WEBVTT 00:00:00.120 --> 00:00:05.580 Well, thank you to the band for leading us this far, and a very warm welcome from me. 00:00:05.639 --> 00:00:09.439 My name is Graeme. I work here at the church, and I just want to echo what Paul has said, 00:00:09.500 --> 00:00:13.280 quite literally echo what Paul has said, by welcoming you here this morning. 00:00:13.380 --> 00:00:16.300 Especially if this is your first time, I've spoken to a lot of new people this morning. 00:00:16.620 --> 00:00:20.839 You're so welcome with us, and I just hope that you enjoy your time with us. 00:00:20.920 --> 00:00:28.519 Can I invite you now just to open your Bibles to Philippians 2, verses 12 to 18. 00:00:28.519 --> 00:00:29.980 That's where we're going to be this morning. 00:00:30.699 --> 00:00:35.799 So vital that we have God's Word open in front of us as we come to hear from Him. 00:00:35.859 --> 00:00:42.379 So let's have our Bibles open, and let's be ready to hear and to receive what He has to say to us by His Spirit this morning. 00:00:42.460 --> 00:00:45.899 So shall we pray, and then we can get into this passage together. Let's pray. 00:00:49.760 --> 00:00:54.960 Dear Father, we ask you now, as we come to your living Word, 00:00:54.960 --> 00:01:00.520 we ask that by your Spirit that you would be our teacher and our guide. 00:01:01.079 --> 00:01:06.719 And would He stir in us a passion for your name, a love for your Son, 00:01:07.180 --> 00:01:15.920 and a desire to see His name lifted high, both in our church and in our city here, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:22.939 Well, we are now halfway through our little summer series in Paul's letter to the Philippians. 00:01:23.260 --> 00:01:26.040 And I don't know if you noticed it, maybe you were here last week, 00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:30.340 but as of last week, we've entered a new section of this letter. 00:01:31.400 --> 00:01:38.260 So if you remember quite a few weeks ago, Paul began this letter by talking about what God had been doing in his life. 00:01:38.260 --> 00:01:50.120 That he may be in jail in Rome, but despite his change, the gospel of Jesus Christ was continuing to go forth and transform lives. 00:01:50.580 --> 00:02:03.340 Because so in control is God that he is using even the most desperate and frustrating looking of circumstances to accomplish his purposes in the world. 00:02:03.340 --> 00:02:06.840 That was the first part of the letter. 00:02:07.480 --> 00:02:08.620 Paul was talking about himself. 00:02:08.800 --> 00:02:12.780 Well, if you look at verse 27 of chapter 1, 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:20.080 you'll see that Paul turns from talking about him to talking about them. 00:02:21.420 --> 00:02:24.840 So now he's addressing these Christians in Philippi, 00:02:24.840 --> 00:02:31.860 these Christians who are living out, striving to share the good news of Jesus Christ in their city. 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:34.580 Now, what does Paul want for them? 00:02:34.620 --> 00:02:35.159 We picture them. 00:02:35.219 --> 00:02:36.800 What does Paul want for them as a church? 00:02:38.060 --> 00:02:41.920 Well, you see it in that first verse of that second section of the letter. 00:02:42.360 --> 00:02:45.400 Paul's headline appeal, verse 27 of chapter 1. 00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:53.900 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:58.860 That's the headline of the second part of the letter as he turns to think about these Christians. 00:02:58.860 --> 00:03:05.160 Now, I watched a fascinating documentary recently about the New Zealand All Blacks, the rugby team. 00:03:06.220 --> 00:03:10.020 Now, I know there's some Kiwi links in the congregation this morning, 00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:11.540 so we'll let them have their moment. 00:03:12.820 --> 00:03:14.940 In the Northern Hemisphere, we look on and we think, 00:03:15.060 --> 00:03:19.660 how on earth does a little nation like that go to dominate a sport, 00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:21.900 a worldwide sport like rugby? 00:03:21.900 --> 00:03:27.219 So this documentary was trying to get to the bottom of why New Zealand are so good at rugby. 00:03:29.060 --> 00:03:32.740 Well, the documentary goes on and you see the presenter, 00:03:32.860 --> 00:03:34.680 he goes around New Zealand, he interviews different people, 00:03:34.819 --> 00:03:36.580 and they get to the bottom of it, they think. 00:03:37.099 --> 00:03:38.980 Because in New Zealand, they have this saying, 00:03:39.200 --> 00:03:41.860 and maybe somebody will know, heard of this, 00:03:42.340 --> 00:03:45.319 that in New Zealand, great people make great All Blacks. 00:03:45.319 --> 00:03:49.459 This is what they say, that to wear that black jersey 00:03:49.459 --> 00:03:53.560 is to do something more than just to play sport. 00:03:54.699 --> 00:03:57.459 That it's an honour, and it's a privilege. 00:03:57.579 --> 00:03:59.359 And if you're going to pull on that black jersey, 00:03:59.479 --> 00:04:02.780 then your performance off the field is going to be just as good, 00:04:02.799 --> 00:04:05.379 if not better, than your performance on the field. 00:04:05.379 --> 00:04:09.439 In fact, so convinced are they of this, 00:04:09.519 --> 00:04:13.340 that former All Blacks, instead of hitting the beach and retiring, 00:04:13.759 --> 00:04:16.120 they hit the schools and they hit the rugby clubs, 00:04:16.680 --> 00:04:19.579 and they give themselves to telling the next generation 00:04:19.579 --> 00:04:23.000 and making sure that they know what it truly means 00:04:23.000 --> 00:04:24.219 to pull on this All Black shirt. 00:04:25.079 --> 00:04:25.699 It's incredible. 00:04:26.439 --> 00:04:27.500 Absolutely incredible. 00:04:28.819 --> 00:04:30.219 So I'm watching this documentary and thinking, 00:04:30.339 --> 00:04:33.100 that's kind of what Paul's saying to the Philippines here, is it not? 00:04:33.100 --> 00:04:38.160 Get that sense of it, that Paul is urging these Christians here. 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:38.840 What's he saying? 00:04:39.100 --> 00:04:40.500 Because God has saved you. 00:04:41.280 --> 00:04:43.040 Because you are, as Paul mentioned last week, 00:04:43.080 --> 00:04:45.740 because your identity is in Christ. 00:04:46.460 --> 00:04:49.020 That you have the privilege of being part of his people. 00:04:49.780 --> 00:04:51.800 Then you need to live a life worthy, 00:04:52.680 --> 00:04:55.760 not just of that jersey, but of that calling. 