WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.480 What does it look like to live the Christian life? 00:00:07.179 --> 00:00:10.019 There are several answers given to this in the Bible, 00:00:10.380 --> 00:00:13.620 and depending on which passage in the Bible you look at, 00:00:14.120 --> 00:00:15.820 there's different emphases. 00:00:16.780 --> 00:00:19.219 If you're looking at the writings of the Apostle John, 00:00:19.920 --> 00:00:21.440 the emphasis is on love. 00:00:22.679 --> 00:00:24.900 If you're looking at the letters written by Peter, 00:00:25.339 --> 00:00:26.800 the emphasis is on holiness. 00:00:26.800 --> 00:00:30.719 If you're looking at some of the parables of Jesus, 00:00:30.899 --> 00:00:32.320 there's an emphasis on prayer. 00:00:34.259 --> 00:00:36.760 And there are other important answers to this question, 00:00:36.920 --> 00:00:40.760 but this morning, as we come to the third chapter of Paul's letter to Titus, 00:00:41.260 --> 00:00:46.380 he's going to paint us a picture of what it looks like to live the Christian life. 00:00:47.560 --> 00:00:51.939 And his emphasis here is on how we live in society 00:00:51.939 --> 00:00:57.000 and on our interactions with all people. 00:00:58.899 --> 00:01:03.320 Let me read the passage for us this morning. 00:01:03.739 --> 00:01:06.579 Titus chapter 3, verse 1 and 2. 00:01:07.459 --> 00:01:09.420 Paul writes to Titus, saying, 00:01:09.420 --> 00:01:32.939 Now, let's just back up for a moment and talk about how we got to this point in this letter. 00:01:32.939 --> 00:01:34.959 If we think back to last week, 00:01:35.679 --> 00:01:38.459 Paul just finished giving Titus a whole bunch of instructions 00:01:38.459 --> 00:01:40.500 for various groups of people in the church. 00:01:41.620 --> 00:01:44.079 There were instructions for older men, 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:45.480 and then older women, 00:01:45.879 --> 00:01:46.799 and then younger women, 00:01:47.039 --> 00:01:47.900 and then younger men, 00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:50.259 and then some for those who were slaves. 00:01:51.599 --> 00:01:53.939 And all of these things that Titus is to teach 00:01:53.939 --> 00:01:57.759 could be summed up in verse 12 of chapter 2. 00:01:57.859 --> 00:02:01.400 He was to teach them to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, 00:02:01.400 --> 00:02:06.560 and to live self-controlled, upright, and devout lives. 00:02:07.700 --> 00:02:10.719 And the reasons for this were two we talked about last Sunday. 00:02:11.860 --> 00:02:13.319 First of all, in verse 10, 00:02:14.020 --> 00:02:17.540 this kind of righteous and holy living adorns the gospel. 00:02:18.420 --> 00:02:21.120 It helps the world around us see the goodness 00:02:21.120 --> 00:02:24.280 and the beauty and the glory of Jesus. 00:02:25.219 --> 00:02:27.680 It makes the teaching about Jesus attractive 00:02:27.680 --> 00:02:30.460 before the eyes of the world around us. 00:02:31.400 --> 00:02:36.340 And reason number two came to in verse 12. 00:02:36.740 --> 00:02:38.420 We just said this, 00:02:38.540 --> 00:02:39.740 but this way of life 00:02:39.740 --> 00:02:43.460 is the way that God's grace teaches us to live. 00:02:44.640 --> 00:02:48.219 It's the kind of life that Jesus redeemed and purified us for. 00:02:48.319 --> 00:02:50.599 We talked about how we're not just saved from, 00:02:50.740 --> 00:02:52.140 but we're also saved to, 00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:54.439 saved for a new life. 00:02:54.439 --> 00:02:57.300 And so having said all this, 00:02:57.419 --> 00:03:00.319 Paul encourages Titus in verse 15 of chapter 2. 00:03:00.460 --> 00:03:00.699 He says, 00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:02.840 These then are the things you should teach. 00:03:03.819 --> 00:03:06.479 Encourage and rebuke with all authority. 00:03:07.280 --> 00:03:09.079 Do not let anyone despise you. 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:10.219 So Titus, 00:03:10.780 --> 00:03:11.819 teach these things. 00:03:12.199 --> 00:03:14.219 Encourage the people in the churches of Crete 00:03:14.219 --> 00:03:15.340 to live like this. 00:03:15.340 --> 00:03:17.780 And in some cases, 00:03:17.920 --> 00:03:18.979 you will need to rebuke. 00:03:19.560 --> 00:03:20.819 You will need to correct. 00:03:22.659 --> 00:03:24.740 But you have all authority to do so. 00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:28.659 So Titus is being commanded 00:03:28.659 --> 00:03:30.699 by Christ 00:03:30.699 --> 00:03:32.719 through the Apostle Paul 00:03:32.719 --> 00:03:36.300 to teach the people in the churches 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:38.099 to live in this way. 00:03:38.099 --> 00:03:40.400 And let no one despise you, 00:03:40.680 --> 00:03:41.199 says Paul. 00:03:42.039 --> 00:03:43.780 Jesus knows that there will be people 00:03:43.780 --> 00:03:45.460 who do not like these words. 00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:48.259 People who look down with contempt 00:03:48.259 --> 00:03:50.620 on the messenger who brings 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:52.199 and proclaims these words. 00:03:52.719 --> 00:03:53.219 But Titus, 00:03:53.340 --> 00:03:54.859 don't let that keep you 00:03:54.859 --> 00:03:57.219 from teaching these things. 00:03:58.240 --> 00:03:59.680 And with that word of encouragement, 00:03:59.919 --> 00:04:01.479 Paul now jumps right back 00:04:01.479 --> 00:04:03.079 into giving instructions to Titus 00:04:03.079 --> 00:04:06.120 about how he is to teach the people to live. 00:04:06.579 --> 00:04:08.039 Let me read it one more time. 00:04:08.259 --> 00:04:10.099 Here in chapter 3, verses 1 and 2, 00:04:10.159 --> 00:04:10.479 he says, 00:04:10.539 --> 00:04:12.180 Remind the people to be subject 00:04:12.180 --> 00:04:13.419 to rulers and authorities, 00:04:14.060 --> 00:04:15.340 to be obedient, 00:04:16.219 --> 00:04:18.379 to be ready to do whatever is good, 00:04:19.259 --> 00:04:20.800 to slander no one, 00:04:21.180 --> 00:04:24.139 to be peaceable and considerate, 00:04:24.699 --> 00:04:27.459 and always to be gentle toward everyone. 00:04:28.839 --> 00:04:29.959 First, let's consider 00:04:29.959 --> 00:04:32.259 who these instructions are for. 00:04:33.120 --> 00:04:34.120 They are for the people. 00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:36.019 Remind the people, quite literally. 00:04:36.199 --> 00:04:37.000 Remind them. 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:38.660 And then this list is given. 00:04:38.660 --> 00:04:41.320 So these instructions are for followers of Jesus. 00:04:42.200 --> 00:04:44.540 They're not given to people outside the church. 00:04:45.140 --> 00:04:47.800 They're not given only to the elders in the church. 00:04:48.320 --> 00:04:50.920 They're not aimed only at the false teachers. 00:04:51.460 --> 00:04:54.440 These instructions are for all followers of Jesus. 00:04:54.439 --> 00:04:57.439 And if we look at the passage before this 00:04:57.439 --> 00:05:00.339 and the passage which follows, 00:05:00.439 --> 00:05:03.439 in both cases we see that he's been talking about us. 00:05:03.839 --> 00:05:07.360 He's been talking about those who have been redeemed. 00:05:07.959 --> 00:05:10.459 He has redeemed us from all wickedness. 00:05:10.959 --> 00:05:12.879 And if we look at the passage that follows 00:05:12.879 --> 00:05:16.379 in chapter 3, about verse 4 and 5, 00:05:16.379 --> 00:05:19.420 he's talking about us, 00:05:19.420 --> 00:05:22.800 how God saved us by his kindness and love. 00:05:22.860 --> 00:05:24.339 And so we know that these instructions 00:05:24.339 --> 00:05:26.100 which come in the middle, 00:05:26.259 --> 00:05:27.560 yes, they are for them, 00:05:27.659 --> 00:05:29.540 the people in the churches in Crete, 00:05:29.620 --> 00:05:30.819 but they are also for us, 00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:32.639 for all of us who have been redeemed 00:05:32.639 --> 00:05:34.980 and saved by Jesus. 