WEBVTT

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 Privilege and an honor and a joy to be here in Ireland and specifically in this area of Ireland.

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 The team and I have been thoroughly blessed by our time with the Irish team.

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 It's been a great joy to serve alongside them.

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 It's also a wonderful thing to recognize, to realize that wherever we go, God is already there.

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 He's not surprised by our arrival.

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 He's already there and it's evident in our observation of how you live your lives

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 and how the gospel is going out and reaching those who are lost here in your area.

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 So today we're going to be looking at Philippians chapter 1 verses 27 through 30.

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 Philippians chapter 1 verses 27 through 30.

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 Now we'll read that in a moment, but first I wanted to recap a little bit.

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 I know that Andy last week looked at verses 12 through 26 of chapter 1,

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 where Paul addresses his current situation and his current considerations.

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 He tells them that his only hope is that the gospel is advanced at any cost,

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 even at the cost of his own life,

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 which he would count as gain if the gospel was advanced.

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 Ultimately, though, Paul believes that he will be released and reunited with the Philippians.

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 Paul also tells the Philippians that in spite of his current situation,

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 the gospel is moving forward.

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 In spite of his imprisonment, it is moving forward,

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 which again is Paul's deepest desire.

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 Paul also tells the Philippians that in spite of his current situation,

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 the gospel is moving through the guards

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 and going into the praetorian servants

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 because of his time there in captivity.

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 In fact, his imprisonment is the actual reason that the gospel is moving forward.

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 Paul tells the Philippians that he covets their prayers,

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 which is important.

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 As we pray today, we see how a critical prayer is.

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 Through those prayers and with the help of the Spirit of Christ,

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 he believes he can be courageous to witness the gospel

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 throughout the entirety of his imprisonment and his impending trial.

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 Whatever the end results turn out to be,

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 whether death or release,

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 Paul wanted to be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.

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 To the very end.

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 To the furtherance of the gospel.

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 So now in this letter in Philippians,

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 this portion of the letter of Philippians,

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 Paul turns to his own circumstance and considerations

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 to that of the church in Philippi.

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 He's spoken about himself,

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 now he speaks about the church.

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 So with that, let us turn to Philippians,

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 chapter 1,

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 verses 27 through 30.

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 Philippians chapter 1,

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 verses 27 through 30.

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 Whatever happens,

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 conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

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 Then, whether I come and see you

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 or only hear about you in my absence,

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 I will know that you stand firm in one spirit,

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 contending as one man for the faith of the gospel,

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 without being frightened in any way

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 by those who oppose you.

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 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed,

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 but that you will be saved,

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 and that by God.

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 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ,

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 not only to believe on him,

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 but also to suffer for him.

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 Since you are going through the same struggle

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 you saw I had,

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 and now hear that I still have.

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 Now, the beginning of verse 27,

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 depending on the version you're reading,

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 you'll find something similar to,

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 only let the manner of life be worthy,

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 or whatever happens,

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 conduct yourself in a manner worthy,

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 or above all,

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 you must live as citizens of heaven.

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 But in the original Greek,

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 we find something similar to the words,

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 just one thing.

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 Just one thing.

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 Even more specifically,

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 this one thing,

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 and only this.

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 Because it was Paul's hope

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 that the Christians would always remember

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 the most important thing

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 within the community of believers.

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 And that one thing was unity.

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 Unity.

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 But unity for one exclusive purpose,

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 and that was the furtherance

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 of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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 Paul knew that absolute conviction to the gospel,

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 tunnel vision for Jesus Christ,

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 was the only goal that really mattered.

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 And because of that knowledge,

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 he had peace and unity

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 within his own heart and mind and soul.

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 He knew that,

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 that unity,

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 that understanding of unity,

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 was critical,

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 not only within ourselves,

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 but within the body of Christ.

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 Because everything he did,

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 every situation he faced,

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 every circumstance he found himself in,

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 were for one end.

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 The advancement of the gospel,

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 of Jesus Christ.

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 Paul's body, mind, and spirit,

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 were unified for that sole purpose,

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 of advancing the gospel.

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 Paul also knew,

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 that unity in the gospel,

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 was the only thing,

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 that could keep the church in Philippi,

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 and by the way,

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 for any church,

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 this church included,

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 healthy,

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 and held together.

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 When Paul uses the words,

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 conduct yourselves,

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 in a manner worthy,

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 of the gospel of Christ,

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 he is setting,

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 a new standard.

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 And this standard,

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 is unfamiliar to the world.

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 In this day and age,

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 it's just as true,

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 as it was then.

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 Living in a manner,

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 worthy of the gospel,

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 is unfamiliar,

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 to the world.

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 It's not how people,

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 are encouraged to live,

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 by selfish standards,

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 and pursuits,

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 that only have to do,

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 with advancing yourself.

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 He's not saying,

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 let your manner,

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 be worthy of life,

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 in the eyes of men,

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 because,

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 the world's view,

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 of worth,

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 is the furthest thing,

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 from Paul's mind here.

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 Living in a manner,

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 of life,

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 worthy of the gospel,

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 is why Paul finds it,

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 a privilege,

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 to be persecuted,

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 in his imprisonment,

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 and maligned,

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 by so called Christians,

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 who are preaching the gospel,

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 out of envy,

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 or rivalry.

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 Paul finds it,

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 a blessing,

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 to even be considered,

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 to suffer,

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 for the cause,

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 of Christ.

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 Paul also wants,

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 the Philippians,

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 to remember,

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 that the church,

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 is not a building,

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 or an institution,

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 but instead,

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 something that literally,

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 lives,

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 and breathes,

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 the gospel,

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 of Jesus Christ.

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 Believers,

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 followers,

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 of Jesus Christ.

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 Paul knew,

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 first hand,

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 that the gospel,

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 doesn't just transform,

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 our human institutions,

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 and divisions,

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 it also transforms,

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 our circumstances.

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 Throughout chapter one,

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 we've witnessed,

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 that Paul's circumstances,

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 never dictated,

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 his attitude,

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 or diminished,

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 his commitment,

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 to the furtherance,

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 of the gospel.

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 In fact,

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 his circumstances,

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 only fueled,

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 his commitment,

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 to the gospel.

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 The situations,

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 in our life,

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 and the challenges,

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 and the things,

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 that we face,

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 on a regular basis,

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 are we finding,

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 that they fuel us,

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 towards furthering,

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 the gospel?

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 Is it exemplary,

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 an exemplary,

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 in Christ,

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 in all that we meet,

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 and all that we say?

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 Or is it drawing us,

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 further away?

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 Paul knew,

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 that God would make,

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 his name known,

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 no matter,

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 the situation,

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 or circumstance.

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 Do we find,

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 ourselves doing that?

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 Do we find,

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 that challenges,

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 drive us away,

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 from him,

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 rather than to him?

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 Okay,

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 so,

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 we get,

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 that Paul is,

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 totally committed,

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 to Christ,

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 and the advancement,

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 of the gospel.

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 But,

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 what does he mean,

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 when he says,

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 that we are to live a life,

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 worthy,

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 of the gospel of Christ?

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 Paul uses the word,

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 worthy,

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 several times,

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 in his letters,

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 to the churches.

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 In Ephesians,

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 4,

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 1,

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 he tells us,

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 that we are to walk,

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 in a manner,

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 worthy of our calling.

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 In Colossians,

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 1, 10,

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 he tells us,

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 to walk in a manner,

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 worthy of the Lord.

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 In 1 Thessalonians,

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 2, 12,

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 he tells us,

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 to walk,

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 in a manner,

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 worthy of God.

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 And in 2 Thessalonians,

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 1, 5,

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 he urges us,

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 to live in a way,

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 that is worthy,

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 of the kingdom,

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 of God.

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 So,

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 what does Paul mean,

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 when he uses,

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 the word worthy?

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 For Paul,

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 it means,

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 to live,

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 in a worthy,

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 way.

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 A way,

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 that shows,

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 that we,

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 know,

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 what we believe,

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 in,

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 is of supreme,

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 worth,

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 and importance.

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 For Christians,

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 this means,

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 that we live in a way,

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 that makes Jesus big,

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 and thus small.

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 That brings glory,

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 to God,

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 and not to ourselves.

