WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.139 God's Word, Philippians 1, verses 18 through 26. 00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:15.080 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached, and in this I rejoice. 00:00:16.379 --> 00:00:23.080 Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out from my deliverance through your prayer 00:00:23.079 --> 00:00:32.119 and the supply of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed. 00:00:32.579 --> 00:00:41.739 But with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 00:00:42.679 --> 00:00:47.500 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 00:00:47.500 --> 00:00:53.240 But if I live on in my flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor. 00:00:53.960 --> 00:00:58.159 Yet what shall I choose? I cannot tell, for I am hard-pressed between the two, 00:00:58.740 --> 00:01:02.620 having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 00:01:03.240 --> 00:01:07.500 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 00:01:08.319 --> 00:01:16.960 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and the joy of faith. 00:01:17.500 --> 00:01:25.319 That your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. 00:01:26.200 --> 00:01:27.620 This is the word of the Lord. 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:30.200 Thanks be to God. 00:01:30.439 --> 00:01:31.099 You may be seated. 00:01:31.099 --> 00:01:45.419 The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord stands forever. 00:01:48.379 --> 00:01:49.060 Let's pray. 00:01:49.060 --> 00:01:49.079 Let's pray. 00:01:49.079 --> 00:02:02.840 O Holy Spirit, please magnify Christ. 00:02:02.840 --> 00:02:09.000 Lord, please open our eyes to see your glory. 00:02:10.379 --> 00:02:20.659 To see our King Jesus alive, working, leading, ministering, and advancing his own kingdom. 00:02:20.939 --> 00:02:22.020 For your glory we pray. 00:02:22.599 --> 00:02:22.900 Amen. 00:02:22.900 --> 00:02:23.060 Amen. 00:02:23.060 --> 00:02:23.159 Amen. 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:40.120 I know several of you, like me, have been wrestling these weeks with the fall to sin or the disclosure of hidden secret sins of some Christians who are very well known. 00:02:40.120 --> 00:02:48.700 So my sermon title today from this text is, Who Can Finish This Life Well? 00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:53.819 I've shared with you before, and it continues to be true. 00:02:53.939 --> 00:02:58.400 One of my greatest fears is that I would fall and bring shame to Christ in his name. 00:02:59.280 --> 00:03:01.219 I know many of our men have shared that as well. 00:03:02.060 --> 00:03:03.580 And we don't trust ourselves. 00:03:03.580 --> 00:03:08.460 We need the Lord to preserve us every day that we're alive. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:11.560 Who can finish this life well? 00:03:14.100 --> 00:03:18.439 You probably heard that as Paul's focus in that passage I just read. 00:03:20.400 --> 00:03:22.420 He's afraid of bringing shame. 00:03:24.900 --> 00:03:27.060 And he wants Christ to be magnified. 00:03:28.280 --> 00:03:31.800 And he's got his own imminent death in view. 00:03:33.580 --> 00:03:35.760 Can Paul finish this life well? 00:03:36.160 --> 00:03:37.740 Without bringing shame to Christ? 00:03:38.700 --> 00:03:40.260 That's what's troubling him as well. 00:03:42.120 --> 00:03:45.320 My encouragement to you in two short sentences is this. 00:03:46.840 --> 00:03:48.560 Who can finish this life well? 00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:50.540 Some don't. 00:03:52.260 --> 00:03:52.980 You can. 00:03:52.979 --> 00:03:57.319 And I would like to walk through these phrases, really. 00:03:58.259 --> 00:03:59.620 Just these couple verses. 00:04:00.840 --> 00:04:06.879 And do our best to get at the meaning of the Holy Spirit as he inspired and breathed out these words for the church. 00:04:07.620 --> 00:04:09.419 My first observation is this. 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:17.599 To finish well, feed what you feel with what you know. 00:04:17.600 --> 00:04:22.360 To finish well, feed what you're feeling. 00:04:23.300 --> 00:04:24.400 Feed that with what you know. 00:04:27.700 --> 00:04:31.000 Paul has a Christ-redeemed view of what has happened. 00:04:32.300 --> 00:04:36.320 I think verse 18 could very easily be divided into two verses. 00:04:36.319 --> 00:04:42.959 He had just talked about how you look at the church all around and you see the evil motives exposed. 00:04:44.159 --> 00:04:44.439 He says, 00:04:44.579 --> 00:04:45.019 What then? 00:04:46.839 --> 00:04:51.060 Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached. 00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:53.600 And in this, I rejoice. 00:04:54.399 --> 00:04:55.980 And that's where we left off last week. 00:04:56.899 --> 00:05:01.079 He has a Christ-redeemed view of what has happened in the past. 00:05:01.079 --> 00:05:05.659 But then I think that next phrase, he shifts his focus to what will happen in the future. 00:05:05.779 --> 00:05:06.240 He says, 00:05:06.819 --> 00:05:09.259 Yes, and I shall rejoice. 00:05:10.060 --> 00:05:13.000 I look back at the confusion within the church, what's visible. 00:05:13.300 --> 00:05:15.560 And I choose to rejoice when Christ is preached. 00:05:15.919 --> 00:05:17.979 Now, looking forward, I shall rejoice. 00:05:18.680 --> 00:05:20.079 It's a simple future verb. 00:05:21.979 --> 00:05:23.799 Nothing extra bold or confident. 00:05:23.979 --> 00:05:25.740 And it's simply a statement of fact. 00:05:26.060 --> 00:05:27.979 Looking forward, not knowing what will come. 00:05:28.699 --> 00:05:30.680 I shall continue to rejoice. 00:05:31.079 --> 00:05:33.159 He says, 00:05:33.279 --> 00:05:36.839 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance. 00:05:38.399 --> 00:05:44.740 Well, we've been seeing how Paul went and preached in Jerusalem, how he was also one misleading people, 00:05:44.779 --> 00:05:47.939 and he was arrested and attached to a chain to a Roman soldier ever since. 00:05:49.719 --> 00:05:52.459 And most likely, his trial has several parts. 00:05:52.860 --> 00:05:55.839 He's not yet faced Caesar for the final verdict. 00:05:56.199 --> 00:05:58.079 But he has reason to be hopeful. 00:05:58.079 --> 00:06:03.359 As we read in our passage, he still has an inclination he might get to see the Philippians again and be released. 00:06:05.039 --> 00:06:06.560 But he's also not very certain. 00:06:06.680 --> 00:06:08.579 He's sending his letter through others. 00:06:08.779 --> 00:06:10.120 He might not get to see them. 00:06:10.839 --> 00:06:13.959 But what he does know in verse 19 is that in this, 00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:16.360 no matter what comes of this, 00:06:16.360 --> 00:06:18.900 it will turn out for my deliverance. 00:06:20.379 --> 00:06:23.439 Well, what is it that is Paul's true fear here? 00:06:24.699 --> 00:06:26.900 He doesn't know if he's going to live or die. 00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:35.040 There's only one thing keeping that sharp blade of an iron axe from his sensitive skin on his neck. 00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:38.260 And that's the whim of the emperor. 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:44.680 He says, I shall rejoice for I know. 00:06:47.080 --> 00:06:52.060 His rejoicing is tied to his feeling. 00:06:53.420 --> 00:06:54.960 To what he knows. 00:06:55.820 --> 00:06:57.320 He says, I shall rejoice. 00:06:57.480 --> 00:06:59.320 This will be my experience as a Christian. 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:00.899 I shall in the future. 00:07:01.240 --> 00:07:02.659 I shall experience rejoicing. 00:07:03.599 --> 00:07:04.639 For I know. 00:07:06.659 --> 00:07:09.060 Someone said it's like an umbilical cord. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:13.339 You know, the umbilical cord ties that baby as it comes out of the mother's womb. 00:07:14.180 --> 00:07:19.079 And inside the womb, this little cord into the belly button provides the food for the baby to live. 00:07:20.139 --> 00:07:25.379 His rejoicing is fed through this umbilical cord of what he knows. 00:07:25.379 --> 00:07:29.060 It's not rooted in a mood. 00:07:30.199 --> 00:07:34.680 And it's also not rooted in his own stoic resolve by his own flesh and power. 00:07:34.959 --> 00:07:35.300 It's not. 00:07:35.659 --> 00:07:38.719 It's through the knowledge that God gives him through the word. 00:07:39.399 --> 00:07:41.180 That's what feeds his rejoicing. 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:48.459 Christian joy is only fueled by true Christian doctrine. 00:07:49.540 --> 00:07:51.600 To know God through his word. 00:07:51.600 --> 00:07:56.300 That's what feeds true Christian joy and true Christian experience. 00:07:57.040 --> 00:08:00.400 Now, it's possible to have a lot of knowledge about God. 00:08:01.340 --> 00:08:03.980 And to have no experience of God. 00:08:05.320 --> 00:08:09.080 Someone said there's there's one foot that will keep you from heaven. 00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:11.580 It's that distance between the head and the heart. 00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:16.280 If you know God only in your head, but not in your heart, you don't know God. 00:08:16.279 --> 00:08:24.559 It's possible, Al Martin commented, to possess Christian truth without feeling. 00:08:27.139 --> 00:08:35.419 Whatever you think you know of God, if he has not shattered your heart and filled it with his own holy presence, then you don't know him savingly. 00:08:35.419 --> 00:08:44.579 But the other is also true that it's impossible to feel a genuine Christian experience without knowledge. 00:08:45.479 --> 00:08:48.919 See, first, the light of Christ comes through your head. 00:08:49.299 --> 00:08:50.279 You hear the gospel. 00:08:50.659 --> 00:08:52.039 And this is good news for you, too. 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:55.699 And that light of Christ coming in through your understanding. 00:08:55.939 --> 00:08:57.439 It warms your heart. 00:08:58.059 --> 00:08:59.919 It's light and fire. 00:09:00.500 --> 00:09:01.839 That's what it is to be a Christian. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:11.700 Paul says, I shall rejoice for I know what I know will not be taken away from me. 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:17.960 And I know that one way or the other, Christ will be magnified. 00:09:18.379 --> 00:09:19.180 That's his focus. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:25.720 You might wonder like me, well, is he referring here to the what I know? 