WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.320 I do sit down and turn to Galatians chapter 5, or Galatians chapter 6. 00:00:05.480 --> 00:00:06.000 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.840 The crowd grew until it was packed on the platform, and when the train arrived, the doors opened, and it was one of those moments where you feel the whole train breathe. 00:00:39.019 --> 00:00:45.679 There was a wall of people. No one could get in, or at least no one thought no one could get in. 00:00:46.600 --> 00:00:55.539 And no one could off. People stood staring at each other. I needed to go to a meeting, and I thought, in for a penny, in for a pound, and so I stepped in. 00:00:55.539 --> 00:01:07.219 Someone said, there's no room. I replied saying, there is. And I stood there, squeezed myself in, moved my head like that, and the doors just about shut. 00:01:08.039 --> 00:01:16.200 And I travelled like that for half an hour. No one looking at each other. No one saying a word. 00:01:16.200 --> 00:01:35.900 You know what it's like, don't you? The beauty of London Transport, and no one making eye contact, and no one speaking to anyone, everyone pretending, the inner monologue that goes on, this is totally fine, this is normal, I'm not uncomfortable at all, there's nothing disturbing about this episode. 00:01:35.900 --> 00:01:40.900 And that's how we live, isn't it? How we live in London. 00:01:42.460 --> 00:01:51.560 Even when the tube is empty, and we get onto the carriage, no one says, when they sit down, welcome to the Elizabeth Lang, it's great to see you. 00:01:54.840 --> 00:02:00.240 That's how we live, isn't it? Some of us know our neighbours, most of us don't know our neighbours. None of us know all our neighbours. 00:02:00.239 --> 00:02:04.979 And there are people in London out there, and they walk past us, and we kind of sort of nod. 00:02:05.719 --> 00:02:07.479 We don't know their name, they don't know our name. 00:02:08.379 --> 00:02:13.519 And we live coexisting together, without knowing one another. 00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:19.639 And my fear is, that is how many London churches exist. 00:02:20.740 --> 00:02:22.579 It's not as uncomfortable as the tube and rush hour. 00:02:23.579 --> 00:02:26.159 But the relationships are very much surface-like. 00:02:26.159 --> 00:02:30.699 There's a nodding at one another, there's a knowing each other, without really knowing each other. 00:02:31.280 --> 00:02:34.079 And I want to say to you, that isn't really church. 00:02:36.019 --> 00:02:38.599 Church life is difficult. 00:02:40.579 --> 00:02:41.979 Church life in Galatia was difficult. 00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:44.180 Look at chapter 5 and verse 15. 00:02:45.919 --> 00:02:47.719 Chapter 5 and verse 15. 00:02:47.719 --> 00:02:52.139 Paul says to the IPC in Galatia, 00:02:52.699 --> 00:02:56.780 If you bite and devour one another, can you imagine a church meeting like that? 00:02:57.579 --> 00:03:00.840 Watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 00:03:02.300 --> 00:03:04.800 Look at chapter 5 and verse 26. 00:03:05.520 --> 00:03:07.439 Let us not become conceited. 00:03:08.840 --> 00:03:10.120 Provoking one another. 00:03:11.079 --> 00:03:12.960 Envying one another. 00:03:12.960 --> 00:03:18.659 That is obviously the problem, isn't it? 00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:24.260 Obviously, one of the issues in Galatia, of course there were false teachers, there were huge doctrinal problems. 00:03:24.620 --> 00:03:28.600 But one of the things was that the church in Galatia just weren't getting on. 00:03:30.900 --> 00:03:36.780 And so, this theme of one another dominates the rest of Galatians. 00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:39.500 Look at chapter 6 and verse 2. 00:03:39.500 --> 00:03:44.460 Bear one another's burdens. 00:03:46.060 --> 00:03:47.240 What's the first word? 00:03:47.439 --> 00:03:49.960 The first word of chapter 6. 00:03:50.879 --> 00:03:53.219 And the last word of chapter 6. 00:03:53.919 --> 00:03:54.520 Brothers. 00:03:55.759 --> 00:03:56.159 Brothers. 00:03:58.080 --> 00:04:02.259 And so, what Paul is saying to the Galatians is, 00:04:02.500 --> 00:04:03.659 We are family. 00:04:05.199 --> 00:04:07.240 And so, the command of chapter 5 verse 25. 00:04:07.379 --> 00:04:08.199 Just look at that command. 00:04:08.199 --> 00:04:09.379 Christians make a lot of that command. 00:04:09.500 --> 00:04:11.599 Keep in step with the Spirit. 00:04:12.460 --> 00:04:13.280 Let me tell you this. 00:04:13.560 --> 00:04:16.360 You cannot do that outside of the family. 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:18.480 And Paul is saying, 00:04:18.579 --> 00:04:20.660 If you want to keep in step with the Spirit, 00:04:21.259 --> 00:04:25.100 You do that by living that out in the family of God. 00:04:26.740 --> 00:04:28.360 Three things this morning. 00:04:29.540 --> 00:04:33.000 I want us to see the stewardship of our relationships. 00:04:34.160 --> 00:04:37.399 The stewardship of our relationships. 00:04:37.399 --> 00:04:38.500 That's the first thing. 00:04:39.500 --> 00:04:42.459 In Galatians chapter 6 and verses 1 to 5. 00:04:42.459 --> 00:04:46.699 Paul is writing to make us understand that in the fellowship, 00:04:46.839 --> 00:04:48.579 In the partnership of the local church, 00:04:48.699 --> 00:04:56.439 We are intimately joined to one another by the blood of Jesus Christ and through the Spirit of God. 00:04:56.439 --> 00:05:00.819 And he is wanting you and I to understand that we cannot, 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:07.540 We must not, we should not act like a bunch of emotionally repressed Londoners on the underground. 00:05:08.540 --> 00:05:11.819 Everybody focused only on themselves and their destination. 00:05:12.399 --> 00:05:16.279 Ignoring those who they've been placed into intimate contact with. 00:05:16.279 --> 00:05:24.879 And so he's calling each of us to rethink the stewardship of our relationships within the membership of the local church. 00:05:25.179 --> 00:05:26.899 How do we relate to one another? 00:05:28.159 --> 00:05:29.779 And it's not very comfortable, is it? 00:05:29.779 --> 00:05:31.279 So look what he says in verse 1. 00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:33.619 Brothers, brothers and sisters, 00:05:34.159 --> 00:05:39.899 If anyone is caught in any transgression, any rebellion, 00:05:40.339 --> 00:05:44.399 You who are spiritual should restore them. 00:05:44.819 --> 00:05:46.539 In a spirit of gentleness. 00:05:46.540 --> 00:05:52.100 Now that is not our usual kind of mode of operation, is it? 00:05:53.600 --> 00:05:54.439 Let's be honest. 00:05:55.280 --> 00:05:58.200 Our preferred response when we see someone else's sin, 00:05:58.240 --> 00:05:58.860 What do we do? 00:06:00.280 --> 00:06:02.360 Well, we talk about it with someone else. 00:06:03.980 --> 00:06:06.540 Did you see what they said? 00:06:06.759 --> 00:06:08.180 I don't know whether you noticed what they did. 00:06:10.020 --> 00:06:10.980 Can you believe it? 00:06:12.180 --> 00:06:13.580 That's often our instinct. 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:17.979 But Paul calls us, doesn't he, to a very different pattern here. 00:06:19.120 --> 00:06:23.219 That if we see somebody ensnared, trapped by a transgression, 00:06:23.319 --> 00:06:23.839 What should we do? 00:06:24.060 --> 00:06:24.800 Should we shun them? 00:06:25.620 --> 00:06:25.979 Perhaps. 00:06:26.339 --> 00:06:27.839 Should we denounce them to other people? 00:06:28.779 --> 00:06:30.659 Should we gossip about them behind their back? 00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:34.439 Should we go and tell the minister and get him to do something about it? 00:06:35.680 --> 00:06:36.399 What should we do? 00:06:36.479 --> 00:06:36.899 Paul says, 00:06:37.019 --> 00:06:39.199 The spiritual people in the congregation know exactly what to do. 00:06:39.279 --> 00:06:40.479 They will not pass the back. 00:06:41.759 --> 00:06:42.839 They will not grumble. 