WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.740 Now, while you're getting there, I want to prepare us a little bit for what we're going to be studying this morning. 00:00:06.520 --> 00:00:15.040 And I believe that over the last week, if we think about it, the last month maybe, or even the last year probably for all of us, 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:20.920 we can think of times when we have struggled with worry, when we have struggled with anxiety, 00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:23.800 when we've struggled with feeling overwhelmed. 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:34.140 I know that from talking to many of us and knowing myself that many of us can often struggle with the feeling that we can never do enough at our jobs, 00:00:34.939 --> 00:00:38.840 for our families, or even that we can never do enough work for the kingdom. 00:00:40.120 --> 00:00:45.100 Others of us struggle with the feeling that we can never measure up to the work that others are doing. 00:00:46.560 --> 00:00:52.439 Many of us set really, really high goals for ourselves, and then we're so, so, so frustrated with ourselves 00:00:52.439 --> 00:00:56.899 when we see the great distance between where we're at and the goals that we've set. 00:00:58.460 --> 00:00:59.759 I've been in all those places. 00:01:01.159 --> 00:01:05.439 I've seen the reality of reaching the end of my power in almost everything. 00:01:06.439 --> 00:01:14.299 I've fully exhausted the end of what I can do and failed to acknowledge or accept the Lord's help. 00:01:14.299 --> 00:01:19.519 And that's when we run to that worry, that anxiety, that avoidance. 00:01:20.359 --> 00:01:26.879 I ran to everything I could to get rid of that weight that can just be weighing down on us so much. 00:01:28.679 --> 00:01:32.479 And I think if we all think about it, I think if we're honest, we all hit those points. 00:01:33.120 --> 00:01:36.560 We've been there, and sometimes that may just be a mindset struggle, 00:01:37.239 --> 00:01:41.819 or other times it may flow out in our actions and be very apparent. 00:01:41.819 --> 00:01:45.979 But I'm up here this morning to preach about peace. 00:01:46.539 --> 00:01:52.119 So why am I starting with all of this anxiety, this worry, these ideas about work? 00:01:53.479 --> 00:01:56.419 Because those tend to be the opposites of peace. 00:01:57.639 --> 00:02:04.359 We often run to those and away from the peace that the Lord has provided through his birth, life, death, and resurrection. 00:02:05.179 --> 00:02:06.799 It's what we so often run to. 00:02:09.359 --> 00:02:10.599 So just a quick story. 00:02:10.599 --> 00:02:12.199 So almost three years ago. 00:02:12.539 --> 00:02:13.979 I know the exact date. 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:16.139 It was March 14, 2016. 00:02:16.919 --> 00:02:20.299 I know that because it's the oldest note I have in my current phone. 00:02:20.939 --> 00:02:26.539 I was sitting on the back porch of what y'all call the refuge where Matthew and Alex and Ian and Spencer live. 00:02:27.079 --> 00:02:28.219 I was talking to Clay. 00:02:29.219 --> 00:02:31.340 Back then, I was in his discipleship group. 00:02:32.240 --> 00:02:35.419 And he had had us listen to a sermon that is called Work and Rest. 00:02:35.479 --> 00:02:36.259 It's by Tim Keller. 00:02:36.259 --> 00:02:42.459 It's a really good sermon that has done me a lot of good in going back and listening to it quite a few times since then. 00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:46.219 I'd really recommend that if you struggle with prioritizing work and rest. 00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:57.060 And in his sermon, he talks about the modern culture and how in many ways, many of us have become workaholics in a way that has never been seen before. 00:02:57.060 --> 00:03:06.099 He explains that because many of us can work from anywhere, we do work from anywhere and work from everywhere and often do that all the time. 00:03:07.219 --> 00:03:10.080 We struggle to find true rest. 00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:17.980 Many of us, I know that I personally get called out for this a lot, constantly have a productivity mindset. 00:03:18.180 --> 00:03:22.660 If something doesn't seem immediately productive, we're not going to do it. 00:03:23.620 --> 00:03:24.860 I think a lot of us struggle with that. 00:03:26.600 --> 00:03:30.020 And rest is one of those things that doesn't seem immediately productive. 00:03:30.020 --> 00:03:39.240 Those that are really close to me have had to call me out to remind me that the Lord has called us to a life that needs some rest, needs some Sabbath, needs some peace. 00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:41.480 After all, we're not God. 00:03:42.240 --> 00:03:45.120 We're simply laborers in the Lord. 00:03:45.200 --> 00:03:48.560 We're not our own lords, but so, so, so often we try to be. 00:03:49.500 --> 00:03:50.180 So often. 00:03:51.300 --> 00:03:54.040 In Keller's sermon, I'll borrow a few things he says. 00:03:54.100 --> 00:03:57.100 He gives three ways in which we often try to constantly work. 00:03:57.099 --> 00:04:03.519 He asserts that we constantly feel this pressure to prove ourselves in three different ways. 00:04:04.680 --> 00:04:07.539 Firstly, he says that we feel the need to prove ourselves to God. 00:04:08.180 --> 00:04:09.919 We feel the need to prove ourselves to God. 00:04:10.099 --> 00:04:12.780 Secondly, we feel the need to prove ourselves to ourselves. 00:04:13.959 --> 00:04:16.719 And thirdly, that we feel the need to prove ourselves to others. 00:04:17.980 --> 00:04:23.139 So going back to that day in March of 2016, as Clay and I were talking on the back porch, 00:04:23.139 --> 00:04:25.360 I really began to think about those three. 00:04:25.360 --> 00:04:32.040 And realized that I had put so much effort into one of those for sure, and oftentimes all three of those. 00:04:33.220 --> 00:04:34.420 And that's so dangerous. 00:04:35.520 --> 00:04:40.980 Being in a constant state of trying to prove ourselves and feeling this weight that we're not good enough, 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:43.180 either for God, for ourselves, or for others, 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:50.660 takes us so far away from that hope, that joy, that peace that are found in the gospel of Christ. 00:04:50.660 --> 00:04:56.680 Now these realities, I think, can come in the forms that we often think of them in. 00:04:56.920 --> 00:05:01.080 I think what comes to my mind when I think about proving ourselves to God 00:05:01.080 --> 00:05:06.500 is the view that pretty much all of the world that does not trust in Christ, 00:05:06.720 --> 00:05:12.480 is their only hope, has that if we do enough good things or we avoid enough bad things, 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:14.140 that we're good. 00:05:14.139 --> 00:05:17.300 We'll have whatever afterlife we imagine. 00:05:17.879 --> 00:05:18.879 We'll be set. 00:05:19.860 --> 00:05:21.740 When we think about proving ourselves to ourselves, 00:05:22.459 --> 00:05:25.439 I think many of us have the idea that we need to have as good of a house, 00:05:25.519 --> 00:05:28.060 as good of a car, as raise our family well, 00:05:28.279 --> 00:05:30.319 at least as well as our parents did, 00:05:30.919 --> 00:05:32.319 hold down a good career. 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:34.939 When we think about proving ourselves to others, 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:37.079 I think we think of some of the same things. 00:05:37.079 --> 00:05:39.199 doing lots of good things, 00:05:39.419 --> 00:05:40.919 having lots of worldly possessions, 00:05:41.639 --> 00:05:44.060 doing every possible activity that we can. 00:05:45.819 --> 00:05:48.180 And all that's just to impress other people. 00:05:49.039 --> 00:05:49.579 All of that. 00:05:50.419 --> 00:05:52.459 Now all those are very, very dangerous, 00:05:52.639 --> 00:05:55.779 and I don't want to deny that in one bit, 00:05:55.839 --> 00:05:58.979 because they show a heart that is either not currently set on the gospel 00:05:58.979 --> 00:06:01.120 or has never put its hope in the gospel. 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:05.639 But I know that for myself and for many of the rest of us, 00:06:05.699 --> 00:06:10.240 there's some very much more subtle ways that we start believing these, 00:06:10.360 --> 00:06:11.879 and because of how subtle they are, 00:06:11.939 --> 00:06:14.340 I think they can be possibly even more dangerous. 00:06:15.259 --> 00:06:17.660 Thinking about trying to prove ourselves to God 00:06:17.660 --> 00:06:21.459 and doing every possible ministry opportunity 00:06:21.459 --> 00:06:22.459 and never saying no. 00:06:23.600 --> 00:06:26.340 Being a part of way too many campus ministries 00:06:26.340 --> 00:06:29.740 to the detriment of commitments to each one 00:06:29.740 --> 00:06:30.780 and to the church 00:06:30.780 --> 00:06:34.540 and to all the other legitimately important things in life as well. 00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:37.860 Or hanging about proving ourselves to God 00:06:37.860 --> 00:06:42.639 and taking pride in these long stretches of avoiding sin 00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:46.780 and boasting that we haven't struggled with something in a really long time. 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:50.379 And then when we do sin, 00:06:50.460 --> 00:06:54.180 being utterly defeated when we slip up, 00:06:55.699 --> 00:06:58.340 and that shows we've been putting our confidence in our own good works 00:06:58.339 --> 00:07:00.259 instead of the finished work of Christ. 00:07:01.739 --> 00:07:04.959 I've also found myself in the state of wanting to prove myself to myself 00:07:04.959 --> 00:07:11.019 and being completely unwilling to participate in something like a leisure activity 00:07:11.019 --> 00:07:12.799 because it doesn't seem productive. 00:07:13.939 --> 00:07:17.079 Running away from opportunities to be with the community 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:20.779 because we feel that we are too busy 00:07:20.779 --> 00:07:24.719 and thinking that everything must be directly productive. 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:28.600 And treating ourselves as if we have all the power in the world 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:31.520 and so we can be involved in everything there is that is good. 00:07:33.540 --> 00:07:36.380 And then I think even worse of trying to prove ourselves to others 00:07:36.380 --> 00:07:39.940 and wanting people to realize how busy we are 00:07:39.940 --> 00:07:43.520 or wanting to do service that is in the spotlight 00:07:43.520 --> 00:07:47.100 but being unwilling to do something that's behind the scenes. 00:07:47.100 --> 00:07:50.640 I think I could go on and on all morning 00:07:50.640 --> 00:07:52.379 but I don't think I need to. 00:07:53.700 --> 00:07:56.480 I'm aware that many of those overlap 00:07:56.480 --> 00:07:59.860 and I want to communicate those realities for a number of reasons 00:07:59.860 --> 00:08:03.740 not the least of which being that I want to apologize 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:07.320 to any of you who have been hurt by my own sinful tendencies 00:08:07.320 --> 00:08:08.420 to want to prove myself. 00:08:08.420 --> 00:08:11.780 I also believe that if we're honest 00:08:11.780 --> 00:08:13.819 we all struggle in some way 00:08:13.819 --> 00:08:15.699 of feeling the need to prove ourselves. 00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:19.660 And any of those start to rely on our own works 00:08:19.660 --> 00:08:21.360 and not putting our hope 00:08:21.360 --> 00:08:22.860 and joy 00:08:22.860 --> 00:08:24.780 and ultimately having peace 00:08:24.780 --> 00:08:26.080 in the finished work of Christ. 00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:27.879 Okay. 00:08:28.200 --> 00:08:29.639 So I'm here to talk about peace. 00:08:29.980 --> 00:08:30.900 So let's get to it. 00:08:31.379 --> 00:08:32.379 So Luke 2. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:33.680 Luke 2. 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:36.659 So this is a very, very, very familiar Christmas passage. 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:40.480 If I'm not careful in my reading of it 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:42.459 I'm going to switch half the words to KJV 00:08:42.459 --> 00:08:47.100 because I remember men in my family's church reading it so often. 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:50.360 Because of those kind of realities 00:08:50.360 --> 00:08:53.480 I'd really like to encourage you not to just check out. 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:55.600 Don't think you've heard this passage 80 times 00:08:55.600 --> 00:08:57.139 and so you don't need to listen. 00:08:57.899 --> 00:09:00.699 Brothers and sisters, as Nathan faithfully reminds us 00:09:00.699 --> 00:09:01.899 this is the word of God. 00:09:02.139 --> 00:09:04.699 It was written for the Lord's glory and for our good. 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:07.360 It will be good for us this morning to listen to it 00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:08.480 in order to believe its promises 00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:09.560 and obey its commands. 00:09:09.840 --> 00:09:11.540 So verse 1 of Luke 2. 00:09:12.920 --> 00:09:16.080 So as in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus 00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:17.900 that all the world should be registered. 