WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.660 Romans chapter 8, starting at verse 28. 00:00:02.660 --> 00:00:32.640 Romans chapter 9, starting at verse 28. 00:00:32.659 --> 00:00:35.199 And those whom he called, he also justified. 00:00:36.019 --> 00:00:39.439 And those whom he justified, he also glorified. 00:00:41.939 --> 00:00:43.979 What then shall we say to these things? 00:00:44.780 --> 00:00:48.519 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:00:50.359 --> 00:00:54.339 He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all, 00:00:55.039 --> 00:00:58.819 how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 00:00:58.820 --> 00:01:03.299 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? 00:01:04.239 --> 00:01:05.879 It is God who justifies. 00:01:07.500 --> 00:01:08.739 Who is to condemn? 00:01:10.420 --> 00:01:12.260 Christ Jesus is the one who died. 00:01:13.060 --> 00:01:16.740 More than that, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, 00:01:17.379 --> 00:01:19.500 who indeed is interceding for us. 00:01:19.500 --> 00:01:24.200 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:01:25.459 --> 00:01:30.620 Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, 00:01:31.159 --> 00:01:33.920 or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 00:01:35.680 --> 00:01:36.680 As it is written, 00:01:36.680 --> 00:01:40.240 For your sake we are being killed all the day long. 00:01:41.040 --> 00:01:43.580 We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. 00:01:45.320 --> 00:01:50.260 No, in all these things we were more than conquerors through him who loved us. 00:01:50.260 --> 00:01:54.439 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, 00:01:54.900 --> 00:01:56.420 nor angels, nor rulers, 00:01:57.060 --> 00:01:59.080 nor things present, nor things to come, 00:01:59.460 --> 00:02:01.980 nor powers, nor height, nor depth, 00:02:02.340 --> 00:02:04.880 nor anything else in all creation 00:02:04.880 --> 00:02:07.640 will be able to separate us 00:02:07.640 --> 00:02:11.360 from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:02:13.719 --> 00:02:17.099 Well, this morning I'm going to start with an old saying that everybody knows. 00:02:17.340 --> 00:02:18.400 Diamonds are forever. 00:02:18.400 --> 00:02:18.960 Forever. 00:02:20.259 --> 00:02:22.780 Diamonds are forever. 00:02:24.439 --> 00:02:27.359 Well, of course, even as I say that to you, 00:02:27.419 --> 00:02:29.259 we all know that that's not really true. 00:02:30.739 --> 00:02:31.659 It's a saying. 00:02:32.079 --> 00:02:33.359 We all sort of trot it out. 00:02:33.519 --> 00:02:35.840 But we know that diamonds can be destroyed. 00:02:37.539 --> 00:02:39.199 They certainly can be lost accidentally. 00:02:43.719 --> 00:02:45.819 But here's the focus for this morning. 00:02:46.139 --> 00:02:48.319 Can we say that Christians are forever? 00:02:49.039 --> 00:02:49.939 Diamonds aren't forever. 00:02:50.259 --> 00:02:51.620 Even though we say so. 00:02:52.259 --> 00:02:54.819 There's not very much I can think of in this world that is forever. 00:02:56.340 --> 00:02:57.359 What about Christians? 00:02:57.959 --> 00:03:00.139 Can we say that Christians are forever? 00:03:00.139 --> 00:03:11.599 Well, we're four weeks into this teaching series exploring how we experience God's sovereign power and salvation. 00:03:12.599 --> 00:03:15.039 And this morning we asked that particular question. 00:03:15.039 --> 00:03:25.899 Am I, are you as a Christian, absolutely certain that from this point you will make it home to heaven? 00:03:25.900 --> 00:03:29.360 It's a big question, isn't it? 00:03:29.360 --> 00:03:31.379 It's a big question, isn't it? 00:03:32.120 --> 00:03:33.280 And a lot hangs on it. 00:03:36.800 --> 00:03:43.259 But it gets worse because, you see, if you're going to answer that question, you should bear in mind that diamonds aren't forever, even though we say they are. 00:03:43.259 --> 00:03:45.359 And then make it more personal. 00:03:45.819 --> 00:03:54.639 I want you to answer that question thinking about your daily failures and sin, even as you sit here and say, I'm a believer, I'm a Christian. 00:03:54.639 --> 00:04:24.620 I want you to answer that question. 00:04:24.639 --> 00:04:43.599 And then we've got to add into that that knowing that God knows all these things about us, we ask the question, can we be certain, can you be certain that as a Christian you will last the distance? 00:04:45.599 --> 00:04:51.419 That ultimately you will get to be home in heaven with Jesus forever. 00:04:55.300 --> 00:04:59.759 Can you be sure that God will not give up on you? 00:05:01.479 --> 00:05:08.339 Because every one of us, even as Christians, would have to say, man, there's a lot, well, I'm not sure how to put it, but there's a lot to give up on. 00:05:08.439 --> 00:05:09.860 There's a lot of reasons to give up on us. 00:05:09.860 --> 00:05:17.259 Now add into the mix something else. 00:05:17.420 --> 00:05:25.400 Add into the mix all those memories of people, and we all know people, who once presented as keen Christians, 00:05:26.400 --> 00:05:30.139 but who now totally reject the gospel. 00:05:30.139 --> 00:05:39.199 From the high profile Christians that we all know of, to the people that we've sat shoulder to shoulder with in churches over the years. 00:05:40.519 --> 00:05:41.879 People we've prayed with. 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:44.360 People we read the Bible with. 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:47.680 Perhaps even people who've taught you in the past. 00:05:47.680 --> 00:06:07.000 Is it possible that I could be safe in the kingdom of Jesus today, and yet be lost or rejected tomorrow? 00:06:11.500 --> 00:06:15.000 Every one of those questions is just confronting, aren't they? 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:24.240 Put it positively, could it really be true that I could say this morning, encourage you to hear this morning and believe this morning, 00:06:24.839 --> 00:06:28.019 that once a Christian, always a Christian? 00:06:33.300 --> 00:06:39.100 Well, I want to say, and if you need to sleep for the rest of the time, that's fine, but just hear this next two sentences. 00:06:39.100 --> 00:06:44.980 The answer is really simple, and it's beautiful, and it's yes. 00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:54.459 We considered this last Sunday, John chapter 10, that Jesus died for his sheep. 00:06:54.579 --> 00:07:03.040 He died for his sheep individually, and he died for his sheep particularly to restore each of his sheep to relationship to God. 00:07:04.040 --> 00:07:12.000 And in John chapter 10, verse 30, Jesus promises that not one of his died for sheep will be lost. 00:07:12.459 --> 00:07:14.560 Not one will be snatched out of my hand. 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:20.240 And I presume that also means that not one will be accidentally dropped out of his hand. 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:25.860 Or that one will be accidentally lost out of his hand. 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:28.980 Or that one will accidentally jump out of his hand quite willfully. 00:07:28.980 --> 00:07:37.819 The point from John chapter 10, and we want to reinforce it today from Romans 8, 00:07:37.920 --> 00:07:49.000 the point is that God actually intends us, actually intends us to feel and be safe and secure in Christ, 00:07:49.000 --> 00:08:00.300 knowing that nothing and nobody will stop us from enjoying the eternal life he died to secure for us. 00:08:00.300 --> 00:08:11.139 In other words, God's salvation comes with an absolute guarantee. 00:08:11.139 --> 00:08:15.899 Well, hang on a minute, you say. 00:08:17.279 --> 00:08:20.319 I'm very wary of guarantees these days. 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:27.180 We all know, we've all been caught with guarantees that seem to offer one thing, 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:33.659 but then when you most need it, you find in the small print that it's not actually guaranteed at all. 00:08:33.659 --> 00:08:41.659 Even though that's been your thought, this product is guaranteed. 00:08:43.159 --> 00:08:44.299 Fail safe. 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:56.459 But the guarantee that Christians will make it to heaven is God's guarantee. 00:08:58.539 --> 00:09:00.919 Altogether a different category of guarantee. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:03.339 No hidden fine print. 