WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.480 Thessalonians, in chapter 2. 00:00:03.439 --> 00:00:07.419 Johnny is going to be sharing with us from this passage. 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:21.740 So it's 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, 00:00:21.859 --> 00:00:27.740 and this is on page 1186 of the Red Church Bible. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:46.719 Just a reminder that everyone is so welcome to stay on for food and fellowship after the service. 00:00:47.060 --> 00:00:49.340 We look forward to sharing that with you. 00:00:50.780 --> 00:00:57.659 So it's 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, verse 13, and it's page 1186. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.719 Verse 13. 00:01:02.719 --> 00:01:13.019 And we also thank God continually, because when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, 00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:22.039 you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, 00:01:22.920 --> 00:01:26.420 which is indeed at work in you who believe. 00:01:26.420 --> 00:01:36.340 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus. 00:01:37.540 --> 00:01:42.859 You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:47.099 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:57.219 They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles 00:01:57.219 --> 00:01:59.079 so that they may be saved. 00:02:00.640 --> 00:02:04.899 In this way, they also heap up their sins to the limit. 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:09.939 The wrath of God has come upon them at last. 00:02:09.939 --> 00:02:19.520 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated, you for a short time, 00:02:20.039 --> 00:02:21.539 in person, not in thought, 00:02:22.539 --> 00:02:28.000 out of our intense longing, we made every effort to see you. 00:02:29.479 --> 00:02:31.680 For we wanted to come to you. 00:02:32.520 --> 00:02:36.979 Certainly I, Paul, did again and again, but Satan blocked our way. 00:02:36.979 --> 00:02:48.339 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? 00:02:49.719 --> 00:02:51.039 Is it not you? 00:02:52.819 --> 00:02:57.359 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 00:02:59.939 --> 00:03:00.719 Thanks, Johnny. 00:03:06.979 --> 00:03:15.019 Thank you, Sam. 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:18.500 Let's keep our Bibles open there. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:24.399 I'll open mine and we'll pray and ask for the Lord's help. 00:03:24.399 --> 00:03:24.399 00:03:36.979 --> 00:03:41.179 Let's pray. 00:03:45.079 --> 00:03:48.719 Father, thank you that your word is true, 00:03:49.879 --> 00:03:53.679 that it is living and active. 00:03:55.139 --> 00:03:58.219 And so we pray that by the power of your spirit, 00:03:58.219 --> 00:04:04.859 it would be at work within each one of us right now. 00:04:06.979 --> 00:04:08.439 That we will be changed. 00:04:09.939 --> 00:04:13.840 And that we will know how to live our lives together in this world, 00:04:15.539 --> 00:04:19.740 filled with the glorious hope that is to come. 00:04:22.319 --> 00:04:23.680 Help us, we pray. 00:04:24.759 --> 00:04:25.240 Amen. 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:33.680 So do you know the how-to videos on YouTube? 00:04:34.460 --> 00:04:38.780 You want to know how to bake a cake or how to change a tyre? 00:04:39.139 --> 00:04:41.660 You just type in how-to, etc., etc. 00:04:41.900 --> 00:04:45.439 Well, the other week I had to replace our attic ladder. 00:04:46.040 --> 00:04:49.660 It was becoming unsafe, an accident waiting to happen. 00:04:49.660 --> 00:04:51.439 So I ordered a new one online. 00:04:51.960 --> 00:04:52.880 Easy job. 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:54.500 No problem. 00:04:55.280 --> 00:04:56.260 Just a bit of drilling. 00:04:56.760 --> 00:04:57.520 Cut some wood. 00:04:58.020 --> 00:04:58.840 An hour or two. 00:04:59.340 --> 00:04:59.840 Tops. 00:05:01.280 --> 00:05:03.640 Well, a whole Saturday morning and afternoon. 00:05:04.820 --> 00:05:07.140 Sweat and blood, literally. 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:09.500 It was still not working. 00:05:10.379 --> 00:05:11.940 And that's when I remembered. 00:05:12.900 --> 00:05:13.800 How to. 00:05:13.800 --> 00:05:19.879 Typed into the phone, how to install an attic ladder. 00:05:20.759 --> 00:05:21.720 And guess what? 00:05:22.340 --> 00:05:24.139 It really worked. 00:05:24.840 --> 00:05:27.600 Within an hour, it was up and ready. 00:05:28.600 --> 00:05:34.080 I just did what they said and I installed it in no time. 00:05:34.800 --> 00:05:41.500 You see, knowing how to solve or fix something is all important. 00:05:41.500 --> 00:05:49.180 Well, I want us to think of our text this morning that we read as like a how-to video. 00:05:50.060 --> 00:05:57.519 It shows us how to deal with real church life, Christian life concerns. 00:05:58.740 --> 00:06:05.339 You may remember in chapter 1, we saw how the gospel takes effect in our life. 00:06:05.339 --> 00:06:13.479 In chapter 2, we have seen how the gospel was entrusted to us to share with others. 00:06:13.899 --> 00:06:24.159 And at the end of chapter 2 now, we're going to see how the gospel equips and enables us to live out the Christian life. 00:06:25.459 --> 00:06:30.899 So on our how-to video this morning, there's three sections to it. 00:06:30.899 --> 00:06:35.159 It's going to equip us in three different ways. 00:06:35.319 --> 00:06:37.819 How to experience change in our life. 00:06:38.859 --> 00:06:41.299 How to face suffering in our world. 00:06:42.279 --> 00:06:45.500 And how to find joy in our ministry. 00:06:46.459 --> 00:06:47.579 How to change. 00:06:48.359 --> 00:06:49.759 How to face suffering. 00:06:50.759 --> 00:06:53.279 And how to find joy. 00:06:53.279 --> 00:06:55.739 So, the first one. 00:06:57.479 --> 00:07:00.119 How to experience change in our life. 00:07:00.479 --> 00:07:03.619 And that's something that we all want, isn't it? 00:07:03.659 --> 00:07:05.119 We want to change things. 00:07:05.219 --> 00:07:07.919 We have things in our lives that we don't like. 00:07:08.439 --> 00:07:09.479 And we try to hide. 00:07:09.599 --> 00:07:11.859 Not necessarily external things. 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:13.859 But heart things. 00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:15.819 Sinful behavior. 00:07:16.059 --> 00:07:17.439 Selfish attitudes. 00:07:17.699 --> 00:07:19.719 And we desperately want to stop. 00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:21.099 We want to be better. 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:24.980 And the harder we try, it seems to get worse. 00:07:26.540 --> 00:07:28.740 But we don't have to despair. 00:07:29.860 --> 00:07:36.600 Because God has given us the means to experience real and lasting change. 00:07:37.480 --> 00:07:43.160 And the way in which we change is through God's word. 00:07:44.320 --> 00:07:49.939 There's a fundamental change in that God's word saves us. 00:07:49.939 --> 00:07:51.680 Have a look at verse 13. 00:07:53.959 --> 00:07:56.160 We thank God continually. 00:07:56.420 --> 00:08:00.639 Because when you received the word of God. 00:08:01.360 --> 00:08:03.339 Which you heard from us. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:05.920 You accepted it. 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:10.459 Paul had come with his team to preach the gospel. 00:08:10.600 --> 00:08:11.480 They heard the word. 00:08:11.899 --> 00:08:15.500 And their response was to receive it. 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:18.060 To accept it. 00:08:18.060 --> 00:08:19.319 Verse 13. 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:22.180 Not as a human word. 00:08:23.540 --> 00:08:26.780 Because human words aren't so important. 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:29.819 But as it actually is. 00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:32.519 The word of God. 00:08:33.980 --> 00:08:37.000 They were humble before God's word. 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:38.500 They received. 00:08:38.500 --> 00:08:39.919 They accepted it. 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:41.200 They trusted. 00:08:41.679 --> 00:08:44.559 What God's word had to say about them. 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:46.100 And their need of Jesus. 