WEBVTT 00:00:00.760 --> 00:00:05.960 982, thank you, if you want to turn with me in the pew Bibles or you can look in your 00:00:05.960 --> 00:00:07.080 own Bible if you brought one. 00:00:07.419 --> 00:00:09.759 We're looking at chapter 4, verses 1 through 9. 00:00:10.640 --> 00:00:16.800 The translation we're looking at unhelpfully puts a break between verses 1 and 2, but we're 00:00:16.800 --> 00:00:21.420 going to preach it because we think verse 1 actually better goes with verses 2 and beyond. 00:00:21.539 --> 00:00:25.500 It's kind of a bridge, so don't get too hung up on it, but that's how we're going to read 00:00:25.500 --> 00:00:25.640 it. 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:27.719 So, let's read together. 00:00:27.719 --> 00:00:29.539 Philippians chapter 4. 00:00:29.539 --> 00:00:37.079 Therefore, my brothers whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, stand firm thus 00:00:37.079 --> 00:00:38.359 in the Lord, my beloved. 00:00:39.619 --> 00:00:44.500 I entreat Iodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:50.920 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women who have labored by my side with me in 00:00:50.920 --> 00:00:56.579 the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the 00:00:56.579 --> 00:00:57.579 book of life. 00:00:57.579 --> 00:00:58.579 I ask you also, true companion, help these women who have labored by my side with me in the 00:00:58.579 --> 00:00:59.579 book of life. 00:00:59.579 --> 00:01:00.579 I ask you to read the book of life. 00:01:00.579 --> 00:01:01.579 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:01:01.579 --> 00:01:02.359 Again, I will say, rejoice. 00:01:02.359 --> 00:01:02.579 Rejoice. 00:01:02.579 --> 00:01:06.120 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:01:06.120 --> 00:01:07.759 The Lord is at hand. 00:01:07.759 --> 00:01:15.340 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, 00:01:15.340 --> 00:01:17.500 let your requests be made known to God. 00:01:18.280 --> 00:01:24.280 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ 00:01:24.280 --> 00:01:25.280 Jesus. 00:01:25.280 --> 00:01:30.599 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is 00:01:30.599 --> 00:01:37.200 pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything 00:01:37.200 --> 00:01:40.980 worthy of praise, think about these things. 00:01:40.980 --> 00:01:46.799 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things and the 00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:50.120 God of peace will be with you. 00:01:50.760 --> 00:01:51.740 Let's pray together. 00:01:51.739 --> 00:01:55.319 Lord, help us as we study the Bible tonight. 00:01:56.060 --> 00:02:01.239 Open our hearts to understand and to receive what you have to say to us. 00:02:01.339 --> 00:02:04.799 Open our minds so that we'll have clarity about what you are saying to us. 00:02:05.500 --> 00:02:10.079 Lord, we pray that you would move our hands and our feet, Lord, to not simply to hear and 00:02:10.079 --> 00:02:13.740 go away, but to do what you have called us to do. 00:02:14.519 --> 00:02:16.560 God, we thank you for your grace and your mercy. 00:02:17.620 --> 00:02:19.199 We pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:02:19.819 --> 00:02:20.079 Amen. 00:02:20.979 --> 00:02:21.379 Amen. 00:02:21.379 --> 00:02:21.500 Amen. 00:02:21.740 --> 00:02:22.360 Amen. 00:02:22.360 --> 00:02:23.360 Amen. 00:02:23.800 --> 00:02:24.360 Amen. 00:02:24.360 --> 00:02:30.760 In most military battles, there is a critical point where some part of the defending force 00:02:30.760 --> 00:02:36.080 claims its spot and says, this is the place where we will make our stand. 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:41.540 This is where we will stand firm and hold our ground no matter what. 00:02:41.539 --> 00:02:49.840 If you are fans of the Lord of the Rings, you may remember that in the kingdom of Rohan, there 00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:53.659 is a place where they go when this becomes necessary. 00:02:53.659 --> 00:03:22.079 It is the fortress of the fortress of the Lord of the Rings, it is the fortress of the Lord of the Rings, and so as the forces of darkness under Lord Sauron rise around them, as they are threatened actually by the traitor Sauron and his new orc army, they retreat to Helm's deep to stand firm, to hold their ground in that place. 00:03:22.080 --> 00:03:28.320 But if you've seen the movies, they sort of make this a bigger deal. 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:30.000 In the books, it's a bit more subtle. 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:37.439 But their ability to stand their ground in that moment is undermined. 00:03:37.699 --> 00:03:40.060 It's undermined by external forces. 00:03:40.060 --> 00:03:42.960 The army was much greater than they thought. 00:03:43.479 --> 00:03:47.159 The army, orcs usually have weaknesses of being afraid of daylight. 00:03:47.379 --> 00:03:48.240 These were not. 00:03:48.539 --> 00:03:51.699 They were bigger and stronger than they ever thought. 00:03:53.939 --> 00:03:56.640 Not only that, but there was division within. 00:03:57.099 --> 00:04:01.599 The fortress was well known by a traitor who had lived for many years in the kingdom. 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:16.819 The king himself had in his own soul a cancer that had captured him for so many years that even now as he was trying to find the courage, he wavered. 00:04:18.560 --> 00:04:22.800 And in the middle of that cancer as well, he had lost contact with his allies. 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:25.579 So there was no help that would come. 00:04:25.579 --> 00:04:32.899 And so their ability to stand firm and to hold their ground was compromised. 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:38.939 Friends, I wonder if that's true as well in our spiritual lives as well. 00:04:39.639 --> 00:04:44.500 I wonder if in the midst of our desire to hold our ground. 00:04:44.500 --> 00:04:49.240 In faith, in believing God. 00:04:51.779 --> 00:04:57.180 That we find ourselves beset by pressures from the outside that seem overwhelming. 00:04:58.100 --> 00:05:01.560 By weaknesses within our own heart and our own soul. 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:08.060 That jeopardize our ability to stand firm and to hold our ground. 00:05:09.199 --> 00:05:11.800 You may have been here being a Christian for a long time. 00:05:11.800 --> 00:05:15.180 Maybe you're here tonight exploring it for the first time. 00:05:16.180 --> 00:05:20.840 Whatever your situation is, I hope that as we look at our passage tonight, you will learn. 00:05:21.079 --> 00:05:28.019 You will learn some of the challenges of standing firm in the Christian faith. 00:05:28.120 --> 00:05:32.740 But also, some of the resources that God has given us to do that. 00:05:33.019 --> 00:05:35.480 So let's look at our passage tonight together. 00:05:35.480 --> 00:05:42.160 Paul has just finished, in the last part of chapter 3, laying out these two ways to live. 00:05:42.220 --> 00:05:43.939 If you want, look back with me for just a second. 00:05:44.040 --> 00:05:46.319 You can see there's sort of two ways to live. 00:05:46.420 --> 00:05:49.300 There's one pressing on towards the upward call. 00:05:49.780 --> 00:05:50.780 Following Jesus. 00:05:51.180 --> 00:05:53.460 Whatever it takes, no matter what the cost is. 00:05:53.540 --> 00:05:56.140 Because God has done a great thing in Jesus. 00:05:56.520 --> 00:05:57.939 And this is one way to live. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:06:01.219 And then there's this other way in verses 18 and 19. 00:06:02.040 --> 00:06:07.759 Where it says, these people are actually walking as enemies of the cross. 00:06:07.939 --> 00:06:09.259 Their God is their belly. 00:06:09.860 --> 00:06:13.800 Their minds are on the things of this world and not on the things of God. 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:17.740 They say, and he's encouraging this church. 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:20.720 He's encouraging the believers in Philippi to press on. 00:06:20.879 --> 00:06:22.180 To keep going. 00:06:22.180 --> 00:06:26.860 And then in chapter 4, verse 1, he changes the metaphor. 00:06:27.280 --> 00:06:30.800 Rather than this race metaphor of continuing on and running and running. 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:34.620 He actually switches to this metaphor of standing firm. 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:36.920 So in verse 1, he says, 00:06:37.079 --> 00:06:43.540 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, stand firm thus in the Lord. 00:06:44.780 --> 00:06:51.639 And from that, he then launches into a series of exhortations and instructions about how to do that. 00:06:51.639 --> 00:06:53.279 About how to stand firm. 00:06:53.419 --> 00:06:55.139 And we're going to look at it in three sections. 00:06:55.300 --> 00:06:58.800 And each section shows an enemy to standing firm. 00:06:59.479 --> 00:07:03.639 A gospel command on how we're supposed to live in the light of that enemy. 00:07:03.899 --> 00:07:08.599 And then a gospel promise that gives us a ground that will enable us to do that. 00:07:08.699 --> 00:07:10.379 So we're going to try and do this quick. 00:07:10.479 --> 00:07:12.379 So we have good time for Q&A at the end. 00:07:12.620 --> 00:07:14.959 But we're going to move through and try and see these things. 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:17.699 So the first one, verses 2 and 3. 00:07:17.919 --> 00:07:20.699 Talk about this conflict between these two women. 00:07:20.699 --> 00:07:21.899 And Iodia and Syntyche. 00:07:22.339 --> 00:07:25.139 And Paul begs them to agree in the Lord. 00:07:25.259 --> 00:07:30.240 So what is the enemy of standing firm for these two and for the church? 00:07:31.099 --> 00:07:32.500 It is disunity. 00:07:33.560 --> 00:07:36.439 It is fighting with one another. 