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:19.900 This was the first registration 00:09:19.900 --> 00:09:21.700 when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 00:09:22.460 --> 00:09:23.720 And all went to be registered 00:09:23.720 --> 00:09:24.879 each to his own town. 00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:27.220 And Joseph also went up from Galilee 00:09:27.220 --> 00:09:28.360 from the town of Nazareth 00:09:28.360 --> 00:09:29.040 to Judea 00:09:29.040 --> 00:09:30.040 to the city of David 00:09:30.040 --> 00:09:30.700 which is called Bethlehem 00:09:31.280 --> 00:09:32.720 because he was of the house 00:09:32.720 --> 00:09:33.519 and lineage of David 00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:35.399 to be registered with Mary 00:09:35.399 --> 00:09:36.279 his betrothed 00:09:36.279 --> 00:09:37.000 who is with child. 00:09:38.080 --> 00:09:38.820 And while they were there 00:09:38.820 --> 00:09:40.440 the time came for her to give birth 00:09:40.440 --> 00:09:42.360 and she gave birth to her firstborn son 00:09:42.360 --> 00:09:44.300 and wrapped him in swaddling clothes 00:09:44.300 --> 00:09:45.300 and laid him in a manger 00:09:45.300 --> 00:09:47.040 because there was no place for them 00:09:47.040 --> 00:09:47.639 in the inn. 00:09:48.700 --> 00:09:49.740 And in the same region 00:09:49.740 --> 00:09:51.000 there were shepherds out in the field 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:52.680 keeping watch over their flock by night. 00:09:53.180 --> 00:09:54.899 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them 00:09:54.899 --> 00:09:56.800 and the glory of the Lord shone around them 00:09:56.800 --> 00:09:58.680 and they were filled with great fear. 00:09:58.679 --> 00:10:00.719 And the angel said to them 00:10:00.719 --> 00:10:01.699 Fear not 00:10:01.699 --> 00:10:03.199 for behold I bring you good news 00:10:03.199 --> 00:10:04.139 of great joy 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:05.679 that will be for all the people. 00:10:06.519 --> 00:10:07.559 For unto you is born this day 00:10:07.559 --> 00:10:08.339 in the city of David 00:10:08.339 --> 00:10:08.959 a Savior 00:10:08.959 --> 00:10:10.219 who is Christ the Lord. 00:10:10.839 --> 00:10:12.239 And this will be a sign to you 00:10:12.239 --> 00:10:13.239 for you will find a baby 00:10:13.239 --> 00:10:14.719 wrapped in swaddling clothes 00:10:14.719 --> 00:10:15.779 and lying in a manger. 00:10:16.699 --> 00:10:17.339 And suddenly 00:10:17.339 --> 00:10:18.239 there was with the angel 00:10:18.239 --> 00:10:19.839 a multitude of heavenly hosts 00:10:19.839 --> 00:10:20.899 praising God and saying 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:22.799 Glory to God in the highest 00:10:22.799 --> 00:10:23.359 and on earth 00:10:23.359 --> 00:10:24.319 peace among those 00:10:24.319 --> 00:10:25.179 with whom he is pleased. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:27.479 When the angels went away 00:10:27.480 --> 00:10:28.240 from them into heaven 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:29.560 the shepherds said to one another 00:10:29.560 --> 00:10:31.139 let us go over to Bethlehem 00:10:31.139 --> 00:10:32.300 and see this thing 00:10:32.300 --> 00:10:32.899 that has happened 00:10:32.899 --> 00:10:34.899 which the Lord has made known to us. 00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:36.460 And they went with haste 00:10:36.460 --> 00:10:37.500 and found Mary and Joseph 00:10:37.500 --> 00:10:38.080 and the baby 00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:38.820 lying in a manger. 00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:40.139 And when they saw it 00:10:40.139 --> 00:10:41.120 they made known the saying 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:42.000 that had been told them 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:43.039 concerning this child. 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:44.420 And all who heard it 00:10:44.420 --> 00:10:45.899 wondered what the shepherds told them. 00:10:46.680 --> 00:10:47.879 But Mary treasured up 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:48.560 all these things 00:10:48.560 --> 00:10:49.840 pondering them in her heart. 00:10:50.519 --> 00:10:51.399 And the shepherds returned 00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:52.920 glorifying and praising God 00:10:52.920 --> 00:10:54.100 for all they had heard and seen 00:10:54.100 --> 00:10:55.659 as it had been told them. 00:10:55.659 --> 00:10:57.740 And at the end of eight days 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:58.639 when he was circumcised 00:10:58.639 --> 00:10:59.559 he was called Jesus 00:10:59.559 --> 00:11:01.219 the name given by the angel 00:11:01.219 --> 00:11:02.259 before he was conceived 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:02.779 in the womb. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:04.480 Let's pray. 00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:07.299 Lord this morning 00:11:07.299 --> 00:11:08.939 I just ask that you would 00:11:08.939 --> 00:11:10.539 teach us about your peace. 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:12.779 Let us not go away from here 00:11:12.779 --> 00:11:14.299 struggling with the anxiety 00:11:14.299 --> 00:11:14.959 and the worry 00:11:14.959 --> 00:11:16.419 that we so often 00:11:16.419 --> 00:11:18.159 try to hold on to Lord. 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:21.000 Help us learn from your word. 00:11:21.199 --> 00:11:21.879 Guard my tongue 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:22.860 from saying anything 00:11:22.860 --> 00:11:24.180 false. 00:11:24.419 --> 00:11:25.220 Let anything fall 00:11:25.220 --> 00:11:26.100 on deaf ears 00:11:26.100 --> 00:11:27.560 that is untrue Lord 00:11:27.560 --> 00:11:29.379 and truly teach us 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:30.279 from your word this morning. 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:31.259 In Jesus name we pray. 00:11:31.580 --> 00:11:31.779 Amen. 00:11:32.980 --> 00:11:33.419 So 00:11:33.419 --> 00:11:34.700 I'll be 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:36.019 very honest 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:36.419 and say 00:11:36.419 --> 00:11:38.139 I had a very difficult time 00:11:38.139 --> 00:11:39.519 deciding on my main text 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:40.159 for this morning. 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:41.180 Very, very difficult. 00:11:41.639 --> 00:11:42.500 There are many 00:11:42.500 --> 00:11:43.460 passages 00:11:43.460 --> 00:11:44.460 about 00:11:44.460 --> 00:11:45.800 the peace of God. 00:11:46.300 --> 00:11:47.200 The peace we have 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:47.779 with God 00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:48.460 through Christ. 00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:49.519 The peace we have 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:52.220 within our souls 00:11:52.220 --> 00:11:53.460 because of being 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:54.419 accepted in Christ 00:11:54.419 --> 00:11:56.379 and the peace we can share 00:11:56.379 --> 00:11:57.220 with others 00:11:57.220 --> 00:11:58.759 because of who we are 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.399 now in Christ. 00:12:00.319 --> 00:12:01.340 But I really struggled 00:12:01.340 --> 00:12:02.100 to decide which one 00:12:02.100 --> 00:12:03.340 would be most beneficial. 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:05.579 So after a lot of thought 00:12:05.579 --> 00:12:06.759 and prayer 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:07.419 and confidence 00:12:07.419 --> 00:12:08.679 that all scripture 00:12:08.679 --> 00:12:09.539 is beneficial 00:12:09.539 --> 00:12:10.179 for teaching, 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:10.759 correction, 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:11.500 reproof, 00:12:12.059 --> 00:12:12.960 training in righteousness 00:12:12.960 --> 00:12:13.740 I landed here 00:12:13.740 --> 00:12:14.939 and we'll also hit 00:12:14.939 --> 00:12:16.059 a lot of the other passages. 00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:17.740 So before we talk 00:12:17.740 --> 00:12:18.299 about this text 00:12:18.299 --> 00:12:18.720 I want to give you 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.259 a little bit 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:20.240 of the structure 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:21.860 for the forward heading. 00:12:22.060 --> 00:12:22.720 So I'm going to use 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:23.060 a heading 00:12:23.060 --> 00:12:23.600 and there will be 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:24.919 three sub points 00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:25.460 within that. 00:12:26.139 --> 00:12:27.180 So our heading is 00:12:27.180 --> 00:12:28.100 How Our Saviors 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:30.039 Birth, Life, Death, 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:30.700 and Resurrection. 00:12:32.019 --> 00:12:32.960 That's How Our Saviors 00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:33.919 Birth, Life, Death, 00:12:33.960 --> 00:12:34.480 and Resurrection. 00:12:35.019 --> 00:12:35.720 The three points 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:36.139 under that 00:12:36.139 --> 00:12:36.600 will be 00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:37.120 firstly 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:38.460 brings us peace 00:12:38.460 --> 00:12:38.980 with God. 00:12:39.940 --> 00:12:40.639 Brings us peace 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:41.039 with God. 00:12:42.220 --> 00:12:42.659 Secondly 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:43.379 brings us peace 00:12:43.379 --> 00:12:43.980 with ourselves. 00:12:45.500 --> 00:12:46.200 And thirdly 00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:46.799 brings us peace 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:47.340 with others. 00:12:47.740 --> 00:12:49.340 So, 00:12:49.519 --> 00:12:50.220 we're going to start 00:12:50.220 --> 00:12:51.039 with how our 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:51.779 Savior's birth, 00:12:52.039 --> 00:12:52.539 life, death, 00:12:52.560 --> 00:12:53.060 and resurrection 00:12:53.060 --> 00:12:53.879 brings us peace 00:12:53.879 --> 00:12:54.279 with God. 00:12:55.060 --> 00:12:56.080 So here in this text 00:12:56.080 --> 00:12:57.060 we hear the very 00:12:57.060 --> 00:12:57.980 familiar story 00:12:57.980 --> 00:12:59.200 of our Savior's birth. 00:12:59.320 --> 00:13:00.919 We see Mary and Joseph 00:13:00.919 --> 00:13:01.960 have traveled to the town 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:02.539 of Bethlehem 00:13:02.539 --> 00:13:03.680 to be registered 00:13:03.680 --> 00:13:04.399 or taxed 00:13:04.399 --> 00:13:04.779 and while they're 00:13:04.779 --> 00:13:05.299 on this journey 00:13:05.299 --> 00:13:06.019 it came time 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:06.899 for Jesus to be born. 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:08.960 When he was born 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:09.879 he was laid in a manger 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:10.680 there was no room 00:13:10.680 --> 00:13:11.860 for them in the inn. 00:13:12.460 --> 00:13:13.419 And we hear a little bit 00:13:13.419 --> 00:13:14.200 about the perspective 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:15.240 of some other people. 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:16.840 So some shepherds 00:13:16.840 --> 00:13:17.580 who were doing 00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:18.000 their thing 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:18.340 they were just 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:19.139 watching their flocks 00:13:19.139 --> 00:13:20.019 like they typically do 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:21.000 and suddenly 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:21.600 an angel 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:23.080 appeared to them 00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:24.060 told them 00:13:24.060 --> 00:13:25.139 of good news 00:13:25.139 --> 00:13:26.200 of great joy 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:27.019 something that would 00:13:27.019 --> 00:13:27.879 be good for all 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:28.639 people it says. 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:30.540 The angel told them 00:13:30.540 --> 00:13:31.240 that that day 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:31.860 a Savior 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:32.899 had been born 00:13:32.899 --> 00:13:33.480 who's called 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:34.519 Christ the Lord 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:35.500 the long expected 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:36.060 Jesus. 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:37.500 The angel then 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.220 tells the shepherds 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:38.639 how they're going 00:13:38.639 --> 00:13:39.160 to find him 00:13:39.160 --> 00:13:40.960 and as the angel 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:41.519 is finishing 00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:42.740 giving the spill 00:13:42.740 --> 00:13:43.280 about Jesus 00:13:43.280 --> 00:13:43.920 suddenly there's 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:44.719 a ton of angels 00:13:44.719 --> 00:13:46.259 and they're so excited 00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:47.379 they say glory to God 00:13:47.379 --> 00:13:47.919 in the highest 00:13:47.919 --> 00:13:48.439 and on earth 00:13:48.439 --> 00:13:49.279 peace among those 00:13:49.279 --> 00:13:50.059 with whom he is pleased. 