00:05:34.980 --> 00:05:38.780 Next, let's take a moment to just notice the structure 00:05:38.780 --> 00:05:41.120 and the flow of these instructions. 00:05:41.920 --> 00:05:44.920 First, there's the main instruction given to Titus, 00:05:45.040 --> 00:05:46.460 and that's remind them. 00:05:47.240 --> 00:05:48.120 So in some cases, 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:49.960 they're already going to know these things, 00:05:50.080 --> 00:05:51.060 but tell them anyway. 00:05:51.300 --> 00:05:51.980 Remind them. 00:05:52.720 --> 00:05:54.600 Sometimes you might get tired of listening to me 00:05:54.600 --> 00:05:56.280 say the same things over and over again, 00:05:56.360 --> 00:05:58.379 but I have a biblical mandate to do that, 00:05:58.460 --> 00:05:59.360 to remind them. 00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:04.480 Next, there's a series of infinitives given here. 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:06.800 That's like to plus the verb. 00:06:07.259 --> 00:06:09.040 Remind them to be subject. 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:10.900 Remind them to be obedient. 00:06:11.560 --> 00:06:12.840 Remind them to be ready. 00:06:13.500 --> 00:06:15.280 Remind them to slander no one. 00:06:15.420 --> 00:06:16.580 Remind them to be peaceable. 00:06:16.759 --> 00:06:19.259 Remind them to be considerate and to be gentle. 00:06:19.920 --> 00:06:21.220 And what this does is it links 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:23.040 all of these instructions together. 00:06:23.720 --> 00:06:26.460 The main thrust is for Titus to remind them, 00:06:26.740 --> 00:06:28.819 and each of these infinitives is the content. 00:06:28.819 --> 00:06:30.960 It's what he's to remind them of, 00:06:31.319 --> 00:06:34.100 what he's to remind them to do or to be. 00:06:34.980 --> 00:06:37.259 And so remind them to be subject. 00:06:38.060 --> 00:06:39.560 Remind them to be obedient. 00:06:40.379 --> 00:06:41.420 Remind them to be ready. 00:06:42.140 --> 00:06:45.560 Remind them to slander no one. 00:06:46.560 --> 00:06:47.840 Remind them to be peaceable. 00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:50.220 Remind them to be considerate. 00:06:50.379 --> 00:06:51.560 Remind them to be gentle. 00:06:53.400 --> 00:06:55.660 And finally, as we're looking at the structure and flow here, 00:06:55.720 --> 00:06:57.740 let's just notice that some of these things 00:06:57.740 --> 00:07:00.360 that he's to remind the people to do and to be, 00:07:00.360 --> 00:07:04.860 they are to do and to be those things to certain people. 00:07:06.220 --> 00:07:11.800 They are to be subject and obedient to rulers and authorities. 00:07:13.259 --> 00:07:16.080 They are to slander no one. 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:23.859 And they are to be peaceable, considerate, and gentle toward everyone. 00:07:24.300 --> 00:07:26.879 And so we kind of see this movement in the passage here. 00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:30.139 First, it's how we should behave towards the rulers and authorities. 00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:30.819 That's government. 00:07:31.719 --> 00:07:34.740 Then in the middle, what we shouldn't do to anyone. 00:07:35.419 --> 00:07:38.079 And then finally, towards the end, how we should treat everyone. 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:41.579 Literally, all men toward all men. 00:07:41.579 --> 00:07:45.519 People inside the church and people outside the church. 00:07:46.859 --> 00:07:48.899 So that's the structure and the flow here. 00:07:48.979 --> 00:07:50.099 And now we get to the content. 00:07:51.359 --> 00:07:56.519 And I had originally planned to cover these two verses in one sermon today. 00:07:56.919 --> 00:07:59.339 But I decided to split this up into two sermons 00:07:59.339 --> 00:08:02.259 because this first reminder here is a big one. 00:08:02.759 --> 00:08:06.120 Remind them to be subject and obedient to rulers and authorities. 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:07.680 I thought, you know what? 00:08:07.719 --> 00:08:10.240 This seems like it should really be a sermon of its own. 00:08:10.240 --> 00:08:11.720 And I don't want to rush it. 00:08:11.879 --> 00:08:14.300 And I also don't want to skip over everything after it. 00:08:14.400 --> 00:08:20.660 So we're going to do that sermon about government next Sunday. 00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:24.740 And everything else that's here we'll be looking at this morning. 00:08:25.439 --> 00:08:27.960 So let's start with the very end of verse 1 here. 00:08:29.139 --> 00:08:29.480 He says, 00:08:29.860 --> 00:08:34.200 Remind the people to be ready to do whatever is good. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:39.620 Remind the people to be ready to do whatever is good. 00:08:39.620 --> 00:08:40.740 Quite literally. 00:08:41.100 --> 00:08:43.519 To be for every good work prepared. 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:50.320 Notice the similarity to what Paul said just a moment ago back up in verse 14. 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:55.759 There he told them that Jesus Christ gave himself for us to redeem us. 00:08:56.220 --> 00:09:02.860 To purify for himself a people that are his very own who are eager to do what is good. 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:06.259 And if we go with a little bit more literal. 00:09:06.860 --> 00:09:10.440 A people that are his very own zealous for good works. 00:09:12.440 --> 00:09:15.720 And so now again down in verse 1 of chapter 3. 00:09:15.840 --> 00:09:16.000 He says, 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:20.080 Remind the people to be ready for every good work. 00:09:20.700 --> 00:09:23.800 So Christ Jesus wants us to be zealous for good works. 00:09:23.919 --> 00:09:25.919 He wants us to be desiring to do them. 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:27.720 To be ready for them. 00:09:27.720 --> 00:09:31.399 Now there's three things that we can talk about here. 00:09:31.480 --> 00:09:32.740 I'm going to give you three words. 00:09:34.680 --> 00:09:35.080 Mindset. 00:09:36.560 --> 00:09:37.000 Benefit. 00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:38.740 And action. 00:09:40.800 --> 00:09:42.480 First, let's notice the mindset. 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:47.160 We are to be ready for every good work. 00:09:48.160 --> 00:09:53.139 Now this doesn't mean that we have to have thought of every possible good work that we can do in advance. 00:09:53.500 --> 00:09:54.439 That's impossible. 00:09:55.419 --> 00:10:00.399 What it does mean is that our general approach, our general attitude as we go through life. 00:10:00.539 --> 00:10:02.919 Is that when the opportunity to do good comes. 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:04.659 I'm going to say yes. 00:10:04.899 --> 00:10:05.500 If I can. 00:10:05.699 --> 00:10:07.699 I'm going to be willing to do it. 00:10:09.500 --> 00:10:11.559 And I know when we talk about good work. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:16.980 Sometimes we only think of spontaneous acts of kindness. 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:20.939 Maybe like helping the little old lady across the street. 00:10:20.940 --> 00:10:25.140 But good works includes much more than this. 00:10:25.660 --> 00:10:32.840 We can also think about the good works that we're already doing on a monthly or a weekly or a daily basis. 00:10:32.840 --> 00:10:41.840 Are we presenting ourselves to each day with a readiness to do these things. 00:10:42.940 --> 00:10:45.899 These good things that we've been given to do by God. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:47.420 To fulfill our responsibilities. 00:10:47.980 --> 00:10:48.960 To keep our commitments. 00:10:50.420 --> 00:10:53.259 Or are we just kind of fumbling through day after day. 00:10:53.920 --> 00:10:57.080 Unprepared and reluctant to do the things that we know are coming. 