WEBVTT 00:00:00.760 --> 00:00:03.940 So please keep your Bible open to chapter 13. 00:00:07.280 --> 00:00:10.980 Chapter 12 and 13 can be treated as one unit. 00:00:11.880 --> 00:00:15.740 But you can also go from 12 to all the way to the end of Romans. 00:00:16.960 --> 00:00:19.280 But whichever way you look at it, 00:00:20.240 --> 00:00:23.640 chapter 13, 1 to 7 seems a bit out of place 00:00:23.640 --> 00:00:26.019 to talk about being a good citizen 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:29.980 while Paul talks about in light of God's mercy 00:00:29.980 --> 00:00:35.200 we are to love others sincerely in our new identity. 00:00:36.740 --> 00:00:42.700 However, as both James and Steve point out last two Sundays 00:00:42.700 --> 00:00:43.980 looking at chapter 12, 00:00:44.719 --> 00:00:48.640 being a follower of Jesus, living in the realm of salvation 00:00:48.640 --> 00:00:52.500 is meant to affect every part of our life. 00:00:53.179 --> 00:00:57.420 It should also affect how we live as a good godly citizen. 00:00:57.420 --> 00:01:04.659 So I look up the requirement of becoming an Australian citizen 00:01:04.659 --> 00:01:06.120 as I prepare this talk. 00:01:06.840 --> 00:01:11.060 And I come across the citizen pledge and its explanation. 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:15.420 It says all Australian citizens must understand 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:17.560 our prosperity and privileges 00:01:17.560 --> 00:01:20.320 and what it means to be a citizen, 00:01:20.780 --> 00:01:24.620 whether we are Australian by birth or by choice. 00:01:24.620 --> 00:01:29.160 When you pledge, you are making a public commitment to Australia 00:01:29.160 --> 00:01:33.380 and accepting the responsibility and privilege of a citizen. 00:01:34.060 --> 00:01:34.960 And the pledge goes, 00:01:34.959 --> 00:01:37.759 From this time forward, under God, 00:01:38.039 --> 00:01:41.039 I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, 00:01:41.639 --> 00:01:43.780 whose democratic beliefs I share, 00:01:44.199 --> 00:01:46.599 whose rights and liberties I respect, 00:01:46.839 --> 00:01:49.439 and whose laws I will uphold and obey. 00:01:51.339 --> 00:01:53.119 If you are Australian by birth, 00:01:53.239 --> 00:01:57.159 you may not have been through an Australian citizenship ceremony 00:01:57.159 --> 00:01:58.739 and make such a pledge. 00:01:59.519 --> 00:02:05.140 Still, your privilege of being born to be an Australian citizen 00:02:05.140 --> 00:02:07.479 comes with responsibilities. 00:02:08.759 --> 00:02:13.159 I remember pledging around the late 80s, 30s, 90s 00:02:13.159 --> 00:02:16.319 with my family at the Australian citizenship ceremony 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:18.120 at the Grand Recton Hall. 00:02:18.120 --> 00:02:24.120 It was much easier to become an Australian citizen back then. 00:02:24.900 --> 00:02:28.659 Nowadays, you also have to pass the citizens to test. 00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:31.460 So how about we go through some questions 00:02:31.460 --> 00:02:33.140 to see whether you'll pass, 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:34.800 especially if you were born in Australia. 00:02:35.800 --> 00:02:37.740 There are 20 questions you have to answer, 00:02:37.879 --> 00:02:41.860 but five of them you have to get correctly to pass the test. 00:02:42.759 --> 00:02:44.819 There are questions about Australian values 00:02:44.819 --> 00:02:47.759 to demonstrate that you understand your responsibility 00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:50.019 and privilege as an Australian citizen. 00:02:50.719 --> 00:02:53.479 So I'll put the question up, 00:02:54.079 --> 00:02:55.719 think of the answer, 00:02:56.079 --> 00:02:57.039 don't tell anyone, 00:02:57.139 --> 00:02:58.120 don't share with anyone, 00:02:58.439 --> 00:03:00.060 especially if you have done the test recently. 00:03:00.879 --> 00:03:02.180 The answer will come up very soon, 00:03:02.939 --> 00:03:04.400 and I will go through the five questions. 00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:07.519 So, 00:03:08.359 --> 00:03:10.939 did anyone make any mistakes in these five questions? 00:03:12.219 --> 00:03:13.659 If you did, sorry. 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:16.299 You are not fit to be a citizen yet. 00:03:17.479 --> 00:03:19.599 You can't call yourself an Australian 00:03:19.599 --> 00:03:23.479 if you don't understand and uphold Australian values. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:28.539 If becoming a citizen of one of the countries on earth 00:03:28.539 --> 00:03:30.500 required tests and privileges, 00:03:31.960 --> 00:03:34.599 it would not make sense to expect less 00:03:35.180 --> 00:03:37.519 to be a citizen of the kingdom of God, 00:03:38.419 --> 00:03:42.719 whose king is the creator of everything in this world, 00:03:42.719 --> 00:03:43.859 everything, 00:03:44.319 --> 00:03:45.599 including those parts, 00:03:46.099 --> 00:03:47.520 that doesn't seem very Christian. 00:03:48.560 --> 00:03:49.340 Think about that. 00:03:50.719 --> 00:03:53.199 Comparing all that God has accomplished 00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:57.780 to transform us from our hopeless, sinful realm 00:03:57.780 --> 00:04:00.099 into a new realm of salvation in Christ, 00:04:01.039 --> 00:04:02.599 submitting to authority 00:04:02.599 --> 00:04:05.319 and loving others wholeheartedly 00:04:05.319 --> 00:04:07.259 seems a minimal requirement. 00:04:07.259 --> 00:04:09.879 And the good news we have seen 00:04:09.879 --> 00:04:11.479 from the Book of Romans so far 00:04:11.479 --> 00:04:13.120 is that even though 00:04:13.120 --> 00:04:15.699 we have failed in all the tests 00:04:15.699 --> 00:04:18.459 to prove that we are a worthy citizen, 00:04:19.079 --> 00:04:20.539 God still accepts us 00:04:20.539 --> 00:04:21.939 as part of his kingdom 00:04:21.939 --> 00:04:24.779 based on the merit of the Lord Jesus. 00:04:25.480 --> 00:04:26.599 This is so wonderful. 00:04:26.600 --> 00:04:30.080 In the Christian life, 00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:32.740 doctrine and duty 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:34.520 always goes together. 00:04:35.580 --> 00:04:38.240 Doctrine is a teaching that you live by 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:40.680 and duty is your action 00:04:40.680 --> 00:04:42.340 in fulfilling your responsibility. 00:04:44.120 --> 00:04:45.280 What we believe 00:04:45.280 --> 00:04:49.060 helps to determine how we behave. 00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:51.220 It's not enough for us 00:04:51.220 --> 00:04:52.860 to understand Paul's teaching 00:04:52.860 --> 00:04:54.600 from chapter 1 to 11. 00:04:55.259 --> 00:04:57.180 We must translate our learning 00:04:57.180 --> 00:04:58.100 into living 00:04:58.100 --> 00:05:00.180 and show our daily life 00:05:00.180 --> 00:05:01.520 as we trust God, 00:05:02.300 --> 00:05:03.420 trust in God's word, 00:05:04.180 --> 00:05:05.060 which is the aim 00:05:05.060 --> 00:05:06.540 of the rest of the Book of Romans. 00:05:07.759 --> 00:05:09.100 And one thing very important 00:05:09.100 --> 00:05:10.020 to remember today 00:05:10.020 --> 00:05:11.639 is in chapter 13, 00:05:11.939 --> 00:05:12.920 we need to remember 00:05:12.920 --> 00:05:14.620 that Paul is not giving us 00:05:14.620 --> 00:05:15.660 a discussion 00:05:15.660 --> 00:05:18.080 on church and state relations, 00:05:18.699 --> 00:05:19.720 but is giving 00:05:19.720 --> 00:05:22.600 individual Christian instruction 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:24.860 about personal citizenship 00:05:24.860 --> 00:05:27.980 based on a new relationship 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:29.160 with the state 00:05:29.160 --> 00:05:30.460 and a new relationship 00:05:30.460 --> 00:05:31.220 with the world. 00:05:32.040 --> 00:05:34.340 And that are my two main points 00:05:34.340 --> 00:05:34.900 for today. 00:05:35.400 --> 00:05:36.260 A new relationship 00:05:36.260 --> 00:05:37.040 with the state 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:38.200 and new relationship 00:05:38.200 --> 00:05:38.939 with the world 00:05:38.939 --> 00:05:41.340 in your personal citizenship. 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:45.500 So Romans 13, 00:05:45.879 --> 00:05:46.720 starting in verse 1, 00:05:47.120 --> 00:05:48.400 let everyone be subject 00:05:48.400 --> 00:05:50.040 to the governing authority, 00:05:50.540 --> 00:05:51.580 for there is no authority 00:05:51.579 --> 00:05:52.779 except that which God 00:05:52.779 --> 00:05:53.599 has established. 00:05:54.259 --> 00:05:55.519 The authorities that exist 00:05:55.519 --> 00:05:57.459 have been established by God. 00:05:58.019 --> 00:05:58.519 Consequently, 00:05:58.919 --> 00:05:59.560 whoever rebels 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:00.459 against the authority 00:06:00.459 --> 00:06:01.839 is rebelling against 00:06:01.839 --> 00:06:03.439 what God has instituted, 00:06:03.839 --> 00:06:05.060 and those who do so 00:06:05.060 --> 00:06:06.039 will bring judgment 00:06:06.039 --> 00:06:06.699 on themselves. 00:06:08.279 --> 00:06:10.019 God infects people 00:06:10.019 --> 00:06:10.979 with authority. 00:06:12.139 --> 00:06:13.360 But as Paul said, 00:06:14.279 --> 00:06:15.639 as Paul pointed out earlier 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:16.639 in chapter 3, 00:06:16.639 --> 00:06:17.839 all human 00:06:17.839 --> 00:06:19.240 are sinful, 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:20.399 which means 00:06:20.399 --> 00:06:21.360 those God 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:22.120 invested 00:06:22.120 --> 00:06:23.779 his authority with 00:06:23.779 --> 00:06:25.399 will not exercise 00:06:25.399 --> 00:06:26.620 the authority 00:06:26.620 --> 00:06:27.680 as God intended. 00:06:28.759 --> 00:06:29.560 Even though 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:31.060 we cannot always 00:06:31.060 --> 00:06:32.159 respect the man 00:06:32.159 --> 00:06:32.860 or woman 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:34.060 in the office, 00:06:34.539 --> 00:06:35.860 we must respect 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:36.519 the office 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:38.139 established by God 00:06:38.139 --> 00:06:39.120 because he 00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:39.979 institutes 00:06:39.979 --> 00:06:40.919 every government. 