WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.520
 We'll begin our worship together by singing to God's praise in Psalm 29 in the Scottish Psalter

00:00:07.520 --> 00:00:14.439
 version, page 238 of the psalm books. We're singing from verse 1 to verse 5. The tune is

00:00:14.439 --> 00:00:23.699
 Amazing Grace, and this psalm reminds us of coming into the presence of God, coming to worship our

00:00:23.699 --> 00:00:29.740
 Lord. Give ye unto the Lord, ye sons, that of the mighty be all strength and glory to the Lord,

00:00:29.739 --> 00:00:36.000
 with cheerfulness give ye. And to the Lord the glory give, that to his name is due, and in the

00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:43.759
 beauty of holiness unto Jehovah. So we come to worship God with these words, verse 1 to 5, to God's praise.

00:00:43.759 --> 00:01:13.739
 Give ye unto the Lord Jesus, that of the mighty be all strength and glory to the Lord,

00:01:13.739 --> 00:01:43.719
 the Lord with cheerfulness give ye. And to the Lord the glory give, that to his name is due.

00:01:43.719 --> 00:02:13.699
 And in the beauty of holiness unto Jehovah.

00:02:13.699 --> 00:02:15.699
 God of majesty, the thunder and on multitude of water set doth he. A powerful voice,

00:02:15.699 --> 00:02:17.699
 O majesty, the thunder and on multitude of water set doth he. A powerful voice,

00:02:17.699 --> 00:02:22.019
 O Tumres

00:02:47.699 --> 00:02:57.519
 That comes out from the Lord most high.

00:02:57.519 --> 00:03:14.699
 The voice of that great Lord is full of glorious majesty.

00:03:14.699 --> 00:03:26.979
 The voice of the eternal God.

00:03:26.979 --> 00:03:35.259
 Asunder, see, the same.

00:03:35.259 --> 00:03:45.539
 Yea, God the Lord does see the spring.

00:03:46.079 --> 00:03:52.719
 That left and on does pay.

00:03:52.719 --> 00:03:53.719
 Amen.

00:03:59.159 --> 00:04:01.020
 Let's join together in prayer.

00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:02.039
 Now let us pray.

00:04:04.419 --> 00:04:08.259
 Our Father in heaven, we thank you anew for this day.

00:04:08.520 --> 00:04:15.000
 We thank you for the blessing that is ours to come to worship you and to praise your name together.

00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:23.399
 And we thank you for these words that we've sung together that remind us of how worthy you are of all our worship.

00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:29.379
 That you are the only one who is worth worshipping in this world.

00:04:29.899 --> 00:04:36.560
 And we thank you that as we come to worship, we have that reminder that you are a God who speaks to us.

00:04:37.019 --> 00:04:39.019
 That your word is powerful and mighty.

00:04:39.019 --> 00:04:45.979
 And even as we've sung that the voice of the Lord is a powerful voice that comes from you on most high.

00:04:46.579 --> 00:04:51.039
 And we pray that together as we worship you, we will know your blessing upon us.

00:04:51.419 --> 00:04:56.779
 That each one of us, Lord, will hear you and seek to know you more and more.

00:04:56.779 --> 00:05:06.839
 That as we learn about you, as we learn through your word in the church here and in Sunday school and Cresce and Tweenies as well.

00:05:06.959 --> 00:05:09.979
 That your word will be beautiful for us.

00:05:10.500 --> 00:05:12.919
 That it will be something that we treasure.

00:05:13.639 --> 00:05:18.319
 Something that we love to hear and to read for ourselves as well.

00:05:18.979 --> 00:05:20.379
 And teach us by it, Lord.

00:05:20.379 --> 00:05:26.180
 That you will show us your goodness and mercy all the days of our lives.

00:05:26.259 --> 00:05:30.219
 And that you will remind us that in you is all beauty and glory.

00:05:30.899 --> 00:05:33.879
 We can be distracted by so many things in this world.

00:05:34.019 --> 00:05:41.959
 And even from a young age, we can be caught up in looking for the things of this world that we think will satisfy us.

00:05:41.959 --> 00:05:48.040
 Whether it's technology or friendships or whatever it may be that lead us away from you.

00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:53.960
 But help us, Lord, to know you as a great friend who stays close to us.

00:05:54.340 --> 00:05:55.840
 So bless us together now, Lord.

00:05:55.900 --> 00:05:56.540
 Be with us.

00:05:56.700 --> 00:06:01.240
 Be with all the young ones here today as we will shortly go out to the Sunday school.

00:06:01.879 --> 00:06:03.180
 Lord, bless them and be with them.

00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:06.020
 And gather us all in your name here just now.

00:06:06.120 --> 00:06:07.540
 And watch over us, we pray.

00:06:07.960 --> 00:06:09.040
 In Jesus' name.

00:06:09.460 --> 00:06:09.780
 Amen.

00:06:13.160 --> 00:06:17.000
 It's good for us to be together worshipping God.

00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:23.060
 We enjoy, I hope, worshipping God in different times during the week as well.

00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:26.420
 We worship him as we come and read his word together.

00:06:26.639 --> 00:06:28.939
 And we do that by ourselves as well.

00:06:29.019 --> 00:06:31.319
 It's good to read God's word.

00:06:32.019 --> 00:06:33.560
 He speaks to us through it.

00:06:33.600 --> 00:06:36.579
 That's what that psalm that we reminded us of.

00:06:36.639 --> 00:06:39.759
 That the Lord's voice is a powerful voice.

00:06:40.220 --> 00:06:41.540
 And he speaks to us.

00:06:41.540 --> 00:06:47.379
 I just want to think for a minute about where our treasure is.

00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:53.960
 In the Gospel of Luke, we read there in chapter 12, verse 34.

00:06:54.640 --> 00:06:56.160
 And it says these words,

00:06:56.280 --> 00:07:01.200
 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

00:07:01.879 --> 00:07:03.879
 So there's a question there for us.

00:07:04.220 --> 00:07:06.280
 Where is your treasure?

00:07:06.279 --> 00:07:06.719
 Treasure.

00:07:07.079 --> 00:07:09.119
 And what is your treasure?

00:07:09.539 --> 00:07:11.479
 Has anyone ever done a treasure hunt?

00:07:12.159 --> 00:07:15.979
 I'm sure a number of you have done treasure hunts at different points.

00:07:16.479 --> 00:07:18.799
 Whether it's maybe at a birthday party.

00:07:19.339 --> 00:07:21.359
 Maybe it's at a special time of year.

00:07:21.559 --> 00:07:25.199
 Very often at Easter time, there's a treasure hunt.

00:07:25.579 --> 00:07:29.859
 Or it might have been if you were at the holiday clubs the last couple of summers.

00:07:30.219 --> 00:07:32.259
 Or the explorers groups as well.

00:07:32.259 --> 00:07:35.180
 And you think about treasure hunts.

00:07:35.539 --> 00:07:37.379
 And what do you need when you're doing a treasure hunt?

00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:43.259
 Well, you need things like either a clue or a map.

00:07:43.959 --> 00:07:48.339
 So if you're going by clues, you find one clue, you read it,

00:07:48.420 --> 00:07:51.539
 and it will show you then where you go to find the next clue.

00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:54.980
 And you hope eventually you're going to find the treasure.

00:07:55.899 --> 00:07:59.680
 Or if you've got a map, it does the same thing, but in a different way.

00:07:59.680 --> 00:08:02.699
 The map will show maybe places you have to go to.

00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:04.800
 And it will show you the way to get there.

00:08:04.860 --> 00:08:06.360
 It will show you maybe lines on the map.

00:08:06.420 --> 00:08:11.840
 And you've got to follow these tracks, finding your way until you find the treasure.

00:08:12.540 --> 00:08:13.800
 And what's more exciting?

00:08:14.579 --> 00:08:17.100
 Is it looking and searching?

00:08:17.860 --> 00:08:20.160
 Or is it when you find the treasure?

00:08:20.840 --> 00:08:24.160
 Because sometimes you might find a treasure and you might be disappointed with it.

00:08:24.540 --> 00:08:25.740
 You might think, is that it?

00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:29.300
 Because after all that time hunting, is this all I get?

00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:31.900
 Maybe just a little pack of sweets or something like that.

00:08:31.920 --> 00:08:34.120
 And you think, oh, I should have got so much more.

00:08:34.200 --> 00:08:35.799
 I put so much effort into it.

00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:42.820
 Well, the Bible tells us that when we look to God, that we'll never be disappointed.

00:08:43.700 --> 00:08:47.539
 And every one of us here, not just the young ones, every one of us here,

00:08:47.600 --> 00:08:51.560
 from the youngest to the oldest, we're all on a treasure hunt in life.

00:08:51.559 --> 00:08:55.899
 We're all looking for something that's going to satisfy us,

00:08:55.959 --> 00:08:59.699
 that's going to make us happy and make us glad when we find it.

00:09:00.099 --> 00:09:03.179
 But so often we're looking in the wrong place.

00:09:04.179 --> 00:09:05.699
 And that's why Jesus says here,

00:09:05.819 --> 00:09:10.179
 where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

00:09:11.079 --> 00:09:13.500
 There will your heart be also.

00:09:13.939 --> 00:09:16.239
 And that means, what do you love?

00:09:17.059 --> 00:09:19.519
 What do you love in this life?

00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:22.899
 Are you looking for treasure away from God that you think,

00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:24.759
 this is what's going to make me happy?

00:09:25.539 --> 00:09:29.840
 Or are you looking for the treasure that God offers in his word?

00:09:30.460 --> 00:09:33.559
 That he gives us his own son to be our treasure.

00:09:33.919 --> 00:09:37.720
 That he gives us his word to show us the way to him.

00:09:38.500 --> 00:09:40.319
 We're on a journey, every one of us.

00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:41.539
 We're on a treasure hunt.

00:09:42.059 --> 00:09:44.799
 But what treasure are we looking for?

00:09:45.179 --> 00:09:47.439
 And where is our heart today?

00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:51.900
 Does your heart love God and his word?

00:09:52.420 --> 00:09:56.680
 Or does your heart love other things in this world?

00:09:57.340 --> 00:10:02.240
 The Bible tells us to love the Lord our God with all our heart.

00:10:02.800 --> 00:10:05.600
 And then we'll find our treasure in him.

00:10:06.140 --> 00:10:10.220
 And we'll rejoice all the days of our lives.

00:10:10.220 --> 00:10:13.040
 So we're all on a treasure hunt.

00:10:13.660 --> 00:10:17.540
 And let's all pray that our hearts will be seeking the right treasure.

00:10:18.060 --> 00:10:23.180
 The treasure that God offers us in his son, Christ Jesus.

00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:27.000
 Well, let's say the Lord's Prayer together now.

00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:28.000
 Amen.

00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:29.000
 Amen.

00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:32.700
 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

00:10:33.240 --> 00:10:34.460
 Thy kingdom come.

00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:37.980
 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

00:10:38.580 --> 00:10:40.679
 Give us this day our daily bread.

00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:44.740
 And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

00:10:45.240 --> 00:10:49.200
 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

00:10:49.679 --> 00:10:53.840
 For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.

00:10:54.419 --> 00:10:54.820
 Amen.

00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:54.960
 Amen.

00:10:56.760 --> 00:11:00.840
 We're going to sing again to God's praise, this time in Psalm 40.

00:11:02.020 --> 00:11:08.520
 Again, we're in the Scottish Psalter version, Psalm 40, page 260 of the Psalm books.

00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:15.120
 We're going to sing from verse 7 to verse 10, the end of double verse 10, the tune is martyrdom.

00:11:15.660 --> 00:11:18.020
 Then to the Lord, these were my words.

00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:23.960
 I come, behold and see, within the volume of the book it written is of me.

00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:26.500
 To do thy will I take delight.

00:11:26.660 --> 00:11:32.960
 O thou my God that art, yea, that most holy law of thine I have within my heart.

00:11:33.160 --> 00:11:38.980
 It's about the treasure of having God's word in our hearts and to do God's will.

00:11:38.980 --> 00:11:42.539
 So we'll sing from verse 7 to 10 to God's praise.

00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:42.980
pers, yes.

00:11:42.980 --> 00:11:43.019
 Amen.

00:11:43.019 --> 00:11:43.339
 Thanks.

00:11:43.339 --> 00:11:44.259
 Amen.

00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:46.019
 Thank you.

00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:46.399
 Amen.

00:11:46.399 --> 00:12:05.059
 Then to the Lord is where my words I come behold and see.

00:12:05.059 --> 00:12:22.059
 Within the volume of the book a treasure is of me.

00:12:22.059 --> 00:12:31.059
 To do thy will I take delight.

00:12:31.059 --> 00:12:49.059
 O come, my God, that art, yea, that most holy love of night.

00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:57.059
 I have within my heart.

00:12:57.059 --> 00:13:14.059
 Within the congregation grave, I rise just as to preach.

00:13:14.059 --> 00:13:32.059
 Though thou just so, O Lord, that I regret and not my speech.

00:13:32.059 --> 00:13:48.059
 I never parted within my heart until thy righteousness.

00:13:48.059 --> 00:14:06.059
 I thy salvation have declared and shown thy faithfulness.

00:14:06.059 --> 00:14:16.059
 Thy kindness which most loving is.

00:14:16.059 --> 00:14:24.059
 Conceal the lamb, not I.

00:14:24.059 --> 00:14:34.059
 Not from the congregation grave.

00:14:34.059 --> 00:14:44.059
 I have within my heart.

00:14:44.059 --> 00:14:45.059
 I am.

00:14:45.059 --> 00:14:46.059
 I am.

00:14:46.059 --> 00:14:47.059
 I am.

00:14:47.059 --> 00:14:52.059
 We're going to turn to reading God's Word in 1 Thessalonians.

00:14:52.059 --> 00:14:53.059
 1 Thessalonians.

00:14:53.059 --> 00:14:54.059
 1 Thessalonians.

00:14:54.059 --> 00:14:59.059
 We take up our reading in chapter 3 and at verse 6.

00:14:59.059 --> 00:15:07.059
 And we read down into chapter 4 down to the end of verse 12.

00:15:07.059 --> 00:15:13.059
 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, reading from verse 6.

00:15:13.059 --> 00:15:21.059
 Now that Timothy has come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love.

00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:28.059
 And reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us as we long to see you.

00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:36.059
 For this reason, brothers, in all our desires and affliction, we have been comforted about you through your faith.

00:15:36.059 --> 00:15:44.239
 For now we live if you are standing fast in the Lord.

00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:48.119
 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you?

00:15:48.719 --> 00:15:52.199
 For all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,

00:15:52.839 --> 00:15:55.119
 as we pray most earnestly night and day,

00:15:55.839 --> 00:16:01.239
 that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.

00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:07.580
 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.

00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:13.039
 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all,

00:16:13.519 --> 00:16:18.000
 as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts,

00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:22.060
 blameless in holiness, before our God and Father

00:16:22.060 --> 00:16:26.320
 at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

00:16:26.320 --> 00:16:31.420
 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus

00:16:31.420 --> 00:16:36.580
 that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God,

00:16:37.080 --> 00:16:41.060
 just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

00:16:41.780 --> 00:16:45.420
 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

00:16:46.040 --> 00:16:49.480
 For this is the will of God, your sanctification,

00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:52.620
 that you abstain from sexual immorality,

00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:55.919
 that each one of you know how to control his own body

00:16:55.919 --> 00:16:57.879
 in holiness and honour,

00:16:58.379 --> 00:17:01.060
 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles,

00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:02.340
 who do not know God,

00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:06.940
 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter,

00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:10.180
 because the Lord is an avenger in all these things,

00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:13.700
 as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.

00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:17.420
 For God has not called us for impurity,

00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:18.880
 but in holiness.

00:17:18.880 --> 00:17:22.920
 Therefore, whoever disregards this,

00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.760
 disregards not man,

00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:28.620
 but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

00:17:29.300 --> 00:17:30.980
 Now concerning brotherly love,

00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:33.580
 you have no need for anyone to write to you,

00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:37.100
 for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:39.480
 For that indeed is what you are doing

00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:42.020
 to all the brothers throughout Macedonia.

00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:44.200
 But we urge you, brothers,

00:17:44.520 --> 00:17:46.360
 to do this more and more,

00:17:46.359 --> 00:17:48.939
 and to aspire to live quietly,

00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:50.859
 and to mind your own affairs,

00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:52.839
 and to work with your hands,

00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:54.679
 as we instructed you,

00:17:55.099 --> 00:17:57.799
 so that you may live properly before outsiders,

00:17:58.279 --> 00:18:01.119
 and be dependent on no one.

00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:02.719
 And so on.

00:18:02.740 --> 00:18:04.059
 And may God add his blessing

00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:06.459
 to that reading of his word.

00:18:06.539 --> 00:18:08.519
 Again, join together in prayer.

00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:09.399
 Let us pray.

00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:14.840
 O Lord, our gracious God,

00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:16.580
 you are a holy God,

00:18:16.700 --> 00:18:20.840
 who we have no right to approach in so many ways,

00:18:20.940 --> 00:18:23.200
 for we are unworthy of it.

00:18:23.840 --> 00:18:26.940
 We are unclean before you because of our sin.

00:18:28.100 --> 00:18:32.060
 We should not be able to stand upon

00:18:32.060 --> 00:18:34.720
 the very holy ground that you give to us.

