WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.600 What image comes to your mind when you hear the phrase, 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:08.820 stand firm, stand firm? 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:11.320 What do you picture? 00:00:12.400 --> 00:00:15.780 Maybe someone you consider to be a great leader. 00:00:17.440 --> 00:00:20.440 I do, like, for example, Ronald Reagan. 00:00:21.879 --> 00:00:25.600 You know, he stood firm against communism for years, 00:00:26.280 --> 00:00:28.000 but he'll always be remembered for the day 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:30.660 that he stood firm before the Berlin Wall 00:00:30.660 --> 00:00:34.359 and said to the president of the Soviet Union, 00:00:35.039 --> 00:00:39.700 Mr. Gorbachev, tear this wall down. 00:00:40.019 --> 00:00:41.240 Tear down this wall. 00:00:42.740 --> 00:00:45.539 He stood firm before the world. 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:49.719 Many Americans think about an American soldier 00:00:49.719 --> 00:00:52.799 who stands firm in the face of an enemy. 00:00:53.679 --> 00:00:55.560 That's the picture of Audie Murphy. 00:00:55.560 --> 00:00:59.900 He's one of the most decorated men 00:00:59.900 --> 00:01:05.420 who served in any branch of the military during World War II. 00:01:06.340 --> 00:01:10.219 Now, he went on to become a popular actor in Western movies 00:01:10.219 --> 00:01:11.659 in the 1950s and 60s, 00:01:11.740 --> 00:01:14.560 and that's how some of you know him. 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:17.560 Just in case you're interested, 00:01:18.300 --> 00:01:19.960 on the Starz Western Channel, 00:01:20.599 --> 00:01:22.460 the month of June is Audie Murphy month. 00:01:22.459 --> 00:01:27.599 When Paul called these Philippian Christians 00:01:27.599 --> 00:01:29.419 to stand firm in the Lord, 00:01:29.819 --> 00:01:32.139 that phrase, stand firm, that word, 00:01:33.199 --> 00:01:37.219 would have brought to mind a picture of a Roman soldier 00:01:37.219 --> 00:01:42.060 who had a reputation for standing firm in the heat of battle. 00:01:42.859 --> 00:01:46.139 Now, Paul's writing to the Philippian Christians. 00:01:46.939 --> 00:01:48.399 That's a Roman colony. 00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:51.359 People in that church came from a background 00:01:51.359 --> 00:01:53.320 where they admired Roman soldiers. 00:01:54.300 --> 00:01:59.040 They didn't hate them like Jews back in Jerusalem would have. 00:01:59.900 --> 00:02:01.700 The call for God's people to stand firm 00:02:01.700 --> 00:02:04.380 is found at least 39 times in the Bible. 00:02:05.719 --> 00:02:07.780 Paul does it the most in the New Testament. 00:02:08.819 --> 00:02:11.879 He encourages Christians in several of his letters, 00:02:12.340 --> 00:02:13.340 just like he does in Philippians, 00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:15.319 to stand firm. 00:02:15.319 --> 00:02:18.019 But I want us to understand as we get into this, 00:02:19.159 --> 00:02:23.099 Paul never says stand firm with the idea, 00:02:23.479 --> 00:02:24.479 do your best. 00:02:25.379 --> 00:02:30.139 Just muster up the what with all to stand firm. 00:02:31.180 --> 00:02:34.419 Paul understood, and he said it in various ways, 00:02:35.379 --> 00:02:37.539 that our strength comes from God, 00:02:37.620 --> 00:02:39.840 and we need to recognize that and seek that. 00:02:40.159 --> 00:02:42.859 And he says it like this in his letter to the Corinthians, 00:02:43.019 --> 00:02:43.919 second letter to the Corinthians. 00:02:43.919 --> 00:02:52.899 Now, it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. 00:02:55.339 --> 00:02:57.119 As we go through this message this morning, 00:02:57.759 --> 00:03:00.319 we're talking about standing firm as committed Christians. 00:03:01.079 --> 00:03:04.039 We can't do it on our own, in our own strength. 00:03:05.060 --> 00:03:10.500 And you know, Paul makes that clear in most of his letters, 00:03:10.500 --> 00:03:12.919 but especially here in Philippians. 00:03:13.159 --> 00:03:15.240 As we saw at the beginning, I want you to note, 00:03:16.419 --> 00:03:18.020 he said in Philippians 1, 6, 00:03:18.419 --> 00:03:19.500 and I am sure of this, 00:03:19.580 --> 00:03:21.300 that he who began a good work in you 00:03:21.300 --> 00:03:24.539 will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 00:03:25.340 --> 00:03:27.500 He's talking about how God is one who initiates, 00:03:28.460 --> 00:03:30.680 brings about a new birth in a person's life. 00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:33.879 And once God saves us, he never leaves us alone. 00:03:33.879 --> 00:03:39.859 He puts his spirit in us and he's going to work and bring about our maturity, 00:03:40.659 --> 00:03:44.439 our becoming more and more like Jesus until the day Jesus comes. 00:03:45.359 --> 00:03:52.500 Now, as God works in us and we cannot live the Christian life apart from him without his help, 00:03:53.240 --> 00:03:55.460 God requires us to cooperate with him. 00:03:55.460 --> 00:03:59.439 It's not just sort of sit back and let God do this or that. 00:03:59.659 --> 00:04:01.060 We've got to cooperate with him. 00:04:01.460 --> 00:04:06.840 And there's really no better statement about how God works and we are to cooperate 00:04:06.840 --> 00:04:09.240 than Philippians 2, verses 12 and 13. 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:09.900 Look at this. 00:04:10.900 --> 00:04:13.460 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, 00:04:14.280 --> 00:04:18.740 so now, not only as in my presence, but much more in my absence, 00:04:19.079 --> 00:04:22.040 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:28.580 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 00:04:30.100 --> 00:04:33.340 God saves us and he'll never let us go if we're his children. 00:04:34.620 --> 00:04:38.800 He works in us to give us the desire and the ability to please him, 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:40.660 but we've got to act on those desires. 00:04:42.140 --> 00:04:46.400 We've got to do what he calls us to do with the strength that he supplies. 00:04:47.640 --> 00:04:50.620 Now, as Paul comes to the end of this letter to the Philippians, 00:04:50.620 --> 00:04:55.579 he once again calls them to stand firm. 00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:57.939 He'd done that earlier in chapter 1, verse 27. 00:04:58.060 --> 00:04:59.060 We're not going to read that. 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:03.060 But here in chapter 4, verse 1, look at it with me one more time. 00:05:04.100 --> 00:05:08.819 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, 00:05:09.459 --> 00:05:13.879 stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 00:05:13.879 --> 00:05:18.120 The call to stand firm applies to what he's been talking about in chapter 3 00:05:18.120 --> 00:05:21.019 and what he's about to talk about in chapter 4. 00:05:21.740 --> 00:05:24.279 It really applies to everything God requires of us. 00:05:25.500 --> 00:05:28.399 You and me, we are called, if we're Christians, 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:33.279 to stand firm in our commitment to Jesus Christ every day, 00:05:33.980 --> 00:05:37.439 in every situation, no matter what, 00:05:37.920 --> 00:05:42.639 and to live out our faith, live like the Christians that we claim to be. 00:05:42.639 --> 00:05:47.800 I want us to look at some of the specific ways we're to stand firm in this last chapter. 