WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.980 The servant of the world now in victory reigning, lift your voices to the one who is seated on the 00:00:05.980 --> 00:00:13.000 throne. See him in the new Jerusalem. Praise the one who saved us. That's the reason we're here 00:00:13.000 --> 00:00:18.679 this morning, to worship in song, to worship in prayer, to the ministry of the word and in 00:00:18.679 --> 00:00:25.839 fellowship. So as we come to the Lord and as we come to continue in our worship, let's remember 00:00:25.839 --> 00:00:31.940 why we're here. We're here not as part of a club, not as part of an organization, but we're here to 00:00:31.940 --> 00:00:38.399 enter into the Holy of Holies and to commune with the living God. So let's continue that worship as 00:00:38.399 --> 00:00:46.120 we look at 1 Peter chapter 3 and we're going to look at the first seven verses. Peter writes, 00:00:46.480 --> 00:00:53.179 Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that if any of them do not believe 00:00:53.179 --> 00:01:00.659 the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity 00:01:00.659 --> 00:01:06.519 and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as elaborate 00:01:06.519 --> 00:01:12.620 hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner 00:01:12.620 --> 00:01:19.200 self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight. 00:01:19.200 --> 00:01:25.240 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. 00:01:26.060 --> 00:01:32.840 They submitted themselves to their own husbands like Sarah who obeyed Abraham and called him her 00:01:32.840 --> 00:01:40.879 Lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same 00:01:40.879 --> 00:01:47.219 way, be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner 00:01:47.219 --> 00:01:54.819 and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Let's pray. 00:01:58.819 --> 00:02:05.019 Father, as we come before your throne this morning, help us to cast our cares on you. 00:02:05.019 --> 00:02:13.379 Help us to remember that you are not a God who is distant and forbidding but you are close to the 00:02:13.379 --> 00:02:22.240 brokenhearted, that it is your natural condition and nature to come to those who are brokenhearted 00:02:22.240 --> 00:02:28.259 and to give them rest and peace. So wherever we're coming from this morning, Lord, if we're coming from 00:02:28.259 --> 00:02:34.899 a place of strength or a place of weakness, a place of peace or a place of tension, help us to 00:02:34.899 --> 00:02:41.979 put our burdens on your altar and offer them to you. Be with us as we continue to look at your word. 00:02:43.060 --> 00:02:49.340 May what I have to say be glorifying to you and edifying to your people. We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:02:49.859 --> 00:02:54.659 Amen. In preparation for this sermon, I was thinking about my own wedding day 00:02:54.659 --> 00:03:01.759 and like many young husbands-to-be, I was quite nervous and my dad, sensing that this was the case, 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:07.280 took me aside, took me out to the lobby of the hotel just to chill out for a little bit and calm down. 00:03:07.960 --> 00:03:13.419 And this is it, I thought. This is the moment where my father passes on his years of wisdom to me 00:03:13.419 --> 00:03:21.300 as I embark on this new journey. The man I look up to the most will give me sage counsel and wise advice 00:03:21.300 --> 00:03:28.420 and so full of expectation for what I was about to hear, I settled in for a lesson of the profundities 00:03:28.420 --> 00:03:38.080 and the practicalities of marriage. Imagine my sense of anticipation being deflated like a cheap balloon 00:03:38.080 --> 00:03:42.640 when leaning in and putting his arm around me, my father says, 00:03:42.639 --> 00:03:48.799 you know, Dan, they say a man is incomplete until he's married and then he's finished. 00:03:51.839 --> 00:03:58.879 Now, of course, he meant that as a joke. He was happily married to my mother for 41 years before he passed away 00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:06.879 and it certainly lighted my mood and it certainly put things into perspective that I was focusing on all the wrong things on that day. 00:04:06.879 --> 00:04:10.599 Is the minister going to show up on time? Is the music all going to go okay? 00:04:11.120 --> 00:04:14.579 What happens if they don't cut the cake the right way? All of these sorts of things. 00:04:15.599 --> 00:04:20.920 But it helped me to focus and eventually on the biblical idea of marriage, 00:04:20.920 --> 00:04:27.839 not being something that finishes you or completes you, but rather that it's a new beginning. 00:04:27.839 --> 00:04:37.439 It's taking one sinner, putting them together with another one so that they can figure out life together. 00:04:38.099 --> 00:04:42.939 Different personalities, different roles, different people. 00:04:43.599 --> 00:04:48.319 And as the journey starts, and speaking for myself and I'm sure the married couples would agree, 00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:57.540 you start to learn a lot more about grace, about mercy, about gentleness, kindness, perseverance. 00:04:58.360 --> 00:05:03.379 Now, the sermon isn't just about marriage, so if you're not married, don't worry, hang in there, I'll get to you. 00:05:04.319 --> 00:05:06.980 But first, let's just have a look and see where the text takes us. 00:05:07.480 --> 00:05:12.120 Sam drew the short straw this morning because normally when the leader comes and says, 00:05:12.219 --> 00:05:14.459 what's the theme of your sermon, I can give two or three points. 00:05:14.459 --> 00:05:18.419 And my response is, well, I don't really have one this morning. 00:05:18.519 --> 00:05:21.259 We're just letting the text take us where it'll take us. 00:05:21.339 --> 00:05:27.359 But if you want to think about one thing as we go through this text, think about gentleness. 00:05:28.560 --> 00:05:29.839 How we're gentle to one another. 00:05:30.979 --> 00:05:31.899 Verses 1 and 2. 00:05:33.179 --> 00:05:36.459 Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands, 00:05:36.979 --> 00:05:39.120 so that if any of them do not believe the word, 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:43.740 they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 00:05:43.740 --> 00:05:47.620 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 00:05:49.019 --> 00:05:52.519 Remember that time last week when I was talking about Bible verses that were unpopular? 00:05:53.860 --> 00:05:57.180 Well, we hit the jackpot this morning for modern Western society. 00:05:57.519 --> 00:05:59.540 Let's clear up a few things before we get started. 00:05:59.540 --> 00:06:00.360 Very important. 00:06:00.819 --> 00:06:04.040 Peter is not talking about men versus women. 00:06:05.660 --> 00:06:09.280 He's not talking about the general interaction between men versus women. 00:06:09.400 --> 00:06:12.379 This is not a pretext for a male-dominated society. 00:06:12.379 --> 00:06:14.019 Look at verse 1. 00:06:14.779 --> 00:06:19.019 Submit yourselves to your own husbands, he says to the wives. 00:06:19.199 --> 00:06:20.459 And likewise in verse 7. 00:06:20.719 --> 00:06:23.579 Husbands, as you live with your wives. 00:06:24.159 --> 00:06:28.259 So Peter is talking about this specific relationship that he has in mind 00:06:28.259 --> 00:06:33.339 between an individual man, an individual woman, marriage. 00:06:33.339 --> 00:06:39.259 One man, one woman, in a covenant relationship for life. 00:06:39.899 --> 00:06:42.419 It's not talking about women being inferior to men, 00:06:43.119 --> 00:06:46.699 or men having authority over women by virtue of gender. 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:51.259 Because a man is no more superior to a woman than he is to another man. 00:06:52.059 --> 00:06:53.159 Because of any reason. 00:06:53.160 --> 00:06:56.540 And we know this, and I think this is in your notes, 00:06:56.800 --> 00:06:59.180 because Paul said in Galatians 3.28, 00:06:59.980 --> 00:07:02.200 there is no longer Greek or Jew. 00:07:02.720 --> 00:07:05.040 There is no longer slave or free. 00:07:05.600 --> 00:07:07.320 There is no longer male or female. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:09.340 For all are one in Christ. 00:07:10.400 --> 00:07:14.200 And men and women have distinctive characteristics and identities, 00:07:14.199 --> 00:07:17.279 but both of them have the same standing in God's eyes. 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:22.159 And not just this, but Peter isn't just talking about marriage in general. 00:07:22.360 --> 00:07:27.180 Most immediately, he's talking about a marriage where one spouse is a believer 00:07:27.180 --> 00:07:29.379 and the other spouse is not. 00:07:30.579 --> 00:07:33.240 This would have been common in the early church, 00:07:33.680 --> 00:07:34.959 just like it's common now. 00:07:35.539 --> 00:07:38.180 And sticking to the context of this letter as a whole, 00:07:38.240 --> 00:07:39.139 as we've been finding out, 00:07:39.500 --> 00:07:42.339 Peter is saying your best way to witness to somebody 00:07:42.339 --> 00:07:46.319 isn't always necessarily to go point by point 00:07:46.319 --> 00:07:49.459 through the biblical narrative of sin and redemption. 00:07:50.019 --> 00:07:52.819 But rather, still in verse 1, 00:07:53.519 --> 00:07:54.319 in this case, 00:07:54.659 --> 00:07:57.199 that a wife might win over their unbelieving husband 00:07:57.199 --> 00:07:58.519 without words, 00:07:59.019 --> 00:08:01.379 by the behavior that the wife exhibits 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:05.099 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 00:08:05.279 --> 00:08:07.439 In other words, if that's your situation, 00:08:07.899 --> 00:08:10.799 don't worry about saying the right thing all the time, 00:08:10.800 --> 00:08:12.939 but having the right words. 00:08:13.199 --> 00:08:15.160 Instead, concentrate on your conduct, 00:08:15.939 --> 00:08:18.139 because that's the whole point of Peter's letter, 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:19.840 your outward behavior. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:21.180 Focus on that. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:24.379 It's pretty good life advice in general, isn't it? 00:08:25.340 --> 00:08:27.040 Think about the way people perceive you. 00:08:27.920 --> 00:08:29.600 Think about how you come across to people, 00:08:29.699 --> 00:08:30.800 what your attitude is like. 00:08:31.280 --> 00:08:33.580 Because they say a picture is worth a thousand words, 00:08:33.580 --> 00:08:35.800 and there's no bigger picture 00:08:35.800 --> 00:08:38.200 than that which your life gives to other people. 00:08:39.020 --> 00:08:39.720 So Peter is saying, 00:08:39.840 --> 00:08:40.840 let your life be a picture 00:08:40.840 --> 00:08:43.200 that shows your godly character. 00:08:44.320 --> 00:08:45.259 And not just this, 00:08:45.320 --> 00:08:46.100 but look at verse 3. 00:08:47.180 --> 00:08:48.900 Did you know there's fashion advice in the Bible? 00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:51.680 We're about to get some this morning. 00:08:52.940 --> 00:08:53.620 Verse 3, 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:54.960 A wife's beauty 00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:57.640 shouldn't come from outward adornment, 00:08:58.360 --> 00:09:00.020 such as elaborate hairstyles 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:01.139 and jewelry 00:09:01.139 --> 00:09:02.819 and fine clothes. 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:06.199 Some of you were going to go to Matt and Point later. 00:09:07.199 --> 00:09:08.199 And now you're wondering, 00:09:08.279 --> 00:09:10.039 is Peter up there scowling at you 00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:11.419 for thinking that? 00:09:12.399 --> 00:09:13.299 Well, fear not, sisters, 00:09:14.220 --> 00:09:15.879 because just like in our day, 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:16.819 in Peter's time, 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:19.360 they were obsessed with image. 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:22.579 Obsessed with outward appearance. 00:09:23.399 --> 00:09:24.019 So really, 00:09:24.139 --> 00:09:25.259 there's nothing new under the sun. 00:09:26.100 --> 00:09:26.960 It's all about flash. 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:28.500 It's all about image. 00:09:28.500 --> 00:09:29.879 And Peter is saying, 00:09:30.139 --> 00:09:31.259 don't get all caught up 00:09:31.259 --> 00:09:32.919 in the need to get recognized 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:34.879 for your external beauty. 00:09:36.179 --> 00:09:37.059 Competing yourself 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:39.159 or putting yourself against another woman, 00:09:39.539 --> 00:09:40.299 a different wife. 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:42.159 Don't get caught up in this. 00:09:42.200 --> 00:09:42.679 Your hair, 00:09:42.799 --> 00:09:43.259 your jewelry, 00:09:43.720 --> 00:09:44.279 your clothes. 00:09:44.460 --> 00:09:45.980 There's nothing wrong with looking nice. 00:09:47.419 --> 00:09:48.519 Just speaking personally, 00:09:48.659 --> 00:09:49.580 I happened to have married a woman 00:09:49.580 --> 00:09:51.740 who was just way out of my league 00:09:51.740 --> 00:09:52.919 in the looks department. 00:09:53.139 --> 00:09:54.179 There's nothing wrong with that. 00:09:54.659 --> 00:09:55.320 But maybe, 00:09:56.059 --> 00:09:57.320 what Peter was thinking of, 00:09:57.320 --> 00:09:59.580 was Samuel, 00:10:00.140 --> 00:10:00.620 the prophet, 00:10:01.700 --> 00:10:03.080 when the Lord said to him, 00:10:03.420 --> 00:10:03.740 Samuel, 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:07.080 man looks at the outward appearance, 00:10:07.879 --> 00:10:10.200 but God looks at the heart. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:12.680 God looks at what it is 00:10:12.680 --> 00:10:14.020 that is the source 00:10:14.020 --> 00:10:15.379 of what comes out of your mouth 00:10:15.379 --> 00:10:16.720 and the way you live your life. 00:10:16.860 --> 00:10:18.640 Not something external, 00:10:19.640 --> 00:10:20.780 but something internal. 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:21.459 And that, 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:22.199 Peter is saying, 00:10:22.679 --> 00:10:23.939 is what the Lord is concerned with. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:24.740 That's the way 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:26.439 that you win over your husband. 00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:28.459 Not by something on the outside, 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:29.879 but by something on the inside. 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:31.360 This beauty 00:10:31.360 --> 00:10:32.360 that will never fade, 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:33.179 Peter calls it. 00:10:34.199 --> 00:10:35.199 And I was thinking about 00:10:35.199 --> 00:10:36.199 how to illustrate this, 00:10:36.299 --> 00:10:37.759 and I don't want to overshare, 00:10:37.839 --> 00:10:38.679 but this might help you 00:10:38.679 --> 00:10:39.539 with the application. 00:10:40.379 --> 00:10:41.819 Peter is talking about marriages 00:10:41.819 --> 00:10:42.819 like how mine was 00:10:42.819 --> 00:10:44.500 in the early years. 00:10:44.980 --> 00:10:45.759 Seneca grew up 00:10:45.759 --> 00:10:46.720 in a believing household. 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:49.019 Went to church at a young age, 00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:50.919 heard the gospel at an early age, 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:51.840 responded to it, 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:53.120 became a faithful disciple. 00:10:53.939 --> 00:10:54.980 And then when we were dating, 00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:56.799 and eventually got engaged 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:57.559 and then got married, 00:10:58.139 --> 00:10:59.439 I said I was a believer. 00:11:00.539 --> 00:11:02.000 I really thought I was, 00:11:02.500 --> 00:11:04.179 because I said most of the right things, 00:11:04.299 --> 00:11:05.799 and our wedding had a minister 00:11:05.799 --> 00:11:07.199 that presided over it, 00:11:07.220 --> 00:11:08.460 so that's a good start, right? 00:11:08.539 --> 00:11:09.319 You know, we said prayers 00:11:09.319 --> 00:11:09.799 in our wedding. 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:11.100 Must mean I'm a Christian. 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:13.179 And I was even broadly interested 00:11:13.179 --> 00:11:13.720 in the Bible 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:15.460 and church life. 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:17.939 But my life 00:11:17.940 --> 00:11:19.280 was completely 00:11:19.280 --> 00:11:20.700 without fruit. 00:11:22.160 --> 00:11:23.140 I loved money. 00:11:24.520 --> 00:11:25.720 I loved my career. 00:11:26.660 --> 00:11:27.740 I had a horrible temper. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:29.960 I was just not 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:30.700 a true believer. 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:32.780 And Seneca 00:11:32.780 --> 00:11:33.540 would have been 00:11:33.540 --> 00:11:34.780 well entitled 00:11:34.780 --> 00:11:36.040 to just give up on me. 00:11:37.260 --> 00:11:38.980 Not walk out of the marriage, 00:11:39.480 --> 00:11:39.960 necessarily, 00:11:40.580 --> 00:11:42.360 but just forget about me. 00:11:43.440 --> 00:11:44.620 Discount my opinions 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:46.500 and my goals 00:11:46.500 --> 00:11:47.279 and my input 00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:48.299 and make decisions 00:11:48.299 --> 00:11:49.580 without consulting me. 00:11:50.519 --> 00:11:51.759 Having an attitude 00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:52.860 towards my leadership 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:53.480 at the home 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:55.179 that was saying, 00:11:55.340 --> 00:11:56.060 well, I don't need him. 00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:57.039 He's not really a Christian. 00:11:58.620 --> 00:11:59.940 Trying to assert herself 00:11:59.940 --> 00:12:00.539 over me 00:12:00.539 --> 00:12:02.259 at every opportunity 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:02.919 and generally 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:04.100 just giving up on me 00:12:04.100 --> 00:12:05.980 as a husband 00:12:05.980 --> 00:12:08.200 and as a potential believer. 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:10.300 But of course, 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:11.040 she didn't do that. 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:13.460 She was gentle. 00:12:14.660 --> 00:12:15.360 She was gracious. 00:12:16.640 --> 00:12:17.600 She was kind 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:18.060 and loving. 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:19.500 And she kept being 00:12:19.500 --> 00:12:20.340 a faithful wife. 00:12:21.540 --> 00:12:23.480 She kept supporting me 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:24.660 in my role 00:12:24.660 --> 00:12:26.160 as our family's 00:12:26.160 --> 00:12:27.140 particular breadwinner 00:12:27.140 --> 00:12:28.920 and being a positive influence 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:30.620 in how we shaped 00:12:30.620 --> 00:12:31.580 our family life 00:12:31.580 --> 00:12:32.379 and our goals 00:12:32.379 --> 00:12:33.200 and our dreams. 