00:06:43.579 --> 00:06:44.539 They will not complain. 00:06:45.279 --> 00:06:46.079 And they will not gossip. 00:06:46.199 --> 00:06:46.839 What do they do? 00:06:48.139 --> 00:06:51.000 They work with the fallen Christian. 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:55.579 And they make every effort to restore him or her. 00:06:57.579 --> 00:07:00.139 And the word that Paul uses here, 00:07:00.899 --> 00:07:03.319 It's translated in the ESV as restore. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:09.279 And it's used in Mark's gospel and Matthew's gospel to describe fishermen mending their nets. 00:07:09.279 --> 00:07:11.519 That's what they're doing. 00:07:11.699 --> 00:07:13.259 They're restoring their nets. 00:07:13.799 --> 00:07:20.939 And so the duty of a faithful Christian to a brother or sister within the membership of the church 00:07:20.939 --> 00:07:24.539 is to do everything we can to mend, to restore. 00:07:24.540 --> 00:07:32.240 To take the sin broken nets of their Christian life and help them tie it back together again. 00:07:33.600 --> 00:07:38.000 So that they would be useful in the service of Jesus Christ. 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:41.060 And then he tells us how we are to do it. 00:07:41.100 --> 00:07:41.879 Do you remember what we're to do? 00:07:41.920 --> 00:07:43.540 We are to do it in a spirit of gentleness. 00:07:45.839 --> 00:07:47.620 And of course that makes total sense, isn't it? 00:07:47.620 --> 00:07:50.160 Because how did Jesus deal with your sin? 00:07:50.160 --> 00:07:53.700 And how does Jesus deal with my sin? 00:07:56.280 --> 00:07:57.360 And we're going to see it tonight. 00:07:57.560 --> 00:08:00.320 Come tonight and hear Reuben preach on the woman at the well. 00:08:00.380 --> 00:08:01.480 How does Jesus deal with her? 00:08:01.960 --> 00:08:03.040 She's had five husbands. 00:08:03.160 --> 00:08:05.300 The man she's with is now not her husband. 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:06.700 And what does he say? 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:09.840 Well, he treats her, doesn't he, with so much respect and so much gentleness. 00:08:11.600 --> 00:08:12.600 How is he with you? 00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:14.160 How has Jesus been with you this week? 00:08:14.260 --> 00:08:15.940 Is he denunciatory? 00:08:16.160 --> 00:08:17.480 Is he harsh with you? 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:18.879 Is he dismissive of you? 00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:20.139 No, and what is he like? 00:08:20.459 --> 00:08:22.860 He says, come to me, all you are weary and heavy laden. 00:08:24.360 --> 00:08:26.620 For I am gentle and lowly. 00:08:28.300 --> 00:08:30.019 And the Lord Jesus, what is he like? 00:08:30.079 --> 00:08:30.959 He's quick to forgive. 00:08:32.299 --> 00:08:35.240 He abounds in steadfast love and mercy. 00:08:35.620 --> 00:08:39.000 He's ready to restore you and to renew you when you turn to him. 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:40.500 He never quits on you, does he? 00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:44.220 The Lord Jesus never says, enough of you, get away from me. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:48.659 He works to restore his people and to bring us back. 00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:54.679 And so why then are we often like the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18? 00:08:54.939 --> 00:08:55.399 Do you remember him? 00:08:57.519 --> 00:09:03.039 Do you remember in Matthew 18, the unforgiving servant, he'd had his debts cancelled. 00:09:03.039 --> 00:09:07.740 He'd had this great sum cancelled. 00:09:08.099 --> 00:09:11.159 And yet there was another servant, wasn't there, who owed him just a little bit of money. 00:09:13.099 --> 00:09:18.699 And he demands from that person in anger and violence, you pay everything, you owe me. 00:09:18.700 --> 00:09:28.379 And we've been taught by our Saviour to pray, Father, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who've sinned against us. 00:09:30.040 --> 00:09:34.259 And so remember the gospel on which you daily depend for mercy. 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:39.720 And in a spirit of gospel gentleness, show mercy. 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:41.279 That's Paul's point in Galatians 6. 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:45.000 Don't excuse the sin. 00:09:45.559 --> 00:09:46.580 Don't ignore it. 00:09:48.460 --> 00:09:51.620 Seek to restore them in a spirit of gentleness. 00:09:51.620 --> 00:09:54.879 And Paul is so wise, isn't he? 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:57.620 There's a wise warning that follows right on the heels of that exhortation. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:00.820 Do you see his warning? 00:10:01.299 --> 00:10:04.659 Not only are we to gently restore those who are caught in transgressions, 00:10:04.919 --> 00:10:06.840 but we are to take special care 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:09.919 that while we do it, 00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:12.879 as we lead some to repentance, 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:15.639 that we ourselves don't fall into that same sin. 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:20.740 And that is a master class in pastoral wisdom. 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:25.120 Paul knows my heart, and he knows your heart very well, 00:10:25.199 --> 00:10:29.480 and he knows how easily we can focus on the sin of other people 00:10:29.480 --> 00:10:32.639 with legitimate love and concern, 00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:35.340 and yet we can let our own guard down. 00:10:37.199 --> 00:10:38.360 Care for them, Paul says. 00:10:38.419 --> 00:10:42.159 Yes, of course, but keep a close watch on yourself while you do it. 00:10:44.259 --> 00:10:45.200 Misdirection in the military. 00:10:45.200 --> 00:10:46.660 It's a common tactic, isn't it? 00:10:46.680 --> 00:10:47.080 It's basic. 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:51.300 You keep them expecting a full frontal assault 00:10:51.300 --> 00:10:53.600 so they're completely unprepared 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:56.140 and for a surprise attack from behind. 00:10:57.280 --> 00:10:59.280 And that's what Paul is warning us against. 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:04.640 Sin is a terrible and subtle foe. 00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:09.780 And so, yes, be concerned for your brother or sister 00:11:09.780 --> 00:11:10.820 when they fall into sin, 00:11:11.060 --> 00:11:13.780 but as you do that, as you're focused over here, 00:11:13.779 --> 00:11:17.000 beware of a sneak attack from the rear 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:19.500 and that you yourself don't fall into that sin. 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:22.600 Don't let your guard down, 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:26.360 lest you yourself are ensnared by the same temptation. 00:11:26.480 --> 00:11:27.620 And then he tells us in verse 2 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:33.100 that all of that is really just a part of fulfilling the law of Christ. 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:38.820 That we are to bear one another's burdens. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:41.220 That's what this is about. 00:11:42.779 --> 00:11:44.879 That is our basic commitment 00:11:44.879 --> 00:11:48.779 as church family, as members of this church. 00:11:48.779 --> 00:11:55.819 You are not just called to show up and receive the ministry, 00:11:56.319 --> 00:11:58.159 to be a consumer. 