WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.560 Our reading today is in 1 Peter chapter 3, verse 8 to 22. 00:00:05.400 --> 00:00:10.320 In the Church Red Bible, it's page 1219. 00:00:27.039 --> 00:00:28.820 Okay, I hope you find the verse. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.000 1 Peter chapter 1, verse 3, chapter 3, verse 8 to 22. 00:00:38.140 --> 00:00:42.500 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another. 00:00:43.539 --> 00:00:44.219 Be sympathetic. 00:00:45.500 --> 00:00:47.340 Love as brothers. 00:00:48.100 --> 00:00:49.379 Be compassionate and humble. 00:00:50.299 --> 00:00:56.019 Do not repay evil with evil, or insult with insult, but with blessing. 00:00:56.020 --> 00:01:01.780 Because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 00:01:01.780 --> 00:01:31.780 00:01:31.780 --> 00:01:34.260 It's going to harm you if you are eager to do good. 00:01:35.260 --> 00:01:39.960 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 00:01:41.019 --> 00:01:43.540 Do not fear what they fear. 00:01:44.400 --> 00:01:45.420 Do not be frightened. 00:01:45.420 --> 00:01:51.460 But in your heart, set apart Christ as Lord. 00:01:52.019 --> 00:02:00.099 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 00:02:00.099 --> 00:02:03.459 But do this with gentleness and respect. 00:02:04.399 --> 00:02:16.859 Keep a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against you, against your good behavior in Christ, may be ashamed for their slander. 00:02:16.860 --> 00:02:26.420 It is better if it is God's will to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 00:02:27.120 --> 00:02:31.600 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous. 00:02:32.100 --> 00:02:40.560 To bring you to God, he must put to death in the body, but made alive by the Spirit. 00:02:40.560 --> 00:02:55.039 Through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison, who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. 00:02:57.039 --> 00:03:01.060 In it, only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water. 00:03:01.060 --> 00:03:06.199 And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also. 00:03:07.080 --> 00:03:13.500 Not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of good conscience towards God. 00:03:14.599 --> 00:03:28.000 He saves you by the resurrection of Christ Jesus, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand with angels, authorities, and powers in submission to him. 00:03:28.580 --> 00:03:28.840 Amen. 00:03:31.060 --> 00:03:31.539 Amen. 00:03:47.539 --> 00:03:48.420 Thanks very much, Kevin. 00:03:48.539 --> 00:03:51.140 We'll keep your Bible open there at 1 Peter 3. 00:03:52.000 --> 00:04:01.020 Before we start, I just want to say that it's a longer passage than we've normally been dealing with on a Sunday morning. 00:04:01.539 --> 00:04:02.960 So we're not going to cover everything. 00:04:03.159 --> 00:04:08.719 So there may be questions that arise, things that weren't covered, or you just want to come back on. 00:04:08.780 --> 00:04:11.539 Please feel free to talk with me afterwards. 00:04:11.939 --> 00:04:12.479 Let's pray. 00:04:12.479 --> 00:04:20.879 Father, thank you for your word. 00:04:21.959 --> 00:04:40.959 Thank you for this letter written all these hundreds of years ago to a people belonging to you, yet scattered, feeling alone, isolated, struggling. 00:04:40.959 --> 00:04:55.979 And Father, so we identify as people who belong to you, struggling to fit in this world and knowing how to live. 00:04:55.980 --> 00:05:16.560 And so we ask that as we look at your word today, it would equip us and encourage us to be faithful witnesses in our communities, in our work, in our schools, wherever we are during the week. 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:25.819 That we would be a faithful witness, pointing to you through what we say and in how we live. 00:05:25.819 --> 00:05:31.540 We ask for your spirit's help to us all today, in Jesus' name. 00:05:32.300 --> 00:05:32.759 Amen. 00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:41.879 Well, I want to introduce you to Pastor Alim. 00:05:43.240 --> 00:05:55.339 Alim lives in the city of Aleppo in Syria, which you know from watching the television has been turned into a pile of rubble following constant bombing and shelling. 00:05:55.339 --> 00:06:02.279 While mothers have left, Alim remains to care for the church. 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:04.199 He explains, 00:06:04.619 --> 00:06:13.679 The other day as we finished our meeting on Friday, a bomb exploded next to the church, killing a young girl and her brother. 00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:21.319 On Sunday, when we were getting ready for church, bombs exploded around our house. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:25.819 But I feel a calling from God. 00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:34.579 He wants me to be here till the end, as long as there is work to do in Aleppo. 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:47.659 Part of that work has been to provide food and basic needs for up to 2,000 people in their community, half of whom are from the Muslim background. 00:06:47.660 --> 00:06:55.220 In the face of severe opposition and persecution, they bless others. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:07:01.960 They pray for them, they care for them, they speak of the certain hope that they have in Christ. 00:07:02.760 --> 00:07:09.400 And many who saw that church as the enemy have now found a warmth and a welcome. 00:07:09.399 --> 00:07:18.699 And as a result, in that bombed city, people are turning to Christ and are being baptised. 00:07:19.939 --> 00:07:26.779 Alim is seeking to be a faithful witness in what is a hostile world. 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:32.219 Now that is the big message of 1 Peter. 00:07:32.220 --> 00:07:42.060 As we stand up for Christian values, as we speak out for Christian truth, we will get hit. 00:07:42.860 --> 00:07:51.820 We mightn't live in Aleppo, we mightn't face being bombed, but if we are followers of Christ, we will face opposition. 00:07:52.720 --> 00:07:53.880 Look at verse 9. 00:07:55.220 --> 00:07:58.200 You will suffer insult. 00:07:58.199 --> 00:08:00.759 Verse 14. 00:08:02.039 --> 00:08:06.699 You will face their threats and you will be frightened. 00:08:07.800 --> 00:08:09.079 Verse 16. 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:14.439 There will be those who will speak maliciously against you. 00:08:15.259 --> 00:08:21.459 The reality is, if you are a follower of Jesus, you will get hit. 00:08:21.459 --> 00:08:29.899 So, how do we live in this world that is hostile to Christ and to his church? 00:08:30.759 --> 00:08:31.939 Well, look at verse 8. 00:08:34.259 --> 00:08:45.240 Finally, all of you, it's as if he's bringing to conclusion what he has been talking about all the way from chapter 2, verse 12. 00:08:45.240 --> 00:08:51.279 Having shown us what it is like to be a faithful witness in society, in chapter 2. 00:08:51.840 --> 00:08:56.259 What it's like to be a faithful witness in our work, chapter 2, verse 18. 00:08:57.080 --> 00:09:01.779 What it's like to be a faithful witness within the home, chapter 3. 00:09:03.259 --> 00:09:08.419 He now shows us that this is the calling for all of God's people. 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:09.439 Verse 8. 00:09:09.779 --> 00:09:19.319 Finally, all of you, whatever circumstance of life we find ourselves in, all of you, live in harmony with one another. 00:09:19.879 --> 00:09:20.799 Be sympathetic. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:22.919 Love as brothers. 00:09:23.599 --> 00:09:25.979 Be compassionate and humble. 00:09:26.860 --> 00:09:37.500 If people who are against Christ are going to turn to Christ, we need to respond by being faithful in our witness. 00:09:38.419 --> 00:09:42.240 So, what's that going to look like for you and for me? 00:09:44.360 --> 00:09:53.339 Well, first, we are to bless those who stand opposed to us. 00:09:53.939 --> 00:09:57.059 Bless those who stand opposed to you. 00:09:57.179 --> 00:09:58.120 Look at verse 9. 00:09:58.120 --> 00:10:13.639 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:20.940 If we're followers of Jesus, we are to bless those who would stand opposed to us. 00:10:21.379 --> 00:10:21.940 Why? 00:10:22.800 --> 00:10:24.260 Well, look at the rest of verse 9. 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:30.040 So that you may inherit a blessing. 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:34.260 Now, we need to be clear what that is. 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:36.560 This is not tip for tap. 00:10:36.680 --> 00:10:42.320 This is not, I bless you and God is going to bless me in return. 00:10:42.320 --> 00:10:47.020 So, if I bless five people, then God is going to bless me five times. 00:10:47.640 --> 00:10:50.800 No, we have already been given a blessing. 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:54.100 We have already received an inheritance. 00:10:55.080 --> 00:10:58.140 Have a look back at chapter 1, verse 3. 00:11:01.940 --> 00:11:03.580 Chapter 1, verse 3. 00:11:03.580 --> 00:11:08.080 Just starting into the verse. 00:11:09.020 --> 00:11:10.060 You see what it says? 00:11:10.060 --> 00:11:20.879 In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:33.259 and into an inheritance, a blessing that can never perish, spoil or fade, which is kept in heaven for you. 00:11:33.580 --> 00:11:38.920 So, we have an inheritance that is guaranteed. 00:11:39.420 --> 00:11:49.300 So, our blessing of other people is a sign that we have already inherited a blessing from God. 00:11:49.299 --> 00:11:57.379 So, in response to this undeserved blessing of this inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade, 00:11:57.639 --> 00:12:03.859 the response to that or the sign that we have that is in turn to bless other people. 