WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.520 Well, it's good to see all of you. 00:00:08.480 --> 00:00:09.359 Welcome back. 00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:11.939 We had a week off. 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:14.580 How did the week of snow go? 00:00:15.380 --> 00:00:14.599 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:30.719 With the snow. 00:00:31.300 --> 00:00:31.719 Doing all right? 00:00:32.280 --> 00:00:32.659 Good. 00:00:33.359 --> 00:00:40.280 You know, sometimes, and I'm grateful for this, sometimes the Lord gives you a much-needed 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:40.759 break. 00:00:41.719 --> 00:00:49.760 And I really enjoyed last week just being able to be home and to do the work I would normally 00:00:49.760 --> 00:00:55.179 do here, but do it at home, and to have some space to catch up a little bit. 00:00:55.179 --> 00:01:03.159 I always feel behind, so to be able to get ahead is always a very special blessing. 00:01:03.859 --> 00:01:05.019 But it's good to see all of you. 00:01:05.099 --> 00:01:09.480 I imagine that as we keep going, more people will kind of funnel in. 00:01:09.939 --> 00:01:15.239 But we're in the middle of this series on the passions of the heart, and I trust it's been 00:01:15.239 --> 00:01:16.120 beneficial for you. 00:01:16.340 --> 00:01:20.400 It has been meaningful and beneficial to me as well. 00:01:21.780 --> 00:01:24.159 And how relevant, right? 00:01:24.159 --> 00:01:30.519 How relevant the Word of God is in impacting us right where we need to hear the Scripture. 00:01:31.519 --> 00:01:34.340 And so I trust it's been a blessing to you as well. 00:01:34.719 --> 00:01:37.620 Let me pray for us, and we'll open this up. 00:01:37.640 --> 00:01:41.079 We'll get this started and see what the Lord does. 00:01:42.099 --> 00:01:44.120 Father, we are trusting you again today. 00:01:45.340 --> 00:01:50.599 Thank you for your Word, the trustworthy, dependable Word of God. 00:01:50.599 --> 00:01:56.280 And thank you that you don't just talk about problems that are other people's problems out 00:01:56.280 --> 00:01:59.299 there somewhere, and it's detached from us. 00:01:59.399 --> 00:02:06.780 But thank you that the things that you share with us are so relevant and so accessible, and 00:02:06.780 --> 00:02:09.120 they penetrate the very core of who we are. 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:15.519 And they deal with the very issues that we struggle with day in and day out. 00:02:16.300 --> 00:02:19.439 Thank you, Lord, for your patience with us. 00:02:20.260 --> 00:02:22.219 Thank you that even when we mess up, 00:02:22.880 --> 00:02:24.360 even when we fall on our face, 00:02:24.360 --> 00:02:29.260 even when we turn away in rebellion against you 00:02:29.260 --> 00:02:31.100 and decide to have our own way, 00:02:31.580 --> 00:02:34.879 Lord, that even then you are still, 00:02:35.600 --> 00:02:37.480 extend your grace to us. 00:02:37.560 --> 00:02:39.180 You invite us into relationship. 00:02:39.480 --> 00:02:41.580 You lead us by your mercy. 00:02:42.680 --> 00:02:44.939 And day by day, every morning by morning, 00:02:45.520 --> 00:02:47.920 we can enjoy the benefits of that mercy. 00:02:48.840 --> 00:02:51.480 And so, Father, I pray that your mercy would be 00:02:52.280 --> 00:02:55.500 just present with us this morning 00:02:55.500 --> 00:02:58.379 as we work through this material 00:02:58.379 --> 00:03:01.480 and that you would use it instrumentally 00:03:01.480 --> 00:03:04.219 to change us into the likeness of Jesus. 00:03:04.700 --> 00:03:06.460 We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:08.200 All right. 00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:11.379 So just by way of a little bit of review, 00:03:11.460 --> 00:03:12.680 and I don't want to do too much 00:03:12.680 --> 00:03:14.740 because we've got some things to cover, 00:03:15.520 --> 00:03:17.880 but if you remember a couple weeks ago now, 00:03:17.960 --> 00:03:19.680 because we couldn't meet last week, 00:03:19.760 --> 00:03:21.000 but a couple weeks ago, 00:03:21.320 --> 00:03:23.740 we talked about gateway sins. 00:03:24.439 --> 00:03:27.420 And I showed you that picture of that gateway 00:03:27.420 --> 00:03:30.780 and the land that's beyond the gate 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:33.560 and how fertile the valleys were 00:03:33.560 --> 00:03:35.900 and how clear the waters seemed to be. 00:03:35.900 --> 00:03:38.240 And it was a picture of something. 00:03:39.039 --> 00:03:39.099 Okay. 00:03:39.180 --> 00:03:41.659 What was that a picture of? 00:03:41.760 --> 00:03:45.080 And what did we learn a couple weeks ago 00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:46.939 about gateway sins? 00:03:47.099 --> 00:03:47.680 Anyone remember? 00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:51.680 Morning, guys. 00:03:52.200 --> 00:03:52.840 Great to see you. 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:54.700 What did we learn about gateway? 00:03:55.180 --> 00:03:55.340 Yeah. 00:03:55.740 --> 00:03:57.240 It looks fun until you're in it. 00:03:57.240 --> 00:03:57.480 Okay. 00:03:57.560 --> 00:03:58.800 It looks fun until you're in it. 00:03:58.939 --> 00:03:59.200 Okay. 00:03:59.620 --> 00:03:59.900 Good. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:00.980 Someone want to build on that? 00:04:00.979 --> 00:04:02.979 It never satisfies. 00:04:03.340 --> 00:04:04.199 It never satisfies. 00:04:04.539 --> 00:04:04.719 Okay. 00:04:04.840 --> 00:04:07.099 So it looks appealing. 00:04:07.620 --> 00:04:08.340 We see it like, 00:04:08.599 --> 00:04:10.339 wow, this is like Disneyland. 00:04:10.719 --> 00:04:12.620 And so you want to walk in. 00:04:12.699 --> 00:04:14.500 You want to enjoy what's there. 00:04:14.639 --> 00:04:18.319 You see things that are attractive to you. 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:20.519 And you get in. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:22.759 And initially, it's a blast. 00:04:22.759 --> 00:04:25.439 It's meeting and satisfying 00:04:25.439 --> 00:04:27.259 every craving that you have, right? 00:04:28.079 --> 00:04:31.459 And then the further you walk into that, 00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:32.539 then what happens? 00:04:33.099 --> 00:04:33.759 What happens? 00:04:34.759 --> 00:04:38.279 The further you walk in through this gateway 00:04:38.279 --> 00:04:41.180 and you're indulging in the land 00:04:41.180 --> 00:04:42.680 that's there in front of you. 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:43.480 Anyone remember? 00:04:44.659 --> 00:04:45.800 It's hard to get out. 00:04:46.639 --> 00:04:49.060 And it's hard to get out for several reasons. 00:04:49.879 --> 00:04:51.099 And I want to just talk about 00:04:51.099 --> 00:04:53.279 what are some of the spiritual reasons 00:04:53.279 --> 00:04:55.839 why it's hard to escape 00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:58.500 back out of the gateway. 00:04:58.819 --> 00:04:58.959 Okay? 00:04:59.259 --> 00:05:01.199 And so let me set this up for you. 00:05:01.339 --> 00:05:01.500 Okay? 00:05:03.239 --> 00:05:05.739 That we walk down this road. 00:05:06.439 --> 00:05:07.539 We walk down this road. 00:05:08.099 --> 00:05:11.079 We revel in the sins that are there. 00:05:11.879 --> 00:05:14.279 It continues to carry us. 00:05:14.819 --> 00:05:17.019 And now because of that 00:05:17.019 --> 00:05:20.399 consistent progression of sin 00:05:20.399 --> 00:05:22.779 that takes us further away from God, 00:05:23.279 --> 00:05:25.659 and maybe sins that, by the way, 00:05:25.919 --> 00:05:28.099 become greater and greater 00:05:28.099 --> 00:05:32.679 in terms of their offense against God. 00:05:33.559 --> 00:05:34.019 Hey, Timothy? 00:05:34.659 --> 00:05:35.799 I want you to pay attention, please. 00:05:36.159 --> 00:05:36.259 Okay? 00:05:38.599 --> 00:05:41.500 That the further we go in, 00:05:41.659 --> 00:05:43.839 there are spiritual things that take place 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:47.639 in our life that make going back 00:05:47.639 --> 00:05:48.219 that much harder. 00:05:48.639 --> 00:05:48.799 Right? 00:05:50.239 --> 00:05:50.679 Why? 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:53.759 Why is it harder to return? 00:05:59.759 --> 00:06:00.439 Okay. 00:06:05.079 --> 00:06:05.759 Okay. 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:07.120 That's good. 00:06:07.500 --> 00:06:08.560 It feels good. 00:06:08.699 --> 00:06:10.660 It is satisfying in some ways. 00:06:10.840 --> 00:06:13.139 And so in a lot of ways, 00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:14.460 it becomes electric. 00:06:15.019 --> 00:06:16.340 It becomes euphoric. 00:06:16.339 --> 00:06:20.079 And we want that next hit. 00:06:20.199 --> 00:06:21.699 We want that next experience. 00:06:22.119 --> 00:06:25.359 We want that next sense of fulfillment. 00:06:25.739 --> 00:06:25.879 Right? 00:06:25.979 --> 00:06:28.279 And so we're walking down this path 00:06:28.279 --> 00:06:29.259 and turning around, 00:06:29.620 --> 00:06:31.219 it looks like we're giving up 00:06:31.219 --> 00:06:34.599 those delights that we've experienced. 00:06:34.839 --> 00:06:35.000 Good. 00:06:35.219 --> 00:06:37.000 What else is turning around 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:38.259 and coming back hard? 00:06:38.259 --> 00:06:41.519 Pride and ego has to admit 00:06:41.519 --> 00:06:42.279 that we were wrong. 00:06:42.420 --> 00:06:42.699 Okay. 00:06:42.920 --> 00:06:43.360 That's it. 00:06:43.420 --> 00:06:44.259 That's another big thing. 00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:46.560 Pride and ego, 00:06:47.300 --> 00:06:48.740 now you're caught. 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:49.860 Right? 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:52.560 Now there's a sense of, 00:06:52.899 --> 00:06:54.219 this has gone public. 00:06:55.060 --> 00:06:56.560 And now there's a shame 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:58.860 that's attached to this sin 00:06:58.860 --> 00:07:01.659 and to now admit that sin 00:07:01.659 --> 00:07:03.980 and to come and make that right, 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:05.980 that turning around. 00:07:05.980 --> 00:07:08.140 We talked about repentance of the heart, 00:07:08.520 --> 00:07:10.680 kind of the realignment of the heart 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:12.680 and moving back towards God. 00:07:13.200 --> 00:07:14.700 It becomes a bigger deal, 00:07:14.780 --> 00:07:16.120 not just because you're giving up 00:07:16.120 --> 00:07:19.600 some sort of delight or enjoyment 00:07:19.600 --> 00:07:21.040 that you're having in the sin, 00:07:21.140 --> 00:07:24.220 but also now the road back becomes hard 00:07:24.220 --> 00:07:25.980 because you've got to come to terms 00:07:25.980 --> 00:07:29.200 with the sin, 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:30.460 your offense against God, 00:07:30.460 --> 00:07:34.200 and the way that it has brought shame to you, 00:07:34.199 --> 00:07:35.899 the way that it is. 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:38.120 Others will now perceive you, 00:07:38.839 --> 00:07:40.800 and that's hard. