WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.700 Read that for us first, and then he's going to teach us what it's all about. 00:00:10.980 --> 00:00:12.179 So, thank you, Dan. 00:00:19.719 --> 00:00:20.160 Morning. 00:00:21.440 --> 00:00:26.160 If you'd like to have 1 Peter open to chapter 4, we're going to continue our worship by 00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:28.879 looking at God's Word and seeing what it has to say to us today. 00:00:28.879 --> 00:00:34.100 God's Word is as relevant to us today in the year 2019 in Karageline as it was to the people 00:00:34.100 --> 00:00:36.600 to whom Peter was writing 2,000 years ago. 00:00:36.780 --> 00:00:39.600 So, let's have a look at 1 Peter chapter 4. 00:00:41.399 --> 00:00:44.340 We're going to do something that's a bit of a challenge for a preacher, which is to do 00:00:44.340 --> 00:00:45.920 an entire chapter in one sermon. 00:00:46.159 --> 00:00:47.820 So, we'll see how we get on. 00:00:49.099 --> 00:00:50.539 Verse 1, Peter writes, 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:57.340 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, 00:00:57.340 --> 00:01:00.800 because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 00:01:01.960 --> 00:01:05.900 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, 00:01:06.560 --> 00:01:08.219 but rather for the will of God. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:13.060 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do, 00:01:13.879 --> 00:01:19.920 living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. 00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:24.460 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless while living, 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:25.920 and they heap abuse on you. 00:01:26.640 --> 00:01:31.799 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 00:01:32.640 --> 00:01:36.620 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, 00:01:37.120 --> 00:01:41.640 so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, 00:01:42.140 --> 00:01:45.560 but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 00:01:45.560 --> 00:01:48.500 The end of all things is near. 00:01:49.519 --> 00:01:53.439 Therefore, be alert and of sober mind, so that you may pray. 00:01:54.540 --> 00:01:58.840 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 00:01:59.900 --> 00:02:02.640 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 00:02:03.700 --> 00:02:07.219 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others 00:02:07.219 --> 00:02:11.199 as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:15.939 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. 00:02:16.839 --> 00:02:20.099 If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, 00:02:20.359 --> 00:02:23.819 so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 00:02:24.479 --> 00:02:27.919 To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 00:02:29.280 --> 00:02:33.479 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, 00:02:34.039 --> 00:02:35.959 as though something strange were happening to you. 00:02:35.960 --> 00:02:41.620 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, 00:02:42.240 --> 00:02:44.920 so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 00:02:46.140 --> 00:02:49.020 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed. 00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:52.319 For the spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 00:02:53.219 --> 00:02:58.500 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or a thief or any other kind of criminal or even as a meddler. 00:02:59.580 --> 00:03:02.140 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, 00:03:02.139 --> 00:03:04.899 but praise God that you bear that name. 00:03:05.719 --> 00:03:08.500 For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household. 00:03:09.179 --> 00:03:10.500 And if it begins with us, 00:03:10.859 --> 00:03:14.139 what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 00:03:15.279 --> 00:03:17.419 And if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, 00:03:18.239 --> 00:03:20.239 what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? 00:03:21.619 --> 00:03:24.019 So then those who suffer according to God's will 00:03:24.019 --> 00:03:27.279 should commit themselves to their faithful creator 00:03:27.279 --> 00:03:29.319 and continue to do good. 00:03:30.159 --> 00:03:30.779 Let's pray. 00:03:30.779 --> 00:03:30.879 Amen. 00:03:32.139 --> 00:03:36.939 Father, as we continue our worship through the ministry of your word, 00:03:37.500 --> 00:03:42.739 open our hearts, open our minds to receive the food of your word. 00:03:43.939 --> 00:03:46.279 Plant this truth deep in our hearts, Lord. 00:03:47.099 --> 00:03:52.099 May your Holy Spirit enable us to understand what your servant Peter is saying. 00:03:53.219 --> 00:03:56.599 Help us to apply it to our own particular situations. 00:03:57.459 --> 00:03:58.959 And above all things, Lord, 00:03:59.399 --> 00:04:01.219 may we do everything for your glory. 00:04:01.219 --> 00:04:03.539 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:04:04.379 --> 00:04:04.659 Amen. 00:04:04.659 --> 00:04:07.979 Maybe you've wondered, like I have, 00:04:08.180 --> 00:04:10.079 what's God's will for my life? 00:04:10.740 --> 00:04:11.840 Fairly common question. 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:16.399 And we tend to mean it in terms of things like this. 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:17.939 Should I marry this person? 00:04:19.419 --> 00:04:21.079 Should I buy this house? 00:04:22.359 --> 00:04:23.759 Should I apply for this job? 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:25.379 Should I be in full-time ministry? 00:04:26.299 --> 00:04:27.579 Should I shave off my beard? 00:04:28.599 --> 00:04:30.560 Someone once asked me, was that God's will for his life? 00:04:30.599 --> 00:04:31.339 That's a true story. 00:04:32.339 --> 00:04:35.319 Should I serve my guests apple pie or lemon meringue pie? 00:04:35.319 --> 00:04:38.939 If you're inviting me over, by the way, either of those is fine. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:39.500 I'm not fussy. 00:04:40.439 --> 00:04:45.399 These are all fairly basic human type questions about what our lives should look like. 00:04:46.139 --> 00:04:48.920 But when the Bible talks about knowing God's will, 00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:51.159 it talks about something different. 00:04:51.160 --> 00:04:56.680 It's not about whether you should own something or marry somebody or work somewhere. 00:04:56.820 --> 00:05:01.060 It's so much more than simply making a choice about something. 00:05:02.360 --> 00:05:09.840 Simply put, it's doing what God would have us do by what he's revealed in his word. 00:05:09.839 --> 00:05:12.759 2 Timothy 3.16 says, 00:05:13.079 --> 00:05:17.619 All scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for the servant of God to be complete 00:05:17.619 --> 00:05:20.079 and equipped for every good work. 00:05:20.899 --> 00:05:22.560 We don't need to go into a trance 00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:27.559 or try and have some kind of a dream or a vision or something like that. 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:30.639 It's all here in God's word. 00:05:31.219 --> 00:05:34.419 So with that in mind, let's take a look and see what God's word tells us. 00:05:34.659 --> 00:05:36.879 And we're going to see that Peter tells us three things. 00:05:36.879 --> 00:05:40.240 There are God's will for his church, God's will for you and me. 00:05:40.719 --> 00:05:42.319 If you have the notes, you have these. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:43.959 If not, feel free to write them down. 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:46.779 To stop living for yourselves or ourselves. 00:05:47.500 --> 00:05:49.439 To start living for others. 00:05:50.259 --> 00:05:53.100 And to remember that Christ lives in us. 00:05:53.980 --> 00:05:56.259 So God's will is that we stop living for ourselves, 00:05:56.740 --> 00:05:57.899 start living for others, 00:05:58.120 --> 00:06:01.279 and remember that Christ lives in us. 00:06:01.980 --> 00:06:02.980 So let's kick off. 00:06:03.100 --> 00:06:03.560 Verse 1. 00:06:03.560 --> 00:06:07.240 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, 00:06:08.259 --> 00:06:10.639 arm yourselves also with the same attitude, 00:06:11.420 --> 00:06:15.540 because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:20.100 Jesus was completely without sin. 00:06:21.279 --> 00:06:22.899 Never had an unkind word. 00:06:23.819 --> 00:06:25.800 Never had an irreverent thought. 00:06:26.500 --> 00:06:28.160 Never had a sinful impulse. 00:06:28.160 --> 00:06:31.760 And if we're honest, we can't even imagine that. 00:06:33.060 --> 00:06:34.500 In our current human condition, 00:06:34.620 --> 00:06:37.380 we cannot imagine someone who is completely without sin. 00:06:37.580 --> 00:06:39.180 Who had a total absence of sin. 00:06:39.960 --> 00:06:41.640 But this was what enabled him 00:06:41.640 --> 00:06:44.160 to be the perfect sacrifice 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:46.220 to atone for the sins 00:06:46.220 --> 00:06:47.780 of all those who believe. 00:06:48.520 --> 00:06:49.379 See, in the Old Testament, 00:06:49.500 --> 00:06:51.460 all the gallons and gallons of blood, 00:06:51.780 --> 00:06:53.520 of goats and sheep 00:06:53.520 --> 00:06:54.520 and bulls, 00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:57.240 all of that wasn't enough to accomplish 00:06:57.240 --> 00:06:58.620 what Jesus did 00:06:58.620 --> 00:07:00.779 as the perfect sacrifice. 00:07:01.219 --> 00:07:02.439 And so he defeated death 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:04.099 with his own death 00:07:04.099 --> 00:07:05.579 and resurrection. 00:07:06.359 --> 00:07:07.180 And think about this. 00:07:07.979 --> 00:07:09.979 If the Son of God himself 00:07:09.979 --> 00:07:12.180 had to die 00:07:12.180 --> 00:07:13.620 to pay 00:07:13.620 --> 00:07:15.139 for your sins 00:07:15.139 --> 00:07:16.560 and for my sins 00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:17.539 and the sins of everybody 00:07:17.539 --> 00:07:18.759 who would believe, 00:07:19.819 --> 00:07:21.019 what does that say 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:22.740 about how we ought to live our lives 00:07:22.740 --> 00:07:23.900 in light 00:07:23.900 --> 00:07:25.400 of that sacrifice? 