:15:58.279 And that's the only way we will glorify God if we know our joy. 00:16:01.179 --> 00:16:03.100 I've picked four things from 1 Peter. 00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:07.000 I really benefited from just sitting in the whole letter. 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:07.839 It's not a long letter. 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:10.780 Small groups may want to read it. 00:16:10.780 --> 00:16:13.580 If you're following the sermon series, you may want to read it in one hit. 00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:15.180 Just a suggestion. 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:17.620 I'm going to look at four things. 00:16:18.160 --> 00:16:19.060 Don't be surprised. 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:20.840 There's nothing new here. 00:16:21.460 --> 00:16:22.220 Let's not be rattled. 00:16:23.639 --> 00:16:25.280 There's nothing new about this. 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:29.980 Secondly, rejoice in our living hope. 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:34.820 Thirdly, rejoice that you belong to the people of God. 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:41.680 And rejoice that God is using the fire to refine your faith. 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:49.000 And once we can rejoice, that's when we can get on with our calling 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:51.539 to proclaim his excellencies. 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.379 So that's where we're headed. 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:59.000 So we're told in 1 Peter 4.12, if you might like to, well, 00:16:59.159 --> 00:17:00.379 please have your Bibles open. 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:03.500 Make sure what I'm saying is actually in there. 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:11.900 We're told in 4 verse 12, beloved, beloved, 00:17:11.900 --> 00:17:18.900 beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you 00:17:18.900 --> 00:17:23.120 to test you as though something strange were happening to you. 00:17:24.880 --> 00:17:26.019 Don't be surprised. 00:17:27.640 --> 00:17:28.620 What's new? 00:17:28.780 --> 00:17:33.200 What's new about people claiming that they can dethrone the creator 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:35.620 and sit on the throne of their lives? 00:17:35.660 --> 00:17:36.340 There's nothing new. 00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:41.380 What's new about a society trying to create the kingdom 00:17:41.380 --> 00:17:43.580 with all its blessings without the king? 00:17:43.860 --> 00:17:45.040 There's nothing new about that. 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:52.639 All societies have been hostile to God since sin entered the world. 00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:56.059 We've got to own our hostility to God. 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:07.720 We worship the one, chapter 2 verse 4, who's rejected by men, 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:11.700 but in the sight of God chosen and precious. 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:14.000 It is plain sight. 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:17.759 It is central to our worship of Jesus dying on the cross, 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:23.340 that we are coming to the one who is rejected but chosen. 00:18:25.360 --> 00:18:29.980 It's always been suffering now, glory later. 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:32.259 Hebrews 11, read through it. 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:38.380 All the scripture, it's always been suffering now, glory later. 00:18:38.380 --> 00:18:43.920 You're in a great company of people who have trusted God's promise, 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:46.200 that glory is coming. 00:18:47.080 --> 00:18:47.860 There's a better city. 00:18:51.740 --> 00:18:52.980 So we shouldn't be surprised. 00:18:53.100 --> 00:18:57.820 It's not new, which means I think we should also pause 00:18:57.820 --> 00:19:02.700 and make sure we're interpreting the narrative of hostility 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:04.259 to Christianity in Australia correctly. 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:07.580 Are we romanticising past generations? 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:14.200 Like I hear about the Freemasons as just one example. 00:19:14.840 --> 00:19:19.059 You could be at the top of your business and stuff 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:22.720 and be part of this religious organisation that there is this divine being 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:24.200 but just don't mention Jesus. 