WEBVTT 00:00:00.620 --> 00:00:08.380 Please do take a seat and grab a Bible, whether you bought it with you or there's one near you. 00:00:09.720 --> 00:00:13.859 We're going to open it to Ephesians chapter 5. 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:19.900 We're nearing the end of our series, Church, the Manifold Wisdom of God. 00:00:20.160 --> 00:00:26.859 We spent the first three chapters looking at rich doctrine and now we're applying it to the nitty gritty of life 00:00:26.859 --> 00:00:33.060 and looking at our duty as Christians to live it out. 00:00:34.060 --> 00:00:41.079 So if you've got a Bible, please turn to Ephesians 5 and we're going to read the first 21 verses. 00:00:43.579 --> 00:00:44.799 Paul writes this, 00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:56.799 Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. 00:00:57.839 --> 00:01:00.500 A fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 00:01:01.539 --> 00:01:10.340 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you as is proper among saints. 00:01:10.840 --> 00:01:19.239 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 00:01:19.239 --> 00:01:28.359 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure or who is covetous, that is an idolater, 00:01:28.659 --> 00:01:31.839 has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 00:01:31.840 --> 00:01:40.939 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 00:01:41.700 --> 00:01:43.760 Therefore do not partner with them. 00:01:43.760 --> 00:01:48.920 For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 00:01:49.320 --> 00:01:51.300 Walk as children of light. 00:01:52.740 --> 00:01:57.859 For the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true. 00:01:58.180 --> 00:02:00.920 And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 00:02:00.920 --> 00:02:06.700 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 00:02:07.400 --> 00:02:11.800 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secrets. 00:02:12.900 --> 00:02:16.500 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible. 00:02:16.900 --> 00:02:20.219 For anything that becomes visible is light. 00:02:20.219 --> 00:02:28.259 Therefore it says, awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. 00:02:29.419 --> 00:02:32.219 Look carefully then how you walk. 00:02:33.079 --> 00:02:36.939 Not as unwise, but as wise. 00:02:37.620 --> 00:02:41.099 Making the best use of time, because the days are evil. 00:02:41.879 --> 00:02:45.680 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:49.620 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery. 00:02:50.219 --> 00:02:52.379 But be filled with the Spirit. 00:02:53.419 --> 00:02:57.199 Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. 00:02:57.680 --> 00:03:01.060 Singing and making melody to the Lord with all your hearts. 00:03:02.039 --> 00:03:05.500 Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father. 00:03:06.439 --> 00:03:08.680 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:03:09.960 --> 00:03:13.759 Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 00:03:14.500 --> 00:03:17.039 If we're going to understand this passage, we're going to need God's help. 00:03:17.039 --> 00:03:21.379 So let's invite him, by his Spirit, to illuminate it for us. 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:21.859 Let's pray. 00:03:25.180 --> 00:03:27.939 Father God, your word is a lamp to our feet. 00:03:29.039 --> 00:03:30.699 And a light to our path. 00:03:32.079 --> 00:03:34.919 And Lord, as we've sung, how we're prone to wander. 00:03:35.659 --> 00:03:37.819 How we're prone to get into difficulty. 00:03:38.500 --> 00:03:41.299 How we're prone to stumble in many ways. 00:03:41.300 --> 00:03:46.200 So Lord, would you send your Spirit to illuminate this passage. 00:03:46.300 --> 00:03:48.340 That it might be that light that we need. 00:03:48.980 --> 00:03:51.120 To guide us on the path. 00:03:51.660 --> 00:03:52.960 That we're all walking. 00:03:53.800 --> 00:03:56.860 With the destination being your Son, the Lord Jesus. 00:03:58.140 --> 00:03:59.760 Father, help us and be with us. 00:04:00.100 --> 00:04:01.800 In his holy and perfect name. 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:02.840 Amen. 00:04:02.840 --> 00:04:02.939 Amen. 00:04:02.939 --> 00:04:12.180 I wonder who enjoys hill walking. 00:04:12.900 --> 00:04:17.139 Who enjoys or has enjoyed hill walking in the past? 00:04:19.339 --> 00:04:21.459 Feel a walkers club coming on. 00:04:23.620 --> 00:04:28.060 It's true, isn't it, that hill walking is a great pursuit. 00:04:29.240 --> 00:04:31.720 What do you need to go hill walking? 00:04:31.720 --> 00:04:34.180 What kind of equipment do you need? 00:04:34.960 --> 00:04:35.920 I'll start you off. 00:04:36.280 --> 00:04:37.680 Legs are helpful. 00:04:38.440 --> 00:04:39.040 What else? 00:04:42.060 --> 00:04:42.660 Boots. 00:04:44.760 --> 00:04:45.360 Water. 00:04:48.860 --> 00:04:49.940 Waterproofs in Scotland. 00:04:50.080 --> 00:04:50.920 Lawrence, you're right. 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:53.520 A map, says Neil. 00:04:53.840 --> 00:04:54.180 Thane. 00:04:55.240 --> 00:04:55.840 Socks. 00:04:56.540 --> 00:04:59.440 We'll just say clothes in general or else it might take a while. 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:01.839 A compass. 00:05:03.060 --> 00:05:04.319 Very wise from Sarah. 00:05:04.439 --> 00:05:05.199 Anything else? 00:05:08.500 --> 00:05:09.319 A staff. 00:05:10.680 --> 00:05:11.100 Good. 00:05:11.360 --> 00:05:12.839 In case you find some sheep on the way. 00:05:15.399 --> 00:05:15.959 Fitness. 00:05:16.199 --> 00:05:16.720 Good, Derek. 00:05:20.560 --> 00:05:22.540 You need a hill to go hill walking. 00:05:22.540 --> 00:05:27.260 That is Peruvian wisdom personified right there. 00:05:29.680 --> 00:05:31.439 You might need a survival bag. 00:05:32.200 --> 00:05:33.879 You might need some ropes. 00:05:34.879 --> 00:05:39.200 You might need a sleeping bag. 00:05:39.199 --> 00:05:44.079 But you have to say Scotland is an amazing place for hill walking. 00:05:44.620 --> 00:05:45.979 282 Monroe's. 00:05:47.519 --> 00:05:54.659 Huge expanses of wilderness, rugged scenery, breathtaking vistas, amazing wildlife. 00:05:56.339 --> 00:05:58.659 Scotland is a great place to go hill walking. 00:05:58.660 --> 00:06:01.660 Hill walking is a great pursuit. 