WEBVTT 00:00:00.480 --> 00:00:05.980 So Luke 18. I think if you ask me what is my favourite chapter in the Bible, I'd say Luke 18. 00:00:07.700 --> 00:00:13.500 If I'm asked to preach on it, it's normally the chapter that I go to. I think I preach on it more than any other chapter in the Bible. 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:24.940 All of life is here. The rich and the poor. The widow and the kids. The blind and the see-in. 00:00:24.940 --> 00:00:36.160 The religious and the scum. They're all here. They're all there in Luke chapter 18. 00:00:36.520 --> 00:00:41.260 But the problem is, isn't it, when you know a chapter like Luke 18, where do you come to it and you think you know what it's going to say? 00:00:42.500 --> 00:00:50.620 And so many of us are like that. And I think when we come to Luke 18 verses 1 to 8, I think this week is the first time I've really begun to understand it properly. 00:00:50.619 --> 00:00:58.519 So Luke 18, you've heard it. The widow went to the nasty judge and she nag-nag-nag, nag-nag-nag. 00:00:58.879 --> 00:01:02.939 And Jesus tells us that story so that we will pray and not give up. 00:01:03.179 --> 00:01:08.359 So what do we do? We go to God who gives and we nag-nag-nag, nag-nag-nag. 00:01:09.659 --> 00:01:13.459 The only problem with that is Luke 18 follows Luke 17. 00:01:14.099 --> 00:01:17.299 And I don't think I'd realised that before. Well I had, but not properly. 00:01:18.099 --> 00:01:19.439 So that's what I want to try and show you today. 00:01:19.439 --> 00:01:21.319 So people are training, aren't they? 00:01:21.599 --> 00:01:25.439 You've seen them around for the London Virgin Money London Marathon. 00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:26.799 You've seen them. 00:01:27.099 --> 00:01:30.219 Through the long winter months, they've been trotting out for runs. 00:01:30.560 --> 00:01:33.700 In the dark, in the rain, after a day at the desk. 00:01:34.920 --> 00:01:37.140 As they shut the door and shout to their wife, 00:01:37.259 --> 00:01:39.039 I may be gone for some time dear. 00:01:40.340 --> 00:01:43.459 And they've headed out, haven't they, to eat up more miles. 00:01:44.219 --> 00:01:46.900 And when you're training for a marathon, you've just got to get the miles in. 00:01:46.900 --> 00:01:48.900 And you eat them up. 00:01:49.219 --> 00:01:52.900 Pounding along the pavements of unsuspecting London boroughs. 00:01:53.620 --> 00:01:58.120 You know that they're London marathon runners because occasionally you see them overtaken, don't you, 00:01:58.140 --> 00:02:01.200 by an old lady shuffling past with a heavy shopping bag. 00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:05.020 Or by ewes hanging out at the bus stop shouting at them. 00:02:05.359 --> 00:02:08.900 And you think, ah, that person is so slow, they must be training for the marathon. 00:02:10.520 --> 00:02:17.879 Now, we want to say thankfully, don't we, that the Christian life is not like training for the London Marathon in every respect. 00:02:17.879 --> 00:02:25.419 But what the London Marathon training and the Christian life have in common is that they are both hard. 00:02:25.979 --> 00:02:26.579 They are. 00:02:27.299 --> 00:02:28.560 They are both hard. 00:02:29.859 --> 00:02:34.199 And if you are someone who is becoming a Christian, or thinking about becoming a Christian, 00:02:34.300 --> 00:02:35.659 it's important that you know that. 00:02:36.699 --> 00:02:38.919 And if you are somebody who is already a Christian, 00:02:39.060 --> 00:02:43.079 then you will know that from experience that Christian life is hard. 00:02:43.080 --> 00:02:46.380 It has many, many benefits. 00:02:46.740 --> 00:02:47.500 It really does. 00:02:48.340 --> 00:02:49.460 But it is hard going. 00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:54.400 It is certainly not the path of least resistance. 00:02:55.800 --> 00:03:00.400 It's a battle against a world that is indifferent and sometimes hostile. 00:03:01.900 --> 00:03:03.660 It's a battle against a sinful nature. 00:03:04.520 --> 00:03:06.500 Which is the fifth column inside of us. 00:03:07.280 --> 00:03:12.560 And it's a battle against a devil who is a powerful and intelligent enemy. 00:03:13.080 --> 00:03:14.760 Who is on the prowl 24-7. 00:03:15.940 --> 00:03:16.820 So why bother? 00:03:17.920 --> 00:03:18.680 Why bother? 00:03:18.780 --> 00:03:20.820 Being a Christian is such hard work. 00:03:21.100 --> 00:03:23.300 Well, why bother with marathon training? 00:03:24.160 --> 00:03:25.600 Why do people put themselves through it? 00:03:26.420 --> 00:03:30.600 Why do they go out every night in the dark and the rain and pound the streets? 00:03:31.020 --> 00:03:33.300 Well, they do it because of April the 13th. 00:03:33.760 --> 00:03:35.860 Virgin Money London Marathon Day. 00:03:36.480 --> 00:03:37.520 April the 13th. 00:03:38.180 --> 00:03:42.040 And it's that goal, isn't it, that makes all the training worthwhile. 00:03:43.080 --> 00:03:46.800 Now if you go to the London Marathon website, it's got some training tips. 00:03:47.640 --> 00:03:52.200 And under the heading, Setting Goals, is written this, the following. 00:03:53.020 --> 00:03:53.720 Be specific. 00:03:54.439 --> 00:03:55.960 That's what it says when you're thinking about a marathon. 00:03:56.360 --> 00:03:57.020 Be specific. 00:03:57.540 --> 00:04:00.439 Choose the exact marathon that you want to run. 00:04:00.540 --> 00:04:01.960 Which I would have thought was pretty obvious advice. 00:04:02.860 --> 00:04:08.120 Register for the event as early as possible and train hard for it. 00:04:08.300 --> 00:04:09.260 Isn't that great advice? 00:04:09.259 --> 00:04:13.599 Because the organisers know that you need a goal, don't you? 00:04:13.759 --> 00:04:16.959 You need a goal to keep yourself going in training. 00:04:17.860 --> 00:04:18.759 And so does the Christian. 00:04:19.899 --> 00:04:26.339 Now one of the recurring themes of Jesus is the day when he will return to judge the world. 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:29.939 And we've seen that, haven't we, again and again in Luke 14 to 17. 00:04:30.060 --> 00:04:31.240 Again and again it's come up. 00:04:31.240 --> 00:04:35.180 Jesus is going to come back to judge the world and to rescue his people. 00:04:35.560 --> 00:04:37.280 There will be a day of judgement. 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:39.259 There will be a day of salvation. 00:04:39.960 --> 00:04:46.139 A day when people are sent into an eternal hell and when others are sent for eternal life. 00:04:47.120 --> 00:04:50.240 And that prospect keeps the believer going. 00:04:51.340 --> 00:04:52.100 It keeps us going. 00:04:52.980 --> 00:04:57.939 And that prospect is the focus of this section in Luke's account. 00:04:58.079 --> 00:04:59.720 And that's what I don't think I'd seen before. 00:04:59.720 --> 00:05:02.700 So look at Luke 17 verse 20. 00:05:03.140 --> 00:05:05.720 Jesus is asked to me about the kingdom of God. 00:05:07.580 --> 00:05:09.880 When is the kingdom of God going to come? 00:05:11.380 --> 00:05:12.960 When will the kingdom of God come? 00:05:14.380 --> 00:05:18.980 And Jesus responds by teaching them about what he calls the days of the Son of Man. 00:05:20.200 --> 00:05:21.020 It's the same thing. 