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:42.479 Any other thoughts about 00:07:42.479 --> 00:07:44.959 why that road back is hard? 00:07:48.039 --> 00:07:48.680 Okay. 00:07:51.980 --> 00:07:52.879 That's good. 00:07:53.159 --> 00:07:53.500 That's good. 00:07:54.300 --> 00:07:56.819 We talked about from Ephesians chapter 4, 00:07:57.579 --> 00:07:59.000 beginning in verse 17, 00:07:59.000 --> 00:08:00.259 where the apostle Paul says, 00:08:00.399 --> 00:08:01.779 don't be like the Gentiles. 00:08:01.779 --> 00:08:02.699 Remember? 00:08:03.259 --> 00:08:07.079 Who have extended themselves beyond feeling. 00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:08.679 Now they've become calloused. 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:10.139 Now they've become hardened. 00:08:10.699 --> 00:08:13.619 Now their eyes have been darkened. 00:08:13.739 --> 00:08:15.619 Their hearts have become stony 00:08:15.619 --> 00:08:17.439 and hard and calloused. 00:08:18.039 --> 00:08:19.859 And so now turning back 00:08:19.859 --> 00:08:23.639 is not just no longer attractive. 00:08:24.099 --> 00:08:25.559 It's like, well, 00:08:25.859 --> 00:08:30.379 I'm not sure that I really want God anymore. 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:33.220 I'm not sure I really need God anymore. 00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:35.100 And that is really, 00:08:35.220 --> 00:08:36.980 that is really the essential danger, 00:08:36.980 --> 00:08:38.259 the essential danger, 00:08:38.820 --> 00:08:40.419 is what it does to our hearts 00:08:40.419 --> 00:08:44.019 and how it begins to turn our hearts off from God. 00:08:44.659 --> 00:08:45.559 That sensitivity, 00:08:45.759 --> 00:08:47.379 that tenderness that was once there 00:08:47.379 --> 00:08:49.120 is no longer present. 00:08:49.840 --> 00:08:51.600 And so you don't really need God as much anymore. 00:08:51.899 --> 00:08:53.559 You don't really want God as much anymore. 00:08:54.080 --> 00:08:56.039 And so the hard road back 00:08:56.039 --> 00:08:58.659 is compounded by the fact 00:08:58.659 --> 00:09:01.439 that now you're not really interested 00:09:01.439 --> 00:09:03.879 in wanting to please God anyway. 00:09:04.439 --> 00:09:06.879 So why would I take that hard road 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:08.839 if it's not really something 00:09:08.839 --> 00:09:10.599 that does anything for me? 00:09:11.480 --> 00:09:13.799 And so the further we go, 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:17.259 the less exciting these sins seem. 00:09:17.819 --> 00:09:19.579 And the more we need to do 00:09:19.579 --> 00:09:20.699 to get the same hit, 00:09:20.959 --> 00:09:21.759 the same high, 00:09:22.059 --> 00:09:23.860 that same euphoric experience, 00:09:23.860 --> 00:09:25.120 that same pleasure, 00:09:25.620 --> 00:09:27.180 and it just keeps taking you 00:09:27.180 --> 00:09:28.960 down that path, right? 00:09:30.300 --> 00:09:31.860 And this story of the gateway 00:09:31.860 --> 00:09:33.500 really describes the power 00:09:33.500 --> 00:09:35.019 and the danger 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:36.639 of these sins 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:37.620 that we talked about. 00:09:38.419 --> 00:09:40.159 Because rarely do these sins 00:09:40.159 --> 00:09:41.180 announce themselves. 00:09:42.259 --> 00:09:43.620 Those sins don't say, 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:44.080 hey, 00:09:44.300 --> 00:09:46.519 if you walk down this road, 00:09:46.600 --> 00:09:47.419 there's going to be trouble. 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:48.740 There's going to be danger. 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:51.120 There's going to be a heartache 00:09:51.120 --> 00:09:52.100 and brokenness. 00:09:52.100 --> 00:09:53.820 So don't walk down that road. 00:09:54.240 --> 00:09:54.379 No, 00:09:54.440 --> 00:09:57.540 the road just keeps beckoning you in 00:09:57.540 --> 00:09:58.860 one step further. 00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:01.700 It seems harmless at first. 00:10:02.680 --> 00:10:03.700 It seems innocent. 00:10:04.340 --> 00:10:06.399 And it seems natural. 00:10:07.860 --> 00:10:10.200 The world would want you to think 00:10:10.200 --> 00:10:13.279 that this road is the normal way. 00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:15.360 It's the road that everyone's taken. 00:10:15.600 --> 00:10:16.200 So of course, 00:10:16.300 --> 00:10:17.440 you need to take it too. 00:10:17.500 --> 00:10:18.480 If you want to fit in, 00:10:18.960 --> 00:10:19.820 if you want to enjoy 00:10:19.820 --> 00:10:20.980 that same experience 00:10:20.980 --> 00:10:22.420 that everyone else has, 00:10:22.580 --> 00:10:23.760 then join the crowd. 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:25.140 Do what everyone else is doing. 00:10:25.400 --> 00:10:26.300 Have some fun. 00:10:26.680 --> 00:10:28.140 Stop being such a 00:10:28.140 --> 00:10:31.440 goody two-shoe, right? 00:10:32.040 --> 00:10:33.840 Whatever they would say. 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:36.720 So take one more step. 00:10:37.280 --> 00:10:38.600 Have one more taste. 00:10:39.260 --> 00:10:40.420 Have one more glance. 00:10:40.560 --> 00:10:41.500 Take one more look. 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:43.020 It's okay. 00:10:43.660 --> 00:10:44.460 It's natural. 00:10:44.840 --> 00:10:45.480 It's good. 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:47.759 And so little by little, 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:49.080 what's happening is you're actually 00:10:49.080 --> 00:10:49.920 training your heart. 00:10:50.800 --> 00:10:52.940 You're teaching your heart 00:10:52.940 --> 00:10:54.259 certain things. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:55.940 You're conditioning your heart 00:10:55.940 --> 00:10:57.300 to believe certain things. 00:10:58.460 --> 00:11:00.120 And so little by little, 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:02.180 those subtle demands 00:11:02.180 --> 00:11:04.399 now turn into cravings. 00:11:05.300 --> 00:11:06.000 We talked about 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:08.120 four of those gateway sins. 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:10.500 Four of those sins that seem like 00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:12.220 everyone's doing this. 00:11:12.220 --> 00:11:14.279 So this is natural. 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:15.100 This is normal. 00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:16.680 This is what everyone does. 00:11:16.820 --> 00:11:18.080 So we should do it too. 00:11:18.180 --> 00:11:19.980 We kind of excuse ourselves. 00:11:20.980 --> 00:11:21.879 And I know this was 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:22.800 a couple weeks ago. 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:24.040 Anyone remember 00:11:24.040 --> 00:11:25.899 what one of those 00:11:25.899 --> 00:11:28.240 four gateway sins was? 00:11:28.779 --> 00:11:29.060 Anybody? 00:11:30.940 --> 00:11:31.420 Anger. 00:11:31.580 --> 00:11:31.740 Okay. 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:32.420 Tremendous. 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:36.620 And probably, 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:37.420 I don't want to put 00:11:37.420 --> 00:11:38.399 all the guys 00:11:38.399 --> 00:11:39.480 in this bucket, 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:40.940 but I just know for myself 00:11:40.940 --> 00:11:42.680 and probably for a lot of 00:11:42.680 --> 00:11:43.920 men in this room, 00:11:44.660 --> 00:11:46.020 anger is something we excuse. 00:11:47.140 --> 00:11:48.620 Flying off the handle, 00:11:49.240 --> 00:11:50.480 being short with people, 00:11:52.920 --> 00:11:53.120 you know, 00:11:53.260 --> 00:11:54.140 pumping your fist, 00:11:54.860 --> 00:11:55.600 being upset, 00:11:56.460 --> 00:11:57.460 pushing your way around. 00:11:57.900 --> 00:12:00.360 That's just seems 00:12:00.360 --> 00:12:02.320 natural for us. 00:12:03.040 --> 00:12:05.320 This impulse to respond 00:12:05.320 --> 00:12:06.160 in the moment 00:12:06.160 --> 00:12:07.080 because we're angry. 00:12:07.880 --> 00:12:08.040 Right? 00:12:08.220 --> 00:12:09.720 And so we excuse this sin 00:12:09.720 --> 00:12:10.540 because this is something 00:12:10.540 --> 00:12:11.379 everyone does. 00:12:12.040 --> 00:12:12.340 Anger. 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:14.860 What's another gateway sin? 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:16.300 Fear. 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:16.980 Tremendous. 00:12:17.100 --> 00:12:17.259 Okay? 00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:18.480 So fear. 00:12:18.960 --> 00:12:19.580 And, you know, 00:12:19.580 --> 00:12:20.519 we could say a lot of things 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:21.240 about fear, 00:12:21.660 --> 00:12:24.000 but I think it shows up 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:24.720 the most 00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:27.399 in how we are afraid 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:29.040 to take certain steps 00:12:29.040 --> 00:12:30.639 and do certain things 00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:31.600 that we know are right 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:33.340 because we're familiar 00:12:33.340 --> 00:12:34.360 with the word peer pressure. 00:12:35.019 --> 00:12:35.120 Right? 00:12:35.220 --> 00:12:36.620 Peer pressure is a word 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:37.460 that we hear a lot, 00:12:37.460 --> 00:12:38.980 especially for you students 00:12:38.980 --> 00:12:40.019 who may be going 00:12:40.019 --> 00:12:41.180 to school, 00:12:41.280 --> 00:12:42.360 high school somewhere. 00:12:42.660 --> 00:12:43.820 Peer pressure is a big deal. 00:12:44.800 --> 00:12:45.580 And peer pressure 00:12:45.580 --> 00:12:46.820 can be really negative 00:12:46.820 --> 00:12:47.680 to keep us 00:12:47.680 --> 00:12:49.220 from doing what we know 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:49.759 is right. 00:12:51.220 --> 00:12:52.920 Or the fear of losing 00:12:52.920 --> 00:12:54.580 something that you want, 00:12:54.820 --> 00:12:55.639 that you enjoy, 00:12:55.720 --> 00:12:56.759 and so you're willing 00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:58.000 to make compromises 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:59.200 in your life 00:12:59.200 --> 00:13:00.100 because of fear 00:13:00.100 --> 00:13:01.580 to get that thing 00:13:01.580 --> 00:13:02.440 even though you know 00:13:02.440 --> 00:13:03.700 it may not necessarily 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:05.060 be the right thing. 00:13:05.059 --> 00:13:06.979 Discontentment 00:13:06.979 --> 00:13:08.179 is one of those things. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:10.259 And in our series 00:13:10.259 --> 00:13:11.039 through Colossians, 00:13:11.119 --> 00:13:11.539 we talked about 00:13:11.539 --> 00:13:12.119 the significance 00:13:12.119 --> 00:13:12.779 of Thanksgiving. 