WEBVTT 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:06.120 Well, good evening. It's a privilege to be here tonight and to go through this passage with you all. 00:00:06.600 --> 00:00:10.040 And I'm just going to commit the time to God in prayer before we start. 00:00:10.939 --> 00:00:16.080 God, Father, we thank you for your word. We thank you that it is available in our own language 00:00:16.080 --> 00:00:19.059 and in many different translations and versions. 00:00:19.480 --> 00:00:23.920 And we pray that tonight as we go through it, that you will speak to each one of us 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:27.000 and that we will grow in our Christian faiths. 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:32.079 And that if we aren't a Christian here tonight, we will be challenged as to what that means 00:00:32.079 --> 00:00:35.120 and the response that we need to give to that question. 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:40.320 So we ask your blessing on this tonight and pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:00:41.679 --> 00:00:45.600 So we're looking at 1 Peter over seven weeks. 00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:50.460 And last week, Luca took us through the first 12 verses of 1 Peter. 00:00:51.079 --> 00:00:54.700 So it's always good to know the context of what we are studying. 00:00:54.700 --> 00:01:01.160 So in case you weren't here last week, 1 Peter is a circular letter written to non-Jewish Christians. 00:01:01.740 --> 00:01:06.359 By that, I mean it was a letter written to be passed around the churches in Asia Minor, 00:01:06.560 --> 00:01:07.900 which is modern day Turkey. 00:01:08.560 --> 00:01:10.820 And it was for them to read to the congregation. 00:01:11.240 --> 00:01:14.180 And it was mainly to the Gentiles or the non-Jews. 00:01:14.960 --> 00:01:20.719 It was written during the reign of Emperor Nero, which is around 54 to 68 AD. 00:01:20.719 --> 00:01:26.620 And so it's only 20 to 30 years after Jesus' ascension from the earth. 00:01:27.260 --> 00:01:30.640 And it's called 1 Peter as it was written by the Apostle Peter. 00:01:31.500 --> 00:01:35.400 And the main purpose of his writing was to encourage and challenge the Christians 00:01:35.400 --> 00:01:39.939 to be distinct disciples in the world, even in the face of suffering. 00:01:39.939 --> 00:01:43.920 So if you were here last week, you should have left thinking, 00:01:44.200 --> 00:01:45.879 our salvation is great. 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:47.799 Our home is in heaven. 00:01:48.319 --> 00:01:49.519 That is where we're going to. 00:01:50.500 --> 00:01:54.859 We are to rejoice in this fact, even though we might be suffering right now. 00:01:55.819 --> 00:01:59.159 The knowledge of our salvation and that our home is in heaven 00:01:59.159 --> 00:02:01.400 puts our current suffering into perspective. 00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:05.180 And it's from this point that I want us to start tonight. 00:02:05.180 --> 00:02:09.760 The title for this week is Be Holy. 00:02:14.360 --> 00:02:15.439 There we go. Lovely. 00:02:16.379 --> 00:02:16.840 Be Holy. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:19.580 So I think to start off, we need to know what that means 00:02:19.580 --> 00:02:21.400 because holy is a difficult word. 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:23.900 We don't use it in everyday language. 00:02:25.140 --> 00:02:27.020 So it's important to get to grips with it. 00:02:27.340 --> 00:02:29.180 So Oxford Dictionary, always helpful, 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:33.080 defines holy as being devoted to the service of God 00:02:33.080 --> 00:02:36.160 morally and spiritually excellent. 00:02:37.260 --> 00:02:40.180 But as with many words, they can mean various things 00:02:40.180 --> 00:02:42.580 in various contexts and situations. 00:02:43.220 --> 00:02:46.180 So here we're going to translate holy as sacred, 00:02:46.880 --> 00:02:52.580 fast forwarding, sacred, pure, morally blameless, set apart. 00:02:53.200 --> 00:02:55.320 And I want you to keep this definition in your head 00:02:55.320 --> 00:02:57.720 as we go through the passage tonight. 00:02:59.180 --> 00:03:02.760 We are called to live holy lives as Christians in the world. 00:03:03.080 --> 00:03:06.180 We're to be representatives of God, 00:03:06.380 --> 00:03:08.900 blameless and morally upright among men. 00:03:09.880 --> 00:03:11.840 We've been set apart by God, 00:03:12.439 --> 00:03:16.320 made right before him to a life of distinct discipleship. 00:03:16.980 --> 00:03:17.980 We are to be holy. 00:03:19.420 --> 00:03:23.140 Have you ever held up a white shirt or maybe a bed sheet 00:03:23.140 --> 00:03:25.939 and you think, oh yeah, that still looks good and clean, 00:03:26.420 --> 00:03:28.460 only to put it beside a brand new one 00:03:28.460 --> 00:03:31.860 and you find in fact it's more slightly yellow than white. 00:03:31.860 --> 00:03:34.960 Now as much as the adverts of Daz or Purcell 00:03:34.960 --> 00:03:35.900 will have you believe, 00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:39.240 you can never get a shirt back to its original white. 00:03:41.500 --> 00:03:42.580 Not sure if you can see that, 00:03:42.620 --> 00:03:44.180 but one of them is slightly more yellow than the other. 00:03:44.700 --> 00:03:45.640 We were once sinners. 00:03:46.040 --> 00:03:48.700 We were once sinners dressed in filthy rags. 00:03:49.560 --> 00:03:51.860 But as Christians, we have been made new, 00:03:52.440 --> 00:03:55.680 clean, as white as snow by the Lord Jesus. 00:03:55.680 --> 00:03:59.900 Now we aren't to go against this and roll around in the mud as it were. 00:04:00.580 --> 00:04:02.159 We're to live holy lives, 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:05.860 giving praise to God for the position he has put us into. 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:09.420 We're to constantly compare ourselves, 00:04:09.860 --> 00:04:11.520 our conduct and words, 00:04:11.780 --> 00:04:14.240 to our ultimate example who is the Lord Jesus, 00:04:14.620 --> 00:04:18.300 who lived a perfect life here on this very same earth that we are on. 00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:21.600 So it's a large passage tonight 00:04:21.600 --> 00:04:24.420 and I'll not be going through each part in detail, 00:04:24.540 --> 00:04:26.600 but I would highly recommend you go home this week 00:04:26.600 --> 00:04:28.220 and study it through the course of the week. 00:04:28.480 --> 00:04:30.680 There's so much that we can take from this passage. 00:04:31.280 --> 00:04:33.000 We're going to roughly split it in half 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:37.180 and we're going to look at 1.13 to chapter 2, verse 3 00:04:37.180 --> 00:04:38.800 with the heading of, 00:04:39.019 --> 00:04:40.080 we have been made holy 00:04:40.080 --> 00:04:43.000 and looking at 2.4 to 10 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:44.040 with the heading of, 00:04:44.540 --> 00:04:45.540 so we are to be holy. 00:04:45.540 --> 00:04:48.500 And hopefully that will make more sense by the end. 00:04:49.439 --> 00:04:50.939 So let's start with a question. 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:52.520 Are you holy? 00:04:53.760 --> 00:04:55.260 We are called to be holy. 00:04:55.740 --> 00:04:57.020 Read with me in verse 15. 