WEBVTT

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 Proverbs chapter 6, this morning, we are looking, we're doing our series this summer in the

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 book of Proverbs about wisdom, and today we get some very practical instructions and guidance

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 for our lives.

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 So, let's read.

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 We are reading chapter 6, verses 1 to 19.

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 Page 530 in the Pew Bible, if you're looking at one of those, let's read together.

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 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger,

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 if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, then do

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 this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor.

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 Go.

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 Go.

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 Hasten.

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 Plead urgently with your neighbor.

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 Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber.

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 Save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the

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 fowler.

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 Go to the ant, O sluggard.

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 Consider her ways and be wise.

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 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers

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 her food in harvest.

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 How long will you lie there, O sluggard?

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 When will you arise from your sleep?

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 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will

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 come upon you like a robber and want like an armed man.

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 A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals

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 with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing

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 discord.

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 Therefore, calamity will come upon him suddenly.

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 In a moment, he will be broken beyond healing.

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 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him.

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 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans,

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 feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

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 Let's pray.

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 Lord, we thank you for your word.

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 We pray that you would speak to us through it this morning.

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 Open our ears, our hearts, our minds.

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 We pray that you would shape us with your fatherly instruction to us as your children this morning.

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 In Jesus' name we pray.

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 Amen.

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 Well, so far in the book of Proverbs, we've heard some several general exhortations to pursue wisdom.

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 Chapter 1, we've seen a warning against following the crowd into foolishness.

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 Chapter 2, an invitation to seek after wisdom as a good gift from God that will come into our heart and deliver us from evil.

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 Chapter 3 pointed us to some benefits of wisdom, that it tends to lead to success and long life.

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 And chapter 4, we had an exhortation to pursue wisdom as a treasured tradition handed down from the past,

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 as an ever-brightening path leading into the future, and as a worthy object of our heart's desire.

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 But if you've been here these last few weeks or reading these chapters, you might be wondering,

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 okay, so Proverbs is saying, wisdom is worth pursuing.

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 Pursue wisdom.

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 Pursue it with all your heart.

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 It comes from God.

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 Well, what is it exactly, you might be asking?

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 What does it actually look like practically, concretely, to live a life pursuing wisdom?

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 And this morning's text begins to answer that question.

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 It speaks to three very practical areas of our lives.

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 Our money, our time, and our relationships.

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 Now, you might have noticed we skipped chapter 5.

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 That's not because we're avoiding the passage that talks about sex and marriage and adultery.

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 We're going to address it next week, along with chapter 7, which also addresses the same topic.

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 Pastor Nick's going to preach on that.

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 Then we'll go on to chapters 8 and 9, which look again at wisdom and folly more broadly.

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 And after that, we're going to look into more specific topics in the rest of Proverbs.

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 So, that's where we're going in the rest of our series in Proverbs this summer.

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 But today, we're looking at money, time, and relationships.

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 And in particular, this passage warns us against three foolish and dangerous paths.

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 Being irresponsible with our money.

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 Being sluggish with our time and opportunities.

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 And being divisive in our relationships.

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 And there's a progression in this passage.

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 In these three sections, verses 1 to 5, verses 6 to 11, and verses 12 to 19, it goes from bad to worse.

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 Starts with a well-intentioned form of foolishness.

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 And then there's a passive form of foolishness with really no intention at all.

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 And then there's a malicious form of foolishness.

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 Actively trying to harm others.

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 It goes from someone who might potentially fall into danger.

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 The father speaking to his son and says, if you find yourself in this situation.

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 To someone who is in actual danger.

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 Speaking to the sluggard saying, you're already in danger.

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 To someone who is actively endangering others.

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 The malicious troublemaker.

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 Fear.

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 So, that's what we're looking at this morning.

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 But God wants to use these negative examples, these warnings, to point us to the way of positive wisdom.

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 And to point us to Jesus Christ, who is the source and the one through whom we can live wisely.

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 In our money, in our time, and in our relationships.

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 So, let's jump in.

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 One section after another.

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 That's a big picture.

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 First danger.

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 Verses 1 to 5.

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 Well-intentioned but irresponsible financial commitments.

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 Now, you might say, well, what does this mean in verse 1 where it talks about putting up security for your neighbor or giving your pledge for a stranger?

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 Basically, that means to guarantee someone else's debts.

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 So, in the ancient world, if you ask someone for a loan, they would often say, okay, I'm willing to loan you some money, but give me some collateral.

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 Give me a pledge.

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 Give me something that will serve as a promise that you'll pay me back.

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 But what if you really want or need the loan, but you don't have any collateral?

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 Well, you might go to a friend and say, can you put up collateral for me?

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 Can you co-sign on the dotted line?

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 Same thing can happen in the modern world.

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 Perhaps you've been in a situation where you've wanted to apply for a mortgage on a house or a loan on a car and your income wasn't enough.

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 And so, the bank told you you need a co-signer.

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 Maybe someone has approached you and said, will you co-sign on my loan?

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 You're not going to have to pay it.

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 I fully intend to pay the loan myself, but I need you to co-sign.

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 Otherwise, I can't get the loan or I get a terrible interest rate.

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 And you might think, well, I know this person.

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 They're well-intentioned.

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 They wouldn't try to hurt me.

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 I want to help them.

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 But Proverbs warns us, don't do it.

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 Now, when we're applying the wisdom in Proverbs, we need to remember two things.

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 Number one, we live in a different culture and economic system.

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 So, we need to think carefully about how the principles in Proverbs apply in our different cultural context.

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 So, sometimes there's a straight line and sometimes we need to apply the principles in a different context.

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 Second thing is Proverbs tends to give general principles, but implicitly acknowledges that the world is messy and sometimes there are exceptions.

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 Having said that, in this case, the teaching of Proverbs is very consistent and strongly worded about putting up security for debts.

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 Proverbs 11.15,

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 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm.

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 Now, chapter 17, verse 18, one who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

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 Chapter 22, 26, and 27, be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.

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 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

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 Proverbs said the same thing, whether it's a stranger or a neighbor.

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 Someone close by or far away, known or unknown.

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 It says, don't put up security for someone else's debt.

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 Now, you might say, wow, that sounds a little harsh.

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 I mean, is Proverbs saying everyone for himself?

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 Don't help out your neighbor, just keep everything for yourself?

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 No.

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 Proverbs doesn't say that.

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 There are many places where Proverbs encourages generous giving to people who have real needs.

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 Proverbs 14.21 says,

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 Blessed is the one who is generous to the poor.

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 Proverbs 19.17,

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 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.

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 So, if you want to help someone, you can always give them whatever they need.

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 Or you can loan them the money yourself.

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 Now, in the Old Testament, God's people were allowed to loan money to each other,

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 but they couldn't charge interest, and every seven years they had to cancel all debts,

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 whether they were paid or unpaid.

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 So, it prevented people from being enslaved perpetually and on the very long term in debt.

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 And in the New Testament, we see an interesting example in the book of Philemon.

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 The Apostle Paul is writing to someone, and he says,

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 If Onesimus owes you anything…

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 Onesimus had become a Christian, was Paul's friend.

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 He says,

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 If Onesimus owes you anything, charge it to my account.

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 In other words, Paul's saying,

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 I'm willing to pay off all his past debts.

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 Now, Paul doesn't say,

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 Whatever debts Onesimus may incur in the future for any reason, I will pay for them.

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 Right?

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 Paul doesn't make an open-ended financial commitment

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 that he can't actually follow through on.

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 But he's generous in his giving.

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 The Bible encourages generous giving,

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 but it warns us against giving what we don't have.

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 Or putting up security for someone's debt.

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 Right?

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 So, don't put up collateral for a debt.

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 Or co-sign someone else's loan,

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 unless you are prepared to pay the whole thing yourself.

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 That's the question you should ask yourself.

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 If someone ever comes to you and says,

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 Will you co-sign on my loan?

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 The question is,

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 Are you willing to pay the whole thing yourself?

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 And give it…

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 And effectively give it as a gift to that other person.

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 Right?

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 So, when you're co-signing,

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 the thing doesn't actually belong to you.

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 You're helping someone else get something.

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 So, that's a question you need to ask.

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 You can't give what you don't have,

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 so don't promise what you can't deliver.

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 So, that's the direct implication of this text.

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 Right?

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 It may be well-intentioned,

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 but Proverbs is saying,

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 It's not wise.

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 Don't co-sign unless you are ready to pay the whole thing yourself,

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 and unless you have the resources to do so.

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 And if you're married,

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 you've talked to your spouse and agreed

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 that it would be a wise thing to devote your resources in that way.

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 Some other practical implications of this text.

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 Three other practical implications.

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 Number one,

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 more broadly,

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 don't make financial commitments impulsively

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 or under emotional pressure.

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 The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 says,

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 Each one should give as he has decided in his heart to give,

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 not reluctantly or under compulsion,

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 for God loves a cheerful giver.

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 That applies to our offerings in church.

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 That also applies to giving more broadly.

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 So, practical examples.

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 If you're walking downtown,

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 and someone comes up to you

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 and asks you for $20

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 because I need to take the train to New York

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 because I'm stranded

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 and I have no way to get back there,

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 don't just give them $20

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 because you're in a rush

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 and because you don't want to feel guilty for saying no.

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 You're probably not helping them by doing that.

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 I mean, everybody knows.

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 It's the oldest trick in the book.

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 Right?

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 Or if you answer a phone call

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 from some unknown number,

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 and they ask you to make a donation on the spot

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 for starving children

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 halfway around the world

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 in some orphanage,

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 don't do it.

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 The reason why there are so many scams out there

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 is some people actually get fooled by them.

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 If nobody ever said yes to them,

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 they would stop calling all of us.

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 Psalm 41.1 says,

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 Blessed is the one who considers the poor.

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 That word means

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 who takes time to think

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 about how best to help people

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 who really have a need.

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 Godly wisdom is not being naive and gullible.

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 It's not saying yes to every request

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 that comes your way.

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 It's being thoughtful and intentional

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 in our generosity.

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 Second, practical implication,

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 think twice before you loan money

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 to someone else.

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 Now, I'm not saying never do it,

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 but ask this question,

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 is there a good reason

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 why I'm willing to agree to a loan,

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 but I'm not willing to give the money

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 to them outright?

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 Sometimes there is.

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 But sometimes I think we can agree

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 to loaning money to someone

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 because we don't want to say no to them,

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 we're afraid of their disapproval,

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 but our heart's not really in it.

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 We don't really want to just give them the money,

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 and so a loan is sort of

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 a half-hearted compromise.

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 And then it gets more complicated

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 if they can't pay you back the loan

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 or disappear.

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 So that's one reason why

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 the deacons of this church

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 are in charge of a benevolence fund

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 to help people who have financial needs.

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 And sometimes people come to me

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 or one of the other pastors,

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 one of the deacons,

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 and say,

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 I need some help to pay my bills

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 or pay my rent this month,

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 but I can pay the church back next month.

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 And what we always say is,

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 we will certainly consider your request.

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 The deacons will be happy

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 to consider your request.

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 We want to think carefully

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 about how best we can help you.

00:15:04.140 --> 00:15:06.400
 But we won't give money on the basis

00:15:06.400 --> 00:15:08.560
 that you promise to pay us back next month.

00:15:08.559 --> 00:15:11.699
 Because what if something happens,

00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:13.599
 you know,

00:15:13.659 --> 00:15:14.439
 there's all kinds of things

00:15:14.439 --> 00:15:15.039
 that can happen,

00:15:15.439 --> 00:15:17.259
 and you can't pay the church back.

00:15:17.319 --> 00:15:18.559
 You'll be tempted to lie

00:15:18.559 --> 00:15:20.259
 or you'll be tempted to run away.

