WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.780 Amen. Please take your copy of God's Word. Join me in John chapter 12. Our text for today is John chapter 12, verses 37 through 43. 00:00:14.780 --> 00:00:24.740 ! As you're getting there, I just want to make a brief comment about my gratefulness for verse-by-verse exposition as the normal habit of our church. 00:00:24.739 --> 00:00:33.060 And this was brought to the front of my thinking this week as I go and I look at commentaries. 00:00:33.539 --> 00:00:40.939 Largely after I've done much of the work that I do in preparation for a sermon, I go back and I check and just make sure I'm not missing something entirely. 00:00:42.179 --> 00:00:52.599 And I've got some technical commentaries and I have some more layman commentaries, some that are actually just the notes of preaching. 00:00:52.600 --> 00:01:04.719 And three of my commentaries entirely skipped this text, just jumped over it, decided not to preach it, I would assume, in the context of a church. 00:01:04.820 --> 00:01:11.060 And I'm glad that we have to take up and deal with texts that can seem difficult. 00:01:11.060 --> 00:01:20.480 As we come to the closing portion of John chapter 12, we arrive at a significant transition in John's gospel. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:38.180 For 12 chapters, John has been presenting the public ministry of Jesus Christ, carefully arranging his account around the words and works of Jesus so that his readers might recognize him as the promised Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of God. 00:01:38.180 --> 00:01:48.520 We have watched Jesus turn water into wine, heal the sick, feed the hungry, give sight to the blind, and raise Lazarus from the dead. 00:01:49.420 --> 00:01:58.680 Each of these miracles has served a particular purpose, to reveal something of the divine identity and saving mission of Jesus. 00:01:59.740 --> 00:02:06.719 Yet, in spite of this extraordinary revelation, the overwhelming response of the people has been unbelief. 00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:13.879 The one who came to give sight to the blind is rejected by those who insist they can see. 00:02:14.719 --> 00:02:20.419 The one who came to give life to the dead is rejected by those who are spiritually dead. 00:02:21.139 --> 00:02:29.219 And the one who came to reveal the glory of God is rejected by those who love the glory of men. 00:02:29.219 --> 00:02:37.219 In our previous text last week, we saw Jesus say in verse 35, in the beginning of verse 36, 00:02:38.079 --> 00:02:41.039 The light is among you for a little while longer. 00:02:42.139 --> 00:02:46.419 Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. 00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:51.639 The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 00:02:51.639 --> 00:02:58.919 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. 00:03:00.059 --> 00:03:09.659 And then, rather ominously, at the end of verse 36, John tells us that Jesus departed and hid himself from them. 00:03:09.659 --> 00:03:16.060 There's something so profoundly tragic about that sentence. 00:03:17.139 --> 00:03:24.639 The light of the world has been shining in the midst of Israel, yet Israel has repeatedly refused to come to the light. 00:03:25.199 --> 00:03:27.939 And now, the light withdraws. 00:03:27.939 --> 00:03:31.060 And this raises a difficult question. 00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:39.280 If Jesus really is the promised Messiah, why did so many of God's old covenant people refuse to believe in him? 00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:42.780 Was something deficient in his ministry? 00:03:43.620 --> 00:03:45.539 Had God's promises failed? 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:50.900 Had the unbelief of Israel somehow frustrated God's purposes? 00:03:50.900 --> 00:03:52.539 Had the unbelief of Israel. 00:03:52.539 --> 00:03:59.259 Just with those questions in mind that John writes the following verses. 00:03:59.879 --> 00:04:02.280 We pray for us, and then I'll read the text. 00:04:03.540 --> 00:04:08.719 Father, we ask humbly that you would help us as we take up your word together this morning. 00:04:09.500 --> 00:04:11.480 We admit that we need your help. 00:04:11.740 --> 00:04:16.280 We need the Spirit to help us to rightly see Christ. 00:04:17.180 --> 00:04:20.259 We want to believe the promises of the Scripture. 00:04:20.259 --> 00:04:26.560 We want to obey its commands, and we want to find our affection growing for you as its author. 00:04:27.339 --> 00:04:31.099 So we pray that you'll help us to this end, and we pray in Jesus' name. 00:04:32.120 --> 00:04:32.459 Amen. 00:04:34.139 --> 00:04:36.259 John 12, beginning in verse 37. 00:04:37.099 --> 00:04:44.560 Though he, Jesus, had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him. 00:04:45.300 --> 00:04:48.980 So that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. 00:04:48.980 --> 00:04:52.400 Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us? 00:04:52.860 --> 00:04:56.060 And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 00:04:57.340 --> 00:04:58.960 Therefore they could not believe. 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:03.660 For again, Isaiah says, he has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, 00:05:03.780 --> 00:05:06.480 lest they see with their eyes and understand with their heart, 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:09.020 and turn, and I would heal them. 00:05:09.019 --> 00:05:15.979 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 00:05:17.199 --> 00:05:20.279 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, 00:05:20.319 --> 00:05:23.219 but for fear of the Pharisees, they did not confess it, 00:05:23.579 --> 00:05:25.899 so that they would not be put out of the synagogue. 00:05:26.740 --> 00:05:32.560 For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:39.740 Note with me first the tragic nature of unbelief. 00:05:40.600 --> 00:05:43.819 We can see this in verses 37 and 38. 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:52.980 The Israelites' rejection of Jesus as the Christ was not due to a lack of sufficient evidence. 00:05:53.840 --> 00:05:56.939 John wants this to be very clear. 00:05:56.939 --> 00:06:02.680 Though he had done so many signs before them. 00:06:02.920 --> 00:06:04.100 That's the implication there. 00:06:04.160 --> 00:06:06.459 He had done ample things. 00:06:07.120 --> 00:06:09.620 They still did not believe in him. 00:06:10.899 --> 00:06:15.180 John's statement is remarkable because of everything that has preceded it. 00:06:16.240 --> 00:06:21.720 Jesus demonstrated his authority over creation, sickness, blindness, and death. 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:24.699 His signs publicly revealed his identity. 00:06:24.699 --> 00:06:31.079 Nevertheless, many witnesses to these miracles refused to believe. 00:06:32.620 --> 00:06:38.879 John does not suggest that they lacked sufficient evidence to recognize the significance of Jesus. 00:06:40.219 --> 00:06:47.319 Rather, he emphasizes their stubborn unbelief despite the extraordinary evidence already given. 00:06:47.319 --> 00:06:55.000 The fundamental problem of unbelief is not merely intellectual ignorance. 00:06:55.599 --> 00:06:57.879 It's not that we just need to know more. 00:06:58.240 --> 00:07:05.180 The fundamental problem is the moral and spiritual disposition of the sinful heart. 00:07:05.180 --> 00:07:14.699 John chapter 3, verse 19 and 20 explains that people love darkness rather than light because their works are evil. 00:07:15.780 --> 00:07:22.439 In John chapter 5, in verse 40, Jesus tells his opponents that they refuse to come to him that they may have life. 00:07:22.439 --> 00:07:32.060 Scripture describes our condition in terms of blindness, hostility, and spiritual death. 00:07:32.360 --> 00:07:36.819 You see Romans 8, 7, and 8 in Ephesians 2, 1 through 3. 00:07:37.819 --> 00:07:44.279 Apart from the gracious work of God upon the human heart, this is who we are. 00:07:44.279 --> 00:07:49.399 We are rebels, enemies, haters of God. 00:07:50.399 --> 00:07:54.959 But the Bible never lets mankind off the hook. 00:07:55.379 --> 00:07:59.679 You cannot say, well, I was just born this way. 00:08:00.679 --> 00:08:06.459 We are fully culpable of our rejection of the good rule of a God. 00:08:06.459 --> 00:08:18.719 Now, at this point, you may be tempted to think that John goes on to argue that the Israelites did not believe because of the prophecy of Isaiah 53 and verse 1. 00:08:19.240 --> 00:08:19.799 Here cited, 00:08:20.339 --> 00:08:26.039 Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 00:08:27.259 --> 00:08:32.039 This is an understandable temptation because of the words preceding his citation. 00:08:32.039 --> 00:08:37.639 So that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. 00:08:38.879 --> 00:08:46.179 I suggest to you that the prophecy of Isaiah 53 was not the cause of their rejection. 00:08:46.759 --> 00:08:49.500 That's how many people might read this initially. 00:08:50.199 --> 00:08:54.000 But rather, it's just the prediction of it. 00:08:55.259 --> 00:09:02.019 John is showing us that the rejection of Jesus was not an unexpected development in God's life. 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:03.919 God's redemptive plan. 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:12.480 This morning's reading was Isaiah 52, verse 13, through 53, verse 1. 00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:14.539 And I hope that you'll join me there to look at it again. 00:09:14.679 --> 00:09:18.599 You can see it in your bulletin or you can turn there in your Bible. 00:09:20.620 --> 00:09:25.139 I hope you'll note the significance of why we read it in this way. 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:29.759 And recall that the chapter headings are added later to the text. 00:09:29.759 --> 00:09:30.639 They're not inspired. 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:34.079 Here we see beginning of verse 3. 00:09:34.179 --> 00:09:38.139 Behold, my servant shall act wisely. 00:09:39.039 --> 00:09:42.799 We understand this now to be the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:43.559 --> 00:09:48.899 He shall be high and lifted up and shall be exalted. 00:09:48.899 --> 00:09:52.539 As many were astonished at you. 00:09:52.539 --> 00:10:00.519 His appearance was so marred beyond human semblance and his form beyond that of the children of mankind. 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:04.279 So shall he sprinkle many nations. 00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:07.779 Kings shall shut their mouths because of him. 00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:12.279 For that which has not been told them they see. 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:16.620 And that which they have not heard they understand. 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:21.339 Then verse 1 of 53 cited in our text today. 