WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:02.120 Please do have a seat. 00:00:03.820 --> 00:00:10.040 As a young boy growing up in Glasgow, going to the Boys Brigade, that was our song, Will 00:00:10.040 --> 00:00:10.720 Your Anchor Hold? 00:00:10.800 --> 00:00:12.400 What a joy it was to sing it again tonight. 00:00:12.480 --> 00:00:13.300 I haven't sung it in years. 00:00:13.919 --> 00:00:18.440 And it's a real joy just to know the truth of that song, day on day, singing it since 00:00:18.440 --> 00:00:19.019 I was six. 00:00:19.140 --> 00:00:20.620 Just brilliant to sing it again. 00:00:21.260 --> 00:00:26.199 I invite you, if you have your Bibles there, to turn to 2 Timothy chapter 3, and this is 00:00:26.199 --> 00:00:27.400 where we're going to be this evening. 00:00:27.399 --> 00:00:32.739 You should also have received a sermon outline when you came in, and that's hopefully going 00:00:32.739 --> 00:00:35.780 to be helpful in steering us this evening as to where we are going. 00:00:35.839 --> 00:00:39.780 If you didn't have one of them, then I'm sure if you put up your hand, then someone somewhere 00:00:39.780 --> 00:00:41.320 will get one to you. 00:00:41.879 --> 00:00:46.899 But why don't we pause this before we begin, and as we come to God's Word, let's still our 00:00:46.899 --> 00:00:49.519 hearts and let's pray together. 00:00:49.640 --> 00:00:51.399 This is an old Puritan prayer. 00:00:51.399 --> 00:01:00.019 Our Father in heaven, move now, we pray, on our disordered hearts. 00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:04.359 Lift the mists of darkness and unbelief. 00:01:05.319 --> 00:01:08.459 Brighten our souls with the pure light of truth. 00:01:08.459 --> 00:01:17.459 Take the things of Christ and show them to our souls, that we may learn more of his love, 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:22.780 his grace, compassion, faithfulness, and beauty. 00:01:24.379 --> 00:01:29.000 Our Father, would you hear our prayer now as we come to your Word, for we make this prayer 00:01:29.000 --> 00:01:30.659 in Jesus' precious name. 00:01:31.079 --> 00:01:31.500 Amen. 00:01:31.500 --> 00:01:37.180 So just to kick us off this evening, here's a pop quiz to make sure we're all on our toes. 00:01:38.400 --> 00:01:43.359 Question, what do the Scouts and the United States Coast Guard have in common? 00:01:44.079 --> 00:01:45.040 Don't all jump at once. 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:47.920 The Scouts and the United States Coast Guard. 00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:48.299 Anybody? 00:01:50.039 --> 00:01:53.859 Oh, oh, I thought nobody was getting that. 00:01:54.420 --> 00:01:55.159 Their mottos. 00:01:56.599 --> 00:01:57.920 Their mottos, be prepared. 00:01:57.920 --> 00:02:02.700 Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouts, says this, 00:02:03.140 --> 00:02:03.760 Be prepared. 00:02:04.960 --> 00:02:10.180 It means that you are always in a state of readiness in your mind and body to do your duty. 00:02:10.680 --> 00:02:11.580 So it means to be a scout. 00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:14.199 United States Coast Guard. 00:02:14.699 --> 00:02:18.879 We exist to protect the personal safety and security of our people. 00:02:19.420 --> 00:02:19.960 Be prepared. 00:02:21.020 --> 00:02:23.819 What do they both seek to promote in their members? 00:02:24.240 --> 00:02:27.000 They seek to promote that sense of readiness. 00:02:27.919 --> 00:02:30.979 And since we're talking of mottos, let's put it into Latin. 00:02:31.839 --> 00:02:33.359 Latin for be prepared. 00:02:34.539 --> 00:02:34.919 Alistair? 00:02:36.539 --> 00:02:37.019 Oh. 00:02:38.759 --> 00:02:39.199 Paratus. 00:02:39.699 --> 00:02:40.979 He said it so much better than me. 00:02:41.519 --> 00:02:41.939 Paratus. 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:42.839 That's the Latin word. 00:02:42.979 --> 00:02:44.579 Scouts' motto, paratus. 00:02:45.319 --> 00:02:48.719 United States Coast Guard's motto, semper paratus. 00:02:48.939 --> 00:02:50.879 Always be prepared. 00:02:51.659 --> 00:02:54.319 Now, what on earth has that got to do with 2 Timothy chapter 3? 00:02:54.319 --> 00:02:56.599 Well, here's what I want us to understand this evening. 00:02:56.599 --> 00:03:04.620 Is that if you had to put a strapline motto to chapter 3 of 2 Timothy, it would be semper paratus. 00:03:05.919 --> 00:03:08.219 Always be prepared. 00:03:09.299 --> 00:03:13.259 That is Paul's rallying cry and call here to Timothy. 00:03:13.519 --> 00:03:16.459 Now, we've met this man, this young man, over the past few weeks. 00:03:16.460 --> 00:03:22.300 This man, Timothy, who has been left to lead this church in Ephesus. 00:03:23.200 --> 00:03:24.480 And how's it going? 00:03:24.780 --> 00:03:27.740 Well, if truth be told, it's really, really hard. 00:03:28.620 --> 00:03:29.640 Really hard. 00:03:30.480 --> 00:03:32.300 What was it that Coldplay sang? 00:03:33.060 --> 00:03:34.560 Nobody said it was going to be easy. 00:03:35.580 --> 00:03:37.180 Nobody said it was going to be this hard. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:39.140 That's Timothy's song in Ephesus. 00:03:39.139 --> 00:03:43.339 Here's a gospel worker who's probably a little bit shaken. 00:03:44.419 --> 00:03:49.479 Here's a close companion of Paul's who's fatigued and he's perplexed. 00:03:50.479 --> 00:04:02.079 Here is a beloved brother of Paul's who is most likely drifting and doubting the very gospel message that he is supposed to be teaching and proclaiming to this church. 00:04:02.080 --> 00:04:15.100 And could it even be that Timothy is tempted even to give up on this church that he is supposed to be leading or certainly change the direction of where the church is going and what it believes in? 00:04:15.800 --> 00:04:16.300 And why? 00:04:16.939 --> 00:04:22.400 Because things have got really, really tough in Ephesus evangelical church. 00:04:23.319 --> 00:04:24.900 Now, I was thinking on it this week. 00:04:25.980 --> 00:04:26.520 You're Paul. 00:04:28.040 --> 00:04:28.759 You're Paul. 00:04:29.560 --> 00:04:31.160 You're writing to this guy, Timothy. 00:04:32.079 --> 00:04:36.019 What do you say to him to keep him in the game? 00:04:37.039 --> 00:04:41.899 What do you write to him, a young man that is considering giving up? 00:04:42.399 --> 00:04:50.299 How do you convince him to keep running for something that is unimpressive and seemingly very unrewarding? 00:04:50.419 --> 00:04:51.399 What do you say to him? 00:04:54.019 --> 00:04:56.959 Well, maybe you pitch up to Timothy and you say, 00:04:56.959 --> 00:05:01.159 Timothy, remember, it's a bit like two pairs of footprints in the sand going along the seashore. 