00:15:20.459 --> 00:15:21.959
 And we don't want you to run away.

00:15:22.359 --> 00:15:24.119
 You're a lot more valuable to us

00:15:24.119 --> 00:15:25.379
 than whatever amount of money

00:15:25.379 --> 00:15:26.739
 you are asking for.

00:15:26.740 --> 00:15:29.879
 And so we are,

00:15:30.680 --> 00:15:31.759
 we try to be careful

00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:35.180
 as the deacons try to be careful

00:15:35.180 --> 00:15:36.759
 and thoughtful

00:15:36.759 --> 00:15:38.419
 and generous in our giving.

00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:42.060
 But we've decided not to go the lone route

00:15:42.060 --> 00:15:42.659
 for that reason.

00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:46.740
 Third implication.

00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:49.220
 What verse three to five says,

00:15:49.320 --> 00:15:51.159
 if you have made well-intentioned

00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:52.620
 but foolish financial commitments

00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:54.799
 that are hanging over your head,

00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:58.120
 if you've made promises to other people

00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:59.439
 that you really can't keep,

00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:01.339
 if you've signed on the dotted line

00:16:01.339 --> 00:16:03.719
 for a big loan

00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:05.279
 that is bigger than the amount of money

00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:06.219
 in your bank account,

00:16:06.819 --> 00:16:09.839
 don't just close your eyes

00:16:09.839 --> 00:16:11.599
 and hope it'll all work out for the best.

00:16:12.439 --> 00:16:13.039
 Proverbs says,

00:16:13.159 --> 00:16:13.379
 go,

00:16:13.719 --> 00:16:14.240
 quickly,

00:16:14.599 --> 00:16:15.419
 humble yourself,

00:16:15.939 --> 00:16:17.039
 plead,

00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:17.719
 beg,

00:16:18.099 --> 00:16:18.319
 say,

00:16:18.519 --> 00:16:19.819
 I need to get out of this.

00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:20.459
 I'm sorry.

00:16:20.459 --> 00:16:22.339
 I spoke too quickly.

00:16:22.340 --> 00:16:25.519
 Figure out some way

00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:28.540
 that that won't be hanging over your head

00:16:28.540 --> 00:16:30.280
 and it won't catch you in the trap.

00:16:31.220 --> 00:16:32.980
 Don't live by wishful thinking

00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:34.460
 that everything's going to turn out okay

00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:35.259
 and call it hope.

00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:37.259
 Wishful thinking is not hope.

00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:41.259
 Real hope is based in the promises of God

00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:42.700
 and in reality.

00:16:44.620 --> 00:16:46.420
 It's not the same as wishful thinking.

00:16:46.419 --> 00:16:48.399
 So, Proverbs says,

00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:52.740
 if you've promised something you can't deliver,

00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:55.219
 go now and be honest and say,

00:16:55.339 --> 00:16:55.819
 I'm sorry,

00:16:55.939 --> 00:16:58.039
 I promised something that I can't follow through on

00:16:58.039 --> 00:17:02.360
 and I need to figure out how to get out of this.

00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:04.379
 And also,

00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:05.740
 don't ask somebody to do these,

00:17:06.379 --> 00:17:08.579
 don't ask somebody to promise what they can't deliver.

00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:10.399
 Right?

00:17:10.460 --> 00:17:11.740
 Sometimes if you're in a hard situation,

00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:12.359
 I understand,

00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:14.519
 there's a lot of hard situations that come our way

00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:16.839
 and it's fine to ask for help.

00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:18.019
 There's no wrong,

00:17:18.099 --> 00:17:19.579
 there's no shame in asking for help.

00:17:19.639 --> 00:17:20.440
 We all need help.

00:17:21.660 --> 00:17:22.259
 I mean, goodness,

00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.379
 why did Jesus come into the world?

00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.859
 Because we needed a lot more than

00:17:24.859 --> 00:17:27.059
 a little financial help.

00:17:28.379 --> 00:17:29.420
 We needed a Savior.

00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.379
 Right?

00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:31.799
 We all acknowledge that.

00:17:32.460 --> 00:17:34.039
 So, whatever kind of help you need,

00:17:34.139 --> 00:17:36.180
 it pales in comparison to the help

00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:37.200
 we all need from Jesus.

00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:39.680
 So, there's no shame in asking for help.

00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:42.660
 But don't put someone in a situation

00:17:42.660 --> 00:17:44.080
 where you're asking them to promise

00:17:44.080 --> 00:17:45.259
 what they can't deliver.

00:17:45.940 --> 00:17:47.500
 Where you're asking them to co-sign

00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:49.620
 or put up security for a debt

00:17:49.620 --> 00:17:51.680
 that is putting them

00:17:51.680 --> 00:17:54.940
 in an enslaving situation.

00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:58.480
 So, there's some practical implications,

00:17:58.640 --> 00:17:59.700
 but let me go one step deeper.

00:17:59.860 --> 00:18:01.060
 Why are we tempted

00:18:01.060 --> 00:18:04.080
 to make well-intentioned

00:18:04.080 --> 00:18:06.440
 but irresponsible financial commitments

00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:07.540
 to other people?

00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:11.099
 Now, I've done this a few times myself.

00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:14.539
 And usually, it's one of two things.

00:18:15.700 --> 00:18:17.720
 It's being afraid of someone's disapproval

00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:18.539
 if I say no.

00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:21.799
 The Bible calls that the fear of man.

00:18:22.839 --> 00:18:24.240
 Or being gratified

00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:26.899
 because I feel like I'm rescuing someone

00:18:26.899 --> 00:18:27.940
 and no one else can.

00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:31.039
 That's called a Savior complex.

00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:34.539
 Now, sometimes we're called

00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:35.920
 to spend and be spent

00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:37.619
 for other people

00:18:37.619 --> 00:18:38.740
 within the kingdom of God.

00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:40.519
 To lay down our lives

00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.099
 for each other.

00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:42.619
 And that certainly means

00:18:42.619 --> 00:18:44.059
 sharing our material possessions

00:18:44.059 --> 00:18:46.279
 when people have a real need.

00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:48.639
 Opening your home.

00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:49.779
 Right?

00:18:49.879 --> 00:18:50.519
 Giving your money.

00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:52.379
 The Apostle John says,

00:18:52.460 --> 00:18:53.559
 how can you love your brother

00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:54.440
 or sister in Christ

00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:55.519
 who's really in need,

00:18:55.599 --> 00:18:56.740
 who's without food and clothing

00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:58.079
 if you don't give them

00:18:58.079 --> 00:18:59.119
 some of your stuff?

00:18:59.119 --> 00:19:01.879
 If you're not willing to share.

00:19:03.719 --> 00:19:04.939
 But there's a fine line

00:19:04.939 --> 00:19:06.279
 between sacrificial giving

00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:09.319
 and having a Savior complex.

00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:11.459
 And if you cross that line,

00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:12.799
 it feels pretty good for a while.

00:19:12.919 --> 00:19:13.799
 It feels gratifying

00:19:13.799 --> 00:19:15.019
 because you feel like

00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:16.099
 you're really rescuing someone

00:19:16.099 --> 00:19:17.699
 and you're doing what no one else can

00:19:17.699 --> 00:19:18.979
 and no one else will.

00:19:20.199 --> 00:19:21.419
 But in the long term,

00:19:21.500 --> 00:19:23.219
 you will either become codependent

00:19:23.219 --> 00:19:26.019
 and unhealthily enmeshed

00:19:26.019 --> 00:19:27.839
 or you will become resentful

00:19:27.839 --> 00:19:28.899
 and burned out.

00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:30.399
 If the person continues

00:19:30.399 --> 00:19:31.759
 to need more and more.

00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:33.619
 And either way,

00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:34.679
 you'll only hurt yourself

00:19:34.679 --> 00:19:36.359
 and the other person in the end.

00:19:39.639 --> 00:19:40.459
 The Bible says

00:19:40.459 --> 00:19:41.399
 there's only one Savior.

00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:42.500
 There's only one Messiah.

00:19:42.619 --> 00:19:43.239
 It's not me.

00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:43.919
 It's not you.

00:19:43.979 --> 00:19:44.959
 And that's good news.

00:19:47.179 --> 00:19:49.259
 In Job chapter 17, verse 3,

00:19:49.899 --> 00:19:51.039
 Job speaks to God

00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:52.319
 using some of the language

00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.059
 in this passage.

00:19:54.059 --> 00:19:54.719
 He says,

00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:56.600
 give me the pledge you demand.

00:19:57.660 --> 00:19:58.600
 Who is there

00:19:58.600 --> 00:20:00.100
 who will put up security for me?

00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:02.819
 What Job's saying is,

00:20:02.860 --> 00:20:03.819
 Job goes to God and says,

00:20:03.900 --> 00:20:05.539
 God, I need you to help me

00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:07.279
 because I've got nobody.

00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:08.539
 I've got nobody

00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.640
 who can cover my back.

00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:10.900
 I'm in a bad situation

00:20:10.900 --> 00:20:11.980
 and I'm a bad risk.

00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:13.660
 I've got a bad history.

00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:16.319
 No one else

00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:17.680
 will promise themselves for me.

00:20:17.799 --> 00:20:19.500
 I need you to pledge yourself for me

00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.700
 because nobody else can.

00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:22.920
 And the message of the Bible

00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:23.740
 is that's the situation

00:20:23.740 --> 00:20:24.519
 we're all in,

00:20:24.620 --> 00:20:25.440
 spiritually speaking,

00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:26.779
 and Jesus Christ

00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:28.400
 has paid our greatest debt in full.

00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:31.319
 Jesus didn't just say,

00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:32.799
 I'll co-sign with you.

00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.740
 You try to pay it off yourself

00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.519
 and if you can't,

00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:35.860
 well then,

00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:37.000
 I guess I'll be there for you.

00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:37.500
 He said, no,

00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.460
 I'm going to pay it in full,

00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:39.460
 up front,

00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:42.140
 for all your sins.

00:20:42.380 --> 00:20:43.860
 He has paid for all your sins

00:20:43.860 --> 00:20:45.319
 by His most precious blood

00:20:45.319 --> 00:20:46.740
 that He shed on the cross.

00:20:47.600 --> 00:20:49.120
 That's the most precious gift

00:20:49.119 --> 00:20:49.959
 that we have

00:20:49.959 --> 00:20:51.439
 that can never be taken away.

00:20:51.819 --> 00:20:53.159
 So treasure Jesus.

00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:56.519
 And then He will lead you

00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.159
 to use your money

00:20:57.159 --> 00:20:59.059
 generously and wisely.

00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:01.139
 That's the first point

00:21:01.139 --> 00:21:03.279
 about money.

00:21:03.379 --> 00:21:03.959
 The second point

00:21:03.959 --> 00:21:05.039
 concerns our time.

00:21:06.399 --> 00:21:07.399
 And the warning here

00:21:07.399 --> 00:21:10.079
 is against passive sluggishness.

00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:12.779
 Now this section begins

00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:14.539
 with a positive portrayal

00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:15.579
 of wisdom

00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:17.079
 in verses 6 to 8.

00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:18.819
 Go to the ant,

00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:19.759
 O sluggard.

00:21:20.899 --> 00:21:22.119
 Consider her ways

00:21:22.119 --> 00:21:22.919
 and be wise.

00:21:23.659 --> 00:21:24.220
 Do you notice

00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:26.179
 Proverbs is not above

00:21:26.179 --> 00:21:27.359
 using some sarcasm

00:21:27.359 --> 00:21:30.059
 and ironic humor

00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.919
 to provoke,

00:21:31.639 --> 00:21:32.859
 especially in regards

00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.519
 to the sluggard.

