WEBVTT 00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:09.080 In 2014, Vanity Fair had an excellent long-form piece about Air France Flight 447. 00:00:09.700 --> 00:00:17.940 This is the flight in the year 2009 that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on its way from Brazil to France. 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:27.760 The piece makes the case that amazing technology has rendered planes so safe and so automatic 00:00:27.760 --> 00:00:34.340 that the pilots can be unprepared to handle a stressful situation when things go wrong. 00:00:35.539 --> 00:00:46.460 With this flight, it was just one little glitch that led to a cascade of little errors that eventually brought down the plane. 00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:57.240 When the glitch occurred, had the pilot flying realized what displays to look at and how to interpret them 00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:03.520 it would have been a simple enough fix and nobody would realize that there had been anything amiss. 00:01:05.320 --> 00:01:10.079 In Colossians 3, Paul is telling the Colossians to keep their eyes on a compass. 00:01:11.200 --> 00:01:15.900 This is a brand new church. Things have started well. People are very excited. 00:01:15.900 --> 00:01:21.040 But there seems to be a danger of the church losing its way. 00:01:21.040 --> 00:01:30.620 In addition to the gospel, the church is being tempted to add other things on to their religious experience. 00:01:30.740 --> 00:01:34.620 Take some bits from pagan folk religion. 00:01:34.920 --> 00:01:37.300 Take some bits from Judaism. 00:01:38.100 --> 00:01:43.240 And perhaps they can have higher, more complete spiritual experience. 00:01:43.239 --> 00:01:48.899 So in the first two chapters of this letter, as we've heard over the last couple of months, 00:01:49.479 --> 00:01:54.060 Paul exalts Jesus as absolutely supreme. 00:01:54.899 --> 00:01:59.179 The source of life and wisdom and fullness. 00:02:00.519 --> 00:02:07.619 He exposes the teachings that the Colossians are being tempted to follow as complete rubbish. 00:02:07.620 --> 00:02:11.120 And then in our passage today, he says, 00:02:11.460 --> 00:02:13.039 Don't set your heart on those things. 00:02:14.259 --> 00:02:18.640 But set your minds on things above where Christ is. 00:02:19.960 --> 00:02:21.180 What about us? 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:24.439 What captivates us? 00:02:26.640 --> 00:02:28.920 What determines our actions? 00:02:29.319 --> 00:02:31.280 What do we have our eyes set on? 00:02:31.900 --> 00:02:32.740 What is our compass? 00:02:32.740 --> 00:02:33.740 What does that mean? 00:02:33.740 --> 00:02:34.740 What does that mean? 00:02:34.740 --> 00:02:38.460 That's one of three things we're going to examine in this passage. 00:02:38.780 --> 00:02:45.000 We're going to look at our conversion, our compass, and our confidence. 00:02:45.780 --> 00:02:49.379 Our conversion, our compass, and our confidence. 00:02:50.080 --> 00:02:50.580 Let's pray. 00:02:50.580 --> 00:02:50.600 Let's pray. 00:03:02.740 --> 00:03:16.500 Father, we are grateful to gather here in a still, quiet, beautiful space. 00:03:19.780 --> 00:03:23.160 Grateful for the golden sun shining through these windows. 00:03:24.420 --> 00:03:25.500 Grateful to be together. 00:03:27.879 --> 00:03:29.420 Grateful that you are here. 00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:32.439 Because we need to hear your voice. 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:41.180 We've just come from a week of noise, chaos, cacophony, insanity. 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:47.860 We need to hear your voice in this still, peaceful place. 00:03:50.520 --> 00:03:52.020 So speak to us. 00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:55.460 Restore our sanity. 00:03:55.460 --> 00:04:00.460 We may love you deeper. 00:04:00.460 --> 00:04:01.040 We may love you deeper. 00:04:02.080 --> 00:04:04.520 And understand your deep love for us. 00:04:05.319 --> 00:04:06.800 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:04:07.420 --> 00:04:07.640 Amen. 00:04:07.639 --> 00:04:12.279 So let's look first at our conversion. 00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:16.399 Paul has a lot to say about a lot of things. 00:04:16.919 --> 00:04:18.599 But sometimes he does us a favor. 00:04:19.199 --> 00:04:27.079 And he distills his teaching and his theology into concise, compact paragraphs. 00:04:27.079 --> 00:04:32.839 And these first four chapters of Colossians 3 are one of these occasions. 00:04:33.639 --> 00:04:36.859 If you were to ask Paul, what is the essence of being Christian? 00:04:38.180 --> 00:04:40.659 Paul would say it's union with Jesus. 00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:42.519 Union with Christ. 00:04:43.639 --> 00:04:47.399 You see, in verse 1, he writes that you have been raised with Christ. 00:04:47.399 --> 00:04:56.359 In verse 3, he writes that you have died, which echoes chapter 2, verse 20, when Paul says that you have died with Christ. 00:04:57.019 --> 00:04:59.279 And also in verse 3, he says it a little differently. 00:04:59.779 --> 00:05:02.459 That your life is hidden with Christ in God. 00:05:02.779 --> 00:05:03.879 You are with Christ. 00:05:04.500 --> 00:05:05.319 In Christ. 00:05:05.899 --> 00:05:07.799 This is the theme of Paul's writings. 00:05:08.279 --> 00:05:10.899 And here we have it all in compact form. 00:05:11.399 --> 00:05:14.639 When you became a Christian, you were united to Christ. 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:17.500 And a couple things happened simultaneously. 00:05:18.219 --> 00:05:19.779 You were united to him in his death. 00:05:20.459 --> 00:05:21.360 And in his life. 00:05:21.539 --> 00:05:22.259 In his resurrection. 00:05:23.300 --> 00:05:25.979 In terms of his death, the life you once lived. 00:05:26.419 --> 00:05:31.259 And the sinful nature to which you were once enslaved was put to death. 