WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.440 to begin our worship now by singing to God's praise. We're singing in Psalm 1, 00:00:05.259 --> 00:00:11.220 in the Sing Psalm, Psalm 1a, on page 1 of the Psalm books. We're going to sing the whole of 00:00:11.220 --> 00:00:20.059 this Psalm together. Psalm 1. Blessed is the one who turns away from where the wicked walk, 00:00:20.240 --> 00:00:27.320 who does not stand in sinners' paths or sit with those who mock. Instead, he finds God's holy law, 00:00:27.320 --> 00:00:34.659 his joy and great delight. He makes the precepts of the Lord his study day and night. We'll sing 00:00:34.659 --> 00:00:37.859 the whole of this Psalm, Psalm 1a, to God's praise. 00:00:41.859 --> 00:00:56.659 Blessed is the one who turns away from where the wicked walk. 00:00:57.320 --> 00:01:12.659 Who does not stand in sinners' paths or sit with those who mock. 00:01:12.659 --> 00:01:27.659 Instead he finds God's holy law, his joy and great delight. 00:01:27.659 --> 00:01:44.920 He makes the precepts of the Lord, his study day and night. 00:01:44.920 --> 00:01:59.920 He prospers ever like a tree that's planted by a stream. 00:01:59.920 --> 00:02:16.060 And when Jew season yields its fruit, its leaves are always green. 00:02:16.060 --> 00:02:31.819 Not so the wicked, they are like the trap that's blown away. 00:02:31.819 --> 00:02:47.819 They will not stand when judgment comes, for with the righteous day, 00:02:47.819 --> 00:03:04.819 It is the Lord who sees and knows the way the righteous go. 00:03:04.819 --> 00:03:19.519 But those who live an evil eye, the Lord will overthrow. 00:03:25.019 --> 00:03:28.219 We'll join together in a word of prayer. Let us pray. 00:03:30.019 --> 00:03:34.439 Our Lord, our God, our Father in heaven, we do thank you for this day. 00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:39.620 We thank you for the beauty of it, the warmth of the sun and the freshness of the day. 00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:43.099 We thank you that it is your day that you have made for us. 00:03:43.539 --> 00:03:48.520 And let us rejoice and be glad in it, that we can come and worship you, 00:03:48.979 --> 00:03:50.979 that we can do so together as one. 00:03:51.780 --> 00:03:54.780 We thank you for these words that we have sung together. 00:03:54.919 --> 00:03:58.500 They remind us that we are blessed to have your word, 00:03:59.219 --> 00:04:01.479 that we are blessed to enjoy it together, 00:04:01.479 --> 00:04:05.280 whether it be in coming to worship you together here, 00:04:05.459 --> 00:04:09.560 or coming to the Sunday school and creche, or having it at home. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:13.259 We thank you that we can read about you and your goodness to us, 00:04:13.399 --> 00:04:15.439 and how you have blessed us abundantly. 00:04:16.159 --> 00:04:18.980 And we do thank you, Lord, that you are with us, 00:04:19.459 --> 00:04:21.639 that you remind us of that always, 00:04:22.139 --> 00:04:25.219 that you are the one who gives us all the food that we have, 00:04:25.279 --> 00:04:26.519 the clothes we enjoy. 00:04:26.519 --> 00:04:28.979 You give us our health and our strength, 00:04:29.099 --> 00:04:30.779 and you help us in times of need. 00:04:31.479 --> 00:04:34.779 And so we pray, Lord, that you will bless us and shine upon us today 00:04:34.779 --> 00:04:36.120 with your goodness and you. 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:39.279 And bless the young ones and the teachers and leaders 00:04:39.279 --> 00:04:43.699 as they go out in a moment to the creche and the Sunday school and the tweenies. 00:04:43.839 --> 00:04:45.599 We thank you for all who help in that. 00:04:46.099 --> 00:04:47.399 We thank you for all who come along. 00:04:48.019 --> 00:04:50.439 We thank you for the news of the holiday club as well, 00:04:50.479 --> 00:04:52.359 and being able to look forward to that. 00:04:52.360 --> 00:04:55.879 And thank you for the explorers and the youth club and the youth fellowship 00:04:55.879 --> 00:04:59.560 and all that goes on for our young people on a regular basis. 00:05:00.100 --> 00:05:03.080 And we pray, Lord, that you will bless us and be with us in it all, 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:07.620 that we will know your nearness to us in all of these things. 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:11.460 So, Lord, go with us now and take care of us throughout this day 00:05:11.460 --> 00:05:14.480 and the week ahead as well in our schools, Lord, 00:05:14.540 --> 00:05:15.280 and all that we do. 00:05:15.400 --> 00:05:18.240 May you be with us and watch over us, we pray. 00:05:18.240 --> 00:05:23.259 We ask it all anew, Lord, giving thanks to you for all of these things. 00:05:23.420 --> 00:05:24.340 In Jesus' name. 00:05:24.840 --> 00:05:25.199 Amen. 00:05:27.560 --> 00:05:29.639 It was good to see you all here today. 00:05:29.900 --> 00:05:32.439 Was anybody rushing to get here today? 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:35.660 Was anybody in a mad dash getting out the door 00:05:35.660 --> 00:05:39.759 trying to find all your bits and pieces before you came along to church? 00:05:39.840 --> 00:05:43.460 Or maybe mum and dad or granny and grandpa were rushing around 00:05:43.460 --> 00:05:45.620 looking for something before they left? 00:05:45.620 --> 00:05:50.840 And one thing that people are often looking for when they're heading out is keys. 00:05:51.840 --> 00:05:53.100 I don't know if you're like me, 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:57.280 but often we spend so much time looking for keys and asking, 00:05:57.920 --> 00:05:59.579 have anybody seen the keys? 00:06:00.220 --> 00:06:02.340 Of course, we can't get anywhere without the keys. 00:06:02.480 --> 00:06:04.120 They're so important. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:07.519 So maybe some of you today have been playing hide and seek, 00:06:07.660 --> 00:06:11.800 trying to find the keys, trying to get ready to get out to church. 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:14.300 And why are keys so important? 00:06:14.300 --> 00:06:17.500 Well, let me tell you about the keys I have here. 00:06:17.579 --> 00:06:21.160 There's three keys for three different things on here. 00:06:21.560 --> 00:06:23.560 They all have something important to do. 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:28.800 There's one, it's a little key, but it's for a storage box. 00:06:29.439 --> 00:06:30.460 It's for a storage box. 00:06:30.540 --> 00:06:33.220 I can keep important things in a box, 00:06:33.300 --> 00:06:35.620 and I keep it locked so that nobody will steal it. 00:06:36.420 --> 00:06:38.740 I have to keep an eye on the neighbours and plaster field 00:06:38.740 --> 00:06:41.860 in case anybody comes along to steal anything that belongs to me. 00:06:41.860 --> 00:06:43.600 So I keep it under lock and key. 00:06:44.100 --> 00:06:46.560 So I've got a key to a storage box. 00:06:47.319 --> 00:06:50.460 I've also got a key to the house. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:53.860 Again, it's important that we have keys to the house. 00:06:53.939 --> 00:06:55.340 We can lock it if we're going out, 00:06:55.740 --> 00:06:58.040 and then we can open it when we get back. 00:06:58.420 --> 00:07:00.939 And one of the most important keys for getting to church 00:07:00.939 --> 00:07:02.680 is, of course, the car key. 00:07:03.259 --> 00:07:04.900 The car key is so important 00:07:04.899 --> 00:07:08.060 because without it, the car's not going to go anywhere. 00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:10.859 We'd have to walk or run to church instead. 00:07:11.039 --> 00:07:14.439 So we've got three very important keys there. 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:20.259 And it reminds us that God gives us keys to things as well. 00:07:20.959 --> 00:07:25.439 God gives us access to things that in many ways are locked for us, 00:07:25.659 --> 00:07:28.060 but he opens it up for us. 00:07:28.060 --> 00:07:31.680 So you think of the little key, the storage key. 00:07:32.379 --> 00:07:36.280 It's important to be able to get into the storage box to get things out. 00:07:36.740 --> 00:07:41.199 Well, God says in his word that he's got an abundance store for us. 00:07:41.660 --> 00:07:44.620 He's able to give us lots of good things, 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:48.360 but that we have to come and trust in him. 00:07:48.779 --> 00:07:51.459 In the book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament, 00:07:51.840 --> 00:07:54.540 in chapter 28 and verse 12, 00:07:54.540 --> 00:07:55.319 there it says, 00:07:55.439 --> 00:07:59.640 the Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens. 00:08:00.480 --> 00:08:04.240 He says he'll open his good treasury, his storage, 00:08:04.760 --> 00:08:07.820 if we put our trust in him and look to him. 00:08:08.200 --> 00:08:11.800 He's able to provide for all of our needs. 00:08:12.660 --> 00:08:14.520 When you think of the car key, 00:08:15.100 --> 00:08:19.400 when we think of going on a journey to go to a place without that key, 00:08:19.520 --> 00:08:20.560 we can't get there. 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:25.780 Well, God talks about giving us a key that shows us the way. 