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:34.379 And of course, 00:12:34.680 --> 00:12:35.520 she prayed for me 00:12:35.520 --> 00:12:36.900 every day. 00:12:37.800 --> 00:12:39.000 And then sometime 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:41.080 in our third year of marriage, 00:12:41.800 --> 00:12:42.680 the Lord saved me. 00:12:44.600 --> 00:12:45.080 Somehow, 00:12:45.300 --> 00:12:46.100 in the great mystery 00:12:46.100 --> 00:12:47.240 of how these things work, 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.759 the Lord used Seneca 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:50.140 and her patience 00:12:50.140 --> 00:12:50.920 and her humility 00:12:50.920 --> 00:12:52.460 and her loving kindness 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:54.240 to win me over 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:55.120 for him. 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:57.480 And nothing particular 00:12:57.480 --> 00:12:58.200 happened. 00:12:58.920 --> 00:13:00.240 There was no moment. 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:01.440 Nothing stands out. 00:13:01.560 --> 00:13:02.420 There was no formula. 00:13:03.200 --> 00:13:04.759 But I just know 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:06.759 I wouldn't be standing here 00:13:06.759 --> 00:13:08.240 in front of you 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:09.520 preaching the words 00:13:09.520 --> 00:13:11.440 if it hadn't been 00:13:11.440 --> 00:13:12.980 for Seneca's inner adornment, 00:13:14.180 --> 00:13:14.960 her inner beauty, 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:16.740 what Peter calls 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.840 the unfading beauty 00:13:17.840 --> 00:13:19.280 of a gentle and quiet spirit 00:13:19.280 --> 00:13:20.580 that is of great worth 00:13:20.580 --> 00:13:21.400 in God's sight. 00:13:22.240 --> 00:13:23.460 If it's of great worth 00:13:23.460 --> 00:13:24.140 in God's sight, 00:13:24.200 --> 00:13:25.340 you can imagine how I feel 00:13:25.340 --> 00:13:27.960 because it's how I got saved. 00:13:29.460 --> 00:13:30.800 So your unbelieving husband 00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:31.940 might not read the Bible 00:13:31.940 --> 00:13:34.080 but he reads you 00:13:34.080 --> 00:13:35.900 every day. 00:13:37.100 --> 00:13:38.200 So when he reads you, 00:13:38.260 --> 00:13:39.220 let him see gentleness. 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:41.060 Let him see kindness. 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:43.040 Let him see love. 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:45.180 And verse 5, 00:13:45.280 --> 00:13:45.460 look, 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:46.920 this is how the holy women 00:13:46.920 --> 00:13:47.560 of the past 00:13:47.560 --> 00:13:48.400 adorned themselves. 00:13:48.980 --> 00:13:49.900 There's that word again. 00:13:50.640 --> 00:13:51.000 Holy. 00:13:51.760 --> 00:13:52.460 Set apart. 00:13:52.820 --> 00:13:53.440 Something visible 00:13:53.440 --> 00:13:54.380 to mark them out 00:13:54.380 --> 00:13:55.780 as belonging to God. 00:13:55.779 --> 00:13:57.120 They adorned themselves, 00:13:57.259 --> 00:13:58.299 dressed themselves up. 00:13:58.419 --> 00:13:59.899 That means like Sarah, 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:01.039 verse 6, 00:14:01.299 --> 00:14:02.220 who obeyed Abraham 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:04.000 and called him, 00:14:04.939 --> 00:14:06.179 and here's the controversial bit, 00:14:06.919 --> 00:14:07.439 her Lord. 00:14:09.100 --> 00:14:10.439 Temperature just went up in here. 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:12.720 I think when the ladies read that. 00:14:12.799 --> 00:14:13.639 It's fiery stuff, 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:14.379 isn't it? 00:14:15.539 --> 00:14:16.419 Some of you are thinking, 00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:17.059 really Peter? 00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:18.559 I mean, 00:14:18.559 --> 00:14:20.159 I can stomach things like love 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:21.120 or sweetheart 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:22.360 or honey 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:23.379 or things like that, 00:14:23.459 --> 00:14:23.899 but Lord, 00:14:24.279 --> 00:14:24.759 come on. 00:14:25.679 --> 00:14:26.639 But it's important. 00:14:26.959 --> 00:14:27.699 Let's unpack this. 00:14:28.719 --> 00:14:29.839 If you know much about Sarah, 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:30.559 you know she wasn't 00:14:30.559 --> 00:14:31.399 a shrinking violet. 00:14:32.699 --> 00:14:34.339 She was a strong woman, 00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:35.779 an independent, 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:36.919 fiery character, 00:14:37.179 --> 00:14:37.980 and she was more than 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:38.839 a match for Abraham. 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:40.579 And frankly, 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:41.620 and I'll use the vernacular 00:14:41.620 --> 00:14:42.699 here a little bit, 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:44.019 there were times 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:45.360 where Sarah thought 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:46.179 her husband was a bit 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:46.600 of a tool. 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:49.120 And she would have been 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:50.019 well within her rights 00:14:50.019 --> 00:14:51.180 to just assert herself 00:14:51.180 --> 00:14:52.480 in that situation. 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:54.379 But even though 00:14:54.379 --> 00:14:55.940 she saw Abraham's weaknesses, 00:14:56.320 --> 00:14:57.360 her life pattern 00:14:57.360 --> 00:14:59.379 was this general life pattern 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:01.159 of deferring to his leadership. 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:02.779 Not in a way that's fearful, 00:15:03.560 --> 00:15:04.680 being afraid of the man, 00:15:05.159 --> 00:15:06.220 but Peter says, 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:07.700 in a way that's gentle 00:15:07.700 --> 00:15:08.960 and kind 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:10.139 and peaceful 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:11.639 and respectful. 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:13.019 And his point is, 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:14.620 if you do these things, 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:17.000 if you have these evidences 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:17.960 in your life 00:15:17.960 --> 00:15:19.039 of peace, 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:19.960 kindness, 00:15:20.299 --> 00:15:21.060 and gentleness, 00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:22.720 you're a daughter 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:23.720 of Sarah. 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:26.080 Now what on earth 00:15:26.080 --> 00:15:26.519 does that mean? 00:15:26.600 --> 00:15:26.779 Well, 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:28.220 we all know today even 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:29.580 the Jews still call themselves 00:15:29.580 --> 00:15:30.460 children of Abraham 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:31.519 through Sarah. 00:15:32.060 --> 00:15:32.879 So they call themselves 00:15:32.879 --> 00:15:33.700 the children of Sarah, 00:15:33.840 --> 00:15:34.220 his wife. 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:35.779 But the New Testament 00:15:35.779 --> 00:15:36.539 teaches us 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:38.220 that those who believe 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:39.720 are the children 00:15:39.720 --> 00:15:41.200 of Abraham and Sarah. 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:42.480 Not being Jewish, 00:15:42.700 --> 00:15:43.740 not coming from Palestine, 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:45.340 not being brought up 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:46.000 in a certain way, 00:15:46.060 --> 00:15:46.960 but those who believe. 00:15:47.740 --> 00:15:49.320 And Peter is not talking 00:15:49.320 --> 00:15:50.080 to Jewish women. 00:15:51.180 --> 00:15:53.000 He's talking to Gentile women, 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:53.940 just like those of you 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:55.360 sitting here in this room. 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:57.019 The Gentiles who Paul says 00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:58.320 were once cut off 00:15:58.320 --> 00:16:00.180 outside the dividing wall 00:16:00.180 --> 00:16:01.779 of hostility and partition, 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.960 but you've now been brought near 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:05.919 by the blood of Jesus. 00:16:07.080 --> 00:16:08.120 And the point is, 00:16:08.120 --> 00:16:09.480 you don't need to be 00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:10.879 a member of the right club. 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:13.559 You don't have to have 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:14.639 the right last name. 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:17.039 You don't need to speak 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:17.960 the same language 00:16:17.960 --> 00:16:19.279 or have the right history. 