00:05:31.839 --> 00:05:32.579 They were crucified. 00:05:33.599 --> 00:05:39.560 And in terms of resurrection, the Holy Spirit worked in your heart and caused you to be reborn. 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:44.279 Or as Jesus said in John, to be born again. 00:05:44.279 --> 00:05:46.619 Your nature was changed. 00:05:47.019 --> 00:05:49.319 So that you can respond to God. 00:05:50.259 --> 00:05:52.239 And live in accordance with his will. 00:05:53.139 --> 00:05:58.699 And you were liberated from your old master and into a new life with a new king. 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:00.279 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:06:01.619 --> 00:06:06.559 In Galatians, Paul also distills all of this. 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:08.720 When he writes, 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:10.860 I have been crucified with Christ. 00:06:11.079 --> 00:06:12.639 It is no longer I who live. 00:06:13.040 --> 00:06:14.780 But Christ who lives in me. 00:06:14.839 --> 00:06:16.639 In the life that I now live. 00:06:16.699 --> 00:06:18.439 I live by faith in the Son of God. 00:06:18.500 --> 00:06:19.180 Who loved me. 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:20.699 And gave himself for me. 00:06:21.980 --> 00:06:25.779 Now what happened at your conversion is also true continuously. 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:29.459 The Christian life involves dying to our sinful desires. 00:06:29.819 --> 00:06:32.240 And living in the power of Christ's resurrection. 00:06:33.160 --> 00:06:35.220 How do we live in the power of his resurrection? 00:06:35.220 --> 00:06:37.120 In verse 1 he writes, 00:06:37.960 --> 00:06:42.060 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above. 00:06:42.320 --> 00:06:43.580 Where Christ is. 00:06:43.780 --> 00:06:45.300 Seated at the right hand of God. 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:50.560 The right hand signifies a place of honor and prominence. 00:06:51.580 --> 00:06:52.640 Jesus is king. 00:06:52.920 --> 00:06:53.780 He's the boss. 00:06:53.900 --> 00:06:55.200 He is sovereign. 00:06:55.199 --> 00:07:04.779 The fact of Christ's sovereignty is meant to orient us and provide us with our compass throughout our lives. 00:07:05.399 --> 00:07:06.860 This is our second point. 00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:14.899 Having been united to Christ, we now have a compass to orient us and to give us direction. 00:07:15.860 --> 00:07:18.360 Our compass does two things for us, among many. 00:07:18.360 --> 00:07:24.800 When we endure struggles and hardship, our compass encourages us. 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:31.680 Christ's sovereignty encourages us. 00:07:32.100 --> 00:07:33.560 Because we know the end of the story. 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:35.280 We know who's in charge. 00:07:35.520 --> 00:07:39.300 It's like watching a sporting event that you've DVR'd. 00:07:39.300 --> 00:07:42.220 And you know the outcome in advance. 00:07:42.540 --> 00:07:45.460 Take, for example, this past Super Bowl. 00:07:46.139 --> 00:07:47.400 If you were a Patriots fan. 00:07:48.879 --> 00:07:50.379 If you were a Patriots fan. 00:07:50.960 --> 00:07:55.319 And only knew that the game ended in the Patriots' favor, 34-28. 00:07:56.180 --> 00:08:01.680 Then you would not have been so discouraged when the Patriots were down 28-3. 00:08:01.680 --> 00:08:03.680 Because you knew the outcome. 00:08:03.819 --> 00:08:05.959 And could enjoy the game. 00:08:07.100 --> 00:08:10.259 And that was this year's football illustration. 00:08:11.459 --> 00:08:12.780 At Church of the Advent. 00:08:14.900 --> 00:08:15.579 Stay tuned. 00:08:15.660 --> 00:08:16.780 Next year we might get another. 00:08:19.340 --> 00:08:22.660 In the same way, when we keep Christ as our focus. 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:25.439 And know that he is in control of the final outcome. 00:08:25.699 --> 00:08:27.280 Which has already been determined. 00:08:27.840 --> 00:08:29.899 And when we keep our eyes focused on that. 00:08:29.899 --> 00:08:31.599 We become far less encouraged. 00:08:32.019 --> 00:08:33.480 As we face life's struggles. 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:35.079 That's first. 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:35.740 The second. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:37.279 Keeping Christ as our compass. 00:08:37.579 --> 00:08:39.120 Gives us moral direction. 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:42.980 We owe our allegiance and obedience to the King. 00:08:44.399 --> 00:08:45.120 Even more. 00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:47.399 We owe him our very desires. 00:08:48.659 --> 00:08:49.959 Our chief desires. 00:08:50.620 --> 00:08:51.819 Belong to Christ. 00:08:52.120 --> 00:08:52.779 Paul writes. 00:08:53.179 --> 00:08:54.279 Set your mind. 00:08:54.759 --> 00:08:56.100 Or some translations say. 00:08:56.100 --> 00:08:56.960 Set your hearts. 00:08:57.460 --> 00:08:58.500 On things above. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:00.559 Not on things that are on earth. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:02.779 It can go. 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:04.620 It can happen when you're backpacking. 00:09:06.159 --> 00:09:07.639 If you have a real compass. 00:09:08.399 --> 00:09:08.759 You know. 00:09:08.799 --> 00:09:09.500 With a magnet in it. 00:09:10.019 --> 00:09:11.980 If you have like metal in your backpack. 00:09:12.179 --> 00:09:12.460 For instance. 00:09:12.659 --> 00:09:14.399 Metal tent poles. 00:09:15.000 --> 00:09:18.419 That the poles can interfere with your compass. 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:20.720 And you could potentially wind up. 00:09:20.860 --> 00:09:22.539 Just walking around in circles. 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:24.439 And you could have a real compass. 