WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.179 Well, please do have a seat, and if you have a Bible there, or maybe just grab one on the 00:00:05.179 --> 00:00:09.000 pews, or scroll down in your phone, or whatever you need to do to get God's Word in front 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:12.300 of you, Luke chapter 17 is where we are this morning. 00:00:13.179 --> 00:00:17.580 And while you're turning there, let me thank everyone who's been up front this morning 00:00:17.580 --> 00:00:20.120 for your part in the service so far. 00:00:20.859 --> 00:00:22.519 I loved Pete. 00:00:22.740 --> 00:00:23.500 Where's Pete? 00:00:23.640 --> 00:00:23.800 Is he? 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:24.620 He's there. 00:00:24.760 --> 00:00:28.100 Did you say 1984 when you were a Christian didn't seem that long ago? 00:00:28.100 --> 00:00:30.860 Do you know what age I was? 00:00:30.980 --> 00:00:33.020 I was minus one in 1984. 00:00:33.980 --> 00:00:35.060 A long time ago. 00:00:35.240 --> 00:00:35.820 A lot has happened. 00:00:36.560 --> 00:00:42.260 But here we are, Luke chapter 17, and let's pray as we come to God's Holy Word this morning. 00:00:45.040 --> 00:00:51.880 Dearest Father, we would still ourselves as we come to your Word now, and humbly ask that 00:00:51.880 --> 00:00:55.400 your Word would shine its truth into every area of our lives. 00:00:55.399 --> 00:01:01.699 Lord, that you would blow away every cobweb that's in our hearts, and Lord, you would capture 00:01:01.699 --> 00:01:04.459 every thought of our mind to Christ. 00:01:05.400 --> 00:01:11.560 And would you help us leave here this morning changed, because we've met with you. 00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:14.739 And this is our prayer made in Jesus' name. 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:15.879 Amen. 00:01:16.739 --> 00:01:20.739 Well, let's read Luke chapter 17 and the first 10 verses together, shall we? 00:01:20.739 --> 00:01:25.859 Beginning at verse 1, Jesus said to his disciples, 00:01:25.859 --> 00:01:44.260 So watch yourselves. 00:01:44.260 --> 00:01:48.040 If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them. 00:01:49.080 --> 00:01:50.760 And if they repent, forgive them. 00:01:51.580 --> 00:01:57.600 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day, and seven times come back to you saying, 00:01:57.700 --> 00:02:00.380 I repent, you must forgive them. 00:02:01.320 --> 00:02:04.600 The apostles said to the Lord, increase our faith. 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:11.620 He replied, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:15.299 be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will obey you. 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:19.620 Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. 00:02:20.500 --> 00:02:24.639 Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, come along now and sit down to eat? 00:02:25.639 --> 00:02:27.560 Won't he rather say, prepare my supper? 00:02:28.299 --> 00:02:30.959 Get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink. 00:02:31.519 --> 00:02:33.180 After that, you may eat and drink. 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:37.080 Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to? 00:02:38.379 --> 00:02:43.080 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 00:02:43.980 --> 00:02:45.360 We are unworthy servants. 00:02:46.180 --> 00:02:48.640 We have only done our duty. 00:02:49.580 --> 00:02:49.980 Amen. 00:02:50.060 --> 00:02:52.159 This is God's word to us this morning. 00:02:52.960 --> 00:02:55.360 Well, I don't know how you're feeling about the week to come. 00:02:56.719 --> 00:02:58.240 I'll tell you how I'm feeling about the week to come. 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:00.100 I am dreading the week to come. 00:03:01.140 --> 00:03:02.020 Because, I'll tell you why. 00:03:02.020 --> 00:03:06.760 Because, for the first time in a long time, I've got a dentist appointment. 00:03:08.320 --> 00:03:13.540 And I had that sinking feeling this week because even I, I've got no idea what a filling looks like. 00:03:14.240 --> 00:03:20.080 But even I, when I get the torch on my iPhone and I shine it in there, even I can see that there's fillings in there. 00:03:20.080 --> 00:03:21.820 So, I'm dreading next week. 00:03:22.780 --> 00:03:29.760 But, I go because I know check-ups are good for us, aren't they? 00:03:30.500 --> 00:03:31.439 They're good for us. 00:03:31.760 --> 00:03:34.400 And check-ups keep us healthy. 00:03:34.400 --> 00:03:41.620 And what we're going to see this morning is we're going to see Jesus give his followers a discipleship check-up. 00:03:43.060 --> 00:03:48.939 And as we get into Luke 17 this morning, what we need to understand is that as we sit in on these verses, 00:03:49.040 --> 00:03:53.620 as we see Jesus give his disciples a check-up, he's coming after our hearts as well this morning. 00:03:53.620 --> 00:03:56.080 Now, you say, why is he coming after our hearts? 00:03:56.120 --> 00:04:01.280 Because he loves us too much to see us stay as we are. 00:04:01.280 --> 00:04:08.439 So, here in Luke 17, Jesus is coming after our hearts this morning. 00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:14.240 Now, we're at the end of this mini subsection of Luke that started at chapter 13 and verse 22. 00:04:15.060 --> 00:04:17.439 And it's going to finish at chapter 17, verse 11. 00:04:17.680 --> 00:04:25.340 And if you remember, we said the big question of this section is what do the people of Jesus' kingdom look like? 00:04:26.120 --> 00:04:30.759 And this is almost, I don't know if you've noticed this as we've journeyed through Luke over the past few weeks, 00:04:30.759 --> 00:04:34.599 it's almost as if Luke has been showing us what they don't look like. 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:37.480 Because we've met these Pharisees. 00:04:37.599 --> 00:04:45.519 We've been flies on the wall to some pretty heated encounters and with some pretty strong words going on between Jesus and the Pharisees. 00:04:46.519 --> 00:04:47.399 And we've seen it, haven't we? 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:50.860 Jesus has been rebuking them because they've zero compassion for people. 00:04:52.779 --> 00:04:59.279 And he's been rebuking them, exposing them as being people who pick and choose the bits of God's law that they want to obey 00:04:59.279 --> 00:05:00.939 and those bits that they want to disobey. 00:05:01.299 --> 00:05:04.439 And he's been warning them about their abuse of their money. 00:05:05.299 --> 00:05:09.919 And he's been showing them that they need to wake up and consider eternity. 00:05:11.859 --> 00:05:18.279 And do you see how Luke tells us at verse 1 that Jesus now turns to address his disciples? 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:25.939 And Jesus reminds them of what the lives of his people are to be marked by. 00:05:26.819 --> 00:05:31.739 And so at the end of this section we see that Jesus gives his disciples a check-up. 00:05:32.299 --> 00:05:37.259 Now here's what I want to encourage you to do this morning because this is the fear that I had ahead of my check-up next week. 00:05:37.879 --> 00:05:41.579 I was half tempted this week to phone and cancel. 00:05:41.579 --> 00:05:45.639 I was half tempted this week to rearrange for a couple of weeks' time. 00:05:45.899 --> 00:05:51.120 I was half tempted almost picturing that I would get to that waiting room and then I would bolt out of there. 