WEBVTT 00:00:00.380 --> 00:00:05.780 Wonderful. Well, good morning, everyone. It's lovely to have you with us today. Thank you so much for joining in. 00:00:05.879 --> 00:00:11.900 Thank you, Archie, for leading us this far and Danny for reading that passage in Ephesians 5 for us. 00:00:11.980 --> 00:00:17.800 Let me encourage you to grab a Bible or get it on a screen on your phone or something like that and come with me to God's Word. 00:00:18.559 --> 00:00:22.920 And thank you so much, Archie, for praying for us as well as we come to this text this morning. 00:00:22.920 --> 00:00:31.120 So Ephesians chapter 5. And as we dive in today, let me tell you about a guy I once heard about during my time at university. 00:00:32.240 --> 00:00:38.600 And it was common knowledge, apparently, that the girls in his class had a nickname for him. 00:00:39.500 --> 00:00:47.700 OK, ready for this? They had a nickname for him. They called him the Untouchable, which probably when you say like that sounds a bit harsh. 00:00:47.700 --> 00:00:51.840 But stick with me. Here's why they called him the Untouchable. 00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:58.700 So where they were kind of joking around in class, as they were mucking around down the pub, 00:00:58.820 --> 00:01:02.940 when they were out and about doing their usual thing in the clubs in town, 00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:07.120 when they were interested in scoring with the boys, 00:01:07.260 --> 00:01:11.840 oh, this guy was there. This guy was a laugh. This guy was their friend. 00:01:12.480 --> 00:01:16.400 And though they would have loved for him to have joined in, 00:01:17.180 --> 00:01:21.540 it became so crystal clear because this guy was a follower of Jesus. 00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:26.020 That he just wasn't up for playing ball. 00:01:26.820 --> 00:01:30.040 Right? So they called him the Untouchable. 00:01:31.240 --> 00:01:37.000 Question for you. Why would somebody choose to live differently? 00:01:37.280 --> 00:01:41.480 Why would somebody choose not to get involved? 00:01:41.840 --> 00:01:45.420 Who would choose to be the kind of person that I always call in my mind, 00:01:45.420 --> 00:01:48.280 I call a walking question mark? 00:01:49.620 --> 00:01:55.700 Right? You ever met somebody like that where you kind of watch them in action and you try and figure out what makes them tick 00:01:55.700 --> 00:01:58.480 and you conclude to yourself, I just can't figure them out? 00:01:59.420 --> 00:02:00.599 Walking question mark. 00:02:01.900 --> 00:02:03.900 Yeah, thing is, Ephesus, 00:02:04.840 --> 00:02:07.359 this letter written to the Ephesian Christians, 00:02:07.480 --> 00:02:08.939 Ephesus, I'm sure, is full 00:02:08.939 --> 00:02:10.979 of walking question marks. 00:02:11.060 --> 00:02:12.340 Come with me, picture this scene. 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:13.879 Right? Imagine Chris the Christian. 00:02:14.180 --> 00:02:15.060 Right? You got him in your head? 00:02:15.180 --> 00:02:16.599 Chris the Christian. 00:02:17.199 --> 00:02:18.219 Right? One morning, 00:02:18.400 --> 00:02:20.180 there's a knock at his door. 00:02:21.280 --> 00:02:22.199 And it's his friends. 00:02:22.359 --> 00:02:23.900 Chris, mate, how you doing? 00:02:24.359 --> 00:02:24.960 How you doing? 00:02:25.020 --> 00:02:26.280 Listen, we're off into town. 00:02:27.319 --> 00:02:28.180 Just taking a wee stroll. 00:02:28.300 --> 00:02:28.699 You coming? 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:30.519 You know, plan is, 00:02:31.099 --> 00:02:32.419 we'll take a stroll. 00:02:32.839 --> 00:02:33.879 We'll see some friends. 00:02:34.039 --> 00:02:36.839 We'll take a trip to the temple of Artemis. 00:02:36.919 --> 00:02:37.719 We'll wander about, 00:02:37.819 --> 00:02:38.780 maybe make some money, 00:02:39.239 --> 00:02:41.159 maybe even pick up a girl at the temple 00:02:41.159 --> 00:02:43.299 and we'll get up to some mischief. 00:02:43.379 --> 00:02:44.159 I mean, come on, bro. 00:02:44.239 --> 00:02:45.239 You love this stuff. 00:02:45.359 --> 00:02:46.079 Grab your coat. 00:02:46.419 --> 00:02:47.159 Grab your coat. 00:02:47.560 --> 00:02:48.079 I'm all waiting. 00:02:48.179 --> 00:02:49.019 Make a day of it. 00:02:50.719 --> 00:02:51.539 And Chris replies, 00:02:51.539 --> 00:02:51.859 Guys, 00:02:52.959 --> 00:02:53.620 no thanks. 00:02:54.799 --> 00:02:55.579 That just 00:02:55.579 --> 00:02:58.679 isn't really me anymore. 00:02:59.659 --> 00:03:00.819 And his mates 00:03:00.819 --> 00:03:03.619 look at each other bemused. 00:03:04.539 --> 00:03:04.659 Right? 00:03:04.719 --> 00:03:05.399 What's getting him? 00:03:06.379 --> 00:03:08.339 What's happening to crazy Chris? 00:03:08.599 --> 00:03:10.539 Remember this guy that used to live for this stuff? 00:03:10.579 --> 00:03:11.179 What's happened? 00:03:13.299 --> 00:03:13.879 Question, 00:03:14.019 --> 00:03:15.099 what explains 00:03:15.099 --> 00:03:18.219 21st century uni guy 00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:19.959 and 00:03:19.959 --> 00:03:23.039 1st century Chris? 00:03:23.339 --> 00:03:23.560 Right? 00:03:23.599 --> 00:03:24.699 What explains it? 00:03:26.399 --> 00:03:27.280 Well, here's what I love. 00:03:28.219 --> 00:03:29.080 Question mark. 00:03:30.580 --> 00:03:31.520 Ephesians chapter 5 00:03:31.520 --> 00:03:32.039 gives us 00:03:32.039 --> 00:03:33.719 an exclamation mark. 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:34.259 Right? 00:03:34.319 --> 00:03:35.439 Here's why I love this passage. 00:03:35.560 --> 00:03:37.180 This passage explains 00:03:37.180 --> 00:03:39.560 why you would choose to do that. 00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:40.439 Okay? 00:03:41.639 --> 00:03:42.920 Ephesians 5 explains it. 00:03:42.960 --> 00:03:44.560 Come with me to verse chapter 1. 00:03:44.680 --> 00:03:46.060 Here is the central idea 00:03:46.060 --> 00:03:46.960 of this passage. 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:47.560 Paul 00:03:47.560 --> 00:03:49.960 says to these believers, 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:51.740 he says, 00:03:52.240 --> 00:03:53.860 be imitators of God. 00:03:53.860 --> 00:03:54.900 Right? 00:03:55.100 --> 00:03:55.400 Friends, 00:03:55.520 --> 00:03:56.680 get that in your 00:03:56.680 --> 00:03:57.840 lungs. 00:03:58.040 --> 00:03:58.200 Right? 00:03:58.200 --> 00:03:59.760 Be imitators 00:03:59.760 --> 00:04:01.200 of God. 00:04:02.020 --> 00:04:02.480 And here's, 00:04:02.620 --> 00:04:02.840 I think, 00:04:02.920 --> 00:04:03.700 the logic 00:04:03.700 --> 00:04:06.040 of what he's trying to get them to see 00:04:06.040 --> 00:04:08.000 at verse 1. 00:04:09.220 --> 00:04:09.440 Okay, 00:04:09.440 --> 00:04:10.280 you ever notice that 00:04:10.280 --> 00:04:12.440 you kind of pick up things 00:04:12.440 --> 00:04:13.240 from your parents? 00:04:14.300 --> 00:04:15.400 You ever notice that in your life? 00:04:16.160 --> 00:04:16.360 Right? 00:04:16.400 --> 00:04:17.360 I remember the first time 00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:19.139 somebody said to me, 00:04:20.139 --> 00:04:20.480 they said, 00:04:20.560 --> 00:04:21.600 see when you get excited, 00:04:21.740 --> 00:04:22.660 have you ever noticed, 00:04:22.740 --> 00:04:23.720 have you ever stopped to think 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:24.460 about why 00:04:24.460 --> 00:04:26.500 you rub your hands together? 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:28.360 Right? 00:04:28.460 --> 00:04:29.280 What's that all about? 