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:02.559 You are called to show up and engage in ministry, 00:12:03.139 --> 00:12:06.419 to bear one another's burdens, 00:12:07.419 --> 00:12:09.199 fulfills the law of Christ. 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:13.600 And Christ taught us that love fulfills the law. 00:12:13.780 --> 00:12:16.740 If you love me, he says, keep my commandments. 00:12:17.960 --> 00:12:21.200 And this is my commandment, that you love one another. 00:12:23.660 --> 00:12:25.960 Verses 3 to 5, Paul turns back 00:12:25.960 --> 00:12:27.680 to the way that we think about ourselves. 00:12:28.520 --> 00:12:30.900 And do you see how wisely he alternates 00:12:30.900 --> 00:12:32.800 between a call to care for one another 00:12:32.800 --> 00:12:35.480 and pay attention to your own walk with the Lord. 00:12:35.480 --> 00:12:39.639 And so he comes back now and he exhorts our own hearts. 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:43.159 There's a fundamental link. 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:44.860 There is a fundamental link 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:47.340 between our ability to serve one another 00:12:47.340 --> 00:12:49.680 and to restore one another 00:12:49.680 --> 00:12:51.100 and to care for one another 00:12:51.100 --> 00:12:52.420 and to bear one another's burdens 00:12:52.420 --> 00:12:56.139 and our ability to rightly assess ourselves. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:13:01.980 Paul is saying humility and ministry go together. 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:06.460 Humility and serving one another go hand in hand. 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:10.879 Pride and spiritual indifference 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:13.300 towards the needs of others also go together. 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:14.320 Don't they like cause and effect? 00:13:15.639 --> 00:13:19.320 We will never steward our relationships with one another 00:13:19.320 --> 00:13:22.180 until we're able to steward ourselves. 00:13:23.560 --> 00:13:24.300 So verse 3, 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:26.240 if anyone thinks he's something, 00:13:27.200 --> 00:13:28.120 when he's nothing, 00:13:29.279 --> 00:13:30.120 he deceives himself. 00:13:30.120 --> 00:13:33.960 But let each one test his own work 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:36.379 and let his reason to boast 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:38.080 will be in himself alone and not in his neighbour. 00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:42.120 Paul is not suggesting here 00:13:42.659 --> 00:13:43.960 that you are now free 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:46.000 to make a habit of boasting about yourself. 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:47.820 He's just said, 00:13:47.919 --> 00:13:48.860 chapter 5, verse 26, 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.679 just look there again, 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:51.279 and let us not become conceited. 00:13:51.379 --> 00:13:52.740 Let's not become full of ourselves, 00:13:53.600 --> 00:13:55.100 provoking one another and envying one another. 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:56.940 He's not talking about being proud of yourself. 00:13:56.940 --> 00:13:59.780 Verse 3 is not a permission 00:14:00.460 --> 00:14:03.520 for you to big yourself up for self-aggrandizement. 00:14:04.900 --> 00:14:06.060 What he's saying is 00:14:06.060 --> 00:14:10.160 you need a sober, honest assessment of yourself. 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:14.100 And instead of taking credit for things 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:15.740 which really have got nothing to do with you, 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:18.460 because verse 5, 00:14:19.379 --> 00:14:21.820 each will have to bear his own load. 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:25.820 There's a future tense there. 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:28.500 So Paul is saying, 00:14:28.680 --> 00:14:30.379 each will, won't he, in the future, 00:14:30.560 --> 00:14:31.680 have to bear his own load. 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:34.720 And that future tense is really important. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:38.299 It clues us into what Paul is talking about here. 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:43.120 He isn't taking back what he just said in verse 2, 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:44.620 or bearing one another's burdens. 00:14:45.859 --> 00:14:47.779 And then now two verses later, 00:14:47.839 --> 00:14:49.000 he suddenly changes his mind and says, 00:14:49.279 --> 00:14:50.599 no, I want you to bear your own burden. 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:52.120 That's not what he's saying. 00:14:54.219 --> 00:14:55.120 Rather, he is saying, 00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:56.799 there is a day coming 00:14:56.799 --> 00:15:00.199 when each of us will be held responsible 00:15:00.199 --> 00:15:01.079 for what we've done. 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:04.120 And he's talking about judgment day. 00:15:04.120 --> 00:15:07.080 And when that day dawns, 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:08.539 he says, you will have to bear your own load. 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:11.960 And you will have to answer for your own deeds. 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:15.419 And so as you steward yourself 00:15:15.419 --> 00:15:16.360 and your relationships 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:18.899 within the local church, 00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:20.539 remember that you do that 00:15:20.539 --> 00:15:21.799 under the gaze of God. 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:25.480 A God before whom one day 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:26.480 you will have to give an account. 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:30.600 The stewardship of our relationships. 00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:34.100 Secondly, the stewardship of our resources. 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:37.440 The stewardship of our resources. 00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:39.639 So when we talk about stewardship here, 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:42.960 you need to hear more than just a call 00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:45.019 to dig deep and give big. 00:15:47.039 --> 00:15:48.539 We need to hear the reminder, 00:15:48.679 --> 00:15:51.139 that reminder to mutual care 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:53.120 and that faithful stewarding 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:55.600 of ourselves and our relationships 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:57.460 for the good of others 00:15:57.460 --> 00:15:58.840 all within the membership of the church. 00:15:59.060 --> 00:16:00.060 So look at the second place 00:16:00.060 --> 00:16:01.000 at verses 6 to 8. 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:04.120 And here he addresses our resources 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:04.940 and our money. 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:06.240 It gets very, very practical. 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:10.840 And so he's talking about broadly, 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:13.240 mutual care and one another ministry in general. 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:15.320 And Paul now highlights one thing in particular. 