WEBVTT

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 Continuing our verse-by-verse exposition of the Gospel of Mark.

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! And last week we dealt with verses 17-31 in some part,

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! And this week we're going to look at the other part, the second part of this text.

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 Let's begin by reading it.

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 Beginning at verse 17 of chapter 10.

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 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him,

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 Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

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 And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

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 You know the commandments. Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness.

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 Do not defraud. Honor your father and mother.

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 And he said to him, Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.

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 And Jesus said, looking at him, I'm sorry, Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him,

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 You lack one thing. Go sell all that you have and give to the poor,

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 and you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.

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 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

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 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,

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 How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.

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 And the disciples were amazed at his words.

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 But Jesus said to them again, Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God.

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 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

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 And they were exceedingly astonished and said to him,

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 Then who can be saved?

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 Jesus looked at them and said, With man it is impossible, but not with God,

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 for all things are possible with God.

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 Peter began to say to him, See, we have left everything and followed you.

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 Jesus said,

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 Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the gospel,

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 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life.

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 But many who are first will be last and the last first.

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 This is God's word to us, written for his glory and our good.

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 We would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands.

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 Let's pray together.

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 Father, I have no good thing in me apart from you.

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 The gifting that we would call natural only has its proper effect when you work powerfully in me.

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 The gifts that you have given me were ultimately given for the church,

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 and so I would pray that you would use them this morning.

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 Use me beyond my giftedness to speak your word with clarity and conviction to your people.

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 Father, we would ask this morning that you would have the word properly work in our hearts,

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 convict us of sin, turn us to repentance and further belief.

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 Make us this morning long for Christ all the more as we hear the preaching of your word.

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 And we pray this in Christ's name. Amen.

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 Now, as I mentioned, this is part two of us dealing with this text.

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 Last week we dealt with the more evangelistic aspect of the text.

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 You remember that we have here, aptly subtitled in most of your copies of the word,

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 the rich young man or the rich young ruler,

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 a man who comes up and interrupts Jesus as he's setting out on his journey,

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 his journey towards Jerusalem.

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 We're in the months leading up to his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection.

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 And he's trying to pack in the last bit of teaching that the disciples need to receive,

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 the things that he's trying to build into them that he promised he would bring to their remembrance

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 by the power of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

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 So he's setting out on this journey and he's interrupted.

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 We get from the context of the parallel passages in Luke chapter 18 and in Matthew chapter 19

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 that he's this rich young ruler, likely a ruler of the synagogue,

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 which would have been a very esteemed religious position.

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 As a young man, he would have had to be incredibly pious by the culture standards

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 to be able to hold this position at that age.

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 And it was also a position that came with a lot of wealth.

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 He would have had great possessions.

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 And we see that in verse 22 of our text.

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 He had great possessions.

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 He knows, though, that he's lacking something.

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 He gets that the equation is not quite completed

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 as we see him come in an apparent act of humility

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 and come to Jesus and say,

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 Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

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 And in fact, he runs to him,

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 which is a thing that rich people did not do in this day,

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 and he kneels down before him.

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 But Jesus gives him a curious response.

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 Most of us would have wanted to just preach the gospel to him,

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 give him the very clear repent and believe.

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 But Jesus instead gets at his very heart.

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 And he knows where this man stands as he calls,

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 he throws around this term good.

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 He uses it very flippantly of a man who he knows is a teacher,

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 but he doesn't know that he's the Son of God.

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 He does not know that he is the Christ.

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 And so Jesus sees that his intention is not really a humble intention,

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 but what he wanted to do was to add to the things that he already had.

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 He didn't come to him seeking God himself.

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 He came seeking what could be added to his account.

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 He wanted to see what he could gain from God.

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 This is evidence in the way he responds as Jesus tells him the thing he's lacking.

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 This is what you lack.

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 The thing that you treasure,

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 the thing that you are holding so dear to,

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 is your material possession.

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 And if you're to worship the one true God,

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 you have to stop worshiping this thing,

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 and the command he gives to him is,

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 therefore, get rid of it.

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 Prove it.

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 Prove that you don't worship the things that you have

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 by giving it away to the poor.

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 And come follow me.

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 And the young man we see goes away disheartened.

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 So we dealt with that primarily last week.

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 Jesus' evangelistic strategy in this case.

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 Today we're going to look and see what true wealth is in God's economy.

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 What true wealth is in God's economy.

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 Now we have to be really, really careful, I think, when we talk about money.

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 The scriptures have a lot to say concerning the matter.

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 And it's very easy to get on the pendulum and swing from one extreme to the other

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 and not walk the proper balance of the doctrine of money

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 and how it is we're meant to deal with it as followers of Christ.

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 Because the Bible does not condemn the right of private property.

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 The Bible has been used throughout history to make claims of socialism

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 and more severe forms of the same.

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 But the Bible doesn't condemn the right of private property

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 but actually assumes the rightness of it.

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 In the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20.15 says,

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 You shall not steal.

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 Why?

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 Because those are other people's possessions, not your possessions, right?

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 They rightly own those things.

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 Therefore, don't take it from them because it's not yours.

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 Another wonderful example of this, if you'll turn to Acts chapter 5,

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 is the story of Ananias and Sapphira.

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 This is early days of the church.

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 And we see at the beginning of chapter 5, verse 1,

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 But a man named Ananias with his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property.

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 And with his wife's knowledge, he kept back for himself some of the proceeds

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 and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.

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 If we were to stop here, it would seem that the right and proper thing

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 for all Christians to do is to sell things we have, give to the poor.

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 I'm going to make a case to that later, but not on this text.

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 Look at what Peter says in verse 3.

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 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit

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 and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?

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 So the lie here is against God, against the Spirit.

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 Verse 4, while it remained unsold, did it not remain your own?

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 It was yours. It was your property.

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 Was it not yours?

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 And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?

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 Was it not your possession to do with it as you please, is what he's saying?

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 Why is it that you contrive this deed in your heart?

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 You have not lied to man, but to God.

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 We see shortly after, the two of them dropped dead in the presence of Peter.

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 The issue at hand was not that they didn't give all of the proceeds,

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 but that they lied about giving all of the proceeds.

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 That they did this good act to mount on themselves a claim for being so devoted to the early church,

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 when in fact, they sold it, kept some for themselves, and said,

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 here's the proceeds from the selling of that land.

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 So Peter affirms that they had a right to the personal possession.

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 Now there are other teachings, of course, in the Scriptures about this.

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 Let's look together at what the Proverbs, just the Proverbs, right?

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 The challenge of preparing for this is narrowing down what text we're going to use.

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 Let's look just at the Proverbs together, what they say concerning possessions,

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 because they both commend the having of wealth

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 and give strong warning concerning the having of the same wealth.

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 They do both.

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 There's a balance struck here.

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 Proverbs 10, verse 15.

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 A rich man's wealth is his strong city.

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 The poverty of the poor is their ruin.

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 So wealth has a place.

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 It serves a purpose.

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 It gives to us security.

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 It is the way in which we deal in the world.

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 This is what this Proverb is saying.

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 Proverbs 10, verse 15.

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 However, on the other side of the coin,

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 Proverbs 18, verse 11,

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 says,

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 A rich man's wealth is his strong city.

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 Notice the same phrasing.

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 And like a high wall in his imagination.

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 So this Proverbs says that it would seem to those who have wealth

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 that they are in fact secure

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 when the reality of it is that their security comes from a higher place.

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 God uses their wealth as a means for their provision.

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 So you see the two sides there.

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 The proper way to think about wealth as a security.

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 All right.

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 Again, chapter 10, verse 4.

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 A slack hand causes poverty,

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 but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

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 Here, a positive thing for working hard,

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 for not being lazy,

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 because if you are, you will be impoverished.

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 But if you're to work hard,

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 you will be rich.

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 But, Proverbs 11, verse 4,

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 So, we're being commended to be rich.

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 However, 11, verse 4 says,

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 but they're not going to profit you in the end.

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 But righteousness is what delivers us from death.

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 And the Proverbs go on.

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 And again and again and again,

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 the Proverbs are full of encouragements to generosity.

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 Chapter 19, verse 17.

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 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,

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 and he will repay him for his deed.

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 Proverbs 11, verse 24.

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 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer.

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 Another withholds what he should give,

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 and only suffers want.

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 They're being commended to give,

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 not necessarily to receive monetary wealth,

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 but that will be richer in another way,

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 which we'll talk about shortly.

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 Right?

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 But the ones who withhold only suffers want.

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 It's lacking.

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 Proverbs 28, verse 27.

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 Whoever gives to the poor will not want,

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 but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

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 So there's a proper balance to strike here,

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 especially as we look at our text before us today,

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 and see that Jesus gives a very pointed,

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 unavoidable command to the rich young ruler.

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 In his commentary on the Sermon on the Mount,

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 James Montgomery Boyce,

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 who was a 20th century Presbyterian pastor,

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 commentator, as I mentioned,

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 wrote this,

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 Now someone will ask,

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 Aren't we to sell all that we have and give to the poor?

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 After all, this is how Jesus instructed the rich young ruler.

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 Boyce writes,

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 Yes, he did.

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 But we must also note that he did not say it to Mary or Martha or Lazarus or to John the Evangelist or to Zebedee.

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 He said it to the rich young ruler because his chief obstruction to a life of following Christ lay in his possessions.

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 He proved that by turning away.

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 For such a person,

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 and there are many today,

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 don't catch,

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 miss that phrase,

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 for such a person,

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 and there are many today,

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 many in this room,

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 the loss of their possessions would be the most significant blessing of their lives.

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 The best thing they could do would be to give them away.

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 This does not mean, however,

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 that possessions in themselves are wrong.

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 It's the people and the way we use the possessions that's wrong,

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 not the possessions themselves.

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 They're amoral.

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 Or, for that matter,

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 that poverty is a particularly blessed form of Christianity.

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 God has not called us to poverty,

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 but he has told us how we should deal with our wealth.

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 In a very particular way.

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 So let's look together first in our text at the poverty of possessions.

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 Beginning in verse 23.

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 Jesus looks around after this encounter with the rich young ruler,

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 and he makes some very big statements.

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 How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom.

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 Right?

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 They're amazed by this.

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 Verse 24.

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 Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God.

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 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle

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 than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

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 He keeps raising this.

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 He says in verse 24 how difficult it is,

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 and he goes on to use this analogy of a camel going through the eye of a needle,

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 which was a popular saying of the day,

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 and it meant, simply, it's impossible.

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 There are many people that try to get around this,

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 many commentators that make up all sorts of things

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 about there potentially being in Jerusalem.

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 A gate called the needle gate that they took camels through

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 that they just barely fit through.

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 There's no archaeological evidence of that.

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 It's absolutely insane to think that anyone would try to stuff a camel

00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:24.360
 through a small gate rather than taking them through the big gates

00:15:24.360 --> 00:15:27.419
 that were conveniently located around the exterior of the city.

00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:30.299
 No, what he is saying is that it's impossible.

00:15:30.679 --> 00:15:34.720
 That is what he is saying to them in our text so far.

00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:39.480
 Why is it particularly impossible for wealthy people to enter the kingdom of God,

00:15:39.700 --> 00:15:40.700
 which is his address?

00:15:41.899 --> 00:15:46.420
 And that is because it is easy to love the things that you have.

00:15:46.940 --> 00:15:50.639
 It's particularly easy to love the things that you hold in your hands.

00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:52.399
 You can love things either way.

00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:53.660
 Don't miss that.

00:15:54.220 --> 00:15:57.779
 You can love and worship stuff and not have much at all.

00:15:58.080 --> 00:16:02.360
 But it's especially easy when it's in your hands to love it.

00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:05.740
 A number of years ago, I don't remember how many exactly,

00:16:05.960 --> 00:16:09.360
 but we were preaching something similar about wealth

00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:12.840
 and holding on to material things in this world.

00:16:13.800 --> 00:16:18.180
 I've come to a place in my life where I'm pretty open-handed with the things that I have.

00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:20.899
 And I can't say to you this morning that I always am.

00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:24.740
 I struggle just like you do, loving stuff too much sometimes.

00:16:24.800 --> 00:16:27.019
 But for the most part, I'm pretty open-handed.

00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:29.180
 I have plenty of things taken from me.

00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.420
 I've lost things.

00:16:30.419 --> 00:16:35.659
 I've come to realize that my goal is to be eternal and not temporal here.

00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:40.939
 But there's one thing in this world that it would just break my heart to lose,

00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:42.000
 and that's my wedding band.

00:16:42.979 --> 00:16:44.579
 My wife gave me this wedding band.

00:16:44.599 --> 00:16:45.620
 I really can't replace it.

00:16:45.659 --> 00:16:48.159
 I could get another wedding band, sure,

00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:49.779
 but it wouldn't be this wedding band.

00:16:49.819 --> 00:16:51.539
 I really, really like this.

00:16:51.599 --> 00:16:53.539
 It's not worth a ton of money, right?

00:16:54.439 --> 00:16:56.819
 Maybe you could sell it for $100, right?

00:16:56.839 --> 00:16:58.500
 But it's really precious to me.

00:16:58.500 --> 00:17:01.019
 And after we had gotten done with this sermon,

00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:04.079
 I talked quite a bit about holding so tightly to Jesus

00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:08.279
 that we didn't have anything else, no other room in our hands for anything else.

00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:10.059
 We went out, and it was the 4th of July,

00:17:10.160 --> 00:17:13.859
 with her parents out onto the lake to watch the fireworks.

00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:17.019
 And we pulled around the front of this island close to the dam

00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:20.799
 where the waves are three feet tall because everyone's out on the lake

00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:24.000
 renting their massive houseboats and causing quite a commotion out there.

00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:28.359
 And her dad, who has this old pontoon boat and doesn't have a proper anchor

00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:32.700
 that drags and catches you in the sand when you're trying to sit in those kinds of ways,

00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:34.599
 you boat people know what I'm talking about,

00:17:34.639 --> 00:17:37.480
 but instead had an old set of barbells with a rope tied to it,

00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:41.799
 which would roll along the bottom because they were round,

00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:45.659
 was trying to get us off the bank, and we were smashing into the bank,

00:17:45.720 --> 00:17:46.579
 and so I thought it'd be helpful.

00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:48.579
 I hopped up on the back of the boat, pulled the rope up,

00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:50.579
 and gave it a good heave-ho out there.

00:17:50.659 --> 00:17:53.519
 And the rope actually made my ring spin on my finger,

00:17:53.599 --> 00:17:56.579
 and it spun straight up right off my finger

00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:59.440
 and then dropped, I mean, an inch from the edge of the boat.