00:04:29.400 --> 00:04:29.680 Do you know what? 00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:31.200 Never occurred to me before. 00:04:31.439 --> 00:04:32.600 Never occurred to me before. 00:04:32.680 --> 00:04:33.140 But do you know what? 00:04:33.160 --> 00:04:34.460 The next time I went home, 00:04:35.200 --> 00:04:36.939 watching the football one night, 00:04:37.400 --> 00:04:39.180 I hear a rub of the hands 00:04:39.180 --> 00:04:41.840 coming from the other sofa. 00:04:42.480 --> 00:04:42.780 Right? 00:04:43.200 --> 00:04:44.020 Hear the hand rub. 00:04:44.319 --> 00:04:44.960 It's my dad. 00:04:45.819 --> 00:04:46.100 And I go, 00:04:46.180 --> 00:04:46.439 oh, 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:47.439 that's where I get 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:48.740 the hand rub thing from. 00:04:48.740 --> 00:04:49.319 You know, 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:49.960 those kind of things 00:04:49.960 --> 00:04:50.660 that we pick up 00:04:50.660 --> 00:04:52.420 from our parents. 00:04:53.500 --> 00:04:54.560 So when Paul says here 00:04:54.560 --> 00:04:54.980 at verse 1, 00:04:55.019 --> 00:04:55.240 he says, 00:04:55.400 --> 00:04:56.400 imitate God. 00:04:56.500 --> 00:04:57.480 Do you see what he's saying? 00:04:58.600 --> 00:04:59.060 He's saying, 00:04:59.259 --> 00:05:02.199 as God's children, 00:05:02.540 --> 00:05:02.720 right? 00:05:03.100 --> 00:05:04.900 Be like your heavenly father. 00:05:06.400 --> 00:05:08.199 Pick up his character traits. 00:05:08.379 --> 00:05:09.340 Be like him. 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:10.860 And so it follows, 00:05:11.040 --> 00:05:13.100 if you jump on the train of thought, 00:05:14.040 --> 00:05:15.300 we'll go to where it's going. 00:05:15.439 --> 00:05:16.439 Where's the train going? 00:05:16.920 --> 00:05:18.560 That if your father is holy, 00:05:19.540 --> 00:05:21.379 that if your father is light, 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:24.120 if your father is so far above 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:26.360 the things of this earth, 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:30.600 and if your father is the very essence of love, 00:05:32.160 --> 00:05:32.439 well, 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:33.120 like father, 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:33.720 like son. 00:05:34.840 --> 00:05:35.079 Okay? 00:05:35.319 --> 00:05:37.259 Mimic your heavenly father. 00:05:37.720 --> 00:05:39.639 Reflect your heavenly father. 00:05:39.699 --> 00:05:40.840 You want to know what that looks like? 00:05:40.840 --> 00:05:42.960 Have a look at the son. 00:05:42.959 --> 00:05:49.919 Have a look at the Christ who came and showed us perfectly the father. 00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:51.259 Right? 00:05:51.299 --> 00:05:54.139 It means when we're looking at Jesus in action in the gospels, 00:05:54.219 --> 00:05:58.379 we are gazing deep into the very heart of God. 00:05:58.459 --> 00:06:01.099 There's no inconsistency between the two. 00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:05.320 Jesus Christ who gave himself up for us. 00:06:05.400 --> 00:06:06.580 Do you see the language there? 00:06:06.840 --> 00:06:08.100 Fragrant offering. 00:06:09.140 --> 00:06:10.120 The sacrifice. 00:06:10.640 --> 00:06:13.300 It's Leviticus language. 00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:14.980 Christ, 00:06:15.139 --> 00:06:17.759 the perfect offering for our sin. 00:06:18.759 --> 00:06:20.340 Pleasing in God's sight. 00:06:20.420 --> 00:06:21.020 What does that mean? 00:06:21.079 --> 00:06:24.020 It means that we are right with our God. 00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:27.400 We are known by our creator. 00:06:27.399 --> 00:06:30.620 His spirit dwells within us. 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:34.439 It means that we are his new people of light. 00:06:34.779 --> 00:06:36.639 We are his children of light. 00:06:37.019 --> 00:06:38.120 And so Paul says, 00:06:39.799 --> 00:06:40.979 imitate your heavenly father. 00:06:43.579 --> 00:06:47.079 Be holy as he is holy. 00:06:48.339 --> 00:06:48.519 Right? 00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:50.679 Imitate him in the marketplace. 00:06:51.179 --> 00:06:53.879 Imitate him as you spend time with your mates. 00:06:54.459 --> 00:06:56.919 Imitate him as you play your sport. 00:06:56.920 --> 00:06:59.240 Imitate him as you do business. 00:06:59.860 --> 00:07:01.300 Imitate him. 00:07:01.400 --> 00:07:01.620 Do you see, 00:07:01.680 --> 00:07:04.460 Paul is no advocate of come out and hide. 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:08.360 This is staying and shine. 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:10.740 Staying and shine. 00:07:11.939 --> 00:07:12.420 Christ, 00:07:12.540 --> 00:07:14.120 and I take it that's what's going on in verse 14, 00:07:14.800 --> 00:07:16.800 as Christ shines on us. 00:07:17.720 --> 00:07:18.620 Staying and shine. 00:07:18.980 --> 00:07:19.220 I mean, 00:07:19.259 --> 00:07:20.800 how good was that moon last night? 00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:22.540 Do you see it? 00:07:22.600 --> 00:07:23.379 People texting me, 00:07:23.439 --> 00:07:24.080 look at the moon, 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:24.819 look at the moon. 00:07:24.939 --> 00:07:25.740 It never happens. 00:07:25.740 --> 00:07:27.819 But how good was that moon last night? 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:30.120 Really simple question. 00:07:30.199 --> 00:07:31.280 Do you know why the moon is bright? 00:07:32.400 --> 00:07:32.540 Right? 00:07:32.699 --> 00:07:33.960 Kind of primary school question, 00:07:34.060 --> 00:07:34.180 really, 00:07:34.259 --> 00:07:35.000 but go with me. 00:07:35.060 --> 00:07:36.180 Do you know why the moon is bright? 00:07:37.199 --> 00:07:38.800 Because the sun shines in it. 00:07:39.819 --> 00:07:39.980 Okay? 00:07:40.120 --> 00:07:41.480 And I like to play this game 00:07:41.480 --> 00:07:42.740 in the darkness, 00:07:42.900 --> 00:07:43.060 right? 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:43.680 There it is. 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:44.540 I like to play this game. 00:07:44.540 --> 00:07:46.460 There is the moon going, 00:07:47.040 --> 00:07:47.400 wow. 00:07:48.100 --> 00:07:48.379 Right? 00:07:48.580 --> 00:07:48.860 Hey, 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:49.180 hey, 00:07:49.220 --> 00:07:50.000 don't look at me. 00:07:50.120 --> 00:07:50.900 Don't look at me. 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:52.460 I'm just rock dust and craters. 00:07:52.600 --> 00:07:53.420 Don't look at me. 00:07:53.760 --> 00:07:54.740 Look at the sun. 00:07:55.480 --> 00:07:57.120 Look at the one who is shining on me. 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:58.340 Look how great he is. 00:07:58.420 --> 00:07:59.480 He's lit me up. 00:08:00.200 --> 00:08:01.360 How great is the sun? 00:08:01.400 --> 00:08:04.240 I'm already reflecting about three to 12% of his light. 00:08:04.320 --> 00:08:04.860 I Googled it, 00:08:04.920 --> 00:08:05.040 right? 00:08:05.140 --> 00:08:06.560 How great is the sun? 00:08:06.560 --> 00:08:09.160 Paul says, 00:08:09.500 --> 00:08:11.780 shine for Christ. 00:08:12.300 --> 00:08:16.740 Imitate him as Christ shines on you, 00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:17.280 right? 00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:20.100 Be walking question marks in your city of Ephesus. 