WEBVTT

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 I am also really excited for summer, maybe even more than some of you students, if that

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 is possible.

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 We get to have this summer for the first time since COVID, short-term trips to work alongside

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 some of our mission partners.

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 How exciting that is.

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 Opportunities here, Jeremy was telling you about in relationship with our neighbors.

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 Invite someone to the cookout or VBS.

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 This is why God has us here, right?

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 That we would see His name praised among the nations and the next generations.

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 That's what we're about.

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 And it's exciting to get to be a part of that in these ways.

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 One other thing I wanted to mention before we open God's Word together.

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 Today is a day that has been set aside months ago by our denomination because our denomination,

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 the PCA, the Presbyterian Church in America, is turning 50 this year.

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 And so this is a day of prayer to thank God for His work, to pray for the future of our

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 denomination.

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 And it's been especially poignant this week because we have experienced the death of multiple

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 pastors in our denomination.

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 Last Sunday, Stephen Smallman in Pennsylvania.

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 Thursday morning, Pastor Harry Reeder from Briarwood, a sister church in Birmingham, died suddenly

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 in a car accident.

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 And then the next morning, Tim Keller went to be with Jesus.

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 He's been in New York City and battling pancreatic cancer.

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 I know that He has shaped many of you.

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 He has certainly shaped many of your pastors.

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 These are men who are fathers in the PCA.

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 Maybe some of them, no one outside the Presbyterian Church in America would recognize, but significantly

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 influential for years and years in our denomination.

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 And so I encourage us to be praying for the future of the PCA and those who will continue

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 to lead us and shepherd us as we thank God for these who have done that for us.

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 As these would certainly have it, let's open our Bibles.

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 Let's hear from God appropriately this morning about leaders.

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 We are entering the last chapter of Peter's letter to God's people who are scattered through

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 the world.

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 He's been telling them and us about the suffering that we're going to endure because this world

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 is not our home.

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 home.

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 Pastor Keller once said, we all long for a place that is truly home.

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 Jesus says it awaits you.

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 He's home now.

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 We're not.

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 We live in a place that is not our home.

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 But at the end of chapter 4 last week, Peter told us God's judgment is coming to refine

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 us.

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 These difficult times to discipline our hearts, this suffering to purify our faith in Him.

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 It starts with God's people.

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 In fact, in the Old Testament passage, Peter is drawing from it starts in the temple with

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 the leaders of God's people.

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 So in light of that, he keeps going.

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 The leaders of God's people are to lead them toward God, to entrust themselves to God in

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 the midst of painful suffering.

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 Peter has some words for those leaders.

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 Then briefly, words for the rest of the church in relation to them.

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 In Jesus' church, there are elders called to lead.

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 Peter doesn't explain that here in this passage as many other letters do.

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 Peter assumes it.

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 He's writing to a bunch of churches.

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 He assumes they all have elders.

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 Shared leadership as with God's people in the Old Testament.

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 So he writes to the elders here at the start of chapter 5, God's Word.

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 Really important for elders to listen.

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 Really important for all of us to listen to what our leaders should do and what kind of

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 leaders we need as we nominate them, as we pray for them, as we share God's mission alongside

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 them.

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 1 Peter 5 at verse 1.

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 So I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ,

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 as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed.

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 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion,

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 but willingly as God would have you.

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 Not for shameful gain, but eagerly.

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 Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

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 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

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 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.

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 Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.

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 For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

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 Let's pray together.

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 Father, we thank you this morning again for your word.

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 Would you keep the PCA true and faithful to your word?

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 That we would be obedient to the great commission that we would not only know your word, that

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 we would share your word.

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 Lord, would you do that in our hearts here today?

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 Would you speak?

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 We need hear no voice more clearly than yours.

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 We are your sheep.

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 So would we hear your voice?

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 Would we listen?

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 Would we follow our shepherd?

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 We ask it in the name of Jesus, our good shepherd.

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 Amen.

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 Amen.

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 Amen.

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 Amen.

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 When the people of God are struggling as strangers in a world that's not their home.

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 When they're enduring suffering at the hands of the world and in their own flesh and their

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 enemy, the devil.

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 When they're being tested and refined, in fact, by God himself.

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 What is imperative for their leaders to do?

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 Peter has a charge for the elders of every church of Jesus Christ.

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 He exhorts us.

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 He urges us as one who has seen the deepest sufferings of Jesus as well as the highest glory

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 toward one thing.

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 What is that one thing that Peter exhorts the elders?

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 Shepherd the flock of God among you.

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 What is the church of Jesus Christ always in need of?

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 Shepherds.

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 An elder, an overseer is another word used here and elsewhere for the same role, is a shepherd.

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 One who by definition, by spiritual vocation, by divine sanctification, cares for sheep.

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 Listen, elders.

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 You may teach.

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 You may administrate.

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 You may pray.

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 You may evangelize.

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 You may disciple.

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 You may organize.

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 You may serve.

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 You must always shepherd the flock.

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 Care for sheep.

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 Peter is echoing the very words that Jesus spoke to him.

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 The risen Jesus comes to Peter and says,

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 Feed my sheep.

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 Tend my lambs.

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 Pastor my people.

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 Picture what a shepherd does, right?

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 He knows the sheep personally.

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 He lives among them, protecting them from wolves that would attack or harm them.

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 He sees that they get proper food when they need.

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 He gives them rest rather than exhausting them.

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 He searches them out when they wander away.

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 This is what a shepherd does.

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 Specifically here, Peter mentions that elders exercise oversight.

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 Think of looking over the large group, the guarding and the watchful care over the whole flock.

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 Who is supposed to wrestle and pray over how to care for the sheep during a pandemic?

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 The shepherds.

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 Who is called to be surveying the landscape of the surrounding culture and seeing the idols that are distracting our hearts from Jesus and guide the sheep to safety?

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 The shepherds.

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 Who should be noticing even the sinful tendencies among the flock, the ways they tend to wander, the most dangerous temptations they encounter, and warn them clearly about the danger?

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 The shepherds.

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 This is a weighty role, isn't it?

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 A great responsibility.

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 Boy, I have felt that this week.

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 Can you imagine?

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 Over 800 sheep.

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 Precious souls ranging from five days old to 95 years old.

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 Every single one of them precious to the master, the good chief shepherd who loves them.

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 Elders, notice who the sheep are that you're to shepherd.

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 If they are the focus of your shepherding, there's nothing more important than to know who they are.

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 They are the flock of God.

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 They belong to Him.

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 These are the ones, Peter has told us, think back to the beginning of this letter.

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 These are the ones that God bought for Himself with the precious blood of His Son, the perfect Lamb.

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 Even the stubborn ones.

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 Even the wayward ones.

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 Even the weak ones.

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 All of them are His blood-bought lambs.

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 Don't you dare neglect a one of them.

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 Or mislead any of them away from Him.

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 Shepherd the flock of God.

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 Wow.

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 Listen, brothers.

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 There's a comfort that comes with the weight of that heavy hand.

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 That these are God's sheep.

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 Right?

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 If they're God's flock, He never stops shepherding them.

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 Yes, for a season, He puts them in your care.

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 But while He puts their hand in yours, they never leave His hand.

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 He will never let them go.

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 So let that omnipotent hand lighten your burden without lessening your responsibility.

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 In Ezekiel chapter 34, God speaks some really sobering words against the shepherds of His people.

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 Because they are feeding themselves and not feeding His sheep.

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 They're not strengthening the weak.

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 Caring for the sick.

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 Seeking the stray.

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 And the result there in the Old Testament with God's people is the sheep are scattered.

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 And many of them are lost.

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 As a result, God promises to remove His shepherds.

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 He will not stand for that from His shepherds.

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 And He promises to rescue His sheep.

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 I myself will search for my sheep and rescue them and feed them.

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 Make them lie down.

