WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.200 So Christ in Communication, and if we were to subtitle the sermon, it would be Redeeming Eloquence for the Glory of God. 00:00:06.719 --> 00:00:22.120 ! So I want to pause right there to ask for your prayers, because what I'm essentially battling against all morning is speaking well for any purpose other than the glory of God. 00:00:22.120 --> 00:00:37.280 Which is tough when you're actually talking about speaking well. So if you'll join me in praying and continue praying for the grace to get through this and to do it well, I would appreciate that. 00:00:39.159 --> 00:00:41.600 Let's petition the Father now together. 00:00:41.600 --> 00:00:50.980 God, you're a great God, an awesome, mighty God, sovereign over all things. 00:00:52.359 --> 00:00:59.719 Yet you've chosen to use your servants to accomplish your will. You've chosen human means to accomplish divine purposes. 00:01:01.200 --> 00:01:07.000 Let it be so this morning that you move powerfully in each of us, through each of us. 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:18.859 Use the words that I've prepared and the words that I speak to impact all of us in such a way that we might live more to the glory of God. 00:01:19.819 --> 00:01:26.560 That we might experience the joy of loving and serving Christ more through this message. 00:01:26.560 --> 00:01:28.680 What's the reading of your word? 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:34.219 What's this time that we might all be filled up? 00:01:34.620 --> 00:01:40.659 Not only challenged to change, to repent, but encouraged to fight the good fight. 00:01:41.180 --> 00:01:41.659 In your name, amen. 00:01:43.460 --> 00:01:44.560 Okay, so I have... 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:47.240 I'm notoriously long-winded. 00:01:47.900 --> 00:01:50.060 I know that, and I'm trying to work on that. 00:01:50.060 --> 00:01:59.840 With that said, I've cut quite a bit of the sermon that I prepared, but you can get the full thing on my website. 00:02:00.620 --> 00:02:04.520 We'll talk a little bit about using resources like the internet this morning. 00:02:05.280 --> 00:02:07.800 But westshallnot.com sometime tomorrow. 00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:09.620 I'll have all my notes up there. 00:02:09.620 --> 00:02:19.439 So I'm going to talk as fast as I can without stumbling to try to get through what I feel like is really powerful truth. 00:02:19.520 --> 00:02:21.860 The truth that I've had to really wrestle with this week. 00:02:23.360 --> 00:02:27.340 So we're going to dig into it, and I'm going to really be moving fast. 00:02:27.780 --> 00:02:32.020 So if you're keeping notes, I'm going to give you the four main bullet points up front. 00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:36.159 And then you can fill the rest in as we go, or you can go online tomorrow. 00:02:36.159 --> 00:02:41.199 So let's go ahead and work on a definition of eloquence, and then we'll look at the text. 00:02:42.500 --> 00:02:50.079 For today, purposes of today, eloquence is going to be defined as a style of speaking or writing that is intrinsically pleasing. 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:51.379 Okay. 00:02:51.859 --> 00:02:54.120 Style of speaking or writing that is intrinsically pleasing. 00:02:54.699 --> 00:03:04.340 Eloquence seeks a powerful verbal impact through an artistic, surprising, provocative, or aesthetically pleasing application of language. 00:03:04.340 --> 00:03:12.140 So if you're taking notes, here are the four points that I'm going to try to work out today. 00:03:12.580 --> 00:03:16.900 Basically, that there are right and wrong ways to use eloquence as Christians. 00:03:17.480 --> 00:03:20.120 The wrong ways are anti-oratory. 00:03:20.439 --> 00:03:21.680 We're going to talk about what that means. 00:03:22.759 --> 00:03:23.939 And over-eloquence. 00:03:24.879 --> 00:03:26.680 Anti-oratory and over-eloquence. 00:03:26.980 --> 00:03:31.219 And the right ways are self-humiliation and Christ-exaltation. 00:03:31.219 --> 00:03:34.620 Self-humiliation and Christ-exaltation. 00:03:35.400 --> 00:03:35.479 Okay. 00:03:35.659 --> 00:03:41.300 Now, but before we talk about eloquence, we have to discuss the building blocks of eloquence, which are words. 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:47.500 And the Bible is slap full of commandments on words, and of course it's made up of words. 00:03:48.060 --> 00:03:53.680 The Bible has a lot to say about words, so we're just going to focus in on one part of Scripture as it relates to words, 00:03:53.860 --> 00:03:54.719 and that's the Gospel. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:04:02.439 So the Gospel as it relates to words, first, God has holy standards for how we are to speak and listen to words. 00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:07.060 If we were to look at Matthew 12, verses 36 through 37, Jesus says, 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:11.219 I tell you, on the day of judgment, people will give an account for every careless word they speak. 00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:14.879 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. 00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:17.920 Also, in Ephesians 4, 29, Paul says, 00:04:18.420 --> 00:04:23.759 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up as fits the occasion, 00:04:23.879 --> 00:04:25.600 that it may give grace to those who hear. 00:04:27.759 --> 00:04:30.699 Second, outside the completion of our sanctification, 00:04:31.219 --> 00:04:35.420 the Bible teaches that we won't fully live up to God's holy standard regarding the use of words. 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:39.000 We see that in James 3, 8, where James writes, 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:43.560 No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 00:04:44.879 --> 00:04:49.839 Next, we see in Scripture that Jesus fulfilled what humanity failed to do. 00:04:50.259 --> 00:04:52.199 His words were perfect words, without sin. 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:55.560 By his substitutionary death, his words became ours. 00:04:55.699 --> 00:05:00.519 His punishment for our words, indeed his punishment for all of our failings, 00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:04.019 the punishment that we deserved, he took on himself. 00:05:05.500 --> 00:05:07.360 So we see in Hebrews 4, 15, 00:05:07.500 --> 00:05:13.000 Jesus is our great high priest who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:15.220 And in 2 Corinthians 5, 21, 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:21.800 For our sake he made him to be sin, who knew, knowed sin, that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 00:05:23.480 --> 00:05:27.500 The final point that I want to talk about regarding words and the gospel 00:05:27.500 --> 00:05:31.879 is that our day-by-day failure to use words properly, catch this, 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:37.319 our day-by-day failure to use words properly comes from a functional rejection of Christ, 00:05:37.939 --> 00:05:38.819 the one true word. 00:05:38.819 --> 00:05:43.139 If we accept that God has given us words for his purpose, 00:05:43.639 --> 00:05:45.060 which I hope by the end of the day we will, 00:05:45.839 --> 00:05:49.540 then when we reject the purpose of words through the way that we use them, 00:05:49.639 --> 00:05:53.040 it proves that we have rejected the giver of the words as well. 00:05:53.459 --> 00:05:54.579 So I'm going to illustrate what I mean. 00:05:55.019 --> 00:05:59.639 Let's say that Nathan were to give me a Gibson J45, which is an acoustic guitar. 00:06:00.120 --> 00:06:01.699 It's like the acoustic guitar. 00:06:01.939 --> 00:06:05.680 Elvis played it, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan. 00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:07.660 It's the rock and roll acoustic guitar. 00:06:08.060 --> 00:06:12.540 So let's say that Nathan gave me a mint condition, 1965 J45. 00:06:13.459 --> 00:06:16.400 And the next time he came over to my house, 00:06:16.459 --> 00:06:19.600 I showed him the J45 that I had cut a hole in and turned into a wall caulk. 00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:26.740 That would be not only the stupidest thing I've ever done, 00:06:26.740 --> 00:06:30.480 but it would prove two things. 00:06:30.620 --> 00:06:32.180 It would prove I didn't really care for the gift, 00:06:32.680 --> 00:06:35.319 and that I wasn't considerate at all of the giver. 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:40.000 The same thing is certainly true of the way that we use words. 00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:43.240 If we view words as a gift from God, 00:06:43.900 --> 00:06:46.079 and then we misuse them, 00:06:46.360 --> 00:06:49.740 then we're not only proving that we don't care about the gift itself, 00:06:49.840 --> 00:06:52.800 but that we don't care about the giver or the intention of the giver. 00:06:52.800 --> 00:06:57.600 We have to accept that language and words are God's. 00:06:57.860 --> 00:06:59.120 He used them first. 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:00.780 They were his idea. 00:07:01.319 --> 00:07:05.300 In fact, he created all that is through using words. 00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:11.319 And beyond that, he has a very specific purpose for words, 00:07:11.400 --> 00:07:15.120 which is not primarily to make our lives more comfortable and convenient. 00:07:16.819 --> 00:07:19.280 So any time that we use words, 00:07:19.280 --> 00:07:22.080 we're always borrowing from him. 00:07:23.400 --> 00:07:28.520 If we find that we habitually misuse his gift of language, 00:07:28.860 --> 00:07:30.439 we can know something about ourselves. 00:07:31.780 --> 00:07:33.920 Luke 6, 43-45. 00:07:35.080 --> 00:07:35.860 Jesus said, 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:37.660 For no good tree bears bad fruit, 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:40.080 nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit. 00:07:40.360 --> 00:07:42.280 For each tree is known by its own fruit. 00:07:42.400 --> 00:07:44.000 For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, 00:07:44.139 --> 00:07:45.879 nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 00:07:46.400 --> 00:07:49.360 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good. 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:52.600 An evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil. 00:07:52.800 --> 00:07:55.400 For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 00:07:56.540 --> 00:07:58.600 So when our words get us into trouble, 00:07:58.780 --> 00:08:02.540 it's only ever secondarily because of our minds. 00:08:02.980 --> 00:08:07.199 What I mean by that is that our poor vocabulary or inferior diction 00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:09.560 or total disregard for proper grammar 00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:12.780 get us into trouble, but only secondarily. 00:08:13.339 --> 00:08:17.159 The trouble in communication is primarily a concern of the heart. 00:08:17.159 --> 00:08:22.299 Our words get us into trouble because our hearts crave anything but Christ. 00:08:23.659 --> 00:08:24.759 Paul David Tripp said, 00:08:24.759 --> 00:08:26.699 I am my greatest communication problem. 00:08:27.219 --> 00:08:29.039 The greatest difficulty, the greatest danger, 00:08:29.159 --> 00:08:31.560 and the everyday traps of communication that we fall into 00:08:31.560 --> 00:08:34.559 exist inside of me, not outside of me. 00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:37.620 He went on to paint a picture of two kingdoms, 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:39.840 of my kingdom and God's kingdom, 00:08:40.500 --> 00:08:43.559 and pointed out that our words are tools. 00:08:43.559 --> 00:08:48.079 They're just tools that we use for communication. 00:08:48.439 --> 00:08:50.739 Those tools always serve the king of the kingdom. 00:08:51.579 --> 00:08:52.979 And if I'm the king of that kingdom, 00:08:53.119 --> 00:08:54.279 then it's a pretty small kingdom. 00:08:54.859 --> 00:08:56.659 It's just as small as my life, 00:08:56.859 --> 00:08:57.939 my mundane life. 00:08:58.199 --> 00:09:00.059 And in fact, those words die with the kingdom. 