00:10:21.879 --> 00:10:24.000 Who has believed when he has heard from us? 00:10:24.120 --> 00:10:27.879 And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:36.720 Out of the arm of the Lord in verse 1 of Isaiah 53 pictures God's saving strength. 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:43.639 But that strength would be displayed in a servant whom the people despised. 00:10:44.419 --> 00:10:49.659 A servant who would be lifted up, we now know, on the cross. 00:10:49.659 --> 00:10:52.399 Chapter 52 and verse 13. 00:10:52.899 --> 00:10:54.919 Marred beyond recognition. 00:10:55.279 --> 00:10:56.879 Verse 14. 00:10:57.600 --> 00:11:03.419 A servant who would become the saving and reigning king of the nations. 00:11:05.199 --> 00:11:11.980 You see, John is teaching that the unbelief of man cannot overthrow the purposes of God. 00:11:11.980 --> 00:11:20.000 Because even the rejection of the Messiah was anticipated within God's plan of redemption of peoples. 00:11:21.779 --> 00:11:24.720 So, John is clear. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:28.500 Unbelief is tragic. 00:11:29.300 --> 00:11:34.639 And its fault is in the one who rejects Jesus as the Christ. 00:11:35.600 --> 00:11:40.039 But this unbelief does not thwart God's plans. 00:11:40.039 --> 00:11:46.240 But he doesn't depart his contemplation of unbelief there. 00:11:46.360 --> 00:11:47.299 He continues. 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:49.419 Note with me the second. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:54.279 The divine hand in unbelief. 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:56.399 He goes on. 00:11:56.500 --> 00:11:58.779 Therefore, they could not believe. 00:11:59.899 --> 00:12:03.599 For again, Isaiah said, he has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. 00:12:03.679 --> 00:12:07.079 Lest they see with their eyes and understand with their hearts and turn. 00:12:07.980 --> 00:12:08.959 And I would heal them. 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:12.340 Look at the progression in the text. 00:12:12.920 --> 00:12:17.019 In verse 37, the people did not believe. 00:12:17.860 --> 00:12:22.759 In verse 39, they could not believe. 00:12:24.180 --> 00:12:34.600 John presents both the willing rejection of Jesus and the divine judgment under which unbelief persists in a matter of a couple of verses. 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:40.560 We must not diminish either statement but hold them together. 00:12:40.559 --> 00:12:41.359 Together. 00:12:41.359 --> 00:12:43.179 They did not believe. 00:12:43.179 --> 00:12:46.679 They could not believe. 00:12:46.679 --> 00:12:53.899 This is the issue of the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man set together right here. 00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:54.740 And I'm going to make sure. 00:12:54.740 --> 00:12:56.899 A few phrases apart. 00:12:58.299 --> 00:13:03.059 Charles Spurgeon once said, and I'm picking up in the middle of a long quotation here. 00:13:03.059 --> 00:13:07.099 one, God has a chosen people 00:13:07.099 --> 00:13:08.599 and has given these people to Christ 00:13:08.599 --> 00:13:11.279 and these people must and shall come to Christ 00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:13.679 and so shall be saved 00:13:13.679 --> 00:13:16.279 two, so this is two statements 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:19.759 one, two, every man who comes to Christ 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:21.859 shall be saved 00:13:21.859 --> 00:13:23.459 and let me insert the opposite 00:13:23.459 --> 00:13:26.479 those who don't come to Christ will not be saved 00:13:26.479 --> 00:13:30.199 I continue, since he shall not be cast out 00:13:30.199 --> 00:13:32.799 and that implies that he shall be received 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:34.199 and accepted 00:13:34.199 --> 00:13:37.919 these are two great truths 00:13:37.919 --> 00:13:40.599 let us carry them both with us 00:13:40.599 --> 00:13:43.120 and they will balance each other 00:13:43.120 --> 00:13:44.679 so again, my insertion 00:13:44.679 --> 00:13:45.959 that's the sovereignty of God 00:13:45.959 --> 00:13:48.500 and responsibility of man in salvation 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:50.459 Spurgeon goes on 00:13:50.459 --> 00:13:54.299 I was once asked to reconcile these two statements 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:55.839 and I answered 00:13:55.839 --> 00:14:00.579 no, I never reconcile friends 00:14:00.580 --> 00:14:03.980 there's no need to reconcile friends 00:14:03.980 --> 00:14:07.160 they work together somehow 00:14:07.160 --> 00:14:12.100 both things are true at the same time 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:15.440 we call this a paradox 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:19.040 they seem to contradict each other 00:14:19.040 --> 00:14:21.180 yet, they don't 00:14:21.180 --> 00:14:23.020 and we ought to accept it 00:14:23.020 --> 00:14:25.060 because it is what God's inspired 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:27.319 inerrant authoritative word 00:14:27.319 --> 00:14:28.459 teaches 00:14:28.459 --> 00:14:31.059 in Romans 9 00:14:31.059 --> 00:14:33.500 as Paul wrestles with the unbelief of Israel 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:35.099 he's doing the same thing 00:14:35.099 --> 00:14:36.839 essentially that John's doing here 00:14:36.839 --> 00:14:38.879 why is it that they're not 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:40.619 believing in the Christ 00:14:40.619 --> 00:14:44.679 there, Paul cites a number of Old Testament passages 00:14:44.679 --> 00:14:46.419 to make this case 00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:49.099 and then he anticipates 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:50.460 a question 00:14:50.460 --> 00:14:52.659 says Romans 9 verse 19 00:14:52.659 --> 00:14:54.680 you will say to me then 00:14:54.680 --> 00:14:57.500 this presentation of God as sovereign 00:14:57.500 --> 00:14:58.940 over salvation 00:14:58.940 --> 00:15:02.879 why does he still find fault 00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:05.779 for who can resist 00:15:05.779 --> 00:15:07.500 his will 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:09.899 yes, Paul 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:11.820 reconcile God's sovereignty 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:12.860 with human responsibility 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:14.259 lay it out for us 00:15:14.259 --> 00:15:16.240 help us to understand 00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:19.159 do you know how he answers? 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:21.759 he doesn't work it out for us 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:23.299 he says instead 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:25.060 but who are you 00:15:25.060 --> 00:15:26.500 oh man 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:28.120 to answer back 00:15:28.120 --> 00:15:29.180 to God 00:15:29.180 --> 00:15:30.779 he's been citing the scripture 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:31.519 citing the scripture 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:32.180 citing the scripture 00:15:32.180 --> 00:15:33.060 who are you 00:15:33.060 --> 00:15:33.919 oh man 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:35.960 to ask such a question 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:38.039 will what is molded 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:39.060 say to what's molded 00:15:39.060 --> 00:15:40.779 why have you made me 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:42.120 like this 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:44.899 my summary 00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:46.159 of what he's saying 00:15:46.159 --> 00:15:46.519 is 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:47.600 sit down 00:15:47.600 --> 00:15:48.579 and be humble 00:15:48.579 --> 00:15:51.679 stop trying to explain away 00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:52.659 the parts of the Bible 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:54.879 that you have difficulty with 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:56.980 submit yourself 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:57.939 to the creator 00:15:57.939 --> 00:15:58.779 as one 00:15:58.779 --> 00:15:59.899 who has been 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:01.199 created 00:16:01.199 --> 00:16:03.059 you 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:03.779 beloved 00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:05.679 are not the center 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.839 of the universe 00:16:06.839 --> 00:16:08.819 God is 00:16:08.819 --> 00:16:11.039 have faith 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:12.220 like a child 00:16:12.220 --> 00:16:14.879 even while you search out 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:15.659 the mysteries 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:16.919 of the gospel 00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:19.139 plumb its depths 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.820 but do so 00:16:20.820 --> 00:16:21.720 with faith 00:16:21.720 --> 00:16:23.279 like a child 00:16:23.279 --> 00:16:25.720 I commend to you 00:16:25.720 --> 00:16:26.620 the words of 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:28.340 Richard Baxter 00:16:28.340 --> 00:16:30.299 this is in the kids coloring 00:16:30.299 --> 00:16:31.580 today in our bulletin 00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:33.059 sometimes these are the best quotes 00:16:33.059 --> 00:16:34.379 in the kids coloring sheet 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:36.559 he once said 00:16:36.559 --> 00:16:37.639 study hard 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:39.519 for the well is deep 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:40.500 and our brains 00:16:40.500 --> 00:16:40.980 are 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:42.399 shallow 00:16:42.399 --> 00:16:44.579 I commend those words 00:16:44.579 --> 00:16:44.819 to you 00:16:44.819 --> 00:16:45.919 but in the same breath 00:16:45.919 --> 00:16:46.639 I say 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:48.319 do not think 00:16:48.319 --> 00:16:49.319 you will arrive 00:16:49.319 --> 00:16:50.319 while you remain 00:16:50.319 --> 00:16:51.679 in your feeble body 00:16:51.679 --> 00:16:53.139 to comprehend 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:54.759 the majesty 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:55.779 of God 00:16:55.779 --> 00:16:56.659 and the redemption 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:57.939 of his people 00:16:57.939 --> 00:17:00.179 just take him 00:17:00.179 --> 00:17:01.799 at his word 