00:09:24.439 --> 00:09:25.279 So it's worth asking. 00:09:25.459 --> 00:09:28.379 What are things that pull us away from our true north? 00:09:29.039 --> 00:09:31.939 The book of James says that each of us are tempted. 00:09:31.939 --> 00:09:36.039 When we are dragged away by our own evil desires. 00:09:36.159 --> 00:09:38.500 We're dragged away by our own desires. 00:09:38.659 --> 00:09:40.259 And after a desire is conceived. 00:09:40.259 --> 00:09:41.779 It gives birth to sin. 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:43.779 I mean. 00:09:43.779 --> 00:09:44.319 I mean. 00:09:44.319 --> 00:09:45.559 I mean. 00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:46.980 There's a lot of desires. 00:09:47.360 --> 00:09:48.579 We can talk about. 00:09:48.959 --> 00:09:50.039 That can pull us away. 00:09:50.500 --> 00:09:51.279 From true north. 00:09:52.439 --> 00:09:55.000 It would be worth spending time talking about. 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:57.720 One of the things that shapes our desires. 00:09:58.059 --> 00:09:59.159 For most of us. 00:09:59.659 --> 00:10:00.439 And that's our phones. 00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:03.519 Our phones shape our desires. 00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:05.919 Because we relate to our phones. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:06.839 Habitually. 00:10:07.539 --> 00:10:09.279 And quite often. 00:10:09.279 --> 00:10:12.519 And such behaviors shape our imaginations. 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:13.379 And our desires. 00:10:13.779 --> 00:10:14.639 There's two books written. 00:10:14.740 --> 00:10:16.339 I'd highly recommend on this topic. 00:10:16.639 --> 00:10:17.559 That have come out recently. 00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:20.299 Tommy mentioned one a few weeks ago. 00:10:20.439 --> 00:10:21.459 By Andy Crouch. 00:10:21.480 --> 00:10:23.299 It's called The TechWise Family. 00:10:23.939 --> 00:10:28.039 The other book is called 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You. 00:10:28.319 --> 00:10:29.480 By Tony Renka. 00:10:31.959 --> 00:10:34.159 If you're doing well with prayer. 00:10:34.919 --> 00:10:36.259 You're bowing your head. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:38.000 Say five times a day. 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:38.379 Right? 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:39.779 Once in the morning. 00:10:40.419 --> 00:10:41.340 Once in the evening. 00:10:42.159 --> 00:10:43.980 And then once before every meal. 00:10:44.439 --> 00:10:49.899 Five times a day would make roughly 1,700 times a year. 00:10:50.120 --> 00:10:52.100 That you bow your head in prayer. 00:10:52.360 --> 00:10:53.379 Now in contrast. 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:57.980 The average person looks at their smartphone. 00:10:58.980 --> 00:11:02.899 81,500 times a year. 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:04.700 That's versus 1,700. 00:11:04.700 --> 00:11:07.440 81,500 times a year. 00:11:07.660 --> 00:11:09.680 I am essentially bowing my head. 00:11:10.300 --> 00:11:10.420 Right? 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:13.280 That's 4.3 minutes. 00:11:13.820 --> 00:11:15.700 Between every time I look at the phone. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:17.860 Which, if you think about it. 00:11:18.220 --> 00:11:22.379 Is that if I'm looking at my phone every 4.3 minutes. 00:11:22.860 --> 00:11:25.400 That means during this sermon you will have looked at your. 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:29.000 Or been tempted to look at your phone 20 times. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:30.519 Let that sink in. 00:11:31.899 --> 00:11:32.159 Okay. 00:11:32.759 --> 00:11:33.720 That's 80 minutes. 00:11:33.960 --> 00:11:34.799 It's not going to go that long. 00:11:36.059 --> 00:11:37.240 I was kidding. 00:11:40.419 --> 00:11:41.659 So phones are good. 00:11:41.740 --> 00:11:43.039 I mean technology is good. 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:44.399 But like good things. 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:46.899 Like sex and alcohol and work. 00:11:47.159 --> 00:11:49.320 Good things can become addictions. 00:11:49.320 --> 00:11:51.360 We're addicted. 00:11:52.180 --> 00:11:53.500 And it's wreaking havoc. 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:55.020 On our relationships. 00:11:55.780 --> 00:11:57.300 I've had a smartphone now. 00:11:57.540 --> 00:11:58.520 Got my first one. 00:11:58.800 --> 00:11:59.920 Like six years ago. 00:12:00.940 --> 00:12:02.660 So I've had this phone for six years. 00:12:03.780 --> 00:12:05.540 I've had a smartphone for six years. 00:12:05.800 --> 00:12:06.700 Which means that my. 00:12:06.879 --> 00:12:08.020 For my two youngest sons. 00:12:08.440 --> 00:12:10.320 For their whole lives. 00:12:11.900 --> 00:12:13.280 All they can remember. 00:12:13.600 --> 00:12:15.040 Or as far back as they can remember. 00:12:15.420 --> 00:12:16.780 Is having to compete. 00:12:16.779 --> 00:12:18.679 With a smartphone. 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:20.799 For the love and attention. 00:12:21.199 --> 00:12:21.899 Of their father. 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:24.860 He's constantly looking at his phone. 00:12:25.439 --> 00:12:26.299 On the couch. 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:28.199 Sometimes at dinner. 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:28.980 Dad. 00:12:29.220 --> 00:12:29.539 Dad. 00:12:29.779 --> 00:12:30.079 Dad. 00:12:30.259 --> 00:12:30.740 Yeah. 00:12:31.159 --> 00:12:32.079 Just give me a minute. 00:12:33.039 --> 00:12:33.339 Right? 00:12:34.699 --> 00:12:36.620 And right in front of me. 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:38.019 This phone is wreaking havoc. 00:12:38.559 --> 00:12:39.259 On my family. 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:39.879 I admit it. 00:12:41.079 --> 00:12:42.319 It hurts our families. 