00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:02.159
 And I was standing on the edge, I mean, you know, phone-in pocket and all that,

00:18:02.619 --> 00:18:05.500
 and I didn't catch it, and it went into the bottom of the lake.

00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:08.099
 I promptly threw everything out of my pockets and jumped in after it,

00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:10.859
 but the water was so murky, and I'm really not a fantastic swimmer,

00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:16.440
 that I spent 20 just desperate minutes trying to find my ring on the bottom of the lake

00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:18.339
 and finally had to say, well, oh well.

00:18:19.059 --> 00:18:23.160
 And as I gave up and got out, climbed up out of the water onto the boat,

00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:25.859
 the thought that went through my mind was, prove it.

00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:29.700
 Everything that I had been saying that very morning,

00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:32.400
 God was saying to me, show it to be true.

00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:34.960
 Even your wedding band, you have to be okay.

00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:36.180
 With this.

00:18:37.140 --> 00:18:40.660
 Praise God, two days later, actually it took me a couple days to kind of settle on it all

00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:43.559
 and say, well, it is just a thing.

00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:45.099
 It is temporal, right?

00:18:45.140 --> 00:18:47.039
 It's fading away like everything else in this world.

00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:48.599
 It is, in fact, a temporal thing.

00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:51.279
 Just about the time I had become okay with that,

00:18:51.839 --> 00:18:57.460
 her dad had really graciously gone back out with a triathlete from his church

00:18:57.460 --> 00:19:02.160
 and a much better swimmer than myself is the point I'm making,

00:19:02.160 --> 00:19:05.119
 and he dove a hundred times and found my ring.

00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:07.059
 So I got it back.

00:19:07.059 --> 00:19:09.940
 I got to tell the story the next Sunday, and I had it off my finger as I'm telling the story,

00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:13.079
 so people are having heart attacks, and then I put it back on my finger.

00:19:13.140 --> 00:19:14.279
 So this is the ring, still on my finger.

00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:16.019
 Here, I have it back.

00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:17.079
 Right?

00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:21.440
 But are we willing to let go of all those things that we have?

00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:24.299
 And it's just so easy when it's in your hands to love it.

00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:26.599
 To absolutely love it.

00:19:26.700 --> 00:19:30.220
 And to not want to give it up for the sake of Christ.

00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:35.920
 1 John 2, verse 15-17 says this,

00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:39.460
 Do not love the world or the things in the world.

00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:43.880
 If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

00:19:44.600 --> 00:19:49.700
 For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life,

00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:52.860
 is not from the Father, but is from the world.

00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:56.720
 And the world is passing away along with its desires.

00:19:57.059 --> 00:20:01.080
 But whoever does the will of God abides forever.

00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:03.940
 And a lot of people want to stop at this point.

00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:04.640
 And they want to say,

00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:08.880
 Yes, it's okay to have things as long as I don't worship those things.

00:20:08.880 --> 00:20:12.720
 And if I were observing a life that seemed properly oriented,

00:20:13.020 --> 00:20:14.560
 that in all ways said,

00:20:14.860 --> 00:20:16.420
 I love Jesus more than these things,

00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:16.940
 I would say,

00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:18.580
 Amen, I think you've got it right.

00:20:18.640 --> 00:20:20.380
 I think you're walking the balance just so.

00:20:20.560 --> 00:20:22.340
 But most of the people who will say that,

00:20:22.540 --> 00:20:23.740
 don't live that way.

00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:25.520
 By all appearances,

00:20:25.840 --> 00:20:29.140
 they love their stuff much more than they love Jesus.

00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:32.600
 John goes on to say in 1 John, in chapter 3, verse 17-18,

00:20:32.600 --> 00:20:34.660
 But if anyone has the world's goods,

00:20:35.140 --> 00:20:36.720
 and sees his brother in need,

00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:39.079
 yet closes his heart against him,

00:20:39.180 --> 00:20:42.319
 how does God's love abide in him?

00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:44.000
 Little children,

00:20:44.660 --> 00:20:47.539
 let us not love in word or talk,

00:20:47.880 --> 00:20:50.100
 but in deed and truth.

00:20:51.259 --> 00:20:55.120
 We live in an incredibly broken world.

00:20:55.839 --> 00:20:59.160
 Sin is ravaging across the face of our planet.

00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:03.460
 One of the major ways it does this is in poverty.

00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:06.600
 And there's a lot of factors that go into poverty

00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:11.059
 there's a lot of factors that go into bringing people out of poverty.

00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.439
 But it's a reality.

00:21:12.859 --> 00:21:13.679
 It exists.

00:21:14.199 --> 00:21:16.500
 And we all know that it exists.

00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:20.299
 We very conveniently hold poverty at an arm's length

00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:21.379
 because we pay taxes

00:21:21.379 --> 00:21:27.259
 and we have social welfare programs in place in our country,

00:21:27.439 --> 00:21:29.339
 which we all know are horrible failures.

00:21:29.919 --> 00:21:30.919
 They don't do the work

00:21:30.919 --> 00:21:33.139
 because they're not accompanied by love and truth.

00:21:33.939 --> 00:21:34.679
 Just money.

00:21:34.680 --> 00:21:37.320
 It's not accompanied by love and truth.

00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:39.420
 There's all kinds of statistics out there

00:21:39.420 --> 00:21:41.700
 about poverty in the world.

00:21:42.100 --> 00:21:43.560
 I'm just going to give you a couple.

00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:45.759
 Gallup did a world poll

00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:48.299
 where they actually asked individuals these questions.

00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:50.519
 And of course, it was a broad study.

00:21:51.420 --> 00:21:53.220
 I think you guys all know how statistics work, though.

00:21:53.720 --> 00:21:54.299
 But they say,

00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:55.220
 self-reporting,

00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:58.460
 33% worldwide say they don't have money for food.

00:21:58.560 --> 00:22:00.340
 They're lacking money for food.

00:22:00.560 --> 00:22:03.580
 38% say their living standards are poor.

00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:07.559
 39% say they are in difficulty.

00:22:08.099 --> 00:22:10.539
 So there's a big issue out there of poverty.

00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:15.679
 And the way in which we can go and minister and love on people in difficult situations,

00:22:15.919 --> 00:22:19.419
 the tool that's used to accomplish that is financial.

00:22:19.679 --> 00:22:23.439
 The means are necessary to get these types of things accomplished.

00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:24.799
 And we live in a world,

00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:29.200
 American evangelicals give on average 2% of their income.

00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.380
 2%.

00:22:30.380 --> 00:22:33.019
 Which means there's probably many who don't give at all,

00:22:33.100 --> 00:22:34.600
 and there's a lot that give way beyond.

00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:36.700
 But the average, it averages out.

00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.840
 American evangelicals,

00:22:38.080 --> 00:22:40.299
 those who say that we follow Christ,

00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:41.860
 and we follow Christ in such a way

00:22:41.860 --> 00:22:43.640
 that we know we need to share our faith.

00:22:43.860 --> 00:22:45.580
 That we want to bring people into the church.

00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.779
 That this is our goal.

00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:48.620
 The Great Commission means something to us.

00:22:48.860 --> 00:22:50.960
 Give 2% of their income.

00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:52.880
 And they live on the rest.

00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:55.980
 We live in a nation that's indebted.

00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:58.200
 The average American household

00:22:58.200 --> 00:23:01.680
 has $15,000 in credit card debt.

00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:02.960
 $15,000.

00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.400
 So not only,

00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:06.100
 we would include Christians in that category,

00:23:06.200 --> 00:23:07.720
 not only do we only give 2%,

00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:10.039
 but we live beyond our means just the same.

00:23:10.120 --> 00:23:10.840
 It's a sickness.

00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:14.019
 And it's the sickness of our souls.

00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:16.240
 Now in these things,

00:23:16.360 --> 00:23:18.160
 just writing checks and throwing money around

00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:18.980
 is not the solution.

00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:20.140
 And I'm not suggesting that.

00:23:20.140 --> 00:23:21.200
 We don't have time today

00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:24.140
 to talk about a proper methodology of giving

00:23:24.140 --> 00:23:26.900
 and therefore helping issues like this.

00:23:27.020 --> 00:23:29.740
 It's not the time for that type of thing.

00:23:30.520 --> 00:23:31.040
 However,

00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:34.360
 there's a high calling for us in Christ

00:23:34.360 --> 00:23:35.060
 to give,

00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:36.580
 not just materially,

00:23:36.840 --> 00:23:38.360
 but also of our time,

00:23:38.580 --> 00:23:39.420
 of our energy.

00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:42.160
 To really love people out of these situations,

00:23:42.160 --> 00:23:45.540
 we're going to have to enter into relationships with them

00:23:45.540 --> 00:23:47.340
 and love them with the truth.

00:23:47.339 --> 00:23:50.599
 We've pursued them with everything that we have.

00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:55.000
 Another case by Paul in 1 Timothy 6.

00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:58.279
 He instructs at the end of his letter to Timothy,

00:23:58.439 --> 00:23:59.339
 beginning of verse 17,

00:23:59.439 --> 00:24:01.299
 As for the rich in this present age,

00:24:02.159 --> 00:24:03.480
 charge them not to be haughty,

00:24:03.859 --> 00:24:06.459
 nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches,

00:24:06.460 --> 00:24:08.100
 but on God,

00:24:08.180 --> 00:24:11.220
 who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

00:24:11.340 --> 00:24:13.720
 You've probably heard this verse in your life.

00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:16.460
 It's another one that likes to be flagged,

00:24:17.340 --> 00:24:18.940
 heralded as a way of saying,

00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:19.279
 See,

00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.440
 I can have stuff.

00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:21.240
 The stuff is good.

00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:23.000
 The stuff is for me to enjoy.

00:24:23.100 --> 00:24:24.380
 That's why God gave it to me.

00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:25.799
 He richly provided it for me to enjoy.

00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:26.920
 I just can't hope in it.

00:24:26.940 --> 00:24:27.700
 I've got to hope in Him

00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:28.500
 and not in Him.

00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:30.200
 I've got to worship the giver,

00:24:30.299 --> 00:24:31.340
 not the gift.

00:24:31.339 --> 00:24:32.379
 But read on.

00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:34.059
 Context here.

00:24:35.399 --> 00:24:37.819
 What's the instruction that Timothy's meant to give to the rich?

00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:39.619
 They are in fact rich.

00:24:39.919 --> 00:24:40.539
 Be rich.

00:24:40.639 --> 00:24:41.899
 But what are you to do with that?

00:24:42.679 --> 00:24:43.139
 Verse 18,

00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.139
 They are to do good.

00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:47.339
 To be rich in good works.

00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:50.279
 To be generous and ready to share.

00:24:50.659 --> 00:24:51.740
 Which necessitates sharing.

00:24:51.879 --> 00:24:52.379
 Not just ready,

00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:53.220
 but sharing.

00:24:53.459 --> 00:24:54.659
 You're ready to share so you do.

00:24:55.439 --> 00:24:56.139
 Verse 19,

00:24:56.579 --> 00:24:56.980
 Thus,

00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:58.859
 storing up treasure for themselves

00:24:58.859 --> 00:25:00.339
 as a good foundation

00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:01.399
 for the future

00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:03.359
 so that they may take hold of that

00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:06.079
 which is truly life.

00:25:06.659 --> 00:25:08.339
 So does God give us things to enjoy?

00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:09.000
 Yes.

00:25:09.439 --> 00:25:10.099
 He does

00:25:10.099 --> 00:25:11.839
 by enjoying Him.

00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:13.939
 By being engaged

00:25:13.939 --> 00:25:15.179
 in His kingdom work.

00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:16.599
 He gives money

00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.319
 to people.

00:25:17.419 --> 00:25:18.439
 And let's face it,

00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:20.199
 even you college students in the room,

00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:21.220
 we are wealthy.

00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:23.480
 We are wealthy by the world's standards.

00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:24.119
 And in fact,

00:25:24.119 --> 00:25:25.000
 most of you,

00:25:25.459 --> 00:25:26.500
 socioeconomically,

00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:27.399
 from your background,

00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:29.579
 are wealthy by American standards as well.

00:25:29.579 --> 00:25:31.179
 You're doing better

00:25:31.179 --> 00:25:33.099
 than a lot of people.

00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:34.259
 We have

00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:37.220
 so that we can enjoy Christ.

00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.000
 So we can get the thing

00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:39.319
 that's ultimately enjoyable.

00:25:39.679 --> 00:25:41.299
 Wouldn't God be a mean God

00:25:41.299 --> 00:25:42.960
 if He is the greatest thing

00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:44.099
 that He could possibly give us?

00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:44.960
 Himself,

00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:45.939
 the Creator,

00:25:46.159 --> 00:25:47.099
 and instead He says,

00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:48.359
 Here, go play with these toys.

00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:50.740
 Don't spend time with me.

00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:52.220
 Don't be around me.

00:25:52.379 --> 00:25:53.839
 Don't be involved in my work.

00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:54.319
 But instead,

00:25:54.419 --> 00:25:56.139
 go be distracted by cars

00:25:56.139 --> 00:25:57.859
 and fancy vacations

00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:59.019
 and clothes

00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:00.199
 and stupid jewelry.

00:26:01.079 --> 00:26:02.659
 He'd be a horribly mean God

00:26:02.659 --> 00:26:05.919
 if He doesn't give us Himself.

00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:08.899
 Dietrich Braunhofer,

00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:10.480
 an early 20th century

00:26:10.480 --> 00:26:11.659
 German Lutheran pastor,

00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:12.500
 theologian,

00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:15.159
 who was an anti-Nazi dissident.

00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:16.879
 He was part of a plot

00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:18.579
 to murder,

00:26:18.779 --> 00:26:20.539
 to assassinate Hitler.

00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:22.059
 He was also a martyr.

00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:23.460
 He said,

00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:24.859
 Earthly goods are given

00:26:24.859 --> 00:26:25.819
 to be used,

00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:27.180
 not to be collected.

00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:30.099
 Hoarding is idolatry.

00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.819
 Now there's some

00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:34.159
 in our world,

00:26:35.099 --> 00:26:36.240
 certainly in our country,

00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:37.000
 that teach

00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:39.099
 that a camel can squeeze

00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:39.839
 through the eye of a needle.

00:26:40.659 --> 00:26:41.899
 Jesus is very clear about this.

00:26:41.940 --> 00:26:42.639
 It's impossible.

00:26:43.180 --> 00:26:44.220
 A camel cannot squeeze

00:26:44.220 --> 00:26:44.720
 through the eye of a needle,

00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:45.740
 but many teach

00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:47.759
 that a camel can.

