WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.759 I remember a few years ago, not long after Sal and I had been married, we had the opportunity 00:00:04.759 --> 00:00:05.660 to go on a holiday. 00:00:06.520 --> 00:00:09.679 It was pre-kids, so it was one of the ones that was actually a holiday. 00:00:10.620 --> 00:00:15.320 And we got to go up to the Gold Coast with some friends, so we worked our way up the 00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:16.859 coast, stayed up there for a few nights. 00:00:16.960 --> 00:00:22.600 But the highlight was, me and my friend, as a surprise for our wives, got tickets to Dream 00:00:22.600 --> 00:00:27.900 World for New Year's Eve, which was fantastic because it meant there wasn't any kids running 00:00:27.900 --> 00:00:28.580 around Dream World. 00:00:28.579 --> 00:00:33.539 There was just adults in one of two categories, either those who had wasted money on the Dream 00:00:33.539 --> 00:00:37.859 World ticket and were getting drunk, or people like us who had bought the ticket to go and 00:00:37.859 --> 00:00:38.759 use rides all day. 00:00:39.379 --> 00:00:44.420 So there's a bunch of young adults running around Dream World going on all the rides, which was 00:00:44.420 --> 00:00:45.859 a fantastic night. 00:00:45.980 --> 00:00:52.320 But I remember it being a moment of clarity for my wife on exactly who I was as her husband. 00:00:53.159 --> 00:00:56.140 There's one particular ride at Dream World called The Claw. 00:00:56.140 --> 00:01:04.340 Now, to give you just a rough idea of what The Claw is, it's a circle of seats with a big long pole 00:01:04.340 --> 00:01:05.120 coming out the top. 00:01:05.239 --> 00:01:07.540 And basically, it goes upside down. 00:01:07.659 --> 00:01:08.400 It spins around. 00:01:08.540 --> 00:01:09.359 It does full loops. 00:01:09.420 --> 00:01:10.480 It does all sorts of things. 00:01:10.540 --> 00:01:12.620 And we were watching it as we walked through the gates. 00:01:13.039 --> 00:01:16.500 And straight away, there was a bit of nervousness from me. 00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:18.879 I don't mind rides. 00:01:18.879 --> 00:01:20.439 I don't mind things that go up and down. 00:01:20.939 --> 00:01:22.420 But I'm also quite lanky. 00:01:22.539 --> 00:01:25.439 And so when you strap me in, I don't feel like I'm actually contained. 00:01:26.060 --> 00:01:27.539 My arms and legs are going to go. 00:01:27.939 --> 00:01:31.719 And it just makes me worry that I'm going to slip out of whatever harness it is they've provided. 00:01:32.579 --> 00:01:34.879 But anyway, it was inevitable. 00:01:35.159 --> 00:01:39.000 We went around to The Claw first and queued up for that ride. 00:01:39.039 --> 00:01:39.560 And I'm watching. 00:01:39.819 --> 00:01:42.719 There's some people who are smaller than me, younger than me. 00:01:43.459 --> 00:01:47.939 There's 18-year-old girls queuing up to go on this ride, thinking this is going to be fantastic, 00:01:48.140 --> 00:01:51.200 and cheering as they go around, and then coming off with big smiles on their face. 00:01:51.799 --> 00:01:55.519 And at that point, my wife started to get a little bit nervous about this ride. 00:01:55.579 --> 00:01:56.620 And I thought, fantastic. 00:01:57.480 --> 00:01:59.539 So I began to say, look, it's OK. 00:01:59.659 --> 00:02:02.000 We don't have to go on the ride if you don't want to. 00:02:02.759 --> 00:02:06.180 I said, you know, it looks great, but it's OK. 00:02:06.359 --> 00:02:07.640 I'll stay off with you. 00:02:08.620 --> 00:02:10.960 Unfortunately, my friend's wife was like, no, no. 00:02:11.099 --> 00:02:11.759 Come on, you guys. 00:02:11.759 --> 00:02:12.620 You've got to come. 00:02:12.719 --> 00:02:13.579 Sal, we'll be fine. 00:02:14.060 --> 00:02:15.439 And she kept convincing her. 00:02:15.539 --> 00:02:17.799 And I'm trying to play the really brave husband. 00:02:18.019 --> 00:02:19.399 And I'm like, look, it's OK, Sal. 00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:22.359 I don't mind staying off with you if you want. 00:02:23.139 --> 00:02:26.179 And this conversation went on and on as we're getting closer and closer. 00:02:26.799 --> 00:02:29.840 And then finally, Sal goes, OK, I'll go on it. 00:02:29.879 --> 00:02:32.459 But Sam, you have to help me if I get scared. 00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:35.039 I'm like, yeah, that won't be a problem. 00:02:35.159 --> 00:02:35.639 That's fine. 00:02:36.620 --> 00:02:38.319 And so we're at the front of the queue. 00:02:38.319 --> 00:02:40.000 And the seats are emptying out. 00:02:40.239 --> 00:02:42.879 And the attendant points to us and invites us to our seats. 00:02:43.500 --> 00:02:44.479 We sit down. 00:02:44.680 --> 00:02:49.419 And Sal's starting to get very nervous as the harness comes down over the shoulders and suffocates you. 00:02:49.459 --> 00:02:50.239 Because it has to be tight. 00:02:50.299 --> 00:02:52.180 Otherwise, you're going to end up a suburb away. 00:02:52.780 --> 00:02:54.579 And she's starting to panic. 00:02:54.680 --> 00:02:56.219 And I can hear her breathing quickly. 00:02:56.780 --> 00:02:58.359 And so I'm like, it's fine, Sal. 00:02:58.359 --> 00:02:59.000 It's going to be fine. 00:02:59.019 --> 00:02:59.780 It's just a ride. 00:02:59.840 --> 00:03:00.359 Don't worry. 00:03:00.439 --> 00:03:01.740 It'll all be over really quickly. 00:03:01.939 --> 00:03:04.560 And I'm acting as tough as I possibly can. 00:03:05.100 --> 00:03:09.520 What happens next is, because this thing's about to do loops like this, they have to get rid of the ground. 00:03:09.580 --> 00:03:10.460 Otherwise, you're going to hit it. 00:03:10.780 --> 00:03:13.300 So suddenly, the ground that you've been standing on disappears. 00:03:13.960 --> 00:03:16.820 And you're kind of dangling in these seats strapped in. 00:03:17.439 --> 00:03:19.140 Sal starts going, oh, I'm not sure anymore. 00:03:19.180 --> 00:03:19.900 I'm not sure anymore. 00:03:20.400 --> 00:03:21.939 Internally, I was saying something similar. 00:03:22.760 --> 00:03:23.400 It's fine. 00:03:23.460 --> 00:03:23.840 It's fine. 00:03:23.860 --> 00:03:24.460 It's going to be OK. 00:03:24.540 --> 00:03:25.439 This will be great fun. 00:03:25.520 --> 00:03:25.960 Just smile. 00:03:26.080 --> 00:03:26.580 Enjoy it. 00:03:26.640 --> 00:03:27.300 Open your eyes. 00:03:28.100 --> 00:03:31.340 And then we start to swing just a little bit back and forth. 00:03:31.980 --> 00:03:33.400 And Sal's eyes closed. 00:03:33.540 --> 00:03:34.439 She's like, I can't look. 00:03:34.500 --> 00:03:35.040 I can't look. 00:03:35.360 --> 00:03:37.100 And I'm like, it's great. 