00:07:37.500 --> 00:07:39.899 It's fighting about non-important things. 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:41.819 Because you see as they're described. 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:45.319 These women were partners with Paul in the gospel. 00:07:45.719 --> 00:07:50.359 They're not arguing about basic things like the nature of God. 00:07:50.779 --> 00:07:53.139 Or the trustworthiness of the scriptures. 00:07:53.539 --> 00:07:56.359 Or the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. 00:07:56.620 --> 00:07:59.539 They're not arguing about central truths. 00:08:00.019 --> 00:08:01.659 Whatever the issue is. 00:08:01.939 --> 00:08:04.259 They're having a hard time getting along. 00:08:04.259 --> 00:08:08.199 Even in the midst of being fellow workers in the work of the church. 00:08:10.500 --> 00:08:12.180 I don't know if you're aware of this. 00:08:12.339 --> 00:08:15.500 But the number one reason why missionaries leave the mission field. 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:18.300 Is relationships with their co-workers. 00:08:18.300 --> 00:08:23.460 I don't know if I could document this. 00:08:23.740 --> 00:08:29.480 But it's got to be in the top three reasons why people stop coming to church. 00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:33.700 Or why people stop coming and engaging in church life. 00:08:34.080 --> 00:08:36.919 Because they have some conflict with someone along the way. 00:08:36.919 --> 00:08:41.919 And you know maybe you like me. 00:08:42.799 --> 00:08:46.000 My desire in the midst of that so often is to withdraw. 00:08:46.799 --> 00:08:48.219 I just want to run away. 00:08:48.479 --> 00:08:50.019 I don't want to deal with a conflict. 00:08:50.639 --> 00:08:55.240 I just want to make it go away by removing myself from the situation. 00:08:58.279 --> 00:09:05.319 We don't know exactly what it was that caused these women to have this conflict. 00:09:06.919 --> 00:09:07.479 But. 00:09:09.259 --> 00:09:10.120 But I know. 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:12.000 I know in my own life. 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:14.819 I know in every group of people I've ever been a part of. 00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:16.299 In every church I've been a part of. 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:17.599 That conflict happens. 00:09:17.939 --> 00:09:21.959 And when it happens it threatens our ability to stand firm. 00:09:25.620 --> 00:09:28.579 Often we want to excuse ourselves and our conflict. 00:09:28.819 --> 00:09:30.639 And say well you don't know what they did. 00:09:32.199 --> 00:09:33.939 Sometimes we want to just overlook it. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:35.259 Oh no no no it wasn't good. 00:09:35.259 --> 00:09:39.600 But still in our hearts we've lost that sense of being in it together. 00:09:45.919 --> 00:09:46.980 Paul says. 00:09:47.659 --> 00:09:48.819 I encourage you women. 00:09:49.360 --> 00:09:51.039 To agree in the Lord. 00:09:51.659 --> 00:09:53.620 Oh and by the way I encourage all of you. 00:09:53.860 --> 00:09:54.439 Help them. 00:09:54.740 --> 00:09:55.740 Come alongside of them. 00:09:55.840 --> 00:09:57.759 There's this mysterious true companion. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:59.480 Who's never identified. 00:09:59.480 --> 00:10:03.980 But he's saying all of you help them to agree in the Lord. 00:10:04.060 --> 00:10:06.920 So a conflict between two people is not an isolated thing. 00:10:07.139 --> 00:10:08.700 Oh they just have to work it out themselves. 00:10:09.139 --> 00:10:11.620 In God's conception of his people. 00:10:12.100 --> 00:10:13.519 It's a communal thing. 00:10:13.800 --> 00:10:16.180 And so we are called to actually help one another. 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:17.879 To resolve conflict. 00:10:18.680 --> 00:10:21.120 To overcome these challenges. 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:29.139 How do we do this? 00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:30.659 Well. 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:36.000 I think because of the gospel promise that you see at the end of verse 3. 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:37.019 Look with me at that. 00:10:38.259 --> 00:10:39.539 He's talked about these partners. 00:10:40.539 --> 00:10:41.039 He says. 00:10:41.899 --> 00:10:46.600 All of these people are those whose names are written in the book of life. 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:48.759 And this is shorthand for saying. 00:10:49.220 --> 00:10:50.639 Each one of these people. 00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:53.560 Have been bought by the blood of Christ. 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:58.159 And in Revelation there will be a day when the book of life will be opened. 00:10:58.500 --> 00:11:01.700 And the names of all who have trusted in Jesus Christ. 00:11:02.040 --> 00:11:02.940 Will be read. 00:11:04.040 --> 00:11:07.759 And all of those are the sons and daughters of God. 00:11:07.840 --> 00:11:10.879 Who will live forever in a family together. 00:11:11.980 --> 00:11:14.600 Because Jesus has won them. 00:11:14.600 --> 00:11:15.820 And brought them in. 00:11:15.820 --> 00:11:17.960 And caused them to stand. 00:11:21.100 --> 00:11:22.379 And so Paul says. 00:11:22.540 --> 00:11:23.680 If that's our goal. 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:25.400 If our citizenship is in heaven. 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:27.480 If we are part of one family. 00:11:27.820 --> 00:11:30.480 Let us not overlook the conflict. 00:11:30.640 --> 00:11:32.420 And allow that to divide us. 00:11:32.920 --> 00:11:36.740 Because in fact God has called us to run this race together. 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:38.740 And to stand firm together. 00:11:38.940 --> 00:11:41.500 And we can only do it when we stand firm together. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:45.120 When the Roman phalanx was formed. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:49.019 It required each man to hold his shield in just the right way. 00:11:49.100 --> 00:11:50.580 So they would stand together. 00:11:51.960 --> 00:11:55.740 If one man was in conflict with the one next to. 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:57.539 And there was a breach. 00:11:57.960 --> 00:11:59.600 Suddenly vulnerability happened. 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:02.659 Friends this is what Paul warns us of. 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.480 And he exhorts us. 00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:06.019 Work out. 00:12:06.879 --> 00:12:08.460 Work out your conflicts. 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:12.259 Because God has called you to eternally be together. 00:12:12.600 --> 00:12:13.540 In unity. 00:12:14.580 --> 00:12:15.860 As a part of his family. 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:19.440 So that's the first. 00:12:20.279 --> 00:12:20.720 Enemy. 00:12:21.700 --> 00:12:22.139 Conflict. 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:23.039 The second one. 00:12:23.399 --> 00:12:25.159 Verses 4 through 7. 00:12:25.539 --> 00:12:27.320 He gives a staccato list of. 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:29.440 Of commands here. 00:12:29.800 --> 00:12:31.419 But I think at its core. 00:12:31.860 --> 00:12:33.600 The enemy that he's addressing here. 00:12:33.700 --> 00:12:35.060 Is what we see in verse 6. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:37.820 Do not be anxious about anything. 00:12:39.980 --> 00:12:41.879 It's a remarkable thing that Paul says. 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:42.960 Hey don't be anxious. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:45.159 I'm sitting here in jail. 00:12:45.159 --> 00:12:48.100 There are people running around the countryside. 00:12:49.079 --> 00:12:52.079 Saying incredibly damaging things about me. 00:12:52.219 --> 00:12:53.539 That are keeping me here. 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:55.500 And making me and my ministry. 00:12:55.639 --> 00:12:56.799 And my life investment. 00:12:57.179 --> 00:12:59.039 In the gospel look really terrible. 00:13:00.079 --> 00:13:00.819 And Paul says. 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:02.360 Don't be anxious. 00:13:03.219 --> 00:13:04.079 About anything. 00:13:05.779 --> 00:13:07.319 Don't be anxious about. 00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:09.439 Whether you're in prison or not. 00:13:09.699 --> 00:13:10.639 Don't be anxious about. 00:13:10.819 --> 00:13:13.039 Whether people say bad things about you or not. 00:13:13.039 --> 00:13:14.419 Don't be anxious about. 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:16.479 Whether your life work is about to crumble. 00:13:16.479 --> 00:13:18.079 Before your eyes or not. 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:21.419 It seems pretty remarkable. 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:22.439 That Paul says. 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:24.120 Don't be anxious. 00:13:25.699 --> 00:13:27.240 And of course he says this. 00:13:27.299 --> 00:13:29.019 And Jesus said it in Matthew 6 too. 00:13:29.099 --> 00:13:29.479 Because. 00:13:29.959 --> 00:13:31.819 This is one of the things we all struggle with. 00:13:31.819 --> 00:13:32.259 Don't we? 00:13:32.919 --> 00:13:33.679 If I just. 00:13:33.839 --> 00:13:34.599 Ask the question. 00:13:34.679 --> 00:13:35.679 What are you anxious about? 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:38.259 You could all give me an answer. 00:13:38.339 --> 00:13:38.799 Couldn't you? 00:13:40.419 --> 00:13:41.379 Your relationships. 00:13:41.899 --> 00:13:42.599 Your finances. 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:43.779 Your future. 