00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:15.980 Verse 6, 00:16:15.980 --> 00:16:18.340 Let the one who is taught the word 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:21.379 share all good things 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:22.820 with the one who teaches. 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:25.539 And so he's saying, isn't he, 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:28.019 provide for the maintenance 00:16:28.019 --> 00:16:29.539 and the growth 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:31.320 of the ministry of the word 00:16:31.320 --> 00:16:32.779 through generous support. 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:35.779 Through those who devote their lives 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:36.480 to its proclamation. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:38.899 It's really straightforward, isn't it? 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:40.000 I don't think there's another 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:41.379 understanding of that verse. 00:16:41.440 --> 00:16:42.139 I think it's really clear. 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:44.340 But then do you notice 00:16:44.340 --> 00:16:45.960 how he reinforces the point 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:48.340 and he appeals to a spiritual principle. 00:16:48.460 --> 00:16:49.560 Here's where I want to major. 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:50.519 Look at verse 7 and 8. 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:51.620 Do not be deceived. 00:16:53.320 --> 00:16:54.720 God is not mocked. 00:16:54.720 --> 00:16:57.980 For whatever one sows, 00:16:59.100 --> 00:17:00.300 that will he also reap. 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:04.259 For the one who sows to his own flesh 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:06.980 will from the flesh reap corruption. 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:09.740 But the one who sows to the Spirit 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:12.339 will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:14.900 Now remember, 00:17:15.000 --> 00:17:16.140 Paul is still talking about finances 00:17:16.140 --> 00:17:16.660 at this point. 00:17:18.660 --> 00:17:19.680 And you will remember 00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:20.740 the church in Galatia 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:21.420 to whom he's writing. 00:17:21.420 --> 00:17:24.740 And they've got a whole group 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:25.860 of false teachers have come. 00:17:26.080 --> 00:17:27.039 And they've led them 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:28.600 into legalism and bondage. 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:29.900 And they've led them away 00:17:29.900 --> 00:17:30.960 from the gospel of grace. 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:33.620 And so Paul is anxious here, isn't he? 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:34.620 He is saying, 00:17:35.120 --> 00:17:35.960 you Galatians, 00:17:37.400 --> 00:17:39.500 do what you practically may 00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:40.720 to fix that. 00:17:41.900 --> 00:17:43.180 Secure for yourselves 00:17:43.180 --> 00:17:44.580 orthodox teachers 00:17:44.580 --> 00:17:46.160 and instructors and ministers 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:48.080 who will guide you back 00:17:48.080 --> 00:17:49.200 into safe paths. 00:17:50.080 --> 00:17:50.800 Do not 00:17:50.799 --> 00:17:52.299 give money 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:54.299 to false teachers. 00:17:56.379 --> 00:17:57.319 Do not 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.200 give money 00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:00.220 to those 00:18:00.220 --> 00:18:01.240 who will bring you 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:02.240 into bondage. 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:06.339 And so he tells them 00:18:06.339 --> 00:18:07.619 to think carefully 00:18:07.619 --> 00:18:09.059 how you give 00:18:09.059 --> 00:18:11.599 and who you give to 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:12.359 and not just 00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:13.259 how much you give. 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:15.940 He says, 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:17.180 if you sow to the flesh, 00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:20.220 you will from the flesh 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:21.080 reap corruption. 00:18:23.360 --> 00:18:24.360 That is to say this, 00:18:24.420 --> 00:18:25.039 if you invest 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:25.700 in poor leaders 00:18:25.700 --> 00:18:26.580 and bad theology 00:18:26.580 --> 00:18:27.860 and weak instruction 00:18:27.860 --> 00:18:28.640 because it's easy 00:18:28.640 --> 00:18:29.180 on the year 00:18:29.180 --> 00:18:29.940 and it's comfortable 00:18:29.940 --> 00:18:31.060 and it doesn't 00:18:31.060 --> 00:18:32.299 unsettle your priorities 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:34.019 or challenge your lifestyle, 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:35.180 if you sow to that, 00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:36.259 if you give to that, 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:37.380 your investment 00:18:37.380 --> 00:18:38.340 will go the way 00:18:38.340 --> 00:18:39.240 of all flesh 00:18:39.240 --> 00:18:41.140 and it will reap corruption. 00:18:41.140 --> 00:18:44.460 And the word corruption 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.580 means decay, 00:18:45.800 --> 00:18:46.580 deterioration, 00:18:47.040 --> 00:18:47.460 disillusion. 00:18:50.140 --> 00:18:51.000 So can you see 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:51.880 what is Paul doing here? 00:18:51.960 --> 00:18:52.740 He is saying, 00:18:54.300 --> 00:18:54.860 invest 00:18:54.860 --> 00:18:57.280 in what is going to last. 00:18:59.360 --> 00:19:00.560 You are sowing 00:19:00.560 --> 00:19:02.300 in your giving 00:19:02.300 --> 00:19:03.120 for eternity. 00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:06.639 And that is what 00:19:06.639 --> 00:19:07.199 you're doing 00:19:07.199 --> 00:19:08.659 when you 00:19:08.659 --> 00:19:09.419 prioritize 00:19:09.419 --> 00:19:10.439 radical 00:19:10.439 --> 00:19:11.199 sacrificial 00:19:11.199 --> 00:19:11.959 generosity 00:19:11.959 --> 00:19:13.839 in your giving. 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:15.939 When you give 00:19:15.939 --> 00:19:16.799 to the faithful 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.339 ministry 00:19:17.339 --> 00:19:18.719 of the local church, 00:19:19.659 --> 00:19:20.959 you are sowing 00:19:20.959 --> 00:19:21.699 for eternity. 00:19:23.539 --> 00:19:24.699 That's what you just did. 00:19:25.859 --> 00:19:27.179 As the bag 00:19:27.179 --> 00:19:27.759 went round, 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.239 as your standing 00:19:29.239 --> 00:19:29.959 order dropped 00:19:29.959 --> 00:19:30.699 in the bank account, 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:31.500 what were you doing? 00:19:31.539 --> 00:19:31.799 You were doing 00:19:31.799 --> 00:19:32.599 something absolutely 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:33.179 remarkable. 00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:34.480 You are sowing 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:35.819 for eternity. 00:19:38.179 --> 00:19:38.659 And so Paul 00:19:38.659 --> 00:19:39.359 wants you today 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:40.219 to step back 00:19:40.219 --> 00:19:41.339 and to ask yourself 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:42.379 a few questions 00:19:42.379 --> 00:19:44.039 about the way 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.719 we use our money. 