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:20.259 Because, sister, 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:21.299 if you put your faith 00:16:21.299 --> 00:16:21.939 in Christ, 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:23.980 and then that faith 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:25.559 overflows in a way 00:16:25.559 --> 00:16:26.279 that demonstrates 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:27.580 the fruit of meekness 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:29.059 and gentleness, 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:30.939 even when your husband 00:16:30.939 --> 00:16:31.779 should be doing better, 00:16:33.100 --> 00:16:34.659 Christ is at work 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:35.600 in you. 00:16:36.659 --> 00:16:37.559 And by bearing 00:16:37.559 --> 00:16:38.319 with your husband 00:16:38.319 --> 00:16:40.299 and pouring yourself 00:16:40.299 --> 00:16:41.139 out for your husband, 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:42.679 even when he's undeserving 00:16:42.679 --> 00:16:43.319 of your love 00:16:43.319 --> 00:16:44.479 and mercy and gentleness, 00:16:45.439 --> 00:16:46.359 focus on that word, 00:16:46.599 --> 00:16:47.439 undeserving. 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:49.679 You're channeling Christ. 00:16:50.619 --> 00:16:52.279 Because Christ came, 00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:54.419 and even though 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:55.859 none of us deserved it, 00:16:57.199 --> 00:16:58.479 none of us deserved 00:16:58.479 --> 00:16:59.539 that the Son of God, 00:16:59.839 --> 00:17:00.519 as we just read 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:01.239 in Philippians 2, 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:02.259 would empty himself, 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:03.279 make himself nothing, 00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:04.419 like one of us, 00:17:04.559 --> 00:17:06.099 and then die on a cross 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:07.039 for us. 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:08.399 Even though none of us 00:17:08.399 --> 00:17:09.099 deserved that, 00:17:09.939 --> 00:17:10.519 he came, 00:17:11.639 --> 00:17:12.439 and he did that. 00:17:13.379 --> 00:17:14.279 And by bearing 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:15.419 with your husband, 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:16.039 and we'll come to 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:16.980 some other people later, 00:17:17.579 --> 00:17:18.619 who don't deserve it, 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:20.240 just like I didn't 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:20.759 deserve it 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:22.019 with Seneca, 00:17:22.179 --> 00:17:23.199 by doing that, 00:17:24.659 --> 00:17:26.639 Christ is imitated, 00:17:27.379 --> 00:17:28.959 and Christ is channeled. 00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:30.500 Paul said that 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:31.099 the love of God 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:32.339 was made manifest to us, 00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:33.559 was made visible to us, 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:35.219 in that while we were 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:36.299 still sinners, 00:17:37.380 --> 00:17:39.480 Christ died for us. 00:17:39.799 --> 00:17:40.620 Didn't wait for us 00:17:40.620 --> 00:17:41.500 to get our act together. 00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:43.860 Seneca didn't wait for me 00:17:43.860 --> 00:17:44.880 to get my life together. 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:46.819 She just kept loving. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:48.900 And through that love, 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.500 the Lord saved me. 00:17:51.440 --> 00:17:52.019 So sister, 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:53.120 when you persevere, 00:17:54.180 --> 00:17:55.700 and out of love, 00:17:56.100 --> 00:17:56.640 and honor, 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:57.740 you defer to your husband, 00:17:58.559 --> 00:18:00.059 you mimic Christ, 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:02.799 and you sacrifice yourself, 00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:04.639 and you serve 00:18:04.639 --> 00:18:05.299 as an example 00:18:05.299 --> 00:18:07.359 that points people to him. 00:18:09.379 --> 00:18:09.859 Now, 00:18:10.379 --> 00:18:12.119 just when you were thought 00:18:12.119 --> 00:18:12.759 we were done 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.879 putting out fires, 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:16.119 Peter starts another one. 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:17.379 Verse 7. 00:18:18.779 --> 00:18:19.299 Husbands, 00:18:19.419 --> 00:18:20.299 in the same way, 00:18:21.159 --> 00:18:22.099 be considerate 00:18:22.099 --> 00:18:23.960 as you live with your wives, 00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:25.240 and treat them with respect, 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:27.179 as the weaker partner, 00:18:27.180 --> 00:18:29.840 and as heirs with you 00:18:29.840 --> 00:18:31.560 of the gracious gift of life, 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:32.840 so that nothing 00:18:32.840 --> 00:18:34.000 will hinder your prayers. 00:18:35.080 --> 00:18:35.799 Weaker partner? 00:18:37.380 --> 00:18:38.720 Our liberal sensitivities 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:39.840 are taking a hammering today, 00:18:39.920 --> 00:18:40.200 aren't they? 00:18:41.880 --> 00:18:42.900 Peter's kind of on a hiding 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:43.580 to nothing here. 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:45.019 But this is the word of God. 00:18:45.860 --> 00:18:46.299 So again, 00:18:46.380 --> 00:18:47.019 let's think here. 00:18:47.220 --> 00:18:48.100 Now on the face of it, 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:49.140 if you read the word weaker, 00:18:50.100 --> 00:18:51.000 you might think 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:52.120 that Peter is talking about 00:18:52.120 --> 00:18:53.060 how women, 00:18:53.340 --> 00:18:54.060 or the wife, 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:56.539 is the physically weaker partner, 00:18:57.179 --> 00:18:58.179 just in terms of 00:18:58.179 --> 00:18:59.819 physical strength. 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:01.480 And there might be truth in that. 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:02.960 At the end of the day, 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:04.220 Peter was writing at a time 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:05.399 where your livelihood 00:19:05.399 --> 00:19:06.299 generally depended 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:07.059 on your muscles, 00:19:07.879 --> 00:19:08.899 working with your hands. 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:11.440 Jesus called fishermen. 00:19:12.599 --> 00:19:13.799 He was himself a carpenter, 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.599 that kind of thing. 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:15.879 Undoubtedly, 00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:16.679 in that time 00:19:16.679 --> 00:19:18.279 where you worked with your muscles 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:19.240 rather than your mind, 00:19:19.419 --> 00:19:20.240 the husband was 00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:21.000 the provider. 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:22.480 And much of that 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.440 is broadly true now, 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:24.320 although speaking 00:19:24.320 --> 00:19:25.080 as a civil servant, 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:26.320 I'm glad I can use my mind 00:19:26.320 --> 00:19:27.100 and not my muscles 00:19:27.100 --> 00:19:27.940 to earn my living. 00:19:29.360 --> 00:19:30.539 But there's something else here. 00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:33.320 It's not just about physicality. 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:34.279 We husbands, 00:19:34.440 --> 00:19:35.000 we're told, 00:19:35.120 --> 00:19:36.000 this is us now, lads, 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:36.940 we are told 00:19:36.940 --> 00:19:38.180 to be considerate 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:39.580 and respectful 00:19:39.580 --> 00:19:41.059 with our wives 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:42.640 as the weaker partner. 00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:44.960 Brother, 00:19:45.860 --> 00:19:47.340 you might not be a pastor, 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:50.180 you might not be an elder, 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:52.299 you might not be a preacher 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.720 or a deacon 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:55.379 or anything like that, 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:56.859 but you have a ministry 00:19:56.859 --> 00:19:57.440 in your life 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:59.700 and your main ministry 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:01.200 is to your wife, 00:20:02.200 --> 00:20:03.399 is to lead her, 00:20:04.099 --> 00:20:05.539 to shepherd her, 00:20:06.059 --> 00:20:07.119 to love her, 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:08.539 to protect her. 00:20:09.680 --> 00:20:11.000 And in our drive, 00:20:11.279 --> 00:20:12.240 because we're conditioned 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:13.500 to be the alpha type, 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:15.019 in our drive 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:15.680 to provide 00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:16.940 and protect, 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:19.000 sometimes we can be 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:19.840 a bit too direct, 00:20:20.840 --> 00:20:22.340 a bit too on the nose. 