00:06:40.920 --> 00:06:43.300 If we believe 00:06:43.300 --> 00:06:44.040 that God 00:06:44.040 --> 00:06:44.660 is sovereign, 00:06:45.240 --> 00:06:46.259 then disbelief 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:47.060 requires that 00:06:47.060 --> 00:06:47.780 we respect 00:06:47.780 --> 00:06:48.980 those in authority 00:06:48.980 --> 00:06:49.920 over us. 00:06:52.040 --> 00:06:53.060 Our passage today 00:06:53.060 --> 00:06:53.439 says, 00:06:53.879 --> 00:06:54.840 we must fear 00:06:54.840 --> 00:06:56.120 if we resist them 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:57.040 because we also 00:06:57.040 --> 00:06:57.840 resist God. 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:00.879 Paul's rationale 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:02.100 for obedience 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:03.360 has nothing to do 00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:04.139 with the ruler's 00:07:04.139 --> 00:07:04.700 godliness, 00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:06.319 competence, 00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:07.300 or any other 00:07:07.300 --> 00:07:08.259 qualification. 00:07:08.259 --> 00:07:09.539 Instead, 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:11.319 his call 00:07:11.319 --> 00:07:11.899 for submission 00:07:11.899 --> 00:07:13.079 to their authority 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:14.019 is grounded 00:07:14.019 --> 00:07:14.860 in God's 00:07:14.860 --> 00:07:15.439 authority. 00:07:17.399 --> 00:07:18.379 It is 00:07:18.379 --> 00:07:20.860 between you 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:21.539 and God 00:07:21.539 --> 00:07:22.579 that you submit. 00:07:23.659 --> 00:07:24.800 The only authority 00:07:24.800 --> 00:07:25.699 that exists 00:07:25.699 --> 00:07:26.439 are the ones 00:07:26.439 --> 00:07:26.959 whom God 00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:27.639 has placed 00:07:27.639 --> 00:07:28.300 there 00:07:28.300 --> 00:07:29.279 according 00:07:29.279 --> 00:07:30.019 to his 00:07:30.019 --> 00:07:30.740 sovereign plan. 00:07:32.699 --> 00:07:33.599 So do you think 00:07:33.599 --> 00:07:34.039 there's any 00:07:34.039 --> 00:07:34.680 excuse 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:35.959 or any 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:36.779 valid reason 00:07:36.779 --> 00:07:37.259 for you 00:07:37.259 --> 00:07:37.939 not to submit 00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:38.459 to God's 00:07:38.459 --> 00:07:39.000 authority? 00:07:39.759 --> 00:07:40.620 Can you read 00:07:40.620 --> 00:07:41.699 justify your choice? 00:07:43.839 --> 00:07:45.039 It goes on to say, 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:45.860 for rulers 00:07:45.860 --> 00:07:47.079 hold no terror 00:07:47.079 --> 00:07:47.659 for those 00:07:47.659 --> 00:07:48.379 who do right, 00:07:48.699 --> 00:07:49.480 for those 00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:50.199 who do wrong. 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:51.519 Do you want 00:07:51.519 --> 00:07:52.060 to be free 00:07:52.060 --> 00:07:53.159 from fear 00:07:53.159 --> 00:07:53.920 of the one 00:07:53.920 --> 00:07:54.680 in authority? 00:07:55.139 --> 00:07:55.719 Then do what 00:07:55.719 --> 00:07:56.240 is right 00:07:56.240 --> 00:07:56.819 and you 00:07:56.819 --> 00:07:57.279 will be 00:07:57.279 --> 00:07:58.360 commanded. 00:07:59.240 --> 00:07:59.819 For the one 00:07:59.819 --> 00:08:00.279 in authority 00:08:00.279 --> 00:08:01.219 is God's servant 00:08:01.219 --> 00:08:02.300 for your good. 00:08:02.620 --> 00:08:03.279 But if you do 00:08:03.279 --> 00:08:03.659 wrong, 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:04.379 be afraid. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:05.480 For rulers 00:08:05.480 --> 00:08:06.120 do not bear 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:06.620 the sword 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:07.500 for no reason. 00:08:07.980 --> 00:08:08.519 They are God's 00:08:08.519 --> 00:08:08.899 servant, 00:08:09.120 --> 00:08:11.060 agents of wrath 00:08:11.060 --> 00:08:12.139 to bring punishment 00:08:12.139 --> 00:08:13.500 on the wrongdoers. 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:15.860 Paul tells us 00:08:15.860 --> 00:08:17.060 about the government's 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:17.860 function 00:08:17.860 --> 00:08:18.939 by highlighting 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:19.939 the core 00:08:19.939 --> 00:08:21.100 of our problems, 00:08:21.819 --> 00:08:22.600 the human heart. 00:08:23.600 --> 00:08:24.740 Because man's 00:08:24.740 --> 00:08:25.800 heart is sinful, 00:08:26.660 --> 00:08:27.500 God established 00:08:27.500 --> 00:08:28.199 a government 00:08:28.199 --> 00:08:29.540 to legislate 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:30.340 and enforce 00:08:30.340 --> 00:08:30.780 the law. 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:32.379 But laws 00:08:32.379 --> 00:08:33.220 cannot 00:08:33.220 --> 00:08:34.019 change 00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:34.539 the heart. 00:08:34.539 --> 00:08:36.039 man's heart 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:36.719 is still 00:08:36.719 --> 00:08:37.339 selfish 00:08:37.339 --> 00:08:38.480 and can 00:08:38.480 --> 00:08:39.159 only be 00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:39.679 changed 00:08:39.679 --> 00:08:40.559 by the 00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:41.019 grace of 00:08:41.019 --> 00:08:41.240 God. 00:08:42.019 --> 00:08:42.679 The problem 00:08:42.679 --> 00:08:43.399 of our world 00:08:43.399 --> 00:08:44.159 is not what 00:08:44.159 --> 00:08:45.000 kind of government 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:45.819 is in charge. 00:08:46.759 --> 00:08:47.039 Neither 00:08:47.039 --> 00:08:48.500 democracy 00:08:48.500 --> 00:08:49.819 nor authoritarian 00:08:49.819 --> 00:08:51.099 to fix 00:08:51.099 --> 00:08:51.559 the world's 00:08:51.559 --> 00:08:51.899 problem 00:08:51.899 --> 00:08:52.679 is not to 00:08:52.679 --> 00:08:53.279 change the 00:08:53.279 --> 00:08:53.699 government 00:08:53.699 --> 00:08:54.740 but to deal 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:55.319 with each 00:08:55.319 --> 00:08:55.719 of our 00:08:55.719 --> 00:08:56.480 sinful hearts. 00:08:57.939 --> 00:08:58.459 Do you want 00:08:58.460 --> 00:08:59.139 to be free 00:08:59.139 --> 00:09:00.360 from the 00:09:00.360 --> 00:09:00.740 one in 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:01.240 authority? 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:02.480 Do you 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:02.940 want to be 00:09:02.940 --> 00:09:03.320 free from 00:09:03.320 --> 00:09:04.200 fear of 00:09:04.200 --> 00:09:04.460 the one 00:09:04.460 --> 00:09:05.019 in authority? 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:05.780 Then do 00:09:05.780 --> 00:09:06.160 what is 00:09:06.160 --> 00:09:06.519 right 00:09:06.519 --> 00:09:07.320 and you 00:09:07.320 --> 00:09:07.600 will be 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:08.100 commanded. 00:09:09.280 --> 00:09:09.940 Many people 00:09:09.940 --> 00:09:10.680 take freedom 00:09:10.680 --> 00:09:11.600 as living 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:12.340 independently 00:09:12.340 --> 00:09:13.300 or living 00:09:13.300 --> 00:09:13.780 in a free 00:09:13.780 --> 00:09:14.300 country 00:09:14.300 --> 00:09:15.560 but there 00:09:15.560 --> 00:09:15.780 will be 00:09:15.780 --> 00:09:16.220 a big 00:09:16.220 --> 00:09:16.740 mistake. 00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:18.060 True 00:09:18.060 --> 00:09:18.580 freedom 00:09:18.580 --> 00:09:19.440 is not 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:20.019 fun in 00:09:20.019 --> 00:09:20.220 doing 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:20.840 whatever 00:09:20.840 --> 00:09:21.540 you want 00:09:21.540 --> 00:09:22.120 whenever 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:22.800 you want. 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:24.379 True 00:09:24.379 --> 00:09:24.800 freedom 00:09:24.800 --> 00:09:25.680 is never 00:09:25.680 --> 00:09:26.300 fun in 00:09:26.300 --> 00:09:26.540 putting 00:09:26.540 --> 00:09:27.060 yourself 00:09:27.059 --> 00:09:27.359 in the 00:09:27.359 --> 00:09:27.539 middle 00:09:27.539 --> 00:09:27.699 of 00:09:27.699 --> 00:09:27.819 your 00:09:27.819 --> 00:09:28.159 world 00:09:28.159 --> 00:09:28.639 and 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:28.859 making 00:09:28.859 --> 00:09:29.079 it 00:09:29.079 --> 00:09:29.319 all 00:09:29.319 --> 00:09:29.579 about 00:09:29.579 --> 00:09:29.899 you. 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:31.179 True 00:09:31.179 --> 00:09:31.539 freedom 00:09:31.539 --> 00:09:32.239 is never 00:09:32.239 --> 00:09:32.919 fun in 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:33.259 writing 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:33.500 your 00:09:33.500 --> 00:09:33.839 moral 00:09:33.839 --> 00:09:34.259 code 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:34.899 or 00:09:34.899 --> 00:09:35.279 finally 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:35.639 getting 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:35.879 your 00:09:35.879 --> 00:09:36.139 way. 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:37.659 True 00:09:37.659 --> 00:09:38.139 freedom 00:09:38.139 --> 00:09:38.719 is only 00:09:38.719 --> 00:09:39.319 come from 00:09:39.319 --> 00:09:39.899 submission 00:09:39.899 --> 00:09:40.779 to God's 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:41.319 authority. 00:09:42.979 --> 00:09:43.619 There are 00:09:43.619 --> 00:09:44.519 all levels 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:45.000 of human 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:45.479 authority 00:09:45.479 --> 00:09:45.959 that God 00:09:45.959 --> 00:09:46.339 put on 00:09:46.339 --> 00:09:46.619 earth 00:09:46.619 --> 00:09:47.099 to make 00:09:47.099 --> 00:09:48.059 his 00:09:48.059 --> 00:09:48.759 invisible 00:09:48.759 --> 00:09:49.419 authority 00:09:49.419 --> 00:09:50.219 visible. 