00:05:51.759 --> 00:05:56.659 But can I encourage you this morning as we come to a discipleship check-up to get in the chair. 00:05:57.599 --> 00:05:57.779 Okay? 00:05:58.279 --> 00:06:05.079 Get in the chair because check-ups can hurt, but check-ups keep us healthy. 00:06:05.079 --> 00:06:05.159 Okay? 00:06:06.039 --> 00:06:10.560 So as we're in the waiting room this morning, as we're waiting for the meat of the passages, 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:13.579 we're waiting for the heat of the check-up, let's get in the chair. 00:06:13.839 --> 00:06:14.039 Okay? 00:06:14.800 --> 00:06:15.479 Here we go. 00:06:15.579 --> 00:06:17.579 Here are the words of Jesus. 00:06:18.879 --> 00:06:21.479 And these are life-giving words. 00:06:21.579 --> 00:06:22.479 We love Jesus. 00:06:23.159 --> 00:06:31.039 And we want his words of wisdom and of truth and of grace to shape us and to fill us and to mould us. 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:31.480 We want us to be in the way. 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:35.660 Individually as believers here this morning, but corporately as a church. 00:06:36.920 --> 00:06:41.280 Check-ups can hurt, but check-ups keep us healthy. 00:06:41.760 --> 00:06:50.780 So all I want us to see this morning is that Jesus outlines two traits, two marks that are to be characteristics of his disciples. 00:06:52.020 --> 00:06:53.920 Here's the first mark, verses 1 to 4. 00:06:54.460 --> 00:06:55.100 Holiness. 00:06:56.840 --> 00:06:57.560 Holiness. 00:06:57.560 --> 00:07:01.579 See the instructions that Jesus gives at verse 3. 00:07:03.100 --> 00:07:04.120 He says, pay attention. 00:07:05.699 --> 00:07:06.600 Stay awake. 00:07:07.339 --> 00:07:08.040 Be on guard. 00:07:08.139 --> 00:07:12.420 Now immediately as a reader, I'm looking at that and I'm thinking, wow, that is strong. 00:07:13.379 --> 00:07:17.779 And I need to heed the words of Jesus here. 00:07:17.860 --> 00:07:18.579 I better listen. 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:20.720 And I don't know if you've noticed this as we've gone through. 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:22.279 I love how Jesus does this. 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:24.779 He doesn't offer advice. 00:07:24.779 --> 00:07:28.059 He's not into giving 10 tips for a happy life, is he? 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:32.619 He doesn't hide his words because that's not the game that he's in. 00:07:33.819 --> 00:07:41.719 He's into truth, which is wonderful because I need, out of all the competing voices that are in this world, I need truth to build my life upon. 00:07:42.500 --> 00:07:43.159 I need truth. 00:07:43.759 --> 00:07:44.399 So here we go. 00:07:44.459 --> 00:07:45.199 I need God's truth. 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:48.800 Here's the first check-up question that Jesus asks his disciples. 00:07:50.279 --> 00:07:51.000 Are you sinning? 00:07:52.920 --> 00:07:53.620 Verse 1. 00:07:53.740 --> 00:07:54.560 Sobering words. 00:07:55.539 --> 00:07:58.740 Temptations to sin are sure to come. 00:07:59.839 --> 00:08:00.519 Guaranteed. 00:08:01.800 --> 00:08:02.480 Guaranteed. 00:08:02.480 --> 00:08:03.080 Guaranteed. 00:08:03.680 --> 00:08:06.160 Now I went to pick up my girls from nursery a few weeks ago. 00:08:07.080 --> 00:08:08.640 And I got in there and I looked around. 00:08:09.540 --> 00:08:11.340 And in this corner there's snotty noses. 00:08:12.259 --> 00:08:14.259 And in this corner there's coughs and sneezes. 00:08:14.500 --> 00:08:17.360 In this corner there's parents being told that their children are sick. 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:19.920 In this corner there's kids being changed. 00:08:20.080 --> 00:08:20.460 Nappies. 00:08:20.580 --> 00:08:20.860 Lovely. 00:08:21.140 --> 00:08:21.900 Lovely sight. 00:08:22.259 --> 00:08:24.800 So I decided this week to get a flu jab. 00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:27.680 So I went to the doctors. 00:08:27.780 --> 00:08:28.639 I got my flu jab. 00:08:28.680 --> 00:08:31.879 This thing that's supposed to keep me immune from getting the flu. 00:08:33.080 --> 00:08:35.299 Now here's what we need to see with these verses here. 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:42.820 Jesus is telling his disciples, reminding them, that when they come to follow him, he doesn't give them a temptation flu jab. 00:08:43.419 --> 00:08:47.799 He doesn't say, come to me and I will make you immune from temptation. 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:49.659 I will make you immune from sin. 00:08:50.060 --> 00:08:54.000 No, he says temptations are sure to come. 00:08:54.799 --> 00:08:57.099 The question is not, will temptations come? 00:08:57.679 --> 00:09:01.259 The question is, what will you do when temptations come? 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:04.359 Will you fold like a pack of cards? 00:09:05.839 --> 00:09:07.000 That urge to gossip. 00:09:08.039 --> 00:09:09.559 That harbouring of resentment. 00:09:10.299 --> 00:09:12.219 That flicking of the TV channels. 00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:14.419 Those browsing of the websites. 00:09:15.719 --> 00:09:19.599 Now once when I was a younger Christian, I had an older Christian come up to me and tell me, 00:09:19.979 --> 00:09:22.399 Graham, you cannot stop the birds flying above your head. 00:09:22.399 --> 00:09:25.319 But you can stop them nesting in your hair. 00:09:26.299 --> 00:09:27.199 And that's good advice. 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:29.039 It's good advice. 00:09:29.819 --> 00:09:32.639 Temptations to sin are sure to come. 00:09:33.699 --> 00:09:35.759 The question is, will you stand tall? 00:09:35.840 --> 00:09:37.199 Will you say no to self? 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:39.379 Will you deny self and say yes to Christ? 00:09:39.459 --> 00:09:41.500 That's what Jesus is telling his disciples here. 00:09:41.500 --> 00:09:44.779 Temptations to sin are sure to come to you. 00:09:45.059 --> 00:09:51.500 But do you see how he goes on to say, make every effort to ensure that they don't come through you. 00:09:52.960 --> 00:09:58.480 Make sure that you're not the source of your brother and sister stumbling. 00:09:58.480 --> 00:10:02.220 Of causing one of these little ones. 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:05.759 I think he's probably referring there to God's children. 00:10:06.440 --> 00:10:10.899 But probably in the context as well, he's referring there to, do you remember we've seen these outsiders, 00:10:11.100 --> 00:10:14.840 these unlikelies who are coming into the kingdom, who are meeting Jesus, being saved. 00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:16.720 These little ones. 00:10:16.779 --> 00:10:18.340 Because that's exactly what the Pharisees are doing. 00:10:19.039 --> 00:10:19.580 Stay away. 00:10:20.659 --> 00:10:21.220 Stay away. 00:10:21.220 --> 00:10:27.040 Jesus is saying, don't cause any of these little ones to sin, to stumble. 00:10:28.460 --> 00:10:35.540 And he gives this vivid picture, doesn't he, of this man with the, having a millstone tied around his neck and being thrown into the sea. 00:10:35.660 --> 00:10:36.680 It's quite a vivid image. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:37.600 You can picture it. 00:10:39.200 --> 00:10:41.580 That's how serious a thing this is, says Jesus. 