00:10:57.800 --> 00:11:00.200 The things that we know we're responsible for. 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:02.360 And so mindset. 00:11:02.540 --> 00:11:04.379 We start with the mindset of readiness. 00:11:05.440 --> 00:11:07.060 The mindset of willingness. 00:11:08.379 --> 00:11:10.300 But then as I was thinking about this. 00:11:10.420 --> 00:11:15.200 You know a ready mindset really does translate into some core. 00:11:15.960 --> 00:11:18.180 I'm going to call them core readiness habits. 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:22.420 Some things that we regularly do that support those good works. 00:11:22.420 --> 00:11:25.740 That we do daily, weekly and even monthly. 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:29.000 I'm talking about things like exercise. 00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:31.580 Good sleep and rest. 00:11:32.940 --> 00:11:37.180 Maybe it's reading and staying informed for good decisions that you might need to make. 00:11:37.419 --> 00:11:40.460 On a particular issue where you regularly have. 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:42.320 It's part of your work. 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:45.019 All of this is the stuff of being ready. 00:11:45.159 --> 00:11:46.259 It starts with our mindset. 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:51.000 But then it flows from there into some good core readiness habits. 00:11:51.100 --> 00:11:54.679 And depending on the kind of work you do in your week typically or your day. 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:56.500 That's going to look a little different for you maybe. 00:11:56.980 --> 00:11:58.100 Than it is for me. 00:11:59.779 --> 00:12:01.620 Now let's talk about this second word. 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:04.259 About the kind of works that we're to do. 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:08.299 We are to be ready to do good works. 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:11.480 What makes a work good? 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:18.680 I would suggest that it's primarily those things that bring benefit to someone else. 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:21.539 Something that meets a need. 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:24.460 Or shows love to someone. 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:28.080 Or brings a blessing or an encouragement to others. 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:30.320 Maybe it's a service that's offered. 00:12:31.920 --> 00:12:36.340 And again, our tendency is to think of those spontaneous acts of kindness first. 00:12:36.340 --> 00:12:40.740 Like helping your neighbor get their snow cleared after a big snow. 00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:44.280 But let's also think of the things that we do every day. 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:48.780 The things that we do every week and every month that bring benefit to other people. 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:55.360 Your job, if you have one, is something that brings benefit to other people. 00:12:55.600 --> 00:12:58.259 It is an opportunity to do good work. 00:12:59.580 --> 00:13:04.120 There are a few kinds of work, obviously, which are not good. 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:05.960 Inherently immoral. 00:13:06.340 --> 00:13:09.240 Like prostitution or predatory lending. 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:11.519 I'm not talking about those kinds of things. 00:13:11.860 --> 00:13:15.180 But the vast majority of jobs offer some service. 00:13:15.700 --> 00:13:18.399 Offer some benefit to other people. 00:13:19.300 --> 00:13:21.379 There's an inherent goodness to work. 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:27.759 And so, let's just think about the ways that we here in our church bring benefit to others in our community. 00:13:28.320 --> 00:13:29.360 Through our jobs. 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:32.120 I'm not going to mention any names. 00:13:32.120 --> 00:13:37.060 But from those represented in our church that came to my mind at least this week. 00:13:37.059 --> 00:13:40.479 Our neighborhoods and our highways are kept safe. 00:13:41.959 --> 00:13:44.139 Food is produced for people to eat. 00:13:45.079 --> 00:13:46.500 Machinery is fixed. 00:13:47.339 --> 00:13:50.359 New babies are looked after and medical advice is given. 00:13:51.359 --> 00:13:54.059 Plants are grown so that we can have fruit and flowers. 00:13:54.059 --> 00:13:57.459 Meat is produced and prepared and delivered. 00:13:57.459 --> 00:14:01.459 The administrative needs of the local school are met. 00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:05.359 Children are taught and counseled. 00:14:05.959 --> 00:14:08.419 Food is prepared for hungry guests. 00:14:09.379 --> 00:14:11.339 Railroad tracks are repaired. 00:14:11.340 --> 00:14:15.480 The administrative needs of rural municipality are met. 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:18.259 The elderly are cared for. 00:14:19.379 --> 00:14:20.759 Children are looked after. 00:14:22.160 --> 00:14:23.460 And there's more, I know. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:27.820 But through all of these services, we offer benefit. 00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:28.879 We bring benefit. 00:14:29.019 --> 00:14:30.420 We do good for other people. 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:43.339 And through all of these services, we also bring home an income which puts food on the table for our families and provides needs for our families, whether it be shelter, clothing, or many other good things. 00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:46.759 That's just the stuff that we're paid to do. 00:14:47.500 --> 00:14:50.959 On top of that, we could talk about all the stuff that we're not paid to do. 00:14:51.399 --> 00:14:52.360 Serving on boards. 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:54.159 Committees. 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:56.339 Community volunteer stuff. 00:14:56.459 --> 00:14:57.379 Serving in the church. 00:14:57.959 --> 00:14:58.779 You get the idea. 00:14:58.779 --> 00:15:01.740 We were made to do good works. 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:04.679 Things that bring benefit to others. 00:15:05.159 --> 00:15:11.339 And that, it does include the spontaneous acts of kindness, but it also includes the stuff that we do every day. 00:15:11.459 --> 00:15:12.259 In our jobs. 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:13.799 In our families. 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:14.360 At home. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.559 In our neighborhoods. 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:16.500 In our church. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:21.179 And good works in all these areas of life have one thing in common. 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:23.980 It's about bringing benefit to others. 00:15:24.819 --> 00:15:27.980 We try to emphasize this with our kids at home often. 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:30.860 Because we get the question sometimes. 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:35.519 Dad, why can't I listen to another episode of Adventures in Odyssey? 00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:41.639 And the answer sometimes is, well, because you've already listened to a fair amount of that today. 00:15:42.340 --> 00:15:44.559 And life isn't just about entertaining ourselves. 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:48.220 It's about bringing benefit and blessing to the world around us. 