WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.139 As with the beginning of any new year, it's worth looking back to look forward. 00:00:06.259 --> 00:00:08.460 Are you the sort of person who makes resolutions? 00:00:09.060 --> 00:00:11.560 Actually, I'm interested. Hands up if you make resolutions. 00:00:12.580 --> 00:00:14.240 Just a few of you. Okay. 00:00:15.860 --> 00:00:21.559 Get fit, break some annoying bad habits are the sort of top ones, I think. 00:00:21.859 --> 00:00:26.219 And at this time of the year, apparently the big sellers online are exercise machines. 00:00:26.219 --> 00:00:31.960 And if you're going to invest in one of those, I'd wait about six months because people give up on them and then you're probably going to get it cheaper. 00:00:33.039 --> 00:00:36.460 Dumbbells, weight plates, pull-up bars, basically get fit and healthy. 00:00:37.579 --> 00:00:45.480 A six-fold argument has been proposed in favour of preparing New Year's resolutions, regardless of whether you achieve them. 00:00:45.539 --> 00:00:49.840 So here's the sort of reason why you might sort of rethink about setting a resolution. 00:00:49.840 --> 00:00:50.659 Number one. 00:00:50.659 --> 00:00:57.979 Preparing resolutions requires taking stock of the previous year, and that's usually a beneficial thing. 00:00:58.839 --> 00:00:59.339 Number two. 00:01:00.099 --> 00:01:06.500 Preparing resolutions involves pondering the good for your body, soul, mind and relationships. 00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:08.679 And that's always a beneficial thing. 00:01:09.699 --> 00:01:10.379 Number three. 00:01:11.099 --> 00:01:13.939 In life, there are just three modes to choose from. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:18.400 Decline, maintenance or improvement. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:21.380 I don't know which one I'd like to choose. 00:01:21.780 --> 00:01:25.340 Any improvements, number four, will benefit those around you. 00:01:25.859 --> 00:01:29.219 Setting goals is potentially a kindness to others, actually. 00:01:30.300 --> 00:01:36.520 And sure, we may only, 67%, accomplish a mere 75% of our resolutions. 00:01:37.240 --> 00:01:39.320 But number five, that's still a pass. 00:01:40.280 --> 00:01:43.219 And six, writing resolutions is an expression of hope. 00:01:43.880 --> 00:01:45.900 And hope is better than resignation. 00:01:45.900 --> 00:01:58.480 As we head into 2022, it's on the back of two years of pandemic, which was preceded by three years of drought, water restrictions, catastrophic bushfires and dust storms. 00:01:58.840 --> 00:02:02.160 And these last two years have also included floods and mouse plagues. 00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:06.819 I've got family that live on the land in parks, and they've felt the brunt of all this. 00:02:07.780 --> 00:02:19.539 In light of all these events that are so far out of our control, it's worth pausing and asking, with life so unpredictable, how now should we live? 00:02:19.539 --> 00:02:22.359 I've done the maths. 00:02:22.359 --> 00:02:35.079 With 168 hours in a week, and hopefully you get at least eight hours sleep a night if you're lucky, that means we're awake for 112 hours a week. 00:02:35.080 --> 00:02:42.700 In that time, there are so many voices vying for our attention, telling us how to live. 00:02:43.460 --> 00:02:51.080 If we come to church once a week, or we're viewing online, and we're in a midweek Bible study group, and we read the Bible daily, 00:02:51.700 --> 00:02:57.360 I'm pretty sure that will still only add up to maybe three, four, five hours of your waking week, 00:02:58.080 --> 00:03:01.480 which is only about 3% or 4% of your week. 00:03:01.479 --> 00:03:04.319 So what voice do we listen to? 00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:15.479 If we really want to know how to live God's way in God's world, we need to go to the Maker's Manual, listen to God's Word, and look to Jesus. 00:03:16.639 --> 00:03:20.759 As we begin a new year, a summer series from the Sermon on the Mount, 00:03:21.579 --> 00:03:25.439 this sermon flips the expectations of society upside down, 00:03:25.879 --> 00:03:30.280 as Jesus invites us to participate as members of the Kingdom of Heaven. 00:03:30.280 --> 00:03:33.300 And that's the right side of history, by the way. 00:03:33.580 --> 00:03:35.219 You hear that term a lot these days. 00:03:36.280 --> 00:03:42.000 A couple of years ago, someone made a beautiful banner that hung outside their church where everyone could see it. 00:03:42.719 --> 00:03:47.400 It depicted a thick, sluggish green caterpillar crawling up a twig, 00:03:47.960 --> 00:03:51.159 at the top of which hovered a beautiful, iridescent butterfly. 00:03:51.159 --> 00:03:56.460 And the caption based on Ephesians 4 verse 15 was simply, 00:03:56.460 --> 00:04:06.000 If a caterpillar could see a butterfly and knew it was possible to be one, it would yearn to change. 00:04:06.840 --> 00:04:12.780 How joyful to emerge from a chrysalis, stretch those soggy wings in the warm sun, 00:04:13.360 --> 00:04:15.400 and to sort of heights never dreamed of. 00:04:15.400 --> 00:04:20.340 And yet the metamorphosis cannot take place without a time of darkness, 00:04:21.060 --> 00:04:24.300 and a struggle to be free from all that keeps one earth bound. 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:30.420 Transformational change is what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 5. 00:04:30.420 --> 00:04:36.699 Surely, heading into 2022, with some honest self-reflection, 00:04:37.259 --> 00:04:42.199 and in comparison to Jesus' life, there is only one conclusion we can come to. 00:04:43.220 --> 00:04:47.920 Our New Year's resolution will involve change, to be like Jesus. 00:04:47.920 --> 00:04:52.560 The number of books written on the Sermon on the Mount would fill a library. 00:04:53.259 --> 00:04:57.020 There is something attractive and compelling that has driven numerous authors 00:04:57.020 --> 00:05:01.040 to seek further understanding of this most famous of sermons. 00:05:01.920 --> 00:05:03.420 John Stott says of the sermon, 00:05:04.100 --> 00:05:07.319 It describes what human life and human community look like 00:05:07.319 --> 00:05:10.759 when they come under the gracious rule of God. 00:05:12.020 --> 00:05:15.840 The opening address of the Sermon on the Mount is also referred to as the Beatitudes. 00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:17.899 Beautiful attitudes. 00:05:19.439 --> 00:05:22.959 The statement, blessed, is like an exclamation of congratulations 00:05:22.959 --> 00:05:26.119 to those who have the complete attitude of Jesus. 00:05:27.279 --> 00:05:29.259 And the author of this gospel, Matthew, 00:05:29.599 --> 00:05:32.239 was someone changed and transformed by Jesus. 00:05:33.399 --> 00:05:36.459 Matthew would have originally been hated by his fellow Israelites, 00:05:36.879 --> 00:05:40.839 as tax collectors were notorious for skimming a little bit off the top for themselves, 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:44.559 and as they sided with the Romans, they were considered traitors. 00:05:44.560 --> 00:05:49.980 Change for Matthew began with a simple command from Jesus. 