WEBVTT 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:04.280 Good evening. As ever, do keep that passage open in front of you. 00:00:04.879 --> 00:00:09.580 Apologies, I've got a little bit of a cough, so hopefully that won't bother us too much. 00:00:10.339 --> 00:00:13.880 But yes, do keep that passage open in front of you and let me pray before we begin. 00:00:18.300 --> 00:00:22.379 Heavenly Father, would you open our eyes that they would see, 00:00:23.580 --> 00:00:25.620 and our ears that we would hear, 00:00:25.620 --> 00:00:30.060 and our hearts that we might receive your Son this evening. 00:00:31.440 --> 00:00:34.980 For we pray in his precious name. Amen. 00:00:37.760 --> 00:00:42.859 And when I was at school, there was one day in particular in the school calendar 00:00:42.859 --> 00:00:45.260 that I dreaded above all others. 00:00:46.100 --> 00:00:49.000 Maybe this is familiar to you if you think back to your time at school. 00:00:49.520 --> 00:00:53.579 There was one day in the school year that I think almost nobody looked forward to. 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:57.280 Of course, there probably were those who actually did look forward to it. 00:00:57.399 --> 00:01:01.820 Each year must have had one or two nutters in it that we all knew would probably do quite well. 00:01:02.299 --> 00:01:04.599 There was always chat about which of those nutters would win. 00:01:04.980 --> 00:01:09.019 But most of us, certainly me, I dreaded that day. 00:01:10.039 --> 00:01:12.340 It was the school cross-country race. 00:01:13.719 --> 00:01:16.439 Don't know if your school had a day like that, but for me it was awful. 00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:19.579 At my school, we were right out in the middle of nowhere, 00:01:19.579 --> 00:01:23.099 and so the course, the path that we had to run, and we did have to run it, 00:01:23.140 --> 00:01:25.319 it was mandatory unless we were in a hospital bed. 00:01:25.759 --> 00:01:28.500 And the path, it took us through dense woods, 00:01:28.739 --> 00:01:32.000 across a badly kept countryside golf course, through farmer's fields. 00:01:32.099 --> 00:01:33.799 We really were in the middle of nowhere. 00:01:34.719 --> 00:01:38.840 And so there I was, 16 years old, never really been a runner, 00:01:38.959 --> 00:01:40.579 more of a rugby player, most of you know that, 00:01:40.620 --> 00:01:41.659 and I was on the start line. 00:01:42.159 --> 00:01:45.599 And I know that the only way that I'm ever going to finish this race 00:01:45.599 --> 00:01:47.439 is to stay on the path. 00:01:49.059 --> 00:01:51.699 Lots of opportunities for me to get lost in the woods, 00:01:52.439 --> 00:01:54.500 to cut across the golf course. 00:01:55.019 --> 00:01:56.899 But if I'm going to finish this race, 00:01:56.899 --> 00:02:01.959 I need to put one foot in front of the other and stay on the path. 00:02:03.399 --> 00:02:07.019 That might be a familiar metaphor for the Christian life. 00:02:07.099 --> 00:02:09.319 Lots of writers have taken up this metaphor. 00:02:09.459 --> 00:02:12.400 Maybe most famously, John Bunyan in Pilgrim's Progress. 00:02:12.400 --> 00:02:15.200 It's sort of like that as Christian, the main character. 00:02:15.460 --> 00:02:16.620 He navigates life. 00:02:16.680 --> 00:02:19.840 And the key takeaway for him is to stay on the path. 00:02:20.700 --> 00:02:22.280 And of course, the New Testament writers, 00:02:22.500 --> 00:02:25.700 they employ a language like that, even specifically about the race. 00:02:25.819 --> 00:02:27.780 The writer to the Hebrews does that. 00:02:27.939 --> 00:02:30.800 And Paul, who wrote the letter that we're in this evening, 00:02:31.219 --> 00:02:33.800 as he wrote this other letter to guys in Corinth, 00:02:33.939 --> 00:02:35.159 he says, run the race. 00:02:36.340 --> 00:02:37.319 Finish the race. 00:02:37.780 --> 00:02:39.520 In other words, keep the faith. 00:02:39.860 --> 00:02:40.960 Don't get distracted. 00:02:40.960 --> 00:02:43.420 Stay on the path. 00:02:45.140 --> 00:02:48.500 And I think that's precisely Paul's point for us this evening. 00:02:49.500 --> 00:02:54.080 As we think about all the different ways that we might think about how the world works, 00:02:54.100 --> 00:02:57.020 as we consider what we believe about life, 00:02:57.439 --> 00:02:59.300 about humanity, about God, 00:02:59.400 --> 00:03:01.420 about the final destination of it all, 00:03:01.680 --> 00:03:02.819 the end of the race, 00:03:02.980 --> 00:03:05.260 there are just so many options out there, aren't there? 00:03:05.259 --> 00:03:10.199 So many worldviews competing in the great marketplace of ideas. 00:03:11.179 --> 00:03:12.500 There's all the different religions. 00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:14.479 There's all the non-religious ideas. 00:03:14.599 --> 00:03:17.719 But even within those, I mean, even within Christianity, 00:03:17.719 --> 00:03:19.139 the options are endless. 00:03:19.919 --> 00:03:21.319 Different styles of worship, 00:03:21.639 --> 00:03:23.780 different ways of organizing church leadership, 00:03:24.519 --> 00:03:27.680 different schemes for understanding the big picture of the Bible. 00:03:27.680 --> 00:03:31.680 And most relevant for us in our passage today, 00:03:31.900 --> 00:03:35.659 different ideas about what will happen at the end of the race. 00:03:35.659 --> 00:03:38.960 But Paul's main point for us, 00:03:38.979 --> 00:03:41.539 and the main point of this passage is this. 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:43.180 More often than not, 00:03:43.819 --> 00:03:45.500 those things are distractions. 00:03:46.939 --> 00:03:48.840 Distractions away from a simple, 00:03:49.280 --> 00:03:51.280 humble faith in Christ. 00:03:52.740 --> 00:03:55.560 Distractions seeking to take us off the path. 00:03:56.740 --> 00:03:59.460 You see, that's really what Paul is saying to the church in Thessalonica. 00:03:59.579 --> 00:04:01.159 Stay on the path. 00:04:01.159 --> 00:04:03.900 And this is the issue in verse one. 00:04:03.960 --> 00:04:04.979 Have a look at verse one. 00:04:05.919 --> 00:04:08.800 The issue straight off the bat concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus 00:04:08.800 --> 00:04:10.419 and our being gathered to him. 00:04:11.400 --> 00:04:15.719 So there are some ideas circulating in this church about Jesus's return, 00:04:15.819 --> 00:04:17.180 about when that might happen, 00:04:17.459 --> 00:04:18.939 even that it already has. 00:04:19.620 --> 00:04:22.480 And exactly what might happen to Christians at that time. 00:04:22.560 --> 00:04:23.800 It's speculation. 00:04:24.579 --> 00:04:27.579 Speculation that the end of the race has already come. 00:04:28.540 --> 00:04:31.100 It's as though you get to school on the day of the cross country run. 00:04:31.500 --> 00:04:32.980 And you've got all your kit on. 00:04:33.040 --> 00:04:33.740 You're ready to go. 00:04:33.840 --> 00:04:34.960 And you bump into a friend. 