00:12:04.179 --> 00:12:07.839 That's what chapter 3, verse 9 is saying to us. 00:12:08.959 --> 00:12:13.679 You see, it's so natural to retaliate and want revenge. 00:12:13.679 --> 00:12:18.239 A colleague at work makes fun of you with a snide comment. 00:12:19.199 --> 00:12:20.879 You want to retaliate. 00:12:22.079 --> 00:12:27.779 A friend speaks aggressively against what you believe and you want revenge. 00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:31.539 You get hurt, so you want them to hurt. 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:34.559 You suffer, so you want them to suffer. 00:12:34.559 --> 00:12:38.519 But not so for the Christian. 00:12:39.239 --> 00:12:41.479 Because we are blessed. 00:12:41.839 --> 00:12:51.619 Because we have an inheritance, we in turn bless those who stand opposed to us. 00:12:52.339 --> 00:12:55.479 We are to be a blessing. 00:12:57.059 --> 00:13:01.000 We are given an example of what this looks like in verses 10 to 12. 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:05.519 This is a quote from Psalm 34. 00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:13.240 Now, Psalm 34, you can read it all at home, is at a time when Saul is king. 00:13:13.580 --> 00:13:15.340 Saul was the people's choice. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:22.639 David, who was God's choice as king, is being pursued by Saul. 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:24.559 He's being chased down by Saul. 00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:26.600 And David's life is in danger. 00:13:26.600 --> 00:13:31.240 But how does David respond to this threat? 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:33.740 Well, look at verse 10. 00:13:35.060 --> 00:13:39.300 For whoever would love life and see good days, 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:43.700 so whoever has the blessing and has that inheritance to come, 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:50.240 must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:53.100 He must turn from evil and do good. 00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:55.800 He must seek peace and pursue it. 00:13:55.799 --> 00:13:58.319 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, 00:13:58.699 --> 00:14:01.719 and his ears are attentive to their prayer. 00:14:02.519 --> 00:14:08.019 But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:12.779 You see, in the face of extreme opposition, 00:14:13.939 --> 00:14:20.819 David sought to bless rather than repay or take revenge. 00:14:20.820 --> 00:14:25.720 So a colleague speaks against you, 00:14:26.780 --> 00:14:27.920 slanders your name, 00:14:28.820 --> 00:14:34.879 spreads a nasty rumour for no other reason than they find your Christian values irritating. 00:14:36.280 --> 00:14:37.480 But don't gossip. 00:14:38.900 --> 00:14:42.160 Don't look for the next opportunity to belittle them. 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:44.120 Look at verse 10. 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:54.080 You must keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:58.980 You take a stand for Christian values. 00:14:59.540 --> 00:15:03.320 You speak up for the right of the unborn. 00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:09.080 You take a stand not to cover for your boss or to tell lies. 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:12.960 And as a result, well, you lose out on promotion. 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:15.280 You get all the rotten jobs to do. 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:18.700 But don't fight back. 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:22.500 Don't plot how you can take revenge. 00:15:23.420 --> 00:15:24.720 Instead, verse 11, 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:30.680 We must turn from evil and do good. 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:35.879 We must seek peace and pursue it. 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:40.860 You see, it's not our job to get back at others. 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:44.279 It's not our place to retaliate and seek revenge. 00:15:44.560 --> 00:15:47.399 It is our role to bless. 00:15:48.340 --> 00:15:51.060 It's to do good to those who hurt you. 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:54.120 Have you been hurt by someone else? 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:56.720 Bless them. 00:15:57.899 --> 00:16:00.920 We are to speak kindly to those who malign you. 00:16:01.460 --> 00:16:06.080 Have you ever felt ostracized or pushed away by somebody else? 00:16:08.180 --> 00:16:10.160 Speak kindly to them. 00:16:11.620 --> 00:16:13.220 Of course it's hard. 00:16:13.820 --> 00:16:15.080 Of course it's tough. 00:16:15.620 --> 00:16:18.800 But like David, we pray and we leave things with God. 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:19.399 Verse 12, 00:16:19.399 --> 00:16:22.580 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, 00:16:22.580 --> 00:16:25.980 and his ears are attentive to their prayer. 00:16:26.360 --> 00:16:30.660 We can hear David praying in the midst as he's being pursued by Saul, 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:32.800 crying out to God for help, 00:16:33.480 --> 00:16:38.100 that he might bless rather than retaliate. 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:44.300 For the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 00:16:44.299 --> 00:16:48.959 We have been incredibly blessed. 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:54.139 We have an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:57.979 So do not repay evil with evil, 00:16:58.439 --> 00:17:00.159 or insult with insult, 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:02.259 but with blessing. 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:05.200 So first, 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:08.059 bless those who oppose you. 00:17:09.140 --> 00:17:09.640 Second, 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:14.779 speak hope to those who threaten you. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:16.559 Verse 13, 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:21.000 Who's going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:24.619 But even if you should suffer for what is right, 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:26.980 you are blessed. 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:30.259 Do not fear what they fear. 00:17:30.619 --> 00:17:31.859 Do not be frightened. 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:35.579 Now I don't know about you, 00:17:36.119 --> 00:17:37.500 but I suspect it's true. 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:42.619 I get frightened all the time as a Christian. 00:17:42.619 --> 00:17:46.899 I fear that if I speak out for Jesus, 00:17:47.479 --> 00:17:50.219 if I stand for what the Bible teaches, 00:17:50.659 --> 00:17:54.539 I really fear I'm going to lose some of my friends. 00:17:55.479 --> 00:17:59.359 I fear that people will think I'm weird. 00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:01.919 They probably think I'm weird anyway, 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:03.939 but they might just think I'm a bit more weird. 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:07.699 I fear that I'll be talked about. 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:13.299 You might fear that if you associate with Christians, 00:18:13.620 --> 00:18:16.220 you'll be insulted and laughed at. 00:18:17.160 --> 00:18:19.920 And so for an easier and more comfortable life, 00:18:20.180 --> 00:18:22.620 we just put the head down and keep quiet 00:18:22.620 --> 00:18:25.420 and hope that nobody sees or nobody asks. 00:18:27.740 --> 00:18:30.720 But, what does it say in verse 14? 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:35.980 Do not fear what they fear. 00:18:35.980 --> 00:18:37.860 Do not be frightened. 00:18:38.400 --> 00:18:40.400 Literally, it's saying to us, 00:18:40.819 --> 00:18:44.079 do not fear their threats. 00:18:45.099 --> 00:18:49.299 Don't be intimidated by what people might say to you 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:51.400 or what they might do to you. 00:18:53.120 --> 00:18:54.960 Well, you say, that's easier said than done. 00:18:55.039 --> 00:18:56.079 That's easy to read. 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:57.640 The theory is fine. 00:18:57.740 --> 00:18:58.339 Don't fear. 00:18:58.640 --> 00:19:01.339 But we all fear what people think about us. 00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:06.279 But genuinely, really, there is no need to fear. 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:10.839 The reason, look at verse 14 again, 00:19:11.639 --> 00:19:14.539 even if you should suffer for what is right, 00:19:15.879 --> 00:19:18.159 you are blessed. 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:23.019 It's the reminder again that if we are Christians, 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:24.480 if we're followers of Jesus, 00:19:24.899 --> 00:19:26.619 we are blessed. 00:19:26.619 --> 00:19:30.959 Let's go back to chapter 1, verse 4 again. 00:19:31.179 --> 00:19:33.319 Let's remind ourselves of that blessing, 00:19:33.739 --> 00:19:34.559 that inheritance. 00:19:35.119 --> 00:19:35.839 Verse 4. 00:19:37.119 --> 00:19:38.599 Because of the resurrection 00:19:38.599 --> 00:19:42.079 and our faith in Christ, 00:19:42.739 --> 00:19:43.359 verse 4, 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:47.239 we have an inheritance that can never perish, 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:48.919 spoil or fade, 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.859 kept in heaven for you. 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:52.659 But there's more. 00:19:52.659 --> 00:19:53.679 Verse 5. 