00:13:13.959 --> 00:13:15.019 Thanksgiving is one 00:13:15.019 --> 00:13:15.599 of those things 00:13:15.599 --> 00:13:17.099 that helps to tune 00:13:17.099 --> 00:13:17.879 our heart 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:19.359 to see 00:13:19.359 --> 00:13:20.959 what God is doing 00:13:20.959 --> 00:13:24.279 when circumstances 00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:26.179 seem to be 00:13:26.179 --> 00:13:28.579 negative. 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:29.099 Right? 00:13:29.419 --> 00:13:30.699 Okay, so the Apostle Paul, 00:13:30.919 --> 00:13:32.619 I love how he says this 00:13:32.619 --> 00:13:33.799 in Philippians chapter 3. 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:34.379 He says, 00:13:34.379 --> 00:13:35.679 I have learned 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:37.200 in every state 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:38.179 to be content. 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:40.860 Whether I'm abased 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:41.980 or whether I abound, 00:13:42.659 --> 00:13:43.879 whether I'm full 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:44.939 or whether I'm empty, 00:13:45.059 --> 00:13:46.139 I can do all things 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:46.740 through Christ 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:47.899 who strengthens me. 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:48.960 Now, isn't it interesting 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.799 that he attaches 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:51.220 that promise 00:13:51.220 --> 00:13:52.740 of Christ's power 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:53.960 to contentment? 00:13:54.939 --> 00:13:55.539 Why? 00:13:56.559 --> 00:13:57.019 Because, 00:13:57.820 --> 00:13:58.620 let's be honest, 00:13:59.279 --> 00:14:01.100 we're not very content people. 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:03.159 We tend to be 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:04.179 very critical people. 00:14:05.219 --> 00:14:05.980 We tend to be 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:07.079 complainers. 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:08.419 We tend to be 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:09.339 belly achers. 00:14:09.939 --> 00:14:11.480 We tend to be 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.259 jealous of what 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:13.139 other people have, 00:14:13.579 --> 00:14:14.659 envious of the things 00:14:14.659 --> 00:14:15.139 that they have 00:14:15.139 --> 00:14:16.059 that we don't. 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:17.079 Their talents, 00:14:17.539 --> 00:14:18.219 their things, 00:14:18.439 --> 00:14:19.120 their stuff, 00:14:19.939 --> 00:14:21.240 the fun they have, 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:22.100 the people, 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:23.179 the friends they have, 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:24.159 whatever it is, 00:14:24.179 --> 00:14:24.980 it's really easy 00:14:24.980 --> 00:14:25.860 for us to be 00:14:25.860 --> 00:14:26.959 really discontent. 00:14:26.960 --> 00:14:28.580 And especially 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:29.240 when things aren't 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:29.879 going our way. 00:14:30.920 --> 00:14:32.120 And the Apostle Paul says, 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:33.420 you can do 00:14:33.420 --> 00:14:34.240 all things 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:34.879 through Christ 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:36.040 who strengthens you 00:14:36.040 --> 00:14:37.780 to be content, 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.180 to be thankful, 00:14:39.700 --> 00:14:41.100 to be satisfied. 00:14:41.540 --> 00:14:42.620 I love that. 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:45.080 The other one is 00:14:45.080 --> 00:14:45.620 self-pity. 00:14:46.400 --> 00:14:47.700 Feeling sorry for yourself. 00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:49.960 Nursing wounds 00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:51.500 without bringing them 00:14:51.500 --> 00:14:51.900 to God. 00:14:51.899 --> 00:14:53.939 And it's okay, 00:14:54.199 --> 00:14:54.759 I think, 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:55.600 for us at times 00:14:55.600 --> 00:14:56.600 to really feel 00:14:56.600 --> 00:14:58.100 the sorrow 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.480 and the grief 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:00.959 and the disappointment 00:15:00.959 --> 00:15:01.699 of a moment. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:02.199 I mean, 00:15:02.699 --> 00:15:03.899 I love how 00:15:03.899 --> 00:15:04.679 the Lord Jesus 00:15:04.679 --> 00:15:05.679 does this 00:15:05.679 --> 00:15:08.500 in John chapter 11 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:10.000 where Mary and Martha 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:10.939 are grieving 00:15:10.939 --> 00:15:11.919 over the loss 00:15:11.919 --> 00:15:14.000 of their brother Lazarus. 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:15.279 And what does Jesus do? 00:15:15.459 --> 00:15:16.480 He enters in 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:17.319 with them. 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:19.000 He grieves with them. 00:15:19.079 --> 00:15:20.000 He sorrows with them. 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:20.799 It's okay 00:15:20.799 --> 00:15:22.620 for us to feel lost. 00:15:23.039 --> 00:15:23.740 We don't have to 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.919 just walk through life 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:26.859 as if we're impervious 00:15:26.859 --> 00:15:27.659 to feelings. 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:29.059 Feelings can be good, 00:15:29.219 --> 00:15:29.879 but those feelings 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:31.039 must direct us to God. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:32.159 And that's kind of been 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:33.059 the thrust 00:15:33.059 --> 00:15:34.759 of this entire time together. 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:36.639 See, 00:15:38.219 --> 00:15:39.240 with gateway sins, 00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:40.579 no one wakes up one day 00:15:40.579 --> 00:15:40.879 and says, 00:15:40.959 --> 00:15:41.199 you know what, 00:15:41.219 --> 00:15:41.959 I think I'm going to ruin 00:15:41.959 --> 00:15:43.019 my reputation today. 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:45.479 I think I'm going to 00:15:45.479 --> 00:15:46.719 blow up my marriage. 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:49.339 I think I'm going to bring 00:15:49.340 --> 00:15:52.780 devastate my integrity, 00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:53.720 my reputation. 00:15:53.720 --> 00:15:56.519 I'm going to mess it up today. 00:15:56.560 --> 00:15:57.519 I'm going to do it good. 00:15:58.280 --> 00:15:59.440 We don't do that. 00:15:59.940 --> 00:16:01.420 No, it's step by step, 00:16:01.540 --> 00:16:02.580 moment by moment. 00:16:03.040 --> 00:16:04.480 We're conditioning ourselves. 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:06.160 And quietly, 00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:08.960 we transform our desires 00:16:08.960 --> 00:16:10.600 into demands. 00:16:11.800 --> 00:16:13.200 Those things that once 00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:14.259 kind of pulled us 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:15.060 in a direction 00:16:15.060 --> 00:16:17.259 because we wanted something, 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:19.059 now we're demanding this. 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.379 We feel entitled to this. 00:16:20.460 --> 00:16:22.100 We feel like we deserve this. 00:16:23.919 --> 00:16:25.779 And so these countless moments 00:16:25.779 --> 00:16:27.819 of saying yes to sin, 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:30.879 those things that once 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:33.279 we were very sensitive to, 00:16:33.340 --> 00:16:34.480 now we're calloused to. 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:37.659 And the longer we walk this road, 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:39.159 the more we convince ourselves 00:16:39.159 --> 00:16:40.580 that we deserve this. 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:42.600 I actually deserve this. 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:44.820 And that's where 00:16:44.820 --> 00:16:47.060 it becomes bondage. 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:49.500 We become comfortable 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:50.200 with our sin 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:51.720 and it doesn't embarrass us 00:16:51.720 --> 00:16:53.320 the same way it did before. 00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:55.639 It doesn't feel, 00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:57.200 make us feel guilty 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:58.879 like it did before. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.840 It feels normal. 00:17:00.980 --> 00:17:01.759 It feels right. 00:17:01.899 --> 00:17:03.779 It feels good. 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:05.339 It feels like 00:17:05.339 --> 00:17:07.099 this is what I should be doing. 00:17:08.380 --> 00:17:09.700 And this is where we move 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:11.380 into our time for this week. 00:17:11.380 --> 00:17:13.340 Our heart begins 00:17:13.340 --> 00:17:14.340 to excuse 00:17:14.340 --> 00:17:15.640 and to justify 00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:16.460 our sin. 00:17:17.780 --> 00:17:19.440 And the more we do this, 00:17:20.100 --> 00:17:21.320 the more we realize 00:17:21.320 --> 00:17:23.060 that we're actually 00:17:23.060 --> 00:17:25.240 slaves to that sin. 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:27.840 We have set up 00:17:27.840 --> 00:17:30.480 little sanctuaries 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:32.120 or altars of worship 00:17:32.120 --> 00:17:33.300 to those things 00:17:33.300 --> 00:17:34.880 that we have to have. 00:17:35.060 --> 00:17:37.120 They become governing for us. 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:38.560 They become our masters 00:17:38.560 --> 00:17:39.880 in a way, right? 00:17:39.880 --> 00:17:41.540 Because we have to have this 00:17:41.540 --> 00:17:44.020 in order to feel right. 00:17:45.340 --> 00:17:45.800 And so, 00:17:45.940 --> 00:17:47.200 the life of Solomon 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:48.060 gives us this 00:17:48.060 --> 00:17:49.060 remarkable, 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:50.560 real-to-life 00:17:50.560 --> 00:17:51.300 gateway 00:17:51.300 --> 00:17:53.420 parable. 