WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.740 Good morning, I'm John, if you haven't met me, I'm one of the staff here. 00:00:06.679 --> 00:00:14.080 We have been sitting under Paul's teaching over many weeks now, through Romans and now in Philippians. 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:18.839 And what kind of Christian would you say Paul is? 00:00:20.219 --> 00:00:21.500 Let's do a word cloud. 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:29.839 The way it works is if you open your camera and point to this QR code, you'll get to your page. 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:42.120 Or if you actually open your browser and just type minti.com and then the number is 1964-3376. 00:00:44.299 --> 00:00:50.600 Don't worry if you don't have a phone, this is an exercise that you can actually ask people next to you to do it for you. 00:00:51.500 --> 00:00:56.719 So, Wendy, maybe you can go to that page when you're ready. 00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:18.060 Oh, okay. 00:01:18.480 --> 00:01:19.359 It's building in. 00:01:19.359 --> 00:01:23.319 So, if you don't have a phone, just ask the person next to you to put it for you. 00:01:23.620 --> 00:01:26.700 You can put it multiple times, as many as you like. 00:01:27.379 --> 00:01:30.079 Whatever comes to your mind and as often as you like. 00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:37.879 So, hardcore, faithful, good, loving, humble, passionate. 00:01:38.500 --> 00:01:39.420 Wow, it's going well. 00:01:40.039 --> 00:01:41.060 Going really, really well. 00:01:41.060 --> 00:01:46.920 So, what kind of Christian is Paul to your mind? 00:01:50.219 --> 00:01:54.180 So, if you're in that blank, going, okay, wow, it's different. 00:01:59.740 --> 00:02:00.820 You still doing it? 00:02:01.500 --> 00:02:02.260 Still having fun? 00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:04.700 It's getting bigger. 00:02:05.219 --> 00:02:06.359 Getting harder to read the word. 00:02:06.359 --> 00:02:10.939 Okay, let's pause there. 00:02:10.939 --> 00:02:11.060 Okay. 00:02:12.060 --> 00:02:14.740 What would you say about someone that's in this room? 00:02:15.379 --> 00:02:16.080 How about me? 00:02:17.620 --> 00:02:22.560 So, Wendy, if you go back just on your keyboard, go to the right arrow. 00:02:23.020 --> 00:02:23.280 Yes. 00:02:23.280 --> 00:02:25.900 John Lau is such a word Christian. 00:02:26.960 --> 00:02:31.280 You can be brutally honest, okay, or as kind and nice as you want. 00:02:31.860 --> 00:02:35.219 I'm ready to eat any humble pie that you throw at me for breakfast this morning. 00:02:35.900 --> 00:02:38.420 And it will be good for my personal growth, okay? 00:02:41.219 --> 00:02:41.979 Teddy bear. 00:02:45.039 --> 00:02:45.439 Wow. 00:02:46.759 --> 00:02:47.639 It's very flattering. 00:02:47.639 --> 00:02:47.840 Thank you. 00:02:47.840 --> 00:02:47.900 Thank you. 00:02:47.900 --> 00:02:47.939 Thank you. 00:02:53.280 --> 00:03:23.259 Thank you. 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:24.280 Thank you. 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:25.840 All good. 00:03:26.800 --> 00:03:30.300 Now, we're going to go back to the presented slide. 00:03:34.039 --> 00:03:36.080 You can look at the result later on. 00:03:36.199 --> 00:03:39.120 It actually, once you've done it, you've got a few days to go back to look at it. 00:03:39.580 --> 00:03:43.360 And you can feel free to keep going in, putting John Lau is such a word. 00:03:45.680 --> 00:03:48.280 So, give some time for Wendy to... 00:03:50.280 --> 00:03:50.620 Cool. 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:55.580 Finally, if you put your name... 00:03:55.580 --> 00:03:56.620 We go back to the... 00:03:57.800 --> 00:03:58.020 Yeah. 00:03:58.180 --> 00:04:00.580 If you put your name at the beginning of this sentence, 00:04:01.379 --> 00:04:06.120 what would you use in a space before Christian to describe your own life? 00:04:06.780 --> 00:04:08.560 That's for you to think through. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:18.879 In Paul's letter to the Philippians, the word grace and thanks come from the same roots in the original language of joy. 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:28.060 So, if you highlight those words and the related words like gracious, give thanks, rejoice with, or rejoice, 00:04:28.300 --> 00:04:30.439 as you read the letter of Philippians, 00:04:30.939 --> 00:04:35.399 it's very convincing that the theme of this letter of Philippians is joy, 00:04:36.240 --> 00:04:36.879 which James has... 00:04:37.839 --> 00:04:41.159 our assistant minister have pointed out for us the last two weeks. 00:04:41.160 --> 00:04:49.660 Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter, but even as a prisoner, he was filled with joy, 00:04:50.160 --> 00:04:52.740 which permeated his letters. 00:04:54.520 --> 00:04:57.680 But that being said, we just read chapter 3. 00:04:57.680 --> 00:05:02.280 Do you notice how many times the word related to joy appears? 00:05:04.120 --> 00:05:06.019 In the whole chapter of chapter 3. 00:05:08.019 --> 00:05:08.540 Once. 00:05:09.019 --> 00:05:10.100 Right at the very beginning. 00:05:11.220 --> 00:05:12.780 Rejoice in the Lord. 00:05:15.860 --> 00:05:16.360 Once. 00:05:16.699 --> 00:05:17.340 In the whole chapter. 00:05:17.339 --> 00:05:22.859 This lack of occurrence does not mean I'm very bad at counting, 00:05:23.519 --> 00:05:26.679 or have contradicted myself about the theme of the letter, 00:05:27.319 --> 00:05:31.979 but it served to reveal a secret, the secret of Paul's joy. 00:05:32.919 --> 00:05:37.299 The secret of Paul's joy was his relationship with Jesus Christ. 00:05:38.120 --> 00:05:40.219 The proof is in the letter of Philippians, 00:05:40.620 --> 00:05:43.359 which begins and ends with the name of Jesus. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:49.139 And Paul mentioned his beloved Savior 40 times in the letter, 00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:51.819 and 10 times in this chapter 3, 00:05:52.199 --> 00:05:55.800 which average at least once every two verses. 00:05:56.980 --> 00:06:00.939 The reason for Paul's joy was his relationship with Christ. 00:06:01.699 --> 00:06:08.580 And we have observed two chapters of how Paul's joy was tested in Rome's prison. 00:06:08.579 --> 00:06:13.740 Now, and how he held on to destroy his Savior Jesus. 00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:18.019 If Paul's relationship to his Master Jesus Christ 00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:20.779 could bring him joy under those conditions, 00:06:21.680 --> 00:06:25.339 then surely we who also love the Savior 00:06:25.339 --> 00:06:29.079 can learn to rejoice in any of our difficult times. 00:06:29.819 --> 00:06:31.439 And if you do not know Jesus, 00:06:32.019 --> 00:06:33.379 as Nick had pointed out before, 00:06:33.779 --> 00:06:35.799 I hope you'll get to know him soon 00:06:35.799 --> 00:06:37.159 and share that joy. 00:06:37.160 --> 00:06:43.840 The last few years have not been easy for many people. 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:46.340 And I will be okay even to say that 00:06:46.340 --> 00:06:49.600 the last few years have been difficult for many people. 