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:49.259 To people around us. 00:15:50.340 --> 00:15:54.500 Sometimes I ask my kids this question at the breakfast table first thing in the morning. 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:58.179 Before they've had a chance to even think of what the day is going to hold. 00:15:58.460 --> 00:16:01.980 How are you going to bring benefit and blessing to someone today? 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:08.779 Because we want to start our day not by asking, what are the pleasures that I can get for myself today? 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:10.519 What entertainment. 00:16:11.240 --> 00:16:15.919 But instead, what can I do for the benefit of someone else today? 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:19.319 That's why God has us here on this earth. 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:22.360 Ephesians chapter 2 verse 10 says, 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:35.759 That's the purpose of life. 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:36.419 One of them. 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:38.940 And especially of our new lives in Christ. 00:16:39.060 --> 00:16:40.500 It's to do good works. 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:42.360 Things that bring benefit. 00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:45.039 Things that bring blessing to others' lives. 00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:49.699 This is also a great question to ask yourself at the end of each day. 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:52.799 As you lay down to fall asleep. 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:55.240 You can reflect back on the day and just ask, 00:16:55.740 --> 00:16:59.980 How did I bring benefit and blessing to others today? 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:03.379 Did I spend my day well for you, Lord? 00:17:04.899 --> 00:17:07.259 And so mindset, ready. 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:10.480 Ready for what? 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:12.279 To bring benefit. 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:15.279 And to bring benefit, how? 00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:17.539 With action. 00:17:19.059 --> 00:17:20.740 Good works. 00:17:21.539 --> 00:17:24.579 The word works implies action. 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:27.220 It implies effort required. 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:30.940 These ways of bringing benefit to people, they're not just automatic. 00:17:31.399 --> 00:17:33.420 They require us to do something for others. 00:17:33.539 --> 00:17:36.579 They require us to get up off the couch and go do it. 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:40.940 Whether it's helping with the dishes or taking out the garbage if it's stuff at home. 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:43.539 Or to go out of the house. 00:17:43.680 --> 00:17:44.380 Get in the car. 00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:45.440 Drive somewhere. 00:17:45.620 --> 00:17:46.160 To do it. 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:49.140 We've got to turn off the screen. 00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:50.799 And we've got to get out. 00:17:50.900 --> 00:17:51.720 We've got to get busy. 00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:56.680 Good works are about action for the benefit of others. 00:17:57.779 --> 00:17:59.980 So this is that first thing that he says. 00:18:00.400 --> 00:18:02.900 Remind the people to be ready for every good work. 00:18:02.900 --> 00:18:08.100 It's a mindset about bringing benefit to others through our action. 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:11.779 Next he says. 00:18:12.019 --> 00:18:14.799 Remind the people to slander no one. 00:18:15.319 --> 00:18:17.519 And we did talk a little bit about this last Sunday. 00:18:17.799 --> 00:18:22.059 That was one of the things that he talked about for the older women. 00:18:22.159 --> 00:18:23.339 Not to be slanderers. 00:18:24.539 --> 00:18:26.240 Here the same idea is repeated again. 00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:28.559 But with just a little bit of a different nuance. 00:18:28.959 --> 00:18:31.639 He uses a different word in the original language. 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:34.759 And the word used here is perhaps a little broader in meaning. 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:40.119 Here it's not just spreading falsehood about other people that we're to avoid. 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:43.920 It's more generally speaking in a disrespectful way. 00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:46.220 To others or about others. 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:49.339 In a way that demeans others. 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:51.759 That makes them look bad. 00:18:52.400 --> 00:18:53.460 Or dishonors them. 00:18:54.619 --> 00:18:55.099 Paul says. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:56.660 Remind the people to do that. 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.420 To no one. 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:01.660 And the emphasis is quite strongly placed here. 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:03.119 On the no one. 00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:05.000 Not a single person. 00:19:06.679 --> 00:19:08.199 I find myself convicted. 00:19:09.839 --> 00:19:12.039 Especially when it comes to the realm of politics. 00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:15.719 Boy is it easy to use words. 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:16.679 To demean. 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:20.599 To dishonor those in government. 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:23.039 Who are advocating policies and ideas maybe. 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:24.979 That we disagree with. 00:19:26.599 --> 00:19:28.679 Another place that could be tempting to do this. 00:19:28.679 --> 00:19:30.239 Is with our children at home. 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:34.220 Sometimes we parents can get impatient. 00:19:35.700 --> 00:19:37.460 We could use our words to demean. 00:19:38.380 --> 00:19:39.220 To shame. 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:40.620 To disrespect our children. 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:44.599 But this is not the way that we're to live. 00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:46.039 We are to slander. 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:47.299 We are to insult. 00:19:47.880 --> 00:19:49.960 We are to speak disrespectfully. 00:19:50.359 --> 00:19:51.279 To no one. 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:55.420 Here's a bit of a conversation starter for the dinner table. 00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:56.519 Later today. 00:19:56.519 --> 00:20:02.220 How can we speak about those who are doing evil things. 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:04.000 Honestly. 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:07.920 And at the same time respectfully. 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:11.160 In a way that doesn't dehumanize them. 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:12.639 Or demean them. 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:13.400 Or insult them. 00:20:14.859 --> 00:20:16.619 I'd be curious to hear what you guys. 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:18.359 Come up with. 00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:20.839 Certainly a challenging thing. 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:24.039 From there he says. 00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:26.199 Remind the people to be peaceable. 