00:05:51.540 --> 00:05:52.280 Follow me. 00:05:53.780 --> 00:05:58.560 What joy for the despised outcast to be forgiven and accepted by the Son of God. 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:02.259 When Jesus said, follow me, where would this lead him? 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:05.120 He didn't know. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:07.340 But how now would he live? 00:06:07.339 --> 00:06:12.579 Matthew knew that whatever it took, it would involve change. 00:06:14.299 --> 00:06:19.500 The Beatitudes listed by Jesus were to his followers as he commenced his public ministry. 00:06:20.719 --> 00:06:24.019 How now shall we live in 2022 and beyond? 00:06:25.419 --> 00:06:29.939 Jesus teaches us how to live as subjects in the long-awaited kingdom of God, 00:06:29.939 --> 00:06:34.959 even though it may make us stand out, 00:06:35.579 --> 00:06:40.540 even though it may put us at a disadvantage in our current society and culture. 00:06:41.660 --> 00:06:45.540 If we're to be followers of Jesus, we must listen to Jesus' words and obey them. 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:48.259 The Sermon on the Mount is challenging, 00:06:48.779 --> 00:06:51.120 as it asks us to make significant changes, 00:06:51.579 --> 00:06:54.079 to live opposite to the way the world thinks, 00:06:54.079 --> 00:06:58.240 as Jesus calls us to live, for all intents and purposes, 00:06:58.979 --> 00:07:00.979 for a completely upside-down kingdom, 00:07:02.039 --> 00:07:05.419 and involves the beautiful attitudes of Jesus. 00:07:06.819 --> 00:07:09.879 Verse 3, Matthew chapter 5. 00:07:10.799 --> 00:07:11.560 Jesus said, 00:07:12.259 --> 00:07:16.799 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:07:17.860 --> 00:07:21.799 In the last few years, they've been pretty full-on. 00:07:21.800 --> 00:07:24.439 And if they haven't taken their toll on you, 00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:25.960 I'd be really surprised. 00:07:27.759 --> 00:07:31.639 Disheartened, dejected, lonely, broken. 00:07:32.600 --> 00:07:33.280 Jesus says, 00:07:33.420 --> 00:07:35.220 Blessed are those who are poor in spirit. 00:07:35.819 --> 00:07:36.439 But why? 00:07:37.900 --> 00:07:41.259 Because the poor in spirit know how much they need God 00:07:41.259 --> 00:07:43.939 and recognise how much they rely on God. 00:07:44.860 --> 00:07:48.400 Instead of self-belief, which the world advocates, 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:50.960 we need to take an upside-down approach. 00:07:50.959 --> 00:07:54.019 Which the world doesn't agree with. 00:07:54.439 --> 00:07:56.919 We need to depend on God, who is in control. 00:07:58.199 --> 00:07:59.299 I've heard it said, 00:08:00.139 --> 00:08:02.639 This makes God a crutch to lean on. 00:08:03.479 --> 00:08:05.240 Well, the sick need a crutch. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:09.839 I haven't met one person who is not broken in some way, 00:08:10.659 --> 00:08:12.620 carrying some untreated pain, 00:08:13.419 --> 00:08:15.299 some kind of unresolved relationship, 00:08:15.300 --> 00:08:17.460 or unaddressed guilt. 00:08:18.780 --> 00:08:21.160 To all those who are poor in spirit, 00:08:21.639 --> 00:08:23.280 Jesus reminds me in Matthew 11, 00:08:24.280 --> 00:08:27.160 Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, 00:08:27.500 --> 00:08:29.540 and I will give you rest. 00:08:30.240 --> 00:08:32.180 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 00:08:32.259 --> 00:08:34.039 for I'm gentle and humble in spirit, 00:08:34.039 --> 00:08:37.599 and you'll find rest for your souls. 00:08:38.659 --> 00:08:40.500 Blessed are the poor in spirit, 00:08:40.500 --> 00:08:43.659 for they will call on the name of the Lord Jesus and be saved, 00:08:44.159 --> 00:08:45.899 and theirs will be the kingdom of heaven. 00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:48.099 Verse 4, 00:08:48.100 --> 00:08:49.500 Jesus said, 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:51.860 Blessed are those who mourn, 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:53.680 for they will be comforted. 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:57.639 Cut off from friends and family in lockdown, 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:00.040 unable to attend funerals, 00:09:00.560 --> 00:09:02.540 there has been widespread grief, 00:09:03.540 --> 00:09:05.300 locally, nationally, 00:09:05.860 --> 00:09:07.700 and there's been an outcry globally, 00:09:08.139 --> 00:09:09.480 as tears have been shed. 00:09:09.920 --> 00:09:10.980 I think the latest counts, 00:09:11.060 --> 00:09:14.120 nearly five and a half million deaths just from COVID. 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:17.539 What hope is there without Jesus? 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:23.299 Even Stan Grant made note of this in a recent ABC article. 00:09:23.820 --> 00:09:26.039 He begins by acknowledging that growing up, 00:09:26.139 --> 00:09:27.799 surrounded by Christian family members, 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:29.700 he felt blessed at Christmas, 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:32.159 as it was a time of prayer and hope. 00:09:32.899 --> 00:09:35.580 But as our society is turning its back on the Christian message, 00:09:35.700 --> 00:09:36.179 he notes, 00:09:37.139 --> 00:09:39.000 Our world is immeasurably poorer 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:41.440 for the loss and derision of faith, 00:09:41.440 --> 00:09:43.460 and the substitute of cynicism. 00:09:44.120 --> 00:09:45.500 In other words, 00:09:46.080 --> 00:09:46.720 this equals, 00:09:47.340 --> 00:09:49.120 people are living without hope today. 00:09:50.419 --> 00:09:51.860 Blessed are those who mourn, 00:09:52.580 --> 00:09:53.879 and turn to Jesus, 00:09:54.539 --> 00:09:55.980 for they will be comforted. 00:09:56.740 --> 00:09:58.620 We're reminded of Revelation 21, 00:09:58.860 --> 00:09:59.740 where Jesus says, 00:10:00.440 --> 00:10:02.799 Behold, I am making everything new. 00:10:04.080 --> 00:10:07.840 It's a real, tangible, physical place, 00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:09.759 where God himself, we read, 00:10:10.639 --> 00:10:12.379 will wipe every tear from our eyes. 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:14.179 It's such a beautiful image as a parent 00:10:14.179 --> 00:10:16.139 when you wipe the tears from your children's face. 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:19.460 God himself will wipe every tear from our eyes. 00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:20.840 There'll be no more death, 00:10:21.320 --> 00:10:21.939 or mourning, 00:10:22.220 --> 00:10:22.740 or crying, 00:10:22.840 --> 00:10:23.399 or pain, 00:10:23.759 --> 00:10:26.100 for the old world of things will have passed away. 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:28.279 God promises 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:31.839 He will comfort those who look to the hope of resurrection, 00:10:32.419 --> 00:10:34.139 where all things will be made new. 