00:19:54.699 --> 00:19:59.099 Who through faith are shielded by God's power 00:19:59.099 --> 00:20:01.199 until the coming of salvation 00:20:01.199 --> 00:20:05.319 that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:08.659 The blessing that we have received 00:20:08.659 --> 00:20:11.419 is that heaven is kept for us 00:20:11.419 --> 00:20:14.199 and we are kept for heaven. 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:17.439 Nothing can take us from our inheritance 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:21.539 and no one can take our inheritance from us. 00:20:22.600 --> 00:20:25.940 So, people can say what they like. 00:20:26.620 --> 00:20:28.960 People can think what they like. 00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:32.039 They can do whatever they want to us 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:35.360 because we will always be blessed 00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:37.440 and that inheritance and that blessing 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:40.019 cannot be taken away. 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:44.039 It's this blessing 00:20:44.039 --> 00:20:47.379 that keeps Pastor Alim in Aleppo. 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:50.019 It's what keeps many 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:52.660 travelling into North Korea. 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:56.000 It's what keeps thousands of Christians 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:57.660 talking about Jesus 00:20:57.660 --> 00:21:00.139 even when it's not safe. 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:02.400 Yes, people can be imprisoned. 00:21:02.879 --> 00:21:05.259 At worst, their lives can be taken 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:06.720 and it does happen. 00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:10.680 But even if someone should lose their life for Christ 00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:13.140 it will mean that they receive 00:21:13.140 --> 00:21:15.279 their promised inheritance. 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:18.660 So, people can say what they like 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:19.960 do what they like 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:22.220 because we will always be blessed 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:24.620 and it's because of this inheritance 00:21:24.620 --> 00:21:27.100 because of this blessing that we have 00:21:27.100 --> 00:21:30.660 that we too do not need to fear the threats. 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:33.640 We do not need to fear what people think of you 00:21:33.640 --> 00:21:36.539 if you stand up for what the Bible teaches. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:39.240 Do not be frightened. 00:21:40.640 --> 00:21:42.200 We have a blessing. 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:46.039 So, don't fear. 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:52.559 Instead, we can speak of the great hope 00:21:52.559 --> 00:21:53.940 that we have. 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:56.220 How do we do that? 00:21:56.360 --> 00:21:57.420 Look at verse 15. 00:21:57.860 --> 00:21:59.319 Chapter 3, verse 15. 00:21:59.319 --> 00:22:01.939 But in your hearts 00:22:01.939 --> 00:22:05.399 set apart Christ as Lord. 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:07.579 Christ is your King, 00:22:07.919 --> 00:22:08.859 not your boss. 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:12.259 Christ rules over your life. 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:14.599 He controls your destiny. 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:16.480 He has given you the inheritance 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:17.679 and the blessing. 00:22:18.159 --> 00:22:19.679 God has made you a child. 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:22.119 Make Him your Lord. 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:24.879 Make Him the reason for your life. 00:22:24.880 --> 00:22:27.000 Verse 15. 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:30.260 Always be prepared to give an answer 00:22:30.260 --> 00:22:33.400 to everyone who asks you 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:36.300 to give the reason for the hope 00:22:36.300 --> 00:22:38.420 that you have. 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:40.940 You see, 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:43.460 when we bless those 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:45.800 who speak against us, 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:49.419 when we repay hurt 00:22:49.419 --> 00:22:51.119 with kindness, 00:22:51.659 --> 00:22:52.899 when we do good 00:22:52.899 --> 00:22:53.839 to those 00:22:53.839 --> 00:22:55.940 who speak maliciously 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.859 against us, 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:59.419 it is so counter-cultural. 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:01.099 It is so different 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:02.819 to how the world responds. 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:05.579 that a time will come 00:23:05.579 --> 00:23:06.599 when someone 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:08.399 is going to ask of you 00:23:08.399 --> 00:23:09.859 or speak to you 00:23:09.859 --> 00:23:10.579 and say, 00:23:11.139 --> 00:23:11.460 why? 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:16.579 Why do you not get angry? 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:19.399 Why do you care 00:23:19.399 --> 00:23:20.619 for those people 00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:22.379 that insult you? 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:25.240 Why do you respond 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.099 in kindness 00:23:26.099 --> 00:23:27.279 when you've been 00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:29.019 so desperately wronged? 00:23:30.179 --> 00:23:31.759 Why do you respect 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:32.460 your boss 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.720 even when they 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.960 disrespect you? 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:37.259 Why do you still 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.379 love your spouse 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.799 even when 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:41.640 they speak bad of you? 00:23:43.099 --> 00:23:44.599 Why do you not 00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:46.379 repay evil with evil 00:23:46.379 --> 00:23:48.339 and insult with insult? 00:23:50.099 --> 00:23:50.900 Answer. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:53.180 Look at verse 15. 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:55.299 Because of the hope 00:23:55.299 --> 00:23:56.819 that we have. 00:23:57.579 --> 00:23:59.140 Because Jesus 00:23:59.140 --> 00:24:00.560 has died for me 00:24:00.560 --> 00:24:01.840 and forgiven me, 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:03.840 I can forgive others. 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:04.600 I don't need 00:24:04.600 --> 00:24:05.759 to hold a grudge. 00:24:07.120 --> 00:24:08.140 Because Jesus 00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:08.860 has risen 00:24:08.860 --> 00:24:09.820 from the grave 00:24:09.820 --> 00:24:10.780 for me 00:24:10.780 --> 00:24:11.800 and has given me 00:24:11.800 --> 00:24:12.500 an inheritance 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.300 and a blessing, 00:24:14.280 --> 00:24:15.800 I've got everything 00:24:15.800 --> 00:24:16.820 to look forward to 00:24:16.820 --> 00:24:18.480 so I can give my life 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:19.880 to serve those 00:24:19.880 --> 00:24:20.800 who may stand 00:24:20.800 --> 00:24:21.600 against me. 00:24:23.180 --> 00:24:24.259 Because Jesus 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:25.440 has blessed me, 00:24:25.900 --> 00:24:27.259 because I belong 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:27.819 to him, 00:24:28.119 --> 00:24:29.160 because I am 00:24:29.160 --> 00:24:30.279 part of his family, 00:24:30.660 --> 00:24:31.519 because I am 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:32.960 a royal people, 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:34.599 that royal priesthood, 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:35.559 a people belonging 00:24:35.559 --> 00:24:36.119 to God, 00:24:36.359 --> 00:24:37.359 I can now 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:38.240 bless. 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:42.140 I can speak 00:24:42.140 --> 00:24:42.900 of the hope 00:24:42.900 --> 00:24:44.059 that I have. 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:46.879 So in the face 00:24:46.879 --> 00:24:48.039 of opposition, 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.680 do not fear. 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:51.839 Always be prepared 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:53.119 to give an answer. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:54.220 Be ready. 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:56.339 Have it on the tip 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:56.940 of your tongue 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:58.700 to talk about Jesus 00:24:58.700 --> 00:25:00.180 and what he means 00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:01.220 to you. 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.360 End of verse 15, 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:04.299 but do it with 00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:04.980 gentleness 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:06.799 and respect. 