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:28.980 Psalm 25 speaks about that. 00:08:29.480 --> 00:08:29.780 He says, 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:31.480 Show me thy ways, O God. 00:08:32.179 --> 00:08:34.899 Teach me your ways and lead me in them. 00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:36.419 So God says, 00:08:36.580 --> 00:08:38.500 I will show you the way. 00:08:38.639 --> 00:08:41.500 When we come to him through his word, 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:45.980 he shows us the way and directs us in the way to go. 00:08:46.539 --> 00:08:48.179 And then you think of the house key. 00:08:48.179 --> 00:08:49.879 And God says, 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:51.059 I've got a house. 00:08:51.579 --> 00:08:52.559 I've got a house, 00:08:52.620 --> 00:08:53.879 he says in John 14, 00:08:53.979 --> 00:08:55.299 that's got many rooms. 00:08:56.059 --> 00:09:00.120 There's a place for you if you put your trust in me. 00:09:00.879 --> 00:09:04.599 And he says to us that the way to get into this house, 00:09:05.079 --> 00:09:06.199 the key to getting in, 00:09:06.679 --> 00:09:07.659 is through Jesus, 00:09:08.019 --> 00:09:08.459 who says, 00:09:08.579 --> 00:09:09.239 I am the way, 00:09:09.359 --> 00:09:09.979 the truth, 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:11.339 and the life. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:15.000 So we've got all these keys that are important for us 00:09:15.000 --> 00:09:16.820 to have in life. 00:09:17.539 --> 00:09:19.240 But we've got more important keys, 00:09:19.379 --> 00:09:19.480 too, 00:09:19.539 --> 00:09:21.600 that God gives us access to. 00:09:22.019 --> 00:09:23.840 The stores of his house, 00:09:24.159 --> 00:09:26.980 the abundance of good things he's able to give us, 00:09:27.039 --> 00:09:28.960 the direction he's able to show us, 00:09:28.960 --> 00:09:31.680 and the promise of a great house, 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:35.379 a place that we will be forever with him. 00:09:35.980 --> 00:09:37.400 And he assures us, 00:09:37.460 --> 00:09:38.620 unlike this world, 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:41.320 where things can be stolen from us, 00:09:41.560 --> 00:09:43.340 that when we trust in him, 00:09:43.780 --> 00:09:46.840 no one can steal these things from us 00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:49.800 because they're kept by God for us. 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:52.219 So God gives us keys. 00:09:52.779 --> 00:09:55.939 And it's important that we look for these keys, 00:09:56.219 --> 00:09:59.819 that we look to him and trust in him. 00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:02.899 So may God bless these thoughts to us. 00:10:03.159 --> 00:10:05.339 We're going to say the Lord's Prayer together now. 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:07.000 Let's say the Lord's Prayer. 00:10:07.919 --> 00:10:09.919 Our Father, which art in heaven, 00:10:10.579 --> 00:10:12.000 hallowed be thy name. 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:13.799 Thy kingdom come. 00:10:14.359 --> 00:10:17.279 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:10:17.279 --> 00:10:20.059 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:24.339 And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 00:10:24.699 --> 00:10:26.839 And lead us not into temptation, 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:29.039 but deliver us from evil. 00:10:29.459 --> 00:10:30.860 For thine is the kingdom, 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:33.299 the power, and the glory forever. 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:34.360 Amen. 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:42.799 We're going to sing together in Psalm 25. 00:10:42.799 --> 00:10:47.339 This is in the Sing Psalms on page 29. 00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:49.479 Again, the psalm I was referencing there 00:10:49.479 --> 00:10:52.099 about the Lord directing us in our ways. 00:10:52.219 --> 00:10:53.620 So we're going to sing Psalm 25, 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:56.379 verse 1 to verse 7. 00:10:56.559 --> 00:10:58.519 To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. 00:10:58.939 --> 00:11:00.919 I trust in you continually. 00:11:01.500 --> 00:11:03.279 Do not let me be put to shame, 00:11:03.379 --> 00:11:06.479 nor let my foes gloat over me. 00:11:07.099 --> 00:11:09.199 We'll sing from verse 1 to 7. 00:11:09.319 --> 00:11:11.439 We stand to sing to God's praise. 00:11:11.440 --> 00:11:13.440 Amen. 00:11:13.440 --> 00:11:13.520 Amen. 00:11:13.520 --> 00:11:13.600 Amen. 00:11:13.600 --> 00:11:13.720 Amen. 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:13.780 Amen. 00:11:13.780 --> 00:11:15.780 Amen. 00:11:15.780 --> 00:11:23.000 To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:31.000 I trust in you continually. 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:40.440 Do not let me be put to shame, 00:11:40.440 --> 00:11:49.840 nor let my foes gloat over me. 00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:58.220 No one who sets his hope in you 00:11:58.220 --> 00:12:07.600 will ever suffer such disgrace. 00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:15.600 But those who act with treachery, 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:25.379 humiliating shame will face. 00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:34.100 O Lord, reveal to me your ways, 00:12:34.100 --> 00:12:43.100 and all your paths help me to know. 00:12:43.100 --> 00:12:52.100 Guide me in your truth. 00:12:52.100 --> 00:13:01.100 Instruct me in the way to go. 00:13:01.100 --> 00:13:10.100 You are my Savior and my God. 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:19.300 All day I hope in you alone. 00:13:19.299 --> 00:13:28.179 Remember, Lord, your love and grace, 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:37.299 which from past ages you have shown. 00:13:37.299 --> 00:13:46.299 Do not recall my sins of youth, 00:13:46.299 --> 00:13:55.299 or my rebellious evil ways. 00:13:55.299 --> 00:14:06.299 Remember me in your great love for you, 00:14:06.299 --> 00:14:13.299 O Lord, our good always. 00:14:13.299 --> 00:14:20.299 Amen. 00:14:20.299 --> 00:14:22.299 We'll turn to read in God's word. 00:14:22.299 --> 00:14:23.299 We're going to read two passages. 00:14:23.299 --> 00:14:27.299 Our first reading in 1 Timothy, chapter 2. 00:14:27.299 --> 00:14:30.299 We'll read from verse 1 to verse 7. 00:14:30.299 --> 00:14:34.299 And then we'll turn into 1 Peter, chapter 2. 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:37.299 So 1 Timothy, chapter 2. 00:14:37.299 --> 00:14:41.299 We read from verse 1 to verse 7. 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:47.299 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, 00:14:47.299 --> 00:14:50.299 intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, 00:14:50.299 --> 00:14:54.299 for kings and all who are in high positions, 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:57.299 that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, 00:14:57.299 --> 00:15:00.299 godly and dignified in every way. 00:15:00.299 --> 00:15:05.299 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, 00:15:05.299 --> 00:15:09.299 who desires all people to be saved 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:12.299 and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 00:15:12.299 --> 00:15:15.299 For there is one God, and there is one mediator 00:15:15.299 --> 00:15:19.299 between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 00:15:19.299 --> 00:15:23.299 who gave himself as a ransom for all, 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:27.299 which is the testimony given at the proper time. 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:32.299 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle. 00:15:32.299 --> 00:15:33.299 I am telling the truth. 00:15:33.299 --> 00:15:34.299 I am not lying. 00:15:34.299 --> 00:15:40.299 A teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:44.299 Then we'll turn to 1 Peter. 00:15:48.299 --> 00:15:51.299 1 Peter, chapter 2. 00:15:51.299 --> 00:15:55.299 We're taking our study at this time. 00:15:55.299 --> 00:16:01.299 We'll read from verse 11 down to verse 17. 00:16:01.299 --> 00:16:05.299 It's a reminder of what we were looking at last week in verse 11. 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:09.299 Today we're going to look at verse 13 to 17. 00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:12.299 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles 00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:14.299 to abstain from the passions of the flesh, 00:16:14.299 --> 00:16:16.299 which war against your soul. 00:16:16.299 --> 00:16:20.299 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:24.299 so that when they speak against you as evildoers, 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:29.299 they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:33.299 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, 00:16:33.299 --> 00:16:36.299 whether it be the emperor as supreme 00:16:36.299 --> 00:16:39.299 or to governors as sent by him, 00:16:39.299 --> 00:16:41.299 to punish those who do evil 00:16:41.299 --> 00:16:44.299 and to praise those who do good. 00:16:44.299 --> 00:16:46.299 For this is the will of God, 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:49.299 that by doing good you should put to silence 00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:52.299 the ignorance of foolish people. 