00:13:45.659 --> 00:13:46.059 Something. 00:13:46.439 --> 00:13:47.459 I don't know what it is. 00:13:47.459 --> 00:13:49.319 But I'm sure each of you could. 00:13:49.519 --> 00:13:50.739 Know what it is. 00:13:51.099 --> 00:13:52.039 And as we. 00:13:52.679 --> 00:13:53.599 Find ourselves. 00:13:54.099 --> 00:13:55.959 Facing difficult circumstances. 00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:57.939 Or things that are outside of our control. 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:58.799 What do we do? 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:00.500 We so easily. 00:14:00.859 --> 00:14:01.859 Start to grasp. 00:14:02.179 --> 00:14:03.139 And we so desperately. 00:14:03.139 --> 00:14:04.279 Want to control. 00:14:04.620 --> 00:14:05.519 The situation. 00:14:05.859 --> 00:14:07.719 So that we get the right outcome. 00:14:08.079 --> 00:14:08.659 In the thing. 00:14:08.819 --> 00:14:09.579 The very thing. 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:11.079 That we are worried about. 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:14.000 And when we face things. 00:14:14.039 --> 00:14:14.979 That are out of control. 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:16.259 We feel helpless. 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:17.379 And we. 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:18.579 And we despair. 00:14:21.579 --> 00:14:22.299 Paul says. 00:14:22.299 --> 00:14:23.199 There is a gospel. 00:14:23.599 --> 00:14:24.620 Command for you. 00:14:24.859 --> 00:14:26.019 When you are anxious. 00:14:26.659 --> 00:14:27.219 Look with me. 00:14:27.220 --> 00:14:28.220 In verse 6. 00:14:29.340 --> 00:14:30.080 Do not be anxious. 00:14:30.320 --> 00:14:31.040 About anything. 00:14:31.160 --> 00:14:31.860 But in everything. 00:14:32.860 --> 00:14:34.300 He uses three words. 00:14:34.480 --> 00:14:35.080 To say it. 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:36.300 Over and over again. 00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:37.259 Just to repeat it. 00:14:38.460 --> 00:14:38.940 Right? 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:39.940 By prayer. 00:14:40.220 --> 00:14:41.220 And supplication. 00:14:41.560 --> 00:14:42.440 With thanksgiving. 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:46.519 The gospel command is to pray. 00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:47.519 What does that mean? 00:14:47.620 --> 00:14:48.300 It means go. 00:14:48.660 --> 00:14:50.080 And take your concerns. 00:14:50.560 --> 00:14:52.480 And take them to the very one. 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:54.480 Who actually has control. 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:56.320 The one who is actually. 00:14:56.320 --> 00:14:57.440 Able to help you. 00:14:57.440 --> 00:14:58.360 In every. 00:14:58.580 --> 00:14:59.700 And any circumstance. 00:15:01.040 --> 00:15:02.879 And that is the creator of the world. 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:04.960 And the Lord of heaven and earth. 00:15:05.980 --> 00:15:06.440 So pray. 00:15:07.320 --> 00:15:08.120 To God. 00:15:08.200 --> 00:15:08.860 When you. 00:15:09.060 --> 00:15:09.440 Are anxious. 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:11.780 Pray persistently. 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:12.440 Pray fervently. 00:15:13.860 --> 00:15:14.140 Pray. 00:15:14.400 --> 00:15:15.360 Under your breath. 00:15:15.400 --> 00:15:16.080 As you're walking. 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:17.260 From meeting to meeting. 00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:18.240 In your office room. 00:15:18.720 --> 00:15:19.060 Pray. 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:19.980 As you're. 00:15:20.260 --> 00:15:21.980 About to pull your hair out. 00:15:22.040 --> 00:15:23.180 Because your kids have done. 00:15:23.260 --> 00:15:24.020 The same thing. 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:24.560 Again. 00:15:24.559 --> 00:15:25.359 Pray. 00:15:25.359 --> 00:15:25.559 Pray. 00:15:25.799 --> 00:15:26.779 As you're walking. 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:27.779 Into that exam. 00:15:27.899 --> 00:15:28.539 That you feel like. 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:29.639 Your whole future. 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:30.879 Is going to rest on. 00:15:32.179 --> 00:15:32.719 Pray. 00:15:32.939 --> 00:15:33.699 In the middle. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:34.539 Of the fight. 00:15:34.619 --> 00:15:35.199 That you're having. 00:15:35.199 --> 00:15:36.239 With your good friend. 00:15:37.679 --> 00:15:38.179 Pray. 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:39.279 In all the things. 00:15:39.839 --> 00:15:41.399 That you are anxious about. 00:15:41.959 --> 00:15:43.439 And ask God. 00:15:44.199 --> 00:15:45.559 To be sovereignly. 00:15:45.619 --> 00:15:46.239 In control. 00:15:46.959 --> 00:15:47.839 Ask God. 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:48.959 To be the one. 00:15:49.039 --> 00:15:50.159 Who will take care. 00:15:50.479 --> 00:15:51.539 Of your life. 00:15:51.539 --> 00:15:52.159 And the things. 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:53.059 That you desperately. 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:53.579 Want. 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:55.599 To take care of. 00:15:56.639 --> 00:15:57.939 And the gospel promise. 00:15:57.939 --> 00:15:59.099 Here is so sweet. 00:16:00.019 --> 00:16:00.779 Verse seven. 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:03.240 And the peace of God. 00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:04.120 Which surpasses. 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:05.199 All understanding. 00:16:05.199 --> 00:16:06.639 Will guard your heart. 00:16:07.319 --> 00:16:08.139 Lots of. 00:16:08.699 --> 00:16:09.599 Commentators translate. 00:16:09.839 --> 00:16:11.259 Will garrison your heart. 00:16:11.679 --> 00:16:12.839 Do you know what a garrison does? 00:16:13.159 --> 00:16:14.139 A garrison comes. 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:14.860 And lives. 00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:15.759 In a town. 00:16:15.959 --> 00:16:17.539 In order to protect it. 00:16:18.579 --> 00:16:19.039 Right. 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:19.799 And so. 00:16:19.959 --> 00:16:20.740 When need be. 00:16:21.159 --> 00:16:22.719 They muster themselves out. 00:16:23.199 --> 00:16:24.779 And put themselves up. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:25.539 In defense. 00:16:25.699 --> 00:16:26.799 Around a town. 00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:28.959 So that it will be protected. 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:32.319 And you see what Paul. 00:16:32.539 --> 00:16:33.279 Says here. 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:34.339 Paul says. 00:16:34.439 --> 00:16:35.519 When you pray. 00:16:36.079 --> 00:16:37.480 The peace of God. 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:40.719 Will create this protective barrier. 00:16:41.459 --> 00:16:42.799 Around your heart. 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:45.039 So that it won't be overwhelmed. 00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:45.860 With anxiety. 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:47.620 So you won't be eaten up. 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.319 With worry. 00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:49.600 So that you won't spend. 00:16:49.820 --> 00:16:50.280 All your time. 00:16:50.520 --> 00:16:51.200 Thinking about. 00:16:51.580 --> 00:16:52.760 How can I solve this problem. 00:16:52.760 --> 00:16:54.379 And how can I get in control. 00:16:54.680 --> 00:16:55.480 Of the situation. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:57.040 How can I get ahead of this thing. 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:58.660 That's gotten away from me. 00:17:00.300 --> 00:17:01.060 But instead. 00:17:01.180 --> 00:17:02.260 It will keep your heart. 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:02.940 And mind. 00:17:03.660 --> 00:17:04.140 Trusting. 00:17:04.880 --> 00:17:06.100 In Christ Jesus. 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:08.220 Trusting in God. 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:09.440 And what he's done for you. 00:17:09.600 --> 00:17:10.740 In Christ Jesus. 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:14.420 Now we need to unpack this phrase. 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.480 The peace of God. 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:16.400 Just for a minute. 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:19.160 Because what is it that he's saying. 00:17:19.320 --> 00:17:20.660 He's not saying the angels. 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:22.080 Will guard your heart and mind. 00:17:22.140 --> 00:17:22.840 In Christ Jesus. 00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:25.160 He's not even saying the spirit. 00:17:25.160 --> 00:17:26.000 Will do this. 00:17:26.060 --> 00:17:26.519 He's saying. 00:17:27.120 --> 00:17:28.360 The peace of God. 00:17:28.800 --> 00:17:29.860 What does that mean? 00:17:30.560 --> 00:17:30.920 Well. 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:32.660 As we look at more broadly. 00:17:33.340 --> 00:17:34.620 Paul describes. 00:17:34.840 --> 00:17:36.220 This in his letters. 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:37.280 In the New Testament. 00:17:37.940 --> 00:17:38.900 The peace of God. 00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:40.420 Is actually the work. 00:17:40.420 --> 00:17:41.740 That God has done. 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:43.299 To make us. 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:44.599 At peace with him. 00:17:45.940 --> 00:17:46.400 Friends. 