WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.160 We are going through Romans 8 with the overall theme of assurance of salvation in Christ. 00:00:08.839 --> 00:00:16.600 So two weeks ago, David Coylewood spoke on reason number one for the assurance of our salvation. 00:00:17.539 --> 00:00:22.280 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ 00:00:22.280 --> 00:00:25.420 because Christ has taken the condemnation on the cross. 00:00:25.420 --> 00:00:33.079 And last week, Rob Patterson spoke on reason number two, the Holy Spirit has come to give life. 00:00:34.120 --> 00:00:37.859 The law of the spirit of life supersedes the law of sin and death. 00:00:38.679 --> 00:00:43.120 It is like the law of aerodynamics supersedes the law of gravity. 00:00:43.740 --> 00:00:46.740 When the law of the spirit of life is at work in us, 00:00:47.320 --> 00:00:50.680 the law of sin and death no longer has anything to do with us. 00:00:51.880 --> 00:00:55.140 This week, I would like to speak on reason number three, 00:00:55.420 --> 00:00:59.960 that is how the Holy Spirit helps us to live like children of God. 00:01:01.079 --> 00:01:05.659 And Rob has been very helpful in explaining the term of Abba Father. 00:01:06.400 --> 00:01:12.420 And then Marty gave us a very good illustration in terms of being adopted by God. 00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:14.980 All right, before we start, shall we pray? 00:01:14.980 --> 00:01:24.439 Father God, we thank you for the fact that we could call your Father, 00:01:25.439 --> 00:01:28.280 even as we come before you, the Holy God. 00:01:31.780 --> 00:01:37.240 And it is such a privilege for us to come before you as our Father, 00:01:37.820 --> 00:01:40.180 no longer fearing any condemnation. 00:01:40.180 --> 00:01:49.360 Oh, Father, we know that you want us to have more, more than no condemnation, 00:01:49.840 --> 00:01:52.260 but a life that is worthy of your calling, 00:01:52.500 --> 00:01:58.340 a life that is totally out of our own expectation. 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:01.280 For you have prepared for those who love you, 00:02:01.719 --> 00:02:05.400 things that we have never thought of, never seen, never heard before. 00:02:05.400 --> 00:02:11.599 Oh, Father, help us to see you clearer this morning as we come into your word. 00:02:12.099 --> 00:02:15.000 Thank you, Father. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:02:17.400 --> 00:02:21.960 For this sermon, there will be quite a number of verses that I will be going through. 00:02:22.840 --> 00:02:26.780 I'm sorry, it will be a bit rushed, I thought. 00:02:27.120 --> 00:02:30.540 But I'll put those verses on the screen. 00:02:30.900 --> 00:02:32.840 Hopefully Marty can follow. 00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:37.000 So we start with Romans 8.12. 00:02:37.300 --> 00:02:43.659 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 00:02:45.500 --> 00:02:46.680 We are debtors. 00:02:47.659 --> 00:02:52.699 We can understand that many of the adults in Australia are debtors to the banks, 00:02:53.259 --> 00:02:54.840 but are we all debtors? 00:02:54.840 --> 00:02:59.400 We are debtors in the sense that we will, 00:03:00.280 --> 00:03:03.219 we all have needs that we cannot supply ourselves. 00:03:04.480 --> 00:03:07.280 Needs like happiness and recognition. 00:03:08.699 --> 00:03:12.939 Our flesh tells us that it can give us happiness and recognition 00:03:12.939 --> 00:03:14.759 if we live according to its ways. 00:03:15.759 --> 00:03:18.539 We try the way of the flesh, 00:03:19.539 --> 00:03:21.420 and it just seems to get what we want, 00:03:21.419 --> 00:03:24.679 and so we became debtors to the flesh. 00:03:25.799 --> 00:03:28.439 So to illustrate this point, 00:03:29.039 --> 00:03:30.219 I will go to the Old Testament. 00:03:31.060 --> 00:03:34.039 The books of Exodus and Numbers 00:03:34.039 --> 00:03:35.859 tells us about the Israelites 00:03:35.859 --> 00:03:39.479 spending 40 years wandering in the wilderness 00:03:39.479 --> 00:03:42.919 before they were ready to enter God's promised land. 00:03:42.919 --> 00:03:47.139 So one of the problems they faced was the supply of food, 00:03:48.559 --> 00:03:49.939 and so they became hungry. 00:03:51.119 --> 00:03:53.339 To satisfy their hunger quickly and easily, 00:03:54.299 --> 00:03:56.299 the way of the flesh was to grumble. 00:03:57.359 --> 00:03:59.919 They grumbled against Moses and against God 00:03:59.919 --> 00:04:02.639 for bringing them out of Egypt 00:04:02.639 --> 00:04:06.719 and now starving them to death in the desert, in the wilderness. 00:04:07.699 --> 00:04:08.979 Despite their grumbling, 00:04:09.199 --> 00:04:10.759 God sent them food from heaven. 00:04:10.759 --> 00:04:14.439 So they seemed to get what they wanted by grumbling. 00:04:15.539 --> 00:04:17.339 They did not realize that, 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:19.639 or they did not know that God would have given them food 00:04:19.639 --> 00:04:23.420 if they asked for it humbly. 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:25.539 So after some time, 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:29.019 so they haven't learned their lesson, 00:04:29.139 --> 00:04:29.800 they haven't changed. 00:04:30.339 --> 00:04:31.699 After some time, they grumbled again 00:04:31.699 --> 00:04:35.259 because the food they ate was the same every day. 00:04:35.699 --> 00:04:36.839 They wanted more variety. 00:04:36.839 --> 00:04:43.000 And so the character just remained the same 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:45.539 throughout those 40 years. 00:04:46.639 --> 00:04:49.279 So God was preparing them to live in the promised land 00:04:49.279 --> 00:04:51.979 where there would be plenty of food for them to enjoy, 00:04:52.419 --> 00:04:55.120 but they would spoil the enjoyment of such food 00:04:55.120 --> 00:04:59.059 if such enjoyment had become more important 00:04:59.059 --> 00:05:01.059 than the enjoyment of God. 00:05:01.060 --> 00:05:05.360 So God was taking time to prepare the Israelites for the promised land. 00:05:06.639 --> 00:05:09.420 However, the Israelites lived according to the flesh. 00:05:09.920 --> 00:05:11.019 They were impatient. 00:05:11.660 --> 00:05:15.180 They could not see the bigger glory that is to come. 00:05:15.699 --> 00:05:18.639 They just wanted to enjoy the small things there and then. 00:05:18.639 --> 00:05:21.300 The flesh is short-sighted 00:05:21.300 --> 00:05:24.339 because it knows that it does not have forever to live. 00:05:24.719 --> 00:05:27.699 It wants to enjoy quickly and easily. 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:30.019 When we are debtors to the flesh, 00:05:30.379 --> 00:05:32.539 we satisfy the desires of the flesh 00:05:32.539 --> 00:05:34.240 by the deeds of our bodies. 00:05:35.199 --> 00:05:38.000 The deeds of the body are mentioned in Romans 1, 00:05:38.519 --> 00:05:40.000 verses 18 to 32. 00:05:40.519 --> 00:05:43.439 So they include idolatry, sexual immorality, 00:05:44.159 --> 00:05:46.599 covetousness, malaise, gossips, 00:05:46.600 --> 00:05:48.580 and disobedience to parents. 00:05:49.379 --> 00:05:52.640 Such deeds are designed to get what the flesh wants 00:05:52.640 --> 00:05:54.480 quickly and easily. 00:05:55.480 --> 00:05:59.160 All right, we go to Romans 8, 13. 00:05:59.640 --> 00:06:02.260 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die. 00:06:02.780 --> 00:06:06.120 But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, 00:06:06.520 --> 00:06:07.300 you will live. 00:06:08.560 --> 00:06:11.560 The Israelites who grumble against God all died 00:06:11.560 --> 00:06:14.620 before they could enter the promised land. 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:17.340 I do not know what they all died from, 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:19.079 but I know that at least some of them 00:06:19.079 --> 00:06:21.139 did die from the effect of overeating 00:06:21.139 --> 00:06:23.379 because God gave them food 00:06:23.379 --> 00:06:24.879 and they ate so much that they died. 00:06:26.019 --> 00:06:27.920 It is a scary thing when God gives us 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:29.100 what our flesh wants. 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:32.060 Romans 1 again mentioned three times 00:06:32.060 --> 00:06:33.139 about God gave people 00:06:33.139 --> 00:06:35.139 according to what they wanted. 00:06:36.040 --> 00:06:38.639 Number one, according to the lust of their hearts, 00:06:38.840 --> 00:06:39.459 in verse 24. 00:06:40.160 --> 00:06:44.259 Number two, according to the dishonorable passions, 00:06:44.259 --> 00:06:45.480 in verse 26. 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:49.480 And number three, according to their debased mind, 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:51.159 verse 28. 00:06:52.779 --> 00:06:55.379 We know that instant noodles are tasty, 00:06:56.620 --> 00:06:57.920 quick, and easy to make. 00:06:58.879 --> 00:07:01.459 However, if we eat instant noodles every day, 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:03.079 we will certainly die young. 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:07.839 Eating just instant noodles every day 00:07:07.839 --> 00:07:09.500 is not only harmful to our bodies, 00:07:09.839 --> 00:07:11.819 it is also harmful to our characters. 00:07:11.819 --> 00:07:14.199 So, you see, preparing food, 00:07:14.740 --> 00:07:16.060 cooking, presenting food 00:07:16.060 --> 00:07:17.779 are all part of training for patients 00:07:17.779 --> 00:07:19.240 and for servanthood, 00:07:19.519 --> 00:07:20.180 for hospitality. 00:07:21.659 --> 00:07:22.360 And amazingly, 00:07:22.819 --> 00:07:24.339 as we spend time to prepare 00:07:24.339 --> 00:07:25.519 and cook and present food, 00:07:25.879 --> 00:07:28.180 we become able to taste an enjoyment 00:07:28.180 --> 00:07:30.300 that we never tasted before. 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:33.339 If by the spirit we put to death 00:07:33.339 --> 00:07:34.480 the dish of the flesh, 00:07:34.899 --> 00:07:35.819 we will live. 00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:38.579 We will suddenly find that 00:07:38.579 --> 00:07:40.159 the things we enjoyed before 00:07:40.159 --> 00:07:41.479 were dishonorable, 00:07:42.039 --> 00:07:42.959 debased, or silly. 00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:44.919 And far glorious things 00:07:44.919 --> 00:07:47.000 have come to be part of our life. 00:07:48.539 --> 00:07:49.319 So do you know that 00:07:49.319 --> 00:07:50.419 there is a kind of love, 00:07:50.659 --> 00:07:51.579 a kind of joy, 00:07:51.819 --> 00:07:52.680 a kind of glory 00:07:52.680 --> 00:07:54.000 you can only have 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:56.079 if only you would listen to God, 00:07:56.299 --> 00:07:56.899 trust him, 00:07:57.379 --> 00:07:58.240 and put to death 00:07:58.240 --> 00:07:59.740 the dish of your body. 