WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.259 Take your Bibles this morning to 1 Thessalonians, 1 Thessalonians again as we pick up here in chapter 3 as we continue looking at faith. 00:00:09.259 --> 00:00:10.439 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:45.000 Faith must persist. It must develop because faith, as we've seen as we've gone through the book of 1 Thessalonians, that faith is what sustains us when the trials and troubles of this life seem just to overwhelm. 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:55.679 And we see in the Apostle Paul's life that he needed faith and his faith continued to grow and to endure and to develop in his life. 00:00:55.679 --> 00:01:03.740 Because sometimes we get the perception in our mind, I think, that faith is, okay, now that I'm saved, everything just becomes static. 00:01:04.700 --> 00:01:20.240 But faith for salvation is the beginning point, and God wants our faith to continue to move forward, to endure, to persist, and to continue to do and accomplish in our life. 00:01:20.239 --> 00:01:30.959 And so this morning we're going to see this report that Timothy, because remember Paul sent Timothy to get a report about the faith of those in Thessalonica. 00:01:31.479 --> 00:01:44.340 You know, because he knew that they had faced some challenges, and he returned with a report about the church at Thessalonica, and it's something that encouraged and strengthened Paul's faith also. 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:56.060 You know, we're going to see here this morning, as Paul was here in Corinth now, facing some challenges, and Timothy returns to him, with what the Bible says, 00:01:56.200 --> 00:02:00.040 good tidings from the church in Thessalonica. 00:02:00.200 --> 00:02:08.840 So let's take a look here this morning, as if you found 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, let's stand together in honor of the reading of the Word of God here this morning, 00:02:08.840 --> 00:02:15.800 as we take a look here at this faith that persists and the impact of it. 00:02:16.140 --> 00:02:16.719 And it says, 00:02:16.800 --> 00:02:23.340 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:29.980 that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us as we also to see you. 00:02:30.680 --> 00:02:36.860 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our afflictions and distressed by your faith. 00:02:36.860 --> 00:02:41.340 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 00:02:42.120 --> 00:02:50.860 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your stakes before our God? 00:02:51.360 --> 00:02:58.160 Night and day, praying exceedingly that we might see your face and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith. 00:02:58.159 --> 00:03:03.680 Now God Himself and our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you, 00:03:03.840 --> 00:03:08.180 and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, 00:03:08.479 --> 00:03:11.479 and toward all men, even as we do toward you. 00:03:12.039 --> 00:03:17.280 To the end He may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, 00:03:18.060 --> 00:03:24.240 even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. 00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:24.980 Let's pray. 00:03:25.080 --> 00:03:27.580 Heavenly Father, as we take a few moments this morning, 00:03:27.620 --> 00:03:33.860 as we look at this idea and concept of faith and the impact that it has, 00:03:33.980 --> 00:03:35.740 Lord, that faith is not static, 00:03:36.340 --> 00:03:40.300 but Lord, faith is something that not only sustains, but it needs to grow. 00:03:40.879 --> 00:03:45.520 It needs to mature that understanding of who you are and what you've done, 00:03:46.140 --> 00:03:48.680 Lord, and how it impacts our lives. 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:51.360 Lord, help us to have a persistent faith, 00:03:51.360 --> 00:03:57.360 a faith that sticks, a faith that grows, a faith that matures in our life. 00:03:57.440 --> 00:03:59.820 And Lord, we pray just have your hand upon each one today. 00:03:59.960 --> 00:04:02.360 Lord, you know each heart, each life, 00:04:02.920 --> 00:04:05.280 the burdens, the struggles, the trials, 00:04:06.500 --> 00:04:09.220 Lord, even the tests of our faith. 00:04:09.340 --> 00:04:15.020 And Lord, we pray we might be encouraged to know that we can trust you 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:21.579 as we walk through and the impact that faith has upon us and upon those around us. 00:04:21.660 --> 00:04:24.180 And Lord, we just give you all the praise in Jesus' name. 00:04:24.980 --> 00:04:25.360 Amen. 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:26.139 May be seated. 00:04:26.939 --> 00:04:30.100 You know, as we see here, as Timothy's report came, 00:04:30.280 --> 00:04:32.199 it was an encouragement to Paul. 00:04:32.980 --> 00:04:36.519 You know, now we need to remember when Timothy came unto him, 00:04:36.600 --> 00:04:38.780 we find this in Acts chapter 18, 00:04:38.779 --> 00:04:41.059 is when Paul was in Corinth. 00:04:41.139 --> 00:04:43.439 He went from Athens over to Corinth, 00:04:43.579 --> 00:04:46.459 and he had started a work there 00:04:46.459 --> 00:04:49.579 and began to preach and to teach and face some opposition. 00:04:49.799 --> 00:04:52.359 And now Timothy comes with a report that says, 00:04:52.479 --> 00:04:55.779 hey, those at Thessalonica who had been challenged, 00:04:56.139 --> 00:04:56.779 had been persecuted, 00:04:57.500 --> 00:04:59.000 they had faced great opposition, 00:04:59.500 --> 00:05:01.939 are standing fast in the faith, 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:06.000 and they're not listening to the falsehoods that are being proclaimed. 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:09.180 You know, whenever the gospel's being proclaimed, 00:05:09.339 --> 00:05:10.879 the one thing you need to always keep in mind, 00:05:10.959 --> 00:05:13.680 there's going to be some falsehoods that the devil follows up with it. 00:05:14.220 --> 00:05:17.980 You know, there's always going to be falsehoods or deceptions or questions 00:05:17.980 --> 00:05:24.779 to try to deceive or to draw away people from the truth of the gospel. 00:05:25.100 --> 00:05:27.000 The devil always does that. 00:05:27.699 --> 00:05:30.360 And we find that Paul had been there at Corinth, 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:32.540 and he was raising in the synagogue, 00:05:32.540 --> 00:05:34.460 it tells us every Sabbath day, 00:05:34.879 --> 00:05:36.580 with the Jews and the Greeks, 00:05:37.080 --> 00:05:40.560 and which was opposed by many in the synagogue. 00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:43.819 And as you read through in Acts chapter 18, 00:05:43.819 --> 00:05:46.300 you'll find that Paul at this point was discouraged. 00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:50.320 You know, I want you to understand that sometimes life 00:05:50.320 --> 00:05:52.740 and what happens in life discourages us. 00:05:54.820 --> 00:05:57.259 You know, we just say, 00:05:57.460 --> 00:05:58.800 Lord, what is going on? 00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:01.939 But, you know, I want you to see here, 00:06:02.100 --> 00:06:08.960 what Timothy brought in his report was an encouragement to Paul. 00:06:10.360 --> 00:06:13.960 And we're going to look at these things here this morning, 00:06:14.080 --> 00:06:16.980 the encouragement that was needed 00:06:16.980 --> 00:06:20.500 and the things that encouraged him and why they did. 00:06:21.019 --> 00:06:23.660 But we see here, as he was facing this opposition, 00:06:23.660 --> 00:06:27.820 Timothy comes and brought a report that refreshed the need 00:06:27.820 --> 00:06:31.660 to continue preaching and proclaiming the gospel 00:06:31.660 --> 00:06:35.020 and teaching the doctrines of Christ. 00:06:35.560 --> 00:06:36.540 You know, because sometimes we say, 00:06:36.640 --> 00:06:38.000 is this even doing any good? 00:06:39.020 --> 00:06:40.060 You know, today in America, 00:06:40.180 --> 00:06:41.379 sometimes you ask the question, 00:06:41.720 --> 00:06:44.420 is the gospel really impacting lives? 00:06:44.540 --> 00:06:47.240 Because we don't see some of the things we saw in the past. 00:06:47.240 --> 00:06:52.620 You know, we saw many lives impacted through generations 00:06:52.620 --> 00:06:56.139 and suddenly it gets a little stagnant or you get opposition. 00:06:56.759 --> 00:06:59.100 Today in America, we have great opposition 00:06:59.100 --> 00:07:02.420 to the truth of the gospel. 00:07:03.800 --> 00:07:05.420 You know, even around us. 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:07.319 I mean, when you understand that 00:07:07.319 --> 00:07:10.319 just our neighbors to the north in Canada, 00:07:10.639 --> 00:07:12.480 you know, a preacher was arrested 00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:14.139 for just stating what was right. 00:07:14.139 --> 00:07:17.539 I want you to understand that 00:07:17.539 --> 00:07:20.500 there's always going to be that opposition. 00:07:21.579 --> 00:07:23.519 But we need to encourage ourselves 00:07:23.519 --> 00:07:25.439 and encourage one another 00:07:25.439 --> 00:07:28.099 when we see those that stand strong 00:07:28.099 --> 00:07:30.180 because we see this solid report 00:07:30.180 --> 00:07:33.639 that Timothy brings to them. 00:07:33.779 --> 00:07:36.019 And we see here the lies 00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:38.620 and the persecution of those at Thessalonica 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:41.339 had caused Paul to wonder, 00:07:41.339 --> 00:07:42.639 did they stand? 00:07:42.639 --> 00:07:45.620 Did they withstand all that was going on? 00:07:45.680 --> 00:07:46.599 How were they doing? 00:07:47.019 --> 00:07:49.139 How would it influence their faith 00:07:49.139 --> 00:07:50.740 and their walk in the Lord? 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:52.639 You know, because I want you to see here 00:07:52.639 --> 00:07:56.439 as Paul begins here in a section here in Thessalonians, 00:07:56.759 --> 00:07:59.500 he not only ties their faith to their salvation, 00:07:59.939 --> 00:08:02.459 but he ties their faith directly to their walk, 00:08:03.219 --> 00:08:05.959 to their persistence of that faith. 00:08:06.479 --> 00:08:10.139 How is your faith playing out daily in your life? 00:08:10.139 --> 00:08:13.779 Because your faith is not a static. 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:14.579 Like I said earlier, 00:08:14.699 --> 00:08:16.019 your faith is not a trophy. 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:18.379 Salvation isn't a trophy. 00:08:18.519 --> 00:08:19.659 You put in the case and say, 00:08:19.819 --> 00:08:20.620 I got it. 00:08:20.639 --> 00:08:21.579 Or it's not a deposit. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:22.740 You put in the bank and say, 00:08:23.039 --> 00:08:24.459 okay, now that I'm saved, 00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:25.279 everything's good. 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:27.279 We can put that away and go on with life. 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:30.439 Paul was encouraged, 00:08:30.740 --> 00:08:33.279 not because of just their salvation, 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:37.439 but the fact that they had continued in life. 00:08:37.439 --> 00:08:40.519 They continued walking with the Lord. 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:42.740 He had continued those things. 00:08:42.919 --> 00:08:46.480 And we understand that we're going to face opposition. 00:08:47.439 --> 00:08:48.100 You know, matter of fact, 00:08:48.179 --> 00:08:49.519 consider what Peter said. 00:08:49.879 --> 00:08:51.480 You know, in 1 Peter chapter 4, 00:08:51.620 --> 00:08:52.919 Peter said this, 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:56.699 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, 00:08:57.039 --> 00:09:00.699 which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you. 00:09:02.299 --> 00:09:04.740 You know, that's about, I like that. 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:05.899 That's pretty plain for us. 00:09:06.959 --> 00:09:08.939 Because sometimes, you know what happens? 00:09:09.039 --> 00:09:10.759 We get a woe is me saying, 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:12.759 well, this is unique to me. 00:09:13.759 --> 00:09:16.740 Like something strange happened that shouldn't have happened. 00:09:18.459 --> 00:09:19.579 But you know what Peter says? 00:09:19.580 --> 00:09:21.379 Don't act like it's something strange. 00:09:21.520 --> 00:09:23.920 Just understand it's going to happen. 00:09:24.680 --> 00:09:27.960 That these things are going to take place in your life. 00:09:28.060 --> 00:09:29.440 He says this, look at verse 13, 00:09:29.540 --> 00:09:33.900 But rejoice insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, 00:09:34.020 --> 00:09:36.400 that when his glory shall be revealed, 00:09:36.520 --> 00:09:40.020 ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:43.820 I want you to see our faith isn't just a present faith. 00:09:44.100 --> 00:09:46.640 It's a hopeful faith that looks ahead. 00:09:47.259 --> 00:09:49.220 It looks forward to what's ahead 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:51.740 because this life, I hate to tell you, 00:09:51.820 --> 00:09:54.500 but you know, a lot of people spend a lot of effort on this life. 00:09:54.660 --> 00:09:57.680 But one day the Bible tells us this life is going to pass away. 00:09:58.899 --> 00:09:59.800 It's but a vapor. 00:10:00.160 --> 00:10:01.700 The trials and struggles, 00:10:02.420 --> 00:10:06.000 it seems that they're never ending. 00:10:06.160 --> 00:10:07.660 And it's like, how do I get through them? 00:10:07.899 --> 00:10:08.519 But you know what? 00:10:08.600 --> 00:10:12.040 Sometimes we need to realize that this life is not all that there is. 00:10:12.039 --> 00:10:15.860 To keep our eyes on the right thing. 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:18.699 And it's not that we ought not to live this life, 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:22.139 but we need to live this life in light of eternity. 00:10:22.360 --> 00:10:24.899 That's the whole theme of Thessalonians that Paul tells them. 00:10:25.339 --> 00:10:28.139 Live in light of what Christ has done. 00:10:28.559 --> 00:10:31.259 Live in light of what Christ has accomplished 00:10:31.259 --> 00:10:36.279 and what he's going to fulfill when he comes again. 00:10:36.279 --> 00:10:40.120 Because what we have today is just not all that there is. 00:10:40.679 --> 00:10:41.360 You know? 00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:44.279 You know, we ought to reassure us 00:10:44.279 --> 00:10:46.600 that it's not just you or your situation 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:48.819 that seems insurmountable. 00:10:49.079 --> 00:10:51.019 You know, you ought to expect problems. 00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:52.839 I didn't say welcome problems. 00:10:52.839 --> 00:10:54.179 I said expect problems. 00:10:55.679 --> 00:10:58.279 I don't think anybody wants to have problems, 00:10:58.980 --> 00:11:02.199 doesn't want to have issues in their life. 00:11:02.199 --> 00:11:02.860 But you know what? 00:11:02.860 --> 00:11:04.740 It ought not to catch you off guard 00:11:04.740 --> 00:11:06.899 in the sense of saying, why me? 