WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.140 Alright, if you have your Bible with you, you can open it up to 2 Timothy. 00:00:10.519 --> 00:00:14.280 We're still working our way through this letter, and we are in chapter 2. 00:00:15.759 --> 00:00:19.379 And we're going to be looking at verses 20 to 26 this morning. 00:00:20.320 --> 00:00:24.560 And as we get going here, I just want to remind us a little bit of the context. 00:00:24.559 --> 00:00:33.799 Paul is giving instructions to Timothy about how he should live and how he should lead there in the church in Ephesus. 00:00:34.579 --> 00:00:36.899 And we already covered some of these instructions. 00:00:37.159 --> 00:00:38.939 We looked at verses 14 to 19. 00:00:39.640 --> 00:00:43.960 And we heard about how Timothy is to keep reminding the church of the gospel. 00:00:44.780 --> 00:00:50.799 And about how he is to warn the church against fighting and arguing over things. 00:00:51.539 --> 00:00:54.480 We heard about how he is to aim to please God. 00:00:54.560 --> 00:00:58.660 And to shoot straight as he teaches the word of God. 00:00:59.179 --> 00:01:02.040 How he is to avoid godless chatter. 00:01:02.660 --> 00:01:10.159 Which refers to the empty and unbiblical teachings and ideas of others who try to add to the gospel. 00:01:11.560 --> 00:01:15.960 And we heard Paul give the examples of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 00:01:16.260 --> 00:01:22.520 Who had departed from the truth and were advocating false things in the name of Jesus. 00:01:22.519 --> 00:01:27.879 Well now, as we continue on with this section, Paul gives an illustration. 00:01:28.079 --> 00:01:30.879 A sort of an object lesson about what he means. 00:01:31.199 --> 00:01:34.579 He says, think about a large household. 00:01:35.979 --> 00:01:40.699 In a large house, there are articles not only of gold and silver. 00:01:41.140 --> 00:01:44.079 But also of wood and clay. 00:01:44.079 --> 00:01:46.739 Some are for special purposes. 00:01:46.739 --> 00:01:48.819 Some are for common use. 00:01:49.620 --> 00:01:55.000 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes. 00:01:55.640 --> 00:01:56.640 Made holy. 00:01:57.500 --> 00:01:58.879 Useful to the master. 00:01:59.659 --> 00:02:02.659 And prepared to do any good work. 00:02:02.659 --> 00:02:07.840 Now to Timothy in Ephesus, this illustration would have made perfect sense. 00:02:08.340 --> 00:02:14.599 If you remember back to the first letter to Timothy, there were people in the church in Ephesus that were very wealthy. 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:18.099 And who likely had houses like this. 00:02:18.159 --> 00:02:19.139 Some of them at least. 00:02:20.079 --> 00:02:25.340 Paul points to the various instruments or vessels that might be found in a large house. 00:02:25.340 --> 00:02:28.319 And he says that there are two different kinds. 00:02:29.319 --> 00:02:31.819 There are those made of gold and silver. 00:02:33.140 --> 00:02:36.379 But not everything in the house is made of gold and silver. 00:02:37.039 --> 00:02:41.060 Some of the instruments or vessels, he says, are made of wood and clay. 00:02:42.259 --> 00:02:47.699 And to appreciate this, I think we almost need to translate this metaphor a little bit into our modern times. 00:02:47.699 --> 00:02:53.639 There are your really good, your really nice, special, fancy things. 00:02:54.519 --> 00:02:59.479 Maybe you have a really nice set of towels that you keep for when company comes to stay with you. 00:02:59.819 --> 00:03:06.620 Or maybe you have a fancier set of dishes or cutlery that you put out when guests come over for dinner. 00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:16.259 It used to be that china and silverware was the thing to pull out on special occasions when special guests would come to visit. 00:03:16.259 --> 00:03:24.859 Maybe nowadays you still have some kind of a crystal serving bowl that you would use for a special dessert or salad. 00:03:25.519 --> 00:03:30.280 It's a way to honor your guests and to communicate that they're special. 00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:39.439 But you would never use the large crystal bowl as your garbage can in the bathroom. 00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:47.020 You would never take your silverware, if you have it, and use it to dig in the garden and pull weeds. 00:03:48.520 --> 00:03:52.079 Have you ever seen a toilet brush overlaid with gold? 00:03:52.780 --> 00:03:53.719 Or silver? 00:03:54.560 --> 00:03:55.659 Or a plunger? 00:03:56.479 --> 00:03:57.780 Or a mop bucket? 00:03:58.879 --> 00:03:59.639 Of course not. 00:03:59.639 --> 00:04:07.500 I mean, it would be almost wrong or a waste to use something so special and valuable as gold 00:04:07.500 --> 00:04:15.259 for something so crude and dirty as digging in the garden or collecting your trash or unclogging your toilet. 00:04:16.719 --> 00:04:21.479 And now, it's important that we understand here what Paul is driving at. 00:04:21.480 --> 00:04:26.000 Is this a distinction between special and common? 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:31.140 Or is it between honorable and dishonorable? 00:04:31.960 --> 00:04:36.160 I know the translation on screen suggests that it's special versus common. 00:04:36.780 --> 00:04:42.560 But if we study this passage carefully, if we look into the words that Paul uses 00:04:42.560 --> 00:04:47.400 and look at some of the other translations, it leads us in the other direction. 00:04:47.399 --> 00:04:52.339 It's actually a contrast of honorable versus dishonorable. 00:04:53.659 --> 00:04:56.979 And you could see that in the words and in the words he chooses, 00:04:57.299 --> 00:04:59.799 but you can also see it here in the context. 00:05:00.620 --> 00:05:05.859 This is how Paul goes on to translate this object lesson back into Timothy's life. 00:05:06.479 --> 00:05:08.539 He says in verse 21, 00:05:09.199 --> 00:05:13.159 those who cleanse themselves from the latter, from the dishonorable, 00:05:13.160 --> 00:05:19.960 will be instruments for honorable purposes, made holy, useful to the master, 00:05:20.740 --> 00:05:22.840 and prepared to do any good work. 00:05:23.960 --> 00:05:27.620 And then Paul goes a step further and he applies it even more concretely. 00:05:28.760 --> 00:05:33.360 This is what this means, to cleanse yourself from this, the dishonorable to the honorable. 00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:43.280 It means flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, 00:05:43.819 --> 00:05:46.379 along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 00:05:46.980 --> 00:05:50.580 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, 00:05:50.580 --> 00:05:53.280 because you know that they produce quarrels. 