00:25:08.860 --> 00:25:09.880 I was talking 00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:10.940 to someone recently 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:12.740 who had made 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.299 the decision 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:14.220 not to play 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:15.279 matches 00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:16.519 if it clashed 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:17.440 with their times 00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:18.980 of their church 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:19.640 gathering. 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.940 An important match 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:22.480 had come up 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:23.000 and they told 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:24.039 the rest of their team 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:25.579 and their coaches 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:27.279 I'm not able 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:27.859 to play 00:25:27.859 --> 00:25:29.200 today. 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:31.019 Inevitably, 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:31.759 they were asked 00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:32.980 why? 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.960 And their answer 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:35.799 was really simple. 00:25:35.899 --> 00:25:36.420 They just said 00:25:36.420 --> 00:25:37.720 because I'll be 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.639 going to church. 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.659 The response 00:25:41.659 --> 00:25:42.940 caused the group 00:25:42.940 --> 00:25:43.539 of friends 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:44.200 to laugh 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:44.720 and ask 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:46.220 why would you 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:47.059 go to church? 00:25:48.899 --> 00:25:49.920 And very simply 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:50.500 they said 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:51.319 Jesus 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.839 is more important. 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:55.559 He's a hope. 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:57.159 He's the reason 00:25:57.159 --> 00:25:58.379 for our life. 00:25:59.379 --> 00:26:00.699 So don't be afraid 00:26:00.699 --> 00:26:02.379 of people's threats. 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:04.000 Don't fear 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.859 what they may 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.859 think about you 00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:06.539 or what they may 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.539 say about you. 00:26:07.819 --> 00:26:08.139 Instead, 00:26:08.500 --> 00:26:09.859 speak confidently 00:26:09.859 --> 00:26:11.059 of the hope 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:12.059 that we have 00:26:12.059 --> 00:26:13.000 in Jesus. 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:15.619 Bless those 00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:16.599 who oppose you. 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:18.639 Speak hope 00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:19.600 to those 00:26:19.600 --> 00:26:20.540 who threaten 00:26:20.540 --> 00:26:20.920 you. 00:26:23.060 --> 00:26:23.800 And third, 00:26:24.020 --> 00:26:25.220 look to Christ 00:26:25.220 --> 00:26:26.759 who will 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:27.820 vindicate you. 00:26:29.280 --> 00:26:29.720 You see, 00:26:29.800 --> 00:26:30.580 being a faithful 00:26:30.580 --> 00:26:31.600 witness in the world 00:26:31.600 --> 00:26:32.680 is not easy. 00:26:33.040 --> 00:26:33.880 It's really, 00:26:34.320 --> 00:26:35.440 really tough. 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:37.400 Look at verse 17. 00:26:38.060 --> 00:26:38.980 It is better 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:41.320 if it is God's 00:26:41.320 --> 00:26:42.100 will to suffer 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:43.180 for doing good 00:26:43.180 --> 00:26:45.100 than for doing evil. 00:26:45.099 --> 00:26:46.939 But why? 00:26:47.159 --> 00:26:48.259 Are you mad? 00:26:49.099 --> 00:26:50.079 What's the point? 00:26:50.419 --> 00:26:51.139 Why would we 00:26:51.139 --> 00:26:52.219 be so stupid 00:26:52.219 --> 00:26:53.359 and be so willing 00:26:53.359 --> 00:26:53.939 to suffer? 00:26:54.459 --> 00:26:55.339 Why bless 00:26:55.339 --> 00:26:56.259 those who insult 00:26:56.259 --> 00:26:57.199 you if all 00:26:57.199 --> 00:26:57.559 you're going 00:26:57.559 --> 00:26:57.919 to get 00:26:57.919 --> 00:26:59.219 is more insults? 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.639 Why speak 00:27:00.639 --> 00:27:01.559 hope to people 00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.399 if all we're 00:27:02.399 --> 00:27:02.839 going to get 00:27:02.839 --> 00:27:03.579 is abuse? 00:27:04.139 --> 00:27:04.980 Why be 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:06.179 a faithful witness? 00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:07.179 Why bother? 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:08.359 Why suffer 00:27:08.359 --> 00:27:09.539 for doing good? 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:09.659 Why? 00:27:09.660 --> 00:27:14.320 It doesn't 00:27:14.320 --> 00:27:15.140 make sense 00:27:15.140 --> 00:27:17.580 unless 00:27:17.580 --> 00:27:19.500 Christ 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.759 vindicates 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.080 you 00:27:21.080 --> 00:27:22.480 and he will. 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:23.680 Christ 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:24.740 will put 00:27:24.740 --> 00:27:25.580 the record 00:27:25.580 --> 00:27:26.200 straight. 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.040 Christ 00:27:27.040 --> 00:27:28.200 will correct 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:29.080 every rhyme. 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:29.759 Christ 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:30.360 will see 00:27:30.360 --> 00:27:31.279 that you 00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:32.060 taste 00:27:32.060 --> 00:27:32.900 victory. 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:34.380 Let me 00:27:34.380 --> 00:27:35.120 explain this 00:27:35.120 --> 00:27:35.740 in three 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:36.600 ways. 00:27:37.860 --> 00:27:38.380 First, 00:27:38.380 --> 00:27:39.260 Christ 00:27:39.260 --> 00:27:39.740 suffered 00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:41.080 and now 00:27:41.080 --> 00:27:41.560 rules. 00:27:41.820 --> 00:27:42.460 So we 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:42.840 are to 00:27:42.840 --> 00:27:43.560 keep going. 00:27:44.380 --> 00:27:45.200 We are to 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:46.000 bless those 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:46.560 who oppose 00:27:46.560 --> 00:27:46.780 us. 00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:47.280 We are to 00:27:47.280 --> 00:27:48.120 speak hope 00:27:48.120 --> 00:27:48.620 to those 00:27:48.620 --> 00:27:49.120 who threaten 00:27:49.120 --> 00:27:50.140 us because 00:27:50.140 --> 00:27:51.700 verse 18 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:53.740 for Christ 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.460 died for 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.660 sins once 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:56.340 for all 00:27:56.340 --> 00:27:57.480 the righteous 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.020 for the 00:27:58.020 --> 00:27:58.660 unrighteous 00:27:58.660 --> 00:27:59.320 to bring you 00:27:59.320 --> 00:27:59.860 to God. 00:28:00.360 --> 00:28:00.800 Christ 00:28:00.800 --> 00:28:01.800 suffered 00:28:01.800 --> 00:28:03.140 for you. 00:28:04.760 --> 00:28:05.180 He didn't 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:05.960 repay evil 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:06.500 with evil. 00:28:06.840 --> 00:28:07.200 He didn't 00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:07.940 retaliate 00:28:07.940 --> 00:28:08.600 with insult. 00:28:08.900 --> 00:28:09.460 He blessed 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:10.019 those who 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:10.680 opposed him. 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:11.480 He spoke 00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:12.000 to those 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.519 who threatened 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:12.799 him. 00:28:13.100 --> 00:28:13.660 In fact, 00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:14.980 he died 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:16.120 for those, 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:16.920 for people 00:28:16.920 --> 00:28:17.600 like us 00:28:17.600 --> 00:28:18.559 who also 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:19.259 stood 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:20.299 against him. 00:28:21.420 --> 00:28:22.240 He died 00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:23.019 for our 00:28:23.019 --> 00:28:23.440 sins, 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:24.000 for my 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:24.200 sin, 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:24.759 for your 00:28:24.759 --> 00:28:25.140 sin, 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.279 the righteous 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.299 for the 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:28.140 unrighteous. 