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:11.440 Our faith ought to overpower those things. 00:11:11.539 --> 00:11:13.560 And even Paul here, as you read, 00:11:13.700 --> 00:11:16.399 it ought to encourage us that Paul needed some encouragement. 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:20.100 Because sometimes when we read through the scripture 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:21.600 and over the years, 00:11:21.720 --> 00:11:23.379 you kind of get the impression sometimes 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:24.700 that Paul was superhuman. 00:11:26.360 --> 00:11:26.560 You know? 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:29.240 You see all the things that God did 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:30.899 through the apostle Paul, 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:32.580 and you say, man, this guy must have been 00:11:32.580 --> 00:11:34.160 superhuman, nothing impacted. 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:34.980 I want you to understand, 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:37.100 Paul felt all the same things you and I feel. 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:41.500 He wasn't exempt from it. 00:11:42.180 --> 00:11:43.680 The Bible tells us here 00:11:43.680 --> 00:11:45.460 that he was discouraged 00:11:45.460 --> 00:11:48.160 at Corinth. 00:11:50.040 --> 00:11:51.840 You know, you can get discouraged with life, 00:11:51.920 --> 00:11:52.500 but you know what? 00:11:53.759 --> 00:11:55.759 There's things that will encourage you. 00:11:56.700 --> 00:11:58.100 And we ought to be encouraged 00:11:58.100 --> 00:11:59.300 in the faith. 00:11:59.420 --> 00:12:01.340 You know, notice what he tells them here. 00:12:01.340 --> 00:12:02.540 Look at verse 6, 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:03.000 and he says, 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:04.540 And Timotheus came from you, 00:12:04.940 --> 00:12:06.340 unto us, 00:12:06.420 --> 00:12:08.379 and brought us good tidings 00:12:08.379 --> 00:12:10.480 of your faith and charity, 00:12:10.560 --> 00:12:12.680 and that you have good remembrance of us always, 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:14.960 desiring greatly to see us 00:12:14.960 --> 00:12:16.540 as we also to see you. 00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:19.200 Notice verse 7, 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:20.379 Therefore, brethren, 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:23.940 we were comforted over you 00:12:23.940 --> 00:12:25.740 in all our afflictions 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:27.540 and distresses by your faith. 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:28.540 Now think about that, 00:12:28.580 --> 00:12:29.600 what Paul is saying there. 00:12:29.600 --> 00:12:30.360 He says, guys, 00:12:31.740 --> 00:12:32.800 he says, 00:12:32.800 --> 00:12:34.980 knowing that you stood strong, 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:37.779 that your faith was real, 00:12:38.320 --> 00:12:40.399 that you were willing to take a stand 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:42.720 for the truth of the word of God, 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:45.519 it encouraged others. 00:12:46.379 --> 00:12:47.000 Paul said, 00:12:47.080 --> 00:12:48.180 it encouraged me. 00:12:48.820 --> 00:12:49.060 You know, 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:51.840 we're encouraged by the faith of others 00:12:51.840 --> 00:12:52.820 to say, hey, 00:12:52.960 --> 00:12:53.639 this is it. 00:12:53.660 --> 00:12:54.460 He was comforted. 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:55.379 That word there 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:57.320 is not to coddle, 00:12:57.419 --> 00:12:58.460 but it's to encourage. 00:12:59.379 --> 00:12:59.960 In other words, 00:13:00.019 --> 00:13:01.820 his heart was encouraged, 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:02.939 it was comforted, 00:13:03.019 --> 00:13:04.960 that they had stuck by the faith 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:06.080 and would withstood 00:13:06.080 --> 00:13:08.200 and were steadfast 00:13:08.200 --> 00:13:09.580 in the Lord. 00:13:10.519 --> 00:13:10.740 You know, 00:13:10.840 --> 00:13:11.939 when we see here 00:13:11.939 --> 00:13:12.159 that 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:14.419 what was happening 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:15.639 with Paul, 00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:15.879 you know, 00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:16.439 take a look over 00:13:16.440 --> 00:13:17.560 to Acts chapter 18 00:13:17.560 --> 00:13:18.280 for a moment. 00:13:18.900 --> 00:13:20.040 Acts chapter 18 00:13:20.040 --> 00:13:21.100 here in verse 4, 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:22.420 Paul is, 00:13:22.660 --> 00:13:23.660 this is recorded 00:13:23.660 --> 00:13:24.460 about Paul 00:13:24.460 --> 00:13:25.360 and his ministry 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:26.540 in Corinth 00:13:26.540 --> 00:13:27.120 and he says, 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:27.980 and he reasoned 00:13:27.980 --> 00:13:28.560 in the synagogue 00:13:28.560 --> 00:13:29.480 every Sabbath 00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:30.620 and persuaded 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:31.240 the Jews 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:31.860 and the Greeks 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:32.680 and when Silas 00:13:32.680 --> 00:13:33.320 and Timotheus 00:13:33.320 --> 00:13:34.500 were come from Macedonia, 00:13:35.060 --> 00:13:35.980 Paul was pressed 00:13:35.980 --> 00:13:36.580 in the spirit 00:13:36.580 --> 00:13:37.259 and testified 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:38.180 to the Jews 00:13:38.180 --> 00:13:39.279 that Jesus 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.120 was Christ. 00:13:40.420 --> 00:13:40.879 You know what? 00:13:40.940 --> 00:13:42.420 It invigorated him 00:13:42.420 --> 00:13:43.659 to keep going. 00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:46.060 He was pressed 00:13:46.060 --> 00:13:46.759 in the spirit 00:13:46.759 --> 00:13:47.940 after this report. 00:13:49.159 --> 00:13:49.680 In other words, 00:13:49.720 --> 00:13:50.539 he was encouraged 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:51.740 by what was happening 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:53.019 to say, 00:13:53.139 --> 00:13:53.360 hey, 00:13:53.539 --> 00:13:54.279 you need to 00:13:54.279 --> 00:13:55.379 keep going. 00:13:55.680 --> 00:13:56.360 We're going. 00:13:56.659 --> 00:13:57.340 Keep going. 00:13:58.779 --> 00:13:59.060 You know, 00:13:59.120 --> 00:13:59.740 sometimes I think 00:13:59.740 --> 00:14:00.300 that's good 00:14:00.300 --> 00:14:00.899 that we have 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:01.680 when we hear 00:14:01.680 --> 00:14:02.420 missionaries, 00:14:02.539 --> 00:14:03.200 especially ones 00:14:03.200 --> 00:14:03.800 we've supported 00:14:03.800 --> 00:14:04.519 a long time, 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:05.600 come and say, 00:14:05.700 --> 00:14:05.840 hey, 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:06.720 this is what 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:07.820 God is doing here. 00:14:07.879 --> 00:14:08.259 You know what? 00:14:08.300 --> 00:14:08.899 I don't know about you 00:14:08.899 --> 00:14:09.940 but it encourages me 00:14:09.940 --> 00:14:10.620 to keep going 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:12.420 because sometimes 00:14:12.420 --> 00:14:13.840 we get so short-sighted 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:15.220 about what's right 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:15.759 in front of us 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.539 we lose sight 00:14:16.539 --> 00:14:17.500 of what God 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:18.820 is doing every place. 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:20.159 You know, 00:14:20.220 --> 00:14:21.120 God is bigger 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:22.560 than Lincoln, Nebraska. 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:23.139 He's bigger 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:24.460 than your address. 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:27.279 God's doing things 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:28.000 all over 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:29.120 and we see 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:30.059 the reality 00:14:30.059 --> 00:14:31.139 of it 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:32.059 and we can be 00:14:32.059 --> 00:14:33.220 encouraged by it 00:14:33.220 --> 00:14:33.879 that God 00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:35.299 is still working. 00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:36.579 You know, 00:14:36.659 --> 00:14:37.740 when we understand, 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:38.339 he notices, 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:39.079 he says that 00:14:39.079 --> 00:14:40.799 he was good tidings 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:41.659 of your faith 00:14:41.659 --> 00:14:43.959 and charity 00:14:43.960 --> 00:14:45.100 and it says 00:14:45.100 --> 00:14:45.500 that they were 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:46.740 comforted over you 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:47.820 in your afflictions, 00:14:48.280 --> 00:14:48.500 you know, 00:14:48.560 --> 00:14:49.840 that they had joy. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:51.340 You know, 00:14:51.560 --> 00:14:52.340 think about that 00:14:52.340 --> 00:14:52.720 for a moment, 00:14:52.800 --> 00:14:54.040 that they had joy. 00:14:54.160 --> 00:14:54.680 Now look down 00:14:54.680 --> 00:14:55.300 at verse 9, 00:14:55.360 --> 00:14:55.600 it says, 00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:56.360 for what thanks 00:14:56.360 --> 00:14:57.019 can we render 00:14:57.019 --> 00:14:57.740 to God again 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:58.440 for you 00:14:58.440 --> 00:14:59.920 for all the joy 00:14:59.920 --> 00:15:01.000 wherewith we joy 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:01.900 for your sakes 00:15:01.900 --> 00:15:02.879 before our God. 00:15:03.379 --> 00:15:04.280 I want you to see here, 00:15:04.320 --> 00:15:05.860 it not only encouraged them 00:15:05.860 --> 00:15:07.379 but it caused them 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:08.240 to have joy 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.080 and gratitude, 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:10.980 to be thankful 00:15:10.980 --> 00:15:12.180 to see what God 00:15:12.180 --> 00:15:13.259 was doing. 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:14.379 The report 00:15:14.379 --> 00:15:15.600 that Timothy brought 00:15:15.600 --> 00:15:16.980 brought joy 00:15:16.980 --> 00:15:17.840 to Paul 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.120 and those with him 00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:20.539 renewing his focus 00:15:20.539 --> 00:15:21.700 to stay the course. 00:15:22.960 --> 00:15:23.240 You know, 00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:24.240 I want you to see here 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:25.080 something practically 00:15:25.080 --> 00:15:26.159 we need to understand 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:27.360 when it comes to faith. 00:15:28.120 --> 00:15:29.340 A growing faith, 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:30.860 a persistent faith, 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:33.440 not only impacts you, 00:15:33.519 --> 00:15:34.420 it impacts others. 00:15:34.700 --> 00:15:35.820 It impacts others. 00:15:36.019 --> 00:15:36.580 Practically, 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.960 we need to understand 00:15:37.960 --> 00:15:39.560 that your faith 00:15:39.560 --> 00:15:40.539 in the Lord 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:41.980 has an impact 00:15:41.980 --> 00:15:42.740 upon others. 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:43.939 You don't live 00:15:43.939 --> 00:15:45.059 your faith in a bubble. 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:46.939 You're not there 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:49.000 and it affects others also. 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:50.319 You're not by yourself. 00:15:50.959 --> 00:15:51.099 You know, 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:51.939 that's the other reason 00:15:51.939 --> 00:15:52.759 it's important 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.799 that we be together 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:54.759 with other believers. 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:55.740 You know, 00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:56.419 that's the reason 00:15:56.419 --> 00:15:57.959 God tells us very clearly 00:15:57.959 --> 00:15:59.120 to not forsake 00:15:59.120 --> 00:15:59.740 the assembling 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:00.799 of ourselves together. 00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:01.259 You know what? 00:16:01.439 --> 00:16:02.639 We need encouragement 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.579 from one another. 00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:06.079 Part of walking faithfully 00:16:06.079 --> 00:16:07.439 and walking in the faith 00:16:07.439 --> 00:16:08.480 is being where God 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:09.599 instructed us to be 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:10.980 and that's in the Lord's 00:16:10.980 --> 00:16:11.820 house on Sunday. 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:14.360 To meet together 00:16:14.360 --> 00:16:15.080 with believers. 00:16:16.220 --> 00:16:17.460 To be a part, 00:16:17.560 --> 00:16:18.340 to be connected, 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:20.100 to be there, 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:20.920 to be present. 00:16:22.800 --> 00:16:23.040 You know, 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:23.639 it's important 00:16:23.639 --> 00:16:24.420 to understand 00:16:24.420 --> 00:16:25.500 that your presence 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:27.060 is important 00:16:27.060 --> 00:16:30.379 not only for you 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:32.120 but for others. 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:32.600 You know, 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:33.740 sometimes we forget that. 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:34.660 Well, 00:16:34.680 --> 00:16:35.620 who's going to miss me 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:36.040 at church? 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:36.560 You know what? 