WEBVTT 00:00:00.500 --> 00:00:04.520 Well, good morning, everyone. Great to be in church with you this morning. I am going 00:00:04.520 --> 00:00:08.820 to be preaching and hopefully running the PowerPoint at the same time. It's called 00:00:08.820 --> 00:00:19.719 multitasking. And if you practice multitasking, your IQ drops by 10%. So we'll see if this 00:00:19.719 --> 00:00:27.420 works. I may not have the brainpower to pull it off. So Romans 12, if you get up in front 00:00:27.420 --> 00:00:36.060 of you, let's pray and then we'll launch straight into it. Gracious God, we thank you for what 00:00:36.060 --> 00:00:46.460 we have engaged with in the first 11 chapters of Romans, that you are a God of sovereign 00:00:46.460 --> 00:00:56.359 grace. You have a mercy and a grace towards us that we do not deserve. Your plans to do 00:00:56.359 --> 00:01:07.620 good to rescue sinners is one that has transpired throughout history. We thank you for the Lord 00:01:07.620 --> 00:01:18.099 Jesus. And despite all of our frailty and failure and sin, your love for us is constant. We pray 00:01:18.099 --> 00:01:28.699 that you would transform us as a body of believers so that we live out this life of love. And we ask 00:01:28.699 --> 00:01:42.099 it for your glory. Amen. There you go. I failed on the first one. There we go. A utopia typically 00:01:42.099 --> 00:01:51.939 describes an imaginary society that possesses nearly perfect qualities for the members of that society. 00:01:51.939 --> 00:02:01.799 The idea was first coined by Sir Thomas More in his book, which he wrote in 1560, called Utopia, 00:02:01.799 --> 00:02:14.520 Utopia, describing a perfect fictional society in an island. It's a dream. It's the hope of a perfect 00:02:14.520 --> 00:02:21.099 place, which is what Utopia has come to mean for us nowadays. A place where I can leave all of my 00:02:21.099 --> 00:02:30.500 troubles behind and life is as idealistic as it possibly can be. In some modern contexts, however, 00:02:30.500 --> 00:02:37.539 the word Utopia means an impossibility. That is such a place is a fiction. It doesn't exist. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:46.319 There's no ever hope. It's far-fetched. It's the loot. It's the dream. No ever hope of having such a 00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:57.120 place. The American academic Lyman Sargent argues that the very nature of a Utopia is inherently 00:02:57.120 --> 00:03:07.819 contradictory because societies are not homogenous. That is, societies by their nature are made up with 00:03:07.819 --> 00:03:14.719 a whole range of diverse people with different desires, and those different desires will always 00:03:14.719 --> 00:03:21.759 be in conflict with others, and therefore, such a place of harmony, perfection, love cannot possibly 00:03:21.759 --> 00:03:32.500 ever exist because of diversity. In other words, the roadblock to any sort of Utopia of a perfect, 00:03:32.659 --> 00:03:40.199 good human society is the fact that we're all different. The differences will always fracture 00:03:40.199 --> 00:03:48.500 the community, and yet, what we have seen as we have journeyed through Romans, that that's exactly 00:03:48.500 --> 00:03:56.120 what God is building. A new society. A new society that's built on diversity. 00:03:58.620 --> 00:04:07.740 Romans 12, as we saw it last week, it begins with, in view of God's mercy. 00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:18.000 James took us there. Verses 1 and 2 of Romans 12 look back to the first 11 chapters of Romans, 00:04:18.259 --> 00:04:28.500 and it looks forward to the final 5-6 chapters of Romans. And in the first 8 verses of Romans 12, 00:04:28.639 --> 00:04:36.480 last week we looked at this, Paul addresses the Christian as an individual. Now he addresses 00:04:36.480 --> 00:04:45.900 us as a community of believers. In the next 5 chapters, what Paul wants to do is he wants to show us 00:04:45.900 --> 00:04:59.500 how life is transformed now in view of God's mercy in the past. He defines what relationships look like 00:04:59.500 --> 00:05:05.660 for God's new society. And so I've got three points on the St. Paul's app. If you've got the St. Paul's app, 00:05:05.660 --> 00:05:12.260 open that up, little QR codes behind you on the seats, hopefully as well. New society, new love for a new society, 00:05:12.439 --> 00:05:22.400 and new power for a new love. So I want to start, first of all, by taking us back to where we have 00:05:22.400 --> 00:05:28.440 previously been, because it really sets the scene for us, for the verses that are in front of us now, 00:05:28.439 --> 00:05:37.160 and the ones that are in the coming chapters. Weeks ago now, it was weeks ago, we looked at Romans chapter 5. 00:05:37.980 --> 00:05:44.459 And I mentioned there that there was a very important concept that we need to get our minds around 00:05:44.459 --> 00:05:51.519 in order to understand what the rest of Romans was going to look like for us. 00:05:51.519 --> 00:06:02.120 Chapter 5 introduces us to the idea that all of humanity lives in one of two realms. 00:06:03.099 --> 00:06:11.060 All of humanity is split into two realms. There is the realm of sin and death, inaugurated by Adam, 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:14.920 right at the beginning of the beginning of the beginning of the Bible, Genesis chapter 3, 00:06:16.319 --> 00:06:26.840 or the realm of grace and life inaugurated by Jesus Christ. All of humanity either has ultimate 00:06:26.840 --> 00:06:36.279 solidarity with Adam or ultimately solidarity with Jesus Christ in salvation. Sin or salvation. 00:06:36.279 --> 00:06:44.559 And Romans wants us to see the cosmic significance of what God has done for us in Jesus. 00:06:45.519 --> 00:06:56.539 The whole of history, the whole history of humanity has been radically changed by the death and resurrection 00:06:56.539 --> 00:07:05.839 of Jesus Christ. God has established a totally new realm of existence. 00:07:06.279 --> 00:07:17.059 In which it is possible for anyone who exists to be declared right, righteous, and to be given 00:07:17.059 --> 00:07:27.379 eternal life. And so everyone who has ever lived is either in or out of that new realm in Jesus. 00:07:27.379 --> 00:07:43.540 Romans 1 to 11 has been all about God's cosmic plan of salvation in Jesus for people, both to the Jew and the Gentile. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:57.800 It's unfortunate, I think, in Western society in particular, that we have the inclination to think that 00:07:57.800 --> 00:08:07.200 my relationship with Jesus is a personal thing for me. It's about Jesus being my personal Lord and Savior, 00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:10.199 a concept which the Bible does not know. 00:08:13.659 --> 00:08:18.199 We tend to think that our conversion to the Christian faith is a small thing. 00:08:19.039 --> 00:08:20.819 It's part of my life. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:30.419 Maybe a change that brings certain modest reforms in my life to some areas of life. 00:08:30.420 --> 00:08:40.019 According to the Apostle Paul in Romans, the difference between the two realms is infinitely great. 00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:53.120 The transfer from the realm of Adam to the realm of Christ impacts every single aspect of life. 00:08:53.120 --> 00:08:59.600 There is not a category of life it does not touch. 00:09:01.179 --> 00:09:05.179 There's not a category of life that it does not renew my thinking in. 00:09:06.840 --> 00:09:08.720 Everything is impacted. 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:15.220 And that is what Romans 12 to 16 are all about. 00:09:16.580 --> 00:09:20.759 The Christian has been taken by Jesus from one realm to another. 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:31.319 The new realm of Jesus is radically opposite to the realm in conflict with God and under his judgment. 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:39.639 The Christian has been saved for a new life, new relationships, new home. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:47.639 This new realm will finally reach its goal when we are in the presence of God forever. 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:56.559 And until that time, the Christian takes on the character and the priorities of the new realm. 00:09:58.699 --> 00:10:03.639 And these verses are all about what we are becoming together. 00:10:05.639 --> 00:10:14.120 Jew and Gentile becoming together, reconciled together as one people in Jesus Christ for the glory of God. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:17.620 As James pointed out last week. 00:10:18.799 --> 00:10:24.159 12 verses 1 and 2 commands us not to be conformed to the pattern of this world. 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:28.080 The realm that is under sin, the old realm. 00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:33.440 But be transformed for the new realm. 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:41.700 The pattern of relationships of the old realm that Jesus has rescued us from is in chapter 1. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:47.420 And there's an incredible descriptive list in chapter 1. 00:10:48.420 --> 00:10:48.980 Heartless. 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:51.280 Heartless. 