00:05:48.240 --> 00:05:49.879 We looked at the first two last week. 00:05:50.279 --> 00:05:53.360 I want to touch on the first one and just call your attention to the second one. 00:05:53.419 --> 00:05:53.899 Look at it. 00:05:54.199 --> 00:05:56.699 We're to stand firm for the unity of our church. 00:05:58.599 --> 00:06:00.399 You know, I've been thinking about it this past week. 00:06:00.399 --> 00:06:07.639 Paul goes to great lengths, I think in every one of his letters, 00:06:08.139 --> 00:06:15.179 to strongly emphasize how important it is for the church to be like a family, 00:06:15.459 --> 00:06:18.739 united together, like a body. 00:06:18.740 --> 00:06:25.740 And he talks about it in such a way that if anybody would disrupt the family, 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:30.240 anybody that would cause division, he gets angry. 00:06:30.519 --> 00:06:34.740 He gets up in arms and he tells congregations, stop it. 00:06:35.240 --> 00:06:36.019 Don't listen. 00:06:36.259 --> 00:06:37.300 Don't allow it. 00:06:38.540 --> 00:06:39.400 Confront them. 00:06:39.399 --> 00:06:48.159 Paul was so concerned that the Philippian church be united. 00:06:48.359 --> 00:06:50.199 Unity is one of the themes of the letter. 00:06:51.959 --> 00:06:55.399 That he called out two women by name. 00:06:55.459 --> 00:06:56.379 We looked at it last week. 00:06:57.179 --> 00:06:57.759 Embarrassed them. 00:06:58.120 --> 00:06:59.560 Humiliated them for the whole church. 00:06:59.779 --> 00:07:03.120 This letter was read to the whole church by the leaders. 00:07:04.219 --> 00:07:05.399 I want you to look in verse 2. 00:07:05.399 --> 00:07:12.759 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 00:07:12.899 --> 00:07:13.719 They're divided. 00:07:14.159 --> 00:07:15.259 They're disagreeing. 00:07:15.679 --> 00:07:18.979 And because they're leaders, as we'll see, look at verse 3. 00:07:19.319 --> 00:07:21.359 Yes, I also ask you, true companion. 00:07:21.659 --> 00:07:23.060 Paul didn't call this person by name. 00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:24.779 One of the leaders of the church, he says, 00:07:25.159 --> 00:07:30.019 help these women who have labored side by side with me in the gospel. 00:07:30.779 --> 00:07:35.099 They've been involved with Paul in evangelistic-type ministry. 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:39.519 But Paul cares so much for the unity of the church, the harmony of the church, 00:07:39.819 --> 00:07:42.839 that he embarrasses them by calling them out. 00:07:44.159 --> 00:07:45.479 Agree in the Lord. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:48.099 He even tells somebody else to get involved. 00:07:49.579 --> 00:07:52.719 That's how serious we ought to take church unity. 00:07:53.479 --> 00:07:55.699 Now, I want you to note one more thing before we move on. 00:07:55.699 --> 00:08:02.019 Paul made it a habit of calling out troublemakers who cause division in the church 00:08:02.019 --> 00:08:04.639 and telling the church to do something about it. 00:08:04.699 --> 00:08:05.120 Look at it. 00:08:05.399 --> 00:08:07.179 It's in Romans chapter 16. 00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:09.819 I appeal to you, brothers, 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:17.480 to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught. 00:08:18.740 --> 00:08:19.879 Avoid them. 00:08:20.540 --> 00:08:22.199 Your church family members. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:30.860 It's so serious that you watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you've been taught. 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:32.659 Avoid them. 00:08:33.659 --> 00:08:39.299 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. 00:08:39.299 --> 00:08:41.079 People who cause trouble in the church. 00:08:41.079 --> 00:08:43.740 People who cause trouble in the church sow seeds of discord. 00:08:44.019 --> 00:08:45.399 They don't care about the church. 00:08:45.559 --> 00:08:46.899 They don't care about God. 00:08:47.039 --> 00:08:48.079 They don't care about the Lord. 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:50.779 They care about themselves, their way, and their will. 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:53.600 And Paul says, not on my watch. 00:08:53.600 --> 00:09:02.320 And I want you to note, Paul is writing what you see on the screen there to the whole church. 00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:11.980 If there ever comes a time when there's somebody stirring up controversy and they're around you, tell them, uh-uh. 00:09:11.980 --> 00:09:15.980 Now, that's not going to happen in this church. 00:09:16.940 --> 00:09:18.100 I don't want to listen. 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:19.639 You need to close your mouth. 00:09:21.420 --> 00:09:28.000 We, as a church family, always work for, maintain the unity of the church, 00:09:28.460 --> 00:09:33.000 and take issue with anybody who would be disruptive. 00:09:33.680 --> 00:09:34.720 That's the Word of God. 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:39.240 Now, he goes on in verse 4. 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:42.480 Number four, stand firm in the joy of the Lord. 00:09:42.899 --> 00:09:45.899 Joy is probably the overall theme of the book. 00:09:46.039 --> 00:09:46.960 Unity is second. 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:51.200 Now, we've looked at this on several occasions and looked at it in detail last week. 00:09:51.659 --> 00:09:52.659 I want us to move on. 00:09:53.860 --> 00:09:55.060 Number three, this is new. 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:58.440 Stand firm in prayer and don't worry. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:06.220 Now, I will point out that we looked at this passage the second week of our COVID closure last year. 00:10:06.220 --> 00:10:08.220 It was on March the 29th. 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:16.220 And because you have such a great memory, we're not going to go into great detail because you can recall everything we looked at that day. 00:10:17.299 --> 00:10:25.039 But sometimes I do get anxious and worry a little bit. 00:10:26.639 --> 00:10:27.879 And I bet you do too. 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:30.679 Jesus knew we did. 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:33.240 He talked about it in Matthew 6, told us not to worry. 00:10:33.960 --> 00:10:38.179 Paul's doing it here, so we can't just skip over this, even though we looked at it a year ago. 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:42.080 So let's look at a little bit of what he's talking about. 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:46.419 Number one, we are commanded to not worry about anything. 00:10:46.879 --> 00:10:48.679 He says, do not be anxious about anything. 00:10:48.759 --> 00:10:49.740 You think, that's crazy. 00:10:49.740 --> 00:10:55.680 Who in the world could not be anxious about anything? 