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:28.759 Remind the people to be peaceable. 00:20:29.199 --> 00:20:31.019 The opposite of this is warlike. 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:32.539 Combative. 00:20:33.579 --> 00:20:34.139 Argumentative. 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:36.480 Do you know someone who. 00:20:36.699 --> 00:20:38.539 Maybe just always wants to argue. 00:20:39.939 --> 00:20:42.659 Where the conversation feels like a battle. 00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:47.119 And you're always trying to defend yourself. 00:20:47.419 --> 00:20:49.139 Maybe they're trying to bend you into submission. 00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:49.980 To their view. 00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:51.060 Or thoughts. 00:20:51.160 --> 00:20:51.620 Or ideas. 00:20:51.780 --> 00:20:53.720 Or maybe do you come away from conversations. 00:20:53.900 --> 00:20:55.200 Routinely reflecting on. 00:20:55.340 --> 00:20:56.600 Whether you won or lost. 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:58.500 If so. 00:20:58.860 --> 00:20:59.240 Maybe. 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:00.480 This is you. 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:02.460 Maybe this is something you struggle with. 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:05.800 We're not to be like that as Christians. 00:21:06.600 --> 00:21:07.000 He says. 00:21:07.100 --> 00:21:08.759 Remind the people to be peaceable. 00:21:10.360 --> 00:21:10.960 That is. 00:21:11.040 --> 00:21:12.080 People who are calm. 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:14.600 Friendly. 00:21:15.800 --> 00:21:16.720 Willing to listen. 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:19.160 Willing to come to agreement. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:23.200 Even if it means that we don't always get our way. 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:24.819 Or see eye to eye on everything. 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:27.259 Jesus loves peace. 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:30.400 He is the prince of peace. 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:33.039 And yes he said some hard things. 00:21:33.819 --> 00:21:35.339 Yes there were some fiery moments. 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:36.660 That he even he had. 00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:38.759 And moments of righteous anger. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:40.180 But on the whole. 00:21:40.379 --> 00:21:41.680 He was peace loving. 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:43.579 He was gentle. 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:46.740 Our God is slow. 00:21:47.200 --> 00:21:47.960 To anger. 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:50.740 He's compassionate. 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:53.240 He's a God who forgives. 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.599 Wickedness. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:56.799 He's a God who hates. 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:57.660 Violence. 00:21:58.799 --> 00:22:01.119 He's not quick to just hammer people. 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:02.400 For the love of it. 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:06.079 Like some people in our world are today. 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:08.460 So he says remind the people to be peaceable. 00:22:09.899 --> 00:22:11.299 Our family was reflecting. 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:13.879 A little bit on this at home this week. 00:22:14.399 --> 00:22:16.399 Using one of Solomon's proverbs. 00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:18.759 I'll be honest. 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:19.740 Yes we have. 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.939 Moments in our own family too. 00:22:22.099 --> 00:22:22.240 Where. 00:22:23.199 --> 00:22:25.319 The tension rises sometimes in the house. 00:22:25.419 --> 00:22:25.699 And we. 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:28.119 Are getting frustrated with one another. 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:28.740 And we. 00:22:29.220 --> 00:22:31.179 Opened up the word and came to this. 00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:32.500 Solomon. 00:22:32.759 --> 00:22:33.740 King Solomon said. 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:35.220 Better a dry crust. 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:36.339 With peace. 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:37.720 And quiet. 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:39.980 Than a house full of feasting. 00:22:40.680 --> 00:22:41.600 With strife. 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:45.279 And so remind the people. 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:46.539 To be peaceable. 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:47.559 Let's be peaceable. 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:50.460 He goes on. 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:51.900 Remind the people to be. 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:53.700 Considerate. 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:55.960 The original word used here. 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:56.660 Has to do with. 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.339 Not insisting on every. 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.500 Right. 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:00.940 Of the letter of the law. 00:23:01.059 --> 00:23:02.000 Or of custom. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:04.400 It means to be courteous. 00:23:04.400 --> 00:23:06.280 Yielding. 00:23:07.700 --> 00:23:08.100 Tolerant. 00:23:09.640 --> 00:23:11.060 We live in a fallen world. 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:13.920 And none of us is perfect. 00:23:15.060 --> 00:23:17.200 Not a single one of us is righteous. 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.860 By our own merit. 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:20.980 Just as we've let people down. 00:23:21.080 --> 00:23:21.759 And made mistakes. 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:24.060 And said things that we shouldn't have. 00:23:24.360 --> 00:23:24.940 To people. 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:27.240 And people have put up with us. 00:23:27.280 --> 00:23:28.720 So we should do the same for others. 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:31.140 When they let us down. 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:32.120 Or make mistakes. 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:34.180 Or say hurtful words. 00:23:34.740 --> 00:23:35.680 We're to be gracious. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:36.620 To one another. 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.559 I think that's probably. 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:39.819 Even a better way to translate this. 00:23:39.900 --> 00:23:41.519 We're to be gracious to one another. 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:42.319 Forbearing. 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.660 With one another. 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:45.500 And yes. 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:46.839 It is difficult at times. 00:23:47.380 --> 00:23:47.839 But. 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.619 Let's remember. 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.419 We are people. 00:23:49.919 --> 00:23:50.919 Who through Christ. 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:52.339 Have been forgiven. 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.759 So much. 00:23:55.159 --> 00:23:56.379 And so we need to show. 