00:06:02.400 --> 00:06:02.939 But. 00:06:03.939 --> 00:06:06.900 Hill walking can be dangerous. 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:12.100 Every year hill walkers in Scotland are lost. 00:06:13.080 --> 00:06:15.120 I'm sure we've seen even this week. 00:06:15.460 --> 00:06:17.040 There's a guy called David Bennett. 00:06:18.820 --> 00:06:21.040 He went missing in Glencoe. 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:23.600 And they found his body yesterday. 00:06:25.280 --> 00:06:27.840 That hill walking can be very dangerous. 00:06:27.839 --> 00:06:32.859 Can fall off a cliff. 00:06:33.759 --> 00:06:36.259 Can stumble down a precipice. 00:06:36.839 --> 00:06:38.699 Can slide down a ravine. 00:06:39.799 --> 00:06:42.519 Can get into trouble high up in the mountains where. 00:06:43.399 --> 00:06:45.259 There's no one there really to help. 00:06:46.899 --> 00:06:47.500 Dehydration. 00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:49.359 Exposure. 00:06:51.859 --> 00:06:53.959 Hill walking is a great pursuit. 00:06:54.120 --> 00:06:55.859 But it is dangerous. 00:06:55.859 --> 00:06:56.339 Dangerous. 00:06:57.839 --> 00:07:01.739 You've got to walk properly. 00:07:02.259 --> 00:07:03.839 Or there's real danger. 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:05.799 You've got to have the right stuff. 00:07:07.859 --> 00:07:10.299 There's no point going out in your flip flops. 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:16.579 There's no point heading to that wee hill over there and hoping that it'll be alright. 00:07:18.460 --> 00:07:22.220 That actually hill walking can be properly dangerous. 00:07:22.220 --> 00:07:26.100 I remember being on top of Ben Nevis. 00:07:26.100 --> 00:07:29.300 About this time three years ago when the weather closed in. 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:30.640 And it was terrifying. 00:07:32.080 --> 00:07:33.940 You didn't know which way was home. 00:07:35.440 --> 00:07:40.920 Can be incredibly scary and incredibly dangerous. 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:42.540 As we were reading Ephesians 5. 00:07:42.540 --> 00:07:44.759 Ephesians 5.1-20. 00:07:45.879 --> 00:07:48.740 Paul had an awful lot to say about walking. 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:52.040 Comes up time and time again. 00:07:52.439 --> 00:07:55.020 Paul uses lots of language to talk about the Christian life. 00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:56.860 Sometimes he's talking about running a race. 00:07:56.860 --> 00:08:00.759 Sometimes he's talking about competing. 00:08:03.139 --> 00:08:08.759 But in Ephesians particularly he's talking about our Christian life as a walk. 00:08:09.600 --> 00:08:13.220 As a walk with the Lord Jesus towards the Lord Jesus. 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:15.560 He's picked this up a lot of times. 00:08:16.740 --> 00:08:17.920 Ephesians 4.1. 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:28.060 Ephesians 4.17. 00:08:28.060 --> 00:08:31.140 Now this I say and testify in the Lord. 00:08:31.300 --> 00:08:35.300 That you must no longer walk as the Gentiles did. 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:38.639 Even in our passage it came up three times. 00:08:38.720 --> 00:08:39.779 Chapter 5 verse 2. 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:44.700 And walk in love as Christ loved us. 00:08:44.700 --> 00:08:47.960 Ephesians 5 verse 8. 00:08:48.040 --> 00:08:51.660 At one time you were darkness but now you are light in the Lord. 00:08:52.379 --> 00:08:54.460 Walk as children of light. 00:08:55.560 --> 00:08:57.200 And then 5 verse 15. 00:08:57.540 --> 00:08:59.960 Look carefully then how you walk. 00:09:00.920 --> 00:09:04.160 Not as unwise but as wise. 00:09:05.259 --> 00:09:08.780 And so Paul is talking about our Christian life like being on a hill walk. 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:13.659 And he says as you walk with your group, your family. 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:17.179 Through the Christian life you'll see some wonderful things. 00:09:17.699 --> 00:09:19.819 You'll see some wonderful views. 00:09:20.139 --> 00:09:21.759 The unity in the church. 00:09:22.100 --> 00:09:24.879 You'll see people growing and maturing in Christ. 00:09:25.299 --> 00:09:27.519 You'll see people growing in holiness. 00:09:28.220 --> 00:09:31.939 You'll see people using their gifts to benefit and build up the church. 00:09:32.299 --> 00:09:36.620 He says you'll hear the word being taught and driving the church forward. 00:09:36.620 --> 00:09:41.500 As you walk through the Christian life you'll see some wonderful things. 00:09:43.460 --> 00:09:47.440 But he's also said as you walk through the Christian life there's some real pitfalls. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:52.960 There's some real potential dangers that unless we walk carefully. 00:09:53.960 --> 00:09:56.360 We'll fall down and get into great difficulty. 00:09:57.179 --> 00:09:59.340 From what Graham was telling us last week. 00:09:59.560 --> 00:10:00.700 Unforgiveness and bitterness. 00:10:03.299 --> 00:10:06.180 Stealing and reverting back to what we once were. 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:08.500 Using words damagingly. 00:10:10.679 --> 00:10:13.579 Adopting unhelpful attitudes and actions. 00:10:16.779 --> 00:10:19.859 Walking is great fun but there are real dangers. 00:10:20.259 --> 00:10:23.120 There are such things as precipices. 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:26.500 Out there for us to fall down. 00:10:26.500 --> 00:10:33.620 Now in 5.1-21 Paul is going to spell out. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:36.179 The pitfalls. 00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:37.799 The clear and present dangers. 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:40.059 For the Christian. 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:42.679 On their walk. 00:10:43.820 --> 00:10:46.580 Chapter 4.1-16 was about growing together. 00:10:46.779 --> 00:10:49.580 Last week with Graham was about dressing appropriately. 00:10:49.580 --> 00:10:53.480 And this week is about walking properly. 00:10:55.280 --> 00:10:56.759 Walk properly. 