00:09:51.839 --> 00:09:52.339 Personal 00:09:52.339 --> 00:09:52.739 freedom 00:09:52.739 --> 00:09:53.299 is not 00:09:53.299 --> 00:09:53.799 fun in 00:09:53.799 --> 00:09:54.359 resisting 00:09:54.359 --> 00:09:55.199 human 00:09:55.199 --> 00:09:56.079 authority 00:09:56.080 --> 00:09:56.860 because 00:09:56.860 --> 00:09:57.379 freedom 00:09:57.379 --> 00:09:58.100 and 00:09:58.100 --> 00:09:58.620 authority 00:09:58.620 --> 00:09:59.200 are not 00:09:59.200 --> 00:09:59.759 enemies. 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:01.900 Unfortunately, 00:10:02.660 --> 00:10:03.000 among 00:10:03.000 --> 00:10:03.540 Christians, 00:10:04.120 --> 00:10:04.520 there seems 00:10:04.520 --> 00:10:04.820 to be 00:10:04.820 --> 00:10:05.680 an increasing 00:10:05.680 --> 00:10:06.340 appeal 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:07.240 to the 00:10:07.240 --> 00:10:07.700 example 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:08.020 of 00:10:08.020 --> 00:10:08.360 civil 00:10:08.360 --> 00:10:09.240 disobedience 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:09.540 in the 00:10:09.540 --> 00:10:09.860 scripture 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:10.800 without 00:10:10.800 --> 00:10:11.600 a balancing 00:10:11.600 --> 00:10:12.320 commitment 00:10:12.320 --> 00:10:13.420 to the 00:10:13.420 --> 00:10:14.000 clear and 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:14.520 repeated 00:10:14.520 --> 00:10:15.980 commands 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:16.540 in scripture 00:10:16.540 --> 00:10:17.480 to submit 00:10:17.480 --> 00:10:18.120 to authority. 00:10:19.560 --> 00:10:19.800 You 00:10:19.800 --> 00:10:20.500 cannot 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:20.960 cling 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:21.840 to one 00:10:21.840 --> 00:10:22.420 principle 00:10:22.420 --> 00:10:23.920 without 00:10:23.920 --> 00:10:24.520 denying 00:10:24.520 --> 00:10:25.280 the other. 00:10:26.080 --> 00:10:27.800 civil 00:10:27.800 --> 00:10:29.460 disobedience 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:30.120 and 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:30.500 civil 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:31.200 rebellion 00:10:31.200 --> 00:10:32.100 are not 00:10:32.100 --> 00:10:32.460 the same 00:10:32.460 --> 00:10:32.759 thing. 00:10:34.220 --> 00:10:34.820 Living 00:10:34.820 --> 00:10:35.100 under 00:10:35.100 --> 00:10:35.800 Rome's 00:10:35.800 --> 00:10:36.820 suppressive, 00:10:37.340 --> 00:10:38.020 abusive, 00:10:38.680 --> 00:10:39.100 immoral 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:39.700 authority, 00:10:40.400 --> 00:10:41.020 Jesus never 00:10:41.020 --> 00:10:41.680 calls his 00:10:41.680 --> 00:10:42.240 followers to 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:42.740 rebel 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:43.200 against 00:10:43.200 --> 00:10:43.700 authority. 00:10:44.980 --> 00:10:45.940 In a 00:10:45.940 --> 00:10:46.500 country of 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:47.000 democratic 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:47.560 government, 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:48.259 it is 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:48.720 easy to 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:49.139 mistake 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:49.840 government 00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:50.980 for serving 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:51.440 our 00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:52.040 enjoyment. 00:10:52.039 --> 00:10:52.139 government. 00:10:53.299 --> 00:10:53.959 We get 00:10:53.959 --> 00:10:54.339 easily 00:10:54.339 --> 00:10:55.620 upset when 00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:56.059 our government 00:10:56.059 --> 00:10:56.799 tells us what 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:57.919 we can or 00:10:57.919 --> 00:10:58.620 cannot do. 00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:00.000 But no 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:00.500 matter what 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:01.059 kind of 00:11:01.059 --> 00:11:01.819 authority you 00:11:01.819 --> 00:11:02.159 are living 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:02.559 under, 00:11:03.519 --> 00:11:04.259 God set up 00:11:04.259 --> 00:11:05.079 authority for 00:11:05.079 --> 00:11:06.480 Christians to 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:07.379 demonstrate how 00:11:07.379 --> 00:11:08.219 to be godly 00:11:08.219 --> 00:11:09.620 citizens through 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:10.579 their respectful, 00:11:11.179 --> 00:11:11.579 active 00:11:11.579 --> 00:11:13.839 participation for 00:11:13.839 --> 00:11:14.679 his glory. 00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:15.679 Let me say 00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:16.000 that again. 00:11:16.379 --> 00:11:17.039 God set up 00:11:17.039 --> 00:11:18.000 authority for 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:19.139 Christians to 00:11:19.139 --> 00:11:19.919 demonstrate how 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:21.079 to be godly 00:11:21.079 --> 00:11:22.559 citizens through 00:11:22.559 --> 00:11:23.399 their respectful, 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:25.539 active participation 00:11:25.539 --> 00:11:26.120 for his 00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:26.479 glory. 00:11:28.219 --> 00:11:28.679 So Paul 00:11:28.679 --> 00:11:29.139 goes on, 00:11:29.259 --> 00:11:29.659 therefore, 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:30.879 it is necessary 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:31.719 to submit to 00:11:31.719 --> 00:11:32.459 the authority, 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:33.759 not only because 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:34.500 of possible 00:11:34.500 --> 00:11:35.139 punishment, 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:36.899 but also as 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:37.719 a matter of 00:11:37.719 --> 00:11:38.240 conscience. 00:11:40.059 --> 00:11:41.000 This is also 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:41.879 why you pay 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:43.179 taxes for 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:43.879 the authority 00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:44.699 of God's 00:11:44.699 --> 00:11:45.019 servant, 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:45.980 who give 00:11:45.980 --> 00:11:46.439 their full 00:11:46.439 --> 00:11:47.059 time to 00:11:47.059 --> 00:11:47.500 governing, 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:48.599 give to 00:11:48.599 --> 00:11:49.159 everyone what 00:11:49.159 --> 00:11:49.500 you owe 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:49.819 them, 00:11:49.919 --> 00:11:50.639 if you owe 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:51.039 taxes, 00:11:51.199 --> 00:11:51.740 pay taxes, 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:52.539 if revenue, 00:11:52.679 --> 00:11:53.199 then revenue, 00:11:53.579 --> 00:11:54.219 if respect, 00:11:54.339 --> 00:11:54.919 then respect, 00:11:55.339 --> 00:11:55.899 if honour, 00:11:56.339 --> 00:11:56.799 then honour. 00:11:58.179 --> 00:11:58.679 Christian 00:11:58.679 --> 00:11:59.679 citizens ought 00:11:59.679 --> 00:12:00.159 to be the 00:12:00.159 --> 00:12:01.120 best citizen. 00:12:02.039 --> 00:12:03.319 Christians may 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:04.000 not always 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:05.159 agree on 00:12:05.159 --> 00:12:06.360 politics or 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:06.959 parties, 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:08.000 but we 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:08.399 can all 00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:08.779 agree, 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:10.679 but they 00:12:10.679 --> 00:12:10.959 can all 00:12:10.959 --> 00:12:11.379 agree on 00:12:11.379 --> 00:12:12.360 their attitude 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:14.179 towards human 00:12:14.179 --> 00:12:14.659 government. 00:12:15.659 --> 00:12:16.459 Whether we 00:12:16.459 --> 00:12:17.259 like or 00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:17.899 respect a 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:18.759 leader and 00:12:18.759 --> 00:12:19.379 vote for them 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:19.799 or not, 00:12:20.320 --> 00:12:21.100 our response 00:12:21.100 --> 00:12:21.399 should be 00:12:21.399 --> 00:12:21.820 the same. 00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:24.019 How do 00:12:24.019 --> 00:12:24.559 you respond 00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:25.259 to authority, 00:12:25.799 --> 00:12:26.759 especially ones 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:27.460 you don't like 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:28.059 or respect, 00:12:28.840 --> 00:12:29.320 or ones that 00:12:29.320 --> 00:12:30.080 are abusive 00:12:30.080 --> 00:12:31.360 or autocratic? 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:32.899 In our 00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:33.960 modern democracy, 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:36.159 where we have a 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:37.019 say in who 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:37.740 governs us, 00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:38.799 we might feel 00:12:38.799 --> 00:12:40.299 entitled to 00:12:40.299 --> 00:12:41.580 speak disrespectfully 00:12:41.580 --> 00:12:42.100 about our 00:12:42.100 --> 00:12:42.439 government 00:12:42.439 --> 00:12:42.960 officials. 00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:43.080 officials. 00:12:43.840 --> 00:12:44.259 And that 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:45.200 normally happens 00:12:45.200 --> 00:12:46.840 a lot while 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:47.320 in private 00:12:47.320 --> 00:12:47.740 settings. 