WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.040 The following sermon is made available by Lakeside Bible Church in Cornelius, North Carolina. 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:19.160 For more information about our church or to find more recorded sermons, 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:22.719 please visit us online at lakesidebible.church. 00:00:22.980 --> 00:00:25.719 We'd also love to connect with you on social media. 00:00:25.719 --> 00:00:30.679 You can find us by searching Lakeside Bible NC on Facebook and Instagram. 00:00:31.399 --> 00:00:37.899 For specific questions about the Bible or our church, please email us at info at lakesidebible.church. 00:00:39.780 --> 00:00:41.539 Philippians chapter 1 verse 27, 00:00:41.700 --> 00:00:45.799 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ, 00:00:46.539 --> 00:00:49.039 that whether I come and see you or else be absent, 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:53.420 I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, 00:00:53.420 --> 00:00:57.240 with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:00.420 and in nothing terrified by your adversaries, 00:01:00.539 --> 00:01:03.740 which is to them an evident token of perdition, 00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:07.659 but to you of salvation, and that from God. 00:01:08.519 --> 00:01:12.079 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, or for the sake of Christ, 00:01:12.420 --> 00:01:16.900 not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake, 00:01:17.640 --> 00:01:22.460 having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now here to be in me. 00:01:22.459 --> 00:01:27.679 The suffering with which Paul is talking here in this passage 00:01:27.679 --> 00:01:32.619 is not the suffering that comes as a result of living in a fallen state. 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:38.239 This is not the kind of suffering that applies to every person's life that has ever lived. 00:01:38.619 --> 00:01:41.919 There's a few things in terms of hardship that we all face. 00:01:42.399 --> 00:01:47.619 Because of our sinful nature, because of the curse of sin on this earth, 00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:51.159 through Adam and Eve and so on passed down to all of us, 00:01:51.159 --> 00:01:53.599 there are certain hardships that we face. 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:55.719 Death is one of those things primarily. 00:01:56.619 --> 00:02:01.359 Paul's discussion here of suffering is not really in the realm of that type of suffering. 00:02:01.479 --> 00:02:03.280 It's not hardship for hardship's sake. 00:02:03.899 --> 00:02:06.239 It's not just about going through difficult times. 00:02:06.379 --> 00:02:08.680 The suffering that he's referencing here in this passage 00:02:08.680 --> 00:02:11.019 is a suffering and a persecution 00:02:11.019 --> 00:02:16.519 that comes specifically as a result of our commitment to the gospel. 00:02:16.520 --> 00:02:24.340 It's not just a suffering with sickness because we have sin-cursed bodies that are in the process of decay. 00:02:24.540 --> 00:02:26.060 It's not that type of suffering. 00:02:26.260 --> 00:02:29.939 It's the suffering that we may deal with persecution and ridicule 00:02:29.939 --> 00:02:34.040 and even face a possible death for our stand on the gospel. 00:02:34.360 --> 00:02:37.740 It's preaching the truth and dealing with the opposition. 00:02:37.980 --> 00:02:40.920 That's the suffering that he is referring to here. 00:02:40.919 --> 00:02:44.679 Kent Hughes, in his commentary on the book of Philippians, 00:02:45.280 --> 00:02:48.379 tells the story of a man named Mehdi Dibaj. 00:02:49.019 --> 00:02:52.919 Mehdi was arrested by the government in Iran in 1984 00:02:52.919 --> 00:02:56.359 after he converted from Islam to Christianity 00:02:56.359 --> 00:02:59.679 and became a pastor in a Christian church there in a Christian community. 00:03:00.359 --> 00:03:02.659 He spent 10 years in prison 00:03:02.659 --> 00:03:07.139 until he was sentenced to be executed for his faith in 1994. 00:03:07.939 --> 00:03:09.299 This is just a few years ago. 00:03:09.300 --> 00:03:13.880 The Iranians released him under pressure from the United States government, 00:03:13.880 --> 00:03:16.760 but he was found dead just a few days later in a park. 00:03:17.800 --> 00:03:20.020 He was the third Christian murdered in Iran 00:03:20.020 --> 00:03:23.320 after being released from prison during that specific time frame. 00:03:24.600 --> 00:03:29.420 Kent Hughes includes some of Mehdi Dibaj's last statement of defense 00:03:29.420 --> 00:03:30.939 when he had gone to trial in Iran. 00:03:31.240 --> 00:03:35.620 Here's the last sentences that he wrote and that he exclaimed in this trial. 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:36.980 He said, 00:03:36.979 --> 00:04:06.959 It's very much reminiscent of verse 21 in Philippians. 00:04:06.979 --> 00:04:07.780 Philippians 1, isn't it? 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:09.819 For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain. 00:04:10.459 --> 00:04:10.959 And then he said, 00:04:11.299 --> 00:04:15.939 Therefore, I am not only satisfied to be in prison for the honor of his holy name, 00:04:16.379 --> 00:04:20.899 but am ready to give my life for the sake of Jesus my Lord. 00:04:22.199 --> 00:04:24.579 Standing before this council and this defense, 00:04:24.800 --> 00:04:26.339 knowing that what awaited him, 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:28.439 if he stood firm on sound doctrine, 00:04:28.639 --> 00:04:30.560 if he continued to preach the gospel, 00:04:30.560 --> 00:04:33.000 was certain execution, 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:36.879 and those were the words that he expressed to this council. 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:41.819 I stand firmly committed that Jesus Christ is our Savior, 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:43.740 and he is the Son of God. 00:04:44.899 --> 00:04:47.480 Of course, God has an amazing purpose, 00:04:47.840 --> 00:04:48.740 gospel purpose, 00:04:48.980 --> 00:04:50.420 for this kind of suffering. 00:04:50.980 --> 00:04:54.600 We've talked about that in our study already of chapter 1 in Philippians, 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:59.140 but a recent article by the Gospel Coalition stated that right now, 00:04:59.280 --> 00:05:01.700 in 2019 or 2020 now, 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:06.700 the fastest growing segment of the global church is in Iran. 00:05:06.699 --> 00:05:11.639 It's amazing because of the persecution of believers. 00:05:12.120 --> 00:05:15.560 The church is growing incredibly in places like the Middle East 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:18.079 and in China and in communist environments. 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:22.259 The church is growing because of the persecution of believers. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:25.539 People who are willing to stay committed to their faith, 00:05:25.800 --> 00:05:28.399 even when being opposed by the people around them. 00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:30.599 God has a gospel purpose in that, 00:05:30.819 --> 00:05:33.000 and he uses it in a fantastic way. 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:36.939 It's something that we are not so familiar with 00:05:36.939 --> 00:05:39.319 because of the blessings that we experience 00:05:39.319 --> 00:05:41.420 and the freedoms that we have here. 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:43.360 But all across the world, 00:05:43.500 --> 00:05:44.480 there are still people 00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:47.980 that are up against severe persecution, 00:05:48.699 --> 00:05:49.839 even martyrdom, 00:05:49.959 --> 00:05:52.319 all because they're Christians. 00:05:53.600 --> 00:05:56.720 Of course, persecution is not exclusive to Christianity. 00:05:57.220 --> 00:05:58.439 There's lots of people groups. 00:05:58.560 --> 00:06:00.199 There are lots of religions that are persecuted. 00:06:00.199 --> 00:06:03.920 But it is to be expected for Christians 00:06:03.920 --> 00:06:04.979 according to the scriptures. 00:06:05.579 --> 00:06:07.519 Last week, we talked about this demonstration 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:08.579 of the gospel-worthy life. 00:06:08.699 --> 00:06:10.740 We'll cover these last two points this morning, 00:06:10.839 --> 00:06:14.379 which the first being the sign of a gospel-worthy life. 00:06:14.560 --> 00:06:16.639 The sign of a gospel-worthy life. 00:06:17.300 --> 00:06:19.339 Look with me again at verse 28. 00:06:20.740 --> 00:06:21.259 Paul says, 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:24.699 and nothing terrified by your opponents or your adversaries, 00:06:24.699 --> 00:06:28.699 which is to them an evident token of perdition, 00:06:29.479 --> 00:06:30.979 but to you of salvation, 00:06:31.639 --> 00:06:33.680 and that from God. 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:37.300 In verse 28, we see the words evident token, 00:06:37.839 --> 00:06:39.399 which just means a sign. 00:06:40.259 --> 00:06:42.919 Refers to proving or giving evidence 00:06:42.919 --> 00:06:44.159 of something that's true. 00:06:45.300 --> 00:06:47.039 A sign gives direction. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:50.199 And it's like coming to a fork in the road. 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:53.719 One sign points toward the path of opposition to the gospel 00:06:53.719 --> 00:06:56.039 and leads to the city of destruction. 00:06:56.939 --> 00:07:00.060 The other sign points toward faith in the gospel 00:07:00.060 --> 00:07:03.319 and leads to the city of salvation. 00:07:04.659 --> 00:07:07.819 Allowing believers to go through seasons of persecution 00:07:07.819 --> 00:07:12.939 is used by God as a means of making a clear separation 00:07:12.939 --> 00:07:16.300 of the saved and the unsaved. 00:07:16.300 --> 00:07:20.780 Paul says that the willingness of a believer 00:07:20.780 --> 00:07:23.520 to faithfully endure suffering 00:07:23.520 --> 00:07:27.460 gives evidence of the fact that unbelievers will perish 00:07:27.460 --> 00:07:30.040 and believers will be saved. 00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:32.080 That's exactly what he's saying in verse 28. 