00:10:43.080 --> 00:10:47.399 And see here that that is how concerned God is for the protection of his people. 00:10:47.399 --> 00:10:52.720 That is how concerned God is for the purity of his children. 00:10:53.720 --> 00:10:59.360 Because if you're found to be causing others to sin, then actually that millstone in the sea, you go to your death. 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:00.959 That's a better option for you. 00:11:02.759 --> 00:11:03.899 And what else is coming? 00:11:05.199 --> 00:11:06.919 It's a warning, isn't it, from Jesus. 00:11:08.679 --> 00:11:10.419 So we have to ask ourselves this morning. 00:11:11.600 --> 00:11:13.419 Again, this is the hard bit of the checkup, isn't it? 00:11:13.419 --> 00:11:14.399 Are we sinning? 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:19.120 By our deeds, by our words. 00:11:19.220 --> 00:11:23.019 Particularly, are we causing offense to other brothers and sisters? 00:11:23.799 --> 00:11:28.720 Are we just getting in the way of them coming to know Jesus by the way that we're conducting ourselves? 00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:33.539 Jesus asked his disciples this morning, are you sinning? 00:11:35.699 --> 00:11:36.959 You see, checkups can hurt. 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:40.480 But checkups keep us healthy. 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:44.120 Here's the second searching question that Jesus asks. 00:11:44.120 --> 00:11:44.940 Are you forgiving? 00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:46.779 Verse 3. 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:48.779 If your brother sins, rebuke him. 00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:51.259 So love him enough. 00:11:51.460 --> 00:11:53.200 Love her enough to speak to them. 00:11:53.860 --> 00:11:58.220 And graciously show them that what they are doing is out of step. 00:11:58.419 --> 00:11:59.899 It's not bringing glory to God. 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:01.019 And bring them back. 00:12:02.019 --> 00:12:06.080 And if they genuinely repent, if they acknowledge the error of their ways, forgive them. 00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:10.460 Even if that happens seven times in one day. 00:12:11.540 --> 00:12:17.680 It's interesting as you read up on it, you realize that accepted Jewish custom in this day is that you would forgive somebody three times in a day. 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:21.500 See how Jesus here again, he's just raising the bar. 00:12:22.540 --> 00:12:24.379 Raising the bar of what it means to follow him. 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:26.500 Even if that happens seven times in a day. 00:12:26.500 --> 00:12:31.059 If you go through that cycle seven times, you're still to forgive. 00:12:32.820 --> 00:12:33.980 Do you see how forgiveness? 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:36.039 Do you see how fought for unity? 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:42.120 Do you see how hammered out holiness, hammered out harmony is to be right at the heart of God's people? 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:46.120 And what a witness that is to a watching world that is fractured. 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:56.840 As they look in here and as they see so many different people from so many different walks of life, from so many different parts of the world, together under the banner of Jesus Christ. 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:01.399 Right at the heart of the community of God's people. 00:13:01.480 --> 00:13:03.659 Now I remember being at a wedding a few number of years ago. 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:14.059 And during the service, the minister said to the couple that two of the most important words in your marriage, two of the most important phrases in your marriage that you should never get tired of saying. 00:13:14.179 --> 00:13:15.699 Number one, I'm sorry. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:18.360 And number two, I forgive you. 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:21.339 I remember hearing that and thinking that's very simplistic. 00:13:22.339 --> 00:13:22.939 But you know what? 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:27.919 Actually, I found that to be some of the most profound wisdom I found in my married life. 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:36.860 And I take it if that is to be central to our husband and wife relationship, how much more central should it be to our relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ? 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:47.079 Time and time again, a godly determination as God's people to not let bitterness harbor. 00:13:48.199 --> 00:13:54.259 To not a steely resolution, not to let anger fester, not to let bitterness and envy grow. 00:13:54.259 --> 00:14:01.519 So, you know, as you read the pastoral epistles, as you read Paul's letters, you see him using language, don't you? 00:14:01.559 --> 00:14:03.659 He says to Christians, bear with one another. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:06.679 Strive for the unity of the Spirit. 00:14:07.100 --> 00:14:08.159 Agree in the Lord. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:10.600 Now you have to ask, why does he need to write that stuff? 00:14:11.919 --> 00:14:15.720 Well, surely he needs to write that stuff because he recognizes that this is hard. 00:14:16.819 --> 00:14:19.759 And he recognizes that he is just like everyone else. 00:14:19.759 --> 00:14:23.740 He is just a sinful creature trying to work out the Christian life. 00:14:24.259 --> 00:14:29.580 Trying to do it rubbing shoulders with other sinful creatures trying to work out the Christian life. 00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:30.700 Of course there's going to be friction. 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:33.720 So he says, bear with one another. 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:36.679 Strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit. 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:38.000 Agree in the Lord. 00:14:40.399 --> 00:14:42.980 Let me ask you, do you need to say sorry to someone this morning? 00:14:44.960 --> 00:14:47.500 Do you need to say, I forgive you to someone this morning? 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:51.659 Do you need to say to somebody, let's meet up and let's chat it out? 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:56.240 But Jesus is asking us this morning, are you forgiven? 00:14:57.339 --> 00:14:58.240 Sorry, are you forgiving? 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:02.139 See, checkups can hurt, can't they? 00:15:02.279 --> 00:15:02.839 They can hurt. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:06.159 But checkups keep us healthy. 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:10.699 So the first mark of the true disciple that Jesus lays out for his followers here. 00:15:10.939 --> 00:15:11.339 Holiness. 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:12.919 Holiness. 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:13.120 Holiness. 00:15:14.799 --> 00:15:17.319 And I don't know how you feel as you contemplate that bar. 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:20.779 That discipleship bar that Jesus sets. 