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:50.240 It's much 00:12:50.240 --> 00:12:51.280 easier to 00:12:51.280 --> 00:12:51.920 jump on the 00:12:51.920 --> 00:12:53.280 bandwagon and 00:12:53.280 --> 00:12:53.780 follow the 00:12:53.780 --> 00:12:54.379 latest social 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:55.139 media trend. 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:56.620 Over the last 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:57.300 few years, 00:12:58.080 --> 00:12:58.519 there have been 00:12:58.519 --> 00:12:59.580 many opportunities 00:12:59.580 --> 00:13:00.100 to speak 00:13:00.100 --> 00:13:01.820 disrespectfully or 00:13:01.820 --> 00:13:02.540 to voice our 00:13:02.540 --> 00:13:03.720 disapproval of 00:13:03.720 --> 00:13:04.879 government actions, 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:06.000 our government 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:06.840 actions, in 00:13:06.840 --> 00:13:07.639 handling various 00:13:07.639 --> 00:13:08.840 difficult crises. 00:13:08.840 --> 00:13:10.820 in a not very 00:13:10.820 --> 00:13:12.300 peaceful or 00:13:12.300 --> 00:13:13.019 even passive 00:13:13.019 --> 00:13:13.840 aggressive way. 00:13:14.600 --> 00:13:15.120 But Jesus 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:15.980 said in Luke 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:17.500 6.45 that 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:18.420 from the 00:13:18.420 --> 00:13:19.560 overthrow of 00:13:19.560 --> 00:13:20.160 our hearts, 00:13:20.519 --> 00:13:20.980 your mouths 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:21.360 speak. 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:23.580 There's no 00:13:23.580 --> 00:13:24.660 hiding what's 00:13:24.660 --> 00:13:25.440 happening in 00:13:25.440 --> 00:13:25.980 each one of 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:26.399 our sinful 00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:26.820 hearts. 00:13:28.340 --> 00:13:28.720 Are you 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:29.720 known as 00:13:29.720 --> 00:13:30.800 someone who 00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:31.379 often speaks 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:33.100 disrespectfully 00:13:33.100 --> 00:13:33.980 and loves to 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:34.480 call others 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:34.879 names? 00:13:36.040 --> 00:13:37.019 Or are you 00:13:37.019 --> 00:13:37.620 a willing 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:39.179 submitting kind 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:39.679 of person? 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:43.100 Do you 00:13:43.100 --> 00:13:44.480 actively do 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:45.019 all that you 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:45.539 can to 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:46.120 honor those 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:46.740 in authority 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:47.519 above you? 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:49.299 Or do you 00:13:49.299 --> 00:13:50.539 keep looking 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:51.179 for faults 00:13:51.179 --> 00:13:52.320 and encouraging 00:13:52.320 --> 00:13:52.899 others to 00:13:52.899 --> 00:13:53.360 push out 00:13:53.360 --> 00:13:53.639 for the 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:54.000 government? 00:13:55.460 --> 00:13:56.200 Paul makes 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:57.019 no hint 00:13:57.019 --> 00:13:58.060 of merely 00:13:58.060 --> 00:13:58.779 going along 00:13:58.779 --> 00:13:59.659 with something 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:00.940 grudgingly 00:14:00.940 --> 00:14:01.580 or under 00:14:01.580 --> 00:14:02.000 duress. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:03.799 The obedience 00:14:03.799 --> 00:14:04.159 that he 00:14:04.159 --> 00:14:05.159 described is 00:14:05.159 --> 00:14:06.279 respectful and 00:14:06.279 --> 00:14:06.720 complete. 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:08.180 he calls 00:14:08.180 --> 00:14:09.060 for active 00:14:09.060 --> 00:14:10.220 action to 00:14:10.220 --> 00:14:10.940 save our 00:14:10.940 --> 00:14:11.860 conscience 00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:12.879 in verse 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:13.580 5 to 7 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:14.940 by paying 00:14:14.940 --> 00:14:15.440 our due, 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:17.220 giving everyone 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:18.340 what we owe 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:18.639 them, 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:19.480 taxes, 00:14:19.879 --> 00:14:20.340 revenue, 00:14:21.180 --> 00:14:21.620 respect, 00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:22.139 or honor. 00:14:23.440 --> 00:14:23.980 We have 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:24.540 been called 00:14:24.540 --> 00:14:25.220 to a new 00:14:25.220 --> 00:14:25.899 relationship 00:14:25.899 --> 00:14:26.639 with our 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:27.060 government 00:14:27.060 --> 00:14:27.940 because of 00:14:27.940 --> 00:14:28.420 God's 00:14:28.420 --> 00:14:28.800 mercy. 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:30.759 Christians are 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:31.440 to be the 00:14:31.440 --> 00:14:32.019 salt and 00:14:32.019 --> 00:14:32.860 light of 00:14:32.860 --> 00:14:33.320 this world. 00:14:34.540 --> 00:14:34.680 A 00:14:34.680 --> 00:14:35.259 responsible 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:36.519 citizen is 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:36.919 willing to 00:14:36.919 --> 00:14:37.480 uphold the 00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:38.299 authority God 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:38.879 gave their 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:39.840 human government 00:14:39.840 --> 00:14:40.939 with respect 00:14:40.939 --> 00:14:42.059 and not 00:14:42.059 --> 00:14:42.980 begrudgingly. 00:14:44.779 --> 00:14:45.039 Ruling 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:46.500 submission is 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:46.939 so counter 00:14:46.939 --> 00:14:48.360 cultural because 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:49.519 we live as if 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.179 we are our 00:14:50.179 --> 00:14:50.419 king, 00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:52.379 but we have a 00:14:52.379 --> 00:14:52.860 new king, 00:14:53.519 --> 00:14:54.480 and he calls 00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:55.860 us to have a 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:56.720 new relationship 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:57.759 with the 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:58.919 authority and 00:14:58.919 --> 00:14:59.279 with the 00:14:59.279 --> 00:14:59.519 world. 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:01.659 So continuing 00:15:01.659 --> 00:15:02.480 from the 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:03.899 payment theme 00:15:03.899 --> 00:15:04.480 in verse 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:05.220 6 to 7, 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:06.419 Paul uses 00:15:06.419 --> 00:15:07.579 the analogy 00:15:07.579 --> 00:15:08.460 of debt 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:09.379 to describe 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:09.840 how we 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:10.340 should live 00:15:10.340 --> 00:15:10.779 in our 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:11.019 new 00:15:11.019 --> 00:15:11.539 relationship 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:12.199 with the 00:15:12.199 --> 00:15:12.439 world. 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:14.059 Verse 8, 00:15:14.819 --> 00:15:15.259 let no 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:16.000 debt remain 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:16.879 an outstanding 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:17.740 except a 00:15:17.740 --> 00:15:18.600 continued debt 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.079 to love 00:15:19.079 --> 00:15:20.299 one another, 00:15:20.779 --> 00:15:21.319 for whoever 00:15:21.319 --> 00:15:22.240 loves others 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:23.340 has fulfilled 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:23.759 the law. 00:15:25.179 --> 00:15:25.919 Paul acts 00:15:25.919 --> 00:15:26.860 love as 00:15:26.860 --> 00:15:27.600 another kind 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:28.420 of thing 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:29.180 that we 00:15:29.180 --> 00:15:29.899 owe others. 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:31.000 Tax, 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:31.519 duty, 00:15:31.980 --> 00:15:32.220 honor, 00:15:32.340 --> 00:15:33.159 respect can 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:33.680 be paid 00:15:33.680 --> 00:15:34.240 in full, 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:35.540 but love 00:15:35.540 --> 00:15:36.279 is a debt 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:37.440 and ongoing 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:38.200 obligation 00:15:38.200 --> 00:15:39.120 that we 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:39.580 will never 00:15:39.580 --> 00:15:40.120 be able 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:40.659 to pay 00:15:40.659 --> 00:15:41.259 out fully. 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.100 We should 00:15:44.100 --> 00:15:44.899 not expect 00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:46.040 that the 00:15:46.040 --> 00:15:46.680 need for us 00:15:46.680 --> 00:15:47.040 to love 00:15:47.040 --> 00:15:47.700 others will 00:15:47.700 --> 00:15:48.120 ever be 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:48.540 fulfilled. 