WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.800 Well, as we all know, by now, there have been some major changes from the government when it comes to COVID in these past weeks. 00:00:12.339 --> 00:00:15.580 So this morning, we're going to hit the pause button on the Gospel of John. 00:00:15.720 --> 00:00:17.120 We'll come back to it next Sunday. 00:00:17.400 --> 00:00:21.640 We're just going to take a few minutes to consider our response to some of these changes. 00:00:22.760 --> 00:00:25.280 Of course, we all know by now what these changes are. 00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:28.320 We're all wearing masks this morning. 00:00:28.320 --> 00:00:34.480 All indoor public places across the province, we have to do this. 00:00:35.759 --> 00:00:41.659 And up until this Sunday, we enjoyed being mask-free for everything but the singing part of our worship. 00:00:42.799 --> 00:00:51.060 In addition to this, we've also seen private gatherings limited to five people in homes. 00:00:51.579 --> 00:00:55.740 And all of this for a whole month leading up to Christmas. 00:00:55.740 --> 00:01:00.900 I wonder how you first responded to hearing this news. 00:01:01.560 --> 00:01:03.480 I wonder what your reaction was. 00:01:04.439 --> 00:01:05.579 I'll tell you mine. 00:01:07.340 --> 00:01:08.140 Disappointment. 00:01:09.799 --> 00:01:10.480 Frustration. 00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:15.320 Inward grumbling and complaining. 00:01:15.319 --> 00:01:19.559 And for me, it's not so much the masks. 00:01:19.939 --> 00:01:28.879 It's the thought of being prohibited by law from getting together with family for Christmas if these measures are extended beyond the 17th of December. 00:01:29.879 --> 00:01:31.059 I love Christmas. 00:01:31.679 --> 00:01:33.719 And I love to gather with family. 00:01:33.859 --> 00:01:36.239 It's what we have done year after year. 00:01:36.239 --> 00:01:40.959 We have already had some plans in the works. 00:01:41.339 --> 00:01:46.919 And, of course, now that all these changes have arisen, I don't know if we're going to get to do those things. 00:01:48.919 --> 00:01:49.439 Disappointment. 00:01:50.719 --> 00:01:51.239 Frustration. 00:01:52.479 --> 00:01:54.659 Inward grumbling and complaining. 00:01:54.659 --> 00:02:02.099 And probably, if I'm honest, some out loud grumbling and complaining too, at least to my wife. 00:02:04.399 --> 00:02:06.920 In the midst of all this, I remembered these words. 00:02:08.359 --> 00:02:13.659 But before I put them on screen and read them, I want to just remind us of whose words these are. 00:02:13.659 --> 00:02:18.939 Yes, they are the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi. 00:02:19.859 --> 00:02:21.159 But they're more than that. 00:02:22.340 --> 00:02:25.259 These are the words of Jesus himself. 00:02:25.859 --> 00:02:27.900 Speaking through his spirit. 00:02:28.579 --> 00:02:30.419 Through his Apostle. 00:02:31.159 --> 00:02:34.460 To the followers that he has in Philippi. 00:02:34.539 --> 00:02:35.960 About how he wants them to live. 00:02:38.900 --> 00:02:40.639 And this is what Jesus says. 00:02:40.639 --> 00:02:43.959 Do everything. 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:46.259 Without grumbling. 00:02:47.099 --> 00:02:48.099 Or arguing. 00:02:50.739 --> 00:02:55.339 As I remembered these words, I realized very quickly that I am guilty of both. 00:02:56.119 --> 00:02:57.679 Not just in the past week. 00:02:58.479 --> 00:02:59.899 But in the past months. 00:03:01.979 --> 00:03:05.399 This is such a simple and straightforward word of instruction, isn't it? 00:03:06.799 --> 00:03:08.439 Do everything. 00:03:09.199 --> 00:03:10.179 Without grumbling. 00:03:10.639 --> 00:03:12.019 Or arguing. 00:03:13.799 --> 00:03:17.939 The word grumbling here means pretty much what it sounds like it means. 00:03:18.839 --> 00:03:25.599 The original word refers to any utterance made in a low tone of voice to express your discontent. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:28.919 It means basically to grumble. 00:03:29.599 --> 00:03:30.679 Or to complain. 00:03:30.680 --> 00:03:35.300 And the second word is arguing. 00:03:35.300 --> 00:03:38.460 Do everything without arguing. 00:03:39.620 --> 00:03:44.520 At first we might think Paul is just using another word for grumbling or complaining. 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:49.260 And that's kind of what I was assuming until I took some time to study this a little closer. 00:03:49.259 --> 00:03:51.439 But actually arguing is a good translation. 00:03:52.280 --> 00:04:01.599 The original word in this context refers to an actual verbal exchange that takes place when conflicting ideas are expressed. 00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:04.060 Like in a dispute. 00:04:04.639 --> 00:04:06.599 Or an argument with another person. 00:04:06.599 --> 00:04:13.900 Have you had any arguments in the past months about COVID things? 00:04:13.900 --> 00:04:17.399 I know I have. 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:17.579 Do everything. 00:04:19.699 --> 00:04:20.980 Do everything. 00:04:22.100 --> 00:04:23.220 Without grumbling. 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:24.740 Or arguing. 00:04:25.600 --> 00:04:28.360 Is what the Lord Jesus commands his people to do. 00:04:28.360 --> 00:04:32.960 And I got thinking about the wording of this. 00:04:33.580 --> 00:04:36.240 I think if I was going to say something like this to my children. 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:39.199 I'd probably say stop grumbling. 00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:41.100 Stop complaining. 00:04:41.100 --> 00:04:44.720 Or don't argue with your sister anymore. 00:04:46.420 --> 00:04:49.199 But it's interesting the words Paul chose here. 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:56.180 He says do everything without grumbling or complaining. 00:04:56.180 --> 00:05:00.720 And the emphasis here is really on the word everything. 00:05:02.100 --> 00:05:08.220 In the original language you could actually change the word order around to show emphasis. 00:05:08.460 --> 00:05:10.300 And it seems that's what Paul has done here. 00:05:10.460 --> 00:05:13.319 Where he took the word everything or literally all things. 00:05:13.460 --> 00:05:17.060 And put it right to the front to give it that special emphasis. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:25.120 Literally it reads all things do without grumbling or arguing. 00:05:26.180 --> 00:05:29.699 He's not simply telling us to stop or don't do that. 00:05:29.759 --> 00:05:30.740 It's a little bit more. 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:33.139 He's saying in all things. 00:05:33.420 --> 00:05:35.620 In everything that you do. 00:05:36.540 --> 00:05:39.680 Do it without grumbling. 00:05:40.759 --> 00:05:41.759 Or arguing. 00:05:43.639 --> 00:05:45.259 And I got thinking this week. 00:05:46.160 --> 00:05:51.060 What's included in all things that I do? 00:05:51.060 --> 00:05:53.899 Where I'm tempted to grumble. 00:05:54.699 --> 00:05:55.800 Or to complain. 00:05:59.019 --> 00:06:02.139 I got thinking about when I get out of bed in the morning. 00:06:03.220 --> 00:06:06.160 And my body feels tired or my brain is foggy. 00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:10.240 I got thinking about when I look in the mirror. 00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:13.540 And realize that I have to shave again. 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:18.120 I got thinking about when I sit down at the breakfast table. 00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:21.660 And realize that it's my least favorite breakfast food to eat. 00:06:23.400 --> 00:06:25.480 I got thinking about when I look out the window. 