00:17:53.580 --> 00:17:54.180 It's kind of written 00:17:54.180 --> 00:17:54.780 over 00:17:54.780 --> 00:17:56.960 the life 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.660 of King Solomon. 00:17:58.340 --> 00:17:59.860 He is the 00:17:59.860 --> 00:18:00.380 ultimate 00:18:00.380 --> 00:18:01.800 gateway traveler. 00:18:03.020 --> 00:18:03.360 And so, 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:04.440 I want to just 00:18:04.440 --> 00:18:05.660 look at his life 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:06.340 briefly 00:18:06.340 --> 00:18:07.920 as kind of 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.400 an introduction 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:09.500 to what we're going 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:09.860 to cover 00:18:09.860 --> 00:18:11.080 this morning. 00:18:11.280 --> 00:18:11.759 Do you have that 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:12.519 in your... 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:13.100 I didn't bring 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:14.620 a guide with me. 00:18:15.420 --> 00:18:15.600 Okay. 00:18:15.900 --> 00:18:16.580 You have a section 00:18:16.580 --> 00:18:18.220 about Solomon 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:18.900 as kind of the 00:18:18.900 --> 00:18:19.840 ultimate gateway traveler? 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:20.140 Okay. 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:20.420 Good. 00:18:21.560 --> 00:18:22.259 I want to just... 00:18:22.259 --> 00:18:22.840 I'm going to read 00:18:22.840 --> 00:18:24.280 the little portions 00:18:24.280 --> 00:18:24.920 of this 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:26.480 and take a pause 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:28.019 and there's some 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:28.960 lines there 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:30.019 if you want to 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:30.820 take some notes. 00:18:30.819 --> 00:18:32.000 but I want to just 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:32.899 walk through this 00:18:32.899 --> 00:18:33.379 together 00:18:33.379 --> 00:18:34.439 so we can kind of 00:18:34.439 --> 00:18:35.599 see how this works, 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:37.179 see how Solomon 00:18:37.179 --> 00:18:38.059 was this gateway 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:38.539 traveler 00:18:38.539 --> 00:18:39.779 and what it led to. 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:40.859 The ruin 00:18:40.859 --> 00:18:42.679 and devastation 00:18:42.679 --> 00:18:43.700 that it led to 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.299 in his life. 00:18:45.460 --> 00:18:46.539 Here we start. 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:47.439 Ecclesiastes 00:18:47.439 --> 00:18:48.519 chapter 1 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:49.240 verses 1 and 2. 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:50.379 It says this. 00:18:51.179 --> 00:18:52.240 The words of the preacher, 00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:53.639 the son of David, 00:18:54.179 --> 00:18:55.039 king in Jerusalem. 00:18:55.379 --> 00:18:55.819 By the way, 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:56.659 King Solomon. 00:18:57.859 --> 00:18:59.159 Vanity of vanities, 00:18:59.439 --> 00:19:00.220 says the preacher. 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:02.420 Vanity of vanities, 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:03.759 all is vanity. 00:19:04.360 --> 00:19:05.059 Now that's the 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:06.000 leading statement 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:07.039 of King Solomon 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:09.279 in this little book 00:19:09.279 --> 00:19:10.339 called Ecclesiastes. 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:13.680 What do we... 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:14.480 Someone summarize 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:14.980 this for me. 00:19:15.640 --> 00:19:16.720 What does vanity mean? 00:19:17.880 --> 00:19:18.839 Chasing after the wind. 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:19.120 Okay. 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:19.960 Chasing after the wind. 00:19:20.100 --> 00:19:20.339 Good. 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:21.579 That's a part of it. 00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:22.420 And so anyone 00:19:22.420 --> 00:19:23.740 who's chasing after the wind, 00:19:23.839 --> 00:19:24.600 what does that mean 00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:25.680 about their life? 00:19:26.100 --> 00:19:26.519 What does it mean 00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:27.180 about the results 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:27.779 of their life? 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:29.000 What are they left with? 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.200 Meaningless. 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:30.900 It's good. 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:32.380 It's meaningless. 00:19:32.900 --> 00:19:33.860 It's empty. 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:36.279 It leaves them 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:37.160 with this void 00:19:37.160 --> 00:19:37.880 in their heart. 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:40.059 They're missing something. 00:19:40.120 --> 00:19:40.920 They've been chasing 00:19:40.920 --> 00:19:41.960 and chasing 00:19:41.960 --> 00:19:42.960 and chasing. 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:45.960 And all of that energy 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:48.759 is resulted in nothingness. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.039 Vanity. 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:52.100 And that's kind of 00:19:52.100 --> 00:19:52.819 the headline 00:19:52.819 --> 00:19:54.100 over this entire book. 00:19:54.600 --> 00:19:55.600 And that's the headline, 00:19:55.799 --> 00:19:56.299 by the way, 00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:57.639 of this series. 00:19:57.639 --> 00:19:59.399 That apart from God, 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:01.379 chasing your desires 00:20:01.379 --> 00:20:02.680 apart from God 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:03.919 will leave you empty 00:20:03.919 --> 00:20:05.819 and devastated 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:07.440 like it did the preacher. 00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:11.620 chapter 1, 00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:13.059 verses 12 to 14. 00:20:13.160 --> 00:20:13.920 What are some things 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:15.059 we're going to see 00:20:15.059 --> 00:20:16.380 that the preacher 00:20:16.380 --> 00:20:17.559 or King Solomon 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.059 pursued? 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:19.840 First, 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:20.660 we see this pursuit 00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:21.059 of wisdom. 00:20:21.180 --> 00:20:21.420 He says, 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:22.120 I, the preacher, 00:20:22.120 --> 00:20:23.700 have been king 00:20:23.700 --> 00:20:24.279 over Israel 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:24.860 and Jerusalem 00:20:24.860 --> 00:20:25.900 and I applied 00:20:25.900 --> 00:20:26.940 my heart 00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:27.960 to seek 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.580 and to search 00:20:28.580 --> 00:20:29.380 out by wisdom 00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:31.160 all that is done 00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:31.700 under heaven. 00:20:31.700 --> 00:20:34.319 It is an unhappy business 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.580 that God has given 00:20:35.580 --> 00:20:36.340 to the children of men 00:20:36.340 --> 00:20:37.160 to be busy with. 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:38.720 I have seen everything 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.299 that is done 00:20:39.299 --> 00:20:39.819 under the sun 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:40.240 and behold, 00:20:40.380 --> 00:20:41.240 all is vanity 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:42.640 and striving 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.799 after the wind. 00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:45.080 Verse 16, 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:45.960 I said in my heart, 00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:47.160 I've acquired great wisdom 00:20:47.160 --> 00:20:48.319 surpassing all 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:49.700 who are over Jerusalem 00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:50.299 before me 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:51.080 and my heart 00:20:51.080 --> 00:20:53.080 has had great experience 00:20:53.080 --> 00:20:53.580 of wisdom 00:20:53.580 --> 00:20:54.120 and knowledge 00:20:54.120 --> 00:20:55.940 and I applied my heart 00:20:55.940 --> 00:20:57.140 to know wisdom 00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:58.539 and to know madness 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:59.100 and folly. 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:00.400 I perceived 00:21:00.400 --> 00:21:01.200 that this 00:21:01.200 --> 00:21:01.920 is also 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:03.160 but a striving 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:03.799 after the wind. 00:21:05.460 --> 00:21:05.740 Now, 00:21:06.180 --> 00:21:07.319 help me with the story 00:21:07.319 --> 00:21:08.819 that the initial story 00:21:08.819 --> 00:21:09.480 of Solomon, 00:21:09.940 --> 00:21:10.180 okay, 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:11.259 and kind of 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:12.160 have to rewind 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:13.059 all the way back 00:21:13.059 --> 00:21:13.640 to the beginning 00:21:13.640 --> 00:21:15.000 of King Solomon's life 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:15.600 and remember 00:21:15.600 --> 00:21:16.819 that God shows up 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:17.600 to Solomon 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:18.019 and says, 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:19.259 essentially, 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:20.059 I'm going to have to 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:20.819 kind of put this 00:21:20.819 --> 00:21:21.440 in my own words 00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:22.500 and it may or may not 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:23.799 be fully accurate, 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:24.460 but essentially, 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:25.240 Solomon, 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.700 tell me what you want, 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:28.220 whatever you ask 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:29.299 and I will give it to you. 