00:13:51.079 --> 00:13:52.159 So this birth 00:13:52.159 --> 00:13:53.899 ushers in 00:13:53.899 --> 00:13:55.360 great glory to the Lord 00:13:55.360 --> 00:13:56.699 great excitement 00:13:56.699 --> 00:13:57.559 as they say 00:13:57.559 --> 00:13:58.539 peace among those 00:13:58.539 --> 00:13:59.399 with whom he is pleased. 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:01.679 Seems like a pretty 00:14:01.679 --> 00:14:02.639 significant event 00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:03.259 for that to happen. 00:14:03.379 --> 00:14:03.839 I mean angels 00:14:03.839 --> 00:14:05.120 have come proclaiming 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.199 glory to God 00:14:06.199 --> 00:14:06.959 in the highest 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:09.560 but then I go 00:14:09.560 --> 00:14:10.040 and see this 00:14:10.040 --> 00:14:10.780 child born 00:14:10.780 --> 00:14:12.139 and nothing 00:14:12.139 --> 00:14:13.540 seems overly 00:14:13.540 --> 00:14:14.120 fancy here 00:14:14.120 --> 00:14:14.700 in this account 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:15.780 fairly normal birth 00:14:15.780 --> 00:14:17.240 so what's the 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:17.680 big deal? 00:14:19.060 --> 00:14:19.580 How does this 00:14:19.580 --> 00:14:20.540 birth bring glory 00:14:20.540 --> 00:14:21.160 to God 00:14:21.160 --> 00:14:21.960 in the highest 00:14:21.960 --> 00:14:23.220 and peace 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:24.040 among those 00:14:24.040 --> 00:14:24.460 with whom the 00:14:24.460 --> 00:14:25.100 Lord is pleased? 00:14:26.060 --> 00:14:26.420 Well I think 00:14:26.420 --> 00:14:27.480 most if not all 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:27.879 of us 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:28.740 are very very 00:14:28.740 --> 00:14:29.200 acquainted 00:14:29.200 --> 00:14:30.139 with the glorious 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:30.879 truth of us 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:32.800 but it is good 00:14:32.800 --> 00:14:33.340 to be reminded 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:34.040 so let's let the 00:14:34.040 --> 00:14:34.800 scripture do that. 00:14:35.660 --> 00:14:36.120 So now really 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:36.700 getting into 00:14:36.700 --> 00:14:38.039 our point 00:14:38.039 --> 00:14:38.840 of how it brings 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:39.700 us peace with God. 00:14:40.639 --> 00:14:41.539 We follow the 00:14:41.539 --> 00:14:42.100 narrative a little 00:14:42.100 --> 00:14:42.740 bit through Luke 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:43.360 we see Jesus 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:43.879 grow up 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:44.519 we see Jesus 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:45.440 at age 12 00:14:45.440 --> 00:14:46.799 in the temple 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:47.700 answering questions 00:14:47.700 --> 00:14:49.039 and asking questions 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:50.860 and the teachers 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:51.659 are amazed 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:52.860 at his understanding 00:14:52.860 --> 00:14:53.440 and his answers 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:54.360 and we see 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:55.000 something beautiful 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:55.379 I believe 00:14:55.379 --> 00:14:56.060 if you flip over 00:14:56.060 --> 00:14:56.620 to Luke 3 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:58.440 where John the Baptist 00:14:58.440 --> 00:14:59.519 is preparing the way 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:00.480 for Jesus' ministry 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:00.980 and he says 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:02.139 sweet words 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:03.240 found in Isaiah 40 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:04.320 recorded here 00:15:04.320 --> 00:15:05.399 in verses 4-6 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:05.740 says 00:15:05.740 --> 00:15:06.960 the voice of one 00:15:06.960 --> 00:15:07.860 crying in the wilderness 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:09.139 prepare the way 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:09.700 of the Lord 00:15:09.700 --> 00:15:11.159 make his path straight 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:12.000 every valley 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:12.639 shall be filled 00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:13.440 and every mountain 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:13.899 and hill 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:14.840 shall be made low 00:15:14.840 --> 00:15:16.080 and the crooked 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:17.080 shall become straight 00:15:17.080 --> 00:15:18.039 and the rough places 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:19.299 shall become level ways 00:15:19.299 --> 00:15:20.740 and all flesh 00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:21.799 shall see the salvation 00:15:21.799 --> 00:15:22.379 of God. 00:15:23.180 --> 00:15:24.139 So John is preparing 00:15:24.139 --> 00:15:24.560 the way 00:15:24.560 --> 00:15:25.399 ushering something 00:15:25.399 --> 00:15:26.080 new in 00:15:26.080 --> 00:15:27.100 all flesh 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:27.980 shall see the salvation 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:28.220 of God 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:28.820 that's huge 00:15:28.820 --> 00:15:30.299 later on the chapter 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:30.899 he explains 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:31.840 that he's baptizing 00:15:31.840 --> 00:15:32.379 with water 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:33.340 but there's one coming 00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:34.560 that he's not even 00:15:34.560 --> 00:15:35.620 worthy to untie 00:15:35.620 --> 00:15:36.460 his sandals 00:15:36.460 --> 00:15:37.720 and he will baptize 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:38.620 with the Holy Spirit 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:39.680 and with fire. 00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:41.000 So there's something 00:15:41.000 --> 00:15:41.560 new coming 00:15:41.560 --> 00:15:42.620 and this new thing 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:43.120 that's coming 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:43.960 is coming through 00:15:43.960 --> 00:15:44.519 this boy 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.100 who was just born 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:45.500 Jesus. 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:47.460 So looking a little bit 00:15:47.460 --> 00:15:48.259 further into Luke 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:48.840 we see Jesus 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:49.399 being tempted 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:50.019 of the devil 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:51.280 and we see Jesus 00:15:51.280 --> 00:15:52.500 strongly rebuke 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:52.899 the devil 00:15:52.899 --> 00:15:53.560 as someone with 00:15:53.560 --> 00:15:54.160 authority 00:15:54.160 --> 00:15:55.759 and with power. 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:57.639 We then see him 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:58.519 begin his ministry 00:15:58.519 --> 00:15:59.700 preaching good news 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:01.220 preaching repent 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:01.820 for the kingdom 00:16:01.820 --> 00:16:02.360 of heaven 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:03.040 is at hand. 00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:05.399 And there's remarks 00:16:05.399 --> 00:16:06.080 all the time 00:16:06.080 --> 00:16:07.620 of this Jesus 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:08.259 is preaching 00:16:08.259 --> 00:16:09.500 with authority 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:10.120 and not like 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:11.040 the typical teachers. 00:16:12.279 --> 00:16:12.800 But then I believe 00:16:12.800 --> 00:16:13.259 one of the most 00:16:13.259 --> 00:16:14.540 astounding things 00:16:14.540 --> 00:16:16.180 about the accounts 00:16:16.180 --> 00:16:17.040 of Jesus' life 00:16:17.040 --> 00:16:18.500 is that he never 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:19.480 gives in to temptation. 00:16:20.460 --> 00:16:21.340 Never gives in 00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:21.860 to temptation. 00:16:22.580 --> 00:16:23.040 In fact 00:16:23.040 --> 00:16:23.740 in describing 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:24.600 Jesus' life 00:16:24.600 --> 00:16:25.320 the author of Hebrews 00:16:25.320 --> 00:16:26.019 says this 00:16:26.019 --> 00:16:27.720 in chapter 4 00:16:27.720 --> 00:16:28.300 verse 15 00:16:28.300 --> 00:16:29.460 for we do not 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:30.480 have a high priest 00:16:30.480 --> 00:16:31.100 who is unable 00:16:31.100 --> 00:16:31.940 to sympathize 00:16:31.940 --> 00:16:32.600 with our weaknesses 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:33.759 but one who is 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:34.879 in every respect 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:35.820 has been tempted 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:36.560 as we are 00:16:36.560 --> 00:16:38.240 yet he's without sin. 00:16:38.899 --> 00:16:39.820 He never gave in 00:16:39.820 --> 00:16:40.379 to temptation. 00:16:41.920 --> 00:16:42.680 And so going through 00:16:42.680 --> 00:16:44.139 the accounts 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:45.360 of Jesus' life 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:47.320 he offended many. 00:16:47.440 --> 00:16:47.820 After all 00:16:47.820 --> 00:16:48.460 he spoke with 00:16:48.460 --> 00:16:49.220 the authority 00:16:49.220 --> 00:16:49.740 of God. 00:16:50.259 --> 00:16:50.740 He spoke with 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:51.259 the authority 00:16:51.259 --> 00:16:52.539 to forgive sins 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:54.420 and to call out sin 00:16:54.420 --> 00:16:55.200 which he did so 00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:56.159 quite frequently 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:56.759 and did not 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:57.399 back down from 00:16:57.399 --> 00:16:57.720 at all. 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:00.000 And ultimately 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:00.779 people were so 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:01.159 offended 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:02.980 and so hardened 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.000 in their own ways 00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:05.359 that they decided 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:06.299 that instead of 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:07.380 having what we 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:07.960 would now think 00:17:07.960 --> 00:17:08.960 of as the worst 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:09.819 type of criminal 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.799 killed 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:11.380 they would have 00:17:11.380 --> 00:17:12.400 that man freed 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:12.859 but would have 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:13.640 Jesus crucified. 00:17:15.339 --> 00:17:15.759 And now this 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:17.259 Jesus was crucified 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:17.799 and in fact 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:18.299 he died. 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:20.220 But then three days 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:20.980 later he rose 00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:21.559 from the dead. 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:22.880 And this isn't 00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:23.720 some myth 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:25.299 that we like to tell 00:17:25.299 --> 00:17:25.900 especially during 00:17:25.900 --> 00:17:26.380 this time of year 00:17:26.380 --> 00:17:27.039 but he appeared 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:27.960 to many witnesses. 00:17:29.099 --> 00:17:29.799 So what does 00:17:29.799 --> 00:17:30.220 this matter 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:30.859 for our peace? 00:17:32.119 --> 00:17:32.819 Why were we 00:17:32.819 --> 00:17:33.799 not at peace 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.200 before? 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:35.319 So to answer 00:17:35.319 --> 00:17:35.740 that question 00:17:35.740 --> 00:17:36.159 turn with me 00:17:36.159 --> 00:17:37.000 to Romans 5. 00:17:37.420 --> 00:17:38.000 Romans 5. 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:38.039 Romans 5. 