00:06:50.280 --> 00:06:54.920 However, difficult times should not prove to be our cute joys. 00:06:55.960 --> 00:06:59.940 But there are things that we must watch out for 00:06:59.940 --> 00:07:01.840 which will kill our joy. 00:07:01.839 --> 00:07:05.599 So let's check out a few of the cute joys today 00:07:05.599 --> 00:07:08.599 and look at the real joy that Paul wants us to know. 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:15.660 Please turn again back to chapter 3 of Philippians 00:07:15.660 --> 00:07:17.500 and we are reading from verse 1 to 4. 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:25.000 Further, my brothers and sisters, 00:07:25.500 --> 00:07:26.500 rejoice in the Lord. 00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:30.500 It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again 00:07:30.500 --> 00:07:32.339 and it is a safeguard for you. 00:07:32.800 --> 00:07:33.980 Watch out for those dogs, 00:07:34.540 --> 00:07:35.639 those evildoers, 00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:37.920 those mutilators of the flesh. 00:07:38.300 --> 00:07:40.120 For it is we who are the circumcision, 00:07:40.660 --> 00:07:42.360 we who serve God by his Spirit, 00:07:42.779 --> 00:07:44.279 who boasts in Christ Jesus 00:07:44.279 --> 00:07:46.819 and who put no confidence in the flesh, 00:07:47.279 --> 00:07:49.779 though I myself have reason for such confidence. 00:07:54.839 --> 00:07:56.719 If you look back on the word cloud 00:07:56.719 --> 00:07:58.619 about what kind of Christian Paul is, 00:07:58.959 --> 00:08:01.299 I wonder how many words are related to joy. 00:08:01.919 --> 00:08:03.919 I think verse 2 to 4 here 00:08:03.919 --> 00:08:06.759 should have more of my image of Paul 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:11.219 hard line, strong word, and very to the point. 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:13.699 But Paul was never harsh. 00:08:14.279 --> 00:08:17.139 He spoke strongly and compassionately 00:08:17.139 --> 00:08:19.759 on some issue to safeguard his audience 00:08:19.759 --> 00:08:24.239 because it can become a matter of life and death. 00:08:25.479 --> 00:08:28.899 Paul gave a strong warning about a group of people. 00:08:29.299 --> 00:08:30.439 He called them dogs, 00:08:30.859 --> 00:08:31.599 evildoers, 00:08:31.859 --> 00:08:33.319 and mutilators of the flesh. 00:08:33.980 --> 00:08:36.100 They claimed to serve God by their teaching 00:08:36.100 --> 00:08:37.339 and boastful 00:08:37.339 --> 00:08:39.620 and put confidence in their flesh. 00:08:40.419 --> 00:08:42.679 Further down in verse 18 to 19, 00:08:42.679 --> 00:08:43.479 he said, 00:08:43.479 --> 00:08:46.239 For as I have often told you before and now, 00:08:46.699 --> 00:08:48.339 tell you again even with tears. 00:08:49.219 --> 00:08:51.559 Many live as enemy of the cross of Christ. 00:08:52.099 --> 00:08:53.519 Their destiny is destruction, 00:08:53.959 --> 00:08:55.199 their God is their stomach, 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:57.259 and their glory is in their shame. 00:08:57.799 --> 00:08:59.759 Their mind is set on earthy things. 00:09:01.199 --> 00:09:04.319 Verse 9 hinted that they are people with a righteousness 00:09:04.319 --> 00:09:06.439 that comes from the law, 00:09:06.440 --> 00:09:09.320 from how well they observe the law 00:09:09.320 --> 00:09:11.180 and make sure others follow them 00:09:11.180 --> 00:09:13.660 in relying on their merit. 00:09:15.260 --> 00:09:19.060 Paul gets very hard line about this intruder of faith. 00:09:19.760 --> 00:09:22.740 Legalists that legalistically follow the law, 00:09:23.340 --> 00:09:24.420 they are joy killers 00:09:24.420 --> 00:09:27.060 that Philippians and believers of God 00:09:27.060 --> 00:09:28.620 need to be aware of. 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:33.179 Legalism and those that bring such teaching 00:09:33.179 --> 00:09:34.720 is the first kill joy. 00:09:36.220 --> 00:09:39.139 God has warned his people throughout the Bible 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:42.679 to be aware of people or false teachers 00:09:42.679 --> 00:09:44.279 that are not of him. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:47.560 In Isaiah 56, verse 10 to 11, 00:09:47.759 --> 00:09:48.360 God says, 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:51.120 Israel's watchmen are blind. 00:09:52.120 --> 00:09:53.320 They all lack knowledge. 00:09:53.560 --> 00:09:54.840 They are all mute dogs. 00:09:55.220 --> 00:09:56.180 They cannot bark. 00:09:56.179 --> 00:09:57.959 They lie around and dream. 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:58.919 They love to sleep. 00:09:59.259 --> 00:10:01.059 They are dogs with mighty appetites. 00:10:01.219 --> 00:10:02.120 They never have enough. 00:10:02.779 --> 00:10:04.699 They are shepherds who lack understanding. 00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:06.459 They all turn to their own way. 00:10:06.899 --> 00:10:08.319 They seek their own gain. 00:10:09.379 --> 00:10:12.419 The people that Paul was warning the Philippians about 00:10:12.419 --> 00:10:15.459 were teaching a form of work salvation, 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:19.659 where people must work for their own redemption 00:10:19.659 --> 00:10:23.179 and believe that their seal in influencing others 00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:27.559 others to follow them was part of their being accepted by God. 00:10:28.500 --> 00:10:31.239 They required the believers to become a Jew 00:10:31.239 --> 00:10:33.179 by circumcision to be saved. 00:10:34.379 --> 00:10:37.059 They were a mutilator of the flesh of their brothers. 00:10:37.679 --> 00:10:39.620 Their teaching is not the gospel 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:43.379 because it was teaching of a Jesus plus something. 00:10:44.259 --> 00:10:46.039 In this case, circumcision 00:10:46.039 --> 00:10:48.899 and observing rituals for salvation. 00:10:50.719 --> 00:10:51.939 A legalistic mindset 00:10:51.939 --> 00:10:54.379 is one of the earthly mindset 00:10:54.379 --> 00:10:56.779 that Paul refers to in verse 19. 00:10:58.559 --> 00:11:01.539 Legalism is pursuing good works 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:04.919 to earn God's favor to save oneself, 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:07.919 which is not unique in Paul's time. 00:11:08.860 --> 00:11:11.379 It is the backbone of all kinds of religion. 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:15.319 It is in the air we breathe in this fallen world. 00:11:16.039 --> 00:11:18.939 It is so easy to fall into the trap 00:11:18.939 --> 00:11:21.159 of relying on good works 00:11:21.159 --> 00:11:24.360 and not believing that God justified us 00:11:24.360 --> 00:11:25.559 by our faith alone. 00:11:26.199 --> 00:11:29.299 So Paul needs to warn believers strongly. 00:11:31.059 --> 00:11:32.379 A pastor once said, 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:35.539 the essence of legalism 00:11:35.539 --> 00:11:38.819 is when faith is not the engine of obedience. 00:11:38.820 --> 00:11:42.820 We are not operating with faith 00:11:42.820 --> 00:11:46.100 when we work hard to earn God's favor. 00:11:46.800 --> 00:11:47.960 Let me say that again. 00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:50.600 We are not operating with faith 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:53.300 when we work hard to earn God's favor. 