WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.219 Good morning, welcome. 00:00:09.939 --> 00:00:14.960 I know John just prayed, but I want to just ask the Lord for a little bit more. 00:00:14.960 --> 00:00:20.260 ! Father, in a moment we are opening your word. 00:00:20.260 --> 00:00:30.960 And we recognize that this is your very heart. You've revealed yourself to us through your word. 00:00:32.280 --> 00:00:35.160 So this morning we want to lift up your word faithfully. 00:00:36.320 --> 00:00:39.660 We ask, Lord, that you, your spirit would work in us. 00:00:41.660 --> 00:00:46.540 You would have your desired effect in our lives. That we would look more like Jesus Christ. 00:00:46.539 --> 00:00:52.600 And we do recognize right now, whether here or at home, 00:00:53.519 --> 00:00:56.280 there are some among us who are really struggling. 00:00:58.159 --> 00:01:00.280 Some whose faith is just right on the brink. 00:01:01.679 --> 00:01:03.099 And God, we lift them before you. 00:01:04.500 --> 00:01:07.039 You are our sure foundation. 00:01:08.140 --> 00:01:09.460 There is no other hope. 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:14.900 There is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 00:01:14.900 --> 00:01:17.280 We love you. 00:01:18.060 --> 00:01:19.000 We honor you. 00:01:20.740 --> 00:01:24.320 Father, we pray this morning might be to the glory of your son, Jesus Christ. 00:01:24.800 --> 00:01:25.840 We pray in his name. Amen. 00:01:29.140 --> 00:01:31.180 Well, I'm Tom Zentz, one of your deacons. 00:01:32.120 --> 00:01:36.840 Carrie, my wife, and I have enjoyed being members here at Maranatha for about 42 years. 00:01:38.700 --> 00:01:40.300 I'm sorry, but that's hard to believe. 00:01:40.299 --> 00:01:48.819 One of the things about getting older is the area of forgetfulness, especially names. 00:01:49.159 --> 00:01:51.920 And so forgive me if I come up to you and ask you your name. 00:01:52.099 --> 00:01:55.459 And you've been like a 12-year member here or something, you know. 00:01:56.420 --> 00:01:57.280 But names. 00:01:57.519 --> 00:02:00.439 And then the Lord refreshed my memory this week. 00:02:00.879 --> 00:02:05.519 I was helping Carrie with laundry and pulled out some of her stockings or socks. 00:02:05.519 --> 00:02:09.379 And I couldn't remember where they go. 00:02:10.419 --> 00:02:13.340 And she said, well, we've only been married 42 years. 00:02:14.079 --> 00:02:17.120 So you should know where these go, right? 00:02:17.280 --> 00:02:20.819 So forgetfulness is something that we all struggle with, isn't it? 00:02:20.819 --> 00:02:25.280 We need days like tomorrow, by the way. 00:02:26.219 --> 00:02:32.879 Just as constant reminders so that we don't forget to remember those who have sacrificed their lives in service to our nation. 00:02:34.239 --> 00:02:39.579 If you'd allow me, I think it's fitting to remind us all of what Memorial Day in the United States is about. 00:02:39.759 --> 00:02:42.659 And then to use that to launch into our text this morning. 00:02:44.299 --> 00:02:49.000 Memorial Day is a national day of remembrance in the United States. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:55.520 It's set aside to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. 00:02:56.520 --> 00:03:05.400 Its roots trace back to the years following the Civil War when Americans began decorating the graves with flowers of all these fallen soldiers. 00:03:06.599 --> 00:03:10.219 In fact, early tradition, we know it as Decoration Day. 00:03:11.680 --> 00:03:17.639 Over time, the observance expanded to honor all service members who gave their lives in every American conflict. 00:03:17.639 --> 00:03:24.859 And in 1971, it became an official federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:34.179 We observe Memorial Day not simply as a long weekend, but as a moment to pause and reflect on the cost of freedom. 00:03:35.079 --> 00:03:42.299 It invites us to remember the courage, the sacrifice, the selflessness of those who never returned home. 00:03:42.300 --> 00:03:49.700 It invites us to express gratitude for the liberties their service helps secure. 00:03:51.020 --> 00:03:57.400 And whether through ceremonies, quiet reflection, or the national moment of remembrance at 3 o'clock on Memorial Day, 00:03:58.240 --> 00:04:04.800 this day calls the nation to honor the fallen and to carry forward the memory of their service with respect and gratitude. 00:04:04.800 --> 00:04:12.340 There have been many calls of remembrance throughout American history. 00:04:13.020 --> 00:04:18.400 As I was preparing for this, I got to thinking about different ones like, remember the Alamo. 00:04:19.400 --> 00:04:21.660 It was the battle cry of the Texas Revolution. 00:04:22.319 --> 00:04:26.699 It symbolized sacrifice and the fight for independence. 00:04:26.840 --> 00:04:28.300 Or maybe you remember this one. 00:04:28.740 --> 00:04:30.259 Remember the Maine. 00:04:30.259 --> 00:04:32.719 I bet most of you don't remember that one. 00:04:35.240 --> 00:04:43.279 That was the 1898 Spanish-American War outcry when the battleship, the USS Maine, was sunk in Havana Harbor. 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:47.099 It propelled our nation into war. 00:04:48.879 --> 00:04:51.000 How about remember Pearl Harbor? 00:04:52.379 --> 00:04:56.839 December 7th, 1941, when the Japanese attacked us on U.S. soil. 00:04:56.839 --> 00:05:01.519 It inspired a nation to unity and resolve. 00:05:02.719 --> 00:05:03.319 More recently, 00:05:03.899 --> 00:05:11.500 Never Forget became the defining memorial phrase after that terrorist attack on American soil, September 11, 2001. 00:05:12.199 --> 00:05:14.039 It cost nearly 3,000 lives. 00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:16.919 These were all calls to remembrance. 00:05:17.179 --> 00:05:19.419 But, see, they're not just calls to remember. 00:05:19.559 --> 00:05:20.799 They're calls to respond. 00:05:20.800 --> 00:05:26.960 Similarly, throughout biblical history, there have been a number of calls. 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:28.980 I have a list here. 00:05:29.680 --> 00:05:37.280 But, as I was preparing this, the scores of verses to remember, it's amazing. 00:05:39.199 --> 00:05:42.740 Deuteronomy chapter 8, the whole chapter is about remembering and not forgetting. 00:05:43.439 --> 00:05:45.120 But, verses 1 and verse 18 say, 00:05:45.120 --> 00:05:47.100 Remember the Lord your God. 00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:50.680 It's a call to remember, but also to respond. 00:05:51.800 --> 00:05:53.379 Ecclesiastes 12, 1 says, 00:05:53.699 --> 00:05:56.340 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:05:59.879 Exodus chapter 20, verse 8. 00:06:00.180 --> 00:06:02.860 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:08.439 In 1 Chronicles chapter 16, in verse 12. 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:11.939 Remember the wondrous works that He has done. 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:15.560 His miracles, all the judgments He's uttered. 00:06:16.519 --> 00:06:18.019 And then, down in verse 15. 00:06:18.319 --> 00:06:20.400 Remember His covenant forever. 00:06:20.800 --> 00:06:24.480 The word that He has commanded for a thousand generations. 00:06:26.480 --> 00:06:29.540 And then Jesus Himself said to His disciples there in the upper room, 00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:32.840 as they were partaking of that communion, 00:06:33.840 --> 00:06:34.340 He says, 00:06:34.460 --> 00:06:37.480 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:06:37.480 --> 00:06:44.980 I didn't have it on here, but remember Lot's wife, right? 00:06:46.720 --> 00:06:48.319 I always wondered about that verse. 00:06:48.640 --> 00:06:48.980 Why? 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:52.980 You know, it's not Lot's wife in particular that you're supposed to remember. 00:06:53.660 --> 00:06:54.740 You know what you're supposed to remember? 00:06:55.540 --> 00:06:56.400 God is holy. 00:06:56.399 --> 00:07:02.439 This is a consequence of veering away from His character. 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:08.899 Why do you think there's so many Bible verses calling God's people to remember? 