WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.099 I'm going to go to Matthew 17. Matthew 17, verses 24, that's 27. 00:00:11.099 --> 00:00:13.780 If you have a church Bible, it's page 823. 00:00:14.780 --> 00:00:16.640 Page 823 in the Black Church Bibles. 00:00:16.640 --> 00:00:31.840 I wonder if there are occasions or events in your past and you wish you could do them. 00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:36.840 Not through shame, but mainly through embarrassment. 00:00:38.200 --> 00:00:41.620 They cause you to cringe with embarrassment. 00:00:41.619 --> 00:00:48.439 When you think about that, the only thing that allows you to get to sleep at night is the knowledge, isn't it? 00:00:48.459 --> 00:00:49.259 That you're not alone. 00:00:50.219 --> 00:00:53.679 That others have had lives littered with embarrassment. 00:00:55.119 --> 00:01:01.060 And as we reach the end of Matthew 17, we come to what one commentator has called an embarrassing miracle. 00:01:02.539 --> 00:01:05.640 It's the coin from the mouth of the fish. 00:01:07.340 --> 00:01:09.759 It's not in the same category, is it? 00:01:09.760 --> 00:01:11.440 As a healing. 00:01:12.780 --> 00:01:18.880 It's not in the same category of the feeding of the 5,000 hungry people. 00:01:19.620 --> 00:01:22.960 It's not in the same category as someone being raised from the dead. 00:01:23.180 --> 00:01:24.820 It is quirky, isn't it? 00:01:26.140 --> 00:01:29.219 And this miracle is peculiar to Matthew's Gospel. 00:01:30.320 --> 00:01:33.800 And maybe because Matthew is a tax collector, and that's why he included the incident. 00:01:34.320 --> 00:01:36.300 In the temple in his account of Jesus' life. 00:01:36.299 --> 00:01:40.340 It's not recorded in any of the other accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. 00:01:41.500 --> 00:01:46.079 And so we might think of this one, but actually, as we read this, it reads like a myth, doesn't it? 00:01:47.399 --> 00:01:57.719 So in Greek mythology, Polycrates was told that in order to appease the Greek gods, he had to throw a ring from his finger into the sea. 00:01:58.759 --> 00:01:59.120 He did it. 00:01:59.179 --> 00:02:00.200 Apparently it worked. 00:02:00.579 --> 00:02:02.179 The Greek gods were appeased. 00:02:02.180 --> 00:02:12.480 That night when Polycrates sat down for his dinner, he found the ring that earlier he had lobbed into the sea in the belly of a fish that he was stepping into. 00:02:13.040 --> 00:02:13.319 Myth. 00:02:14.300 --> 00:02:15.300 Is that what we're dealing with? 00:02:17.060 --> 00:02:21.580 These three verses that we're studying, they're hung on, they, on two questions. 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:22.719 I don't know why it's not, meth. 00:02:22.719 --> 00:02:30.560 And they help us to see that it is, in some ways, an embarrassing miracle, but it's not a pointless myth. 00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:32.539 So the first question is there in verse 24. 00:02:33.719 --> 00:02:37.259 And he says, does your teacher not pay the tax? 00:02:39.759 --> 00:02:40.500 Which tax? 00:02:42.039 --> 00:02:45.840 The tax, it's a payment that has to be paid to the temple. 00:02:45.840 --> 00:02:49.520 The temple tax is going to be paid by Jewish men. 00:02:49.759 --> 00:02:54.699 Jewish men who, between the ages of 20 and 50, it wasn't paid to Rome. 00:02:55.960 --> 00:02:58.280 And by the Jews, we're still expected to pay it. 00:02:59.960 --> 00:03:04.319 Jesus is not going to take us down the line that he does in chapter 22, in a few chapters' time. 00:03:04.659 --> 00:03:08.159 Where Jesus will teach us, where he takes a cenarius coin, do you remember? 00:03:08.159 --> 00:03:14.900 And he says, render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, but make sure you render unto God what is God's. 00:03:15.879 --> 00:03:17.919 But that isn't the point of this episode. 00:03:19.300 --> 00:03:23.479 Jesus isn't teaching us to be good and upright citizens here. 00:03:24.659 --> 00:03:28.960 Jewish men were to make this payment because it contributed to the upkeep of the temple. 00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:32.460 There's now two drachma. 00:03:33.359 --> 00:03:35.340 Two days wages. 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:37.219 Half a shekel. 00:03:38.159 --> 00:03:43.639 Look at verse 24, there's a problem out there with this tax, the two drachma tax. 00:03:44.620 --> 00:03:52.139 And so the Jewish royal mint, the organisation that made coins, it didn't produce a two drachma coin. 00:03:53.919 --> 00:03:54.780 Or a shekel. 00:03:56.599 --> 00:03:59.340 And so it was therefore a substantial tax that had to be paid. 00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:02.479 And you would have to club together with your friend and you pay it together. 00:04:02.479 --> 00:04:12.379 So that's why at the end of verse 27, when he has the coin, Jesus says, take that and give it to them for me and yourself. 00:04:12.500 --> 00:04:15.120 You paid it and with someone else, your best friend or a neighbour. 00:04:15.120 --> 00:04:19.980 More than that though, it was a symbolic tax. 00:04:19.980 --> 00:04:24.900 Through your payment, you showed solidarity with the temple. 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:27.080 You were identifying with the people of God. 00:04:27.840 --> 00:04:30.100 Your fellow Jewish worshippers. 00:04:30.100 --> 00:04:35.040 And to that end, it became, as time went on, a bit of a superstitious tax. 00:04:36.060 --> 00:04:41.520 People have come to believe that if you paid the temple tax in time, it was a little bit like private healthcare. 00:04:43.080 --> 00:04:45.120 It guaranteed you health and blessing. 00:04:45.600 --> 00:04:46.860 And so it was substantial. 00:04:47.720 --> 00:04:48.680 It's not a small amount. 00:04:48.680 --> 00:04:50.400 It was symbolic. 00:04:50.639 --> 00:04:52.639 It really identified you with the people of God. 00:04:52.900 --> 00:04:54.900 But it was also a little bit superstitious. 00:04:56.280 --> 00:04:58.800 And the first question in the passage comes to the Peter. 00:04:59.220 --> 00:05:01.379 Does your teacher pay the tax? 00:05:02.980 --> 00:05:07.220 You see, the rabbis of the day were exempt from paying the tax. 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:12.519 And Jesus wasn't an officially state registered teacher. 00:05:13.399 --> 00:05:16.600 And therefore, he carried a tax liability. 00:05:17.060 --> 00:05:17.780 And he ought to pay. 00:05:18.680 --> 00:05:22.199 And there might have been doubts in the revenue collector's mind. 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:26.420 What is Jesus' payment plan that Jesus had in place? 00:05:26.840 --> 00:05:27.579 And so the questioning. 00:05:28.800 --> 00:05:31.780 We read, don't we, in Matthew 12 and verse 6. 00:05:31.860 --> 00:05:32.600 Do you remember that verse? 00:05:32.960 --> 00:05:35.100 That Jesus had brazenly declared. 00:05:35.420 --> 00:05:40.480 He'd claimed that he was, in his person, far greater than the temple. 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:44.300 And if he is greater than the temple. 00:05:44.780 --> 00:05:45.819 If that's what he's claiming. 00:05:46.100 --> 00:05:48.420 Well, was he contributing to the actual temple? 00:05:48.420 --> 00:05:49.060 Of course he didn't build. 