00:08:22.660 --> 00:08:24.160 And what's that going to look like? 00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:25.600 Well, 00:08:25.620 --> 00:08:26.019 let's move, 00:08:26.120 --> 00:08:26.379 if you like, 00:08:26.420 --> 00:08:31.420 from the general principle to the specific application. 00:08:32.580 --> 00:08:36.419 Because Paul puts his finger on one area in particular, 00:08:37.559 --> 00:08:41.399 where to imitate God will mean, 00:08:42.099 --> 00:08:42.399 boy, 00:08:42.739 --> 00:08:45.319 these Ephesians are going to stand out like a sore thumb. 00:08:46.439 --> 00:08:46.559 Right? 00:08:46.619 --> 00:08:51.619 And it's this whole area of how they conduct themselves sexually. 00:08:53.299 --> 00:08:53.559 Okay? 00:08:53.659 --> 00:08:54.019 Ephesus, 00:08:54.239 --> 00:08:57.679 this is a highly sexualized culture. 00:08:58.039 --> 00:08:58.159 Right? 00:08:58.219 --> 00:08:58.599 What was that? 00:08:59.319 --> 00:09:01.719 What's that song from the 90s that Salt-N-Pepa sang? 00:09:02.079 --> 00:09:02.319 Right? 00:09:02.319 --> 00:09:04.239 Let's talk about sex. 00:09:04.339 --> 00:09:06.339 It was one of the anthems of the 90s, 00:09:06.359 --> 00:09:06.519 right? 00:09:06.559 --> 00:09:06.859 Lyrics. 00:09:07.219 --> 00:09:10.500 Now we talk about sex on the radio and video shows. 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:13.539 Many will know that anything goes. 00:09:13.659 --> 00:09:13.779 Right? 00:09:13.839 --> 00:09:16.039 They loved that song in Ephesus in the first century. 00:09:16.119 --> 00:09:16.779 Loved it. 00:09:18.059 --> 00:09:18.319 Right? 00:09:18.539 --> 00:09:21.159 Virgin women at the temple helping you worship. 00:09:21.479 --> 00:09:24.179 They're offering you a sacred sexual encounter. 00:09:25.339 --> 00:09:29.119 A culture where you're encouraged to kind of just let your desires go. 00:09:29.119 --> 00:09:30.319 And the more you do that, 00:09:30.399 --> 00:09:31.659 the more that you're living. 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:36.159 And these Christians are caught up right in the middle of that. 00:09:37.199 --> 00:09:37.379 Okay? 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:39.459 In a previous life, 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:40.899 they saw no issue with this. 00:09:41.399 --> 00:09:41.879 They said, 00:09:41.959 --> 00:09:42.639 what's the problem? 00:09:42.779 --> 00:09:43.500 Bring it on. 00:09:44.259 --> 00:09:45.959 But do you see how Paul writes at verse 8? 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:46.299 He says, 00:09:46.299 --> 00:09:47.259 you were once darkness. 00:09:47.759 --> 00:09:47.899 Right? 00:09:47.939 --> 00:09:48.539 That was you. 00:09:49.199 --> 00:09:49.839 You were there. 00:09:51.979 --> 00:09:53.979 No spiritual lights on in your life. 00:09:54.079 --> 00:09:55.019 This used to be you. 00:09:55.240 --> 00:09:55.839 But now, 00:09:56.579 --> 00:09:57.139 verse 8, 00:09:57.559 --> 00:10:00.319 you are light in the Lord. 00:10:00.320 --> 00:10:03.240 God has switched the spiritual lights on in your life. 00:10:03.379 --> 00:10:04.640 And Christ has shined. 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:06.500 He's shining on you. 00:10:08.560 --> 00:10:10.480 So to be an imitator of God in Ephesus, 00:10:10.700 --> 00:10:12.040 to be a walking question mark, 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:13.240 what is that going to mean? 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:17.000 Specifically in this highly sexualized culture, 00:10:17.140 --> 00:10:18.940 I just want us to see two things. 00:10:19.100 --> 00:10:19.260 Okay? 00:10:20.160 --> 00:10:20.620 Firstly, 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:24.700 it's going to mean them saying no to the darkness. 00:10:25.900 --> 00:10:27.060 No to the darkness. 00:10:27.180 --> 00:10:27.320 Right? 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:29.320 In terms of their walk and in terms of their talk. 00:10:30.820 --> 00:10:31.960 So see verse 3, 00:10:32.040 --> 00:10:34.340 the things that he specifically mentions. 00:10:34.620 --> 00:10:34.760 Right? 00:10:34.800 --> 00:10:36.140 When it comes to their walk. 00:10:36.260 --> 00:10:38.700 And I assume that these things are all connected. 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:40.080 Back to our central theme. 00:10:41.540 --> 00:10:42.620 Sexual immorality, 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:43.460 impurity, 00:10:43.800 --> 00:10:44.660 covetousness. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:47.180 And then when it comes to their talk, 00:10:47.260 --> 00:10:48.140 do you see verse 4? 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:49.220 No filthiness, 00:10:49.379 --> 00:10:50.360 no foolish talk, 00:10:50.460 --> 00:10:52.480 no crude joking. 00:10:52.700 --> 00:10:54.920 And I take it that these are telltale signs 00:10:54.920 --> 00:10:58.320 that the people who are living in these things 00:10:58.320 --> 00:11:01.020 have refused God's reign, 00:11:01.140 --> 00:11:02.360 are living in darkness, 00:11:02.360 --> 00:11:05.240 and are deserving of God's wrath. 00:11:05.420 --> 00:11:07.040 Paul said they've got no place 00:11:07.040 --> 00:11:08.940 amongst God's holy people. 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:12.660 And so do you see how radically different 00:11:12.660 --> 00:11:13.920 these Christians will be 00:11:13.920 --> 00:11:18.040 simply by using the word no. 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:22.360 not because they've moved out of Ephesus, 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:27.879 but because God's spirit has moved into them. 00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:31.079 They're going to be walking question marks 00:11:31.079 --> 00:11:31.719 in their city. 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:34.399 And so the question becomes, 00:11:34.799 --> 00:11:36.959 what will it mean to be a walking question mark 00:11:36.959 --> 00:11:38.620 in our city 00:11:38.620 --> 00:11:41.159 in terms of our walk and our talk? 00:11:41.159 --> 00:11:43.699 And really, 00:11:43.779 --> 00:11:45.179 it's not going to look any different, 00:11:45.500 --> 00:11:45.980 is it? 00:11:46.980 --> 00:11:47.279 I mean, 00:11:47.319 --> 00:11:49.339 to believe in the goodness 00:11:49.339 --> 00:11:52.139 of God's design for sex, 00:11:52.219 --> 00:11:54.959 that this is a good gift from Him, 00:11:56.579 --> 00:11:58.919 that He's designed to be enjoyed 00:11:58.919 --> 00:12:00.679 in the context of a marriage 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:03.459 between one man and one woman. 00:12:04.339 --> 00:12:05.720 And I take it that that term, 00:12:05.819 --> 00:12:06.679 sexual immorality, 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:07.319 in the Greek there, 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:08.659 it's almost a catch-all term 00:12:08.659 --> 00:12:11.399 for everything that goes on 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:13.000 outside of that framework, 00:12:13.159 --> 00:12:14.159 God's good design. 00:12:15.199 --> 00:12:17.439 And for us to not just simply 00:12:17.439 --> 00:12:19.939 reluctantly go with that design, 00:12:20.179 --> 00:12:22.839 but love that design and affirm it. 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:25.120 Flowing from a heart that says, 00:12:25.240 --> 00:12:25.519 do you know what, 00:12:25.519 --> 00:12:27.399 I'm going to love the people of my city. 00:12:27.480 --> 00:12:28.719 I'm going to love my neighbor 00:12:28.719 --> 00:12:31.079 who thinks differently to that. 