00:07:33.400 --> 00:07:37.400 Unbelief demonstrated by those who oppose the gospel 00:07:37.400 --> 00:07:39.759 is the sign of coming judgment. 00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:45.360 Endurance demonstrated by those who believe the gospel 00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:48.639 then is the sign of a coming salvation. 00:07:49.220 --> 00:07:51.040 Three quick notes underneath this point 00:07:51.040 --> 00:07:52.379 if you're keeping track of them 00:07:52.379 --> 00:07:53.540 maybe in your scripture journals. 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:54.620 The first thing is this. 00:07:54.620 --> 00:07:56.920 Our endurance is a sign of judgment 00:07:56.920 --> 00:07:59.340 to those who oppose the gospel. 00:08:00.180 --> 00:08:03.920 Our endurance in the faith and through persecution 00:08:03.920 --> 00:08:08.160 is a sign of judgment to those who oppose the gospel. 00:08:08.759 --> 00:08:10.960 Paul says it to the unbeliever, 00:08:11.060 --> 00:08:12.819 to the adversary, to the opponent. 00:08:12.819 --> 00:08:15.500 It is an evident token of perdition 00:08:15.500 --> 00:08:18.060 or destruction and judgment. 00:08:19.099 --> 00:08:21.759 It doesn't mean that they acknowledge the sign 00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:24.819 but the sign is still yet evident. 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:27.819 The believer's willingness to endure suffering 00:08:28.459 --> 00:08:31.300 for the sake of the gospel signals to their adversaries 00:08:31.300 --> 00:08:33.980 that they will one day be judged by God 00:08:33.980 --> 00:08:36.319 for their unbelief and for the persecution 00:08:36.319 --> 00:08:38.200 that they have brought on God's people. 00:08:38.200 --> 00:08:41.740 But this sign has a purpose 00:08:41.740 --> 00:08:44.320 and this is the point that I want us to understand here. 00:08:45.280 --> 00:08:46.960 This sign of destruction, 00:08:47.160 --> 00:08:49.280 this sign, evident token of perdition, 00:08:49.420 --> 00:08:50.840 it has the purpose. 00:08:51.440 --> 00:08:54.000 It's not only meant to condemn the unbeliever 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:56.140 but I believe it's actually meant 00:08:56.140 --> 00:08:58.480 to draw them to salvation. 00:08:59.160 --> 00:09:01.020 There's two ways that I think it does this. 00:09:01.019 --> 00:09:05.199 First, it does it, it's produced through our message. 00:09:05.879 --> 00:09:08.939 This sign is produced in our message. 00:09:09.539 --> 00:09:11.199 Look with me again at verse 27. 00:09:12.259 --> 00:09:15.379 Paul urges these believers to let their manner of life 00:09:15.379 --> 00:09:17.519 be worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:09:17.699 --> 00:09:19.259 And here's how it would be worthy. 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:21.240 That I may hear of your affairs, 00:09:21.539 --> 00:09:23.600 that you stand fast in one spirit, 00:09:23.699 --> 00:09:25.819 that's a commitment to biblical doctrine, 00:09:26.059 --> 00:09:28.740 with one mind striving together for the faith, 00:09:28.740 --> 00:09:31.899 that's the offensive posture of sharing the gospel 00:09:31.899 --> 00:09:33.220 with the people around you 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:36.500 and in nothing terrified by your opponents. 00:09:37.159 --> 00:09:39.399 It comes by standing firm, 00:09:40.019 --> 00:09:41.919 faithfully declaring the gospel. 00:09:42.879 --> 00:09:46.580 Our endurance then is clearly lived out, 00:09:46.879 --> 00:09:48.740 practically, in action. 00:09:49.820 --> 00:09:52.700 And that action is founded on 00:09:52.700 --> 00:09:56.159 the declaration of a particular message. 00:09:57.379 --> 00:09:58.460 What is this endurance? 00:09:59.379 --> 00:10:01.320 It's the message that we give. 00:10:01.620 --> 00:10:02.799 What is that message? 00:10:03.419 --> 00:10:07.399 That all who reject Christ will die in their sins 00:10:07.399 --> 00:10:09.940 and their soul will live eternally, 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:14.080 separated from God in a place called hell. 00:10:15.480 --> 00:10:17.060 How is our suffering, 00:10:17.180 --> 00:10:20.480 how is our endurance a sign of judgment to our opponents? 00:10:20.480 --> 00:10:24.299 Because in that sign is the reality of our message, 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:25.960 that as they oppose us, 00:10:25.960 --> 00:10:28.300 what they're opposing is what we are preaching 00:10:28.300 --> 00:10:29.879 and what we are believing. 00:10:30.300 --> 00:10:32.120 And if we're doing it the right way, 00:10:32.220 --> 00:10:33.800 what we're focused on in our preaching 00:10:33.800 --> 00:10:36.519 and in our teaching and in our sharing with our friends 00:10:36.519 --> 00:10:39.200 is not all of the preferential things of church, 00:10:40.160 --> 00:10:41.759 not all of the various things 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:43.019 that we would dig through the scriptures 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:44.620 and try to argue with someone about. 00:10:44.800 --> 00:10:47.259 What we are faithfully preaching is the gospel, 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:49.100 that Jesus is God, 00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:50.980 that he came to save sinners, 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:53.480 and all who reject him as God 00:10:53.480 --> 00:10:54.800 that do not believe 00:10:54.800 --> 00:10:58.560 are destined for destruction and hell. 00:10:59.620 --> 00:11:04.080 But our message is also a sign of hope. 00:11:05.460 --> 00:11:07.620 Because those same opponents 00:11:07.620 --> 00:11:09.620 that reject the gospel, 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:13.659 if they will at some point repent in their heart 00:11:13.659 --> 00:11:15.560 and repent of their unbelief 00:11:15.559 --> 00:11:17.619 and turn to Jesus Christ, 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:19.779 God will forgive their sins 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:22.099 and grant them eternal life. 00:11:23.359 --> 00:11:25.399 It's a wonderful sign of hope. 00:11:25.479 --> 00:11:27.339 It's not just a sign of destruction. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:31.859 Our mission is to proclaim the gospel 00:11:31.859 --> 00:11:34.739 to sinners just like us. 00:11:34.740 --> 00:11:38.659 And it may be that God allows us 00:11:38.659 --> 00:11:41.120 to suffer for that proclamation 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:45.360 so that he might use our enduring witness 00:11:45.360 --> 00:11:48.940 to save the very person that afflicts us. 00:11:50.159 --> 00:11:53.399 It may be that God allows you to suffer 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:55.680 for your faith in your family 00:11:55.680 --> 00:11:57.759 or in your place of work 00:11:57.759 --> 00:11:59.940 or among your friends 00:11:59.940 --> 00:12:01.440 or even a stranger, 00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:05.760 specifically so that your enduring witness 00:12:05.760 --> 00:12:07.560 would be used by God 00:12:07.560 --> 00:12:10.020 to draw that opponent to salvation. 00:12:11.360 --> 00:12:13.160 Remember, faith cometh by hearing 00:12:13.160 --> 00:12:15.740 and hearing comes by the word of God. 00:12:16.820 --> 00:12:19.000 We're to keep defending and preaching Jesus 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:22.400 so that even the most vehement deniers of truth 00:12:22.400 --> 00:12:24.980 might hear the message and be saved. 00:12:25.980 --> 00:12:28.180 So this is a sign of judgment 00:12:28.180 --> 00:12:29.720 and it's a sign of hope. 00:12:29.720 --> 00:12:31.519 So the sign is produced in our message. 00:12:31.800 --> 00:12:34.860 The sign is also produced in our suffering. 00:12:35.420 --> 00:12:36.840 It's also produced in our suffering. 00:12:38.600 --> 00:12:41.300 God often uses our willingness to remain faithful 00:12:41.300 --> 00:12:44.259 as a means of drawing our opponents to salvation. 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:47.960 Think about the scene of the cross 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:52.540 as Jesus was crucified for the sins of mankind, 00:12:53.160 --> 00:12:54.240 for us. 00:12:55.180 --> 00:12:58.300 Think about all of the opponents involved in that story. 00:12:58.299 --> 00:13:01.359 The first one that comes to mind for me is the thief. 00:13:01.439 --> 00:13:04.219 In fact, you could probably go to Luke chapter 23 00:13:04.219 --> 00:13:05.139 and Luke chapter 24 00:13:05.139 --> 00:13:07.120 and see all of these examples in one setting. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:09.199 Remember the thief on the cross? 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:09.939 There was two of them. 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:11.459 Jesus split the two. 00:13:11.539 --> 00:13:13.159 There was one on his right and one on his left. 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:15.599 I think it's the gospel of John tells us 00:13:15.599 --> 00:13:17.379 that when they first were being crucified, 00:13:17.859 --> 00:13:22.219 both of these thieves were ridiculing and mocking Jesus. 00:13:22.220 --> 00:13:26.639 They were asking if he really was who he said he was. 00:13:26.740 --> 00:13:29.620 Why didn't he save himself and then save them along with him? 00:13:29.740 --> 00:13:31.480 Both of them were involved in this. 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:35.560 But at some point in the six hours of suffering on the cross, 00:13:35.700 --> 00:13:37.379 seeing the suffering of Christ, 00:13:37.460 --> 00:13:39.940 one of them was impacted in a specific way, 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:42.100 not necessarily because of the words of Christ, 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:44.120 but because of the way that he suffered. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:47.700 So that some point during that crucifixion story, 00:13:47.700 --> 00:13:50.000 one of the thieves looks at the other thief 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:52.360 and says, you gotta stop this. 00:13:52.420 --> 00:13:53.240 This isn't right. 00:13:54.680 --> 00:13:58.280 And he looks at Jesus and he says, remember me, please. 