WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.019 Good morning, everybody. Like Johnny said, we're going to continue our series in Proverbs today. 00:00:09.019 --> 00:00:13.939 ! If you could all open please to Proverbs chapter 6 in your Bibles. 00:00:23.080 --> 00:00:25.440 ! Proverbs chapter 6, we're going to start at verse 20. 00:00:25.440 --> 00:00:30.800 And that's actually page 640 if you're using the Red Church Bible. 00:00:31.600 --> 00:00:38.380 Page 640. Proverbs chapter 6. 00:00:45.240 --> 00:00:54.960 So two weeks ago we looked at Proverbs chapter 5, and King Solomon in that chapter warns his son about the dangers of adultery. 00:00:55.439 --> 00:01:02.500 And he also put on full display the beautiful gift that sex is within the context of marriage. 00:01:04.079 --> 00:01:10.480 Now two chapters later, well actually one chapter later, Solomon is back on the topic of adultery. 00:01:11.379 --> 00:01:20.599 Okay, now we believe this is God's word, okay, written by Solomon, but he was carried along by the Holy Spirit as he wrote this. 00:01:20.599 --> 00:01:30.859 So Solomon wanted to spend a second speech warning his son about adultery, and ultimately God wanted to warn us about adultery again too. 00:01:32.259 --> 00:01:36.179 So today we're going to look at this text from two perspectives. 00:01:36.180 --> 00:01:40.540 The first one is just reading the text as it is. 00:01:40.980 --> 00:01:44.180 It's a warning against adultery. 00:01:45.180 --> 00:01:52.400 But secondly, we're going to read it as a picture of how we relate to God. 00:01:53.140 --> 00:01:59.520 Because throughout the Bible, God actually uses the picture of marriage and adultery 00:01:59.519 --> 00:02:08.879 to describe how his people have related to him, and in fact how we have failed to love him. 00:02:09.439 --> 00:02:12.240 So those are the two perspectives we're going to look at this text with. 00:02:12.560 --> 00:02:15.859 Number one, physical adultery and the warning against that. 00:02:16.419 --> 00:02:22.460 And secondly, spiritual adultery and what that will teach us about our relationship to God. 00:02:22.460 --> 00:02:26.760 Lord, Chris is going to come and read the text for us. 00:02:26.980 --> 00:02:27.939 Thanks so much, Chris. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:31.800 Before she does, I'm actually going to pray as we come to read. 00:02:33.700 --> 00:02:40.379 Lord, as we come to read your word to us now, we confess that we need your help. 00:02:42.439 --> 00:02:46.319 We don't want this word to go in one ear and out the other. 00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:49.900 Father, Holy Spirit, we need you. 00:02:50.599 --> 00:02:52.180 Convict us of sin. 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:55.239 Challenge us in ways that we need to change. 00:02:56.979 --> 00:03:02.199 Give us insight as to what your word means for us today. 00:03:02.299 --> 00:03:07.539 We know there's a purpose why you brought up this topic of adultery again so soon after chapter 5. 00:03:08.479 --> 00:03:11.859 We pray that you would achieve that purpose in our lives today. 00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:13.599 In Jesus' name we ask. 00:03:14.120 --> 00:03:14.400 Amen. 00:03:15.299 --> 00:03:15.959 Thanks, Chris. 00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:46.299 Thanks, Chris. 00:03:46.300 --> 00:03:47.640 When you walk, they will guide you. 00:03:47.840 --> 00:03:49.740 When you sleep, they will watch over you. 00:03:51.100 --> 00:03:53.360 When you awake, they will speak to you. 00:03:54.680 --> 00:03:56.400 For this command is a lamp. 00:03:56.760 --> 00:03:58.100 This teaching is a light. 00:03:58.800 --> 00:04:01.980 And correction and instruction are the way to life, 00:04:02.820 --> 00:04:04.580 keeping you from your neighbor's wife, 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:07.520 from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. 00:04:07.520 --> 00:04:08.520 Do not lust in your heart. 00:04:08.520 --> 00:04:15.300 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty, or let her captivate you with her eyes. 00:04:15.300 --> 00:04:16.300 For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread. 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:19.759 For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread. 00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:24.100 But another man's wife preys on your very life. 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:29.560 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 00:04:29.560 --> 00:04:34.400 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? 00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:37.399 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife. 00:04:37.399 --> 00:04:40.199 No one who touches her will go unpunished. 00:04:40.199 --> 00:04:48.360 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. 00:04:49.560 --> 00:04:52.420 Yet, if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, 00:04:53.099 --> 00:04:56.019 though it costs him all the wealth of his house. 00:04:57.599 --> 00:05:00.779 But a man who commits adultery has no sense. 00:05:01.899 --> 00:05:03.899 Whoever does so destroys himself. 00:05:05.279 --> 00:05:09.000 Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:15.240 For jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. 00:05:15.860 --> 00:05:18.100 He will not accept any compensation. 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:21.879 He will refuse a bribe, however great it is. 00:05:23.579 --> 00:05:27.279 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. 00:05:28.060 --> 00:05:29.839 Keep my commands and you will live. 00:05:30.480 --> 00:05:32.680 Guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. 00:05:33.620 --> 00:05:34.819 Bind them on your fingers. 00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:36.839 Write them on the tablet of your heart. 00:05:36.839 --> 00:05:40.119 Say to wisdom, you are my sister. 00:05:40.759 --> 00:05:43.199 And to insight, you are my relative. 00:05:44.139 --> 00:05:46.599 They will keep you from the adulterous woman. 00:05:47.419 --> 00:05:50.439 From the wayward woman with her seductive words. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:58.040 Thank you so much, Chris. 00:06:00.740 --> 00:06:09.060 So we live in a world that affirms sexual exploration and adultery in large part. 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:13.800 If you watch the latest movies, Netflix series, you'll see it. 00:06:14.780 --> 00:06:18.720 I know what you were watching a medical drama series at the moment at home. 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:20.759 The storyline is excellent. 00:06:21.240 --> 00:06:25.620 There's just fantastic characters with many admirable traits. 00:06:26.019 --> 00:06:31.220 Compassion, kindness, sacrifice, care for the most vulnerable in society. 00:06:31.220 --> 00:06:42.880 But there's this whole sexual ethics framework kind of beneath the show, which normalizes sexual exploration. 00:06:44.640 --> 00:06:49.440 The characters are implied as having multiple sexual partners over time. 00:06:49.640 --> 00:06:53.380 And committed marriage is the exception on the show. 00:06:53.379 --> 00:07:04.620 So it seems that sex with whoever you want, whenever you want, is the highway to pleasure, according to this world we live in today. 00:07:04.980 --> 00:07:07.379 Come this way for intoxicating thrills. 00:07:09.180 --> 00:07:10.040 Indulge yourself. 00:07:10.360 --> 00:07:11.279 Just let your hair down. 00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:12.659 Don't worry about it. 00:07:14.540 --> 00:07:20.699 But is adultery and sexual freedom really the highway to pleasure? 