00:08:46.559 --> 00:08:50.620 It's like they took God's word into their lives. 00:08:52.299 --> 00:08:54.120 And they came to believe. 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:58.000 Paul explained it like this. 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:59.039 Back in chapter 1. 00:08:59.039 --> 00:09:02.039 He reminds them of their story. 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:04.879 Of how they became followers of Christ. 00:09:05.220 --> 00:09:06.379 Verse 5. 00:09:06.600 --> 00:09:07.799 Chapter 1 verse 5. 00:09:08.340 --> 00:09:10.539 For our gospel came to you. 00:09:11.200 --> 00:09:13.220 Not simply with words. 00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:15.480 Yes it was God's word. 00:09:15.840 --> 00:09:17.779 But it also came with power. 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:20.120 And with the Holy Spirit. 00:09:20.120 --> 00:09:23.279 And what change did it bring about? 00:09:23.899 --> 00:09:26.060 Well look down at the end of verse 9. 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:33.320 They tell how you turn to God from idols. 00:09:34.639 --> 00:09:37.659 That is anything we put in place of God. 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:40.279 They turned from idols. 00:09:40.639 --> 00:09:42.840 To serve the living and true God. 00:09:42.940 --> 00:09:44.759 And to wait for his son from heaven. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:46.700 Whom he raised from the dead. 00:09:46.700 --> 00:09:47.660 Jesus. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:50.680 Who rescues us from the coming wrath. 00:09:51.780 --> 00:09:53.000 You see God's word. 00:09:53.700 --> 00:09:54.540 Changes us. 00:09:54.759 --> 00:09:56.140 It saves us. 00:09:56.220 --> 00:09:57.640 It makes us new people. 00:09:58.660 --> 00:09:59.520 Yes it does. 00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:01.020 It exposes our hearts. 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:03.340 But it shows us our need of a savior. 00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:05.400 It helps us to turn. 00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:06.940 From ourself. 00:10:07.940 --> 00:10:09.680 And to turn to God. 00:10:11.560 --> 00:10:12.920 So God's word. 00:10:13.340 --> 00:10:14.620 Can change us. 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:16.080 In terms of salvation. 00:10:16.080 --> 00:10:18.900 But it has an ongoing effect. 00:10:19.500 --> 00:10:20.180 In our life. 00:10:21.840 --> 00:10:23.900 It transforms us. 00:10:25.420 --> 00:10:25.700 Look. 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:27.600 Let's read verse 13 again. 00:10:27.940 --> 00:10:28.920 Just to get the. 00:10:29.580 --> 00:10:30.560 Theme of it. 00:10:31.360 --> 00:10:33.120 We also thank God continually. 00:10:33.360 --> 00:10:33.639 Because. 00:10:34.300 --> 00:10:36.600 When you received the word of God. 00:10:37.120 --> 00:10:38.340 Which you heard from us. 00:10:38.440 --> 00:10:39.460 You accepted it. 00:10:39.720 --> 00:10:41.060 Not as a human word. 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:42.480 But as it actually is. 00:10:42.780 --> 00:10:43.879 The word of God. 00:10:43.879 --> 00:10:46.799 Which is indeed. 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:48.080 At work. 00:10:48.080 --> 00:10:48.840 In you. 00:10:48.840 --> 00:10:50.100 Who believe. 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:53.139 This is no ordinary word. 00:10:53.139 --> 00:10:55.399 It's a working word. 00:10:55.399 --> 00:10:55.419 It's a working word. 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:57.919 When received and accepted. 00:10:58.199 --> 00:10:59.319 It takes effect. 00:10:59.460 --> 00:11:00.360 It does a work. 00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:01.799 Internally. 00:11:01.960 --> 00:11:02.919 In our life. 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:04.199 Changing us. 00:11:04.279 --> 00:11:05.779 And transforming us. 00:11:06.340 --> 00:11:08.039 To be more like Christ. 00:11:08.039 --> 00:11:10.699 Here's how. 00:11:10.699 --> 00:11:11.819 The Bible itself. 00:11:11.819 --> 00:11:12.579 The Bible itself. 00:11:12.579 --> 00:11:14.419 Speaks about God's word. 00:11:15.599 --> 00:11:16.399 He says. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:17.799 For you have been born again. 00:11:17.879 --> 00:11:18.279 That is. 00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:19.759 You have become. 00:11:20.219 --> 00:11:21.219 A new creation. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:24.679 Not of perishable seed. 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:27.099 But of imperishable. 00:11:27.819 --> 00:11:29.319 Through the living. 00:11:30.019 --> 00:11:31.139 And enduring. 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:31.899 Word. 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:33.159 Of God. 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:34.599 You see. 00:11:34.719 --> 00:11:35.279 It's a living. 00:11:35.459 --> 00:11:36.399 It's active. 00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:37.860 It does something. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:38.600 It's like a. 00:11:38.600 --> 00:11:39.480 A seed. 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:40.779 Planted in the ground. 00:11:40.919 --> 00:11:41.159 That. 00:11:41.799 --> 00:11:42.519 Bursts up. 00:11:42.659 --> 00:11:43.600 Into a shoot. 00:11:44.319 --> 00:11:45.439 And into a tree. 00:11:45.439 --> 00:11:46.679 That bears fruit. 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:49.159 It's living. 00:11:49.959 --> 00:11:50.819 Or think about. 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:51.779 This verse here. 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:54.779 For the word of God. 00:11:55.000 --> 00:11:55.879 Is alive. 00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:56.919 And active. 00:11:58.199 --> 00:11:58.879 It's sharper. 00:11:59.019 --> 00:11:59.519 Than any. 00:11:59.639 --> 00:12:00.460 Double-edged sword. 00:12:00.579 --> 00:12:01.539 And it penetrates. 00:12:01.860 --> 00:12:03.000 Even to dividing. 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:04.079 Soul and spirit. 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:04.620 Joints. 00:12:04.720 --> 00:12:05.179 And marrow. 00:12:05.179 --> 00:12:07.539 In other words. 00:12:07.599 --> 00:12:08.120 It cuts. 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:09.439 Right to the heart. 00:12:10.439 --> 00:12:11.319 And it judges. 00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:12.279 Our thoughts. 00:12:12.500 --> 00:12:13.439 And our attitudes. 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:15.399 You see. 00:12:15.459 --> 00:12:16.159 God's word. 00:12:16.319 --> 00:12:16.419 Is. 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:17.679 Is powerful. 00:12:17.939 --> 00:12:19.019 And effective. 00:12:19.719 --> 00:12:20.439 It works. 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:21.039 In our life. 00:12:21.139 --> 00:12:22.219 To save us. 00:12:22.779 --> 00:12:24.439 And to change us. 00:12:25.819 --> 00:12:26.620 In fact. 00:12:26.679 --> 00:12:27.799 It's such a living. 00:12:27.919 --> 00:12:28.759 And active word. 00:12:29.159 --> 00:12:29.819 That that's. 00:12:29.979 --> 00:12:30.679 What is happening. 00:12:30.679 --> 00:12:31.719 Right now. 00:12:31.799 --> 00:12:33.139 At this very moment. 00:12:33.139 --> 00:12:34.500 God is. 00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:35.080 At work. 00:12:35.080 --> 00:12:35.860 In your life. 00:12:35.960 --> 00:12:36.759 And at my life. 00:12:37.960 --> 00:12:38.460 If. 00:12:38.519 --> 00:12:39.080 If you're not. 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:39.819 A Christian. 00:12:41.059 --> 00:12:41.559 Well. 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:42.039 God is. 00:12:42.240 --> 00:12:43.059 Convicting you. 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:44.199 And convincing you. 00:12:45.199 --> 00:12:45.819 Do you know. 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:46.580 Why you're here. 00:12:46.580 --> 00:12:47.120 If you're not. 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:47.679 A Christian. 00:12:48.819 --> 00:12:49.639 It's because. 00:12:49.799 --> 00:12:50.699 God's word. 