WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.580
 Before we enter into God's word, let us take a moment to pray and ask for his blessing.

00:00:07.160 --> 00:00:11.759
 Father, we thank you for this Easter season that we get to celebrate the life, the death,

00:00:11.759 --> 00:00:15.839
 and the death and the resurrection of your blessed son.

00:00:16.280 --> 00:00:22.480
 Father, we pray that you would make that truth so very real in our hearts.

00:00:23.879 --> 00:00:29.699
 Lord, remind us afresh of the joy it is to be called.

00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.939
 By your name, to be your son and daughter.

00:00:35.340 --> 00:00:41.840
 Father, we pray that you would remind us also of the great privilege it is to be a part of your church,

00:00:41.939 --> 00:00:44.740
 to serve and to partner in the gospel.

00:00:45.039 --> 00:00:49.840
 And as we come to this new book in Philippians, Lord, help us to grasp the understanding of the joyfulness

00:00:49.840 --> 00:00:56.140
 of what it means to be a part of your church and to participate in this incredible ministry of reconciliation.

00:00:56.900 --> 00:00:57.900
 So Lord, guide us today.

00:00:57.899 --> 00:01:02.960
 Help us to be students of your word, to rest under your word, and so be blessed by it.

00:01:03.259 --> 00:01:05.239
 We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

00:01:05.959 --> 00:01:10.039
 Like I mentioned, we're entering into a new sermon series in the letter.

00:01:10.400 --> 00:01:16.340
 Paul's letter to the Ephesian church will be in this just about into mid-July or so.

00:01:16.340 --> 00:01:21.460
 So grab one of these, mark it up, and hopefully it'll be just a really rich time.

00:01:22.280 --> 00:01:30.680
 As a way of an introduction, I don't claim to know kind of the whole post-mortem on the reality of life post-COVID lockdowns.

00:01:30.680 --> 00:01:34.840
 But one thing that I've noticed, and I'm certainly not the only one,

00:01:35.240 --> 00:01:44.460
 noticed that what has emerged from these lockdowns seems to be this search for community and belonging

00:01:44.460 --> 00:01:47.960
 by many different groups and demographics.

00:01:48.300 --> 00:01:51.860
 This is especially evident amongst young men, or maybe that I'm just seeing it

00:01:51.859 --> 00:01:56.739
 because I have a special interest in seeing young men grow in the faith.

00:01:57.159 --> 00:01:59.840
 But I would say it's evident across various demographics.

00:02:00.780 --> 00:02:09.460
 And I'm not sure if it was merely the reality of being socially isolated for months and months and months and months and months,

00:02:09.919 --> 00:02:10.939
 a few more months as well,

00:02:10.939 --> 00:02:17.060
 or if such isolation merely just exposed what was already there under the surface.

00:02:17.659 --> 00:02:20.180
 That there was a lack of deep community,

00:02:21.359 --> 00:02:22.300
 of deep friendships,

00:02:23.120 --> 00:02:25.919
 of deep belonging that come with that community.

00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:30.259
 And with it, to have a purpose and a place and a role,

00:02:30.259 --> 00:02:32.060
 not just to belong,

00:02:32.419 --> 00:02:39.960
 but to actually have a role to participate in something that is much grander and bigger and larger than ourselves,

00:02:39.960 --> 00:02:46.620
 without somehow negating our individuality so that we can be a part of something,

00:02:46.840 --> 00:02:49.540
 but also not fall into complete anonymity.

00:02:49.879 --> 00:02:51.219
 To know and be known,

00:02:51.420 --> 00:02:52.900
 a place of purpose and participation,

00:02:53.760 --> 00:02:54.439
 and with it,

00:02:54.659 --> 00:02:55.500
 hope and joy.

00:02:56.280 --> 00:03:03.080
 Communities of belonging that last oftentimes provide both this acceptance that you are a part of this community,

00:03:03.240 --> 00:03:06.159
 but also provide opportunities to participate.

00:03:06.159 --> 00:03:08.219
 And more than just provide opportunities,

00:03:08.740 --> 00:03:10.259
 but requirements to participate.

00:03:10.579 --> 00:03:14.199
 Communities that promise acceptance without participation often wane,

00:03:14.659 --> 00:03:21.460
 and those that demand participation but never offer acceptance become maybe a bit tyrannical or even maybe abusive.

00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:23.560
 So as we get into Philippians,

00:03:23.879 --> 00:03:27.800
 we'll see that there's a biblical vision of what this community ought to be,

00:03:28.120 --> 00:03:30.139
 what the ultimate community ought to be.

00:03:30.240 --> 00:03:31.599
 And it is the church.

00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:32.599
 I say that,

00:03:32.719 --> 00:03:38.539
 and I realize that we have a congregation of people with varying experiences in the church.

00:03:38.680 --> 00:03:39.919
 Some that are new to the church,

00:03:40.019 --> 00:03:42.659
 some that have returned after quite the long hiatus.

00:03:42.840 --> 00:03:46.019
 Other people that are here because this church isn't like their other church.

00:03:46.180 --> 00:03:49.099
 A whole kind of smattering of different experiences.

00:03:49.620 --> 00:03:51.939
 So to say that church is the ultimate community,

00:03:52.199 --> 00:03:52.879
 some people nod,

00:03:53.000 --> 00:03:54.539
 some people say not a chance.

00:03:54.780 --> 00:03:56.299
 But Philippians will,

00:03:56.879 --> 00:03:57.699
 and Paul the Apostle,

00:03:57.699 --> 00:04:06.079
 he will make a case that this biblical vision for the church is the pinnacle and the ideal of what it means to be a human being living in community.

00:04:06.379 --> 00:04:07.619
 It offers belonging,

00:04:07.979 --> 00:04:09.560
 and a belonging that is deep,

00:04:09.719 --> 00:04:11.819
 that hits every part of our being,

00:04:12.239 --> 00:04:14.679
 that no part of our being is exempt from this belonging,

00:04:15.199 --> 00:04:17.779
 but also demands participation.

00:04:18.039 --> 00:04:24.560
 But does so not in a way that is tyrannical or manipulative or abusive,

00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:31.639
 but rather, and this will be one of the key words that we will find over and over and over again in Philippians,

00:04:31.899 --> 00:04:32.759
 it will be joyful.

00:04:33.540 --> 00:04:37.800
 Theologians call Paul's letter to the Philippians the epistle of joy.

00:04:38.340 --> 00:04:43.519
 So it really is a remarkable book that really sheds light on what the church ought to look like,

00:04:43.660 --> 00:04:48.220
 and what we should aspire to as people that are called Christian.

00:04:48.899 --> 00:04:49.620
 And like I mentioned,

00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:51.740
 the church often falls short of this ideal.

00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:56.480
 In the evangelical world, it falls short by either emphasizing belonging,

00:04:56.680 --> 00:04:58.280
 but lowering the bar of participation.

00:04:59.060 --> 00:05:04.500
 So we see this in some churches that are just catering to every felt need,

00:05:04.560 --> 00:05:08.639
 or every program that would make it easier to come to church.

00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:09.319
 And I think there is,

00:05:09.460 --> 00:05:11.560
 and this is like I'm speaking in generalities,

00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:12.439
 and there's criticisms.

00:05:12.620 --> 00:05:15.300
 I think there's also some good things with some of this as well.

00:05:15.300 --> 00:05:17.620
 But we lower the bar of participation.

00:05:18.040 --> 00:05:21.840
 We can also err on the other side,

00:05:21.920 --> 00:05:24.480
 where we confuse belonging with participation.

00:05:24.939 --> 00:05:29.960
 That to be a Christian means to check off all of your duties as a Christian.

00:05:30.759 --> 00:05:31.960
 You give a certain way.

00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:34.580
 You speak to your neighbors a certain way.

00:05:35.300 --> 00:05:39.120
 You have goals of evangelizing or reading through the Bible.

00:05:39.199 --> 00:05:40.040
 And if you don't hit those,

00:05:40.040 --> 00:05:43.840
 maybe your place in church is potentially in peril.

00:05:43.939 --> 00:05:45.020
 Whether that's communicated,

00:05:45.600 --> 00:05:47.500
 seldom is it communicated explicitly,

00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:48.480
 but it's implied?

00:05:48.640 --> 00:05:48.860
 Maybe.

00:05:49.180 --> 00:05:52.500
 Oftentimes what we see with this falling short,

00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:53.200
 and again,

00:05:53.260 --> 00:05:55.720
 I'm speaking of our own tradition in the evangelical church,

00:05:56.439 --> 00:05:59.620
 there's either a lack of love and joy,

00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:00.900
 or there's a fake love and joy.

00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:02.580
 So there's a lot of pitfalls,

00:06:02.700 --> 00:06:03.300
 a lot of gutters,

00:06:03.420 --> 00:06:05.700
 a lot of ways that we have fallen short.

00:06:06.120 --> 00:06:06.960
 Our church is wonderful.

00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:09.839
 I'll get to some of why I think our church is wonderful.

00:06:10.259 --> 00:06:11.439
 Our church falls short as well.

00:06:12.159 --> 00:06:12.339
 Okay,

00:06:12.339 --> 00:06:12.819
 it just does.

00:06:13.339 --> 00:06:17.560
 So a letter like Philippians is important for our church,

00:06:17.959 --> 00:06:21.240
 and it's important for our souls as we seek to grow individually,

00:06:21.419 --> 00:06:24.879
 but as we seek to grow as a community collectively.

00:06:25.299 --> 00:06:28.539
 And this is just an important thing as we read through Philippians,

00:06:28.539 --> 00:06:31.579
 but also a principle that is helpful for us to think about.

00:06:31.899 --> 00:06:32.359
 In general,

00:06:32.799 --> 00:06:34.839
 how we engage with the gospel together

00:06:34.839 --> 00:06:37.500
 will affect how we live out the faith individually,

00:06:37.659 --> 00:06:38.319
 and vice versa.

00:06:38.599 --> 00:06:38.699
 Okay,

00:06:38.759 --> 00:06:40.759
 as we engage in the gospel individually,

00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:43.199
 will affect how we live it out collectively.

00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:46.739
 So we're going to jump into the first part of Philippians chapter 1.

00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:48.199
 It's a very short letter,

00:06:48.279 --> 00:06:51.500
 just over a hundred words in the original language.

00:06:51.899 --> 00:06:55.159
 We could have easily split this first part of chapter 1 up

00:06:55.159 --> 00:06:56.639
 into two or three sermons.

00:06:56.639 --> 00:06:57.979
 I'm doing it in one sermon,

00:06:58.179 --> 00:07:00.719
 so we're not going to necessarily hit on everything.

00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:03.600
 But I broke this first part into three sections.

00:07:03.880 --> 00:07:04.920
 Verses 3 to 6,

00:07:04.960 --> 00:07:06.900
 and we're going to touch on verses 1 and 2 all the way throughout.

00:07:07.140 --> 00:07:08.080
 But verses 3 to 6,

00:07:08.140 --> 00:07:10.220
 we're going to look at Paul's joyful thanksgiving.

00:07:10.600 --> 00:07:12.720
 So these are key aspects of the church

00:07:12.720 --> 00:07:14.320
 that Paul is thankful for,

00:07:14.440 --> 00:07:16.280
 that he is joyful for,

00:07:16.380 --> 00:07:18.440
 that he is expressing his affection towards.

00:07:18.560 --> 00:07:19.020
 So first,

00:07:19.520 --> 00:07:20.620
 his joyful thanksgiving.

00:07:20.980 --> 00:07:21.400
 The second,

00:07:21.620 --> 00:07:23.520
 his heartfelt affection.

00:07:23.880 --> 00:07:24.460
 And finally,

00:07:24.860 --> 00:07:26.120
 his hope-filled prayer.

00:07:26.560 --> 00:07:28.400
 So we'll look at verses 3 to 6.

00:07:28.399 --> 00:07:30.500
 I'll read it again,

00:07:30.579 --> 00:07:31.699
 even though Gord has read it.

00:07:31.739 --> 00:07:32.699
 It's a short section.

00:07:32.939 --> 00:07:33.839
 But if you can follow along,

00:07:33.899 --> 00:07:35.139
 that would help me a great deal.

00:07:35.219 --> 00:07:35.839
 Verse 3.

00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:38.000
 I'll just read verses 3 to 5.

00:07:38.279 --> 00:07:40.479
 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

00:07:40.839 --> 00:07:43.279
 always in every prayer of mine for you all,

00:07:43.699 --> 00:07:44.819
 making my prayer with joy

00:07:44.819 --> 00:07:46.979
 because of your partnership in the gospel

00:07:46.979 --> 00:07:49.159
 from the first day until now.