00:15:49.759 --> 00:15:50.019 It would 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:50.659 be ridiculous 00:15:50.659 --> 00:15:51.279 to say, 00:15:51.980 --> 00:15:52.460 I've loved 00:15:52.460 --> 00:15:53.420 someone enough, 00:15:53.540 --> 00:15:54.000 I do not 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:54.560 need to love 00:15:54.560 --> 00:15:55.160 them anymore. 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:56.720 You only need 00:15:56.720 --> 00:15:57.440 to reverse 00:15:57.440 --> 00:15:58.320 that sentence 00:15:58.320 --> 00:15:59.279 and consider 00:15:59.279 --> 00:15:59.860 someone saying 00:15:59.860 --> 00:16:00.820 that they 00:16:00.820 --> 00:16:01.220 have loved 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:02.379 you enough 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:02.920 that they 00:16:02.920 --> 00:16:03.300 don't have 00:16:03.300 --> 00:16:03.620 to love 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.440 you anymore 00:16:04.440 --> 00:16:05.200 to realize 00:16:05.200 --> 00:16:05.899 how ridiculous 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:07.120 even to 00:16:07.120 --> 00:16:07.800 contemplate 00:16:07.800 --> 00:16:08.240 the idea. 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:10.480 God 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.100 warned us 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:11.920 to never 00:16:11.920 --> 00:16:12.879 stop loving 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:14.160 by letting 00:16:14.160 --> 00:16:16.800 our priority 00:16:16.800 --> 00:16:17.879 fall out of 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:18.460 sync with 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:18.740 God. 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:19.639 It's very 00:16:19.639 --> 00:16:19.960 easy. 00:16:21.580 --> 00:16:22.460 We easily 00:16:22.460 --> 00:16:23.180 focus on 00:16:23.180 --> 00:16:23.560 the wrong 00:16:23.560 --> 00:16:24.300 things as 00:16:24.300 --> 00:16:24.960 we interact 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:25.639 with others. 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:27.179 there seems 00:16:27.179 --> 00:16:27.679 to be a 00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:28.699 list in 00:16:28.699 --> 00:16:29.340 our mind 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:29.819 that we 00:16:29.819 --> 00:16:30.480 always check, 00:16:31.319 --> 00:16:31.759 especially 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:32.340 regarding 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:32.699 God's 00:16:32.699 --> 00:16:33.080 command. 00:16:34.480 --> 00:16:34.679 The 00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:35.120 commandments, 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:35.879 you should 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:36.319 not commit 00:16:36.319 --> 00:16:37.059 adultery, 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:37.679 you should 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:38.299 not murder, 00:16:38.699 --> 00:16:38.980 you should 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:39.480 not steal, 00:16:39.620 --> 00:16:39.860 you should 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.399 not comfort, 00:16:41.199 --> 00:16:41.639 and whatever 00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:42.379 other commandments 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:42.939 there may 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:44.100 be, are 00:16:44.100 --> 00:16:45.240 sum up in 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:45.639 this one 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:46.019 command, 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:46.939 love your 00:16:46.939 --> 00:16:47.559 neighbors as 00:16:47.559 --> 00:16:47.980 yourself. 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:49.740 Love does 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:50.539 no harm to 00:16:50.539 --> 00:16:51.120 our neighbor, 00:16:51.580 --> 00:16:52.279 therefore love 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:52.980 is a fulfillment 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:53.620 of the law. 00:16:53.620 --> 00:16:56.120 according to 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:56.480 Paul's 00:16:56.480 --> 00:16:57.159 credential, 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:59.000 a Pharisee 00:16:59.000 --> 00:16:59.659 devoted to 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.340 observing every 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:00.620 law, 00:17:01.840 --> 00:17:02.659 a cellist 00:17:02.659 --> 00:17:03.360 Christian 00:17:03.360 --> 00:17:05.119 persecutor 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:06.720 considered 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.180 himself 00:17:07.180 --> 00:17:07.819 faultless 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:08.519 regarding 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.059 righteousness 00:17:09.059 --> 00:17:09.599 based on 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:09.980 the law. 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:10.720 It would 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.119 be very 00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:11.579 out of 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:12.019 character 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:13.539 to give 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:14.019 such a 00:17:14.019 --> 00:17:14.400 summary 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:15.559 about how 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.019 to fulfill 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:16.500 the law 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:17.579 if Paul 00:17:17.579 --> 00:17:18.380 did not 00:17:18.380 --> 00:17:18.660 meet 00:17:18.660 --> 00:17:19.900 Jesus. 00:17:19.900 --> 00:17:21.860 But his 00:17:21.860 --> 00:17:22.440 encounter 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:23.259 with Jesus 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:24.360 while on 00:17:24.360 --> 00:17:24.860 the way 00:17:24.860 --> 00:17:26.160 ready to 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:26.640 persecute 00:17:26.640 --> 00:17:27.100 Christians 00:17:27.100 --> 00:17:28.400 by executing 00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:28.780 them, 00:17:29.300 --> 00:17:29.660 make him 00:17:29.660 --> 00:17:30.980 realize how 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:31.880 far he was 00:17:31.880 --> 00:17:32.620 from God's 00:17:32.620 --> 00:17:33.140 priority. 00:17:34.540 --> 00:17:35.500 By promoting 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:36.440 loving one 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:37.460 another and 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:38.019 loving God 00:17:38.019 --> 00:17:38.720 as the highest 00:17:38.720 --> 00:17:39.340 calling for 00:17:39.340 --> 00:17:39.759 Christian, 00:17:40.580 --> 00:17:41.180 Paul reminds 00:17:41.180 --> 00:17:41.660 us that 00:17:41.660 --> 00:17:43.320 following this 00:17:43.320 --> 00:17:44.660 particular command 00:17:44.660 --> 00:17:45.640 of love 00:17:45.640 --> 00:17:46.680 enables 00:17:46.680 --> 00:17:48.160 everything to 00:17:48.160 --> 00:17:49.140 function in 00:17:49.140 --> 00:17:49.700 God's 00:17:49.700 --> 00:17:50.200 order. 00:17:51.800 --> 00:17:52.620 Love is 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:53.320 positive, 00:17:53.820 --> 00:17:54.340 active, 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:55.480 and I can 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:55.840 even say 00:17:55.840 --> 00:17:56.080 it's 00:17:56.080 --> 00:17:56.640 proactive. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:58.519 Love will 00:17:58.519 --> 00:17:59.140 fulfill the 00:17:59.140 --> 00:18:00.300 law because 00:18:00.300 --> 00:18:01.380 even looking 00:18:01.380 --> 00:18:01.720 at it 00:18:01.720 --> 00:18:02.340 negatively, 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:03.340 you will 00:18:03.340 --> 00:18:03.860 not harm 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:04.320 your neighbor 00:18:04.320 --> 00:18:04.820 when you 00:18:04.820 --> 00:18:05.080 love. 00:18:07.279 --> 00:18:08.180 You may 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:08.800 be driven 00:18:08.800 --> 00:18:09.519 to be 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:10.019 successful 00:18:10.019 --> 00:18:10.759 at any 00:18:10.759 --> 00:18:11.120 cost. 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:12.600 You may 00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:13.279 consider other 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:14.100 people as 00:18:14.100 --> 00:18:14.640 a stepping 00:18:14.640 --> 00:18:15.779 stone towards 00:18:15.779 --> 00:18:16.360 a fulfilling 00:18:16.360 --> 00:18:16.820 life. 00:18:18.160 --> 00:18:18.620 you might 00:18:18.620 --> 00:18:19.880 think setting 00:18:19.880 --> 00:18:20.340 aside a 00:18:20.340 --> 00:18:20.840 relationship 00:18:20.840 --> 00:18:21.980 to enable 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:22.680 you to get 00:18:22.680 --> 00:18:23.019 to where 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:23.640 you want 00:18:23.640 --> 00:18:24.779 is acceptable 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:26.259 and unavoidable. 00:18:27.240 --> 00:18:27.920 Those extra 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.680 hours staying 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:29.360 at work or 00:18:29.360 --> 00:18:29.860 networking 00:18:29.860 --> 00:18:31.160 seems more 00:18:31.160 --> 00:18:33.259 necessary than 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:33.940 spending time 00:18:33.940 --> 00:18:34.220 with your 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:34.660 spouse, 00:18:34.860 --> 00:18:35.120 kids, 00:18:35.680 --> 00:18:36.220 or other 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.120 fellow believers. 