00:04:35.380 --> 00:04:38.140 And he couldn't look less prepared for the race. 00:04:39.200 --> 00:04:39.880 Haven't you heard? 00:04:40.660 --> 00:04:42.280 Didn't you know the race has been cancelled? 00:04:42.920 --> 00:04:44.100 You don't need to run. 00:04:44.900 --> 00:04:47.000 You feel this great wave of relief. 00:04:48.200 --> 00:04:50.180 Except he's lying to you. 00:04:50.260 --> 00:04:51.180 It's a deception. 00:04:51.580 --> 00:04:53.960 And that relief will very soon be shattered 00:04:53.960 --> 00:04:56.640 when you realize that the race is in fact not over. 00:04:57.080 --> 00:04:59.760 And it's a deception a bit like that going on in Thessalonica. 00:05:00.719 --> 00:05:01.939 And so he urges them. 00:05:02.039 --> 00:05:04.420 Paul urges this church in verse 2 00:05:04.420 --> 00:05:09.519 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by this teaching allegedly from us. 00:05:09.659 --> 00:05:12.339 The church there, they seem to have received a letter. 00:05:12.759 --> 00:05:15.699 And there's some teaching going around claiming to be from Paul, 00:05:15.860 --> 00:05:17.860 saying that the race has been run, 00:05:18.500 --> 00:05:20.500 that Jesus has already returned. 00:05:20.500 --> 00:05:25.800 And I guess there are a number of things that that sort of teaching might have caused. 00:05:26.459 --> 00:05:27.720 They might have said something like, 00:05:27.959 --> 00:05:29.959 Jesus has come and the kingdom has come. 00:05:30.300 --> 00:05:34.259 And so now everyone can be healed of all sickness and poverty and suffering. 00:05:35.420 --> 00:05:38.360 Everything should be God as God intended it today. 00:05:38.620 --> 00:05:40.620 And if you have enough faith and believe well enough, 00:05:40.680 --> 00:05:44.019 you will experience that here and now because Jesus has come. 00:05:44.819 --> 00:05:47.040 Sounds attractive, that sort of teaching, doesn't it? 00:05:47.040 --> 00:05:53.420 But it doesn't take long to realize just how disappointing that sort of teaching would have been. 00:05:54.300 --> 00:05:59.080 Not least for this church facing, as we've seen over the last couple of weeks with Alistair, 00:05:59.420 --> 00:06:01.560 real persecution for their faith. 00:06:01.560 --> 00:06:06.480 How disappointing when they're being taught that Jesus has returned, 00:06:06.620 --> 00:06:09.240 that the Christian then has already arrived. 00:06:10.100 --> 00:06:14.139 I think that's probably why there's an emphasis here in this book at the end of chapter one. 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:17.879 And in our passages, we'll see that the emphasis that in this life, 00:06:17.959 --> 00:06:23.199 the Christian is to live a particular way to grow and to be transformed in this life. 00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:28.959 But also that, and implicit in that, that the Christian has not yet already arrived, 00:06:29.099 --> 00:06:32.399 does not yet share in the perfect glory of Jesus. 00:06:33.199 --> 00:06:33.680 Why? 00:06:34.479 --> 00:06:36.000 Because he has not yet returned. 00:06:37.199 --> 00:06:41.120 And so they've got to be thinking, if he's come, if Jesus has come and this is it, 00:06:41.879 --> 00:06:44.339 well, either we were never really saved, 00:06:45.039 --> 00:06:48.000 or what he actually came to do wasn't really that good. 00:06:49.060 --> 00:06:50.099 So disappointing. 00:06:50.100 --> 00:06:55.379 And not only disappointing, but apparently for them, demotivating. 00:06:55.520 --> 00:06:57.320 This is even more explicit in this letter. 00:06:58.100 --> 00:07:01.760 This teaching seems to have caused members of this church to stop going to work. 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:04.280 We'll come to that in a couple of weeks in chapter three. 00:07:04.379 --> 00:07:08.340 But this is really the main practical problem that Paul is addressing in the church in Thessalonica. 00:07:08.480 --> 00:07:09.080 It's idleness. 00:07:10.140 --> 00:07:13.720 It appears as though they've given up their jobs, that they're demotivated. 00:07:14.140 --> 00:07:16.939 And maybe because they think, well, the kingdom has come. 00:07:17.220 --> 00:07:18.240 We have arrived. 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:19.520 We don't need to work anymore. 00:07:20.640 --> 00:07:23.900 Maybe they're devoting themselves to promoting this new sort of teaching. 00:07:24.140 --> 00:07:26.840 And I dare say it looked holy and impressive. 00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:30.460 But, says Paul, it is a deception. 00:07:31.600 --> 00:07:33.820 They have strayed from the path. 00:07:33.819 --> 00:07:41.219 But for us today, well, the issue here in 21st century Scotland probably isn't the same, is it? 00:07:41.219 --> 00:07:45.719 I don't think we've got people here at Brunsfield quitting their jobs in order to preach this sort of message. 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:57.460 And so I think most fundamentally for us, the key here, the main application for us is that we ought to avoid the sort of teaching that claims as Christians that we have already arrived. 00:07:57.459 --> 00:08:01.099 The sort of claims that say we can bring heaven to earth. 00:08:01.099 --> 00:08:05.199 That because Jesus has returned, we can share in his glory today. 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:09.199 Because that is the great deception that the Thessalonians face. 00:08:09.300 --> 00:08:11.719 And Paul would say to us, stay on the path. 00:08:13.060 --> 00:08:14.399 Stay on the path. 00:08:14.399 --> 00:08:19.379 There is another temptation, I think, for us when we come to a passage like this. 00:08:19.399 --> 00:08:22.359 And it's actually just to ignore Paul's main point altogether. 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:24.099 To ignore that primary application. 00:08:24.919 --> 00:08:28.060 And instead to dive headfirst into all sorts of speculation. 00:08:28.060 --> 00:08:35.639 As we've seen right at the start in verse 1, it's about the coming of our Lord Jesus and our being gathered to him. 00:08:36.059 --> 00:08:42.059 I think there are probably few verses, let alone topics, that have caused so much disagreement in the church as this. 00:08:43.059 --> 00:08:46.700 We all come at it with our own ideas and our frameworks. 00:08:48.039 --> 00:08:50.600 And we'll come to our own conclusions on it. 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:54.779 But Paul would, I think, urge us in unity not to waste our time. 00:08:54.779 --> 00:09:00.959 Not to get distracted by that sort of thinking, but instead to stay on the path. 00:09:01.799 --> 00:09:05.720 We could go around the houses discussing and speculating and proof texting. 