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:48.079 And so he asks you 00:19:48.079 --> 00:19:48.439 the question, 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:49.240 like he asks me, 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.000 how much of my 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:50.779 expenditure 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:52.740 is sowing 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:53.399 to the flesh? 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:56.199 How much 00:19:56.199 --> 00:19:57.159 of what I invest 00:19:57.159 --> 00:19:57.740 my money in 00:19:57.740 --> 00:19:58.759 and spend my money on 00:19:58.759 --> 00:20:00.659 will survive 00:20:00.659 --> 00:20:01.839 into the new creation? 00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:05.699 how much of what 00:20:05.699 --> 00:20:06.019 I give 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:07.259 in a thousand years 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:07.799 in eternity 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:08.579 will I look back 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:08.879 and say, 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:09.339 do you know what? 00:20:09.379 --> 00:20:10.339 I am so, 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.959 so pleased 00:20:11.959 --> 00:20:15.399 that I gave 00:20:15.399 --> 00:20:15.899 to the work 00:20:15.899 --> 00:20:16.379 of the gospel 00:20:16.379 --> 00:20:17.159 so that these people 00:20:17.159 --> 00:20:17.779 could be in glory. 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:19.579 I am so, 00:20:19.740 --> 00:20:20.199 so pleased 00:20:20.199 --> 00:20:20.939 that I did that. 00:20:21.359 --> 00:20:22.059 How much 00:20:22.059 --> 00:20:23.179 of what I've 00:20:23.179 --> 00:20:23.779 invested 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.599 will last forever? 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:25.480 Am I investing 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.079 in eternity? 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:29.339 So in the spirit. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.259 Paul says, 00:20:31.419 --> 00:20:32.419 so depending 00:20:32.419 --> 00:20:33.240 upon him 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:34.099 to sustain you 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:34.879 and to keep you 00:20:34.879 --> 00:20:35.819 and to bless 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:36.439 what you give 00:20:36.439 --> 00:20:39.220 and what you give 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:39.819 for the extension 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:40.339 of the kingdom 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.659 of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:44.639 The stewardship 00:20:44.639 --> 00:20:45.419 of our resources. 00:20:47.939 --> 00:20:48.639 And thirdly, 00:20:48.699 --> 00:20:49.119 the stewardship 00:20:49.119 --> 00:20:49.839 of our reach. 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:52.699 So there's a call, 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:53.099 isn't there, 00:20:53.139 --> 00:20:54.019 for us to steward 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:54.879 our relationships 00:20:54.879 --> 00:20:55.779 as church members. 00:20:57.240 --> 00:20:58.639 That we are to invest 00:20:58.639 --> 00:20:59.599 in relationships 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:01.359 for the good 00:21:01.359 --> 00:21:01.819 of the body. 00:21:02.699 --> 00:21:04.099 And we are to steward 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:05.019 our resources 00:21:05.019 --> 00:21:07.619 so that we will use 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:08.179 the money 00:21:08.179 --> 00:21:09.419 that God has given us 00:21:09.419 --> 00:21:10.659 that we would sow 00:21:10.659 --> 00:21:11.319 to the spirit 00:21:11.319 --> 00:21:12.199 that our giving 00:21:12.199 --> 00:21:12.779 would go on 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:13.379 to bless people 00:21:13.379 --> 00:21:13.799 in eternity. 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:16.659 And then in verses 9 and 10 00:21:16.659 --> 00:21:17.460 there is the steward 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.399 of the reach. 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.440 If I can put it like that. 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:20.319 Of our reach. 00:21:20.399 --> 00:21:21.279 Look at verses 9 and 10. 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:23.960 And let us not 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:24.899 grow weary 00:21:24.899 --> 00:21:26.799 of doing good. 00:21:28.819 --> 00:21:30.079 For in due season 00:21:30.079 --> 00:21:31.299 we will reap 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:33.460 if we do not give up. 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:35.639 So then, 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.879 as we have opportunity, 00:21:37.099 --> 00:21:37.779 let us do good 00:21:37.779 --> 00:21:38.460 to everyone 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.259 and especially 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:39.960 to those 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:41.220 who are of the 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:41.980 household of faith. 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.680 And so can you see 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.799 what our duty is? 00:21:45.919 --> 00:21:46.700 Our duty is, 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:47.519 start with verse 9, 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:49.720 unwearyed 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:51.180 doing good. 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.440 That's our duty. 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:54.740 And where does Paul 00:21:54.740 --> 00:21:55.220 point you to? 00:21:55.319 --> 00:21:56.299 Paul points you to, 00:21:56.419 --> 00:21:56.779 doesn't he, 00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:58.539 the last day 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.119 of judgment 00:21:59.119 --> 00:22:01.919 to help motivate us 00:22:01.919 --> 00:22:04.299 so that we will not 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:05.240 give in to the temptation 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:06.000 of being weary. 00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:08.960 It's actually 00:22:08.960 --> 00:22:09.839 the third illusion, 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:10.200 isn't it, 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:10.799 in these verses 00:22:10.799 --> 00:22:12.159 to that last day. 00:22:12.879 --> 00:22:13.319 And look with me, 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:14.439 you look at verse 5, 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:16.019 each will have to 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:17.259 bear his own load. 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:19.740 Each will have to 00:22:19.740 --> 00:22:21.439 stand under the weight 00:22:21.439 --> 00:22:21.960 of how he's lived 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.679 on the final day. 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:24.079 And then he hints 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:25.000 again about it 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:25.619 in verse 8 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:26.179 when he talks about 00:22:26.179 --> 00:22:27.220 sowing to the flesh 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.500 and reaping corruption 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.939 or sowing to the spirit 00:22:29.939 --> 00:22:31.039 and reaping eternal life. 