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 Well, in Philippians, we're starting chapter 4 now, and this, I'll go ahead and tell you, is probably one of my most treasured texts in Scripture when it actually comes to walking through trials and suffering, and one that has really ministered in my heart over the years.

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 And so, we're going to walk through just a few of the beginning verses, pretty much verses 1 through 5 first, and just kind of talk through them a little bit, but the main focus is going to come in the following verses, and we're going to talk about prayer and the peace of God and so forth.

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 So, first of all, starting in verse 1, he tells them, he says,

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 My brothers whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

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 So, this is like a term of endearment, like yearning to see someone that you love very much, that you've been separated from for a long time.

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 I remember when we actually taught through Philippians years ago, when Nathan and Wes and I were in school up here, I was waiting for my lung transplant at the time when I actually got to teach on this particular text.

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 And so, and I was in the hospital a lot, and so this really close group of believers that I had learned to love and really just held dear in my heart.

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 It was hard to be away from them for, you know, weeks at a time, months at a time, being in the hospital.

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 And so, but I remember I got to come out and actually teach about this, and this was the immediate thing on my mind was, you know, I miss you guys, and I long to see you guys.

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 And he calls the Philippians my joy and my crown.

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 That's really powerful, powerful language.

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 He had a lot of problems with most churches that he established, Paul.

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 And, but the Philippians seem to be like, hold this really, really special place in his heart.

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 Like they were, there's some people you do ministry with, and some just seem like they're always sucking the life out of you and always just nagging, complaining about things.

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 And then there's other people that are just a constant encouragement.

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 Like you just don't have to worry about them.

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 Like, wow, they're just, they're just going to be there.

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 They're going to be giving their lives away and serving.

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 And that's kind of like how he felt about the Philippians.

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 He really held them dear in his heart.

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 And so he, he tells them to stand firm in the Lord in that verse.

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 And my beloved, a very, a military term, meaning hold your ground.

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 Like if you're being attacked, like to hold your ground, like a defensive position against overwhelming odds.

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 You know, hold your ground, stand firm.

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 And then he addresses an issue that comes up.

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 And this isn't irrelevant to us.

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 These are the names of two women that are in the Philippian congregation.

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 And so they're there.

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 This is here for a reason.

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 And if you really become like involved in the life of any church body, and you're, you're really connected and committed and you're serving there and living out life with people,

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 you're going to see like a lot of junk surface in the lives of the people that you're with.

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 And you can see that you'll see a lot of controversies and issues arise in the outworking of how the church is actually to be.

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 And so this is some kind of dispute between these two women.

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 These two women were probably pretty prominent in the Philippian church.

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 And more than likely, they were talked of in Acts 16 when Paul actually came to Philippi and he found like a lot of women praying.

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 And so this possible, they were a part of that group.

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 And he, something had come up where they were like, there was like a little faction, factions kind of forming with each, with each woman.

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 And he, he, he tells them, you know, I entreat you.

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 I advise you.

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 I implore you to agree in the Lord.

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 And so to be like the same mind spiritually, to be like in spiritual harmony with one another.

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 And so what can we agree on?

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 Let's agree in the Lord.

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 I'm going to mention this a little later, but most, this unity, most divisions in the church, they all come because people have their own ideas.

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 They want to agree on what they want, not really what the Lord wants.

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 They don't really want what scripture wants.

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 This unity is a result of being proud, stubborn, irrational, and harsh in your dealings with your brothers and your sisters.

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 And years ago, before I actually, while I was in school up here, I was still a member of a church in Norcross, Georgia, in Gwinnett County.

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 A great church, but there was around maybe 700 members, I'd say.

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 And we had undergone a huge work of God, just kind of like a return to scripture and return to the way Christ actually commands the church to be.

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 And because of that, there were some pretty big, like, factions that started forming.

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 People that wanted things their way and not really what scripture was saying.

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 And all these things were not small issues.

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 Because there were, like, major doctrinal issues that things like the inerrancy of scripture and so forth that a lot of people were dividing on.

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 And so, but it was just crazy because I remember a lot of those meetings where we would discuss these things.

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 There would be, like, you know, a few hundred people in a meeting along the congregation.

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 And, like, my pastor, he would clearly read, like, a direct command from Jesus or right out of the scripture that doesn't really need to be, like, whoa, what did he mean by that?

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 Something, like, very clear.

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 And immediately people would stand up and they would just be, like, disagreeing.

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 And it was, had nothing to do, it was all about their opinion.

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 They couldn't, like, say what he said.

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 They couldn't really argue what was being said.

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 It's like they, he's like, did you not hear what I just read?

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 Like, and it just comes from people wanting their way and selfishness and pride.

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 And so he's, so often when there's two factions, it often can take someone else, like a third party kind of coming in and trying to reconcile the two groups.

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 And it's possible that where he mentions this, this word companion there, do you see that?

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 Like, like, in verse 3, I ask also my true companion.

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 They're not really sure if, who Paul's referring to there.

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 But in the Greek, this actually could be a guy's name, just called my true companion.

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 And Paul's asking him to be, like, a third party to kind of go in and mediate.

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 And so his name actually means two oxen on a yoke carrying the same load.

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 Pretty cool.

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 Like he's a companion, someone that's kind of helping you in your labor.

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 And then he also calls a guy named Clement to be another party to help reconcile these women.

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 And we don't really know anything about Clement, plain and simple.

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 I guess that he's mentioned there.

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 So obviously he was an important member in the church.

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 So, but then he says, right here, he mentions Clement and the rest of my fellow workers,

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 whose names are in the book of life.

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 And if you remember a good while back, we read from Revelation and the judgment,

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 the judgment scene before the throne of God.

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 And we mentioned the Lamb's book of life.

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 And it's called the book of life, the Lamb's book of life.

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 And it was written, get this, it says this in Revelation, before the foundation of the world.

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 This book was written.

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 And with the names of all that are redeemed that would be in Christ, inheritors of eternal life.

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 So a lot of people think that there's a guy up there, like a little angel with a pen,

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 and every time someone gets saved, he's like, yeah, we got another one.

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 But it's like it was written a long time ago, way before the world existed.

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 And so he was like, but think about that.

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 He's saying their names are in the book of life.

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 So what more could we have in common?

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 Like what can we do to kind of reunite these factions?

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 Like we are, our names are written in the book of life.

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 We're going to be together for all eternity.

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 We're all joint heirs with Christ.

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 Stop this foolishness.

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 And so then he calls them to be, right here he says, verse 4,

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 Rejoice in the Lord always.

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 Again, I say rejoice.

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 And we'll revisit that in just a second.

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 But then he says, let your reasonableness, I can't barely say that word tonight,

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 let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

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 And so usually when people are in quarrels, in general, generally speaking, you're not in your right mind.

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 Sometimes people, they're losing touch with what the true reality is.

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 And when he says reasonable, he means like be kind, be gentle, be gracious, respectful, reasonable in your dealings with one another.

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 And if you're doing that, it'll guard from a lot of hostility towards each other.

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 So it's the very opposite of like being out of control and just kind of attacking someone and like being irrational about what you're actually arguing about.

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 Flip over to chapter 2 real fast in Philippians.

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 And Paul has already talked about how do we bring unity?

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 How do we dissolve these controversies?

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 Philippians 2, verse 1 says,

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 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

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 complete my joy by being of the same mind, the same mind, that's important,

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 having the same love, being in full accord of one mind.

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 So he mentions one mind twice there, same mind.

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 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

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 Let each one of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others,

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 and have this mind among yourselves, which was yours in Christ Jesus.

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 And then he gives the example of Christ's humility as the sole motivation, sole example,

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 sole power for how we're to live with one another.

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 So he's been talking about how is unity preserved in the body.

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 So we go back to chapter 4 there, and we'll jump back into this next part.

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 But he says,

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 Rejoice in the Lord.

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 Again, I say rejoice.

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 The Lord is near.

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 So when he says this, he's calling for a joy that's not dependent on circumstances,

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 but rather like a deep, abiding joy, an inner joy that comes from a relationship and a satisfaction

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 that only is found in Christ.

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 And this is kind of like setting us up for where we're going to go tonight.

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 But like glad in yourselves, in the Lord is kind of what he's saying.

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 You know, when we truly realize who God is and what he's done, like on our behalf,

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 we have great reason to rejoice.

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 Whenever we despair and whenever we fall into temptation,

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 there's always a failure to see.

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 There's a failure to remember who God is and remember who we are.

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 And we lose sight of that, and we actually are convinced that sin is better for us in the moment

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 than actually trusting in Christ.

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 So we lose sight of things.

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 And so he says it again, and he repeats,

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 Again I say rejoice.

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 And then he says,

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 Because the Lord is near.

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 The Lord is at hand.

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 So often, in trials or whenever,

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 whatever you go through,

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 you may even feel this way tonight,

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 is you don't feel like the Lord is near at all.

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 I've been feeling that way a little bit earlier today

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 until I actually started studying this.

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 It really ministered to my heart.

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 But the Scripture is very clear that the Lord encompasses His people,

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 that He's not just chilling out somewhere.

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 Like He's with you and He is in you.

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 I think I just have four places for you to turn outside of Philippians.

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 But keep your hand in Philippians,

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 but go to Psalm 34 real fast.

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 So keep your hand in Philippians,

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 but go to Psalm 34.

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 And I messed this up.

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 See what I did was I had,

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 I moved this down here,

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 but I already told you to turn to it.

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 So keep your hand there.

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 We're all going to go there.

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 Go back to Philippians though.

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 I'm sorry.

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 Forgive me for that.

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 So your turning has not been in vain.

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 Just keep it there.

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 So I have three points tonight about prayer.

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 And then following that,

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 just some examples of what we're talking about looks like.

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 So the first one is,

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 we're going to see in the following verses,

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 the need for prayer.

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 So let's just read the rest of it.

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 Turn in verse 6.

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 Do not be anxious about anything,

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 but in everything,

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 by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,

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 let your requests be made known to God.

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 And the peace of God,

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 which surpasses all understanding,

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 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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 So the first, number one,

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 is the need for prayer.

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 We see the need for prayer here in this text.

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 But he mentions like,

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 don't be anxious about anything.

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 So anxiety, fear, stress, doubt,

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 these are,

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 prayer is the only medicine,

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 the only remedy for those things that are attacking your soul.

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 And what happens is that when trials come on us,

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 and suffering comes on us,

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 we lose sight of things.

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 We,

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 when they're staring us in the face,

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 we often forget who God is.

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 We forget what we know about God to be true.