00:13:58.940 --> 00:13:59.860 And what does Jesus say? 00:13:59.920 --> 00:14:01.259 It's amazing, his love. 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:04.220 Even in the midst of that, after hours, 00:14:04.360 --> 00:14:06.520 this man has been ridiculing and mocking him. 00:14:06.680 --> 00:14:07.960 He's in the same condition as him. 00:14:08.160 --> 00:14:09.920 He's in no reason to mock anybody, 00:14:10.080 --> 00:14:11.680 no condition to mock anybody. 00:14:11.800 --> 00:14:13.860 And he's relentless with Jesus. 00:14:14.300 --> 00:14:16.460 And then finally something clicks in his mind 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:18.220 as he witnesses the suffering of Jesus. 00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:19.800 And Jesus looks at him and says, 00:14:20.060 --> 00:14:21.800 today you will be with me in paradise. 00:14:22.540 --> 00:14:25.000 Just like that, he's willing to forgive him 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:26.620 and demonstrate his love. 00:14:27.460 --> 00:14:29.519 We see because of the suffering of Christ, 00:14:29.740 --> 00:14:31.580 the thief on the cross comes to Christ. 00:14:32.040 --> 00:14:33.840 Remember the centurion. 00:14:34.280 --> 00:14:37.420 That was one of the men that literally crucified Jesus. 00:14:38.320 --> 00:14:40.500 Once Jesus takes his final breath, 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:43.360 he says, truly, this was the son of God. 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:47.399 One of the men that was splitting his garments 00:14:47.399 --> 00:14:49.580 and casting lots, making a mockery of him, 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:52.080 literally nailed him to the cross. 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:54.860 And he sees the way Christ suffered. 00:14:55.480 --> 00:14:58.300 And God uses that to draw him to salvation. 00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:01.240 Do you remember Joseph of Arimathea? 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:06.039 Luke tells us that Joseph was actually a part of the council, 00:15:06.460 --> 00:15:08.060 that kangaroo trial that night, 00:15:08.180 --> 00:15:10.080 that condemned Jesus to be crucified. 00:15:10.420 --> 00:15:11.620 He was on that council. 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:15.500 Now there's a good opportunity or a good chance 00:15:15.500 --> 00:15:16.919 that he didn't agree with the council, 00:15:17.039 --> 00:15:19.279 but he was complicit in what they were doing. 00:15:19.580 --> 00:15:21.139 Yet it was Joseph of Arimathea, 00:15:21.279 --> 00:15:23.100 after seeing the way Christ suffered, 00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:25.960 goes to Pilate and begs the body of Jesus 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:27.600 and takes his body off. 00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:28.860 And as soon as they could, 00:15:28.940 --> 00:15:32.759 before the Passover Sabbath had begun, 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:34.899 takes him and puts him in that borrowed tomb, 00:15:35.080 --> 00:15:37.419 understanding that Jesus wasn't gonna stay there. 00:15:37.419 --> 00:15:40.639 And then the crowd that gathered around, 00:15:40.959 --> 00:15:42.479 that gnashed on him with his teeth, 00:15:42.559 --> 00:15:45.459 that the Bible says wagged their heads and ridiculed him 00:15:45.459 --> 00:15:47.639 as they saw the sign above his head that said, 00:15:47.719 --> 00:15:49.059 said King of the Jews. 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:51.919 That in this three hours of darkness, 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:55.399 as we see the darkness rest between noon and three o'clock, 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:57.019 as Jesus is being crucified, 00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:59.299 we see him absorbing the wrath of God. 00:15:59.379 --> 00:16:00.639 In the midst of all of that, 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:03.759 this crowd is convicted so that they end up going home. 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:07.960 And it says they're beating their breast as a sign of guilt 00:16:07.960 --> 00:16:10.379 and as a sign of repentance for what they had just done. 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:10.840 Why? 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:13.200 Because they had witnessed how Jesus had suffered. 00:16:14.539 --> 00:16:16.179 So God uses that. 00:16:16.259 --> 00:16:17.419 He uses our endurance. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:21.139 He uses our willingness to suffer to bring others to Christ. 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:23.500 Of course, it's not just what Jesus is suffering. 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:26.840 Just in Philippi, they understood this. 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:28.659 Remember the Philippian jailer. 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:33.080 Why was it that he ran into Paul and Silas' jail cell? 00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:35.160 And at the end of that night or at midnight and said, 00:16:35.400 --> 00:16:36.800 what must I do to be saved? 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:39.660 It was because of the way they suffered 00:16:39.660 --> 00:16:43.720 and endured that persecution that he inflicted. 00:16:45.780 --> 00:16:49.480 Perhaps even witnessing and approving of the murder of Stephen 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:54.060 was used of God to begin softening the heart of the apostle Paul, 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:56.580 who at that point was known as Saul of Tarsus. 00:16:56.580 --> 00:16:59.360 Listen, when we suffer well, 00:16:59.900 --> 00:17:03.180 we give evidence of the truth of the gospel. 00:17:04.380 --> 00:17:09.100 Why would anyone face death for something they didn't genuinely believe in? 00:17:10.380 --> 00:17:12.380 When we're willing to endure opposition 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:17.340 because God will use our testimony to bring others to faith, 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:22.079 and thereby our suffering is a sign of their judgment. 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:26.559 So our endurance is a sign of judgment to those who oppose the gospel. 00:17:26.779 --> 00:17:29.379 It's also a sign of our salvation. 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:31.699 It's also a sign of our salvation. 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:33.419 Look with me again at verse 28. 00:17:34.119 --> 00:17:36.119 To them, it's an evident token of perdition, 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:39.419 but to you, that is the Philippian believers, 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:43.180 it's a sign of salvation. 00:17:44.380 --> 00:17:45.820 Listen, this part's important. 00:17:47.700 --> 00:17:51.380 Endurance is not the cause of your salvation. 00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:56.100 It is only the sign of genuine salvation. 00:17:57.340 --> 00:18:00.039 You are not saved because you endure. 00:18:00.860 --> 00:18:05.080 You endure because you are truly saved. 00:18:05.079 --> 00:18:10.419 Suffering is the proving ground for authentic faith. 00:18:11.519 --> 00:18:14.059 Those who have truly trusted in Christ 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:16.419 will stand firm on the gospel 00:18:16.419 --> 00:18:19.779 because they're fully convinced of its truth. 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:24.879 Those who cower and reject the gospel 00:18:24.879 --> 00:18:27.099 because of impending opposition 00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:30.139 prove that their profession of faith 00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:33.000 was not genuine saving faith. 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:36.180 And so in this sign of salvation, 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:39.940 not only does God separate with this sign 00:18:39.940 --> 00:18:43.039 the opposition that is destined for judgment 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:46.279 and the ones who endure in their faith 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:47.799 that are destined for salvation, 00:18:48.019 --> 00:18:49.579 not only does he make that separation, 00:18:49.859 --> 00:18:52.480 but as he gets into this group of professing believers, 00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:56.220 our endurance and suffering then becomes another form 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:59.720 of separating the sheep from the goats, so to speak, 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:02.140 where those who do endure 00:19:02.140 --> 00:19:04.880 see the sign of their salvation, 00:19:05.640 --> 00:19:06.840 those who do not endure 00:19:06.840 --> 00:19:09.540 did not have genuine faith. 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:13.000 Of course, the scriptures testify to this over and over. 00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:16.160 Hebrews chapter three and verse 14, 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:17.680 the writer says, 00:19:17.820 --> 00:19:19.520 we are made partakers of Christ 00:19:19.520 --> 00:19:22.420 if we hold the beginning of our confidence 00:19:22.420 --> 00:19:23.980 steadfast unto the end. 00:19:23.980 --> 00:19:28.460 And then we're reminded by John in his first epistle. 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:31.860 They went out from us, but they were not of us. 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:34.299 For if they had been of us, 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:36.440 they would have continued with us. 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:39.160 But they went out that it might become plain 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:41.920 that they all are not of us. 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:45.620 So this idea of suffering for the gospel 00:19:45.620 --> 00:19:49.039 is not only a sign of the opposition's destruction 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:51.460 and the endurer of salvation. 