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:32.980 And now he does it 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:33.679 a third time 00:22:33.679 --> 00:22:34.740 and he reminds us 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:36.519 we will reap 00:22:36.519 --> 00:22:38.159 if we do not give up. 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:42.660 Now some of us 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:43.540 are really 00:22:43.540 --> 00:22:44.600 uncomfortable with this. 00:22:46.680 --> 00:22:47.540 And we're really 00:22:47.540 --> 00:22:48.300 uncomfortable with it. 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:50.540 But the New Testament 00:22:50.540 --> 00:22:51.620 consistently 00:22:51.620 --> 00:22:53.120 holds out 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:53.880 the promise 00:22:53.880 --> 00:22:55.100 of rewards 00:22:55.100 --> 00:22:56.040 in heaven 00:22:56.040 --> 00:22:57.900 as a motivation 00:22:57.900 --> 00:22:59.900 for unwearied 00:22:59.900 --> 00:23:00.840 hard work 00:23:00.840 --> 00:23:01.400 on earth. 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:03.700 Keep going, 00:23:04.300 --> 00:23:04.840 the New Testament 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:05.759 says again and again, 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.779 because you will 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:07.519 receive your reward. 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.359 The rewards 00:23:10.359 --> 00:23:11.519 far surpassed, 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:11.839 don't they, 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:13.240 the work, 00:23:13.379 --> 00:23:14.420 the value of any work 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:15.160 that we are to perform. 00:23:16.079 --> 00:23:17.279 This is not 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:18.779 meritorious 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:19.660 works righteousness. 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:20.680 This is not 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:21.599 earning our salvation. 00:23:21.879 --> 00:23:22.539 The whole of the 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.119 book of Galatians 00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:23.599 has taught you 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:24.200 that is impossible. 00:23:25.299 --> 00:23:26.000 It's not 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.759 quid bro quo. 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:28.720 It is not 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:29.359 one good turn 00:23:29.359 --> 00:23:30.099 deserves another. 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:30.779 Far from it. 00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:31.519 But Paul, 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:31.980 the apostle, 00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:33.079 sees no tension 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:33.720 at all 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.900 between a gospel 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:36.539 of radical free grace, 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:38.600 that is the heartbeat 00:23:38.600 --> 00:23:39.799 of the letter of Galatians, 00:23:40.380 --> 00:23:41.539 radical free grace 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:42.539 and the promise 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.640 of eternal rewards 00:23:43.640 --> 00:23:45.400 for unwearied works 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:46.019 of obedience 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:47.000 and service. 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:49.960 So remember 00:23:49.960 --> 00:23:50.900 that our best work, 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:52.019 if God was to judge it 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:52.920 on merits alone, 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:54.259 even our best work 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:55.140 would damn us forever. 00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:57.259 Because 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:58.319 my best work 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:58.779 is riddled 00:23:58.779 --> 00:23:59.700 with self and sin. 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:01.980 And yet 00:24:01.980 --> 00:24:02.480 God, 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.660 in his amazing, 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:04.840 wonderful grace, 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:06.779 works in us 00:24:06.779 --> 00:24:08.440 to do good works. 00:24:09.580 --> 00:24:10.920 And then he promises 00:24:10.920 --> 00:24:12.200 to reward us 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:14.220 for his good works. 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:16.900 He promises 00:24:16.900 --> 00:24:18.120 to reward us 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:20.620 for his own grace, 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:21.580 what his own grace 00:24:21.580 --> 00:24:22.460 has produced in us. 00:24:24.440 --> 00:24:25.519 So when we cross 00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:26.059 the finish line 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:26.819 on the last day, 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:28.539 when we stand 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:29.119 before the risen 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:29.859 Jesus Christ 00:24:29.859 --> 00:24:30.759 and the final judgment 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:32.059 and we see clearly 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:33.139 in that moment 00:24:33.139 --> 00:24:34.079 how empty 00:24:34.079 --> 00:24:35.539 all our vain boasting 00:24:35.539 --> 00:24:36.899 in our own accomplishments 00:24:36.899 --> 00:24:37.700 really is, 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:39.939 we will then be 00:24:39.939 --> 00:24:41.500 utterly overcome 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:44.220 with wonder, 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:45.299 love and praise 00:24:45.299 --> 00:24:46.279 when the Lord Jesus 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.799 rewards us 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:50.220 for our imperfect 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.119 best efforts 00:24:51.119 --> 00:24:52.059 in his service. 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:55.519 we'll see them 00:24:55.519 --> 00:24:56.119 as they are. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:56.899 They're weak things, 00:24:57.039 --> 00:24:57.619 slight things, 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.399 broken things, 00:24:58.519 --> 00:24:59.279 riddled with self 00:24:59.279 --> 00:24:59.679 and sin, 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:00.299 how much more 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:01.019 we could have done, 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:02.059 how unworthy 00:25:02.059 --> 00:25:02.940 of anything 00:25:02.940 --> 00:25:05.159 but God's disdain. 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:07.200 And yet Jesus 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:08.119 will say to us, 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.079 well done, 00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:10.619 good and faithful 00:25:10.619 --> 00:25:11.559 servant, 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:13.200 enter into the joy 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:13.839 of your Lord. 