00:28:28.440 --> 00:28:28.880 He took 00:28:28.880 --> 00:28:29.660 all our 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:30.420 unrighteous 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:31.000 behaviour 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:32.100 on himself, 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:33.140 suffered the 00:28:33.140 --> 00:28:33.539 punishment 00:28:33.539 --> 00:28:34.039 that we 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:35.000 deserve so 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.559 that we 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:36.200 might have 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:36.600 his 00:28:36.600 --> 00:28:37.180 righteousness 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:38.060 and be 00:28:38.060 --> 00:28:38.600 treated 00:28:38.600 --> 00:28:39.700 as Jesus 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:40.259 deserves 00:28:40.259 --> 00:28:40.620 to be 00:28:40.620 --> 00:28:40.940 treated. 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:45.259 End of 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:45.900 verse 18, 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:46.360 he was 00:28:46.360 --> 00:28:47.380 put to 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:47.960 death 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:48.799 in the 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:49.200 body, 00:28:49.640 --> 00:28:50.240 crucified 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:51.600 on a 00:28:51.600 --> 00:28:52.200 cross, 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:55.200 but made 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:56.460 alive by 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:57.340 the Spirit, 00:28:58.100 --> 00:28:58.940 risen again 00:28:58.940 --> 00:28:59.700 from the 00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:00.000 dead. 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:01.120 Verse 22, 00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:02.080 who has 00:29:02.080 --> 00:29:03.259 gone into 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:03.799 heaven 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:04.799 and is 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:05.480 at God's 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:06.159 right hand 00:29:06.159 --> 00:29:07.019 with angels 00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:08.339 and authorities 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.480 and powers 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:10.519 in submission 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.519 to him. 00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.259 Yes, 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:13.059 Jesus 00:29:13.059 --> 00:29:13.700 suffered 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:14.579 and died. 00:29:14.879 --> 00:29:15.200 He was 00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:15.799 mocked 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:17.059 and ridiculed, 00:29:17.759 --> 00:29:18.359 laughed at, 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.259 spat upon, 00:29:20.139 --> 00:29:21.480 but now 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.419 he lives 00:29:22.419 --> 00:29:23.279 and he 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:24.379 reigns. 00:29:24.659 --> 00:29:25.440 The powers 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:26.240 and authorities 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:26.980 that stood 00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:27.700 against him 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:28.980 now bow 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:29.879 in submission 00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.839 to him. 00:29:30.839 --> 00:29:31.699 Jesus 00:29:31.699 --> 00:29:32.579 has been 00:29:32.579 --> 00:29:33.279 vindicated. 00:29:33.699 --> 00:29:34.379 The record 00:29:34.379 --> 00:29:35.179 has been 00:29:35.179 --> 00:29:35.619 put 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.480 right. 00:29:39.019 --> 00:29:39.619 Now, 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:40.279 what is 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:40.839 true of 00:29:40.839 --> 00:29:41.399 Christ 00:29:41.399 --> 00:29:43.299 will be 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:43.720 true 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:44.659 for you 00:29:44.659 --> 00:29:45.240 if you 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:45.559 follow 00:29:45.559 --> 00:29:46.000 him. 00:29:46.859 --> 00:29:47.459 Look, 00:29:48.179 --> 00:29:49.299 what happens 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:49.959 when Christ 00:29:49.959 --> 00:29:50.659 died for 00:29:50.659 --> 00:29:51.059 us in 00:29:51.059 --> 00:29:51.740 verse 18? 00:29:52.819 --> 00:29:53.519 What does 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:53.980 it do? 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:54.639 The end 00:29:54.639 --> 00:29:54.919 of verse 00:29:54.919 --> 00:29:55.240 18, 00:29:55.399 --> 00:29:56.139 it brings 00:29:56.139 --> 00:29:56.679 us 00:29:56.679 --> 00:29:57.899 to God. 00:29:58.419 --> 00:29:58.879 We are 00:29:58.879 --> 00:29:59.459 united 00:29:59.459 --> 00:30:00.159 with him. 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:01.080 His life 00:30:01.080 --> 00:30:01.600 becomes 00:30:01.600 --> 00:30:02.440 our life. 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:02.940 So, 00:30:03.040 --> 00:30:03.380 what is 00:30:03.380 --> 00:30:03.900 true of 00:30:03.900 --> 00:30:04.380 Christ 00:30:04.380 --> 00:30:05.200 will become 00:30:05.200 --> 00:30:05.860 true for 00:30:05.860 --> 00:30:06.140 you. 00:30:06.519 --> 00:30:07.019 We too 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:07.680 will die, 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:09.220 but we 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:09.900 will live. 00:30:10.259 --> 00:30:10.820 We too 00:30:10.820 --> 00:30:11.580 will suffer, 00:30:12.580 --> 00:30:13.220 but we 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:13.860 will reign 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:14.480 with him. 00:30:15.120 --> 00:30:15.860 The victory 00:30:15.860 --> 00:30:16.680 that Christ 00:30:16.680 --> 00:30:17.320 enjoys 00:30:17.320 --> 00:30:18.259 will be a 00:30:18.259 --> 00:30:18.880 victory that 00:30:18.880 --> 00:30:19.440 we too 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:20.140 will share 00:30:20.140 --> 00:30:21.180 and enjoy. 00:30:21.820 --> 00:30:22.540 Vindication 00:30:22.540 --> 00:30:24.420 will come. 00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:27.740 And this 00:30:27.740 --> 00:30:28.300 is true 00:30:28.299 --> 00:30:29.779 for all 00:30:29.779 --> 00:30:30.559 God's 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:31.240 people. 00:30:32.839 --> 00:30:33.119 Noah 00:30:33.119 --> 00:30:34.519 suffered 00:30:34.519 --> 00:30:35.960 but was 00:30:35.960 --> 00:30:36.419 saved. 00:30:37.180 --> 00:30:37.500 Do you 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:37.879 remember 00:30:37.879 --> 00:30:38.259 Noah? 00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:40.419 Called by 00:30:40.419 --> 00:30:41.059 God to 00:30:41.059 --> 00:30:41.659 build an 00:30:41.659 --> 00:30:42.079 ark, 00:30:42.579 --> 00:30:43.200 that great 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:43.940 big boat 00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:44.680 in a 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:45.460 landlocked 00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:45.980 country, 00:30:46.899 --> 00:30:47.399 and to 00:30:47.399 --> 00:30:48.099 preach to 00:30:48.099 --> 00:30:48.599 the people 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:49.099 and tell 00:30:49.099 --> 00:30:49.440 them that 00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:49.919 God was 00:30:49.919 --> 00:30:50.379 going to 00:30:50.379 --> 00:30:51.220 judge by 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:51.879 sending a 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:52.339 flood in 00:30:52.339 --> 00:30:52.799 the world. 00:30:53.839 --> 00:30:54.460 Can you 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.039 imagine 00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:56.700 the abuse 00:30:56.700 --> 00:30:57.579 and the 00:30:57.579 --> 00:30:58.059 mocking 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:58.960 that Noah 00:30:58.960 --> 00:31:00.059 faced as 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:00.539 he built 00:31:00.539 --> 00:31:01.119 this ark 00:31:01.119 --> 00:31:01.960 with no 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:02.740 water in 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:04.440 sight and 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:05.200 preaching? 00:31:07.680 --> 00:31:08.559 And yet 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:09.339 Noah was 00:31:09.339 --> 00:31:10.559 faithful in 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:11.159 his witness. 00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:12.079 This is how 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:13.099 Peter describes 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:13.420 it. 