00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:38.200
 And yet we thank you that you are a God

00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:40.039
 who has opened a way for us

00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:43.519
 to come through a name that is mighty,

00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:45.000
 a name that is powerful,

00:18:45.620 --> 00:18:47.220
 the one who is your own Son,

00:18:47.400 --> 00:18:48.360
 Jesus Christ,

00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:50.220
 that we have been taught

00:18:50.220 --> 00:18:51.980
 through him

00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:53.740
 how to approach you,

00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:56.220
 even how we approach you in prayer.

00:18:56.660 --> 00:18:58.059
 As he taught the disciples,

00:18:58.259 --> 00:18:59.539
 we are reminded ourselves

00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:01.579
 that that is how we can come

00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:03.220
 to call upon you

00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:05.659
 as our Father in heaven.

00:19:06.500 --> 00:19:07.579
 And we thank you

00:19:07.579 --> 00:19:10.539
 that there is that wonderful power

00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.619
 in that relationship

00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:12.519
 that we come,

00:19:13.139 --> 00:19:15.680
 bringing all our cares and concerns to you,

00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.940
 but first and foremost,

00:19:17.579 --> 00:19:19.960
 giving you praise and honor and glory.

00:19:20.700 --> 00:19:22.460
 And we do thank you, too,

00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.639
 that we have instruction

00:19:23.639 --> 00:19:25.639
 as to how we are to live

00:19:25.640 --> 00:19:28.460
 and that we are to seek to please you

00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.640
 more and more

00:19:29.640 --> 00:19:30.640
 as we have read

00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:32.800
 in these words before us.

00:19:33.380 --> 00:19:35.680
 And as we come to study them, Lord,

00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:37.400
 as we seek to learn from them,

00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:38.900
 may you help us

00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:40.400
 to have teachable hearts

00:19:40.400 --> 00:19:43.140
 and to know the power of your Spirit

00:19:43.140 --> 00:19:45.160
 speaking to us

00:19:45.160 --> 00:19:46.680
 that we would not grieve you.

00:19:47.520 --> 00:19:49.780
 We thank you that you are one,

00:19:49.860 --> 00:19:51.300
 even as we've read in these words,

00:19:51.500 --> 00:19:51.680
 too,

00:19:51.800 --> 00:19:54.960
 who has given his Holy Spirit to us.

00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:56.880
 And we pray, Lord,

00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:58.460
 that we would not seek

00:19:58.460 --> 00:20:00.660
 to grieve that Holy Spirit,

00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:01.559
 that we would not seek

00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:02.980
 to turn away from you

00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:04.900
 as many have done

00:20:04.900 --> 00:20:06.340
 and as many still do,

00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:07.920
 but that we would seek

00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:08.600
 all the more

00:20:08.600 --> 00:20:10.319
 to walk closely with you,

00:20:10.380 --> 00:20:12.600
 to walk humbly before you

00:20:12.600 --> 00:20:14.400
 and to walk in a manner

00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:15.779
 worthy of you.

00:20:16.340 --> 00:20:17.480
 And we know that we cannot

00:20:17.480 --> 00:20:18.720
 do this alone.

00:20:19.340 --> 00:20:20.319
 And we pray, Lord,

00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.200
 for your grace

00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:22.600
 and your mercy to help,

00:20:22.599 --> 00:20:23.939
 to help us

00:20:23.939 --> 00:20:25.339
 in all our different needs,

00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:27.839
 that we would keep our eyes

00:20:27.839 --> 00:20:29.039
 fixed on you,

00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:31.179
 that we would look to Jesus

00:20:31.179 --> 00:20:33.679
 as the one who is the author,

00:20:34.139 --> 00:20:35.659
 the perfecter of faith.

00:20:36.319 --> 00:20:38.019
 And even as a people of faith,

00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:38.799
 Lord, we know

00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:40.959
 how far short we fall

00:20:40.959 --> 00:20:43.559
 and how dependent we are upon you

00:20:43.559 --> 00:20:44.859
 day by day.

00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:46.299
 And so, Lord,

00:20:46.379 --> 00:20:48.419
 may you continue to build us up

00:20:48.419 --> 00:20:49.299
 as your people.

00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:51.220
 May you work in us

00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:52.619
 to make us

00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.339
 into the people

00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:54.599
 you would have us to be,

00:20:55.240 --> 00:20:56.399
 to take away

00:20:56.399 --> 00:20:57.720
 the many blemishes

00:20:57.720 --> 00:20:59.059
 that are in our hearts

00:20:59.059 --> 00:21:00.919
 and in our lives, Lord.

00:21:01.579 --> 00:21:02.740
 We know that we will never

00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:04.339
 be perfect in this world,

00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:05.980
 but we seek, Lord,

00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:06.919
 to be a people

00:21:06.919 --> 00:21:07.759
 who will always

00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:09.339
 look to please you

00:21:09.339 --> 00:21:11.399
 in whatever way we can.

00:21:11.899 --> 00:21:12.539
 And we thank you

00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.480
 that you do not leave us

00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:14.440
 alone in this,

00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.980
 but as we will study

00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:17.299
 your word together today,

00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:18.000
 we are reminded

00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:19.940
 that you are working in us.

00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:21.119
 And we pray

00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:22.740
 that we would know it

00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:24.159
 and that your church

00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:24.720
 would know it

00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.500
 and that the world

00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.500
 would know it,

00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:27.319
 that you are a God

00:21:27.319 --> 00:21:28.579
 who is mighty to work,

00:21:28.680 --> 00:21:29.419
 that you are a God

00:21:29.419 --> 00:21:31.339
 who is mighty to change,

00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:33.259
 to change even the most

00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:34.599
 wicked of heart

00:21:34.599 --> 00:21:36.000
 and to use it

00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:37.079
 for your glory.

00:21:38.059 --> 00:21:38.539
 So, Lord,

00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:39.480
 we pray your blessing

00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.799
 upon us as a people,

00:21:40.940 --> 00:21:41.659
 upon your word

00:21:41.659 --> 00:21:42.740
 as it goes out today,

00:21:43.379 --> 00:21:44.619
 that powerful word.

00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:44.659
 Lord,

00:21:45.139 --> 00:21:45.879
 we thank you

00:21:45.879 --> 00:21:46.559
 that it is

00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:48.359
 so powerful

00:21:48.359 --> 00:21:49.679
 because it is sent

00:21:49.679 --> 00:21:50.219
 from you.

00:21:50.779 --> 00:21:51.859
 It is not the words

00:21:51.859 --> 00:21:52.439
 of men,

00:21:52.919 --> 00:21:54.239
 but the words of God.

00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:54.919
 And we pray

00:21:54.919 --> 00:21:56.339
 that it will be heard

00:21:56.339 --> 00:21:57.559
 far and wide today,

00:21:57.699 --> 00:21:58.679
 that it will be received

00:21:58.679 --> 00:22:00.399
 with great gladness

00:22:00.399 --> 00:22:02.059
 and humbling

00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:03.839
 and repenting today.

00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:05.419
 And we pray that

00:22:05.419 --> 00:22:06.519
 throughout the world,

00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:08.379
 that as your word

00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:09.000
 goes out,

00:22:09.139 --> 00:22:09.259
 Lord,

00:22:09.339 --> 00:22:10.599
 you would accompany it

00:22:10.599 --> 00:22:12.019
 with your blessing.

00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:14.400
 blessed to us here as well,

00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:14.599
 Lord,

00:22:14.599 --> 00:22:15.619
 as we commit ourselves

00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:16.039
 to you.

00:22:16.180 --> 00:22:17.819
 And in this coming week,

00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:18.079
 Lord,

00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:19.319
 we ask that you would

00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:20.319
 go before us

00:22:20.319 --> 00:22:21.799
 to teach us

00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:23.180
 by your spirit

00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:24.220
 and by your word

00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:25.079
 in all things.

00:22:25.139 --> 00:22:26.059
 And as we look ahead

00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:27.960
 to a communion time

00:22:27.960 --> 00:22:28.559
 in our midst,

00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:28.859
 Lord,

00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:29.420
 we pray

00:22:29.420 --> 00:22:30.879
 for a sense,

00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:31.720
 a real sense

00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.900
 of your peace

00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:33.700
 and your blessing

00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.480
 over us,

00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.960
 a sense of your

00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:36.900
 building us up

00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:38.160
 together as a people

00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:39.920
 in brotherly love

00:22:39.920 --> 00:22:40.980
 as we have read of

00:22:40.980 --> 00:22:43.140
 in this passage as well.

00:22:43.580 --> 00:22:44.880
 That you would unite us

00:22:44.880 --> 00:22:46.080
 in the cords of love

00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:46.840
 and under the banner

00:22:46.840 --> 00:22:47.660
 of the gospel

00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:49.680
 to rejoice in your goodness

00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.380
 to us.

00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.940
 That we would make sure

00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:53.400
 our treasure is found

00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:53.900
 in you.

00:22:54.519 --> 00:22:55.740
 That we would seek first

00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:57.019
 the kingdom of God

00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:58.759
 and that all other things

00:22:58.759 --> 00:23:00.700
 would be added unto us.

00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:02.060
 And so, Lord,

00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:03.800
 guide us in this week ahead.

00:23:04.380 --> 00:23:05.740
 Guide us collectively

00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:06.600
 and individually

00:23:06.600 --> 00:23:07.360
 as well,

00:23:07.359 --> 00:23:07.939
 we pray

00:23:07.939 --> 00:23:09.500
 that as we approach

00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.539
 a communion season

00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:11.419
 we would do so

00:23:11.419 --> 00:23:12.139
 prayerfully,

00:23:12.899 --> 00:23:14.240
 praying for one another

00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:16.119
 and praying for ourselves

00:23:16.119 --> 00:23:16.579
 too

00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.159
 and praying

00:23:17.159 --> 00:23:18.679
 for your glory

00:23:18.679 --> 00:23:19.599
 to be in our midst.

00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:20.939
 Bless the preachers

00:23:20.939 --> 00:23:21.439
 who will come

00:23:21.439 --> 00:23:22.719
 to minister to us.

00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:24.459
 We pray for each of them

00:23:24.459 --> 00:23:25.319
 who will be involved

00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:27.939
 in the communion weekend.

00:23:28.659 --> 00:23:29.519
 We pray for Reverend

00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:31.039
 Angus McRae

00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:31.579
 and the Reverend

00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:32.559
 Carl MacDonald

00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:33.899
 as they prepare

00:23:33.899 --> 00:23:35.599
 for the weekend ahead,

00:23:35.699 --> 00:23:35.819
 Lord,

00:23:35.879 --> 00:23:36.879
 that you will guide them

00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:38.080
 by your spirit

00:23:38.080 --> 00:23:38.780
 that you will give them

00:23:38.780 --> 00:23:40.020
 the words to speak.

00:23:40.660 --> 00:23:41.380
 Words that will

00:23:41.380 --> 00:23:42.520
 both challenge

00:23:42.520 --> 00:23:43.740
 and convict us

00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:45.540
 but also encourage us

00:23:45.540 --> 00:23:46.400
 and build us up.

00:23:47.060 --> 00:23:48.820
 We pray for a real sense

00:23:48.820 --> 00:23:50.380
 of unity

00:23:50.380 --> 00:23:51.640
 in our time together.

00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:53.860
 We pray too, Lord,

00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:56.160
 for all aspects

00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:57.100
 of your church

00:23:57.100 --> 00:23:57.960
 not just here

00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:58.600
 in our midst

00:23:58.600 --> 00:23:59.560
 but throughout

00:23:59.560 --> 00:24:00.600
 our islands,

00:24:00.780 --> 00:24:01.880
 throughout our presbytery

00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:02.320
 here.

00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:04.519
 we pray for all

00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:05.599
 our congregations

00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.679
 as we begin

00:24:06.679 --> 00:24:08.259
 our communion season

00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.019
 again, Lord.

00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:09.799
 We pray that

00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:10.879
 there will be a sense

00:24:10.879 --> 00:24:12.779
 of your pouring out

00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:13.980
 your spirit over us

00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.679
 as a people,

00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:16.259
 reviving us in our hearts

00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.960
 and building up

00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:18.740
 your church.

00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:19.939
 We pray that

00:24:19.939 --> 00:24:20.939
 throughout our land,

00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:21.240
 Lord,

00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:22.960
 that your church

00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:24.319
 will be blessed by you,

00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:26.299
 that you would build it up

00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:26.879
 in our midst

00:24:26.879 --> 00:24:28.179
 and restore our land

00:24:28.179 --> 00:24:28.879
 once again

00:24:28.880 --> 00:24:30.300
 to be a place

00:24:30.300 --> 00:24:30.980
 where your name

00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:32.600
 is lifted high,

00:24:33.040 --> 00:24:34.160
 a place where your name

00:24:34.160 --> 00:24:35.340
 is glorified,

00:24:35.440 --> 00:24:35.880
 where we would not

00:24:35.880 --> 00:24:36.520
 be ashamed

00:24:36.520 --> 00:24:37.700
 of the name

00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.880
 of Jesus Christ,

00:24:39.400 --> 00:24:40.460
 that we would lift it up

00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:41.800
 as a banner over us,

00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:43.100
 the banner

00:24:43.100 --> 00:24:44.760
 that is so needed

00:24:44.760 --> 00:24:45.440
 in our day

00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:46.540
 and in our times.

00:24:47.220 --> 00:24:48.040
 We pray that

00:24:48.040 --> 00:24:48.940
 that as your people

00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:50.260
 go out in the world

00:24:50.260 --> 00:24:51.240
 far and wide

00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:52.480
 to all ends

00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:53.200
 of the earth,

00:24:53.840 --> 00:24:54.760
 we thank you

00:24:54.760 --> 00:24:55.260
 that you have

00:24:55.260 --> 00:24:55.880
 your people

00:24:55.880 --> 00:24:57.640
 called to minister

00:24:57.640 --> 00:24:58.800
 to young and old,

00:24:58.860 --> 00:24:59.740
 to men and women

00:24:59.740 --> 00:25:01.560
 throughout all the many

00:25:01.560 --> 00:25:03.060
 countries of this world,

00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:04.340
 even from our own midst

00:25:04.340 --> 00:25:05.080
 here, Lord,

00:25:05.140 --> 00:25:05.820
 we thank you

00:25:05.820 --> 00:25:07.220
 that you have called

00:25:07.220 --> 00:25:09.460
 people to serve you

00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.620
 and we pray for them,

00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:10.840
 Lord,

00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:12.540
 we pray your blessing

00:25:12.540 --> 00:25:13.560
 over everyone

00:25:13.560 --> 00:25:15.040
 of your people,

00:25:15.140 --> 00:25:16.080
 many who would feel

00:25:16.080 --> 00:25:17.600
 perhaps isolated

00:25:17.600 --> 00:25:19.040
 and lonely at times,

00:25:19.280 --> 00:25:20.120
 fearful even,

00:25:20.800 --> 00:25:21.460
 and yet, Lord,

00:25:21.560 --> 00:25:21.980
 to know

00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:23.600
 the great courage

00:25:23.600 --> 00:25:24.360
 that you are able

00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:24.780
 to give,

00:25:24.880 --> 00:25:25.460
 the blessing

00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:26.559
 of knowing

00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:27.660
 that you are with them.

00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:28.819
 We pray that

00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.640
 for all of us,

00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:29.940
 Lord,

00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.200
 together as a people

00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:33.019
 in homes and families

00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:34.480
 and all our different needs,

00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:35.680
 that we would know

00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:37.539
 your great faithfulness

00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:38.440
 to us, Lord,

00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:40.019
 that you never leave us

00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:41.259
 or forsake us.

00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.600
 And we pray, Lord,

00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:43.740
 for many who may be

00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:44.759
 needing you

00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.759
 in different ways

00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:47.680
 of times of ill health,

00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:48.819
 times of grief

00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:49.460
 and sorrow,

00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:52.819
 times of falling away

00:25:52.819 --> 00:25:53.460
 from you

00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:54.680
 in different ways.

00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:56.080
 we pray, Lord,

00:25:56.120 --> 00:25:56.840
 that your voice,

00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:57.960
 that mighty voice

00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:59.980
 would be heard by you,

00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.600
 by your people

00:26:01.600 --> 00:26:02.740
 near and far.

00:26:03.519 --> 00:26:04.799
 Continue to bless us

00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:05.860
 throughout this day,

00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.120
 Lord,

00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:07.039
 watch over us,

00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:09.080
 hear our prayers

00:26:09.080 --> 00:26:10.360
 collectively together

00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:12.320
 and individually too,

00:26:12.660 --> 00:26:13.620
 that as we offer up

00:26:13.620 --> 00:26:14.259
 our thanks

00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:15.560
 and our praise to you,

00:26:16.080 --> 00:26:17.100
 it will be acceptable

00:26:17.100 --> 00:26:18.060
 before you.

00:26:18.600 --> 00:26:19.200
 And we ask

00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:20.160
 all these things

00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:22.080
 knowing our sin,

00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:23.620
 knowing the sin

00:26:23.619 --> 00:26:24.379
 of our hearts

00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:25.019
 and thought,

00:26:25.179 --> 00:26:25.539
 word,

00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:27.479
 and inaction as well.

00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.539
 And we pray forgiveness

00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:30.219
 for all our sin.

00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:31.759
 Cleanse us anew,

00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:32.339
 we pray,

00:26:32.419 --> 00:26:33.799
 and go before us now

00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:35.219
 in all things,

00:26:35.379 --> 00:26:36.979
 teaching us by your Spirit

00:26:36.979 --> 00:26:39.000
 to walk closely with you

00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:40.119
 as we ask it

00:26:40.119 --> 00:26:41.699
 in Jesus' precious name.