00:10:57.540 --> 00:11:00.660 Paul is saying there's real precipices we can fall down. 00:11:01.520 --> 00:11:05.480 There's real paths that we can wander down to really unhelpful places. 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:11.139 There's crumbling cliff edges ready for us to go off. 00:11:11.940 --> 00:11:14.539 And he writes this in 1st century Ephesus. 00:11:15.159 --> 00:11:19.259 And 1st century Ephesus is dominated by the cult of Artemis. 00:11:19.940 --> 00:11:22.720 And the cult of Artemis is a fertility cult. 00:11:22.720 --> 00:11:28.580 A cult where you could worship the goddess with your glance. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:32.240 In ecstasy without engaging your mind. 00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:36.800 It was a place where cult prostitution was rife. 00:11:37.860 --> 00:11:39.860 A place where anything went. 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:43.759 And could be described as worship. 00:11:45.660 --> 00:11:48.040 And you have to say it's less ritualized. 00:11:48.220 --> 00:11:51.240 But Edinburgh in the 21st century is not a million miles away. 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:54.539 If you were out on Princess Street last night. 00:11:55.220 --> 00:11:58.399 You'd have seen an awful lot of people engaged in. 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:02.399 What in essence is the fertility cult of the day. 00:12:03.840 --> 00:12:06.399 Finding someone to go home with for the night. 00:12:11.159 --> 00:12:12.879 Still sensuality. 00:12:14.120 --> 00:12:17.899 Still sexualization on every billboard and street corner magazine. 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:22.100 Still self-indulgence. 00:12:23.639 --> 00:12:27.299 This idea that anything will in the end be alright. 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:31.419 And so Paul's pertinent warning to the Ephesians in chapter 5. 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:35.220 Is also a clear and potent message for us. 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:39.319 Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount says there's two roads. 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:43.319 One's very narrow and few find it and walk along it. 00:12:43.320 --> 00:12:45.980 And the other's very broad. 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:48.900 It's absolutely chock full of people. 00:12:49.060 --> 00:12:54.780 But the end is not a destination you want to go to because it's called destruction. 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:59.440 Paul is teaching us how to navigate the narrow roads. 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:05.920 We need to hear this if we're going to walk properly and avoid perilous danger. 00:13:05.919 --> 00:13:10.659 But before we get into the nitty gritty let's hone on verse 2. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:14.360 Because this is the bedrock for everything. 00:13:15.939 --> 00:13:20.639 And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. 00:13:20.959 --> 00:13:23.479 A fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 00:13:24.839 --> 00:13:25.919 Here's the point. 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:32.159 That Paul is telling us the only reason we're on this journey is because of the Lord Jesus. 00:13:32.159 --> 00:13:37.059 We're not behaving like this in order to be acceptable to God. 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:41.600 We're walking like this out of thankfulness and worship. 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:44.799 Because in Jesus we're already acceptable to him. 00:13:45.319 --> 00:13:46.259 Why is that? 00:13:46.299 --> 00:13:47.439 Because we were sinful. 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:49.659 We were running away. 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:53.620 We had all sorts of filth that separated us from God. 00:13:55.339 --> 00:13:56.939 We had no hope. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:13:59.199 We were absolutely helpless. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:03.240 And we were going in the wrong direction getting further away. 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:08.340 And yet Paul here writes what the gospel is. 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:13.740 That the Lord Jesus God himself incarnate loved us. 00:14:14.400 --> 00:14:15.600 Came to earth. 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:18.240 Lived the perfect life we failed to live. 00:14:18.460 --> 00:14:20.780 And gave himself for us. 00:14:21.540 --> 00:14:24.080 That we might have the hope of walking with God again. 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:34.480 Paul here in these verses is not giving us a checklist to go through to make sure we get a high enough mark so God will accept us. 00:14:35.480 --> 00:14:40.440 He's saying as those already accepted by God live like this. 00:14:41.580 --> 00:14:45.000 As those already in communion walking with God. 00:14:45.100 --> 00:14:46.360 This is how you're to walk. 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:52.519 So let's be clear before we even set out on this road. 00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:56.259 That it starts with this message. 00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:59.919 Christ loved us and gave himself for us. 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:02.320 If you're not on that path. 00:15:02.460 --> 00:15:07.340 Then don't continue down this road until you've got on that path through the Lord Jesus. 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:08.320 It's that simple. 00:15:10.220 --> 00:15:11.500 You can't cut in later. 00:15:12.800 --> 00:15:16.220 Jesus is the thin gate getting onto that thin path. 00:15:16.220 --> 00:15:22.840 You can't get on that thin path without walking and trusting the Lord Jesus. 00:15:24.580 --> 00:15:26.779 The walk starts with Jesus. 00:15:27.460 --> 00:15:31.540 And it's lived in a thankful worship to Jesus. 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:34.480 So let's get stuck in. 00:15:35.680 --> 00:15:38.840 First point is this walk in purity. 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:41.100 Walk in purity. 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:42.399 Verse 1. 