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:22.819 What does wisdom say about that? 00:07:22.819 --> 00:07:32.839 Well, if you look at chapter 7 and verse 24, the father speaks to his son about an adulteress. 00:07:33.120 --> 00:07:33.860 Just look what he says. 00:07:33.860 --> 00:07:36.480 Now then, my sons, listen to me. 00:07:36.759 --> 00:07:38.600 Pay attention to what I say. 00:07:39.740 --> 00:07:45.100 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 00:07:45.579 --> 00:07:48.079 Many are the victims she has brought down. 00:07:48.360 --> 00:07:50.939 Her slain are a mighty throng. 00:07:50.939 --> 00:08:00.660 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. 00:08:00.660 --> 00:08:04.800 How could the father have made it any more clear, right? 00:08:06.300 --> 00:08:11.400 Adultery and sexual freedom may seem like the highway to pleasure at first. 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:15.639 But it's really a highway to the grave. 00:08:16.739 --> 00:08:17.799 How do we know this? 00:08:17.859 --> 00:08:21.239 Well, look back at chapter 6 and verse 27. 00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:26.600 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 00:08:27.560 --> 00:08:30.699 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:35.560 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife. 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:39.240 No one who touches her will go unpunished. 00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:42.299 That's saying to us, don't play with fire. 00:08:43.139 --> 00:08:44.299 Don't even go there. 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:50.019 If we indulge in sexual sin, we will get burnt. 00:08:51.219 --> 00:08:52.879 The father uses another picture. 00:08:52.959 --> 00:08:53.859 Look down at verse 30. 00:08:54.919 --> 00:09:00.759 He says, people do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he's starving. 00:09:01.539 --> 00:09:05.159 It's like, okay, we can understand why he stole the bread. 00:09:05.159 --> 00:09:13.059 Yet if he's caught, verse 31, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house. 00:09:14.100 --> 00:09:18.819 But a man who commits adultery has no sense. 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:23.240 Whoever does so destroys himself. 00:09:23.579 --> 00:09:27.719 Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away. 00:09:27.959 --> 00:09:28.759 The point is clear. 00:09:30.179 --> 00:09:32.919 Adultery will destroy our lives. 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:36.819 If we go down its path, then do not repent. 00:09:38.199 --> 00:09:43.399 It looks like the highway to pleasure and thrills, but it's really the highway to the grave. 00:09:43.740 --> 00:09:48.219 And it's the father's sole aim in this passage to warn his son about that. 00:09:48.419 --> 00:09:56.179 And he does it by telling a story about a young fool who traveled this highway to the grave. 00:09:56.339 --> 00:09:59.399 And there's a second character, an adulteress. 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:04.519 She seems to be adultery and sexual sin personified. 00:10:05.559 --> 00:10:09.379 Maybe Solomon drew inspiration from people that he had observed in his life. 00:10:09.840 --> 00:10:13.100 We don't know, but she represents everything that adultery is. 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:17.799 And also, just to note that this is not a gender stereotype in any way. 00:10:17.959 --> 00:10:23.360 Solomon could just as easily have chosen a male adulterer tempting a young woman. 00:10:23.360 --> 00:10:29.259 And in our world, this story applies to both men and women tempted to commit adultery. 00:10:30.580 --> 00:10:39.580 So as we hear the story, we're going to find out that the highway to the grave is like a slippery slope, 00:10:39.800 --> 00:10:46.580 which gets steeper and steeper the further you walk along it, and the ultimate end is destruction. 00:10:46.580 --> 00:10:54.300 So the first thing that we learn about adultery is that it's easy to walk into. 00:10:54.400 --> 00:10:55.960 Let's read the story together. 00:10:56.100 --> 00:10:58.200 Chapter 7 and verse 6. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:00.080 Solomon says, 00:11:00.080 --> 00:11:25.320 What do we notice here? 00:11:25.320 --> 00:11:29.680 This guy is walking right into the danger zone. 00:11:31.080 --> 00:11:33.100 It's almost as if he's flirting with it. 00:11:34.400 --> 00:11:36.080 Oh, no harm. 00:11:36.200 --> 00:11:38.700 Just take a little look in her window. 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:41.700 No one will see me in the dark. 00:11:44.360 --> 00:11:46.640 Isn't that how all sexual sin begins, though? 00:11:48.020 --> 00:11:50.180 One small wayward thought. 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:52.060 One prolonged look. 00:11:52.280 --> 00:11:54.460 One little compromise. 00:11:54.460 --> 00:11:57.480 And all of a sudden, we're walking into danger. 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:03.780 But in another sense, we don't have to go and find adultery. 00:12:03.900 --> 00:12:05.620 Adultery comes to find us. 00:12:06.660 --> 00:12:09.960 Adultery will lure you in with lies. 00:12:10.060 --> 00:12:10.780 Look at verse 10. 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:14.680 Then out came a woman to meet him. 00:12:15.540 --> 00:12:18.660 Dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent, 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:20.519 she is unruly and defiant. 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:22.220 Her feet never stay at home. 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:23.240 Now in the street. 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:24.480 Now in the squares. 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:26.779 At every corner, she lurks. 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:33.680 Adultery is presented to us as a predator looking for someone to devour. 00:12:34.580 --> 00:12:35.440 Look at verse 13. 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:48.760 Do you notice how she lures him in with a lie? 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:58.080 Do you notice how she lures him in with a lie? 00:12:58.080 --> 00:13:02.779 That this foolish youth is the one, right? 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:06.620 You were made for me. 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:08.139 She lies. 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:10.460 But the seduction continues. 00:13:10.460 --> 00:13:11.299 Verse 16. 00:13:11.299 --> 00:13:14.799 I have covered my bed with cutter linens from Egypt. 00:13:15.220 --> 00:13:19.019 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 00:13:19.199 --> 00:13:19.539 Come. 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:22.980 Let's drink deeply of love till morning. 00:13:23.059 --> 00:13:25.319 Let's enjoy ourselves with love. 00:13:25.639 --> 00:13:26.840 My husband's not at home. 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:28.480 He's gone on a long journey. 00:13:28.679 --> 00:13:33.039 He took his purse filled with money and will not be at home till full moon. 00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:41.219 You see, adultery dangles all the pleasures in front of us, but none of the consequences. 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:49.919 It promises that no one else will see or know about the fun we have, but God sees. 00:13:51.599 --> 00:13:53.500 Soon enough, other people are going to know too. 00:13:53.500 --> 00:14:00.080 Adultery, like all sexual sin, it lures us in with the lies. 00:14:01.799 --> 00:14:05.700 And if we hang around long enough, listen to those lies, what's going to happen? 