00:05:53.800 --> 00:05:59.319 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, 00:05:59.319 --> 00:06:03.659 able to teach, not resentful. 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:08.519 So this is Paul applying the illustration to Timothy's life. 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:12.339 He's saying cleanse yourself from the dishonorable things, 00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:15.500 flee those evil desires of youth, 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:18.620 don't have anything to do with those foolish and stupid arguments, 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:22.740 and instead pursue these honorable uses, these honorable things, 00:06:22.740 --> 00:06:31.740 righteousness, faith, love, peace, kindness, gentleness. 00:06:32.980 --> 00:06:39.160 So it's not special versus common, it's honorable versus dishonorable. 00:06:40.040 --> 00:06:42.519 Cleanse yourself from the dishonorable things, 00:06:42.759 --> 00:06:48.180 and set yourself apart specially in the household of God for honorable use. 00:06:48.180 --> 00:06:54.079 And this really does fit with what we've been hearing from Paul so far in this letter. 00:06:54.759 --> 00:06:58.519 If you remember leading up to this in verses 14 to 19, 00:06:58.759 --> 00:07:02.480 Paul's just been telling Timothy not to fight over words 00:07:02.480 --> 00:07:06.939 or promote godless chatter like Hymenaeus and Philetus are doing. 00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:13.019 Instead, present yourself to God as one approved, he said earlier. 00:07:13.100 --> 00:07:17.579 A worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, but correctly handles the word of truth. 00:07:17.579 --> 00:07:24.879 And so Hymenaeus and Philetus, they're examples of men who have been living dishonorably, 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:27.019 and Paul's now calling Timothy to be different. 00:07:27.159 --> 00:07:28.019 Don't be like them. 00:07:29.019 --> 00:07:31.519 Cleanse yourself of the things they're doing and saying, 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:35.240 and be an instrument of honor in the household of God. 00:07:37.019 --> 00:07:41.279 Going back to the illustration, and maybe translating it into our modern household, 00:07:41.899 --> 00:07:45.120 it's as if Paul is saying, don't be a toilet brush. 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:47.300 Don't be a garbage can. 00:07:47.699 --> 00:07:54.079 Giving yourself to the morally filthy and dirty things that many people today are giving themselves to. 00:07:54.220 --> 00:07:54.420 No. 00:07:54.920 --> 00:07:57.560 Cleanse yourself from those things. 00:07:58.139 --> 00:08:01.980 Be set apart for the good and the noble and the honorable things. 00:08:02.100 --> 00:08:05.100 Give yourselves to these things, and in so doing, be holy. 00:08:05.639 --> 00:08:06.939 Be useful to the master. 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:11.519 Think of it from the master's perspective in the household. 00:08:11.519 --> 00:08:16.779 Most of you oversee your home if you're an adult. 00:08:17.099 --> 00:08:21.099 Do you have any delight in your toilet brush? 00:08:22.419 --> 00:08:24.319 Or in your garbage can? 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:32.699 But how about that special serving dish or utensil that you put out when company comes? 00:08:34.059 --> 00:08:37.939 Be one of those for the pleasure of our Lord Jesus. 00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:40.980 Be fit and ready for honorable use. 00:08:42.400 --> 00:08:43.660 And now how do we do that? 00:08:43.740 --> 00:08:49.400 Well, Paul's going to give this list to Timothy of instructions about how this should look in his life. 00:08:49.600 --> 00:08:51.400 And we're going to look at each one of these. 00:08:52.300 --> 00:08:57.960 But before we do, let's just notice the personal emphasis of these imperatives. 00:08:57.960 --> 00:09:17.300 Notice that Timothy is to be active in this. 00:09:18.100 --> 00:09:19.300 Cleanse themselves. 00:09:20.379 --> 00:09:21.860 This is an intentional thing. 00:09:21.960 --> 00:09:23.200 This isn't a passive thing. 00:09:23.200 --> 00:09:29.080 This isn't just sit there and wait for God to do this in you. 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:32.820 In the meantime, you can kind of keep on doing the dishonorable things. 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:34.480 No. 00:09:35.860 --> 00:09:38.379 Cleanse yourself of the dishonorable things. 00:09:38.520 --> 00:09:39.160 Make effort. 00:09:39.360 --> 00:09:42.900 Make the choices needed to clean those things out of your lives. 00:09:45.540 --> 00:09:47.180 Let's come down to verse 22. 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:49.860 The same sort of sentiment is there. 00:09:49.860 --> 00:09:53.039 Flee the evil desires of youth. 00:09:54.139 --> 00:09:55.879 Again, there's no passivity here. 00:09:55.960 --> 00:10:01.100 He doesn't say, well, go ahead and scratch the itch of lust as often as you must. 00:10:01.220 --> 00:10:02.840 One day God's going to change your heart. 00:10:03.180 --> 00:10:06.399 And when you're older, you know it'll be easier to say no to that stuff. 00:10:06.940 --> 00:10:07.300 No. 00:10:07.740 --> 00:10:10.700 He says, flee the evil desires of youth. 00:10:10.840 --> 00:10:11.879 Run away from them. 00:10:12.779 --> 00:10:14.820 If you're tempted, take action. 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:16.620 Get out of there. 00:10:16.620 --> 00:10:16.639 Get out of there. 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:24.519 The evil desires of youth is quite literally youthful lusts. 00:10:25.279 --> 00:10:27.519 These are immoral desires of the flesh. 00:10:28.899 --> 00:10:33.600 In this case, the primary meaning here is immoral sexual desires. 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:35.320 Cleanse yourself from them. 00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:36.500 Run away from them. 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:41.600 And pursue righteousness. 00:10:44.420 --> 00:10:45.700 Pursue righteousness. 00:10:45.700 --> 00:10:49.680 Again, this imperative is the furthest thing from passive. 00:10:50.520 --> 00:10:54.440 To pursue means to move rapidly and decisively towards something. 00:10:54.640 --> 00:10:55.720 To run after it. 00:10:55.940 --> 00:10:56.580 To get it. 00:10:58.020 --> 00:11:01.920 And I had a great story I was going to share, but for time I'm going to cut it out there. 