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:12.259 But for what it's worth, I think we really have to say on this stuff that we just don't know everything. 00:09:13.519 --> 00:09:20.339 And no amount of chart making or diagramming or even Bible study is going to give us everything that we would like here. 00:09:21.059 --> 00:09:24.079 Because ultimately, see in verse 5 what Paul says. 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:30.899 He says to the church there, don't you remember that when I was with you, I used to tell you these things? 00:09:32.199 --> 00:09:34.399 You know, I would have just loved to have been there. 00:09:35.139 --> 00:09:41.679 In Thessalonica, when Paul was explaining exactly what's going to happen when Jesus returns, exactly what that will be like. 00:09:41.699 --> 00:09:43.600 I would have loved to have been there, but I wasn't. 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:50.399 We weren't there and it's clear then that we just don't know everything about these things. 00:09:50.460 --> 00:09:51.899 We don't know what Paul said to them. 00:09:52.519 --> 00:09:55.519 And so it's very hard to know exactly what Paul is talking about here. 00:09:56.220 --> 00:10:00.980 I trust the original readers, the guys who received this letter, were able to make more of it than we can. 00:10:00.980 --> 00:10:08.620 But wherever we land on this, on the coming of Jesus and precisely what will happen to believers and when that will happen, 00:10:09.580 --> 00:10:18.000 we have to come to a text like this with real humility and say that we just don't know everything that we would like to know about these things. 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:33.259 And yet we have been given everything that we need to stay on the path, to see, as is Paul's main point, that Jesus hasn't come yet and to know that one day he will. 00:10:34.179 --> 00:10:43.519 And that when he does, the victory will be his and that if we stand firm and hold fast in faith, we will share in his glory. 00:10:45.019 --> 00:10:46.960 But first we have a race to run. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:49.320 So that's where we're headed this evening. 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:56.059 And as we do that, as we walk through this text, we're going to meet these two characters, the man of lawlessness and then Jesus himself. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:58.240 And we'll sort of compare and contrast them. 00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:05.840 So let's begin with this man of lawlessness and see what Paul tells the Thessalonians at the end of verse three. 00:11:07.940 --> 00:11:15.639 That day, the day that Jesus returns, will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed. 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:25.480 So the first thing that he says about this man is that he will be revealed along with the rebellion before or maybe even alongside Jesus's return. 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:32.220 And as he is revealed, we will see that he brings his own sort of deception. 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:34.500 You might think of it like that. 00:11:34.500 --> 00:11:37.840 I guess if we're going to keep going with this cross-country run illustration. 00:11:38.419 --> 00:11:42.740 It's as though Paul is saying you won't get to the finish line without meeting this guy. 00:11:42.980 --> 00:11:45.179 Maybe you can picture the sort of guy in your head. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:47.080 He's sort of the year's cool kid. 00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:49.539 Really, he's just badly behaved and lazy. 00:11:49.659 --> 00:11:50.879 And all the teachers seem to love him. 00:11:50.899 --> 00:11:51.759 And no one knows why. 00:11:52.059 --> 00:11:52.779 You know the guy. 00:11:53.159 --> 00:11:54.600 And you're on the cross-country run. 00:11:54.700 --> 00:11:55.580 You're on the path. 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:57.080 And it's not far from the finish line. 00:11:57.080 --> 00:11:59.240 And he's there leaning against a tree. 00:11:59.560 --> 00:12:00.960 He's probably smoking a rollie. 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:03.700 And he says, this race is a waste of time. 00:12:04.420 --> 00:12:05.660 Come and hang out with me instead. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:08.000 And it sounds fun. 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:09.460 And it sounds exciting. 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:11.020 And it sounds easier. 00:12:13.040 --> 00:12:16.120 See, the man of lawlessness, he has a deception of his own. 00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:18.360 And it's sort of like that what he's doing here. 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:19.379 See in verse 4. 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:28.620 In other words, he sets himself up as an alternative way. 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:31.059 He proclaims himself to be God. 00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:33.019 He wants people to worship him. 00:12:33.080 --> 00:12:35.659 He says, you don't need to run this ridiculous race anymore. 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:37.059 Come and hang out with me. 00:12:38.539 --> 00:12:40.679 And this is what Paul is warning against. 00:12:41.779 --> 00:12:44.080 And in a sense, this has already started. 00:12:44.899 --> 00:12:46.500 See in verses 6 and 7. 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:52.279 Again, we see there that there is a sense in which his secret power is at work already. 00:12:53.059 --> 00:12:54.620 Yes, it has not yet been revealed. 00:12:54.820 --> 00:12:56.759 He is held back in some way. 00:12:57.519 --> 00:13:01.019 Again, I don't think it's worth speculating on precisely what that looks like. 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:03.379 As we look at verse 5, remember that we weren't there. 00:13:04.259 --> 00:13:08.139 Augustine, one of the most famous commentators on the Bible of all time, 00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:11.820 he said about this, frankly, I have no idea what Paul is talking about. 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:15.059 And so I think we can safely say that we don't either. 00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:21.679 But what we can say is that it's clear that that power is at work in the world today. 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:26.479 We all know that there is a power that is beyond our control, 00:13:26.679 --> 00:13:31.399 that is deceiving people and leading them off the path of faith in their creator. 