WEBVTT 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:05.560 Okay, let's grab our seats and we're going to spend a few minutes in prayer. 00:00:06.600 --> 00:00:11.480 If you are new to Watermark, one of the things we love to do as a church family is to pray. 00:00:12.099 --> 00:00:16.019 And so every Sunday we take a few minutes to pray. 00:00:16.420 --> 00:00:22.019 And we often pray for ourselves and we often pray for another church outside of ourselves. 00:00:22.160 --> 00:00:25.100 Sometimes a church in Hong Kong, sometimes a church elsewhere. 00:00:25.980 --> 00:00:27.859 Julie, I wonder if we can get this slide up. 00:00:27.859 --> 00:00:30.039 I want to introduce this family to you. 00:00:30.399 --> 00:00:36.219 This is Sujith and Cheryl Jacob with their children, their three children. 00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:40.240 And I met Sujith and Cheryl two weeks ago in Taiwan. 00:00:40.820 --> 00:00:47.879 These guys are originally from India and they have been living in Oklahoma City for the last 20 years or so. 00:00:48.359 --> 00:00:53.219 And they are about to move back to India to go and start a new church in Mumbai in December. 00:00:53.219 --> 00:00:59.399 And so they are getting ready and organizing a team and a bunch of people to move to India with them to start a church. 00:00:59.859 --> 00:01:03.079 And so we are going to pray for Sujith and Cheryl a little later. 00:01:03.619 --> 00:01:06.640 And so as we pray, I am going to be praying over the microphone. 00:01:06.859 --> 00:01:08.319 But I want to encourage you to pray with me. 00:01:08.480 --> 00:01:10.180 Join with me and agree. 00:01:10.400 --> 00:01:12.039 And under your breath you pray as well. 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:14.239 So this isn't just me praying and you listening. 00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:16.560 This is us as a church praying together. 00:01:16.819 --> 00:01:17.039 Okay? 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:18.140 Can we do that? 00:01:18.140 --> 00:01:18.579 Great. 00:01:18.799 --> 00:01:19.239 Great. 00:01:19.719 --> 00:01:24.040 So why don't you join me and let's pray together. 00:01:27.920 --> 00:01:35.560 Gracious and wonderful Father, we come before you this morning to worship you and to adore you, God. 00:01:35.599 --> 00:01:38.780 We've come to acknowledge that there's nobody like you. 00:01:39.120 --> 00:01:41.960 There's nothing like you, God, in all creation as we said. 00:01:42.740 --> 00:01:45.319 God, there's nobody as glorious as you. 00:01:45.819 --> 00:01:47.480 There's no one as holy as you. 00:01:48.160 --> 00:01:51.180 There's no one as merciful and gracious, God. 00:01:52.420 --> 00:01:57.000 And Father, we come not because we've got it all together, but we come just as we are. 00:01:57.719 --> 00:01:58.520 We come broken. 00:01:58.700 --> 00:02:00.719 We come with our issues and our hang-ups. 00:02:01.420 --> 00:02:08.680 And yet we've come to meet the glorious one and to find our rest in you, to find our hope in you, to find our peace in you. 00:02:09.980 --> 00:02:12.640 Father, won't you open our eyes to see you more clearly? 00:02:13.580 --> 00:02:16.340 Father, as a church family, we want to know you deeply. 00:02:16.340 --> 00:02:20.719 We want to know your manifold dimensions, God. 00:02:20.759 --> 00:02:23.319 We want to know the depth of your characteristics. 00:02:23.599 --> 00:02:25.620 And so, Father, won't you open our eyes to see you? 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:28.719 God, we don't just want to know you superficially. 00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:33.560 We want to continually grow in awe of you and be amazed by you. 00:02:33.560 --> 00:02:40.159 Father, I pray that we won't just be a worshiping community on Sundays, but throughout this week, God. 00:02:40.620 --> 00:02:45.659 Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday, and as we go to work and as we go to school and university. 00:02:46.400 --> 00:02:48.259 Father, won't we be a worshiping community? 00:02:48.479 --> 00:02:49.020 We pray, God. 00:02:49.060 --> 00:02:52.199 We pray that you'll be first and foremost in our hearts and in our lives. 00:02:52.199 --> 00:02:57.179 Father, won't you show us your glory, we pray. 00:02:58.299 --> 00:03:00.199 We want to see your majesty, God. 00:03:01.359 --> 00:03:06.060 Father, this morning we confess that our hearts, God, are so often turned in on ourselves. 00:03:06.759 --> 00:03:09.799 Often our hearts are more inward focused than we like to admit. 00:03:09.800 --> 00:03:14.400 And, Father, if we are honest, we are often motivated by pride or unbelief. 00:03:15.100 --> 00:03:17.740 God, we get frustrated when things don't go our way. 00:03:17.920 --> 00:03:20.300 And it's because our hearts are turned in on ourselves. 00:03:20.480 --> 00:03:23.439 Lord, we confess this to you and we ask you to forgive us. 00:03:23.880 --> 00:03:25.520 And we ask you to change us. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:29.660 God, won't you soften our hearts and orientate our hearts towards you? 00:03:30.480 --> 00:03:33.840 God, we want to love the things that you love and we want to love them correctly. 00:03:35.320 --> 00:03:36.680 Help us, we pray, God. 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:42.460 Father, we are often fearful and anxious because we trust ourselves more than you. 00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:43.920 Won't you help us to trust you? 00:03:45.800 --> 00:03:49.980 Father, this morning we pray for Chris and Fiona and the team in Turkey. 00:03:50.240 --> 00:03:53.460 Their last few days there, we pray for their safety and their protection. 00:03:54.200 --> 00:03:56.140 And just as they're coming towards the end of their trip, 00:03:56.240 --> 00:03:58.480 won't you continue to speak to them from your word? 00:03:58.960 --> 00:04:00.580 I pray your scriptures will come alive. 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:03.020 God, won't you reveal more of yourself to each one of them? 00:04:03.280 --> 00:04:06.140 And we pray, God, that they do come back to Hong Kong safely. 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:12.299 We pray for no hang-ups or issues or traveling frustrations, but that everything will go well. 00:04:12.539 --> 00:04:15.799 Bring them back safely, we pray, Father, in these last few days. 00:04:16.459 --> 00:04:22.099 And this morning, God, we want to pray for Sujith and Cheryl as they look to plant Cornerstone Church in Mumbai. 00:04:22.479 --> 00:04:29.120 Father, thank you for their faith and their courage to move across the world to this unknown city for both of them 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:30.919 and to start this new church. 00:04:31.360 --> 00:04:33.259 And we pray, God, that you give them courage. 00:04:33.259 --> 00:04:34.719 We pray for boldness, Lord. 00:04:34.759 --> 00:04:37.620 We pray, Father, that you strengthen their faith. 00:04:38.099 --> 00:04:41.980 When they feel like they can't do it, may they remember that you, God, can do it. 00:04:42.539 --> 00:04:46.579 God, we pray for their kids and for visas and logistics around the move. 00:04:46.719 --> 00:04:48.259 We pray, God, for finances. 00:04:48.459 --> 00:04:52.779 Won't you give them the necessary finances to make the move and to start up this church? 00:04:52.779 --> 00:04:54.979 And we pray for the core team, God. 00:04:55.059 --> 00:05:03.299 We pray for some people to go with them to help them start this church and to see a thriving church in Mumbai that will reach people for you. 00:05:03.799 --> 00:05:09.559 God, we pray that you prepare their own hearts for the challenges that are no doubt coming their way, for the difficulties. 00:05:10.259 --> 00:05:11.599 Lord, I want you to draw near to them. 00:05:11.679 --> 00:05:15.659 And so I really pray that you wash Sujith and Cheryl in the gospel, God. 00:05:15.660 --> 00:05:20.360 May they know that their deepest treasure is in you and not in the things of this world. 00:05:21.840 --> 00:05:29.560 Father, then finally this morning we want to pray for Hong Kong and for our own leadership here, our civil leaders. 00:05:30.380 --> 00:05:35.540 Father, we're aware of what happened in the legislature and the council yesterday. 00:05:36.180 --> 00:05:40.420 God, we understand that as laws are being passed, these are complex issues. 00:05:40.420 --> 00:05:44.480 And there are people on many different sides trying to push for their agenda. 00:05:44.699 --> 00:05:46.400 God, we do pray for soft hearts. 00:05:47.060 --> 00:05:48.020 We pray for wisdom. 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:55.460 And, Lord, we pray that above all that every lawmaker will seek the best for Hong Kong and not for themselves, God. 00:05:55.840 --> 00:06:01.319 We pray for our civil leaders that they really will be servants of the city of Hong Kong and the people of Hong Kong, God. 00:06:01.540 --> 00:06:06.200 We pray that they will seek to serve the city and not their own agendas, we pray. 00:06:06.199 --> 00:06:11.479 And so, God, as these things in the next few weeks get heated, we pray for wisdom. 00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:12.719 We pray for soft hearts. 00:06:13.139 --> 00:06:15.379 And we pray for you, God, to even be involved there. 00:06:15.699 --> 00:06:18.560 We pray all these things in your wonderful and powerful name. 00:06:19.259 --> 00:06:19.519 Amen. 00:06:20.439 --> 00:06:20.839 Amen. 00:06:21.060 --> 00:06:21.240 Great. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:23.459 Let's listen to the reading of God's word. 00:06:23.639 --> 00:06:26.779 And then Ed is going to come and share the scriptures with us this morning. 00:06:26.779 --> 00:06:38.719 The scripture reading comes from 1 Timothy chapter 6. 00:06:39.299 --> 00:06:42.839 Please follow along in your bulletins or on the screen. 00:06:42.839 --> 00:06:43.839 Amen. 00:06:43.839 --> 00:06:44.839 Amen. 00:06:44.839 --> 00:06:45.839 Amen. 00:06:45.839 --> 00:06:46.279 Amen. 00:06:46.279 --> 00:06:46.839 Amen. 00:06:46.839 --> 00:06:47.839 Amen. 00:06:47.839 --> 00:06:48.439 Amen. 00:06:48.439 --> 00:06:51.599 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 00:06:52.599 --> 00:06:57.959 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:03.639 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 00:07:03.639 --> 00:07:13.399 For those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desire 00:07:13.399 --> 00:07:16.139 that plunk people into ruin and destruction. 