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:29.980 Remember that? 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:31.019 Something along 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.440 those lines? 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:33.460 What could Solomon 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:33.940 have asked for? 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.160 Wealth, 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:37.740 popularity, 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.579 army power, 00:21:40.379 --> 00:21:40.940 control, 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:42.180 land, 00:21:43.379 --> 00:21:44.359 popularity, 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:45.859 wealth, 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:47.180 all of these things 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:49.079 and he asks for wisdom 00:21:49.079 --> 00:21:51.599 and God honored that. 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:53.400 That was a very good thing. 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:56.139 But isn't it interesting here 00:21:56.140 --> 00:21:59.140 that while Solomon 00:21:59.140 --> 00:22:00.640 excelled in wisdom 00:22:00.640 --> 00:22:03.100 above anybody else 00:22:03.100 --> 00:22:04.700 who ever lived in that day 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:05.780 and probably anyone else 00:22:05.780 --> 00:22:06.800 after with the exception 00:22:06.800 --> 00:22:07.720 of Jesus Christ, 00:22:08.540 --> 00:22:09.920 he excelled in wisdom 00:22:09.920 --> 00:22:12.820 and it's wisdom here 00:22:12.820 --> 00:22:14.880 that Solomon says, 00:22:15.280 --> 00:22:16.840 it's empty, 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.259 it's worthless, 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:19.820 it's meaningless. 00:22:21.420 --> 00:22:22.180 It's something, 00:22:22.280 --> 00:22:22.560 isn't it? 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:26.399 And really because, 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:28.119 and maybe I won't give you 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:28.440 the answer, 00:22:28.659 --> 00:22:29.319 why, 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.000 why was wisdom 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.700 meaningless for Solomon here? 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:35.299 What do you think? 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:39.460 In Colossians, 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.700 wisdom is a person. 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:41.419 Okay. 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:43.960 And so he's seeking wisdom 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:45.319 apart from a person. 00:22:45.339 --> 00:22:45.519 Okay. 00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:46.460 That's good. 00:22:47.159 --> 00:22:48.259 Do you notice that 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:50.980 throughout this passage here 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:54.000 in Ecclesiastes chapter 1 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:55.359 that he's applying 00:22:55.359 --> 00:22:56.619 his own heart 00:22:56.619 --> 00:22:57.200 to wisdom 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:58.980 and so who is 00:22:58.980 --> 00:22:59.680 the beneficiary? 00:23:00.919 --> 00:23:02.659 Solomon is the beneficiary. 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.360 Right? 00:23:03.920 --> 00:23:05.160 It's all self-serving. 00:23:05.300 --> 00:23:05.940 It's all about 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:07.540 what wisdom does for him 00:23:07.540 --> 00:23:08.460 and not about 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.140 how wisdom 00:23:09.140 --> 00:23:10.259 is helping 00:23:10.259 --> 00:23:11.480 Solomon 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:12.600 point 00:23:12.600 --> 00:23:13.600 to the Lord, 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:14.360 to God. 00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:14.840 Right? 00:23:15.320 --> 00:23:16.640 And that wisdom 00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:17.880 as we kind of went through 00:23:17.880 --> 00:23:19.220 our study in Colossians, 00:23:19.340 --> 00:23:20.440 we saw that 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:21.640 Jesus 00:23:21.640 --> 00:23:23.420 is wisdom. 00:23:23.820 --> 00:23:24.060 Right? 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:26.259 He is the wisdom of God. 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:27.380 He's the knowledge 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:29.080 that we get to enjoy 00:23:29.080 --> 00:23:29.580 and so 00:23:29.580 --> 00:23:31.100 wisdom is meant 00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:32.079 to point us to 00:23:32.079 --> 00:23:33.199 to the Savior 00:23:33.199 --> 00:23:34.639 and not to 00:23:34.639 --> 00:23:36.079 redirect ourselves 00:23:36.079 --> 00:23:38.079 to our attention 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:38.799 to ourselves. 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.319 So there's no wonder 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:41.159 why it was empty. 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:41.939 No wonder why it was 00:23:41.939 --> 00:23:43.000 a striving after the wind 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:43.659 because it was 00:23:43.659 --> 00:23:44.899 it was an objective 00:23:44.899 --> 00:23:46.959 that was self-serving 00:23:46.959 --> 00:23:48.379 rather than 00:23:48.379 --> 00:23:49.139 an objective 00:23:49.139 --> 00:23:49.879 that was 00:23:49.879 --> 00:23:51.159 intended to 00:23:51.159 --> 00:23:52.339 to serve 00:23:52.339 --> 00:23:54.000 and to help others. 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:55.359 Okay. 00:23:55.939 --> 00:23:57.519 In this next little section 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:59.059 verses 1 to 11 00:23:59.059 --> 00:24:00.819 of chapter 2 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:02.379 I have kind of 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:03.000 bolded 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:05.319 the ways in which 00:24:05.319 --> 00:24:05.919 Solomon 00:24:05.919 --> 00:24:07.039 applied himself 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:07.940 to get pleasure. 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:09.679 And just as I'm reading 00:24:09.679 --> 00:24:11.519 I would just encourage you 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:11.759 to 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.859 to write down 00:24:12.859 --> 00:24:14.119 what you see 00:24:14.119 --> 00:24:15.740 in the spaces below 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:17.339 all the different ways 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:17.659 that 00:24:17.659 --> 00:24:18.679 or all the different things 00:24:18.679 --> 00:24:19.819 that Solomon pursued 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:21.079 to try to get 00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:22.679 to try to get a hit 00:24:22.679 --> 00:24:23.700 to try to pursue 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:24.839 this experience 00:24:24.839 --> 00:24:25.399 of pleasure. 00:24:25.899 --> 00:24:26.220 Okay. 00:24:26.839 --> 00:24:27.399 So he says 00:24:27.399 --> 00:24:28.339 I'll just read this. 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:28.579 He says 00:24:28.579 --> 00:24:29.500 I said in my heart 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.659 come now 00:24:30.659 --> 00:24:31.500 I will test you 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.039 with pleasure 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:33.960 enjoy yourself 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:34.819 but behold 00:24:34.819 --> 00:24:36.099 this is also 00:24:36.099 --> 00:24:36.699 vanity. 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:38.859 I said of laughter 00:24:38.859 --> 00:24:40.019 it is mad 00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:41.199 and of pleasure 00:24:41.199 --> 00:24:42.539 what use is it? 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:43.859 I searched 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:44.740 with my mind 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:45.919 excuse me 00:24:45.919 --> 00:24:46.839 I searched with my heart 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:48.019 how to cheer 00:24:48.019 --> 00:24:48.539 my body 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:49.179 with wine 00:24:49.179 --> 00:24:50.279 my heart 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:51.279 still guiding me 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:51.819 with wisdom 00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:53.599 I made great works 00:24:53.599 --> 00:24:54.619 I built houses 00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:55.659 and planted vineyards 00:24:55.659 --> 00:24:56.199 for myself 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.600 I made myself 00:24:57.600 --> 00:24:58.960 gardens 00:24:58.960 --> 00:24:59.620 and parks 00:24:59.620 --> 00:25:00.840 excuse me 00:25:00.840 --> 00:25:01.860 let me put my glasses 00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:02.400 on so I'm not 00:25:02.400 --> 00:25:03.039 skipping lines 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:06.279 and planted them 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:07.080 with all kinds 00:25:07.080 --> 00:25:07.799 of fruit trees 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:09.259 I made myself 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:09.660 pools 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:10.660 from which to water 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:11.200 the forest 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:12.000 of growing trees 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:13.700 I bought male 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.759 and female slaves 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:16.039 and had slaves 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:16.980 who were born 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:17.680 in my house 00:25:17.680 --> 00:25:19.279 I also had great 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:19.700 possessions 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.299 of herds 00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:20.920 and flocks 00:25:20.920 --> 00:25:22.200 