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 That is why,

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 Paul states,

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 in verse 21,

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 to live is Christ,

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 and to die is gain.

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 Paul's confession,

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 and conviction,

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 were demonstrated externally,

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 in the way,

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 that he lived.

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 In the way,

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 that he lived.

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 If we are truly living,

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 lives for Jesus,

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 then this,

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 this life will pose,

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 no threat for us.

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 In John 11,

00:09:26.279 --> 00:09:26.740
 25,

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 Jesus tells us,

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 that even if you die,

00:09:29.399 --> 00:09:30.399
 you will live.

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 For those united,

00:09:32.759 --> 00:09:33.639
 in Christ by faith,

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 death has no sting,

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 it has no victory.

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 In fact,

00:09:37.759 --> 00:09:38.340
 to be present,

00:09:38.340 --> 00:09:38.920
 with the Lord,

00:09:39.500 --> 00:09:40.420
 is better than life.

00:09:41.379 --> 00:09:41.560
 Okay,

00:09:41.559 --> 00:09:41.799
 so,

00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:43.099
 now maybe we begin,

00:09:43.259 --> 00:09:44.159
 to understand,

00:09:44.539 --> 00:09:45.319
 Paul's logic,

00:09:45.399 --> 00:09:46.319
 of why it would be,

00:09:46.500 --> 00:09:47.819
 better to be with Christ,

00:09:48.319 --> 00:09:49.379
 than here on earth.

00:09:50.279 --> 00:09:50.719
 But,

00:09:50.939 --> 00:09:51.759
 how can we live,

00:09:51.839 --> 00:09:52.979
 in a manner of life,

00:09:53.619 --> 00:09:55.059
 here,

00:09:55.819 --> 00:09:56.659
 and now,

00:09:57.459 --> 00:09:58.319
 in this life?

00:09:59.619 --> 00:10:01.079
 To live a manner of life,

00:10:01.099 --> 00:10:02.099
 worthy of the gospel,

00:10:02.219 --> 00:10:02.879
 means that believers,

00:10:03.059 --> 00:10:04.359
 are making a statement,

00:10:04.979 --> 00:10:06.500
 about the gospel.

00:10:07.459 --> 00:10:09.019
 Not only with their lips,

00:10:09.019 --> 00:10:10.899
 but most certainly,

00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:11.779
 with their lives.

00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:13.779
 And those lives,

00:10:13.860 --> 00:10:14.699
 are being lived out,

00:10:14.779 --> 00:10:15.319
 in community,

00:10:15.939 --> 00:10:16.939
 with other believers.

00:10:18.120 --> 00:10:19.460
 And those lives,

00:10:19.960 --> 00:10:21.100
 are being lived out,

00:10:21.639 --> 00:10:22.460
 in community,

00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:25.039
 with other believers.

00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:27.199
 Producing evidence,

00:10:27.439 --> 00:10:28.199
 of the gospel.

00:10:28.980 --> 00:10:29.639
 The gospel,

00:10:29.960 --> 00:10:30.659
 is about love,

00:10:30.779 --> 00:10:31.779
 therefore we should be,

00:10:31.779 --> 00:10:32.460
 loving people.

00:10:32.579 --> 00:10:33.100
 The gospel,

00:10:33.439 --> 00:10:34.539
 is about justice,

00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:35.419
 therefore we should be,

00:10:35.419 --> 00:10:36.500
 seeking justice.

00:10:36.679 --> 00:10:37.139
 The gospel,

00:10:37.500 --> 00:10:38.500
 is about life,

00:10:38.500 --> 00:10:39.159
 therefore,

00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:40.039
 there should be,

00:10:40.059 --> 00:10:40.840
 a vitality,

00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:41.899
 and a joy,

00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:42.840
 in the gatherings,

00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:43.399
 that we have,

00:10:43.440 --> 00:10:44.419
 and in our relationships.

00:10:45.620 --> 00:10:46.440
 The gospel,

00:10:46.559 --> 00:10:47.279
 is about liberty.

00:10:48.179 --> 00:10:48.440
 Therefore,

00:10:48.580 --> 00:10:49.240
 we should not,

00:10:49.539 --> 00:10:50.360
 be stuffy,

00:10:50.679 --> 00:10:51.340
 legalists,

00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:52.379
 clinging to,

00:10:52.580 --> 00:10:53.799
 every legal thing,

00:10:53.879 --> 00:10:54.480
 that we believe,

00:10:54.860 --> 00:10:55.899
 Christianity is,

00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:56.360
 but rather,

00:10:56.700 --> 00:10:57.519
 living out,

00:10:57.820 --> 00:10:58.440
 the gospel,

00:10:58.759 --> 00:10:59.139
 publicly.

00:10:59.580 --> 00:11:00.419
 Living it out loud.

00:11:00.620 --> 00:11:01.840
 Showing the love of Christ,

00:11:02.440 --> 00:11:03.039
 to others.

00:11:04.299 --> 00:11:04.879
 The gospel,

00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:06.139
 is about humility.

00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:07.019
 Therefore,

00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:07.720
 we should be,

00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:08.879
 humble people,

00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:09.920
 gladly,

00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:10.960
 serving,

00:11:11.440 --> 00:11:11.940
 others.

00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:13.800
 The gospel,

00:11:13.960 --> 00:11:15.000
 must influence,

00:11:15.379 --> 00:11:15.960
 and shape,

00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:17.580
 every single,

00:11:17.580 --> 00:11:18.320
 facet,

00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:19.279
 of our lives.

00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:21.680
 We must live,

00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:22.519
 the gospel,

00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:23.519
 out loud,

00:11:23.899 --> 00:11:24.580
 in speech,

00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:25.580
 and in action.

00:11:28.040 --> 00:11:28.840
 You see,

00:11:29.019 --> 00:11:29.460
 living,

00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:30.399
 a manner,

00:11:30.560 --> 00:11:31.220
 of a life,

00:11:31.340 --> 00:11:31.720
 worthy,

00:11:31.820 --> 00:11:32.420
 of the gospel,

00:11:32.420 --> 00:11:33.000
 of Christ,

00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:34.440
 cannot be done,

00:11:34.440 --> 00:11:35.680
 in a bubble.

00:11:36.400 --> 00:11:37.580
 It cannot be done,

00:11:37.760 --> 00:11:38.620
 on an island.

00:11:39.020 --> 00:11:40.100
 It cannot be done,

00:11:40.260 --> 00:11:41.280
 in seclusion.

00:11:44.280 --> 00:11:45.940
 It must be done,

00:11:45.940 --> 00:11:49.300
 in community.

00:11:49.720 --> 00:11:51.400
 It must be lived out,

00:11:51.600 --> 00:11:52.960
 in community.

00:11:54.640 --> 00:11:55.740
 The verb,

00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:57.240
 Paul uses,

00:11:57.480 --> 00:11:58.660
 in verse 27,

00:11:59.520 --> 00:12:00.740
 in the original language,

00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:01.279
 means,

00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:01.299
 means,

00:12:01.580 --> 00:12:02.539
 to fulfill,

00:12:02.899 --> 00:12:04.080
 one's duty,

00:12:04.460 --> 00:12:05.139
 or to lead,

00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:06.200
 one's life,

00:12:06.659 --> 00:12:07.700
 towards something.

00:12:09.340 --> 00:12:10.740
 But more specifically,

00:12:11.039 --> 00:12:12.039
 in this context,

00:12:12.139 --> 00:12:12.879
 it means,

00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:13.720
 to live,

00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:15.000
 as a citizen,

00:12:15.460 --> 00:12:16.360
 discharging,

00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:17.560
 one's obligation,

00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:19.100
 as a citizen.

00:12:20.460 --> 00:12:21.500
 As citizens,

00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:22.259
 of Ireland,

00:12:22.620 --> 00:12:23.200
 as citizens,

00:12:23.320 --> 00:12:23.820
 of America,

00:12:23.899 --> 00:12:24.700
 we have obligations,

00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:25.440
 as citizens.

00:12:25.440 --> 00:12:26.840
 Well,

00:12:26.900 --> 00:12:28.100
 how much more important,

00:12:28.520 --> 00:12:30.020
 are our obligations,

00:12:30.780 --> 00:12:31.520
 as citizens,

00:12:32.180 --> 00:12:32.740
 of heaven?