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:52.360 Is active. 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:53.299 In your life. 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:55.000 Drawing you. 00:12:55.080 --> 00:12:55.740 To Christ. 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:55.940 Christ. 00:12:57.139 --> 00:12:58.220 And if you are. 00:12:58.299 --> 00:12:58.860 A Christian. 00:12:59.919 --> 00:13:00.840 He's beginning. 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:01.879 To change you. 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:02.940 And transform you. 00:13:03.039 --> 00:13:03.360 To be. 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:04.879 More like Christ. 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:07.580 It's a word. 00:13:08.220 --> 00:13:09.080 At work. 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:12.480 Here's a simple way. 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:13.200 Of explaining. 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:13.980 What's happening. 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:14.680 In our lives. 00:13:14.680 --> 00:13:14.980 When. 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:16.279 We pick up. 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:17.820 The very word of God. 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:18.659 And read it. 00:13:18.919 --> 00:13:20.060 Or hear it. 00:13:20.059 --> 00:13:24.039 The spirit of God. 00:13:25.619 --> 00:13:27.659 Uses the word of God. 00:13:28.699 --> 00:13:30.839 To do the work of God. 00:13:31.779 --> 00:13:33.579 In the people of God. 00:13:34.779 --> 00:13:36.099 Something powerful. 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:38.139 Is happening right now. 00:13:38.559 --> 00:13:39.779 The spirit of God. 00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:41.119 Is taking the very words. 00:13:41.199 --> 00:13:42.219 That we read and hear. 00:13:42.219 --> 00:13:43.759 And he is doing a work. 00:13:44.079 --> 00:13:44.639 Internally. 00:13:44.839 --> 00:13:45.479 In my life. 00:13:45.579 --> 00:13:46.279 In your life. 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:48.579 At this very moment. 00:13:50.059 --> 00:13:51.439 God's word. 00:13:51.439 --> 00:13:51.459 God's word. 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:52.019 Has power. 00:13:52.159 --> 00:13:52.819 To save. 00:13:52.899 --> 00:13:53.699 And change. 00:13:54.239 --> 00:13:55.539 That's why we gather. 00:13:56.099 --> 00:13:57.439 On a Sunday afternoon. 00:13:58.099 --> 00:13:58.939 Or in the morning. 00:13:59.939 --> 00:14:00.959 That's why we. 00:14:01.439 --> 00:14:02.679 Share God's word. 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:04.399 And talk about it. 00:14:04.459 --> 00:14:05.299 To our children. 00:14:06.079 --> 00:14:07.339 Because it's living. 00:14:07.459 --> 00:14:08.099 And active. 00:14:09.259 --> 00:14:10.099 It brings. 00:14:10.339 --> 00:14:11.000 Salvation. 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:13.299 And it brings. 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:14.319 Transformation. 00:14:16.219 --> 00:14:17.439 So first. 00:14:18.479 --> 00:14:19.159 How. 00:14:19.159 --> 00:14:20.600 Do I experience. 00:14:20.600 --> 00:14:20.879 Change. 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:21.439 Change. 00:14:22.439 --> 00:14:23.039 Well. 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:24.199 Through God's. 00:14:24.199 --> 00:14:24.939 Working. 00:14:25.519 --> 00:14:26.159 Word. 00:14:28.439 --> 00:14:29.399 The second. 00:14:29.679 --> 00:14:30.480 Little clip. 00:14:30.679 --> 00:14:31.199 That we have. 00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:32.000 On our how to. 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:33.459 Is how to face. 00:14:33.679 --> 00:14:34.199 Suffering. 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:35.799 In our world. 00:14:36.559 --> 00:14:38.159 Because one of the ways. 00:14:38.579 --> 00:14:39.279 We know. 00:14:39.480 --> 00:14:40.459 That God's work. 00:14:40.719 --> 00:14:41.539 Is at work. 00:14:41.959 --> 00:14:42.719 In us. 00:14:43.939 --> 00:14:44.519 Is. 00:14:44.699 --> 00:14:45.519 We will begin. 00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:46.100 To suffer. 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:46.879 For the gospel. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:48.700 If you want to know. 00:14:49.059 --> 00:14:49.659 Is God. 00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:50.039 Working. 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:50.840 In my life. 00:14:51.960 --> 00:14:52.480 Well. 00:14:52.539 --> 00:14:53.240 Then you will. 00:14:53.320 --> 00:14:53.639 Begin. 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:54.639 To experience. 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:55.399 Pushback. 00:14:55.500 --> 00:14:56.059 From people. 00:14:58.200 --> 00:14:59.000 As we're. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:14:59.620 Saved. 00:14:59.679 --> 00:15:00.460 And changed. 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:01.799 It will lead. 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:02.139 To. 00:15:02.820 --> 00:15:03.460 Difficulties. 00:15:03.539 --> 00:15:04.259 And struggles. 00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:06.039 For that's. 00:15:06.100 --> 00:15:06.700 What happens. 00:15:06.820 --> 00:15:07.879 Look at verse 14. 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:10.980 For you. 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:12.000 Brothers and sisters. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:12.500 Became. 00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:13.360 Imitators. 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:14.059 Of God's. 00:15:14.059 --> 00:15:14.659 Churches. 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:15.720 In Judea. 00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:17.059 Which are in Christ Jesus. 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:18.299 You. 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.019 Suffered. 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:19.919 From your own. 00:15:20.019 --> 00:15:20.460 People. 00:15:21.860 --> 00:15:22.580 The same. 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:23.159 Things. 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:23.720 Those. 00:15:23.860 --> 00:15:24.379 Churches. 00:15:24.460 --> 00:15:24.799 Suffered. 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:26.080 From the Jews. 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:27.580 You see. 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:28.120 The churches. 00:15:28.120 --> 00:15:29.059 In Judea. 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:30.939 Was where the gospel. 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:32.100 Was first heard. 00:15:33.059 --> 00:15:33.799 And as they. 00:15:34.279 --> 00:15:34.840 Obeyed. 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:35.320 And as they. 00:15:35.399 --> 00:15:35.759 Followed. 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:36.620 They suffered. 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:37.399 In fact. 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:38.259 The persecution. 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:39.060 In those days. 00:15:39.060 --> 00:15:40.360 Were so violent. 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:41.700 Churches. 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:42.279 Reduced. 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:43.940 To just a handful. 00:15:44.820 --> 00:15:45.080 People. 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:45.799 Had to leave. 00:15:45.919 --> 00:15:46.279 Escape. 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:47.019 Run away. 00:15:47.419 --> 00:15:48.460 Leave their houses. 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:49.500 All their belongings. 00:15:49.639 --> 00:15:50.080 Behind. 00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:52.500 And you know. 00:15:52.560 --> 00:15:53.440 Who was responsible. 00:15:53.440 --> 00:15:54.379 For all that. 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:54.899 Suffering. 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:55.539 And persecution. 