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.779 This is the very core. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:49.039 Of the gospel. 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:50.279 This is the very core. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.099 Of Christianity. 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:51.740 Isn't it? 00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:53.099 That we. 00:17:53.339 --> 00:17:54.059 In our sin. 00:17:54.359 --> 00:17:55.660 Rebel against God. 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:56.359 And tell God. 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:57.420 No thank you. 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.160 I'm going to try. 00:17:58.220 --> 00:17:59.700 And do this on my own. 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:01.539 We reject him. 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:02.880 We do not worship him. 00:18:02.880 --> 00:18:03.779 As he deserves. 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:05.059 We put ourselves. 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:05.779 In the center. 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:06.799 Of our lives. 00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:08.119 And this. 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:09.159 Sin. 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:10.139 Creates. 00:18:10.440 --> 00:18:11.359 A rift. 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:12.379 In our relationship. 00:18:12.379 --> 00:18:13.139 With God. 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:14.440 We are enemies. 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:15.220 Of God. 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:17.799 According to the Bible. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:19.259 Because of our rebellion. 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:20.059 Against him. 00:18:20.759 --> 00:18:22.019 And we have no peace. 00:18:24.379 --> 00:18:25.619 But God. 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:27.119 So loved the world. 00:18:27.220 --> 00:18:28.279 That he sent his son. 00:18:28.399 --> 00:18:29.240 Jesus Christ. 00:18:29.680 --> 00:18:31.039 And Jesus lived. 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:32.279 A perfect life. 00:18:32.440 --> 00:18:32.919 Of obedience. 00:18:33.139 --> 00:18:33.639 And fellowship. 00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:34.619 With the father. 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:35.759 And then. 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:37.859 At the end of his life. 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:39.259 Offered himself up. 00:18:40.379 --> 00:18:41.539 Offered himself up. 00:18:41.599 --> 00:18:41.940 To say. 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:43.740 I will be the peace offering. 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:45.259 So that you now. 00:18:45.379 --> 00:18:46.220 Can make peace. 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.240 Again. 00:18:47.879 --> 00:18:48.740 The punishment. 00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:49.519 That. 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:50.759 We deserve. 00:18:50.879 --> 00:18:51.879 Because of our rejection. 00:18:51.879 --> 00:18:52.400 Of God. 00:18:52.640 --> 00:18:53.940 Goes upon Jesus. 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:55.599 And we are then. 00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:56.059 Called. 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:56.940 By faith. 00:18:57.680 --> 00:18:58.480 To return. 00:18:58.960 --> 00:18:59.940 To a relationship. 00:18:59.940 --> 00:19:00.759 With God. 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:02.799 The creator of the universe. 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:03.980 The Lord of heaven and earth. 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:05.059 Now becomes. 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:05.740 Our heavenly father. 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:06.539 Father again. 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:07.579 And we are brought. 00:19:07.579 --> 00:19:08.500 Into his family. 00:19:10.140 --> 00:19:10.859 And so. 00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:12.140 When Paul says. 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:13.420 The peace of God. 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.339 Will guard your heart. 00:19:14.400 --> 00:19:14.680 And mind. 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:15.319 In Christ Jesus. 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:16.460 What he's saying is. 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:17.819 The peace that has been. 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:19.660 Bought by the blood of Christ. 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:21.339 The peace that you now. 00:19:21.339 --> 00:19:22.240 Have with God. 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:22.980 The father. 00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:25.160 This is the thing. 00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:26.500 That now enables you. 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:27.440 In the face of all. 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:28.440 The other anxieties. 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:29.039 Of life. 00:19:29.620 --> 00:19:29.740 To. 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:31.460 To go to him. 00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:32.400 To pray to him. 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:33.160 And trust. 00:19:33.579 --> 00:19:34.759 That he will take care. 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:35.519 Of these things. 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:37.879 And as we do this. 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:38.559 Remarkably. 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:39.879 We find. 00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:41.180 That we have joy. 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:42.180 And we can rejoice. 00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:43.160 In the Lord always. 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:45.299 Even in the worst circumstances. 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:46.799 We can rejoice. 00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:48.400 Not in those circumstances. 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:49.440 But in the Lord. 00:19:51.400 --> 00:19:52.279 And in fact. 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:52.779 We can. 00:19:53.240 --> 00:19:53.900 Verse five. 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:54.779 Is an interesting one. 00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:55.740 Let your reasonableness. 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.579 Nobody knows. 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:57.319 How to translate. 00:19:57.500 --> 00:19:58.339 This word. 00:19:58.339 --> 00:20:00.220 Different translations. 00:20:01.419 --> 00:20:02.539 Have forbearance. 00:20:02.720 --> 00:20:03.240 Gentleness. 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:04.079 Moderation. 00:20:04.679 --> 00:20:05.839 One of the best translations. 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:06.579 I think it is. 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:07.399 It is. 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:08.720 Let your dignity. 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.740 Under pressure. 00:20:10.139 --> 00:20:10.679 Be known. 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:11.659 Because the Lord. 00:20:11.659 --> 00:20:12.659 Is near to you. 00:20:15.899 --> 00:20:16.980 Rather than being. 00:20:17.119 --> 00:20:18.179 A stressed out. 00:20:18.679 --> 00:20:19.059 Kurt. 00:20:20.179 --> 00:20:21.279 Sometimes harsh. 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:21.799 Person. 00:20:21.799 --> 00:20:22.759 In the middle of. 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:23.899 The anxieties. 00:20:23.899 --> 00:20:24.899 That control you. 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:26.399 Which is what I can be. 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:27.000 So often. 00:20:28.200 --> 00:20:29.380 When I get consumed. 00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:30.060 With anxiety. 00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:31.019 I lose that. 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:33.320 Paul says. 00:20:33.620 --> 00:20:34.100 No. 00:20:34.140 --> 00:20:34.660 When you trust. 00:20:34.780 --> 00:20:35.560 These things to God. 00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:36.560 There is actually. 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.180 This ability. 00:20:37.360 --> 00:20:38.080 To be calm. 00:20:38.280 --> 00:20:39.100 And to be gentle. 00:20:39.840 --> 00:20:40.740 And have dignity. 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.700 With one another. 00:20:42.300 --> 00:20:42.860 In the midst. 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:44.259 Of stressful situations. 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:48.380 So conflict. 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:49.380 Erodes our ability. 00:20:49.380 --> 00:20:50.120 To stand firm. 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:50.960 Anxiety. 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:51.640 Certainly. 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:53.160 Erodes our ability. 