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:03.659 and live 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:06.539 there was a time 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:07.200 I'll admit 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:08.099 to my shame 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:09.179 that I felt 00:17:09.179 --> 00:17:09.939 proud 00:17:09.939 --> 00:17:10.519 that I had 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:11.399 some measure 00:17:11.399 --> 00:17:12.199 of comprehension 00:17:12.199 --> 00:17:13.679 of the sovereignty 00:17:13.679 --> 00:17:13.980 of God 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:15.639 just taking up 00:17:15.639 --> 00:17:16.019 the word 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:16.799 and reading it 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:18.119 at its face 00:17:18.119 --> 00:17:19.359 value 00:17:19.359 --> 00:17:21.459 many years ago 00:17:21.459 --> 00:17:22.259 I had the opportunity 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:22.859 to go 00:17:22.859 --> 00:17:23.819 briefly 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:24.599 and partner 00:17:24.599 --> 00:17:25.179 with a ministry 00:17:25.179 --> 00:17:25.779 in Atlanta 00:17:25.779 --> 00:17:26.639 that did 00:17:26.639 --> 00:17:28.419 gospel preaching 00:17:28.419 --> 00:17:29.199 to people 00:17:29.199 --> 00:17:29.899 who were living 00:17:29.899 --> 00:17:30.699 under bridges 00:17:30.699 --> 00:17:31.359 there 00:17:31.359 --> 00:17:34.359 mostly drug addicts 00:17:34.359 --> 00:17:34.799 homeless 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:35.939 living under these 00:17:35.939 --> 00:17:36.500 bridges 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:38.279 and had the chance 00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:39.180 to walk down 00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:40.039 busy busy busy 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:40.480 streets 00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.079 and step over 00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:41.640 guardrails 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.099 with a man 00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:42.720 named Richard 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:44.259 and if you can 00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:45.420 picture Richard 00:17:45.420 --> 00:17:45.920 with me 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:46.579 he was 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:47.819 6'5 00:17:47.819 --> 00:17:49.599 I'm going to guess 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:50.579 3'80 00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:51.579 he was a very 00:17:51.579 --> 00:17:52.559 very big 00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:53.579 man 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:54.579 and we were 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:55.660 casually talking 00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:56.960 about how he had 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.619 come to faith 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.480 in Christ 00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:58.940 because we were 00:17:58.940 --> 00:17:59.819 headed to the bridge 00:17:59.819 --> 00:18:01.000 that he used to live 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:01.480 under 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:03.119 just six months 00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:04.039 prior 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:04.579 so he'd 00:18:04.579 --> 00:18:05.539 come out from 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:06.279 under that bridge 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:06.839 had received 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.399 the gospel 00:18:07.399 --> 00:18:08.059 was being 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:10.279 discipled 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:10.839 I was going 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:11.299 back now 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.079 to share the gospel 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:13.339 with others 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:15.299 and I wasn't 00:18:15.299 --> 00:18:16.299 framing my questions 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:17.279 in theological terms 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.059 I was just asking him 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:19.039 questions about how it was 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:19.579 that he came 00:18:19.579 --> 00:18:20.700 to saving faith 00:18:20.700 --> 00:18:22.639 and he so simply 00:18:22.639 --> 00:18:23.859 stated 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.960 how he would have 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.960 never come 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:26.920 to faith in Christ 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:28.139 what a rebel 00:18:28.139 --> 00:18:28.740 he was 00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:29.720 to Jesus 00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:31.539 he fully owned 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:32.240 his rejection 00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:33.259 of Jesus 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:33.980 and then 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:34.980 God's 00:18:34.980 --> 00:18:35.960 sovereign work 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:36.779 and calling him 00:18:36.779 --> 00:18:37.480 out of that 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:38.539 and saving 00:18:38.539 --> 00:18:39.539 his soul 00:18:39.539 --> 00:18:40.319 beautiful 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:41.559 simple 00:18:41.559 --> 00:18:42.240 and I thought 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:42.720 to myself 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:43.420 that's the way 00:18:43.420 --> 00:18:44.360 this needs to be held 00:18:44.360 --> 00:18:46.920 as he's going now 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:48.039 to step over a guardrail 00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:49.079 and go under a bridge 00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:50.980 to a rather dangerous place 00:18:50.980 --> 00:18:52.319 I was glad I was with 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:53.940 65380 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:54.259 Richard 00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:54.900 going 00:18:54.900 --> 00:18:55.940 under there 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:57.039 and that he was in charge 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:57.420 to be 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:59.059 frank 00:18:59.059 --> 00:19:00.779 to share that good news 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.740 with others 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:04.259 he saw no contradiction 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.039 in it whatsoever 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:08.880 now 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:11.019 God's 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:11.680 judicial 00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:12.359 hardening 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.759 is a 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:14.599 righteous 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:15.339 judgment 00:19:15.339 --> 00:19:16.019 upon 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:16.799 human 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.620 rebellion 00:19:17.620 --> 00:19:19.859 John quotes 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:20.400 Isaiah 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:21.079 6 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.680 10 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:22.599 describing 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.079 God 00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:24.400 blinding eyes 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.700 and hardening 00:19:25.700 --> 00:19:26.640 hearts 00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:28.620 in Isaiah 00:19:28.620 --> 00:19:29.340 6 00:19:29.340 --> 00:19:30.060 at the beginning 00:19:30.060 --> 00:19:30.820 of that chapter 00:19:30.820 --> 00:19:32.620 the prophet 00:19:32.620 --> 00:19:34.080 sees the Lord 00:19:34.080 --> 00:19:35.140 enthroned 00:19:35.140 --> 00:19:36.200 in glory 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.340 his robes 00:19:37.340 --> 00:19:37.940 filling 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:39.240 the throne room 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:41.160 he recognizes 00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:42.100 his sinfulness 00:19:42.100 --> 00:19:42.960 he receives 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:43.420 cleansing 00:19:43.420 --> 00:19:44.460 and is commissioned 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.980 to preach 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:48.420 yet he is told 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:49.300 that his ministry 00:19:49.300 --> 00:19:49.900 will be met 00:19:49.900 --> 00:19:50.759 with profound 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.380 resistance 00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:52.700 and increasing 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:53.520 hardness 00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:54.420 of heart 00:19:54.420 --> 00:19:55.299 that's the context 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.019 of chapter 00:19:56.019 --> 00:19:56.539 6 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:58.000 and verse 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:58.440 10 00:19:58.440 --> 00:20:00.259 John 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:00.859 recognizes 00:20:00.859 --> 00:20:01.539 this pattern 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:02.180 reaching its 00:20:02.180 --> 00:20:02.940 climactic 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:03.700 expression 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.559 in the ministry 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.660 of Jesus 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.180 Christ 00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:08.180 Jesus Christ 00:20:08.180 --> 00:20:08.680 has come 00:20:08.680 --> 00:20:09.400 and he