00:04:56.780 --> 00:04:57.960 And as you wear that jersey, 00:04:58.100 --> 00:05:00.860 as you live a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:05:00.860 --> 00:05:04.240 you are to shine brightly in the world around you. 00:05:04.319 --> 00:05:05.759 That's what he wants for this church. 00:05:08.100 --> 00:05:10.060 Here's the danger, though, that he's aware of. 00:05:11.520 --> 00:05:13.900 We look at verse 12 of chapter 2. 00:05:16.160 --> 00:05:19.300 These Christians were going so well when he was with them. 00:05:19.319 --> 00:05:20.420 They were going so well. 00:05:20.420 --> 00:05:22.420 And Paul remembers it. 00:05:22.500 --> 00:05:24.340 And as he remembers it, he loves it. 00:05:24.560 --> 00:05:27.520 And as he loves it, it causes him so much rejoicing 00:05:27.520 --> 00:05:28.860 as he thinks about these Christians. 00:05:28.860 --> 00:05:33.020 But just think back to when you were at school 00:05:33.020 --> 00:05:35.819 and you were working hard in the classroom 00:05:35.819 --> 00:05:36.900 and your teacher said to you, 00:05:36.939 --> 00:05:39.420 listen, class, I'm just going to nip out for a moment. 00:05:40.240 --> 00:05:41.139 Now you've got work to do. 00:05:41.220 --> 00:05:42.020 You know what to do. 00:05:42.100 --> 00:05:43.180 It's all on the blackboard. 00:05:43.280 --> 00:05:44.280 So I want you to get on with it. 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:45.240 And I'm going to come back. 00:05:45.600 --> 00:05:47.699 And I want to see that you're working just as hard 00:05:47.699 --> 00:05:50.180 when I'm out of the room as when I'm in the room. 00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:52.860 What is the temptation for the class? 00:05:54.280 --> 00:05:55.060 Lose focus. 00:05:55.060 --> 00:06:00.819 So Paul is thinking about, as he thinks about this church, 00:06:00.899 --> 00:06:01.939 the fact that he's not with them. 00:06:02.060 --> 00:06:05.379 So the question is, how is Paul going to motivate these Christians 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:10.459 in his absence, not just to not take their foot off the gas, 00:06:11.259 --> 00:06:15.300 but how is he going to motivate them to put their foot even more on the gas 00:06:15.300 --> 00:06:18.100 as they strive to live for Jesus Christ in their city? 00:06:18.720 --> 00:06:21.060 To keep going, to keep growing, 00:06:21.060 --> 00:06:24.680 and to strive all the more to live a life worthy of their Savior. 00:06:25.519 --> 00:06:26.339 How are they going to do it? 00:06:27.860 --> 00:06:32.420 Well, in these verses, Paul presents them with a game plan for Christian growth. 00:06:33.840 --> 00:06:38.680 Here is how they're going to live lives worthy of that Jersey and calling. 00:06:40.040 --> 00:06:43.139 And I think as we look at these verses together this morning, 00:06:43.240 --> 00:06:46.879 there are some wonderful lessons as we think about our own Christian lives 00:06:46.879 --> 00:06:49.139 individually and corporately. 00:06:51.060 --> 00:06:51.819 It's a game plan. 00:06:51.899 --> 00:06:53.939 It's got three steps to it, if you want to follow along. 00:06:54.660 --> 00:07:00.500 Step one, verses one to 11 of chapter two, Paul points to a person. 00:07:01.420 --> 00:07:02.139 This is what he does. 00:07:02.180 --> 00:07:03.079 He points to a person. 00:07:03.399 --> 00:07:06.420 How does he begin it in verse 12 of chapter two? 00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:08.259 Therefore. 00:07:09.379 --> 00:07:11.660 Now, I was always taught that when I see a therefore, 00:07:11.660 --> 00:07:16.079 I need to pause and I need to ask myself, 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:19.199 what is the therefore there for? 00:07:20.199 --> 00:07:21.939 Because a therefore, what does it do? 00:07:22.139 --> 00:07:27.579 Whenever you see it, it pushes us back the way to consider what has just preceded it. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:31.060 And what has just preceded this therefore at chapter 12 00:07:31.060 --> 00:07:38.000 is that Paul has given the most beautiful portrait of their Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:42.620 Now, I don't want to spend too long in these verses because we looked at them last week, 00:07:42.680 --> 00:07:45.519 but it's important that we try and see Paul's logic in this letter. 00:07:45.920 --> 00:07:47.360 What does Paul say about Christ? 00:07:47.459 --> 00:07:48.079 Look at it there. 00:07:50.120 --> 00:07:51.360 He humbled himself. 00:07:53.220 --> 00:07:54.779 And how did he humble himself? 00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:57.339 Well, he took on flesh. 00:07:57.339 --> 00:08:03.039 Now, that God would take our form would have been humbling enough. 00:08:04.579 --> 00:08:07.579 But Jesus' humbling himself continued. 00:08:07.679 --> 00:08:08.359 Do you see it there? 00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:12.439 That he would allow himself to die. 00:08:14.719 --> 00:08:18.479 And his humbling self went to the greatest possible depth 00:08:18.479 --> 00:08:25.219 that Jesus would allow himself to die via insult and ridicule on a cross. 00:08:26.159 --> 00:08:27.179 See what Paul is saying? 00:08:27.339 --> 00:08:31.239 Philippians, do you understand your Savior? 00:08:31.359 --> 00:08:33.799 Do you understand that he could not have gone any lower? 00:08:35.579 --> 00:08:39.079 And do you see, do you understand that he could not have gone any lower? 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:40.000 And why did he do it? 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:40.779 He did it for you. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:46.279 And because he went low, because he humbled himself, what did God do? 00:08:46.379 --> 00:08:47.579 Well, God exalted him. 00:08:48.519 --> 00:08:51.220 And gave him the name that is above every name. 00:08:51.220 --> 00:08:55.019 The name that one day every knee will bow before. 00:08:55.019 --> 00:08:57.720 What does Paul say? 00:08:57.779 --> 00:08:58.939 That mind of Christ. 00:08:59.480 --> 00:09:00.840 That is to be your mind. 00:09:00.939 --> 00:09:01.879 That's how you're to think. 00:09:02.840 --> 00:09:05.240 And we've noticed it, haven't we, as we've journeyed through this letter, 00:09:05.319 --> 00:09:07.579 how often Paul talks about mind. 00:09:09.039 --> 00:09:10.740 How these Christians are to think. 00:09:11.740 --> 00:09:12.659 And how are they to think? 00:09:12.740 --> 00:09:16.480 Well, they've to model their thinking on their Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:19.080 We've seen it, if you want to just really quickly look at it. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:21.860 Verse 2 of chapter 2, what does he say? 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:22.820 Be of one mind. 00:09:24.180 --> 00:09:26.899 Verse 3 of chapter 2 talks about being of one mind. 00:09:27.019 --> 00:09:28.680 Verse 5, have this mind. 00:09:30.259 --> 00:09:33.240 In other words, as you look at Jesus, as you contemplate your Savior, 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:34.899 this is how you're to think. 00:09:35.200 --> 00:09:37.379 But not just how you're to think. 00:09:37.860 --> 00:09:39.360 This is how you're to live. 00:09:39.360 --> 00:09:43.919 It's almost as if he takes them by the ear. 00:09:45.800 --> 00:09:48.039 And he drags them to the foot of the cross. 00:09:48.180 --> 00:09:52.580 And he says, as you stand here, how does your pride look? 00:09:54.039 --> 00:10:00.060 As you contemplate your Savior, how do your out-of-place attitudes compare to him? 00:10:00.919 --> 00:10:02.740 How foolish do your squabbles look? 00:10:04.920 --> 00:10:06.920 John Stott, the late John Stott, used to say, 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:11.120 every time I look at the cross, it shrinks me down to my true size. 00:10:13.759 --> 00:10:18.860 And I think that takes us here to the bridging word between this section and our verses this morning. 00:10:19.439 --> 00:10:25.459 What was the life of Jesus Christ marked by verse 8 of chapter 2? 00:10:26.919 --> 00:10:27.519 Obedience. 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:32.679 Jesus, obedient to the will of his Father in heaven. 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:36.620 And because Jesus obeyed, Paul says, looking at the Philippians, 00:10:36.919 --> 00:10:39.159 if your Savior obeyed, if your King obeyed, 00:10:39.179 --> 00:10:41.959 if the one you're trying to seek after and follow and live for obeyed, 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:44.199 then you need to obey too. 00:10:45.500 --> 00:10:47.659 Because I may be out of the room, so to speak, 00:10:47.699 --> 00:10:50.839 but remember, get your heads around the fact that it's not me that you're serving. 00:10:51.599 --> 00:10:53.399 It's not me that you're looking to follow after. 00:10:53.479 --> 00:10:54.059 It's Christ. 00:10:54.059 --> 00:11:04.039 So live in a manner worthy of the gospel and do so by living in constant contemplation of 00:11:04.039 --> 00:11:08.179 and constant communion with the Christ that you seek to follow after. 00:11:10.439 --> 00:11:15.299 So step one for this church to grow, to fix their minds on Jesus Christ. 00:11:16.299 --> 00:11:17.619 Paul points to a person. 00:11:17.839 --> 00:11:20.519 Step two, verses 12 to 13, he presents a plan. 00:11:20.519 --> 00:11:23.439 And maybe this is where it gets a bit more practical for us this morning. 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:26.079 What does Paul want them to do? 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:29.840 Look at it there, verse 12, to work out their salvation. 00:11:31.419 --> 00:11:34.220 Now notice the words that he uses really carefully there. 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:34.980 What does he write? 00:11:35.899 --> 00:11:36.759 What does he not write? 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:39.220 He does not say, work for your salvation. 00:11:40.720 --> 00:11:43.240 Being a Christian is not like Britain's Got Talent, 00:11:43.299 --> 00:11:47.259 as if we perform for God and God is somehow happy and chooses to save us. 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:52.460 The salvation that Jesus Christ has won for them is by grace alone, 00:11:52.960 --> 00:11:55.519 through faith alone, in Christ alone. 00:11:56.059 --> 00:12:02.120 And that salvation, Paul says, take it, cherish it, love it, run in it, and work it out. 00:12:03.939 --> 00:12:05.319 Live out your salvation. 00:12:05.559 --> 00:12:06.700 Outwork your salvation. 00:12:06.960 --> 00:12:08.019 We were at a wedding the other day. 00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:09.379 My cousin got married in Glasgow. 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:13.439 And the minister said, you need to work at your marriage. 00:12:14.399 --> 00:12:18.080 Now what he didn't mean was every time something happens in your marriage, 00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:20.460 that you need to go back to square one and work it all out again. 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:22.559 He says, this is a continuing process. 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:23.799 Work at it. 00:12:24.240 --> 00:12:25.419 So what Paul is saying here, 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:29.600 and in what manner are they to do that? 00:12:30.759 --> 00:12:31.159 Casually? 00:12:32.679 --> 00:12:33.700 No, reverently. 00:12:34.100 --> 00:12:35.100 The sense of awe. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:35.899 Do you see it there? 00:12:36.200 --> 00:12:37.799 Sense of awe at who God is. 00:12:37.799 --> 00:12:42.419 That Jesus Christ has brought them into the presence of, 00:12:42.719 --> 00:12:44.339 and into a relationship with, 00:12:44.699 --> 00:12:46.979 their holy Father. 00:12:48.959 --> 00:12:50.259 I'm always reminded of 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:54.059 when Lucy and Mr. Tumnus speak of Vaslan, 00:12:54.139 --> 00:12:54.839 what do they say? 00:12:55.579 --> 00:12:57.099 That he is not a tame lion, 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:58.939 but he is good. 00:13:00.359 --> 00:13:03.339 Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 00:13:03.459 --> 00:13:05.979 Now here's the question we need to ask ourselves at this point. 00:13:05.980 --> 00:13:08.539 Paul wants these Christians, 00:13:08.620 --> 00:13:09.539 these Christians in Philippi, 00:13:09.620 --> 00:13:11.320 to work out their salvation, 00:13:11.480 --> 00:13:12.899 to live worthy lives. 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:15.139 But as they seek to do that, 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:17.539 here's the question that we may be thinking 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:18.659 as we look at these verses. 00:13:20.440 --> 00:13:21.740 Who is doing what? 00:13:23.039 --> 00:13:24.240 Who is doing what? 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:27.539 Is it all up to them to live this life worthy of the gospel? 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:32.300 Or is it all up to God to make them live this life worthy of the gospel? 