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:37.939 You're just as big 00:16:37.939 --> 00:16:38.959 of investment here 00:16:38.959 --> 00:16:39.819 as anybody else 00:16:39.819 --> 00:16:40.739 and you all impact 00:16:40.739 --> 00:16:41.259 one another. 00:16:41.599 --> 00:16:42.439 You all impact 00:16:42.439 --> 00:16:42.939 the preacher. 00:16:44.159 --> 00:16:44.459 You know what? 00:16:44.459 --> 00:16:45.439 The preacher's encouraged 00:16:45.439 --> 00:16:46.319 when people come. 00:16:48.979 --> 00:16:49.959 Your presence 00:16:49.959 --> 00:16:50.839 is an encouragement. 00:16:51.839 --> 00:16:52.619 Your absence 00:16:52.619 --> 00:16:53.959 is the opposite. 00:16:54.099 --> 00:16:54.959 It's a discouragement. 00:16:55.399 --> 00:16:56.059 But you know what? 00:16:56.079 --> 00:16:57.179 We need that encouragement 00:16:57.179 --> 00:16:57.959 to keep going 00:16:57.959 --> 00:16:58.719 because there's always 00:16:58.719 --> 00:16:59.679 going to be discouragement. 00:16:59.679 --> 00:17:00.679 The importance 00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:01.599 and the impact 00:17:01.599 --> 00:17:02.739 we have on one another, 00:17:02.859 --> 00:17:03.899 the consistency 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:05.779 that is needful 00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:06.480 in that. 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.740 And we see here 00:17:07.740 --> 00:17:08.519 that your faith 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.700 is important 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:11.000 that the steadfast 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:11.819 consistency 00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:13.259 of the believers 00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:14.299 at Thessalonica 00:17:14.299 --> 00:17:15.220 helped Paul 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.819 face the challenges 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:17.839 before him. 00:17:18.440 --> 00:17:18.940 I want you 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:20.259 to simply understand this. 00:17:20.619 --> 00:17:21.599 Your faith 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:23.000 impacts others. 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:23.940 Your faith 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:24.799 has an impact. 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:26.539 You say, 00:17:26.599 --> 00:17:26.700 well, 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:27.519 what am I doing? 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:28.539 Your presence, 00:17:29.200 --> 00:17:30.680 your consistency, 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:32.400 your steadfastness, 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:35.240 makes a difference. 00:17:35.540 --> 00:17:36.740 It encourages others. 00:17:36.900 --> 00:17:37.560 It encourages 00:17:37.560 --> 00:17:39.880 to keep going, 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:40.980 to move forward. 00:17:43.100 --> 00:17:43.340 You know, 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:43.900 the faith 00:17:43.900 --> 00:17:44.560 of the believers 00:17:44.560 --> 00:17:45.640 at Thessalonica 00:17:45.640 --> 00:17:46.420 had endured 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:47.540 through persecution 00:17:47.540 --> 00:17:48.660 and we looked 00:17:48.660 --> 00:17:49.820 at the false accounts 00:17:49.820 --> 00:17:50.600 that they had accused 00:17:50.600 --> 00:17:51.460 Paul of. 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:53.480 But I want you 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:54.140 to understand 00:17:54.140 --> 00:17:54.880 that it wasn't 00:17:54.880 --> 00:17:55.880 Paul's preaching 00:17:55.880 --> 00:17:57.900 that they had faith in. 00:17:58.340 --> 00:17:59.240 Paul was encouraged 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:00.300 because their faith 00:18:00.300 --> 00:18:01.840 was not in what he said. 00:18:01.839 --> 00:18:02.699 Their faith 00:18:02.699 --> 00:18:03.959 was what in God said. 00:18:04.639 --> 00:18:06.139 What God had said 00:18:06.139 --> 00:18:07.339 is where their faith lied. 00:18:08.199 --> 00:18:09.699 That's our commonality 00:18:09.699 --> 00:18:10.759 is the Word of God. 00:18:11.519 --> 00:18:12.559 Our commonality 00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:13.199 of faith 00:18:13.199 --> 00:18:15.259 is not in creeds 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:17.279 or doctrinal statements. 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:17.720 You know, 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.319 there's a lot of people 00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:19.419 today whose faith 00:18:19.419 --> 00:18:20.539 is tied up in a creed. 00:18:20.799 --> 00:18:20.919 Now, 00:18:20.959 --> 00:18:21.519 I want you to understand 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:22.339 a creed is nothing 00:18:22.339 --> 00:18:22.919 but stating 00:18:22.919 --> 00:18:23.859 what somebody believes 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.539 but your faith 00:18:24.539 --> 00:18:25.099 isn't in what 00:18:25.099 --> 00:18:25.980 somebody else said. 00:18:27.419 --> 00:18:28.599 Your faith needs 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:29.480 to be in what God 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:29.980 has said. 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:31.940 to what God 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:32.700 has declared 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:33.339 because people 00:18:33.339 --> 00:18:34.259 are going to add 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:35.480 all sorts of things 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:36.500 but we need to understand 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:37.480 what does God 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:38.599 say about it? 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:39.880 To have our faith in him. 00:18:39.900 --> 00:18:41.120 That's what encouraged Paul. 00:18:41.339 --> 00:18:42.319 It wasn't that they 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:43.660 just kept sticking around 00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:44.900 or that they stuck with it 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:46.059 but that their faith 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:47.279 was in the Word of God 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:47.920 that was preached 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:48.539 unto them. 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:50.079 That it wasn't built 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:51.860 upon what Paul said 00:18:51.860 --> 00:18:55.079 or what somebody else said. 00:18:55.079 --> 00:18:57.079 You know, 00:18:57.099 --> 00:18:57.599 I think that's one 00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:58.539 of the dangers today. 00:18:58.659 --> 00:18:59.339 It's amazing to me 00:18:59.339 --> 00:19:00.099 as I talk to people 00:19:00.099 --> 00:19:00.759 how many people 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.679 build their theology 00:19:01.679 --> 00:19:02.419 because of what 00:19:02.419 --> 00:19:03.839 this theologian said 00:19:03.839 --> 00:19:05.019 or that theologian said 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:06.000 or this one over here. 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:07.659 Now, 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:08.319 I want you to understand 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.579 there's nothing wrong 00:19:09.579 --> 00:19:10.460 with reading 00:19:10.460 --> 00:19:11.460 what people have to say 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:11.819 about it 00:19:11.819 --> 00:19:12.699 but I want you to understand 00:19:12.699 --> 00:19:13.599 that all needs to be 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:14.179 filtered back 00:19:14.179 --> 00:19:14.980 through the Word of God. 00:19:16.339 --> 00:19:17.279 Don't just take 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:18.559 somebody's word for it. 00:19:19.659 --> 00:19:20.500 Filter it back 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.599 because everybody's 00:19:21.599 --> 00:19:22.659 going to have some flaws. 00:19:22.660 --> 00:19:25.640 Some misunderstandings. 00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:26.120 You know why? 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:27.019 Because your faith 00:19:27.019 --> 00:19:27.900 needs to grow 00:19:27.900 --> 00:19:30.240 and mature. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:32.060 What you understand 00:19:32.060 --> 00:19:33.860 a year from now 00:19:33.860 --> 00:19:34.720 about God 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.500 ought to be different 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:36.500 than what you understand 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:37.279 about Him today. 00:19:37.560 --> 00:19:38.140 It ought to be 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:39.180 more mature. 00:19:39.660 --> 00:19:41.019 A better understanding 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:42.279 of who God is 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:44.860 and what He's done. 00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:45.600 Because, you know, 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:46.940 the day... 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:48.019 Think in your mind 00:19:48.019 --> 00:19:48.480 for a moment. 00:19:48.580 --> 00:19:49.340 Hopefully this morning 00:19:49.340 --> 00:19:50.400 you can think in your mind 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.240 back to the moment 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:52.080 when you called upon 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:52.919 the Lord to save you. 00:19:53.139 --> 00:19:53.819 You know the good thing 00:19:53.819 --> 00:19:54.319 about that? 00:19:54.419 --> 00:19:55.720 You needed to understand 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:57.039 some very basic 00:19:57.039 --> 00:19:58.119 simple doctrines 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:59.679 in order to be saved. 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:02.460 You didn't have to be able 00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:03.599 to write a big thesis 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:04.879 about who God is 00:20:04.879 --> 00:20:06.559 or how God interacts 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:07.279 with mankind. 00:20:07.619 --> 00:20:08.679 All you need to understand 00:20:08.679 --> 00:20:09.740 is that you're a sinner, 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:11.899 that Christ came 00:20:11.899 --> 00:20:13.759 and paid the complete 00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:15.379 full price 00:20:15.379 --> 00:20:16.740 that was required 00:20:16.740 --> 00:20:18.039 for you to be redeemed. 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:21.079 and the only thing 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:21.960 you needed to do 00:20:21.960 --> 00:20:23.460 was receive and accept 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:25.420 by faith 00:20:25.420 --> 00:20:27.119 and when you do that 00:20:27.119 --> 00:20:27.740 that's just not 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:29.019 taking in 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:30.279 it's understanding 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:30.839 that yes, 00:20:30.899 --> 00:20:32.680 He is the Savior. 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:36.539 You didn't have to understand 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.339 about the Trinity. 00:20:37.579 --> 00:20:38.460 You didn't have to understand 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:40.019 all the things 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:40.759 of how Jesus 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:42.079 was both 100% God 00:20:42.079 --> 00:20:42.940 and 100% man. 00:20:43.099 --> 00:20:44.159 You didn't need to understand 00:20:44.159 --> 00:20:45.119 all those things 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:45.980 in order to be saved. 00:20:45.980 --> 00:20:47.400 But from salvation, 00:20:47.660 --> 00:20:48.779 the basic understanding 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:50.079 of what our need is, 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:50.940 of who God is 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:52.360 and what He's done for you, 00:20:52.660 --> 00:20:54.279 your faith needs to grow. 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:56.920 It needs to mature. 00:20:57.220 --> 00:20:58.420 It needs to develop. 00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:01.860 Because Paul is encouraged 00:21:01.860 --> 00:21:03.640 because of what they did. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:05.160 That persistent faith 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:06.400 is a product 00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:07.700 of what is received. 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:09.579 It was the Word of God 00:21:09.579 --> 00:21:10.860 not the Word of men. 00:21:11.519 --> 00:21:13.079 And that persistent faith 00:21:13.079 --> 00:21:14.700 produced a stability, 00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:16.660 a stable faith. 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:17.420 You know, 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.680 secondly here this morning 00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:19.559 we see Timothy 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:21.120 had encouraged Paul 00:21:21.120 --> 00:21:21.980 by the report 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:23.100 that brought him 00:21:23.100 --> 00:21:23.740 from the church 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.580 at Thessalonica 00:21:24.580 --> 00:21:25.960 and they had maintained 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:26.819 their faith 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.700 and noticed 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:29.120 that being seen 00:21:29.120 --> 00:21:30.220 in the charity 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:31.600 they had one for another 00:21:31.600 --> 00:21:32.880 along with others 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:34.100 in their community. 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:35.039 Look back up here 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:36.180 in verse 6 00:21:36.180 --> 00:21:36.620 it says, 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:37.720 and brought unto us 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:38.440 good tidings 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.340 of your faith 00:21:39.340 --> 00:21:40.640 and charity. 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:42.340 Now that word charity 00:21:42.340 --> 00:21:43.440 there isn't how much 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:44.019 they gave. 