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:27.340 Is it that he will have confidence? 00:09:27.460 --> 00:09:28.399 He will have boldness. 00:09:28.480 --> 00:09:31.720 He will have the strength in the worst of temptations. 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:33.639 Those are more the gifts. 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:38.620 Or does he know that it's the spirit of Christ that will be supplied? 00:09:39.700 --> 00:09:45.920 And the answer is you can't separate the gifts, strength, boldness, confidence from the giver. 00:09:45.919 --> 00:09:51.199 If you have the spirit of God through Christ, you receive all of his gifts. 00:09:51.559 --> 00:09:53.819 And the giver is never separated from his gifts. 00:09:54.099 --> 00:09:59.879 So your confidence comes from knowing that Christ dwells in you by his Holy Spirit. 00:10:00.379 --> 00:10:04.199 And you can rejoice only when you have Christ. 00:10:05.419 --> 00:10:09.919 So to finish well, feed what you feel with what you know. 00:10:09.919 --> 00:10:14.620 Number two, you'll want to walk out this life well. 00:10:15.419 --> 00:10:18.659 If you think of what you are stepping into next. 00:10:20.159 --> 00:10:26.299 You'll want to walk out the very last steps, even if it's with a limp in this life. 00:10:26.419 --> 00:10:30.240 If you think about what you are stepping into in the next life. 00:10:31.639 --> 00:10:39.319 In verse 19, he says, yes, I shall rejoice for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance. 00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:44.559 Do you remember in 2 Timothy 4.13, how Paul wrote to Timothy and he said, 00:10:44.699 --> 00:10:49.479 When you come, bring my cloak and my books, especially the parchments. 00:10:49.659 --> 00:10:50.199 You remember that? 00:10:50.539 --> 00:10:51.799 And that was about two years later. 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:53.399 That's at the end of his time in prison. 00:10:55.000 --> 00:11:02.139 Paul wants the word of God with him and the books explaining the truth of God to help keep feeding him, 00:11:02.419 --> 00:11:04.199 feeding his soul and his feelings. 00:11:04.799 --> 00:11:05.799 His body is cold. 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:06.539 He needs a cloak. 00:11:06.539 --> 00:11:09.759 But it's the truth of God that keeps ministering to him. 00:11:10.379 --> 00:11:12.559 And even though Philippians is written much before that, 00:11:13.519 --> 00:11:17.759 Paul most likely had some portions of scripture or he had it memorized in his head and in his heart. 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:20.719 Because when he says this phrase in verse 19, 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:23.139 This will turn out for my deliverance. 00:11:23.659 --> 00:11:27.039 He's quoting from the Greek Old Testament. 00:11:27.599 --> 00:11:30.779 That's a word for word for Job 13.16. 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:36.439 So Job, that's the book about the man who lost everything unjustly. 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:39.120 And he's wrestling with the goodness of God. 00:11:40.519 --> 00:11:45.299 You think about Paul studying the book of Job for this time of imprisonment, 00:11:45.360 --> 00:11:48.579 this time of final trials and the suffering in his body. 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:55.399 And he's quoting back to the church from the Old Testament what God used to minister to him. 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:58.819 This will turn out for your deliverance. 00:11:58.820 --> 00:12:05.820 That phrase will turn out, that verb, it literally means to come down from. 00:12:06.840 --> 00:12:08.660 As in coming down from a ship. 00:12:09.400 --> 00:12:12.320 So here he is in Rome, you know, ships are coming and going. 00:12:12.440 --> 00:12:14.520 They're carrying merchandise all over the world. 00:12:15.020 --> 00:12:18.400 And you see people coming down from a ship onto shore. 00:12:18.399 --> 00:12:23.279 That same verb is used in John 21.9 where it says, 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:26.360 As soon as they had come down onto the land, 00:12:26.620 --> 00:12:30.459 they saw Jesus who had prepared a breakfast for them with fish and bread. 00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:32.000 You remember that story? 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:35.059 So here's the word picture. 00:12:36.379 --> 00:12:39.379 Paul's on the ship over which he has no control. 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:42.080 And it's the last years of his life. 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:47.519 But he knows when I get off of this ship, of this vessel, this life, 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:52.740 I'm stepping onto the shore of the kingdom of heaven. 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:56.019 And he's keeping that in the forefront of his mind. 00:12:56.240 --> 00:12:59.659 This ride that I'm on now that I have no control over in this life. 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:01.080 When I step off of this, 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:04.279 I'm stepping into paradise with Jesus Christ. 00:13:04.279 --> 00:13:08.879 And that gives you strength to forbear and to long suffer. 00:13:09.559 --> 00:13:12.000 You know what you're stepping onto next. 00:13:13.459 --> 00:13:16.879 Our confession of faith speaks of the perseverance of the saints. 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:19.199 Really, if you look at how it's worded, 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:21.779 a better description is the preservation of the saints. 00:13:22.419 --> 00:13:24.980 God preserves his people to the very end. 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:27.839 Listen to this wording from 1689. 00:13:27.839 --> 00:13:33.899 The same God who first called you continues to still call you. 00:13:34.279 --> 00:13:37.860 And he begets in you and nourishes in you more faith, 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:41.779 more repentance, more love, more joy, more hope, 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:45.839 and all the graces of the spirit until your immortality. 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:47.919 God provides all of that. 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:50.480 He's the one who birthed those graces in you. 00:13:50.699 --> 00:13:52.819 He's the one who will continue supplying you with them. 00:13:53.480 --> 00:13:57.679 And though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, 00:13:57.679 --> 00:14:05.559 you who are saved by Christ in no way shall ever be able to be taken off of that foundation and rock 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:10.019 upon which by faith you are fastened. 00:14:11.019 --> 00:14:12.359 Let that come for you. 00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:19.959 Christ, he's the one who went on ahead and he's waiting for you on the rock of paradise. 00:14:19.960 --> 00:14:23.340 And you're fastened to him by faith. 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:28.420 And he's the one pulling you and preserving you and supplying you everything you need. 00:14:28.420 --> 00:14:32.560 And the storms and the winds and the destruction of the waves, 00:14:32.620 --> 00:14:34.180 it's pounding this vessel. 00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:37.879 But Christ is the one pulling you and he is a rock. 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:40.540 He will pull you all the way to the end. 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:43.339 When Paul says, 00:14:43.860 --> 00:14:46.719 This will turn out for my deliverance. 00:14:47.339 --> 00:14:50.480 This word deliverance can be translated as deliverance, 00:14:50.939 --> 00:14:55.519 but mostly it's translated over 40 times in the New Testament as salvation. 00:14:56.059 --> 00:14:57.120 The exact same word. 00:14:57.679 --> 00:15:00.199 This will turn out for my salvation. 00:15:01.719 --> 00:15:04.259 It can refer to deliverance from enemies, 00:15:04.459 --> 00:15:05.939 but it can also be more broad. 00:15:05.939 --> 00:15:10.319 It can refer to health and well-being of preservation. 00:15:10.539 --> 00:15:14.500 That which concludes to the soul's safety. 00:15:15.299 --> 00:15:18.759 Future blessings in Christ for eternity. 00:15:19.439 --> 00:15:21.819 All of this, this ride, 00:15:22.099 --> 00:15:26.399 it will turn out for my final salvation in Christ. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:30.399 What does Paul have in view? 00:15:31.199 --> 00:15:33.019 Well, we read in Acts 4.12, 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:37.019 what the Holy Spirit poured out on all the churches is proclaiming 00:15:37.019 --> 00:15:39.120 through the early church and through Paul. 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:44.759 Acts 4.12 is this salvation is none other than Christ, 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:52.000 for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:57.259 And this, even these trials will turn out for my salvation in Christ. 00:15:57.259 --> 00:16:02.639 Our confession goes on to say in the same chapter, 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:12.299 the sensible light and love of God may for a time be clouded and obscured from you. 00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:16.340 Some of you shared with me even this morning, 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:19.940 you're in a time where prayer is cold. 00:16:21.300 --> 00:16:23.540 The goodness of God seems clouded. 00:16:24.320 --> 00:16:27.600 His light raised to warm you don't seem to be reaching you. 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:30.820 The trials of life, 00:16:31.360 --> 00:16:33.220 our own faith that's so weak, 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:35.680 and the temptations of Satan, 00:16:36.340 --> 00:16:40.960 they can obscure the good, strong, preserving hand of God from us. 00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:43.519 It can be hard to feel that sometimes, can't it? 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:48.220 But the scripture confirms, 00:16:48.440 --> 00:16:49.780 as our confession captures, 00:16:49.920 --> 00:16:52.460 that you shall be sure to be kept 00:16:52.460 --> 00:16:54.180 by the power of God 00:16:54.180 --> 00:16:56.300 unto your final salvation, 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:57.900 because Christ purchased you 00:16:57.900 --> 00:16:59.139 as his own possession. 