00:07:49.519 --> 00:07:50.519
 What is very clear,

00:07:50.899 --> 00:07:52.599
 right off the bat in this letter,

00:07:52.599 --> 00:07:54.399
 is Paul's thanksgiving

00:07:54.399 --> 00:07:56.879
 and his thankfulness to the Philippian church,

00:07:56.879 --> 00:07:58.519
 specifically for their generosity

00:07:58.519 --> 00:08:00.680
 and partnership throughout his ministry,

00:08:00.879 --> 00:08:01.699
 even up to the present.

00:08:01.800 --> 00:08:03.100
 This is just a bit of a background.

00:08:03.379 --> 00:08:04.300
 So we just finished Acts.

00:08:04.360 --> 00:08:07.100
 So if you have been coming to church for a while,

00:08:07.219 --> 00:08:09.319
 you'll be familiar with the narrative

00:08:09.319 --> 00:08:10.459
 of Paul's ministry.

00:08:10.620 --> 00:08:11.579
 If not, no problem.

00:08:12.060 --> 00:08:14.480
 Paul is writing this in a Roman prison.

00:08:14.659 --> 00:08:15.800
 Technically, it's house arrest.

00:08:16.259 --> 00:08:16.920
 He's in prison.

00:08:17.219 --> 00:08:19.500
 He has chains on him all the time.

00:08:19.699 --> 00:08:21.000
 He's not free to come and go.

00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:22.839
 There are some liberties that he has,

00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:23.680
 but by and large,

00:08:23.800 --> 00:08:25.600
 he is in prison.

00:08:25.600 --> 00:08:29.480
 So it's written around 61, 62 AD.

00:08:30.580 --> 00:08:33.899
 And Paul has been in prison for about three years.

00:08:34.200 --> 00:08:35.779
 First in Caesarea,

00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:37.960
 which is in the Galilee area.

00:08:38.540 --> 00:08:40.560
 He was there for two years without trial.

00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:42.340
 Crazy, crazy situation.

00:08:42.460 --> 00:08:44.139
 That's near the end of Acts.

00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:45.680
 He eventually appeals to Caesar.

00:08:46.360 --> 00:08:48.120
 Acts ends in chapter 28,

00:08:48.259 --> 00:08:49.460
 and he is in Rome.

00:08:49.899 --> 00:08:51.980
 So he is writing this

00:08:51.980 --> 00:08:53.240
 to the Philippian church in Rome.

00:08:53.240 --> 00:08:56.519
 The Philippian church is in Macedonia,

00:08:56.899 --> 00:08:58.159
 and it was the first church in Europe.

00:08:58.879 --> 00:08:59.740
 Really interestingly,

00:09:00.560 --> 00:09:01.879
 the first church in Europe.

00:09:02.200 --> 00:09:03.639
 And from the very beginning,

00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:07.759
 they have been a generous congregation to Paul,

00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:09.019
 partnering with him,

00:09:09.299 --> 00:09:10.600
 primarily with finances,

00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:12.680
 but also in encouragement.

00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:14.899
 And we'll see how these things are tied together.

00:09:15.299 --> 00:09:16.519
 They have not only given to Paul,

00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:19.939
 but also have answered the call from Paul

00:09:19.939 --> 00:09:22.960
 to give relief to the church in Jerusalem

00:09:22.960 --> 00:09:24.319
 that was incredibly poor,

00:09:24.600 --> 00:09:25.100
 that needed,

00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:26.659
 that they were in want.

00:09:27.019 --> 00:09:28.579
 So Paul is thankful.

00:09:29.259 --> 00:09:31.199
 He is thankful for the generosity

00:09:31.199 --> 00:09:33.139
 and partnership of the Philippian church

00:09:33.139 --> 00:09:34.100
 throughout his ministry.

00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:36.360
 And it's significant for at least two reasons.

00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:37.159
 I'm sure there's more,

00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:38.259
 but for at least two reasons.

00:09:38.340 --> 00:09:38.779
 The first,

00:09:39.159 --> 00:09:41.240
 they've understood the call of generosity

00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:42.019
 from the get-go.

00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:44.059
 This hasn't been something

00:09:44.059 --> 00:09:46.720
 that has been an ongoing lesson

00:09:46.720 --> 00:09:50.279
 that they have been obstinate towards.

00:09:50.500 --> 00:09:52.559
 They have understood that to be a Christian

00:09:52.559 --> 00:09:54.620
 is to be a generous person.

00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:55.819
 So right from the beginning,

00:09:56.419 --> 00:09:58.899
 they understand that they have a duty,

00:09:59.240 --> 00:10:01.120
 but also a joy to partner

00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:03.960
 and to give and to encourage and to bless.

00:10:04.220 --> 00:10:05.179
 It's also significant

00:10:05.179 --> 00:10:06.899
 because Paul has been in prison

00:10:06.899 --> 00:10:07.860
 for about three years.

00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:09.460
 In the ancient world,

00:10:09.559 --> 00:10:10.620
 to be in prison

00:10:10.620 --> 00:10:12.639
 is to be a shameful thing.

00:10:12.740 --> 00:10:13.340
 I mean, listen,

00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:14.299
 we take it for granted

00:10:14.299 --> 00:10:16.720
 that inmates deserve some sort of rights

00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:17.980
 wherever you guys fall

00:10:17.980 --> 00:10:19.940
 on how to treat prisoners,

00:10:20.120 --> 00:10:23.120
 whether it is rehabilitation or otherwise.

00:10:23.460 --> 00:10:24.539
 By and large, though,

00:10:24.759 --> 00:10:26.320
 Canadians, we say,

00:10:26.480 --> 00:10:27.100
 yeah, you're in jail,

00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:27.980
 but you're still a human being.

00:10:28.060 --> 00:10:28.700
 You still have rights.

00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:29.980
 Some are suspended.

00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:32.139
 You have a debate on what are suspended,

00:10:32.279 --> 00:10:32.679
 what are not,

00:10:32.740 --> 00:10:33.840
 but you have certain rights.

00:10:34.379 --> 00:10:35.279
 At the very least,

00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:36.320
 that you need food

00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:38.120
 and you need safety.

00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:39.919
 But this wasn't always the case,

00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:41.979
 and it certainly wasn't always the case in Canada.

00:10:42.299 --> 00:10:43.779
 These kind of prison reforms come

00:10:43.779 --> 00:10:44.979
 just after the war

00:10:44.979 --> 00:10:46.019
 in the Archambald Report,

00:10:46.579 --> 00:10:48.339
 if you're a fan of Canadian history.

00:10:49.099 --> 00:10:50.539
 So this hasn't really been a thing,

00:10:50.860 --> 00:10:51.539
 even in Canada.

00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:52.879
 And it certainly wasn't a thing

00:10:52.879 --> 00:10:54.240
 back in the ancient world.

00:10:54.319 --> 00:10:55.299
 To go to jail,

00:10:55.679 --> 00:10:56.639
 to be in prison,

00:10:56.839 --> 00:10:59.000
 to be awaiting execution,

00:10:59.219 --> 00:11:00.259
 which Paul, I mean,

00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:02.679
 he will be released here

00:11:02.679 --> 00:11:04.059
 and he will continue on

00:11:04.059 --> 00:11:04.919
 with some missionary journeys

00:11:04.919 --> 00:11:05.860
 for about two years.

00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:06.919
 He will be re-arrested

00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:08.699
 and he will face

00:11:08.699 --> 00:11:09.699
 the executioner's blade.

00:11:10.139 --> 00:11:11.039
 He doesn't know that.

00:11:11.199 --> 00:11:12.639
 At least he doesn't seem

00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:14.379
 to allude to that here.

00:11:14.799 --> 00:11:17.240
 But to face such an unknown future,

00:11:17.479 --> 00:11:18.699
 it was a shameful thing.

00:11:19.219 --> 00:11:21.339
 It brought disgrace upon the accused

00:11:21.339 --> 00:11:23.199
 and the people associated

00:11:23.199 --> 00:11:23.759
 with the accused,

00:11:23.839 --> 00:11:24.559
 whether their family

00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:26.479
 or the people that he led.

00:11:26.620 --> 00:11:28.639
 So is Paul an insurrectionist

00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:29.679
 to the Romans?

00:11:29.799 --> 00:11:30.819
 We'll find out.

00:11:30.820 --> 00:11:32.700
 But usually,

00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:35.000
 Rome would take the leader,

00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:36.740
 execute the leader,

00:11:37.140 --> 00:11:39.640
 and the whole following

00:11:39.640 --> 00:11:40.900
 would just disperse.

00:11:41.660 --> 00:11:41.900
 Therefore,

00:11:42.020 --> 00:11:42.840
 there was great stigma

00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:43.879
 around Paul's arrest

00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:46.020
 and there was a great possibility

00:11:46.020 --> 00:11:47.240
 that both the gospel

00:11:47.240 --> 00:11:48.100
 would be compromised

00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:49.120
 and by extension,

00:11:49.260 --> 00:11:51.040
 the church associated with Paul

00:11:51.040 --> 00:11:52.040
 would be scattered.

00:11:52.820 --> 00:11:53.100
 Again,

00:11:53.160 --> 00:11:53.860
 we're putting ourselves

00:11:53.860 --> 00:11:54.720
 in the shoes

00:11:54.720 --> 00:11:56.120
 of somebody

00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:58.820
 in the 60s,

00:11:59.700 --> 00:12:00.100
 A.D.

00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:00.920
 They didn't know

00:12:00.920 --> 00:12:01.519
 what was going to happen

00:12:01.519 --> 00:12:01.840
 with Paul.

00:12:01.920 --> 00:12:02.700
 They didn't necessarily,

00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:04.360
 they couldn't necessarily

00:12:04.360 --> 00:12:05.100
 pick up a phone

00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:07.540
 and ring his Roman prison

00:12:07.540 --> 00:12:09.300
 to see how he was doing

00:12:09.300 --> 00:12:09.940
 and yet,

00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:11.740
 we see that

00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:14.300
 they continue to be generous.

00:12:14.720 --> 00:12:15.360
 Their generosity

00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:17.120
 is not conditional

00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:19.840
 upon Paul's condition.

00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:21.879
 We'll see this next week

00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:23.600
 but there was no chance

00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:24.960
 the gospel would get thwarted.

00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:26.379
 We'll see this next week

00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:27.480
 where Paul says,

00:12:27.480 --> 00:12:27.759
 listen,

00:12:28.420 --> 00:12:28.820
 in fact,

00:12:28.820 --> 00:12:30.220
 this arrest of mine,

00:12:30.540 --> 00:12:31.800
 it will result in more people

00:12:31.800 --> 00:12:32.540
 hearing the gospel,

00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:33.480
 not less.

00:12:34.300 --> 00:12:35.340
 It's a really wonderful thing.

00:12:35.420 --> 00:12:35.580
 Again,

00:12:35.640 --> 00:12:36.620
 we'll touch on that next week.

00:12:37.220 --> 00:12:38.700
 And what this communicates

00:12:38.700 --> 00:12:38.960
 to Paul,

00:12:39.060 --> 00:12:39.640
 this generosity

00:12:39.640 --> 00:12:40.340
 of the Philippians

00:12:40.340 --> 00:12:40.800
 is that

00:12:40.800 --> 00:12:43.740
 they're not just nice people.

00:12:43.900 --> 00:12:44.379
 This isn't just

00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:45.540
 a nice gesture

00:12:45.540 --> 00:12:46.400
 for the apostle

00:12:46.400 --> 00:12:47.860
 but it's actually

00:12:47.860 --> 00:12:49.020
 something indicative

00:12:49.020 --> 00:12:50.379
 of their faith,

00:12:50.660 --> 00:12:51.320
 of their growth

00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:52.060
 in the gospel.

00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:53.840
 Just take a step back now.

00:12:54.140 --> 00:12:54.980
 When we become

00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:55.560
 a Christian,

00:12:55.559 --> 00:12:57.039
 we are united

00:12:57.039 --> 00:12:58.019
 with Christ

00:12:58.019 --> 00:12:59.259
 which is to say

00:12:59.259 --> 00:13:00.699
 that we are

00:13:00.699 --> 00:13:01.699
 no longer our own.

00:13:02.179 --> 00:13:03.299
 We belong

00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:04.279
 to a new family,

00:13:04.579 --> 00:13:05.159
 a new kingdom,

00:13:05.299 --> 00:13:06.019
 we have a new king.

00:13:06.339 --> 00:13:07.679
 Our citizenship changes.

00:13:08.079 --> 00:13:08.319
 However,

00:13:08.619 --> 00:13:09.259
 whatever analogy

00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:09.639
 you want to use,

00:13:09.679 --> 00:13:10.399
 we get a new passport,

00:13:10.659 --> 00:13:10.819
 whatever,

00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:12.039
 but the point is

00:13:12.039 --> 00:13:13.500
 we are transferred

00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.739
 from this kingdom

00:13:14.739 --> 00:13:15.500
 of earth

00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:16.419
 into the kingdom

00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:17.519
 of heaven.