00:21:33.599 --> 00:21:34.439
 Here's some other Proverbs

00:21:34.439 --> 00:21:35.259
 about the sluggard.

00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:36.639
 Chapter 26,

00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.720
 verse 14 and 15.

00:21:38.159 --> 00:21:39.299
 As a door turns

00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:40.259
 on its hinges,

00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:41.919
 so a sluggard

00:21:41.919 --> 00:21:43.240
 turns on his bed.

00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:46.279
 The sluggard

00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:47.420
 buries his hand

00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:48.059
 in the dish.

00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:49.740
 It wears him out

00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:50.440
 to bring it back

00:21:50.440 --> 00:21:51.240
 to his mouth.

00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:57.359
 Proverbs is not above

00:21:57.359 --> 00:21:58.539
 using irony and sarcasm.

00:21:58.620 --> 00:21:59.180
 Sometimes we think

00:21:59.180 --> 00:22:00.299
 sarcasm is always a sin.

00:22:00.440 --> 00:22:01.519
 I don't think it's always a sin.

00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.420
 It's right here in the Bible.

00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:04.720
 Now you've got to be careful

00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:05.400
 with sarcasm.

00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:05.980
 You can use it

00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:06.900
 to cut people down.

00:22:07.700 --> 00:22:08.720
 But Proverbs use it

00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.960
 to provoke people

00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:11.319
 who need a little provoking.

00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:15.619
 But he goes on

00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:16.819
 to point out

00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:17.960
 two positive aspects

00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:18.480
 of wisdom

00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:21.220
 that the ant exemplifies.

00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:23.059
 Self-discipline

00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:25.019
 and diligence

00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.879
 or foresight.

00:22:27.439 --> 00:22:28.619
 Now ants are very interesting.

00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:29.299
 I learned something

00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:30.159
 about ants this week.

00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:32.419
 Modern scientists

00:22:32.419 --> 00:22:33.019
 have discovered

00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:34.200
 that ant colonies,

00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:35.079
 while they do have

00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:36.279
 some structure

00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:36.939
 and leadership,

00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:37.960
 they don't operate

00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:38.980
 through a top-down

00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:39.799
 chain of command.

00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:39.940
 ant.

00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:41.619
 There's no one ant,

00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.379
 even the queen,

00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:43.579
 who is sort of

00:22:43.579 --> 00:22:44.559
 directing everything

00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:45.879
 and supervising everyone.

00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:46.599
 So one scientist

00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:47.259
 wrote this.

00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:48.720
 An ant

00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:50.700
 is a very simple animal.

00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:51.919
 It can perform

00:22:51.919 --> 00:22:52.759
 10 to 40

00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:53.799
 elementary behaviors.

00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.019
 But ant hills

00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:56.259
 are very complex.

00:22:57.319 --> 00:22:58.339
 One can find nursery,

00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.539
 warehouses,

00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:00.779
 or kitchen gardens.

00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:02.740
 Some individuals forage,

00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:03.680
 others take care

00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:04.240
 of the eggs,

00:23:04.619 --> 00:23:05.419
 repair the nest,

00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:06.659
 or protect the ant hill

00:23:06.659 --> 00:23:08.720
 against miscellaneous threats.

00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:10.579
 What is the secret?

00:23:11.420 --> 00:23:13.079
 How can such mindless animals

00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:15.019
 achieve such complex organization?

00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.000
 In economics,

00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:17.960
 division of labor

00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.839
 leads to efficiency,

00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:20.319
 but some sort of supervision

00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:22.660
 is necessary.

00:23:23.620 --> 00:23:24.480
 The different tasks

00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:25.519
 have to be coordinated.

00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:27.759
 But no such supervisors

00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:29.220
 exist in ant hills.

00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:30.660
 No ants,

00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:31.819
 particularly not the queen,

00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.700
 are able to manage

00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:33.600
 this exploit.

00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.380
 The coordination

00:23:34.380 --> 00:23:36.120
 results from

00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:36.919
 some sort of

00:23:36.919 --> 00:23:38.119
 self-organization

00:23:38.119 --> 00:23:39.199
 process.

00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:41.179
 Now,

00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:41.739
 Proverbs isn't

00:23:41.739 --> 00:23:43.000
 precisely anticipating

00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:44.199
 modern scientific insights.

00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.259
 It's simply making a point

00:23:45.259 --> 00:23:46.839
 based on general observation.

00:23:47.779 --> 00:23:48.679
 Ants display

00:23:48.679 --> 00:23:49.599
 a kind

00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:51.359
 of self-discipline

00:23:51.359 --> 00:23:52.479
 and internal

00:23:52.479 --> 00:23:53.239
 motivation.

00:23:54.239 --> 00:23:54.699
 And it says

00:23:54.699 --> 00:23:55.179
 some of us

00:23:55.179 --> 00:23:55.579
 would do well

00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.359
 to learn from them.

00:23:58.419 --> 00:23:59.019
 Even though

00:23:59.019 --> 00:23:59.719
 that sounds humbling

00:23:59.719 --> 00:24:00.899
 when you think about that.

00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:03.399
 Self-discipline

00:24:03.399 --> 00:24:04.539
 and diligent foresight.

00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:05.179
 Ants are mentioned

00:24:05.180 --> 00:24:06.640
 in Proverbs 30, 25,

00:24:06.840 --> 00:24:07.400
 one other time

00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:07.740
 in the book,

00:24:07.820 --> 00:24:08.880
 the same point is made.

00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:09.960
 They are small,

00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:10.640
 but wise.

00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.640
 They are not strong,

00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.380
 but they provide

00:24:12.380 --> 00:24:13.440
 their food in the summer.

00:24:13.880 --> 00:24:14.420
 In other words,

00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.440
 they see an opportunity

00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:16.320
 and they take it.

00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:18.360
 They see danger ahead

00:24:18.360 --> 00:24:20.259
 and they prepare for it.

00:24:21.100 --> 00:24:22.039
 God provides food

00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:22.820
 for them in season,

00:24:22.920 --> 00:24:24.060
 but they go and get it.

00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.279
 If we forget

00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:27.060
 to sweep

00:24:27.060 --> 00:24:28.060
 under our kitchen table

00:24:28.060 --> 00:24:29.680
 after dinner,

00:24:30.860 --> 00:24:32.019
 you can see that

00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:33.279
 right in our house.

00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:34.480
 Right?

00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.500
 The ants,

00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:36.319
 they're coming,

00:24:36.420 --> 00:24:37.099
 taking those little

00:24:37.099 --> 00:24:37.860
 crumbs of bread

00:24:37.860 --> 00:24:39.740
 and taking them

00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.120
 over to their

00:24:40.120 --> 00:24:42.019
 little corner.

00:24:44.339 --> 00:24:44.839
 All right.

00:24:44.900 --> 00:24:45.660
 So, the ants are a picture

00:24:45.660 --> 00:24:46.620
 of self-discipline

00:24:46.620 --> 00:24:49.079
 and foresight

00:24:49.079 --> 00:24:49.579
 or diligence.

00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:51.200
 But then in verse 9,

00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.940
 Proverbs turns away

00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:52.460
 from the ant

00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:53.099
 and turns back

00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:53.700
 to the sluggard.

00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:55.079
 How long will you

00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:55.799
 lie there,

00:24:55.860 --> 00:24:56.579
 O sluggard?

00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.779
 When will you arise

00:24:58.779 --> 00:24:59.440
 from your sleep?

00:24:59.500 --> 00:25:00.079
 And in verse 10,

00:25:00.120 --> 00:25:00.700
 we sort of hear

00:25:00.700 --> 00:25:01.880
 the sluggard's response.

00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:04.940
 Just a little longer.

00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:07.920
 A little more sleep.

00:25:08.120 --> 00:25:09.800
 Just a little snooze.

00:25:10.360 --> 00:25:11.720
 Just a little rest.

00:25:13.300 --> 00:25:14.120
 Derek Kidner wrote,

00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:15.240
 He deceives himself

00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.400
 by the smallness

00:25:16.400 --> 00:25:19.060
 of his surrenders.

00:25:19.900 --> 00:25:21.660
 So, by inches and minutes,

00:25:21.760 --> 00:25:23.660
 his opportunity slips away.

00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:28.000
 By inches and minutes,

00:25:28.140 --> 00:25:28.900
 his opportunity

00:25:28.900 --> 00:25:31.900
 gradually slips away.

00:25:32.120 --> 00:25:33.300
 A little nap

00:25:33.300 --> 00:25:35.140
 becomes a long sleep.

00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:35.680
 And finally,

00:25:35.800 --> 00:25:36.259
 verse 11,

00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:37.100
 danger strikes.

00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:38.380
 Poverty will come upon you

00:25:38.380 --> 00:25:39.080
 like a robber

00:25:39.080 --> 00:25:41.040
 and want like an armed man.

00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:43.080
 Now, this word

00:25:43.080 --> 00:25:44.240
 translated poverty,

00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:46.759
 it doesn't just mean

00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:48.180
 having limited means

00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:50.440
 or living a simple lifestyle.

00:25:50.700 --> 00:25:51.740
 It's not the same word

00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:52.940
 that's usually translated,

00:25:52.940 --> 00:25:53.660
 the poor,

00:25:54.120 --> 00:25:55.100
 in the rest of Proverbs

00:25:55.100 --> 00:25:55.680
 or the Bible.

00:25:56.380 --> 00:25:58.160
 This word translated poverty

00:25:58.160 --> 00:25:59.519
 means ruin,

00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:00.860
 destruction,

00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:02.140
 destitution.

00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:03.680
 And here,

00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:04.440
 it's self,

00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:05.759
 and pretty much everywhere

00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:06.200
 it appears,

00:26:06.320 --> 00:26:07.440
 it's self-inflicted.

00:26:08.600 --> 00:26:09.660
 That's the warning.

00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:13.160
 Ruin will come upon you

00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:15.620
 if you continue

00:26:15.620 --> 00:26:19.180
 in this passive path.

00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:22.460
 Now, what exactly

00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.120
 is the problem

00:26:23.120 --> 00:26:23.779
 with the sluggard,

00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:24.480
 we might ask?

00:26:26.140 --> 00:26:27.080
 It's not that he wants

00:26:27.080 --> 00:26:28.039
 to get a good night's sleep.

00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:30.480
 Psalm 127,

00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.380
 verse 2 says,

00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:32.460
 the Lord grants

00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:34.039
 to his beloved sleep.

00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:35.360
 It's a gift sleep.

00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:36.160
 A good night's sleep

00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:37.240
 is a gift from God.

00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:38.640
 Ecclesiastes 5 says,

00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.680
 the sleep of a labor

00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.279
 is sweet.

00:26:40.460 --> 00:26:41.500
 Think of the last time

00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.539
 you got a really good

00:26:42.539 --> 00:26:43.620
 workout during the day

00:26:43.619 --> 00:26:46.299
 and you slept well at night.

00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:48.159
 Man, it feels good.

00:26:48.799 --> 00:26:49.359
 You might wake up

00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:50.000
 a little sore,

00:26:50.359 --> 00:26:51.859
 but you sleep well

00:26:51.859 --> 00:26:53.219
 after you work hard

00:26:53.219 --> 00:26:55.619
 when your body's working right.

00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:57.379
 The problem is not

00:26:57.379 --> 00:26:57.939
 that he wants

00:26:57.939 --> 00:26:58.599
 a good night's sleep.

00:26:58.659 --> 00:26:59.259
 The problem is not

00:26:59.259 --> 00:26:59.659
 that he wants

00:26:59.659 --> 00:27:00.719
 a simple and quiet life.

00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:02.059
 That's also a biblical virtue,

00:27:02.179 --> 00:27:02.979
 generally speaking.