00:09:00.819 --> 00:09:02.039 But if God is the king, 00:09:02.579 --> 00:09:04.339 then the words serve an eternal kingdom, 00:09:04.739 --> 00:09:07.500 and they fulfill the purpose for which God's grace of words 00:09:07.500 --> 00:09:08.619 to us was given. 00:09:08.620 --> 00:09:11.120 So Dr. Tripp concluded, 00:09:11.639 --> 00:09:13.360 you know nothing about the kingdom of God 00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:16.080 unless you understand that it is a kingdom of love. 00:09:16.799 --> 00:09:18.600 When you are filled with the glory of that love, 00:09:18.659 --> 00:09:20.799 when your heart is taken up by the mystery of that love, 00:09:21.179 --> 00:09:23.919 when what daily fills your heart is deep in worshipful gratitude 00:09:23.919 --> 00:09:25.500 for the miracle of divine love, 00:09:26.019 --> 00:09:27.820 then your words begin to be words of love, 00:09:27.960 --> 00:09:28.720 words of service, 00:09:29.179 --> 00:09:29.799 words of grace, 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:30.639 words of encouragement, 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:31.580 words of peace, 00:09:31.820 --> 00:09:32.639 and words that heal. 00:09:33.980 --> 00:09:37.019 So if we find that our words are serving us and not Christ, 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:39.480 if our words are hurting others and not helping, 00:09:39.840 --> 00:09:41.879 if they're tearing down instead of building up, 00:09:42.360 --> 00:09:44.879 if they're propelled by anything other than love, 00:09:45.399 --> 00:09:46.460 then we can be assured 00:09:46.460 --> 00:09:48.939 we need Jesus to repair not our tongues, 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:49.919 not our speech, 00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:50.879 but our hearts. 00:09:51.860 --> 00:09:54.139 So if you find that that's the case with you, 00:09:54.199 --> 00:09:56.039 then pray to him now where you are. 00:09:56.419 --> 00:09:57.379 I'm yours, Lord. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:58.539 Save me. 00:09:59.079 --> 00:10:02.340 There is no greater joy than to be his, 00:10:02.439 --> 00:10:04.659 to be redeemed by his blood and secure forever. 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:09.100 Remember, don't let such an opportunity pass by 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:10.699 because we're not guaranteed another. 00:10:11.419 --> 00:10:12.539 Confess your sins to God. 00:10:12.679 --> 00:10:13.360 Turn from them. 00:10:13.959 --> 00:10:16.279 And believe that Christ has been crucified on your behalf, 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:18.699 substituting the righteous for the unrighteous. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:21.480 He's now seated at the right hand of God the Father, 00:10:21.639 --> 00:10:23.159 interceding on behalf of his children. 00:10:23.639 --> 00:10:25.000 Make no mistake, 00:10:25.559 --> 00:10:27.860 one word meant for the harm of another person, 00:10:28.399 --> 00:10:31.039 one word meant to bring any attention to you 00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:34.179 rather than Jesus as an offense against the eternal God 00:10:34.179 --> 00:10:36.759 and is therefore deserving of eternal punishment. 00:10:37.899 --> 00:10:40.059 So before I talk about eloquence, 00:10:40.259 --> 00:10:41.199 start at the beginning. 00:10:41.419 --> 00:10:42.799 Words are a matter of the heart. 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:45.120 Do not delay in turning 00:10:45.120 --> 00:10:47.339 from the disastrous course of rebellion 00:10:47.339 --> 00:10:50.139 to the delightful path of his grace. 00:10:50.899 --> 00:10:52.039 Words are a matter of the heart. 00:10:52.039 --> 00:10:56.120 God, I pray that that would be the case 00:10:56.120 --> 00:11:00.279 if anyone here stands apart from your grace, 00:11:01.480 --> 00:11:04.379 that you would regenerate their hearts, 00:11:04.459 --> 00:11:05.740 that you would give faith to them, 00:11:07.199 --> 00:11:09.159 that you would move in our congregation 00:11:09.159 --> 00:11:11.279 in a powerful way this morning 00:11:11.279 --> 00:11:15.039 because Christ is all and in all. 00:11:15.039 --> 00:11:18.899 God give light to the rest of the circle 00:11:18.899 --> 00:11:20.779 that those who do know you 00:11:20.779 --> 00:11:23.519 might be challenged to live more light. 00:11:26.539 --> 00:11:27.779 Words are a matter of the heart. 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:32.799 Let's revisit our definition of eloquence 00:11:32.799 --> 00:11:34.419 because I do want to get into talking about that. 00:11:35.079 --> 00:11:37.079 Eloquence is a style of speaking or writing 00:11:37.079 --> 00:11:38.819 that is intrinsically pleasing. 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:41.959 Eloquence seeks a powerful verbal impact 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:44.540 through an artistic, surprising, provocative, 00:11:44.740 --> 00:11:46.879 or aesthetically pleasing application of language. 00:11:47.800 --> 00:11:50.180 Our text this morning is 1 Corinthians 1. 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:51.220 You'll turn there. 00:11:58.700 --> 00:12:00.060 1 Corinthians 1. 00:12:00.220 --> 00:12:02.620 We're going to read verses 10 through 31, 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:05.500 and then I'll refer to just a couple of the verses 00:12:05.500 --> 00:12:07.740 as well as give some background 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:09.180 to what Paul was talking about. 00:12:09.179 --> 00:12:13.620 1 Corinthians 1, beginning in verse 10. 00:12:14.620 --> 00:12:16.000 I appeal to you, brothers, 00:12:16.079 --> 00:12:17.719 by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:18.879 that all of you agree 00:12:18.879 --> 00:12:21.199 and that there be no divisions among you, 00:12:21.659 --> 00:12:23.579 but that you be united in the same mind 00:12:23.579 --> 00:12:24.399 and the same judgment. 00:12:24.859 --> 00:12:26.759 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:28.699 that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 00:12:29.239 --> 00:12:31.159 What I mean is that each one of you says, 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:33.459 I follow Paul, or I follow Apollos, 00:12:33.779 --> 00:12:35.620 or I follow Cephas, or I follow Christ. 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:36.919 Was Christ divided? 00:12:37.199 --> 00:12:38.519 Was Paul crucified for you? 00:12:39.439 --> 00:12:41.079 Or will you baptize in the name of Paul? 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:43.600 I thank God that I baptized none of you 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:44.720 except Crispus and Gaius, 00:12:45.259 --> 00:12:46.399 so that no one may say 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:47.779 that you were baptized in my name. 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:50.559 I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. 00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:52.139 Beyond that, I did not know 00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:53.439 whether I baptized anyone else. 00:12:53.699 --> 00:12:55.399 For Christ did not send me to baptize, 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:56.779 but to preach the gospel, 00:12:57.439 --> 00:12:59.120 and not with words of eloquent wisdom, 00:12:59.519 --> 00:13:01.840 lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:03.939 For the word of the cross 00:13:03.939 --> 00:13:05.740 is folly to those who are perishing, 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:07.279 but to us who are being saved 00:13:07.279 --> 00:13:08.259 it is the power of God. 00:13:08.620 --> 00:13:09.220 For it is written, 00:13:09.339 --> 00:13:10.959 I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, 00:13:11.299 --> 00:13:12.559 and the discernment of the discerning 00:13:12.559 --> 00:13:13.059 I will thwart. 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:15.299 Where is the one who is wise? 00:13:15.419 --> 00:13:16.240 Where is the scribe? 00:13:16.299 --> 00:13:17.699 Where is the debater of this age? 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:19.240 Has not God made foolish 00:13:19.240 --> 00:13:20.259 the wisdom of the world? 00:13:20.259 --> 00:13:22.220 For since in the wisdom of God 00:13:22.220 --> 00:13:24.259 the world did not know God through wisdom, 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:25.860 it pleased God through the folly 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:27.679 of what we preach to save those who believe. 00:13:28.419 --> 00:13:29.740 For Jews demand signs, 00:13:29.840 --> 00:13:31.559 and Greeks seek wisdom. 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:33.899 But we preach Christ crucified, 00:13:34.139 --> 00:13:35.259 a stumbling block to Jews 00:13:35.259 --> 00:13:36.360 and folly to Gentiles. 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:37.679 But to those who are called, 00:13:37.919 --> 00:13:38.700 both Jews and Greeks, 00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:40.360 Christ, the power of God, 00:13:40.939 --> 00:13:41.960 and the wisdom of God. 00:13:42.279 --> 00:13:43.340 For the foolishness of God 00:13:43.340 --> 00:13:44.319 is wiser than men, 00:13:44.379 --> 00:13:45.360 and the weakness of God 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.360 is stronger than men. 00:13:46.360 --> 00:13:48.580 For consider your calling, brothers. 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:50.220 Not many of you were wise 00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:51.539 according to the worldly standards. 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:53.259 Not many were powerful. 00:13:53.419 --> 00:13:54.720 Not many were of noble birth. 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:57.240 But God chose what is foolish in the world 00:13:57.240 --> 00:13:58.159 to shame the wise. 00:13:58.539 --> 00:14:00.000 God chose what is weak in the world 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.879 to shame the strong. 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:02.279 God chose what is low 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.419 and despised in the world, 00:14:03.419 --> 00:14:04.539 even things that are not, 00:14:04.860 --> 00:14:06.320 to bring to nothing things that are, 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:08.659 so that no human being might boast 00:14:08.659 --> 00:14:09.600 in the presence of God. 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.840 He is the source of your life, 00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:12.519 Christ Jesus, 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:14.100 whom God made our wisdom 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:14.899 and our righteousness 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:15.920 and sanctification 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:16.500 and redemption. 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:18.639 Therefore, as it is written, 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:20.159 let the one who boasts 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:21.379 boast in the world. 00:14:23.120 --> 00:14:24.500 So pay special attention 00:14:24.500 --> 00:14:25.439 to verse 17. 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:26.759 Paul says, 00:14:26.839 --> 00:14:28.199 For Christ did not send me 00:14:28.199 --> 00:14:29.059 to baptize, 00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:30.159 but to preach the gospel, 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:31.779 and not with words 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.759 of eloquent wisdom, 00:14:33.059 --> 00:14:34.159 lest the cross of Christ 00:14:34.159 --> 00:14:35.439 be emptied of its power. 