WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.040 Take your Bibles from 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 this morning. 00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:10.480 ! 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 as we continue looking through here the book of Thessalonians 00:00:10.480 --> 00:00:28.800 ! And as Paul the apostle there writes to them at Thessalonica, we understand that the church at Thessalonica really brings to the forefront the change that transpires when the light of the gospel becomes effectual in the lives of an individual. 00:00:28.800 --> 00:00:41.439 You know, because the gospel is for all but it only becomes effectual when it's applied to you by faith when you call upon the Lord recognizing Him as Savior. 00:00:41.640 --> 00:00:47.960 And we know that that took place because when that happens there's a change that transpires in somebody's life. 00:00:48.420 --> 00:00:58.159 There's a change that happens and as we see here in the church at Thessalonica we see here that it was that they changed from 00:00:58.159 --> 00:01:01.279 serving idols to serving the Savior. 00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:07.459 Their focus changed from that which was the present to that which is to come. 00:01:08.539 --> 00:01:14.959 Because when you get saved we have a new desire because we no longer live just with the present in mind 00:01:14.959 --> 00:01:17.819 but also in light of eternity. 00:01:18.780 --> 00:01:25.479 And throughout this book you'll find as Paul writes to them he reminds them of that to look for the Savior. 00:01:26.139 --> 00:01:29.479 To look and understand that one day Christ is coming again. 00:01:29.599 --> 00:01:34.079 Our Savior will return and we want to be ready. 00:01:34.639 --> 00:01:40.639 And we see here that the power of the gospel stood as a testimony to everyone around them. 00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:47.659 I mean if you remember here that this book, this letter Paul's writing back to them was only a few weeks removed. 00:01:48.140 --> 00:01:54.939 But yet so much had taken place and we see that everybody was talking about the testimony of change. 00:01:54.939 --> 00:02:02.719 Paul said in chapter 1 here as we looked a few weeks ago that throughout Macedonia and Achaia 00:02:02.719 --> 00:02:09.240 it was known what was taking place there that something had changed in just these few short weeks. 00:02:09.240 --> 00:02:14.379 And people would begin to discuss and talk about what had taken place. 00:02:14.379 --> 00:02:24.819 But yet even with all this happening there are those who stirred up a problem of accusation against Paul and his companions. 00:02:25.719 --> 00:02:30.120 And that was those who refused to accept the declaration of Scripture. 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:37.060 You know, because remember Paul had reasoned with them from the Scripture as that Jesus is the Christ. 00:02:37.159 --> 00:02:39.800 In other words Jesus is the one the Old Testament spoke about. 00:02:39.800 --> 00:02:45.260 And he reasoned with them that everything from the Old Testament points to Christ. 00:02:46.340 --> 00:02:47.680 Christ is the Messiah. 00:02:47.880 --> 00:02:56.360 Christ is the one that has come and has paid the price that was pointed to throughout the Scripture. 00:02:56.780 --> 00:03:00.920 But they accused Paul instead of bringing good news to them. 00:03:00.920 --> 00:03:07.220 They accused Paul and his companions as we looked last week of basically having guile. 00:03:07.219 --> 00:03:12.300 you know, trying to trick them into something and basically try to make profit off it. 00:03:12.659 --> 00:03:16.400 Was the accusations that they were doing. 00:03:16.659 --> 00:03:19.439 And it began to cause doubt towards their motive. 00:03:20.419 --> 00:03:25.400 And as Paul puts forth a rebuttal to these accusations. 00:03:26.159 --> 00:03:28.479 With a simple encouragement he says, 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:30.840 Guys, evaluate what we did while we were there. 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:35.560 You know, you yourself were a witness to it. 00:03:35.560 --> 00:03:35.900 Measure up. 00:03:37.099 --> 00:03:37.939 Measure up. 00:03:38.020 --> 00:03:45.420 Does what they say or what they accuse measure up with what you saw and what you heard and how things happened? 00:03:46.300 --> 00:03:48.699 You know, that's some good advice anyways, you know. 00:03:48.759 --> 00:03:51.439 Because people make accusations you need to measure it up. 00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:56.879 Because as a believer people are going to make accusations in your life. 00:03:56.939 --> 00:03:58.640 They're going to try to tear down. 00:03:59.259 --> 00:04:03.740 And what we're going to see here today is we're going to look at a word that Paul uses, unblameable. 00:04:03.740 --> 00:04:06.800 It basically means that it doesn't stick. 00:04:08.120 --> 00:04:08.560 Okay. 00:04:09.020 --> 00:04:12.740 When we want to understand, Paul says that these things don't stick. 00:04:13.100 --> 00:04:16.579 And so he admonishes them to check their motive. 00:04:16.579 --> 00:04:21.860 And he says, look at that motive in light of what we've modeled for you. 00:04:22.319 --> 00:04:29.699 You know, that model that was there because that sincerity and purity in the truth that was present, 00:04:29.699 --> 00:04:33.759 the motive and purpose did not even benefit them. 00:04:33.979 --> 00:04:37.819 As we saw, Paul says that he didn't take anything from them. 00:04:39.159 --> 00:04:45.779 He says, matter of fact, as we're going to see today, he says, I worked night and day so you wouldn't have to put forth anything. 00:04:46.419 --> 00:04:48.680 He says, I invested for your benefit. 00:04:48.680 --> 00:04:53.660 And so this morning we're going to take a look here and see this model of ministry. 00:04:53.660 --> 00:04:58.360 Because, you know, it's a model that we need to use today also in ministry. 00:04:58.900 --> 00:05:01.639 And the two things we're going to look at here this morning are important. 00:05:01.699 --> 00:05:07.000 So if you found 1 Thessalonians chapter 2, let's stand together for the reading of God's word. 00:05:07.060 --> 00:05:10.360 We'll pick up here in verse 7 here this morning. 00:05:10.639 --> 00:05:11.740 And we notice this. 00:05:11.879 --> 00:05:15.379 It says, but we were gentle among you, even as a nurse charioth her children. 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:20.740 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, 00:05:21.040 --> 00:05:28.500 not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 00:05:29.659 --> 00:05:33.459 For you remember, brethren, our labor and travail. 