00:27:03.679 --> 00:27:05.179
 The problem with the sluggard

00:27:05.179 --> 00:27:07.859
 is that he's full

00:27:07.859 --> 00:27:10.619
 of desires and cravings,

00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:12.559
 full of hopes

00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.440
 and expectations,

00:27:13.659 --> 00:27:15.519
 mostly unrealistic ones,

00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:16.779
 full of opinions

00:27:16.779 --> 00:27:17.619
 and ideas,

00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:19.440
 but unwilling to do

00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:20.099
 the important

00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:21.419
 and necessary work

00:27:21.419 --> 00:27:24.200
 to make step-by-step progress.

00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:26.679
 He doesn't follow through.

00:27:28.319 --> 00:27:30.059
 He perpetually procrastinates.

00:27:30.159 --> 00:27:31.559
 He indulges in various

00:27:31.559 --> 00:27:33.220
 kinds of escapism.

00:27:35.319 --> 00:27:36.359
 Proverbs talks a lot

00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:36.799
 about this.

00:27:36.879 --> 00:27:37.659
 21-26,

00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:39.279
 the desire of the sluggard

00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:40.000
 kills him,

00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:41.759
 for his hands refuse

00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:42.339
 to labor.

00:27:42.339 --> 00:27:43.819
 All day long,

00:27:43.879 --> 00:27:45.339
 he craves and craves.

00:27:45.419 --> 00:27:46.299
 It's not that the sluggard

00:27:46.299 --> 00:27:47.619
 doesn't care about anything

00:27:47.619 --> 00:27:48.500
 and doesn't want anything.

00:27:48.579 --> 00:27:49.659
 He wants lots of things,

00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.839
 but he just doesn't

00:27:50.839 --> 00:27:51.579
 follow through

00:27:51.579 --> 00:27:52.799
 and do what he needs

00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:54.240
 to get what he needs.

00:27:55.439 --> 00:27:56.119
 13-4,

00:27:56.199 --> 00:27:57.000
 the soul of the sluggard

00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:58.720
 craves and gets nothing.

00:28:00.359 --> 00:28:01.240
 26-13,

00:28:01.339 --> 00:28:01.980
 the sluggard says,

00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:03.179
 there's a lion in the road,

00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:04.419
 there's a lion in the streets.

00:28:04.639 --> 00:28:05.220
 In other words,

00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:06.119
 he makes excuses.

00:28:06.879 --> 00:28:07.959
 He attaches himself

00:28:07.960 --> 00:28:08.960
 to excessive

00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:10.600
 and irrational fears

00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:12.319
 and lets himself

00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:13.720
 be driven by those fears

00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.559
 instead of fighting

00:28:14.559 --> 00:28:15.559
 against those fears.

00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:18.100
 Maybe you feel those fears.

00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:20.340
 Crushing anxiety.

00:28:20.840 --> 00:28:22.079
 Are you fighting against it

00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:23.279
 or are you just letting yourself

00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:24.920
 be driven and blown along by them?

00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.840
 Fight against them.

00:28:25.960 --> 00:28:26.660
 It's hard.

00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:29.519
 But God will give you strength

00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:30.799
 and other people

00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:31.639
 can encourage you.

00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:35.500
 The sluggard is a perfectionist,

00:28:36.299 --> 00:28:37.500
 criticizing much

00:28:37.500 --> 00:28:38.779
 and accomplishing little.

00:28:41.319 --> 00:28:42.559
 But there's hope

00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.720
 for the sluggard.

00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:45.940
 Proverbs doesn't abandon

00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:47.359
 the sluggard to his passivity.

00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:49.259
 He exhorts him firmly

00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:50.420
 because there's hope for him

00:28:50.420 --> 00:28:52.039
 to listen and change

00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:53.539
 and become wise.

00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:56.160
 And so Proverbs exhorts us

00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:59.560
 who may have become sluggish.

00:29:01.820 --> 00:29:03.100
 Don't live your life

00:29:03.100 --> 00:29:04.320
 hesitating,

00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:06.180
 making excuses,

00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:07.620
 waiting for someone else

00:29:07.620 --> 00:29:08.600
 to take the lead

00:29:08.600 --> 00:29:09.980
 when decisive

00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:11.300
 and courageous action

00:29:11.300 --> 00:29:12.180
 is called for.

00:29:13.880 --> 00:29:14.660
 Isn't it true

00:29:14.660 --> 00:29:15.940
 that the only thing necessary

00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:17.160
 for the triumph of evil

00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:18.980
 is that good people do nothing?

00:29:22.320 --> 00:29:23.259
 Spiritually speaking,

00:29:24.060 --> 00:29:26.140
 don't be a slugger

00:29:26.140 --> 00:29:28.420
 in the fight against sin

00:29:28.420 --> 00:29:30.300
 for righteousness.

00:29:31.540 --> 00:29:33.680
 Don't ignore a besetting sin,

00:29:33.980 --> 00:29:35.020
 a habitual sin,

00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:36.520
 just hoping it'll go away

00:29:36.520 --> 00:29:37.680
 if you don't think about it

00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:38.380
 and ignore it

00:29:38.380 --> 00:29:39.560
 and pretend it's not there.

00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:40.400
 No, confess it

00:29:40.400 --> 00:29:41.820
 to a brother or sister in Christ

00:29:41.820 --> 00:29:43.440
 and face it head on.

00:29:45.100 --> 00:29:45.860
 Maybe you've had

00:29:45.860 --> 00:29:47.420
 a major spiritual failure

00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:51.820
 with lasting effects

00:29:51.820 --> 00:29:52.940
 on yourself and others.

00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:54.860
 I want you to know

00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:55.799
 there is a path

00:29:55.799 --> 00:29:56.879
 to healing

00:29:56.879 --> 00:29:58.719
 and restoration

00:29:58.719 --> 00:29:59.699
 for you,

00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:03.759
 but it is a painful path

00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:05.859
 and there are no shortcuts.

00:30:07.139 --> 00:30:08.599
 You have to dig deep

00:30:08.599 --> 00:30:09.979
 to pull out the roots

00:30:09.979 --> 00:30:11.579
 of the poisonous weed

00:30:11.579 --> 00:30:13.719
 from the soil of your heart.

00:30:14.319 --> 00:30:14.839
 Otherwise,

00:30:15.139 --> 00:30:16.119
 it's just going to stay

00:30:16.119 --> 00:30:16.899
 under the surface

00:30:16.899 --> 00:30:17.639
 and be liable

00:30:17.639 --> 00:30:18.279
 to grow back

00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:19.059
 in a different form.

00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:21.119
 You have to expose

00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:22.000
 the shame,

00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:23.779
 the self-pity

00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:25.240
 and self-justification,

00:30:25.740 --> 00:30:27.579
 the lies you've let yourself believe.

00:30:27.980 --> 00:30:28.980
 Bring all that out

00:30:28.980 --> 00:30:29.700
 into the light

00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:31.259
 with the help of mature

00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:32.079
 brothers and sisters

00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:32.740
 in Christ.

00:30:33.139 --> 00:30:34.599
 That's part of the road

00:30:34.599 --> 00:30:35.220
 to restoration

00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:36.000
 and healing

00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:36.819
 and wholeness

00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:38.720
 and opportunity.

00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:41.339
 Don't just lie down

00:30:41.339 --> 00:30:42.419
 by the side of the road

00:30:42.419 --> 00:30:43.819
 in the slough of despond

00:30:43.819 --> 00:30:46.200
 and stay there.

00:30:47.419 --> 00:30:48.319
 It's miserable.

00:30:50.000 --> 00:30:51.339
 You're just trying

00:30:51.339 --> 00:30:52.539
 to blind yourself

00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:56.099
 and not deal with life.

00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:58.019
 Don't deceive yourself

00:30:58.019 --> 00:30:58.519
 into thinking

00:30:58.519 --> 00:30:59.059
 that your sin

00:30:59.059 --> 00:31:00.559
 will just magically go away

00:31:00.559 --> 00:31:02.960
 without actually dealing with it.

00:31:02.980 --> 00:31:04.079
 You can deal with your sin

00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:05.139
 in light of the cross.

00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:07.159
 Bring it before the cross

00:31:07.159 --> 00:31:08.019
 where Jesus died

00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:09.079
 and paid for it all

00:31:09.079 --> 00:31:11.679
 and before the empty tomb,

00:31:11.779 --> 00:31:12.539
 the empty grave

00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:13.839
 that shows that He has risen

00:31:13.839 --> 00:31:14.559
 from the dead

00:31:14.559 --> 00:31:16.819
 and triumphed over sin and death

00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:17.960
 and in the power

00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:19.259
 of the Spirit of holiness

00:31:19.259 --> 00:31:20.819
 who lives in you.

00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:22.279
 You are not your own.

00:31:22.359 --> 00:31:23.299
 You belong to Christ.

00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:24.339
 So rise up,

00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.740
 spiritually speaking.

00:31:26.639 --> 00:31:27.420
 Rise up from your

00:31:27.420 --> 00:31:28.460
 spiritual slumber.

00:31:29.339 --> 00:31:30.519
 The Apostle Paul says this

00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:31.659
 in Romans 13, 11,

00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:32.659
 the hour has come

00:31:32.659 --> 00:31:33.940
 for you to wake up

00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:35.399
 from your sleep.

00:31:36.379 --> 00:31:37.559
 The night is far gone.

00:31:37.639 --> 00:31:38.559
 The day is at hand.

00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:40.200
 Let us cast off

00:31:40.200 --> 00:31:41.059
 the works of darkness

00:31:41.059 --> 00:31:42.519
 and put on the armor of light.

00:31:43.259 --> 00:31:44.339
 Let us walk properly

00:31:44.339 --> 00:31:45.159
 as in the daytime,

00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:46.920
 not in orgies

00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:47.639
 and drunkenness,

00:31:47.700 --> 00:31:48.839
 not in sexual immorality

00:31:48.839 --> 00:31:49.740
 and sensuality,

00:31:49.819 --> 00:31:50.779
 not in quarreling

00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:51.879
 and jealousy,

00:31:51.879 --> 00:31:53.659
 but put on the Lord Jesus Christ

00:31:53.659 --> 00:31:55.720
 and make no provision

00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:56.460
 for the flesh

00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:58.379
 to gratify its desires.

00:31:59.659 --> 00:32:00.579
 Hebrews 6 says,

00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:01.879
 we desire each one of you

00:32:01.879 --> 00:32:03.720
 to show the same earnestness,

00:32:04.099 --> 00:32:05.379
 to have the full assurance

00:32:05.379 --> 00:32:06.759
 of hope until the end,

00:32:07.359 --> 00:32:09.839
 so that you may not be sluggish,

00:32:09.839 --> 00:32:12.500
 but imitators of those

00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:13.399
 who through faith

00:32:13.399 --> 00:32:14.759
 and patience

00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:16.959
 inherit the promises

00:32:16.959 --> 00:32:17.899
 of God.

00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:20.759
 God has given us

00:32:20.759 --> 00:32:21.459
 the Holy Spirit

00:32:21.459 --> 00:32:22.439
 to live within us,

00:32:22.480 --> 00:32:23.279
 to give us

00:32:23.279 --> 00:32:24.759
 that internal motivation,

00:32:25.559 --> 00:32:28.500
 the spirit of power

00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:29.099
 and love

00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:30.539
 and self-discipline.

00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:32.079
 So, let's make the most

00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:33.599
 of the opportunities

00:32:33.599 --> 00:32:34.839
 God has given us,

00:32:35.659 --> 00:32:37.940
 even in these days.

00:32:38.639 --> 00:32:39.539
 So, that's the second point

00:32:39.539 --> 00:32:40.220
 about our time.