00:10:56.159 --> 00:11:01.700 Well, he's saying that you and me as Christians, we shouldn't be anxious. 00:11:01.799 --> 00:11:02.720 We shouldn't worry about anything. 00:11:03.180 --> 00:11:05.180 But that does not mean we shouldn't be concerned. 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:09.600 The command, do not be anxious, does not mean do not be concerned. 00:11:09.600 --> 00:11:20.639 God never calls us as his people to suppress our emotions and develop a don't care attitude toward life. 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:24.779 You know, there's a few people around, maybe you live with them. 00:11:26.139 --> 00:11:34.500 There's a few people that they're just hard hearted and cold hearted and they just don't care about much of anything. 00:11:36.500 --> 00:11:38.620 That's, they don't worry because they don't care. 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:42.820 You got to care about people to be even tempted to worry. 00:11:43.820 --> 00:11:45.000 That's not what we need to do. 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:46.879 We're emotional people. 00:11:46.980 --> 00:11:47.980 We're relational people. 00:11:48.220 --> 00:11:49.100 We care about people. 00:11:49.180 --> 00:11:51.500 And so we are concerned about what's going on in people's lives. 00:11:51.500 --> 00:12:01.340 In fact, there's a lot of things that we ought to be very much concerned about that happens around us and to us. 00:12:02.360 --> 00:12:08.840 But what Paul is saying here, let your concern lead to prayer instead of worry. 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:10.560 And that's the next thing we see in the verse. 00:12:10.860 --> 00:12:13.840 We're instructed to take all our concerns to God in prayer. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:15.860 Look at the last part of verse 6. 00:12:16.060 --> 00:12:22.639 But in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 00:12:22.639 --> 00:12:34.639 Martin Luther, the German reformer, he shows us how being rightly concerned about something should lead us to pray instead of worry. 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:40.480 In his explanation of how he responded to the black death plague in his day. 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:53.240 We read this, looked at this, most of it, back last March the 29th as we were just getting into the coronavirus pandemic. 00:12:54.340 --> 00:12:55.220 It was good then. 00:12:55.320 --> 00:12:55.899 It's good now. 00:12:55.980 --> 00:13:03.440 It's good at any point as a reminder how to deal with things we're concerned about instead of worrying. 00:13:03.720 --> 00:13:04.700 I want you to look at what he says. 00:13:04.700 --> 00:13:10.820 He was asked, what do we do as we deal with this plague? 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:17.340 He says, I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. 00:13:17.540 --> 00:13:19.980 First thing he says is to pray. 00:13:20.280 --> 00:13:24.220 I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. 00:13:24.420 --> 00:13:25.340 But he doesn't stop. 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:31.520 Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:45.720 I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as result of my negligence. 00:13:46.600 --> 00:13:47.139 Now look at this. 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:56.019 If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:14:00.340 And so I'm not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. 00:14:00.340 --> 00:14:08.280 If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person, but will go freely. 00:14:09.560 --> 00:14:19.340 See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God. 00:14:19.340 --> 00:14:30.560 I think that's the greatest statement I've ever read on how to deal with things of a serious nature and not worry. 00:14:31.560 --> 00:14:33.460 His first response was to pray. 00:14:34.280 --> 00:14:35.580 Pray for God's protection. 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:39.340 Sometimes all we can do is pray, isn't it? 00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:41.379 And then wait. 00:14:42.580 --> 00:14:44.660 Some of you have been there with yourself. 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.920 Some of you have been there with a family member. 00:14:46.420 --> 00:14:47.940 There's something going on in your body. 00:14:48.060 --> 00:14:49.060 You don't know what it is. 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:49.940 The doctor doesn't know what it is. 00:14:50.180 --> 00:14:52.000 So you go through a bunch of tests. 00:14:53.379 --> 00:14:56.920 It seems you have to wait forever to have the test and then get the results back. 00:14:57.940 --> 00:14:59.160 Well, you pray. 00:14:59.560 --> 00:15:01.500 Lord, please don't let it be cancer. 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:06.860 But then what do you do till the results come back? 00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:12.320 Worry yourself sick, have stomach problems, ulcers, headaches. 00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:15.500 You pray and just wait, trusting God. 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:18.139 That's all we can do. 00:15:19.299 --> 00:15:20.820 That's what Luther's talking about. 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:23.019 First thing you do is you pray. 00:15:23.200 --> 00:15:25.820 And in some situations, that is all you can do. 00:15:26.820 --> 00:15:30.059 But not in every case. 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:35.019 Sometimes we need to pray and act responsibly. 00:15:35.320 --> 00:15:36.759 When there's something that needs to be done. 00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:37.860 Something that we need to do. 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:40.200 That's what Luther did. 00:15:41.659 --> 00:15:44.299 That's what most of us did during the pandemic, didn't we? 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:50.000 Most of us in this room, when it first came about, it changed our lives. 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:53.379 It changed when we went to the store, how we went to the store. 00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:56.879 It changed, you know, wearing masks, not going different places. 00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:03.500 Because I'm assuming that just about everybody in this room, when the thing started, we prayed. 00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:05.580 But we also acted. 00:16:06.159 --> 00:16:07.639 We did what we could do. 00:16:10.600 --> 00:16:17.799 But I hope that you didn't get all stressed out and worry. 00:16:17.799 --> 00:16:22.839 It didn't do you any good if you did, did it? 00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:26.379 You know, worry is never a good option for many reasons. 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:27.519 We can think of a lot of them. 00:16:27.639 --> 00:16:31.019 But number one, worry, all it does is just stress us out. 00:16:33.539 --> 00:16:36.519 It gives us those headaches and ulcers and things like that. 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.779 Worry never changes anything. 