00:05:34.420 --> 00:05:38.519 For laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, 00:05:38.980 --> 00:05:41.240 we preached unto you the gospel of God. 00:05:41.240 --> 00:05:50.379 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how wholly and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:51.680 among you that believe. 00:05:52.699 --> 00:05:58.960 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a father doth his children, 00:05:59.900 --> 00:06:08.060 that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 00:06:08.060 --> 00:06:13.339 Heavenly Father, as we take a few moments here this morning, as we look into your word, Lord, 00:06:13.379 --> 00:06:15.939 we pray just to have your hand upon each one today. 00:06:16.019 --> 00:06:21.959 Your spirit might stir our hearts and our minds and our very core of who we are, Lord, 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:25.980 that you might do what you've said you're going to do, convict and convince, 00:06:26.500 --> 00:06:30.819 and to stir the hearts of individuals. 00:06:31.920 --> 00:06:34.500 Lord, I pray just to have your hand upon each one today, Lord, 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:38.959 even as the word is put forth, Lord, that you would be lifted up above all else, 00:06:39.959 --> 00:06:43.800 that you would be the centerpiece of what takes place here this morning. 00:06:43.879 --> 00:06:46.220 And Lord, we just ask it all in your precious name. 00:06:47.040 --> 00:06:47.399 Amen. 00:06:47.660 --> 00:06:48.160 May be seated. 00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:52.839 You know, as we see here this morning, this model that Paul compares it to, 00:06:52.899 --> 00:06:53.819 he has two things here. 00:06:53.920 --> 00:06:57.060 One, he compares it to a mother, and he compares it to a father. 00:06:57.060 --> 00:07:03.860 He compares it to a parental relationship that takes place as he gives a practical illustration 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:05.819 about what happens. 00:07:06.160 --> 00:07:09.160 Because this model, you might say, is a parenting model. 00:07:09.500 --> 00:07:12.420 And it's that model of love and direction. 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:14.180 You know, what's a parent to do? 00:07:14.279 --> 00:07:17.639 They're to love their children, but they're also there to guide and direct them. 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:18.779 You know? 00:07:19.220 --> 00:07:21.600 Because we have a false narrative today about love. 00:07:21.699 --> 00:07:25.819 Love, sometimes in our narrative today, says love says you let them do whatever they want to do. 00:07:25.819 --> 00:07:32.599 But love is always attached to direction and purpose and always attached to truth. 00:07:33.240 --> 00:07:36.500 When you detach love from truth, there's a problem. 00:07:37.800 --> 00:07:40.819 And we're going to see here, Paul ties those two together. 00:07:41.480 --> 00:07:47.740 He says the model for ministry involves those two elements, love and truth, love and direction. 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:49.920 What direction do you need to be going? 00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:52.120 What does God have established? 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:58.060 And as we see here, as God clearly established the order within the family, you know, we know 00:07:58.060 --> 00:08:00.740 that God established husbands and wives and children. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:07.500 And this authority is not something that's to be used to lord over others, but it's a place 00:08:07.500 --> 00:08:13.040 of responsibility towards those for the ones that they are responsible for. 00:08:13.040 --> 00:08:22.160 And what Paul is saying as an apostle, as a preacher of the gospel, he says, I am responsible for 00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:26.960 not only telling you the truth and loving you, but also making sure you're going the right 00:08:26.960 --> 00:08:27.480 direction. 00:08:28.280 --> 00:08:30.600 He says this is attached together. 00:08:30.900 --> 00:08:35.879 I can't, you can't say I just loved on you and without attaching the truth to it. 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:41.100 And Paul reminds them that his authority is there. 00:08:41.179 --> 00:08:42.120 He's an apostle. 00:08:42.639 --> 00:08:46.879 You know, take a look in our text here as we look up a little bit earlier in verse six 00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:48.120 here above this. 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:49.179 Notice what it says. 00:08:49.259 --> 00:08:54.679 It says, nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have 00:08:54.679 --> 00:08:57.720 been burdensome as apostles of Christ. 00:08:58.820 --> 00:09:04.480 You know, I want you to understand because Paul held the office that he held, there was certain 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:08.159 scriptural responsibilities attached to it. 00:09:08.539 --> 00:09:11.500 And we'll look at that here in a little bit, but I want you to understand there's certain 00:09:11.500 --> 00:09:14.480 things that he could exercise his authority differently. 00:09:15.279 --> 00:09:18.200 Because you could exercise authority a couple of different ways. 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:22.899 You can exercise it as an authoritarian where it's like, there is no option. 00:09:23.039 --> 00:09:23.920 There is no choice. 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:25.080 This is what it is. 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:32.120 Or you can have love attached to truth that those things were guiding, gently guiding somebody 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:34.700 to the direction that they ought to go. 00:09:35.980 --> 00:09:39.740 That they choose to follow the truth and not just a person. 00:09:41.139 --> 00:09:45.840 You know, people can be made to do something, but it doesn't mean that they understand it 00:09:45.840 --> 00:09:47.779 or that they're doing it for the right reason. 00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:51.940 You know, oftentimes people do something just because somebody told them, you know, the important 00:09:51.940 --> 00:09:57.659 thing is, is that we do it because God has instructed us on how we're to navigate 00:09:57.659 --> 00:10:00.959 whatever situation it is in life here. 00:10:01.019 --> 00:10:09.639 But he reminds them as an apostle, he merited and had a righteous claim of both respect and 00:10:09.639 --> 00:10:10.419 support. 