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:54.420 But as you get into this realm of professing believers, 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:58.440 God begins to weed out those who only profess the faith 00:19:58.440 --> 00:20:00.899 but have never actually believed it. 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:03.259 It's a pruning process. 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:06.220 God often does with his church. 00:20:07.960 --> 00:20:10.639 This is not to insinuate that it's possible 00:20:10.639 --> 00:20:13.079 for a person once saved to lose their salvation. 00:20:13.379 --> 00:20:15.799 The Bible clearly teaches that that's not the case. 00:20:15.799 --> 00:20:19.000 It's not to be representative of a believer 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:21.279 that falls in a moment of weakness and fear. 00:20:21.460 --> 00:20:22.519 That's not it either. 00:20:23.379 --> 00:20:26.220 This is representative of a professing believer 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:30.339 that when facing persecution for their professed belief 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:33.200 reveals that they never did actually truly believe 00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:35.559 so that the result of their rejection 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:41.180 isn't mourning or grief over their sinful denial. 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:44.940 Rather, they end up joining the ranks of the opposition. 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:47.460 There's a difference in how they continue. 00:20:48.399 --> 00:20:50.639 And it's at this point, before we move on, 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:55.319 that I want to encourage those of us 00:20:55.319 --> 00:20:59.180 that have fallen in a moment of weakness in this way. 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:03.619 Just because you've had a moment 00:21:03.619 --> 00:21:05.579 where you didn't stand as firm on the gospel 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:07.899 as you should have or could have 00:21:07.899 --> 00:21:12.200 doesn't mean automatically that you were never truly saved. 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:16.140 Your salvation was not earned by works 00:21:16.140 --> 00:21:18.580 and it won't be kept by your works either. 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:21.819 It's the power of God that saved you 00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:25.100 and it's the power of God that secures that salvation. 00:21:27.100 --> 00:21:28.779 Persecution serves as God's means 00:21:28.779 --> 00:21:30.380 of exposing those in the church 00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:31.740 that have not actually believed. 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:33.700 And there's a difference between a person 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:35.640 that apostatizes the faith 00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:37.120 because they never truly believed 00:21:37.119 --> 00:21:39.819 and a person that has genuinely been saved 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:42.819 but in some way faltered out of fear. 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:44.199 And I want to give you an illustration 00:21:44.199 --> 00:21:45.219 of the two differences. 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:47.579 Turn with me to Luke chapter 22. 00:21:47.719 --> 00:21:48.239 Would you do that? 00:21:48.619 --> 00:21:49.699 Luke chapter 22. 00:21:49.839 --> 00:21:51.559 Just a few pages to the left in your Bibles. 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:54.139 I want you to see it 00:21:54.139 --> 00:21:55.319 because I want you to believe me. 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:57.519 I don't want you to take my word for it. 00:21:57.779 --> 00:21:59.359 I want you to take God's word for it. 00:21:59.699 --> 00:22:00.659 Luke chapter 22. 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:01.539 I want you to see this. 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:02.859 I think it'd be helpful to us. 00:22:02.859 --> 00:22:07.379 There's a lot happening in this passage 00:22:07.379 --> 00:22:09.299 leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:11.079 but there's two different narratives 00:22:11.079 --> 00:22:14.079 that involve rejecting Christ. 00:22:14.939 --> 00:22:18.079 One is the narrative that surrounds Judas Iscariot 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:19.439 and his betrayal of Christ. 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:25.259 The other is the narrative of Simon Peter's denial of Christ. 00:22:26.879 --> 00:22:29.639 Judas and Simon were not, or Peter, 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:32.019 were not the same in this. 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:35.339 Peter showed an evidence of weakness as a believer 00:22:35.339 --> 00:22:36.440 but he was a believer. 00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:38.720 Jesus had actually already confirmed that. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:40.859 Judas' story is different. 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:41.819 Let's look at his first. 00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:45.139 Look at Luke chapter 22 verses three through six first. 00:22:46.139 --> 00:22:48.819 Then entered Satan into Judas, 00:22:49.379 --> 00:22:53.039 surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the 12. 00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:56.879 And he went his way and communed with the chief priest 00:22:56.879 --> 00:23:00.619 and captains how he might betray him unto them. 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:05.199 And they were glad and covenanted to give him money. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:08.519 And he promised and saw opportunity 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:13.639 to betray Jesus unto them in the absence of the multitude. 00:23:14.719 --> 00:23:18.219 There's a very vindictive, very adversarial, 00:23:18.739 --> 00:23:21.019 very much opposition to Jesus. 00:23:21.339 --> 00:23:24.659 That's what's happening there in Judas' narrative. 00:23:24.799 --> 00:23:26.279 Now look with me at verse 21. 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:28.440 Verse 21 to 23. 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:29.799 Jesus says, 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:32.220 But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:33.799 is with me on the table. 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:37.440 And truly the Son of Man goeth as it was determined, 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:40.379 but woe unto the man by whom he is betrayed. 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:43.119 And they began to inquire among themselves 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:45.740 which of them it was that should do this thing. 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:46.940 And it's at that point in the narrative 00:23:46.940 --> 00:23:49.839 that we understand Judas left the room, 00:23:50.839 --> 00:23:52.619 knowing where Jesus would end up going 00:23:52.619 --> 00:23:54.440 after the supper was over. 00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:58.880 He betrayed Jesus and turned him into the chief priest 00:23:58.880 --> 00:24:00.299 and to the soldiers there. 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:05.320 Judas' betrayal of Jesus was rooted in his lack of faith. 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:07.820 He didn't truly trust Christ, 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:09.400 but for three years, 00:24:09.900 --> 00:24:12.460 he took part in the ministry of Christ. 00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:15.720 There's a warning in this for us, 00:24:15.900 --> 00:24:17.340 just in the story of Judas, 00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:19.460 that you may sit with someone in church 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.700 for years and years and years, 00:24:20.820 --> 00:24:22.320 but really when the opposition 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:23.839 really starts to show his face, 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:25.659 you might find out that this person 00:24:25.659 --> 00:24:28.059 that is even partnered in ministry to an extent 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:30.019 was not actually a genuine believer 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:32.519 and will just as fast turn on the faith 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:35.039 as they professed that same faith. 00:24:36.139 --> 00:24:37.659 Judas was an unbeliever 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:39.599 who was exposed for his unbelief 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:41.619 after three years of trying to hide it 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:42.839 and put on this charade. 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:44.579 Peter was different. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:46.559 Let's look at his narrative in Luke chapter 22. 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:50.079 Look with me at verse 31 to 34 first. 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:52.639 And the Lord said, 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:57.859 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you. 00:24:58.539 --> 00:25:01.519 Now in Judas, in verse three, Satan entered him. 00:25:01.939 --> 00:25:03.259 That's not the case with Peter 00:25:03.259 --> 00:25:04.779 because Peter was a true believer. 00:25:05.659 --> 00:25:07.099 Satan wanted to destroy him, 00:25:07.220 --> 00:25:08.759 but he couldn't enter into him. 00:25:09.579 --> 00:25:11.379 He says he wants to sift you as wheat. 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:13.720 But I've prayed for you, Peter, 00:25:14.419 --> 00:25:16.339 that your faith fail not. 00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:18.579 And when you are converted 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:21.000 or when you are restored or renewed, 00:25:21.399 --> 00:25:22.359 strengthen thy brethren. 