is 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:09.879 preaching 00:20:09.879 --> 00:20:10.639 and it is 00:20:10.639 --> 00:20:11.220 being 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.960 resisted 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:14.720 judicial 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.359 hardening 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:15.779 should not 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:16.240 be pictured 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:16.779 as God 00:20:16.779 --> 00:20:17.359 making 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:18.220 morally 00:20:18.220 --> 00:20:18.839 innocent 00:20:18.839 --> 00:20:19.500 people 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.119 wicked 00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:20.799 against 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:21.119 their 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:21.680 wishes 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:23.500 it is 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:23.980 God's 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.400 righteous 00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:24.900 judgment 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:25.259 upon 00:20:25.259 --> 00:20:25.740 sinners 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:26.519 already 00:20:26.519 --> 00:20:27.100 guilty 00:20:27.100 --> 00:20:27.620 in their 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:28.100 rebellion 00:20:28.100 --> 00:20:29.420 giving them 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:29.880 over 00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:30.320 to the 00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:31.160 God's 00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:31.500 judicial 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:31.980 hardening 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:32.840 is never 00:20:32.840 --> 00:20:33.759 unjust 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.920 because God 00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:35.539 never 00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:36.080 judges 00:20:36.080 --> 00:20:36.740 a sinner 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:37.340 who is 00:20:37.340 --> 00:20:38.140 morally 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:39.840 innocent 00:20:39.840 --> 00:20:42.320 and that's 00:20:42.320 --> 00:20:42.640 what's going 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.259 on at the 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:43.519 beginning 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.360 of this 00:20:44.360 --> 00:20:45.380 text 00:20:45.380 --> 00:20:46.720 that's 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:46.900 what's 00:20:46.900 --> 00:20:47.299 happening 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:47.720 here 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:48.120 John 00:20:48.120 --> 00:20:48.440 is just 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:48.779 trying to 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.100 help us 00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:50.019 make sense 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:51.460 of the 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:51.960 rebellion 00:20:51.960 --> 00:20:52.879 why is 00:20:52.879 --> 00:20:53.619 it that 00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:53.980 and he 00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:54.420 shows us 00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:54.900 both 00:20:54.900 --> 00:20:56.000 the human 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:56.480 responsibility 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.139 in it 00:20:57.139 --> 00:20:58.379 and God's 00:20:58.379 --> 00:20:59.279 sovereign 00:20:59.279 --> 00:20:59.819 work 00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:02.200 now note 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:02.579 with me 00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:03.920 finally 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:05.200 the theme 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:06.299 of glory 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:06.980 in 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.279 belief 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:09.960 Isaiah 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:10.779 said these 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:11.579 things because 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:12.859 he saw 00:21:12.859 --> 00:21:14.139 his glory 00:21:14.139 --> 00:21:15.779 and spoke 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:16.259 of him 00:21:16.259 --> 00:21:18.180 if you have 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:18.660 been a Christ 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:19.160 follower for 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:19.799 very long 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:20.099 you have 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:20.399 likely 00:21:20.399 --> 00:21:21.159 joined me 00:21:21.159 --> 00:21:21.480 in the 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.019 experience 00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.399 of having 00:21:22.399 --> 00:21:23.000 read a text 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:23.480 through on 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.299 several occasions 00:21:24.299 --> 00:21:25.299 and missing 00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:26.399 a key word 00:21:26.399 --> 00:21:26.960 or phrase 00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:27.680 something just 00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:28.440 leaps off the 00:21:28.440 --> 00:21:29.579 page to you 00:21:29.579 --> 00:21:30.319 in an 00:21:30.319 --> 00:21:31.019 additional 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:32.259 reading 00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:33.919 I've read 00:21:33.919 --> 00:21:34.379 the gospel 00:21:34.379 --> 00:21:34.799 of John 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.740 many times 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.399 I've read 00:21:36.399 --> 00:21:36.859 through this 00:21:36.859 --> 00:21:37.220 chapter 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:37.899 even in my 00:21:37.899 --> 00:21:38.539 preparation 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:39.519 throughout our 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.259 study of 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:40.819 John's 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:41.559 gospel 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.000 and it 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:42.599 seems as 00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:43.059 if verse 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:43.779 41 didn't 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.579 even exist 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:45.220 until 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:46.599 this week 00:21:46.599 --> 00:21:48.480 how simple 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:49.139 minded we can 00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:49.660 be just 00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:50.680 jump over 00:21:50.680 --> 00:21:51.500 these words 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.060 Isaiah 00:21:52.060 --> 00:21:53.640 said these 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:54.520 things because 00:21:54.520 --> 00:21:55.400 he saw 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:56.620 his glory 00:21:56.620 --> 00:21:57.800 and spoke 00:21:57.800 --> 00:21:58.660 of 00:21:58.660 --> 00:21:59.620 him 00:21:59.620 --> 00:22:02.380 I love 00:22:02.380 --> 00:22:02.960 it when 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:03.460 New Testament 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:04.259 writers under 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:04.860 the Spirit's 00:22:04.860 --> 00:22:05.940 inspiration bring 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:06.980 clarity to 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.960 Old Testament 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:09.180 passages 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:10.259 right it's good 00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:10.800 when the Bible 00:22:10.800 --> 00:22:11.400 gives commentary 00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:12.620 on the 00:22:12.620 --> 00:22:12.860 Bible 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:14.619 I think 00:22:14.619 --> 00:22:15.439 that contextually 00:22:15.439 --> 00:22:15.959 John is 00:22:15.959 --> 00:22:16.439 telling us 00:22:16.439 --> 00:22:17.179 that Isaiah 00:22:17.179 --> 00:22:17.899 in Isaiah 00:22:17.899 --> 00:22:19.819 6 saw 00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:20.819 the exalted 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:21.979 Christ 00:22:21.979 --> 00:22:22.959 I think that's 00:22:22.959 --> 00:22:23.319 what we can 00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:23.959 derive from 00:22:23.959 --> 00:22:24.459 this as he's 00:22:24.459 --> 00:22:25.019 speaking about 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.500 Jesus 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.599 right that 00:22:26.599 --> 00:22:27.240 that chapter 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:28.019 6 verse 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.959 1 Lord 00:22:28.959 --> 00:22:30.079 that Isaiah 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:31.479 sees is 00:22:31.479 --> 00:22:32.079 Christ 00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:34.059 and then 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:35.159 he wrote 00:22:35.159 --> 00:22:36.479 of Israel's 00:22:36.479 --> 00:22:37.719 unbelief 00:22:37.719 --> 00:22:39.740 when Isaiah 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:40.399 wrote of 00:22:40.399 --> 00:22:41.339 unbelief he did 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:42.240 not condemn 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:43.000 God as 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:43.859 unjust 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:45.439 but rather 00:22:45.439 --> 00:22:46.699 he viewed 00:22:46.699 --> 00:22:47.139 him 00:22:47.139 --> 00:22:49.039 as glorious 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:51.980 how could 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:52.480 