00:13:32.299 --> 00:13:40.000 Well, here is one of the most beautiful paradoxical truths about the Christian life. 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:43.240 Look at Paul explaining the how of the growth. 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:44.439 Look at what he writes. 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:45.899 At the end of verse 12, 00:13:47.559 --> 00:13:50.679 they have to work at their faith. 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:51.699 Do you see it? 00:13:51.719 --> 00:13:53.139 They have to work it out. 00:13:53.179 --> 00:13:55.439 They have to work at their faith. 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:59.480 They have to nurture their devotional life 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:01.000 and their love for the Lord Jesus. 00:14:01.880 --> 00:14:03.420 They have to read their Bibles. 00:14:03.560 --> 00:14:04.700 They have to grow in knowledge. 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:06.060 They have to resolve to pray. 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:08.800 They have to be the ones that extend forgiveness 00:14:08.800 --> 00:14:10.000 to their brothers and sisters. 00:14:10.560 --> 00:14:12.960 They are to be the ones who are zealous for good works. 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:16.280 They have to work at their faith. 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:19.199 But at verse 13, 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:22.159 they need to work at their faith 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:27.519 all the while knowing that God is at work in them. 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:32.699 And this takes us to consider the wear of this growth. 00:14:33.139 --> 00:14:37.699 Now notice the breathtaking thought that Paul just drops in here at verse 13. 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:41.139 It's a stunning thought. 00:14:41.139 --> 00:14:46.399 That their efforts as they strive to live out their faith 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:50.779 are not only being carried out in the very presence of God, 00:14:51.699 --> 00:14:55.379 but are in fact the very efforts of God himself 00:14:55.379 --> 00:14:58.620 working in them by his spirit to produce 00:14:58.620 --> 00:15:02.059 the very desires to work and to will for his good pleasure. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:06.460 And just as we think about that, 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:07.779 that is a staggering truth. 00:15:07.779 --> 00:15:10.139 I just want you to be encouraged here this morning 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:13.879 I want you to be encouraged as you look at these verses 00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:17.220 about God's commitment to you as one of his children, 00:15:17.960 --> 00:15:18.860 to your growth. 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:23.379 And God is not like the parent at school sports day, 00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:27.019 saying it's all over to you now, son and daughter. 00:15:27.139 --> 00:15:29.100 Listen, I'll be here on the sidelines cheering you on, 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:30.299 but it's all up to you. 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:33.799 I always think it's a bit like, 00:15:34.399 --> 00:15:36.100 it's a bit like Holmes under the hammer. 00:15:37.500 --> 00:15:39.480 Alex, my wife and I, we love to watch that show. 00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:43.399 Just to give you a little insight into the rock and roll lifestyle that we're leading. 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:48.320 The presenter goes to survey the property. 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:51.180 He turns to the camera, 00:15:51.259 --> 00:15:53.060 would you check out the state of this place? 00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:56.080 Who in their right mind would take this mess on? 00:15:57.519 --> 00:15:59.820 The person buys the property, comes in and says, 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:01.580 listen, I know all you can see here is mess. 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:02.560 I know this is messy. 00:16:02.559 --> 00:16:07.559 But here is the plan for what I'm going to transform this into. 00:16:08.939 --> 00:16:11.059 When God saved us, we were messy. 00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:13.239 And we are messy. 00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:15.239 And we will always be messy. 00:16:15.339 --> 00:16:18.379 But when God saved us, he put his spirit into our lives. 00:16:19.099 --> 00:16:22.199 And he sent him there, not to be a casual occupier, 00:16:22.259 --> 00:16:23.759 but to be a permanent dweller. 00:16:24.599 --> 00:16:26.319 And he did so not aimlessly. 00:16:26.439 --> 00:16:27.579 He did so with a plan. 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:31.820 And that plan was not to turn a two bed into a four bed with a nice little kitchen and conservatory. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:37.740 He's in the business of transforming his people into the likeness of Jesus Christ. 00:16:39.900 --> 00:16:41.300 And notice the why. 00:16:41.440 --> 00:16:44.280 Why does God do this in the lives of his people? 00:16:45.180 --> 00:16:47.259 Well, check out the two words at the end of that verse. 00:16:47.379 --> 00:16:48.160 Why does he do it? 00:16:48.740 --> 00:16:50.600 For his good pleasure. 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:56.820 In his strength, as his people grow, as they flourish, 00:16:56.899 --> 00:17:01.320 as he watches them make decisions that honor him, it delights him. 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:08.779 So you work at your salvation with fear and trembling, Christian, says Paul. 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:10.599 You work at it. 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:14.680 All the while knowing that God is at work in you. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:17.140 Now this is not 50-50. 00:17:17.140 --> 00:17:19.620 This is not us and God do it. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:21.240 We tag team here to make up 100. 00:17:21.640 --> 00:17:25.860 This is 100% you work and 100% God is at work in you. 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:28.140 And that's a beautiful truth for our Christian lives. 