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:57.459 That same grace. 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.679 To others. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:24:00.079 As the normal rule. 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:01.919 Of how we relate to others. 00:24:02.439 --> 00:24:04.000 Did someone bump into your vehicle. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:04.939 In the parking lot. 00:24:05.639 --> 00:24:06.959 Give it a little scratch. 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:10.240 Don't fly off the handle. 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:11.920 And call the police. 00:24:12.120 --> 00:24:14.140 And threaten to sue their pants off. 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:17.079 Did the waitress at the restaurant. 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.600 Accidentally mess up your order. 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.559 Be gentle. 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:22.500 Be reasonable. 00:24:23.220 --> 00:24:24.000 Who knows. 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:25.180 What kind of day she's having. 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:26.900 Maybe it was just an honest mistake. 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:29.079 Maybe the cook misread the order. 00:24:30.299 --> 00:24:31.920 Don't just let them have it. 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:33.079 And call the manager. 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:35.000 And insist on having your meal for free. 00:24:36.960 --> 00:24:39.079 Remind the people to be considerate. 00:24:39.160 --> 00:24:39.860 Or gracious. 00:24:42.120 --> 00:24:44.100 And last on the list here. 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:44.700 In this verse. 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:46.380 Remind the people always. 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.860 To be gentle. 00:24:48.120 --> 00:24:49.340 Toward everyone. 00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:51.279 The King James Version. 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:52.240 Translate this. 00:24:52.539 --> 00:24:53.980 Translates this quite literally. 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:56.180 As showing all humility. 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:57.860 To all men. 00:24:59.019 --> 00:25:00.860 And they're capturing a part. 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:03.240 That's maybe missing in the NIV there. 00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:05.759 All humility to all men. 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:07.519 The word that's used here. 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:09.039 Means not being overly concerned. 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:09.819 With yourself. 00:25:10.359 --> 00:25:12.240 Or having an inflated view. 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:14.000 Of your own importance. 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:16.039 In my opinion. 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:17.480 Gentleness. 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:18.299 You know. 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:19.700 It just doesn't quite hit that. 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:21.019 At least not anymore. 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:22.220 When I think of gentleness. 00:25:22.379 --> 00:25:22.839 I think of. 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.099 Not being rough. 00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:25.400 Not being violent. 00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:27.580 But there was a time. 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:28.200 When gentleness. 00:25:28.360 --> 00:25:29.660 Also meant to be humble. 00:25:30.580 --> 00:25:32.300 And to be considerate of others. 00:25:33.320 --> 00:25:33.640 And we. 00:25:34.100 --> 00:25:34.300 Kind of. 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.600 Have a remnant of that. 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:36.040 In the word. 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:36.880 Gentleman. 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:39.180 A person who thinks. 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.240 Not only of himself. 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:42.840 But also the people around him. 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:44.759 The person who holds the door open. 00:25:44.820 --> 00:25:45.400 For others. 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:47.320 And so. 00:25:47.420 --> 00:25:47.980 Be totally. 00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:48.840 Be fully. 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.980 In every way. 00:25:50.179 --> 00:25:51.000 Considerate. 00:25:51.579 --> 00:25:52.799 Toward all people. 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.959 Thinking of them. 00:25:55.699 --> 00:25:56.759 And not just yourself. 00:25:58.699 --> 00:26:00.240 And these three things. 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:02.699 To be considerate. 00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:04.099 To be gracious. 00:26:04.619 --> 00:26:05.659 To be peaceable. 00:26:06.619 --> 00:26:08.159 This is how we're to be. 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:09.459 Toward. 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:10.599 Everyone. 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:11.939 Toward. 00:26:12.179 --> 00:26:12.859 All people. 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.759 All men. 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:17.559 In other words. 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:18.819 No discrimination. 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.400 Is allowed. 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:23.440 Again. 00:26:23.900 --> 00:26:25.259 I find this convicting. 00:26:26.660 --> 00:26:28.119 I sometimes feel like. 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:28.920 I have the right. 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:29.240 Maybe. 00:26:29.400 --> 00:26:30.059 To be nasty. 00:26:30.339 --> 00:26:30.960 To a person. 00:26:31.099 --> 00:26:31.940 Because they were nasty. 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:32.379 To me. 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.160 Or I have the right. 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:34.619 To be. 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:36.240 Mean. 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:36.819 To someone. 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:37.599 To say. 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:39.039 Something about them. 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:40.279 Because maybe. 00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:41.180 They're militantly. 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:42.099 Promoting things. 00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:42.339 That. 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:43.319 I think. 00:26:43.379 --> 00:26:43.759 Are harmful. 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.339 To others. 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:44.740 Or are. 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:45.200 Immoral. 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:47.940 Let's be clear though. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:48.720 He's not telling them. 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.299 To compromise. 00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:50.220 What they believe. 