00:25:22.539 --> 00:25:24.199 That statement in and of itself 00:25:24.199 --> 00:25:27.339 is evidence that Jesus understood 00:25:27.959 --> 00:25:29.599 Peter's genuine conversion. 00:25:30.059 --> 00:25:31.319 He was a genuine believer. 00:25:31.659 --> 00:25:33.039 He knew he was gonna deny him, 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:35.220 but he also knew that he was a genuine believer 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:37.339 and there was gonna come a time after that denial 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:39.459 that he repented of that denial 00:25:39.459 --> 00:25:41.799 and that he strengthened the other apostles 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:43.359 and would once again lead them. 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:45.099 Verse 33, 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:45.859 and he said unto him, 00:25:45.939 --> 00:25:47.379 Lord, I'm ready to go with thee, 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:49.119 both into prison and to death. 00:25:49.919 --> 00:25:50.319 And he said, 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:51.159 I tell thee, Peter, 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:53.459 the cock shall not crow this day 00:25:53.459 --> 00:25:55.379 before thou shalt thrice, 00:25:55.740 --> 00:25:58.539 three times deny that thou knowest me. 00:25:58.659 --> 00:25:59.859 Let's skip down to verse 54. 00:26:01.179 --> 00:26:01.980 This is amazing. 00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:02.639 Verse 54. 00:26:04.839 --> 00:26:05.959 Then took they him, 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:06.619 that's Jesus. 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:08.779 He's in the process of trial. 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:11.939 And they brought him into the high priest house 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:14.340 and Peter followed afar off. 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:17.000 And when they had kindled a fire 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:18.140 in the midst of the hall 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:20.340 and were set down together, 00:26:20.799 --> 00:26:22.200 Peter sat down among them 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:23.960 to witness what was going on with Jesus. 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:27.200 But a certain maid beheld him 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:28.539 as he sat by the fire 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:30.360 and earnestly looked upon him and said, 00:26:30.559 --> 00:26:31.960 this man was also with him. 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:33.640 And he denied him, 00:26:34.140 --> 00:26:35.779 saying, woman, I know him not. 00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:37.900 After a little while, 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:39.180 another saw him and said, 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.640 thou art also of them. 00:26:40.640 --> 00:26:42.800 And Peter said, man, I am not. 00:26:43.580 --> 00:26:45.120 And about the space of one hour 00:26:45.120 --> 00:26:45.860 after another, 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:47.040 confidently affirmed, 00:26:47.280 --> 00:26:48.140 saying, of a truth, 00:26:48.240 --> 00:26:49.780 this fellow also was with him, 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:51.360 for he is a Galilean. 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:53.160 And Peter said the third time, 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:55.600 man, I know not what thou sayest. 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:56.520 And immediately, 00:26:57.020 --> 00:26:58.259 while he yet spake, 00:26:58.580 --> 00:26:59.360 the cock crew, 00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:00.680 and then this is the amazing part. 00:27:01.320 --> 00:27:02.560 And the Lord turned 00:27:02.560 --> 00:27:04.520 and looked upon Peter. 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:06.000 They saw each other. 00:27:06.300 --> 00:27:07.100 They locked eyes. 00:27:07.160 --> 00:27:08.259 Now watch what Peter does. 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:10.879 Peter remembered the word of the Lord, 00:27:11.379 --> 00:27:12.799 how just a few hours before, 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:13.839 he had said unto him, 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:15.279 before the cock crow, 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:17.339 thou shalt deny me three times. 00:27:18.119 --> 00:27:19.379 And Peter went out 00:27:19.379 --> 00:27:22.119 and wept bitterly. 00:27:23.319 --> 00:27:25.180 There's clearly a difference 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:27.579 between Judas's betrayal of Jesus 00:27:27.579 --> 00:27:30.160 and Peter's denial of Jesus. 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:33.420 So there may be a time in your life 00:27:33.420 --> 00:27:34.400 where maybe you're in the midst 00:27:34.400 --> 00:27:35.440 of a struggle right now, 00:27:35.440 --> 00:27:37.860 or maybe there will come one ahead of you 00:27:37.860 --> 00:27:40.180 where you will face persecution 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:41.180 and ridicule 00:27:41.180 --> 00:27:43.380 and suffer in some way for your faith. 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:44.299 And in that moment, 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:45.420 you may be tempted 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:46.960 to deny that faith 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.799 or to pass it off 00:27:47.799 --> 00:27:49.920 or to not stand firm on sound doctrine, 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:51.860 to not pursue offensively 00:27:51.860 --> 00:27:53.840 proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:55.039 That time may come, 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:56.559 and it may have already come for you, 00:27:56.620 --> 00:27:58.100 that in a moment of weakness, 00:27:58.340 --> 00:27:59.920 your faith wavers 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:00.920 and you don't do 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:02.900 what God has told us to do 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:04.039 in proclaiming the faith 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:05.539 and trusting him through it. 00:28:05.580 --> 00:28:06.600 But that doesn't mean 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:07.640 that you're not a believer. 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:10.340 What it means 00:28:10.340 --> 00:28:12.080 is that you're in a moment of weakness. 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:14.600 And it could be 00:28:14.600 --> 00:28:15.420 that you just need 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.220 to get on your face 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:17.720 before God like Peter did 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:18.820 and weep bitterly 00:28:18.820 --> 00:28:20.759 and repent of this denial. 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:21.940 There's a difference 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.680 between a person 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:23.539 that can't suffer 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:24.539 and denies the faith 00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:25.080 and leaves it 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:25.939 and a person 00:28:25.939 --> 00:28:27.659 who is wearied 00:28:27.659 --> 00:28:28.500 in suffering 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:30.000 and falls 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:30.879 in a moment of weakness 00:28:30.879 --> 00:28:31.699 but continues 00:28:31.699 --> 00:28:32.579 in that faith. 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:35.379 So don't be discouraged 00:28:35.379 --> 00:28:36.500 if you've blown it up 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:37.039 to this point. 00:28:37.199 --> 00:28:37.960 Forgiveness is offered 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:38.679 to you by Jesus 00:28:38.679 --> 00:28:39.240 like it's offered 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:40.099 to anybody else. 00:28:41.159 --> 00:28:42.299 Here's the awesome thing 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:43.299 about Peter's narrative. 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.859 Jesus dies that next day. 00:28:46.319 --> 00:28:47.799 He raises three days later 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:50.179 and then he spends 40 days 00:28:50.179 --> 00:28:50.759 and he appears 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:51.639 to various people 00:28:51.639 --> 00:28:52.599 in those 40 days. 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:54.419 Acts chapter 1 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:55.380 picks back up 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:56.039 with the ascension 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:56.920 of Jesus Christ 00:28:56.920 --> 00:28:57.640 after Luke 00:28:57.640 --> 00:29:00.039 and then 10 days 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:01.860 after Jesus ascends 00:29:01.860 --> 00:29:04.279 Peter in Acts 00:29:04.279 --> 00:29:05.200 is preaching 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.279 on the day of Pentecost. 00:29:07.180 --> 00:29:07.960 He's the one 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:09.200 leading the charge 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.220 at that point. 00:29:11.080 --> 00:29:12.100 He faithfully 00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:13.039 preaches the gospel. 00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:14.860 3,000 people get saved. 