00:11:04.680 --> 00:11:06.460 But this is an active word. 00:11:07.800 --> 00:11:08.920 Both involve running. 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:10.360 Fleeing is running from. 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:12.120 Pursuing is running toward. 00:11:12.740 --> 00:11:13.399 Running to. 00:11:13.519 --> 00:11:15.899 And Paul says, what he's supposed to pursue? 00:11:16.100 --> 00:11:18.060 He says, pursue righteousness. 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:26.639 Righteousness here means living a life that's morally upright according to God's commands. 00:11:27.680 --> 00:11:28.919 It's a very broad term. 00:11:29.060 --> 00:11:31.500 It could kind of cover all kinds of things. 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:34.820 It could cover speaking truthfully rather than lying. 00:11:35.039 --> 00:11:39.419 Or judging fairly rather than accepting a bribe or showing favoritism. 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:43.899 It could cover living for the Lord with all your heart. 00:11:44.159 --> 00:11:48.399 Versus living to chase after idols. 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:50.519 Even idols of the heart. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:52.460 It could cover controlling yourself. 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:58.759 And just not letting anger or violence flow through you toward others. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:12:01.259 And so much more. 00:12:01.379 --> 00:12:06.879 In fact, the whole Bible, it just has loads to say about what it means to be righteous. 00:12:08.039 --> 00:12:10.139 Especially in contrast to sinfulness. 00:12:10.819 --> 00:12:12.000 Wickedness and corruption. 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:15.319 Of course, there's God's perfect righteousness. 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:20.460 And then there's that righteous living that he calls his people to. 00:12:20.559 --> 00:12:22.139 And that's what Paul's talking about here. 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:23.919 Pursue righteousness. 00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:28.879 Don't just think, yeah, someday I'll get around to it. 00:12:29.699 --> 00:12:30.139 No. 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:30.959 Pursue it. 00:12:31.099 --> 00:12:31.879 Go after it. 00:12:32.120 --> 00:12:32.679 Chase it. 00:12:34.919 --> 00:12:37.279 And pursue faith, he says. 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:39.899 Now this might be a surprise. 00:12:41.279 --> 00:12:43.279 We don't usually put those two words together. 00:12:43.679 --> 00:12:45.159 Pursue faith. 00:12:45.159 --> 00:12:50.740 We usually think of faith maybe as something you either have or you don't have. 00:12:52.579 --> 00:12:56.899 Sometimes I wonder though if we aren't confusing our feelings with faith. 00:12:58.039 --> 00:13:02.279 A feeling, that's something that you can, you either have it or you don't have it. 00:13:04.159 --> 00:13:07.779 But faith on the other hand is something you choose sometimes. 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:09.679 You choose to trust. 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:12.259 Despite how you feel. 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:14.019 Despite how things seem. 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:16.519 It's believing God. 00:13:16.659 --> 00:13:20.419 It's trusting in God and in his word and his promises. 00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:26.419 Even when we don't feel or see how that all is working out in the world around us. 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:29.019 Pursue faith, Timothy. 00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:30.939 Go after it. 00:13:31.740 --> 00:13:34.240 If it's lacking, seek God for it. 00:13:34.319 --> 00:13:38.139 Get on your knees and cry out to God to strengthen your faith. 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:44.059 Paul said in the epistle to the Romans that faith comes by hearing the word of God. 00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:46.740 And so put the word of God in front of you. 00:13:47.299 --> 00:13:49.159 So that your faith can grow. 00:13:50.559 --> 00:13:52.679 Don't just wait for this to happen, Timothy. 00:13:53.039 --> 00:13:53.539 Do it. 00:13:53.819 --> 00:13:54.379 Pursue it. 00:13:55.319 --> 00:13:56.639 Go after it with tenacity. 00:13:56.639 --> 00:14:01.759 Pursue love, he says. 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:08.779 Again, this is one of those ones where, that's an interesting combination. 00:14:08.779 --> 00:14:14.159 We think of love as something we either have or we don't have. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:16.839 But love is more than just a feeling. 00:14:17.779 --> 00:14:19.480 It's also an action. 00:14:20.480 --> 00:14:24.419 It's acting benevolently toward other people. 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:28.579 Acting to meet the needs of others. 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:33.059 Staying true to those covenant and family obligations that we have. 00:14:33.059 --> 00:14:34.339 This is what love does. 00:14:35.939 --> 00:14:41.759 Jesus commanded his disciples at the Last Supper in the upper room to love each other. 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:47.219 He said, by this, the world will know that you are my disciples. 00:14:47.959 --> 00:14:49.859 If you love one another. 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:54.119 That was right after he washed their feet. 00:14:56.219 --> 00:15:01.019 Is it easy to get down on our hands and knees and serve one another? 00:15:03.059 --> 00:15:09.019 Is it easy to scrub the crusty feet of one another? 00:15:10.659 --> 00:15:14.439 Or to scrape the carpet backing off the floor of the church basement? 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:16.819 No. 00:15:17.579 --> 00:15:20.359 But love does these things for the benefit of others. 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:22.539 And for the needs of others. 00:15:23.199 --> 00:15:24.559 Go after this, Timothy. 00:15:24.719 --> 00:15:27.659 Don't just sit around and wait for that feeling of love to flower. 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:29.919 Lead your heart with action. 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:33.059 Pursue love for others. 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:38.819 And lastly on this little list, pursue peace, he says. 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:40.559 Pursue peace. 