00:03:37.180 --> 00:03:37.900 It's really exciting. 00:03:37.960 --> 00:03:38.520 It's fantastic. 00:03:38.920 --> 00:03:40.540 Thankfully, she was next to me, so she couldn't see. 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:42.460 But I'm playing tough. 00:03:42.520 --> 00:03:42.980 I'm playing tough. 00:03:43.040 --> 00:03:44.820 And then it's getting higher and higher. 00:03:45.300 --> 00:03:47.860 But for some reason, it always goes slow on the way up. 00:03:47.860 --> 00:03:50.400 It's like it's building suspense or trying to punish you or something. 00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:54.360 Until we got to the point where we were upside down and hanging. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:03:56.400 And you know it's about to happen. 00:03:56.400 --> 00:03:58.539 But you're thinking, is there any way I can stop it now? 00:03:59.300 --> 00:04:01.080 And so Sal is like, eyes closed. 00:04:01.200 --> 00:04:01.819 She's panicking. 00:04:02.120 --> 00:04:03.659 She might have been on the border of crying. 00:04:04.379 --> 00:04:06.280 And I'm like, it's OK. 00:04:06.400 --> 00:04:06.939 It's OK. 00:04:07.060 --> 00:04:08.180 And then we started to drop. 00:04:08.240 --> 00:04:11.300 And at that point, it didn't matter what I'd said, how much I'd faked, or what I'd acted. 00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:12.840 I squealed like a little girl. 00:04:12.860 --> 00:04:14.280 All the way down and around. 00:04:14.599 --> 00:04:16.360 Every swing from then on, spinning around. 00:04:16.819 --> 00:04:18.480 And I don't know if Sal knew it was me. 00:04:18.480 --> 00:04:22.120 But when we got off the ride at the end, there were some other kids that were like, 00:04:22.199 --> 00:04:23.699 did you hear that girl squealing? 00:04:23.780 --> 00:04:24.160 And there we go. 00:04:24.160 --> 00:04:29.840 And I'd put on this amazing show of how tough I was and what a great husband I was. 00:04:29.960 --> 00:04:32.960 But what's on the inside always comes out. 00:04:33.300 --> 00:04:35.020 It doesn't matter how well you pretend. 00:04:35.120 --> 00:04:37.240 It doesn't matter what a great show you put on. 00:04:37.520 --> 00:04:42.040 If internally something different is happening, eventually it's going to show up. 00:04:42.040 --> 00:04:49.560 Just a few years ago, one of the greatest athletes of our time became one of the greatest frauds of our time. 00:04:49.560 --> 00:04:59.720 Lance Armstrong had allegedly won multiple Tour de France's, survived testicular cancer, brain cancer, and lung cancer. 00:04:59.720 --> 00:05:02.520 Had marriages and kids. 00:05:02.520 --> 00:05:12.140 And then now we know that what was going on inside was a man so twisted by a need to win that he was willing to cheat and compromise his character over and over again. 00:05:12.139 --> 00:05:16.939 What is on the inside always comes out. 00:05:16.939 --> 00:05:25.279 When your reputation, the way that people see you, and your character, the person that you are when nobody is looking, don't line up, 00:05:25.279 --> 00:05:30.979 you can be sure that what's on the inside will always come out. 00:05:31.619 --> 00:05:34.159 And the same is true for us as followers of Jesus. 00:05:34.779 --> 00:05:38.539 If you're not genuine in your commitment to Jesus, 00:05:38.899 --> 00:05:42.659 if you have a double life, one that you show to us here at church, 00:05:42.899 --> 00:05:44.819 one that you show when people can see you, 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:48.399 and then a different one when you're by yourself or when you're with a different group of people, 00:05:48.399 --> 00:05:50.479 you need to be warned, 00:05:51.039 --> 00:05:54.839 what's on the inside will always come out. 00:05:55.819 --> 00:05:58.959 It might be that as you arrive at church on a Sunday morning, 00:05:59.359 --> 00:06:00.759 you feel this pressure. 00:06:01.479 --> 00:06:03.399 From the moment you drive in the driveway, 00:06:03.560 --> 00:06:08.099 you are concerned because you know that you're about to be surrounded by a whole bunch of really holy people. 00:06:09.079 --> 00:06:13.139 And so instantly, you switch on that bit of you that is nicer than you are at home. 00:06:13.779 --> 00:06:16.819 You switch on that bit of you that is more excited about the Bible 00:06:16.819 --> 00:06:18.699 than every other point in your week. 00:06:19.319 --> 00:06:24.199 You switch on that bit of you that is going to tell everybody else that you love Jesus the most, 00:06:24.659 --> 00:06:26.860 that you are the most excited about Him. 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:29.379 But the problem is, 00:06:30.120 --> 00:06:34.379 if what's on the inside and what's on the outside don't match up, 00:06:35.139 --> 00:06:37.980 what's on the inside will always come out. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:40.899 The message of the Sermon on the Mount, 00:06:41.060 --> 00:06:44.959 from the Beatitudes that we looked at last week and through the rest of chapter 5, 00:06:44.959 --> 00:06:47.579 is that from God's perspective, 00:06:48.359 --> 00:06:50.419 what's on the inside matters most. 00:06:51.139 --> 00:06:52.339 From God's perspective, 00:06:52.459 --> 00:06:54.339 it's the heart that He's interested in. 00:06:54.719 --> 00:06:55.859 And in the passage today, 00:06:55.979 --> 00:06:59.899 He wants to strip back that outside facade that we put on 00:06:59.899 --> 00:07:01.539 and show us what really matters. 00:07:02.120 --> 00:07:03.599 Have a look at verse 2 with me. 00:07:03.659 --> 00:07:08.539 He wants to challenge us about some of the displays that we put on for the wrong reasons. 00:07:08.659 --> 00:07:09.620 So I begin at verse 1. 00:07:09.620 --> 00:07:16.060 Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them. 00:07:16.759 --> 00:07:17.439 If you do, 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:20.939 you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 00:07:21.660 --> 00:07:24.139 Don't put on a show for the people around you. 00:07:24.199 --> 00:07:24.840 And the examples, 00:07:25.019 --> 00:07:25.519 verse 2, 00:07:25.519 --> 00:07:27.500 When you give to the needy, 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:30.720 do not announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites do in the synagogues 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:32.399 and on the streets to be honored by men. 00:07:32.660 --> 00:07:33.639 I tell you the truth, 00:07:33.759 --> 00:07:36.100 they have received their reward in full. 00:07:36.660 --> 00:07:37.540 Or verse 5, 00:07:37.540 --> 00:07:38.300 When you pray, 00:07:38.420 --> 00:07:39.640 do not be like the hypocrites, 00:07:40.020 --> 00:07:43.160 for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:45.180 to be seen by men. 00:07:45.760 --> 00:07:46.700 I tell you the truth, 00:07:46.780 --> 00:07:48.819 they have received their reward in full. 00:07:48.939 --> 00:07:49.840 And verse 16, 00:07:50.220 --> 00:07:51.060 When you fast, 00:07:51.140 --> 00:07:53.120 do not look somber as the hypocrites do, 00:07:53.420 --> 00:07:57.220 for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. 