00:07:17.180 --> 00:07:21.199 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 00:07:22.519 --> 00:07:29.879 Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grifts. 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:40.259 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:49.860 which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 00:07:51.420 --> 00:07:57.379 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 00:07:57.379 --> 00:08:05.300 In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, 00:08:05.899 --> 00:08:11.159 so that they may take hold of the life that is fully life. 00:08:11.719 --> 00:08:13.560 This is the Word of God. 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:22.939 Oh, great. 00:08:27.379 --> 00:08:33.360 Well, first of all, I want to just wish all the mothers another Happy Mother's Day. 00:08:33.460 --> 00:08:35.000 My mom is just right here now. 00:08:36.059 --> 00:08:38.639 You guys are really—thank you, Mom. 00:08:39.480 --> 00:08:43.500 You guys are really the unsung heroes of the family, so Happy Mother's Day. 00:08:44.700 --> 00:08:48.879 Today, we are going to be continuing this sermon series on money. 00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:55.740 Now, two weeks ago, Kevin preached about you cannot love both God and money, 00:08:56.100 --> 00:08:59.120 for where your treasure is, there your heart is also. 00:08:59.799 --> 00:09:01.939 Last week, Oscar was preaching, 00:09:02.779 --> 00:09:06.279 be on your guard against greed and be rich to God. 00:09:07.500 --> 00:09:12.080 I was very challenged by Oscar's sermon last week. 00:09:12.080 --> 00:09:14.259 I asked the Holy Spirit, 00:09:15.259 --> 00:09:16.900 Am I rich to you? 00:09:17.420 --> 00:09:18.639 Am I rich to God? 00:09:19.580 --> 00:09:20.580 Am I generous? 00:09:21.100 --> 00:09:24.259 Do I really sacrificially give to God? 00:09:24.820 --> 00:09:26.860 And the Holy Spirit was very convicting. 00:09:27.580 --> 00:09:27.920 He says, 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:30.639 Ed, you receive your paycheck. 00:09:31.420 --> 00:09:33.200 You pay for school tuitions. 00:09:33.340 --> 00:09:36.500 You pay for rent for the apartment. 00:09:36.500 --> 00:09:38.799 You pay for your fixed expenses, 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:40.120 discretionary expenses, 00:09:40.379 --> 00:09:42.980 and you have a line item for charitable donations. 00:09:44.240 --> 00:09:47.059 But the rest, after you pay for all those things, 00:09:47.659 --> 00:09:48.779 you keep for yourself. 00:09:49.460 --> 00:09:50.980 You put it into your nest egg. 00:09:52.399 --> 00:09:53.960 What would it look like 00:09:53.960 --> 00:09:56.659 if you shared that excess with me? 00:09:57.340 --> 00:09:58.759 What would it look like 00:09:58.759 --> 00:10:01.740 if you gave me 50% of that excess? 00:10:01.879 --> 00:10:03.200 Because it's my money anyway. 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:05.679 To tell you the truth, 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:07.000 I'm still struggling with that. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:12.079 Because money has such a big grasp in my heart. 00:10:12.839 --> 00:10:14.699 And so it's very topical today. 00:10:14.959 --> 00:10:17.259 That's exactly what we're going to be talking about. 00:10:18.279 --> 00:10:22.019 Now, today's passage is from Timothy. 00:10:22.219 --> 00:10:23.519 And just a little bit of background. 00:10:24.319 --> 00:10:26.239 It's the Apostle Paul writing to Timothy. 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:28.159 And he says, 00:10:29.159 --> 00:10:31.799 Timothy is overseeing the Church of Ephesus. 00:10:32.299 --> 00:10:34.879 And one of the problems of the Church of Ephesus 00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:35.700 that was emerging 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:37.980 was that there was emergence of teachers 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:39.740 that were teaching false doctrines. 00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:42.639 And some teachers were even using 00:10:42.639 --> 00:10:44.100 their religious positions 00:10:44.100 --> 00:10:46.179 to gain wealth for themselves. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:48.899 And so the Apostle Paul 00:10:48.899 --> 00:10:50.639 is basically warning the Church, 00:10:51.200 --> 00:10:52.539 be on your guard against greed, 00:10:52.700 --> 00:10:53.939 don't fall in love with money, 00:10:54.279 --> 00:10:56.379 and pursue a life that is truly wealth. 00:10:56.379 --> 00:11:00.179 Why don't we go to the next slide? 00:11:00.259 --> 00:11:02.399 I have a slide on the first, 00:11:02.620 --> 00:11:04.320 the two points that we're going to be addressing. 00:11:05.220 --> 00:11:07.080 I think the next one after this. 00:11:07.659 --> 00:11:09.879 So three points that we're going to be talking about today. 00:11:11.059 --> 00:11:11.919 Christ's commitment, 00:11:12.080 --> 00:11:13.179 we're going to define that, 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:14.039 and the folly, 00:11:14.840 --> 00:11:16.980 the foolishness of pursuing riches. 00:11:17.200 --> 00:11:18.759 We're going to be talking about 00:11:18.759 --> 00:11:20.440 your God-given wealth, 00:11:20.440 --> 00:11:20.500 wealth, 00:11:20.980 --> 00:11:23.540 and how that entails kingdom responsibilities, 00:11:23.540 --> 00:11:26.420 and the enemy's deception and plans 00:11:26.420 --> 00:11:28.120 to prevent you from living a life 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:29.040 that is truly life. 00:11:30.880 --> 00:11:31.760 First point, 00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:35.360 but godliness with contentment 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:36.259 is great gain. 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:37.259 Now, 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:38.639 many of us in Hong Kong 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:39.759 are looking for contentment 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:40.939 in all sorts of things. 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:42.700 We've been told 00:11:42.700 --> 00:11:43.639 that it can be found 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:44.600 in what we have. 00:11:44.939 --> 00:11:45.720 We've been told 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:46.639 that it can be found 00:11:46.639 --> 00:11:47.460 in the experiences, 00:11:47.720 --> 00:11:48.319 maybe travel. 00:11:48.580 --> 00:11:49.980 The latest thing is, 00:11:50.919 --> 00:11:52.399 the latest New Age thing 00:11:52.399 --> 00:11:53.539 is mindfulness. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:57.740 Mindfulness. 00:11:58.740 --> 00:12:00.539 But the Apostle Paul tells us 00:12:00.539 --> 00:12:02.459 the truest form of contentment 00:12:02.459 --> 00:12:03.659 cannot be found 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:04.360 in those things, 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:05.599 but only found 00:12:05.599 --> 00:12:07.659 in the person of Christ. 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:09.759 Jesus introduces 00:12:09.759 --> 00:12:11.419 the concept of Christ's contentment, 00:12:11.539 --> 00:12:12.980 basically contentment, 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:14.299 godliness with contentment, 00:12:14.339 --> 00:12:15.439 or contentment in God, 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:17.579 which is external, 00:12:18.179 --> 00:12:19.019 which is independent 00:12:19.019 --> 00:12:20.599 of external circumstances, 00:12:21.539 --> 00:12:23.099 but based on 00:12:23.099 --> 00:12:24.360 our relationship with God, 00:12:24.459 --> 00:12:25.719 contentment that is found 00:12:25.719 --> 00:12:27.179 in our relationship with God. 00:12:27.959 --> 00:12:28.159 Now, 00:12:28.279 --> 00:12:29.699 Paul summarizes this concept 00:12:29.700 --> 00:12:31.780 very well in Philippians 4.11, 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:33.320 where he says, 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:35.180 I have learned 00:12:35.180 --> 00:12:36.440 the secret of being content 00:12:36.440 --> 00:12:38.020 in every situation, 00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:39.360 whether well-fed or hungry, 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:40.879 whether living in plenty 00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:41.400 or in want. 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:43.160 I can do all this 00:12:43.160 --> 00:12:43.640 through him 00:12:43.640 --> 00:12:44.600 who gives me strength. 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:47.080 Paul is basically saying, 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:49.840 when Christ is your everything, 00:12:50.400 --> 00:12:51.560 everything else 00:12:51.560 --> 00:12:52.720 are little things. 00:12:53.080 --> 00:12:54.200 It doesn't really matter 00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:55.640 whether you're richer or poor. 00:12:56.440 --> 00:12:57.759 The external circumstances 00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:59.100 don't really matter. 00:12:59.860 --> 00:13:00.639 For the Christian, 00:13:01.299 --> 00:13:02.000 Jesus Christ 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:03.080 defines everything 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:03.899 in our lives. 00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:06.139 And that is why 00:13:06.139 --> 00:13:06.700 Paul says 00:13:06.700 --> 00:13:08.019 that's great spiritual gain, 00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:09.319 because our souls 00:13:09.319 --> 00:13:10.519 can actually rest in him. 00:13:11.259 --> 00:13:11.960 For the Christian, 00:13:12.840 --> 00:13:13.700 Christ defines 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:14.559 our identity. 