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:02.899 How do we put to death 00:08:02.899 --> 00:08:04.000 the dish of the body? 00:08:04.699 --> 00:08:05.860 The first step is to 00:08:05.860 --> 00:08:07.579 crucify ourselves with Jesus. 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:10.399 So we read from Romans 6, 00:08:10.540 --> 00:08:11.759 verses 6 to 8. 00:08:12.339 --> 00:08:14.000 We know that our old self 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:15.540 was crucified with him 00:08:15.540 --> 00:08:17.439 in order that the body of sin 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:18.740 might be brought to nothing 00:08:18.740 --> 00:08:21.160 so that we would no longer 00:08:21.160 --> 00:08:22.600 be enslaved to sin. 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:24.100 For one who has died 00:08:24.100 --> 00:08:25.839 has been set free from sin. 00:08:26.259 --> 00:08:28.000 Now if we have died with Christ, 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:29.040 we believe that 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.360 we will also live with him. 00:08:31.620 --> 00:08:33.980 So now if we have died with Christ, 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:35.860 we will also live with him. 00:08:36.340 --> 00:08:37.500 We no longer live as 00:08:37.500 --> 00:08:38.879 debtors to the flesh. 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:41.639 Once we are free from the flesh, 00:08:41.919 --> 00:08:43.039 the Holy Spirit can then 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:44.919 help us to remove 00:08:44.919 --> 00:08:45.940 the dish of the body. 00:08:47.820 --> 00:08:48.799 Does it mean that 00:08:48.799 --> 00:08:50.519 we now become debtors to God 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:52.120 instead of debtors to the flesh? 00:08:53.740 --> 00:08:55.980 Yes, in a way, it does. 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:57.139 In fact, we are always 00:08:57.139 --> 00:08:58.000 debtors to God 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:59.820 because God created us 00:08:59.820 --> 00:09:00.960 and everything else. 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:03.519 Now that God has redeemed us 00:09:03.519 --> 00:09:04.160 in Christ, 00:09:04.460 --> 00:09:05.820 we have become twice 00:09:05.820 --> 00:09:06.740 indebted to him. 00:09:08.400 --> 00:09:09.220 There is a debt 00:09:09.220 --> 00:09:10.440 called the debt of gratitude 00:09:10.440 --> 00:09:11.759 in many cultures. 00:09:13.060 --> 00:09:14.040 This is very common 00:09:14.040 --> 00:09:15.400 in Asian countries 00:09:15.400 --> 00:09:16.519 because of the big gap 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:17.440 between the rich 00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:18.180 and the poor. 00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:20.100 So for example, 00:09:20.879 --> 00:09:22.420 if I'm very poor 00:09:22.420 --> 00:09:24.480 and I got a medical bill 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:25.259 that I couldn't pay 00:09:25.259 --> 00:09:26.840 and that's very common 00:09:26.840 --> 00:09:27.580 in the Philippines 00:09:27.580 --> 00:09:30.519 and my boss 00:09:30.519 --> 00:09:31.340 or friend, 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:31.700 whoever, 00:09:32.420 --> 00:09:33.180 who I'm rich, 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:34.019 helped me to pay 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:34.879 the medical bill, 00:09:36.180 --> 00:09:37.240 so under the practice 00:09:37.240 --> 00:09:37.740 of the debt 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:39.460 of gratitude, 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:40.879 I will be forever 00:09:40.879 --> 00:09:42.340 indebted to my boss. 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:44.840 He can always tell me 00:09:44.840 --> 00:09:45.840 to do something for him, 00:09:45.980 --> 00:09:47.000 expect me to 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:48.700 comply to his wishes. 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:50.379 It is a debt 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:51.019 that I could never 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:52.300 finish repaying. 00:09:52.299 --> 00:09:55.000 While it is proper 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:56.099 for us to be thankful 00:09:56.099 --> 00:09:57.199 to God's grace 00:09:57.199 --> 00:09:57.759 and mercy, 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:58.979 God does not have 00:09:58.979 --> 00:09:59.939 the debt of gratitude 00:09:59.939 --> 00:10:01.519 in mind when he saves us 00:10:01.519 --> 00:10:03.779 because in Matthew 11, 00:10:03.939 --> 00:10:04.799 28-30, 00:10:05.620 --> 00:10:06.279 Jesus said, 00:10:06.979 --> 00:10:07.659 Come to me, 00:10:07.959 --> 00:10:09.159 all who labor 00:10:09.159 --> 00:10:10.399 and are heavy laden, 00:10:10.719 --> 00:10:12.019 and I will give you rest. 00:10:12.479 --> 00:10:15.339 Take my yoke upon you 00:10:15.339 --> 00:10:16.419 and learn from me, 00:10:16.939 --> 00:10:17.859 for I am gentle 00:10:17.859 --> 00:10:19.199 and lowly in heart, 00:10:19.719 --> 00:10:20.919 and you will find rest 00:10:20.919 --> 00:10:21.839 for your souls. 00:10:22.299 --> 00:10:23.539 For my yoke is easy 00:10:23.539 --> 00:10:25.079 and my burden is light. 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:27.539 The yoke of the flesh 00:10:27.539 --> 00:10:28.079 is heavy 00:10:28.079 --> 00:10:28.919 because it is a debt 00:10:28.919 --> 00:10:29.539 that we could 00:10:29.539 --> 00:10:31.099 never finish repaying. 00:10:31.779 --> 00:10:32.759 The yoke of Christ 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:33.719 is light, 00:10:33.899 --> 00:10:35.159 even though it is also 00:10:35.159 --> 00:10:36.279 a debt that we could 00:10:36.279 --> 00:10:37.079 not repay 00:10:37.079 --> 00:10:39.359 because we have, 00:10:40.219 --> 00:10:40.839 it is light 00:10:40.839 --> 00:10:41.679 because we have been 00:10:41.679 --> 00:10:43.419 adopted as sons of God 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:45.139 and fellow as with Christ. 00:10:46.039 --> 00:10:46.699 We note that 00:10:46.699 --> 00:10:48.059 while Romans 8-12 00:10:48.059 --> 00:10:48.839 says that 00:10:48.839 --> 00:10:49.719 we are debtors 00:10:49.719 --> 00:10:51.159 not to the flesh, 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:52.600 it does not 00:10:52.600 --> 00:10:53.339 continue to say 00:10:53.339 --> 00:10:54.480 that we are debtors 00:10:54.480 --> 00:10:55.379 to the Spirit. 00:10:56.579 --> 00:10:58.079 So in Romans 8-14, 00:10:58.399 --> 00:10:58.719 it says, 00:10:59.079 --> 00:11:00.059 For all who are led 00:11:00.059 --> 00:11:01.079 by the Spirit of God 00:11:01.079 --> 00:11:02.279 are sons of God. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:04.139 So Romans 8-14 00:11:04.139 --> 00:11:04.679 says that 00:11:04.679 --> 00:11:05.980 we are a lot more 00:11:05.980 --> 00:11:06.740 than debtors 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:08.179 to the Spirit. 00:11:08.539 --> 00:11:09.620 The Spirit is making us 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:10.439 into sons 00:11:10.439 --> 00:11:11.699 of God. 00:11:12.179 --> 00:11:12.799 We are not 00:11:12.799 --> 00:11:13.819 only redeemed 00:11:13.819 --> 00:11:14.719 by our Master, 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:16.920 we are also adopted 00:11:16.920 --> 00:11:18.200 as sons of our Father. 00:11:19.259 --> 00:11:20.740 Sons are all those 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:21.600 who will receive 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:22.259 the inheritance 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:23.160 and have all the 00:11:23.160 --> 00:11:24.060 privilege at home. 00:11:24.899 --> 00:11:25.960 So in the sense 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:26.639 of inheritance, 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:28.300 it does not matter 00:11:28.300 --> 00:11:29.120 if we are male 00:11:29.120 --> 00:11:29.700 or female, 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:31.340 we are all sons 00:11:31.340 --> 00:11:32.100 in Christ. 00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:34.040 If Christ 00:11:34.040 --> 00:11:35.420 died to just 00:11:35.420 --> 00:11:36.360 secure the forgiveness 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:37.259 of our sins, 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:39.160 we will always 00:11:39.160 --> 00:11:40.420 live in fear 00:11:40.420 --> 00:11:41.300 because we do not 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:43.019 know how 00:11:43.019 --> 00:11:43.839 or when 00:11:43.839 --> 00:11:44.719 we could 00:11:44.719 --> 00:11:46.519 fully repay Christ. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:47.559 But Christ 00:11:47.559 --> 00:11:48.199 died also 00:11:48.199 --> 00:11:48.740 to secure 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:50.519 our adoption 00:11:50.519 --> 00:11:51.699 as sons of God. 00:11:52.699 --> 00:11:53.699 I owe my Father 00:11:53.699 --> 00:11:54.159 a lot, 00:11:54.679 --> 00:11:55.879 but such debt 00:11:55.879 --> 00:11:56.419 is different 00:11:56.419 --> 00:11:56.919 to the debt 00:11:56.919 --> 00:11:57.979 to my rich boss. 00:11:58.579 --> 00:11:59.079 I know that 00:11:59.079 --> 00:11:59.479 my Father 00:11:59.479 --> 00:12:00.439 delighted in giving 00:12:00.439 --> 00:12:01.179 me everything, 00:12:01.919 --> 00:12:03.179 even his own life. 00:12:04.439 --> 00:12:05.219 I would 00:12:05.219 --> 00:12:06.179 sadden my Father 00:12:06.179 --> 00:12:07.079 if I tell him 00:12:07.079 --> 00:12:07.919 that I want 00:12:07.919 --> 00:12:08.439 to repay 00:12:08.439 --> 00:12:09.039 all that he has 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:10.240 done for me. 00:12:11.959 --> 00:12:12.399 However, 00:12:12.699 --> 00:12:13.479 I will also 00:12:13.479 --> 00:12:14.259 sadden my Father 00:12:14.259 --> 00:12:14.939 if I decide 00:12:14.939 --> 00:12:15.759 to live a life 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:17.000 unworthy of his name. 00:12:19.059 --> 00:12:19.939 That is why 00:12:19.939 --> 00:12:20.819 it is only those 00:12:20.819 --> 00:12:21.279 who are led 00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:22.079 by the Spirit 00:12:22.079 --> 00:12:23.259 are sons of God. 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:24.839 As the Son 00:12:24.839 --> 00:12:26.779 of God, 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:27.779 Jesus was led 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:28.579 by the Spirit 00:12:28.579 --> 00:12:29.719 to spend 40 days 00:12:29.719 --> 00:12:30.379 in the wilderness 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:31.179 to be tempted 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:32.039 by the devil. 