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:37.759 And yet, that power is restrained and held back. 00:13:38.439 --> 00:13:40.259 That one day it will be revealed. 00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:44.139 But Paul says to the Thessalonians, until that has happened, 00:13:44.519 --> 00:13:48.399 and I think the implication here is that you will know that it has happened. 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:55.019 Until that has happened, you can be sure that the Lord has not returned. 00:13:55.019 --> 00:14:00.240 So, how will they know? 00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:02.419 How can they be sure? 00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:04.000 What will he be like? 00:14:05.059 --> 00:14:06.240 Well, have a look at verse 9. 00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:08.579 Some clues for us. 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:10.779 In verse 9, it says he will come with real power. 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:13.460 That it's the power of Satan. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:17.079 That there will be signs and wonders. 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:19.559 That it will look like the real deal. 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:22.500 It's persuasive. 00:14:23.399 --> 00:14:25.239 As you run the race, it's like he says, 00:14:25.319 --> 00:14:28.339 I know a shortcut, a better way to the finish line. 00:14:28.439 --> 00:14:30.599 Come with me, we can skip the golf course. 00:14:30.699 --> 00:14:31.739 Cut out a mile or two. 00:14:31.839 --> 00:14:33.239 You'll win the race with me. 00:14:34.459 --> 00:14:35.479 Paul says, beware. 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:39.459 This is going to be super persuasive, but it is a deception. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:43.059 And it's a deception that leads in verse 10 to what? 00:14:44.839 --> 00:14:45.239 Perishing. 00:14:46.739 --> 00:14:47.899 And why do they perish? 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:48.220 Perish. 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:52.759 It's because they refused to love the truth. 00:14:53.779 --> 00:14:56.019 This, I think, is so important in this letter. 00:14:56.139 --> 00:14:59.220 The refusal to love the truth. 00:15:00.179 --> 00:15:05.419 It's not simply that the man of lawlessness will cause people to walk away from Jesus in their minds. 00:15:05.419 --> 00:15:08.019 To stop simply believing in him. 00:15:08.779 --> 00:15:12.220 But that he will stir their affections away from the truth. 00:15:12.220 --> 00:15:18.300 Again, don't we see that this power is at work today and is yet restrained? 00:15:18.299 --> 00:15:22.559 And as a result, and this is pretty chilling, isn't it? 00:15:22.559 --> 00:15:28.699 In verse 11, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie. 00:15:28.700 --> 00:15:36.740 As their affections are turned away from their creator and as they willfully reject him, 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:42.700 as they follow this man of lawlessness, God gives them over to their own wickedness. 00:15:43.480 --> 00:15:44.940 Friends, this is happening today. 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:52.740 As the world around us is walking out of step with their creator, deceived, away from the truth. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:59.360 Though he has not yet been revealed and he is restrained, this power is clearly at work today. 00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:06.000 Turning humanity's affections away from the truth, away from Jesus, away from their creator. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:08.799 It's just worth pausing here. 00:16:09.340 --> 00:16:15.720 A brief aside for us, I think, because there may be a tendency to be ultimately concerned for us 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:19.259 about an intellectual assent to the truth of this. 00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:24.960 In other words, what we are trying to persuade people of and keep ourselves in is this. 00:16:26.039 --> 00:16:28.919 A belief in the historical event of the resurrection. 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:31.639 I guess that's what it boils down to. 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:37.100 If Jesus lived, which all serious historians agree that he did, 00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:41.460 if he claimed to be God, again, most historians think he probably did, 00:16:41.720 --> 00:16:43.960 if he died on a cross, again, historians agree, 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:47.480 the question is, did he really come back to life, 00:16:48.199 --> 00:16:50.299 proving that he was who he said he was, 00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:53.659 proving that his death on the cross really was effective, 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:58.179 that through him we can be forgiven and granted eternal life in him. 00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:58.899 It's the gospel. 00:16:59.220 --> 00:17:01.399 It's what we believe is true as Christians. 00:17:01.639 --> 00:17:08.379 But, says Paul, it's not as simply as objective as that, 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:13.799 because God is also concerned, maybe even primarily concerned with this. 00:17:14.420 --> 00:17:15.879 Do we love the truth? 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:18.960 The gospel is true. 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:20.720 Objectively, it's true. 00:17:20.839 --> 00:17:22.059 Jesus really did die. 00:17:22.139 --> 00:17:23.660 He really did rise again. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:24.519 That is true. 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:28.220 We read just earlier in Acts chapter 17, 00:17:28.339 --> 00:17:30.619 how Paul, when he was in Thessalonica, 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:33.940 reasoned and explained and proved the gospel. 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:34.680 It's true. 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:36.960 And we should be convincing people that it's true. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:39.099 But the question here is this. 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:42.379 Is the news really good? 00:17:44.420 --> 00:17:48.119 Do we really love the God whose gospel it is? 00:17:48.119 --> 00:17:50.899 The one who created you, 00:17:50.899 --> 00:17:53.319 who knows every hair of your head, 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:57.479 who has seen and does see the murky depths of your heart, 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:59.659 and yet who loves you dearly, 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:04.139 so much that he would do everything in his power to rescue you 00:18:04.139 --> 00:18:07.039 from the condemnation that your rejection of him deserves. 