00:09:04.399 --> 00:09:05.620 We can take it at face value. 00:09:05.620 --> 00:09:13.159 God says, having died for you, I will make sure you make it all the way home to heaven. 00:09:13.359 --> 00:09:14.240 That is my intent. 00:09:15.299 --> 00:09:18.859 Not just to die for you and then sort of leave you to your own devices. 00:09:19.839 --> 00:09:23.299 No, I'm going to die for you and then I will follow through on that. 00:09:23.359 --> 00:09:32.240 Make sure you get home to heaven to enjoy that eternal life in all its fullness for which I died for you. 00:09:34.879 --> 00:09:40.779 So God guarantees that Christians will, and there's twin words here, matching words, paired words. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:45.779 God guarantees that Christians will, and there's twin words. 00:09:45.779 --> 00:09:49.939 God guarantees that Christians will persevere all the way to heaven, finally being with Jesus, finally being like Jesus. 00:09:50.399 --> 00:09:51.620 Why will we persevere? 00:09:52.579 --> 00:09:57.000 Because God promises he will preserve us. 00:09:57.220 --> 00:09:58.439 There's the paired words. 00:09:58.899 --> 00:10:02.279 We persevere because God preserves. 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:04.519 Two sides of one coin. 00:10:04.519 --> 00:10:08.919 God on his side preserves. 00:10:08.919 --> 00:10:15.419 Which guarantees that I, on my side as a Christian, will persevere. 00:10:15.419 --> 00:10:23.779 Persevere in faith and trust in Jesus until I'm home and secure in heaven itself, enjoying all its blessings. 00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:27.039 And let's explore that in Romans chapter 8. 00:10:27.100 --> 00:10:28.120 That's our purpose this morning. 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:35.379 And the first heading, and the biggest heading, I think, is that God always finishes what he starts. 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:47.639 When our first two children were young and I was in Sydney, I, I suppose like lots of dads, had this idea of building this wonderful doll's house for my children. 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:56.539 And I drew up the plans as I am a bit OCD, had it all drawn up to scale, and went to my workshop, as it was called then. 00:10:56.759 --> 00:10:59.019 A bit of an overstatement for what I had, a shed. 00:11:00.080 --> 00:11:03.259 And I stepped to work to build this doll's house. 00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:09.179 I ended up with a doll's house for the kids, but it looked nothing like the drawing. 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:18.599 At every step of the way, I had to cut corners, because I didn't have the skills or the ability to do the drawing that I drawed. 00:11:19.339 --> 00:11:19.479 True. 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:22.239 Sort out the English for yourselves. 00:11:22.339 --> 00:11:22.819 I'm Irish. 00:11:23.059 --> 00:11:27.139 That's my, my, my, get out of jail and take it every week. 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:29.120 Yeah, I just couldn't do it. 00:11:29.120 --> 00:11:39.419 The kids end up with a doll's house, but nothing like what I'd hoped they'd have. 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:42.919 Or what I'd led them to believe they would have. 00:11:43.820 --> 00:11:45.560 So there was other disappointment all around. 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:51.060 God always finishes what he starts. 00:11:54.460 --> 00:11:56.440 Concept plan of salvation. 00:11:57.639 --> 00:11:58.120 Delivered. 00:11:58.460 --> 00:11:59.000 In full. 00:11:59.120 --> 00:12:04.940 We find that in Romans chapter 8 very clearly. 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:07.659 The context of these verses is the whole of Romans chapter 8. 00:12:08.179 --> 00:12:11.440 I don't have time to work through the first 27 verses. 00:12:11.560 --> 00:12:13.000 I'm just going to summarize them really quickly. 00:12:13.100 --> 00:12:15.620 But I'd encourage you to go and read them for yourself as a whole unit. 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:16.899 The whole of Romans chapter 8. 00:12:17.779 --> 00:12:25.639 Because Romans chapter 8 is all, God begins with, with objective and subject of assurance for us as Christians. 00:12:25.820 --> 00:12:28.320 Chapter 1, verse 1 of chapter 8. 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:35.780 There is therefore now, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:39.559 That's a big comprehensive statement, isn't it? 00:12:39.559 --> 00:12:43.139 In Christ Jesus, no condemnation. 00:12:45.939 --> 00:12:47.079 Verses 2 through to 8. 00:12:47.080 --> 00:13:05.660 Then Paul spells out that the evidence of that being in Christ is changed attitudes, changed desires that make us want to do the things of God where previously, before we were converted, we had no interest in the things of God. 00:13:05.659 --> 00:13:11.000 And verses 9 through to 17. 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:14.399 We're told then that God actually puts his spirit into us. 00:13:14.779 --> 00:13:20.159 And the spirit's job particularly, and remember, father, son, and spirit are together in this work of salvation. 00:13:20.319 --> 00:13:21.240 The father intends. 00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:23.679 Jesus accomplished that in redemption. 00:13:23.679 --> 00:13:32.539 Now the spirit's making it work in our hearts, as he calls us, and reassures us that we are children. 00:13:33.539 --> 00:13:39.359 And gives us a confidence to come before God, addressing him in the most intimate ways. 00:13:39.559 --> 00:13:40.779 Abba, father, daddy. 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:47.679 Convincing us that we're heirs together with Christ. 00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:52.720 So that objectively and subjectively we feel secure. 00:13:53.259 --> 00:13:54.220 We feel safe. 00:13:58.939 --> 00:14:01.120 But then we might say, well that's all very fine. 00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:05.600 I'm right there with you in as much as we become Christians. 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:06.959 And that's true. 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:10.179 We have God's grace and this reassurance when we become Christians. 00:14:10.179 --> 00:14:16.299 But between here and now and heaven, there's so many things can go wrong. 00:14:17.039 --> 00:14:18.419 Life is such a struggle. 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:22.439 Daily I see my failure in that struggle. 00:14:23.059 --> 00:14:24.919 My inconsistency in that struggle. 00:14:25.419 --> 00:14:26.439 Well what about that? 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:32.539 Will I get tripped up? 00:14:33.059 --> 00:14:34.740 Get lost along the way? 00:14:35.679 --> 00:14:38.839 Well verses 18 to 27 starts answering that question. 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:41.560 And again I don't have time to get into all the details of it. 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:44.060 Verse 18 to 27 is really saying this. 00:14:44.200 --> 00:14:44.320 Look. 00:14:45.300 --> 00:14:49.940 God's intent is not just that you be redeemed or saved. 00:14:50.899 --> 00:14:53.740 But his intent ultimately for you is glory. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:59.220 Freedom and glory are the two words that dominate in those verses. 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:00.200 18 to 27. 00:15:00.200 --> 00:15:05.520 In the midst of our daily struggle. 00:15:05.920 --> 00:15:08.200 In the midst of our daily groaning. 00:15:08.820 --> 00:15:10.160 That's the language of those verses. 00:15:10.520 --> 00:15:12.040 As a consequence of sin. 00:15:13.320 --> 00:15:14.780 There is certainty. 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:19.259 There is certainty we will make it to the end. 00:15:19.780 --> 00:15:20.460 Make it to heaven. 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:23.759 Because God's end point for us. 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:26.660 Is the salvation of his world. 00:15:27.780 --> 00:15:30.759 And the end point he intends for his people is glory. 00:15:30.940 --> 00:15:32.700 That is to be home with him. 00:15:32.920 --> 00:15:33.700 In heaven. 