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:08.700 We're going to fall into the trap. 00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:14.919 Adultery will enslave you with pleasure. 00:14:15.039 --> 00:14:15.960 Look at verse 21. 00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:20.419 With persuasive words she led him astray. 00:14:20.419 --> 00:14:23.519 She seduced him with her smooth talk. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:26.399 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter. 00:14:26.860 --> 00:14:31.240 Like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver. 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:35.639 Like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it'll cost him his life. 00:14:36.199 --> 00:14:38.159 Think about this progression here. 00:14:39.099 --> 00:14:43.159 It began with the foolish youth just walking down her street. 00:14:44.219 --> 00:14:47.719 It continued with him entertaining her lies. 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:51.759 And now he's walked straight into her trap. 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:54.279 He's entered into her house. 00:14:54.560 --> 00:14:56.080 He's lying down on her bed. 00:14:56.899 --> 00:14:57.800 He's enslaved. 00:14:58.320 --> 00:14:59.600 With illicit pleasure. 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:00.340 He's trapped. 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:01.860 He must obey her demands. 00:15:05.340 --> 00:15:08.320 But the last step on the highway to the grave is actually the worst one. 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:16.120 Because adultery, we just read, destroys this man in the end. 00:15:16.120 --> 00:15:19.360 Now why did Solomon write the story that way? 00:15:20.940 --> 00:15:21.620 Think about it. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:25.840 Like he could have had the foolish young man staggering out of her house at dawn. 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:31.080 Wondering, what on earth have I done? 00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:34.580 And fearing the coming consequences. 00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:41.240 Solomon could have written it that the husband returned early, unexpectedly from his work trip. 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:44.519 And the fallout that then ensued. 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:47.759 No, that's not how Solomon wrote the story. 00:15:48.940 --> 00:15:50.060 He simply says this. 00:15:50.200 --> 00:15:51.139 Verse 26. 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:52.299 Chapter 7, 26. 00:15:52.539 --> 00:15:52.820 He says, 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:56.519 Many are the victims she has brought down. 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:59.759 Her slain are a mighty throng. 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:05.139 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:07.500 It's pretty stark. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:15.439 The father wants his son to know that adultery will destroy him completely in the end, if he doesn't turn back. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:18.840 Steer clear. 00:16:19.419 --> 00:16:24.840 Because unrepentant sexual sin is a downward trajectory. 00:16:24.840 --> 00:16:28.620 It's a highway to the grave. 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:34.040 And that is the first, most obvious reading of this passage. 00:16:34.139 --> 00:16:35.080 We are to be warned. 00:16:36.780 --> 00:16:40.100 But there is a second way to view this story. 00:16:40.600 --> 00:16:47.180 Because in the Bible, God uses the picture of marriage and adultery to describe how we have related to him. 00:16:47.780 --> 00:16:52.180 Now I want you to please open to Jeremiah, chapter 2, and verse 2. 00:16:52.180 --> 00:16:54.560 Jeremiah is a couple books on from Proverbs. 00:16:54.840 --> 00:16:59.600 Jeremiah, chapter 2, verse 2. 00:16:59.680 --> 00:17:03.160 If you're using the Red Church Bible, that's on page 500. 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:04.940 Sorry, 700. 00:17:05.519 --> 00:17:06.420 Thank you, Katrina. 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:09.180 756. 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:16.819 So the background to this. 00:17:18.440 --> 00:17:21.039 God chose Israel to be his people. 00:17:21.039 --> 00:17:26.680 God set his love upon Israel as a nation of people. 00:17:27.379 --> 00:17:28.899 Out of all the different nations in the world. 00:17:29.180 --> 00:17:31.359 Not because they were anything special. 00:17:32.319 --> 00:17:33.440 Or because they were better. 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:36.960 No, they were poor and undeserving. 00:17:37.139 --> 00:17:39.500 God simply chose to love them. 00:17:39.799 --> 00:17:40.960 And to take them to himself. 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:41.319 Okay. 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:42.860 And how did he show this? 00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:44.840 Well, he rescued them from Egypt. 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:45.860 That was a big way he showed it. 00:17:46.539 --> 00:17:48.059 He rescued them out of misery there. 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:50.759 And he brought them into the desert of Sinai. 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:54.180 Where they made covenant promises to each other. 00:17:54.220 --> 00:17:55.240 Just like in a marriage. 00:17:56.819 --> 00:17:57.940 He would be their God. 00:17:58.900 --> 00:18:00.019 They would be his people. 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:03.200 And they promised to be faithful to him. 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:06.059 And this is what God speaks about now through the prophet Jeremiah. 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:08.240 Chapter 2, verse 2. 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:09.400 This is what the Lord says. 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:13.400 I remember the devotion of your youth. 00:18:14.379 --> 00:18:16.779 How as a bride you loved me. 00:18:17.759 --> 00:18:20.039 And followed me through the wilderness. 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:23.000 Through a land not sown. 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:28.380 And at first Israel did follow the Lord. 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:31.900 And they were devoted to him as a bride to her husband. 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:33.119 But it didn't last long. 00:18:33.559 --> 00:18:34.819 Look at verse 5. 00:18:36.900 --> 00:18:41.519 What fault did your ancestors find in me that they strayed so far from me? 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:45.579 They followed worthless idols. 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:48.000 And became worthless themselves. 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:51.900 An idol is a substitute that we put up in place of God. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:54.819 Something that we find life from. 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:55.819 Instead of him. 00:18:56.759 --> 00:18:58.500 Look down at verse 20 then. 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:00.220 God says, 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:03.980 Long ago you broke off your yoke and tore off your bonds. 00:19:04.079 --> 00:19:04.359 You said, 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:05.880 I will not serve you. 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:10.279 Indeed, on every high hill and under every spreading tree, 00:19:10.640 --> 00:19:14.460 you lay down as a prostitute. 