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:38.379 This hope is upside down to the secular view in our society, 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:39.939 where death is final, 00:10:40.419 --> 00:10:41.559 and there's nothing beyond. 00:10:43.240 --> 00:10:45.139 Blessed are those who mourn, 00:10:45.139 --> 00:10:47.480 for they will be comforted. 00:10:48.819 --> 00:10:49.559 Verse 5. 00:10:50.539 --> 00:10:51.220 Jesus said, 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:53.240 Blessed are the meek, 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:55.559 for they will inherit the earth. 00:10:56.539 --> 00:10:58.259 There's a bit of confusion about the word meek, 00:10:58.340 --> 00:10:59.779 so I've got a definition here for you. 00:11:00.340 --> 00:11:01.699 It means slow to anger, 00:11:02.439 --> 00:11:03.379 gentle with others, 00:11:03.960 --> 00:11:05.319 someone who is strong, 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:08.279 but chooses to use their strength to help others. 00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:12.039 God has a special blessing for those who are humble, 00:11:12.439 --> 00:11:13.679 and put others first. 00:11:15.039 --> 00:11:17.159 Have you ever noticed how our modern depiction, 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:19.339 one of the modern depictions of Jesus, 00:11:19.459 --> 00:11:20.659 is that He was a real softy? 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:23.139 Just a bit wussy, actually. 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:26.759 But a quick clarification on this misrepresentation. 00:11:27.220 --> 00:11:28.600 When Jesus saw injustice, 00:11:29.259 --> 00:11:30.159 He turned tables. 00:11:31.199 --> 00:11:33.379 He really stuck it to the religious elite. 00:11:34.480 --> 00:11:37.559 The cross epitomizes meekness. 00:11:37.559 --> 00:11:40.719 Which is truly a demonstration of Christ's strength. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:42.779 What Jesus endured, 00:11:43.279 --> 00:11:43.939 the betrayal, 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:45.119 false trial, 00:11:45.319 --> 00:11:45.779 the mocking, 00:11:46.059 --> 00:11:46.879 the scourging, 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:47.819 the beatings, 00:11:48.199 --> 00:11:49.979 ultimately the crucifixion, 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:52.239 if we were there at that time, 00:11:52.779 --> 00:11:54.619 just as Peter denied Christ, 00:11:55.319 --> 00:11:57.039 if we were put under that sort of pressure, 00:11:57.599 --> 00:11:58.559 we would capitulate. 00:11:59.799 --> 00:12:00.759 We'd give up. 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:05.919 At any given time, 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:07.579 Jesus could have bailed out. 00:12:08.959 --> 00:12:12.000 He had the power and strength to call on the heavenly host. 00:12:12.819 --> 00:12:13.199 He could have said, 00:12:13.319 --> 00:12:14.059 come and save me. 00:12:14.459 --> 00:12:15.099 And by the way, 00:12:15.719 --> 00:12:17.659 strike down all these people who are giving me grief. 00:12:19.439 --> 00:12:19.819 Instead, 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:21.079 in His meekness, 00:12:21.080 --> 00:12:23.600 He faithfully sought God's will 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:26.780 and used His strength to help others. 00:12:27.520 --> 00:12:28.900 He died for us, 00:12:29.580 --> 00:12:32.100 absorbing God's judgment so that we can be forgiven. 00:12:33.160 --> 00:12:34.740 Even declaring of His enemies, 00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:36.340 Father, 00:12:36.460 --> 00:12:37.040 forgive them, 00:12:37.520 --> 00:12:38.660 for they do not know what they do. 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:41.200 How upside down is that? 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:43.060 Laying down your life for others, 00:12:43.420 --> 00:12:44.460 not self-promoting, 00:12:44.900 --> 00:12:47.060 rather using His strength to help others. 00:12:47.059 --> 00:12:47.939 In fact, 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:49.119 the scriptures remind us, 00:12:49.459 --> 00:12:50.479 while we're still enemies, 00:12:50.819 --> 00:12:52.559 so He's using His strength to help enemies, 00:12:53.179 --> 00:12:54.459 Christ died for us. 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:56.479 Blessed are the meek, 00:12:56.979 --> 00:12:59.939 for they will use their strength to help others. 00:13:01.479 --> 00:13:02.379 Verse 6. 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:07.000 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 00:13:07.719 --> 00:13:09.079 for they will be filled. 00:13:09.080 --> 00:13:14.000 I've found this one of the most misquoted of the Beatitudes. 00:13:15.040 --> 00:13:16.400 It often is quoted as, 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:18.920 blessed are those who hunger and thirst. 00:13:19.820 --> 00:13:20.660 And then they stop there. 00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:24.139 I'm not sure whether it's a ploy for us to say, 00:13:24.220 --> 00:13:25.180 blessed are the poor, 00:13:25.560 --> 00:13:27.480 those who are homeless or downtrodden, 00:13:27.680 --> 00:13:29.860 because of the state they find themselves in. 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:31.840 And as a result, 00:13:32.340 --> 00:13:34.240 there's no obligation for us to help, 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:35.879 because apparently they're blessed. 00:13:35.879 --> 00:13:39.220 Or maybe it's because if we leave out, 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:41.600 blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 00:13:42.679 --> 00:13:43.679 if we leave that bit out, 00:13:43.799 --> 00:13:46.620 then there's no compulsion for us to get our lives sorted with God. 00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:47.860 I'm not sure, 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:49.879 but let's read it into its entirety. 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:54.000 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:55.779 In other words, 00:13:56.240 --> 00:13:58.939 we're blessed if our greatest desire 00:13:58.939 --> 00:14:00.720 is to be right with God 00:14:00.720 --> 00:14:03.720 and live our lives worthy of His upside-down kingdom. 00:14:03.720 --> 00:14:07.240 God has a special blessing for those 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:08.879 whose greatest desire 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:11.840 is to seek God's will. 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:13.759 God first, 00:14:14.440 --> 00:14:16.740 followed by loving, selfless servanthood. 00:14:17.460 --> 00:14:19.779 As we put God first and seek His kingdom, 00:14:20.300 --> 00:14:20.800 we pray, 00:14:22.279 --> 00:14:23.139 Your will be done 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:25.360 on earth as it is in heaven. 00:14:26.700 --> 00:14:28.240 The trappings of the world 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:30.340 will just not deliver or satisfy. 