00:04:58.379 --> 00:05:00.180 But just as he who called you is holy, 00:05:00.780 --> 00:05:02.640 so be holy in all you do. 00:05:03.600 --> 00:05:04.340 For it is written, 00:05:04.500 --> 00:05:06.540 be holy because I am holy. 00:05:07.280 --> 00:05:11.520 The second part of this verse is referenced in Leviticus 11.44 00:05:11.520 --> 00:05:15.140 where God is commanding the Israelites to be holy 00:05:15.139 --> 00:05:18.779 and not to defile themselves by eating unclean animals. 00:05:19.039 --> 00:05:20.360 You can check that up later on. 00:05:21.560 --> 00:05:24.620 If the Israelites did eat an animal that was unclean, 00:05:24.699 --> 00:05:26.659 then they themselves would become unclean 00:05:26.659 --> 00:05:29.379 and they would have to follow the specific commandments 00:05:29.379 --> 00:05:30.839 to be made clean again. 00:05:32.300 --> 00:05:33.439 Now if you're a Christian, 00:05:33.579 --> 00:05:35.000 this is what is being asked of you. 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:37.259 We are called to be holy. 00:05:38.040 --> 00:05:40.939 We're called to be clean in the sense of not sinning 00:05:40.939 --> 00:05:42.980 and following God's instructions. 00:05:44.420 --> 00:05:47.199 And this isn't something we can nod along to and go, 00:05:47.319 --> 00:05:49.019 yeah, I'll get to that at some point in the future. 00:05:50.100 --> 00:05:52.579 We're to live a life that is completely different 00:05:52.579 --> 00:05:53.759 to those around us. 00:05:55.040 --> 00:05:57.139 We are to live lives which shine for Jesus 00:05:57.139 --> 00:06:00.660 by both what we do and what we don't do. 00:06:01.460 --> 00:06:03.720 Our words and actions are to point to the one 00:06:03.720 --> 00:06:06.140 by whom we have life and have it to the full, 00:06:06.439 --> 00:06:07.840 as Graham was telling us this morning. 00:06:08.880 --> 00:06:11.400 So what does that entail, practically speaking? 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:14.640 Helpfully, this passage takes us through 00:06:14.640 --> 00:06:16.080 what this looks like. 00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:19.360 If you follow me down the passage in verse 14, 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:21.140 we see that as obedient children, 00:06:21.720 --> 00:06:24.460 do not conform to the evil desires you had. 00:06:25.460 --> 00:06:29.040 Verse 17, live out your time as foreigners here 00:06:29.040 --> 00:06:30.260 in reverent fear. 00:06:31.520 --> 00:06:35.080 Verse 22, love one another deeply from the heart. 00:06:36.580 --> 00:06:39.760 Chapter 2, verse 1, rid yourselves of all malice 00:06:39.760 --> 00:06:44.640 and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 00:06:45.600 --> 00:06:48.140 And 2, verse 2, crave pure spiritual milk 00:06:48.140 --> 00:06:52.120 so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. 00:06:53.379 --> 00:06:55.439 Going back to the context of the passage, 00:06:55.560 --> 00:06:56.860 which is always good practice. 00:06:56.860 --> 00:06:59.240 Peter was writing to people who were suffering 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:01.879 and they were about to suffer even more severely 00:07:01.879 --> 00:07:03.319 in the short-term future. 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:07.420 How much of a greater impact would these actions 00:07:07.420 --> 00:07:10.000 we've just heard have on those 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:11.280 who are watching these Christians? 00:07:12.420 --> 00:07:14.780 When times are tough, it doesn't give us an excuse 00:07:14.780 --> 00:07:16.480 just to ignore these commandments 00:07:16.480 --> 00:07:17.939 and just do whatever we want. 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:21.180 We're to be shining lights in the world 00:07:21.180 --> 00:07:23.300 and it is in the darkest places 00:07:23.300 --> 00:07:24.920 that the light shines brightest. 00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:27.500 Let's go in through them. 00:07:28.620 --> 00:07:31.240 Do you obediently do what God says at all times, 00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:33.340 fleeing from sin and your old ways, 00:07:33.400 --> 00:07:34.800 as verse 14 would tell us? 00:07:35.519 --> 00:07:36.840 We have been made new. 00:07:37.540 --> 00:07:38.740 We have a fresh start. 00:07:39.699 --> 00:07:41.819 We can't go back to being slaves to sin, 00:07:42.040 --> 00:07:43.780 letting our evil wants take over 00:07:43.780 --> 00:07:45.360 and rule our lives. 00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:47.720 Do you live as a foreigner, 00:07:48.240 --> 00:07:49.819 not fitting in because you don't actually 00:07:49.819 --> 00:07:50.860 belong here anymore, 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:53.000 as verse 17 would tell us? 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:54.780 Our home is in heaven. 00:07:56.100 --> 00:07:58.199 In Edinburgh, you can spot a tourist a mile away. 00:07:59.199 --> 00:08:01.240 Maybe that they're wearing unusual clothes 00:08:01.240 --> 00:08:03.280 or speaking in a different language 00:08:03.280 --> 00:08:05.540 or maybe they're actually just looking up and around 00:08:05.540 --> 00:08:07.280 rather than at their phone or the pavement. 00:08:08.160 --> 00:08:10.120 Basically, it's because of what they're saying 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:11.460 and what they're doing. 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:14.040 We have to be the same. 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:16.340 By our actions and words, 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:18.819 we are to be radically different in the world, 00:08:18.980 --> 00:08:20.640 making people stop and think, 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:22.060 why are they different? 00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:24.319 Why do they bless others 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:25.700 when they are suffering themselves? 00:08:28.200 --> 00:08:30.740 We're to love one another deeply from the heart, 00:08:31.020 --> 00:08:32.740 as verse 22 would tell us. 00:08:33.820 --> 00:08:36.639 We're to be selfless in order to serve others 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:38.460 and put them first. 00:08:39.700 --> 00:08:42.279 We're not to be friendly and loving on the surface, 00:08:42.279 --> 00:08:45.480 but underneath, envious and spiteful. 00:08:46.980 --> 00:08:49.299 We're to flee from all talk, 00:08:49.399 --> 00:08:50.539 which puts others down. 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:53.600 It goes against who we are now as Christians 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:56.740 and isn't true or is hurtful to others. 00:08:57.299 --> 00:08:59.939 2 verse 1 tells us we're to flee from those things. 00:09:01.159 --> 00:09:02.059 There's always the phrase, 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:03.860 sticks and stones may break my bones, 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:05.179 but words will never hurt me. 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:07.299 How untrue is that phrase? 00:09:08.739 --> 00:09:10.579 Words and what people say to each other 00:09:10.579 --> 00:09:12.120 can be the most damaging of all. 00:09:13.239 --> 00:09:15.659 I once had a guy who'd recently been started 00:09:15.659 --> 00:09:16.699 going along to a church 00:09:16.699 --> 00:09:17.399 and he said to me, 00:09:17.479 --> 00:09:18.799 why would I want to become a Christian? 00:09:18.919 --> 00:09:20.839 They all speak so badly about one another. 