00:19:25.180 --> 00:19:27.380 That was big in the past. 00:19:27.380 --> 00:19:32.020 It's not true spirituality though. 00:19:33.860 --> 00:19:38.380 And is it a good or a bad thing for the church now needing to stand out 00:19:38.380 --> 00:19:40.520 from the beliefs and values of society? 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:43.340 Are the numbers declining? 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:46.440 Well, yes, as an institution. 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:51.640 But is the people with true faith who aren't just in it 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:55.280 for the social benefit of being labelled as a Christian? 00:19:55.279 --> 00:20:00.000 Now that those immediate benefits are being taken away, 00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:04.920 maybe all that's happening is that those who love Jesus for his own sake 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:05.859 are being revealed. 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:09.460 Maybe it's not declining at all. 00:20:12.379 --> 00:20:15.099 Historically, there's a saying that the blood of the martyrs 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:17.160 is the seed of the church to grow. 00:20:17.859 --> 00:20:20.119 God often uses persecution for growth. 00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:22.119 God often uses the seed of the church to grow. 00:20:22.119 --> 00:20:25.639 Is it a good or a bad thing for our youth and our children 00:20:25.639 --> 00:20:30.199 to now know that they can't have a foot in both worlds? 00:20:30.359 --> 00:20:32.039 Is it a spiritually good or a bad thing? 00:20:32.479 --> 00:20:33.419 That could be very good. 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:34.559 Count the cost. 00:20:35.439 --> 00:20:36.479 Jesus is worth it. 00:20:40.719 --> 00:20:43.099 So let's not be surprised or unnerved. 00:20:45.719 --> 00:20:47.099 Nothing strange is happening. 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:52.019 Let's stand firm in our faith knowing that the same kinds of suffering 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:55.099 are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 00:20:58.199 --> 00:21:01.779 In fact, the type of hostility that we might be experiencing today 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:03.079 is very similar to 1 Peter. 00:21:04.379 --> 00:21:09.859 The things talked about here, I can directly relate to them, 00:21:09.919 --> 00:21:11.219 or at least I know people who can. 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:17.299 If you don't join in in the wild partying, people just, you're weird. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:19.539 That is so weird. 00:21:21.180 --> 00:21:24.059 And they'll say all sorts of critical and insulting things. 00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:25.740 You won't be part of the group. 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:28.660 I felt that in uni days. 00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:32.380 You just can't. 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.839 Anyway, I won't go into that. 00:21:33.839 --> 00:21:41.299 Being excluded and insulted online or disadvantaged in work and sport 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:44.539 and whatever, just because you're a Christian, 00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:47.859 that's what they were facing, that kind of thing. 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:49.240 It's very similar. 00:21:49.679 --> 00:21:51.139 Accused of wrongdoing. 00:21:51.140 --> 00:22:01.740 People speaking maliciously about Christian ethics. 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:08.080 It's very similar to what we might be facing today. 00:22:08.280 --> 00:22:11.040 And Peter encourages the believers not by downplaying the cost, 00:22:11.620 --> 00:22:13.620 but by reminding us of our hope. 00:22:16.280 --> 00:22:18.580 That we shouldn't be afraid, but we should rejoice. 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:23.539 So let's look at three reasons we can rejoice. 00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:26.720 Rejoice in our living hope. 00:22:26.919 --> 00:22:28.839 So you might want to flick back to chapter one. 00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:37.179 If you received a letter and a phone call that said that you've come 00:22:37.179 --> 00:22:41.059 into a massive inheritance from a distant rich relative 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:45.919 and your solicitor confirmed that this isn't a scam, like this is legit, 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:54.500 and you're on your way to the bank and your Toyota Camry breaks down 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:59.880 and you just sit on the side of the road weeping and complaining 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:02.740 and just discontent. 