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 And we take our eyes off of God.

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 We put them on the circumstances.

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 And,

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 and when we do that,

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 when we're looking at the overwhelming circumstances rather than God,

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 that's when anxiety,

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 doubt,

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 fear,

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 kind of can just come in and just completely overthrow you.

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 And that's a problem.

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 It's a failure to actually see who God is.

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 Anxiety.

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 And,

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 uh,

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 so,

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 you ever,

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 you ever been there?

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 You ever felt like overrun?

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 Like,

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 man,

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 like,

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 it's like one thing,

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 and then it's just like an avalanche of things,

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 and you can't stop it.

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 And just,

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 you feel like you're overrun,

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 scattered,

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 confused,

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 and what just happened?

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 And like,

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 kind of dumbstruck by things.

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 And,

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 and it happens to the most mature believers.

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 Like,

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 just go and read

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 any of David's Psalms,

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 you know?

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 And like,

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 you'll see him,

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 like,

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 sorting through things in his mind.

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 You'll see him,

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 uh,

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 you'll see that in a lot of his circumstances,

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 he's lost sight of God.

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 He's,

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 he's,

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 he's,

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 uh,

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 kind of preaching to himself a little bit.

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 And he's,

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 you start to doubt God's goodness and God's sovereignty

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 when you're just looking on your,

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 your circumstances.

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 So this is an example of that.

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 Good turn to Psalm 34 now.

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 Example of that.

00:16:49.680 --> 00:16:51.080
 And he,

00:16:51.200 --> 00:16:51.420
 uh,

00:16:52.820 --> 00:16:53.300
 um,

00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:57.120
 would arrive eventually at something like this.

00:16:57.320 --> 00:16:57.860
 Psalm 34,

00:16:58.000 --> 00:16:58.500
 verse one.

00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:02.360
 I will bless the Lord at all times.

00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:03.400
 Sound familiar?

00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:04.500
 Like in everything,

00:17:05.640 --> 00:17:05.960
 you know,

00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:07.299
 do not be anxious,

00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:08.059
 but in everything.

00:17:08.559 --> 00:17:10.600
 I will bless the Lord at all times.

00:17:11.360 --> 00:17:13.640
 His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

00:17:14.360 --> 00:17:17.080
 My soul makes his boast in the Lord.

00:17:17.900 --> 00:17:19.559
 Let the humble hear and be glad.

00:17:19.559 --> 00:17:20.659
 Oh,

00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:24.240
 magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together.

00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:29.839
 I sought the Lord and he answered me and deliver me from all my fears.

00:17:29.839 --> 00:17:33.159
 Those who look to him are radiant.

00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:34.259
 See that?

00:17:34.459 --> 00:17:34.619
 Okay.

00:17:34.679 --> 00:17:36.019
 Intentional looking to him.

00:17:36.859 --> 00:17:39.439
 They're radiant and their faces shall never be ashamed.

00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:41.620
 This poor man cried.

00:17:41.620 --> 00:17:45.160
 And the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:50.680
 The angel of the Lord and camps around those who fear him and delivers them.

00:17:50.680 --> 00:17:53.120
 There's the idea of how the Lord is near.

00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:54.160
 The Lord's at hand.

00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:55.060
 Oh,

00:17:55.140 --> 00:17:56.820
 taste and see that the Lord is good.

00:17:57.320 --> 00:17:59.680
 Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

00:18:00.900 --> 00:18:01.299
 So,

00:18:01.299 --> 00:18:04.740
 David had to like bring it back to what he knew was true.

00:18:04.840 --> 00:18:06.460
 When he just thought about his circumstances,

00:18:06.620 --> 00:18:08.019
 he would get overwhelmed.

00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:09.980
 And so,

00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:11.460
 so we're,

00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:12.639
 we're needful.

00:18:12.940 --> 00:18:13.960
 We're needy people.

00:18:14.180 --> 00:18:14.420
 Like we,

00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:17.440
 prayer recognizes that we can't do things on our own,

00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:20.900
 that we need God to step in and minister to us.

00:18:21.400 --> 00:18:21.819
 It's a,

00:18:21.819 --> 00:18:24.279
 it's a humble confession of,

00:18:24.480 --> 00:18:26.299
 I can't do this and I'm not God.

00:18:26.379 --> 00:18:26.819
 You are.

00:18:27.420 --> 00:18:30.559
 Please come and minister to my spirit.

00:18:31.339 --> 00:18:31.799
 And so,

00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:34.559
 so ask yourself what you're anxious about tonight.

00:18:34.679 --> 00:18:35.000
 School,

00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:36.399
 relationships,

00:18:36.859 --> 00:18:37.359
 finances,

00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:38.799
 family,

00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:39.279
 success,

00:18:39.619 --> 00:18:39.940
 health,

00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:40.379
 whatever.

00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:41.599
 Like just,

00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.839
 just stop and think about it.

00:18:42.859 --> 00:18:45.000
 There's usually something on your mind that's troubling you.

00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.059
 That you're like,

00:18:46.119 --> 00:18:49.119
 there's something going on now or something pending that will be coming.

00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:51.919
 And so he's saying,

00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:52.299
 you know,

00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:53.599
 think about these things.

00:18:54.639 --> 00:18:55.460
 So that's,

00:18:56.039 --> 00:18:57.039
 that's the need for prayer.

00:18:57.119 --> 00:18:59.559
 We could go on about the need for prayer all night.

00:18:59.559 --> 00:19:02.200
 but jumping back to Philippians,

00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:04.559
 we're going to like talk about the,

00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:06.519
 the remedy for anxiety.

00:19:07.659 --> 00:19:10.859
 So back in Philippians four,

00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:13.179
 the next point,

00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:16.960
 number two is instruction for prayer.

00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:18.359
 The instruction for prayer.

00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:21.059
 We see in verse six,

00:19:22.399 --> 00:19:22.639
 right?

00:19:22.639 --> 00:19:24.440
 Do not be anxious about anything,

00:19:25.339 --> 00:19:28.759
 but rather in everything,

00:19:28.759 --> 00:19:31.220
 by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,

00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:34.079
 let your requests be made known to God.

00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:37.359
 So it's going to,

00:19:37.420 --> 00:19:38.619
 it rings all throughout scripture.

00:19:38.799 --> 00:19:39.900
 Pray at all times,

00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:41.839
 pray without ceasing,

00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:44.660
 be devoted to prayer in everything,

00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:46.599
 no matter what circumstances come.

00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:48.959
 He's encouraging you not to be dumbstruck.

00:19:48.959 --> 00:19:49.939
 When something does come,

00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.379
 he's saying,

00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:55.679
 instead of just kind of freaking out and losing it,

00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:58.899
 like gather yourself and pray.

00:19:59.159 --> 00:19:59.359
 Like,

00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:03.480
 I think we just really make little of prayer.

00:20:04.099 --> 00:20:05.779
 And we tend to,

00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:06.959
 you ever heard anybody say this?

00:20:07.379 --> 00:20:07.519
 Like,

00:20:08.219 --> 00:20:08.500
 well,

00:20:08.639 --> 00:20:10.139
 like you like finish sharing with them,

00:20:10.199 --> 00:20:11.419
 like a very hard circumstance.

00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:12.500
 Like,

00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:12.799
 well,

00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:14.000
 all we can do is pray.

00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:14.899
 And it's like,

00:20:15.379 --> 00:20:16.500
 kind of like poor prayer.

00:20:16.659 --> 00:20:17.119
 Kind of like,

00:20:17.180 --> 00:20:18.539
 it's not really that all that powerful.

00:20:19.960 --> 00:20:20.700
 So like,

00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:21.000
 man,

00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:21.339
 no,

00:20:21.440 --> 00:20:21.720
 like,

00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:24.639
 if you were praying to a human being,

00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:25.919
 or praying to some other thing,

00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:27.960
 then you could probably say that,

00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:30.119
 but not when you're praying to the,

00:20:30.119 --> 00:20:31.559
 the giver of life,

00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:33.500
 and the living God.

00:20:33.619 --> 00:20:34.460
 It's powerful.

00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:39.039
 And so don't ever like belittle prayer.

00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:41.539
 And I'll need help and reminders of that as well.

00:20:41.860 --> 00:20:43.460
 But no matter how dire,

00:20:43.779 --> 00:20:45.700
 how serious the circumstances are,

00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:46.880
 we're to pray.

00:20:47.539 --> 00:20:49.759
 And so it,

00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:52.460
 Paul says in Colossians four,

00:20:53.220 --> 00:20:54.539
 I believe it's like,

00:20:54.620 --> 00:20:55.799
 be devoted to prayer.

00:20:56.840 --> 00:20:57.860
 So it's like,

00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:58.480
 he's saying,

00:20:59.200 --> 00:20:59.840
 make it a much,

00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:02.380
 a part of your normal existence is eating and sleeping.

00:21:02.380 --> 00:21:04.180
 Like be devoted to it.

00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:05.100
 You're devoted to sleeping,

00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:05.400
 right?

00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:06.380
 I am.

00:21:06.840 --> 00:21:07.980
 I need to do it more.

00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:09.860
 Devote yourself to eating,

00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:10.860
 you know,

00:21:10.880 --> 00:21:13.200
 like devote yourself to prayer in the same way.

00:21:13.340 --> 00:21:13.600
 He's saying,

00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:15.240
 so I'll,

00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:16.539
 you can write this verse down,

00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:17.600
 but Romans 12,

00:21:18.320 --> 00:21:19.580
 verse 11 says,

00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:21.420
 do not be slothful and zeal,

00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:23.220
 be fervent in spirit,

00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:24.240
 serve the Lord,

00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:26.100
 rejoice in hope,

00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:28.539
 be patient in tribulation,

00:21:29.320 --> 00:21:30.740
 be constant in prayer.

00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:34.160
 So there's so many other things I could read,

00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:35.160
 but he's just saying like,

00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:35.759
 be constant,

00:21:36.180 --> 00:21:36.779
 be vigilant,

00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:37.900
 wait upon the Lord,

00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.160
 go to him,

00:21:39.240 --> 00:21:40.600
 be patient during trial.

00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:44.600
 And so back in the rest of that verse,

00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.200
 he says,

00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:46.320
 and everything,

00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:46.920
 my prayer,

00:21:47.100 --> 00:21:48.680
 supplication with thanksgiving.

00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:53.299
 Supplication is kind of a hard word to hammer down,

00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:57.720
 but at least in a Greek context,

00:21:57.720 --> 00:22:02.899
 it meant like to take an olive branch to a sovereign or a king and like offer him.