00:20:53.280 --> 00:20:54.120 To stand firm. 00:20:54.280 --> 00:20:55.240 What is the third thing? 00:20:55.340 --> 00:20:56.380 Verses eight and nine. 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:57.660 Look with me briefly. 00:20:59.660 --> 00:21:00.640 It's not actually. 00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:01.080 In there. 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:01.860 We have to kind of. 00:21:01.940 --> 00:21:02.560 Mirror read. 00:21:02.640 --> 00:21:03.519 What might be the thing. 00:21:03.580 --> 00:21:04.600 He's concerned about. 00:21:05.640 --> 00:21:06.200 The enemy. 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:07.220 Seems to be. 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:11.540 An overwhelming. 00:21:11.540 --> 00:21:12.519 Concern. 00:21:13.380 --> 00:21:14.300 With things. 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.220 That are not. 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:16.100 Of concern. 00:21:16.100 --> 00:21:16.840 To God. 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:18.420 So. 00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:19.100 It is. 00:21:19.560 --> 00:21:20.460 Somewhere between. 00:21:20.840 --> 00:21:21.440 Distraction. 00:21:22.100 --> 00:21:22.960 And impurity. 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:24.160 That. 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:24.400 That we. 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:25.200 So easily. 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:25.840 Capture. 00:21:25.840 --> 00:21:26.880 Our hearts. 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:29.440 And Paul. 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.100 Wants us. 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:30.559 To fight. 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:31.240 Against that. 00:21:32.360 --> 00:21:32.720 And friends. 00:21:32.840 --> 00:21:33.180 Let me just. 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:33.680 Ask you. 00:21:33.840 --> 00:21:34.400 Is your life. 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.240 Distracted? 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.140 Do you. 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.340 Find your heart. 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.500 Being drawn. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.660 Towards things. 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:40.440 That. 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:41.220 If. 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:42.340 It came up. 00:21:42.380 --> 00:21:42.880 In casual. 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:43.759 Conversation. 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.220 Say. 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:45.059 Here at church. 00:21:45.600 --> 00:21:46.720 You might be embarrassed. 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:47.860 To talk about. 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:50.319 Are there things. 00:21:50.659 --> 00:21:51.399 I just think. 00:21:51.479 --> 00:21:52.779 We are so bombarded. 00:21:53.699 --> 00:21:54.719 Whether it be through. 00:21:54.859 --> 00:21:55.939 The visual media. 00:21:55.939 --> 00:21:56.939 Of advertisement. 00:21:57.219 --> 00:21:58.139 Whether it be through. 00:21:58.359 --> 00:21:59.059 The internet. 00:21:59.219 --> 00:21:59.959 That we are all. 00:22:00.419 --> 00:22:00.939 Slavishly. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.719 Connected to. 00:22:01.899 --> 00:22:02.799 We are bombarded. 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:04.259 All the time. 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:05.399 With things that. 00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:06.179 At best. 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.199 Distract us. 00:22:07.199 --> 00:22:08.279 And at least. 00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:09.899 Capture our hearts. 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:12.759 With things. 00:22:12.879 --> 00:22:13.419 That are not. 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:14.059 Of God. 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:17.079 The modern world. 00:22:17.179 --> 00:22:17.639 We live in. 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:18.079 Promises. 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:19.619 You can have it all now. 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.659 If you will just. 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:21.399 Sell yourself. 00:22:21.659 --> 00:22:21.879 To. 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:23.159 Apple. 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.460 Or. 00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:26.759 Microsoft. 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:27.879 Whatever. 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:28.940 Or. 00:22:30.139 --> 00:22:30.980 Internet pornography. 00:22:31.639 --> 00:22:32.119 Or. 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.599 Whatever it is. 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:36.599 You can have. 00:22:36.679 --> 00:22:37.099 The pleasure. 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:37.659 You can have. 00:22:37.659 --> 00:22:38.539 Everything you want. 00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:38.899 Now. 00:22:39.379 --> 00:22:40.579 Is part of the promise. 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:42.159 Of this world. 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:48.099 I think. 00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:48.659 Part of what's. 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.419 In picture here. 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.259 Is what Paul. 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:51.379 Described. 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:51.799 In verses. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:52.740 18 and 19. 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.960 Of chapter 3. 00:22:54.599 --> 00:22:55.819 When he talks about. 00:22:57.879 --> 00:22:58.799 Their God. 00:22:58.879 --> 00:22:59.579 Is their belly. 00:22:59.940 --> 00:23:00.700 They glory. 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.740 In their shame. 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:02.960 And their minds. 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:03.619 Are set. 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:04.980 On earthly things. 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:06.440 How easily. 00:23:06.440 --> 00:23:07.559 That can be true. 00:23:07.559 --> 00:23:08.319 Of us. 00:23:08.839 --> 00:23:09.819 And how easily. 00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:11.039 When we do that. 00:23:11.179 --> 00:23:12.299 We lose our ability. 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:13.700 To stand firm. 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:15.019 In the truths. 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:15.680 Of the gospel. 00:23:15.680 --> 00:23:16.440 And in the hope. 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.100 Of the gospel. 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:20.539 So Paul gives us. 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:21.620 Verses 8 and 9. 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:22.720 As a gospel command. 00:23:23.319 --> 00:23:23.680 Instead. 00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:25.019 Devote yourself. 00:23:26.100 --> 00:23:27.019 Devote yourself. 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:28.380 To these things. 00:23:28.600 --> 00:23:29.200 You look at. 00:23:29.259 --> 00:23:29.700 You see it. 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.080 The. 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:30.779 The. 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.980 The verbs. 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:32.539 Are at the end. 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.319 Of chapter 8. 00:23:33.559 --> 00:23:35.059 Think about these things. 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:36.480 And then in verse 9. 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:38.279 Practice these things. 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:41.420 What are these things? 00:23:42.100 --> 00:23:43.259 Things that are good. 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:45.359 Things that are intrinsically. 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:46.759 Virtuous. 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:48.319 Things that are. 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:51.039 Corresponding to the nature. 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:52.539 And goodness of God. 00:23:52.599 --> 00:23:53.920 In his common grace. 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.799 And in his special grace. 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:03.720 How intentional are you. 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:04.759 With your entertainment? 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.000 Entertainment. 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:08.480 Do you think about. 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.740 Whether your entertainment. 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:11.519 Is helping you think. 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:13.299 Thoughts about God. 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.000 And his goodness. 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:14.859 And his glory. 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:15.879 Or not. 00:24:20.740 --> 00:24:21.740 What is it. 