00:06:26.420 --> 00:06:27.680 And it's dark outside. 00:06:28.060 --> 00:06:29.379 At 8.30 in the morning. 00:06:30.500 --> 00:06:31.840 And then I look at the driveway. 00:06:32.020 --> 00:06:33.280 And there's another foot of snow. 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:35.340 That needs to be shoveled. 00:06:35.339 --> 00:06:40.479 I got thinking about the moment I go out the front door. 00:06:40.719 --> 00:06:42.319 And feel the bitter cold of winter. 00:06:42.899 --> 00:06:43.899 On my face. 00:06:45.919 --> 00:06:47.359 I got thinking about when I. 00:06:47.919 --> 00:06:50.419 Sit down to check my to-do list for the day. 00:06:51.019 --> 00:06:52.819 And see just how long it is. 00:06:54.379 --> 00:06:55.519 I got thinking about. 00:06:55.919 --> 00:06:59.599 Some of the less interesting work routines of my day. 00:06:59.599 --> 00:07:00.219 And week. 00:07:02.259 --> 00:07:03.919 I got thinking about that moment. 00:07:04.159 --> 00:07:05.199 At the end of the day. 00:07:05.339 --> 00:07:07.019 When I reflect back. 00:07:07.099 --> 00:07:07.699 And realize. 00:07:08.699 --> 00:07:10.739 That I didn't accomplish as much today. 00:07:10.799 --> 00:07:11.439 As I had hoped. 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:15.019 I got thinking about that moment. 00:07:15.079 --> 00:07:16.679 When I walk through the front door. 00:07:18.179 --> 00:07:19.039 After work. 00:07:19.659 --> 00:07:21.459 To see that there are toys. 00:07:21.699 --> 00:07:22.979 Strewn everywhere. 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:24.079 Across the floor. 00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:26.079 From my kids. 00:07:27.879 --> 00:07:29.419 I got thinking about that moment. 00:07:29.419 --> 00:07:30.500 Just this past week. 00:07:30.599 --> 00:07:31.679 When I came home. 00:07:31.779 --> 00:07:32.879 And found out. 00:07:33.019 --> 00:07:34.559 That my son just cracked the lid. 00:07:34.560 --> 00:07:35.660 On our toilet tank. 00:07:40.019 --> 00:07:41.319 All moments in which. 00:07:41.519 --> 00:07:43.300 I have felt tempted to grumble. 00:07:44.699 --> 00:07:45.620 To complain. 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:48.579 All things. 00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:49.759 Includes a lot. 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:50.759 Do everything. 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:51.759 That you do. 00:07:51.759 --> 00:07:52.759 Without. 00:07:52.759 --> 00:07:53.860 Or apart from. 00:07:53.860 --> 00:07:54.860 Grumbling. 00:07:54.860 --> 00:07:55.639 Or complaining. 00:07:55.639 --> 00:07:56.959 Do everything. 00:07:56.959 --> 00:08:00.639 That you do. 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:00.680 Without. 00:08:00.939 --> 00:08:03.879 Or apart from. 00:08:04.439 --> 00:08:05.060 Grumbling. 00:08:05.620 --> 00:08:06.659 Or complaining. 00:08:06.660 --> 00:08:10.840 Are you feeling convicted yet? 00:08:13.620 --> 00:08:15.400 Then we come to these COVID changes. 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:17.160 And they affect the things that we do. 00:08:17.240 --> 00:08:18.439 In all kinds of ways. 00:08:19.200 --> 00:08:21.260 We now have to add some new things. 00:08:21.260 --> 00:08:22.160 That we have to do. 00:08:22.260 --> 00:08:23.100 That are now included. 00:08:23.100 --> 00:08:24.020 In the everything. 00:08:24.620 --> 00:08:25.800 That we must do. 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:27.180 Without complaining. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:27.780 Or grumbling. 00:08:29.620 --> 00:08:30.960 Wear a mask at church. 00:08:31.280 --> 00:08:32.399 Without grumbling. 00:08:32.940 --> 00:08:33.639 Or complaining. 00:08:33.639 --> 00:08:36.899 Cancel that dinner you were invited to. 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:38.159 With more than five people. 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:39.980 Without grumbling. 00:08:40.319 --> 00:08:41.059 Or complaining. 00:08:42.019 --> 00:08:43.139 Is the COVID stuff. 00:08:43.340 --> 00:08:44.360 That we have to do. 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:44.860 Included. 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:46.620 By this word. 00:08:46.740 --> 00:08:47.159 Everything. 00:08:49.299 --> 00:08:50.419 Of course it is. 00:08:50.919 --> 00:08:52.159 Everything means everything. 00:08:53.019 --> 00:08:54.439 All things that we do. 00:08:54.519 --> 00:08:55.819 Means all things that we do. 00:08:55.819 --> 00:08:57.259 Do it all. 00:08:57.580 --> 00:08:57.960 Without. 00:08:58.539 --> 00:08:59.819 Or apart from. 00:09:00.379 --> 00:09:00.819 Grumbling. 00:09:01.480 --> 00:09:02.480 Or complaining. 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:09.019 Then we come to the arguing. 00:09:09.539 --> 00:09:11.120 Part of this command as well. 00:09:11.800 --> 00:09:12.639 Do everything. 00:09:12.740 --> 00:09:13.259 He says. 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:14.279 All things. 00:09:14.639 --> 00:09:15.600 Without arguing. 00:09:16.980 --> 00:09:18.259 Or another word for that. 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:19.259 Might be disputing. 00:09:20.539 --> 00:09:22.259 If there is one surprising thing. 00:09:22.340 --> 00:09:24.080 That COVID has brought to the surface. 00:09:24.080 --> 00:09:25.000 In all of us. 00:09:25.220 --> 00:09:26.899 It is the desire to argue. 00:09:27.560 --> 00:09:28.940 And dispute with other people. 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:30.800 It doesn't really matter. 00:09:30.920 --> 00:09:32.200 What you believe about COVID. 00:09:32.200 --> 00:09:34.700 Or what you believe about the government's role. 00:09:34.759 --> 00:09:35.500 In all of this. 00:09:35.879 --> 00:09:36.840 Somebody somewhere. 00:09:36.840 --> 00:09:38.060 Is doing something. 00:09:38.160 --> 00:09:39.080 Or saying something. 00:09:39.080 --> 00:09:39.680 That you. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:40.980 Do not agree with. 00:09:41.780 --> 00:09:43.259 And that desire to. 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:44.840 Set them straight. 00:09:45.400 --> 00:09:46.980 And tell them what you believe. 00:09:47.640 --> 00:09:49.400 And tell them how it should be done. 00:09:49.840 --> 00:09:50.780 Is right there. 00:09:51.040 --> 00:09:51.720 In all of us. 00:09:51.759 --> 00:09:52.759 Just ready to come out. 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:53.439 Do everything. 00:09:53.439 --> 00:09:56.299 Do everything. 00:09:56.299 --> 00:09:57.419 That you do. 00:09:57.939 --> 00:09:59.039 Without arguing. 00:10:00.720 --> 00:10:01.960 Scroll through Facebook. 00:10:02.200 --> 00:10:03.340 Or other social media. 00:10:03.580 --> 00:10:04.279 And see. 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:05.600 That post. 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:06.659 From that person. 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:08.639 That just bothers you. 00:10:10.240 --> 00:10:11.039 Do that. 00:10:11.399 --> 00:10:12.340 Without arguing. 00:10:14.539 --> 00:10:16.860 Maybe don't even comment on their post at all. 00:10:16.860 --> 00:10:21.240 Or maybe you get into a conversation with someone. 00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:23.480 As you're out and about. 00:10:24.680 --> 00:10:26.060 And something about COVID. 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:26.860 Or politics. 00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:29.080 Or some minor point of theology. 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:30.519 Comes up. 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:32.500 And they obviously don't agree with you. 