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 Bind up the injured and be their shepherd.

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 What a faithful shepherd.

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 You know you have one of those.

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 No matter what any leader does that fails you, He will rescue you and be your shepherd.

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 And so elders, shepherd God's sheep.

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 God's flock among you.

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 Southwood elders, you can care for.

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 But you don't specifically shepherd every Christian around the world.

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 Amen?

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 You don't have to understand every political climate in every nation.

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 You aren't called to understand the conflict in every Christian denomination.

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 You aren't responsible to understand every suffering everywhere.

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 But these dear people sitting right here next to you, the ones who can't be here this morning,

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 the ones you live with in your neighborhood, you must shepherd.

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 We must shepherd.

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 Shepherd the flock of God among you.

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 Last week, 35 sheep stood up here and took membership vows.

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 Even that looked like a lot to me.

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 Did you realize that when that happens, that's not merely new members making a commitment to this church family?

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 Those are the ones we saw and heard.

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 But when that happens, simultaneously, every active elder who has likewise stood and taken a vow to God before this flock is making a commitment to them too.

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 Did you know that?

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 That was happening last week.

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 When you're received into membership, the elders of Southwood, the session, we call them as a group,

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 They're receiving you as sheep that they promise to shepherd.

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 Not even just they promise you, they promise God.

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 Elders, your sheep are suffering today and will suffer in the future in some ways that are common to all of them

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 and in 800 plus unique ways.

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 Following Jesus is different for every one of them, but it's not easy for any of them.

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 So shepherd God's sheep.

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 At Southwood, we have 20 active elders, teaching elders we call pastors,

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 and ruling elders who shepherd together.

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 That's part of why I'm often saying we this morning.

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 We as shepherds need your prayers.

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 We are far from perfect.

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 But one of the things I want you to know that I most love about these men is how they love the sheep.

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 How they work to prioritize their time for shepherding the sheep.

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 We talk about it in terms of praying for you and pointing you to Jesus.

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 That's pastoring, shepherding, right?

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 And part of that role as under shepherds, that's what we are, under shepherds to the chief shepherd,

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 is to raise up other under shepherds so that we shepherd one another better.

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 Our deacons help.

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 The women on our advisory team help us shepherd.

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 Our grace group leaders are a big part of that.

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 I hope if you are a member here in this church family that you're in a grace group

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 and that you know that your leader loves you and shepherds you.

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 We have organized our shepherding as a church so that each of those grace groups has an elder who is responsible for it.

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 If you want to know who that is and you're confused, we'd love to let you know.

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 If you're not engaged in a grace group, we love you too.

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 And you should have an elder who prays for you and contacts you and, among other things, encourages you towards a grace group.

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 If you feel that we're missing you somewhere in there, you feel lost, you don't know that any shepherd is watching over you, praying for you,

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 please let us know that if that's what you're feeling this morning.

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 We don't want to overlook any of the sheep that God has entrusted to our care, but I'm sure that sometimes we do.

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 Talk to me or any of us.

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 Email all of us at the same time.

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 Elders at southwood.org.

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 You can do it right now.

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 We'll get it before the sermon's over.

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 Well, they'll get it.

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 Our heart is to shepherd this flock so that you are persistently prayed for and pointed to Jesus,

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 so that you taste his grace more and you share his grace more.

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 That's what we want.

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 Next, Peter gives three warnings about the heart of a shepherd.

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 Elders, I hope you've been reminded we have a weighty calling.

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 Okay?

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 Now it's heart check time.

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 Verse 2, shepherd not under compulsion, but willingly as God would have you.

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 Don't become or remain an elder merely out of obligation, begrudgingly for your own motivations.

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 Peter's saying you should be motivated and called by God.

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 You should shepherd because you are inspired by the grace of Jesus.

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 You're empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

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 You're focused on the glory of the Father.

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 The love of Christ compels you.

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 The Spirit of Christ indwells you.

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 The Father of Christ calls you.

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 And you willingly respond to his call to be an elder and to shepherd his sheep.

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 Warning 2, verse 2.

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 Don't do it for shameful gain, but eagerly.

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 And most of our elders are thinking, oh good, the easy one.

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 I don't get paid a dime, so no problem on that, you know.

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 Shameful gain, wow.

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 Haven't really experienced any of that.

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 I know y'all are thinking that.

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 That's fair.

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 But guard your heart.

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 Guard your heart against being an elder for your own benefit rather than for the sheep.

00:21:02.380 --> 00:21:07.319
 It could be for your own influence, your own position, your own social gain.

00:21:09.180 --> 00:21:16.140
 Listen, if you're to be a faithful shepherd of God's flock for his sake, to watch over his sheep,

00:21:16.140 --> 00:21:22.259
 then you have to be motivated to love the sheep when it costs you.

00:21:24.040 --> 00:21:28.900
 When suffering comes to God's people, who usually gets attacked first?

00:21:30.600 --> 00:21:31.940
 It's usually the leaders.

00:21:33.900 --> 00:21:37.440
 People may think you're leading poorly and tell you.

00:21:39.320 --> 00:21:40.660
 They may be right.

00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:49.660
 When suffering comes, elders, shepherding the flock may cost you friends.

00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:52.600
 And that is really hard.

00:21:54.060 --> 00:21:57.960
 It may cost you time and health even.

00:21:58.360 --> 00:22:04.940
 So often, the anxieties and the sufferings of the people of God will be yours to carry

00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:06.960
 and your body may feel it.

00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:10.920
 It may cost you your life.

00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:18.579
 So many elders have died when persecution comes to the church.

00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:21.700
 All of those things may happen.

00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:23.720
 It may cost you all of those things.

00:22:24.120 --> 00:22:27.740
 Nevertheless, shepherd God's sheep.

00:22:28.600 --> 00:22:32.539
 Stay in the game for the sheep even if it costs you.

00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:32.639
 Thank you.

00:22:34.599 --> 00:22:38.180
 And thank you to those of you who've done that here.

00:22:38.879 --> 00:22:41.279
 Some of you for many, many years.

00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:46.000
 Warning 3, verse 3.

00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:53.119
 Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

00:22:53.119 --> 00:23:00.319
 Do you sometimes enjoy too much being in charge?

00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:03.579
 Being on the inside?

00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:05.719
 Being respected?

00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:15.259
 Servant leadership in Christ's church must look like the one who modeled it by getting up from the table,

00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:17.759
 wrapping a towel around his waist,

00:23:18.239 --> 00:23:21.799
 and washing his disciples' feet.

00:23:21.799 --> 00:23:29.039
 Elders are not to preach at others while leaning back and propping up their own feet.

00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:33.200
 They're to set an example in service,

00:23:33.940 --> 00:23:37.539
 in zeal for evangelism, not by Jeremy's methods,

00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:39.279
 in friendship,

00:23:40.079 --> 00:23:43.039
 in priority of knowing God,

00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:46.559
 in repenting quickly and deeply,

00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:50.279
 in shaping their lives and families after Jesus,

00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:53.059
 and standing firm in their faith and suffering.

00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:57.019
 See, the chief shepherd is coming.

00:23:57.019 --> 00:24:00.000
 And your job, elders,

00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:05.039
 is to join everybody else in longing for him to come.

00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:06.720
 I want you to remember that.

00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:09.359
 Every time you're serving the Lord's Supper,

00:24:09.460 --> 00:24:11.759
 and you get to serve that to the sheep,

00:24:11.879 --> 00:24:13.579
 and then after you do,

00:24:13.859 --> 00:24:14.559
 you turn,

00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:17.200
 and as a sheep of the Lord Jesus,

00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:20.680
 you're fed at his table yourself.

00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:22.680
 He is your joy.

00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:23.080
 He is your joy.

00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:24.680
 He is your shepherd.