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.740 That dominates. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:24.000 Your conversation. 00:24:25.879 --> 00:24:27.259 At the dining hall. 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.700 I know people. 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:29.359 Don't gather around. 00:24:29.420 --> 00:24:30.480 The water cooler anymore. 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.799 But in your workplace. 00:24:32.119 --> 00:24:33.160 In the casual. 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.359 Conversations. 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:37.559 What is it. 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:37.859 That. 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:38.740 That fills. 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.859 These things. 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:43.759 What do you think about. 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:44.819 When you set your budget. 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.519 Your money. 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.440 Paul is saying. 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:49.240 There are better things. 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:50.559 To invest your life. 00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:50.900 In. 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:51.599 Probably. 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.799 Than what you are doing. 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.339 Right now. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:55.279 And this is not. 00:24:55.379 --> 00:24:56.259 An exhortation. 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:57.759 Towards some sort of. 00:24:58.679 --> 00:24:59.159 Stoic. 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:00.899 There's no pleasure. 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:01.779 In this world. 00:25:02.439 --> 00:25:02.919 Monastic. 00:25:03.159 --> 00:25:03.679 I'm going to try. 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.899 To escape from it. 00:25:05.119 --> 00:25:06.559 It's not that at all. 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:09.039 What Paul is saying. 00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:09.439 Is that. 00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:10.199 Whenever we. 00:25:10.379 --> 00:25:11.299 Whatever we do. 00:25:11.379 --> 00:25:12.039 Whether we eat. 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:12.599 Or drink. 00:25:12.759 --> 00:25:14.059 In whatever we do. 00:25:14.419 --> 00:25:15.159 Let us do it. 00:25:15.199 --> 00:25:16.359 To the glory of God. 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.720 Let us do it. 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:18.399 In a way. 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:19.819 That leads us. 00:25:19.939 --> 00:25:20.639 To appreciate. 00:25:21.179 --> 00:25:21.899 And value. 00:25:22.439 --> 00:25:23.059 The character. 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:24.500 And the goodness of God. 00:25:24.579 --> 00:25:25.539 More and more. 00:25:29.179 --> 00:25:30.759 That's the gospel command. 00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:31.319 Here. 00:25:31.559 --> 00:25:33.259 Is to invest our lives. 00:25:33.319 --> 00:25:34.200 To be intentional. 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:37.259 To pursue those things. 00:25:38.139 --> 00:25:39.759 And the gospel promise. 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:41.740 Is at the end of verse nine. 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:44.419 When we do these things. 00:25:44.419 --> 00:25:45.579 The God of peace. 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.579 Will be with us. 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:51.159 The God who has made peace. 00:25:51.160 --> 00:25:53.060 The God who. 00:25:53.060 --> 00:25:54.680 Is able to cause. 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:56.040 All peace to happen. 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.800 Because he holds everything. 00:25:57.800 --> 00:25:58.519 In his hand. 00:25:58.860 --> 00:26:00.480 The God who is able to bring. 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.800 By reconciling. 00:26:02.600 --> 00:26:04.040 People in conflict. 00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:06.220 The God of peace. 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:08.060 Will bring. 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:09.980 Will be with you. 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.320 In the midst. 00:26:12.120 --> 00:26:13.080 Of all of these. 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:14.340 External forces. 00:26:14.580 --> 00:26:15.060 And pressures. 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.140 All of these. 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:16.920 Internal. 00:26:17.560 --> 00:26:18.180 Weaknesses. 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:18.779 That you see. 00:26:18.779 --> 00:26:19.640 In your own heart. 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:23.140 The God of peace. 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:24.180 Will be with you. 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:26.660 And in being with you. 00:26:26.660 --> 00:26:27.860 He will help you. 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:29.120 To stand. 00:26:29.860 --> 00:26:30.220 Firm. 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:32.960 He will help you. 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.820 To stand firm. 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:34.340 Because. 00:26:35.340 --> 00:26:36.240 As we've learned. 00:26:36.340 --> 00:26:37.299 Back in chapter three. 00:26:37.380 --> 00:26:38.039 Verse twelve. 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:40.599 Christ Jesus. 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:40.619 Christ Jesus. 00:26:40.619 --> 00:26:42.460 Has already taken hold of us. 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:44.659 For all who are in Christ Jesus. 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:46.599 This hope is real. 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:49.200 That he has taken hold of us. 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:51.799 And so in the face of all these things. 00:26:52.079 --> 00:26:53.500 We can stand firm. 00:26:53.859 --> 00:26:56.399 Because he has already made the ground. 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.619 For us to stand on. 00:26:57.899 --> 00:26:58.720 In Christ. 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:02.039 If you're here. 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:04.480 And you're exploring Christianity. 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:04.640 Christianity. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:06.779 I want you to see. 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:07.579 That. 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:10.360 Whatever you might think. 00:27:10.420 --> 00:27:11.579 Christianity is about. 00:27:11.819 --> 00:27:12.680 At the core of it. 00:27:12.960 --> 00:27:14.079 It's about God. 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:15.220 Calling us. 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.759 Back into this relationship. 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:17.420 With him. 00:27:19.000 --> 00:27:19.880 So that. 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.920 We might know. 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:22.299 All of the richness. 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.220 Of the blessings. 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:24.220 Of what we've seen here. 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:25.440 We have our names. 00:27:25.579 --> 00:27:26.799 Written in the book of life. 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:29.660 The peace of God. 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:31.120 Is now ours. 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:32.980 And the God of peace. 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:35.140 Is now with us. 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:37.579 Because of what Jesus has done. 00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:39.240 Let's pray. 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:41.480 God we thank you. 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:43.660 We thank you for your word. 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:44.839 We thank you that. 00:27:45.400 --> 00:27:47.480 You have given it to us. 00:27:48.220 --> 00:27:48.980 God we pray. 00:27:49.640 --> 00:27:50.740 That you would help us. 00:27:50.839 --> 00:27:51.799 To understand it. 00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:54.400 Lord not only to understand it. 00:27:54.519 --> 00:27:55.579 Lord but take it to heart. 00:27:56.539 --> 00:27:57.380 Lord may we. 00:27:57.720 --> 00:27:59.160 Think about these things. 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:01.279 And may we put them into practice. 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:03.619 God that we might know you. 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:04.579 The God of peace. 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.240 More and more. 00:28:06.279 --> 00:28:07.180 We pray this. 00:28:07.639 --> 00:28:08.319 In Jesus name. 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.180 Amen. 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:12.940 As praise team comes up. 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:13.980 We're going to respond. 