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:44.060 Therefore be imitators of God. 00:15:44.059 --> 00:15:48.719 This is the only place in the whole Bible where we're told to imitate God. 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:51.500 Told to imitate lots of other people. 00:15:51.599 --> 00:15:53.219 We're told to imitate the Lord Jesus. 00:15:53.339 --> 00:15:58.619 This is the only place in all of scripture where these words imitate God are used. 00:15:59.199 --> 00:16:02.339 And Paul's got a very specific Old Testament reference in mind. 00:16:02.739 --> 00:16:04.439 The one that's the repeated refrain. 00:16:04.579 --> 00:16:06.859 Be holy as I am holy. 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:09.340 This is what you're to emulate. 00:16:09.980 --> 00:16:13.740 You can't imitate God in his omniscience, his omnipotence. 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:16.879 But you can imitate him in his holiness. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:20.539 And that is what Paul is driving at now. 00:16:20.539 --> 00:16:28.980 And what follows is the starkest warning written by Paul to Christians. 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:33.980 And it's focused on one very specific area of life. 00:16:34.539 --> 00:16:37.740 It is a very severe warning against sexual immorality. 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:39.580 Look at verse 3. 00:16:40.700 --> 00:16:49.899 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you as is proper among the saints. 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:52.059 That word covetousness is the word lust. 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:59.559 Sexual immorality, impurity of a sexual nature and lust. 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:07.339 This word sexual immorality, the word porneia, covers absolutely everything. 00:17:07.339 --> 00:17:11.680 From a lingering glance lustfully at a lady. 00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:16.299 All the way to sexual immorality of every kind. 00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:24.899 The only legitimate sexual intimacy warranted by the Bible is that within marriage between one man and one woman. 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:29.480 We can debate semantics, genetics, hermeneutics. 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:33.359 But the story from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 is that. 00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:36.460 And everything else is a twist. 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.980 And let's be clear. 00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:44.279 If we start to do that with scripture, sexuality is not our biggest problem. 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:55.079 The clear and present teaching of the Bible is that sexual intimacy outside of marriage is completely wrong in whatever form. 00:17:56.920 --> 00:18:01.619 But notice, he says, it's not just engaging in it, but it's even talking about it. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:10.559 Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talk, nor crude joking which are out of place. 00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:14.679 It's a very severe warning, isn't it? 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:16.819 Don't do it, but don't even talk about it. 00:18:17.679 --> 00:18:21.519 Don't let it be the subject of your conversation. 00:18:23.759 --> 00:18:26.319 Then comes the consequences, verse 5. 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:32.759 No inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:36.839 Verse 6. 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:42.119 For these things, the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:52.059 No inheritance and real holy wrath from God for engaging in these kinds of things. 00:18:53.579 --> 00:18:57.200 Sexual immorality and even talking about it. 00:18:57.200 --> 00:19:09.360 That stark, that clear, sexual immorality both acted out, thought about and talked about is completely incompatible with the Christian life. 00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:14.140 Totally incongruent with our walk with Jesus. 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:21.340 And as I was looking at this last week and this week, the temptation is to water it down. 00:19:21.339 --> 00:19:25.819 But you can't because it is that clear. 00:19:27.919 --> 00:19:34.819 Paul in Ephesians 4 has given one verse about stealing, one verse about unforgiveness and one verse about lying. 00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:38.959 And here he gives us five verses about sexual immorality. 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:41.119 That seems a little disproportionate, doesn't it? 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:52.119 But I'm pretty sure this is the precipice that most of us are in the greatest danger of going off. 00:19:53.699 --> 00:19:58.819 This is the area of our walk where there is the most precarious, clear and present danger. 00:19:59.919 --> 00:20:06.019 Where the road is narrowest, the cliffs are steepest and the footing is the least secure. 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:14.299 You don't have to be a Christian for very long before the scandals of the newspaper hits. 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:21.440 And you see the people that have shipwrecked their ministry through engaging in extramarital affairs. 00:20:23.319 --> 00:20:24.500 Through cheating. 00:20:26.379 --> 00:20:29.599 Through becoming addicted to all kinds of filth. 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:36.299 It is this area where we're most tempted to play with sin and stray from Christ. 00:20:38.059 --> 00:20:41.519 To do it and even to talk about it. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:43.559 The locker room bragging. 00:20:43.719 --> 00:20:44.519 The office banter. 00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:46.619 The wandering eye. 00:20:47.539 --> 00:20:49.659 The straying Google search. 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:51.480 The late night channel surfing. 