00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:26.560
 You are his sheep,

00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:30.620
 and he will honor you even for caring for his sheep,

00:24:30.860 --> 00:24:33.420
 receiving an unfading crown.

00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:37.039
 What he's saying is that your gain is eternal.

00:24:37.600 --> 00:24:38.960
 Know how much that matters to Peter?

00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:39.980
 It's the one that lasts.

00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:41.320
 Your gain is eternal,

00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:46.000
 even though being an elder likely costs you in this world.

00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:50.899
 Even that unfading crown,

00:24:51.419 --> 00:24:54.159
 we will join the elders of Revelation 4

00:24:54.159 --> 00:24:58.220
 in casting at the throne of the chief shepherd

00:24:58.220 --> 00:25:01.519
 because he's the one worthy of the honor.

00:25:01.879 --> 00:25:04.559
 He's the ultimate caretaker of all the sheep.

00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:06.519
 He's the one who, as the good shepherd,

00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:10.659
 actually does lay down his life for the sheep.

00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:17.220
 Friends, you have all known church leaders

00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:20.819
 who failed to shepherd the sheep,

00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:24.899
 who failed to shepherd faithfully,

00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:27.000
 as God calls us to here.

00:25:27.099 --> 00:25:28.759
 If you're not sure of that,

00:25:29.599 --> 00:25:30.799
 hi, I'm Will.

00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:32.319
 Now you do.

00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:32.339
 Now you do.

00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:40.480
 But the good shepherd will not fail.

00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:43.460
 So his under-shepherds here

00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:47.980
 must above all else keep pointing to him.

00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:52.000
 Many of you have heard my favorite literary picture

00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:54.319
 of shepherds pointing others to follow

00:25:54.319 --> 00:25:56.599
 a Jesus they can know and love.

00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:59.240
 It's in C.S. Lewis's Prince Caspian.

00:26:00.599 --> 00:26:01.960
 For much of the story here,

00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:03.940
 the young children who are the main characters,

00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:04.860
 they're struggling.

00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.319
 They're suffering.

00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:08.480
 They're in this dark predicament

00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.879
 where they're wandering around

00:26:09.879 --> 00:26:12.240
 and they can't see the lion, Aslan,

00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:14.679
 kind of, sort of the Christ figure.

00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.799
 They can't see him

00:26:16.799 --> 00:26:18.319
 because they don't believe he's there.

00:26:19.539 --> 00:26:21.359
 How hard it is

00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:23.899
 when sheep can't see the shepherd, right?

00:26:23.900 --> 00:26:27.060
 But there's Lucy,

00:26:27.560 --> 00:26:30.759
 the youngest of the bunch.

00:26:31.420 --> 00:26:33.420
 She trusts him like a child

00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:36.600
 and so she sees him, she alone.

00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:38.740
 Listen to what happens.

00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:43.339
 Aslan turned and walked at a slow pace

00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:45.019
 about 30 yards ahead of them.

00:26:46.099 --> 00:26:49.299
 The others had only Lucy's directions to guide them.

00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:52.279
 For Aslan was not only invisible to them

00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:53.920
 but silent as well.

00:26:54.220 --> 00:26:57.079
 His big cat-like paws made no noise on the grass.

00:26:58.380 --> 00:27:00.740
 He led them to the right of the dancing trees.

00:27:01.640 --> 00:27:02.759
 Whether they were still dancing,

00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:03.559
 nobody knew.

00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:06.299
 For Lucy had her eyes on the lion

00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:09.759
 and the rest had their eyes on Lucy.

00:27:12.039 --> 00:27:14.960
 Lucy had her eyes on the lion

00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:19.599
 and the rest had their eyes on Lucy.

00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:23.319
 Fellow elders,

00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:27.599
 my dear brothers whom I love,

00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:31.059
 any of you who would consider God

00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:33.919
 calling you to shepherd his sheep

00:27:33.919 --> 00:27:35.960
 and we need you.

00:27:37.819 --> 00:27:40.559
 Keep your eyes on Jesus.

00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:46.000
 Don't lead his sheep anywhere else.

00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.919
 Chase after him

00:27:48.919 --> 00:27:52.359
 so that any sheep following your leadership,

00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:55.299
 even following you in your failings,

00:27:55.679 --> 00:27:57.240
 will see through you

00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:58.899
 to the good shepherd

00:27:58.899 --> 00:28:00.759
 that your eyes are on.

00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.519
 We need to pray for that.

00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:06.460
 I've asked Carla Cash

00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:09.460
 who has for many years been married

00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:10.599
 to an elder

00:28:10.599 --> 00:28:12.159
 who is currently serving

00:28:12.159 --> 00:28:14.240
 on our women's advisory team

00:28:14.240 --> 00:28:16.480
 that labors alongside of our elders

00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:18.759
 and prays for us

00:28:18.759 --> 00:28:19.599
 and helps us.

00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:21.399
 I've asked her to come lead us in prayer.

00:28:22.159 --> 00:28:23.000
 As she comes up,

00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:24.779
 if you're an elder here on our session,

00:28:24.879 --> 00:28:26.019
 would you stand for a second?

00:28:27.119 --> 00:28:28.599
 And then as you stand,

00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:30.440
 would you step out into the aisle

00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:31.980
 near you

00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:32.940
 and just kneel?

00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:35.960
 And if you're near

00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:37.259
 one of these guys

00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:38.559
 and you want to put a hand

00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:39.259
 on his shoulder

00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:40.640
 or gather around him

00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:41.700
 while we're praying,

00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:44.340
 they'd appreciate that encouragement,

00:28:44.500 --> 00:28:44.840
 I'm sure.

00:28:44.940 --> 00:28:45.720
 You guys kneel.

00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:47.200
 Carla's going to lead us

00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:48.140
 in prayer.

00:28:48.299 --> 00:28:48.900
 Would all of you

00:28:48.900 --> 00:28:50.759
 pray for these guys?

00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:55.039
 Let us pray.

00:28:56.079 --> 00:28:56.720
 Father,

00:28:57.299 --> 00:28:58.799
 we praise you

00:28:58.799 --> 00:28:59.920
 for who you are.

00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:01.759
 Our Father,

00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:03.420
 our Redeemer,

00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:04.799
 our Shepherd,

00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:06.339
 and our Protector.

00:29:07.180 --> 00:29:08.720
 You're our guide.

00:29:09.680 --> 00:29:10.839
 Right now, Lord,

00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:12.619
 we take a moment

00:29:12.619 --> 00:29:14.240
 to lift up these elders,

00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.200
 these men

00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:17.160
 who love you so much,

00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:19.180
 and we pray for them.

00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:20.840
 Would you continue

00:29:20.840 --> 00:29:22.040
 to be with them

00:29:22.040 --> 00:29:23.440
 as they lead

00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:24.480
 and guide us

00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:25.860
 as sheep,

00:29:26.640 --> 00:29:28.300
 that they would shepherd us

00:29:28.300 --> 00:29:29.779
 and love us

00:29:29.779 --> 00:29:31.800
 and not lead us astray?

00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.500
 Lord,

00:29:33.620 --> 00:29:35.180
 we pray that your Spirit

00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:36.620
 would rest upon them

00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:38.360
 so that the decisions

00:29:38.360 --> 00:29:39.360
 that are made

00:29:39.360 --> 00:29:41.120
 are made with wisdom

00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:42.560
 and compassion

00:29:42.560 --> 00:29:44.620
 so that they experience

00:29:44.619 --> 00:29:45.899
 a bond of unity

00:29:45.899 --> 00:29:47.919
 and that their hearts

00:29:47.919 --> 00:29:49.159
 are willing

00:29:49.159 --> 00:29:51.399
 and not duty-bound

00:29:51.399 --> 00:29:52.859
 to guide us

00:29:52.859 --> 00:29:53.779
 as a congregation.