00:05:50.580 --> 00:05:52.560 And Peter responds as a loyal friend. 00:05:52.660 --> 00:05:53.800 He's very succinct as me. 00:05:54.040 --> 00:05:56.080 In verse 25 he says, yes. 00:05:58.319 --> 00:06:00.100 Now this inquisition, this discussion. 00:06:00.420 --> 00:06:03.720 It might have taken place in the vicinity nearby the temple. 00:06:03.720 --> 00:06:08.340 Because when Peter returns home, he faces the second question in the passage. 00:06:08.340 --> 00:06:09.260 Can you see it? 00:06:09.940 --> 00:06:13.020 And this time the question is from Jesus. 00:06:14.340 --> 00:06:15.200 What do you think, Simon? 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:21.019 From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? 00:06:21.819 --> 00:06:25.279 From their sons or from others? 00:06:25.279 --> 00:06:31.119 And Jesus, in questioning his friend, is drawing out the first principle. 00:06:31.119 --> 00:06:32.379 The principle of this passage. 00:06:32.839 --> 00:06:34.259 Kings don't charge their sons. 00:06:36.879 --> 00:06:39.000 Kings don't charge their princes tax. 00:06:39.399 --> 00:06:42.259 They collected tax from others, not from their family. 00:06:42.259 --> 00:06:47.539 And Simon Peter correctly replies in verse 26 with that answer. 00:06:49.039 --> 00:06:51.060 And my take advice also to the point of this passage. 00:06:51.439 --> 00:06:56.959 That just as royal sons would be exempt from taxes imposed by their fathers. 00:06:57.319 --> 00:07:02.839 So Jesus is exempt from the tax imposed by his father. 00:07:02.839 --> 00:07:09.039 In other words, Jesus is saying this temple tax is an obligation to God. 00:07:10.099 --> 00:07:10.919 For the people of Israel. 00:07:11.759 --> 00:07:15.099 People who he has established under his law. 00:07:16.339 --> 00:07:19.099 But because he is uniquely God's son. 00:07:19.099 --> 00:07:23.759 And the whole point of the chapter so far of chapter 17 has been at pains to point that out. 00:07:24.519 --> 00:07:26.399 Particularly verse 5 earlier on. 00:07:27.359 --> 00:07:31.279 Jesus, because he is God's son, does not have to pay God's tax. 00:07:31.279 --> 00:08:01.259 Jesus, because he is the true temple. 00:08:01.279 --> 00:08:04.659 That through his death and resurrection. 00:08:05.159 --> 00:08:08.119 Spoken of just before in the verses 22 and 23. 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:10.959 He becomes the meeting place with God. 00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:13.459 And so this is not a special place this morning. 00:08:14.039 --> 00:08:15.500 And you don't need to go to Jerusalem. 00:08:17.179 --> 00:08:18.699 And you don't need to go to a temple. 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:21.279 Because the temple is Jesus Christ. 00:08:21.639 --> 00:08:24.919 He is the meeting place between God and his people. 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:30.580 And so at the end of the gospel there is this dramatic tearing down of the curtain in the temple. 00:08:30.920 --> 00:08:32.300 At the point of his death. 00:08:32.659 --> 00:08:36.139 That confirms Jesus does not have to pay the tax. 00:08:36.259 --> 00:08:37.779 Tax because he is God's son. 00:08:38.800 --> 00:08:39.440 That's the point. 00:08:42.639 --> 00:08:43.720 So surprised it. 00:08:43.720 --> 00:08:45.779 You children. 00:08:46.000 --> 00:08:47.080 Any children here? 00:08:47.540 --> 00:08:47.980 Little children. 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:49.279 Do you pay rent? 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:51.340 To your dad at home? 00:08:53.060 --> 00:08:54.139 Do you pay rent for a seat? 00:08:55.019 --> 00:08:55.519 You don't do. 00:08:56.519 --> 00:08:58.800 You don't pay rent to live in your father's house. 00:08:58.799 --> 00:09:01.539 You don't have to. 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:04.379 Because you're their son or your their daughter. 00:09:06.719 --> 00:09:07.539 You don't need to. 00:09:07.639 --> 00:09:08.219 Because you're their son. 00:09:08.279 --> 00:09:09.019 That's the point. 00:09:09.079 --> 00:09:09.599 Jesus is saying. 00:09:09.679 --> 00:09:10.299 I'm God's son. 00:09:10.359 --> 00:09:11.539 I don't need to pay this tax. 00:09:11.740 --> 00:09:13.719 Now what happens next is a big surprise isn't it? 00:09:15.839 --> 00:09:16.899 Jesus wants to pay. 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:20.539 Jesus wants to pay. 00:09:20.740 --> 00:09:21.539 Have a look at verse 37. 00:09:24.299 --> 00:09:24.620 However. 00:09:26.359 --> 00:09:27.799 Not to cause offence. 00:09:27.799 --> 00:09:29.319 Not to give offence to them. 00:09:29.419 --> 00:09:30.079 Go to the lake. 00:09:30.839 --> 00:09:31.620 And cast a hook. 00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:34.039 Take the first fish that comes up. 00:09:34.179 --> 00:09:34.979 And when you open its mouth. 00:09:35.059 --> 00:09:35.919 You will find a shekel. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:38.399 Take that and give it to them for me. 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:39.120 And for yourself. 00:09:41.819 --> 00:09:45.120 In case Jesus not paying of the tax. 00:09:45.199 --> 00:09:46.379 His non-payment of the tax. 00:09:46.659 --> 00:09:49.259 Could be interpreted by those watching on. 00:09:49.579 --> 00:09:52.059 As a lack of solidarity with God. 00:09:52.599 --> 00:09:54.279 The God who gave the law. 00:09:55.799 --> 00:09:57.740 The God who gave the temple. 00:09:57.799 --> 00:10:01.419 Lest Jesus cause a scandal. 00:10:01.579 --> 00:10:03.519 Or offend people unnecessarily. 00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:04.959 He says to his best friend. 00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:05.240 He says. 00:10:05.299 --> 00:10:05.859 Go and fish. 00:10:06.120 --> 00:10:06.779 With a net. 00:10:07.179 --> 00:10:07.919 Not with a net. 00:10:08.719 --> 00:10:09.839 With a line in a hook. 00:10:09.899 --> 00:10:10.639 It's the only time. 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:12.859 That this type of fishing is mentioned in the New Testament. 00:10:13.659 --> 00:10:15.620 And when you put your line in your hook in. 00:10:17.679 --> 00:10:18.479 Out of the mouth. 00:10:18.539 --> 00:10:20.000 And the very first fish you catch. 00:10:20.439 --> 00:10:21.219 You'll find the coin. 00:10:22.139 --> 00:10:23.740 And that coin will cover. 00:10:24.160 --> 00:10:25.500 Not only my tax liability. 00:10:25.940 --> 00:10:27.259 But your tax liability. 00:10:27.440 --> 00:10:27.700 Peter. 00:10:27.700 --> 00:10:31.920 Now if you're a visitor this morning. 00:10:33.660 --> 00:10:36.360 You might find this is just bizarre isn't it? 00:10:37.420 --> 00:10:38.220 And surprising. 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:40.480 Odd. 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:45.500 Those of us who are familiar with the Bible. 00:10:45.700 --> 00:10:46.720 Might find this surprising. 00:10:46.920 --> 00:10:47.740 And a little bit odd. 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:51.419 For those of us who are familiar with the life of Jesus. 00:10:51.560 --> 00:10:53.560 We will know that when Jesus was on this earth. 00:10:53.680 --> 00:10:57.279 There were times when he turned the laws of nature on their head. 00:11:00.320 --> 00:11:04.120 I'm also told that certain species of fish can be attracted to bright shiny objects. 