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:37.579 So remember, 00:14:37.679 --> 00:14:38.860 we're talking about eloquence, 00:14:38.979 --> 00:14:41.039 and Paul here seems to be 00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:42.599 treating eloquence 00:14:42.599 --> 00:14:44.519 with a fair amount of negativity, 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:49.480 and we're going to talk about 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:50.779 whether or not there even is 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:51.819 an appropriate way 00:14:51.819 --> 00:14:53.919 to use eloquence 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:55.779 by our definition of it, 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:57.100 but to begin with, 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:58.419 let's talk about the wrong ways, 00:14:58.559 --> 00:15:00.899 anti-oratory over eloquence. 00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:04.419 I want to clarify a statement, 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:05.600 and I hope you'll agree with me, 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.360 that sin is by its very nature 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:08.439 anti-social. 00:15:08.440 --> 00:15:09.940 Sin, 00:15:11.340 --> 00:15:12.520 in the case of eloquence, 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:13.960 sin works itself out 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:16.080 by alienating our hearers 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:17.380 from our message. 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:19.160 So if we're sinning 00:15:19.160 --> 00:15:20.140 in the way that we speak, 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:21.680 we're alienating people 00:15:21.680 --> 00:15:22.500 from either ourselves 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:24.240 or from the message, 00:15:24.640 --> 00:15:25.580 the truth. 00:15:26.880 --> 00:15:27.840 And it does that 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:29.400 in primarily these two ways, 00:15:29.580 --> 00:15:30.900 anti-oratory being the first. 00:15:32.180 --> 00:15:33.400 John Piper said that eloquence 00:15:33.400 --> 00:15:34.180 can either be 00:15:34.180 --> 00:15:35.880 what he called high eloquence 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:37.059 or low eloquence. 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:39.080 What he meant was that 00:15:39.080 --> 00:15:40.220 our words can either be 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:42.039 distractingly over people's heads 00:15:42.039 --> 00:15:43.779 or they can be distractingly 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:45.059 dressed down and messy 00:15:45.059 --> 00:15:46.299 and profane. 00:15:47.439 --> 00:15:48.740 Ephesians 4.29 says, 00:15:48.919 --> 00:15:49.899 let no corrupting talk 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:50.740 come out of your mouths, 00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:52.279 but only such as is good 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:53.259 for building up 00:15:53.259 --> 00:15:54.580 as fits the occasion, 00:15:55.139 --> 00:15:56.240 that it may give grace 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:56.939 to those who hear. 00:15:58.039 --> 00:15:59.320 So anti-oratory 00:15:59.320 --> 00:16:01.340 is an application 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:02.519 of these types of words 00:16:02.519 --> 00:16:03.379 or word styles, 00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:05.000 which is aimed at harming 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:05.919 either the message 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:06.700 or the hearer, 00:16:07.059 --> 00:16:08.220 in many cases the reader. 00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:11.759 While dulling the clarity 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:12.940 of the idea conveyed 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:14.580 either by intentional 00:16:14.580 --> 00:16:15.460 misuse of language 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:17.059 or by habitual neglect 00:16:17.059 --> 00:16:17.840 of one of God's 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:19.200 greatest physical gifts, 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:20.299 brains, 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:22.139 anti-oratory portrays 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:23.460 the speaker as crude 00:16:23.460 --> 00:16:24.220 and careless. 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:27.299 The scope of this way 00:16:27.299 --> 00:16:28.059 of communicating, 00:16:28.200 --> 00:16:29.460 this very base way 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:30.620 of communicating, 00:16:31.059 --> 00:16:32.139 spans from grammar 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:33.000 and vocabulary 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:34.320 all the way to posture. 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:36.600 Being that we're 00:16:36.600 --> 00:16:37.259 in the deep south, 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:38.279 I'm going to just guess 00:16:38.279 --> 00:16:39.240 that I don't have 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:40.279 to belabor this point 00:16:40.279 --> 00:16:41.620 because I'm sure 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.179 that most of you 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:42.720 at some point 00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:43.460 heard your mom say, 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.279 watch your mouth. 00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:45.399 And you know 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.220 what I'm talking about 00:16:46.220 --> 00:16:46.779 when I say 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:48.639 distractingly dressed down, 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:49.080 messy, 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:49.779 full-bane, 00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:50.899 this language. 00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:53.840 But, 00:16:54.100 --> 00:16:55.360 because a lot of us 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:55.960 are probably 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:57.039 in our minds 00:16:57.039 --> 00:16:58.059 kind of replaying 00:16:58.059 --> 00:16:58.840 worn-out recordings 00:16:58.840 --> 00:16:59.960 of some southern preacher 00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:01.420 rattling off a list 00:17:01.420 --> 00:17:02.600 of mortal sins 00:17:02.600 --> 00:17:03.120 that include 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:03.519 drinking, 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:04.000 smoking, 00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:04.600 cussing, 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:05.140 hanging out 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:05.779 with people who do. 00:17:07.100 --> 00:17:07.720 Let me take 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:08.420 just a moment 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:09.759 to kind of clarify 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:10.840 something about that. 00:17:11.900 --> 00:17:13.059 And it is an aside, 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:13.660 but I hope we'll see 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:14.360 the value in it. 00:17:15.440 --> 00:17:16.279 All language 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:17.779 is necessarily 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:19.559 socially defined. 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:20.840 That's to say 00:17:20.840 --> 00:17:21.480 that words are 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.960 culturally generated 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.600 symbols 00:17:23.600 --> 00:17:25.340 that convey ideas. 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:27.000 Just like different 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:27.680 cultures use 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:28.420 different words 00:17:28.420 --> 00:17:29.680 to describe the same ideas, 00:17:29.940 --> 00:17:30.940 such as Spanish-speaking 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:31.920 and English-speaking people 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:33.240 describe the same ideas 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:34.039 with different words. 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:35.860 Different cultures 00:17:35.860 --> 00:17:37.600 also use the same words 00:17:37.600 --> 00:17:39.480 to describe different ideas. 00:17:40.360 --> 00:17:41.860 And profanity 00:17:41.860 --> 00:17:42.759 is not the only example, 00:17:42.840 --> 00:17:43.860 but it is an example. 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:45.500 I work with a lot 00:17:45.500 --> 00:17:46.660 of international students 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:47.400 at Truett, 00:17:47.660 --> 00:17:49.980 and let me just tell you 00:17:49.980 --> 00:17:51.320 that if I wasn't aware 00:17:51.320 --> 00:17:53.220 of the fluidity, 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:54.580 cultural fluidity, 00:17:54.580 --> 00:17:55.460 of the meaning of words, 00:17:55.900 --> 00:17:56.800 I could have definitely 00:17:56.800 --> 00:17:57.539 gotten my feathers 00:17:57.539 --> 00:17:58.519 rough a couple of times 00:17:58.519 --> 00:17:59.379 because people in Europe 00:17:59.379 --> 00:18:00.319 use language differently 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:00.779 than we do. 00:18:01.379 --> 00:18:03.059 They regularly use some words 00:18:03.059 --> 00:18:03.579 in their homes, 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:06.220 which when I was growing up, 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:07.339 if I had pronounced 00:18:07.339 --> 00:18:08.079 some of the words 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:08.779 that I've heard them 00:18:08.779 --> 00:18:09.700 use on the phone 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:10.460 with their parents 00:18:10.460 --> 00:18:10.859 in the room, 00:18:11.339 --> 00:18:12.119 I would have had 00:18:12.119 --> 00:18:12.619 a bar of soap 00:18:12.619 --> 00:18:13.059 in my mouth 00:18:13.059 --> 00:18:13.759 for four hours. 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:14.359 And I would have been 00:18:14.359 --> 00:18:14.899 standing up 00:18:14.899 --> 00:18:16.099 because I would have been 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:16.839 too sore to sit down. 00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:19.859 But they can use 00:18:19.859 --> 00:18:20.819 that kind of language 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:23.259 because culturally speaking, 00:18:23.259 --> 00:18:24.119 it's more acceptable. 00:18:24.119 --> 00:18:26.759 it has a different meaning 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:27.779 or a different emotion 00:18:27.779 --> 00:18:31.159 when they say it 00:18:31.159 --> 00:18:31.459 because they're 00:18:31.459 --> 00:18:32.259 in a different culture. 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:33.099 Just because a person 00:18:33.099 --> 00:18:34.339 speaks English, 00:18:34.459 --> 00:18:34.939 that doesn't mean 00:18:34.939 --> 00:18:35.399 that their words 00:18:35.399 --> 00:18:36.219 mean the same thing 00:18:36.219 --> 00:18:37.059 as yours or mine, 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:38.059 vice versa. 00:18:38.239 --> 00:18:39.139 There's no such thing 00:18:39.139 --> 00:18:40.679 as a universally 00:18:40.679 --> 00:18:42.359 defined cuss word. 00:18:42.699 --> 00:18:43.719 That's a gray area 00:18:43.719 --> 00:18:44.319 in our speech 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:45.039 that permits us 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:45.679 to use words 00:18:45.679 --> 00:18:47.299 to best communicate 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:48.259 our ideas 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:49.899 to our intended audience. 00:18:49.899 --> 00:18:50.719 Now here's the word 00:18:50.719 --> 00:18:51.119 of caution. 