00:29:54.919 --> 00:29:56.399
 Protect these men,

00:29:56.839 --> 00:29:57.119
 Lord,

00:29:57.279 --> 00:29:58.479
 and their families

00:29:58.479 --> 00:30:00.059
 from the evil one

00:30:00.059 --> 00:30:01.459
 who only desires

00:30:01.459 --> 00:30:03.019
 to deceive us.

00:30:03.779 --> 00:30:05.119
 We praise you

00:30:05.119 --> 00:30:06.299
 and we thank you

00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:08.039
 for each of these men

00:30:08.039 --> 00:30:09.459
 who serves us

00:30:09.459 --> 00:30:10.579
 and loves us well.

00:30:11.579 --> 00:30:12.399
 To you,

00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:13.139
 O Lord,

00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:14.539
 and to the Lamb,

00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:15.899
 be praise

00:30:15.899 --> 00:30:16.739
 and honor

00:30:16.739 --> 00:30:17.519
 and glory

00:30:17.519 --> 00:30:19.000
 forever and ever.

00:30:19.619 --> 00:30:19.859
 Amen.

00:30:20.399 --> 00:30:20.719
 Amen.

00:30:22.079 --> 00:30:23.479
 Thank you so much, Carla.

00:30:31.939 --> 00:30:33.199
 Thank you for praying

00:30:33.199 --> 00:30:33.819
 just then.

00:30:33.939 --> 00:30:34.779
 Please keep

00:30:34.779 --> 00:30:36.819
 praying for us.

00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:40.259
 One verse now

00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:42.639
 to the other members

00:30:42.639 --> 00:30:43.719
 in the church family.

00:30:44.619 --> 00:30:47.099
 you get your turn too.

00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:49.500
 Particularly,

00:30:49.639 --> 00:30:49.939
 it says,

00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:50.979
 to those who are younger,

00:30:51.259 --> 00:30:52.379
 best understood here

00:30:52.379 --> 00:30:53.399
 as all those

00:30:53.399 --> 00:30:55.219
 not serving as elders.

00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:56.500
 Verse 5,

00:30:57.379 --> 00:30:57.739
 likewise,

00:30:58.119 --> 00:30:58.899
 you who are younger

00:30:58.899 --> 00:31:00.359
 be subject

00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:01.919
 to the elders.

00:31:03.359 --> 00:31:04.519
 It's that same word

00:31:04.519 --> 00:31:05.279
 we've seen before

00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:06.059
 several times

00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:06.779
 in 1 Peter

00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.779
 for submitting.

00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:09.359
 For submitting,

00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:11.740
 placing ourselves

00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:12.819
 under authority

00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:14.559
 for our own good

00:31:14.559 --> 00:31:15.779
 and the struggle

00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:17.000
 is the same one

00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:18.039
 we've seen before.

00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:19.660
 We know it.

00:31:20.660 --> 00:31:22.519
 We don't like that.

00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:24.740
 We are independent.

00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:27.319
 We are self-sufficient.

00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.500
 We're often sure

00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:30.440
 that no one

00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:32.059
 could possibly know

00:31:32.059 --> 00:31:33.480
 what's best for us

00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:35.539
 other than me.

00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:39.339
 But Peter is saying,

00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:42.039
 you need shepherds.

00:31:42.899 --> 00:31:44.139
 You need people

00:31:44.139 --> 00:31:45.519
 who will point you

00:31:45.519 --> 00:31:46.559
 to Jesus.

00:31:47.379 --> 00:31:48.099
 Put yourself

00:31:48.099 --> 00:31:48.960
 in relationship

00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:49.980
 with them.

00:31:50.379 --> 00:31:51.399
 Nominate them

00:31:51.399 --> 00:31:52.359
 and encourage them

00:31:52.359 --> 00:31:53.659
 to serve as elders

00:31:53.659 --> 00:31:54.480
 in your church

00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:56.039
 and then follow them.

00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:59.000
 Follow godly leaders.

00:31:59.519 --> 00:32:00.519
 Ones you've seen

00:32:00.519 --> 00:32:01.879
 are following Jesus

00:32:01.879 --> 00:32:03.159
 because that's where

00:32:03.159 --> 00:32:03.920
 you need to go.

00:32:03.920 --> 00:32:06.820
 We have already

00:32:06.820 --> 00:32:07.740
 acknowledged our elders

00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:10.140
 won't always be right.

00:32:10.539 --> 00:32:11.640
 Sometimes you will need

00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:12.860
 to help us see that

00:32:12.860 --> 00:32:14.400
 and that's part of this.

00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.500
 But the posture

00:32:16.500 --> 00:32:17.800
 of your heart

00:32:17.800 --> 00:32:19.019
 is to be subject

00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:21.160
 to our shepherding,

00:32:21.300 --> 00:32:23.300
 to follow our leading,

00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:25.200
 to trust ultimately

00:32:25.200 --> 00:32:25.940
 the God

00:32:25.940 --> 00:32:27.500
 who called us.

00:32:27.779 --> 00:32:28.920
 Hebrews chapter 13.

00:32:28.920 --> 00:32:29.539
 13.

00:32:29.700 --> 00:32:30.740
 Obey your leaders

00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:32.340
 and submit to them

00:32:32.340 --> 00:32:34.100
 for they are keeping

00:32:34.100 --> 00:32:35.539
 watch over your souls

00:32:35.539 --> 00:32:36.660
 as those who will

00:32:36.660 --> 00:32:37.680
 have to give an account.

00:32:38.560 --> 00:32:39.180
 Let them do this

00:32:39.180 --> 00:32:39.660
 with joy

00:32:39.660 --> 00:32:40.580
 and not with groaning

00:32:40.580 --> 00:32:41.240
 for that would be

00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:42.200
 of no advantage

00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:42.660
 to you.

00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:43.880
 But in fact

00:32:43.880 --> 00:32:45.160
 it is to your advantage

00:32:45.160 --> 00:32:47.160
 when people

00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:48.279
 are shepherding you

00:32:48.279 --> 00:32:48.960
 and pointing you

00:32:48.960 --> 00:32:49.519
 to Jesus

00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:50.840
 with joy.

00:32:52.580 --> 00:32:53.380
 Following Jesus

00:32:53.380 --> 00:32:54.160
 is not easy.

00:32:54.560 --> 00:32:55.519
 Especially when

00:32:55.519 --> 00:32:56.720
 suffering comes

00:32:56.720 --> 00:32:57.539
 on that account.

00:32:58.220 --> 00:32:58.860
 Your heart

00:32:58.860 --> 00:32:59.640
 will need

00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:00.920
 to be shepherded.

00:33:02.059 --> 00:33:03.700
 Trust the good shepherd

00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:04.799
 and as a result

00:33:04.799 --> 00:33:06.180
 of your trust in him

00:33:06.180 --> 00:33:07.839
 those that he puts

00:33:07.839 --> 00:33:08.680
 in place

00:33:08.680 --> 00:33:10.640
 to shepherd his sheep.

00:33:12.140 --> 00:33:13.220
 We do love

00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:14.180
 to pray for you

00:33:14.180 --> 00:33:15.339
 as your elders

00:33:15.339 --> 00:33:16.079
 so I've asked

00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:17.259
 one of our ruling elders

00:33:17.259 --> 00:33:18.380
 Alan Judge

00:33:18.380 --> 00:33:19.740
 to lead us

00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.660
 in praying

00:33:20.660 --> 00:33:21.420
 for the sheep

00:33:21.420 --> 00:33:22.400
 of Southwood

00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:22.940
 this morning.

00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:24.259
 You don't all

00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:24.920
 have to get up

00:33:24.920 --> 00:33:25.360
 and kneel

00:33:25.360 --> 00:33:26.220
 because that would be

00:33:26.220 --> 00:33:26.980
 even more awkward

00:33:26.980 --> 00:33:27.480
 than it was

00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.240
 the first time

00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:30.220
 but we want

00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:31.059
 to pray for you.