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:55.500 The over friendly relationship with the work colleague. 00:20:55.859 --> 00:20:58.279 The racy novel in all of its shades. 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:02.119 The lurid TV series. 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:04.379 The unwholesome film. 00:21:05.959 --> 00:21:07.659 The gossip magazine. 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:12.039 And you read it and you're undone by it. 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:15.000 To even think about it. 00:21:15.659 --> 00:21:16.740 Talk about it. 00:21:17.059 --> 00:21:19.439 Or engage in it. 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:26.719 And we're so tempted to buy in and swallow what's going on in the world. 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:32.299 Worldliness is anything that makes sin look normal and holiness look weird. 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:40.160 And this area is where it seems that the Bible calls for us to be the weirdest imaginable. 00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:44.519 We're tempted aren't we to take an average of what we see. 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:48.880 And to draw a line slightly on the conservative side and say that's where I am. 00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:52.700 But the Bible, Paul here says none of it. 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:56.080 Zero tolerance when it comes to this kind of stuff. 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:58.300 Talk about it. 00:21:58.380 --> 00:21:59.160 Think about it. 00:21:59.259 --> 00:21:59.800 Do it. 00:21:59.799 --> 00:22:01.000 Never. 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:06.319 We think what harm can it do. 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:07.879 Everyone else is doing it. 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:10.359 Don't want to be seen as a Victorian prude. 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:15.319 And yet Paul says there's very dire consequences. 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.319 No inheritance. 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:18.240 And real wrath. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:26.240 Paul's answer is that compromising and wandering in this direction is inherently dangerous. 00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:31.660 You're gambling eternal things by giving in to temporal yearnings. 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:35.579 But you're putting others in danger as well. 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:40.980 Let no one deceive you, he says, verse 6, with empty words. 00:22:40.980 --> 00:22:51.460 If you're engaged in this kind of stuff in the church, then people look at your life and say, well, they're doing it. 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.279 It must be all right. 00:22:55.140 --> 00:23:04.680 When you're in a walking party and someone goes on a dangerous diversion, always called a shortcut, it puts everyone in danger. 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:12.940 So let's be clear, it's not just you that you're harming, but it's all of us as a church. 00:23:14.320 --> 00:23:17.160 So verse 7, he says, do not partner with them. 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:19.799 This isn't a call to isolationism. 00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:25.400 It's a call to not be indulging in what they're indulging in. 00:23:26.420 --> 00:23:28.480 It's not engaging in this kind of stuff. 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:35.940 It's not saying move to some rural part of Scotland and live as a hermit in some kind of hermetically sealed hermitage. 00:23:37.940 --> 00:23:41.819 It's saying have great relationships with people outside the church. 00:23:42.660 --> 00:23:45.880 When it comes to this stuff, don't engage. 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:49.960 Don't partner with them. 00:23:49.960 --> 00:24:19.940 Don't partner with them. 00:24:20.380 --> 00:24:22.960 But now you are light. 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:25.720 This language is all over Ephesians. 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:33.059 You were dead in your trespasses and sins, but now you are made alive in Christ. 00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:39.420 Remember, he says, later on in chapter 2, you were separated from Christ. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:43.400 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near. 00:24:43.600 --> 00:24:44.799 You were far away. 00:24:45.120 --> 00:24:46.120 You're now brought near. 00:24:46.119 --> 00:24:52.539 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but now a fellow citizens. 00:24:54.699 --> 00:24:58.439 He said in verse four, no longer walk as the Gentiles do. 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:01.119 Now you've learned Christ. 00:25:03.619 --> 00:25:08.639 Take off the old self, put on now the new self. 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:13.059 You were darkness, but now you're light. 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:18.619 As those made light in the Lord, don't crawl back. 00:25:20.819 --> 00:25:25.259 Don't crawl back into the filthiness that you once walked along. 00:25:26.099 --> 00:25:30.079 Walking in the light is to bear fruit of the light, which is good, right and true. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:35.599 It is discerning the will of the Lord and living to please the Lord. 00:25:36.879 --> 00:25:39.539 Walking in the light, verse nine, is to bear fruit. 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:43.379 Walking in the darkness, verse 11, is to be unfruitful. 00:25:45.359 --> 00:25:50.259 It is about being who we now are, not reverting back to who we used to be. 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:54.619 There's a stark contrast, isn't there, between light and darkness. 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:56.759 I don't think there's a bigger contrast in the world. 00:25:57.740 --> 00:26:01.779 Your eye can perceive one candle 30 miles away. 