00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:53.199 While some words 00:18:53.199 --> 00:18:53.879 that are considered 00:18:53.879 --> 00:18:55.179 bad words 00:18:55.179 --> 00:18:55.779 are really just 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:57.359 generally impolite words, 00:18:57.959 --> 00:18:59.779 there are some words 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:00.979 which in our culture 00:19:00.979 --> 00:19:01.619 are intended 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:02.579 only to hurt, 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:03.759 not to build up. 00:19:04.239 --> 00:19:05.000 There are condemning, 00:19:05.139 --> 00:19:05.679 judgmental, 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:06.759 ungodly words 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:08.319 as well as 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.559 graphically sexual words 00:19:09.559 --> 00:19:10.579 that bring to mind 00:19:10.579 --> 00:19:11.779 terrible ideas 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.819 and there is no place 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:13.639 for words like that 00:19:13.639 --> 00:19:14.899 in the Christian dialogue 00:19:14.899 --> 00:19:15.559 at all. 00:19:15.959 --> 00:19:16.399 I'm not going to 00:19:16.399 --> 00:19:16.939 make a list. 00:19:16.939 --> 00:19:18.359 I think we can 00:19:18.359 --> 00:19:19.439 piece those together. 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:21.400 But I don't want you 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:22.380 to miss the point 00:19:22.380 --> 00:19:23.799 that the biblical principle 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:25.460 of Ephesians 4.29 00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:27.500 is that wholesome communication 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.980 must not be reduced 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:30.980 to a certain set of words. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.299 The biblical standard 00:19:32.299 --> 00:19:33.360 is the intention 00:19:33.360 --> 00:19:33.980 of the heart. 00:19:34.080 --> 00:19:34.799 It's much higher 00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:35.500 than a list of 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:36.820 you can't say these things, 00:19:36.880 --> 00:19:37.940 you can't say these things. 00:19:38.080 --> 00:19:39.019 Just like the biblical 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:39.980 calling on Christians 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:40.940 is much higher 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:41.820 than you can't do 00:19:41.820 --> 00:19:42.200 these things, 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:43.299 you must do these things. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.799 There's a lot of liberty 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:45.720 to please God 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:46.220 with the way 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:47.580 that we speak. 00:19:47.579 --> 00:19:50.500 Furthermore, 00:19:51.179 --> 00:19:52.339 our calling as Christians 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:53.740 goes way beyond 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.980 what is culturally acceptable. 00:19:55.159 --> 00:19:55.740 So just because 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:56.159 some words, 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.299 culturally speaking, 00:19:57.399 --> 00:19:58.819 may not be inerrantly wrong, 00:19:59.240 --> 00:20:00.480 our calling as Christians 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:01.899 goes beyond 00:20:01.899 --> 00:20:03.139 what is culturally acceptable 00:20:03.139 --> 00:20:03.879 and love 00:20:03.879 --> 00:20:06.579 always willingly sacrifices 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:07.819 our own rights, 00:20:08.199 --> 00:20:08.960 even our rights 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.579 to vocabulary, 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:12.039 in order that we might 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.240 give grace to others. 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:13.960 And that's the point 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:15.079 of that text in Ephesians. 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:16.460 So if you use, 00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:18.659 if you can use any word 00:20:18.659 --> 00:20:19.579 in a way that 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:21.079 gives grace to your audience, 00:20:21.339 --> 00:20:22.000 then do it. 00:20:22.159 --> 00:20:22.759 But if not, 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:23.500 don't. 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:24.500 Okay? 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.279 So let's look at 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.500 over-eloquence. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:28.939 And this, I think, 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:29.839 for most of us, 00:20:29.899 --> 00:20:31.679 because of where we've grown up, 00:20:31.699 --> 00:20:32.379 I think this is a 00:20:32.379 --> 00:20:33.259 greater temptation. 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.779 This certainly is 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:36.659 a temptation for me. 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:39.539 I think that 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:41.519 this is a great temptation 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.359 among anyone 00:20:42.359 --> 00:20:43.919 who can speak well. 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:46.679 And the temptation 00:20:46.679 --> 00:20:47.899 is to use that gift 00:20:47.899 --> 00:20:48.759 in such a way 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:50.379 as to elevate themselves. 00:20:51.219 --> 00:20:52.119 This was the case 00:20:52.119 --> 00:20:53.519 for a certain group 00:20:53.519 --> 00:20:53.899 of people 00:20:53.899 --> 00:20:55.039 whom Paul was addressing 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:55.599 in our text. 00:20:55.799 --> 00:20:57.559 So if you look back 00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:59.179 at 1 Corinthians 1, 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:00.240 verse 17, 00:21:00.419 --> 00:21:01.179 he's actually talking 00:21:01.179 --> 00:21:01.979 about a group of people 00:21:01.979 --> 00:21:02.939 called the Sophists. 00:21:03.479 --> 00:21:04.379 That's where we get 00:21:04.379 --> 00:21:05.819 our word sophisticated from. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.839 The Sophists used 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:10.079 eloquent language, 00:21:10.619 --> 00:21:11.839 style of speaking, 00:21:11.839 --> 00:21:14.199 as a goal in itself, 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:15.339 an intrinsic end. 00:21:15.399 --> 00:21:16.059 And I get that phrase, 00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:16.779 intrinsic end, 00:21:16.879 --> 00:21:17.799 from Dennis Donahue. 00:21:17.919 --> 00:21:18.579 He wrote a book called 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:19.519 On Eloquence. 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:21.039 And he defined eloquence 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:22.399 very similar to the way 00:21:22.399 --> 00:21:23.179 the Sophists would have. 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:23.819 He said, 00:21:23.919 --> 00:21:24.899 eloquence is a style 00:21:24.899 --> 00:21:25.839 of speaking or writing 00:21:25.839 --> 00:21:27.399 that is intrinsically pleasing 00:21:27.399 --> 00:21:29.139 without any reference 00:21:29.139 --> 00:21:30.279 to other aims. 00:21:30.679 --> 00:21:31.559 So he made a distinction 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:32.859 between rhetoric, 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:33.819 logic, 00:21:33.819 --> 00:21:36.220 which had a goal in mind, 00:21:36.379 --> 00:21:37.599 a place that the audience 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.500 needed to get to. 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:39.439 He made a distinction 00:21:39.439 --> 00:21:39.980 between that 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:40.620 and eloquence 00:21:40.620 --> 00:21:42.380 just being beautiful language 00:21:42.380 --> 00:21:43.279 for the sake of beauty. 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:44.700 Like a lot of art 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:45.620 is just pretty 00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:46.420 to be pretty. 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:47.720 And the Sophists 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.559 really focused on 00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:50.120 using form of speaking 00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:51.019 and form of writing 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:52.420 just to be beautiful. 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:54.880 Now we've already charged 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:56.680 that Christians' speech 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:57.960 is to be propelled 00:21:57.960 --> 00:21:59.059 by love of God 00:21:59.059 --> 00:21:59.799 and love for others. 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.599 Since love was defined 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:02.420 for us, 00:22:02.860 --> 00:22:03.779 primarily in the act 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:04.620 of the crucifixion 00:22:04.619 --> 00:22:05.039 of Jesus, 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:06.979 we know that our words 00:22:06.979 --> 00:22:08.879 will always be a misuse 00:22:08.879 --> 00:22:10.639 if they don't come 00:22:10.639 --> 00:22:11.359 from a desire 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:12.919 to see God magnified 00:22:12.919 --> 00:22:13.899 and others served. 00:22:14.479 --> 00:22:15.639 That's what Christ 00:22:15.639 --> 00:22:16.779 was doing on the cross 00:22:16.779 --> 00:22:18.279 and if we're to love people 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.919 with our words, 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:19.879 then that's what we must do 00:22:19.879 --> 00:22:20.439 with our words. 00:22:20.679 --> 00:22:21.339 It doesn't matter 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:23.099 how much they deserve 00:22:23.099 --> 00:22:23.699 our love. 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:24.619 It doesn't matter 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:26.259 how much they might be able 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:27.459 to reciprocate our love. 00:22:28.099 --> 00:22:28.919 That's the calling 00:22:28.919 --> 00:22:29.519 that we have 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:29.939 and that's the way 00:22:29.939 --> 00:22:30.379 that our words 00:22:30.379 --> 00:22:31.299 need to work themselves 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:31.940 out in love. 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:34.960 But 2 Corinthians 5.15 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:36.159 teaches us that sin 00:22:36.159 --> 00:22:37.480 causes us to live 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.220 for ourselves 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:39.299 instead of for others. 00:22:40.879 --> 00:22:42.619 But Christ died 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:43.500 to free us 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:44.819 from living for ourselves 00:22:44.819 --> 00:22:46.440 and that is central, 00:22:46.879 --> 00:22:47.779 central not only 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:49.039 to the way that we speak 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:50.139 but the way that we live 00:22:50.139 --> 00:22:50.759 as Christians. 