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:33.299 Pursuing them in the same way 00:12:33.299 --> 00:12:35.379 that Christ pursues people in the Gospels 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:37.500 and telling them about Jesus. 00:12:38.659 --> 00:12:39.620 And all the while, 00:12:40.419 --> 00:12:44.579 I'm going to abide by God's blueprint for sex. 00:12:45.799 --> 00:12:47.620 No matter how difficult it is, 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:49.379 no matter what it costs me, 00:12:49.439 --> 00:12:53.000 because I know the God whose word this is, 00:12:53.199 --> 00:12:55.339 I know who He is, 00:12:55.439 --> 00:12:57.339 I know that He is my good Father, 00:12:57.459 --> 00:12:58.600 and I love Him, 00:12:58.839 --> 00:13:00.679 and I trust Him with my life. 00:13:00.919 --> 00:13:02.899 How different are you going to look 00:13:02.899 --> 00:13:04.059 if you believe that 00:13:04.059 --> 00:13:05.399 and live that out? 00:13:05.399 --> 00:13:07.620 Which, to be clear, we do. 00:13:11.259 --> 00:13:13.879 Walking question marks in our city. 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:15.819 Let me just ask you as we think about this. 00:13:16.840 --> 00:13:18.159 Friends, when was the last time 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:21.620 you said no to something 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:23.419 because you wanted to imitate 00:13:23.419 --> 00:13:24.340 your Heavenly Father? 00:13:26.139 --> 00:13:26.399 Right? 00:13:27.159 --> 00:13:29.379 These are tough times that we're living in. 00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:31.600 I think this is even more relevant. 00:13:32.659 --> 00:13:32.740 Right? 00:13:32.820 --> 00:13:34.519 When was the last time you said no 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:37.179 to looking at that website? 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:38.740 Right? 00:13:38.799 --> 00:13:42.179 You said no to watching that Netflix drama 00:13:42.179 --> 00:13:43.360 that everyone's watching, 00:13:43.460 --> 00:13:45.299 that box set that everyone's binging on 00:13:45.299 --> 00:13:46.419 because it's got images 00:13:46.419 --> 00:13:48.500 that just aren't helpful for me. 00:13:49.639 --> 00:13:51.259 It's got scenes that just aren't great 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:52.580 for me to be watching. 00:13:54.019 --> 00:13:55.919 When was the last time you said no 00:13:55.919 --> 00:13:58.639 to staying over at someone's house? 00:13:58.779 --> 00:13:59.179 You know what? 00:13:59.179 --> 00:14:00.759 Because it might be a bit more convenient, 00:14:01.079 --> 00:14:04.679 but it's just not a wise thing to do. 00:14:05.079 --> 00:14:06.839 When was the last time you said no 00:14:06.839 --> 00:14:09.419 to joining in the bad banter 00:14:09.419 --> 00:14:11.759 in the changing room? 00:14:11.819 --> 00:14:12.719 You know, I think so often 00:14:12.719 --> 00:14:14.279 our problem in this area 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:16.219 is not that people think we're strange. 00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:18.139 Our problem is that people 00:14:18.139 --> 00:14:20.819 don't think we're strange enough. 00:14:22.500 --> 00:14:23.379 Okay, verse 7. 00:14:23.439 --> 00:14:24.319 I take it this is caught up 00:14:24.319 --> 00:14:25.079 in this language here. 00:14:25.080 --> 00:14:25.480 Paul was saying, 00:14:25.560 --> 00:14:27.020 do not be partners with them. 00:14:27.320 --> 00:14:28.300 See that God has called you 00:14:28.300 --> 00:14:29.980 to something so much more glorious 00:14:29.980 --> 00:14:33.000 and say no because you want to imitate 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:35.080 your glorious heavenly Father. 00:14:37.300 --> 00:14:38.840 And I had the words of that old hymn 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:40.720 by William Cowper in my head this week. 00:14:40.800 --> 00:14:44.300 To see the law by Christ fulfilled 00:14:44.300 --> 00:14:46.139 to hear his pardoning voice 00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:49.720 changes a slave into a child 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:52.560 and changes duty into choice. 00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:57.379 Perhaps you're watching this 00:14:57.379 --> 00:14:58.099 and you've got the words 00:14:58.099 --> 00:14:59.539 of another song in your head, right? 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:02.799 A song about Coldplay, Chris Martin. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:04.679 Nobody said it was easy, 00:15:05.239 --> 00:15:06.819 but no one ever said 00:15:06.819 --> 00:15:08.939 it would be this hard. 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:10.519 And friends, I take it. 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:12.399 I know that this is not easy. 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:16.779 We have all made mistakes. 00:15:16.959 --> 00:15:18.939 We all have regrets. 00:15:19.059 --> 00:15:20.220 We all are broken. 00:15:20.379 --> 00:15:21.579 I know I certainly am 00:15:21.579 --> 00:15:23.000 in one way or another 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:24.659 when we come to think about 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:26.860 this whole area of sex. 00:15:27.059 --> 00:15:29.299 And I take it that we as a church, 00:15:29.399 --> 00:15:30.840 we long to be 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:32.980 the kind of church family 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:35.639 that is listening, 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:37.519 that is supporting, 00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:38.399 that is loving, 00:15:39.299 --> 00:15:40.079 that is honest 00:15:40.079 --> 00:15:41.199 and that genuinely wants 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:43.419 the best for one another, 00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:44.459 that's willing to go 00:15:44.459 --> 00:15:46.039 the extra mile to help. 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:48.220 And the kind of community 00:15:48.220 --> 00:15:50.159 one that is just speaking 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:51.799 the truth of the gospel 00:15:51.799 --> 00:15:53.959 into one another's lives 00:15:53.959 --> 00:15:54.899 like we thought about 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:56.840 a couple of weeks ago, 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:58.079 just helping one another, 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:59.939 speaking the truth of love 00:15:59.939 --> 00:16:02.620 into one another's lives, 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.120 reminding ourselves, 00:16:04.220 --> 00:16:05.579 each other about our Father 00:16:05.580 --> 00:16:07.940 who is all compassion 00:16:07.940 --> 00:16:10.180 and who specializes 00:16:10.180 --> 00:16:11.820 in creating trophies 00:16:11.820 --> 00:16:14.660 of his redeeming grace. 00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:16.620 It's reminding one another 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:17.700 about Jesus, 00:16:17.900 --> 00:16:18.900 who he is, 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:20.280 as we see him in the gospels. 