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:44.960 That word charity 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:45.720 there is love. 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:48.480 That unconditional love 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:50.580 that you do 00:21:50.580 --> 00:21:52.320 because it's an obligation. 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:53.580 I want you to understand 00:21:53.580 --> 00:21:54.680 there's different types 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:55.720 of love in the scripture. 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.799 As a believer 00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:59.019 I'll give you 00:21:59.019 --> 00:21:59.680 a little information 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:01.720 you have an obligation 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:03.180 to love one another. 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:03.940 We'll get to that 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:04.279 in a minute. 00:22:04.539 --> 00:22:05.160 Most people don't 00:22:05.160 --> 00:22:05.779 consider that 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.259 that you have 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:07.279 an obligation 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:08.299 before God 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.019 as a believer 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:09.840 to love one another. 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:11.140 It's an obligation 00:22:11.140 --> 00:22:12.140 that was there. 00:22:12.660 --> 00:22:12.840 You know 00:22:12.840 --> 00:22:13.800 they had maintained 00:22:13.800 --> 00:22:14.720 their faith 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:15.320 they'd seen 00:22:15.320 --> 00:22:16.080 their charity 00:22:16.080 --> 00:22:16.960 that they had 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:17.800 one for another 00:22:17.800 --> 00:22:18.840 along with others 00:22:18.840 --> 00:22:20.220 in the community 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:21.460 around them. 00:22:21.520 --> 00:22:22.600 Look here at verse 6 00:22:22.600 --> 00:22:24.320 because it says this 00:22:24.320 --> 00:22:25.000 and have a great 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:25.600 remembrance 00:22:25.600 --> 00:22:26.680 of us 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.400 always desiring 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:27.900 to see you 00:22:27.900 --> 00:22:28.880 as we also 00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:30.280 to see you. 00:22:30.660 --> 00:22:31.640 And as we go on here 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:32.259 we find 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:34.340 that it puts 00:22:34.340 --> 00:22:35.840 a direct dynamic 00:22:35.840 --> 00:22:36.940 in their life. 00:22:37.060 --> 00:22:37.180 You know 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:37.520 look down 00:22:37.520 --> 00:22:38.380 in verse 12 00:22:38.380 --> 00:22:39.860 and it says 00:22:39.860 --> 00:22:40.380 and the Lord 00:22:40.380 --> 00:22:41.460 make you to increase 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:42.440 and abound in love 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:43.400 one toward another 00:22:43.400 --> 00:22:44.820 and toward all men 00:22:44.820 --> 00:22:46.000 even as we do 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.300 towards you. 00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:48.220 In other words 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:49.180 this is incorporating 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:51.340 idea and concept 00:22:51.340 --> 00:22:52.920 of love. 00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:53.620 You know 00:22:53.620 --> 00:22:55.180 why did this happen? 00:22:55.280 --> 00:22:55.940 Because they were 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.640 persuaded 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:58.900 that what the 00:22:58.900 --> 00:23:00.000 scripture said 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:02.780 was true. 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:05.700 They were persuaded 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:07.320 that God is just 00:23:07.320 --> 00:23:08.220 in his assessment. 00:23:08.380 --> 00:23:09.000 of mankind. 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.240 They understood 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:11.680 some things 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:12.620 it transformed 00:23:12.620 --> 00:23:13.780 their life 00:23:13.780 --> 00:23:14.920 but they needed 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:15.720 to continue 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:17.000 in that 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:17.800 to persist 00:23:17.800 --> 00:23:18.740 that persistence 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:20.160 of faith 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:21.020 the consistency 00:23:21.020 --> 00:23:22.020 of their faith 00:23:22.020 --> 00:23:23.100 was seen 00:23:23.100 --> 00:23:24.060 through their love 00:23:24.060 --> 00:23:24.940 one for another. 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:26.720 You know 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:28.040 gathering together 00:23:28.040 --> 00:23:28.820 in a love 00:23:28.820 --> 00:23:29.720 one for another 00:23:29.720 --> 00:23:31.600 produces a stable faith. 00:23:31.860 --> 00:23:31.980 You know 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:32.340 the one thing 00:23:32.340 --> 00:23:32.800 I've seen 00:23:32.800 --> 00:23:33.620 over the years 00:23:33.620 --> 00:23:34.900 is people 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:35.460 who are not 00:23:35.460 --> 00:23:36.560 consistent in church 00:23:36.560 --> 00:23:37.320 are unstable 00:23:37.320 --> 00:23:38.020 in their faith. 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:38.980 they come and go 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.740 but those 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.879 who set a consistency 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:41.940 to be where God 00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:42.559 instructed 00:23:42.559 --> 00:23:43.779 not only for their 00:23:43.779 --> 00:23:44.180 benefit 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:44.660 they don't even 00:23:44.660 --> 00:23:45.379 realize when they 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:45.720 show up 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:46.299 they benefit 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:47.019 from others. 00:23:48.440 --> 00:23:49.299 They benefit 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:50.059 from serving 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:50.799 the Lord together 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:51.480 they benefit 00:23:51.480 --> 00:23:52.359 they're encouraged 00:23:52.359 --> 00:23:53.700 and they might not 00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:54.400 even realize 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:55.259 the encouragement 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:55.940 sits there 00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:56.859 because there's 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:57.500 a bond 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.500 there's a love 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.440 that is brought 00:23:59.440 --> 00:23:59.799 together. 00:23:59.920 --> 00:24:00.519 Look back in 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.480 John chapter 13 00:24:01.480 --> 00:24:02.120 for a moment 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:03.620 Jesus 00:24:03.620 --> 00:24:04.839 here tells 00:24:04.839 --> 00:24:05.660 his disciples 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:06.519 and 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:07.599 he's getting 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.079 ready to go 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:08.839 to the cross 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:09.460 and he says 00:24:09.460 --> 00:24:09.799 this 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:10.299 he says 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.640 a new commandment 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.599 down in verse 34 00:24:12.599 --> 00:24:13.019 he says 00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:13.839 a new commandment 00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:14.759 I give unto you 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:16.519 that ye love 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:17.279 one another 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:18.319 as I have loved 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:18.759 you 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:20.079 and ye also 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:21.299 love one another 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:23.160 notice something 00:24:23.160 --> 00:24:23.480 here 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:24.140 he says 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:24.660 guys 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.660 I can just 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.120 imagine 00:24:26.120 --> 00:24:26.940 Jesus talking 00:24:26.940 --> 00:24:27.700 to his disciples 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:28.400 in my mind 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:28.779 sometimes 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.519 I'm thinking 00:24:29.519 --> 00:24:30.039 about Jesus 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:30.579 he's got them 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:31.319 all sat down 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:31.579 there 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:32.319 and they're 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:32.700 talking 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:33.099 and he says 00:24:33.099 --> 00:24:33.799 guys listen 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:34.059 to me 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:34.680 you need 00:24:34.680 --> 00:24:35.519 to love 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.240 one another 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:38.619 you need 00:24:38.619 --> 00:24:39.079 to love 00:24:39.079 --> 00:24:39.559 one another 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:40.180 as I have 00:24:40.180 --> 00:24:40.619 loved you 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:41.240 now that 00:24:41.240 --> 00:24:41.660 puts some 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:42.500 context on 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:42.680 it 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.039 because you 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.220 know what 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:43.859 Jesus is 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:44.139 saying 00:24:44.139 --> 00:24:44.799 I loved 00:24:44.799 --> 00:24:45.039 you 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.500 even when 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:45.759 you were 00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:46.299 unlovable 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:46.980 when you 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:47.579 were sinful 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:50.279 I love 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:50.680 you when 00:24:50.680 --> 00:24:50.980 you do 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:51.519 things that 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:51.960 you shouldn't 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:52.240 do 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:52.859 when you 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:53.480 say things 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:53.940 you shouldn't 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:54.319 say 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:56.039 I mean 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:56.339 how many 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:56.799 times did 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.319 Peter put 00:24:57.319 --> 00:24:57.579 his foot 00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:57.779 in his 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.019 mouth 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:58.480 I mean 00:24:58.480 --> 00:24:58.720 you think 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.120 about that 00:24:59.120 --> 00:24:59.519 Jesus 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:00.039 loved 00:25:00.039 --> 00:25:00.360 Peter 00:25:00.360 --> 00:25:00.599 even 00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:00.819 when 00:25:00.819 --> 00:25:01.079 Peter 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:01.559 told him 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:02.099 Jesus 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:02.460 you don't 00:25:02.460 --> 00:25:02.559 know 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:02.720 what 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:02.860 you're 00:25:02.860 --> 00:25:03.099 talking 00:25:03.099 --> 00:25:03.420 about 00:25:03.420 --> 00:25:04.019 he says 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:05.220 love 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:05.400 one 00:25:05.400 --> 00:25:05.720 another 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:06.120 as I 00:25:06.120 --> 00:25:06.259 have 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:06.539 loved 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:06.660 you 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:06.839 now 00:25:06.839 --> 00:25:07.120 look at 00:25:07.120 --> 00:25:07.480 the last 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:07.740 part 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:08.099 of this 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:10.200 the next 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:10.500 verse 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.240 by 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.279 this 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:12.839 shall 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.599 all men 00:25:13.599 --> 00:25:13.960 know 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:14.220 that 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:14.420 ye 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:14.539 are 00:25:14.539 --> 00:25:14.900 my 00:25:14.900 --> 00:25:15.960 disciples 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:16.579 if 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:16.740 