00:12:35.220 --> 00:12:36.340
 In Philippians,

00:12:36.460 --> 00:12:37.120
 3.20,

00:12:37.260 --> 00:12:38.040
 Paul tells us,

00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:39.480
 that our citizenship,

00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:41.220
 is in heaven.

00:12:42.380 --> 00:12:42.980
 Believers,

00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:44.180
 citizenship,

00:12:44.800 --> 00:12:45.820
 is in heaven.

00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:48.160
 We are strangers,

00:12:48.380 --> 00:12:49.340
 in a strange land.

00:12:51.660 --> 00:12:52.920
 We are an emcee,

00:12:52.920 --> 00:12:53.500
 of Christ,

00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:54.280
 an outpost,

00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:55.240
 of the coming kingdom,

00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:55.899
 of God.

00:12:56.279 --> 00:12:57.220
 While the world,

00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:58.060
 sets its mind,

00:12:58.139 --> 00:12:58.980
 on earthly things,

00:12:59.159 --> 00:12:59.539
 we,

00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:01.060
 are to set our minds,

00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.639
 on heavenly things.

00:13:04.279 --> 00:13:05.240
 Bible scholar,

00:13:05.399 --> 00:13:06.480
 Peter O'Brien,

00:13:07.419 --> 00:13:07.899
 gives us,

00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:08.820
 a better translation,

00:13:09.060 --> 00:13:09.500
 of the opening,

00:13:09.700 --> 00:13:10.799
 of verse 27.

00:13:11.519 --> 00:13:11.940
 He says,

00:13:12.100 --> 00:13:12.240
 quote,

00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:12.639
 now,

00:13:12.940 --> 00:13:13.960
 the important thing,

00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:14.560
 is this,

00:13:15.419 --> 00:13:16.159
 as citizens,

00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:16.740
 of heaven,

00:13:17.060 --> 00:13:17.500
 live,

00:13:17.700 --> 00:13:18.500
 in a manner,

00:13:18.799 --> 00:13:19.419
 that is worthy,

00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.080
 of the gospel.

00:13:20.379 --> 00:13:21.039
 As citizens,

00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:21.700
 of heaven,

00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:22.820
 live in a manner,

00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:23.500
 that is worthy,

00:13:23.639 --> 00:13:24.220
 of the gospel.

00:13:24.620 --> 00:13:25.220
 Paul is telling,

00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:26.080
 telling the Philippians,

00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:27.000
 and us,

00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:28.500
 that our faith,

00:13:28.940 --> 00:13:29.899
 must be lived out,

00:13:30.320 --> 00:13:32.100
 in a tangible fashion.

00:13:33.040 --> 00:13:33.680
 Beginning with,

00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:34.759
 our own faith community,

00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:35.660
 for us,

00:13:35.740 --> 00:13:36.080
 that means,

00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:37.019
 the community of believers,

00:13:37.220 --> 00:13:38.160
 right here in Karageline,

00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:38.540
 right?

00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:40.220
 Right here in this room,

00:13:40.500 --> 00:13:41.360
 and the other churches,

00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:41.940
 that we're working,

00:13:42.060 --> 00:13:43.040
 in association with.

00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:46.080
 Let's read,

00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:46.980
 verses 27,

00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:47.560
 through 30,

00:13:47.660 --> 00:13:48.100
 again,

00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:49.560
 to remind ourselves,

00:13:49.560 --> 00:13:50.159
 exactly,

00:13:50.159 --> 00:13:51.580
 what Paul is saying here,

00:13:52.300 --> 00:13:52.940
 that describes,

00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:54.440
 how to live a manner of life,

00:13:54.560 --> 00:13:55.960
 worthy of the gospel.

00:13:56.060 --> 00:13:57.420
 How do we live that out?

00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:00.460
 Whatever happens,

00:14:00.580 --> 00:14:01.320
 conduct yourselves,

00:14:01.420 --> 00:14:01.759
 in a manner,

00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:02.840
 worthy of the gospel,

00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:03.560
 of Christ.

00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:04.220
 Then,

00:14:04.279 --> 00:14:05.500
 whether I come and see you,

00:14:05.540 --> 00:14:06.680
 or only hear about you,

00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:07.340
 in my absence,

00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.080
 I will know,

00:14:08.159 --> 00:14:09.019
 that you stand firm,

00:14:09.080 --> 00:14:09.779
 in one spirit,

00:14:10.180 --> 00:14:11.480
 contending as one man,

00:14:11.540 --> 00:14:12.080
 for the faith,

00:14:12.120 --> 00:14:12.680
 of the gospel,

00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:14.220
 without being frightened,

00:14:14.420 --> 00:14:15.060
 in any way,

00:14:15.059 --> 00:14:16.239
 by those who oppose you.

00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:18.219
 This is a sign to them,

00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:19.259
 that they will be destroyed,

00:14:19.479 --> 00:14:20.879
 and that you will be saved,

00:14:21.079 --> 00:14:22.199
 and that by God.

00:14:23.019 --> 00:14:24.359
 For it has been granted to you,

00:14:24.419 --> 00:14:25.399
 on behalf of Christ,

00:14:25.479 --> 00:14:26.759
 not only to believe on him,

00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:28.599
 but also to suffer for him,

00:14:29.059 --> 00:14:30.119
 since you are going through,

00:14:30.119 --> 00:14:31.019
 the same struggle,

00:14:31.379 --> 00:14:32.239
 you saw I had,

00:14:32.439 --> 00:14:33.179
 and now hear,

00:14:33.559 --> 00:14:34.579
 that I still have.

00:14:34.859 --> 00:14:35.379
 You see,

00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:36.559
 Paul knew,

00:14:36.919 --> 00:14:38.059
 if the church in Philippi,

00:14:38.159 --> 00:14:39.619
 could stand together,

00:14:40.039 --> 00:14:40.979
 they could accomplish,

00:14:41.219 --> 00:14:42.279
 almost anything,

00:14:42.439 --> 00:14:43.559
 for the sake of the gospel.

00:14:43.979 --> 00:14:45.039
 Not individually,

00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:46.519
 not independent,

00:14:46.679 --> 00:14:47.159
 of one another,

00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:48.079
 but together,

00:14:48.379 --> 00:14:50.119
 as a body of Christ.

00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.319
 When Paul,

00:14:52.459 --> 00:14:53.500
 instructs that they should,

00:14:53.659 --> 00:14:54.419
 live in a manner,

00:14:54.619 --> 00:14:55.059
 worthy,

00:14:55.359 --> 00:14:56.459
 of the gospel of Christ,

00:14:56.599 --> 00:14:57.519
 Paul is talking,

00:14:57.619 --> 00:14:58.539
 directly to a people,

00:14:58.619 --> 00:14:59.079
 that Jesus,

00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:01.019
 is making for himself.

00:15:01.299 --> 00:15:02.099
 Brothers and sisters,

00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:03.879
 God is making for us,

00:15:03.899 --> 00:15:05.119
 a people unto himself.

00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:06.319
 But we are not doing it,

00:15:06.339 --> 00:15:06.979
 as an island,

00:15:07.239 --> 00:15:08.459
 excluded from the body.

00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:09.159
 It is impossible.

00:15:15.059 --> 00:15:15.959
 The people,

00:15:16.519 --> 00:15:18.219
 the people,

00:15:18.219 --> 00:15:20.019
 is the church.

00:15:21.239 --> 00:15:22.599
 Paul is talking about,

00:15:22.659 --> 00:15:23.379
 the people,

00:15:23.479 --> 00:15:24.259
 but he is talking about,

00:15:24.459 --> 00:15:25.159
 the church.

00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:27.719
 The church made up,

00:15:27.859 --> 00:15:28.819
 of Jew and Gentile,

00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.199
 male and female,

00:15:30.579 --> 00:15:31.479
 slave and free,

00:15:31.859 --> 00:15:33.059
 all living together,

00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:33.759
 for the gospel.

00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:36.159
 A new humanity,

00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:38.019
 united in Christ,

00:15:38.119 --> 00:15:39.839
 by faith in Christ.