00:07:57.720 --> 00:07:58.840 I tell you the truth, 00:07:59.080 --> 00:08:02.180 they have received their reward in full. 00:08:03.180 --> 00:08:04.620 These are good things. 00:08:05.180 --> 00:08:06.740 Jesus is in opening this sermon and saying, 00:08:06.960 --> 00:08:07.340 don't pray. 00:08:07.860 --> 00:08:08.740 He is not even saying, 00:08:08.980 --> 00:08:09.939 don't pray in public. 00:08:10.460 --> 00:08:14.420 What he is showing us is that even good things that he has given us, 00:08:14.700 --> 00:08:17.280 even things that he has instructed us to do, 00:08:17.960 --> 00:08:21.720 can become just a means by which we put on a show for everyone around us. 00:08:22.420 --> 00:08:23.600 And the problem with that is, 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:24.780 is God is not fooled. 00:08:25.600 --> 00:08:25.879 I mean, 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:28.920 it is almost ridiculous to think that you would take something like this 00:08:28.920 --> 00:08:31.340 and twist it and make it a bad thing. 00:08:31.339 --> 00:08:33.399 But by perverting what is good, 00:08:33.879 --> 00:08:36.799 we have stumbled into the worst kind of hypocrisy. 00:08:37.720 --> 00:08:37.959 I mean, 00:08:38.079 --> 00:08:38.439 prayer. 00:08:39.059 --> 00:08:42.720 To pray in a way that you are seeking to impress other people 00:08:42.720 --> 00:08:44.879 is completely redundant. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:50.820 It is almost like me never saying anything nice to my wife when we are just alone, 00:08:51.399 --> 00:08:54.820 but in public being overly affectionate to her, 00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:58.799 overly positive to impress the other women around. 00:08:58.799 --> 00:09:02.559 Prayer is our opportunity to speak to God. 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:06.679 So to use it as some sort of performance to impress other people 00:09:06.679 --> 00:09:09.359 completely defeats the purpose of prayer. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:13.779 And so today Jesus is warning us, 00:09:14.440 --> 00:09:16.659 don't fake your love for him. 00:09:17.980 --> 00:09:21.120 Don't pretend because he is not fooled. 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:29.480 And following Jesus genuinely means living for an audience of one. 00:09:30.759 --> 00:09:35.420 It means switching off that part of you that is nervous about what everybody else will think 00:09:35.419 --> 00:09:42.639 or say about what you do and focusing your heart and your desire on the audience of one. 00:09:43.500 --> 00:09:45.659 On the God who is always there. 00:09:46.819 --> 00:09:50.519 But I guess the question we need to ask as we reflect on this passage this morning is 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:51.500 how can you be sure? 00:09:52.719 --> 00:09:57.240 How can you check your heart and figure out whether or not you are actually praying to God, 00:09:57.539 --> 00:09:58.679 giving for God, 00:09:59.279 --> 00:10:00.399 fasting for God, 00:10:00.959 --> 00:10:01.939 singing for God, 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:03.699 serving for God, 00:10:03.700 --> 00:10:07.320 rather than so that the people here at church will notice you and be impressed? 00:10:08.300 --> 00:10:08.800 Well, 00:10:09.180 --> 00:10:14.340 I think the key comes in comparing your private life with your public life. 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:18.360 If they're different, 00:10:18.680 --> 00:10:20.879 who are you trying to impress? 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:26.080 Do you read your Bible more when you're by yourself? 00:10:27.220 --> 00:10:30.360 Or when there's people around who will see you doing it? 00:10:30.360 --> 00:10:33.700 Do you pray more when you're by yourself? 00:10:34.180 --> 00:10:37.680 Or when you're at your community group and the people there will know whether or not you've prayed? 00:10:39.860 --> 00:10:45.100 Are you more excited about Jesus when you're alone and you are just reflecting on his grace to you? 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:50.240 Or when you're here and you know that everybody else can see what kind of a facial expression you've got? 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:58.379 Do you give more when it's public and everybody can see what you're doing? 00:10:59.419 --> 00:11:04.200 Or just whenever the opportunity is there because it is just your heart to be generous? 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:09.980 If your public life and your private life are different, 00:11:11.080 --> 00:11:12.980 you have to ask yourself the question, 00:11:13.140 --> 00:11:14.400 who are you trying to impress? 00:11:15.900 --> 00:11:18.259 Because the only one who matters is Jesus. 00:11:19.680 --> 00:11:21.040 No one else is worth it. 00:11:21.400 --> 00:11:24.980 That's a scary finish to each of those verses we just read out. 00:11:25.040 --> 00:11:25.920 The end of verse 2, 00:11:25.919 --> 00:11:44.699 If you go through the motions of being a Christian to impress people, 00:11:45.599 --> 00:11:47.299 that's all you'll ever get out of it. 00:11:47.699 --> 00:11:48.299 Some people think, 00:11:48.419 --> 00:11:50.059 Oh, what a great guy he is. 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:51.759 How generous he is. 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:53.559 How caring he is. 00:11:53.559 --> 00:11:55.240 How encouraging he is. 00:11:55.240 --> 00:12:01.460 But then they'll see someone else and be excited about their generosity and encouragement. 00:12:02.500 --> 00:12:04.200 If all you want is to impress people, 00:12:04.500 --> 00:12:05.580 you'll probably do it. 00:12:06.560 --> 00:12:07.759 But is it really worth it? 00:12:09.480 --> 00:12:13.159 The Christian life is one that demands whole-of-life commitment. 00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:15.539 Last week we looked at the Beatitudes 00:12:15.539 --> 00:12:19.379 and that God has flipped around everything that is success. 