00:16:39.379 --> 00:16:40.439 Except for the worst. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:43.839 But here's the worst thing about worrying. 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:50.540 When we worry, it's like saying to God, I can't trust you. 00:16:52.540 --> 00:16:54.180 I can't leave it in your hands. 00:16:55.340 --> 00:17:01.940 I can't rest in knowing that you're a sovereign God and you're going to do according to your will. 00:17:02.060 --> 00:17:04.000 And your will ultimately is always good. 00:17:05.840 --> 00:17:07.240 That's what worry is saying to God. 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:08.079 I can't trust you. 00:17:09.360 --> 00:17:11.860 I don't trust that you're going to do the right thing. 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:15.859 Worry is a serious problem. 00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:16.980 Jesus addressed it. 00:17:16.980 --> 00:17:17.579 It is sin. 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:19.839 It is a failure to trust God. 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:23.399 And so all the worriers in this room, 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:31.539 some of you think that is a gift. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:35.059 My mother was a committed Christian. 00:17:36.199 --> 00:17:37.639 I love my mother to death. 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:42.220 But she thought it was a virtue because there were many times in my life when something was going on, 00:17:42.220 --> 00:17:43.900 when I saw her letter, she said, 00:17:44.140 --> 00:17:45.180 I was worried about you. 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:51.360 That's not a virtue. 00:17:53.360 --> 00:17:54.500 Be concerned. 00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:56.779 Pray. 00:17:58.120 --> 00:18:00.120 For something you can do, do it. 00:18:01.940 --> 00:18:04.140 But Paul is telling us, Jesus told us, 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:05.279 don't be anxious. 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:08.059 Don't be anxious about anything, Paul says. 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:14.399 Now, the next time you face a difficult or uncertain situation, 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:17.159 or you may be in it right now, 00:18:18.440 --> 00:18:21.819 I want you to think. 00:18:22.819 --> 00:18:26.399 I am confident that God is the sovereign God of this world. 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:30.200 He is truly in control. 00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:33.279 So I am going to talk to him about it. 00:18:34.380 --> 00:18:36.440 I am going to ask him to help me or that person. 00:18:37.080 --> 00:18:39.059 I am going to ask him to help me not worry. 00:18:40.120 --> 00:18:41.080 I am going to pray. 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:44.140 I am going to trust God with the situation. 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:48.860 Now, if there are things that you can and should do, do it. 00:18:49.140 --> 00:18:53.160 Don't sit back and just pray and shirk your responsibility. 00:18:54.140 --> 00:18:56.480 Some things we need to do, like Luther shows us. 00:18:56.480 --> 00:19:00.299 But what Paul wants us to see here is, 00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:05.019 don't fail to trust God and just worry about anything. 00:19:07.140 --> 00:19:13.220 Refuse to get all stressed out and just do nothing but worry. 00:19:14.299 --> 00:19:14.620 Pray. 00:19:15.120 --> 00:19:15.819 Trust God. 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:18.420 And do what you need to do. 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:22.019 Number four, stand firm in the way you think. 00:19:23.180 --> 00:19:24.599 Let's read this one first. 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:29.659 He says, finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 00:19:29.859 --> 00:19:32.719 whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 00:19:33.199 --> 00:19:36.500 whatever is commendable, if there is anything excellent, 00:19:36.879 --> 00:19:40.980 if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:46.139 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, 00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:50.959 practice these things and the God of peace will be with you. 00:19:51.079 --> 00:19:52.719 That last verse tonight is not up there 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:54.339 because we're not going to really deal with it. 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:57.779 But Paul modeled what he's talking about. 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:01.680 Paul is telling us here in verse 8 that you see on the screen, 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.259 learn to think like a Christian. 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:07.660 Learn to think biblically. 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:11.380 I preached a message on this verse last summer 00:20:11.380 --> 00:20:18.800 and then did a series of sermons that called us to think biblically about such issues as race, 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:23.100 governmental authority, socialism, and so forth. 00:20:24.100 --> 00:20:28.280 Right now, I want us to just look at a couple of things in verse 8 00:20:28.280 --> 00:20:32.820 because it's vitally important how we think every day. 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:33.280 Look at this. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:36.619 Last part of the verse. 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:40.399 He says, think about these things. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.680 Those two words there. 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:43.619 Think about. 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:46.399 It means more than having just a passing thought. 00:20:47.379 --> 00:20:49.700 It means more than just sort of giving it, you know, 00:20:50.379 --> 00:20:53.480 sort of a go through in your mind, what's through in your mind. 00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:58.240 The verb think about is actually one word in the Greek. 00:20:58.240 --> 00:21:02.819 It means to ponder, to give proper weight and value to, 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:07.900 to allow the resultant appraisal to influence the way life is to be lived. 00:21:09.059 --> 00:21:10.519 We need to learn to think, what he's talking about here, 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:16.620 we need to learn to think deeply about these kind of qualities that he's talking about here. 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:22.279 And the reason we need to learn to think deeply about such character qualities 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:28.579 is because what we think is going to come out in what we say and in what we do. 00:21:31.660 --> 00:21:34.079 If we're serious about living a faithful Christian life, 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:38.480 then we need to get serious about faithful Christian thinking. 