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:21.879 I love that he's never 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:23.280 running away from people 00:16:23.280 --> 00:16:24.200 who have got sexual 00:16:24.200 --> 00:16:25.480 question marks above them. 00:16:25.660 --> 00:16:27.139 He's never standing over them, 00:16:27.259 --> 00:16:27.840 condemning them. 00:16:27.920 --> 00:16:29.540 He is moving alongside them 00:16:29.540 --> 00:16:31.340 in grace and love 00:16:31.340 --> 00:16:34.800 and reminding ourselves 00:16:34.800 --> 00:16:37.300 of the holy calling 00:16:37.300 --> 00:16:38.300 this God has made 00:16:38.300 --> 00:16:39.700 on our lives 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:41.540 and walking with one another 00:16:41.540 --> 00:16:44.100 lovingly to the foot 00:16:44.100 --> 00:16:44.740 of the cross 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:45.800 as the place 00:16:45.800 --> 00:16:46.500 where we will find 00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:48.860 forgiveness and life. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:52.460 Friends, 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:54.580 to be a walking question mark 00:16:54.580 --> 00:16:55.480 in this whole area 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:56.820 is going to mean us saying 00:16:56.820 --> 00:16:58.660 no to things. 00:16:59.920 --> 00:17:00.820 And flip that around 00:17:00.820 --> 00:17:01.540 if you like, 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:02.420 that's the defense. 00:17:02.560 --> 00:17:03.379 If you flip that around 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.600 in the offense here, 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:07.539 to be a walking question mark 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:08.640 is going to mean them saying 00:17:08.640 --> 00:17:11.000 yes to the light. 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:11.820 Right? 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:12.740 No to the darkness. 00:17:13.100 --> 00:17:13.860 Yes to the light. 00:17:13.940 --> 00:17:14.200 Again, 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:15.220 in terms of their walk 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.340 and in terms of their talk. 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:17.720 Verse 10, 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:18.420 see what he says. 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:18.740 He says, 00:17:18.860 --> 00:17:20.640 find out what pleases the Lord. 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.000 Right? 00:17:22.100 --> 00:17:22.580 Love that. 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.420 Find out. 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:25.279 Get involved. 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.600 Use your initiative. 00:17:26.900 --> 00:17:27.860 Engage your brain 00:17:27.860 --> 00:17:29.500 and get in the word. 00:17:29.860 --> 00:17:30.680 Find out. 00:17:30.819 --> 00:17:31.980 Find out what pleases 00:17:31.980 --> 00:17:33.059 your heavenly Father. 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:34.939 Invite others into your life 00:17:34.939 --> 00:17:36.259 who are going to be able 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:37.019 to help you 00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:39.000 and lovingly come alongside you. 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:40.179 It's kind of what happens 00:17:40.179 --> 00:17:40.980 when you fall in love, 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:41.339 isn't it? 00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:44.299 You just find out 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:45.899 what makes the other person happy. 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:46.579 I want to know 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:47.539 what makes them happy. 00:17:48.159 --> 00:17:48.279 Right? 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:49.599 What chocolates do they like? 00:17:49.799 --> 00:17:51.659 What music are they into? 00:17:51.799 --> 00:17:53.319 What hobbies do they have? 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:54.359 What food do they love? 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:56.039 Where do they love to go? 00:17:56.039 --> 00:17:56.980 Paul says, 00:17:57.059 --> 00:17:58.039 find out what pleases 00:17:58.039 --> 00:17:59.799 your heavenly Father. 00:17:59.920 --> 00:18:00.799 Find out what pleases 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.920 the Lord. 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:04.180 And I do it. 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:05.720 Right? 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:06.420 Verse 4, 00:18:06.559 --> 00:18:07.139 come with me. 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:09.539 No obscene talk, 00:18:09.639 --> 00:18:10.720 not foolishness, 00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:12.039 not crude jokes, 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:14.159 but thanksgiving 00:18:14.159 --> 00:18:14.799 should be coming 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:15.879 out of your mouths. 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:17.520 I mean, 00:18:17.600 --> 00:18:20.640 how distinctly different, 00:18:20.800 --> 00:18:20.960 friends, 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:21.940 if we are a community 00:18:21.940 --> 00:18:23.020 that is known 00:18:23.020 --> 00:18:24.980 for talk 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:26.760 that is thankful. 00:18:28.060 --> 00:18:28.320 Right? 00:18:28.360 --> 00:18:29.220 I was reminded this week 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:30.040 of the words 00:18:30.040 --> 00:18:31.120 of the late Billy Graham 00:18:31.120 --> 00:18:31.540 who said, 00:18:31.620 --> 00:18:33.140 a spirit of thankfulness 00:18:33.140 --> 00:18:34.760 is one of the most 00:18:34.760 --> 00:18:35.780 distinctive marks 00:18:35.780 --> 00:18:36.460 of a Christian 00:18:36.460 --> 00:18:37.320 whose heart 00:18:37.320 --> 00:18:38.500 is attuned 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:39.820 to the Lord. 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:41.900 I heard a cracking story 00:18:41.900 --> 00:18:42.280 this week 00:18:42.280 --> 00:18:43.180 from a friend Andy 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:44.940 who was telling me 00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:46.019 about an older lady 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:47.019 in his congregation 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.840 over in Glasgow 00:18:47.840 --> 00:18:49.820 and she was telling him 00:18:49.820 --> 00:18:50.380 how she was just 00:18:50.380 --> 00:18:51.880 really getting quite down 00:18:51.880 --> 00:18:52.360 with everything 00:18:52.360 --> 00:18:53.100 that was going on 00:18:53.100 --> 00:18:53.500 just now 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:54.480 and just finding herself 00:18:54.480 --> 00:18:55.460 slipping into 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:56.180 an attitude 00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:57.180 of just moaning 00:18:57.180 --> 00:18:58.340 about things. 00:18:58.600 --> 00:18:59.779 So she decided 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:01.600 to put a stop to it 00:19:01.600 --> 00:19:03.019 and try and cultivate 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:05.039 this attitude 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:05.740 of thanksgiving. 00:19:05.840 --> 00:19:06.700 So what she made herself 00:19:06.700 --> 00:19:07.519 do every day 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:08.720 is to go into her kitchen 00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:10.380 and grab her tomato timer. 