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:36.220 To be with him and to be like him. 00:15:36.680 --> 00:15:39.240 To be the image bearers he always intended us to be. 00:15:43.240 --> 00:15:44.240 Freedom from sin. 00:15:45.400 --> 00:15:47.440 Freedom to be the image bearers as I say. 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:48.540 He intended us to be. 00:15:48.539 --> 00:15:50.299 Which is glory. 00:15:54.459 --> 00:16:01.159 And Paul then gives us the details of the basis for his confidence in verses 28, 29, 30. 00:16:01.819 --> 00:16:03.699 Which was read to us this morning by Simon. 00:16:04.259 --> 00:16:05.539 We'll just pick it up again. 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:13.219 And I want you to think of it as God's salvation purpose. 00:16:13.319 --> 00:16:15.659 As a five stage building plan. 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:17.399 Building project. 00:16:17.399 --> 00:16:19.100 As I read through these verses again. 00:16:20.179 --> 00:16:21.059 So verse 28. 00:16:21.059 --> 00:16:25.519 We know that for those who love God. 00:16:25.839 --> 00:16:27.519 All things work together for good. 00:16:27.659 --> 00:16:30.119 For those who are called according to his purpose. 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:32.919 For those he foreknew. 00:16:33.099 --> 00:16:35.859 He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son. 00:16:35.939 --> 00:16:39.419 In order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 00:16:40.459 --> 00:16:41.839 And those he predestined. 00:16:41.979 --> 00:16:42.839 He also called. 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:44.219 And those he called. 00:16:44.299 --> 00:16:45.159 He also justified. 00:16:45.979 --> 00:16:47.559 And those whom he justified. 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:48.919 He also glorified. 00:16:48.919 --> 00:16:54.620 Our salvation. 00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:58.579 Is a step through process. 00:16:58.879 --> 00:17:01.199 A five stage building project. 00:17:02.659 --> 00:17:03.379 Planned. 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:05.279 And carefully managed. 00:17:06.639 --> 00:17:07.639 By God. 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:08.519 To completion. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:14.359 See again. 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:15.779 The last word is glorified. 00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:18.000 First word is God set his love. 00:17:18.339 --> 00:17:19.480 Set his determined. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:21.319 That there would be people to be saved. 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:26.599 So here's another really important sentence this morning. 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:27.599 If you're still with me. 00:17:29.599 --> 00:17:30.240 Romans 8. 00:17:30.299 --> 00:17:31.240 20-30 says. 00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:32.839 It is not the strength. 00:17:33.099 --> 00:17:34.419 Of my commitment. 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:36.379 Or your commitment to God. 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:38.539 Which is critical in this question. 00:17:38.659 --> 00:17:39.659 Of will we get home to heaven. 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:42.599 It's the strength of God's commitment to you. 00:17:42.679 --> 00:17:43.259 And to me. 00:17:43.419 --> 00:17:44.019 That's critical. 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:44.099 That's critical. 00:17:44.099 --> 00:17:49.279 That's what gives us confidence. 00:17:51.179 --> 00:17:53.939 If it resided in myself. 00:17:54.619 --> 00:17:55.799 In my commitment to God. 00:17:55.859 --> 00:17:56.679 Then I'm done for. 00:17:57.699 --> 00:17:59.159 Because that comes and goes. 00:18:00.079 --> 00:18:01.619 It's never what I wanted to be. 00:18:01.659 --> 00:18:02.500 But it comes and goes. 00:18:02.639 --> 00:18:03.879 Even within that. 00:18:06.159 --> 00:18:08.480 That's about God's commitment to me. 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:10.119 It's about God's commitment to you. 00:18:10.119 --> 00:18:12.739 In salvation. 00:18:13.699 --> 00:18:14.739 That gives you. 00:18:15.679 --> 00:18:17.879 Your place of safety and security. 00:18:18.859 --> 00:18:19.459 And enjoyment. 00:18:24.459 --> 00:18:25.659 Now their problem is. 00:18:25.739 --> 00:18:27.059 That we can't see God's plan. 00:18:28.459 --> 00:18:29.819 We can't see. 00:18:30.399 --> 00:18:31.459 The building site. 00:18:31.619 --> 00:18:32.479 Which is our lives. 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:34.839 In the way that God can see it. 00:18:35.819 --> 00:18:37.459 Our engagement in our lives. 00:18:37.659 --> 00:18:38.439 Is momentary. 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:40.200 And it feels chaotic. 00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:41.880 It feels pointless. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:43.400 It feels confused at times. 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:43.820 Doesn't it? 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:45.519 That's generally how we feel. 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:46.080 I think. 00:18:49.100 --> 00:18:50.080 But in truth. 00:18:50.580 --> 00:18:51.640 What we're told here. 00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:51.980 Is that. 00:18:52.360 --> 00:18:54.759 Every single event in our lives. 00:18:54.840 --> 00:18:55.580 That happens. 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:56.759 From our perspective. 00:18:56.759 --> 00:18:57.640 It might be chaotic. 00:18:57.640 --> 00:18:59.799 And all bits and pieces. 00:19:00.299 --> 00:19:01.960 But every single event in our lives. 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:04.140 Is one more step. 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.380 Closer to that final. 00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:08.059 Renovation being completed. 00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:10.539 Which is called here. 00:19:10.620 --> 00:19:11.220 Glorification. 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:12.380 Or being in heaven. 00:19:13.299 --> 00:19:13.960 With Christ. 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:14.900 Being like him. 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.740 One step. 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:19.320 Closer to renovation. 00:19:19.840 --> 00:19:21.180 One step closer to glory. 00:19:23.080 --> 00:19:24.400 And that's the picture here. 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:26.740 God is with us in the mess of life. 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:28.200 At every point. 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.680 At every step of the way. 00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:30.940 Surely. 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:32.059 But slowly. 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:32.700 But surely. 00:19:32.779 --> 00:19:33.660 Renovating us. 00:19:33.660 --> 00:19:35.660 Into a beautiful structure. 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:39.420 And that beautiful structure has. 00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:40.840 Designed. 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:42.000 And built. 00:19:42.840 --> 00:19:43.580 And kept. 00:19:44.040 --> 00:19:44.620 By God. 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:45.380 Stamped on it. 00:19:45.380 --> 00:19:45.759 And. 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.580 Verses. 00:19:56.800 --> 00:19:57.800 31 and 32. 00:19:57.799 --> 00:20:00.460 We just keep piling. 00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:01.700 These assurances. 00:20:01.819 --> 00:20:02.740 On top of assurances. 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:04.799 If God. 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:06.759 Is for us. 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:07.639 Look at verses. 00:20:07.899 --> 00:20:08.740 31 and 32. 00:20:09.339 --> 00:20:11.099 What then shall we say to these things? 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:14.159 So Paul's taking a pause here. 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:14.720 In the argument. 