00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:06.339
 That olive branch is a sign of peace.

00:22:06.419 --> 00:22:08.460
 And so you would bow down and you would offer it to him.

00:22:08.680 --> 00:22:10.200
 And because you were at,

00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:11.480
 you needed something of him,

00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:13.460
 you were asking like a favor or asking,

00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:14.539
 you know,

00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:15.899
 him to do something for you.

00:22:15.900 --> 00:22:18.259
 And so you would go and offer him an olive branch as a,

00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:21.080
 an act of peace and humility to that,

00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:22.259
 to that sovereign.

00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:27.000
 So that can carry over pretty well to our relationship with God,

00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.060
 for sure.

00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:31.960
 But we're earnestly laying our request before him and saying,

00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:33.319
 I can't do it.

00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:34.079
 I can't do it.

00:22:34.339 --> 00:22:34.559
 You know,

00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:35.940
 I can't do it.

00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:38.419
 And I need you to step in.

00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:40.059
 And so supplications,

00:22:41.139 --> 00:22:43.000
 somebody's translation might say petitions,

00:22:43.539 --> 00:22:44.299
 same idea.

00:22:44.899 --> 00:22:46.339
 It means like to be specific,

00:22:46.619 --> 00:22:46.879
 you know,

00:22:46.919 --> 00:22:49.779
 be specific about what you're requesting with God.

00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:50.980
 And,

00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:51.799
 and under this,

00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:52.559
 I have like,

00:22:52.679 --> 00:22:56.399
 this is all underneath number two on instruction of prayer,

00:22:56.400 --> 00:23:00.380
 but I have just some little bullets underneath this little sub points,

00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:01.220
 if you want to call that.

00:23:02.060 --> 00:23:09.060
 But sub point number one is prayers for our sake and benefit prayers for our

00:23:09.060 --> 00:23:14.440
 sake and benefit prayer doesn't exist necessarily because God needs it.

00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:16.040
 Not at all.

00:23:16.880 --> 00:23:22.480
 He gave us the awesome gift of prayer so that we can see him and experience him

00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:26.400
 in amazing ways that we could communicate and share with him,

00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:26.839
 commune,

00:23:26.900 --> 00:23:27.700
 commune with him.

00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:30.819
 And so if the Holy Spirit is abiding in us as,

00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.880
 as believers,

00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:32.720
 either you will,

00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:35.259
 you will pray as a result of like,

00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:38.460
 of love and gratitude to God,

00:23:38.539 --> 00:23:42.680
 or circumstances will force you to pray as a believer.

00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:44.680
 You ever like got kind of slackish,

00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:49.259
 kind of sorry in your prayer life and not devoting yourself to prayer.

00:23:50.120 --> 00:23:50.820
 And then you're like,

00:23:50.900 --> 00:23:51.880
 I'm doing pretty good.

00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.440
 And then like,

00:23:52.860 --> 00:23:53.160
 bam.

00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:53.640
 And like,

00:23:53.660 --> 00:23:54.400
 you're like on your knees,

00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:54.600
 like,

00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:55.039
 Oh Lord,

00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:57.360
 the Lord will do that.

00:23:57.440 --> 00:24:00.180
 He'll do what it takes to get you on your knees.

00:24:00.600 --> 00:24:01.740
 And so,

00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:03.259
 so prayer is for our benefit.

00:24:03.600 --> 00:24:06.340
 God has given us that awesome gift to like,

00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:09.620
 to communicate with him and to connect with him.

00:24:09.619 --> 00:24:09.619


00:24:10.219 --> 00:24:12.279
 so sub point number two is,

00:24:12.379 --> 00:24:12.739
 is,

00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:14.859
 is we're to pray specifically.

00:24:15.939 --> 00:24:16.419
 Um,

00:24:16.459 --> 00:24:17.099
 like it says,

00:24:17.199 --> 00:24:21.039
 we're to lift up our petitions and supplications to God.

00:24:21.619 --> 00:24:23.159
 And for several reasons,

00:24:23.159 --> 00:24:24.959
 it strengthens our faith.

00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.799
 It strengthens our confidence before God.

00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:30.259
 When we see him answer us in specific ways.

00:24:30.739 --> 00:24:32.839
 If you're just like praying that general prayer of like,

00:24:32.899 --> 00:24:33.039
 Oh,

00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:34.019
 just your will be done.

00:24:34.099 --> 00:24:35.000
 And it's great.

00:24:35.639 --> 00:24:36.339
 That's true.

00:24:36.479 --> 00:24:37.259
 You need to pray that,

00:24:37.479 --> 00:24:39.479
 but also be specific with God.

00:24:40.039 --> 00:24:41.899
 When we pray your will be done,

00:24:42.099 --> 00:24:42.359
 it's,

00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:45.959
 it's more or less saying it follows your specific requests.

00:24:46.539 --> 00:24:47.199
 And you're,

00:24:47.199 --> 00:24:47.419
 you're,

00:24:47.419 --> 00:24:47.919
 you're saying,

00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.379
 I don't know what's best.

00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:50.839
 I don't know because I'm,

00:24:50.919 --> 00:24:51.719
 I'm ignorant.

00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:53.839
 I hope that this outcome is,

00:24:53.959 --> 00:24:55.419
 this outcome is what I want.

00:24:55.419 --> 00:24:57.000
 And I think this is a good thing,

00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:58.439
 but I don't know.

00:24:58.599 --> 00:24:59.500
 So your will be done.

00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:00.379
 You know,

00:25:00.399 --> 00:25:00.559
 it's,

00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:05.779
 it's a confession of humility and trust in God's sovereignty when we pray that,

00:25:05.879 --> 00:25:09.319
 but it shouldn't just stop us from being specific with God.

00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:11.579
 Cause it will strengthen your faith.

00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:16.619
 And it will build your relationship with him when you see him answer in very specific ways.

00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:19.699
 So we're to go before him in that way.

00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.559
 And,

00:25:20.640 --> 00:25:22.319
 and he cares about us deeply.

00:25:22.319 --> 00:25:23.160
 And that's why we're to,

00:25:23.160 --> 00:25:24.420
 to be specific with him.

00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:25.519
 And,

00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:28.279
 excuse me.

00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:30.120
 But when we also do that,

00:25:30.600 --> 00:25:31.559
 being specific,

00:25:31.559 --> 00:25:33.799
 it authenticates our prayer.

00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:35.379
 It really does.

00:25:35.519 --> 00:25:38.779
 Are you just saying a formula or are you actually bringing like real desires,

00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:41.639
 real serious things that are on your heart to God?

00:25:41.679 --> 00:25:42.859
 Or are you just kind of going through the,

00:25:42.859 --> 00:25:44.460
 the checks of,

00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:45.819
 of what you're supposed to say to God?

00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:49.720
 And so when we pour out our affections and we plead with God,

00:25:49.779 --> 00:25:52.319
 it really makes it real.

00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.059
 It makes it real.

00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:55.039
 Like we're really coming to God with things that are on our heart.

00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:56.379
 And God cares.

00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.660
 He wants us to do that.

00:25:58.100 --> 00:25:58.820
 First Peter five,

00:25:58.920 --> 00:25:59.180
 seven.

00:25:59.820 --> 00:26:03.400
 We're to cast all our anxiety on him because he cares for us.

00:26:04.040 --> 00:26:04.980
 First Peter five,

00:26:05.080 --> 00:26:05.300
 seven.

00:26:05.420 --> 00:26:08.580
 Cast our anxieties on him because he cares for us.

00:26:08.580 --> 00:26:10.760
 And sub point number three,

00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:13.000
 it kind of goes back to what we were saying.

00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:13.360
 Pray,

00:26:13.920 --> 00:26:15.040
 pray his will be done.

00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:15.340
 Pray,

00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:17.080
 pray in his will.

00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:20.280
 Because we don't know,

00:26:20.380 --> 00:26:20.800
 like I said,

00:26:20.860 --> 00:26:22.480
 if what we're praying is the best thing.

00:26:23.360 --> 00:26:24.900
 Back when I was,

00:26:24.900 --> 00:26:25.340
 uh,

00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:27.080
 dying with,

00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:27.720
 with CF,

00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:29.360
 like I would pray for healing.

00:26:30.040 --> 00:26:30.360
 All right.

00:26:30.380 --> 00:26:34.200
 I had more oil dumped on me than McDonald's French fries.

00:26:34.300 --> 00:26:37.840
 Like I had like people praying for healing,

00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:38.440
 you know,

00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:39.000
 like I had,

00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.980
 I believe that God could do it.

00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:42.800
 But at the end of the day,

00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:44.360
 I'm not God.

00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:47.540
 I don't know what would be better for me to die for me to live.

00:26:48.040 --> 00:26:48.560
 You know,

00:26:48.560 --> 00:26:52.060
 is it going to go back to chapter one to live as Christ,

00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:52.759
 die as gain.

00:26:52.840 --> 00:26:53.660
 Do I believe that?

00:26:53.660 --> 00:26:54.340
 And,

00:26:54.420 --> 00:26:56.519
 or am I just wanting it my way?

00:26:56.800 --> 00:27:00.420
 And so I would just be specific with God.

00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:01.180
 But at the end of the day,

00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:02.200
 he knows what's best.

00:27:02.320 --> 00:27:03.880
 And so it's a,

00:27:03.880 --> 00:27:06.440
 it's a humble recognition that God knows the best outcome.

00:27:07.080 --> 00:27:07.460
 And,

00:27:07.540 --> 00:27:07.720
 uh,

00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:10.540
 and as we grow into relationship with God,

00:27:10.560 --> 00:27:12.340
 you really want your will to be his.

00:27:12.420 --> 00:27:13.320
 That's what you keep wanting.

00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:13.660
 Like,

00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:14.400
 man,

00:27:14.400 --> 00:27:16.160
 I don't want it to be my will be done.

00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:17.600
 I want his will to be done.

00:27:17.600 --> 00:27:21.360
 And my will is seriously messed up at times.

00:27:21.359 --> 00:27:21.799
 So,

00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:23.139
 okay,

00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:23.439
 uh,

00:27:23.439 --> 00:27:24.240
 hold on Philippians.

00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:28.039
 Go to first Thessalonians chapter five,

00:27:28.299 --> 00:27:31.119
 just to the right a little bit.

00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:34.199
 First Thessalonians chapter five.

00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:39.580
 And a man who discipled me when I was 18,

00:27:39.660 --> 00:27:39.940
 19,

00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:40.900
 20 years old.