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:26.720 And so in today's story in chapter 18, that same theme continues. 00:05:26.720 --> 00:05:30.140 The chapter divisions are not in the original. 00:05:32.400 --> 00:05:36.200 So four times reference is made to God giving justice. 00:05:36.320 --> 00:05:37.080 Look at verse 3. 00:05:37.840 --> 00:05:39.440 Give me justice. 00:05:40.540 --> 00:05:41.580 Verse 5. 00:05:41.760 --> 00:05:43.500 I will give her justice. 00:05:44.500 --> 00:05:45.500 Verse 7. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:49.180 Will not God give justice? 00:05:50.220 --> 00:05:51.140 Verse 8. 00:05:51.540 --> 00:05:52.360 I tell you. 00:05:52.640 --> 00:05:54.220 He will give justice. 00:05:54.220 --> 00:05:59.840 And so what it is about, for short hand, it is about what will happen on that day. 00:06:00.960 --> 00:06:02.620 It's about what will happen in the future. 00:06:03.880 --> 00:06:07.000 That God will one day establish his justice. 00:06:07.400 --> 00:06:09.760 One day he will rescue his people for heaven. 00:06:10.320 --> 00:06:12.480 And he will overthrow all evil. 00:06:12.480 --> 00:06:17.980 And the prospect of that day keeps the Christian running. 00:06:18.900 --> 00:06:21.259 Do you ever get weary waiting for Jesus to return? 00:06:22.700 --> 00:06:23.520 Do you ever get weary? 00:06:24.860 --> 00:06:28.160 Do you ever wonder if that day is ever going to come at all? 00:06:28.520 --> 00:06:32.600 Jesus himself acknowledged that that is going to be an issue for Christian believers. 00:06:32.720 --> 00:06:34.400 Look at chapter 17 and verse 22. 00:06:34.800 --> 00:06:35.759 The days are coming. 00:06:35.759 --> 00:06:41.439 The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man. 00:06:41.779 --> 00:06:43.099 And you will not see it. 00:06:44.959 --> 00:06:46.659 Well, if you long for that day. 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:48.300 If you're looking for that day. 00:06:48.420 --> 00:06:49.680 If you're desiring that day. 00:06:49.779 --> 00:06:50.879 And it doesn't come. 00:06:51.240 --> 00:06:52.159 What is the temptation? 00:06:54.319 --> 00:06:55.539 Well, after a while. 00:06:56.500 --> 00:06:57.599 You say, stuff it. 00:06:58.459 --> 00:06:59.240 I'm going to give up. 00:07:00.680 --> 00:07:01.779 You lose heart. 00:07:01.779 --> 00:07:06.079 It's a bit like waiting at the checkout at Lidl. 00:07:07.139 --> 00:07:08.559 Or any sub-supermarket. 00:07:08.679 --> 00:07:10.019 But particularly Lidl. 00:07:11.059 --> 00:07:13.299 I've been to Lidl the last three Saturdays. 00:07:13.619 --> 00:07:14.500 With two children. 00:07:15.139 --> 00:07:16.899 And without money to pay a trolley one day. 00:07:17.019 --> 00:07:17.319 Anyway. 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:19.699 And you stand in the till. 00:07:19.819 --> 00:07:21.859 This great long till. 00:07:22.419 --> 00:07:22.739 Queue. 00:07:22.839 --> 00:07:23.379 At Lidl. 00:07:24.279 --> 00:07:25.359 And you get nowhere. 00:07:26.379 --> 00:07:27.219 And after a while. 00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:27.899 You say, stuff it. 00:07:27.939 --> 00:07:29.000 I'm going to try another till. 00:07:29.259 --> 00:07:29.559 Don't you? 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:31.019 And you move from one till. 00:07:31.300 --> 00:07:33.199 From one great king to another one. 00:07:34.899 --> 00:07:37.060 Well, it's now been 2,000 years, hasn't it? 00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:40.040 2,000 years since Jesus promised. 00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:43.199 2,000 years since Jesus said he would return. 00:07:43.340 --> 00:07:44.860 It can be tempting, can't it? 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:46.220 To lose heart. 00:07:46.319 --> 00:07:47.340 And give up waiting. 00:07:47.660 --> 00:07:50.019 Now that is what chapter 18 and verse 1 is about. 00:07:53.899 --> 00:07:56.840 It is not particularly about your longing for whatever it is. 00:07:56.860 --> 00:07:58.779 That you've been praying for day after day after day. 00:07:58.779 --> 00:07:59.939 It's not about that really. 00:08:01.679 --> 00:08:02.519 It's about the justice. 00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:03.699 Let's come and look at 18 verse 1. 00:08:03.759 --> 00:08:06.699 He told them a power to the effect that they would always pray and not to lose heart. 00:08:10.399 --> 00:08:12.019 On the home page of the London Marathon. 00:08:12.359 --> 00:08:15.279 They not only have the date in big and writing. 00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:16.559 In very large letters. 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:18.399 But they also have a countdown clock. 00:08:19.539 --> 00:08:20.819 The time remaining. 00:08:21.239 --> 00:08:22.439 Till Marathon Day. 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:24.399 17 hours. 00:08:25.100 --> 00:08:25.860 17 days. 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:26.680 19 hours. 00:08:26.819 --> 00:08:27.579 44 minutes. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:28.779 And 13 seconds. 00:08:28.860 --> 00:08:30.100 When I checked it earlier this week. 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:32.000 And they do it. 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:33.759 So they'll keep on training. 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:38.500 Now there is no website of Jesus' return. 00:08:39.519 --> 00:08:40.899 And on it a countdown clock. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:43.860 Well actually there probably is somewhere, isn't there? 00:08:44.220 --> 00:08:46.620 And I wouldn't pay any attention to that sort of website at all. 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:46.960 Alright? 00:08:46.960 --> 00:08:49.100 And if you're looking at all the websites. 00:08:49.540 --> 00:08:50.220 Come and see me after. 00:08:51.920 --> 00:08:53.800 And so we might wonder, might we? 00:08:55.040 --> 00:08:57.259 If that time is ever going to come. 00:08:57.460 --> 00:08:58.440 Is it ever going to come? 00:08:58.500 --> 00:08:59.519 And we begin to lose heart. 00:09:00.680 --> 00:09:01.379 And that is natural. 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:03.440 Jesus told this story to encourage you. 00:09:04.180 --> 00:09:05.860 To encourage us to keep going. 00:09:06.420 --> 00:09:07.620 And not to lose heart. 00:09:08.740 --> 00:09:10.780 And given the focus on the day of his return. 00:09:10.860 --> 00:09:12.420 What we've seen before this story. 00:09:12.839 --> 00:09:14.399 This story is an encouragement. 00:09:14.559 --> 00:09:16.039 Not just to keep praying in general. 00:09:16.139 --> 00:09:17.139 Of course it is. 00:09:17.299 --> 00:09:18.259 Of course it is that. 00:09:19.259 --> 00:09:20.479 But more specifically. 00:09:20.699 --> 00:09:21.439 It is an encouragement. 00:09:21.899 --> 00:09:23.599 For you to keep praying for. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:27.079 And for us to keep looking for the day of Jesus' return. 00:09:27.959 --> 00:09:29.639 To pray for that day. 00:09:30.059 --> 00:09:32.019 Lord come quickly. 