00:10:10.879 --> 00:10:14.579 But he says it was an exercise that they might benefit above all. 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:20.620 In other words, Paul said, just because it's merited me doesn't mean I have to use or apply 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:21.079 that. 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:25.699 You know, one of the things with authority, sometimes people think, well, just because I have the 00:10:25.700 --> 00:10:28.879 position, I can force others to do something. 00:10:30.040 --> 00:10:33.580 Now, yes, you might be able to for a little while, but it doesn't affect the heart of an 00:10:33.580 --> 00:10:34.020 individual. 00:10:34.980 --> 00:10:39.840 Because Paul said, I want you to know that I'm not there just to be an authoritarian over 00:10:39.840 --> 00:10:40.080 you. 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:44.360 He says, I want you to understand that I love you and I'm going to guide and direct you. 00:10:45.120 --> 00:10:49.480 Because there's a concern and a care and we see this desire. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:51.120 What was his desire? 00:10:51.220 --> 00:10:53.600 That they might mature and grow in the Lord. 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:55.420 You know, that ought to be our desire. 00:10:55.540 --> 00:10:59.700 When a parent's have children, your desire is to see your kids grow and mature. 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:04.480 You want both those things, growth and maturity. 00:11:04.659 --> 00:11:07.879 Maturity means you understand what it is to be an adult. 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:14.879 To mature in the faith means you understand what is to be an adult Christian instead of 00:11:14.879 --> 00:11:15.379 a babe. 00:11:15.820 --> 00:11:19.560 And a baby, we understand there are certain steps that they're going to take and they 00:11:19.559 --> 00:11:20.879 struggle with. 00:11:20.939 --> 00:11:24.579 But when you grow up, the Bible says you ought to put away childish things. 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:26.639 That's maturity. 00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:29.619 To mature in those things. 00:11:29.699 --> 00:11:33.399 But we see here, look at Paul's analogy here that he applies. 00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:36.000 Look at verse 7 with me in our text. 00:11:36.119 --> 00:11:36.879 Notice what it says. 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:43.740 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:53.759 Now the picture here is a mom with a little baby nursing that child and that love and care 00:11:53.759 --> 00:11:57.080 and concern as they nourish that child. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:12:04.139 I mean, as you see a mom that's nursing a baby, it's like a moment of just love and concern. 00:12:04.139 --> 00:12:08.740 And they're caring for that child and they're holding that child and they're making sure it 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:10.480 gets the nourishment that it needs. 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:14.919 They have a sincere love for that child. 00:12:15.279 --> 00:12:17.639 There's something distinctly there. 00:12:17.779 --> 00:12:24.580 And Paul says that this gentleness, this kindness, he says you witness that kindness 00:12:24.580 --> 00:12:27.799 of a deep love towards them. 00:12:27.939 --> 00:12:29.539 You know, because they were precious. 00:12:29.539 --> 00:12:36.299 You know, that warmth and care a mother has for a child, they willingly surrender their 00:12:36.299 --> 00:12:36.799 rights. 00:12:37.079 --> 00:12:39.299 You know, that's part of the problem that we see. 00:12:39.819 --> 00:12:42.159 As Paul points this out, I want you to understand. 00:12:42.279 --> 00:12:43.779 Notice what he says in verse 8. 00:12:43.959 --> 00:12:50.339 Zyrus of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but our 00:12:50.339 --> 00:12:54.699 own souls, because you were dear unto us. 00:12:54.700 --> 00:13:02.379 You know, Paul's pointing to this, he says, as a mother sacrifices for her child, a mother's 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:08.259 love for a child, a mom will go above and above, mom will get up early, stay up late, get lack 00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:11.400 of sleep because they wake up two or three times in the middle of the night. 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:12.020 Why? 00:13:13.759 --> 00:13:15.840 Do they not have a right to sleep and rest? 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:18.000 Yeah, they have a right to rest and sleep. 00:13:18.080 --> 00:13:18.800 But you know what they said? 00:13:18.799 --> 00:13:22.000 That right can be put on hold for the benefit. 00:13:23.879 --> 00:13:28.099 It's a saying, I surrender what might be rightfully mine to take. 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:34.279 For Paul's painting, he says, I want you to understand that this ministry is similar in 00:13:34.279 --> 00:13:40.579 that it involves a personal investment of one's time, one's talent, and one's treasure to accomplish 00:13:40.579 --> 00:13:41.459 the task. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:48.379 Because the important thing to understand when he says he cherishes, that's love put forth. 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:51.240 Love is not about you, but love is about others. 00:13:53.279 --> 00:13:57.500 You know, that's a biblical reality is, is love is not about you. 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:59.000 Love is about others. 00:14:00.600 --> 00:14:05.299 Because love is something that you put into action for the benefit of others. 00:14:05.399 --> 00:14:07.879 Look over to 1 Corinthians chapter 13 for a moment. 00:14:09.200 --> 00:14:11.080 1 Corinthians chapter 13. 00:14:11.200 --> 00:14:15.480 I want you to hear this in the context of saying, it's not about you. 00:14:15.480 --> 00:14:18.840 Because notice what Paul says here, and he's speaking here. 00:14:18.899 --> 00:14:19.659 Look at verse 1. 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:24.980 It says, though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, have not 00:14:24.980 --> 00:14:28.800 love, I become as a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 00:14:29.159 --> 00:14:34.300 And though I have the gift of prophecy and understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I 00:14:34.300 --> 00:14:39.259 have all faith so that I could remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing. 