00:26:51.140 --> 00:26:52.019 He's telling us. 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:52.740 That there's a certain. 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:53.779 Kind of normal. 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:54.579 Christian. 00:26:54.920 --> 00:26:55.480 Kindness. 00:26:55.920 --> 00:26:56.680 And humility. 00:26:57.140 --> 00:26:57.740 And love. 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.319 That we're to show. 00:26:58.379 --> 00:26:59.619 To every human being. 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:01.420 In our actions. 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:03.259 And in our words. 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.400 Jesus said it. 00:27:06.680 --> 00:27:07.259 This way. 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.220 In the sermon. 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:09.779 On the mount. 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:10.859 Matthew chapter 5. 00:27:10.940 --> 00:27:11.200 He said. 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.660 You've heard. 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.279 That it was said. 00:27:12.740 --> 00:27:13.660 Love your neighbor. 00:27:13.660 --> 00:27:15.400 And hate your enemy. 00:27:15.900 --> 00:27:17.060 But I tell you. 00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:18.700 Love your enemies. 00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:20.640 And pray for those. 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:21.700 Who persecute you. 00:27:22.320 --> 00:27:23.560 That you may be children. 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:24.700 Of your father in heaven. 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:26.840 He causes his son. 00:27:26.840 --> 00:27:27.960 To rise on the evil. 00:27:28.100 --> 00:27:28.820 And the good. 00:27:29.040 --> 00:27:29.880 And sends rain. 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.580 On the righteous. 00:27:30.840 --> 00:27:31.980 And the unrighteous. 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:34.640 Jesus goes on. 00:27:34.680 --> 00:27:34.960 He says. 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:35.860 If you love those. 00:27:35.920 --> 00:27:36.560 Who love you. 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.580 What reward. 00:27:38.660 --> 00:27:39.160 Will you get? 00:27:39.160 --> 00:27:41.900 Are not even the tax collectors. 00:27:42.320 --> 00:27:43.060 Doing that. 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:44.880 And if you greet. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.980 Only your own people. 00:27:47.120 --> 00:27:47.980 What are you doing. 00:27:48.100 --> 00:27:48.680 More than others. 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:50.640 Do not even the pagans. 00:27:51.100 --> 00:27:51.900 Do that. 00:27:54.600 --> 00:27:55.480 The point here. 00:27:55.580 --> 00:27:56.500 With all these things. 00:27:56.860 --> 00:27:58.160 With being peaceable. 00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.500 Being gracious. 00:28:00.220 --> 00:28:01.080 Being considerate. 00:28:01.120 --> 00:28:01.740 To all men. 00:28:01.820 --> 00:28:02.480 Is that we're not. 00:28:02.560 --> 00:28:03.040 To go around. 00:28:03.100 --> 00:28:03.759 And treat people. 00:28:03.860 --> 00:28:05.060 According to what kind of. 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:05.500 Treatment. 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.320 We feel. 00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:07.560 They deserve. 00:28:07.559 --> 00:28:09.919 And you know. 00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:10.639 This is huge. 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.559 This is what Jesus. 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:14.159 Was known for. 00:28:14.659 --> 00:28:15.299 The Pharisees. 00:28:15.399 --> 00:28:16.159 Went after him. 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:16.879 For the kindness. 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:17.599 And the love. 00:28:17.659 --> 00:28:18.240 That he showed. 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:20.220 To the outcast. 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:21.480 To the prostitutes. 00:28:22.159 --> 00:28:23.500 To the sinners. 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.500 May we not be a church. 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:27.980 That's only kind to the kind. 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:30.319 Loving to the loving. 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:32.639 May we be like Jesus. 00:28:33.639 --> 00:28:34.799 Who is peaceable. 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:36.319 And gracious. 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:37.939 And considerate. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:38.740 To all people. 00:28:38.919 --> 00:28:40.000 Jew or Gentile. 00:28:41.139 --> 00:28:41.619 Slave. 00:28:41.899 --> 00:28:42.899 Or freeman. 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:44.759 Rich. 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:45.500 Or poor. 00:28:45.919 --> 00:28:46.720 He didn't show. 00:28:46.919 --> 00:28:47.519 Favoritism. 00:28:48.139 --> 00:28:48.700 To people. 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:51.700 And so this is the picture. 00:28:51.859 --> 00:28:52.859 That Paul paints for us. 00:28:52.899 --> 00:28:53.639 Of what it looks like. 00:28:53.679 --> 00:28:54.839 To live the Christian life. 00:28:55.579 --> 00:28:56.079 We're to be. 00:28:56.419 --> 00:28:57.339 Ready to do. 00:28:57.539 --> 00:28:58.519 Whatever is good. 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.619 It's a mindset. 00:29:00.939 --> 00:29:01.939 To bring benefit. 00:29:02.319 --> 00:29:03.139 Through action. 00:29:03.140 --> 00:29:05.240 We are to slander. 00:29:05.640 --> 00:29:06.120 No one. 00:29:07.360 --> 00:29:07.940 In other words. 00:29:08.020 --> 00:29:08.460 We're to watch. 00:29:08.520 --> 00:29:09.360 Our words carefully. 00:29:10.360 --> 00:29:11.180 And we're to be. 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:11.759 Peaceable. 00:29:12.840 --> 00:29:13.280 Gracious. 00:29:13.600 --> 00:29:14.540 And considerate. 00:29:14.620 --> 00:29:15.700 Towards all people. 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:17.880 With no favoritism. 00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:20.800 And I want to bring us back. 00:29:20.880 --> 00:29:21.360 One more time. 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:21.980 To the reasons. 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:23.560 Because we really have to do this. 00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:24.580 For the right reasons. 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:27.439 There are lots of good reasons. 00:29:27.439 --> 00:29:28.500 Given in other passages. 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:29.619 That he could have said here. 00:29:29.679 --> 00:29:30.179 He could have said. 00:29:30.419 --> 00:29:31.240 Living this way. 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:31.980 Honors God. 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.740 Brings glory to God. 00:29:34.399 --> 00:29:35.199 Pleases God. 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:36.819 He could have said. 00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:37.779 Living this way. 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:37.799 Living this way. 00:29:37.899 --> 00:29:39.399 Is really in your own best interests. 00:29:40.159 --> 00:29:41.839 Because if you treat other people good. 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:43.179 They're going to treat you good. 00:29:44.519 --> 00:29:45.579 Those things are true. 00:29:46.779 --> 00:29:47.980 But these are the reasons. 