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:16.519 It says in John 1.12, 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:16.779 it says, 00:13:16.879 --> 00:13:18.120 yet to all who receive him 00:13:18.120 --> 00:13:19.679 and who put their faith in him, 00:13:19.980 --> 00:13:20.639 you have the right 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:21.860 to be called children of God. 00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:23.879 You are a child of God. 00:13:23.879 --> 00:13:24.799 When your identity 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:26.299 is a child of God, 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:28.019 you don't have to be defined 00:13:28.019 --> 00:13:29.460 by social media, 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:30.939 how much you make, 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:31.779 your achievements, 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:33.779 even how you look. 00:13:35.279 --> 00:13:36.500 You are lovely 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:38.539 and perfectly loved 00:13:38.539 --> 00:13:40.120 as a child of God. 00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:42.639 Christ defines our purpose. 00:13:43.700 --> 00:13:45.220 Our purpose is much, 00:13:45.580 --> 00:13:46.620 he gives us a purpose 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:47.480 that is much greater 00:13:47.480 --> 00:13:48.899 than just living the good life. 00:13:50.259 --> 00:13:50.799 Christ says, 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:52.419 love others, 00:13:52.419 --> 00:13:53.879 love God and love others, 00:13:53.939 --> 00:13:54.799 and that's your purpose. 00:13:55.299 --> 00:13:56.059 And join in my 00:13:56.059 --> 00:13:57.199 kingdom redemption plan. 00:13:57.639 --> 00:13:58.319 And we'll be talking 00:13:58.319 --> 00:13:59.459 a little bit about that later. 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:02.179 Christ also defines love. 00:14:03.899 --> 00:14:05.179 The standard of love 00:14:05.179 --> 00:14:06.000 in which we're called 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:07.240 to love others 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:08.719 is defined by Christ. 00:14:09.339 --> 00:14:10.339 It's defined by 00:14:10.339 --> 00:14:11.659 the creator of this world 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:12.639 coming down 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:14.299 and dying for his creation. 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:16.439 That's the standard of love, 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:17.139 and that defines 00:14:17.139 --> 00:14:18.039 how we love others. 00:14:18.659 --> 00:14:20.259 And it also gives us 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:20.899 great freedom. 00:14:20.899 --> 00:14:20.980 freedom. 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:24.360 Because in each of us, 00:14:24.439 --> 00:14:25.600 there is darkness 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:26.259 in our hearts. 00:14:26.519 --> 00:14:27.079 There are things 00:14:27.079 --> 00:14:27.699 that we have done 00:14:27.699 --> 00:14:28.720 or thoughts that we have 00:14:28.720 --> 00:14:29.679 that we're not proud of. 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:32.379 But God says, 00:14:32.919 --> 00:14:33.399 Jesus says, 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:34.399 if you repent to me, 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:35.799 there is no guilt, 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:36.879 there is no condemnation. 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:39.120 There's no condemnation 00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:39.699 in Christ. 00:14:40.179 --> 00:14:41.459 And so you are free. 00:14:43.079 --> 00:14:44.139 When we accept Jesus 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:44.899 into our lives, 00:14:44.899 --> 00:14:48.799 our souls do not have 00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:49.679 to bounce around 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:50.879 looking for meaning, 00:14:51.079 --> 00:14:52.059 looking for significance. 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:54.299 Our souls do not have 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:54.899 to be affected 00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:56.439 by the external circumstances, 00:14:56.439 --> 00:14:57.600 whether we got 00:14:57.600 --> 00:14:58.740 that paycheck rise 00:14:58.740 --> 00:14:59.399 or we didn't. 00:15:00.819 --> 00:15:02.179 Everything becomes defined 00:15:02.179 --> 00:15:03.759 and centrally tethered 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.659 to Christ. 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:06.699 And that is what Paul means 00:15:06.699 --> 00:15:07.879 by spiritual gain. 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:09.539 That is great spiritual gain. 00:15:10.539 --> 00:15:10.939 Now, 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:11.939 the implication 00:15:11.939 --> 00:15:13.519 of Christ's contentment 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:15.379 is that we're called 00:15:15.379 --> 00:15:16.379 to be also content 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:17.959 with our material things. 00:15:18.199 --> 00:15:19.099 So we're moving on. 00:15:19.939 --> 00:15:20.480 Paul says, 00:15:20.579 --> 00:15:21.399 for we brought nothing 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:22.000 into the world 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:22.919 and we can take nothing 00:15:22.919 --> 00:15:23.399 out of it. 00:15:23.579 --> 00:15:24.519 But if we have food 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:25.159 and clothing, 00:15:25.399 --> 00:15:26.299 we should be content 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:26.839 with that. 00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:29.459 God's key concern 00:15:29.459 --> 00:15:30.599 is that we don't fall 00:15:30.599 --> 00:15:31.519 in love with the things 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:32.059 of this world 00:15:32.059 --> 00:15:33.099 that would distract you. 00:15:34.099 --> 00:15:35.959 He knows how material things 00:15:35.959 --> 00:15:36.799 could have a sway 00:15:36.799 --> 00:15:37.539 in our hearts 00:15:37.539 --> 00:15:38.919 and he wants our hearts 00:15:38.919 --> 00:15:39.879 to be tethered to him 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:40.439 and him alone. 00:15:41.319 --> 00:15:42.219 He even is also 00:15:42.219 --> 00:15:43.120 very clearly stated 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:43.740 throughout the book 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:45.120 of the Bible 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:47.279 and even in Deuteronomy 8 00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:47.899 where I think 00:15:47.899 --> 00:15:48.740 very, very clearly 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:49.839 God speaks to Moses. 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:50.259 He says, 00:15:50.959 --> 00:15:52.279 be careful that you do not 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:53.399 forget the Lord your God. 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:54.139 Otherwise, 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:54.980 when you eat 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:55.779 and are satisfied, 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:56.579 when you build 00:15:56.579 --> 00:15:57.459 the fine houses 00:15:57.459 --> 00:15:58.219 and settle down, 00:15:58.539 --> 00:15:59.480 and when your herds 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:00.620 and flocks grow large, 00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:01.860 your silver and gold 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:02.860 increase and all of you 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:03.459 have multiplied, 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:04.699 then your heart 00:16:04.699 --> 00:16:05.519 will become proud 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:06.539 and you will forget 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:07.500 the Lord your God. 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:09.519 Now, 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:10.459 Paul's argument 00:16:10.459 --> 00:16:11.419 for why we shouldn't 00:16:11.419 --> 00:16:11.919 fall in love 00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:14.459 with the material things 00:16:14.459 --> 00:16:15.079 of this earth 00:16:15.079 --> 00:16:17.299 is slightly different 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:18.759 from the past couple weeks. 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:19.740 He's saying, 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:23.240 this earth 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:24.199 is not our home. 00:16:25.079 --> 00:16:25.679 This earth 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:27.299 is not our final destination. 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:28.559 We are souls 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:29.620 created for eternity. 00:16:30.079 --> 00:16:30.699 Our life here 00:16:30.699 --> 00:16:31.500 is just this much 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:32.379 or even this much. 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:33.779 And so, 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:34.799 there is folly 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:35.699 and foolishness 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:37.080 in trying to accumulate 00:16:37.080 --> 00:16:38.420 stuff for this world 00:16:38.420 --> 00:16:39.879 during our time here. 00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:42.020 In Philippians 3, 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:42.379 it says, 00:16:42.580 --> 00:16:43.420 but we are citizens 00:16:43.420 --> 00:16:44.140 of heaven. 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:46.240 And in 2 Peter, 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:46.620 it says, 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:47.800 we are looking forward 00:16:47.800 --> 00:16:48.600 to the new heaven 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:49.300 and the new earth 00:16:49.300 --> 00:16:50.020 he has promised, 00:16:50.640 --> 00:16:51.520 a world filled 00:16:51.520 --> 00:16:52.540 with God's righteousness. 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:52.659 happiness. 