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:47.980 And he says, though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:51.639 Notice in verse 4 now, it says, charity what? 00:14:51.819 --> 00:14:54.919 Suffereth long and is kind. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:58.779 Suffering long is for the benefit of another. 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:04.559 Suffering long is because that love is for the benefit of another. 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:07.619 We see here, notice what it says. 00:15:07.719 --> 00:15:09.139 It says, suffereth long as in kind. 00:15:09.619 --> 00:15:11.039 Charity envieth not. 00:15:12.359 --> 00:15:15.119 Charity vaulteth not itself, is not pufty. 00:15:15.579 --> 00:15:17.099 Seeketh not her own. 00:15:17.379 --> 00:15:19.019 Is not easily provoked. 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:20.219 Thinketh no evil. 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:25.399 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. 00:15:27.019 --> 00:15:28.000 Beareth all things. 00:15:28.199 --> 00:15:29.359 Believeth all things. 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:31.179 Hopeth all things. 00:15:31.679 --> 00:15:33.679 Endureth all things. 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:42.279 I want you to see here, Paul was telling them, I want you to, he says, we did this not for our benefit, but for yours. 00:15:42.500 --> 00:15:48.559 He said, we invested of ourselves because of the love that we have for you. 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:52.179 It wasn't just a duty that we performed. 00:15:52.439 --> 00:15:55.099 We did it because we loved you. 00:15:56.219 --> 00:15:58.519 There's a love factor involved. 00:15:58.779 --> 00:16:01.039 Ministry has love involved. 00:16:01.199 --> 00:16:03.099 Ministry without love is a problem. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:08.420 Paul says, I want you to measure things that tell you there was love involved. 00:16:09.560 --> 00:16:11.180 Are those things present? 00:16:11.460 --> 00:16:18.759 You know, when we understand that they did not come just with the facts of the gospel, but the love that had changed their lives. 00:16:18.940 --> 00:16:22.860 I want you to understand the love that God has towards the whole world. 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:26.620 Paul says that as believers, we ought to have for people also. 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:31.240 To understand that love, you know, think about over in 1 John chapter 3. 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:39.159 1 John chapter 3 in his epistle, he says this, whereby perceive we, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 00:16:39.919 --> 00:16:43.639 There ought to be a love involved as Christ loved us. 00:16:43.639 --> 00:16:50.919 Because remember that love is revealed in actions, not words or declaration. 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:55.439 Now, it's good to tell somebody you love them. 00:16:56.559 --> 00:16:57.339 But you know what? 00:16:57.379 --> 00:17:00.679 You can tell somebody you love them if your actions don't back it up. 00:17:02.459 --> 00:17:03.639 It becomes empty. 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:04.480 It's hollow. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:07.440 Because it definitely puts into question what's their motive. 00:17:07.440 --> 00:17:11.299 What are they desiring? 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:13.480 What are they looking to get out of it? 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:15.660 Because love is not about you. 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:17.160 It's about the other. 00:17:17.740 --> 00:17:22.680 Remember, love is that it's revealed in actions, the choices that you make. 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:25.820 It's not just a statement that is made. 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:28.160 Notice what he looks, look here in verse 9. 00:17:28.620 --> 00:17:29.759 Notice what he tells him here. 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:30.059 He says, 00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:52.079 Now, I want you to see here, they worked night and day, not only to declare the gospel to them, but it might not cost them anything. 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:53.919 Now, let me tell you what's going on. 00:17:53.919 --> 00:17:54.539 Paul says, 00:17:54.539 --> 00:18:03.480 In other words, we know from Scripture, Paul was a tent maker. 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:16.940 He went down and was industrious for hours of the day to make a profit, to make money, to make resource that he might take care of himself along with the others. 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:18.200 The others worked also. 00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:19.619 I don't think this was just about Paul. 00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:20.619 I think it was all about the group. 00:18:20.940 --> 00:18:22.879 I think Silas worked. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:23.940 I think Timothy worked. 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:24.960 I think the rest of them, they said, 00:18:25.220 --> 00:18:32.100 Well, let's go get a job here and accomplish this, that we might not be a burden unto them. 00:18:32.180 --> 00:18:32.500 Why? 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:36.340 Because of love for them. 00:18:37.120 --> 00:18:38.059 Because you know what? 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:41.340 They were going to be accused of something. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:46.019 And sometimes, I want you to understand, we give up our rights for the benefits of others. 00:18:46.500 --> 00:18:51.100 Sometimes it's just a merit so they can't be a false accusation that sticks. 00:18:51.099 --> 00:18:55.259 Because you think today, what's the perception of religion today? 00:18:55.659 --> 00:18:59.619 Most people think religion is nothing but a way to scam people out of money. 00:18:59.819 --> 00:19:02.599 All they want is money, money, money, money, money. 00:19:02.599 --> 00:19:07.759 And if you watch certain people, that's exactly what you would come to the conclusion. 