00:12:42.439 --> 00:12:43.500 And it hurts our friendships. 00:12:43.860 --> 00:12:45.439 Just the presence of a phone. 00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:46.760 It can be on silence. 00:12:47.060 --> 00:12:48.760 It can be in our bag. 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:50.240 Just the presence of a phone. 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:51.780 In the midst of conversation. 00:12:52.220 --> 00:12:53.360 Reduces the depth. 00:12:53.840 --> 00:12:54.560 And vulnerability. 00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:57.000 With which we engage in conversations. 00:12:57.500 --> 00:12:58.220 With other people. 00:12:59.240 --> 00:13:00.160 Our phones are destructive. 00:13:00.380 --> 00:13:02.120 Because they crowd out God. 00:13:02.340 --> 00:13:03.240 From our thoughts. 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:04.700 We can't bear. 00:13:05.060 --> 00:13:05.620 Stillness. 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:06.740 And silence. 00:13:07.160 --> 00:13:07.740 In silence. 00:13:07.880 --> 00:13:09.700 We encounter our mortality. 00:13:10.120 --> 00:13:11.640 In the face of eternity. 00:13:12.420 --> 00:13:13.480 And in our anxiety. 00:13:13.480 --> 00:13:14.840 Instead of turning to God. 00:13:15.019 --> 00:13:15.659 In prayer. 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:17.340 We distract ourselves. 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:19.039 By turning to our phones. 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:20.700 We immerse ourselves. 00:13:20.920 --> 00:13:21.820 In aural. 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:22.820 Visual. 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:24.039 Noise. 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:27.659 Robert Cardinal Sarah. 00:13:28.100 --> 00:13:28.460 Writes. 00:13:29.019 --> 00:13:31.620 Our world no longer hears God. 00:13:31.720 --> 00:13:33.759 Because it is constantly speaking. 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:36.080 At a devastating speed. 00:13:36.600 --> 00:13:37.240 And volume. 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:39.200 In order to say nothing. 00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:41.460 From morning. 00:13:41.460 --> 00:13:42.240 To evening. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:43.200 From evening. 00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:44.160 To morning. 00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:47.320 Silence no longer has any place at all. 00:13:48.300 --> 00:13:50.960 The noise tries to prevent God himself from speaking. 00:13:51.920 --> 00:13:53.340 In this hell of noise. 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:54.240 Man disintegrates. 00:13:54.940 --> 00:13:55.620 And is lost. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:58.520 He is broken up into countless worries. 00:13:59.060 --> 00:13:59.640 Fantasies. 00:13:59.780 --> 00:14:00.360 And fears. 00:14:01.320 --> 00:14:03.300 In order to get out of these depressing tunnels. 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:05.400 He desperately awaits noise. 00:14:05.680 --> 00:14:08.340 So that it will bring him a few consolations. 00:14:08.340 --> 00:14:09.340 It's noise. 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:11.280 Noise is a deceptive. 00:14:12.120 --> 00:14:12.340 Addictive. 00:14:13.340 --> 00:14:14.500 And false. 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:15.600 Tranquilizer. 00:14:16.540 --> 00:14:19.660 The tragedy of our world is never better summed up. 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:22.320 Than in the fury of senseless noise. 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:24.780 That stubbornly hates silence. 00:14:26.040 --> 00:14:27.200 This age detests. 00:14:27.720 --> 00:14:28.379 The things. 00:14:28.800 --> 00:14:30.139 That silence brings us to. 00:14:31.280 --> 00:14:32.040 Encounter. 00:14:33.200 --> 00:14:33.879 Wonder. 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:36.519 And kneeling before God. 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:37.519 God. 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:42.059 Not only do our phones crowd out God. 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:43.159 But they replace him. 00:14:43.559 --> 00:14:45.439 With a different religious experience. 00:14:46.299 --> 00:14:48.379 We get high on the self-righteousness. 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:50.679 That comes from expressing outrage. 00:14:50.679 --> 00:14:52.860 Over things that people say. 00:14:53.199 --> 00:14:53.699 Or write. 00:14:54.079 --> 00:14:55.899 Such and such politicians said that. 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:58.939 George Washington built Monticello. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:14:59.399 Ugh. 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:00.779 How can he say that? 00:15:00.919 --> 00:15:02.000 Everyone knows it's Jefferson. 00:15:02.579 --> 00:15:03.159 Come on. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:06.620 When you plaster that on your Twitter feed. 00:15:07.039 --> 00:15:07.740 And your Facebook. 00:15:08.179 --> 00:15:09.600 And it makes you feel good about yourself. 00:15:09.699 --> 00:15:13.519 To publicly expose the faults and mistakes of others. 00:15:13.659 --> 00:15:14.620 I do this to you. 00:15:15.159 --> 00:15:16.579 When in actuality. 00:15:17.419 --> 00:15:19.059 Those who follow King Jesus. 00:15:19.659 --> 00:15:23.379 Are to be disposed towards covering our neighbor's blemishes. 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:27.279 Not to publicize them. 00:15:28.279 --> 00:15:33.100 The Christian is to be disposed to cover our neighbor's blemishes. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:35.539 Not to publicize them. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:39.080 But it's hard to resist. 