00:07:26.639 --> 00:07:27.579 Peter tells us 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:28.519 at the end of verse 1 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:29.920 and into verse 2, 00:07:30.280 --> 00:07:31.139 have a look at it, 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:32.660 whoever suffers in the body 00:07:32.660 --> 00:07:34.100 is done with sin 00:07:34.100 --> 00:07:36.199 and they do not live 00:07:36.199 --> 00:07:37.199 the rest of their lives 00:07:37.199 --> 00:07:38.480 for their own desires 00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:39.620 but in pursuit 00:07:39.620 --> 00:07:40.720 of the will 00:07:40.720 --> 00:07:41.800 of God. 00:07:42.900 --> 00:07:43.660 Now remember 00:07:43.660 --> 00:07:45.199 when Satan went into the wilderness 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:46.340 for 40 days 00:07:46.340 --> 00:07:48.019 and along comes Satan. 00:07:49.180 --> 00:07:50.060 Think about that for a second. 00:07:50.139 --> 00:07:51.280 What a moment that must have been. 00:07:51.699 --> 00:07:52.540 The Son of God 00:07:52.540 --> 00:07:53.939 in the wilderness 00:07:53.939 --> 00:07:54.680 in human form 00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:55.700 and along comes Satan 00:07:55.700 --> 00:07:57.920 who is the 00:07:57.920 --> 00:08:00.640 ultimate antichrist 00:08:00.640 --> 00:08:01.200 if you will. 00:08:01.700 --> 00:08:02.460 And Satan says, 00:08:02.720 --> 00:08:03.760 you look hungry. 00:08:04.900 --> 00:08:05.960 What are you hungry for? 00:08:07.240 --> 00:08:08.240 You're the Son of God. 00:08:08.280 --> 00:08:08.939 Why are you hungry? 00:08:09.820 --> 00:08:10.900 Make yourself some food 00:08:10.900 --> 00:08:11.620 out of these stones. 00:08:12.860 --> 00:08:13.980 And you know what Jesus said, 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:16.520 man shall not live 00:08:16.520 --> 00:08:17.720 by bread alone 00:08:17.720 --> 00:08:19.759 but by every word 00:08:19.759 --> 00:08:22.200 that comes from the mouth of God. 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:23.860 He was really saying, 00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:25.100 I'm not here, Satan, 00:08:25.220 --> 00:08:27.060 to satisfy my own cravings 00:08:27.060 --> 00:08:28.700 and my own desires. 00:08:29.360 --> 00:08:30.660 I didn't come down here 00:08:30.660 --> 00:08:31.600 to do my will. 00:08:31.780 --> 00:08:32.720 I came down here 00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:33.340 to do the will 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:33.920 of the Father 00:08:33.920 --> 00:08:34.759 who sent me. 00:08:35.860 --> 00:08:36.879 And the Father's will 00:08:36.879 --> 00:08:37.680 was that the Son 00:08:37.680 --> 00:08:38.320 would come 00:08:38.320 --> 00:08:40.259 and be the suffering servant. 00:08:41.360 --> 00:08:42.539 Not the destroyer 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:43.320 of the Roman army 00:08:43.320 --> 00:08:45.180 but the destroyer 00:08:45.180 --> 00:08:45.700 of death 00:08:45.700 --> 00:08:46.759 and sin. 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:48.240 Not to live for himself 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:50.480 but to live for us. 00:08:51.399 --> 00:08:52.180 So we ought not 00:08:52.180 --> 00:08:53.259 be living for ourselves, 00:08:53.419 --> 00:08:54.379 taking our opportunities, 00:08:54.820 --> 00:08:55.980 making the most of life 00:08:55.980 --> 00:08:56.899 for our own advantage 00:08:56.899 --> 00:08:57.680 and our own gain. 00:08:58.940 --> 00:08:59.600 And maybe you've heard 00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:00.360 things like this. 00:09:00.399 --> 00:09:00.960 I was just thinking 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:01.899 some random thoughts. 00:09:02.299 --> 00:09:02.740 Maybe you've heard 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:03.460 things like this 00:09:03.460 --> 00:09:04.860 or maybe even thought them 00:09:04.860 --> 00:09:05.759 or said them. 00:09:07.659 --> 00:09:08.700 Who's it going to hurt? 00:09:08.700 --> 00:09:12.640 Nobody will ever find out. 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:15.580 Have a few more drinks. 00:09:16.620 --> 00:09:17.400 You deserve it. 00:09:19.080 --> 00:09:20.420 Well, if I don't take it, 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:22.020 somebody else will. 00:09:24.060 --> 00:09:25.259 It's just sex. 00:09:27.160 --> 00:09:27.940 It's not even 00:09:27.940 --> 00:09:29.020 these things themselves. 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:30.220 Do you hear the attitude 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:30.800 behind them? 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:32.540 It's all about me. 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:34.640 It's all about what I want. 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:35.540 If it feels good, 00:09:35.740 --> 00:09:36.500 I'll do it. 00:09:37.100 --> 00:09:38.000 I am the master 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:38.740 of my fate. 00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:39.980 I am the captain 00:09:39.980 --> 00:09:40.820 of my soul. 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:43.220 Don't think like that, 00:09:44.100 --> 00:09:44.679 Peter says. 00:09:44.779 --> 00:09:45.299 Verse 3, 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:47.139 you've spent enough time 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:48.759 doing all these things. 00:09:49.539 --> 00:09:50.259 You're done 00:09:50.259 --> 00:09:51.879 with all these things. 00:09:52.440 --> 00:09:52.759 And now, 00:09:52.860 --> 00:09:53.379 some of you, 00:09:53.440 --> 00:09:54.039 if not most of you, 00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:54.919 are sitting there thinking, 00:09:55.159 --> 00:09:55.559 but Dan, 00:09:55.620 --> 00:09:56.480 I do sin. 00:09:57.480 --> 00:09:58.759 I sin every day. 00:09:59.759 --> 00:10:00.700 And so do you, 00:10:00.700 --> 00:10:01.159 in fact. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:02.659 We're not done 00:10:02.659 --> 00:10:03.139 with sin. 00:10:04.519 --> 00:10:05.120 Well, you're right. 00:10:06.500 --> 00:10:07.279 We do still sin. 00:10:07.919 --> 00:10:08.799 But here's the point. 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:10.220 A Christian 00:10:10.220 --> 00:10:12.179 doesn't love their sin. 00:10:13.299 --> 00:10:14.019 A Christian 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:15.279 doesn't revel 00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:16.299 in their sin. 00:10:16.639 --> 00:10:17.480 The Apostle John 00:10:17.480 --> 00:10:18.320 actually says this. 00:10:18.379 --> 00:10:19.480 I think this is in your notes. 00:10:19.779 --> 00:10:20.639 But the Apostle John 00:10:20.639 --> 00:10:21.240 says this. 00:10:21.659 --> 00:10:22.960 If you've been born again, 00:10:24.019 --> 00:10:25.039 God's seed 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:26.259 actually lives 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:27.259 in you. 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:29.279 And you cannot 00:10:29.279 --> 00:10:29.960 go on 00:10:29.960 --> 00:10:31.440 in a lifestyle 00:10:31.440 --> 00:10:31.980 of sin. 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:33.300 It's a theological 00:10:33.300 --> 00:10:34.740 impossibility 00:10:34.740 --> 00:10:36.340 to go on 00:10:36.340 --> 00:10:36.899 in the lifestyle 00:10:36.899 --> 00:10:37.420 of sin. 00:10:38.120 --> 00:10:38.620 And think about it 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:38.940 this way. 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:39.759 I'll illustrate this. 00:10:39.840 --> 00:10:40.460 Maybe this will help. 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:42.180 Suppose I was late 00:10:42.180 --> 00:10:42.720 getting here. 00:10:44.159 --> 00:10:44.460 Like, 00:10:45.060 --> 00:10:45.879 I don't show up 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:46.800 until half past 12. 00:10:47.539 --> 00:10:47.899 So, 00:10:48.139 --> 00:10:49.060 90 minutes late 00:10:49.060 --> 00:10:50.240 and Johnny's 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:51.060 preaching comeback 00:10:51.060 --> 00:10:51.700 starts early. 00:10:53.139 --> 00:10:53.779 And you say to me, 00:10:53.800 --> 00:10:54.019 Dan, 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:55.159 you're 90 minutes late. 00:10:56.320 --> 00:10:57.060 Don't you care 00:10:57.060 --> 00:10:58.680 about this church? 00:10:58.820 --> 00:10:59.379 Don't you care 00:10:59.379 --> 00:10:59.940 about coming here 00:10:59.940 --> 00:11:00.639 to preach the word? 00:11:01.340 --> 00:11:01.819 Don't you get 00:11:01.819 --> 00:11:03.019 how much we're trusting you 00:11:03.019 --> 00:11:04.340 and we're inviting you 00:11:04.340 --> 00:11:05.580 here to minister to us 00:11:05.580 --> 00:11:07.139 and to preach to us? 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:08.019 And I respond 00:11:08.019 --> 00:11:08.600 by saying, 00:11:08.819 --> 00:11:09.159 oh well, 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:09.600 I'm sorry, 00:11:09.720 --> 00:11:10.620 but on the way here 00:11:10.620 --> 00:11:12.360 I got a flat tire. 00:11:13.120 --> 00:11:13.899 So I stopped 00:11:13.899 --> 00:11:14.720 on the side of the road 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:16.019 and then, 00:11:16.159 --> 00:11:16.699 for some reason, 00:11:16.799 --> 00:11:17.299 I walked out 00:11:17.299 --> 00:11:17.740 into the middle 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:18.199 of the road 00:11:18.199 --> 00:11:19.620 and along came 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:20.480 a double-decker bus 00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:21.580 traveling 100 kilometers 00:11:21.580 --> 00:11:22.000 an hour 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:23.740 and ran over me 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:24.379 full force 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:24.960 and knocked me 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:25.480 into the river 00:11:25.480 --> 00:11:26.259 and that's why 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:26.639 I'm late. 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:29.419 You're going to 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:30.200 conclude one of two 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:30.960 things about me. 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:33.420 Either I'm a liar 00:11:33.420 --> 00:11:36.100 or I'm certifiably 00:11:36.100 --> 00:11:36.700 insane. 00:11:38.060 --> 00:11:38.720 And you'd be 00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:39.480 absolutely right 00:11:39.480 --> 00:11:40.220 because how could I 00:11:40.220 --> 00:11:41.560 possibly have an encounter 00:11:41.560 --> 00:11:42.940 with a double-decker bus 00:11:42.940 --> 00:11:43.980 going 100 kilometers 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:44.440 an hour 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:45.900 and then walk in the door 00:11:45.900 --> 00:11:47.540 90 minutes later? 00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:50.980 Now suppose it's not 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:51.860 a double-decker bus. 