00:15:55.539 --> 00:15:56.720 In those days. 00:15:58.279 --> 00:15:59.620 The very person. 00:15:59.620 --> 00:16:00.759 Who wrote this letter. 00:16:01.299 --> 00:16:01.820 Thessalonians. 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:03.240 Paul. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.299 He persecuted. 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:05.960 Christians. 00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:08.179 But the word of God. 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:08.860 Took effect. 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.560 In his life. 00:16:09.560 --> 00:16:10.000 Didn't it? 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:11.399 And it changed him. 00:16:12.159 --> 00:16:13.139 And as he began. 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:14.240 To preach the gospel. 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:15.320 He began. 00:16:15.480 --> 00:16:15.919 To suffer. 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:17.080 For the gospel. 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:19.519 And that's what will happen. 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:20.100 To us. 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:21.340 To some extent. 00:16:21.799 --> 00:16:22.440 We will get. 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:23.399 Pushback. 00:16:24.200 --> 00:16:25.740 So we need to know. 00:16:26.179 --> 00:16:27.320 How to face. 00:16:28.659 --> 00:16:29.179 Suffering. 00:16:31.139 --> 00:16:32.659 Well here's two ways. 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:34.180 I think that will help us. 00:16:34.179 --> 00:16:35.819 First. 00:16:35.819 --> 00:16:35.879 First. 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:38.299 Know your location. 00:16:39.839 --> 00:16:40.819 Look what it says. 00:16:40.939 --> 00:16:41.799 In verse 14. 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:45.039 You brothers and sisters. 00:16:46.359 --> 00:16:47.959 Became imitators. 00:16:47.959 --> 00:16:49.019 Of God's churches. 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:50.019 In Judea. 00:16:51.859 --> 00:16:52.779 Which are. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:53.399 In. 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:54.239 Christ. 00:16:54.919 --> 00:16:55.279 Jesus. 00:16:56.719 --> 00:16:58.079 He could have just said. 00:16:58.699 --> 00:16:59.579 You know. 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:00.500 What it was like. 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:01.240 For the churches. 00:17:01.419 --> 00:17:02.000 In Judea. 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:04.559 But he adds. 00:17:05.059 --> 00:17:06.339 Which are in. 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:07.480 Christ Jesus. 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:10.119 If you were listening. 00:17:10.259 --> 00:17:11.160 To what Sam said. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:11.660 At the beginning. 00:17:11.779 --> 00:17:12.960 It was this very idea. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.039 That we have a. 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:15.440 Physical location. 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:18.099 But we also have. 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:19.759 A spiritual location. 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:22.200 That's how the letter starts. 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:22.740 Doesn't it? 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:23.559 Chapter 1. 00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:24.779 Verse 1. 00:17:26.420 --> 00:17:27.500 To the church. 00:17:27.640 --> 00:17:28.980 Of the Thessalonians. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:31.019 To the people who live. 00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:32.599 In Thessalonica. 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.940 One location. 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:36.759 In. 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:37.759 God. 00:17:37.860 --> 00:17:38.480 The Father. 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:40.019 And in the Lord. 00:17:40.140 --> 00:17:41.079 Jesus Christ. 00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:43.420 Their spiritual location. 00:17:44.420 --> 00:17:44.779 You see. 00:17:44.880 --> 00:17:45.599 As Christians. 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:47.539 We are in. 00:17:47.660 --> 00:17:48.299 Carigaline. 00:17:48.420 --> 00:17:49.539 But we are also. 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:50.420 In. 00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:51.059 Christ. 00:17:51.380 --> 00:17:51.779 Jesus. 00:17:52.360 --> 00:17:53.700 When we believe. 00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:54.400 In Jesus. 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:54.860 We're. 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:56.140 United to him. 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:57.519 We belong to him. 00:17:57.519 --> 00:17:58.299 We're with him. 00:17:58.559 --> 00:17:59.519 We are in him. 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:01.259 Now that's really important. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:01.839 For us. 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:03.019 In facing. 00:18:03.940 --> 00:18:04.440 Suffering. 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:07.359 Because our union. 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:08.079 With Christ. 00:18:08.200 --> 00:18:08.639 Means that. 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:09.779 Where Christ goes. 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:11.279 You will go. 00:18:12.960 --> 00:18:14.339 When I was small. 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:15.859 I must have been. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:16.639 Very small. 00:18:16.700 --> 00:18:17.059 Actually. 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:17.680 For this. 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:19.400 My dad used to take me. 00:18:19.460 --> 00:18:20.160 On his bike. 00:18:20.960 --> 00:18:22.059 And sat on this. 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:22.720 Crossbar. 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:23.799 With a tiny little. 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.420 Red seat. 00:18:24.500 --> 00:18:25.579 Which I would sit on. 00:18:25.579 --> 00:18:27.079 And put my feet. 00:18:27.079 --> 00:18:28.359 On a foot rest. 00:18:29.240 --> 00:18:29.879 You could say. 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:31.039 I was united. 00:18:31.679 --> 00:18:32.819 To my father. 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:33.960 Where he went. 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.859 I went. 00:18:36.779 --> 00:18:37.720 And if it rained. 00:18:38.399 --> 00:18:39.539 Which it mostly did. 00:18:39.639 --> 00:18:40.179 From memory. 00:18:40.619 --> 00:18:41.599 He got wet. 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:43.339 And I got wet. 00:18:43.879 --> 00:18:44.879 But if it was sunny. 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:47.259 Well it was a different experience. 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:47.779 Wasn't it? 00:18:47.919 --> 00:18:48.679 He got hot. 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:49.639 And I got hot. 00:18:50.119 --> 00:18:51.259 His experience. 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:52.299 Was my. 00:18:53.099 --> 00:18:53.539 Experience. 00:18:53.539 --> 00:18:53.899 Experience. 00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:56.200 Now look what it says. 00:18:56.379 --> 00:18:57.839 In the rest of verse 14. 00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:01.180 You suffered from your own people. 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.019 The same things. 00:19:02.139 --> 00:19:03.879 Those churches suffered from the Jews. 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:05.259 Who killed. 00:19:05.619 --> 00:19:06.779 The Lord Jesus. 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:08.680 And the prophets. 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:11.559 And also drove. 