00:12:20.299 --> 00:12:23.759 Is it worth giving up all the things that the world is telling you matter 00:12:23.759 --> 00:12:26.000 if you're just doing it to impress people? 00:12:26.779 --> 00:12:29.899 The only one who really matters is the audience of one. 00:12:30.720 --> 00:12:31.399 Your Creator. 00:12:32.120 --> 00:12:32.779 Your God. 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:36.019 And He is always with you. 00:12:36.919 --> 00:12:40.080 The psalmist in Psalm 139 asked the question, 00:12:40.179 --> 00:12:41.840 Where could I go to hide from God? 00:12:42.559 --> 00:12:44.439 If I go up to the heavens, He is there. 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:46.740 If I go down to the depths, He is there. 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:50.560 If I hide in the darkness, even darkness is light to Him. 00:12:51.840 --> 00:12:52.880 God is everywhere. 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:56.440 If you are different when you are alone 00:12:56.440 --> 00:12:59.800 compared to when you are among your church family 00:12:59.800 --> 00:13:01.740 or among Christian brothers and sisters, 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:04.180 I ask you the question, 00:13:04.300 --> 00:13:05.680 Who are you trying to impress? 00:13:05.679 --> 00:13:09.399 Do you need to realize that God is there 00:13:09.399 --> 00:13:11.659 even when the doors are closed and you are by yourself? 00:13:12.859 --> 00:13:14.899 Or do you need to ask yourself the question, 00:13:15.019 --> 00:13:18.259 Am I distracted by something less important? 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:20.439 By someone less worthy? 00:13:23.739 --> 00:13:27.239 Imagine living your life as a Christian 00:13:27.239 --> 00:13:31.259 and convincing everyone you know that you are genuine, 00:13:31.479 --> 00:13:32.419 that you are the real deal, 00:13:32.539 --> 00:13:33.399 that you are serious, 00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:37.299 except for the one person who matters. 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:43.399 It's like being pulled over by the police 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:45.019 with a carload of friends for speeding. 00:13:45.980 --> 00:13:48.500 And you work really hard to convince everyone in the car 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:50.199 that you weren't actually speeding, 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:52.039 that there's been some sort of mistake. 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:55.759 Even if everybody in the car believes you, 00:13:56.419 --> 00:13:57.639 if the policeman doesn't, 00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:59.039 you're still going to get a fine. 00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:03.220 There are some really scary words in chapter 7, 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:04.840 and let me read for you from verse 21. 00:14:05.220 --> 00:14:05.820 Verse 21. 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:08.160 Not everyone who says to me, 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:09.040 Lord, Lord, 00:14:09.200 --> 00:14:11.019 will enter the kingdom of heaven, 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:13.980 but only he who does the will of my Father 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:14.820 who is in heaven. 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:17.440 Many will say to me on that day, 00:14:17.540 --> 00:14:18.200 Lord, Lord, 00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:19.980 did we not prophesy in your name, 00:14:20.240 --> 00:14:21.860 and in your name drive out demons 00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:23.259 and perform many miracles? 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.600 Then I will tell them plainly, 00:14:25.920 --> 00:14:27.060 I never knew you. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:29.759 Away from me, you evildoers. 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:35.159 Can you imagine spending your whole life 00:14:35.159 --> 00:14:36.639 convincing everyone around you 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:37.659 that you love Jesus? 00:14:38.319 --> 00:14:39.519 Convincing everyone around you 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:40.259 that you're a Christian. 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:42.220 Maybe even starting to convince yourself. 00:14:43.500 --> 00:14:45.759 But missing out on the one person who matters. 00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:48.200 The God who made you, 00:14:48.580 --> 00:14:49.539 who loves you, 00:14:49.759 --> 00:14:51.179 who sent his son for you, 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.939 and who will ultimately decide 00:14:52.939 --> 00:14:54.659 whether or not you spend eternity 00:14:54.659 --> 00:14:55.659 in heaven with him 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:58.079 or separated from him. 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:03.539 There's an interesting little word in here 00:15:03.539 --> 00:15:05.699 which I think we can't just skip past. 00:15:06.100 --> 00:15:07.199 I was having a conversation 00:15:07.199 --> 00:15:10.539 with Mike Casson about this last week. 00:15:11.379 --> 00:15:13.839 We are challenged about the inferior reward 00:15:13.839 --> 00:15:15.120 that we might be seeking 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:16.139 if we're trying to perform 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:17.279 for the people around us. 00:15:17.559 --> 00:15:19.659 But there's the promise of another reward. 00:15:20.699 --> 00:15:24.079 Have a look in verse 3 and 4. 00:15:24.080 --> 00:15:26.340 When you give to the needy, 00:15:26.440 --> 00:15:27.720 do not let your left hand know 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:28.980 what your right hand is doing 00:15:28.980 --> 00:15:30.920 so that your giving may be in secret. 00:15:31.160 --> 00:15:32.700 Then your father, 00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:34.280 who sees what is done in secret, 00:15:34.400 --> 00:15:35.960 will reward you. 00:15:36.900 --> 00:15:38.160 Or in verse 6, 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:39.580 When you pray, 00:15:39.700 --> 00:15:40.560 go into your room, 00:15:40.680 --> 00:15:41.280 close the door, 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:43.080 and pray to your father who is unseen. 