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:01.019 He engraved you 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:02.680 upon the palm of his hands, 00:17:02.820 --> 00:17:03.860 and before time, 00:17:03.960 --> 00:17:05.140 God wrote your name 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:06.799 in the book of life. 00:17:07.160 --> 00:17:09.360 He will preserve you to the very end. 00:17:09.359 --> 00:17:12.619 He is longing for you to be with him, 00:17:13.619 --> 00:17:16.519 and he's preparing your soul for eternity. 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:20.319 So you will want to walk out this life well 00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:23.959 if you think of what you're stepping into next. 00:17:25.179 --> 00:17:25.639 Number three, 00:17:25.759 --> 00:17:26.419 to finish well, 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:28.559 you and I need two things. 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.519 To finish well, 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:31.459 we need prayers 00:17:31.459 --> 00:17:34.079 and the supply of the Spirit 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:35.699 to empower us. 00:17:36.079 --> 00:17:36.939 To finish well, 00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:38.159 you and I need prayers 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:42.000 and we need the supply of the Spirit 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:43.259 to empower us 00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:44.660 to finish well. 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:48.920 That's what Paul states in verse 19. 00:17:49.060 --> 00:17:49.420 He says, 00:17:49.840 --> 00:17:50.960 through your prayer 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:54.700 and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:56.140 all of this will turn out 00:17:56.140 --> 00:17:57.660 to magnify Christ 00:17:57.660 --> 00:17:59.000 and for my salvation. 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:02.360 Through your prayer, church. 00:18:02.359 --> 00:18:04.939 What is prayer? 00:18:06.199 --> 00:18:07.259 Our catechism says, 00:18:07.359 --> 00:18:08.539 prayer is an offering up 00:18:08.539 --> 00:18:10.399 of our desires to God 00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:13.459 for things agreeable to his will 00:18:13.459 --> 00:18:15.339 in the name of Jesus Christ 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:17.879 with the confession of our sins 00:18:17.879 --> 00:18:19.439 and thankful acknowledgement 00:18:19.439 --> 00:18:21.179 of his mercies. 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:23.399 That's what prayer is. 00:18:24.139 --> 00:18:25.759 And Paul says to the church, 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.839 to this congregation, 00:18:27.839 --> 00:18:29.500 through your prayer. 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:29.559 prayer. 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:32.920 Your is second person plural. 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:34.440 Collectively. 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:37.359 All of you together praying. 00:18:38.859 --> 00:18:39.599 And the word prayer 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:40.380 is in the singular. 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:43.839 Through collective prayer 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:44.920 of the church, 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:47.059 offering up one prayer together, 00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:48.339 one voice to God 00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:50.440 for God's kingdom to advance. 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:53.140 It's the efficacy 00:18:53.140 --> 00:18:55.640 of congregational intercession. 00:18:55.640 --> 00:18:57.920 It's a body 00:18:57.920 --> 00:18:59.220 locally gathered, 00:18:59.400 --> 00:18:59.860 in person, 00:19:00.020 --> 00:19:00.440 together, 00:19:01.100 --> 00:19:01.740 supplicating, 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:02.300 asking, 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:04.220 crying out our desires 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:04.880 to God 00:19:04.880 --> 00:19:06.520 with boldness, 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:07.980 one voice 00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:08.860 lifted up, 00:19:08.960 --> 00:19:09.620 one spirit 00:19:09.620 --> 00:19:11.380 in the name 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:12.380 of Jesus Christ 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:13.820 because we stand 00:19:13.820 --> 00:19:14.720 forgiven by him 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:15.660 and we're praying 00:19:15.660 --> 00:19:17.320 out of gratitude, 00:19:17.500 --> 00:19:18.340 out of the abundance 00:19:18.340 --> 00:19:18.960 of joy 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:19.820 and confidence 00:19:19.820 --> 00:19:20.280 we have 00:19:20.280 --> 00:19:21.140 that Christ's kingdom 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:22.200 is advancing. 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:24.640 And he says 00:19:24.640 --> 00:19:26.059 it's through your prayer 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:27.360 and the supply 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:28.500 of the spirit 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.460 of Jesus Christ. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.819 One Greek scholar 00:19:31.819 --> 00:19:32.559 said if we didn't have 00:19:32.559 --> 00:19:33.539 all the rest of the Bible 00:19:33.539 --> 00:19:35.220 to inform this 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:36.240 doctrine of prayer 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:37.279 and how God works, 00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:38.900 with only this verse, 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:39.420 we would be, 00:19:39.840 --> 00:19:40.840 we would have to believe 00:19:40.840 --> 00:19:41.440 and conclude 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:42.700 that the spirit 00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:43.680 only supplies 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.700 that for which we pray. 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:46.480 I mean, 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.580 he could not have linked 00:19:47.580 --> 00:19:49.100 congregational prayer 00:19:49.100 --> 00:19:49.680 and the supply 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:50.160 of the spirit 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:50.880 more closely 00:19:50.880 --> 00:19:51.600 than he did here. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:53.000 And how he used 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:53.539 the language 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:54.400 under the inspiration 00:19:54.400 --> 00:19:55.039 of the spirit. 00:19:56.620 --> 00:19:57.860 What does he mean 00:19:57.860 --> 00:19:58.620 by the supply 00:19:58.620 --> 00:19:59.600 of the spirit? 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:02.200 The supply 00:20:02.200 --> 00:20:02.880 of the spirit. 00:20:03.900 --> 00:20:04.620 The ESV 00:20:04.620 --> 00:20:05.340 and the Christian 00:20:05.340 --> 00:20:06.080 Standard Bible 00:20:06.080 --> 00:20:07.279 translate this 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:08.000 as the help 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:08.759 of the spirit. 00:20:09.640 --> 00:20:10.120 The NIV 00:20:10.120 --> 00:20:11.120 translates it 00:20:11.120 --> 00:20:12.240 as God's provision 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:13.740 through the spirit. 00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:15.220 He says it's 00:20:15.220 --> 00:20:15.779 the spirit 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:16.980 of Christ. 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:19.100 In Ephesians 4.16 00:20:19.100 --> 00:20:20.380 he describes 00:20:20.380 --> 00:20:21.319 how the whole body 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:23.139 joined and knit together 00:20:23.139 --> 00:20:24.839 by what every joint 00:20:24.839 --> 00:20:25.679 supplies. 00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:26.700 The same word there. 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:28.439 Supplies for the whole body 00:20:28.439 --> 00:20:30.039 to function. 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:31.679 So what does 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:32.980 this supply mean? 00:20:33.859 --> 00:20:35.159 In Roman literature, 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:37.539 this word was used 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:38.519 to describe 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.539 providing all 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:40.339 that would be needed 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.500 for the housing, 00:20:42.099 --> 00:20:42.619 the food, 00:20:42.779 --> 00:20:43.339 the clothing, 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:45.000 and all of the other needs 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:46.159 of generous supply 00:20:46.159 --> 00:20:47.460 for a choir 00:20:47.460 --> 00:20:48.460 that would serve 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:49.279 in a Roman theater. 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:50.920 So you picture 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:51.660 this troupe 00:20:51.660 --> 00:20:52.840 that sings together 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:53.799 all the different parts 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.400 in harmony, 00:20:55.340 --> 00:20:56.539 a glorious production. 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:57.240 They're one unit, 00:20:57.360 --> 00:20:58.039 one voice, 00:20:58.279 --> 00:20:59.740 and you have 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:00.900 a great patron 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:02.240 that has plenty of money 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:03.120 and he's going to supply 00:21:03.120 --> 00:21:04.200 all that they need 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:05.500 to be able to exercise 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:06.079 that gift 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:06.980 and sing together 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.299 as one voice. 