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:54.580 Suppose this is 00:11:54.580 --> 00:11:55.360 God himself. 00:11:55.360 --> 00:11:58.419 If God reaches down 00:11:58.419 --> 00:11:59.759 and takes up 00:11:59.759 --> 00:12:01.259 residence inside me, 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:02.940 how could I possibly 00:12:02.940 --> 00:12:04.019 look the same 00:12:04.019 --> 00:12:05.960 as before that happened? 00:12:07.259 --> 00:12:08.139 You talk about 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:09.019 a double-decker bus, 00:12:09.320 --> 00:12:11.080 God is billions 00:12:11.080 --> 00:12:12.019 upon billions 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:13.000 upon billions 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:14.139 of double-decker buses 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:15.019 going billions 00:12:15.019 --> 00:12:16.000 of miles an hour 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:17.539 invading your heart 00:12:17.539 --> 00:12:18.779 and invading your soul 00:12:18.779 --> 00:12:19.639 and taking up 00:12:19.639 --> 00:12:20.820 residence inside you. 00:12:21.659 --> 00:12:22.899 It's why Jesus said 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:24.039 you will know them 00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:25.039 by their fruit, 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:27.360 the external proof 00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:28.819 of an internal 00:12:28.819 --> 00:12:29.919 change of heart 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:31.759 and change of mind. 00:12:31.899 --> 00:12:32.199 In fact, 00:12:32.259 --> 00:12:32.939 that's what repent 00:12:32.939 --> 00:12:33.519 means, 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:35.340 to change your mind. 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:37.360 And people might 00:12:37.360 --> 00:12:38.220 mock you for this. 00:12:39.659 --> 00:12:40.840 They usually will. 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:42.639 Might call you names, 00:12:43.559 --> 00:12:44.419 poke fun at you, 00:12:45.220 --> 00:12:46.240 call you a holy Joe. 00:12:46.240 --> 00:12:48.220 someone once referred 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:49.379 to me as Ned Flanders. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:52.419 A few people 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:52.879 aren't laughing 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:53.279 because they've never 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:53.919 seen The Simpsons, 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:54.460 but that's okay. 00:12:55.720 --> 00:12:56.759 But I don't answer 00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:57.460 to those people. 00:12:58.740 --> 00:12:59.680 I don't answer 00:12:59.680 --> 00:13:00.379 to anybody 00:13:00.379 --> 00:13:01.779 except God. 00:13:03.200 --> 00:13:04.159 And you know what? 00:13:05.580 --> 00:13:06.460 They will too. 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:08.700 One day, 00:13:08.799 --> 00:13:09.659 we will all answer 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:10.240 to God 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:11.980 who will 00:13:11.980 --> 00:13:13.919 ask what we thought 00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:14.460 of his son. 00:13:14.460 --> 00:13:16.500 And then, 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:17.420 depending on our answer, 00:13:17.519 --> 00:13:18.240 how did you live 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:19.220 in light of the fact 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:19.879 that you say 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:20.800 you knew my son? 00:13:22.220 --> 00:13:22.879 Verse 6, 00:13:22.960 --> 00:13:23.860 the same as the believers 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:24.820 who are now dead, 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:26.800 their flesh might have 00:13:26.800 --> 00:13:27.259 been judged 00:13:27.259 --> 00:13:28.379 by human standards, 00:13:29.440 --> 00:13:30.480 but now 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:31.759 they've been judged 00:13:31.759 --> 00:13:32.560 according 00:13:32.560 --> 00:13:33.800 to their faith 00:13:33.800 --> 00:13:35.259 and the fruit 00:13:35.259 --> 00:13:35.879 of their faith. 00:13:36.820 --> 00:13:38.200 So we have to ask ourselves, 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:38.840 are we living 00:13:38.840 --> 00:13:39.460 for ourselves? 00:13:41.180 --> 00:13:42.360 Is our spare time 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:42.840 taken up 00:13:42.840 --> 00:13:43.639 pursuing comfort? 00:13:44.460 --> 00:13:45.900 I read an article 00:13:45.900 --> 00:13:46.519 that was 00:13:46.519 --> 00:13:47.400 from 00:13:47.400 --> 00:13:48.440 The Examiner 00:13:48.440 --> 00:13:49.100 talking about 00:13:49.100 --> 00:13:49.920 the secret codes 00:13:49.920 --> 00:13:50.480 to unlock 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:51.620 all the Christmas movies 00:13:51.620 --> 00:13:52.280 on Netflix. 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:54.019 Are we spending 00:13:54.019 --> 00:13:54.660 our time 00:13:54.660 --> 00:13:56.259 pursuing entertainment, 00:13:57.440 --> 00:13:58.259 filling our belly 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:58.879 with whatever 00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:00.200 particular cravings 00:14:00.200 --> 00:14:01.240 that we have, 00:14:01.320 --> 00:14:02.139 literal or otherwise? 00:14:03.400 --> 00:14:04.000 Do we think 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:04.580 we're entitled 00:14:04.580 --> 00:14:05.580 to a certain way 00:14:05.580 --> 00:14:06.060 of life 00:14:06.060 --> 00:14:07.600 because we live 00:14:07.600 --> 00:14:08.120 in the West, 00:14:08.300 --> 00:14:08.940 in this country, 00:14:09.060 --> 00:14:09.620 in 2019? 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:11.820 or, 00:14:12.299 --> 00:14:13.779 do we follow 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:14.279 the example 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:14.799 of Jesus 00:14:14.799 --> 00:14:16.919 who didn't use 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:17.419 his position 00:14:17.419 --> 00:14:18.320 to his advantage, 00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:19.600 Philippians 2 says, 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:20.879 but became nothing, 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:23.399 became like one of us, 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:24.940 emptied himself 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:25.480 of everything 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:26.039 but love 00:14:26.039 --> 00:14:27.840 and then 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:28.679 suffered death 00:14:28.679 --> 00:14:30.139 so that we 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:30.639 might live. 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:32.960 God's will 00:14:32.960 --> 00:14:33.840 was that God 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:35.019 himself would die 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:36.980 so that we 00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:37.699 would die 00:14:37.699 --> 00:14:39.100 to our sin. 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:41.199 The will of God, 00:14:41.319 --> 00:14:41.600 friends, 00:14:42.279 --> 00:14:43.360 is for his church 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:44.919 to stop 00:14:44.919 --> 00:14:45.559 living 00:14:45.559 --> 00:14:46.759 for ourselves. 00:14:47.980 --> 00:14:48.439 Secondly, 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.379 God's will 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:51.000 for his church 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:51.600 is that we would 00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:52.120 start living 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:52.600 for others. 00:14:52.699 --> 00:14:53.439 Look at verse 7. 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:55.659 The end 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:56.419 of all things 00:14:56.419 --> 00:14:56.879 is near. 00:14:58.319 --> 00:14:58.699 Therefore, 00:14:58.860 --> 00:14:59.379 be alert 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:01.319 and of sober mind 00:15:01.319 --> 00:15:02.679 so that you 00:15:02.679 --> 00:15:03.240 might pray. 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:04.940 I don't know 00:15:04.940 --> 00:15:05.340 how often 00:15:05.340 --> 00:15:05.639 you think 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:06.480 about the end times. 00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:07.680 We're starting 00:15:07.680 --> 00:15:08.419 a series on it 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:09.139 in Middleton soon 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:09.980 but basically 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:10.639 there's two kinds 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:11.100 of people 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:12.000 when it comes 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:12.779 to the end times. 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:13.720 They're the ones 00:15:13.720 --> 00:15:14.940 who can't get into it 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:16.320 and there's the ones 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:17.220 who can't get out of it. 00:15:18.159 --> 00:15:18.879 The ones who never 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:19.779 want to talk about it 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:20.259 and the ones 00:15:20.259 --> 00:15:20.779 who want to talk 00:15:20.779 --> 00:15:21.560 about nothing else. 00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:24.259 Questions about 00:15:24.259 --> 00:15:24.960 when it happens, 00:15:25.440 --> 00:15:26.100 what happens, 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.139 what the signs 00:15:27.139 --> 00:15:27.720 will be, 00:15:27.960 --> 00:15:28.919 all things like that 00:15:28.919 --> 00:15:29.720 but really, 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:31.159 whatever your view 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:32.360 on the end times is, 00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:33.460 the question 00:15:33.460 --> 00:15:34.100 is the same. 00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:37.200 Jesus is coming back. 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:39.100 Are you ready? 