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:09.779 Because he first loved you, 00:18:10.739 --> 00:18:14.099 would you refuse to be deceived and love the lie, 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:16.039 and instead love him in return? 00:18:17.759 --> 00:18:19.519 And if that's true of you, 00:18:20.199 --> 00:18:23.000 and if you are known and loved by God, 00:18:23.119 --> 00:18:25.339 and you know and love him too, 00:18:26.179 --> 00:18:29.079 wouldn't you want others to know and love their creator too? 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.719 Not for your sake, 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:34.079 not even just for their sake, 00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:39.379 but for the sake of this glorious and wondrous and jealous God. 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:42.419 The one who, as we heard this morning, 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:48.500 is seeking worshippers who will worship him in spirit and in truth. 00:18:50.600 --> 00:18:53.360 Because this is the deception of the man of lawlessness. 00:18:53.580 --> 00:18:58.160 It is to draw the affections of humanity away from their maker. 00:18:59.160 --> 00:19:00.840 Until he is revealed, 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:03.019 this power is at work today. 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:05.720 And as he is revealed, what does he do? 00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:09.820 He sets himself up to be worshipped explicitly in the place of God. 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:14.659 He comes with real power and persuasive signs and wonders, 00:19:15.139 --> 00:19:18.319 and many will be deceived by him into perishing. 00:19:18.839 --> 00:19:20.859 But ultimately, and this is the kicker, 00:19:20.919 --> 00:19:22.000 this is how we'll know, 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:25.139 in these verses, he is not going to win. 00:19:26.819 --> 00:19:28.399 See at the end of verse 3, 00:19:29.439 --> 00:19:32.500 this is a man doomed to destruction. 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:35.539 And again, in verse 8, 00:19:35.619 --> 00:19:38.079 it seems immediately, as he is revealed, 00:19:38.200 --> 00:19:40.460 and then straight away with a mere breath, 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:42.599 the Lord Jesus will destroy him. 00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:45.799 He will not win. 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:49.420 Paul says to the Thessalonians, 00:19:49.539 --> 00:19:50.799 Jesus has not yet come. 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:53.579 He has not returned. 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:56.099 I think even going from what we have here, 00:19:56.179 --> 00:19:59.980 even without having been there for this sort of conversations alluded to in verse 5, 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:00.759 we can say, 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:03.559 the man of lawlessness has not yet been revealed. 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:06.079 His power is at work today, 00:20:06.319 --> 00:20:08.539 but he has not yet been fully revealed. 00:20:08.639 --> 00:20:09.779 For when he is, 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:11.859 he will be finally defeated, 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.079 and Jesus will return. 00:20:14.639 --> 00:20:15.839 It's worth saying then, 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:16.559 for us, 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:19.439 it remains the burden of this passage. 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:20.679 Paul would say, 00:20:20.879 --> 00:20:22.179 stay on the path. 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:24.259 First and foremost, 00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:27.519 do not stray in the direction of the sort of disappointing 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:30.700 and demotivating teaching that says Jesus has returned. 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:34.900 But maybe more pressing for us here in the room 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:37.900 is this warning and an encouragement 00:20:37.900 --> 00:20:41.140 not to get caught up in the speculation and the predictions. 00:20:42.340 --> 00:20:45.440 It's really just in the last hundred years or so in particular, 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:46.860 there has been this tendency, 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:48.640 especially in our circles, 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:51.860 to try and equate this man with a person 00:20:51.859 --> 00:20:53.199 or an event in history. 00:20:54.479 --> 00:20:55.139 I wonder, 00:20:55.219 --> 00:20:56.740 it might have stemmed from the world wars, 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:58.199 and I actually have quite a lot of sympathy 00:20:58.199 --> 00:21:00.319 for those during world wars on the front line, 00:21:00.419 --> 00:21:02.679 the world seemingly collapsing around them, 00:21:03.639 --> 00:21:05.399 to point at someone like Hitler 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:07.199 and make that sort of an assumption. 00:21:08.859 --> 00:21:10.439 But figures like that, 00:21:10.859 --> 00:21:12.219 Hitler came and went, 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:12.759 didn't he? 00:21:12.819 --> 00:21:14.079 And Jesus has not returned. 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:17.460 Others would do this today, 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:19.399 point to people or events today, 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:21.819 to Donald Trump or the EU or the Pope. 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:23.759 And of course, 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:25.740 the restrained power of that man 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:29.399 might be in any number of deceptive ideologies today. 00:21:30.699 --> 00:21:31.339 But friends, 00:21:31.419 --> 00:21:33.220 that's simply not the point of this passage. 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:36.139 We're not supposed to be trying to work out 00:21:36.139 --> 00:21:37.759 who the man of lawlessness is. 