00:16:52.299 --> 00:16:54.299 Live as people who are free, 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:57.299 not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, 00:16:57.299 --> 00:17:00.299 but living as servants of God. 00:17:00.299 --> 00:17:02.299 Honor everyone. 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:04.299 Love the brotherhood. 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:07.299 Dear God, honor the emperor. 00:17:07.299 --> 00:17:08.299 And so on. 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:12.299 And may God bless that reading from his word. 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:15.299 We'll again join our hearts together in prayer. 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:16.299 Let us pray. 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:23.299 Our Father in heaven, as we have read in these passages, 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:27.299 we are reminded of the importance of prayer for all, 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:31.299 especially those who are rulers and leaders over us 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:35.299 and over our nations and the nations of the world. 00:17:35.299 --> 00:17:38.299 And we do, O Lord, commit them to you. 00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:41.299 For your word reminds us that we seek 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:44.299 that there would be good done for all people, 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:46.299 that they would rule over as well 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:49.299 and according to your truth. 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:51.299 And when this is not the case, Lord, 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:54.299 it is not to give up in prayer or to turn against them, 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:58.299 but to remind ourselves of what your word says, 00:17:58.299 --> 00:18:02.299 to be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:06.299 that we would be witnesses for you in the midst of this world 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:09.299 and in all that goes on. 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:12.299 We do pray, Lord, that your church, your people, 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:16.299 would be given the courage and boldness required 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:20.299 to live honorably among the people of this world, 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:26.299 to live with a conduct that is indeed honorable before all people, 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:30.299 but also to be speaking with boldness your truth 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:34.299 of the need that we have to turn to you in these days. 00:18:34.299 --> 00:18:38.299 Our greatest need is to know Christ Jesus. 00:18:38.299 --> 00:18:41.299 And we thank you that even as we've read in your word 00:18:41.299 --> 00:18:45.299 that your desire is that all people would be saved, 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:51.299 that you are a God who has such great love for this world that you have made. 00:18:51.299 --> 00:18:53.299 We marvel at the beauty of it. 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:56.299 We marvel at all that we see around us. 00:18:56.299 --> 00:19:01.299 But, Lord, we pray that we will marvel at you as God and Lord of all, 00:19:01.299 --> 00:19:05.299 the one who made the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:09.299 And we pray today, Lord, that your word will go out with power here 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:13.299 and in all places where people gather to worship you, 00:19:13.299 --> 00:19:18.299 that you will remind us again, O Lord, that your word is truth 00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:21.299 and that your word is powerful and mighty to save. 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:27.299 And we do pray that you will draw us closer to yourself by it and by your spirit, 00:19:27.299 --> 00:19:32.299 that you will work in our hearts, not just to come and worship you 00:19:32.299 --> 00:19:35.299 because that is something we always do, 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:41.299 but there will be the great longing in our hearts, the great delight in our hearts, 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:47.299 the great joy in our hearts that we can draw near to you as God and Lord 00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:53.299 through your own Son, Jesus Christ, through his name, the name above every name, 00:19:53.299 --> 00:19:58.299 the name of the one who gave his life as a ransom for many, 00:19:58.299 --> 00:20:04.299 the one who showed his great love for us as he bore our sin on the cross, 00:20:04.299 --> 00:20:10.299 the one who is risen, and that that is our hope, the hope of the resurrection, 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:16.299 that all who believe in him would not die but have everlasting life. 00:20:16.299 --> 00:20:20.299 And we thank you that the gospel is that wonderful, glorious news, 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:26.299 that no matter what this world brings to us, no matter the troubles that come our way, 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:33.299 that we can be of good cheer for Jesus our Lord has overcome the world. 00:20:33.299 --> 00:20:36.299 And we pray that your people near and far, 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:42.299 that your people who may be on the hilltops at this time rejoicing in your goodness, 00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:46.299 or even those who may be in the valley of the shadow of death, 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:52.299 that they will know your goodness and mercy following all the days of their lives. 00:20:52.299 --> 00:21:01.299 We thank you, Lord, that you give to your people that glorious hope that we have in Jesus Christ. 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:08.299 And we pray that in times of great need, in times of sorrow, in times of sadness or ill health, 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:15.299 whatever's going on, that we will be able to fix our eyes on Jesus, that we'll be able to look to him. 00:21:15.299 --> 00:21:22.299 And so remember your people as we commit them to you, many known to us and others, Lord, unknown. 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:32.299 But yet, O Lord, all known by you, all precious in your sight, all those whose name are in the Lamb's Book of Life. 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:36.299 And we thank you, Lord, that you watch over in every time of need. 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:44.299 We thank you that you are near, that you are a God of great comfort and mercy, a God of all glory and grace. 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:52.299 And we pray for those, particularly in our thoughts today, we continue to remember Professor Donald McLeod and the family. 00:21:52.299 --> 00:21:58.299 We commit them to you, Lord, that you will surround them and be near to them. 00:21:58.299 --> 00:22:05.299 We remember, even as we've heard earlier, of the passing of Tim Keller, one who maybe we didn't know personally, 00:22:05.299 --> 00:22:13.299 but one even over these last few weeks in the Hope, in the Prodigal Son course we've been hearing about. 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:23.500 And he explained the truth of the gospel to us, Lord, through many of his courses and writings and his ministry far and wide. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:30.500 And we thank you for all your servants who give their lives to you in that way. 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:34.500 And all who serve you in just the little ways as well. 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:38.500 We don't have to be great writers or authors to be servants of the King. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:44.500 We serve you, Lord, with all that we have in the day-to-day ways of life and all that we do. 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:52.500 And we know and thank you, Lord, for the many who serve you in the ordinary ways of life, prayerfully and practically. 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:57.500 And we give thanks to you for your body, one body with many parts. 00:22:57.500 --> 00:23:01.500 And yet, O Lord, all seeking to uphold one another. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:06.500 So bless us and continue to strengthen us in your name and by your grace. 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:10.500 Remember your cause, O Lord, far and wide. 