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:07.580 And they could well gobble up a coin that they cast their eyes on. 00:11:07.639 --> 00:11:08.519 Or whichever it is. 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:11.779 God uses ordinary means. 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:15.580 To bring about what we would call an extraordinary miracle. 00:11:17.419 --> 00:11:18.320 So that's it. 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:21.240 The embarrassing miracle. 00:11:23.019 --> 00:11:26.600 A tax bill paid by a person who doesn't need to pay it. 00:11:28.259 --> 00:11:31.039 Funded by the most extraordinary source. 00:11:31.039 --> 00:11:34.019 But you are sitting there thinking. 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:35.480 As I am standing here preaching. 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:37.399 What on earth has this got to do with me? 00:11:39.059 --> 00:11:40.679 What on earth has this got to do with me? 00:11:42.799 --> 00:11:44.919 Three brief truths from Jesus. 00:11:46.939 --> 00:11:47.980 First truth is this. 00:11:48.079 --> 00:11:50.079 Jesus is the one with perfect knowledge. 00:11:51.839 --> 00:11:55.299 Jesus is the one with perfect knowledge. 00:11:57.740 --> 00:11:59.980 We see that from what we're told from the pen of Matthew. 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:02.659 It's a really interestingly written account. 00:12:03.899 --> 00:12:06.960 We must assume that Jesus was not present. 00:12:07.899 --> 00:12:11.300 When the temple tax collectors first called on Peter. 00:12:12.920 --> 00:12:14.420 Matthew wants us to make an assumption. 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:18.279 That Jesus wasn't there when the tax collectors spoke with Peter. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:21.620 And yet can you see in the next verse. 00:12:22.200 --> 00:12:25.159 We read that when Peter returned to the house where Jesus was. 00:12:25.220 --> 00:12:26.759 There's a really interesting little detail. 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:27.680 Which is unnecessary. 00:12:27.679 --> 00:12:30.979 It says Jesus spoke to him first. 00:12:34.399 --> 00:12:35.159 There it is. 00:12:35.479 --> 00:12:36.059 Can you see that? 00:12:37.879 --> 00:12:39.139 In verse 25. 00:12:39.359 --> 00:12:40.359 And by his words. 00:12:40.739 --> 00:12:43.799 We see that Jesus knew precisely what had taken place. 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:48.319 I think it's quite sobering isn't it? 00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:50.079 To think that Jesus knows all things. 00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:54.740 That Jesus is the one with perfect knowledge. 00:12:57.740 --> 00:13:01.660 That his is an eye as he is seated bodily in heaven. 00:13:01.800 --> 00:13:04.500 That sees all our daily comings and goings. 00:13:06.680 --> 00:13:11.080 His is an ear that hears all our words spoken and thought. 00:13:11.080 --> 00:13:15.820 All things are open to Jesus. 00:13:19.540 --> 00:13:21.520 And so that means concealment. 00:13:23.340 --> 00:13:25.120 We have to know from a passage like this. 00:13:25.420 --> 00:13:26.620 Concealment is impossible. 00:13:26.620 --> 00:13:33.440 Let's do that thing in Germany for some soldiers recently. 00:13:34.320 --> 00:13:38.240 And one of the lessons that a soldier is taught when he joins the British army. 00:13:38.659 --> 00:13:39.659 Is to do with camouflage. 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:41.039 One of the first lessons. 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:44.039 Camouflage and concealment. 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:47.120 Various assets. 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:49.879 That soldiers are to try and remember. 00:13:50.299 --> 00:13:52.099 And they are to try to hide themselves from the enemy. 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:52.980 Let me try and remember them. 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:54.019 First is shape. 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:56.240 And then shine. 00:13:57.579 --> 00:13:58.419 And then silhouette. 00:13:59.699 --> 00:14:00.579 And then size. 00:14:00.699 --> 00:14:01.019 That's four. 00:14:02.179 --> 00:14:04.399 And so a soldier is to do their ultimate. 00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:07.360 When they're seeking to be concealing themselves. 00:14:07.480 --> 00:14:08.799 Or they're seeking to be camouflaged. 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:10.860 They are to limit their size. 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:13.579 Or their face. 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:14.160 Or their shine. 00:14:15.580 --> 00:14:16.120 For example. 00:14:16.440 --> 00:14:17.680 From the gaze of the enemy. 00:14:17.860 --> 00:14:19.220 So it's why soldiers in there. 00:14:19.240 --> 00:14:20.940 Will often have dark face paint on. 00:14:21.160 --> 00:14:22.160 It's not to scare people. 00:14:22.540 --> 00:14:24.280 But it's to make their faces harder to see. 00:14:28.780 --> 00:14:29.660 And many of us here. 00:14:29.780 --> 00:14:31.160 Will be deeply ashamed. 00:14:31.160 --> 00:14:32.180 Of how we lived. 00:14:33.680 --> 00:14:35.259 Of the things that we've said. 00:14:37.020 --> 00:14:38.540 The things that we've thought. 00:14:40.680 --> 00:14:42.080 And the things that we've done. 00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:42.879 In our past. 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:48.420 We may really deceive our parents. 00:14:48.419 --> 00:15:13.339 We may really deceive our parents. 00:15:13.340 --> 00:15:15.480 Our siblings. 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:18.580 And deceive the elders. 00:15:20.300 --> 00:15:23.460 Jesus sees us with 20-20 vision. 00:15:26.180 --> 00:15:29.100 And that is why it is right to uncover. 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:31.700 And to expose. 00:15:32.820 --> 00:15:35.259 And to bring our sins into the light. 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:38.040 And to confess our sins to Jesus. 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:40.000 Which is what we've already done this morning. 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:44.539 The psalmist knows the pain. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:46.240 Of unconfessed sin. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.559 Of unexposed sin. 00:15:47.559 --> 00:15:48.839 Of covered owner sin. 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:51.879 So that sounds very true. 00:15:51.879 --> 00:15:52.320 And to the psalmist. 00:15:52.320 --> 00:15:52.840 She says. 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.980 For day and night. 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:54.879 Your hand. 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:56.639 God's hand was heavy upon me. 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:58.300 My strength was dried up. 00:15:58.360 --> 00:15:59.200 As the heat of the summer. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:01.879 But I acknowledged my sin to you. 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:04.480 And I did not cover up my iniquity. 