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:41.460 And the writers 00:15:41.460 --> 00:15:42.220 of the New Testament, 00:15:42.759 --> 00:15:43.659 just like Peter here, 00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:44.779 they certainly exhorted 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:45.519 people to live 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:46.720 every day of their lives 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:48.000 as if the next person 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:48.580 they met 00:15:48.580 --> 00:15:49.860 was Jesus. 00:15:51.200 --> 00:15:52.560 He's coming back, 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:53.919 Peter is saying. 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:54.480 Therefore, 00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:55.940 be alert, 00:15:56.680 --> 00:15:57.420 be ready, 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:58.120 be sober, 00:15:58.940 --> 00:15:59.800 not taken up 00:15:59.800 --> 00:16:00.240 with the things 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:01.000 we just looked at 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:02.100 and this is interesting, 00:16:02.200 --> 00:16:02.600 look at the end 00:16:02.600 --> 00:16:03.200 of verse 7, 00:16:03.580 --> 00:16:05.919 so that you may pray. 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:07.639 Now, 00:16:07.700 --> 00:16:08.399 no matter where you are 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:08.860 in your walk, 00:16:08.899 --> 00:16:09.519 if you've been a Christian 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:10.440 for 20 years 00:16:10.440 --> 00:16:11.539 or for six weeks, 00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:12.940 you probably figured out 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:13.860 you can't walk 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:15.019 this journey by yourself. 00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:16.960 None of us can 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:18.740 because we all have ups 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:19.639 and we all have downs. 00:16:20.039 --> 00:16:20.759 That's the nature 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.399 of this life. 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:22.480 It's the main point 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.159 of Peter's letter. 00:16:23.480 --> 00:16:24.620 It's easy to be a believer 00:16:24.620 --> 00:16:26.200 when things are on the up, 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:27.980 when things are going well. 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:29.980 But what happens 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:30.820 when things go badly? 00:16:32.060 --> 00:16:32.500 You see, 00:16:33.019 --> 00:16:33.580 a lot of us 00:16:33.580 --> 00:16:34.960 are like the prophet Elijah 00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:36.120 because even though 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:37.539 he had great victories, 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:38.940 including defeating 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:39.920 the prophets of Baal, 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:40.940 the very next thing 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:41.379 that happened 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:42.700 was he ran off 00:16:42.700 --> 00:16:43.279 into the wilderness, 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:44.139 he was alone, 00:16:44.279 --> 00:16:44.980 he was depressed 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:46.759 and he was even suicidal. 00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:48.920 And the angel of the Lord 00:16:48.920 --> 00:16:49.759 appeared to him 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:51.100 with some food and water 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:51.460 and said, 00:16:51.539 --> 00:16:51.860 Elijah, 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:53.080 eat something 00:16:53.080 --> 00:16:54.899 because the journey 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:56.560 is too great 00:16:56.559 --> 00:16:57.479 for you. 00:16:58.979 --> 00:17:00.419 You can't do it alone, 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:00.819 Elijah. 00:17:02.199 --> 00:17:03.659 You can't do it alone, 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:04.000 Peter. 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:06.179 You can't do it alone, 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:06.480 Dan. 00:17:06.559 --> 00:17:07.559 You can't do it alone, 00:17:07.679 --> 00:17:08.139 Karageline. 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.440 The journey 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:10.579 is too great for us. 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:12.659 And without prayer, 00:17:13.299 --> 00:17:14.000 this is just 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:14.700 a social club. 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:18.159 A nice Sunday morning 00:17:18.159 --> 00:17:18.899 with tea and coffee. 00:17:20.119 --> 00:17:21.240 We need the power 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:22.259 of God in our lives, 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:22.559 friends, 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.379 and we get that 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:24.159 through prayer, 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:25.720 through his word, 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.900 through fellowship 00:17:26.900 --> 00:17:27.539 with one another. 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:28.519 And we do this, 00:17:28.640 --> 00:17:29.120 verse 8, 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:30.559 because we're to serve 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:31.140 one another. 00:17:32.319 --> 00:17:33.240 Love one another, 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:34.059 verse 8 says. 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:35.420 Verse 9 says, 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:36.539 offer hospitality 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:37.420 to one another. 00:17:38.579 --> 00:17:40.240 Because Jesus died for us 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:42.200 and because Jesus 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:43.160 is coming back, 00:17:44.180 --> 00:17:44.920 God's will 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:46.120 is that we should live 00:17:46.120 --> 00:17:47.000 for others. 00:17:47.980 --> 00:17:48.940 Serve one another. 00:17:49.680 --> 00:17:50.279 And to do this, 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:50.740 look at the end 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:51.360 of verse 9. 00:17:52.120 --> 00:17:52.900 This is profound. 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:54.299 The end of verse 9. 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:55.000 To do this 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:56.519 without grumbling. 00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:58.399 Now the Greek word 00:17:58.399 --> 00:17:58.919 is interesting. 00:17:59.099 --> 00:17:59.819 It doesn't really mean 00:17:59.819 --> 00:18:00.720 loudly complaining 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.359 about something. 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:02.720 You know, 00:18:02.859 --> 00:18:04.119 such a terrible day 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:05.039 today with the rain 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:06.079 and traffic 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:06.759 and whatever the case 00:18:06.759 --> 00:18:07.259 might be. 00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:08.419 It actually means 00:18:08.419 --> 00:18:09.259 something more subtle. 00:18:10.159 --> 00:18:10.639 Muttering. 00:18:12.200 --> 00:18:12.680 Murmuring. 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:14.559 Begrudging. 00:18:15.419 --> 00:18:16.659 We know all about that 00:18:16.659 --> 00:18:17.259 in this country. 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:18.740 Begrudging. 00:18:20.079 --> 00:18:20.980 What's our attitude 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:21.960 in serving one another? 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:23.059 This is the point. 00:18:23.680 --> 00:18:24.360 When we're serving 00:18:24.360 --> 00:18:24.840 one another 00:18:24.840 --> 00:18:25.920 and living for one another, 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:26.960 what are we thinking? 00:18:27.940 --> 00:18:28.880 What are we feeling? 00:18:30.100 --> 00:18:31.059 So maybe I'm working 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:31.539 on a sermon 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:32.220 during the week. 00:18:33.380 --> 00:18:34.420 Am I just going 00:18:34.420 --> 00:18:35.039 through the motions? 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:36.960 Because I have a deadline? 00:18:37.460 --> 00:18:37.860 Sunday? 00:18:38.360 --> 00:18:39.100 Quarter to 12? 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:41.680 Or am I filled 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:42.440 with gratitude 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:43.660 to God 00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:45.000 who gives me 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:45.680 the opportunity 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:47.279 to come and preach 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:47.720 his word? 00:18:49.259 --> 00:18:50.160 Or how about this? 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:51.100 When there aren't 00:18:51.100 --> 00:18:51.920 enough Sunday school 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:52.360 teachers 00:18:52.360 --> 00:18:54.320 or musicians 00:18:54.320 --> 00:18:55.500 or whatever, 00:18:55.720 --> 00:18:56.620 tea and coffee servers, 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:57.860 and we find ourselves 00:18:57.860 --> 00:18:58.500 on the roto 00:18:58.500 --> 00:18:59.759 week after week 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:00.519 after week 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.380 after week, 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:02.460 are we bitter? 00:19:03.820 --> 00:19:05.200 Do we get resentful? 00:19:06.800 --> 00:19:07.920 Or do we honor God 00:19:07.920 --> 00:19:08.560 in our lives 00:19:08.560 --> 00:19:10.640 by killing our pride? 