WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.459 Right, so if you haven't already, if you could open your Bibles to Philippians chapter 1, 00:00:06.040 --> 00:00:07.660 looking at 12 to 26. 00:00:15.240 --> 00:00:19.480 Have you heard the phrase, too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good? 00:00:21.400 --> 00:00:23.719 Too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good? 00:00:25.920 --> 00:00:27.000 Perhaps you've heard it, yeah? 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:31.960 Perhaps you weren't owned up to actually using it on someone after that kind of song, 00:00:32.299 --> 00:00:37.519 but have you noticed that sometimes you kind of feel that way towards people? 00:00:39.600 --> 00:00:47.740 You know, cheesy, over-the-top Christians who keep posting Bible verses and inspirational quotes on Facebook. 00:00:48.240 --> 00:00:50.879 They wear t-shirts with a Bible verse on it. 00:00:51.980 --> 00:00:55.000 They have a fish car sticker on their car if they have one. 00:00:55.000 --> 00:01:00.659 They have a real Bible, like a hard copy Bible, not just an app. 00:01:01.759 --> 00:01:04.280 They always seem to want to talk about God. 00:01:05.060 --> 00:01:05.500 Always. 00:01:06.439 --> 00:01:08.420 Everything seems to give them a reason to it. 00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:11.900 It's like they don't even care what people think about them. 00:01:14.280 --> 00:01:15.579 You know, people like that. 00:01:15.579 --> 00:01:23.599 What is it that actually even makes us come up with a category like that? 00:01:24.799 --> 00:01:27.719 What is it that prompts us to come up with the phrase, 00:01:28.159 --> 00:01:30.939 too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good, as if that's possible? 00:01:30.939 --> 00:01:37.120 I'm going to suggest to you that I think it's the fear of social cost. 00:01:37.719 --> 00:01:43.480 The fear of the cost of actually being so public and enthusiastic about our faith, 00:01:43.719 --> 00:01:47.439 that it's actually going to have an effect on our relationships, our friendships at work, 00:01:48.200 --> 00:01:50.700 our relationships within the home. 00:01:50.700 --> 00:02:03.100 And behind the fear of the social cost lurks a shame in what we believe. 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:04.859 Let me just be clear here. 00:02:05.079 --> 00:02:08.120 Gil is how you feel about because of something you've done. 00:02:08.340 --> 00:02:09.960 That's a helpful and that's a useful thing. 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:11.000 And so is shame. 00:02:11.080 --> 00:02:14.860 But shame is not so much how you feel because of what you've done, 00:02:15.199 --> 00:02:19.080 but how you feel about yourself, what you think about yourself because of what you've done. 00:02:19.080 --> 00:02:22.940 Shame relates to the values and beliefs of the community. 00:02:24.160 --> 00:02:28.460 And these things, they shape how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. 00:02:31.200 --> 00:02:38.680 And because of shame, we tend to be quiet on subjects that we think won't be acceptable to speak about. 00:02:39.300 --> 00:02:42.580 We tend to want other people to be quiet about these subjects as well. 00:02:44.720 --> 00:02:48.320 But as we look into this chapter, Philippians chapter 1, 00:02:49.080 --> 00:02:56.220 what you'll see is that Paul is not afraid of the social cost of promoting the gospel. 00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:04.000 He's not afraid of the social cost because he has something far greater to gain. 00:03:06.160 --> 00:03:09.920 Imprisonment, ugly opposition, the possibility of execution, 00:03:10.300 --> 00:03:16.720 none of these things shame him into silence because his pride and joy is in Christ. 00:03:16.719 --> 00:03:20.659 Look at how things actually unfold. 00:03:20.740 --> 00:03:22.159 And what I'll do is I'll open it up this way. 00:03:22.479 --> 00:03:23.960 I'll look from Paul's perspective. 00:03:24.060 --> 00:03:24.860 What has happened to me? 00:03:25.259 --> 00:03:27.439 The effect on you, as in the people that he's writing to, 00:03:27.719 --> 00:03:29.300 the way that I see things, 00:03:29.800 --> 00:03:31.419 and what will happen to me? 00:03:31.460 --> 00:03:33.599 He raises that as a conjecture. 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:34.800 What's going to happen next? 00:03:35.620 --> 00:03:36.620 So what has happened to me? 00:03:36.960 --> 00:03:38.620 In verse 12, Paul says this, 00:03:38.620 --> 00:03:44.379 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 00:03:46.259 --> 00:03:47.620 What has happened to Paul? 00:03:48.360 --> 00:03:49.620 He's been imprisoned. 00:03:50.420 --> 00:03:52.960 He mentions it repeatedly in this early part of the letter, 00:03:53.240 --> 00:03:55.560 and a significant thing for the Christian church. 00:03:56.159 --> 00:03:58.920 Imprisonment in Roman times was not a punishment in itself. 00:03:59.259 --> 00:04:03.140 It was a place to hold criminals awaiting the death sentence. 00:04:03.139 --> 00:04:06.239 To be imprisoned was a shameful thing. 00:04:06.859 --> 00:04:13.359 So shameful that the Romans of the time actually allowed for people to go into exile instead of facing justice. 00:04:13.739 --> 00:04:18.659 They didn't, death row in our terms is actually a really heavily guarded area, section of the prison. 00:04:20.060 --> 00:04:26.459 In Roman times, they weren't too fussy if you escaped and ran off and went into self-imposed exile. 00:04:26.680 --> 00:04:27.819 They actually would prefer that. 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:33.060 There was less shame on the community if you were actually sentenced and executed for your crime. 00:04:33.139 --> 00:04:36.899 Paul should be ashamed of his imprisonment. 00:04:37.599 --> 00:04:42.459 Some might even have expected him at the time to choose to flee into exile. 00:04:43.219 --> 00:04:45.419 He should at least avoid the subject. 00:04:46.740 --> 00:04:48.279 But he does the opposite. 00:04:48.779 --> 00:04:49.719 He owns it. 00:04:50.539 --> 00:04:52.399 He calls it my imprisonment. 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:56.819 And the reason he owns it is threefold. 00:04:58.039 --> 00:05:02.099 First, it's because of the effect of his imprisonment. 00:05:03.139 --> 00:05:07.279 Paul says his imprisonment has served to advance the gospel. 