00:13:17.859 --> 00:13:18.439
 That's why Paul

00:13:18.439 --> 00:13:19.859
 addresses the church

00:13:19.859 --> 00:13:21.059
 the way he does

00:13:21.059 --> 00:13:21.959
 in verses 1 and 2.

00:13:22.399 --> 00:13:23.000
 Read with me

00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:23.500
 just briefly.

00:13:23.500 --> 00:13:24.299
 Paul and Timothy,

00:13:24.500 --> 00:13:25.600
 servants of Christ Jesus.

00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:26.399
 By the way,

00:13:26.460 --> 00:13:27.000
 that's not to say

00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:27.460
 that Timothy

00:13:27.460 --> 00:13:28.279
 is the co-author

00:13:28.279 --> 00:13:28.840
 of this letter

00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:29.539
 but just that

00:13:29.539 --> 00:13:30.700
 Timothy has a prominent

00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:31.639
 place both in

00:13:31.639 --> 00:13:32.500
 the ministry

00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:33.539
 of the spread

00:13:33.539 --> 00:13:34.019
 of the gospel

00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:34.700
 and specifically

00:13:34.700 --> 00:13:35.620
 the Philippian church.

00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:36.480
 But he goes on,

00:13:36.539 --> 00:13:37.159
 Paul and Timothy,

00:13:37.320 --> 00:13:38.360
 servants of Christ Jesus,

00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:39.580
 to all the saints

00:13:39.580 --> 00:13:41.720
 in Christ Jesus

00:13:41.720 --> 00:13:43.559
 who are at Philippi

00:13:43.559 --> 00:13:44.480
 with the overseers

00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:45.080
 and deacons,

00:13:45.759 --> 00:13:46.639
 grace to you

00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:47.120
 and peace

00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:48.120
 from God our Father

00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:50.220
 and the Lord Jesus Christ.

00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:51.960
 So what we are seeing here,

00:13:52.059 --> 00:13:52.980
 verses 1 and 2,

00:13:52.980 --> 00:13:54.840
 is that those

00:13:54.840 --> 00:13:55.800
 that are saints,

00:13:56.100 --> 00:13:57.220
 those that are

00:13:57.220 --> 00:13:58.720
 called by God,

00:13:58.840 --> 00:13:59.759
 both called out

00:13:59.759 --> 00:14:00.399
 of this world

00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:01.500
 and called to be holy,

00:14:02.019 --> 00:14:03.240
 they are in Christ Jesus.

00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:04.440
 They are united to him.

00:14:04.539 --> 00:14:05.539
 They are connected to him.

00:14:05.700 --> 00:14:06.740
 This is an act

00:14:06.740 --> 00:14:08.060
 of grace of God

00:14:08.060 --> 00:14:09.000
 by God

00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:10.600
 and it brings about

00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:11.759
 peace between

00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:12.960
 sinful man

00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:13.920
 and perfect God.

00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:14.860
 And what ends up

00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:15.860
 happening is that

00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:16.639
 our destinies

00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:17.779
 are connected to Christ

00:14:17.779 --> 00:14:18.779
 in a way

00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:20.200
 that is now

00:14:20.200 --> 00:14:20.720
 completely

00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:22.080
 inseparable.

00:14:22.080 --> 00:14:23.480
 It's a remarkable thing

00:14:23.480 --> 00:14:24.440
 that we are united

00:14:24.440 --> 00:14:25.000
 to Christ

00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:25.940
 and yet distinct

00:14:25.940 --> 00:14:26.600
 from Christ.

00:14:27.060 --> 00:14:28.000
 That's an important

00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:29.280
 caveat to all this.

00:14:29.660 --> 00:14:30.940
 But we are so united

00:14:30.940 --> 00:14:31.580
 to Christ

00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:32.879
 that the imagery

00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:33.900
 throughout the New Testament

00:14:33.900 --> 00:14:34.480
 is that

00:14:34.480 --> 00:14:35.900
 Christ is the head

00:14:35.900 --> 00:14:37.120
 and we are his body.

00:14:37.700 --> 00:14:37.900
 Okay?

00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:39.620
 We don't talk about

00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:40.259
 people

00:14:40.259 --> 00:14:41.280
 as if it's

00:14:41.280 --> 00:14:42.080
 their head

00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:43.220
 and the rest

00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:43.879
 of their body.

00:14:44.440 --> 00:14:45.259
 It's not like

00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:46.080
 I talk about

00:14:46.080 --> 00:14:46.860
 my children

00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:47.200
 and say,

00:14:47.280 --> 00:14:47.379
 yeah,

00:14:47.500 --> 00:14:48.180
 Joseph's head's

00:14:48.180 --> 00:14:49.460
 looking kind of odd today.

00:14:49.460 --> 00:14:50.120
 I don't know,

00:14:50.200 --> 00:14:50.940
 Joseph's looking

00:14:50.940 --> 00:14:51.519
 kind of odd today.

00:14:51.560 --> 00:14:52.220
 He doesn't look odd.

00:14:52.680 --> 00:14:53.580
 A terrible example.

00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:54.920
 But the point is

00:14:54.920 --> 00:14:55.879
 we talk about people

00:14:55.879 --> 00:14:57.480
 holistically,

00:14:57.780 --> 00:14:57.960
 right?

00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:58.660
 Holistically.

00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:00.200
 That's a language

00:15:00.200 --> 00:15:01.420
 used us

00:15:01.420 --> 00:15:02.280
 to Christ.

00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:02.720
 Again,

00:15:02.820 --> 00:15:03.280
 distinction,

00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.200
 very important.

00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:05.019
 Actually,

00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:06.360
 extremely important.

00:15:06.920 --> 00:15:07.240
 Nevertheless,

00:15:07.540 --> 00:15:08.000
 the language

00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:08.660
 of unity

00:15:08.660 --> 00:15:09.360
 with Christ,

00:15:09.460 --> 00:15:10.320
 it bumps up

00:15:10.320 --> 00:15:11.620
 to the line

00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:12.400
 of like,

00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:13.379
 is this even

00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:14.320
 possible to,

00:15:14.800 --> 00:15:15.660
 if I was to say

00:15:15.660 --> 00:15:16.300
 that like,

00:15:16.580 --> 00:15:17.580
 to go a step further,

00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:18.060
 it'd be like

00:15:18.059 --> 00:15:18.559
 blasphemy,

00:15:18.919 --> 00:15:19.759
 that I'm somehow

00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:20.619
 claiming to be God.

00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:22.079
 But that's how united

00:15:22.079 --> 00:15:23.599
 we are to Christ.

00:15:24.039 --> 00:15:25.399
 But as individuals,

00:15:25.699 --> 00:15:26.659
 but as we are united

00:15:26.659 --> 00:15:27.179
 to Christ,

00:15:27.899 --> 00:15:29.019
 it means also

00:15:29.019 --> 00:15:29.819
 that we are united

00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:30.479
 to other people

00:15:30.479 --> 00:15:30.979
 that are united

00:15:30.979 --> 00:15:31.519
 to Christ.

00:15:32.179 --> 00:15:32.659
 We are a part

00:15:32.659 --> 00:15:33.099
 of a body.

00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:33.959
 It means

00:15:33.959 --> 00:15:34.919
 things are a bit

00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:35.639
 different because,

00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:36.500
 you know,

00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:39.019
 if I have a mess up,

00:15:39.219 --> 00:15:39.839
 God forbid,

00:15:40.859 --> 00:15:41.659
 something happens,

00:15:41.739 --> 00:15:42.159
 you can go to

00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:42.719
 another church

00:15:42.719 --> 00:15:43.519
 or maybe I say

00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:44.419
 something to offend you

00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:45.079
 or somebody else

00:15:45.079 --> 00:15:45.519
 says something

00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:46.459
 to bother you

00:15:46.459 --> 00:15:47.199
 or vice versa.

00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:48.060
 You can go to

00:15:48.060 --> 00:15:48.540
 another church.

00:15:48.660 --> 00:15:49.480
 But by and large,

00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:50.480
 if you are a Christian,

00:15:51.020 --> 00:15:51.759
 you are stuck

00:15:51.759 --> 00:15:52.800
 with the people here,

00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:54.080
 both for good and bad.

00:15:54.580 --> 00:15:55.560
 You're united to them.

00:15:55.780 --> 00:15:56.360
 They're your brothers

00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:57.160
 and your sisters.

00:15:57.940 --> 00:15:58.740
 They're co-heirs

00:15:58.740 --> 00:15:59.420
 with Jesus.

00:15:59.820 --> 00:16:00.740
 You can leave

00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:01.580
 this church,

00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:02.460
 but you are still

00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.620
 connected to Christ

00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.740
 and we are too.

00:16:05.100 --> 00:16:06.340
 We are part of this family.

00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:07.500
 We are united

00:16:07.500 --> 00:16:09.060
 together with Christ.

00:16:09.440 --> 00:16:09.900
 And therefore,

00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:11.980
 we have a duty

00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:13.120
 and a connection

00:16:13.120 --> 00:16:13.800
 to partner

00:16:13.800 --> 00:16:14.460
 with each other.

00:16:14.640 --> 00:16:15.720
 It's not an optional

00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:17.560
 aspect of the Christian life

00:16:17.560 --> 00:16:18.700
 but a core tenet of it.

00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:19.460
 So going back

00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:20.580
 to our section here

00:16:20.580 --> 00:16:21.500
 where Paul is,

00:16:21.660 --> 00:16:22.680
 he is so thankful

00:16:22.680 --> 00:16:23.840
 for these Christians.

00:16:24.040 --> 00:16:24.259
 He says,

00:16:24.379 --> 00:16:25.580
 I thank my God

00:16:25.580 --> 00:16:26.160
 in all remembrance

00:16:26.160 --> 00:16:26.800
 to you always

00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:28.340
 in every prayer of mine

00:16:28.340 --> 00:16:29.180
 for you all

00:16:29.180 --> 00:16:30.279
 making my prayer with joy.

00:16:30.480 --> 00:16:30.940
 Verse 5,

00:16:31.019 --> 00:16:32.279
 because of your partnership

00:16:32.279 --> 00:16:33.060
 in the gospel

00:16:33.060 --> 00:16:33.779
 from the first day

00:16:33.779 --> 00:16:34.240
 until now,

00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:35.120
 the New Testament

00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:36.060
 is describing

00:16:36.060 --> 00:16:37.240
 this partnership,

00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:38.000
 this connection

00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:39.279
 and it's using a word

00:16:39.279 --> 00:16:40.620
 that might be familiar

00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.399
 to some of you

00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:42.240
 but it is a word

00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:43.000
 that is not easily

00:16:43.000 --> 00:16:44.480
 translated into English.

00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:45.240
 It's this word

00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:46.159
 called koinonia.

00:16:47.060 --> 00:16:48.180
 It carries with it

00:16:48.180 --> 00:16:49.600
 this idea of friendship,

00:16:49.840 --> 00:16:50.500
 of partnership,

00:16:50.779 --> 00:16:51.440
 of unity,

00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:52.580
 of camaraderie,

00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:54.320
 connection.

00:16:55.080 --> 00:16:55.379
 Also,

00:16:56.200 --> 00:16:57.700
 but not just in any way

00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:58.460
 but connection

00:16:58.460 --> 00:16:59.960
 as it pertains

00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:01.560
 to loving Christ

00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:02.680
 and living out

00:17:02.680 --> 00:17:03.279
 his call

00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:04.240
 in this world.

00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:05.480
 It's a deep,

00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:05.940
 deep,

00:17:06.079 --> 00:17:06.940
 deep friendship,

00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:07.660
 community,

00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:08.680
 camaraderie,

00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:09.819
 same goal,

00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:10.720
 shared vision.

00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:11.539
 All of that

00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:12.099
 is wrapped up

00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:13.079
 into this one word,

00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:13.620
 koinonia.

00:17:13.619 --> 00:17:15.659
 and it is the word

00:17:15.659 --> 00:17:16.319
 I think more than

00:17:16.319 --> 00:17:16.959
 anything else

00:17:16.959 --> 00:17:17.699
 because with it

00:17:17.699 --> 00:17:18.859
 and we'll see in a bit

00:17:18.859 --> 00:17:20.479
 that it has to be

00:17:20.479 --> 00:17:22.219
 sprinkled and flavored

00:17:22.219 --> 00:17:22.879
 with love.

00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:24.139
 It is almost

00:17:24.139 --> 00:17:25.199
 the defining word

00:17:25.199 --> 00:17:25.939
 of the church,

00:17:26.479 --> 00:17:27.239
 of what describes

00:17:27.239 --> 00:17:27.759
 the church.

00:17:28.399 --> 00:17:29.359
 Diedrich Bonhoeffer,

00:17:29.579 --> 00:17:31.319
 he was a Lutheran minister

00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:33.399
 who opposed Hitler

00:17:33.399 --> 00:17:34.879
 and was executed for it.