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:38.980 It all 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:40.220 reflects how 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:40.700 much you 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:41.380 love yourself 00:18:41.380 --> 00:18:42.960 and how 00:18:42.960 --> 00:18:43.340 much we 00:18:43.340 --> 00:18:44.000 love ourselves. 00:18:44.500 --> 00:18:45.500 We are so 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:47.460 familiar with 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:48.360 loving ourselves 00:18:48.360 --> 00:18:49.500 that it 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:49.840 should be 00:18:49.840 --> 00:18:50.420 easy to 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.460 understand how 00:18:51.460 --> 00:18:52.019 to apply the 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.440 command, 00:18:52.660 --> 00:18:53.160 love your 00:18:53.160 --> 00:18:54.100 neighbors as 00:18:54.100 --> 00:18:54.600 yourself. 00:18:56.420 --> 00:18:56.799 You should 00:18:56.799 --> 00:18:57.960 love and 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:58.660 attitude towards 00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.120 others, 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:00.160 have the same 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:01.059 depth of 00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:01.900 concern for 00:19:01.900 --> 00:19:02.279 yourself. 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.180 Our 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.759 relationship 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:07.519 with the 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:08.579 world builds 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.120 on our 00:19:09.120 --> 00:19:09.620 renewed 00:19:09.620 --> 00:19:10.319 relationship 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:10.920 with God. 00:19:11.740 --> 00:19:12.380 It calls 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:13.340 to some 00:19:13.340 --> 00:19:14.420 things in 00:19:14.420 --> 00:19:14.940 an upside 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:15.559 down way, 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:17.039 to prioritize 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:17.839 relationship 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:18.379 with God 00:19:18.379 --> 00:19:18.960 and others. 00:19:20.179 --> 00:19:20.679 You may 00:19:20.679 --> 00:19:21.720 think or 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:23.980 feel that 00:19:23.980 --> 00:19:24.559 up to this 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:24.859 point, 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:25.980 all I have 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:26.559 said is 00:19:26.559 --> 00:19:26.919 easy, 00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:27.339 said, 00:19:27.419 --> 00:19:27.779 than done. 00:19:29.159 --> 00:19:29.500 Let me 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:30.079 help you by 00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:31.099 looking at 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:31.579 our final 00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:32.319 session of 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:32.700 the three 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:33.839 contrasts and 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:34.299 the secret 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:34.899 of success. 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:37.379 We are 00:19:37.379 --> 00:19:37.919 living in an 00:19:37.919 --> 00:19:38.659 exciting and 00:19:38.659 --> 00:19:38.960 challenging 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:39.339 time. 00:19:40.379 --> 00:19:40.879 You may feel 00:19:40.879 --> 00:19:41.299 like your 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:41.819 life is 00:19:41.819 --> 00:19:42.759 constantly on 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:43.139 the go 00:19:43.139 --> 00:19:44.099 without any 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:44.940 breathing space. 00:19:45.559 --> 00:19:46.359 You might 00:19:46.359 --> 00:19:47.079 have chosen 00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:47.779 to deal 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.220 with all 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:48.579 that is 00:19:48.579 --> 00:19:48.919 happening 00:19:48.919 --> 00:19:49.539 around you 00:19:49.539 --> 00:19:50.799 with nostalgia 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:53.099 and reminiscing 00:19:53.099 --> 00:19:53.559 the good 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:54.039 old days, 00:19:54.879 --> 00:19:55.779 or slumbering, 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.399 trying to 00:19:56.399 --> 00:19:56.980 slip them 00:19:56.980 --> 00:19:57.279 off. 00:19:58.159 --> 00:19:58.539 But Paul 00:19:58.539 --> 00:19:58.940 says, 00:20:00.099 --> 00:20:00.460 and do 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:00.839 this, 00:20:01.220 --> 00:20:01.759 understanding 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:02.259 the present 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:02.700 time. 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.399 The hour 00:20:03.399 --> 00:20:03.859 has already 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:04.359 come for 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:04.980 you to 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:05.379 wake up 00:20:05.379 --> 00:20:05.700 from your 00:20:05.700 --> 00:20:06.099 slumber, 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.099 because our 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:07.940 salvation is 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:08.679 nearer now 00:20:08.679 --> 00:20:09.460 than when 00:20:09.460 --> 00:20:09.940 you first 00:20:09.940 --> 00:20:10.379 believed. 00:20:10.899 --> 00:20:11.299 The night 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:12.099 is nearer, 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.359 nearly over, 00:20:13.599 --> 00:20:14.000 and the day 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:14.460 is almost 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:14.859 here. 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.720 Paul calls 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.259 all Christians 00:20:17.259 --> 00:20:17.899 to do 00:20:17.899 --> 00:20:18.639 three pairs 00:20:18.639 --> 00:20:19.480 of contrasting 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.440 action in 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:22.339 our current 00:20:22.339 --> 00:20:23.279 already and 00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:23.779 not yet 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.259 states. 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.419 The mercy 00:20:26.419 --> 00:20:27.019 of God 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:28.240 through the 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:28.960 self-sacrifice 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:29.619 of Jesus 00:20:29.619 --> 00:20:30.399 on the cross 00:20:30.399 --> 00:20:31.539 saved us 00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:32.039 from all 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:32.599 our sin, 00:20:33.480 --> 00:20:34.079 but we 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:34.740 still sin 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.559 and live 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:35.919 in a 00:20:35.919 --> 00:20:36.379 sin-broken 00:20:36.379 --> 00:20:36.819 world. 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.659 But this 00:20:38.659 --> 00:20:39.559 tension is 00:20:39.559 --> 00:20:40.319 almost over. 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:41.279 We have 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:41.700 been made 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:42.059 new, 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:43.299 and the 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:44.059 promised new 00:20:44.059 --> 00:20:44.639 world is 00:20:44.640 --> 00:20:45.259 almost here. 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:47.060 So now 00:20:47.060 --> 00:20:47.380 is not 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:47.820 time to 00:20:47.820 --> 00:20:48.140 hit the 00:20:48.140 --> 00:20:48.440 snooze 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:48.800 button. 00:20:49.560 --> 00:20:49.880 Let's 00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:50.220 get into 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:50.400 some 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:50.720 actions. 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:53.040 So let's 00:20:53.040 --> 00:20:53.520 put aside 00:20:53.520 --> 00:20:53.940 the deeds 00:20:53.940 --> 00:20:54.500 of darkness 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:56.580 and put 00:20:56.580 --> 00:20:56.900 on the 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:57.400 armor of 00:20:57.400 --> 00:20:57.759 light. 00:20:58.600 --> 00:20:59.020 Let's 00:20:59.020 --> 00:20:59.800 behave decently 00:20:59.800 --> 00:21:00.920 as in the 00:21:00.920 --> 00:21:01.420 daytime, 00:21:01.900 --> 00:21:02.300 not in 00:21:02.300 --> 00:21:02.840 carousing 00:21:02.840 --> 00:21:03.940 and drunkenness, 00:21:04.320 --> 00:21:04.660 not in 00:21:04.660 --> 00:21:05.560 sexual immorality 00:21:05.560 --> 00:21:06.820 and debauchery, 00:21:07.240 --> 00:21:07.900 not in 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:08.660 dissension and 00:21:08.660 --> 00:21:09.040 jealousy. 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.040 Rather, 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:11.259 quote yourself 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:11.640 with the 00:21:11.640 --> 00:21:12.140 Lord Jesus 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:12.599 Christ, 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:13.299 and do 00:21:13.299 --> 00:21:13.660 not think 00:21:13.660 --> 00:21:14.099 about how 00:21:14.099 --> 00:21:14.859 to gratify 00:21:14.859 --> 00:21:15.740 the desire 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.079 of the 00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:16.359 fresh. 