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.819 That he gives here. 00:29:48.899 --> 00:29:49.439 In this letter. 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:51.720 We are to live this way. 00:29:51.839 --> 00:29:52.480 To adorn. 00:29:52.919 --> 00:29:53.720 The gospel. 00:29:54.579 --> 00:29:57.579 Look back up to verse 5. 00:29:58.099 --> 00:29:58.439 Why? 00:29:58.980 --> 00:30:00.480 So that no one will malign. 00:30:00.579 --> 00:30:01.339 The word of God. 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:03.579 We are to live this way. 00:30:03.659 --> 00:30:04.099 Verse 8. 00:30:04.179 --> 00:30:05.500 So that those who oppose you. 00:30:05.579 --> 00:30:06.299 May be ashamed. 00:30:06.419 --> 00:30:07.399 Because they have nothing bad. 00:30:07.439 --> 00:30:08.319 To say about us. 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:11.000 We are to live this way. 00:30:11.099 --> 00:30:11.659 Verse 10. 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:12.859 So that in every way. 00:30:13.139 --> 00:30:14.559 We will make the teaching. 00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:15.359 About God. 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:16.339 Our savior. 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:17.439 Attractive. 00:30:18.720 --> 00:30:19.819 We are to live this way. 00:30:19.939 --> 00:30:20.480 To adorn. 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:21.399 The gospel. 00:30:22.359 --> 00:30:23.720 To make that message. 00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:24.880 Look good. 00:30:24.880 --> 00:30:26.079 As it really is. 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:28.700 Is your life. 00:30:29.319 --> 00:30:30.819 Saying to others around you. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:32.559 Jesus is good. 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:35.339 Jesus makes all the difference. 00:30:37.120 --> 00:30:37.559 Second. 00:30:37.700 --> 00:30:38.539 We are to live this way. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.779 Because it's the life. 00:30:39.900 --> 00:30:41.000 That we have been saved to. 00:30:41.079 --> 00:30:41.400 As we. 00:30:42.120 --> 00:30:43.019 Mentioned at the beginning. 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:44.500 We saw this up in verse. 00:30:44.500 --> 00:30:45.599 Verse 12. 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:46.480 Chapter 2. 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:47.660 This is the way. 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.900 God's saving grace. 00:30:49.099 --> 00:30:50.160 Teaches us to live. 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:52.240 And verse 14. 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:54.819 Jesus gave his life for us. 00:30:54.880 --> 00:30:55.680 To redeem us. 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.779 And purify us. 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:57.880 To be a people. 00:30:57.880 --> 00:30:58.859 Who live. 00:30:59.059 --> 00:30:59.859 Like this. 00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:01.400 Eager. 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:03.079 To do what is good. 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:05.819 This is God's will for us. 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:06.740 This is his plan. 00:31:07.180 --> 00:31:07.700 For us. 00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:08.759 As his special people. 00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:10.259 It's a life. 00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:10.759 That we're now. 00:31:10.879 --> 00:31:11.539 Given to live. 00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:12.839 And this life. 00:31:13.660 --> 00:31:14.839 Is a gift of grace. 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:17.000 This new life. 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:17.720 To live. 00:31:17.839 --> 00:31:18.259 Was given. 00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:19.460 At great cost. 00:31:20.039 --> 00:31:21.200 To our Lord Jesus. 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:24.019 He suffered. 00:31:24.140 --> 00:31:24.640 And he died. 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.619 To redeem us. 00:31:25.740 --> 00:31:26.980 From the old way of life. 00:31:27.119 --> 00:31:27.619 And bring us. 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:28.920 Into this new way. 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:30.799 And so. 00:31:30.900 --> 00:31:31.240 As we heard. 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:32.099 From the words of Jesus. 00:31:32.099 --> 00:31:32.720 Last Sunday. 00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:33.579 I just want to leave us. 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:34.539 With these words again. 00:31:34.539 --> 00:31:37.159 Jesus said. 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:38.399 You are the light of the world. 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:41.379 Let your light. 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:42.180 Shine. 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:43.200 Before others. 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:44.159 That they may see. 00:31:44.159 --> 00:31:45.019 Your good deeds. 00:31:46.079 --> 00:31:47.680 And glorify your father. 00:31:48.099 --> 00:31:48.619 In heaven. 00:31:50.319 --> 00:31:51.000 Let's pray. 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:01.940 Father. 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:02.659 We thank you. 00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:03.399 For these words. 00:32:03.559 --> 00:32:04.319 Of encouragement. 00:32:04.539 --> 00:32:05.139 And. 00:32:07.079 --> 00:32:07.519 Sometimes. 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:08.559 As we hear these things. 00:32:08.639 --> 00:32:09.859 They may feel heavy to us. 00:32:09.899 --> 00:32:10.659 I know that Lord. 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:12.279 That's how I felt. 00:32:12.359 --> 00:32:13.180 Earlier this week. 00:32:14.619 --> 00:32:15.639 But I thank you. 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:15.980 That. 00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:19.159 You don't just leave us. 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:19.960 The way that we. 00:32:20.619 --> 00:32:21.059 Were. 00:32:21.180 --> 00:32:22.059 Before we met you. 00:32:22.139 --> 00:32:23.039 Before we knew you. 00:32:25.740 --> 00:32:26.299 Thank you. 00:32:26.339 --> 00:32:27.099 That you give us. 00:32:27.139 --> 00:32:28.019 Your Holy Spirit. 00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:30.420 Who enables us. 00:32:30.519 --> 00:32:31.200 To live this. 00:32:31.579 --> 00:32:31.720 And. 00:32:32.139 --> 00:32:33.220 Puts those desires. 00:32:33.399 --> 00:32:33.720 For this. 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:34.399 In our heart. 00:32:34.539 --> 00:32:35.059 Father. 00:32:35.059 --> 00:32:40.059 and so I pray Lord that in this week ahead 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:43.740 today and in this coming week 00:32:43.740 --> 00:32:46.919 that you would just fill us with that desire 00:32:46.919 --> 00:32:49.519 for this kind of a life towards others 00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:53.460 keep bringing that conviction where we need it Lord 00:32:53.460 --> 00:32:57.599 keep working change in us 00:32:57.599 --> 00:33:00.759 we don't want to be the same as we have been in the past 00:33:00.759 --> 00:33:04.159 we want to do this 00:33:04.160 --> 00:33:07.840 we want to make your gospel look the way it really is 00:33:07.840 --> 00:33:09.840 sweet, wonderful, powerful 00:33:09.840 --> 00:33:11.940 to the people in this community 00:33:11.940 --> 00:33:13.480 so work in us we pray 00:33:13.480 --> 00:33:15.460 in Jesus name 00:33:15.460 --> 00:33:16.540 Amen