00:10:52.740 --> 00:10:54.360 Approving of evildoers. 00:10:55.460 --> 00:10:56.420 God-haters. 00:10:57.300 --> 00:10:58.720 Arrogant and boastful. 00:10:58.720 --> 00:11:00.920 Causing strife. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:02.320 Malice. 00:11:02.820 --> 00:11:04.180 Inventors of evil. 00:11:05.279 --> 00:11:08.440 And the first thing we notice as we turn to chapter 12. 00:11:09.060 --> 00:11:14.379 We see the opposite of those things are characterized in the new realm. 00:11:15.820 --> 00:11:16.259 Loving. 00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:18.139 Hate evil. 00:11:19.080 --> 00:11:19.860 Serving God. 00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:22.040 Not to be proud and conceited. 00:11:22.680 --> 00:11:24.580 Live in harmony and peace. 00:11:24.580 --> 00:11:27.080 Repaying no one for evil. 00:11:27.840 --> 00:11:29.080 Overcoming evil. 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:35.800 Verses 90 to 21. 00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:38.920 Hopefully got in front of you at the moment. 00:11:38.920 --> 00:11:44.520 Is a catalog of over 20 brief instructions. 00:11:45.300 --> 00:11:48.980 Regarding the way God's people should relate to each other. 00:11:49.300 --> 00:11:50.940 And to the rest of the world. 00:11:50.940 --> 00:11:56.460 Verses 9 to 16. 00:11:56.640 --> 00:12:01.340 Seem to have an emphasis on relationships with other Christians. 00:12:01.820 --> 00:12:04.340 Because of the vocabulary that's in there. 00:12:04.460 --> 00:12:06.260 Is one of one another. 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:09.120 But when you go to 17 to 21. 00:12:09.420 --> 00:12:13.340 Our relationships are on view here with the wider world. 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:18.420 Because of the vocabulary shifts from one another to everybody and everyone. 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:18.699 One. 00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:20.500 So. 00:12:20.679 --> 00:12:22.419 And verses 14 to 16. 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:23.839 Is. 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:26.099 They're kind of like transitional verses. 00:12:27.199 --> 00:12:28.620 Between the two sections. 00:12:28.959 --> 00:12:31.339 And the reality is verses 14 and 16. 00:12:31.339 --> 00:12:32.500 Could be applied to. 00:12:33.559 --> 00:12:34.599 Second section. 00:12:36.299 --> 00:12:37.039 And so. 00:12:37.219 --> 00:12:39.559 I've kind of broken it up into those two groups. 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:41.799 First of all. 00:12:43.639 --> 00:12:45.379 Love must be. 00:12:45.719 --> 00:12:47.559 New love for friends. 00:12:48.419 --> 00:12:49.899 In verses 9 to 16. 00:12:50.059 --> 00:12:52.839 Paul outlines what relationships of love look like among Christians. 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:55.479 Amongst God's diverse church. 00:12:55.879 --> 00:12:56.819 And he makes the point. 00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:57.799 In verse 9. 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:01.399 He gives three commands. 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:03.419 There's three commands in this verse. 00:13:03.979 --> 00:13:04.799 To be sincere. 00:13:05.439 --> 00:13:06.599 To hate evil. 00:13:07.399 --> 00:13:08.360 And to cling to good. 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:09.839 Three commands. 00:13:10.339 --> 00:13:15.120 And all three tell us what it means to live a life of love. 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:19.000 And all three are connected to truth. 00:13:20.179 --> 00:13:20.740 Firstly. 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:24.779 Sincere means to be unhypocritical. 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:26.000 Not to be a phony. 00:13:26.600 --> 00:13:27.720 In your love. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:31.100 We are not to be polite. 00:13:32.419 --> 00:13:33.039 Helpful. 00:13:33.679 --> 00:13:34.720 And warm. 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:36.039 On the outside. 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:37.480 But cold. 00:13:37.580 --> 00:13:38.220 Despising. 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:39.000 And disconnected. 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:40.700 On the inside. 00:13:40.700 --> 00:13:43.820 This is so important. 00:13:45.680 --> 00:13:46.440 Because. 00:13:48.160 --> 00:13:49.000 Churches. 00:13:49.480 --> 00:13:50.640 Have a tendency. 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:53.000 Of creating cultures. 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:54.240 Of niceness. 00:13:56.180 --> 00:13:57.540 We have a tendency. 00:13:57.720 --> 00:13:58.540 Of creating cultures. 00:13:58.540 --> 00:13:59.460 Of niceness. 00:14:00.840 --> 00:14:02.340 Where there is a. 00:14:02.340 --> 00:14:03.320 Veneer. 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:05.759 Of being pleasant. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:10.840 And it covers up a culture. 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:11.460 Of. 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:12.919 Backbiting. 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:14.460 Gossiping. 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:16.159 Prejudice. 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:18.679 A veneer of niceness. 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:19.860 Often results. 00:14:20.299 --> 00:14:21.360 In the absence. 00:14:21.720 --> 00:14:23.259 Of tough love. 00:14:25.319 --> 00:14:26.580 Where people. 00:14:27.259 --> 00:14:28.220 Tough love is where people. 00:14:28.220 --> 00:14:29.919 Love each other enough. 00:14:30.799 --> 00:14:33.080 To confront problems and sins. 00:14:33.179 --> 00:14:34.439 That they find in themselves. 00:14:34.440 --> 00:14:36.440 And in their. 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:37.440 Friends. 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:39.680 A culture. 00:14:39.820 --> 00:14:40.860 Of niceness. 00:14:41.780 --> 00:14:42.620 Never. 00:14:42.820 --> 00:14:43.460 Addresses. 00:14:43.800 --> 00:14:44.860 The old realm. 00:14:45.900 --> 00:14:46.880 Unless it. 00:14:47.280 --> 00:14:47.860 Absolutely. 00:14:48.180 --> 00:14:48.700 Has to. 00:14:51.260 --> 00:14:51.900 Second. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:53.980 We are commanded. 00:14:54.160 --> 00:14:54.360 Here. 00:14:54.460 --> 00:14:54.900 Negatively. 00:14:55.060 --> 00:14:55.620 To hate. 00:14:56.220 --> 00:14:57.100 But positively. 00:14:57.420 --> 00:14:58.060 To cling. 00:14:59.420 --> 00:15:01.160 We must be horrified. 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:02.640 By what God. 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:03.500 Calls sin. 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.639 And never. 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:05.139 Attempt. 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:05.860 To justify. 00:15:05.860 --> 00:15:06.940 Sin in ourselves. 00:15:10.539 --> 00:15:11.620 And we are to. 00:15:11.840 --> 00:15:12.039 Glue. 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:13.039 Ourselves. 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:14.639 To what God. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.279 Calls. 00:15:15.580 --> 00:15:16.220 Righteous. 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:17.700 Good. 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:20.799 This is so crucial. 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:22.480 Because love. 00:15:22.559 --> 00:15:23.220 For one another. 00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:24.460 Can in fact. 00:15:24.539 --> 00:15:25.279 Distort. 00:15:25.419 --> 00:15:25.960 Our view. 00:15:26.460 --> 00:15:27.080 Of right. 00:15:27.240 --> 00:15:27.879 And wrong. 00:15:27.879 --> 00:15:30.080 There is often. 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:30.799 A temptation. 00:15:30.799 --> 00:15:32.899 To give the loved one. 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:35.500 What creates. 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:36.220 In them. 00:15:36.419 --> 00:15:37.740 Emotional joy. 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:38.919 Rather than. 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:39.840 What is best. 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:40.340 For them. 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:44.299 This is. 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.519 A consistent. 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:47.159 Failure. 00:15:47.740 --> 00:15:48.559 Of parents. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:51.059 Well. 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:51.360 At least. 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:51.860 This one. 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:51.960 One. 00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:56.379 Because. 00:15:56.379 --> 00:15:57.379 So many of us. 00:15:57.379 --> 00:15:57.800 Cannot. 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:58.740 Bear. 00:15:59.340 --> 00:16:00.379 The tears. 