00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:11.019 Timothy, I know you don't see it and you don't feel it, but there's only one pair of footprints in the sand, but that doesn't mean God's left you. 00:05:11.060 --> 00:05:12.459 It just means God's carrying you. 00:05:12.959 --> 00:05:14.000 Do you feel better, Timothy? 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:16.479 No, not really. 00:05:16.480 --> 00:05:20.420 Maybe you could go for Timothy. 00:05:20.620 --> 00:05:21.420 What about God? 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:22.819 We know the way he acts. 00:05:22.860 --> 00:05:25.660 He doesn't close a door without opening a window. 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:27.000 Does that make you feel better, Timothy? 00:05:28.060 --> 00:05:28.900 No, it doesn't. 00:05:29.939 --> 00:05:33.960 What do you say to Timothy to keep him going in this race? 00:05:34.040 --> 00:05:36.400 Do you see how Christian cliches will not do? 00:05:36.399 --> 00:05:39.179 That's not going to keep him running. 00:05:39.579 --> 00:05:40.659 What does Paul say? 00:05:41.079 --> 00:05:46.139 He says it's going to be tough, Timothy, and don't let that surprise you. 00:05:46.279 --> 00:05:48.060 Semper paratus, Timothy. 00:05:48.919 --> 00:05:49.899 Semper paratus. 00:05:50.000 --> 00:05:50.579 Be prepared. 00:05:52.299 --> 00:05:58.939 Now, as we come to read chapter three now, be looking for those two aspects of preparation. 00:05:59.699 --> 00:06:01.819 There's a defense and there's an offense. 00:06:01.980 --> 00:06:02.939 You can tell I love sports. 00:06:03.079 --> 00:06:04.719 There's a defense and there's an offense. 00:06:05.040 --> 00:06:10.379 Paul is telling Timothy what to expect and he's telling him how to equip himself. 00:06:10.599 --> 00:06:12.759 What to expect and how to be equipped. 00:06:12.920 --> 00:06:15.699 So, if you've got it later, let's read now chapter three. 00:06:17.639 --> 00:06:19.480 And this is what Paul writes to Timothy. 00:06:21.139 --> 00:06:22.480 But mark this. 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:27.439 There will be terrible times in the last days. 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:56.339 Having a form of godliness but denying its power. 00:06:56.339 --> 00:07:00.219 Have nothing to do with such people. 00:07:01.319 --> 00:07:05.639 They are the kinds who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women. 00:07:05.859 --> 00:07:11.039 Who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires. 00:07:11.359 --> 00:07:14.379 Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 00:07:15.699 --> 00:07:18.359 Just as Janice and Jambres oppose Moses. 00:07:18.799 --> 00:07:21.239 So, also these teachers oppose the truth. 00:07:21.239 --> 00:07:26.279 They are men of depraved minds who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 00:07:26.339 --> 00:07:34.679 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:48.660 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings. 00:07:49.199 --> 00:07:52.780 What kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. 00:07:52.899 --> 00:07:54.819 The persecutions I endured. 00:07:55.819 --> 00:07:58.819 Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 00:07:58.819 --> 00:08:04.099 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:08:04.759 --> 00:08:09.620 While evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 00:08:10.719 --> 00:08:15.019 But as for you, continue in what you have learned. 00:08:16.079 --> 00:08:17.620 And have become convinced of. 00:08:18.420 --> 00:08:21.819 Because you know those from whom you learned it. 00:08:21.819 --> 00:08:25.360 And how from infancy you have known the holy scriptures. 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:30.459 Which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:34.279 All scripture is God-breathed. 00:08:34.860 --> 00:08:41.019 And is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:47.659 So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 00:08:48.759 --> 00:08:49.120 Amen. 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:50.899 This is God's word to us this evening. 00:08:52.299 --> 00:08:53.500 Semper paratus, Timothy. 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:54.159 Did you see it? 00:08:55.980 --> 00:09:00.279 Firstly, verses 1 to 9, Paul tells Timothy what he is to expect. 00:09:01.340 --> 00:09:04.100 First words of chapter 3, verse 1. 00:09:04.820 --> 00:09:05.960 Mark this. 00:09:07.100 --> 00:09:09.299 Or understand this. 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:13.860 I remember as a young lawyer straight out of university. 00:09:14.759 --> 00:09:17.259 My first job I ever got when I used to read contracts. 00:09:17.259 --> 00:09:18.340 That's what I used to do. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:21.480 My zeal as I was reading these contracts through. 00:09:21.820 --> 00:09:24.039 I would come to a bit that was really, really important. 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:25.840 And I would mark it. 00:09:26.340 --> 00:09:27.480 I would underline it. 00:09:27.560 --> 00:09:28.419 I would highlight it. 00:09:28.460 --> 00:09:29.580 I would get a post-it note out. 00:09:29.620 --> 00:09:30.580 And I would flag it. 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:31.360 Why? 00:09:31.700 --> 00:09:34.740 Because that was really important to understand and get. 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:39.620 Paul says, Timothy, get your highlighters out. 00:09:40.340 --> 00:09:41.279 And get your red pen. 00:09:41.379 --> 00:09:42.080 Get your flags. 00:09:42.240 --> 00:09:43.879 Get whatever it is that you do, Timothy. 00:09:43.980 --> 00:09:45.000 And mark this. 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:53.100 Get this impressed into your brain that it's going to be tough for the gospel worker and for any Christian. 00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:54.960 And why? 00:09:55.899 --> 00:09:58.740 Because we live in the last days. 00:09:58.740 --> 00:10:00.919 See what he writes there? 00:10:00.980 --> 00:10:01.659 The last days. 00:10:01.740 --> 00:10:07.080 The days between the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ and his return in glory. 00:10:07.960 --> 00:10:13.799 And in this time, the gospel message of the risen Jesus is going forth to all nations and all peoples. 00:10:13.940 --> 00:10:20.879 God is saving people to himself and giving life to men and women the world over through this message of the risen Christ. 00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:23.779 This is the age of the gospel. 