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.019 There 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.460 seems to 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.039 be three 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:20.039 contrasting 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:20.599 actions from 00:21:20.599 --> 00:21:21.079 this final 00:21:21.079 --> 00:21:21.599 session of 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:21.879 tests, 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:22.920 but they 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:23.240 are very 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:24.160 closely related 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:24.740 and can 00:21:24.740 --> 00:21:25.240 be studied 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:25.660 as one 00:21:25.660 --> 00:21:26.819 action 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.180 group. 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:28.539 Firstly, 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:29.700 Paul calls 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:30.099 us to 00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:30.740 put aside 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.640 or put 00:21:31.640 --> 00:21:32.160 off our 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:32.619 nighties 00:21:32.619 --> 00:21:33.700 and put 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:34.480 on our 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.079 day clothes. 00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:36.940 As much 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:37.339 as our 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:37.759 nighties, 00:21:37.859 --> 00:21:38.440 our pajamas 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.500 are comfortable 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:40.059 and help 00:21:40.059 --> 00:21:40.319 us to 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:40.640 sleep. 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:41.519 They are 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:42.539 inappropriate 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.240 for how 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:43.779 we should 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.619 live or 00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:44.980 want to 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.299 live our 00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:45.839 life during 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:46.220 the day. 00:21:47.759 --> 00:21:48.019 Dressing 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:48.500 right, 00:21:49.640 --> 00:21:50.180 dressing for 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:50.480 the right 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:51.039 occasion, 00:21:51.640 --> 00:21:52.140 help us 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:52.579 to perform 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:53.299 better on 00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:53.599 most 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:54.099 occasions. 00:21:56.579 --> 00:21:57.099 The 00:21:57.099 --> 00:21:57.500 pajamas, 00:21:57.640 --> 00:21:58.059 the nighties 00:21:58.059 --> 00:21:58.279 we are 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:59.140 putting aside 00:21:59.140 --> 00:22:00.000 are the 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:00.779 deeds of 00:22:00.779 --> 00:22:01.220 darkness. 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:02.799 We're 00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:03.339 putting off 00:22:03.339 --> 00:22:03.759 what is 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.440 harmful to 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:04.720 us, 00:22:05.220 --> 00:22:05.700 and we 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:05.920 are to 00:22:05.920 --> 00:22:06.240 put on 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:06.660 the armor 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.259 of light 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:08.220 that will 00:22:08.220 --> 00:22:09.019 protect us 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:09.759 and save 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.039 us. 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:12.220 No one 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:12.460 in their 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.160 right mind 00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:13.799 will go 00:22:13.799 --> 00:22:14.139 into a 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:14.400 battle 00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:14.879 naked. 00:22:15.980 --> 00:22:16.440 However, 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:17.500 if you only 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:18.119 think about 00:22:18.119 --> 00:22:18.420 what you 00:22:18.420 --> 00:22:18.680 have to 00:22:18.680 --> 00:22:19.379 put aside 00:22:19.379 --> 00:22:19.819 or give 00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:20.139 up, 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:21.519 not thinking 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.119 about the 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:23.139 armor God 00:22:23.139 --> 00:22:23.720 prepared for 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:23.960 you, 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.440 you'll be 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:26.400 fearful and 00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:26.779 worried, 00:22:27.660 --> 00:22:28.139 like going 00:22:28.139 --> 00:22:28.460 into a 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:28.619 battle 00:22:28.619 --> 00:22:29.000 naked. 00:22:30.599 --> 00:22:31.099 Secondly, 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.599 let's not 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:33.519 only dress 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:33.960 right, 00:22:34.220 --> 00:22:34.779 but behave 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.500 right and 00:22:35.500 --> 00:22:35.819 decent. 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.079 Like 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:38.500 Paul's 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:38.839 time, 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:39.819 we also 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:40.220 live in 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:40.619 a dark 00:22:40.619 --> 00:22:40.960 time. 00:22:41.799 --> 00:22:42.039 Nothing 00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:42.480 is hunky 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:42.799 dory, 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:43.839 but we 00:22:43.839 --> 00:22:45.779 can behave 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:46.559 decently 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:48.200 as if in 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:48.779 the daytime 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:50.339 by not 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:50.920 giving in 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:51.619 to dark, 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:52.319 sinful 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:52.920 behavior. 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:55.819 And even 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:56.139 if you 00:22:56.139 --> 00:22:56.480 fail, 00:22:57.639 --> 00:22:58.119 the third 00:22:58.119 --> 00:22:58.940 thing is 00:22:58.940 --> 00:22:59.680 our comeback 00:22:59.680 --> 00:23:00.359 and our 00:23:00.359 --> 00:23:00.879 secret to 00:23:00.879 --> 00:23:01.339 success. 00:23:02.879 --> 00:23:03.720 We can 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:04.619 complete the 00:23:04.619 --> 00:23:05.339 first two 00:23:05.339 --> 00:23:05.940 pairs of 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:07.240 action because 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:08.620 Jesus has 00:23:08.620 --> 00:23:09.240 gone before 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.500 us and 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:11.259 nailed the 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:12.059 desires of 00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:12.579 his flesh 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:12.900 on the 00:23:12.900 --> 00:23:13.200 cross. 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.620 And he 00:23:14.620 --> 00:23:15.160 became the 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:15.680 armor of 00:23:15.680 --> 00:23:16.980 light we 00:23:16.980 --> 00:23:17.259 are to 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:17.680 put on. 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:19.440 Jesus took 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:19.819 off his 00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:20.160 armor, 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.559 allowing the 00:23:21.559 --> 00:23:22.200 arrows of 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:23.140 our sins 00:23:23.140 --> 00:23:24.039 to peace 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:24.539 his body. 00:23:25.859 --> 00:23:26.180 He was 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:26.779 treated with 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.240 the worst 00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:28.579 indecency on 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.019 the cross, 00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:29.640 stripped 00:23:29.640 --> 00:23:30.140 naked, 00:23:30.380 --> 00:23:30.859 hung dead, 00:23:30.859 --> 00:23:31.939 so we 00:23:31.939 --> 00:23:33.279 know what 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:33.679 behaving 00:23:33.679 --> 00:23:34.219 decently 00:23:34.219 --> 00:23:35.599 looked like 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:36.379 in a 00:23:36.379 --> 00:23:36.859 proper 00:23:36.859 --> 00:23:37.419 relationship 00:23:37.419 --> 00:23:37.799 with God 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:38.379 and others 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.719 as we 00:23:39.719 --> 00:23:40.199 live out as 00:23:40.199 --> 00:23:40.559 a living 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:41.319 sacrifice for 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:41.759 God in 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:42.219 our daily 00:23:42.219 --> 00:23:42.859 relationship. 