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:09.679 But biblically, you know what it tells you? 00:19:09.719 --> 00:19:11.259 Hey, those people are lacking what? 00:19:12.679 --> 00:19:13.199 Love. 00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:23.200 We ought not to work the gospel or even serve the gospel without understanding that it's not about gain for ourselves. 00:19:23.600 --> 00:19:28.660 And we see here, he was willing to work to provide for himself because it is what was needed. 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:30.539 The right to be supported. 00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:33.420 Look over in 1 Corinthians chapter 9. 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:35.220 The church at Corinth in chapter 9. 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.900 Here in verse 13, he says, 00:19:36.900 --> 00:19:38.440 Do you not know things of the temple? 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:41.940 And they that wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 00:19:42.540 --> 00:19:45.880 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel. 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:53.500 I want you to understand, that's a biblical principle that you ought to support it because that's what God said to do. 00:19:54.840 --> 00:19:56.360 But I want to make it clear. 00:19:56.940 --> 00:20:04.840 The reality is, is that a preacher that is called to a place or called to serve is not doing it for the money. 00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:06.540 You know, I've told people this before. 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:12.359 I don't preach because it's all I can do or to make a living. 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:16.579 I'm thankful, but that's not the measurement of service. 00:20:16.839 --> 00:20:21.099 If God's called you someplace, you ought to be willing to do what's needed. 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:25.180 And we'll get off that one because it's going to go a lot of different directions. 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:26.500 So let's get back to the text. 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:36.519 But I want you to understand, this distinguished Paul's ministry from all do this because there was many itinerant guys that went around. 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:41.200 What philosophers and other religions do is expect remuneration. 00:20:41.480 --> 00:20:45.200 They would expect payment for showing up. 00:20:45.379 --> 00:20:47.779 Now we all understand it costs something to live. 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:50.859 But when that's your motivation, there's a problem. 00:20:52.359 --> 00:21:01.220 We'll understand that sin is not given right to expect this, but it ought not to be something that I force. 00:21:01.220 --> 00:21:08.519 He says, I'm willing to put that aside on energy like a mother does. 00:21:08.519 --> 00:21:15.960 Now I want you to understand, love is not the substance of ministry, but the means by which it is to operate. 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:18.139 Because love is how it operates. 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:22.019 That's the operational aspect of ministry. 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:25.960 Paul says, I want you to see the operation involved love. 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:29.200 Because there has to be love involved. 00:21:29.620 --> 00:21:31.319 Love is just not coddling. 00:21:31.720 --> 00:21:35.279 Because I want you to understand, love is how the truth is to be offered. 00:21:35.900 --> 00:21:39.500 Love does not, you know, I want you to understand, that's a misconception today. 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:44.319 Well, God loved me, so therefore I must be, to send his son to die for your sin. 00:21:44.420 --> 00:21:46.680 The operation which put the truth into action. 00:21:46.840 --> 00:21:48.500 It's always tied together. 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:52.480 Because truth is what saves an individual. 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:54.759 You don't get saved just because somebody loves you. 00:21:55.000 --> 00:22:03.640 You get saved because God loved you enough to send his only begotten son to die upon a cross for your sin and my sin. 00:22:03.859 --> 00:22:07.059 And the Bible says, because he died and rose again, 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:16.059 that if we call upon him, recognizing him as savior, yourself as deserving of what he took for you, 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:17.160 that he'll save you. 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:20.019 That you'll be rescued. 00:22:20.380 --> 00:22:25.920 You'll be find love of leading them to maturity by telling them the truth. 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:30.759 You know, as a parent, would it be beneficial to not tell your kids the truth about life? 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:33.319 Is that loving to not tell them the truth? 00:22:33.640 --> 00:22:35.720 You know, I think we see that some today in culture. 00:22:35.859 --> 00:22:38.460 Parents don't prepare their kids for what's to come. 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:41.579 Because they're not telling them the truth. 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:44.819 When you get out of the house, guess what? 00:22:44.920 --> 00:22:47.119 Somebody's not going to be there to coddle you all the time. 00:22:47.119 --> 00:22:49.519 And sometimes life hits them hard. 00:22:49.699 --> 00:22:53.719 Because they ought to be willing to say, I understand what it's going to take. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.519 And notice what Paul says. 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:56.459 Look at verse 10. 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:58.639 As he tells them here, he says, 00:22:58.640 --> 00:23:17.840 We have a model of love, but also a model of truth. 00:23:17.839 --> 00:23:22.319 The presentation of the gospel to those at Thessalonica. 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:24.679 You know, you think about what Paul says here. 00:23:24.879 --> 00:23:25.879 Look at verse 10 again. 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:27.119 It says, You are what witnesses. 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.879 Now, what's the term witness mean? 00:23:28.919 --> 00:23:32.939 It means that they understood what was taking place. 