00:19:18.380 --> 00:19:22.140 God says that Israel's rejection of him 00:19:22.140 --> 00:19:27.120 is like a wife's rejection of her good, loving husband. 00:19:27.220 --> 00:19:29.360 The very best husband that you could imagine. 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:34.100 One who rescued her out of misery. 00:19:34.300 --> 00:19:35.000 Cared for her. 00:19:35.340 --> 00:19:36.220 Loved her faithfully. 00:19:36.340 --> 00:19:38.560 But she scandalously cheated on him. 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:39.980 After all he had done. 00:19:42.040 --> 00:19:44.120 She prostituted herself to other men. 00:19:44.119 --> 00:19:46.699 That's what you've done to me. 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:49.879 God says to his people. 00:19:50.439 --> 00:19:53.139 And it's underlined in verse 11. 00:19:53.239 --> 00:19:54.500 Jeremiah 2 verse 11. 00:19:55.599 --> 00:19:56.059 God says, 00:19:56.139 --> 00:19:58.299 Has a nation ever changed its gods? 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:00.919 Yet they are not gods at all. 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:08.779 But my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols. 00:20:09.340 --> 00:20:12.160 Be appalled at this, you heavens. 00:20:12.800 --> 00:20:16.360 And shudder with great horror, declares the Lord. 00:20:16.800 --> 00:20:18.759 My people have committed two sins. 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:22.920 They have forsaken me, the spring of living water. 00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:26.560 And they have dug their own cisterns. 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:28.060 Broken cisterns. 00:20:28.680 --> 00:20:30.180 That cannot hold water. 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:33.759 That is what spiritual adultery is. 00:20:33.980 --> 00:20:34.060 Okay? 00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:37.740 And it's not just Israel back then. 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:44.680 We are all guilty of walking out on this infinitely loving God. 00:20:45.680 --> 00:20:48.820 And running off to cheap substitutes. 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:55.700 We trade in the all satisfying fountain of living water. 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:57.039 Like it just said in those verses. 00:20:59.419 --> 00:21:01.779 For a pit of sludge. 00:21:02.099 --> 00:21:04.059 We dig these broken cisterns. 00:21:04.139 --> 00:21:05.319 They can't hold any water. 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:06.839 These things that we look to for life. 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:08.119 They cannot satisfy. 00:21:10.460 --> 00:21:11.399 It's insane. 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:14.700 And it ends in destruction. 00:21:15.299 --> 00:21:16.460 Spiritual adultery. 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:20.600 Is the true highway to the grave. 00:21:21.120 --> 00:21:23.840 We're going to flick back to Proverbs 7. 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:26.500 I'm going to look at the story again. 00:21:26.840 --> 00:21:27.920 From this perspective. 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:30.220 Spiritual adultery. 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:36.779 So page 640. 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.440 Proverbs chapter 7. 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:42.180 Now, here's the first thing that we learn about spiritual adultery. 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:46.060 It's so easy to walk into. 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:54.620 It happens whenever we put something or someone in the place of God in our lives. 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:55.740 Okay? 00:21:55.900 --> 00:22:01.660 We make good things that God has given us into ultimate things. 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:05.400 They become idols in our lives. 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:13.380 We start drawing our life, our joy, our fulfillment from that well instead of from God. 00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:16.100 The fountain of all life. 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:18.980 And I don't know what it is for you. 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:20.820 It could be anything. 00:22:21.320 --> 00:22:22.519 It could be family. 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:23.380 Money. 00:22:23.620 --> 00:22:24.320 A relationship. 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:26.060 Having good health. 00:22:26.540 --> 00:22:27.780 Or owning nice things. 00:22:28.320 --> 00:22:28.540 Okay? 00:22:28.539 --> 00:22:30.440 We all struggle in these ways. 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:32.819 Saint Augustine. 00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:35.700 He actually called them disordered loves. 00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:37.519 It's a love that's out of order. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:38.279 Okay? 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:42.899 We love things or people more than we were ever meant to. 00:22:43.420 --> 00:22:45.420 To the point we look to them for life. 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:48.799 And if we don't have them, we are miserable. 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:50.220 Okay? 00:22:50.399 --> 00:22:52.819 Spiritual adultery is so easy to walk into. 00:22:52.940 --> 00:22:54.779 But here's the second thing we learn from the story. 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:57.639 Spiritual adultery also lures us in with lies. 00:22:57.640 --> 00:23:01.360 We hear these empty promises all the time. 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:02.640 I've got a few examples here. 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:07.440 Raising kids will fill the rest of your life with purpose. 00:23:10.280 --> 00:23:10.740 How about this one? 00:23:11.600 --> 00:23:14.020 A romantic relationship will complete you. 00:23:15.180 --> 00:23:17.100 All you need is love. 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.520 Or this. 00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:24.880 Get that dream house and you'll be sorted for life. 00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:29.860 Or if you have your health, sure, what more do you need? 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:31.700 We hear all these, don't we? 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:32.400 Right? 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:35.980 And the thing is, they're all good things. 00:23:36.560 --> 00:23:40.040 But what they promise us is not true. 00:23:41.720 --> 00:23:48.020 None of the things or the people that we look to for life can ever come through on their promises. 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:48.640 Okay? 00:23:48.860 --> 00:23:49.460 Think about kids. 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:53.120 Kids, they leave the home eventually and they start their own lives. 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:56.460 Romance fades and disappoints. 00:23:57.420 --> 00:23:58.279 Houses grow old. 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:59.240 You can't take them with you. 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:03.519 Health inevitably fails over time. 00:24:03.620 --> 00:24:07.519 All those things that we look to for life eventually let us down one by one. 