00:33:31.740 --> 00:33:32.200
 Let's pray.

00:33:32.880 --> 00:33:33.600
 Let's pray.

00:33:38.680 --> 00:33:39.660
 Lord you are

00:33:39.660 --> 00:33:40.860
 a great God

00:33:40.860 --> 00:33:42.860
 a great king

00:33:42.860 --> 00:33:44.480
 above all gods.

00:33:45.140 --> 00:33:45.920
 You alone

00:33:45.920 --> 00:33:46.579
 are worthy

00:33:46.579 --> 00:33:47.660
 of all worship

00:33:47.660 --> 00:33:48.420
 adoration

00:33:48.420 --> 00:33:49.319
 and praise.

00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:51.059
 I praise you Lord.

00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:52.819
 You dwell

00:33:52.819 --> 00:33:54.799
 in unapproachable light

00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:56.079
 such that all

00:33:56.079 --> 00:33:56.639
 the beings

00:33:56.639 --> 00:33:57.220
 around you

00:33:57.220 --> 00:33:58.619
 constantly cry

00:33:58.619 --> 00:33:59.740
 holy

00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:00.319
 holy

00:34:00.319 --> 00:34:00.919
 holy

00:34:00.919 --> 00:34:01.480
 holy

00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:02.319
 is the Lord.

00:34:04.220 --> 00:34:04.619
 And yet

00:34:04.619 --> 00:34:06.359
 you who dwell

00:34:06.359 --> 00:34:07.980
 in unapproachable light

00:34:07.980 --> 00:34:10.320
 became approachable

00:34:10.320 --> 00:34:11.559
 by becoming flesh

00:34:11.559 --> 00:34:12.759
 and dwelling

00:34:12.759 --> 00:34:13.719
 among us.

00:34:14.719 --> 00:34:15.759
 And over

00:34:15.759 --> 00:34:17.019
 and over again

00:34:17.019 --> 00:34:18.460
 you have demonstrated

00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:19.539
 your great love

00:34:19.539 --> 00:34:20.279
 toward us.

00:34:20.280 --> 00:34:23.300
 the rich irony

00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:23.980
 of me

00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:24.680
 being called

00:34:24.680 --> 00:34:25.660
 upon to pray

00:34:25.660 --> 00:34:26.560
 after a sermon

00:34:26.560 --> 00:34:27.400
 on submission

00:34:27.400 --> 00:34:28.900
 is too funny

00:34:28.900 --> 00:34:30.140
 for me not

00:34:30.140 --> 00:34:31.200
 to also note

00:34:31.200 --> 00:34:33.080
 that you clearly

00:34:33.080 --> 00:34:33.820
 have a great

00:34:33.820 --> 00:34:34.600
 sense of humor.

00:34:37.440 --> 00:34:38.420
 For you know

00:34:38.420 --> 00:34:39.420
 all of my sin

00:34:39.420 --> 00:34:41.300
 as it is ever

00:34:41.300 --> 00:34:42.040
 before you.

00:34:43.160 --> 00:34:44.240
 So you know

00:34:44.240 --> 00:34:45.760
 that submitting

00:34:45.760 --> 00:34:46.720
 to anyone

00:34:46.720 --> 00:34:47.940
 other than myself

00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:48.860
 is one of my

00:34:48.860 --> 00:34:49.920
 greatest struggles.

00:34:54.260 --> 00:34:55.500
 Until this morning

00:34:55.500 --> 00:34:57.260
 I refused

00:34:57.260 --> 00:34:59.960
 to sign in

00:34:59.960 --> 00:35:01.220
 using this stupid

00:35:01.220 --> 00:35:02.840
 code scan thing.

00:35:06.240 --> 00:35:07.240
 But since I was

00:35:07.240 --> 00:35:07.980
 being called up

00:35:07.980 --> 00:35:09.119
 to pray about submission

00:35:09.119 --> 00:35:09.980
 I thought I better

00:35:09.980 --> 00:35:11.179
 do it today.

00:35:14.820 --> 00:35:16.059
 Lord as I have been

00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:17.219
 called upon

00:35:17.219 --> 00:35:18.960
 to pray for your church

00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:20.759
 here at Southwood

00:35:20.759 --> 00:35:22.259
 I must first confess

00:35:22.259 --> 00:35:23.539
 that I am

00:35:23.539 --> 00:35:24.980
 unworthy to do so.

00:35:26.759 --> 00:35:28.019
 I am selfish

00:35:28.019 --> 00:35:30.299
 self-reliant

00:35:30.299 --> 00:35:33.099
 and I constantly

00:35:33.099 --> 00:35:34.059
 seek to get

00:35:34.059 --> 00:35:34.779
 my own way.

00:35:36.360 --> 00:35:37.559
 Have mercy on me

00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:37.920
 a sinner.

00:35:40.960 --> 00:35:41.940
 For I can only

00:35:41.940 --> 00:35:42.719
 stand up here

00:35:42.719 --> 00:35:43.980
 because of your grace

00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:45.380
 mercy and love.

00:35:46.059 --> 00:35:47.880
 But I am not alone.

00:35:49.059 --> 00:35:50.279
 As Isaiah said

00:35:50.279 --> 00:35:51.059
 I am a man

00:35:51.059 --> 00:35:52.480
 of unclean lips

00:35:52.480 --> 00:35:53.299
 and I dwell

00:35:53.299 --> 00:35:54.400
 among a people

00:35:54.400 --> 00:35:56.320
 of unclean lips.

00:35:57.059 --> 00:35:58.239
 We all struggle

00:35:58.239 --> 00:35:59.299
 with submitting

00:35:59.299 --> 00:36:00.039
 to one another

00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:00.659
 and submitting

00:36:00.659 --> 00:36:01.500
 to the church.

00:36:02.639 --> 00:36:03.480
 As I examine

00:36:03.480 --> 00:36:04.119
 my heart

00:36:04.119 --> 00:36:04.679
 before you

00:36:04.679 --> 00:36:05.059
 and ask

00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:05.880
 why do I

00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:06.440
 and indeed

00:36:06.440 --> 00:36:07.659
 why do we all

00:36:07.659 --> 00:36:09.659
 struggle so mightily

00:36:09.659 --> 00:36:10.299
 in submitting

00:36:10.299 --> 00:36:11.119
 to each other?

00:36:12.099 --> 00:36:13.019
 Your word

00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:14.039
 reveals the answer

00:36:14.039 --> 00:36:15.279
 over and over again.

00:36:16.059 --> 00:36:17.679
 We like sheep

00:36:17.679 --> 00:36:18.679
 have gone astray.

00:36:19.440 --> 00:36:20.340
 We forget

00:36:20.340 --> 00:36:21.139
 who we are

00:36:21.139 --> 00:36:22.559
 and whose we are

00:36:22.559 --> 00:36:24.299
 and we have served

00:36:24.299 --> 00:36:25.099
 the creation

00:36:25.099 --> 00:36:26.380
 rather than the creator.

00:36:27.440 --> 00:36:28.380
 In short Lord

00:36:28.380 --> 00:36:29.259
 we have failed

00:36:29.259 --> 00:36:30.679
 to submit to you

00:36:30.679 --> 00:36:32.079
 because we have

00:36:32.079 --> 00:36:32.519
 forgotten

00:36:32.519 --> 00:36:33.840
 why we are here.

00:36:33.840 --> 00:36:37.000
 why did you

00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:37.840
 who needed

00:36:37.840 --> 00:36:38.300
 nothing

00:36:38.300 --> 00:36:39.039
 to be fully

00:36:39.039 --> 00:36:39.539
 complete

00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:40.420
 why did you

00:36:40.420 --> 00:36:41.260
 create us?