00:23:34.399 --> 00:23:35.399 For God, he says, 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:45.920 You know, part of the problem today, I think, sometimes, is we have this idea. 00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:49.640 Say, do as I say. 00:23:49.940 --> 00:23:51.840 And I think that's a struggle we all have. 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:52.540 But you know what? 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:53.620 I want you to see here. 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:57.079 Paul said, look at my life as an example. 00:23:57.219 --> 00:24:00.219 He says, look at it to see if it measures up. 00:24:00.379 --> 00:24:02.899 He didn't say, do what I say and not what I do. 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:03.839 Paul says, do. 00:24:05.219 --> 00:24:06.079 I'm willing to. 00:24:06.239 --> 00:24:09.739 You know, oftentimes people say, don't look at my life, but look to Jesus. 00:24:09.979 --> 00:24:13.159 Paul says, look to my life because I'm following Jesus. 00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:16.099 He says, I want you to see. 00:24:16.199 --> 00:24:17.899 I want to be an example of that. 00:24:17.900 --> 00:24:23.180 Paul wanted people to look to Jesus, but he could also tell them to look at his life 00:24:23.180 --> 00:24:27.600 because the power of Christ was real in his life. 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:31.840 Because we see this model has a display of truth. 00:24:32.840 --> 00:24:34.420 He says they want him to witness it. 00:24:34.540 --> 00:24:39.220 Even though it was a short time he was there, the evidence was present. 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:44.280 Because remember, Paul's purpose there was not to please himself or to please them 00:24:44.280 --> 00:24:46.759 or even please others. 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:48.819 He says, my purpose there was to please God. 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:50.940 About God. 00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:53.420 You know, look up in verse Paul tells them. 00:24:54.379 --> 00:24:57.680 Here he says, but as we're allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, 00:24:58.240 --> 00:25:01.700 even so we speak not as pleasing men, but who? 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:06.420 God, which trieth our hearts. 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:12.619 He said this display of truth involves about pleasing the Lord. 00:25:12.619 --> 00:25:17.359 You know, Philippians chapter 2 in verse 15, the word of God tells us this, 00:25:17.739 --> 00:25:24.259 that God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation among whom ye shine as lights in the world. 00:25:25.199 --> 00:25:29.279 You know, our testimony of our walk ought to be a light to others. 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:34.619 Now I want you to understand that means all of it are responses to people. 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:37.759 Because notice what it says in verse 16 of Philippians chapter. 00:25:37.899 --> 00:25:43.379 It says, holding forth the work in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:45.599 He says, I want to be an example. 00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:50.279 I want to run my race of my life in a way that pleases God. 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.579 And Paul points to that. 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:53.720 He uses some terms here. 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:55.279 Holy, holy here. 00:25:55.279 --> 00:25:58.779 He simply lived a holy life before God. 00:25:58.879 --> 00:26:03.019 That's a life separated from the world and set apart to the Lord. 00:26:03.639 --> 00:26:07.740 To say, God is my one I want to please and not the world. 00:26:09.379 --> 00:26:09.759 Just. 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:12.700 You know, this is simply, he says, I was righteous. 00:26:13.339 --> 00:26:20.259 He lived a just and righteous life before a life that loved and treated people just as God said. 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:22.519 And just as he wanted them to be treated. 00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:25.960 In other words, things were done fairly and honestly and properly. 00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:27.359 He says, unblameable. 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:30.799 You know, here's what we talked about a little earlier. 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:33.420 Paul says that he was unblameable. 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:36.119 We have behaved ourselves among you that believe. 00:26:36.539 --> 00:26:39.319 In other words, he says, they're going to make accusations to get me. 00:26:39.379 --> 00:26:41.079 But he says, look at the witness. 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:41.980 Look at yourself. 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:45.819 Look at our interactions to see if it holds any merit. 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:48.579 Is there any substance behind the accusation? 00:26:48.579 --> 00:26:52.500 Unblameable means it doesn't stick. 00:26:54.000 --> 00:27:00.079 In other words, your life is lived in such a way when people look at it and say, that doesn't correlate. 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:02.419 There's no stickiness there to it. 00:27:04.019 --> 00:27:05.379 Of an accusation. 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:07.759 You know, Paul later refers back to this. 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:09.919 Look over to 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:12.680 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. 00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:15.100 We see over here that Paul tells us this. 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:20.080 For yourselves know how you ought to follow us as we behaved ourselves. 00:27:20.700 --> 00:27:23.740 Behaved not ourselves disorderly among you. 00:27:24.320 --> 00:27:28.920 Labor and travail night and day that we might not be chargeable to any of you. 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:34.539 You know, Paul is telling them our gospel was played out, lived out. 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:38.320 Because truth is not just about what's displayed though. 