00:23:03.820 --> 00:23:04.920 They don't break down. 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:05.420 Right. 00:23:05.420 --> 00:23:05.519 Right. 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:05.580 Right. 00:23:05.580 --> 00:23:05.920 Right. 00:23:05.920 --> 00:23:06.580 Right. 00:23:06.580 --> 00:23:06.860 Right. 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:06.920 Right. 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:07.420 Right. 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:07.920 Right. 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:08.920 Right. 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:09.420 Right. 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:09.920 Right. 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.920 Right. 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:11.920 Right. 00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:12.920 Right. 00:23:12.920 --> 00:23:13.920 Right. 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:14.920 Right. 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:15.420 Right. 00:23:15.420 --> 00:23:15.920 Right. 00:23:15.920 --> 00:23:21.120 Right. 00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:21.420 Right. 00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:22.420 Right. 00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:22.640 Right. 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:24.440 Right. 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:24.680 Right. 00:23:24.680 --> 00:23:25.820 Right. 00:23:25.820 --> 00:23:27.420 Right. 00:23:27.420 --> 00:23:27.900 Right. 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:28.300 Right. 00:23:28.300 --> 00:23:29.539 Right. 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:36.200 Right. 00:23:44.340 --> 00:23:45.420 Right. 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:53.060 of what you're about to receive to just, what a little loss. 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:58.240 The hope that Christ's death has brought for us, it is off the charts. 00:24:02.820 --> 00:24:07.320 Blessed, verse 3, blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:24:07.320 --> 00:24:08.900 according to his great mercy. 00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:15.759 He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:17.120 of Jesus Christ from the dead. 00:24:17.340 --> 00:24:22.780 Our hope is living because our hope is all bound up in the living one. 00:24:24.160 --> 00:24:26.080 It is as sure as he is alive. 00:24:29.140 --> 00:24:37.200 To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, 00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:44.100 kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith 00:24:44.100 --> 00:24:48.580 for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last times. 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:54.500 Our inheritance is kept safe in heaven for us, bound up in Jesus. 00:24:54.680 --> 00:24:57.940 Like nothing here can touch it, it can't reach it, it can't undermine it, 00:24:57.940 --> 00:24:59.400 it can't take it away. 00:24:59.779 --> 00:25:00.680 It's kept safe. 00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:06.259 We're looking forward to a new earth that can't perish like your house or body. 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:12.420 We're looking forward to a community rejoicing in God in such a sweet intimacy 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:16.980 that we've never actually experienced before because there won't be a drop of sin 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:18.680 getting in the way of it. 00:25:19.880 --> 00:25:22.440 It's almost beyond imagination. 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:27.480 It's undefiled by sin. 00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:36.460 We're looking forward to a glory that doesn't fade like your new car or the fading applause 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:39.799 around the workplace or school. 00:25:40.360 --> 00:25:41.940 It fades the next week. 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:45.319 The glory we're going to receive, it doesn't fade. 00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:45.980 Incredible. 