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:14.460 In worship. 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:15.000 And then. 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.180 I'll be back up. 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:16.819 In just a minute. 00:28:16.940 --> 00:28:17.599 For a few minutes. 00:28:17.639 --> 00:28:18.399 Of Q&A. 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:18.899 So you can. 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:20.299 Be thinking about questions. 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:24.359 Let's stand together. 00:28:24.359 --> 00:28:26.359 Andrew. 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:43.539 What is a good litmus test. 00:28:43.539 --> 00:28:45.399 For what is commendable. 00:28:45.679 --> 00:28:46.779 And what is not. 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:47.379 So sir. 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:49.779 What fits into that category. 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:50.119 Of. 00:28:50.699 --> 00:28:52.539 In verse 8. 00:28:52.539 --> 00:28:53.159 That. 00:28:59.539 --> 00:28:59.899 Yeah. 00:29:02.700 --> 00:29:02.899 Yeah. 00:29:03.940 --> 00:29:04.379 Yeah. 00:29:04.500 --> 00:29:04.639 No. 00:29:04.720 --> 00:29:04.879 Those. 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.259 I mean. 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.259 That's a really good question. 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:07.180 It's actually fascinating. 00:29:07.299 --> 00:29:08.220 All the words in there. 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:09.079 Are not common. 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:10.139 New Testament words. 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:10.799 They're actually. 00:29:11.180 --> 00:29:12.379 Words from general. 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.680 Moral philosophy. 00:29:13.680 --> 00:29:14.539 In the Greek world. 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:15.319 And so. 00:29:15.399 --> 00:29:15.960 They're sort of. 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:17.379 Another word for them is. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:18.759 They're things that are virtuous. 00:29:19.159 --> 00:29:19.619 In the old. 00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:20.279 You know. 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:22.099 It's not a word we talk about very much. 00:29:22.200 --> 00:29:22.299 But. 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:24.799 Things that have intrinsic virtue. 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:26.359 Or goodness to them. 00:29:26.639 --> 00:29:27.200 I think. 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:29.440 When I think about your particular question. 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:29.980 About how. 00:29:30.099 --> 00:29:31.519 How do I do this litmus. 00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:33.259 One of the questions that I would. 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.000 You know. 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:35.319 Some of the questions that I ask. 00:29:35.399 --> 00:29:36.039 To filter. 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:36.619 One is. 00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:37.980 Would I be ashamed. 00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:38.500 If I. 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:38.839 If. 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:40.519 A particular person knew. 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:41.019 I was. 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:42.759 Thinking about these things. 00:29:42.980 --> 00:29:43.500 Or focusing. 00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:44.119 Like. 00:29:44.119 --> 00:29:46.439 That's not a perfect test. 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:47.839 But it's one of the ones that I use. 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:50.019 One of the other things is. 00:29:50.279 --> 00:29:51.859 Does it actually help me. 00:29:52.899 --> 00:29:54.159 Think about the Lord. 00:29:54.419 --> 00:29:54.639 Now. 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:56.879 Not everything is going to do that consciously. 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:57.479 But. 00:29:58.039 --> 00:29:58.399 Again. 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.179 A litmus test. 00:29:59.239 --> 00:30:00.899 If I'm telling my best friend. 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:01.859 The next day. 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:03.139 What did you do yesterday. 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:03.479 Oh. 00:30:03.519 --> 00:30:04.339 I did this. 00:30:04.699 --> 00:30:05.979 Can I connect that. 00:30:06.479 --> 00:30:06.799 Somehow. 00:30:07.119 --> 00:30:08.919 To the Lord's goodness in my life. 00:30:09.239 --> 00:30:10.619 Or does it just seem like. 00:30:11.139 --> 00:30:11.439 Yeah. 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:12.259 I watched. 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:14.180 I watched. 00:30:14.460 --> 00:30:15.480 Eight episodes. 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:16.380 Of CSI. 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:16.960 And. 00:30:18.840 --> 00:30:20.140 It's really hard for me. 00:30:20.180 --> 00:30:20.559 To tell you. 00:30:20.620 --> 00:30:21.400 How that's been. 00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:21.759 Like. 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:22.539 Beneficial. 00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:22.940 From. 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:23.740 For the Lord. 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:25.019 From my walk with the Lord. 00:30:26.100 --> 00:30:26.519 So. 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:28.960 Yeah. 00:30:29.240 --> 00:30:29.480 Dan. 00:30:29.480 --> 00:30:30.480 Yep. 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.279 Yep. 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.319 Is there a difference. 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.920 Between anxiety. 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:36.039 And being burdened. 00:30:36.039 --> 00:30:36.360 And. 00:30:36.900 --> 00:30:37.079 So. 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:38.380 I found myself recently. 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:39.279 Very burdened. 00:30:39.360 --> 00:30:39.880 By the same. 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.559 The world. 00:30:41.120 --> 00:30:41.400 Yep. 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:42.740 Those things I can't control. 00:30:42.900 --> 00:30:43.120 Yep. 00:30:43.360 --> 00:30:44.279 Is that just. 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.539 A flow of anxiety. 00:30:45.940 --> 00:30:46.259 Or is it. 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:47.160 Like. 00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:48.819 Should we care about stuff. 00:30:48.900 --> 00:30:49.480 We can't control. 00:30:49.599 --> 00:30:50.319 We care about our. 00:30:50.460 --> 00:30:50.740 We can't control. 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:51.519 Right. 00:30:51.620 --> 00:30:52.240 So the question is. 00:30:52.680 --> 00:30:53.839 Is there a. 00:30:53.839 --> 00:30:54.539 A burden. 00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:55.460 That's different. 00:30:55.460 --> 00:30:56.339 From anxiety. 00:30:56.720 --> 00:30:57.680 About things. 00:30:57.740 --> 00:30:58.720 That are out of our control. 00:30:58.720 --> 00:30:59.299 Things that are. 00:30:59.559 --> 00:31:00.360 Concern in the world. 00:31:01.140 --> 00:31:01.579 I. 00:31:01.920 --> 00:31:03.180 I think there is. 00:31:03.339 --> 00:31:03.940 Part of the reason. 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:04.539 I would say that. 00:31:04.600 --> 00:31:05.960 Is when Paul talks about. 00:31:06.380 --> 00:31:07.339 His sufferings. 00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:07.940 In Corinthians. 00:31:07.940 --> 00:31:08.940 He talks about. 00:31:09.259 --> 00:31:10.200 The burden that he has. 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:10.860 For the church. 00:31:10.900 --> 00:31:11.720 Or his concern. 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.500 For the church. 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.220 And. 00:31:13.279 --> 00:31:14.140 And this is the same. 00:31:14.200 --> 00:31:15.000 Paul who's saying. 00:31:15.100 --> 00:31:15.660 Don't be anxious. 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:16.319 About things. 00:31:16.700 --> 00:31:17.059 So. 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:17.860 I'm assuming. 00:31:17.860 --> 00:31:18.519 That he's not. 00:31:18.860 --> 00:31:19.279 At one. 00:31:19.420 --> 00:31:20.120 In one place. 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.319 Extolling his. 00:31:21.799 --> 00:31:22.240 Anxiety. 00:31:23.140 --> 00:31:24.120 I think he's saying. 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:24.940 So I think. 00:31:25.100 --> 00:31:25.900 There is a place. 00:31:25.980 --> 00:31:27.140 And there is a distinction. 00:31:27.660 --> 00:31:28.360 I think. 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:29.180 Um. 00:31:29.400 --> 00:31:30.220 The difference. 00:31:30.220 --> 00:31:30.940 Would be. 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:32.220 That things that are. 00:31:32.640 --> 00:31:33.600 Burden to you. 00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:35.019 About the fallen state. 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:35.519 Of the world. 00:31:35.640 --> 00:31:36.140 About the. 00:31:36.299 --> 00:31:37.200 The hard things. 