00:22:51.159 --> 00:22:52.119 We live for ourselves. 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:52.759 We need to understand 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:53.759 that we're living in slavery 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:55.579 and that Christ has already 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:56.519 died to set us free 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:56.839 from that. 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.619 So back in our text, 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.220 the Corinthians 00:22:59.220 --> 00:23:00.879 had bought into this 00:23:00.880 --> 00:23:02.580 sophist idea 00:23:02.580 --> 00:23:03.800 that eloquence 00:23:03.800 --> 00:23:05.060 was an end in itself. 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.660 And so what we find 00:23:06.660 --> 00:23:07.240 them doing 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:08.220 is that they were 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:09.240 aligning themselves 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.420 within the church 00:23:10.420 --> 00:23:11.160 with their favorite 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.620 preachers. 00:23:12.540 --> 00:23:14.560 And this never happens 00:23:14.560 --> 00:23:15.580 in America 00:23:15.580 --> 00:23:17.280 so it's not that relevant. 00:23:18.280 --> 00:23:19.180 Totally kidding. 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:22.160 Look at verses 10 and 12, 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:22.980 10 through 12. 00:23:23.460 --> 00:23:23.900 Paul says, 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:24.920 I appeal to you brothers 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:25.860 by the name of our Lord 00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:26.480 Jesus Christ 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:28.000 that all of you agree 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:28.880 and that there be 00:23:28.880 --> 00:23:30.080 no divisions among you. 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:31.699 that you be united 00:23:31.699 --> 00:23:32.960 in the same mind 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:33.720 and the same judgment 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.679 for it has been reported 00:23:34.679 --> 00:23:35.639 to me by Chloe's people 00:23:35.639 --> 00:23:36.500 that there is quarreling 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.279 among you my brothers. 00:23:37.859 --> 00:23:38.619 What I mean is that 00:23:38.619 --> 00:23:39.579 each one of you says 00:23:39.579 --> 00:23:40.539 I follow Paul 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:41.740 or I follow Apollos 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:42.919 or I follow Cephas 00:23:42.919 --> 00:23:43.799 or I follow Christ. 00:23:44.639 --> 00:23:45.439 So two things 00:23:45.439 --> 00:23:46.279 to note here. 00:23:46.659 --> 00:23:47.539 One is that 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.439 Paul's opponents 00:23:48.439 --> 00:23:49.799 had openly mocked him 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:51.259 for a lack of eloquence. 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:52.500 Which when you read Paul 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:53.460 today I'm like 00:23:53.460 --> 00:23:54.159 are you kidding me? 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.699 He's a really eloquence writer. 00:23:55.819 --> 00:23:56.359 But by the standard 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:56.799 of his day 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:57.399 he really wasn't. 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:58.900 And we see that 00:23:58.900 --> 00:24:00.340 in 2 Corinthians 10.10 00:24:00.340 --> 00:24:01.720 if you're taking notes. 00:24:02.440 --> 00:24:03.500 Acts 18.24 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.160 tells us that 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:04.920 Apollos 00:24:04.920 --> 00:24:06.840 was a very eloquent speaker. 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:08.680 He was from Alexandria 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.259 which is where 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:10.180 Philo had worked. 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.600 And Philo was kind of 00:24:11.600 --> 00:24:12.519 like the front runner 00:24:12.519 --> 00:24:13.500 of the Sophist movement. 00:24:14.840 --> 00:24:15.780 So history tells us 00:24:15.780 --> 00:24:16.160 that there was 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:17.300 a strong infiltration 00:24:17.300 --> 00:24:18.160 of Sophists 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:20.000 in the education system 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:20.680 of Alexandria. 00:24:21.300 --> 00:24:21.940 And Apollos 00:24:21.940 --> 00:24:22.740 no doubt 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.820 being from Alexandria 00:24:23.820 --> 00:24:25.120 being noted 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:25.879 as a well speaker. 00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:27.719 He spoke like a Sophist. 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:28.919 He was slick-tongued. 00:24:29.359 --> 00:24:30.059 Very enjoyable 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:30.739 to listen to. 00:24:31.879 --> 00:24:32.619 To clarify 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.179 that doesn't mean 00:24:33.179 --> 00:24:33.539 that he was 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:34.339 a false teacher. 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.759 Just that he was good. 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:37.299 He was a clever wordsmith. 00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:38.459 And people were 00:24:38.459 --> 00:24:40.139 gravitating towards him 00:24:40.139 --> 00:24:41.319 because of the way 00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:41.979 that he spoke 00:24:41.979 --> 00:24:43.039 rather than because 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.959 of what he said. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:45.500 They were doing 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:45.959 the same thing 00:24:45.959 --> 00:24:46.439 with Paul 00:24:46.439 --> 00:24:47.019 and with Cephas 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:47.819 and Paul just said 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:48.599 that's enough. 00:24:48.719 --> 00:24:49.979 We're not putting up 00:24:49.979 --> 00:24:50.319 with that. 00:24:50.479 --> 00:24:51.459 Paul rebuked them 00:24:51.459 --> 00:24:52.399 for caring more 00:24:52.399 --> 00:24:53.019 about the way 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:53.519 that the gospel 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.099 was presented 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:55.259 than about the gospel 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:55.839 itself. 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:57.879 The trap 00:24:57.879 --> 00:24:58.779 that these Sophists 00:24:58.779 --> 00:24:59.599 had fallen into 00:24:59.599 --> 00:25:00.240 and that these 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:01.659 Corinthian believers 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:02.339 had fallen into 00:25:02.339 --> 00:25:03.179 was that they were 00:25:03.179 --> 00:25:05.799 seeking their own glory 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:07.199 or the glory 00:25:07.199 --> 00:25:08.379 of a person 00:25:08.379 --> 00:25:10.000 as their achievement. 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:11.679 Their message 00:25:11.679 --> 00:25:12.159 wasn't 00:25:12.159 --> 00:25:12.919 Emmanuel 00:25:12.919 --> 00:25:13.959 God with us. 00:25:14.099 --> 00:25:14.459 Their message 00:25:14.459 --> 00:25:15.199 was me. 00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:16.379 Not me with you. 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.899 Me over you. 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:18.879 Me better than you. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.819 Smarter than you. 00:25:20.199 --> 00:25:21.279 And unreachable by you. 00:25:22.659 --> 00:25:23.359 John Piper said 00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:24.219 pride-sustaining, 00:25:24.419 --> 00:25:25.119 self-exalting 00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:26.299 use of words 00:25:26.299 --> 00:25:26.879 for a show 00:25:26.879 --> 00:25:27.599 of human wisdom 00:25:27.599 --> 00:25:28.839 is incompatible 00:25:28.839 --> 00:25:30.319 with finding your life 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:30.859 and your glory 00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:31.779 in the cross of Christ. 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.719 So what Paul did 00:25:34.719 --> 00:25:35.619 was he didn't try 00:25:35.619 --> 00:25:36.519 to dress up the gospel 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.839 to make it easier 00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:38.559 to understand 00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:39.719 or easier to swallow. 00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:41.000 He spoke plainly 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:41.740 about Christ 00:25:41.740 --> 00:25:42.479 crucified. 00:25:43.219 --> 00:25:43.799 He expected 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.619 the Holy Spirit 00:25:44.619 --> 00:25:45.459 to do the work 00:25:45.459 --> 00:25:46.019 of conviction, 00:25:46.179 --> 00:25:46.579 of regeneration, 00:25:46.879 --> 00:25:47.699 and of sanctification. 00:25:48.219 --> 00:25:49.079 He fully understood 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:49.979 that his words 00:25:49.979 --> 00:25:52.099 were only a conduit 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:53.059 of God's grace. 00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:54.319 And that there was 00:25:54.319 --> 00:25:55.059 no point in him 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:56.619 trying to persuade people 00:25:56.619 --> 00:25:57.939 or to trick people 00:25:57.939 --> 00:25:59.000 into believing 00:25:59.000 --> 00:26:00.379 because ultimately 00:26:00.379 --> 00:26:01.139 it's the Spirit 00:26:01.139 --> 00:26:01.899 that does that. 00:26:02.639 --> 00:26:03.419 Derek Webb said 00:26:03.419 --> 00:26:04.599 it's not like 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:05.339 I'm some kind of 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:05.939 Holy Ghost 00:26:05.939 --> 00:26:06.679 come to change 00:26:06.679 --> 00:26:07.259 people's hearts. 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:09.059 And that's really 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.939 what Paul's getting 00:26:09.939 --> 00:26:10.299 at here. 00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:10.659 He said, 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.159 I'm not going to 00:26:11.159 --> 00:26:11.859 play your games. 00:26:11.959 --> 00:26:12.619 I'm not going to 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:13.519 try to dance around 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:14.059 some of the harder 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:14.779 issues of the gospel. 00:26:14.919 --> 00:26:16.000 I'm just going to tell it to you. 00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:17.039 And then God will work. 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:18.759 And the snare 00:26:18.759 --> 00:26:20.480 of over-eloquence 00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:22.200 has its roots 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:25.220 in a deep sin. 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:26.519 It's the same sin 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:28.480 as ethnocentrism, 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:28.980 which is just 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:30.599 the common human problem 00:26:30.599 --> 00:26:31.920 of refusing to empathize 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:32.879 with other people groups. 