00:26:48.399 --> 00:26:49.839
 It's most commonly called

00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:50.519
 the prosperous.

00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:51.059
 prosperity gospel.

00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:54.879
 And it is a special type

00:26:54.879 --> 00:26:56.819
 of devilish heresy.

00:26:57.680 --> 00:26:59.180
 It's being exported now

00:26:59.180 --> 00:26:59.980
 from our country

00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:00.839
 into other countries,

00:27:01.079 --> 00:27:03.700
 into incredibly impoverished countries.

00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:05.899
 Proponents of it

00:27:05.899 --> 00:27:06.960
 are false teachers.

00:27:07.659 --> 00:27:09.000
 They're absolutely false teachers

00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:10.579
 who say true things at times

00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:11.500
 which only proves

00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:12.779
 that the devil does in fact

00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:13.779
 come as an angel of light.

00:27:15.139 --> 00:27:15.940
 Joel Osteen,

00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:16.819
 Joyce Meyer,

00:27:17.240 --> 00:27:17.980
 T.D. Jakes,

00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.019
 Benny Hinn,

00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:20.200
 Creflo Dollar,

00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:22.319
 to name a few of them.

00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:23.900
 Heretics,

00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:25.420
 cut off from the faith.

00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:26.940
 We ought not listen

00:27:26.940 --> 00:27:28.299
 to such people.

00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:29.519
 If I just shattered

00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:30.000
 your world

00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:31.019
 with any of these names,

00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:32.059
 please come talk to me.

00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:32.720
 Stop.

00:27:33.299 --> 00:27:34.160
 Stop listening

00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:34.940
 to these teachers.

00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:35.819
 They are false.

00:27:36.080 --> 00:27:38.000
 They're leading you astray.

00:27:39.120 --> 00:27:39.900
 And the shame is

00:27:39.900 --> 00:27:41.980
 that it's more subversive,

00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:43.099
 but I think much

00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:43.819
 of this teaching

00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:44.440
 has crept into

00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:44.940
 a lot of our

00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:45.819
 evangelical churches

00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:46.360
 as well,

00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:48.000
 primarily in the form

00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:49.059
 of silence.

00:27:50.099 --> 00:27:51.160
 We just don't talk

00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:52.259
 about it that much.

00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.700
 People are afraid

00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:54.400
 to get into

00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:55.240
 that area

00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:56.059
 of people's lives

00:27:56.059 --> 00:27:56.839
 because they know

00:27:56.839 --> 00:27:57.400
 the idol

00:27:57.400 --> 00:27:58.480
 that it is.

00:27:59.279 --> 00:28:00.259
 As Paul says,

00:28:00.360 --> 00:28:01.180
 I seek not

00:28:01.180 --> 00:28:02.039
 what is yours,

00:28:02.539 --> 00:28:03.380
 but you.

00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:05.860
 I want you

00:28:05.860 --> 00:28:07.099
 to have the greatest

00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:08.299
 and highest joy.

00:28:08.579 --> 00:28:09.200
 I want you

00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:10.099
 to be caught up

00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:11.480
 in the mission of God

00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:12.399
 and not sit around

00:28:12.399 --> 00:28:14.679
 playing with toys.

00:28:15.639 --> 00:28:16.139
 I seek not

00:28:16.139 --> 00:28:16.799
 what is yours,

00:28:17.179 --> 00:28:18.719
 but you.

00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:21.719
 The Bible's not

00:28:21.719 --> 00:28:22.679
 silent on this matter

00:28:22.679 --> 00:28:23.219
 and neither

00:28:23.219 --> 00:28:24.980
 should we be.

00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:26.439
 I want to encourage you

00:28:26.439 --> 00:28:26.939
 to begin to read

00:28:26.939 --> 00:28:27.399
 your scriptures

00:28:27.399 --> 00:28:28.299
 with the idea

00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.159
 of money in mind

00:28:29.159 --> 00:28:29.759
 and just see

00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:31.399
 all the many places

00:28:31.399 --> 00:28:32.419
 it's dealt with.

00:28:32.679 --> 00:28:33.480
 And this is the case

00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:34.299
 because we're all

00:28:34.299 --> 00:28:35.240
 going to encounter it.

00:28:35.459 --> 00:28:36.319
 This is not a situation

00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:36.939
 that's unique

00:28:36.939 --> 00:28:37.559
 to any of us.

00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:38.399
 Not all of us

00:28:38.399 --> 00:28:39.579
 will walk through cancer

00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:40.240
 in our lives,

00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:40.859
 but we're all

00:28:40.859 --> 00:28:41.259
 going to deal

00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:41.759
 with money

00:28:41.759 --> 00:28:42.720
 and we all

00:28:42.720 --> 00:28:43.139
 need to deal

00:28:43.139 --> 00:28:43.619
 with money

00:28:43.619 --> 00:28:44.740
 rightly.

00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:47.460
 Now as it concerns

00:28:47.460 --> 00:28:48.639
 false teachers,

00:28:48.859 --> 00:28:49.859
 whether so

00:28:49.859 --> 00:28:51.099
 out in the open

00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:52.359
 or more closeted

00:28:52.359 --> 00:28:52.919
 on the matter,

00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:53.679
 take some courage

00:28:53.679 --> 00:28:54.059
 in this.

00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:54.859
 2 Peter 2,

00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:55.799
 1-3

00:28:55.799 --> 00:28:57.179
 But false prophets

00:28:57.179 --> 00:28:58.359
 also arose

00:28:58.359 --> 00:28:59.059
 among the people

00:28:59.059 --> 00:28:59.539
 just as there

00:28:59.539 --> 00:29:00.319
 will be false teachers

00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:00.839
 among you

00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.859
 who will secretly

00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:02.899
 bring in destructive

00:29:02.899 --> 00:29:03.460
 heresies,

00:29:03.639 --> 00:29:04.659
 even denying the

00:29:04.659 --> 00:29:05.659
 master who bought them,

00:29:06.019 --> 00:29:07.259
 bringing upon themselves

00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.539
 swift destruction.

00:29:08.539 --> 00:29:10.039
 Not swift by my standard,

00:29:10.119 --> 00:29:11.680
 but swift by God's standard.

00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:12.839
 And many will follow

00:29:12.839 --> 00:29:13.659
 their sensuality

00:29:13.659 --> 00:29:14.519
 and because of them

00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:15.539
 the way of truth

00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:16.460
 will be blasphemed.

00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:17.879
 And in their greed

00:29:17.879 --> 00:29:19.200
 they will exploit you

00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:20.079
 with false words.

00:29:20.200 --> 00:29:21.159
 Their condemnation

00:29:21.159 --> 00:29:22.420
 from long ago

00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:23.379
 is not idle

00:29:23.379 --> 00:29:24.319
 and their destruction

00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:26.079
 is not asleep.

00:29:26.339 --> 00:29:27.379
 There will be damnation

00:29:27.379 --> 00:29:27.980
 for people

00:29:27.980 --> 00:29:29.399
 who lead people away

00:29:29.399 --> 00:29:30.359
 from the true and living God

00:29:30.359 --> 00:29:31.440
 to worship things.

00:29:31.659 --> 00:29:32.379
 Who say to them

00:29:32.379 --> 00:29:33.259
 that if you add Jesus

00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:33.980
 to your life,

00:29:34.200 --> 00:29:35.099
 you will gain

00:29:35.099 --> 00:29:36.079
 materially.

00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:36.639
 No.

00:29:37.639 --> 00:29:39.299
 You will gain spiritually.

00:29:39.679 --> 00:29:40.759
 You will have joy

00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.379
 abounding.

00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.519
 You will have peace

00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:42.980
 in Him,

00:29:43.119 --> 00:29:44.519
 but it does not come

00:29:44.519 --> 00:29:45.579
 with money.

00:29:46.240 --> 00:29:47.119
 If you have been

00:29:47.119 --> 00:29:47.859
 given things,

00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:48.740
 you have been given

00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:50.039
 things to get more

00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:50.960
 of Him.

00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:53.419
 To get more of Him.

00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:55.439
 The gospel's not cheap.

00:29:55.699 --> 00:29:56.539
 It's costly.

00:29:58.339 --> 00:29:59.199
 Jim Elliott,

00:29:59.519 --> 00:30:00.559
 famous missionary,

00:30:00.859 --> 00:30:01.819
 Christian martyred

00:30:01.819 --> 00:30:02.699
 by the people

00:30:02.699 --> 00:30:03.299
 he went to go

00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:04.319
 share the gospel with,

00:30:04.699 --> 00:30:05.480
 famously said,

00:30:05.480 --> 00:30:07.299
 He is no fool

00:30:07.299 --> 00:30:07.880
 who gives what

00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:08.759
 he cannot keep

00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:10.079
 to gain that

00:30:10.079 --> 00:30:12.099
 which he cannot lose.

00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:14.259
 Are we fools,

00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:14.980
 beloved?

00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:17.819
 Jesus in today's text

00:30:17.819 --> 00:30:19.299
 is really just elaborating

00:30:19.299 --> 00:30:20.819
 on the general call

00:30:20.819 --> 00:30:22.000
 He made to the crowd

00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:23.319
 in Mark chapter 8,

00:30:23.579 --> 00:30:25.299
 verse 34 through 37.

00:30:25.360 --> 00:30:25.940
 You remember this?

00:30:26.299 --> 00:30:27.220
 If anyone would come

00:30:27.220 --> 00:30:27.720
 after Me,

00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.819
 let him deny himself

00:30:29.819 --> 00:30:31.500
 and take up his cross

00:30:31.500 --> 00:30:32.180
 and follow Me.

00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:33.059
 That is to die.

00:30:33.120 --> 00:30:33.660
 That is to die

00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:35.120
 to our own desires.

00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:36.480
 For whoever would

00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.480
 save his life

00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:38.339
 will lose it.

00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.400
 But whoever loses

00:30:39.400 --> 00:30:40.759
 his life for My sake

00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.680
 and the gospel's

00:30:41.680 --> 00:30:42.740
 will save it.

00:30:43.099 --> 00:30:43.799
 For what does it

00:30:43.799 --> 00:30:44.460
 profit a man

00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.539
 to gain the whole world

00:30:45.539 --> 00:30:47.400
 and forfeit his soul?

00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:48.680
 For what can a man

00:30:48.680 --> 00:30:50.079
 give in return

00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:51.819
 for his soul?

00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:54.360
 It costs us something

00:30:54.360 --> 00:30:55.660
 to follow Jesus.

00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:57.099
 It costs us

00:30:57.099 --> 00:30:58.500
 our self-determination.

00:30:58.660 --> 00:30:59.299
 It costs us

00:30:59.299 --> 00:31:00.620
 our desires.

00:31:01.620 --> 00:31:02.240
 But praise God,

00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:03.559
 He makes our desires

00:31:03.559 --> 00:31:04.359
 into His.

00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:05.379
 He shapes us

00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:07.079
 into one who wants

00:31:07.079 --> 00:31:07.659
 to worship Him,

00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:09.079
 who wants to give up

00:31:09.079 --> 00:31:10.480
 these things.

00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:13.279
 Discipleship is costly.

00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:15.299
 It asks everything of us.

00:31:16.579 --> 00:31:18.240
 We are to be men

00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:19.919
 selling all that we have

00:31:19.919 --> 00:31:20.639
 to buy a field

00:31:20.639 --> 00:31:21.579
 and merchants

00:31:21.579 --> 00:31:22.539
 selling everything

00:31:22.539 --> 00:31:23.460
 to have the pearl

00:31:23.460 --> 00:31:24.619
 of surpassing value.

00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:26.339
 You recall these parables?

00:31:27.059 --> 00:31:28.220
 Mark chapter 13.

00:31:29.140 --> 00:31:29.819
 Back to back,

00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:30.620
 the kingdom of heaven

00:31:30.620 --> 00:31:31.720
 is like treasure

00:31:31.720 --> 00:31:32.500
 hidden in a field

00:31:32.500 --> 00:31:33.839
 which a man found

00:31:33.839 --> 00:31:34.740
 and covered up.

00:31:35.120 --> 00:31:36.079
 Then in his joy

00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:36.860
 he goes and sells

00:31:36.860 --> 00:31:37.799
 all that he has

00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:39.799
 and buys that field.

00:31:40.420 --> 00:31:41.480
 Jesus is the treasure.

00:31:42.299 --> 00:31:42.640
 Again,

00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.240
 the kingdom of heaven

00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:43.960
 is like a merchant

00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:45.339
 in search of fine pearls

00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:46.640
 who on finding

00:31:46.640 --> 00:31:47.319
 one pearl

00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:48.400
 of great value

00:31:48.400 --> 00:31:49.220
 went and sold

00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:50.339
 all that he had

00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:51.880
 and bought it.

00:31:52.240 --> 00:31:53.059
 Willing to give up

00:31:53.059 --> 00:31:53.860
 everything

00:31:53.860 --> 00:31:54.640
 to have this

00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.819
 greater prize,

00:31:56.200 --> 00:31:57.839
 this greater treasure.

00:31:58.220 --> 00:31:59.400
 That's found in Christ.

00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:01.799
 Now again,

00:32:02.779 --> 00:32:03.799
 Dietrich Bonhoeffer

00:32:03.799 --> 00:32:04.319
 to quote,

00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:05.759
 the previous quote

00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:06.660
 was from his book

00:32:06.660 --> 00:32:07.640
 The Cost of Discipleship

00:32:07.640 --> 00:32:08.460
 that I would really

00:32:08.460 --> 00:32:09.140
 commend to you.

00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.579
 He talks a lot in there

00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.700
 about cheap grace

00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:13.420
 versus costly grace

00:32:13.420 --> 00:32:14.039
 and let me read you

00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:14.539
 an excerpt

00:32:14.539 --> 00:32:15.259
 from that book.

00:32:16.299 --> 00:32:17.039
 Cheap grace,

00:32:17.460 --> 00:32:19.019
 which is what's being peddled

00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:20.039
 so often today

00:32:20.039 --> 00:32:20.860
 in American churches,

00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:22.920
 means grace sold

00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:23.559
 on the market

00:32:23.559 --> 00:32:25.299
 like cheap jacks wears.

00:32:26.019 --> 00:32:26.880
 The sacraments,

00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:28.079
 the forgiveness of sin,

00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:29.039
 and the consolations

00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:29.460
 of religion

00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:30.399
 are thrown away

00:32:30.399 --> 00:32:31.339
 at cut prices.