00:09:22.339 --> 00:09:23.579 That's not to be us. 00:09:24.139 --> 00:09:25.539 We're to be pure in word, 00:09:26.099 --> 00:09:27.199 building each other up 00:09:27.199 --> 00:09:30.019 and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:09:30.019 --> 00:09:34.579 Finally, we're to crave spiritual milk. 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:35.579 That's God's word 00:09:35.579 --> 00:09:38.360 in order to grow as Christians. 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:40.179 2 verse 2 tells us. 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:43.620 Being a Christian means to be Christ-like 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:45.759 and we can only be Christ-like 00:09:45.759 --> 00:09:47.100 in our words and deeds 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:48.460 by learning more about him. 00:09:49.159 --> 00:09:50.360 That's why it's so important 00:09:50.360 --> 00:09:51.759 to read your Bible 00:09:51.759 --> 00:09:53.439 and to come to occasions like this 00:09:53.439 --> 00:09:54.559 where the Bible is taught. 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:57.179 The bracelets were popular 00:09:57.179 --> 00:09:58.340 and they still are. 00:09:58.340 --> 00:09:59.960 Say, WWJD, 00:10:00.580 --> 00:10:01.639 what would Jesus do? 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:04.360 That should be our first thought 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:06.240 in any situation that we face. 00:10:07.259 --> 00:10:09.540 He is our ultimate example and guide. 00:10:10.820 --> 00:10:12.399 Now this is no short order 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:14.879 and I don't expect you to sit there 00:10:14.879 --> 00:10:16.060 and go tick, tick, tick. 00:10:16.259 --> 00:10:17.300 Yep, what next? 00:10:17.879 --> 00:10:19.620 The truth is that we fall short 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:22.120 and we can't do this on our own. 00:10:22.820 --> 00:10:24.500 We fail and we're weak 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:26.379 but this is exactly the point. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:28.519 We can't do this on our own. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:29.700 We need God's help. 00:10:31.340 --> 00:10:32.960 Verse 18 to 21. 00:10:33.620 --> 00:10:34.679 These verses explain 00:10:34.679 --> 00:10:36.059 what our hope rests in. 00:10:36.879 --> 00:10:38.340 Not imperishable things 00:10:38.340 --> 00:10:39.659 but in the imperishable. 00:10:40.500 --> 00:10:41.200 If you read with me 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:42.779 verses 24 and 25, 00:10:43.179 --> 00:10:43.759 they explain 00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:45.820 that all people are like grass 00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:47.179 and their glory 00:10:47.179 --> 00:10:48.899 is like the flowers of the field. 00:10:49.679 --> 00:10:50.620 The grass withers 00:10:50.620 --> 00:10:51.759 and the flowers fall 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:54.059 but the word of the Lord 00:10:54.059 --> 00:10:55.200 endures forever. 00:10:56.639 --> 00:10:58.220 It's what Christ has done 00:10:58.220 --> 00:10:59.080 that matters 00:10:59.080 --> 00:11:00.600 not who we are 00:11:00.600 --> 00:11:01.960 or what we have done. 00:11:02.860 --> 00:11:04.460 If you're a Christian here today, 00:11:04.600 --> 00:11:05.960 if you aren't a Christian here today, 00:11:06.120 --> 00:11:07.720 then you need to be made right 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:08.279 with God. 00:11:09.159 --> 00:11:10.100 God is holy. 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:12.259 Completely separate 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:13.200 from sin and evil. 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.299 We on the other hand 00:11:15.299 --> 00:11:15.860 are sinful. 00:11:16.679 --> 00:11:17.740 We are all guilty. 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:20.960 Not a single one of us 00:11:20.960 --> 00:11:22.379 lives a life without sin. 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:24.720 Our sins hurt others 00:11:24.720 --> 00:11:26.000 and God in the process. 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:28.399 This means that God 00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:29.080 being holy 00:11:29.080 --> 00:11:31.139 is separate from us 00:11:31.139 --> 00:11:32.320 in our sinful state. 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:34.019 There is this divide 00:11:34.019 --> 00:11:35.299 which we cannot cross. 00:11:36.620 --> 00:11:38.240 People try and bridge this gap 00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:39.060 with good deeds. 00:11:39.820 --> 00:11:40.659 Go into church 00:11:40.659 --> 00:11:42.259 or some sort of balance system 00:11:42.259 --> 00:11:44.419 where you do more right 00:11:44.419 --> 00:11:44.840 than wrong 00:11:44.840 --> 00:11:46.060 and you'll be okay in the end. 00:11:46.060 --> 00:11:47.399 But none of that's good enough. 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:49.600 All our attempts 00:11:49.600 --> 00:11:50.899 to be holy on our own 00:11:50.899 --> 00:11:52.340 are futile 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:53.320 and they will fail. 00:11:54.700 --> 00:11:56.080 Verses 18 and 19 00:11:56.080 --> 00:11:57.120 read with me, say, 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:58.680 For you know that it was not 00:11:58.680 --> 00:11:59.919 with perishable things 00:11:59.919 --> 00:12:01.519 such as silver or gold 00:12:01.519 --> 00:12:02.680 that you were redeemed 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:04.200 from the empty way of life 00:12:04.200 --> 00:12:05.480 handed down to you 00:12:05.480 --> 00:12:06.419 from your ancestors 00:12:06.419 --> 00:12:08.539 but with the precious blood 00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:09.200 of Christ 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:11.139 a lamb without blemish 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:11.779 or defect. 00:12:13.299 --> 00:12:14.440 Only by trusting 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:15.440 in the Lord Jesus 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:17.220 can we be reconciled 00:12:17.220 --> 00:12:17.700 to God 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:18.840 through Christ 00:12:18.840 --> 00:12:20.920 and his redemptive sacrifice. 00:12:22.180 --> 00:12:23.200 Jesus paid the price 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:23.720 for us. 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:25.220 He redeemed us 00:12:25.220 --> 00:12:27.139 so that we can be set free 00:12:27.139 --> 00:12:28.399 from a life of slavery 00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:29.100 to sin 00:12:29.100 --> 00:12:30.800 to a life of freedom 00:12:30.800 --> 00:12:32.139 and a close relationship 00:12:32.139 --> 00:12:33.379 with God. 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:35.940 Only Jesus could have 00:12:35.940 --> 00:12:36.759 bridged that gap 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:38.240 between us and God 00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:39.860 as he was fully man 00:12:39.860 --> 00:12:41.379 and yet fully God 00:12:41.379 --> 00:12:43.639 lived a sinless life here. 00:12:43.639 --> 00:12:46.360 he gave up that life 00:12:46.360 --> 00:12:47.819 so that sinful people 00:12:47.819 --> 00:12:48.539 that's you 00:12:48.539 --> 00:12:49.500 that's myself 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:53.600 so that we could have 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:54.699 that close relationship 00:12:54.699 --> 00:12:57.340 we could be saved 00:12:57.340 --> 00:12:58.179 from that eternity 00:12:58.179 --> 00:12:59.539 separated from God 00:12:59.539 --> 00:13:00.960 which is what we call hell 00:13:00.960 --> 00:13:03.139 to an eternity with God 00:13:03.139 --> 00:13:04.600 which is what we call heaven. 