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:14.500 Remember us in all that we do for your name and for your sake. 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:17.500 Even in the week ahead, Lord, we commit all things to you. 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:20.500 We commit our prayer to you. 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:22.500 We commit our lives to you. 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:24.500 We commit our witness to you. 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:28.500 Asking your blessing on work among young and old alike. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:35.500 Thankful, Lord, for you are the one who is able to open eyes and to bring salvation to many. 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:39.500 We look ahead to our communion time in a fortnight. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:43.500 And we pray, Lord, that you will encourage us and strengthen us for that. 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:47.500 That we will come thankful for the Lord Jesus. 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:49.500 Thankful for all that he has done. 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:53.500 Thankful that we can do this in remembrance of him. 00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:58.500 And we pray that you will encourage us in our hearts to profess your name. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:24:01.500 Be that if we've been at the table maybe over many years. 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:04.500 Encourage us and strengthen us for it. 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:08.500 Or be it that we've never sat at the Lord's table but longed to be there. 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:15.500 We pray, Lord, that you will give us that courage to take that stand and to profess our faith. 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:19.500 We thank you, Lord, for our community as a whole as well. 00:24:19.500 --> 00:24:21.500 And we pray your blessing over us. 00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:27.500 Look after us, Lord, in our homes and our families as we commit ourselves into your hands. 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:31.500 Take care of us, Lord, and go before us each and every day. 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:33.500 Guide us, Lord, we pray. 00:24:33.500 --> 00:24:37.500 As we have sung, guide us in your paths and in your ways. 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:40.500 Teach us, Lord, to do your will. 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:46.500 Guide us, O Lord, that we would see the house with many rooms. 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:50.500 A place prepared for you for all your people. 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:53.500 That we will keep our eyes looking to Jesus. 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:59.500 Even as we seek to live as servants for him in this world and all that we do. 00:24:59.500 --> 00:25:02.500 Bless your word to us throughout this day. 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:05.500 Guide us by it, Lord, and bless us, we pray. 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:07.500 Remember Scott as he ministers this evening. 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:09.500 Be with him in the service there. 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:11.500 Bless your word through him. 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:14.500 And bless all your people and hear our prayers. 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:19.500 Watch over us and go before us now, pardoning all our sin. 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:24.500 As we ask it all in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:33.500 We will sing again to God's praise in Psalm 119 in the Scottish Psalter. 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:37.500 This is on page 410 of the psalm books. 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:39.500 Psalm 119. 00:25:39.500 --> 00:25:42.500 And we're going to sing from verse 123. 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:49.500 Psalm 119 at verse 123. 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:54.500 My eyes do fail with looking long for thy salvation. 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:59.500 The word of thy pure righteousness while I do wait upon. 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:03.500 We'll sing from verse 123 to the end of this section. 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:05.500 Four stanzas to God's praise. 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:06.500 Psalm 119. 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.500 Psalm 119. 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.500 Psalm 119. 00:26:08.500 --> 00:26:09.500 Psalm 119. 00:26:09.500 --> 00:26:25.500 My eyes do fail with looking long for thy salvation. 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:42.500 The word of thy pure righteousness, while I do it upon. 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:59.480 In mercy with thy servant yield, thy laws me teach and show. 00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:16.480 I am thy servant, wisdom give, that I thy laws may know. 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:34.740 T'is time thy work, Lord, for they have made hoy thy law divine. 00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:52.759 Therefore thy precepts, O thy love, than gold, yea, gold most fine. 00:27:52.759 --> 00:28:08.759 Concerning all things thy command, all right thy judge therefore. 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:26.400 And every false and wicked way, I perfectly abhor. 00:28:32.400 --> 00:28:36.579 Well, we can turn back to our reading in 1 Peter chapter 2. 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:45.839 We read at verse 16 and 17, although we're looking at this wee section, verse 13 to 17. 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:47.240 We read again at verse 16. 00:28:48.079 --> 00:28:53.720 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:56.700 but living as servants of God. 00:28:57.579 --> 00:28:58.720 Honor everyone. 00:28:59.400 --> 00:29:00.920 Love the brotherhood. 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:02.299 Fear God. 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:04.599 Honor the emperor. 00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:14.980 We continue our study in this letter of 1 Peter, writing to a people who had been scattered and suffering for their faith. 00:29:16.059 --> 00:29:25.740 And what we've seen so far in the letter is how Peter has given them great reminders of the blessings and promises that they have in Christ. 00:29:25.740 --> 00:29:41.200 He reminds them, too, that there is a promise of great hope in Christ Jesus. 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:47.059 He reminds them that they are to live holy lives. 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:54.480 And he reminds them, as we saw the last time, that they are to keep their conduct among the Gentiles honorable. 00:29:55.339 --> 00:30:01.960 They are to live among the people in this way, holy and living honorable lives. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:13.779 And when you think of the setting, the situation that people are living in, it can be quite hard for us to understand just how they could do this. 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:17.059 And how Peter could be saying this. 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:28.240 In the midst of being mistreated, in the midst of God's word being trampled upon, they are being told to live holy lives. 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:31.019 Being honorable to everybody. 00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:35.619 Living among the Gentiles in an honorable way. 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:43.059 In verse 13, being subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution. 00:30:44.119 --> 00:30:46.759 How could they do this? 00:30:47.899 --> 00:30:53.019 Well, that's what Peter is teaching them here and teaching ourselves as well. 00:30:53.879 --> 00:31:00.679 When we see the way in the situation that they were living on, when God's word is being trampled upon, 00:31:00.680 --> 00:31:07.120 and we see the world in which we live in today, we think of the similarities. 00:31:08.320 --> 00:31:12.340 When there is an anger and a wrath against the things of God. 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:16.799 When there is persecution always under the surface in our own nation. 00:31:16.860 --> 00:31:19.620 But in other nations, it's very much to the fore. 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:22.420 People suffering for their faith. 00:31:22.420 --> 00:31:30.820 It's a blessing to live in days of peace when God is honored and worshipped by many people and nations. 00:31:32.200 --> 00:31:35.580 But what about when that is not the case? 