00:16:01.460 --> 00:16:02.800 And the tantrums. 00:16:03.460 --> 00:16:04.320 Of our children. 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:09.240 And so. 00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:11.259 We give in. 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:14.500 And there is not tough love. 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:16.740 And yet. 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:17.159 It's also. 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:18.080 Pretty common knowledge. 00:16:18.200 --> 00:16:18.840 That a childhood. 00:16:18.840 --> 00:16:19.879 Without discipline. 00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:21.480 Nearly. 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:22.200 Always. 00:16:22.299 --> 00:16:23.179 Ends in disaster. 00:16:25.299 --> 00:16:26.000 If not. 00:16:26.080 --> 00:16:26.740 For them personally. 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:27.460 For everyone. 00:16:27.559 --> 00:16:28.080 Who knows them. 00:16:31.139 --> 00:16:31.899 It seems. 00:16:32.059 --> 00:16:32.299 Strange. 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:32.919 To say it. 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:35.860 But we cannot. 00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:36.840 Love properly. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.159 Without. 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.179 Hating properly. 00:16:40.899 --> 00:16:41.740 You cannot. 00:16:41.940 --> 00:16:42.659 Love properly. 00:16:42.840 --> 00:16:43.299 Without. 00:16:43.460 --> 00:16:44.240 Hating properly. 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:46.299 Any love. 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.360 That is afraid. 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:48.080 To confront. 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:49.220 A loved one. 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:50.559 Is not. 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:51.580 Actually. 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:52.519 Love. 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:55.659 Any love. 00:16:55.940 --> 00:16:56.940 That is afraid. 00:16:57.120 --> 00:16:57.700 To confront. 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:58.860 A loved one. 00:16:59.259 --> 00:16:59.980 Is not. 00:17:00.279 --> 00:17:00.759 Actually. 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:01.840 Love. 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:06.119 But more likely. 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:08.460 A selfish desire. 00:17:08.880 --> 00:17:09.880 To be. 00:17:10.259 --> 00:17:10.740 Loved. 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:14.019 Selfish love. 00:17:14.019 --> 00:17:14.759 Is afraid. 00:17:14.759 --> 00:17:14.779 Is afraid. 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:14.799 Is afraid. 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:15.240 To do. 00:17:15.240 --> 00:17:16.220 What is right. 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:17.519 If it. 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:18.359 Risks. 00:17:18.359 --> 00:17:19.119 Losing. 00:17:19.119 --> 00:17:19.160 Losing. 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:20.059 The affection. 00:17:20.059 --> 00:17:21.339 Of another person. 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.500 My reputation. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:23.980 Becomes. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.900 More important. 00:17:24.900 --> 00:17:26.139 Than the other person's. 00:17:26.140 --> 00:17:26.580 Love. 00:17:26.580 --> 00:17:27.140 Love. 00:17:27.140 --> 00:17:28.759 And so. 00:17:28.759 --> 00:17:30.780 The loved one. 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:33.060 Becomes. 00:17:33.060 --> 00:17:34.160 An idol. 00:17:35.640 --> 00:17:36.660 You love. 00:17:36.660 --> 00:17:37.380 The love. 00:17:37.560 --> 00:17:38.000 You get. 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:39.200 From the loved one. 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:40.100 Not. 00:17:40.200 --> 00:17:40.960 Actually loving. 00:17:41.080 --> 00:17:41.800 The loved person. 00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:42.400 Themselves. 00:17:44.080 --> 00:17:44.640 Now. 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:45.400 That's just a brief. 00:17:45.520 --> 00:17:46.140 Few words. 00:17:46.380 --> 00:17:47.840 Around verse nine. 00:17:48.840 --> 00:17:50.560 In verses 10 to 16. 00:17:50.560 --> 00:17:51.520 We get a list. 00:17:51.580 --> 00:17:52.200 Of what love. 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:53.140 Actually is. 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:54.220 They. 00:17:54.360 --> 00:17:55.000 They pretty much. 00:17:55.100 --> 00:17:56.340 Fit into four categories. 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:57.620 At least. 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:58.280 I'm going to fit them. 00:17:58.320 --> 00:17:59.080 Into four categories. 00:17:59.640 --> 00:18:00.360 Which together. 00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:01.680 They form a picture. 00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:03.000 Of what relationships. 00:18:03.640 --> 00:18:04.860 In God's new society. 00:18:04.980 --> 00:18:05.580 Look like. 00:18:06.400 --> 00:18:06.880 Firstly. 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:08.759 Real. 00:18:09.020 --> 00:18:09.680 Real love. 00:18:09.880 --> 00:18:10.900 Is committed to others. 00:18:11.120 --> 00:18:11.740 Verse 10. 00:18:11.900 --> 00:18:12.280 Be devoted. 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:13.740 Brotherly love. 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:15.020 This is. 00:18:15.360 --> 00:18:15.960 Revolutionary. 00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:16.780 Because the words. 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:17.520 Devoted. 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:19.220 And brotherly love. 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:20.779 Are applying. 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:22.160 The normal. 00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:23.120 Relational. 00:18:23.360 --> 00:18:24.360 Expectations. 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.759 Of family. 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:27.140 Nuclear family. 00:18:27.620 --> 00:18:28.600 To the Christian community. 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:30.740 Brotherly love. 00:18:30.900 --> 00:18:31.779 And devoted. 00:18:32.339 --> 00:18:33.400 Were first century. 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:34.579 Family terms. 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:36.259 Nuclear family terms. 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.860 And now. 00:18:37.960 --> 00:18:38.779 They're being applied. 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:39.920 To the Christian community. 00:18:41.900 --> 00:18:43.140 In other words. 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.900 What Paul's saying here. 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:46.200 You love. 00:18:46.280 --> 00:18:47.400 Your fellow believers. 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:48.460 As if. 00:18:48.620 --> 00:18:49.340 You are related. 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:49.860 To them. 00:18:50.560 --> 00:18:51.200 By blood. 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:52.960 Because you are. 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:54.940 By Jesus blood. 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:59.800 Even if our family members. 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:01.660 Have radically different values. 00:19:01.780 --> 00:19:03.019 And lifestyles from us. 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:04.280 They are still. 00:19:04.780 --> 00:19:05.220 Family. 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:08.540 Even when we find them. 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:10.940 Particularly challenging. 00:19:10.940 --> 00:19:15.400 We still say things like. 00:19:15.580 --> 00:19:15.960 Well. 00:19:16.120 --> 00:19:16.340 You know. 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:16.700 He's. 00:19:16.779 --> 00:19:17.740 He's still my brother. 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:20.820 Still my parents. 00:19:21.920 --> 00:19:22.779 Still my kids. 00:19:23.140 --> 00:19:23.340 You know. 00:19:23.420 --> 00:19:23.640 Like. 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:24.720 You still. 00:19:25.100 --> 00:19:25.519 You know. 00:19:26.180 --> 00:19:27.860 You still get to that point. 00:19:27.960 --> 00:19:28.500 Where you go. 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:30.059 What are you going to do? 00:19:32.380 --> 00:19:32.860 I'm. 00:19:32.860 --> 00:19:33.220 I'm. 00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:35.220 Intimately connected to this person. 00:19:37.080 --> 00:19:38.740 The word devoted here. 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:40.000 Is a very. 