00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:33.139
 Grace is represented

00:32:33.139 --> 00:32:34.000
 as the church's

00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:35.259
 inexhaustible treasury

00:32:35.259 --> 00:32:36.759
 from which she showers

00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:38.220
 blessings with generous hands

00:32:38.220 --> 00:32:39.919
 without asking questions

00:32:39.919 --> 00:32:41.899
 or fixing limits.

00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:44.279
 Grace without price,

00:32:44.699 --> 00:32:45.980
 grace without cost.

00:32:46.759 --> 00:32:47.919
 The essence of grace,

00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:48.480
 we suppose,

00:32:48.599 --> 00:32:49.299
 is that the account

00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:50.579
 has been paid in advance

00:32:50.579 --> 00:32:52.159
 and because it has been paid,

00:32:52.339 --> 00:32:54.000
 everything can be had

00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:55.039
 for nothing.

00:32:55.899 --> 00:32:56.779
 Since the cost

00:32:56.779 --> 00:32:57.379
 was infinite,

00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:58.500
 the possibilities

00:32:58.500 --> 00:33:00.079
 of using and spending it

00:33:00.079 --> 00:33:01.000
 are infinite.

00:33:01.940 --> 00:33:03.039
 What would grace be

00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:04.339
 if it were not cheap?

00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:06.159
 What he's saying is

00:33:06.159 --> 00:33:07.220
 the way we tend to think

00:33:07.220 --> 00:33:07.879
 about grace

00:33:07.879 --> 00:33:09.279
 is that it's this free gift

00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:10.720
 and because it's a free gift

00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.839
 bought by Christ,

00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:13.700
 we can just presume upon it

00:33:13.700 --> 00:33:14.539
 and presume upon it

00:33:14.539 --> 00:33:15.359
 and presume upon it.

00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:16.420
 We can go say

00:33:16.420 --> 00:33:17.019
 some trivial,

00:33:17.220 --> 00:33:17.980
 trite little prayer

00:33:17.980 --> 00:33:19.700
 and never respond.

00:33:20.279 --> 00:33:21.399
 We can never live

00:33:21.399 --> 00:33:22.480
 in a different way.

00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:23.700
 We can never say

00:33:23.700 --> 00:33:25.740
 God has rescued me.

00:33:26.079 --> 00:33:27.180
 He's made me a child.

00:33:27.299 --> 00:33:28.539
 He's put me into his kingdom

00:33:28.539 --> 00:33:29.299
 and now I'm meant

00:33:29.299 --> 00:33:30.319
 to live a certain way.

00:33:30.620 --> 00:33:31.339
 I'm meant to worship him

00:33:31.339 --> 00:33:33.339
 with everything that I am.

00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:35.200
 That's cheap grace.

00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:37.920
 Cheap grace is the preaching

00:33:37.920 --> 00:33:38.680
 of forgiveness

00:33:38.680 --> 00:33:40.000
 without requiring repentance.

00:33:40.599 --> 00:33:42.079
 Baptism without church discipline.

00:33:42.500 --> 00:33:43.860
 Communion without confection.

00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:46.640
 Absolution without personal confession.

00:33:47.740 --> 00:33:48.779
 Cheap grace is grace

00:33:48.779 --> 00:33:49.720
 without discipleship.

00:33:50.120 --> 00:33:51.120
 Grace without the cross.

00:33:51.119 --> 00:33:53.079
 Grace without Jesus Christ

00:33:53.079 --> 00:33:55.339
 living and incarnate.

00:33:56.979 --> 00:33:57.759
 Costly grace

00:33:57.759 --> 00:33:59.679
 is the treasure hidden in the field.

00:34:00.099 --> 00:34:00.879
 For the sake of it

00:34:00.879 --> 00:34:01.639
 a man will go and sell

00:34:01.639 --> 00:34:02.319
 all that he has.

00:34:02.819 --> 00:34:04.139
 It is the pearl of great price

00:34:04.139 --> 00:34:05.599
 to buy with the wife

00:34:05.599 --> 00:34:06.239
 which the merchant

00:34:06.239 --> 00:34:07.379
 will sell all his goods.

00:34:07.979 --> 00:34:09.619
 It is the kingly rule

00:34:09.619 --> 00:34:10.400
 of Christ

00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.539
 over our lives.

00:34:11.719 --> 00:34:12.339
 For whose sake

00:34:12.339 --> 00:34:13.699
 a man will pluck out the eye

00:34:13.699 --> 00:34:14.779
 which causes him to stumble.

00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:16.839
 It is the call of Jesus Christ

00:34:16.839 --> 00:34:17.779
 at which the disciple

00:34:17.779 --> 00:34:18.880
 leaves his nets

00:34:18.880 --> 00:34:20.699
 and follows him.

00:34:21.980 --> 00:34:22.559
 Costly grace

00:34:22.559 --> 00:34:23.119
 is the gospel

00:34:23.119 --> 00:34:24.159
 which must be sought

00:34:24.159 --> 00:34:25.039
 again and again.

00:34:25.339 --> 00:34:26.779
 The gift which must be asked for.

00:34:26.859 --> 00:34:27.480
 The door at which

00:34:27.480 --> 00:34:29.259
 a man must knock.

00:34:30.519 --> 00:34:31.679
 Such grace is costly

00:34:31.679 --> 00:34:32.619
 because it calls us

00:34:32.619 --> 00:34:33.219
 to follow.

00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:34.639
 And it is grace

00:34:34.639 --> 00:34:35.559
 because it calls us

00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:37.559
 to follow Jesus Christ.

00:34:38.119 --> 00:34:38.920
 It is costly

00:34:38.920 --> 00:34:39.699
 because it costs

00:34:39.699 --> 00:34:40.900
 a man his life.

00:34:41.179 --> 00:34:41.980
 And it is grace

00:34:41.980 --> 00:34:42.839
 because it gives

00:34:42.839 --> 00:34:44.819
 a man the only true life.

00:34:45.420 --> 00:34:46.339
 It is costly

00:34:46.339 --> 00:34:47.799
 because it condemns sin.

00:34:48.039 --> 00:34:48.599
 And grace

00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:49.719
 because it justifies

00:34:49.719 --> 00:34:50.219
 the sinner.

00:34:51.179 --> 00:34:51.759
 Above all

00:34:51.759 --> 00:34:52.419
 it is costly

00:34:52.419 --> 00:34:53.819
 because it cost God

00:34:53.819 --> 00:34:55.199
 the life of his son.

00:34:55.879 --> 00:34:56.399
 You were bought

00:34:56.399 --> 00:34:56.980
 at a price.

00:34:57.599 --> 00:34:58.959
 And what has cost God

00:34:58.959 --> 00:35:00.519
 much cannot be cheap

00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:01.459
 for us.

00:35:02.179 --> 00:35:02.899
 Above all

00:35:02.899 --> 00:35:03.480
 it is grace

00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:04.119
 because God

00:35:04.119 --> 00:35:05.159
 did not reckon his son

00:35:05.159 --> 00:35:06.139
 too dear a price

00:35:06.139 --> 00:35:07.799
 to pay for our life

00:35:07.799 --> 00:35:08.939
 but delivered him up

00:35:08.939 --> 00:35:09.419
 for us.

00:35:09.819 --> 00:35:10.699
 Costly grace

00:35:10.699 --> 00:35:12.019
 is the incarnation

00:35:12.019 --> 00:35:13.639
 of God.

00:35:13.639 --> 00:35:14.639
 God

00:35:14.639 --> 00:35:16.500
 means something.

00:35:17.199 --> 00:35:18.159
 It is going to require

00:35:18.159 --> 00:35:18.920
 things

00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:19.900
 of us.

00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:20.719
 Jesus is just

00:35:20.719 --> 00:35:21.739
 further developing

00:35:21.739 --> 00:35:22.920
 this idea.

00:35:23.279 --> 00:35:24.159
 He very soon

00:35:24.159 --> 00:35:24.759
 in our text

00:35:24.759 --> 00:35:25.379
 in Mark 10

00:35:25.379 --> 00:35:26.500
 is going to once again

00:35:26.500 --> 00:35:27.739
 foretell his death.

00:35:28.019 --> 00:35:28.719
 And once again

00:35:28.719 --> 00:35:29.199
 the disciples

00:35:29.199 --> 00:35:30.379
 are not going to get it.

00:35:30.599 --> 00:35:31.339
 They have been debating

00:35:31.339 --> 00:35:32.019
 all along

00:35:32.019 --> 00:35:32.940
 what does it mean

00:35:32.940 --> 00:35:34.319
 that Jesus is going to die.

00:35:34.559 --> 00:35:35.239
 How can this be?

00:35:35.299 --> 00:35:35.879
 We don't want you

00:35:35.879 --> 00:35:36.519
 to have the suffering.

00:35:36.639 --> 00:35:37.179
 We just want you

00:35:37.179 --> 00:35:37.799
 to have the glory

00:35:37.799 --> 00:35:39.139
 because we want the glory.

00:35:39.339 --> 00:35:40.420
 We don't want the suffering.

00:35:40.679 --> 00:35:41.259
 We don't want to have

00:35:41.259 --> 00:35:42.119
 to give up anything

00:35:42.119 --> 00:35:43.219
 to follow you.

00:35:43.400 --> 00:35:44.319
 We want to be us

00:35:44.319 --> 00:35:45.159
 like the rich young ruler

00:35:45.159 --> 00:35:46.059
 to have all that we have

00:35:46.059 --> 00:35:47.199
 and just add to it.

00:35:47.299 --> 00:35:48.319
 Just give me a little extra

00:35:48.319 --> 00:35:49.440
 for eternal life

00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:50.119
 and not be willing

00:35:50.119 --> 00:35:51.059
 to give away anything

00:35:51.059 --> 00:35:52.099
 to gain it.

00:35:53.259 --> 00:35:54.199
 Do you recognize

00:35:54.199 --> 00:35:55.559
 that you can have

00:35:55.559 --> 00:35:56.579
 all that this world

00:35:56.579 --> 00:35:57.159
 has to offer

00:35:57.159 --> 00:35:58.219
 every bit of it

00:35:58.219 --> 00:35:59.460
 and still be

00:35:59.460 --> 00:36:00.579
 impoverished?

00:36:01.380 --> 00:36:02.319
 That this life

00:36:02.319 --> 00:36:03.119
 is fleeting.

00:36:03.699 --> 00:36:04.880
 You're passing through it.

00:36:05.079 --> 00:36:05.759
 It's a vapor

00:36:05.759 --> 00:36:06.380
 in the wind

00:36:06.380 --> 00:36:07.319
 and that your mind

00:36:07.319 --> 00:36:08.239
 should be set on things

00:36:08.239 --> 00:36:08.819
 eternal

00:36:08.819 --> 00:36:10.059
 and not those things

00:36:10.059 --> 00:36:10.699
 that are temporal.

00:36:11.219 --> 00:36:12.059
 Everything you can

00:36:12.059 --> 00:36:13.039
 see right now

00:36:13.039 --> 00:36:14.279
 besides the souls

00:36:14.279 --> 00:36:14.840
 of the people

00:36:14.840 --> 00:36:15.739
 you're looking around at

00:36:15.739 --> 00:36:16.779
 is finite.

00:36:17.039 --> 00:36:17.860
 It's going away.

00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:18.820
 It's not infinite.

00:36:19.340 --> 00:36:20.299
 It will all be turned

00:36:20.299 --> 00:36:21.679
 to dust one day.

00:36:21.759 --> 00:36:22.960
 It will all be tested

00:36:22.960 --> 00:36:24.279
 by fire.

00:36:25.360 --> 00:36:25.940
 Do you recognize

00:36:25.940 --> 00:36:26.279
 that wealth

00:36:26.279 --> 00:36:27.299
 has been given to you

00:36:27.299 --> 00:36:28.039
 for the sake

00:36:28.039 --> 00:36:28.920
 of eternal joy

00:36:28.920 --> 00:36:29.980
 and not just

00:36:29.980 --> 00:36:31.079
 your temporal joy?

00:36:31.840 --> 00:36:33.139
 If Jesus were to say

00:36:33.139 --> 00:36:33.619
 to you,

00:36:34.340 --> 00:36:35.539
 you lack one thing,

00:36:36.179 --> 00:36:37.039
 go sell all

00:36:37.039 --> 00:36:37.719
 that you have

00:36:37.719 --> 00:36:38.579
 and give to the poor

00:36:38.579 --> 00:36:39.539
 and you will have

00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:40.179
 treasure in heaven

00:36:40.179 --> 00:36:40.679
 and come,

00:36:41.599 --> 00:36:42.460
 follow me.

00:36:43.500 --> 00:36:44.319
 Would you go away

00:36:44.319 --> 00:36:44.960
 disheartened

00:36:44.960 --> 00:36:46.340
 or would you gladly

00:36:46.340 --> 00:36:47.360
 trade it all

00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:48.440
 to gain him?

00:36:50.380 --> 00:36:51.400
 Now in response

00:36:51.400 --> 00:36:51.960
 to this,

00:36:52.239 --> 00:36:53.079
 verse 26,

00:36:54.440 --> 00:36:55.199
 the disciples

00:36:55.199 --> 00:36:56.480
 are exceedingly

00:36:56.480 --> 00:36:57.659
 astonished.

00:36:58.619 --> 00:36:59.059
 Exceedingly

00:36:59.059 --> 00:36:59.960
 astonished.

00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:00.380
 Then,

00:37:00.559 --> 00:37:01.980
 who can be saved?

00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:02.360
 And we have to

00:37:02.360 --> 00:37:03.159
 understand why

00:37:03.159 --> 00:37:03.980
 they were exceedingly

00:37:03.980 --> 00:37:04.960
 astonished.

00:37:05.840 --> 00:37:06.400
 The common

00:37:06.400 --> 00:37:07.460
 teaching of this day,

00:37:07.539 --> 00:37:08.179
 and I'll thank

00:37:08.179 --> 00:37:08.720
 John MacArthur

00:37:08.720 --> 00:37:09.480
 for spelling this out

00:37:09.480 --> 00:37:09.920
 in his sermon

00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:10.699
 on this very text

00:37:10.699 --> 00:37:11.360
 for me.

00:37:11.460 --> 00:37:12.159
 Saved me a ton

00:37:12.159 --> 00:37:12.559
 of time.