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:55.059 When a wealthy woman 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:55.879 died, 00:16:56.199 --> 00:16:57.259 a very wealthy woman 00:16:57.259 --> 00:16:57.559 died, 00:16:58.059 --> 00:16:59.179 one of the attendees 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:00.719 in the ceremony 00:17:00.719 --> 00:17:01.579 at her funeral 00:17:01.579 --> 00:17:04.220 asked the minister, 00:17:04.659 --> 00:17:05.680 how much did she leave 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:06.059 behind? 00:17:06.839 --> 00:17:08.079 The minister answered, 00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:09.259 everything. 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:11.940 That's how much 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:12.480 you're going to bring 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:13.779 to your next stage. 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:14.759 You're not going to 00:17:14.759 --> 00:17:15.619 take anything with you. 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:16.339 You're going to leave 00:17:16.339 --> 00:17:17.720 behind everything. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.559 And God's desire 00:17:19.559 --> 00:17:20.299 is for us to have 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:21.019 a love relationship 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:21.579 with Jesus 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:22.819 that is not distracted 00:17:22.819 --> 00:17:23.460 by wealth. 00:17:25.339 --> 00:17:25.740 Indeed, 00:17:25.880 --> 00:17:26.740 if we have the basic 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:27.440 necessities, 00:17:27.799 --> 00:17:28.120 clothing, 00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:28.640 shelter, 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:30.740 we are called 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:31.480 to be content. 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:32.839 Our true treasure 00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:34.059 is Jesus 00:17:34.059 --> 00:17:35.160 who leads us 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:36.559 to take hold 00:17:36.559 --> 00:17:37.120 of a life 00:17:37.120 --> 00:17:38.180 that is truly life. 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:41.360 Paul continues on. 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:41.980 Again, 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:42.480 he goes on 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.940 and commands 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:45.620 those who are rich. 00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:48.299 he says, 00:17:48.459 --> 00:17:48.899 command those 00:17:48.899 --> 00:17:49.359 who are rich 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:50.399 in this present world 00:17:50.399 --> 00:17:51.959 to not be greedy 00:17:51.959 --> 00:17:52.979 and to not hope 00:17:52.979 --> 00:17:55.819 in things 00:17:55.819 --> 00:17:56.399 that are uncertain, 00:17:57.659 --> 00:17:59.099 but to do good 00:17:59.099 --> 00:18:00.379 and be rich 00:18:00.379 --> 00:18:01.139 in good deeds, 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:02.099 to be generous 00:18:02.099 --> 00:18:02.759 and to share 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.319 with others. 00:18:04.719 --> 00:18:05.859 The basic premise 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:07.319 here is that 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.739 there is kingdom 00:18:08.739 --> 00:18:09.599 responsibility 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:11.539 with having received 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:12.859 God's given possessions. 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:14.819 In Luke 12, 48, 00:18:14.979 --> 00:18:15.279 it says, 00:18:15.619 --> 00:18:16.199 From everyone 00:18:16.199 --> 00:18:17.459 who has been given much, 00:18:17.559 --> 00:18:19.259 much will be demanded. 00:18:20.179 --> 00:18:20.919 From anyone 00:18:20.919 --> 00:18:21.879 who has been entrusted 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:23.000 with much, 00:18:23.099 --> 00:18:24.119 much will be asked. 00:18:25.179 --> 00:18:26.699 This is also reaffirmed 00:18:26.699 --> 00:18:27.619 in the parable, 00:18:28.139 --> 00:18:29.119 in Matthew 25, 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:29.919 in the parable 00:18:29.919 --> 00:18:30.679 of the talents. 00:18:33.959 --> 00:18:34.799 I'm going to spend 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.679 a little bit of time here. 00:18:37.299 --> 00:18:37.919 In the parable 00:18:37.919 --> 00:18:38.519 of the talents, 00:18:39.479 --> 00:18:40.259 a master 00:18:40.259 --> 00:18:41.279 was going to go away 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:41.779 for a very, 00:18:41.879 --> 00:18:42.619 very long time. 00:18:42.619 --> 00:18:44.819 And he had three servants 00:18:44.819 --> 00:18:45.559 and he was going to 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:47.039 entrust the talents 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:47.659 that he had 00:18:47.659 --> 00:18:48.359 or talents 00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:48.859 are basically 00:18:48.859 --> 00:18:49.539 bag of gold. 00:18:49.879 --> 00:18:50.939 Different bags of gold 00:18:50.939 --> 00:18:54.139 to his various servants. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:55.879 To the first servant, 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:57.000 according to their abilities. 00:18:57.559 --> 00:18:57.679 Now, 00:18:57.719 --> 00:18:58.319 to the first servant, 00:18:58.399 --> 00:18:59.079 he gives five. 00:18:59.219 --> 00:18:59.959 To the second servant, 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:00.539 he gives two. 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.519 To the third servant, 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:02.259 he gives one. 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:03.500 Now, 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:04.619 after a very long time, 00:19:04.659 --> 00:19:05.699 after he comes back, 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:08.360 the first servant 00:19:08.360 --> 00:19:09.380 that had five talents 00:19:09.380 --> 00:19:09.779 said, 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:12.000 I invested your talents 00:19:12.000 --> 00:19:12.180 well, 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:12.840 your bag of gold. 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:14.559 Now I have five more. 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:15.220 Ten. 00:19:16.059 --> 00:19:16.180 So, 00:19:16.340 --> 00:19:16.680 thank you. 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:18.100 Here you go, 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:18.460 master. 00:19:18.860 --> 00:19:19.840 And the master says, 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:21.360 good and faithful servant. 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:23.799 You have been faithful 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:24.539 over a little. 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.480 I will give you much more. 00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:27.819 Come and enjoy 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:29.500 the joy of your master. 00:19:31.120 --> 00:19:32.059 The second servant 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:32.940 comes and says, 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:33.980 master, 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:34.640 I have invested 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:35.900 your two talents 00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:37.559 and I got two talents more. 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:38.599 Here you go. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:39.440 And then, 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:39.799 again, 00:19:39.880 --> 00:19:40.519 the master says, 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:42.319 good and faithful servant. 00:19:42.940 --> 00:19:44.120 You have been faithful 00:19:44.120 --> 00:19:44.799 with little. 00:19:45.120 --> 00:19:46.380 I want to give you much more. 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.420 Come and enjoy 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:48.620 the joy of your master. 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:50.620 And then, 00:19:51.160 --> 00:19:52.720 the third servant goes, 00:19:53.599 --> 00:19:53.960 master, 00:19:54.620 --> 00:19:55.620 I know that you are 00:19:55.620 --> 00:19:56.319 a hard man. 00:19:56.620 --> 00:19:58.160 You reap where you do not sow. 00:19:58.440 --> 00:20:00.140 You gather where you do not scatter. 00:20:00.140 --> 00:20:01.779 You gather where you do not scatter. 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:02.640 So, 00:20:02.640 --> 00:20:02.720 well, 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:04.420 I hid your talent on the ground. 00:20:05.320 --> 00:20:05.640 Here, 00:20:05.860 --> 00:20:07.240 here's your one talent back. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:09.140 And the master goes, 00:20:09.460 --> 00:20:11.340 you wicked and slothful servant. 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.220 You should have at least, 00:20:13.300 --> 00:20:14.320 ought to have at least, 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:15.540 put that talent in the bank 00:20:15.540 --> 00:20:16.720 so I get some interest back. 00:20:18.400 --> 00:20:19.000 I think, 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:20.640 I'm going to paraphrase a little bit 00:20:20.640 --> 00:20:21.980 from Tim Mackey's 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:23.360 sermon on this. 00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.180 Two reactions, 00:20:25.300 --> 00:20:25.960 initial reactions. 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:28.080 The first reaction we may have is, 00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:30.859 is this master being a bit too harsh 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:32.519 on that third servant? 