00:09:33.599 --> 00:09:35.360 To keep trusting that it will happen. 00:09:36.539 --> 00:09:38.120 And so to keep going in the Christian life. 00:09:38.819 --> 00:09:39.839 And to encourage us to do that. 00:09:39.899 --> 00:09:41.059 Jesus tells us a story. 00:09:41.059 --> 00:09:43.399 It is a well known story about two characters. 00:09:43.679 --> 00:09:45.719 It is about a judge and a widow. 00:09:46.699 --> 00:09:48.659 If when you hear the title judge. 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:50.819 The picture comes to your mind. 00:09:50.859 --> 00:09:51.739 Of an upstanding. 00:09:52.639 --> 00:09:54.359 Exemplary member of the establishment. 00:09:54.879 --> 00:09:56.339 You've got to try and put those. 00:09:57.479 --> 00:09:59.159 Associations to one side for a minute. 00:10:00.179 --> 00:10:01.339 The judge in the story. 00:10:01.559 --> 00:10:02.759 That you'll see from verse 2. 00:10:03.199 --> 00:10:04.539 Is the kind of character. 00:10:04.719 --> 00:10:06.500 That you'd expect to find in the dock. 00:10:06.839 --> 00:10:07.819 Not on the bench. 00:10:09.259 --> 00:10:09.979 Verse 2. 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:11.420 We read. 00:10:11.560 --> 00:10:12.519 In a certain city. 00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:13.659 There was a judge. 00:10:14.060 --> 00:10:15.899 Who neither feared God. 00:10:16.039 --> 00:10:18.000 Nor respected man. 00:10:18.379 --> 00:10:20.259 That is not a great epitaph. 00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:20.639 Is it? 00:10:20.700 --> 00:10:22.420 To have inscribed on your tombstone. 00:10:22.800 --> 00:10:23.139 Is it? 00:10:23.800 --> 00:10:25.440 Would you want that inscribed on your tombstone? 00:10:25.659 --> 00:10:27.060 Neither feared God. 00:10:27.259 --> 00:10:28.580 Nor respected man. 00:10:28.580 --> 00:10:31.200 And it's not a great combination. 00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:32.480 In a judge. 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:36.540 They are on the ideal qualities. 00:10:36.740 --> 00:10:38.379 If you're heading up an extortion racket. 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:40.480 Or you're heading up a violent gang. 00:10:40.660 --> 00:10:42.080 They have great qualities to have. 00:10:42.400 --> 00:10:43.420 Then it would be good. 00:10:43.860 --> 00:10:46.200 But not the sort of person that you want having. 00:10:46.440 --> 00:10:47.220 Peering over. 00:10:48.020 --> 00:10:48.800 The bench. 00:10:48.860 --> 00:10:50.400 As you bring your case to court. 00:10:52.300 --> 00:10:54.020 But the other character is not put off. 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:54.920 Look at verse 3. 00:10:54.919 --> 00:10:58.360 There was a widow in that city. 00:10:58.519 --> 00:10:59.579 Who kept coming to him and saying. 00:10:59.740 --> 00:11:00.939 Give me justice. 00:11:01.360 --> 00:11:03.159 Against my adversary. 00:11:07.799 --> 00:11:08.759 Now we know. 00:11:08.839 --> 00:11:09.199 Don't we? 00:11:09.299 --> 00:11:10.240 Some of you know. 00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:11.439 That being a widow. 00:11:11.599 --> 00:11:12.219 Even today. 00:11:12.319 --> 00:11:13.159 Can be difficult. 00:11:14.819 --> 00:11:15.539 And being a widow. 00:11:15.539 --> 00:11:16.779 Is lonely. 00:11:16.979 --> 00:11:17.659 Even today. 00:11:18.959 --> 00:11:20.219 And in many many societies. 00:11:20.339 --> 00:11:21.120 It's very very difficult. 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:23.519 But in fact. 00:11:23.580 --> 00:11:24.860 Jesus society of the day. 00:11:24.899 --> 00:11:25.259 To be a widow. 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:26.379 Was far worse. 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:28.100 To be a widow. 00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:29.399 Was to be totally helpless. 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:31.759 To be totally helpless. 00:11:31.899 --> 00:11:32.539 And that is a theme. 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:33.580 We will see all the way through. 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:34.100 Luke 18. 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:37.100 She had no financial support. 00:11:37.700 --> 00:11:38.919 She was right at the bottom. 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:39.740 Of the social ladder. 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:41.899 And it's very very easy. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:42.360 Praise. 00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:42.899 That you see that. 00:11:42.940 --> 00:11:43.659 All the way through. 00:11:43.659 --> 00:11:44.320 The New Testament. 00:11:44.679 --> 00:11:45.560 Very easy. 00:11:45.659 --> 00:11:47.100 To pray on widows. 00:11:47.399 --> 00:11:48.200 Those who wanted. 00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:49.159 To take an advantage. 00:11:49.639 --> 00:11:50.560 They had a field day. 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:51.339 With widows. 00:11:53.419 --> 00:11:54.659 Well this particular widow. 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:55.719 Is being victimised. 00:11:55.799 --> 00:11:56.319 By someone. 00:11:56.679 --> 00:11:57.759 And she brings her case. 00:11:57.819 --> 00:11:58.599 Before the judge. 00:11:58.839 --> 00:11:59.739 But although the judge. 00:11:59.799 --> 00:12:01.359 Is a nasty piece of work. 00:12:01.699 --> 00:12:02.939 Notice she is persistent. 00:12:03.759 --> 00:12:04.319 Can you see that. 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:05.119 Verse 3. 00:12:06.139 --> 00:12:07.839 She kept coming. 00:12:09.099 --> 00:12:10.059 Verse 5. 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:11.159 The judge laments. 00:12:11.159 --> 00:12:13.000 That she keeps bothering me. 00:12:13.359 --> 00:12:14.739 And at the end of verse 5. 00:12:14.819 --> 00:12:15.479 He speaks of her. 00:12:15.659 --> 00:12:16.739 Beating him down. 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:18.339 With her continual coming. 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:20.379 This woman. 00:12:20.379 --> 00:12:21.519 Will not take no. 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:22.320 For an answer. 00:12:24.120 --> 00:12:25.399 And you can just imagine. 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:25.879 Can't you. 00:12:26.040 --> 00:12:27.360 On one of these beautiful mornings. 00:12:27.500 --> 00:12:28.879 Her outside the judge's house. 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:30.399 Every morning. 00:12:30.519 --> 00:12:31.060 To catch him. 00:12:31.139 --> 00:12:32.040 On his way to work. 00:12:33.800 --> 00:12:34.680 You can imagine. 00:12:34.780 --> 00:12:35.560 Her hanging around. 00:12:35.680 --> 00:12:36.600 The courthouse. 00:12:37.440 --> 00:12:38.100 To accost him. 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:38.780 When he pops out. 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:39.379 For a sandwich. 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:40.160 At lunchtime. 00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:43.079 When he's on his way home. 