00:17:30.060 --> 00:17:36.380 J.I. Packer said the motto for the Christian life is not let go and let God, 00:17:36.900 --> 00:17:39.140 but trust God and get going. 00:17:40.560 --> 00:17:42.640 Trust God and get going. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:45.940 So there's step two for the game plan for growth. 00:17:45.940 --> 00:17:47.779 Paul presents them with a plan. 00:17:48.900 --> 00:17:52.920 And third step, verses 14 to 17, what Paul does is he paints a picture. 00:17:53.900 --> 00:17:58.160 He paints a picture, as people have alluded to already in the service this morning. 00:17:58.220 --> 00:18:02.100 He paints a picture and he says, would you see how beautiful the church can be? 00:18:03.640 --> 00:18:08.620 Again, I just want us to really quickly see the what, the how, the where, and the why of this picture. 00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:11.259 What does he want them to be? 00:18:11.339 --> 00:18:11.959 Verse 15. 00:18:13.579 --> 00:18:14.479 Shining lights. 00:18:15.419 --> 00:18:16.859 It's a beautiful image. 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:18.519 Shining lights. 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:21.139 And where does he want them to shine? 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:22.779 We'll look at some of the words that he uses. 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:25.699 In the world. 00:18:26.959 --> 00:18:28.319 Among whom you shine. 00:18:28.459 --> 00:18:30.619 In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. 00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:33.559 You get the point, right? 00:18:33.659 --> 00:18:35.799 If we're reading this, if you're flipping, I get the point. 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:40.359 Paul doesn't want these Christians in Philippi to retreat from the world. 00:18:41.619 --> 00:18:43.059 Withdraw to a holy huddle. 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:45.739 Having nothing to do with the darkness round about them. 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:47.559 And very much keeping the light to themselves. 00:18:47.719 --> 00:18:48.719 He doesn't want them to do that. 00:18:49.639 --> 00:18:50.659 Retreat is not an option. 00:18:51.659 --> 00:18:55.959 But nor does he want these Christians to conform so much to the worlds. 00:18:56.599 --> 00:18:58.479 That they just become like everyone else. 00:18:58.480 --> 00:19:00.000 They have the same dreams. 00:19:00.140 --> 00:19:01.460 They have the same ambitions. 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:03.099 They behave the same. 00:19:03.700 --> 00:19:04.480 They have the same attitudes. 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:10.039 So much so that actually if you look to them, they wouldn't be any different from the world round about them. 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:10.880 Indistinguishable. 00:19:12.779 --> 00:19:13.839 What does Paul want? 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:15.120 He wants them to be holy. 00:19:16.660 --> 00:19:18.440 And he wants them to be in the world. 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:22.259 Be in the world. 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:25.740 But do not be of the world. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:27.620 Be in the darkness. 00:19:27.619 --> 00:19:30.939 But as you're in the darkness, be a light in the darkness. 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:35.299 Shine for Christ. 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:39.619 And be something bright and beautiful. 00:19:39.879 --> 00:19:44.059 Shine for Christ and be something distinctive and attractive. 00:19:44.339 --> 00:19:51.579 Shine for Christ and seek to make an impact on the darkness with the light of Christ. 00:19:51.659 --> 00:19:52.479 This is what he's saying. 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:58.579 Amongst other things, it's a navigational metaphor. 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:03.220 This guy spent a lot of time in his life on ships traveling. 00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:05.860 What would they do? 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:10.039 People on the ships, they would look at the stars in order to help them navigate as to where they're going to go. 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:10.960 Do you see what he's saying? 00:20:12.360 --> 00:20:14.360 Be that light that people look at. 00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:19.939 And as they look at it and lead it, are directed in the direction of safety and life. 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:25.600 Is this not a very attractive picture? 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:30.019 Of how the church is meant to relate to the world? 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:36.100 Is this not a very beautiful picture as we think about our church? 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:41.340 As we think about our lives individually where God has placed us and corporately together? 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:46.220 Is this not a beautiful thought about what we're supposed to be doing? 00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:49.359 Paul says, shine. 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:52.039 In your darkness, shine. 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:56.599 And how are they going to shine? 00:20:57.819 --> 00:20:58.759 How are they going to do it? 00:20:58.879 --> 00:21:02.339 What are the practical things they're going to do that are going to help them shine? 00:21:02.459 --> 00:21:05.579 Well, let me just, as we bring it to a close this morning, 00:21:05.919 --> 00:21:09.259 let me just draw your attention to the imperatives that he uses here. 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:13.460 And I think this is where it becomes very practical for us this morning. 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:17.019 And I'll try and draw a few of the applications as we go through them, 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:20.500 but maybe have a think in your own lives what this is going to look like. 00:21:21.619 --> 00:21:24.559 So very quickly, firstly, verse 14, what does he say? 00:21:25.379 --> 00:21:26.339 How are they going to shine? 00:21:27.259 --> 00:21:32.000 By being people who do all things without grumbling and questioning. 