00:19:11.899 --> 00:19:12.599 Us out. 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:14.440 He's saying. 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:14.700 Look. 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:15.680 Christ suffered. 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:17.619 We suffered. 00:19:18.379 --> 00:19:19.619 So you will suffer. 00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:21.239 And for us. 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:22.639 That might be a difficulty. 00:19:22.639 --> 00:19:23.659 Within our job. 00:19:23.879 --> 00:19:24.559 It may mean. 00:19:24.659 --> 00:19:25.879 That you don't get promotion. 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:28.079 It may mean. 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:29.239 That people are. 00:19:29.899 --> 00:19:30.379 Intolerant. 00:19:30.439 --> 00:19:31.199 Towards you. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.019 And push you off. 00:19:33.079 --> 00:19:33.799 And don't want you. 00:19:33.879 --> 00:19:35.259 In your circle of friends. 00:19:37.239 --> 00:19:38.139 It could be. 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:39.079 That you face it. 00:19:39.159 --> 00:19:39.639 In school. 00:19:39.719 --> 00:19:40.579 Where people think. 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:41.639 You're just nuts. 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:45.379 For some Christians. 00:19:45.380 --> 00:19:47.580 It will be the same. 00:19:47.660 --> 00:19:49.040 As what these people suffered. 00:19:49.380 --> 00:19:49.900 Imprisonment. 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:50.340 And worse. 00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:51.200 Being killed. 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:53.600 As Christ suffered. 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:55.020 So we will suffer. 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:56.720 But here's the good news. 00:19:57.100 --> 00:19:58.360 Not only do we share. 00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:59.140 In his suffering. 00:19:59.520 --> 00:20:00.480 We also share. 00:20:00.580 --> 00:20:01.420 In his resurrection. 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:03.260 Have a look at chapter 4. 00:20:03.320 --> 00:20:04.140 Verse 14. 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.580 Because the same thing. 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:10.520 Is true here. 00:20:11.320 --> 00:20:12.300 Chapter 4. 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:13.240 Verse 14. 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:16.240 For we believe. 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:19.019 That Jesus died. 00:20:19.140 --> 00:20:20.259 And rose again. 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:22.839 And so we believe. 00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:24.019 That God will bring. 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:24.740 With Jesus. 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:26.559 Those who have fallen asleep. 00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:27.859 Or those who have died. 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:29.299 In. 00:20:30.120 --> 00:20:30.440 Him. 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:32.339 Can you. 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:33.099 Can you see that. 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:34.460 Where Christ goes. 00:20:34.980 --> 00:20:35.819 We will go. 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.740 If he suffers. 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:38.500 We will suffer. 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:40.299 If he rises from the dead. 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:41.279 And lives forever. 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:44.700 So that will be true for us. 00:20:46.759 --> 00:20:47.480 You see. 00:20:47.619 --> 00:20:49.039 As we face hostility. 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:50.200 We need to know. 00:20:50.359 --> 00:20:50.819 That one day. 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:52.119 This will all pass. 00:20:52.680 --> 00:20:54.359 It will all come to an end. 00:20:54.899 --> 00:20:56.259 Our brothers and sisters. 00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:57.299 In Kashmir. 00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:59.660 Those in North India. 00:21:00.599 --> 00:21:01.740 All the suffering. 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:02.420 And struggles. 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:03.200 That they face. 00:21:03.240 --> 00:21:04.740 It will all come to an end. 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:06.359 Why? 00:21:07.179 --> 00:21:08.719 Because of their location. 00:21:09.699 --> 00:21:10.799 They are in. 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:12.119 Christ. 00:21:14.639 --> 00:21:16.339 So in facing struggles. 00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:17.719 Remember your location. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:20.799 And remember God's. 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:21.799 Justice. 00:21:22.719 --> 00:21:24.500 Because God will bring about. 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:26.119 His justice on all those. 00:21:26.219 --> 00:21:27.219 Who cause suffering. 00:21:27.639 --> 00:21:29.240 Look at the rest of verse 15. 00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:33.400 They displease God. 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:36.400 And are hostile to everyone. 00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:38.940 In their effort to keep us. 00:21:39.059 --> 00:21:40.599 From speaking to the Gentiles. 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:43.740 So that they may be saved. 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:45.059 You see. 00:21:45.140 --> 00:21:46.180 Behind the opposition. 00:21:46.599 --> 00:21:47.579 Is an attempt. 00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:50.180 To actually stop people. 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:51.160 Hearing the gospel. 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.400 And turning. 00:21:53.359 --> 00:21:54.779 To the Lord Jesus. 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.740 And that. 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:58.859 Is a serious matter. 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:01.980 And God is not immune. 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:03.720 To all that is going on. 00:22:04.180 --> 00:22:05.059 He is in. 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:06.019 Acting. 00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:07.019 His justice. 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:08.000 Even now. 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.299 Look at the. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:09.880 Look at. 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:10.920 Verse 16. 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:13.279 In this way. 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:15.200 They always. 00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:16.779 Heap up their sins. 00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:18.120 To the limit. 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:19.980 All the opposition. 00:22:20.339 --> 00:22:21.259 All their behavior. 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.160 Is seen. 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:23.259 And remembered. 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:23.920 By God. 00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:25.339 It's like he's keeping. 00:22:25.339 --> 00:22:26.059 A record. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:27.539 Of every day. 00:22:27.819 --> 00:22:28.579 And every act. 00:22:28.579 --> 00:22:29.699 Against his people. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:31.919 And justice. 00:22:31.919 --> 00:22:32.699 Will be done. 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:34.059 Yes. 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:34.599 There will be. 