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:12.860 Forgetting that 00:19:12.860 --> 00:19:15.100 it's not about us 00:19:15.100 --> 00:19:17.000 and being gentle 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:18.640 with other people 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.640 in our service? 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.900 Or how about this? 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:22.440 And I'm preaching 00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:22.980 to myself 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:23.700 on this one too. 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:24.520 When we're trying 00:19:24.520 --> 00:19:25.060 to meet up 00:19:25.060 --> 00:19:25.600 with somebody 00:19:25.600 --> 00:19:26.520 to encourage them, 00:19:27.100 --> 00:19:28.020 someone who's suffering, 00:19:28.560 --> 00:19:29.340 maybe isolated, 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.140 to encourage them 00:19:30.140 --> 00:19:31.000 and to minister to them 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:32.259 and they keep postponing 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:34.220 and they keep making excuses 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:35.200 that can sound 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:36.640 made up 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:37.720 or whatever. 00:19:39.800 --> 00:19:40.759 Do I quit? 00:19:42.520 --> 00:19:43.580 Do I give up? 00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:45.699 Do I harden my heart 00:19:45.699 --> 00:19:46.259 against them? 00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:47.939 Or do I pray to God 00:19:47.939 --> 00:19:50.019 that I love that person 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:52.559 the way God loves them? 00:19:53.480 --> 00:19:54.500 In other words, friends, 00:19:54.679 --> 00:19:55.740 are we joyful 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:57.460 as we live 00:19:57.460 --> 00:19:58.439 for one another? 00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:00.339 Not viewing it 00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:00.960 like a chore 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:02.480 or something 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:03.319 we have to do, 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:05.059 but as a way 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:06.240 to participate 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:07.599 in the work 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:08.259 of Christ 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:09.859 who is the chief 00:20:09.859 --> 00:20:10.379 servant 00:20:10.379 --> 00:20:11.220 of all. 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.779 verse 10, 00:20:13.039 --> 00:20:13.940 use whatever gift 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:14.539 you have received 00:20:14.539 --> 00:20:15.380 to serve others 00:20:15.380 --> 00:20:17.240 as faithful stewards 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:18.160 of God's grace 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.960 in its various forms. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.120 One of the beautiful 00:20:21.120 --> 00:20:21.980 things about the church 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:23.039 is that we're all different. 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:25.100 We're not all robots. 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.839 Alex read from Romans 12 00:20:26.839 --> 00:20:27.720 earlier. 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:28.720 Later on today, 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.259 have a look at 00:20:29.259 --> 00:20:30.360 1 Corinthians 12. 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:31.920 The amazing picture, 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:32.740 we won't look at it now, 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.819 but it's an amazing picture 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:34.400 of how the church 00:20:34.400 --> 00:20:35.240 is one body 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:36.279 with many parts 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.420 and we all look different. 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:38.220 We all have 00:20:38.220 --> 00:20:39.140 different nationalities 00:20:39.140 --> 00:20:40.259 and speak different languages 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:41.200 and we all have 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:41.980 different gifts 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:43.440 that God gives us 00:20:43.440 --> 00:20:44.279 to serve one another. 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.420 Paul says, 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.339 by one spirit 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:47.420 we were all baptized 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:48.980 into one body 00:20:48.980 --> 00:20:50.920 to serve one another. 00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:53.180 And some of you, 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:53.799 verse 11, 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.460 some of you have gifts 00:20:55.460 --> 00:20:56.660 associated with speaking, 00:20:58.140 --> 00:20:58.500 preaching, 00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:00.200 teaching, 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:01.920 Sunday school, 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:02.920 leading Bible studies, 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.579 that kind of thing. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:04.359 Things that tend 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:05.240 to be quite public. 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:07.740 And still in verse 11, 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:08.539 towards the end, 00:21:08.940 --> 00:21:09.839 some of the rest of you 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.220 have gifts 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:11.559 that Peter broadly calls 00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:12.859 serving gifts. 00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:14.539 Setting up, 00:21:15.439 --> 00:21:16.059 tearing down, 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:17.480 making and bringing food, 00:21:17.639 --> 00:21:18.319 sound control, 00:21:18.639 --> 00:21:19.079 administration, 00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:20.279 things that aren't 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:21.559 necessarily public 00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:23.059 in the same way, 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.879 but things which impact 00:21:24.879 --> 00:21:25.339 people 00:21:25.339 --> 00:21:26.859 in very tangible, 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.359 visible ways. 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.899 You're all good 00:21:30.899 --> 00:21:31.399 at something. 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.740 You know what 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.459 better than I do. 00:21:34.919 --> 00:21:35.659 But regardless 00:21:35.659 --> 00:21:37.179 of what it is 00:21:37.179 --> 00:21:37.899 you're gifted at, 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:39.620 the Spirit 00:21:39.620 --> 00:21:40.700 gave you 00:21:40.700 --> 00:21:41.340 those gifts 00:21:41.340 --> 00:21:42.519 in order 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:43.340 that you might 00:21:43.340 --> 00:21:44.940 live for other people, 00:21:45.860 --> 00:21:46.940 not for yourself. 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.420 I've been doing 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.000 public speaking 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:49.460 since I was 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:50.280 four years old. 00:21:51.080 --> 00:21:51.620 Started off 00:21:51.620 --> 00:21:52.500 doing school 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:52.980 fesh, 00:21:53.400 --> 00:21:54.000 then going on 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.460 to drama 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:55.200 and debating 00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:56.060 and public speaking 00:21:56.060 --> 00:21:56.580 competitions 00:21:56.580 --> 00:21:57.420 and all that 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:57.960 kind of thing. 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:59.140 I could always 00:21:59.140 --> 00:21:59.880 do that, 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.620 but it wasn't 00:22:01.620 --> 00:22:02.300 until I became 00:22:02.300 --> 00:22:02.900 a Christian 00:22:02.900 --> 00:22:05.000 that those gifts 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:05.800 that I had, 00:22:06.600 --> 00:22:07.840 God changed my mind 00:22:07.840 --> 00:22:08.320 so that I would 00:22:08.320 --> 00:22:08.960 use them 00:22:08.960 --> 00:22:10.540 to give God glory. 00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:11.680 Not to win 00:22:11.680 --> 00:22:12.420 the next debate, 00:22:12.560 --> 00:22:13.040 not to win 00:22:13.040 --> 00:22:13.780 the next argument, 00:22:14.580 --> 00:22:15.660 but to glorify God 00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:16.700 and to live 00:22:16.700 --> 00:22:17.700 for other people. 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.480 And we do this 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:21.620 not by our own efforts, 00:22:22.420 --> 00:22:23.800 but by the power 00:22:23.800 --> 00:22:24.780 of the Spirit. 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:26.600 And that's why, 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:26.940 friends, 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:27.740 if you've ever wondered, 00:22:27.820 --> 00:22:29.000 that's why we pray 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:29.960 for God's will 00:22:29.960 --> 00:22:30.620 to be done 00:22:30.620 --> 00:22:31.319 on earth 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:33.400 as it is in heaven. 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:35.400 Because only God 00:22:35.400 --> 00:22:35.980 will accomplish 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:36.559 God's will. 00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:38.840 And we want it, 00:22:39.140 --> 00:22:39.880 if we want to be 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:40.539 a part of that, 00:22:41.160 --> 00:22:42.180 if we want to see 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:43.019 God's will done 00:22:43.019 --> 00:22:44.640 as we live 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:45.640 to serve one another 00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:47.100 and live for one another, 00:22:47.340 --> 00:22:48.079 then we have to be 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:48.500 prayerful. 