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:45.120 Just as he's leaving work. 00:12:45.740 --> 00:12:46.899 She hands him a flyer. 00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:47.559 Which says. 00:12:47.799 --> 00:12:48.439 Give me justice. 00:12:48.579 --> 00:12:49.480 Against my adversary. 00:12:50.339 --> 00:12:51.379 And even when the judge. 00:12:51.419 --> 00:12:52.519 Is sitting with his wife. 00:12:52.679 --> 00:12:54.000 In a restaurant that evening. 00:12:54.339 --> 00:12:55.219 The widow's face. 00:12:55.360 --> 00:12:56.519 Prashes against the window. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:57.139 Of the restaurant. 00:12:57.240 --> 00:12:58.019 And she shouts. 00:12:58.360 --> 00:12:59.539 Give me justice. 00:12:59.659 --> 00:13:00.980 Against my adversary. 00:13:01.559 --> 00:13:02.120 Help me. 00:13:04.519 --> 00:13:05.899 There was a Nobel prize. 00:13:05.899 --> 00:13:06.559 For nagging. 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:07.740 This woman would win it. 00:13:07.740 --> 00:13:10.080 And in the end. 00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:10.620 It works. 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:12.799 And she gets her way. 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:13.659 Look at the judge's. 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:14.700 Reluctant response. 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:15.539 In verse 4. 00:13:16.120 --> 00:13:17.779 He slams down his knife and fork. 00:13:18.019 --> 00:13:18.820 In the restaurant. 00:13:19.120 --> 00:13:19.779 And he says. 00:13:20.820 --> 00:13:22.379 Though I neither fear God. 00:13:22.460 --> 00:13:23.560 Nor respect man. 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:24.620 Yet because this widow. 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:25.820 Keeps bothering me. 00:13:25.940 --> 00:13:27.340 I will give her justice. 00:13:27.460 --> 00:13:28.240 So that she will not. 00:13:28.379 --> 00:13:29.060 Beat me down. 00:13:29.139 --> 00:13:30.320 By her continual coming. 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:32.340 Such constant nagging. 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:32.919 Nag. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:33.560 Nag. 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:34.360 Nag. 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:35.560 Nag. 00:13:36.560 --> 00:13:37.480 And nagging. 00:13:37.480 --> 00:13:38.659 Can really wear you down. 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:39.100 In the end. 00:13:39.180 --> 00:13:39.580 Can't it? 00:13:40.519 --> 00:13:42.019 I know this from experience. 00:13:43.539 --> 00:13:43.899 Listen. 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:44.200 Wait. 00:13:44.279 --> 00:13:44.779 Wait for the function. 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:46.580 From our holiday. 00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:48.159 When I was a child. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.420 And you know. 00:13:51.460 --> 00:13:52.240 If you've been on holiday. 00:13:52.580 --> 00:13:53.759 You go to the beach in France. 00:13:56.279 --> 00:13:57.399 Or when you're in Kenya. 00:13:57.639 --> 00:13:57.720 It happened. 00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:59.379 But when you're on the beach in France. 00:13:59.480 --> 00:13:59.740 Isn't it? 00:13:59.820 --> 00:14:02.080 Those people would come and sell you. 00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:02.740 Try and sell you. 00:14:02.920 --> 00:14:03.920 Leather belts. 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:05.840 And leather hats. 00:14:06.460 --> 00:14:06.879 You see that? 00:14:07.779 --> 00:14:08.220 And they're there. 00:14:08.299 --> 00:14:09.279 And they follow you. 00:14:09.600 --> 00:14:10.559 Along the beach. 00:14:11.059 --> 00:14:12.799 And they will not take you. 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:14.039 Take no for an answer. 00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:15.279 And the hat. 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:16.279 Stinks. 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:16.740 Doesn't it? 00:14:16.759 --> 00:14:17.000 Of leather. 00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:18.120 I don't know whether you bought one. 00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:19.379 But in the end. 00:14:19.480 --> 00:14:20.000 You buy. 00:14:20.080 --> 00:14:20.860 When you buy a wallet. 00:14:20.939 --> 00:14:21.740 Or you buy a hat. 00:14:21.779 --> 00:14:22.820 Or you buy a belt. 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:24.600 Just to get rid of the people. 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:25.320 Just to get them. 00:14:25.379 --> 00:14:26.139 Or feel back. 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:28.419 And the judge. 00:14:28.659 --> 00:14:29.980 Finally gives in to the widow. 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:31.340 Just to get rid of the woman. 00:14:31.399 --> 00:14:31.919 It's the same. 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:33.539 You've bought those goods. 00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:34.860 In the house. 00:14:34.860 --> 00:14:35.519 From those people. 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:36.500 Just to get rid of them. 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:38.980 Well that is the story. 00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:41.580 What's the point of the story? 00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:42.559 Look at verse 6. 00:14:43.919 --> 00:14:45.519 The point of the story is this. 00:14:45.580 --> 00:14:47.899 Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:52.840 And will not God give justice to his elect. 00:14:53.059 --> 00:14:54.779 Who cried him day and night. 00:14:55.799 --> 00:14:57.819 Will he delay long over them? 00:14:58.179 --> 00:15:01.439 I tell you he will give justice to them speedily. 00:15:01.440 --> 00:15:06.140 So there's two things. 00:15:06.140 --> 00:15:06.820 Last week. 00:15:06.820 --> 00:15:07.120 Didn't we? 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:08.920 The son of man. 00:15:09.020 --> 00:15:10.360 He will come slower than you think. 00:15:10.420 --> 00:15:11.500 He will come quicker than you think. 00:15:11.580 --> 00:15:12.740 They're both there in Luke 18. 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:17.100 And this is a how much more line of argument. 00:15:18.280 --> 00:15:19.880 It basically goes like this. 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:23.120 If diddly dee. 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:25.680 Then how much more diddly done. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:27.420 If such and such. 00:15:27.920 --> 00:15:30.200 Then how much more such and such. 00:15:30.200 --> 00:15:33.220 If an unrighteous judge grants the request. 00:15:33.320 --> 00:15:34.320 Of a nagging widow. 00:15:34.440 --> 00:15:35.600 Just to get the woman off his back. 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:37.660 How much more will God. 00:15:38.060 --> 00:15:40.160 Give justice to his people who cry out to him. 