00:21:08.840 --> 00:21:10.200 Isn't that a beautiful picture 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:11.460 for congregational prayer? 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:13.299 fully supplied 00:21:13.299 --> 00:21:14.620 by the Spirit 00:21:14.620 --> 00:21:16.059 to use the gifts 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:16.579 he's given 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:17.559 to sing out 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.100 the melody 00:21:18.100 --> 00:21:19.220 of the gospel. 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:22.120 And you probably 00:21:22.120 --> 00:21:22.980 picked up on this 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:23.519 and our focus 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:24.539 has been Trinitarian 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:25.759 this morning. 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:27.400 He calls it 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:28.019 the Spirit 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:29.579 of Jesus Christ. 00:21:31.840 --> 00:21:33.160 From the one God 00:21:33.160 --> 00:21:34.480 proceeds the Son. 00:21:35.700 --> 00:21:36.200 The Son 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:37.559 ascended to the right hand 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.600 of the Father Almighty 00:21:38.599 --> 00:21:40.139 and he pours out 00:21:40.139 --> 00:21:41.659 and from Father and Son 00:21:41.659 --> 00:21:43.219 proceed the Holy Spirit. 00:21:44.399 --> 00:21:45.359 The Holy Spirit 00:21:45.359 --> 00:21:46.799 acts in a different, 00:21:47.219 --> 00:21:47.879 a more powerful, 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:48.879 more abundant way 00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:49.659 in the New Covenant 00:21:49.659 --> 00:21:50.799 than in the Old. 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:52.539 The Spirit 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:54.539 of Jesus Christ Himself 00:21:54.539 --> 00:21:56.139 with His people. 00:21:57.379 --> 00:21:58.259 And through the Spirit 00:21:58.259 --> 00:21:59.079 of Jesus Christ 00:21:59.079 --> 00:22:00.179 the Church receives 00:22:00.179 --> 00:22:02.219 a full provision 00:22:02.219 --> 00:22:03.599 of strength. 00:22:06.179 --> 00:22:07.240 The more I've thought 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:08.099 about what this means, 00:22:08.099 --> 00:22:09.259 the Spirit of Christ 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:10.539 poured out for the church. 00:22:11.679 --> 00:22:12.939 I've come to the conclusion, 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:13.719 I'd love to hear 00:22:13.719 --> 00:22:14.279 your thoughts. 00:22:16.219 --> 00:22:17.339 The finished work 00:22:17.339 --> 00:22:18.339 of Jesus Christ 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:20.179 is what secures 00:22:20.179 --> 00:22:20.819 the blessings 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:21.819 that the church needs. 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.099 So, 00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:24.459 the Spirit of Christ 00:22:24.459 --> 00:22:25.919 specifically has in view 00:22:25.919 --> 00:22:27.699 the active obedience 00:22:27.699 --> 00:22:28.459 of Christ 00:22:28.459 --> 00:22:29.379 on our behalf 00:22:29.379 --> 00:22:31.139 now applied to us 00:22:31.139 --> 00:22:32.079 as the energizing 00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:33.039 strength and power 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:33.779 that we need 00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:34.559 to walk 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:35.539 as His people. 00:22:35.539 --> 00:22:37.819 in other words, 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:38.720 Jesus Christ 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.819 came without 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:40.799 any help. 00:22:42.099 --> 00:22:43.680 We have the Holy Spirit, 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.099 the help, 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:44.680 the provision, 00:22:44.779 --> 00:22:45.319 the supply, 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.539 and Christ came 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:48.440 without the curse of sin 00:22:48.440 --> 00:22:49.319 and with the help 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:50.119 of the Holy Spirit 00:22:50.119 --> 00:22:51.299 but no help external, 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:53.019 no help from any man. 00:22:53.659 --> 00:22:54.659 And He accomplished 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:55.440 what we need. 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:56.759 His life 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.539 was tested 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:59.519 and He proved 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.200 powerfully 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:02.240 in the flesh 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:04.619 that all that God 00:23:04.619 --> 00:23:05.759 requires of righteousness 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:07.460 He has fulfilled 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:08.720 and He will now 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:09.339 supply 00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:10.399 the righteousness 00:23:10.399 --> 00:23:11.779 that He accomplished 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.480 in His life 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:13.240 to the church 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.539 to use all of our gifts 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.279 for His glory. 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:20.480 Paul had tasted this. 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.659 He had experienced 00:23:21.659 --> 00:23:22.500 what this was. 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:25.799 by His own flesh 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:27.680 He was 00:23:27.680 --> 00:23:29.500 dragging out Christians 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:30.960 throwing them 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.539 into prison 00:23:31.539 --> 00:23:32.759 and beating them. 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.339 He thought 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:35.319 He was serving God 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:36.500 according to His flesh. 00:23:37.640 --> 00:23:37.900 And now 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:38.980 the opposite 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.579 has happened. 00:23:39.779 --> 00:23:40.480 Paul is the one 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.500 drug away 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.420 undressively 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.140 tried 00:23:43.140 --> 00:23:44.519 and thrown in prison. 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:47.140 And where He is weak 00:23:47.140 --> 00:23:48.319 the Holy Spirit 00:23:48.319 --> 00:23:49.380 is strong. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.140 And in His weakness 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:51.900 He's seen God 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:52.740 minister to the 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.560 Praetorian Guard 00:23:53.560 --> 00:23:54.500 to give Him 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.040 an audience 00:23:55.040 --> 00:23:56.340 before Caesar himself 00:23:56.340 --> 00:23:57.680 and He's proclaiming 00:23:57.680 --> 00:23:58.220 the gospel 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:59.400 of Christ 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:00.160 in Rome. 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:01.040 And how did He get there? 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:01.860 What was the path? 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:03.100 It was the path 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:03.780 of the cross. 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:05.800 It was strengthened 00:24:05.800 --> 00:24:06.560 by the Spirit 00:24:06.560 --> 00:24:07.380 of Christ 00:24:07.380 --> 00:24:08.840 that as He suffers 00:24:08.840 --> 00:24:09.700 and gets pressed 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:10.740 lower and lower 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.280 and lower 00:24:11.280 --> 00:24:11.920 and squeezed 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:12.680 tighter and tighter 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:13.980 more of Christ 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:15.060 came out of Him 00:24:15.060 --> 00:24:16.560 for the glory of God. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.540 This is a hard thing 00:24:20.539 --> 00:24:21.740 for me to apply 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:23.039 and encourage you with 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:23.420 because 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:25.240 we're a small enough 00:24:25.240 --> 00:24:25.779 congregation 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.619 I know 00:24:26.619 --> 00:24:28.299 some of the hard things 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:29.180 that our congregation 00:24:29.180 --> 00:24:30.019 is going through 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:30.500 right now. 00:24:33.420 --> 00:24:35.019 But the same Holy Spirit 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:36.319 that gave Paul 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:37.139 this strength 00:24:37.139 --> 00:24:38.700 that Spirit 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:39.359 dwells 00:24:39.359 --> 00:24:41.039 in every true believer. 