00:17:35.459 --> 00:17:36.439
 He didn't just oppose Hitler,

00:17:36.559 --> 00:17:37.799
 he tried to

00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:38.899
 assassinate Hitler

00:17:38.900 --> 00:17:40.100
 but he was

00:17:40.100 --> 00:17:41.880
 a wonderful theologian

00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:42.360
 and he wrote

00:17:42.360 --> 00:17:43.259
 a small book

00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:44.080
 called Life Together

00:17:44.080 --> 00:17:45.560
 and he captured

00:17:45.560 --> 00:17:46.160
 this idea

00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:47.040
 of Christian koinonia

00:17:47.040 --> 00:17:47.680
 and he writes this

00:17:47.680 --> 00:17:48.460
 in the first chapter,

00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:49.720
 quote,

00:17:49.880 --> 00:17:50.940
 Christian brotherhood

00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:52.800
 is not an ideal

00:17:52.800 --> 00:17:54.060
 which we must realize,

00:17:54.160 --> 00:17:54.660
 it is rather

00:17:54.660 --> 00:17:55.880
 a reality created

00:17:55.880 --> 00:17:56.980
 by God in Christ

00:17:56.980 --> 00:17:57.720
 in which we may

00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:58.259
 participate.

00:17:58.580 --> 00:17:59.300
 The more clearly

00:17:59.300 --> 00:18:00.840
 we learn to recognize

00:18:00.840 --> 00:18:01.660
 that the ground

00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:02.900
 and strength

00:18:02.900 --> 00:18:04.080
 and promise

00:18:04.080 --> 00:18:05.340
 of all our fellowship

00:18:05.339 --> 00:18:07.339
 is in Christ Jesus alone,

00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:08.619
 the more serenely

00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:09.339
 shall we think

00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:10.059
 of our fellowship

00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:11.919
 and pray and hope for it.

00:18:12.119 --> 00:18:12.959
 Christian community

00:18:12.959 --> 00:18:14.099
 is founded solely

00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:15.539
 on Jesus Christ.

00:18:16.179 --> 00:18:16.939
 It is in

00:18:16.939 --> 00:18:18.240
 and through him

00:18:18.240 --> 00:18:19.099
 that we have access

00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:19.859
 to one another,

00:18:20.599 --> 00:18:21.720
 joy in one another

00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:22.379
 and fellowship

00:18:22.379 --> 00:18:23.139
 with one another.

00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:25.639
 When God had mercy on us,

00:18:25.679 --> 00:18:26.559
 when God revealed

00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.799
 Jesus Christ to us

00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:29.059
 as our brother,

00:18:29.619 --> 00:18:30.980
 when God won our hearts

00:18:30.980 --> 00:18:31.980
 by God's love,

00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:32.899
 our instruction

00:18:32.899 --> 00:18:34.359
 and our fellowship began.

00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:36.199
 So, as Christians,

00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:37.679
 we belong not to one another

00:18:37.679 --> 00:18:38.699
 by our own choice,

00:18:39.139 --> 00:18:40.059
 but by the call

00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:41.740
 of God in Christ.

00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:43.079
 A wonderful book,

00:18:43.139 --> 00:18:43.959
 a wonderful passage

00:18:43.959 --> 00:18:45.339
 that describes

00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:46.079
 what it means

00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:46.659
 to be a part

00:18:46.659 --> 00:18:47.439
 of this brotherhood,

00:18:47.939 --> 00:18:48.359
 to be a part

00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:48.839
 of the church.

00:18:49.639 --> 00:18:50.559
 So you see,

00:18:50.799 --> 00:18:51.359
 if we go back

00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:52.819
 to why Paul is thanking

00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:53.799
 the Philippians

00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:54.659
 for their generosity,

00:18:54.859 --> 00:18:55.599
 it is not just

00:18:55.599 --> 00:18:57.619
 the apostle being jazzed

00:18:57.619 --> 00:18:58.579
 about them

00:18:58.579 --> 00:18:59.359
 throwing him

00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.639
 some canteen money

00:19:00.639 --> 00:19:01.379
 while he's in jail.

00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:02.799
 Rather,

00:19:02.799 --> 00:19:04.539
 Paul is overjoyed

00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:05.740
 with seeing

00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:07.039
 how their salvation

00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:09.119
 is proving true

00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:10.000
 by the maturity

00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:10.740
 and obedience

00:19:10.740 --> 00:19:11.440
 to Christ.

00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:12.359
 They're participating

00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.619
 in the work

00:19:13.619 --> 00:19:14.299
 and the mission

00:19:14.299 --> 00:19:15.460
 of God.

00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:16.779
 This is why Paul says

00:19:16.779 --> 00:19:17.639
 in verse 6,

00:19:18.099 --> 00:19:19.359
 and I am sure of this,

00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.519
 that he who began

00:19:20.519 --> 00:19:21.339
 a good work in you

00:19:21.339 --> 00:19:22.419
 will bring it to completion

00:19:22.419 --> 00:19:23.799
 at the day of Jesus Christ.

00:19:24.180 --> 00:19:24.740
 It's not just

00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.779
 that the Philippians

00:19:25.779 --> 00:19:26.899
 did not abandon Paul.

00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:28.220
 We'll find out later on

00:19:28.220 --> 00:19:28.720
 that actually

00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:30.579
 some whole other churches

00:19:30.579 --> 00:19:31.399
 abandoned Paul,

00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:32.400
 and he actually had

00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:33.860
 a fellow worker

00:19:33.860 --> 00:19:34.500
 in the gospel,

00:19:34.800 --> 00:19:35.680
 a man named Demas,

00:19:35.780 --> 00:19:36.820
 who abandons him.

00:19:36.880 --> 00:19:37.320
 It's not just

00:19:37.320 --> 00:19:37.960
 that he's thankful

00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:38.580
 that they didn't

00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:39.340
 abandon him,

00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:40.060
 but Paul,

00:19:40.340 --> 00:19:41.660
 he is just a very proud

00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:42.560
 spiritual father.

00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:43.740
 He is seeing that

00:19:43.740 --> 00:19:45.060
 his children in the faith

00:19:45.060 --> 00:19:45.980
 are growing.

00:19:46.580 --> 00:19:47.460
 They are understanding

00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:48.259
 what it means

00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:50.380
 to be called out

00:19:50.380 --> 00:19:51.140
 of this world

00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:52.360
 into the kingdom of heaven

00:19:52.360 --> 00:19:53.360
 and then what it means

00:19:53.360 --> 00:19:55.519
 to give of themselves.

00:19:55.860 --> 00:19:56.620
 That their faith

00:19:56.620 --> 00:19:57.560
 is not dead,

00:19:57.780 --> 00:19:58.560
 but their faith

00:19:58.560 --> 00:20:00.019
 is expressed in works.

00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:00.839
 What does this

00:20:00.839 --> 00:20:02.059
 help us to understand?

00:20:02.299 --> 00:20:03.400
 It helps us to understand

00:20:03.400 --> 00:20:04.240
 that we must partner

00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:05.079
 with the work of God.

00:20:05.379 --> 00:20:06.220
 So, church,

00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:07.339
 partner with the work of God.

00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:08.759
 Give to missionaries.

00:20:09.619 --> 00:20:11.059
 Give to them generously

00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:13.259
 who have given up comforts

00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:14.500
 here in the West

00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.839
 to minister afar.

00:20:16.299 --> 00:20:17.220
 Partner with other

00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:18.039
 church planters,

00:20:18.400 --> 00:20:19.839
 both in our denomination,

00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:21.099
 the Anglican Diocese of Canada,

00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:22.539
 but across the country

00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:24.019
 with whatever denomination

00:20:24.019 --> 00:20:25.420
 that they're a part of,

00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.019
 as long as they're proclaiming

00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:27.559
 the gospel of Christ,

00:20:27.639 --> 00:20:28.799
 and give generously to them.

00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:30.940
 Partner with Mercy Ministries

00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:31.919
 here in the city

00:20:31.919 --> 00:20:33.539
 that proclaim the gospel

00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:34.799
 and help with physical need.

00:20:35.139 --> 00:20:35.819
 Get to know

00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:37.119
 your fellow congregants

00:20:37.119 --> 00:20:38.440
 and serve them

00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:39.639
 and meet their needs

00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:40.419
 and bless them

00:20:40.419 --> 00:20:43.359
 and then ask them for help.

00:20:43.659 --> 00:20:44.099
 And by the way,

00:20:44.139 --> 00:20:44.740
 this is happening.

00:20:44.879 --> 00:20:45.539
 This is not like a,

00:20:45.639 --> 00:20:46.319
 hey, it's not happening,

00:20:46.379 --> 00:20:47.079
 you better do it,

00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:48.519
 because I hear stories

00:20:48.519 --> 00:20:49.299
 trickle in,

00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:51.279
 and I'm very thankful

00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.460
 that they're not necessarily

00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:53.579
 loud stories,

00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:54.279
 but they're quiet,

00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:55.099
 humble stories

00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:56.659
 of people connecting

00:20:56.659 --> 00:20:57.339
 with each other

00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.399
 and serving one another

00:20:58.399 --> 00:20:59.740
 and praying for one another

00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:00.740
 and blessing one another.

00:21:01.139 --> 00:21:02.059
 Continue with that.

00:21:02.119 --> 00:21:02.759
 It's wonderful.

00:21:02.939 --> 00:21:03.859
 It's a beautiful picture

00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:04.919
 of the gospel

00:21:04.919 --> 00:21:06.000
 proving true

00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:07.759
 and maturing faith

00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:08.779
 obeying Christ.

00:21:08.899 --> 00:21:09.419
 It's a wonderful,

00:21:09.579 --> 00:21:09.980
 beautiful thing.

00:21:10.059 --> 00:21:10.980
 Continue doing that.

00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:11.879
 All of this

00:21:11.879 --> 00:21:13.519
 is done as an expression

00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:15.019
 of gospel thankfulness

00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:16.099
 and Christian love.

00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:17.339
 It's evidence of work

00:21:17.339 --> 00:21:18.279
 of the Holy Spirit

00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:19.980
 in our lives,

00:21:19.980 --> 00:21:22.779
 because we have been given

00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:24.799
 this wonderful gift

00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:26.000
 of peace with God

00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:27.339
 by grace,

00:21:27.860 --> 00:21:29.299
 by the grace of Jesus Christ.

00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.500
 And here's the thing

00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:31.120
 with Christianity.

00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:32.880
 Because Christ has given

00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:34.960
 so liberally to us,

00:21:35.880 --> 00:21:37.000
 the heart that truly

00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:38.640
 has received this gift

00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:40.599
 will begin to imitate

00:21:40.599 --> 00:21:41.360
 to Jesus.

00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:43.200
 Chapter 2 might be

00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:43.960
 one of the high points

00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:44.599
 in all of Scripture.

00:21:45.079 --> 00:21:45.680
 We'll get there

00:21:45.680 --> 00:21:46.759
 in three weeks,

00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.360
 two weeks,

00:21:47.359 --> 00:21:49.219
 and it will be

00:21:49.219 --> 00:21:50.399
 this picture of Jesus

00:21:50.399 --> 00:21:51.439
 who had everything,

00:21:51.719 --> 00:21:52.659
 who emptied himself

00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:53.719
 of all of his

00:21:53.719 --> 00:21:54.740
 divine prerogatives

00:21:54.740 --> 00:21:57.259
 to give his very life

00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:57.859
 for us.

00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:59.119
 And the result

00:21:59.119 --> 00:22:00.000
 isn't that we can

00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:01.479
 sit back and enjoy,

00:22:02.159 --> 00:22:03.839
 but it's though we enjoy

00:22:03.839 --> 00:22:04.779
 by getting to work

00:22:04.779 --> 00:22:05.639
 and imitating him.

00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:07.299
 This is what Paul is seeing

00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:09.000
 in the Philippian church.

00:22:09.159 --> 00:22:10.119
 This is what the Lord

00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:11.139
 is commending to us

00:22:11.139 --> 00:22:12.240
 to do this morning.

00:22:12.679 --> 00:22:14.159
 So, growth in the Christian life.

00:22:14.159 --> 00:22:15.000
 It's evidenced by our

00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:16.339
 participation in the gospel.

00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:18.199
 God is the one

00:22:18.199 --> 00:22:19.359
 who began this good work.

00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:20.740
 He is the one

00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:21.599
 who is bringing it

00:22:21.599 --> 00:22:22.639
 to maturity,

00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:23.259
 and one day

00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:23.919
 he will bring it

00:22:23.919 --> 00:22:24.679
 to perfection.