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:40.079 That's another problem that sometimes we have. 00:27:40.139 --> 00:27:42.879 It's just not living a good life that's part of the testimony. 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:45.259 You're to love people. 00:27:45.579 --> 00:27:46.939 You're to live truth. 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:48.619 But you also need to speak truth. 00:27:49.899 --> 00:27:53.000 There has to be a declaration of that truth. 00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:56.339 Notice what Paul tells them here in the text. 00:27:56.439 --> 00:27:59.419 He makes it very clear because now he equates it to a father. 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:03.019 Notice in verse 11 he says, 00:28:03.080 --> 00:28:08.840 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a father, doth children. 00:28:09.340 --> 00:28:13.039 You know, what's a father's role to direct and to guide? 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:17.120 Paul says they didn't just live a life of example, 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:20.820 but they declared what is right and why it's right. 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:23.019 And he uses this. 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:24.299 He used the word exhorts. 00:28:25.399 --> 00:28:27.039 You know, that's not a word about territory. 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:31.559 You know, it simplifies a lot of things. 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:36.839 Basically, when you exhort somebody, you direct or guide or you teach. 00:28:38.179 --> 00:28:39.879 You give them instruction. 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:41.539 Look over to Acts chapter 20. 00:28:42.099 --> 00:28:43.879 Acts chapter 20 and verse 20. 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:45.379 Notice what Paul says, 00:28:45.380 --> 00:28:55.820 In other words, he says, 00:28:55.920 --> 00:28:57.740 I displayed it and I taught you. 00:28:59.420 --> 00:29:02.020 Now, that involves a lot of things. 00:29:03.520 --> 00:29:03.880 That's a lot. 00:29:04.180 --> 00:29:06.760 You know, sometimes the things that get taught make people uncomfortable. 00:29:07.880 --> 00:29:10.440 They're like, well, people can do the same thing with scripture. 00:29:12.340 --> 00:29:14.080 They can know what God says, 00:29:14.079 --> 00:29:16.139 but they said, if I just ignore it, it'll go away. 00:29:16.179 --> 00:29:16.899 It won't bother me. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:20.019 But as a dad, you know what your responsibility is? 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:21.939 Your kids don't get to put their fingers in your ear. 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:24.279 You have a responsibility to exhort them. 00:29:26.179 --> 00:29:29.679 To teach them the truth, to put forth those things. 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:31.279 But he says also comfort. 00:29:31.939 --> 00:29:33.059 You know, he comforts them. 00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:33.839 He encourages. 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:34.659 He consoles. 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:35.439 He supports. 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:36.679 He sustains. 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:38.919 Leaving and easing of pain. 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:40.939 You know, part of teaching has come alongside. 00:29:41.139 --> 00:29:41.699 That's amazing. 00:29:41.700 --> 00:29:44.880 We usually learn more in the difficult times than we do in the good times. 00:29:46.120 --> 00:29:47.279 Have you ever noticed that? 00:29:47.340 --> 00:29:51.819 You usually learn more when life's rough than when it's easy. 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:54.640 And how do we learn? 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:58.340 Because those things come alongside and give encouragement and hope 00:29:58.340 --> 00:30:02.840 that help us to grab a hold and to understand the things of God. 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:06.879 You know, that's the reason Paul tells them very clearly in 2 Timothy. 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:09.419 He charges Timothy in chapter 4. 00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:12.759 He says, preach the word, be instant, in season, out of season. 00:30:13.379 --> 00:30:17.279 Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 00:30:17.699 --> 00:30:21.599 You know, doctrine is what the Bible teaches, but it's also important. 00:30:21.599 --> 00:30:26.459 There's a movement today to erase doctrine. 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:27.619 Say, preacher, what do you mean? 00:30:27.799 --> 00:30:29.779 Well, we just put doctrine on the back burner. 00:30:29.879 --> 00:30:31.079 You know, that stuff separates. 00:30:31.619 --> 00:30:33.919 I want you to understand doctrine defines. 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:39.399 Anything that's defined is separated from what else there is. 00:30:40.339 --> 00:30:41.839 It becomes distinct. 00:30:43.099 --> 00:30:47.799 God tells us there are doctrines, there's teachings, there's things that are unmovable. 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:54.359 But people say, well, we can adjust it a little for the sake of unity. 00:30:55.639 --> 00:30:59.700 I want you to understand God never tells us to surrender doctrine for unity. 00:31:00.819 --> 00:31:03.259 We ought to come under subjection to doctrine. 00:31:03.639 --> 00:31:08.359 You know, that's a hard thing because that means we surrender ourselves under the truth. 00:31:08.680 --> 00:31:11.680 You know, Paul, this is exactly what Paul was talking about. 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:16.519 He says, I surrendered my rights and my will for the benefit of others. 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:18.740 But oftentimes we look at it differently. 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:20.180 We say, well, what's in it for me? 00:31:21.240 --> 00:31:24.339 What's in it for me says for the benefit of anybody but myself. 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:24.980 Charges. 00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:29.160 You know, notice this word charge means to protect and to warn. 00:31:30.420 --> 00:31:32.660 You know, sometimes we need warned about some things. 