ye 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:17.000 have 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:17.519 love 00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:18.160 one 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:18.920 to 00:25:18.920 --> 00:25:19.799 another 00:25:19.799 --> 00:25:22.039 now 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.400 I want 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:22.640 you to 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:23.240 understand 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.000 the importance 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:25.279 of this 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:25.620 that this 00:25:25.620 --> 00:25:25.920 is a 00:25:25.920 --> 00:25:26.460 command 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:27.180 that plays 00:25:27.180 --> 00:25:27.460 out 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.220 practically 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:29.319 in our 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:29.880 fellowship 00:25:29.880 --> 00:25:30.460 one with 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:30.799 another 00:25:30.799 --> 00:25:31.839 you know 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:32.360 oftentimes 00:25:32.360 --> 00:25:33.100 a love 00:25:33.100 --> 00:25:33.440 that a 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:33.720 church 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:34.100 has 00:25:34.100 --> 00:25:34.400 towards 00:25:34.400 --> 00:25:34.640 one 00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:34.960 another 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:35.160 is 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:35.799 developed 00:25:35.799 --> 00:25:36.819 not by 00:25:36.819 --> 00:25:37.440 sitting in 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:37.880 the pew 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:38.339 but by 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:38.779 serving 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.259 together 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:39.740 you know 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:40.180 part of the 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.860 misconception 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:42.500 being in 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:42.879 church 00:25:42.879 --> 00:25:43.599 is good 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:45.519 but it's 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:45.879 not the 00:25:45.879 --> 00:25:46.319 objective 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:47.379 the objective 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:47.859 is what 00:25:47.859 --> 00:25:48.459 happens 00:25:48.459 --> 00:25:48.799 when we're 00:25:48.799 --> 00:25:49.299 together 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:50.139 under the 00:25:50.139 --> 00:25:50.539 preaching 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:50.819 of the 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.179 word of 00:25:51.179 --> 00:25:51.459 God 00:25:51.459 --> 00:25:51.819 as we 00:25:51.819 --> 00:25:52.319 serve 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:52.819 God 00:25:52.819 --> 00:25:53.980 on Sunday 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:54.519 and throughout 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:55.059 the week 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.419 no matter 00:25:55.419 --> 00:25:56.179 what capacity 00:25:56.179 --> 00:25:56.619 it is 00:25:56.619 --> 00:25:57.399 that's what 00:25:57.399 --> 00:25:58.079 builds 00:25:58.079 --> 00:25:59.199 that love 00:25:59.199 --> 00:25:59.659 one for 00:25:59.659 --> 00:25:59.939 another 00:25:59.939 --> 00:26:00.399 that's what 00:26:00.399 --> 00:26:00.719 gives 00:26:00.719 --> 00:26:01.219 opportunity 00:26:01.219 --> 00:26:02.000 to display 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:02.480 that one 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:02.899 to another 00:26:02.899 --> 00:26:03.699 to build 00:26:03.699 --> 00:26:04.819 a commonality 00:26:04.819 --> 00:26:05.379 together 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:07.259 to be 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:07.839 encouraged 00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:08.279 in the 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:08.779 persistent 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.439 faith 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:10.180 you know 00:26:10.180 --> 00:26:10.640 because there's 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:11.640 always going 00:26:11.640 --> 00:26:11.900 to be 00:26:11.900 --> 00:26:12.400 things 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:13.380 that cause 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:14.380 disruptions 00:26:14.380 --> 00:26:15.299 in our 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:15.720 life 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:16.259 and we 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:16.620 need that 00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:17.340 encouragement 00:26:17.340 --> 00:26:18.299 practically 00:26:18.299 --> 00:26:18.960 it means 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:19.559 you need 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:20.400 to be a 00:26:20.400 --> 00:26:20.860 part of 00:26:20.860 --> 00:26:21.340 a gathering 00:26:21.340 --> 00:26:21.960 of believers 00:26:21.960 --> 00:26:22.720 that are 00:26:22.720 --> 00:26:23.080 bound 00:26:23.080 --> 00:26:23.519 together 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:23.820 in a 00:26:23.820 --> 00:26:24.220 common 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:24.799 faith 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.340 and 00:26:25.340 --> 00:26:26.000 practice 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:27.960 I want 00:26:27.960 --> 00:26:28.120 you to 00:26:28.120 --> 00:26:28.600 understand 00:26:28.600 --> 00:26:28.900 we're 00:26:28.900 --> 00:26:29.220 bound 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:29.660 by a 00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:29.940 common 00:26:29.940 --> 00:26:30.240 faith 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:30.680 a common 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:31.080 belief 00:26:31.080 --> 00:26:31.840 but also 00:26:31.840 --> 00:26:32.320 a common 00:26:32.320 --> 00:26:32.980 practice 00:26:32.980 --> 00:26:35.120 how do 00:26:35.120 --> 00:26:35.460 we put 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:36.279 that faith 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:36.539 into 00:26:36.539 --> 00:26:37.100 action 00:26:37.099 --> 00:26:39.179 that 00:26:39.179 --> 00:26:39.959 concept 00:26:39.959 --> 00:26:40.559 and idea 00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:41.279 is important 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:41.839 and Paul's 00:26:41.839 --> 00:26:42.279 encouraged 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.459 because those 00:26:43.459 --> 00:26:44.399 at Thessalonica 00:26:44.399 --> 00:26:44.959 didn't just 00:26:44.959 --> 00:26:45.699 say I trust 00:26:45.699 --> 00:26:46.059 God 00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:46.699 they said 00:26:46.699 --> 00:26:47.299 I live 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:47.719 trusting 00:26:47.719 --> 00:26:48.179 God 00:26:48.179 --> 00:26:49.459 I live 00:26:49.459 --> 00:26:49.919 for one 00:26:49.919 --> 00:26:50.240 another 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:51.159 I encourage 00:26:51.159 --> 00:26:51.859 one another 00:26:51.859 --> 00:26:52.740 we're still 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:53.439 together 00:26:53.439 --> 00:26:54.059 working 00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:55.219 for that 00:26:55.219 --> 00:26:55.719 you know 00:26:55.719 --> 00:26:56.319 notice that 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:56.740 through their 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.039 faith 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:57.439 though their 00:26:57.439 --> 00:26:58.099 faith was 00:26:58.099 --> 00:26:58.639 strong 00:26:58.639 --> 00:26:59.199 it was yet 00:26:59.199 --> 00:26:59.779 still not 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:00.059 fully 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:00.579 developed 00:27:00.579 --> 00:27:01.419 look at 00:27:01.419 --> 00:27:01.919 verse 10 00:27:01.919 --> 00:27:02.599 for a moment 00:27:02.599 --> 00:27:03.480 notice what 00:27:03.480 --> 00:27:04.119 Paul says 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:04.519 he says 00:27:04.519 --> 00:27:05.159 night and 00:27:05.159 --> 00:27:05.579 day 00:27:05.579 --> 00:27:06.299 praying 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:07.039 exceedingly 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.420 that we 00:27:07.420 --> 00:27:07.899 might see 00:27:07.899 --> 00:27:08.119 your 00:27:08.119 --> 00:27:08.599 face 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:09.460 and might 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:10.119 perfect 00:27:10.119 --> 00:27:10.680 that which 00:27:10.680 --> 00:27:11.259 is what 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:13.240 in your 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:13.700 faith 00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:14.019 you know 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:14.480 that causes 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:14.740 us to 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.079 ask a 00:27:15.079 --> 00:27:15.539 question 00:27:15.539 --> 00:27:17.200 if their 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:17.819 faith has 00:27:17.819 --> 00:27:18.700 been persistent 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:19.399 their faith 00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:19.740 has had 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:19.940 some 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:20.680 consistency 00:27:20.680 --> 00:27:23.159 you might 00:27:23.159 --> 00:27:23.579 ask what 00:27:23.579 --> 00:27:23.799 are they 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:24.200 lacking 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:24.740 they're 00:27:24.740 --> 00:27:25.099 lacking 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:25.680 a continued 00:27:25.680 --> 00:27:26.359 maturity 00:27:26.359 --> 00:27:27.500 of growing 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:28.180 up in the 00:27:28.180 --> 00:27:28.659 things of 00:27:28.659 --> 00:27:28.980 Lord 00:27:28.980 --> 00:27:29.559 of the 00:27:29.559 --> 00:27:29.740 Lord 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.000 you know 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.159 what 00:27:30.159 --> 00:27:30.399 when you 00:27:30.399 --> 00:27:30.819 mature 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:31.119 in the 00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:31.500 faith 00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:32.779 things quit 00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:33.359 blowing you 00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:34.000 around so 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.339 much 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:34.859 let me 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:35.220 put this 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:35.759 practically 00:27:35.759 --> 00:27:36.759 when somebody 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:37.440 offends you 00:27:37.440 --> 00:27:37.720 you don't 00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:38.039 get all 00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:41.259 they didn't 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:41.720 do what I 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:42.160 wanted them 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:42.660 to do 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:44.119 they didn't 00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:45.119 do what I 00:27:45.119 --> 00:27:45.720 expected 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:46.220 you know 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:46.839 a strong 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.240 mature 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:47.879 faith 00:27:47.879 --> 00:27:48.379 isn't 00:27:48.379 --> 00:27:48.839 dependent 00:27:48.839 --> 00:27:49.220 upon 00:27:49.220 --> 00:27:49.879 somebody 00:27:49.879 --> 00:27:50.299 else 00:27:50.299 --> 00:27:51.119 but a 00:27:51.119 --> 00:27:51.500 strong 00:27:51.500 --> 00:27:51.920 mature 00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:52.440 faith 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:53.180 impacts 00:27:53.180 --> 00:27:53.539 somebody 00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:53.879 else 00:27:53.879 --> 00:27:55.400 our 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:56.000 faith 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:56.700 is built 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:57.359 and dependent 00:27:57.359 --> 00:27:58.000 upon the 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.500 choice that 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.059 we make 00:27:59.059 --> 00:27:59.680 towards God 00:27:59.680 --> 00:27:59.940 and what 00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:00.379 God has 00:28:00.379 --> 00:28:00.700 said 00:28:00.700 --> 00:28:01.779 and that 00:28:01.779 --> 00:28:02.080 ought to 00:28:02.080 --> 00:28:02.480 mature 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:02.920 it needs 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:03.420 to grow 00:28:03.420 --> 00:28:04.100 a stable 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:04.700 faith 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.680 grows 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:07.039 and matures 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:07.799 you know 00:28:07.799 --> 00:28:08.140 look over 00:28:08.140 --> 00:28:08.840 to Luke 17 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:09.580 for a moment 00:28:09.580 --> 00:28:10.160 because this 00:28:10.160 --> 00:28:10.740 is a concept 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.200 that even 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:11.740 Jesus 00:28:11.740 --> 00:28:13.720 taught his 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.259 disciples 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:15.319 you know 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:16.160 in Luke 17 00:28:16.160 --> 00:28:17.279 we find here 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:18.059 that the 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:18.700 apostles 00:28:18.700 --> 00:28:19.680 asked Jesus 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.400 