00:20:15.220 --> 00:20:16.019 And he's just reflecting. 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:16.819 On what he's. 00:20:16.899 --> 00:20:17.879 He's just listed. 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:19.139 In this piling up. 00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:20.019 Of assurances. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:21.000 And he said. 00:20:21.059 --> 00:20:21.200 Well. 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:21.480 Well. 00:20:21.559 --> 00:20:21.819 Okay. 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:22.140 So. 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:23.360 What are we going to say now? 00:20:24.640 --> 00:20:26.000 How does the rubber meet the road. 00:20:26.039 --> 00:20:26.480 In all this? 00:20:26.580 --> 00:20:27.000 And he says. 00:20:27.100 --> 00:20:27.340 Well. 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:30.140 If God is for us. 00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:33.279 Then who can be against us? 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:35.819 That's his conclusion. 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:38.319 If God is for us. 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:41.840 Then the deal's done. 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:46.640 Given that God has guaranteed. 00:20:46.640 --> 00:20:48.559 His people freedom and glory. 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:49.279 Verses. 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:51.339 17 through to 27 again. 00:20:52.420 --> 00:20:53.960 Who could possibly. 00:20:54.379 --> 00:20:55.180 Countermand that. 00:20:55.359 --> 00:20:56.319 Is Paul dragging them here. 00:20:59.220 --> 00:21:00.000 Who's going to. 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.240 Take God on. 00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:01.980 And say. 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:02.460 Well actually. 00:21:02.700 --> 00:21:03.079 God. 00:21:03.359 --> 00:21:03.639 No. 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:04.160 You're wrong. 00:21:08.639 --> 00:21:09.059 See. 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:10.139 God's faithfulness. 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:10.599 To his people. 00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:11.559 Is beyond question. 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.960 He's done the hard work. 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:15.680 He's put in the hard yards. 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:17.819 Of loving those. 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:18.960 Who are so unlovely. 00:21:19.279 --> 00:21:19.420 His family. 00:21:20.740 --> 00:21:21.460 Romans 20. 00:21:21.460 --> 00:21:21.500 20. 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:21.559 20. 00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:22.200 30 again. 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:24.000 He's put in the. 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:25.879 Even huge cost. 00:21:25.879 --> 00:21:27.399 Of having sacrificed. 00:21:27.399 --> 00:21:28.079 His son. 00:21:28.619 --> 00:21:29.200 To redeem us. 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:29.779 To save us. 00:21:29.819 --> 00:21:30.639 To bring us back. 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:31.480 Into relationship. 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.099 With himself. 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:35.139 He's done the. 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.220 Impossibly. 00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:38.160 Human task. 00:21:38.339 --> 00:21:38.859 He's done it. 00:21:39.139 --> 00:21:39.579 Miraculously. 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:40.879 Of calling us to life. 00:21:40.940 --> 00:21:41.720 When we were dead. 00:21:41.819 --> 00:21:42.279 Towards him. 00:21:42.359 --> 00:21:42.960 Dead in sin. 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:45.779 He's put a spirit. 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:46.220 Within us. 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.019 To renew us. 00:21:47.100 --> 00:21:48.299 On a day by day basis. 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:51.579 And Paul's. 00:21:51.579 --> 00:21:53.059 Are piling all that up. 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.120 On one side. 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:54.340 And said. 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:54.539 Well. 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:55.519 I mean. 00:21:55.819 --> 00:21:57.340 Given that God's done all that. 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:58.480 And given his commitment. 00:21:58.640 --> 00:21:59.180 To see his. 00:21:59.460 --> 00:22:00.180 Home to glory. 00:22:00.900 --> 00:22:01.259 Then. 00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:02.259 It's inconceivable. 00:22:03.380 --> 00:22:04.980 That having done all the hard work. 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.579 Back here. 00:22:07.319 --> 00:22:08.400 That God would. 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:09.840 Hold back anything. 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:10.460 We need. 00:22:10.819 --> 00:22:11.660 To get home to heaven. 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:15.540 I've used the illustration before. 00:22:15.620 --> 00:22:16.160 I'll use it again. 00:22:16.540 --> 00:22:16.860 It's. 00:22:16.860 --> 00:22:17.680 It's a picture here. 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:18.580 Of a father. 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:19.940 Not my father. 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:20.600 But a father. 00:22:20.900 --> 00:22:21.340 Who's. 00:22:21.820 --> 00:22:22.220 Bought him. 00:22:22.380 --> 00:22:23.220 His child. 00:22:23.460 --> 00:22:25.320 An eight hundred thousand dollar Ferrari. 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:29.279 And it's inconceivable. 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:30.380 A father who's done that. 00:22:30.460 --> 00:22:30.720 Would say. 00:22:31.040 --> 00:22:31.440 Now listen. 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:32.400 Buddy. 00:22:33.100 --> 00:22:34.340 There's no petrol in the tank. 00:22:34.540 --> 00:22:35.460 And I'm not going to give you. 00:22:35.540 --> 00:22:36.320 Another eighty dollars. 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:37.100 For a tank of petrol. 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:41.340 It just doesn't sit together. 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:41.740 Does it? 00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:44.639 Having done the hard work. 00:22:45.220 --> 00:22:46.099 Then the tank of petrol. 00:22:46.220 --> 00:22:46.559 Is nothing. 00:22:54.419 --> 00:22:56.879 Neither will our heavenly father. 00:22:58.259 --> 00:23:00.599 Having outlaid so much. 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:02.079 To make us his children. 00:23:03.859 --> 00:23:05.679 Hold back anything. 00:23:06.919 --> 00:23:07.480 Required. 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:09.359 To bring us home to heaven. 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:15.919 Keep going. 00:23:16.059 --> 00:23:16.759 Verses 33. 00:23:16.899 --> 00:23:17.699 Three to thirty nine. 00:23:18.599 --> 00:23:20.000 God's love for his people. 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:21.000 Will never be spoiled. 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:24.819 Paul's anticipating all our arguments. 00:23:24.899 --> 00:23:25.559 Humanly speaking. 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:27.839 And this is one. 00:23:27.959 --> 00:23:28.579 I think we resonate. 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.559 Very easily with. 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:32.939 See. 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:34.039 When you think of marriage. 00:23:36.340 --> 00:23:37.360 Most marriages. 00:23:37.360 --> 00:23:38.539 Come to grief. 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:40.900 Sorry. 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:41.519 Most marriages. 