more than any 00:25:22.200 --> 00:25:23.100 who had been 00:25:23.100 --> 00:25:23.660 before me 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:24.240 in Jerusalem 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:26.259 I gathered myself 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:27.200 silver and gold 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:27.740 and treasure 00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:28.340 of kings 00:25:28.340 --> 00:25:29.300 and provinces 00:25:29.300 --> 00:25:30.560 I got singers 00:25:30.560 --> 00:25:31.279 both of men 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:31.740 and women 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:34.000 and many concubines 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.540 the delight 00:25:34.540 --> 00:25:35.540 of a son of man 00:25:35.540 --> 00:25:37.220 so I became 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:38.480 great and surpassed 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.200 all who were 00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:39.660 before me 00:25:39.660 --> 00:25:40.160 in Jerusalem 00:25:40.160 --> 00:25:41.960 also my wisdom 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:42.800 remained with me 00:25:42.800 --> 00:25:43.840 and whatever 00:25:43.840 --> 00:25:45.600 my eyes desired 00:25:45.600 --> 00:25:46.940 I did not keep 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:47.320 them 00:25:47.320 --> 00:25:49.600 or keep from them 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:51.140 I kept my heart 00:25:51.140 --> 00:25:52.180 from no pleasure 00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:53.500 for my heart 00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:54.220 found pleasure 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:54.920 in all my toil 00:25:54.920 --> 00:25:56.640 and this was my reward 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:57.340 for all my toil 00:25:57.340 --> 00:25:58.840 then I considered 00:25:58.840 --> 00:25:59.799 all that my hands 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:00.299 had done 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:01.400 and all the toil 00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:02.140 I had expended 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:03.420 in doing it 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:04.340 and behold 00:26:04.340 --> 00:26:05.460 all was vanity 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:06.720 and striving 00:26:06.720 --> 00:26:07.519 after the wind 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:08.960 and there was nothing 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:09.740 to be gained 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.680 under the sun 00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:12.240 what do you see 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:13.940 what are some of the ways 00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:14.519 that he tried 00:26:14.519 --> 00:26:15.620 to pursue pleasure 00:26:15.620 --> 00:26:18.340 what do you see 00:26:18.339 --> 00:26:27.399 that's good 00:26:27.399 --> 00:26:29.359 that's good 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:30.819 and that is 00:26:30.819 --> 00:26:31.819 the essence 00:26:31.819 --> 00:26:33.519 that's the summary phrase 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:34.819 in the entire passage 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:36.579 that we arrive at 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.379 fantastic 00:26:37.379 --> 00:26:38.139 that's good 00:26:38.139 --> 00:26:39.299 but what are some 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:40.459 of the specific things 00:26:40.459 --> 00:26:42.500 possessions 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.599 the things that he wanted 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:43.899 right 00:26:43.899 --> 00:26:44.879 what kind of possessions 00:26:44.879 --> 00:26:45.720 does he mention here 00:26:45.720 --> 00:26:48.119 gold and silver 00:26:48.119 --> 00:26:48.679 right 00:26:48.679 --> 00:26:50.799 lands and vineyards 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:52.679 flocks and 00:26:52.679 --> 00:26:53.679 and 00:26:53.679 --> 00:26:56.559 herds 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:57.419 herds and flocks 00:26:57.419 --> 00:26:57.879 what else 00:26:57.879 --> 00:27:00.579 alcohol 00:27:00.579 --> 00:27:01.079 wine 00:27:01.079 --> 00:27:01.839 that's right 00:27:01.839 --> 00:27:05.239 hard work 00:27:05.239 --> 00:27:05.939 working hard 00:27:05.939 --> 00:27:07.619 success 00:27:07.619 --> 00:27:08.199 pools 00:27:08.199 --> 00:27:09.619 and parks 00:27:09.619 --> 00:27:10.319 and gardens 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:10.779 right 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:15.460 entertainment 00:27:15.460 --> 00:27:16.379 right 00:27:16.379 --> 00:27:17.579 beauty 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:19.139 and all of these 00:27:19.139 --> 00:27:19.639 things are good 00:27:19.639 --> 00:27:20.139 by the way 00:27:20.139 --> 00:27:21.700 beauty is good 00:27:21.700 --> 00:27:23.139 God put the most 00:27:23.139 --> 00:27:23.839 beautiful garden 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:24.240 together 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:25.279 that Solomon 00:27:25.279 --> 00:27:26.039 could ever imagine 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:26.899 and that was 00:27:26.899 --> 00:27:27.440 good 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:27.920 right 00:27:27.920 --> 00:27:29.200 but it was 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:30.480 all for self 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.379 gratification 00:27:31.379 --> 00:27:33.339 laughter 00:27:33.339 --> 00:27:35.379 that's right 00:27:35.379 --> 00:27:37.220 enjoyment 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:38.460 and just 00:27:38.460 --> 00:27:38.960 just the 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:39.539 experience 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:40.339 of having 00:27:40.339 --> 00:27:40.819 fun 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:42.000 together 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:43.220 and 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:43.420 and 00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:43.660 and 00:27:43.660 --> 00:27:43.960 and 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:44.100 as 00:27:44.100 --> 00:27:44.420 Timothy 00:27:44.420 --> 00:27:45.400 did for us 00:27:45.400 --> 00:27:45.779 already 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:47.440 that defining 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:47.880 statement 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.480 we see in 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:49.059 verses 10 00:27:49.059 --> 00:27:49.620 and 11 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:51.400 whatever his 00:27:51.400 --> 00:27:52.259 eyes desired 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.819 he did not 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:53.279 keep his 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:53.640 heart 00:27:53.640 --> 00:27:54.779 from any 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:55.160 pleasure 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:56.400 and he 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:56.799 and he 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.240 saw at the 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:57.600 very end 00:27:57.600 --> 00:27:57.860 of it 00:27:57.860 --> 00:27:58.720 it was 00:27:58.720 --> 00:27:59.400 all empty 00:27:59.400 --> 00:28:00.120 it left 00:28:00.120 --> 00:28:00.839 him feeling 00:28:00.839 --> 00:28:01.779 worthless 00:28:01.779 --> 00:28:02.879 right 00:28:02.879 --> 00:28:04.480 and 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:04.680 and 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:05.200 and so 00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:06.180 this no longer 00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:07.019 becomes a parable 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:07.539 of a gateway 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:08.160 does it 00:28:08.160 --> 00:28:10.019 this is 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:10.759 this is an actual 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:11.460 experience 00:28:11.460 --> 00:28:12.720 of King Solomon 00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:13.839 who's walked 00:28:13.839 --> 00:28:14.660 down this path 00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:15.420 and it's left 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:15.740 him 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:17.099 in bondage 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:18.099 and we see that 00:28:18.099 --> 00:28:18.660 I don't have time 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:19.759 to read it for you 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:21.079 this morning 00:28:21.079 --> 00:28:22.000 but in 1st Kings 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:22.680 chapter 1 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:24.619 or chapter 11 00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:25.680 verses 1 to 10 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:26.839 God 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.480 his 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:28.000 his 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.779 own 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:31.059 indictment 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:31.960 against King 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:32.399 Solomon 00:28:32.399 --> 00:28:33.259 is that 00:28:33.259 --> 00:28:33.819 it had led 00:28:33.819 --> 00:28:34.159 his heart 00:28:34.159 --> 00:28:34.539 astray 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:36.000 all of these 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:36.460 things 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:36.859 it actually 00:28:36.859 --> 00:28:37.779 left him 00:28:37.779 --> 00:28:39.240 in rebellion 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:39.740 against 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.419 against the 00:28:40.419 --> 00:28:40.639 Lord 00:28:40.639 --> 00:28:41.859 to the extent 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:42.399 that Solomon 00:28:42.399 --> 00:28:43.000 built high 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.539 places for 00:28:43.539 --> 00:28:43.940 himself 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:45.399 and he built 00:28:45.399 --> 00:28:45.960 high places 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:47.000 and he did 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:47.539 this for his 00:28:47.539 --> 00:28:48.259 foreign