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:42.099 Very challenging description. 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:42.859 Of Christian love. 00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:43.500 For those of us. 00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:44.059 Who have been. 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:45.319 Marinating. 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.839 All of our lives. 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:49.220 In individualistic cultures. 00:19:50.660 --> 00:19:51.579 The word devoted. 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:53.259 Is incredibly challenging. 00:19:53.400 --> 00:19:53.900 For us. 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:55.299 I wonder if. 00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:57.500 Devoted to one another. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:58.779 Is how. 00:19:59.120 --> 00:19:59.980 You would describe. 00:19:59.980 --> 00:20:01.180 Your relationship. 00:20:01.859 --> 00:20:02.480 To the members. 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:04.339 Of your community group. 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:05.519 Or to this church. 00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:11.900 Because if you don't. 00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:13.240 There really. 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:14.740 This is a gentle challenge. 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:15.139 To you. 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:16.099 You need to. 00:20:16.359 --> 00:20:17.259 Grasp the gospel. 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:18.099 You need to realize. 00:20:18.099 --> 00:20:19.519 What you've been saved from. 00:20:20.359 --> 00:20:21.900 And what you've been saved for. 00:20:25.160 --> 00:20:25.559 Secondly. 00:20:26.339 --> 00:20:27.160 Real love. 00:20:27.940 --> 00:20:29.480 Puts others first. 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:30.759 Look at the second half. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.259 Verse 10. 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:32.059 Honor one another. 00:20:32.119 --> 00:20:32.859 Above yourselves. 00:20:32.859 --> 00:20:35.119 It's pretty much what. 00:20:35.119 --> 00:20:36.240 Paul says in. 00:20:36.919 --> 00:20:38.459 Philippians 2 verse 3. 00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:39.919 In humility. 00:20:40.079 --> 00:20:40.959 Consider others. 00:20:41.659 --> 00:20:42.859 Better than yourselves. 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:45.319 To honor someone. 00:20:45.879 --> 00:20:47.079 Is to treat them. 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:48.579 As valuable. 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:50.919 They are valuable. 00:20:51.379 --> 00:20:52.839 Because they are made. 00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:54.059 In the image of God. 00:20:54.359 --> 00:20:55.240 And because they have. 00:20:55.339 --> 00:20:56.240 The spirit of God. 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:56.719 Dwelling. 00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:57.619 Within them. 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:58.579 Each person. 00:20:58.859 --> 00:20:59.859 Is precious. 00:21:00.939 --> 00:21:01.419 Precious. 00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:02.200 And important. 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:03.480 In and of themselves. 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:04.259 Because they made. 00:21:04.340 --> 00:21:05.000 The image of God. 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:06.220 But if they're Christian. 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:07.279 And have the spirit of God. 00:21:07.360 --> 00:21:08.060 Dwelling in them. 00:21:08.140 --> 00:21:09.300 Even more so. 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:10.320 Precious and important. 00:21:12.500 --> 00:21:13.680 To honor someone. 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:14.160 Here. 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:15.440 Is to listen to them. 00:21:15.759 --> 00:21:17.259 To know of their hopes. 00:21:17.320 --> 00:21:18.220 And their joys. 00:21:18.300 --> 00:21:19.000 And their needs. 00:21:19.060 --> 00:21:19.580 And their hurts. 00:21:19.620 --> 00:21:20.380 And their fears. 00:21:21.700 --> 00:21:22.820 To be considerate. 00:21:23.539 --> 00:21:24.720 To concentrate on more. 00:21:24.800 --> 00:21:25.360 Their needs. 00:21:25.400 --> 00:21:26.380 Than on your own. 00:21:27.580 --> 00:21:28.500 We're pretty much told. 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:28.940 The same thing. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:29.779 In verse 16. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:31.099 When we are called. 00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:31.879 Not to be proud. 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:32.519 Or conceited. 00:21:32.639 --> 00:21:33.019 But instead. 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:33.619 To be willing. 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:35.220 To associate with people. 00:21:35.799 --> 00:21:37.079 Of low position. 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:40.019 The essence of love here. 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.619 Is not to. 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:42.960 Concentrate. 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:44.920 On our own image. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:46.700 Our own position. 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:48.079 Our own needs. 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:49.139 Our own rights. 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:50.940 But on the needs. 00:21:51.139 --> 00:21:51.779 Of others. 00:21:54.440 --> 00:21:55.460 Real love. 00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:56.839 Is patient. 00:21:56.960 --> 00:21:57.899 That's the third category. 00:21:57.899 --> 00:21:59.079 Look at verse 11. 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.700 Never be lacking. 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.399 In zeal. 00:22:02.180 --> 00:22:03.599 But keep your spiritual fervor. 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:04.339 Serving the Lord. 00:22:04.420 --> 00:22:04.920 Be joyful. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:05.639 In hope. 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:06.899 Patient. 00:22:07.099 --> 00:22:07.680 In affliction. 00:22:08.339 --> 00:22:08.819 Faithful. 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:09.599 In prayer. 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.819 The four commands. 00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:14.399 That are in those two verses. 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:16.220 Really are connected. 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:16.940 To the idea. 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:18.200 Of patience. 00:22:19.559 --> 00:22:21.139 Paul is calling us. 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:22.099 To use. 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:24.240 All of the spiritual resources. 00:22:24.399 --> 00:22:25.379 That have been given to us. 00:22:25.519 --> 00:22:26.139 And they are. 00:22:26.140 --> 00:22:27.720 Very significant resources. 00:22:28.600 --> 00:22:30.440 To not give up. 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:33.520 On your Christian brothers and sisters. 00:22:37.100 --> 00:22:37.860 That is. 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:39.200 The spirit of God. 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:40.200 Is. 00:22:40.860 --> 00:22:42.460 The spiritual resource. 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:44.380 The most powerful spiritual resource. 00:22:44.780 --> 00:22:46.640 To bind us together. 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:48.020 As brothers and sisters. 00:22:49.020 --> 00:22:50.580 And the only reason. 00:22:50.780 --> 00:22:51.620 We would fracture. 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:53.679 Is because. 00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:54.279 We are doing it. 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:55.259 Under our own strength. 00:22:56.159 --> 00:22:56.879 Our own power. 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:00.899 We are to confront. 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:01.679 The difficulties. 00:23:01.679 --> 00:23:02.699 Of relationships. 00:23:02.699 --> 00:23:04.000 In the church community. 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:05.319 With patience. 00:23:05.639 --> 00:23:06.159 And prayer. 00:23:06.959 --> 00:23:08.099 Because to be. 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:08.759 Involved. 00:23:08.899 --> 00:23:09.379 Deeply. 00:23:09.639 --> 00:23:10.479 In the lives. 00:23:10.479 --> 00:23:11.639 Of other people. 00:23:12.399 --> 00:23:13.119 Is. 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.259 Extremely. 