00:13:04.600 --> 00:13:07.279 Jesus took our place 00:13:07.279 --> 00:13:09.040 he took the punishment 00:13:09.040 --> 00:13:09.960 that we deserve 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:11.700 so that we could become 00:13:11.700 --> 00:13:12.600 children of God 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:14.960 adopted sons and daughters 00:13:14.960 --> 00:13:16.080 of the living God 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:18.720 and it didn't just end there 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:20.659 Jesus was raised again 00:13:20.659 --> 00:13:21.180 to life 00:13:21.180 --> 00:13:22.920 as verse 21 tells us 00:13:22.920 --> 00:13:23.980 by God 00:13:23.980 --> 00:13:24.779 to show that death 00:13:24.779 --> 00:13:25.360 was defeated 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:27.139 and the redemptive work 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:27.899 was complete. 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:30.519 How amazing is that? 00:13:30.679 --> 00:13:31.679 We've been made holy 00:13:31.679 --> 00:13:33.299 by Jesus' work 00:13:33.299 --> 00:13:35.019 by the shedding of his blood 00:13:35.019 --> 00:13:38.159 that is what our hope rests in 00:13:38.159 --> 00:13:39.379 and this isn't a hope 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:40.120 that is unsure 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:41.299 but an assured hope. 00:13:41.919 --> 00:13:43.419 We don't rely on anything 00:13:43.419 --> 00:13:44.139 that we've done 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:46.299 but on what Christ has done 00:13:46.299 --> 00:13:47.899 and this is a good job 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:49.459 because we aren't good enough 00:13:49.459 --> 00:13:50.899 and we can never meet 00:13:50.899 --> 00:13:52.079 God's perfect standard. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:55.620 If you're sitting there today 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:57.079 knowing that you've never accepted 00:13:57.080 --> 00:13:58.480 the Lord Jesus as your saviour 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:00.900 asking him to come into your life 00:14:00.900 --> 00:14:01.900 and to forgive you 00:14:01.900 --> 00:14:02.759 for your sins 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:03.840 then you need to act. 00:14:04.820 --> 00:14:05.740 I'm struck by the words 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:06.139 of the hymn 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:07.920 and I'm very thankful 00:14:07.920 --> 00:14:08.879 that we've sung it already 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:10.520 What can wash away my sin? 00:14:11.160 --> 00:14:12.780 Nothing but the blood of Jesus 00:14:12.780 --> 00:14:15.360 What can make me whole again? 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:17.220 Nothing but the blood of Jesus 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:19.680 O precious is the flow 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:22.000 that makes me white as snow 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:23.240 No other fount I know 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:25.160 Nothing but the blood of Jesus 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:28.399 We are to be holy 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:31.219 We are to set our hope on Jesus 00:14:31.219 --> 00:14:32.319 Verse 13 00:14:32.319 --> 00:14:33.620 The founder and perfecter 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:34.259 of our faith 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:36.159 We are to live our lives 00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:36.919 obediently 00:14:36.919 --> 00:14:37.860 Verse 14 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:38.740 As foreigners 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:39.620 17 00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:41.819 Loving one another deeply 00:14:41.819 --> 00:14:42.679 22 00:14:42.679 --> 00:14:45.419 Ridding ourselves of all impure talk 00:14:45.419 --> 00:14:46.419 2 verse 1 00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:48.319 Craving God's word 00:14:48.319 --> 00:14:49.100 2 verse 2 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:51.159 He is the ultimate example 00:14:51.799 --> 00:14:53.600 and guide in our daily lives 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:55.759 We can learn about Jesus 00:14:55.759 --> 00:14:56.980 and his life on earth 00:14:56.980 --> 00:14:57.560 in the Bible 00:14:57.560 --> 00:14:59.519 and it can be trusted 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:01.259 because unlike us 00:15:01.259 --> 00:15:02.519 the word of the Lord 00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:03.420 endures forever 00:15:03.420 --> 00:15:04.600 as verse 25 00:15:04.600 --> 00:15:05.860 tells us 00:15:05.860 --> 00:15:08.159 Second half 00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:09.139 moving into the 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:11.080 second part of our passage 00:15:11.080 --> 00:15:16.360 We're called to live lives 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:17.000 of praise 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:18.200 prayer 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:19.240 and service 00:15:19.240 --> 00:15:21.680 There's an identity crisis 00:15:21.680 --> 00:15:22.879 going on in the world today 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:25.139 The idea of who someone is 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.580 and what defines them 00:15:26.580 --> 00:15:27.620 is massively changing 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:29.240 I remember my grandfather 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:29.820 used to say 00:15:29.820 --> 00:15:30.560 that he used to be known 00:15:30.560 --> 00:15:31.500 as Tom's boy 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:32.500 or Jane's girl 00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:34.360 and you would introduce yourself 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:35.200 and it would be the first thing 00:15:35.200 --> 00:15:35.700 you would say 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:35.980 I'd say 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:36.620 Hi I'm Jonathan 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:37.799 son of Paul and Denise 00:15:37.799 --> 00:15:39.320 But nowadays 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:40.379 we introduce ourselves 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:41.080 by our job 00:15:41.080 --> 00:15:41.480 don't we? 00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:42.560 You know 00:15:42.560 --> 00:15:42.779 we say 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:43.500 Hi I'm Jonathan 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:44.919 I'm working the family business 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:47.679 Among young people 