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:42.620 It works on contrast. 00:15:42.759 --> 00:15:43.060 Doesn't it? 00:15:43.060 --> 00:15:43.759 The story does. 00:15:45.540 --> 00:15:46.440 As for the judge. 00:15:46.540 --> 00:15:47.320 He is unrighteous. 00:15:48.280 --> 00:15:48.900 But God. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:50.540 He is perfectly righteous. 00:15:50.940 --> 00:15:51.400 And just. 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:54.959 So if an unrighteous judge. 00:15:54.959 --> 00:15:56.100 Grants a request. 00:15:58.240 --> 00:15:59.899 How much more will God who is righteous. 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:03.319 And whereas the person bringing the request. 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:03.819 In his case. 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:05.139 Was just an annoying widow. 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:06.259 Nag nag nag nag nag. 00:16:06.419 --> 00:16:07.600 By contrast. 00:16:08.199 --> 00:16:08.919 God's people. 00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:10.860 Could not be more dear to him. 00:16:11.840 --> 00:16:13.500 The contrast works on both of them. 00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:13.720 Alright. 00:16:13.899 --> 00:16:15.139 Not just on the judge. 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:19.639 So God's people could not be more dear to him. 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:20.360 Verse 7. 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:21.659 There is that beautiful word. 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:22.059 Isn't there? 00:16:22.779 --> 00:16:23.779 There is that beautiful word. 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:25.759 He refers to them as his elect. 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:29.360 As his chosen ones. 00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:31.460 As the people. 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:33.759 He is chosen from before all eternity. 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:37.179 His chosen people. 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.039 You put the two together. 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:38.679 And what do you get? 00:16:38.679 --> 00:16:41.319 The righteous God. 00:16:44.419 --> 00:16:45.620 And his chosen people. 00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:46.079 What do you get? 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:46.799 You get certainty. 00:16:48.759 --> 00:16:50.359 Certainty that the God who is righteous. 00:16:50.559 --> 00:16:52.059 Will most certainly bring justice. 00:16:52.059 --> 00:16:53.719 For his dear people. 00:16:55.039 --> 00:16:56.319 The day will come. 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:58.399 When God will send Jesus back. 00:16:58.500 --> 00:16:59.659 To rescue his people. 00:17:00.039 --> 00:17:02.079 And to overthrow all evil. 00:17:02.719 --> 00:17:04.639 And this world will be brought to an end. 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:06.659 And God sets up his eternal kingdom. 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:08.019 The new heavens and the new earth. 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:09.339 The day of salvation. 00:17:09.639 --> 00:17:10.539 And the day of judgment. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:12.000 Is going to come. 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:12.960 Of that we can be assured. 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:17.039 He's not going to ignore the prayers of his people. 00:17:17.859 --> 00:17:19.119 As they long for that day. 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:21.960 Well that is the point of the power. 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:24.980 And that is good news for Christians. 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:26.099 It is good news. 00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:29.099 For Christians who are finding the Christian life. 00:17:29.639 --> 00:17:30.480 Hard going. 00:17:31.779 --> 00:17:32.599 And let's be honest. 00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:33.960 It is hard going. 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:37.160 Here are just a few snapshots. 00:17:37.160 --> 00:17:38.680 Of life as a Christian. 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:39.940 In different parts of the world. 00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:41.980 Let me give you them. 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:44.279 A youth leader in Tanzania. 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:47.100 Was killed in a brutal machete attack. 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:49.600 While leading an overnight prayer session. 00:17:50.120 --> 00:17:51.759 In the Lamella district. 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:53.620 The Mwanza province. 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:56.359 Elijah Meshach died on the spot. 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:58.319 While two other Christians were injured. 00:17:58.639 --> 00:17:59.159 Nepal. 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:01.939 Lift up to the Lord please. 00:18:02.719 --> 00:18:04.319 Ganga Lama Tamang. 00:18:04.679 --> 00:18:06.359 Lamba Bahadu Tamang. 00:18:06.659 --> 00:18:07.599 Lamba Bokta. 00:18:08.039 --> 00:18:08.979 And Bikram Lama. 00:18:09.139 --> 00:18:10.619 Four converts to Christianity. 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:11.819 Whose homes in Nepal. 00:18:11.939 --> 00:18:13.859 Were torched on the 23rd of December. 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:16.679 Blasphemy laws continue to cause distress. 00:18:16.959 --> 00:18:17.599 And hardship. 00:18:18.099 --> 00:18:20.839 Among the country's vulnerable Christian community. 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:21.959 Cuba. 00:18:21.959 --> 00:18:22.079 Cuba. 00:18:22.639 --> 00:18:24.579 A pastor and his family in Cuba. 00:18:24.720 --> 00:18:26.639 Have been subjected to a campaign of harassment. 00:18:26.859 --> 00:18:27.639 By the authorities. 00:18:28.159 --> 00:18:29.379 In what seems to be an attempt. 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:31.039 To confiscate church property. 00:18:31.579 --> 00:18:33.099 Violent and abusive mobs. 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:33.779 And be sent. 00:18:34.839 --> 00:18:35.399 Somalia. 00:18:36.459 --> 00:18:38.279 Pray for the grieving wife and children. 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:40.599 Of Abdakani Hassan. 00:18:40.659 --> 00:18:42.119 A Christian father in Somalia. 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:43.619 Who was shot dead by gunmen. 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:44.679 Suspected of belonging. 00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:46.899 To the Islamic militant group. 00:18:47.419 --> 00:18:48.259 Al-Shabaab. 