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:42.420 That come to grief. 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.019 Sorry. 00:23:43.140 --> 00:23:43.279 I should. 00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:43.660 Should. 00:23:43.779 --> 00:23:43.900 Well. 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:44.620 Most marriages. 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:45.559 That come to grief. 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:46.840 Do so. 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:48.980 Over a long period of time. 00:23:52.860 --> 00:23:53.380 Commitment. 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:54.000 gets eroded. 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:55.500 Over a long period of time. 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:58.960 And it happens. 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:00.000 One hurt. 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:01.780 One disappointment. 00:24:02.540 --> 00:24:03.900 One upset at a time. 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:08.000 Until in the end. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:09.520 Abandonment. 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:10.480 Is the outcome. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:15.019 Now the question. 00:24:15.120 --> 00:24:15.819 In each of our minds. 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:16.259 I think. 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:18.599 When we talk about God's love. 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:18.779 Is. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.259 Could God's love. 00:24:20.380 --> 00:24:21.360 Be spoiled like that. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:25.680 After all. 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.120 We think. 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:26.380 Well. 00:24:26.880 --> 00:24:27.079 You know. 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.839 Every day. 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:29.759 Hundred times a day. 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:31.099 God's absorbing. 00:24:31.640 --> 00:24:32.039 Hurts. 00:24:32.160 --> 00:24:33.059 And disappointments. 00:24:33.140 --> 00:24:34.059 And inconsistencies. 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:34.519 From me. 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.240 Sometimes. 00:24:36.360 --> 00:24:37.460 Just plain awfulness. 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:37.860 From me. 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:43.279 Could his love. 00:24:43.419 --> 00:24:44.119 Be worn down. 00:24:44.199 --> 00:24:44.639 To the point. 00:24:44.719 --> 00:24:45.059 That he says. 00:24:45.139 --> 00:24:45.279 Right. 00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:45.819 That's it. 00:24:46.459 --> 00:24:47.279 I've had enough. 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:49.179 And just. 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:49.899 Cut me loose. 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:55.299 Well. 00:24:55.379 --> 00:24:55.659 No. 00:24:56.159 --> 00:24:56.759 Says Paul. 00:24:56.839 --> 00:24:57.240 Here it is. 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.000 In these verses. 00:24:58.639 --> 00:24:59.219 God's love. 00:24:59.319 --> 00:24:59.899 Is total. 00:25:00.099 --> 00:25:00.759 And unconditional. 00:25:03.159 --> 00:25:03.819 And again. 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:04.519 He digs into it. 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.159 In what sense. 00:25:05.199 --> 00:25:05.779 Is God's love. 00:25:05.879 --> 00:25:06.639 Total and unconditional. 00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:07.000 Well. 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:07.519 Look at verses. 00:25:07.519 --> 00:25:07.859 Three. 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:08.240 In verse. 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:08.720 Thirty. 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:08.940 Three. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.299 And thirty. 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:09.619 Four. 00:25:12.920 --> 00:25:13.700 Who shall bring. 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.839 Any charge. 00:25:15.339 --> 00:25:16.400 Against God's elect. 00:25:18.440 --> 00:25:19.579 It is God. 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:20.480 Who justifies. 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:21.480 And that's. 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.900 Legal courtroom. 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:23.440 Language. 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:31.779 We fear. 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.160 That. 00:25:33.799 --> 00:25:34.839 In all the sins. 00:25:34.879 --> 00:25:35.440 That we've committed. 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:36.900 We fear. 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:38.440 That somewhere. 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:38.460 That somewhere. 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:38.820 Other. 00:25:39.220 --> 00:25:40.279 God's missed one. 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:41.320 And that. 00:25:41.620 --> 00:25:42.759 It can be brought back. 00:25:43.960 --> 00:25:45.360 And used against us. 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:47.259 That God might be caught out. 00:25:47.340 --> 00:25:47.820 And embarrassed. 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:48.340 Because. 00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.100 He himself. 00:25:49.360 --> 00:25:50.559 Didn't quite figure. 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:50.960 Or. 00:25:51.160 --> 00:25:51.340 Or. 00:25:51.340 --> 00:25:53.460 Didn't quite deal with something justly. 00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:55.039 No. 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:55.539 Says Paul. 00:25:55.740 --> 00:25:57.059 It's inconceivable. 00:25:57.580 --> 00:25:57.940 God. 00:25:58.620 --> 00:25:59.620 Is just. 00:25:59.619 --> 00:26:02.359 God has justified his people. 00:26:02.459 --> 00:26:02.699 That is. 00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:03.799 Every sin. 00:26:04.019 --> 00:26:04.500 Past. 00:26:04.699 --> 00:26:04.979 Present. 00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:05.699 And future. 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:07.559 In each of his died for sheep. 00:26:07.639 --> 00:26:08.519 Has been dealt with. 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:09.539 And dealt with fully. 00:26:09.739 --> 00:26:10.359 And completely. 00:26:11.439 --> 00:26:11.919 So. 00:26:12.139 --> 00:26:13.139 It's impossible. 00:26:13.719 --> 00:26:14.159 Inconceivable. 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:16.279 That there could be any charge. 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:17.779 Ever brought against one of God's. 00:26:17.919 --> 00:26:18.839 Died for sheep. 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:22.879 The Lord didn't cut any corners. 00:26:23.739 --> 00:26:25.279 He didn't engage in any cover up. 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:25.539 He didn't engage in any cover up. 00:26:29.619 --> 00:26:36.339 Who will lay any charge. 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.399 To God's elect. 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:41.579 Not even our own sin. 00:26:42.239 --> 00:26:43.119 Can spoil. 00:26:43.439 --> 00:26:44.439 God's love for us. 00:26:47.179 --> 00:26:48.419 Because each sin. 00:26:49.199 --> 00:26:50.759 Even the ones we haven't committed yet. 00:26:51.079 --> 00:26:52.399 Have been paid for. 00:26:52.599 --> 00:26:53.299 By the Lord Jesus. 00:26:53.439 --> 00:26:53.979 In his death. 00:26:55.459 --> 00:26:57.079 And even more reassuring. 00:26:58.099 --> 00:26:59.399 We follow in one John. 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.219 Chapter 2. 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:01.399 We looked at that verse. 00:27:01.599 --> 00:27:02.079 Last week. 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:04.219 Jesus is in heaven. 