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:26.459 As you contemplate that bar and then you have a look within your own heart and you see the depths. 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:29.639 You see the depths of the stuff that's in there. 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:31.699 And you think, there's the high bar and here's me. 00:15:31.700 --> 00:15:33.900 What chance have I got? 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:36.060 I know that in my own life. 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:41.460 I read this passage this week and I found myself saying, Lord Jesus, I want to obey. 00:15:41.600 --> 00:15:42.400 I want to forgive. 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:43.700 I want to pursue holiness. 00:15:43.800 --> 00:15:45.020 But I find this so hard. 00:15:45.800 --> 00:15:47.220 I find this so hard. 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:52.540 And the more I've thought about it this week, I think that's, if that's how you're feeling. 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:54.080 And I hope it is. 00:15:54.180 --> 00:15:56.660 Then I think that's exactly where we're supposed to be. 00:15:56.659 --> 00:15:59.980 And I think that's exactly what we see next. 00:16:01.959 --> 00:16:04.339 Because here's the second mark, verses 5 to 10. 00:16:04.740 --> 00:16:05.139 Humility. 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:09.740 Here's the third check-up question that Jesus asks his disciples. 00:16:10.459 --> 00:16:11.100 Are you praying? 00:16:12.559 --> 00:16:13.139 Are you praying? 00:16:13.240 --> 00:16:16.559 So in light of that high bar, in light of their fallen hearts, 00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:21.279 it's little wonder that Jesus' listeners turn to him, examining themselves and say, 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:22.159 Lord, what did they say? 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:22.539 See it? 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:24.179 Lord, increase our faith. 00:16:25.439 --> 00:16:26.360 Increase our faith. 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:27.440 Exclamation mark. 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:29.340 Do you feel the desperation in their voices? 00:16:30.419 --> 00:16:31.460 Lord, we need you. 00:16:31.980 --> 00:16:32.899 We need you. 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:36.639 We need you to help us in our battle with sin. 00:16:37.340 --> 00:16:41.000 We need you to help us as a community to forgive one another. 00:16:41.659 --> 00:16:43.779 We need you to keep our hearts warm. 00:16:44.180 --> 00:16:50.060 And I think probably most of all, Lord Jesus, you need to help us have a bigger understanding of who you are. 00:16:50.059 --> 00:16:53.939 And that resonates with me. 00:16:53.940 --> 00:16:59.480 Because I look, I read this morning Colossians chapter 1. 00:16:59.540 --> 00:17:02.120 If you want to check it out, the second half of it after this. 00:17:02.240 --> 00:17:03.320 Colossians chapter 1. 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:04.880 What does Paul write? 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:07.400 That Jesus Christ was before all things. 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:11.060 And through Jesus Christ are all things. 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:14.200 And in Jesus Christ, all things hold together. 00:17:15.000 --> 00:17:18.720 And in Jesus Christ, all things were created for him. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:25.339 You see how the Bible, as you read it, it paints this cosmic picture, this grand picture of who Jesus Christ is. 00:17:25.339 --> 00:17:36.740 And as I look at that cosmic picture, and I look at my shallow appreciation of Jesus, I'm exactly there with those disciples. 00:17:37.059 --> 00:17:38.079 Lord, increase my faith. 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:41.539 Help me understand your cosmic greatness. 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:45.399 How often are you just like a fun-sized Jesus that I can fit in my pocket? 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:48.240 Father, would you blow my mind with your greatness? 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:53.619 And in passing, notice who's asking this question. 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:57.379 A little detail, a little subtle detail in the text there. 00:17:58.339 --> 00:18:02.479 To see how Luke, he slightly changes the terminology at verse 5. 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:06.219 So verse 1, Jesus was addressing the disciples. 00:18:06.399 --> 00:18:11.019 Verse 5, Luke tells us that it's the apostles who turned to address Jesus. 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:13.559 Now I've been chewing on that all week. 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:14.679 All week. 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:16.039 All week. 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:19.439 Why does Luke change the term there? 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:22.679 Well, apart from just recording the facts, 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:27.339 I imagine it's because as readers of this, 00:18:28.119 --> 00:18:29.919 I think that's meant to encourage us. 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:32.059 If the apostles, 00:18:32.699 --> 00:18:36.459 if these 12 men who Jesus chose back in chapter 6, 00:18:36.859 --> 00:18:40.019 if these men who would go on to become the pillars of the church, 00:18:40.419 --> 00:18:44.399 if these men who would go forth with the message of Jesus to a lost world, 00:18:44.619 --> 00:18:45.699 if they are praying, 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:48.480 Lord, increase my faith, increase our faith, 00:18:49.360 --> 00:18:51.380 then I read that and I think there's hope for me. 00:18:52.580 --> 00:18:53.700 There's hope for me. 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:56.480 As I pray, Lord, increase my faith. 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:58.519 These men prayed, Lord, increase my faith. 00:18:58.519 --> 00:19:01.980 Lord Jesus, we need you. 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:04.299 We need you. 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:06.539 Every hour, we need you. 00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:12.420 Some of you may have heard of a godly woman called Joni Erikson Tadda. 00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:18.580 Just a wonderful example of what it means to cry out, 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:20.060 Jesus, I need you. 00:19:20.279 --> 00:19:23.940 17-year-old Joni involved in a tragic diving accident 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:26.420 and it leaves her a quadriplegic, 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:30.759 consigned to life in a wheelchair without the use of her arms. 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:34.360 I was reading up this week that somebody once asked her, 00:19:34.359 --> 00:19:36.879 what is the first thing that she says to God 00:19:36.879 --> 00:19:38.419 every time that she wakes up in the morning? 00:19:39.479 --> 00:19:41.419 I wonder how you'd answer that question. 