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:13.180 You see, like the adulteress lied to the young man in verse 15 saying, 00:24:13.299 --> 00:24:14.519 We were made for each other. 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:17.559 Spiritual adultery does the same to us. 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:21.420 It will lure us in with lies telling us, 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:23.920 This is what you were made for. 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:28.539 Kids, career, family, health. 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:32.039 This is what you were made for, not God. 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:36.940 And if we hang around long enough listening to those lies, 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:39.000 Well, the third thing. 00:24:39.839 --> 00:24:41.659 Spiritual adultery enslaves us. 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:42.879 A pleasure. 00:24:43.559 --> 00:24:46.879 Before we realize this good thing that God's given us, 00:24:46.940 --> 00:24:48.200 Well, it's actually become an ultimate thing. 00:24:49.619 --> 00:24:51.000 And now we can't live without it. 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:54.180 So here's three quick examples. 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:57.759 When we replace God with money and buying more and more things, 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.680 Enough is never enough, is it? 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:05.200 We get enslaved in this endless spending spree which controls us. 00:25:06.220 --> 00:25:08.079 Or when we replace God with a person, 00:25:09.400 --> 00:25:13.160 Our relationship with that person becomes all we think about. 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:15.700 We are enslaved to what they think about us 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:17.519 And how they make us feel. 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:22.859 Or when we replace God with a desire for good health, 00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:25.819 Our whole life becomes about self-preservation. 00:25:25.819 --> 00:25:28.879 And we start neglecting other people's needs 00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:32.220 Because all we can think about is looking after ourselves. 00:25:34.159 --> 00:25:36.519 Can you see that in each example, 00:25:37.139 --> 00:25:40.119 We get enslaved to these things. 00:25:40.119 --> 00:25:46.079 And here's the thing that if left unchecked, 00:25:47.159 --> 00:25:49.779 Spiritual adultery destroys us in the end. 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:50.879 You see, 00:25:51.619 --> 00:25:53.579 When we reject God, 00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:57.599 When we run after other things for life, 00:25:58.119 --> 00:26:03.159 God will eventually give us over to what we always wanted. 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:06.259 That is a life without him. 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:10.220 Our money, relationships, careers, 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:13.440 They'll all end at death. 00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:15.440 And what will we have then? 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:17.480 Nothing. 00:26:18.840 --> 00:26:21.560 If God is the eternal fountain of life, 00:26:21.900 --> 00:26:24.019 Rejecting him means eternal death. 00:26:24.860 --> 00:26:26.120 And separation from him. 00:26:26.340 --> 00:26:29.000 A reality that the Bible calls hell. 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:32.160 Spiritual adultery will destroy us in the end. 00:26:33.380 --> 00:26:34.740 What do we do? 00:26:36.420 --> 00:26:41.339 How do we escape the luring power of spiritual adultery? 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:45.500 How can we remain faithful to God 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:49.000 And know life everlasting? 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:52.779 Now here's the thing. 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:54.440 If we look at our passage today, 00:26:55.400 --> 00:26:59.359 Wisdom actually keeps us from falling for the lies. 00:27:01.319 --> 00:27:04.799 Look at Proverbs chapter 6 and verse 20. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:07.480 And here, wisdom is like a billboard 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:09.180 At the top of the highway to the grave, 00:27:09.619 --> 00:27:09.900 Saying, 00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:11.200 Stay away. 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:13.160 Turn back. 00:27:13.339 --> 00:27:14.079 Look at verse 20. 00:27:14.920 --> 00:27:16.859 My son, keep your father's command. 00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:18.740 Don't forsake your mother's teaching. 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:20.940 Bind them always on your heart. 00:27:21.339 --> 00:27:22.680 Fasten them around your neck. 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.599 When you walk, 00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:24.980 They will guide you. 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:26.319 When you sleep, 00:27:26.759 --> 00:27:27.680 They will watch over you. 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:28.839 When you awake, 00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:30.620 They will speak to you. 00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:33.339 For this command is a lamp. 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:34.839 This teaching is a light. 00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:36.880 And correction and instruction 00:27:36.880 --> 00:27:38.880 Are the way to life. 00:27:39.240 --> 00:27:41.880 Keeping you from your neighbor's wife. 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:45.900 From the smooth talk of a wayward woman. 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:50.500 You see, wisdom keeps us from falling for her lies. 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:55.680 We must fill our hearts with God's promises 00:27:55.680 --> 00:28:00.580 To drown out the lies of spiritual adultery. 00:28:00.579 --> 00:28:03.720 Now, I don't know what that means for you. 00:28:04.519 --> 00:28:07.099 Maybe it means sticking up promises around our houses. 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:09.139 In the car. 00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:10.619 On the home screen. 00:28:10.659 --> 00:28:11.119 On your phone. 00:28:12.879 --> 00:28:15.759 Constant reminder of who we are in Christ. 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:16.799 Who God is for us. 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:18.539 To fight against the lies 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:20.539 Of those other things we look to. 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:23.159 God's word will guide you. 00:28:23.699 --> 00:28:24.439 Watch over you. 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.259 Speak to you. 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:28.000 If only we would let it do that. 00:28:28.599 --> 00:28:29.460 Look at verse 25. 00:28:29.579 --> 00:28:29.779 It says, 00:28:29.900 --> 00:28:32.599 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty. 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:36.680 Or let her captivate you with her eyes. 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:37.039 You see, 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.140 You know the best way 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:42.240 Not to be lured in by adultery? 