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:35.879 Is this master a harsh man? 00:20:37.399 --> 00:20:37.740 And, 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:39.179 you can see, 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:40.399 and if you look at, 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:42.059 if you look at how he reacted 00:20:42.059 --> 00:20:43.720 to the first two servants, 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:45.879 you can see that that's not true. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:47.259 Because he says, 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:49.460 well done, 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:50.399 good and faithful servant. 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:51.859 He's actually really enthused 00:20:51.859 --> 00:20:52.939 that they've done a good job. 00:20:53.860 --> 00:20:55.440 He wants to give them even more. 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:55.720 He says, 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:57.039 you've been faithful with little. 00:20:57.180 --> 00:20:58.259 I'm going to give you even more. 00:20:59.180 --> 00:20:59.860 And then he says, 00:20:59.940 --> 00:21:01.160 come and join in my, 00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:01.920 come into the, 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:03.840 enter the joy of the master. 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:04.920 And he said, 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:05.320 come, 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:06.160 let's celebrate. 00:21:06.539 --> 00:21:07.480 Let's come and celebrate. 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:08.539 So, 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:10.620 is the master really harsh 00:21:10.620 --> 00:21:12.460 as the third servant presents it? 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:13.400 Or is, 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:14.380 really, 00:21:15.380 --> 00:21:16.539 he is disillusioned 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:18.680 about how he views the master? 00:21:19.880 --> 00:21:21.500 The second point that you have is, 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:22.360 well, 00:21:22.359 --> 00:21:24.379 maybe this servant 00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:25.279 is just 00:21:25.279 --> 00:21:27.439 incompetent. 00:21:27.879 --> 00:21:28.159 And so, 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:28.419 again, 00:21:28.479 --> 00:21:29.500 maybe the heart master 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:31.079 is being a little bit harsh 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:33.099 because he's just kind of, 00:21:33.159 --> 00:21:34.399 maybe he's just like a guy 00:21:34.399 --> 00:21:34.579 who, 00:21:35.799 --> 00:21:36.019 you know, 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:36.619 really timid 00:21:36.619 --> 00:21:38.679 and can't get stuff done. 00:21:40.179 --> 00:21:40.399 And, 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.959 the master, 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.359 and that's the key point. 00:21:43.919 --> 00:21:44.779 This is the key point. 00:21:45.539 --> 00:21:47.339 The master is not angry 00:21:47.339 --> 00:21:48.079 at the servant, 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:48.919 number three, 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:50.959 because he did a bad job. 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:52.900 The master is, 00:21:53.400 --> 00:21:54.360 calls him a wicked 00:21:54.360 --> 00:21:55.360 and slothful servant 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:57.319 because he did nothing at all. 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:58.960 He didn't do anything. 00:21:59.039 --> 00:22:00.160 He didn't even put the minimum, 00:22:00.600 --> 00:22:01.500 do the bare minimum, 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:02.720 which is put the money 00:22:02.720 --> 00:22:03.279 in the bank 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:04.220 to collect interest. 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.680 And that's the point. 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.960 God desires us 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:10.440 to invest his resources 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:12.240 that he has given you, 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:14.180 your money, 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:15.700 back into the kingdom 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:16.920 to redeem it 00:22:16.920 --> 00:22:18.279 in a broken world. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.019 I mean, 00:22:20.100 --> 00:22:20.460 not to, 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:22.220 not to quote a 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:23.140 Spider-Man cliche 00:22:23.140 --> 00:22:24.980 because I do know 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.400 there are people 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:26.519 who work in Sony here, 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:28.200 but, 00:22:28.960 --> 00:22:30.579 with great power 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:32.180 comes great responsibility. 00:22:33.180 --> 00:22:34.599 And that's what it's saying. 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:36.799 Now, 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:38.240 we just mentioned 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:38.940 the concept of 00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:39.660 kingdom redemption. 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:41.400 The concept of 00:22:41.400 --> 00:22:42.180 kingdom redemption 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:43.859 can feel very abstract. 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:45.240 Even though 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:46.740 we pray, 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.400 every time we say 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:49.180 that our Father, 00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:50.819 we pray about it. 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.220 He says, 00:22:51.220 --> 00:22:52.100 our Father, 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:53.680 hallowed be thy name, 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:55.519 thy kingdom come, 00:22:56.059 --> 00:22:57.100 thy will be done 00:22:57.100 --> 00:22:59.319 on earth as it is in heaven. 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:01.240 But the reality is 00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:01.740 this is not 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:03.000 an abstract concept. 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:04.120 See, 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:05.319 the original plan 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.039 for God 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:07.460 was to create 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:09.220 a world 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.900 where 00:23:09.900 --> 00:23:10.980 Adam and Eve 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:11.779 will have dominion. 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.019 So, 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:12.700 he gave, 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:13.759 he handed over the keys 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:14.559 to Adam and Eve 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.519 to rule the world 00:23:15.519 --> 00:23:16.860 in communion with him. 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:18.000 Then, 00:23:18.200 --> 00:23:18.819 we chose, 00:23:19.600 --> 00:23:19.900 then, 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:20.900 what actually 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:21.720 happened was 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:22.540 man says, 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:23.940 thanks but no thanks, 00:23:24.080 --> 00:23:24.800 rejected God. 00:23:25.060 --> 00:23:25.840 I'm going to run it 00:23:25.840 --> 00:23:26.860 according to my 00:23:26.860 --> 00:23:28.140 sense of good and evil, 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:29.440 my understanding 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:30.220 of good and evil. 00:23:30.540 --> 00:23:30.920 And so, 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:31.340 the world 00:23:31.340 --> 00:23:32.259 becomes broken. 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:34.320 God's redemption plan, 00:23:34.400 --> 00:23:35.620 the kingdom redemption plan, 00:23:35.840 --> 00:23:36.720 is to revert 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:38.640 the broken world 00:23:38.640 --> 00:23:39.640 back into 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:40.380 this original 00:23:40.380 --> 00:23:41.740 form 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:42.840 through the work 00:23:42.840 --> 00:23:43.840 of his faithful, 00:23:44.040 --> 00:23:44.940 through the hands 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:46.019 of his faithful servants. 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:48.220 It is a world 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:49.160 where there is, 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:50.060 where it's governed 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:50.980 by love 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:51.819 instead of fear, 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:52.980 generosity 00:23:52.980 --> 00:23:54.299 instead of self-interest, 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:55.460 cooperation 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:56.759 instead of competition, 00:23:57.539 --> 00:23:57.879 joy 00:23:57.879 --> 00:23:58.919 instead of strife, 00:23:59.639 --> 00:24:00.039 patience 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:01.220 instead of busyness, 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:02.519 kindness 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.799 instead of apathy, 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:04.980 gentleness 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:06.059 instead of harshness. 