00:19:42.459 --> 00:19:44.039 I think I'd probably go for her, 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:44.779 God, I hate you. 00:19:45.839 --> 00:19:46.579 I hate you. 00:19:47.879 --> 00:19:48.779 But do you know what she wrote? 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.419 Do you know what she responded to that? 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:51.500 She says this, get this. 00:19:52.199 --> 00:19:55.139 My weakness, that is my quadriplegia, 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.699 is my greatest asset 00:19:56.699 --> 00:20:02.579 because it forces me into the arms of Jesus 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:05.000 every single time that I get up in the morning. 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:08.359 So I look at that and I would say, 00:20:08.939 --> 00:20:09.879 God, I hate you. 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:12.159 She gets up every morning and says, 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.299 God, I need you. 00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:15.379 God, I need you. 00:20:17.439 --> 00:20:19.759 And look at the promise that Jesus makes, verse 6. 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:23.480 If you had faith, he says, look what he says. 00:20:23.740 --> 00:20:25.779 If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, 00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:28.419 you could say to this mulberry tree, 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:30.559 up, and it would be into the sea. 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:33.779 Now we've heard, haven't we, in Luke's gospel, 00:20:33.919 --> 00:20:36.460 we've seen Jesus refer to the mustard seed before. 00:20:36.659 --> 00:20:39.480 If you want to flip back later to chapter 13, 00:20:39.559 --> 00:20:40.419 Jesus has been talking about 00:20:40.419 --> 00:20:41.740 what the kingdom of heaven is like. 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:43.299 He uses a mustard seed. 00:20:43.960 --> 00:20:45.379 Well, here he is getting the apostles 00:20:45.379 --> 00:20:47.079 to picture that mustard seed again, 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:48.960 the smallest seed imaginable, 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:51.259 this time to illustrate 00:20:51.259 --> 00:20:53.460 how the smallest amount of faith 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:57.819 will lead to quite remarkable results. 00:20:58.019 --> 00:20:58.339 Do you see him? 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:59.899 He speaks about this mulberry tree, 00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:02.359 this tree that's renowned 00:21:02.359 --> 00:21:04.619 for having really deep, deep roots. 00:21:05.639 --> 00:21:07.500 This tree will just be upped 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:09.539 and thrown into the ocean, just like that. 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:10.619 Now, what is Jesus doing? 00:21:12.419 --> 00:21:15.119 Do you see how straight after their prayer, 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:16.639 the Lord increase our faith? 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:18.639 Do you see how he turns the attention 00:21:18.639 --> 00:21:21.980 not to the size of their faith, 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:23.700 but he turns their attention 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:25.259 to the object of their faith? 00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:27.599 You see, Jesus is showing them 00:21:27.599 --> 00:21:29.460 and he's throwing them to trust, 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.360 to live their lives, 00:21:30.420 --> 00:21:31.220 not in their greatness, 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:32.180 not in their strength, 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:33.839 but on the greatness of their God. 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:37.279 It's not about how great your faith is, 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:37.799 he's saying. 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:39.559 It's about how great your God is. 00:21:41.420 --> 00:21:41.980 And of course, 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:44.259 you just think about these apostles 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:46.619 as we read them in the Gospels 00:21:46.619 --> 00:21:48.379 that they're just like you and me 00:21:48.379 --> 00:21:50.799 in some respects. 00:21:50.879 --> 00:21:51.480 Do we not read them? 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:52.400 They are confused. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:53.480 They are slow. 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:54.819 They are cowardly 00:21:54.819 --> 00:21:57.019 as we meet them in the Gospels. 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:58.700 But you fast forward to the book of Acts 00:21:58.700 --> 00:21:59.940 and the same people, 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:02.599 we see them in faith-filled 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:04.339 and spirit-inspired action. 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.200 We see them preaching. 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.059 We see them witnessing. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:06.859 We see them healing. 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.859 We see them suffering. 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:10.619 Truly, even the smallest amount of faith 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:12.359 will lead to remarkable results. 00:22:14.739 --> 00:22:15.339 Are you praying? 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.599 I think that's a wonderful thing 00:22:16.599 --> 00:22:18.039 that Kate was saying here this morning 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:19.119 about are we praying? 00:22:20.159 --> 00:22:21.879 Lord, would you give me the boldness 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:23.779 to take that leaflet, 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.659 whatever it is, 00:22:24.679 --> 00:22:25.500 and invite somebody 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.559 to tell them about you. 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:27.479 That's a wonderful thing 00:22:27.479 --> 00:22:28.279 to be praying for. 00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:31.519 But I think, 00:22:31.619 --> 00:22:32.799 as we've been reading this as well, 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:34.699 I think even in the immediate context, 00:22:34.879 --> 00:22:35.439 this is true. 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:37.459 Because I don't know about you, 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:39.439 but I find the battle with sin, 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:41.220 I find it so hard 00:22:41.220 --> 00:22:43.279 making the same mistakes 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:44.920 again and again and again and again. 00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:46.140 How patient God is with me. 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:47.519 I find forgiveness. 00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:49.820 I find not dwelling on stuff. 