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:43.180 And because Christ 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:43.659 is the one 00:24:43.659 --> 00:24:44.399 who has walked 00:24:44.399 --> 00:24:45.500 that path 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.159 of the cross 00:24:46.159 --> 00:24:47.720 and it's the Spirit 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:48.559 of Christ 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:50.759 what you feel 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:51.619 you are not strong 00:24:51.619 --> 00:24:52.259 enough to endure 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:52.799 any longer 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.759 the Spirit 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:54.440 of Christ 00:24:54.440 --> 00:24:55.980 promises to supply 00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:56.339 you 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:58.179 whatsoever 00:24:58.179 --> 00:24:59.379 God 00:24:59.379 --> 00:25:00.159 ordains 00:25:00.159 --> 00:25:01.839 for your life. 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:03.599 And I know 00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:04.059 right now 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:05.000 there are some 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:05.579 hard things 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.799 that our body 00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:07.480 is going through. 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:10.399 To finish well 00:25:10.399 --> 00:25:10.919 you and I 00:25:10.919 --> 00:25:12.279 need prayers. 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:13.339 We need to pray 00:25:13.339 --> 00:25:14.019 for one another 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.099 and we need to pray 00:25:15.099 --> 00:25:15.799 specifically 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.819 that God 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.619 will supply 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:18.500 the Spirit 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:19.000 of Christ 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.759 to one another 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:21.099 in those hard trials 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:21.660 we're enduring. 00:25:23.139 --> 00:25:24.000 Number four 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:24.879 to finish well 00:25:24.879 --> 00:25:28.319 beware of your own 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:28.839 weakness 00:25:28.839 --> 00:25:31.119 and fix 00:25:31.119 --> 00:25:31.940 your hope 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:33.200 on God's grace. 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.879 To finish well 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:36.900 beware of your own 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:37.460 weakness 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:39.539 and fix your hope 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:40.879 on God's grace. 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:41.799 I believe that's what 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.960 Paul does in verse 20. 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:45.839 Paul says in verse 20 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.599 according to my 00:25:46.599 --> 00:25:47.740 earnest expectation 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:49.099 and hope 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:51.180 Christ will be 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:52.160 magnified. 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:55.160 Let's look at these words 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:56.559 earnest expectation 00:25:56.559 --> 00:25:58.680 it's to wait eagerly 00:25:58.680 --> 00:25:59.660 with your neck 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.599 outstretched. 00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:03.500 You know what this is like 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:04.279 if you've been around 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:05.200 little kids 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:05.960 and they haven't seen you 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.440 for a while 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:08.200 come up to that window 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:09.460 and stretching the neck out 00:26:09.460 --> 00:26:10.539 just can't wait to see you 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:11.440 when you're coming back. 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:14.200 Earnest expectation 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:15.440 that Christ 00:26:15.440 --> 00:26:16.440 will be magnified. 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:18.140 What does that look 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:18.799 in our lives 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.880 to live a life 00:26:19.880 --> 00:26:21.960 earnestly expecting 00:26:21.960 --> 00:26:23.440 Christ to be magnified? 00:26:24.140 --> 00:26:24.880 Watching to see 00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:26.000 how he's going to do it next. 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.840 Peeking out the window. 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:30.220 I hear the story 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:30.940 in a person's life 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:31.559 I don't know 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.700 what's going to come next. 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:33.779 When the page turns 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.740 what's the next chapter? 00:26:34.860 --> 00:26:35.559 How will it read? 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:36.620 I don't know. 00:26:37.340 --> 00:26:37.920 I'm going to pray 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:39.000 for the supply of the spirit 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.900 and I'm going to earnestly 00:26:39.900 --> 00:26:40.859 expect it. 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:41.900 I'm going to try 00:26:41.900 --> 00:26:43.099 to watch very carefully 00:26:43.099 --> 00:26:44.500 and see how Christ 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.599 will magnify himself 00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:46.599 in what seems 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.440 to be impossible. 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:49.759 In the word hope 00:26:49.759 --> 00:26:51.700 confident faith 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:52.819 that God will provide 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:54.000 all that he 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:55.099 has promised. 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:58.119 See when your hope 00:26:58.119 --> 00:27:00.039 is in the grace of God 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:01.599 you will never 00:27:01.599 --> 00:27:02.619 be disappointed. 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:04.640 Grace has been 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:05.500 the theme all along 00:27:05.500 --> 00:27:06.039 hasn't it? 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:08.599 Paul keeps repeating 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:09.980 the name of Jesus Christ 00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:11.720 and the grace of God. 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:12.879 That's what he fixes 00:27:12.879 --> 00:27:13.559 his hope on 00:27:13.559 --> 00:27:14.460 and he will not 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:15.180 be disappointed. 00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:17.659 The source of hope 00:27:17.659 --> 00:27:18.420 is fixed 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.460 on Christ 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:20.659 and his grace. 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:23.099 Well I said 00:27:23.099 --> 00:27:23.740 to finish well 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.579 you need to beware 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.859 of your own weakness. 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:28.279 See the first thing 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:28.859 Paul says 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:29.579 in verse 20 00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:30.500 is in the negative. 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:31.119 He says 00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:32.500 it's my earnest 00:27:32.500 --> 00:27:33.720 expectation and hope 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:34.619 that in nothing 00:27:34.619 --> 00:27:36.519 I shall be ashamed. 00:27:37.659 --> 00:27:38.419 In nothing 00:27:38.419 --> 00:27:39.679 I shall be ashamed. 00:27:40.299 --> 00:27:41.059 The word ashamed 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:42.199 means disfigured. 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:44.379 No matter what happens 00:27:44.379 --> 00:27:45.339 I don't want my face 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:46.599 to get distorted. 00:27:46.739 --> 00:27:47.299 I don't want to get 00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:48.179 bent out of shape 00:27:48.179 --> 00:27:49.059 over whatever 00:27:49.059 --> 00:27:49.879 happens to me. 00:27:50.919 --> 00:27:51.819 And his real fear 00:27:51.819 --> 00:27:52.899 is that he would 00:27:52.899 --> 00:27:53.959 not bear witness 00:27:53.959 --> 00:27:55.579 faithfully 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:56.379 of Christ. 00:27:57.419 --> 00:27:58.219 That he would 00:27:58.219 --> 00:27:58.879 disgrace 00:27:58.879 --> 00:27:59.759 his Savior 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:00.979 in his final 00:28:00.979 --> 00:28:02.179 moment of testing. 00:28:02.180 --> 00:28:05.380 1 Corinthians 2 00:28:05.380 --> 00:28:05.960 23 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:06.539 Paul wrote 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:07.120 we preach 00:28:07.120 --> 00:28:07.660 Christ 00:28:07.660 --> 00:28:08.539 crucified 00:28:08.539 --> 00:28:10.100 to the Jews 00:28:10.100 --> 00:28:10.660 this is a 00:28:10.660 --> 00:28:11.440 stumbling block 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:13.420 and to the Greeks 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:14.820 it's foolishness. 