00:26:42.179 --> 00:26:42.579
 Amen.

00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:42.679
 Amen.

00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:47.620
 Before we turn back

00:26:47.620 --> 00:26:48.980
 to look at our passage

00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.200
 this morning together,

00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.740
 we'll sing in Psalm 15.

00:26:52.820 --> 00:26:53.740
 Psalm 15,

00:26:53.840 --> 00:26:55.320
 in the Sing Psalms version,

00:26:55.860 --> 00:26:56.960
 in page 16

00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.820
 of the Psalm books,

00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.060
 we can sing

00:26:59.060 --> 00:27:00.279
 the whole of this Psalm.

00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:00.960
 The tune is

00:27:00.960 --> 00:27:01.880
 St. Andrew.

00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.680
 Psalm 15,

00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.039
 Lord,

00:27:04.200 --> 00:27:05.039
 who may stay

00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:05.980
 within your tent,

00:27:06.080 --> 00:27:08.019
 your sacred dwelling place,

00:27:08.080 --> 00:27:08.700
 and who upon

00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.700
 your holy hill

00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:11.840
 may live before your face,

00:27:11.839 --> 00:27:13.119
 whoever walks

00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:14.199
 a blameless path,

00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:14.759
 who acts

00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:15.939
 in righteousness,

00:27:16.399 --> 00:27:17.279
 and who will always

00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:18.179
 from the heart

00:27:18.179 --> 00:27:20.959
 sincerely truth express.

00:27:21.179 --> 00:27:21.659
 We'll sing

00:27:21.659 --> 00:27:22.980
 the whole of this Psalm

00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:24.500
 to God's praise.

00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:24.839
 Amen.

00:27:30.839 --> 00:27:32.279
 Lord,

00:27:32.399 --> 00:27:35.500
 who may stay

00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:40.279
 within your tent,

00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:47.519
 your sacred dwelling place,

00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:52.079
 and who upon

00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:56.480
 your holy hill

00:27:56.480 --> 00:28:03.619
 may live before your face,

00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:08.939
 who ever walks

00:28:08.939 --> 00:28:12.859
 a blameless path,

00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:18.859
 who acts in righteousness,

00:28:18.859 --> 00:28:28.979
 and who will always from the heart,

00:28:28.979 --> 00:28:35.859
 sincerely truth express.

00:28:35.859 --> 00:28:45.099
 He casts no blood on anyone,

00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:49.179
 nor does his day

00:28:49.179 --> 00:28:51.859
 in the wrong.

00:28:51.859 --> 00:28:57.179
 He has no sight

00:28:57.180 --> 00:29:01.420
 within his heart,

00:29:01.420 --> 00:29:04.420
 or slander

00:29:04.420 --> 00:29:08.420
 on his tongue.

00:29:08.420 --> 00:29:13.680
 He on the soul

00:29:13.680 --> 00:29:18.160
 to fear the Lord,

00:29:18.539 --> 00:29:21.060
 the worthless

00:29:21.059 --> 00:29:22.299
 in his eyes.

00:29:22.299 --> 00:29:29.440
 He gives the oath

00:29:29.440 --> 00:29:33.899
 which he has sworn,

00:29:33.899 --> 00:29:41.220
 however high the price.

00:29:41.220 --> 00:29:46.539
 He lets his money

00:29:46.539 --> 00:29:50.460
 and no charge,

00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:52.460
 no pride

00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:54.460
 can he

00:29:54.460 --> 00:30:05.700
 during the deathَ

00:30:05.700 --> 00:30:11.900
 will always stand secure.

00:30:16.840 --> 00:30:19.700
 Well, we can turn back together for a time

00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:22.140
 to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4.

00:30:23.180 --> 00:30:26.539
 We're going to look at verse 1 to 8 in particular together.

00:30:27.420 --> 00:30:29.620
 Just now we can read from verse 1 there.

00:30:30.360 --> 00:30:34.140
 Finally then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus

00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:37.740
 that as you received from us how you ought to live

00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:40.920
 and to please God, just as you are doing,

00:30:41.360 --> 00:30:43.120
 that you do so more and more.

00:30:43.840 --> 00:30:47.640
 For you know that the instruction we gave through the Lord Jesus,

00:30:48.480 --> 00:30:50.220
 for this is the will of God,

00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:54.340
 your sanctification, and so on.

00:30:55.900 --> 00:30:59.100
 The title of this morning's sermon is

00:30:59.100 --> 00:31:01.480
 What is Your Chief End?

00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:04.579
 And I'm sure there's many of you here

00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:07.680
 who will be familiar with that question.

00:31:08.120 --> 00:31:10.460
 It's a question perhaps you've been familiar with

00:31:10.460 --> 00:31:12.339
 from a very young age.

00:31:12.559 --> 00:31:14.839
 What is the chief end of man?

00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:17.079
 Now, if you don't know where it's from,

00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:19.360
 if you're new to that question,

00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:21.360
 then it's from the Shorter Catechism,

00:31:21.880 --> 00:31:25.299
 which has been an important source of teaching

00:31:25.299 --> 00:31:29.380
 throughout the church for many generations now.

00:31:29.380 --> 00:31:35.000
 The Shorter Catechism is a collection of questions and answers

00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:38.040
 all based on the Word of God.

00:31:38.480 --> 00:31:40.240
 Here's one example of that.

00:31:40.360 --> 00:31:41.720
 It's a book.

00:31:42.300 --> 00:31:43.500
 Sometimes it's much smaller.

00:31:43.660 --> 00:31:47.000
 This actually contains the Westminster Confession of Faith

00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:50.820
 along with the Shorter Catechism and the Longer Catechism.

00:31:50.900 --> 00:31:54.100
 So you have these three different documents in one book,

00:31:54.180 --> 00:31:57.040
 but very often you find they come individually as well.

00:31:57.039 --> 00:32:00.960
 And the Shorter Catechism book is sometimes just a very small book.

00:32:01.659 --> 00:32:04.940
 And for many of us, we learned it in our young age.

00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:07.659
 And perhaps for some,

00:32:07.759 --> 00:32:09.759
 maybe the only question that you remember is,

00:32:10.319 --> 00:32:12.279
 what is the chief end of man?

00:32:12.879 --> 00:32:14.920
 And you know, the answer perhaps,

00:32:14.980 --> 00:32:17.659
 the chief end of man is to glorify God

00:32:17.660 --> 00:32:20.779
 and to enjoy him forever.

00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:23.620
 But what does that mean?

00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:26.080
 What does the question mean?

00:32:26.580 --> 00:32:28.220
 And what does the answer mean?

00:32:28.940 --> 00:32:31.380
 They're both important for us to understand,

00:32:31.720 --> 00:32:35.340
 even what Paul is writing to the Thessalonians here.

00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:37.840
 What is the chief end?

00:32:38.840 --> 00:32:42.259
 What is our purpose in life?

00:32:42.259 --> 00:32:45.220
 That's really what the question is asking.

00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:46.400
 What is our purpose?

00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:50.220
 And then the answer to that question is,

00:32:50.339 --> 00:32:51.180
 our chief end,

00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:54.460
 our purpose is to glorify God

00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:57.599
 and to enjoy him forever.

00:32:59.480 --> 00:33:03.180
 Glorify God means to give him all the worship

00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:05.440
 and praise that is due to him.

00:33:06.380 --> 00:33:08.500
 But what does it mean to enjoy him

00:33:08.500 --> 00:33:11.259
 and to enjoy him forever?

00:33:12.320 --> 00:33:13.820
 Maybe we think that's something

00:33:13.820 --> 00:33:16.019
 that's further down the road.

00:33:16.539 --> 00:33:18.700
 That's something maybe even for eternity,

00:33:18.900 --> 00:33:21.460
 that that's when we will enjoy him.

00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:24.380
 But it's not just for eternity.

00:33:24.600 --> 00:33:26.539
 Yes, there's a sense of the day will come

00:33:26.539 --> 00:33:29.180
 when we will fully enjoy him in that sense.

00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.720
 But that's not to say

00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:32.860
 that there shouldn't be any enjoying him today

00:33:32.859 --> 00:33:35.500
 and all the days of our lives.

00:33:36.119 --> 00:33:38.979
 And we enjoy him by growing in him.

00:33:39.599 --> 00:33:41.399
 And that's what this passage

00:33:41.399 --> 00:33:43.079
 that we're looking at together

00:33:43.079 --> 00:33:44.939
 is all about.

00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.240
 Enjoying him.

00:33:48.839 --> 00:33:51.179
 And as Paul is writing to the church

00:33:51.179 --> 00:33:52.740
 at Thessalonica here,

00:33:52.879 --> 00:33:54.079
 he's writing to them,

00:33:54.699 --> 00:33:55.799
 seeking this for them,

00:33:55.819 --> 00:33:58.179
 that they will be growing in the Lord,

00:33:58.179 --> 00:33:59.479
 that they will be going on

00:33:59.479 --> 00:34:02.079
 in the strength of the Lord.

00:34:03.639 --> 00:34:05.359
 And he's doing this in the way

00:34:05.359 --> 00:34:06.259
 that he's asking them

00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:07.619
 many different questions

00:34:07.619 --> 00:34:10.679
 to encourage them along the way.

00:34:11.579 --> 00:34:13.139
 And one question that you could maybe draw

00:34:13.139 --> 00:34:15.000
 from the reading that we've had today is,

00:34:15.599 --> 00:34:17.900
 are they the finished article?

00:34:19.099 --> 00:34:21.119
 And when we think of Paul writing to them,

00:34:21.179 --> 00:34:23.179
 we think of him speaking to ourselves

00:34:23.179 --> 00:34:24.819
 through his word today as well.

00:34:24.819 --> 00:34:27.480
 Are we the finished article?

00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:31.819
 If you look back just to the end of chapter 3 there

00:34:31.820 --> 00:34:34.080
 where we read the encouraging,

00:34:34.240 --> 00:34:35.460
 the report that they had

00:34:35.460 --> 00:34:37.640
 coming back from Thessalonica,

00:34:38.360 --> 00:34:40.160
 Paul was not there anymore.

00:34:40.280 --> 00:34:41.800
 He was writing to them to hear

00:34:41.800 --> 00:34:42.740
 how they were.

00:34:42.840 --> 00:34:44.800
 But Timothy had come back to him

00:34:44.800 --> 00:34:46.039
 with a report.

00:34:46.680 --> 00:34:49.100
 And the report gave him great comfort

00:34:49.100 --> 00:34:51.539
 and great joy because he was hearing

00:34:51.539 --> 00:34:53.220
 that they were going on

00:34:53.220 --> 00:34:54.860
 in their faith.

00:34:54.860 --> 00:34:57.039
 The question there is,

00:34:57.400 --> 00:34:59.120
 how is your faith?

00:34:59.980 --> 00:35:02.420
 And you could almost answer there for them,

00:35:02.840 --> 00:35:04.180
 their faith was strong.

00:35:04.280 --> 00:35:06.280
 They were going on in the Lord.

00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:09.200
 But Paul's great concern

00:35:09.200 --> 00:35:10.900
 and encouragement was

00:35:10.900 --> 00:35:12.740
 that they keep going,

00:35:13.160 --> 00:35:14.200
 that they press on,

00:35:14.240 --> 00:35:16.640
 that they don't lose heart along the way,

00:35:16.640 --> 00:35:18.880
 that they don't enter into trials

00:35:18.880 --> 00:35:20.260
 and temptations that will

00:35:20.260 --> 00:35:22.220
 make them fall away

00:35:22.220 --> 00:35:24.140
 from walking closely with the Lord.

00:35:24.260 --> 00:35:25.840
 And so he's writing

00:35:25.840 --> 00:35:27.519
 to encourage them.

00:35:28.640 --> 00:35:30.820
 So after all has been said

00:35:30.820 --> 00:35:32.840
 in this letter up until this point,

00:35:33.320 --> 00:35:34.559
 now he's focusing,

00:35:34.720 --> 00:35:36.200
 as you come into chapter 4,

00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:38.539
 how are we going to go forward?

00:35:39.240 --> 00:35:40.599
 How are we going to go on

00:35:40.599 --> 00:35:41.980
 from here?

00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:44.220
 And that's something

00:35:44.220 --> 00:35:47.400
 every Christian should always have in mind.

00:35:47.400 --> 00:35:49.940
 Every one of us should have in mind,

00:35:50.160 --> 00:35:52.280
 whether we're Christians here or not,

00:35:52.720 --> 00:35:53.880
 whether we're looking for the Lord.

00:35:53.980 --> 00:35:54.920
 The question is always

00:35:54.920 --> 00:35:55.900
 in the back of our mind,

00:35:56.360 --> 00:35:58.280
 where are we going from here?

00:35:58.340 --> 00:35:58.980
 Where are we going

00:35:58.980 --> 00:36:00.440
 from this service today?

00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:02.460
 What direction are we going in?

00:36:02.539 --> 00:36:03.559
 What are we leaning on

00:36:03.559 --> 00:36:05.860
 for help and understanding?

00:36:07.139 --> 00:36:10.559
 This week was a school report week,

00:36:10.680 --> 00:36:11.559
 a parents' evening

00:36:11.559 --> 00:36:13.460
 in the Nicholson,

00:36:13.519 --> 00:36:14.260
 which we were at.

00:36:15.440 --> 00:36:17.220
 And as with any parent evening,

00:36:17.219 --> 00:36:19.099
 it's always a time of looking at

00:36:19.099 --> 00:36:21.000
 where the child is now,

00:36:21.359 --> 00:36:22.599
 which is important.

00:36:23.119 --> 00:36:24.579
 But what always comes up

00:36:24.579 --> 00:36:27.339
 is the pathway for going forward.

00:36:27.799 --> 00:36:29.139
 What needs to be done

00:36:29.139 --> 00:36:30.959
 to achieve their aim,

00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:31.659
 their goal,

00:36:31.919 --> 00:36:32.839
 or their career.

00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:34.219
 There's always a sense

00:36:34.219 --> 00:36:37.039
 of a pathway going forward.

00:36:38.319 --> 00:36:39.379
 And for Paul,

00:36:39.599 --> 00:36:41.359
 this is almost like a report

00:36:41.359 --> 00:36:42.480
 that's coming back

00:36:42.480 --> 00:36:43.519
 from Thessalonica,

00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:46.119
 where God's children

00:36:46.119 --> 00:36:47.659
 are being reported

00:36:47.659 --> 00:36:49.639
 on their faith strong.

00:36:50.599 --> 00:36:52.619
 They're in a good place just now.

00:36:52.719 --> 00:36:55.039
 They're standing fast in the Lord,

00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:56.519
 as it says in verse 8

00:36:56.519 --> 00:36:58.619
 of chapter 3.

00:36:58.759 --> 00:37:00.380
 They're standing fast in the Lord.

00:37:00.460 --> 00:37:01.179
 That's great.

00:37:01.940 --> 00:37:03.780
 But now as you come into chapter 4,

00:37:03.880 --> 00:37:03.980
 it's,

00:37:04.519 --> 00:37:06.559
 but what's the pathway going forward?

00:37:07.099 --> 00:37:08.099
 Where do they go?

00:37:08.099 --> 00:37:09.380
 from here.

00:37:10.420 --> 00:37:12.319
 And he's already encouraged them

00:37:12.319 --> 00:37:14.139
 in their walk with the Lord.

00:37:15.319 --> 00:37:17.599
 In verse 12 of chapter 2,

00:37:18.299 --> 00:37:20.079
 we exhorted each one of you

00:37:20.079 --> 00:37:21.019
 and encouraged you

00:37:21.019 --> 00:37:21.980
 and charged you

00:37:21.980 --> 00:37:23.460
 to walk in a manner

00:37:23.460 --> 00:37:24.739
 worthy of God,

00:37:24.839 --> 00:37:25.920
 who calls you

00:37:25.920 --> 00:37:27.039
 into his own kingdom

00:37:27.039 --> 00:37:28.079
 and glory.

00:37:28.159 --> 00:37:29.339
 So they were charged,

00:37:29.440 --> 00:37:30.519
 they were called to this,

00:37:30.599 --> 00:37:32.139
 to walk in a manner

00:37:32.139 --> 00:37:33.360
 worthy of God.

00:37:33.440 --> 00:37:34.119
 Their pathway

00:37:34.119 --> 00:37:35.980
 was put before them.

00:37:35.980 --> 00:37:38.400
 But now he's reminding them

00:37:38.400 --> 00:37:39.159
 and challenging them

00:37:39.159 --> 00:37:40.539
 to keep going

00:37:40.539 --> 00:37:42.320
 in this way.

00:37:43.579 --> 00:37:45.159
 But there's a great reminder

00:37:45.159 --> 00:37:46.000
 here too

00:37:46.000 --> 00:37:48.400
 for them and for us

00:37:48.400 --> 00:37:50.159
 that even if we feel

00:37:50.159 --> 00:37:52.099
 that we're falling short

00:37:52.099 --> 00:37:53.639
 in so many ways.

00:37:54.480 --> 00:37:55.240
 And the reminder

00:37:55.240 --> 00:37:56.240
 is what we have

00:37:56.240 --> 00:37:57.579
 in verse 3.

00:37:58.420 --> 00:38:00.800
 For this is the will of God,

00:38:01.300 --> 00:38:03.119
 your sanctification.