00:11:54.260 --> 00:11:55.760 We might not say it out loud, 00:11:55.920 --> 00:11:57.840 but our actions and ways of life 00:11:57.840 --> 00:11:59.879 are saying that we must add 00:11:59.879 --> 00:12:01.879 to the finished work of Jesus on the cross. 00:12:02.660 --> 00:12:04.120 His work wasn't enough. 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:06.820 Therefore, we must work to make God happy. 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:09.299 We must take it into our own hands 00:12:09.299 --> 00:12:10.639 to be accepted by God. 00:12:11.840 --> 00:12:13.120 Most new Christians, 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:17.480 especially those that become one later in life 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:19.639 or are not born into a Christian family, 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:21.820 have a kind of legalistic way 00:12:21.820 --> 00:12:24.220 of what it means to be a Christian. 00:12:24.779 --> 00:12:25.560 I know I did. 00:12:26.580 --> 00:12:27.899 We seem to believe 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:29.720 if I surrender myself to Jesus, 00:12:30.320 --> 00:12:31.919 He comes to me and saves me 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:33.439 and forgives my sin, 00:12:33.979 --> 00:12:36.299 but I have got to stay surrendered to Him. 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:38.759 I have got to keep being committed 00:12:38.759 --> 00:12:41.299 or He would somehow withdraw from me. 00:12:42.299 --> 00:12:43.740 A legalistic mindset 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:46.360 or legalism is the first killjoy. 00:12:46.979 --> 00:12:48.759 It treats relations with God 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:50.899 as a religious activity. 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:53.779 I believe the pandemic 00:12:53.779 --> 00:12:55.819 had turned the manifestation 00:12:55.819 --> 00:12:58.000 of legalism on its head. 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:01.019 Instead of doing more 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:02.740 to make us holy in front of God, 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:05.779 we are also tired and stressed out 00:13:05.779 --> 00:13:08.220 that we are looking to do the bare minimum 00:13:08.220 --> 00:13:12.039 and crave a 1C and 3P life. 00:13:12.960 --> 00:13:14.100 People think that 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:16.720 they will bring them joy, 00:13:17.179 --> 00:13:19.159 but they are the cute joys. 00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:23.220 Are you looking for a 1C and 3P life? 00:13:24.179 --> 00:13:24.960 A comfortable, 00:13:25.579 --> 00:13:26.579 pressurable, 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:28.000 predictable, 00:13:28.439 --> 00:13:29.559 and problem-free life. 00:13:29.559 --> 00:13:32.039 And what are you giving up 00:13:32.039 --> 00:13:32.759 to get them? 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:36.159 We bargain with God 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:37.079 about our time 00:13:37.079 --> 00:13:38.819 to build a relationship with Him 00:13:38.819 --> 00:13:39.500 vertically 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:41.979 and with others horizontally. 00:13:42.799 --> 00:13:43.579 As He's saying, 00:13:43.839 --> 00:13:46.579 as long as I make it to Sunday church 00:13:46.579 --> 00:13:48.719 or have watched church online, 00:13:49.619 --> 00:13:51.519 I tick the attendance box with God 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:52.679 and give money 00:13:52.679 --> 00:13:54.779 and God should be happy with me. 00:13:55.579 --> 00:13:56.979 Don't expect me to stay 00:13:56.980 --> 00:13:58.000 and reach out to others 00:13:58.000 --> 00:13:59.139 to have a real relationship. 00:13:59.139 --> 00:14:00.420 I have no time for that. 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:03.680 We end up judging God's goodness 00:14:03.680 --> 00:14:07.060 based on how well life works out for us 00:14:07.060 --> 00:14:09.340 rather than on what He has done 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:10.860 and is still doing 00:14:10.860 --> 00:14:13.240 to make good on His redemptive promise. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.539 Some Nehemiahistic believers 00:14:16.539 --> 00:14:19.000 may come to a realization 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:20.180 years later 00:14:20.180 --> 00:14:22.200 after they find themselves 00:14:22.200 --> 00:14:24.000 falling way down 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:26.140 where even praying to God 00:14:26.140 --> 00:14:26.920 become hard. 00:14:27.940 --> 00:14:29.020 And they realize 00:14:29.020 --> 00:14:30.820 my relationship with God 00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:32.620 has got to be based on something 00:14:32.620 --> 00:14:35.100 beside the state of my heart, 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:36.740 my prayer life, 00:14:36.820 --> 00:14:37.940 or how holy I am. 00:14:38.520 --> 00:14:39.620 It has to have 00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:41.540 an objective basis 00:14:41.540 --> 00:14:43.240 that doesn't change. 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:46.160 And that's when they discover 00:14:46.160 --> 00:14:47.180 that they are saved 00:14:47.180 --> 00:14:48.680 through the faith in Christ, 00:14:49.220 --> 00:14:50.720 not through their works. 00:14:50.720 --> 00:14:53.440 If you are believers, 00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:55.639 have you had your moment 00:14:55.639 --> 00:14:56.740 of realization yet? 00:14:57.960 --> 00:14:59.420 What word did you put down 00:14:59.420 --> 00:15:01.320 to describe your Christian life earlier? 00:15:02.639 --> 00:15:03.740 One way to tell 00:15:03.740 --> 00:15:05.420 whether you are Nehemiahistic or not 00:15:05.420 --> 00:15:06.480 is when you look at 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:07.440 your Christian life, 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:09.660 does your heart fill up with joy? 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:11.560 Is your obedience 00:15:11.560 --> 00:15:13.860 motivated by your faith in Christ 00:15:13.860 --> 00:15:14.980 and the grace of God? 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:19.200 All kinds of religions surround us. 00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:21.560 If you listen to or follow them, 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.740 their teaching will eventually 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:26.120 become our kill joys 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:27.420 and kill us. 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:30.040 Their teaching manifested 00:15:30.040 --> 00:15:32.100 in different kinds of isms 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:33.780 and mentalities. 00:15:34.300 --> 00:15:35.620 So let me list out a few. 00:15:37.900 --> 00:15:38.780 Consumerism. 00:15:39.780 --> 00:15:42.200 People become religious shoppers 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:43.800 and they don't have 00:15:43.800 --> 00:15:45.480 operational loyalty 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.840 to the plan of God. 