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:06.440 You can see 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.059 what I'm doing here. 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:07.500 I'm just taking 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:08.299 the fruit of the spirit, 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:09.960 looking at the opposite ends. 00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:12.599 Now, 00:24:12.639 --> 00:24:13.079 what does kingdom 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:14.159 redemption look like 00:24:14.159 --> 00:24:14.779 tangibly 00:24:14.779 --> 00:24:16.859 within our spheres 00:24:16.859 --> 00:24:17.339 of influence 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:17.980 and watermark? 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:20.319 Kingdom redemption 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:22.000 is alpha 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:24.439 and young life 00:24:24.439 --> 00:24:25.740 going into 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:27.139 the secondary schools 00:24:27.139 --> 00:24:28.779 of our Hong Kong, 00:24:29.199 --> 00:24:30.279 of Hong Kong, 00:24:30.439 --> 00:24:31.740 and giving purpose 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.899 and identity 00:24:32.899 --> 00:24:34.579 to those 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.539 youth 00:24:35.539 --> 00:24:37.039 that are lost 00:24:37.039 --> 00:24:39.319 and confused 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:41.019 in this high-pressure world. 00:24:42.199 --> 00:24:43.059 Kingdom identity, 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:44.559 kingdom redemption 00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:46.279 is sons and daughters 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.899 going into the streets 00:24:47.899 --> 00:24:48.599 of Wan Chai, 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.720 rescuing ladies 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:51.639 and even men 00:24:51.639 --> 00:24:53.419 from the sex trade 00:24:53.419 --> 00:24:54.679 and giving them 00:24:54.679 --> 00:24:55.460 a new identity 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:57.059 in Christ 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:57.740 as a son 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:58.139 and daughter 00:24:58.139 --> 00:24:58.679 of Christ. 00:24:59.339 --> 00:25:00.240 Kingdom identity, 00:25:00.679 --> 00:25:01.319 kingdom redemption 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:03.200 is ICM 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:04.179 going into 00:25:04.179 --> 00:25:06.480 meet the minorities 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:07.539 population 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.639 which have been 00:25:08.639 --> 00:25:09.759 overlooked by society 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:10.940 and giving them 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:11.419 care 00:25:11.419 --> 00:25:12.419 and attention. 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:13.820 kingdom redemption 00:25:13.820 --> 00:25:15.820 is ICF's program 00:25:15.820 --> 00:25:18.340 going into 00:25:18.340 --> 00:25:19.180 the campuses 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:20.019 of Hong Kong 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:21.220 and bringing 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:21.900 the invitation 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:22.539 of Christ. 00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:24.140 Kingdom redemption 00:25:24.140 --> 00:25:25.220 is watermark church. 00:25:26.120 --> 00:25:27.140 We're building up 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:29.039 our members 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:29.700 every week 00:25:29.700 --> 00:25:30.800 so that they can 00:25:30.800 --> 00:25:31.220 go out 00:25:31.220 --> 00:25:32.100 Monday to Friday 00:25:32.100 --> 00:25:32.920 to live with 00:25:32.920 --> 00:25:33.800 kingdom purposes. 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:35.900 Kingdom redemption 00:25:35.900 --> 00:25:37.060 is our purpose 00:25:37.060 --> 00:25:38.720 as a son 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:40.160 and daughter 00:25:40.160 --> 00:25:40.640 of Christ. 00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:42.880 There is much joy 00:25:42.880 --> 00:25:43.820 in participating 00:25:43.820 --> 00:25:44.680 in the plans 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:45.259 of the kingdom 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:47.140 and it's God's desire 00:25:47.140 --> 00:25:47.780 that you join 00:25:47.780 --> 00:25:48.380 in this mission. 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:49.920 With the Holy Spirit 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:50.540 as a guide, 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:51.360 he calls you 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:52.000 to participate 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:53.360 in making investments 00:25:53.360 --> 00:25:54.100 for the kingdom 00:25:54.100 --> 00:25:55.960 to help redeem 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:56.780 this broken world. 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.380 But one big caveat, 00:25:59.020 --> 00:25:59.900 one big caveat, 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:02.080 don't do it, 00:26:02.320 --> 00:26:02.720 don't make it 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.480 a religious thing. 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.720 Don't do it 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.720 because you think 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.800 that that's what 00:26:06.800 --> 00:26:07.840 God needs from you. 00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:10.039 In Isaiah 66, 00:26:10.619 --> 00:26:11.059 he says, 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:12.480 this is what 00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:13.159 the Lord says, 00:26:13.359 --> 00:26:14.279 heaven is my throne 00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:15.059 and the earth 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:15.919 is my footstool. 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.559 Where is the house 00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:18.399 you will build for me? 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.339 Where will be 00:26:19.339 --> 00:26:20.220 my resting place? 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.659 Has not my hand 00:26:21.659 --> 00:26:22.539 made all these things 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:23.480 so they came into being? 00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:25.079 There's nothing 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:25.879 that God needs. 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:27.179 God created everything. 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.539 So we participate 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:30.919 in kingdom redemption 00:26:30.919 --> 00:26:31.959 not out of 00:26:31.959 --> 00:26:32.879 religious obligation. 00:26:33.459 --> 00:26:34.119 We participate 00:26:34.119 --> 00:26:35.119 because we love 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:35.559 our Lord. 00:26:35.559 --> 00:26:36.519 We participate 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.679 because how rich 00:26:37.679 --> 00:26:38.220 he has been 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:38.679 through us 00:26:38.679 --> 00:26:39.539 by giving us Jesus. 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:40.599 We participate 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:41.259 because there's 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.179 richness and joy 00:26:42.179 --> 00:26:43.119 in having the Lord 00:26:43.119 --> 00:26:43.919 use our hands 00:26:43.919 --> 00:26:44.440 for his kingdom 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:45.419 redemption purposes. 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:46.899 And we participate 00:26:46.899 --> 00:26:47.700 because it is 00:26:47.700 --> 00:26:48.859 what we're designed for. 00:26:50.619 --> 00:26:50.839 You know, 00:26:50.899 --> 00:26:51.279 personally, 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:54.019 I've been learning 00:26:54.019 --> 00:26:55.339 to surrender 00:26:55.339 --> 00:26:56.200 your finances 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.519 to God 00:26:57.519 --> 00:27:00.119 is a journey. 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:02.960 As you can see 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:04.220 from what I shared earlier, 00:27:04.220 --> 00:27:05.299 you know, 00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:06.240 the Holy Spirit 00:27:06.240 --> 00:27:07.680 continues to challenge me 00:27:07.680 --> 00:27:08.440 and convict me 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:09.500 in terms of my giving. 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.779 Two years ago, 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:12.620 the Holy Spirit 00:27:12.620 --> 00:27:14.279 spoke to me 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:14.680 and said, 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:17.480 how much would you, 00:27:17.940 --> 00:27:19.000 how much is a soul 00:27:19.000 --> 00:27:19.799 worth for you? 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:22.120 How much is it to you 00:27:22.120 --> 00:27:23.059 if we can bring 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:23.980 one more sheep 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:25.339 back to the good shepherd? 