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:42.059 This is a difficult one. 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.419 Conflict happens. 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:47.539 It's unavoidable in a family. 00:15:48.419 --> 00:15:51.099 And the church is a big family. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:54.299 How should we deal with conflict when it arises? 00:15:54.299 --> 00:16:00.779 And there are some tendencies that we often see come up when it pertains to conflict. 00:16:01.599 --> 00:16:06.740 Sometimes when it happens, then we do or we say hurtful things or wrong things to each other. 00:16:07.899 --> 00:16:12.000 And maybe they did it to me as well, but it only makes things worse. 00:16:14.439 --> 00:16:15.719 Do we seek peace? 00:16:15.819 --> 00:16:17.679 Do we seek to restore that relationship? 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:21.120 Or do we just decide, yeah, I'm just going to ignore that person. 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:24.039 I'm just going to avoid that person. 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:26.419 Pretend it didn't happen. 00:16:27.259 --> 00:16:28.939 All the while never forgiving. 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:31.939 And never forgetting what they did or said to me. 00:16:32.319 --> 00:16:36.479 Is that the kind of peace that Jesus longs for in his household? 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:43.980 Another tendency is rather to try to even resolve it right from the get-go to just avoid. 00:16:44.300 --> 00:16:45.139 To just leave. 00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:47.560 Go to another church. 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:51.560 Just ignore that person. 00:16:54.100 --> 00:16:56.420 But peace is more than that. 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:59.440 It's not just a ceasefire between opponents. 00:16:59.920 --> 00:17:03.340 Where we stop trading barbs or having fights or arguments. 00:17:03.340 --> 00:17:07.559 Peace is a good, harmonious relationship with one another. 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:11.120 And this isn't something that happens by itself. 00:17:11.700 --> 00:17:13.940 It's something that we have to pursue. 00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:15.519 We have to strive for it. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:17.519 We have to work toward it. 00:17:18.900 --> 00:17:25.180 And yes, it does take humility to take responsibility for the wrong I've done to another. 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:26.960 And admit to them what I did. 00:17:27.019 --> 00:17:28.220 And apologize to them. 00:17:29.400 --> 00:17:33.279 And yes, it does take courage to initiate those kinds of conversations. 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:34.579 When they're needed. 00:17:35.779 --> 00:17:37.059 And they are needed. 00:17:37.379 --> 00:17:40.519 When conflict happens and relationships are broken. 00:17:42.119 --> 00:17:43.939 But don't shy away from this. 00:17:44.159 --> 00:17:45.959 Pursue peace, Timothy. 00:17:46.939 --> 00:17:49.259 And finally, he says, 00:17:49.699 --> 00:17:52.039 Pursue all of these things. 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:55.679 Righteousness, faith, love, and peace. 00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:58.019 Along with those who call on the Lord. 00:17:58.579 --> 00:17:59.579 Out of a pure heart. 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:03.339 Before I got to this phrase, I might have been tempted to say, 00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:04.980 Wow, this sounds really serious. 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:05.639 Pursue. 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:06.879 This is so intense. 00:18:07.159 --> 00:18:09.679 Going after righteousness, faith, love, and peace. 00:18:09.899 --> 00:18:11.839 This sounds like it must be just for Timothy. 00:18:11.839 --> 00:18:13.939 Because he's a spiritual leader in the church. 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:18.919 Because he's got to be at a higher standard. 00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:23.000 Surely not every Christian needs to do this. 00:18:23.700 --> 00:18:25.940 Needs to take their faith this seriously. 00:18:26.320 --> 00:18:31.140 But then this little phrase just silences that excuse of the flesh. 00:18:31.800 --> 00:18:32.160 He says, 00:18:32.360 --> 00:18:35.900 Pursue these things along with those who call on the Lord. 00:18:36.300 --> 00:18:37.620 Out of a pure heart. 00:18:39.320 --> 00:18:40.779 So it's not just for Timothy. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:43.400 It's not just because he serves as a leader. 00:18:43.400 --> 00:18:46.040 That he's to cleanse himself from the dishonorable things. 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:49.280 That he's to flee from the youthful lusts. 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:51.759 It's not just because he's a leader. 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:56.540 That he's to tenaciously pursue righteousness and faith and love and peace. 00:18:56.620 --> 00:19:01.240 This is something that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must do. 00:19:02.360 --> 00:19:04.980 We are all called to be holy. 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:08.759 To be specially set apart for the master's use. 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:11.300 Prepared to do any good work. 00:19:11.299 --> 00:19:13.779 These words are for all of us. 00:19:16.419 --> 00:19:17.779 Paul said it this way. 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:21.799 I'm getting ahead of myself. 00:19:22.339 --> 00:19:23.539 We'll keep it there for a moment. 00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:29.039 This is the normal Christian life. 00:19:30.180 --> 00:19:32.339 Fleeing and pursuing. 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:35.259 I got thinking about this. 00:19:35.419 --> 00:19:37.480 Fleeing from and pursuing. 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:43.640 Which means that the normal Christian life is a life on the run. 00:19:45.480 --> 00:19:46.559 And maybe you're thinking, 00:19:46.960 --> 00:19:51.180 Josh, I'm fill-in-the-blank years old now. 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:53.240 My running days are over. 00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:54.740 I don't have the energy. 00:19:54.900 --> 00:19:57.099 I don't have the strength for that anymore. 