00:22:49.400 --> 00:22:50.039 Because otherwise 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:50.660 all the things 00:22:50.660 --> 00:22:51.740 we just talked about, 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.460 being resentful, 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:53.360 getting hard-hearted, 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:54.299 bitter, 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:54.980 all these things 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:55.740 are going to come back. 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:58.840 We need to be prayerful 00:22:58.839 --> 00:23:00.740 so that we can be 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:01.099 humble, 00:23:02.659 --> 00:23:03.240 sacrificial. 00:23:04.179 --> 00:23:05.279 In both our service 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:06.099 and in our prayers, 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.059 we need to mimic 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:08.199 Jesus who said, 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:09.279 the Son of Man 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:10.419 did not come 00:23:10.419 --> 00:23:11.699 to be served, 00:23:12.699 --> 00:23:13.599 but to serve 00:23:13.599 --> 00:23:15.579 and to give his life 00:23:15.579 --> 00:23:17.099 as a ransom 00:23:17.099 --> 00:23:17.799 for many. 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:19.839 And in the same way, 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.819 when we serve 00:23:20.819 --> 00:23:21.839 sacrificially, 00:23:21.919 --> 00:23:22.579 when we live 00:23:22.579 --> 00:23:23.259 for one another, 00:23:23.439 --> 00:23:24.299 what we're actually doing 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:25.059 is we're lifting up 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:26.319 Christ and saying, 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.539 here he is. 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:29.299 This is a picture 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:30.339 of what this looks like. 00:23:31.299 --> 00:23:32.200 Because we're saved, 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:32.639 friends, 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:34.519 so that we can point 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.799 other people to Christ. 00:23:36.759 --> 00:23:37.859 Yes, by our words, 00:23:38.619 --> 00:23:40.359 but also by our actions. 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.259 The way we live, 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.559 not just our own 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:44.379 personal holiness, 00:23:44.659 --> 00:23:45.500 but the way we live 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:46.240 for one another 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:48.180 and serve one another. 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:50.519 Just like it was 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:51.619 God's will for the Son 00:23:51.619 --> 00:23:53.519 to die for the church, 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:55.159 it's God's will 00:23:55.159 --> 00:23:55.879 for the church 00:23:55.880 --> 00:23:57.500 that we should live 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.800 for one another. 00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:00.640 Thirdly, 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:02.080 and finally, 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:05.220 God's will for the church 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:06.060 is to remember 00:24:06.060 --> 00:24:07.240 that Christ lives 00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:08.500 in us. 00:24:09.560 --> 00:24:10.960 Verses 12 to 14. 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.260 Dear friends, 00:24:12.640 --> 00:24:14.060 don't be surprised 00:24:14.060 --> 00:24:15.340 at the fiery ordeal 00:24:15.340 --> 00:24:17.060 that has come on you 00:24:17.060 --> 00:24:17.860 to test you, 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.720 as though something strange 00:24:19.720 --> 00:24:20.600 were happening to you. 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:22.579 But rejoice 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:24.679 inasmuch as you participate 00:24:24.679 --> 00:24:25.379 in the sufferings 00:24:25.379 --> 00:24:25.939 of Christ, 00:24:26.399 --> 00:24:27.259 so that you may be 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.079 overjoyed 00:24:28.079 --> 00:24:29.159 when his glory is revealed. 00:24:30.159 --> 00:24:31.059 If you are insulted 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:32.459 because of the name 00:24:32.459 --> 00:24:32.959 of Christ, 00:24:33.899 --> 00:24:34.599 you are blessed. 00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:36.779 For the spirit of glory 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.399 and of God 00:24:37.399 --> 00:24:39.019 rests on you. 00:24:39.899 --> 00:24:40.799 This is the theme 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:41.759 that runs all the way 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:42.579 through Peter's letter, 00:24:43.199 --> 00:24:44.199 from start to finish. 00:24:44.339 --> 00:24:45.399 When things go wrong, 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:47.339 when bad things happen, 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:49.240 where is God? 00:24:50.639 --> 00:24:51.679 Has he forgotten about me? 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:54.299 Have I done something wrong? 00:24:55.139 --> 00:24:56.099 We won't turn to it, 00:24:56.139 --> 00:24:57.399 but think all the way back 00:24:57.399 --> 00:24:58.559 to the very beginning, 00:24:59.139 --> 00:24:59.639 if you can, 00:24:59.679 --> 00:25:00.339 of Peter's letter. 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:01.899 The very first sermon 00:25:01.899 --> 00:25:02.819 I ever preached to you. 00:25:03.459 --> 00:25:04.279 Peter told us 00:25:04.279 --> 00:25:05.740 that this suffering 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:07.799 is like a refiner's fire 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:10.179 that you use on gold 00:25:10.179 --> 00:25:12.299 to weed out 00:25:12.299 --> 00:25:13.059 all the impurities 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:13.939 and to clean it up, 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:15.019 to make the gold pure. 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:16.159 And he's saying, 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:17.319 don't be surprised 00:25:17.319 --> 00:25:19.439 when the fire comes 00:25:19.439 --> 00:25:20.960 because it's not 00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:21.879 something strange. 00:25:22.919 --> 00:25:24.240 It's not something unusual. 00:25:24.939 --> 00:25:25.559 It's not something 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.399 out of the ordinary. 00:25:27.359 --> 00:25:28.179 Suffering is something 00:25:28.179 --> 00:25:29.279 that God allows us 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:30.019 to go through 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:32.960 to develop 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:34.599 our Christian character, 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:36.200 to see what is our response 00:25:36.200 --> 00:25:37.019 to this suffering, 00:25:37.439 --> 00:25:38.779 to learn to trust him, 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:41.359 to rely on his own strength. 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:42.960 Not my strength. 00:25:43.960 --> 00:25:45.079 When I got the phone call 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:45.519 one morning 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:46.059 and my sister 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:46.859 had hanged herself, 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:49.119 was I going to rely 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:49.960 on my own strength 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:51.059 in that moment? 00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:52.399 There's no way. 00:25:53.439 --> 00:25:54.240 This is so that 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:55.139 despite what life 00:25:55.139 --> 00:25:55.799 throws at us, 00:25:55.919 --> 00:25:56.539 whether it's people 00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:57.759 mocking us for our faith 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:59.379 or suing us 00:25:59.379 --> 00:25:59.879 because we won't 00:25:59.879 --> 00:26:00.439 bake a cake 00:26:00.439 --> 00:26:00.980 for their wedding 00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:03.439 or bullying at work 00:26:03.439 --> 00:26:04.720 or school 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.379 or sickness 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:06.139 or unemployment 00:26:06.139 --> 00:26:07.519 or whatever it is, 00:26:07.919 --> 00:26:08.579 you still, 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:09.519 verse 13, 00:26:10.099 --> 00:26:10.659 rejoice 00:26:10.659 --> 00:26:12.379 that we participate 00:26:12.379 --> 00:26:13.899 in the sufferings 00:26:13.899 --> 00:26:15.000 of Christ. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.079 Christ. 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:17.039 And if it's all ourselves, 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:17.900 we can't do that 00:26:17.900 --> 00:26:18.940 because this is the key. 00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:22.599 Christ lives in you. 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:26.619 God lives in you. 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:28.259 We don't do this ourselves. 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:31.240 We didn't wake up one day 00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:33.059 that we had all this faith stuff 00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:33.680 figured out 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:36.700 and decide that we were just 00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:37.319 really smart 00:26:37.319 --> 00:26:39.140 and made ourselves believe 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:39.720 the right thing. 