00:15:43.420 --> 00:15:44.220 Then your father, 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:45.680 who sees what is done in secret, 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:47.400 will reward you. 00:15:48.300 --> 00:15:49.620 Or in verse 17, 00:15:49.960 --> 00:15:50.980 When you fast, 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:52.060 put oil on your head 00:15:52.059 --> 00:15:53.019 and wash your face 00:15:53.019 --> 00:15:54.359 so that it will not be obvious 00:15:54.359 --> 00:15:55.699 to men that you are fasting, 00:15:56.119 --> 00:15:57.359 but only to your father, 00:15:57.479 --> 00:15:58.319 who is unseen. 00:15:58.719 --> 00:15:59.500 And your father, 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:01.259 who sees what is done in secret, 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:03.379 will reward you. 00:16:04.559 --> 00:16:06.079 It sounds like we're just trading 00:16:06.079 --> 00:16:07.099 a dodgy reward 00:16:07.099 --> 00:16:08.059 for a better reward. 00:16:08.919 --> 00:16:10.399 It sounds like we're getting paid 00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:12.739 for our commitment to Jesus. 00:16:13.519 --> 00:16:16.019 But what exactly is this reward? 00:16:16.539 --> 00:16:17.879 It's not the same thing 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:19.519 as putting on a show 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:21.139 and then getting praise for it. 00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:23.299 It's not that we give to the needy 00:16:23.299 --> 00:16:24.259 and then turn to God 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:24.539 and say, 00:16:24.620 --> 00:16:25.259 OK, what do I get? 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:28.120 It's not that we pray in private 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:29.079 and then we turn to God 00:16:29.079 --> 00:16:29.379 and say, 00:16:29.480 --> 00:16:31.000 OK, what am I getting? 00:16:31.079 --> 00:16:31.779 What's the benefit? 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:34.659 There is a fantastic C.S. Lewis quote 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:36.460 which helps us understand 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:37.559 the nature of gifts. 00:16:38.340 --> 00:16:39.600 The proper rewards 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:41.500 are not simply tacked on 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:42.240 to the activity 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:43.259 for which they are given, 00:16:43.819 --> 00:16:45.740 but are the activity itself 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:47.399 in consummation. 00:16:47.399 --> 00:16:49.720 What he's getting at there 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.759 is that when we give 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:52.399 with a heart 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:53.579 that seeks to honour God, 00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:54.559 when we give that a heart 00:16:54.559 --> 00:16:55.259 that is generous 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.360 because God has been 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:57.340 generous to us 00:16:57.340 --> 00:16:59.500 and because we are grateful 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:00.740 for all He has provided, 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:03.639 giving itself is a reward. 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:05.359 When we are distracted 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:06.559 by what may come, 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:08.400 what people may think of us, 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:09.680 we lose the benefit. 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.660 When we pray 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:12.660 out of dependence on God 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:13.720 and out of love for Him, 00:17:14.019 --> 00:17:15.139 the chance to speak 00:17:15.140 --> 00:17:16.020 to our Creator, 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:17.480 the chance to speak 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:18.800 to the Almighty God 00:17:18.800 --> 00:17:19.940 is the reward 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:22.740 and there is no greater reward. 00:17:24.320 --> 00:17:26.520 The reward that Jesus speaks about 00:17:26.520 --> 00:17:27.480 here in this sermon 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:29.680 is that the acts of righteousness 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:31.040 are no longer a burden, 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:32.820 are no longer a show 00:17:32.820 --> 00:17:33.880 that we must put on, 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:34.820 are no longer hoops 00:17:34.820 --> 00:17:35.920 that we must jump through, 00:17:36.320 --> 00:17:38.240 but they are a labour of love. 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:40.560 They are things that bless 00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:41.440 and feed us 00:17:41.440 --> 00:17:42.519 as we seek to love 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:44.079 and serve our Holy God. 00:17:45.159 --> 00:17:46.480 If you want to be genuine 00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:48.659 in your acts of righteousness, 00:17:49.460 --> 00:17:50.440 genuine in your life 00:17:50.440 --> 00:17:51.079 as a Christian, 00:17:51.659 --> 00:17:52.879 you must live 00:17:52.879 --> 00:17:54.819 for the audience of one. 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.819 You must close your eyes 00:17:56.819 --> 00:17:57.480 to the pressure 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.139 and distraction 00:17:58.139 --> 00:17:59.399 of the people around you 00:17:59.399 --> 00:18:01.700 and check your heart. 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.919 Why am I doing this? 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:06.259 Secondly, 00:18:07.139 --> 00:18:08.220 how can you make sure 00:18:08.220 --> 00:18:08.759 you're genuine? 00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:11.099 Let your reputation 00:18:11.099 --> 00:18:13.599 overflow from your character. 