00:25:45.980 --> 00:25:56.220 So our inheritance is kept safe and we are kept safe to make sure we get it. 00:25:57.200 --> 00:26:04.920 Verse 5, who by God's power, which is a fair bit of power, are being guarded. 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:09.420 Our inheritance is being kept safe. 00:26:09.620 --> 00:26:10.539 We are being guarded. 00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:12.120 And he uses means. 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.799 We're guarded through faith. 00:26:13.799 --> 00:26:19.399 He empowers our faith, making sure we make it home to glory. 00:26:19.680 --> 00:26:24.519 Through his word and his spirit, bringing that faith home through the ministry of the church, 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:29.859 he uses means to keep us, to make it to that inheritance. 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:37.139 So if you lose your job for faithfulness to Jesus, that is going to cause a lot of stress. 00:26:37.140 --> 00:26:45.800 I don't want to be tried about it, but what have you lost? 00:26:47.020 --> 00:26:56.700 When you focus on that inheritance, it's an inconvenience rather than a tragedy. 00:26:56.700 --> 00:27:09.559 Let's not get sucked into the appeal of this world's gospel that acquiring more and more is where life is found. 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:18.039 When we have an inheritance that is so much better than what this world offers. 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:26.119 Rejoicing invades our present as we set our eyes on the future. 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:29.720 Our society says the present is big. 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:30.879 It's everything. 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:31.799 It's all that matters. 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:32.859 Now, now, now. 00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:34.099 We must have glory now. 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:38.079 Your future is small because you're going to lose it. 00:27:38.139 --> 00:27:38.720 You're going to die. 00:27:39.059 --> 00:27:40.119 Your health is going to decline. 00:27:40.259 --> 00:27:41.059 Now is big. 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:44.019 The gospel says, no, no, no. 00:27:44.539 --> 00:27:46.139 Your future is big. 00:27:46.919 --> 00:27:48.740 Now is small. 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:51.599 Now is transient. 00:27:54.659 --> 00:27:58.879 The second reason we can rejoice is that we belong to the people of God. 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:07.839 Peter addresses the believers as sojourners, travelers through, exiles, temporary residents. 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:09.599 You don't have the rights. 00:28:09.599 --> 00:28:10.359 You're not a citizen. 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:12.359 You are not home. 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:13.980 You are not safe. 00:28:15.399 --> 00:28:16.980 Yet you don't have the rights. 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:18.579 You don't have privileges. 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:21.879 You are foreigners. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:30.980 Like we would know if we were living in lots of different parts of the world right now, 00:28:32.159 --> 00:28:37.939 in lots of parts of the world, we would know daily that we don't belong if we were Christian. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:40.900 Do we see ourselves that way here? 00:28:41.620 --> 00:28:42.120 We should. 00:28:45.080 --> 00:28:45.820 We should. 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:51.240 Because there's two totally different gospels going on. 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:57.299 So how can we rejoice at not belonging to our own people? 00:28:57.299 --> 00:29:03.799 It's not that it's being excluded. 00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:05.419 There's no joy in that. 00:29:05.899 --> 00:29:07.419 But it's the reason we're excluded. 00:29:08.359 --> 00:29:11.000 It's because we're the people of Jesus now. 00:29:11.000 --> 00:29:17.720 You're a foreigner because you belong to the living God. 00:29:20.220 --> 00:29:21.500 Chapter 2, verse 4. 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:28.099 As you come to him, the Lord Jesus, a living stone rejected by men, but in the sight of God chosen and precious. 