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:32.660 I'm reminded here of Jesus' words 00:14:32.660 --> 00:14:34.639 in John chapter 6, verse 35, 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:35.759 when Jesus said, 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:38.639 I am the bread of life. 00:14:39.820 --> 00:14:41.820 Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:44.080 and whoever believes in me 00:14:44.080 --> 00:14:45.480 will never be thirsty. 00:14:47.019 --> 00:14:49.680 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 00:14:50.360 --> 00:14:51.519 for they will be filled 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:53.220 when they come to Jesus 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:55.820 in repentance and faith. 00:14:56.820 --> 00:14:57.480 Verse 7, 00:14:57.480 --> 00:15:00.080 Blessed are the merciful, 00:15:00.800 --> 00:15:02.000 for they will be shown mercy. 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:06.879 Mercy is the compassion or forgiveness 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:08.039 shown towards someone 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:10.639 whom it is within our power 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:12.100 to punish or harm. 00:15:13.820 --> 00:15:14.320 If you notice, 00:15:14.420 --> 00:15:15.940 we live in a really unforgiving, 00:15:16.460 --> 00:15:16.920 harsh, 00:15:17.420 --> 00:15:18.680 ruthless age in history, 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:21.659 polarising political tribalism, 00:15:22.460 --> 00:15:24.340 a cancelled culture dividing us, 00:15:24.340 --> 00:15:26.200 religious bigots 00:15:26.200 --> 00:15:28.280 with the freedom of faith 00:15:28.280 --> 00:15:30.399 bill on the table. 00:15:31.680 --> 00:15:33.040 God will be kind 00:15:33.040 --> 00:15:34.660 and show mercy 00:15:34.660 --> 00:15:36.080 to those who show mercy 00:15:36.080 --> 00:15:38.600 and kindness to others. 00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:40.780 Those who show compassion 00:15:40.780 --> 00:15:42.000 who don't close their eyes 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:43.379 to human suffering and pain 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:45.120 and reach out into the world 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:46.420 with Jesus' hands 00:15:46.420 --> 00:15:48.160 filled by God's spirit 00:15:48.160 --> 00:15:49.780 to be a blessing to others. 00:15:51.180 --> 00:15:52.740 Later in the Sermon on the Mount, 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:53.899 Jesus reminds us, 00:15:54.860 --> 00:15:56.000 and we know it from 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:57.519 the Lord's Prayer, 00:15:57.620 --> 00:15:58.659 which was shared with us 00:15:58.659 --> 00:15:59.720 with the kid spot, 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:01.620 but he says this, 00:16:02.259 --> 00:16:03.600 For if you forgive other people 00:16:03.600 --> 00:16:04.740 when they sin against you, 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:05.600 your heavenly Father 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:06.980 also will forgive you. 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:09.120 But if you do not 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:10.299 forgive others their sins, 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:11.440 your Father 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:13.279 will not forgive your sins. 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:16.680 Blessed are the merciful, 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:19.299 for they will be shown mercy. 00:16:20.560 --> 00:16:21.320 Verse 8, 00:16:21.320 --> 00:16:23.660 Blessed are the pure in heart, 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:25.140 for they will see God. 00:16:26.300 --> 00:16:28.000 God has a special place 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:30.420 for those who have pure thoughts, 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:31.900 words and deeds, 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:33.660 for one day they will see God. 00:16:35.200 --> 00:16:36.700 I'm not advocating here 00:16:36.700 --> 00:16:38.580 being completely naive or gullible, 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:40.080 but there's some things 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:41.120 it's better not to see 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:42.620 or ever to know about. 00:16:43.440 --> 00:16:44.660 We're living in an age 00:16:44.660 --> 00:16:45.360 where immorality 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:46.400 is at our fingertips, 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:48.380 where instant gratification, 00:16:48.379 --> 00:16:50.639 self-indulgent individualism 00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.279 is the norm. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:53.039 We hear the catch cries, 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.559 whatever makes you happy, 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:57.299 as long as it's not hurting anyone, 00:16:58.100 --> 00:17:00.080 or if it feels good, 00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:01.340 do it. 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:04.059 In Proverbs 4 verse 23, 00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:04.700 we're reminded, 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:06.759 Above all else, 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:08.259 guard your heart, 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:10.640 for everything you do 00:17:10.640 --> 00:17:11.700 flows from it. 00:17:11.700 --> 00:17:14.299 We need to take care, 00:17:14.840 --> 00:17:15.799 be self-controlled. 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:17.480 What's in our heart 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:19.500 flows out into how we live. 00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:21.600 It actually shapes our thoughts, 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:22.759 our actions, 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:24.000 our habits, 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:25.400 and our character. 00:17:26.660 --> 00:17:28.400 So blessed are the pure in heart, 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:30.380 those who have a heart for God 00:17:30.380 --> 00:17:31.220 and for others, 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:33.480 for they will see God. 00:17:35.080 --> 00:17:35.900 Verse 9, 00:17:36.860 --> 00:17:38.400 Blessed are the peacemakers, 00:17:38.400 --> 00:17:39.840 for they will be called 00:17:39.840 --> 00:17:40.780 children of God. 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:43.620 Those who try to bring peace 00:17:43.620 --> 00:17:44.519 to a situation 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:45.720 will be God's children, 00:17:46.620 --> 00:17:47.780 they'll be called God's children. 