00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:41.540
 A new humanity,

00:15:41.820 --> 00:15:42.580
 who must serve,

00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:43.360
 the purpose,

00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:44.899
 of the glory of Christ.

00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:46.220
 That's believers,

00:15:46.780 --> 00:15:47.940
 throughout the ages.

00:15:49.560 --> 00:15:50.480
 Paul tells the church,

00:15:50.560 --> 00:15:50.980
 in Philippi,

00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:52.000
 that if they are to live,

00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:53.960
 as that new humanity,

00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:55.340
 the church needed to,

00:15:55.780 --> 00:15:57.420
 stand firm in one spirit,

00:15:57.800 --> 00:15:58.879
 with one mind,

00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:01.700
 striving side by side,

00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.500
 for the faith,

00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.160
 of the gospel.

00:16:05.259 --> 00:16:06.340
 Paul is incredibly,

00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.400
 redundant,

00:16:07.920 --> 00:16:08.900
 on purpose,

00:16:08.899 --> 00:16:10.240
 because he doesn't,

00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:11.240
 want them to miss,

00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:12.159
 what he is trying,

00:16:12.279 --> 00:16:13.079
 to say here.

00:16:13.319 --> 00:16:14.759
 He says the same thing,

00:16:14.840 --> 00:16:15.539
 three times.

00:16:16.039 --> 00:16:17.620
 Stand firm in one spirit,

00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:19.199
 be of one mind,

00:16:19.299 --> 00:16:20.279
 and striving together,

00:16:20.620 --> 00:16:21.579
 side by side.

00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:23.620
 There is no way,

00:16:23.699 --> 00:16:24.840
 to misconstrue,

00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:27.759
 that we are meant,

00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:28.360
 to live,

00:16:28.439 --> 00:16:29.120
 at our faith,

00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:30.039
 alone,

00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:31.439
 in a bubble,

00:16:31.779 --> 00:16:32.340
 on an island,

00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:33.259
 in seclusion.

00:16:33.899 --> 00:16:34.699
 There is no way,

00:16:34.740 --> 00:16:35.699
 to misconstrue that.

00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.179
 Paul gives two,

00:16:38.179 --> 00:16:38.979
 very clear,

00:16:38.979 --> 00:16:39.919
 word pictures,

00:16:40.059 --> 00:16:40.519
 to describe,

00:16:40.679 --> 00:16:41.539
 how a community faith,

00:16:41.739 --> 00:16:42.459
 should operate.

00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:43.459
 First,

00:16:43.519 --> 00:16:44.639
 a picture of soldiers,

00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:45.839
 standing firm,

00:16:45.959 --> 00:16:46.759
 in one place.

00:16:47.419 --> 00:16:47.899
 And second,

00:16:48.379 --> 00:16:49.519
 a picture of athletes,

00:16:49.959 --> 00:16:50.379
 one mind,

00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:51.519
 striving together,

00:16:51.819 --> 00:16:52.839
 side by side.

00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:54.259
 The metaphor,

00:16:54.459 --> 00:16:55.239
 of the word stand,

00:16:55.319 --> 00:16:55.779
 was taken,

00:16:55.939 --> 00:16:57.239
 from a military term.

00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:58.199
 It means,

00:16:58.279 --> 00:16:59.539
 to stand firm,

00:16:59.739 --> 00:17:00.439
 and hold,

00:17:00.620 --> 00:17:01.699
 one's ground.

00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:03.120
 The term indicates,

00:17:03.219 --> 00:17:03.759
 the determination,

00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:05.039
 of a soldier,

00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:06.599
 who stands his ground,

00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:08.079
 not budging one inch.

00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:09.299
 I will not move,

00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:10.079
 from my post.

00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:13.519
 Paul is reminding them,

00:17:13.659 --> 00:17:14.180
 and us,

00:17:15.359 --> 00:17:16.819
 that they're engaging,

00:17:16.980 --> 00:17:18.119
 and we're engaging,

00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:18.879
 in a war.

00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:21.159
 We must stand,

00:17:21.159 --> 00:17:21.819
 our ground,

00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:22.899
 faithfully,

00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:24.700
 to face,

00:17:25.359 --> 00:17:26.200
 intimidation.

00:17:27.500 --> 00:17:27.980
 Again,

00:17:28.159 --> 00:17:29.359
 in chapter 4,

00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:29.839
 verse 1,

00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:30.379
 Paul is them,

00:17:30.460 --> 00:17:31.279
 to stand firm,

00:17:31.339 --> 00:17:31.960
 in the Lord.

00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:33.920
 We have the strength,

00:17:34.059 --> 00:17:34.759
 to stand firm,

00:17:35.140 --> 00:17:36.160
 because of what?

00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:38.160
 Because of our union,

00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:39.440
 in Christ.

00:17:40.579 --> 00:17:41.860
 And because we walk together,

00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:43.180
 in that faith.

00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:44.799
 Our Savior,

00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:45.840
 the Lord Jesus Christ,

00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:46.980
 has already won,

00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.360
 the ultimate battle.

00:17:49.559 --> 00:17:50.100
 Next,

00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:51.180
 Paul uses the metaphor,

00:17:51.360 --> 00:17:51.960
 of an athlete.

00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.640
 The word Paul uses,

00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.740
 for striving here,

00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:56.079
 can also mean,

00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:57.059
 contending,

00:17:57.600 --> 00:17:57.799
 or,

00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:58.799
 laboring.

00:17:59.799 --> 00:18:00.799
 The Greek word is,

00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:02.079
 sunaltheo.

00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:04.159
 You can hear the word,

00:18:04.379 --> 00:18:05.460
 altheo in there,

00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:06.619
 which is where,

00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:07.240
 we get the word,

00:18:07.460 --> 00:18:08.059
 athlete.

00:18:08.399 --> 00:18:08.839
 Altheo,

00:18:08.919 --> 00:18:09.299
 athlete.

00:18:10.200 --> 00:18:10.859
 Which means,

00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:11.579
 to strive,

00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:11.940
 labor,

00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:12.639
 or contend,

00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:13.779
 to persevere,

00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.119
 for something.

00:18:15.919 --> 00:18:16.960
 You can best picture,

00:18:17.099 --> 00:18:17.519
 Paul,

00:18:17.919 --> 00:18:18.500
 meant here,

00:18:18.579 --> 00:18:19.319
 by envisioning,

00:18:19.379 --> 00:18:19.940
 the defense,

00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:21.059
 on a rugby,

00:18:21.159 --> 00:18:21.839
 or soccer team.

00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:23.200
 They block,

00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:23.859
 side by side,

00:18:23.919 --> 00:18:25.099
 for one singular purpose,

00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.559
 of defending the team,

00:18:26.599 --> 00:18:27.099
 and advancing,

00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:28.259
 the position of the ball.

00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:29.039
 One,

00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:30.659
 singular purpose.

00:18:31.680 --> 00:18:32.700
 They have their eye,

00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.639
 on the ball.

00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:35.879
 We have our eye,

00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:37.539
 on Christ.

00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:39.980
 On sports teams,

00:18:40.159 --> 00:18:40.940
 every player,

00:18:41.039 --> 00:18:41.859
 must do their part.

00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:42.759
 Every member,

00:18:42.879 --> 00:18:43.419
 on the team,

00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:44.119
 contributing,

00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:46.039
 for one thing.

00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:48.519
 The same thing,

00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:49.480
 is true of the church.

00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:50.619
 We must contend,

00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:51.799
 side by side,

00:18:51.879 --> 00:18:52.480
 for the gospel.

00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:53.399
 Advancing,

00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:54.339
 as we contend,

00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:54.940
 work,

00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:56.319
 and labor together.

00:18:56.919 --> 00:18:57.839
 Together we stand,

00:18:57.980 --> 00:18:59.019
 divided we fall.

00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:02.319
 Think about this.

00:19:02.799 --> 00:19:03.619
 Why do athletes,

00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:05.619
 practice hour after hour,

00:19:05.879 --> 00:19:06.960
 day after day,

00:19:07.019 --> 00:19:08.480
 even multiple times a day,

00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:09.940
 disciplining themselves,

00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:11.680
 to stay on grueling diets,

00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.759
 and doing all kinds of,

00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:14.279
 interesting exercises,

00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:15.960
 that I couldn't possibly do myself.