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:27.700 And these days are the last days. 00:10:27.799 --> 00:10:30.080 I think that's exactly what Paul means by that phrase. 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:33.820 And in those last days, what can we expect? 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:36.039 What's the word he uses there? 00:10:36.460 --> 00:10:36.860 Difficulty. 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:41.720 And difficult days call for clued up Christians. 00:10:41.720 --> 00:10:44.920 So be expectant, Timothy. 00:10:45.019 --> 00:10:46.080 This is going to be difficult. 00:10:47.259 --> 00:10:48.920 Now, how is he to be expectant? 00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:53.279 Well, firstly, verses 2 to 5, Timothy has to be prepared for the fake. 00:10:55.019 --> 00:10:57.620 And you'll notice there that Paul lists 19. 00:10:57.700 --> 00:11:01.720 I think I counted 19 characteristics that will mark people in the last days. 00:11:01.800 --> 00:11:04.300 Just scan your eyes over them there from verses 2 to 5. 00:11:06.019 --> 00:11:06.920 First impressions? 00:11:09.240 --> 00:11:10.360 Quite strong, aren't they? 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:12.919 Very strong, in fact. 00:11:14.019 --> 00:11:15.200 Very ugly descriptions. 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:17.899 I wouldn't want to be described as any of those things. 00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:20.899 Now, we don't have time to look at them in detail. 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:25.180 But let me just draw your attention just to one word that's repeated there again and again. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.220 And it's the word love. 00:11:27.820 --> 00:11:33.259 In the last days, Paul writes, people will love who themselves rather than God. 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:36.680 Misplaced and idolatrous loves. 00:11:36.680 --> 00:11:38.940 That's the thing that's going to mark people in the last days. 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:45.060 But the really surprising thing to see in these verses is who Paul has got in mind. 00:11:45.159 --> 00:11:46.159 Who is he thinking about? 00:11:47.300 --> 00:11:50.840 Because this isn't the people in the world that Paul is thinking about. 00:11:51.399 --> 00:11:54.919 I don't think Paul would have to warn Timothy about people who are acting like this in the world. 00:11:56.500 --> 00:12:00.539 This is the people who are in the church that Paul is talking about here. 00:12:01.200 --> 00:12:01.960 Do you see that? 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:03.340 This isn't them out there. 00:12:03.340 --> 00:12:05.440 This is them in here. 00:12:06.540 --> 00:12:07.740 Now, where did I get that from? 00:12:07.780 --> 00:12:08.800 Well, look at verse 5. 00:12:08.879 --> 00:12:10.080 What is it about these people? 00:12:11.580 --> 00:12:13.220 They have a form of godliness. 00:12:14.320 --> 00:12:16.019 They look like the real deal. 00:12:16.080 --> 00:12:21.120 But if you peel back the skin, Timothy, they're just like everyone else in the world. 00:12:21.660 --> 00:12:23.300 They value the same things. 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:25.360 They love the same things. 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:27.120 They desire the same things. 00:12:27.200 --> 00:12:28.440 They chase the same things. 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:30.240 They teach the same things. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:33.980 And how is Timothy to identify them? 00:12:34.840 --> 00:12:35.500 I'll tell you what. 00:12:35.520 --> 00:12:40.440 It would be really easy if somebody walked into church with a big medallion F around their neck, wouldn't it, for a false teacher? 00:12:41.140 --> 00:12:45.940 It would be really easy to identify people who are spinning the gospel and making it something else. 00:12:45.960 --> 00:12:46.980 But that's not how it works. 00:12:47.940 --> 00:12:53.140 Timothy, you're not going to be able to point them out and recognize them by what they're wearing. 00:12:53.139 --> 00:13:01.539 But by thinking and listening, thinking about and listening to what they say about the gospel message that I've passed on to you. 00:13:02.699 --> 00:13:07.139 What are these fakes doing, says Paul, where they're denying its, that's the message, the gospel message. 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:09.080 They're denying its power. 00:13:10.199 --> 00:13:11.019 So what do you use this there? 00:13:11.039 --> 00:13:11.659 Isn't it power? 00:13:12.659 --> 00:13:14.080 Now, what is the logic there? 00:13:15.319 --> 00:13:19.500 Well, the logic all the way through this letter so far, we've seen this connection all the way through, 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:25.639 is that a suffering servant and a free gospel go hand in hand all the way through this letter. 00:13:25.940 --> 00:13:28.500 Suffering for the gospel and a free gospel. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:33.879 So you preach this message, Timothy, and if you do it faithfully, this will get you in trouble. 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:37.320 And probably like me, you'll go to prison. 00:13:37.580 --> 00:13:43.279 But the power will be out there because the gospel message, you haven't tainted it, you've passed it on and it's free. 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:45.220 And the power is in the gospel message. 00:13:45.220 --> 00:13:51.980 But if you don't preach the gospel, and if you give people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear, 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:54.820 well, you can expect to be lauded and praised. 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:58.720 Even perhaps have your agent on the phone for a new book deal. 00:14:00.040 --> 00:14:04.019 But you'll have robbed the gospel message of all its power. 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:06.100 It will be powerless to save. 00:14:07.160 --> 00:14:08.660 So what are these fakes doing? 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:11.700 They're saying no to prison and suffering. 00:14:11.700 --> 00:14:14.040 And they're saying yes to book deal. 00:14:15.140 --> 00:14:16.160 So what they're doing? 00:14:16.540 --> 00:14:19.400 Saying no to Paul's message and saying yes to themselves. 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:22.060 They're denying the message of its power. 