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:34.139 Assuming that our way 00:26:34.139 --> 00:26:34.759 is the best way, 00:26:34.839 --> 00:26:35.319 our culture 00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:36.159 is the best culture, 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.519 everybody else 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:38.779 just learned to be like me 00:26:38.779 --> 00:26:39.819 and they'll be better. 00:26:40.379 --> 00:26:40.960 It's the sin 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:42.059 that led to the Holocaust. 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.700 It led to America's 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.879 aberrant brand of slavery 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:45.580 and it leads to 00:26:45.580 --> 00:26:46.380 modern-day racism 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:47.020 and hate crimes 00:26:47.020 --> 00:26:47.700 every day. 00:26:48.860 --> 00:26:49.800 It's the sin 00:26:49.800 --> 00:26:50.660 of selfishness 00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:52.680 and self-worship. 00:26:53.300 --> 00:26:54.380 I struggle with this 00:26:54.380 --> 00:26:55.120 a lot. 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:56.440 I hate it. 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:57.180 This study, 00:26:57.320 --> 00:26:57.680 in fact, 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:58.380 has made me 00:26:58.380 --> 00:26:59.260 more aware 00:26:59.260 --> 00:26:59.900 of my problem. 00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:02.180 Even in writing 00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:02.780 these words, 00:27:02.820 --> 00:27:03.380 I was aware 00:27:03.380 --> 00:27:04.640 that I want 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:06.040 to lift myself up. 00:27:06.040 --> 00:27:06.980 I want you to see me 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:07.640 as intelligent 00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:08.440 rather than see 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:09.800 Christ as magnificent. 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:13.460 I believe it's one 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:13.940 of the most 00:27:13.940 --> 00:27:15.059 pervasive sins 00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:15.519 for me 00:27:15.519 --> 00:27:16.580 and for us 00:27:16.580 --> 00:27:18.080 because it's 00:27:18.080 --> 00:27:18.860 infected us 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:20.259 on a more core level 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:21.519 down into the fiber. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:23.320 We actually believe 00:27:23.320 --> 00:27:24.140 we're better than others 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:24.620 at something 00:27:24.620 --> 00:27:25.880 and so we act 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:26.380 and speak 00:27:26.380 --> 00:27:27.120 so as to try 00:27:27.120 --> 00:27:28.240 to persuade others 00:27:28.240 --> 00:27:29.080 to believe it too. 00:27:29.820 --> 00:27:30.799 It's the darkest 00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:32.140 of lies 00:27:32.140 --> 00:27:34.660 and if we're 00:27:34.660 --> 00:27:35.279 to give grace 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:35.820 with our words 00:27:35.820 --> 00:27:36.259 then we have to 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:36.740 cut the head 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:37.440 off of that serpent. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.640 The serpent lives 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:39.180 in our hearts. 00:27:39.340 --> 00:27:40.000 It's not something 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.580 outside of us 00:27:40.580 --> 00:27:41.360 as we've said before. 00:27:41.740 --> 00:27:42.180 Remember that 00:27:42.180 --> 00:27:43.220 communication problems 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:44.240 are heart problems 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.200 and I'm telling you 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:47.100 that my heart problem 00:27:47.100 --> 00:27:48.019 when it comes to 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:48.600 communication 00:27:48.600 --> 00:27:49.500 is selfishness 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:49.900 and pride. 00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:52.759 I hate the number 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:53.420 of times I had 00:27:53.420 --> 00:27:54.600 to plead for forgiveness 00:27:54.600 --> 00:27:56.660 and plead for grace 00:27:56.660 --> 00:27:57.400 in writing the sermon 00:27:57.400 --> 00:27:58.259 because I was 00:27:58.259 --> 00:27:59.480 choosing words 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.640 that were the best 00:28:00.640 --> 00:28:01.579 words for the idea 00:28:01.579 --> 00:28:02.579 rather than the best 00:28:02.579 --> 00:28:03.640 words for you 00:28:03.640 --> 00:28:04.860 to understand the idea. 00:28:05.620 --> 00:28:06.440 I was thinking 00:28:06.440 --> 00:28:07.559 about myself 00:28:07.559 --> 00:28:08.400 rather than you. 00:28:09.339 --> 00:28:09.920 The sin of 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:11.000 self-worship 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.720 worked out 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:12.700 and over eloquence 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.340 had us 00:28:13.340 --> 00:28:14.400 teach English 00:28:14.400 --> 00:28:15.460 to whole tribes 00:28:15.460 --> 00:28:16.259 of Native Americans 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.980 give them Christian names 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:19.100 and rob them 00:28:19.100 --> 00:28:20.200 of their cultural identity 00:28:20.200 --> 00:28:21.019 in the name 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:22.019 of evangelizing 00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:22.660 the people group 00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:23.440 rather than 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.300 becoming all things 00:28:24.300 --> 00:28:24.920 to all people 00:28:24.920 --> 00:28:25.880 learning their culture 00:28:25.880 --> 00:28:26.640 and their language 00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:27.779 and preaching the gospel 00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:28.120 to them 00:28:28.120 --> 00:28:28.940 in their words. 00:28:28.940 --> 00:28:29.519 the 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:33.860 story 00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:33.860 00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:34.600 some 00:28:34.600 --> 00:28:34.600 00:28:34.600 --> 00:28:34.600 00:28:34.600 --> 00:28:34.960 of 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:35.559 some 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:35.559 00:28:58.940 --> 00:29:01.000 The problem is self-worship. 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:04.460 It tells us that we're better than others. 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:07.759 It tells them that if they want to be right, then they have to be like us. 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:17.440 And ultimately, it elevates the way that I present my message 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:22.880 over how important it is that you hear the message. 00:29:22.880 --> 00:29:31.780 It shouldn't matter to me as much as it does that Christians use proper grammar all the time 00:29:31.780 --> 00:29:33.640 in their online posts. 00:29:34.740 --> 00:29:39.660 It shouldn't matter that we disregard classical grammar rules. 00:29:40.040 --> 00:29:45.040 I mean, so what if the rule of the official language demands a comma? 00:29:45.760 --> 00:29:50.580 If people don't understand my eloquence, then I may as well be speaking to them in another language. 00:29:50.579 --> 00:29:53.399 I may as well be speaking to them in a language that nobody knows but me. 00:29:54.319 --> 00:29:58.299 Their ignorance of the gospel is infinitely more a hazard 00:29:58.299 --> 00:30:00.419 than their ignorance of how to use the thesaurus. 00:30:01.699 --> 00:30:06.279 In North Georgia, this means that most of us need to familiarize ourselves with Spanish 00:30:06.279 --> 00:30:08.919 so that we can speak words of grace to our neighbors 00:30:08.919 --> 00:30:13.679 rather than allow our laziness to all but ensure their eternal definition. 00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:18.339 It means that some of you who have gifted minds for understanding language 00:30:18.339 --> 00:30:21.939 should take courses to become experts in exotic languages 00:30:21.939 --> 00:30:23.859 that don't yet have a translation of the Bible 00:30:23.859 --> 00:30:26.779 in order that God's lost sheep in other parts of the world 00:30:26.779 --> 00:30:29.659 might hear and read the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:30:29.659 --> 00:30:31.659 in words that resonate with them. 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:35.399 It means that others of us, most of us, 00:30:36.199 --> 00:30:37.720 learn the language of our day, 00:30:38.259 --> 00:30:40.059 the way that people best connect with it, 00:30:40.599 --> 00:30:42.319 and in the method that they best connect with 00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:45.960 in order to cross the cultural barriers of age and technology 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:49.220 and inject truth and love and grace into their lives. 00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:52.379 Did you guys know that Ruth Cantrell has an email address? 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:56.359 She, I don't mean to throw you under the bus, 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:59.539 Ruth is the oldest person, oldest woman in our congregation, 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:01.759 and she's an email theme. 00:31:01.899 --> 00:31:03.379 I mean, she will light you up with some emails. 00:31:03.380 --> 00:31:10.820 But if Ruth can use the internet to encourage the members of the church, 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:15.120 then you can learn to use Facebook for the glory of God. 00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:18.580 And not just to build imaginary kingdoms 00:31:18.580 --> 00:31:22.760 or to gather and disseminate the latest gossip, 00:31:22.960 --> 00:31:24.680 but to actually glorify God. 00:31:25.500 --> 00:31:28.780 I know, I fully will confess to you 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:33.019 that I'm not the best example of redeeming the internet 00:31:33.019 --> 00:31:34.079 and what that looks like. 00:31:34.200 --> 00:31:35.099 Not by any stretch. 00:31:35.339 --> 00:31:38.019 I've put my digital foot in my proverbial mouth 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:39.359 countless times 00:31:39.359 --> 00:31:41.879 after tweeting or blogging something. 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:46.220 And it doesn't matter how truthful the words were. 00:31:46.599 --> 00:31:47.859 I've said things online 00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:50.119 that have hurt my brothers and my sisters. 00:31:51.299 --> 00:31:53.119 I'm trying to do better about that. 00:31:53.660 --> 00:31:55.559 I'm trying to use the tools of our day 00:31:55.559 --> 00:31:59.639 to communicate words of grace 00:31:59.639 --> 00:32:01.200 to people in their language 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:03.379 and by their cultural means. 00:32:04.119 --> 00:32:05.359 And you should too. 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:08.200 A refusal to meet people where they are 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:09.659 is absolute selfishness. 