00:07:10.620 --> 00:07:14.459 It's because we're so prone to forget, aren't we? 00:07:14.459 --> 00:07:22.439 This morning I'm here echoing Peter's sentiment from 2 Peter chapter 1, verses 12 through 13. 00:07:22.639 --> 00:07:23.539 Let me just read it for you. 00:07:23.540 --> 00:07:32.800 Let me just pause. 00:07:33.220 --> 00:07:35.720 The things we're going to be talking about are things most of you already know. 00:07:36.620 --> 00:07:37.280 You know them. 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:40.780 But I'm bringing them back to you by way of reminder. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:42.000 Peter continues. 00:07:42.220 --> 00:07:42.480 He says, 00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:52.300 Well, what truth is that? 00:07:53.220 --> 00:07:56.620 I'd invite you to open your Bibles, please, to 2 Timothy chapter 2. 00:07:57.720 --> 00:07:59.720 We'll be looking particularly at verse 8. 00:07:59.780 --> 00:08:02.420 If you have a pew Bible, it's page 995. 00:08:04.160 --> 00:08:07.500 And as you're turning there, 2 Timothy chapter 2, 00:08:08.500 --> 00:08:12.080 just remind you that Paul, he's an old soldier of the cross by now. 00:08:13.080 --> 00:08:16.480 He's sitting in a Roman prison, and he's writing to Timothy. 00:08:17.480 --> 00:08:19.060 And Timothy's a younger pastor. 00:08:19.680 --> 00:08:20.800 He's tired. 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:23.379 He's discouraged by the ministry. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:25.580 He's under a lot of pressure. 00:08:27.840 --> 00:08:31.000 Paul's going to give him one central command. 00:08:31.720 --> 00:08:32.980 And here it is in verse 8. 00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:37.980 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:41.759 the offspring of David as preached in my gospel. 00:08:42.480 --> 00:08:42.840 Period. 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:49.420 The scripture here calls God's people to remember Jesus Christ. 00:08:50.180 --> 00:08:54.080 Not merely recalling factual information about Jesus Christ, 00:08:54.080 --> 00:08:59.280 but responding with our hearts, with our choices, and with our very lives. 00:09:01.400 --> 00:09:04.379 Remembering is always tied to a response. 00:09:05.780 --> 00:09:15.940 Devotion, love, obedience, worship, courage, faithfulness, resolve. 00:09:15.940 --> 00:09:21.240 I wonder, church, this morning for you, 00:09:22.080 --> 00:09:25.360 which of these responses does God want for you? 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:29.440 And maybe there's something you're dealing with this morning. 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:32.560 Some struggle, known or unknown. 00:09:32.559 --> 00:09:40.779 This morning, the Lord wants you to respond as you remember Jesus Christ. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:46.879 On a weekend built around remembrance, Paul's words ring out loudly. 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:50.120 Timothy, don't forget to remember. 00:09:52.139 --> 00:09:53.639 Now, by way of context, 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:59.019 before Paul ever tells Timothy about verse 8, 00:09:59.240 --> 00:10:03.879 he's going to give Timothy three images, three pictures. 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:08.139 These are Memorial Day-like pictures of endurance. 00:10:08.799 --> 00:10:10.279 He's going to tell them about the soldier, 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:12.159 about the athlete, 00:10:12.779 --> 00:10:13.879 and about the farmer. 00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:16.759 And there in verses 3 and 4, 00:10:16.759 --> 00:10:19.120 with this soldier image, 00:10:19.639 --> 00:10:20.659 Paul is telling Timothy, 00:10:20.799 --> 00:10:22.159 I want you to remember something. 00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:24.000 I want you to remember your commander. 00:10:24.659 --> 00:10:26.539 Let me read verses 3 and 4 for you. 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:31.659 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:36.159 No soldier gets entangled in the civilian pursuits 00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:39.960 since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:42.240 Paul's telling Timothy, 00:10:42.439 --> 00:10:46.240 there are three responses for the soldier who remembers his commander. 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:47.200 Here they are. 00:10:47.700 --> 00:10:50.460 Endures hardship without complaint. 00:10:52.259 --> 00:10:54.860 The soldier accepts suffering as part of the mission. 00:10:55.379 --> 00:10:56.940 It's not an interruption to it. 00:10:58.419 --> 00:11:00.720 This good soldier, he stays focused. 00:11:01.980 --> 00:11:07.659 He's not getting entangled with all these civilian thoughts and ideas. 00:11:08.940 --> 00:11:09.899 And I will tell you, 00:11:09.940 --> 00:11:12.379 this is one of the ones that I struggle with. 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:14.700 The disruptions, 00:11:15.919 --> 00:11:17.980 the distractions of life. 00:11:19.259 --> 00:11:19.840 Paul says, 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:22.240 a good soldier keeps his eyes fixed on the mission. 00:11:23.019 --> 00:11:26.059 He's not divided by the distractions of ordinary life. 00:11:27.120 --> 00:11:27.779 A good soldier, 00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:28.159 Timothy, 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:30.799 lives to please the one who enlisted him. 00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:35.639 Has Jesus Christ enlisted you into his family? 00:11:36.259 --> 00:11:37.799 Has he died for you? 00:11:40.179 --> 00:11:41.000 If he has, 00:11:41.059 --> 00:11:41.839 he's your commander. 00:11:42.899 --> 00:11:43.759 Listen to him. 00:11:44.599 --> 00:11:47.479 The good soldier's ultimate loyalty is not to comfort, 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:49.519 but it's to his commander. 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:56.139 This Memorial Day, 00:11:56.220 --> 00:11:58.019 we honor soldiers who gave everything 00:11:58.019 --> 00:12:02.439 because they remembered their mission and commander. 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:04.699 They lived and they died 00:12:04.699 --> 00:12:06.279 with focus, 00:12:06.699 --> 00:12:07.079 courage, 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:07.899 and devotion. 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:10.500 Well, 00:12:10.539 --> 00:12:12.860 then Paul's going to tell Timothy about this next image. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:14.299 It's the image of an athlete. 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:14.799 He's saying, 00:12:14.799 --> 00:12:15.199 Timothy, 00:12:15.919 --> 00:12:17.099 as an athlete, 00:12:17.359 --> 00:12:19.259 you must remember the rules. 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:23.620 Verse 5 says, 00:12:23.699 --> 00:12:24.799 an athlete is not crowned 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:28.620 unless he competes according to the rules. 00:12:29.959 --> 00:12:32.240 The word here for competes is this word, 00:12:32.359 --> 00:12:32.779 athleo. 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:34.839 We get our word athletics from it. 00:12:36.099 --> 00:12:38.699 It describes the discipline 00:12:38.699 --> 00:12:41.159 and the integrity 00:12:41.159 --> 00:12:44.279 that it takes to do the job, 00:12:44.279 --> 00:12:45.299 to run the race. 00:12:46.679 --> 00:12:49.120 The athlete is faithful to his training effort 00:12:49.120 --> 00:12:51.819 with unrelenting pursuit. 00:12:52.360 --> 00:12:52.819 And guys, 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:53.720 there's no shortcuts. 00:12:56.740 --> 00:12:57.860 This athlete, 00:12:58.220 --> 00:13:00.439 he follows the plan 00:13:00.439 --> 00:13:01.659 to win the prize. 00:13:03.039 --> 00:13:05.539 Been watching some of the basketball tournament. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.559 Some of you have, 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:07.299 some of you don't care. 