00:14:22.520 --> 00:14:27.320 And this will happen in the last days, Timothy, and it will happen in the church. 00:14:27.940 --> 00:14:31.879 It will happen from those who are supposedly meant to be on your team. 00:14:32.680 --> 00:14:33.920 Semper paratus, Timothy. 00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:35.220 Semper paratus. 00:14:35.220 --> 00:14:40.040 And because of the existence of these fakes, secondly, see it verses 6 to 8. 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:42.360 Timothy is to be primed for opposition. 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:44.040 Look at verse 8. 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:45.120 Who does he mention there? 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:48.100 Janus and Jambres. 00:14:48.940 --> 00:14:49.540 Now, who are they? 00:14:50.560 --> 00:14:55.160 Well, they're widely understood to be the names of two of Pharaoh's magicians in the Exodus story. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:57.580 Exodus chapter 7, if you want to check it out later. 00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:59.980 Now, what happens in that story? 00:14:59.980 --> 00:15:04.800 Well, God tells Moses and Aaron to perform a miracle in front of Pharaoh. 00:15:05.560 --> 00:15:09.740 To demonstrate to Pharaoh the truth of the God who he is defying and denying. 00:15:10.300 --> 00:15:11.279 Now, what is the miracle? 00:15:11.420 --> 00:15:15.259 Well, Moses and Aaron go to him and they throw down their staff. 00:15:16.440 --> 00:15:17.259 What happens? 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:18.840 Serpent. 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:20.399 Turns into a snake. 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:23.539 Now, what do Pharaoh's magicians do? 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:27.159 The magicians that he tells to do the same. 00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:27.740 What do they do? 00:15:27.820 --> 00:15:29.060 Exactly the same trick. 00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:32.600 Now, what does Pharaoh think to himself at that point? 00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:40.279 Well, if my guys can do it as well, then your trick, Moses and Aaron, it really isn't that special after all. 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:43.240 So, see what's going on there, Janus and Jambres? 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:46.360 They oppose God's truth by pretending to be the same thing. 00:15:46.680 --> 00:15:50.840 And in so doing, they lead people away from looking at God's truth. 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:56.159 I think that's a comparison that Paul makes between them and these false teachers in Ephesus. 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:59.080 But it's really interesting, isn't it? 00:15:59.080 --> 00:16:05.480 If you know that story in Exodus, why does Paul pick Janus and Jambres there to make that point? 00:16:06.440 --> 00:16:07.400 Really interesting. 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:17.200 Why, if you just went on a little bit further in that Exodus story, why wouldn't you pick Miriam and Aaron who oppose Moses a little bit further on in that story? 00:16:17.200 --> 00:16:24.660 Well, I think there's two reasons why he mentions them in connection with the false teachers in this church. 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:25.680 There's Janus and Jambres. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:32.259 It's firstly, and quite simply, to help Timothy understand the side the false teachers are really on. 00:16:32.859 --> 00:16:34.899 It's the same side as Janus and Jambres. 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:36.139 They're not in your team, Timothy. 00:16:36.279 --> 00:16:37.120 They're in the other team. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.299 They're opposing God. 00:16:38.299 --> 00:16:48.519 But secondly, and I think this is where it is really encouraging for us, and it would have been really encouraging for Timothy, is in relation to what he says at verse 9, if you've got it there. 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:53.500 Ultimately, they will be exposed. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:55.679 What happens in the story? 00:16:55.779 --> 00:16:57.399 Moses throws down a snake. 00:16:58.439 --> 00:17:01.139 The magicians, Janus and Jambres, they throw down their snake. 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:01.960 Is that a draw? 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:03.759 Is it a draw? 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:05.259 No, it's not. 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:07.019 Who eats who? 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:11.220 Moses' snake eats up the magician's snake. 00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:15.039 God's truth eats up the truth that opposes him. 00:17:15.839 --> 00:17:18.200 And God has the victory in the end. 00:17:18.359 --> 00:17:19.839 Timothy, it's the same for you. 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:25.579 We don't know when the victory is going to come, but we know, and you can be guaranteed, that it will. 00:17:26.839 --> 00:17:33.259 And in the end, God's truth, the gospel truth, is going to swallow up the facade that these guys are trying to spin. 00:17:34.879 --> 00:17:42.859 Is that not a great comfort, brothers and sisters, when we live our lives in this world, and sometimes it doesn't feel like God's winning? 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:44.079 Right? 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:50.460 What a wonderful truth there, that his truth is going to ultimately prevail. 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:54.159 Timothy, don't you dare shift from this gospel message. 00:17:55.119 --> 00:17:56.379 Semper paratus, Timothy. 00:17:56.940 --> 00:17:57.839 Semper paratus. 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:05.659 Now, let's take a step back and catch our breath for a few moments there, because we've rattled through that first section. 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:08.879 I wonder how it makes you feel, reading all that. 00:18:09.859 --> 00:18:10.879 Does it make you scared? 00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:13.380 Does it cause you to doubt? 00:18:14.100 --> 00:18:15.880 Does it even cause you to be a little bit worried? 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:16.940 All this stuff. 