00:05:08.120 --> 00:05:12.500 The Praetorian Guard or the Imperial Guard, depending on what your Bible verses have to say there. 00:05:12.759 --> 00:05:16.860 That's the special shock elite troops that were the bodyguards. 00:05:16.939 --> 00:05:18.699 It's like the Secret Service of that time. 00:05:19.919 --> 00:05:21.399 They were the emperor's elite troops. 00:05:22.199 --> 00:05:24.899 They were physically capable and politically powerful. 00:05:24.899 --> 00:05:29.639 On more than one occasion, they helped emperors in and out of office. 00:05:30.779 --> 00:05:35.259 And they were unreachable in terms of missionary endeavor. 00:05:36.359 --> 00:05:40.539 But here, here they are, Paul's captive audience. 00:05:42.679 --> 00:05:45.039 Paul owns his imprisonment because of its effect. 00:05:45.279 --> 00:05:47.739 He owns his imprisonment as well because of what it's for. 00:05:47.740 --> 00:05:52.819 Paul says in verse 14, my imprisonment is for Christ. 00:05:53.780 --> 00:05:56.280 His particular circumstances are unique in this sense. 00:05:56.740 --> 00:06:00.939 Rarely in Australia, I'd suggest, will a Christian get jail time for witnessing to Christ. 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:03.480 We don't tend to have that fear. 00:06:04.540 --> 00:06:06.500 It was a very real fear for them at that point in time. 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:10.839 It's because of what it's for. 00:06:11.540 --> 00:06:13.300 And it's because of who put him there. 00:06:13.959 --> 00:06:18.439 In verse 16, Paul gives us an interesting insight to how he sees his imprisonment. 00:06:18.540 --> 00:06:22.740 He says, I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 00:06:24.660 --> 00:06:28.079 Yes, technically, he was put there by the Praetorian Guard. 00:06:28.980 --> 00:06:33.779 But how does Paul see the circumstances that he's in? 00:06:33.779 --> 00:06:38.199 He sees it as entirely within the plan of God for his life. 00:06:39.019 --> 00:06:41.059 He hasn't stepped outside of God's will here. 00:06:41.299 --> 00:06:43.939 He hasn't been dragged away from the path that he should be walking. 00:06:44.539 --> 00:06:46.319 He is right on course. 00:06:48.419 --> 00:06:50.479 Now friends, I wonder, is that how we see life? 00:06:51.439 --> 00:07:00.139 The everyday circumstances of life as God orchestrating opportunities for us to declare his goodness. 00:07:03.779 --> 00:07:08.159 Sure, if he was free, he'd be visiting the Philippians to encourage them in Christ. 00:07:08.779 --> 00:07:09.539 That's not a guess. 00:07:09.659 --> 00:07:11.699 He says that later in this passage. 00:07:13.919 --> 00:07:14.839 But he's not. 00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:15.619 He's not free. 00:07:15.939 --> 00:07:16.659 He's in prison. 00:07:17.519 --> 00:07:20.519 So here he is with a different opportunity to witness to Christ. 00:07:22.679 --> 00:07:25.159 Is that how we see the circumstances of life? 00:07:25.160 --> 00:07:33.320 I had the privilege of going to memorial service for Greg's mother a couple of weeks ago. 00:07:34.939 --> 00:07:42.660 And she was in hospital for several days and she knew that as her kidneys were failing, she knew that she was facing death. 00:07:42.660 --> 00:08:03.040 And one of the testimonies to how she used that time, which was just so challenging and heartwarming, was to use that time in her bed in the hospital to witness to the health professionals that came to care for her. 00:08:04.700 --> 00:08:07.580 Witnessing to Christ in her last days. 00:08:07.579 --> 00:08:10.740 Is that how we see life? 00:08:12.099 --> 00:08:14.979 Even the challenges and the hardships of life? 00:08:15.539 --> 00:08:21.139 As God orchestrating opportunities for us to declare his goodness? 00:08:24.180 --> 00:08:28.979 Or are our most fervent prayers that God would remove these hardships? 00:08:32.679 --> 00:08:35.340 Paul starts with explaining what has happened to him. 00:08:35.340 --> 00:08:41.540 He then goes on to explain or to address the effect that it's having on the people that can see. 00:08:41.899 --> 00:08:44.000 He knows his circumstances are having an effect. 00:08:44.300 --> 00:08:45.960 Well, more than one effect as we discover. 00:08:46.660 --> 00:08:48.440 There's a major effect and a minor effect. 00:08:48.800 --> 00:08:52.780 The first, Paul describes, I was calling it a major effect because he says most of the brothers. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:53.580 Okay. 00:08:54.019 --> 00:08:55.540 And in verse 14 we see this. 00:08:55.539 --> 00:09:05.099 Most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:07.559 In verse 14. 00:09:09.159 --> 00:09:12.740 Most of his Christian brothers and sisters in Rome have been emboldened. 00:09:13.339 --> 00:09:15.360 They understand why Paul is in prison. 00:09:15.459 --> 00:09:16.759 They love him for it. 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:21.199 Paul's example then goes on to inspire them and they follow it. 00:09:21.500 --> 00:09:23.439 Boldness begins to overwhelm their fear. 00:09:23.440 --> 00:09:32.800 Remember that boldness means to dare to do something despite the danger or the cost. 00:09:34.240 --> 00:09:36.520 And the dangers for them were very real. 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:39.600 A physical, a social, an economic cost. 00:09:40.760 --> 00:09:42.560 Perhaps even paying with your life. 00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:48.500 It's a huge cost to step out and promote Christianity like this. 00:09:49.139 --> 00:09:51.399 They existed in a polytheistic society. 00:09:51.879 --> 00:09:54.339 And they were promoting a monotheistic Christianity. 00:09:54.819 --> 00:09:57.859 They existed in a culture that tolerated multiple religions. 00:09:59.319 --> 00:10:05.159 And they were proclaiming a message that said there is only one God and there is only one way to him through Christ. 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:13.719 Going into someone's house at that time, being part of a working guild, visiting a city, everyone had their own gods. 00:10:13.720 --> 00:10:18.480 You were more than welcome to have your own god too. 00:10:19.899 --> 00:10:26.240 But it was polite, acceptable to honour the gods of the places you visited. 00:10:26.899 --> 00:10:28.840 They were more than happy for you to worship your own god. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:30.680 But you honoured theirs at the same time. 00:10:31.960 --> 00:10:36.740 To refuse to honour someone else's beliefs was extremely offensive. 00:10:36.740 --> 00:10:40.620 Does that at least sound familiar? 00:10:42.720 --> 00:10:44.680 Refusing to honour someone else's beliefs? 00:10:45.159 --> 00:10:46.560 Causing deep offence? 00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:51.419 So what keeps us quiet? 00:10:52.680 --> 00:10:56.240 Are we being shamed into silence about Christ? 00:10:57.019 --> 00:11:01.440 What do we fear losing that we don't gain more of in Christ? 00:11:01.440 --> 00:11:07.260 The major effect of Paul's example is inspirational. 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:11.160 It's like when you hear these testimonies that make your jaw drop. 00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:13.500 It's this kind of testimony that impacts us. 00:11:14.160 --> 00:11:17.140 And it does so because it expands our understanding. 00:11:18.040 --> 00:11:22.920 We learn that God is more trustworthy and good than we ever thought possible before. 00:11:25.260 --> 00:11:30.040 And it moves us to stretch our willingness to trust him in this way too. 00:11:30.039 --> 00:11:34.639 To let boldness replace fear in our lives. 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:38.980 What a challenge. 00:11:41.439 --> 00:11:43.559 But Paul only says most here. 00:11:44.299 --> 00:11:46.299 And most implies the existence of some. 00:11:47.679 --> 00:11:49.019 And Paul addresses them next. 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:50.740 The minor effect that's happening. 00:11:51.539 --> 00:11:56.360 You see there are some who see Paul's imprisonment as an opportunity for their own selfish ambitions. 00:11:57.120 --> 00:11:58.659 In verse 15 to 17. 00:11:58.659 --> 00:12:01.419 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry. 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:03.039 But others from goodwill. 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:06.959 The latter do it out of love knowing that I'm put here for the defense of the gospel. 00:12:07.339 --> 00:12:11.039 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition. 00:12:11.219 --> 00:12:16.000 Not sincerely but thinking to inflict me in my imprisonment. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:24.220 This smaller group ministers out of envy and rivalry. 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:29.320 Where envy is wanting what someone else has. 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:31.019 That's a heart thing. 00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:32.039 It's a heart attitude. 00:12:33.080 --> 00:12:37.279 And rivalry is wanting the success or status that someone else has. 00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:39.320 And competing to get it. 00:12:39.320 --> 00:12:42.200 It's when that heart thing becomes a strategy. 00:12:42.200 --> 00:12:48.580 And brothers and sisters the root of both is pride. 00:12:49.520 --> 00:12:54.460 The root of both is believing yourself to be superior to someone else. 00:12:54.460 --> 00:12:59.940 And pride is a dangerous thing because you can't see it in yourself. 00:13:00.040 --> 00:13:00.540 Not easily. 00:13:02.160 --> 00:13:06.740 Because if pride has hold of you, you really believe that you're better. 00:13:07.879 --> 00:13:12.820 You really believe that you're serving God's best interests by pursuing your strategy. 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:14.580 You really believe that you're serving God's best interests by pursuing your strategy. 00:13:14.580 --> 00:13:16.460 You really believe that you're serving God's best interests by pursuing God's best interests. 00:13:16.820 --> 00:13:20.280 Pride blinds you to the notion of ever questioning your motives. 00:13:23.260 --> 00:13:27.260 And so there were some who saw themselves as superior, even to their leader, even to Paul. 00:13:28.900 --> 00:13:30.620 Some who wanted to promote themselves. 00:13:31.160 --> 00:13:35.480 Some who, for them, Paul's imprisonment was an opportunity to climb the ladder. 00:13:38.080 --> 00:13:39.660 How do we spot this in ourselves? 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:40.820 I can give you some suggestions. 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:43.700 But I'm going to suggest that we actually need to do this as a community. 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:45.780 Because pride really does blind us. 00:13:47.900 --> 00:13:50.720 But if we find ourselves judging others in our own hearts. 00:13:51.600 --> 00:13:55.140 Considering them less worthy of their role than I am. 00:13:55.960 --> 00:13:57.660 Believing I could do a far better job. 00:13:58.100 --> 00:13:59.180 Criticizing their efforts. 00:13:59.680 --> 00:14:01.540 Maneuvering to get that role for myself. 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:03.980 All the while engaging in ministry. 00:14:05.780 --> 00:14:07.920 Notice Paul calls these people brothers. 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:11.240 All the while engaging in ministry. 00:14:11.439 --> 00:14:15.399 Then I can start to get a sense that I'm drifting into this path. 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:20.219 And it matters when we do. 00:14:21.679 --> 00:14:24.199 Paul himself felt the effects of their pettiness. 00:14:24.579 --> 00:14:25.179 He noticed it. 00:14:25.219 --> 00:14:26.139 He knew what they were doing. 00:14:27.099 --> 00:14:28.959 And their behavior was actually harming the fellowship. 00:14:29.199 --> 00:14:30.419 Which is why he's addressing it. 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:34.360 But notice how he does. 00:14:35.579 --> 00:14:39.279 Not primarily by rebuking or defending himself. 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:41.219 He doesn't get caught up in the rivalry. 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:46.539 He shows us a better way to see things. 00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:50.479 And this is what he goes on to next. 00:14:50.539 --> 00:14:51.519 The way I see things. 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:52.779 This is Paul's perspective. 00:14:52.779 --> 00:14:55.059 What does Paul see? 00:14:56.679 --> 00:15:00.139 Well, Paul sees everything through the lens of Christ. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:03.480 His goal is Christ. 00:15:04.179 --> 00:15:06.379 Because his heart's desire is Christ. 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:11.519 Let's look at how he expresses Christ as his goal. 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:15.500 What does he say about these petty envy and rivalry things? 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:18.299 In verse 18, Paul actually raises this very point. 00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:19.139 What then? 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:20.799 What do we do about this? 00:15:20.799 --> 00:15:23.199 Well, here's what I see. 00:15:24.039 --> 00:15:27.479 Only that in every way, whether in pretense or truth, 00:15:28.339 --> 00:15:29.620 Christ is proclaimed. 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:32.120 And in that, I rejoice. 00:15:34.819 --> 00:15:36.779 It's not about what benefits us most. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:39.240 But what benefits Christ. 00:15:41.099 --> 00:15:43.819 Roles and status, they're the wrong things to be grasping for. 00:15:44.039 --> 00:15:45.599 When we make life about ourselves, 00:15:46.359 --> 00:15:48.019 then we seek to promote ourselves. 00:15:48.019 --> 00:15:51.299 But when we place Christ at the center, 00:15:52.199 --> 00:15:54.220 then we want to proclaim Christ. 00:15:55.460 --> 00:15:59.279 Even when someone proclaims Christ with their own interests in mind, 00:15:59.679 --> 00:16:02.639 we still are moved to rejoice. 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:05.579 Because Christ is proclaimed. 00:16:05.580 --> 00:16:09.100 Paul goes on to say, 00:16:09.100 --> 00:16:11.100 Yes, and I will rejoice. 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:15.960 For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:18.160 this will turn out for my deliverance. 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:23.259 As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not at all be ashamed. 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:26.840 But that with full courage now, as always, 00:16:27.420 --> 00:16:28.920 Christ will be honored in my body, 00:16:29.560 --> 00:16:31.960 whether by life or by death. 00:16:31.960 --> 00:16:37.120 Just to be clear here, 00:16:37.660 --> 00:16:40.300 deliverance is the word that Paul uses for his salvation. 00:16:41.340 --> 00:16:43.440 So he isn't talking about getting out of prison here. 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:46.259 He's talking about vindication on the last day. 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:49.019 This is the only affirmation that Paul seeks. 00:16:49.600 --> 00:16:50.500 God's affirmation. 00:16:50.920 --> 00:16:52.920 That he is a good and faithful servant. 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:58.379 And even in this, he knows that he is upheld by God through prayer 00:16:58.379 --> 00:17:01.019 and the direct help of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:03.439 --> 00:17:04.940 Upheld by the Holy Spirit, 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:07.139 he is able to say these words, 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:10.039 For me to live is Christ, 00:17:10.619 --> 00:17:13.019 and to die is gain. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.899 How can you honestly say that? 00:17:17.900 --> 00:17:18.300 To live is Christ. 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.320 To live is Christ. 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:22.100 And to die is gain. 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:26.040 To live is Christ. 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:29.600 Think of it all that it actually means to live. 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:31.340 Every moment, every breath, 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:33.060 every heartbeat, 00:17:34.180 --> 00:17:35.660 every waking thought 00:17:35.660 --> 00:17:38.380 has a focus for Paul. 00:17:38.380 --> 00:17:41.660 And that focus is Christ. 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:46.340 He is oriented to Christ and for Christ, 00:17:46.460 --> 00:17:49.180 which is only made possible because he is in Christ. 00:17:50.500 --> 00:17:52.900 Christ is his life-consuming goal. 00:17:56.060 --> 00:17:57.280 Jesus told two parables, 00:17:57.760 --> 00:17:59.080 two very short parables, 00:17:59.180 --> 00:18:00.420 so it's not a massive digression, 00:18:00.540 --> 00:18:02.380 about this kind of single-mindedness. 00:18:03.120 --> 00:18:04.440 The parable of the treasure in the field 00:18:04.440 --> 00:18:06.240 and the parable of the pearl of great price. 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:07.640 Maybe you know them. 00:18:07.640 --> 00:18:08.440 If you don't, 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:09.580 here's a basic, 00:18:09.780 --> 00:18:11.060 very quick breakdown. 00:18:11.280 --> 00:18:12.400 There are only one-verse parables. 00:18:13.060 --> 00:18:13.960 It's already taken too long, 00:18:14.020 --> 00:18:15.480 taken longer than Jesus did. 00:18:15.940 --> 00:18:17.420 A man comes across a treasure in a field 00:18:17.420 --> 00:18:19.640 and he joyfully sells everything, 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:22.060 everything he has, 00:18:22.560 --> 00:18:23.660 to buy that field 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:25.200 and get a hold of that treasure. 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:29.440 A merchant comes across the perfect pearl. 00:18:30.040 --> 00:18:30.920 It's beautiful. 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:32.840 He has to have it. 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:35.440 He too sells everything he has 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:36.880 to buy that pearl. 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:39.420 All of life, 00:18:39.800 --> 00:18:40.680 every resource, 00:18:40.860 --> 00:18:42.520 every achievement up to that point, 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:43.900 up to this point in our lives, 00:18:44.520 --> 00:18:48.020 turned over to pursuing one goal, 00:18:49.420 --> 00:18:51.759 Christ and his kingdom. 