00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.839
 We've dealt with money,

00:32:43.720 --> 00:32:44.559
 we've dealt with time

00:32:44.559 --> 00:32:45.159
 and opportunity,

00:32:45.700 --> 00:32:46.319
 and finally,

00:32:46.539 --> 00:32:47.940
 we come to our relationships,

00:32:48.339 --> 00:32:49.079
 the last point.

00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:51.259
 The last warning

00:32:51.259 --> 00:32:53.119
 is against malicious

00:32:53.119 --> 00:32:53.879
 troublemaking

00:32:53.879 --> 00:32:56.539
 in our relationships.

00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:58.879
 verse 12 to 19.

00:33:01.879 --> 00:33:02.920
 Verse 12 begins

00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:03.500
 with the phrase,

00:33:03.619 --> 00:33:04.799
 a worthless person.

00:33:06.339 --> 00:33:07.279
 Literally, the phrase

00:33:07.279 --> 00:33:09.299
 is a son of Belial,

00:33:10.740 --> 00:33:11.639
 which is a Hebrew word

00:33:11.639 --> 00:33:12.379
 used to describe

00:33:12.379 --> 00:33:13.579
 a person who is useless

00:33:13.579 --> 00:33:15.019
 for any good purpose

00:33:15.019 --> 00:33:16.920
 because he is bent

00:33:16.920 --> 00:33:17.899
 on destruction

00:33:17.899 --> 00:33:18.839
 and rebellion.

00:33:19.379 --> 00:33:19.899
 And later,

00:33:20.059 --> 00:33:21.019
 that word Belial

00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:22.460
 becomes a name

00:33:22.460 --> 00:33:23.420
 that's used

00:33:23.420 --> 00:33:24.460
 for the devil himself.

00:33:24.460 --> 00:33:27.900
 The father of lies,

00:33:28.039 --> 00:33:28.480
 destruction,

00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:29.100
 and rebellion

00:33:29.100 --> 00:33:29.880
 against God

00:33:29.880 --> 00:33:32.019
 appears in 2 Corinthians 6.15.

00:33:34.340 --> 00:33:35.259
 Proverbs go on

00:33:35.259 --> 00:33:38.100
 to describe this person

00:33:38.100 --> 00:33:41.380
 who is bent on,

00:33:41.720 --> 00:33:42.920
 not just in danger

00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:43.579
 of harming himself,

00:33:43.720 --> 00:33:45.120
 but actively seeking

00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:45.819
 to undermine

00:33:45.819 --> 00:33:47.460
 and bring other people down.

00:33:49.460 --> 00:33:50.720
 Verse 12 to 15

00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:52.579
 and verse 16 to 19,

00:33:52.579 --> 00:33:55.220
 both of these sections,

00:33:55.339 --> 00:33:56.599
 we see five bodily

00:33:56.599 --> 00:33:58.359
 expressions of wickedness.

00:33:58.939 --> 00:34:00.119
 Look down at verse 12.

00:34:01.819 --> 00:34:02.859
 Crooked speech.

00:34:04.259 --> 00:34:05.199
 Verse 17,

00:34:05.500 --> 00:34:06.399
 a lying tongue.

00:34:06.500 --> 00:34:07.259
 That's the first one,

00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:07.919
 the tongue.

00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:09.179
 Second,

00:34:09.799 --> 00:34:10.460
 verse 13,

00:34:10.579 --> 00:34:11.840
 winks with his eyes.

00:34:12.500 --> 00:34:13.139
 Verse 17

00:34:13.139 --> 00:34:14.739
 talks about haughty eyes.

00:34:15.739 --> 00:34:16.299
 Third one,

00:34:16.579 --> 00:34:17.440
 verse 13 again,

00:34:17.559 --> 00:34:18.619
 signals with his feet.

00:34:19.639 --> 00:34:20.259
 Verse 18,

00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:21.039
 talk about feet

00:34:21.039 --> 00:34:21.759
 that make haste

00:34:21.759 --> 00:34:22.539
 to run to evil.

00:34:23.500 --> 00:34:24.079
 Number four,

00:34:24.219 --> 00:34:25.259
 points with his finger.

00:34:25.360 --> 00:34:26.159
 Verse 13.

00:34:27.380 --> 00:34:28.039
 Verse 17

00:34:28.039 --> 00:34:29.059
 talks about hands

00:34:29.059 --> 00:34:30.159
 that shed innocent blood.

00:34:30.239 --> 00:34:31.000
 So we have mouth,

00:34:31.539 --> 00:34:32.099
 eyes,

00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:32.800
 feet,

00:34:33.259 --> 00:34:33.840
 hands,

00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:34.940
 our words,

00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:35.860
 attitudes,

00:34:36.059 --> 00:34:36.679
 and actions.

00:34:37.000 --> 00:34:38.719
 Every part of this person's life

00:34:38.719 --> 00:34:40.019
 has been corrupted

00:34:40.019 --> 00:34:41.039
 by sin

00:34:41.599 --> 00:34:43.199
 and oriented

00:34:43.199 --> 00:34:44.500
 toward destruction.

00:34:44.500 --> 00:34:49.800
 and then we come

00:34:49.800 --> 00:34:50.599
 to verse 14,

00:34:51.219 --> 00:34:52.480
 the fifth and final member

00:34:52.480 --> 00:34:53.219
 of the series.

00:34:54.599 --> 00:34:55.059
 The heart

00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:57.179
 with perverted heart

00:34:57.179 --> 00:34:58.940
 devises evil.

00:35:00.219 --> 00:35:00.699
 In the Bible,

00:35:00.780 --> 00:35:01.639
 the heart is the center

00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:02.380
 of our thinking

00:35:02.380 --> 00:35:03.880
 and feeling

00:35:03.880 --> 00:35:04.940
 and decision making.

00:35:06.099 --> 00:35:06.679
 And it says,

00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:07.420
 this person's heart

00:35:07.420 --> 00:35:08.119
 is perverted,

00:35:08.260 --> 00:35:08.840
 it's twisted,

00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:09.960
 it's constantly

00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:11.079
 devising

00:35:11.079 --> 00:35:12.599
 evil plans.

00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:16.440
 You might say,

00:35:16.519 --> 00:35:17.000
 what exactly

00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:18.199
 do these bodily actions

00:35:18.199 --> 00:35:19.759
 in verse 12 and 13

00:35:19.759 --> 00:35:20.159
 indicate?

00:35:20.360 --> 00:35:21.319
 Maybe some people

00:35:21.319 --> 00:35:21.840
 have suggested

00:35:21.840 --> 00:35:22.799
 possibly they refer

00:35:22.799 --> 00:35:23.819
 to engaging

00:35:23.819 --> 00:35:24.579
 in sorcery,

00:35:24.679 --> 00:35:25.579
 casting spells,

00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:27.759
 or putting curses

00:35:27.759 --> 00:35:28.299
 on people.

00:35:28.420 --> 00:35:28.880
 More likely,

00:35:29.019 --> 00:35:30.079
 they're simply

00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:31.079
 secretive signals

00:35:31.079 --> 00:35:32.059
 intended to deceive

00:35:32.059 --> 00:35:32.980
 or cause harm.

00:35:33.420 --> 00:35:34.019
 Maybe it's also

00:35:34.019 --> 00:35:34.860
 a picture of

00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:36.400
 restless shifting

00:35:36.400 --> 00:35:37.099
 and shuffling,

00:35:37.840 --> 00:35:39.260
 a sign of inner unrest.

00:35:42.059 --> 00:35:42.800
 But in verse 14

00:35:42.800 --> 00:35:43.160
 and 19,

00:35:43.240 --> 00:35:43.920
 we see the effect

00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:44.500
 of this person

00:35:44.500 --> 00:35:45.500
 on others around him,

00:35:45.579 --> 00:35:47.119
 continually sowing discord.

00:35:47.500 --> 00:35:48.820
 Verse 14,

00:35:48.900 --> 00:35:49.519
 verse 19,

00:35:49.680 --> 00:35:50.440
 sowing discord

00:35:50.440 --> 00:35:51.519
 among brothers.

00:35:52.539 --> 00:35:53.000
 The effect

00:35:53.000 --> 00:35:53.619
 of this person

00:35:53.619 --> 00:35:54.519
 is he provokes

00:35:54.519 --> 00:35:55.340
 bitter conflict,

00:35:55.579 --> 00:35:55.960
 strife,

00:35:56.039 --> 00:35:56.700
 and dissension,

00:35:56.860 --> 00:35:57.680
 breaking apart

00:35:57.680 --> 00:35:58.480
 families,

00:35:58.980 --> 00:35:59.320
 churches,

00:35:59.800 --> 00:36:00.139
 neighborhoods,

00:36:00.680 --> 00:36:01.039
 nations,

00:36:01.220 --> 00:36:01.980
 driving a wedge

00:36:01.980 --> 00:36:02.700
 between husbands

00:36:02.700 --> 00:36:03.340
 and wives,

00:36:03.500 --> 00:36:04.380
 parents and children,

00:36:04.760 --> 00:36:05.619
 fellow church leaders,

00:36:05.619 --> 00:36:06.500
 brothers and sisters

00:36:06.500 --> 00:36:06.980
 and friends.

00:36:07.059 --> 00:36:08.359
 This is a dangerous man.

00:36:10.259 --> 00:36:11.460
 But verse 15 and 16

00:36:11.460 --> 00:36:12.219
 also tell us

00:36:12.219 --> 00:36:13.019
 that he is destined

00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:13.839
 for final

00:36:13.839 --> 00:36:15.380
 and irreversible judgment.

00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:17.859
 He seeks to ruin

00:36:17.859 --> 00:36:18.440
 his victims,

00:36:18.579 --> 00:36:19.039
 but ultimately

00:36:19.039 --> 00:36:20.159
 he will ruin himself.

00:36:20.699 --> 00:36:22.219
 He overthrows God's order

00:36:22.219 --> 00:36:23.019
 so he will one day

00:36:23.019 --> 00:36:23.799
 be overthrown.

00:36:23.900 --> 00:36:25.019
 He sheds innocent blood

00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:25.500
 so one day

00:36:25.500 --> 00:36:26.199
 he will be broken

00:36:26.199 --> 00:36:27.400
 beyond healing.

00:36:29.199 --> 00:36:30.400
 He will get exactly

00:36:30.400 --> 00:36:31.440
 what he deserves.

00:36:33.059 --> 00:36:33.839
 Verse 16 says

00:36:33.839 --> 00:36:34.480
 the first time,

00:36:34.699 --> 00:36:35.519
 verse 16 is

00:36:35.519 --> 00:36:36.159
 the first time

00:36:36.159 --> 00:36:36.900
 that the Lord's name

00:36:36.900 --> 00:36:37.380
 is mentioned

00:36:37.380 --> 00:36:38.480
 in this chapter

00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:40.880
 and it says

00:36:40.880 --> 00:36:41.739
 the Lord hates

00:36:41.739 --> 00:36:42.500
 the thoughts,

00:36:42.699 --> 00:36:43.639
 the attitudes,

00:36:43.900 --> 00:36:44.519
 the words,

00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:45.300
 the actions,

00:36:45.460 --> 00:36:46.079
 the influence

00:36:46.079 --> 00:36:47.199
 of such a person.

00:36:47.659 --> 00:36:48.820
 They are an abomination

00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:49.440
 to him.

00:36:49.519 --> 00:36:51.800
 This is very strong language.

00:36:53.900 --> 00:36:54.960
 Now what's the point

00:36:54.960 --> 00:36:58.119
 of this vivid description

00:36:58.119 --> 00:36:59.900
 of a malicious

00:36:59.900 --> 00:37:00.619
 troublemaker

00:37:00.619 --> 00:37:01.880
 and his inevitable demise?