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:10.299 But those basketball teams, 00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:12.299 they're meeting with their coaches 00:13:12.299 --> 00:13:13.059 and the coaches 00:13:13.059 --> 00:13:13.759 and the coaches are laying out 00:13:13.759 --> 00:13:14.779 their game plans, right? 00:13:15.819 --> 00:13:18.000 And the coach expects these athletes 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:20.620 to play according to plan, 00:13:20.699 --> 00:13:22.479 to execute the plan. 00:13:23.179 --> 00:13:24.599 That's what we're talking about here. 00:13:26.259 --> 00:13:29.379 The athlete follows the plan 00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:30.799 to win the prize. 00:13:31.699 --> 00:13:33.539 He's directed by the playbook, 00:13:33.819 --> 00:13:35.539 not by personal preference. 00:13:35.539 --> 00:13:38.379 And our playbook 00:13:38.379 --> 00:13:40.740 is the very word of God. 00:13:41.919 --> 00:13:43.379 It's not how I feel. 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:44.959 It's what does this say. 00:13:45.459 --> 00:13:46.439 And will I obey? 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:50.279 The athlete realizes 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:52.459 that it's not just about effort alone. 00:13:53.319 --> 00:13:54.879 You can have great effort, 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:58.419 but if it's misdirected, 00:13:58.639 --> 00:14:01.240 if it's not skillfully directed, 00:14:01.659 --> 00:14:02.919 it can go really badly. 00:14:04.559 --> 00:14:06.639 We have a Southwest Church Golf League 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:09.000 and I can put a tee in the ground, 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:10.100 put a ball on top 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:12.200 and I can stand in front of that ball 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:14.220 and swing with all my effort. 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:16.820 But if I don't swing with skill, 00:14:17.960 --> 00:14:19.820 it's not good. 00:14:20.559 --> 00:14:20.879 In fact, 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:23.019 it could be out of bounds 00:14:23.019 --> 00:14:24.399 easily. 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:27.820 And so you have to learn the skill. 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:29.519 You have to learn the grip. 00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:30.840 You have to learn the stance, 00:14:31.320 --> 00:14:32.559 the swing and so on. 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:35.600 Zeal without obeying the rules 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:36.879 can get you disqualified. 00:14:37.580 --> 00:14:38.240 You're in your Bibles 00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:39.519 in 2 Timothy 2. 00:14:39.659 --> 00:14:40.580 If you go down to verses, 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:42.039 I don't have it up here. 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:44.639 It's like verses 17 and 18. 00:14:45.340 --> 00:14:46.240 There are two guys 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:47.059 that are mentioned there. 00:14:48.600 --> 00:14:50.120 Hymenaeus and Philetus, 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:51.799 I think those are names. 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:53.220 You know what it says about them? 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:57.060 They swerved from what? 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:58.899 The truth. 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:01.980 They didn't play by the rules 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:04.560 and they were disqualified. 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:08.119 The athlete competes 00:15:08.119 --> 00:15:10.159 with discipline, 00:15:10.839 --> 00:15:11.899 with integrity, 00:15:12.899 --> 00:15:13.579 and effort, 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:14.539 skilled effort. 00:15:15.539 --> 00:15:17.979 He executes according to the plan 00:15:17.979 --> 00:15:19.659 in order to win the prize. 00:15:19.659 --> 00:15:23.299 Well, the third image 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:24.339 Paul gives to Timothy 00:15:24.339 --> 00:15:26.019 is one of a farmer. 00:15:27.199 --> 00:15:28.539 He's telling Timothy here, 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:29.740 I want you to remember 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:31.059 the reward, Timothy. 00:15:33.439 --> 00:15:35.000 Let me just read verse 6. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:37.259 It is the hard-working farmer 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:39.059 who ought to have 00:15:39.059 --> 00:15:40.460 the first share of the crops. 00:15:41.039 --> 00:15:42.460 Now, growing up in Indiana, 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:44.200 I met a lot of farmers. 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:46.139 A lot of farmers went to our church. 00:15:47.179 --> 00:15:48.659 These farmers, for them, 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:51.899 they would work late, 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:53.039 work early. 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.860 They'd work when it's dark. 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:56.600 They'd work unseen. 00:15:57.440 --> 00:15:58.679 And there was nobody there 00:15:58.679 --> 00:15:59.600 applausing them 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:01.340 after they were done 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:02.379 with their work for the day. 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:04.100 There was no crowd. 00:16:05.439 --> 00:16:07.019 There was only faithfulness 00:16:07.019 --> 00:16:08.059 in the field. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:10.379 Day after day, 00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:12.879 laboring to the point of exhaustion. 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:15.279 It's hard work. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:16.519 And that's what this 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:18.919 hard-working expression means. 00:16:19.340 --> 00:16:20.659 Laboring to the point 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:21.960 where you just can't take it anymore. 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:23.720 You're just exhausted. 00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:27.220 Paul's telling Timothy, 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:27.919 this farmer, 00:16:28.299 --> 00:16:30.139 he trusts and he prays 00:16:30.139 --> 00:16:31.879 that a good harvest will come. 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:34.259 Seeds are planted. 00:16:35.100 --> 00:16:35.820 He has faith 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:37.000 that the soil will bear 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:38.080 the harvest. 00:16:39.539 --> 00:16:40.279 The farmer, 00:16:40.700 --> 00:16:42.340 he patiently labors 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:45.139 to produce an abundant reward. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.320 Psalm 126.6, 00:16:47.820 --> 00:16:49.100 you may remember this. 00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:50.500 He who sows in tears 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:52.039 shall reap in joy. 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:55.360 The yield is worth the weight. 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:57.559 Wait on the Lord. 00:16:59.200 --> 00:16:59.980 So the farmer, 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:00.639 he works early, 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:01.159 works late, 00:17:01.259 --> 00:17:01.899 works unseen. 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:03.419 He trusts 00:17:03.419 --> 00:17:05.259 that the harvest will come. 