00:19:57.200 --> 00:19:58.740 I can barely get up and down the stairs. 00:19:58.860 --> 00:20:00.920 I can barely do half the stuff that I used to. 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:07.380 Isn't there a time when the Christian life just kind of slows down and it's just more of a walk than a run? 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:09.500 Listen. 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:13.480 I'm only 35 years old and I'm already feeling tired. 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:14.700 I get you. 00:20:15.100 --> 00:20:18.580 The idea of running all the time, that sounds tiresome. 00:20:18.840 --> 00:20:20.800 I don't want to run any more than you do. 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:25.799 There comes a time when our physical bodies just aren't like they used to be. 00:20:26.240 --> 00:20:27.159 We get old. 00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:31.079 The strength that we used to have diminishes. 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:36.419 But this is not physical running that Jesus is calling us to. 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:38.259 This is spiritual running. 00:20:38.639 --> 00:20:44.639 It's running away from sin and toward goodness and righteousness. 00:20:44.640 --> 00:20:52.220 It's running away from self-reliance and running to trusting our Lord more and more. 00:20:52.560 --> 00:20:55.720 It's running away from living a life just for the benefit of me. 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:59.540 And to living a life for the benefit of others. 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:00.580 A life of love. 00:21:01.540 --> 00:21:04.000 This is a kind of running that we're called to do. 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:08.080 Fleeing from and pursuing till the day that we die. 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:10.380 Or till Jesus returns. 00:21:10.380 --> 00:21:16.560 Have you known any elderly men or women of faith? 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:19.300 Who can maybe barely walk. 00:21:20.600 --> 00:21:25.260 But are praying and are living for the glory of Christ with all their hearts. 00:21:25.640 --> 00:21:26.840 And loving people. 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:29.200 Whoever and however they can. 00:21:31.520 --> 00:21:34.100 Paul died before he got to be old like that. 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:36.600 But I'm sure that if he'd lived into his 90s. 00:21:36.660 --> 00:21:38.820 He would have been the most passionate follower of Jesus. 00:21:38.819 --> 00:21:40.960 That you ever did see. 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:43.980 He probably wouldn't have been sailing around. 00:21:44.439 --> 00:21:46.019 Preaching the gospel anymore. 00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:51.619 But he probably would have been rolling himself around the old folks home. 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:53.819 Telling as many people as he could have. 00:21:54.339 --> 00:21:55.139 About Jesus. 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:58.679 Whether it was the nurses or the doctors or visitors to the lodge. 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:00.799 Where he sat in his wheelchair. 00:22:01.240 --> 00:22:04.359 Trying to capture the attention of anyone who passed him by. 00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:09.619 Listen to how Paul said it in his letter to the Roman church. 00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:11.139 Romans 12 verse 11. 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:13.779 He said never be lacking in zeal. 00:22:14.559 --> 00:22:16.439 But keep your spiritual fervor. 00:22:17.219 --> 00:22:18.099 Serving the Lord. 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:21.319 The Christian life. 00:22:21.439 --> 00:22:22.500 The normal Christian life. 00:22:22.699 --> 00:22:23.819 Is a life on the run. 00:22:23.919 --> 00:22:26.979 It's fleeing from and it's pursuing these things. 00:22:26.980 --> 00:22:30.019 I don't know how I'm going to go. 00:22:30.420 --> 00:22:31.680 But if I get to be old. 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:34.039 I want to be that 90 something year old man. 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:36.380 Who can barely walk across the hall. 00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:38.180 But inwardly and spiritually. 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:40.279 I'm still running with all my might. 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.519 From sin. 00:22:42.120 --> 00:22:43.440 And towards righteousness. 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.680 And faith. 00:22:45.120 --> 00:22:45.660 And love. 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:46.599 And peace. 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:48.480 In whatever ways I can. 00:22:49.640 --> 00:22:50.980 The normal Christian life. 00:22:51.539 --> 00:22:53.099 Is life on the run. 00:22:53.099 --> 00:22:55.579 Paul goes on. 00:22:55.719 --> 00:22:58.799 He continues to unpack this illustration for Timothy. 00:23:00.699 --> 00:23:01.740 Verse 23. 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:05.559 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. 00:23:06.179 --> 00:23:08.240 Because you know they produce quarrels. 00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:11.019 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome. 00:23:11.439 --> 00:23:13.959 But must be kind to everyone. 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.559 Able to teach. 00:23:16.359 --> 00:23:17.379 Not resentful. 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:22.619 So here's another dishonorable thing that Timothy is to cleanse himself from. 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:25.439 Foolish and stupid arguments. 00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:26.719 Don't have anything to do with them. 00:23:26.819 --> 00:23:27.419 Reject them. 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.079 Avoid them. 00:23:29.359 --> 00:23:30.379 What do they do? 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:32.039 Same thing as he said earlier. 00:23:32.139 --> 00:23:33.379 They create fights. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:34.439 Arguments. 00:23:34.619 --> 00:23:35.099 Quarrels. 00:23:36.219 --> 00:23:37.839 How does that help the Lord. 00:23:39.059 --> 00:23:40.219 And his household. 00:23:41.419 --> 00:23:43.119 Have nothing to do with that. 