00:37:05.339 --> 00:37:06.019
 Well, one,

00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:06.859
 I think there's a warning

00:37:06.859 --> 00:37:08.759
 against associating

00:37:08.759 --> 00:37:09.500
 too closely

00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:11.900
 with a person like this.

00:37:13.179 --> 00:37:14.219
 We saw that back

00:37:14.219 --> 00:37:14.900
 in chapter 1

00:37:14.900 --> 00:37:16.380
 with a warning

00:37:16.380 --> 00:37:17.940
 against following

00:37:17.940 --> 00:37:18.599
 the crowd

00:37:18.599 --> 00:37:20.279
 into wickedness.

00:37:22.579 --> 00:37:23.619
 It's also a warning

00:37:23.619 --> 00:37:24.359
 against becoming

00:37:24.359 --> 00:37:25.619
 like this man

00:37:25.619 --> 00:37:27.659
 in part

00:37:27.659 --> 00:37:28.420
 even if not

00:37:28.420 --> 00:37:28.960
 in whole.

00:37:31.900 --> 00:37:32.859
 One commentator

00:37:32.859 --> 00:37:33.500
 put it this way,

00:37:33.599 --> 00:37:34.059
 the reader

00:37:34.059 --> 00:37:35.659
 of this section

00:37:35.659 --> 00:37:36.819
 can almost catch

00:37:36.819 --> 00:37:38.579
 the superior look

00:37:38.579 --> 00:37:40.219
 and the shifty talk

00:37:40.219 --> 00:37:41.980
 and may wonder

00:37:41.980 --> 00:37:43.779
 when his own hands

00:37:43.779 --> 00:37:44.779
 were last employed

00:37:44.779 --> 00:37:45.440
 to an innocent

00:37:45.440 --> 00:37:46.460
 person's detriment.

00:37:48.960 --> 00:37:50.400
 When was the last time

00:37:50.400 --> 00:37:50.880
 you were

00:37:50.880 --> 00:37:52.480
 ruminating

00:37:52.480 --> 00:37:53.219
 in your heart

00:37:53.219 --> 00:37:54.500
 about someone

00:37:54.500 --> 00:37:56.579
 who has wronged you

00:37:56.579 --> 00:37:58.659
 or who has done

00:37:58.659 --> 00:37:59.539
 wrong to others?

00:38:01.699 --> 00:38:02.899
 What were you

00:38:02.899 --> 00:38:04.039
 ruminating about?

00:38:05.799 --> 00:38:07.059
 Were you praying

00:38:07.059 --> 00:38:07.879
 that God would bring

00:38:07.879 --> 00:38:08.539
 them to repentance?

00:38:10.299 --> 00:38:11.500
 Were you praying

00:38:11.500 --> 00:38:13.959
 for their ultimate good?

00:38:15.059 --> 00:38:16.519
 Or were you plotting

00:38:16.519 --> 00:38:18.839
 ways that you could

00:38:18.839 --> 00:38:19.679
 undermine them

00:38:19.679 --> 00:38:20.639
 in return?

00:38:20.639 --> 00:38:24.179
 When was the last time

00:38:24.179 --> 00:38:24.819
 you participated

00:38:24.819 --> 00:38:25.460
 in gossip?

00:38:28.099 --> 00:38:28.980
 We could define

00:38:28.980 --> 00:38:29.839
 gossip as talking

00:38:29.839 --> 00:38:30.319
 with someone

00:38:30.319 --> 00:38:30.879
 who is neither

00:38:30.879 --> 00:38:31.679
 part of the problem

00:38:31.679 --> 00:38:32.699
 nor part of the solution.

00:38:34.759 --> 00:38:36.039
 Proverbs 16, 28

00:38:36.039 --> 00:38:36.819
 says,

00:38:36.960 --> 00:38:37.799
 a whisperer,

00:38:38.420 --> 00:38:38.839
 that is,

00:38:38.920 --> 00:38:40.000
 someone who gossips,

00:38:40.359 --> 00:38:41.940
 separates close friends.

00:38:44.239 --> 00:38:45.219
 So there's a warning

00:38:45.219 --> 00:38:45.960
 in this picture

00:38:45.960 --> 00:38:48.039
 of becoming

00:38:48.039 --> 00:38:49.639
 like this person.

00:38:50.639 --> 00:38:51.819
 There's also

00:38:51.819 --> 00:38:52.319
 a comfort

00:38:52.319 --> 00:38:52.859
 if you're

00:38:52.859 --> 00:38:53.639
 on the receiving

00:38:53.639 --> 00:38:54.379
 end

00:38:54.379 --> 00:38:56.460
 of someone

00:38:56.460 --> 00:38:57.559
 who sows discord

00:38:57.559 --> 00:38:58.179
 and tears

00:38:58.179 --> 00:38:59.219
 relationships apart

00:38:59.219 --> 00:39:01.119
 and bears

00:39:01.119 --> 00:39:01.900
 false witness.

00:39:03.779 --> 00:39:04.639
 Maybe you've been

00:39:04.639 --> 00:39:05.179
 on the receiving

00:39:05.179 --> 00:39:05.599
 end

00:39:05.599 --> 00:39:06.859
 of a person

00:39:06.859 --> 00:39:07.519
 like this.

00:39:08.099 --> 00:39:08.759
 And the comfort

00:39:08.759 --> 00:39:09.179
 here

00:39:09.179 --> 00:39:10.599
 is that those

00:39:10.599 --> 00:39:11.500
 who continually

00:39:11.500 --> 00:39:12.980
 and unrepentantly

00:39:12.980 --> 00:39:13.859
 sow discord

00:39:13.859 --> 00:39:15.059
 will not escape

00:39:15.059 --> 00:39:15.719
 God's judgment.

00:39:15.719 --> 00:39:15.839
 encouragement.

00:39:17.559 --> 00:39:18.859
 So it's an encouragement.

00:39:19.139 --> 00:39:20.519
 Don't repay evil

00:39:20.519 --> 00:39:21.239
 for evil

00:39:21.239 --> 00:39:23.099
 but to overcome

00:39:23.099 --> 00:39:24.099
 evil with good.

00:39:27.119 --> 00:39:28.299
 To love even

00:39:28.299 --> 00:39:28.980
 your enemies

00:39:28.980 --> 00:39:30.039
 and to do good

00:39:30.039 --> 00:39:31.059
 to those who hate you

00:39:31.059 --> 00:39:33.319
 because vengeance

00:39:33.319 --> 00:39:33.779
 is mine

00:39:33.779 --> 00:39:34.480
 says the Lord.

00:39:37.019 --> 00:39:38.319
 This passage warns

00:39:38.319 --> 00:39:39.239
 against the divisive

00:39:39.239 --> 00:39:39.839
 person but

00:39:39.839 --> 00:39:40.719
 we also see

00:39:40.719 --> 00:39:41.279
 in the Scriptures

00:39:41.279 --> 00:39:42.379
 encouragements

00:39:42.379 --> 00:39:43.239
 to pursue unity

00:39:43.239 --> 00:39:44.279
 and humility.

00:39:45.799 --> 00:39:46.239
 This person

00:39:46.239 --> 00:39:46.659
 is characterized

00:39:46.659 --> 00:39:47.419
 by pride

00:39:47.419 --> 00:39:48.159
 and divisiveness.

00:39:50.019 --> 00:39:51.000
 The opposite

00:39:51.000 --> 00:39:51.699
 is humility

00:39:51.699 --> 00:39:53.459
 and unity.

00:39:54.599 --> 00:39:55.239
 Psalm 133

00:39:55.779 --> 00:39:56.039
 says,

00:39:56.199 --> 00:39:56.599
 how good

00:39:56.599 --> 00:39:57.139
 and pleasant

00:39:57.139 --> 00:39:57.699
 it is

00:39:57.699 --> 00:39:58.219
 when brothers

00:39:58.219 --> 00:39:58.959
 and sisters

00:39:58.959 --> 00:39:59.839
 dwell together

00:39:59.839 --> 00:40:00.419
 in unity

00:40:00.419 --> 00:40:01.579
 for there

00:40:01.579 --> 00:40:02.000
 the Lord

00:40:02.000 --> 00:40:02.579
 has commanded

00:40:02.579 --> 00:40:03.259
 His blessing

00:40:03.259 --> 00:40:04.899
 even life

00:40:04.899 --> 00:40:05.639
 forevermore.

00:40:07.639 --> 00:40:08.179
 Or consider

00:40:08.179 --> 00:40:08.859
 the Beatitudes

00:40:08.860 --> 00:40:10.360
 that we read

00:40:10.360 --> 00:40:11.360
 earlier in the service.

00:40:12.740 --> 00:40:13.300
 Jesus' words

00:40:13.300 --> 00:40:14.039
 in Matthew 5

00:40:14.039 --> 00:40:14.400
 what do they

00:40:14.400 --> 00:40:15.059
 start with?

00:40:15.940 --> 00:40:16.780
 Blessed are

00:40:16.780 --> 00:40:17.300
 the poor

00:40:17.300 --> 00:40:18.120
 in spirit.

00:40:20.519 --> 00:40:21.039
 Do you notice

00:40:21.039 --> 00:40:21.780
 the list

00:40:21.780 --> 00:40:22.640
 in verse 17

00:40:22.640 --> 00:40:23.559
 begins with

00:40:23.559 --> 00:40:24.900
 haughty eyes

00:40:24.900 --> 00:40:25.579
 pride.

00:40:27.740 --> 00:40:28.260
 Jesus

00:40:28.260 --> 00:40:29.260
 begins

00:40:29.260 --> 00:40:30.019
 with humility.

00:40:31.160 --> 00:40:31.740
 That's where

00:40:31.740 --> 00:40:32.340
 it all starts.

00:40:32.420 --> 00:40:32.940
 You have to enter

00:40:32.940 --> 00:40:33.740
 the kingdom of God

00:40:33.740 --> 00:40:34.260
 with humility

00:40:34.260 --> 00:40:35.140
 like a child

00:40:35.140 --> 00:40:36.220
 acknowledging

00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:37.220
 your total dependence

00:40:37.219 --> 00:40:38.459
 on the unmerited

00:40:38.459 --> 00:40:39.259
 grace of God

00:40:39.259 --> 00:40:40.099
 humbling yourself

00:40:40.099 --> 00:40:40.439
 admitting

00:40:40.439 --> 00:40:41.159
 I'm a sinner

00:40:41.159 --> 00:40:43.219
 and crying out

00:40:43.219 --> 00:40:43.519
 to God

00:40:43.519 --> 00:40:44.459
 like the tax collector

00:40:44.459 --> 00:40:45.000
 in the temple

00:40:45.000 --> 00:40:45.719
 saying Lord

00:40:45.719 --> 00:40:46.779
 have mercy on me

00:40:46.779 --> 00:40:47.799
 Lord make atonement

00:40:47.799 --> 00:40:48.239
 for me

00:40:48.239 --> 00:40:49.059
 cover me

00:40:49.059 --> 00:40:50.279
 I'm a sinner

00:40:50.279 --> 00:40:51.279
 and I don't deserve

00:40:51.279 --> 00:40:52.739
 your righteousness

00:40:52.739 --> 00:40:54.759
 I need you.

00:40:56.819 --> 00:40:57.439
 That's where

00:40:57.439 --> 00:40:58.219
 it all starts.