00:12:32.859 --> 00:12:34.120 The devil's strategy 00:12:34.120 --> 00:12:35.159 was to appeal 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:35.779 to the flesh 00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:36.219 of Jesus. 00:12:36.459 --> 00:12:36.799 He said, 00:12:37.459 --> 00:12:38.219 if you are 00:12:38.219 --> 00:12:39.039 the Son of God, 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:40.039 you should have 00:12:40.039 --> 00:12:40.639 the power 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:41.360 and privilege 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:42.419 to satisfy 00:12:42.419 --> 00:12:43.159 yourself 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:44.139 instantly 00:12:44.139 --> 00:12:44.939 and easily. 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:47.000 So in Matthew 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:47.519 4, 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:48.240 3-4, 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:48.740 we read, 00:12:49.519 --> 00:12:50.139 And the tempter 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:51.399 came and 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:52.080 said to him, 00:12:52.639 --> 00:12:53.480 If you are 00:12:53.480 --> 00:12:54.319 the Son of God, 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:55.840 command these 00:12:55.840 --> 00:12:56.840 stones to become 00:12:56.840 --> 00:12:58.080 loaves of bread. 00:12:58.600 --> 00:12:59.319 But Jesus 00:12:59.319 --> 00:12:59.860 answered, 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:00.919 It is written, 00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:01.919 Men shall not 00:13:01.919 --> 00:13:02.559 live by bread 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:03.019 alone, 00:13:03.399 --> 00:13:04.120 but by every 00:13:04.120 --> 00:13:04.639 word that 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:05.139 comes from 00:13:05.139 --> 00:13:05.639 the mouth 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.179 of God. 00:13:06.179 --> 00:13:08.079 Jesus was 00:13:08.079 --> 00:13:08.939 telling the devil 00:13:08.939 --> 00:13:10.219 that it was 00:13:10.219 --> 00:13:11.059 exactly because 00:13:11.059 --> 00:13:11.679 I am the Son 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:12.159 of God, 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:13.099 I will not 00:13:13.099 --> 00:13:13.500 grumble 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.179 when I am 00:13:14.179 --> 00:13:14.519 hungry. 00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:15.500 My Father 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:16.139 tells me to 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:16.839 fast for 40 00:13:16.839 --> 00:13:17.279 days, 00:13:17.559 --> 00:13:18.079 and I will 00:13:18.079 --> 00:13:19.179 gladly live 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:19.859 by his word. 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:20.939 Jesus 00:13:20.939 --> 00:13:22.479 showed us 00:13:22.479 --> 00:13:24.239 what it is 00:13:24.239 --> 00:13:24.979 like to be led 00:13:24.979 --> 00:13:25.620 by the Spirit 00:13:25.620 --> 00:13:26.159 to live 00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:27.000 like a child 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:27.439 of God. 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:28.379 He delighted 00:13:28.379 --> 00:13:28.959 in God's 00:13:28.959 --> 00:13:29.239 word. 00:13:29.559 --> 00:13:30.299 He obeyed God 00:13:30.299 --> 00:13:31.219 not out of fear, 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.459 but out of joy. 00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:34.240 So we go to 00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:35.340 Romans 8.15, 00:13:35.720 --> 00:13:36.620 For you did not 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.420 receive the spirit 00:13:37.420 --> 00:13:38.379 of slavery to 00:13:38.379 --> 00:13:39.120 fall back into 00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:40.580 fear, but you 00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:41.460 have received the 00:13:41.460 --> 00:13:42.379 spirit of adoption 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:43.980 as sons, by whom 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:44.560 we cry, 00:13:44.940 --> 00:13:45.280 Abba, 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:45.780 Father. 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.620 For many of us 00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:49.400 who grow up in 00:13:49.400 --> 00:13:50.220 Christian families 00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:51.040 under the case 00:13:51.040 --> 00:13:51.920 of loving fathers, 00:13:52.540 --> 00:13:53.080 we may not 00:13:53.080 --> 00:13:54.220 appreciate the 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:55.040 full impact of 00:13:55.040 --> 00:13:55.720 calling God 00:13:55.720 --> 00:13:56.139 Abba, 00:13:56.220 --> 00:13:56.460 Father. 00:13:57.320 --> 00:13:58.040 And if we have 00:13:58.040 --> 00:13:58.759 a chance to 00:13:58.759 --> 00:13:59.780 visit the orphanage, 00:14:00.280 --> 00:14:01.100 we might start 00:14:01.100 --> 00:14:02.000 to understand 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:02.840 what a privilege 00:14:02.840 --> 00:14:04.100 to have someone 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:04.779 for us to call 00:14:04.779 --> 00:14:05.179 Abba, 00:14:05.480 --> 00:14:05.879 Father. 00:14:06.580 --> 00:14:07.179 Many children 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:07.799 there would 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:08.740 long to be 00:14:08.740 --> 00:14:09.440 accepted as 00:14:09.440 --> 00:14:10.220 someone's children. 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:12.860 But for 00:14:12.860 --> 00:14:13.639 many of us 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:14.360 who are adults 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:14.879 who have been 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:16.700 living independently 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:17.399 from God, 00:14:18.299 --> 00:14:18.779 either 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:20.019 rebelliously 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:21.679 or religiously, 00:14:22.220 --> 00:14:22.559 God 00:14:22.559 --> 00:14:23.480 tends to become 00:14:23.480 --> 00:14:24.080 a stranger 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:25.820 and we have 00:14:25.820 --> 00:14:27.299 no interest 00:14:27.299 --> 00:14:27.779 in knowing 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.039 him 00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:28.600 intimately. 00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:28.700 many. 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:31.360 But when 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:31.840 the spirit 00:14:31.840 --> 00:14:32.379 of life 00:14:32.379 --> 00:14:32.840 comes to 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:33.080 us, 00:14:33.180 --> 00:14:33.620 our hearts 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:33.980 are drawn 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:34.500 to God 00:14:34.500 --> 00:14:35.279 and a miracle 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:36.019 happens 00:14:36.019 --> 00:14:37.659 as we start 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:38.279 to taste 00:14:38.279 --> 00:14:39.680 the love 00:14:39.680 --> 00:14:40.159 and sweetness 00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:40.720 of calling 00:14:40.720 --> 00:14:41.080 God 00:14:41.080 --> 00:14:41.840 Abba, 00:14:41.920 --> 00:14:42.180 Father. 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:44.320 The sweetness 00:14:44.320 --> 00:14:45.220 of no longer 00:14:45.220 --> 00:14:45.980 living like 00:14:45.980 --> 00:14:46.480 an orphan, 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:48.680 we are love 00:14:48.680 --> 00:14:49.820 and we belong. 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:52.519 Romans 8, 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:53.600 16-17, 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:54.879 the spirit 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:55.700 himself bears 00:14:55.700 --> 00:14:56.460 witness with 00:14:56.460 --> 00:14:57.100 our spirit 00:14:57.100 --> 00:14:57.860 and we are 00:14:57.860 --> 00:14:58.360 children of 00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:58.580 God. 00:14:59.180 --> 00:14:59.519 And if 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:00.000 children, 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:01.220 then heirs, 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:01.920 heirs of 00:15:01.920 --> 00:15:02.300 God and 00:15:02.300 --> 00:15:02.840 fellow heirs 00:15:02.840 --> 00:15:03.500 with Christ, 00:15:04.300 --> 00:15:04.879 provided we 00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:05.420 suffer with 00:15:05.420 --> 00:15:06.159 him in 00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:06.720 order that 00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:07.120 we may 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:07.899 also be 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:08.680 glorified 00:15:08.680 --> 00:15:09.320 with him. 00:15:11.040 --> 00:15:11.720 In the 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:12.180 Gospels, 00:15:12.279 --> 00:15:12.639 we see 00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:13.259 Jesus calling 00:15:13.259 --> 00:15:14.080 God as 00:15:14.080 --> 00:15:14.620 his father 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:15.659 very laterally. 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:17.180 If we are 00:15:17.180 --> 00:15:17.800 not used to 00:15:17.800 --> 00:15:18.200 calling God 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:18.540 Father, 00:15:18.700 --> 00:15:19.220 we may feel 00:15:19.220 --> 00:15:19.960 a bit uncertain 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:20.720 calling God 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:21.420 as our father, 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:22.519 especially in 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:23.040 front of other 00:15:23.039 --> 00:15:23.500 people, 00:15:23.980 --> 00:15:24.679 we may feel 00:15:24.679 --> 00:15:25.579 we are being 00:15:25.579 --> 00:15:26.459 presumptuous to 00:15:26.459 --> 00:15:27.219 address God 00:15:27.219 --> 00:15:27.679 as our 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:28.039 father. 