00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:42.120
 This is a verse.

00:27:42.180 --> 00:27:43.700
 It was just always on his lips.

00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:46.460
 He would always just shoot this one out at me.

00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:46.880
 Um,

00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:49.220
 first Thessalonians five,

00:27:49.300 --> 00:27:50.220
 go to verse 16.

00:27:50.860 --> 00:27:54.100
 And I want you to see like the consistency here.

00:27:55.340 --> 00:27:55.780
 Rejoice.

00:27:55.880 --> 00:27:58.560
 Always pray without ceasing.

00:27:59.080 --> 00:28:05.100
 Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ.

00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:06.280
 Jesus for you.

00:28:07.100 --> 00:28:08.120
 Very powerful.

00:28:08.620 --> 00:28:11.800
 And like it's a recognition that what's happened,

00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:13.920
 happening to me right now is not an accident.

00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:16.860
 Things are not just happening to me.

00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:17.740
 This isn't random.

00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:18.920
 This isn't chance.

00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:21.560
 It's not fate kind of hovering over me.

00:28:21.720 --> 00:28:22.019
 It's,

00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:22.380
 it's,

00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:23.779
 it's God.

00:28:24.300 --> 00:28:24.620
 And,

00:28:25.320 --> 00:28:25.779
 um,

00:28:26.380 --> 00:28:26.940
 you know,

00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:29.480
 I've often said that in the old Testament,

00:28:29.600 --> 00:28:30.340
 in the Hebrew language,

00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:35.180
 they don't actually have a word at all for chance or luck.

00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:36.580
 They don't have a word for it.

00:28:36.580 --> 00:28:37.039
 Cause they were,

00:28:37.160 --> 00:28:38.300
 they were implying,

00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:42.200
 like they understood that all things were governed by the sovereign hand of God.

00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:43.140
 Things didn't just happen.

00:28:43.660 --> 00:28:45.700
 It was all God ordained.

00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:46.160
 So,

00:28:46.860 --> 00:28:48.420
 so when you do that,

00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:53.259
 you're to give thanks in all things for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.

00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:53.900
 So,

00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:54.940
 yep.

00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:56.500
 Go back to Philippians again.

00:28:56.840 --> 00:28:57.620
 Philippians four.

00:28:58.319 --> 00:29:00.059
 We're going to go to the next part of this.

00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:06.039
 All right.

00:29:06.220 --> 00:29:07.539
 And this point three,

00:29:08.039 --> 00:29:09.079
 last point,

00:29:10.500 --> 00:29:10.839
 is,

00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:11.179
 uh,

00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:14.119
 the promise of prayer,

00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:15.619
 right?

00:29:15.679 --> 00:29:16.819
 The promise of prayer.

00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:18.480
 Verse seven.

00:29:19.859 --> 00:29:20.519
 All right.

00:29:20.619 --> 00:29:21.839
 And the peace of God,

00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:24.700
 which surpasses all understanding,

00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:29.920
 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

00:29:31.160 --> 00:29:35.220
 So the peace of God is going to be the reward,

00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:35.779
 um,

00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:37.279
 or the promise of prayer.

00:29:37.840 --> 00:29:38.400
 And,

00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:39.960
 and it's a peace that he says,

00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:42.660
 like surpasses all comprehension,

00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.420
 understanding.

00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:44.740
 It doesn't make sense.

00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:45.900
 It's weird.

00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:47.059
 Like it's,

00:29:47.100 --> 00:29:50.600
 it's different than what you would see somewhere else.

00:29:50.599 --> 00:29:51.159
 And it's a,

00:29:51.219 --> 00:29:54.240
 it's a peace that like implies like an inner calm,

00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:55.000
 like a,

00:29:55.000 --> 00:29:57.139
 a tranquility of the soul,

00:29:57.139 --> 00:29:57.659
 um,

00:29:58.219 --> 00:30:01.039
 that Christ has promised to give to believers,

00:30:01.399 --> 00:30:03.359
 his peace to believers.

00:30:03.359 --> 00:30:03.939
 And,

00:30:03.939 --> 00:30:05.179
 and often,

00:30:05.419 --> 00:30:05.879
 um,

00:30:06.679 --> 00:30:07.139
 when,

00:30:07.299 --> 00:30:12.059
 when a lot of junk was going on and times are getting pretty serious and trials

00:30:12.059 --> 00:30:14.679
 are coming and the disciples start freaking out,

00:30:14.679 --> 00:30:18.339
 like Jesus brings them back like to this.

00:30:18.339 --> 00:30:18.899
 And,

00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:19.220
 uh,

00:30:19.839 --> 00:30:20.959
 so I think,

00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:22.879
 um,

00:30:23.059 --> 00:30:23.339
 yeah,

00:30:23.399 --> 00:30:26.199
 you definitely want to turn here and turn to John 14 real fast.

00:30:30.539 --> 00:30:31.019
 Yeah.

00:30:31.099 --> 00:30:31.459
 John,

00:30:31.579 --> 00:30:32.379
 John 14,

00:30:32.939 --> 00:30:36.539
 John 14,

00:30:36.639 --> 00:30:37.519
 verse 25.

00:30:38.179 --> 00:30:39.220
 And this is,

00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:39.879
 you know,

00:30:39.879 --> 00:30:40.779
 towards the end,

00:30:40.899 --> 00:30:44.579
 last few hours of Christ's life before he was arrested.

00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:48.119
 And so these are urgent matters on his mind and on his disciples,

00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:48.579
 minds.

00:30:49.079 --> 00:30:50.919
 And he begins to talk about the Holy spirit.

00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:51.519
 And,

00:30:51.579 --> 00:30:51.899
 uh,

00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:52.939
 John,

00:30:53.139 --> 00:30:53.939
 John 14,

00:30:54.079 --> 00:30:54.819
 verse 25.

00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:57.119
 He says,

00:30:57.259 --> 00:31:00.739
 these things I've spoken to you while I still was with you,

00:31:00.939 --> 00:31:02.079
 but the helper,

00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:03.179
 the Holy spirit,

00:31:03.699 --> 00:31:05.599
 whom the father will send in my name,

00:31:06.159 --> 00:31:10.699
 he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I've said to you.

00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:12.179
 And then he says,

00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:12.699
 peace.

00:31:12.700 --> 00:31:13.759
 I leave with you.

00:31:14.420 --> 00:31:15.180
 My peace.

00:31:15.480 --> 00:31:16.200
 I give to you.

00:31:16.900 --> 00:31:18.580
 Not as the world gives.

00:31:19.100 --> 00:31:20.120
 Do I give to you?

00:31:20.840 --> 00:31:22.340
 Let not your hearts be troubled.

00:31:22.559 --> 00:31:24.120
 Neither let them be afraid.

00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:26.160
 So,

00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:29.860
 so it's a piece that you can't actually get anywhere else.

00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:31.319
 There's not another store that sells this.

00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:31.660
 It's like,

00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:31.980
 it's,

00:31:31.980 --> 00:31:33.360
 it's in Christ.

00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:34.019
 And that's it.

00:31:34.080 --> 00:31:34.640
 There's not a,

00:31:34.640 --> 00:31:38.140
 you can't make this piece up from somewhere other place.

00:31:38.720 --> 00:31:39.480
 And while you're in John,

00:31:39.560 --> 00:31:42.420
 just go over two chapters to chapter 16.

00:31:46.040 --> 00:31:46.520
 And,

00:31:46.600 --> 00:31:46.880
 uh,

00:31:47.600 --> 00:31:48.880
 a really huge,

00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:53.900
 all encompassing verse here and go to verse 33 towards the end.

00:31:55.040 --> 00:31:56.120
 And he says,

00:31:56.640 --> 00:31:59.920
 I've said these things to you that in me,

00:32:00.420 --> 00:32:03.640
 you may have peace in the world.

00:32:03.640 --> 00:32:05.460
 You will have tribulation,

00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:07.200
 but take heart.

00:32:07.340 --> 00:32:08.580
 I have overcome the world.

00:32:09.960 --> 00:32:10.200
 So,

00:32:10.800 --> 00:32:11.100
 yeah,

00:32:11.320 --> 00:32:12.060
 in Christ,

00:32:12.700 --> 00:32:14.860
 Jesus didn't promise smooth sailing,

00:32:15.080 --> 00:32:15.740
 easy life.

00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:17.140
 Nope.

00:32:17.800 --> 00:32:19.200
 And he's like,

00:32:19.460 --> 00:32:20.380
 but take confidence,

00:32:20.540 --> 00:32:21.060
 have peace,

00:32:21.120 --> 00:32:23.100
 because I've overcome the world.

00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:23.640
 Like I've,

00:32:23.660 --> 00:32:24.580
 I've defeated it.

00:32:25.020 --> 00:32:26.280
 I've risen above it.

00:32:26.320 --> 00:32:27.100
 I've conquered it.

00:32:27.840 --> 00:32:28.080
 So,

00:32:28.780 --> 00:32:30.660
 sorry guys.

00:32:30.660 --> 00:32:33.500
 I've been digging some,

00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:33.800
 uh,

00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:35.800
 some Puritans this week.

00:32:36.340 --> 00:32:36.580
 Um,

00:32:37.259 --> 00:32:37.960
 don't ever,

00:32:38.380 --> 00:32:38.519
 man,

00:32:38.519 --> 00:32:40.880
 I ought to recommend some good Puritan books for you guys.

00:32:41.360 --> 00:32:42.040
 A lot of it,

00:32:42.100 --> 00:32:44.000
 it's worth it to get some Puritan gold.

00:32:44.320 --> 00:32:44.560
 So,

00:32:45.560 --> 00:32:46.000
 this is,

00:32:46.080 --> 00:32:46.320
 um,

00:32:46.480 --> 00:32:47.320
 Jonathan Edwards.

00:32:48.120 --> 00:32:48.740
 And he,

00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:51.220
 he's writing about like the peace of Christ.

00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:53.680
 And the peace that Christ gives to his people.

00:32:53.680 --> 00:32:54.740
 He says,

00:32:54.820 --> 00:32:59.000
 Christ's peace is a virtuous peace and a holy peace.

00:32:59.840 --> 00:33:04.019
 The peace that the saints enjoy in Christ is not only their comfort,

00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:07.080
 but as a part of their beauty and dignity.

00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:07.660
 Wow.

00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:12.100
 Like it's something that kind of makes us glow and the midst of crazy

00:33:12.100 --> 00:33:12.680
 situations.