00:41:02.659 --> 00:41:03.299
 And then

00:41:03.299 --> 00:41:03.819
 verse 18

00:41:03.819 --> 00:41:04.299
 in the middle

00:41:04.299 --> 00:41:06.679
 talks about

00:41:06.679 --> 00:41:06.980
 a heart

00:41:06.980 --> 00:41:07.480
 that devises

00:41:07.480 --> 00:41:08.440
 wicked plans

00:41:08.440 --> 00:41:09.679
 but the

00:41:09.679 --> 00:41:10.199
 Beatitudes

00:41:10.199 --> 00:41:10.839
 in the middle

00:41:10.839 --> 00:41:11.319
 speak about

00:41:11.319 --> 00:41:11.719
 those who are

00:41:11.719 --> 00:41:12.299
 pure in heart

00:41:12.299 --> 00:41:12.799
 who hunger

00:41:12.799 --> 00:41:13.299
 and thirst

00:41:13.299 --> 00:41:13.739
 for God's

00:41:13.739 --> 00:41:14.159
 righteousness

00:41:14.159 --> 00:41:15.960
 and that's

00:41:15.960 --> 00:41:16.440
 what happens

00:41:16.440 --> 00:41:17.099
 when we become

00:41:17.099 --> 00:41:17.940
 born again

00:41:17.940 --> 00:41:19.519
 when we get

00:41:19.519 --> 00:41:20.500
 regenerated

00:41:20.500 --> 00:41:22.419
 and come alive

00:41:22.419 --> 00:41:23.059
 in Christ

00:41:23.059 --> 00:41:24.579
 God gives us

00:41:24.579 --> 00:41:25.539
 a new heart

00:41:25.539 --> 00:41:28.519
 if you look

00:41:28.519 --> 00:41:28.639
 to

00:41:28.639 --> 00:41:29.460
 if you have

00:41:29.460 --> 00:41:30.440
 looked to Christ

00:41:30.440 --> 00:41:31.059
 and put your faith

00:41:31.059 --> 00:41:31.299
 in Him

00:41:31.299 --> 00:41:31.799
 it means He has

00:41:31.799 --> 00:41:32.539
 already put that

00:41:32.539 --> 00:41:33.259
 new heart in you

00:41:33.259 --> 00:41:33.799
 that's why you're

00:41:33.799 --> 00:41:34.559
 looking to Christ

00:41:34.559 --> 00:41:35.699
 if you're being

00:41:35.699 --> 00:41:36.519
 drawn toward Christ

00:41:36.519 --> 00:41:37.039
 maybe God's

00:41:37.039 --> 00:41:37.759
 in the process

00:41:37.759 --> 00:41:38.440
 of doing that

00:41:38.440 --> 00:41:39.320
 He is

00:41:39.320 --> 00:41:41.239
 implanting His

00:41:41.239 --> 00:41:41.920
 Word in you

00:41:41.920 --> 00:41:43.059
 giving you a heart

00:41:43.059 --> 00:41:43.900
 that hungers

00:41:43.900 --> 00:41:44.400
 and thirsts

00:41:44.400 --> 00:41:45.000
 for God

00:41:45.000 --> 00:41:46.059
 for His presence

00:41:46.059 --> 00:41:46.880
 for His glory

00:41:46.880 --> 00:41:48.799
 and we can pray

00:41:48.799 --> 00:41:50.159
 Lord renew my heart

00:41:50.159 --> 00:41:51.799
 you've given me

00:41:51.799 --> 00:41:52.400
 a new heart

00:41:52.400 --> 00:41:53.880
 in Christ

00:41:53.880 --> 00:41:54.699
 by your grace

00:41:54.699 --> 00:41:56.500
 fill me

00:41:56.500 --> 00:41:57.259
 in a fresh way

00:41:57.259 --> 00:41:58.019
 with your spirit

00:41:58.019 --> 00:41:58.860
 renew me

00:41:58.860 --> 00:42:02.519
 we start

00:42:02.519 --> 00:42:03.160
 with humility

00:42:03.160 --> 00:42:04.660
 and the new heart

00:42:04.660 --> 00:42:05.860
 that comes

00:42:05.860 --> 00:42:06.280
 from the new

00:42:06.280 --> 00:42:06.599
 covenant

00:42:06.599 --> 00:42:07.220
 in Christ

00:42:07.220 --> 00:42:08.300
 the result

00:42:08.300 --> 00:42:08.880
 is

00:42:08.880 --> 00:42:10.320
 peacemaking

00:42:10.320 --> 00:42:12.140
 right

00:42:12.140 --> 00:42:12.740
 number seven

00:42:12.740 --> 00:42:13.220
 in the list

00:42:13.220 --> 00:42:13.760
 in Proverbs

00:42:13.760 --> 00:42:15.180
 chapter 7

00:42:15.180 --> 00:42:15.840
 verse 19

00:42:15.840 --> 00:42:16.700
 is sowing discord

00:42:16.700 --> 00:42:17.300
 among brothers

00:42:17.300 --> 00:42:18.320
 number seven

00:42:18.320 --> 00:42:19.200
 in the Beatitudes

00:42:19.200 --> 00:42:20.780
 blessed are the

00:42:20.780 --> 00:42:21.380
 peacemakers

00:42:21.380 --> 00:42:23.059
 humility

00:42:23.059 --> 00:42:24.740
 and a renewed

00:42:24.740 --> 00:42:25.079
 heart

00:42:25.079 --> 00:42:25.599
 that's changed

00:42:25.599 --> 00:42:26.420
 by God's grace

00:42:26.420 --> 00:42:27.320
 leads to

00:42:27.320 --> 00:42:28.460
 making peace

00:42:28.460 --> 00:42:28.539
 peace

00:42:28.539 --> 00:42:30.740
 and Ephesians 2

00:42:30.740 --> 00:42:31.420
 says Christ

00:42:31.420 --> 00:42:31.900
 Himself

00:42:31.900 --> 00:42:32.800
 is our peace

00:42:32.800 --> 00:42:34.539
 He suffered

00:42:34.539 --> 00:42:34.940
 and died

00:42:34.940 --> 00:42:35.420
 to make us

00:42:35.420 --> 00:42:36.039
 one in Him

00:42:36.039 --> 00:42:36.619
 to reconcile

00:42:36.619 --> 00:42:37.380
 us to God

00:42:37.380 --> 00:42:38.039
 in one body

00:42:38.039 --> 00:42:38.920
 through His cross

00:42:38.920 --> 00:42:40.260
 and that's why

00:42:40.260 --> 00:42:40.940
 Ephesians 4

00:42:40.940 --> 00:42:41.500
 says make

00:42:41.500 --> 00:42:42.460
 every effort

00:42:42.460 --> 00:42:43.699
 to keep

00:42:43.699 --> 00:42:44.159
 the unity

00:42:44.159 --> 00:42:44.840
 of the Spirit

00:42:44.840 --> 00:42:46.260
 in the bond

00:42:46.260 --> 00:42:46.820
 of peace

00:42:46.820 --> 00:42:49.579
 peacemaking

00:42:49.579 --> 00:42:50.199
 is not easy

00:42:50.199 --> 00:42:52.880
 it's not just

00:42:52.880 --> 00:42:53.320
 being

00:42:53.320 --> 00:42:54.760
 always having

00:42:54.760 --> 00:42:55.139
 a smile

00:42:55.139 --> 00:42:55.760
 on your face

00:42:55.760 --> 00:42:56.579
 and being nice

00:42:56.579 --> 00:42:57.119
 and pretending

00:42:57.119 --> 00:42:57.659
 nothing ever

00:42:57.659 --> 00:42:58.220
 goes wrong

00:42:58.219 --> 00:42:59.500
 that's not

00:42:59.500 --> 00:43:00.379
 biblical peacemaking

00:43:00.379 --> 00:43:02.259
 it's not

00:43:02.259 --> 00:43:02.559
 pretending

00:43:02.559 --> 00:43:03.039
 nothing ever

00:43:03.039 --> 00:43:03.619
 went wrong

00:43:03.619 --> 00:43:06.119
 what does it

00:43:06.119 --> 00:43:06.399
 mean to be

00:43:06.399 --> 00:43:06.939
 a peacemaker

00:43:06.939 --> 00:43:07.359
 well

00:43:07.359 --> 00:43:07.959
 sometimes it

00:43:07.959 --> 00:43:08.359
 means to

00:43:08.359 --> 00:43:08.899
 forbear

00:43:08.899 --> 00:43:10.099
 patiently

00:43:10.099 --> 00:43:11.259
 and prayerfully

00:43:11.259 --> 00:43:13.339
 that means

00:43:13.339 --> 00:43:14.559
 you tolerate

00:43:14.559 --> 00:43:15.480
 others weaknesses

00:43:15.480 --> 00:43:17.519
 because you

00:43:17.519 --> 00:43:19.039
 value them

00:43:19.039 --> 00:43:20.379
 and what the

00:43:20.379 --> 00:43:20.839
 Lord is doing

00:43:20.839 --> 00:43:21.359
 in them

00:43:21.359 --> 00:43:22.859
 sometimes it

00:43:22.859 --> 00:43:23.219
 means to

00:43:23.219 --> 00:43:23.739
 confront

00:43:23.739 --> 00:43:25.459
 lovingly

00:43:25.460 --> 00:43:26.159
 and truthfully

00:43:26.159 --> 00:43:27.740
 and speak

00:43:27.740 --> 00:43:28.240
 the truth

00:43:28.240 --> 00:43:29.460
 because you

00:43:29.460 --> 00:43:30.039
 care about

00:43:30.039 --> 00:43:30.559
 the person's

00:43:30.559 --> 00:43:30.860
 growth

00:43:30.860 --> 00:43:31.460
 in the

00:43:31.460 --> 00:43:31.760
 Lord

00:43:31.760 --> 00:43:34.800
 sometimes it

00:43:34.800 --> 00:43:35.119
 means to

00:43:35.119 --> 00:43:35.480
 acknowledge

00:43:35.480 --> 00:43:35.960
 our own

00:43:35.960 --> 00:43:36.400
 faults

00:43:36.400 --> 00:43:37.800
 even if we

00:43:37.800 --> 00:43:38.500
 think I was

00:43:38.500 --> 00:43:39.420
 only 5%

00:43:39.420 --> 00:43:40.079
 of the problem

00:43:40.079 --> 00:43:41.059
 and they

00:43:41.059 --> 00:43:42.240
 were 95%

00:43:42.240 --> 00:43:43.179
 well have you

00:43:43.179 --> 00:43:43.500
 acknowledged

00:43:43.500 --> 00:43:44.220
 your 5%

00:43:44.220 --> 00:43:45.019
 because that's

00:43:45.019 --> 00:43:45.360
 the only

00:43:45.360 --> 00:43:47.119
 that's the part

00:43:47.119 --> 00:43:47.500
 you will be

00:43:47.500 --> 00:43:47.940
 responsible

00:43:47.940 --> 00:43:48.760
 before God

00:43:48.760 --> 00:43:49.579
 for

00:43:49.579 --> 00:43:50.579
 not what they

00:43:50.579 --> 00:43:51.139
 did to you

00:43:51.139 --> 00:43:52.079
 but you

00:43:52.079 --> 00:43:52.319
 will be

00:43:52.319 --> 00:43:52.739
 responsible

00:43:52.739 --> 00:43:53.519
 before God

00:43:53.519 --> 00:43:55.079
 for your

00:43:55.079 --> 00:43:55.420
 part

00:43:55.420 --> 00:43:59.920
 to be

00:43:59.920 --> 00:44:00.319
 willing to

00:44:00.319 --> 00:44:00.579
 extend