00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:05.080 And I said. 00:16:05.160 --> 00:16:07.360 I will confess my transgressions. 00:16:07.680 --> 00:16:08.379 To the Lord. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:09.899 And you forgave. 00:16:10.180 --> 00:16:10.879 The iniquity. 00:16:11.280 --> 00:16:12.080 Of my sin. 00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:16.060 You see. 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:16.780 The Lord Jesus. 00:16:17.060 --> 00:16:19.020 He is the one in whose name we meet with. 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:19.820 This morning. 00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:21.560 And he is a saviour. 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:23.340 Who longs to forgive. 00:16:25.180 --> 00:16:27.360 And he promises us to do so. 00:16:28.700 --> 00:16:31.960 And we just need to take our sin to him. 00:16:32.420 --> 00:16:34.100 We need to be real. 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:35.100 With the one. 00:16:35.560 --> 00:16:37.640 Who has perfect knowledge of us. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:42.039 But this truth. 00:16:42.279 --> 00:16:43.399 Also helps us positively. 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:43.740 Doesn't it? 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:45.279 It also helps us to live. 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:48.120 From this day forward. 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:49.120 Because we live. 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:50.220 Our lives. 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:51.819 In the presence of him. 00:16:53.419 --> 00:16:54.600 To be aware. 00:16:54.679 --> 00:16:55.500 That there is another. 00:16:57.080 --> 00:16:58.679 Who hears every word. 00:16:58.939 --> 00:16:59.580 That I say. 00:17:00.799 --> 00:17:02.299 That's a very helpful thing. 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:03.439 That's to be reminded of. 00:17:04.379 --> 00:17:06.579 There will be an unseen guest. 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:08.179 At your table. 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:08.939 This lunchtime. 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:11.339 You see. 00:17:11.419 --> 00:17:12.639 Left to my own devices. 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:13.519 I often think. 00:17:13.579 --> 00:17:14.500 That I can get away. 00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:15.460 With my own behaviour. 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:19.019 I know. 00:17:19.099 --> 00:17:20.159 That is not what God would want. 00:17:20.159 --> 00:17:20.799 From me. 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:22.099 Or for me. 00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:24.039 But I think. 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:25.000 I can get away with it. 00:17:27.059 --> 00:17:27.980 And so the question. 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:29.359 That I think is helpful. 00:17:29.599 --> 00:17:30.859 Is would I behave. 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:31.919 Like this. 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:34.099 If Jesus was standing next to me. 00:17:34.099 --> 00:17:37.419 Because it does make a difference. 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:37.959 Doesn't it? 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:40.139 When different people. 00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:41.279 Are standing next to you. 00:17:42.859 --> 00:17:43.659 When you speak to those. 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:44.079 You're married. 00:17:45.139 --> 00:17:46.439 It does make a difference. 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:46.959 Doesn't it? 00:17:47.339 --> 00:17:48.740 When someone else. 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:50.519 Is in the living room. 00:17:50.659 --> 00:17:51.199 Or the kitchen. 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.859 And when your wife. 00:17:52.919 --> 00:17:53.379 Or your husband. 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.219 Does something. 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:55.159 That really frustrates you. 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:56.439 That does make a difference. 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:56.740 Doesn't it? 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:57.459 How you speak. 00:17:57.460 --> 00:18:02.259 Would I behave like this. 00:18:02.340 --> 00:18:03.779 If Jesus was standing next to me. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:05.000 J.C. 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:05.680 Ryan says this. 00:18:05.840 --> 00:18:06.980 Such a standard. 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:07.900 It's not extravagant. 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:08.500 Or absurd. 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:09.660 It is a standard. 00:18:09.660 --> 00:18:10.720 That interferes. 00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:11.500 With no duty. 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:12.700 Or relation in life. 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:13.779 It interferes. 00:18:13.840 --> 00:18:14.740 With nothing but sin. 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.980 Happy is he. 00:18:17.100 --> 00:18:17.579 Or she. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:18.900 That tries. 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:20.039 To realise. 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:21.620 His Lord's presence. 00:18:22.259 --> 00:18:23.620 And to do all. 00:18:23.620 --> 00:18:24.920 And say all. 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:25.779 Unto Christ. 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:27.680 First truth. 00:18:27.740 --> 00:18:28.559 To help us this week. 00:18:28.660 --> 00:18:29.379 Jesus is the one. 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:30.139 With perfect knowledge. 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:30.920 Don't cover up. 00:18:32.879 --> 00:18:33.680 Do realise. 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.259 His presence. 00:18:34.379 --> 00:18:35.480 At every moment. 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:36.539 Of every day. 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:37.779 The second truth. 00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:38.319 We learn from this. 00:18:38.359 --> 00:18:39.339 Rather embarrassing miracle. 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:40.299 Is that Jesus. 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:40.779 Is the one. 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:41.720 Who provides perfectly. 00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:44.660 He provides perfectly. 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:45.319 It's really obvious. 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:45.619 Isn't it? 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:46.539 Very very obvious. 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:47.799 But Jesus. 