00:27:05.659 --> 00:27:07.500 Constantly reminding the Father. 00:27:07.579 --> 00:27:08.359 Of that fact. 00:27:09.479 --> 00:27:09.799 Father. 00:27:09.899 --> 00:27:11.239 When you look at your sheep. 00:27:11.359 --> 00:27:12.459 And you see them failing. 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:12.959 And. 00:27:14.179 --> 00:27:14.619 Inconsistent. 00:27:14.979 --> 00:27:15.779 Remember Father. 00:27:15.919 --> 00:27:18.139 I have died for every one of their sins. 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:18.639 Past. 00:27:18.739 --> 00:27:18.959 Present. 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:19.399 And future. 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.519 They have a clean sheet. 00:27:22.639 --> 00:27:23.679 They keep a clean sheet. 00:27:23.679 --> 00:27:23.719 They keep a clean sheet. 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:31.079 Every one of them. 00:27:31.180 --> 00:27:32.259 Says Jesus to the Father. 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.759 Has been made acceptable. 00:27:33.759 --> 00:27:34.799 By his death. 00:27:35.420 --> 00:27:36.400 On our behalf. 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:39.500 Verses 35 through to 39. 00:27:41.380 --> 00:27:42.740 Who shall separate us. 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.740 From the love of Christ. 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:46.039 We ask. 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:46.759 We say. 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:46.940 Well. 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:47.880 There's lots of things. 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:48.740 To be fearful of. 00:27:48.820 --> 00:27:49.500 There's lots of things. 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.920 That can happen to us in life. 00:27:54.820 --> 00:27:56.100 Who shall separate us. 00:27:56.100 --> 00:27:57.059 From the love of Christ. 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:58.160 Shall tribulation. 00:27:59.360 --> 00:27:59.799 Distress. 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:00.559 Persecution. 00:28:00.900 --> 00:28:01.240 Famine. 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.440 Nakedness. 00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:02.859 Danger. 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:03.319 Sword. 00:28:04.779 --> 00:28:05.500 As it was written. 00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:06.299 For your sake. 00:28:06.359 --> 00:28:07.019 We have been killed. 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:08.019 All day long. 00:28:08.099 --> 00:28:08.900 We are regarded. 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:10.380 As sheep to be slaughtered. 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:11.940 No. 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:13.640 Not even in all of these things. 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:14.579 Sorry. 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:14.880 No. 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:15.599 In all these things. 00:28:15.620 --> 00:28:17.059 We are more than conquerors. 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:18.740 Through him who loved us. 00:28:20.420 --> 00:28:21.279 And so on. 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.680 No person. 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.700 No circumstance. 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.220 No circumstance. 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:33.400 No thing. 00:28:33.400 --> 00:28:33.420 No thing. 00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:35.200 In the entire universe. 00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:37.140 Could separate us from God's love. 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:41.400 That's a huge. 00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:42.599 Huge promise to us. 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:44.059 When we consider. 00:28:44.220 --> 00:28:45.980 There's so many times in life. 00:28:46.599 --> 00:28:47.660 When we will. 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:48.339 Or have. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:49.819 Face tough situations. 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:51.140 When we will suffer. 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:54.099 Sometimes it's our own making. 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:55.299 Sometimes it's through. 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:56.220 No fault of our own. 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.960 In that. 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:01.059 Neither of those situations. 00:29:01.059 --> 00:29:02.039 Do we need to fear. 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:02.059 Do we need to fear. 00:29:02.139 --> 00:29:03.019 Missing out in heaven. 00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:03.720 Because. 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:06.019 We fail to persevere. 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:07.759 It's as if. 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:08.319 Paul said. 00:29:08.399 --> 00:29:08.539 Look. 00:29:08.859 --> 00:29:09.879 Think of the worst. 00:29:10.079 --> 00:29:11.019 Form of torture. 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:12.059 That a person. 00:29:12.279 --> 00:29:12.679 A Christian. 00:29:12.799 --> 00:29:13.419 Has ever endured. 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.399 Think of the most. 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:16.980 Powerful. 00:29:17.339 --> 00:29:18.259 Spiritual forces. 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.139 Of evil. 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:19.879 In the universe. 00:29:20.839 --> 00:29:21.619 Think of whatever. 00:29:21.619 --> 00:29:22.500 You can think of. 00:29:22.539 --> 00:29:23.019 Says Paul. 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:24.319 And I can tell you. 00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:25.859 That none of those things. 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:28.019 Will overpower. 00:29:28.019 --> 00:29:29.299 Or erode. 00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:30.980 God's love for us. 00:29:33.379 --> 00:29:35.119 Or God's commitment to us. 00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:39.619 In fact. 00:29:40.160 --> 00:29:41.900 The quotation from the Old Testament. 00:29:42.039 --> 00:29:42.440 In fact. 00:29:43.079 --> 00:29:44.019 These things. 00:29:44.019 --> 00:29:45.400 Will be part of the renovation. 00:29:46.099 --> 00:29:46.700 Project. 00:29:46.700 --> 00:29:46.900 Project. 00:29:47.799 --> 00:29:48.900 There will be the context. 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:50.480 In which God's love for you. 00:29:50.580 --> 00:29:51.340 Will thrive. 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:55.400 In the midst. 00:29:55.620 --> 00:29:56.759 Of the awfulness of life. 00:29:57.220 --> 00:29:57.700 We will experience. 00:29:58.600 --> 00:29:59.420 And see a display. 00:29:59.420 --> 00:30:00.240 Of God's love. 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:01.580 That in turn. 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:02.400 Will lead us. 00:30:02.460 --> 00:30:02.940 To conquer. 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:04.500 Over all of those circumstances. 00:30:04.500 --> 00:30:05.080 Of life. 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:07.480 And my friends. 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:08.319 The same promises. 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:09.220 Made repeatedly. 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:10.139 Across scripture. 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.819 I urge you to read. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.059 The cover article. 00:30:13.199 --> 00:30:14.240 On the front of the bulletin. 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:16.039 And check out. 00:30:16.099 --> 00:30:16.839 Some of the references. 00:30:17.139 --> 00:30:18.639 To that wonderful phrase. 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:19.839 That wonderful description. 