00:15:47.679 --> 00:15:49.639 there's an identity crisis 00:15:49.639 --> 00:15:51.159 with people not knowing 00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:52.579 of who or what 00:15:52.579 --> 00:15:53.659 they identify to 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:55.679 and this matters so much 00:15:55.679 --> 00:15:56.819 because their identity 00:15:56.819 --> 00:15:58.819 also defines them 00:15:58.819 --> 00:16:00.479 and is as much a part of them 00:16:00.479 --> 00:16:01.599 as their legs and arms 00:16:01.599 --> 00:16:04.279 This passage tells us 00:16:04.279 --> 00:16:04.979 that our identity 00:16:04.979 --> 00:16:06.419 is in Christ 00:16:06.419 --> 00:16:08.360 and we should really be saying 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:09.240 Hi I'm Jonathan 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:09.860 a Christian 00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:12.179 In verse 5 00:16:12.179 --> 00:16:13.360 we're called living stones 00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:14.879 which are being 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:16.000 you can read with me 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:18.060 being built into a spiritual house 00:16:18.060 --> 00:16:19.440 to be a holy priesthood 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:21.700 offering spiritual sacrifices 00:16:21.700 --> 00:16:23.300 acceptable to God 00:16:23.300 --> 00:16:24.500 through Jesus Christ 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:27.000 A spiritual house 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:27.560 is a house 00:16:27.560 --> 00:16:29.180 in which God dwells 00:16:29.180 --> 00:16:30.820 In Old Testament times 00:16:30.820 --> 00:16:32.820 this was the tabernacle 00:16:32.820 --> 00:16:33.820 and then later on 00:16:33.820 --> 00:16:34.379 the temple 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:36.419 Now the priests in the temple 00:16:36.419 --> 00:16:38.200 they would have various roles 00:16:38.200 --> 00:16:39.080 and responsibilities 00:16:39.080 --> 00:16:40.220 but ultimately 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:42.039 they were to serve 00:16:42.039 --> 00:16:43.399 and bring praise to God 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:46.039 However this did not give 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:46.500 the priests 00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:48.019 unlimited access to God 00:16:48.019 --> 00:16:49.719 The high priest 00:16:49.719 --> 00:16:50.620 could only enter 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.579 God's presence 00:16:51.579 --> 00:16:52.459 once a year 00:16:52.459 --> 00:16:53.439 into the place 00:16:53.439 --> 00:16:54.939 called the Holy of Holies 00:16:54.939 --> 00:16:58.000 We are a spiritual house 00:16:58.000 --> 00:16:59.419 because God dwells in us 00:16:59.419 --> 00:17:00.019 from the moment 00:17:00.019 --> 00:17:01.399 that we become a Christian 00:17:01.399 --> 00:17:03.779 God no longer dwells 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:04.720 in a temple 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.539 or a building 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:06.579 but in his people 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:09.740 We are living stones 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:11.259 of the spiritual house 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:12.539 being the church 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:14.519 with Christ as the cornerstone 00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:15.819 as verse 6 and 7 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:16.519 tells us 00:17:16.519 --> 00:17:18.159 Now there's much debate 00:17:18.159 --> 00:17:19.679 as to what this actually means 00:17:19.679 --> 00:17:21.119 or what stone in the building 00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:22.559 it's actually referring to 00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:23.599 Is it the capstone? 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:24.759 Is it the cornerstone? 00:17:25.339 --> 00:17:26.000 But ultimately 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:28.399 Jesus is the indispensable stone 00:17:28.399 --> 00:17:30.159 He is the one 00:17:30.159 --> 00:17:31.480 who holds us all together 00:17:31.480 --> 00:17:33.179 and aligns us correctly 00:17:33.180 --> 00:17:35.740 We're not on our own 00:17:35.740 --> 00:17:37.759 We have Jesus as our head 00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:39.039 and as our foundation 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:41.840 We're described as being 00:17:41.840 --> 00:17:42.779 a holy priesthood 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:44.380 in verse 5 00:17:44.380 --> 00:17:45.580 and a royal priesthood 00:17:45.580 --> 00:17:46.740 in verse 9 00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:49.279 We have unlimited access 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:50.519 to God's presence 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:53.740 That's a mind-blowing statement 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:55.560 We have unlimited access 00:17:55.560 --> 00:17:57.420 to God's presence 00:17:57.420 --> 00:17:59.279 What a privilege 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:01.000 and a responsibility that is 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:03.339 When remembering Christ's death 00:18:03.339 --> 00:18:04.000 on the cross 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:05.359 I've always been struck 00:18:05.359 --> 00:18:06.720 by the curtain in the temple 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:08.000 being torn in two 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:09.480 from top to bottom 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:11.660 Now this curtain 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:13.000 was a heavy, thick 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:14.359 woven piece of material 00:18:14.359 --> 00:18:16.619 which separated the holy place 00:18:16.619 --> 00:18:18.259 to the holy of holies 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:20.140 which is where God's presence appeared 00:18:20.140 --> 00:18:23.200 So Jesus' death on the cross 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:25.140 meant that man had direct access 00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:26.400 to God's presence 00:18:26.400 --> 00:18:29.460 We're to appreciate the gravity 00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:30.779 and the opportunity 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:32.039 of this fact 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:33.960 We're all priests 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:35.440 with responsibilities 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:36.539 to serve 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:37.640 to praise 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:38.480 and to pray 00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:42.340 Are you praying? 