00:15:39.620 --> 00:15:43.059 Because it's a spiritual religious experience. 00:15:44.200 --> 00:15:45.700 So one young woman wrote. 00:15:46.019 --> 00:15:48.159 About her struggles with internet addiction. 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:50.500 Every scroll of my thumb. 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:51.860 Brought a new judgment. 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.319 Comparison. 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:54.679 Or observation. 00:15:55.199 --> 00:15:58.219 That was followed by a feeling of either self-righteousness. 00:15:58.500 --> 00:15:59.939 Or self-degradation. 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:02.719 It's an addiction. 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:05.299 So what do we do? 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:08.179 Well one half of what Paul says. 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:10.439 Is to not set our minds. 00:16:10.439 --> 00:16:12.220 On things that are on earth. 00:16:12.220 --> 00:16:16.240 Andy Crouch recommends. 00:16:16.820 --> 00:16:19.000 A regular rhythm of fasting. 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:21.060 From technology. 00:16:21.540 --> 00:16:22.360 From our screens. 00:16:22.580 --> 00:16:23.279 One hour a day. 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:24.920 One day a week. 00:16:25.440 --> 00:16:26.680 And one week per year. 00:16:27.300 --> 00:16:28.040 An hour a day. 00:16:29.180 --> 00:16:30.420 A day per week. 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:31.800 And a week per year. 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:34.820 Now when I say the one day a week. 00:16:34.820 --> 00:16:36.759 I just kind of get all anxious. 00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:37.779 And nervous. 00:16:37.940 --> 00:16:38.259 Like oh. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:40.720 A day a week. 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:41.960 I should be able to do that. 00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:42.600 It means. 00:16:42.680 --> 00:16:43.460 I'm probably addicted. 00:16:43.560 --> 00:16:44.580 If I can't give up something. 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:45.840 For just one day a week. 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:50.019 Could you do that? 00:16:50.660 --> 00:16:51.680 Maybe we should. 00:16:52.779 --> 00:16:53.620 Try it together. 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:58.500 This is just toppling an idol. 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:58.820 Right? 00:16:59.820 --> 00:17:01.540 If we want to worship God. 00:17:01.540 --> 00:17:02.779 We need to topple the idol. 00:17:02.920 --> 00:17:03.800 That we're constantly. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:05.279 Bowing to. 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:08.140 But I'm not just talking to. 00:17:08.640 --> 00:17:10.480 The Christians that are in this room. 00:17:10.640 --> 00:17:12.039 I know there's many of us here. 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:13.700 That aren't sure what we believe. 00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:14.559 When it comes to Jesus. 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.819 And the claims that he made. 00:17:15.980 --> 00:17:16.900 About himself. 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:19.680 This is for you too. 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:21.259 This is for all of us. 00:17:21.600 --> 00:17:22.579 This is an addiction. 00:17:23.420 --> 00:17:25.079 And so we all need help. 00:17:27.160 --> 00:17:28.299 But at the same time. 00:17:28.380 --> 00:17:29.660 It's not enough just to say. 00:17:29.860 --> 00:17:30.440 Stop it. 00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:31.680 Moralism. 00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:33.140 Won't help us. 00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:35.140 We might be able to see. 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:35.839 That it's bad. 00:17:35.900 --> 00:17:36.980 And maybe call. 00:17:36.980 --> 00:17:38.039 It bad. 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:39.740 But we don't have the power. 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:41.480 To just stop desiring it. 00:17:43.160 --> 00:17:45.180 We need what Thomas Chalmers. 00:17:46.380 --> 00:17:48.460 Called the expulsive power. 00:17:48.620 --> 00:17:49.339 Of a new affection. 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:52.039 The expulsive power. 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:53.700 Of a new affection. 00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:57.480 This happens in stillness. 00:17:58.019 --> 00:17:58.880 And silence. 00:17:58.880 --> 00:17:59.200 Silence. 00:18:01.920 --> 00:18:03.640 And it takes hard work. 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:04.400 To make it happen. 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:09.020 In a still and silent space. 00:18:09.160 --> 00:18:10.320 Our love for Christ. 00:18:10.320 --> 00:18:11.280 Is nurtured. 00:18:11.360 --> 00:18:12.800 As we spend time with him. 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:14.220 And talk with him. 00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:17.360 And to listen to him. 00:18:19.100 --> 00:18:20.360 My spiritual director. 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:22.080 Tells me about his friends. 00:18:22.220 --> 00:18:23.300 Who are good at this. 00:18:23.380 --> 00:18:25.420 And they do it in a number of different ways. 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:26.340 It's just not one way. 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:27.059 To do it. 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:28.359 One guy has. 00:18:28.679 --> 00:18:29.579 Time with Jesus. 