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:44.319 Instead. 00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:47.899 These are the honorable things that you can do in the Lord's house. 00:23:48.899 --> 00:23:51.019 Be kind to everyone. 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:54.000 Able to teach. 00:23:55.379 --> 00:23:56.660 Not resentful. 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:59.960 Instructing your opponents gently. 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:00.960 That's the next verse. 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:03.740 With restoration as the goal. 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:08.200 Kind to everyone. 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:08.259 Kind to everyone. 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:12.319 Is there anyone to whom we are permitted to be nasty. 00:24:12.960 --> 00:24:13.660 Rude. 00:24:13.900 --> 00:24:14.920 Or insulting. 00:24:16.859 --> 00:24:18.920 I know names are coming to your mind. 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:19.559 What about. 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.559 Not according to Jesus. 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:25.359 The Lord's servant must be kind to. 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.160 Everyone. 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:28.320 Everyone. 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:32.060 This is a convicting one for me. 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:38.980 Very related to this is what comes a little later. 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:40.160 Not resentful. 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:42.200 This phrase means. 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:44.800 To bear evil treatment. 00:24:45.800 --> 00:24:48.120 Without giving into resentment. 00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:52.939 I couldn't help but think of Jesus on the cross. 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:56.219 As the religious leaders insulted him. 00:24:56.759 --> 00:24:57.739 And mocked him. 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.959 And said terrible things. 00:25:01.859 --> 00:25:04.279 They were relishing in his suffering. 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:05.699 And humiliation. 00:25:06.159 --> 00:25:06.639 And death. 00:25:07.179 --> 00:25:08.939 And what did Jesus say in those moments? 00:25:09.979 --> 00:25:10.619 Did he say. 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.859 May God curse you. 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.779 Filthy sinners. 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:13.899 Filthy sinners. 00:25:15.099 --> 00:25:15.660 Dogs. 00:25:15.899 --> 00:25:16.279 Vermin. 00:25:17.319 --> 00:25:19.139 And spit on their faces. 00:25:19.859 --> 00:25:20.960 In angry contempt. 00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:23.740 Was that even rising up in his heart? 00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:25.700 No. 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:28.420 He did not allow resentment. 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:30.759 To even have a landing pad. 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:33.559 No matter how wicked they were. 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:35.720 No matter how deserving of God's punishment. 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:37.139 He said. 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:37.539 Father. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:38.839 Forgive them. 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:41.639 They don't know what they're doing. 00:25:41.640 --> 00:25:45.140 So yes. 00:25:45.320 --> 00:25:45.880 Kindness. 00:25:46.540 --> 00:25:47.220 And love. 00:25:47.860 --> 00:25:48.600 To everyone. 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:50.800 Even toward our enemies. 00:25:51.860 --> 00:25:53.720 Even to those who oppose us. 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:55.060 Or cause trouble for us. 00:25:55.120 --> 00:25:56.580 Or do wicked things. 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:57.600 Or advocate. 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:59.040 Evil ideas. 00:26:00.840 --> 00:26:02.380 This is the way of Christ. 00:26:03.340 --> 00:26:04.840 And it's not an easy way. 00:26:05.840 --> 00:26:07.220 But this is following Jesus. 00:26:08.280 --> 00:26:08.740 Yes. 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:10.100 Hymenaeus and Philetus. 00:26:10.099 --> 00:26:11.379 Are spreading lies. 00:26:11.379 --> 00:26:12.519 About the resurrection. 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:15.199 But it's no excuse. 00:26:15.379 --> 00:26:15.859 For Timothy. 00:26:16.019 --> 00:26:16.759 To be nasty. 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:18.379 Or rude. 00:26:18.859 --> 00:26:20.139 Or insulting to them. 00:26:20.439 --> 00:26:22.139 Or even to harbor resentment. 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:22.879 Against them. 00:26:24.199 --> 00:26:26.199 Those are the dishonorable things. 00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:27.779 Of which Timothy. 00:26:27.919 --> 00:26:28.919 Is to cleanse himself. 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:29.919 Instead. 00:26:30.059 --> 00:26:31.240 He is to be kind to them. 00:26:32.059 --> 00:26:33.240 He is to be able. 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:34.480 And ready to teach them. 00:26:35.559 --> 00:26:37.480 He is not to harbor resentment. 00:26:37.480 --> 00:26:38.319 Against them. 00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:40.139 He is to gently. 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:41.579 Instruct them. 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:43.740 In the hope of restoration. 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:47.379 Opponents must be gently. 00:26:47.939 --> 00:26:48.500 Instructed. 00:26:48.839 --> 00:26:49.679 In the hope. 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:51.279 That God will grant them repentance. 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:55.099 So let's not miss this. 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.000 Kindness to all. 00:26:56.099 --> 00:26:56.899 Does not mean that. 00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:58.779 We just let false teachers. 00:26:59.059 --> 00:27:00.359 And loud divisive people. 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.740 Go totally unchecked. 