00:38:03.119 --> 00:38:06.539
 that God is working

00:38:06.539 --> 00:38:07.779
 in them.

00:38:08.900 --> 00:38:10.380
 And God is working

00:38:10.380 --> 00:38:12.819
 in you and me.

00:38:13.779 --> 00:38:15.319
 That he doesn't leave us alone

00:38:15.319 --> 00:38:16.839
 in this pathway,

00:38:17.460 --> 00:38:19.480
 in this life of seeking

00:38:19.480 --> 00:38:20.359
 to please him.

00:38:20.440 --> 00:38:21.980
 It's not in our own strength

00:38:21.980 --> 00:38:23.460
 that we go on,

00:38:24.099 --> 00:38:25.259
 but through him

00:38:25.259 --> 00:38:26.839
 who works in us

00:38:26.839 --> 00:38:28.279
 for his glory.

00:38:29.219 --> 00:38:30.279
 And when we think of that

00:38:30.279 --> 00:38:31.440
 in light of what is

00:38:31.440 --> 00:38:32.720
 our chief end,

00:38:33.139 --> 00:38:34.920
 what is our main purpose,

00:38:35.460 --> 00:38:37.039
 what is our pathway

00:38:37.039 --> 00:38:38.119
 going forward,

00:38:38.579 --> 00:38:39.099
 we ask,

00:38:39.200 --> 00:38:39.340
 well,

00:38:39.360 --> 00:38:41.240
 is it to worship

00:38:41.240 --> 00:38:42.679
 and glorify God?

00:38:43.340 --> 00:38:45.280
 And is it to enjoy him now

00:38:45.280 --> 00:38:47.440
 and forever?

00:38:48.559 --> 00:38:49.780
 And so there's three things

00:38:49.780 --> 00:38:50.679
 I want us to take

00:38:50.679 --> 00:38:52.019
 from these verses

00:38:52.019 --> 00:38:52.960
 before us

00:38:52.960 --> 00:38:54.360
 this evening.

00:38:55.320 --> 00:38:56.380
 How we see God

00:38:56.380 --> 00:38:57.179
 working in us.

00:38:57.200 --> 00:38:58.059
 And the first thing is

00:38:58.059 --> 00:38:59.400
 in the opening verses

00:38:59.400 --> 00:39:00.940
 of chapter 4,

00:39:01.039 --> 00:39:02.880
 we see Paul encouraging

00:39:02.880 --> 00:39:04.400
 them to please God

00:39:04.400 --> 00:39:06.599
 more and more.

00:39:06.700 --> 00:39:07.860
 To please God

00:39:07.860 --> 00:39:10.300
 more and more.

00:39:11.000 --> 00:39:12.559
 Our lives are so often

00:39:12.559 --> 00:39:15.360
 dictated by goals

00:39:15.360 --> 00:39:16.760
 and targets.

00:39:17.900 --> 00:39:18.820
 When you think of

00:39:18.820 --> 00:39:20.240
 a parent's evening

00:39:20.240 --> 00:39:21.480
 and setting out

00:39:21.480 --> 00:39:23.180
 pathways and goals

00:39:23.180 --> 00:39:23.880
 in life,

00:39:24.579 --> 00:39:25.599
 they're important.

00:39:25.599 --> 00:39:28.319
 But it's also important

00:39:28.319 --> 00:39:29.059
 to remind

00:39:29.059 --> 00:39:30.920
 children and ourselves

00:39:30.920 --> 00:39:32.819
 the goal of

00:39:32.819 --> 00:39:33.739
 knowing God

00:39:33.739 --> 00:39:34.500
 is the greatest

00:39:34.500 --> 00:39:35.119
 of all.

00:39:36.500 --> 00:39:37.559
 Because we can get

00:39:37.559 --> 00:39:38.039
 so easily

00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:38.799
 distracted

00:39:38.799 --> 00:39:40.400
 by pathways

00:39:40.400 --> 00:39:40.980
 and lives

00:39:40.980 --> 00:39:42.119
 and career paths

00:39:42.119 --> 00:39:42.920
 and goals

00:39:42.920 --> 00:39:44.019
 in life.

00:39:45.339 --> 00:39:46.920
 It's in every aspect

00:39:46.920 --> 00:39:47.980
 of life

00:39:47.980 --> 00:39:48.759
 these days.

00:39:48.880 --> 00:39:49.500
 Targets

00:39:49.500 --> 00:39:50.279
 to be met.

00:39:50.960 --> 00:39:51.659
 Whether it's

00:39:51.659 --> 00:39:52.599
 in sports,

00:39:53.299 --> 00:39:53.739
 targets

00:39:53.739 --> 00:39:54.480
 to be met,

00:39:54.480 --> 00:39:56.400
 personal bests

00:39:56.400 --> 00:39:57.199
 to be gained.

00:39:57.579 --> 00:39:58.119
 Whether it's

00:39:58.119 --> 00:39:58.820
 in work,

00:39:59.619 --> 00:40:00.199
 targets

00:40:00.199 --> 00:40:01.059
 that we're set,

00:40:01.519 --> 00:40:02.199
 production,

00:40:02.719 --> 00:40:03.280
 or earning

00:40:03.280 --> 00:40:04.500
 certain amount

00:40:04.500 --> 00:40:04.980
 of money,

00:40:05.059 --> 00:40:06.219
 all of these things.

00:40:06.780 --> 00:40:07.340
 And then you have

00:40:07.340 --> 00:40:08.699
 life targets,

00:40:08.920 --> 00:40:09.659
 relationships,

00:40:09.940 --> 00:40:11.219
 and personal targets,

00:40:11.800 --> 00:40:12.900
 cars and houses

00:40:12.900 --> 00:40:13.719
 and promotions

00:40:13.719 --> 00:40:14.960
 and all of these things.

00:40:15.039 --> 00:40:15.500
 The list

00:40:15.500 --> 00:40:16.460
 can go on

00:40:16.460 --> 00:40:16.900
 where we see

00:40:16.900 --> 00:40:18.280
 a pathway in life

00:40:18.280 --> 00:40:18.619
 that is

00:40:18.619 --> 00:40:20.320
 all about us

00:40:20.320 --> 00:40:22.860
 and satisfying

00:40:22.860 --> 00:40:23.539
 ourselves

00:40:23.539 --> 00:40:24.279
 and achieving

00:40:24.279 --> 00:40:26.099
 our own goals.

00:40:26.880 --> 00:40:27.340
 And whether you

00:40:27.340 --> 00:40:28.360
 look at Paul's day

00:40:28.360 --> 00:40:29.279
 or our own day,

00:40:29.699 --> 00:40:30.679
 that's common.

00:40:31.139 --> 00:40:31.699
 It's common

00:40:31.699 --> 00:40:33.219
 in every generation

00:40:33.219 --> 00:40:34.119
 and every aspect

00:40:34.119 --> 00:40:34.860
 of life

00:40:34.860 --> 00:40:35.500
 where we can get

00:40:35.500 --> 00:40:36.480
 so entangled

00:40:36.480 --> 00:40:38.800
 in our own goals.

00:40:39.519 --> 00:40:40.460
 And our purpose

00:40:40.460 --> 00:40:41.099
 becomes

00:40:41.099 --> 00:40:43.259
 not to glorify God

00:40:43.259 --> 00:40:45.119
 but to make glory

00:40:45.119 --> 00:40:46.199
 for ourselves.

00:40:47.440 --> 00:40:48.340
 And not to enjoy

00:40:48.340 --> 00:40:49.139
 him forever

00:40:49.139 --> 00:40:50.920
 but to enjoy life

00:40:50.920 --> 00:40:51.500
 forever

00:40:51.500 --> 00:40:52.579
 as we see it.

00:40:53.639 --> 00:40:54.340
 And it's so easy

00:40:54.340 --> 00:40:55.659
 to go on the wrong path,

00:40:55.719 --> 00:40:56.400
 the wrong way.

00:40:57.480 --> 00:40:58.579
 And that's the warning

00:40:58.579 --> 00:40:59.199
 that's behind

00:40:59.199 --> 00:41:00.300
 what Paul is writing

00:41:00.300 --> 00:41:01.000
 to them here.

00:41:02.000 --> 00:41:03.659
 He knows this fact.

00:41:03.820 --> 00:41:04.340
 He knows

00:41:04.340 --> 00:41:05.219
 the distractions

00:41:05.219 --> 00:41:06.139
 that are so often

00:41:06.139 --> 00:41:06.820
 all around

00:41:06.820 --> 00:41:08.099
 in his day

00:41:08.099 --> 00:41:09.639
 and God's speaking

00:41:09.639 --> 00:41:10.440
 to us today

00:41:10.440 --> 00:41:11.079
 as well.

00:41:11.880 --> 00:41:12.340
 And so

00:41:12.340 --> 00:41:13.360
 as he's writing here

00:41:13.360 --> 00:41:13.659
 he's saying,

00:41:14.159 --> 00:41:14.380
 yes,

00:41:14.460 --> 00:41:15.119
 your faith

00:41:15.119 --> 00:41:16.039
 is strong at the moment.

00:41:16.159 --> 00:41:16.780
 You're standing

00:41:16.780 --> 00:41:17.340
 in the Lord

00:41:17.340 --> 00:41:19.100
 but where are you going?

00:41:20.100 --> 00:41:20.840
 Where are you going

00:41:20.840 --> 00:41:21.440
 from here?

00:41:21.500 --> 00:41:22.120
 And so he says

00:41:22.120 --> 00:41:22.840
 there in verse 1,

00:41:22.980 --> 00:41:23.880
 finally then brothers,

00:41:24.360 --> 00:41:25.840
 we ask and urge you

00:41:25.840 --> 00:41:26.640
 in the Lord Jesus

00:41:26.640 --> 00:41:28.120
 that as you received

00:41:28.120 --> 00:41:28.579
 from us

00:41:28.579 --> 00:41:29.559
 how you ought to live

00:41:29.559 --> 00:41:30.640
 and to please God

00:41:30.640 --> 00:41:32.160
 just as you are doing

00:41:32.160 --> 00:41:33.559
 that you do so

00:41:33.559 --> 00:41:34.180
 more

00:41:34.180 --> 00:41:35.320
 and more.

00:41:36.620 --> 00:41:37.360
 That this is

00:41:37.360 --> 00:41:38.640
 your ongoing

00:41:38.640 --> 00:41:40.260
 chief end,

00:41:40.500 --> 00:41:41.500
 chief purpose

00:41:41.500 --> 00:41:43.500
 to please God,

00:41:43.500 --> 00:41:45.219
 to enjoy him

00:41:45.219 --> 00:41:46.280
 more

00:41:46.280 --> 00:41:47.480
 and more.

00:41:48.000 --> 00:41:48.679
 A life

00:41:48.679 --> 00:41:49.820
 pleasing

00:41:49.820 --> 00:41:51.260
 to God.

00:41:52.559 --> 00:41:53.480
 And is that

00:41:53.480 --> 00:41:54.119
 the life

00:41:54.119 --> 00:41:55.619
 that you are living,

00:41:55.719 --> 00:41:56.519
 that I am living

00:41:56.519 --> 00:41:56.960
 today?

00:41:57.159 --> 00:41:57.699
 Is that my

00:41:57.699 --> 00:41:58.679
 chief end,

00:41:58.780 --> 00:41:59.960
 my chief purpose

00:41:59.960 --> 00:42:00.699
 today

00:42:00.699 --> 00:42:01.659
 to live a life

00:42:01.659 --> 00:42:02.880
 pleasing God

00:42:02.880 --> 00:42:03.840
 more

00:42:03.840 --> 00:42:05.179
 and more?

00:42:06.780 --> 00:42:07.559
 And the question

00:42:07.559 --> 00:42:07.739
 is,

00:42:07.820 --> 00:42:07.920
 well,

00:42:07.920 --> 00:42:08.539
 how?

00:42:09.420 --> 00:42:10.219
 How do we

00:42:10.219 --> 00:42:11.039
 please God?

00:42:11.480 --> 00:42:12.340
 How do we know

00:42:12.340 --> 00:42:13.539
 what is right

00:42:13.539 --> 00:42:13.820
 to do

00:42:13.820 --> 00:42:14.760
 and what is wrong

00:42:14.760 --> 00:42:15.559
 to do?

00:42:16.680 --> 00:42:17.820
 How do we decide

00:42:17.820 --> 00:42:19.059
 what is morally

00:42:19.059 --> 00:42:19.940
 right and what is

00:42:19.940 --> 00:42:20.700
 morally wrong?

00:42:21.440 --> 00:42:22.720
 You see the context

00:42:22.720 --> 00:42:23.660
 of Paul writing

00:42:23.660 --> 00:42:24.360
 here was a lot

00:42:24.360 --> 00:42:25.480
 of morality,

00:42:25.820 --> 00:42:26.500
 a lot of moral

00:42:26.500 --> 00:42:27.260
 issues that were

00:42:27.260 --> 00:42:29.380
 pulling them away

00:42:29.380 --> 00:42:30.140
 from God.

00:42:31.100 --> 00:42:31.780
 And it's the same

00:42:31.780 --> 00:42:32.720
 in our own world

00:42:32.720 --> 00:42:33.039
 too.

00:42:33.160 --> 00:42:34.019
 These issues

00:42:34.019 --> 00:42:34.600
 of life

00:42:34.600 --> 00:42:35.680
 are still always

00:42:35.680 --> 00:42:35.960
 there,

00:42:36.039 --> 00:42:36.800
 seem to pull us

00:42:36.800 --> 00:42:38.039
 away from God.

00:42:38.079 --> 00:42:38.840
 And how do we know

00:42:38.840 --> 00:42:39.960
 what is right

00:42:39.960 --> 00:42:40.700
 and what is wrong?

00:42:40.760 --> 00:42:41.820
 We can base it

00:42:41.820 --> 00:42:42.440
 on what we've

00:42:42.440 --> 00:42:43.120
 been brought

00:42:43.120 --> 00:42:43.760
 up with.

00:42:44.660 --> 00:42:45.600
 And that's fine

00:42:45.600 --> 00:42:46.120
 if we've been

00:42:46.120 --> 00:42:47.340
 privileged and blessed

00:42:47.340 --> 00:42:48.620
 with a Christian

00:42:48.620 --> 00:42:49.180
 upbringing,

00:42:49.760 --> 00:42:51.120
 our morals coming

00:42:51.120 --> 00:42:51.860
 from the Bible,

00:42:51.980 --> 00:42:53.059
 but what about

00:42:53.059 --> 00:42:54.059
 when that changes?

00:42:54.600 --> 00:42:55.280
 What if that's

00:42:55.280 --> 00:42:56.300
 never what we've

00:42:56.300 --> 00:42:56.640
 had?

00:42:57.380 --> 00:42:58.200
 What if we base

00:42:58.200 --> 00:42:58.900
 what is right

00:42:58.900 --> 00:42:59.300
 and wrong

00:42:59.300 --> 00:43:00.680
 on present culture

00:43:00.680 --> 00:43:01.920
 and ways of

00:43:01.920 --> 00:43:03.059
 thinking and laws?

00:43:04.200 --> 00:43:05.059
 If a law

00:43:05.059 --> 00:43:06.059
 changes to say

00:43:06.059 --> 00:43:07.180
 something that

00:43:07.180 --> 00:43:07.780
 was wrong

00:43:07.780 --> 00:43:08.660
 is now right,

00:43:09.400 --> 00:43:10.220
 or even the other

00:43:10.220 --> 00:43:10.680
 way around,

00:43:10.679 --> 00:43:11.259
 something that

00:43:11.259 --> 00:43:11.980
 was right

00:43:11.980 --> 00:43:13.119
 is now wrong.

00:43:13.440 --> 00:43:14.299
 How do we know?

00:43:14.399 --> 00:43:15.099
 What do we base

00:43:15.099 --> 00:43:15.599
 it on?

00:43:17.480 --> 00:43:18.579
 Francis Schaeffer

00:43:18.579 --> 00:43:19.379
 once said,

00:43:20.299 --> 00:43:20.819
 if there is

00:43:20.819 --> 00:43:21.980
 no absolute

00:43:21.980 --> 00:43:22.919
 by which to

00:43:22.919 --> 00:43:23.879
 judge society,

00:43:24.519 --> 00:43:26.059
 then society

00:43:26.059 --> 00:43:27.559
 is absolute.

00:43:28.779 --> 00:43:29.619
 If there is

00:43:29.619 --> 00:43:30.299
 no absolute

00:43:30.299 --> 00:43:31.019
 by which to

00:43:31.019 --> 00:43:31.980
 judge society,

00:43:32.539 --> 00:43:33.559
 then society

00:43:33.559 --> 00:43:34.940
 is absolute.

00:43:36.899 --> 00:43:38.659
 And is there

00:43:38.659 --> 00:43:39.299
 an absolute

00:43:39.299 --> 00:43:40.139
 for us?

00:43:41.920 --> 00:43:42.399
 Well,

00:43:42.440 --> 00:43:42.980
 if we believe

00:43:42.980 --> 00:43:43.639
 in God

00:43:43.639 --> 00:43:45.059
 and we believe

00:43:45.059 --> 00:43:45.759
 in his word,

00:43:45.920 --> 00:43:46.279
 there is,

00:43:46.379 --> 00:43:46.940
 because it is

00:43:46.940 --> 00:43:48.159
 found in the

00:43:48.159 --> 00:43:49.099
 word of God.