wives 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.059 and the Lord 00:28:49.059 --> 00:28:49.460 it says 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:50.179 in verse 9 00:28:50.179 --> 00:28:51.339 was angry 00:28:51.339 --> 00:28:52.079 with Solomon 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:52.679 because his 00:28:52.679 --> 00:28:53.480 heart had 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:54.539 turned away 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:55.139 from the 00:28:55.139 --> 00:28:55.440 Lord 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:57.240 wow 00:28:57.240 --> 00:28:58.659 what a tragic 00:28:58.659 --> 00:28:59.220 ending 00:28:59.220 --> 00:29:00.659 Lord away 00:29:00.660 --> 00:29:01.340 by this 00:29:01.340 --> 00:29:01.980 impure 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:02.900 desire 00:29:02.900 --> 00:29:04.480 this 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.860 indulgence 00:29:05.860 --> 00:29:06.779 this passion 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:07.700 this fuel 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:09.440 of meeting 00:29:09.440 --> 00:29:11.019 needs 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:11.700 in his own 00:29:11.700 --> 00:29:12.019 way 00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:14.120 and there are 00:29:14.120 --> 00:29:14.620 some reasons 00:29:14.620 --> 00:29:15.420 why we follow 00:29:15.420 --> 00:29:16.040 this course 00:29:16.040 --> 00:29:16.660 and so 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:18.360 those gateway 00:29:18.360 --> 00:29:18.960 sins 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:19.460 might be 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:19.960 anger 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:20.640 and self 00:29:20.640 --> 00:29:21.000 pity 00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:22.140 and fear 00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:23.019 and discontentment 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:23.980 but there's 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.660 something that 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:25.940 moves us 00:29:25.940 --> 00:29:26.540 that direction 00:29:26.540 --> 00:29:27.440 there's something 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:27.940 that kind of 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:28.720 motivates us 00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:29.460 to even 00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:30.259 consider 00:29:30.259 --> 00:29:30.720 to walk 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.180 down that 00:29:31.180 --> 00:29:31.500 path 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:31.799 and that's 00:29:31.799 --> 00:29:32.120 what I want 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:32.799 to talk 00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.240 about just 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:33.779 a little bit 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:34.940 this morning 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:35.519 before we 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.339 break up 00:29:36.339 --> 00:29:37.120 for discussion 00:29:37.120 --> 00:29:38.480 what are those 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:39.100 motivations 00:29:39.100 --> 00:29:39.640 what are those 00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:40.940 cravings in our 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:41.319 heart 00:29:41.319 --> 00:29:42.920 that say 00:29:42.920 --> 00:29:43.480 hey this is 00:29:43.480 --> 00:29:43.819 okay 00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:44.500 you need 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:44.759 this 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:45.140 or you 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:45.559 deserve 00:29:45.559 --> 00:29:46.120 this 00:29:46.120 --> 00:29:47.180 and 00:29:47.180 --> 00:29:48.039 those 00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:48.819 four 00:29:48.819 --> 00:29:49.700 motivations 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.140 that we're 00:29:50.140 --> 00:29:50.460 going to 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:51.700 talk about 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:53.279 are 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:55.160 probably in 00:29:55.160 --> 00:29:56.400 your little 00:29:56.400 --> 00:29:56.800 guide 00:29:56.800 --> 00:29:58.600 but self 00:29:58.600 --> 00:29:59.220 reward 00:29:59.220 --> 00:30:00.820 for dedication 00:30:00.820 --> 00:30:01.440 that's 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:02.120 motivation 00:30:02.120 --> 00:30:02.720 number one 00:30:02.720 --> 00:30:04.120 then a 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:04.700 craving for 00:30:04.700 --> 00:30:05.300 flattery 00:30:05.300 --> 00:30:05.840 and praise 00:30:05.840 --> 00:30:06.820 that's 00:30:06.820 --> 00:30:07.480 motivation 00:30:07.480 --> 00:30:08.240 number two 00:30:08.240 --> 00:30:09.600 a desire 00:30:09.600 --> 00:30:10.519 for control 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.140 that's 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:11.720 motivation 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:13.100 number three 00:30:13.100 --> 00:30:14.600 and a desire 00:30:14.600 --> 00:30:15.240 for comfort 00:30:15.240 --> 00:30:15.660 and we're 00:30:15.660 --> 00:30:15.840 going to 00:30:15.840 --> 00:30:16.340 come back 00:30:16.340 --> 00:30:17.100 to those 00:30:17.100 --> 00:30:17.600 and kind 00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:17.920 of talk 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:18.220 about 00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:19.060 those a 00:30:19.060 --> 00:30:19.279 little bit 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:19.640 more 00:30:19.640 --> 00:30:21.580 but 00:30:21.580 --> 00:30:23.320 we begin 00:30:23.320 --> 00:30:23.640 to make 00:30:23.640 --> 00:30:24.200 excuses 00:30:24.200 --> 00:30:25.140 for ourselves 00:30:25.140 --> 00:30:26.640 we begin 00:30:26.640 --> 00:30:27.140 to train 00:30:27.140 --> 00:30:27.700 ourselves 00:30:27.700 --> 00:30:28.120 that 00:30:28.120 --> 00:30:29.140 this is 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:29.559 what we 00:30:29.559 --> 00:30:30.000 deserve 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:30.600 this is 00:30:30.600 --> 00:30:31.779 kind of 00:30:31.779 --> 00:30:32.940 the reward 00:30:32.940 --> 00:30:33.340 that I 00:30:33.340 --> 00:30:33.880 should give 00:30:33.880 --> 00:30:34.600 myself 00:30:34.600 --> 00:30:35.620 for my 00:30:35.620 --> 00:30:36.180 dedication 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:36.740 or this is 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.259 a reward 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:37.799 that I 00:30:37.799 --> 00:30:38.180 should give 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:38.759 myself 00:30:38.759 --> 00:30:39.720 because 00:30:39.720 --> 00:30:40.799 I'm not 00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:41.240 getting it 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:41.640 any other 00:30:41.640 --> 00:30:41.960 way 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:43.100 and it's 00:30:43.100 --> 00:30:43.720 the way 00:30:43.720 --> 00:30:44.140 for me 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:45.200 to control 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:45.980 my environment 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.819 the uncertainty 00:30:46.819 --> 00:30:47.279 that I 00:30:47.279 --> 00:30:47.840 experience 00:30:47.840 --> 00:30:48.559 I need 00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:49.620 to control 00:30:49.620 --> 00:30:50.400 it somehow 00:30:50.400 --> 00:30:52.920 and so 00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:53.700 we walk 00:30:53.700 --> 00:30:53.980 through 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:55.519 this path 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.779 and we 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.099 begin 00:30:57.099 --> 00:30:58.339 to convince 00:30:58.339 --> 00:30:59.120 ourselves 00:30:59.120 --> 00:31:00.400 that this 00:31:00.400 --> 00:31:00.779 is something 00:31:00.779 --> 00:31:01.200 that we 00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:01.940 deserve 00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:02.279 something 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:02.579 that we 00:31:02.579 --> 00:31:02.900 need 00:31:02.900 --> 00:31:04.620 and so 00:31:04.620 --> 00:31:05.120 these heart 00:31:05.120 --> 00:31:05.640 motivations 00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:06.700 are there 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.039 and they're 00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:07.440 present 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:08.599 for us 00:31:08.599 --> 00:31:08.960 and I 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:09.279 want to 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:09.599 just give 00:31:09.599 --> 00:31:10.200 you a few 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:10.599 minutes 00:31:10.599 --> 00:31:11.519 right now 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:12.160 to just 00:31:12.160 --> 00:31:12.620 evaluate 00:31:12.620 --> 00:31:13.319 your own 00:31:13.319 --> 00:31:13.559 heart 00:31:13.559 --> 00:31:13.960 just as you 00:31:13.960 --> 00:31:14.519 think about 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:15.680 motivations 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:16.839 these four 00:31:16.839 --> 00:31:17.839 motivations 00:31:17.839 --> 00:31:19.420 just evaluate 00:31:19.420 --> 00:31:20.059 yourself 00:31:20.059 --> 00:31:20.980 by working 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:21.259 through 00:31:21.259 --> 00:31:21.599 these 00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:22.099 questions 00:31:22.099 --> 00:31:23.379 and see 00:31:23.379 --> 00:31:23.779 where 00:31:23.779 --> 00:31:24.759 your 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.259 tendencies 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:26.559 seem to 00:31:26.559 --> 00:31:26.759 lie 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:27.919 with respect 00:31:27.919 --> 00:31:28.179 to these 00:31:28.179 --> 00:31:28.639 motivations 00:31:28.639 --> 00:31:29.000 okay 00:31:29.000 --> 00:31:29.740 what 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:33.539 do 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:33.539 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:33.539 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:33.539 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:33.539 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:33.539 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:33.539 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:33.539 00:31:33.539 --> 00:32:03.519 Thank you. 00:32:03.539 --> 00:32:33.519 Thank you. 00:32:33.539 --> 00:33:03.519 Thank you. 