00:28:42.740 --> 00:28:43.859 Be captivated 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:46.519 By an infinitely greater beauty. 00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:48.920 Think about a man 00:28:48.920 --> 00:28:50.700 Traveling abroad for work. 00:28:51.579 --> 00:28:52.279 What does he do? 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:54.399 He puts a picture of his wife 00:28:54.399 --> 00:28:56.980 On his home screen on the phone. 00:28:57.059 --> 00:28:57.799 Why does he do that? 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:00.839 Well, every time he looks at his phone 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:03.299 He's reminded of her beauty. 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:04.180 Of her love. 00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:06.859 He doesn't even look twice 00:29:06.859 --> 00:29:07.899 At the adulteress. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:11.680 So also in our relationship with God 00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:14.899 The more we gaze upon his beauty 00:29:14.899 --> 00:29:17.879 The more we are satisfied in him. 00:29:17.880 --> 00:29:21.220 The more sin and idols 00:29:21.220 --> 00:29:23.500 Lose their luster. 00:29:25.540 --> 00:29:27.400 And those good things in our lives 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.560 Which God has given us 00:29:28.560 --> 00:29:31.260 They're kept in their right place. 00:29:33.000 --> 00:29:34.580 God remains first. 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:36.740 Our source of life. 00:29:37.900 --> 00:29:38.580 So negatively 00:29:38.580 --> 00:29:39.300 The command is 00:29:39.300 --> 00:29:41.240 Don't fall into adultery 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:42.460 Spiritual adultery 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:43.500 But positively 00:29:43.500 --> 00:29:45.500 The charge is to fall deeper and deeper 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:46.400 In love with God. 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:50.380 By gazing at his beauty every day. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.560 By hearing him 00:29:51.560 --> 00:29:53.320 Speak to us in his word. 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:54.620 By spending time 00:29:54.620 --> 00:29:55.780 With him 00:29:55.780 --> 00:29:56.960 In prayer 00:29:56.960 --> 00:29:58.060 In worship. 00:30:01.060 --> 00:30:02.519 But the truth is 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:04.780 That we've all 00:30:04.780 --> 00:30:05.680 Blown it. 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:08.360 We haven't actually 00:30:08.360 --> 00:30:10.000 Listened to wisdom 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:10.700 As we should. 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:12.840 We've all walked out on God. 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:13.960 We've all traded him in 00:30:13.960 --> 00:30:15.720 For cheap substitutes. 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:16.840 We ignored 00:30:16.840 --> 00:30:18.720 Wisdom's warning signs. 00:30:18.900 --> 00:30:20.519 We listened to the lies 00:30:20.519 --> 00:30:21.519 And before we knew it 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:23.039 Our idols enslaved us. 00:30:23.840 --> 00:30:25.299 We all deserve 00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:26.759 The destruction 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:28.059 That young man 00:30:28.059 --> 00:30:29.539 Fell into in the passage. 00:30:30.120 --> 00:30:31.740 Is there any hope 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:32.380 For us 00:30:32.380 --> 00:30:33.160 Who have failed 00:30:33.160 --> 00:30:33.920 In this way? 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:37.160 Well yes there is. 00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:39.740 Because at every point 00:30:39.740 --> 00:30:40.920 Of the highway 00:30:40.920 --> 00:30:41.640 To the grave 00:30:41.640 --> 00:30:42.380 Here's the thing 00:30:42.380 --> 00:30:43.140 Jesus 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:45.600 Reaches out his hand 00:30:45.600 --> 00:30:46.860 To pull us 00:30:46.860 --> 00:30:47.519 Back to safety. 00:30:49.040 --> 00:30:49.440 Jesus 00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:51.560 Is pursuing us 00:30:51.560 --> 00:30:53.920 In our waywardness. 00:30:54.700 --> 00:30:55.540 Jesus calls out 00:30:55.540 --> 00:30:56.200 To all of us 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:56.880 Who are weary 00:30:56.880 --> 00:30:57.700 Of running 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:58.380 Come 00:30:58.380 --> 00:30:59.640 And rest 00:30:59.640 --> 00:31:00.740 In me. 00:31:01.900 --> 00:31:03.080 Come home 00:31:03.080 --> 00:31:04.180 To God. 00:31:04.180 --> 00:31:06.799 But how can God 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:07.840 Receive us 00:31:07.840 --> 00:31:08.840 In our sin 00:31:08.840 --> 00:31:10.820 In our adultery 00:31:10.820 --> 00:31:12.720 Because of Jesus. 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:13.880 Think about what he did. 00:31:14.080 --> 00:31:14.920 He was perfectly 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:16.539 Faithful to God 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:18.200 When we weren't. 00:31:19.820 --> 00:31:20.700 Yet he died 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.940 For sinners 00:31:21.940 --> 00:31:23.920 And spiritual adulterers 00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:24.560 Like us 00:31:24.560 --> 00:31:25.920 Who walked out on God 00:31:25.920 --> 00:31:26.740 To run 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:28.140 After worthless things. 00:31:28.620 --> 00:31:29.600 All of our rebellion 00:31:29.600 --> 00:31:30.700 Past 00:31:30.700 --> 00:31:31.799 Present 00:31:31.799 --> 00:31:32.860 Future 00:31:32.859 --> 00:31:33.959 Is paid for 00:31:33.959 --> 00:31:35.259 In Christ. 00:31:35.899 --> 00:31:37.319 All we must do 00:31:37.319 --> 00:31:38.979 Is reach out 00:31:38.979 --> 00:31:39.659 In faith 00:31:39.659 --> 00:31:40.299 And trust 00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:41.979 That he paid for it 00:31:41.979 --> 00:31:43.279 For us. 00:31:44.379 --> 00:31:45.459 But that's not all. 00:31:46.699 --> 00:31:47.319 He didn't just 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:48.819 Forgive us 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:49.719 For the wrong things 00:31:49.719 --> 00:31:50.119 We've done 00:31:50.119 --> 00:31:51.500 And leave us that way. 00:31:51.579 --> 00:31:51.819 No. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:53.419 He rose from the dead 00:31:53.419 --> 00:31:54.959 Defeating the power 00:31:54.959 --> 00:31:55.879 That sin 00:31:55.879 --> 00:31:57.279 Held over us. 00:31:58.740 --> 00:32:00.240 We who trust in Christ 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:01.279 Are raised 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:02.379 With him 00:32:02.379 --> 00:32:03.680 To new life. 00:32:04.279 --> 00:32:05.039 Our old 00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:06.379 Slavery to sin 00:32:06.379 --> 00:32:07.500 Buried 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:08.899 With him. 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:10.259 We have a new master. 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:12.299 We are freed 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:14.039 To enjoy 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:15.180 His love forever. 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:16.539 Now that doesn't mean 00:32:16.539 --> 00:32:18.079 That the struggle 00:32:18.079 --> 00:32:20.480 With idolatry 00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:21.319 Is over. 