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:51.299 I find that so difficult. 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:53.840 Letting it go. 00:22:55.180 --> 00:22:56.660 I wonder if some of us here this morning, 00:22:56.840 --> 00:22:58.539 in our battle for holiness, 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.660 I wonder if some of us 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.380 have got to the point 00:23:00.380 --> 00:23:01.880 where we feel like that is impossible. 00:23:04.340 --> 00:23:07.320 Here is a call from Jesus 00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:09.740 not to trust in the size of our faith, 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:13.059 not to trust in our steely determination, 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:15.099 our resolve to get better at things, 00:23:15.099 --> 00:23:17.740 but to trust in the all-sufficient grace 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.759 and the power of God 00:23:18.759 --> 00:23:20.759 and His Spirit at work in our lives, 00:23:21.179 --> 00:23:24.039 transforming us day by day by day by day 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:25.500 more into likeness of Jesus. 00:23:27.679 --> 00:23:29.419 A famous old hymn I was reminded of 00:23:29.419 --> 00:23:30.119 of John Newton. 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:33.700 The slave trader turned Christian minister. 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:35.100 One of his hymns, 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:37.340 I asked the Lord that I might grow 00:23:37.340 --> 00:23:40.519 in faith and in love 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:42.019 and in every grace. 00:23:42.660 --> 00:23:45.120 Might more of His salvation know 00:23:45.120 --> 00:23:49.620 and seek more earnestly His face. 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:51.740 That's the cry of desperation. 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:54.180 That is the cry of a mature Christian. 00:23:54.340 --> 00:23:55.279 He says, Lord, I need you. 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:57.039 I need you. 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:59.440 Let me ask you this morning 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:01.400 as a messy and a broken creature, 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:03.780 with a messy and a broken family, 00:24:04.040 --> 00:24:06.540 speaking to fellow messy and broken creatures 00:24:06.540 --> 00:24:07.880 who are trying to live our lives 00:24:07.880 --> 00:24:09.400 in a messy and broken world. 00:24:10.060 --> 00:24:11.759 Friends, are you trusting too much 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.620 in your own ability 00:24:12.620 --> 00:24:14.140 to navigate your way through life? 00:24:15.560 --> 00:24:16.400 In our lives individually 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:18.380 and in our lives corporately, 00:24:18.460 --> 00:24:19.400 what are they marked by? 00:24:20.280 --> 00:24:23.120 Are they marked by an all-out dependence on me? 00:24:23.780 --> 00:24:25.980 Or are they marked by an all-out dependence 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:28.040 on the all-sufficiency of God? 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:28.119 What? 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:32.599 You see, Jesus is asking His disciples this morning, 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:34.299 are you praying? 00:24:36.960 --> 00:24:38.000 See, check-ups can hurt, 00:24:39.139 --> 00:24:42.079 but check-ups keep us healthy. 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:43.940 Here's the fourth and final question this morning 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:45.220 that Jesus asks His disciples. 00:24:45.399 --> 00:24:47.339 Verse 7, are you serving? 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:52.220 See, Jesus turns to teach His disciples 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:53.619 something about their mindset. 00:24:53.619 --> 00:24:56.259 And He tells this little parable, doesn't He, 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:57.059 about the servant 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:59.839 who dutifully does what He's told 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:03.339 and a master who just seems to give the orders. 00:25:03.659 --> 00:25:05.539 And to us, it might seem that 00:25:05.539 --> 00:25:06.939 that master is being cold-hearted, 00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:07.859 but we need to understand 00:25:07.859 --> 00:25:09.000 to the original listeners 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:10.799 how they would have heard this. 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:13.439 Because they look at the master 00:25:13.439 --> 00:25:14.819 giving the orders 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:16.619 and that is completely fine, 00:25:16.699 --> 00:25:18.019 that is completely accepted, 00:25:18.119 --> 00:25:19.119 that is normal behavior. 00:25:19.699 --> 00:25:21.099 But do you see how the servant, 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:25.579 the servant is equally behaving as expected? 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:27.259 Does he complain? 00:25:27.439 --> 00:25:27.699 No. 00:25:27.799 --> 00:25:29.259 Does he try and go for his workers' rights? 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:29.559 No. 00:25:29.639 --> 00:25:30.319 What does he do? 00:25:30.659 --> 00:25:33.639 He simply follows his orders. 00:25:34.459 --> 00:25:36.639 Because he recognizes who he is 00:25:36.639 --> 00:25:40.039 and he recognizes who his master is. 00:25:41.240 --> 00:25:42.740 And I think the point is that 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.719 a good servant, 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:46.059 no matter how much work that they do, 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:47.099 does it, 00:25:47.199 --> 00:25:48.599 not for the praise for himself, 00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:51.559 but does it simply because 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:53.299 their master asked. 00:25:54.439 --> 00:25:55.779 And I think that's the attitude 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:57.419 that Jesus is saying 00:25:57.419 --> 00:25:58.339 that His disciples, 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.039 His followers, 00:25:59.139 --> 00:25:59.939 they need to have. 00:26:01.139 --> 00:26:03.299 As a response to the outrageous grace 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:04.419 that God has shown them, 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:08.099 as a response to the outrageous love 00:26:08.099 --> 00:26:10.219 that has been bestowed upon them by God, 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:12.379 we just dutifully serve our master. 00:26:14.679 --> 00:26:15.199 And I wonder, 00:26:15.439 --> 00:26:16.500 I was thinking about it this week, 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:19.240 is the apostles hear this? 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:20.859 Is the disciples wrestle with this? 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:21.880 I wonder if they're thinking back 00:26:21.880 --> 00:26:22.779 to the prodigal son. 