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:37.900 That are going on. 00:31:37.940 --> 00:31:38.559 In your life. 00:31:38.940 --> 00:31:39.579 Is that. 00:31:39.860 --> 00:31:40.079 They're. 00:31:40.200 --> 00:31:40.759 They're actually. 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:43.059 To have a godly burden. 00:31:43.059 --> 00:31:44.420 Is actually going to draw you. 00:31:44.579 --> 00:31:45.400 Into fellowship. 00:31:45.400 --> 00:31:46.299 With God. 00:31:46.299 --> 00:31:47.519 Who cares more about. 00:31:47.519 --> 00:31:48.120 Those things. 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:48.680 Than you do. 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:50.500 And there's going to. 00:31:50.559 --> 00:31:51.299 It's going to result. 00:31:51.420 --> 00:31:52.600 In a kind of trust. 00:31:52.599 --> 00:31:53.839 Um. 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:55.219 In the midst. 00:31:55.219 --> 00:31:56.019 Of that burden. 00:31:56.139 --> 00:31:57.159 Being burdensome. 00:31:57.619 --> 00:31:57.939 Um. 00:31:58.259 --> 00:31:58.919 That I think. 00:31:59.039 --> 00:31:59.179 We'll. 00:31:59.259 --> 00:31:59.939 We'll see that. 00:32:00.059 --> 00:32:00.759 Only God. 00:32:01.179 --> 00:32:02.059 Can really. 00:32:02.719 --> 00:32:03.619 Renew the world. 00:32:03.819 --> 00:32:04.959 And make it right again. 00:32:05.419 --> 00:32:05.759 You know. 00:32:05.819 --> 00:32:07.079 And he's accomplished that. 00:32:07.139 --> 00:32:07.679 At the cross. 00:32:07.779 --> 00:32:08.019 But he. 00:32:08.259 --> 00:32:08.799 He hasn't. 00:32:08.899 --> 00:32:09.519 In the resurrection. 00:32:09.659 --> 00:32:10.319 But he hasn't yet. 00:32:10.799 --> 00:32:11.119 Fully. 00:32:11.459 --> 00:32:11.779 You know. 00:32:11.839 --> 00:32:12.480 Manifested it. 00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:13.179 He will one day. 00:32:13.439 --> 00:32:14.079 And so to know. 00:32:14.139 --> 00:32:14.879 That only God. 00:32:14.939 --> 00:32:15.779 Has the ability. 00:32:15.779 --> 00:32:16.159 To. 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:17.159 To do these things. 00:32:17.440 --> 00:32:18.160 And to recognize. 00:32:18.160 --> 00:32:19.400 That if anyone. 00:32:19.400 --> 00:32:20.600 Is grieved over sin. 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:21.019 And pain. 00:32:21.060 --> 00:32:21.480 And suffering. 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:22.040 In the world. 00:32:22.180 --> 00:32:22.759 God is. 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:24.100 More than any of us. 00:32:24.720 --> 00:32:25.180 And so. 00:32:25.380 --> 00:32:25.940 So I think. 00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:26.900 A healthy burden. 00:32:27.279 --> 00:32:28.480 Draws us into fellowship. 00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:29.019 With God. 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:29.440 Like that. 00:32:29.600 --> 00:32:30.380 Whereas anxiety. 00:32:30.600 --> 00:32:31.540 Tends to make us. 00:32:32.580 --> 00:32:32.900 You know. 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:34.060 Step back from God. 00:32:34.180 --> 00:32:34.440 Or to. 00:32:34.600 --> 00:32:34.820 You know. 00:32:34.900 --> 00:32:35.360 At worst. 00:32:35.440 --> 00:32:35.960 It makes us think. 00:32:36.040 --> 00:32:36.220 God. 00:32:36.300 --> 00:32:36.880 Why can't you. 00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:38.320 Why aren't you fixing this for me? 00:32:38.380 --> 00:32:39.360 And we actually get into. 00:32:39.460 --> 00:32:40.400 A more adversarial. 00:32:41.920 --> 00:32:42.279 Uh. 00:32:42.279 --> 00:32:43.180 Or we just think. 00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.080 This is my ball. 00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:45.100 I've got to run with it. 00:32:45.160 --> 00:32:46.660 God has nothing to do with this. 00:32:46.660 --> 00:32:47.140 And. 00:32:47.580 --> 00:32:48.320 And then we. 00:32:48.540 --> 00:32:49.440 And so rather than drawing. 00:32:49.620 --> 00:32:50.200 Near to God. 00:32:50.240 --> 00:32:50.700 In it. 00:32:50.759 --> 00:32:51.340 We actually. 00:32:51.560 --> 00:32:52.380 Find ourselves. 00:32:52.600 --> 00:32:53.800 Distance from God. 00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:54.740 So. 00:32:58.019 --> 00:32:58.800 What else? 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:01.640 Jonathan. 00:33:01.640 --> 00:33:01.740 Jonathan. 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:03.180 I would. 00:33:03.320 --> 00:33:04.560 At the end of verse 3. 00:33:04.840 --> 00:33:05.500 You mentioned. 00:33:05.779 --> 00:33:06.420 It's my covenant. 00:33:07.120 --> 00:33:08.600 And the rest of my followers. 00:33:08.860 --> 00:33:10.140 Whose names are in the. 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:10.800 Of life. 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:11.940 No different. 00:33:13.519 --> 00:33:15.100 He doesn't mention this. 00:33:15.380 --> 00:33:15.800 In other. 00:33:15.799 --> 00:33:22.519 Why he mentions. 00:33:22.680 --> 00:33:23.779 Clement and the other workers. 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:25.019 Or the names are written. 00:33:25.159 --> 00:33:25.819 In the book of life. 00:33:27.460 --> 00:33:28.740 I think. 00:33:29.519 --> 00:33:30.500 I think. 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:32.079 That what he's trying to do. 00:33:32.139 --> 00:33:33.700 Is he's trying to help. 00:33:34.099 --> 00:33:34.839 As he's writing. 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:35.799 Very particularly. 00:33:35.980 --> 00:33:36.599 To these two. 00:33:36.700 --> 00:33:37.440 Prominent women. 00:33:37.440 --> 00:33:38.460 Who are in conflict. 00:33:38.879 --> 00:33:39.819 In Philippi. 00:33:39.980 --> 00:33:40.899 He's trying to say. 00:33:41.059 --> 00:33:41.359 Okay. 00:33:41.460 --> 00:33:42.039 You two. 00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:43.059 And then. 00:33:43.059 --> 00:33:43.859 Oh by the way. 00:33:44.019 --> 00:33:44.519 You yoke. 00:33:44.679 --> 00:33:45.539 True companion. 00:33:45.720 --> 00:33:46.419 Help them. 00:33:47.859 --> 00:33:49.659 Because they have labored together. 00:33:49.779 --> 00:33:51.099 On the same team. 00:33:51.099 --> 00:33:51.919 With Clement. 00:33:52.139 --> 00:33:52.379 Who is. 00:33:52.380 --> 00:33:53.480 I'm assuming. 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:53.940 Either. 00:33:54.400 --> 00:33:55.280 Someone in the church. 00:33:55.420 --> 00:33:56.640 Or someone who's well known. 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:57.380 To. 00:33:57.700 --> 00:33:58.280 To all. 00:33:58.680 --> 00:34:00.200 And then other fellow workers. 00:34:00.360 --> 00:34:01.160 But what he's saying is. 00:34:01.300 --> 00:34:01.480 Look. 00:34:01.640 --> 00:34:03.240 We're all on the same team. 00:34:03.860 --> 00:34:05.020 And we're all on the same team. 00:34:05.380 --> 00:34:05.780 Missionally. 00:34:05.880 --> 00:34:07.300 Because God has given us this mission. 00:34:07.360 --> 00:34:09.059 To make known the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:34:09.119 --> 00:34:09.480 To everyone. 00:34:09.820 --> 00:34:10.840 So this conflict. 00:34:11.039 --> 00:34:11.119 Is. 00:34:11.260 --> 00:34:11.599 Is. 00:34:11.820 --> 00:34:12.119 Is. 00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:13.220 Out of step. 00:34:13.219 --> 00:34:13.779 With that. 00:34:14.159 --> 00:34:14.980 Unified mission. 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:16.199 But it's also. 00:34:16.199 --> 00:34:16.879 Out of step. 00:34:16.959 --> 00:34:18.359 With this unified identity. 00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:20.959 And I think that's why he talks about it. 00:34:21.059 --> 00:34:21.659 He's saying. 00:34:22.279 --> 00:34:23.179 This conflict. 00:34:23.379 --> 00:34:24.099 You should. 00:34:24.259 --> 00:34:25.079 And you ought to. 00:34:25.339 --> 00:34:25.939 Doggedly. 00:34:26.099 --> 00:34:26.919 Pursue it. 00:34:27.500 --> 00:34:29.339 Rather than just try to overlook it. 00:34:29.359 --> 00:34:30.459 Or pretend it's not there. 00:34:30.559 --> 00:34:31.139 Or feel like. 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:31.859 Awkward. 00:34:31.959 --> 00:34:32.719 Distant silence. 00:34:32.719 --> 00:34:33.259 Is okay. 00:34:33.559 --> 00:34:35.359 You actually want to pursue it. 00:34:35.419 --> 00:34:36.559 To work through it. 00:34:36.599 --> 00:34:37.359 To reconciliation. 00:34:38.359 --> 00:34:38.879 Because. 00:34:40.339 --> 00:34:41.919 Your names are written together. 00:34:41.919 --> 00:34:43.059 In the book of life. 00:34:43.219 --> 00:34:44.359 You guys are going to be. 00:34:44.459 --> 00:34:45.679 In the family of God forever. 00:34:46.799 --> 00:34:48.299 Don't live with this rift. 00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:48.879 Now. 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:50.699 I think that's why he puts it in there. 00:34:50.879 --> 00:34:51.039 So. 00:34:55.399 --> 00:34:56.239 Anyone else? 00:35:03.239 --> 00:35:04.619 It was crystal clear. 00:35:10.959 --> 00:35:11.319 Well. 00:35:11.459 --> 00:35:12.419 If you have any other questions. 00:35:12.420 --> 00:35:13.559 Please feel free to come up. 00:35:13.619 --> 00:35:14.420 And talk with me. 00:35:14.740 --> 00:35:15.559 Let me just. 00:35:15.960 --> 00:35:17.200 Point you to your bulletin. 00:35:17.280 --> 00:35:18.340 For a few quick announcements. 00:35:19.159 --> 00:35:20.059 As we. 00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:20.460 As. 00:35:20.460 --> 00:35:21.059 As. 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:22.119 As. 00:35:22.159 --> 00:35:24.299 What? 00:35:24.299 --> 00:35:24.400 As. 00:35:24.599 --> 00:35:24.639 Here. 00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:26.840 As. 00:35:26.840 --> 00:35:27.059 As. 00:35:27.299 --> 00:35:31.759 As.