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:39.419 Paul says to the Thessalonians, 00:21:40.120 --> 00:21:41.340 Jesus has not yet returned, 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:43.360 and you'll know when he does. 00:21:44.100 --> 00:21:46.900 Because that power that is at work in the world today, 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:50.320 he will be revealed for who and what he is, 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:52.860 and then he will be immediately defeated by Jesus. 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:55.980 And until that happens, 00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:57.560 one foot in front of the other, 00:21:58.180 --> 00:22:00.320 stay on the path. 00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:03.840 As we turn then to Jesus, 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:06.700 let's go back to that cross-country race. 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.740 This guy, 00:22:07.860 --> 00:22:09.360 he's doing everything he can 00:22:09.360 --> 00:22:11.120 to distract you from the path 00:22:11.120 --> 00:22:13.580 with all the temptation 00:22:13.580 --> 00:22:15.420 and deception of his powers. 00:22:16.180 --> 00:22:17.840 And so what is it that keeps us running? 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:21.340 How do we actually stay on the path? 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:24.640 Well, let's see what Paul is saying 00:22:24.640 --> 00:22:26.259 about the church in Thessalonica. 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:28.279 And notice his tone as he says it. 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:29.539 Paul does not say, 00:22:29.660 --> 00:22:30.240 you idiot. 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:33.480 I can't believe you've fallen for this deception 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:35.319 that says that Jesus has already returned. 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:37.939 He doesn't even just shake at them 00:22:37.939 --> 00:22:40.220 and tell them how disappointed he is. 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:42.259 Instead, how does he combat this? 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:44.099 Well, what does he say in verse 13? 00:22:46.659 --> 00:22:48.759 We ought always to thank God for you, 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:49.779 brothers and sisters, 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:52.659 loved by the Lord. 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:53.519 Why? 00:22:54.399 --> 00:22:55.899 Because God chose you 00:22:55.899 --> 00:22:58.119 as firstfruits to be saved. 00:22:59.399 --> 00:23:00.119 In other words, 00:23:00.159 --> 00:23:01.119 what Paul is saying is 00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:02.519 you really are Christians. 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:04.259 You can imagine, 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:04.900 can't you, 00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:06.000 this church terrified 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:07.220 that Jesus has returned 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:08.460 and that they've missed the boat, 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:10.759 that somehow they weren't really saved. 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:12.579 Well, says Paul, 00:23:12.680 --> 00:23:13.879 with deep encouragement, 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.480 with gentleness, 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.639 and with patience, 00:23:17.099 --> 00:23:18.819 this is how you stay on the path. 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:20.480 As you put one foot 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:21.480 in front of the other, 00:23:22.099 --> 00:23:24.039 fix your eyes and your heart 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:25.460 on these truths. 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:27.700 though you have been deceived, 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:30.759 you are loved by the Lord. 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:33.140 He has chosen you. 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:35.420 You are saved. 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:37.799 And this is how they'll know 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:39.039 that this is true of them, 00:23:39.100 --> 00:23:40.299 back in verse 13. 00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:42.740 It is through the sanctifying work 00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:43.380 of the Spirit 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:46.039 and through belief in the truth. 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:48.700 Here are two sure signs 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:49.799 that you have been chosen 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:51.920 and loved and saved. 00:23:52.580 --> 00:23:53.019 First, 00:23:53.100 --> 00:23:53.960 that you are actually 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:55.759 becoming increasingly like Jesus 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:57.700 as the Holy Spirit works in you 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.900 and transforms your heart. 00:23:58.980 --> 00:24:00.860 That's part of his sanctifying work 00:24:00.860 --> 00:24:02.120 in the life of every believer. 00:24:03.420 --> 00:24:03.800 And yet, 00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:04.980 even as that happens, 00:24:05.060 --> 00:24:05.700 and secondly, 00:24:06.039 --> 00:24:07.460 you continue to believe 00:24:07.460 --> 00:24:08.080 in the truth. 00:24:08.160 --> 00:24:08.660 In other words, 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:10.860 you continue to daily see your need 00:24:10.860 --> 00:24:11.600 for Jesus, 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.779 who is the truth. 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:14.680 Becoming more like Jesus 00:24:14.680 --> 00:24:16.380 and yet needing him more 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:18.160 every single day. 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:20.700 That is what the Christian life is. 00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:21.519 That is what the Christian 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.500 has been called to. 00:24:22.860 --> 00:24:23.160 How? 