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.479 Hard work. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:17.579 It's. 00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:18.400 Extremely. 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:19.180 Hard work. 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.240 As. 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:20.620 C.S. 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:20.900 Lewis. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:21.799 Once wrote. 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:23.860 The only way. 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:26.420 Not to have your heart broken. 00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:28.960 Is never to give it to someone else. 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:31.759 It's the only way. 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:34.120 Never give it to someone else. 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:37.539 And my. 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:39.440 View is. 00:23:39.579 --> 00:23:40.319 That ever since. 00:23:41.339 --> 00:23:42.599 The pandemic. 00:23:42.599 --> 00:23:43.480 Has hit us. 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:46.900 We have seen. 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:48.120 A greater fracturing. 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.000 Of community. 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.900 And less capacity. 00:23:50.900 --> 00:23:51.759 To give our hearts. 00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:52.640 To someone else. 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:57.880 Individualism. 00:23:58.099 --> 00:23:58.400 Has. 00:23:59.039 --> 00:23:59.640 Climbed. 00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:04.140 And because. 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.180 We are part of a community. 00:24:05.319 --> 00:24:06.120 Devodes one another. 00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:08.079 Our hope. 00:24:08.160 --> 00:24:08.839 And our zeal. 00:24:08.920 --> 00:24:09.480 For one another. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:10.460 Must not falter. 00:24:11.839 --> 00:24:12.319 Lastly. 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:14.339 Real love. 00:24:16.639 --> 00:24:17.579 Combines feelings. 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:18.579 With actions. 00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:21.039 Verse 15. 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:21.679 Tells us. 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.599 The Christian community. 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:23.839 Is to have empathy. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.519 To rejoice. 00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:26.619 With those who rejoice. 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:27.119 Mourn. 00:24:27.159 --> 00:24:28.200 With those who mourn. 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:29.299 But that's not all. 00:24:29.399 --> 00:24:30.559 Verse 13 says. 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:31.899 To share. 00:24:31.899 --> 00:24:32.960 With the Lord's people. 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:33.799 Who are in need. 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:35.559 To practice hospitality. 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:36.000 That is. 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:36.720 Real love. 00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:38.179 Is not just sentimentality. 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:40.000 But an activity. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:41.460 Of meeting needs. 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:42.960 Love is doing. 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:43.920 Whatever it takes. 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:44.700 To give people. 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:45.820 What they need. 00:24:46.940 --> 00:24:47.600 The Christian. 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:48.600 Makes. 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:51.000 Sacrifices. 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:51.560 Of. 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:52.960 Of emotion. 00:24:54.120 --> 00:24:55.019 Of actions. 00:24:55.960 --> 00:24:56.940 Of rights. 00:24:58.420 --> 00:24:59.299 We give others. 00:24:59.500 --> 00:25:00.580 Both the truth. 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:02.200 That they may not want. 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:03.920 And the help. 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:06.539 That they need. 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:09.819 Now my best guess here. 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:10.460 Is. 00:25:10.619 --> 00:25:11.519 That there are. 00:25:13.859 --> 00:25:14.339 Four. 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:15.980 Different. 00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:17.259 Groups of people. 00:25:17.379 --> 00:25:18.299 Sitting in this room. 00:25:20.359 --> 00:25:22.240 With four different messages. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.319 That you need to hear. 00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:24.659 On this one. 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.399 And. 00:25:28.759 --> 00:25:30.359 Especially to do with our life together. 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.319 Here at St. Paul's. 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:33.779 On one extreme. 00:25:33.859 --> 00:25:34.819 Are the people who say. 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:36.379 I don't feel any need. 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:38.599 For personal relationships. 00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:40.299 And I don't care. 00:25:40.379 --> 00:25:41.279 If I have any. 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:44.359 On the other extreme. 00:25:44.559 --> 00:25:45.559 Are the people who say. 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:47.180 I need personal relationships. 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:49.960 And I need to be loved. 00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:51.980 And you owe me. 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:52.879 To be loved. 00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:54.440 And it's your problem. 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:55.839 If my love's not being met. 00:25:58.519 --> 00:25:59.759 Both extremes. 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:03.099 Are deficient in love. 00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:05.059 And tarnished with pride. 00:26:05.059 --> 00:26:05.779 Both of them. 00:26:05.779 --> 00:26:05.799 Both of them. 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:08.480 But the form of loveless pride. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.980 Looks different in both of them. 00:26:10.940 --> 00:26:12.899 The one expresses loveless pride. 00:26:12.899 --> 00:26:14.980 By rejecting the need to give love. 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:16.019 Or to receive love. 00:26:17.379 --> 00:26:19.039 That's the way pride looks like. 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:20.279 In the heart of the strong. 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:21.940 And the self-sufficient. 00:26:22.619 --> 00:26:23.240 The proud. 00:26:24.679 --> 00:26:25.779 The other extreme. 00:26:26.839 --> 00:26:28.200 Expresses loveless pride. 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:30.579 By feeling that people owe them love. 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:33.839 And blaming others. 00:26:33.919 --> 00:26:34.899 For not giving it to them. 00:26:35.679 --> 00:26:37.859 And they certainly won't give it to anyone else. 00:26:38.659 --> 00:26:40.179 Unless they receive it first. 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:42.960 And that's the way pride looks like. 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:43.899 In the heart of the weak. 00:26:44.359 --> 00:26:45.559 And the self-pitying. 00:26:47.179 --> 00:26:47.980 Now granted. 00:26:48.099 --> 00:26:49.059 That's the extreme. 00:26:49.439 --> 00:26:49.759 Right. 00:26:50.139 --> 00:26:51.500 Of those spectrums. 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:53.180 Ultimately. 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:55.099 Both extremes need to discover. 00:26:55.420 --> 00:26:57.779 What real love looks like. 00:26:58.519 --> 00:27:00.880 Both extremes need to experience. 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:02.759 Romans 1 to 11. 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:05.880 And God's grace to us in Jesus Christ. 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:07.140 And need to experience. 00:27:07.299 --> 00:27:09.400 Why it is that God has designed us. 