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:55.259 But friends, 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:56.720 it's not just that proclaiming Christ 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:58.359 is a superior life goal. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:05.359 Because it's not that Paul actually has 00:19:05.359 --> 00:19:07.779 like the best goal you can possibly have in life. 00:19:09.039 --> 00:19:10.920 That would just make this a matter of willpower, 00:19:10.980 --> 00:19:11.339 wouldn't it? 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:15.539 He actually has a heart's desire 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:18.440 behind that life goal. 00:19:18.440 --> 00:19:22.320 And we know that because Paul goes on to say this, 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:24.799 to die is gain. 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:27.019 For me to live is Christ 00:19:27.019 --> 00:19:29.299 and to die is gain. 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:33.299 That takes what he treasures most 00:19:33.299 --> 00:19:36.299 beyond the realms of just this mortal life 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:37.660 that we live at this point. 00:19:38.660 --> 00:19:39.799 To die is gain. 00:19:39.799 --> 00:19:42.539 The point when his heart stops, 00:19:42.659 --> 00:19:44.339 when he breathes his last, 00:19:45.659 --> 00:19:47.740 he gets more of Christ. 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:49.619 Not a goal, 00:19:50.159 --> 00:19:51.319 but the person, 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:53.480 face to face and unfiltered. 00:19:55.419 --> 00:19:57.079 Do you think this way about God? 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:59.700 Our God is a personal God. 00:20:00.579 --> 00:20:01.579 He is a person. 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:04.399 He is someone we can get to know, 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.440 to delight in, 00:20:05.639 --> 00:20:07.500 to treasure more than anyone else. 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:11.640 Again, I'm going to make a digression here 00:20:11.640 --> 00:20:13.759 because I think Moses was the first one 00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:14.559 that taught me this 00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:17.299 in any depth 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:18.359 and really challenged me on it. 00:20:20.680 --> 00:20:22.700 I love Moses for these two things that he did 00:20:22.700 --> 00:20:25.480 and they're in the same kind of section of Exodus, 00:20:25.599 --> 00:20:26.680 Exodus chapter 33. 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:28.660 Not the plagues, 00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:29.640 obviously, 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:30.500 that's beyond that. 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:32.079 Or the parting of the sea 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:34.140 or the provision of food and water in the desert 00:20:34.140 --> 00:20:35.119 or his wise leadership. 00:20:35.119 --> 00:20:38.939 God could have used anyone for those things. 00:20:40.579 --> 00:20:41.779 Moses did two things 00:20:41.779 --> 00:20:43.099 that I am so grateful for. 00:20:44.239 --> 00:20:45.239 He said to God, 00:20:45.339 --> 00:20:46.339 don't leave us. 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:48.659 And he said to God, 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:50.000 show me more of you. 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:52.219 Do you remember these? 00:20:52.579 --> 00:20:53.239 These events. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:55.679 The Israelites had made a golden calf 00:20:55.679 --> 00:20:57.539 and God's anger burned against them. 00:20:57.839 --> 00:20:58.419 So God said, 00:20:58.500 --> 00:20:59.199 look, okay, 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:01.099 you guys go to the promised land, 00:21:01.159 --> 00:21:02.099 but I'm not coming with you. 00:21:02.179 --> 00:21:03.019 I'll send an angel with you 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:03.980 to lead you along the way, 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:05.400 but I'm not coming with you. 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:09.200 And Moses wouldn't go. 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.359 He begged God 00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:13.059 not to send them without him. 00:21:15.180 --> 00:21:16.200 Why wouldn't God go? 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:17.900 Because the people 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:19.500 were so far short of his holiness 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:20.319 that if he went, 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:21.960 he knew we would end up destroying them. 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:25.339 So God effectively 00:21:25.339 --> 00:21:26.279 offered them the land 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:27.039 and the blessing. 00:21:27.299 --> 00:21:28.700 He basically offered them heaven, 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:30.500 but without the confrontation 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:32.819 of having to face the holy God. 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:37.059 Moses was heartbroken. 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:39.359 He begged God to stay with them. 00:21:39.380 --> 00:21:40.880 He said it wasn't even worth going 00:21:40.880 --> 00:21:42.099 if God wasn't with them. 00:21:45.099 --> 00:21:46.299 Don't leave us, 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:47.240 he was saying. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:51.299 And then straight after this, 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:53.660 right on the other end 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:54.559 of this event, 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:57.980 Moses asked God, 00:21:58.700 --> 00:21:59.859 show me more of you. 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.639 Show me your glory, 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:02.200 actually says, 00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:03.480 so I'm paraphrasing there. 