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:49.220 Looking for a comfortable 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:50.600 religious experience 00:15:50.600 --> 00:15:52.300 that meets their failed needs, 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:54.300 have no problem moving 00:15:54.300 --> 00:15:55.980 when they are dissatisfied, 00:15:56.640 --> 00:15:58.060 and end up moving 00:15:58.060 --> 00:16:00.340 from one dissatisfaction 00:16:00.340 --> 00:16:01.440 to another 00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:02.879 and kill their joy. 00:16:04.180 --> 00:16:06.840 The good is good enough mentality. 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:10.480 People are easily satisfied 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.660 and thankful 00:16:11.660 --> 00:16:13.120 for the changes 00:16:13.120 --> 00:16:14.720 that grace has brought 00:16:14.720 --> 00:16:15.680 into their life. 00:16:16.860 --> 00:16:18.480 A bit of biblical literacy 00:16:18.480 --> 00:16:20.360 and knowledge about God, 00:16:21.080 --> 00:16:22.620 a slightly better marriage, 00:16:23.280 --> 00:16:25.320 a little personal spiritual growth, 00:16:25.800 --> 00:16:26.500 or so on, 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:27.240 are good enough. 00:16:28.139 --> 00:16:29.340 They quit seeking 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:30.920 and pursuing God, 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:32.840 but God is far from finishing 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:34.660 with transforming His people. 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:36.659 This kind of mentality 00:16:36.659 --> 00:16:38.259 kills a chance 00:16:38.259 --> 00:16:39.240 to experience 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:40.199 transforming joy. 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:44.500 And these bad things 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:46.039 can work mentality. 00:16:47.439 --> 00:16:48.879 People work to make 00:16:48.879 --> 00:16:49.799 the best out of 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:50.740 what God says 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:51.600 is not good. 00:16:52.600 --> 00:16:53.259 For example, 00:16:53.939 --> 00:16:54.699 a married couple 00:16:54.699 --> 00:16:55.799 learns to negotiate 00:16:55.799 --> 00:16:57.899 one another's idolatries 00:16:57.899 --> 00:16:59.519 and end up having 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:00.419 their own thing 00:17:00.419 --> 00:17:01.740 outside their marriage 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:03.179 rather than working 00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:04.359 towards a truly 00:17:04.359 --> 00:17:05.399 godly marriage. 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:07.359 Their marriage life 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:08.759 is no longer alive 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:09.519 but dead, 00:17:10.099 --> 00:17:11.039 let alone enjoyable. 00:17:12.899 --> 00:17:13.939 And the fourth one, 00:17:14.199 --> 00:17:15.799 event versus process 00:17:15.799 --> 00:17:16.479 mentality. 00:17:18.479 --> 00:17:19.699 We all want 00:17:19.699 --> 00:17:20.659 instant fix. 00:17:21.419 --> 00:17:22.359 People want God 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.759 to do the good things 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:24.299 He promised, 00:17:25.139 --> 00:17:26.179 but do not want 00:17:26.179 --> 00:17:26.979 to persevere 00:17:26.979 --> 00:17:28.559 through a lifelong process 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:29.259 to get them. 00:17:30.319 --> 00:17:32.740 We want God's work 00:17:32.740 --> 00:17:33.859 to be an event 00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:35.900 rather than a process. 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:37.539 When it's not, 00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:38.640 our commitment 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:39.579 begins to lag 00:17:39.579 --> 00:17:41.680 and we have no joy 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:43.420 in growing together 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:44.279 and belonging 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:44.940 to each other. 00:17:45.940 --> 00:17:46.859 And et cetera, 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:47.359 et cetera. 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:50.819 Humans 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:51.920 are sinners 00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:53.299 living in a fallen world. 00:17:54.099 --> 00:17:55.160 We were made 00:17:55.160 --> 00:17:56.240 to glorify God 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:57.200 with our life, 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:58.640 but we rebelled 00:17:58.640 --> 00:17:59.880 against God's plan 00:17:59.880 --> 00:18:01.660 and bent on glorifying 00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:02.200 ourselves. 00:18:03.080 --> 00:18:03.840 A Christian, 00:18:04.320 --> 00:18:05.440 a believer of God, 00:18:06.100 --> 00:18:06.820 would understand 00:18:06.820 --> 00:18:07.760 this predicament 00:18:07.760 --> 00:18:09.200 a little bit better 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:10.180 than someone 00:18:10.180 --> 00:18:11.000 who does not believe 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:11.500 in God, 00:18:12.020 --> 00:18:13.420 but is by no way 00:18:13.420 --> 00:18:14.660 completely free 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:15.740 of this peril. 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:19.420 The list of kill joys 00:18:19.420 --> 00:18:20.799 can go on and on 00:18:20.799 --> 00:18:21.480 in this world 00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:22.240 we are living in. 00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:24.940 We can let this 00:18:24.940 --> 00:18:25.740 fourth mindset 00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:26.700 or many others 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:27.779 kill your joy 00:18:27.779 --> 00:18:29.559 or take up the safeguard 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:30.720 that Paul lived 00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:32.180 with the Philippians 00:18:32.180 --> 00:18:34.200 to rejoice in the Lord 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:35.539 for real joy 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.700 is Jesus Christ. 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:39.779 If we go back 00:18:39.779 --> 00:18:41.319 to chapter 3, 00:18:41.620 --> 00:18:42.700 between verse 7 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.440 to 14, 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:44.900 Paul repeated 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:45.500 the idea 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:47.019 to consider 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.440 loss 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.200 and take hold 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:51.420 of three times. 