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:46.799 Now, in today's world, a lot of people just don't think. 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:47.859 And you know that. 00:21:49.079 --> 00:21:50.460 I mean, we live in a different world today. 00:21:50.460 --> 00:21:52.000 People don't read. 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:56.220 People don't think deeply about important issues. 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:59.019 Not just Christians I'm talking about, but just in general. 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:06.960 Our addiction to technology and before modern things TV 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:10.019 has caused us to have a short attention span. 00:22:11.120 --> 00:22:14.519 I mean, I'm not making any kind of revelation to everybody in this room. 00:22:15.740 --> 00:22:18.640 Unless you never read and keep your eyes and ears open, 00:22:18.640 --> 00:22:21.000 but everybody in this room, you know that's the problem in America today. 00:22:21.060 --> 00:22:24.740 One of our problems, we don't think, we don't think seriously about anything. 00:22:25.420 --> 00:22:27.300 We have such a short attention span. 00:22:29.300 --> 00:22:31.400 And if you have such a short attention span, 00:22:32.180 --> 00:22:33.720 you can't think deeply. 00:22:35.580 --> 00:22:38.020 As Paul's talking about here, you can't think long enough. 00:22:38.100 --> 00:22:39.420 You can't stay on task. 00:22:39.420 --> 00:22:46.820 Now, what little thinking we do is usually about two things. 00:22:48.080 --> 00:22:50.480 First, we think about ourselves. 00:22:51.340 --> 00:22:51.940 Don't we? 00:22:53.100 --> 00:22:54.560 Think about me, my, mine. 00:22:56.320 --> 00:22:58.279 You may include your family in that. 00:22:59.380 --> 00:23:03.600 But normally, we think about our wants, our desires, our feelings, 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:07.039 you know, pleasing ourselves, satisfying ourselves, and all this kind of stuff. 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:09.180 We just like to think about me. 00:23:10.879 --> 00:23:17.119 And then, too, we think about a lot of things that just really doesn't matter. 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:24.079 Things that we, that got our short attention while we were on our iPhone, 00:23:24.399 --> 00:23:28.279 or iPad, or computer, or TV, or some other device. 00:23:28.680 --> 00:23:31.240 As we were scrolling through something, something got our attention. 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:34.740 So we think about that for a few minutes, and the next, and the next, and the next. 00:23:34.740 --> 00:23:39.640 Most children in this room, I'm talking about students. 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:48.500 And many adults are addicted to some kind of device. 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:50.519 And I can prove my point. 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:53.740 You can't go five minutes without looking at it. 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:58.400 Some of you look at it multiple times during this service. 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:59.559 You already have. 00:23:59.620 --> 00:24:01.160 You will continue no matter what I say. 00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:08.880 You know, there's a lot of people that can't pull up to a traffic light when it's red, 00:24:09.080 --> 00:24:11.820 and just sit there for the 15 seconds. 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:13.160 They've got to look at their device. 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.940 I want to tell you something. 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:21.880 If I pull up behind you at a traffic light, and it's red, 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:26.340 and the thing turns green, everybody in front of you goes, 00:24:26.400 --> 00:24:28.960 and you're sitting there, and I can see behind you. 00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:29.680 You're doing this. 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:33.740 I'm going to lay down on the horn on you, just like I did Friday with some moron. 00:24:33.860 --> 00:24:36.279 Just sat there after everybody else had left. 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:40.359 And when I laid down on the horn, he took off. 00:24:40.399 --> 00:24:41.259 He was embarrassed. 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:45.579 Now, if that's you, and I can see it's you, 00:24:45.899 --> 00:24:49.319 I'm going to fly around you and point at you and laugh at you. 00:24:50.960 --> 00:24:51.740 I will. 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:54.039 If I can. 00:24:56.059 --> 00:25:00.379 Now, Greenville County Sheriff's Deputy, 00:25:00.500 --> 00:25:03.200 you do not hear that about me going to do something like that. 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:09.779 School-age students in this room, 00:25:11.600 --> 00:25:13.360 you were out of school last week. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:19.460 Some of you spent eight to ten hours a day on your device. 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:22.940 And you know what it accomplished? 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:25.960 Nothing good. 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:28.740 Nothing productive. 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:32.860 What it did do was make you more irritable. 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:39.640 Isolated, antisocial, lazy, out of shape, and stupid. 00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:43.220 And so you parents right now, 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:46.860 you're more concerned about the fact that I said your child was stupid 00:25:46.860 --> 00:25:50.380 than you are the fact that they spent eight to ten hours on that device 00:25:50.380 --> 00:25:52.019 that you bought and paid for. 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:58.839 And if they're spending eight to ten hours a day doing mindless things, 00:25:58.940 --> 00:26:04.519 making themselves lazy and more irritable and antisocial, 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.759 and you allow it, 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:10.000 who's really the stupid one? 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:13.160 Argue if you want to, 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:16.680 but you don't have anything to stand on 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:19.180 to argue against this. 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:22.240 That's America. 00:26:23.279 --> 00:26:24.000 2021. 00:26:26.140 --> 00:26:27.740 Teachers can't teach 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:32.300 because students can't hold a thought 00:26:32.300 --> 00:26:35.380 for 30 seconds. 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:38.820 And we wonder why, 00:26:39.320 --> 00:26:40.700 among other reasons, 00:26:41.760 --> 00:26:44.620 there's a shortage of people working in this country, 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:45.980 in this county. 