00:19:17.339 --> 00:19:18.539
 Why do soldiers,

00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:19.399
 put themselves,

00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:20.859
 through difficult training,

00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:21.859
 pushing themselves,

00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:22.919
 to the very limits,

00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:23.879
 of their strength,

00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:24.559
 and intellect?

00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:26.200
 because,

00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:27.879
 they believe,

00:19:28.339 --> 00:19:29.319
 that the goal,

00:19:29.919 --> 00:19:30.679
 and ultimately,

00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:31.679
 the prize,

00:19:32.579 --> 00:19:33.519
 is worth it.

00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:36.179
 We must contend,

00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:36.899
 for the faith,

00:19:37.179 --> 00:19:37.759
 and engage,

00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:39.059
 in a spiritual war,

00:19:39.159 --> 00:19:39.679
 together,

00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:40.919
 because Christ,

00:19:41.139 --> 00:19:42.419
 is worth it.

00:19:43.179 --> 00:19:43.940
 The gospel,

00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:45.519
 is worth it.

00:19:47.839 --> 00:19:48.919
 Remember that,

00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:50.359
 when you face challenges,

00:19:50.359 --> 00:19:50.799
 at home,

00:19:50.839 --> 00:19:51.379
 or at work.

00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:52.599
 Remember that,

00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:53.980
 when you are faced with,

00:19:54.139 --> 00:19:55.019
 making a choice,

00:19:55.179 --> 00:19:56.039
 to do something,

00:19:56.240 --> 00:19:57.339
 that may disgrace,

00:19:57.659 --> 00:19:59.059
 the name of Christ.

00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:00.719
 Remember that,

00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:02.319
 when you have an opportunity,

00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:03.519
 to witness for Christ,

00:20:03.699 --> 00:20:05.259
 or invite someone to church,

00:20:05.899 --> 00:20:07.000
 don't miss the chance.

00:20:08.759 --> 00:20:09.500
 Don't regret,

00:20:10.199 --> 00:20:11.439
 what you've been prompted to do,

00:20:11.659 --> 00:20:12.719
 what you know you should do.

00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:13.959
 But remember,

00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:14.899
 above all,

00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.299
 we don't,

00:20:16.299 --> 00:20:17.240
 go up against,

00:20:17.899 --> 00:20:19.299
 the enemy's team,

00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:20.679
 or engage in battle,

00:20:21.179 --> 00:20:21.859
 on our own.

00:20:22.599 --> 00:20:24.139
 We were never designed,

00:20:24.219 --> 00:20:24.759
 to do that.

00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:28.079
 We were never meant,

00:20:28.199 --> 00:20:29.619
 to be secret agents,

00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:30.399
 or ninjas,

00:20:30.699 --> 00:20:31.279
 for the gospel.

00:20:32.919 --> 00:20:33.819
 My voice would like,

00:20:33.879 --> 00:20:34.399
 that illustration.

00:20:35.659 --> 00:20:36.639
 We must be part,

00:20:36.719 --> 00:20:37.639
 of a local church,

00:20:38.759 --> 00:20:39.599
 part of a team,

00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.399
 for the army of the Lord.

00:20:42.139 --> 00:20:42.799
 This is why,

00:20:42.819 --> 00:20:43.419
 Paul gives,

00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:44.679
 the threefold encouragement,

00:20:44.859 --> 00:20:45.579
 to be unified,

00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:47.019
 as a body of believers,

00:20:47.399 --> 00:20:48.799
 for the gospel of Christ.

00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:50.480
 Remember again,

00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:51.500
 what those three things are.

00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:53.299
 Stand firm in one spirit,

00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:54.259
 be of one mind,

00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:55.640
 or contending as one person,

00:20:55.859 --> 00:20:57.140
 and strive together,

00:20:57.460 --> 00:20:58.420
 side by side.

00:20:59.119 --> 00:20:59.700
 As believers,

00:21:00.099 --> 00:21:01.859
 we must die with Christ,

00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:03.160
 to our selfish desires.

00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:04.640
 And then remember,

00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:06.519
 that we are raised with him,

00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:08.200
 to walk in a newness of life,

00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:09.660
 with our brothers,

00:21:09.859 --> 00:21:10.519
 and sisters.

00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:10.680
 believers.

00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.500
 This also means,

00:21:12.639 --> 00:21:13.359
 that we must live,

00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:14.839
 graceful lives,

00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:17.779
 as we do life together,

00:21:18.379 --> 00:21:19.299
 with other believers,

00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:20.039
 in our church.

00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:22.319
 In spite of,

00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:22.940
 differences,

00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:24.779
 and idiosyncrasies,

00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:26.039
 we all bring,

00:21:26.119 --> 00:21:27.119
 along with us,

00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:29.099
 to the table of the Lord.

00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:30.279
 We all bring,

00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:30.980
 different things,

00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:31.579
 to the table.

00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:33.319
 Different personality quirks.

00:21:34.160 --> 00:21:34.440
 Right?

00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:35.539
 Things that kind of,

00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:36.639
 rub us the wrong way.

00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.100
 You know?

00:21:38.259 --> 00:21:39.080
 We say things,

00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:40.700
 that maybe aren't kind at times.

00:21:40.820 --> 00:21:41.680
 We do things,

00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:42.259
 that aren't kind.

00:21:42.540 --> 00:21:43.520
 We are sinners,

00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.900
 in a broken world.

00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:45.980
 If we expect,

00:21:46.080 --> 00:21:46.780
 to be perfect,

00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:49.340
 it's not going to happen.

00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:50.420
 I love the saying,

00:21:50.520 --> 00:21:50.920
 that says,

00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:52.520
 if you find the perfect church,

00:21:52.700 --> 00:21:53.880
 the moment you go in the door,

00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:54.600
 it's no longer perfect.

00:21:56.220 --> 00:21:57.420
 That's certainly true of me.

00:21:59.360 --> 00:22:00.360
 But it's important,

00:22:00.560 --> 00:22:01.560
 that we remember,

00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:04.660
 it's a body.

00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:05.759
 It's a family.

00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.879
 If you know your own,

00:22:06.879 --> 00:22:07.839
 personal families,

00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:09.180
 we say things we regret,

00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.759
 we do things that are unkind,

00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:11.799
 but ultimately,

00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:12.720
 we love each other.

00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:14.299
 The same is true,

00:22:14.379 --> 00:22:15.240
 of the body of Christ.

00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:17.220
 We must raise each other up.

00:22:17.640 --> 00:22:18.500
 We must forgive.

00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:20.279
 We must seek forgiveness.

00:22:24.379 --> 00:22:25.460
 We have to remember,

00:22:25.460 --> 00:22:26.200
 something very,

00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:26.900
 very important.

00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:29.599
 At the foot of the cross,

00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:31.519
 the ground is level.

00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:33.740
 There is no better,

00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:35.240
 there is no worse.

00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:37.700
 The foot of the cross is even ground.

00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:39.160
 And as believers,

00:22:39.319 --> 00:22:40.240
 we all stand together,

00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:40.879
 united there.

00:22:41.740 --> 00:22:43.379
 When all different kinds of people

00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:44.740
 walk together in the unity

00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:45.960
 for the glory of Christ,

00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:48.879
 the gospel looks impressive.

00:22:51.059 --> 00:22:52.160
 They're unified.

00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:54.000
 That's odd.

00:22:54.099 --> 00:22:55.319
 That's not like the world.

00:22:56.420 --> 00:22:57.359
 How is that happening?

00:22:57.359 --> 00:23:00.059
 How are they loving each other

00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:01.319
 in spite of indifferences,

00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:02.679
 in spite of differences,

00:23:02.939 --> 00:23:04.719
 in spite of conflicts,

00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:05.779
 in spite of personalities?

00:23:06.359 --> 00:23:07.619
 How are they doing that?

00:23:07.859 --> 00:23:09.179
 That's because we love Jesus.

00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:13.539
 Jesus loved us and forgave us.

00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:16.459
 When we surrender our own selfish way

00:23:16.459 --> 00:23:17.679
 to stand together for Christ,

00:23:17.879 --> 00:23:20.359
 we make the gospel look valuable

00:23:20.899 --> 00:23:22.359
 and persuasive.