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:55.059 So here in Romans 5 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:55.740 I would like to look 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.339 at the first 00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:57.379 11 verses 00:17:57.379 --> 00:17:58.220 and unpack 00:17:58.220 --> 00:17:58.960 just a bit of 00:17:58.960 --> 00:18:00.059 what it has 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:00.619 to say here. 00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:02.059 Pick it up 00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:02.759 in verse 1 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:04.059 of Romans chapter 5. 00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:04.500 It says 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:05.559 Therefore since 00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:06.380 we've been justified 00:18:06.380 --> 00:18:07.220 by faith 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:08.279 we have peace 00:18:08.279 --> 00:18:08.980 with the God 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:09.720 through our Lord 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:10.539 Jesus Christ. 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:11.599 Through him 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:12.240 we have also 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.039 obtained access 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:13.740 by faith 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:14.539 into this grace 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:15.380 in which we stand 00:18:15.380 --> 00:18:16.440 and we rejoice 00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:17.519 in hope of the glory 00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:17.980 of God. 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:19.559 Not only that 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:20.319 but we rejoice 00:18:20.319 --> 00:18:21.279 in our sufferings 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:21.759 knowing that 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.640 suffering produces 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:23.299 endurance 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:24.220 and endurance 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:25.220 produces character 00:18:25.220 --> 00:18:26.000 and character 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:26.920 produces hope 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:28.160 and hope does not 00:18:28.160 --> 00:18:28.880 put us to shame 00:18:28.880 --> 00:18:29.960 because God's love 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:30.799 has been poured 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:31.480 into our hearts 00:18:31.480 --> 00:18:32.400 through the Holy Spirit 00:18:32.400 --> 00:18:33.079 who has been given 00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:33.599 to us. 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:35.299 For while we are 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:35.940 still weak 00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:37.059 at the right time 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:37.779 Christ died 00:18:37.779 --> 00:18:38.619 for the ungodly 00:18:38.619 --> 00:18:40.180 for one will scarcely 00:18:40.180 --> 00:18:40.980 die for a righteous 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:41.420 person 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:42.259 though perhaps 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:42.920 for a good person 00:18:42.920 --> 00:18:43.500 one would dare 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.180 even to die 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:46.099 but God shows 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:46.900 his love for us 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:47.579 in that while we 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.559 were still sinners 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:50.099 Christ died for us 00:18:50.099 --> 00:18:51.180 since therefore 00:18:51.180 --> 00:18:51.900 we have now been 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:53.180 justified by his blood 00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:54.640 much more 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:55.319 shall we be saved 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:55.640 by him 00:18:55.640 --> 00:18:56.180 from the wrath 00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:56.619 of God 00:18:56.619 --> 00:18:57.579 for if while 00:18:57.579 --> 00:18:58.119 we were enemies 00:18:58.119 --> 00:18:58.940 we were reconciled 00:18:58.940 --> 00:18:59.259 to God 00:18:59.259 --> 00:18:59.740 by the death 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.220 of his son 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:01.859 much more 00:19:01.859 --> 00:19:02.640 now that we 00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:03.279 are reconciled 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:03.700 shall we be 00:19:03.700 --> 00:19:04.620 saved by his life 00:19:04.620 --> 00:19:06.039 more than that 00:19:06.039 --> 00:19:06.819 we also rejoice 00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:07.240 in God 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:07.759 through our Lord 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:08.460 Jesus Christ 00:19:08.460 --> 00:19:08.980 through whom 00:19:08.980 --> 00:19:09.380 we have now 00:19:09.380 --> 00:19:10.580 received reconciliation 00:19:10.580 --> 00:19:13.019 so I'm very aware 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:13.840 that this is a very 00:19:13.840 --> 00:19:14.519 packed passage 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.500 and it's not my 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:16.100 goal this morning 00:19:16.100 --> 00:19:16.759 to completely 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.799 unpack everything 00:19:17.799 --> 00:19:19.080 but there's some 00:19:19.080 --> 00:19:20.039 really important things 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:21.039 about our piece here 00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:21.559 that I want to talk 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:21.819 about 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:23.340 so I'm going to 00:19:23.340 --> 00:19:23.920 somewhat work it 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.900 from the middle 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:25.500 end area 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.559 back to the beginning 00:19:26.559 --> 00:19:28.420 so let's look back 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:29.500 at verses 6-8 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:29.779 it says 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:30.339 for while we were 00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:31.059 still weak 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:32.640 at the right time 00:19:32.640 --> 00:19:33.240 Christ died 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:33.980 for the ungodly 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:34.539 for one will 00:19:34.539 --> 00:19:35.240 scarcely die 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:35.759 for a righteous 00:19:35.759 --> 00:19:36.279 person 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:37.579 though perhaps 00:19:37.579 --> 00:19:38.559 for a good person 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:39.299 one would dare 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:39.940 even to die 00:19:39.940 --> 00:19:41.079 but God 00:19:41.079 --> 00:19:41.619 shows his love 00:19:41.619 --> 00:19:42.039 for us 00:19:42.039 --> 00:19:42.460 and that while 00:19:42.460 --> 00:19:42.920 we were still 00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:43.299 sinners 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.039 Christ died 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.539 for us 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:45.980 note a couple 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:46.519 of things 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.480 in these verses 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:48.380 okay 00:19:48.380 --> 00:19:49.920 Paul describes 00:19:49.920 --> 00:19:50.920 us as weak 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:52.200 and as sinners 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:54.079 I think he's being 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:55.359 honestly kind of 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:55.920 nice there 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.259 elsewhere 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:56.519 where we're 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.259 described as 00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:58.299 dead 00:19:58.299 --> 00:19:59.859 as dead 00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:00.359 in our sins 00:20:00.359 --> 00:20:01.319 unable to do 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:02.379 anything good 00:20:02.379 --> 00:20:04.259 we're described 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:04.900 as not being 00:20:04.900 --> 00:20:05.259 righteous 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.099 completely 00:20:06.099 --> 00:20:06.920 unable 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.779 for any good 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:08.140 work 00:20:08.140 --> 00:20:09.299 never seeking 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:09.900 for God 00:20:09.900 --> 00:20:11.440 always turning 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:11.900 away 00:20:11.900 --> 00:20:13.000 worthless 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:16.640 now Paul is 00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:17.180 stating that 00:20:17.180 --> 00:20:18.299 even with us 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:19.119 in that state 00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:20.599 Christ died 00:20:20.599 --> 00:20:21.079 for us 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:22.440 he didn't die 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.140 for an innocent 00:20:23.140 --> 00:20:23.579 child 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:24.339 he didn't die 00:20:24.339 --> 00:20:24.900 for a 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:26.460 lovely woman 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:27.320 he didn't die 00:20:27.320 --> 00:20:28.100 for a strong 00:20:28.100 --> 00:20:28.840 and loving 00:20:28.840 --> 00:20:29.240 man 00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:30.060 he died 00:20:30.060 --> 00:20:30.820 for sinners 00:20:30.820 --> 00:20:31.220 he died 00:20:31.220 --> 00:20:32.060 for the ungodly 00:20:32.060 --> 00:20:32.400 he died 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:32.680 for us 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:33.140 while we were 00:20:33.140 --> 00:20:33.700 in that state 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.080 of never 00:20:34.080 --> 00:20:34.820 seeking him 00:20:34.820 --> 00:20:35.800 and always 00:20:35.800 --> 00:20:36.540 railing against 00:20:36.540 --> 00:20:36.820 him 00:20:36.820 --> 00:20:38.300 never turning 00:20:38.300 --> 00:20:38.780 away from 00:20:38.780 --> 00:20:39.060 our sin 00:20:39.060 --> 00:20:39.440 and in fact 00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:39.900 not even 00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:40.560 being able 00:20:40.560 --> 00:20:41.240 to turn 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:41.620 away from 00:20:41.620 --> 00:20:42.019 our sin 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:42.980 we were 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.380 worthless 00:20:43.380 --> 00:20:44.980 but he died 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.300 for us 00:20:45.300 --> 00:20:45.860 in that state 00:20:45.860 --> 00:20:46.880 and we could 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:47.259 talk about 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:47.660 what great 00:20:47.660 --> 00:20:48.200 love that is 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:48.740 for hours 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:49.140 but I don't 00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:49.700 want to steal 00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:50.840 next week's 00:20:50.840 --> 00:20:51.040 sermon 00:20:51.040 --> 00:20:52.180 but what I do 00:20:52.180 --> 00:20:52.540 want to talk 00:20:52.540 --> 00:20:53.180 about is how 00:20:53.180 --> 00:20:54.200 that death 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:54.660 brought us 00:20:54.660 --> 00:20:55.080 peace 00:20:55.080 --> 00:20:56.920 now we believe 00:20:56.920 --> 00:20:57.580 that God 00:20:57.580 --> 00:20:58.460 is altogether 00:20:58.460 --> 00:20:59.000 righteous 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.019 and altogether 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:00.500 holy 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.840 he cannot 00:21:01.840 --> 00:21:02.759 tolerate sin 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:03.620 sin must be 00:21:03.620 --> 00:21:04.160 punished or 00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:05.160 otherwise he 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:05.640 would not be 00:21:05.640 --> 00:21:06.480 righteous or 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:06.779 holy 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:08.360 think about the 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:09.279 realities of sin 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:10.519 