00:36:42.760 --> 00:36:43.519
 You knew

00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:44.660
 what we were

00:36:44.660 --> 00:36:45.180
 going to do

00:36:45.180 --> 00:36:45.579
 Lord.

00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:47.120
 We would betray

00:36:47.120 --> 00:36:47.900
 you over

00:36:47.900 --> 00:36:48.820
 and over again.

00:36:49.960 --> 00:36:50.800
 You knew

00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:51.380
 that we would

00:36:51.380 --> 00:36:52.280
 desire things

00:36:52.280 --> 00:36:53.079
 of this world

00:36:53.079 --> 00:36:53.720
 comfort

00:36:53.720 --> 00:36:55.420
 financial security

00:36:55.420 --> 00:36:56.240
 reputation

00:36:56.240 --> 00:36:57.940
 but really

00:36:57.940 --> 00:36:58.760
 above all else

00:36:58.760 --> 00:36:59.059
 Lord

00:36:59.059 --> 00:37:00.420
 like spoiled

00:37:00.420 --> 00:37:01.000
 children

00:37:01.000 --> 00:37:02.519
 we want

00:37:02.519 --> 00:37:02.860
 to get

00:37:02.860 --> 00:37:03.619
 our own way

00:37:03.619 --> 00:37:04.619
 most of all.