00:43:49.839 --> 00:43:50.759
 That is

00:43:50.759 --> 00:43:52.119
 our absolute

00:43:52.119 --> 00:43:52.759
 guide,

00:43:53.659 --> 00:43:54.599
 our absolute

00:43:54.599 --> 00:43:55.839
 instruction,

00:43:56.000 --> 00:43:56.579
 our absolute

00:43:56.579 --> 00:43:57.960
 way to our

00:43:57.960 --> 00:43:58.619
 chief end

00:43:58.619 --> 00:43:59.799
 to please God

00:43:59.799 --> 00:44:00.239
 is not

00:44:00.239 --> 00:44:01.779
 through society's

00:44:01.779 --> 00:44:02.399
 absolutes,

00:44:02.859 --> 00:44:03.639
 but through

00:44:03.639 --> 00:44:04.699
 the word of God.

00:44:05.559 --> 00:44:06.480
 And our prayer

00:44:06.480 --> 00:44:07.079
 would be that

00:44:07.079 --> 00:44:07.840
 society's

00:44:07.840 --> 00:44:08.420
 absolutes

00:44:08.420 --> 00:44:09.440
 would come

00:44:09.440 --> 00:44:10.099
 from the

00:44:10.099 --> 00:44:10.960
 word of God.

00:44:11.920 --> 00:44:12.980
 But when they

00:44:12.980 --> 00:44:13.420
 don't,

00:44:13.860 --> 00:44:14.440
 we still

00:44:14.440 --> 00:44:15.759
 remain in

00:44:15.759 --> 00:44:16.719
 God's word,

00:44:17.319 --> 00:44:18.000
 because our

00:44:18.000 --> 00:44:18.860
 desire should

00:44:18.860 --> 00:44:19.679
 be to

00:44:19.679 --> 00:44:20.699
 please God

00:44:20.699 --> 00:44:22.400
 more and

00:44:22.400 --> 00:44:22.779
 more.

00:44:24.219 --> 00:44:24.860
 And that's

00:44:24.860 --> 00:44:25.679
 a clear warning

00:44:25.679 --> 00:44:26.219
 in Scripture.

00:44:27.139 --> 00:44:27.880
 If we seek

00:44:27.880 --> 00:44:28.420
 to please

00:44:28.420 --> 00:44:29.019
 self,

00:44:30.179 --> 00:44:30.799
 we'll never

00:44:30.799 --> 00:44:31.679
 please God.

00:44:31.799 --> 00:44:32.559
 Romans 8,

00:44:32.639 --> 00:44:33.139
 verse 8,

00:44:33.559 --> 00:44:34.079
 those who are

00:44:34.079 --> 00:44:34.759
 in the flesh

00:44:34.759 --> 00:44:35.299
 cannot

00:44:35.299 --> 00:44:36.699
 please God,

00:44:36.759 --> 00:44:37.259
 it says.

00:44:38.279 --> 00:44:38.639
 And then

00:44:38.639 --> 00:44:39.480
 Romans 12

00:44:39.480 --> 00:44:40.000
 goes on

00:44:40.000 --> 00:44:40.900
 to outline

00:44:40.900 --> 00:44:41.360
 how we

00:44:41.360 --> 00:44:41.799
 can

00:44:41.799 --> 00:44:43.059
 please God.

00:44:43.840 --> 00:44:44.259
 Do not

00:44:44.259 --> 00:44:45.239
 be conformed

00:44:45.239 --> 00:44:46.179
 to this

00:44:46.179 --> 00:44:46.440
 world,

00:44:46.519 --> 00:44:46.819
 but be

00:44:46.819 --> 00:44:47.500
 transformed

00:44:47.500 --> 00:44:48.420
 by the

00:44:48.420 --> 00:44:49.059
 renewal of

00:44:49.059 --> 00:44:49.519
 your mind,

00:44:49.599 --> 00:44:49.880
 that by

00:44:49.880 --> 00:44:51.000
 testing you

00:44:51.000 --> 00:44:51.619
 may discern

00:44:51.619 --> 00:44:52.019
 what is

00:44:52.019 --> 00:44:52.480
 the will

00:44:52.480 --> 00:44:52.920
 of God,

00:44:52.980 --> 00:44:53.259
 what is

00:44:53.259 --> 00:44:54.119
 good and

00:44:54.119 --> 00:44:54.840
 acceptable

00:44:54.840 --> 00:44:56.159
 and perfect.

00:44:57.440 --> 00:44:58.199
 We find

00:44:58.199 --> 00:44:59.360
 it in the

00:44:59.360 --> 00:45:00.659
 word of

00:45:00.659 --> 00:45:01.099
 God.

00:45:01.099 --> 00:45:01.139
 God.

00:45:02.059 --> 00:45:02.460
 He's

00:45:02.460 --> 00:45:02.679
 saying,

00:45:02.900 --> 00:45:03.819
 please God

00:45:03.819 --> 00:45:05.559
 more and

00:45:05.559 --> 00:45:05.940
 more.

00:45:07.059 --> 00:45:07.539
 The question

00:45:07.539 --> 00:45:08.059
 for them

00:45:08.059 --> 00:45:08.339
 was,

00:45:08.759 --> 00:45:09.219
 are they?

00:45:10.039 --> 00:45:10.360
 And the

00:45:10.360 --> 00:45:10.980
 question for

00:45:10.980 --> 00:45:12.139
 us is,

00:45:12.400 --> 00:45:12.880
 are we?

00:45:13.719 --> 00:45:14.179
 Is that

00:45:14.179 --> 00:45:14.799
 our chief

00:45:14.799 --> 00:45:15.239
 end,

00:45:15.299 --> 00:45:16.059
 to please

00:45:16.059 --> 00:45:16.539
 God

00:45:16.539 --> 00:45:18.319
 more and

00:45:18.319 --> 00:45:18.659
 more?

00:45:20.179 --> 00:45:20.599
 We're

00:45:20.599 --> 00:45:20.900
 always

00:45:20.900 --> 00:45:21.239
 challenged.

00:45:21.319 --> 00:45:21.400
 I mean,

00:45:21.420 --> 00:45:21.759
 you think

00:45:21.759 --> 00:45:22.219
 of Psalm

00:45:22.219 --> 00:45:22.880
 15,

00:45:23.679 --> 00:45:24.159
 who can

00:45:24.159 --> 00:45:24.779
 stand

00:45:24.779 --> 00:45:26.039
 before the

00:45:26.039 --> 00:45:26.440
 Lord?

00:45:27.199 --> 00:45:27.679
 And there's

00:45:27.679 --> 00:45:28.019
 so many

00:45:28.019 --> 00:45:28.559
 things there

00:45:28.559 --> 00:45:28.880
 that if you

00:45:28.880 --> 00:45:29.380
 go through

00:45:29.380 --> 00:45:29.539
 them,

00:45:29.559 --> 00:45:29.880
 you think,

00:45:29.880 --> 00:45:31.160
 I can't.

00:45:31.920 --> 00:45:32.720
 I can't

00:45:32.720 --> 00:45:33.480
 stand before

00:45:33.480 --> 00:45:33.940
 God.

00:45:34.460 --> 00:45:34.820
 He who

00:45:34.820 --> 00:45:35.180
 honors,

00:45:35.340 --> 00:45:35.840
 who fears

00:45:35.840 --> 00:45:36.420
 the Lord,

00:45:36.940 --> 00:45:37.360
 he who

00:45:37.360 --> 00:45:38.039
 does right

00:45:38.039 --> 00:45:38.440
 to his

00:45:38.440 --> 00:45:38.800
 neighbor,

00:45:39.400 --> 00:45:39.800
 he who

00:45:39.800 --> 00:45:40.160
 has no

00:45:40.160 --> 00:45:40.880
 spite in

00:45:40.880 --> 00:45:41.480
 his heart

00:45:41.480 --> 00:45:41.880
 or no

00:45:41.880 --> 00:45:42.500
 slander in

00:45:42.500 --> 00:45:42.960
 his tongue.

00:45:43.019 --> 00:45:43.240
 You go

00:45:43.240 --> 00:45:43.760
 through that

00:45:43.760 --> 00:45:44.140
 list and

00:45:44.140 --> 00:45:44.480
 you think,

00:45:44.960 --> 00:45:45.500
 how is it

00:45:45.500 --> 00:45:46.140
 possible for

00:45:46.140 --> 00:45:46.760
 anyone to

00:45:46.760 --> 00:45:47.480
 stand before

00:45:47.480 --> 00:45:47.960
 God?

00:45:48.820 --> 00:45:49.300
 And that's

00:45:49.300 --> 00:45:49.760
 the reality

00:45:49.760 --> 00:45:50.280
 for us

00:45:50.280 --> 00:45:50.519
 too.

00:45:50.640 --> 00:45:50.980
 How can

00:45:50.980 --> 00:45:51.320
 any of

00:45:51.320 --> 00:45:52.440
 us please

00:45:52.440 --> 00:45:53.140
 God more

00:45:53.140 --> 00:45:53.539
 and more?

00:45:53.640 --> 00:45:54.099
 We know

00:45:54.099 --> 00:45:54.680
 it's

00:45:54.680 --> 00:45:55.360
 impossible.

00:45:56.740 --> 00:45:57.119
 Is a

00:45:57.119 --> 00:45:57.880
 life pleasing

00:45:57.880 --> 00:45:58.360
 to God

00:45:58.360 --> 00:45:59.019
 about making

00:45:59.019 --> 00:46:00.159
 changes

00:46:00.159 --> 00:46:01.239
 ourselves?

00:46:01.440 --> 00:46:01.539
 Well,

00:46:01.579 --> 00:46:01.880
 that's the

00:46:01.880 --> 00:46:02.400
 second thing

00:46:02.400 --> 00:46:02.780
 we want

00:46:02.780 --> 00:46:03.179
 to see

00:46:03.179 --> 00:46:03.599
 here.

00:46:04.480 --> 00:46:05.199
 Because if

00:46:05.199 --> 00:46:05.639
 you read

00:46:05.639 --> 00:46:06.599
 verse 2

00:46:06.599 --> 00:46:07.340
 to 4

00:46:07.340 --> 00:46:08.440
 and go

00:46:08.440 --> 00:46:09.099
 through that

00:46:09.099 --> 00:46:09.539
 yourself

00:46:09.539 --> 00:46:10.159
 without the

00:46:10.159 --> 00:46:11.059
 first sentence

00:46:11.059 --> 00:46:12.599
 of verse 3,

00:46:12.679 --> 00:46:13.119
 if you leave

00:46:13.119 --> 00:46:14.340
 out the

00:46:14.340 --> 00:46:14.920
 first part

00:46:14.920 --> 00:46:15.460
 of verse 3,

00:46:15.519 --> 00:46:15.980
 for this is

00:46:15.980 --> 00:46:16.360
 the will

00:46:16.360 --> 00:46:16.860
 of God,

00:46:16.940 --> 00:46:17.099
 your

00:46:17.099 --> 00:46:18.099
 sanctification,

00:46:18.599 --> 00:46:19.079
 you leave

00:46:19.079 --> 00:46:19.579
 that out

00:46:19.579 --> 00:46:19.980
 and read

00:46:19.980 --> 00:46:20.619
 verse 2

00:46:20.619 --> 00:46:21.139
 to 4,

00:46:21.219 --> 00:46:21.699
 you think,

00:46:22.480 --> 00:46:22.800
 I can

00:46:22.800 --> 00:46:24.079
 try and

00:46:24.079 --> 00:46:24.639
 do that

00:46:24.639 --> 00:46:25.420
 myself.

00:46:25.420 --> 00:46:27.420
 And this

00:46:27.420 --> 00:46:27.680
 is the

00:46:27.680 --> 00:46:28.039
 way many

00:46:28.039 --> 00:46:28.760
 people try

00:46:28.760 --> 00:46:29.519
 to approach

00:46:29.519 --> 00:46:30.019
 God.

00:46:31.099 --> 00:46:31.780
 We hear

00:46:31.780 --> 00:46:32.519
 what God's

00:46:32.519 --> 00:46:33.420
 word says

00:46:33.420 --> 00:46:34.539
 and what

00:46:34.539 --> 00:46:34.800
 we're going

00:46:34.800 --> 00:46:35.180
 to do is

00:46:35.180 --> 00:46:35.440
 we're going

00:46:35.440 --> 00:46:35.700
 to make

00:46:35.700 --> 00:46:36.220
 all the

00:46:36.220 --> 00:46:36.720
 changes

00:46:36.720 --> 00:46:37.659
 in our

00:46:37.659 --> 00:46:38.000
 own

00:46:38.000 --> 00:46:38.559
 lifestyle.

00:46:38.559 --> 00:46:38.860
 We're going

00:46:38.860 --> 00:46:39.079
 to make

00:46:39.079 --> 00:46:39.500
 all the

00:46:39.500 --> 00:46:39.920
 changes

00:46:39.920 --> 00:46:40.659
 in our

00:46:40.659 --> 00:46:40.880
 own

00:46:40.880 --> 00:46:41.240
 hearts

00:46:41.240 --> 00:46:42.059
 by ourselves.

00:46:42.180 --> 00:46:42.400
 We're going

00:46:42.400 --> 00:46:42.880
 to manage

00:46:42.880 --> 00:46:43.119
 this.

00:46:43.200 --> 00:46:43.400
 We're going

00:46:43.400 --> 00:46:43.700
 to do

00:46:43.700 --> 00:46:43.920
 it.

00:46:44.300 --> 00:46:44.579
 We're going

00:46:44.579 --> 00:46:45.000
 to set

00:46:45.000 --> 00:46:45.440
 a goal.

00:46:45.559 --> 00:46:45.840
 We're going

00:46:45.840 --> 00:46:46.460
 to achieve

00:46:46.460 --> 00:46:46.619
 it.

00:46:46.680 --> 00:46:46.960
 We've got

00:46:46.960 --> 00:46:47.960
 the pathway

00:46:47.960 --> 00:46:48.599
 marked out

00:46:48.599 --> 00:46:49.200
 before us.

00:46:49.240 --> 00:46:49.519
 I'm going

00:46:49.519 --> 00:46:49.760
 to be

00:46:49.760 --> 00:46:50.780
 someone whose

00:46:50.780 --> 00:46:51.440
 chief end,

00:46:51.559 --> 00:46:52.019
 whose chief

00:46:52.019 --> 00:46:53.260
 purpose is

00:46:53.260 --> 00:46:54.000
 to glorify

00:46:54.000 --> 00:46:54.940
 God and

00:46:54.940 --> 00:46:55.560
 to enjoy

00:46:55.560 --> 00:46:56.220
 him forever.

00:46:57.320 --> 00:46:57.820
 And we

00:46:57.820 --> 00:46:58.260
 try and

00:46:58.260 --> 00:46:58.560
 do it

00:46:58.560 --> 00:46:59.080
 ourselves.

00:47:00.220 --> 00:47:01.020
 But does

00:47:01.020 --> 00:47:01.660
 it work?

00:47:02.800 --> 00:47:04.060
 It doesn't.

00:47:04.840 --> 00:47:05.720
 We end

00:47:05.720 --> 00:47:06.460
 up failing

00:47:06.460 --> 00:47:07.960
 because

00:47:07.960 --> 00:47:09.400
 without God

00:47:09.400 --> 00:47:10.520
 it's impossible

00:47:10.520 --> 00:47:11.760
 to please

00:47:11.760 --> 00:47:12.000
 him.

00:47:12.960 --> 00:47:13.560
 And that's

00:47:13.560 --> 00:47:14.280
 the beauty

00:47:14.280 --> 00:47:14.780
 of this

00:47:14.780 --> 00:47:15.120
 verse.

00:47:15.240 --> 00:47:15.640
 That's the

00:47:15.640 --> 00:47:16.700
 beauty of

00:47:16.700 --> 00:47:17.220
 what God

00:47:17.220 --> 00:47:18.120
 teaches us

00:47:18.120 --> 00:47:18.580
 in his

00:47:18.580 --> 00:47:19.040
 word.

00:47:19.640 --> 00:47:19.940
 It is

00:47:19.940 --> 00:47:20.860
 God who

00:47:20.860 --> 00:47:21.740
 works in

00:47:21.740 --> 00:47:22.180
 us.

00:47:23.260 --> 00:47:23.740
 And that's

00:47:23.740 --> 00:47:24.080
 why you

00:47:24.080 --> 00:47:24.580
 have the

00:47:24.580 --> 00:47:24.860
 beginning

00:47:24.860 --> 00:47:25.280
 of verse

00:47:25.280 --> 00:47:25.580
 3.

00:47:25.720 --> 00:47:26.020
 For this

00:47:26.020 --> 00:47:26.320
 is the

00:47:26.320 --> 00:47:26.800
 will of

00:47:26.800 --> 00:47:27.180
 God,

00:47:27.700 --> 00:47:28.000
 your

00:47:28.000 --> 00:47:29.180
 sanctification.

00:47:30.520 --> 00:47:31.040
 God

00:47:31.040 --> 00:47:32.160
 working

00:47:32.160 --> 00:47:33.360
 in us.

00:47:34.580 --> 00:47:34.960
 John

00:47:34.960 --> 00:47:35.300
 Newton

00:47:35.300 --> 00:47:36.480
 once famously

00:47:36.480 --> 00:47:36.860
 said,

00:47:36.960 --> 00:47:37.320
 I'm not

00:47:37.320 --> 00:47:37.660
 what I

00:47:37.660 --> 00:47:38.300
 ought to

00:47:38.300 --> 00:47:38.600
 be.