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:11.379 It's the opposite of love. 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:12.720 It's blatant sinfulness. 00:32:13.159 --> 00:32:15.099 And it's not at all following the model of Christ. 00:32:17.740 --> 00:32:20.579 So we should avoid, at all cost, 00:32:21.559 --> 00:32:24.379 eloquence that is base, 00:32:24.380 --> 00:32:27.080 is lower eloquence. 00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:28.780 But we should also avoid eloquence 00:32:28.780 --> 00:32:29.680 that's high eloquence. 00:32:29.780 --> 00:32:32.340 We should not try to speak underneath people 00:32:32.340 --> 00:32:33.940 or over their heads. 00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:38.100 And two ways to judge our use of eloquence, 00:32:38.560 --> 00:32:41.020 whether it be good eloquence or not, 00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:45.180 are self-humiliation and Christ exaltation. 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:46.760 And we're wrapping this up. 00:32:46.860 --> 00:32:49.360 I know we all have physical limitations 00:32:49.360 --> 00:32:51.960 and attention is one of them, 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:53.460 so bear with you. 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:55.900 But self-humiliation is the first. 00:32:56.019 --> 00:32:57.380 And we see that in our text, 00:32:57.480 --> 00:33:00.140 1 Corinthians 1, 26-29. 00:33:01.140 --> 00:33:01.539 It says, 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:26.859 So God's design in the cross and in election 00:33:26.859 --> 00:33:29.299 is that no human being might boast 00:33:29.299 --> 00:33:30.199 in the presence of God. 00:33:30.679 --> 00:33:32.339 So two questions you can ask yourself 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:32.919 to consider 00:33:32.919 --> 00:33:36.639 if your eloquence is self-humiliating 00:33:36.639 --> 00:33:37.419 the way that it should. 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:38.979 These questions are, 00:33:39.059 --> 00:33:40.479 Do my words feed boasting? 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:43.000 If the answer is yes, 00:33:43.079 --> 00:33:43.940 then don't use those. 00:33:45.579 --> 00:33:47.620 And do they come from an ego 00:33:47.620 --> 00:33:49.740 in search of exaltation 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:50.740 through clever speech? 00:33:51.539 --> 00:33:52.740 If the answer is yes, 00:33:52.819 --> 00:33:53.880 then don't use those words. 00:33:55.339 --> 00:33:57.620 The positive is Christ's exaltation. 00:33:58.220 --> 00:34:00.180 We see that in the final verses of our text, 00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:01.620 verses 30 and 31. 00:34:02.380 --> 00:34:03.319 And because of him, 00:34:03.599 --> 00:34:04.920 you are in Christ Jesus, 00:34:05.099 --> 00:34:06.759 who became to us wisdom from God, 00:34:07.220 --> 00:34:09.119 righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 00:34:09.119 --> 00:34:10.940 so that as it is written, 00:34:11.079 --> 00:34:12.139 let the one who boasts 00:34:12.139 --> 00:34:13.119 boast in the Lord. 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:15.960 So God's design in the cross 00:34:15.960 --> 00:34:17.460 and election and in regeneration 00:34:17.460 --> 00:34:20.239 is that all boasting be in him. 00:34:20.980 --> 00:34:22.579 The question that we can ask ourselves is, 00:34:22.739 --> 00:34:24.400 Do my words exalt Christ, 00:34:24.539 --> 00:34:27.619 especially him crucified on my behalf? 00:34:27.880 --> 00:34:29.000 And if the answer is yes, 00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:31.000 then that's a proper form of eloquence. 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:35.059 We can use eloquence in a way 00:34:35.059 --> 00:34:36.420 that glorifies God. 00:34:37.780 --> 00:34:39.820 It shouldn't altogether be avoided 00:34:39.820 --> 00:34:42.000 as long as it meets those criteria. 00:34:42.719 --> 00:34:44.719 In fact, the Bible is full of eloquence. 00:34:45.500 --> 00:34:47.219 I want to read one passage to you 00:34:47.219 --> 00:34:48.139 from Deuteronomy 00:34:48.139 --> 00:34:49.639 that's absolutely beautiful. 00:34:49.639 --> 00:34:53.219 Give ear, O heavens, 00:34:53.299 --> 00:34:53.980 and I will speak 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:54.859 and let the earth hear 00:34:54.859 --> 00:34:55.759 the words of my mouth. 00:34:56.019 --> 00:34:57.500 May my teaching drop as the rain, 00:34:57.559 --> 00:34:59.179 my speech distill as the dew. 00:34:59.500 --> 00:35:01.420 Let gentle rain upon the tender grass 00:35:01.420 --> 00:35:03.359 and like showers upon the earth. 00:35:04.019 --> 00:35:04.940 For I will proclaim 00:35:04.940 --> 00:35:05.839 the name of the Lord. 00:35:06.379 --> 00:35:07.900 Ascribe greatness to our God. 00:35:09.219 --> 00:35:09.659 Eloquently, 00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:10.440 the scripture. 00:35:11.159 --> 00:35:11.500 In fact, 00:35:11.639 --> 00:35:14.000 Proverbs 15, 23, 25, 11, 00:35:14.159 --> 00:35:15.039 and 26, 7, 00:35:15.139 --> 00:35:16.779 as well as Colossians 3, 17, 00:35:16.780 --> 00:35:18.040 actually encourage 00:35:18.040 --> 00:35:19.160 and command us 00:35:19.160 --> 00:35:20.120 to speak well, 00:35:20.500 --> 00:35:21.260 to give thought 00:35:21.260 --> 00:35:21.980 to the timing, 00:35:22.180 --> 00:35:22.840 appropriateness, 00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:24.000 and potential impact 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:24.600 of our words, 00:35:24.900 --> 00:35:26.360 and to make every one of them 00:35:26.360 --> 00:35:27.260 an honor 00:35:27.260 --> 00:35:28.300 to the name of Christ. 00:35:29.220 --> 00:35:30.500 So we have to accept 00:35:30.500 --> 00:35:31.000 if we're going to be 00:35:31.000 --> 00:35:31.760 true to scripture 00:35:31.760 --> 00:35:33.300 that God is absolutely 00:35:33.300 --> 00:35:35.340 sovereign over all things 00:35:35.340 --> 00:35:36.360 and yet 00:35:36.360 --> 00:35:37.000 He chooses 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:38.260 to use human means 00:35:38.260 --> 00:35:39.280 to accomplish His will, 00:35:39.540 --> 00:35:40.560 just as I prayed earlier. 00:35:41.800 --> 00:35:42.760 Now, He certainly doesn't 00:35:42.760 --> 00:35:44.000 need our eloquence. 00:35:44.240 --> 00:35:45.160 That's what I'm getting at. 00:35:45.400 --> 00:35:45.760 But, 00:35:45.760 --> 00:35:47.160 He can and does 00:35:47.160 --> 00:35:48.100 use it 00:35:48.100 --> 00:35:49.360 to accomplish His ends. 00:35:49.780 --> 00:35:51.760 If we use eloquence properly, 00:35:51.900 --> 00:35:52.840 we can hope for at least 00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:54.140 five positive, 00:35:54.540 --> 00:35:55.800 God-glorifying outcomes. 00:35:55.940 --> 00:35:56.740 I know some of you are going, 00:35:56.800 --> 00:35:57.320 I'm kind of hungry 00:35:57.320 --> 00:35:58.180 for five good points, 00:35:58.320 --> 00:35:59.340 but I promise 00:35:59.340 --> 00:35:59.780 these will be 00:35:59.780 --> 00:36:01.760 brief and easy to swallow. 00:36:02.760 --> 00:36:04.600 If we use eloquence properly, 00:36:04.860 --> 00:36:06.100 we can hope at least 00:36:06.100 --> 00:36:06.960 for five positive, 00:36:07.060 --> 00:36:08.140 God-glorifying outcomes, 00:36:08.500 --> 00:36:09.500 knowing full well 00:36:09.500 --> 00:36:10.880 that it is the Holy Spirit 00:36:10.880 --> 00:36:11.640 who convicts 00:36:11.640 --> 00:36:12.300 and regenerates 00:36:12.300 --> 00:36:13.040 and sanctifies, 00:36:13.580 --> 00:36:14.220 and that He may 00:36:14.220 --> 00:36:15.100 at any time 00:36:15.099 --> 00:36:16.039 and in spite of our 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:17.199 eloquence or lack thereof, 00:36:17.619 --> 00:36:18.719 intersect our dialogue 00:36:18.719 --> 00:36:19.980 and work in the life 00:36:19.980 --> 00:36:20.819 of our audience. 00:36:21.059 --> 00:36:21.779 And when I say audience, 00:36:21.880 --> 00:36:23.019 I don't necessarily mean 00:36:23.019 --> 00:36:23.819 this kind of audience. 00:36:23.980 --> 00:36:24.719 An audience can be 00:36:24.719 --> 00:36:25.480 one-on-one. 00:36:25.480 --> 00:36:25.960 Okay. 00:36:26.740 --> 00:36:28.159 So, five potential 00:36:28.159 --> 00:36:29.199 positive outcomes 00:36:29.199 --> 00:36:30.079 of Christian eloquence. 00:36:30.659 --> 00:36:31.679 I'm borrowing these 00:36:31.679 --> 00:36:33.900 from a book called 00:36:33.900 --> 00:36:34.840 The Power of Words 00:36:34.840 --> 00:36:35.800 and the Wonder of God 00:36:35.800 --> 00:36:36.539 by John Piper 00:36:36.539 --> 00:36:37.300 and Justin Taylor. 00:36:38.639 --> 00:36:38.960 If you're, 00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:39.840 the word you need 00:36:39.840 --> 00:36:40.240 like me, 00:36:40.280 --> 00:36:42.059 you'll really enjoy that book. 00:36:43.199 --> 00:36:44.000 But those five 00:36:44.000 --> 00:36:45.719 positive outcomes 00:36:45.719 --> 00:36:47.159 are keeping interest, 00:36:47.760 --> 00:36:48.539 gaining sympathy, 00:36:49.340 --> 00:36:50.360 awakening sensitivity, 00:36:51.360 --> 00:36:52.500 speaking memorably, 00:36:52.500 --> 00:36:53.980 and increasing power. 00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:55.480 I'm going to run 00:36:55.480 --> 00:36:55.780 through those 00:36:55.780 --> 00:36:57.280 just in brief. 00:36:57.780 --> 00:36:58.340 The first is 00:36:58.340 --> 00:36:59.099 keeping interest. 00:36:59.940 --> 00:37:01.000 And in Matthew 26, 00:37:01.059 --> 00:37:02.099 near the end of that chapter, 00:37:02.219 --> 00:37:02.840 Jesus is taking 00:37:02.840 --> 00:37:03.559 the disciples up 00:37:03.559 --> 00:37:05.519 to the Garden of Gethsemane 00:37:05.519 --> 00:37:05.980 to pray, 00:37:06.059 --> 00:37:06.820 and they all fall asleep. 00:37:07.460 --> 00:37:09.380 And He says to them, 00:37:10.239 --> 00:37:11.320 the Spirit is willing, 00:37:11.440 --> 00:37:12.440 but the flesh is weak. 00:37:12.500 --> 00:37:13.239 He highlights 00:37:13.239 --> 00:37:14.639 that we all have 00:37:14.639 --> 00:37:15.380 a physical weakness. 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:16.280 The implication is, 00:37:16.880 --> 00:37:17.500 I know you guys 00:37:17.500 --> 00:37:18.639 wanted to pray with me. 00:37:19.059 --> 00:37:19.679 Maybe if you got 00:37:19.679 --> 00:37:20.559 more rest earlier, 00:37:20.639 --> 00:37:21.159 you could have stayed 00:37:21.159 --> 00:37:21.739 awake and done. 00:37:23.079 --> 00:37:24.399 We, in our speaking, 00:37:24.839 --> 00:37:25.480 need to help 00:37:25.480 --> 00:37:27.000 people's physical weakness. 00:37:27.679 --> 00:37:29.419 If the word 00:37:29.419 --> 00:37:30.799 is a spring of life, 00:37:31.399 --> 00:37:32.119 then eloquence 00:37:32.119 --> 00:37:33.219 is a well-paved, 00:37:33.399 --> 00:37:34.379 beautifully adorned road 00:37:34.379 --> 00:37:35.599 through the spring's garden 00:37:35.599 --> 00:37:36.779 that not only leads 00:37:36.779 --> 00:37:37.319 to the water, 00:37:37.419 --> 00:37:38.539 but beckons travelers 00:37:38.539 --> 00:37:39.139 to drink. 00:37:39.279 --> 00:37:39.859 Do you see that? 00:37:40.659 --> 00:37:41.519 My presentation 00:37:41.519 --> 00:37:43.000 of truth 00:37:43.000 --> 00:37:43.960 has no bearing 00:37:43.960 --> 00:37:44.859 on the reality 00:37:44.859 --> 00:37:45.599 of that truth. 00:37:46.239 --> 00:37:47.259 But whether you hear it 00:37:47.259 --> 00:37:48.379 is in very large part 00:37:48.380 --> 00:37:48.920 a factor 00:37:48.920 --> 00:37:50.099 of how well 00:37:50.099 --> 00:37:50.900 I present it. 00:37:53.700 --> 00:37:54.539 Eloquence may 00:37:54.539 --> 00:37:56.039 keep people awake 00:37:56.039 --> 00:37:57.099 or focused 00:37:57.099 --> 00:37:58.960 because they find it 00:37:58.960 --> 00:38:00.039 interesting or unusual 00:38:00.039 --> 00:38:01.039 or pleasing 00:38:01.039 --> 00:38:01.619 for reasons 00:38:01.619 --> 00:38:02.039 that they 00:38:02.039 --> 00:38:03.519 can't articulate. 00:38:05.099 --> 00:38:05.980 Sleeping people 00:38:05.980 --> 00:38:06.980 or distracted people 00:38:06.980 --> 00:38:07.980 don't hear the word. 00:38:08.420 --> 00:38:09.140 And faith comes 00:38:09.140 --> 00:38:09.800 by hearing 00:38:09.800 --> 00:38:10.940 and hearing the word. 00:38:11.400 --> 00:38:11.660 Therefore, 00:38:11.780 --> 00:38:12.300 eloquence 00:38:12.300 --> 00:38:14.240 is like a good night's sleep. 