for any length 00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:11.240 of time and 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:12.259 as Lord gives 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.060 you grace to 00:21:13.060 --> 00:21:14.100 see it 00:21:14.100 --> 00:21:15.140 we will truly 00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:15.960 see it that it 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:16.940 is that horrible 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:18.660 so if this is 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:19.100 the case 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:20.180 if it's the 00:21:20.180 --> 00:21:20.759 case that God 00:21:20.759 --> 00:21:21.400 is truly 00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:22.120 altogether 00:21:22.120 --> 00:21:22.700 righteous 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.900 altogether 00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:24.380 holy 00:21:24.380 --> 00:21:25.700 and we 00:21:25.700 --> 00:21:26.240 are worthless 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:26.980 and always 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:27.559 turning to 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:27.819 sin 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:28.700 we should 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:29.019 not be 00:21:29.019 --> 00:21:29.200 able to 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:29.539 be in his 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:29.880 presence 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:31.440 we should 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:31.799 be damned 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.279 to punishment 00:21:32.279 --> 00:21:32.819 forever and 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.900 that's rightful 00:21:33.900 --> 00:21:35.600 but here in 00:21:35.600 --> 00:21:36.080 verse 1 00:21:36.080 --> 00:21:36.600 Paul states 00:21:36.600 --> 00:21:36.960 that through 00:21:36.960 --> 00:21:37.460 faith in 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:38.200 Jesus life 00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:38.900 death 00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:39.259 resurrection 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:39.700 we can 00:21:39.700 --> 00:21:40.360 have peace 00:21:40.360 --> 00:21:40.880 with God 00:21:40.880 --> 00:21:41.900 the angels 00:21:41.900 --> 00:21:42.480 back in Luke 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:43.319 proclaimed glory 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:43.799 to God 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.360 in the highest 00:21:44.360 --> 00:21:45.059 and on earth 00:21:45.059 --> 00:21:45.700 peace among 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:46.200 those with whom 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:46.759 he is pleased 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:48.240 so how does 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:48.660 that work 00:21:48.660 --> 00:21:50.160 how can this 00:21:50.160 --> 00:21:50.700 work with the 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:51.839 reality of the 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:52.519 depth of our 00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:53.440 sinfulness and 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:54.200 the depth of the 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:55.759 Lord's righteousness 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.440 and holiness 00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:58.059 let's go back to 00:21:58.059 --> 00:21:58.619 this person of 00:21:58.619 --> 00:21:59.000 Jesus 00:21:59.000 --> 00:22:00.200 we said this person 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:00.660 of Jesus lived 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:01.599 the perfect life 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:03.299 was tempted just 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:03.960 as we were 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:05.180 but yet did not 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:05.500 sin 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:06.799 but was crucified 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:07.740 suffered a sinner's 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:08.339 death but three 00:22:08.339 --> 00:22:09.180 days later he 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:09.680 rose again 00:22:09.680 --> 00:22:10.759 then look down at 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.339 verse 9 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:12.460 it says since 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.059 therefore we have 00:22:13.059 --> 00:22:13.879 now been justified 00:22:13.879 --> 00:22:14.799 by his blood 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:16.160 much more shall 00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:16.880 we be saved by 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:17.440 him from the 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:18.100 wrath of God 00:22:18.100 --> 00:22:19.040 for if while 00:22:19.040 --> 00:22:19.600 we were enemies 00:22:19.600 --> 00:22:20.380 were reconciled 00:22:20.380 --> 00:22:20.840 to God by 00:22:20.840 --> 00:22:21.240 the death of 00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:21.680 his son 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:23.060 much more 00:22:23.060 --> 00:22:23.540 now that we 00:22:23.540 --> 00:22:24.240 are reconciled 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:24.700 shall we be 00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:25.360 saved by his 00:22:25.360 --> 00:22:25.720 life 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:27.400 more than that 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:28.160 we also rejoice 00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:28.660 in God through 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:29.120 our Lord Jesus 00:22:29.120 --> 00:22:29.759 Christ through 00:22:29.759 --> 00:22:30.160 whom we have 00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:30.660 now received 00:22:30.660 --> 00:22:31.420 reconciliation 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:32.900 as we've been 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:33.840 justified by his 00:22:33.840 --> 00:22:34.820 blood and saved 00:22:34.820 --> 00:22:35.440 from the wrath 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:35.880 of God 00:22:35.880 --> 00:22:37.019 and for even 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:37.840 more clarification 00:22:37.840 --> 00:22:38.759 in verse 1 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.759 it says we are 00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:40.480 justified by our 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:40.920 faith in his 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:41.519 life death 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:42.019 resurrection 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:43.120 so putting all 00:22:43.120 --> 00:22:43.540 that together 00:22:43.540 --> 00:22:43.960 through our 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:44.440 Lord Jesus 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:46.060 and putting faith 00:22:46.059 --> 00:22:47.200 in his blood 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:48.039 shed on our 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:48.700 behalf on the 00:22:48.700 --> 00:22:49.099 cross 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:50.099 he lived that 00:22:50.099 --> 00:22:50.740 perfect life 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:51.419 the life that 00:22:51.419 --> 00:22:52.259 we should have 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:52.960 lived but have 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:53.519 never been 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:54.460 capable of 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:55.700 but he suffered 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:56.460 the death for 00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:57.259 our sins 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:58.899 so that when 00:22:58.899 --> 00:22:59.599 God sees us 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.259 he does not see 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:00.799 our filthy 00:23:00.799 --> 00:23:01.359 nasty 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:02.500 worthless 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:03.279 sin but he 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.099 sees Christ's 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:04.500 righteousness 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:06.220 and his blood 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:06.679 shed on our 00:23:06.679 --> 00:23:07.039 behalf 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:08.639 and that's the 00:23:08.639 --> 00:23:09.099 heart of our 00:23:09.099 --> 00:23:09.419 faith 00:23:09.419 --> 00:23:11.599 and because of 00:23:11.599 --> 00:23:12.240 this the great 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:12.779 work of our 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.420 Savior's birth 00:23:13.420 --> 00:23:13.899 life death 00:23:13.899 --> 00:23:14.359 resurrection 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:15.839 we have peace 00:23:15.839 --> 00:23:16.279 with God 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.059 no more need 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:17.500 to prove 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.039 ourselves to 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:18.299 God 00:23:18.299 --> 00:23:20.099 number one 00:23:20.099 --> 00:23:20.460 because we 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:21.000 can't 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:22.440 and number 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:22.980 two because 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:23.599 Christ has 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:24.559 already done 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:25.200 the work for 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:25.619 us 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:27.019 Christ has 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:27.339 already done 00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:27.759 the work for 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.059 us 00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:29.160 so that brings 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:29.500 us to our 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:29.960 next point 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:31.259 how our 00:23:31.259 --> 00:23:32.059 Savior's birth 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:33.399 life death 00:23:33.399 --> 00:23:34.000 and resurrection 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.339 brings us 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:35.759 peace with 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:36.200 ourselves 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:38.079 how our 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:38.859 Savior's birth 00:23:38.859 --> 00:23:40.119 life death 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:40.740 and resurrection 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.539 brings us 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:41.960 peace with 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:42.380 ourselves 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:44.220 like I said 00:23:44.220 --> 00:23:44.759 earlier I think 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:45.500 many of us 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:46.099 hold ourselves 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:46.640 to really 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:47.120 really high 00:23:47.120 --> 00:23:47.640 standards 00:23:47.640 --> 00:23:50.140 I think we 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:51.279 often feel the 00:23:51.279 --> 00:23:51.779 need that we 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.359 must prove 00:23:52.359 --> 00:23:52.839 ourselves to 00:23:52.839 --> 00:23:53.200 ourselves 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:53.720 we set 00:23:53.720 --> 00:23:54.500 really lofty 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:54.839 goals 00:23:54.839 --> 00:23:56.359 and get so 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:56.900 angry at 00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:57.319 ourselves 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:59.000 when we 00:23:59.000 --> 00:23:59.380 can't meet 00:23:59.380 --> 00:23:59.579 them 00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:00.059 whether they 00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:01.120 be spiritual 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:01.680 or just 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:02.640 typical goals 00:24:02.640 --> 00:24:04.319 when we 00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:04.960 fail to 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:05.819 meet those 00:24:05.819 --> 00:24:06.259 goals we 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:06.980 get frustrated 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:07.559 