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:11.380 Right? 00:19:11.400 --> 00:19:11.940 Remember those things, 00:19:12.000 --> 00:19:12.820 those tomato timers 00:19:12.820 --> 00:19:13.960 if you don't remember 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.519 what it is 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.120 or you're of a younger 00:19:15.120 --> 00:19:15.640 generation, 00:19:15.799 --> 00:19:16.319 get on Google, 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.380 write a tomato timer. 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:18.160 She used to take it 00:19:18.160 --> 00:19:18.819 and wind it up 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:19.640 to two minutes 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:21.700 and then sit it down 00:19:21.700 --> 00:19:22.579 on the kitchen table 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:23.279 and listen to it 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:24.840 tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick. 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:26.579 And what she used to do 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:28.079 was take those two minutes 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:30.259 and deliberately list 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.559 everything in her life 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:32.299 that she was thankful 00:19:32.299 --> 00:19:33.039 to God for 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:34.940 until the tomato timer 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:35.440 ran out. 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:36.860 Love that. 00:19:38.620 --> 00:19:39.059 Thanksgiving. 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:41.680 Are we a thankful 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:42.560 people, friends? 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:44.019 Is this what pours forth 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:44.980 from our mouths 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:45.799 thanksgiving 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:47.440 to who our God is? 00:19:49.600 --> 00:19:49.960 And then maybe 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:52.019 think about one way 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:52.960 that that might work out 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:53.940 in this whole area 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:55.100 of sexual relationships. 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:56.580 Let me just pitch you 00:19:56.580 --> 00:19:57.180 something here. 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.740 And there was a comedy film 00:19:59.740 --> 00:20:00.279 that came out 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:01.000 a number of years ago, 00:20:01.060 --> 00:20:01.539 I think, 00:20:02.320 --> 00:20:04.120 starring Steve Carell. 00:20:04.560 --> 00:20:05.640 It was a comedy 00:20:05.640 --> 00:20:06.539 and it was called 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:08.160 The 40-Year-Old Virgin. 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:08.279 Right? 00:20:09.580 --> 00:20:10.259 And it was about 00:20:10.259 --> 00:20:11.360 this middle-aged man 00:20:11.360 --> 00:20:12.860 who had never had sex 00:20:12.860 --> 00:20:13.519 and the whole premise 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.120 of the film 00:20:14.120 --> 00:20:15.240 was that here is a man 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:16.480 who hasn't lived. 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:18.180 Have pity for him. 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:19.940 He hasn't lived. 00:20:21.460 --> 00:20:22.580 It's how the world thinks, 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:23.000 isn't it? 00:20:23.540 --> 00:20:24.600 What the world promotes. 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.580 Friends, 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:27.480 you see how the Christian 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.380 can look at something 00:20:28.380 --> 00:20:28.820 like that 00:20:28.820 --> 00:20:29.640 and declare 00:20:29.640 --> 00:20:31.680 not true. 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:33.800 Not true. 00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:35.180 You know, 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:36.120 in the words of 00:20:36.119 --> 00:20:37.379 Jackie Hill Perry 00:20:37.379 --> 00:20:39.219 who's written so wonderfully 00:20:39.219 --> 00:20:40.199 about her journey 00:20:40.199 --> 00:20:41.479 as a disciple of Jesus 00:20:41.479 --> 00:20:42.419 and discovering 00:20:42.419 --> 00:20:43.359 the God of the Bible 00:20:43.359 --> 00:20:43.979 in her book 00:20:43.979 --> 00:20:44.419 that's called 00:20:44.419 --> 00:20:45.019 Gay Girl, 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.059 Good God, 00:20:46.139 --> 00:20:46.839 she writes, 00:20:47.719 --> 00:20:48.439 our sexuality 00:20:48.439 --> 00:20:50.059 is not our soul, 00:20:50.719 --> 00:20:52.039 marriage is not heaven 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:53.039 and singleness 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:54.659 is not hell. 00:20:55.679 --> 00:20:55.899 Right? 00:20:55.959 --> 00:20:57.059 The Christian can look 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:57.959 at something like that 00:20:57.959 --> 00:20:58.819 and declare 00:20:58.819 --> 00:20:59.500 that there is 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:00.919 a better story 00:21:00.919 --> 00:21:03.219 that defines my life. 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:04.579 Right? 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:05.839 I'm not defined 00:21:05.839 --> 00:21:07.019 by my relationship 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:08.679 status on Facebook 00:21:08.679 --> 00:21:10.419 or how I look 00:21:10.419 --> 00:21:11.679 or what I've done 00:21:11.679 --> 00:21:12.359 in the past 00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:13.539 and who I've done it with 00:21:13.539 --> 00:21:14.720 or my so-called 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:16.019 future prospects. 00:21:16.119 --> 00:21:16.659 I'm not defined 00:21:16.659 --> 00:21:18.240 by any of those things. 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:20.119 I am defined 00:21:20.119 --> 00:21:21.240 by Jesus Christ 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:23.579 and what God my Father 00:21:23.579 --> 00:21:25.399 says is true about me. 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:27.939 And what has God said 00:21:27.939 --> 00:21:28.899 is true about us? 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:29.339 Well, I think 00:21:29.339 --> 00:21:29.960 this is where we need 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:31.399 to get back to chapter one. 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:32.480 The more I've been 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.319 preaching this through, 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:35.019 everything's connected 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:35.879 to the identity 00:21:35.879 --> 00:21:36.740 that Paul is out 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:37.279 of the Christian 00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:38.240 in chapter one. 