00:26:47.540 --> 00:26:49.100 Employers can't find employees. 00:26:49.900 --> 00:26:50.920 There's a lot of reasons. 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:53.759 But what I'm trying to point out here, 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:57.840 we have lost the ability to think in this country, 00:26:58.720 --> 00:27:00.700 but that includes Christians. 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.940 And that's a shame. 00:27:04.080 --> 00:27:05.240 God has given us a mind 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:06.480 that He wants us to use and develop 00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:07.700 the right kind of way. 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:08.840 And what Paul's trying to do 00:27:08.840 --> 00:27:09.700 is help us to understand 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:11.500 the kind of things we need to think about 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:12.740 and dwell on. 00:27:13.320 --> 00:27:14.800 Because what we think and dwell on 00:27:14.800 --> 00:27:15.400 is what we're going to, 00:27:15.600 --> 00:27:16.840 is going to come out in the way we talk 00:27:16.840 --> 00:27:17.720 and the way we live. 00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:22.860 I want to encourage everyone in this room, 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:25.480 look at those qualities one more time. 00:27:26.940 --> 00:27:29.200 Whatever's true, honorable, just, pure, 00:27:29.400 --> 00:27:31.940 lovely, commendable, excellent, 00:27:32.360 --> 00:27:33.279 worthy of praise. 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:37.720 I want to encourage you to look 00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:40.980 as you read the Bible, 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:45.400 examples or teachings about those qualities, 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:48.500 and think about it. 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:51.460 Ask God to help you 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:55.720 to be like that person who speaks truth, 00:27:56.279 --> 00:28:00.240 who is truly just, fair, 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:03.099 who lives a commendable life. 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:06.140 Look around for those kind of things 00:28:06.140 --> 00:28:08.660 in people and situations around you today, 00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:09.880 wherever you find them. 00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:15.400 Avoid the people and situations 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:17.780 that are the opposite 00:28:17.780 --> 00:28:18.880 of what you see on the screen. 00:28:20.360 --> 00:28:21.960 Guard your mind and your heart 00:28:21.960 --> 00:28:24.019 against people who are going to 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:25.940 lead you to be untruthful, 00:28:26.800 --> 00:28:29.880 dishonorable, unfair, impure, 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:31.519 and these kind of things. 00:28:33.120 --> 00:28:34.820 And the reason we need to guard our minds 00:28:34.820 --> 00:28:35.440 and our hearts 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:37.560 is because what comes in 00:28:37.560 --> 00:28:38.680 is going to come out. 00:28:38.680 --> 00:28:41.340 And you and me, 00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:42.840 all of us, 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:45.039 what we think 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:46.159 and how we think 00:28:46.159 --> 00:28:48.000 matters, 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.839 matters much 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:52.079 because sooner or later, 00:28:52.799 --> 00:28:53.819 it comes out. 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:55.259 Sooner or later, 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:57.679 that's who we are. 00:28:59.519 --> 00:29:01.419 I'm going to finish up chapter four 00:29:01.419 --> 00:29:02.699 on Wednesday nights, 00:29:02.959 --> 00:29:04.899 beginning a week from this coming Wednesday. 00:29:05.179 --> 00:29:06.619 That'll be June the 16th. 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:08.279 There's too much here. 00:29:09.059 --> 00:29:10.519 I've only got five more Sundays. 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.720 There's some other things 00:29:11.720 --> 00:29:13.680 I want us to look at before then. 00:29:13.759 --> 00:29:14.400 So I'm going to finish up 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:15.839 chapter four of Philippians, 00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:17.539 beginning a week from Wednesday. 00:29:17.700 --> 00:29:18.180 This Wednesday, 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:19.660 we're having a deconordination service. 00:29:20.339 --> 00:29:21.200 So I hope you'll come 00:29:21.200 --> 00:29:21.839 and be a part of that 00:29:21.839 --> 00:29:23.259 in the fellowship hall at 630. 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:25.180 But I want to finish up 00:29:25.180 --> 00:29:27.119 this chapter 00:29:27.119 --> 00:29:28.720 the way that Paul finishes. 00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:30.519 The final statement 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:32.139 of the body of the letter 00:29:32.139 --> 00:29:33.000 is verse 20. 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:34.759 Stand firm 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:36.200 in giving glory to God. 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:38.180 He writes, 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:40.019 to our God and Father 00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:42.700 be glory forever and ever. 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:43.240 Amen. 00:29:43.660 --> 00:29:45.319 Paul didn't just tack that on 00:29:45.319 --> 00:29:46.519 because he liked to say that. 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:50.360 The most important thing 00:29:50.360 --> 00:29:51.299 in all of life 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:53.319 is that God be glorified. 00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:56.319 Paul said 00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:58.019 to the Corinthians, 00:29:58.620 --> 00:29:59.600 whatever you do, 00:29:59.660 --> 00:30:00.259 whether you eat or drink, 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:01.000 whatever you do, 00:30:01.580 --> 00:30:02.880 do it all to the glory of God. 00:30:02.880 --> 00:30:04.940 That should be the motivating 00:30:04.940 --> 00:30:06.380 bottom line 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:07.580 of everything that we do 00:30:07.580 --> 00:30:09.220 to bring glory to God. 00:30:10.340 --> 00:30:11.760 I want you to look 00:30:11.760 --> 00:30:12.640 at something with me 00:30:12.640 --> 00:30:14.700 that D.A. Carson says 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:17.000 that will help us understand 00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:19.960 why Paul would end this way 00:30:19.960 --> 00:30:21.920 and also help us understand 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:23.100 what it means and doesn't mean. 00:30:23.260 --> 00:30:23.900 Let's look at it. 