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:16.839 And so, 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:18.000 weary Christian 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:18.619 this morning, 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:21.399 weary believer, 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.740 Jesus asks us, 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:26.159 have you grown tired 00:25:26.159 --> 00:25:27.299 of your service 00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:28.159 in my cause? 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:31.039 And remember, 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:33.919 remember the harvest 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:34.779 of glory 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.819 that is to come 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:37.359 that will reward 00:25:37.359 --> 00:25:38.679 all your efforts, 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:39.599 all of them, 00:25:39.679 --> 00:25:40.599 however small, 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:41.720 however slight, 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:42.639 however weak 00:25:42.639 --> 00:25:43.279 they may be. 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:46.460 A cup of cold water 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:48.139 given in my name. 00:25:48.919 --> 00:25:50.039 A cup of cold water 00:25:50.039 --> 00:25:51.980 given in my name. 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:53.859 Will be rewarded, 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:54.619 Jesus says. 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.559 None of them 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.179 will be ignored. 00:25:56.639 --> 00:25:57.079 None of them 00:25:57.079 --> 00:25:57.700 will be overlooked. 00:25:58.039 --> 00:25:58.419 None of them 00:25:58.419 --> 00:25:59.460 will go unrewarded. 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:00.980 And so, 00:26:01.099 --> 00:26:01.399 therefore, 00:26:01.599 --> 00:26:02.379 press on. 00:26:03.859 --> 00:26:04.659 Keep going 00:26:04.659 --> 00:26:05.599 in your service 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:06.440 to the Saviour. 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.139 And so, 00:26:07.359 --> 00:26:08.319 how wide 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.299 is the scope 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.799 of this? 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:13.039 how wide 00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:14.059 is the scope? 00:26:14.319 --> 00:26:14.460 Well, 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:15.119 should we be good 00:26:15.119 --> 00:26:15.619 just to the people 00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:16.059 we like? 00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:18.319 Should we show 00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:19.859 kindness and goodness 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:20.440 just to the people 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:21.119 who are like us? 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:22.279 What does Paul say? 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.519 It's the same question 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:25.099 in many ways 00:26:25.099 --> 00:26:26.519 that the rich young ruler 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.359 asked Jesus 00:26:27.359 --> 00:26:28.299 in Luke 10, 29, 00:26:28.440 --> 00:26:29.180 who's my neighbour? 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:31.519 Who should we be committed 00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:32.659 to this ministry 00:26:32.659 --> 00:26:33.279 and service? 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:34.180 Look how Paul answers, 00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:34.919 verse 10, 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:36.140 it's a magnificent verse. 00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:38.000 As we have opportunity, 00:26:38.800 --> 00:26:40.740 we are to do good 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:41.420 to everyone. 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:44.400 I love that phrase, 00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:45.640 as opportunity allows. 00:26:48.160 --> 00:26:49.000 You cannot 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:50.720 take the burdens 00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:51.460 of the problems 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:52.160 of this area 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:52.800 on your shoulders. 00:26:52.920 --> 00:26:53.580 You cannot do it 00:26:53.580 --> 00:26:53.960 and I can't. 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.560 It's just too much, 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:54.900 isn't it? 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:55.940 We're overwhelmed, 00:26:56.060 --> 00:26:56.360 aren't we? 00:26:57.019 --> 00:26:57.960 Utterly overwhelmed. 00:26:58.560 --> 00:26:59.039 But Paul says, 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:00.300 as you have opportunity, 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:01.560 so you will have opportunity, 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.000 do good. 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:06.039 He's saying to you and I, 00:27:06.160 --> 00:27:07.539 go looking for opportunities 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.980 to serve as many 00:27:08.980 --> 00:27:09.680 as you may. 00:27:10.100 --> 00:27:11.100 Do good to everyone, 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.100 but especially, 00:27:12.360 --> 00:27:13.120 there's the priority, 00:27:13.620 --> 00:27:14.539 to the household of faith. 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:18.140 And so our mission 00:27:18.140 --> 00:27:19.440 is as wide as the world, 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.580 we're to be good neighbours, 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:24.300 we're to be good friends 00:27:24.300 --> 00:27:24.759 to people, 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:25.740 to all people. 00:27:28.620 --> 00:27:29.640 And we have to do good 00:27:29.640 --> 00:27:30.140 to all, 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:31.320 especially to the household 00:27:31.320 --> 00:27:31.759 of faith. 00:27:31.880 --> 00:27:32.380 And the especially 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:32.900 is important, 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:33.320 isn't it? 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:36.879 And so the first claim 00:27:36.879 --> 00:27:37.619 on your time 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:39.179 and on your resources 00:27:39.179 --> 00:27:41.460 and on your labours 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:42.799 beyond your immediate family 00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:44.059 is the household 00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:44.460 of faith, 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:44.839 the church. 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:48.259 The language 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:49.319 is here 00:27:49.319 --> 00:27:50.339 to remind you, 00:27:50.379 --> 00:27:50.559 isn't it? 00:27:50.619 --> 00:27:51.700 We are family. 00:27:53.399 --> 00:27:54.599 And family comes first. 