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:16.440 And here he is 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:17.100 in the capital 00:28:17.100 --> 00:28:18.200 in Rome 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:18.759 itself 00:28:18.759 --> 00:28:20.120 proclaiming 00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:20.440 Christ 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.039 crucified 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:22.080 knowing that 00:28:22.080 --> 00:28:22.660 to their ears 00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:23.380 this is utter 00:28:23.380 --> 00:28:24.519 foolishness. 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:26.539 But in Romans 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.279 1 16 00:28:27.279 --> 00:28:27.779 Paul wrote 00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:28.560 I am not 00:28:28.560 --> 00:28:29.440 ashamed 00:28:29.440 --> 00:28:30.580 of the gospel 00:28:30.580 --> 00:28:31.860 it is the power 00:28:31.860 --> 00:28:32.740 of God 00:28:32.740 --> 00:28:33.620 to save. 00:28:34.360 --> 00:28:34.740 So we get 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:35.559 this insight 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:36.480 that from his letters 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:37.380 Paul is very 00:28:37.380 --> 00:28:38.160 worried about this 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:39.039 he knows it sounds 00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:40.519 like utter foolishness 00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:41.259 but yet 00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:42.120 the spirit 00:28:42.120 --> 00:28:42.559 helps him 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.559 to not be ashamed 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:44.680 and to continue 00:28:44.680 --> 00:28:45.360 proclaiming 00:28:45.360 --> 00:28:45.940 Christ 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:46.559 and him 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.120 crucified. 00:28:50.120 --> 00:28:51.200 To finish well 00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:51.680 beware 00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:52.400 of your own 00:28:52.400 --> 00:28:53.019 weakness. 00:28:53.820 --> 00:28:54.299 Paul does not 00:28:54.299 --> 00:28:55.039 want to bring shame 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:55.580 to the glory 00:28:55.580 --> 00:28:56.019 of God 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:57.059 he admits that 00:28:57.059 --> 00:28:57.860 to the congregation 00:28:57.859 --> 00:28:59.219 he asks for their 00:28:59.219 --> 00:28:59.539 prayers 00:28:59.539 --> 00:29:00.079 and he counts 00:29:00.079 --> 00:29:00.479 on them 00:29:00.479 --> 00:29:01.699 and then put 00:29:01.699 --> 00:29:02.299 positively 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:03.279 to finish well 00:29:03.279 --> 00:29:04.899 we need to fix 00:29:04.899 --> 00:29:05.259 our hope 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:05.919 on God's 00:29:05.919 --> 00:29:06.639 grace. 00:29:07.359 --> 00:29:07.699 That's what he 00:29:07.699 --> 00:29:08.240 says next 00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:08.639 he says 00:29:08.639 --> 00:29:09.599 with all boldness 00:29:09.599 --> 00:29:10.339 as always 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:11.719 so now also 00:29:11.719 --> 00:29:13.119 I have confidence 00:29:13.119 --> 00:29:14.599 that he who began 00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:16.139 a gracious work 00:29:16.139 --> 00:29:16.579 in me 00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:17.519 will complete it 00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:18.439 until the day 00:29:18.439 --> 00:29:19.379 of Jesus Christ. 00:29:20.079 --> 00:29:20.579 We saw that 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:21.500 earlier in Philippians 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.819 in 2 Corinthians 00:29:22.819 --> 00:29:23.399 12 9 00:29:23.399 --> 00:29:23.759 he said 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.559 my grace 00:29:24.559 --> 00:29:25.639 the words of 00:29:25.639 --> 00:29:26.539 Jesus to Paul 00:29:26.539 --> 00:29:27.659 my grace 00:29:27.659 --> 00:29:28.279 is sufficient 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:29.319 for you 00:29:29.319 --> 00:29:31.059 and in Hebrews 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:31.779 4 16 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:32.359 he speaks 00:29:32.359 --> 00:29:33.279 of this boldness 00:29:33.279 --> 00:29:34.399 this confidence 00:29:34.399 --> 00:29:34.879 he says 00:29:34.879 --> 00:29:36.000 we go boldly 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:36.759 to the throne 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:38.159 of grace 00:29:38.159 --> 00:29:39.299 and we obtain 00:29:39.299 --> 00:29:39.700 mercy 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:40.700 and find grace 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:41.839 to help 00:29:41.839 --> 00:29:42.879 in time 00:29:42.879 --> 00:29:43.559 of need 00:29:43.559 --> 00:29:45.339 he's fixed 00:29:45.339 --> 00:29:45.940 his hope 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:47.319 not on his own 00:29:47.319 --> 00:29:47.859 strength 00:29:47.859 --> 00:29:48.519 he's aware 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:49.200 of his weakness 00:29:49.200 --> 00:29:50.319 but his hope 00:29:50.319 --> 00:29:51.099 is fixed 00:29:51.099 --> 00:29:52.039 on the grace 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:52.700 of God 00:29:52.700 --> 00:29:56.359 in this life 00:29:56.359 --> 00:29:57.299 there's a battle 00:29:57.299 --> 00:30:00.039 this battle 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:00.579 is described 00:30:00.579 --> 00:30:01.539 in Romans 17 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:02.500 as the experience 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:03.299 of every Christian 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:04.099 I'm sorry 00:30:04.099 --> 00:30:04.759 Romans 7 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:06.639 it's the battle 00:30:06.639 --> 00:30:07.899 between the remaining 00:30:07.899 --> 00:30:08.959 sin in our flesh 00:30:08.959 --> 00:30:10.119 and the battle 00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:11.279 between the spirit 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:11.799 of God 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:13.119 inside of us 00:30:13.119 --> 00:30:16.259 our confession 00:30:16.259 --> 00:30:16.799 says that 00:30:16.799 --> 00:30:17.399 in this war 00:30:17.399 --> 00:30:18.059 between your 00:30:18.059 --> 00:30:18.959 renewed spirit 00:30:18.959 --> 00:30:19.639 and the sin 00:30:19.639 --> 00:30:20.240 that lingers 00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:20.959 in your flesh 00:30:20.959 --> 00:30:22.039 although that 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:23.039 remaining corruption 00:30:23.039 --> 00:30:24.079 for a time 00:30:24.079 --> 00:30:25.420 may much prevail 00:30:25.420 --> 00:30:27.079 and yet 00:30:27.079 --> 00:30:27.740 through the 00:30:27.740 --> 00:30:29.059 continual supply 00:30:29.059 --> 00:30:29.920 of strength 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:30.920 from the 00:30:30.920 --> 00:30:32.180 sanctifying spirit 00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:32.940 of Christ 00:30:32.940 --> 00:30:34.639 the regenerate 00:30:34.639 --> 00:30:35.720 soul 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.799 in your inner 00:30:36.799 --> 00:30:37.119 being 00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:38.480 does overcome 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:40.139 and so who 00:30:40.139 --> 00:30:40.639 God's 00:30:40.639 --> 00:30:41.480 saints 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:42.420 do grow 00:30:42.420 --> 00:30:42.980 in grace 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:44.339 God perfects 00:30:44.339 --> 00:30:44.940 his holiness 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:45.460 in you 00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:46.700 he energizes 00:30:46.700 --> 00:30:47.440 you to press 00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:48.639 after the heavenly 00:30:48.639 --> 00:30:49.079 life 00:30:49.079 --> 00:30:50.139 and to continue 00:30:50.139 --> 00:30:50.659 growing 00:30:50.660 --> 00:30:51.800 in evangelical 00:30:51.800 --> 00:30:52.540 obedience 00:30:52.540 --> 00:30:53.540 to all the 00:30:53.540 --> 00:30:53.900 commands 00:30:53.900 --> 00:30:54.560 which Christ 00:30:54.560 --> 00:30:55.420 as head 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:56.000 and king 00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:57.080 in his word 00:30:57.080 --> 00:30:58.140 has prescribed 00:30:58.140 --> 00:30:59.320 to his people 00:30:59.320 --> 00:31:02.779 to finish well 00:31:02.779 --> 00:31:03.800 beware of your 00:31:03.800 --> 00:31:04.200 weakness 00:31:04.200 --> 00:31:05.259 this battle 00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:06.460 will not stop 00:31:06.460 --> 00:31:07.440 until you take 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:08.380 your last breath 00:31:08.380 --> 00:31:10.640 but have confidence 00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:11.700 and fix your hope 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.900 not on your strength 00:31:12.900 --> 00:31:13.720 but on the grace 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:14.300 of God 00:31:14.300 --> 00:31:15.259 his grace 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:16.140 his strength 00:31:16.140 --> 00:31:17.019 his energy 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:18.100 will be with you 00:31:18.100 --> 00:31:19.500 till the very last day 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:20.539 in the part 00:31:20.539 --> 00:31:21.640 of your soul 00:31:21.640 --> 00:31:22.440 that he has 00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:23.140 regenerated 00:31:23.140 --> 00:31:23.980 and he's working 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:24.339 that out 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:24.819 to the rest 