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:23.920 In our desire 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:24.740 to get things done 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:25.860 and to lead our households, 00:20:26.160 --> 00:20:27.779 we can sometimes be harsh 00:20:27.779 --> 00:20:29.580 and unloving 00:20:29.580 --> 00:20:30.779 and unkind. 00:20:32.120 --> 00:20:32.900 And Peter is saying, 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:33.320 basically, 00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:33.700 lads, 00:20:33.880 --> 00:20:34.299 cop on. 00:20:36.080 --> 00:20:36.720 Don't you know 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.320 that your wife 00:20:37.320 --> 00:20:38.220 is the weaker partner, 00:20:38.860 --> 00:20:39.480 that she's going to be 00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:40.059 more sensitive 00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:41.019 to how you communicate 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:41.519 to her 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:43.519 and how you lead her 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.960 than you might be to her, 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:47.059 that if you're belligerent 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:48.200 and if you're cruel 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:49.600 and you're authoritarian, 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:51.840 you'll actually damage 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:53.480 how she views you, 00:20:54.380 --> 00:20:55.519 that your words 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:56.279 and your attitudes, 00:20:56.920 --> 00:20:57.680 that they'll hurt her 00:20:57.680 --> 00:20:58.319 much more 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:59.720 than any bruises 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:00.860 ever would. 00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:03.480 So do we think 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:04.420 about things like this? 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:05.240 Are we harsh? 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:08.680 Do we set our expectations 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:09.660 of our wives 00:21:09.660 --> 00:21:10.700 so high, 00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:12.860 so impossibly high, 00:21:12.859 --> 00:21:14.859 that they will never 00:21:14.859 --> 00:21:15.939 meet those expectations? 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.299 When the house 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:18.819 doesn't look 00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:19.879 the way we want it to look, 00:21:20.879 --> 00:21:22.899 are we resentful? 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:25.599 Do we lose our temper? 00:21:27.139 --> 00:21:28.259 When we're frustrated 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.539 and we don't get 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.139 our own way 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:32.659 with whatever, 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:33.799 anything from 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:34.879 what we spend our money on 00:21:34.879 --> 00:21:35.819 to who gets the remote 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:37.299 that afternoon, 00:21:38.199 --> 00:21:41.099 do we talk ourselves up? 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:42.779 I do so much 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.379 for this family. 00:21:44.439 --> 00:21:45.519 I go to work 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:47.740 for 10 hours a day 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:49.079 and they don't 00:21:49.079 --> 00:21:49.919 respect me there 00:21:49.919 --> 00:21:51.079 and so the very least 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:51.919 is I can come home 00:21:51.919 --> 00:21:53.639 and get the remote control 00:21:53.639 --> 00:21:54.559 and watch what I want to. 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:57.139 Do we do that? 00:21:58.740 --> 00:21:59.799 Do we focus on us? 00:22:01.339 --> 00:22:02.000 Because brother, 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:02.899 can you think of anything 00:22:02.899 --> 00:22:03.539 that's farther 00:22:03.539 --> 00:22:04.259 from the love 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:05.139 of Jesus Christ 00:22:05.139 --> 00:22:06.379 than that? 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.459 This gentleness, 00:22:08.639 --> 00:22:09.240 this meekness, 00:22:09.339 --> 00:22:09.859 this kindness 00:22:09.859 --> 00:22:10.959 of the one who said, 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.359 I did not come 00:22:12.359 --> 00:22:13.199 into this world 00:22:13.199 --> 00:22:14.539 to be served. 00:22:15.679 --> 00:22:17.759 I came to serve. 00:22:18.979 --> 00:22:19.500 Brothers, 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.319 if you do this, 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:22.500 if you anchor yourselves 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:24.079 to this gentleness 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.979 and this kindness 00:22:24.979 --> 00:22:26.000 and this grace 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:26.919 of Jesus 00:22:26.919 --> 00:22:28.119 and how you talk 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:28.779 to your wife 00:22:28.779 --> 00:22:30.179 and live with your wife 00:22:30.179 --> 00:22:31.000 and lead her 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.279 and protect her, 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:33.879 you honor your wife 00:22:33.879 --> 00:22:36.000 and you honor Christ 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:38.179 by echoing his example. 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:38.240 people. 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:39.720 And Peter says, 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.480 if you do this 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.519 and look at it, 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:42.420 your prayers 00:22:42.420 --> 00:22:44.160 will not be hindered. 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:48.039 If you can channel Christ 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:49.700 in the way you deal 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.460 with your wife 00:22:50.460 --> 00:22:51.420 in love 00:22:51.420 --> 00:22:52.160 and in patience 00:22:52.160 --> 00:22:52.779 and kindness, 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:54.340 then you can approach 00:22:54.340 --> 00:22:55.480 the throne of grace 00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:56.980 with confidence 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:59.160 and pray that the Lord 00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:00.360 would touch the heart 00:23:00.360 --> 00:23:01.060 of your wife 00:23:01.059 --> 00:23:03.460 just like he touched yours, 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:05.259 just like the Lord 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:05.960 touched mine 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:08.299 when Seneca lived that way. 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:11.059 Be gentle with your wife 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:13.099 because Christ 00:23:13.099 --> 00:23:14.039 was gentle with you. 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:17.500 And now maybe you're thinking, 00:23:18.099 --> 00:23:18.779 sitting here going, 00:23:18.879 --> 00:23:19.039 all right, 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:19.639 that's granddad 00:23:19.639 --> 00:23:20.359 but I'm not married. 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:22.079 Don't plan on getting married, 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:23.879 whatever your situation is. 00:23:25.700 --> 00:23:26.799 Or actually first, 00:23:26.859 --> 00:23:27.480 we'll deal with this. 00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:28.779 Maybe you're already married 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:30.359 and both of you 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:30.799 are believers. 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:32.139 So you say, 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:32.799 okay, that's fine. 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:33.839 We're both believers. 00:23:34.660 --> 00:23:35.599 So some of you ladies 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:36.139 might be thinking, 00:23:36.259 --> 00:23:37.339 well, he already knows Jesus. 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.279 I don't need to worry 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:40.019 about my character 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:41.399 reflecting the Lord. 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:44.139 I don't need to maintain 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:44.799 my inner beauty 00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:46.099 to point him to the Lord. 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:48.259 Or some of you lads, 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:48.920 you might be thinking, 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:50.579 well, she's already a believer. 00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:51.619 I don't need to be kind 00:23:51.619 --> 00:23:52.359 and considerate 00:23:52.359 --> 00:23:52.839 and patient 00:23:52.839 --> 00:23:53.480 and gentle 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:55.039 and all that kind of thing. 