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:46.400 How do we conduct ourselves today when we maybe feel dismayed and anxious about the direction our nation or the world is going in? 00:31:46.400 --> 00:31:52.720 Well, this is the very subject that Peter is addressing for us here. 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:56.140 For the people then and for ourselves today. 00:31:56.980 --> 00:32:01.300 And we remember that as he was writing to the people then and to ourselves, 00:32:01.820 --> 00:32:07.580 it's not just a case of living honorable lives merely to survive in this world, 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:09.620 but to thrive. 00:32:10.780 --> 00:32:15.880 And that the gospel would thrive in our world as well. 00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:20.900 Last time we were looking at this last section, 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:24.680 we were thinking of living honorable lives among the Gentiles. 00:32:24.800 --> 00:32:33.759 It was a kind of broad view of theological reasons and practical principles for living in this way. 00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:40.680 He spoke about being a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, all of these things. 00:32:40.680 --> 00:32:51.740 But now as we go on, he's going into specific ways in different areas of life where we are to conduct ourselves in this way. 00:32:51.799 --> 00:33:01.960 And he begins here with how Christians then and now are to live and behave with those in authority over us. 00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:05.299 And it's a great challenge. 00:33:05.740 --> 00:33:08.380 I'm sure I don't have to say that to you today. 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:10.740 It's a great challenge. 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:21.660 How we live and conduct ourselves among leaders who seemingly are going so far away from the word of God. 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:29.160 It's one of the most challenging things for us when we see so much of the moral and social agendas today 00:33:29.160 --> 00:33:36.180 falling far below or even going directly against God's word and God's truth. 00:33:37.340 --> 00:33:40.880 So what's our response to be? 00:33:40.880 --> 00:33:49.740 Many people today will go one of two ways when it comes to being subject to authority. 00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:54.640 Some will go a way of capitulation. 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:59.780 We'll just go along with whatever is said and told for us to do. 00:34:01.460 --> 00:34:05.240 Others will go to the other direction and pull away from it all. 00:34:05.820 --> 00:34:07.100 Withdraw from everything else. 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:10.860 Hide away from it and live in a bubble, as it were. 00:34:10.880 --> 00:34:20.300 But what Peter is teaching us here and what other passages in the Scripture teaches us as well is that there's another way. 00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:27.559 And that is one where we become subject for the Lord's sake under every human institution. 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:32.619 Where we respect and honor those in authority over us. 00:34:33.539 --> 00:34:38.660 But we also stand courageous and with boldness. 00:34:38.659 --> 00:34:42.579 We don't capitulate and give in to it all. 00:34:43.019 --> 00:34:45.019 We don't withdraw away from it. 00:34:45.359 --> 00:34:47.359 We engage with it. 00:34:48.059 --> 00:34:51.099 And that's what Peter is teaching here. 00:34:52.539 --> 00:34:56.779 Kevin de Young in his book, The Hole in Our Holiness, he says this. 00:34:56.780 --> 00:35:05.200 It sounds really spiritual to say God is interested in a relationship, not in rules. 00:35:06.200 --> 00:35:07.740 But it's not biblical. 00:35:08.900 --> 00:35:12.700 From top to bottom, the Bible is full of commands. 00:35:13.860 --> 00:35:21.360 They aren't meant to stifle a relationship with God, but to protect it, seal it, and define it. 00:35:21.360 --> 00:35:25.660 Commands are there for a reason. 00:35:25.720 --> 00:35:30.519 Not to stifle a relationship with God, but to protect it. 00:35:31.519 --> 00:35:35.240 And in this we have a command from God in these verses. 00:35:35.420 --> 00:35:41.880 In verse 13, be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution. 00:35:42.720 --> 00:35:45.720 There is a command here for us. 00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:50.000 And so I want us to look at this under three headings. 00:35:50.839 --> 00:35:58.899 Living as servants of God in the midst of a world that is going so far away from God. 00:35:59.039 --> 00:36:00.039 How do we do it? 00:36:00.839 --> 00:36:01.679 Three things. 00:36:01.859 --> 00:36:02.959 First, our attitude. 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:05.699 Secondly, our approach. 00:36:06.359 --> 00:36:09.000 And then thirdly, our agenda. 00:36:09.000 --> 00:36:17.619 How should we live faithfully for Jesus Christ in such circumstances as this? 00:36:18.920 --> 00:36:22.320 Well, it begins with our attitude. 00:36:23.219 --> 00:36:32.119 When we look around the world today, there's a number of different types of governments and authorities ruling throughout the world. 00:36:32.679 --> 00:36:34.039 We have monarchies. 00:36:34.179 --> 00:36:35.039 We have parliaments. 00:36:35.039 --> 00:36:38.840 We have republics and other kinds too around the world. 00:36:39.820 --> 00:36:43.280 And we'll look around and we maybe have our own thoughts on which is best. 00:36:44.340 --> 00:36:46.820 Some we would say are better than others. 00:36:46.940 --> 00:36:49.679 But what's our attitude towards them? 00:36:51.019 --> 00:36:52.679 We may not like it. 00:36:53.539 --> 00:36:54.840 We may criticize. 00:36:56.219 --> 00:36:59.059 We may even rebel against certain authorities. 00:37:00.019 --> 00:37:02.900 But is that the right approach? 00:37:02.900 --> 00:37:10.579 Would we be right if we don't agree with something as Christians to stand with banners saying, 00:37:10.920 --> 00:37:11.680 Not my king. 00:37:12.460 --> 00:37:14.099 Or not my president. 00:37:14.920 --> 00:37:17.519 Is that what the scriptures teach us? 00:37:17.519 --> 00:37:24.139 No, because what we see in the scriptures is we are told that all authority is through God. 00:37:25.460 --> 00:37:28.099 Romans 13 says in verse 1, 00:37:28.099 --> 00:37:41.279 But you say, 00:37:41.279 --> 00:37:43.360 Surely that can't stand today. 00:37:43.920 --> 00:37:52.380 Surely that can't be right for today when our governments, our rulers are so far from God and things are heading in a worrying direction. 00:37:52.380 --> 00:37:55.200 Surely we don't agree with that. 00:37:56.640 --> 00:38:02.559 Well, when you look at when Paul was writing to the Romans or when Peter is writing here, 00:38:02.860 --> 00:38:06.660 you have to look at the context of the days that they were living in. 00:38:06.659 --> 00:38:14.420 And when we're looking at Peter here in writing to these people that had been scattered far and wide, 00:38:14.500 --> 00:38:16.099 what was the reason they were scattered? 00:38:17.719 --> 00:38:18.279 Persecution. 00:38:19.299 --> 00:38:21.559 Where did the persecution come from? 00:38:21.839 --> 00:38:24.219 It came from those who were ruling over them. 00:38:25.299 --> 00:38:27.579 Persecution arose against Christians. 00:38:28.299 --> 00:38:30.859 This was during the reign of Nero. 00:38:31.480 --> 00:38:33.079 He was the ruler of the day. 00:38:33.079 --> 00:38:41.639 And if you read and look into Nero, he was one who was cruel, very cruel against Christians. 00:38:43.099 --> 00:38:47.799 Persecution arose and verbal slander, social exclusion. 00:38:48.039 --> 00:38:50.759 Christians were suffering, but it got worse. 00:38:52.139 --> 00:38:55.159 It started to be widespread persecution. 00:38:56.380 --> 00:38:59.259 And this is the context that Peter is writing in. 00:38:59.260 --> 00:39:04.800 This is when he is saying, be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution. 00:39:06.360 --> 00:39:11.380 Peter, who was put to death himself during the reign of Nero. 00:39:12.760 --> 00:39:15.960 And you think, well, how can he be saying this? 00:39:17.460 --> 00:39:22.140 Well, Peter is showing that the people that authorities and rulers, good or bad, 00:39:22.580 --> 00:39:26.160 are human institutions put there by God. 00:39:26.159 --> 00:39:34.159 And because of that, our attitude should be one of thankfulness. 00:39:36.440 --> 00:39:38.460 Now you say, have you lost your mind? 00:39:39.920 --> 00:39:45.219 How can we be thankful for an emperor such as Nero, who was persecuting the church? 00:39:45.719 --> 00:39:55.099 How can we be thankful in our day and age when authorities and rulers over us are putting the word of God far, far away from public life? 00:39:55.099 --> 00:40:00.719 Well, to see our attitude is to be one like Christ. 00:40:01.739 --> 00:40:08.719 Peter is here saying, we should be thankful that even in the bad rulers we have over us, 00:40:08.960 --> 00:40:11.339 that God is above all. 00:40:12.440 --> 00:40:15.659 And that we have authorities and rulers over us, 00:40:16.059 --> 00:40:20.799 who, as we read here, the main purpose is to do good. 00:40:20.800 --> 00:40:28.960 In verse 14, governors are sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 00:40:29.620 --> 00:40:35.660 The thing is, when we look around us and we say we don't agree with the people and authority over us, 00:40:35.960 --> 00:40:39.519 we have to remember it could be so much worse. 