00:15:29.099 --> 00:15:29.819 The Holy 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:30.559 Spirit himself 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:31.620 helps us to 00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:32.399 be sure of 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.019 our status 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:34.240 as God's 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:34.519 children, 00:15:35.339 --> 00:15:36.719 reminds us 00:15:36.719 --> 00:15:37.679 God's promises, 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:39.099 he helps us 00:15:39.099 --> 00:15:39.860 to delight in 00:15:39.860 --> 00:15:40.399 God's word, 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:41.699 he helps us 00:15:41.699 --> 00:15:42.179 to pray, 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:42.740 especially when 00:15:42.740 --> 00:15:43.179 we pray, 00:15:43.439 --> 00:15:44.099 we just 00:15:44.099 --> 00:15:45.719 suddenly feel 00:15:45.719 --> 00:15:46.339 so lateral 00:15:46.339 --> 00:15:47.120 to call God 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:47.599 as our 00:15:47.599 --> 00:15:47.919 father, 00:15:48.679 --> 00:15:49.000 and he 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:49.620 helps us 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:49.980 to sing 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:50.439 songs of 00:15:50.439 --> 00:15:51.019 worship to 00:15:51.019 --> 00:15:51.259 God. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:52.480 He moved 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:52.840 us to 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.300 care for 00:15:53.300 --> 00:15:53.600 God's 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:53.820 other 00:15:53.820 --> 00:15:54.240 children, 00:15:54.720 --> 00:15:55.200 so calling 00:15:55.200 --> 00:15:55.620 God as 00:15:55.620 --> 00:15:55.840 our 00:15:55.840 --> 00:15:57.139 father also 00:15:57.139 --> 00:15:57.720 means that 00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:58.659 we would 00:15:58.659 --> 00:15:59.940 care for 00:15:59.940 --> 00:16:00.840 others in 00:16:00.840 --> 00:16:01.180 the same 00:16:01.180 --> 00:16:01.600 family. 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:03.120 So all 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:03.600 these things 00:16:03.600 --> 00:16:04.279 bear witness 00:16:04.279 --> 00:16:05.159 that we 00:16:05.159 --> 00:16:05.560 are children 00:16:05.560 --> 00:16:06.039 of God. 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:08.340 It is 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:09.200 difficult for 00:16:09.200 --> 00:16:09.420 us to 00:16:09.420 --> 00:16:09.860 comprehend 00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:10.600 what being 00:16:10.600 --> 00:16:11.139 heirs of 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:11.580 God and 00:16:11.580 --> 00:16:12.379 fellow heirs 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:12.940 with Christ 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:13.240 means. 00:16:14.300 --> 00:16:14.600 We are 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:14.960 more than 00:16:14.960 --> 00:16:15.700 privileged to 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:16.159 be accepted 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:16.700 by God, 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:17.500 but God 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:18.080 wants to 00:16:18.080 --> 00:16:18.360 give us 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:18.720 more. 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:21.300 We shall 00:16:21.300 --> 00:16:21.620 come to 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:22.019 this point 00:16:22.019 --> 00:16:22.240 a bit 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:22.920 more when 00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:23.480 we get 00:16:23.480 --> 00:16:23.980 to Romans 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:24.740 8.32, 00:16:25.180 --> 00:16:25.759 which says, 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:26.639 He who 00:16:26.639 --> 00:16:27.040 did not 00:16:27.040 --> 00:16:27.500 spare his 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.120 own son, 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:28.700 but gave 00:16:28.700 --> 00:16:29.100 him up 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:29.540 for us 00:16:29.540 --> 00:16:29.879 all, 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:30.779 how will 00:16:30.779 --> 00:16:31.220 he not 00:16:31.220 --> 00:16:31.980 also with 00:16:31.980 --> 00:16:32.720 him graciously 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.160 give us 00:16:33.160 --> 00:16:33.700 all things? 00:16:34.519 --> 00:16:34.960 In 00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:35.399 Christ, 00:16:35.540 --> 00:16:35.879 we have 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:36.320 the equal 00:16:36.320 --> 00:16:37.000 status as 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:37.960 heirs of 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:38.720 God as 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:39.120 Christ. 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.340 God wants 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:40.720 to give 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:41.180 us all 00:16:41.180 --> 00:16:41.560 things. 00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:42.700 God wants 00:16:42.700 --> 00:16:43.480 us to know 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:44.200 life as 00:16:44.200 --> 00:16:44.639 life should 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:45.160 be, 00:16:45.160 --> 00:16:45.600 full of 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:45.899 truth, 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:47.659 love, 00:16:48.100 --> 00:16:48.379 full of 00:16:48.379 --> 00:16:48.819 beauty, 00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:49.539 full of 00:16:49.539 --> 00:16:49.919 joy, 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:50.559 and full 00:16:50.559 --> 00:16:50.699 of 00:16:50.699 --> 00:16:51.120 righteousness. 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:54.699 However, 00:16:54.980 --> 00:16:55.799 verse 17 00:16:55.799 --> 00:16:57.120 sounds like 00:16:57.120 --> 00:16:57.500 a fine 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:57.899 print in 00:16:57.899 --> 00:16:58.459 the contract. 00:16:58.759 --> 00:16:59.039 It says, 00:16:59.399 --> 00:17:00.079 Provided you 00:17:00.079 --> 00:17:00.799 suffer with 00:17:00.799 --> 00:17:01.340 him in 00:17:01.340 --> 00:17:02.579 order that 00:17:02.579 --> 00:17:03.199 you may 00:17:03.199 --> 00:17:04.279 also be 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:04.960 glorified with 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.180 him. 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:08.000 But verse 17 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:08.400 is not a 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:08.879 fine print, 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:09.660 it is just 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:10.339 a repeat of 00:17:10.339 --> 00:17:10.660 what has 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:11.099 been front 00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:11.500 and center 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:11.920 of Romans. 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:13.180 So in 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:14.039 Romans 5, 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:15.180 verses 1 to 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:15.660 5, 00:17:15.660 --> 00:17:16.300 we read, 00:17:17.820 --> 00:17:18.220 Therefore, 00:17:18.540 --> 00:17:18.920 since we 00:17:18.920 --> 00:17:19.200 have been 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.040 justified by 00:17:20.040 --> 00:17:20.660 faith, 00:17:21.120 --> 00:17:21.580 we have 00:17:21.580 --> 00:17:22.100 peace with 00:17:22.100 --> 00:17:22.680 God through 00:17:22.680 --> 00:17:23.120 our Lord 00:17:23.120 --> 00:17:23.860 Jesus Christ. 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:24.920 Through 00:17:24.920 --> 00:17:25.420 him we 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:26.040 have also 00:17:26.040 --> 00:17:26.700 obtained 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:28.220 access by 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:28.900 faith into 00:17:28.900 --> 00:17:29.560 his grace 00:17:29.560 --> 00:17:30.000 in which 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:30.660 we stand, 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:31.519 and we 00:17:31.519 --> 00:17:32.080 rejoice in 00:17:32.080 --> 00:17:32.580 the hope of 00:17:32.580 --> 00:17:32.920 the glory 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:33.420 of God. 00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:34.580 More than 00:17:34.580 --> 00:17:34.900 that, 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:35.660 we rejoice 00:17:35.660 --> 00:17:35.980 in our 00:17:35.980 --> 00:17:36.580 sufferings, 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:37.440 knowing that 00:17:37.440 --> 00:17:37.920 suffering 00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:38.600 produces 00:17:38.600 --> 00:17:39.240 endurance, 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:40.380 endurance 00:17:40.380 --> 00:17:40.900 produces 00:17:40.900 --> 00:17:41.460 character, 00:17:42.100 --> 00:17:42.759 and character 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:43.240 produces 00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:43.700 hope, 00:17:44.100 --> 00:17:44.540 and hope 00:17:44.540 --> 00:17:44.940 does not 00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:45.279 put us 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:45.759 to shame, 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:46.920 because God's 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:47.779 love has 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:48.359 been poured 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:48.799 into our 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:49.339 hearts through 00:17:49.339 --> 00:17:49.720 the Holy 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:50.160 Spirit, 00:17:50.539 --> 00:17:51.259 whom has 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:51.759 been given 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:52.899 to us. 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:55.000 So the 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:55.599 Holy Spirit 00:17:55.599 --> 00:17:55.920 has been 00:17:55.920 --> 00:17:56.279 given to 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:56.519 us, 00:17:56.700 --> 00:17:56.899 and the 00:17:56.899 --> 00:17:57.920 Holy Spirit 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:59.180 changes our 00:17:59.180 --> 00:17:59.740 longings. 