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:14.359 Follow 00:31:14.359 --> 00:31:14.839 closely. 00:31:15.079 --> 00:31:15.339 They're 00:31:15.339 --> 00:31:16.059 difficult 00:31:16.059 --> 00:31:16.480 verses, 00:31:16.659 --> 00:31:16.920 but we 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:17.319 can work 00:31:17.319 --> 00:31:17.659 our way 00:31:17.659 --> 00:31:17.859 through 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:18.059 them. 00:31:18.319 --> 00:31:18.599 Look at 00:31:18.599 --> 00:31:18.879 the end 00:31:18.879 --> 00:31:19.200 of verse 00:31:19.200 --> 00:31:19.639 18. 00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:20.819 This is 00:31:20.819 --> 00:31:21.440 speaking of 00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:21.819 Jesus. 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:22.799 He, 00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:23.579 that's 00:31:23.579 --> 00:31:24.220 Jesus was 00:31:24.220 --> 00:31:24.740 put to 00:31:24.740 --> 00:31:25.779 death in 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:26.339 the body, 00:31:26.919 --> 00:31:27.799 but made 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:28.899 alive by 00:31:28.899 --> 00:31:29.639 the Spirit, 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:31.419 through whom, 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:32.480 so through 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:33.119 the same 00:31:33.119 --> 00:31:33.740 Spirit, 00:31:34.699 --> 00:31:35.960 Jesus also 00:31:35.960 --> 00:31:36.960 went and 00:31:36.960 --> 00:31:37.599 preached to 00:31:37.599 --> 00:31:38.339 the spirits 00:31:38.339 --> 00:31:39.519 in prison. 00:31:40.460 --> 00:31:40.839 So, 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:42.199 at the time 00:31:42.199 --> 00:31:42.779 of Noah, 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:45.240 Jesus, 00:31:45.879 --> 00:31:46.539 before he 00:31:46.539 --> 00:31:47.199 ever came, 00:31:47.299 --> 00:31:48.439 the pre-incarnate 00:31:48.439 --> 00:31:48.819 Jesus, 00:31:49.159 --> 00:31:49.980 was preaching 00:31:49.980 --> 00:31:51.279 through Noah, 00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:52.839 warning them 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:53.639 of God's 00:31:53.639 --> 00:31:53.919 coming 00:31:53.919 --> 00:31:54.399 judgment. 00:31:55.459 --> 00:31:56.199 He preached, 00:31:56.319 --> 00:31:56.859 we're told, 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:58.539 in verse 19, 00:31:58.899 --> 00:31:59.359 to the 00:31:59.359 --> 00:32:00.179 spirits in 00:32:00.179 --> 00:32:00.559 prison. 00:32:01.659 --> 00:32:02.039 It's a 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:02.579 strange 00:32:02.579 --> 00:32:03.279 phrase. 00:32:03.439 --> 00:32:03.699 Who are 00:32:03.699 --> 00:32:04.179 the spirits 00:32:04.179 --> 00:32:04.720 in prison? 00:32:05.079 --> 00:32:05.299 Well, 00:32:05.359 --> 00:32:05.759 read on 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:06.439 verse 20. 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:07.199 They are 00:32:07.199 --> 00:32:07.980 they who 00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:09.119 disobeyed 00:32:09.119 --> 00:32:10.119 long ago 00:32:10.119 --> 00:32:11.279 when God 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:12.339 waited patiently 00:32:12.339 --> 00:32:13.139 in the days 00:32:13.139 --> 00:32:13.599 of Noah 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.319 while the 00:32:14.319 --> 00:32:15.039 ark was 00:32:15.039 --> 00:32:16.199 being built. 00:32:17.079 --> 00:32:17.839 The spirits 00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:18.459 in prison 00:32:18.459 --> 00:32:19.099 are the 00:32:19.099 --> 00:32:19.599 people, 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:20.480 those who 00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:20.619 are, 00:32:20.679 --> 00:32:21.099 if you like, 00:32:21.319 --> 00:32:22.240 are entrapped 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:23.339 enslaved 00:32:23.339 --> 00:32:24.019 to their 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.359 sin, 00:32:24.660 --> 00:32:24.799 who 00:32:24.799 --> 00:32:25.779 disobeyed 00:32:25.779 --> 00:32:26.120 God 00:32:26.120 --> 00:32:27.140 and ignored 00:32:27.140 --> 00:32:27.660 God. 00:32:29.240 --> 00:32:30.000 It was 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:30.700 not an easy 00:32:30.700 --> 00:32:31.420 task for 00:32:31.420 --> 00:32:32.200 Noah to 00:32:32.200 --> 00:32:32.880 preach this 00:32:32.880 --> 00:32:33.519 message to 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:34.000 a hardened 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.620 bunch of 00:32:34.620 --> 00:32:35.000 people, 00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:36.539 but he 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.059 kept on 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:37.500 preaching, 00:32:38.120 --> 00:32:39.120 even though 00:32:39.120 --> 00:32:39.500 they didn't 00:32:39.500 --> 00:32:39.779 want to 00:32:39.779 --> 00:32:40.059 listen, 00:32:40.460 --> 00:32:40.920 even though 00:32:40.920 --> 00:32:41.440 they ignored 00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:42.120 everything he 00:32:42.120 --> 00:32:42.500 said. 00:32:43.779 --> 00:32:44.339 And Noah 00:32:44.339 --> 00:32:45.940 suffered for 00:32:45.940 --> 00:32:46.640 doing good. 00:32:47.620 --> 00:32:48.180 He faced 00:32:48.180 --> 00:32:48.680 abuse, 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:49.519 he faced 00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:49.920 mocking, 00:32:50.359 --> 00:32:50.900 he laughed 00:32:50.900 --> 00:32:51.120 at, 00:32:51.259 --> 00:32:51.680 he was 00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:52.340 ridiculed, 00:32:52.560 --> 00:32:52.980 it was 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:54.120 really tough. 00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:54.880 But what 00:32:54.880 --> 00:32:55.420 happened to 00:32:55.420 --> 00:32:55.660 Noah? 00:32:56.840 --> 00:32:57.500 End of 00:32:57.500 --> 00:32:58.200 verse 20, 00:32:59.340 --> 00:32:59.940 in it, 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:01.000 in the 00:33:01.000 --> 00:33:01.759 ark that 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.220 he built, 00:33:02.540 --> 00:33:03.080 only a 00:33:03.080 --> 00:33:03.860 few people, 00:33:04.300 --> 00:33:05.240 eight in 00:33:05.240 --> 00:33:05.660 all, 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:06.780 were saved 00:33:06.780 --> 00:33:08.100 through 00:33:08.100 --> 00:33:09.000 water. 00:33:10.540 --> 00:33:10.840 Noah 00:33:10.840 --> 00:33:11.840 suffered, 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:14.580 but yet 00:33:14.580 --> 00:33:14.940 he was 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:15.420 saved, 00:33:16.540 --> 00:33:17.380 he was 00:33:17.380 --> 00:33:18.060 vindicated. 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:20.740 now it's 00:33:20.740 --> 00:33:21.179 not just 00:33:21.179 --> 00:33:21.779 true for 00:33:21.779 --> 00:33:22.079 Noah, 00:33:22.460 --> 00:33:23.659 it's true 00:33:23.659 --> 00:33:24.559 for all 00:33:24.559 --> 00:33:25.500 of God's 00:33:25.500 --> 00:33:26.079 people. 00:33:27.559 --> 00:33:28.059 You see, 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:29.159 we suffer, 00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:31.500 but we 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:32.740 are saved. 00:33:33.940 --> 00:33:34.319 Look at 00:33:34.319 --> 00:33:34.980 verse 21, 00:33:35.179 --> 00:33:35.679 follow with 00:33:35.679 --> 00:33:35.879 me, 00:33:36.059 --> 00:33:36.700 keep closely 00:33:36.700 --> 00:33:37.440 to the 00:33:37.440 --> 00:33:38.019 text and 00:33:38.019 --> 00:33:38.419 we'll work 00:33:38.419 --> 00:33:38.779 our way 00:33:38.779 --> 00:33:39.039 through. 00:33:39.119 --> 00:33:39.859 Verse 21, 00:33:39.859 --> 00:33:42.219 and this 00:33:42.219 --> 00:33:42.859 water 00:33:42.859 --> 00:33:45.000 symbolises 00:33:45.000 --> 00:33:45.819 baptism 00:33:45.819 --> 00:33:47.359 that now 00:33:47.359 --> 00:33:48.159 saves you 00:33:48.159 --> 00:33:48.959 also. 00:33:49.719 --> 00:33:50.359 So the 00:33:50.359 --> 00:33:51.539 flood of 00:33:51.539 --> 00:33:52.000 God's 00:33:52.000 --> 00:33:52.439 judgment, 00:33:53.659 --> 00:33:54.079 back at 00:33:54.079 --> 00:33:54.500 the time 00:33:54.500 --> 00:33:54.979 of Noah, 00:33:55.579 --> 00:33:56.179 and the 00:33:56.179 --> 00:33:57.219 ark of 00:33:57.219 --> 00:33:57.899 salvation, 00:33:58.459 --> 00:33:58.979 the flood 00:33:58.979 --> 00:33:59.579 of judgment, 00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:00.539 the ark 00:34:00.539 --> 00:34:01.219 of salvation 00:34:01.219 --> 00:34:02.000 is a 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:02.379 picture, 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:03.019 he's saying, 00:34:03.019 --> 00:34:04.219 of Christian 00:34:04.219 --> 00:34:04.879 baptism. 00:34:05.879 --> 00:34:06.939 The water, 00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:08.339 the rain, 00:34:08.340 --> 00:34:09.039 the flood 00:34:09.039 --> 00:34:10.140 brought judgment, 00:34:10.680 --> 00:34:11.039 death, 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:12.079 and separation 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:12.820 from God. 00:34:13.140 --> 00:34:14.000 The ark 00:34:14.000 --> 00:34:15.260 which carried 00:34:15.260 --> 00:34:16.360 Noah through 00:34:16.360 --> 00:34:17.320 the waters 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:19.160 brought salvation, 00:34:19.660 --> 00:34:20.000 life, 00:34:20.320 --> 00:34:21.000 and eternity 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:21.700 with God. 00:34:22.660 --> 00:34:23.320 Now when 00:34:23.320 --> 00:34:23.740 we are 00:34:23.740 --> 00:34:24.200 baptized, 00:34:25.260 --> 00:34:25.960 it is a 00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:26.700 picture of 00:34:26.700 --> 00:34:27.600 being saved 00:34:27.600 --> 00:34:28.820 from the 00:34:28.820 --> 00:34:29.440 judgment of 00:34:29.440 --> 00:34:29.800 God. 00:34:30.920 --> 00:34:31.920 Being baptized 00:34:31.920 --> 00:34:33.079 is going 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:34.380 down into 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:35.079 the water, 00:34:35.480 --> 00:34:36.280 under the 00:34:36.280 --> 00:34:36.660 water. 