00:40:41.240 --> 00:40:46.519 What if there was no rule, no government, no authorities over us? 00:40:46.519 --> 00:40:48.280 What would life be like then? 00:40:49.759 --> 00:40:50.239 Chaos. 00:40:51.380 --> 00:40:56.480 You see it in Scripture when God gave people over to do what was right in their own eyes. 00:40:56.880 --> 00:40:58.980 It descended into chaos. 00:41:00.320 --> 00:41:06.039 So even when there's rulers over us who are wicked and evil in our eyes, 00:41:07.039 --> 00:41:10.219 we can still be thankful that God has people and places 00:41:10.219 --> 00:41:14.939 that keep even a semblance of control over things, 00:41:16.139 --> 00:41:21.639 that allow us to live our lives not always the way we would want to live, 00:41:22.639 --> 00:41:25.699 but even to have freedom to worship God, 00:41:26.379 --> 00:41:28.019 to have freedom to be witnesses, 00:41:28.719 --> 00:41:31.299 to show forth, as we were looking at the last time, 00:41:31.839 --> 00:41:35.259 to show forth, to proclaim the excellencies of him 00:41:35.259 --> 00:41:38.139 who called us from darkness to light. 00:41:38.139 --> 00:41:44.460 Peter was reminding the people here that even under the human institutions, 00:41:45.719 --> 00:41:49.039 that they still have God on their side. 00:41:49.859 --> 00:41:51.339 We can criticize, 00:41:52.539 --> 00:41:56.059 but how often do we pray for our leaders? 00:41:57.339 --> 00:42:02.480 How often do we pray for those locally, nationally, internationally, 00:42:02.480 --> 00:42:06.159 who are ruling over us or others throughout this world, 00:42:06.300 --> 00:42:10.300 praying that they would see God and know him? 00:42:11.900 --> 00:42:12.960 He says, 00:42:13.599 --> 00:42:19.539 be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution. 00:42:20.579 --> 00:42:22.099 But he also goes on to say, 00:42:22.539 --> 00:42:23.199 in verse 15, 00:42:23.400 --> 00:42:25.940 for this is the will of God. 00:42:25.940 --> 00:42:28.740 This is the will of God, 00:42:28.800 --> 00:42:29.920 that by doing good, 00:42:30.400 --> 00:42:34.659 you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 00:42:35.599 --> 00:42:38.579 Even in the midst of wicked rulers, 00:42:38.780 --> 00:42:41.760 the Christian is a servant of God, 00:42:42.300 --> 00:42:44.720 of Christ, our King, 00:42:45.720 --> 00:42:51.280 that we put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 00:42:51.280 --> 00:42:56.820 So does our attitude to authority need to change? 00:42:57.840 --> 00:43:01.820 Do we have that honor for the emperor, 00:43:01.960 --> 00:43:02.660 as he says here? 00:43:02.740 --> 00:43:05.740 Do we honor those in authority over us? 00:43:05.880 --> 00:43:08.920 Do we become subject for the Lord's sake 00:43:08.920 --> 00:43:11.340 to every human institution? 00:43:13.260 --> 00:43:14.240 It's hard, 00:43:15.380 --> 00:43:17.220 but it's a command of God. 00:43:17.219 --> 00:43:19.399 And as we go on, 00:43:19.679 --> 00:43:19.919 secondly, 00:43:20.019 --> 00:43:23.439 we see the approach in the midst of this. 00:43:24.459 --> 00:43:29.219 We think of the approach to authority as servants of God. 00:43:30.219 --> 00:43:31.199 He says here, 00:43:31.279 --> 00:43:34.059 be subject to human institutions. 00:43:34.239 --> 00:43:35.119 What's he saying? 00:43:35.179 --> 00:43:35.579 He's saying, 00:43:36.199 --> 00:43:37.719 be good citizens. 00:43:38.859 --> 00:43:39.319 And remember, 00:43:39.419 --> 00:43:41.779 this is all connected to verse 12, 00:43:41.859 --> 00:43:42.279 when it says, 00:43:42.619 --> 00:43:45.519 keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable. 00:43:45.519 --> 00:43:47.860 Keep it honorable. 00:43:48.039 --> 00:43:49.920 Be good citizens. 00:43:50.880 --> 00:43:53.840 I'm not saying here we bow down in weakness 00:43:53.840 --> 00:43:56.460 to those who are in authority over us, 00:43:56.500 --> 00:43:59.440 who we see going against the word of God. 00:44:00.659 --> 00:44:05.360 But we show our strength of faith in all of this. 00:44:06.420 --> 00:44:10.659 We are to hold fast to the word of God. 00:44:11.920 --> 00:44:13.480 Be good citizens. 00:44:13.480 --> 00:44:16.260 You see it through the Old Testament. 00:44:16.440 --> 00:44:18.360 You see it in the New Testament. 00:44:18.579 --> 00:44:18.960 People, 00:44:19.119 --> 00:44:19.980 God's people, 00:44:20.119 --> 00:44:22.800 living under wicked rulerships 00:44:22.800 --> 00:44:25.559 in very morally corrupt societies. 00:44:25.780 --> 00:44:26.000 And yet, 00:44:26.079 --> 00:44:27.240 what was their approach? 00:44:28.380 --> 00:44:31.840 It was to honor God above everything else. 00:44:32.619 --> 00:44:34.440 To honor God. 00:44:35.360 --> 00:44:37.500 We are to keep earthly laws 00:44:37.500 --> 00:44:40.960 that do not require us to break the law of God. 00:44:40.960 --> 00:44:44.820 And you see in verse 15, 00:44:45.039 --> 00:44:47.539 what the purpose and the approach of this is. 00:44:47.639 --> 00:44:48.619 For this is the will of God, 00:44:48.679 --> 00:44:49.800 that by doing good, 00:44:50.179 --> 00:44:51.699 you should be to silence the ignorance 00:44:51.699 --> 00:44:53.880 of foolish people. 00:44:54.500 --> 00:44:58.179 And he gives a warning in this as well, though. 00:44:58.800 --> 00:44:59.920 In verse 16, 00:45:00.420 --> 00:45:02.720 live as people who are free, 00:45:03.380 --> 00:45:06.500 not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, 00:45:06.500 --> 00:45:10.519 but living as servants of God. 00:45:11.440 --> 00:45:13.039 What is he saying here? 00:45:13.900 --> 00:45:17.880 Well, it goes back to things that he was saying earlier in chapter 1, 00:45:18.360 --> 00:45:21.280 where he was speaking to the people and writing to them. 00:45:21.280 --> 00:45:25.200 And it would be so easy for us to come to the wrong conclusion 00:45:25.200 --> 00:45:27.519 when we see wickedness going on around us, 00:45:27.540 --> 00:45:28.000 we can say, 00:45:28.380 --> 00:45:30.019 well, I'm free in Christ. 00:45:30.500 --> 00:45:34.760 I don't have to listen to what authorities and rulers over me say. 00:45:35.100 --> 00:45:36.960 You see, I am free through him. 00:45:37.620 --> 00:45:40.300 I am a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. 00:45:41.140 --> 00:45:44.700 He speaks of them as to those who are elect, 00:45:44.880 --> 00:45:48.680 exiles of the dispersion in verse 1 of chapter 1. 00:45:48.679 --> 00:45:51.919 He's reminded them their citizenship is in heaven. 00:45:52.379 --> 00:45:54.500 But what he says here in verse 16 is, 00:45:55.039 --> 00:46:00.059 that is not an excuse to a cover-up for evil. 00:46:01.759 --> 00:46:04.659 It's to keep our conduct honorable 00:46:04.659 --> 00:46:10.019 and to do good and to live as good citizens in this world. 00:46:12.719 --> 00:46:15.039 We could say, this is not my home. 00:46:15.559 --> 00:46:17.079 We're just passing through. 00:46:17.079 --> 00:46:19.219 I'm now free. 00:46:19.559 --> 00:46:22.259 But that's not what he wants from us. 00:46:23.819 --> 00:46:26.920 He wants us to engage 00:46:26.920 --> 00:46:30.860 and to live as good Christians in this world 00:46:30.860 --> 00:46:33.599 among those who are foolish and ignorant 00:46:33.599 --> 00:46:35.619 to the things of God. 00:46:36.340 --> 00:46:39.480 How thankful we should be for the Word of God. 00:46:39.779 --> 00:46:42.079 What a blessing it is that it teaches us. 00:46:42.079 --> 00:46:47.079 But what a blessing too when it rebukes us, 00:46:47.880 --> 00:46:50.420 when it brings us back on track, 00:46:50.480 --> 00:46:52.559 when we are going the wrong way. 00:46:53.360 --> 00:46:53.960 So he says, 00:46:54.559 --> 00:46:57.559 do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil, 00:46:57.960 --> 00:47:01.400 but live as servants of God. 00:47:02.460 --> 00:47:03.759 What does this mean? 00:47:05.500 --> 00:47:07.579 One writer puts it like this. 00:47:07.579 --> 00:47:08.179 He's saying, 00:47:08.179 --> 00:47:10.819 don't back off from society 00:47:10.819 --> 00:47:14.179 and don't accommodate society. 00:47:14.920 --> 00:47:17.639 Be a better citizen than anybody else 00:47:17.639 --> 00:47:21.059 because Christ has set you free indeed. 00:47:21.920 --> 00:47:23.199 Cherish your freedom 00:47:23.199 --> 00:47:25.519 and cherish the Christ 00:47:25.519 --> 00:47:27.559 who secured your freedom 00:47:27.559 --> 00:47:31.239 by refusing to abuse that freedom. 00:47:31.239 --> 00:47:36.979 We are to live as servants of God. 00:47:38.000 --> 00:47:39.419 Look in the Old Testament 00:47:39.419 --> 00:47:42.899 and we're all familiar with the story of Daniel, I'm sure. 00:47:43.899 --> 00:47:45.839 And we often say that phrase, 00:47:45.979 --> 00:47:47.319 dare to be a Daniel. 00:47:48.279 --> 00:47:51.459 And we see Daniel as one who stood up in the midst 00:47:51.459 --> 00:47:53.059 and against a people 00:47:53.059 --> 00:47:55.500 who were going against the things of God. 00:47:56.079 --> 00:47:58.019 But how did he do it? 00:47:58.019 --> 00:48:03.920 He didn't dishonor Nebuchadnezzar as king. 00:48:05.019 --> 00:48:09.119 He didn't turn away from rules and authorities in the world. 