00:33:14.600 --> 00:33:14.759
 They,

00:33:14.900 --> 00:33:18.320
 they are virtues and graces of God's spirit.

00:33:18.799 --> 00:33:21.680
 We're in the image of God and then partly consists.

00:33:21.680 --> 00:33:25.560
 Christ's peace is an unfailing and eternal peace.

00:33:26.120 --> 00:33:27.060
 It is everlasting.

00:33:27.960 --> 00:33:30.580
 It is what no time or change can destroy.

00:33:31.340 --> 00:33:34.080
 The fountain of his comfort shall never be diminished.

00:33:34.720 --> 00:33:37.740
 His comfort and joy is a living spring in the soul.

00:33:38.620 --> 00:33:39.259
 Pretty cool.

00:33:39.720 --> 00:33:39.900
 Yeah.

00:33:41.000 --> 00:33:41.680
 J Edwards.

00:33:42.960 --> 00:33:43.259
 So,

00:33:43.560 --> 00:33:44.620
 all right.

00:33:44.660 --> 00:33:45.660
 Now I want you to think about,

00:33:45.759 --> 00:33:46.600
 think about this.

00:33:47.580 --> 00:33:51.660
 Like the peace that Christ gives is something that like permeates from the

00:33:51.660 --> 00:33:52.380
 inside out.

00:33:52.519 --> 00:33:53.000
 It's not a,

00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:56.140
 it's not an external thing that you try to run after and get.

00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:59.360
 It's something that comes from within.

00:33:59.580 --> 00:34:04.240
 It's a peace that abides in us and shows itself coming out.

00:34:04.240 --> 00:34:04.799
 And,

00:34:04.799 --> 00:34:08.659
 so many people seek to find peace in,

00:34:08.659 --> 00:34:10.880
 in their circumstances,

00:34:11.460 --> 00:34:12.400
 in people,

00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:14.659
 whatever.

00:34:15.019 --> 00:34:15.179
 Like,

00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:17.519
 so when you're going through something like,

00:34:18.019 --> 00:34:19.179
 what's the first thing you do when,

00:34:19.239 --> 00:34:20.019
 when something hits you,

00:34:20.539 --> 00:34:21.480
 pick up the phone and,

00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:23.619
 and try to talk to somebody about it and tell them what's going on.

00:34:23.760 --> 00:34:24.440
 Nothing wrong,

00:34:24.820 --> 00:34:25.820
 nothing wrong with that.

00:34:26.780 --> 00:34:30.860
 But are you looking for your ultimate source of peace from someone telling you

00:34:30.860 --> 00:34:31.700
 it's going to be okay?

00:34:31.860 --> 00:34:32.100
 Or,

00:34:32.600 --> 00:34:36.100
 I'll see this in the hospital a lot and God had to really teach me.

00:34:36.160 --> 00:34:41.800
 I think that it took me until I was about 23 or 22 to really learn this.

00:34:42.059 --> 00:34:42.160
 And,

00:34:42.160 --> 00:34:43.640
 and to forgive me years,

00:34:43.720 --> 00:34:45.120
 I just had a hard time with this,

00:34:45.200 --> 00:34:45.380
 but,

00:34:46.160 --> 00:34:46.580
 and,

00:34:46.680 --> 00:34:46.920
 uh,

00:34:46.920 --> 00:34:48.400
 not above that now,

00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:49.400
 but I,

00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:51.579
 I would be looking for the doctors to tell me you're okay.

00:34:51.780 --> 00:34:52.200
 You're okay.

00:34:52.360 --> 00:34:55.280
 Or I just couldn't have peace until he came by and said,

00:34:55.380 --> 00:34:56.039
 you're doing good.

00:34:56.119 --> 00:34:56.900
 Here's where you are.

00:34:57.599 --> 00:35:00.820
 And I couldn't just like get beyond that.

00:35:01.039 --> 00:35:01.240
 And,

00:35:01.340 --> 00:35:01.559
 uh,

00:35:02.079 --> 00:35:04.680
 so it was something definitely had to learn.

00:35:05.340 --> 00:35:10.760
 So I was looking for something outside of myself to comfort me and give me peace.

00:35:11.780 --> 00:35:13.900
 So another Puritan,

00:35:14.119 --> 00:35:14.380
 I mean,

00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:15.660
 go ahead and write this book down.

00:35:15.820 --> 00:35:16.220
 Good book.

00:35:16.800 --> 00:35:17.079
 Uh,

00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:18.079
 Jeremiah Burroughs.

00:35:18.400 --> 00:35:20.160
 There was a book,

00:35:20.160 --> 00:35:20.720
 um,

00:35:20.720 --> 00:35:22.400
 on Philippians.

00:35:22.960 --> 00:35:26.280
 It's called the rare jewel of Christian contentment.

00:35:26.760 --> 00:35:27.180
 Man,

00:35:27.260 --> 00:35:27.680
 good book.

00:35:27.800 --> 00:35:30.579
 It's a book that Nathan West and I read together.

00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:32.280
 We were in school up here.

00:35:33.160 --> 00:35:35.000
 The rare jewel of Christian contentment.

00:35:35.940 --> 00:35:37.420
 And this is something he says.

00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:40.220
 I'm going to give you a little illustration here about,

00:35:40.220 --> 00:35:40.940
 um,

00:35:41.420 --> 00:35:42.539
 this idea of internal,

00:35:42.820 --> 00:35:44.360
 external kind of thing.

00:35:45.180 --> 00:35:45.940
 He says,

00:35:45.940 --> 00:35:48.360
 I will unfold this further to you with a similar,

00:35:49.360 --> 00:35:55.980
 to be content as a result of some external thing is like a warming of a man's clothes by a fire.

00:35:55.980 --> 00:36:04.559
 But to be content through an inward disposition of the soul is like the warmth that a man's clothes have from the natural heat of the body.

00:36:05.279 --> 00:36:05.539
 Okay.

00:36:05.539 --> 00:36:05.980
 So,

00:36:05.980 --> 00:36:08.219
 we're all wearing clothes right now.

00:36:09.179 --> 00:36:09.500
 So,

00:36:09.619 --> 00:36:10.460
 if you're warm,

00:36:10.559 --> 00:36:13.320
 it's probably not because you got near to the fire and got warm.

00:36:14.119 --> 00:36:14.380
 It's,

00:36:14.380 --> 00:36:17.019
 there's another kind of heat that makes us that way.

00:36:17.019 --> 00:36:18.640
 And it's the heat from the body that makes us,

00:36:18.720 --> 00:36:19.840
 makes us warm.

00:36:19.940 --> 00:36:20.019
 So,

00:36:20.099 --> 00:36:20.660
 that's what he's saying.

00:36:21.340 --> 00:36:21.480
 So,

00:36:21.599 --> 00:36:25.340
 a fire would be that external thing that made you warm and your body,

00:36:26.140 --> 00:36:27.380
 an internal kind of thing.

00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:28.640
 And then he says,

00:36:28.639 --> 00:36:33.480
 a man who has a healthy body and puts on clothes.

00:36:34.159 --> 00:36:35.139
 And perhaps at first,

00:36:35.199 --> 00:36:35.940
 on a cold morning,

00:36:36.019 --> 00:36:36.759
 they feel cold.

00:36:37.299 --> 00:36:39.319
 But after he has had them on for a little while,

00:36:39.400 --> 00:36:39.819
 they warm.

00:36:40.679 --> 00:36:41.019
 All right.

00:36:41.059 --> 00:36:41.259
 Now,

00:36:41.299 --> 00:36:42.259
 how did they get warm?

00:36:42.679 --> 00:36:44.179
 They were not near the fire.

00:36:44.759 --> 00:36:45.079
 No,

00:36:45.219 --> 00:36:47.219
 this came from the natural heat of his body.

00:36:48.059 --> 00:36:48.319
 Okay.

00:36:48.519 --> 00:36:48.799
 So,

00:36:49.480 --> 00:36:50.259
 you ever done that?

00:36:50.339 --> 00:36:50.480
 Like,

00:36:50.539 --> 00:36:50.839
 it is.

00:36:50.919 --> 00:36:51.079
 It was warm.

00:36:51.179 --> 00:36:52.940
 It was freezing in my room.

00:36:53.079 --> 00:36:53.919
 I got up and I was like,

00:36:54.500 --> 00:36:54.819
 shivering.

00:36:54.940 --> 00:36:55.440
 I put on some,

00:36:55.500 --> 00:36:57.239
 some clothes that were on the ground,

00:36:57.899 --> 00:36:58.480
 put them on.

00:36:58.579 --> 00:36:59.440
 And soon though,

00:36:59.500 --> 00:37:01.480
 like the heat got on my,

00:37:01.719 --> 00:37:01.960
 you know,

00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:02.319
 through my,

00:37:02.359 --> 00:37:03.599
 through my clothes and I was warm.

00:37:04.319 --> 00:37:05.039
 But then he's like,

00:37:05.059 --> 00:37:06.219
 that's what happens when you're healthy.

00:37:06.980 --> 00:37:07.339
 Right.

00:37:07.399 --> 00:37:08.399
 But what happens when you're sick?

00:37:09.000 --> 00:37:10.219
 You get cold really easily.

00:37:10.219 --> 00:37:10.940
 At least I do.

00:37:11.019 --> 00:37:14.059
 Like I'm like freezing and I need something external.

00:37:14.179 --> 00:37:15.000
 to warm me up.

00:37:16.059 --> 00:37:16.259
 So,

00:37:16.379 --> 00:37:17.019
 then he says,

00:37:17.859 --> 00:37:19.019
 now when a sickly man,

00:37:20.059 --> 00:37:23.899
 the natural heat of the body has deteriorated.

00:37:24.519 --> 00:37:25.839
 But on his clothes,

00:37:26.440 --> 00:37:27.199
 they did not get,

00:37:27.299 --> 00:37:28.899
 they did not get warm after a while.

00:37:29.279 --> 00:37:30.679
 He must warn them by the fire.

00:37:30.799 --> 00:37:31.519
 And even then,

00:37:31.719 --> 00:37:32.879
 he will soon be cold again.

00:37:33.599 --> 00:37:33.839
 So,

00:37:34.519 --> 00:37:35.460
 so this,

00:37:35.579 --> 00:37:37.359
 let's tie this into our relationship with God.