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.059 To give it. 00:27:10.940 --> 00:27:12.220 And to receive it from him. 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:13.819 And from each other. 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:16.899 The other two kinds of people. 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:19.480 Are moving from those two extremes. 00:27:19.679 --> 00:27:20.879 Towards each other. 00:27:22.179 --> 00:27:23.339 On the spectrum. 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:25.019 Because they have recognized. 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:26.579 Their deficiencies. 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:28.419 Their pride. 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.779 And their deficiencies. 00:27:30.639 --> 00:27:32.259 Recognizing God's mercy. 00:27:32.720 --> 00:27:33.460 To us. 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:34.139 In Jesus. 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:36.339 In coming to us. 00:27:36.419 --> 00:27:37.079 To love us. 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:38.019 To forgive us. 00:27:38.659 --> 00:27:40.319 And to change us by his grace. 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:43.039 The first of those. 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:44.039 Second pair of people. 00:27:44.619 --> 00:27:46.980 Is moving from self-sufficiency. 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:48.220 And says. 00:27:49.439 --> 00:27:50.220 Look I'll be honest with you. 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.079 I don't frankly look. 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:51.859 Naturally. 00:27:52.099 --> 00:27:53.139 To close relationships. 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:54.159 Where I can. 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:55.000 You know. 00:27:55.059 --> 00:27:56.099 Love and be loved. 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:59.899 But because of God's grace. 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:01.059 I want to grow in this area. 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:05.220 The other person. 00:28:05.439 --> 00:28:06.240 In this pair. 00:28:06.379 --> 00:28:08.359 Is moving from self-preoccupation. 00:28:08.419 --> 00:28:09.039 And self-pity. 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:09.960 And says. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:11.980 I know that others need true love. 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:13.319 As I need true love. 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:17.100 And I'd like to try to be that. 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:17.680 For someone. 00:28:18.720 --> 00:28:20.940 Without thinking about myself first. 00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:23.559 Telling my stories first. 00:28:25.340 --> 00:28:26.019 I want to. 00:28:26.160 --> 00:28:28.380 I want to meet needs in someone else. 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:31.319 Even as I have needs. 00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:35.120 So I want to ask you. 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:36.640 Where do you put yourself on that spectrum? 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:42.759 Has Romans brought any transformation to you at all yet? 00:28:43.800 --> 00:28:49.300 Has God's grace made any move in you at all yet? 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:57.519 So now we move to a new love for foes. 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:59.240 Verses 17 to 21. 00:28:59.240 --> 00:28:59.279 Verses 17 to 21. 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:00.779 Shifts the issue of loving your. 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:01.879 Towards love. 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:03.359 From your church family. 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:05.059 To loving the enemy. 00:29:05.579 --> 00:29:07.200 The basic principle in this section. 00:29:07.440 --> 00:29:09.119 Is really summarized by the beginning of it. 00:29:09.180 --> 00:29:09.819 And the end of it. 00:29:10.099 --> 00:29:11.819 It's bookmarked if you like. 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.259 Verse 17. 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:15.440 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.240 Verse 21. 00:29:16.460 --> 00:29:18.379 Do not be overcome by evil. 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:20.059 But overcome evil with good. 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:20.940 That's the principle. 00:29:21.460 --> 00:29:22.920 The word overcome here. 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:23.759 In these verses. 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:25.079 Is a military term. 00:29:25.079 --> 00:29:27.220 It means to be defeated. 00:29:27.679 --> 00:29:28.480 To be conquered. 00:29:28.819 --> 00:29:30.000 To be overpowered. 00:29:31.119 --> 00:29:32.799 And there are only two possibilities. 00:29:33.059 --> 00:29:34.679 Either we are overcome by evil. 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:38.359 Or we overcome evil. 00:29:38.639 --> 00:29:41.460 By responding to it with good. 00:29:42.919 --> 00:29:44.980 To respond evil for evil. 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:49.000 When someone hurts us in any kind of way. 00:29:50.439 --> 00:29:52.819 Ultimately does not damage them. 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:54.179 It damages us. 00:29:55.080 --> 00:29:56.920 Any form of retaliation. 00:29:58.100 --> 00:29:59.920 Any form of retaliation. 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:00.799 At all. 00:30:01.799 --> 00:30:03.740 Ultimately damages us. 00:30:05.580 --> 00:30:07.160 When we do that. 00:30:08.019 --> 00:30:10.000 We are the ones who are defeated. 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:12.080 We are the ones who are overcome. 00:30:12.580 --> 00:30:13.420 By evil. 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.299 We lose. 00:30:14.400 --> 00:30:15.420 And evil wins. 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:19.259 The only way to defeat evil. 00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:21.000 Is by doing good to those. 00:30:21.100 --> 00:30:22.799 Who have harmed us in any way. 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:24.519 Whether that be perceived harm. 00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:25.559 Or actual harm. 00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:27.359 Secret. 00:30:28.079 --> 00:30:29.339 To doing this. 00:30:30.379 --> 00:30:31.879 Is seeing the evil. 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:33.079 That is perpetrated. 00:30:33.579 --> 00:30:34.460 As something. 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:36.019 That is above. 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:37.079 And distinct. 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:39.220 From the perpetrator. 00:30:39.220 --> 00:30:41.660 How quickly. 00:30:41.660 --> 00:30:43.460 How quickly. 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:44.200 We jump. 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:46.940 To attaching the evil. 00:30:46.940 --> 00:30:47.880 To the perpetrator. 00:30:49.079 --> 00:30:50.500 Someone tells the lie. 00:30:50.900 --> 00:30:51.839 You're a liar. 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:55.799 We label them immediately. 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:56.779 As evil. 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:58.079 You're a liar. 00:30:58.079 --> 00:31:02.399 When we. 00:31:02.559 --> 00:31:03.639 On the other hand. 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:04.679 Are free and loose. 00:31:04.679 --> 00:31:05.399 With the truth. 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:06.619 We've got to understand. 00:31:06.720 --> 00:31:07.659 There's circumstances here. 00:31:07.679 --> 00:31:08.000 Steve. 00:31:09.539 --> 00:31:10.240 You've got to understand. 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:11.000 My personality. 00:31:11.179 --> 00:31:11.599 You've got to understand. 00:31:11.639 --> 00:31:12.699 What I'm dealing with. 00:31:13.259 --> 00:31:14.559 Was it really a lie? 00:31:14.599 --> 00:31:15.919 It was kind of a half truth. 00:31:16.139 --> 00:31:16.480 You know. 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:21.880 When we do this. 00:31:21.920 --> 00:31:23.339 There's really only two results. 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:25.360 Evil doesn't infect us. 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:29.460 Sorry. 00:31:29.700 --> 00:31:31.960 When we don't return evil for evil. 00:31:32.220 --> 00:31:33.279 There's two results. 00:31:33.620 --> 00:31:35.240 Evil doesn't infect us. 00:31:35.380 --> 00:31:36.180 And the perpetrator. 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:37.559 May in fact be softened. 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:39.559 And may in fact be helped. 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:42.960 When we turn the other cheek. 00:31:43.200 --> 00:31:44.700 That's the essence of verse 20. 