00:37:13.400 --> 00:37:14.000
 The common

00:37:14.000 --> 00:37:15.099
 misconception of the day,

00:37:15.179 --> 00:37:15.599
 which was from

00:37:15.599 --> 00:37:16.320
 the rabbis,

00:37:16.380 --> 00:37:16.880
 the teachers

00:37:16.880 --> 00:37:17.980
 that had worked

00:37:17.980 --> 00:37:18.599
 through time

00:37:18.599 --> 00:37:19.240
 over the previous

00:37:19.240 --> 00:37:20.480
 400 years,

00:37:20.840 --> 00:37:21.740
 is that the way

00:37:21.740 --> 00:37:22.460
 in which you

00:37:22.460 --> 00:37:23.659
 gained redemption

00:37:23.659 --> 00:37:24.679
 is through the

00:37:24.679 --> 00:37:25.340
 giving of alms,

00:37:25.360 --> 00:37:25.780
 which was giving

00:37:25.780 --> 00:37:26.260
 to the poor.

00:37:26.539 --> 00:37:27.099
 This is the thing

00:37:27.099 --> 00:37:27.639
 that Jesus has

00:37:27.639 --> 00:37:28.659
 asked them to do.

00:37:29.199 --> 00:37:29.900
 They said that

00:37:29.900 --> 00:37:30.599
 with alms,

00:37:30.679 --> 00:37:31.280
 one purchases

00:37:31.280 --> 00:37:32.340
 his redemption.

00:37:32.480 --> 00:37:32.840
 A couple of

00:37:32.840 --> 00:37:33.480
 examples for you.

00:37:33.800 --> 00:37:34.599
 One writing taken

00:37:34.599 --> 00:37:35.360
 from Tobit

00:37:35.360 --> 00:37:36.239
 says this,

00:37:37.179 --> 00:37:37.619
 It is good

00:37:37.619 --> 00:37:38.380
 to do alms

00:37:38.380 --> 00:37:39.179
 rather than

00:37:39.179 --> 00:37:39.819
 to treasure up

00:37:39.819 --> 00:37:40.839
 gold for alms,

00:37:41.059 --> 00:37:42.019
 deliver from death,

00:37:42.099 --> 00:37:42.539
 and this will

00:37:42.539 --> 00:37:43.239
 purge away

00:37:43.239 --> 00:37:44.099
 every sin.

00:37:45.039 --> 00:37:46.019
 Syriac 3

00:37:46.019 --> 00:37:46.659
 says,

00:37:47.079 --> 00:37:48.159
 alms will atone

00:37:48.159 --> 00:37:49.099
 for sin.

00:37:49.460 --> 00:37:49.980
 The Talmud

00:37:49.980 --> 00:37:50.380
 says,

00:37:50.539 --> 00:37:51.219
 almsgiving

00:37:51.219 --> 00:37:52.199
 is more excellent

00:37:52.199 --> 00:37:53.239
 than all offerings

00:37:53.239 --> 00:37:54.339
 and is equal

00:37:54.339 --> 00:37:56.039
 to the whole law.

00:37:56.259 --> 00:37:57.159
 If you give

00:37:57.159 --> 00:37:58.000
 to the poor,

00:37:58.139 --> 00:37:58.699
 then this is

00:37:58.699 --> 00:37:59.940
 an equal thing.

00:38:00.039 --> 00:38:00.539
 And who was

00:38:00.539 --> 00:38:01.599
 most able

00:38:01.599 --> 00:38:03.199
 to give to the poor?

00:38:03.199 --> 00:38:04.960
 For the rich.

00:38:06.279 --> 00:38:06.639
 Here,

00:38:06.759 --> 00:38:07.219
 even Jesus

00:38:07.219 --> 00:38:07.980
 gave the command

00:38:07.980 --> 00:38:08.659
 to this young man

00:38:08.659 --> 00:38:09.119
 which he was

00:38:09.119 --> 00:38:10.739
 unwilling to do.

00:38:11.579 --> 00:38:12.139
 But what Jesus

00:38:12.139 --> 00:38:12.719
 was telling him

00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:12.960
 to do

00:38:12.960 --> 00:38:13.500
 is not to do

00:38:13.500 --> 00:38:14.359
 a good work

00:38:14.359 --> 00:38:14.819
 that he might

00:38:14.819 --> 00:38:16.079
 gain righteousness,

00:38:16.359 --> 00:38:16.679
 that he would

00:38:16.679 --> 00:38:17.559
 have his redemption,

00:38:17.739 --> 00:38:18.000
 that he would

00:38:18.000 --> 00:38:18.460
 be justified

00:38:18.460 --> 00:38:18.919
 before God

00:38:18.919 --> 00:38:19.980
 because of the action.

00:38:20.319 --> 00:38:21.019
 He was telling him

00:38:21.019 --> 00:38:22.019
 to give up an idol

00:38:22.019 --> 00:38:23.500
 and to worship

00:38:23.500 --> 00:38:24.299
 Jesus,

00:38:24.460 --> 00:38:25.819
 to follow him.

00:38:26.139 --> 00:38:26.719
 That's the key

00:38:26.719 --> 00:38:27.539
 distinction here.

00:38:27.619 --> 00:38:27.939
 It's a matter

00:38:27.939 --> 00:38:28.679
 of the heart.

00:38:28.980 --> 00:38:29.519
 Not that we go

00:38:29.519 --> 00:38:30.559
 through some works

00:38:30.559 --> 00:38:31.179
 in order to gain

00:38:31.179 --> 00:38:31.699
 our salvation

00:38:31.699 --> 00:38:32.960
 which is an impossibility.

00:38:33.419 --> 00:38:33.739
 None of us

00:38:33.739 --> 00:38:34.639
 can keep the whole law.

00:38:34.859 --> 00:38:36.059
 You can't do it.

00:38:36.819 --> 00:38:38.299
 Don't try to amass works

00:38:38.299 --> 00:38:39.500
 in order to gain salvation.

00:38:39.859 --> 00:38:40.679
 Be saved,

00:38:41.000 --> 00:38:42.199
 respond to the gospel,

00:38:42.440 --> 00:38:43.599
 and then do works

00:38:43.599 --> 00:38:44.699
 as a response to it.

00:38:46.440 --> 00:38:48.099
 The disciples got this,

00:38:48.219 --> 00:38:49.799
 but they got it wrongly.

00:38:49.919 --> 00:38:51.099
 They went too far

00:38:51.099 --> 00:38:52.940
 with the cultural understanding.

00:38:53.460 --> 00:38:54.159
 And as such,

00:38:54.319 --> 00:38:55.559
 Jesus broadens

00:38:55.559 --> 00:38:57.000
 the impossibility.

00:38:57.440 --> 00:38:57.919
 Look at him

00:38:57.919 --> 00:38:59.019
 broaden it out.

00:38:59.399 --> 00:38:59.719
 They say,

00:38:59.719 --> 00:39:01.119
 then who can be saved?

00:39:02.039 --> 00:39:02.679
 Jesus looked at them

00:39:02.679 --> 00:39:02.919
 and said,

00:39:03.119 --> 00:39:04.819
 with man it is impossible,

00:39:05.459 --> 00:39:06.639
 but not with God.

00:39:06.719 --> 00:39:07.239
 He doesn't say

00:39:07.239 --> 00:39:08.199
 with rich men

00:39:08.199 --> 00:39:08.919
 it is impossible,

00:39:09.179 --> 00:39:09.779
 but not with God.

00:39:09.819 --> 00:39:10.059
 He says,

00:39:10.139 --> 00:39:12.079
 with man it is impossible.

00:39:12.279 --> 00:39:15.139
 You cannot save yourself.

00:39:16.199 --> 00:39:17.279
 God can save you

00:39:17.279 --> 00:39:18.839
 if he so desires.

00:39:19.839 --> 00:39:20.959
 If you have some working

00:39:20.959 --> 00:39:21.599
 in your heart

00:39:21.599 --> 00:39:22.839
 to respond to the gospel,

00:39:23.339 --> 00:39:24.759
 see it as the Spirit's work

00:39:24.759 --> 00:39:25.399
 on your behalf

00:39:25.399 --> 00:39:27.559
 and respond to it.

00:39:28.399 --> 00:39:29.519
 Jesus says to them in this

00:39:29.519 --> 00:39:30.539
 that man is spiritually

00:39:30.539 --> 00:39:31.239
 impoverished,

00:39:31.340 --> 00:39:32.539
 whether they're rich or poor,

00:39:33.159 --> 00:39:34.460
 they're spiritually impoverished.

00:39:34.679 --> 00:39:36.179
 We have nothing to offer God

00:39:36.179 --> 00:39:37.099
 for the dimptive of our souls.

00:39:37.500 --> 00:39:40.380
 This is why we need grace.

00:39:40.480 --> 00:39:42.679
 It's why we need a Savior.

00:39:42.860 --> 00:39:45.559
 We cannot save ourselves.

00:39:46.699 --> 00:39:48.400
 That's the bad news side

00:39:48.400 --> 00:39:48.980
 of the gospel

00:39:48.980 --> 00:39:49.920
 which makes the good news

00:39:49.920 --> 00:39:50.659
 so good

00:39:50.659 --> 00:39:52.320
 because Jesus did it

00:39:52.320 --> 00:39:53.099
 on our behalf.

00:39:53.239 --> 00:39:54.179
 He paid the debt

00:39:54.179 --> 00:39:55.460
 for us

00:39:55.460 --> 00:39:57.460
 that if we would believe in Him,

00:39:57.460 --> 00:39:59.320
 we would have eternal life.

00:40:00.119 --> 00:40:00.800
 Paul puts it this way

00:40:00.800 --> 00:40:01.659
 in Ephesians 2,

00:40:02.099 --> 00:40:02.800
 verse 8, 9,

00:40:02.900 --> 00:40:04.599
 grace given as a gift to us.

00:40:04.679 --> 00:40:05.679
 For by grace you have been saved

00:40:05.679 --> 00:40:06.420
 through faith.

00:40:06.740 --> 00:40:08.119
 And this is not your own doing.

00:40:08.220 --> 00:40:09.579
 It's the gift of God,

00:40:09.720 --> 00:40:10.880
 not a result of work

00:40:10.880 --> 00:40:13.599
 so that no one may boast.

00:40:14.460 --> 00:40:15.360
 So proper living

00:40:15.360 --> 00:40:16.500
 is a response

00:40:16.500 --> 00:40:17.320
 to the work

00:40:17.320 --> 00:40:18.400
 that God has wrought

00:40:18.400 --> 00:40:19.059
 in our hearts,

00:40:19.139 --> 00:40:19.960
 the way in which

00:40:19.960 --> 00:40:21.880
 He has changed us.

00:40:22.099 --> 00:40:22.679
 So we looked at

00:40:22.679 --> 00:40:23.860
 the poverty of possessions.

00:40:24.039 --> 00:40:24.900
 Let's look now together

00:40:24.900 --> 00:40:26.059
 quickly at the possessions

00:40:26.059 --> 00:40:27.500
 of poverty.

00:40:29.039 --> 00:40:29.740
 Verse 28,

00:40:30.539 --> 00:40:31.720
 Peter began to say to Him,

00:40:31.720 --> 00:40:32.420
 and I really love this

00:40:32.420 --> 00:40:33.780
 just because I'm musing about it.

00:40:34.240 --> 00:40:35.599
 Mark seems to cut Him off.

00:40:35.920 --> 00:40:36.340
 Peter was always

00:40:36.340 --> 00:40:36.980
 the wordy one.

00:40:37.119 --> 00:40:37.880
 You see Him constantly

00:40:37.880 --> 00:40:38.800
 interrupting

00:40:38.800 --> 00:40:39.960
 and opening His mouth

00:40:39.960 --> 00:40:40.639
 when He shouldn't have.

00:40:40.920 --> 00:40:41.460
 So He just says,

00:40:41.519 --> 00:40:42.420
 Peter began to say to Him,

00:40:42.480 --> 00:40:43.579
 see if we have left everything

00:40:43.579 --> 00:40:44.460
 and followed you.

00:40:44.500 --> 00:40:45.019
 I would imagine

00:40:45.019 --> 00:40:45.619
 that He went on

00:40:45.619 --> 00:40:46.240
 to elaborate

00:40:46.240 --> 00:40:47.400
 on that point.

00:40:48.180 --> 00:40:49.760
 And Jesus responds to Him

00:40:49.760 --> 00:40:52.559
 with His rather amazing truth.

00:40:52.880 --> 00:40:53.820
 Truly I say to you,

00:40:53.820 --> 00:40:54.880
 no one is left,

00:40:55.039 --> 00:40:55.780
 and I won't read all those

00:40:55.780 --> 00:40:56.620
 for the sake of time,

00:40:56.940 --> 00:40:57.840
 for my sake

00:40:57.840 --> 00:40:59.240
 and for the gospel.

00:40:59.539 --> 00:41:00.320
 Not left those things

00:41:00.320 --> 00:41:01.800
 that they might gain more things,

00:41:02.039 --> 00:41:02.880
 but for the sake

00:41:02.880 --> 00:41:03.840
 of Jesus Christ

00:41:03.840 --> 00:41:04.920
 and the good news

00:41:04.920 --> 00:41:06.000
 of Jesus Christ

00:41:06.000 --> 00:41:07.019
 who will not receive

00:41:07.019 --> 00:41:08.180
 a hundredfold

00:41:08.180 --> 00:41:09.280
 now in this time

00:41:09.280 --> 00:41:10.720
 all those things

00:41:10.720 --> 00:41:11.820
 with persecutions

00:41:12.420 --> 00:41:14.600
 and in the age to come

00:41:14.600 --> 00:41:16.019
 eternal life.

00:41:16.840 --> 00:41:17.800
 He says to us again,

00:41:17.980 --> 00:41:19.039
 but many who are first

00:41:19.039 --> 00:41:19.840
 will be last

00:41:19.840 --> 00:41:20.860
 and the last first.

00:41:21.220 --> 00:41:22.180
 The one who wants to leave

00:41:22.180 --> 00:41:23.120
 might become a servant.

00:41:23.119 --> 00:41:24.119
 The one who wants to leave

00:41:24.119 --> 00:41:24.539
 the gospel of all.

00:41:26.119 --> 00:41:27.639
 Look at this proper response

00:41:27.639 --> 00:41:28.019
 of Peter.

00:41:28.119 --> 00:41:29.079
 John chapter 6

00:41:29.079 --> 00:41:30.219
 beginning in verse 65.

00:41:33.759 --> 00:41:34.659
 Jesus just said

00:41:34.659 --> 00:41:36.219
 some very difficult things

00:41:36.219 --> 00:41:37.960
 to the larger group

00:41:37.960 --> 00:41:38.519
 of disciples.