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:07.759 So what's Paul's point? 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.900 Well, there in verse 7, 00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:10.619 he says this. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.039 Timothy, 00:17:11.319 --> 00:17:12.220 I want you to think over 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:12.920 what I say. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:14.640 Think very carefully 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.380 what I say. 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:16.839 For the Lord will give you 00:17:16.839 --> 00:17:17.559 understanding. 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:19.980 These three images 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:21.579 describe the kind of endurance 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:23.380 that Paul calls Timothy to. 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:26.819 And they also beautifully reflect 00:17:26.819 --> 00:17:29.640 the character of Jesus Christ himself. 00:17:29.640 --> 00:17:31.240 Think about this. 00:17:31.780 --> 00:17:33.780 Jesus Christ was the perfect soldier 00:17:33.780 --> 00:17:36.160 who remembered his commander. 00:17:36.800 --> 00:17:38.400 Not my will be done, 00:17:38.560 --> 00:17:39.340 but yours. 00:17:40.640 --> 00:17:42.780 Jesus Christ was the perfect athlete. 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:45.240 He played by the rules. 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:47.040 And I don't use that word loosely. 00:17:48.020 --> 00:17:49.520 He followed the rules. 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:52.220 He could have called down help 00:17:52.220 --> 00:17:54.680 there in the Garden of Gethsemane. 00:17:58.480 --> 00:18:00.139 He was also the perfect farmer. 00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:03.079 He remembered that the reward 00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:04.579 was worth it. 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:06.319 Isn't that Hebrews chapter 12? 00:18:06.319 --> 00:18:10.319 He was looking for that reward. 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:14.480 Maranatha Baptist Church, 00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:15.519 you and I are also called 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:16.419 to remember these things 00:18:16.419 --> 00:18:17.679 and let these images 00:18:17.679 --> 00:18:19.839 give us understanding. 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:21.819 Let them shape us. 00:18:23.099 --> 00:18:24.099 Let them remind us 00:18:24.099 --> 00:18:25.059 of what faithfulness, 00:18:25.419 --> 00:18:27.519 of what Christ himself looks like. 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:29.700 And then this leads 00:18:29.700 --> 00:18:30.740 to Paul's next point there 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:31.859 in verse 8. 00:18:32.639 --> 00:18:34.119 And now Paul gives this command. 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:35.399 It's going to be a command 00:18:35.399 --> 00:18:36.639 that anchors the whole passage. 00:18:36.859 --> 00:18:38.019 Let me read verse 8 for you. 00:18:39.859 --> 00:18:41.779 Remember Jesus Christ, 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:44.219 risen from the dead, 00:18:44.919 --> 00:18:46.439 the offspring of David. 00:18:47.979 --> 00:18:49.259 The word remember here, 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:51.559 it's a little bit hard to say. 00:18:51.679 --> 00:18:54.539 It's neumonet or something like that. 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:56.059 You don't have to say it correctly. 00:18:57.479 --> 00:18:58.759 It means more 00:18:58.759 --> 00:19:00.979 than just call to mind though. 00:19:02.379 --> 00:19:04.000 It's to continually, 00:19:04.119 --> 00:19:04.859 remember. 00:19:05.819 --> 00:19:07.099 It's to have this, 00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:10.000 this always at the front 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:10.699 of your center 00:19:10.699 --> 00:19:12.619 and focus Jesus Christ. 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:16.519 Constantly being reminded 00:19:16.519 --> 00:19:17.859 that Jesus is there. 00:19:18.159 --> 00:19:18.939 And then also 00:19:18.939 --> 00:19:20.539 to let this recalling 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:21.539 of Jesus Christ 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:23.099 shape your identity. 00:19:25.959 --> 00:19:27.000 We don't do it 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:27.939 in our family so much, 00:19:28.039 --> 00:19:28.399 but I've heard 00:19:28.399 --> 00:19:29.379 of other families say, 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:30.599 hey, you remember you're a, 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:32.079 I hope there's no Millers out here. 00:19:32.219 --> 00:19:33.079 Remember you're a Miller. 00:19:33.079 --> 00:19:34.939 Remember you're a Young. 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:36.059 Remember you're a Smith, 00:19:36.139 --> 00:19:36.419 whatever. 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.460 What is that supposed to mean? 00:19:39.159 --> 00:19:39.819 It says, 00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:40.819 in your remembering, 00:19:41.379 --> 00:19:43.019 there's an action, 00:19:43.179 --> 00:19:44.000 there's a response 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:45.199 that I expect of you. 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.439 There's a lifestyle 00:19:46.439 --> 00:19:47.419 that you should have 00:19:47.419 --> 00:19:48.639 because you are this, 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:49.699 you're mine. 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:54.740 Let this recalling of Jesus Christ 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.600 shape your identity, 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:56.880 shape your decisions, 00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:58.279 shape your actions. 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:01.559 This word, 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:03.120 pneumoneo, 00:20:03.620 --> 00:20:04.559 it's the same word 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.920 we get from this English word, 00:20:06.080 --> 00:20:07.200 and maybe you know this, 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:07.759 maybe you don't, 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:08.620 mnemonic. 00:20:09.660 --> 00:20:10.019 You say, 00:20:10.080 --> 00:20:10.200 well, 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:11.120 I only know that one. 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:11.700 Well, 00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:12.799 you use it all the time. 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:14.740 When Pastor Conoyer 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:15.220 was up here, 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:15.960 I don't know how many times 00:20:15.960 --> 00:20:16.559 I heard him say, 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:17.000 lefty, 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:17.360 loosey, 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:17.840 righty, 00:20:18.120 --> 00:20:19.680 what is it? 00:20:20.380 --> 00:20:20.819 Tidy. 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.640 Because we forget, 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:22.960 right? 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:26.240 There are five great lakes. 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:27.880 So you remember, 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:28.440 homes. 00:20:28.860 --> 00:20:29.640 And so you have Huron, 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:30.160 Ontario, 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:30.799 Michigan, 00:20:31.059 --> 00:20:31.420 Erie, 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:32.420 and Superior. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:34.799 We use mnemonics 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:36.100 all the time. 00:20:36.960 --> 00:20:38.340 And Paul's saying here 00:20:38.340 --> 00:20:38.920 to Timothy, 00:20:40.180 --> 00:20:40.400 hey, 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:42.900 don't let Jesus Christ 00:20:42.900 --> 00:20:44.000 slip from your memory. 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:46.859 Keep him always 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:47.720 at the forefront, 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:49.119 front and center, 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:49.839 continually. 00:20:51.119 --> 00:20:51.960 Don't forget 00:20:51.960 --> 00:20:53.019 to remember him, 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:53.380 Timothy. 00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:55.740 Don't get distracted 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:57.200 by other things. 00:20:58.839 --> 00:21:00.299 And then from this one verse 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:00.940 in verse eight, 00:21:01.220 --> 00:21:02.319 there come three challenges, 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:04.279 each one with an active response. 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:07.680 If you're in your outline, 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:09.099 this is point C. 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.640 The conduct 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:11.420 that comes 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:12.920 from remembering Jesus. 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:16.019 We see right at the outset, 00:21:16.160 --> 00:21:17.359 remember Jesus Christ. 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.460 It's interesting 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.500 that Paul starts 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:20.180 with a name. 00:21:21.220 --> 00:21:22.400 Not a doctrine. 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:24.380 Not a system. 00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:26.660 Not a ministry strategy. 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:29.319 A name. 00:21:29.619 --> 00:21:30.279 The name. 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:31.680 A person. 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:33.039 It's the person. 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:34.400 It's Jesus Christ, 00:21:34.500 --> 00:21:35.299 the King of kings 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.140 and Lord of lords. 00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:38.579 That's what matters, 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:39.180 Timothy. 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:41.059 That's what's going to be 00:21:41.059 --> 00:21:42.339 your sure foundation 00:21:42.339 --> 00:21:43.539 that we just sang about. 00:21:44.379 --> 00:21:45.740 It's Jesus Christ. 00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:48.299 When life gets hard, 00:21:48.419 --> 00:21:48.659 Timothy, 00:21:48.799 --> 00:21:50.559 remember Jesus' compassion. 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:53.779 He bore our sorrows 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:55.159 and our griefs 00:21:55.159 --> 00:21:56.699 and he loved us 00:21:56.699 --> 00:21:57.339 to the end. 00:21:58.199 --> 00:21:59.079 He loved us 00:21:59.079 --> 00:22:00.459 when we were unlovable. 00:22:00.619 --> 00:22:01.259 Isn't that right? 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:05.019 Remember his authority, 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:05.559 Timothy. 00:22:06.159 --> 00:22:07.899 All power in heaven 00:22:07.900 --> 00:22:09.240 and under heaven. 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.519 They're his. 00:22:12.120 --> 00:22:13.140 And by extension, 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:13.920 they're yours 00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:15.680 because he gives you 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:16.380 his authority. 00:22:18.080 --> 00:22:19.120 Remember his nearness, 00:22:19.380 --> 00:22:19.680 Timothy. 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:21.340 He said, 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:22.400 I'm with you always. 00:22:23.640 --> 00:22:24.660 I'm with you always. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:27.600 To the end of the age, 00:22:27.640 --> 00:22:28.140 I'm with you. 00:22:29.740 --> 00:22:31.019 Remember his sacrifice. 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:36.039 He gave himself up fully. 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:38.720 He held nothing back. 00:22:40.639 --> 00:22:41.839 Remember his lordship, 00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:42.279 Timothy. 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:44.019 Jesus Christ 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:45.339 is Lord of lords. 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:46.160 He is Lord 00:22:46.160 --> 00:22:47.579 over every other name. 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:49.500 He is Lord 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.920 over every other king. 00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:53.339 And he is to be obeyed. 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:56.420 This Memorial Day, 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.619 we honor fallen soldiers 00:22:57.619 --> 00:22:58.259 by remembering 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:59.000 who they were. 00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:01.500 We honor Christ Jesus 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.619 by remembering 00:23:02.619 --> 00:23:03.400 who he is. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:05.880 He is our Lord 00:23:05.880 --> 00:23:06.539 and Savior. 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:10.400 We remember him, 00:23:10.740 --> 00:23:12.019 not just facts about him. 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.359 We trust him. 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.279 We obey him. 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.079 We submit 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:17.819 so that we're being 00:23:17.819 --> 00:23:19.200 transformed by him. 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:23.019 What's to be the response? 00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:24.680 It's loyalty. 00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:27.319 Stay faithful. 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:30.079 Stay with him 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:31.299 when culture pushes you 00:23:31.299 --> 00:23:32.220 to compromise. 00:23:34.059 --> 00:23:35.180 Lovingly obey 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:35.960 with humility, 00:23:36.599 --> 00:23:37.819 living out Christ 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.359 in you 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.140 before others. 00:23:42.000 --> 00:23:43.220 Paul then says, 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:44.240 Timothy, 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:46.240 not only do I want you 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:47.160 to remember his person, 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:47.980 I want you to remember 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:48.720 his power. 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.500 And as a result, 00:23:50.599 --> 00:23:51.440 I want you to conduct 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:52.099 yourself 00:23:52.099 --> 00:23:53.240 with confidence. 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:55.099 The scripture says 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:55.779 here in verse 8, 00:23:56.140 --> 00:23:57.099 this is Jesus Christ 00:23:57.099 --> 00:23:58.460 risen from the dead. 