00:27:02.159 --> 00:27:03.579 Say whatever they want to say. 00:27:04.379 --> 00:27:05.619 He's not saying that. 00:27:05.619 --> 00:27:06.879 He's not telling us. 00:27:06.879 --> 00:27:07.879 Just to ignore them. 00:27:07.939 --> 00:27:09.199 And let them do whatever they want. 00:27:09.599 --> 00:27:09.799 No. 00:27:09.879 --> 00:27:11.359 There is responsibility here. 00:27:11.439 --> 00:27:11.979 For Timothy. 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:13.979 As a leader in the church. 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:14.759 He is to be. 00:27:15.199 --> 00:27:16.039 Ready and able. 00:27:16.139 --> 00:27:17.079 To teach the truth. 00:27:17.979 --> 00:27:19.500 And he is to gently. 00:27:19.939 --> 00:27:20.679 Instruct them. 00:27:21.359 --> 00:27:22.059 The Lord's servant. 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:23.339 Must be able to teach. 00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:24.559 And must gently. 00:27:25.439 --> 00:27:25.919 Instruct. 00:27:29.159 --> 00:27:30.039 This is hard. 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:30.339 This is hard. 00:27:30.740 --> 00:27:31.539 This is hard. 00:27:31.579 --> 00:27:32.839 In the midst of confrontation. 00:27:34.119 --> 00:27:34.619 You know. 00:27:34.659 --> 00:27:35.379 As I said before. 00:27:35.379 --> 00:27:36.079 Most of us. 00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:37.759 We just want to avoid conflict. 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:41.779 We just want to look the other way. 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:44.399 Or if we do speak up. 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:45.519 If we do say something. 00:27:45.619 --> 00:27:46.359 It's because we're. 00:27:46.359 --> 00:27:47.920 Getting provoked inside. 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:48.819 We're getting angry. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:50.920 And we just want to let them have it. 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:52.039 We want to tell them off. 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.399 But neither will do. 00:27:54.639 --> 00:27:55.599 We can't avoid. 00:27:56.819 --> 00:27:57.899 We have to. 00:27:57.900 --> 00:27:59.620 Instruct false teachers. 00:27:59.860 --> 00:28:01.100 And loud divisive people. 00:28:01.100 --> 00:28:01.940 Who are fighting. 00:28:02.060 --> 00:28:02.460 And arguing. 00:28:02.600 --> 00:28:03.519 Yet we have to do so. 00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.080 Gently. 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:04.700 He says. 00:28:06.820 --> 00:28:07.700 And humbly. 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:09.680 Not out of a. 00:28:10.040 --> 00:28:10.980 Self-righteous spirit. 00:28:12.100 --> 00:28:13.140 But with kindness. 00:28:13.860 --> 00:28:14.420 And respect. 00:28:16.019 --> 00:28:17.840 And it goes even further than that. 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:19.920 He says. 00:28:20.080 --> 00:28:20.900 Opponents must be. 00:28:21.040 --> 00:28:22.000 Gently instructed. 00:28:22.380 --> 00:28:23.300 In the hope. 00:28:23.800 --> 00:28:25.100 That God will grant them. 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:25.740 Repentance. 00:28:25.820 --> 00:28:26.860 Leading them to a knowledge. 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.420 Of the truth. 00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:28.940 And that they will come to their senses. 00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:30.320 And escape from the trap. 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:31.240 Of the devil. 00:28:31.580 --> 00:28:33.000 Who has taken them captive. 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:33.920 To do his will. 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:36.600 So Jesus even tells us. 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.920 The kind of heart attitude. 00:28:37.920 --> 00:28:39.240 That we have to have. 00:28:39.580 --> 00:28:40.940 As we approach. 00:28:41.740 --> 00:28:42.539 These people. 00:28:42.660 --> 00:28:43.600 Whom we are confronting. 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:46.120 False teachers. 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:46.660 Or. 00:28:47.320 --> 00:28:48.759 Or people who are fighting. 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.420 In the church. 00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:51.860 It's not enough to just call them up. 00:28:52.019 --> 00:28:53.960 And get through the conversation. 00:28:54.380 --> 00:28:55.480 And not get angry. 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:56.480 No. 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:57.480 No. 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.460 Jesus says. 00:28:58.579 --> 00:29:00.019 We must instruct them gently. 00:29:00.819 --> 00:29:02.220 Having in ourselves. 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:03.000 The hope. 00:29:04.660 --> 00:29:05.579 That God will. 00:29:05.960 --> 00:29:06.779 Grant them repentance. 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:11.759 That there will be restoration there. 00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:12.799 That they'll come to see. 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:13.519 The truth. 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:16.740 So Paul isn't vindictively. 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:17.339 Calling out. 00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:18.460 Hymenaeus and Philetus. 00:29:18.660 --> 00:29:18.900 I mean. 00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:20.339 He's not secretly hoping. 00:29:20.339 --> 00:29:22.319 That God's just going to strike them dead. 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:23.720 For teaching false things. 00:29:23.819 --> 00:29:24.740 And damn them to hell. 00:29:24.819 --> 00:29:26.000 Because they're making trouble. 00:29:26.179 --> 00:29:27.439 And causing division. 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:29.919 No. 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:30.379 He hopes. 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:31.839 That as Timothy talks with them. 00:29:31.899 --> 00:29:33.559 That God will work in their hearts. 00:29:33.939 --> 00:29:35.179 Such that they repent. 00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:38.139 Such that they see the error. 00:29:38.859 --> 00:29:39.819 Of their ways. 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:41.179 And come to see the truth. 