00:18:47.799 --> 00:18:48.940 He makes this fish. 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:50.440 His paymaster. 00:18:51.899 --> 00:18:53.220 And it's another demonstration. 00:18:53.399 --> 00:18:53.660 Of Jesus. 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:54.240 Greatness. 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:54.879 And majesty. 00:18:55.220 --> 00:18:55.539 The one. 00:18:55.539 --> 00:18:56.180 Who created. 00:18:56.299 --> 00:18:56.799 The creatures. 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:58.039 Was able to command. 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.779 The obedience. 00:18:58.920 --> 00:18:59.480 Of the creatures. 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:02.220 And God. 00:19:02.379 --> 00:19:02.980 Provided. 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.700 What the Lord. 00:19:04.819 --> 00:19:05.339 Demanded. 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:08.099 Of course. 00:19:08.159 --> 00:19:09.000 That's a wonderful picture. 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:09.399 Isn't it? 00:19:10.920 --> 00:19:12.059 Because in a few. 00:19:13.059 --> 00:19:13.500 Chapters. 00:19:13.639 --> 00:19:14.000 Time. 00:19:15.339 --> 00:19:15.799 God. 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:16.599 Will provide. 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:17.339 What the Lord. 00:19:17.559 --> 00:19:18.000 Demands. 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.740 Just glance down again. 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:22.180 To verses 22 to 23. 00:19:22.859 --> 00:19:23.440 And God. 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:24.440 Will provide. 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:25.080 Through the giving. 00:19:25.080 --> 00:19:25.080 00:19:25.080 --> 00:19:25.779 Of his son. 00:19:25.860 --> 00:19:26.779 His perfect son. 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.080 The Lord Jesus. 00:19:29.080 --> 00:19:30.279 Will die on a cross. 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:31.340 And he will be the one. 00:19:31.380 --> 00:19:32.120 Who will perfectly. 00:19:32.320 --> 00:19:33.620 Successify God's law. 00:19:34.080 --> 00:19:34.720 And so Jesus. 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.380 Is the one. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:36.360 Who provides perfectly. 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:37.099 Him. 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:40.399 And those of us who followed. 00:19:40.399 --> 00:19:41.099 The Lord Jesus. 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:41.819 For years. 00:19:41.919 --> 00:19:42.519 We can testify. 00:19:42.519 --> 00:19:43.039 Can't we. 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:43.539 To this truth. 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:45.000 That even in the smallest details. 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:45.719 Of our lives. 00:19:46.179 --> 00:19:46.979 Jesus needs. 00:19:47.139 --> 00:19:47.599 Knows. 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:49.639 Not only. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:51.240 What we need. 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:52.259 For salvation. 00:19:52.459 --> 00:19:52.899 But also. 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:53.879 For sanctification. 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:55.179 For our growing like him. 00:19:57.719 --> 00:19:58.559 He knows. 00:19:58.699 --> 00:19:59.259 What it is. 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:00.599 What is necessary. 00:20:00.599 --> 00:20:01.179 For us. 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:01.779 To be. 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:02.679 Conformed. 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.639 To his likeness. 00:20:04.679 --> 00:20:06.159 And he promised us. 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.359 To provide. 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:09.000 For what we need. 00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:10.039 And to never let us know. 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:13.619 My problem is. 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:14.399 There's a disconnect. 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:14.779 Isn't there. 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.099 Between. 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.279 What I think. 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:17.119 I need. 00:20:18.119 --> 00:20:19.059 And what I want. 00:20:21.579 --> 00:20:22.639 What we need. 00:20:22.700 --> 00:20:23.440 And what I want. 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:26.440 So maybe it's that house. 00:20:26.579 --> 00:20:27.019 Maybe it's. 00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:27.779 That relationship. 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.599 Maybe it's. 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:29.119 That job. 00:20:29.220 --> 00:20:30.119 Maybe it's that retirement. 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:31.460 Maybe it's that church. 00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:33.240 Maybe it's those children. 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.740 Maybe it's that promotion. 00:20:37.720 --> 00:20:38.440 But you see. 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:39.180 Jesus is. 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:39.819 The perfect. 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:40.460 The perfect provider. 00:20:40.899 --> 00:20:41.879 And he does. 00:20:42.119 --> 00:20:43.119 Give you. 00:20:43.399 --> 00:20:44.679 What you truly need. 00:20:44.679 --> 00:20:45.559 For godliness. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:47.819 It's the truth. 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:49.619 That's an encouragement. 00:20:51.939 --> 00:20:53.220 I might think. 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:54.599 I know what I need. 00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:57.460 But Jesus knows. 00:20:57.659 --> 00:20:58.179 Perfectly. 00:20:58.179 --> 00:20:58.700 What I need. 00:20:58.779 --> 00:20:59.419 He knows better. 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:01.819 So Jesus provides. 00:21:01.919 --> 00:21:02.359 Perfectly. 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:06.079 Jesus is perfect knowledge. 00:21:06.179 --> 00:21:06.539 And the third. 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:07.939 The final brief point. 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:08.839 Is Jesus provides. 00:21:08.939 --> 00:21:09.599 The perfect pattern. 00:21:09.819 --> 00:21:12.179 Jesus gives us. 00:21:12.179 --> 00:21:13.200 The perfect pattern. 00:21:13.399 --> 00:21:13.859 For life. 00:21:14.899 --> 00:21:15.779 Perfect knowledge. 00:21:15.939 --> 00:21:16.539 Perfect provision. 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:17.480 Perfect pattern. 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:19.599 Let's look down. 00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:20.279 Verse 27. 