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:25.440 of your life 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.339 that part 00:31:26.339 --> 00:31:27.480 will overcome 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:28.819 by his grace 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:31.359 my fifth 00:31:31.359 --> 00:31:32.119 and final heading 00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:33.000 is that to finish 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:33.759 well in 00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:34.920 this life 00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:38.579 ask for that 00:31:38.579 --> 00:31:39.440 same grace 00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:40.319 to magnify 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:41.099 Christ in you 00:31:41.099 --> 00:31:42.240 more and more 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:44.559 you will finish 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:45.599 well if you live 00:31:45.599 --> 00:31:46.599 by his grace 00:31:46.599 --> 00:31:47.880 more and more 00:31:47.880 --> 00:31:48.960 to magnify 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:49.580 Christ 00:31:49.580 --> 00:31:53.140 in verse 20 00:31:53.140 --> 00:31:53.640 he says 00:31:53.640 --> 00:31:54.720 my prayer 00:31:54.720 --> 00:31:55.460 is that Christ 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:56.500 will be magnified 00:31:56.500 --> 00:31:57.100 specifically 00:31:57.100 --> 00:31:57.820 he says 00:31:57.820 --> 00:31:59.160 in my body 00:31:59.160 --> 00:32:02.540 Paul had hopes 00:32:02.540 --> 00:32:03.280 of still visiting 00:32:03.280 --> 00:32:03.780 Spain 00:32:03.780 --> 00:32:05.160 he's going to 00:32:05.160 --> 00:32:05.860 continue to write 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:06.920 letters from prison 00:32:06.920 --> 00:32:08.700 and he's going to 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.460 continue praying 00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:10.400 for the advance 00:32:10.400 --> 00:32:11.160 of God's kingdom 00:32:11.160 --> 00:32:11.840 he's resolved 00:32:11.840 --> 00:32:12.340 these things 00:32:12.340 --> 00:32:13.080 however many days 00:32:13.080 --> 00:32:13.440 or years 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.140 he has left 00:32:14.140 --> 00:32:15.680 so he's praying 00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:16.120 that Christ 00:32:16.119 --> 00:32:17.319 will be magnified 00:32:17.319 --> 00:32:18.500 in his body 00:32:18.500 --> 00:32:21.319 in Acts 20 00:32:21.319 --> 00:32:21.819 24 00:32:21.819 --> 00:32:22.319 Paul said 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.859 I do not 00:32:22.859 --> 00:32:23.759 count my life 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:24.939 dear to myself 00:32:24.939 --> 00:32:25.579 so that I may 00:32:25.579 --> 00:32:26.339 finish the race 00:32:26.339 --> 00:32:27.000 with joy 00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:28.439 and the ministry 00:32:28.439 --> 00:32:29.359 which I have received 00:32:29.359 --> 00:32:30.259 from the Lord Jesus 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:31.679 which is to testify 00:32:31.679 --> 00:32:32.979 to the gospel 00:32:32.979 --> 00:32:34.099 of the grace 00:32:34.099 --> 00:32:35.019 of God 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:37.219 and he prays 00:32:37.219 --> 00:32:37.559 that God 00:32:37.559 --> 00:32:38.839 will be magnified 00:32:38.839 --> 00:32:39.799 in his body 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:40.879 in life 00:32:40.880 --> 00:32:43.220 so our life 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:44.100 is not our own 00:32:44.100 --> 00:32:44.620 we belong 00:32:44.620 --> 00:32:45.700 body and soul 00:32:45.700 --> 00:32:46.380 to our faithful 00:32:46.380 --> 00:32:47.560 Savior Jesus Christ 00:32:47.560 --> 00:32:48.780 and if he has you 00:32:48.780 --> 00:32:49.260 alive 00:32:49.260 --> 00:32:50.560 so that you can 00:32:50.560 --> 00:32:51.660 magnify him 00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:54.200 he stirs your heart 00:32:54.200 --> 00:32:55.440 to think of someone 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:56.100 in the church 00:32:56.100 --> 00:32:58.480 someone in your life 00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:59.060 a loved one 00:32:59.060 --> 00:32:59.780 who you need 00:32:59.780 --> 00:33:00.400 to pray for 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:02.040 you need to ask 00:33:02.040 --> 00:33:02.620 for the supply 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:03.160 of the spirit 00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:03.740 for them 00:33:03.740 --> 00:33:05.400 and he wants 00:33:05.400 --> 00:33:06.340 to bring opportunities 00:33:06.340 --> 00:33:07.060 for you to show 00:33:07.060 --> 00:33:07.940 the love of Christ 00:33:07.940 --> 00:33:09.500 and to tell others 00:33:09.500 --> 00:33:10.539 of your Savior 00:33:10.539 --> 00:33:11.380 who lives in you 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:13.339 you magnify Christ 00:33:13.339 --> 00:33:14.119 by your life 00:33:14.119 --> 00:33:15.519 but here Paul 00:33:15.519 --> 00:33:16.880 is also very aware 00:33:16.880 --> 00:33:17.940 that his death 00:33:17.940 --> 00:33:18.539 might be around 00:33:18.539 --> 00:33:19.019 the corner 00:33:19.019 --> 00:33:20.720 most likely 00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:21.220 when he says 00:33:21.220 --> 00:33:21.660 that Christ 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:22.519 will be magnified 00:33:22.519 --> 00:33:23.779 in my body 00:33:23.779 --> 00:33:25.480 that's what he's 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:26.119 thinking the most 00:33:26.119 --> 00:33:26.920 about right now 00:33:26.920 --> 00:33:28.920 and he wants 00:33:28.920 --> 00:33:29.640 the church to know 00:33:29.640 --> 00:33:30.420 don't be anxious 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:31.359 about anything 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:32.700 dear church 00:33:32.700 --> 00:33:35.180 if my head 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:35.839 rolls off 00:33:35.839 --> 00:33:37.119 of my body 00:33:37.119 --> 00:33:38.000 into that basket 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:39.980 you can know 00:33:39.980 --> 00:33:40.460 that it came 00:33:40.460 --> 00:33:41.480 off the body 00:33:41.480 --> 00:33:42.539 of a rejoicing 00:33:42.539 --> 00:33:42.920 man 00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:44.119 who wants Christ 00:33:44.119 --> 00:33:45.059 to be magnified 00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:45.940 and that I'm 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:46.420 with him 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:49.019 Romans 6 5 00:33:49.019 --> 00:33:49.559 says we have 00:33:49.559 --> 00:33:50.940 already become 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:52.160 united with Christ 00:33:52.160 --> 00:33:53.380 in the likeness 00:33:53.380 --> 00:33:54.440 of his death 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:55.859 so every day 00:33:55.859 --> 00:33:56.380 he gives us 00:33:56.380 --> 00:33:57.460 to live and breathe 00:33:57.460 --> 00:33:58.980 it's for his purpose 00:33:58.980 --> 00:34:00.180 for his glory 00:34:00.180 --> 00:34:01.059 to be magnified 00:34:01.059 --> 00:34:01.579 in you 00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:03.200 we don't fear 00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:03.680 death 00:34:03.680 --> 00:34:04.759 like the world 00:34:04.759 --> 00:34:05.619 fears death 00:34:05.619 --> 00:34:07.199 we're already 00:34:07.199 --> 00:34:08.679 spiritually united 00:34:08.679 --> 00:34:09.319 to Christ 00:34:09.319 --> 00:34:10.139 in his death 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:11.319 and united to him 00:34:11.319 --> 00:34:12.480 in his resurrection 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:15.759 I learned from 00:34:15.759 --> 00:34:16.759 our congregation 00:34:16.759 --> 00:34:17.400 this week 00:34:17.400 --> 00:34:18.299 of a family 00:34:18.299 --> 00:34:19.839 crippled by death 00:34:19.839 --> 00:34:21.159 the thought of death 00:34:21.159 --> 00:34:22.019 the anxiety 00:34:22.019 --> 00:34:23.579 medication 00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:25.679 unable to do 00:34:25.679 --> 00:34:26.819 normal life activities 00:34:26.819 --> 00:34:27.799 with such a fear 00:34:27.799 --> 00:34:28.299 of death 00:34:28.299 --> 00:34:29.619 such hopelessness 00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:31.440 I love how 00:34:31.440 --> 00:34:32.039 this Puritan 00:34:32.039 --> 00:34:34.339 explained the contrast 00:34:34.340 --> 00:34:35.300 Thomas Brooks 00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:36.579 we should lament 00:34:36.579 --> 00:34:38.160 over that dead man 00:34:38.160 --> 00:34:38.900 or dead woman 00:34:38.900 --> 00:34:39.940 whom hell 00:34:39.940 --> 00:34:40.740 harbors 00:34:40.740 --> 00:34:42.320 whom the devil 00:34:42.320 --> 00:34:42.940 devours 00:34:42.940 --> 00:34:45.120 whom divine justice 00:34:45.120 --> 00:34:46.059 torments 00:34:46.059 --> 00:34:47.740 we should lament 00:34:47.740 --> 00:34:49.340 and we should be 00:34:49.340 --> 00:34:50.260 earnest to proclaim 00:34:50.260 --> 00:34:50.820 Christ 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:53.400 every soul 00:34:53.400 --> 00:34:54.079 that God brings 00:34:54.079 --> 00:34:54.680 into contact 00:34:54.680 --> 00:34:55.220 with you 00:34:55.220 --> 00:34:56.600 today and this week 00:34:56.600 --> 00:34:57.820 is a soul 00:34:57.820 --> 00:34:58.640 headed to heaven 00:34:58.640 --> 00:34:59.700 or to hell 00:34:59.700 --> 00:35:02.600 and Brooks 00:35:02.600 --> 00:35:03.480 goes on to write 00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:05.440 let us rejoice 00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:06.880 that's the theme 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:07.539 of Paul's letter 00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.460 let us rejoice 00:35:08.460 --> 00:35:09.659 over those 00:35:09.659 --> 00:35:11.000 departed believers 00:35:11.000 --> 00:35:11.960 whom Christ 00:35:11.960 --> 00:35:12.699 embosoms 00:35:12.699 --> 00:35:13.900 and whom all 00:35:13.900 --> 00:35:15.019 the court of heaven 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:16.199 comes forth 00:35:16.199 --> 00:35:17.139 to welcome 00:35:17.139 --> 