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:24.500 Well, in verse 14, 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:26.559 it is through our gospel, 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.500 through this good news 00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:29.700 that you have been saved 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:31.440 by grace through faith 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.600 for his glory. 00:24:34.340 --> 00:24:35.700 Paul is simply saying, 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.680 yes, you've been deceived. 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:38.220 Let me remind you of the gospel. 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.880 And he points them to Jesus. 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:42.319 He says, stay on the path. 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:43.420 Look to Jesus. 00:24:43.600 --> 00:24:44.960 You really are Christians. 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:46.259 You haven't missed the boat. 00:24:46.640 --> 00:24:47.580 You are loved. 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:49.220 You are chosen. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:51.079 You are saved. 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:53.160 And for us, 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:54.039 I think this should be 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:55.240 of great encouragement. 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:57.559 In all of our speculation 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:58.519 on this stuff, 00:24:58.600 --> 00:24:59.960 wherever it is that we've landed, 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.500 and I know that there's 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:02.460 disagreement in the room, 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.460 which means that some of us 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:04.120 must be wrong. 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.799 Each of us, I guess, 00:25:06.860 --> 00:25:08.079 probably wrong on some details 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:08.720 here and there. 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:11.480 Paul would be very gentle 00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:12.900 and patient with us, 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:16.180 urging us to stay on the path, 00:25:16.180 --> 00:25:18.220 reminding us of the beautiful 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.539 center of it all, 00:25:20.160 --> 00:25:22.580 that it is that in Christ 00:25:22.580 --> 00:25:23.620 you are loved, 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:25.920 in Christ you are chosen, 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:28.259 and in Christ you are saved. 00:25:29.420 --> 00:25:30.820 And if you're here this evening 00:25:30.820 --> 00:25:33.000 and you've been sitting there 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:33.620 really wondering, 00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:35.100 what on earth I'm talking about? 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.799 You've never really thought 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:37.920 about the end at all. 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:39.900 Maybe you've been in Bible studies 00:25:39.900 --> 00:25:40.960 or small groups or whatever, 00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:41.860 and you just feel like 00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:43.200 you never know the right answer. 00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:44.960 Maybe you feel like 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:46.340 to be a proper Christian 00:25:46.340 --> 00:25:47.580 you have to have all this stuff 00:25:47.580 --> 00:25:48.700 clear in your head. 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:51.240 We'll see how Paul approaches 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:52.880 this issue with the Thessalonians. 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:55.059 They've got some things, 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:56.039 some pretty big things, 00:25:56.100 --> 00:25:57.400 really fundamentally wrong, 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:59.740 and he is just simply 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:01.420 and gently and patiently 00:26:01.420 --> 00:26:02.940 reminding them of the truth, 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:05.019 and he points them to Jesus. 00:26:06.180 --> 00:26:09.180 Loved, chosen, saved. 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:11.759 And I guess there's a lesson 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:13.259 for those of us teaching the Bible, 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:14.299 and there are many of us 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:15.680 in the room who do that, 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.759 whether in small groups 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:18.420 or preaching or one-to-ones. 00:26:19.340 --> 00:26:20.420 Certainly for me, 00:26:21.660 --> 00:26:22.740 convicted of the need 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.460 to pay attention 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.680 to Paul's method here, 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:26.920 to be more humble 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:29.840 and gentle and patient 00:26:29.840 --> 00:26:32.400 and ultimately focused on 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:33.900 and pointing people to Christ, 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:36.299 to stay on the path. 00:26:36.299 --> 00:26:39.859 So this is who Jesus is. 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.099 In contrast to the man 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:42.680 of lawlessness, 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:44.319 in verse 8, 00:26:44.419 --> 00:26:46.099 he wins a victory 00:26:46.099 --> 00:26:47.099 so powerful 00:26:47.099 --> 00:26:48.740 that it's with a mere breath. 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:51.180 And in verses 13 and 14, 00:26:51.180 --> 00:26:52.039 as we've just read, 00:26:52.119 --> 00:26:53.559 he loves his people. 00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:55.859 He works with the Father 00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:56.659 and the Spirit 00:26:56.659 --> 00:26:57.639 to choose them 00:26:57.639 --> 00:26:58.799 and to transform them 00:26:58.799 --> 00:26:59.599 and to call them 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:00.359 through his gospel. 