this be 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:54.759 to consider 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.299 that people 00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:56.339 would reject 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:57.579 Jesus as 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.179 the Christ 00:22:58.179 --> 00:22:58.819 and yet 00:22:58.819 --> 00:22:59.500 Isaiah 00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:01.399 saw his 00:23:01.399 --> 00:23:01.899 glory 00:23:01.899 --> 00:23:03.359 and spoke 00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:04.859 of him 00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:07.240 I think 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:07.579 there are 00:23:07.579 --> 00:23:08.039 at least 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.659 two answers 00:23:08.659 --> 00:23:09.220 to this 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.699 question 00:23:09.699 --> 00:23:10.539 that find 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:11.220 their beginning 00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:11.880 in the 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:12.240 doctrine 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:13.120 of God's 00:23:13.120 --> 00:23:14.299 simplicity 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:16.120 which states 00:23:16.120 --> 00:23:17.279 that he is 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:18.620 all that he is 00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:19.819 at all 00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:21.019 times 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:22.420 it's a 00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:23.819 rather simple 00:23:23.819 --> 00:23:24.200 doctrine 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:24.759 but it's hard 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.220 to wrap your 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:25.960 mind around 00:23:25.960 --> 00:23:26.759 God is 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:27.700 always God 00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:28.539 he's not 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.440 fickle like us 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:29.880 he doesn't put 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:30.259 on one 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:30.819 characteristic 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:32.019 versus another 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.680 sometimes I'm 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:32.980 happy 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:33.839 sometimes I'm 00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:34.299 sad 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:34.620 is an 00:23:34.620 --> 00:23:35.660 obtuse 00:23:35.660 --> 00:23:36.620 example 00:23:36.620 --> 00:23:38.079 God is 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:38.980 all that he 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.319 is 00:23:39.319 --> 00:23:40.879 at all 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:42.399 times 00:23:42.399 --> 00:23:44.579 so first 00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:45.740 God is 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.579 glorified 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.240 in the 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:47.899 condemnation 00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:48.460 of sinners 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:50.220 because he 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.119 shows forth 00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:52.119 his justice 00:23:52.119 --> 00:23:53.359 in doing 00:23:53.359 --> 00:23:53.679 so 00:23:53.679 --> 00:23:56.179 we do not 00:23:56.179 --> 00:23:56.639 worship a 00:23:56.639 --> 00:23:57.220 God who 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:57.899 will tolerate 00:23:57.899 --> 00:23:58.539 evil 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:59.500 and he is 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:00.199 glorious 00:24:00.199 --> 00:24:01.259 when he 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:01.819 sets 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:03.119 wrongs 00:24:03.119 --> 00:24:04.159 right 00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:05.479 we want 00:24:05.479 --> 00:24:06.459 a just 00:24:06.459 --> 00:24:07.819 God 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:10.179 second 00:24:10.179 --> 00:24:11.099 as we saw 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:11.619 at the end 00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:12.139 of Isaiah 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:12.839 52 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:14.319 God has a 00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:14.819 redemptive 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:15.459 purpose 00:24:15.459 --> 00:24:16.139 for all 00:24:16.139 --> 00:24:16.699 peoples 00:24:16.699 --> 00:24:18.159 and Israel's 00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:18.899 broad rejection 00:24:18.899 --> 00:24:19.339 of Jesus 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:19.919 as the Christ 00:24:19.919 --> 00:24:20.500 is part of 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.079 that plan 00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:22.500 so we see 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:23.659 God's mercy 00:24:23.659 --> 00:24:24.359 shown 00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:25.439 to every 00:24:25.439 --> 00:24:25.979 tribe 00:24:25.979 --> 00:24:27.119 nation 00:24:27.119 --> 00:24:28.519 and tongue 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:30.699 if that thought 00:24:30.699 --> 00:24:31.139 is intriguing 00:24:31.139 --> 00:24:31.659 to you 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.619 I would really 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.099 encourage you 00:24:33.099 --> 00:24:33.559 to go 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.339 to Romans 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.099 chapter 9 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:35.619 and begin 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.239 with Paul's 00:24:36.239 --> 00:24:36.599 logic 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.159 at the beginning 00:24:37.159 --> 00:24:37.739 of 9 00:24:37.739 --> 00:24:38.199 as he's 00:24:38.199 --> 00:24:38.519 wondering 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.439 why is it 00:24:39.439 --> 00:24:40.659 why is it 00:24:40.659 --> 00:24:41.719 that my brethren 00:24:41.719 --> 00:24:42.739 are not responding 00:24:42.739 --> 00:24:43.399 to faith 00:24:43.399 --> 00:24:44.259 in Christ 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:44.859 and he works 00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:45.439 that entire 00:24:45.439 --> 00:24:46.219 argument out 00:24:46.219 --> 00:24:47.339 through the end 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:48.539 of chapter 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:49.439 11 00:24:49.439 --> 00:24:50.679 and there 00:24:50.679 --> 00:24:51.859 he praises 00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:53.399 praises 00:24:53.399 --> 00:24:54.039 God 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:55.299 for the mystery 00:24:55.299 --> 00:24:55.839 of his 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.419 redemptive 00:24:56.419 --> 00:24:57.579 work 00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:59.759 Isaiah 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:01.000 and Paul 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:02.119 and John 00:25:02.119 --> 00:25:03.479 saw 00:25:03.479 --> 00:25:04.299 the glory 00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:05.579 of Christ 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.599 and would 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.159 have us 00:25:07.159 --> 00:25:07.539 do 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.439 the very 00:25:08.439 --> 00:25:09.939 same 00:25:09.939 --> 00:25:13.039 so what are we 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.419 to make 00:25:13.419 --> 00:25:14.500 of the rest 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:15.179 of this section 00:25:15.179 --> 00:25:16.539 I said we should 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.019 notice the 00:25:17.019 --> 00:25:18.459 theme of glory 00:25:18.459 --> 00:25:20.599 John goes on 00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:22.339 nevertheless 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.079 he's referring to 00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:23.459 all of this 00:25:23.459 --> 00:25:24.299 unbelief 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:25.019 many 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:26.000 even of the 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:26.459 authorities 00:25:26.459 --> 00:25:27.439 believed 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:29.920 but for fear 00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:30.539 of the Pharisees 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:30.980 they did not 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.600 confess it 00:25:31.600 --> 00:25:32.000 so that they 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:32.320 would not 00:25:32.320 --> 00:25:32.779 be put 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.360 out of a 00:25:33.360 --> 00:25:33.660 synagogue 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:35.120 for they 00:25:35.120 --> 00:25:35.759 love the 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.400 glory that 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:36.900 comes from 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:37.600 man more 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:37.960 than the 00:25:37.960 --> 00:25:38.360 glory 00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:40.120 that comes 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:40.580 from God 00:25:40.580 --> 00:25:42.920 some 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:43.340 authorities 00:25:43.340 --> 00:25:43.880 believed 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:44.580 in Jesus 00:25:44.580 --> 00:25:45.740 in 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:46.620 some 00:25:46.620 --> 00:25:47.960 sense 00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:49.360 yet they 00:25:49.360 --> 00:25:49.960 feared the 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.539 consequences 