00:31:44.700 --> 00:31:46.340 Where Paul talks about. 00:31:46.559 --> 00:31:47.640 Our good deeds and words. 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.920 Could he be burning coals. 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.600 On their head. 00:31:50.080 --> 00:31:51.200 I used to always think. 00:31:51.319 --> 00:31:52.600 That was a metaphor. 00:31:52.600 --> 00:31:53.460 For judgment. 00:31:54.400 --> 00:31:54.819 It's like. 00:31:54.920 --> 00:31:55.240 Oh yeah. 00:31:55.380 --> 00:31:55.799 Turn good. 00:31:55.860 --> 00:31:56.680 So they'd be burned. 00:32:00.940 --> 00:32:02.340 But it's not that at all. 00:32:02.740 --> 00:32:04.319 It's actually about repentance. 00:32:05.059 --> 00:32:06.319 It may lead them. 00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:07.080 To repentance. 00:32:09.600 --> 00:32:11.220 There are three practical ways. 00:32:11.340 --> 00:32:11.940 That we implement. 00:32:12.059 --> 00:32:13.559 The principle of overcoming evil with good. 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:14.340 The first one. 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:16.980 Is not to avoid the hostile person. 00:32:17.360 --> 00:32:18.200 That's the first one. 00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:20.340 Verse 18. 00:32:20.340 --> 00:32:21.100 If it is possible. 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:22.259 As far as it depends on you. 00:32:22.340 --> 00:32:23.380 Live at peace with everyone. 00:32:24.180 --> 00:32:26.440 It's so easy to avoid people. 00:32:26.440 --> 00:32:27.380 Who have wronged us. 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:28.779 We just. 00:32:28.940 --> 00:32:30.480 We justify that in our hearts. 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:31.080 By saying. 00:32:31.200 --> 00:32:31.759 Well you know. 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:33.980 I'm not actually seeking revenge here. 00:32:34.319 --> 00:32:36.100 I just don't want anything to do with them. 00:32:37.880 --> 00:32:39.279 And we call that love. 00:32:39.339 --> 00:32:39.940 We call that love. 00:32:39.940 --> 00:32:40.579 HANそう. 00:32:40.579 --> 00:32:41.279 And we call that love. 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:42.920 In our theirs. 00:32:42.920 --> 00:32:43.720 Bye. 00:32:43.720 --> 00:32:45.019 We call it evil. 00:32:45.019 --> 00:32:48.359 of another person, simply a payback. 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:56.240 A silent treatment is powerfully manipulative. 00:33:00.420 --> 00:33:05.779 Avoiding evil does not overcome evil at all. 00:33:07.579 --> 00:33:09.859 But there's boundaries here, I recognise that. 00:33:09.980 --> 00:33:12.359 Verse nine still reminds us that we are not loving 00:33:12.359 --> 00:33:16.159 or wise or truthful if we enable someone to sin 00:33:16.159 --> 00:33:17.479 or to sin against us. 00:33:18.599 --> 00:33:21.339 There are, if you like, degrees of hostility. 00:33:22.359 --> 00:33:24.240 Some enemies are so dangerous 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:27.199 that to have anything to do with them 00:33:27.199 --> 00:33:29.859 is to invite them to sin against you 00:33:29.859 --> 00:33:32.699 even more and more and more and more and more. 00:33:33.159 --> 00:33:35.579 So there's boundaries and I recognise that. 00:33:36.939 --> 00:33:39.740 We need to discern when we are hurt by someone else, 00:33:39.740 --> 00:33:41.779 we need to discern what is our motive. 00:33:42.359 --> 00:33:43.399 Staying away. 00:33:44.299 --> 00:33:45.939 Is it a form of payback 00:33:45.939 --> 00:33:49.559 or is it a measured response 00:33:49.559 --> 00:33:51.579 aimed at blessing them in some way? 00:33:53.219 --> 00:33:55.899 Often you need your church family 00:33:55.899 --> 00:33:57.379 and members of your church community 00:33:57.379 --> 00:33:59.279 to help you process which one it is. 00:34:00.859 --> 00:34:02.919 The second way to implement the principle 00:34:02.919 --> 00:34:04.939 of overcoming good with evil 00:34:04.939 --> 00:34:08.179 is to express loving words and actions. 00:34:08.179 --> 00:34:09.819 Verse 14 calls us to bless. 00:34:10.420 --> 00:34:12.000 Verse 20, to feed your enemy. 00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:15.460 This simply means that you are to speak and act 00:34:15.460 --> 00:34:19.300 courteously and kindly to those who are hostile towards you. 00:34:19.800 --> 00:34:21.440 Now you've got to be careful here. 00:34:22.079 --> 00:34:25.640 Sometimes we may do kind things to a hostile person 00:34:25.640 --> 00:34:28.720 simply to what we call rub their nose in it. 00:34:29.760 --> 00:34:31.579 To heap shame upon them. 00:34:31.579 --> 00:34:34.679 That's not the motive here. 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:35.199 That's not the motive here. 00:34:37.519 --> 00:34:42.460 We are to thoughtfully find ways to wish the person well 00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:46.599 and to do helpful things and speak respectfully to them. 00:34:47.099 --> 00:34:52.059 Thirdly, is to implement the principle of overcoming evil with good 00:34:52.059 --> 00:34:55.739 is to forgive and forgo any repayment. 00:34:55.739 --> 00:34:59.959 I've preached on this one a number of times in the past 00:34:59.959 --> 00:35:01.679 so we're going to expand upon it here. 00:35:02.399 --> 00:35:04.399 Verse 19 simply says, 00:35:04.979 --> 00:35:07.519 never avenge yourself. 00:35:09.699 --> 00:35:10.679 Now how do we do that? 00:35:12.979 --> 00:35:14.679 In fact, how do we do everything else here 00:35:14.679 --> 00:35:17.019 in this chapter? 00:35:17.019 --> 00:35:20.800 Well, that brings me to my last point. 00:35:22.800 --> 00:35:24.039 New power for new love. 00:35:25.940 --> 00:35:28.480 The old way of life where we reject God 00:35:28.480 --> 00:35:33.500 is where we attempt to sit in his seat as ruler. 00:35:34.400 --> 00:35:36.599 We see that in the early chapters of Romans. 00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:39.380 Ruler and judge of all. 00:35:39.380 --> 00:35:45.200 The old society means we respond with some level of cursing, 00:35:45.860 --> 00:35:50.800 vengeance and retaliation to anyone who challenges my right to rule, 00:35:51.660 --> 00:35:53.099 to sit on the throne of God. 00:35:54.599 --> 00:35:59.800 God instead calls us to respond with an undeserved love and blessing 00:35:59.800 --> 00:36:01.800 and to do whatever we can, 00:36:02.480 --> 00:36:04.220 in whatever way we can, 00:36:04.860 --> 00:36:07.680 to bless others, friend and foe. 00:36:07.679 --> 00:36:14.559 And I would argue 00:36:14.559 --> 00:36:18.000 that the verses that are before us today 00:36:18.000 --> 00:36:22.819 are both beautiful and irrefutable. 00:36:24.639 --> 00:36:26.440 They're both marvellous 00:36:26.440 --> 00:36:29.980 and they stand in their own right as being true. 00:36:31.899 --> 00:36:33.779 There'd be hardly a person anywhere 00:36:33.779 --> 00:36:35.799 that would disagree with these words 00:36:35.799 --> 00:36:37.559 as being beautiful and irrefutable. 00:36:37.679 --> 00:36:40.119 And yet, 00:36:40.899 --> 00:36:42.599 oh my goodness, 00:36:43.359 --> 00:36:45.819 every time I read these verses 00:36:45.819 --> 00:36:47.980 and even in this week, 00:36:48.139 --> 00:36:48.539 I go, 00:36:50.679 --> 00:36:53.839 I can tell you how I've failed it 00:36:53.839 --> 00:36:56.619 before I've finished even reading the verses 00:36:56.619 --> 00:36:58.599 in my mind. 00:36:58.599 --> 00:37:03.519 These are incredibly hard words. 00:37:04.880 --> 00:37:05.279 Beautiful, 00:37:05.440 --> 00:37:06.500 but incredibly hard. 00:37:08.599 --> 00:37:10.619 True love is very hard. 00:37:10.779 --> 00:37:13.259 Loving people who are very different to you 00:37:13.259 --> 00:37:15.639 is incredibly hard. 00:37:15.980 --> 00:37:17.860 You must work at it. 00:37:17.860 --> 00:37:18.720 And yet, 00:37:18.720 --> 00:37:20.900 and yet, 00:37:21.019 --> 00:37:22.559 in our individualistic culture, 00:37:22.780 --> 00:37:25.140 the temptation is just simply to avoid it. 00:37:28.320 --> 00:37:30.599 Or to somehow minimise love 00:37:30.599 --> 00:37:31.880 to a point where 00:37:31.880 --> 00:37:33.920 it's more passive. 00:37:34.260 --> 00:37:36.079 It's just not me doing bad things to people. 00:37:36.079 --> 00:37:37.900 And if I don't do bad things to people, 00:37:38.019 --> 00:37:38.400 then I'm, 00:37:39.139 --> 00:37:39.299 you know, 00:37:39.360 --> 00:37:41.179 as long as I don't toot my horn 00:37:41.179 --> 00:37:42.380 and flash my lights 00:37:42.380 --> 00:37:44.500 at people who cut me off in traffic, 00:37:45.259 --> 00:37:47.099 then I must be a polite driver. 00:37:48.099 --> 00:37:49.219 As long as I don't do that. 00:37:50.759 --> 00:37:52.039 Which I failed in this week, 00:37:52.139 --> 00:37:52.619 by the way. 00:37:52.619 --> 00:37:52.719 Okay. 00:37:52.719 --> 00:38:00.399 It's so easy just to minimise love 00:38:00.399 --> 00:38:02.259 to a point where it just is not sacrificial. 00:38:04.199 --> 00:38:05.939 And I could just withdraw and withdraw 00:38:05.939 --> 00:38:07.480 and withdraw and withdraw 00:38:07.480 --> 00:38:08.619 away from people 00:38:08.619 --> 00:38:10.959 and providing I don't have anyone to love, 00:38:11.279 --> 00:38:11.799 well, there you go, 00:38:11.879 --> 00:38:12.599 I'm loving people. 