00:21:20.399 --> 00:21:20.919 They are. 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:22.259 Remarkable words. 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:22.919 In verse 27. 00:21:24.679 --> 00:21:25.859 Where Jesus says. 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.460 However. 00:21:26.679 --> 00:21:27.740 Not to give. 00:21:28.119 --> 00:21:28.519 Offence. 00:21:29.159 --> 00:21:29.759 To them. 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:32.660 Not to give. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.180 Offence. 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:33.460 To them. 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:34.379 Rather than. 00:21:34.640 --> 00:21:34.839 Give. 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.539 Offence. 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:36.220 To the. 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:37.400 Tax collectors. 00:21:37.400 --> 00:21:37.640 Is. 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:39.880 Jesus. 00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:40.160 Jesus works. 00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:40.540 For miracles. 00:21:43.360 --> 00:21:44.300 As we've seen already. 00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:45.259 Jesus could have been. 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:46.500 Well within his rights. 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:47.700 To claim exemption. 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:48.380 From the tax. 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:49.820 He was the son of God. 00:21:49.900 --> 00:21:50.120 Chapter. 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:50.500 Sancte. 00:21:50.560 --> 00:21:51.019 Verse 5. 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.759 He could rightly be excused. 00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:54.600 From paying the emper keep. 00:21:54.640 --> 00:21:55.460 On his father's house. 00:21:55.800 --> 00:21:56.740 But Jesus claims. 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.360 No exemption. 00:21:57.880 --> 00:21:58.900 No tax avoidance. 00:21:59.259 --> 00:21:59.660 Why? 00:22:00.060 --> 00:22:01.380 Lest he should offend people. 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:04.540 And in doing this. 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:05.740 Jesus reveals. 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:06.940 What Christians call. 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:07.880 Meekness. 00:22:09.760 --> 00:22:10.620 It's not. 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:12.300 To be confused with weakness. 00:22:12.440 --> 00:22:13.600 Blessed are the meek. 00:22:13.780 --> 00:22:14.740 For they shall inherit the earth. 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:17.880 Meekness is that attribute. 00:22:18.120 --> 00:22:19.880 Of strength. 00:22:21.080 --> 00:22:22.140 Of power. 00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:23.020 Denied. 00:22:24.500 --> 00:22:25.680 Of strength. 00:22:25.880 --> 00:22:26.720 Under control. 00:22:27.060 --> 00:22:27.840 And so Jesus. 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:29.360 Limits his freedom. 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:30.260 To serve. 00:22:30.360 --> 00:22:31.360 A larger purpose. 00:22:31.380 --> 00:22:32.440 That he will fulfill. 00:22:34.760 --> 00:22:35.860 In a few chapters. 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:36.880 He will. 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.740 Limit his freedom. 00:22:38.900 --> 00:22:39.940 For the sake of the lost. 00:22:42.880 --> 00:22:44.020 That is why this miracle. 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:44.860 Unique to Matthew. 00:22:45.080 --> 00:22:45.940 Is in some ways. 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:46.660 One of the most important. 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.100 In the Bible. 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:48.340 Because Jesus is giving. 00:22:48.540 --> 00:22:49.600 To you and I. 00:22:49.900 --> 00:22:51.200 Those of us who call ourselves. 00:22:51.340 --> 00:22:52.120 Followers of him. 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.080 A model. 00:22:54.300 --> 00:22:54.940 A pattern. 00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:56.380 For the responsible. 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:58.620 Exercise of Christian freedom. 00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:02.860 It's only a Paul. 00:23:03.260 --> 00:23:03.860 Apostle Paul. 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:05.120 Talks about him. 00:23:05.120 --> 00:23:05.980 In 1 Corinthians 8 and 9. 00:23:06.040 --> 00:23:06.960 Let's just go there for a minute. 00:23:07.020 --> 00:23:07.980 1 Corinthians 8 and 9. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:09.260 Okay. 00:23:09.880 --> 00:23:11.020 1 Corinthians 8 and 9. 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:12.780 It's on page. 00:23:12.780 --> 00:23:13.840 Grab a Bible and turn there. 00:23:14.120 --> 00:23:15.500 It's on page 956. 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.640 Page 956. 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:19.759 And if you just glance down. 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:23.240 1 Corinthians 9 and verse 12. 00:23:30.520 --> 00:23:32.080 1 Corinthians 9 and verse 12. 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:34.800 It's on page 956. 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:37.879 And halfway through that verse. 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:38.680 Paul says this. 00:23:39.119 --> 00:23:39.519 Nevertheless. 00:23:42.399 --> 00:23:44.039 We've not made use of this right. 00:23:44.919 --> 00:23:45.319 But. 00:23:45.619 --> 00:23:47.440 We endure anything. 00:23:48.379 --> 00:23:50.059 Rather than put an obstacle. 00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:52.299 In the way of the gospel of Christ. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.259 In this passage. 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:54.960 Paul is talking about. 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:56.019 Whether he should draw a salary. 00:23:56.139 --> 00:23:57.180 Whether he should get a wage. 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:57.759 From the Corinthians. 00:23:59.240 --> 00:24:00.419 He's pastoring the church. 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:01.579 He's saving for them. 00:24:01.659 --> 00:24:02.319 Wording half of them. 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.480 He's got every right. 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:04.359 To take a salary. 00:24:05.359 --> 00:24:06.959 But the bigger picture. 00:24:07.419 --> 00:24:09.000 That determines his Christian freedom. 00:24:09.119 --> 00:24:10.399 Is what is good for the gospel. 00:24:11.199 --> 00:24:12.679 What is good for the church. 00:24:13.879 --> 00:24:15.139 And so his argument concludes. 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:15.939 In verse 22. 00:24:16.399 --> 00:24:17.500 And he says. 00:24:18.679 --> 00:24:19.719 To the weak. 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.699 I became weak. 