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:01.019 In the 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:01.399 past, 00:18:01.539 --> 00:18:01.980 we seek 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:02.660 greatest 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:03.319 enjoyment 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:04.279 from this 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:04.599 world 00:18:04.599 --> 00:18:05.859 before we 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:06.160 die, 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.119 and therefore 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:09.259 we tend 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:09.740 to grumble 00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:10.379 when things 00:18:10.379 --> 00:18:11.019 don't happen 00:18:11.019 --> 00:18:11.720 according to 00:18:11.720 --> 00:18:12.920 what we 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.680 like it 00:18:13.680 --> 00:18:13.980 to be. 00:18:16.100 --> 00:18:16.539 Now, 00:18:16.700 --> 00:18:16.980 with the 00:18:16.980 --> 00:18:17.460 Holy Spirit 00:18:17.460 --> 00:18:18.100 in us, 00:18:18.940 --> 00:18:19.740 we long 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:20.240 for something 00:18:20.240 --> 00:18:20.920 far greater, 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:22.140 the glory 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:22.600 of God. 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:23.200 We are 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.279 waiting for 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:24.660 the time 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.019 when God 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:25.759 appears in 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.079 all his 00:18:26.079 --> 00:18:26.460 glory, 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:27.600 and we 00:18:27.600 --> 00:18:28.039 share in 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:28.539 this glory. 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:29.759 Such a 00:18:29.759 --> 00:18:30.200 longing is 00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:30.700 so strong 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:31.019 that we 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:31.339 want to 00:18:31.339 --> 00:18:31.860 prepare for 00:18:31.860 --> 00:18:32.079 this. 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.299 We rejoice 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:33.920 in suffering 00:18:33.920 --> 00:18:35.019 because we 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:35.640 know suffering 00:18:35.640 --> 00:18:36.160 produces 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:36.799 endurance, 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.420 and endurance 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:39.059 produces 00:18:39.059 --> 00:18:39.559 proven 00:18:39.559 --> 00:18:40.220 character. 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:42.420 it would 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:42.700 be a 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.240 great thing 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:43.740 when we 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:44.759 can rejoice 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:45.220 in our 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:45.600 suffering 00:18:45.600 --> 00:18:46.259 with Christ 00:18:46.259 --> 00:18:47.440 as evangelists 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.839 or missionaries. 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:51.180 However, 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:52.160 before we 00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:52.600 get there, 00:18:52.960 --> 00:18:53.220 we can 00:18:53.220 --> 00:18:53.720 start with 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:54.680 more mundane 00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:55.559 sufferings, 00:18:56.039 --> 00:18:56.860 sufferings that 00:18:56.860 --> 00:18:58.420 we go through 00:18:58.420 --> 00:18:59.140 day by day, 00:19:00.100 --> 00:19:01.100 such as 00:19:01.100 --> 00:19:02.000 injuring our 00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:02.500 knees in 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:03.319 soccer games, 00:19:04.920 --> 00:19:05.600 needing to 00:19:05.600 --> 00:19:06.019 get up 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:06.500 every day, 00:19:06.640 --> 00:19:08.120 every morning, 00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:08.799 very early, 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:09.640 to go to 00:19:09.640 --> 00:19:10.039 work, 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:11.420 doing 00:19:11.420 --> 00:19:12.480 ministries or 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:13.380 laundries for 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:14.000 20 years 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:14.559 before getting 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:15.539 much appreciation. 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:17.059 So all 00:19:17.059 --> 00:19:17.579 these things 00:19:17.579 --> 00:19:18.079 that we 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:18.819 meet every 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:19.140 day, 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.120 and see 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:21.559 what's our 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:21.920 attitude, 00:19:22.319 --> 00:19:23.180 we go 00:19:23.180 --> 00:19:23.660 through them. 00:19:23.900 --> 00:19:24.140 Do we 00:19:24.140 --> 00:19:25.240 grumble and 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:25.440 say, 00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:25.759 God, 00:19:25.860 --> 00:19:26.259 why do you 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:26.579 let me 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:26.940 go through 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:27.200 this? 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:27.880 Or do we 00:19:27.880 --> 00:19:28.299 learn to 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.440 rejoice in 00:19:29.440 --> 00:19:29.600 it, 00:19:29.620 --> 00:19:30.220 knowing that 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.059 suffering 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:31.600 produces 00:19:31.600 --> 00:19:32.279 endurance, 00:19:33.360 --> 00:19:34.000 and endurance 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:35.539 proves our 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.319 character that 00:19:36.319 --> 00:19:36.579 has been 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:37.240 changed by 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:37.579 the Holy 00:19:37.579 --> 00:19:38.000 Spirit. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:39.740 So when 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:40.059 we can 00:19:40.059 --> 00:19:40.900 rejoice in 00:19:40.900 --> 00:19:41.559 such mundane 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:42.019 suffering, 00:19:42.299 --> 00:19:42.640 we will 00:19:42.640 --> 00:19:43.079 look back 00:19:43.079 --> 00:19:43.839 with amazement 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:44.220 that we 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:44.660 have the 00:19:44.660 --> 00:19:45.279 patience to 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:45.859 go through 00:19:45.859 --> 00:19:46.759 them without 00:19:46.759 --> 00:19:47.539 grumbling. 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:49.059 So just like 00:19:49.059 --> 00:19:49.640 preparing the 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:50.319 Israelites for 00:19:50.319 --> 00:19:50.759 the promised 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.119 land, 00:19:51.579 --> 00:19:51.880 God is 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:52.539 preparing us 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:52.880 for the 00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:53.180 land of 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:53.519 glory. 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:54.759 Suffering is 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:55.480 necessary to 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:55.859 put to 00:19:55.859 --> 00:19:56.400 death the 00:19:56.400 --> 00:19:56.759 deeds of 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.160 the body. 00:19:57.720 --> 00:19:58.160 Suffering is 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:58.819 necessary to 00:19:58.819 --> 00:19:59.640 build our 00:19:59.640 --> 00:20:00.039 character. 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:01.180 Such 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:01.660 character, 00:20:02.059 --> 00:20:02.579 at least the 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.119 beginning of 00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:03.680 such character, 00:20:03.839 --> 00:20:04.819 is necessary for 00:20:04.819 --> 00:20:05.640 us to enjoy 00:20:05.640 --> 00:20:06.640 and appreciate 00:20:06.640 --> 00:20:07.540 the glory of 00:20:07.540 --> 00:20:07.800 God. 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:09.480 So through 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.440 the redeeming 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:10.840 word of 00:20:10.840 --> 00:20:11.180 Christ, 00:20:11.560 --> 00:20:11.840 through the 00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:12.380 transforming 00:20:12.380 --> 00:20:12.980 word of 00:20:12.980 --> 00:20:13.320 the Holy 00:20:13.320 --> 00:20:13.720 Spirit, 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:14.500 through the 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.120 adopting 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:15.700 word of 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.020 God, 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:16.940 we can be 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:17.400 free from 00:20:17.400 --> 00:20:17.980 the foolish 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:19.240 and short 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:19.820 sighted ways 00:20:19.820 --> 00:20:20.120 of the 00:20:20.120 --> 00:20:20.500 flesh, 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:21.259 and we 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:21.640 have the 00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:22.100 hope of 00:20:22.100 --> 00:20:22.460 glory. 