00:27:56.899 --> 00:27:57.939 And so does the family 00:27:57.939 --> 00:27:58.339 of faith 00:27:58.339 --> 00:27:59.240 come first for you 00:27:59.240 --> 00:28:00.500 or is it an afterthought? 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:02.980 To be fitted 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:03.740 into the margins 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.400 of your time 00:28:04.400 --> 00:28:04.759 when you've got 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.579 nothing else to do 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:07.960 and you've done 00:28:07.960 --> 00:28:08.420 your pleasures 00:28:08.420 --> 00:28:09.279 and your entertainments, 00:28:09.359 --> 00:28:09.700 they've taken 00:28:09.700 --> 00:28:10.500 the lion's share. 00:28:12.819 --> 00:28:13.519 And is that reflected 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:14.380 in your relationships 00:28:14.380 --> 00:28:16.279 and in the way 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:16.880 that you use 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:17.440 your resources? 00:28:18.720 --> 00:28:19.799 Do good to all, 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:20.579 especially to the 00:28:20.579 --> 00:28:21.299 household of faith. 00:28:23.619 --> 00:28:24.279 And so can you see it? 00:28:24.279 --> 00:28:25.319 It's a magnificent passage, 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:25.619 isn't it? 00:28:25.619 --> 00:28:26.180 We are called 00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:26.839 to steward 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.680 our relationships 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.519 as church members. 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:30.420 We are to be engaged 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:31.259 with one another, 00:28:31.559 --> 00:28:32.599 bearing with one another, 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:33.980 putting up with one another, 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:35.500 restoring one another 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.200 as we stumble 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:37.639 and all the while 00:28:37.639 --> 00:28:38.579 keeping a watchful, 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:39.619 careful watch 00:28:39.619 --> 00:28:40.519 on our own hearts. 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:41.879 And we are to steward 00:28:41.879 --> 00:28:42.619 our resources 00:28:42.619 --> 00:28:45.799 to give generously 00:28:45.799 --> 00:28:46.779 to the support 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:47.599 and advance 00:28:47.599 --> 00:28:48.079 of the ministry 00:28:48.079 --> 00:28:48.559 of the gospel. 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:51.539 And so it's not numbers 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.400 that are our focus 00:28:52.400 --> 00:28:53.639 but people gripped 00:28:53.639 --> 00:28:54.759 by the truth of God 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:56.519 and brought to trust 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:57.660 in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:28:58.519 --> 00:29:02.619 But to accomplish that, 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:05.619 to advance in that, 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.839 Paul calls us 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:08.240 to sow to eternity, 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:11.720 to invest generously 00:29:11.720 --> 00:29:12.579 in ministry 00:29:12.579 --> 00:29:13.299 that will endure. 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:16.200 And finally, 00:29:16.299 --> 00:29:17.139 we're called to the steward, 00:29:17.339 --> 00:29:18.200 the reach of the church, 00:29:18.220 --> 00:29:19.039 not to keep it close, 00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:20.119 not to keep it to ourselves, 00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:22.799 not to keep it to people 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:23.299 we like 00:29:23.299 --> 00:29:24.639 or to people who are like us 00:29:24.639 --> 00:29:25.160 but to do good 00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:25.700 to everyone, 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:27.579 especially to those 00:29:27.579 --> 00:29:28.519 of the household of faith. 00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:32.099 And so Paul says, 00:29:32.779 --> 00:29:33.519 don't grow weary. 00:29:33.619 --> 00:29:34.419 Why does he say that? 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:37.259 Why does he say 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.119 don't grow weary? 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:40.899 Well, because 00:29:40.899 --> 00:29:41.960 the temptation 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:43.299 in the Christian life 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:43.919 is what? 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:46.539 To grow weary. 00:29:48.619 --> 00:29:49.839 When you're doing good, 00:29:49.899 --> 00:29:50.879 it's tiring work. 00:29:50.880 --> 00:29:53.880 And so he says to us 00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:54.580 as a church family, 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:55.220 keep sowing. 00:29:57.820 --> 00:29:58.820 Be generous. 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:02.140 Keep being generous. 00:30:04.620 --> 00:30:05.740 As a word to those of us 00:30:05.740 --> 00:30:06.180 who are in leadership 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:06.740 in this church, 00:30:06.800 --> 00:30:07.080 isn't it? 00:30:08.380 --> 00:30:09.400 We here in Ealing, 00:30:09.480 --> 00:30:10.340 the building that you sit in, 00:30:10.440 --> 00:30:11.580 we have been the recipients 00:30:11.580 --> 00:30:13.140 of astonishing generosity, 00:30:13.140 --> 00:30:16.060 of incredible kindness. 00:30:17.580 --> 00:30:18.600 And we have an opportunity 00:30:18.600 --> 00:30:19.380 as a church family 00:30:19.380 --> 00:30:21.200 as we've grown under God 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:21.940 to sow. 00:30:23.500 --> 00:30:24.500 We have an opportunity 00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:25.400 under God 00:30:25.400 --> 00:30:26.300 to be generous, 00:30:26.540 --> 00:30:27.259 to train, 00:30:27.860 --> 00:30:28.640 to give, 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:31.200 to resource others. 00:30:32.600 --> 00:30:33.540 And as we do that, 00:30:33.600 --> 00:30:34.580 both as a church family 00:30:34.580 --> 00:30:35.580 and as individuals, 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:36.520 hear this, 00:30:36.800 --> 00:30:38.960 God is not mocked. 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:42.319 Isn't it your testimony? 00:30:43.579 --> 00:30:44.559 Isn't it my testimony 00:30:44.559 --> 00:30:46.100 that as you have given yourself 00:30:46.100 --> 00:30:47.120 to the Lord's work, 00:30:47.420 --> 00:30:49.259 as you have given resources 00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:50.079 to the Lord's work, 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:51.880 God is not mocked. 00:30:52.600 --> 00:30:53.819 What you have sown, 00:30:55.200 --> 00:30:56.240 you reap more abundantly. 00:30:58.180 --> 00:30:59.400 And so may God help us. 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:01.480 May God help us 00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:02.360 to be good stewards 00:31:02.360 --> 00:31:04.579 to the praise 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:05.559 and the glory of his grace. 00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:07.640 Let's pray together.