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:30.959 On his calendar. 00:18:31.359 --> 00:18:31.980 Same time. 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:32.859 Every week. 00:18:32.899 --> 00:18:34.299 And his friends and his family know. 00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:35.879 That if they try to schedule something. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:36.559 In that time. 00:18:36.839 --> 00:18:37.659 He'll respond with. 00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:37.980 Sorry. 00:18:38.539 --> 00:18:39.639 That's my time with Jesus. 00:18:40.419 --> 00:18:41.480 And it happens every week. 00:18:41.559 --> 00:18:42.379 And he counts on it. 00:18:42.639 --> 00:18:43.740 As does everybody else. 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:47.059 Maybe that would work for you. 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:49.179 Another one of his friends. 00:18:49.179 --> 00:18:50.639 Goes about it a little differently. 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.379 Anytime he makes a decision. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:53.839 About what to do with his time. 00:18:54.459 --> 00:18:54.799 Anytime. 00:18:54.799 --> 00:18:56.859 He asks three questions. 00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:59.799 Will this help me create space for God? 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:03.240 Will this help me be present to God? 00:19:04.399 --> 00:19:04.919 And third. 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:07.799 Will this help me love other people more? 00:19:08.619 --> 00:19:10.200 You might want to write these down. 00:19:10.619 --> 00:19:11.839 Or just go back and listen to it. 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:13.599 On your Church of the Advent app. 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:15.579 These three questions. 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:18.220 Will this help me create space for God? 00:19:19.299 --> 00:19:21.279 Will this help me be present to God? 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:24.299 Will this help me love other people more? 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:27.700 Whatever it is you choose. 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:30.740 You'll find the presence. 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.039 Of a God. 00:19:32.460 --> 00:19:33.619 Who loves you. 00:19:34.339 --> 00:19:35.440 And embraces you. 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:37.899 And gives you this confidence. 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.379 Verse three. 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:43.420 That your life is hidden. 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:45.079 With Christ. 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:45.819 In God. 00:19:45.819 --> 00:19:46.659 Hidden with Christ. 00:19:46.659 --> 00:19:47.059 In God. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.079 In God. 00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:49.879 This is our third point. 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.599 When in conversion. 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:54.299 We are united to Christ. 00:19:54.939 --> 00:19:56.059 He gives us Christ. 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:56.819 As a compass. 00:19:57.659 --> 00:19:58.439 And he gives us. 00:19:58.939 --> 00:19:59.779 A confidence. 00:20:00.579 --> 00:20:01.220 This confidence. 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:03.119 That because you are united to Christ. 00:20:03.339 --> 00:20:04.359 Your perseverance. 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:05.259 To the end. 00:20:05.359 --> 00:20:05.819 Is secure. 00:20:06.200 --> 00:20:06.859 Your life. 00:20:06.980 --> 00:20:07.339 Is hidden. 00:20:07.419 --> 00:20:08.119 With Christ. 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:09.159 In God. 00:20:09.639 --> 00:20:10.720 Hidden with Christ. 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:12.720 Now Paul is probably drawing on. 00:20:12.819 --> 00:20:13.939 Old Testament language. 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:14.640 For instance. 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.559 Psalm 27. 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.320 Like we heard. 00:20:16.840 --> 00:20:17.059 Read. 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:17.980 Earlier. 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:19.580 By Elizabeth. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:21.320 Verse five. 00:20:21.400 --> 00:20:22.259 Of Psalm 27. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:22.720 Says. 00:20:23.100 --> 00:20:24.360 He will hide me in a shelter. 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:25.200 In the day of trouble. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.620 He will conceal me. 00:20:26.680 --> 00:20:27.820 Under the cover of his tent. 00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:30.740 I think Paul has a second. 00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:32.080 Meaning. 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:33.799 In mind. 00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:34.500 When he writes. 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:35.480 Hidden. 00:20:36.080 --> 00:20:37.000 With Christ. 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.960 It's because in verse four. 00:20:39.039 --> 00:20:39.840 He uses the word. 00:20:40.080 --> 00:20:40.480 Appear. 00:20:41.100 --> 00:20:41.539 Twice. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:42.640 So. 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:43.360 Hidden. 00:20:43.940 --> 00:20:44.980 Up here. 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:46.500 This. 00:20:46.820 --> 00:20:48.059 Is apocalyptic. 00:20:48.680 --> 00:20:49.180 Language. 