00:47:39.040 --> 00:47:39.560
 And I'm

00:47:39.560 --> 00:47:39.800
 guessing

00:47:39.800 --> 00:47:40.120
 we could

00:47:40.120 --> 00:47:40.760
 all say

00:47:40.760 --> 00:47:41.140
 these

00:47:41.140 --> 00:47:41.540
 things.

00:47:42.160 --> 00:47:42.620
 I'm not

00:47:42.620 --> 00:47:42.920
 what I

00:47:42.920 --> 00:47:43.560
 want to

00:47:43.560 --> 00:47:43.760
 be.

00:47:44.320 --> 00:47:44.760
 I'm not

00:47:44.760 --> 00:47:45.040
 what I

00:47:45.040 --> 00:47:45.460
 hope to

00:47:45.460 --> 00:47:45.680
 be in

00:47:45.680 --> 00:47:45.960
 another

00:47:45.960 --> 00:47:46.400
 world.

00:47:46.880 --> 00:47:47.620
 But still,

00:47:47.840 --> 00:47:48.280
 I am

00:47:48.280 --> 00:47:48.840
 not what I

00:47:48.840 --> 00:47:49.540
 once used

00:47:49.540 --> 00:47:50.220
 to be.

00:47:51.420 --> 00:47:52.140
 But by

00:47:52.139 --> 00:47:52.639
 the grace

00:47:52.639 --> 00:47:53.379
 of God,

00:47:53.779 --> 00:47:54.519
 I am

00:47:54.519 --> 00:47:55.299
 what I

00:47:55.299 --> 00:47:55.599
 am.

00:47:57.739 --> 00:47:58.420
 By the

00:47:58.420 --> 00:47:58.960
 grace of

00:47:58.960 --> 00:47:59.440
 God,

00:47:59.679 --> 00:48:00.539
 I am

00:48:00.539 --> 00:48:01.319
 what I

00:48:01.319 --> 00:48:01.599
 am.

00:48:02.599 --> 00:48:03.000
 You see,

00:48:03.059 --> 00:48:03.279
 John

00:48:03.279 --> 00:48:03.460
 Newton

00:48:03.460 --> 00:48:03.739
 didn't

00:48:03.739 --> 00:48:04.139
 try and

00:48:04.139 --> 00:48:04.639
 change

00:48:04.639 --> 00:48:05.519
 his own

00:48:05.519 --> 00:48:05.960
 life.

00:48:06.779 --> 00:48:07.379
 He knew

00:48:07.379 --> 00:48:07.719
 that only

00:48:07.719 --> 00:48:08.239
 the Lord

00:48:08.239 --> 00:48:08.900
 could,

00:48:09.739 --> 00:48:10.279
 and his

00:48:10.279 --> 00:48:10.759
 grace

00:48:10.759 --> 00:48:11.400
 could.

00:48:12.139 --> 00:48:12.559
 And that

00:48:12.559 --> 00:48:12.859
 is what

00:48:12.859 --> 00:48:13.259
 we need

00:48:13.259 --> 00:48:13.960
 to remember

00:48:13.960 --> 00:48:15.079
 ourselves

00:48:15.079 --> 00:48:15.920
 as well.

00:48:16.659 --> 00:48:17.299
 That it

00:48:17.299 --> 00:48:18.039
 is God

00:48:18.039 --> 00:48:18.940
 who can

00:48:18.940 --> 00:48:19.420
 change

00:48:19.420 --> 00:48:19.880
 us.

00:48:21.639 --> 00:48:23.000
 And that's

00:48:23.000 --> 00:48:23.480
 the wonder

00:48:23.480 --> 00:48:24.119
 of this

00:48:24.119 --> 00:48:24.740
 passage,

00:48:24.980 --> 00:48:25.519
 how God

00:48:25.519 --> 00:48:26.340
 knows us,

00:48:26.599 --> 00:48:26.980
 and how

00:48:26.980 --> 00:48:27.820
 God gives

00:48:27.820 --> 00:48:28.340
 us these

00:48:28.340 --> 00:48:29.300
 encouragements

00:48:29.300 --> 00:48:30.240
 along the

00:48:30.240 --> 00:48:30.519
 way.

00:48:30.860 --> 00:48:31.940
 The blessing

00:48:31.940 --> 00:48:32.440
 of these

00:48:32.440 --> 00:48:33.220
 words should

00:48:33.220 --> 00:48:33.659
 not go

00:48:33.659 --> 00:48:34.599
 past us,

00:48:35.220 --> 00:48:35.780
 because we

00:48:35.780 --> 00:48:36.180
 can all

00:48:36.180 --> 00:48:36.820
 find that

00:48:36.820 --> 00:48:37.460
 sense of

00:48:37.460 --> 00:48:38.300
 struggling

00:48:38.300 --> 00:48:39.039
 along by

00:48:39.039 --> 00:48:39.820
 ourselves,

00:48:40.599 --> 00:48:41.300
 looking at

00:48:41.300 --> 00:48:42.099
 ourselves and

00:48:42.099 --> 00:48:42.460
 thinking,

00:48:42.940 --> 00:48:43.700
 if only I

00:48:43.700 --> 00:48:44.220
 could please

00:48:44.220 --> 00:48:44.579
 God,

00:48:44.680 --> 00:48:44.940
 but I

00:48:44.940 --> 00:48:45.680
 can't.

00:48:46.860 --> 00:48:47.180
 And we're

00:48:47.180 --> 00:48:47.480
 trying to

00:48:47.480 --> 00:48:48.000
 go on

00:48:48.000 --> 00:48:48.780
 leaning on

00:48:48.780 --> 00:48:49.219
 our own

00:48:49.219 --> 00:48:50.019
 strength.

00:48:51.199 --> 00:48:51.980
 But Paul

00:48:51.980 --> 00:48:52.440
 is saying,

00:48:52.519 --> 00:48:52.699
 look,

00:48:53.079 --> 00:48:53.579
 even when

00:48:53.579 --> 00:48:53.780
 you're

00:48:53.780 --> 00:48:54.360
 standing

00:48:54.360 --> 00:48:54.900
 firm in

00:48:54.900 --> 00:48:55.199
 the Lord,

00:48:55.300 --> 00:48:55.760
 don't get

00:48:55.760 --> 00:48:56.519
 complacent.

00:48:56.639 --> 00:48:57.159
 Don't think

00:48:57.159 --> 00:48:57.780
 you've

00:48:57.780 --> 00:48:58.199
 arrived,

00:48:58.360 --> 00:48:58.920
 don't think

00:48:58.920 --> 00:48:59.340
 you've

00:48:59.340 --> 00:49:00.000
 made it.

00:49:02.099 --> 00:49:02.480
 Instead,

00:49:02.719 --> 00:49:03.460
 keep looking

00:49:03.460 --> 00:49:04.320
 to the

00:49:04.320 --> 00:49:04.719
 Lord,

00:49:05.460 --> 00:49:06.219
 to please

00:49:06.219 --> 00:49:07.460
 him more

00:49:07.460 --> 00:49:08.079
 and more,

00:49:08.659 --> 00:49:09.239
 knowing the

00:49:09.239 --> 00:49:09.820
 will of

00:49:09.820 --> 00:49:10.400
 God is

00:49:10.400 --> 00:49:10.800
 your

00:49:10.800 --> 00:49:12.119
 sanctification.

00:49:13.320 --> 00:49:13.539
 Now,

00:49:13.599 --> 00:49:14.219
 what is

00:49:14.219 --> 00:49:15.760
 sanctification?

00:49:16.559 --> 00:49:16.920
 That's

00:49:16.920 --> 00:49:17.579
 important for

00:49:17.579 --> 00:49:17.880
 us to

00:49:17.880 --> 00:49:18.719
 know what

00:49:18.719 --> 00:49:19.299
 Paul is

00:49:19.299 --> 00:49:20.460
 saying to

00:49:20.460 --> 00:49:21.099
 us here.

00:49:21.440 --> 00:49:21.960
 When we're

00:49:21.960 --> 00:49:22.779
 thinking that

00:49:22.779 --> 00:49:24.639
 instead of

00:49:24.639 --> 00:49:25.179
 our chief

00:49:25.179 --> 00:49:26.219
 end is to

00:49:26.219 --> 00:49:26.739
 please

00:49:26.739 --> 00:49:27.319
 ourselves,

00:49:27.599 --> 00:49:27.980
 we're

00:49:27.980 --> 00:49:28.519
 wanting our

00:49:28.519 --> 00:49:29.079
 chief end

00:49:29.079 --> 00:49:30.420
 to glorify

00:49:30.420 --> 00:49:30.940
 God and

00:49:30.940 --> 00:49:31.539
 to enjoy

00:49:31.539 --> 00:49:32.619
 him forever,

00:49:33.519 --> 00:49:34.019
 what makes

00:49:34.019 --> 00:49:34.539
 the difference?

00:49:34.659 --> 00:49:35.420
 It is God

00:49:35.420 --> 00:49:37.099
 working in

00:49:37.099 --> 00:49:37.579
 us.

00:49:38.880 --> 00:49:39.420
 And again,

00:49:39.519 --> 00:49:39.960
 we can come

00:49:39.960 --> 00:49:40.699
 back to the

00:49:40.699 --> 00:49:41.139
 shorter

00:49:41.139 --> 00:49:41.840
 catechism,

00:49:41.960 --> 00:49:42.400
 which again

00:49:42.400 --> 00:49:43.380
 gives us an

00:49:43.380 --> 00:49:43.980
 answer for

00:49:43.980 --> 00:49:44.579
 what is

00:49:44.579 --> 00:49:45.559
 sanctification.

00:49:45.559 --> 00:49:47.460
 sanctification

00:49:47.460 --> 00:49:48.139
 is the

00:49:48.139 --> 00:49:48.840
 work of

00:49:48.840 --> 00:49:49.299
 God's

00:49:49.299 --> 00:49:50.039
 free grace,

00:49:50.679 --> 00:49:51.380
 whereby we

00:49:51.380 --> 00:49:51.920
 are renewed

00:49:51.920 --> 00:49:52.259
 in the

00:49:52.259 --> 00:49:52.820
 whole man

00:49:52.820 --> 00:49:53.299
 after the

00:49:53.299 --> 00:49:53.820
 image of

00:49:53.820 --> 00:49:54.759
 God and

00:49:54.759 --> 00:49:55.440
 are enabled

00:49:55.440 --> 00:49:56.119
 more and

00:49:56.119 --> 00:49:56.579
 more to

00:49:56.579 --> 00:49:57.179
 die unto

00:49:57.179 --> 00:49:58.440
 sin and

00:49:58.440 --> 00:49:59.159
 to live

00:49:59.159 --> 00:49:59.880
 unto

00:49:59.880 --> 00:50:00.619
 righteousness.

00:50:01.779 --> 00:50:02.840
 It is the

00:50:02.840 --> 00:50:03.579
 work of

00:50:03.579 --> 00:50:04.219
 God's

00:50:04.219 --> 00:50:06.019
 free grace,

00:50:07.119 --> 00:50:07.799
 where we

00:50:07.799 --> 00:50:08.360
 are enabled

00:50:08.360 --> 00:50:09.059
 more and

00:50:09.059 --> 00:50:09.460
 more to

00:50:09.460 --> 00:50:10.259
 die unto

00:50:10.259 --> 00:50:11.500
 sin and

00:50:11.500 --> 00:50:12.199
 to live

00:50:12.199 --> 00:50:12.980
 unto

00:50:12.980 --> 00:50:13.699
 righteousness.

00:50:13.699 --> 00:50:14.219
 And we

00:50:14.219 --> 00:50:14.639
 think,

00:50:15.039 --> 00:50:15.739
 can I

00:50:15.739 --> 00:50:16.899
 ever make

00:50:16.899 --> 00:50:17.119
 it?

00:50:18.500 --> 00:50:18.899
 Well,

00:50:18.939 --> 00:50:19.119
 again,

00:50:19.179 --> 00:50:19.460
 we come

00:50:19.460 --> 00:50:19.879
 back to

00:50:19.879 --> 00:50:20.359
 the fact

00:50:20.359 --> 00:50:21.019
 that it

00:50:21.019 --> 00:50:21.779
 is God

00:50:21.779 --> 00:50:23.659
 working in

00:50:23.659 --> 00:50:24.139
 us.

00:50:26.139 --> 00:50:26.879
 A man

00:50:26.879 --> 00:50:28.500
 once bought

00:50:28.500 --> 00:50:28.980
 a new

00:50:28.980 --> 00:50:29.480
 house.

00:50:30.819 --> 00:50:31.319
 And in

00:50:31.319 --> 00:50:31.879
 the backyard

00:50:31.879 --> 00:50:32.599
 of his

00:50:32.599 --> 00:50:32.899
 house,

00:50:33.039 --> 00:50:33.259
 there was

00:50:33.259 --> 00:50:33.839
 a tree,

00:50:34.759 --> 00:50:35.259
 a tree

00:50:35.259 --> 00:50:36.099
 just standing

00:50:36.099 --> 00:50:37.359
 by itself,

00:50:37.500 --> 00:50:38.079
 and he

00:50:38.079 --> 00:50:38.480
 didn't know

00:50:38.480 --> 00:50:38.980
 what kind

00:50:38.980 --> 00:50:39.319
 of tree

00:50:39.319 --> 00:50:39.739
 it was.

00:50:39.859 --> 00:50:40.179
 Nothing

00:50:40.179 --> 00:50:41.259
 marked this

00:50:41.259 --> 00:50:41.980
 tree out

00:50:41.980 --> 00:50:42.719
 in any

00:50:42.719 --> 00:50:43.099
 significant

00:50:43.099 --> 00:50:43.480
 way,

00:50:43.539 --> 00:50:43.759
 because he

00:50:43.759 --> 00:50:44.279
 bought the

00:50:44.279 --> 00:50:44.679
 tree in

00:50:44.679 --> 00:50:45.039
 winter.

00:50:46.500 --> 00:50:47.459
 When spring

00:50:47.459 --> 00:50:48.019
 came,

00:50:48.899 --> 00:50:49.519
 leaves and

00:50:49.519 --> 00:50:50.139
 tiny little

00:50:50.139 --> 00:50:51.339
 buds started

00:50:51.339 --> 00:50:52.579
 appearing on

00:50:52.579 --> 00:50:53.019
 the tree.

00:50:54.119 --> 00:50:54.679
 And for a

00:50:54.679 --> 00:50:55.519
 few days,

00:50:55.639 --> 00:50:56.559
 he marveled

00:50:56.559 --> 00:50:56.859
 at this

00:50:56.859 --> 00:50:57.019
 tree.

00:50:57.079 --> 00:50:57.319
 What a

00:50:57.319 --> 00:50:57.719
 beautiful

00:50:57.719 --> 00:50:58.139
 tree.

00:50:59.019 --> 00:50:59.399
 It's got

00:50:59.399 --> 00:51:00.099
 these beautiful

00:51:00.099 --> 00:51:00.719
 flowers.

00:51:02.359 --> 00:51:02.699
 And he

00:51:02.699 --> 00:51:03.359
 enjoyed them

00:51:03.359 --> 00:51:03.779
 for a few

00:51:03.779 --> 00:51:04.199
 days, but

00:51:04.199 --> 00:51:05.159
 then a

00:51:05.159 --> 00:51:06.000
 wind came,

00:51:06.839 --> 00:51:07.339
 and within

00:51:07.339 --> 00:51:08.179
 a few

00:51:08.179 --> 00:51:08.959
 hours, all

00:51:08.959 --> 00:51:09.519
 the leaves

00:51:09.519 --> 00:51:10.299
 and all

00:51:10.299 --> 00:51:10.899
 the flowers

00:51:10.899 --> 00:51:11.599
 were gone.

00:51:11.599 --> 00:51:12.719
 they were

00:51:12.719 --> 00:51:14.000
 scattered all

00:51:14.000 --> 00:51:14.380
 over the

00:51:14.380 --> 00:51:15.079
 back garden.

00:51:16.019 --> 00:51:16.420
 And he

00:51:16.420 --> 00:51:16.940
 was so

00:51:16.940 --> 00:51:17.460
 disappointed.

00:51:17.599 --> 00:51:17.940
 What a

00:51:17.940 --> 00:51:18.319
 mess.

00:51:19.239 --> 00:51:19.599
 What a

00:51:19.599 --> 00:51:20.039
 worthless

00:51:20.039 --> 00:51:21.420
 tree this

00:51:21.420 --> 00:51:21.940
 is.

00:51:22.539 --> 00:51:23.079
 This tree

00:51:23.079 --> 00:51:23.719
 isn't of

00:51:23.719 --> 00:51:24.259
 any use

00:51:24.259 --> 00:51:24.920
 after all,

00:51:24.960 --> 00:51:25.440
 he thought.

00:51:26.779 --> 00:51:27.500
 But then

00:51:27.500 --> 00:51:28.019
 the summer

00:51:28.019 --> 00:51:30.059
 came, and

00:51:30.059 --> 00:51:31.480
 he noticed

00:51:31.480 --> 00:51:32.400
 during the

00:51:32.400 --> 00:51:32.839
 summer that

00:51:32.839 --> 00:51:33.119
 there were

00:51:33.119 --> 00:51:34.500
 these small

00:51:34.500 --> 00:51:35.519
 buds now on

00:51:35.519 --> 00:51:35.940
 the tree,

00:51:36.039 --> 00:51:36.360
 but the

00:51:36.360 --> 00:51:36.920
 size of a

00:51:36.920 --> 00:51:37.739
 large nut.