00:23:55.720 --> 00:23:56.660 I can be as harsh 00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:57.399 and as brutish 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:58.620 as I want to be 00:23:58.620 --> 00:24:00.180 because at the end of the day, 00:24:00.280 --> 00:24:01.480 she still got to submit to me. 00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:03.240 I'm still the man of the house. 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:05.700 Sounds like nonsense, 00:24:05.880 --> 00:24:06.180 doesn't it? 00:24:07.300 --> 00:24:08.080 Well, that's because 00:24:08.080 --> 00:24:08.700 it is nonsense. 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:10.540 Paul tells us, 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.560 we won't go there 00:24:11.560 --> 00:24:13.000 but look at Ephesians 5 sometime. 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:13.780 Paul tells us 00:24:13.780 --> 00:24:15.080 marriage is a picture 00:24:15.080 --> 00:24:16.519 or a sign 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:18.400 that points to how Christ 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.800 loves his church. 00:24:20.320 --> 00:24:21.000 Marriage is intended 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:21.600 to illustrate 00:24:21.600 --> 00:24:22.840 and to demonstrate 00:24:22.840 --> 00:24:23.940 the love 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.980 that exists 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:26.040 between Christ 00:24:26.040 --> 00:24:27.120 and the church. 00:24:27.119 --> 00:24:27.779 So wife, 00:24:28.479 --> 00:24:29.619 when you submit 00:24:29.619 --> 00:24:30.359 to your husband 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:32.019 by deferring 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:32.719 to his leadership, 00:24:33.779 --> 00:24:34.579 you're actually 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.500 encouraging him 00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:37.239 in his role 00:24:37.239 --> 00:24:38.139 to shepherd 00:24:38.139 --> 00:24:39.899 and to protect 00:24:39.899 --> 00:24:41.479 and love you 00:24:41.479 --> 00:24:42.679 because he ought 00:24:42.679 --> 00:24:43.119 to be looking 00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:43.719 to Christ 00:24:43.719 --> 00:24:45.559 whose example 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.359 was set for him. 00:24:47.239 --> 00:24:48.239 By living your life 00:24:48.239 --> 00:24:49.719 based on this inner beauty 00:24:49.719 --> 00:24:50.279 that you have, 00:24:50.459 --> 00:24:51.179 this gentleness, 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:51.879 this peace, 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:52.879 this mercy, 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:54.019 what you're saying 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:54.879 to your husband is, 00:24:54.880 --> 00:24:56.800 I really am yours. 00:24:58.260 --> 00:24:59.360 Just like the church 00:24:59.360 --> 00:25:00.340 is really Christ's. 00:25:01.120 --> 00:25:01.540 And husband, 00:25:01.640 --> 00:25:02.180 when you submit 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:02.860 to your wife 00:25:02.860 --> 00:25:03.780 by being considerate 00:25:03.780 --> 00:25:05.380 of her sensitivities 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:07.340 and bearing with her 00:25:07.340 --> 00:25:08.280 when you're frustrated, 00:25:09.280 --> 00:25:10.620 you're encouraging her 00:25:10.620 --> 00:25:13.180 because you're demonstrating 00:25:13.180 --> 00:25:14.460 the patience 00:25:14.460 --> 00:25:15.920 and the grace 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:17.640 and the sacrificial love 00:25:17.640 --> 00:25:18.060 of Jesus 00:25:18.060 --> 00:25:19.500 that made him die 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.340 for his church. 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:22.159 you're saying, 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:24.159 I really am yours. 00:25:26.179 --> 00:25:26.699 Sister, 00:25:27.639 --> 00:25:28.740 do you submit 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.339 to your husband 00:25:29.339 --> 00:25:31.619 as the church 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.439 submits to Christ? 00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:34.980 Are you ever ungrateful 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:35.819 for his efforts? 00:25:36.939 --> 00:25:38.220 Are you argumentative 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.079 towards his leadership? 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:41.179 Or do you simply 00:25:41.179 --> 00:25:42.679 trust him? 00:25:44.199 --> 00:25:44.679 Brother, 00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:45.899 do you love your wife? 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.419 And here's the standard, 00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:47.759 lads. 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:49.180 Do you love your wife 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:50.339 as Christ 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:52.039 loves his church 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.879 and gave himself 00:25:53.879 --> 00:25:54.740 up for her? 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:57.079 Are you harsh with her 00:25:57.079 --> 00:25:59.379 when she displeases you? 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:01.940 Are you unmerciful to her 00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:02.819 in her weakness? 00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:04.640 Or do you lay down 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:05.680 your life for her 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:07.359 and demonstrate 00:26:07.359 --> 00:26:08.319 your love for her 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.960 in ways that 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:11.259 often are painful 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:13.539 or disadvantageous to you, 00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:14.960 in ways that you don't 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:15.960 get something out of it? 00:26:15.960 --> 00:26:18.519 Is that us? 00:26:20.100 --> 00:26:21.000 Is that our marriage? 00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:23.279 Now, I promise 00:26:23.279 --> 00:26:23.860 I'll get to you. 00:26:24.160 --> 00:26:24.940 What if you're not married? 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:26.779 What if it's not 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:27.279 on your radar? 00:26:27.440 --> 00:26:27.860 What if you're not 00:26:27.860 --> 00:26:28.559 thinking about it? 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:29.620 Is the text irrelevant 00:26:29.620 --> 00:26:30.100 to you? 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.539 Well, you could pretty much 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:32.600 remove all references 00:26:32.600 --> 00:26:33.340 to husbands 00:26:33.340 --> 00:26:34.220 and wives 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:34.880 and marriage 00:26:34.880 --> 00:26:35.779 and all that kind of thing 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.860 and it would still apply 00:26:36.860 --> 00:26:38.000 to every single person 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:39.079 in this room. 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.940 You might not be married. 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:42.600 You might not be 00:26:42.600 --> 00:26:43.579 thinking about marriage. 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:45.000 But the question 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:45.859 is still the same 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:47.099 because as we've been 00:26:47.099 --> 00:26:48.439 looking at in recent weeks, 00:26:49.099 --> 00:26:50.079 when we're around 00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:51.259 our unbelieving friends 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:53.199 and relatives 00:26:53.199 --> 00:26:54.659 and colleagues, 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.659 what are we like? 00:26:57.919 --> 00:26:58.899 Are we always trying 00:26:58.899 --> 00:26:59.519 to get our way? 00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:02.119 Are we harsh with people? 00:27:03.139 --> 00:27:04.480 Are we using our efforts 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:05.639 to bring glory 00:27:05.639 --> 00:27:06.740 back onto ourselves 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.720 rather than to serve 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:08.259 other people? 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:10.939 Are we being gentle 00:27:10.939 --> 00:27:13.019 and kind and loving? 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:14.879 How about when 00:27:14.879 --> 00:27:15.919 our unbelieving teacher 00:27:15.919 --> 00:27:18.220 or unbelieving lecturer 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:19.539 sets what seems like 00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:20.759 an impossible deadline 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:22.779 for a complicated assignment 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:23.839 and they won't agree 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:24.500 to an extension? 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:26.500 Do you grumble 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:27.619 and moan 00:27:27.619 --> 00:27:28.859 and gossip 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:30.339 to the other students, 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:31.419 complain? 