00:20:23.720 --> 00:20:23.980 So I 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.300 would like 00:20:24.300 --> 00:20:24.740 to sum 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:25.080 up with 00:20:25.080 --> 00:20:25.980 three points. 00:20:26.420 --> 00:20:26.880 Point one, 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:27.420 we are 00:20:27.420 --> 00:20:27.900 debtors. 00:20:29.600 --> 00:20:30.200 We are 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:30.560 debtors, 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:30.960 however, 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:31.960 we sometimes 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:32.400 live more 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:33.220 like creditors. 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.300 Creditors are 00:20:34.300 --> 00:20:34.720 people who 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.140 think they 00:20:35.140 --> 00:20:35.620 are entitled, 00:20:35.640 --> 00:20:36.460 to everything. 00:20:37.360 --> 00:20:37.560 They 00:20:37.560 --> 00:20:38.160 grumble when 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:38.420 they do 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:38.800 not get 00:20:38.800 --> 00:20:39.300 what they 00:20:39.300 --> 00:20:40.020 want instantly. 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:41.360 The story 00:20:41.360 --> 00:20:41.700 of the 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:42.160 prodigal 00:20:42.160 --> 00:20:42.860 son tells 00:20:42.860 --> 00:20:43.280 us about 00:20:43.280 --> 00:20:43.700 a young 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:44.540 man who 00:20:44.540 --> 00:20:45.000 wanted to 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:45.560 enjoy his 00:20:45.560 --> 00:20:46.160 inheritance 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:47.480 instantly. 00:20:48.520 --> 00:20:49.160 When he 00:20:49.160 --> 00:20:49.480 used up 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:49.880 his money 00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:50.420 and suffered, 00:20:50.740 --> 00:20:51.060 he came 00:20:51.060 --> 00:20:51.360 to his 00:20:51.360 --> 00:20:52.080 sins and 00:20:52.080 --> 00:20:52.360 remembered 00:20:52.360 --> 00:20:53.080 his father's 00:20:53.080 --> 00:20:54.759 kindness and 00:20:54.759 --> 00:20:55.180 wanted to 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:55.640 return to 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:56.160 his father 00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:56.560 as a 00:20:56.560 --> 00:20:56.980 slave, 00:20:57.820 --> 00:20:58.180 but his 00:20:58.180 --> 00:20:58.880 father welcomed 00:20:58.880 --> 00:20:59.920 him as 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:00.340 a son. 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.360 A few 00:21:03.360 --> 00:21:03.780 days ago, 00:21:03.880 --> 00:21:04.140 it was 00:21:04.140 --> 00:21:05.259 requested 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:05.859 by an 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:06.180 elderly 00:21:06.180 --> 00:21:07.240 woman to 00:21:07.240 --> 00:21:07.759 do a 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:07.920 home 00:21:07.920 --> 00:21:08.240 visit 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:10.200 for her. 00:21:10.879 --> 00:21:11.339 When I 00:21:11.339 --> 00:21:11.640 went to 00:21:11.640 --> 00:21:12.220 the house, 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:12.960 it was a 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:13.619 very run-down 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:13.960 house, 00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:14.420 one of the 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:14.619 worst 00:21:14.619 --> 00:21:15.059 houses I 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:15.440 have ever 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.279 seen. 00:21:18.420 --> 00:21:19.019 The 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.519 woman 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.920 had oxygen 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:21.259 all the 00:21:21.259 --> 00:21:21.559 time. 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:22.519 He's very 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.160 thin because 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:23.440 he's 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:23.980 difficult 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:24.480 breathing. 00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:25.619 He's only 00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:26.759 very thin 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:27.759 clothing on 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:28.099 and there's 00:21:28.099 --> 00:21:28.599 no heating 00:21:28.599 --> 00:21:29.660 in the 00:21:29.660 --> 00:21:30.460 living room. 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:33.740 after the 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.319 consultation, 00:21:35.840 --> 00:21:36.600 this patient 00:21:36.600 --> 00:21:37.360 insisted on 00:21:37.360 --> 00:21:37.960 paying me, 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:39.240 which is 00:21:39.240 --> 00:21:39.539 very, 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.220 very surprising 00:21:40.220 --> 00:21:41.680 because I've 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.019 done my 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:42.539 home visits. 00:21:42.900 --> 00:21:43.180 Hardly 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:43.779 anyone ever 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.299 even asked 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:44.640 me whether 00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:45.880 they should 00:21:45.880 --> 00:21:46.240 pay me 00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:46.600 anything. 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:47.840 They just 00:21:47.840 --> 00:21:48.660 expected that 00:21:48.660 --> 00:21:49.180 it's all 00:21:49.180 --> 00:21:50.380 free and 00:21:50.380 --> 00:21:50.700 provided. 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.220 I'm very 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.940 surprised that 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:53.420 this woman 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:54.220 would ask. 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:54.980 I said, 00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:55.360 no, you don't 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:55.680 need to pay. 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:56.600 She insisted 00:21:56.600 --> 00:21:57.019 on paying 00:21:57.019 --> 00:21:57.220 me. 00:21:57.860 --> 00:21:58.340 I said, 00:21:58.400 --> 00:21:58.940 no, you 00:21:58.940 --> 00:21:59.360 just call 00:21:59.360 --> 00:21:59.860 the practice 00:21:59.860 --> 00:22:00.700 and the 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.120 next day 00:22:01.120 --> 00:22:01.480 they will 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:01.940 settle that. 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:03.200 When she 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:03.519 called the 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:03.840 practice, 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:04.380 the girls 00:22:04.380 --> 00:22:04.700 would look 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:05.120 at the 00:22:05.120 --> 00:22:05.620 account and 00:22:05.620 --> 00:22:05.700 say, 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.019 it's been 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.299 paid. 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:09.299 But the 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:09.759 fact that 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.680 she's 00:22:11.680 --> 00:22:12.100 living in 00:22:12.100 --> 00:22:12.920 such a 00:22:12.920 --> 00:22:13.340 poor 00:22:13.340 --> 00:22:13.900 condition 00:22:13.900 --> 00:22:14.759 and wanted 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:15.160 to pay 00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:15.480 me, 00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:16.519 it just 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:16.960 shows the 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:17.320 character 00:22:17.320 --> 00:22:18.900 of someone 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:19.600 who's 00:22:19.600 --> 00:22:20.440 suffering. 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:22.240 But she 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:22.720 also 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.400 considers 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:24.860 other 00:22:24.860 --> 00:22:25.299 people. 00:22:25.680 --> 00:22:26.580 And that 00:22:26.580 --> 00:22:27.840 moved me. 00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:29.740 In Matthew 00:22:29.740 --> 00:22:30.519 5, 3, 00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:31.480 Jesus said, 00:22:31.560 --> 00:22:31.960 blessed are 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:32.320 the poor 00:22:32.320 --> 00:22:32.799 in spirit, 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:33.320 for theirs 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:33.660 is the 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:34.160 kingdom of 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:34.480 heaven. 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:36.420 God is 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:36.960 not holding 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.460 us to the 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:37.779 depth of 00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:38.120 gratitude. 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.640 However, 00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:40.120 God would 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:40.740 be delighted 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.500 if we 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:41.900 show him 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:42.120 our 00:22:42.120 --> 00:22:42.440 gratitude 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:42.740 of 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:43.019 depth 00:22:43.019 --> 00:22:44.120 when we 00:22:44.120 --> 00:22:44.560 let our 00:22:44.560 --> 00:22:45.140 request 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:45.360 be 00:22:45.360 --> 00:22:46.019 known to 00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:46.320 him 00:22:46.320 --> 00:22:46.560 with 00:22:46.560 --> 00:22:47.299 thanksgiving. 