00:22:25.519 --> 00:22:26.039
 And yet,

00:22:26.199 --> 00:22:27.019
 in light of all

00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:28.299
 of what God is doing

00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:30.199
 and what he has done

00:22:30.199 --> 00:22:31.179
 in the Philippian church,

00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:31.939
 what is interesting

00:22:31.939 --> 00:22:33.139
 is that this next section,

00:22:33.679 --> 00:22:34.459
 Paul does not

00:22:34.459 --> 00:22:36.039
 commend God,

00:22:36.139 --> 00:22:37.139
 but he commends

00:22:37.139 --> 00:22:37.899
 the Philippians.

00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:39.059
 So what's happening

00:22:39.059 --> 00:22:40.099
 in this next section

00:22:40.099 --> 00:22:40.859
 when he is showing

00:22:40.859 --> 00:22:41.939
 his heartfelt affection

00:22:41.939 --> 00:22:42.619
 towards them?

00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:44.659
 This will transition

00:22:44.659 --> 00:22:46.039
 then into our second point,

00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:46.939
 verses 7 and 8.

00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:47.480
 Let me read it.

00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:48.299
 It is right for me

00:22:48.299 --> 00:22:49.080
 to feel this way

00:22:49.080 --> 00:22:49.740
 about you all

00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:50.880
 because I hold you

00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:51.480
 in my heart

00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.120
 for you are all

00:22:52.120 --> 00:22:53.400
 partakers of me of grace.

00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:54.420
 Partakers,

00:22:54.620 --> 00:22:55.240
 that's,

00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:56.640
 the root word

00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.640
 is again koinonia.

00:22:58.120 --> 00:22:59.080
 Partakers with me

00:22:59.080 --> 00:22:59.500
 of grace,

00:22:59.620 --> 00:23:01.039
 both in my imprisonment

00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:01.820
 and in the defense

00:23:01.820 --> 00:23:02.460
 and confirmation

00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:03.220
 of the gospel.

00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:04.720
 For God is my witness,

00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:06.480
 how I yearn for you.

00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:08.940
 How I yearn for you all

00:23:08.940 --> 00:23:09.820
 with the affection

00:23:09.820 --> 00:23:10.980
 of Christ Jesus.

00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:13.339
 It is not as though

00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:14.200
 Paul is giving credit

00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:15.019
 to the Philippians

00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:16.640
 that is due God.

00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:17.180
 Again,

00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:17.900
 God is the one

00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:18.400
 who is at work.

00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:19.259
 He is the one

00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:21.380
 who has begun

00:23:21.380 --> 00:23:21.900
 the good work,

00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:22.579
 who is bringing it

00:23:22.579 --> 00:23:23.160
 to completion

00:23:23.160 --> 00:23:24.360
 on the day of Christ.

00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:24.579
 Again,

00:23:24.660 --> 00:23:25.339
 that's verse 6.

00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:26.319
 But rather,

00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:27.339
 what Paul is doing here

00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:28.059
 is commending

00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:29.599
 their outward evidence,

00:23:29.860 --> 00:23:31.000
 the outward evidence,

00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:32.779
 of what he is assuming

00:23:32.779 --> 00:23:34.480
 is God's invisible

00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:35.579
 and inward action

00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:36.400
 in their lives.

00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:37.759
 It is a dangerous thing

00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.680
 for ministers

00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:39.780
 or anybody

00:23:39.780 --> 00:23:40.640
 to presume

00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:41.980
 that they have a window

00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.780
 into the souls

00:23:42.780 --> 00:23:43.480
 of men and women.

00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:44.880
 It is a very dangerous thing.

00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:46.740
 People are deceptive.

00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:47.700
 If you've been

00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:48.580
 at church long enough,

00:23:48.820 --> 00:23:49.840
 you would have been

00:23:49.840 --> 00:23:51.880
 surprised and disappointed

00:23:51.880 --> 00:23:52.660
 at people

00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:53.400
 that have lived

00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:54.600
 godly lives

00:23:54.600 --> 00:23:55.580
 that have abandoned

00:23:55.580 --> 00:23:56.060
 the faith.

00:23:57.060 --> 00:23:57.840
 It is heartbreaking.

00:23:58.640 --> 00:23:59.519
 It is a tragedy.

00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:01.019
 You will also be

00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:02.060
 equally surprised

00:24:02.060 --> 00:24:02.780
 but pleasantly

00:24:02.780 --> 00:24:03.700
 when somebody

00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.680
 who seems like

00:24:04.680 --> 00:24:05.960
 they are more worldly

00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:06.819
 than they are heavenly,

00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:08.340
 continue slowly

00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:09.579
 to stick around

00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.860
 and grow in the faith

00:24:10.860 --> 00:24:11.559
 incrementally.

00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:12.720
 We don't know

00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.440
 what is happening

00:24:13.440 --> 00:24:15.140
 in the hearts of people.

00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:15.819
 However,

00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:17.960
 there is evidence

00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:20.259
 of outward holiness

00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:22.079
 that we have to just trust

00:24:22.079 --> 00:24:22.720
 that the Lord

00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:23.259
 is at work

00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:24.400
 in people's lives.

00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.720
 We are not the judge of souls.

00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:26.880
 We don't have a window

00:24:26.880 --> 00:24:28.340
 into their lives.

00:24:28.420 --> 00:24:29.240
 So what Paul here

00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:29.759
 is doing

00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:31.779
 is merely recognizing

00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:33.740
 the holy work

00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:34.519
 that is happening

00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:35.840
 that he is assuming

00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:36.439
 that is happening

00:24:36.439 --> 00:24:37.119
 on the inside

00:24:37.119 --> 00:24:38.359
 of the Philippians

00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:39.259
 and he is commending

00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:40.599
 their outward actions.

00:24:40.959 --> 00:24:41.679
 What Paul is doing

00:24:41.679 --> 00:24:42.559
 is recognizing

00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.659
 that the Philippians

00:24:43.659 --> 00:24:44.819
 are growing

00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:45.519
 in their obedience

00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.019
 and faith

00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:46.740
 which is to say

00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:47.379
 they are growing

00:24:47.379 --> 00:24:48.379
 in their sanctification.

00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.459
 That is a big word

00:24:49.459 --> 00:24:51.779
 that has a lot

00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.759
 of implications to it

00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:53.359
 but I will just pause

00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:53.959
 here for a moment

00:24:53.959 --> 00:24:54.819
 and see if we can't

00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:56.119
 fill this word in a bit.

00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:57.019
 Try to define it

00:24:57.019 --> 00:24:57.899
 and understand it a bit.

00:24:58.259 --> 00:24:58.799
 We have already

00:24:58.799 --> 00:25:00.299
 talked about salvation

00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:01.299
 that Christ

00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:02.679
 when we have confessed

00:25:02.679 --> 00:25:03.679
 our faith in Jesus

00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:04.660
 we are made right

00:25:04.660 --> 00:25:05.500
 before God

00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:06.640
 and that we are united

00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:07.380
 to Christ

00:25:07.380 --> 00:25:08.279
 and it's an act

00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:09.400
 that only God can do.

00:25:09.740 --> 00:25:10.600
 The Apostle Paul

00:25:10.600 --> 00:25:11.940
 in Ephesians chapter 2

00:25:11.940 --> 00:25:12.560
 he says this

00:25:12.560 --> 00:25:13.539
 in a beautiful way

00:25:13.539 --> 00:25:14.799
 for by grace

00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:15.600
 you have been saved

00:25:15.600 --> 00:25:16.460
 through faith

00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:18.340
 and this not of your own doing

00:25:18.340 --> 00:25:19.440
 it is the gift of God

00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.460
 not a result of work

00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:21.779
 so that no one

00:25:21.779 --> 00:25:22.240
 may boast

00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.120
 one of the clearest

00:25:23.120 --> 00:25:24.200
 couple lines

00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:25.000
 about what it means

00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:25.860
 to come to faith.

00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:27.299
 We still need to receive

00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:28.019
 by faith

00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:28.700
 what God is doing

00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.519
 but it is a work

00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.539
 that he alone

00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:31.099
 is doing

00:25:31.099 --> 00:25:32.519
 it is God

00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.519
 who is initiating

00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:35.139
 salvation through Christ

00:25:35.139 --> 00:25:36.900
 and we merely receive

00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:37.740
 however

00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:38.319
 however

00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:39.319
 our growth

00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:39.940
 in holiness

00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:40.779
 and good works

00:25:40.779 --> 00:25:42.139
 it's our own work

00:25:42.139 --> 00:25:43.839
 partnered with the Holy Spirit

00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:44.799
 we need help

00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:46.099
 we need God's divine help

00:25:46.099 --> 00:25:46.740
 as we grow

00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:47.920
 in the faith

00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:48.480
 nevertheless

00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:50.639
 as we grow in the faith

00:25:50.639 --> 00:25:52.259
 we are empowered

00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:52.960
 to obey

00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:54.279
 and we have choices

00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:54.859
 to obey

00:25:54.859 --> 00:25:55.639
 we have agency

00:25:55.639 --> 00:25:56.220
 to obey

00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:56.700
 we have

00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:58.359
 we are commended

00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:58.980
 to obey

00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:00.360
 to say no to sin

00:26:00.360 --> 00:26:01.400
 and yes to righteousness

00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:02.660
 so before God

00:26:02.660 --> 00:26:03.740
 we are made right

00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:06.140
 but we are still prone to sin

00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:07.880
 and the call of the Christian life

00:26:07.880 --> 00:26:08.700
 is to grow

00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:09.660
 in holiness

00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:10.680
 such works

00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:11.920
 never justify

00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:12.880
 or save

00:26:12.880 --> 00:26:13.839
 the man or woman

00:26:13.839 --> 00:26:14.960
 but they are evidence

00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:16.099
 that faith

00:26:16.099 --> 00:26:16.920
 is present

00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:17.759
 and this is what Paul

00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.460
 is getting at

00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:19.160
 here

00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.660
 in chapter 1

00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:22.120
 and it's very important

00:26:22.120 --> 00:26:22.460
 that

00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.339
 that we

00:26:23.339 --> 00:26:24.339
 that we're careful

00:26:24.339 --> 00:26:25.559
 not to blur the lines

00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.339
 between

00:26:26.339 --> 00:26:27.400
 justification

00:26:27.400 --> 00:26:28.839
 that God is saving us

00:26:28.839 --> 00:26:29.399
 this is a work

00:26:29.399 --> 00:26:30.439
 that he alone

00:26:30.439 --> 00:26:30.859
 is doing

00:26:30.859 --> 00:26:32.259
 and us growing

00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:32.819
 in the faith

00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:34.039
 which is this partnership

00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:35.319
 with us and God

00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:37.319
 we can't blur those lines

00:26:37.319 --> 00:26:38.639
 it's incredibly important

00:26:38.639 --> 00:26:40.019
 they must remain distinct

00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:40.779
 so that

00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:41.159
 A

00:26:41.159 --> 00:26:42.599
 we don't somehow think

00:26:42.599 --> 00:26:42.959
 that

00:26:42.959 --> 00:26:44.740
 we have saved ourselves

00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:46.000
 because we are

00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:47.240
 feeling like we are

00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:48.079
 growing in holiness

00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:49.559
 which is kind of a sign

00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:50.599
 you're not growing in holiness

00:26:50.599 --> 00:26:52.019
 that pride is

00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:53.059
 the main feature

00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:53.559
 of your life

00:26:53.559 --> 00:26:54.399
 but it's also

00:26:54.399 --> 00:26:55.259
 very important

00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.779
 that when we do sin

00:26:56.779 --> 00:26:58.319
 we don't immediately

00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.779
 assume that our salvation

00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:00.359
 is lost

00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:01.420
 the second

00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:02.399
 we trip up

00:27:02.399 --> 00:27:02.980
 the second

00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:03.779
 we sin

00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:05.180
 that we can go to Christ

00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:06.759
 we can ask for forgiveness

00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:08.579
 we can seek his mercy

00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:09.399
 and trust that

00:27:09.399 --> 00:27:10.599
 it is God who saves

00:27:10.599 --> 00:27:11.960
 and he is at work

00:27:11.960 --> 00:27:12.639
 in our lives

00:27:12.639 --> 00:27:13.700
 and that we grow

00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:15.740
 not completely linear

00:27:15.740 --> 00:27:17.099
 but that's more like this

00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:18.680
 but we're still growing

00:27:18.680 --> 00:27:19.339
 right

00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:20.079
 it's very

00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.819
 very important

00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:21.420
 that we do not

00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:22.920
 blur those lines

00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:24.079
 this is why Paul

00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:25.079
 is so very affectionate

00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:26.000
 towards this church

00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:27.740
 he uses such effusive

00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:29.659
 and loving language

00:27:29.659 --> 00:27:30.619
 it's not stiff

00:27:30.619 --> 00:27:32.299
 it's not business like

00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:33.659
 he's not getting to the point

00:27:33.659 --> 00:27:35.139
 it is an outpouring

00:27:35.139 --> 00:27:36.059
 of his joy

00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:36.839
 and his love

00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:37.500
 and his affection