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:05.619 Because there's such a contrast between light and darkness. 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:12.079 That's what Paul is calling these Christians to, to live a contrasting life. 00:26:13.200 --> 00:26:19.899 To live a life of light against the dark backdrop that is the world these Ephesians are living in. 00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:27.460 I find cyclists in Edinburgh the most curious breed. 00:26:29.300 --> 00:26:31.460 Like they've actually got a death wish. 00:26:32.540 --> 00:26:35.540 So I drive home from here in the winter along Lothian Road. 00:26:36.580 --> 00:26:38.500 And there's a guy without a helmet on. 00:26:40.840 --> 00:26:45.180 Cycling one-handed, writing a text message, swerving across all three lanes. 00:26:45.180 --> 00:26:49.400 And then I get into Holyrood Park, which is pitch black. 00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:56.799 And I meet the guy on a black bicycle, wearing dark jeans and black hoodie with no lights and no helmets. 00:26:57.980 --> 00:27:04.600 And I nearly run him over and what comes out of his mouth is stark. 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:12.980 And a good cyclist tries to stand out, don't they? 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:15.799 Tries to stand out from everything else. 00:27:15.839 --> 00:27:17.500 You see them wearing a luminous lycra. 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:20.559 Sometimes you wish it wasn't quite so tight fitting. 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:24.559 They've got lights. 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:26.480 They've got wheels. 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:27.799 They've got spokey-dokies. 00:27:27.880 --> 00:27:29.220 They've got reflectors. 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:30.900 Everything's flashing. 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:35.860 If you're ever behind Ian Naismith going up the Braid Hills, it is like a disco on wheels. 00:27:35.859 --> 00:27:43.259 There is a stark contrast and that's what Paul's talking about. 00:27:44.399 --> 00:27:50.759 In your life, live out a stark contrast to the world around you. 00:27:52.219 --> 00:27:55.799 Live as light against a dark society. 00:27:57.439 --> 00:27:59.899 Expose the darkness by walking as light. 00:27:59.900 --> 00:28:05.780 I don't think exposing in this sense means going around tutting and chastising people. 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:10.160 I think it means to live differently and through your good life. 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:13.380 Show the futility of the ways in which they're walking. 00:28:15.340 --> 00:28:16.120 Stand out. 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:17.140 Walk as light. 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:19.960 Live differently. 00:28:20.560 --> 00:28:23.040 Look weird for Jesus' sake. 00:28:25.080 --> 00:28:28.680 Do you know, if Christianity became illegal tomorrow in Scotland, 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:34.340 would there be a knock at your door because everyone would go, 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:35.700 oh, you want to round up the Christians? 00:28:35.820 --> 00:28:36.259 There's one. 00:28:38.120 --> 00:28:40.580 Or would you live and be under the radar? 00:28:42.100 --> 00:28:44.580 It's a reality for many people in our world. 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:48.440 We live in quite a safe bubble. 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:53.720 Is there discernible difference between you and the others in your office, 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:56.820 peer group, neighbourhood, friendship group? 00:28:56.819 --> 00:28:58.960 There should be. 00:28:59.399 --> 00:29:00.480 Not because we're better. 00:29:02.179 --> 00:29:03.919 Not because we've got it all worked out. 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:06.279 But because we were darkness, but now we're light. 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:14.359 Because of grace, there's been a transformation. 00:29:15.299 --> 00:29:16.759 Walk as light shine out. 00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:21.619 Last thing he says about walking. 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:23.480 Verse 15. 00:29:23.579 --> 00:29:28.099 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise. 00:29:29.759 --> 00:29:30.599 Verse 17. 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:33.559 Don't be foolish, but understand the will of the Lord. 00:29:34.200 --> 00:29:38.259 Don't be ignorant and futile about how to live. 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:42.940 He says live as wise and wisdom comes from this word. 00:29:44.460 --> 00:29:52.480 Passages like this that tell us how to navigate in a dangerous, precarious world that's got precipices everywhere. 00:29:55.720 --> 00:30:00.839 Live differently and do it by living according to this word, as informed. 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:07.359 Our understanding of how to live comes by living in accordance with this word. 00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:10.240 That we need to be diligent disciples of scripture. 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:12.639 Because the world is complicated. 00:30:12.640 --> 00:30:24.759 And if we're going to be shining lights for the Lord Jesus in a dark world, this has got to be where the wisdom is coming from. 00:30:26.200 --> 00:30:28.980 Means we're going to strive to be Psalm 1 people. 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:36.780 Blessed is the man who walks, not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. 00:30:37.280 --> 00:30:39.600 But his delight is in the law of the Lord. 00:30:39.600 --> 00:30:42.320 And on his law he meditates day and night. 00:30:43.420 --> 00:30:50.340 He's like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season and its leaf does not wither. 00:30:51.600 --> 00:30:54.140 In all that he does he prospers. 00:30:55.140 --> 00:30:58.840 And he prospers because he avoids precipices. 