00:51:38.500 --> 00:51:38.880
 And he

00:51:38.880 --> 00:51:39.599
 thought, oh,

00:51:39.619 --> 00:51:40.319
 it must be a

00:51:40.319 --> 00:51:40.980
 fruit tree.

00:51:41.599 --> 00:51:42.279
 And so

00:51:42.279 --> 00:51:42.839
 he took

00:51:42.839 --> 00:51:43.360
 down one

00:51:43.360 --> 00:51:44.259
 of the

00:51:44.259 --> 00:51:44.880
 buds, and

00:51:44.880 --> 00:51:45.539
 he bit

00:51:45.539 --> 00:51:46.159
 into it, and

00:51:46.159 --> 00:51:46.920
 he spat it

00:51:46.920 --> 00:51:47.639
 out immediately.

00:51:48.559 --> 00:51:49.019
 Tasted

00:51:49.019 --> 00:51:49.860
 horrible, so

00:51:49.860 --> 00:51:50.339
 sour.

00:51:51.099 --> 00:51:51.460
 And he

00:51:51.460 --> 00:51:52.139
 thought, again,

00:51:52.360 --> 00:51:53.059
 what a

00:51:53.059 --> 00:51:53.539
 worthless

00:51:53.539 --> 00:51:53.940
 tree.

00:51:54.019 --> 00:51:54.440
 It can't

00:51:54.440 --> 00:51:55.019
 even bear

00:51:55.019 --> 00:51:55.920
 good fruit.

00:51:56.519 --> 00:51:56.860
 I'm going

00:51:56.860 --> 00:51:57.299
 to cut

00:51:57.299 --> 00:51:57.880
 this tree

00:51:57.880 --> 00:51:59.059
 down in

00:51:59.059 --> 00:51:59.440
 winter.

00:52:01.139 --> 00:52:02.019
 But then

00:52:02.019 --> 00:52:03.259
 come the

00:52:03.259 --> 00:52:04.619
 autumn, and

00:52:04.619 --> 00:52:05.000
 what did he

00:52:05.000 --> 00:52:06.179
 notice on

00:52:06.179 --> 00:52:06.739
 the tree?

00:52:07.839 --> 00:52:08.500
 But a

00:52:08.500 --> 00:52:09.139
 large

00:52:09.139 --> 00:52:10.819
 produce of

00:52:10.819 --> 00:52:11.559
 red apples.

00:52:12.980 --> 00:52:13.379
 It had

00:52:13.379 --> 00:52:14.480
 taken time,

00:52:14.940 --> 00:52:15.599
 but from

00:52:15.599 --> 00:52:15.980
 the wee

00:52:15.980 --> 00:52:16.659
 blossoming

00:52:16.659 --> 00:52:17.279
 buds that

00:52:17.279 --> 00:52:17.619
 had been

00:52:17.619 --> 00:52:18.019
 seemingly

00:52:18.019 --> 00:52:18.779
 blown away

00:52:18.779 --> 00:52:20.259
 to the

00:52:20.259 --> 00:52:21.599
 sour-tasting

00:52:21.599 --> 00:52:22.299
 fruit that

00:52:22.299 --> 00:52:22.739
 he thought

00:52:22.739 --> 00:52:23.259
 was being

00:52:23.259 --> 00:52:24.559
 produced in

00:52:24.559 --> 00:52:25.039
 the summer,

00:52:25.699 --> 00:52:26.440
 he realized

00:52:26.440 --> 00:52:26.839
 that the

00:52:26.839 --> 00:52:27.559
 tree itself

00:52:27.559 --> 00:52:27.859
 had been

00:52:27.859 --> 00:52:28.500
 taken from

00:52:28.500 --> 00:52:28.980
 the ground

00:52:28.980 --> 00:52:29.579
 all this

00:52:29.579 --> 00:52:30.699
 time to

00:52:30.699 --> 00:52:31.379
 produce a

00:52:31.379 --> 00:52:32.599
 ripe crop

00:52:32.599 --> 00:52:33.739
 of apples.

00:52:33.739 --> 00:52:36.019
 And that's

00:52:36.019 --> 00:52:36.599
 a reminder

00:52:36.599 --> 00:52:37.699
 to us of

00:52:37.699 --> 00:52:38.000
 what the

00:52:38.000 --> 00:52:38.519
 work of

00:52:38.519 --> 00:52:39.500
 sanctification

00:52:39.500 --> 00:52:40.759
 is like.

00:52:41.679 --> 00:52:42.339
 Can we

00:52:42.339 --> 00:52:43.239
 bear fruit

00:52:43.239 --> 00:52:44.359
 by ourselves?

00:52:45.500 --> 00:52:45.839
 No.

00:52:46.879 --> 00:52:47.459
 Will we

00:52:47.459 --> 00:52:48.679
 make mess

00:52:48.679 --> 00:52:49.139
 of our

00:52:49.139 --> 00:52:50.399
 life over

00:52:50.399 --> 00:52:50.799
 and over

00:52:50.799 --> 00:52:51.699
 again sometimes?

00:52:52.139 --> 00:52:52.659
 Yes.

00:52:53.539 --> 00:52:54.319
 Will our

00:52:54.319 --> 00:52:55.459
 fruit sometimes

00:52:55.459 --> 00:52:56.479
 be sour and

00:52:56.479 --> 00:52:56.719
 bitter?

00:52:57.579 --> 00:52:58.119
 Yes.

00:52:59.699 --> 00:53:00.799
 But it is

00:53:00.799 --> 00:53:01.619
 God who is

00:53:01.619 --> 00:53:02.879
 working in

00:53:02.880 --> 00:53:04.340
 us, that

00:53:04.340 --> 00:53:04.720
 we might

00:53:04.720 --> 00:53:05.640
 bear fruit

00:53:05.640 --> 00:53:06.700
 at some

00:53:06.700 --> 00:53:07.480
 point that

00:53:07.480 --> 00:53:07.980
 is good.

00:53:09.660 --> 00:53:10.380
 And it

00:53:10.380 --> 00:53:10.900
 may be that

00:53:10.900 --> 00:53:11.740
 it's always a

00:53:11.740 --> 00:53:12.519
 mix of all

00:53:12.519 --> 00:53:13.019
 the different

00:53:13.019 --> 00:53:15.420
 ones, but

00:53:15.420 --> 00:53:16.300
 our desire,

00:53:16.440 --> 00:53:16.880
 our chief

00:53:16.880 --> 00:53:17.480
 end should

00:53:17.480 --> 00:53:18.480
 be to

00:53:18.480 --> 00:53:19.640
 glorify God

00:53:19.640 --> 00:53:20.480
 and to

00:53:20.480 --> 00:53:21.460
 enjoy him

00:53:21.460 --> 00:53:22.360
 forever.

00:53:23.519 --> 00:53:24.320
 We can so

00:53:24.320 --> 00:53:25.900
 easily lose

00:53:25.900 --> 00:53:27.119
 heart because

00:53:27.119 --> 00:53:27.640
 of our

00:53:27.640 --> 00:53:28.260
 mistakes, and

00:53:28.260 --> 00:53:30.599
 especially if

00:53:30.599 --> 00:53:31.180
 we're thinking

00:53:31.180 --> 00:53:31.800
 we can do

00:53:31.800 --> 00:53:32.740
 it by

00:53:32.739 --> 00:53:33.399
 ourselves.

00:53:34.479 --> 00:53:35.639
 We can't,

00:53:36.279 --> 00:53:36.659
 but we

00:53:36.659 --> 00:53:38.339
 remember God

00:53:38.339 --> 00:53:39.159
 is working

00:53:39.159 --> 00:53:39.979
 in you.

00:53:40.859 --> 00:53:41.679
 God is

00:53:41.679 --> 00:53:42.339
 making you

00:53:42.339 --> 00:53:42.799
 into what

00:53:42.799 --> 00:53:43.259
 he wants

00:53:43.259 --> 00:53:43.619
 you to

00:53:43.619 --> 00:53:45.599
 be, useful

00:53:45.599 --> 00:53:46.859
 and giving

00:53:46.859 --> 00:53:47.799
 all glory

00:53:47.799 --> 00:53:48.919
 to him.

00:53:49.579 --> 00:53:50.119
 Mistakes

00:53:50.119 --> 00:53:50.679
 along the

00:53:50.679 --> 00:53:51.359
 way, yes.

00:53:52.119 --> 00:53:52.719
 Bitterness

00:53:52.719 --> 00:53:53.459
 and sourness

00:53:53.459 --> 00:53:53.879
 along the

00:53:53.879 --> 00:53:54.519
 way, yes.

00:53:55.379 --> 00:53:55.679
 But that

00:53:55.679 --> 00:53:56.079
 we might

00:53:56.079 --> 00:53:57.659
 have a

00:53:57.659 --> 00:53:59.239
 produce, a

00:53:59.239 --> 00:54:00.559
 harvest at

00:54:00.559 --> 00:54:01.059
 the end.

00:54:02.119 --> 00:54:02.480
 And that's

00:54:02.480 --> 00:54:02.900
 the last

00:54:02.900 --> 00:54:03.340
 point I

00:54:03.340 --> 00:54:03.659
 just wanted

00:54:03.659 --> 00:54:04.039
 to take

00:54:04.039 --> 00:54:04.480
 from this

00:54:04.480 --> 00:54:04.980
 passage.

00:54:04.980 --> 00:54:06.279
 What is the

00:54:06.279 --> 00:54:07.599
 outcome of

00:54:07.599 --> 00:54:07.840
 our

00:54:07.840 --> 00:54:08.699
 sanctification?

00:54:09.799 --> 00:54:10.480
 What is he

00:54:10.480 --> 00:54:11.079
 looking at

00:54:11.079 --> 00:54:12.139
 that we

00:54:12.139 --> 00:54:13.139
 might be

00:54:13.139 --> 00:54:13.579
 holy?

00:54:15.539 --> 00:54:16.139
 In verse

00:54:16.139 --> 00:54:16.679
 seven it

00:54:16.679 --> 00:54:16.920
 says,

00:54:17.099 --> 00:54:17.519
 for God

00:54:17.519 --> 00:54:18.000
 has not

00:54:18.000 --> 00:54:18.820
 called us

00:54:18.820 --> 00:54:20.360
 for impurity

00:54:20.360 --> 00:54:22.119
 but in

00:54:22.119 --> 00:54:22.719
 holiness.

00:54:22.719 --> 00:54:22.939
 holiness.

00:54:23.939 --> 00:54:24.679
 What is

00:54:24.679 --> 00:54:25.859
 a holy

00:54:25.859 --> 00:54:26.659
 person?

00:54:27.719 --> 00:54:28.279
 We have

00:54:28.279 --> 00:54:28.699
 our own

00:54:28.699 --> 00:54:29.759
 idea perhaps

00:54:29.759 --> 00:54:30.079
 what a

00:54:30.079 --> 00:54:30.799
 holy person

00:54:30.799 --> 00:54:31.199
 is.

00:54:32.339 --> 00:54:32.739
 A holy

00:54:32.739 --> 00:54:33.319
 person is

00:54:33.319 --> 00:54:34.239
 someone who

00:54:34.239 --> 00:54:34.759
 goes to

00:54:34.759 --> 00:54:35.259
 church.

00:54:35.419 --> 00:54:35.779
 A holy

00:54:35.779 --> 00:54:36.399
 person is

00:54:36.399 --> 00:54:37.259
 someone who

00:54:37.259 --> 00:54:37.959
 reads their

00:54:37.959 --> 00:54:38.419
 Bible.

00:54:39.779 --> 00:54:40.319
 But is that

00:54:40.319 --> 00:54:40.639
 what the

00:54:40.639 --> 00:54:41.559
 Bible means

00:54:41.559 --> 00:54:42.179
 by what a

00:54:42.179 --> 00:54:43.439
 holy person

00:54:43.439 --> 00:54:44.099
 is?

00:54:45.079 --> 00:54:45.599
 At the

00:54:45.599 --> 00:54:46.059
 root of

00:54:46.059 --> 00:54:46.539
 what being

00:54:46.539 --> 00:54:47.559
 holy means

00:54:47.559 --> 00:54:48.279
 and the

00:54:48.279 --> 00:54:48.879
 idea of

00:54:48.879 --> 00:54:49.439
 being holy

00:54:49.439 --> 00:54:50.219
 is being

00:54:50.219 --> 00:54:51.559
 set apart.

00:54:52.719 --> 00:54:54.000
 And so

00:54:54.000 --> 00:54:54.339
 when you

00:54:54.339 --> 00:54:55.299
 come to

00:54:55.299 --> 00:54:56.339
 worship God

00:54:56.339 --> 00:54:57.279
 we worship

00:54:57.279 --> 00:54:58.199
 a holy

00:54:58.199 --> 00:54:58.939
 God.

00:54:59.739 --> 00:55:00.399
 He is the

00:55:00.399 --> 00:55:00.899
 one who

00:55:00.899 --> 00:55:01.659
 is to be

00:55:01.659 --> 00:55:02.639
 set apart

00:55:02.639 --> 00:55:03.359
 and worthy

00:55:03.359 --> 00:55:04.419
 of all

00:55:04.419 --> 00:55:05.559
 our worship.

00:55:06.579 --> 00:55:07.459
 In Exodus

00:55:07.459 --> 00:55:08.159
 20

00:55:08.159 --> 00:55:09.899
 the ten

00:55:09.899 --> 00:55:10.439
 commandments

00:55:10.439 --> 00:55:11.519
 the first

00:55:11.519 --> 00:55:12.139
 commandment

00:55:12.139 --> 00:55:12.480
 is you

00:55:12.480 --> 00:55:12.839
 shall have

00:55:12.839 --> 00:55:13.419
 no other

00:55:13.419 --> 00:55:13.959
 gods

00:55:13.959 --> 00:55:15.219
 before me.

00:55:16.000 --> 00:55:16.419
 There shall

00:55:16.419 --> 00:55:16.839
 be nothing

00:55:16.839 --> 00:55:17.399
 else in

00:55:17.399 --> 00:55:18.159
 your pathway

00:55:18.159 --> 00:55:19.959
 nothing else

00:55:19.959 --> 00:55:20.279
 as your

00:55:20.279 --> 00:55:20.759
 treasure

00:55:20.759 --> 00:55:22.000
 nothing else

00:55:22.000 --> 00:55:22.319
 as your

00:55:22.320 --> 00:55:23.080
 chief end

00:55:23.080 --> 00:55:24.320
 but God.

00:55:25.640 --> 00:55:25.940
 You shall

00:55:25.940 --> 00:55:26.320
 have no

00:55:26.320 --> 00:55:27.220
 other gods

00:55:27.220 --> 00:55:28.620
 before me

00:55:28.620 --> 00:55:29.980
 because he

00:55:29.980 --> 00:55:30.519
 is a

00:55:30.519 --> 00:55:31.240
 holy God.

00:55:31.340 --> 00:55:32.059
 And before

00:55:32.059 --> 00:55:32.620
 that in

00:55:32.620 --> 00:55:33.620
 Exodus 15

00:55:33.620 --> 00:55:34.640
 it had

00:55:34.640 --> 00:55:35.220
 said who

00:55:35.220 --> 00:55:35.720
 is like

00:55:35.720 --> 00:55:36.100
 you O

00:55:36.100 --> 00:55:36.600
 Lord among

00:55:36.600 --> 00:55:37.180
 the gods

00:55:37.180 --> 00:55:37.780
 who is

00:55:37.780 --> 00:55:38.320
 like you

00:55:38.320 --> 00:55:39.300
 majestic

00:55:39.300 --> 00:55:40.120
 in holiness

00:55:40.120 --> 00:55:40.880
 awesome

00:55:40.880 --> 00:55:41.980
 in glorious

00:55:41.980 --> 00:55:42.500
 deeds

00:55:42.500 --> 00:55:43.559
 doing wonders.

00:55:44.559 --> 00:55:44.940
 There is

00:55:44.940 --> 00:55:45.539
 no other

00:55:45.539 --> 00:55:46.700
 God like

00:55:46.700 --> 00:55:47.420
 our Lord.

00:55:48.320 --> 00:55:48.940
 And therefore

00:55:48.940 --> 00:55:49.700
 he is a

00:55:49.700 --> 00:55:50.580
 holy God

00:55:50.579 --> 00:55:51.279
 and that

00:55:51.279 --> 00:55:51.599
 is how

00:55:51.599 --> 00:55:51.880
 we are

00:55:51.880 --> 00:55:52.420
 to worship

00:55:52.420 --> 00:55:52.679
 him.

00:55:52.679 --> 00:55:53.079
 As a

00:55:53.079 --> 00:55:53.799
 holy God

00:55:53.799 --> 00:55:55.279
 set apart.

00:55:58.279 --> 00:55:59.199
 But what

00:55:59.199 --> 00:55:59.719
 does holiness

00:55:59.719 --> 00:56:00.799
 mean for

00:56:00.799 --> 00:56:01.340
 ourselves?

00:56:01.920 --> 00:56:02.420
 You see it

00:56:02.420 --> 00:56:02.779
 in different

00:56:02.779 --> 00:56:03.340
 parts of

00:56:03.340 --> 00:56:03.639
 scripture

00:56:03.639 --> 00:56:03.980
 where we

00:56:03.980 --> 00:56:04.619
 are told

00:56:04.619 --> 00:56:05.500
 to be

00:56:05.500 --> 00:56:05.840
 holy

00:56:05.840 --> 00:56:06.380
 because

00:56:06.380 --> 00:56:06.940
 God

00:56:06.940 --> 00:56:07.799
 is

00:56:07.799 --> 00:56:08.340
 holy.