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:38.799 Paul thinking back here to that grumbling Exodus generation, 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:45.000 who were not the shining lights to the surrounding nations that God intended them to be. 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:49.779 And I think Paul is striking right at the heart here some of the internal issues 00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:52.079 that he's probably heard about are going on in this church. 00:21:53.220 --> 00:21:55.259 Some of the disputes, some of the disagreements, 00:21:55.379 --> 00:21:57.339 some of the differences that are causing friction. 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:00.019 What does he say? 00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:01.160 Guys, come to the cross. 00:22:01.359 --> 00:22:02.240 Come to the cross. 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:03.759 Drink in your Savior. 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:05.640 Drink in your Savior. 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:08.140 And allow that to shape your mind. 00:22:08.259 --> 00:22:09.019 Put that behavior. 00:22:09.539 --> 00:22:10.519 Act like Christ. 00:22:11.619 --> 00:22:13.740 Not only will that help their church community. 00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:14.519 Think about that. 00:22:14.579 --> 00:22:16.420 Not only will that help that church community. 00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:19.019 But what a difference. 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:23.539 And how different they will look in the world round about them. 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:25.440 What does that mean? 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:26.740 Think about our world today. 00:22:26.839 --> 00:22:28.000 Our world loves grumbling. 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:31.500 I read a survey this week that showed 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:35.220 that the average Brit moans 70 times a week. 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:37.619 I've no idea how you work that out. 00:22:38.399 --> 00:22:39.480 70 times a week. 00:22:39.539 --> 00:22:40.220 It gets better. 00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:41.940 11 times on a weekday. 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:45.099 And 16 times at the weekend. 00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:46.460 I don't know what happens at the weekend. 00:22:47.819 --> 00:22:51.920 And at least three times before people have left the house in the morning. 00:22:51.920 --> 00:22:53.380 That's our world. 00:22:54.160 --> 00:22:57.980 Seems that Victor Meldrew is a lot closer to home than we care to admit. 00:22:59.480 --> 00:23:03.720 But how different, how counter-cultural will we look in our world 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:09.019 simply by not grumbling and not questioning like everyone else? 00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:13.340 Secondly, verse 15, and we'll rattle through these 00:23:13.340 --> 00:23:16.680 by being people who are blameless, pure, and without blemish. 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:20.140 A people who are striving for purity, 00:23:20.140 --> 00:23:21.700 who are striving for holiness. 00:23:21.920 --> 00:23:22.120 Why? 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.759 Because they are striving for Christ. 00:23:24.820 --> 00:23:27.320 That they are pursuing a lifestyle that not only fits 00:23:27.320 --> 00:23:30.320 with the holy God who they claim to know and represent, 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:33.220 but the holy God who has made them his own 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:36.000 and who has called them to be his children and be holy. 00:23:38.820 --> 00:23:40.800 Thirdly, verse 16, 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:43.819 by being people who hold fast to the word of life. 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:47.839 Holding to the truth of God's word with both hands. 00:23:48.519 --> 00:23:49.680 Never letting it go. 00:23:49.940 --> 00:23:51.119 Fixing their eyes on it. 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:51.819 Savoring it. 00:23:51.919 --> 00:23:53.919 Allowing it to shape the way that they think. 00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:56.960 And as they do that, 00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:59.220 not holding it out in front of them, 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.180 as they do that, 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:01.720 not clutching it to themselves, 00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:05.079 but holding it out with both hands 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:07.079 so that the world round about 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:10.240 can come and see where life is to be found. 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:13.720 I'm just thinking on it this week. 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:18.960 How often does our world try and convince us 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:21.379 that the opposite is actually true of this? 00:24:22.639 --> 00:24:24.919 That actually the world is enlightened. 00:24:25.139 --> 00:24:27.639 The world is the white back sheet, if you like. 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:29.460 The world is the white canvas. 00:24:30.099 --> 00:24:31.619 And you Christians, with you, Jesus, 00:24:31.619 --> 00:24:32.519 with your opinions, 00:24:32.879 --> 00:24:35.539 you're actually the black spots on that white canvas. 00:24:37.619 --> 00:24:38.739 And see what Paul is saying here? 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:40.739 Actually, it's the other way around. 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:42.819 And the thing that should give us, 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:44.619 and I hope that gives us great confidence 00:24:44.619 --> 00:24:47.919 as we take the gospel into our workplaces, 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:48.959 into our sports teams, 00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:50.679 into our stairwells, to our neighbors, 00:24:51.419 --> 00:24:53.019 that actually what we're holding out here 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:54.239 is not just man's opinions. 