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:27.299 How much is it to you 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:28.440 if we can bring 00:27:28.440 --> 00:27:29.799 a lost family member 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:30.880 back into the family? 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:32.920 It starts softening 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:33.400 my heart. 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:34.819 Now, 00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:35.500 the Holy Spirit 00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:36.480 obviously is convicting 00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:36.819 about, 00:27:37.140 --> 00:27:37.920 am I actually being 00:27:37.920 --> 00:27:38.720 rich about it? 00:27:39.380 --> 00:27:40.240 Am I actually being 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:41.519 generous to God? 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:43.740 So, 00:27:43.940 --> 00:27:44.860 everyone who's already 00:27:44.860 --> 00:27:45.500 on this journey 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.079 of surrendering 00:27:46.079 --> 00:27:47.240 your finances to God, 00:27:47.620 --> 00:27:49.500 I pray that you continue 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.880 and continue to surrender 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:52.400 more and more 00:27:52.400 --> 00:27:53.299 and have the Holy Spirit 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:53.920 convict you 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:54.420 in your giving. 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:55.799 But for those 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.539 who haven't joined, 00:27:56.920 --> 00:27:57.900 I invite you to join. 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:59.420 It's a wonderful journey. 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.559 It's wonderful 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:02.319 to see when you're, 00:28:02.319 --> 00:28:03.779 the wealth that you have 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:05.700 is put to use 00:28:05.700 --> 00:28:06.659 in God's redemption, 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:08.220 in God's kingdom 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:09.119 redemption plan. 00:28:09.799 --> 00:28:10.359 It's just like, 00:28:10.619 --> 00:28:11.519 glory to God. 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.319 Yes. 00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:14.779 Now, 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:15.539 just as we talked 00:28:15.539 --> 00:28:16.419 about how God 00:28:16.419 --> 00:28:18.200 invites us 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:18.679 to participate 00:28:18.679 --> 00:28:19.259 in this kingdom 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:20.099 redemption plan, 00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:21.500 the enemy, 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:23.779 the enemy prowls 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.759 and he's, 00:28:24.960 --> 00:28:25.879 it's like basketball. 00:28:26.139 --> 00:28:27.960 His direct objective 00:28:27.960 --> 00:28:29.379 is to prevent you. 00:28:29.639 --> 00:28:30.519 He's the defense. 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:33.160 He hates it 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:33.619 when you are 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.920 walking in his ways. 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:36.759 And so, 00:28:36.859 --> 00:28:37.799 how does the enemy 00:28:37.799 --> 00:28:38.519 achieve that? 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.180 How does the enemy 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:40.559 play defense against us? 00:28:41.119 --> 00:28:41.899 Very easy. 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:43.899 In verse 9, 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:44.259 it says, 00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:45.200 those who want 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:45.920 to get rich 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:48.019 fall into temptation 00:28:48.019 --> 00:28:48.579 and a trap. 00:28:48.579 --> 00:28:50.139 The enemy 00:28:50.139 --> 00:28:51.039 sets a trap 00:28:51.039 --> 00:28:52.139 that captivates 00:28:52.139 --> 00:28:53.199 our heart's desires 00:28:53.199 --> 00:28:54.500 and keeps us 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:55.139 from desiring 00:28:55.139 --> 00:28:55.759 the things 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.980 from God. 00:28:57.379 --> 00:28:57.960 And oftentimes, 00:28:58.419 --> 00:28:58.939 these traps 00:28:58.939 --> 00:28:59.779 are so deceptive 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.599 we're even unaware. 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:01.960 Now, 00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:03.460 consider an animal trap. 00:29:04.339 --> 00:29:05.119 That's a funny story. 00:29:05.639 --> 00:29:06.500 I started looking up 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:07.220 animal traps 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:07.699 on YouTube 00:29:07.699 --> 00:29:09.119 and what they 00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:09.619 would look like 00:29:09.619 --> 00:29:10.259 and then now, 00:29:10.939 --> 00:29:12.119 this was on Trisha's computer, 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.119 and now all these 00:29:13.119 --> 00:29:13.939 animal traps 00:29:13.939 --> 00:29:14.559 come up 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:15.159 and advertise 00:29:15.159 --> 00:29:15.740 like she thinks 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.319 she's going to try 00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:17.259 to buy an animal trap. 00:29:18.579 --> 00:29:21.000 But the animal traps, 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.319 they're scary 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:23.460 because they're hidden 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:24.659 and they're camouflaged. 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:25.539 Like an animal 00:29:25.539 --> 00:29:26.639 is just like walking by 00:29:26.639 --> 00:29:27.220 and then, 00:29:27.299 --> 00:29:28.919 like he doesn't even know 00:29:28.919 --> 00:29:29.819 he's walking into it. 00:29:30.419 --> 00:29:31.399 They also feature 00:29:31.399 --> 00:29:32.019 different bait. 00:29:32.119 --> 00:29:32.960 There's different baits 00:29:32.960 --> 00:29:33.919 for different animals. 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:35.079 And also, 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:35.799 animal traps 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:36.559 are strong. 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.419 Once it's got the animal, 00:29:38.579 --> 00:29:39.379 you're not coming out. 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:40.879 And that is how 00:29:40.879 --> 00:29:42.279 the enemy prowls. 00:29:42.699 --> 00:29:43.519 The enemy prowls 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:44.199 to set traps 00:29:44.199 --> 00:29:44.879 in our hearts 00:29:44.879 --> 00:29:46.720 to lead us 00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:47.359 to wander, 00:29:47.619 --> 00:29:48.139 to lead us 00:29:48.140 --> 00:29:48.700 into evil, 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:50.320 which is evil 00:29:50.320 --> 00:29:50.860 as defined 00:29:50.860 --> 00:29:51.600 as the absence 00:29:51.600 --> 00:29:52.140 of God. 00:29:53.100 --> 00:29:54.240 I have to confess, 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:56.180 when I first 00:29:56.180 --> 00:29:57.100 read this passage, 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:59.480 my initial reaction 00:29:59.480 --> 00:29:59.940 was, 00:30:00.300 --> 00:30:00.480 well, 00:30:00.600 --> 00:30:01.320 I agree with that. 00:30:01.800 --> 00:30:02.580 Money is the root 00:30:02.580 --> 00:30:03.160 of many evils. 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:03.380 Yes, 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:04.180 we all heard that. 00:30:04.440 --> 00:30:04.600 Yeah, 00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.000 agree, 00:30:05.120 --> 00:30:05.280 agree, 00:30:05.380 --> 00:30:05.580 agree. 00:30:06.140 --> 00:30:06.840 And then, 00:30:07.020 --> 00:30:07.500 when he says, 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:09.160 when he addresses 00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:10.180 for those who want 00:30:10.180 --> 00:30:11.000 to become rich, 00:30:11.320 --> 00:30:11.780 I'm like, 00:30:11.980 --> 00:30:12.180 no, 00:30:12.380 --> 00:30:13.020 that's not me. 00:30:15.360 --> 00:30:15.880 It's like, 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:16.700 if you ask me 00:30:16.700 --> 00:30:17.500 straight to my face, 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.559 is my life's goal 00:30:18.559 --> 00:30:19.420 to become rich? 00:30:20.680 --> 00:30:22.019 I can honestly say no. 00:30:24.160 --> 00:30:24.599 But, 00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:25.599 if you ask, 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:26.880 if you ask me 00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:27.200 whether I want 00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:27.500 to get rich, 00:30:27.559 --> 00:30:28.279 I would say no. 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:28.880 But, 00:30:29.119 --> 00:30:30.160 if you ask me, 00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:32.059 do I desire 00:30:32.059 --> 00:30:33.339 financial security 00:30:33.339 --> 00:30:35.099 and one day 00:30:35.099 --> 00:30:35.640 financial, 00:30:36.039 --> 00:30:36.460 you know, 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.160 financial freedom? 00:30:37.579 --> 00:30:38.680 I would say yes. 00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:40.140 Do I desire 00:30:40.140 --> 00:30:41.180 to be respected 00:30:41.180 --> 00:30:42.180 by society? 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.380 I would say yes. 