00:37:37.899 --> 00:37:41.339
 When we are abiding in Christ and fellowshipping with him and,

00:37:42.199 --> 00:37:42.399
 you know,

00:37:42.399 --> 00:37:43.039
 seeking him,

00:37:43.039 --> 00:37:44.239
 seeking his face daily,

00:37:45.079 --> 00:37:45.779
 like our,

00:37:46.099 --> 00:37:46.480
 spiritually,

00:37:46.699 --> 00:37:47.480
 we're kind of healthy,

00:37:47.599 --> 00:37:48.059
 so to say.

00:37:48.179 --> 00:37:48.559
 Like we're,

00:37:49.599 --> 00:37:49.980
 and so,

00:37:50.119 --> 00:37:52.099
 like his peace will be in us.

00:37:52.139 --> 00:37:54.039
 It will permeate from inside.

00:37:54.599 --> 00:37:57.519
 But if we're having a rough time,

00:37:57.599 --> 00:37:58.679
 we're not abiding in Christ,

00:37:58.779 --> 00:37:59.699
 kind of doing our own thing,

00:38:00.340 --> 00:38:01.340
 haven't learned our lesson yet,

00:38:01.400 --> 00:38:03.219
 kind of going off and seeing if we can do it on our own,

00:38:03.719 --> 00:38:04.059
 whatever.

00:38:04.480 --> 00:38:04.840
 And,

00:38:05.519 --> 00:38:06.759
 junk happens to us.

00:38:06.760 --> 00:38:08.740
 we don't have peace.

00:38:08.800 --> 00:38:12.180
 We have to go to some external thing to like give us peace.

00:38:12.440 --> 00:38:12.660
 And,

00:38:13.020 --> 00:38:14.060
 we look for those things.

00:38:14.380 --> 00:38:14.380


00:38:14.860 --> 00:38:17.080
 so Christ's peace is what comes from within.

00:38:17.240 --> 00:38:17.940
 It's like having a,

00:38:17.940 --> 00:38:19.060
 a healthy body.

00:38:19.400 --> 00:38:19.520
 And,

00:38:19.680 --> 00:38:23.020
 something we don't have to go look for on the outside.

00:38:23.100 --> 00:38:23.880
 It's something that's in.

00:38:24.080 --> 00:38:24.280
 So,

00:38:25.140 --> 00:38:25.800
 really,

00:38:25.920 --> 00:38:27.020
 a really helpful illustration.

00:38:27.580 --> 00:38:29.660
 And that's what the peace of Christ kind of operates like.

00:38:29.660 --> 00:38:31.340
 It's something that comes from within.

00:38:32.140 --> 00:38:32.380
 So,

00:38:33.300 --> 00:38:33.579
 um,

00:38:33.620 --> 00:38:34.539
 and the rest of that verse,

00:38:34.640 --> 00:38:38.420
 it says that the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds.

00:38:38.700 --> 00:38:38.940
 So,

00:38:39.740 --> 00:38:40.660
 again,

00:38:41.180 --> 00:38:42.960
 this is another military term,

00:38:43.180 --> 00:38:44.519
 guarding your hearts and your minds.

00:38:44.980 --> 00:38:45.940
 It means to,

00:38:45.940 --> 00:38:47.300
 to garrison or to,

00:38:47.300 --> 00:38:48.059
 to watch over.

00:38:48.680 --> 00:38:49.160
 And,

00:38:49.300 --> 00:38:54.220
 your hearts and your mind need to be watched over because they're under assault by,

00:38:54.579 --> 00:38:55.480
 by lies,

00:38:55.620 --> 00:38:57.420
 by things that are not true,

00:38:57.519 --> 00:38:58.180
 not of God.

00:38:58.820 --> 00:38:59.100
 And so,

00:38:59.200 --> 00:39:01.200
 the peace of God is what kind of sense of watch.

00:39:01.199 --> 00:39:01.739
 over your,

00:39:01.939 --> 00:39:02.819
 your mind,

00:39:02.919 --> 00:39:03.539
 your thinking,

00:39:03.779 --> 00:39:05.579
 and the thoughts that you're having,

00:39:05.639 --> 00:39:06.439
 as well as like your,

00:39:06.839 --> 00:39:08.359
 your desires and your affections,

00:39:08.460 --> 00:39:08.919
 your heart.

00:39:09.500 --> 00:39:09.699
 And so,

00:39:09.739 --> 00:39:13.539
 God promises to guard you against fear and anxiety and,

00:39:13.539 --> 00:39:15.179
 and doubts when,

00:39:15.879 --> 00:39:17.599
 when the harsh realities of life come.

00:39:18.259 --> 00:39:18.500
 So,

00:39:18.859 --> 00:39:19.159
 uh,

00:39:19.739 --> 00:39:21.960
 so knowing that God's sovereignly watching us over you,

00:39:21.960 --> 00:39:24.759
 you should bring a lot of peace.

00:39:25.879 --> 00:39:26.199
 Uh,

00:39:26.199 --> 00:39:27.759
 and when we forget that,

00:39:28.119 --> 00:39:28.379
 um,

00:39:29.099 --> 00:39:30.559
 all kinds of stuff can happen.

00:39:31.199 --> 00:39:31.839
 I write,

00:39:32.019 --> 00:39:32.960
 you can write this down.

00:39:33.079 --> 00:39:33.779
 Matthew 10,

00:39:34.460 --> 00:39:36.259
 verse 29 says this,

00:39:36.359 --> 00:39:37.919
 Jesus is talking about,

00:39:38.000 --> 00:39:38.739
 you know,

00:39:38.980 --> 00:39:39.939
 harsh stuff coming.

00:39:40.480 --> 00:39:42.539
 And he reassures his disciples and he tells them,

00:39:43.259 --> 00:39:45.639
 are not two sparrows sold for a penny?

00:39:45.639 --> 00:39:50.319
 And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your father.

00:39:51.119 --> 00:39:53.239
 But even the hairs of your head are numbered.

00:39:54.000 --> 00:39:54.559
 Fear not.

00:39:54.659 --> 00:39:54.960
 Therefore,

00:39:55.299 --> 00:39:57.960
 you are more value than many sparrows.

00:39:58.159 --> 00:39:58.400
 So,

00:39:59.400 --> 00:40:02.719
 a little bird out in the middle of the mountains right now,

00:40:03.259 --> 00:40:04.480
 it falls over and dies.

00:40:04.639 --> 00:40:08.139
 Like that didn't happen apart from God allowing it,

00:40:08.219 --> 00:40:08.359
 or,

00:40:08.359 --> 00:40:09.259
 or making it happen.

00:40:09.260 --> 00:40:11.400
 I'd rather say he wasn't uninvolved.

00:40:11.720 --> 00:40:13.860
 It didn't happen apart from God.

00:40:13.960 --> 00:40:14.780
 And he's saying like,

00:40:15.200 --> 00:40:16.560
 if that's true,

00:40:16.660 --> 00:40:17.620
 how much more you,

00:40:17.960 --> 00:40:19.580
 that's what he's trying to say,

00:40:19.660 --> 00:40:23.520
 like who are of much more value than the sparrows.

00:40:23.640 --> 00:40:25.100
 Even the hairs of your head are numbered.

00:40:25.920 --> 00:40:26.279
 So like,

00:40:26.360 --> 00:40:27.880
 when you remember stuff like that,

00:40:28.019 --> 00:40:28.139
 it,

00:40:28.199 --> 00:40:29.599
 it'll minister peace to your,

00:40:29.940 --> 00:40:30.400
 to your soul.

00:40:30.480 --> 00:40:32.019
 It won't be like a switch that goes on.

00:40:32.480 --> 00:40:35.839
 It might be like a process that kind of happens inside of you.

00:40:36.440 --> 00:40:37.139
 So those are,

00:40:37.219 --> 00:40:38.219
 those are the three points.

00:40:38.360 --> 00:40:38.799
 And then,

00:40:39.739 --> 00:40:40.659
 I'm going to give you two,

00:40:40.779 --> 00:40:42.259
 just examples real fast.

00:40:45.319 --> 00:40:45.719
 One,

00:40:45.880 --> 00:40:46.579
 one example.

00:40:48.079 --> 00:40:49.059
 There was a,

00:40:49.659 --> 00:40:51.039
 this is just an incredible story.

00:40:51.139 --> 00:40:52.039
 It kind of blows my mind.

00:40:52.039 --> 00:40:55.139
 but his name was Joseph Scriven.

00:40:55.880 --> 00:40:58.199
 And he was born in 1819 and,

00:40:58.380 --> 00:40:59.039
 and,

00:40:59.039 --> 00:40:59.579
 and Dublin,

00:40:59.860 --> 00:41:00.199
 Ireland.

00:41:00.420 --> 00:41:00.920
 And he,

00:41:01.000 --> 00:41:05.500
 he graduated from Trinity College there when he was 24.

00:41:06.019 --> 00:41:08.440
 And so he was very similar age,

00:41:08.519 --> 00:41:10.239
 similar stage of life that you're all in.

00:41:12.079 --> 00:41:14.239
 And so after he graduated,

00:41:15.259 --> 00:41:17.500
 and this is in 1845,

00:41:18.179 --> 00:41:18.820
 he graduated.

00:41:19.420 --> 00:41:19.860
 He,

00:41:19.900 --> 00:41:22.019
 he got on his horse and he rode out to,

00:41:22.039 --> 00:41:22.420
 uh,

00:41:23.079 --> 00:41:23.940
 the river band.

00:41:24.259 --> 00:41:27.360
 And he was going to go meet up with his fiance.

00:41:27.860 --> 00:41:28.259
 And,

00:41:28.320 --> 00:41:28.699
 uh,

00:41:29.099 --> 00:41:30.960
 cause they were supposed to be married the next day.

00:41:31.019 --> 00:41:33.360
 So he was kind of going and hanging out with her.

00:41:33.460 --> 00:41:33.820
 And,

00:41:33.920 --> 00:41:34.159
 uh,

00:41:34.980 --> 00:41:36.679
 and they had been childhood sweethearts.

00:41:36.779 --> 00:41:38.380
 They had known each other since they were little kids.

00:41:38.380 --> 00:41:40.000
 And kind of just always,

00:41:40.099 --> 00:41:40.800
 I'm going to marry that guy.

00:41:40.840 --> 00:41:41.579
 I'm going to marry that girl.

00:41:41.579 --> 00:41:41.900
 Kind of,

00:41:41.900 --> 00:41:43.679
 kind of thing going on.

00:41:43.679 --> 00:41:44.860
 And they really loved each other.

00:41:45.280 --> 00:41:47.140
 But moments before he arrived,

00:41:47.720 --> 00:41:50.840
 like she was thrown from her horse and into the river,

00:41:51.039 --> 00:41:52.320
 into the rapids.