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:34.500 Or believe the same as you. 00:10:35.539 --> 00:10:37.000 Have that conversation. 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:40.279 Do everything you do. 00:10:40.279 --> 00:10:43.079 Yet without arguing. 00:10:44.379 --> 00:10:45.439 Or disputing. 00:10:46.259 --> 00:10:47.480 It doesn't mean that you. 00:10:47.720 --> 00:10:48.899 Pretend to agree with them. 00:10:50.159 --> 00:10:50.980 It means. 00:10:51.360 --> 00:10:52.539 That we don't fight with them. 00:10:53.819 --> 00:10:55.579 We don't have that verbal exchange. 00:10:55.579 --> 00:10:57.439 In which we try at all costs. 00:10:57.659 --> 00:10:58.819 To win the argument. 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:00.220 To win the debate. 00:11:00.539 --> 00:11:01.539 Or sometimes even. 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:02.480 To make them feel. 00:11:02.740 --> 00:11:03.120 Shamed. 00:11:03.339 --> 00:11:03.919 Or stupid. 00:11:04.600 --> 00:11:05.579 For believing differently. 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:06.839 Or seeing things differently. 00:11:06.839 --> 00:11:07.480 Than we do. 00:11:10.279 --> 00:11:10.980 Do everything. 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:12.959 Without arguing. 00:11:13.519 --> 00:11:14.480 Or disputing. 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:16.220 Go to the post office. 00:11:16.360 --> 00:11:17.100 The grocery store. 00:11:17.220 --> 00:11:17.699 The arena. 00:11:18.079 --> 00:11:18.679 To church. 00:11:18.740 --> 00:11:19.600 Without looking. 00:11:20.179 --> 00:11:21.459 To let everyone know. 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:22.779 How you feel. 00:11:22.839 --> 00:11:24.100 About having to wear a mask. 00:11:25.019 --> 00:11:26.100 And all the reasons. 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:26.799 That it's wrong. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:30.259 One of these days. 00:11:30.319 --> 00:11:30.879 I got thinking. 00:11:31.079 --> 00:11:31.819 That one of us. 00:11:31.919 --> 00:11:32.480 In this room. 00:11:32.579 --> 00:11:33.000 At least. 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:33.419 If not. 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:34.799 Many of us. 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:36.220 Will test positive. 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:36.799 For COVID. 00:11:38.339 --> 00:11:39.360 My wife's sister. 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:40.580 Just tested positive. 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:41.620 The other day. 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:43.220 Some of you. 00:11:43.279 --> 00:11:43.899 Are starting to know. 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:44.720 People who have. 00:11:45.800 --> 00:11:47.039 And when it does happen. 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:47.919 It is going to change. 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:49.019 Our lives drastically. 00:11:49.600 --> 00:11:50.440 For a minimum. 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:51.300 Of two weeks. 00:11:53.200 --> 00:11:54.080 You or I. 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:55.100 Will have to do things. 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:56.060 Differently. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.840 Yet even in this. 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:01.800 Do everything. 00:12:02.820 --> 00:12:03.259 Without. 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:04.800 Grumbling. 00:12:05.920 --> 00:12:06.920 Or disputing. 00:12:06.919 --> 00:12:09.299 Don't make our. 00:12:09.620 --> 00:12:09.819 Dear. 00:12:10.339 --> 00:12:11.240 Public health nurse. 00:12:11.339 --> 00:12:11.819 Who is just. 00:12:12.219 --> 00:12:13.079 Doing her job. 00:12:13.979 --> 00:12:14.459 Feel bad. 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:15.019 On the phone. 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:16.719 When she tells you. 00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:17.179 That you must. 00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:17.899 Self-isolate. 00:12:17.979 --> 00:12:18.559 For two weeks. 00:12:18.679 --> 00:12:19.719 By grumbling at her. 00:12:19.879 --> 00:12:20.079 Or. 00:12:20.639 --> 00:12:21.139 Complaining. 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:22.299 To her. 00:12:26.139 --> 00:12:26.759 By now. 00:12:26.819 --> 00:12:27.279 We're probably. 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:27.679 Wondering. 00:12:27.819 --> 00:12:28.219 If this. 00:12:28.539 --> 00:12:28.919 Simple. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:29.819 Six word. 00:12:29.959 --> 00:12:30.339 Statement. 00:12:30.339 --> 00:12:31.519 Is even possible. 00:12:33.099 --> 00:12:34.079 And we'll get to that. 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:34.559 In a minute. 00:12:34.559 --> 00:12:35.679 But first. 00:12:36.039 --> 00:12:37.139 Let's listen to what. 00:12:37.339 --> 00:12:39.039 What the Lord Jesus says next. 00:12:39.039 --> 00:12:39.959 Through Paul. 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:43.739 Do everything. 00:12:43.739 --> 00:12:44.639 Without grumbling. 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:45.500 Or arguing. 00:12:45.979 --> 00:12:47.139 So that. 00:12:48.119 --> 00:12:49.319 You may become. 00:12:49.519 --> 00:12:50.059 Blameless. 00:12:50.739 --> 00:12:51.539 And pure. 00:12:52.639 --> 00:12:53.779 Children of God. 00:12:53.879 --> 00:12:54.699 Without fault. 00:12:55.299 --> 00:12:56.159 In a warped. 00:12:56.159 --> 00:12:57.079 And crooked. 00:12:57.219 --> 00:12:57.779 Generation. 00:12:59.159 --> 00:12:59.759 Then. 00:13:00.059 --> 00:13:00.839 You will shine. 00:13:00.899 --> 00:13:01.359 Among them. 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:02.079 Like stars. 00:13:02.080 --> 00:13:02.759 In the sky. 00:13:03.420 --> 00:13:04.280 As you hold. 00:13:04.379 --> 00:13:04.820 Firmly. 00:13:05.259 --> 00:13:05.759 To the word. 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:06.240 Of life. 00:13:07.400 --> 00:13:08.100 And then. 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:08.820 I will be able. 00:13:08.820 --> 00:13:09.280 To boast. 00:13:09.280 --> 00:13:09.780 On the day. 00:13:09.780 --> 00:13:10.259 Of Christ. 00:13:10.360 --> 00:13:11.360 That I did not run. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:12.560 Or labor. 00:13:12.680 --> 00:13:13.100 In vain. 00:13:14.900 --> 00:13:15.759 So we're given. 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:16.740 This incredibly. 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:17.879 Difficult. 00:13:18.280 --> 00:13:19.379 And far-reaching. 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:19.920 Command. 00:13:20.280 --> 00:13:20.740 Do not. 00:13:21.700 --> 00:13:22.620 Do everything. 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:23.500 Without grumbling. 00:13:23.500 --> 00:13:24.400 Or arguing. 00:13:24.620 --> 00:13:24.720 But. 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:25.360 But then. 00:13:25.780 --> 00:13:26.640 The Lord Jesus. 00:13:26.640 --> 00:13:27.520 Through Paul. 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:28.580 Gives us a reason. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:29.340 To do that. 00:13:29.340 --> 00:13:31.019 He says. 00:13:31.080 --> 00:13:31.720 We are to do. 00:13:31.720 --> 00:13:32.200 Everything. 00:13:32.200 --> 00:13:32.920 Without grumbling. 00:13:32.920 --> 00:13:33.720 Or arguing. 00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:34.660 So that. 00:13:34.660 --> 00:13:35.879 You may become. 