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:37.480 You yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, God's house, to be a holy priesthood, 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:42.019 to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 00:29:42.120 --> 00:29:46.420 In this section, Peter just lumps in all these Old Testament pictures to say, 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:49.099 Church, you are the true Israel. 00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:51.839 The true people of God. 00:29:54.120 --> 00:29:54.880 Verse 9. 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:56.839 You are a chosen race. 00:29:57.380 --> 00:29:59.920 And this race is based on mercy, not merit. 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:02.980 You are Israel. 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:04.019 You are God's people. 00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:06.580 You are a royal priesthood, royalty. 00:30:07.340 --> 00:30:08.360 We're children of the king. 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:10.200 A holy nation. 00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:12.500 A people for his own possession. 00:30:12.800 --> 00:30:16.660 Out of all the world, God owns everything, but he looks at his church and goes, 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:18.880 I love my church. 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:39.000 We should have a high sense of privilege, gratitude, humility, because this is by mercy, 00:30:39.800 --> 00:30:42.360 and stability, knowing who we are. 00:30:43.600 --> 00:30:47.640 We don't belong because we are the people of God. 00:30:48.620 --> 00:30:49.460 What a privilege. 00:30:50.800 --> 00:30:54.900 It even transforms insults into a reminder of who you are. 00:30:55.539 --> 00:30:57.160 Chapter 4, verse 14. 00:30:57.160 --> 00:31:09.220 If you're insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the spirit of glory 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:11.220 and of God rests upon you. 00:31:11.600 --> 00:31:12.660 It transforms. 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:20.320 It won't feel very glorious, but it actually reminds you, you are the people of God. 00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:26.460 And Peter is clear in this section, don't call everything persecution. 00:31:26.460 --> 00:31:35.880 If you're arrogant online and just meddling, looking for a fight, don't call that persecution 00:31:35.880 --> 00:31:38.700 when people, you're not acting like Christ. 00:31:39.160 --> 00:31:46.120 If you are using company time to do church-related activities and you're called into the office, 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.500 don't call that persecution. 00:31:48.900 --> 00:31:50.460 You should be working. 00:31:50.460 --> 00:31:51.460 Okay? 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:52.460 Okay? 00:31:53.039 --> 00:31:54.620 So, be clear here. 00:31:54.779 --> 00:31:56.579 It's not everything is persecution. 00:31:57.660 --> 00:32:08.880 But, I know of two people who had severe pressure to leave their jobs simply for Christian convictions. 00:32:09.059 --> 00:32:10.319 Like in Newcastle, we're talking. 00:32:10.319 --> 00:32:20.200 If that happens, you're blessed because it's happening because you belong to God. 00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:23.559 People are noticing the spirit of God on you. 00:32:25.899 --> 00:32:29.899 So, insults are actually turned into a reminder of who we are. 00:32:29.900 --> 00:32:36.360 We are weird because we've been taken out of the world and sent back in. 00:32:41.060 --> 00:32:44.519 Individuals in our society are lost, searching for who they are. 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:47.640 But, church, we know who we are. 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:48.640 We are weird. 00:32:49.400 --> 00:32:50.060 We are weird. 00:32:50.059 --> 00:33:01.039 Because we have such a high status in deep humility belonging to the people of God. 00:33:01.460 --> 00:33:02.639 And we are dangerous. 00:33:04.819 --> 00:33:06.879 Because we are saying there is a Lord. 00:33:08.940 --> 00:33:11.940 That will threaten anyone who thinks they are Lord. 00:33:13.299 --> 00:33:15.259 That is a dangerous teaching. 00:33:15.980 --> 00:33:18.579 Let's do it with gentleness and respect, we're told. 00:33:20.059 --> 00:33:24.599 When they speak against you as evildoers, may they see your good deeds. 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:31.079 And some will even glorify God voluntarily or they will glorify God when Jesus comes back. 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:39.779 Could I encourage you, when the boss inquires into a complaint made against you, 00:33:40.700 --> 00:33:46.720 make it really, like, make it so that they have to be so creative in firing you. 00:33:46.720 --> 00:33:54.819 Because you have just spent years devoted to the company and such good works that no one can say anything bad against you. 00:33:54.880 --> 00:33:56.660 Just make it as hard as possible. 