00:41:38.759 --> 00:41:39.719
 He's talked about

00:41:39.719 --> 00:41:41.420
 drinking His blood

00:41:41.420 --> 00:41:43.059
 and feasting on His flesh

00:41:43.059 --> 00:41:44.159
 and they just don't get it.

00:41:44.420 --> 00:41:45.239
 And He says to them,

00:41:45.460 --> 00:41:46.339
 not all of you believe.

00:41:47.299 --> 00:41:48.299
 Not all of you believe.

00:41:48.400 --> 00:41:49.039
 No one can come to Me

00:41:49.039 --> 00:41:50.019
 unless the Father sent Me

00:41:50.019 --> 00:41:50.559
 and draws them.

00:41:50.739 --> 00:41:52.199
 He's using this type of language.

00:41:52.199 --> 00:41:52.839
 Verse 65.

00:41:53.039 --> 00:41:54.079
 This is why I told you

00:41:54.079 --> 00:41:55.359
 that no one can come to Me

00:41:55.359 --> 00:41:56.539
 unless it is granted Him

00:41:56.539 --> 00:41:57.619
 by the Father.

00:41:58.219 --> 00:41:58.819
 Verse 66.

00:41:59.099 --> 00:41:59.559
 After this,

00:41:59.679 --> 00:42:00.359
 many of the disciples

00:42:00.359 --> 00:42:01.019
 turned back

00:42:01.019 --> 00:42:02.119
 and no longer walked

00:42:02.119 --> 00:42:02.980
 with Him.

00:42:04.099 --> 00:42:04.879
 Verse 67.

00:42:05.419 --> 00:42:06.579
 So Jesus said to the twelve,

00:42:07.159 --> 00:42:08.539
 Do you want to go away as well?

00:42:09.299 --> 00:42:10.500
 Do you also want to leave?

00:42:10.559 --> 00:42:12.639
 Is this too hard for you?

00:42:13.299 --> 00:42:14.739
 And Simon Peter answered Him,

00:42:15.039 --> 00:42:16.739
 Lord, to whom shall we go?

00:42:17.339 --> 00:42:18.239
 You have the words

00:42:18.239 --> 00:42:18.879
 of eternal life

00:42:18.880 --> 00:42:19.740
 and we have believed

00:42:19.740 --> 00:42:20.740
 and have come to know

00:42:20.740 --> 00:42:22.059
 that You are the Holy One

00:42:22.059 --> 00:42:22.940
 of God.

00:42:24.640 --> 00:42:25.900
 You can put these texts together.

00:42:26.240 --> 00:42:27.280
 We have left everything

00:42:27.280 --> 00:42:28.640
 for Your sake.

00:42:29.340 --> 00:42:29.519
 Right?

00:42:29.640 --> 00:42:30.680
 Where are we going to go?

00:42:30.780 --> 00:42:31.840
 We've left it all behind.

00:42:31.980 --> 00:42:33.160
 We know that You're the Christ.

00:42:33.700 --> 00:42:36.380
 Why would we leave?

00:42:37.720 --> 00:42:39.119
 Look at some improper responses.

00:42:39.240 --> 00:42:40.019
 Luke chapter 9,

00:42:40.140 --> 00:42:41.119
 beginning of verse 57.

00:42:41.119 --> 00:42:42.980
 As they,

00:42:43.099 --> 00:42:43.719
 Jesus and the disciples,

00:42:43.799 --> 00:42:44.579
 were going along the road,

00:42:44.679 --> 00:42:45.359
 someone said to Him,

00:42:45.900 --> 00:42:46.980
 I will follow you

00:42:46.980 --> 00:42:48.179
 wherever you go.

00:42:49.139 --> 00:42:49.940
 And Jesus said to him,

00:42:50.039 --> 00:42:50.839
 Foxes have holes

00:42:50.839 --> 00:42:51.759
 and birds of the air

00:42:51.759 --> 00:42:52.319
 have nests,

00:42:52.659 --> 00:42:53.539
 but the Son of Man

00:42:53.539 --> 00:42:54.159
 has nowhere

00:42:54.159 --> 00:42:55.440
 to lay His head.

00:42:58.639 --> 00:42:59.759
 It's presumed at this point

00:42:59.759 --> 00:43:01.179
 that the man did not follow Him

00:43:01.179 --> 00:43:02.239
 because of this saying.

00:43:02.759 --> 00:43:03.199
 Verse 59.

00:43:03.319 --> 00:43:03.599
 To another,

00:43:03.679 --> 00:43:03.940
 He said,

00:43:04.019 --> 00:43:04.480
 Follow Me.

00:43:05.319 --> 00:43:06.079
 But He said,

00:43:06.380 --> 00:43:07.339
 Lord, let me first go

00:43:07.339 --> 00:43:08.299
 and bury my father.

00:43:08.859 --> 00:43:09.719
 And Jesus said to him,

00:43:09.719 --> 00:43:10.579
 Leave the dead

00:43:10.579 --> 00:43:11.699
 to bury their own dead.

00:43:11.980 --> 00:43:12.719
 But as for you,

00:43:12.919 --> 00:43:13.659
 go and proclaim

00:43:13.659 --> 00:43:14.639
 the kingdom of God.

00:43:15.319 --> 00:43:16.159
 Yet another said,

00:43:16.239 --> 00:43:17.299
 I will follow you, Lord,

00:43:17.459 --> 00:43:19.019
 but let me first say farewell

00:43:19.019 --> 00:43:19.980
 to those at my home.

00:43:20.159 --> 00:43:20.879
 Jesus said to him,

00:43:21.219 --> 00:43:22.319
 No one who puts his hand

00:43:22.319 --> 00:43:22.799
 to the plow

00:43:22.799 --> 00:43:23.480
 and looks back

00:43:23.480 --> 00:43:26.119
 is fit for the kingdom of God.

00:43:26.579 --> 00:43:27.959
 We must set our sights

00:43:27.959 --> 00:43:30.919
 fully on Jesus Christ.

00:43:31.199 --> 00:43:32.319
 Whatever may come,

00:43:32.579 --> 00:43:33.679
 whatever may fall away,

00:43:33.919 --> 00:43:34.859
 here you have men

00:43:34.859 --> 00:43:36.079
 who are leaving Judaism

00:43:36.079 --> 00:43:37.019
 to follow Jesus.

00:43:37.579 --> 00:43:39.119
 This happens in our day as well.

00:43:39.119 --> 00:43:40.359
 Many of you college students

00:43:40.359 --> 00:43:41.000
 experience this

00:43:41.000 --> 00:43:42.179
 with unbelieving parents.

00:43:42.400 --> 00:43:43.339
 You become strange

00:43:43.339 --> 00:43:44.000
 to your parents.

00:43:44.239 --> 00:43:45.059
 Your parents don't want

00:43:45.059 --> 00:43:45.679
 to spend time with you

00:43:45.679 --> 00:43:46.159
 the way they did.

00:43:46.339 --> 00:43:47.839
 The decisions that you're making

00:43:47.839 --> 00:43:49.259
 are counter-cultural.

00:43:49.420 --> 00:43:50.199
 They don't want you

00:43:50.199 --> 00:43:51.579
 to enter the ministry.

00:43:51.699 --> 00:43:52.599
 They want you to have a career.

00:43:52.699 --> 00:43:53.559
 They want you to make money.

00:43:53.799 --> 00:43:54.859
 They want you to take care of them

00:43:54.859 --> 00:43:55.819
 in their old age.

00:43:55.880 --> 00:43:57.859
 It puts you at odds with them.

00:43:58.500 --> 00:43:59.619
 This is a common thing.

00:44:00.239 --> 00:44:02.420
 The gospel often divides people

00:44:02.420 --> 00:44:04.019
 because people become devoted

00:44:04.019 --> 00:44:04.440
 to Christ

00:44:04.440 --> 00:44:06.759
 and others just don't get that.

00:44:06.760 --> 00:44:09.320
 What are we to do with that?

00:44:09.380 --> 00:44:10.300
 He gives us a promise.

00:44:10.440 --> 00:44:11.020
 This is the way

00:44:11.020 --> 00:44:12.140
 in which we leave behind

00:44:12.140 --> 00:44:13.760
 houses, brothers, sisters,

00:44:14.060 --> 00:44:16.600
 mother, father, children, lands.

00:44:17.720 --> 00:44:18.700
 He says he'll give to us

00:44:18.700 --> 00:44:20.220
 a hundredfold in this day.

00:44:20.300 --> 00:44:21.420
 How is that the case?

00:44:21.880 --> 00:44:23.340
 What does he mean by that?

00:44:23.400 --> 00:44:23.920
 What he means

00:44:23.920 --> 00:44:25.000
 is that in this age

00:44:25.000 --> 00:44:26.960
 he'll give us the church.

00:44:28.400 --> 00:44:29.540
 He'll deliver us

00:44:29.540 --> 00:44:30.460
 into a community,

00:44:30.760 --> 00:44:32.280
 a faith family,

00:44:32.280 --> 00:44:34.800
 that we might love each other

00:44:34.800 --> 00:44:35.760
 the way in which

00:44:35.760 --> 00:44:37.100
 a family is meant

00:44:37.100 --> 00:44:38.200
 to love each other.

00:44:38.280 --> 00:44:38.720
 Praise God,

00:44:38.800 --> 00:44:39.360
 many of you have

00:44:39.360 --> 00:44:40.100
 believing parents

00:44:40.100 --> 00:44:40.780
 and this has not been

00:44:40.780 --> 00:44:41.960
 the case for you.

00:44:42.180 --> 00:44:43.200
 But we as a church

00:44:43.200 --> 00:44:44.460
 need to do better

00:44:44.460 --> 00:44:45.920
 at loving each other

00:44:45.920 --> 00:44:47.460
 like a family loves.

00:44:47.800 --> 00:44:48.540
 Because there are people

00:44:48.540 --> 00:44:49.080
 amongst us

00:44:49.080 --> 00:44:50.180
 that are hurting in that way

00:44:50.180 --> 00:44:52.480
 who need spiritual fathers

00:44:52.480 --> 00:44:53.080
 and mothers

00:44:53.080 --> 00:44:53.920
 and brothers

00:44:53.920 --> 00:44:54.900
 and sisters.

00:44:55.440 --> 00:44:55.980
 How do you have

00:44:55.980 --> 00:44:56.860
 houses and lands?

00:44:56.920 --> 00:44:58.220
 Because you have my house

00:44:58.220 --> 00:44:59.620
 and you have my lands.

00:45:00.160 --> 00:45:00.320
 Right?

00:45:00.320 --> 00:45:01.000
 You come over

00:45:01.000 --> 00:45:02.460
 and you can eat with me.

00:45:02.680 --> 00:45:03.780
 You need a place to crash?

00:45:03.960 --> 00:45:04.800
 Let me know.

00:45:06.580 --> 00:45:07.320
 Not just me.

00:45:07.980 --> 00:45:08.420
 There's other people

00:45:08.420 --> 00:45:08.900
 in this church too

00:45:08.900 --> 00:45:09.440
 that have houses

00:45:09.440 --> 00:45:10.480
 and lands.

00:45:12.519 --> 00:45:13.360
 I don't want to run

00:45:13.360 --> 00:45:14.080
 a bed and breakfast.

00:45:17.059 --> 00:45:17.860
 Look at an example

00:45:17.860 --> 00:45:18.640
 of this from the scriptures.

00:45:19.200 --> 00:45:19.800
 Acts 2

00:45:19.800 --> 00:45:21.440
 is after the day

00:45:21.440 --> 00:45:22.039
 of Pentecost.

00:45:22.660 --> 00:45:23.559
 We have seen

00:45:23.559 --> 00:45:25.300
 thousands,

00:45:25.460 --> 00:45:26.519
 3,000 is the number

00:45:26.519 --> 00:45:27.640
 I believe in verse 41

00:45:27.640 --> 00:45:29.160
 recorded of people

00:45:29.159 --> 00:45:30.679
 added to the early church

00:45:30.679 --> 00:45:32.139
 and most of these people

00:45:32.139 --> 00:45:33.119
 would have been pilgrims

00:45:33.119 --> 00:45:34.019
 from Jewish settlements.

00:45:34.159 --> 00:45:34.759
 They would have traveled

00:45:34.759 --> 00:45:35.759
 to Jerusalem

00:45:35.759 --> 00:45:37.480
 and they didn't want

00:45:37.480 --> 00:45:38.179
 to go home.

00:45:38.859 --> 00:45:40.319
 The only church

00:45:40.319 --> 00:45:40.960
 at the time

00:45:40.960 --> 00:45:42.339
 was this group of people,

00:45:42.440 --> 00:45:43.259
 these thousands of people

00:45:43.259 --> 00:45:43.779
 that were gathered

00:45:43.779 --> 00:45:44.519
 in Jerusalem.

00:45:44.519 --> 00:45:45.379
 They didn't want to go back

00:45:45.379 --> 00:45:45.940
 to their towns

00:45:45.940 --> 00:45:46.899
 where there were no Christians

00:45:46.899 --> 00:45:48.099
 and so they lingered.

00:45:48.719 --> 00:45:49.500
 They stuck around

00:45:49.500 --> 00:45:50.440
 for a little while.

00:45:51.299 --> 00:45:51.899
 We see beginning

00:45:51.899 --> 00:45:52.599
 in verse 42

00:45:52.599 --> 00:45:53.359
 and they,

00:45:53.539 --> 00:45:54.579
 all these new Christians,

00:45:54.759 --> 00:45:55.519
 devoted themselves

00:45:55.519 --> 00:45:57.019
 to the apostles' teaching

00:45:57.019 --> 00:45:57.599
 and the fellowship,

00:45:57.599 --> 00:45:58.940
 to the breaking of bread

00:45:58.940 --> 00:45:59.460
 and the prayers

00:45:59.460 --> 00:46:00.420
 and all came upon

00:46:00.420 --> 00:46:01.039
 every soul

00:46:01.039 --> 00:46:01.759
 and many wonders

00:46:01.759 --> 00:46:02.719
 and signs were being done

00:46:02.719 --> 00:46:03.339
 through the apostles

00:46:03.339 --> 00:46:05.139
 and all who believed

00:46:05.139 --> 00:46:05.799
 were together

00:46:05.799 --> 00:46:07.299
 and had all things

00:46:07.299 --> 00:46:07.860
 in common

00:46:07.860 --> 00:46:09.259
 and they were selling

00:46:09.259 --> 00:46:09.839
 their possessions

00:46:09.839 --> 00:46:10.420
 and belongings

00:46:10.420 --> 00:46:11.159
 and distributing

00:46:11.159 --> 00:46:12.079
 the proceeds to all

00:46:12.079 --> 00:46:13.059
 as any had need

00:46:13.059 --> 00:46:14.360
 and day by day

00:46:14.360 --> 00:46:15.059
 attending the temple

00:46:15.059 --> 00:46:15.420
 together

00:46:15.420 --> 00:46:16.039
 and breaking bread

00:46:16.039 --> 00:46:16.519
 in their homes

00:46:16.519 --> 00:46:17.460
 they received their food

00:46:17.460 --> 00:46:18.880
 with glad and generous hearts

00:46:18.880 --> 00:46:20.539
 praising God

00:46:20.539 --> 00:46:21.480
 and having favor

00:46:21.480 --> 00:46:22.179
 with all people

00:46:22.179 --> 00:46:23.219
 and the Lord added

00:46:23.219 --> 00:46:23.599
 to their number

00:46:23.599 --> 00:46:24.179
 day by day

00:46:24.179 --> 00:46:25.940
 those who were being saved.