00:48:09.500 --> 00:48:12.420 He kept his focus on honoring God. 00:48:13.559 --> 00:48:15.840 He prayed to God. 00:48:16.579 --> 00:48:19.480 He gave all honor and glory to God. 00:48:20.440 --> 00:48:22.519 And that is what made the difference. 00:48:23.380 --> 00:48:25.920 People saw the God of Daniel. 00:48:25.920 --> 00:48:29.059 They saw the God that he was worshiping. 00:48:29.900 --> 00:48:32.360 The same with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. 00:48:32.800 --> 00:48:34.700 As they were put into the fiery furnace. 00:48:35.280 --> 00:48:37.960 They saw their God. 00:48:38.639 --> 00:48:41.820 They saw who was with them in the fiery furnace. 00:48:42.480 --> 00:48:44.440 And they came to worship God. 00:48:45.119 --> 00:48:48.680 And again, when we think of the world we live in today, 00:48:49.119 --> 00:48:51.440 dare we be a Daniel, what does it mean? 00:48:51.440 --> 00:48:56.280 It means not to dishonor those who rule over us. 00:48:57.220 --> 00:49:00.720 Not to speak wickedly or unkindly against them. 00:49:00.960 --> 00:49:02.539 But to honor God. 00:49:03.079 --> 00:49:05.760 And to give all glory to God. 00:49:07.099 --> 00:49:08.740 Is that our approach? 00:49:09.760 --> 00:49:12.000 To put God first. 00:49:13.900 --> 00:49:16.179 Showing honor to God. 00:49:16.260 --> 00:49:20.519 And then showing honor to those who are ruling over us. 00:49:21.440 --> 00:49:23.340 It's so important for us. 00:49:23.559 --> 00:49:26.019 Not to withdraw from society. 00:49:26.860 --> 00:49:28.920 But to be in society. 00:49:29.059 --> 00:49:32.239 To be salt and light in the places that we are. 00:49:33.219 --> 00:49:35.460 And to pray that those who we often see, 00:49:35.960 --> 00:49:37.719 especially maybe in politics today, 00:49:37.780 --> 00:49:38.079 we say, 00:49:38.239 --> 00:49:41.480 how can they stay in their position there in politics 00:49:41.480 --> 00:49:43.539 when it's so morally corrupt? 00:49:43.539 --> 00:49:49.519 We should thank God that there are those who will stand for the cause of God. 00:49:50.119 --> 00:49:51.880 And pray for them. 00:49:53.500 --> 00:49:56.559 Prayer in public life used to be so common. 00:49:56.840 --> 00:49:59.119 But even that is being pushed away now. 00:50:00.139 --> 00:50:01.679 It causes offense. 00:50:01.800 --> 00:50:03.259 So we take it away. 00:50:04.420 --> 00:50:09.119 And we should long for days when prayer in public is more and more common. 00:50:09.119 --> 00:50:12.639 There was a man called Peter Marshall. 00:50:13.500 --> 00:50:15.940 He was a Scottish-born pastor. 00:50:16.099 --> 00:50:17.519 And he went to America. 00:50:18.579 --> 00:50:23.279 And he actually became the Senate chaplain in the United States. 00:50:23.659 --> 00:50:25.539 Such an important role. 00:50:26.199 --> 00:50:30.139 And part of his role was that he would pray before their meetings. 00:50:30.619 --> 00:50:32.719 This was during the 1940s. 00:50:32.719 --> 00:50:35.159 Just after the Second World War. 00:50:36.239 --> 00:50:38.319 And one of his prayers is recorded. 00:50:38.459 --> 00:50:39.659 Well, many of his prayers are recorded. 00:50:39.759 --> 00:50:40.879 But one of them said this. 00:50:41.959 --> 00:50:45.739 Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth, and the life. 00:50:46.599 --> 00:50:50.480 Hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make all free. 00:50:51.559 --> 00:50:55.480 Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved, but also to be lived. 00:50:56.359 --> 00:50:59.500 Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. 00:50:59.500 --> 00:51:02.880 It costs too much to be hoarded. 00:51:03.920 --> 00:51:10.000 Help us to see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, 00:51:10.380 --> 00:51:14.699 but the opportunity to please to do what is right. 00:51:15.980 --> 00:51:18.320 That was how they went into their meeting. 00:51:19.139 --> 00:51:21.139 Freedom not to do as we please, 00:51:21.719 --> 00:51:25.340 but the opportunity to please to do what is right. 00:51:25.340 --> 00:51:31.740 The fools that Peter speaks of here, 00:51:31.860 --> 00:51:33.860 those who are foolish, 00:51:34.900 --> 00:51:38.240 are the ones who need God. 00:51:39.180 --> 00:51:41.700 But we as servants of God, 00:51:41.980 --> 00:51:43.420 as it says in verse 15, 00:51:43.519 --> 00:51:44.519 that by doing good, 00:51:45.059 --> 00:51:49.460 you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 00:51:50.980 --> 00:51:54.120 Again, it goes back to verse 12 as well. 00:51:54.119 --> 00:51:57.679 Those that we are to live honorable lives before, 00:51:58.279 --> 00:52:00.119 even when they speak against you as evildoers, 00:52:00.759 --> 00:52:02.940 that they may see your good deeds 00:52:02.940 --> 00:52:06.839 and glorify God in the day of visitation. 00:52:08.219 --> 00:52:11.980 Our approach is to honor God 00:52:11.980 --> 00:52:17.179 by being subject for the Lord's sake in these things. 00:52:17.179 --> 00:52:21.659 The final thing I want us to see is, 00:52:22.139 --> 00:52:25.359 what's our agenda in all of this? 00:52:26.619 --> 00:52:29.859 Can you imagine today going up to the king? 00:52:31.219 --> 00:52:32.919 Well, a prime minister and saying, 00:52:33.440 --> 00:52:34.599 look, you fool, 00:52:35.839 --> 00:52:37.299 Christ is king, 00:52:37.859 --> 00:52:39.319 and you are a subject. 00:52:40.319 --> 00:52:42.399 Can you imagine doing that? 00:52:42.400 --> 00:52:46.260 Well, in the year 1596, 00:52:47.340 --> 00:52:49.680 James VI was king of Scotland. 00:52:50.860 --> 00:52:52.960 And a minister called Andrew Melville 00:52:52.960 --> 00:52:54.460 was able to meet with him. 00:52:55.119 --> 00:52:57.039 He met with him amid concerns 00:52:57.039 --> 00:52:59.340 of the direction Scotland was going in. 00:53:00.660 --> 00:53:03.519 Royal policy was undermining the gains 00:53:03.519 --> 00:53:05.280 of the gospel that had come about 00:53:05.280 --> 00:53:07.519 as a result of the Reformation. 00:53:07.519 --> 00:53:11.440 And eventually, Andrew Melville 00:53:11.440 --> 00:53:12.900 met with the king, 00:53:13.059 --> 00:53:15.079 but he lost patience with the king. 00:53:16.139 --> 00:53:19.300 And he called him God's silly vassal, 00:53:20.179 --> 00:53:21.800 God's silly subject, 00:53:21.940 --> 00:53:22.860 called him a fool. 00:53:24.059 --> 00:53:25.179 And then he went on to say, 00:53:25.340 --> 00:53:26.440 there are two kings 00:53:26.440 --> 00:53:28.820 and two kingdoms in Scotland. 00:53:29.420 --> 00:53:31.460 There is Christ Jesus the king 00:53:31.460 --> 00:53:33.300 and his kingdom, the church, 00:53:34.219 --> 00:53:36.699 whose subject King James VI is. 00:53:36.699 --> 00:53:39.419 And of whose kingdom he is not a king, 00:53:39.619 --> 00:53:41.239 not a lord, not a head, 00:53:41.460 --> 00:53:42.480 but a member. 00:53:43.199 --> 00:53:45.739 He put the king in his place. 00:53:46.000 --> 00:53:47.480 But what was his agenda? 00:53:49.039 --> 00:53:51.259 Melville and others saw in passages 00:53:51.259 --> 00:53:55.079 like here in Peter and Romans chapter 13, 00:53:55.539 --> 00:53:57.359 he saw that we have the resources. 00:53:58.839 --> 00:54:01.679 We have a God who is able to equip a nation 00:54:01.679 --> 00:54:03.839 to be a blessing to the people. 00:54:03.840 --> 00:54:08.200 And he saw the need for respect 00:54:08.200 --> 00:54:09.840 and honor on the one hand, 00:54:10.660 --> 00:54:13.300 but also the need for courage 00:54:13.300 --> 00:54:15.180 and boldness on the other. 00:54:17.079 --> 00:54:19.680 Can we have a conversation with those 00:54:19.680 --> 00:54:21.519 in power over us? 00:54:21.600 --> 00:54:24.019 Or how would we even write a letter 00:54:24.019 --> 00:54:25.600 to someone who's an authority 00:54:25.600 --> 00:54:26.820 and power over us? 00:54:27.220 --> 00:54:28.760 What would be our approach? 00:54:28.840 --> 00:54:30.760 Would it be to condemn? 00:54:30.760 --> 00:54:33.920 Or would it be to encourage, 00:54:34.780 --> 00:54:36.720 to remember that there is one king 00:54:36.720 --> 00:54:38.380 and Lord over all, 00:54:38.740 --> 00:54:40.200 and that that is Christ? 00:54:41.860 --> 00:54:44.860 By living as servants of God 00:54:44.860 --> 00:54:46.460 and doing good, 00:54:46.900 --> 00:54:48.800 by pointing foolish people 00:54:48.800 --> 00:54:50.540 to the king of kings 00:54:50.540 --> 00:54:52.180 and the Lord of lords, 00:54:52.300 --> 00:54:53.660 there we can be Daniels, 00:54:53.880 --> 00:54:55.560 we can be Shadrach, Meshach, 00:54:55.640 --> 00:54:57.240 and Abednego in the Old Testament, 00:54:57.239 --> 00:54:59.119 we can be the Paul and Peter 00:54:59.119 --> 00:55:00.659 and others in the church 00:55:00.659 --> 00:55:01.779 of the New Testament 00:55:01.779 --> 00:55:05.000 who didn't shy away, 00:55:05.559 --> 00:55:06.239 who didn't capitulate 00:55:06.899 --> 00:55:08.339 with all that was going on, 00:55:08.759 --> 00:55:11.239 but who were in their place 00:55:11.239 --> 00:55:12.959 in that time, 00:55:13.379 --> 00:55:14.859 a salt and light 00:55:14.859 --> 00:55:16.899 for the glory and the gospel. 