00:29:42.359 --> 00:29:44.099 A different way to read these verses. 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:45.159 Maybe a little bit. 00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:46.460 Is to just ask the question. 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:48.559 What's the situation of these two men? 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:50.419 Hymenaeus and Philetus. 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:54.279 They need to come to their senses. 00:29:54.279 --> 00:29:56.860 Which means that they're out of their spiritual minds. 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:59.240 They're not thinking clearly. 00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:00.460 They're not seeing clearly. 00:30:02.100 --> 00:30:04.580 They need to escape from the trap of the devil. 00:30:04.680 --> 00:30:06.240 Which implies that they're caught. 00:30:06.779 --> 00:30:08.300 In a trap of the devil. 00:30:10.400 --> 00:30:11.980 The devil is at work. 00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:13.080 Through them. 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:15.039 Achieving his will. 00:30:15.180 --> 00:30:15.860 Through them. 00:30:16.440 --> 00:30:17.900 And they have fallen prey. 00:30:18.660 --> 00:30:20.400 And are caught up in this. 00:30:20.420 --> 00:30:26.300 And they don't even realize it. 00:30:27.940 --> 00:30:29.779 They will come to a knowledge of the truth. 00:30:30.039 --> 00:30:31.440 They don't even see it. 00:30:31.519 --> 00:30:32.140 And so Timothy. 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:33.279 When you go into that meeting. 00:30:33.380 --> 00:30:34.180 To talk with them. 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:35.880 You must go with a heart. 00:30:36.060 --> 00:30:36.560 Hoping. 00:30:37.340 --> 00:30:38.980 That God will grant them repentance. 00:30:39.640 --> 00:30:40.560 And lead them. 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.940 To a knowledge of the truth. 00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:43.420 That they'll come out of that. 00:30:44.080 --> 00:30:44.480 Spiritual. 00:30:45.360 --> 00:30:45.840 Madness. 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:46.480 And blindness. 00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:48.019 That they'll come to their senses. 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.920 And escape. 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.519 The devil's trap. 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:52.519 This is how Timothy. 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:54.099 Is to love his opponents. 00:30:55.379 --> 00:30:56.879 And be kind to his opponents. 00:30:56.879 --> 00:30:57.579 In the church. 00:30:58.240 --> 00:31:00.200 This is the kind of honorable dealing. 00:31:00.200 --> 00:31:01.920 That will bring glory to God. 00:31:01.920 --> 00:31:02.000 God. 00:31:05.340 --> 00:31:08.220 I just want to sum up the things that we've heard this morning. 00:31:08.360 --> 00:31:09.120 And then we'll be done. 00:31:09.119 --> 00:31:12.539 The overall message. 00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:13.579 In these verses. 00:31:14.219 --> 00:31:15.179 Is a call. 00:31:16.019 --> 00:31:17.819 A call not just to Timothy. 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:19.139 But to all. 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:21.059 Who call on the name of the Lord. 00:31:22.099 --> 00:31:22.839 To you. 00:31:23.179 --> 00:31:23.779 And to me. 00:31:24.479 --> 00:31:26.059 To cleanse ourselves. 00:31:26.299 --> 00:31:28.599 From these dishonorable things. 00:31:28.619 --> 00:31:29.299 As we heard. 00:31:29.939 --> 00:31:31.259 And to pursue. 00:31:32.679 --> 00:31:33.599 The good things. 00:31:33.979 --> 00:31:34.500 Righteousness. 00:31:34.899 --> 00:31:35.259 Love. 00:31:35.699 --> 00:31:36.079 Faith. 00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:37.579 And peace. 00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:39.859 And why? 00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:42.419 Because this is what's going to bring. 00:31:43.079 --> 00:31:43.519 Pleasure. 00:31:44.059 --> 00:31:44.519 And delight. 00:31:44.679 --> 00:31:45.379 To our master. 00:31:46.439 --> 00:31:48.419 This is what's going to make us useful. 00:31:48.599 --> 00:31:49.059 And ready. 00:31:49.199 --> 00:31:50.319 For any good work. 00:31:50.939 --> 00:31:52.000 In his household. 00:31:52.980 --> 00:31:54.759 This is what's going to bring us joy. 00:31:55.159 --> 00:31:56.419 This is what's going to bring him. 00:31:56.559 --> 00:31:56.839 Honor. 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:58.139 And glory. 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:01.079 And so this is what we need to do. 00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:02.579 As the people of the Lord. 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:04.619 Let's pray. 00:32:04.619 --> 00:32:08.839 Father in heaven. 00:32:08.959 --> 00:32:09.739 Thank you for these. 00:32:10.139 --> 00:32:10.939 Precious words. 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:11.839 That you've given us. 00:32:12.439 --> 00:32:13.639 Please open our hearts. 00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:15.399 Open our minds. 00:32:15.599 --> 00:32:16.579 And help us to see. 00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:17.539 Exactly. 00:32:17.699 --> 00:32:18.619 How these words. 00:32:19.299 --> 00:32:20.299 Apply to us. 00:32:21.079 --> 00:32:21.919 Each one of us. 00:32:21.979 --> 00:32:22.199 In our. 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:23.659 Unique circumstances. 00:32:23.839 --> 00:32:24.559 And situations. 00:32:25.139 --> 00:32:26.259 Bring these words to mind. 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:26.779 This week. 00:32:26.839 --> 00:32:27.519 Even as we're. 00:32:27.879 --> 00:32:28.879 Going about our things. 00:32:29.539 --> 00:32:30.839 Remind us of those things. 00:32:31.059 --> 00:32:31.279 That. 00:32:31.579 --> 00:32:32.059 For us. 00:32:32.139 --> 00:32:33.399 Are the dishonorable things. 00:32:33.399 --> 00:32:34.359 That we're tempted to. 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:37.099 That we need to run away from. 00:32:37.259 --> 00:32:38.500 And remind us of those things. 00:32:38.599 --> 00:32:39.079 That are the. 00:32:39.159 --> 00:32:40.699 The righteous things. 00:32:42.379 --> 00:32:43.979 That we need to run towards. 00:32:45.359 --> 00:32:46.299 For your glory. 00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:48.500 We ask in Jesus name. 00:32:48.979 --> 00:32:49.219 Amen.