00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:35.400 We live in a world thinking you have warnings all over. 00:31:37.420 --> 00:31:40.339 Warning you not to drive down this street or that street. 00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:41.440 Or it's notorious. 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:46.220 I mean, I think a couple of years drive down and it kept causing all sorts of problems because 00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:48.600 they'd ignore the warning that said it was closed. 00:31:49.080 --> 00:31:50.400 Warnings serve a purpose. 00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:53.620 Warnings keep us out of trouble. 00:31:55.140 --> 00:31:57.160 It says there's something dangerous here. 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:58.720 You know, you think you go to the zoo. 00:31:58.820 --> 00:32:00.279 Do they have warning signs at the zoo? 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:06.039 Does you not put your finger and certain sign on there for the critter inside the cage? 00:32:06.080 --> 00:32:07.000 Who's the warning for? 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:12.119 People outside the cage that says, hey, we're not responsible for what happens. 00:32:12.400 --> 00:32:13.759 We see here he's to charge. 00:32:13.859 --> 00:32:16.839 2 Peter chapter 3 in verse 17 says, 00:32:16.920 --> 00:32:27.400 You know what? 00:32:27.440 --> 00:32:29.059 We need to stick to the word of God. 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:33.619 Because there's many false and taught things contrary to the word of God. 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:36.480 They may sound good. 00:32:37.859 --> 00:32:41.740 They may even operate good for a little while. 00:32:42.659 --> 00:32:44.859 But you know, pretty soon the motive shows up. 00:32:46.700 --> 00:32:51.940 It's not a pure motive because notice there ought to be a demonstration of truth. 00:32:52.259 --> 00:32:54.399 Because he says we've done these things. 00:32:54.399 --> 00:32:58.460 We need to be a demonstration of truth that ye should be worthy. 00:32:58.460 --> 00:33:03.140 Now I want you to understand, Paul says we do these are just not about us doing our responsibility. 00:33:03.860 --> 00:33:09.460 But the objective is to lovingly that ye might walk worthy. 00:33:10.400 --> 00:33:12.779 That you would walk worthy of God. 00:33:13.519 --> 00:33:16.279 Now notice there, he says not walk worthy of Paul. 00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:21.819 He says because even though he says I've set the standard, I've set an example, I've told you the truth. 00:33:22.180 --> 00:33:23.720 He says I'm not the measurement. 00:33:25.200 --> 00:33:28.000 He says God's the one that you ought to be worried about pleasing. 00:33:28.000 --> 00:33:29.759 Not what somebody else thinks. 00:33:30.619 --> 00:33:32.299 Not what somebody else promotes. 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:33.539 But what does God say? 00:33:34.900 --> 00:33:37.160 He said that we walk, ye should be worthy. 00:33:37.579 --> 00:33:40.900 The truth was to be demonstrated for them to follow. 00:33:41.059 --> 00:33:43.740 It was dead walk should follow in eternity. 00:33:44.380 --> 00:33:46.019 Think about what the scripture tells us. 00:33:46.099 --> 00:33:48.039 Colossians chapter 2 and verse 6. 00:33:48.519 --> 00:33:53.339 It says as ye have therefore received Christ, walk ye in him. 00:33:53.599 --> 00:33:55.359 Let me put it simple for you. 00:33:55.359 --> 00:33:58.819 If you're saved, your focus ought to be on your Savior. 00:33:59.199 --> 00:34:00.579 To what Christ would have for you. 00:34:00.639 --> 00:34:02.159 What he's laid out for you. 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:05.359 What decision are we going to follow what God says about it or not? 00:34:05.599 --> 00:34:08.079 You know that's really often times where people get stuck. 00:34:08.319 --> 00:34:11.239 Because I find often times it's not a lack of information. 00:34:11.639 --> 00:34:14.119 It's a lack of am I going to follow what Christ said or not. 00:34:14.119 --> 00:34:15.519 People know how a Christian ought to behave. 00:34:16.819 --> 00:34:18.420 But expectation is merited. 00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:20.719 Well if you believe the Bible, why aren't you doing this? 00:34:20.980 --> 00:34:21.440 You know why? 00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:24.280 Because it's not that you don't know, it's because you choose not to. 00:34:24.659 --> 00:34:29.519 Ought himself also to walk even as he walked. 00:34:29.760 --> 00:34:35.460 In other words, if you say you're saved, there ought to be a difference in your life. 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:36.820 And that difference ought to be to walk. 00:34:37.159 --> 00:34:39.340 To be encouraged to do those things. 00:34:39.460 --> 00:34:42.420 We find that Paul ties these things together. 00:34:42.860 --> 00:34:44.559 Love and truth. 00:34:44.960 --> 00:34:46.639 Love is just the things that are done. 00:34:46.639 --> 00:34:50.219 The attitude, the spirit in which those things are done. 00:34:50.480 --> 00:34:52.839 But he says you can't do the truth. 00:34:53.079 --> 00:34:54.059 And you have to make a choice. 00:34:54.139 --> 00:34:55.679 Am I going to follow the truth or not? 00:34:55.859 --> 00:34:57.299 You know that's the reality of children. 00:34:58.980 --> 00:35:01.079 As a parent, you can raise your kids. 00:35:01.159 --> 00:35:02.179 You can give them all the right. 00:35:02.259 --> 00:35:03.980 I think it's one of those things with Christ. 00:35:04.079 --> 00:35:06.460 He sometimes looks at us and says you have to make a choice. 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.159 What are you going to follow? 00:35:07.440 --> 00:35:09.759 If you've called upon me as Savior, are you going to follow me? 00:35:09.759 --> 00:35:13.179 Are you going to follow yourself or something else? 00:35:13.179 --> 00:35:17.500 If you say that you're Christ, why don't you walk to be made? 00:35:19.319 --> 00:35:22.059 And I want you to take a moment to consider that in your life. 00:35:22.739 --> 00:35:27.480 Where's that intersection of love and truth in your life when it comes to the truth of what God said? 00:35:27.699 --> 00:35:34.759 Are you willing to say, Lord, what you have established is greater than me? 00:35:36.319 --> 00:35:38.139 That I ought to walk as you walked. 00:35:39.759 --> 00:35:42.359 That my life's focus ought to be upon you. 00:35:43.179 --> 00:35:44.559 Not upon myself. 00:35:46.059 --> 00:35:52.859 That the decisions I make, the things I surrender to, surrender to the things that God would have for us.