00:37:08.159 --> 00:37:09.219
 Even so

00:37:09.219 --> 00:37:11.320
 knowing all

00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:11.800
 of that

00:37:11.800 --> 00:37:13.159
 at the right

00:37:13.159 --> 00:37:13.539
 time

00:37:13.539 --> 00:37:14.039
 Christ

00:37:14.039 --> 00:37:15.199
 died for us

00:37:15.199 --> 00:37:17.059
 the godly

00:37:17.059 --> 00:37:18.440
 for the ungodly

00:37:18.440 --> 00:37:19.800
 he who

00:37:19.800 --> 00:37:20.519
 knew

00:37:20.519 --> 00:37:21.260
 no sin

00:37:21.260 --> 00:37:22.179
 became sin

00:37:22.179 --> 00:37:23.159
 on our behalf

00:37:23.159 --> 00:37:24.380
 he who was

00:37:24.380 --> 00:37:25.360
 and is

00:37:25.360 --> 00:37:26.320
 equal with the

00:37:26.320 --> 00:37:26.679
 father

00:37:26.679 --> 00:37:27.440
 did not

00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:28.460
 consider such a

00:37:28.460 --> 00:37:28.880
 quality

00:37:28.880 --> 00:37:29.280
 a thing

00:37:29.280 --> 00:37:30.179
 to be grasped

00:37:30.179 --> 00:37:30.840
 but he

00:37:30.840 --> 00:37:31.840
 humbled himself

00:37:31.840 --> 00:37:32.599
 submitting to

00:37:32.599 --> 00:37:33.139
 the father

00:37:33.139 --> 00:37:34.139
 to the point

00:37:34.139 --> 00:37:34.740
 of death

00:37:34.740 --> 00:37:36.079
 even death

00:37:36.079 --> 00:37:37.740
 on a cross

00:37:37.740 --> 00:37:38.740
 at the hands

00:37:38.740 --> 00:37:39.679
 and for the

00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:40.320
 benefit of

00:37:40.320 --> 00:37:41.480
 sinful humans

00:37:41.480 --> 00:37:42.980
 us

00:37:42.980 --> 00:37:43.559
 Lord

00:37:43.559 --> 00:37:45.860
 we caused

00:37:45.860 --> 00:37:46.539
 you to die

00:37:46.539 --> 00:37:48.500
 why

00:37:48.500 --> 00:37:49.079
 Lord

00:37:49.079 --> 00:37:51.000
 why did you

00:37:51.000 --> 00:37:51.480
 allow that

00:37:51.480 --> 00:37:52.000
 to happen

00:37:52.000 --> 00:37:52.519
 it doesn't

00:37:52.519 --> 00:37:53.380
 make sense

00:37:53.380 --> 00:37:55.179
 there's no

00:37:55.179 --> 00:37:55.720
 way

00:37:55.720 --> 00:37:56.699
 that if I

00:37:56.699 --> 00:37:57.199
 was in your

00:37:57.199 --> 00:37:57.559
 place

00:37:57.559 --> 00:37:57.880
 that I

00:37:57.880 --> 00:37:58.179
 would have

00:37:58.179 --> 00:37:58.739
 done that

00:37:58.739 --> 00:37:59.259
 in my

00:37:59.259 --> 00:37:59.619
 judgment

00:37:59.619 --> 00:38:00.159
 we're not

00:38:00.159 --> 00:38:00.860
 worth it

00:38:00.860 --> 00:38:03.079
 but thanks

00:38:03.079 --> 00:38:03.699
 be to God

00:38:03.699 --> 00:38:04.079
 that you

00:38:04.079 --> 00:38:04.699
 are God

00:38:04.699 --> 00:38:05.719
 and I

00:38:05.719 --> 00:38:06.299
 am not

00:38:06.299 --> 00:38:08.440
 your ways

00:38:08.440 --> 00:38:08.840
 are not

00:38:08.840 --> 00:38:09.460
 my ways

00:38:09.460 --> 00:38:09.920
 or our

00:38:09.920 --> 00:38:10.420
 ways

00:38:10.420 --> 00:38:11.719
 your thoughts

00:38:11.719 --> 00:38:12.239
 are not

00:38:12.239 --> 00:38:13.000
 our thoughts

00:38:13.000 --> 00:38:13.719
 you do not

00:38:13.719 --> 00:38:14.279
 treat us

00:38:14.279 --> 00:38:15.059
 as our sins

00:38:15.059 --> 00:38:15.619
 deserve

00:38:15.619 --> 00:38:16.880
 for as high

00:38:16.880 --> 00:38:17.460
 as the heavens

00:38:17.460 --> 00:38:18.079
 are above

00:38:18.079 --> 00:38:18.579
 the earth

00:38:18.579 --> 00:38:19.099
 and as far

00:38:19.099 --> 00:38:19.840
 as the east

00:38:19.840 --> 00:38:20.400
 is from

00:38:20.400 --> 00:38:21.039
 the west

00:38:21.039 --> 00:38:22.480
 so far

00:38:22.480 --> 00:38:22.799
 have you

00:38:22.799 --> 00:38:23.380
 removed

00:38:23.380 --> 00:38:24.000
 our sin

00:38:24.000 --> 00:38:24.639
 from us

00:38:24.639 --> 00:38:26.179
 and cleansed

00:38:26.179 --> 00:38:26.599
 us from

00:38:26.599 --> 00:38:28.299
 all unrighteousness

00:38:28.299 --> 00:38:29.779
 why

00:38:29.779 --> 00:38:32.079
 because you

00:38:32.079 --> 00:38:32.599
 who are

00:38:32.599 --> 00:38:33.059
 love

00:38:33.059 --> 00:38:34.159
 wanted to

00:38:34.159 --> 00:38:34.699
 share that

00:38:34.699 --> 00:38:35.199
 love with

00:38:35.199 --> 00:38:35.599
 us

00:38:35.599 --> 00:38:36.779
 you

00:38:36.779 --> 00:38:37.879
 who lived

00:38:37.879 --> 00:38:38.579
 in perfect

00:38:38.579 --> 00:38:39.339
 relationship

00:38:39.339 --> 00:38:41.639
 between the

00:38:41.639 --> 00:38:42.219
 father son

00:38:42.219 --> 00:38:42.639
 and holy

00:38:42.639 --> 00:38:43.000
 spirit

00:38:43.000 --> 00:38:44.139
 created us

00:38:44.139 --> 00:38:44.699
 to share

00:38:44.699 --> 00:38:45.659
 that relationship

00:38:45.659 --> 00:38:47.239
 you created

00:38:47.239 --> 00:38:48.179
 us to know

00:38:48.179 --> 00:38:48.519
 you

00:38:48.519 --> 00:38:50.199
 that is why

00:38:50.199 --> 00:38:50.940
 we are here

00:38:50.940 --> 00:38:52.480
 oh what

00:38:52.480 --> 00:38:52.940
 love the

00:38:52.940 --> 00:38:53.559
 father has

00:38:53.559 --> 00:38:54.460
 lavished upon

00:38:54.460 --> 00:38:54.980
 us that we

00:38:54.980 --> 00:38:55.460
 might be

00:38:55.460 --> 00:38:55.840
 called

00:38:55.840 --> 00:38:56.400
 children

00:38:56.400 --> 00:38:57.720
 of God

00:38:57.720 --> 00:38:59.380
 it cost you

00:38:59.380 --> 00:39:00.240
 everything to

00:39:00.240 --> 00:39:01.000
 adopt us

00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:02.340
 your children

00:39:02.340 --> 00:39:03.840
 as your

00:39:03.840 --> 00:39:04.159
 children

00:39:04.159 --> 00:39:04.599
 you are

00:39:04.599 --> 00:39:05.240
 faithful

00:39:05.240 --> 00:39:06.200
 and your

00:39:06.200 --> 00:39:06.840
 faithfulness

00:39:06.840 --> 00:39:07.440
 is more

00:39:07.440 --> 00:39:08.099
 than enough

00:39:08.099 --> 00:39:09.740
 God give us

00:39:09.740 --> 00:39:10.420
 a picture of

00:39:10.420 --> 00:39:11.019
 your beauty

00:39:11.019 --> 00:39:12.820
 and let us

00:39:12.820 --> 00:39:13.440
 desire to

00:39:13.440 --> 00:39:14.179
 know you

00:39:14.179 --> 00:39:15.200
 above all

00:39:15.200 --> 00:39:15.700
 else

00:39:15.700 --> 00:39:16.960
 so that your

00:39:16.960 --> 00:39:17.740
 name will be

00:39:17.740 --> 00:39:18.720
 glorified in

00:39:18.720 --> 00:39:19.360
 your church

00:39:19.360 --> 00:39:20.240
 and in all

00:39:20.239 --> 00:39:20.779
 the earth

00:39:20.779 --> 00:39:22.259
 teach us to

00:39:22.259 --> 00:39:23.079
 remember why

00:39:23.079 --> 00:39:23.979
 we are here

00:39:23.979 --> 00:39:24.399
 Lord

00:39:24.399 --> 00:39:25.639
 and be able

00:39:25.639 --> 00:39:26.399
 to say with

00:39:26.399 --> 00:39:27.099
 the psalmist

00:39:27.099 --> 00:39:28.459
 your face

00:39:28.459 --> 00:39:29.239
 Lord will we

00:39:29.239 --> 00:39:29.679
 seek

00:39:29.679 --> 00:39:31.479
 let the words

00:39:31.479 --> 00:39:32.179
 of our mouth

00:39:32.179 --> 00:39:33.519
 and the meditation

00:39:33.519 --> 00:39:34.579
 of our hearts

00:39:34.579 --> 00:39:35.500
 be pleasing to

00:39:35.500 --> 00:39:35.819
 you

00:39:35.819 --> 00:39:37.399
 our Lord

00:39:37.399 --> 00:39:38.919
 our Savior

00:39:38.919 --> 00:39:40.279
 our King

00:39:40.279 --> 00:39:42.079
 Amen

00:39:42.079 --> 00:39:43.699
 Amen

00:39:43.699 --> 00:39:45.759
 Thank you

00:39:45.759 --> 00:39:46.019
 Alan

00:39:46.019 --> 00:39:50.599
 Finally a word

00:39:50.599 --> 00:39:52.219
 for all of us

00:39:52.219 --> 00:39:53.940
 shepherds and

00:39:53.940 --> 00:39:54.239
 sheep

00:39:54.239 --> 00:39:57.340
 honor others

00:39:57.340 --> 00:39:58.199
 above yourself

00:39:58.199 --> 00:39:59.900
 verse 5

00:39:59.900 --> 00:40:01.420
 clothe yourselves

00:40:01.420 --> 00:40:02.880
 all of you