00:18:17.900 --> 00:18:18.900 How should we feel? 00:18:18.900 --> 00:18:24.680 Well, I remember when I was on paternity leave last August. 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:28.560 Two weeks of my life where I was all over the place. 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:31.899 And my friend from down south is a good friend. 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:36.099 He called me up and he said he was going to send me up two books to read during my paternity leave. 00:18:36.099 --> 00:18:37.039 And I thought, what a friend. 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.179 What a guy. 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:42.720 And so knowing him and knowing that he loves books and knowing that I love books, I'm a bit of a book geek. 00:18:42.860 --> 00:18:45.200 I relish the thought of this package coming. 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:48.480 So the postman comes and I run out to get it. 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:49.600 I actually did run out to get it. 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:52.860 Run out to get it and I grabbed it off him and I ripped this open. 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:54.380 And what did I find in the books? 00:18:54.480 --> 00:18:55.539 One was a Christian book. 00:18:55.900 --> 00:18:56.259 Fantastic. 00:18:56.440 --> 00:18:59.519 The other one, and I meant to bring it this evening and I forgot it. 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:01.420 The Diary of a Desperate Dad. 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:06.519 One Man's Guide to Family Life from Zero to Five. 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:08.619 Diary of a Desperate Dad. 00:19:08.680 --> 00:19:09.480 And I thought, cheers mate. 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.200 Thanks for that. 00:19:11.980 --> 00:19:13.240 Do you think that helped me at all? 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:15.920 Absolutely it helped me. 00:19:16.879 --> 00:19:18.299 And do you know why it helped me? 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:23.000 Because he had a kid a year ago and he knew what it was like. 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:29.160 What a comfort that book was when I was sitting there feeling exhausted in my house. 00:19:29.579 --> 00:19:31.759 When I found myself getting irritated. 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:37.000 When I found myself being grumpy with my wife because neither of us had slept at all. 00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:40.279 And in my head I'm thinking to myself, is this normal? 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:43.960 Is this, is the problem with me? 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:47.579 Dare I say, keep it quiet, is the problem with my wife? 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.559 What is going on here? 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:50.519 Is this normal? 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:53.420 And I open this book and what does it say? 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:55.119 Absolutely normal. 00:19:55.119 --> 00:19:57.079 To be expected. 00:19:58.079 --> 00:20:01.939 So reassuring as a new parent who didn't have a clue about what I was doing. 00:20:03.399 --> 00:20:10.919 Is there not immense comfort to be told that when you're finding something really hard that it's normal? 00:20:13.159 --> 00:20:15.459 I think that's Paul's aim in these verses here. 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:22.519 Timothy, what you're experiencing and seeing right in front of your eyes, completely normal and to be expected. 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:32.160 You know, I wonder whether some of us here need to be reminded that it is normal to find it tough to live for Jesus Christ. 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:38.220 Being laughed at when you speak up for him, your colleagues at work. 00:20:38.220 --> 00:20:44.920 Being laughed at, those puzzled expressions when you tell people what you did yesterday on your weekend. 00:20:45.819 --> 00:20:49.440 The family members who won't speak to you because of what you believe in. 00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:51.079 All these things. 00:20:51.140 --> 00:20:54.019 This is not hard sometimes to follow Jesus Christ. 00:20:55.339 --> 00:21:00.660 And going with the flow of the immediate context here, the times when the people that we love in the church, 00:21:01.319 --> 00:21:06.059 when they walk away and when they deny the very message that we love. 00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:07.579 Really tough. 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:12.319 But hear the reassurance of these verses here from Paul to Timothy. 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:14.940 Timothy, it is really normal. 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:17.460 Semper paratus, Timothy. 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:18.539 Semper paratus. 00:21:19.880 --> 00:21:20.640 Be prepared. 00:21:21.600 --> 00:21:22.860 Be expectant. 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:26.920 Be prepared for the fakes and be primed for the opposition. 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:32.019 Now that's the defense side of his preparation. 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:33.860 Let's turn to consider the offense. 00:21:34.860 --> 00:21:36.600 Secondly, verses 10 to 17. 00:21:36.599 --> 00:21:40.199 You can see Paul tell Timothy how he is to be equipped. 00:21:41.699 --> 00:21:43.259 Firstly, verses 10 to 13. 00:21:43.579 --> 00:21:46.779 Timothy is to be clear on the pattern of ministry. 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.819 The pattern of ministry. 00:21:49.559 --> 00:21:53.219 So Paul's already identified the false patterns of ministry that are out there. 00:21:53.220 --> 00:21:59.200 And he holds himself out as the one who Timothy has to follow. 00:21:59.319 --> 00:22:00.400 And he reminds Timothy. 00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:01.180 Do you see this? 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:04.440 Of the gospel trail that he himself has blazed. 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:09.000 Now if you've got it in front of you there, notice the frequent use of the word my. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:13.519 Paul's drawing attention to the way that he did it. 00:22:14.599 --> 00:22:16.359 So he reminds Timothy of what he did. 00:22:16.440 --> 00:22:17.059 Look what he writes. 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.039 My teaching. 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:18.640 Do you see it? 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.480 My teaching. 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:21.220 My way of life. 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:22.859 My purpose. 00:22:24.119 --> 00:22:26.980 And he reminds Timothy of what happened to him as a result of that. 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:28.359 The persecutions. 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:29.599 Notice the plural there. 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:33.279 That happened to him in Antioch, Lystra and Iconum. 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:37.240 The things that I endured, Timothy, in those places. 00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:38.779 Now why does he mention places there? 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:44.259 Well could it be that Timothy knows exactly what happened to Paul in those places? 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:46.859 Maybe he even saw what happened to Paul in those places. 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:50.680 Now why does Paul remind Timothy of these things? 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:54.000 Because Timothy, this is the pattern that you need to follow. 00:22:55.639 --> 00:22:59.200 The fakes in this church, they're denying that suffering and the gospel go together. 00:22:59.319 --> 00:23:00.579 They're saying that doesn't work. 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:01.599 That doesn't equate. 00:23:01.599 --> 00:23:03.659 What does Paul say to Timothy? 00:23:03.859 --> 00:23:05.219 Don't be lured in by that. 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:06.799 Follow me. 00:23:07.399 --> 00:23:08.559 Don't follow the fake. 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:12.799 Timothy, you've got to be clear on the pattern of gospel ministry. 00:23:13.399 --> 00:23:15.179 It is cross-shaped. 00:23:16.879 --> 00:23:18.980 In fact, here's something you can be sure of. 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:20.919 Here's something you can bet your bottom dollar on. 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:21.619 Verse 12. 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:29.719 That everyone who wants to live a God-honoring, gospel-loving, Jesus-preaching life will get it tough. 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:33.359 Semper paratis, Timothy. 00:23:34.359 --> 00:23:35.500 Be prepared. 00:23:37.099 --> 00:23:43.139 And secondly, see how Paul tells Timothy how he is to equip himself, verses 14 to 16. 00:23:43.799 --> 00:23:46.059 How is Timothy to equip himself? 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:50.759 Paul wants Timothy to be confident in the scriptures. 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:55.900 Now, why might Paul be reminding Timothy of that? 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:59.059 It's not rocket science, is it? 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:05.839 Timothy has lost probably his confidence in the scriptures. 00:24:06.160 --> 00:24:07.079 Now, how does that work? 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:09.179 Well, picture the scene. 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:11.000 You're a farmer. 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:13.359 Your dad was a farmer. 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:14.539 His dad was a farmer. 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:18.480 Now, you're the one carrying on the family farm and the family business. 00:24:18.619 --> 00:24:21.579 Now, what did those generations before leave you? 00:24:21.659 --> 00:24:23.859 They left you years of how to do farming. 00:24:25.439 --> 00:24:31.679 Suddenly, a co-worker of yours, he leaves and he crops up next door, pun very much intended. 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:37.880 With his newfound techniques, his newfound pesticides, his machinery. 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:43.060 And he seems to be getting results a lot quicker than you are. 00:24:43.420 --> 00:24:47.380 And he seems to be doing it with a fraction of the effort that you seem to be putting in. 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:51.060 What would happen to you as a farmer before long? 00:24:52.560 --> 00:24:54.480 Well, you begin to look over the fence, wouldn't you? 00:24:54.880 --> 00:24:57.720 At the grass that probably is greener on the other side. 00:24:57.720 --> 00:25:03.319 And you begin to think to yourself, is the way that I learned it, is that really it? 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:08.680 The way that I've been told to equip myself, is that adequate still? 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:15.400 Maybe I'll ditch the ways that I've been taught all these years and I'll go with the thing that seems to be getting better results. 00:25:15.400 --> 00:25:29.080 You see, I think that's what Timothy is experiencing in Ephesus as he looks at the ways and the models of ministry that these false teachers are teaching in the church. 00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:33.019 But what we need to understand, and where that illustration probably breaks down, 00:25:33.120 --> 00:25:37.380 that this isn't just about getting a better result and doing the same things. 00:25:37.400 --> 00:25:39.400 This is a complete denial of the gospel message. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.840 What does Paul do? 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:45.459 He says, Timothy, you know the message that you learn. 00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:46.579 You know the message. 00:25:47.419 --> 00:25:51.459 And you know the character of those from whom you learned the message, 00:25:51.459 --> 00:25:54.220 which only goes to validate the truth of the message. 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:57.199 Really interesting aside there, isn't it? 00:25:57.259 --> 00:26:00.019 Do our actions and our words, do they match up? 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:01.439 That's what Paul's appealing to there. 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:04.639 Really interesting as we seek to pass on this message to others. 