00:17:48.840 --> 00:17:49.880 Peacemakers in Matthew 00:17:49.880 --> 00:17:50.820 is closely related 00:17:50.820 --> 00:17:51.860 to love of neighbour, 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:53.780 and so we're to make peace 00:17:53.780 --> 00:17:55.320 and to be peace-loving, 00:17:55.820 --> 00:17:56.500 forgiving others 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:57.440 and showing kindness, 00:17:58.019 --> 00:17:59.200 even if they're our enemies. 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:01.200 In contrast, 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:02.900 the world is vengeful, 00:18:03.600 --> 00:18:04.440 stirring up trouble, 00:18:05.160 --> 00:18:06.500 causing fights and dissension, 00:18:07.160 --> 00:18:07.960 holding grudges, 00:18:07.960 --> 00:18:09.340 bitterness and resentment, 00:18:09.960 --> 00:18:10.620 factional, 00:18:11.140 --> 00:18:11.539 warring. 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:12.180 In fact, 00:18:12.200 --> 00:18:13.120 when we watch movies 00:18:13.120 --> 00:18:14.420 and the villain gets it in the end, 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:15.220 we kind of cheer 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:17.200 and there's a bit of a hooray. 00:18:18.240 --> 00:18:19.039 Do you know someone 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:20.779 who is always causing a drama? 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:24.240 God's upside-down kingdom 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:26.079 is marked by peacemakers. 00:18:27.100 --> 00:18:28.740 Congratulations to those 00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:30.079 who make peace. 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:32.620 Verse 10, 00:18:33.340 --> 00:18:34.400 Blessed are those 00:18:34.400 --> 00:18:35.140 who are persecuted 00:18:35.140 --> 00:18:36.259 because of righteousness, 00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:38.599 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:41.519 This is counterintuitive 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:42.920 and sounds masochistic, 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:44.799 but God has a special blessing 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:45.440 for those 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:46.519 who are insulted 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:48.180 or persecuted for Jesus. 00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:49.980 Heaven is theirs. 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:52.000 While we don't like 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:52.839 being persecuted, 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.200 we will suffer 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:55.180 if we identify 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:56.259 as being Christian 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:57.900 and as followers of Jesus. 00:18:58.460 --> 00:18:59.440 And in this, 00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:00.900 we're to be rejoicing 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:02.519 because we're being faithful 00:19:02.519 --> 00:19:03.359 and our reward 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:04.039 will be in heaven. 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:06.480 Now, there's a whole other sermon here 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:08.220 and I'd actually like to explore 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:10.139 this a bit more next week. 00:19:10.619 --> 00:19:11.460 So stay tuned. 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:13.579 And it's going to be a bit heavy. 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:16.039 The Sermon on the Mount 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:16.980 is all about 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:19.279 the complete attitude of Jesus. 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:21.379 And I heard this story recently 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:22.119 and it involves 00:19:22.119 --> 00:19:23.220 a baseball illustration. 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:24.279 So I'm hoping 00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:25.220 you understand baseball. 00:19:25.359 --> 00:19:26.559 Basically, there's nine innings 00:19:26.559 --> 00:19:28.099 and one innings 00:19:28.099 --> 00:19:29.460 is when three people get out 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.099 and the other team, 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:30.879 three out. 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.680 I'm hoping you've got 00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:32.600 a bit of an idea of the game. 00:19:33.120 --> 00:19:34.220 So in Brooklyn, New York, 00:19:35.320 --> 00:19:36.120 excuse me, 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:38.060 Cush is a school 00:19:38.060 --> 00:19:39.180 that caters to children 00:19:39.180 --> 00:19:40.320 with developmental 00:19:40.320 --> 00:19:41.700 and learning disabilities. 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:44.360 At a Cush fundraising dinner, 00:19:44.560 --> 00:19:45.820 the father of a child 00:19:45.820 --> 00:19:47.180 delivered a speech 00:19:47.180 --> 00:19:48.539 that would never be forgotten 00:19:48.539 --> 00:19:49.519 by all who attended. 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:51.720 After praising the school 00:19:51.720 --> 00:19:52.960 and its dedicated staff, 00:19:53.060 --> 00:19:53.840 he cried out, 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.860 where is the perfection 00:19:55.860 --> 00:19:57.100 in my son's shire? 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:59.100 Everything God does 00:19:59.100 --> 00:20:00.180 is done with perfection, 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:01.560 but my child cannot 00:20:01.560 --> 00:20:02.539 understand things 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:03.500 as other children do. 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:05.200 Where is God's perfection? 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.900 The audience was shocked 00:20:07.900 --> 00:20:08.740 by the question, 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:11.220 pained by the father's anguish 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:13.019 instilled by the piercing query. 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.340 I believe, 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:16.500 the father answered, 00:20:16.820 --> 00:20:18.039 that when God brings 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:18.880 a child like this 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:19.539 into the world, 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:21.279 the perfection that he seeks 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:22.640 is the way people react 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:23.580 to this child. 00:20:24.560 --> 00:20:25.920 He then told the following story 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.700 about his son, 00:20:26.900 --> 00:20:27.160 Shire. 