00:56:09.440 --> 00:56:09.819
 C.S.

00:56:09.900 --> 00:56:10.119
 Lewis

00:56:10.119 --> 00:56:10.980
 once said

00:56:10.980 --> 00:56:12.000
 how little

00:56:12.000 --> 00:56:12.880
 people know

00:56:12.880 --> 00:56:13.440
 who think

00:56:13.440 --> 00:56:14.119
 that holiness

00:56:14.119 --> 00:56:14.980
 is dull.

00:56:16.059 --> 00:56:16.880
 When one

00:56:16.880 --> 00:56:17.440
 meets the

00:56:17.440 --> 00:56:18.380
 real thing

00:56:18.380 --> 00:56:19.160
 it is

00:56:19.160 --> 00:56:20.260
 irresistible.

00:56:21.079 --> 00:56:21.460
 Holiness

00:56:21.460 --> 00:56:22.440
 is a

00:56:22.440 --> 00:56:22.900
 beautiful

00:56:22.900 --> 00:56:23.420
 thing.

00:56:24.019 --> 00:56:24.300
 Holiness

00:56:24.300 --> 00:56:24.800
 is a

00:56:24.800 --> 00:56:25.200
 precious

00:56:25.200 --> 00:56:25.599
 thing.

00:56:25.780 --> 00:56:26.300
 A thing

00:56:26.300 --> 00:56:26.579
 that we

00:56:26.579 --> 00:56:26.900
 should be

00:56:26.900 --> 00:56:27.599
 aspiring

00:56:27.599 --> 00:56:28.160
 for.

00:56:28.519 --> 00:56:28.940
 And that's

00:56:28.940 --> 00:56:29.440
 what Paul

00:56:29.440 --> 00:56:30.099
 is speaking

00:56:30.099 --> 00:56:30.680
 of here.

00:56:30.820 --> 00:56:31.160
 As you

00:56:31.160 --> 00:56:31.720
 seek to

00:56:31.720 --> 00:56:32.340
 please

00:56:32.340 --> 00:56:32.800
 God

00:56:32.800 --> 00:56:33.740
 more and

00:56:33.740 --> 00:56:33.920
 more.

00:56:34.000 --> 00:56:34.260
 As you

00:56:34.260 --> 00:56:35.160
 seek to

00:56:35.160 --> 00:56:35.820
 go on

00:56:35.820 --> 00:56:36.660
 in this

00:56:36.660 --> 00:56:37.200
 way being

00:56:37.200 --> 00:56:38.099
 sanctified

00:56:38.099 --> 00:56:38.760
 by God.

00:56:38.860 --> 00:56:39.099
 God

00:56:39.099 --> 00:56:39.700
 working

00:56:39.700 --> 00:56:40.260
 in us.

00:56:40.559 --> 00:56:41.180
 It is

00:56:41.180 --> 00:56:41.599
 to be a

00:56:41.599 --> 00:56:42.059
 beautiful

00:56:42.059 --> 00:56:42.680
 thing.

00:56:43.680 --> 00:56:44.260
 Set

00:56:44.260 --> 00:56:44.880
 apart

00:56:44.880 --> 00:56:45.660
 for the

00:56:45.660 --> 00:56:46.019
 worship

00:56:46.019 --> 00:56:47.460
 of God.

00:56:48.380 --> 00:56:48.820
 Holiness

00:56:48.820 --> 00:56:49.980
 is so

00:56:49.980 --> 00:56:50.640
 important

00:56:50.640 --> 00:56:51.740
 for us.

00:56:52.740 --> 00:56:53.640
 And why

00:56:53.640 --> 00:56:54.059
 is it

00:56:54.059 --> 00:56:55.019
 so important?

00:56:55.360 --> 00:56:56.019
 Because

00:56:56.019 --> 00:56:56.480
 we're given

00:56:56.480 --> 00:56:57.000
 a warning

00:56:57.000 --> 00:56:57.460
 there in

00:56:57.460 --> 00:56:57.960
 verse 8

00:56:57.960 --> 00:56:58.400
 of this

00:56:58.400 --> 00:56:58.820
 chapter.

00:56:59.340 --> 00:56:59.619
 Whoever

00:56:59.619 --> 00:57:00.700
 disregards

00:57:00.700 --> 00:57:01.019
 this

00:57:01.019 --> 00:57:01.860
 disregards

00:57:01.860 --> 00:57:02.579
 not man

00:57:02.579 --> 00:57:04.019
 but God.

00:57:05.380 --> 00:57:06.099
 When we

00:57:06.099 --> 00:57:06.579
 disregard

00:57:06.579 --> 00:57:07.519
 these things

00:57:07.519 --> 00:57:08.920
 we disregard

00:57:08.920 --> 00:57:10.019
 God

00:57:10.019 --> 00:57:10.619
 himself.

00:57:12.079 --> 00:57:12.360
 And when

00:57:12.360 --> 00:57:12.640
 we do

00:57:12.640 --> 00:57:12.960
 that

00:57:12.960 --> 00:57:14.140
 we cannot

00:57:14.140 --> 00:57:15.280
 be holy.

00:57:16.300 --> 00:57:16.800
 Hebrews

00:57:16.800 --> 00:57:17.460
 12

00:57:17.460 --> 00:57:18.019
 14

00:57:18.019 --> 00:57:18.740
 says to

00:57:18.740 --> 00:57:18.880
 us

00:57:18.880 --> 00:57:19.260
 as well

00:57:19.260 --> 00:57:19.940
 strive

00:57:19.940 --> 00:57:20.900
 for peace

00:57:20.900 --> 00:57:21.500
 with everyone

00:57:21.500 --> 00:57:21.940
 for the

00:57:21.940 --> 00:57:22.420
 holiness

00:57:22.420 --> 00:57:23.480
 without

00:57:23.480 --> 00:57:24.260
 which no

00:57:24.260 --> 00:57:25.100
 one will

00:57:25.100 --> 00:57:26.200
 see the

00:57:26.200 --> 00:57:26.620
 Lord.

00:57:28.740 --> 00:57:29.440
 Well

00:57:29.440 --> 00:57:30.120
 do we

00:57:30.120 --> 00:57:31.160
 want to

00:57:31.160 --> 00:57:32.400
 see God?

00:57:33.080 --> 00:57:33.560
 Do we

00:57:33.560 --> 00:57:34.019
 want to

00:57:34.019 --> 00:57:34.720
 enjoy him

00:57:34.720 --> 00:57:35.500
 forever?

00:57:36.320 --> 00:57:36.820
 Do we

00:57:36.820 --> 00:57:37.360
 want him

00:57:37.360 --> 00:57:37.920
 to be our

00:57:37.920 --> 00:57:38.860
 chief purpose

00:57:38.860 --> 00:57:40.500
 glorifying him

00:57:40.500 --> 00:57:41.640
 and enjoying

00:57:41.640 --> 00:57:42.160
 him

00:57:42.160 --> 00:57:43.160
 always?

00:57:43.159 --> 00:57:45.799
 I pray

00:57:45.799 --> 00:57:46.420
 we all

00:57:46.420 --> 00:57:46.719
 do.

00:57:47.379 --> 00:57:48.019
 That that

00:57:48.019 --> 00:57:48.319
 would be

00:57:48.319 --> 00:57:48.819
 our longing

00:57:48.819 --> 00:57:49.219
 that that

00:57:49.219 --> 00:57:49.519
 would be

00:57:49.519 --> 00:57:50.299
 our desire

00:57:50.299 --> 00:57:51.500
 and remembering

00:57:51.500 --> 00:57:52.819
 we don't

00:57:52.819 --> 00:57:53.359
 do it

00:57:53.359 --> 00:57:54.319
 just by

00:57:54.319 --> 00:57:54.879
 ourselves.

00:57:55.879 --> 00:57:56.599
 And if

00:57:56.599 --> 00:57:57.199
 you feel

00:57:57.199 --> 00:57:57.899
 that you

00:57:57.899 --> 00:57:58.799
 are struggling

00:57:58.799 --> 00:58:00.119
 if you

00:58:00.119 --> 00:58:00.739
 are feeling

00:58:00.739 --> 00:58:01.139
 that you

00:58:01.139 --> 00:58:01.879
 are failing

00:58:01.879 --> 00:58:03.159
 to please

00:58:03.159 --> 00:58:03.699
 God

00:58:03.699 --> 00:58:04.599
 in this

00:58:04.599 --> 00:58:04.779
 way

00:58:04.779 --> 00:58:04.980
 if you

00:58:04.980 --> 00:58:05.500
 are failing

00:58:05.500 --> 00:58:06.379
 to achieve

00:58:06.379 --> 00:58:07.319
 what

00:58:07.319 --> 00:58:08.440
 Psalm 15

00:58:08.440 --> 00:58:09.239
 describes

00:58:09.239 --> 00:58:09.980
 for us

00:58:09.980 --> 00:58:11.579
 no you're

00:58:11.579 --> 00:58:12.000
 not

00:58:12.000 --> 00:58:12.799
 alone.

00:58:13.159 --> 00:58:14.679
 because we

00:58:14.679 --> 00:58:15.899
 all fall

00:58:15.899 --> 00:58:16.420
 short.

00:58:16.940 --> 00:58:17.899
 Every one

00:58:17.899 --> 00:58:18.239
 of us

00:58:18.239 --> 00:58:19.139
 falls short

00:58:19.139 --> 00:58:21.139
 of the

00:58:21.139 --> 00:58:21.759
 glory of

00:58:21.759 --> 00:58:22.079
 God.

00:58:22.259 --> 00:58:22.739
 That is

00:58:22.739 --> 00:58:23.440
 what God's

00:58:23.440 --> 00:58:24.179
 word says

00:58:24.179 --> 00:58:24.839
 to us.

00:58:26.460 --> 00:58:27.039
 But what

00:58:27.039 --> 00:58:27.379
 we want

00:58:27.379 --> 00:58:27.699
 to know

00:58:27.699 --> 00:58:28.980
 is God

00:58:28.980 --> 00:58:30.179
 working

00:58:30.179 --> 00:58:31.440
 in us.

00:58:32.639 --> 00:58:33.139
 You

00:58:33.139 --> 00:58:33.639
 think of

00:58:33.639 --> 00:58:34.119
 someone

00:58:34.119 --> 00:58:34.819
 holy in

00:58:34.819 --> 00:58:35.179
 your own

00:58:35.179 --> 00:58:35.579
 mind

00:58:35.579 --> 00:58:37.019
 and you

00:58:37.019 --> 00:58:37.500
 say to

00:58:37.500 --> 00:58:38.099
 yourself

00:58:38.099 --> 00:58:39.159
 I can

00:58:39.159 --> 00:58:39.679
 never

00:58:39.679 --> 00:58:40.839
 be like

00:58:40.839 --> 00:58:41.319
 that.

00:58:41.320 --> 00:58:43.460
 God's

00:58:43.460 --> 00:58:43.960
 eternal

00:58:43.960 --> 00:58:44.680
 inici cocktail

00:58:44.680 --> 00:58:53.180
iggly

00:58:53.180 --> 00:58:53.700
 Jesus

00:58:53.700 --> 00:58:53.800
 looks

00:58:53.800 --> 00:58:54.400
 on the

00:58:54.400 --> 00:58:54.840
 inside.

00:58:55.059 --> 00:58:55.280
 God

00:58:55.280 --> 00:58:55.580
 looks

00:58:55.580 --> 00:58:55.900
 on the

00:58:55.900 --> 00:58:56.420
 heart.

00:58:57.240 --> 00:58:57.559
 Not

00:58:57.559 --> 00:58:57.820
 on the

00:58:57.820 --> 00:58:58.420
 outside.

00:58:59.700 --> 00:59:00.160
 And that's

00:59:00.160 --> 00:59:00.380
 what we

00:59:00.380 --> 00:59:00.880
 think of

00:59:00.880 --> 00:59:02.280
 here as

00:59:02.280 --> 00:59:02.880
 Paul is

00:59:02.880 --> 00:59:03.460
 writing to

00:59:03.460 --> 00:59:03.640
 the

00:59:03.640 --> 00:59:04.300
 Thessalonians.

00:59:04.420 --> 00:59:04.720
 He's

00:59:04.720 --> 00:59:05.539
 encouraged

00:59:05.539 --> 00:59:06.340
 that they

00:59:06.340 --> 00:59:07.220
 are standing

00:59:07.220 --> 00:59:07.960
 fast in

00:59:07.960 --> 00:59:08.100
 the

00:59:08.100 --> 00:59:08.420
 Lord

00:59:08.420 --> 00:59:16.059
 yes, but he wants them to have the right pathway going forward as well, the right direction

00:59:16.059 --> 00:59:23.760
 in their lives, to keep living a life pleasing to God as much as they possibly can,

00:59:24.480 --> 00:59:33.200
 but knowing to God working in them that they might be holy and set apart for God.

00:59:33.199 --> 00:59:40.399
 Would that be our desire? Would that be our longing? Is that your chief end, your chief purpose?

00:59:41.199 --> 00:59:51.199
 To please God, to know him working in you, that you might be holy and set apart by him and for him.

00:59:52.159 --> 01:00:01.559
 God working in us. What a wonderful privilege that God would take you and I, imperfect as we are,

01:00:01.559 --> 01:00:07.079
 with all our faults, all the mess that we make, all the sourness and bitterness that we have,

01:00:07.880 --> 01:00:18.519
 and seek to make us fruitful for him, a thing of beauty to him, set apart for him. May he work in us

01:00:18.519 --> 01:00:20.920
 for his glory. Let us pray.

01:00:20.920 --> 01:00:30.240
 Our Father in heaven, we thank you for your work in us, an ongoing work, and a work we know even in

01:00:30.240 --> 01:00:36.019
 our own hearts is so needed because we cannot do it by ourselves. And we just pray, Lord, that you will

01:00:36.019 --> 01:00:41.800
 have mercy on us for all our bitterness, our sourness, all the mess that we make in our life,

01:00:42.300 --> 01:00:50.360
 and that you would make us fruitful, set apart for your glory. We ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

01:00:50.920 --> 01:00:51.920
 Amen.

01:00:53.240 --> 01:01:00.840
 We're going to close by singing to God's praise in Psalm 40, the Sing Psalms version this time,

01:01:00.960 --> 01:01:10.920
 Psalm 40, and the last two verses there on page 52. The tune is Finart, Psalm 40 at verse 16,

01:01:10.920 --> 01:01:18.280
 page 52. But let all those who seek your face be joyful in you all their days. Let those who love

01:01:18.280 --> 01:01:25.900
 salvation say, exalted be the Lord always. We'll sing these last two stanzas to God's praise.

01:01:25.900 --> 01:01:33.220
 Let those who love salvation say, exalted be the Lord always. And let us pray. And let us know

01:01:33.220 --> 01:01:51.300
 in this verse 1. But let all those who seek your face be joyful in you all their days. Let those who love

01:01:51.300 --> 01:01:54.539
 of salvation

01:01:54.539 --> 01:01:56.260
 say

01:01:56.260 --> 01:01:58.840
 exalted

01:01:58.840 --> 01:02:00.560
 be

01:02:00.560 --> 01:02:02.840
 the Lord

01:02:02.840 --> 01:02:05.320
 always

01:02:05.320 --> 01:02:07.019
 yet

01:02:07.019 --> 01:02:09.220
 I am

01:02:09.220 --> 01:02:10.720
 poor

01:02:10.720 --> 01:02:12.760
 and in

01:02:12.760 --> 01:02:14.280
 great need

01:02:14.280 --> 01:02:17.140
 Lord think

01:02:17.140 --> 01:02:18.920
 on me

01:02:18.920 --> 01:02:21.180
 I am

01:02:21.179 --> 01:02:23.099
 humbly pray

01:02:23.099 --> 01:02:25.179
 you are

01:02:25.839 --> 01:02:27.179
 my saviour

01:02:28.619 --> 01:02:29.179
 and

01:02:29.980 --> 01:02:31.179
 my help

01:02:31.940 --> 01:02:32.940
 come

01:02:32.940 --> 01:02:34.859
 oh my

01:02:34.859 --> 01:02:35.179
 God

01:02:36.319 --> 01:02:37.179
 do not

01:02:38.699 --> 01:02:39.179
 delay

01:02:39.719 --> 01:02:43.059
 after the

01:02:43.059 --> 01:02:44.859
 benediction I'll go to the main door

01:02:44.859 --> 01:02:46.139
 we'll close with the benediction

01:02:46.139 --> 01:02:49.339
 now may grace mercy and peace

01:02:49.339 --> 01:02:51.099
 from God Father Son

01:02:51.099 --> 01:02:52.159
 and Holy Spirit

01:02:52.159 --> 01:02:55.019
 rest upon and abide with you all

01:02:55.019 --> 01:02:56.619
 now and forevermore

01:02:56.619 --> 01:02:57.420
 Amen

01:02:57.420 --> 01:03:01.099
 going flow

01:03:01.099 --> 01:03:15.320
 ma doc

01:03:15.320 --> 01:03:16.300
 come on

01:03:16.300 --> 01:03:20.320
 go 받

01:03:20.320 --> 01:03:50.300
 Thank you.