00:33:56.819 --> 00:33:57.779 Make them be creative. 00:34:00.079 --> 00:34:04.500 So that the gospel is adorned by your conduct. 00:34:04.500 --> 00:34:13.059 We can rejoice in our living hope. 00:34:13.239 --> 00:34:19.280 We can rejoice we belong to God's people, Jesus' church. 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:28.980 And we can rejoice that God is using the fire for a very good reason, to refine our faith. 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:38.079 Like, our society's authentic self-gospel has very little to say about people in pain and suffering. 00:34:40.659 --> 00:34:43.039 There's very little positive to say about it. 00:34:43.159 --> 00:34:44.000 Not so the Christian. 00:34:44.159 --> 00:34:51.039 We have so much resources to think on to see a bigger perspective to our suffering and hardships. 00:34:51.039 --> 00:34:57.679 The Christian knows who the creator is and therefore nothing is outside his jurisdiction. 00:34:58.719 --> 00:35:02.360 Not a drop of suffering is wasted in God's economy. 00:35:04.139 --> 00:35:05.480 The suffering is limited. 00:35:06.360 --> 00:35:09.699 We're not alone in it because Christ suffered for us. 00:35:11.079 --> 00:35:16.619 We saw early in chapter 1 that God keeps us safe for our inheritance and he uses means. 00:35:16.619 --> 00:35:24.819 And then in verse 6 to 7, we hear part of that means is that in this you rejoice, the inheritance, 00:35:25.019 --> 00:35:29.119 and that you're kept safe to get it, though now for a little while, if necessary, 00:35:29.279 --> 00:35:31.599 you have been grieved by various trials. 00:35:32.799 --> 00:35:33.819 Here's the purpose of them. 00:35:33.940 --> 00:35:41.739 So that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, 00:35:41.739 --> 00:35:49.379 may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:35:50.339 --> 00:35:51.619 Picture that image. 00:35:51.979 --> 00:36:00.279 It is a furnace boiling away any impurity that is not a pleasant, I do not want to be in there, 00:36:00.399 --> 00:36:07.179 but God does put us there through various trials and he has a very good reason. 00:36:07.179 --> 00:36:11.519 It's to purify our faith. 00:36:12.579 --> 00:36:14.419 It's to keep us trusting him. 00:36:14.940 --> 00:36:23.839 It's to remove anything that gets in the way of trusting Jesus, any false hope we're placing our lives in. 00:36:26.299 --> 00:36:31.980 It's so that the testing here, by the way, the genuineness, I don't want anyone to be rattled by this. 00:36:31.980 --> 00:36:37.659 This word tested is saying God isn't unsure whether you're going to pass or not. 00:36:37.740 --> 00:36:40.780 This is like Job, the book of Job. 00:36:41.079 --> 00:36:42.320 God knows you're going to pass. 00:36:42.880 --> 00:36:47.780 This is to prove the genuineness of the faith that his gospel has produced in you. 00:36:49.179 --> 00:36:50.980 It's not to see if you pass or not. 00:36:51.139 --> 00:36:52.659 This is to go, this is to show it. 00:36:52.659 --> 00:37:03.179 When you trust Jesus, when he costs so much relationally, financially, you still trust him and love him, 00:37:03.879 --> 00:37:07.319 it makes him look amazing because he is amazing. 00:37:09.399 --> 00:37:11.899 It proves the genuineness of faith. 00:37:11.900 --> 00:37:17.440 And I think that's similar to what Peter is talking about in chapter 4, 00:37:17.559 --> 00:37:22.519 that it's time for judgment to begin at the household of God. 00:37:23.000 --> 00:37:24.059 4 verse 17. 00:37:26.860 --> 00:37:32.420 It can't be judgment in an absolute sense because Christ has borne our sins in his body on the tree. 00:37:32.420 --> 00:37:41.880 But Peter quotes Proverbs and he might have Ezekiel 9 and Malachi 3, the images and wording there, 00:37:42.420 --> 00:37:43.599 pick up those two passages. 00:37:43.960 --> 00:37:52.480 In both those passages, the picture is God begins his end of time judgment at his temple, at his people. 00:37:54.180 --> 00:37:58.500 And then he goes out into the unbelieving world. 00:37:59.960 --> 00:38:01.800 But there's two different purposes. 00:38:01.800 --> 00:38:07.280 It's for refinement, preparing us for glory for his church, for his temple. 00:38:07.920 --> 00:38:15.260 But wow, if it's that hard for his people, what is coming for those who don't obey the gospel? 