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:52.720 And between 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:54.160 these two ideas, 00:18:54.660 --> 00:18:54.920 there are 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:55.600 verse 10 00:18:55.600 --> 00:18:56.480 and 11, 00:18:57.340 --> 00:18:57.940 which say, 00:18:58.840 --> 00:18:59.460 I want to know 00:18:59.460 --> 00:18:59.980 Christ, 00:19:00.340 --> 00:19:00.660 yes, 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:01.420 the power 00:19:01.420 --> 00:19:02.259 of his resurrection 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:04.059 and the participation 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:05.120 in his sufferings 00:19:05.120 --> 00:19:06.160 become like him 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:06.860 in his death 00:19:06.860 --> 00:19:07.740 and so, 00:19:08.080 --> 00:19:08.580 somehow, 00:19:08.860 --> 00:19:09.700 attending to the 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.680 resurrection of the dead. 00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:13.000 To know Christ 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:13.740 is what Paul 00:19:13.740 --> 00:19:14.539 wants to do 00:19:14.539 --> 00:19:15.519 at this point 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:16.200 in his life, 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.680 not because he's 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.519 stuck in a prison 00:19:18.519 --> 00:19:20.259 and cannot go anywhere. 00:19:21.160 --> 00:19:22.700 He looks over his life 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:24.380 before he met Jesus 00:19:24.380 --> 00:19:26.880 and over the 30 years 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:27.920 that he has been living 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:29.079 to make Jesus known, 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.480 he concludes that 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:31.579 to consider 00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:32.759 whatever things 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:33.960 that were gained to him, 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:36.220 his physical ancestry, 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:39.799 his religious orthodoxy, 00:19:39.799 --> 00:19:41.659 his spiritual activities, 00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:43.259 his morality 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.519 and social status, 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:45.519 loss 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:46.859 because of Christ. 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:48.619 He said in verse 8, 00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:49.659 what is more, 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:51.200 I consider everything 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:51.720 a loss 00:19:51.720 --> 00:19:53.159 because of the suppressing 00:19:53.159 --> 00:19:53.980 worth of knowing 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:54.819 Christ Jesus, 00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:55.399 my Lord. 00:19:56.059 --> 00:19:56.859 For whose sake 00:19:56.859 --> 00:19:58.079 I have lost all things, 00:19:58.440 --> 00:19:59.960 I consider them garbage 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:01.480 that I may gain Christ 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:02.759 and be fine in him, 00:20:03.059 --> 00:20:04.019 not having a righteousness 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:04.759 of my own 00:20:04.759 --> 00:20:05.919 that comes from the law, 00:20:06.220 --> 00:20:07.059 but that which is 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:08.379 through faith in Christ. 00:20:08.380 --> 00:20:10.640 to gain Christ 00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:12.280 and be fine in him, 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:13.580 make sitting 00:20:13.580 --> 00:20:15.560 in a dark prison cell 00:20:15.560 --> 00:20:16.400 of Rome 00:20:16.400 --> 00:20:18.500 not just unbearable, 00:20:19.100 --> 00:20:20.280 but enjoyable. 00:20:21.320 --> 00:20:22.980 Paul is thanking God 00:20:22.980 --> 00:20:24.220 for putting him in prison, 00:20:24.600 --> 00:20:25.300 for the opportunity 00:20:25.300 --> 00:20:27.140 to look back 00:20:27.140 --> 00:20:28.440 on his past 00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:30.520 and recount all the situation 00:20:30.520 --> 00:20:31.200 that Christ 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:32.220 has taken him through. 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:33.740 And to consider 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:34.660 the possibility 00:20:34.660 --> 00:20:35.720 of the future 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:37.620 where he can press on 00:20:37.619 --> 00:20:38.399 to take hold 00:20:38.399 --> 00:20:39.399 of what Christ Jesus 00:20:39.399 --> 00:20:40.239 took hold of him. 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:42.559 Not that I have already 00:20:42.559 --> 00:20:43.519 obtained all this 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.539 or have already 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.739 arrived at my goal, 00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:47.000 but I press on 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:48.279 to take hold of that 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.459 for which Christ Jesus 00:20:49.459 --> 00:20:50.359 took hold of me. 00:20:50.879 --> 00:20:51.719 Brothers and sisters, 00:20:51.879 --> 00:20:53.239 I do not consider myself 00:20:53.239 --> 00:20:54.699 yet to have taken hold of it, 00:20:54.959 --> 00:20:56.219 but one thing I do, 00:20:56.679 --> 00:20:58.299 forgetting what is behind 00:20:58.299 --> 00:20:59.599 and straining towards 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:00.259 what is ahead, 00:21:00.619 --> 00:21:01.559 I press on 00:21:01.559 --> 00:21:03.099 towards the goal 00:21:03.099 --> 00:21:04.059 to win the prize 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:04.799 for which God 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:05.799 has called me 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:07.659 heavenward in Jesus Christ. 00:21:09.339 --> 00:21:10.740 Paul wants to know 00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:11.899 Christ deeply 00:21:11.899 --> 00:21:13.740 by experiencing Christ 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:14.680 with his life, 00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:17.379 even after being 00:21:17.379 --> 00:21:18.579 Christ's ambassador 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:20.259 for 30 years. 00:21:21.259 --> 00:21:22.519 He wants to know 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.859 the power of Christ's 00:21:23.859 --> 00:21:24.399 resurrection 00:21:24.399 --> 00:21:25.779 and participation 00:21:25.779 --> 00:21:27.139 in his suffering 00:21:27.139 --> 00:21:28.539 and becoming like him 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.259 in his death. 