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.060 Blameless. 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:38.860 And pure. 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:41.980 What does that mean? 00:13:43.920 --> 00:13:44.399 Well. 00:13:44.420 --> 00:13:44.740 I'll tell you. 00:13:44.780 --> 00:13:45.540 What it doesn't mean. 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:47.540 It doesn't mean. 00:13:47.540 --> 00:13:48.340 That we can somehow. 00:13:48.340 --> 00:13:49.220 Attain perfection. 00:13:49.220 --> 00:13:50.100 Before we die. 00:13:50.540 --> 00:13:51.879 And we all know that. 00:13:52.960 --> 00:13:54.280 The rest of the New Testament. 00:13:54.280 --> 00:13:55.400 Is pretty clear about that. 00:13:55.480 --> 00:13:56.680 We're not going to be done. 00:13:56.680 --> 00:13:57.320 With sin. 00:13:57.320 --> 00:13:59.700 Until we either die. 00:13:59.900 --> 00:14:00.920 Or Christ returns. 00:14:02.500 --> 00:14:04.080 So in what sense then. 00:14:04.200 --> 00:14:04.860 Can we become. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:05.920 Blameless. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:06.860 And pure. 00:14:07.060 --> 00:14:07.320 Here. 00:14:07.560 --> 00:14:07.940 And now. 00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:08.800 In this life. 00:14:11.460 --> 00:14:12.420 In this case. 00:14:12.480 --> 00:14:13.260 I think the words. 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:14.220 Blameless and pure. 00:14:14.340 --> 00:14:15.400 Referred to a person. 00:14:15.540 --> 00:14:16.560 Of exceptional. 00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:17.560 Character. 00:14:18.500 --> 00:14:19.100 And merit. 00:14:19.879 --> 00:14:21.700 A person who stands out. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:23.220 Among the rest. 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:24.360 And appears to most. 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:25.640 As so good. 00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:26.659 That other people. 00:14:27.179 --> 00:14:28.159 Just can't. 00:14:28.159 --> 00:14:28.840 Fault them. 00:14:30.720 --> 00:14:31.759 And Paul gives us. 00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:32.779 A bit of a picture here. 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:35.240 He says that. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:36.860 We should. 00:14:37.419 --> 00:14:38.159 Do this. 00:14:38.220 --> 00:14:38.539 So that. 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:39.299 We may become. 00:14:39.439 --> 00:14:40.460 Blameless and pure. 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:42.080 Children of God. 00:14:42.899 --> 00:14:43.819 Without fault. 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:44.480 Or blemish. 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:46.840 In the midst of a warped. 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:47.659 And crooked. 00:14:48.199 --> 00:14:48.639 Generation. 00:14:49.939 --> 00:14:50.899 So there's a major. 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:51.559 Contrast. 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:52.700 That he paints for us here. 00:14:52.700 --> 00:14:54.600 There are the children of God. 00:14:55.040 --> 00:14:55.860 Who should. 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:57.180 Really stand out. 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:58.140 As exceptional. 00:14:59.180 --> 00:15:00.300 Without blemish. 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:00.820 Pure. 00:15:01.640 --> 00:15:02.120 Good. 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.320 Straight. 00:15:05.280 --> 00:15:07.000 And then there is this generation. 00:15:07.180 --> 00:15:08.440 In which we are in the midst of. 00:15:08.860 --> 00:15:10.620 Which Paul describes as crooked. 00:15:12.100 --> 00:15:12.620 Twisted. 00:15:13.320 --> 00:15:13.740 Warped. 00:15:14.900 --> 00:15:16.580 Those are pretty strong words. 00:15:17.379 --> 00:15:17.800 Warped. 00:15:17.879 --> 00:15:18.259 And crooked. 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:21.319 They speak of moral corruption. 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:24.159 They speak of lack of integrity. 00:15:25.100 --> 00:15:26.279 And in the context. 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:28.039 Here especially. 00:15:28.539 --> 00:15:30.519 It suggests that these people. 00:15:30.720 --> 00:15:31.919 Are people who grumble. 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.960 And argue a lot. 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:35.139 About it. 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.159 All kinds of things. 00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:40.419 Do we hear the logic of God here? 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:42.980 Grumbling. 00:15:44.100 --> 00:15:44.659 Complaining. 00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:46.419 Arguing. 00:15:47.600 --> 00:15:48.039 Disputing. 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:51.639 Those are the chief characteristics. 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:52.500 Of people. 00:15:53.179 --> 00:15:54.159 In our generation. 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:55.620 Who are warped. 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:57.019 And crooked. 00:15:58.620 --> 00:16:00.159 And they should not be. 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:02.799 The characteristics of God's children. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:04.679 Anymore. 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:09.399 Paul gives another contrasting word picture here. 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:11.460 I'm going to read the whole sentence again. 00:16:11.559 --> 00:16:12.419 Just so that we can. 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:13.899 Hear it. 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:17.080 Do everything without grumbling or arguing. 00:16:17.080 --> 00:16:20.500 So that you may become blameless and pure. 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:21.660 Children of God. 00:16:21.900 --> 00:16:22.960 Without fault. 00:16:23.040 --> 00:16:25.280 In a warped and crooked generation. 00:16:25.280 --> 00:16:27.540 In which you shine among them. 00:16:27.780 --> 00:16:30.020 Like stars in the sky. 00:16:31.900 --> 00:16:33.639 Like stars in the sky. 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:39.019 Are we supposed to look and act and speak differently. 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:44.199 As children of God than the people of the world that we live in. 00:16:44.860 --> 00:16:45.340 Absolutely. 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:45.539 Absolutely. 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:49.259 God wants us to stand out like stars. 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:52.080 Stand out in the night sky. 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:54.280 This past week. 00:16:54.280 --> 00:16:55.900 I made a trip down to the city. 00:16:55.900 --> 00:16:57.980 And got my prescription updated. 00:16:58.220 --> 00:16:59.180 I got my new glasses. 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:02.060 And I noticed this week. 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:03.040 As I was looking up. 00:17:03.280 --> 00:17:04.120 At night. 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.640 Man. 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:07.500 Those stars look much clearer. 00:17:08.840 --> 00:17:10.140 And they're beautiful. 00:17:10.680 --> 00:17:11.720 They're radiant. 