00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:38.399
 he is again

00:27:38.399 --> 00:27:39.439
 a proud father

00:27:39.439 --> 00:27:40.460
 in the faith

00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:41.339
 he is seeing

00:27:41.339 --> 00:27:42.639
 spiritual growth

00:27:42.639 --> 00:27:43.339
 happening

00:27:43.339 --> 00:27:44.779
 I'll just say this

00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:45.859
 I mean I don't know

00:27:45.859 --> 00:27:46.599
 if I say this

00:27:46.599 --> 00:27:47.819
 enough or

00:27:47.819 --> 00:27:49.179
 enough from up here

00:27:49.179 --> 00:27:49.480
 but

00:27:49.480 --> 00:27:51.039
 it is a joy

00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:51.699
 to see

00:27:51.699 --> 00:27:53.159
 and I don't see it all

00:27:53.159 --> 00:27:54.240
 but from my vantage point

00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:54.699
 what I see

00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:55.380
 it is a joy

00:27:55.380 --> 00:27:55.940
 to see

00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:57.519
 this church grow

00:27:57.519 --> 00:27:59.559
 in their love of God

00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.640
 and their love for one another

00:28:00.640 --> 00:28:02.180
 their desire to get

00:28:02.180 --> 00:28:03.100
 into God's word

00:28:03.100 --> 00:28:03.880
 to partner

00:28:03.880 --> 00:28:04.840
 in the faith

00:28:04.840 --> 00:28:06.220
 in God's mission

00:28:06.220 --> 00:28:07.279
 you know

00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:08.180
 we planted the church

00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:09.220
 three and a half years ago

00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:10.720
 a lot of those experiences

00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:12.019
 are so awfully fresh

00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.700
 in our minds

00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.100
 and

00:28:13.100 --> 00:28:14.080
 to know

00:28:14.080 --> 00:28:15.000
 some people

00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:15.480
 that were here

00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:16.360
 from the very beginning

00:28:16.360 --> 00:28:18.000
 even before we launched

00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:19.279
 and continue on

00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:19.920
 and partner

00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:21.819
 that partnered with us

00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:23.120
 that have ministered

00:28:23.120 --> 00:28:23.759
 to our family

00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.640
 incredible

00:28:24.640 --> 00:28:25.580
 and then people

00:28:25.580 --> 00:28:26.040
 who have come

00:28:26.040 --> 00:28:26.780
 in the last year

00:28:26.780 --> 00:28:28.500
 or two years ago

00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.640
 or in the last six months

00:28:29.640 --> 00:28:30.740
 and jumping in

00:28:30.740 --> 00:28:32.380
 and seeing growth

00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:33.000
 and progression

00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:33.600
 it is

00:28:33.600 --> 00:28:35.180
 you can't speak

00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:36.160
 in like a business

00:28:36.160 --> 00:28:36.740
 formal

00:28:36.740 --> 00:28:37.800
 like hey this is

00:28:37.800 --> 00:28:38.540
 I commend you

00:28:38.540 --> 00:28:39.180
 on your growth

00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:39.640
 in the Lord

00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:40.900
 it doesn't work that way

00:28:40.900 --> 00:28:42.020
 it's like this joy

00:28:42.020 --> 00:28:42.880
 of seeing

00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:44.100
 baby steps

00:28:44.100 --> 00:28:45.080
 and you're not babies

00:28:45.080 --> 00:28:45.980
 but this idea

00:28:45.980 --> 00:28:46.600
 of you're a parent

00:28:46.600 --> 00:28:47.600
 you see baby steps

00:28:47.600 --> 00:28:48.680
 and then you see

00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:49.420
 a toddle

00:28:49.420 --> 00:28:50.400
 and then you see a run

00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:51.240
 and you see

00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:51.840
 this progression

00:28:51.840 --> 00:28:53.580
 parents aren't

00:28:53.580 --> 00:28:54.740
 stiff about this stuff

00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.180
 they're not like

00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:55.960
 hey my child

00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:57.420
 is making great progress

00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:58.740
 in the realm of walking

00:28:58.740 --> 00:29:00.120
 it's like you're excited

00:29:00.120 --> 00:29:01.440
 you're joyful

00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:03.080
 you're giddy about it

00:29:03.080 --> 00:29:04.759
 and I'll just say

00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.259
 honestly

00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:05.860
 it is like

00:29:05.860 --> 00:29:06.320
 one of the

00:29:06.320 --> 00:29:07.360
 in terms of like

00:29:07.360 --> 00:29:08.940
 non-family

00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:10.560
 aspects of my life

00:29:10.560 --> 00:29:11.580
 it's like the greatest joy

00:29:11.580 --> 00:29:12.100
 of my life

00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:12.700
 it really is

00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.560
 and I'm not just saying this

00:29:13.560 --> 00:29:14.440
 it is a remarkable thing

00:29:14.440 --> 00:29:14.740
 to see

00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:16.259
 I think this is what Paul

00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:17.980
 is so jazzed up about

00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:19.500
 so Paul

00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:20.799
 ultimately

00:29:20.799 --> 00:29:22.160
 how does he express

00:29:22.160 --> 00:29:23.680
 his affection

00:29:23.680 --> 00:29:25.539
 of course through words

00:29:25.539 --> 00:29:26.680
 but more importantly

00:29:26.680 --> 00:29:27.640
 it's through prayer

00:29:27.640 --> 00:29:28.380
 and this will get to

00:29:28.380 --> 00:29:29.620
 our final section

00:29:29.620 --> 00:29:30.440
 our third point

00:29:30.440 --> 00:29:32.079
 if we believe

00:29:32.079 --> 00:29:32.799
 in a sovereign

00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.579
 and loving God

00:29:33.579 --> 00:29:34.400
 who creates

00:29:34.400 --> 00:29:34.960
 and redeems

00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:35.839
 not because he is

00:29:35.839 --> 00:29:37.539
 a needy being

00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.259
 but because

00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:39.420
 he does so

00:29:39.420 --> 00:29:40.240
 out of love

00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:41.359
 we can be sure

00:29:41.359 --> 00:29:42.039
 that the highest

00:29:42.039 --> 00:29:43.220
 expression of care

00:29:43.220 --> 00:29:44.259
 that we can offer

00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:44.859
 one another

00:29:44.859 --> 00:29:46.160
 is to commend

00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:47.379
 each other to the Lord

00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:48.359
 when we entrust

00:29:48.359 --> 00:29:49.460
 people to the

00:29:49.460 --> 00:29:50.180
 all-powerful

00:29:50.180 --> 00:29:50.980
 all-knowing

00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:52.039
 all-loving

00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:53.000
 unchangeable

00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:53.779
 victorious

00:29:53.779 --> 00:29:54.799
 triune God

00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:56.759
 that is a loving act

00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:57.980
 it is recognizing

00:29:57.980 --> 00:29:58.799
 first and foremost

00:29:58.799 --> 00:29:59.980
 that the growth

00:29:59.980 --> 00:30:00.900
 that people need

00:30:00.900 --> 00:30:01.400
 and the issues

00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:02.039
 that we face

00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:03.140
 they are far bigger

00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:04.220
 than who we are

00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:05.839
 and it also is this

00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.759
 act of worship

00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:07.519
 towards the Lord

00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:08.440
 that says

00:30:08.440 --> 00:30:10.000
 only you can bring

00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:10.839
 about the growth

00:30:10.839 --> 00:30:12.259
 that you call us to

00:30:12.259 --> 00:30:13.980
 it is one of the

00:30:13.980 --> 00:30:15.000
 highest acts of love

00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:15.579
 that we can do

00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:16.200
 for one another

00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:17.599
 so what follows

00:30:17.599 --> 00:30:19.039
 in verses 9 to 11

00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:20.240
 is truly among

00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:21.620
 the best prayers

00:30:21.620 --> 00:30:22.779
 to pray

00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:23.480
 if you are wondering

00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:24.099
 how to pray

00:30:24.099 --> 00:30:24.759
 for anybody

00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:25.299
 for me

00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:28.000
 pray verses 9 to 11

00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:29.620
 make it your prayer

00:30:29.620 --> 00:30:30.680
 incorporate it

00:30:30.680 --> 00:30:31.299
 this week

00:30:31.299 --> 00:30:32.460
 this month

00:30:32.460 --> 00:30:33.799
 all throughout the summer

00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:34.400
 throughout the rest

00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:35.039
 of your lives

00:30:35.039 --> 00:30:36.200
 verses 9 to 11

00:30:36.200 --> 00:30:38.079
 I mean it's dynamite

00:30:38.079 --> 00:30:39.279
 we'll get into it

00:30:39.279 --> 00:30:39.680
 in a second

00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:40.279
 but just a couple

00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:41.180
 words before that

00:30:41.180 --> 00:30:42.180
 point 3

00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:42.940
 Paul's hope

00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.740
 filled prayer

00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.840
 Paul picks up

00:30:44.840 --> 00:30:45.500
 where he left off

00:30:45.500 --> 00:30:46.900
 in verse 4

00:30:46.900 --> 00:30:48.759
 by expressing his love

00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:49.519
 for the congregation

00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:50.220
 in prayer

00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:51.080
 that they would

00:30:51.080 --> 00:30:51.840
 continually grow

00:30:51.840 --> 00:30:52.460
 in the gospel

00:30:52.460 --> 00:30:54.519
 this point is so

00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:55.320
 very wise

00:30:55.320 --> 00:30:56.120
 this prayer is so

00:30:56.120 --> 00:30:56.840
 very wise

00:30:56.840 --> 00:30:57.860
 it's something

00:30:57.860 --> 00:30:58.600
 again that we

00:30:58.600 --> 00:30:59.400
 ought to be praying

00:30:59.400 --> 00:30:59.740
 for

00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.259
 in fact

00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:01.180
 it is

00:31:01.180 --> 00:31:02.039
 it really

00:31:02.039 --> 00:31:02.799
 if you could fill

00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:03.560
 this prayer out

00:31:03.560 --> 00:31:03.880
 it would

00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.920
 you'd have a

00:31:04.920 --> 00:31:06.080
 wonderful life

00:31:06.080 --> 00:31:06.440
 of prayer

00:31:06.440 --> 00:31:08.259
 for the rest

00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:09.060
 of your days

00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:10.039
 and here's the prayer

00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.039
 verses 9 to 11

00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:12.419
 and it is my prayer

00:31:12.419 --> 00:31:13.119
 that your love

00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:13.919
 may abound

00:31:13.919 --> 00:31:15.039
 more and more

00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:16.480
 Paul's already

00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.399
 recognizing by the way

00:31:17.399 --> 00:31:18.299
 that love is abounding

00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:19.700
 but that your love

00:31:19.700 --> 00:31:20.700
 may abound more

00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.119
 and more

00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:22.000
 with knowledge

00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:23.099
 and all discernment

00:31:23.099 --> 00:31:24.419
 so that you may

00:31:24.419 --> 00:31:25.379
 approve what is

00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:25.940
 excellent

00:31:25.940 --> 00:31:27.379
 and so be pure

00:31:27.379 --> 00:31:27.960
 and blameless

00:31:27.960 --> 00:31:28.859
 for the day of Christ

00:31:28.859 --> 00:31:30.359
 filled with the fruit

00:31:30.359 --> 00:31:30.960
 of righteousness

00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:32.419
 that comes

00:31:32.419 --> 00:31:33.759
 through Jesus Christ

00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:34.460
 to the glory

00:31:34.460 --> 00:31:35.940
 and praise

00:31:35.940 --> 00:31:36.659
 of God

00:31:36.659 --> 00:31:37.960
 as Paul

00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:39.140
 deeply desiring

00:31:39.140 --> 00:31:40.680
 the continued

00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:41.759
 growth and flourishing

00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.980
 of the Philippian church

00:31:42.980 --> 00:31:44.460
 he prays three

00:31:44.460 --> 00:31:45.980
 I mean you can break it up

00:31:45.980 --> 00:31:46.480
 even into

00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:47.200
 you can get really

00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:48.000
 granular with this

00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:49.140
 but at least three

00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:50.420
 very important things

00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:51.940
 and they're all very

00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:52.900
 interconnected

00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:53.740
 deeply connected

00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.319
 the first

00:31:54.319 --> 00:31:55.400
 is that they would

00:31:55.400 --> 00:31:56.180
 continue to grow

00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:56.680
 in love

00:31:56.680 --> 00:31:57.920
 and that love

00:31:57.920 --> 00:31:58.559
 would be rooted

00:31:58.559 --> 00:31:59.860
 in truth and wisdom

00:31:59.860 --> 00:32:01.160
 very important

00:32:01.160 --> 00:32:02.259
 love rooted

00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:03.279
 in truth and wisdom

00:32:03.279 --> 00:32:04.360
 it's not to be divorced

00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:05.120
 from those things