00:31:00.580 --> 00:31:03.320 Verse 18 is an example of what this looks like. 00:31:04.320 --> 00:31:09.820 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. 00:31:09.819 --> 00:31:13.159 It's another great contrast. 00:31:14.139 --> 00:31:15.799 What's the epitome of foolishness? 00:31:16.179 --> 00:31:22.000 Well it's to get drunk and be involved in debauchery and wake up in the morning thinking how foolish have I been? 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:24.279 What's the opposite to that? 00:31:24.359 --> 00:31:25.539 Being filled with the Spirit. 00:31:26.679 --> 00:31:33.359 And being informed by God about how to live wisely in the world. 00:31:33.359 --> 00:31:39.679 The complete opposite of foolishness. 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:43.199 To be sober minded and full of the Spirit. 00:31:45.859 --> 00:31:49.279 Filled with the Spirit is where wisdom overflows from. 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:54.619 It helps us address one another and speak to one another. 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:55.139 How? 00:31:55.579 --> 00:31:58.720 Well verse 19 in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. 00:31:58.839 --> 00:32:02.279 Singing and making melody to the Lord with all your hearts. 00:32:02.680 --> 00:32:03.339 That's wisdom. 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:07.339 That's how we together are going to live wisely. 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:09.000 By doing that. 00:32:10.339 --> 00:32:13.939 The corollary to Ephesians is the book of Colossians. 00:32:14.720 --> 00:32:16.339 And in 3.16 he says this. 00:32:16.399 --> 00:32:18.359 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:21.299 Teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. 00:32:21.459 --> 00:32:23.859 Singing songs and hymns and spiritual songs. 00:32:23.859 --> 00:32:26.439 It seems that there is a like for like. 00:32:26.579 --> 00:32:27.779 That to be filled with the Spirit. 00:32:27.939 --> 00:32:30.539 And letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly. 00:32:30.759 --> 00:32:33.500 Can be superimposed onto one another. 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:37.839 Being filled with the Spirit is not some supernatural. 00:32:38.839 --> 00:32:40.459 Abnormal Christian experience. 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:45.459 It is the normal reality of walking in step with the Spirit. 00:32:45.459 --> 00:32:46.959 As we follow the Lord Jesus. 00:32:48.500 --> 00:32:52.459 This idea of filling is the language of sailing. 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:54.519 Which would have been a good day for it yesterday. 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:58.259 You've been going quite fast I think. 00:32:59.620 --> 00:33:01.980 That idea of your sails billowing out. 00:33:03.059 --> 00:33:04.700 Building up speed. 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:08.440 And following closely after the Lord Jesus. 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:11.860 Paul says walk properly. 00:33:13.519 --> 00:33:14.519 Avoid danger. 00:33:16.000 --> 00:33:18.620 Don't slide into a precipice. 00:33:19.400 --> 00:33:20.299 Walk in purity. 00:33:20.299 --> 00:33:22.259 Walk as contrasting light. 00:33:22.399 --> 00:33:25.019 And walk in revealed wisdom. 00:33:26.419 --> 00:33:27.419 And here's the danger. 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:29.000 We hear a message like this. 00:33:29.659 --> 00:33:31.039 And we feel convicted. 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:32.279 And we think. 00:33:32.359 --> 00:33:32.759 Oh dear. 00:33:32.819 --> 00:33:33.859 I need to go from here. 00:33:33.919 --> 00:33:35.200 And pull my socks up. 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:37.720 I need to filter my URL. 00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:40.740 I need to not engage that conversation. 00:33:40.740 --> 00:33:42.559 And it's all about our efforts. 00:33:43.859 --> 00:33:45.299 I need to try harder. 00:33:45.440 --> 00:33:46.119 Work harder. 00:33:46.279 --> 00:33:46.980 Do better. 00:33:46.980 --> 00:33:50.559 That though is moralism. 00:33:51.099 --> 00:33:52.200 And not the gospel. 00:33:53.259 --> 00:33:54.680 To go away thinking that. 00:33:54.740 --> 00:33:56.720 That would be to totally miss the point. 00:33:56.980 --> 00:33:58.980 Because you'll leave here with fresh resolve. 00:33:59.059 --> 00:34:00.099 And it will fade. 00:34:00.400 --> 00:34:01.819 By the time you've had dessert. 00:34:03.720 --> 00:34:06.000 The end of verse 14 is the solution. 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:09.840 It's a quote from an early Christian hymn. 00:34:09.840 --> 00:34:12.079 It says. 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:13.360 Awake, oh sleeper. 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:14.780 And arise from the dead. 00:34:14.900 --> 00:34:16.400 And Christ will shine on you. 00:34:19.480 --> 00:34:20.579 Here's the solution. 00:34:21.260 --> 00:34:23.460 When we're struggling in these areas. 00:34:24.620 --> 00:34:27.340 It's to wake up to who we really are. 00:34:28.100 --> 00:34:31.039 That the reason we wander down unhelpful ways. 00:34:31.220 --> 00:34:33.019 Is because we're sleepwalking. 00:34:34.059 --> 00:34:36.120 We're not paying close enough attention. 00:34:36.120 --> 00:34:37.019 To who we are. 00:34:37.079 --> 00:34:38.140 To who Christ is. 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:39.879 And what he's called us to do. 00:34:41.079 --> 00:34:44.319 Our bad behavior comes from false identity. 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:48.440 And our real identity is in the Lord Jesus. 00:34:49.000 --> 00:34:52.219 Our problem is that we've fallen asleep to who we are. 00:34:52.460 --> 00:34:54.219 We're sleepwalking into danger. 00:34:54.420 --> 00:34:57.019 We're dozing off the end of the cliff. 00:34:58.099 --> 00:35:01.639 The solution therefore is not first and foremost your efforts. 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:08.039 It is a fresh realization of who you are in Christ. 00:35:08.139 --> 00:35:10.279 What he's done for you and following after him. 00:35:11.339 --> 00:35:14.259 It's time to wake up and smell the coffee, Paul says. 00:35:15.299 --> 00:35:17.219 To wake up to who you are. 