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:15.160 Hundreds of little pinpoints of light. 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:18.759 Scattered across the darkness and blackness of the night sky. 00:17:18.759 --> 00:17:18.839 Anyway. 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:23.039 The Lord Jesus wants his followers. 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:25.779 And his people to stand out. 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:27.019 Like that. 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:29.819 To stand out in a beautiful way. 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:32.319 And how we do that. 00:17:32.480 --> 00:17:33.920 Here in this context. 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:37.339 Is by doing everything. 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:38.920 Without grumbling. 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:40.900 Or arguing. 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.819 In other words. 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:46.599 The last person to be found on earth. 00:17:46.680 --> 00:17:48.140 Complaining or arguing. 00:17:48.140 --> 00:17:49.040 With someone. 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:51.640 About wearing a mask. 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.460 Or about COVID. 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:53.900 Or about the government's laws. 00:17:53.900 --> 00:17:56.140 Should be the true follower of Jesus. 00:17:59.100 --> 00:18:00.160 And our social. 00:18:00.820 --> 00:18:02.100 Media profiles. 00:18:02.920 --> 00:18:03.640 And participation. 00:18:03.640 --> 00:18:05.160 Should reflect that as well. 00:18:06.780 --> 00:18:08.820 There should be a sharp contrast. 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:11.120 Like when we look up into the night sky. 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:14.080 Between the way the world around us. 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:14.800 Is acting. 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:15.600 And talking. 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:18.839 And how we as God's children. 00:18:19.119 --> 00:18:20.099 Are acting and talking. 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:21.119 In these days. 00:18:25.919 --> 00:18:27.699 Now we come to that final question. 00:18:27.839 --> 00:18:28.819 Which we raised earlier. 00:18:28.919 --> 00:18:29.879 Is this even possible? 00:18:31.959 --> 00:18:32.819 Well first. 00:18:33.659 --> 00:18:34.439 Let's acknowledge. 00:18:35.879 --> 00:18:36.319 That. 00:18:37.139 --> 00:18:39.379 Jesus asks us to do things. 00:18:39.779 --> 00:18:40.699 That are impossible. 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:40.819 impossible. 00:18:42.580 --> 00:18:44.539 He commands us to make disciples. 00:18:45.880 --> 00:18:47.759 Yet we can't change people's hearts. 00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:48.600 Or save anyone. 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:51.360 He commands us to be holy. 00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:52.340 As he is holy. 00:18:53.340 --> 00:18:55.019 He commands us to be perfect. 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:57.080 As our heavenly father is perfect. 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:58.240 In the sermon on the mount. 00:18:58.799 --> 00:19:00.779 He commands us to love the Lord. 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.340 Our God. 00:19:01.420 --> 00:19:02.319 With all our heart. 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:02.779 Soul. 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:03.460 Mind. 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:04.240 And strength. 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:08.900 He commands us to do lots of things. 00:19:08.980 --> 00:19:09.680 That are impossible. 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:12.519 Things that are impossible. 00:19:13.100 --> 00:19:13.620 Without. 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:15.340 God's help. 00:19:17.059 --> 00:19:18.720 And I believe that's the key. 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:24.220 It's obvious that we need to put in an effort ourselves. 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:25.240 Not to. 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:26.299 Grumble. 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:27.759 Or argue. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:29.759 There's no autopilot here. 00:19:29.880 --> 00:19:31.299 There's no just let go. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.380 And let God. 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:32.900 If you. 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:34.640 If you don't make a real. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:35.319 And. 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:37.059 Intentional effort. 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:38.799 To do everything. 00:19:38.880 --> 00:19:40.140 Without grumbling or arguing. 00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:40.740 You will. 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:41.480 End up. 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:42.940 Just going with the default. 00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:44.560 Pattern of our world. 00:19:45.380 --> 00:19:46.560 You'll find yourself. 00:19:46.700 --> 00:19:47.180 Grumbling. 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:48.080 And arguing. 00:19:49.620 --> 00:19:50.420 So real. 00:19:50.560 --> 00:19:51.360 Intentional effort. 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:51.960 And attention. 00:19:52.420 --> 00:19:53.259 Is required. 00:19:54.880 --> 00:19:56.140 But what's easy to forget. 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:57.080 Is that we were meant. 00:19:57.180 --> 00:19:57.720 All along. 00:19:57.860 --> 00:19:58.680 To do this. 00:19:59.860 --> 00:20:00.300 With. 00:20:00.580 --> 00:20:01.259 God's help. 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:04.020 Where do we see that. 00:20:04.080 --> 00:20:04.800 In this passage. 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:06.000 Well. 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:07.159 We just need to go back up. 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:07.960 To what Paul said. 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:08.980 Just before this. 00:20:12.419 --> 00:20:12.940 Therefore. 00:20:13.639 --> 00:20:14.919 My dear friends. 00:20:15.139 --> 00:20:15.759 He writes. 00:20:16.399 --> 00:20:18.099 As you have always obeyed. 00:20:18.639 --> 00:20:20.259 Not only in my presence. 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:22.599 But now much more in my absence. 00:20:23.740 --> 00:20:24.720 Continue to. 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:25.960 Work out. 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:26.899 Your salvation. 00:20:27.579 --> 00:20:28.379 With fear. 00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:29.480 And trembling. 00:20:29.480 --> 00:20:31.380 For it is. 00:20:31.880 --> 00:20:32.319 God. 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:33.519 Who works. 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.660 In you. 00:20:35.660 --> 00:20:36.640 To will. 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:38.079 And to act. 00:20:39.079 --> 00:20:40.000 In order to fulfill. 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:40.980 His good purpose. 