00:44:00.579 --> 00:44:00.960
 forgiveness

00:44:00.960 --> 00:44:01.539
 as Christ

00:44:01.539 --> 00:44:02.079
 has forgiven

00:44:02.079 --> 00:44:02.559
 us

00:44:02.559 --> 00:44:05.219
 right

00:44:05.219 --> 00:44:05.719
 we can only

00:44:05.719 --> 00:44:06.139
 do this

00:44:06.139 --> 00:44:06.599
 we can only

00:44:06.599 --> 00:44:07.239
 be a peacemaker

00:44:07.239 --> 00:44:07.599
 through the

00:44:07.599 --> 00:44:08.059
 power of

00:44:08.059 --> 00:44:08.359
 Christ

00:44:08.359 --> 00:44:08.719
 through the

00:44:08.719 --> 00:44:09.839
 new heart

00:44:09.839 --> 00:44:10.259
 he's given

00:44:10.259 --> 00:44:10.480
 us

00:44:10.480 --> 00:44:11.059
 through the

00:44:11.059 --> 00:44:11.539
 power of

00:44:11.539 --> 00:44:12.039
 his cross

00:44:12.039 --> 00:44:12.319
 through the

00:44:12.319 --> 00:44:13.000
 Holy Spirit

00:44:13.000 --> 00:44:16.279
 this passage

00:44:16.279 --> 00:44:16.739
 is full of

00:44:16.739 --> 00:44:17.139
 warnings

00:44:17.139 --> 00:44:17.839
 we've seen

00:44:17.839 --> 00:44:18.359
 these warnings

00:44:18.359 --> 00:44:18.759
 against

00:44:18.759 --> 00:44:19.900
 well-intentioned

00:44:19.900 --> 00:44:20.519
 irresponsible

00:44:20.519 --> 00:44:21.599
 financial decisions

00:44:21.599 --> 00:44:21.980
 against

00:44:21.980 --> 00:44:22.840
 passive

00:44:22.840 --> 00:44:23.480
 sluggishness

00:44:23.480 --> 00:44:23.800
 with our

00:44:23.800 --> 00:44:24.059
 time

00:44:24.059 --> 00:44:24.320
 against

00:44:24.320 --> 00:44:24.800
 active

00:44:24.800 --> 00:44:25.280
 malice

00:44:25.280 --> 00:44:25.519
 in our

00:44:25.519 --> 00:44:26.000
 relationships

00:44:26.000 --> 00:44:26.420
 but it's

00:44:26.420 --> 00:44:27.000
 an invitation

00:44:27.000 --> 00:44:27.539
 in each

00:44:27.539 --> 00:44:27.840
 of these

00:44:27.840 --> 00:44:28.300
 areas

00:44:28.300 --> 00:44:29.840
 to look

00:44:29.840 --> 00:44:30.179
 to our

00:44:30.179 --> 00:44:30.900
 all-sufficient

00:44:30.900 --> 00:44:31.400
 God

00:44:31.400 --> 00:44:32.880
 Father

00:44:32.880 --> 00:44:33.259
 Son

00:44:33.259 --> 00:44:33.699
 and Holy

00:44:33.699 --> 00:44:34.079
 Spirit

00:44:34.079 --> 00:44:35.900
 to look

00:44:35.900 --> 00:44:36.179
 to our

00:44:36.179 --> 00:44:36.440
 Heavenly

00:44:36.440 --> 00:44:36.880
 Father

00:44:36.880 --> 00:44:38.940
 who sovereignly

00:44:38.940 --> 00:44:39.360
 provides

00:44:39.360 --> 00:44:39.679
 for the

00:44:39.679 --> 00:44:39.940
 needs

00:44:39.940 --> 00:44:40.239
 of each

00:44:40.239 --> 00:44:40.500
 of his

00:44:40.500 --> 00:44:40.820
 children

00:44:40.820 --> 00:44:41.980
 who has

00:44:41.980 --> 00:44:42.420
 been so

00:44:42.420 --> 00:44:42.920
 generous

00:44:42.920 --> 00:44:43.659
 in welcoming

00:44:43.659 --> 00:44:44.000
 us

00:44:44.000 --> 00:44:44.400
 into his

00:44:44.400 --> 00:44:44.739
 family

00:44:44.739 --> 00:44:46.679
 to look

00:44:46.679 --> 00:44:46.980
 to our

00:44:46.980 --> 00:44:47.259
 Savior

00:44:47.259 --> 00:44:47.559
 Jesus

00:44:47.559 --> 00:44:47.900
 Christ

00:44:47.900 --> 00:44:48.259
 who is

00:44:48.259 --> 00:44:48.460
 our

00:44:48.460 --> 00:44:48.860
 peace

00:44:48.860 --> 00:44:50.159
 who

00:44:50.159 --> 00:44:50.759
 reconciles

00:44:50.759 --> 00:44:51.059
 us to

00:44:51.059 --> 00:44:51.259
 God

00:44:51.259 --> 00:44:51.599
 and makes

00:44:51.599 --> 00:44:51.759
 us

00:44:51.759 --> 00:44:52.379
 peacemakers

00:44:52.379 --> 00:44:52.899
 by his

00:44:52.899 --> 00:44:53.139
 Spirit

00:44:53.139 --> 00:44:53.599
 living in

00:44:53.599 --> 00:44:53.899
 us

00:44:53.899 --> 00:44:55.699
 and to

00:44:55.699 --> 00:44:56.019
 live in

00:44:56.019 --> 00:44:56.339
 the power

00:44:56.339 --> 00:44:56.559
 of the

00:44:56.559 --> 00:44:57.059
 Holy Spirit

00:44:57.059 --> 00:44:57.259
 our

00:44:57.259 --> 00:44:57.719
 Comforter

00:44:57.719 --> 00:44:59.460
 who equips

00:44:59.460 --> 00:45:00.019
 and empowers

00:45:00.019 --> 00:45:00.339
 us to

00:45:00.339 --> 00:45:00.719
 not be

00:45:00.719 --> 00:45:01.219
 sluggish

00:45:01.219 --> 00:45:01.879
 but to

00:45:01.879 --> 00:45:02.219
 do the

00:45:02.219 --> 00:45:02.679
 good works

00:45:02.679 --> 00:45:03.039
 that God

00:45:03.039 --> 00:45:03.579
 has prepared

00:45:03.579 --> 00:45:04.199
 in advance

00:45:04.199 --> 00:45:04.519
 for us

00:45:04.519 --> 00:45:04.859
 to do

00:45:04.859 --> 00:45:08.139
 we have

00:45:08.139 --> 00:45:08.539
 an all

00:45:08.539 --> 00:45:08.879
 sufficient

00:45:08.879 --> 00:45:09.319
 God

00:45:09.319 --> 00:45:12.019
 so may

00:45:12.019 --> 00:45:12.579
 we glorify

00:45:12.579 --> 00:45:13.039
 him in

00:45:13.039 --> 00:45:13.759
 our money

00:45:13.759 --> 00:45:15.079
 in our

00:45:15.079 --> 00:45:15.539
 time

00:45:15.539 --> 00:45:16.739
 in our

00:45:16.739 --> 00:45:17.399
 relationships

00:45:17.400 --> 00:45:18.720
 let's

00:45:18.720 --> 00:45:18.980
 pray

00:45:18.980 --> 00:45:22.119
 Father

00:45:22.119 --> 00:45:22.460
 in heaven

00:45:22.460 --> 00:45:22.940
 we thank

00:45:22.940 --> 00:45:23.519
 you for

00:45:23.519 --> 00:45:25.460
 speaking to

00:45:25.460 --> 00:45:25.820
 us through

00:45:25.820 --> 00:45:26.200
 your word

00:45:26.200 --> 00:45:26.599
 we thank

00:45:26.599 --> 00:45:27.000
 you even

00:45:27.000 --> 00:45:27.440
 for these

00:45:27.440 --> 00:45:27.920
 warnings

00:45:27.920 --> 00:45:29.400
 that you

00:45:29.400 --> 00:45:29.820
 give us

00:45:29.820 --> 00:45:30.079
 through the

00:45:30.079 --> 00:45:30.340
 book of

00:45:30.340 --> 00:45:30.840
 Proverbs

00:45:30.840 --> 00:45:33.420
 against

00:45:33.420 --> 00:45:34.019
 potential

00:45:34.019 --> 00:45:34.660
 and actual

00:45:34.660 --> 00:45:35.260
 dangers

00:45:35.260 --> 00:45:36.000
 that we

00:45:36.000 --> 00:45:36.420
 can fall

00:45:36.420 --> 00:45:36.720
 into

00:45:36.720 --> 00:45:39.840
 we thank

00:45:39.840 --> 00:45:40.180
 you Lord

00:45:40.180 --> 00:45:40.500
 that you

00:45:40.500 --> 00:45:41.380
 are an

00:45:41.380 --> 00:45:41.900
 all sufficient

00:45:41.900 --> 00:45:42.280
 Savior

00:45:42.280 --> 00:45:45.960
 we thank

00:45:45.960 --> 00:45:46.139
 you that

00:45:46.139 --> 00:45:46.360
 we can

00:45:46.360 --> 00:45:46.639
 look to

00:45:46.639 --> 00:45:46.860
 you

00:45:46.860 --> 00:45:50.220
 and be

00:45:50.220 --> 00:45:50.519
 renewed

00:45:50.519 --> 00:45:50.820
 in our

00:45:50.820 --> 00:45:51.200
 heart

00:45:51.200 --> 00:45:54.700
 Lord we

00:45:54.700 --> 00:45:55.019
 pray that

00:45:55.019 --> 00:45:55.340
 you would

00:45:55.340 --> 00:45:56.960
 take these

00:45:56.960 --> 00:45:57.400
 words and

00:45:57.400 --> 00:45:57.940
 apply them to

00:45:57.940 --> 00:45:58.340
 each of our

00:45:58.340 --> 00:45:58.820
 hearts by

00:45:58.820 --> 00:45:59.240
 the power of

00:45:59.240 --> 00:45:59.559
 your Holy

00:45:59.559 --> 00:45:59.940
 Spirit

00:45:59.940 --> 00:46:02.120
 and help us

00:46:02.120 --> 00:46:02.519
 to look to

00:46:02.519 --> 00:46:02.940
 you this

00:46:02.940 --> 00:46:04.460
 week and

00:46:04.460 --> 00:46:04.880
 in the days

00:46:04.880 --> 00:46:06.500
 ahead that

00:46:06.500 --> 00:46:06.960
 we may bring

00:46:06.960 --> 00:46:07.500
 glory to

00:46:07.500 --> 00:46:09.280
 you in

00:46:09.280 --> 00:46:09.660
 our money

00:46:09.660 --> 00:46:10.160
 in our

00:46:10.160 --> 00:46:10.820
 time in

00:46:10.820 --> 00:46:10.960
 our

00:46:10.960 --> 00:46:11.420
 relationships

00:46:11.420 --> 00:46:12.180
 because you

00:46:12.180 --> 00:46:14.460
 have called

00:46:14.460 --> 00:46:15.180
 us to be

00:46:15.180 --> 00:46:15.559
 your very

00:46:15.559 --> 00:46:15.880
 own

00:46:15.880 --> 00:46:17.440
 love and

00:46:17.440 --> 00:46:17.800
 have loved

00:46:17.800 --> 00:46:18.119
 us with

00:46:18.119 --> 00:46:18.640
 an everlasting

00:46:18.640 --> 00:46:19.059
 love

00:46:19.059 --> 00:46:20.480
 we pray this

00:46:20.480 --> 00:46:20.960
 in Christ's

00:46:20.960 --> 00:46:21.119
 name

00:46:21.119 --> 00:46:22.180
 amen

00:46:22.179 --> 00:46:23.759
 we

00:46:23.759 --> 00:46:25.539
 be

00:46:25.539 --> 00:46:26.339
 see you

00:46:26.339 --> 00:46:29.419
 I

00:46:29.419 --> 00:46:29.839
 you

00:46:29.839 --> 00:46:33.199
 you