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:19.779 Time to stop sleeping in sin. 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:20.599 Wake up. 00:35:21.259 --> 00:35:26.019 And let Christ shine his revealing light on you. 00:35:26.019 --> 00:35:30.480 Reviving, renewing and reorientating your life. 00:35:31.880 --> 00:35:33.679 A couple of minutes we'll be taking communion. 00:35:33.820 --> 00:35:34.800 That's a great time. 00:35:36.019 --> 00:35:41.259 That is a great time to deal with all the stuff. 00:35:41.759 --> 00:35:43.639 That God has been putting his finger on. 00:35:43.699 --> 00:35:44.440 And to say no. 00:35:45.599 --> 00:35:47.019 I'm waking up from that. 00:35:47.019 --> 00:35:50.800 And I'm asking Christ, would you shine on me? 00:35:53.219 --> 00:35:55.880 Would you shine so I can walk with you? 00:35:59.639 --> 00:36:02.800 That in Jesus I'm able to walk with you again. 00:36:02.880 --> 00:36:04.079 Because I was running away. 00:36:04.219 --> 00:36:07.039 And now let me do that properly. 00:36:07.139 --> 00:36:08.739 Let me walk properly. 00:36:11.059 --> 00:36:13.420 The truth is here not to crush us. 00:36:13.420 --> 00:36:15.259 But to drive us to Christ. 00:36:17.019 --> 00:36:20.400 Wake up, O sleeper. 00:36:21.599 --> 00:36:23.300 Arise from the dead. 00:36:24.519 --> 00:36:26.460 And Christ will shine on you. 00:36:27.800 --> 00:36:28.440 Imagine. 00:36:29.900 --> 00:36:32.780 You're out hill walking in Ben Nevis. 00:36:33.320 --> 00:36:34.360 Glen Nevis, let's say. 00:36:34.460 --> 00:36:35.639 It's a bit hilly Ben Nevis. 00:36:37.199 --> 00:36:39.259 And you're miles away from the car. 00:36:39.360 --> 00:36:40.619 And the weather closes in. 00:36:40.940 --> 00:36:42.619 And there's snow and ice. 00:36:42.619 --> 00:36:44.320 And a blizzard and gales. 00:36:45.019 --> 00:36:46.679 The temperatures plummets. 00:36:47.019 --> 00:36:48.960 You can't see your hand in front of your face. 00:36:49.219 --> 00:36:51.139 And your only hope is to dig in. 00:36:52.719 --> 00:36:53.839 You're forced to stop. 00:36:54.139 --> 00:36:54.899 You dig in. 00:36:55.079 --> 00:36:56.480 And you try to survive. 00:37:00.059 --> 00:37:02.639 And you lie there all night shivering. 00:37:04.599 --> 00:37:05.079 Worried. 00:37:05.799 --> 00:37:06.199 Anxious. 00:37:06.199 --> 00:37:09.619 Am I going to survive? 00:37:09.619 --> 00:37:10.859 One o'clock comes. 00:37:11.259 --> 00:37:12.679 Ten past one comes. 00:37:13.199 --> 00:37:14.739 Twenty past one comes. 00:37:16.139 --> 00:37:17.279 Not going to make it. 00:37:17.599 --> 00:37:18.559 So dark. 00:37:18.619 --> 00:37:19.919 And I'm so cold. 00:37:20.919 --> 00:37:22.359 Hands are frostbitten. 00:37:25.159 --> 00:37:26.719 Can't feel my feet. 00:37:26.719 --> 00:37:32.259 And at eleven minutes past five in the morning. 00:37:32.379 --> 00:37:34.199 The sun breaks through. 00:37:35.379 --> 00:37:38.500 And those first rays hit the tent. 00:37:38.799 --> 00:37:41.079 And with frostbitten hands clawing like this. 00:37:41.159 --> 00:37:42.980 You open the zip and you crawl out. 00:37:42.980 --> 00:37:49.480 And you experience the reviving rays of a warm sun. 00:37:51.059 --> 00:37:52.460 And you smile. 00:37:53.139 --> 00:37:54.380 And you're overjoyed. 00:37:54.579 --> 00:37:55.860 And you've made it. 00:37:57.139 --> 00:37:58.300 You're alive. 00:37:58.300 --> 00:38:02.300 And the sun is shining on you. 00:38:02.700 --> 00:38:04.060 For many of us. 00:38:04.120 --> 00:38:05.460 As we've heard this. 00:38:06.380 --> 00:38:08.120 We feel like we've lived. 00:38:08.120 --> 00:38:10.980 Too much time shivering in a dark cold tent. 00:38:13.380 --> 00:38:14.680 And what Paul. 00:38:15.100 --> 00:38:15.820 What God. 00:38:16.240 --> 00:38:18.560 What the Lord Jesus is saying through his spirit is. 00:38:19.019 --> 00:38:19.900 Open the tent. 00:38:21.640 --> 00:38:22.920 Awake oh sleeper. 00:38:24.380 --> 00:38:25.640 Rise from the dead. 00:38:26.100 --> 00:38:27.000 And the healing. 00:38:27.580 --> 00:38:28.140 Warming. 00:38:28.620 --> 00:38:29.240 Bathing. 00:38:29.840 --> 00:38:30.560 Restoring. 00:38:31.500 --> 00:38:32.080 Rays. 00:38:32.920 --> 00:38:33.560 Of Christ. 00:38:33.640 --> 00:38:35.039 Who is intrinsically light. 00:38:36.180 --> 00:38:37.600 Will shine on you. 00:38:39.539 --> 00:38:40.340 Let's pray. 00:38:44.980 --> 00:38:47.019 Whoever says they abide in Jesus. 00:38:47.300 --> 00:38:48.380 Ought to walk. 00:38:49.039 --> 00:38:51.519 In the same way in which Jesus walks. 00:38:53.180 --> 00:38:55.200 Father as we've studied your word. 00:38:56.200 --> 00:38:57.400 As you've spoken. 00:38:57.400 --> 00:38:57.559 Open. 00:38:58.019 --> 00:38:59.360 To us through it. 00:39:01.240 --> 00:39:03.579 Father we're so conscious that we need your help. 00:39:04.820 --> 00:39:06.500 For those that are wandering Lord. 00:39:06.599 --> 00:39:07.380 Bring them back. 00:39:08.920 --> 00:39:11.280 For those that are dabbling in sin Lord. 00:39:11.340 --> 00:39:12.340 Would you convict them. 00:39:13.940 --> 00:39:15.760 For those of us that are shivering. 00:39:16.660 --> 00:39:17.740 And cold. 00:39:17.740 --> 00:39:20.800 Would you bring us into the glorious. 00:39:20.800 --> 00:39:23.960 Rays of your son Jesus. 00:39:25.680 --> 00:39:27.480 Father we don't want to leave here. 00:39:27.720 --> 00:39:28.800 Having been challenged. 00:39:28.920 --> 00:39:29.880 We want to leave here. 00:39:29.960 --> 00:39:31.120 Having been changed. 00:39:33.280 --> 00:39:34.720 So Lord where we're struggling. 00:39:34.900 --> 00:39:35.160 Help. 00:39:35.280 --> 00:39:35.980 Where we're wandering. 00:39:36.160 --> 00:39:36.940 Bring us back. 00:39:38.220 --> 00:39:40.140 Where we've compromised Lord. 00:39:41.140 --> 00:39:42.500 Challenge us afresh. 00:39:42.500 --> 00:39:46.139 That we would be those that are fully awake. 00:39:47.500 --> 00:39:50.420 Who are living as those that have been saved from death. 00:39:52.219 --> 00:39:54.920 And those that are living each and every day. 00:39:55.019 --> 00:39:58.039 Basking in the glorious gracious rays of Jesus Christ. 00:39:58.119 --> 00:39:58.659 Our Lord. 00:39:59.039 --> 00:39:59.820 Our saviour. 00:40:00.320 --> 00:40:01.039 And your son. 00:40:02.099 --> 00:40:03.900 Father help us and be with us we pray. 00:40:04.000 --> 00:40:05.280 As we continue in this service. 00:40:05.280 --> 00:40:06.360 Amen.