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.439 Of God. 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:22.339 The keeper of Israel. 00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:23.799 The keeping power. 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:24.439 Of God. 00:30:24.960 --> 00:30:26.379 It's right across scripture. 00:30:27.179 --> 00:30:28.500 It's a delightful term. 00:30:30.039 --> 00:30:30.919 The keeper. 00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:32.259 Of his people. 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:36.160 But I just want to zoom in. 00:30:36.400 --> 00:30:37.960 On one of many passages. 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:38.619 And I want to. 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.700 You turn with me now. 00:30:39.740 --> 00:30:40.879 To Philippians chapter 1. 00:30:42.119 --> 00:30:43.079 Just to touch down. 00:30:43.180 --> 00:30:43.960 Very very briefly. 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:45.519 Just to see how this works. 00:30:45.819 --> 00:30:46.879 In one passage. 00:30:47.119 --> 00:30:47.900 And it can be repeated. 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.319 As I say. 00:30:48.379 --> 00:30:49.339 Over many many passages. 00:30:50.359 --> 00:30:51.359 Philippians chapter 1. 00:30:51.740 --> 00:30:52.240 Verse 3. 00:30:52.240 --> 00:30:53.740 Paul is so thankful. 00:30:55.400 --> 00:30:56.019 For the. 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:58.279 Christians at Philippi. 00:31:00.660 --> 00:31:01.500 So thankful. 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:02.200 In his prayers. 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:02.539 For them. 00:31:02.619 --> 00:31:03.220 Every day. 00:31:04.180 --> 00:31:04.539 Why? 00:31:05.119 --> 00:31:05.879 Verse 6. 00:31:07.259 --> 00:31:08.819 I am sure of this. 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.519 That he who began. 00:31:11.680 --> 00:31:12.799 A good work in you. 00:31:13.339 --> 00:31:14.940 Will bring it to completion. 00:31:15.220 --> 00:31:16.480 At the day of Jesus Christ. 00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:19.539 Come full circle. 00:31:19.740 --> 00:31:20.759 God finishes. 00:31:21.339 --> 00:31:22.079 What he starts. 00:31:23.079 --> 00:31:23.599 Always. 00:31:23.599 --> 00:31:24.219 The renovation. 00:31:24.219 --> 00:31:25.379 The renovation. 00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:34.379 The renovation. 00:31:34.879 --> 00:31:36.039 Already in those verses. 00:31:36.759 --> 00:31:38.079 Already so evident. 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:40.259 In changed attitudes and desires. 00:31:40.819 --> 00:31:42.059 Will be completed. 00:31:42.059 --> 00:31:42.899 In Christ. 00:31:44.379 --> 00:31:46.379 And then if you jump over to chapter 2. 00:31:46.839 --> 00:31:47.740 Of Philippians. 00:31:47.799 --> 00:31:48.939 Verses 12 and 13. 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:50.519 Paul then jumps. 00:31:50.820 --> 00:31:51.660 Very practically. 00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:52.360 From that. 00:31:52.940 --> 00:31:53.880 Point of assurance. 00:31:54.820 --> 00:31:56.460 To a point of challenge. 00:31:56.700 --> 00:31:58.080 And exhortation. 00:31:58.180 --> 00:31:58.680 And encouragement. 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.400 When he says. 00:32:00.660 --> 00:32:00.980 Therefore. 00:32:01.340 --> 00:32:02.019 My beloved. 00:32:02.779 --> 00:32:04.120 As you have already obeyed. 00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:04.960 So now. 00:32:05.580 --> 00:32:06.900 Not only as in my presence. 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:08.059 But much more in my absence. 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:09.340 Work out your salvation. 00:32:09.340 --> 00:32:10.320 With fear and trembling. 00:32:10.860 --> 00:32:12.740 For it is God who works in you. 00:32:12.820 --> 00:32:14.440 Both to will and to work. 00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:15.559 For his good pleasure. 00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:16.140 Amen. 00:32:18.940 --> 00:32:24.279 What's Paul's point there? 00:32:26.019 --> 00:32:26.720 He's just saying. 00:32:26.799 --> 00:32:27.000 Look. 00:32:27.559 --> 00:32:28.900 Because you're secure. 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:30.240 And safe in Christ. 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:32.220 Then press ahead. 00:32:32.380 --> 00:32:33.220 Confidently. 00:32:33.460 --> 00:32:34.279 In the struggle. 00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:35.360 To live daily. 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:36.700 To reflect. 00:32:36.820 --> 00:32:37.279 And express. 00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:38.360 The mind of Christ. 00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:39.240 Philippians 2. 00:32:39.380 --> 00:32:39.820 5. 00:32:40.620 --> 00:32:41.580 The mind of Christ. 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:42.519 That you already have in you. 00:32:42.580 --> 00:32:43.200 In the Holy Spirit. 00:32:43.580 --> 00:32:44.759 Just be confident. 00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:45.860 To press on. 00:32:45.980 --> 00:32:46.460 In the struggle. 00:32:46.640 --> 00:32:46.980 Each day. 00:32:47.140 --> 00:32:47.720 To express. 00:32:47.860 --> 00:32:48.440 The mind of Christ. 00:32:48.440 --> 00:32:49.140 To say no. 00:32:50.160 --> 00:32:50.880 To say no. 00:32:50.880 --> 00:32:51.600 Yes to righteousness. 00:32:51.799 --> 00:32:53.120 To use language of Romans again. 00:32:56.920 --> 00:32:58.960 Why does he urge them so confidently. 00:32:59.160 --> 00:32:59.720 Press ahead. 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:01.380 When we know the struggle of life. 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.980 Is so hard on a daily basis. 00:33:03.440 --> 00:33:03.720 Well. 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:05.000 Verse 12 and 13. 00:33:05.460 --> 00:33:07.799 Because he knows that our desires. 00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:09.700 And God's desires. 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:11.960 Are actually working to the same end. 00:33:14.259 --> 00:33:15.720 They complement each other. 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:18.819 As we struggle to be like Christ. 00:33:18.819 --> 00:33:19.620 To be faithful. 00:33:20.380 --> 00:33:22.759 To give expression to the mind of Christ. 00:33:22.819 --> 00:33:23.640 That we have in us. 00:33:24.620 --> 00:33:27.880 That's exactly what the Holy Spirit is doing within us. 00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:29.960 The two dovetail. 00:33:31.440 --> 00:33:33.660 And we can be confident in that struggle. 00:33:33.660 --> 00:33:42.060 And that leads me then to just a final couple of sum up points. 00:33:42.340 --> 00:33:47.200 How do we respond to this twin truth of God's preservation and our perseverance? 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:51.640 Well two things I just want to touch on very carefully. 00:33:51.920 --> 00:33:52.720 Very, very briefly. 00:33:52.720 --> 00:33:55.480 Firstly, we need to be careful. 00:33:55.980 --> 00:33:57.360 As we think about this. 00:33:58.440 --> 00:34:01.660 Because perseverance does not mean. 00:34:02.600 --> 00:34:05.220 That every person who says they're a Christian. 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:07.539 Who goes to church. 00:34:07.620 --> 00:34:08.300 Who's been baptized. 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:12.340 Will go to heaven no matter what they say. 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:13.360 Or how they live. 00:34:15.820 --> 00:34:17.119 Perseverance isn't teaching that. 00:34:17.119 --> 00:34:22.659 The truth has to be applied in the context of Romans 8. 00:34:22.920 --> 00:34:24.960 And especially verses 20, 80, 30. 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:27.159 And here it is. 00:34:27.279 --> 00:34:28.299 If you're in Christ. 00:34:30.359 --> 00:34:31.980 Well you say, well what's the evidence of that? 00:34:32.059 --> 00:34:33.000 Well that's where Romans 8. 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:34.119 I've already sort of covered that. 00:34:34.440 --> 00:34:37.259 The evidence of that is change desires and attitudes. 