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:21.839 Okay. 00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:24.079 We still fall. 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:25.940 We still fail. 00:32:26.019 --> 00:32:26.319 But it 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:27.639 Does mean that 00:32:27.639 --> 00:32:28.879 Sin no longer 00:32:28.880 --> 00:32:31.000 Has control over us. 00:32:31.100 --> 00:32:31.580 We are now 00:32:31.580 --> 00:32:33.000 Able to say 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:33.520 No 00:32:33.520 --> 00:32:35.300 To spiritual adultery 00:32:35.300 --> 00:32:36.020 And yes 00:32:36.020 --> 00:32:36.860 To Christ 00:32:36.860 --> 00:32:37.800 Because of 00:32:37.800 --> 00:32:38.380 His spirit 00:32:38.380 --> 00:32:39.240 In us. 00:32:40.180 --> 00:32:41.120 We now have 00:32:41.120 --> 00:32:41.880 Hope in the struggle. 00:32:43.000 --> 00:32:43.880 Because we know 00:32:43.880 --> 00:32:44.740 That even when we do 00:32:44.740 --> 00:32:45.080 Fall 00:32:45.080 --> 00:32:46.680 Christ has paid 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:48.300 For every failing. 00:32:49.060 --> 00:32:49.560 Nothing 00:32:49.560 --> 00:32:51.480 Can separate us 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.120 From the love 00:32:52.120 --> 00:32:53.080 Of Christ. 00:32:54.340 --> 00:32:55.080 We keep coming 00:32:55.080 --> 00:32:56.000 Back to him again. 00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:57.460 Repentance 00:32:57.460 --> 00:32:58.680 And faith. 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:00.059 But here's the 00:33:00.059 --> 00:33:00.579 Greatest hope 00:33:00.579 --> 00:33:01.039 I think. 00:33:03.440 --> 00:33:04.539 One day in heaven 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:06.400 We will be made 00:33:06.400 --> 00:33:06.759 Perfect. 00:33:08.480 --> 00:33:09.279 Johnny was actually 00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:10.180 Reading this quote out 00:33:10.180 --> 00:33:10.680 Earlier. 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.059 I didn't know 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:11.400 He was going to 00:33:11.400 --> 00:33:11.839 Read this. 00:33:13.299 --> 00:33:15.599 But this is wonderful. 00:33:16.279 --> 00:33:17.039 Just read this 00:33:17.039 --> 00:33:17.799 With me. 00:33:17.859 --> 00:33:18.619 In that day 00:33:18.619 --> 00:33:20.059 Declares the Lord 00:33:20.059 --> 00:33:22.880 You will call me 00:33:22.880 --> 00:33:23.799 My husband. 00:33:23.799 --> 00:33:25.559 You will no longer 00:33:25.559 --> 00:33:26.240 Call me 00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:27.059 My master. 00:33:28.059 --> 00:33:29.740 I will remove 00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:30.899 The names 00:33:30.899 --> 00:33:31.720 Of the idols 00:33:31.720 --> 00:33:32.960 From her lips. 00:33:33.619 --> 00:33:34.680 No longer 00:33:34.680 --> 00:33:35.799 Will their names 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:36.680 Be invoked. 00:33:37.720 --> 00:33:39.460 I will betroth you 00:33:39.460 --> 00:33:40.799 To me forever. 00:33:41.099 --> 00:33:42.099 I will betroth you 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:42.919 In righteousness 00:33:42.919 --> 00:33:44.159 And justice 00:33:44.159 --> 00:33:45.220 In love 00:33:45.220 --> 00:33:45.899 And compassion. 00:33:45.899 --> 00:33:47.659 I will betroth you 00:33:47.659 --> 00:33:48.799 In faithfulness. 00:33:49.399 --> 00:33:49.899 And you will 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:50.899 Acknowledge 00:33:51.519 --> 00:33:52.379 The Lord. 00:33:52.380 --> 00:33:54.040 What an incredible 00:33:54.040 --> 00:33:55.120 Hope that is. 00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:56.260 We 00:33:56.260 --> 00:33:57.500 The church 00:33:57.500 --> 00:33:59.200 Are the bride 00:33:59.200 --> 00:33:59.880 Of Christ 00:33:59.880 --> 00:34:01.520 Betrothed to him 00:34:01.520 --> 00:34:02.020 Forever 00:34:02.020 --> 00:34:03.740 In love 00:34:03.740 --> 00:34:05.220 In faithfulness 00:34:05.220 --> 00:34:06.420 And a day 00:34:06.420 --> 00:34:07.020 Is coming 00:34:07.020 --> 00:34:07.740 When he's going 00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:08.340 To remove 00:34:08.340 --> 00:34:09.920 Every inclination 00:34:09.920 --> 00:34:10.720 In our hearts 00:34:10.720 --> 00:34:12.160 To run after 00:34:12.160 --> 00:34:12.800 Other things. 00:34:14.559 --> 00:34:15.840 The idols 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.440 We once 00:34:16.440 --> 00:34:17.539 Looked to 00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:20.280 Will no longer 00:34:20.280 --> 00:34:21.420 Hold any appeal 00:34:21.420 --> 00:34:21.920 For us. 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.559 What a hope 00:34:22.559 --> 00:34:23.119 That is. 00:34:24.220 --> 00:34:25.099 That is going 00:34:25.099 --> 00:34:25.619 To be our 00:34:25.619 --> 00:34:26.579 New life 00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:27.780 In the new 00:34:27.780 --> 00:34:28.519 Heavens and earth. 00:34:29.180 --> 00:34:30.019 On that day 00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:31.300 We will 00:34:31.300 --> 00:34:32.400 Entirely 00:34:32.400 --> 00:34:33.220 Treasure 00:34:33.220 --> 00:34:34.099 God 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:34.820 In Christ 00:34:34.820 --> 00:34:36.220 And enjoy him 00:34:36.220 --> 00:34:37.099 Fully 00:34:37.099 --> 00:34:38.480 Forever. 00:34:39.220 --> 00:34:40.180 We will be 00:34:40.180 --> 00:34:41.220 Truly satisfied 00:34:41.220 --> 00:34:42.220 In him. 00:34:42.579 --> 00:34:43.240 How wonderful 00:34:43.240 --> 00:34:43.800 A hope 00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:44.940 That is. 00:34:46.340 --> 00:34:47.320 While we still 00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:48.019 Struggle here 00:34:48.019 --> 00:34:48.700 In this life 00:34:48.700 --> 00:34:49.539 Tainted with sin 00:34:49.539 --> 00:34:51.420 We have this hope 00:34:51.420 --> 00:34:52.420 Of a future 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:53.699 Free from sin 00:34:53.699 --> 00:34:54.880 Forever. 00:34:55.820 --> 00:34:56.739 Hear these words 00:34:56.739 --> 00:34:58.300 From Revelation 00:34:58.300 --> 00:34:59.579 Of a future 00:34:59.579 --> 00:35:00.159 Wedding 00:35:00.159 --> 00:35:00.900 Feast 00:35:00.900 --> 00:35:02.039 In heaven. 00:35:02.039 --> 00:35:03.179 Then I heard 00:35:03.179 --> 00:35:03.779 What sounded 00:35:03.779 --> 00:35:04.840 Like a great 00:35:04.840 --> 00:35:05.579 Multitude 00:35:05.579 --> 00:35:07.360 Like the roar 00:35:07.360 --> 00:35:08.099 Of rushing 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:08.619 Waters 00:35:08.619 --> 00:35:09.880 And like loud 00:35:09.880 --> 00:35:11.300 Peals of thunder 00:35:11.300 --> 00:35:11.980 Shouting 00:35:11.980 --> 00:35:12.719 Hallelujah 00:35:12.719 --> 00:35:14.400 For our 00:35:14.400 --> 00:35:15.480 Lord God 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:16.239 Almighty 00:35:16.239 --> 00:35:16.840 Reigns 00:35:16.840 --> 00:35:17.900 Let us rejoice 00:35:17.900 --> 00:35:19.220 And be glad 00:35:19.220 --> 00:35:20.539 And give him glory 00:35:20.539 --> 00:35:22.920 For the wedding 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.980 Of the Lamb 00:35:23.980 --> 00:35:24.720 Has come 00:35:24.720 --> 00:35:27.260 And his bride 00:35:27.260 --> 00:35:27.960 The church 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:30.200 Has made herself 00:35:30.200 --> 00:35:30.760 Ready 00:35:30.760 --> 00:35:32.440 Fine linen 00:35:32.440 --> 00:35:34.460 Bright and clean 00:35:34.460 --> 00:35:36.019 Was