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:15.480 The Holy Spirit 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:17.160 has this amazing demonstration 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:18.279 of his power 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:19.259 among all of these people 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:20.400 and even in the face 00:29:20.400 --> 00:29:21.039 of that opposition 00:29:21.039 --> 00:29:22.080 which he did get 00:29:22.080 --> 00:29:23.380 arrested and beaten for. 00:29:23.380 --> 00:29:24.900 Even in the face 00:29:24.900 --> 00:29:25.160 of that 00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:25.960 he didn't care. 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:27.540 He pursued it. 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:29.820 53 days 00:29:29.820 --> 00:29:31.780 after he had denied Christ. 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:33.460 It's only 53 days later. 00:29:34.740 --> 00:29:35.600 So he has this moment 00:29:35.600 --> 00:29:36.020 of weakness 00:29:36.020 --> 00:29:37.800 and just a few days later 00:29:37.800 --> 00:29:38.840 God uses him 00:29:38.840 --> 00:29:40.440 in a fantastic way. 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:41.780 Where was Judas? 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:42.600 He hung himself. 00:29:44.060 --> 00:29:45.240 His life was done. 00:29:46.300 --> 00:29:47.100 God still had a purpose 00:29:47.100 --> 00:29:47.640 for Peter. 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.360 God still has a purpose 00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:49.820 for you. 00:29:50.520 --> 00:29:51.740 So stand firm now. 00:29:51.740 --> 00:29:54.099 Strive together now. 00:29:55.900 --> 00:29:56.740 I gotta hurry. 00:29:56.880 --> 00:29:57.660 The next thing 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:58.440 that we see here 00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:59.339 is that our endurance 00:29:59.339 --> 00:30:00.740 produces a particular confidence. 00:30:01.660 --> 00:30:02.599 Look at the last phrase 00:30:02.599 --> 00:30:04.059 of verse 28 00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:04.960 in Philippians 1. 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:07.819 He says 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:08.640 and all of this 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:10.200 comes from God. 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:13.259 The sign produces 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:14.440 a particular confidence 00:30:14.440 --> 00:30:15.380 and joy 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:16.519 in the heart 00:30:16.519 --> 00:30:17.120 of a believer 00:30:17.119 --> 00:30:19.019 that endures suffering 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:19.719 for the gospel. 00:30:21.099 --> 00:30:22.059 Our fear 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:23.419 is turned to faith 00:30:23.419 --> 00:30:24.179 and our weakness 00:30:24.179 --> 00:30:25.599 is turned to strength 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:27.379 when we realize 00:30:27.379 --> 00:30:28.359 that God 00:30:28.359 --> 00:30:29.279 is in control 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:31.139 and he always 00:30:31.139 --> 00:30:32.419 has the last 00:30:32.419 --> 00:30:33.399 word. 00:30:34.859 --> 00:30:35.759 Paul reminds 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:36.419 these believers 00:30:36.419 --> 00:30:37.059 of the fact 00:30:37.059 --> 00:30:37.939 that both judgment 00:30:37.939 --> 00:30:39.059 and salvation 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:40.099 come from the hand 00:30:40.099 --> 00:30:40.599 of God. 00:30:41.639 --> 00:30:42.599 The salvation 00:30:42.599 --> 00:30:43.679 of those who believe 00:30:43.679 --> 00:30:44.599 and the judgment 00:30:44.599 --> 00:30:46.079 of those who oppose Christ 00:30:46.079 --> 00:30:47.539 are both secured 00:30:47.539 --> 00:30:49.419 in his sovereign purposes. 00:30:50.720 --> 00:30:51.659 I imagine 00:30:51.659 --> 00:30:52.980 that in the midst 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:53.879 of the persecution 00:30:53.879 --> 00:30:54.519 of believers 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:55.339 in Philippi 00:30:55.339 --> 00:30:57.179 that these Philippians 00:30:57.179 --> 00:30:57.679 were tempted 00:30:57.679 --> 00:30:59.059 to view that persecution 00:30:59.059 --> 00:30:59.839 as a sign 00:30:59.839 --> 00:31:00.939 of the superiority 00:31:00.939 --> 00:31:02.539 of their opponents. 00:31:03.439 --> 00:31:04.019 Think about that. 00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:05.240 The intimidation 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:06.039 that they experienced 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:07.399 was driven 00:31:07.399 --> 00:31:10.279 as they experienced 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:11.079 this persecution 00:31:11.679 --> 00:31:12.339 from a group 00:31:12.339 --> 00:31:12.939 of people 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:14.400 that greatly 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:15.420 outnumbered them 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:17.840 that were in control 00:31:17.840 --> 00:31:18.860 of every aspect 00:31:18.860 --> 00:31:19.600 of their life. 00:31:20.420 --> 00:31:21.140 The leadership 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:21.820 of Philippi 00:31:21.820 --> 00:31:22.779 wasn't on their team. 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:25.180 I can imagine 00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:25.820 that they felt 00:31:25.820 --> 00:31:27.220 a lot like Asaph 00:31:27.220 --> 00:31:28.180 in Psalm 73 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:29.539 that Jack read 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:29.900 for us 00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:30.880 just a little bit ago 00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:32.100 and it would have 00:31:32.100 --> 00:31:32.539 been easy 00:31:32.539 --> 00:31:32.920 for them 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:33.480 to be overcome 00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:34.559 with discouragement, 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:36.160 question the faith 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:37.039 that they had professed 00:31:37.039 --> 00:31:38.500 and even be in danger 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.039 of denying 00:31:39.039 --> 00:31:39.720 that gospel 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.279 altogether. 00:31:40.900 --> 00:31:41.539 What did Asaph 00:31:41.539 --> 00:31:42.720 say in Psalm 73? 00:31:42.899 --> 00:31:43.079 He said, 00:31:43.259 --> 00:31:44.240 my feet had well 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:44.879 nigh slipped 00:31:44.879 --> 00:31:45.500 when I saw 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.200 the prosperity 00:31:46.200 --> 00:31:46.639 of the wicked. 00:31:46.779 --> 00:31:47.559 All of these people 00:31:47.559 --> 00:31:48.519 that hate you, God, 00:31:48.740 --> 00:31:49.480 everything good 00:31:49.480 --> 00:31:50.139 happens to them. 00:31:50.220 --> 00:31:51.000 They're in control 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.399 over me. 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:53.220 They are ruling my life 00:31:53.220 --> 00:31:54.039 and I'm ready 00:31:54.039 --> 00:31:55.019 to just give up 00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:55.779 on all of that. 00:31:56.059 --> 00:31:56.480 And he says, 00:31:56.519 --> 00:31:57.019 until I went 00:31:57.019 --> 00:31:57.680 into the sanctuary 00:31:57.680 --> 00:31:58.220 of God, 00:31:58.440 --> 00:31:59.480 then understood 00:31:59.480 --> 00:32:00.259 I therein. 00:32:01.139 --> 00:32:02.279 As he endured, 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:03.740 he was given 00:32:03.740 --> 00:32:04.839 the sign 00:32:04.839 --> 00:32:06.319 as Paul is talking 00:32:06.319 --> 00:32:07.099 about in Philippians 00:32:07.099 --> 00:32:07.559 chapter 1, 00:32:07.639 --> 00:32:08.720 he was reminded 00:32:08.720 --> 00:32:09.619 of their coming 00:32:09.619 --> 00:32:10.420 destruction. 00:32:11.539 --> 00:32:12.879 And so when we look 00:32:12.879 --> 00:32:13.879 like Asaph did 00:32:13.879 --> 00:32:14.839 and like these Philippians 00:32:14.839 --> 00:32:16.240 did at the opponents 00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:16.940 of the gospel, 00:32:16.940 --> 00:32:17.859 we don't look at them 00:32:17.859 --> 00:32:19.159 with intimidation, 00:32:19.319 --> 00:32:20.019 we look at them 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:20.579 with pity. 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:23.139 They may have 00:32:23.139 --> 00:32:24.240 the rule now, 00:32:24.359 --> 00:32:25.460 but God ultimately 00:32:25.460 --> 00:32:26.339 rules it all. 00:32:27.159 --> 00:32:28.000 Their judgment 00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:29.019 and our salvation 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:30.659 rests in God's hand, 00:32:30.779 --> 00:32:32.559 not in our opponents' hands. 00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:34.000 They may get victory 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.940 over us now, 00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:36.119 but we understand 00:32:36.119 --> 00:32:36.779 their end. 00:32:36.859 --> 00:32:37.480 Their end, 00:32:37.539 --> 00:32:38.200 if they continue 00:32:38.200 --> 00:32:39.000 in unbelief, 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:40.480 is one that we are 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:41.420 to pity. 00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.140 He holds both 00:32:44.140 --> 00:32:44.880 our salvation 00:32:44.880 --> 00:32:45.819 and their destruction 00:32:45.819 --> 00:32:48.160 securely in his hands 00:32:48.160 --> 00:32:48.980 so that we can view 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.619 our suffering 00:32:49.619 --> 00:32:50.460 with confidence 00:32:50.460 --> 00:32:52.420 that salvation 00:32:52.420 --> 00:32:53.519 belongs to them 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:54.579 that love Jesus 00:32:54.579 --> 00:32:56.759 and believe his gospel. 