00:27:01.220 --> 00:27:02.980 He has done everything necessary 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:04.099 to make that possible 00:27:04.099 --> 00:27:05.379 and ultimately, 00:27:06.099 --> 00:27:07.719 see at the end of verse 14, 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:10.539 it is so that they might share 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:11.619 in his glory. 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:14.740 For that is the promise, 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:17.259 that he will one day return, 00:27:17.419 --> 00:27:19.039 that he will be victorious, 00:27:19.659 --> 00:27:21.539 and that those who believe in him 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:23.079 and who love him, 00:27:23.319 --> 00:27:25.279 who stand firm in faith, 00:27:25.579 --> 00:27:27.299 will share in his glory. 00:27:27.719 --> 00:27:29.319 With resurrection body, 00:27:29.319 --> 00:27:31.059 they too will be raised 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:32.220 as he was raised 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:34.279 from death to eternal life, 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:36.179 to be gathered to him forever. 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:39.119 It has not happened yet, 00:27:39.619 --> 00:27:41.779 but it is the wonderful promise 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:42.819 of the Christian gospel. 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:46.039 We are offered real forgiveness 00:27:46.039 --> 00:27:47.519 and freedom today 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:49.460 as we look to the cross 00:27:49.460 --> 00:27:50.980 where he died in our place. 00:27:51.579 --> 00:27:52.859 But incredibly here, 00:27:52.939 --> 00:27:54.319 we are offered eternal glory 00:27:54.319 --> 00:27:56.939 glory when he returns 00:27:56.939 --> 00:27:58.299 to do final justice 00:27:58.299 --> 00:28:00.639 when the race is run. 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:03.279 And so this is where we finish. 00:28:03.879 --> 00:28:04.899 In verse 15, 00:28:06.419 --> 00:28:07.359 stand firm 00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:09.139 and hold fast 00:28:09.139 --> 00:28:09.960 to the teachings 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:11.179 we passed on to you. 00:28:12.819 --> 00:28:14.139 The cross-country race 00:28:14.139 --> 00:28:15.159 is a daunting day. 00:28:15.899 --> 00:28:16.960 There are temptations 00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:17.879 and deceptions 00:28:17.879 --> 00:28:19.220 from start to finish 00:28:19.220 --> 00:28:20.000 convincing you 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:20.619 that you don't need 00:28:20.619 --> 00:28:21.559 to run the race, 00:28:22.059 --> 00:28:23.460 that it's already been run, 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:24.920 or as you run, 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:26.079 that you might as well give up, 00:28:26.160 --> 00:28:26.960 that there's a shortcut 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:27.819 here or there, 00:28:27.900 --> 00:28:28.640 an easier way, 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:29.960 more fun to be had. 00:28:31.100 --> 00:28:32.240 But then you remember, 00:28:33.100 --> 00:28:34.779 with your eyes fixed 00:28:34.779 --> 00:28:35.559 on Jesus 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:36.779 and the finish line, 00:28:36.860 --> 00:28:37.360 the point here 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:38.180 is not to avoid 00:28:38.180 --> 00:28:39.319 thinking about the end 00:28:39.319 --> 00:28:39.860 of the race, 00:28:39.880 --> 00:28:41.180 but to avoid speculating 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:42.000 about it. 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:42.980 And instead, 00:28:43.400 --> 00:28:44.100 in faith, 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:45.960 one foot in front 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:46.460 of the other, 00:28:46.620 --> 00:28:47.400 stand firm, 00:28:48.840 --> 00:28:49.740 hold fast, 00:28:50.700 --> 00:28:51.920 for Jesus is 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:53.640 and will be victorious. 00:28:55.100 --> 00:28:56.080 Trust in him. 00:28:56.880 --> 00:28:57.400 Love him 00:28:57.400 --> 00:28:58.500 as he has loved you. 00:28:59.539 --> 00:29:00.560 Stay on the path. 00:29:03.300 --> 00:29:04.220 I'm going to hand back 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:05.420 over to Fiona shortly 00:29:05.420 --> 00:29:06.080 as we respond 00:29:06.080 --> 00:29:06.700 to God's word, 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:07.180 but first, 00:29:07.300 --> 00:29:08.259 a moment of silence 00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:09.600 and then I'll pray. 00:29:14.279 --> 00:29:15.100 Heavenly Father, 00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:16.420 we thank you so much 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:16.960 for Jesus, 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:21.100 for all that he has done 00:29:21.100 --> 00:29:21.819 for us 00:29:21.819 --> 00:29:22.660 to make a way 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:23.779 for us to be forgiven, 00:29:24.860 --> 00:29:26.940 to stand righteous 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:28.039 before your throne. 00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:31.299 And we pray 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:32.039 that as we think 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:33.100 about his return, 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:35.620 his justice, 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:38.039 his victory, 00:29:38.579 --> 00:29:40.640 that we would, 00:29:40.880 --> 00:29:41.460 in unity, 00:29:41.700 --> 00:29:42.740 be able to keep 00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:43.799 our eyes focused 00:29:43.799 --> 00:29:45.640 on this most important truth, 00:29:45.640 --> 00:29:48.740 that by your spirit 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.480 you would keep us 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:50.680 firmly on the path, 00:29:51.259 --> 00:29:52.840 that you would guide 00:29:52.840 --> 00:29:53.500 our feet 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:55.660 and lift our eyes, 00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:58.820 that we might see Jesus, 00:29:59.820 --> 00:30:01.720 that we might know Jesus, 00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:05.580 that we might love Jesus. 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:09.320 All for your glory. 00:30:10.420 --> 00:30:11.080 Amen.