00:23:44.879 --> 00:23:45.539 If you 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.039 only think 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:47.319 about how 00:23:47.319 --> 00:23:48.000 unsatisfied 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:48.979 your body 00:23:48.979 --> 00:23:49.500 will be 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.179 because you 00:23:50.179 --> 00:23:50.399 have to 00:23:50.399 --> 00:23:50.779 deal with 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.199 all your 00:23:51.199 --> 00:23:52.779 sins and 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.419 love those 00:23:53.419 --> 00:23:54.079 you deem 00:23:54.079 --> 00:23:55.199 not worthy 00:23:55.199 --> 00:23:55.500 of your 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:55.759 love, 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:56.819 in that 00:23:56.819 --> 00:23:57.199 case, 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.299 you'll find 00:23:58.299 --> 00:23:58.639 all the 00:23:58.639 --> 00:23:59.059 instructions 00:23:59.059 --> 00:24:00.039 from Roman 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:01.119 12 to 00:24:01.119 --> 00:24:01.399 the end 00:24:01.399 --> 00:24:01.680 of the 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:01.859 book, 00:24:02.119 --> 00:24:02.460 or even 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:02.779 the whole 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:03.240 Bible 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:04.099 is teaching 00:24:04.099 --> 00:24:04.779 challenging 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:05.420 and difficult. 00:24:06.839 --> 00:24:07.240 But 00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:07.779 cove 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.319 yourself 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:08.740 with the 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:09.180 Lord Jesus 00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:09.680 Christ. 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.019 Wrap 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:15.200 your thoughts 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:15.839 around him. 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.539 Think of 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:18.139 Jesus as 00:24:18.139 --> 00:24:18.740 your armor. 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:20.399 Let him 00:24:20.399 --> 00:24:21.180 cover you 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:21.819 and comfort 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.139 you. 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:23.940 Let him 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.879 embrace you 00:24:24.879 --> 00:24:25.700 and be 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:26.460 your protection 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:27.700 as you 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:28.200 love and 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:28.720 serve in 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.039 your new 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:29.559 relationship 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.519 with others. 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:33.240 Think about 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:34.259 how you 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:34.919 can glorify 00:24:34.919 --> 00:24:35.919 God and 00:24:35.919 --> 00:24:36.700 glorify Jesus 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.179 as your 00:24:37.179 --> 00:24:37.740 salvation, 00:24:38.559 --> 00:24:38.919 the good 00:24:38.919 --> 00:24:39.279 news of 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:39.740 the gospel. 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:42.299 You will 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:42.799 not pass 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.319 the test 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.259 if you 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:44.799 focus on 00:24:44.799 --> 00:24:45.359 yourself 00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:46.200 and what 00:24:46.200 --> 00:24:46.519 you need 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:46.919 to do. 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.220 You will 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:48.839 only succeed 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:49.960 if you 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.500 focus on 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:50.879 God's 00:24:50.879 --> 00:24:51.279 mercy 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:52.240 shown to 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:52.579 you 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:52.940 through 00:24:52.940 --> 00:24:53.339 Jesus. 00:24:55.519 --> 00:24:56.039 We are 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:56.519 all 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:59.339 citizens of 00:24:59.339 --> 00:24:59.599 God's 00:24:59.599 --> 00:24:59.900 kingdom 00:24:59.900 --> 00:25:01.160 not because 00:25:01.160 --> 00:25:02.099 we have 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:02.500 passed 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.299 any test. 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:04.819 It was 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.220 due to 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:05.660 the merit 00:25:05.660 --> 00:25:06.420 of Jesus. 00:25:07.700 --> 00:25:08.220 We are 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:09.119 called to 00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:09.819 be the 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:10.079 best 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:10.740 citizens on 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.200 this earth 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:12.079 but we 00:25:12.079 --> 00:25:12.559 will fail 00:25:12.559 --> 00:25:13.980 because we 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:14.420 are sinful. 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:16.200 But even 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:16.900 if we fail, 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.079 you are 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:18.700 covered by 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:19.039 Jesus. 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:20.819 Jesus 00:25:20.819 --> 00:25:21.119 He is 00:25:21.119 --> 00:25:21.579 your armor 00:25:21.579 --> 00:25:22.099 of light. 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:23.019 He is 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.460 steadfast 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:23.759 love 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:23.920 through 00:25:23.920 --> 00:25:24.099 and 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:24.299 drew 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:24.740 forever 00:25:24.740 --> 00:25:25.899 and He 00:25:25.899 --> 00:25:26.039 will 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:26.319 never 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:26.899 come 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:27.220 of 00:25:27.220 --> 00:25:27.460 you. 00:25:29.420 --> 00:25:29.859 Jesus 00:25:29.859 --> 00:25:30.559 guaranteed 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:31.339 your 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:31.700 loyalty 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:31.960 to 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.339 God 00:25:32.339 --> 00:25:33.259 by 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:34.799 His 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:35.159 life 00:25:35.159 --> 00:25:35.899 as you 00:25:35.899 --> 00:25:36.259 live as 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:36.759 a citizen 00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:37.220 of God 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:37.579 in this 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:37.839 world. 00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:39.639 Clothe 00:25:39.639 --> 00:25:40.159 yourself 00:25:40.159 --> 00:25:40.659 with Him 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.159 daily 00:25:41.159 --> 00:25:42.240 as a 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:42.700 true and 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:42.980 proper 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.460 worship 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.139 to our 00:25:44.139 --> 00:25:44.680 majestic 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:45.119 God. 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:46.759 Let 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:47.240 your mind 00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:47.940 be filled 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:49.240 with God's 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:49.680 mercy, 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:51.059 the Lord 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:51.600 Jesus 00:25:51.600 --> 00:25:52.059 Christ.