00:32:05.120 --> 00:32:06.740
 true knowledge

00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.759
 seeks to cultivate

00:32:07.759 --> 00:32:09.160
 and walk towards love

00:32:09.160 --> 00:32:10.359
 and godly love

00:32:10.359 --> 00:32:11.480
 is not self-serving

00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:12.319
 but concerned

00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:13.480
 with reality

00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:15.200
 concerned with truth

00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:16.079
 concerned with wisdom

00:32:16.079 --> 00:32:16.480
 love

00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:18.140
 it cannot be cowardly

00:32:18.140 --> 00:32:18.859
 or mindless

00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:20.299
 therefore we can't

00:32:20.299 --> 00:32:21.120
 define love

00:32:21.120 --> 00:32:22.700
 any which way we want

00:32:22.700 --> 00:32:23.380
 we just can't

00:32:23.380 --> 00:32:24.120
 we don't have the authority

00:32:24.120 --> 00:32:25.019
 to do that

00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.960
 I mean we can

00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:27.000
 but then what we're doing

00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:28.099
 is calling love

00:32:28.099 --> 00:32:29.039
 something that it isn't

00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:29.980
 so in the post

00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:30.700
 modern

00:32:30.700 --> 00:32:31.980
 post-Christian Canada

00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:33.000
 we have very

00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:34.839
 we have a plurality

00:32:34.839 --> 00:32:35.259
 of visions

00:32:35.259 --> 00:32:36.039
 of what love

00:32:36.039 --> 00:32:36.839
 ought to be

00:32:36.839 --> 00:32:37.959
 different versions

00:32:37.959 --> 00:32:38.699
 of love

00:32:38.699 --> 00:32:39.539
 and unfortunately

00:32:39.539 --> 00:32:40.279
 any love

00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:41.419
 that is self-serving

00:32:41.419 --> 00:32:42.379
 any love

00:32:42.379 --> 00:32:43.879
 that is self-consuming

00:32:43.879 --> 00:32:45.059
 selfish

00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:46.799
 short-sighted

00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:47.599
 and ultimately

00:32:47.599 --> 00:32:48.500
 ignorant of the

00:32:48.500 --> 00:32:49.319
 triune God

00:32:49.319 --> 00:32:50.639
 it will not be a love

00:32:50.639 --> 00:32:51.819
 that is wise

00:32:51.819 --> 00:32:52.439
 and truthful

00:32:52.439 --> 00:32:54.199
 we often pursue

00:32:54.199 --> 00:32:55.399
 anything that will

00:32:55.399 --> 00:32:56.220
 make us feel

00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:57.000
 that we have

00:32:57.000 --> 00:32:58.119
 touched something

00:32:58.119 --> 00:32:59.039
 transcendent

00:32:59.039 --> 00:33:00.099
 what is love

00:33:00.099 --> 00:33:00.720
 if it is not

00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:01.419
 this pursuit

00:33:01.419 --> 00:33:01.959
 of something

00:33:01.959 --> 00:33:03.119
 that makes us feel

00:33:03.119 --> 00:33:04.079
 like we are

00:33:04.079 --> 00:33:05.639
 ten feet tall

00:33:05.639 --> 00:33:06.599
 that we are

00:33:06.599 --> 00:33:08.419
 immersed in joy

00:33:08.419 --> 00:33:09.179
 and pleasure

00:33:09.179 --> 00:33:10.439
 and in belonging

00:33:10.439 --> 00:33:11.359
 that we have

00:33:11.359 --> 00:33:12.819
 touched the transcendent

00:33:12.819 --> 00:33:13.959
 it's remarkable

00:33:13.959 --> 00:33:15.639
 that we all have

00:33:15.639 --> 00:33:16.239
 this innate

00:33:16.239 --> 00:33:17.019
 understanding

00:33:17.019 --> 00:33:18.019
 that love

00:33:18.019 --> 00:33:18.879
 must either be

00:33:18.879 --> 00:33:19.339
 divine

00:33:19.339 --> 00:33:20.039
 or connected

00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:20.859
 to the divine

00:33:20.859 --> 00:33:22.000
 but we chase

00:33:22.000 --> 00:33:22.559
 after it

00:33:22.559 --> 00:33:23.439
 in unwise

00:33:23.439 --> 00:33:25.079
 and insane ways

00:33:25.079 --> 00:33:25.919
 calling things

00:33:25.919 --> 00:33:26.539
 love that are

00:33:26.539 --> 00:33:26.939
 foolish

00:33:26.939 --> 00:33:27.439
 dark

00:33:27.439 --> 00:33:28.419
 and especially

00:33:28.419 --> 00:33:29.159
 in our day

00:33:29.159 --> 00:33:29.839
 perverted

00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:30.739
 and that lead

00:33:30.739 --> 00:33:31.579
 not to life

00:33:31.579 --> 00:33:32.359
 not to wisdom

00:33:32.359 --> 00:33:33.259
 not to truth

00:33:33.259 --> 00:33:34.219
 not to flourishing

00:33:34.219 --> 00:33:35.419
 but to degradation

00:33:35.419 --> 00:33:36.459
 to death

00:33:36.459 --> 00:33:37.500
 to splintering

00:33:37.500 --> 00:33:38.839
 to not fellowship

00:33:38.839 --> 00:33:40.059
 but disfellowship

00:33:40.059 --> 00:33:40.879
 and if a love

00:33:40.879 --> 00:33:41.979
 if that's a fruit

00:33:41.979 --> 00:33:42.659
 of the love

00:33:42.659 --> 00:33:44.099
 that you might be pursuing

00:33:44.099 --> 00:33:45.379
 then you are calling

00:33:45.379 --> 00:33:46.159
 something

00:33:46.159 --> 00:33:47.439
 that isn't love

00:33:47.439 --> 00:33:47.759
 love

00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:49.099
 so a prayer

00:33:49.099 --> 00:33:49.919
 like this

00:33:49.919 --> 00:33:51.079
 is nothing short

00:33:51.079 --> 00:33:52.079
 of an antidote

00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:53.039
 to the insanity

00:33:53.039 --> 00:33:54.240
 of the various versions

00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:54.679
 of love

00:33:54.679 --> 00:33:55.339
 that our world

00:33:55.339 --> 00:33:56.219
 promises

00:33:56.219 --> 00:33:58.039
 a love that abounds

00:33:58.039 --> 00:33:58.819
 more and more

00:33:58.819 --> 00:33:59.559
 with knowledge

00:33:59.559 --> 00:34:00.359
 and discernment

00:34:00.359 --> 00:34:02.099
 it is a sane

00:34:02.099 --> 00:34:03.099
 thing

00:34:03.099 --> 00:34:04.159
 it is a fruitful

00:34:04.159 --> 00:34:05.179
 thing

00:34:05.179 --> 00:34:06.279
 that recognizes

00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:07.119
 that the origin

00:34:07.119 --> 00:34:07.719
 of love

00:34:07.719 --> 00:34:08.480
 and the end

00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:08.920
 of love

00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:09.719
 like the telos

00:34:09.719 --> 00:34:10.019
 of love

00:34:10.019 --> 00:34:10.539
 the end

00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:11.299
 of love

00:34:11.299 --> 00:34:11.960
 the ultimate

00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:12.699
 goal of love

00:34:12.699 --> 00:34:14.339
 is God himself

00:34:14.339 --> 00:34:15.239
 Father, Son

00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:15.960
 and Holy Spirit

00:34:15.960 --> 00:34:17.099
 the result

00:34:17.099 --> 00:34:18.639
 to live wisely

00:34:18.639 --> 00:34:19.699
 and righteously

00:34:19.699 --> 00:34:20.480
 and lovingly

00:34:20.480 --> 00:34:21.539
 it's not the hope

00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:22.380
 of everybody

00:34:22.380 --> 00:34:23.779
 now it might

00:34:23.779 --> 00:34:25.139
 again

00:34:25.139 --> 00:34:26.239
 you could even

00:34:26.239 --> 00:34:27.460
 define what wise

00:34:27.460 --> 00:34:28.000
 and righteous

00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:29.440
 and loving

00:34:29.440 --> 00:34:30.820
 life looks like

00:34:30.820 --> 00:34:31.780
 not according

00:34:31.780 --> 00:34:32.340
 to the Bible

00:34:32.340 --> 00:34:33.480
 but still

00:34:33.480 --> 00:34:34.260
 you're just

00:34:34.260 --> 00:34:35.900
 redefining

00:34:35.900 --> 00:34:36.679
 categories

00:34:36.679 --> 00:34:37.239
 that are very

00:34:37.239 --> 00:34:37.699
 biblical

00:34:37.699 --> 00:34:38.760
 categories

00:34:38.760 --> 00:34:39.480
 and things

00:34:39.480 --> 00:34:40.039
 that we all

00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.519
 desire

00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:41.280
 but we're looking

00:34:41.280 --> 00:34:42.059
 in other places

00:34:42.059 --> 00:34:42.840
 the scripture

00:34:42.840 --> 00:34:43.800
 rather calls us

00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:44.760
 to love

00:34:44.760 --> 00:34:45.360
 that is

00:34:45.360 --> 00:34:46.159
 abounding

00:34:46.159 --> 00:34:47.639
 that is wise

00:34:47.639 --> 00:34:48.780
 that is truthful

00:34:48.780 --> 00:34:49.500
 that helps us

00:34:49.500 --> 00:34:50.199
 to understand

00:34:50.199 --> 00:34:50.980
 right and wrong

00:34:50.980 --> 00:34:51.900
 and pursue the good

00:34:51.900 --> 00:34:53.179
 to pursue the beautiful

00:34:53.179 --> 00:34:54.460
 pursue the true

00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:55.219
 and the scripture

00:34:55.219 --> 00:34:56.139
 calls this fruitful

00:34:56.139 --> 00:34:56.519
 living

00:34:56.519 --> 00:34:57.840
 I mean it talks

00:34:57.840 --> 00:34:58.360
 about here

00:34:58.360 --> 00:34:59.179
 in verse 11

00:34:59.179 --> 00:35:00.420
 filled with the fruit

00:35:00.420 --> 00:35:01.159
 of righteousness

00:35:01.159 --> 00:35:02.320
 almost certainly

00:35:02.320 --> 00:35:03.759
 this would be

00:35:03.759 --> 00:35:05.039
 what Paul expands

00:35:05.039 --> 00:35:05.519
 on later

00:35:05.519 --> 00:35:06.239
 in Galatians

00:35:06.239 --> 00:35:07.699
 to be the fruit

00:35:07.699 --> 00:35:08.420
 of the spirit

00:35:08.420 --> 00:35:09.460
 through the spirit

00:35:09.460 --> 00:35:10.179
 Galatians 5

00:35:10.179 --> 00:35:10.619
 22

00:35:10.619 --> 00:35:11.559
 and verse 23

00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:12.420
 love

00:35:12.420 --> 00:35:12.820
 joy

00:35:12.820 --> 00:35:13.320
 peace

00:35:13.320 --> 00:35:14.000
 patience

00:35:14.000 --> 00:35:14.739
 kindness

00:35:14.739 --> 00:35:15.280
 goodness

00:35:15.280 --> 00:35:16.019
 faithfulness

00:35:16.019 --> 00:35:16.519
 gentleness

00:35:16.519 --> 00:35:17.239
 self-control

00:35:17.239 --> 00:35:18.139
 and then he says

00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:19.679
 against such things