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.659 A future judgment. 00:22:36.179 --> 00:22:36.939 But he's saying. 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:37.539 To us here. 00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:38.240 There is also. 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:38.839 A judgment. 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:39.679 That is happening. 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:40.939 Right now. 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:42.839 Do you see that. 00:22:42.899 --> 00:22:43.279 At the end. 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:44.139 Of verse 16. 00:22:45.139 --> 00:22:46.159 The wrath. 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:46.879 Of God. 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:48.299 Has come. 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:49.119 Upon them. 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:50.740 At last. 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:52.500 It seems. 00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:52.859 This. 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:53.799 Record. 00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:55.000 Of sins. 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:55.319 This. 00:22:55.319 --> 00:22:56.559 Remembering. 00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.460 All their acts. 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:58.899 Is being built up. 00:22:59.899 --> 00:23:01.180 And God's. 00:23:01.399 --> 00:23:02.000 Present. 00:23:02.159 --> 00:23:02.619 Judgment. 00:23:03.419 --> 00:23:04.339 Is that he will. 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.039 One day. 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.599 Enact it all. 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:08.700 Justice. 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.599 Will be done. 00:23:11.899 --> 00:23:13.119 This is summarized. 00:23:13.180 --> 00:23:13.519 For us. 00:23:13.639 --> 00:23:14.500 Really helpfully. 00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:15.759 If you just jump. 00:23:15.839 --> 00:23:16.619 A couple of pages. 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.099 Forward. 00:23:17.099 --> 00:23:17.459 To. 00:23:18.099 --> 00:23:18.419 Second. 00:23:18.879 --> 00:23:19.559 Thessalonians. 00:23:20.939 --> 00:23:22.019 Chapter one. 00:23:23.459 --> 00:23:24.619 And verse five. 00:23:27.419 --> 00:23:28.099 Encouragement. 00:23:29.319 --> 00:23:30.199 For those. 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:31.079 Who struggle. 00:23:31.879 --> 00:23:32.740 As they follow. 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:33.319 Christ. 00:23:34.899 --> 00:23:35.579 Maybe. 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.240 It's a struggle. 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.219 Within family. 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:39.259 Or amongst friends. 00:23:39.419 --> 00:23:40.039 Or at work. 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.659 Verse five. 00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:44.839 All this. 00:23:44.919 --> 00:23:45.439 Is evidence. 00:23:45.639 --> 00:23:46.259 That God's. 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:46.699 Judgment. 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:47.360 Is right. 00:23:48.360 --> 00:23:49.360 And as a result. 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.640 You will be counted. 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:51.880 Worthy. 00:23:51.880 --> 00:23:52.620 Of the kingdom. 00:23:52.620 --> 00:23:53.180 Of God. 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:53.960 For which. 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:55.200 You are suffering. 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:56.799 God. 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:57.500 Is. 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.340 Just. 00:23:59.559 --> 00:24:00.059 He will. 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:00.700 Pay back. 00:24:00.880 --> 00:24:01.279 Trouble. 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:01.940 To those. 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.819 Who trouble you. 00:24:03.720 --> 00:24:04.480 And give. 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:05.080 Relief. 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:05.660 To you. 00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:06.519 Who are troubled. 00:24:07.460 --> 00:24:08.600 And to us. 00:24:09.319 --> 00:24:09.940 As well. 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:12.539 God knows. 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:13.960 And God. 00:24:14.100 --> 00:24:14.620 Sees. 00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:17.159 So how do we face. 00:24:17.159 --> 00:24:18.000 Suffering. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:18.759 Or struggles. 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:19.459 In our world. 00:24:19.459 --> 00:24:20.299 Well. 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:21.399 Know your location. 00:24:21.399 --> 00:24:22.459 That you are in Christ. 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:23.179 And know. 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:25.539 That God's justice. 00:24:26.219 --> 00:24:27.099 Will be done. 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:30.019 Well. 00:24:30.079 --> 00:24:30.679 Our third. 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:32.379 How to clip. 00:24:33.219 --> 00:24:35.239 Is how to find joy. 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.799 In our ministry. 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:36.899 history. 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:38.819 Because. 00:24:39.059 --> 00:24:40.440 Living in this world. 00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:41.539 Where we will face. 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.119 Opposition. 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:43.980 Is not easy. 00:24:45.319 --> 00:24:46.200 It's hard. 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:47.139 And it's difficult. 00:24:48.419 --> 00:24:49.159 In fact. 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:49.700 Not only. 00:24:49.819 --> 00:24:50.680 Do we suffer. 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:52.240 We must see it. 00:24:52.279 --> 00:24:53.759 As a spiritual battle. 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:54.839 Verse 18. 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:57.220 Paul says. 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.759 We wanted to come to you. 00:24:59.220 --> 00:24:59.639 Certainly. 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:00.059 I. 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:00.759 Paul did. 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:01.259 Again. 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:01.779 And again. 00:25:03.099 --> 00:25:03.960 But Satan. 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.919 Blocked our way. 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:06.420 He. 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:07.660 He wanted to get back. 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.340 In person. 00:25:08.820 --> 00:25:09.840 To see how these. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.420 Christians were doing. 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:12.980 But it wasn't possible. 00:25:13.120 --> 00:25:13.519 Because. 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:14.600 Satan had. 00:25:15.060 --> 00:25:15.940 Blocked their path. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:16.779 Now. 00:25:17.019 --> 00:25:17.880 None of us know. 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:18.759 What it was. 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:22.039 Maybe it was a landslide. 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:23.580 They couldn't get through. 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:24.240 The roads. 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:26.039 Maybe it was a sickness. 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.660 But it reminds us. 