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:31.139 Paul decides 00:21:31.139 --> 00:21:32.019 to know Christ 00:21:32.019 --> 00:21:33.879 better and develop 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:34.960 Christ's likeness 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:35.940 in his life 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:37.980 until his last breath. 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:40.400 The prize that he 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:41.859 is pressing on towards 00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:43.400 is to permeate 00:21:43.400 --> 00:21:44.160 Christ Jesus 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:45.660 through his life. 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:47.079 It's like saying 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:48.339 Apostle Paul 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:49.519 is such a Christian 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:51.000 without needing 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:51.879 any adjective 00:21:51.879 --> 00:21:53.379 because he lives 00:21:53.379 --> 00:21:54.400 and breathes Christ. 00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:55.819 The knowledge 00:21:55.819 --> 00:21:56.720 of the person 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.420 of Jesus Christ 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:58.200 sets Christianity 00:21:58.200 --> 00:22:00.420 apart from all religion. 00:22:00.420 --> 00:22:02.259 our faith 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:03.279 is not one 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:04.160 of system, 00:22:04.620 --> 00:22:05.340 doctrines, 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.360 regulations, 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:07.039 or ritual. 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.180 Christian faith 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:10.120 is a personal 00:22:10.120 --> 00:22:11.440 and intimate faith. 00:22:12.560 --> 00:22:13.480 Christian knows 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:14.580 a person 00:22:14.580 --> 00:22:15.680 who has changed 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:16.500 their lives 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:17.640 and they live 00:22:17.640 --> 00:22:18.560 in fellowship 00:22:18.560 --> 00:22:19.420 with him. 00:22:20.100 --> 00:22:20.800 He lives 00:22:20.800 --> 00:22:22.400 with each Christian 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:23.400 by his spirit 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:24.880 and we can know him 00:22:24.880 --> 00:22:26.240 better and better 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:27.100 as we walk 00:22:27.100 --> 00:22:27.900 with him daily. 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:28.960 As Nick 00:22:28.960 --> 00:22:29.860 has suggested earlier, 00:22:29.859 --> 00:22:30.779 as you read his word 00:22:30.779 --> 00:22:31.279 every day. 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.979 If you call yourself 00:22:33.979 --> 00:22:34.559 a Christian, 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:36.299 do you have 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:37.139 a personal 00:22:37.139 --> 00:22:38.459 and intimate faith 00:22:38.459 --> 00:22:39.240 with Christ? 00:22:40.899 --> 00:22:41.939 Have you been 00:22:41.939 --> 00:22:43.359 getting to know him 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:43.979 better and better 00:22:43.979 --> 00:22:44.579 each day? 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:46.019 Have you been 00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:47.579 observing a religion 00:22:47.579 --> 00:22:48.799 like what the rest 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:49.740 of the world are? 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:51.459 Or are you enjoying 00:22:51.459 --> 00:22:52.219 your relationship 00:22:52.219 --> 00:22:52.759 with God? 00:22:53.639 --> 00:22:54.279 Real joy 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:55.240 is only fun 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:56.059 in relationship 00:22:56.059 --> 00:22:56.639 with God, 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.039 so consider 00:22:58.039 --> 00:22:59.059 and take hold 00:22:59.059 --> 00:22:59.659 of Christ. 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:01.659 Paul wants 00:23:01.659 --> 00:23:02.519 to participate 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:03.500 in Christ's suffering 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:04.779 and keep maturing 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:05.599 in his knowledge 00:23:05.599 --> 00:23:06.159 of Christ. 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:07.839 Paul has set 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:08.899 himself and others 00:23:08.899 --> 00:23:09.680 as examples 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:11.059 of Christ's followers, 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:12.379 as those 00:23:12.379 --> 00:23:13.700 that have 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:14.420 taken hold 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:14.839 of Christ 00:23:14.839 --> 00:23:15.399 and are being 00:23:15.399 --> 00:23:16.039 like-minded 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:16.680 with him. 00:23:17.819 --> 00:23:18.519 He calls 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:20.319 in verse 17 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:21.379 to join together, 00:23:21.380 --> 00:23:23.420 he calls us 00:23:23.420 --> 00:23:24.060 in verse 17 00:23:24.060 --> 00:23:25.380 to join together 00:23:25.380 --> 00:23:26.000 in following 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.940 their examples 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:27.780 as our model 00:23:27.780 --> 00:23:28.920 to keep our eyes 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:29.760 on how they live. 00:23:31.280 --> 00:23:31.900 When thinking 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.680 about example 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:33.700 of faithful followers 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.240 of God, 00:23:34.560 --> 00:23:36.080 I cannot but think 00:23:36.080 --> 00:23:36.740 of Hebrews 00:23:36.740 --> 00:23:37.940 chapter 11 and 12 00:23:37.940 --> 00:23:39.020 with the list 00:23:39.020 --> 00:23:39.500 of names 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:40.040 including 00:23:40.040 --> 00:23:40.860 Moses, 00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:41.700 Enot, 00:23:42.360 --> 00:23:42.820 Abraham, 00:23:43.260 --> 00:23:43.640 Joseph, 00:23:43.820 --> 00:23:44.320 and Rahab, 00:23:45.020 --> 00:23:45.820 such a great 00:23:45.820 --> 00:23:46.880 crowd 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:48.020 of witnesses. 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:49.340 And Hebrews 00:23:49.340 --> 00:23:50.320 11 and 13 00:23:50.320 --> 00:23:50.800 said, 00:23:51.260 --> 00:23:52.100 all these people 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:52.600 were still 00:23:52.600 --> 00:23:53.640 living by faith 00:23:53.640 --> 00:23:54.660 when they died. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:55.620 They did not 00:23:55.620 --> 00:23:56.360 receive the things 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:56.840 promised. 00:23:57.680 --> 00:23:58.380 They only saw 00:23:58.380 --> 00:23:59.360 them and welcomed 00:23:59.360 --> 00:24:00.380 them from a distance 00:24:00.380 --> 00:24:01.400 admitting that 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:02.180 they were foreigners 00:24:02.180 --> 00:24:03.000 and strangers 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:03.740 on earth. 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:06.880 In verse 32 00:24:06.880 --> 00:24:07.580 to 38 00:24:07.580 --> 00:24:08.860 of Hebrews 11, 00:24:10.520 --> 00:24:11.180 give us, 00:24:11.320 --> 00:24:11.820 the readers, 00:24:12.260 --> 00:24:13.280 a vivid picture 00:24:13.280 --> 00:24:15.340 that those people 00:24:15.340 --> 00:24:16.020 are not afraid 00:24:16.020 --> 00:24:16.560 to suffer 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:17.379 for their faith. 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:18.839 And I find 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:19.399 something 00:24:19.399 --> 00:24:21.460 that's very 00:24:21.460 --> 00:24:22.399 encouraging to me 00:24:22.399 --> 00:24:23.519 in verse 39 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.119 to 40. 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:27.139 These, 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:27.779 which is those 00:24:27.779 --> 00:24:28.139 people, 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:28.839 were all 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:29.279 commanded 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:30.059 for their faith, 00:24:30.419 --> 00:24:30.960 yet none 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:31.500 of them 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.179 received 00:24:32.179 --> 00:24:32.960 what had 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:33.559 been promised 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:33.799 them. 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:34.940 Since God 00:24:34.940 --> 00:24:35.519 had planted 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.279 something better 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.099 for us, 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:38.119 so that only 00:24:38.119 --> 00:24:39.079 together with 00:24:39.079 --> 00:24:40.220 us would 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:41.039 they be 00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:41.779 made perfect. 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:44.419 Since God 00:24:44.419 --> 00:24:44.879 had planted 00:24:44.879 --> 00:24:45.519 something better 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.019 for us, 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:46.539 the readers, 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:47.920 so that only 00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:48.639 together with 00:24:48.639 --> 00:24:49.000 us, 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:50.119 those who 00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:50.440 come to 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:51.039 believe in 00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:51.559 God after 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:52.220 seeing their 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:52.759 example, 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:54.180 would their 00:24:54.180 --> 00:24:55.019 faith be 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:55.480 perfect? 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:57.859 We are 00:24:57.859 --> 00:24:58.559 the key 00:24:58.559 --> 00:24:59.779 to their 00:24:59.779 --> 00:25:00.420 maturity 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:01.400 in faith 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:02.180 of being 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:02.859 made perfect. 00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:04.160 Together with 00:25:04.160 --> 00:25:04.599 Christ, 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:05.519 we are the 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.480 keys for 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:06.980 all these 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:07.420 people's 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:08.079 maturing in 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:08.420 faith. 00:25:09.379 --> 00:25:10.000 You 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:10.579 made 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:11.339 Moses, 00:25:12.059 --> 00:25:12.700 Abraham's 00:25:12.700 --> 00:25:12.940 faith, 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:13.339 perfect, 00:25:13.339 --> 00:25:14.039 perfect as 00:25:14.039 --> 00:25:14.559 you watch 00:25:14.559 --> 00:25:15.079 and imitate 00:25:15.079 --> 00:25:15.699 his way 00:25:15.699 --> 00:25:16.720 of life. 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:17.439 You 00:25:17.439 --> 00:25:17.740 made 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.259 Paul's 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:18.539 faith 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:19.779 perfect as 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:20.299 you pursued 00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:21.019 knowing Christ's 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:21.159 life, 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:21.519 what he 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:21.859 does. 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:23.399 That is so 00:25:23.399 --> 00:25:24.199 incredible and 00:25:24.199 --> 00:25:24.539 glorious. 00:25:25.359 --> 00:25:26.500 I'm lost for a word 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.139 when I think of 00:25:27.139 --> 00:25:27.379 that. 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:28.639 When I think of 00:25:28.639 --> 00:25:29.619 God using me 00:25:29.619 --> 00:25:30.839 to make perfect 00:25:30.839 --> 00:25:31.699 the faith of all 00:25:31.699 --> 00:25:32.220 those faithful 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:32.859 people in the 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:33.079 Bible, 00:25:34.159 --> 00:25:34.740 that fills 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:36.099 my heart with 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:36.399 joy. 