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:48.799 Point 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:49.019 number 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:49.460 two, 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:50.279 be a 00:22:50.279 --> 00:22:50.519 children 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:51.039 of God. 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:52.980 We 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:53.100 are 00:22:53.100 --> 00:22:53.299 children 00:22:53.299 --> 00:22:53.660 of God, 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.000 however, 00:22:54.140 --> 00:22:54.279 we 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:54.700 sometimes 00:22:54.700 --> 00:22:55.200 live more 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:55.460 like 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:55.900 orphans 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:56.360 of God. 00:22:57.580 --> 00:22:58.019 Orphans 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:58.400 of God 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:58.779 are people 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.140 who know 00:22:59.140 --> 00:22:59.500 God 00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:00.259 but live 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:00.680 by their 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:01.319 own strength, 00:23:01.660 --> 00:23:01.940 unlike 00:23:01.940 --> 00:23:02.440 children of 00:23:02.440 --> 00:23:02.680 the world. 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:03.000 Children of 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.220 the world 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.559 are people 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:04.259 who don't 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:04.799 know God 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:05.259 and live 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:05.500 by their 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:05.940 own strength. 00:23:06.600 --> 00:23:06.860 Orphans 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:07.220 of God 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:07.620 are people 00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:07.940 who know 00:23:07.940 --> 00:23:08.279 God 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:08.860 and then 00:23:08.860 --> 00:23:09.100 live 00:23:09.100 --> 00:23:09.559 by their 00:23:09.559 --> 00:23:10.080 own strength. 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:10.759 Orphans 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:11.120 of God 00:23:11.120 --> 00:23:11.640 worry about 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:12.200 many things. 00:23:12.680 --> 00:23:13.059 They rely 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:13.500 on their 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.080 performance 00:23:14.080 --> 00:23:14.460 to gain 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.000 validation. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:16.100 They envy 00:23:16.100 --> 00:23:16.720 people 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.420 who get 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:17.680 more 00:23:17.680 --> 00:23:18.279 recognition. 00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:19.160 They try 00:23:19.160 --> 00:23:19.600 their best 00:23:19.600 --> 00:23:19.980 to appear 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:20.600 strong in 00:23:20.600 --> 00:23:20.920 front of 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.259 people. 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:23.059 Suffering 00:23:23.059 --> 00:23:23.900 breaks their 00:23:23.900 --> 00:23:24.819 heart and 00:23:24.819 --> 00:23:25.740 draws them 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:26.519 closer to 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:26.779 God's 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.079 heart. 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:28.159 Suffering 00:23:28.159 --> 00:23:28.639 frees us 00:23:28.639 --> 00:23:29.119 from being 00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:29.500 orphans 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:29.879 of God 00:23:29.879 --> 00:23:30.500 and transforms 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:31.319 us into 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:31.899 children of 00:23:31.899 --> 00:23:32.159 God. 00:23:32.859 --> 00:23:33.740 In 2 Corinthians 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:35.079 12, 9-10, 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:37.939 God told 00:23:37.939 --> 00:23:38.299 Paul, 00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:39.599 my grace 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:40.099 is sufficient 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:40.619 for you 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:41.419 for my 00:23:41.419 --> 00:23:42.019 power is 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.659 made perfect 00:23:42.659 --> 00:23:43.319 in weakness. 00:23:44.419 --> 00:23:44.859 Therefore, 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:45.899 and then 00:23:45.899 --> 00:23:46.279 Paul said, 00:23:46.379 --> 00:23:46.980 therefore I 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:47.699 will boast 00:23:47.699 --> 00:23:48.399 all the more 00:23:48.399 --> 00:23:49.000 gladly of 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:49.599 my weaknesses 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:50.639 so that 00:23:50.639 --> 00:23:51.319 the power 00:23:51.319 --> 00:23:51.839 of Christ 00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:52.419 may rest 00:23:52.419 --> 00:23:53.000 on me 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:53.779 for the 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.119 sake of 00:23:54.119 --> 00:23:54.439 Christ 00:23:54.439 --> 00:23:54.799 and I 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:55.359 am content 00:23:55.359 --> 00:23:55.619 with 00:23:55.619 --> 00:23:56.119 weaknesses 00:23:56.119 --> 00:23:56.859 in 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:57.139 some 00:23:57.139 --> 00:23:57.819 hardships, 00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:58.740 persecutions 00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.519 and calamities. 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:00.679 For when 00:24:00.679 --> 00:24:01.279 I am weak, 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.259 I am strong. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:05.039 point number 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.319 three, 00:24:05.579 --> 00:24:06.140 adopted for 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:07.400 glory or 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:08.160 adopted for 00:24:08.160 --> 00:24:08.640 a true 00:24:08.640 --> 00:24:09.440 life. 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:10.980 Many 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:11.720 times when 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:12.000 we are 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:12.400 suffering, 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:13.079 we start 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:13.599 to wonder 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.200 what we 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:14.619 did to 00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:15.019 deserve 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:15.319 such 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:15.839 hardship. 00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:16.660 You may 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:17.000 think that 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.420 God was 00:24:17.420 --> 00:24:18.160 still punishing 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:18.519 us. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:19.839 In times 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.319 like this, 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.160 maybe remember 00:24:21.160 --> 00:24:21.740 the fact that 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.240 we have been 00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:22.940 adopted for 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:23.379 glory. 00:24:24.099 --> 00:24:24.500 The Holy 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:24.980 Spirit is 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:25.599 leading us 00:24:25.599 --> 00:24:26.359 to the 00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:26.680 land of 00:24:26.680 --> 00:24:27.000 glory. 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:27.960 the present 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:28.980 suffering is 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:31.220 not only 00:24:31.220 --> 00:24:31.940 not worth 00:24:31.940 --> 00:24:32.640 comparing with 00:24:32.640 --> 00:24:32.960 the glory 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:33.380 that is to 00:24:33.380 --> 00:24:33.779 come. 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:35.359 That is 00:24:35.359 --> 00:24:35.920 going to 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:36.200 be the 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:39.500 next week's 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:39.839 sermon. 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:41.539 So the 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:41.859 present 00:24:41.859 --> 00:24:42.420 suffering is 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:43.839 not only 00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:44.380 not worth 00:24:44.380 --> 00:24:44.920 comparing with 00:24:44.920 --> 00:24:45.220 the glory 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:45.619 that is to 00:24:45.619 --> 00:24:45.900 come. 