00:55:18.799 --> 00:55:21.039 Their agenda was not one 00:55:21.039 --> 00:55:23.419 to dishonor the rulers of the day, 00:55:23.420 --> 00:55:25.700 but to honor God 00:55:25.700 --> 00:55:28.119 and in so doing point 00:55:28.119 --> 00:55:29.760 to a better way, 00:55:30.180 --> 00:55:31.340 a greater way, 00:55:31.740 --> 00:55:33.079 a way that our nation 00:55:33.079 --> 00:55:34.940 would know blessing again 00:55:34.940 --> 00:55:37.780 with the peace of God. 00:55:40.280 --> 00:55:42.960 In verse 17 here it says, 00:55:44.480 --> 00:55:45.519 honor everyone, 00:55:46.139 --> 00:55:47.480 love the brotherhood, 00:55:47.760 --> 00:55:48.700 fear God, 00:55:49.300 --> 00:55:50.599 honor the emperor. 00:55:50.599 --> 00:55:52.319 You see it starts and fear, 00:55:52.819 --> 00:55:53.699 starts and finishes 00:55:53.699 --> 00:55:54.639 with honor. 00:55:56.199 --> 00:55:57.079 Honor everyone 00:55:57.079 --> 00:55:59.519 and honor the emperor. 00:55:59.839 --> 00:56:00.900 There's no distinction. 00:56:02.579 --> 00:56:03.659 Live honorable lives 00:56:03.659 --> 00:56:04.599 before all 00:56:04.599 --> 00:56:06.579 that they may see 00:56:06.579 --> 00:56:07.480 your good deeds 00:56:07.480 --> 00:56:09.000 and glorify God. 00:56:09.579 --> 00:56:10.099 And when you look 00:56:10.099 --> 00:56:10.900 at this section, 00:56:11.259 --> 00:56:12.920 they're all interconnected. 00:56:14.480 --> 00:56:15.339 In verse 13, 00:56:15.440 --> 00:56:16.739 we are to take this stance 00:56:16.739 --> 00:56:17.659 of being subject 00:56:17.659 --> 00:56:20.039 for the Lord's sake. 00:56:20.599 --> 00:56:22.460 And we are to do it 00:56:22.460 --> 00:56:23.319 in verse 15 00:56:23.319 --> 00:56:24.599 because it is the will 00:56:24.599 --> 00:56:25.679 of God. 00:56:26.319 --> 00:56:27.159 We are to do it 00:56:27.159 --> 00:56:28.079 in verse 16, 00:56:28.239 --> 00:56:30.400 as servants of God. 00:56:30.599 --> 00:56:31.519 And we are to do it 00:56:31.519 --> 00:56:32.480 in verse 17, 00:56:33.059 --> 00:56:34.420 fearing God. 00:56:36.000 --> 00:56:37.699 Fear God, it says. 00:56:37.960 --> 00:56:39.319 Worship Him 00:56:39.319 --> 00:56:42.079 and live as subjects 00:56:42.079 --> 00:56:44.319 of those in authority 00:56:44.319 --> 00:56:45.639 over us. 00:56:45.639 --> 00:56:47.859 with what agenda 00:56:47.859 --> 00:56:50.359 that they might see 00:56:50.359 --> 00:56:51.960 our good deeds 00:56:51.960 --> 00:56:54.839 and glorify God. 00:56:57.420 --> 00:56:59.039 If we as a church 00:56:59.039 --> 00:57:00.579 here in Stornway 00:57:00.579 --> 00:57:02.420 were taken away 00:57:02.420 --> 00:57:03.179 and these doors 00:57:03.179 --> 00:57:04.139 were closed 00:57:04.139 --> 00:57:06.799 and nobody noticed 00:57:06.800 --> 00:57:09.800 and nobody missed 00:57:09.800 --> 00:57:11.120 our input 00:57:11.120 --> 00:57:12.300 into this town 00:57:12.300 --> 00:57:13.740 or into our society, 00:57:14.380 --> 00:57:16.180 then something 00:57:16.180 --> 00:57:18.120 would be seriously wrong. 00:57:20.120 --> 00:57:21.920 We haven't been fulfilling 00:57:21.920 --> 00:57:23.240 our duties. 00:57:25.120 --> 00:57:26.600 And that is what Peter 00:57:26.600 --> 00:57:27.920 is reminding the people 00:57:27.920 --> 00:57:28.940 here in ourselves. 00:57:29.800 --> 00:57:31.200 That even as we live 00:57:31.200 --> 00:57:32.640 as exiles, 00:57:32.639 --> 00:57:34.739 even as we live 00:57:34.739 --> 00:57:35.500 as citizens 00:57:35.500 --> 00:57:36.839 of the kingdom of heaven, 00:57:37.359 --> 00:57:38.779 we live 00:57:38.779 --> 00:57:39.900 in the midst 00:57:39.900 --> 00:57:41.319 of this world 00:57:41.319 --> 00:57:43.599 and among the people 00:57:43.599 --> 00:57:44.379 and authorities 00:57:44.379 --> 00:57:46.119 of this world. 00:57:47.059 --> 00:57:48.539 And it doesn't mean 00:57:48.539 --> 00:57:50.000 backing off. 00:57:51.279 --> 00:57:52.539 It doesn't mean 00:57:52.539 --> 00:57:53.819 capitulating. 00:57:55.219 --> 00:57:56.980 It means mission. 00:57:58.219 --> 00:57:59.279 It means 00:57:59.279 --> 00:58:00.779 engagement. 00:58:00.780 --> 00:58:03.060 bearing witness 00:58:03.060 --> 00:58:05.000 to a different life, 00:58:05.840 --> 00:58:06.780 a different way, 00:58:07.480 --> 00:58:08.660 a different world 00:58:08.660 --> 00:58:10.019 that comes 00:58:10.019 --> 00:58:11.380 through faith 00:58:11.380 --> 00:58:13.080 in Jesus Christ. 00:58:13.820 --> 00:58:15.160 Because that is 00:58:15.160 --> 00:58:16.120 our hope 00:58:16.120 --> 00:58:17.320 and that is 00:58:17.320 --> 00:58:18.400 what we believe 00:58:18.400 --> 00:58:19.980 is able to bless 00:58:19.980 --> 00:58:20.840 a town, 00:58:21.700 --> 00:58:22.320 a nation 00:58:22.320 --> 00:58:23.960 and this world. 00:58:25.160 --> 00:58:25.960 So may God 00:58:25.960 --> 00:58:26.820 help us 00:58:26.820 --> 00:58:28.160 to live 00:58:28.160 --> 00:58:30.160 as his servants. 00:58:30.780 --> 00:58:31.820 being subject 00:58:31.820 --> 00:58:33.220 to those 00:58:33.220 --> 00:58:34.420 in authority 00:58:34.420 --> 00:58:35.600 over us, 00:58:35.940 --> 00:58:37.940 but above all 00:58:37.940 --> 00:58:39.240 by being 00:58:39.240 --> 00:58:40.280 servants 00:58:40.280 --> 00:58:41.860 of God. 00:58:42.620 --> 00:58:43.380 Let us pray. 00:58:44.740 --> 00:58:46.500 Our Father in heaven, 00:58:46.680 --> 00:58:47.160 give us 00:58:47.160 --> 00:58:48.560 both courage 00:58:48.560 --> 00:58:49.480 and boldness 00:58:49.480 --> 00:58:51.000 to be a people 00:58:51.000 --> 00:58:51.580 who will be 00:58:51.580 --> 00:58:52.540 your servants 00:58:52.540 --> 00:58:54.440 wherever you place us 00:58:54.440 --> 00:58:55.440 and whatever we do. 00:58:56.140 --> 00:58:56.720 Help us, 00:58:56.900 --> 00:58:57.120 O Lord, 00:58:57.200 --> 00:58:57.840 to uphold 00:58:57.840 --> 00:58:58.840 those in authority 00:58:58.840 --> 00:58:59.600 over us 00:58:59.600 --> 00:59:00.740 prayerfully, 00:59:01.519 --> 00:59:02.360 seeking to honour 00:59:02.360 --> 00:59:03.180 them, O Lord, 00:59:03.240 --> 00:59:04.140 that they would see 00:59:04.140 --> 00:59:05.760 even our good deeds 00:59:05.760 --> 00:59:07.059 and glorify you. 00:59:07.920 --> 00:59:08.539 Help us, 00:59:08.740 --> 00:59:08.840 Lord, 00:59:08.920 --> 00:59:09.820 that we would continue 00:59:09.820 --> 00:59:11.019 to long for 00:59:11.019 --> 00:59:11.720 and desire 00:59:11.720 --> 00:59:13.100 for the goodness 00:59:13.100 --> 00:59:13.740 of God 00:59:13.740 --> 00:59:14.300 to be known 00:59:14.300 --> 00:59:14.920 throughout 00:59:14.920 --> 00:59:16.140 our island 00:59:16.140 --> 00:59:16.620 here, 00:59:17.300 --> 00:59:18.260 throughout our nation 00:59:18.260 --> 00:59:18.720 and throughout 00:59:18.720 --> 00:59:19.460 the world, 00:59:20.019 --> 00:59:20.980 that you would come 00:59:20.980 --> 00:59:22.260 in a day of your power, 00:59:22.820 --> 00:59:23.760 that you would use us, 00:59:23.940 --> 00:59:24.180 O Lord, 00:59:24.240 --> 00:59:25.280 as your servants 00:59:25.280 --> 00:59:26.640 for your glory 00:59:26.639 --> 00:59:27.859 and for your sake. 00:59:28.379 --> 00:59:28.779 Amen. 00:59:31.920 --> 00:59:33.259 We're going to conclude 00:59:33.259 --> 00:59:33.819 by singing 00:59:33.819 --> 00:59:34.940 to God's praise 00:59:34.940 --> 00:59:36.460 in Psalm 77 00:59:36.460 --> 00:59:38.519 in the Scottish Psalter. 00:59:38.659 --> 00:59:39.839 Psalm 77. 00:59:44.039 --> 00:59:45.980 We'll sing from verse 14, 00:59:46.119 --> 00:59:46.980 two stanzas. 00:59:47.980 --> 00:59:48.900 Thou art the God 00:59:48.900 --> 00:59:50.059 that wanders dust 00:59:50.059 --> 00:59:51.279 by thy right hand 00:59:51.279 --> 00:59:52.000 most strong. 00:59:52.460 --> 00:59:53.359 Thy mighty power 00:59:53.359 --> 00:59:54.460 thou hast declared 00:59:54.460 --> 00:59:55.619 the nations among. 00:59:55.619 --> 00:59:57.299 To thine own people 00:59:57.299 --> 00:59:58.159 with thine arm 00:59:58.159 --> 00:59:59.779 thou didst redemption bring 00:59:59.779 --> 01:00:01.400 to Jacob's sons 01:00:01.400 --> 01:00:02.420 and to the tribes 01:00:02.420 --> 01:00:03.259 of Joseph 01:00:03.259 --> 01:00:04.639 that do spring. 01:00:04.739 --> 01:00:05.940 We'll sing these two verses 01:00:05.940 --> 01:00:07.679 to God's praise. 01:00:07.679 --> 01:00:08.679 Amen. 01:00:12.679 --> 01:00:17.380 Thou art the God 01:00:17.380 --> 01:00:20.559 that wanders 01:00:20.559 --> 01:00:22.559 by thy right hand 01:00:22.559 --> 01:00:26.960 by thy right hand 01:00:26.960 --> 01:00:27.559 most strong. 01:00:27.559 --> 01:00:32.559 Thy mighty power 01:00:32.559 --> 01:00:37.559 thou hast declared 01:00:37.559 --> 01:00:44.559 the nations among. 01:00:44.559 --> 01:00:46.559 The nations among 01:00:46.559 --> 01:00:48.559 to thine own people 01:00:48.559 --> 01:00:50.559 with thine arm 01:00:50.559 --> 01:00:52.559 own people 01:00:52.559 --> 01:00:56.559 with thine arm 01:00:56.559 --> 01:01:01.559 thou didst redemption 01:01:01.559 --> 01:01:03.559 bring 01:01:03.559 --> 01:01:08.559 to Jacob's sons 01:01:08.559 --> 01:01:13.199 sons and to the tribes 01:01:13.199 --> 01:01:17.519 of Joseph 01:01:17.519 --> 01:01:21.420 that do spring. 01:01:23.420 --> 01:01:24.619 After the benediction 01:01:24.619 --> 01:01:25.900 I'll go to the main door. 01:01:26.019 --> 01:01:27.199 We'll close with a benediction. 01:01:28.239 --> 01:01:29.579 Now may grace, mercy, 01:01:29.759 --> 01:01:30.259 and peace 01:01:30.259 --> 01:01:31.000 from God, 01:01:31.199 --> 01:01:31.579 Father, 01:01:31.840 --> 01:01:32.079 Son, 01:01:32.139 --> 01:01:33.139 and Holy Spirit 01:01:33.139 --> 01:01:34.199 rest upon 01:01:34.199 --> 01:01:35.739 and abide with us all 01:01:35.739 --> 01:01:37.420 now and forevermore. 01:01:37.420 --> 01:01:38.119 Amen.