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.240 of identifying 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:52.000 themselves 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:53.519 with him 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:55.099 exclusion 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:55.680 from the 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.019 synagogue 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:57.160 could carry 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:58.279 serious 00:25:58.279 --> 00:25:59.079 religious 00:25:59.079 --> 00:26:00.579 social 00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:01.639 and economic 00:26:01.639 --> 00:26:02.539 costs 00:26:02.539 --> 00:26:02.920 and this 00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:03.379 threat had 00:26:03.379 --> 00:26:03.980 already been 00:26:03.980 --> 00:26:04.559 issued 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:05.200 the Pharisees 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:05.720 had said 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.559 you speak 00:26:06.559 --> 00:26:06.819 of this 00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:07.240 guy 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:07.960 you believe 00:26:07.960 --> 00:26:08.259 in this 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:08.639 guy 00:26:08.639 --> 00:26:09.299 you will 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.619 be put 00:26:09.619 --> 00:26:09.900 out 00:26:09.900 --> 00:26:10.700 of the 00:26:10.700 --> 00:26:11.000 synagogue 00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:13.139 these 00:26:13.139 --> 00:26:13.379 men 00:26:13.379 --> 00:26:13.960 recognized 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:14.339 something 00:26:14.339 --> 00:26:15.200 significant 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:15.619 about 00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:16.059 Jesus 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:17.720 but feared 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.660 the cost 00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:19.900 of saying 00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:20.220 so 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:22.460 now I 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:22.799 do think 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.019 that we 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.319 should 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.240 withhold 00:26:24.240 --> 00:26:24.799 pronouncing 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.279 a final 00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:25.700 spiritual 00:26:25.700 --> 00:26:26.100 judgment 00:26:26.100 --> 00:26:27.019 on every 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:27.420 individual 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:27.819 mentioned 00:26:27.819 --> 00:26:28.360 in John 00:26:28.360 --> 00:26:28.799 12 00:26:28.799 --> 00:26:29.259 and verse 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.620 42 00:26:30.620 --> 00:26:32.600 for example 00:26:32.600 --> 00:26:33.779 Nicodemus 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.579 we've talked 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.019 about him 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:36.259 in previous 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:37.360 study 00:26:37.360 --> 00:26:38.700 shows a 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.400 developing 00:26:39.400 --> 00:26:40.120 identification 00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:41.660 with Jesus 00:26:41.660 --> 00:26:42.700 as the 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.000 Christ 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:43.319 we saw 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:43.680 him first 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:44.019 in John 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.740 chapter 3 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.140 and then 00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:45.960 chapter 7 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:47.019 we'll see 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:47.720 him finally 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:49.200 in John 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:50.200 chapter 19 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.080 and I've 00:26:51.080 --> 00:26:51.380 said to 00:26:51.380 --> 00:26:51.480 you 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.100 I think 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:52.819 I think 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.680 that Nicodemus 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:55.240 ended up 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:55.700 a Christ 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.080 follower 00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:56.920 developed 00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.519 across 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.940 some time 00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:01.120 however 00:27:01.120 --> 00:27:02.160 a faith 00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:02.799 that never 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:03.340 progresses 00:27:03.340 --> 00:27:03.779 beyond 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.620 private 00:27:04.620 --> 00:27:05.340 approval 00:27:05.340 --> 00:27:06.259 of Jesus 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:07.400 because 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:07.819 public 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:08.299 allegiance 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:08.799 would prove 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.640 too costly 00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:10.299 gives us 00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:11.000 serious 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:11.559 reason 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:12.799 to examine 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:13.100 whether 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:13.500 someone 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:14.220 truly 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:15.360 treasures 00:27:15.360 --> 00:27:16.360 Christ 00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:17.880 John 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:18.340 identifies 00:27:18.340 --> 00:27:18.880 these 00:27:18.880 --> 00:27:20.180 underlying 00:27:20.180 --> 00:27:21.500 affections 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:23.019 they feared 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.940 the Pharisees 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:24.920 because they 00:27:24.920 --> 00:27:25.560 loved 00:27:25.560 --> 00:27:26.460 human 00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:27.700 approval 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.779 so there 00:27:28.779 --> 00:27:29.240 you have 00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:30.340 Isaiah 00:27:30.340 --> 00:27:30.799 and I think 00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:31.400 by implication 00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:32.180 John 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:33.360 has seen 00:27:33.360 --> 00:27:33.820 the glory 00:27:33.820 --> 00:27:34.440 of Christ 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:35.240 and therefore 00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:37.420 follow him 00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:38.180 want to 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:39.299 glorify him 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:40.820 and here 00:27:40.820 --> 00:27:41.360 you have 00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:42.180 in opposition 00:27:42.180 --> 00:27:42.740 to that 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.200 people who 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:43.560 say 00:27:43.560 --> 00:27:43.840 there's 00:27:43.840 --> 00:27:44.080 something 00:27:44.080 --> 00:27:44.440 unique 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:44.920 about this 00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:45.259 man 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:45.960 we 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:46.559 recognize 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.019 that he's 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.180 doing 00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:47.799 miraculous 00:27:47.799 --> 00:27:48.440 things 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:48.759 maybe 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:48.980 we 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:49.240 even 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:49.519 think 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:49.680 he 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:50.019 is 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:50.200 the 00:27:50.200 --> 00:27:50.660 Christ 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:51.200 and yet 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:52.319 they 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:52.839 still 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:53.720 fear 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:53.900 the 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:54.500 Pharisees 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.440 and they 00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:55.720 want 00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:56.099 human 00:27:56.099 --> 00:27:56.680 approval 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:58.579 the problem 00:27:58.579 --> 00:27:59.039 was not 00:27:59.039 --> 00:27:59.799 simply 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.440 some 00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:01.059 insufficient 00:28:01.059 --> 00:28:01.879 courage 00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:03.019 it was 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:03.680 a 00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.700 disordered 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.759 love 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:07.700 genuine 00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:08.259 faith 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:08.940 increasingly 00:28:08.940 --> 00:28:09.640 values 00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:10.079 