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:49.740 And so it goes. 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:54.240 Those examples are just taken from the prayer diary. 00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:55.420 Produced by the Barnabas Fund. 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:58.579 There's a website on your notice sheet. 00:18:58.799 --> 00:19:00.379 That's just five days this week. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:01.799 Four days this week. 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:02.859 The Barnabas Fund. 00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:04.019 Prayer diary. 00:19:05.559 --> 00:19:07.140 Now what do you think. 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:10.099 The believers are praying for. 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:12.680 In those sorts of situations. 00:19:13.180 --> 00:19:14.900 What are they praying for in Somalia. 00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:16.200 In Nepal. 00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:17.620 In Cuba. 00:19:18.400 --> 00:19:18.980 In Tanzania. 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:22.279 What are they praying for? 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:25.960 You can bet that they pray. 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:28.259 For the Lord to return soon. 00:19:29.539 --> 00:19:30.660 They pray don't they. 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:32.319 Every day your kingdom come. 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:36.080 For that day of both salvation. 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:36.539 Yes. 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:37.299 And of judgment. 00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:40.019 As well as for the strength. 00:19:40.120 --> 00:19:41.340 To keep going in the meantime. 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:44.839 Well this story in Luke 18. 00:19:45.019 --> 00:19:46.059 That Jesus tells. 00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:48.519 Is a great assurance for them. 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:48.779 Isn't it? 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:50.539 And a great reassurance for them. 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:53.500 But also for us. 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:58.179 The opposition that you face. 00:19:58.399 --> 00:19:59.119 In our culture. 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.939 Is tame by comparison to that. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:01.299 Isn't it? 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:04.459 But it is nonetheless real. 00:20:04.460 --> 00:20:07.660 And anyway. 00:20:08.380 --> 00:20:09.660 As you go on in the Christian life. 00:20:09.880 --> 00:20:10.740 You realise. 00:20:10.840 --> 00:20:11.019 Don't you. 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:12.120 That it's not just the opposition. 00:20:12.120 --> 00:20:13.000 From other people. 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:14.660 That makes the Christian life hard going. 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:17.940 It's not just outside influences. 00:20:17.940 --> 00:20:19.500 That make the Christian life hard. 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.160 For some of you. 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:20.940 And for all of you. 00:20:22.420 --> 00:20:23.360 It's what's in here. 00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:23.720 Isn't it? 00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:26.440 And so don't you. 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.759 Don't you long for the day. 00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:29.140 When you will no longer. 00:20:29.140 --> 00:20:30.259 Face temptations. 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:31.180 Don't you? 00:20:31.180 --> 00:20:34.380 Don't you long for the day. 00:20:34.440 --> 00:20:35.840 When you will not have a battle. 00:20:35.840 --> 00:20:36.660 With sin. 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:39.080 Don't you long for the day. 00:20:39.120 --> 00:20:40.220 When you will no longer. 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:41.060 Live in a world. 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:42.560 Where there is so much evil. 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:43.380 And injustice. 00:20:43.600 --> 00:20:44.440 That goes in check. 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.980 And so much suffering. 00:20:46.360 --> 00:20:47.340 Don't you long for the day. 00:20:47.400 --> 00:20:48.620 When your heart. 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:50.080 Will be cleansed. 00:20:51.640 --> 00:20:52.960 When your memory. 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:54.880 Will be wiped clean. 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:56.299 Of all the bitter regrets. 00:20:56.299 --> 00:20:56.980 That you have. 00:20:58.519 --> 00:20:59.519 And Jesus says. 00:20:59.620 --> 00:21:00.940 That day is going to come. 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:02.519 And it's going to come soon. 00:21:02.820 --> 00:21:03.680 Look at verse 8. 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:04.799 Speedily. 00:21:08.840 --> 00:21:09.500 I tell you. 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:10.500 He will give justice to them. 00:21:10.860 --> 00:21:11.259 Speedily. 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.860 The coming of that day. 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:15.220 Is 100% guaranteed. 00:21:15.340 --> 00:21:16.340 And that is the encouragement. 00:21:18.440 --> 00:21:19.700 And the challenge is this. 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:22.039 It's will you be found ready. 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:22.820 When it does come. 00:21:24.340 --> 00:21:25.620 Will you be found ready. 00:21:25.620 --> 00:21:26.740 When it does come. 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:29.580 And that is the note. 00:21:29.680 --> 00:21:30.779 That Jesus closes on. 00:21:30.860 --> 00:21:31.080 Isn't it? 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:31.779 In verse 8. 00:21:33.399 --> 00:21:34.659 So it is very interesting. 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.399 Verse 1. 00:21:35.480 --> 00:21:36.720 He wants to reassure you. 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:38.960 And he wants you to keep going. 00:21:39.199 --> 00:21:40.379 He doesn't want you to lose heart. 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.319 How does he do that? 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.179 Verse 8. 00:21:42.199 --> 00:21:43.000 He challenges you. 00:21:45.659 --> 00:21:46.059 Nevertheless. 00:21:46.379 --> 00:21:47.500 When the Son of Man comes. 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.659 Will he find faith on earth? 00:21:50.579 --> 00:21:52.059 Come he surely will. 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:54.159 But will we be ready. 