given her 00:35:36.019 --> 00:35:36.460 To wear 00:35:36.460 --> 00:35:37.420 She is purified 00:35:37.420 --> 00:35:37.920 From sin 00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:40.260 Then the angel 00:35:40.260 --> 00:35:40.900 Said to me 00:35:40.900 --> 00:35:42.039 Write this 00:35:42.039 --> 00:35:43.340 Blessed 00:35:43.340 --> 00:35:43.340 00:35:43.340 --> 00:35:44.820 Are those 00:35:44.820 --> 00:35:45.980 Who are invited 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:47.420 To the wedding 00:35:47.420 --> 00:35:48.239 Supper 00:35:48.239 --> 00:35:48.920 Of the Lamb 00:35:48.920 --> 00:35:55.000 Spiritual adultery 00:35:55.000 --> 00:35:56.719 Is the highway 00:35:56.719 --> 00:35:57.300 To the grave 00:35:57.300 --> 00:36:00.579 Knowing Christ 00:36:00.579 --> 00:36:02.880 Is the highway 00:36:02.880 --> 00:36:04.800 To eternal life 00:36:04.800 --> 00:36:06.000 It's an upward 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:07.139 Trajectory 00:36:07.139 --> 00:36:10.039 We were made 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:11.079 To be 00:36:11.079 --> 00:36:12.000 His bride 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:13.279 And enjoy 00:36:13.279 --> 00:36:13.940 Him forever 00:36:13.940 --> 00:36:15.259 He beckons 00:36:15.259 --> 00:36:16.039 Us upward 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:17.759 To a glory 00:36:17.759 --> 00:36:18.759 So great 00:36:18.759 --> 00:36:20.019 We don't even 00:36:20.019 --> 00:36:20.960 Have the categories 00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:22.079 To understand 00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:22.359 It 00:36:22.359 --> 00:36:26.699 Let us be 00:36:26.699 --> 00:36:27.519 Captivated 00:36:27.519 --> 00:36:29.159 By the 00:36:29.159 --> 00:36:29.599 Infinite 00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:30.259 Beauty 00:36:30.259 --> 00:36:31.079 Of God 00:36:31.079 --> 00:36:33.119 And turn 00:36:33.119 --> 00:36:33.500 Away 00:36:33.500 --> 00:36:34.659 From the 00:36:34.659 --> 00:36:35.159 Lies 00:36:35.159 --> 00:36:36.500 Of spiritual 00:36:36.500 --> 00:36:37.079 Adultery 00:36:37.079 --> 00:36:38.980 All the more 00:36:38.980 --> 00:36:40.319 As we wait 00:36:40.319 --> 00:36:40.759 To be made 00:36:40.759 --> 00:36:41.199 Perfect 00:36:41.199 --> 00:36:43.319 Let's pray 00:36:43.319 --> 00:37:00.500 Our Lord Jesus 00:37:00.500 --> 00:37:01.539 We do confess 00:37:01.539 --> 00:37:04.420 Our hearts 00:37:04.420 --> 00:37:05.259 Are so 00:37:05.259 --> 00:37:06.099 Prone to 00:37:06.099 --> 00:37:06.420 Wonder 00:37:06.420 --> 00:37:08.740 Or even 00:37:08.740 --> 00:37:09.159 Though we 00:37:09.159 --> 00:37:09.760 Have seen 00:37:09.760 --> 00:37:10.019 You 00:37:10.019 --> 00:37:11.079 In your 00:37:11.079 --> 00:37:11.760 Grace 00:37:11.760 --> 00:37:12.180 And your 00:37:12.180 --> 00:37:12.639 Mercy 00:37:12.639 --> 00:37:15.720 Yet we 00:37:15.720 --> 00:37:16.240 Still walk 00:37:16.240 --> 00:37:16.599 Out in 00:37:16.599 --> 00:37:16.760 You 00:37:16.760 --> 00:37:17.340 And we 00:37:17.340 --> 00:37:17.860 Still think 00:37:17.860 --> 00:37:18.159 That other 00:37:18.159 --> 00:37:18.639 Things in 00:37:18.639 --> 00:37:18.940 Life 00:37:18.940 --> 00:37:19.780 Are better 00:37:19.780 --> 00:37:20.260 Than you 00:37:20.260 --> 00:37:22.099 God 00:37:22.099 --> 00:37:22.800 Forgive us 00:37:22.800 --> 00:37:24.320 For our 00:37:24.320 --> 00:37:25.340 Spiritual 00:37:25.340 --> 00:37:26.539 Adultery 00:37:26.539 --> 00:37:30.480 And Lord 00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:30.480 00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:30.579 We 00:37:30.579 --> 00:37:30.480 And Lord 00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:30.759 We just 00:37:30.759 --> 00:37:31.199 Thank you 00:37:31.199 --> 00:37:31.480 That 00:37:31.480 --> 00:37:33.619 You 00:37:33.619 --> 00:37:34.159 Reached 00:37:34.159 --> 00:37:34.679 Out to 00:37:34.679 --> 00:37:35.059 Us 00:37:35.059 --> 00:37:37.019 Despite 00:37:37.019 --> 00:37:37.500 Our 00:37:37.500 --> 00:37:37.980 Wandering 00:37:37.980 --> 00:37:41.500 Despite 00:37:41.500 --> 00:37:41.840 Having 00:37:41.840 --> 00:37:42.420 Betrayed 00:37:42.420 --> 00:37:42.599 You 00:37:42.599 --> 00:37:43.900 You came 00:37:43.900 --> 00:37:44.239 Running 00:37:44.239 --> 00:37:45.019 After us 00:37:45.019 --> 00:38:15.019 00:38:15.019 --> 00:38:15.619 That each 00:38:15.619 --> 00:38:15.619 00:38:15.619 --> 00:38:15.820 Each one 00:38:15.820 --> 00:38:16.259 Of us 00:38:16.259 --> 00:38:15.619 That each 00:38:15.619 --> 00:38:16.320 One of us 00:38:16.320 --> 00:38:17.480 Will be 00:38:17.480 --> 00:38:18.199 Captivated 00:38:18.199 --> 00:38:19.300 By the 00:38:19.300 --> 00:38:19.880 Infinitely 00:38:19.880 --> 00:38:21.000 Greater beauty 00:38:21.000 --> 00:38:22.519 Of God 00:38:22.519 --> 00:38:23.820 In Jesus 00:38:23.820 --> 00:38:24.259 Christ 00:38:24.259 --> 00:38:26.480 That we 00:38:26.480 --> 00:38:26.800 Would not 00:38:26.800 --> 00:38:27.139 Listen 00:38:27.139 --> 00:38:28.400 To the lies 00:38:28.400 --> 00:38:29.179 Of spiritual 00:38:29.179 --> 00:38:29.659 Adultery 00:38:29.659 --> 00:38:31.039 That we 00:38:31.039 --> 00:38:31.500 Would treasure 00:38:31.500 --> 00:38:31.899 God 00:38:31.899 --> 00:38:32.839 More 00:38:32.839 --> 00:38:33.940 And more 00:38:33.940 --> 00:38:34.960 That we 00:38:34.960 --> 00:38:35.139 Would be 00:38:35.139 --> 00:38:36.039 More satisfied 00:38:36.039 --> 00:38:37.440 Filled 00:38:37.440 --> 00:38:38.059 With joy 00:38:38.059 --> 00:38:39.539 That we 00:38:39.539 --> 00:38:40.099 Would become 00:38:40.099 --> 00:38:40.899 Who you 00:38:40.899 --> 00:38:41.259 Made us 00:38:41.259 --> 00:38:41.619 To be 00:38:41.619 --> 00:38:43.440 We pray 00:38:43.440 --> 00:38:43.859 All these 00:38:43.859 --> 00:38:44.279 Things 00:38:44.279 --> 00:38:45.299 For your 00:38:45.299 --> 00:38:45.699 Glory 00:38:45.699 --> 00:38:46.940 And for 00:38:46.940 --> 00:38:47.460 Our good 00:38:47.460 --> 00:38:48.980 Amen 00:38:48.980 --> 00:38:52.219 Great 00:38:52.219 --> 00:38:53.539 Musicians 00:38:53.539 --> 00:38:53.759 Are going 00:38:53.759 --> 00:38:54.239 To come 00:38:54.239 --> 00:38:54.599 Up now 00:38:54.599 --> 00:38:58.199 And we're 00:38:58.199 --> 00:38:58.480 Going to 00:38:58.480 --> 00:38:58.779 Sing a 00:38:58.779 --> 00:38:58.940 Song 00:38:58.940 --> 00:38:59.279 I think 00:38:59.279 --> 00:38:59.639 That will 00:38:59.639 --> 00:39:00.079 Help us 00:39:00.079 --> 00:39:00.519 To apply 00:39:00.519 --> 00:39:00.839 What we 00:39:00.839 --> 00:39:01.159 Just 00:39:01.159 --> 00:39:01.819 Heard 00:39:01.819 --> 00:39:02.279 From God's 00:39:02.279 --> 00:39:02.400 Word 00:39:02.400 --> 00:39:02.719 Today 00:39:02.719 --> 00:39:04.500 And this 00:39:04.500 --> 00:39:04.719 Is what 00:39:04.719 --> 00:39:05.039 The words 00:39:05.039 --> 00:39:05.319 Say 00:39:05.319 --> 00:39:06.379 Turn your 00:39:06.379 --> 00:39:07.000 Eyes upon 00:39:07.000 --> 00:39:07.500 Jesus 00:39:07.500 --> 00:39:08.980 Look full 00:39:08.980 --> 00:39:09.460 In his 00:39:09.460 --> 00:39:09.819 Wonderful 00:39:09.819 --> 00:39:10.319 Face 00:39:10.319 --> 00:39:11.259 And the 00:39:11.259 --> 00:39:11.739 Things of 00:39:11.739 --> 00:39:12.139 Earth 00:39:12.139 --> 00:39:12.920 Will grow 00:39:12.920 --> 00:39:13.879 Strangely 00:39:13.879 --> 00:39:14.219 Dim 00:39:14.219 --> 00:39:15.559 In the 00:39:15.559 --> 00:39:15.980 Light of 00:39:15.980 --> 00:39:16.279 His 00:39:16.279 --> 00:39:16.679 Glory 00:39:16.679 --> 00:39:17.279 And 00:39:17.279 --> 00:39:17.639 Grace 00:39:17.639 --> 00:39:19.799 Let's 00:39:19.799 --> 00:39:20.079 Sing this 00:39:20.079 --> 00:39:20.299 Out 00:39:20.299 --> 00:39:20.940 Please 00:39:20.940 --> 00:39:21.279 Stand 00:39:21.280 --> 00:39:21.780 ! 00:39:21.780 --> 00:39:21.280 To be