00:20:40.980 --> 00:20:44.579 The subject here. 00:20:44.640 --> 00:20:45.360 Is obedience. 00:20:46.099 --> 00:20:47.160 Paul's encouraging them. 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:47.880 To continue. 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:49.360 Obeying the Lord Jesus. 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:51.519 Whether Paul is present. 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:52.460 With them or not. 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:54.680 He refers to them. 00:20:54.759 --> 00:20:55.860 As having salvation. 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:56.380 Work out. 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:57.079 The salvation. 00:20:57.079 --> 00:20:58.180 That you have. 00:21:00.460 --> 00:21:00.980 Work. 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.180 Put effort. 00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:02.680 Into. 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:03.620 Living. 00:21:03.779 --> 00:21:05.579 According to your new status. 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:07.099 As a child of God. 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:09.579 But then he tells them. 00:21:09.660 --> 00:21:10.620 This truly amazing. 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:11.420 Thing. 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:12.860 He says. 00:21:13.140 --> 00:21:14.360 For it is God. 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.220 Who works. 00:21:15.620 --> 00:21:15.960 In. 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:16.799 You. 00:21:18.620 --> 00:21:19.599 To will. 00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:21.039 And to act. 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:22.860 In order to fulfill. 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:23.839 His good purpose. 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:25.259 So yes. 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:26.440 We must put in effort. 00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:27.059 To obey. 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.860 We must put in. 00:21:29.180 --> 00:21:29.539 Effort. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.940 To do everything. 00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:32.319 Without grumbling. 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:33.559 Or arguing. 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:35.980 But we do it. 00:21:36.059 --> 00:21:36.620 Independence. 00:21:36.620 --> 00:21:37.400 Upon this. 00:21:37.620 --> 00:21:38.620 Wonderful reality. 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:39.420 That God. 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.000 Himself. 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.720 Is actually. 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.579 At work. 00:21:42.160 --> 00:21:43.000 Underneath that. 00:21:43.160 --> 00:21:43.900 Within us. 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.660 Giving us power. 00:21:46.819 --> 00:21:48.000 Giving us the ability. 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:50.220 To will. 00:21:50.680 --> 00:21:51.700 To desire. 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.420 To act. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:55.259 To behave. 00:21:55.740 --> 00:21:56.299 Differently. 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.839 Than we otherwise would. 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:01.619 There is reason to fear here. 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:02.440 Paul says. 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.200 Fear and trembling. 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:04.200 Fear and trembling. 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:05.660 But there is also. 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:06.680 Comfort. 00:22:08.180 --> 00:22:10.180 Because we're not left up to ourselves. 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:12.080 To do it all on our own. 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:16.779 We have the very creator of the universe. 00:22:17.779 --> 00:22:18.299 Working. 00:22:18.860 --> 00:22:19.299 Powerfully. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.500 In us. 00:22:20.900 --> 00:22:22.819 So that we can will and act. 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:25.080 In order to fulfill his good purpose. 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:29.279 It may seem. 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:29.899 At times. 00:22:29.899 --> 00:22:31.159 Like grumbling and complaining. 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:32.899 Maybe even arguing. 00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:35.299 Is at the very core of our being. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:37.659 It's just part of who we are. 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:41.059 We might even be tempted to say. 00:22:41.220 --> 00:22:42.500 That it's part of our personality. 00:22:43.199 --> 00:22:44.439 And the truth is. 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.460 It is. 00:22:47.179 --> 00:22:48.559 Paul tells us that elsewhere. 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:50.679 We too were once numbered among. 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:54.119 Those who were dead in their transgressions. 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:56.399 And we lived like they did. 00:22:58.659 --> 00:23:00.619 In this crooked and warped generation. 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:01.960 And so of course. 00:23:02.179 --> 00:23:03.839 It's natural for us to grumble. 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:05.559 And to complain about things. 00:23:05.679 --> 00:23:06.819 And argue and dispute. 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:09.639 But now that we have been saved. 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:12.579 Now that we have been made children of God. 00:23:13.099 --> 00:23:14.940 We now have God himself. 00:23:15.879 --> 00:23:16.839 His Holy Spirit. 00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:17.759 Living in us. 00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:19.160 At work in us. 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:21.480 So that we can live differently. 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:23.519 We can will differently. 00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:25.500 We can act differently. 00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:28.500 Than we otherwise could before. 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:31.500 What this means is that with God's help. 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:34.960 The impossible of doing everything. 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:36.759 Without grumbling or arguing. 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:38.599 Is now possible. 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:41.879 So finally. 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:44.200 How do we change our bad habits of grumbling. 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:46.879 And arguing about all kinds of things. 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:50.759 As I was reflecting on that this week. 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:53.680 And I'm by no means an expert in it. 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:55.059 I'm still learning. 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:58.000 I got thinking. 