00:21:54.159 --> 00:21:55.059 When he does come. 00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:57.919 Will he find faith on earth? 00:21:59.279 --> 00:22:00.919 Will he find faith in us? 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:05.720 But why does Jesus suddenly mention faith? 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:09.940 Why does he say at the end of verse 8. 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:11.220 Will he find you praying? 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:13.200 When he comes on earth. 00:22:14.579 --> 00:22:16.119 Why does he mention faith? 00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:19.359 How does it tie in. 00:22:19.679 --> 00:22:20.759 With what he's been saying? 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:24.359 Well firstly this. 00:22:24.459 --> 00:22:24.919 Two ways. 00:22:27.339 --> 00:22:28.979 The future focus. 00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:31.699 Is a sign of faith. 00:22:32.979 --> 00:22:34.579 The future focus. 00:22:35.579 --> 00:22:36.659 Is a sign of faith. 00:22:37.379 --> 00:22:38.299 The future focus. 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:39.539 Is a mark of true faith. 00:22:39.539 --> 00:22:41.059 What faith involves. 00:22:41.240 --> 00:22:42.079 Is explained. 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.220 In the stories that follow. 00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:44.299 In the rest of Luke 18. 00:22:44.539 --> 00:22:45.960 It's a chapter about faith. 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:48.119 But for now. 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:48.759 Just notice. 00:22:48.879 --> 00:22:49.920 One mark of faith. 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:51.099 That we see in today's story. 00:22:51.420 --> 00:22:52.839 What is the mark of God's people. 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:53.519 In this story? 00:22:54.619 --> 00:22:55.720 What is the mark of faith? 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:56.619 It's that they persist. 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.859 In crying out to God. 00:22:57.899 --> 00:22:58.460 For justice. 00:22:58.639 --> 00:22:59.420 As the widowed it. 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:02.319 Jesus describes. 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:04.319 God's chosen people. 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:05.319 In verse 7. 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:07.079 As those who cry out to him. 00:23:07.159 --> 00:23:08.559 Day and night. 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:10.940 For that day of justice to come. 00:23:12.119 --> 00:23:12.779 So you see. 00:23:12.899 --> 00:23:14.420 That future focus. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.420 Is a mark of faith. 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:17.440 We look to that goal. 00:23:18.379 --> 00:23:19.319 We long for it. 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:21.039 We pray for it. 00:23:21.399 --> 00:23:23.420 Your kingdom come. 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.299 That shouldn't be. 00:23:26.399 --> 00:23:27.159 Just a line. 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:27.960 That we repeat. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:28.759 In the Lord's prayer. 00:23:28.859 --> 00:23:29.659 Day by day. 00:23:31.180 --> 00:23:31.980 Rather it should be. 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:32.980 The whole orientation. 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:34.079 Of our lives. 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:35.980 Your kingdom come. 00:23:36.859 --> 00:23:37.539 Such hope. 00:23:37.619 --> 00:23:38.779 Is a mark of true faith. 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.500 We are looking. 00:23:40.659 --> 00:23:40.799 Are we? 00:23:40.839 --> 00:23:41.720 Beyond the next holiday. 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:43.480 We're looking beyond. 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:44.779 The next work deadline. 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:45.920 We're looking beyond. 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:46.839 The next project. 00:23:47.079 --> 00:23:47.879 We're looking to this. 00:23:47.960 --> 00:23:48.819 Most distant. 00:23:49.779 --> 00:23:50.220 Horizon. 00:23:52.579 --> 00:23:53.680 Or do we have that. 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:54.720 Hallmark ourselves. 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:57.000 Are we longing. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.680 For the coming. 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.159 Of the kingdom. 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:00.619 Is our living. 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:01.259 And our praying. 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:02.059 Characterised. 00:24:02.119 --> 00:24:02.700 By this future. 00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:03.480 Perspective. 00:24:03.480 --> 00:24:05.799 Because this future hope. 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:06.960 Is a mark of true faith. 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:08.000 And that's why. 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:08.779 Those illustrations. 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.720 From last week. 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:10.700 In chapter 17. 00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:12.640 Of the days of Noah. 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.680 When Noah. 00:24:14.680 --> 00:24:15.500 And his family. 00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:17.019 They lived in the light. 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:17.579 Of the coming. 00:24:17.640 --> 00:24:18.620 Of that great day. 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:19.920 But the people around them. 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:20.360 They didn't. 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:21.000 They mocked it. 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:21.660 And they laughed. 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:24.079 And Lot's wife. 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.599 Who did not persevere. 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:29.179 She looked back. 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:29.899 Not looked forward. 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:31.839 It's so helpful. 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:35.819 The future hope. 00:24:35.879 --> 00:24:36.319 That we have. 00:24:36.379 --> 00:24:36.939 Is a mark. 00:24:37.159 --> 00:24:37.879 Of true faith. 00:24:39.159 --> 00:24:39.740 That's one way. 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:40.299 It ties in. 00:24:40.519 --> 00:24:40.959 Persevering. 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:42.139 With this future focus. 