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.100 He's alive, 00:23:59.200 --> 00:23:59.539 isn't he? 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:01.100 He is alive, 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:01.500 church. 00:24:02.420 --> 00:24:03.440 He's not dead. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:05.779 And he's praying for you. 00:24:05.860 --> 00:24:06.920 He's actively involved 00:24:06.920 --> 00:24:07.620 in your life. 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:08.920 He is with you. 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:13.039 This is the heart 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:13.680 of our faith. 00:24:15.799 --> 00:24:17.000 Paul's reminding Timothy, 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:17.740 you serve 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:18.880 a risen king. 00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:21.600 Death is defeated. 00:24:21.599 --> 00:24:24.779 fear has lost its grip. 00:24:25.939 --> 00:24:26.879 And the hardship 00:24:26.879 --> 00:24:27.939 that you're experiencing, 00:24:28.199 --> 00:24:29.139 it's not the end. 00:24:32.219 --> 00:24:33.240 I was just talking 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:34.299 to somebody this morning. 00:24:35.719 --> 00:24:36.639 Things are tough. 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:40.319 10,000 years from now, 00:24:40.879 --> 00:24:41.619 we're going to have 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:42.500 a different perspective, 00:24:42.639 --> 00:24:42.939 aren't we? 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:46.100 The things that we think 00:24:46.100 --> 00:24:47.580 are so impossible now, 00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:50.440 they're not going to be 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:51.120 much of a weight 00:24:51.120 --> 00:24:51.860 at all. 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:53.559 They won't be a weight. 00:24:58.080 --> 00:24:59.539 What's to be 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:01.779 our response? 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.480 Loyalty. 00:25:04.100 --> 00:25:04.960 Are you loyal 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:05.880 to Jesus Christ? 00:25:05.880 --> 00:25:09.920 Well, Timothy, 00:25:10.520 --> 00:25:11.900 he's discouraged. 00:25:12.140 --> 00:25:12.540 Paul says, 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.280 lift up your eyes, 00:25:13.360 --> 00:25:13.680 Timothy. 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:15.060 I want you to lift up 00:25:15.060 --> 00:25:15.800 your eyes of faith. 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:17.000 Remember the empty tomb. 00:25:18.060 --> 00:25:18.240 You know, 00:25:18.300 --> 00:25:19.020 this Memorial Day, 00:25:19.100 --> 00:25:20.160 we remember the cost 00:25:20.160 --> 00:25:20.680 of freedom. 00:25:21.620 --> 00:25:22.640 But we also remember 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:23.520 with thankfulness 00:25:23.520 --> 00:25:24.700 the hope 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:26.440 that those who've 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:27.640 sacrificed their lives 00:25:27.640 --> 00:25:28.060 have given, 00:25:28.360 --> 00:25:28.980 they've secured. 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:31.020 And our response here 00:25:31.020 --> 00:25:31.980 is to conduct yourself 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:32.680 with confidence. 00:25:33.120 --> 00:25:34.020 Walk in courage. 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:35.860 Face trials 00:25:35.859 --> 00:25:37.000 with resurrection hope. 00:25:37.059 --> 00:25:37.899 Don't shrink back. 00:25:39.819 --> 00:25:40.579 Some of you, 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.079 right now, 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:41.500 are going through 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.240 some difficulties. 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.819 It's dark. 00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:45.839 You don't see 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.379 how the end 00:25:46.379 --> 00:25:47.019 is going to happen. 00:25:47.219 --> 00:25:47.719 You don't see 00:25:47.719 --> 00:25:49.299 what the next step is. 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.359 And I would just say, 00:25:50.459 --> 00:25:51.599 remember Jesus Christ. 00:25:52.659 --> 00:25:53.439 Remember him. 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:55.519 It will be good. 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:58.179 It will be right. 00:25:59.159 --> 00:26:00.619 Jesus is a good shepherd. 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.479 Isn't he? 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:03.439 He will lead you 00:26:03.439 --> 00:26:04.459 by his word. 00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:06.299 Remember him. 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:06.299 00:26:06.620 --> 00:26:07.340 Be confident. 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:08.360 Not cocky, 00:26:08.420 --> 00:26:09.180 but be confident. 00:26:12.059 --> 00:26:13.059 Then thirdly, 00:26:13.920 --> 00:26:14.840 Paul says to Timothy, 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.059 remember his promise. 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:17.579 And as you do so, 00:26:17.640 --> 00:26:19.039 I want you to conduct yourself 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:20.240 with endurance. 00:26:21.880 --> 00:26:22.240 See, 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:23.019 he says this. 00:26:23.100 --> 00:26:24.360 This Jesus Christ, 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.400 he's the offspring 00:26:25.400 --> 00:26:26.740 of David. 00:26:27.620 --> 00:26:27.740 Now, 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:29.660 David lived about 700 plus years 00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:30.440 before Jesus. 00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:32.460 It's been a long time. 00:26:35.900 --> 00:26:37.299 Almost three times longer 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:38.740 than our United States, 00:26:38.840 --> 00:26:39.700 250 years. 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.259 But this phrase, 00:26:42.380 --> 00:26:43.360 the offspring of David, 00:26:43.420 --> 00:26:44.400 it points to God's 00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:45.840 covenant faithfulness. 00:26:46.539 --> 00:26:47.880 God is faithful. 00:26:48.080 --> 00:26:49.480 He will keep his promises. 00:26:51.400 --> 00:26:53.400 It points to the promised Messiah. 00:26:54.100 --> 00:26:56.180 Jesus Christ is the son of David. 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:56.299 David, 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:58.400 he is God in the flesh, 00:26:58.900 --> 00:27:00.340 living the perfect life 00:27:00.340 --> 00:27:01.560 that Adam failed to live. 00:27:02.320 --> 00:27:02.960 Isn't that good? 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:05.700 Pastor David, 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:06.200 this morning, 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:06.900 in his prayer, 00:27:08.180 --> 00:27:10.220 was praying about Jesus Christ, 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:10.980 who lived the life 00:27:10.980 --> 00:27:11.720 that we couldn't. 00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:13.560 You know what he secured 00:27:13.560 --> 00:27:14.820 for us in doing that? 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.580 His righteousness. 00:27:18.340 --> 00:27:19.779 When he died on the cross, 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:21.160 he paid for our sins, 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:21.560 yes. 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:24.859 But he also gave us something. 