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:15.819 Let what is outside 00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:16.779 be the result 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:17.879 of what is inside. 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:19.700 If people look at you 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:20.500 and ask questions 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.779 about your commitment to God, 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:22.460 ask questions 00:18:22.460 --> 00:18:23.339 about your obedience, 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.779 the answer is not 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:25.920 to convince those people 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:27.000 that you're actually committed 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:28.099 and you're actually obedient. 00:18:28.879 --> 00:18:30.379 And that's good news. 00:18:31.799 --> 00:18:33.859 That's actually a weight lifted. 00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:36.299 You don't have to put on a show. 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:37.799 Instead, 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:39.940 Jesus calls you to focus 00:18:39.940 --> 00:18:41.399 on what's inside, 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:43.480 to focus on your heart, 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:45.399 to focus on a love for Him. 00:18:46.139 --> 00:18:47.180 That is good news 00:18:47.180 --> 00:18:47.839 because no matter 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:49.119 how hard you try, 00:18:49.759 --> 00:18:51.139 you will never be good enough 00:18:51.139 --> 00:18:51.759 to convince 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:53.200 even the people around you, 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.099 let alone God, 00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:55.659 if your heart 00:18:55.659 --> 00:18:56.899 is not in love with Him. 00:18:56.900 --> 00:18:59.180 Jesus says, 00:18:59.180 --> 00:19:00.600 let your public worship, 00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:01.660 let the person that you are 00:19:01.660 --> 00:19:02.540 when people are around 00:19:02.540 --> 00:19:03.540 be the overflow 00:19:03.540 --> 00:19:05.180 of your private worship. 00:19:06.500 --> 00:19:08.180 Let the person that you are 00:19:08.180 --> 00:19:10.420 when other Christian brothers 00:19:10.420 --> 00:19:11.440 and sisters see you 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:12.480 in your community group 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:13.400 here at church, 00:19:14.060 --> 00:19:15.240 even when you're out shopping 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:16.440 or spending time with family, 00:19:16.560 --> 00:19:17.480 let that person 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:19.140 be who you are in private, 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:20.180 overflowing. 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:22.960 Let the way that you read 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:24.320 God's word by yourself 00:19:24.320 --> 00:19:25.960 be the way that you read 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:27.299 God's word here at church. 00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:29.500 Work on the inside 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:31.519 and the outside will follow 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.900 because what is on the inside 00:19:32.900 --> 00:19:34.299 always comes out. 00:19:34.440 --> 00:19:35.180 Let your heart 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:36.660 drive your hands and feet. 00:19:37.620 --> 00:19:39.080 There is an oppressive version 00:19:39.080 --> 00:19:40.019 of following Jesus. 00:19:40.580 --> 00:19:41.660 It's the version where 00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:42.860 you get told everything 00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:44.200 that you are doing wrong 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:46.120 and try and fix it all. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:48.099 You get told that 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:49.279 you're not encouraging enough 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.739 and so you spend the next week 00:19:50.739 --> 00:19:51.500 trying really hard 00:19:51.500 --> 00:19:52.219 to be encouraging. 00:19:52.639 --> 00:19:53.439 You get told that 00:19:53.439 --> 00:19:54.279 you're not praying enough 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:55.459 so you put in a disciplined 00:19:55.459 --> 00:19:56.539 regime of prayer 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:57.659 where you get up at 6am 00:19:57.659 --> 00:19:58.699 every day to pray for an hour. 00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:00.339 You get told that 00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:01.439 you're not serving enough 00:20:01.439 --> 00:20:03.139 so you fill every waking moment 00:20:03.139 --> 00:20:03.919 with service. 00:20:04.699 --> 00:20:06.059 That is an oppressive version 00:20:06.059 --> 00:20:06.899 of following Jesus 00:20:06.899 --> 00:20:08.039 where you just get burden 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:08.859 after burden. 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:11.019 But Jesus is saying here 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:12.199 in his Sermon on the Mount 00:20:12.199 --> 00:20:14.779 what he is calling us to 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:16.180 is to love him. 00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:18.899 And then that love 00:20:18.899 --> 00:20:21.099 will overflow in service. 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:23.399 It will overflow in prayer. 00:20:23.619 --> 00:20:24.779 Not so that people see 00:20:24.779 --> 00:20:25.440 but because there is 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.379 no greater joy 00:20:26.379 --> 00:20:27.500 than talking to the God 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:28.559 who loved us enough 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:29.839 to send his son 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:30.819 to die for us. 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:33.819 It is the love for him 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:35.299 that overflows in generosity 00:20:35.299 --> 00:20:37.240 because we have been shown 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:38.160 generosity. 