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:51.200 And some of you might remember. 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:52.539 From our series in Daniel. 00:20:52.820 --> 00:20:53.720 Back in the fall. 00:20:54.360 --> 00:20:55.019 That apocalypse. 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:56.100 Means. 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:57.380 Disclosure. 00:20:57.940 --> 00:20:58.200 Or. 00:20:59.400 --> 00:20:59.920 Revealing. 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:02.980 What is true of you. 00:21:03.120 --> 00:21:04.100 In the future. 00:21:05.080 --> 00:21:06.620 Is true of you. 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:07.160 Now. 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:09.240 It just can't be seen yet. 00:21:10.620 --> 00:21:12.220 And what is that truth. 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.480 That you have. 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:14.079 That you have. 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:15.440 Already been raised. 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:17.140 To everlasting life. 00:21:17.620 --> 00:21:19.079 You have already been raised. 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:21.440 To everlasting life. 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:22.519 Your life. 00:21:22.839 --> 00:21:23.420 In eternity. 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:25.819 Has already been made secure. 00:21:26.200 --> 00:21:26.940 Made secure. 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:28.000 By Christ. 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:30.720 And this is something that. 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:31.700 Christians. 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:32.120 I think. 00:21:32.360 --> 00:21:32.759 Miss. 00:21:33.100 --> 00:21:33.620 A lot. 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.240 Jen and I. 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:38.500 We are on vacation. 00:21:39.000 --> 00:21:39.579 At the beach. 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.900 A few years back. 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:43.160 And we just went to the closest church. 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.779 And it was youth. 00:21:45.339 --> 00:21:45.700 Day. 00:21:45.900 --> 00:21:46.599 At this church. 00:21:47.140 --> 00:21:48.180 In the middle of the service. 00:21:48.579 --> 00:21:49.440 Youth pastors up there. 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:49.880 Talking. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:50.380 And he's saying. 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:51.579 So proud of my kids. 00:21:51.859 --> 00:21:52.599 These kids are great. 00:21:52.680 --> 00:21:53.339 They just realized. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:53.940 The key. 00:21:54.519 --> 00:21:55.339 To the Christian life. 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:56.440 Is just sticking with it. 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:59.720 And Jen and I. 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.519 Looked at each other. 00:22:01.160 --> 00:22:02.240 We wanted to stand up. 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:02.420 And say. 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:03.000 No kids. 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:03.940 That's not the key. 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:05.080 The key to the Christian life. 00:22:05.160 --> 00:22:06.740 Is that God sticks with you. 00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:07.860 The father. 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.660 Sticks with you. 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:13.100 Fathers have a bad reputation. 00:22:13.100 --> 00:22:14.460 For not sticking around. 00:22:16.039 --> 00:22:17.180 But the father. 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:18.320 Sticks with us. 00:22:20.320 --> 00:22:21.320 In Isaiah. 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:22.960 It said. 00:22:23.840 --> 00:22:24.440 It said that. 00:22:24.620 --> 00:22:25.180 God has. 00:22:25.900 --> 00:22:26.380 Engraved. 00:22:26.580 --> 00:22:27.279 Your names. 00:22:27.380 --> 00:22:28.740 On the palm of his hands. 00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:30.880 And pagan worship. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:31.660 Back then. 00:22:32.380 --> 00:22:33.240 During worship. 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:34.840 Worshippers. 00:22:34.840 --> 00:22:34.880 Worshippers. 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:35.920 Would carve the name. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:36.820 Of their gods. 00:22:36.820 --> 00:22:37.440 On their hands. 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.539 As painful reminders. 00:22:40.100 --> 00:22:41.299 To worship their gods. 00:22:41.360 --> 00:22:42.240 To get their attention. 00:22:42.860 --> 00:22:43.740 You see this. 00:22:43.820 --> 00:22:44.620 When Elijah. 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:45.840 Is going face to face. 00:22:45.840 --> 00:22:46.380 Head to head. 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.660 With the prophets of Baal. 00:22:47.720 --> 00:22:48.460 They're carving themselves. 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:49.400 They're carving the names. 00:22:49.420 --> 00:22:49.900 Of their gods. 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:50.420 On their hands. 00:22:50.820 --> 00:22:51.660 Trying to get their gods. 00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:52.000 Attention. 00:22:52.440 --> 00:22:53.740 The father flips the script. 00:22:54.360 --> 00:22:55.080 He carves. 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:56.240 Your names. 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.640 On his hands. 