00:38:17.700 --> 00:38:22.560 We should be in dread for what unbelievers are going to face. 00:38:26.120 --> 00:38:31.360 Understanding this just helps us step out and get a big picture of what's going on. 00:38:31.360 --> 00:38:37.559 It feels like all those with power are the ones lighting the fire. 00:38:37.780 --> 00:38:38.840 And they might be lighting the fire. 00:38:39.160 --> 00:38:43.000 But it's actually God using it for our good. 00:38:43.840 --> 00:38:44.800 He's in control. 00:38:46.019 --> 00:38:50.240 And he's doing it to purify us, make us holy, ready for glory. 00:38:50.239 --> 00:38:54.899 That's a great reason to rejoice. 00:38:55.439 --> 00:39:01.679 Have a thought, though, for those who are going to experience that fire, who aren't protected in Jesus. 00:39:02.719 --> 00:39:09.519 I think this pushes us to go, pray for those who persecute you. 00:39:09.519 --> 00:39:16.320 Which obviously our Lord did and many Christians have done in history. 00:39:16.320 --> 00:39:32.820 So how do we respond with joy and not fear? 00:39:32.980 --> 00:39:34.860 Well, we shouldn't be surprised. 00:39:37.440 --> 00:39:40.740 There's nothing new here at the hostility. 00:39:40.940 --> 00:39:41.860 Nothing new. 00:39:41.860 --> 00:39:46.220 Let's not be allured by what this world offers. 00:39:46.740 --> 00:39:48.820 Because we have such a great inheritance. 00:39:49.800 --> 00:39:51.320 And we're being kept safe for it. 00:39:52.120 --> 00:39:56.840 There's no reason to be ashamed of being associated with the church. 00:39:56.840 --> 00:40:04.340 If you go to the Christian lunchtime group, there's no reason to be ashamed of that. 00:40:05.079 --> 00:40:07.600 If you belong to the king. 00:40:10.400 --> 00:40:14.940 And we know that any trial, any drop of fiery trial, 00:40:17.440 --> 00:40:22.539 the people causing it aren't the ones ultimately in control. 00:40:22.820 --> 00:40:23.320 God is. 00:40:23.320 --> 00:40:26.920 He's using it for our good and the glory of his name. 00:40:28.600 --> 00:40:30.220 We can rest in that. 00:40:31.280 --> 00:40:34.380 We can even love his discipline. 00:40:35.280 --> 00:40:36.900 That's how we know he's loving us. 00:40:39.559 --> 00:40:41.480 So we've got lots to rejoice about. 00:40:41.480 --> 00:40:47.320 So let's not live in fear of building the wrong house. 00:40:49.639 --> 00:40:51.380 Let's not build a political kingdom. 00:40:52.079 --> 00:40:56.099 Let's not build this church by just trying to be relevant to society's values. 00:40:56.519 --> 00:40:59.719 Let's not just keep our head down and build your family home. 00:41:01.079 --> 00:41:02.320 Don't build those houses. 00:41:03.900 --> 00:41:05.199 We've got a different calling. 00:41:05.420 --> 00:41:06.380 We've got a different agenda. 00:41:06.380 --> 00:41:11.660 I've lost my pace. 00:41:11.740 --> 00:41:12.599 I'm into two people. 00:41:12.840 --> 00:41:13.500 I've got to go back. 00:41:15.160 --> 00:41:17.940 Our agenda is in verse 10. 00:41:19.519 --> 00:41:20.579 That's not going to help you. 00:41:20.700 --> 00:41:23.340 Chapter 2, verse 9. 00:41:23.420 --> 00:41:23.860 There it is. 00:41:24.720 --> 00:41:25.660 Chapter 2, verse 9. 00:41:25.659 --> 00:41:35.119 You're a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. 00:41:36.119 --> 00:41:37.119 Here's our calling. 00:41:37.119 --> 00:41:46.899 That you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 00:41:46.900 --> 00:41:53.360 Proclaiming our God's excellencies. 00:41:55.820 --> 00:42:06.980 We know here in the church what it is to have peace with God and true community based on mercy, created by mercy and characterised by mercy. 00:42:06.980 --> 00:42:15.079 We have a hope to proclaim to our world. 00:42:15.840 --> 00:42:20.300 We have a great saviour who's excellent. 00:42:21.740 --> 00:42:26.380 Let's not build up our walls to protect our church to be comfortable. 00:42:27.460 --> 00:42:33.400 Let's not do that because he's worthy of being proclaimed. 00:42:33.400 --> 00:42:42.180 Let's not create a religious monastery bunker where we are pure and we're just waiting for God's judgement like an atomic bomb to hit out there. 00:42:42.579 --> 00:42:47.380 Let's not do that because he is worthy of being proclaimed. 00:42:48.300 --> 00:42:50.619 He is worthy of sharing in his sufferings. 00:42:53.480 --> 00:42:58.460 His excellencies are worth proclaiming in words and by our conduct. 00:43:03.400 --> 00:43:05.400 His excellencies are worth proclaiming in words and by our conduct. 00:43:05.400 --> 00:43:06.400 His excellencies are worth proclaiming in words and by our conduct. 00:43:06.400 --> 00:43:07.400 His excellencies are worth proclaiming in words and by our conduct. 00:43:07.400 --> 00:43:16.059 Which means the greatest threat to our church fulfilling this calling, our high calling, isn't anything out in the world. 00:43:17.680 --> 00:43:18.920 That's not the greatest threat. 00:43:20.360 --> 00:43:31.880 The biggest threat is anything that gets in the way of my heart and my mind seeing the excellency of God and his salvation in Jesus. 