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:38.320 Paul said 00:25:38.320 --> 00:25:38.920 back in 00:25:38.920 --> 00:25:39.780 Philippians 3, 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:41.700 20 to 21, 00:25:41.800 --> 00:25:43.000 that our 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:44.480 citizenship is 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:45.700 in heaven and 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.680 we eagerly 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:47.519 await a 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.160 savior from 00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:49.100 there, the 00:25:49.100 --> 00:25:49.580 Lord Jesus 00:25:49.580 --> 00:25:50.600 Christ, who 00:25:50.600 --> 00:25:51.280 by the power 00:25:51.280 --> 00:25:52.019 that enables 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.759 him to bring 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:53.400 everything under 00:25:53.400 --> 00:25:54.040 his control 00:25:54.040 --> 00:25:55.180 will transform 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:55.880 our lowly 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.920 bodies so 00:25:56.920 --> 00:25:57.360 that they 00:25:57.360 --> 00:25:57.980 may be like 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.660 his glorious 00:25:58.660 --> 00:25:59.120 body. 00:26:00.900 --> 00:26:01.640 Transformed to 00:26:01.640 --> 00:26:02.220 be like his 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:03.080 heavenly savior, 00:26:03.580 --> 00:26:04.040 the Lord 00:26:04.040 --> 00:26:05.519 Jesus, is 00:26:05.519 --> 00:26:06.080 what Paul 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:06.639 eagerly 00:26:06.639 --> 00:26:07.879 awaits and 00:26:07.879 --> 00:26:08.359 is what 00:26:08.359 --> 00:26:09.000 gives him 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.799 hope and 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:10.819 joy even 00:26:10.819 --> 00:26:11.179 in the 00:26:11.179 --> 00:26:11.960 prison of 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:12.259 Rome. 00:26:13.159 --> 00:26:13.599 He is 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:14.699 certain that 00:26:14.699 --> 00:26:15.059 by the 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:15.659 power that 00:26:15.659 --> 00:26:16.319 enables Jesus 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:16.720 to bring 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:17.339 everything under 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:18.059 his control, 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.299 Jesus will 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:20.339 transform our 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:21.359 lowly bodies 00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:22.159 to be like 00:26:22.159 --> 00:26:22.960 his glorious 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:23.779 resurrected 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.179 body. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:26.419 Paul's 00:26:26.419 --> 00:26:26.899 certainty 00:26:26.899 --> 00:26:27.839 comes from 00:26:27.839 --> 00:26:28.599 the fact that 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:29.740 God alone 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:30.279 made him 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:31.559 right, not 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.299 by anything 00:26:32.299 --> 00:26:33.599 he has or 00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:33.939 could have 00:26:33.939 --> 00:26:34.240 done. 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.819 is that 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.400 what you 00:26:36.400 --> 00:26:36.720 are looking 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.339 forward to 00:26:37.339 --> 00:26:37.799 and living 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.120 for? 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:40.759 Real joy 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:41.559 is knowing 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:42.759 Christ and 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.339 being known 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:43.940 by God. 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:45.740 Real joy 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.539 is pressing 00:26:46.539 --> 00:26:47.200 on to 00:26:47.200 --> 00:26:47.839 become more 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.480 like Christ 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:50.039 daily in 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:50.660 suffering and 00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:51.099 maturing. 00:26:52.579 --> 00:26:53.039 Many 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.599 earthly 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.380 mindsets 00:26:54.380 --> 00:26:55.000 will capture 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.880 us and 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.440 kill our 00:26:56.440 --> 00:26:57.579 joy if we 00:26:57.579 --> 00:26:57.920 do not 00:26:57.920 --> 00:26:58.420 watch out 00:26:58.420 --> 00:26:58.799 for them. 00:26:59.799 --> 00:27:00.180 Let's 00:27:00.180 --> 00:27:00.839 join with 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:01.579 Paul and 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.140 others, 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.880 all these 00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:03.580 faithful people 00:27:03.580 --> 00:27:03.840 in the 00:27:03.840 --> 00:27:04.780 Bible to 00:27:04.780 --> 00:27:05.460 rejoice in 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:05.860 the Lord 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:06.680 and wait 00:27:06.680 --> 00:27:07.060 for our 00:27:07.060 --> 00:27:07.520 transformation 00:27:07.520 --> 00:27:08.380 in Christ. 00:27:10.300 --> 00:27:11.259 I hope 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:12.540 whatever you 00:27:12.540 --> 00:27:13.140 have filled 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:14.259 for that 00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:14.860 space in 00:27:14.860 --> 00:27:15.440 front of 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:17.460 Christians in 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:17.920 your sentence 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:18.400 at the beginning 00:27:18.400 --> 00:27:19.280 of today's 00:27:19.280 --> 00:27:20.300 sermon will 00:27:20.300 --> 00:27:21.020 become words 00:27:21.020 --> 00:27:21.740 related to 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.980 joy, that 00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:24.120 people will 00:27:24.120 --> 00:27:24.800 see that you 00:27:24.800 --> 00:27:25.200 are a 00:27:25.200 --> 00:27:26.500 Christian, one 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:27.480 that permeates 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:27.880 joy. 00:27:29.040 --> 00:27:29.560 May God 00:27:29.560 --> 00:27:30.180 make it clear 00:27:30.180 --> 00:27:30.900 to you and 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:31.680 mature to 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:32.180 the point 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:32.800 that you 00:27:32.800 --> 00:27:33.220 can take 00:27:33.220 --> 00:27:33.660 such a 00:27:33.660 --> 00:27:34.560 view to 00:27:34.560 --> 00:27:35.220 rejoice in 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:36.220 the Lord and 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:36.800 take hold of 00:27:36.800 --> 00:27:37.860 Christ, the 00:27:37.860 --> 00:27:38.360 one that 00:27:38.360 --> 00:27:38.759 has taken 00:27:38.759 --> 00:27:39.980 hold of 00:27:39.980 --> 00:27:40.200 you.