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.299 He never forgets you. 00:22:59.600 --> 00:23:00.960 He never gives up on you. 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:04.140 My name. 00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:06.700 From the palm of his hands. 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:08.880 Eternity will not erase. 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:12.160 Impressed on his heart. 00:23:12.340 --> 00:23:13.000 It remains. 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:14.180 With marks. 00:23:14.640 --> 00:23:15.700 Of indelible grace. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:16.299 Yes. 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.680 I to the end. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:19.059 Will endure. 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.440 As sure as the earnest. 00:23:20.660 --> 00:23:21.160 Is given. 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:23.759 More happy. 00:23:23.860 --> 00:23:25.019 But not more secure. 00:23:25.120 --> 00:23:26.120 The glorified spirits. 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:26.500 In heaven. 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:28.500 Now the grammar got a little crazy. 00:23:28.519 --> 00:23:29.180 Because it's a hymn. 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:31.160 Did you hear that last line? 00:23:31.839 --> 00:23:34.859 That the souls who are already in the presence of our father. 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:35.579 Yes. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:37.019 Are more happy than we are. 00:23:37.099 --> 00:23:37.839 Because you know. 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:38.859 That's heaven. 00:23:39.140 --> 00:23:39.599 This is not. 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:40.299 However. 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:43.220 Their place in heaven is not more secure than yours. 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.319 Your place. 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.740 In eternity. 00:23:46.900 --> 00:23:49.259 Is as secure as those who are already there. 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.000 Isn't that great? 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:51.019 Isn't that great? 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:57.420 This is what Jesus says in John chapter 6. 00:23:57.420 --> 00:23:59.440 All that the father gives me. 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.579 Will come to me. 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:02.339 And whoever comes to me. 00:24:02.500 --> 00:24:03.960 I will never cast out. 00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:06.220 And this is the will of him who sent me. 00:24:06.579 --> 00:24:09.220 That I should lose nothing of all that he has given me. 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:10.879 But raise it up on the last day. 00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:13.000 For this is the will of my father. 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:15.039 That everyone who looks on the son. 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:16.079 And believes in him. 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:17.200 Should have eternal life. 00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:19.240 And I will raise him up. 00:24:19.379 --> 00:24:20.359 On the last day. 00:24:20.359 --> 00:24:22.219 I stick with them. 00:24:23.939 --> 00:24:26.039 Paul affirms this in Romans 8. 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:28.179 For I am convinced that neither death. 00:24:28.419 --> 00:24:29.119 Nor life. 00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:30.619 Neither angels. 00:24:30.879 --> 00:24:31.439 Nor demons. 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:32.939 Neither the present. 00:24:33.179 --> 00:24:33.959 Nor the future. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.339 Nor any powers. 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:36.539 Neither height. 00:24:36.939 --> 00:24:37.479 Nor depth. 00:24:37.899 --> 00:24:39.899 Nor anything else in all creation. 00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:42.279 Can separate us from the love of God. 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:44.039 That is in Christ Jesus. 00:24:44.339 --> 00:24:44.899 Our Lord. 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:49.539 We began this sermon. 00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:51.339 With an illustration. 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:54.179 That was a plane crash. 00:24:54.959 --> 00:24:56.259 But we don't have that fear. 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:56.899 Both literally. 00:24:57.439 --> 00:24:58.179 And figuratively. 00:24:58.179 --> 00:25:00.439 We know how our story ends. 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:02.299 We land safely. 00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:04.159 In a land of peace. 00:25:04.939 --> 00:25:05.699 And plenty. 00:25:06.939 --> 00:25:08.379 Having shed those desires. 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:10.479 That would pull us away from our true north. 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.440 Jesus Christ. 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:14.240 At the right hand of our Father in Heaven. 00:25:15.360 --> 00:25:16.920 In the name of the Father and of the Son. 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:18.019 And of the Holy Spirit. 00:25:18.620 --> 00:25:18.940 Amen. 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:19.079 Amen. 00:25:20.140 --> 00:25:21.099 Amen. 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:21.420 Amen. 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:22.839 Amen. 00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:22.860 Amen.