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:44.720 Do I desire 00:30:44.720 --> 00:30:45.339 to provide 00:30:45.339 --> 00:30:46.000 a comfortable 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.519 lifestyle 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.420 for my family? 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:48.600 And again, 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:50.160 I will say yes. 00:30:51.279 --> 00:30:52.140 I am not 00:30:52.140 --> 00:30:53.400 some of these things, 00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:53.980 but I am 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:55.079 all of these things, 00:30:55.160 --> 00:30:56.240 and therein lies 00:30:56.240 --> 00:30:56.960 the deception 00:30:56.960 --> 00:30:57.900 of the enemy. 00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.319 He turns these 00:30:59.319 --> 00:31:00.339 good things, 00:31:00.960 --> 00:31:02.120 seemingly good things, 00:31:02.400 --> 00:31:03.420 but he makes them 00:31:03.420 --> 00:31:03.920 take hold 00:31:03.920 --> 00:31:04.620 of my heart, 00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:06.400 and he leads me 00:31:06.400 --> 00:31:07.019 to wander 00:31:07.019 --> 00:31:07.980 from my faith, 00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:09.779 as what it says 00:31:09.779 --> 00:31:10.420 in the passage. 00:31:10.420 --> 00:31:12.539 In the area 00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:13.840 of financial security, 00:31:14.340 --> 00:31:15.320 I have this 00:31:15.320 --> 00:31:16.200 deep desire 00:31:16.200 --> 00:31:18.220 to stock up 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:19.060 and build 00:31:19.060 --> 00:31:19.779 my nest egg, 00:31:20.080 --> 00:31:20.940 and that's partially 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:21.500 because it's 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.539 intergenerational. 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:23.860 I think my family 00:31:23.860 --> 00:31:24.759 and generations 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.420 from above 00:31:25.420 --> 00:31:29.100 lived a really 00:31:29.100 --> 00:31:31.340 not an easy life, 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:32.880 and so we're 00:31:32.880 --> 00:31:34.140 told to save, 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:34.980 to be thrifty, 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:35.840 to stock up. 00:31:36.860 --> 00:31:37.800 It's also partly 00:31:37.800 --> 00:31:38.759 Chinese virtues. 00:31:38.759 --> 00:31:41.299 Chinese virtues 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:42.960 is teaching frugality, 00:31:43.879 --> 00:31:45.740 preparing for lean times. 00:31:45.980 --> 00:31:47.119 That's Chinese virtue, 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:47.879 and maybe it's 00:31:47.879 --> 00:31:48.779 partially my experience 00:31:48.779 --> 00:31:49.559 in 2008 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:50.160 during the great 00:31:50.160 --> 00:31:51.099 financial crisis 00:31:51.099 --> 00:31:52.339 when I just saw peers 00:31:52.339 --> 00:31:52.819 and everyone 00:31:52.819 --> 00:31:53.660 just get axed, 00:31:53.900 --> 00:31:54.400 everyone losing 00:31:54.400 --> 00:31:54.980 their jobs, 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:56.440 but the problem, 00:31:56.779 --> 00:31:57.660 but my desire 00:31:57.660 --> 00:31:58.680 to build my own 00:31:58.680 --> 00:31:59.200 nest egg 00:31:59.200 --> 00:32:01.539 is it directly 00:32:01.539 --> 00:32:02.359 contradicts 00:32:02.359 --> 00:32:03.779 with what God says. 00:32:03.960 --> 00:32:04.539 Do I end up 00:32:04.539 --> 00:32:05.740 hoping in my nest egg, 00:32:05.980 --> 00:32:06.779 or do I end up 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:07.480 hoping in God? 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:09.500 It hinders me 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:10.279 from being rich 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:10.740 to God 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:11.759 as I'm finding out 00:32:11.759 --> 00:32:12.980 because I'm so focused 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:13.799 on this nest egg 00:32:13.799 --> 00:32:14.900 instead of his kingdom. 00:32:16.059 --> 00:32:17.079 Whether I admit it 00:32:17.079 --> 00:32:17.500 or not, 00:32:17.940 --> 00:32:19.319 I desire to be 00:32:19.319 --> 00:32:20.339 respected by society. 00:32:20.500 --> 00:32:20.819 In fact, 00:32:20.860 --> 00:32:21.940 when I changed jobs 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:23.400 three years ago, 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.120 I bought a nice 00:32:24.120 --> 00:32:25.120 expensive watch. 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:26.400 I wanted my peers 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:28.700 and my clients 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:29.539 to know that I've 00:32:29.539 --> 00:32:30.500 attained a certain 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:31.519 level of success. 00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:36.539 but here's the thing. 00:32:36.980 --> 00:32:37.779 Do I continuously 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:38.460 seek approval 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:39.200 from society? 00:32:39.359 --> 00:32:40.079 Do I continuously 00:32:40.079 --> 00:32:41.180 seek to achieve? 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:42.180 Do I continually 00:32:42.180 --> 00:32:43.279 seek to get more money 00:32:43.279 --> 00:32:46.599 versus what God says? 00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:47.759 My identity 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:48.460 is in Christ. 00:32:48.539 --> 00:32:49.559 I am a son of Christ. 00:32:50.240 --> 00:32:51.339 I am lovely 00:32:51.339 --> 00:32:52.240 and perfectly loved 00:32:52.240 --> 00:32:52.660 by him. 00:32:52.660 --> 00:32:55.460 and I desire 00:32:55.460 --> 00:32:57.360 and I want my family 00:32:57.360 --> 00:32:58.360 to have a good life. 00:32:58.800 --> 00:32:59.740 I want a desire, 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:01.740 I desire to give my family 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.700 a comfortable life, 00:33:02.820 --> 00:33:03.800 one that is similar 00:33:03.800 --> 00:33:04.720 to what my parents 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:05.660 had provided for me. 00:33:06.580 --> 00:33:08.200 But what if it, 00:33:08.540 --> 00:33:09.720 what if God's intention 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:10.519 and purpose 00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:11.560 for us as a family 00:33:11.560 --> 00:33:14.180 is that to show him 00:33:14.180 --> 00:33:15.680 his most glorious ways, 00:33:16.080 --> 00:33:16.740 he wants us 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:18.100 to downsize our lifestyle? 00:33:18.099 --> 00:33:21.439 Am I ready to do that? 00:33:22.579 --> 00:33:23.939 The enemy has these 00:33:23.939 --> 00:33:25.379 deceptive traps 00:33:25.379 --> 00:33:26.039 in my life. 00:33:26.740 --> 00:33:27.179 Oftentimes, 00:33:27.639 --> 00:33:28.319 these enemies 00:33:28.319 --> 00:33:29.339 hinders me 00:33:29.339 --> 00:33:30.179 from living a life 00:33:30.179 --> 00:33:31.240 that is fully surrendered 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:31.719 to God. 00:33:32.119 --> 00:33:33.240 It can create burdens 00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:33.779 in me 00:33:33.779 --> 00:33:35.480 in hoping for things 00:33:35.480 --> 00:33:36.559 that cannot deliver. 00:33:37.139 --> 00:33:37.879 And it creates 00:33:37.879 --> 00:33:38.980 burdens 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:39.819 that God actually 00:33:39.819 --> 00:33:40.799 wants to free me from. 00:33:41.439 --> 00:33:43.079 So the bad news is 00:33:43.079 --> 00:33:45.500 I can't free myself. 00:33:46.579 --> 00:33:47.799 There's all these traps 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:48.379 in my heart. 00:33:48.960 --> 00:33:49.919 I can't undo it. 00:33:50.059 --> 00:33:50.819 It's got me. 00:33:51.700 --> 00:33:52.819 But the good news is 00:33:52.819 --> 00:33:54.399 Jesus Christ came 00:33:54.399 --> 00:33:55.559 and can do 00:33:55.559 --> 00:33:57.139 what we cannot do 00:33:57.139 --> 00:33:57.799 for ourselves. 00:33:58.279 --> 00:33:59.279 He let himself 00:33:59.279 --> 00:34:00.059 take the fall 00:34:00.059 --> 00:34:01.039 for all of our sins 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:01.779 and be free 00:34:01.779 --> 00:34:03.200 so that we can be free 00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:04.759 from the trap of money. 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:07.039 Jesus is the one 00:34:07.039 --> 00:34:08.340 who breaks down the traps, 00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:09.460 the doors of the traps. 00:34:10.340 --> 00:34:11.679 Jesus is the one 00:34:11.679 --> 00:34:12.360 who can change 00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:13.539 the desires of our hearts. 00:34:14.500 --> 00:34:15.779 Jesus leads us 00:34:15.779 --> 00:34:16.420 to a life 00:34:16.420 --> 00:34:18.220 that is truly life. 00:34:19.220 --> 00:34:20.200 Let's follow him 00:34:20.200 --> 00:34:21.800 and take hold 00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:22.579 of a life 00:34:22.579 --> 00:34:23.500 that is truly life. 00:34:23.619 --> 00:34:25.199 according to Jesus Christ. 00:34:25.320 --> 00:34:28.500 We are not 00:34:28.639 --> 00:34:29.099 you 00:34:29.099 --> 00:34:30.039 my 00:34:30.039 --> 00:34:31.119 God 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:44.019 keeping it 00:34:44.019 --> 00:34:44.880 what we have. 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:45.719 Amen. 00:34:45.719 --> 00:34:45.780 Amen. 00:34:46.179 --> 00:34:47.000 Amen. 00:34:47.239 --> 00:34:48.119 Amen. 00:34:48.159 --> 00:34:48.699 Amen. 00:34:48.699 --> 00:34:49.800 Amen. 00:34:49.820 --> 00:34:50.079 Amen. 00:34:50.079 --> 00:34:50.340 Amen. 00:34:50.500 --> 00:34:50.780 Amen. 00:34:50.780 --> 00:34:51.300 Amen. 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:51.840 Amen. 00:34:51.840 --> 00:34:52.199 Amen. 00:34:52.199 --> 00:34:52.800 Amen.