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:25.660 He says, 00:30:25.780 --> 00:30:27.500 this is not simply a formula 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:28.920 that Paul constrained 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:31.040 to drop into his text 00:30:31.040 --> 00:30:31.940 once in a while. 00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:33.640 without giving the words 00:30:33.640 --> 00:30:34.440 much thought. 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:34.940 Rather, 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:36.880 the apostle wants to remind 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.680 his readers that 00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:40.380 all of Christian discipleship, 00:30:40.900 --> 00:30:42.000 all of Christian virtue, 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:44.000 all of Christian resolution, 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.660 all of Christian perseverance 00:30:45.660 --> 00:30:47.120 must be offered 00:30:47.120 --> 00:30:48.840 to the glory of God. 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:50.740 Look at the next paragraph. 00:30:51.740 --> 00:30:53.080 It is a sad fact 00:30:53.080 --> 00:30:54.500 that some Christians 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:55.860 will hear the injunctions 00:30:55.860 --> 00:30:56.840 of this chapter, 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:59.320 resolved to pursue 00:30:59.320 --> 00:31:01.000 like-mindedness 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:02.059 with other true believers. 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:03.700 Resolve always 00:31:03.700 --> 00:31:05.240 to rejoice in the Lord. 00:31:05.839 --> 00:31:06.799 Resolve to be known 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:07.900 for selflessness. 00:31:08.839 --> 00:31:10.220 Resolve not to be anxious 00:31:10.220 --> 00:31:10.859 for anything 00:31:10.859 --> 00:31:12.680 but learn instead to pray. 00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:15.220 Resolve to think holy thoughts. 00:31:15.859 --> 00:31:16.640 Resolve to learn 00:31:16.640 --> 00:31:18.220 the secret of contentment. 00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:19.539 Resolve to grow 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:20.220 in the grace 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:21.259 of Christian gratitude 00:31:21.259 --> 00:31:22.640 and courtesy. 00:31:22.640 --> 00:31:24.640 and they will treasure 00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:25.500 these virtues 00:31:25.500 --> 00:31:27.380 as little gods 00:31:27.380 --> 00:31:29.240 to be coveted. 00:31:31.240 --> 00:31:32.840 Are you proud 00:31:32.840 --> 00:31:36.080 of your contentment? 00:31:38.800 --> 00:31:41.759 Of your going all out 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:43.620 to make sure our church 00:31:43.620 --> 00:31:44.320 is united 00:31:44.320 --> 00:31:45.660 and loving as a family? 00:31:45.660 --> 00:31:47.980 Those things 00:31:47.980 --> 00:31:48.560 are important 00:31:48.560 --> 00:31:50.580 but we don't 00:31:50.580 --> 00:31:51.279 worship 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:52.600 the virtues 00:31:52.600 --> 00:31:54.580 and we certainly 00:31:54.580 --> 00:31:55.660 can't take pride 00:31:55.660 --> 00:31:56.440 and pat ourselves 00:31:56.440 --> 00:31:57.259 on the back 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:59.259 as we grow 00:31:59.259 --> 00:31:59.779 in them. 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:01.680 Look at what 00:32:01.680 --> 00:32:02.400 he says. 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:04.100 These goals 00:32:04.100 --> 00:32:04.840 are simply 00:32:04.840 --> 00:32:05.820 not worthy 00:32:05.820 --> 00:32:06.860 of that much 00:32:06.860 --> 00:32:07.380 energy 00:32:07.380 --> 00:32:08.259 and commitment 00:32:08.259 --> 00:32:09.080 if 00:32:09.080 --> 00:32:11.460 they are regarded 00:32:11.460 --> 00:32:12.800 as ends 00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:14.440 in themselves. 00:32:15.519 --> 00:32:16.539 But if they are 00:32:16.539 --> 00:32:17.059 cheerfully 00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:18.039 and lovingly 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:19.299 offered up to God 00:32:19.299 --> 00:32:20.720 that makes 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.940 all the difference. 00:32:22.899 --> 00:32:24.000 We resolve 00:32:24.000 --> 00:32:24.899 to pursue 00:32:24.899 --> 00:32:25.799 these virtues 00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:27.159 not only because 00:32:27.159 --> 00:32:28.039 they are good 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:29.039 but because 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:30.539 God demands them 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:31.799 and gives us 00:32:31.799 --> 00:32:32.299 the grace 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:33.419 to live them out 00:32:33.419 --> 00:32:35.279 and the result 00:32:35.279 --> 00:32:36.899 is that 00:32:36.899 --> 00:32:37.940 he receives 00:32:37.940 --> 00:32:38.680 glory. 00:32:41.180 --> 00:32:42.259 Final thought. 00:32:42.799 --> 00:32:45.500 we're 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:47.319 by being here 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:49.599 even if you're 00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:50.119 not a member 00:32:50.119 --> 00:32:51.220 by coming to this 00:32:51.220 --> 00:32:51.859 church this morning 00:32:51.859 --> 00:32:52.559 when you walk out 00:32:52.559 --> 00:32:52.759 the door 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:53.639 people see you 00:32:53.639 --> 00:32:55.279 they get the idea 00:32:55.279 --> 00:32:56.379 at least you're 00:32:56.379 --> 00:32:58.759 friendly toward God 00:32:58.759 --> 00:32:59.940 interested in God. 00:33:00.759 --> 00:33:01.119 But if you're 00:33:01.119 --> 00:33:02.019 a member of this church 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.899 you're giving people 00:33:02.899 --> 00:33:03.460 the impression 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:03.980 that you are 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.839 a true believer. 00:33:07.180 --> 00:33:08.240 So think of this 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:10.440 as we 00:33:10.440 --> 00:33:11.259 are just out 00:33:11.259 --> 00:33:11.720 and about 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:15.700 seeking to live 00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:16.200 a faithful 00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:17.039 Christian life 00:33:17.039 --> 00:33:20.000 as people 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:21.120 observe you 00:33:21.120 --> 00:33:23.740 demonstrating 00:33:23.740 --> 00:33:25.140 real Christian 00:33:25.140 --> 00:33:25.680 character 00:33:25.680 --> 00:33:27.319 showing love 00:33:27.319 --> 00:33:28.140 and compassion 00:33:28.140 --> 00:33:30.339 standing for 00:33:30.339 --> 00:33:31.220 the right things 00:33:31.220 --> 00:33:33.339 as people see you 00:33:33.339 --> 00:33:34.920 being a faithful 00:33:34.920 --> 00:33:35.339 Christian 00:33:35.339 --> 00:33:37.339 Christian. 