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.279 Ephesians 2 says 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:41.980 that we were dead. 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:43.839 Not sick. 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:45.819 Not unconscious. 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:47.559 Dead. 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.779 Dead in our sins 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:50.700 and our transgressions 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:51.720 and that God 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:53.039 made us alive. 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:54.799 And he didn't just 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:56.180 bring us back to life 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:56.740 and then say, 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.380 off you go then, 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:57.980 figure things out 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:58.480 for yourself, 00:26:58.600 --> 00:26:59.360 but he actually 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:00.920 took up residence 00:27:00.920 --> 00:27:02.400 inside us. 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:05.100 I don't know 00:27:05.100 --> 00:27:05.480 if many of you 00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:06.240 have the King James. 00:27:06.339 --> 00:27:06.860 I'm a bit of a 00:27:06.860 --> 00:27:08.000 King James aficionado. 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:09.680 And Galatians 2.20 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.319 says this, 00:27:10.619 --> 00:27:12.019 I am crucified with Christ. 00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:13.440 Nevertheless, 00:27:14.339 --> 00:27:15.000 I live. 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:16.420 Yet, 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:17.880 not I, 00:27:18.859 --> 00:27:19.839 but Christ 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:21.299 liveth in me. 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.140 And the life 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:23.240 which I now live 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:23.839 in the flesh, 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:25.480 I live by the faith 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.460 of the Son of God 00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:27.940 who loved me 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:29.259 and gave himself 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:30.240 for me. 00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:32.119 I am crucified 00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:32.799 with Christ. 00:27:33.099 --> 00:27:33.420 Nevertheless, 00:27:33.839 --> 00:27:34.460 I live. 00:27:34.660 --> 00:27:34.859 Yet, 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:35.500 not I, 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:36.660 but Christ 00:27:36.660 --> 00:27:37.940 lives in me. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:40.519 Friends, 00:27:40.619 --> 00:27:41.119 if our faith 00:27:41.119 --> 00:27:41.759 is in Christ 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:44.220 and we suffer 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:44.980 in this life, 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:45.799 even though we're 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.579 doing nothing wrong, 00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:47.539 like Sam was talking 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:48.259 about this morning, 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.099 even if we're doing 00:27:50.099 --> 00:27:50.920 nothing wrong, 00:27:51.880 --> 00:27:52.339 Christ 00:27:52.339 --> 00:27:53.440 still 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:54.680 lives 00:27:54.680 --> 00:27:55.859 in us. 00:27:57.039 --> 00:27:57.720 God's will 00:27:57.720 --> 00:27:58.019 is that 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:58.920 we remember 00:27:58.920 --> 00:27:59.799 this 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:01.640 in the good times 00:28:01.640 --> 00:28:03.980 and in the bad times. 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:06.180 You might say 00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:06.900 in sickness 00:28:06.900 --> 00:28:07.640 and in health. 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:09.740 For richer, 00:28:10.120 --> 00:28:10.820 for poorer, 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:12.080 this is a covenant 00:28:12.080 --> 00:28:13.600 that God 00:28:13.600 --> 00:28:14.140 himself 00:28:14.140 --> 00:28:15.240 has made with us 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.120 by taking up 00:28:16.120 --> 00:28:16.799 residence 00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:17.940 inside us. 00:28:19.940 --> 00:28:20.539 Christ 00:28:20.539 --> 00:28:21.680 lives 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:22.700 in you. 00:28:23.880 --> 00:28:24.600 Is there anything 00:28:24.600 --> 00:28:25.480 that ought to cause us 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.240 to praise God 00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:27.640 more than this? 00:28:28.180 --> 00:28:28.940 That Christ 00:28:28.940 --> 00:28:30.100 lives in us? 00:28:31.100 --> 00:28:31.519 Verses 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.660 15 and 16. 00:28:33.139 --> 00:28:33.799 Don't suffer 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:34.420 because you break 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:34.900 the law 00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:36.519 or you gossip 00:28:36.519 --> 00:28:37.259 or you meddle 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:38.259 in other people's lives 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:39.599 because all of us, 00:28:39.680 --> 00:28:39.900 believer, 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:40.539 unbeliever, 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:41.480 just as I was saying, 00:28:41.559 --> 00:28:42.740 we're all going to answer 00:28:42.740 --> 00:28:44.279 to the king of the ages 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:44.799 one day 00:28:44.799 --> 00:28:46.039 and we're going to have 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:47.160 to give an answer 00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:47.759 as we stand 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:48.460 in that judgment. 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:50.220 Even the righteous, 00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:51.359 you know, 00:28:51.359 --> 00:28:52.059 the people who always 00:28:52.059 --> 00:28:53.019 seem to do the right thing, 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.519 people who always 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:55.480 seem to do the good thing. 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:57.220 Peter says, 00:28:57.400 --> 00:28:58.059 even they don't have 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:58.980 an easy time of this. 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:00.940 It's almost impossible 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:01.380 for them, 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:02.460 so imagine what it's like 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:03.680 for the unrighteous. 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:05.839 And I was thinking 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:06.900 how to illustrate this. 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:08.940 We'll call this 00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:09.740 a preacher's story. 00:29:10.960 --> 00:29:11.819 You can read into it 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:12.259 what you will. 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:13.839 A preacher once 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:14.539 went to visit 00:29:14.539 --> 00:29:15.420 an elderly woman 00:29:15.420 --> 00:29:16.660 in the hospital 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:18.480 and she was near the end 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:20.220 and the preacher 00:29:20.220 --> 00:29:20.920 said to her, 00:29:21.819 --> 00:29:22.440 when you stand 00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:23.259 in front of God, 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:25.319 what will you say? 00:29:26.480 --> 00:29:27.480 What will you do? 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.319 And she said, 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:29.920 I'll tell him 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:30.420 that I've raised 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:31.000 eight children 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:33.519 and that I worked 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.599 these hands to the bone 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:35.960 and I'll lift up 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.559 these hands 00:29:36.559 --> 00:29:37.779 and I'll say, 00:29:37.819 --> 00:29:38.620 I didn't have any time 00:29:38.620 --> 00:29:39.539 for church 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:41.059 or for Jesus 00:29:41.059 --> 00:29:42.140 or for any of that 00:29:42.140 --> 00:29:42.759 sort of stuff 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:44.539 but I did my best 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:46.019 and I'll just hold up 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.480 these hands. 00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:49.259 And the preacher replied, 00:29:49.640 --> 00:29:50.660 you're too late, dear. 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:53.940 Somebody beat you to it. 00:29:53.940 --> 00:29:56.220 Somebody got in line 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:56.900 in front of you 00:29:56.900 --> 00:29:58.039 and he already held up 00:29:58.039 --> 00:29:58.660 his hands 00:29:58.660 --> 00:30:00.980 and God has no eyes 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:02.279 for anybody else. 00:30:03.840 --> 00:30:04.779 If we think 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:06.360 we can convince God 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:08.500 that because the way 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:09.480 we lived our lives 00:30:09.480 --> 00:30:11.620 or reacted to our circumstances 00:30:11.620 --> 00:30:13.039 makes us righteous, 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:15.600 makes us right in his lives, 00:30:15.820 --> 00:30:16.519 then frankly, 00:30:16.680 --> 00:30:17.700 we're on a hiding to nothing. 