00:20:40.139 --> 00:20:41.160 Following Jesus 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:42.500 is between you 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.519 and him. 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:47.980 The opinion of nobody else 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:48.599 matters 00:20:48.599 --> 00:20:50.259 when it comes to you 00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:51.299 standing before God 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:52.279 in that final day. 00:20:55.339 --> 00:20:56.660 And so even when 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:57.799 no one is watching 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:59.279 especially 00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:01.000 when no one is watching 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:03.259 Jesus is still there 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.200 right by your side. 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:07.660 If you wish to live a life 00:21:07.660 --> 00:21:09.559 of genuine devotion to God 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:11.819 the instruction in this passage is 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:14.700 let your reputation 00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:16.799 overflow from your character. 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:19.659 Work on the inside. 00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:22.419 Work on your love for him 00:21:22.419 --> 00:21:23.619 when no one else is watching 00:21:23.619 --> 00:21:25.279 and that will shape 00:21:25.279 --> 00:21:26.720 the person that you are 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:27.960 when people are watching. 00:21:28.819 --> 00:21:30.240 But there is a bit of a tension here. 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:30.859 If you remember 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:32.059 last week we read 00:21:32.059 --> 00:21:34.559 in verse 16 of chapter 5 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:36.960 let your light shine before men 00:21:36.960 --> 00:21:38.679 that they may see your good deeds 00:21:38.679 --> 00:21:40.339 and praise your Father in heaven. 00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:42.539 So just one chapter ago 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:44.000 we are told to be public 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:44.819 and obvious 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.799 in our love for Jesus 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:47.339 so that God gets glory. 00:21:47.759 --> 00:21:48.659 Now we have been told 00:21:48.659 --> 00:21:49.579 to give privately 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:50.899 pray privately 00:21:50.899 --> 00:21:53.199 and fast subtly. 00:21:54.159 --> 00:21:54.819 How do we hold 00:21:54.819 --> 00:21:55.819 those two things together? 00:21:56.439 --> 00:21:57.919 Again another really helpful quote 00:21:57.919 --> 00:21:58.419 that I have read 00:21:58.419 --> 00:21:59.159 during this week. 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:00.799 Basically 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.859 show 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:02.899 when you are tempted 00:22:02.899 --> 00:22:03.500 to hide 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.919 and hide 00:22:04.919 --> 00:22:05.500 when you are tempted 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:06.039 to show. 00:22:06.919 --> 00:22:07.980 The issue isn't 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:08.759 whether or not you pray 00:22:08.759 --> 00:22:09.799 in public or private. 00:22:10.279 --> 00:22:11.200 The issue isn't 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:12.039 whether people know 00:22:12.039 --> 00:22:12.839 whether you give 00:22:12.839 --> 00:22:13.700 or what you are giving 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.440 or not giving. 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:15.539 The issue isn't 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.660 whether people are aware 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:17.460 that you are fasting 00:22:17.460 --> 00:22:18.460 or not fasting. 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:20.379 The issue is your heart. 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:22.119 The issue is the motivation. 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.619 If you are tempted 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.480 to be private 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:25.379 because you don't want 00:22:25.379 --> 00:22:26.019 people to know 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:27.039 that you are following Jesus 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:28.259 then the message 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:29.200 of chapter 5 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:30.619 is let your light shine. 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.640 If you are tempted 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.900 to show everybody 00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:34.740 so that they think 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.300 you are impressive 00:22:35.300 --> 00:22:35.860 and holy 00:22:35.860 --> 00:22:37.500 then the message is 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.860 go into your room 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:39.600 shut the door 00:22:39.600 --> 00:22:40.480 and do it before 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.840 your heavenly father alone. 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:43.640 Before the audience 00:22:43.640 --> 00:22:44.140 of one. 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:46.960 If you want 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:47.700 to be genuine 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:50.360 close your eyes 00:22:50.360 --> 00:22:50.920 to the people 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:51.560 around you 00:22:51.560 --> 00:22:52.240 and live 00:22:52.240 --> 00:22:54.259 for your heavenly father 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:54.720 alone. 