00:27:25.839 --> 00:27:27.460 He gave us his righteousness 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:28.859 so that in Christ, 00:27:29.379 --> 00:27:30.059 you and I 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:31.639 are considered righteous. 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:32.599 Amen? 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.619 That's great. 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:39.079 The offspring of David, 00:27:39.980 --> 00:27:41.440 this phrase also points 00:27:41.440 --> 00:27:43.099 to the unbreakable plan 00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:43.759 of salvation. 00:27:45.299 --> 00:27:47.119 God's plan is unfolding 00:27:47.119 --> 00:27:48.179 perfectly 00:27:48.179 --> 00:27:50.139 and timely. 00:27:51.559 --> 00:27:53.500 nothing is out of step. 00:27:56.659 --> 00:27:57.960 It shows the certainty 00:27:57.960 --> 00:28:00.379 of Christ's eternal reign. 00:28:01.339 --> 00:28:02.539 He will reign. 00:28:03.179 --> 00:28:04.539 I said it this morning 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:05.079 this way too. 00:28:05.139 --> 00:28:05.500 I'm sorry. 00:28:06.359 --> 00:28:07.500 It's not he will reign. 00:28:08.179 --> 00:28:09.259 He reigns. 00:28:10.279 --> 00:28:11.599 He reigns. 00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:14.619 He is Lord now. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:18.779 Jesus is the fulfillment 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:20.319 of every promise 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:21.079 God ever made. 00:28:22.159 --> 00:28:23.319 This Memorial Day, 00:28:23.399 --> 00:28:24.440 we remember the promises 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:25.179 of our nation. 00:28:25.460 --> 00:28:26.259 Things like liberty, 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:26.879 justice, 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:28.919 and the ongoing work 00:28:28.919 --> 00:28:30.740 required to preserve them. 00:28:31.859 --> 00:28:33.259 And what's to be the response? 00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:36.240 Conduct yourself 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.039 with endurance. 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:39.480 Keep going. 00:28:39.899 --> 00:28:40.919 Don't quit. 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.839 Remember that God 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:44.319 keeps his promises. 00:28:45.059 --> 00:28:46.359 So keep trusting him. 00:28:47.179 --> 00:28:48.980 Even when you don't see it now, 00:28:49.480 --> 00:28:50.859 keep trusting him. 00:28:50.859 --> 00:28:55.899 We finish by looking up 00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:57.019 this fourth point. 00:28:57.759 --> 00:28:58.599 The consequences 00:28:58.599 --> 00:29:00.399 and what remembering 00:29:00.399 --> 00:29:01.799 produces in our hearts. 00:29:03.299 --> 00:29:04.159 Paul shows Timothy 00:29:04.159 --> 00:29:05.479 what this looks like 00:29:05.479 --> 00:29:06.339 and he says there 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:07.099 in verse 9, 00:29:08.199 --> 00:29:09.099 I am suffering 00:29:09.099 --> 00:29:10.879 bound with chains 00:29:10.879 --> 00:29:11.599 as a criminal. 00:29:12.599 --> 00:29:13.919 But the word of God 00:29:13.919 --> 00:29:15.679 is not bound. 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:17.679 Paul says, 00:29:17.879 --> 00:29:18.599 there's courage. 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:19.740 I want you to have courage 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:20.279 in suffering, 00:29:20.439 --> 00:29:20.759 Timothy. 00:29:21.639 --> 00:29:22.659 Be courageous. 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:25.519 Paul is chained 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:27.699 but the gospel is not. 00:29:28.899 --> 00:29:29.959 Isn't that good news? 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:32.380 There are people 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:33.559 around us. 00:29:33.640 --> 00:29:34.340 People at work. 00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:35.799 People that live next door. 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:37.460 People in our own families. 00:29:39.380 --> 00:29:40.380 And their hearts 00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:41.380 are just as stubborn 00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:42.120 and hard. 00:29:43.700 --> 00:29:44.880 And we believe, 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:45.440 don't we? 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.400 We are not ashamed 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:48.559 of the gospel of Christ 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:49.559 for it is the what? 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:51.279 It is the power of God 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:52.039 to salvation. 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:55.099 God can save 00:29:55.099 --> 00:29:56.639 the most stubborn person. 00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:57.819 He saved you, 00:29:57.879 --> 00:29:58.259 didn't he? 00:29:58.779 --> 00:29:59.639 He saved me. 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:01.559 I'm just blown away 00:30:01.559 --> 00:30:02.039 by that. 00:30:02.899 --> 00:30:03.859 We don't deserve it. 00:30:07.079 --> 00:30:07.599 Wow. 00:30:09.180 --> 00:30:09.960 Paul says, 00:30:10.079 --> 00:30:11.099 external chains 00:30:11.099 --> 00:30:13.399 cannot silence 00:30:13.399 --> 00:30:14.700 eternal truth. 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:17.100 The word of God 00:30:17.100 --> 00:30:18.360 will not be bound, 00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:19.759 will not be chained. 00:30:21.940 --> 00:30:23.019 And Timothy's suffering 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:23.880 does not signal 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:25.100 divine abandonment. 00:30:28.019 --> 00:30:28.819 In fact, 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:32.160 it's not in my notes. 00:30:34.600 --> 00:30:35.600 But sometimes 00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:36.220 the only way 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:36.860 you're going to know 00:30:36.860 --> 00:30:37.660 Jesus Christ 00:30:37.660 --> 00:30:38.900 in the depths of suffering 00:30:38.900 --> 00:30:40.759 that he went through 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:43.140 is to go through it yourself. 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:46.240 And if you find yourself 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:47.580 in the middle of heartache 00:30:47.580 --> 00:30:48.200 and suffering 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:49.360 and pain right now, 00:30:50.300 --> 00:30:52.180 and it seems so hopeless 00:30:52.180 --> 00:30:53.759 and so hard, 00:30:54.960 --> 00:30:55.680 allow that 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:57.980 just to bring your mind 00:30:57.980 --> 00:31:00.000 back to who Jesus Christ is, 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:02.060 your loving Savior. 00:31:02.960 --> 00:31:04.580 Allow that to help you 00:31:04.580 --> 00:31:06.220 understand the depths 00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:07.060 that he went through 00:31:07.060 --> 00:31:08.560 even a little bit more clearly. 00:31:11.520 --> 00:31:13.020 Remember Jesus Christ 00:31:13.019 --> 00:31:14.900 this gives you courage 00:31:14.900 --> 00:31:15.839 when life is hard 00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:16.740 and when the way 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.559 is insufferable. 