00:34:36.659 --> 00:34:36.699 water. 00:34:37.399 --> 00:34:37.879 It is as 00:34:37.879 --> 00:34:38.559 if God's 00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:39.219 judgment is 00:34:39.219 --> 00:34:40.339 falling on 00:34:40.339 --> 00:34:40.579 us, 00:34:40.719 --> 00:34:41.119 but the 00:34:41.119 --> 00:34:41.619 point is 00:34:41.619 --> 00:34:42.059 we don't 00:34:42.059 --> 00:34:43.119 stay under 00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:43.539 the water, 00:34:43.699 --> 00:34:44.440 we come 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:44.639 up, 00:34:44.719 --> 00:34:45.039 we come 00:34:45.039 --> 00:34:45.879 out through 00:34:45.879 --> 00:34:46.500 the water, 00:34:47.000 --> 00:34:47.699 symbolizing 00:34:47.699 --> 00:34:48.679 our rescue 00:34:48.679 --> 00:34:50.259 from God's 00:34:50.259 --> 00:34:50.679 judgment. 00:34:52.940 --> 00:34:53.599 Now we 00:34:53.599 --> 00:34:53.940 must be 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:54.679 very careful 00:34:54.679 --> 00:34:55.579 not to 00:34:55.579 --> 00:34:56.099 think that 00:34:56.099 --> 00:34:56.719 this simple 00:34:56.719 --> 00:34:57.420 act of 00:34:57.420 --> 00:34:57.879 baptism 00:34:57.879 --> 00:34:58.619 saves us. 00:34:58.719 --> 00:34:58.940 No, 00:34:59.219 --> 00:34:59.559 look at 00:34:59.559 --> 00:34:59.879 the end 00:34:59.879 --> 00:35:00.179 of verse 00:35:00.179 --> 00:35:00.799 21. 00:35:00.800 --> 00:35:02.820 it saves 00:35:02.820 --> 00:35:04.180 you by 00:35:04.180 --> 00:35:04.820 the 00:35:04.820 --> 00:35:05.500 resurrection 00:35:05.500 --> 00:35:06.660 of Jesus 00:35:06.660 --> 00:35:07.600 Christ. 00:35:08.080 --> 00:35:08.960 Just as 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:09.700 Jesus was 00:35:09.700 --> 00:35:10.280 raised to 00:35:10.280 --> 00:35:10.660 life, 00:35:11.580 --> 00:35:12.360 so by 00:35:12.360 --> 00:35:13.100 faith in 00:35:13.100 --> 00:35:13.420 his 00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:14.019 resurrection, 00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:15.000 we too 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:15.560 are raised 00:35:15.560 --> 00:35:15.960 to new 00:35:15.960 --> 00:35:16.220 life. 00:35:16.360 --> 00:35:16.840 As we 00:35:16.840 --> 00:35:17.460 come up 00:35:17.460 --> 00:35:18.000 out 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:18.600 through 00:35:18.600 --> 00:35:19.200 the water, 00:35:19.460 --> 00:35:19.880 we are 00:35:19.880 --> 00:35:20.640 demonstrating 00:35:20.640 --> 00:35:21.340 our trust 00:35:21.340 --> 00:35:21.980 in Christ 00:35:21.980 --> 00:35:22.860 for our 00:35:22.860 --> 00:35:23.340 salvation, 00:35:23.480 --> 00:35:23.880 just as 00:35:23.880 --> 00:35:24.600 Christ was 00:35:24.600 --> 00:35:24.940 raised, 00:35:25.240 --> 00:35:25.920 so we 00:35:25.920 --> 00:35:26.840 too will 00:35:26.840 --> 00:35:27.820 rise with 00:35:27.820 --> 00:35:28.160 him. 00:35:28.159 --> 00:35:31.279 you go, 00:35:31.379 --> 00:35:31.719 what's he 00:35:31.719 --> 00:35:32.399 talking about 00:35:32.399 --> 00:35:33.319 baptism for? 00:35:34.879 --> 00:35:35.440 What's 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:35.619 this 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:36.319 baptism 00:35:36.319 --> 00:35:36.879 got to 00:35:36.879 --> 00:35:37.259 do 00:35:37.259 --> 00:35:37.779 with 00:35:37.779 --> 00:35:38.259 when I'm 00:35:38.259 --> 00:35:38.500 being 00:35:38.500 --> 00:35:39.099 laughed at 00:35:39.099 --> 00:35:39.519 when I'm 00:35:39.519 --> 00:35:40.059 at school? 00:35:41.139 --> 00:35:41.779 How does 00:35:41.779 --> 00:35:42.719 baptism help 00:35:42.719 --> 00:35:43.079 me when 00:35:43.079 --> 00:35:43.940 people ignore 00:35:43.940 --> 00:35:44.579 me at work 00:35:44.579 --> 00:35:45.139 and speak 00:35:45.139 --> 00:35:45.839 against me? 00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:47.179 What's the 00:35:47.179 --> 00:35:47.920 point of 00:35:47.920 --> 00:35:48.440 baptism 00:35:48.440 --> 00:35:49.199 when I 00:35:49.199 --> 00:35:49.739 suffer as 00:35:49.739 --> 00:35:50.139 a Christian? 00:35:50.359 --> 00:35:50.839 How is 00:35:50.839 --> 00:35:51.279 this going 00:35:51.279 --> 00:35:51.599 to help 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:51.819 me? 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:54.599 Well, 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:55.000 when we 00:35:55.000 --> 00:35:55.460 face 00:35:55.460 --> 00:35:56.259 opposition, 00:35:57.399 --> 00:35:58.059 when we 00:35:58.059 --> 00:35:58.599 face 00:35:58.599 --> 00:35:59.579 unjust 00:35:59.579 --> 00:36:00.400 suffering, 00:36:00.840 --> 00:36:01.259 insult, 00:36:01.460 --> 00:36:01.880 abuse, 00:36:02.179 --> 00:36:02.420 malicious 00:36:02.420 --> 00:36:02.940 talk, 00:36:03.199 --> 00:36:03.739 whatever it 00:36:03.739 --> 00:36:04.320 may be, 00:36:04.659 --> 00:36:05.239 he's saying, 00:36:05.539 --> 00:36:06.759 I want 00:36:06.759 --> 00:36:07.079 you to 00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:07.759 look back. 00:36:08.699 --> 00:36:09.079 I want 00:36:09.079 --> 00:36:09.440 you to 00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:10.039 remember 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:11.000 your 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:11.840 baptism. 00:36:12.940 --> 00:36:13.619 Because 00:36:13.619 --> 00:36:14.259 baptism 00:36:14.259 --> 00:36:15.539 is something 00:36:15.539 --> 00:36:16.400 visible, 00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:17.559 something 00:36:17.559 --> 00:36:18.519 tangible. 00:36:19.019 --> 00:36:19.299 It is 00:36:19.299 --> 00:36:19.900 something that 00:36:19.900 --> 00:36:20.820 we physically 00:36:20.820 --> 00:36:22.119 experience. 00:36:22.500 --> 00:36:23.139 As we 00:36:23.139 --> 00:36:23.960 look back 00:36:23.960 --> 00:36:24.539 to our 00:36:24.539 --> 00:36:25.079 baptism, 00:36:25.460 --> 00:36:26.139 we remember 00:36:26.139 --> 00:36:26.799 that just 00:36:26.799 --> 00:36:27.199 as we 00:36:27.199 --> 00:36:27.739 came up 00:36:27.739 --> 00:36:28.139 out 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:28.659 through 00:36:28.659 --> 00:36:28.899 the 00:36:28.899 --> 00:36:29.239 water. 00:36:29.719 --> 00:36:30.059 So a 00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:30.519 day will 00:36:30.519 --> 00:36:31.019 come when 00:36:31.019 --> 00:36:31.679 we too 00:36:31.679 --> 00:36:32.399 are going 00:36:32.399 --> 00:36:33.039 to rise 00:36:33.039 --> 00:36:33.379 and we 00:36:33.379 --> 00:36:33.539 will 00:36:33.539 --> 00:36:34.159 experience 00:36:34.159 --> 00:36:35.000 salvation 00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:35.779 in all 00:36:35.779 --> 00:36:35.979 its 00:36:35.979 --> 00:36:36.339 fullness. 00:36:36.699 --> 00:36:36.839 The 00:36:36.839 --> 00:36:37.359 suffering, 00:36:37.500 --> 00:36:37.599 the 00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:38.039 struggles 00:36:38.039 --> 00:36:38.419 that we 00:36:38.419 --> 00:36:38.859 go through 00:36:38.859 --> 00:36:39.399 right now 00:36:39.399 --> 00:36:40.099 are not 00:36:40.099 --> 00:36:40.519 going to 00:36:40.519 --> 00:36:40.719 be 00:36:40.719 --> 00:36:41.079 forever. 00:36:41.479 --> 00:36:41.599 We 00:36:41.599 --> 00:36:41.959 will 00:36:41.959 --> 00:36:42.539 rise. 00:36:44.099 --> 00:36:44.399 So 00:36:44.399 --> 00:36:44.859 think 00:36:44.859 --> 00:36:45.339 back, 00:36:45.679 --> 00:36:46.279 remember 00:36:46.279 --> 00:36:47.939 the time 00:36:47.939 --> 00:36:48.639 when you 00:36:48.639 --> 00:36:48.839 were 00:36:48.839 --> 00:36:49.219 baptized. 00:36:50.899 --> 00:36:51.459 That's 00:36:51.459 --> 00:36:51.699 why 00:36:51.699 --> 00:36:52.159 baptism 00:36:52.159 --> 00:36:52.719 is so 00:36:52.719 --> 00:36:53.239 important. 00:36:53.239 --> 00:36:55.399 if you 00:36:55.399 --> 00:36:55.779 are a 00:36:55.779 --> 00:36:56.139 Christian 00:36:56.139 --> 00:36:56.979 here today 00:36:56.979 --> 00:36:57.879 and you 00:36:57.879 --> 00:36:58.539 are claiming 00:36:58.539 --> 00:36:59.039 and saying 00:36:59.039 --> 00:36:59.519 yes, 00:36:59.679 --> 00:37:00.279 I follow 00:37:00.279 --> 00:37:00.719 Jesus 00:37:00.719 --> 00:37:01.639 and you 00:37:01.639 --> 00:37:02.000 are not 00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:02.779 baptized. 00:37:04.219 --> 00:37:04.639 Well, 00:37:04.679 --> 00:37:05.099 you ought 00:37:05.099 --> 00:37:05.579 to be. 00:37:06.679 --> 00:37:07.279 You ought 00:37:07.279 --> 00:37:07.739 to be. 00:37:08.739 --> 00:37:09.519 Because in 00:37:09.519 --> 00:37:10.299 this context 00:37:10.299 --> 00:37:11.000 it's going 00:37:11.000 --> 00:37:11.500 to be a 00:37:11.500 --> 00:37:12.039 tremendous 00:37:12.039 --> 00:37:13.159 help to 00:37:13.159 --> 00:37:13.959 you as 00:37:13.959 --> 00:37:14.559 a Christian. 