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:58.059 I got thinking. 00:23:58.279 --> 00:24:00.259 This is not going to be an overnight thing. 00:24:01.619 --> 00:24:02.460 For some of us. 00:24:02.500 --> 00:24:03.700 It's just so deeply ingrained. 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.539 It's just habit. 00:24:05.839 --> 00:24:07.179 For all of us. 00:24:07.179 --> 00:24:08.639 It'll be a lifelong process. 00:24:08.639 --> 00:24:10.519 Of growing more and more. 00:24:10.940 --> 00:24:11.259 Towards. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:14.319 What Christ wants us to live like. 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.019 We will fail. 00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:16.339 We will blow it. 00:24:16.339 --> 00:24:17.159 Along the way. 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:18.039 At times. 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:19.159 And thankfully. 00:24:19.159 --> 00:24:21.500 God's grace is there for those moments. 00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:24.259 And we can come to him. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.619 We can ask for his forgiveness. 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:28.599 But all too often. 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:29.899 I think we assume instead. 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:32.039 That we cannot change. 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:35.859 And so we're just going to keep grumbling. 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:38.339 We're just going to keep doing it. 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:39.440 How we've been doing it. 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:41.920 But the truth is. 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:43.019 That we can change. 00:24:43.620 --> 00:24:44.799 With God's help. 00:24:45.080 --> 00:24:45.779 With his power. 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:47.100 With his work in us. 00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:48.740 We can live differently. 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:52.059 We can look blameless and pure. 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:55.140 And stand out in this world. 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:58.320 So what does this process look like? 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:01.480 Well I think first it starts with us. 00:25:01.779 --> 00:25:02.980 Being convicted. 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.759 By these words. 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.660 And recognizing. 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:10.900 Our behavior for what it is. 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:12.740 Our attitude for what it is. 00:25:14.540 --> 00:25:16.980 To be convicted means more than just understanding. 00:25:17.180 --> 00:25:18.000 It's a wrong behavior. 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:20.300 It means recognizing in the moment. 00:25:20.840 --> 00:25:22.680 When we've actually done this. 00:25:24.820 --> 00:25:25.279 Yes. 00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:27.000 I did just complain. 00:25:27.560 --> 00:25:29.019 Outwardly or inwardly. 00:25:29.840 --> 00:25:31.519 About the porridge on the table. 00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:32.880 For breakfast this morning. 00:25:36.560 --> 00:25:37.800 And in case we're wondering. 00:25:37.799 --> 00:25:39.899 Jesus tells us that it's the Holy Spirit. 00:25:39.899 --> 00:25:42.240 That does this work of convicting in us. 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:44.879 So first we need to be convicted. 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:47.940 Of grumbling or arguing. 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:49.200 Then we need to admit. 00:25:49.659 --> 00:25:50.720 Or confess. 00:25:51.099 --> 00:25:51.200 That. 00:25:51.960 --> 00:25:52.919 That grumbling. 00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:53.659 That arguing. 00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:55.039 That we've blown it again. 00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:55.899 To God. 00:25:55.900 --> 00:25:58.420 We need to ask for his forgiveness. 00:26:00.320 --> 00:26:01.320 We need to. 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.400 Pray. 00:26:02.620 --> 00:26:03.940 And ask that God would help us. 00:26:04.040 --> 00:26:04.740 Not to complain. 00:26:05.380 --> 00:26:06.120 Or to. 00:26:06.620 --> 00:26:07.019 Argue. 00:26:07.160 --> 00:26:08.900 Any more about that particular thing. 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:11.700 And in that moment. 00:26:11.800 --> 00:26:12.920 We probably would do well. 00:26:13.019 --> 00:26:13.140 To. 00:26:13.300 --> 00:26:13.980 To take. 00:26:14.120 --> 00:26:14.640 Take a minute. 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:15.780 Just to stop and think. 00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:18.259 What's at the root of my. 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:18.940 Complaint. 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:20.140 My grumbling. 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:22.480 Why is it wrong? 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:24.759 Is it that I'm ungrateful? 00:26:25.600 --> 00:26:27.180 Is it that I'm impatient? 00:26:28.180 --> 00:26:28.980 Is that I feel. 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:30.560 Entitled to. 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:31.160 Something. 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:33.980 That God owes me something. 00:26:34.520 --> 00:26:36.420 What are those truths of God's word. 00:26:36.620 --> 00:26:37.380 That expose. 00:26:37.780 --> 00:26:38.740 The ugliness. 00:26:39.100 --> 00:26:40.480 Of our grumbling and arguing. 00:26:40.860 --> 00:26:41.860 We should think about them. 00:26:41.940 --> 00:26:42.200 We should. 00:26:42.860 --> 00:26:44.540 Put our trust in them again. 00:26:44.539 --> 00:26:46.740 And then finally. 00:26:46.940 --> 00:26:46.980 We. 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:47.539 We. 00:26:47.659 --> 00:26:49.599 We need to actually put in the effort. 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.619 To act differently. 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:54.759 Trusting that God will answer our. 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:55.399 Our. 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:56.859 Request for help. 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:58.220 And give us what we need. 00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.079 Not to grumble. 00:26:59.319 --> 00:26:59.940 Or complain. 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:00.940 Or argue. 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:01.960 About that thing anymore. 00:27:03.680 --> 00:27:05.139 It's a simple process. 00:27:05.579 --> 00:27:07.500 It's one that we've probably all heard before. 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:07.980 And know. 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:10.680 It's one that we will repeat often. 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:13.119 But over time. 00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:15.139 Even the worst of sinful habits. 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:15.939 Can be broken. 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:17.779 By this process. 00:27:17.939 --> 00:27:18.879 By admitting to God. 00:27:18.979 --> 00:27:19.699 That we've blown it. 00:27:20.139 --> 00:27:21.819 By asking for his forgiveness. 