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:08.980 Moses couldn't do that and live. 00:22:09.359 --> 00:22:10.240 The holiness gap 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:11.359 between God and Moses 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:12.639 was just way too big. 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:14.539 He couldn't survive it. 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:16.500 So God placed him 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:17.440 in a cleft in the rock, 00:22:17.679 --> 00:22:18.899 he covered him with his hand, 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:20.519 and as God went past, 00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:21.399 he only let Moses 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:22.899 have a glimpse of his back. 00:22:22.900 --> 00:22:26.540 God had to protect 00:22:26.540 --> 00:22:27.580 Moses from himself. 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:31.019 More than anything, 00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:32.840 Moses wanted more of God. 00:22:37.080 --> 00:22:37.640 Friends, 00:22:38.380 --> 00:22:40.920 Christ is that rock. 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:44.580 He is the ultimate expression 00:22:44.580 --> 00:22:45.780 of the grace and mercy 00:22:45.780 --> 00:22:47.220 that God declared about himself 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:48.800 as he walked past Moses. 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:50.560 He is the way 00:22:50.560 --> 00:22:51.880 that we can actually see God 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:52.740 face to face, 00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:53.520 unfiltered, 00:22:53.660 --> 00:22:54.300 and live. 00:22:56.900 --> 00:22:57.820 Is this 00:22:57.820 --> 00:22:58.880 how we approach 00:22:58.880 --> 00:22:59.560 our Christianity? 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:00.600 Is it head knowledge? 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:01.980 Do we know a lot about God, 00:23:02.760 --> 00:23:03.840 but struggle to relate 00:23:03.840 --> 00:23:04.800 to him as a person? 00:23:05.420 --> 00:23:06.760 Because Paul knew Christ 00:23:06.760 --> 00:23:07.360 personally. 00:23:08.120 --> 00:23:09.920 More than life itself, 00:23:10.600 --> 00:23:12.440 Paul wanted more of God. 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.940 He said, 00:23:15.020 --> 00:23:16.620 my desire is to depart 00:23:16.619 --> 00:23:18.659 and be with Christ, 00:23:18.659 --> 00:23:21.379 for that is far better. 00:23:23.879 --> 00:23:25.259 What do you want? 00:23:29.559 --> 00:23:30.739 What do you want? 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:38.039 Well, the question, 00:23:38.479 --> 00:23:39.359 what will happen to Paul, 00:23:39.519 --> 00:23:40.739 is still hangs over them. 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:42.200 So, 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:43.579 only now, 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:44.380 at this point, 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:46.000 is Paul prepared 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:46.799 to answer it. 00:23:48.900 --> 00:23:50.099 Verse 22 and following, 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.259 if I'm to live in the flesh, 00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:52.799 that means fruitful labor for me. 00:23:53.160 --> 00:23:54.319 Yet which I shall choose, 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:55.039 I cannot tell. 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:55.779 I'm hard pressed 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:56.500 between the two. 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:58.259 My desire is to depart 00:23:58.259 --> 00:23:59.079 and be with Christ, 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.279 for that is far better. 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:02.400 But to remain in the flesh 00:24:02.400 --> 00:24:03.079 is more necessary 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:04.000 on your accounts. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:07.759 Paul wanted to depart 00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:08.720 and be with Christ, 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:10.339 but he was willing 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:11.079 to accept 00:24:11.079 --> 00:24:13.240 what served God best. 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:16.039 Even life. 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:18.579 Isn't that a turned around 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.140 perspective? 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.680 Even life, 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:21.559 he was willing to accept. 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:25.579 Living is Paul's 00:24:25.579 --> 00:24:27.019 less preferred option. 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:29.900 We all have our bucket lists 00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:31.019 and our things we want to see 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:31.920 and do in life, 00:24:32.220 --> 00:24:33.140 lives we want to live. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:35.920 I don't know about you, 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:36.660 but I've got a whole bunch 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:37.400 of things, you know, 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:39.519 I'm only 50, 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:40.180 I've got a whole bunch 00:24:40.180 --> 00:24:41.599 of things that I'd like to do. 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:44.079 I'd love to see my children 00:24:44.079 --> 00:24:44.880 have grandchildren, 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:45.539 for example. 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:47.200 I'd love to actually 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:48.539 be able to be involved 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:49.539 in bringing up a child 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:51.539 and spoil the heck out of it 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:52.900 for the time that I have it 00:24:52.900 --> 00:24:53.400 in my care. 