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:22.579 So that I might win the weak. 00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:25.139 I become all things. 00:24:25.359 --> 00:24:26.159 All people. 00:24:27.939 --> 00:24:29.479 But by all means. 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.500 I might save some. 00:24:31.899 --> 00:24:33.199 I do it all. 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:34.500 For the sake of the gospel. 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:34.620 For the sake of the gospel. 00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:36.840 That I might share with them. 00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:37.460 And it's blessings. 00:24:40.039 --> 00:24:41.559 And so Christian people. 00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:43.420 We are free people. 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:46.640 Free people. 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:51.180 We are free from sin. 00:24:52.840 --> 00:24:54.319 Free from the burden. 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.759 And the curse of the law. 00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:59.120 Free from guilt. 00:24:59.119 --> 00:25:03.439 Free from what people think of us. 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:06.079 It's wonderfully liberating. 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:09.179 We don't understand how liberating it is. 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:12.339 It's gloriously liberating. 00:25:12.459 --> 00:25:13.699 The freedom of the gospel. 00:25:14.179 --> 00:25:15.299 No condemnation. 00:25:15.399 --> 00:25:16.179 Now I dread. 00:25:16.180 --> 00:25:18.720 Jesus and all in him is mine. 00:25:21.259 --> 00:25:22.180 It's liberating. 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:26.100 And yet the challenge to each one of us this morning. 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:28.620 Is how we exercise that freedom. 00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:31.080 For the greater good of the gospel. 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:34.340 This is what Paul is talking about. 00:25:34.600 --> 00:25:35.480 Luther wrote about this. 00:25:35.580 --> 00:25:36.980 In his revelation treatings. 00:25:37.060 --> 00:25:38.100 The freedom of the Christian man. 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:38.740 He wrote these words. 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:40.019 The Christian person. 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:41.860 Is the most free. 00:25:41.859 --> 00:25:44.039 He is Lord of all. 00:25:44.479 --> 00:25:45.799 Subject to none. 00:25:46.719 --> 00:25:47.459 Next sentence. 00:25:47.939 --> 00:25:48.959 The Christian person. 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:51.039 Is the most dutiful servant. 00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:52.919 Subject to everyone. 00:25:55.179 --> 00:25:56.779 And so as followers of Christ. 00:25:56.879 --> 00:25:58.279 As believers in the Lord Jesus. 00:25:58.439 --> 00:26:00.179 As those who are in him. 00:26:01.179 --> 00:26:03.959 We reign over all things in Christ. 00:26:05.399 --> 00:26:06.939 For we reign in order to serve. 00:26:08.740 --> 00:26:09.699 To serve people. 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:10.599 And serve the gospel. 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:12.879 Of all Robert says. 00:26:12.959 --> 00:26:13.679 If you are a Christian. 00:26:13.799 --> 00:26:15.019 You are to be a bowed. 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.139 Low person. 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:17.459 Somebody who is willing. 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:19.079 To forsake self. 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:20.639 For the sake of others. 00:26:22.659 --> 00:26:23.799 So how does this look in practice? 00:26:26.679 --> 00:26:27.259 Let's think. 00:26:27.459 --> 00:26:28.799 As citizens of the nation. 00:26:28.899 --> 00:26:29.240 For a moment. 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:29.459 Alright. 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:32.299 We might not like. 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.379 The political. 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:35.559 Measures and strategies. 00:26:35.559 --> 00:26:36.199 Of our rulers. 00:26:37.480 --> 00:26:38.379 We might really strongly. 00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:40.000 Disapprove of some of the legislation. 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.680 That they pass. 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.660 But how do we use. 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:45.660 Our freedom. 00:26:46.819 --> 00:26:48.359 Not to cause offense. 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.359 Keeping the big picture. 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.380 Of the gospel in mind. 00:26:53.539 --> 00:26:54.500 Let's be really clear. 00:26:54.599 --> 00:26:55.279 I'm not saying. 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:56.339 Use gospel freedom. 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:57.500 In order to compromise. 00:26:58.339 --> 00:26:59.319 In chapter 21. 00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:00.640 Jesus will return to the temple. 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.200 And he will show. 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:02.519 Righteous indignation. 00:27:02.940 --> 00:27:03.339 And anger. 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:04.380 For what is going on there. 00:27:04.380 --> 00:27:06.900 But use of the gospel freedom. 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:07.760 Carefully. 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:09.880 In a way that doesn't cause offense. 00:27:10.800 --> 00:27:12.500 Is what Jesus is modeling for us. 00:27:16.260 --> 00:27:16.620 So. 00:27:19.620 --> 00:27:20.800 If you want to wear a cross. 00:27:20.940 --> 00:27:22.200 I wouldn't wear a cross. 00:27:22.540 --> 00:27:23.960 You can talk to me about why I wouldn't do that. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.799 But if you want to wear a cross. 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:26.059 If you wear a cross to work. 00:27:26.100 --> 00:27:26.279 You think. 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:27.279 I want to be a witness in work. 00:27:27.340 --> 00:27:28.480 So you wear the cross to work. 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:31.960 You're free to do that. 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.759 But your boss. 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:37.019 Or others in the office. 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:38.079 Are offended by it. 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:42.100 What do you do? 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:47.019 I think you can choose. 00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:50.699 To not wear it. 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:51.599 For the offense. 