00:24:55.479 --> 00:24:57.619 What we're holding out is the word of life. 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:01.559 Fourthly, verse 18, 00:25:02.579 --> 00:25:03.879 very quickly, what does he say? 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:06.439 Be people who are glad and rejoice. 00:25:06.579 --> 00:25:08.119 Now, obviously, that is the opposite 00:25:08.119 --> 00:25:10.479 of grumbling and questioning. 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:14.199 And so Paul says, with all these things, 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:16.579 he says, shine for the gospel. 00:25:17.419 --> 00:25:19.359 There is the beautiful picture that he paints. 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:20.379 Shine, says Paul. 00:25:20.579 --> 00:25:22.259 And very quickly notice the why. 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.519 Why? 00:25:25.639 --> 00:25:28.019 Because it brings Paul great joy. 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:30.480 Now, I've been struck with the language 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:32.839 that Paul uses of himself at verse 17. 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:36.779 He will sacrifice everything of himself 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:40.259 in the cause of seeing these Christians grow 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:41.200 in their faith. 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:43.980 And it made me just think. 00:25:45.160 --> 00:25:46.559 It made me think, Graham, 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:48.840 how far, in all honesty, 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:50.640 how far are you willing to go 00:25:50.640 --> 00:25:52.420 to see a brother and sister 00:25:52.420 --> 00:25:55.100 go forth and grow in their faith? 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:58.980 It would be one practical thing to do this week. 00:25:59.039 --> 00:26:00.379 In fact, before you go this morning 00:26:00.379 --> 00:26:02.240 is to think about how you could sacrifice 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:03.980 something of your time this week 00:26:03.980 --> 00:26:05.879 in order to see somebody grow. 00:26:07.199 --> 00:26:08.959 Could maybe be even as simple 00:26:08.959 --> 00:26:11.099 as sacrificing 10 minutes of your day 00:26:11.099 --> 00:26:12.659 to committing yourself 00:26:12.659 --> 00:26:14.000 to praying for someone else 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:14.980 in this church family. 00:26:15.659 --> 00:26:17.519 Something really practical to do this morning 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.319 before you go. 00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:20.179 Go up to somebody. 00:26:21.159 --> 00:26:22.980 Say, how can I be praying for you this week? 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:24.399 And here is my commitment 00:26:24.399 --> 00:26:26.639 between now and next Sunday. 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:27.839 Every day I'm going to spend 00:26:27.839 --> 00:26:29.879 10 minutes of my day praying for you. 00:26:30.139 --> 00:26:31.339 Doesn't that make a massive difference? 00:26:32.359 --> 00:26:34.319 How can we be sacrificing ourselves 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:36.879 to see our brothers and sisters 00:26:36.879 --> 00:26:37.759 in this church grow? 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:41.399 See the Philippians shine 00:26:41.399 --> 00:26:44.039 to see them grow and go for Christ. 00:26:44.200 --> 00:26:46.720 It's going to bring Paul great joy 00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:49.360 and it's going to bring God great glory. 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:53.860 Your manner of life 00:26:53.860 --> 00:26:55.500 be worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:58.059 Paul points to a person, 00:26:58.980 --> 00:27:00.039 he presents a plan, 00:27:00.620 --> 00:27:01.660 and he paints a picture. 00:27:03.319 --> 00:27:05.500 As we close a few months back, 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:07.900 it was a great joy to see James baptized. 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.519 I wasn't here, 00:27:09.620 --> 00:27:11.259 but the amount of positive reports 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:13.019 I heard was incredible. 00:27:13.920 --> 00:27:15.240 Just such a great time, wasn't it, 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:16.200 to celebrate together 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:18.019 what God has done in his life, 00:27:18.080 --> 00:27:19.940 but also what God is doing in this place. 00:27:20.700 --> 00:27:21.779 And it was really interesting 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.980 the week before he got baptized, 00:27:23.180 --> 00:27:24.259 he sent me his testimony, 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:25.360 but he also sent me 00:27:25.360 --> 00:27:27.420 one of his friend's testimonies. 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:28.860 Somebody who was actually getting baptized 00:27:28.860 --> 00:27:30.140 at the same time as him, 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:31.360 but was getting baptized 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:33.559 in a different church in the city. 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:36.160 And let me just read a portion 00:27:36.160 --> 00:27:38.600 of his testimony to you, 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:39.220 with permission, 00:27:40.220 --> 00:27:41.660 and just think about 00:27:41.660 --> 00:27:43.960 what it means to shine 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:45.100 in somebody's life. 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:46.279 So let me just read this to you, 00:27:46.380 --> 00:27:47.440 and we'll close with this. 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:51.160 I wasn't born or raised 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:52.279 in a Christian family. 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:55.680 I failed religious studies at school, 00:27:56.180 --> 00:27:57.940 and my only notion of Jesus 00:27:57.940 --> 00:27:59.600 was the party-pooping Christ 00:27:59.600 --> 00:28:01.700 displayed in popular culture. 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:04.480 I spent the better part 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.640 of 30 years 00:28:05.640 --> 00:28:07.360 taking complete control 00:28:07.360 --> 00:28:08.220 of my own life, 00:28:08.580 --> 00:28:09.559 and I was miserable. 