a question 00:28:20.400 --> 00:28:21.299 what they 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:21.660 ask 00:28:21.660 --> 00:28:22.180 increase 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:22.819 our what 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:24.600 faith 00:28:24.600 --> 00:28:25.259 give us 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:26.160 more faith 00:28:26.160 --> 00:28:26.539 how do we 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.039 get more 00:28:27.039 --> 00:28:27.380 faith 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:27.700 how does 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:28.319 our faith 00:28:28.319 --> 00:28:29.460 grow 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:31.980 notice what 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:32.720 Jesus said 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.019 and the Lord 00:28:33.019 --> 00:28:33.359 said if you 00:28:33.359 --> 00:28:33.879 had faith 00:28:33.879 --> 00:28:34.980 as a grain 00:28:34.980 --> 00:28:35.539 of a mustard 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:35.960 seed you 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:36.419 might say 00:28:36.419 --> 00:28:36.759 unto the 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:37.159 sycamore 00:28:37.159 --> 00:28:37.599 tree be 00:28:37.599 --> 00:28:38.139 thou plucked 00:28:38.139 --> 00:28:38.559 up by the 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:38.859 root and 00:28:38.859 --> 00:28:39.200 be thou 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:39.879 planted 00:28:39.879 --> 00:28:40.279 in the 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.079 sea and 00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:41.460 it should 00:28:41.460 --> 00:28:42.299 obey you 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:42.939 now I 00:28:42.939 --> 00:28:43.240 want you 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:43.399 to hear 00:28:43.399 --> 00:28:43.700 Jesus 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:44.119 here is 00:28:44.119 --> 00:28:44.759 using some 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:45.399 illustrations 00:28:45.399 --> 00:28:46.039 here for 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:46.399 them 00:28:46.399 --> 00:28:48.159 but he 00:28:48.159 --> 00:28:48.879 uses something 00:28:48.879 --> 00:28:49.399 that's very 00:28:49.399 --> 00:28:50.059 small the 00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:50.579 grain of a 00:28:50.579 --> 00:28:50.859 mustard 00:28:50.859 --> 00:28:51.319 seed 00:28:51.319 --> 00:28:52.159 the Bible 00:28:52.159 --> 00:28:52.700 tells us 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.720 it's very 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:54.359 small what 00:28:54.359 --> 00:28:54.839 he's referring 00:28:54.839 --> 00:28:55.119 to 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:56.099 later on 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:56.799 he describes 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:57.359 this same 00:28:57.359 --> 00:28:57.819 mustard 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:59.079 seed as 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.879 expanding 00:28:59.879 --> 00:29:01.220 and growing 00:29:01.220 --> 00:29:02.139 you know 00:29:02.139 --> 00:29:03.099 look up 00:29:03.099 --> 00:29:03.619 over to 00:29:03.619 --> 00:29:04.139 Luke chapter 00:29:04.139 --> 00:29:05.099 13 for a 00:29:05.099 --> 00:29:05.359 moment 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:06.259 notice what 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:06.679 it says 00:29:06.679 --> 00:29:07.079 here down 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:07.500 in verse 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.139 19 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:09.079 because a 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:09.779 mustard seed 00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:10.500 grows and 00:29:10.500 --> 00:29:11.240 matures into 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:11.919 something that's 00:29:11.919 --> 00:29:12.419 beneficial 00:29:12.419 --> 00:29:13.639 it says this 00:29:13.639 --> 00:29:14.339 it is like a 00:29:14.339 --> 00:29:14.700 grain of 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:15.319 mustard seed 00:29:15.319 --> 00:29:16.099 that a man 00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:16.659 took and 00:29:16.659 --> 00:29:17.779 cast it into 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.399 his garden 00:29:18.399 --> 00:29:18.779 and it 00:29:18.779 --> 00:29:19.299 grew and 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:19.779 waxed a 00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:20.319 great tree 00:29:20.319 --> 00:29:20.599 and the 00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:21.099 fowls of 00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:21.379 the air 00:29:21.379 --> 00:29:22.019 lodged in 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.460 the branches 00:29:22.460 --> 00:29:22.899 of it 00:29:22.899 --> 00:29:23.419 I want 00:29:23.419 --> 00:29:23.639 you to 00:29:23.639 --> 00:29:23.980 see here 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.339 what he's 00:29:24.339 --> 00:29:24.879 talking about 00:29:24.879 --> 00:29:25.200 here is 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:25.720 your faith 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.220 needs to 00:29:26.220 --> 00:29:26.599 grow 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:29.039 there needs 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:29.379 to be a 00:29:29.379 --> 00:29:29.939 maturity 00:29:29.939 --> 00:29:31.599 now I want 00:29:31.599 --> 00:29:31.759 you to 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:32.259 understand 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.119 he uses 00:29:33.119 --> 00:29:33.779 these 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:34.779 illustrations 00:29:34.779 --> 00:29:35.980 and even 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:36.379 though these 00:29:36.379 --> 00:29:37.019 illustrations 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:37.480 are not 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:37.959 directly 00:29:37.959 --> 00:29:38.480 connected 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:39.079 to 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:40.059 faith 00:29:40.059 --> 00:29:40.539 especially 00:29:40.539 --> 00:29:41.179 in 13 00:29:41.179 --> 00:29:41.699 he's talking 00:29:41.699 --> 00:29:42.039 about some 00:29:42.039 --> 00:29:42.279 other things 00:29:42.279 --> 00:29:42.539 but it 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:42.879 gives us 00:29:42.879 --> 00:29:43.599 that same 00:29:43.599 --> 00:29:44.240 application 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:44.879 it gives us 00:29:44.879 --> 00:29:45.659 understanding 00:29:45.659 --> 00:29:46.459 of this idea 00:29:46.459 --> 00:29:46.959 of a mustard 00:29:46.959 --> 00:29:47.399 seed 00:29:47.399 --> 00:29:49.659 it helps us 00:29:49.659 --> 00:29:50.579 understand that 00:29:50.579 --> 00:29:51.079 it's something 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:51.699 that has an 00:29:51.699 --> 00:29:52.359 expectation 00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:53.979 of growth 00:29:53.979 --> 00:29:55.299 an expectation 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:56.219 that becomes 00:29:56.219 --> 00:29:56.879 beneficial 00:29:56.879 --> 00:29:58.119 an expectation 00:29:58.119 --> 00:29:59.399 that doesn't 00:29:59.399 --> 00:30:00.539 stay stagnant 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:01.099 you know I'm 00:30:01.099 --> 00:30:01.740 not a master 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.559 gardener but the 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.299 one thing I know 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:03.979 that if a seed 00:30:03.979 --> 00:30:04.659 isn't put in the 00:30:04.659 --> 00:30:05.339 ground it doesn't 00:30:05.339 --> 00:30:06.000 do you any good 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:09.759 a seed in the 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:10.859 in the little 00:30:10.859 --> 00:30:12.779 paper container 00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:13.779 it comes in 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:16.039 in the shed 00:30:16.039 --> 00:30:16.839 will not produce 00:30:16.839 --> 00:30:17.339 you anything 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:18.479 because it's not 00:30:18.479 --> 00:30:19.500 a trophy to be 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.319 put on a shelf 00:30:20.319 --> 00:30:21.119 or something to be 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:21.859 stored it's something 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:22.699 to be put in 00:30:22.699 --> 00:30:23.500 to action 00:30:23.500 --> 00:30:24.279 to be planted 00:30:24.279 --> 00:30:25.599 to put forth 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.219 that which is 00:30:26.219 --> 00:30:26.839 required 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.899 so it might 00:30:27.899 --> 00:30:28.439 grow 00:30:28.439 --> 00:30:30.659 faith is the 00:30:30.659 --> 00:30:31.279 same in your 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.079 life it needs 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:32.599 to be put 00:30:32.599 --> 00:30:33.099 forth 00:30:33.099 --> 00:30:34.479 to do that 00:30:34.479 --> 00:30:35.000 and we see 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.379 that their 00:30:35.379 --> 00:30:35.899 faith 00:30:35.899 --> 00:30:37.219 had even 00:30:37.219 --> 00:30:37.859 though there 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:38.379 was a 00:30:38.379 --> 00:30:39.219 persistent 00:30:39.219 --> 00:30:40.039 faith I 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.319 mean you 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:40.939 look through 00:30:40.939 --> 00:30:41.919 all the way 00:30:41.919 --> 00:30:42.459 the different 00:30:42.459 --> 00:30:43.439 chapters that 00:30:43.439 --> 00:30:43.879 we've looked 00:30:43.879 --> 00:30:44.339 at Paul 00:30:44.339 --> 00:30:45.119 talks about 00:30:45.119 --> 00:30:46.240 their faith 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:46.539 and the 00:30:46.539 --> 00:30:47.179 greatness of 00:30:47.179 --> 00:30:47.740 their faith 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:48.199 you know 00:30:48.199 --> 00:30:48.939 chapter 1 00:30:48.939 --> 00:30:49.639 opens up 00:30:49.639 --> 00:30:49.919 he says 00:30:49.919 --> 00:30:50.319 remember 00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:51.159 without ceasing 00:30:51.159 --> 00:30:51.779 your work 00:30:51.779 --> 00:30:52.180 of faith 00:30:52.180 --> 00:30:52.720 your labor 00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:53.119 of love 00:30:53.119 --> 00:30:53.740 your patience 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:54.220 of hope 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:55.019 in our 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:55.639 Lord Jesus 00:30:55.639 --> 00:30:56.259 Christ 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:56.940 you know 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:57.619 you look down 00:30:57.619 --> 00:30:58.359 at verse 7 00:30:58.359 --> 00:30:58.940 he talks about 00:30:58.940 --> 00:31:01.559 the example 00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:02.839 of their faith 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:04.359 to those around 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:05.480 the world 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:06.440 there we find 00:31:06.440 --> 00:31:07.759 in chapter 2 00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:08.639 in verse 13 00:31:08.639 --> 00:31:09.899 it was something 00:31:09.899 --> 00:31:10.619 that was 00:31:10.619 --> 00:31:11.339 effectually 00:31:11.339 --> 00:31:12.799 working in them 00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:14.139 it was something 00:31:14.139 --> 00:31:15.099 that was functional 00:31:15.099 --> 00:31:16.559 and now we find 00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:18.559 in verse 6 00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:19.079 here it was 00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:19.980 that faith 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:20.720 and charity 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:21.140 he gives 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:21.299 him 00:31:21.299 --> 00:31:23.319 accommodations 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:24.440 for it 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:26.220 but his 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:26.860 desire 00:31:26.860 --> 00:31:27.900 was to give 00:31:27.900 --> 00:31:28.339 what they 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:28.740 were yet 00:31:28.740 --> 00:31:29.180 lacking 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:30.000 he wanted 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:30.420 them to 00:31:30.420 --> 00:31:30.860 grow 00:31:30.860 --> 00:31:31.500 and mature 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:32.720 Paul's 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:33.039 prayer 00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:33.559 was that 00:31:33.559 --> 00:31:33.880 God 00:31:33.880 --> 00:31:34.440 would allow 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:34.740 him 00:31:34.740 --> 00:31:35.319 to see 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:35.640 them 00:31:35.640 --> 00:31:36.099 again 00:31:36.099 --> 00:31:37.099 to speak 00:31:37.099 --> 00:31:37.740 personally 00:31:37.740 --> 00:31:38.319 building 00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:38.839 on what 00:31:38.839 --> 00:31:39.640 they lacked 00:31:39.640 --> 00:31:42.160 but until 00:31:42.160 --> 00:31:42.860 that time 00:31:42.860 --> 00:31:43.440 they needed 00:31:43.440 --> 00:31:44.160 to continue 00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:45.240 to persevere 00:31:45.240 --> 00:31:45.900 trusting 00:31:45.900 --> 00:31:46.720 that which 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:47.039 they had 00:31:47.039 --> 00:31:47.339 heard 00:31:47.339 --> 00:31:48.079 and received 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:48.920 from the 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.279 word of 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:49.700 God 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:51.200 our faith 00:31:51.200 --> 00:31:51.620 needs to 00:31:51.620 --> 00:31:52.000 continue 00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:52.599 to grow 00:31:52.599 --> 00:31:53.319 I want 00:31:53.319 --> 00:31:53.559 to let 00:31:53.559 --> 00:31:53.799 you know 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:54.059 anybody 00:31:54.059 --> 00:31:54.620 that thinks 00:31:54.620 --> 00:31:55.200 their faith 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:56.079 