00:27:52.099 --> 00:27:52.779 For the cause of it. 00:27:53.079 --> 00:27:54.019 What about a little fish bag. 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:56.579 They were massive in the late 80s. 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:58.379 Every Sunday school prize. 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.179 There was a little fish. 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.679 And you wear it. 00:28:00.679 --> 00:28:01.359 You wear the fish bag. 00:28:01.399 --> 00:28:01.679 Someone says. 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:02.159 What's that? 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:02.439 And I say. 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:02.740 A fish. 00:28:03.919 --> 00:28:04.839 As if they understand that. 00:28:04.899 --> 00:28:05.319 What that is. 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.659 I'm a follower of the Lord Jesus. 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:09.500 You want to wear it as a witness. 00:28:10.339 --> 00:28:11.839 But somebody gets offended by it. 00:28:12.099 --> 00:28:14.240 Will you use your freedom carefully? 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:18.119 Because it might cause an unnecessary offense. 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:20.279 It could be an example of the freedom. 00:28:20.619 --> 00:28:22.139 I have to use for the sake of the gospel. 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.759 How about as a member of this church? 00:28:26.219 --> 00:28:27.799 How do we use our freedom. 00:28:27.959 --> 00:28:29.339 For the sake of others in the church family? 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:33.480 Any change is suggested. 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:36.519 Change to the order of service. 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:41.240 Or change to how we discharge the Lord's Sabbath. 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:44.959 Or change to how we structure small groups. 00:28:45.919 --> 00:28:48.299 Or change to how we spend our money. 00:28:48.379 --> 00:28:49.819 That God has given to us as a church. 00:28:50.159 --> 00:28:50.699 The issue is. 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:52.599 How do I use my gospel freedom. 00:28:52.699 --> 00:28:53.919 For the sake of others. 00:28:54.399 --> 00:28:55.839 And for the sake of the gospel. 00:28:59.059 --> 00:29:01.359 And as a personal level. 00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:03.119 We move into chapter 18. 00:29:03.119 --> 00:29:05.379 We need to rid ourselves of the thinking. 00:29:05.719 --> 00:29:06.919 I have rights. 00:29:06.920 --> 00:29:09.680 And insisting on them. 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:12.200 It has to be my way. 00:29:13.600 --> 00:29:14.920 So that others are offended. 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.019 And the work is damaged. 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:19.420 And so we need to be asking the question. 00:29:19.539 --> 00:29:20.840 How do my words. 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:22.660 And my actions. 00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:24.680 Impact others. 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:28.500 And I want to say to you. 00:29:28.600 --> 00:29:29.299 It is huge. 00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:30.539 That churches get wrecked. 00:29:30.640 --> 00:29:31.080 And ruined. 00:29:33.880 --> 00:29:35.680 It is not in persecution. 00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:36.860 When it comes. 00:29:37.060 --> 00:29:38.680 We will stand when persecution comes. 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:40.140 God will give grace to that day. 00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:43.759 It is not when big morality questions come up. 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:45.539 Because ordinarily. 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.759 They are quite clear. 00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:48.940 But it is the little things. 00:29:49.119 --> 00:29:50.400 That kill churches. 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:53.539 Not immorality. 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:54.299 Not persecution. 00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:56.400 The subtle erosion. 00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:58.299 Either of Christian freedom. 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.960 Or people using their freedom. 00:30:00.400 --> 00:30:01.839 In a way that harms others. 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:06.099 Let's get back to 2 Timothy chapter 17. 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:07.559 Jesus could not be clearer. 00:30:09.299 --> 00:30:10.599 He could not be clearer. 00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:12.299 Chapter 17 and verse 26. 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:15.980 The sons are free. 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:20.119 The sons are free. 00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:22.619 And that says. 00:30:22.819 --> 00:30:24.759 You are free in Christ. 00:30:25.960 --> 00:30:27.879 And you would use that freedom responsibly. 00:30:28.359 --> 00:30:30.460 That is the sign of maturity in God's people. 00:30:30.859 --> 00:30:32.039 People who are living. 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.559 As Jesus did. 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:35.160 And so it will affect the holidays I go. 00:30:36.160 --> 00:30:38.019 It will affect the programs I watch. 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:39.500 It will affect the house that I want to buy. 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:40.799 It will affect the car that I drive. 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:42.779 It will affect the way that I spend my money. 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:44.599 It will affect what I put online. 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:50.279 It will affect the way that I act after church. 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:52.559 I am free to do whatever I like. 00:30:52.660 --> 00:30:54.160 But with freedom comes responsibility. 00:30:54.160 --> 00:30:58.019 How will I not cause offence? 00:30:58.019 --> 00:31:00.420 How will I not cause discouragement? 00:31:02.900 --> 00:31:03.720 And so think. 00:31:03.980 --> 00:31:04.320 Will you? 00:31:04.920 --> 00:31:05.259 Think. 00:31:05.380 --> 00:31:07.519 How do my actions affect others? 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:09.779 With my gospel freedom. 00:31:11.380 --> 00:31:13.000 And that's the pattern of life Jesus is modelling. 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:16.359 Three things for an extraordinary miracle. 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.980 Jesus is the one with perfect knowledge. 00:31:19.640 --> 00:31:21.240 Jesus is the one who provides perfectly. 00:31:22.759 --> 00:31:24.039 And Jesus gives the pattern. 00:31:24.900 --> 00:31:25.900 For life in him. 00:31:26.900 --> 00:31:27.440 Let's pray. 00:31:27.880 --> 00:31:28.019 Let's pray. 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.019