00:37:15.519 --> 00:37:16.059 As you 00:37:16.059 --> 00:37:16.699 seek to 00:37:16.699 --> 00:37:17.019 live the 00:37:17.019 --> 00:37:17.639 Christian life 00:37:17.639 --> 00:37:18.299 and as you 00:37:18.299 --> 00:37:18.859 find it 00:37:18.859 --> 00:37:19.519 difficult to 00:37:19.519 --> 00:37:19.799 be a 00:37:19.799 --> 00:37:20.079 Christian 00:37:20.079 --> 00:37:20.519 where you 00:37:20.519 --> 00:37:20.739 are, 00:37:21.179 --> 00:37:21.599 this 00:37:21.599 --> 00:37:22.400 baptism 00:37:22.400 --> 00:37:22.920 that you 00:37:22.920 --> 00:37:23.460 look back 00:37:23.460 --> 00:37:24.179 to is 00:37:24.179 --> 00:37:24.659 going to 00:37:24.659 --> 00:37:25.239 help you 00:37:25.239 --> 00:37:25.699 and bring 00:37:25.699 --> 00:37:26.940 to memory 00:37:26.940 --> 00:37:27.759 and remind 00:37:27.759 --> 00:37:28.279 you that 00:37:28.279 --> 00:37:28.799 yes, 00:37:29.799 --> 00:37:30.699 it is a 00:37:30.699 --> 00:37:31.019 struggle. 00:37:32.279 --> 00:37:32.759 But it's 00:37:32.759 --> 00:37:33.360 not going to 00:37:33.360 --> 00:37:33.940 be like this 00:37:33.940 --> 00:37:34.239 forever. 00:37:34.799 --> 00:37:35.340 I too 00:37:35.340 --> 00:37:35.759 am going 00:37:35.759 --> 00:37:36.440 to rise. 00:37:38.199 --> 00:37:38.739 You see, 00:37:38.840 --> 00:37:39.099 for the 00:37:39.099 --> 00:37:39.599 Christian, 00:37:40.779 --> 00:37:41.159 baptism 00:37:41.159 --> 00:37:42.179 becomes that 00:37:42.179 --> 00:37:42.920 defining 00:37:42.920 --> 00:37:44.400 moment in 00:37:44.400 --> 00:37:45.039 our lives 00:37:45.039 --> 00:37:45.819 when we 00:37:45.819 --> 00:37:46.539 publicly 00:37:46.539 --> 00:37:47.400 align 00:37:47.400 --> 00:37:47.940 ourselves 00:37:47.940 --> 00:37:48.539 to Christ, 00:37:48.719 --> 00:37:49.259 when we 00:37:49.259 --> 00:37:49.960 declare 00:37:49.960 --> 00:37:51.139 yes, 00:37:51.639 --> 00:37:52.800 I am 00:37:52.800 --> 00:37:53.260 with 00:37:53.260 --> 00:37:54.300 Christ. 00:37:54.740 --> 00:37:55.099 Where 00:37:55.099 --> 00:37:55.880 he goes, 00:37:56.280 --> 00:37:56.780 I will 00:37:56.780 --> 00:37:57.079 go. 00:37:57.460 --> 00:37:57.920 What is 00:37:57.920 --> 00:37:58.440 true of 00:37:58.440 --> 00:37:58.920 Christ 00:37:58.920 --> 00:37:59.840 is true 00:37:59.840 --> 00:38:00.360 of me. 00:38:00.920 --> 00:38:01.280 In 00:38:01.280 --> 00:38:01.940 times of 00:38:01.940 --> 00:38:02.400 struggling 00:38:02.400 --> 00:38:03.059 and suffering 00:38:03.059 --> 00:38:03.480 we can 00:38:03.480 --> 00:38:03.960 look back 00:38:03.960 --> 00:38:04.500 and remember 00:38:04.500 --> 00:38:05.400 just as 00:38:05.400 --> 00:38:05.740 Christ 00:38:05.740 --> 00:38:06.220 suffered, 00:38:07.099 --> 00:38:07.780 we too 00:38:07.780 --> 00:38:08.840 will suffer. 00:38:09.400 --> 00:38:09.960 Just as 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:10.599 Christ was 00:38:10.599 --> 00:38:11.139 raised, 00:38:11.740 --> 00:38:12.340 we too 00:38:12.340 --> 00:38:13.440 will rise. 00:38:13.740 --> 00:38:14.360 Just as 00:38:14.360 --> 00:38:15.139 Christ was 00:38:15.139 --> 00:38:15.780 vindicated, 00:38:16.119 --> 00:38:16.800 so we 00:38:16.800 --> 00:38:17.679 too will 00:38:17.679 --> 00:38:18.480 be vindicated. 00:38:18.820 --> 00:38:19.059 The 00:38:19.059 --> 00:38:19.659 victory 00:38:19.659 --> 00:38:20.539 that Christ 00:38:20.539 --> 00:38:21.319 enjoys 00:38:21.319 --> 00:38:22.059 today 00:38:22.059 --> 00:38:24.179 will be 00:38:24.179 --> 00:38:24.920 ours to 00:38:24.920 --> 00:38:25.500 enjoy 00:38:25.500 --> 00:38:26.420 forever. 00:38:30.420 --> 00:38:31.199 I don't 00:38:31.199 --> 00:38:32.319 know every 00:38:32.319 --> 00:38:32.960 circumstance 00:38:32.960 --> 00:38:33.579 where you 00:38:33.579 --> 00:38:33.879 will be 00:38:33.879 --> 00:38:34.500 this week, 00:38:35.000 --> 00:38:36.199 but as 00:38:36.199 --> 00:38:36.559 you 00:38:36.559 --> 00:38:37.619 go, 00:38:39.319 --> 00:38:39.960 bless 00:38:39.960 --> 00:38:40.819 those 00:38:40.819 --> 00:38:42.199 who may 00:38:42.199 --> 00:38:42.599 stand 00:38:42.599 --> 00:38:43.019 against 00:38:43.019 --> 00:38:43.339 you. 00:38:43.940 --> 00:38:44.579 The 00:38:44.579 --> 00:38:45.099 person who 00:38:45.099 --> 00:38:45.579 you find 00:38:45.579 --> 00:38:46.440 difficult to 00:38:46.440 --> 00:38:46.960 work with, 00:38:46.960 --> 00:38:47.659 the person 00:38:47.659 --> 00:38:48.000 who you 00:38:48.000 --> 00:38:48.480 find it 00:38:48.480 --> 00:38:49.019 hard to 00:38:49.019 --> 00:38:49.840 be a 00:38:49.840 --> 00:38:50.400 friend to, 00:38:51.480 --> 00:38:52.059 bless 00:38:52.059 --> 00:38:52.400 them. 00:38:54.240 --> 00:38:54.800 For 00:38:54.800 --> 00:38:55.460 those that 00:38:55.460 --> 00:38:55.760 may 00:38:55.760 --> 00:38:56.519 threaten 00:38:56.519 --> 00:38:56.780 you, 00:38:56.840 --> 00:38:57.220 those who 00:38:57.220 --> 00:38:57.880 may speak 00:38:57.880 --> 00:38:58.300 against 00:38:58.300 --> 00:38:58.639 you, 00:38:59.760 --> 00:39:00.559 speak hope 00:39:00.559 --> 00:39:00.920 to them. 00:39:01.820 --> 00:39:02.119 Speak 00:39:02.119 --> 00:39:03.000 speak about 00:39:03.000 --> 00:39:03.460 Jesus. 00:39:04.279 --> 00:39:05.179 Don't fear 00:39:05.179 --> 00:39:05.619 what they 00:39:05.619 --> 00:39:05.940 say. 00:39:06.339 --> 00:39:06.940 You have 00:39:06.940 --> 00:39:07.639 a blessing 00:39:07.639 --> 00:39:08.239 to come, 00:39:08.559 --> 00:39:09.239 an inheritance 00:39:09.239 --> 00:39:09.880 to come. 00:39:10.159 --> 00:39:10.559 You have 00:39:10.559 --> 00:39:12.359 everything to 00:39:12.359 --> 00:39:12.900 look forward 00:39:12.900 --> 00:39:13.239 to. 00:39:14.699 --> 00:39:15.420 And we 00:39:15.420 --> 00:39:16.039 can keep 00:39:16.039 --> 00:39:16.779 on doing 00:39:16.779 --> 00:39:17.839 it because 00:39:17.839 --> 00:39:19.259 we will be 00:39:19.259 --> 00:39:20.259 vindicated. 00:39:21.199 --> 00:39:21.739 We will 00:39:21.739 --> 00:39:22.739 share in 00:39:22.739 --> 00:39:23.339 the victory 00:39:23.339 --> 00:39:24.319 that Christ 00:39:24.319 --> 00:39:24.799 has. 00:39:27.000 --> 00:39:28.079 Look back 00:39:28.079 --> 00:39:28.679 and remember 00:39:28.679 --> 00:39:29.500 your baptism. 00:39:29.500 --> 00:39:31.019 remember 00:39:31.019 --> 00:39:31.599 that day. 00:39:32.800 --> 00:39:33.320 Feel it, 00:39:33.480 --> 00:39:34.000 picture it, 00:39:34.179 --> 00:39:34.840 think of it. 00:39:35.739 --> 00:39:36.260 I went 00:39:36.260 --> 00:39:36.659 down, 00:39:37.500 --> 00:39:38.260 I rose, 00:39:39.059 --> 00:39:39.780 I will be 00:39:39.780 --> 00:39:40.480 vindicated 00:39:40.480 --> 00:39:41.719 with Christ. 00:39:43.659 --> 00:39:44.579 Let's pray 00:39:44.579 --> 00:39:45.139 together. 00:39:59.500 --> 00:40:03.199 Father, 00:40:03.280 --> 00:40:03.900 we recognize 00:40:03.900 --> 00:40:05.480 that it's 00:40:05.480 --> 00:40:06.420 so easy 00:40:06.420 --> 00:40:08.380 to be a 00:40:08.380 --> 00:40:08.960 follower of 00:40:08.960 --> 00:40:10.079 Christ in 00:40:10.079 --> 00:40:10.980 this room, 00:40:11.219 --> 00:40:11.579 in this 00:40:11.579 --> 00:40:12.039 gathering. 00:40:12.619 --> 00:40:13.460 It's easy 00:40:13.460 --> 00:40:14.019 to sing 00:40:14.019 --> 00:40:15.360 songs about 00:40:15.360 --> 00:40:15.659 you. 00:40:16.579 --> 00:40:17.239 It's easy 00:40:17.239 --> 00:40:17.960 to declare, 00:40:18.460 --> 00:40:19.280 I believe 00:40:19.280 --> 00:40:20.199 in God 00:40:20.199 --> 00:40:20.760 the Father. 00:40:20.760 --> 00:40:21.760 God, 00:40:21.760 --> 00:40:24.940 we all 00:40:24.940 --> 00:40:25.480 fear 00:40:25.480 --> 00:40:26.500 leaving 00:40:26.500 --> 00:40:26.900 this 00:40:26.900 --> 00:40:27.360 building, 00:40:28.360 --> 00:40:29.620 going to 00:40:29.620 --> 00:40:29.900 work 00:40:29.900 --> 00:40:30.340 tomorrow, 00:40:30.500 --> 00:40:30.860 going to 00:40:30.860 --> 00:40:31.280 college, 00:40:31.420 --> 00:40:31.760 going to 00:40:31.760 --> 00:40:32.220 school, 00:40:32.520 --> 00:40:34.100 going into 00:40:34.100 --> 00:40:34.860 our families, 00:40:35.500 --> 00:40:37.400 what people 00:40:37.400 --> 00:40:37.900 will think, 00:40:38.020 --> 00:40:38.440 what people 00:40:38.440 --> 00:40:38.980 will say. 00:40:40.240 --> 00:40:40.780 Father, 00:40:40.880 --> 00:40:41.540 remind us 00:40:41.540 --> 00:40:41.880 today, 00:40:42.060 --> 00:40:42.560 fill us 00:40:42.560 --> 00:40:43.480 with the 00:40:43.480 --> 00:40:44.720 hope of 00:40:44.720 --> 00:40:45.740 that inheritance, 00:40:46.200 --> 00:40:46.920 that blessing, 00:40:46.920 --> 00:40:48.820 that we 00:40:48.820 --> 00:40:49.220 will not 00:40:49.220 --> 00:40:49.579 fear, 00:40:51.480 --> 00:40:52.059 but that we 00:40:52.059 --> 00:40:52.400 will be 00:40:52.400 --> 00:40:53.159 confident to 00:40:53.159 --> 00:40:53.840 speak out 00:40:53.840 --> 00:40:55.180 for Jesus, 00:40:57.000 --> 00:40:57.800 knowing 00:40:57.800 --> 00:40:59.840 that just 00:40:59.840 --> 00:41:00.960 as Christ 00:41:00.960 --> 00:41:02.420 suffered 00:41:02.420 --> 00:41:03.980 and now 00:41:03.980 --> 00:41:04.619 reigns, 00:41:04.900 --> 00:41:05.599 so we 00:41:05.599 --> 00:41:06.059 too will 00:41:06.059 --> 00:41:06.920 reign with 00:41:06.920 --> 00:41:07.240 him. 00:41:08.720 --> 00:41:09.599 We will 00:41:09.599 --> 00:41:10.420 be vindicated, 00:41:10.980 --> 00:41:11.960 the record 00:41:11.960 --> 00:41:12.599 will be set 00:41:12.599 --> 00:41:13.019 straight, 00:41:13.820 --> 00:41:14.340 we will 00:41:14.340 --> 00:41:15.320 receive glory 00:41:15.320 --> 00:41:16.619 and we 00:41:16.619 --> 00:41:16.920 will be 00:41:16.920 --> 00:41:17.460 with you. 00:41:18.460 --> 00:41:18.739 So, 00:41:18.839 --> 00:41:19.039 Father, 00:41:19.179 --> 00:41:19.759 fill us 00:41:19.759 --> 00:41:20.480 with that 00:41:20.480 --> 00:41:21.699 vision today. 00:41:22.139 --> 00:41:22.420 May it 00:41:22.420 --> 00:41:22.779 be the 00:41:22.779 --> 00:41:23.719 vision for 00:41:23.719 --> 00:41:24.239 our week, 00:41:24.960 --> 00:41:25.559 that as we 00:41:25.559 --> 00:41:26.339 go forward, 00:41:26.900 --> 00:41:27.400 we would 00:41:27.400 --> 00:41:28.359 live for 00:41:28.359 --> 00:41:28.659 you. 00:41:29.759 --> 00:41:30.380 Thank you 00:41:30.380 --> 00:41:30.859 that you 00:41:30.859 --> 00:41:31.679 are our 00:41:31.679 --> 00:41:32.500 saviour 00:41:32.500 --> 00:41:33.980 and ruler 00:41:33.980 --> 00:41:34.859 of the 00:41:34.859 --> 00:41:35.259 world. 00:41:36.400 --> 00:41:36.779 Amen.