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:45.940 We're to pray for those around us 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:48.000 Our non-Christian friends 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:49.680 family, colleagues 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:51.660 our brothers and sisters in Christ 00:18:51.660 --> 00:18:53.100 who may be rejoicing 00:18:53.100 --> 00:18:54.279 or they may be suffering 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:57.200 We're to pray for our country 00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:58.519 our government 00:18:58.519 --> 00:18:59.539 our world 00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:02.000 We're to go with thankfulness 00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:02.639 in our hearts 00:19:02.639 --> 00:19:04.379 for all that God has done for us 00:19:04.379 --> 00:19:05.220 and the blessings 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:06.599 that he heaps upon us 00:19:06.599 --> 00:19:08.559 We're to pray 00:19:08.559 --> 00:19:09.859 with that reverent fear 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:11.079 knowing that we are 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:11.920 in the presence 00:19:11.920 --> 00:19:13.059 of the holy God 00:19:13.059 --> 00:19:14.399 and yet with the knowledge 00:19:14.399 --> 00:19:15.220 that we are blameless 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:15.920 before him 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:17.680 because we are adopted 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.680 as his children 00:19:18.680 --> 00:19:21.339 Wouldn't it be 00:19:21.339 --> 00:19:22.240 of great encouragement 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:23.240 if we all knew 00:19:23.240 --> 00:19:24.259 that we were fervently 00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:25.299 praying for one another? 00:19:26.400 --> 00:19:27.259 I'll ask again 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.559 Are you praying? 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.299 We're also to offer 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:33.039 spiritual sacrifices 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:34.480 as verse 5 says 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:36.200 Once again 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.359 in Old Testament times 00:19:37.359 --> 00:19:37.859 the priests 00:19:37.859 --> 00:19:38.599 were to carry out 00:19:38.599 --> 00:19:40.120 duties of sacrificing 00:19:40.120 --> 00:19:41.480 and presenting offerings 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:42.019 to God 00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:44.440 Elsewhere in the New Testament 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:45.440 there are passages 00:19:45.440 --> 00:19:46.120 about what these 00:19:46.120 --> 00:19:47.700 spiritual sacrifices are 00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:49.380 and some of these 00:19:49.380 --> 00:19:50.400 sacrifices are 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.259 I'm going to read 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:52.060 the references out 00:19:52.060 --> 00:19:52.960 in case you're making notes 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:53.880 or want to look them up 00:19:53.880 --> 00:19:54.540 later on 00:19:54.540 --> 00:19:56.220 In Hebrews 13 00:19:56.220 --> 00:19:57.820 verse 15 and 16 00:19:57.820 --> 00:19:58.740 some of these 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.820 spiritual sacrifices 00:19:59.820 --> 00:20:00.620 are praise 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:02.740 good works 00:20:02.740 --> 00:20:04.480 are possessions 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:06.820 Romans 12 verse 1 00:20:06.820 --> 00:20:08.040 tells us that our body 00:20:08.040 --> 00:20:10.400 is a spiritual sacrifice 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:12.340 Romans 15 and 16 00:20:12.340 --> 00:20:13.500 says that service 00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:15.820 is a spiritual sacrifice 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:18.519 We're to give God 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:19.299 the praise 00:20:19.299 --> 00:20:20.339 that he deserves 00:20:20.339 --> 00:20:21.819 for what he has done 00:20:21.819 --> 00:20:22.980 and that he is doing 00:20:22.980 --> 00:20:23.759 for us 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:25.939 We're to do good works 00:20:25.939 --> 00:20:27.139 in order to bring him glory 00:20:27.139 --> 00:20:28.480 We're to share 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:29.319 our possessions 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:30.500 and be hospitable 00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:31.819 and selfless 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:32.859 in all situations 00:20:32.859 --> 00:20:34.200 and to all people 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:37.139 We're to give our bodies 00:20:37.139 --> 00:20:38.539 and have complete commitment 00:20:38.539 --> 00:20:39.539 to God's ways 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:41.679 We're to serve God 00:20:41.679 --> 00:20:42.500 in whatever he would 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.339 have us to do 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:45.220 using our God-given gifts 00:20:45.220 --> 00:20:46.079 to do so 00:20:46.079 --> 00:20:48.119 Once again 00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:49.359 this is no easy task 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:51.379 but by relying on Jesus 00:20:51.379 --> 00:20:52.259 the foundation 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:54.000 and cornerstone 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:54.740 of our faith 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.919 we can live a life 00:20:55.919 --> 00:20:57.119 worthy of the calling 00:20:57.119 --> 00:20:58.079 that we have received 00:20:58.079 --> 00:21:00.279 Our sacrifices 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:01.259 are not perfect 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:03.079 but Jesus mediates 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:03.919 to make them perfect 00:21:03.919 --> 00:21:04.740 before the Father 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:06.679 so we aren't to shy away 00:21:06.679 --> 00:21:07.279 in fear 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:09.119 from our responsibilities 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:10.319 and our privileges 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:12.460 Finally 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.339 verse 9 00:21:13.339 --> 00:21:14.299 is a great encouragement 00:21:14.299 --> 00:21:15.740 to finish this section 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:18.779 You can read with me 00:21:18.779 --> 00:21:20.059 But you are a chosen people 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:21.659 a royal priesthood 00:21:21.659 --> 00:21:23.079 a holy nation 00:21:23.079 --> 00:21:24.980 God's special possession 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:26.619 that you may declare 00:21:26.619 --> 00:21:27.700 the praises of him 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.419 who called you 00:21:28.419 --> 00:21:29.299 out of the darkness 00:21:29.299 --> 00:21:31.939 and into his wonderful light 00:21:31.939 --> 00:21:34.740 Our identity is in Christ 00:21:34.740 --> 00:21:37.299 We have gone from being a nobody 00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:39.379 to being a child of God 00:21:39.380 --> 00:21:41.260 We have gone