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:09.720 But Timothy, you need to get your confidence back in the scriptures. 00:26:09.859 --> 00:26:10.720 This is what he's saying. 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:13.720 And I look at some of the words that Paul is using there. 00:26:14.579 --> 00:26:17.420 What does Timothy have in the scriptures? 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:19.900 What does Paul write? 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:23.839 He says, you've got something that makes you wise for salvation. 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:29.039 You've got something that tells you the truth about Jesus Christ. 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:34.860 You've got something that is God-breathed, that is from the very mouth of God. 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:37.859 You've got something that is useful. 00:26:37.859 --> 00:26:38.479 You've got something that is useful. 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.219 Useful for what? 00:26:40.459 --> 00:26:47.119 Useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and training in righteousness. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:50.859 Timothy, what you have is something that is going to thoroughly equip. 00:26:51.559 --> 00:26:53.000 Do you notice those words he uses at the end? 00:26:53.179 --> 00:26:56.599 Thoroughly equip you for a life of ministry. 00:26:56.759 --> 00:27:01.539 Timothy, what other book is there that is making these kind of claims? 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:07.440 The Bible isn't a tool you might find useful now and again. 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:13.639 The Bible is the tool that you need as you live your life for God's glory in Ephesus. 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:17.960 Timothy, you need to arm yourself with the scriptures. 00:27:18.399 --> 00:27:21.240 You need to make yourself of the scriptures. 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:24.779 You need to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. 00:27:25.019 --> 00:27:27.160 You need to give yourself to the scriptures. 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:34.620 Do that, Timothy, and you will be thoroughly equipped for the task ahead of you. 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:42.000 How are you going to defend yourself and Ephesus evangelical church from false teaching? 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:47.720 Well, by knowing what God has said and what he has not said. 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:54.299 How are you going to be able to grow more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ? 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:59.519 Well, by knowing what he is like and what he is not like. 00:27:59.600 --> 00:28:00.799 Do you see what Paul is saying here? 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:06.779 Timothy, you need to get your confidence back in the scriptures that are in your hands. 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:11.420 And the obvious application for us. 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:18.099 Do some of us here this evening need to get our confidence back in the scriptures? 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:25.799 Do some of us need to get our confidence back in the origin of scriptures? 00:28:26.599 --> 00:28:28.099 Scripture, sorry, I keep putting the plural. 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:28.740 Scripture. 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:32.720 As C.S. Lewis once remarked, this is no ordinary book. 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:36.400 The author of this book is not Hans Christian Andersen. 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:38.180 This is not fables and fairy tales. 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:40.579 This is God's word. 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:42.720 This is God breathed. 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:44.640 That's its origin. 00:28:45.839 --> 00:28:50.860 Do some of us need to get our confidence back in the sufficiency of scripture? 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:55.940 That this is all we need to tell us who God is and what he's about. 00:28:56.600 --> 00:29:00.880 To tell us the true state of who we are and the true state of our hearts. 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:08.420 And to tell us about Jesus, the Savior, what he has done, what he is doing and what he will do. 00:29:10.320 --> 00:29:17.020 And about what is ahead, both for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ and for those who don't love him. 00:29:19.040 --> 00:29:24.660 And as God's people, his word tells us how we can live a life of worship to his glory. 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:28.140 Are we confident this evening in the scriptures? 00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:34.040 Maybe some of us here are thinking, I really want to have that confidence in the scriptures. 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:36.240 But how do I get that confidence in the scriptures? 00:29:38.140 --> 00:29:41.240 Well, read your Bible and pray every day. 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:44.259 And you'll grow, grow, grow. 00:29:44.800 --> 00:29:46.680 Now that's not in scripture, okay? 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:49.700 That's just decent advice that we learned when we were young. 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:54.960 Wouldn't that be a great prayer for some of us to pray, for all of us to pray this week? 00:29:55.799 --> 00:29:59.740 Lord, help me love your word more. 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:01.880 Help me love it more. 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:03.680 Help me to get it into my head more. 00:30:03.819 --> 00:30:06.900 Write it on my heart more so that I would breathe it more. 00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:09.840 Now that's not my original idea. 00:30:09.960 --> 00:30:12.160 That is Mr. Psalm 119. 00:30:13.340 --> 00:30:15.640 What does the psalmist pray? 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:20.820 He prays, open my eyes that I would behold wondrous things in your law. 00:30:22.280 --> 00:30:23.120 What's he praying? 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:25.420 He's saying, Lord, help me love your word. 