00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:22.959
 persuasive.

00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:26.159
 This is Paul's point

00:23:26.159 --> 00:23:26.979
 when he says that

00:23:26.979 --> 00:23:28.240
 we can accomplish much

00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:30.199
 when we stand firm in one spirit,

00:23:30.419 --> 00:23:31.539
 with one mind,

00:23:31.859 --> 00:23:33.639
 striving side by side

00:23:33.639 --> 00:23:35.199
 for the faith of the gospel.

00:23:36.679 --> 00:23:37.899
 Pastor Matt Chandler,

00:23:37.979 --> 00:23:38.759
 an American pastor,

00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:39.879
 puts it this way,

00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:42.059
 living a life worthy of the gospel

00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:44.299
 does not mean pretending to be perfect.

00:23:45.339 --> 00:23:47.479
 Instead, it means having the humility

00:23:47.479 --> 00:23:48.539
 to think of others

00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:50.439
 as better than ourselves.

00:23:50.440 --> 00:23:53.900
 It means putting self-concern aside

00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:55.299
 to work together,

00:23:55.640 --> 00:23:57.640
 realizing that we are all

00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:59.120
 still in the process.

00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:01.160
 Nobody's arrived yet.

00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:04.200
 We're all in the process.

00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:06.480
 Let us have the grace of God

00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.180
 for each other

00:24:07.180 --> 00:24:08.140
 that He gave us

00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:10.779
 in overlooking our sins

00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:13.700
 and the outpouring of unmerited grace.

00:24:13.820 --> 00:24:14.900
 We didn't deserve it.

00:24:15.620 --> 00:24:17.140
 We don't deserve His mercy

00:24:17.140 --> 00:24:18.320
 and His grace and His love.

00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:20.059
 And together we strive

00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:20.899
 in holiness

00:24:20.899 --> 00:24:22.579
 imputed to us in Christ

00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:23.919
 and promised to us

00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:25.079
 in the age to come.

00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:26.899
 End quote.

00:24:27.619 --> 00:24:28.519
 As Christians,

00:24:28.679 --> 00:24:30.720
 we have been given unmerited grace.

00:24:31.559 --> 00:24:33.240
 And it is our obligation

00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:35.000
 to give that same grace

00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:36.960
 in return to others,

00:24:37.639 --> 00:24:38.980
 especially other members

00:24:38.980 --> 00:24:40.220
 of the body of Christ.

00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:42.759
 The other very important instruction

00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:44.039
 Paul gives us in these verses

00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:45.980
 to the church and to us

00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:48.319
 is that they and we

00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.299
 are not to be frightened

00:24:49.299 --> 00:24:51.319
 by oppression against the church.

00:24:51.400 --> 00:24:52.460
 We are not to be frightened.

00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:55.900
 The original word for frightened here

00:24:55.900 --> 00:24:57.360
 suggests something akin to

00:24:57.360 --> 00:24:59.039
 causing uncontrollable,

00:24:59.200 --> 00:25:01.099
 an uncontrollable stampede of horses.

00:25:02.140 --> 00:25:03.759
 Startled horses stampeding

00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.779
 out of fear.

00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:07.940
 Opponents of the Christians in Philippi

00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:09.220
 were trying to throw them

00:25:09.220 --> 00:25:10.120
 into a panic.

00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:12.459
 And in so doing,

00:25:12.739 --> 00:25:14.359
 they were trying to strike terror

00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:15.239
 into their hearts.

00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:17.739
 But if believers

00:25:17.739 --> 00:25:19.559
 stand firmly

00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:21.159
 together,

00:25:21.939 --> 00:25:23.079
 side by side,

00:25:23.479 --> 00:25:24.339
 with one's spirit

00:25:24.339 --> 00:25:25.839
 and mind as a congregation,

00:25:26.179 --> 00:25:27.179
 then at no point

00:25:27.179 --> 00:25:28.359
 they or we

00:25:28.359 --> 00:25:29.699
 should be intimidated

00:25:29.699 --> 00:25:31.339
 by our adversaries.

00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:34.379
 So Paul instructs them

00:25:34.379 --> 00:25:35.679
 in no way

00:25:35.679 --> 00:25:36.959
 to let their adversaries

00:25:36.959 --> 00:25:38.019
 intimidate them.

00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:39.199
 In fact,

00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:39.959
 in verse 28,

00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:40.659
 he tells us

00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.619
 that opposition

00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:43.299
 against the Philippians' faith,

00:25:43.419 --> 00:25:44.359
 against our faith

00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:45.299
 in the Lord Jesus Christ,

00:25:45.659 --> 00:25:47.279
 is a clear sign

00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:49.500
 of our opponents' destruction.

00:25:50.659 --> 00:25:51.159
 Sadly,

00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:52.139
 that destruction

00:25:52.139 --> 00:25:53.099
 will ultimately mean

00:25:53.099 --> 00:25:54.119
 to their eternal torment

00:25:54.119 --> 00:25:55.500
 in hell without any hope

00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:57.220
 for parole or release.

00:25:58.659 --> 00:26:00.819
 Now that should not bring us

00:26:00.819 --> 00:26:01.500
 that condemnation

00:26:01.500 --> 00:26:02.319
 should not bring us

00:26:02.319 --> 00:26:03.000
 any joy

00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:04.759
 by any means.

00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.359
 Our hearts

00:26:06.359 --> 00:26:07.539
 should be breaking

00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:08.559
 for the lost

00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:09.720
 and broken around us.

00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:11.220
 That's why

00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:12.319
 personal evangelism,

00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:13.559
 sharing Christ with others,

00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:15.740
 is so incredibly important.

00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:18.939
 We hold the cure

00:26:18.939 --> 00:26:20.960
 to their eternal destruction

00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:21.679
 and damnation.

00:26:23.159 --> 00:26:24.299
 But in any case,

00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:25.559
 we should never be frightened

00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.279
 or threatened

00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:26.960
 by opposition

00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:27.779
 to our faith.

00:26:28.379 --> 00:26:28.980
 Verse 28

00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:30.619
 actually tells us

00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:32.359
 what the good news is.

00:26:33.219 --> 00:26:34.039
 When we are

00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:35.859
 opposed for our faith,

00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:38.299
 our faith in Christ,

00:26:38.679 --> 00:26:39.519
 it is actually

00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.659
 a sign of our salvation.

00:26:42.219 --> 00:26:43.599
 In Matthew 5,

00:26:43.719 --> 00:26:44.739
 10 through 12,

00:26:45.219 --> 00:26:46.379
 Jesus puts it this way,

00:26:46.979 --> 00:26:47.939
 Blessed are those

00:26:47.939 --> 00:26:49.139
 who are persecuted

00:26:49.139 --> 00:26:49.859
 for righteousness,

00:26:50.859 --> 00:26:52.159
 for theirs

00:26:52.159 --> 00:26:53.219
 is the kingdom of heaven.

00:26:54.399 --> 00:26:55.039
 Blessed are you

00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:56.199
 when others revile you

00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.259
 and persecute you

00:26:57.259 --> 00:26:58.460
 and utter all kinds

00:26:58.460 --> 00:26:59.380
 of evil against you

00:26:59.380 --> 00:27:00.900
 falsely on my account.

00:27:01.600 --> 00:27:02.200
 Rejoice

00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:04.019
 and be glad.

00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:06.080
 For your reward

00:27:06.080 --> 00:27:07.440
 is great in heaven.

00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:09.539
 For so they

00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:10.200
 persecuted

00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:11.080
 the prophets

00:27:11.080 --> 00:27:12.299
 who were before you.

00:27:12.940 --> 00:27:13.519
 We are to

00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.840
 hold firmly

00:27:14.840 --> 00:27:16.360
 to Jesus

00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:17.519
 as our treasure.

00:27:19.100 --> 00:27:20.059
 We are to hold

00:27:20.059 --> 00:27:21.000
 loosely to the things

00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:21.580
 of this world,

00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:22.299
 ultimately

00:27:22.299 --> 00:27:23.360
 fearing nothing.

00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:24.340
 Opposition

00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:26.019
 will come.