00:24:43.799 --> 00:24:44.579 As well as being. 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.699 A mark of faith. 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:49.039 It encourages faith. 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:52.000 So it keeps us going. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:54.039 So this is. 00:24:54.219 --> 00:24:54.839 The last point. 00:24:54.959 --> 00:24:55.119 Really. 00:24:55.819 --> 00:24:56.539 How does it help. 00:24:57.399 --> 00:24:58.359 It's a mark of faith. 00:24:58.439 --> 00:24:59.899 But the future focus. 00:25:00.279 --> 00:25:00.599 Fools. 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:01.619 Faith. 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:03.799 The future focus. 00:25:04.419 --> 00:25:04.740 Fools. 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:05.899 Faith. 00:25:07.159 --> 00:25:07.699 If you're going to tell them. 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.679 That moment after the service. 00:25:08.799 --> 00:25:10.039 Eat two digestive biscuits. 00:25:10.139 --> 00:25:10.779 I'm trying to say that. 00:25:10.859 --> 00:25:11.299 Very quickly. 00:25:12.619 --> 00:25:14.079 The future focus. 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:14.619 Fools. 00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:15.599 Faith. 00:25:16.419 --> 00:25:17.139 It's a mark of genius. 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:20.399 Now it is this focus. 00:25:21.339 --> 00:25:23.039 On that final day. 00:25:24.179 --> 00:25:25.119 That enables you. 00:25:25.199 --> 00:25:25.779 To keep going. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:26.940 When the going gets tough. 00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:30.079 It is this future focus. 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:31.079 That will keep you going. 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:32.319 During the hard times. 00:25:33.379 --> 00:25:34.339 And that brings us. 00:25:34.399 --> 00:25:35.039 Is it full circle. 00:25:35.119 --> 00:25:35.839 Of where we began. 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.879 Think of the London Marathon website. 00:25:38.920 --> 00:25:39.859 Think of the date. 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.799 And the countdown clock. 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:44.799 Without that future perspective. 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:46.740 Without that confidence. 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:49.180 Without that certainty. 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:50.340 We are bound to give up. 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:53.480 And that is why Jesus wants to remove. 00:25:53.480 --> 00:25:54.700 Remove any doubts. 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.700 That you may have. 00:25:56.799 --> 00:25:58.160 About whether or not. 00:25:58.320 --> 00:25:59.279 That day is going to happen. 00:26:00.620 --> 00:26:02.700 I have a Vauxhall Astra car. 00:26:02.840 --> 00:26:03.420 In the car park. 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:04.880 And it runs on petrol. 00:26:05.060 --> 00:26:05.680 And lead it. 00:26:06.220 --> 00:26:07.320 But faith. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.400 Runs. 00:26:08.820 --> 00:26:10.620 On this future focus. 00:26:10.619 --> 00:26:13.039 That is what keeps it going. 00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:16.379 This confident expectation. 00:26:17.379 --> 00:26:18.939 Of Jesus return. 00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:21.719 Keeps the car of faith running. 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:26.660 I came back from holiday once. 00:26:27.079 --> 00:26:28.220 And I can't remember where we'd been. 00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:30.059 But I decided that I was going to get fit. 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:32.819 And we were living in Camberwell at the time. 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.700 And I wasn't Mr. Chubby. 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:36.600 At the time. 00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:38.360 But I went running. 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:39.940 I got up. 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:40.940 I bought a new pair of trainers. 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:42.640 I got about half past seven. 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:43.240 And I went running. 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:45.220 I ran once around the park. 00:26:45.720 --> 00:26:46.539 I threw up. 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:48.279 I walked home. 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:50.259 I saw two people from the church. 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:50.799 On the way home. 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:52.220 It was totally humiliating. 00:26:53.839 --> 00:26:55.639 And I never went running again. 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:56.919 I've never done it. 00:26:58.139 --> 00:26:58.839 But I gave up. 00:26:58.899 --> 00:26:59.940 Because I didn't really have a goal. 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:01.159 I just wanted to get fit. 00:27:01.639 --> 00:27:02.539 But I didn't have a goal. 00:27:04.579 --> 00:27:06.419 And without the goal to go for. 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:07.539 You lose heart. 00:27:07.619 --> 00:27:08.519 And you give up. 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:12.559 And it's the same in the Christian life. 00:27:14.339 --> 00:27:15.819 The kingdom come. 00:27:15.940 --> 00:27:17.039 Thy kingdom come. 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:18.740 And it needs to be at the heart. 00:27:18.940 --> 00:27:20.460 Of every Christian's praying. 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:22.559 And every Christian's living. 00:27:22.879 --> 00:27:24.319 If they are going to keep going. 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:27.099 And they're not going to lose heart. 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:31.139 The future focus. 00:27:31.819 --> 00:27:33.019 Fools faith. 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:36.740 When the Son of Man comes. 00:27:36.859 --> 00:27:38.720 Will he find faith on earth? 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:42.400 Will he find faith in healing? 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:47.920 Well only those who've kept their eyes on that goal. 00:27:49.460 --> 00:27:51.160 The goal of the day of justice. 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:56.559 When Jesus will finally bring salvation for his people. 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:59.500 And judgment for his enemies. 00:27:59.940 --> 00:27:59.940 00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:02.920 Let's pray. 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:02.920 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.420