00:20:27.160 --> 00:20:29.160 One afternoon, 00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:30.600 Shire and his father 00:20:30.600 --> 00:20:31.680 walked past a park 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:33.220 where some boys Shire knew 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:34.240 were playing baseball. 00:20:35.100 --> 00:20:35.820 Shire asked, 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.640 do you think they'll let me play? 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:39.680 And Shire's father knew 00:20:39.680 --> 00:20:41.940 that his son was not all athletic 00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:43.920 and that most boys 00:20:43.920 --> 00:20:44.620 would not want him 00:20:44.620 --> 00:20:45.380 on their team. 00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:47.100 But Shire's father understood 00:20:47.100 --> 00:20:47.720 that if his son 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:48.500 was chosen to play, 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:49.200 it would give him 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:50.640 a comfortable sense of belonging. 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:52.860 Shire's father approached 00:20:52.860 --> 00:20:54.060 one of the boys in the field 00:20:54.060 --> 00:20:55.279 and asked if Shire could play. 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:56.819 And the boy looked around 00:20:56.819 --> 00:20:57.899 for guidance 00:20:57.899 --> 00:20:58.940 from his teammates 00:20:58.940 --> 00:21:00.420 and getting none, 00:21:01.099 --> 00:21:01.839 he took matters 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:02.740 into his own hands 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.299 and said, 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:05.899 we're losing by six runs 00:21:05.899 --> 00:21:06.639 and the game is 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.859 in the eighth innings, 00:21:08.059 --> 00:21:09.000 which is near the end 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:09.480 of the game. 00:21:10.139 --> 00:21:11.019 I guess he can be 00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:11.599 on our team 00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.339 and we'll try to put him 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:13.440 into bat in the ninth inning. 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:15.579 So Shire's father 00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:16.119 was ecstatic. 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:17.819 As Shire smiled broadly, 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:18.619 Shire was told 00:21:18.619 --> 00:21:19.299 to put on a glove 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:19.879 and go out 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:21.700 and play short center field. 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:23.160 In the bottom 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:23.980 of the eighth inning, 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:25.120 Shire's team scored 00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:25.799 a few runs 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.680 but were still behind 00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:27.240 by three. 00:21:27.839 --> 00:21:28.360 In the bottom 00:21:28.360 --> 00:21:29.360 of the ninth inning, 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:31.319 Shire's team scored again 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:33.120 and now with two outs 00:21:33.120 --> 00:21:34.299 and the bases loaded 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:35.559 with the potential 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:37.700 winning run on base, 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:38.759 Shire was scheduled 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.279 to bat. 00:21:40.380 --> 00:21:41.000 Would the team 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:41.980 actually let Shire 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:42.860 bat at this junction 00:21:42.860 --> 00:21:43.380 and give away 00:21:43.380 --> 00:21:44.400 the chance to win the game? 00:21:45.860 --> 00:21:46.339 Surprisingly, 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:48.140 Shire was given the bat. 00:21:48.140 --> 00:21:50.340 Everyone knew it 00:21:50.340 --> 00:21:51.680 was all but impossible 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.380 because Shire 00:21:52.380 --> 00:21:52.980 didn't even know 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:54.120 how to hold the bat properly, 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:56.400 let alone hit with it. 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:56.759 However, 00:21:56.860 --> 00:21:57.860 as Shire stepped up 00:21:57.860 --> 00:21:58.360 to the plate, 00:21:58.520 --> 00:21:59.140 the pitcher moved 00:21:59.140 --> 00:22:00.100 a few steps 00:22:00.100 --> 00:22:01.380 to lob the ball 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:02.020 in softly 00:22:02.020 --> 00:22:03.040 to Shire 00:22:03.040 --> 00:22:04.020 so he could have 00:22:04.020 --> 00:22:04.680 a swing at it 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:05.660 and make contact. 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.540 But he missed. 00:22:08.259 --> 00:22:09.560 The first pitch 00:22:09.560 --> 00:22:10.240 went past him 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:11.500 as he clumsily swung 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:13.039 and one of Shire's 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:14.099 teammates came out 00:22:14.099 --> 00:22:15.859 and helped him 00:22:15.859 --> 00:22:16.519 hold the bat 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:17.400 as they faced 00:22:17.400 --> 00:22:17.839 the pitcher 00:22:17.839 --> 00:22:18.880 who then took 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.859 another step forward 00:22:19.859 --> 00:22:21.000 to toss the ball 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:22.099 softly towards Shire. 00:22:23.079 --> 00:22:24.400 As the pitch came in, 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:25.599 Shire and his teammates 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:26.559 swung at the ball 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:27.579 and together 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:28.559 they hit a slow 00:22:28.559 --> 00:22:29.259 ground ball 00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:29.779 straight back 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.279 to the pitcher. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.359 The pitcher picked 00:22:32.359 --> 00:22:33.000 up the ball 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.799 and he could have 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:34.380 easily thrown it 00:22:34.380 --> 00:22:35.259 to first base 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:35.940 and he would have 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:36.359 been out. 00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:38.339 But the pitcher 00:22:38.339 --> 00:22:39.000 took the ball 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.559 and he threw it 00:22:39.559 --> 00:22:40.359 in a high arc 00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:41.420 over into the 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:41.920 outfield. 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:43.060 Everyone started 00:22:43.060 --> 00:22:43.300 yelling, 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:44.180 Shire, run to 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:44.820 first base. 00:22:45.940 --> 00:22:47.140 Never in his life 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:47.800 had Shire run 00:22:47.800 --> 00:22:48.580 to first base. 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.000 He scampered 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:50.800 down the baseline 00:22:50.800 --> 00:22:51.519 wide-eyed 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.080 and startled. 00:22:52.620 --> 00:22:53.060 By the time 00:22:53.060 --> 00:22:53.980 he reached first base 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:54.640 the right fielder 00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:55.220 had the ball 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:56.600 and wasn't sure 00:22:56.600 --> 00:22:57.160 what to do with it 00:22:57.160 --> 00:22:58.100 but cottoned on 00:22:58.100 --> 00:22:58.660 pretty quick 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.539 and he threw it 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:00.340 over the third 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:01.140 baseman's head 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:02.519 and they said, 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:03.480 run to second, 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:04.680 Shire, run to second. 00:23:05.320 --> 00:23:06.039 He ran to second. 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:07.220 By this stage 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:08.120 it ran to third 00:23:08.120 --> 00:23:09.180 and finally 00:23:09.180 --> 00:23:10.420 both teams 00:23:10.420 --> 00:23:11.400 run for home 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:11.680 and they were 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:12.420 cheering him on. 00:23:13.320 --> 00:23:14.000 As Shire ran 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:14.460 from home 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.040 18 boys 00:23:15.040 --> 00:23:15.460 lifted him 00:23:15.460 --> 00:23:16.040 on their shoulders 00:23:16.040 --> 00:23:16.720 and made him 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.220 the hero 00:23:17.220 --> 00:23:18.960 as he'd just 00:23:18.960 --> 00:23:20.360 made his first 00:23:20.360 --> 00:23:20.880 home run 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:22.019 and won the game 00:23:22.019 --> 00:23:22.660 for his team. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:24.920 That day, 00:23:25.040 --> 00:23:25.640 said the father 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:26.980 with tears 00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:27.600 rolling down 00:23:27.600 --> 00:23:28.140 his face, 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:30.860 those 18 boys 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:32.360 knew God's 00:23:32.360 --> 00:23:32.840 perfection 00:23:32.840 --> 00:23:34.600 as they did 00:23:34.600 --> 00:23:35.500 what Jesus 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:36.220 would have done. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:37.680 blessed 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.819 are the meek 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.839 they'll use 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:40.559 their strength 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:41.740 to help others. 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:43.480 Like those boys 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:44.279 needing their strength 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.960 to help others, 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.079 blessing and 00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:46.779 congratulations 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:47.900 go to those 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:48.460 who have the 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:49.620 complete attitude 00:23:49.620 --> 00:23:50.259 of Jesus. 00:23:51.220 --> 00:23:52.019 We can't have 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:52.539 one 00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:53.740 or a couple 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.680 where to have 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.519 the whole package 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:56.220 listed in the 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:56.960 Sermon on the Mount. 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.420 The demands 00:23:58.420 --> 00:23:58.980 on us to be 00:23:58.980 --> 00:23:59.759 kind of blessed 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:02.039 and fortunate 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:03.359 are high. 00:24:04.359 --> 00:24:05.099 If we think of it 00:24:05.099 --> 00:24:05.980 like a checklist, 00:24:06.200 --> 00:24:06.559 oh yeah, 00:24:06.640 --> 00:24:07.579 I was meek today 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:08.180 or I've been 00:24:08.180 --> 00:24:08.900 a peacemaker, 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:10.379 I've shown some 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:11.640 mercy or I've 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.619 been pure in heart, 00:24:13.859 --> 00:24:14.119 tick, 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.420 I've done all that, 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.099 we could easily 00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:17.680 be discouraged 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.500 because actually 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:20.180 we don't get there 00:24:20.180 --> 00:24:20.779 all the time 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.559 and our puny 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.839 attempts to change 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:24.099 can often be fought 00:24:24.099 --> 00:24:25.000 with setbacks 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:25.940 and failures 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:27.440 and could result 00:24:27.440 --> 00:24:27.940 in us actually 00:24:27.940 --> 00:24:28.359 giving up. 00:24:28.359 --> 00:24:30.979 The Sermon on the Mount 00:24:30.979 --> 00:24:32.319 sets out an 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:33.779 impossible righteousness, 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.319 a standard 00:24:35.319 --> 00:24:36.399 that only Jesus 00:24:36.399 --> 00:24:36.939 fulfilled. 