00:38:15.059 --> 00:38:16.039 It won't save your soul, 00:38:16.280 --> 00:38:17.440 but it might keep you awake 00:38:17.440 --> 00:38:18.559 to hear the word 00:38:18.559 --> 00:38:19.340 which can. 00:38:20.639 --> 00:38:22.000 So the second possible outcome 00:38:22.000 --> 00:38:23.000 is gaining sympathy. 00:38:23.440 --> 00:38:24.179 Nathan talked about this 00:38:24.179 --> 00:38:25.119 a little bit last week. 00:38:26.659 --> 00:38:27.840 A writer and blogger 00:38:27.840 --> 00:38:29.119 named John Acuff 00:38:29.119 --> 00:38:31.400 describes people 00:38:31.400 --> 00:38:32.139 as having a rock 00:38:32.139 --> 00:38:32.599 in their hand 00:38:32.599 --> 00:38:33.039 and that rock 00:38:33.039 --> 00:38:33.780 is made up of 00:38:33.780 --> 00:38:35.059 all of their cultural 00:38:35.059 --> 00:38:36.480 and experiential baggage. 00:38:37.159 --> 00:38:37.780 It's a rock 00:38:37.780 --> 00:38:38.320 that they intend 00:38:38.320 --> 00:38:39.480 to clobber us with. 00:38:39.579 --> 00:38:39.940 The moment 00:38:39.940 --> 00:38:40.800 that we begin to act 00:38:40.800 --> 00:38:42.079 like they expect us 00:38:42.079 --> 00:38:42.500 to act 00:38:42.500 --> 00:38:43.440 is the fact of 00:38:43.440 --> 00:38:44.380 whatever stereotype 00:38:44.380 --> 00:38:45.260 that rock represents. 00:38:45.260 --> 00:38:47.440 Well, if that's true, 00:38:47.540 --> 00:38:48.900 then eloquent language 00:38:48.900 --> 00:38:50.020 can take the rock 00:38:50.020 --> 00:38:50.660 out of their hand. 00:38:50.760 --> 00:38:51.700 It can disarm them. 00:38:52.900 --> 00:38:53.500 Eloquent language 00:38:53.500 --> 00:38:54.180 isn't always 00:38:54.180 --> 00:38:56.440 speaking in a high way. 00:38:56.560 --> 00:38:57.020 It's communicating 00:38:57.020 --> 00:38:59.020 people's common language 00:38:59.020 --> 00:39:00.000 and doing it well. 00:39:01.160 --> 00:39:01.940 So when we begin 00:39:01.940 --> 00:39:03.160 to connect with people 00:39:03.160 --> 00:39:04.100 on a verbal level, 00:39:04.440 --> 00:39:05.400 it disarms them. 00:39:05.600 --> 00:39:06.520 It replaces 00:39:06.520 --> 00:39:08.240 their anger 00:39:08.240 --> 00:39:09.020 or boredom 00:39:09.020 --> 00:39:09.600 or resentment 00:39:09.600 --> 00:39:11.300 with respect 00:39:11.300 --> 00:39:11.920 and attraction 00:39:11.920 --> 00:39:12.800 and interest 00:39:12.800 --> 00:39:14.019 concentration. 00:39:14.740 --> 00:39:14.840 So, 00:39:15.200 --> 00:39:16.019 possible and 00:39:16.019 --> 00:39:17.460 positive outcome 00:39:17.460 --> 00:39:17.980 of eloquence 00:39:17.980 --> 00:39:18.800 is gaining sympathy. 00:39:19.700 --> 00:39:20.140 The third thing 00:39:20.140 --> 00:39:20.660 is awakening 00:39:20.660 --> 00:39:21.780 sensitivity. 00:39:22.780 --> 00:39:23.740 Eloquence may not 00:39:23.740 --> 00:39:24.800 bring about regeneration. 00:39:25.340 --> 00:39:26.120 Certainly it doesn't. 00:39:26.800 --> 00:39:27.580 But as a means 00:39:27.580 --> 00:39:28.340 to that end, 00:39:28.580 --> 00:39:29.380 it may awaken 00:39:29.380 --> 00:39:30.800 the emotional 00:39:30.800 --> 00:39:32.039 and intellectual 00:39:32.039 --> 00:39:32.960 sensitivities 00:39:32.960 --> 00:39:34.140 for more serious 00:39:34.140 --> 00:39:35.060 and beautiful things. 00:39:36.180 --> 00:39:37.019 That's why we see 00:39:37.019 --> 00:39:37.900 David writing in 00:39:37.900 --> 00:39:38.860 Psalm 19. 00:39:39.580 --> 00:39:39.900 He says, 00:39:40.080 --> 00:39:40.800 The heavens declare 00:39:40.800 --> 00:39:41.660 the glory of God. 00:39:41.659 --> 00:39:42.619 And then a little bit 00:39:42.619 --> 00:39:43.239 later he says, 00:39:43.379 --> 00:39:44.359 In them he is set 00:39:44.359 --> 00:39:45.539 a tent for the sun, 00:39:46.000 --> 00:39:46.699 which comes out 00:39:46.699 --> 00:39:47.420 like a bridegroom 00:39:47.420 --> 00:39:48.299 leaving his chamber 00:39:48.299 --> 00:39:49.319 and like a strong man 00:39:49.319 --> 00:39:50.199 runs its course 00:39:50.199 --> 00:39:50.699 with joy. 00:39:51.480 --> 00:39:52.299 So why would he 00:39:52.299 --> 00:39:53.359 compare the rising sun 00:39:53.359 --> 00:39:54.179 to a bridegroom 00:39:54.179 --> 00:39:54.619 and a runner? 00:39:55.079 --> 00:39:56.920 To help the dull mind 00:39:56.920 --> 00:39:58.500 awaken to the joyful 00:39:58.500 --> 00:39:59.859 beauty of the rising sun. 00:40:00.539 --> 00:40:01.279 In the hopes 00:40:01.279 --> 00:40:02.899 that this natural 00:40:02.899 --> 00:40:03.739 kind of awakening 00:40:03.739 --> 00:40:04.599 might lead to 00:40:04.599 --> 00:40:05.819 a spiritual sight 00:40:05.819 --> 00:40:07.039 that nature is all 00:40:07.039 --> 00:40:08.059 about the glory of God. 00:40:08.199 --> 00:40:09.739 So speaking beautifully 00:40:09.739 --> 00:40:12.000 can awaken people's 00:40:12.000 --> 00:40:13.239 awareness of beauty 00:40:13.239 --> 00:40:13.919 in order that they 00:40:13.919 --> 00:40:15.099 might see God 00:40:15.099 --> 00:40:16.299 who is ultimate. 00:40:18.399 --> 00:40:19.500 Fourth is speaking 00:40:19.500 --> 00:40:20.139 memorably. 00:40:21.259 --> 00:40:22.779 Certain kinds of eloquence 00:40:22.779 --> 00:40:23.500 like cadence 00:40:23.500 --> 00:40:24.519 or parallelism, 00:40:25.019 --> 00:40:25.699 meter, rhyme, 00:40:26.500 --> 00:40:27.179 alliteration, 00:40:27.739 --> 00:40:28.359 even brevity, 00:40:28.500 --> 00:40:29.399 which I haven't 00:40:29.399 --> 00:40:30.439 displayed a lot of today, 00:40:32.199 --> 00:40:33.000 may not only 00:40:33.000 --> 00:40:34.299 interest and awaken 00:40:34.299 --> 00:40:34.939 the heart, 00:40:35.419 --> 00:40:36.919 but increase the impact 00:40:36.920 --> 00:40:38.059 of the message 00:40:38.059 --> 00:40:39.139 by making what is said 00:40:39.139 --> 00:40:39.619 memorable. 00:40:42.000 --> 00:40:42.480 Finally, 00:40:43.420 --> 00:40:44.440 we can hope 00:40:44.440 --> 00:40:45.480 that our eloquence 00:40:45.480 --> 00:40:46.639 increases the power 00:40:46.639 --> 00:40:47.340 of our message. 00:40:48.500 --> 00:40:49.300 John Piper said, 00:40:49.400 --> 00:40:50.420 the attempt to craft 00:40:50.420 --> 00:40:51.360 striking and beautiful 00:40:51.360 --> 00:40:52.280 language makes it 00:40:52.280 --> 00:40:53.039 possible that the 00:40:53.039 --> 00:40:53.880 beauty of eloquence 00:40:53.880 --> 00:40:55.240 can join with the 00:40:55.240 --> 00:40:55.900 beauty of truth 00:40:55.900 --> 00:40:57.059 and increase the power 00:40:57.059 --> 00:40:57.639 of your words. 00:40:58.480 --> 00:40:59.340 When we take care 00:40:59.340 --> 00:41:00.180 to create a beautiful 00:41:00.180 --> 00:41:00.840 way of speaking 00:41:00.840 --> 00:41:02.000 or writing about 00:41:02.000 --> 00:41:02.860 something beautiful, 00:41:03.400 --> 00:41:04.099 the eloquence, 00:41:04.240 --> 00:41:05.099 the beauty of form, 00:41:05.559 --> 00:41:06.440 reflects and honors 00:41:06.440 --> 00:41:07.240 the beauty of the 00:41:07.240 --> 00:41:07.480 subject, 00:41:08.059 --> 00:41:09.200 and so honors the truth. 00:41:09.599 --> 00:41:10.599 So there's a synergistic 00:41:10.599 --> 00:41:11.880 power of two things 00:41:11.880 --> 00:41:12.500 working together 00:41:12.500 --> 00:41:13.440 to accomplish a greater 00:41:13.440 --> 00:41:15.360 good in combining 00:41:15.360 --> 00:41:16.860 beautiful presentation 00:41:16.860 --> 00:41:18.079 with beautiful truth. 00:41:18.599 --> 00:41:19.420 And that's why fajitas 00:41:19.420 --> 00:41:20.159 taste so good. 00:41:21.480 --> 00:41:22.039 You guys didn't? 00:41:22.420 --> 00:41:23.260 There's an example 00:41:23.260 --> 00:41:24.519 of eloquence. 00:41:24.579 --> 00:41:25.280 You didn't expect that, 00:41:25.320 --> 00:41:25.579 did you? 00:41:26.920 --> 00:41:28.119 Fajitas do taste good, 00:41:28.159 --> 00:41:28.320 though, 00:41:28.360 --> 00:41:29.019 and the reason 00:41:29.019 --> 00:41:30.019 is that because 00:41:30.019 --> 00:41:31.579 before we ever get 00:41:31.579 --> 00:41:32.139 to taste it, 00:41:32.220 --> 00:41:32.940 all of our senses 00:41:32.940 --> 00:41:33.599 are telling us 00:41:33.599 --> 00:41:34.840 this food is going 00:41:34.840 --> 00:41:35.519 to be good. 00:41:35.519 --> 00:41:36.820 And we hear it 00:41:36.820 --> 00:41:37.500 come out of the kitchen. 00:41:38.000 --> 00:41:38.940 We smell it, 00:41:38.980 --> 00:41:39.539 it's bright, 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:40.219 and it's exciting 00:41:40.219 --> 00:41:40.900 to look at. 00:41:41.199 --> 00:41:41.659 And when it gets 00:41:41.659 --> 00:41:42.219 to the table, 00:41:42.360 --> 00:41:43.360 the waiter drops 00:41:43.360 --> 00:41:44.079 a shot of tequila 00:41:44.079 --> 00:41:45.360 and lights it on fire. 00:41:45.679 --> 00:41:45.840 I mean, 00:41:45.880 --> 00:41:46.599 what's more exciting 00:41:46.599 --> 00:41:47.159 than your food 00:41:47.159 --> 00:41:47.840 being literally 00:41:47.840 --> 00:41:48.940 on fire in front of you? 00:41:50.719 --> 00:41:51.500 We've become 00:41:51.500 --> 00:41:53.259 so engrossed 00:41:53.259 --> 00:41:54.320 in the experience 00:41:54.320 --> 00:41:55.440 of being served 00:41:55.440 --> 00:41:56.019 the food 00:41:56.019 --> 00:41:57.340 that we're able 00:41:57.340 --> 00:41:58.199 to most fully 00:41:58.199 --> 00:41:59.420 appreciate its flavor 00:41:59.420 --> 00:42:00.679 because our attention 00:42:00.679 --> 00:42:01.840 has already been drawn 00:42:01.840 --> 00:42:02.579 to the excellence 00:42:02.579 --> 00:42:03.199 of the food 00:42:03.199 --> 00:42:04.279 before we taste it. 00:42:05.639 --> 00:42:06.840 People who can't yet 00:42:06.840 --> 00:42:07.559 see the beauty 00:42:07.559 --> 00:42:08.219 of Christ 00:42:08.219 --> 00:42:09.539 should receive 00:42:09.539 --> 00:42:10.199 in our language 00:42:10.199 --> 00:42:10.920 both a witness 00:42:10.920 --> 00:42:11.599 to his beauty 00:42:11.599 --> 00:42:13.019 and an invitation 00:42:13.019 --> 00:42:13.840 to behold it 00:42:13.840 --> 00:42:14.440 with us. 00:42:15.099 --> 00:42:15.500 They should, 00:42:15.619 --> 00:42:15.880 in effect, 00:42:15.880 --> 00:42:16.539 hear us say, 00:42:17.000 --> 00:42:17.960 the beauty of my words 00:42:17.960 --> 00:42:18.699 is a shadow. 00:42:19.360 --> 00:42:19.819 Christ, 00:42:20.000 --> 00:42:20.679 who created 00:42:20.679 --> 00:42:21.699 and sustains 00:42:21.699 --> 00:42:23.000 and thankfully, 00:42:23.340 --> 00:42:23.840 mercifully, 00:42:24.039 --> 00:42:25.400 accepts imperfect beauty 00:42:25.400 --> 00:42:26.759 as the substance. 00:42:27.239 --> 00:42:27.900 Turn to him. 00:42:28.380 --> 00:42:28.880 Go to him. 00:42:28.880 --> 00:42:30.360 And that's the calling 00:42:30.360 --> 00:42:31.000 for each of us 00:42:31.000 --> 00:42:32.599 as we fix our attention 00:42:32.599 --> 00:42:33.260 once again 00:42:33.260 --> 00:42:34.260 on Christ, 00:42:34.460 --> 00:42:35.660 crucified on our behalf, 00:42:36.019 --> 00:42:36.760 becoming sin 00:42:36.760 --> 00:42:37.599 that we might become 00:42:37.599 --> 00:42:38.039 the righteousness 00:42:38.039 --> 00:42:38.900 of God in him. 00:42:39.800 --> 00:42:41.420 As we prepare 00:42:41.420 --> 00:42:42.559 to take the Lord's Supper, 00:42:43.240 --> 00:42:44.240 turn to Christ, 00:42:44.420 --> 00:42:45.960 look to Christ, 00:42:46.320 --> 00:42:48.500 just as our words 00:42:48.500 --> 00:42:49.039 are symbols 00:42:49.039 --> 00:42:49.960 that convey meaning, 00:42:50.519 --> 00:42:51.220 the elements 00:42:51.220 --> 00:42:51.960 of the Lord's Supper 00:42:51.960 --> 00:42:52.980 are elements 00:42:52.980 --> 00:42:55.000 that convey meaning. 00:42:55.140 --> 00:42:55.780 They're symbols. 00:42:57.160 --> 00:42:58.119 The bread represents 00:42:58.119 --> 00:42:58.679 his body 00:42:58.679 --> 00:42:59.219 that was broken 00:42:59.219 --> 00:42:59.659 for us. 00:42:59.859 --> 00:43:01.159 The juice represents 00:43:01.159 --> 00:43:01.759 his blood 00:43:01.759 --> 00:43:02.420 that was spilled. 00:43:03.219 --> 00:43:03.400 So, 00:43:03.679 --> 00:43:04.500 as we consider 00:43:04.500 --> 00:43:07.199 the extreme offense 00:43:07.199 --> 00:43:07.799 of the cross, 00:43:07.940 --> 00:43:09.519 but also the beauty 00:43:09.519 --> 00:43:10.639 of what was happening, 00:43:11.259 --> 00:43:13.579 I would plead with you 00:43:13.579 --> 00:43:15.779 to turn to Christ. 00:43:16.319 --> 00:43:16.900 Go to him. 00:43:17.659 --> 00:43:18.239 Pray with me.