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:25.240 Saw it in chapter 15, didn't we, 00:26:25.259 --> 00:26:25.900 a few weeks ago. 00:26:25.960 --> 00:26:26.740 The prodigal son, 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.539 what happens? 00:26:27.599 --> 00:26:29.240 He wanders off and he comes back. 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:30.799 And he says, 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.460 Father, I don't deserve. 00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:34.420 I'll serve anywhere. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:35.400 Father, I don't deserve. 00:26:36.819 --> 00:26:37.619 It's the same thing. 00:26:39.380 --> 00:26:40.220 Jesus is showing 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:42.240 the apostles, 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:43.420 his disciples here, 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.259 that that is exactly 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:45.599 what their mindset needs to be. 00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:46.819 So let me ask you this morning, 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:48.240 is that your mindset? 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.659 In your own heart, 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:52.839 as you examine yourself, 00:26:52.939 --> 00:26:53.799 is there a deep, 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:57.019 deep reverence for God? 00:26:58.219 --> 00:27:00.619 Is there a still recognition 00:27:00.619 --> 00:27:01.980 of who he is? 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:03.939 Is there an appreciation 00:27:03.939 --> 00:27:05.839 of his holiness? 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:08.219 And I was reminded of that this morning, 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:09.159 even driving here. 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:10.059 I don't know if you noticed 00:27:10.059 --> 00:27:11.659 just the brightness of the sun. 00:27:11.660 --> 00:27:13.380 I couldn't drive 00:27:13.380 --> 00:27:14.660 going up Dundas Street. 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.800 The brightness of the sun. 00:27:16.080 --> 00:27:16.960 It's almost as if 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:19.160 that is God's holiness. 00:27:19.320 --> 00:27:20.259 And how do we react 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:21.000 as we see that? 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:21.460 Whoa. 00:27:23.160 --> 00:27:23.920 It's the same thing. 00:27:24.080 --> 00:27:25.040 Is there a reverence 00:27:25.040 --> 00:27:25.720 in our heart 00:27:25.720 --> 00:27:27.580 before our maker? 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:28.759 Is there a love for him? 00:27:28.840 --> 00:27:29.340 Let me ask you, 00:27:29.400 --> 00:27:30.200 when was the last time 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:30.860 you bowed down 00:27:30.860 --> 00:27:32.019 in your heart before him 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:33.600 and said, 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:34.700 you are God in heaven 00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:36.920 and here I am on earth? 00:27:39.140 --> 00:27:40.400 What is your response to him 00:27:40.400 --> 00:27:40.980 as you consider 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:42.460 everything that he has done for you? 00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:45.600 There was an English cricketer 00:27:45.600 --> 00:27:46.140 called, 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:46.840 in fact, sorry, 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:47.519 there was an Englishman 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:48.580 called C.T. Studd 00:27:48.580 --> 00:27:50.240 and it was well reported 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.059 that he was a 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:53.160 very talented cricketer. 00:27:53.400 --> 00:27:54.880 So much so 00:27:54.880 --> 00:27:55.660 that it was almost thought 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:56.259 that he could have played 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:56.740 for England. 00:27:57.860 --> 00:27:59.640 And instead of 00:27:59.640 --> 00:28:00.880 trying to go down that route 00:28:00.880 --> 00:28:01.819 when he became a Christian, 00:28:02.180 --> 00:28:03.100 instead of trying to go down 00:28:03.099 --> 00:28:03.699 the cricket route, 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:05.339 he actually decided 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:06.259 he wanted to be a missionary, 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.579 decided that he wanted 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:08.500 to go the world over 00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:09.539 telling others about Jesus. 00:28:09.639 --> 00:28:10.899 He decided to head for China, 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.459 gave it all up, 00:28:12.539 --> 00:28:12.699 says, 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.779 no, I'm serving the Lord. 00:28:13.899 --> 00:28:14.919 And he writes this, 00:28:15.919 --> 00:28:16.619 asked why, 00:28:16.699 --> 00:28:17.439 why did he do that? 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:17.980 He replied, 00:28:18.379 --> 00:28:19.899 if Jesus Christ be God 00:28:19.899 --> 00:28:21.719 and died for me, 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.500 then no sacrifice 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.599 can be too great 00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:26.480 for me to make for him. 00:28:27.659 --> 00:28:27.899 I mean, 00:28:27.919 --> 00:28:29.019 we're remembering sacrifices 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:29.539 this morning, 00:28:29.599 --> 00:28:29.939 aren't we? 00:28:31.619 --> 00:28:32.219 We have to remember 00:28:32.219 --> 00:28:33.059 the ultimate one, 00:28:33.099 --> 00:28:35.539 who made a sacrifice for us. 00:28:35.659 --> 00:28:36.899 Jesus is asking us this morning, 00:28:36.959 --> 00:28:37.500 are you serving? 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:40.299 Are you serving? 00:28:41.419 --> 00:28:41.579 You see, 00:28:41.659 --> 00:28:42.559 checkups can hurt, 00:28:43.399 --> 00:28:45.899 but checkups keep us healthy. 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:47.519 Holiness 00:28:47.519 --> 00:28:49.000 and humility. 00:28:49.399 --> 00:28:49.579 You see, 00:28:49.639 --> 00:28:49.899 Jesus, 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:50.839 he sets a high bar 00:28:50.839 --> 00:28:51.599 for his disciples. 00:28:52.659 --> 00:28:53.419 A high bar. 00:28:53.879 --> 00:28:54.959 But here's what we need to see 00:28:54.959 --> 00:28:56.139 as we work towards a close. 00:28:57.679 --> 00:28:58.980 Jesus isn't asking 00:28:58.980 --> 00:29:00.000 his disciples here 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:00.839 to do anything 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:02.679 that he didn't practice himself. 