00:31:20.160 --> 00:31:21.160 So not only are you 00:31:21.160 --> 00:31:21.799 to have courage 00:31:21.799 --> 00:31:22.319 in suffering, 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:23.379 Timothy verse 10, 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.519 you're to have purpose 00:31:24.519 --> 00:31:25.879 in your pain. 00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:27.799 Paul says, 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:28.200 therefore, 00:31:29.299 --> 00:31:31.619 I endure everything 00:31:31.619 --> 00:31:33.759 for the sake of the elect. 00:31:36.500 --> 00:31:38.980 Pain becomes purposeful 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:40.940 when tied to God's mission. 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:44.799 There's a reason for it. 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.379 If that reason 00:31:47.379 --> 00:31:49.059 is just to tell somebody else, 00:31:49.680 --> 00:31:51.639 it's not me. 00:31:52.339 --> 00:31:53.900 It's Christ in me. 00:31:54.639 --> 00:31:56.400 That's why I can have joy 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:58.079 with this illness. 00:31:58.839 --> 00:32:00.359 That's why I can have joy 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:02.400 when faced with this pain 00:32:02.400 --> 00:32:05.200 or this lack of job. 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:07.920 that's why I can smile 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:10.559 because there's a living, 00:32:10.940 --> 00:32:11.539 risen Savior 00:32:11.539 --> 00:32:13.819 and my hope is in him. 00:32:16.259 --> 00:32:17.500 There's purpose in pain, 00:32:17.580 --> 00:32:18.279 every hardship. 00:32:20.860 --> 00:32:22.039 It's an opportunity 00:32:22.039 --> 00:32:22.880 to show 00:32:22.880 --> 00:32:25.759 the grace of God, 00:32:25.819 --> 00:32:26.220 isn't it? 00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:27.900 That's what 2 Corinthians 00:32:27.900 --> 00:32:28.700 chapter 12, 00:32:28.779 --> 00:32:29.500 verse 9 says, 00:32:29.580 --> 00:32:31.080 my grace is sufficient 00:32:31.079 --> 00:32:31.639 for you. 00:32:32.919 --> 00:32:34.799 No matter how hard it is, 00:32:35.439 --> 00:32:36.960 God's grace is there 00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:39.500 and it is completely sufficient 00:32:39.500 --> 00:32:40.919 for the moment. 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:44.639 There's purpose in pain. 00:32:44.859 --> 00:32:46.419 Sacrifice that blesses others 00:32:46.419 --> 00:32:47.879 was never wasted. 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:49.779 It's never wasted. 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:52.980 Paul says that his suffering 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:53.679 has meaning. 00:32:54.139 --> 00:32:54.899 His mission 00:32:54.899 --> 00:32:56.980 is worth the cost. 00:32:56.980 --> 00:33:00.220 This Memorial Day, 00:33:00.299 --> 00:33:01.000 we honor those 00:33:01.000 --> 00:33:01.880 who endured hardship 00:33:01.880 --> 00:33:02.940 for the sake of others. 00:33:04.059 --> 00:33:04.559 Paul says, 00:33:04.779 --> 00:33:05.860 I endure for the gospel. 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:06.680 Jesus Christ, 00:33:07.099 --> 00:33:08.620 I endure to the end 00:33:08.620 --> 00:33:09.500 for my sheep. 00:33:11.200 --> 00:33:12.559 Are you willing to endure? 00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:22.660 Let me just finish up 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:23.180 with this. 00:33:25.039 --> 00:33:26.279 Tomorrow's Memorial Day. 00:33:26.980 --> 00:33:29.380 Hopefully, 00:33:29.519 --> 00:33:30.460 we're going to take a moment 00:33:30.460 --> 00:33:31.940 to remember the sacrifice, 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:32.700 the freedom, 00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:34.360 and the responsibilities 00:33:34.360 --> 00:33:35.140 we have. 00:33:36.120 --> 00:33:37.200 But here in this passage 00:33:37.200 --> 00:33:38.660 in 2 Timothy chapter 2, 00:33:38.779 --> 00:33:39.900 Paul also says this. 00:33:40.180 --> 00:33:41.319 He calls us to remember. 00:33:43.120 --> 00:33:44.500 Remember Jesus Christ. 00:33:44.660 --> 00:33:45.620 Remember his person. 00:33:47.160 --> 00:33:47.579 And Timothy, 00:33:47.720 --> 00:33:48.860 respond with loyalty. 00:33:49.460 --> 00:33:50.519 Be loyal to him. 00:33:52.059 --> 00:33:53.319 Remember his power 00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:55.200 and respond with confidence. 00:33:56.980 --> 00:33:58.339 Remember his promise 00:33:58.339 --> 00:33:59.980 and respond with endurance. 00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:03.099 Church, 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:03.539 I would say, 00:34:03.620 --> 00:34:05.180 let's remember Jesus Christ. 00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:07.839 Let's trust 00:34:07.839 --> 00:34:09.240 and obey him. 00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:12.360 Let's pray. 00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:15.700 God, 00:34:16.420 --> 00:34:18.660 it is true. 00:34:21.260 --> 00:34:22.780 You are totally sovereign. 00:34:24.180 --> 00:34:25.519 You are the creator 00:34:25.519 --> 00:34:26.579 and Lord 00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:27.940 of the universe. 00:34:29.180 --> 00:34:30.180 You've given us 00:34:30.180 --> 00:34:30.620 your son, 00:34:30.720 --> 00:34:31.539 Jesus Christ. 00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:34.680 He lived the perfect life. 00:34:35.680 --> 00:34:37.380 He died that death. 00:34:37.380 --> 00:34:38.220 He was betrayed 00:34:38.220 --> 00:34:39.820 and died that horrible death 00:34:39.820 --> 00:34:41.420 for us. 00:34:43.220 --> 00:34:44.720 We are so grateful. 00:34:45.680 --> 00:34:47.480 Grateful for his willingness 00:34:47.480 --> 00:34:48.500 to obey you, 00:34:48.619 --> 00:34:49.180 his commander. 00:34:50.680 --> 00:34:52.019 Grateful for the courage 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:54.300 to follow your plan. 00:34:56.200 --> 00:34:56.539 Father, 00:34:56.660 --> 00:34:58.539 we look to Jesus. 00:34:58.539 --> 00:35:01.539 in doing so, 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:02.300 we recognize 00:35:02.300 --> 00:35:03.119 our own failures. 00:35:07.199 --> 00:35:08.139 And as it says 00:35:08.139 --> 00:35:09.360 at the end of 2 Timothy, 00:35:09.360 --> 00:35:10.639 we just turn these things 00:35:10.639 --> 00:35:11.059 to you. 00:35:11.300 --> 00:35:12.219 We give them to you. 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:14.059 We want to be fit 00:35:14.059 --> 00:35:14.820 and clean vessels 00:35:14.820 --> 00:35:15.420 for you. 00:35:17.099 --> 00:35:17.539 Lord, 00:35:17.619 --> 00:35:18.340 maybe there's somebody 00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:19.320 here now struggling. 00:35:21.199 --> 00:35:22.420 They know these things 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:23.000 to be true, 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:23.800 but it's still 00:35:23.800 --> 00:35:25.519 hard to believe. 00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:27.980 I pray that you would 00:35:27.980 --> 00:35:28.780 strengthen them 00:35:28.780 --> 00:35:29.280 as you did, 00:35:29.420 --> 00:35:29.759 Timothy. 00:35:30.380 --> 00:35:31.619 May the word of God, 00:35:33.219 --> 00:35:34.780 may Christ himself 00:35:34.780 --> 00:35:36.599 be their sure foundation. 00:35:37.780 --> 00:35:38.940 May they go away 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:39.639 changed. 00:35:40.940 --> 00:35:41.059 Lord, 00:35:41.119 --> 00:35:41.800 help us to, 00:35:42.460 --> 00:35:43.320 in our recalling 00:35:43.320 --> 00:35:44.300 of who Jesus is, 00:35:44.380 --> 00:35:45.119 to respond 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:46.340 in ways 00:35:46.340 --> 00:35:47.619 that please you. 00:35:49.139 --> 00:35:49.960 We thank you 00:35:49.960 --> 00:35:50.699 for this church. 00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:52.519 Lord, 00:35:52.599 --> 00:35:53.480 help us to continue 00:35:53.480 --> 00:35:54.119 to be a light 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:54.739 for the gospel 00:35:54.739 --> 00:35:55.440 in our communities. 00:35:56.139 --> 00:35:56.860 We ask this 00:35:56.860 --> 00:35:57.739 in Jesus' name. 00:35:57.900 --> 00:35:58.119 Amen.