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.799 Or do we just 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:35.000 respect their position 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:37.619 and model out 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:38.299 the relationship 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:38.839 we have 00:27:38.839 --> 00:27:40.099 with the great teacher 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:41.959 of love 00:27:41.959 --> 00:27:43.240 and patience 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:44.679 and gentleness? 00:27:46.599 --> 00:27:47.579 Maybe you've got a parent 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:48.299 who's not a believer 00:27:48.299 --> 00:27:49.619 and you think, 00:27:49.719 --> 00:27:50.500 well, if they're not a believer, 00:27:50.619 --> 00:27:51.319 I don't need to 00:27:51.319 --> 00:27:52.059 honor my mother 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:52.879 or my father. 00:27:54.939 --> 00:27:55.500 They might think, 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:55.779 well, 00:27:55.939 --> 00:27:56.859 you're getting mixed up 00:27:56.859 --> 00:27:57.359 with a bunch of 00:27:57.359 --> 00:27:58.240 religious weirdos. 00:27:59.959 --> 00:28:00.480 I don't know 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:01.179 what's happened to you. 00:28:01.259 --> 00:28:01.699 You're not acting 00:28:01.699 --> 00:28:02.379 like my child. 00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:04.439 Do we act 00:28:04.439 --> 00:28:05.299 like we don't need them? 00:28:05.299 --> 00:28:07.200 Or, 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:08.919 do we honor 00:28:08.919 --> 00:28:09.779 our father 00:28:09.779 --> 00:28:11.119 and honor 00:28:11.119 --> 00:28:11.779 our mother 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:13.180 the same way 00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:13.599 we honor 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:14.539 our heavenly father? 00:28:16.419 --> 00:28:17.240 How about this? 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:17.740 This applies 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:18.460 to all of us. 00:28:18.859 --> 00:28:19.740 When your unbelieving 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:20.480 friends are starting 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.460 to treat you differently 00:28:21.460 --> 00:28:23.419 because you're now 00:28:23.419 --> 00:28:23.859 a believer 00:28:23.859 --> 00:28:25.039 or because you're 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.779 getting more involved 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:26.339 in the church, 00:28:27.240 --> 00:28:28.079 maybe they're starting 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:28.779 to think that 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:30.359 Dan really thinks 00:28:30.359 --> 00:28:31.159 he's better than us. 00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:32.519 You know, 00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:33.220 he goes to church 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:33.720 and his life 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:34.339 is all together. 00:28:34.339 --> 00:28:36.220 as if that's true. 00:28:37.639 --> 00:28:38.699 Do I shy away 00:28:38.699 --> 00:28:39.379 from my friends? 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:42.019 Do I 00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:43.959 withdraw from them? 00:28:45.119 --> 00:28:45.959 Or do I continue 00:28:45.959 --> 00:28:47.059 to pour out my life 00:28:47.059 --> 00:28:48.099 into my friends 00:28:48.099 --> 00:28:49.759 and love them 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:51.099 and say to them, 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:52.419 I'm not better than you. 00:28:54.139 --> 00:28:55.539 I won't reject you 00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:57.500 because Jesus 00:28:57.500 --> 00:28:59.519 came and died 00:28:59.519 --> 00:29:00.299 for the ones 00:29:00.299 --> 00:29:01.240 who rejected him. 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:04.539 What about 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:05.960 when we believers 00:29:05.960 --> 00:29:06.720 are all together? 00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:09.039 Do we bear 00:29:09.039 --> 00:29:09.599 with one another? 00:29:11.140 --> 00:29:12.240 Do we persevere? 00:29:12.339 --> 00:29:13.120 Do we keep going 00:29:13.120 --> 00:29:14.420 on this journey together 00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:15.039 even when we 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:15.819 annoy each other 00:29:15.819 --> 00:29:17.259 and frustrate each other 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:18.500 and changes happen 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.140 in the church 00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:20.400 whether it's 00:29:20.400 --> 00:29:21.339 who's coming to preach 00:29:21.339 --> 00:29:21.880 on Sunday 00:29:21.880 --> 00:29:22.880 or removing the chairs 00:29:22.880 --> 00:29:23.519 from that side 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:24.680 over to this side? 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:27.080 Do we love each other 00:29:27.080 --> 00:29:28.820 as Christ 00:29:28.820 --> 00:29:29.720 loves us? 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.820 When your elders 00:29:32.820 --> 00:29:33.519 make decisions 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.180 you don't like 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:35.759 that would of course 00:29:35.759 --> 00:29:36.460 never happen 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:37.120 in this church 00:29:37.120 --> 00:29:37.820 just like it never 00:29:37.820 --> 00:29:38.740 happens in my church. 00:29:39.740 --> 00:29:40.539 When that happens 00:29:40.539 --> 00:29:41.240 do you drop out 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:41.840 of church life 00:29:41.840 --> 00:29:42.259 for a while? 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:44.900 Do you disappear? 00:29:46.140 --> 00:29:47.299 Do you have difficulty 00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:48.140 attending a church 00:29:48.140 --> 00:29:48.980 where you don't agree 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:49.819 with 100% 00:29:49.819 --> 00:29:50.640 of everything 00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:51.140 that's done 00:29:51.140 --> 00:29:53.039 whether it's 00:29:53.039 --> 00:29:53.920 Sunday school 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:55.180 doctrine 00:29:55.180 --> 00:29:56.440 the music 00:29:56.440 --> 00:29:57.240 the layout 00:29:57.240 --> 00:29:58.539 outreach 00:29:58.539 --> 00:29:59.859 pastoral care 00:29:59.859 --> 00:30:01.900 do you do that? 00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:04.279 Or do you pray 00:30:04.279 --> 00:30:05.799 for the leaders 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:06.440 of this church? 00:30:07.379 --> 00:30:08.859 Do you encourage them? 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:10.980 Are you hospitable 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:11.680 towards them? 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:13.500 Do you offer them 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:14.200 feedback in a way 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:14.839 that's kind 00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:16.180 and gentle 00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:17.259 and loving? 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:19.559 And likewise 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:20.079 elders 00:30:20.079 --> 00:30:21.140 and I say this 00:30:21.140 --> 00:30:21.599 as an elder 00:30:21.599 --> 00:30:22.039 in Middleton 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:23.900 when we're feeling 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:24.440 impatient 00:30:24.440 --> 00:30:26.720 with how the church 00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:27.180 is growing 00:30:27.180 --> 00:30:27.839 or not 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:30.259 do we get resentful? 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:32.759 Do we want 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.480 to call it quits 00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:35.480 let them figure out 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:35.960 this stuff 00:30:35.960 --> 00:30:36.879 oh they don't 00:30:36.879 --> 00:30:37.859 appreciate me anyway 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:40.619 or do we persevere 00:30:40.619 --> 00:30:43.019 in our daily sacrifice 00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:44.419 for these people 00:30:44.419 --> 00:30:45.199 whom God loves 00:30:45.199 --> 00:30:47.059 and for whom 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:47.699 he sent his son 00:30:47.699 --> 00:30:48.119 to die? 00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:50.019 In other words 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:50.779 brothers and sisters 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:51.859 are we faithful 00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:52.759 to one another? 00:30:53.859 --> 00:30:54.859 Are we faithful 00:30:54.859 --> 00:30:55.899 in the way 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:57.479 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:30:57.479 --> 00:30:58.319 is faithful 00:30:58.319 --> 00:30:59.059 to us? 00:30:59.859 --> 00:31:00.359 Are we going to 00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:00.959 keep at it 00:31:00.959 --> 00:31:01.879 whether it's you 00:31:01.879 --> 00:31:02.459 with your wife 00:31:02.459 --> 00:31:03.000 or your husband 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:04.299 or your dad 00:31:04.299 --> 00:31:04.979 or your colleagues 00:31:04.979 --> 00:31:06.019 or all of us 00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:06.879 together in this room? 00:31:07.079 --> 00:31:07.539 Are we going to 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:08.059 keep going? 