00:35:18.659 let Christ 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:19.400 be magnified 00:35:19.400 --> 00:35:20.099 in my body 00:35:20.099 --> 00:35:21.519 one way or the other 00:35:21.519 --> 00:35:23.079 because we rejoice 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:24.019 when Christ 00:35:24.019 --> 00:35:25.219 is magnified 00:35:25.219 --> 00:35:27.679 that word 00:35:27.679 --> 00:35:28.440 magnified 00:35:28.440 --> 00:35:30.280 children 00:35:30.280 --> 00:35:30.719 you've done 00:35:30.719 --> 00:35:31.260 an experiment 00:35:31.260 --> 00:35:32.180 we get like a 00:35:32.180 --> 00:35:32.580 detective 00:35:32.580 --> 00:35:34.040 piece of glass 00:35:34.040 --> 00:35:34.860 that magnifies 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:35.680 whatever's on the other 00:35:35.680 --> 00:35:36.040 side 00:35:36.040 --> 00:35:37.100 you can look at 00:35:37.100 --> 00:35:38.040 bugs up close 00:35:38.040 --> 00:35:39.420 some of you 00:35:39.420 --> 00:35:40.220 have have 00:35:40.220 --> 00:35:40.820 doctorates 00:35:40.820 --> 00:35:41.660 in the sciences 00:35:41.660 --> 00:35:42.280 and you've looked 00:35:42.280 --> 00:35:43.120 at microscopes 00:35:43.120 --> 00:35:43.840 you spent hours 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:44.560 understanding 00:35:44.560 --> 00:35:46.380 magnification 00:35:46.380 --> 00:35:49.680 I thought about 00:35:49.680 --> 00:35:50.579 how a magnifying 00:35:50.579 --> 00:35:51.420 glass is never 00:35:51.420 --> 00:35:52.340 the object 00:35:52.340 --> 00:35:54.380 it's never 00:35:54.380 --> 00:35:54.940 the focus 00:35:54.940 --> 00:35:55.340 is it 00:35:55.340 --> 00:35:57.680 the purpose 00:35:57.680 --> 00:35:58.500 of a magnifying 00:35:58.500 --> 00:35:59.260 glass is to 00:35:59.260 --> 00:35:59.640 see 00:35:59.640 --> 00:36:01.059 the true 00:36:01.059 --> 00:36:01.760 object of 00:36:01.760 --> 00:36:02.200 interest 00:36:02.200 --> 00:36:03.099 through it 00:36:03.099 --> 00:36:04.760 that that 00:36:04.760 --> 00:36:05.079 would be 00:36:05.079 --> 00:36:05.680 enlarged 00:36:05.680 --> 00:36:07.000 and that the 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:07.640 glass would be 00:36:07.640 --> 00:36:08.320 transparent 00:36:08.320 --> 00:36:10.900 that Christ 00:36:10.900 --> 00:36:11.800 be magnified 00:36:11.800 --> 00:36:12.780 in my body 00:36:12.780 --> 00:36:14.400 for Christ 00:36:14.400 --> 00:36:15.060 is the head 00:36:15.060 --> 00:36:16.580 and his church 00:36:16.580 --> 00:36:17.460 is his body 00:36:17.460 --> 00:36:19.300 and if we live 00:36:19.300 --> 00:36:20.700 we live in Christ 00:36:20.700 --> 00:36:21.660 in Christ 00:36:21.660 --> 00:36:22.340 we move 00:36:22.340 --> 00:36:22.920 and we have 00:36:22.920 --> 00:36:23.460 our being 00:36:23.460 --> 00:36:25.760 we as a 00:36:25.760 --> 00:36:26.440 as a church 00:36:26.440 --> 00:36:27.180 as a congregation 00:36:27.180 --> 00:36:27.780 we should be 00:36:27.780 --> 00:36:28.080 that way 00:36:28.080 --> 00:36:28.540 we should be 00:36:28.540 --> 00:36:29.100 transparent 00:36:29.100 --> 00:36:30.640 so that when 00:36:30.640 --> 00:36:31.140 people look 00:36:31.140 --> 00:36:31.700 they don't see 00:36:31.700 --> 00:36:32.740 anything of man 00:36:32.740 --> 00:36:34.100 they see Christ 00:36:34.100 --> 00:36:34.960 magnified 00:36:34.960 --> 00:36:35.460 through this 00:36:35.460 --> 00:36:36.240 little body 00:36:36.240 --> 00:36:40.920 we are a glass 00:36:40.920 --> 00:36:41.540 through which 00:36:41.539 --> 00:36:42.779 Christ reveals 00:36:42.779 --> 00:36:44.079 himself to 00:36:44.079 --> 00:36:44.539 others 00:36:44.539 --> 00:36:45.400 and that's 00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:45.759 why we're 00:36:45.759 --> 00:36:46.380 alive still 00:36:46.380 --> 00:36:48.259 there's an 00:36:48.259 --> 00:36:48.860 old hymn 00:36:48.860 --> 00:36:49.199 that goes 00:36:49.199 --> 00:36:49.779 like this 00:36:49.779 --> 00:36:51.579 I serve 00:36:51.579 --> 00:36:52.179 a risen 00:36:52.179 --> 00:36:52.659 savior 00:36:52.659 --> 00:36:54.099 he's in 00:36:54.099 --> 00:36:54.460 the world 00:36:54.460 --> 00:36:54.840 today 00:36:54.840 --> 00:36:56.619 I know 00:36:56.619 --> 00:36:57.480 that he 00:36:57.480 --> 00:36:58.199 is living 00:36:58.199 --> 00:36:59.440 whatever 00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:00.019 men may 00:37:00.019 --> 00:37:00.360 say 00:37:00.360 --> 00:37:01.800 I see 00:37:01.800 --> 00:37:02.480 his hand 00:37:02.480 --> 00:37:03.099 of mercy 00:37:03.099 --> 00:37:05.360 I hear 00:37:05.360 --> 00:37:06.019 his voice 00:37:06.019 --> 00:37:06.739 of cheer 00:37:06.739 --> 00:37:08.820 he lives 00:37:08.820 --> 00:37:10.659 he lives 00:37:10.659 --> 00:37:11.759 salvation 00:37:11.759 --> 00:37:12.539 to impart 00:37:12.539 --> 00:37:13.779 in all 00:37:13.779 --> 00:37:14.199 the world 00:37:14.199 --> 00:37:14.759 around me 00:37:14.759 --> 00:37:15.339 I see 00:37:15.339 --> 00:37:15.859 his loving 00:37:15.859 --> 00:37:16.259 care 00:37:16.259 --> 00:37:16.940 and though 00:37:16.940 --> 00:37:17.579 my heart 00:37:17.579 --> 00:37:18.379 grows weary 00:37:18.379 --> 00:37:19.559 I never 00:37:19.559 --> 00:37:20.319 will 00:37:20.319 --> 00:37:21.159 despair 00:37:21.159 --> 00:37:22.579 I know 00:37:22.579 --> 00:37:23.319 that he is 00:37:23.319 --> 00:37:23.719 leading 00:37:23.719 --> 00:37:25.179 through all 00:37:25.179 --> 00:37:25.960 the stormy 00:37:25.960 --> 00:37:26.420 blast 00:37:26.420 --> 00:37:27.539 the day 00:37:27.539 --> 00:37:27.879 of his 00:37:27.879 --> 00:37:28.339 appearing 00:37:28.339 --> 00:37:29.799 will come 00:37:29.799 --> 00:37:30.799 at last 00:37:30.799 --> 00:37:32.339 he lives 00:37:32.339 --> 00:37:33.719 he lives 00:37:33.719 --> 00:37:34.859 salvation 00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:35.659 to impart 00:37:35.659 --> 00:37:37.679 you ask 00:37:37.679 --> 00:37:37.940 me 00:37:37.940 --> 00:37:38.839 how I 00:37:38.839 --> 00:37:39.039 know 00:37:39.039 --> 00:37:39.679 he lives 00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:41.000 he lives 00:37:41.000 --> 00:37:41.460 within 00:37:41.460 --> 00:37:42.199 my heart 00:37:42.199 --> 00:37:43.420 that's 00:37:43.420 --> 00:37:43.819 Christ 00:37:43.819 --> 00:37:44.960 magnified 00:37:44.960 --> 00:37:45.639 in his 00:37:45.639 --> 00:37:46.000 people 00:37:46.000 --> 00:37:47.739 Ephesians 00:37:47.739 --> 00:37:48.480 316 00:37:48.480 --> 00:37:49.539 it's by 00:37:49.539 --> 00:37:50.399 his grace 00:37:50.399 --> 00:37:51.539 that Christ 00:37:51.539 --> 00:37:52.299 dwells in 00:37:52.299 --> 00:37:52.879 your hearts 00:37:52.879 --> 00:37:54.019 through faith 00:37:54.019 --> 00:37:54.960 to make you 00:37:54.960 --> 00:37:55.699 become rooted 00:37:55.699 --> 00:37:56.319 and grounded 00:37:56.319 --> 00:37:57.119 in his 00:37:57.119 --> 00:37:57.940 great love 00:37:57.940 --> 00:37:58.899 and from the 00:37:58.899 --> 00:37:59.440 riches of 00:37:59.440 --> 00:38:00.139 his glory 00:38:00.139 --> 00:38:01.480 God grants 00:38:01.480 --> 00:38:02.619 for you to be 00:38:02.619 --> 00:38:03.159 strengthened 00:38:03.159 --> 00:38:04.480 with power 00:38:04.480 --> 00:38:05.440 through his 00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:05.980 spirit 00:38:05.980 --> 00:38:06.699 in your 00:38:06.699 --> 00:38:07.679 inner self 00:38:07.679 --> 00:38:10.139 so take 00:38:10.139 --> 00:38:10.579 courage 00:38:10.579 --> 00:38:11.039 church 00:38:11.039 --> 00:38:11.839 and take 00:38:11.839 --> 00:38:12.299 comfort 00:38:12.299 --> 00:38:13.679 God wants 00:38:13.679 --> 00:38:14.059 you to 00:38:14.059 --> 00:38:14.440 finish 00:38:14.440 --> 00:38:15.059 well 00:38:15.059 --> 00:38:17.019 he wants 00:38:17.019 --> 00:38:17.500 Christ 00:38:17.500 --> 00:38:18.480 in you 00:38:18.480 --> 00:38:19.239 to be 00:38:19.239 --> 00:38:19.920 magnified 00:38:19.920 --> 00:38:21.339 so put 00:38:21.339 --> 00:38:22.059 your confidence 00:38:22.059 --> 00:38:22.759 once again 00:38:22.759 --> 00:38:23.739 in his 00:38:23.739 --> 00:38:24.699 unfailing 00:38:24.699 --> 00:38:25.599 grace 00:38:25.599 --> 00:38:26.699 amen 00:38:26.699 --> 00:38:28.359 let's 00:38:28.359 --> 00:38:28.599 pray 00:38:28.599 --> 00:38:32.659 Lord I 00:38:32.659 --> 00:38:33.000 thank you 00:38:33.000 --> 00:38:33.319 for these 00:38:33.319 --> 00:38:33.500 dear 00:38:33.500 --> 00:38:33.819 brothers 00:38:33.819 --> 00:38:34.399 and sisters 00:38:34.399 --> 00:38:34.859 for this 00:38:34.859 --> 00:38:35.199 precious 00:38:35.199 --> 00:38:35.920 congregation 00:38:35.920 --> 00:38:37.500 the beloved 00:38:37.500 --> 00:38:38.119 bride of 00:38:38.119 --> 00:38:38.420 Jesus 00:38:38.420 --> 00:38:38.980 Christ 00:38:38.980 --> 00:38:40.559 you're 00:38:40.559 --> 00:38:40.980 preparing 00:38:40.980 --> 00:38:41.219 your 00:38:41.219 --> 00:38:41.579 bride 00:38:41.579 --> 00:38:41.859 Lord 00:38:41.859 --> 00:38:42.440 for you 00:38:42.440 --> 00:38:43.480 for that 00:38:43.480 --> 00:38:43.799 great 00:38:43.799 --> 00:38:44.099 wedding 00:38:44.099 --> 00:38:44.619 feast 00:38:44.619 --> 00:38:47.079 we long 00:38:47.079 --> 00:38:47.460 to be 00:38:47.460 --> 00:38:47.839 with you 00:38:47.839 --> 00:38:48.039 Lord 00:38:48.039 --> 00:38:48.319 and we 00:38:48.319 --> 00:38:48.699 thank you 00:38:48.699 --> 00:38:48.920 that 00:38:48.920 --> 00:38:49.659 now we 00:38:49.659 --> 00:38:50.099 trust you 00:38:50.099 --> 00:38:50.719 by faith 00:38:50.719 --> 00:38:52.399 and you 00:38:52.399 --> 00:38:53.019 involve us 00:38:53.019 --> 00:38:53.279 in this 00:38:53.279 --> 00:38:54.000 glorious work 00:38:54.000 --> 00:38:54.399 you're doing 00:38:54.399 --> 00:38:55.000 of preparing 00:38:55.000 --> 00:38:55.519 your bride 00:38:55.519 --> 00:38:56.239 for yourself 00:38:56.239 --> 00:38:58.259 help us 00:38:58.259 --> 00:38:58.699 to pray 00:38:58.699 --> 00:38:59.539 with Christ 00:38:59.539 --> 00:39:00.539 for his 00:39:00.539 --> 00:39:00.879 bride 00:39:00.879 --> 00:39:02.019 and help 00:39:02.019 --> 00:39:02.480 our lives 00:39:02.480 --> 00:39:03.219 to magnify 00:39:03.219 --> 00:39:03.539 you 00:39:03.539 --> 00:39:04.280 more and 00:39:04.280 --> 00:39:04.579 more and 00:39:04.579 --> 00:39:05.599 more by 00:39:05.599 --> 00:39:06.219 your grace 00:39:06.219 --> 00:39:06.639 and by 00:39:06.639 --> 00:39:07.219 your strength 00:39:07.219 --> 00:39:07.659 for your 00:39:07.659 --> 00:39:08.119 glory we 00:39:08.119 --> 00:39:08.400 pray 00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:09.400 amen 00:39:09.400 --> 00:39:11.800 spend some 00:39:11.800 --> 00:39:12.639 moments reflecting 00:39:12.639 --> 00:39:13.380 and responding 00:39:13.380 --> 00:39:14.019 to the Lord