00:27:22.619 --> 00:27:24.359 By asking for his help. 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.239 To change. 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:28.259 By reflecting on what his word has said. 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:30.119 That applies to that thing. 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:33.359 And then by acting on what we know is true. 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:34.599 And right. 00:27:34.679 --> 00:27:35.219 In faith. 00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:38.599 Let's think specifically about COVID compliance. 00:27:38.699 --> 00:27:39.179 For a moment. 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:41.639 And our church. 00:27:41.640 --> 00:27:43.320 Wouldn't it be wonderful. 00:27:43.320 --> 00:27:45.560 If we showed the people in our community. 00:27:46.060 --> 00:27:46.540 Something. 00:27:46.900 --> 00:27:48.600 Of the beauty and radiance. 00:27:48.600 --> 00:27:49.640 Of belonging to God. 00:27:49.700 --> 00:27:50.860 In these difficult times. 00:27:52.540 --> 00:27:53.759 Something of the difference. 00:27:53.840 --> 00:27:55.200 That he makes in our lives. 00:27:56.300 --> 00:27:57.340 Our attitudes. 00:27:58.020 --> 00:27:59.000 Our behavior. 00:28:00.580 --> 00:28:01.680 Wouldn't it be wonderful. 00:28:01.820 --> 00:28:02.820 If the people around us. 00:28:02.880 --> 00:28:04.060 Saw us as. 00:28:04.560 --> 00:28:05.900 People who bring encouragement. 00:28:05.900 --> 00:28:08.100 And care. 00:28:08.660 --> 00:28:09.580 And joy. 00:28:09.580 --> 00:28:10.580 And refreshment. 00:28:10.660 --> 00:28:11.780 And refreshment. 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:12.460 Into their day. 00:28:12.560 --> 00:28:13.400 Rather than as people. 00:28:13.540 --> 00:28:14.840 Who are just all too willing. 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:16.180 To jump into the mud. 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:16.780 Of grumbling. 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:18.200 And complaining with them. 00:28:18.280 --> 00:28:19.640 And wallow in there for a while. 00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:20.580 Until we're all. 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:22.660 Dirty and stained with it ourselves. 00:28:24.320 --> 00:28:25.519 Wouldn't it be a testimony. 00:28:25.780 --> 00:28:26.460 To our world. 00:28:26.840 --> 00:28:27.860 If they knew. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:29.340 That we cared more about them. 00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:30.019 As people. 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:33.319 Than about winning the argument. 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:34.579 On masks. 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:36.139 Or on. 00:28:36.440 --> 00:28:37.519 COVID conspiracy. 00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:38.920 Or what kind of government. 00:28:39.099 --> 00:28:39.740 Legislation. 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:41.180 Would best serve the people. 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:46.859 Therefore. 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:49.039 My dear friends. 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:51.460 As you have always obeyed. 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:53.000 Not only in my presence. 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:55.279 But now much more in my absence. 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:56.500 Continue. 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:57.839 To work out. 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:58.819 Your salvation. 00:28:58.819 --> 00:29:00.379 With fear. 00:29:00.379 --> 00:29:01.460 And trembling. 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:03.799 For it is God. 00:29:03.939 --> 00:29:05.379 Who works in you. 00:29:06.379 --> 00:29:06.939 To will. 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:07.839 And to act. 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:08.960 In order. 00:29:09.419 --> 00:29:10.740 To fulfill his good purpose. 00:29:10.899 --> 00:29:11.819 Do everything. 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:12.379 Without grumbling. 00:29:13.559 --> 00:29:14.539 Or arguing. 00:29:15.419 --> 00:29:16.980 So that you may become. 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:17.919 Blameless. 00:29:18.399 --> 00:29:18.980 And pure. 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:21.259 Children of God. 00:29:21.619 --> 00:29:22.399 Without fault. 00:29:23.679 --> 00:29:24.700 In a warped. 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.720 And crooked generation. 00:29:25.939 --> 00:29:27.059 In which you shine. 00:29:27.379 --> 00:29:28.439 Like stars. 00:29:28.819 --> 00:29:30.179 In the universe. 00:29:30.379 --> 00:29:31.339 As you hold fast. 00:29:31.339 --> 00:29:32.279 To the word of life. 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:35.759 Let's pray. 00:29:44.460 --> 00:29:44.899 Father. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:46.200 We thank you for these words. 00:29:46.839 --> 00:29:48.859 And we admit that they're not easy to hear. 00:29:48.859 --> 00:29:51.500 And they make us uncomfortable. 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.319 Because of. 00:29:52.899 --> 00:29:54.000 Our own guilt. 00:29:54.419 --> 00:29:56.039 And we confess that to you. 00:29:57.379 --> 00:29:59.159 We confess that we have grumbled. 00:29:59.159 --> 00:29:59.939 And argued. 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:02.059 When we shouldn't have. 00:30:03.539 --> 00:30:04.679 But we also. 00:30:06.419 --> 00:30:08.759 Declare that we long to be. 00:30:09.319 --> 00:30:10.319 Blameless and pure. 00:30:10.679 --> 00:30:12.079 The way that you want us to be. 00:30:12.199 --> 00:30:13.219 In this life. 00:30:13.459 --> 00:30:14.279 In our community. 00:30:14.279 --> 00:30:15.379 We want to shine. 00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:17.839 We want to. 00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:18.819 To adorn. 00:30:19.859 --> 00:30:21.240 The truth of Jesus. 00:30:23.639 --> 00:30:26.480 And so we ask that you would do a great work in our hearts. 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:28.899 Help us this week. 00:30:29.559 --> 00:30:30.359 Change our ways. 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:31.980 And change our hearts. 00:30:32.779 --> 00:30:34.299 We ask this in Christ's name. 00:30:35.420 --> 00:30:35.700 Amen. 00:30:35.700 --> 00:30:35.819 Amen. 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:35.879 Amen. 00:30:35.879 --> 00:30:35.899 Amen. 00:30:35.899 --> 00:30:35.920 Amen. 00:30:35.920 --> 00:30:35.940 Amen. 00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:35.960 Amen. 00:30:35.960 --> 00:30:35.980 Amen. 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:37.920 Amen. 00:30:37.920 --> 00:30:37.940 Amen. 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:39.899 Amen. 00:30:39.899 --> 00:30:39.920 Amen. 00:30:39.920 --> 00:30:39.940 Amen. 00:30:39.940 --> 00:30:39.960 Amen. 00:30:39.960 --> 00:30:40.019 Amen. 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:40.039 Amen. 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.059 Amen. 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.460 Amen. 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:40.539 Amen. 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:40.559 Amen. 00:30:40.559 --> 00:30:40.579 Amen. 00:30:40.579 --> 00:30:40.599 Amen. 00:30:40.599 --> 00:30:44.259 Amen.