has completely 00:31:56.079 --> 00:31:57.200 matured 00:31:57.200 --> 00:31:59.160 has a problem 00:31:59.160 --> 00:31:59.839 because the 00:31:59.839 --> 00:32:00.680 reality is this 00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:01.140 I don't think 00:32:01.140 --> 00:32:02.059 we'll even 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:03.200 begin to grasp 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:04.440 when we get 00:32:04.440 --> 00:32:04.960 to glory 00:32:04.960 --> 00:32:05.539 I think we're 00:32:05.539 --> 00:32:05.759 going to have 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:06.099 a totally 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:06.819 different perception 00:32:06.819 --> 00:32:07.240 of a lot 00:32:07.240 --> 00:32:07.640 of things 00:32:07.640 --> 00:32:08.460 it's going 00:32:08.460 --> 00:32:08.759 to be that 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.200 light bulb 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:09.640 moment that 00:32:09.640 --> 00:32:10.160 we have 00:32:10.160 --> 00:32:10.519 sometimes 00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:10.920 like oh 00:32:10.920 --> 00:32:11.339 that's how 00:32:11.339 --> 00:32:11.859 that works 00:32:11.859 --> 00:32:12.519 even the 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:12.900 greatest 00:32:12.900 --> 00:32:13.759 theologians 00:32:13.759 --> 00:32:14.019 are going 00:32:14.019 --> 00:32:14.440 to be looking 00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:14.860 and going 00:32:14.860 --> 00:32:16.440 man I got 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:17.059 that wrong 00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:17.480 or I didn't 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:18.180 understand how 00:32:18.180 --> 00:32:18.620 that fit 00:32:18.620 --> 00:32:19.000 together 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:19.740 or you know 00:32:19.740 --> 00:32:20.460 there's passages 00:32:20.460 --> 00:32:21.100 in the Bible 00:32:21.100 --> 00:32:21.700 that we don't 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:22.259 understand 00:32:22.259 --> 00:32:24.340 a lot of 00:32:24.340 --> 00:32:24.900 speculation 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:25.759 about them 00:32:25.759 --> 00:32:26.259 but one day 00:32:26.259 --> 00:32:26.519 it's going 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:26.880 to become 00:32:26.880 --> 00:32:27.299 clear 00:32:27.299 --> 00:32:28.680 you know 00:32:28.680 --> 00:32:29.080 there was a 00:32:29.080 --> 00:32:29.360 lot of 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:30.019 things said 00:32:30.019 --> 00:32:30.860 in the Old 00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:31.220 Testament 00:32:31.220 --> 00:32:31.680 with the Old 00:32:31.680 --> 00:32:32.000 Testament 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:32.539 prophets 00:32:32.539 --> 00:32:33.080 the people 00:32:33.080 --> 00:32:33.360 of their 00:32:33.360 --> 00:32:33.660 day 00:32:33.660 --> 00:32:33.940 didn't 00:32:33.940 --> 00:32:34.539 understand 00:32:34.539 --> 00:32:35.420 but people 00:32:35.420 --> 00:32:35.880 of future 00:32:35.880 --> 00:32:36.620 generations 00:32:36.620 --> 00:32:37.640 looked back 00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:37.980 and said 00:32:37.980 --> 00:32:38.519 yes now 00:32:38.519 --> 00:32:38.960 I see 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:39.500 exactly 00:32:39.500 --> 00:32:40.019 what God 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:40.539 was talking 00:32:40.539 --> 00:32:41.019 about 00:32:41.019 --> 00:32:41.519 let me 00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:41.759 give you 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.340 an example 00:32:42.340 --> 00:32:43.080 in the 00:32:43.080 --> 00:32:43.840 Garden of Eden 00:32:43.840 --> 00:32:44.100 when 00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:45.759 God came 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:46.240 to Adam 00:32:46.240 --> 00:32:46.699 and Eve 00:32:46.699 --> 00:32:47.559 and told 00:32:47.559 --> 00:32:47.899 them that 00:32:47.899 --> 00:32:48.639 her seed 00:32:48.639 --> 00:32:49.000 was going 00:32:49.000 --> 00:32:49.359 to crush 00:32:49.359 --> 00:32:49.679 the head 00:32:49.679 --> 00:32:49.939 of the 00:32:49.939 --> 00:32:50.240 serpent 00:32:50.240 --> 00:32:52.240 I don't 00:32:52.240 --> 00:32:52.779 think Adam 00:32:52.779 --> 00:32:53.079 and Eve 00:32:53.079 --> 00:32:54.119 totally understood 00:32:54.119 --> 00:32:55.240 everything pertaining 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:55.719 to that 00:32:55.719 --> 00:32:56.459 there's some things 00:32:56.459 --> 00:32:57.139 been revealed 00:32:57.139 --> 00:32:57.719 to us 00:32:57.719 --> 00:32:58.579 and we see 00:32:58.579 --> 00:32:59.379 these pictures 00:32:59.379 --> 00:32:59.759 and we 00:32:59.759 --> 00:33:00.319 understand 00:33:00.319 --> 00:33:01.740 but he says 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.399 in the meanwhile 00:33:02.399 --> 00:33:03.579 while your faith 00:33:03.579 --> 00:33:04.399 is maturing 00:33:04.399 --> 00:33:05.939 there is something 00:33:05.939 --> 00:33:06.839 to apply 00:33:06.839 --> 00:33:08.059 in your life 00:33:08.059 --> 00:33:08.619 notice here 00:33:08.619 --> 00:33:09.480 in verse 12 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:10.240 he says 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:10.740 and the Lord 00:33:10.740 --> 00:33:11.160 make you 00:33:11.160 --> 00:33:11.480 to what 00:33:11.480 --> 00:33:12.059 increase 00:33:12.059 --> 00:33:12.839 and abound 00:33:12.839 --> 00:33:13.720 in love 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.359 one toward 00:33:14.359 --> 00:33:14.759 another 00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:15.579 and toward 00:33:15.579 --> 00:33:16.279 all men 00:33:16.279 --> 00:33:17.120 even as we 00:33:17.120 --> 00:33:17.960 do towards 00:33:17.960 --> 00:33:18.799 you 00:33:18.799 --> 00:33:20.900 to increase 00:33:20.900 --> 00:33:22.200 and abound 00:33:22.200 --> 00:33:23.599 because a 00:33:23.599 --> 00:33:24.240 persistent 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:25.620 stable faith 00:33:25.620 --> 00:33:27.480 grows also 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.799 in love 00:33:28.799 --> 00:33:30.980 now 00:33:30.980 --> 00:33:31.620 when we say 00:33:31.620 --> 00:33:32.059 love 00:33:32.059 --> 00:33:32.460 we need to 00:33:32.460 --> 00:33:33.259 define things 00:33:33.259 --> 00:33:33.980 what love 00:33:33.980 --> 00:33:34.519 are we talking 00:33:34.519 --> 00:33:34.900 about 00:33:34.900 --> 00:33:37.140 are we talking 00:33:37.140 --> 00:33:37.720 about what the 00:33:37.720 --> 00:33:38.599 world defines 00:33:38.599 --> 00:33:39.000 as love 00:33:39.000 --> 00:33:39.460 well you don't 00:33:39.460 --> 00:33:39.980 love me 00:33:39.980 --> 00:33:40.799 you know 00:33:40.799 --> 00:33:41.200 that's an 00:33:41.200 --> 00:33:41.779 emotional 00:33:41.779 --> 00:33:42.559 sensual 00:33:42.559 --> 00:33:43.420 attachment 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:44.160 of love 00:33:44.160 --> 00:33:44.920 that type 00:33:44.920 --> 00:33:45.299 of love 00:33:45.299 --> 00:33:45.740 is not 00:33:45.740 --> 00:33:46.480 our example 00:33:46.480 --> 00:33:47.980 you know 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:48.279 look over 00:33:48.279 --> 00:33:49.099 to 1st John 00:33:49.099 --> 00:33:49.940 chapter 4 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:51.500 1st John 00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:52.299 chapter 4 00:33:52.299 --> 00:33:53.099 it says this 00:33:53.099 --> 00:33:54.339 in verse 7 00:33:54.339 --> 00:33:54.579 beloved 00:33:54.579 --> 00:33:55.519 let us love 00:33:55.519 --> 00:33:56.000 one another 00:33:56.000 --> 00:33:56.660 for love 00:33:56.660 --> 00:33:57.619 is of God 00:33:57.619 --> 00:33:58.420 and everyone 00:33:58.420 --> 00:33:59.220 that loveth 00:33:59.220 --> 00:34:00.279 is born of God 00:34:00.279 --> 00:34:01.460 and knoweth 00:34:01.460 --> 00:34:02.599 God 00:34:02.599 --> 00:34:03.279 I want you 00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:03.980 to understand 00:34:03.980 --> 00:34:04.640 that when Paul 00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:05.460 talks about them 00:34:05.460 --> 00:34:06.640 increasing in love 00:34:06.640 --> 00:34:07.299 it's the love 00:34:07.299 --> 00:34:08.159 that God 00:34:08.159 --> 00:34:09.759 has displayed 00:34:09.759 --> 00:34:11.099 the love 00:34:11.099 --> 00:34:11.859 that God 00:34:11.859 --> 00:34:13.619 has revealed 00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:14.239 to us 00:34:14.239 --> 00:34:14.699 knowing 00:34:14.699 --> 00:34:15.739 a dynamic 00:34:15.739 --> 00:34:16.480 when it comes 00:34:16.480 --> 00:34:17.119 to love 00:34:17.119 --> 00:34:18.440 love impacts 00:34:18.440 --> 00:34:18.980 one another 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:19.619 it impacts 00:34:19.619 --> 00:34:20.420 our relationship 00:34:20.420 --> 00:34:21.019 it impacts 00:34:21.019 --> 00:34:22.299 how we encourage 00:34:22.299 --> 00:34:22.899 one another 00:34:22.899 --> 00:34:23.319 because 00:34:23.319 --> 00:34:23.899 you know 00:34:23.899 --> 00:34:24.619 it's interesting 00:34:24.619 --> 00:34:25.480 look over to 00:34:25.480 --> 00:34:25.960 1st Peter 00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:26.779 chapter 4 00:34:26.779 --> 00:34:27.799 1st Peter 00:34:27.799 --> 00:34:28.579 chapter 4 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:29.059 and look 00:34:29.059 --> 00:34:30.099 at verse 8 00:34:30.099 --> 00:34:30.480 it says 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:31.239 and above all 00:34:31.239 --> 00:34:31.879 things have 00:34:31.879 --> 00:34:32.799 fervent charity 00:34:32.799 --> 00:34:33.759 that is love 00:34:33.759 --> 00:34:35.179 among yourselves 00:34:35.179 --> 00:34:35.960 for charity 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:36.579 shall cover 00:34:36.579 --> 00:34:37.179 the multitude 00:34:37.179 --> 00:34:37.900 of sins 00:34:37.900 --> 00:34:38.400 you know 00:34:38.400 --> 00:34:38.539 what 00:34:38.539 --> 00:34:39.199 when believers 00:34:39.199 --> 00:34:40.039 as a body 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.840 learn to love 00:34:40.840 --> 00:34:41.420 one another 00:34:41.420 --> 00:34:42.960 it helps us 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:44.139 deal with offenses 00:34:44.139 --> 00:34:44.799 that come 00:34:44.799 --> 00:34:45.420 the right way 00:34:45.420 --> 00:34:46.440 it allows you 00:34:46.440 --> 00:34:46.980 to forgive 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:48.119 it allows you 00:34:48.119 --> 00:34:48.500 to move 00:34:48.500 --> 00:34:49.059 through 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:50.239 circumstances 00:34:50.239 --> 00:34:51.139 and situations 00:34:51.139 --> 00:34:52.039 it builds 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:52.819 a bond 00:34:52.819 --> 00:34:54.539 together 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.639 that dynamic 00:34:55.639 --> 00:34:56.579 of maturity 00:34:56.579 --> 00:34:57.880 it's needed 00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:58.779 as we mature 00:34:58.779 --> 00:34:59.400 in faith 00:34:59.400 --> 00:34:59.960 and knowledge 00:34:59.960 --> 00:35:00.500 of God 00:35:00.500 --> 00:35:01.799 it also allows 00:35:01.799 --> 00:35:02.500 us to love 00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:03.059 one another 00:35:03.059 --> 00:35:03.719 in light 00:35:03.719 --> 00:35:04.099 of our 00:35:04.099 --> 00:35:04.659 Savior's 00:35:04.659 --> 00:35:05.099 love 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:06.179 for us 00:35:06.179 --> 00:35:07.119 I want you 00:35:07.119 --> 00:35:07.299 to see 00:35:07.299 --> 00:35:07.980 a persistent 00:35:07.980 --> 00:35:08.559 faith 00:35:08.559 --> 00:35:08.980 grows 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:09.639 and mature 00:35:09.639 --> 00:35:10.339 and will 00:35:10.339 --> 00:35:11.039 increase 00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:12.019 in love 00:35:12.019 --> 00:35:12.879 and builds 00:35:12.879 --> 00:35:13.459 a firm 00:35:13.459 --> 00:35:14.239 foundation 00:35:14.239 --> 00:35:14.959 to walk 00:35:14.959 --> 00:35:16.480 blamelessly 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:17.699 before God 00:35:17.699 --> 00:35:18.579 notice that 00:35:18.579 --> 00:35:19.119 the object 00:35:19.119 --> 00:35:19.699 here is for 00:35:19.699 --> 00:35:20.519 every believer 00:35:20.519 --> 00:35:21.659 to be persistent 00:35:21.659 --> 00:35:22.959 in faith 00:35:22.959 --> 00:35:23.459 so that they 00:35:23.459 --> 00:35:24.159 might walk 00:35:24.159 --> 00:35:24.980 correctly 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:25.639 before the 00:35:25.639 --> 00:35:26.000 one 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:27.179 that redeemed 00:35:27.179 --> 00:35:27.559 them 00:35:27.559 --> 00:35:28.299 because 00:35:28.299 --> 00:35:28.980 we see 00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:29.239 here look 00:35:29.239 --> 00:35:29.539 down at 00:35:29.539 --> 00:35:30.359 verse 13 00:35:30.359 --> 00:35:31.199 he ends 00:35:31.199 --> 00:35:31.980 this chapter 00:35:31.980 --> 00:35:32.819 here with 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:33.480 this thought 00:35:33.480 --> 00:35:34.140 notice this 00:35:34.140 --> 00:35:34.440 thought 00:35:34.440 --> 00:35:35.059 it's important 00:35:35.059 --> 00:35:36.000 to the end 00:35:36.000 --> 00:35:36.519 he may 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:37.280 establish 00:35:37.280 --> 00:35:38.120 your hearts 00:35:38.120 --> 00:35:39.280 unblameable 00:35:39.280 --> 00:35:39.920 in holiness 00:35:39.920 --> 00:35:40.840 before God 00:35:40.840 --> 00:35:41.600 even our 00:35:41.600 --> 00:35:42.080 father 00:35:42.080 --> 00:35:42.700 at the coming 00:35:42.700 --> 00:35:43.019 of our 00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:43.559 Lord Jesus 00:35:43.559 --> 00:35:44.080 Christ 00:35:44.080 --> 00:35:44.800 with all 00:35:44.800 --> 00:35:45.640 his 00:35:45.640 --> 00:35:46.680 saints 00:35:46.680 --> 00:35:48.760 you know 00:35:48.760 --> 00:35:48.960 what it 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:49.380 tells us 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:49.680 we ought to 00:35:49.680 --> 00:35:49.920 have a 00:35:49.920 --> 00:35:50.380 maturing 00:35:50.380 --> 00:35:50.880 walk 00:35:50.880 --> 00:35:52.460 and we're 00:35:52.460 --> 00:35:52.620 going to 00:35:52.620 --> 00:35:53.120 talk about 00:35:53.120 --> 00:35:53.539 that when 00:35:53.539 --> 00:35:53.820 we get 00:35:53.820 --> 00:35:54.400 into chapter 00:35:54.400 --> 00:35:54.920 four 00:35:54.920 --> 00:35:55.559 of what 00:35:55.559 --> 00:35:56.039 a mature 00:35:56.039 --> 00:35:56.539 walk 00:35:56.539 --> 00:35:57.260 looks like 00:35:57.260 --> 00:35:57.740 because 00:35:57.740 --> 00:35:58.320 it's one 00:35:58.320 --> 00:35:58.740 thing to 00:35:58.740 --> 00:35:59.300 say something 00:35:59.300 --> 00:35:59.760 it's another 00:35:59.760 --> 00:36:00.100 to say 00:36:00.100 --> 00:36:00.420 what does 00:36:00.420 --> 00:36:00.720 it look 00:36:00.720 --> 00:36:01.059 