we can 00:24:07.559 --> 00:24:08.720 get really 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:09.079 down on 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:09.380 ourselves 00:24:09.380 --> 00:24:09.859 even hate 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:10.319 ourselves 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:12.319 I must 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:12.839 confess that 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:13.159 that is 00:24:13.159 --> 00:24:13.899 really often 00:24:13.899 --> 00:24:14.259 where I 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:14.879 find myself 00:24:14.879 --> 00:24:17.019 never quite 00:24:17.019 --> 00:24:17.799 living up 00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:19.240 to the 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:19.700 goals I 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.039 have for 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:20.599 myself as 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:20.919 a follower 00:24:20.919 --> 00:24:21.460 of Christ 00:24:21.460 --> 00:24:22.200 as a 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:22.559 husband 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:23.599 as a 00:24:23.599 --> 00:24:23.799 church 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:24.059 member 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:24.339 and as 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:24.700 a teacher 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:26.799 I believe 00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:27.179 many of 00:24:27.179 --> 00:24:27.539 us can 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:28.359 very easily 00:24:28.359 --> 00:24:29.079 begin to 00:24:29.079 --> 00:24:29.599 believe 00:24:29.599 --> 00:24:30.559 lies that 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:30.799 we will 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:31.480 lose God's 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:31.859 affection 00:24:31.859 --> 00:24:32.579 if we're 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:32.960 going through 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:33.259 a rough 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:33.539 patch 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:34.079 spiritually 00:24:34.079 --> 00:24:34.919 or not 00:24:34.919 --> 00:24:35.359 living up 00:24:35.359 --> 00:24:35.639 to how 00:24:35.639 --> 00:24:35.980 we see 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:36.399 our roles 00:24:36.399 --> 00:24:37.000 working out 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:38.740 but let's 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.240 think about 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:40.119 that idea 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:40.619 for a bit 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:41.140 all of our 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:41.619 striving 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:43.259 all of our 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:43.640 work 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:44.079 all of our 00:24:44.079 --> 00:24:44.819 pressing on 00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:46.420 all of our 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:47.079 trying to be 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:47.700 the very best 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.220 that we can 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:48.480 be 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:49.539 all of our 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.099 so often 00:24:50.099 --> 00:24:51.019 trying to 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:51.480 be God 00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:51.920 whether that 00:24:51.920 --> 00:24:52.640 be intentional 00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:53.559 or unintentional 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:55.079 what is that 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:55.640 compared to 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:57.539 all our 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:57.900 righteousness 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:58.759 is compared 00:24:58.759 --> 00:24:59.359 to filthy 00:24:59.359 --> 00:24:59.819 racks 00:24:59.819 --> 00:25:01.599 apart from the 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:02.180 saving work of 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:02.660 Christ we can 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:03.140 do nothing 00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:03.480 good 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:05.720 and you may 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:06.000 say that 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:06.599 doesn't help 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.059 me feel 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.900 peace about 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:08.519 myself at 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:09.860 all and 00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:10.259 it doesn't 00:25:10.259 --> 00:25:10.759 me either 00:25:10.759 --> 00:25:12.039 but 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:13.819 we keep 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.299 tracking a 00:25:14.299 --> 00:25:14.700 little bit 00:25:14.700 --> 00:25:15.740 earlier we 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:16.539 concluded all 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.279 those things 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:18.400 that yeah 00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:19.700 we're filthy 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.339 sinners who 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.160 are worthless 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:21.980 yeah 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:23.819 but we also 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:24.480 concluded that 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.640 somehow we 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:26.140 have peace 00:25:26.140 --> 00:25:26.640 with God 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:28.700 is this 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.519 peace with 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.180 God coming 00:25:30.180 --> 00:25:30.640 from how 00:25:30.640 --> 00:25:31.339 well we 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.200 work spiritually 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:33.299 coming from 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:33.940 how well 00:25:33.940 --> 00:25:35.220 we are 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:35.640 doing in 00:25:35.640 --> 00:25:36.180 our roles 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:37.100 whatever those 00:25:37.100 --> 00:25:37.559 may be 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:39.460 not at all 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.759 not at all 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:42.640 yes we can 00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:43.019 do nothing 00:25:43.019 --> 00:25:43.559 good without 00:25:43.559 --> 00:25:44.039 Christ 00:25:44.039 --> 00:25:45.299 but we have 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:46.480 been given 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.539 God's love 00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:49.279 he's shown us 00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:50.000 such great love 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:50.720 that even while 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:51.319 we were sinners 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.200 railing against 00:25:52.200 --> 00:25:53.660 him he died 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.180 for us 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:55.200 when the Lord 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:55.880 sees us he no 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.440 longer sees 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:56.819 our sin he 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:57.200 sees the 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:57.819 finished work 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:58.380 of Christ 00:25:58.380 --> 00:26:01.400 now God is 00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:01.759 the person 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.320 who controls 00:26:02.320 --> 00:26:03.300 our ultimate 00:26:03.300 --> 00:26:04.120 destiny it's 00:26:04.120 --> 00:26:05.180 not up to 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:05.920 us it's up 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:07.000 to him and 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.519 because of 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:08.519 this we are 00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:09.019 justified 00:26:09.019 --> 00:26:09.980 reconciled 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:10.680 accepted in 00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:12.280 sight and 00:26:12.280 --> 00:26:12.640 that's what 00:26:12.640 --> 00:26:13.019 matters 00:26:13.019 --> 00:26:16.440 to go off of 00:26:16.440 --> 00:26:16.940 our theme 00:26:16.940 --> 00:26:17.420 that we missed 00:26:17.420 --> 00:26:18.519 last week I 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.700 think that 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.160 should bring us 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:21.280 great joy that 00:26:21.280 --> 00:26:22.440 it's not not 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:23.780 up to us having 00:26:23.780 --> 00:26:24.540 peace with God 00:26:24.540 --> 00:26:26.720 and not just 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:27.220 that but being 00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:27.759 welcomed into 00:26:27.759 --> 00:26:28.080 the Lord's 00:26:28.080 --> 00:26:29.780 family it's not 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:30.819 up to us and 00:26:30.819 --> 00:26:31.379 if that's the 00:26:31.379 --> 00:26:33.119 case we 00:26:33.119 --> 00:26:33.559 shouldn't let 00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:34.299 our failings 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:35.460 overly frustrate 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:36.539 us or even 00:26:36.539 --> 00:26:37.700 turn to hatred 00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:39.599 of ourself but 00:26:39.599 --> 00:26:40.240 instead we should 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:41.079 marvel at the 00:26:41.079 --> 00:26:42.160 grace shown to 00:26:42.160 --> 00:26:42.819 us in the Lord 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:45.180 while we were yet 00:26:45.180 --> 00:26:46.019 sinners and even 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:47.399 now as we still 00:26:47.399 --> 00:26:48.500 struggle so much 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:50.500 sometimes he's 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.059 shown great love 00:26:51.059 --> 00:26:52.819 to us so yes 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.980 we should be 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:55.539 constantly in a 00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:56.279 process of 00:26:56.279 --> 00:26:57.399 acknowledging our 00:26:57.399 --> 00:26:58.059 failings but then 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:59.019 taking our minds 00:26:59.019 --> 00:27:00.339 off that and 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:01.079 marveling on the 00:27:01.079 --> 00:27:02.079 great love of 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:03.279 Christ shown to 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:05.279 us to forget 00:27:05.279 --> 00:27:05.960 about ourselves 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:07.139 more and more 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:08.519 and to dwell on 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:11.139 Christ yes we 00:27:11.139 --> 00:27:12.059 have failed and 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:13.920 we still fail but 00:27:13.920 --> 00:27:15.379 our Lord has begun 00:27:15.379 --> 00:27:16.180 the work and he 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:17.599 has promised he 00:27:17.599 --> 00:27:18.319 will complete it 00:27:18.319 --> 00:27:20.099 I think Paul 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:21.099 expresses this idea 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.059 really really really 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:23.119 well at the end 00:27:23.119 --> 00:27:24.059 of Romans 7 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:24.559 turn with me 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:26.440 there just over to 00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:27.180 Romans 7 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:34.440 I remember 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:35.420 going through a 00:27:35.420 --> 00:27:36.799 certain part of 00:27:36.799 --> 00:27:38.420 my walk with the 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:39.299 Lord a few years 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:39.779 