the glory 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.640 of Christ 00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.379 above the 00:28:11.379 --> 00:28:11.779 approval 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.859 of the 00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:13.200 world 00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:14.920 glory 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:15.259 is a 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:15.799 major 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.279 theme 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:16.440 of 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:16.799 John 00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:17.579 12 00:28:17.579 --> 00:28:18.779 son 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:19.119 of man 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:19.319 is to 00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:19.420 be 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:19.940 glorified 00:28:19.940 --> 00:28:20.220 verse 00:28:20.220 --> 00:28:20.879 23 00:28:20.879 --> 00:28:21.359 Jesus 00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:21.859 prays 00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.079 for the 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:22.500 father's 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:22.639 name 00:28:22.639 --> 00:28:22.879 to be 00:28:22.879 --> 00:28:23.379 glorified 00:28:23.379 --> 00:28:23.680 verse 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.700 28 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:24.980 and then 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:25.279 we see 00:28:25.279 --> 00:28:25.579 in our 00:28:25.579 --> 00:28:26.119 text 00:28:26.119 --> 00:28:26.660 Isaiah 00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:27.259 sees 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:27.799 Christ's 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.039 glory 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:28.200 in 00:28:28.200 --> 00:28:28.399 verse 00:28:28.399 --> 00:28:29.059 41 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:30.039 and then 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.180 the 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:30.700 preference 00:28:30.700 --> 00:28:31.200 of the 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.460 glory 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:32.099 of men 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:33.039 in these 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:33.319 last 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:33.799 verses 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:35.740 those 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:35.940 who 00:28:35.940 --> 00:28:36.379 should 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:36.779 have 00:28:36.779 --> 00:28:37.839 recognized 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:38.119 the 00:28:38.119 --> 00:28:38.799 Messiah's 00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:39.180 glory 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:39.960 were 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.539 occupied 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.379 with 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:42.000 preserving 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:43.000 their 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.380 own 00:28:43.380 --> 00:28:45.300 the 00:28:45.300 --> 00:28:45.560 Christian 00:28:45.560 --> 00:28:46.000 life 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:46.620 is more 00:28:46.620 --> 00:28:46.960 than 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:47.480 adopting 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.200 correct 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:48.840 religious 00:28:48.840 --> 00:28:49.700 convictions 00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:51.200 it is 00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:51.420 the 00:28:51.420 --> 00:28:52.220 transformation 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:52.840 of our 00:28:52.840 --> 00:28:53.540 affections 00:28:53.540 --> 00:28:54.200 so that 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:54.720 the glory 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.200 of God 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:55.660 becomes 00:28:55.660 --> 00:28:56.340 more 00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:57.260 precious 00:28:57.260 --> 00:28:58.080 than 00:28:58.080 --> 00:28:58.680 temporary 00:28:58.680 --> 00:29:00.000 applause 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:01.360 or anything 00:29:01.360 --> 00:29:01.800 else 00:29:01.800 --> 00:29:03.100 for that 00:29:03.100 --> 00:29:03.420 matter 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:06.580 so let me 00:29:06.580 --> 00:29:06.860 work to 00:29:06.860 --> 00:29:07.140 give us 00:29:07.140 --> 00:29:07.300 some 00:29:07.300 --> 00:29:07.860 application 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:09.160 in closing 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:09.800 what do we 00:29:09.800 --> 00:29:10.300 walk away 00:29:10.300 --> 00:29:10.560 with 00:29:10.560 --> 00:29:10.920 how do we 00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:11.580 think about 00:29:11.580 --> 00:29:11.920 this 00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:12.560 text 00:29:12.560 --> 00:29:14.860 first I 00:29:14.860 --> 00:29:15.039 want to 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:15.300 say to 00:29:15.300 --> 00:29:15.440 the 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.360 unsaved 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:17.420 believe 00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:17.900 that 00:29:17.900 --> 00:29:18.180 Jesus 00:29:18.180 --> 00:29:19.019 is the 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:19.380 Christ 00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:20.060 the 00:29:20.060 --> 00:29:20.460 anointed 00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:20.820 one of 00:29:20.820 --> 00:29:21.060 God 00:29:21.060 --> 00:29:21.340 the one 00:29:21.340 --> 00:29:21.460 who 00:29:21.460 --> 00:29:21.779 comes 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:21.960 to 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:22.200 take 00:29:22.200 --> 00:29:22.480 away 00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:22.680 the 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.060 sins 00:29:23.060 --> 00:29:24.240 of the 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:24.580 world 00:29:24.580 --> 00:29:25.300 there 00:29:25.300 --> 00:29:25.860 is 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:26.759 sufficient 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:28.039 evidence 00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:29.720 do not 00:29:29.720 --> 00:29:30.279 identify 00:29:30.279 --> 00:29:31.060 with those 00:29:31.060 --> 00:29:31.620 Isaiah 00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:32.380 prophesied 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:32.720 about 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.960 the 00:29:33.960 --> 00:29:34.620 opportunity 00:29:34.620 --> 00:29:35.180 to turn 00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:35.539 from your 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:35.820 sin 00:29:35.820 --> 00:29:36.440 is presented 00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:37.180 to you 00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:38.320 today 00:29:38.320 --> 00:29:40.440 adults 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:41.740 old and 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.100 young 00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:43.420 children 00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:44.799 you are 00:29:44.799 --> 00:29:45.460 guilty of 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:45.600 your 00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:46.059 rebellion 00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:47.500 you will 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:47.940 not be 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:48.259 able to 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:48.740 blame it 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.480 on God 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:49.820 in the 00:29:49.820 --> 00:29:50.680 day of 00:29:50.680 --> 00:29:50.980 judgment 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:52.480 you are 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:52.880 guilty 00:29:52.880 --> 00:29:53.620 of your 00:29:53.620 --> 00:29:54.720 unbelief 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:56.440 God will 00:29:56.440 --> 00:29:56.940 not lay 00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:57.880 aside his 00:29:57.880 --> 00:29:58.680 wrath for 00:29:58.680 --> 00:29:59.259 your sin 00:29:59.259 --> 00:29:59.920 repent 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:01.640 and believe 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:03.320 turn 00:30:03.320 --> 00:30:03.740 from your 00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:04.120 sin 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:05.259 and embrace 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:06.640 Jesus 00:30:06.640 --> 00:30:08.620 if you do 00:30:08.620 --> 00:30:09.300 this by 00:30:09.300 --> 00:30:09.840 faith 00:30:09.840 --> 00:30:11.160 he will 00:30:11.160 --> 00:30:11.780 take away 00:30:11.780 --> 00:30:12.259 God's 00:30:12.259 --> 00:30:12.540 judgment 00:30:12.540 --> 00:30:13.120 because he 00:30:13.120 --> 00:30:14.140 already bore 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:14.140 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:15.060 God's wrath 00:30:15.060 --> 00:30:15.880 for you 00:30:15.880 --> 00:30:17.120 and he will 00:30:17.120 --> 00:30:18.040 restore you 00:30:18.040 --> 00:30:19.140 to God 00:30:19.140 --> 00:30:21.800 to the 00:30:21.800 --> 00:30:22.360 saved 00:30:22.360 --> 00:30:24.480 do not 00:30:24.480 --> 00:30:25.240 be controlled 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:26.180 by the fear 00:30:26.180 --> 00:30:26.600 of man 00:30:26.600 --> 00:30:28.240 we may 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:28.960 keep silent 00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:29.680 about Christ 00:30:29.680 --> 00:30:30.160 to protect 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:31.040 our reputations 00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:32.539 soften 00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:32.940 biblical 00:30:32.940 --> 