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:28.800 Help me love your word because I know I need your words. 00:30:29.380 --> 00:30:31.620 Because it's a lamp unto my feet. 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:34.620 And it's a light unto my path. 00:30:35.259 --> 00:30:39.480 Because in this dark world, your word is the truth and the light. 00:30:39.640 --> 00:30:40.640 Help me walk in it. 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:45.100 That may be a great thing for some of us to do this week. 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:47.779 Do we need to camp out in Psalm 119? 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:51.519 Pray and read. 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:55.679 And it's interesting, I just find that as I go on in the Christian life. 00:30:56.359 --> 00:31:02.859 I find that my love for God and my reading of his word, they kind of go hand in hand. 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:07.359 That as I read more of his word, as I immerse myself in it, my love for him grows. 00:31:07.459 --> 00:31:08.639 It's a wonderful circle. 00:31:09.339 --> 00:31:12.059 As my love for him grows, I want to read his word more. 00:31:12.139 --> 00:31:14.359 And as I read his word more, I seem to love him more. 00:31:14.359 --> 00:31:15.479 It's a wonderful circle. 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:18.879 And I need to be, this is what I want. 00:31:18.939 --> 00:31:21.659 I want to be filling my head and my heart with God's truth. 00:31:22.319 --> 00:31:26.479 Because that is going to equip me to live wisely in this world. 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:31.159 Because I'm surrounded with so many competing voices that are telling me what to believe. 00:31:31.160 --> 00:31:36.360 Timothy, get your confidence back in the scriptures. 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.240 Theologian J.I. 00:31:39.300 --> 00:31:40.440 Parker, he says this. 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:48.600 If I were the devil, one of my first aims would be to stop folk from reading the Bible. 00:31:48.599 --> 00:31:58.159 Famous evangelist Vance Havner said that a Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't. 00:31:59.959 --> 00:32:03.399 Timothy, you need to get your confidence back in the scriptures. 00:32:03.400 --> 00:32:07.920 Well, we started with the Boy Scouts. 00:32:09.120 --> 00:32:11.900 And I think for the sake of equality, we'll go Girl Guides to the end. 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:13.400 Put your hands up if you were in the Girl Guides. 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:15.540 Go on, Lorna. 00:32:15.600 --> 00:32:16.640 Nice and high so we can all see. 00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:17.560 We're all friends here. 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:19.100 There we go. 00:32:19.280 --> 00:32:19.540 Fiona. 00:32:19.900 --> 00:32:21.320 What was the motto of the Girl Guides? 00:32:21.319 --> 00:32:26.740 Well, let me tell you. 00:32:27.119 --> 00:32:28.919 It was the same as the Boy Scouts. 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:29.859 It was be prepared. 00:32:31.419 --> 00:32:32.339 Be prepared. 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:39.159 When I was reading this week that they've recently changed the oath that the girls make when they join the Girl Guides. 00:32:40.079 --> 00:32:47.659 Instead of the words to love my God being in the oath, they've switched it out and they've put in to be true to myself and develop my beliefs. 00:32:49.240 --> 00:32:50.179 And why have they done it? 00:32:50.180 --> 00:33:00.660 Well, quite unashamedly, actually, if you go on the website, spiritual development is a far better tagline than Christian gospel for winning and attracting new members. 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:06.940 Somewhat illustrative of what Paul is kind of saying here to Timothy, isn't it? 00:33:07.820 --> 00:33:13.480 Timothy, when others drift from this message, when others deny it and move on from this message, you must continue. 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:15.880 How are you going to do that? 00:33:15.880 --> 00:33:17.460 Well, by being expectant. 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:19.539 By looking for fakes. 00:33:19.539 --> 00:33:23.339 And being primed for the opposition that's coming your way. 00:33:24.200 --> 00:33:27.139 And as well as being expectant, Timothy, you've got to be equipped. 00:33:28.159 --> 00:33:29.599 Be clear on the pattern. 00:33:30.180 --> 00:33:32.480 And you've got to be confident in the scriptures. 00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:34.899 Semper paratus, Timothy. 00:33:35.119 --> 00:33:35.980 Semper paratus. 00:33:37.659 --> 00:33:38.500 Let me pray. 00:33:38.539 --> 00:33:38.619 Amen. 00:33:41.899 --> 00:33:44.819 Our Father, we would thank you so much, Lord, for this evening. 00:33:44.819 --> 00:33:55.099 And Lord, our prayer as we leave this chapter of your words is that you would help us to be people who know and who love your gospel. 00:33:56.099 --> 00:34:03.419 Help us to be people who will take our stand for the truth of the message of your son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:34:03.420 --> 00:34:13.360 Oh, our loving and gracious Heavenly Father, would you continue by your spirit to shape us more and more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ. 00:34:14.320 --> 00:34:17.320 For we ask these things in his powerful and almighty name. 00:34:17.880 --> 00:34:18.240 Amen. 00:34:18.239 --> 00:34:18.959 Amen. 00:34:18.959 --> 00:34:21.299 Amen. 00:34:22.039 --> 00:34:23.219 Amen. 00:34:28.899 --> 00:34:29.359 Amen. 00:34:29.819 --> 00:34:31.019 Amen. 00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:31.500 Amen. 00:34:31.619 --> 00:34:31.879 Amen. 00:34:31.879 --> 00:34:36.279 Amen. 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:37.839 Amen. 00:34:37.839 --> 00:34:38.059 Amen. 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:39.659 Amen. 00:34:39.659 --> 00:34:40.099 Amen. 00:34:40.099 --> 00:34:40.139 Amen. 00:34:40.259 --> 00:34:41.679 Amen. 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:41.859 Amen. 00:34:41.859 --> 00:34:42.099 Amen. 00:34:42.099 --> 00:34:42.299 Amen. 00:34:42.359 --> 00:34:42.439 Amen. 00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:43.959 Amen. 00:34:43.959 --> 00:34:45.099 Amen. 00:34:45.119 --> 00:34:46.539 Amen. 00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:46.599 Amen. 00:34:46.599 --> 00:34:48.039 Amen.