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:39.799 Who are you, Christian? 00:21:39.939 --> 00:21:40.500 You are one 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.579 who has been loved 00:21:41.579 --> 00:21:42.700 by God the Father. 00:21:43.659 --> 00:21:44.359 You are one 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:45.539 who has been adopted 00:21:45.539 --> 00:21:47.339 into his family. 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:48.740 You are one 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:49.799 who has been redeemed 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:51.279 by God the Son 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:52.659 who gave himself 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:54.079 for you. 00:21:54.159 --> 00:21:54.799 You are one 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:55.859 who has been sealed 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:57.059 by God the Spirit 00:21:57.059 --> 00:21:58.139 with a glorious, 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.659 untouchable, 00:22:00.159 --> 00:22:01.319 heavenly inheritance 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:02.200 ahead of you. 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:04.319 That is what defines you. 00:22:05.139 --> 00:22:06.619 That is what defines you. 00:22:07.619 --> 00:22:08.279 It has to do 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.379 with these other things. 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:11.539 That is what defines you. 00:22:12.379 --> 00:22:13.339 And because of that, 00:22:14.339 --> 00:22:15.579 whatever comes our way 00:22:15.579 --> 00:22:16.039 in life, 00:22:16.159 --> 00:22:17.200 we can say 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:19.599 that I am thankful. 00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:23.019 I am thankful to God. 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:24.599 You know, 00:22:24.639 --> 00:22:25.339 whoever you are here 00:22:25.339 --> 00:22:26.079 watching this today, 00:22:26.159 --> 00:22:27.339 maybe you've got huge questions 00:22:27.339 --> 00:22:28.039 about this stuff, 00:22:28.159 --> 00:22:29.299 but let me just tell you, 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:30.480 friends, 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.779 there is only one person, 00:22:31.899 --> 00:22:33.159 only one person 00:22:33.159 --> 00:22:34.740 who can give us life. 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.919 And life to the full 00:22:36.919 --> 00:22:37.779 is what he promises. 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:39.399 And his name 00:22:39.399 --> 00:22:40.819 is Jesus. 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:42.779 You see, 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:43.259 the Christian 00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:43.659 is one 00:22:43.659 --> 00:22:44.700 who can say, 00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:46.599 whatever my lot, 00:22:47.180 --> 00:22:48.659 my heart can say, 00:22:48.919 --> 00:22:50.259 it is well 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:51.200 with my soul. 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.619 My heart can say, 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:53.480 whatever is going on 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:54.059 in my life, 00:22:54.159 --> 00:22:55.480 that Jesus Christ 00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:57.980 is enough. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:59.700 And that's where 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.480 we want to be, 00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:00.860 isn't it? 00:23:00.880 --> 00:23:01.819 That's where we want to be. 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:02.759 That is where life 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:03.460 is to be found, 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:04.539 that Jesus Christ 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.720 is enough for me. 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:08.299 Friends, 00:23:08.360 --> 00:23:08.920 I take it that 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:10.599 if we try and live this way, 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:12.440 if we are dangerously 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:14.000 different for Christ, 00:23:15.940 --> 00:23:17.200 then naturally 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:18.360 the light that shines 00:23:18.360 --> 00:23:18.720 from us 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.440 is going to expose 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:19.980 the darkness. 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:20.940 I think that's what 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.500 Paul's on about 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:22.519 there at verse 13. 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.860 It's kind of what happens 00:23:23.860 --> 00:23:24.880 if you change a light bulb, 00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:25.140 isn't it? 00:23:25.140 --> 00:23:26.360 Or stand next to a light bulb. 00:23:26.359 --> 00:23:26.959 Oh, 00:23:27.919 --> 00:23:28.899 just exposes you, 00:23:28.959 --> 00:23:29.299 doesn't it? 00:23:29.659 --> 00:23:30.219 I had that experience 00:23:30.219 --> 00:23:30.619 the other night, 00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:31.619 just changing a light bulb 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:32.719 outside or flashlight. 00:23:32.939 --> 00:23:33.299 Vroomf. 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.479 That's what happens, 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:34.859 isn't it, 00:23:34.879 --> 00:23:35.839 when you're exposed 00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:36.559 by the light. 00:23:38.879 --> 00:23:39.259 Friends, 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:39.939 that's what we're doing 00:23:39.939 --> 00:23:40.539 when we're saying 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:41.859 no to the world's way, 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.500 no to the darkness, 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:44.819 and yes to God's way, 00:23:44.939 --> 00:23:45.839 yes to the light. 00:23:46.599 --> 00:23:47.240 And I think that should 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:48.039 encourage us 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:48.740 in our witness 00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:50.139 because when that happens, 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.679 even the smallest step 00:23:51.679 --> 00:23:52.339 of obedience 00:23:52.339 --> 00:23:53.839 to your heavenly Father, 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:55.579 that is the light 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:57.399 invading the darkness 00:23:57.399 --> 00:23:58.539 as the world looks in 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:58.819 and says, 00:23:58.919 --> 00:24:00.279 I cannot figure that out. 00:24:01.619 --> 00:24:02.319 Why would somebody 00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:03.679 choose to live that way? 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.259 The light is invading 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:05.839 the darkness. 