00:41:52.380 --> 00:41:55.400
 She was knocked unconscious and she drowned like minutes before he got there.

00:41:55.400 --> 00:41:56.680
 And,

00:41:56.680 --> 00:41:57.440
 really,

00:41:57.780 --> 00:41:59.559
 really hurt him.

00:41:59.800 --> 00:42:00.059
 Really,

00:42:00.220 --> 00:42:00.460
 uh,

00:42:01.119 --> 00:42:01.860
 grief stricken.

00:42:02.019 --> 00:42:02.139
 You know,

00:42:02.180 --> 00:42:04.980
 he kind of like grabbed her body out of the water and just kind of held her.

00:42:05.119 --> 00:42:05.340
 You know,

00:42:05.360 --> 00:42:06.380
 that's all he could really do.

00:42:07.180 --> 00:42:07.539
 And,

00:42:07.619 --> 00:42:08.320
 he knew it was,

00:42:09.160 --> 00:42:11.680
 he knew it had just happened because her body still had some warmth.

00:42:11.840 --> 00:42:12.300
 You know,

00:42:12.380 --> 00:42:14.860
 it wasn't like something that happened way before.

00:42:15.340 --> 00:42:15.519
 And,

00:42:15.579 --> 00:42:15.920
 uh,

00:42:16.400 --> 00:42:18.360
 so he was 25 when that happened.

00:42:19.079 --> 00:42:20.119
 I'm just heartbroken.

00:42:20.380 --> 00:42:20.619
 And,

00:42:20.700 --> 00:42:20.920
 uh,

00:42:21.519 --> 00:42:23.599
 so he turned to the Lord to find,

00:42:24.079 --> 00:42:24.539
 you know,

00:42:24.619 --> 00:42:25.559
 peace and,

00:42:25.559 --> 00:42:26.180
 and comfort.

00:42:26.480 --> 00:42:27.340
 And he did.

00:42:27.740 --> 00:42:27.900
 Um,

00:42:27.900 --> 00:42:30.440
 he had a magnificent prayer life.

00:42:30.500 --> 00:42:33.019
 He's one of those guys that was devoted to prayer.

00:42:33.220 --> 00:42:33.420
 So,

00:42:34.160 --> 00:42:35.280
 so real pain.

00:42:35.380 --> 00:42:36.300
 He went to the Lord.

00:42:36.380 --> 00:42:36.780
 And,

00:42:36.860 --> 00:42:37.880
 and got,

00:42:38.019 --> 00:42:38.440
 um,

00:42:38.440 --> 00:42:39.619
 great comfort from him.

00:42:40.059 --> 00:42:40.539
 But,

00:42:40.700 --> 00:42:42.840
 around that same time,

00:42:42.920 --> 00:42:43.740
 maybe a year later,

00:42:44.460 --> 00:42:46.519
 he decided to like immigrate to Canada.

00:42:47.099 --> 00:42:47.619
 Um,

00:42:47.619 --> 00:42:49.519
 and he moved to a town called Port Hope,

00:42:49.640 --> 00:42:52.400
 which was on the shores of Lake Ontario.

00:42:53.220 --> 00:42:53.740
 And,

00:42:53.860 --> 00:42:58.360
 he devoted himself to like the principles found in like the Sermon on the Mount.

00:42:58.440 --> 00:43:01.260
 That was just like what always circulated in his mind.

00:43:01.539 --> 00:43:01.780
 And,

00:43:02.420 --> 00:43:02.960
 he was,

00:43:03.360 --> 00:43:03.380
 uh,

00:43:03.380 --> 00:43:06.280
 what he did was he offered like free,

00:43:06.380 --> 00:43:07.260
 free,

00:43:07.260 --> 00:43:10.840
 humble acts of kindness and service to the people there.

00:43:11.460 --> 00:43:11.800
 Um,

00:43:11.800 --> 00:43:13.220
 he would cut wood.

00:43:13.320 --> 00:43:15.920
 He would like assist people that needed help.

00:43:16.180 --> 00:43:16.539
 Um,

00:43:16.539 --> 00:43:17.579
 he,

00:43:17.579 --> 00:43:17.880
 uh,

00:43:17.880 --> 00:43:20.800
 was always looking to like do a good deed and to help somebody.

00:43:21.360 --> 00:43:21.719
 Um,

00:43:21.719 --> 00:43:23.919
 He became known as the Good Samaritan of Port Hope.

00:43:24.659 --> 00:43:27.799
 And he actually would only help the people.

00:43:28.019 --> 00:43:28.719
 Think about this.

00:43:29.119 --> 00:43:32.599
 He would only help the people that couldn't afford to pay him.

00:43:33.659 --> 00:43:35.359
 So he wasn't like, what can I get?

00:43:35.539 --> 00:43:38.139
 He was just, if you had money, if you had a lot of money,

00:43:38.179 --> 00:43:41.259
 he might not actually help you because he knew that you could get somebody else to help you.

00:43:41.739 --> 00:43:45.219
 He would only go after the destitute and really needy people.

00:43:45.539 --> 00:43:48.899
 So he became known as the Good Samaritan of Port Hope.

00:43:48.900 --> 00:43:55.660
 But eventually, he fell in love again with a woman that lived there, a golly woman.

00:43:56.559 --> 00:43:58.160
 They spent a lot of good time together.

00:43:58.300 --> 00:43:59.119
 They got engaged.

00:44:00.200 --> 00:44:07.139
 But weeks before their wedding, she got hit with really bad pneumonia.

00:44:07.500 --> 00:44:12.340
 And he just kind of watched her deteriorate, kind of like nursing her by the bed and watched her die.

00:44:13.000 --> 00:44:15.619
 So like two fiancés died.

00:44:15.619 --> 00:44:23.460
 And again, overcome like imaginable sorrow, he fled to Christ.

00:44:23.579 --> 00:44:25.339
 I mean, just think about what you might be saying like,

00:44:25.960 --> 00:44:27.579
 Lord, I do not understand this.

00:44:27.659 --> 00:44:29.019
 Like what is going on?

00:44:29.079 --> 00:44:29.779
 What have I done?

00:44:31.279 --> 00:44:31.619
 What?

00:44:32.119 --> 00:44:34.599
 I've been here just giving my life away to these people.

00:44:34.839 --> 00:44:36.440
 And this is what I get.

00:44:36.440 --> 00:44:38.579
 I mean, a thousand things could be going through your mind.

00:44:38.720 --> 00:44:40.900
 But apparently, that wasn't what was on his mind.

00:44:40.980 --> 00:44:41.900
 It was like, why, God?

00:44:41.940 --> 00:44:44.920
 It was more, he just was broken.

00:44:45.059 --> 00:44:48.280
 And he went to the Lord to get peace and comfort.

00:44:49.539 --> 00:44:52.220
 And so that happened to him twice.

00:44:52.219 --> 00:44:58.259
 And he just continued to live out the rest of his life in Port Hope as a single man,

00:44:58.399 --> 00:45:03.279
 just serving and loving people and glorifying Christ through his good deeds.

00:45:03.779 --> 00:45:07.639
 But he received a letter while he was there in 1855.

00:45:08.480 --> 00:45:09.339
 So 10 years.

00:45:09.459 --> 00:45:11.099
 He'd been there for about 10 years at that point.

00:45:11.519 --> 00:45:15.500
 From his mom, who was still in Ireland at the time.

00:45:15.500 --> 00:45:17.320
 And she had gotten really sick.

00:45:17.800 --> 00:45:23.860
 And so he wrote her a poem and like mailed it to her to kind of comfort her.

00:45:24.300 --> 00:45:27.500
 And the poem was called, originally, Pray Without Ceasing.

00:45:28.420 --> 00:45:30.119
 That's what he sent to his mom.

00:45:31.300 --> 00:45:36.159
 But these were the words that he sent to her.

00:45:36.219 --> 00:45:36.619
 He said,

00:45:37.039 --> 00:45:41.360
 What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.

00:45:41.360 --> 00:45:45.980
 What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

00:45:46.880 --> 00:45:48.880
 Oh, what peace we often forfeit.

00:45:49.559 --> 00:45:51.400
 And oh, what needless pain we bear.

00:45:52.019 --> 00:45:55.680
 All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

00:45:56.720 --> 00:45:58.539
 Have we trials and temptations?

00:45:58.740 --> 00:46:00.559
 Is there any trouble there?

00:46:01.720 --> 00:46:03.680
 We should never be discouraged.

00:46:03.820 --> 00:46:05.280
 Take it to the Lord in prayer.

00:46:06.200 --> 00:46:07.980
 Can we find a friend so faithful

00:46:07.980 --> 00:46:11.099
 who will our sorrows share?

00:46:11.900 --> 00:46:13.800
 Jesus knows our every weakness.

00:46:14.420 --> 00:46:15.880
 Take it to the Lord in prayer.

00:46:17.079 --> 00:46:18.740
 Are we weak and heavy laden,

00:46:18.880 --> 00:46:20.519
 cumbered with a load of care?

00:46:21.340 --> 00:46:23.700
 Precious Savior, still our refuge.

00:46:24.340 --> 00:46:25.960
 Take it to the Lord in prayer.

00:46:27.260 --> 00:46:30.240
 Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

00:46:30.800 --> 00:46:32.440
 Take it to the Lord in prayer.

00:46:33.220 --> 00:46:35.460
 In his arms he'll take and shield thee.

00:46:35.820 --> 00:46:39.680
 Thou will find solace there.

00:46:39.679 --> 00:46:41.980
 So that's where that story came from.

00:46:42.119 --> 00:46:44.379
 That's where the words of that hymn came from.

00:46:44.460 --> 00:46:48.460
 Birth from a man who probably knew grief at a whole new level.

00:46:48.539 --> 00:46:49.619
 We probably don't know.

00:46:50.500 --> 00:46:53.000
 And the Lord ministered to his heart.

00:46:53.000 --> 00:46:58.579
 Later on that poem was published anonymously as a hymn.

00:47:00.860 --> 00:47:02.960
 But eventually they found out that he wrote it.

00:47:03.719 --> 00:47:05.139
 So he didn't have any clue.

00:47:05.280 --> 00:47:07.559
 He didn't write it to be kind of made known.

00:47:07.639 --> 00:47:08.599
 It was just for his mom.

00:47:08.599 --> 00:47:15.019
 So it's helped bring a lot of comfort to hundreds of people throughout the world.

00:47:15.759 --> 00:47:18.739
 So that's one illustration of just how the peace of God really ministered.