00:43:31.880 --> 00:43:34.740 Anything that gets in the way of that. 00:43:35.300 --> 00:43:36.400 It's inside. 00:43:37.280 --> 00:43:38.579 That's where the battle is. 00:43:40.420 --> 00:43:45.559 Anything that gets in the way of seeing Jesus as truly worth it. 00:43:47.039 --> 00:43:48.119 He's my life. 00:43:48.200 --> 00:43:49.119 He's worth my all. 00:43:51.320 --> 00:43:52.460 That's the battleground. 00:43:52.460 --> 00:44:03.139 And it's only in the church, in the ministry of the church, that you're going to keep being reinforced, you and I, in the excellencies of God. 00:44:03.220 --> 00:44:04.460 Are you hearing it out in the world? 00:44:04.720 --> 00:44:05.199 I'm not. 00:44:06.019 --> 00:44:10.599 It's in the church that we go deeper in understanding him. 00:44:11.260 --> 00:44:13.500 In every person ministering to one another. 00:44:13.500 --> 00:44:20.400 Being refreshed to go back out into our week so that Jesus is honoured. 00:44:22.480 --> 00:44:32.199 It's as the church that the people of God, we display how good belonging to Jesus is. 00:44:32.199 --> 00:44:37.079 As we give a foretaste of the hope of heaven. 00:44:38.619 --> 00:44:40.539 The house we're called to build is a living one. 00:44:41.159 --> 00:44:42.960 The war is inside us. 00:44:43.500 --> 00:44:49.980 Any attitude that gets in the way of loving Jesus, the war is what characterises this community. 00:44:50.279 --> 00:44:52.980 Is it characterised by mercy and the love of Jesus? 00:44:52.980 --> 00:45:04.099 We can respond with joy, not fear, because our future hope is certain as he is alive. 00:45:05.699 --> 00:45:12.340 We have no reason to be ashamed but honoured that we belong to the name of Jesus. 00:45:13.480 --> 00:45:17.740 And we know that he's got good purposes, even when the trials come. 00:45:17.739 --> 00:45:23.559 So let's be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have. 00:45:24.239 --> 00:45:29.279 Because our world needs hope. 00:45:32.179 --> 00:45:34.239 Let me leave you just with a question. 00:45:34.599 --> 00:45:35.959 Which house are you building? 00:45:38.099 --> 00:45:38.699 Well, let's pray. 00:45:38.699 --> 00:45:57.579 Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to us even when we rejected you and wanted you out of our lives. 00:45:58.460 --> 00:46:03.960 You pursued each one of us to bring us to know yourself. 00:46:04.960 --> 00:46:07.179 To bring us into this glorious inheritance. 00:46:07.179 --> 00:46:15.019 And thank you for your humility in becoming like a man and being a servant. 00:46:16.139 --> 00:46:20.179 Being a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. 00:46:21.279 --> 00:46:26.139 Even going to the cross for our sake. 00:46:27.079 --> 00:46:31.359 Lord, fill us, your people, with your spirit. 00:46:32.219 --> 00:46:34.000 We know you have given us your spirit. 00:46:34.000 --> 00:46:35.340 Just top us up. 00:46:36.260 --> 00:46:37.179 Fill us up. 00:46:37.480 --> 00:46:43.079 So that we might see how excellent you really are. 00:46:43.539 --> 00:46:45.500 And not be taken in by this world. 00:46:45.739 --> 00:46:48.539 But proclaim you to this world. 00:46:49.179 --> 00:46:53.599 So that you might be honoured and people brought into a living hope. 00:46:54.400 --> 00:46:55.420 In Jesus' name. 00:46:55.760 --> 00:46:56.059 Amen. 00:46:56.059 --> 00:46:56.179 Amen. 00:46:56.179 --> 00:46:57.019 Amen. 00:46:57.019 --> 00:46:57.579 Amen. 00:46:57.579 --> 00:46:58.119 Amen. 00:46:58.119 --> 00:46:58.639 Amen. 00:46:58.940 --> 00:46:59.440 Amen. 00:46:59.440 --> 00:46:59.799 Amen. 00:46:59.799 --> 00:47:03.919 Amen. 00:47:09.339 --> 00:47:09.460 Amen. 00:47:09.719 --> 00:47:10.339 Amen. 00:47:10.339 --> 00:47:10.960 Amen. 00:47:10.960 --> 00:47:11.819 Amen. 00:47:11.819 --> 00:47:12.039 Amen. 00:47:12.039 --> 00:47:12.859 Amen. 00:47:12.960 --> 00:47:13.219 Amen. 00:47:13.219 --> 00:47:13.579 Amen. 00:47:13.579 --> 00:47:13.679 Amen. 00:47:13.679 --> 00:47:14.039 Amen. 00:47:14.039 --> 00:47:15.099 Amen. 00:47:15.099 --> 00:47:15.579 Amen. 00:47:15.579 --> 00:47:17.759 Amen. 00:47:17.779 --> 00:47:18.099 Achan. 00:47:18.099 --> 00:47:18.739 Amen. 00:47:18.739 --> 00:47:19.899 Amen. 00:47:19.899 --> 00:47:20.759 Amen. 00:47:20.759 --> 00:47:21.960 Amen. 00:47:21.960 --> 00:47:22.379 Amen. 00:47:22.519 --> 00:47:22.679 Amen. 00:47:22.679 --> 00:47:22.779 Amen. 00:47:22.779 --> 00:47:23.039 Amen. 00:47:23.039 --> 00:47:23.199 Amen. 00:47:23.199 --> 00:47:23.699 Amen. 00:47:23.699 --> 00:47:23.739 Amen. 00:47:23.739 --> 00:47:24.159 Amen. 00:47:24.199 --> 00:47:24.319 Amen. 00:47:24.319 --> 00:47:24.699 Amen. 00:47:24.699 --> 00:47:25.099 Amen. 00:47:25.099 --> 00:47:25.219 Amen. 00:47:25.219 --> 00:47:25.639 Amen. 00:47:25.639 --> 00:47:25.699 Amen.