from being 00:21:41.260 --> 00:21:42.280 a temple of sin 00:21:42.280 --> 00:21:44.280 to a royal priesthood 00:21:44.280 --> 00:21:45.900 We are chosen 00:21:45.900 --> 00:21:47.620 God's special possession 00:21:47.620 --> 00:21:49.940 Going back to who 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:50.780 this was written to 00:21:50.780 --> 00:21:52.120 Imagine for a moment 00:21:52.120 --> 00:21:52.880 the Gentile 00:21:52.880 --> 00:21:54.240 the non-Jewish Christians 00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:55.480 who were hearing all this 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:57.340 You know these phrases 00:21:57.340 --> 00:21:58.360 which spoke of 00:21:58.360 --> 00:21:59.580 God's people 00:21:59.580 --> 00:22:00.920 the Jewish nation 00:22:00.920 --> 00:22:01.640 the Israelites 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:03.480 and they were being described 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:04.800 in the same way 00:22:04.800 --> 00:22:06.860 and it's true for us 00:22:06.860 --> 00:22:07.560 tonight as well 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:09.839 These truths would have 00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:10.899 given such comfort 00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:11.659 at a time 00:22:11.659 --> 00:22:13.179 when these people 00:22:13.179 --> 00:22:13.879 were suffering 00:22:13.879 --> 00:22:14.639 and they would go on 00:22:14.639 --> 00:22:15.639 to suffer even more 00:22:15.639 --> 00:22:18.299 These words should be 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:18.879 an encouragement 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:20.099 for us here today 00:22:20.099 --> 00:22:21.419 whether we're going 00:22:21.419 --> 00:22:22.200 through tough times 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:22.639 or not 00:22:22.639 --> 00:22:24.539 We are chosen 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:26.399 a royal priesthood 00:22:26.399 --> 00:22:28.019 a holy nation 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:29.579 God's special possession 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:32.279 Verse 10 says 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.539 Once you were not a people 00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:35.180 but now you are 00:22:35.180 --> 00:22:36.059 the people of God 00:22:36.059 --> 00:22:38.220 Once you had not 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:39.000 received mercy 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:40.379 but now you have 00:22:40.379 --> 00:22:41.619 received mercy 00:22:41.619 --> 00:22:45.659 Summing it up 00:22:45.659 --> 00:22:46.819 We have been made holy 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:48.079 by the redeeming work 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:49.220 of the Lord Jesus 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:51.200 We're therefore 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:52.039 to be obedient 00:22:52.039 --> 00:22:53.779 as foreigners 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.639 in the world 00:22:54.639 --> 00:22:56.599 loving one another 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:57.119 deeply 00:22:57.119 --> 00:22:58.659 ridding ourselves 00:22:58.659 --> 00:22:59.639 of all malice 00:22:59.639 --> 00:23:02.079 craving spiritual milk 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:03.159 which is God's word 00:23:03.159 --> 00:23:05.699 We do so by setting 00:23:05.699 --> 00:23:06.879 our gaze on Christ 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:07.960 and his coming 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:08.980 when we will be 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.639 made new 00:23:09.639 --> 00:23:11.000 and spend eternity 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.599 with him 00:23:11.599 --> 00:23:12.279 in heaven 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:15.119 We are a holy priesthood 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:16.500 and have the privilege 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.419 and responsibility 00:23:17.419 --> 00:23:18.899 of praying 00:23:18.899 --> 00:23:19.559 and offering 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:21.419 spiritual sacrifices 00:23:21.419 --> 00:23:21.960 to God 00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:24.099 We're to put others 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:24.639 first 00:23:24.639 --> 00:23:26.319 serving God 00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:27.379 where he has placed us 00:23:27.379 --> 00:23:28.460 and using the skills 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:29.019 and gifts 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:30.220 that he has given to us 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:32.440 We can take comfort 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:33.360 that we are chosen 00:23:33.360 --> 00:23:35.279 We have received mercy 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:36.240 and are the people 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:36.720 of God 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:39.220 Our identity 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:40.360 is not in our job 00:23:40.360 --> 00:23:41.480 It's not in where 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.279 we come from 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:43.220 or how many Instagram 00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:44.279 followers we have 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.720 It is in Christ 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:48.079 We are to live this out 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:48.680 in the world 00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:50.000 being shining lights 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:50.799 for God 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:52.259 in the darkest of places 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:54.680 Like we thought about 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.180 at the beginning 00:23:55.180 --> 00:23:56.839 we've been made clean 00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:58.339 as white as snow 00:23:58.339 --> 00:24:00.059 not just the sort of 00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:00.639 off-white 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:01.399 like your shirt 00:24:01.399 --> 00:24:02.199 or your sheets 00:24:02.199 --> 00:24:03.299 when they've been 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:04.039 through the wash 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:05.480 We've been made new 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:07.059 and so we aren't 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:07.720 to roll around 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.240 in the mud 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:09.500 and ruin what 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:10.039 has been done 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:10.699 for us 00:24:10.699 --> 00:24:12.459 We are to live 00:24:12.459 --> 00:24:13.279 holy lives 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:14.480 relying on God's 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:14.939 help 00:24:14.939 --> 00:24:16.519 