00:47:18.900 --> 00:47:21.440
 And another one, I'll just share you a personal one.

00:47:21.559 --> 00:47:31.259
 But I think when I was about 22, I was in a hospital in Atlanta at the CF Center off Clifton Road near Emory.

00:47:31.260 --> 00:47:38.800
 And so I've been working pretty hard to get my lung function up.

00:47:39.780 --> 00:47:42.740
 And I thought that they did the test and stuff.

00:47:42.800 --> 00:47:45.500
 And it said that I was about 58%.

00:47:45.500 --> 00:47:47.540
 But that was good for me.

00:47:47.640 --> 00:47:49.060
 I was like, heck yeah, that's fine.

00:47:49.180 --> 00:47:52.260
 Because they were saying you might need a transplant soon.

00:47:52.900 --> 00:47:54.720
 And you're kind of like in doubt for a while.

00:47:54.719 --> 00:47:55.959
 I'm like, no, that won't be me.

00:47:56.119 --> 00:47:56.279
 Okay.

00:47:56.799 --> 00:47:57.599
 I'll be cool.

00:47:59.359 --> 00:48:01.279
 You know, that's going to happen to these other people.

00:48:01.439 --> 00:48:02.279
 That's kind of what you think.

00:48:03.299 --> 00:48:06.619
 But so I actually was getting packed up, ready to go.

00:48:07.419 --> 00:48:08.799
 And my doctor came in.

00:48:09.799 --> 00:48:11.659
 His name is Dr. McCain.

00:48:12.639 --> 00:48:14.339
 And he's not a believer.

00:48:14.559 --> 00:48:18.099
 And he's really experienced a lot of sorrow in his life.

00:48:18.259 --> 00:48:19.339
 He's been divorced.

00:48:20.199 --> 00:48:21.459
 A pretty awful divorce.

00:48:21.459 --> 00:48:24.539
 And one of his sons committed suicide a few years ago.

00:48:24.719 --> 00:48:27.219
 And so he's very just skeptical.

00:48:28.400 --> 00:48:29.960
 But he was a good friend to me.

00:48:30.019 --> 00:48:32.159
 He was the kind of doctor that actually when he got off work,

00:48:32.639 --> 00:48:34.119
 he would come hang out with me in my room.

00:48:34.239 --> 00:48:37.019
 And we'd order pizza and wings and watch a movie kind of doctor.

00:48:38.400 --> 00:48:40.800
 And he never wore the white coat.

00:48:40.920 --> 00:48:44.199
 Just kind of really chill dude.

00:48:45.400 --> 00:48:46.900
 So we were pretty close.

00:48:46.960 --> 00:48:47.759
 But he came in.

00:48:48.900 --> 00:48:50.800
 And he's like, you ready to go?

00:48:50.800 --> 00:48:51.639
 I said, yeah.

00:48:51.940 --> 00:48:54.119
 And he said, let me just look at your stuff.

00:48:54.119 --> 00:48:55.299
 One more time before you go.

00:48:55.339 --> 00:48:57.539
 And he put out all the test results.

00:48:57.599 --> 00:49:00.199
 And he started getting a concerned look.

00:49:00.619 --> 00:49:01.679
 And he pulled out a pen.

00:49:01.759 --> 00:49:04.599
 And he started doing some math on the paper.

00:49:04.779 --> 00:49:06.599
 And I was just like, what's going on?

00:49:06.599 --> 00:49:12.759
 And he said, something's wrong.

00:49:12.960 --> 00:49:14.920
 They haven't been doing your tests right.

00:49:15.599 --> 00:49:18.319
 Because you're actually this tall, not this tall.

00:49:18.860 --> 00:49:21.159
 And your height and your weight and stuff like that,

00:49:21.199 --> 00:49:22.880
 that actually plays into your lung function.

00:49:23.619 --> 00:49:25.980
 So they have the wrong height, apparently.

00:49:26.840 --> 00:49:28.760
 And so when he began calculating all that,

00:49:28.820 --> 00:49:37.079
 he actually found out I was at, I was at like 30%, not 58%.

00:49:37.079 --> 00:49:43.320
 And I was just like, man, like gut shot, kind of speechless.

00:49:43.820 --> 00:49:46.880
 And he just kind of put his hand on my shoulder and just kind of was like,

00:49:47.420 --> 00:49:51.519
 probably need you to stay for another week so we can keep looking into this.

00:49:51.519 --> 00:49:54.199
 And I'm sorry, I'll be right back.

00:49:54.219 --> 00:49:55.179
 And he went back outside.

00:49:55.500 --> 00:50:00.500
 And I was just kind of sitting there, literally like I was just dumbstruck.

00:50:00.960 --> 00:50:05.159
 And what I really was worried about, like the phone call I'd have to make to my mom

00:50:05.159 --> 00:50:06.500
 so I'm not going to come pick me up anymore.

00:50:07.519 --> 00:50:08.619
 So I had to deal with my mom.

00:50:08.759 --> 00:50:09.880
 You know, I've never had that feeling before.

00:50:10.480 --> 00:50:13.400
 So if she's okay, I'll be all right kind of thing.

00:50:13.400 --> 00:50:16.680
 And so just really overwhelmed.

00:50:17.260 --> 00:50:21.720
 And so last place you can turn.

00:50:21.780 --> 00:50:23.280
 Turn to Romans 8 real fast.

00:50:25.280 --> 00:50:27.480
 Romans 8, verse 26.

00:50:29.599 --> 00:50:34.900
 And this is what I kind of experienced in addition to Philippians 4.

00:50:35.260 --> 00:50:36.619
 Romans 8, verse 26.

00:50:36.619 --> 00:50:42.119
 Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

00:50:42.859 --> 00:50:46.799
 For we do not know what to pray as we ought.

00:50:46.920 --> 00:50:51.299
 But the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

00:50:52.299 --> 00:50:55.960
 And he who searches the heart and knows what is in the mind,

00:50:56.039 --> 00:50:57.719
 what is the mind of the Spirit, excuse me,

00:50:58.099 --> 00:51:02.359
 because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

00:51:02.360 --> 00:51:07.380
 And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good,

00:51:07.880 --> 00:51:09.860
 for those who are called according to his purpose.

00:51:10.400 --> 00:51:13.240
 So I really couldn't even find the words to pray.

00:51:13.400 --> 00:51:14.559
 Like I was just kind of stuck.

00:51:15.059 --> 00:51:20.420
 But I really did feel like the Spirit was interceding for me.

00:51:20.500 --> 00:51:23.059
 And I really just kind of sat there for a while.

00:51:23.320 --> 00:51:27.579
 And he started like reminding me like the truth of the Word.

00:51:27.579 --> 00:51:31.440
 And in a process of about 15 minutes, like I was just like,

00:51:32.259 --> 00:51:33.539
 all right, that's the reality.

00:51:33.739 --> 00:51:36.239
 We're going to, I'm just going to declare war on this thing.

00:51:36.699 --> 00:51:39.440
 I'm just going to like, you know, just get going.

00:51:39.559 --> 00:51:43.799
 I had just huge, like a huge flood of peace that kind of came in.

00:51:44.440 --> 00:51:49.599
 So, so basically the Lord will either calm your storm

00:51:49.599 --> 00:51:51.920
 or he'll allow it to rage while he calms you.

00:51:52.400 --> 00:51:53.539
 Kind of the difference.

00:51:53.699 --> 00:51:55.759
 Like he won't always change this,

00:51:55.760 --> 00:51:57.860
 but he might change you while you're in the middle of it.

00:51:58.680 --> 00:52:00.540
 And that's just really what I experienced.

00:52:00.820 --> 00:52:04.180
 And so like the peace of God that surpassed all understanding

00:52:04.180 --> 00:52:07.460
 really did, you know, guard my heart and my mind.

00:52:07.660 --> 00:52:10.720
 And I was even able to kind of share that with my doctor a little later.

00:52:12.060 --> 00:52:15.040
 So, yeah, let's do it.

00:52:15.120 --> 00:52:17.540
 Like this is, it's a war to keep battling.

00:52:17.700 --> 00:52:20.640
 Just keep your mind on the Lord and don't lose sight.

00:52:20.800 --> 00:52:23.840
 Don't allow anxiety and fear to slip in.

00:52:23.840 --> 00:52:26.440
 So we're going to respond with singing.

00:52:26.539 --> 00:52:28.980
 I know I went a little over time, but we kind of started late too.

00:52:30.079 --> 00:52:35.059
 So guys, y'all can come on up now and pray for us.

00:52:35.180 --> 00:52:39.200
 Father, you are the God of all comfort,

00:52:39.760 --> 00:52:41.680
 who comforts us in our afflictions.

00:52:41.679 --> 00:52:50.099
 And God, when we feel overrun and trials, temptations,

00:52:50.480 --> 00:52:54.139
 and anxieties are eating our soul up,

00:52:55.259 --> 00:52:59.899
 God, please just remind us in the midst of that

00:52:59.899 --> 00:53:01.559
 to fix our eyes on you

00:53:01.559 --> 00:53:08.059
 and to allow the circumstances to kind of grow dim.

00:53:08.619 --> 00:53:12.779
 And Father, that you administer your peace through your Holy Spirit

00:53:12.779 --> 00:53:15.159
 to our hearts, to our minds, Lord,

00:53:15.199 --> 00:53:17.199
 and that would lead to rejoicing.

00:53:17.840 --> 00:53:19.079
 Because you are near.

00:53:19.179 --> 00:53:23.079
 You're never far away, even though we may feel like it at times.

00:53:23.079 --> 00:53:26.599
 And so, Lord, this isn't an easy formula,

00:53:26.940 --> 00:53:29.519
 but it's real and it can be true.

00:53:29.699 --> 00:53:33.019
 And if Christ abides in us, Lord, it can be a reality.

00:53:33.539 --> 00:53:36.639
 And so, Lord, I pray that we would bring our cares

00:53:36.639 --> 00:53:39.400
 and burdens to you even now

00:53:39.400 --> 00:53:43.179
 and allow the peace of God that surpasses all understanding

00:53:43.179 --> 00:53:44.159
 to minister to us.

00:53:45.299 --> 00:53:46.119
 We love you, Lord.

00:53:46.219 --> 00:53:48.579
 Thank you for the gift of your Son.

00:53:49.400 --> 00:53:52.159
 And we just give you praise in Christ's name.

00:53:52.159 --> 00:53:52.839
 Amen.

00:53:52.839 --> 00:53:52.920
 Amen.