back and I just 00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:40.660 kept coming back to 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:41.560 this passage over 00:27:41.560 --> 00:27:42.440 and over and over 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:43.920 being frustrated with 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:44.920 my own actions and 00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:45.880 I think Paul says it 00:27:45.880 --> 00:27:48.660 well so picking up in 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:49.600 verse 15 here 00:27:49.600 --> 00:27:51.279 says for I do not 00:27:51.279 --> 00:27:52.600 understand my own 00:27:52.600 --> 00:27:53.640 actions for I do 00:27:53.640 --> 00:27:54.680 not do what I want 00:27:54.680 --> 00:27:56.080 but I do the very 00:27:56.080 --> 00:27:57.200 thing that I hate 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:58.840 now if I do what I 00:27:58.840 --> 00:27:59.960 do not want I agree 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:00.900 with the law that it 00:28:00.900 --> 00:28:02.360 is good so now it is 00:28:02.360 --> 00:28:03.620 no longer I who do 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:04.560 it but sin that 00:28:04.560 --> 00:28:06.500 dwells within me for 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:07.120 I know that nothing 00:28:07.120 --> 00:28:08.200 good dwells in me that 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:09.519 is in my flesh for I 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:10.460 have the desire to do 00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:11.779 what is right but not 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.779 the ability to carry 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:14.279 it out for I do not 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:15.400 do the good I want but 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:16.220 the evil I do not 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:17.060 want is what I keep 00:28:17.060 --> 00:28:18.860 on doing now if I do 00:28:18.860 --> 00:28:20.080 what I do not want it 00:28:20.080 --> 00:28:21.039 is no longer I who 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:22.259 do it but sin that 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:24.320 dwells within me so I 00:28:24.319 --> 00:28:25.099 find it to be a law 00:28:25.099 --> 00:28:26.019 that when I want to 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:27.200 do right evil lies 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:28.779 close at hand for I 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.679 delight in the law of 00:28:29.679 --> 00:28:30.319 God and my inner 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:31.559 being but I see in 00:28:31.559 --> 00:28:32.379 my members another 00:28:32.379 --> 00:28:33.740 law waging war against 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:34.579 the law of my mind 00:28:34.579 --> 00:28:35.859 and making me captive 00:28:35.859 --> 00:28:37.099 to the law of sin that 00:28:37.099 --> 00:28:38.019 dwells in my members 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:39.980 wretched man that I 00:28:39.980 --> 00:28:41.079 am who will deliver me 00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:41.899 from this body of 00:28:41.899 --> 00:28:43.759 death thanks be to 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:44.740 God through Jesus 00:28:44.740 --> 00:28:46.359 Christ our Lord so 00:28:46.359 --> 00:28:47.460 then I myself serve 00:28:47.460 --> 00:28:48.579 the law of God with 00:28:48.579 --> 00:28:50.179 my mind but with my 00:28:50.179 --> 00:28:51.299 flesh I serve the law 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:53.439 of sin I think this 00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:54.220 idea we just talked 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:55.480 about is exactly what 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:56.299 Paul is talking about 00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:57.759 so often I believe we 00:28:57.759 --> 00:28:59.240 find ourselves really 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:00.380 enjoying the gospel but 00:29:00.380 --> 00:29:01.539 then so quickly our 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.640 affections being turned 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:05.400 towards sin but look at 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:07.220 the ending praise to 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:07.900 God that he will 00:29:07.900 --> 00:29:09.559 ultimately deliver us 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.259 from this body of 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:12.160 death so we should be 00:29:12.160 --> 00:29:13.140 at peace with ourselves 00:29:13.140 --> 00:29:14.860 and not constantly 00:29:14.860 --> 00:29:15.900 feeling down about our 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:16.759 failings but feeling 00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:18.620 the joy of Christ's 00:29:18.620 --> 00:29:20.680 work so that brings us 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.380 to our third point 00:29:21.380 --> 00:29:23.460 how our Savior's 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:25.019 birth life death 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:25.840 and resurrection 00:29:25.840 --> 00:29:27.160 brings us peace with 00:29:27.160 --> 00:29:29.299 others how our 00:29:29.299 --> 00:29:30.340 Savior's birth life 00:29:30.340 --> 00:29:31.740 death and resurrection 00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:32.759 brings us peace with 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:36.019 others we mentioned 00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:37.580 earlier when discussing 00:29:37.580 --> 00:29:39.440 the felt need to prove 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:40.160 ourselves to others 00:29:40.160 --> 00:29:41.539 that we so often want 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.779 to compare ourselves to 00:29:42.779 --> 00:29:44.720 others we try to look 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:45.460 at each other's 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:46.299 struggles and think oh 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:47.600 I'm I'm not that bad 00:29:47.599 --> 00:29:49.719 or we tend to look at 00:29:49.719 --> 00:29:51.000 what we're doing for 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:52.959 the Lord and then look 00:29:52.959 --> 00:29:53.559 at what our brothers 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:54.439 and sisters are doing 00:29:54.439 --> 00:29:55.699 for the Lord and get 00:29:55.699 --> 00:29:57.059 some sort of sick 00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:59.139 satisfaction of thinking 00:29:59.139 --> 00:30:00.240 that we do more so we 00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:02.959 must be better off or 00:30:02.959 --> 00:30:03.899 we want to show others 00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:05.679 how busy we are and 00:30:05.679 --> 00:30:07.879 how committed we are and 00:30:07.879 --> 00:30:08.819 how because of this 00:30:08.819 --> 00:30:10.240 somehow our thinking 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:11.779 tells us that we're 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:12.859 better followers of 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:14.740 Christ we want others 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:16.500 to see our own work 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:20.059 brothers and sisters 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:22.240 none of these are 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:24.640 gospel mindsets none 00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:25.740 of these bring glory to 00:30:25.740 --> 00:30:27.660 the work of Christ and 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:29.079 all of these try to take 00:30:29.079 --> 00:30:30.039 the glory that the work 00:30:30.039 --> 00:30:32.160 of Christ deserves and 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:33.200 put it on something that 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:35.000 we've already concluded is 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:40.440 worthless and so with 00:30:40.440 --> 00:30:41.339 that as we truly 00:30:41.339 --> 00:30:42.620 understand the gospel of 00:30:42.620 --> 00:30:43.960 who we are in Christ 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:45.519 what he has taken us 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:47.059 from of the depths of 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:49.059 our sin then understand 00:30:49.059 --> 00:30:51.059 why he chose us of 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:53.980 simply his grace I 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:54.600 think we as believers 00:30:54.600 --> 00:30:55.579 see that we're all 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.920 really in the same boat 00:30:56.920 --> 00:30:59.559 we were all sinners we're 00:30:59.559 --> 00:31:00.279 all in a state of 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:01.579 spiritual death we all 00:31:01.579 --> 00:31:04.200 needed new birth but I 00:31:04.200 --> 00:31:05.120 think we so often 00:31:05.120 --> 00:31:06.900 struggle with the idea 00:31:06.900 --> 00:31:08.180 of subtly thinking that 00:31:08.180 --> 00:31:09.840 oh I've never done 00:31:09.840 --> 00:31:10.579 anything like they've 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:12.360 done I'm better off or 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:13.839 sometimes we either 00:31:13.839 --> 00:31:15.000 intentionally or 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:17.039 unintentionally end up 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:17.879 thinking that we've 00:31:17.879 --> 00:31:19.299 always done good works 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:21.399 or that we don't need the 00:31:21.399 --> 00:31:22.500 Lord's grace as much as 00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:24.759 the next guy or why did 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.659 the Lord save them when 00:31:25.659 --> 00:31:26.419 they've done such bad 00:31:26.419 --> 00:31:28.419 things and all these 00:31:28.419 --> 00:31:29.719 sound awful like we 00:31:29.719 --> 00:31:30.639 would never think these 00:31:30.639 --> 00:31:31.500 things but that is what 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:33.139 we're doing when we're 00:31:33.139 --> 00:31:33.979 comparing ourselves to 00:31:33.979 --> 00:31:35.740 others it's exactly what 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:38.159 we're doing and so we 00:31:38.159 --> 00:31:39.259 have to be vigilant 00:31:39.259 --> 00:31:41.000 against these mindsets as 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:42.700 they so often creep in 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:44.879 we must remember that 00:31:44.879 --> 00:31:46.559 all of us every single 00:31:46.559 --> 00:31:47.640 one of us has committed 00:31:47.640 --> 00:31:49.079 an infinite trespass 00:31:49.079 --> 00:31:50.680 against a holy God and 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:52.660 we're so all of us are 00:31:52.660 --> 00:31:55.000 fully deserving of death 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:56.019 and hell and we're given 00:31:56.019 --> 00:31:57.379 a grace to not be sent 00:31:57.379 --> 00:32:00.400 there right now so how 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:01.339 does that bring us peace 00:32:01.339 --> 00:32:05.099 with others we have no 00:32:05.099 --> 00:32:06.259 room for boasting 00:32:06.259 --> 00:32:08.759 salvation is all based on 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.759 grace and undeserved 00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:10.759 kindness so all our 00:32:10.759 --> 00:32:12.720 boasting must stop we 00:32:12.720 --> 00:32:13.900 all need the Lord if the 00:32:13.900 --> 00:32:14.960 Lord counted trespasses 00:32:14.960 --> 00:32:16.839 against us who could 00:32:16.839 --> 00:32:21.000 stand no one right we 00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:22.200 all have that flesh that 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:24.079 still tries to creep in to 00:32:24.079 --> 00:32:25.480 destroy us to distract us 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:26.279 from the good work the 00:32:26.279 --> 00:32:28.279 Lord's giving us and only 00:32:28.279 --> 00:32:29.379 the Lord will deliver us 00:32:29.379 --> 00:32:30.220 from that body of death 00:32:30.220 --> 00:32:32.259 none of our striving it's 00:32:33.059 --> 00:32:35.220 the Lord's work but so 00:32:35.220 --> 00:32:36.579 often we carry around the 00:32:36.579 --> 00:32:37.839 sense of some sort of 00:32:37.839 --> 00:32:41.000 spiritual pride thinking 00:32:41.000 --> 00:32:44.600 that we do the most good 00:32:44.600 --> 00:32:46.079 works of anybody around 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:48.920 us or that we avoid more 00:32:48.920 --> 00:32:52.039 sin than most but when we 00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:53.079 truly understand our 00:32:53.079 --> 00:32:54.360 position of being saved 00:32:54.360 --> 00:32:56.319 completely by grace alone 00:32:56.319 --> 00:32:57.579 through faith alone in the 00:32:57.579 --> 00:32:59.140 work of Christ and nothing 00:32:59.140 --> 00:33:03.279 of ourselves alone that 00:33:03.279 --> 00:33:04.220 there's no good in 00:33:04.220 --> 00:33:05.379 ourselves apart from his 00:33:05.379 --> 00:33:07.339 work our pride and our 00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:08.599 boasting should be gone 00:33:08.599 --> 00:33:10.720 entirely gone we have no 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:13.740 grounds for it and as it 00:33:13.740 --> 00:33:15.399 goes away we can have the 00:33:15.399 --> 00:33:16.839 great peace and harmony that 00:33:16.839 --> 00:33:17.960 the Lord has called us to 00:33:17.960 --> 00:33:19.680 with each other with our 00:33:19.680 --> 00:33:20.379 brothers and sisters 00:33:20.379 --> 00:33:22.539 working together as one 00:33:22.539 --> 00:33:26.899 body for the Lord just one 00:33:26.899 --> 00:33:27.720 more quick thing on this 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:30.299 point to demonstrate the 00:33:30.299 --> 00:33:32.759 reality of how ridiculous our 00:33:32.759 --> 00:33:36.019 pride can be sometimes I 00:33:36.019 --> 00:33:37.079 want to share a song that I 00:33:37.079 --> 00:33:38.299 believe demonstrates its 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:41.599 ugliness if you grew up in a 00:33:41.599 --> 00:33:43.740 very traditional country-ish 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:45.399 type church you might 00:33:45.399 --> 00:33:48.240 recognize these lyrics what I 00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:49.299 want you to pay attention to 00:33:49.299 --> 00:33:51.119 is the level of pride that it 00:33:51.119 --> 00:33:54.480 communicates and then the 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:56.339 realization of that in the 00:33:56.339 --> 00:33:58.139 end I'll probably get made fun 00:33:58.140 --> 00:33:59.340 of for quoting this one later 00:33:59.340 --> 00:34:01.920 but but I really think like 00:34:01.920 --> 00:34:03.040 this communicates the 00:34:03.040 --> 00:34:04.960 ugliness of pride and the 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:09.160 reality of it's I guess not 00:34:09.160 --> 00:34:12.760 having any sort of base and 00:34:12.760 --> 00:34:15.160 it's simple but it's good it 00:34:15.160 --> 00:34:16.780 says I thought number one would 00:34:16.780 --> 00:34:19.440 surely be me I thought I could 00:34:19.440 --> 00:34:21.680 do what I wanted to do excuse 00:34:21.680 --> 00:34:22.740 me I thought I could be what I 00:34:22.740 --> 00:34:24.700 wanted to be I thought I could 00:34:24.700 --> 00:34:26.900 build on life sinking sand but 00:34:26.900 --> 00:34:29.220 now I can't even walk without 00:34:29.220 --> 00:34:31.780 you holding my hand I thought I 00:34:31.780 --> 00:34:33.220 could do a lot on my own I 00:34:33.220 --> 00:34:34.460 thought I could make it all the 00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:37.559 day long I thought of myself as a 00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:39.240 mighty big man but Lord I can't 00:34:39.240 --> 00:34:41.160 even walk without you holding my 00:34:41.160 --> 00:34:44.380 hand so often we try to take 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:46.300 credit and take pride in the 00:34:46.300 --> 00:34:47.800 things that the Lord is giving us 00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:50.840 to walk in this tears down our 00:34:50.840 --> 00:34:52.980 thinking about the gospel we 00:34:52.980 --> 00:34:54.380 forget that any good thing that 00:34:54.380 --> 00:34:56.000 we're able to do is a sweet grace 00:34:56.000 --> 00:34:58.700 to us and yet another thing our 00:34:58.700 --> 00:35:00.460 pride tears down the relationship 00:35:00.460 --> 00:35:01.880 we have with our brothers and 00:35:01.880 --> 00:35:03.119 sisters who make up the church 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:06.840 so let's remember the gospel the 00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:08.360 good news that yes we can do 00:35:08.360 --> 00:35:10.180 nothing but even while we're in 00:35:10.180 --> 00:35:12.280 that Christ showed his great love 00:35:12.280 --> 00:35:13.820 to us and that he gave us his 00:35:13.820 --> 00:35:15.240 great salvation by paying the 00:35:15.240 --> 00:35:17.720 ultimate price of a sinner's death 00:35:17.720 --> 00:35:19.840 and bearing the wrath of God for our 00:35:19.840 --> 00:35:23.980 sins let that reality rule our minds 00:35:23.980 --> 00:35:26.280 and there will be no room for pride 00:35:26.280 --> 00:35:28.320 left we'll have so much more room 00:35:28.320 --> 00:35:29.780 for peace with our brothers and 00:35:29.780 --> 00:35:31.780 sisters I believe that's the number 00:35:31.780 --> 00:35:33.740 one thing that can tear that down 00:35:33.740 --> 00:35:37.139 now we've we've talked about the 00:35:37.139 --> 00:35:38.639 realities of peace that the Lord has 00:35:38.639 --> 00:35:40.420 ushered in at this point we've 00:35:40.420 --> 00:35:42.240 talked about how our Savior's birth 00:35:42.240 --> 00:35:44.320 life death and resurrection has 00:35:44.320 --> 00:35:46.460 brought us peace with God peace with 00:35:46.460 --> 00:35:49.139 ourselves and peace with others but 00:35:49.139 --> 00:35:51.639 how do we maintain this how do we 00:35:51.639 --> 00:35:54.159 hold on to this peace and what does 00:35:54.159 --> 00:35:56.059 it look like can we have it all the 00:35:56.059 --> 00:35:57.719 time I want to look at one more 00:35:57.719 --> 00:35:59.639 passage before we close to turn with 00:35:59.639 --> 00:36:03.960 me to Philippians 4 Philippians 4 I 00:36:03.960 --> 00:36:07.440 think this or maybe Ephesians 2 is 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:09.440 probably the most common passage used 00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:10.519 to talk about this and I think 00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:14.279 rightfully so so I want to look at 00:36:14.280 --> 00:36:16.720 verses 4 through 13 here in 00:36:16.720 --> 00:36:22.620 Philippians 4 picking up in verse 4 it 00:36:22.620 --> 00:36:25.280 says rejoice in the Lord always again I 00:36:25.280 --> 00:36:27.800 will say rejoice let your reasonableness 00:36:27.800 --> 00:36:29.900 be known to everyone the Lord is at 00:36:29.900 --> 00:36:31.920 hand do not be anxious about anything 00:36:31.920 --> 00:36:34.300 but in everything by prayer and 00:36:34.300 --> 00:36:36.120 supplication with Thanksgiving let your 00:36:36.120 --> 00:36:38.340 request be made known to God and the 00:36:38.340 --> 00:36:40.019 peace of God which surpasses all 00:36:40.019 --> 00:36:42.160 understanding will guard your hearts 00:36:42.159 --> 00:36:45.139 in your minds in Christ Jesus finally 00:36:45.139 --> 00:36:47.179 brothers whatever is true whatever is 00:36:47.179 --> 00:36:49.319 honorable whatever is just whatever is 00:36:49.319 --> 00:36:51.319 pure whatever is lovely whatever is 00:36:51.319 --> 00:36:53.239 commendable if there is any excellence 00:36:53.239 --> 00:36:55.899 there is anything worthy of praise think 00:36:55.899 --> 00:36:58.239 about these things what you have learned 00:36:58.239 --> 00:37:00.039 and received and heard and seen in me 00:37:00.039 --> 00:37:02.699 practice excuse me practice these things 00:37:02.699 --> 00:37:05.619 and the God of peace will be with you I 00:37:05.619 --> 00:37:07.559 rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at 00:37:07.559 --> 00:37:09.339 length you've revived your concern for 00:37:09.340 --> 00:37:11.320 me you were indeed concerned for me but 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:13.760 you had no opportunity not that I'm 00:37:13.760 --> 00:37:15.220 speaking of being in need for I've 00:37:15.220 --> 00:37:17.280 learned in whatever situation I am to 00:37:17.280 --> 00:37:19.539 be content I know how to be brought low 00:37:19.539 --> 00:37:21.680 and I know how to abound in any and 00:37:21.680 --> 00:37:23.340 every circumstance I've learned the 00:37:23.340 --> 00:37:25.720 secret of placing facing plenty and 00:37:25.720 --> 00:37:28.260 hunger abundance in need I can do all 00:37:28.260 --> 00:37:31.380 things through him who strengthens me so 00:37:31.380 --> 00:37:33.880 in closing a couple of things to note when 00:37:33.880 --> 00:37:35.980 Paul is talking about this piece that 00:37:35.980 --> 00:37:39.219 surpasses all understanding he describes 00:37:39.219 --> 00:37:41.300 being able to have it in any 00:37:41.300 --> 00:37:43.599 circumstances and as verses just below 00:37:43.599 --> 00:37:45.539 it he says that he has learned in 00:37:45.539 --> 00:37:48.440 whatever situation he is in to be 00:37:48.440 --> 00:37:50.940 content he can have peace no matter 00:37:50.940 --> 00:37:54.420 what is going on around him now why is 00:37:54.420 --> 00:37:56.380 this is he some sort of super 00:37:56.380 --> 00:37:58.340 Christian that had special powers that 00:37:58.340 --> 00:38:00.460 he can do it he can have peace no 00:38:00.460 --> 00:38:02.460 matter what but we can't do it 00:38:02.460 --> 00:38:06.240 absolutely not he's able to be at 00:38:06.240 --> 00:38:08.019 peace by doing what he says right 00:38:08.019 --> 00:38:09.720 here by setting his mind look at verse 00:38:09.720 --> 00:38:12.519 eight finally brothers whatever is 00:38:12.519 --> 00:38:14.760 true whatever is honorable whatever is 00:38:14.760 --> 00:38:17.300 just whatever is pure whatever is 00:38:17.300 --> 00:38:20.179 lovely whatever is commendable if there's 00:38:20.179 --> 00:38:21.940 any excellence if there's anything 00:38:21.940 --> 00:38:23.800 worthy of praise think about these 00:38:23.800 --> 00:38:26.360 things he's setting his mind and that 00:38:26.360 --> 00:38:29.400 is how he's able to keep peace no 00:38:29.400 --> 00:38:30.920 matter what's going on around him 00:38:30.920 --> 00:38:34.079 sets his mind on the things that are 00:38:34.079 --> 00:38:36.740 actually worthy of praise he doesn't 00:38:36.740 --> 00:38:39.300 get caught up in comparing himself to 00:38:39.300 --> 00:38:41.700 others he doesn't get caught up in 00:38:41.700 --> 00:38:45.099 wallowing about in a sin but he sets his 00:38:45.099 --> 00:38:47.760 mind on the great hope we have in 00:38:47.760 --> 00:38:50.440 Christ he's thankful he takes 00:38:50.440 --> 00:38:53.139 everything to the Lord in prayer he 00:38:53.139 --> 00:38:54.280 rejoices in the Lord 00:38:54.280 --> 00:38:59.820 what a friend we have in Jesus all our 00:38:59.820 --> 00:39:02.100 sins and griefs to bear what a privilege 00:39:02.100 --> 00:39:04.880 to carry everything to God in prayer just 00:39:04.880 --> 00:39:07.740 like it says here oh what peace we often 00:39:07.740 --> 00:39:11.940 forfeit oh what needless pain we bear all 00:39:11.940 --> 00:39:14.420 because we do not carry everything to God 00:39:14.420 --> 00:39:18.340 in care in prayer we can take our anxieties 00:39:18.340 --> 00:39:20.140 to the Lord we can set our minds on the 00:39:20.140 --> 00:39:21.840 things that are true that are honorable 00:39:21.840 --> 00:39:23.980 that are just that are pure that are 00:39:23.980 --> 00:39:26.539 lovely that are actually commendable and 00:39:26.539 --> 00:39:30.340 excellent and truly worthy of praise and 00:39:30.340 --> 00:39:32.779 now as we set our mindsets on the 00:39:32.779 --> 00:39:34.360 gospel always vigilant to battle the 00:39:34.360 --> 00:39:36.900 pride or the opposite the self-hate and 00:39:36.900 --> 00:39:40.599 the disbelief that comes in we can have 00:39:40.599 --> 00:39:43.940 true peace through our Lord no more 00:39:43.940 --> 00:39:45.739 trying to prove ourselves to him and 00:39:45.739 --> 00:39:47.039 we're trying to prove ourselves to 00:39:47.039 --> 00:39:49.519 ourselves he's done the work and to 00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:53.679 ultimately say that we are his so thus 00:39:53.679 --> 00:39:55.899 far I've spoken about a peace that is 00:39:55.899 --> 00:39:59.500 here a peace that can be had now but 00:39:59.500 --> 00:40:01.359 even better than that brothers and 00:40:01.359 --> 00:40:05.500 sisters our true life and eternity our 00:40:05.500 --> 00:40:06.940 peace will no longer have to be fought 00:40:06.940 --> 00:40:10.500 for we will have it and it will be with 00:40:10.500 --> 00:40:13.319 us forever a whole sermon could be 00:40:13.319 --> 00:40:18.659 preached on that peace but time so when 00:40:18.659 --> 00:40:21.579 we're struggling when the cares of the 00:40:21.579 --> 00:40:23.719 world try to choke out our peace when 00:40:23.719 --> 00:40:26.980 unbelievers scoff at the gospel when 00:40:26.980 --> 00:40:30.360 we are down when we are just struggling 00:40:30.360 --> 00:40:31.799 so much we can set our hope on the 00:40:31.799 --> 00:40:34.579 promise of such a great eternity when 00:40:34.579 --> 00:40:37.519 we'll be in perfect peace and thus have 00:40:37.519 --> 00:40:40.380 such great hope such great joy such 00:40:40.380 --> 00:40:42.960 great peace now as we look toward that 00:40:42.960 --> 00:40:45.779 ultimate full development so grab your 00:40:45.779 --> 00:40:47.579 bulletin grab your bulletin 00:40:47.579 --> 00:40:53.679 there's a quote on it from william 00:40:53.679 --> 00:40:56.799 guernal who's a 17th century english 00:40:56.799 --> 00:40:59.679 theologian i think it communicates this 00:40:59.679 --> 00:41:01.219 reality super well 00:41:01.219 --> 00:41:07.779 says therefore you who think so basely 00:41:07.779 --> 00:41:10.619 of the gospel and the professors of it 00:41:10.619 --> 00:41:12.819 because at present their peace and 00:41:12.819 --> 00:41:15.659 comfort are not come should know that it 00:41:15.659 --> 00:41:18.059 is on the way to them and comes to stay 00:41:18.059 --> 00:41:20.859 everlastingly with them whereas your 00:41:20.859 --> 00:41:24.440 peace is going from you every moment and 00:41:24.440 --> 00:41:26.559 is sure to leave you without any hope of 00:41:26.559 --> 00:41:29.599 returning to you again look not how the 00:41:29.599 --> 00:41:32.879 christian begins but how he ends so let's 00:41:32.879 --> 00:41:33.079 pray 00:41:33.079 --> 00:41:39.619 and 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:39.619