bringing the praise 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:17.179 and the glory 00:24:17.179 --> 00:24:17.859 to him 00:24:17.859 --> 00:24:20.139 and we're to be 00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:21.159 constantly comparing 00:24:21.159 --> 00:24:21.759 ourselves 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.819 to Jesus 00:24:22.819 --> 00:24:23.639 who is our 00:24:23.639 --> 00:24:24.799 perfect example 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:27.159 My friend got 00:24:27.159 --> 00:24:28.180 married in the summer 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:29.119 and they had a hymn 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:30.039 which at the time 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:30.700 I hadn't heard before 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:31.379 but we've sung it 00:24:31.379 --> 00:24:33.180 quite a bit since 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:33.819 and I've sung it 00:24:33.819 --> 00:24:34.460 in the car even 00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:35.200 more often 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:37.119 and I think songs 00:24:37.119 --> 00:24:37.940 and hymns often 00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:38.599 have a way of 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:39.279 saying things 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:40.220 so concisely 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:41.019 and succinctly 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:42.519 that just sum things up 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.659 and it's really powerful 00:24:43.659 --> 00:24:45.019 So I'm just going to 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:46.440 finish with the words 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:46.839 of this 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.639 It's yet not I 00:24:47.639 --> 00:24:48.519 but through Christ 00:24:48.519 --> 00:24:49.079 in me 00:24:49.079 --> 00:24:51.259 No fate I dread 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:53.259 I know I am forgiven 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:55.279 The future sure 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:56.059 the price 00:24:56.059 --> 00:24:57.240 it has been paid 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:59.319 For Jesus bled 00:24:59.319 --> 00:24:59.899 and suffered 00:24:59.899 --> 00:25:00.879 for my pardon 00:25:00.879 --> 00:25:02.559 and he was raised 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:03.980 to overthrow the grave 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:06.299 To this I hold 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:08.159 my sin has been defeated 00:25:08.159 --> 00:25:10.099 Jesus now 00:25:10.099 --> 00:25:11.460 and ever is my plea 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:13.799 Oh the chains are released 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:14.720 I can sing 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.819 I am free 00:25:15.819 --> 00:25:17.480 Yet not I 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.539 but through Christ 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:19.779 in me 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:21.500 I'm just going to pray 00:25:21.500 --> 00:25:22.559 to close 00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:25.079 God and Father 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.599 we thank you 00:25:25.599 --> 00:25:26.259 for your word 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:26.920 we thank you 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:27.339 that we 00:25:27.339 --> 00:25:28.500 as Christians 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:29.519 have been made holy 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.319 by the work 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:31.180 of the Lord Jesus 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:32.899 We thank you 00:25:32.899 --> 00:25:33.460 that it has nothing 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.519 to do with ourselves 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:36.019 that we 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:37.460 would never be good enough 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:38.960 going it alone 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:42.039 We pray that 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:42.599 as we 00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:43.500 rely on you 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:44.299 day by day 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:44.879 that we will 00:25:44.879 --> 00:25:45.819 fulfill our duties 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:46.500 as priests 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.200 that we will 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:49.100 bring praise 00:25:49.100 --> 00:25:50.039 to you 00:25:50.039 --> 00:25:51.080 we will serve 00:25:51.080 --> 00:25:51.940 others 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:53.660 and that we 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.720 will pray 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:56.559 we pray 00:25:56.559 --> 00:25:57.160 that we will 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:59.200 look out for one another 00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:00.120 in our 00:26:00.120 --> 00:26:01.720 daily lives 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:03.200 and in the struggles 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:03.960 that we go through 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:05.340 and that we will support 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:06.259 those who are suffering 00:26:06.259 --> 00:26:06.860 and going through 00:26:06.860 --> 00:26:07.559 tough times 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:09.799 so we thank you 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:10.359 for your word 00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:10.839 and we pray 00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:11.559 that these things 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.240 will continue 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:13.299 to have an effect 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:14.019 as we go away 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.460 from here 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.679 and I ask that you 00:26:15.679 --> 00:26:16.259 will bless 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:17.240 our weeks 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:18.059 going forward 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:18.720 whatever that may 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.279 look like 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:20.319 we pray all these 00:26:20.319 --> 00:26:21.259 things in Jesus name 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:22.019 amen 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:22.059 amen 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:22.160 amen 00:26:22.160 --> 00:26:24.120 again 00:26:24.120 --> 00:26:27.300 and 00:26:27.300 --> 00:26:27.900 time 00:26:28.540 --> 00:26:30.860 to repeat 00:26:31.560 --> 00:26:41.080 ล