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:33.519 Thank you. 00:33:33.539 --> 00:34:03.519 Thank you. 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:33.519 Thank you. 00:34:33.539 --> 00:34:36.539 Is there anybody else but me? 00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:39.259 Oh man, it's so easy. 00:34:40.380 --> 00:34:49.420 The Apostle Paul says it this way, and I remember the very early being a pastor and struggling greatly with this. 00:34:49.420 --> 00:34:52.840 But the Apostle Paul in Galatians 1.10 says, 00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:58.840 Do I seek to please men? 00:34:58.840 --> 00:35:06.480 Well, I'm so glad I'm in good company. 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:10.480 Because the Apostle Paul seemed to struggle with that too. 00:35:10.480 --> 00:35:11.480 Oh, that's so hard, isn't it? 00:35:11.480 --> 00:35:11.480 00:35:11.480 --> 00:35:11.639 Oh, that's so hard, isn't it? 00:35:11.639 --> 00:35:13.900 We want to please others. 00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:17.740 We'll do whatever it takes to make sure they're happy. 00:35:17.739 --> 00:35:26.299 How about, I'm tempted to bend truth or boundaries to preserve someone's approval. 00:35:26.299 --> 00:35:28.619 Anyone find themselves there? 00:35:28.619 --> 00:35:30.619 Other ones? 00:35:30.619 --> 00:35:32.619 Okay. 00:35:32.619 --> 00:35:35.619 I regularly avoid hard things by seeking quick relief. 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:36.619 Okay. 00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:39.500 I regularly avoid hard things by seeking quick relief. 00:35:39.839 --> 00:35:42.500 That is the spirit of our age, isn't it? 00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:45.420 Escapism. 00:35:46.099 --> 00:35:48.579 And there's so many ways to escape. 00:35:49.300 --> 00:35:52.039 So many ways to get away from what's hard. 00:35:52.820 --> 00:35:53.320 Anyone else? 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:56.639 I'm tempted most when my life is hard and I want to break. 00:35:56.800 --> 00:35:57.059 Okay. 00:35:58.119 --> 00:36:00.460 I'm tempted most when life is hard and I want to break. 00:36:00.639 --> 00:36:01.159 Oh man. 00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:04.099 That's tough. 00:36:04.460 --> 00:36:04.679 Vicki. 00:36:04.679 --> 00:36:07.900 Well, I'm just going to say, maybe relationships are sometimes making more of them. 00:36:08.900 --> 00:36:09.639 Like the bounds. 00:36:09.940 --> 00:36:10.139 Yeah. 00:36:10.980 --> 00:36:11.300 Okay. 00:36:11.539 --> 00:36:11.980 That's good. 00:36:11.980 --> 00:36:12.699 Thank you. 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:20.320 My temptation to be angry, fearful, controlling, intensified, and microcaotic. 00:36:20.659 --> 00:36:20.920 Okay. 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:23.639 Read that again out loud. 00:36:23.780 --> 00:36:25.019 Nice and loud again. 00:36:25.699 --> 00:36:27.019 I guess I can't remember all those words. 00:36:27.880 --> 00:36:33.699 My temptation to be angry, fearful, controlling, intensified, and microcaotic. 00:36:33.960 --> 00:36:34.420 That's good. 00:36:34.940 --> 00:36:35.159 Boy. 00:36:36.000 --> 00:36:36.320 Yes. 00:36:36.500 --> 00:36:36.760 Timothy. 00:36:36.760 --> 00:36:36.860 Timothy. 00:36:40.860 --> 00:36:41.500 That's good. 00:36:41.980 --> 00:36:43.240 We all do that, don't we? 00:36:43.579 --> 00:36:46.960 Numb ourselves with when we feel in pain. 00:36:47.619 --> 00:36:48.820 It's easy to numb ourselves. 00:36:49.400 --> 00:36:49.820 It's great. 00:36:51.199 --> 00:36:59.380 Well, I want to just briefly, you have a picture again on your page. 00:36:59.380 --> 00:37:06.640 I think sometimes stories do a good job at helping to press the point in a little deeper. 00:37:06.640 --> 00:37:07.000 Okay. 00:37:07.599 --> 00:37:08.940 So kind of look at that picture. 00:37:09.220 --> 00:37:12.960 And this is a story about the puppet on the strings. 00:37:13.720 --> 00:37:14.500 You deserve it. 00:37:14.500 --> 00:37:21.199 There once was a boy made of wood who tried hard to be steady, disciplined, dependable. 00:37:21.760 --> 00:37:22.480 He woke early. 00:37:22.599 --> 00:37:23.739 He did the right thing. 00:37:24.019 --> 00:37:25.059 He kept his promises. 00:37:25.300 --> 00:37:27.639 He carried more than anyone noticed. 00:37:28.059 --> 00:37:31.500 He was a good little boy, but no one seemed to notice. 00:37:31.500 --> 00:37:38.119 So the harder he worked, the more he thought, I've worked so hard, I need some relief. 00:37:39.119 --> 00:37:40.099 That's the motivation. 00:37:40.659 --> 00:37:43.239 Discipline leading to reward. 00:37:43.239 --> 00:37:45.039 Then it happened. 00:37:45.339 --> 00:37:50.199 One night, after a long day's work, he walked through town and saw a bright wagon parked 00:37:50.199 --> 00:37:51.399 under a lantern. 00:37:52.299 --> 00:37:53.799 Music drifted into the street. 00:37:53.959 --> 00:37:55.539 Laughter spilled out like warmth. 00:37:55.899 --> 00:37:57.899 A group of boys waved over to him. 00:37:58.319 --> 00:38:01.979 Boys who looked carefree, fun-loving, fearless, and unburdened. 00:38:02.779 --> 00:38:04.079 Come on, one shouted. 00:38:04.159 --> 00:38:05.039 Have some fun. 00:38:05.359 --> 00:38:06.779 You deserve it. 00:38:06.780 --> 00:38:09.060 Finally, someone noticed. 00:38:10.519 --> 00:38:16.019 And as he considered options between what he knew was right and disciplined and what 00:38:16.019 --> 00:38:20.200 seemed fun and carefree, he thought, you know, I do deserve it. 00:38:20.700 --> 00:38:21.800 So he went on. 00:38:22.920 --> 00:38:27.540 At the wagon door stood a man with a smile too practiced to be sincere. 00:38:28.320 --> 00:38:29.820 He leaned in close like a friend. 00:38:29.960 --> 00:38:31.640 Are you ready for some fun tonight? 00:38:32.519 --> 00:38:33.660 The boy hesitated. 00:38:33.800 --> 00:38:35.519 He knew the wagon wasn't harmless. 00:38:35.519 --> 00:38:40.259 But the man added softly, besides, everyone's going. 00:38:40.860 --> 00:38:42.380 Don't you want to belong? 00:38:43.179 --> 00:38:44.719 That appeal for praise. 00:38:45.280 --> 00:38:46.139 So he climbed in. 00:38:46.960 --> 00:38:51.699 The wagon rolled through the city, streets, past quiet neighborhoods, and then into the 00:38:51.699 --> 00:38:57.259 bright, restless heart of downtown where everything moved faster and felt louder. 00:38:57.759 --> 00:39:02.900 It finally stopped in front of a towering glass structure that rose into the night, into a 00:39:02.900 --> 00:39:04.039 gleaming monument. 00:39:04.039 --> 00:39:06.820 Every floor was pulsing with light. 00:39:07.519 --> 00:39:10.860 Through the windows, he could see the world of thrill in motion. 00:39:11.320 --> 00:39:12.320 Music thumping. 00:39:12.539 --> 00:39:13.380 Banners waving. 00:39:13.719 --> 00:39:14.539 Colors spinning. 00:39:15.019 --> 00:39:16.099 Silhouettes dancing. 00:39:17.139 --> 00:39:19.360 Laughter bursting like fireworks. 00:39:20.039 --> 00:39:21.900 The scene electrified every imagination. 00:39:22.320 --> 00:39:25.519 This is what the boy felt he really needed. 00:39:25.519 --> 00:39:31.079 Then, in that instant, without warning, something happened he couldn't see. 00:39:31.739 --> 00:39:35.699 A thin thread, light as cobweb, wrapped around his wrist. 00:39:36.320 --> 00:39:41.340 Not tight, not painful, almost comforting, like a bracelet, like permission. 00:39:41.739 --> 00:39:42.539 You earned this. 00:39:43.340 --> 00:39:44.840 The next week, the wagon returned. 00:39:45.019 --> 00:39:47.139 This time, the boys were louder. 00:39:47.139 --> 00:39:48.960 We told you, they said. 00:39:49.119 --> 00:39:50.339 You belong here. 00:39:51.480 --> 00:39:54.859 And the wooden boy felt the pull of something he didn't want to admit. 00:39:55.099 --> 00:39:56.199 The hunger for praise. 00:39:56.480 --> 00:39:57.119 To be included. 00:39:57.480 --> 00:39:58.239 To be wanted. 00:39:58.440 --> 00:39:59.079 To be admired. 00:39:59.659 --> 00:40:00.599 So he went again. 00:40:01.599 --> 00:40:03.480 Another thread slid around his ankle. 00:40:04.239 --> 00:40:05.960 Week after week, the boy went back. 00:40:06.059 --> 00:40:08.699 And week after week, thin cords attached around the limbs. 00:40:08.699 --> 00:40:10.819 He was offered pleasure for his pain. 00:40:10.960 --> 00:40:12.359 Acceptance from his peers. 00:40:12.500 --> 00:40:13.779 Control of his surroundings. 00:40:14.239 --> 00:40:15.639 And relief from his burdens. 00:40:15.779 --> 00:40:18.159 It was everything he had ever imagined. 00:40:19.079 --> 00:40:19.779 Months passed. 00:40:19.919 --> 00:40:20.879 The threads multiplied. 00:40:21.339 --> 00:40:22.019 Still thin. 00:40:22.480 --> 00:40:23.719 Still almost invisible. 00:40:23.879 --> 00:40:27.379 But now, when temptation came, it was no longer a choice. 00:40:28.159 --> 00:40:29.319 This time, there was a pull. 00:40:29.659 --> 00:40:30.119 A tug. 00:40:30.759 --> 00:40:32.139 An unbreakable resistance. 00:40:32.379 --> 00:40:34.899 A network of invisible cords that drew him in. 00:40:35.599 --> 00:40:38.679 Then, all of a sudden, the man's voice changed. 00:40:39.099 --> 00:40:40.739 No longer with warmth. 00:40:41.019 --> 00:40:42.159 No longer with praise. 00:40:42.480 --> 00:40:43.639 No longer with sympathy. 00:40:44.419 --> 00:40:45.539 You're mine, he said. 00:40:46.359 --> 00:40:48.980 And you won't visit anymore because you belong. 00:40:49.939 --> 00:40:55.919 And the wooden boy finally understood what promised him freedom had been training him for bondage. 00:40:56.719 --> 00:40:59.839 The reward became a wage he couldn't stop collecting. 00:41:00.399 --> 00:41:01.980 The praise became a chain. 00:41:02.559 --> 00:41:04.480 The control became a cage. 00:41:04.960 --> 00:41:06.699 The comfort became a master. 00:41:07.559 --> 00:41:10.299 The cords weren't forged in a moment of rebellion. 00:41:10.559 --> 00:41:17.059 They were braided quietly, night after night, from the very motives he used to justify his sin. 00:41:17.059 --> 00:41:22.039 And so, we're going to take the next 45 minutes. 00:41:22.900 --> 00:41:24.940 And you have some questions there. 00:41:25.099 --> 00:41:28.099 Teens, I'm going to have you go up to the second floor. 00:41:28.739 --> 00:41:30.699 And so, there's some questions here. 00:41:30.759 --> 00:41:32.059 But there's also some verses. 00:41:32.199 --> 00:41:35.860 And I would encourage you to kind of read through the passage. 00:41:35.860 --> 00:41:38.840 The passages together before the questions. 00:41:39.500 --> 00:41:42.039 And then spend some time working through those questions. 00:41:42.360 --> 00:41:44.760 Basically dealing with these motivations. 00:41:45.059 --> 00:41:48.680 The motivation of self-reward for extraordinary dedication. 00:41:49.480 --> 00:41:52.599 The motivation of flattery and praise. 00:41:52.599 --> 00:41:57.099 The motivation of desire for power and control. 00:41:57.460 --> 00:42:00.679 And the final one, the motivation, the desire for comfort. 00:42:00.679 --> 00:42:04.339 The motivation of affinity as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as sharp as