00:46:25.940 --> 00:46:27.000
 So you see that these people

00:46:27.000 --> 00:46:28.519
 crashed on the couch.

00:46:29.159 --> 00:46:30.300
 They wanted to stick around

00:46:30.300 --> 00:46:31.420
 and they were glad to have them.

00:46:31.519 --> 00:46:32.980
 All these new baby Christians

00:46:32.980 --> 00:46:33.960
 got together

00:46:33.960 --> 00:46:35.139
 and they were so hungry

00:46:35.139 --> 00:46:35.820
 to hear the teaching

00:46:35.820 --> 00:46:36.340
 of the apostles

00:46:36.340 --> 00:46:37.880
 to know more about Jesus Christ

00:46:37.880 --> 00:46:39.260
 that they got really practical

00:46:39.260 --> 00:46:39.800
 about it

00:46:39.800 --> 00:46:40.980
 and they shared things

00:46:40.980 --> 00:46:42.639
 and they sold lands.

00:46:43.340 --> 00:46:44.039
 Ananias and Sapphira,

00:46:44.139 --> 00:46:45.099
 the failures in this thing,

00:46:45.159 --> 00:46:46.920
 but that's what they were about doing

00:46:46.920 --> 00:46:48.220
 in this process

00:46:48.220 --> 00:46:49.380
 of providing for

00:46:49.380 --> 00:46:51.280
 and being a family

00:46:51.280 --> 00:46:52.280
 together.

00:46:52.280 --> 00:46:55.300
 So for those of us,

00:46:55.380 --> 00:46:55.920
 for those of you

00:46:55.920 --> 00:46:57.000
 who are leaving behind

00:46:57.000 --> 00:46:58.000
 these types of things

00:46:58.000 --> 00:46:58.780
 to follow Jesus,

00:46:59.120 --> 00:47:00.519
 giving up that kind of stuff,

00:47:00.640 --> 00:47:01.620
 it's being granted to you,

00:47:01.640 --> 00:47:02.600
 it's being given to you

00:47:02.600 --> 00:47:03.920
 in the church.

00:47:05.120 --> 00:47:06.380
 But he includes in here

00:47:06.380 --> 00:47:07.019
 also

00:47:07.019 --> 00:47:08.680
 that persecutions

00:47:08.680 --> 00:47:09.920
 will come.

00:47:10.120 --> 00:47:10.880
 Isn't that curious?

00:47:11.880 --> 00:47:12.400
 He talks about

00:47:12.400 --> 00:47:13.280
 all these things

00:47:13.280 --> 00:47:14.140
 but he includes

00:47:14.140 --> 00:47:15.300
 all these other things

00:47:15.300 --> 00:47:16.160
 in this age

00:47:16.160 --> 00:47:16.540
 that are going to be

00:47:16.540 --> 00:47:17.440
 given back to you,

00:47:17.600 --> 00:47:18.580
 families, brothers, sisters,

00:47:18.840 --> 00:47:21.019
 with persecutions.

00:47:21.019 --> 00:47:23.519
 Why would he include this here?

00:47:24.039 --> 00:47:24.860
 It's because he wants them

00:47:24.860 --> 00:47:26.019
 to know that life's not

00:47:26.019 --> 00:47:27.420
 going to just get easy.

00:47:27.599 --> 00:47:28.360
 You've left behind

00:47:28.360 --> 00:47:29.300
 this family,

00:47:29.380 --> 00:47:29.780
 I'm giving you

00:47:29.780 --> 00:47:30.639
 a different family,

00:47:30.719 --> 00:47:31.119
 there's going to be

00:47:31.119 --> 00:47:32.579
 limitless resources,

00:47:32.719 --> 00:47:33.099
 you're going to have

00:47:33.099 --> 00:47:34.019
 so much fun,

00:47:34.079 --> 00:47:34.900
 it's going to be great.

00:47:35.039 --> 00:47:35.300
 No,

00:47:35.679 --> 00:47:36.440
 you'll be persecuted.

00:47:37.840 --> 00:47:38.699
 Matthew 5.10,

00:47:38.800 --> 00:47:39.340
 Blessed are those

00:47:39.340 --> 00:47:39.960
 who are persecuted

00:47:39.960 --> 00:47:40.960
 for righteousness' sake,

00:47:41.019 --> 00:47:41.860
 for theirs is

00:47:41.860 --> 00:47:42.840
 the kingdom of heaven.

00:47:43.280 --> 00:47:43.820
 Blessed are you

00:47:43.820 --> 00:47:44.900
 when others revile you

00:47:44.900 --> 00:47:45.759
 and persecute you

00:47:45.759 --> 00:47:46.559
 and utter all kinds

00:47:46.559 --> 00:47:47.340
 of evil against you

00:47:47.340 --> 00:47:48.500
 falsely on my account.

00:47:49.139 --> 00:47:50.179
 Rejoice and be glad

00:47:50.179 --> 00:47:50.899
 for your reward

00:47:50.899 --> 00:47:52.059
 is great in heaven.

00:47:52.599 --> 00:47:53.539
 For so they persecuted

00:47:53.539 --> 00:47:54.139
 the prophets

00:47:54.139 --> 00:47:55.919
 who were before you.

00:47:56.879 --> 00:47:58.019
 It's a wonderful response

00:47:58.019 --> 00:47:58.559
 that the apostles

00:47:58.559 --> 00:47:59.339
 are recorded for us

00:47:59.339 --> 00:48:00.359
 in Acts chapter 5

00:48:00.359 --> 00:48:01.219
 after the apostles

00:48:01.219 --> 00:48:02.419
 are beaten by a council

00:48:02.419 --> 00:48:03.199
 of Sadducees

00:48:03.199 --> 00:48:04.379
 in these early days

00:48:04.379 --> 00:48:04.879
 of the church.

00:48:05.139 --> 00:48:05.279
 It says,

00:48:05.399 --> 00:48:06.379
 Then they left the presence

00:48:06.379 --> 00:48:07.719
 of the council rejoicing

00:48:07.719 --> 00:48:08.819
 that they were counted

00:48:08.819 --> 00:48:10.779
 worthy to suffer dishonor

00:48:10.779 --> 00:48:11.579
 for the name.

00:48:11.779 --> 00:48:12.379
 One of the ways

00:48:12.379 --> 00:48:12.819
 we'll know

00:48:12.819 --> 00:48:13.879
 that we're following Jesus

00:48:13.879 --> 00:48:16.059
 is if we're persecuted

00:48:16.059 --> 00:48:17.139
 for his name,

00:48:17.339 --> 00:48:17.639
 rightly,

00:48:17.639 --> 00:48:18.639
 not in some of the

00:48:18.639 --> 00:48:19.500
 bizarre political ways

00:48:19.500 --> 00:48:20.460
 we see in our day,

00:48:20.619 --> 00:48:21.699
 but rightly persecuted

00:48:21.699 --> 00:48:23.179
 for sharing the gospel

00:48:23.179 --> 00:48:24.940
 of Jesus Christ.

00:48:27.940 --> 00:48:28.879
 So how do we

00:48:28.879 --> 00:48:30.139
 in this day

00:48:30.139 --> 00:48:30.940
 properly

00:48:30.940 --> 00:48:33.199
 manage our money?

00:48:34.400 --> 00:48:35.639
 All I can say to you

00:48:35.639 --> 00:48:36.239
 is what the scriptures

00:48:36.239 --> 00:48:36.819
 say to you.

00:48:37.759 --> 00:48:38.699
 Work hard.

00:48:38.859 --> 00:48:39.299
 Gain it.

00:48:39.639 --> 00:48:40.079
 Please,

00:48:40.319 --> 00:48:40.940
 young people,

00:48:41.400 --> 00:48:42.259
 go after it

00:48:42.259 --> 00:48:43.279
 because the church

00:48:43.279 --> 00:48:43.799
 needs it.

00:48:44.519 --> 00:48:45.500
 Our church needs it.

00:48:45.559 --> 00:48:46.379
 Other churches need it.

00:48:46.380 --> 00:48:47.160
 The work of God

00:48:47.160 --> 00:48:48.340
 needs your resources.

00:48:48.740 --> 00:48:49.440
 Be generous.

00:48:51.180 --> 00:48:51.660
 Recognize

00:48:51.660 --> 00:48:53.500
 that you're given money

00:48:53.500 --> 00:48:54.340
 to live on

00:48:54.340 --> 00:48:55.380
 for your needs,

00:48:55.460 --> 00:48:56.559
 the temporal things,

00:48:56.680 --> 00:48:57.780
 and take the excess

00:48:57.780 --> 00:48:59.140
 and give it

00:48:59.140 --> 00:48:59.800
 freely

00:48:59.800 --> 00:49:00.599
 to the kingdom.

00:49:00.960 --> 00:49:01.720
 Gain Christ.

00:49:01.920 --> 00:49:03.000
 Buy more of him

00:49:03.000 --> 00:49:04.460
 with your money.

00:49:04.579 --> 00:49:05.400
 Not the salvation,

00:49:05.559 --> 00:49:06.539
 but the experience

00:49:06.539 --> 00:49:07.119
 of him.

00:49:07.500 --> 00:49:08.340
 Be involved

00:49:08.340 --> 00:49:09.039
 in what he's doing

00:49:09.039 --> 00:49:09.840
 around the world

00:49:09.840 --> 00:49:11.180
 with your finances.

00:49:12.280 --> 00:49:13.700
 It used to frustrate me

00:49:13.700 --> 00:49:14.599
 that the scriptures

00:49:14.599 --> 00:49:15.720
 seem to be so vague

00:49:15.719 --> 00:49:16.500
 on some issues.

00:49:16.679 --> 00:49:16.779
 Like,

00:49:16.819 --> 00:49:17.819
 I just want the list.

00:49:18.159 --> 00:49:19.199
 Just give me the budget.

00:49:19.319 --> 00:49:20.099
 I want the percentages.

00:49:20.339 --> 00:49:21.179
 Just tell me exactly

00:49:21.179 --> 00:49:21.919
 what it is I'm supposed

00:49:21.919 --> 00:49:23.259
 to do in every area

00:49:23.259 --> 00:49:24.259
 of my life.

00:49:25.039 --> 00:49:25.980
 And I've come to the point

00:49:25.980 --> 00:49:26.459
 where I believe

00:49:26.459 --> 00:49:27.739
 that God does not do that

00:49:27.739 --> 00:49:29.359
 because he wants us.

00:49:30.179 --> 00:49:31.339
 He wants to know you.

00:49:31.659 --> 00:49:32.299
 And he wants you

00:49:32.299 --> 00:49:33.079
 to know him.

00:49:33.439 --> 00:49:34.419
 He wants you to align

00:49:34.419 --> 00:49:35.299
 your desires

00:49:35.299 --> 00:49:36.480
 with his desires.

00:49:37.219 --> 00:49:37.359
 Right?

00:49:37.459 --> 00:49:38.480
 If I was given a list,

00:49:38.559 --> 00:49:39.119
 I would ignore him

00:49:39.119 --> 00:49:39.419
 altogether.

00:49:39.519 --> 00:49:40.259
 I'd stop asking.

00:49:40.339 --> 00:49:41.179
 He already gave me the list.

00:49:41.239 --> 00:49:41.779
 I know how I'm supposed

00:49:41.779 --> 00:49:42.559
 to send in my money.

00:49:42.559 --> 00:49:43.699
 He wants us to go to him.

00:49:43.880 --> 00:49:44.659
 He wants us to go to him

00:49:44.659 --> 00:49:45.739
 on our knees humbly,

00:49:46.000 --> 00:49:47.139
 recognizing that nothing

00:49:47.139 --> 00:49:48.000
 that we have

00:49:48.000 --> 00:49:49.820
 belongs to us ultimately.

00:49:50.619 --> 00:49:51.400
 It was given to us

00:49:51.400 --> 00:49:52.000
 as a gift

00:49:52.000 --> 00:49:52.820
 by his provision.

00:49:52.980 --> 00:49:53.579
 He gave it.

00:49:53.779 --> 00:49:54.360
 He could certainly

00:49:54.360 --> 00:49:55.119
 take it away.

00:49:55.599 --> 00:49:56.579
 Pay attention to the story

00:49:56.579 --> 00:49:58.039
 of Job on that point.

00:49:58.599 --> 00:49:59.619
 And he gave it back.

00:50:00.219 --> 00:50:01.500
 Why is he giving it to us?

00:50:01.940 --> 00:50:02.860
 What is the point

00:50:02.860 --> 00:50:04.039
 of him giving it to us?

00:50:04.440 --> 00:50:05.259
 It's that we might

00:50:05.259 --> 00:50:07.559
 enjoy him forever.

00:50:08.480 --> 00:50:09.639
 He also promises here

00:50:09.639 --> 00:50:11.900
 that this gifting,

00:50:12.239 --> 00:50:12.900
 this giving,

00:50:13.460 --> 00:50:14.359
 will have some effect

00:50:14.359 --> 00:50:15.219
 in the age to come.

00:50:15.259 --> 00:50:17.819
 And that is eternal life.

00:50:19.019 --> 00:50:20.339
 Our grace can't be cheap.

00:50:21.359 --> 00:50:22.920
 There must be a response.

00:50:23.039 --> 00:50:23.799
 There's a cost

00:50:23.799 --> 00:50:25.539
 to following Jesus.

00:50:25.779 --> 00:50:26.519
 And how do you know

00:50:26.519 --> 00:50:27.099
 if you're a disciple

00:50:27.099 --> 00:50:27.859
 of Jesus Christ?

00:50:28.619 --> 00:50:29.179
 How do you know?