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:09.859 Are we going to 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:10.399 keep walking 00:31:10.399 --> 00:31:11.420 this journey together 00:31:11.420 --> 00:31:12.799 and being faithful 00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:13.420 to one another? 00:31:14.440 --> 00:31:15.299 Love one another 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:16.359 warts and all 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:17.599 and there's a lot 00:31:17.599 --> 00:31:18.039 of warts 00:31:18.039 --> 00:31:19.659 we all have them. 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:21.539 Do we keep 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:22.019 our covenant 00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:22.700 with each other? 00:31:24.460 --> 00:31:25.339 Do we keep 00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:26.680 our promise 00:31:26.680 --> 00:31:27.859 to one another 00:31:27.859 --> 00:31:29.460 the way the Lord 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:29.940 Jesus 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:31.579 keeps it with us? 00:31:33.220 --> 00:31:34.019 So let's not 00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:34.440 change 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:36.580 like the shifting 00:31:36.580 --> 00:31:37.480 sands of 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:39.340 time and culture 00:31:39.340 --> 00:31:40.059 and politics 00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:41.320 and all the other 00:31:41.320 --> 00:31:42.259 stuff that's out there 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:43.100 and what the world 00:31:43.100 --> 00:31:44.160 calls right and wrong 00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:44.740 which seems like 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.279 it's changing 00:31:45.279 --> 00:31:46.200 every year. 00:31:47.420 --> 00:31:48.299 Instead let's be 00:31:48.299 --> 00:31:48.620 gentle 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:50.820 let's be kind 00:31:50.820 --> 00:31:53.059 let's be gracious 00:31:53.059 --> 00:31:55.019 let's be merciful 00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:57.259 and let's be faithful 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:59.320 faithful to the 00:31:59.320 --> 00:31:59.880 word of God 00:31:59.880 --> 00:32:01.840 faithful to one 00:32:01.840 --> 00:32:02.120 another 00:32:02.119 --> 00:32:03.759 and faithful 00:32:03.759 --> 00:32:05.039 to the Lord Jesus 00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:06.859 because his blood 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:07.919 was shed 00:32:07.919 --> 00:32:08.799 not mine 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:10.239 not the elders 00:32:10.239 --> 00:32:11.519 not Johnny 00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:13.439 Jesus' blood 00:32:13.439 --> 00:32:14.379 was shed 00:32:14.379 --> 00:32:15.359 for you 00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:16.359 and for me 00:32:16.359 --> 00:32:17.419 because God 00:32:17.419 --> 00:32:18.199 is faithful 00:32:18.199 --> 00:32:18.899 to his people. 00:32:20.039 --> 00:32:20.479 Amen. 00:32:22.479 --> 00:32:23.319 I'm going to call 00:32:23.319 --> 00:32:24.379 the musicians back up 00:32:24.379 --> 00:32:27.039 as they're coming 00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:27.559 back up 00:32:27.559 --> 00:32:28.179 I don't know 00:32:28.179 --> 00:32:28.579 if 00:32:28.579 --> 00:32:30.439 you've never heard 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:31.019 any of this stuff 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:31.380 before 00:32:31.380 --> 00:32:33.019 I don't know 00:32:33.019 --> 00:32:33.779 if you're not a believer 00:32:33.779 --> 00:32:35.240 I don't know 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:35.620 if you've never 00:32:35.620 --> 00:32:36.120 given God 00:32:36.120 --> 00:32:37.000 a second thought 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:39.580 and I won't 00:32:39.580 --> 00:32:40.420 lay out a full 00:32:40.420 --> 00:32:41.200 thing for you here 00:32:41.200 --> 00:32:42.940 but I'll just say 00:32:42.940 --> 00:32:43.600 what do you have 00:32:43.600 --> 00:32:44.019 faith in? 00:32:45.160 --> 00:32:45.940 Is it your own 00:32:45.940 --> 00:32:46.340 efforts? 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.299 Is it your own 00:32:48.299 --> 00:32:48.720 energies? 00:32:50.100 --> 00:32:50.860 Is it your own 00:32:50.860 --> 00:32:51.320 strengths? 00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:53.559 Or will you come 00:32:53.559 --> 00:32:54.759 to the faithful one 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:56.379 to the rock 00:32:56.379 --> 00:32:56.859 of ages 00:32:56.859 --> 00:32:57.359 who never 00:32:57.359 --> 00:32:57.859 changes? 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:00.659 Let's pray. 00:33:04.639 --> 00:33:05.039 Father 00:33:05.039 --> 00:33:05.679 what's been said 00:33:05.679 --> 00:33:06.139 this morning 00:33:06.139 --> 00:33:06.859 I pray that 00:33:06.859 --> 00:33:07.659 if any of it 00:33:07.659 --> 00:33:08.539 has not pleased you 00:33:08.539 --> 00:33:09.440 or has offended you 00:33:09.440 --> 00:33:09.899 that you would 00:33:09.899 --> 00:33:10.919 blot it from our minds 00:33:10.919 --> 00:33:12.700 and that you would 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:14.559 simply help us 00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.240 to recall that 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:15.759 which would give you 00:33:15.759 --> 00:33:16.500 glory and honor. 00:33:17.839 --> 00:33:18.700 Help us Lord 00:33:18.700 --> 00:33:19.500 when we're weak 00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:20.259 and we stumble 00:33:20.259 --> 00:33:21.379 and we're ungracious 00:33:21.379 --> 00:33:22.139 and unloving 00:33:22.140 --> 00:33:23.000 and unfaithful 00:33:23.000 --> 00:33:24.220 to one another. 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:25.860 Help us to focus 00:33:25.860 --> 00:33:26.380 our minds 00:33:26.380 --> 00:33:27.180 on your son 00:33:27.180 --> 00:33:28.340 who came 00:33:28.340 --> 00:33:29.380 so that we might live 00:33:29.380 --> 00:33:31.500 that we might have 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:32.960 abundant life. 00:33:34.180 --> 00:33:35.060 Give us confidence 00:33:35.060 --> 00:33:35.920 that you who began 00:33:35.920 --> 00:33:36.740 a good work in us 00:33:36.740 --> 00:33:38.140 will bring it to completion 00:33:38.140 --> 00:33:40.180 on the day of Christ Jesus. 00:33:41.600 --> 00:33:42.700 So be with us we pray. 00:33:43.060 --> 00:33:43.860 Be with the marriages 00:33:43.860 --> 00:33:44.600 in this church 00:33:44.600 --> 00:33:47.220 where there is one spouse 00:33:47.220 --> 00:33:48.100 who does not believe. 00:33:48.920 --> 00:33:50.020 Give the believing spouse 00:33:50.020 --> 00:33:50.580 the patience 00:33:50.580 --> 00:33:51.259 and the humility 00:33:51.259 --> 00:33:51.900 and the kindness 00:33:51.900 --> 00:33:52.900 to just keep going 00:33:52.900 --> 00:33:54.519 even when it seems 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:55.860 fruitless and hopeless 00:33:55.860 --> 00:33:58.360 because we know 00:33:58.360 --> 00:33:59.200 that you work 00:33:59.200 --> 00:34:00.940 through these means 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:02.720 to save your people. 00:34:04.320 --> 00:34:05.400 Touch the hearts 00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:06.560 of those who don't believe. 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.400 Soften their hearts 00:34:08.400 --> 00:34:09.139 and break down 00:34:09.139 --> 00:34:09.760 their barriers 00:34:09.760 --> 00:34:10.780 so that they might 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:11.619 approach your throne 00:34:11.619 --> 00:34:12.519 and call on your name. 00:34:14.380 --> 00:34:15.500 Be with all of us Lord 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:17.139 in our work, 00:34:17.280 --> 00:34:17.900 at school, 00:34:18.740 --> 00:34:19.639 in our homes, 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:20.720 wherever we have 00:34:20.719 --> 00:34:21.339 loved ones 00:34:21.339 --> 00:34:21.779 and friends 00:34:21.779 --> 00:34:22.279 and colleagues 00:34:22.279 --> 00:34:23.099 who are not believers. 00:34:23.459 --> 00:34:24.179 Help us to simply 00:34:24.179 --> 00:34:24.799 love them 00:34:24.799 --> 00:34:26.259 as you loved us 00:34:26.259 --> 00:34:27.939 and to show them 00:34:27.939 --> 00:34:29.500 what that love looks like. 00:34:30.379 --> 00:34:31.299 And be with us Lord 00:34:31.299 --> 00:34:32.299 as we close in song 00:34:32.299 --> 00:34:34.219 this community 00:34:34.219 --> 00:34:34.799 of believers. 00:34:35.679 --> 00:34:36.839 Help us to elevate 00:34:36.839 --> 00:34:37.899 our voices 00:34:37.900 --> 00:34:39.619 and our souls 00:34:39.619 --> 00:34:39.639 and our souls 00:34:39.639 --> 00:34:41.079 to commune with you 00:34:41.079 --> 00:34:43.019 and to give you glory 00:34:43.019 --> 00:34:44.639 because ultimately 00:34:44.639 --> 00:34:46.240 you are the faithful one. 00:34:47.559 --> 00:34:49.460 That you will not let anything 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:50.460 pluck us from your hand. 00:34:51.559 --> 00:34:52.579 We pray all this 00:34:52.579 --> 00:34:53.340 in Jesus name. 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:54.200 Amen. 00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:56.059 Would you please stand 00:34:56.059 --> 00:34:56.860 and we'll sing 00:34:56.860 --> 00:34:57.480 Faithful One. 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:58.480 Amen.