00:32:57.680 --> 00:32:58.960 And that reminds me 00:32:58.960 --> 00:33:01.180 of that famous hymn 00:33:01.180 --> 00:33:02.339 that Martin Luther wrote, 00:33:02.819 --> 00:33:03.680 A Mighty Fortress 00:33:03.680 --> 00:33:04.259 Is Our God. 00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:04.779 You know that hymn? 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:06.759 The fourth verse of it, 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:07.559 it says this, 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:09.839 let goods and kindred go. 00:33:10.039 --> 00:33:10.759 Let the things 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:11.299 that you own, 00:33:11.419 --> 00:33:12.119 materialism 00:33:12.119 --> 00:33:13.159 and the relationships 00:33:13.159 --> 00:33:13.779 that you have, 00:33:14.059 --> 00:33:15.000 be willing to let 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:15.919 those things go. 00:33:16.279 --> 00:33:17.859 This mortal life also. 00:33:18.679 --> 00:33:20.659 The body they may kill, 00:33:21.200 --> 00:33:23.619 God's truth abideth still. 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:26.179 His kingdom is forever. 00:33:26.899 --> 00:33:27.940 So there may come times 00:33:27.940 --> 00:33:28.519 in your life 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:29.139 as a believer 00:33:29.139 --> 00:33:29.980 that you're up 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:30.919 against opposition 00:33:30.919 --> 00:33:31.839 and suffering 00:33:31.839 --> 00:33:33.359 for the sake of the gospel, 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.519 but it doesn't matter. 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:36.259 Let goods and kindred go. 00:33:36.259 --> 00:33:38.740 Let this mortal life go also. 00:33:39.160 --> 00:33:40.619 The body they may kill. 00:33:40.740 --> 00:33:41.900 They may kill this body 00:33:41.900 --> 00:33:43.259 that's gonna die anyways, 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:44.640 but God's kingdom, 00:33:44.740 --> 00:33:45.900 it endures forever. 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:47.940 His word will never end. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:48.960 His promises 00:33:48.960 --> 00:33:50.599 will never go away. 00:33:50.740 --> 00:33:51.559 And so we can look 00:33:51.559 --> 00:33:52.279 at our suffering 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:53.799 despite the trial 00:33:53.799 --> 00:33:54.839 and the hardship of it. 00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:55.700 We can look at it 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:56.460 with confidence 00:33:56.460 --> 00:33:57.720 because we understand 00:33:57.720 --> 00:33:58.400 that judgment 00:33:58.400 --> 00:33:59.319 and salvation 00:33:59.319 --> 00:34:00.140 comes from God. 00:34:00.400 --> 00:34:01.799 He gets the last word. 00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:03.159 And so long as we are 00:34:03.159 --> 00:34:04.319 secured in his hand, 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:06.299 we receive the salvation. 00:34:07.059 --> 00:34:08.900 And the sign of that salvation 00:34:08.900 --> 00:34:10.320 is our willingness to endure. 00:34:12.679 --> 00:34:14.259 So we see the sign 00:34:14.259 --> 00:34:15.719 of suffering 00:34:15.719 --> 00:34:16.420 or the sign 00:34:16.420 --> 00:34:17.659 of the gospel-worthy life. 00:34:18.039 --> 00:34:18.880 Real quickly, 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:20.119 let's look at the final thought. 00:34:20.739 --> 00:34:22.699 The call of a gospel-worthy life. 00:34:23.139 --> 00:34:24.920 The call of a gospel-worthy life. 00:34:25.559 --> 00:34:26.960 Look at verse 29 and 30. 00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:43.199 The call to salvation 00:34:43.199 --> 00:34:45.059 is a call to suffering. 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:49.039 Paul brings these two elements 00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:50.699 together in verse 29. 00:34:52.079 --> 00:34:53.220 He says that the Christ 00:34:53.220 --> 00:34:54.480 that has given you salvation 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:55.559 has also given you 00:34:55.559 --> 00:34:56.360 the privilege 00:34:56.360 --> 00:34:58.299 to suffer for his sake. 00:35:00.199 --> 00:35:01.420 There are those 00:35:01.420 --> 00:35:02.500 who purport 00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:05.460 gospel of wealth 00:35:05.460 --> 00:35:06.299 and prosperity. 00:35:07.420 --> 00:35:08.579 They claim that 00:35:08.579 --> 00:35:10.199 the truly Christian person 00:35:10.199 --> 00:35:11.340 will be evidenced 00:35:11.340 --> 00:35:12.460 in blessing and wealth. 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:15.579 But the true gospel says 00:35:15.579 --> 00:35:18.639 that the genuinely Christian person 00:35:18.639 --> 00:35:19.699 will be evidenced 00:35:19.699 --> 00:35:20.360 in endurance 00:35:20.360 --> 00:35:21.179 through suffering. 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:25.139 Jesus called for this mindset often. 00:35:25.559 --> 00:35:26.440 Mark chapter 8, 00:35:26.480 --> 00:35:26.659 he said, 00:35:26.759 --> 00:35:27.920 if anyone would come after me, 00:35:28.239 --> 00:35:29.239 let him deny himself. 00:35:30.299 --> 00:35:31.259 Not seek prosperity, 00:35:31.400 --> 00:35:32.579 but deny himself. 00:35:33.199 --> 00:35:34.340 And take up his cross 00:35:34.340 --> 00:35:35.139 and follow me. 00:35:35.360 --> 00:35:37.219 For whosoever would save his life 00:35:37.219 --> 00:35:37.920 will lose it. 00:35:38.599 --> 00:35:40.699 But whoever loses his life 00:35:40.699 --> 00:35:41.599 for my sake 00:35:41.599 --> 00:35:42.639 and the gospels 00:35:42.639 --> 00:35:43.940 will save it, 00:35:44.039 --> 00:35:44.759 Jesus says. 00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:47.219 Taking up your cross there 00:35:47.219 --> 00:35:48.619 is not the presence of hardship. 00:35:49.659 --> 00:35:50.279 Bearing your cross 00:35:50.279 --> 00:35:51.960 is an identification with Christ. 00:35:51.960 --> 00:35:53.960 identifying with him 00:35:53.960 --> 00:35:56.639 even to the point of death 00:35:56.639 --> 00:35:58.199 is what it means. 00:35:58.820 --> 00:35:59.420 Two things. 00:35:59.519 --> 00:36:01.639 There's the guarantee of suffering. 00:36:02.360 --> 00:36:03.500 The guarantee of suffering. 00:36:04.559 --> 00:36:05.840 Paul didn't tell the Philippians 00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:06.800 that they might suffer 00:36:06.800 --> 00:36:07.360 for the gospel. 00:36:07.460 --> 00:36:09.500 He said that it has been granted to them. 00:36:09.579 --> 00:36:10.760 It's been given to them 00:36:10.760 --> 00:36:12.599 to suffer for the gospel. 00:36:13.440 --> 00:36:15.039 It's a guarantee for every believer 00:36:15.039 --> 00:36:16.380 in some form or fashion. 00:36:16.380 --> 00:36:18.539 The degree of suffering 00:36:18.539 --> 00:36:19.539 will be varied 00:36:19.539 --> 00:36:21.500 based on God's purposes 00:36:21.500 --> 00:36:22.579 for each individual. 00:36:23.500 --> 00:36:25.579 But we will all suffer in some way. 00:36:27.460 --> 00:36:28.740 Paul says in verse 30 00:36:28.740 --> 00:36:29.700 that they would have 00:36:29.700 --> 00:36:30.800 the same conflict 00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:32.500 which they saw in him 00:36:32.500 --> 00:36:33.840 and now here to be in him. 00:36:34.059 --> 00:36:35.460 Well, we understand what that is. 00:36:36.000 --> 00:36:37.059 What they saw in him 00:36:37.059 --> 00:36:38.280 was that he was stripped naked 00:36:38.280 --> 00:36:39.079 in the middle of town. 00:36:39.180 --> 00:36:40.300 He was beaten nearly to death 00:36:40.300 --> 00:36:41.160 and thrown into prison. 00:36:42.180 --> 00:36:43.220 And now they know 00:36:43.220 --> 00:36:44.539 that what they have heard of him 00:36:44.539 --> 00:36:45.059 is that he spent 00:36:45.059 --> 00:36:46.659 the last four years in prison 00:36:46.659 --> 00:36:48.340 and that what awaits him 00:36:48.340 --> 00:36:48.820 is a verdict 00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:50.259 that could end up in him 00:36:50.259 --> 00:36:52.679 being beheaded for his faith. 00:36:53.320 --> 00:36:54.460 What Paul is saying 00:36:54.460 --> 00:36:55.739 to these Philippian believers, 00:36:55.980 --> 00:36:56.759 he's not saying 00:36:56.759 --> 00:36:58.579 that you will experience suffering 00:36:58.579 --> 00:36:59.960 in the same way that I am. 00:37:00.860 --> 00:37:01.619 He's not saying 00:37:01.619 --> 00:37:02.739 that they're probably 00:37:02.739 --> 00:37:03.340 going to take you 00:37:03.340 --> 00:37:04.719 before the town 00:37:04.719 --> 00:37:05.840 and they're going to beat you to death 00:37:05.840 --> 00:37:06.579 and throw you into prison. 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:07.599 He's not saying 00:37:07.599 --> 00:37:08.380 that you're going to probably 00:37:08.380 --> 00:37:09.679 spend four years in prison 00:37:09.679 --> 00:37:11.460 and ultimately be executed. 00:37:11.619 --> 00:37:14.159 That was possible for them 00:37:14.159 --> 00:37:15.420 but that's not what he meant. 00:37:15.599 --> 00:37:16.179 What he meant 00:37:16.179 --> 00:37:17.699 is that whatever form 00:37:17.699 --> 00:37:19.099 of persecution you face, 00:37:19.239 --> 00:37:22.059 whatever degree of suffering 00:37:22.059 --> 00:37:22.879 that you experience 00:37:22.879 --> 00:37:24.259 will be because you have fought 00:37:24.259 --> 00:37:25.619 the same fight as me. 00:37:26.460 --> 00:37:28.359 Having the same conflict as me, 00:37:28.379 --> 00:37:29.119 it means fight. 00:37:29.799 --> 00:37:31.319 That as you pursue the gospel 00:37:31.319 --> 00:37:31.980 the way that I am, 00:37:32.000 --> 00:37:32.799 you're probably going to suffer 00:37:32.799 --> 00:37:33.359 in some way. 00:37:33.539 --> 00:37:34.420 It may not look like 00:37:34.420 --> 00:37:35.420 my suffering looks 00:37:35.420 --> 00:37:36.719 but as long as you're preaching 00:37:36.719 --> 00:37:37.199 the gospel, 00:37:37.399 --> 00:37:38.339 there will be those 00:37:38.339 --> 00:37:39.119 that oppose you. 00:37:39.379 --> 00:37:40.339 There's a guarantee of it. 00:37:40.480 --> 00:37:41.359 He wrote that to Timothy. 00:37:41.559 --> 00:37:41.699 He said, 00:37:41.699 --> 00:37:41.980 indeed, 00:37:42.119 --> 00:37:42.899 all who desire 00:37:42.899 --> 00:37:43.899 to live a godly life 00:37:43.899 --> 00:37:44.579 in Christ Jesus 00:37:44.579 --> 00:37:45.419 will be persecuted. 