00:24:08.399 --> 00:24:08.839 Friends, 00:24:08.899 --> 00:24:09.599 so as we close, 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:10.619 let's come back to 00:24:10.619 --> 00:24:12.519 our two guys at the top. 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:15.019 What explains 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:17.859 21st century uni guy? 00:24:17.939 --> 00:24:19.019 What explains 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:19.980 the untouchable? 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:21.559 And what explains 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:23.160 first century Chris 00:24:23.160 --> 00:24:23.960 living his life 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:24.559 as a disciple 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.599 of Jesus in Ephesus? 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:26.819 What explains that? 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:28.460 Why would somebody 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:29.539 choose to live 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:30.640 differently? 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:31.440 Why would somebody 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.980 not want to get involved? 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:33.779 Why would somebody 00:24:33.779 --> 00:24:34.839 choose 00:24:34.839 --> 00:24:35.980 to be a walking 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:36.799 question mark? 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:37.799 What's that all about? 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:40.339 Answer, 00:24:41.120 --> 00:24:43.500 because they love 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:44.599 Jesus. 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:47.279 They love 00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:48.339 their heavenly Father 00:24:48.339 --> 00:24:51.000 and their heart's desire 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:52.500 is that they want 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:53.099 to imitate 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:54.519 him. 00:24:55.659 --> 00:24:56.599 A song that we 00:24:56.599 --> 00:24:57.519 sometimes sing here 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:58.079 and I'm reminded 00:24:58.079 --> 00:24:58.939 of this this week 00:24:58.939 --> 00:25:00.439 and let's make this 00:25:00.439 --> 00:25:01.059 our prayer 00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:01.799 as we head into 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:02.579 this week coming. 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:04.500 Refiner's fire. 00:25:05.699 --> 00:25:07.139 My heart's one desire 00:25:07.139 --> 00:25:08.799 is to be holy. 00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:11.139 Set apart for you, 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:11.480 Lord. 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:12.779 I choose to be 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.439 holy. 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:15.939 Set apart for you, 00:25:16.439 --> 00:25:17.379 my master. 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:19.420 ready to do 00:25:19.420 --> 00:25:21.020 your will. 00:25:21.780 --> 00:25:22.760 Let's pray together. 00:25:26.760 --> 00:25:27.660 Heavenly Father, 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:28.360 I'm so conscious, 00:25:28.580 --> 00:25:28.760 Lord, 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:30.380 of the many 00:25:30.380 --> 00:25:31.240 questions that will 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:31.980 come out of this 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:33.260 passage today, 00:25:33.820 --> 00:25:35.040 of the many 00:25:35.040 --> 00:25:36.220 different experiences 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:37.280 that we'll have, 00:25:37.860 --> 00:25:38.340 of the many 00:25:38.340 --> 00:25:38.960 different current 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.880 places that we'll 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:41.040 find ourselves in, 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:41.960 and the many 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:43.040 different situations 00:25:43.040 --> 00:25:43.640 that we're each 00:25:43.640 --> 00:25:44.540 trying to work out. 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:46.339 And I pray, 00:25:46.599 --> 00:25:46.659 Father, 00:25:46.720 --> 00:25:47.119 that you would 00:25:47.119 --> 00:25:48.159 help us each 00:25:48.159 --> 00:25:48.899 today by your 00:25:48.899 --> 00:25:49.960 Spirit who lives 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.440 in us. 00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:52.200 Help us 00:25:52.200 --> 00:25:53.940 remember the 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:54.519 gospel. 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:56.460 Help us remember 00:25:56.460 --> 00:25:57.740 Jesus Christ 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.139 and him 00:25:58.139 --> 00:25:58.819 crucified. 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:00.740 And a gospel 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.799 that is the power 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:02.519 of God unto 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:03.200 salvation. 00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:04.559 And it's the power 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:05.920 for us to 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.700 change. 00:26:08.299 --> 00:26:08.819 So, 00:26:08.920 --> 00:26:09.039 Father, 00:26:09.139 --> 00:26:09.920 help us today. 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.220 Thank you that you 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:12.159 are the God of all 00:26:12.159 --> 00:26:12.579 comfort. 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:13.179 And I pray, 00:26:13.379 --> 00:26:13.500 Father, 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:14.079 that as your 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:14.960 word goes forth 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:15.359 today, 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:16.699 that your Spirit 00:26:16.699 --> 00:26:17.279 would both 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:19.299 challenge us 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:19.859 who need to be 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:20.399 challenged, 00:26:20.899 --> 00:26:21.879 and would comfort 00:26:21.879 --> 00:26:22.740 us who need to 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.779 be comforted. 00:26:24.679 --> 00:26:24.939 Oh, 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.339 our Father, 00:26:25.419 --> 00:26:26.359 we want all the 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:27.599 glory to be to 00:26:27.599 --> 00:26:28.379 you this week 00:26:28.379 --> 00:26:29.059 in our lives. 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:30.279 Help us to 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:31.159 imitate you. 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:32.720 In Jesus' name 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.159 we pray. 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:34.119 Amen.