00:29:03.659 --> 00:29:04.659 For the one who said, 00:29:04.879 --> 00:29:05.299 don't sin, 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:07.139 he knew no sin. 00:29:08.419 --> 00:29:09.419 The one that said, 00:29:09.599 --> 00:29:10.039 forgive, 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:11.899 he's on his way 00:29:11.899 --> 00:29:12.459 to the cross 00:29:12.459 --> 00:29:13.199 to forgive, 00:29:13.719 --> 00:29:14.719 to die for the sins 00:29:14.719 --> 00:29:15.279 of the world, 00:29:15.379 --> 00:29:16.199 to die for the sins 00:29:16.199 --> 00:29:17.319 of the very ones 00:29:17.319 --> 00:29:17.859 who had put him there, 00:29:17.899 --> 00:29:18.619 to die for the sins 00:29:18.619 --> 00:29:19.240 of his enemies. 00:29:20.719 --> 00:29:21.419 And the one who said, 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:21.779 pray, 00:29:22.039 --> 00:29:22.959 ask for help, 00:29:23.099 --> 00:29:23.759 pray to God. 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.680 What did we find him doing 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:25.819 in John 17 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:26.480 in the garden? 00:29:27.279 --> 00:29:27.640 Praying. 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:30.400 And the one who said, 00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:30.960 serve. 00:29:32.339 --> 00:29:33.140 He served. 00:29:34.640 --> 00:29:35.519 All of these things 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.200 coming together. 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:37.059 Look at verse 11. 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:37.640 Just let me, 00:29:37.640 --> 00:29:38.779 let me just touch 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:40.519 on next week's sermon. 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:43.339 Jesus is on the way 00:29:43.339 --> 00:29:43.960 to Jerusalem 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:45.759 and he's on the way 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:46.460 to the cross 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:48.259 to deal with our sin, 00:29:48.539 --> 00:29:49.740 to bear our shame 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.619 so that we could be 00:29:50.619 --> 00:29:51.900 reconciled to God 00:29:51.900 --> 00:29:53.200 and by faith in him 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:53.819 be included 00:29:53.819 --> 00:29:54.500 in God's 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:56.019 worshiping family. 00:29:57.079 --> 00:29:57.559 Do you see how 00:29:57.559 --> 00:29:58.859 we're not saved 00:29:58.859 --> 00:29:59.879 because we obey, 00:30:01.259 --> 00:30:02.440 but rather it's our 00:30:02.440 --> 00:30:03.460 absolute delight 00:30:03.460 --> 00:30:04.079 to obey 00:30:04.079 --> 00:30:06.139 because we've been saved. 00:30:06.140 --> 00:30:07.640 Holiness 00:30:07.640 --> 00:30:09.220 and humility. 00:30:10.540 --> 00:30:10.880 Folks, 00:30:10.920 --> 00:30:11.560 would you pray for me 00:30:11.560 --> 00:30:11.980 on Tuesday? 00:30:13.140 --> 00:30:13.660 Dentist? 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:14.840 Honestly, 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:16.340 dreading it. 00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:17.020 I'm anticipating 00:30:17.020 --> 00:30:17.759 sore gums, 00:30:17.880 --> 00:30:18.460 I'm anticipating 00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:19.360 sensitive teeth, 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:20.360 I'm anticipating 00:30:20.360 --> 00:30:21.820 a numb mouth 00:30:21.820 --> 00:30:22.500 so nobody call me 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:23.060 Tuesday night. 00:30:24.520 --> 00:30:25.280 But checkups 00:30:25.280 --> 00:30:26.000 can hurt. 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.820 But checkups 00:30:27.820 --> 00:30:28.800 keep us 00:30:28.800 --> 00:30:29.680 healthy. 00:30:29.780 --> 00:30:30.280 Now we've seen 00:30:30.280 --> 00:30:31.180 Jesus this morning 00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:32.380 give his disciples 00:30:32.380 --> 00:30:33.740 a checkup 00:30:33.740 --> 00:30:35.000 and we've seen him 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.759 set a very 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:36.740 high bar. 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:37.920 But in doing so 00:30:37.920 --> 00:30:38.299 do you see 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.339 the beautiful picture 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:40.099 that he's painting 00:30:40.099 --> 00:30:41.519 of what his people 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:42.480 are to be marked by? 00:30:43.180 --> 00:30:44.319 The true disciple 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:45.900 marked by holiness 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:47.619 and the true disciple 00:30:47.619 --> 00:30:49.240 marked by humility. 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.220 Let's pray together. 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:54.339 And maybe just 00:30:54.339 --> 00:30:55.059 in the quietness 00:30:55.059 --> 00:30:55.920 of our own hearts 00:30:55.920 --> 00:30:57.839 if the Lord 00:30:57.839 --> 00:30:58.279 has been putting 00:30:58.279 --> 00:30:59.359 his finger by his spirit 00:30:59.359 --> 00:31:00.480 on anything in particular 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.579 in your life this morning 00:31:01.579 --> 00:31:02.700 maybe just in the quiet 00:31:02.700 --> 00:31:04.680 maybe just offer up 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:05.220 your prayer 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.980 to God this morning. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.960 Lord we need you. 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:18.980 Oh we need you. 00:31:19.160 --> 00:31:20.120 Every hour 00:31:20.120 --> 00:31:21.120 we need you. 00:31:21.900 --> 00:31:23.220 Our one defence 00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:25.079 our righteousness 00:31:25.079 --> 00:31:26.799 oh God 00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:28.700 how we need you. 00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:30.519 And so gracious 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:30.980 Father 00:31:30.980 --> 00:31:32.420 help us this week 00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:33.920 in everything 00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:34.700 that we do 00:31:34.700 --> 00:31:37.120 to live our lives 00:31:37.120 --> 00:31:38.220 as disciples 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:39.980 as followers 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:40.820 of your son 00:31:40.820 --> 00:31:41.539 Jesus Christ 00:31:41.539 --> 00:31:42.400 who are marked 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:43.640 by holiness 00:31:43.640 --> 00:31:45.779 and who are marked 00:31:45.779 --> 00:31:46.960 by humility. 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:48.140 Father 00:31:48.140 --> 00:31:48.880 thank you 00:31:48.880 --> 00:31:49.860 thank you 00:31:49.860 --> 00:31:50.420 thank you 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:52.060 for all your goodness 00:31:52.060 --> 00:31:53.380 in Jesus name 00:31:53.380 --> 00:31:54.400 we ask these things. 00:31:54.900 --> 00:31:55.180 Amen. 00:31:55.180 --> 00:32:13.080 season 00:32:13.080 --> 00:32:15.019 . 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:16.000 It's tight 00:32:16.360 --> 00:32:16.820 .