00:33:37.339 --> 00:33:38.339 Do you want 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:38.779 them to look 00:33:38.779 --> 00:33:39.079 at you 00:33:39.079 --> 00:33:39.619 and think 00:33:39.619 --> 00:33:43.019 he's a great 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:43.379 guy 00:33:43.379 --> 00:33:45.899 she's a real 00:33:45.899 --> 00:33:46.980 woman of God 00:33:46.980 --> 00:33:48.759 or 00:33:48.759 --> 00:33:51.459 do you want 00:33:51.459 --> 00:33:52.079 people to look 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:52.559 at you 00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:53.319 and think 00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:55.279 what a great 00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:55.859 God 00:33:55.859 --> 00:33:57.839 that could 00:33:57.839 --> 00:33:58.519 work in him 00:33:58.519 --> 00:33:59.019 or her 00:33:59.019 --> 00:34:00.619 in that kind 00:34:00.619 --> 00:34:01.039 of way. 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:03.059 our goal 00:34:03.059 --> 00:34:03.399 and everything 00:34:03.399 --> 00:34:04.039 that we do 00:34:04.039 --> 00:34:04.759 in this church 00:34:04.759 --> 00:34:05.579 through this church 00:34:05.579 --> 00:34:06.579 as faithful 00:34:06.579 --> 00:34:07.019 Christians 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:08.940 is not to 00:34:08.940 --> 00:34:09.960 just do it 00:34:09.960 --> 00:34:11.239 for what we 00:34:11.239 --> 00:34:11.759 get out of it 00:34:11.759 --> 00:34:12.079 ourselves 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:12.779 or what somebody 00:34:12.779 --> 00:34:13.300 else gets out 00:34:13.300 --> 00:34:13.619 of it 00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:14.900 but the ultimate 00:34:14.900 --> 00:34:15.400 goal 00:34:15.400 --> 00:34:18.259 is to bring 00:34:18.259 --> 00:34:18.840 a smile 00:34:18.840 --> 00:34:19.300 to the face 00:34:19.300 --> 00:34:19.719 of God 00:34:19.719 --> 00:34:21.659 to please 00:34:21.659 --> 00:34:22.199 him 00:34:22.199 --> 00:34:25.179 and to make 00:34:25.179 --> 00:34:26.039 sure he gets 00:34:26.039 --> 00:34:26.679 the honor 00:34:26.679 --> 00:34:28.960 and the glory. 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:30.800 let's pray. 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.079 Dear God 00:34:32.079 --> 00:34:34.780 help us to 00:34:34.780 --> 00:34:35.340 think right 00:34:35.340 --> 00:34:35.659 now 00:34:35.659 --> 00:34:39.059 if we are 00:34:39.059 --> 00:34:41.340 standing firm 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:43.340 as committed 00:34:43.340 --> 00:34:43.980 Christians 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:45.099 in these 00:34:45.099 --> 00:34:45.760 and other 00:34:45.760 --> 00:34:46.400 ways 00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:49.900 show us 00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:50.240 Father how 00:34:50.240 --> 00:34:50.579 we should 00:34:50.579 --> 00:34:51.179 respond. 00:34:53.559 --> 00:34:54.559 Father I pray 00:34:54.559 --> 00:34:55.139 for that person 00:34:55.139 --> 00:34:55.639 in this room 00:34:55.639 --> 00:34:55.940 who 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:59.220 struggles 00:34:59.220 --> 00:35:00.260 with anxiety 00:35:00.260 --> 00:35:03.960 they worry 00:35:03.960 --> 00:35:04.579 instead of 00:35:04.579 --> 00:35:04.920 pray. 00:35:06.800 --> 00:35:07.639 Help them 00:35:07.639 --> 00:35:08.159 Father right 00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:08.440 now 00:35:08.440 --> 00:35:11.220 to confess 00:35:11.220 --> 00:35:11.960 the sin 00:35:11.960 --> 00:35:12.500 of worry 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:13.639 and to seek 00:35:13.639 --> 00:35:14.360 your help 00:35:14.360 --> 00:35:16.099 to let their 00:35:16.099 --> 00:35:16.900 concern lead 00:35:16.900 --> 00:35:17.659 them to pray 00:35:17.659 --> 00:35:19.920 and where 00:35:19.920 --> 00:35:20.539 needed to 00:35:20.539 --> 00:35:20.980 act. 00:35:20.980 --> 00:35:25.179 Lord we all 00:35:25.179 --> 00:35:25.519 can get 00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:25.980 caught up 00:35:25.980 --> 00:35:26.299 in the 00:35:26.299 --> 00:35:26.899 shallowness 00:35:26.899 --> 00:35:27.259 of this 00:35:27.259 --> 00:35:27.619 world 00:35:27.619 --> 00:35:28.079 today 00:35:28.079 --> 00:35:29.779 and fail 00:35:29.779 --> 00:35:30.259 to think 00:35:30.259 --> 00:35:30.879 about anything 00:35:30.879 --> 00:35:31.719 seriously 00:35:31.719 --> 00:35:32.899 or anything 00:35:32.899 --> 00:35:33.739 that matters 00:35:33.739 --> 00:35:34.559 for that part. 00:35:35.599 --> 00:35:36.279 Convict us 00:35:36.279 --> 00:35:36.699 dear God 00:35:36.699 --> 00:35:37.000 of our 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:37.719 shallowness 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:38.259 our 00:35:38.259 --> 00:35:39.379 superficiality 00:35:39.379 --> 00:35:41.500 our getting 00:35:41.500 --> 00:35:41.919 caught up 00:35:41.919 --> 00:35:42.359 in things 00:35:42.359 --> 00:35:42.679 that really 00:35:42.679 --> 00:35:43.019 do not 00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:43.379 matter. 00:35:45.500 --> 00:35:46.159 Convict us 00:35:46.159 --> 00:35:46.659 dear God 00:35:46.659 --> 00:35:48.879 to learn 00:35:48.879 --> 00:35:49.819 to think 00:35:49.820 --> 00:35:53.480 to think 00:35:53.480 --> 00:35:53.900 about the 00:35:53.900 --> 00:35:54.380 right kind 00:35:54.380 --> 00:35:54.760 of things 00:35:54.760 --> 00:35:55.180 as you've 00:35:55.180 --> 00:35:55.620 listed here 00:35:55.620 --> 00:35:55.840 in your 00:35:55.840 --> 00:35:56.180 word. 00:35:59.820 --> 00:36:00.440 Help us 00:36:00.440 --> 00:36:00.900 dear God 00:36:00.900 --> 00:36:01.820 to think 00:36:01.820 --> 00:36:04.280 the right 00:36:04.280 --> 00:36:04.620 way 00:36:04.620 --> 00:36:06.820 so that 00:36:06.820 --> 00:36:07.480 we'll speak 00:36:07.480 --> 00:36:08.220 and act 00:36:08.220 --> 00:36:09.100 the right 00:36:09.100 --> 00:36:09.420 way 00:36:09.420 --> 00:36:10.580 for your 00:36:10.580 --> 00:36:11.019 glory 00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:12.080 first and 00:36:12.080 --> 00:36:12.480 foremost 00:36:12.480 --> 00:36:13.880 but for 00:36:13.880 --> 00:36:14.500 other people's 00:36:14.500 --> 00:36:14.840 good 00:36:14.840 --> 00:36:16.680 and even 00:36:16.680 --> 00:36:17.480 our own. 00:36:17.480 --> 00:36:20.320 let's just 00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:20.840 all listen 00:36:20.840 --> 00:36:21.059 to the 00:36:21.059 --> 00:36:21.420 Lord in 00:36:21.420 --> 00:36:21.719 prayer 00:36:21.719 --> 00:36:22.039 and 00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:23.179 respond 00:36:23.179 --> 00:36:23.559 to him 00:36:23.559 --> 00:36:24.500 as he 00:36:24.500 --> 00:36:24.960 speaks to 00:36:24.960 --> 00:36:25.179 us.