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.560 Whatever it was. 00:25:29.820 --> 00:25:30.920 That we have an enemy. 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:33.300 Who isn't pleased. 00:25:33.300 --> 00:25:34.279 With what we do. 00:25:34.920 --> 00:25:37.720 And he can make the Christian life. 00:25:38.320 --> 00:25:38.800 Hard. 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:42.320 So how do you and I. 00:25:43.140 --> 00:25:44.100 Find joy. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.800 In the midst. 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:48.580 Of a life that can sometimes. 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:50.060 Be difficult. 00:25:51.640 --> 00:25:53.580 Well here's how we find joy. 00:25:54.660 --> 00:25:55.340 First. 00:25:57.620 --> 00:25:58.279 Love. 00:25:59.160 --> 00:25:59.759 Others. 00:26:01.420 --> 00:26:02.720 Love for others. 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:04.220 Our ministry. 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:05.819 Our work. 00:26:05.819 --> 00:26:05.839 Our work. 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:07.799 Is to be always for the good of others. 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:08.779 Verse 17. 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:12.900 But brothers and sisters. 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:15.960 When we were orphaned. 00:26:15.960 --> 00:26:18.059 By being separated from you. 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:19.600 For a short time. 00:26:20.120 --> 00:26:21.240 In person. 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:22.579 Not in thought. 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:24.740 We never ever forgot about you. 00:26:25.440 --> 00:26:27.759 Out of our intense longing. 00:26:27.759 --> 00:26:30.160 We made every effort. 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:30.839 We made every effort to see you. 00:26:31.660 --> 00:26:33.420 I can't bear. 00:26:34.059 --> 00:26:35.480 To be apart from you. 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:36.920 I long. 00:26:37.359 --> 00:26:38.079 To see you. 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:41.200 And the reason for them wanting to see them. 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:43.000 Chapter 3 verse 10. 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:45.559 Night and day. 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:47.119 We pray most earnestly. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:47.180 ! 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:48.759 That we may see you again. 00:26:49.099 --> 00:26:51.500 And supply what is lacking in your faith. 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:54.079 Now isn't that remarkable? 00:26:54.079 --> 00:26:56.119 Paul's heart. 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:57.379 His desire. 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.419 Is not for himself. 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:01.439 His love and concern. 00:27:02.119 --> 00:27:02.939 Is for others. 00:27:03.319 --> 00:27:04.639 He wants to make sure. 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:06.619 That these newborn Christians. 00:27:06.619 --> 00:27:08.500 Are still walking with Christ. 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:10.519 That they haven't become overcome. 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:12.439 With all the troubles or difficulties. 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:14.619 He's willing to suffer. 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:15.679 For their sake. 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:16.879 For them. 00:27:18.119 --> 00:27:19.419 That they would keep going. 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:21.240 He loves them deeply. 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:23.740 And it's not one of this. 00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:25.920 Begrudging kind of love. 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:28.740 Do I have to love them? 00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:29.859 No. 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:31.440 It's a deep love. 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:32.359 Look at. 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:33.620 Look at verse 18. 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:35.700 For we wanted to come. 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:37.500 I Paul did. 00:27:37.880 --> 00:27:38.400 Again. 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:39.380 And again. 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:40.500 You've no idea. 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:41.660 How many times. 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:42.279 And efforts. 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:43.819 I made to get to see you. 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:47.160 You say. 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:48.039 Where's the joy. 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.000 In all of this. 00:27:49.000 --> 00:27:51.720 Well stick with me. 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:53.480 Because here's where the joy. 00:27:54.119 --> 00:27:54.880 Comes in. 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.640 It comes. 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:59.500 With a glorious reward. 00:28:00.880 --> 00:28:02.220 Look at verse 19. 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:05.819 For what. 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:07.299 Is our hope. 00:28:08.339 --> 00:28:09.240 Our joy. 00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:10.980 Or the crown. 00:28:11.119 --> 00:28:12.539 In which we will glory. 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:14.720 In the presence of our Lord. 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:15.779 Jesus Christ. 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:17.420 When he comes. 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:20.740 I want us to. 00:28:21.100 --> 00:28:22.779 To picture the scene. 00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:26.400 That Christ has come. 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:29.940 And there you are. 00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:32.840 Standing in the presence. 00:28:33.340 --> 00:28:34.580 Of Jesus Christ. 00:28:36.440 --> 00:28:37.900 Face to face. 00:28:38.539 --> 00:28:39.759 With your savior. 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:44.039 What will be. 00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:45.759 Your reward. 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:48.200 When Christ. 00:28:48.440 --> 00:28:49.140 Comes again. 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:50.180 There you are. 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:50.859 You're with him. 00:28:51.119 --> 00:28:52.700 What's going to be your joy. 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:54.359 What's going to be your hope. 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.799 What's going to be your glory. 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:57.599 What's going to be the prize. 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:58.480 The crown. 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:03.640 Look at the end of verse 19. 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:05.920 Is it not. 00:29:05.920 --> 00:29:06.880 You. 00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:06.980 You. 00:29:08.320 --> 00:29:09.200 Indeed. 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.660 You are. 00:29:11.020 --> 00:29:12.040 Our glory. 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.220 And joy. 00:29:14.540 --> 00:29:15.360 My joy. 00:29:16.100 --> 00:29:17.200 On that day. 00:29:17.600 --> 00:29:18.420 Will be to see. 00:29:18.620 --> 00:29:19.220 My brothers. 00:29:19.560 --> 00:29:20.100 And sisters. 00:29:20.100 --> 00:29:21.320 Who are in Christ. 00:29:21.880 --> 00:29:22.640 Also. 00:29:23.120 --> 00:29:23.800 With Christ. 00:29:23.799 --> 00:29:23.919 Christ. 00:29:25.119 --> 00:29:26.740 What I desire. 00:29:27.019 --> 00:29:28.159 Is to see you. 