00:38:14.179 --> 00:38:15.480 At least not being bad to them. 00:38:18.279 --> 00:38:19.139 Notice here, 00:38:20.439 --> 00:38:21.419 please notice this, 00:38:21.500 --> 00:38:22.699 and especially if you are being challenged, 00:38:22.719 --> 00:38:23.639 by these words. 00:38:24.299 --> 00:38:24.980 Notice this, 00:38:25.519 --> 00:38:27.819 there is no persecution so great 00:38:27.819 --> 00:38:30.419 that Paul makes exception to the rule. 00:38:32.599 --> 00:38:35.419 There's no footnotes and caveats 00:38:35.419 --> 00:38:38.000 at all in these verses. 00:38:38.879 --> 00:38:40.079 There is no hurt, 00:38:40.419 --> 00:38:42.219 there is no wrong so deep 00:38:42.219 --> 00:38:44.879 that we in any way are excused 00:38:44.879 --> 00:38:48.919 from loving another person. 00:38:48.920 --> 00:38:53.059 So how's that possible? 00:38:56.220 --> 00:38:58.059 Because there are very few lives 00:38:58.059 --> 00:38:59.180 who live like this. 00:39:00.420 --> 00:39:02.460 And I struggle with it so much. 00:39:04.180 --> 00:39:05.659 Where do we get the power 00:39:05.659 --> 00:39:07.559 to live a life this loving, 00:39:07.840 --> 00:39:08.519 this patient, 00:39:08.740 --> 00:39:09.280 this forgiving, 00:39:09.700 --> 00:39:10.619 this brave? 00:39:12.460 --> 00:39:13.360 Verse 19, 00:39:13.360 --> 00:39:16.160 Do not take revenge, 00:39:16.160 --> 00:39:17.559 my dear friends, 00:39:17.940 --> 00:39:20.599 but leave room for God's wrath. 00:39:21.059 --> 00:39:22.019 For it is written, 00:39:22.280 --> 00:39:23.700 it is mine to avenge, 00:39:24.140 --> 00:39:25.079 I will repay, 00:39:25.500 --> 00:39:26.260 says the Lord. 00:39:26.260 --> 00:39:29.980 This is almost exactly 00:39:29.980 --> 00:39:31.100 what James says, 00:39:31.760 --> 00:39:32.500 not this James, 00:39:32.620 --> 00:39:34.280 James in the New Testament says, 00:39:34.500 --> 00:39:35.340 I was looking at him at the time, 00:39:35.980 --> 00:39:36.800 what James says 00:39:36.800 --> 00:39:38.780 about 00:39:38.780 --> 00:39:41.040 no retaliation, 00:39:41.200 --> 00:39:43.120 leave room for God's judgment seat. 00:39:44.900 --> 00:39:47.600 The secret to overcoming evil with God 00:39:47.600 --> 00:39:50.400 is leaving room for God's wrath. 00:39:50.540 --> 00:39:51.360 In other words, 00:39:51.360 --> 00:39:54.180 the connection with James is, 00:39:54.480 --> 00:39:56.120 get off God's judgment seat. 00:39:58.700 --> 00:39:59.900 That's the secret. 00:40:01.200 --> 00:40:03.220 Step off his seat. 00:40:03.700 --> 00:40:05.360 Stop playing God. 00:40:08.519 --> 00:40:10.079 If we are having trouble 00:40:10.079 --> 00:40:11.400 overcoming evil with good, 00:40:11.660 --> 00:40:12.480 then it's because we're sitting 00:40:12.480 --> 00:40:13.900 on God's judgment seat 00:40:13.900 --> 00:40:15.400 over everyone else. 00:40:15.880 --> 00:40:16.800 All resentment, 00:40:17.039 --> 00:40:17.720 lack of forgiveness, 00:40:17.720 --> 00:40:18.480 and vengeance 00:40:18.480 --> 00:40:20.780 is taking on God's role 00:40:20.780 --> 00:40:22.519 as judge over others. 00:40:23.320 --> 00:40:24.920 It is playing God. 00:40:28.860 --> 00:40:30.559 We think we know 00:40:30.559 --> 00:40:32.119 what the other person deserves. 00:40:34.800 --> 00:40:37.119 And we are handing out the judgment 00:40:37.119 --> 00:40:39.900 on what we think they deserve. 00:40:40.980 --> 00:40:42.340 And yet only God 00:40:42.340 --> 00:40:43.980 is the qualified judge of humanity. 00:40:43.980 --> 00:40:47.880 So there are two ways 00:40:47.880 --> 00:40:49.860 of getting off God's judgment seat. 00:40:50.320 --> 00:40:50.800 First, 00:40:51.260 --> 00:40:52.320 you look to yourself. 00:40:53.900 --> 00:40:55.240 Be more aware 00:40:55.240 --> 00:40:55.880 and conscious 00:40:55.880 --> 00:40:57.219 of your own sin and failure 00:40:57.219 --> 00:40:58.400 than you are of others. 00:41:00.320 --> 00:41:01.400 Look to yourself. 00:41:02.940 --> 00:41:04.000 Realize how sinful 00:41:04.000 --> 00:41:04.719 and imperfect 00:41:04.719 --> 00:41:06.380 and yourself deserving 00:41:06.380 --> 00:41:06.920 of judgment 00:41:06.920 --> 00:41:07.800 that you are. 00:41:10.119 --> 00:41:11.460 Realize that you don't know 00:41:11.460 --> 00:41:12.039 everything. 00:41:13.980 --> 00:41:14.940 That we don't know 00:41:14.940 --> 00:41:16.440 all about the offender. 00:41:16.980 --> 00:41:18.099 We don't know 00:41:18.099 --> 00:41:19.519 everything that they are facing, 00:41:20.039 --> 00:41:21.280 everything that they deserve. 00:41:23.599 --> 00:41:25.920 Pride won't allow forgiveness. 00:41:28.199 --> 00:41:30.079 And forgiveness won't allow pride. 00:41:32.960 --> 00:41:34.539 If you cannot forgive, 00:41:34.900 --> 00:41:36.500 it is because you are sure 00:41:36.500 --> 00:41:39.059 that you are not as sinful 00:41:39.059 --> 00:41:40.539 as the other person. 00:41:40.539 --> 00:41:45.239 But the main way 00:41:45.239 --> 00:41:46.300 to get out of God's chair 00:41:46.300 --> 00:41:47.519 and start loving and forgiving 00:41:47.519 --> 00:41:49.279 is not just to look to yourself, 00:41:49.480 --> 00:41:50.719 but ultimately look to Jesus, 00:41:51.239 --> 00:41:52.679 who helps you to look to yourself 00:41:52.679 --> 00:41:53.519 with more clarity. 00:41:54.500 --> 00:41:55.219 Jesus Christ, 00:41:55.300 --> 00:41:56.199 the Son of God, 00:41:57.219 --> 00:41:58.719 incarnate Son of God, 00:41:59.400 --> 00:42:00.840 second member of the Trinity, 00:42:00.980 --> 00:42:01.880 the Godhead, 00:42:02.860 --> 00:42:04.940 didn't take the chair himself. 00:42:04.940 --> 00:42:08.720 He had every right 00:42:08.720 --> 00:42:09.760 to sit in the chair. 00:42:11.280 --> 00:42:12.300 He had every right 00:42:12.300 --> 00:42:13.200 to sit in the chair 00:42:13.200 --> 00:42:15.539 because he was perfect 00:42:15.539 --> 00:42:18.019 and because of his knowledge 00:42:18.019 --> 00:42:19.019 of all things. 00:42:19.639 --> 00:42:20.880 He knows exactly 00:42:20.880 --> 00:42:23.320 what is in every human heart, 00:42:23.500 --> 00:42:25.000 but he didn't sit in the chair. 00:42:27.300 --> 00:42:28.559 John 12, 47, 00:42:28.559 --> 00:42:32.179 I did not come to judge the world, 00:42:32.720 --> 00:42:33.679 to save the world, 00:42:33.679 --> 00:42:37.919 the first 11 chapters of the Roman 00:42:37.919 --> 00:42:39.559 tells us that Jesus came to save, 00:42:39.659 --> 00:42:40.079 to pardon, 00:42:40.179 --> 00:42:40.699 to redeem. 00:42:41.480 --> 00:42:43.339 How dare we, 00:42:43.899 --> 00:42:45.079 how dare we, 00:42:46.579 --> 00:42:48.299 who were saved by his grace, 00:42:49.000 --> 00:42:51.259 decide that we are now going to sit 00:42:51.259 --> 00:42:52.839 in his seat and play judge? 00:42:54.179 --> 00:42:55.219 How dare we do that? 00:42:56.859 --> 00:42:58.899 Look to what Jesus did for you. 00:42:58.900 --> 00:43:04.680 Look at the way he was patient. 00:43:06.099 --> 00:43:08.340 He was patient with his enemies. 00:43:10.240 --> 00:43:11.940 Isaiah 53 tells us, 00:43:12.000 --> 00:43:13.139 and this is a kind of a summary, 00:43:13.660 --> 00:43:16.780 he was despised and rejected by humanity. 00:43:16.980 --> 00:43:19.039 He was despised and he held, 00:43:19.400 --> 00:43:21.300 and we held him in low esteem. 00:43:22.039 --> 00:43:24.280 He was pierced for our transgressions. 00:43:24.480 --> 00:43:26.360 He was crushed for our iniquities. 00:43:26.360 --> 00:43:28.320 He was oppressed and afflicted, 00:43:28.620 --> 00:43:31.240 and yet he did not open his mouth. 00:43:33.039 --> 00:43:34.980 He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. 00:43:36.220 --> 00:43:38.039 And as a sheep before each year is silent, 00:43:38.140 --> 00:43:39.720 he did not open his mouth. 00:43:41.960 --> 00:43:45.260 The one who had the right to sit in the judgment seat 00:43:45.260 --> 00:43:47.840 didn't sit there. 00:43:49.960 --> 00:43:52.599 He was patient under affliction for us. 00:43:52.599 --> 00:43:56.039 He saved us through his patience. 00:43:58.960 --> 00:44:02.880 So friends, if you're getting in the end of chapter 12 here 00:44:02.880 --> 00:44:05.539 and going, oh my goodness, checklist. 00:44:06.239 --> 00:44:08.599 I need to write this checklist of actions 00:44:09.360 --> 00:44:13.940 that I now need to do so that God loves me more. 00:44:13.940 --> 00:44:16.800 Before, you've missed it. 00:44:17.700 --> 00:44:18.900 You've missed it. 00:44:21.679 --> 00:44:26.679 Before love is something that we do, 00:44:28.079 --> 00:44:30.599 it is someone that we meet. 00:44:34.079 --> 00:44:36.539 Before love is something we do, 00:44:36.940 --> 00:44:39.280 it is someone that we meet. 00:44:39.280 --> 00:44:43.900 Jesus Christ, who did not sit in the judgment seat, 00:44:43.980 --> 00:44:44.860 but surrendered it. 00:44:46.060 --> 00:44:46.760 Surrendered it. 00:44:48.019 --> 00:44:50.180 Afflicted by us for our sin. 00:44:52.680 --> 00:44:54.400 So that we might be lifted up. 00:44:55.160 --> 00:44:57.280 Not despised in God's eyes, 00:44:57.620 --> 00:44:58.860 but his much-loved children. 00:44:58.860 --> 00:45:04.059 We will only love like Romans 12 calls us to love 00:45:04.059 --> 00:45:05.240 as a church community 00:45:05.240 --> 00:45:08.019 so long as we look to 00:45:08.019 --> 00:45:11.360 and we treasure Jesus together as his people. 00:45:11.360 --> 00:45:11.460 Amen. 00:45:11.460 --> 00:45:11.559 Amen.