00:40:02.880 --> 00:40:04.860
 with humility

00:40:04.860 --> 00:40:05.420
 toward one

00:40:05.420 --> 00:40:05.759
 another

00:40:05.759 --> 00:40:06.980
 for God

00:40:06.980 --> 00:40:07.619
 opposes the

00:40:07.619 --> 00:40:07.960
 proud

00:40:07.960 --> 00:40:08.800
 but gives

00:40:08.800 --> 00:40:09.259
 grace

00:40:09.259 --> 00:40:10.139
 to the

00:40:10.139 --> 00:40:10.400
 humble

00:40:10.400 --> 00:40:11.460
 you've heard

00:40:11.460 --> 00:40:12.239
 Paul call us

00:40:12.239 --> 00:40:12.599
 to this

00:40:12.599 --> 00:40:13.679
 same humility

00:40:13.679 --> 00:40:14.719
 following in

00:40:14.719 --> 00:40:15.059
 Jesus

00:40:15.059 --> 00:40:15.799
 footsteps

00:40:15.799 --> 00:40:16.539
 and humility

00:40:16.539 --> 00:40:17.619
 consider others

00:40:17.619 --> 00:40:18.599
 better than

00:40:18.599 --> 00:40:19.119
 yourselves

00:40:19.119 --> 00:40:21.019
 so elders

00:40:21.019 --> 00:40:22.480
 care more for

00:40:22.480 --> 00:40:23.000
 the sheep

00:40:23.000 --> 00:40:24.599
 than for yourself

00:40:24.599 --> 00:40:26.139
 sheep

00:40:26.139 --> 00:40:27.339
 care more for

00:40:27.339 --> 00:40:27.779
 the elders

00:40:27.779 --> 00:40:28.319
 direction

00:40:28.319 --> 00:40:29.839
 than your own

00:40:29.839 --> 00:40:30.219
 agenda

00:40:30.219 --> 00:40:31.819
 honor others

00:40:31.819 --> 00:40:32.460
 in your church

00:40:32.460 --> 00:40:33.379
 family above

00:40:33.379 --> 00:40:34.619
 yourself

00:40:34.619 --> 00:40:36.599
 after all

00:40:36.599 --> 00:40:36.960
 he said

00:40:36.960 --> 00:40:38.139
 there is one

00:40:38.139 --> 00:40:38.639
 person

00:40:38.639 --> 00:40:39.579
 for sure

00:40:39.579 --> 00:40:40.019
 you need

00:40:40.019 --> 00:40:40.619
 to know

00:40:40.619 --> 00:40:41.000
 is on

00:40:41.000 --> 00:40:41.980
 your team

00:40:41.980 --> 00:40:42.780
 and that's

00:40:42.780 --> 00:40:43.099
 God

00:40:43.099 --> 00:40:44.320
 you don't

00:40:44.320 --> 00:40:44.780
 want him

00:40:44.780 --> 00:40:45.539
 against you

00:40:45.539 --> 00:40:47.340
 and he

00:40:47.340 --> 00:40:48.079
 opposes

00:40:48.079 --> 00:40:49.360
 the proud

00:40:49.360 --> 00:40:50.480
 those who

00:40:50.480 --> 00:40:51.500
 think they're

00:40:51.500 --> 00:40:52.039
 okay on

00:40:52.039 --> 00:40:52.519
 their own

00:40:52.519 --> 00:40:53.199
 can trust

00:40:53.199 --> 00:40:53.539
 their own

00:40:53.539 --> 00:40:54.000
 instincts

00:40:54.000 --> 00:40:54.400
 their own

00:40:54.400 --> 00:40:54.719
 wisdom

00:40:54.719 --> 00:40:55.239
 their own

00:40:55.239 --> 00:40:55.759
 gifts

00:40:55.759 --> 00:40:57.199
 but

00:40:57.199 --> 00:40:58.980
 God

00:40:58.980 --> 00:40:59.500
 gives

00:40:59.500 --> 00:41:00.480
 grace

00:41:00.480 --> 00:41:02.179
 to the

00:41:02.179 --> 00:41:02.480
 humble

00:41:02.480 --> 00:41:04.259
 don't we

00:41:04.259 --> 00:41:05.099
 need grace

00:41:05.099 --> 00:41:07.440
 Alan's

00:41:07.440 --> 00:41:07.759
 right

00:41:07.759 --> 00:41:09.400
 we need

00:41:09.400 --> 00:41:09.639
 it

00:41:09.639 --> 00:41:10.940
 doesn't

00:41:10.940 --> 00:41:11.219
 God

00:41:11.219 --> 00:41:11.519
 have

00:41:11.519 --> 00:41:12.480
 so much

00:41:12.480 --> 00:41:13.000
 of it

00:41:13.000 --> 00:41:14.400
 abundant

00:41:14.400 --> 00:41:15.159
 grace

00:41:15.159 --> 00:41:15.559
 it says

00:41:15.559 --> 00:41:16.480
 amazing

00:41:16.480 --> 00:41:17.480
 grace

00:41:17.480 --> 00:41:18.259
 grace

00:41:18.259 --> 00:41:19.039
 upon

00:41:19.039 --> 00:41:19.519
 grace

00:41:19.519 --> 00:41:20.420
 he gives

00:41:20.420 --> 00:41:21.339
 more

00:41:21.339 --> 00:41:22.379
 grace

00:41:22.379 --> 00:41:23.739
 so confess

00:41:23.739 --> 00:41:24.460
 how much

00:41:24.460 --> 00:41:24.839
 you need

00:41:24.839 --> 00:41:25.059
 him

00:41:25.059 --> 00:41:26.819
 trust

00:41:26.819 --> 00:41:27.059
 that

00:41:27.059 --> 00:41:27.699
 in this

00:41:27.699 --> 00:41:28.039
 family

00:41:28.039 --> 00:41:28.460
 there is

00:41:28.460 --> 00:41:29.219
 one

00:41:29.219 --> 00:41:29.900
 strong

00:41:29.900 --> 00:41:30.400
 father

00:41:30.400 --> 00:41:31.059
 there is

00:41:31.059 --> 00:41:31.819
 one

00:41:31.819 --> 00:41:32.619
 perfect

00:41:32.619 --> 00:41:33.179
 shepherd

00:41:33.179 --> 00:41:33.679
 there is

00:41:33.679 --> 00:41:34.319
 one

00:41:34.319 --> 00:41:35.440
 unending

00:41:35.440 --> 00:41:36.440
 source

00:41:36.440 --> 00:41:37.460
 of grace

00:41:37.460 --> 00:41:38.719
 and praise

00:41:38.719 --> 00:41:39.379
 God

00:41:39.379 --> 00:41:40.279
 we are

00:41:40.279 --> 00:41:40.859
 his

00:41:40.859 --> 00:41:41.679
 sheep

00:41:41.679 --> 00:41:42.119
 amen

00:41:42.119 --> 00:41:43.919
 let me

00:41:43.919 --> 00:41:44.239
 pray for

00:41:44.239 --> 00:41:44.519
 all of

00:41:44.519 --> 00:41:45.179
 us

00:41:45.179 --> 00:41:46.879
 father

00:41:46.879 --> 00:41:47.439
 would you

00:41:47.439 --> 00:41:48.039
 make us

00:41:48.039 --> 00:41:48.519
 humble

00:41:48.519 --> 00:41:50.519
 show us

00:41:50.519 --> 00:41:50.879
 more

00:41:50.879 --> 00:41:51.799
 of how

00:41:51.799 --> 00:41:52.159
 much

00:41:52.159 --> 00:41:52.859
 we need

00:41:52.859 --> 00:41:53.559
 your grace

00:41:53.559 --> 00:41:53.919
 that we

00:41:53.919 --> 00:41:54.199
 might

00:41:54.199 --> 00:41:54.579
 never

00:41:54.579 --> 00:41:55.119
 think

00:41:55.119 --> 00:41:56.239
 there is

00:41:56.239 --> 00:41:56.539
 something

00:41:56.539 --> 00:41:57.019
 in us

00:41:57.019 --> 00:41:57.679
 that commends

00:41:57.679 --> 00:41:58.019
 us to

00:41:58.019 --> 00:41:58.399
 you or

00:41:58.399 --> 00:41:58.639
 anyone

00:41:58.639 --> 00:41:59.159
 else

00:41:59.159 --> 00:42:00.519
 oh

00:42:00.519 --> 00:42:01.159
 but there

00:42:01.159 --> 00:42:01.399
 is

00:42:01.399 --> 00:42:02.500
 there is

00:42:02.500 --> 00:42:03.179
 indeed

00:42:03.179 --> 00:42:03.939
 more

00:42:03.939 --> 00:42:04.639
 grace

00:42:04.639 --> 00:42:05.379
 give it

00:42:05.380 --> 00:42:05.920
 to us

00:42:05.920 --> 00:42:06.320
 father

00:42:06.320 --> 00:42:07.019
 more

00:42:07.019 --> 00:42:07.400
 of your

00:42:07.400 --> 00:42:08.280
 spirit

00:42:08.280 --> 00:42:09.920
 dwelling

00:42:09.920 --> 00:42:10.460
 in us

00:42:10.460 --> 00:42:11.160
 empowering

00:42:11.160 --> 00:42:11.640
 us

00:42:11.640 --> 00:42:12.300
 making

00:42:12.300 --> 00:42:12.720
 us

00:42:12.720 --> 00:42:13.119
 yours

00:42:13.119 --> 00:42:13.619
 would you

00:42:13.619 --> 00:42:14.119
 give us

00:42:14.119 --> 00:42:14.420
 that

00:42:14.420 --> 00:42:15.019
 grace

00:42:15.019 --> 00:42:16.800
 that we

00:42:16.800 --> 00:42:17.380
 might

00:42:17.380 --> 00:42:18.200
 indeed

00:42:18.200 --> 00:42:18.840
 live

00:42:18.840 --> 00:42:20.260
 as your

00:42:20.260 --> 00:42:20.800
 people

00:42:20.800 --> 00:42:22.380
 faithfully

00:42:22.380 --> 00:42:24.039
 in your

00:42:24.039 --> 00:42:24.599
 church

00:42:24.599 --> 00:42:25.599
 sharing

00:42:25.599 --> 00:42:26.680
 the good

00:42:26.680 --> 00:42:27.200
 news

00:42:27.200 --> 00:42:28.900
 of eternal

00:42:28.900 --> 00:42:29.400
 life

00:42:29.400 --> 00:42:30.960
 with everyone

00:42:30.960 --> 00:42:33.440
 help us

00:42:33.440 --> 00:42:33.780
 know you

00:42:33.780 --> 00:42:34.059
 more

00:42:34.059 --> 00:42:34.900
 we ask

00:42:34.900 --> 00:42:35.340
 in Jesus

00:42:35.340 --> 00:42:35.800
 name

00:42:35.800 --> 00:42:36.800
 amen

00:42:36.800 --> 00:42:40.420
 for more

00:42:40.420 --> 00:42:40.940
 information

00:42:40.940 --> 00:42:41.740
 visit us

00:42:41.740 --> 00:42:42.240
 online

00:42:42.240 --> 00:42:42.639
 at

00:42:42.639 --> 00:42:43.539
 southwood.org