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:29.099 Safe. 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.139 And secure. 00:29:30.299 --> 00:29:30.919 With Jesus. 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:32.220 Having gone through. 00:29:32.359 --> 00:29:33.119 All the troubles. 00:29:33.339 --> 00:29:34.220 And all the trials. 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:35.899 And that you're there. 00:29:37.319 --> 00:29:39.039 What I long for. 00:29:39.119 --> 00:29:40.180 Is to see you. 00:29:40.379 --> 00:29:41.639 At the finishing line. 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:44.099 That's what I'm looking forward to. 00:29:44.859 --> 00:29:46.259 That's my glory. 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:51.940 And that's what enables us. 00:29:51.940 --> 00:29:55.240 To love each other well. 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:56.160 Now. 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:58.860 Because we know. 00:29:58.860 --> 00:30:00.440 That our loving service. 00:30:00.620 --> 00:30:01.820 And our giving of our lives. 00:30:01.920 --> 00:30:02.320 To others. 00:30:02.620 --> 00:30:03.480 Will result. 00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:05.340 In overflowing joy. 00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:09.140 All the unseen acts. 00:30:10.100 --> 00:30:11.539 All your prayers. 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:12.580 Done in private. 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:15.860 All your financial giving. 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:16.980 To the work. 00:30:17.059 --> 00:30:17.559 And the life. 00:30:17.660 --> 00:30:18.400 Of the church. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:21.519 It'll be worth it all. 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:23.860 Every hour. 00:30:23.860 --> 00:30:24.860 That you spent. 00:30:25.360 --> 00:30:26.539 Packing and stacking. 00:30:26.539 --> 00:30:27.500 And getting ready. 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:28.400 For polo. 00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:31.200 Every Friday afternoon. 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:32.519 That you spent in rock. 00:30:32.640 --> 00:30:33.900 Or in the evening. 00:30:34.019 --> 00:30:34.600 With rooted. 00:30:36.080 --> 00:30:38.000 Every conversation. 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:38.660 And visit. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.360 That you had. 00:30:39.420 --> 00:30:40.640 With a struggling soul. 00:30:40.860 --> 00:30:42.299 Every text message. 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:43.220 That you sent. 00:30:44.080 --> 00:30:46.220 Every discipleship class. 00:30:46.420 --> 00:30:48.059 Every Sunday school lesson. 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:49.720 Every sermon preached. 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:51.259 It will be worth. 00:30:51.259 --> 00:30:51.259 00:30:51.259 --> 00:30:52.180 It all. 00:30:54.100 --> 00:30:55.680 To see you. 00:30:58.559 --> 00:31:00.539 In the presence of Christ. 00:31:01.980 --> 00:31:03.539 Will be my joy. 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:10.400 Living the Christian life. 00:31:11.900 --> 00:31:13.259 Can be hard. 00:31:14.319 --> 00:31:15.860 Ministry life is hard. 00:31:15.859 --> 00:31:17.219 We will get pushback. 00:31:17.219 --> 00:31:18.699 We have an enemy. 00:31:18.699 --> 00:31:20.179 Who is against us. 00:31:20.699 --> 00:31:22.279 It will be costly. 00:31:23.399 --> 00:31:25.099 We suffer opposition. 00:31:25.099 --> 00:31:26.000 From the world. 00:31:26.199 --> 00:31:27.419 And from Satan. 00:31:28.279 --> 00:31:29.379 But together. 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:30.399 We keep our eyes. 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:30.959 Fixed. 00:31:31.059 --> 00:31:32.479 On Christ's return. 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:34.459 Because we know. 00:31:34.699 --> 00:31:36.219 That all this gospel work. 00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:37.899 Is worth it all. 00:31:39.399 --> 00:31:40.879 Brothers and sisters. 00:31:40.880 --> 00:31:41.080 Brothers. 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:43.360 Who are in Christ. 00:31:44.800 --> 00:31:46.520 With Christ. 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:49.960 That's the reward. 00:31:51.260 --> 00:31:52.420 That's the crown. 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:54.980 My hope is you. 00:31:56.120 --> 00:31:57.160 My glory. 00:31:57.660 --> 00:31:58.260 Is you. 00:31:59.840 --> 00:32:01.460 I long for the day. 00:32:02.580 --> 00:32:04.240 When we will stand. 00:32:04.700 --> 00:32:05.160 Together. 00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:06.840 All of us. 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:09.640 In the presence of Christ. 00:32:09.640 --> 00:32:09.780 Christ. 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:13.460 That will be joy. 00:32:17.660 --> 00:32:19.360 So how do we experience. 00:32:19.360 --> 00:32:20.960 Change in our life. 00:32:23.220 --> 00:32:24.380 This living. 00:32:24.880 --> 00:32:25.440 And active. 00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:26.440 Word of God. 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:29.340 Which transforms us. 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:30.840 From the inside out. 00:32:32.280 --> 00:32:34.400 A word that will enable us. 00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:35.460 To face suffering. 00:32:35.600 --> 00:32:36.220 And struggles. 00:32:36.220 --> 00:32:38.559 As we are reminded. 00:32:39.259 --> 00:32:40.720 That we are in Christ. 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:44.380 And in the midst of it all. 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:46.940 There is deep joy. 00:32:47.360 --> 00:32:48.140 And happiness. 00:32:49.559 --> 00:32:50.700 Because we know. 00:32:50.900 --> 00:32:52.059 That it's all worth it. 00:32:53.339 --> 00:32:55.079 And we will be together. 00:32:55.319 --> 00:32:55.920 With him. 00:32:57.240 --> 00:32:58.180 What a day. 00:32:59.240 --> 00:33:00.460 What a crown. 00:33:00.460 --> 00:33:02.299 We will have. 00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:04.519 Let's pray. 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:04.559 Let's pray. 00:33:04.559 --> 00:33:24.579 Let's pray. 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.579 00:33:34.559 --> 00:33:41.579 at the wonder of your all-sufficient good word, 00:33:42.359 --> 00:33:46.019 that it provides us with all that we need 00:33:46.019 --> 00:33:51.079 as it brings us to Christ, our Saviour. 00:33:52.659 --> 00:33:57.019 Thank you for the work you have done in our lives. 00:33:57.779 --> 00:34:01.779 And we pray for a greater and deeper work 00:34:01.779 --> 00:34:06.160 in us individually and corporately as a church, 00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:10.920 that you would encourage us to stand strong 00:34:10.920 --> 00:34:12.980 in the hard days, 00:34:13.779 --> 00:34:16.099 that we would keep going 00:34:16.099 --> 00:34:19.099 and keep living for you, 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:24.079 and that together we would have our eyes firmly fixed 00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:27.679 when Christ comes again 00:34:27.679 --> 00:34:32.960 and we will stand before our Saviour, 00:34:34.059 --> 00:34:35.940 filled with joy and glory, 00:34:36.559 --> 00:34:38.399 as we look at one another 00:34:38.399 --> 00:34:41.179 and say thank you, Jesus, 00:34:42.299 --> 00:34:44.239 for such great a salvation. 00:34:44.239 --> 00:34:44.419 Amen. 00:34:48.359 --> 00:34:49.859 Please help us, we pray. 00:34:51.139 --> 00:34:51.659 Amen. 00:35:01.259 --> 00:35:02.439 Well, we're going to sing. 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:07.639 O church, arise and put your armour on. 00:35:07.720 --> 00:35:08.740 Why do we need armour? 00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:11.639 Well, because we're in a battle. 00:35:12.760 --> 00:35:13.960 We have an enemy, 00:35:14.800 --> 00:35:19.039 but we are strong and we are secure in Christ. 00:35:19.720 --> 00:35:22.000 And we take these steps together 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:24.260 until we are with him.