00:50:29.259 --> 00:50:30.440
 Don't pin it on a date.

00:50:31.079 --> 00:50:32.579
 Don't pin it on some card

00:50:32.579 --> 00:50:33.559
 that somebody handed you,

00:50:33.599 --> 00:50:34.460
 a little placard,

00:50:34.779 --> 00:50:35.619
 or a date you wrote

00:50:35.619 --> 00:50:36.559
 in the front of your Bible.

00:50:37.059 --> 00:50:38.379
 I grew up in a church

00:50:38.379 --> 00:50:39.539
 that told me constantly

00:50:39.539 --> 00:50:41.059
 if you ever doubt your faith,

00:50:41.400 --> 00:50:42.739
 if you're ever not so sure

00:50:42.739 --> 00:50:43.480
 that you're saved,

00:50:43.800 --> 00:50:44.940
 remember the date

00:50:44.940 --> 00:50:46.840
 that you were saved.

00:50:47.539 --> 00:50:49.279
 This is entirely anti-biblical.

00:50:49.940 --> 00:50:51.199
 It's not in the Scriptures anywhere

00:50:51.199 --> 00:50:53.239
 to pin it on a date like that.

00:50:53.900 --> 00:50:54.259
 Rather,

00:50:55.519 --> 00:50:56.199
 pin it on the fact

00:50:56.199 --> 00:50:57.239
 that you're growing in holiness,

00:50:57.719 --> 00:50:58.440
 that you don't love

00:50:58.440 --> 00:50:59.059
 the things of the world,

00:50:59.099 --> 00:51:00.239
 but you love the things of God,

00:51:00.440 --> 00:51:01.320
 and that you're growing

00:51:01.320 --> 00:51:02.800
 in that way.

00:51:03.320 --> 00:51:05.000
 Test your faith.

00:51:05.699 --> 00:51:06.159
 If you don't know

00:51:06.159 --> 00:51:06.960
 that you're a Christian,

00:51:07.759 --> 00:51:08.759
 I plead with you,

00:51:08.760 --> 00:51:09.800
 repent and believe.

00:51:10.340 --> 00:51:11.180
 Repent and believe.

00:51:11.280 --> 00:51:12.280
 If you are a Christian,

00:51:12.580 --> 00:51:13.860
 there's room for repentance

00:51:13.860 --> 00:51:15.300
 and belief as well.

00:51:15.660 --> 00:51:16.860
 Let me close by reading to you

00:51:16.860 --> 00:51:17.280
 a psalm.

00:51:17.340 --> 00:51:18.100
 Psalm 73.

00:51:18.940 --> 00:51:19.940
 Let me ask you to turn there.

00:51:19.980 --> 00:51:20.780
 I'll finish quickly.

00:51:24.540 --> 00:51:25.520
 I had every intention

00:51:25.520 --> 00:51:26.500
 of not going this long today.

00:51:26.500 --> 00:51:38.239
 Psalm 73 is a psalm of Asaph.

00:51:38.300 --> 00:51:39.059
 He's a songwriter.

00:51:39.679 --> 00:51:41.139
 Some of my favorite psalms are his.

00:51:42.280 --> 00:51:42.559
 He says,

00:51:42.639 --> 00:51:44.059
 Truly God is good to Israel

00:51:44.059 --> 00:51:46.199
 for those who are pure in heart.

00:51:46.500 --> 00:51:46.800
 And so,

00:51:46.960 --> 00:51:47.659
 God is good.

00:51:47.760 --> 00:51:48.519
 I'm setting that up

00:51:48.519 --> 00:51:49.820
 as the very premise of this psalm.

00:51:50.059 --> 00:51:51.219
 For those who are pure in heart,

00:51:51.480 --> 00:51:52.780
 God is good to us.

00:51:53.099 --> 00:51:53.460
 Verse 2,

00:51:53.460 --> 00:51:54.420
 But as for me,

00:51:54.920 --> 00:51:56.940
 my feet had almost stumbled.

00:51:57.280 --> 00:51:59.179
 My steps had nearly slipped.

00:51:59.519 --> 00:52:01.400
 For I was envious of the arrogant

00:52:01.400 --> 00:52:02.880
 when I saw the prosperity

00:52:02.880 --> 00:52:04.059
 of the wicked.

00:52:04.639 --> 00:52:06.139
 For they have no pangs until death.

00:52:06.199 --> 00:52:07.920
 Their bodies are fat and sleek,

00:52:07.980 --> 00:52:08.980
 which would have been a good thing

00:52:08.980 --> 00:52:09.780
 in this day.

00:52:10.019 --> 00:52:11.000
 They are not in trouble

00:52:11.000 --> 00:52:11.760
 as others are.

00:52:11.840 --> 00:52:12.659
 They are not stricken

00:52:12.659 --> 00:52:13.720
 like the rest of mankind.

00:52:14.720 --> 00:52:15.039
 Therefore,

00:52:15.220 --> 00:52:16.119
 pride is their necklace.

00:52:16.440 --> 00:52:17.420
 Violence covers them

00:52:17.420 --> 00:52:17.960
 as a garment.

00:52:18.320 --> 00:52:19.480
 Their eyes swell out

00:52:19.480 --> 00:52:20.119
 through fatness.

00:52:20.119 --> 00:52:22.059
 Their hearts overflow with follies.

00:52:22.460 --> 00:52:24.440
 They scoff and speak with malice.

00:52:24.639 --> 00:52:25.039
 Loftily,

00:52:25.119 --> 00:52:25.960
 they threaten oppression.

00:52:26.460 --> 00:52:27.299
 They set their mouths

00:52:27.299 --> 00:52:27.940
 against the heavens

00:52:27.940 --> 00:52:29.659
 and their tongue struts the earth.

00:52:30.279 --> 00:52:30.659
 Therefore,

00:52:30.799 --> 00:52:32.000
 his people turn back to them

00:52:32.000 --> 00:52:33.420
 and find no fault in them.

00:52:33.500 --> 00:52:34.159
 And they say,

00:52:34.719 --> 00:52:36.259
 How can God know?

00:52:36.400 --> 00:52:37.339
 Is there knowledge

00:52:37.339 --> 00:52:38.299
 in the Most High?

00:52:39.299 --> 00:52:39.819
 Behold,

00:52:40.380 --> 00:52:41.519
 these are the wicked,

00:52:41.739 --> 00:52:42.719
 always at ease.

00:52:43.000 --> 00:52:44.380
 They increase in riches.

00:52:44.440 --> 00:52:44.779
 So see,

00:52:44.859 --> 00:52:45.759
 he's recognizing

00:52:45.759 --> 00:52:46.799
 the folly

00:52:46.799 --> 00:52:47.659
 and the error

00:52:47.659 --> 00:52:49.359
 of these men.

00:52:49.360 --> 00:52:50.640
 But that these men

00:52:50.640 --> 00:52:51.980
 are followed by other people.

00:52:52.079 --> 00:52:53.019
 People look to them

00:52:53.019 --> 00:52:53.539
 for leadership.

00:52:53.660 --> 00:52:54.539
 They think they've got it

00:52:54.539 --> 00:52:55.000
 all together

00:52:55.000 --> 00:52:56.539
 because they're fat and sleek.

00:52:56.599 --> 00:52:57.460
 Because they have wealth.

00:52:57.660 --> 00:52:58.660
 Because they're not suffering

00:52:58.660 --> 00:52:59.860
 at all in this world.

00:53:00.059 --> 00:53:00.340
 He says,

00:53:00.519 --> 00:53:01.599
 My feet almost slipped.

00:53:01.700 --> 00:53:03.180
 I almost bought into this.

00:53:03.559 --> 00:53:04.860
 I almost thought

00:53:04.860 --> 00:53:06.120
 that was a better way.

00:53:06.840 --> 00:53:07.599
 We brought this

00:53:07.599 --> 00:53:08.940
 into our current context.

00:53:09.059 --> 00:53:09.900
 We could throw the word

00:53:09.900 --> 00:53:10.680
 American in here

00:53:10.680 --> 00:53:11.420
 a few times.

00:53:13.180 --> 00:53:14.039
 Verse 13.

00:53:15.300 --> 00:53:16.440
 All in vain

00:53:16.440 --> 00:53:17.820
 have I kept my heart clean

00:53:17.820 --> 00:53:19.100
 and washed my hands

00:53:19.100 --> 00:53:19.600
 in innocence.

00:53:20.600 --> 00:53:21.620
 For all the day long

00:53:21.620 --> 00:53:22.559
 I have been stricken

00:53:22.559 --> 00:53:23.440
 and rebuked

00:53:23.440 --> 00:53:24.160
 every morning.

00:53:24.780 --> 00:53:25.740
 If I had said

00:53:25.740 --> 00:53:26.980
 I will speak thus,

00:53:27.059 --> 00:53:27.860
 I would have betrayed

00:53:27.860 --> 00:53:28.519
 the generation

00:53:28.519 --> 00:53:29.640
 of your children.

00:53:30.200 --> 00:53:30.980
 There's that summation

00:53:30.980 --> 00:53:32.400
 of the way he was feeling

00:53:32.400 --> 00:53:33.360
 and the things he was thinking.

00:53:33.440 --> 00:53:34.500
 The way he almost aired.

00:53:34.880 --> 00:53:35.340
 Verse 16.

00:53:35.400 --> 00:53:36.420
 But when I thought

00:53:36.420 --> 00:53:37.920
 how to understand this,

00:53:38.160 --> 00:53:39.059
 it seemed to me

00:53:39.059 --> 00:53:39.980
 a wearisome task.

00:53:40.059 --> 00:53:40.559
 How is it that

00:53:40.559 --> 00:53:41.240
 these people,

00:53:41.559 --> 00:53:42.519
 these evil people,

00:53:42.600 --> 00:53:43.600
 these adulterous people

00:53:43.600 --> 00:53:44.420
 have everything?

00:53:44.420 --> 00:53:45.880
 And those who

00:53:45.880 --> 00:53:47.280
 keep their hands clean,

00:53:47.480 --> 00:53:48.700
 who try to follow God,

00:53:48.820 --> 00:53:49.920
 don't have things?

00:53:51.200 --> 00:53:52.240
 It was a wearisome task

00:53:52.240 --> 00:53:53.119
 to understand this

00:53:53.119 --> 00:53:54.680
 until I went

00:53:54.680 --> 00:53:56.360
 into the sanctuary of God.

00:53:56.900 --> 00:53:57.940
 Then I discerned

00:53:57.940 --> 00:53:58.380
 their end.

00:53:59.599 --> 00:54:00.260
 Truly you set them

00:54:00.260 --> 00:54:00.880
 in slippery places.

00:54:01.039 --> 00:54:01.820
 How they are destroyed

00:54:01.820 --> 00:54:02.300
 in a moment,

00:54:02.420 --> 00:54:03.180
 swept away utterly

00:54:03.180 --> 00:54:03.740
 by chairs,

00:54:04.000 --> 00:54:04.639
 like a dream

00:54:04.639 --> 00:54:05.220
 when one awakes.

00:54:05.300 --> 00:54:05.720
 O Lord,

00:54:05.880 --> 00:54:07.119
 when you rouse yourself,

00:54:07.440 --> 00:54:08.440
 you despise them

00:54:08.440 --> 00:54:09.639
 as phantoms.

00:54:10.599 --> 00:54:11.980
 Their eternal destruction.

00:54:12.119 --> 00:54:12.740
 He understood

00:54:12.740 --> 00:54:13.659
 their eternal destruction.

00:54:13.659 --> 00:54:14.559
 His eternal life,

00:54:14.639 --> 00:54:15.339
 their eternal destruction.

00:54:15.980 --> 00:54:16.299
 Verse 21.

00:54:16.420 --> 00:54:17.339
 My soul was embittered

00:54:17.339 --> 00:54:18.420
 when I was pricked in heart.

00:54:18.519 --> 00:54:20.119
 I was brutish and ignorant.

00:54:20.339 --> 00:54:21.759
 I was like a beast towards you.

00:54:23.039 --> 00:54:23.399
 Nevertheless,

00:54:24.019 --> 00:54:25.659
 I am continually with you.

00:54:26.039 --> 00:54:27.399
 You hold my right hand.

00:54:27.859 --> 00:54:28.619
 You guide me

00:54:28.619 --> 00:54:29.379
 with your counsel.

00:54:29.859 --> 00:54:30.559
 And afterward,

00:54:30.879 --> 00:54:31.799
 you will receive me

00:54:31.799 --> 00:54:32.519
 to glory.

00:54:33.480 --> 00:54:34.639
 Whom have I in heaven

00:54:34.639 --> 00:54:35.420
 but you?

00:54:35.899 --> 00:54:36.719
 And there is nothing

00:54:36.719 --> 00:54:37.159
 on earth

00:54:37.159 --> 00:54:38.259
 that I desire beside you.

00:54:38.699 --> 00:54:39.480
 My flesh

00:54:39.480 --> 00:54:40.219
 and my heart

00:54:40.219 --> 00:54:40.799
 may fail,

00:54:41.119 --> 00:54:42.199
 but God is the strength

00:54:42.199 --> 00:54:42.839
 of my heart

00:54:42.840 --> 00:54:44.000
 and my portion

00:54:44.000 --> 00:54:45.320
 forever.

00:54:47.079 --> 00:54:48.700
 For those who are far from you

00:54:48.700 --> 00:54:49.320
 shall perish.

00:54:49.700 --> 00:54:50.380
 You put an end

00:54:50.380 --> 00:54:50.980
 to everyone

00:54:50.980 --> 00:54:52.120
 who is unfaithful to you.

00:54:52.440 --> 00:54:53.200
 But for me,

00:54:53.320 --> 00:54:54.140
 it is good

00:54:54.140 --> 00:54:56.480
 to be near God.

00:54:57.380 --> 00:54:58.340
 There's the wealth.

00:54:58.780 --> 00:55:00.320
 There's the true wealth.

00:55:00.840 --> 00:55:03.660
 There's the possession

00:55:03.660 --> 00:55:04.480
 of poverty.

00:55:04.800 --> 00:55:05.980
 God himself.

00:55:06.780 --> 00:55:07.800
 I have made the Lord God

00:55:07.800 --> 00:55:08.360
 my refuge

00:55:08.360 --> 00:55:09.140
 that I may tell

00:55:09.140 --> 00:55:10.200
 of all

00:55:10.200 --> 00:55:11.500
 your works.

00:55:12.180 --> 00:55:13.099
 Let's pray together.

00:55:13.539 --> 00:55:13.679
 God bless.

00:55:13.679 --> 00:55:13.679


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