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.359 It's not a liberty 00:24:55.359 --> 00:24:56.299 you have as a parent. 00:24:58.220 --> 00:24:59.380 I'd love to have that. 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:02.819 All these things 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:03.380 that we want to do, 00:25:03.380 --> 00:25:04.380 places we want to go, 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.400 lives we want to live. 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.920 And Paul would give it 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:08.800 all up in a second 00:25:08.800 --> 00:25:11.400 just to be with Christ. 00:25:13.740 --> 00:25:14.800 But while he lives, 00:25:15.380 --> 00:25:16.660 he will serve 00:25:16.660 --> 00:25:17.620 with every breath 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:19.580 in whatever circumstance 00:25:19.580 --> 00:25:20.460 he finds himself. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.080 There's something I feel 00:25:25.080 --> 00:25:26.200 I need to say about this. 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:29.779 Paul was in prison. 00:25:30.779 --> 00:25:31.900 But do you notice 00:25:31.900 --> 00:25:34.360 that he doesn't see himself 00:25:34.360 --> 00:25:35.220 as a victim? 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:38.120 He never saw himself 00:25:38.120 --> 00:25:38.640 as a victim. 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:41.660 The things he experienced 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:43.140 were just simply 00:25:43.140 --> 00:25:44.900 the context for his service. 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:49.039 Paul never saw himself 00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:49.680 as a victim. 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:51.980 Now, if you want to have 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:52.420 a think about, 00:25:52.500 --> 00:25:52.620 you know, 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:52.900 you think, 00:25:52.900 --> 00:25:53.120 well, 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:54.140 I'm a victim. 00:25:54.280 --> 00:25:54.980 I know a whole bunch 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:55.840 of different situations 00:25:55.840 --> 00:25:56.380 where I've been, 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:57.700 definitely been the victim. 00:26:00.400 --> 00:26:01.680 Have a think about Paul 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:03.300 and the life that he lived. 00:26:04.019 --> 00:26:04.920 You can read about it 00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:06.680 more in 2 Corinthians 10, 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.540 23 and following. 00:26:07.640 --> 00:26:08.160 So if you want to take 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:08.519 a note of that, 00:26:08.580 --> 00:26:09.000 you can read it later 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.560 when you get home. 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:10.620 But I'm going to pick up 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.500 on a few of the things. 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:14.800 Five times I received 00:26:14.800 --> 00:26:15.720 at the hands of the Jews, 00:26:15.780 --> 00:26:17.360 he writes in 2 Corinthians 11. 00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:19.679 Five times I received 00:26:19.679 --> 00:26:20.679 at the hands of the Jews 00:26:20.679 --> 00:26:22.639 40 lashes minus one. 00:26:23.719 --> 00:26:24.459 Strange number. 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:25.639 What does it mean? 00:26:26.419 --> 00:26:26.759 Well, 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:28.639 the Romans figured 00:26:28.639 --> 00:26:30.479 that 40 and above 00:26:30.479 --> 00:26:31.179 would kill you. 00:26:31.859 --> 00:26:32.559 So they used to 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:33.319 knock one off 00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:34.319 so that they would 00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:35.179 take you to the point 00:26:35.179 --> 00:26:35.639 of death, 00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:36.919 but not quite. 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:38.219 They would rip their 00:26:38.219 --> 00:26:39.099 heck out of your back 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:40.159 in doing it. 00:26:40.199 --> 00:26:41.319 Your back was just a mess. 00:26:43.399 --> 00:26:44.979 Five times he was taken 00:26:44.979 --> 00:26:45.859 to the point of death. 00:26:47.359 --> 00:26:48.639 Imagine what his back 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:49.479 must have been like. 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:50.619 How scarred up 00:26:50.619 --> 00:26:51.199 it must have been. 00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:54.219 Three times he was 00:26:54.219 --> 00:26:55.099 beaten with rods. 00:26:56.699 --> 00:26:57.839 Bruises and breaks bones, 00:26:57.939 --> 00:26:58.519 but it doesn't actually 00:26:58.519 --> 00:26:59.599 break the skin necessarily. 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:02.979 Three times I was shipwrecked. 00:27:05.719 --> 00:27:06.619 Did you know that Paul 00:27:06.619 --> 00:27:07.199 was stoned? 00:27:07.879 --> 00:27:08.819 That is not a form 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.319 of punishment. 00:27:09.479 --> 00:27:09.959 That is a form 00:27:09.959 --> 00:27:10.639 of execution. 00:27:11.619 --> 00:27:12.559 They stoned him 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.339 and there's a process 00:27:13.339 --> 00:27:14.299 that they use with stoning. 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:16.319 They use a variety 00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:16.979 of different shapes 00:27:17.359 --> 00:27:18.079 sizes and shapes 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:18.439 of rocks 00:27:18.439 --> 00:27:19.339 to basically tear you 00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:19.740 to pieces. 