00:30:33.460 convictions 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:34.119 to escape 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:34.720 criticism 00:30:34.720 --> 00:30:36.180 or avoid 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:36.680 confronting 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.299 sin to 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:37.759 preserve 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:39.059 a comfortable 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:40.180 friendship 00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:41.879 pastors 00:30:41.879 --> 00:30:42.599 and church 00:30:42.599 --> 00:30:42.980 members 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:43.539 alike 00:30:43.539 --> 00:30:43.940 can be 00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:44.200 tempted 00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:44.819 to measure 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:45.779 faithfulness 00:30:45.779 --> 00:30:46.299 by the 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:46.839 approval 00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:47.859 of others 00:30:47.859 --> 00:30:49.359 rather than 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.159 obedience 00:30:50.159 --> 00:30:51.059 to God's 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:51.299 word 00:30:51.299 --> 00:30:52.940 the fear 00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:53.379 of man 00:30:53.379 --> 00:30:53.799 becomes 00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:54.359 spiritually 00:30:54.359 --> 00:30:55.099 destructive 00:30:55.099 --> 00:30:56.220 when our 00:30:56.220 --> 00:30:56.779 desires to 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.259 be accepted 00:30:57.259 --> 00:30:57.879 by others 00:30:57.879 --> 00:30:58.500 exceeds 00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.440 our desires 00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:00.059 to see 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.079 the glory 00:31:01.079 --> 00:31:02.519 of Christ 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:05.220 also 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.559 to the 00:31:06.559 --> 00:31:06.980 saved 00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:09.220 let divine 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:10.079 sovereignty 00:31:10.079 --> 00:31:11.559 comfort 00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:12.879 and 00:31:12.879 --> 00:31:13.819 enthrall 00:31:13.819 --> 00:31:14.179 you 00:31:14.179 --> 00:31:16.099 if it 00:31:16.099 --> 00:31:16.460 weren't for 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.119 God's saving 00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:17.539 grace 00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.000 we would 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:18.579 all 00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:20.039 all of 00:31:20.039 --> 00:31:20.500 us 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.319 be cut 00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:21.619 off 00:31:21.619 --> 00:31:22.079 from the 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:22.720 loving kindness 00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:24.299 of God 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:25.819 and Paul wrote 00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:26.799 in Ephesians 2 00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:27.579 but God 00:31:27.579 --> 00:31:29.119 being rich 00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:29.779 in mercy 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.440 because of the 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:31.119 great love 00:31:31.119 --> 00:31:31.440 with which 00:31:31.440 --> 00:31:31.879 he loved 00:31:31.879 --> 00:31:32.119 us 00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:32.579 even 00:31:32.579 --> 00:31:33.180 when we 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:33.779 were dead 00:31:33.779 --> 00:31:34.139 in our 00:31:34.139 --> 00:31:34.819 trespasses 00:31:34.819 --> 00:31:36.220 made us 00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:36.980 alive 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:37.419 together 00:31:37.419 --> 00:31:38.139 with Christ 00:31:38.139 --> 00:31:39.319 by grace 00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:39.819 you have been 00:31:39.819 --> 00:31:40.259 saved 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:41.579 and raised 00:31:41.579 --> 00:31:41.879 us up 00:31:41.879 --> 00:31:42.279 with him 00:31:42.279 --> 00:31:42.799 and seated 00:31:42.799 --> 00:31:43.440 us with him 00:31:43.440 --> 00:31:43.879 in the heavenly 00:31:43.879 --> 00:31:44.299 places 00:31:44.299 --> 00:31:45.139 in Christ 00:31:45.139 --> 00:31:45.619 Jesus 00:31:45.619 --> 00:31:46.740 so that in 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:47.119 the coming 00:31:47.119 --> 00:31:47.480 ages 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:47.859 he might 00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:48.379 show the 00:31:48.379 --> 00:31:49.019 immeasurable 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:49.460 riches 00:31:49.460 --> 00:31:50.299 of his grace 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.980 and kindness 00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:51.819 toward us 00:31:51.819 --> 00:31:53.279 in Christ 00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:53.740 Jesus 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:55.799 rest 00:31:55.799 --> 00:31:56.460 in the 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:56.960 completed 00:31:56.960 --> 00:31:57.419 work of 00:31:57.419 --> 00:31:57.700 Jesus 00:31:57.700 --> 00:31:58.319 on your 00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:58.859 behalf 00:31:58.859 --> 00:32:00.359 and work 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:00.740 to bring 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:01.279 him glory 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:01.740 in the way 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.339 you parent 00:32:02.339 --> 00:32:03.539 in your 00:32:03.539 --> 00:32:04.079 work 00:32:04.079 --> 00:32:05.200 in the way 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:05.859 you learn 00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:06.579 students 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:07.480 in your 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:07.960 service 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:08.299 in the 00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:08.759 church 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.799 in your 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:10.240 love 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:10.559 of your 00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:11.200 spouse 00:32:11.200 --> 00:32:12.220 and by 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.679 sharing 00:32:12.679 --> 00:32:13.279 the gospel 00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:13.720 with your 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:14.039 neighbor 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:14.519 to the 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:14.779 very 00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:15.339 ends 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:16.460 of the 00:32:16.460 --> 00:32:16.740 earth 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.839 let's 00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:17.980 pray 00:32:17.980 --> 00:32:18.299 together 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:19.899 00:32:19.899 --> 00:32:20.539 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.039 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.680 00:32:21.680 --> 00:32:22.379 00:32:22.379 --> 00:32:22.899 00:32:22.899 --> 00:32:23.319 00:32:23.319 --> 00:32:23.899 00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.379 00:32:24.379 --> 00:32:24.960 00:32:24.960 --> 00:32:25.500 00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:26.200 00:32:26.200 --> 00:32:26.759 00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:27.139 00:32:27.139 --> 00:32:27.559 00:32:27.559 --> 00:32:28.039 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:28.399 00:32:28.399 --> 00:32:28.639 00:32:28.639 --> 00:32:28.899 00:32:28.899 --> 00:32:29.200 00:32:29.200 --> 00:32:29.599 00:32:29.599 --> 00:32:30.139 00:32:30.139 --> 00:32:30.460 00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:30.720 00:32:30.720 --> 00:32:31.019 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:31.279 00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:31.599 00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:31.960 00:32:31.960 --> 00:32:32.180 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:32.359 00:32:32.359 --> 00:32:32.500 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:32.639 00:32:32.639 --> 00:32:32.879 00:32:32.879 --> 00:32:33.119 00:32:33.119 --> 00:32:33.319 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:33.799 00:32:33.799 --> 00:32:34.180 00:32:34.180 --> 00:32:34.440 00:32:34.440 --> 00:32:34.639 00:32:34.639 --> 00:32:34.980 00:32:34.980 --> 00:32:35.299 00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:35.599 00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:35.919 00:32:35.919 --> 00:32:36.159 00:32:36.159 --> 00:32:36.259 00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:36.480 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:36.619 00:32:36.619 --> 00:32:36.819 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:37.059 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:37.180 00:32:37.180 --> 00:32:37.480 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:37.819 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:38.099 00:32:38.099 --> 00:32:38.359 00:32:38.359 --> 00:32:38.579 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:38.759 00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:39.059 00:32:39.059 --> 00:32:39.299 00:32:39.299 --> 00:32:39.680 00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:40.039 00:32:40.039 --> 00:32:40.419 00:32:40.419 --> 00:32:40.480 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:40.740 00:32:40.740 --> 00:32:41.039 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.319 00:32:41.319 --> 00:32:41.700 00:32:41.700 --> 00:32:42.180 00:32:42.180 --> 00:32:42.539 00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:43.200 00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:43.639 00:32:43.639 --> 00:32:43.960 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:44.180 00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:44.440 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:45.039