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:46.480 It is also 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:47.220 necessary to 00:24:47.220 --> 00:24:47.839 mold us into 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.140 the children 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:48.599 of God. 00:24:49.140 --> 00:24:49.539 As we 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.240 move towards 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:50.619 the land 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:51.160 of glory 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:52.099 with the 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:52.519 help of 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:52.920 the Holy 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:53.339 Spirit, 00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:54.519 we put to 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.119 death the 00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:55.579 deeds of the 00:24:55.579 --> 00:24:55.839 body. 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.779 we learn 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.240 to relate 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:57.619 to God 00:24:57.619 --> 00:24:57.980 as our 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:58.359 father. 00:24:58.879 --> 00:24:59.500 We rejoice 00:24:59.500 --> 00:24:59.740 in 00:24:59.740 --> 00:25:00.279 sufferings. 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:02.059 I will 00:25:02.059 --> 00:25:02.539 end with 00:25:02.539 --> 00:25:03.299 a testimony 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:03.919 from John 00:25:03.919 --> 00:25:04.319 Anderson. 00:25:05.659 --> 00:25:05.939 This 00:25:05.939 --> 00:25:07.079 testimony 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:08.000 was forwarded 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.500 to me by 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:08.759 David 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:09.279 Coderwood, 00:25:10.220 --> 00:25:10.819 written by 00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:11.179 a great 00:25:11.179 --> 00:25:12.819 foreign 00:25:12.819 --> 00:25:13.899 auditor of 00:25:13.899 --> 00:25:14.699 the 00:25:14.699 --> 00:25:15.139 Australian, 00:25:15.659 --> 00:25:16.019 appeared 00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:17.699 in an 00:25:17.699 --> 00:25:18.119 article 00:25:18.119 --> 00:25:19.259 on the 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:19.699 Weekend 00:25:19.699 --> 00:25:20.079 Australian 00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:20.699 magazine 00:25:20.699 --> 00:25:22.000 May 11, 00:25:22.359 --> 00:25:23.139 this last 00:25:23.139 --> 00:25:23.419 month. 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:25.860 the 00:25:25.860 --> 00:25:26.259 article, 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:26.600 the 00:25:26.600 --> 00:25:27.039 article 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:27.660 says, 00:25:28.360 --> 00:25:29.300 Anderson's 00:25:29.300 --> 00:25:29.720 youngest 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.160 son, 00:25:30.420 --> 00:25:30.779 Andrew, 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:31.740 was born 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:31.980 when 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:32.279 Anderson 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:32.759 was a 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.019 BC 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.740 cabinet 00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:34.440 minister. 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:35.300 For 00:25:35.300 --> 00:25:35.680 those of 00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:35.880 you who 00:25:35.880 --> 00:25:36.039 don't 00:25:36.039 --> 00:25:36.259 know, 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:37.220 John 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:37.420 Anderson 00:25:37.420 --> 00:25:38.320 was the 00:25:38.320 --> 00:25:38.660 deputy 00:25:38.660 --> 00:25:39.279 prime 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.600 minister 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:40.140 of 00:25:40.140 --> 00:25:40.519 Australia 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:40.860 about 00:25:40.860 --> 00:25:41.360 15 00:25:41.360 --> 00:25:41.960 years 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:42.300 ago. 00:25:44.300 --> 00:25:44.980 At 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:46.039 that 00:25:46.039 --> 00:25:46.360 time, 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:48.140 the 00:25:48.140 --> 00:25:49.180 youngest 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.660 son was 00:25:49.660 --> 00:25:49.960 born, 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:50.779 called 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:51.080 Andrew. 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:51.620 Andrew 00:25:51.620 --> 00:25:52.460 was profoundly 00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:53.039 disabled. 00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:53.920 He lived 00:25:53.920 --> 00:25:54.519 only a 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:54.779 few 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.180 short 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:55.720 months 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:56.660 and was 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:57.259 constantly 00:25:57.259 --> 00:25:57.700 in and 00:25:57.700 --> 00:25:57.840 out 00:25:57.840 --> 00:25:58.360 hospital. 00:25:59.440 --> 00:25:59.880 Julia, 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:00.480 his wife, 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.000 wrote an 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.340 essay 00:26:01.340 --> 00:26:02.000 recalling 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:02.600 that the 00:26:02.600 --> 00:26:02.860 couple 00:26:02.860 --> 00:26:03.180 they were 00:26:03.180 --> 00:26:03.560 considered 00:26:03.560 --> 00:26:03.800 an 00:26:03.800 --> 00:26:04.220 abortion, 00:26:05.140 --> 00:26:05.600 but in 00:26:05.600 --> 00:26:06.080 fact gave 00:26:06.080 --> 00:26:06.700 thanks for 00:26:06.700 --> 00:26:07.100 Andrew's 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:07.460 life. 00:26:08.300 --> 00:26:08.640 So in 00:26:08.640 --> 00:26:08.840 his 00:26:08.840 --> 00:26:09.380 urology 00:26:09.380 --> 00:26:09.740 for his 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.019 son, 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:10.680 delivered 00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:11.000 on 00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:11.340 August 00:26:11.340 --> 00:26:11.900 19, 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:12.580 1998, 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:13.700 Anderson 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:14.100 said, 00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:16.400 Andrew's 00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:17.259 life often 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:17.720 saw us 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.180 wondering 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:18.980 what we 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.519 have done 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:19.980 to 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:20.500 deserve 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:21.560 so much 00:26:21.560 --> 00:26:22.380 difficulty. 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:25.259 His 00:26:25.259 --> 00:26:25.740 passing 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:26.539 sees us 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:27.039 wondering 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.840 what we 00:26:27.840 --> 00:26:28.200 did to 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:28.620 deserve 00:26:28.620 --> 00:26:29.240 so rich 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:29.880 a blessing. 00:26:31.259 --> 00:26:31.500 This 00:26:31.500 --> 00:26:31.800 little 00:26:31.800 --> 00:26:32.120 fellow 00:26:32.120 --> 00:26:32.539 was 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:32.960 quite 00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:33.720 defenseless, 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:34.400 yet he 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:34.900 totally 00:26:34.900 --> 00:26:35.560 and utterly 00:26:35.560 --> 00:26:36.259 disarmed 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:36.779 us. 00:26:38.779 --> 00:26:39.279 God 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.039 taught us 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:40.500 something 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:42.120 we have 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:42.720 heard about 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:44.100 but not 00:26:44.100 --> 00:26:44.380 really 00:26:44.380 --> 00:26:44.860 understood, 00:26:46.080 --> 00:26:46.600 that his 00:26:46.600 --> 00:26:47.220 grace is 00:26:47.220 --> 00:26:47.860 sufficient for 00:26:47.860 --> 00:26:48.160 us, 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.440 for his 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.000 power is 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:50.740 made perfect 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.660 in 00:26:51.660 --> 00:26:52.099 weakness. 00:26:53.539 --> 00:26:54.019 Let us 00:26:54.019 --> 00:26:54.279 pray. 00:27:00.279 --> 00:27:01.039 Father, 00:27:01.160 --> 00:27:02.920 we have 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:03.539 heard so 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:04.559 many promises 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:05.279 in your 00:27:05.279 --> 00:27:05.660 word. 00:27:08.339 --> 00:27:08.980 Father, 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:09.400 may you 00:27:09.400 --> 00:27:10.140 make them 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:10.579 realities 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:13.180 in our 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:13.599 lives. 00:27:13.599 --> 00:27:18.079 thank you, 00:27:18.159 --> 00:27:18.299 Lord. 00:27:19.159 --> 00:27:19.699 We want 00:27:19.699 --> 00:27:21.039 to be 00:27:21.039 --> 00:27:21.219 your 00:27:21.219 --> 00:27:21.559 children 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:22.779 and live 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:23.079 out 00:27:23.079 --> 00:27:24.779 that 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:25.339 life 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:25.559 they 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:25.919 intend 00:27:25.919 --> 00:27:26.379 us to 00:27:26.379 --> 00:27:27.279 have. 00:27:28.719 --> 00:27:29.399 For we 00:27:29.399 --> 00:27:29.819 ask in 00:27:29.819 --> 00:27:30.059 Jesus' 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:30.419 name. 00:27:30.419 --> 00:27:31.639 Amen.