00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:26.720
 Paul made it

00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:27.220
 very clear

00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:27.839
 in his letters

00:27:27.839 --> 00:27:28.699
 and to us

00:27:28.699 --> 00:27:29.240
 today.

00:27:29.919 --> 00:27:30.359
 It is not

00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:31.559
 if opposition

00:27:31.559 --> 00:27:31.939
 comes.

00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:32.339
 It is not

00:27:32.339 --> 00:27:33.259
 if challenges

00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:33.639
 happen.

00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:34.199
 It is not

00:27:34.199 --> 00:27:35.859
 if trials

00:27:35.859 --> 00:27:36.240
 happen.

00:27:36.439 --> 00:27:36.679
 It is

00:27:36.679 --> 00:27:37.720
 when they

00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:38.119
 happen.

00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:40.059
 When they

00:27:40.059 --> 00:27:40.399
 happen.

00:27:41.339 --> 00:27:42.299
 But we must

00:27:42.299 --> 00:27:43.019
 remember that

00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.819
 Jesus Christ

00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:44.459
 has overcome

00:27:44.459 --> 00:27:45.159
 the world.

00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:47.119
 So back again

00:27:47.119 --> 00:27:47.740
 to the question,

00:27:48.139 --> 00:27:48.819
 what exactly

00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.559
 does it look like

00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.379
 to live a life

00:27:50.379 --> 00:27:51.220
 worthy of the

00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:52.299
 gospel of Jesus

00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:52.759
 Christ?

00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:52.839
 Christ.

00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:54.299
 It looks

00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:55.359
 like people

00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:56.680
 from different

00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.319
 backgrounds

00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:58.579
 and situations

00:27:58.579 --> 00:27:59.879
 and environment

00:27:59.879 --> 00:28:01.400
 loving each

00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:02.519
 other in spite

00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:02.879
 of their

00:28:02.879 --> 00:28:03.740
 differences and

00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.259
 conflicts

00:28:04.259 --> 00:28:05.680
 and doing

00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:06.539
 life together.

00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:08.180
 What binds

00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:08.720
 us together

00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:09.359
 is our Lord

00:28:09.359 --> 00:28:09.779
 and Savior

00:28:09.779 --> 00:28:10.680
 Jesus Christ.

00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.640
 Living a life

00:28:11.640 --> 00:28:12.299
 worthy of the

00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:14.220
 gospel of Christ

00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:15.140
 means striving

00:28:15.140 --> 00:28:15.759
 together

00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:17.700
 to make

00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:18.299
 Christ

00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:19.640
 known.

00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:21.160
 Courageously

00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:21.640
 standing

00:28:21.640 --> 00:28:22.720
 together

00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:23.900
 against all

00:28:23.900 --> 00:28:24.560
 oppressors.

00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:26.060
 Remember to

00:28:26.060 --> 00:28:26.840
 live is Christ

00:28:26.840 --> 00:28:27.519
 and to die

00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.060
 is gain.

00:28:28.820 --> 00:28:29.440
 With that in

00:28:29.440 --> 00:28:30.000
 mind everything

00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:30.680
 else becomes

00:28:30.680 --> 00:28:31.080
 clear.

00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:33.660
 Not easy.

00:28:35.120 --> 00:28:35.680
 Clear.

00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:39.220
 So how are

00:28:39.220 --> 00:28:39.740
 you doing

00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.200
 with that?

00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:42.720
 Are you living

00:28:42.720 --> 00:28:43.680
 out deeply

00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:45.019
 your faith

00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.660
 with others?

00:28:46.180 --> 00:28:46.759
 With other

00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:47.080
 believers?

00:28:48.040 --> 00:28:48.860
 Are you pressing

00:28:48.860 --> 00:28:49.500
 into Christ

00:28:49.500 --> 00:28:50.059
 together?

00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:50.799
 Are you chasing

00:28:50.799 --> 00:28:51.400
 him together?

00:28:52.319 --> 00:28:52.779
 Fearlessly

00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.380
 committed to

00:28:53.380 --> 00:28:53.880
 the cause

00:28:53.880 --> 00:28:54.160
 of the

00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:54.480
 gospel?

00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:55.900
 Are you

00:28:55.900 --> 00:28:56.240
 living a

00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:56.880
 life worthy

00:28:56.880 --> 00:28:57.180
 of the

00:28:57.180 --> 00:28:57.740
 gospel of

00:28:57.740 --> 00:28:58.519
 Jesus Christ?

00:28:58.799 --> 00:28:59.140
 Have you

00:28:59.140 --> 00:28:59.880
 found Christ

00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:00.640
 worth living

00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:01.220
 and dying

00:29:01.220 --> 00:29:01.599
 for?

00:29:02.359 --> 00:29:02.960
 Are you

00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:03.660
 fearful when

00:29:03.660 --> 00:29:04.079
 confronted

00:29:04.079 --> 00:29:04.740
 about your

00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.099
 faith?

00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:06.779
 Are you

00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:07.339
 growing in

00:29:07.339 --> 00:29:07.720
 your faith

00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.059
 or are you

00:29:08.059 --> 00:29:08.660
 stagnant and

00:29:08.660 --> 00:29:08.940
 cold?

00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:10.119
 Are you

00:29:10.119 --> 00:29:10.619
 bravely

00:29:10.619 --> 00:29:11.180
 sharing your

00:29:11.180 --> 00:29:11.660
 faith when

00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:12.000
 given the

00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:12.480
 opportunity?

00:29:14.119 --> 00:29:15.039
 I challenge

00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.380
 you this

00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:16.799
 week to

00:29:16.799 --> 00:29:17.660
 take stock

00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:18.620
 of these

00:29:18.620 --> 00:29:19.060
 things.

00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:20.340
 Ask

00:29:20.340 --> 00:29:20.880
 yourself

00:29:20.880 --> 00:29:21.860
 hard

00:29:21.860 --> 00:29:22.980
 questions

00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:24.060
 and then

00:29:24.060 --> 00:29:24.279
 take

00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:24.940
 appropriate

00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:26.140
 steps

00:29:26.140 --> 00:29:27.440
 to make

00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.019
 a difference

00:29:28.019 --> 00:29:30.060
 for Christ.

00:29:31.720 --> 00:29:32.680
 What a

00:29:32.680 --> 00:29:33.040
 gift he

00:29:33.040 --> 00:29:33.380
 has given

00:29:33.380 --> 00:29:33.680
 us.

00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:36.600
 He has

00:29:36.600 --> 00:29:36.940
 given us

00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:37.560
 the church.

00:29:39.340 --> 00:29:39.860
 Christ

00:29:39.860 --> 00:29:40.420
 died

00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:41.440
 for the

00:29:41.440 --> 00:29:41.860
 church.

00:29:43.300 --> 00:29:44.240
 What an

00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:45.080
 amazing gift

00:29:45.080 --> 00:29:45.680
 he has given

00:29:45.680 --> 00:29:46.220
 to us.

00:29:47.360 --> 00:29:47.860
 To be able

00:29:47.860 --> 00:29:48.160
 to come

00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:48.600
 together,

00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.560
 to walk

00:29:49.560 --> 00:29:50.140
 together,

00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:51.440
 standing

00:29:51.440 --> 00:29:52.279
 firm in

00:29:52.279 --> 00:29:53.019
 one mind,

00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:53.720
 walking

00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.320
 side by

00:29:54.320 --> 00:29:54.860
 side for

00:29:54.860 --> 00:29:55.340
 the gospel.

00:29:56.080 --> 00:29:56.420
 What a

00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:56.759
 privilege,

00:29:56.900 --> 00:29:57.160
 what a

00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:57.560
 joy it

00:29:57.560 --> 00:29:57.860
 is.

00:29:58.640 --> 00:29:58.960
 Let us

00:29:58.960 --> 00:29:59.480
 never take

00:29:59.480 --> 00:29:59.960
 for granted

00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:01.299
 how wonderful

00:30:01.299 --> 00:30:02.360
 his bride

00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:02.660
 is.

00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:04.340
 What a

00:30:04.340 --> 00:30:04.840
 blessing it

00:30:04.840 --> 00:30:06.100
 is for

00:30:06.100 --> 00:30:06.400
 us to be

00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:06.759
 a member

00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:08.560
 of that

00:30:08.560 --> 00:30:08.880
 body.