00:30:17.700 --> 00:30:21.680 unless those things 00:30:21.680 --> 00:30:23.900 were the proof of a heart 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:25.799 that believed 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:27.039 that God raised Jesus 00:30:27.039 --> 00:30:27.660 from the dead 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:29.980 and confessed with our mouths 00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:31.340 that Jesus is Lord. 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.480 That it is only 00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:34.799 the righteousness of Jesus 00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:37.160 that makes us righteous. 00:30:38.160 --> 00:30:39.080 And because once again, 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:42.660 Christ lives in us. 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:44.620 As we finish, 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:45.640 let's think about this. 00:30:45.640 --> 00:30:48.100 Do we know these things? 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:50.860 Do we really know 00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:51.560 that God's will 00:30:51.560 --> 00:30:53.000 is for us to stop 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:54.340 living for ourselves? 00:30:55.140 --> 00:30:56.640 For that next pint? 00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:59.280 For that next bit of gossip? 00:30:59.960 --> 00:31:01.300 For that next bit of comfort, 00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:01.920 entertainment, 00:31:02.100 --> 00:31:02.780 whatever the case? 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:04.300 To be holy 00:31:04.300 --> 00:31:05.960 as God is holy? 00:31:07.240 --> 00:31:08.880 To take our new selves 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:11.360 and not to live for ourselves, 00:31:11.359 --> 00:31:13.759 but to throw ourselves 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:15.299 into living for others. 00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:17.759 And doing all these things 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:18.659 because Christ 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:20.159 took up residence in us. 00:31:20.959 --> 00:31:22.179 Not because we want 00:31:22.179 --> 00:31:23.199 to be really good people, 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:23.819 although we do, 00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:25.959 but it's because Christ 00:31:25.959 --> 00:31:27.299 took up residence in us 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:28.779 and his righteousness 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:30.459 lets us stand 00:31:30.459 --> 00:31:31.319 before the Father 00:31:31.319 --> 00:31:33.259 and be counted as righteous. 00:31:34.899 --> 00:31:35.899 Remember that we have 00:31:35.899 --> 00:31:37.919 this rock-solid assurance, 00:31:38.339 --> 00:31:39.199 what Peter called 00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:39.880 in chapter 1, 00:31:40.100 --> 00:31:41.340 this living hope 00:31:41.340 --> 00:31:43.039 that we'll never die 00:31:43.039 --> 00:31:44.740 because of the work 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.980 of Jesus on the cross 00:31:45.980 --> 00:31:46.440 who said, 00:31:46.539 --> 00:31:47.380 it is finished. 00:31:48.039 --> 00:31:49.380 There's nothing else to do. 00:31:50.920 --> 00:31:52.100 In verse 19, 00:31:53.160 --> 00:31:54.420 with all these things, 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:54.940 it's simple. 00:31:56.200 --> 00:31:57.259 Let's commit ourselves 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.460 to the one who created us 00:31:58.460 --> 00:32:01.059 and continue to do good. 00:32:01.059 --> 00:32:03.539 Because it's all about him, 00:32:03.659 --> 00:32:03.899 friends. 00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:06.259 This isn't about us. 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:08.240 It's not about 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:09.700 our families 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.299 or jobs 00:32:10.299 --> 00:32:10.799 or careers, 00:32:10.899 --> 00:32:11.919 whatever the case might be. 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:13.980 It's about him. 00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:16.359 Because life will be hard. 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:18.240 Life is hard. 00:32:20.179 --> 00:32:21.319 But let's keep going. 00:32:23.139 --> 00:32:25.119 Let's keep loving one another. 00:32:26.159 --> 00:32:27.099 Let's keep bearing 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:28.059 one another's burdens 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:29.559 and weeping with those 00:32:29.559 --> 00:32:30.039 who weep 00:32:30.039 --> 00:32:30.720 and rejoicing 00:32:30.720 --> 00:32:31.659 with those who rejoice 00:32:31.659 --> 00:32:33.559 and living for one another. 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:35.740 Remember that it's only 00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:37.319 by Christ's strength 00:32:37.319 --> 00:32:38.799 that we keep going. 00:32:39.019 --> 00:32:39.839 Don't try to do this 00:32:39.839 --> 00:32:40.519 by yourselves. 00:32:41.879 --> 00:32:42.460 Submit yourself 00:32:42.460 --> 00:32:43.379 to the Lord in prayer. 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:46.559 Come to the fountain 00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:48.000 that never runs dry 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:49.339 and drink 00:32:49.339 --> 00:32:50.720 from the living water. 00:32:52.139 --> 00:32:53.019 Let's remember that 00:32:53.019 --> 00:32:54.500 whether it's the land of plenty, 00:32:55.599 --> 00:32:57.279 whether it's the barren desert, 00:32:57.279 --> 00:33:00.259 whether we're on top 00:33:00.259 --> 00:33:00.720 of the mountain 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:02.539 or in the valley 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:04.539 or the noonday sun 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.500 or the pitch of black, 00:33:06.279 --> 00:33:07.819 God 00:33:07.819 --> 00:33:09.539 came to earth 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:12.279 and took up residence 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:13.240 in you 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:15.079 and in me. 00:33:16.339 --> 00:33:17.299 And those 00:33:17.299 --> 00:33:18.700 whom he draws to himself 00:33:18.700 --> 00:33:20.220 will never 00:33:20.220 --> 00:33:21.899 be brought out of his hand. 00:33:22.379 --> 00:33:23.700 They will be lifted up 00:33:23.700 --> 00:33:25.220 on the last day. 00:33:25.220 --> 00:33:27.559 Let's remember the words 00:33:27.559 --> 00:33:28.160 of the old hymn. 00:33:29.600 --> 00:33:30.420 King James, 00:33:30.579 --> 00:33:31.079 old hymns. 00:33:31.120 --> 00:33:32.440 I'm on to old stuff today, 00:33:32.519 --> 00:33:32.819 apparently. 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:34.799 The old hymn, 00:33:34.880 --> 00:33:36.299 I hear the Saviour say, 00:33:37.299 --> 00:33:38.960 Thy strength indeed is small. 00:33:40.400 --> 00:33:41.240 Child of weakness, 00:33:41.700 --> 00:33:42.059 watch 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:43.400 and pray. 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:45.500 Find in me 00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:46.920 thine all 00:33:46.920 --> 00:33:47.440 in all. 00:33:48.759 --> 00:33:49.059 Amen. 00:33:50.059 --> 00:33:50.700 Let's pray. 00:33:50.700 --> 00:33:50.819 Amen. 00:33:55.779 --> 00:33:56.579 Gracious Father, 00:33:56.680 --> 00:33:57.579 we give you praise 00:33:57.579 --> 00:33:58.779 for what you've done for us. 00:34:01.660 --> 00:34:02.839 It's not always easy, 00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:03.100 Lord. 00:34:04.380 --> 00:34:05.559 It's not always easy 00:34:05.559 --> 00:34:06.660 in this world of sin, 00:34:06.860 --> 00:34:07.559 death and decay 00:34:07.559 --> 00:34:08.000 to 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:09.480 declare 00:34:09.480 --> 00:34:10.760 boldly 00:34:10.760 --> 00:34:12.440 the praises of you 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:13.400 who brought us 00:34:13.400 --> 00:34:14.099 out of darkness 00:34:14.099 --> 00:34:16.059 and into the light. 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:18.139 We ask you, 00:34:18.260 --> 00:34:18.320 Lord, 00:34:18.380 --> 00:34:18.820 for help. 00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:20.820 Lord, 00:34:20.860 --> 00:34:21.900 we know that you live in us. 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:23.340 We don't often feel it. 00:34:24.340 --> 00:34:25.480 Help us to be aware 00:34:25.480 --> 00:34:26.780 of your presence in us. 00:34:28.340 --> 00:34:29.420 Give us strength 00:34:29.420 --> 00:34:30.260 day by day 00:34:30.260 --> 00:34:31.400 to simply keep going. 00:34:33.220 --> 00:34:34.500 To love one another 00:34:34.500 --> 00:34:35.500 as you love us. 00:34:36.240 --> 00:34:37.559 To serve one another 00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:40.400 as you came to earth 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:41.039 to serve 00:34:41.039 --> 00:34:42.660 and become a ransom 00:34:42.660 --> 00:34:43.119 for many. 00:34:44.579 --> 00:34:45.599 Give us the strength 00:34:45.599 --> 00:34:46.240 to keep going. 00:34:47.480 --> 00:34:48.519 Whether you give 00:34:48.519 --> 00:34:49.579 or whether you take away, 00:34:49.579 --> 00:34:52.019 help us to do everything 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:53.360 for your glory. 00:34:54.679 --> 00:34:56.039 And as we come to a close 00:34:56.039 --> 00:34:57.000 and finish in song, 00:34:57.420 --> 00:34:58.319 help us once again 00:34:58.319 --> 00:34:59.940 to elevate our 00:34:59.940 --> 00:35:01.539 voices 00:35:01.539 --> 00:35:02.480 and our hearts 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.619 to commune with you, 00:35:03.940 --> 00:35:04.880 to enter into your 00:35:04.880 --> 00:35:05.599 holy of holies 00:35:05.599 --> 00:35:06.079 and to 00:35:06.079 --> 00:35:07.900 get a tangible sense 00:35:07.900 --> 00:35:08.840 that you do indeed 00:35:08.840 --> 00:35:09.519 live in us. 00:35:10.759 --> 00:35:11.659 Be with us, Lord. 00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:14.059 All for your glory. 00:35:14.759 --> 00:35:16.239 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:17.219 Amen. 00:35:17.219 --> 00:35:17.319 Amen. 00:35:19.579 --> 00:35:19.980 Amen.