00:37:45.819 --> 00:37:47.000 You might have a family member 00:37:47.000 --> 00:37:48.579 that doesn't want to have 00:37:48.579 --> 00:37:49.480 much to do with you anymore 00:37:49.480 --> 00:37:51.000 because of your stand 00:37:51.000 --> 00:37:51.539 on the gospel. 00:37:51.779 --> 00:37:53.159 That happens to a lot 00:37:53.159 --> 00:37:54.039 of Christians today 00:37:54.039 --> 00:37:56.199 and that's painful. 00:37:57.159 --> 00:37:58.460 You may get passed over 00:37:58.460 --> 00:37:59.099 for a promotion 00:37:59.099 --> 00:37:59.799 that you deserve 00:37:59.799 --> 00:38:00.819 over everybody else 00:38:00.819 --> 00:38:02.659 not because somebody 00:38:02.659 --> 00:38:03.579 thinks you're unworthy 00:38:03.579 --> 00:38:04.819 but they just can't stand 00:38:04.819 --> 00:38:05.679 the fact that you're a Christian 00:38:05.679 --> 00:38:06.639 and you talk about it 00:38:06.639 --> 00:38:07.639 and they've already 00:38:07.639 --> 00:38:08.960 got a bias about you 00:38:08.960 --> 00:38:09.579 and they're never 00:38:09.579 --> 00:38:10.900 going to hand you something 00:38:10.900 --> 00:38:12.119 unless they're forced to. 00:38:12.920 --> 00:38:13.960 You understand that 00:38:13.960 --> 00:38:14.619 to be the case. 00:38:15.500 --> 00:38:16.480 You may have a spouse 00:38:16.480 --> 00:38:17.320 that leaves you. 00:38:18.800 --> 00:38:19.880 Paul talked about that 00:38:19.880 --> 00:38:20.900 to the Corinthian church. 00:38:21.900 --> 00:38:23.199 He referenced the reality 00:38:23.199 --> 00:38:24.579 that some spouses leave 00:38:24.579 --> 00:38:25.920 specifically because of this. 00:38:26.000 --> 00:38:27.280 We know people like that. 00:38:28.099 --> 00:38:30.019 I've pastored people like that. 00:38:31.420 --> 00:38:32.579 We all will suffer 00:38:32.579 --> 00:38:33.780 in a different way 00:38:33.780 --> 00:38:36.179 but the reality is 00:38:36.179 --> 00:38:37.059 that we will suffer 00:38:37.059 --> 00:38:37.860 in some way. 00:38:37.860 --> 00:38:39.059 There's the guarantee 00:38:39.059 --> 00:38:39.660 of suffering. 00:38:40.000 --> 00:38:41.280 There's also the grace of it. 00:38:42.440 --> 00:38:43.519 What's translated 00:38:43.519 --> 00:38:44.840 as given or granted 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:46.220 in verse 29 00:38:46.220 --> 00:38:48.800 can literally be rendered graced 00:38:48.800 --> 00:38:50.500 because it means 00:38:50.500 --> 00:38:51.539 to give freely 00:38:51.539 --> 00:38:52.620 or graciously 00:38:52.620 --> 00:38:53.780 as a favor. 00:38:54.800 --> 00:38:56.579 The idea here is that 00:38:56.579 --> 00:38:57.980 not only is suffering 00:38:57.980 --> 00:38:58.940 for the gospel guarantee 00:38:58.940 --> 00:39:00.460 it's a privilege. 00:39:01.640 --> 00:39:03.300 It's not pleasant 00:39:03.300 --> 00:39:05.700 but it is a privilege 00:39:05.700 --> 00:39:06.940 to suffer for Christ. 00:39:07.860 --> 00:39:09.400 And we see this often 00:39:09.400 --> 00:39:09.980 in the Bible. 00:39:11.019 --> 00:39:11.920 Peter and John 00:39:11.920 --> 00:39:12.700 after being beaten 00:39:12.700 --> 00:39:13.880 in Acts chapter 5 00:39:13.880 --> 00:39:15.460 threatened 00:39:15.460 --> 00:39:17.440 by the Sanhedrin 00:39:17.440 --> 00:39:18.519 for preaching the gospel 00:39:18.519 --> 00:39:20.460 verse 41 says 00:39:20.460 --> 00:39:21.620 they rejoiced 00:39:21.620 --> 00:39:22.900 that they were counted 00:39:22.900 --> 00:39:23.599 worthy 00:39:23.599 --> 00:39:25.120 to suffer shame 00:39:25.120 --> 00:39:25.800 for his name. 00:39:28.400 --> 00:39:29.860 Paul will say later 00:39:29.860 --> 00:39:30.559 in chapter 3 00:39:30.559 --> 00:39:31.180 of Philippians 00:39:31.180 --> 00:39:32.000 that his desire 00:39:32.000 --> 00:39:33.059 was to share 00:39:33.059 --> 00:39:34.620 in Christ's suffering. 00:39:34.619 --> 00:39:37.039 Peter instructed 00:39:37.039 --> 00:39:38.539 in his first epistle 00:39:38.539 --> 00:39:39.339 in chapter 4 00:39:39.339 --> 00:39:39.659 he said 00:39:39.659 --> 00:39:40.139 beloved 00:39:40.139 --> 00:39:41.759 do not be surprised 00:39:41.759 --> 00:39:42.920 at the fiery trial 00:39:42.920 --> 00:39:44.339 which it comes upon you 00:39:44.339 --> 00:39:45.059 to test you 00:39:45.059 --> 00:39:46.819 as though something strange 00:39:46.819 --> 00:39:47.779 were happening to you 00:39:47.779 --> 00:39:49.559 but rejoice 00:39:49.559 --> 00:39:51.079 in so far 00:39:51.079 --> 00:39:52.299 as you share 00:39:52.299 --> 00:39:54.460 Christ's sufferings 00:39:54.460 --> 00:39:56.139 that you may also 00:39:56.139 --> 00:39:56.819 rejoice 00:39:56.819 --> 00:39:57.719 and be glad 00:39:57.719 --> 00:39:59.139 when his glory 00:39:59.139 --> 00:39:59.819 is revealed 00:39:59.819 --> 00:40:00.420 when his glory 00:40:00.420 --> 00:40:01.079 is demonstrated 00:40:01.079 --> 00:40:01.679 in you 00:40:01.679 --> 00:40:02.599 in your endurance. 00:40:02.599 --> 00:40:04.659 If you are insulted 00:40:04.659 --> 00:40:05.219 for the name 00:40:05.219 --> 00:40:05.799 of Christ 00:40:05.799 --> 00:40:07.039 you are blessed 00:40:07.039 --> 00:40:08.559 because the spirit 00:40:08.559 --> 00:40:09.139 of glory 00:40:09.139 --> 00:40:10.339 and of God 00:40:10.339 --> 00:40:11.400 rests upon you. 00:40:12.639 --> 00:40:13.639 We're not to seek 00:40:13.639 --> 00:40:14.139 suffering 00:40:14.139 --> 00:40:14.819 like some kind 00:40:14.819 --> 00:40:15.299 of psychopath 00:40:15.299 --> 00:40:17.579 but whenever 00:40:17.579 --> 00:40:18.500 it comes time 00:40:18.500 --> 00:40:21.339 we are to view it 00:40:21.339 --> 00:40:22.559 as a privilege 00:40:22.559 --> 00:40:23.239 to do so 00:40:23.239 --> 00:40:23.880 for Christ. 00:40:24.900 --> 00:40:25.639 That's really 00:40:25.639 --> 00:40:26.239 the heart 00:40:26.239 --> 00:40:26.920 of the gospel 00:40:26.920 --> 00:40:27.699 worthy life. 00:40:28.659 --> 00:40:29.539 As Paul turns 00:40:29.539 --> 00:40:30.059 his attention 00:40:30.059 --> 00:40:30.539 now 00:40:30.539 --> 00:40:31.639 to 00:40:31.639 --> 00:40:33.639 his instruction 00:40:33.639 --> 00:40:34.400 to these people 00:40:34.400 --> 00:40:35.159 as a pastor 00:40:35.159 --> 00:40:37.259 he's concerned 00:40:37.259 --> 00:40:37.900 that 00:40:37.900 --> 00:40:39.420 they don't get 00:40:39.420 --> 00:40:40.000 discouraged 00:40:40.000 --> 00:40:41.059 in their persecution 00:40:41.059 --> 00:40:41.940 but that 00:40:41.940 --> 00:40:42.980 they live their life 00:40:42.980 --> 00:40:44.559 worthy of Christ 00:40:44.559 --> 00:40:47.259 that they stand firm 00:40:47.259 --> 00:40:49.119 that they proclaim 00:40:49.119 --> 00:40:49.759 the gospel 00:40:49.759 --> 00:40:51.980 that they don't fear 00:40:51.980 --> 00:40:53.639 and that they would 00:40:53.639 --> 00:40:54.639 count it as a privilege 00:40:54.639 --> 00:40:56.179 when that suffering 00:40:56.179 --> 00:40:56.980 and that persecution 00:40:56.980 --> 00:40:57.980 does actually come. 00:40:57.980 --> 00:40:59.880 And that's 00:40:59.880 --> 00:41:00.699 my hope 00:41:00.699 --> 00:41:01.500 for each of us 00:41:01.500 --> 00:41:03.159 that we'd be willing 00:41:03.159 --> 00:41:03.880 to do the same 00:41:03.880 --> 00:41:06.820 so that as we 00:41:06.820 --> 00:41:07.559 desire 00:41:07.559 --> 00:41:08.840 to become 00:41:08.840 --> 00:41:09.920 an instrument 00:41:09.920 --> 00:41:10.960 in God's hand 00:41:10.960 --> 00:41:13.099 for bringing 00:41:13.099 --> 00:41:14.000 people to Christ 00:41:14.000 --> 00:41:15.000 here in Cornelius 00:41:15.000 --> 00:41:15.559 and Davidson 00:41:15.559 --> 00:41:16.199 and Huntersville 00:41:16.199 --> 00:41:17.340 that's why we've 00:41:17.340 --> 00:41:18.699 started our church 00:41:18.699 --> 00:41:19.380 we want to worship 00:41:19.380 --> 00:41:19.860 the Lord 00:41:19.860 --> 00:41:20.699 and we have a mission 00:41:20.699 --> 00:41:21.320 we want to see 00:41:21.320 --> 00:41:22.059 people saved. 00:41:22.420 --> 00:41:22.980 That means we're 00:41:22.980 --> 00:41:23.260 going to have to 00:41:23.260 --> 00:41:24.099 tell them the gospel 00:41:24.099 --> 00:41:24.980 and that means 00:41:24.980 --> 00:41:25.619 not everybody's 00:41:25.619 --> 00:41:26.219 going to be excited 00:41:26.219 --> 00:41:26.800 about that. 00:41:26.800 --> 00:41:28.460 but let's 00:41:28.460 --> 00:41:29.480 pursue it anyways 00:41:29.480 --> 00:41:31.840 and if we face 00:41:31.840 --> 00:41:32.620 suffering for that 00:41:32.620 --> 00:41:33.500 let's rejoice 00:41:33.500 --> 00:41:34.140 in the fact 00:41:34.140 --> 00:41:34.560 that God 00:41:34.560 --> 00:41:35.180 has counted us 00:41:35.180 --> 00:41:35.740 worthy 00:41:35.740 --> 00:41:36.680 to suffer 00:41:36.680 --> 00:41:37.580 for his sake. 00:41:37.579 --> 00:41:39.619 Thank you for 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:40.259 listening to this 00:41:40.259 --> 00:41:40.759 sermon made 00:41:40.759 --> 00:41:41.360 available by 00:41:41.360 --> 00:41:42.119 Lakeside Bible 00:41:42.119 --> 00:41:42.519 Church. 00:41:42.960 --> 00:41:43.639 Feel free to 00:41:43.639 --> 00:41:44.119 share it wherever 00:41:44.119 --> 00:41:44.619 you'd like. 00:41:45.119 --> 00:41:45.779 Please do not 00:41:45.779 --> 00:41:46.500 charge for it 00:41:46.500 --> 00:41:47.239 or alter it 00:41:47.239 --> 00:41:47.860 in any way 00:41:47.860 --> 00:41:48.719 without express 00:41:48.719 --> 00:41:49.500 written consent 00:41:49.500 --> 00:41:50.259 from Lakeside 00:41:50.259 --> 00:41:50.900 Bible Church. 00:41:51.400 --> 00:41:52.259 Don't forget to 00:41:52.259 --> 00:41:53.059 visit us online 00:41:53.059 --> 00:41:54.559 at lakesidebible.church 00:41:54.559 --> 00:41:55.759 or find us on 00:41:55.759 --> 00:41:56.420 Facebook and 00:41:56.420 --> 00:41:57.159 Instagram by 00:41:57.159 --> 00:41:57.779 searching for 00:41:57.779 --> 00:41:59.219 Lakeside Bible NC. 00:41:59.840 --> 00:42:00.819 If you live in the 00:42:00.819 --> 00:42:01.440 Charlotte or Lake 00:42:01.440 --> 00:42:02.319 Norman area we'd 00:42:02.319 --> 00:42:02.880 love for you to 00:42:02.880 --> 00:42:03.519 attend one of our 00:42:03.519 --> 00:42:04.319 worship services. 00:42:04.840 --> 00:42:05.319 We meet every 00:42:05.320 --> 00:42:06.140 Sunday morning at 00:42:06.140 --> 00:42:07.280 10 a.m. in the 00:42:07.280 --> 00:42:08.200 gym at Cornelius 00:42:08.200 --> 00:42:09.080 Elementary School. 00:42:09.400 --> 00:42:10.140 We'd love to 00:42:10.140 --> 00:42:10.519 meet you.