00:30:09.140 --> 00:30:09.380
 Let us

00:30:09.380 --> 00:30:09.620
 pray.

00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:11.279
 Father in

00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:11.640
 heaven, we

00:30:11.640 --> 00:30:12.420
 thank you so

00:30:12.420 --> 00:30:12.880
 much for

00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:13.340
 your holy

00:30:13.340 --> 00:30:13.759
 word.

00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:15.500
 Lord God,

00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:15.859
 how it

00:30:15.859 --> 00:30:16.740
 exhorts us,

00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:17.640
 it behooves

00:30:17.640 --> 00:30:18.059
 us, Lord

00:30:18.059 --> 00:30:18.460
 God, it

00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:19.359
 encourages us.

00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:21.559
 Thank you

00:30:21.559 --> 00:30:22.160
 for this time

00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:22.559
 together.

00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:23.839
 I am so

00:30:23.839 --> 00:30:24.379
 incredibly

00:30:24.379 --> 00:30:25.160
 privileged and

00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:26.240
 feel honored to

00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:27.000
 stand here before

00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.680
 this body of

00:30:27.680 --> 00:30:28.819
 believers and

00:30:28.819 --> 00:30:29.339
 to share your

00:30:29.339 --> 00:30:29.660
 word.

00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:31.339
 May we,

00:30:31.720 --> 00:30:31.799
 Father,

00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:33.039
 remember the

00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:33.900
 importance of

00:30:33.900 --> 00:30:34.740
 the body of

00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:35.240
 Christ.

00:30:36.619 --> 00:30:37.359
 May we

00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:38.319
 remember how

00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:39.039
 critical it

00:30:39.039 --> 00:30:40.859
 is to our

00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:41.279
 walk.

00:30:42.160 --> 00:30:43.000
 We will not

00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:43.599
 thrive in our

00:30:43.599 --> 00:30:44.180
 faith without

00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:44.480
 it.

00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.259
 Help this

00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.160
 congregation to

00:30:47.160 --> 00:30:47.779
 love each

00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.420
 other, Father,

00:30:49.279 --> 00:30:49.920
 to walk in

00:30:49.920 --> 00:30:50.460
 the light of

00:30:50.460 --> 00:30:51.200
 Christ, to

00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:51.940
 forgive each

00:30:51.940 --> 00:30:53.160
 other, to

00:30:53.160 --> 00:30:53.660
 mend

00:30:53.660 --> 00:30:54.579
 differences,

00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:57.160
 help them to

00:30:57.160 --> 00:30:57.880
 encourage one

00:30:57.880 --> 00:30:58.559
 another, breaking

00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:59.480
 bread together,

00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.299
 spending time

00:31:01.299 --> 00:31:02.420
 together, and

00:31:02.420 --> 00:31:02.759
 then in the

00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:03.539
 process reaching

00:31:03.539 --> 00:31:04.099
 out to a

00:31:04.099 --> 00:31:04.700
 lost and

00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:05.480
 broken world.

00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:06.099
 As that

00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:06.819
 world sees

00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:07.660
 that unity,

00:31:09.180 --> 00:31:09.579
 as the

00:31:09.579 --> 00:31:10.319
 world sees

00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:11.460
 how incredibly

00:31:11.460 --> 00:31:12.279
 different it

00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:12.700
 is.

00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:13.799
 We are not

00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:14.259
 like the

00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:14.519
 world.

00:31:14.639 --> 00:31:15.240
 We are not

00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:15.819
 the same.

00:31:17.559 --> 00:31:18.399
 What we

00:31:18.399 --> 00:31:19.180
 have is

00:31:19.180 --> 00:31:19.819
 incredibly

00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:20.240
 better.

00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:23.119
 Give us

00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:23.680
 courage and

00:31:23.680 --> 00:31:24.019
 strength,

00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:26.660
 Father, to

00:31:26.660 --> 00:31:30.759
 forgive and

00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:32.420
 to love in

00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:32.839
 the name of

00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:33.119
 Jesus.

00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:34.480
 Help us to

00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:34.920
 go out and

00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:35.500
 proclaim your

00:31:35.500 --> 00:31:36.039
 word to

00:31:36.039 --> 00:31:37.379
 everyone we

00:31:37.379 --> 00:31:39.299
 meet, using

00:31:39.299 --> 00:31:40.220
 every circumstance

00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:40.940
 and situation

00:31:40.940 --> 00:31:41.620
 like Paul did

00:31:41.620 --> 00:31:42.220
 to further

00:31:42.220 --> 00:31:42.940
 the gospel.

00:31:43.799 --> 00:31:44.299
 We love

00:31:44.299 --> 00:31:44.740
 you, Father.

00:31:44.880 --> 00:31:45.299
 We thank

00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.279
 you for your

00:31:46.279 --> 00:31:47.160
 sweet, beloved

00:31:47.160 --> 00:31:47.759
 son, our

00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:49.400
 Savior, and

00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:49.700
 for your

00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:50.299
 spirit that

00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.960
 prompts us,

00:31:51.360 --> 00:31:51.920
 walks with

00:31:51.920 --> 00:31:52.740
 us, and

00:31:52.740 --> 00:31:53.480
 encourages us.

00:31:54.380 --> 00:31:54.940
 We say this

00:31:54.940 --> 00:31:55.340
 all in the

00:31:55.340 --> 00:31:56.059
 beloved name of

00:31:56.059 --> 00:31:56.640
 our Savior,

00:31:57.360 --> 00:31:57.779
 the wonderful

00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.660
 Jesus Christ.

00:31:58.980 --> 00:31:59.320
 Amen.

00:31:59.320 --> 00:31:59.420
 Amen.

00:31:59.420 --> 00:31:59.460
 Amen.

00:31:59.460 --> 00:31:59.519
 Amen.

00:31:59.519 --> 00:32:01.519
 Amen.

00:32:01.519 --> 00:32:01.580
 Amen.

00:32:01.580 --> 00:32:03.519
 Amen.

00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:03.580
 Amen.

00:32:03.580 --> 00:32:05.519
 Amen.

00:32:05.519 --> 00:32:07.519
 Amen.

00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:07.580
 Amen.

00:32:07.580 --> 00:32:07.620
 Amen.

00:32:07.620 --> 00:32:08.580
 Amen.

00:32:08.580 --> 00:32:09.580
 Amen.

00:32:09.580 --> 00:32:09.620
 Amen.

00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:09.680
 Amen.

00:32:09.680 --> 00:32:09.700
 Amen.

00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.640
 Amen.

00:32:10.640 --> 00:32:13.100
 Amen.

00:32:13.100 --> 00:32:13.540
 Thank you, Henry.

00:32:13.960 --> 00:32:15.000
 And I encourage

00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:16.180
 you, please, at the

00:32:16.180 --> 00:32:17.080
 end of our time

00:32:17.080 --> 00:32:17.960
 together that if you

00:32:17.960 --> 00:32:18.640
 want to talk through

00:32:18.640 --> 00:32:19.259
 anything that was

00:32:19.259 --> 00:32:21.000
 said or anything that

00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:22.000
 Henry shared, please

00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:22.880
 do talk to him

00:32:22.880 --> 00:32:23.759
 afterwards.

00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:24.500
 We're going to sing

00:32:24.500 --> 00:32:24.940
 together.

00:32:27.120 --> 00:32:28.120
 Let your kingdom

00:32:28.120 --> 00:32:29.340
 come, let your will

00:32:29.340 --> 00:32:29.880
 be done.

00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:31.040
 If you could just

00:32:31.040 --> 00:32:31.920
 flick to the next

00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:34.700
 verse, it tells us

00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:35.960
 of God's cause,

00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:38.240
 that Jesus Christ

00:32:38.240 --> 00:32:38.840
 would be made

00:32:38.840 --> 00:32:39.920
 known wherever

00:32:39.920 --> 00:32:46.140
 we are we are called to join in that to see the good news of christ not just on our own but we

00:32:46.140 --> 00:32:52.160
 do it together as we've just been reminded as a community of believers let's stand together as we

00:32:52.160 --> 00:32:52.420
 sing