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:57.220 He is not asking 00:22:57.220 --> 00:22:58.660 for mere actions 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.540 or words. 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:01.740 He demands 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.340 your heart 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:03.480 and nothing less. 00:23:05.639 --> 00:23:06.079 Reputation 00:23:06.079 --> 00:23:06.959 is just what people 00:23:06.959 --> 00:23:07.659 think of you 00:23:07.659 --> 00:23:09.159 but if you want 00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:10.199 to be real with God 00:23:10.199 --> 00:23:11.000 then what matters 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.799 is your character. 00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:13.419 What matters 00:23:13.419 --> 00:23:14.039 is the person 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:14.519 that you are 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:15.419 when nobody's looking 00:23:15.419 --> 00:23:16.959 because what's 00:23:16.959 --> 00:23:17.699 on the inside 00:23:17.699 --> 00:23:19.339 will always 00:23:19.339 --> 00:23:20.339 come out. 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:23.559 Let me pray for us. 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:28.980 Father God 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.879 we want to acknowledge 00:23:29.879 --> 00:23:31.259 that it is so easy 00:23:31.259 --> 00:23:33.119 to take good things 00:23:33.119 --> 00:23:33.579 that you have 00:23:33.579 --> 00:23:34.240 given us 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:36.200 and then use them 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:36.779 as a means 00:23:36.779 --> 00:23:37.839 of self-promotion. 00:23:39.099 --> 00:23:39.879 We want to 00:23:39.879 --> 00:23:40.839 confess that 00:23:40.839 --> 00:23:42.720 we do feel 00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:43.299 the pressure 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:45.559 of being good 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:46.619 or being better 00:23:46.619 --> 00:23:47.440 when we're around 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:47.839 people. 00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:49.379 We do feel 00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:49.839 the pressure 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:50.460 of living up 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:51.359 to the expectations 00:23:51.359 --> 00:23:52.140 of others 00:23:52.140 --> 00:23:54.140 but God 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:54.619 thank you 00:23:54.619 --> 00:23:55.700 for reminding us 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:56.539 that you are 00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:57.079 the only one 00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:57.640 who matters. 00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:59.420 thank you 00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:00.220 for loving us 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:00.780 even when we 00:24:00.780 --> 00:24:01.640 didn't deserve it. 00:24:02.540 --> 00:24:03.100 Thank you 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:03.660 that how much 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.220 we pray 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:04.860 or give 00:24:04.860 --> 00:24:05.520 or fast 00:24:05.520 --> 00:24:06.380 in no way 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:07.640 affects 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:08.420 your willingness 00:24:08.420 --> 00:24:09.020 to love 00:24:09.020 --> 00:24:09.940 and forgive us. 00:24:11.280 --> 00:24:11.800 God 00:24:11.800 --> 00:24:12.600 lift the burden 00:24:12.600 --> 00:24:13.100 of trying 00:24:13.100 --> 00:24:13.759 to be good enough 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:14.600 from our shoulders 00:24:14.600 --> 00:24:16.360 and replace it 00:24:16.360 --> 00:24:17.080 with the joy 00:24:17.080 --> 00:24:18.100 of loving you 00:24:18.100 --> 00:24:18.780 because you 00:24:18.780 --> 00:24:19.800 first loved us. 00:24:21.820 --> 00:24:22.340 Father 00:24:22.340 --> 00:24:22.840 help us 00:24:22.840 --> 00:24:23.520 to be people 00:24:23.520 --> 00:24:24.500 who feel safe 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:25.440 to be honest 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:26.240 when we're struggling 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:28.160 to share 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:29.039 our failures 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:31.360 so that together 00:24:31.360 --> 00:24:32.200 we might grow 00:24:32.200 --> 00:24:32.880 in our love 00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:33.279 for you. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:35.519 Father 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.700 please shape us 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.900 in the quiet 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:38.380 times 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:39.080 in our alone 00:24:39.080 --> 00:24:39.600 times 00:24:39.600 --> 00:24:40.740 to be so 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.440 consumed 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:42.220 with passion 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:42.779 for you 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:44.519 so overwhelmed 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:45.140 with love 00:24:45.140 --> 00:24:45.640 for you 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.779 that it 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:47.440 overflows 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:48.160 into the people 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:49.080 we are in public. 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:51.320 Thank you 00:24:51.320 --> 00:24:52.019 for your spirit 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:52.820 that has begun 00:24:52.820 --> 00:24:53.740 and will complete 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:54.220 this work 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:54.759 in us. 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:56.559 In Jesus' name 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:57.360 Amen.