00:34:38.119 --> 00:34:41.139 That change the whole orientation or focus of your living. 00:34:41.139 --> 00:34:47.500 So if you're a person who now longs to serve Jesus. 00:34:47.779 --> 00:34:52.259 Who longs to be in obedience to Jesus. 00:34:55.239 --> 00:34:56.879 Then you can be sure. 00:34:58.259 --> 00:35:00.359 That this truth is for you. 00:35:02.179 --> 00:35:03.299 And that you will be. 00:35:03.839 --> 00:35:05.039 You will persevere. 00:35:07.199 --> 00:35:10.960 And again, perseverance does not mean you'll be free from sin. 00:35:11.139 --> 00:35:14.759 It doesn't mean you'll be free from temptation. 00:35:14.900 --> 00:35:16.299 It doesn't mean you'll be free from a tough life. 00:35:16.359 --> 00:35:20.599 This is not a promise of roses and beer and Skittles. 00:35:21.299 --> 00:35:22.099 Far from it. 00:35:28.099 --> 00:35:33.799 Scripture is full of examples of God's people taking big falls. 00:35:35.920 --> 00:35:37.099 You know it in your own life. 00:35:37.159 --> 00:35:37.980 I know it in my life. 00:35:37.980 --> 00:35:41.619 There are times when we're really warm and excited in our service of Christ. 00:35:41.820 --> 00:35:43.599 And there are times when we're decidedly cold. 00:35:44.199 --> 00:35:46.179 There are times when we just lose the plot altogether. 00:35:48.139 --> 00:35:49.340 For a period of time. 00:35:49.340 --> 00:35:55.920 But the promise of Scripture is that God will ensure we never fall absolutely. 00:35:56.740 --> 00:35:57.860 We never fall completely. 00:35:57.940 --> 00:35:59.140 He will never abandon us. 00:35:59.139 --> 00:36:05.239 Yes, we will continue to sin and fail daily. 00:36:06.559 --> 00:36:09.019 As I've said before, we may even trip up seriously. 00:36:11.099 --> 00:36:16.420 But the person who is truly in Christ will sooner or later be brought back, 00:36:18.179 --> 00:36:21.139 disciplined and renewed by the Lord's Spirit working against us, 00:36:21.139 --> 00:36:22.159 but never abandoned. 00:36:27.659 --> 00:36:31.139 God's promise is that a believer will persevere in faith 00:36:31.139 --> 00:36:37.500 because God will preserve the faith, their faith, and shield them to salvation. 00:36:37.500 --> 00:36:43.000 My final comment then is that as well as being careful, we can also be confident. 00:36:44.500 --> 00:36:47.719 We can be confident knowing we are safe and secure. 00:36:49.059 --> 00:36:52.300 This is a very simple point and yet a very, very hard one to grasp. 00:36:53.260 --> 00:36:55.860 When we live with spiritual uncertainty, 00:36:55.860 --> 00:37:00.380 almost certainly will be debilitated, crippled, 00:37:01.500 --> 00:37:05.240 unable to press ahead in the service of the Lord Jesus. 00:37:07.400 --> 00:37:07.960 Why? 00:37:08.140 --> 00:37:14.039 Because we're always consumed with worry about our position, our state before God. 00:37:17.240 --> 00:37:20.640 A proper understanding of this truth I've been speaking of this morning, 00:37:20.700 --> 00:37:21.860 that Christians are forever, 00:37:21.860 --> 00:37:26.820 will free us to be confident servants of the Lord. 00:37:28.039 --> 00:37:29.079 And it works like this. 00:37:29.559 --> 00:37:33.740 If we're confident that the big business of life is already secure, 00:37:34.140 --> 00:37:37.440 that is our relationship with God and our eternal destiny, 00:37:37.700 --> 00:37:39.220 if those things are already secure, 00:37:39.740 --> 00:37:44.240 then we can get on with giving expression to that which we are in Christ. 00:37:47.200 --> 00:37:50.460 We can get on with the task of persevering, 00:37:50.460 --> 00:37:53.659 struggling in the daily task of living for the Lord, 00:37:53.740 --> 00:37:54.659 of speaking the gospel, 00:37:55.039 --> 00:38:01.619 knowing that on a daily basis we will mess up and struggle and sin. 00:38:05.119 --> 00:38:08.579 Many Christians have such black thoughts 00:38:08.579 --> 00:38:10.880 and live with paralyzing guilt 00:38:10.880 --> 00:38:16.179 and struggle against persistent and awful sins. 00:38:16.179 --> 00:38:22.239 Yet rarely do we come clean with each other 00:38:22.239 --> 00:38:28.099 and seek each other out to help one another in our struggles. 00:38:28.779 --> 00:38:29.839 Why is that, do you think? 00:38:29.919 --> 00:38:34.819 Why do we so often pretend we're one thing when we're struggling at a different point? 00:38:35.319 --> 00:38:40.139 Why do we want to appear to be one thing when we're something different in practice? 00:38:40.139 --> 00:38:41.900 Well, I think the answer is 00:38:41.900 --> 00:38:46.480 because we think these struggles reflect our state of salvation. 00:38:48.599 --> 00:38:51.699 And so we have to look good on the outside 00:38:51.699 --> 00:38:54.299 because we're finding our security, 00:38:54.559 --> 00:38:55.960 not in God's commitment to us, 00:38:56.059 --> 00:38:58.519 but in our performance toward God. 00:38:59.219 --> 00:39:02.099 And that leaves us not much alternative but to pretend. 00:39:02.099 --> 00:39:11.279 I can't speak honestly about my struggles 00:39:11.279 --> 00:39:15.539 because it might appear to others that I'm not a Christian. 00:39:19.159 --> 00:39:23.219 But friends, once we know we're safe and secure in Christ 00:39:23.219 --> 00:39:26.980 because of his commitment to us, 00:39:26.980 --> 00:39:34.900 then we can be honest with one another. 00:39:34.960 --> 00:39:36.860 We can be serious in helping one another 00:39:36.860 --> 00:39:38.800 in the struggle to be more like Christ, 00:39:38.940 --> 00:39:40.639 to be that which we want to be. 00:39:41.960 --> 00:39:43.400 We can honor sins. 00:39:48.840 --> 00:39:50.960 Friends, Christians are forever. 00:39:50.960 --> 00:39:56.199 The life you have in Christ, 00:39:57.800 --> 00:39:59.099 by Christ's words, 00:39:59.159 --> 00:40:01.300 and this comes back to something really, really simple 00:40:01.300 --> 00:40:03.760 and you think, well, what has the last 30 minutes been about? 00:40:04.059 --> 00:40:05.679 It comes back to something really, really simple. 00:40:06.159 --> 00:40:08.920 Christ says, I give you eternal life. 00:40:09.039 --> 00:40:11.300 The word eternal by definition means forever. 00:40:12.940 --> 00:40:14.099 Abundant life forever. 00:40:15.699 --> 00:40:17.720 You will come into glory. 00:40:17.719 --> 00:40:21.179 You will come into the fullness of salvation 00:40:21.179 --> 00:40:26.539 because the Lord is keeping you for your salvation. 00:40:29.399 --> 00:40:31.299 Keeping your salvation for you 00:40:31.299 --> 00:40:33.559 and you will persevere into it 00:40:33.559 --> 00:40:36.480 and you will know glory 00:40:36.480 --> 00:40:38.239 and you will know freedom. 00:40:43.000 --> 00:40:45.759 This truth, my friends, is a truth to live by. 00:40:47.719 --> 00:40:49.539 It's a truth to be joyful in. 00:40:51.319 --> 00:40:52.899 And it's a truth that ought to just 00:40:52.899 --> 00:40:56.719 cause us to overflow in such profound thanksgiving 00:40:56.719 --> 00:41:00.500 that my salvation from first to last 00:41:00.500 --> 00:41:03.059 is about God's commitment to me. 00:41:04.459 --> 00:41:05.279 Let me pray. 00:41:05.279 --> 00:41:05.299 Let me pray. 00:41:05.300 --> 00:41:17.120 Lord, forgive us for not taking the time 00:41:17.120 --> 00:41:20.460 to understand the depth of this teaching 00:41:20.460 --> 00:41:26.100 so that, Lord, practically we live 00:41:26.100 --> 00:41:29.140 as though our eternal security 00:41:29.140 --> 00:41:30.940 is dependent on our performance. 00:41:30.940 --> 00:41:37.280 Lord, we know the guilt that we harbor within ourselves. 00:41:39.880 --> 00:41:41.700 And we allow that guilt, Lord, 00:41:42.360 --> 00:41:46.200 to make us feel insecure and unsafe 00:41:46.200 --> 00:41:51.559 and to leave us full of anxiety and fear. 00:41:51.980 --> 00:41:54.820 Lord, help us to see you, 00:41:54.980 --> 00:41:56.500 to see what you've done for us, 00:41:56.860 --> 00:41:58.539 to see what you continue to do in us, 00:41:58.539 --> 00:42:02.599 to see your love that is promised never to abandon us, 00:42:02.960 --> 00:42:05.279 never to be eroded, never to fade. 00:42:05.900 --> 00:42:08.259 But your intention in your love 00:42:08.259 --> 00:42:11.860 is to bring us into perfect freedom and glory. 00:42:13.259 --> 00:42:15.039 Help us to rejoice in that 00:42:15.039 --> 00:42:18.420 even as we launch ourselves 00:42:18.420 --> 00:42:20.779 into the struggle of daily living 00:42:20.779 --> 00:42:21.719 to please you. 00:42:22.320 --> 00:42:23.440 In Jesus' name I pray. 00:42:23.619 --> 00:42:23.840 Amen.