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.259 I felt lost 00:28:11.259 --> 00:28:12.700 and empty, 00:28:12.880 --> 00:28:14.100 and no amount of alcohol 00:28:14.100 --> 00:28:15.000 or debauchery 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:15.779 could fill me up. 00:28:16.360 --> 00:28:17.620 I suffered from depression, 00:28:18.120 --> 00:28:19.700 and I tried to take my own life 00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:20.700 on several occasions. 00:28:21.840 --> 00:28:23.000 In July of last year, 00:28:23.100 --> 00:28:24.480 at a particular low point, 00:28:24.580 --> 00:28:25.480 I cried out, 00:28:26.120 --> 00:28:27.759 not knowing who might listen, 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:29.980 and I made a promise 00:28:29.980 --> 00:28:31.319 that if things didn't pick up 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:32.539 before the year was done, 00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:33.180 then I was done. 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:36.000 And he heard me. 00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:39.160 And things changed quickly 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:40.599 following that anguished plea, 00:28:40.879 --> 00:28:42.119 and very much for the better. 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:45.220 Little coincidences occurred 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:46.599 that brought about improvements 00:28:46.599 --> 00:28:47.640 in my situation 00:28:47.640 --> 00:28:48.599 and my health. 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:50.660 And here's the bit to listen to. 00:28:51.580 --> 00:28:52.759 Then someone new 00:28:52.759 --> 00:28:54.440 started at my work, 00:28:54.940 --> 00:28:56.700 and she brought 00:28:56.700 --> 00:28:58.360 our loving God 00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:59.420 to my attention, 00:29:00.300 --> 00:29:01.220 and my interest 00:29:01.220 --> 00:29:02.440 was piqued. 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:05.380 And the rest of the story 00:29:05.380 --> 00:29:06.259 is how through 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:07.380 the witness of his colleague, 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.840 he investigates Christianity, 00:29:09.120 --> 00:29:10.380 encounters the gospel message, 00:29:10.640 --> 00:29:11.620 and he gives his life 00:29:11.620 --> 00:29:12.480 to Jesus Christ. 00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:14.880 But James said to me that, 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:15.779 and I was reading it through, 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:17.960 and I was really struck 00:29:17.960 --> 00:29:18.980 by how that colleague 00:29:18.980 --> 00:29:19.680 is described. 00:29:20.660 --> 00:29:21.840 She brought 00:29:21.840 --> 00:29:23.200 our loving God 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:24.200 to my attention. 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:25.920 Now is that not 00:29:25.920 --> 00:29:27.259 a wonderful example 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:28.820 of what it means 00:29:28.820 --> 00:29:29.500 to shine 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:30.800 in the darkness, 00:29:31.040 --> 00:29:32.380 wherever God has placed us? 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:34.900 To make our loving God, 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:36.240 to make the living God, 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:38.320 make him available, 00:29:38.759 --> 00:29:39.779 tell people about him? 00:29:41.620 --> 00:29:42.759 I find that so encouraging 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:43.600 as I read that. 00:29:43.820 --> 00:29:44.800 This is what it means 00:29:44.800 --> 00:29:45.320 to shine 00:29:45.320 --> 00:29:46.720 in the darkness. 00:29:46.960 --> 00:29:47.600 Sinclair Ferguson, 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:48.860 and we will close with this, 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:50.220 Sinclair Ferguson writes, 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:51.620 As children, 00:29:51.740 --> 00:29:52.600 we learn to say, 00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:53.500 twinkle, twinkle, 00:29:53.620 --> 00:29:54.400 little star, 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:56.279 how I wonder what you are. 00:29:57.220 --> 00:29:58.500 Christians who are lights 00:29:58.500 --> 00:30:00.300 shining in the world's darkness 00:30:00.300 --> 00:30:01.380 will make others 00:30:01.380 --> 00:30:03.300 ask similar questions of them. 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:05.779 You are the light of the world, 00:30:06.340 --> 00:30:06.980 so shine. 00:30:08.120 --> 00:30:09.060 Let's pray together. 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:13.980 So dear Father, 00:30:14.039 --> 00:30:15.019 we thank you so much, 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:15.220 Lord, 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:15.919 for this morning. 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:17.059 And we thank you so much 00:30:17.059 --> 00:30:17.940 for your word. 00:30:19.419 --> 00:30:19.819 Father, 00:30:19.899 --> 00:30:20.980 that not only that we have it, 00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:22.240 but we have it in our language, 00:30:22.359 --> 00:30:23.379 that we can understand it. 00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:24.339 Thank you so much 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:25.519 for the wonderful promises 00:30:25.519 --> 00:30:26.399 and encouragements 00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:27.159 that we've seen 00:30:27.159 --> 00:30:28.819 in your word this morning. 00:30:30.200 --> 00:30:30.799 So Father, 00:30:30.899 --> 00:30:32.440 we ask that you would help us 00:30:32.440 --> 00:30:33.000 this week 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:34.919 by your spirit 00:30:34.919 --> 00:30:36.279 who is at work in us 00:30:36.279 --> 00:30:38.539 to shine for the gospel. 00:30:39.819 --> 00:30:40.519 So Father, 00:30:40.579 --> 00:30:41.379 this is our prayer 00:30:41.379 --> 00:30:42.720 made in Jesus' 00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:44.079 worthy and precious name. 00:30:44.660 --> 00:30:44.980 Amen.