00:27:20.479 --> 00:27:21.579 They thought he was dead, 00:27:21.659 --> 00:27:22.119 they dragged him 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:22.559 out of the city 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.279 and they dumped him. 00:27:25.379 --> 00:27:26.259 This is the kind 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:27.099 of life that Paul 00:27:27.099 --> 00:27:27.619 has lived. 00:27:28.299 --> 00:27:29.159 This is the kind 00:27:29.159 --> 00:27:29.959 of life that Paul 00:27:29.959 --> 00:27:30.379 is saying, 00:27:30.479 --> 00:27:31.359 for me to live 00:27:31.359 --> 00:27:32.240 is Christ. 00:27:35.899 --> 00:27:36.599 Paul is now 00:27:36.599 --> 00:27:37.099 in prison, 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:37.859 but he still 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:38.679 doesn't see himself 00:27:38.679 --> 00:27:39.279 as the victim. 00:27:39.919 --> 00:27:41.159 The things he experiences 00:27:41.159 --> 00:27:43.019 are simply the context 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:44.659 for his service. 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:49.300 we rail against injustice 00:27:49.300 --> 00:27:49.960 and hardship 00:27:49.960 --> 00:27:50.779 and humiliation. 00:27:51.840 --> 00:27:52.720 We try to pray 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:54.180 difficult circumstances 00:27:54.180 --> 00:27:55.860 away and in life 00:27:55.860 --> 00:27:57.460 Paul served 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:58.640 with every breath 00:27:58.640 --> 00:28:01.740 and his hope 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:02.759 is that they would 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:03.759 share in this passion 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:05.380 a passion that just 00:28:05.380 --> 00:28:06.960 overwhelms 00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:08.580 these kinds of things. 00:28:08.579 --> 00:28:12.759 to glory 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.799 in Christ Jesus 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:16.099 more than anything else 00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:17.599 regardless of circumstances. 00:28:19.679 --> 00:28:20.379 Paul says 00:28:20.379 --> 00:28:21.199 in verse 25 00:28:21.199 --> 00:28:21.720 and 26 00:28:21.720 --> 00:28:22.439 he says this, 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:39.039 To glory means 00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:40.160 to have legitimate 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:41.440 cause for pride 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:43.580 where Christ 00:28:43.580 --> 00:28:45.360 is Paul's reason 00:28:45.360 --> 00:28:45.940 for pride. 00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:47.980 Where Christ 00:28:47.980 --> 00:28:49.860 is what Paul wants 00:28:49.860 --> 00:28:50.940 more than life itself. 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:52.820 where Christ 00:28:52.820 --> 00:28:54.140 is what he hopes 00:28:54.140 --> 00:28:55.380 his beloved 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:56.160 Philippian brothers 00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:56.820 and sisters 00:28:56.820 --> 00:28:57.620 will see 00:28:57.620 --> 00:29:00.160 as their joy, 00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:01.400 their passion, 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:03.019 their heart's desire. 00:29:04.299 --> 00:29:05.360 Christ himself. 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.000 And his hope 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:09.860 beyond that is 00:29:09.860 --> 00:29:11.220 as they see Christ 00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:12.440 in this way 00:29:12.440 --> 00:29:14.019 that their lips 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:14.700 will be loosened, 00:29:14.820 --> 00:29:15.320 their fear 00:29:15.320 --> 00:29:16.779 will just wash away 00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:18.140 and that they will 00:29:18.140 --> 00:29:19.500 boldly and joyfully 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:20.840 proclaim this Christ. 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:22.259 to the people 00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:22.779 around them. 00:29:24.820 --> 00:29:25.100 Do you know 00:29:25.100 --> 00:29:26.660 in Paul's time 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:29.580 people were persecuted 00:29:29.580 --> 00:29:30.420 for their faith 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:32.519 and the church grew? 00:29:36.720 --> 00:29:37.580 Would we 00:29:37.580 --> 00:29:38.880 in our time 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:39.920 see ourselves 00:29:39.920 --> 00:29:40.900 as more civilised 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:41.740 by daring 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:43.019 to be silenced 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:43.980 when we have 00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:44.640 such a treasure 00:29:44.640 --> 00:29:45.100 to share? 00:29:45.100 --> 00:29:45.220 Would we 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:52.480 could it be possible 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:53.819 that we could 00:29:53.819 --> 00:29:54.579 allow ourselves 00:29:54.579 --> 00:29:55.100 to become 00:29:55.100 --> 00:29:56.299 too earthly minded 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:57.660 to be of any 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:58.259 heavenly good? 00:29:58.259 --> 00:30:03.119 do we desire 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:04.339 his Christ 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:05.299 that Paul 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:05.839 is introducing 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.339 us to? 00:30:09.900 --> 00:30:11.019 If I were to ask you 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:11.680 what do you 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:12.500 most want? 00:30:14.379 --> 00:30:15.420 Is it Christ? 00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:42.320 вер