like 00:36:01.059 --> 00:36:01.600 how many 00:36:01.600 --> 00:36:02.380 learn from 00:36:02.380 --> 00:36:02.720 seeing 00:36:02.719 --> 00:36:03.119 something 00:36:03.119 --> 00:36:03.399 done 00:36:03.399 --> 00:36:03.819 you know 00:36:03.819 --> 00:36:04.079 there's a 00:36:04.079 --> 00:36:04.259 difference 00:36:04.259 --> 00:36:04.399 between 00:36:04.399 --> 00:36:04.839 reading 00:36:04.839 --> 00:36:05.500 something 00:36:05.500 --> 00:36:06.739 and seeing 00:36:06.739 --> 00:36:07.199 something 00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:09.579 it sticks 00:36:09.579 --> 00:36:09.939 with us 00:36:09.939 --> 00:36:10.480 most if 00:36:10.480 --> 00:36:10.980 we read 00:36:10.980 --> 00:36:11.279 and we 00:36:11.279 --> 00:36:11.579 see 00:36:11.579 --> 00:36:11.799 and it 00:36:11.799 --> 00:36:12.000 puts 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:12.439 together 00:36:12.439 --> 00:36:13.839 that's 00:36:13.839 --> 00:36:14.139 part of 00:36:14.139 --> 00:36:14.679 education 00:36:14.679 --> 00:36:15.199 it's the 00:36:15.199 --> 00:36:16.119 information 00:36:16.119 --> 00:36:16.699 and then 00:36:16.699 --> 00:36:16.839 the 00:36:16.839 --> 00:36:17.439 application 00:36:17.439 --> 00:36:19.719 we need 00:36:19.719 --> 00:36:20.139 to see 00:36:20.139 --> 00:36:20.399 that 00:36:20.399 --> 00:36:21.159 application 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:21.419 that's 00:36:21.419 --> 00:36:21.559 that 00:36:21.559 --> 00:36:22.339 maturing 00:36:22.339 --> 00:36:23.219 among 00:36:23.219 --> 00:36:23.519 one 00:36:23.519 --> 00:36:23.899 another 00:36:23.899 --> 00:36:24.819 why 00:36:24.819 --> 00:36:25.519 because 00:36:25.519 --> 00:36:25.819 he's 00:36:25.819 --> 00:36:26.179 coming 00:36:26.179 --> 00:36:26.639 again 00:36:26.639 --> 00:36:26.919 you know 00:36:26.919 --> 00:36:27.159 no 00:36:27.159 --> 00:36:27.619 truth 00:36:27.619 --> 00:36:28.519 establishes 00:36:28.519 --> 00:36:28.980 the believer 00:36:28.980 --> 00:36:29.879 faster or 00:36:29.879 --> 00:36:30.239 better 00:36:30.239 --> 00:36:31.379 than this 00:36:31.379 --> 00:36:31.859 truth 00:36:31.859 --> 00:36:32.219 in the 00:36:32.219 --> 00:36:32.559 midst 00:36:32.559 --> 00:36:33.279 of our 00:36:33.279 --> 00:36:33.839 trials 00:36:33.839 --> 00:36:34.559 and testings 00:36:34.559 --> 00:36:34.779 these 00:36:34.779 --> 00:36:35.599 believers 00:36:35.599 --> 00:36:36.099 could be 00:36:36.099 --> 00:36:36.599 assured 00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:37.899 and encourage 00:36:37.899 --> 00:36:38.500 themselves 00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:38.899 with the 00:36:38.899 --> 00:36:39.439 promise 00:36:39.439 --> 00:36:39.939 of his 00:36:39.939 --> 00:36:40.319 coming 00:36:40.319 --> 00:36:41.019 when 00:36:41.019 --> 00:36:41.799 temptations 00:36:41.799 --> 00:36:42.399 came their 00:36:42.399 --> 00:36:42.839 way 00:36:42.839 --> 00:36:43.599 as they 00:36:43.599 --> 00:36:43.819 did 00:36:43.819 --> 00:36:44.419 daily 00:36:44.419 --> 00:36:45.959 all around 00:36:45.959 --> 00:36:46.159 them 00:36:46.159 --> 00:36:46.399 I mean 00:36:46.399 --> 00:36:47.019 temptations 00:36:47.019 --> 00:36:47.359 come in 00:36:47.359 --> 00:36:47.759 our life 00:36:47.759 --> 00:36:48.099 today 00:36:48.099 --> 00:36:50.099 you know 00:36:50.099 --> 00:36:50.480 you can't 00:36:50.480 --> 00:36:50.879 walk down 00:36:50.879 --> 00:36:51.239 the street 00:36:51.239 --> 00:36:52.079 without temptation 00:36:52.079 --> 00:36:52.699 facing you 00:36:52.699 --> 00:36:53.399 you can't 00:36:53.399 --> 00:36:53.839 turn on 00:36:53.839 --> 00:36:54.239 any type 00:36:54.239 --> 00:36:54.739 of media 00:36:54.739 --> 00:36:55.159 without 00:36:55.159 --> 00:36:55.719 temptation 00:36:55.719 --> 00:36:56.459 taking you 00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:58.139 our 00:36:58.139 --> 00:36:58.320 whole 00:36:58.320 --> 00:36:58.920 advertising 00:36:58.920 --> 00:36:59.400 culture 00:36:59.400 --> 00:36:59.740 is about 00:36:59.740 --> 00:37:00.039 tempting 00:37:00.039 --> 00:37:00.260 you 00:37:00.260 --> 00:37:00.579 to do 00:37:00.579 --> 00:37:00.940 something 00:37:00.940 --> 00:37:01.420 because 00:37:01.420 --> 00:37:01.740 you 00:37:01.740 --> 00:37:02.119 need 00:37:02.119 --> 00:37:02.559 this 00:37:02.559 --> 00:37:02.900 you 00:37:02.900 --> 00:37:03.139 have 00:37:03.139 --> 00:37:03.260 to 00:37:03.260 --> 00:37:03.400 have 00:37:03.400 --> 00:37:03.460 it 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:03.539 you 00:37:03.539 --> 00:37:03.800 can't 00:37:03.800 --> 00:37:03.960 live 00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:04.179 without 00:37:04.179 --> 00:37:04.519 it 00:37:04.519 --> 00:37:04.760 but I 00:37:04.760 --> 00:37:04.980 want 00:37:04.980 --> 00:37:05.079 you 00:37:05.079 --> 00:37:05.440 to see 00:37:05.440 --> 00:37:05.559 here 00:37:05.559 --> 00:37:05.960 they wanted 00:37:05.960 --> 00:37:06.380 to keep 00:37:06.380 --> 00:37:07.059 themselves 00:37:07.059 --> 00:37:08.199 clean 00:37:08.199 --> 00:37:08.900 and remembering 00:37:08.900 --> 00:37:09.720 that Christ 00:37:09.720 --> 00:37:10.440 might come 00:37:10.440 --> 00:37:11.000 that very 00:37:11.000 --> 00:37:11.480 day 00:37:11.480 --> 00:37:12.639 you know 00:37:12.639 --> 00:37:13.119 when we get 00:37:13.119 --> 00:37:13.699 tired 00:37:13.699 --> 00:37:14.740 and weary 00:37:14.740 --> 00:37:14.760 ! 00:37:14.760 --> 00:37:15.840 and we say 00:37:15.840 --> 00:37:16.260 well Lord 00:37:16.260 --> 00:37:17.019 this isn't 00:37:17.019 --> 00:37:18.099 working the way 00:37:18.099 --> 00:37:18.760 that we think 00:37:18.760 --> 00:37:19.220 it ought to 00:37:19.220 --> 00:37:19.519 work 00:37:19.519 --> 00:37:20.059 you know 00:37:20.059 --> 00:37:20.240 what 00:37:20.240 --> 00:37:20.720 when we keep 00:37:20.720 --> 00:37:21.280 our eyes 00:37:21.280 --> 00:37:21.800 on the fact 00:37:21.800 --> 00:37:22.420 he's coming 00:37:22.420 --> 00:37:22.840 again 00:37:22.840 --> 00:37:23.280 and we need 00:37:23.280 --> 00:37:23.559 to be 00:37:23.559 --> 00:37:24.059 faithful 00:37:24.059 --> 00:37:24.960 to him 00:37:24.960 --> 00:37:25.599 it changes 00:37:25.599 --> 00:37:25.900 our 00:37:25.900 --> 00:37:26.460 perspective 00:37:26.460 --> 00:37:28.279 and we're 00:37:28.279 --> 00:37:28.659 going to see 00:37:28.659 --> 00:37:29.099 here Paul 00:37:29.099 --> 00:37:29.739 wants them 00:37:29.739 --> 00:37:30.400 to mature 00:37:30.400 --> 00:37:31.320 in their 00:37:31.320 --> 00:37:31.820 walk 00:37:31.820 --> 00:37:32.279 not just 00:37:32.279 --> 00:37:32.619 to have 00:37:32.619 --> 00:37:33.340 a strong 00:37:33.340 --> 00:37:33.900 faith 00:37:33.900 --> 00:37:35.000 and a 00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:35.340 love 00:37:35.340 --> 00:37:35.779 one for 00:37:35.779 --> 00:37:36.079 another 00:37:36.079 --> 00:37:36.480 but it's 00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:37.000 to keep 00:37:37.000 --> 00:37:37.840 our eyes 00:37:37.840 --> 00:37:38.940 on eternity 00:37:38.940 --> 00:37:39.599 you know 00:37:39.599 --> 00:37:40.039 as you read 00:37:40.039 --> 00:37:40.559 through Luke 00:37:40.559 --> 00:37:40.940 12 00:37:40.940 --> 00:37:41.340 we don't have 00:37:41.340 --> 00:37:41.820 time to go 00:37:41.820 --> 00:37:42.199 through that 00:37:42.199 --> 00:37:42.820 this morning 00:37:42.820 --> 00:37:44.239 but you 00:37:44.239 --> 00:37:44.619 can read 00:37:44.619 --> 00:37:45.039 through that 00:37:45.039 --> 00:37:45.340 when we 00:37:45.340 --> 00:37:46.059 lose sight 00:37:46.059 --> 00:37:46.420 of his 00:37:46.420 --> 00:37:46.960 return 00:37:46.960 --> 00:37:47.699 our hope 00:37:47.699 --> 00:37:48.000 and our 00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:48.320 faith 00:37:48.320 --> 00:37:48.619 and our 00:37:48.619 --> 00:37:48.920 love 00:37:48.920 --> 00:37:49.119 will 00:37:49.119 --> 00:37:49.920 stagnant 00:37:49.920 --> 00:37:51.420 and cease 00:37:51.420 --> 00:37:52.019 to grow 00:37:52.019 --> 00:37:52.559 and mature 00:37:52.559 --> 00:37:53.340 because we 00:37:53.340 --> 00:37:53.579 lose 00:37:53.579 --> 00:37:53.980 sight of 00:37:53.980 --> 00:37:54.659 the expectation 00:37:54.659 --> 00:37:55.300 that he's 00:37:55.300 --> 00:37:55.599 coming 00:37:55.599 --> 00:37:56.460 Paul wanted 00:37:56.460 --> 00:37:57.059 their faith 00:37:57.059 --> 00:37:57.740 to continue 00:37:57.740 --> 00:37:59.139 to grow 00:37:59.139 --> 00:38:00.440 even though 00:38:00.440 --> 00:38:01.099 it encouraged 00:38:01.099 --> 00:38:01.599 him he says 00:38:01.599 --> 00:38:02.079 it can't 00:38:02.079 --> 00:38:02.780 stay where 00:38:02.780 --> 00:38:03.240 it is 00:38:03.240 --> 00:38:04.820 it needs 00:38:04.820 --> 00:38:05.440 to mature 00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:07.800 I don't 00:38:07.800 --> 00:38:08.099 think there's 00:38:08.099 --> 00:38:08.800 any greater 00:38:08.800 --> 00:38:09.960 truth in 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:10.519 the Bible 00:38:10.519 --> 00:38:11.079 that has 00:38:11.079 --> 00:38:11.559 a bigger 00:38:11.559 --> 00:38:12.320 impact on 00:38:12.320 --> 00:38:13.059 a believer's 00:38:13.059 --> 00:38:13.719 heart 00:38:13.719 --> 00:38:14.119 and our 00:38:14.119 --> 00:38:14.719 mind 00:38:14.719 --> 00:38:15.500 than the 00:38:15.500 --> 00:38:16.079 truth that 00:38:16.079 --> 00:38:17.139 Christ is 00:38:17.139 --> 00:38:17.840 coming 00:38:17.840 --> 00:38:18.360 again 00:38:18.360 --> 00:38:19.139 it's important 00:38:19.139 --> 00:38:19.360 I think 00:38:19.360 --> 00:38:19.820 sometimes we 00:38:19.820 --> 00:38:20.240 lose sight 00:38:20.240 --> 00:38:20.599 of that 00:38:20.599 --> 00:38:21.119 we get 00:38:21.119 --> 00:38:21.539 caught up 00:38:21.539 --> 00:38:21.760 in the 00:38:21.760 --> 00:38:22.280 craziness 00:38:22.280 --> 00:38:22.880 of life 00:38:22.880 --> 00:38:23.700 and lose 00:38:23.700 --> 00:38:24.160 sight 00:38:24.160 --> 00:38:26.420 that today 00:38:26.420 --> 00:38:26.780 could be 00:38:26.780 --> 00:38:27.180 the day 00:38:27.180 --> 00:38:27.800 because a 00:38:27.800 --> 00:38:28.320 persistent 00:38:28.320 --> 00:38:29.140 faith is 00:38:29.140 --> 00:38:29.519 one that 00:38:29.519 --> 00:38:30.640 reveals itself 00:38:30.640 --> 00:38:31.019 in our 00:38:31.019 --> 00:38:31.519 thoughts 00:38:31.519 --> 00:38:32.560 that's our 00:38:32.560 --> 00:38:33.000 heart 00:38:33.000 --> 00:38:33.320 and our 00:38:33.320 --> 00:38:33.780 walk 00:38:33.780 --> 00:38:34.420 that's 00:38:34.420 --> 00:38:35.000 blameless 00:38:35.000 --> 00:38:35.680 and holiness 00:38:35.679 --> 00:38:38.299 when we 00:38:38.299 --> 00:38:39.099 realize the 00:38:39.099 --> 00:38:39.819 importance 00:38:39.819 --> 00:38:41.119 of a 00:38:41.119 --> 00:38:41.500 faith 00:38:41.500 --> 00:38:41.940 that needs 00:38:41.940 --> 00:38:42.239 to be 00:38:42.239 --> 00:38:42.839 persistent 00:38:42.839 --> 00:38:43.199 but a 00:38:43.199 --> 00:38:43.719 persistent 00:38:43.719 --> 00:38:44.399 faith 00:38:44.399 --> 00:38:45.299 needs to 00:38:45.299 --> 00:38:46.179 be revealed 00:38:46.179 --> 00:38:47.219 in how 00:38:47.219 --> 00:38:47.919 we think 00:38:47.919 --> 00:38:49.199 and what 00:38:49.199 --> 00:38:49.619 we do 00:38:49.619 --> 00:38:51.419 and it 00:38:51.419 --> 00:38:52.039 impacts 00:38:52.039 --> 00:38:52.639 not only 00:38:52.639 --> 00:38:53.179 you but 00:38:53.179 --> 00:38:53.699 those 00:38:53.699 --> 00:38:54.980 around you 00:38:54.980 --> 00:38:56.659 you know 00:38:56.659 --> 00:38:57.199 this morning 00:38:57.199 --> 00:38:57.779 we need a 00:38:57.779 --> 00:38:58.279 persistent 00:38:58.279 --> 00:38:59.099 faith that 00:38:59.099 --> 00:38:59.919 continues to 00:38:59.919 --> 00:39:00.440 grow 00:39:00.440 --> 00:39:01.460 and to 00:39:01.460 --> 00:39:01.940 mature 00:39:01.940 --> 00:39:03.240 you know 00:39:03.240 --> 00:39:03.760 this morning 00:39:03.760 --> 00:39:04.200 is your 00:39:04.200 --> 00:39:04.639 faith 00:39:04.639 --> 00:39:05.119 growing 00:39:05.119 --> 00:39:05.760 has your 00:39:05.760 --> 00:39:06.440 understanding 00:39:06.440 --> 00:39:07.099 of God 00:39:07.099 --> 00:39:07.780 increased 00:39:07.780 --> 00:39:08.579 of who he 00:39:08.579 --> 00:39:09.260 is and what 00:39:09.260 --> 00:39:09.740 he's done 00:39:09.740 --> 00:39:10.139 is your 00:39:10.139 --> 00:39:10.900 love growing 00:39:10.900 --> 00:39:11.460 is your 00:39:11.460 --> 00:39:11.800 walk 00:39:11.800 --> 00:39:12.380 maturing 00:39:12.380 --> 00:39:14.800 because these 00:39:14.800 --> 00:39:15.039 are the 00:39:15.039 --> 00:39:15.860 results of a 00:39:15.860 --> 00:39:16.360 persistent 00:39:16.360 --> 00:39:17.159 faith that 00:39:17.159 --> 00:39:18.340 begins the 00:39:18.340 --> 00:39:18.900 moment you 00:39:18.900 --> 00:39:19.780 call upon the 00:39:19.780 --> 00:39:20.639 Lord as 00:39:20.639 --> 00:39:21.280 your savior 00:39:21.280 --> 00:39:23.400 it's the 00:39:23.400 --> 00:39:24.079 beginning of a 00:39:24.079 --> 00:39:24.700 walk with 00:39:24.700 --> 00:39:26.099 him that 00:39:26.099 --> 00:39:26.780 grows 00:39:26.780 --> 00:39:28.300 and matures 00:39:28.300 --> 00:39:30.680 through a 00:39:30.680 --> 00:39:31.260 persistent 00:39:31.260 --> 00:39:33.080 faith 00:39:33.080 --> 00:39:33.740 where's your 00:39:33.740 --> 00:39:34.320 faith this 00:39:34.320 --> 00:39:34.620 morning 00:39:34.620 --> 00:39:37.160 what's going 00:39:37.160 --> 00:39:37.740 on with it 00:39:37.740 --> 00:39:38.360 how is it 00:39:38.360 --> 00:39:38.880 impacting 00:39:38.880 --> 00:39:39.560 others is it 00:39:39.560 --> 00:39:40.300 growing is it 00:39:40.300 --> 00:39:40.760 maturing 00:39:40.760 --> 00:39:43.100 or is it 00:39:43.100 --> 00:39:44.260 stagnant 00:39:44.260 --> 00:39:45.780 as heads are 00:39:45.780 --> 00:39:46.320 bowed and eyes 00:39:46.320 --> 00:39:46.940 are closed this 00:39:46.940 --> 00:39:47.340 morning what 00:39:47.340 --> 00:39:48.200 about you today 00:39:48.200 --> 00:39:49.120 maybe the things 00:39:49.120 --> 00:39:49.760 of life have 00:39:49.760 --> 00:39:50.740 distracted you 00:39:50.740 --> 00:39:51.680 your faith has 00:39:51.680 --> 00:39:52.400 been stagnant 00:39:52.400 --> 00:39:52.820 instead of 00:39:52.820 --> 00:39:53.160 growing 00:39:53.160 --> 00:39:54.120 persistent 00:39:54.120 --> 00:39:54.660 faith 00:39:54.660 --> 00:39:56.720 heavenly 00:39:56.720 --> 00:39:57.340 fathers we 00:39:57.340 --> 00:39:57.800 just come 00:39:57.800 --> 00:39:58.180 before you 00:39:58.179 --> 00:39:58.699 this morning 00:39:58.699 --> 00:39:59.099 Lord you 00:39:59.099 --> 00:39:59.480 know each 00:39:59.480 --> 00:39:59.960 heart each 00:39:59.960 --> 00:40:00.399 life here 00:40:00.399 --> 00:40:00.759 today 00:40:00.759 --> 00:40:01.859 Lord I 00:40:01.859 --> 00:40:02.199 pray just 00:40:02.199 --> 00:40:02.480 have your 00:40:02.480 --> 00:40:02.899 hand upon 00:40:02.899 --> 00:40:03.519 each one 00:40:03.519 --> 00:40:04.639 Lord help 00:40:04.639 --> 00:40:04.919 us to 00:40:04.919 --> 00:40:05.579 understand the 00:40:05.579 --> 00:40:06.259 importance 00:40:06.259 --> 00:40:07.940 of not just 00:40:07.940 --> 00:40:09.299 a steadfast 00:40:09.299 --> 00:40:09.960 faith but a 00:40:09.960 --> 00:40:10.879 maturing faith 00:40:10.879 --> 00:40:12.819 a faith that 00:40:12.819 --> 00:40:14.359 changes grows 00:40:14.359 --> 00:40:15.239 and draws us 00:40:15.239 --> 00:40:16.219 closer to you 00:40:16.219 --> 00:40:18.199 through the 00:40:18.199 --> 00:40:18.759 truth of your 00:40:18.759 --> 00:40:19.079 word