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.759 It cannot be a 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:39.539 checklist of things 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.019 to do, 00:24:40.379 --> 00:24:41.139 but a reminder 00:24:41.139 --> 00:24:41.740 of Jesus' 00:24:41.959 --> 00:24:42.399 righteousness 00:24:42.399 --> 00:24:43.539 where we need 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:44.219 to place our 00:24:44.219 --> 00:24:46.279 trust in God 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.939 and in his 00:24:47.939 --> 00:24:48.639 calling to be 00:24:48.639 --> 00:24:49.240 like Jesus. 00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:52.399 In a society 00:24:52.399 --> 00:24:53.519 wandering further 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.219 from God, 00:24:54.639 --> 00:24:55.319 demanding our 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:55.819 allegiance, 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:57.279 whose blessing 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.000 do we seek? 00:24:58.899 --> 00:24:59.919 Whose voice 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:00.559 will we listen 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:00.859 to? 00:25:01.699 --> 00:25:02.619 Does God's 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:03.259 blessing mean 00:25:03.259 --> 00:25:04.039 more to us 00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:05.179 than the approval 00:25:05.179 --> 00:25:06.139 of our culture 00:25:06.139 --> 00:25:07.399 or even our 00:25:07.399 --> 00:25:08.000 loved ones? 00:25:08.899 --> 00:25:09.699 How now 00:25:09.699 --> 00:25:10.439 should we live 00:25:10.439 --> 00:25:11.439 in 2022? 00:25:12.559 --> 00:25:13.500 We have choices 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.159 to make this 00:25:14.159 --> 00:25:14.699 new year 00:25:14.699 --> 00:25:15.519 and each 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.139 and every 00:25:16.139 --> 00:25:16.779 day of our 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.240 lives, 00:25:17.479 --> 00:25:18.599 how we react, 00:25:18.879 --> 00:25:19.959 how we respond, 00:25:20.359 --> 00:25:21.179 how we step 00:25:21.179 --> 00:25:21.539 out, 00:25:21.879 --> 00:25:22.719 how we initiate. 00:25:23.459 --> 00:25:24.639 Like caterpillars 00:25:24.639 --> 00:25:25.199 longing to be 00:25:25.199 --> 00:25:25.699 butterflies, 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.419 blessed are those 00:25:27.420 --> 00:25:28.140 who walk in the 00:25:28.140 --> 00:25:28.880 steps of Jesus 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:29.880 and emulate 00:25:29.880 --> 00:25:30.640 his behaviour. 00:25:32.620 --> 00:25:33.340 Remembering being 00:25:33.340 --> 00:25:33.860 like Jesus 00:25:33.860 --> 00:25:34.880 doesn't save us, 00:25:35.400 --> 00:25:36.240 but as we place 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.279 our faith and 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:37.960 confidence and 00:25:37.960 --> 00:25:38.720 trust in Jesus, 00:25:39.560 --> 00:25:40.220 as we've been 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:41.100 shown mercy 00:25:41.100 --> 00:25:42.320 and are saved 00:25:42.320 --> 00:25:42.980 by grace, 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.759 we are then 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:45.180 blessed to do 00:25:45.180 --> 00:25:45.940 the good works 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:46.840 that God has 00:25:46.840 --> 00:25:47.860 prepared in advance 00:25:47.860 --> 00:25:48.660 for us to do. 00:25:50.300 --> 00:25:51.620 Blessed are those 00:25:51.620 --> 00:25:52.820 whose resolution 00:25:52.819 --> 00:25:53.579 is to seek 00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:54.220 God's upside 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:54.879 down kingdom 00:25:54.879 --> 00:25:56.579 and in God's 00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:57.019 strength, 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.700 spirit filled, 00:25:59.299 --> 00:25:59.879 display the 00:25:59.879 --> 00:26:00.579 beautiful attitudes 00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:01.119 of Jesus 00:26:01.119 --> 00:26:02.480 as they are 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:03.399 being transformed 00:26:03.399 --> 00:26:04.879 into the likeness 00:26:04.879 --> 00:26:05.599 of Christ. 00:26:06.439 --> 00:26:07.279 Let's pray. 00:26:08.740 --> 00:26:09.720 Heavenly Father, 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:10.519 we just thank you 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.099 that you've revealed 00:26:11.099 --> 00:26:12.019 yourself to us 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:13.500 fully through your 00:26:13.500 --> 00:26:13.939 word, 00:26:14.159 --> 00:26:14.439 through your 00:26:14.439 --> 00:26:15.759 creation and 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.399 through Jesus. 00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:17.980 Your word became 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:19.460 flesh and Lord, 00:26:19.539 --> 00:26:20.000 as he lived 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:20.839 amongst us 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:22.180 and endured 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:22.980 what we endured 00:26:22.980 --> 00:26:23.880 and walked in 00:26:23.880 --> 00:26:24.539 our shoes, 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:25.579 he showed us 00:26:25.579 --> 00:26:26.119 how to really 00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:27.240 live and to 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:27.839 live life. 00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:29.200 Just pray now 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:29.640 for each and 00:26:29.640 --> 00:26:30.339 every one of us 00:26:30.339 --> 00:26:30.940 that we choose 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:32.180 life and we 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:32.740 choose this year 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:33.279 to walk in 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:34.019 Jesus' steps, 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:35.160 to honour you 00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:36.160 and to reflect 00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:36.759 those beautiful 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:38.000 attitudes in 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:38.579 all we do and 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:38.859 say. 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.119 In Jesus' name 00:26:40.119 --> 00:26:40.559 we pray. 00:26:41.140 --> 00:26:41.460 Amen.