00:35:19.679 --> 00:35:20.559
 there is no law

00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:21.320
 which is to say

00:35:21.320 --> 00:35:22.199
 that

00:35:22.199 --> 00:35:23.860
 this is how we live

00:35:23.860 --> 00:35:24.400
 righteously

00:35:24.400 --> 00:35:26.160
 this is how we live

00:35:26.160 --> 00:35:27.220
 in wisdom

00:35:27.220 --> 00:35:27.880
 and in truth

00:35:27.880 --> 00:35:28.980
 so follow any

00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:30.860
 online influence

00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:31.500
 or read any

00:35:31.500 --> 00:35:33.599
 self-care book

00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:35.039
 something about

00:35:35.039 --> 00:35:35.599
 mindfulness

00:35:35.599 --> 00:35:37.099
 and you will see

00:35:37.099 --> 00:35:38.300
 some kind of recognition

00:35:38.300 --> 00:35:39.099
 that the fruit

00:35:39.099 --> 00:35:39.800
 of the spirit

00:35:39.800 --> 00:35:41.780
 it is deeply desirable

00:35:41.780 --> 00:35:43.420
 and it is a goal

00:35:43.420 --> 00:35:44.200
 of a holistic

00:35:44.200 --> 00:35:45.039
 well-lived life

00:35:45.039 --> 00:35:46.460
 I mean find me

00:35:46.460 --> 00:35:47.680
 a wellness guru

00:35:47.680 --> 00:35:48.740
 that wouldn't want

00:35:48.740 --> 00:35:49.240
 to say

00:35:49.240 --> 00:35:50.000
 that joy

00:35:50.000 --> 00:35:50.780
 love joy

00:35:50.780 --> 00:35:51.099
 peace

00:35:51.099 --> 00:35:51.480
 patience

00:35:51.480 --> 00:35:51.820
 kindness

00:35:51.820 --> 00:35:52.160
 goodness

00:35:52.160 --> 00:35:52.740
 faithfulness

00:35:52.740 --> 00:35:53.079
 gentleness

00:35:53.079 --> 00:35:53.619
 self-control

00:35:53.619 --> 00:35:54.319
 are good things

00:35:54.319 --> 00:35:55.639
 these are good things

00:35:55.639 --> 00:35:56.599
 wonderful things

00:35:56.599 --> 00:35:57.339
 in fact these are

00:35:57.339 --> 00:35:58.000
 things that

00:35:58.000 --> 00:35:59.299
 that we need to pursue

00:35:59.299 --> 00:36:01.239
 but how then do we

00:36:01.239 --> 00:36:01.859
 pursue it

00:36:01.859 --> 00:36:02.559
 how then do we

00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:03.279
 define it

00:36:03.279 --> 00:36:04.159
 but Paul here

00:36:04.159 --> 00:36:04.880
 is saying that

00:36:04.880 --> 00:36:06.179
 such fruit comes

00:36:06.179 --> 00:36:06.900
 ultimately

00:36:06.900 --> 00:36:07.839
 through the redemption

00:36:07.839 --> 00:36:08.880
 of Jesus Christ

00:36:08.880 --> 00:36:09.480
 and somehow

00:36:09.480 --> 00:36:11.339
 this will result in us

00:36:11.339 --> 00:36:12.839
 being pure and blameless

00:36:12.839 --> 00:36:13.719
 and this is

00:36:13.719 --> 00:36:14.799
 a wonderful thing

00:36:14.799 --> 00:36:16.039
 except if you take a step back

00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:17.000
 and you're honest with yourself

00:36:17.000 --> 00:36:18.759
 who here is pure and blameless

00:36:18.759 --> 00:36:19.539
 I'm not

00:36:19.539 --> 00:36:20.980
 I'm certainly not

00:36:20.980 --> 00:36:22.279
 pure and blameless

00:36:22.280 --> 00:36:23.800
 what does Paul mean

00:36:23.800 --> 00:36:25.180
 we will never be pure

00:36:25.180 --> 00:36:25.680
 and blameless

00:36:25.680 --> 00:36:26.660
 in this life

00:36:26.660 --> 00:36:27.720
 so what is Paul

00:36:27.720 --> 00:36:28.560
 referring to here

00:36:28.560 --> 00:36:29.040
 and I think

00:36:29.040 --> 00:36:29.560
 what will

00:36:29.560 --> 00:36:30.840
 what helps us

00:36:30.840 --> 00:36:31.680
 to understand this

00:36:31.680 --> 00:36:32.519
 and this will be

00:36:32.519 --> 00:36:33.519
 the second time

00:36:33.519 --> 00:36:34.440
 in the short section

00:36:34.440 --> 00:36:35.519
 that Paul will refer to

00:36:35.519 --> 00:36:36.780
 the day of Christ

00:36:36.780 --> 00:36:37.380
 or the day

00:36:37.380 --> 00:36:38.480
 of Jesus Christ

00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:39.440
 so he mentions it

00:36:39.440 --> 00:36:41.940
 up in verse 6

00:36:41.940 --> 00:36:44.019
 and then again here

00:36:44.019 --> 00:36:45.560
 in verse 10

00:36:45.560 --> 00:36:47.360
 this day of Christ

00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:48.700
 it is the second coming

00:36:48.699 --> 00:36:50.199
 the parousia

00:36:50.199 --> 00:36:52.219
 the return of Jesus

00:36:52.219 --> 00:36:54.359
 when our full sanctification

00:36:54.359 --> 00:36:55.799
 will be complete

00:36:55.799 --> 00:36:57.139
 where our growth

00:36:57.139 --> 00:36:57.939
 in holiness

00:36:57.939 --> 00:36:59.159
 will come to an end

00:36:59.159 --> 00:36:59.460
 why?

00:36:59.599 --> 00:37:00.759
 because we will be made holy

00:37:00.759 --> 00:37:02.079
 like he is holy

00:37:02.079 --> 00:37:03.659
 we will be transformed

00:37:03.659 --> 00:37:04.379
 so that

00:37:04.379 --> 00:37:05.779
 I love this

00:37:05.779 --> 00:37:06.699
 it's not just that

00:37:06.699 --> 00:37:07.779
 we will return to Eden

00:37:07.779 --> 00:37:09.500
 where there was perfection

00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:11.419
 with the possibility of sin

00:37:11.419 --> 00:37:13.559
 we will be perfected

00:37:13.559 --> 00:37:15.159
 without the possibility

00:37:15.159 --> 00:37:16.299
 of sinning any longer

00:37:16.300 --> 00:37:17.740
 this is the promise

00:37:17.740 --> 00:37:19.120
 that is made to us

00:37:19.120 --> 00:37:20.260
 that when Christ returns

00:37:20.260 --> 00:37:22.100
 we will be transformed

00:37:22.100 --> 00:37:22.980
 and Paul is saying

00:37:22.980 --> 00:37:23.220
 listen

00:37:23.220 --> 00:37:24.500
 this is all a part of it

00:37:24.500 --> 00:37:25.680
 that you are saved

00:37:25.680 --> 00:37:26.860
 that you are made pure

00:37:26.860 --> 00:37:27.360
 and blameless

00:37:27.360 --> 00:37:28.060
 before the Lord

00:37:28.060 --> 00:37:28.960
 that's how you can even

00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:30.400
 approach the throne of grace

00:37:30.400 --> 00:37:31.660
 but then you live out

00:37:31.660 --> 00:37:32.180
 this life

00:37:32.180 --> 00:37:33.420
 journeying towards that

00:37:33.420 --> 00:37:35.019
 but when Christ comes

00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:36.740
 he will complete it

00:37:36.740 --> 00:37:37.800
 no more sin

00:37:37.800 --> 00:37:40.180
 no more brokenness

00:37:40.180 --> 00:37:41.680
 no more squabbles

00:37:41.680 --> 00:37:42.920
 no more selfishness

00:37:42.920 --> 00:37:45.000
 no more impatience

00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:46.539
 no more pride

00:37:46.539 --> 00:37:47.320
 no more welling up

00:37:47.320 --> 00:37:48.400
 no more anger

00:37:48.400 --> 00:37:49.980
 no more tears

00:37:49.980 --> 00:37:51.340
 perfection

00:37:51.340 --> 00:37:53.639
 but it is completely

00:37:53.639 --> 00:37:55.639
 connected to Christ himself

00:37:55.639 --> 00:37:56.340
 and his return

00:37:56.340 --> 00:37:57.820
 therefore the final thing

00:37:57.820 --> 00:37:59.340
 that Paul prays for

00:37:59.340 --> 00:38:01.820
 is that our ultimate end

00:38:01.820 --> 00:38:03.400
 would be to glorify God

00:38:03.400 --> 00:38:04.559
 and praise him forever

00:38:04.559 --> 00:38:06.599
 in the Westminster Catechism

00:38:06.599 --> 00:38:08.119
 it says

00:38:08.119 --> 00:38:09.619
 the chief end of man

00:38:09.619 --> 00:38:11.039
 is to know God

00:38:11.039 --> 00:38:12.679
 and glorify him forever

00:38:12.679 --> 00:38:13.860
 praise him forever

00:38:13.860 --> 00:38:15.820
 to enjoy him forever

00:38:15.820 --> 00:38:17.059
 it's a wonderful

00:38:17.059 --> 00:38:17.920
 succinct way

00:38:17.920 --> 00:38:20.039
 of seeing what

00:38:20.039 --> 00:38:21.579
 our eternity will be like

00:38:21.579 --> 00:38:23.640
 that we will enjoy God

00:38:23.640 --> 00:38:24.940
 being in his presence

00:38:24.940 --> 00:38:25.780
 glorifying him

00:38:25.780 --> 00:38:26.400
 and this is what Paul

00:38:26.400 --> 00:38:27.099
 is praying for

00:38:27.099 --> 00:38:28.840
 as he wraps up

00:38:28.840 --> 00:38:30.260
 this short prayer

00:38:30.260 --> 00:38:30.960
 in verse 11

00:38:30.960 --> 00:38:32.220
 consider how your

00:38:32.220 --> 00:38:33.079
 day to day

00:38:33.079 --> 00:38:34.039
 could be transformed

00:38:34.039 --> 00:38:35.280
 and infused

00:38:35.280 --> 00:38:36.660
 with the highest degree

00:38:36.660 --> 00:38:37.300
 of meaning

00:38:37.300 --> 00:38:38.280
 in your life

00:38:38.280 --> 00:38:39.800
 in all of existence

00:38:39.800 --> 00:38:42.400
 if you take these words

00:38:42.400 --> 00:38:43.140
 to heart

00:38:43.140 --> 00:38:44.560
 that you seek

00:38:44.560 --> 00:38:45.120
 individually

00:38:45.120 --> 00:38:46.080
 but also together

00:38:46.080 --> 00:38:46.760
 as a community

00:38:46.760 --> 00:38:48.039
 come to embrace

00:38:48.039 --> 00:38:48.720
 this life

00:38:48.720 --> 00:38:49.700
 trusting that God

00:38:49.700 --> 00:38:50.800
 is infusing you

00:38:50.800 --> 00:38:51.760
 with the strength

00:38:51.760 --> 00:38:52.380
 of the Holy Spirit

00:38:52.380 --> 00:38:53.260
 to live out the life

00:38:53.260 --> 00:38:54.240
 he is calling you to live

00:38:54.240 --> 00:38:55.180
 to partner

00:38:55.180 --> 00:38:56.460
 in the mission of God

00:38:56.460 --> 00:38:58.100
 to love one another

00:38:58.100 --> 00:39:00.120
 with godly love

00:39:00.120 --> 00:39:01.360
 being united to Christ

00:39:01.360 --> 00:39:02.200
 but also united

00:39:02.200 --> 00:39:02.860
 to one another

00:39:02.860 --> 00:39:03.640
 how would that

00:39:03.640 --> 00:39:04.820
 transform your life

00:39:04.820 --> 00:39:05.320
 overnight?

00:39:05.700 --> 00:39:06.519
 likely not

00:39:06.519 --> 00:39:07.440
 after a year

00:39:07.440 --> 00:39:08.500
 after five years

00:39:08.500 --> 00:39:09.480
 after ten years

00:39:09.480 --> 00:39:10.739
 committing yourself

00:39:10.739 --> 00:39:11.219
 to this

00:39:11.219 --> 00:39:12.440
 when you slip up

00:39:12.440 --> 00:39:13.099
 when you sin

00:39:13.099 --> 00:39:13.860
 what do you do?

00:39:13.980 --> 00:39:14.900
 you ask for forgiveness

00:39:14.900 --> 00:39:16.039
 you seek reconciliation

00:39:16.039 --> 00:39:17.519
 but you continue on

00:39:17.519 --> 00:39:18.119
 in growth

00:39:18.119 --> 00:39:19.099
 I was talking to Richard

00:39:19.099 --> 00:39:19.679
 just as we were

00:39:19.679 --> 00:39:20.380
 setting up chairs

00:39:20.380 --> 00:39:22.059
 about how often times

00:39:22.059 --> 00:39:23.480
 more often than not

00:39:23.480 --> 00:39:24.380
 the Lord's work

00:39:24.380 --> 00:39:25.900
 in our lives

00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:27.159
 is this kind of

00:39:27.159 --> 00:39:28.960
 slow burn progression

00:39:28.960 --> 00:39:29.960
 towards holiness

00:39:29.960 --> 00:39:30.719
 it's not this

00:39:30.719 --> 00:39:31.579
 overnight thing

00:39:31.579 --> 00:39:32.559
 it's a slow

00:39:32.559 --> 00:39:34.420
 gradual progression

00:39:34.420 --> 00:39:35.320
 right?

00:39:35.320 --> 00:39:36.240
 how would that

00:39:36.240 --> 00:39:36.880
 transform your

00:39:36.880 --> 00:39:37.480
 day to day though?

00:39:38.300 --> 00:39:38.840
 you know one of the

00:39:38.840 --> 00:39:39.780
 most beautiful things

00:39:39.780 --> 00:39:40.580
 about the Reformation

00:39:40.580 --> 00:39:42.620
 was that it emphasized

00:39:42.620 --> 00:39:44.080
 its emphasis

00:39:44.080 --> 00:39:44.960
 on the priesthood

00:39:44.960 --> 00:39:45.640
 of all believers

00:39:45.640 --> 00:39:47.080
 true worship

00:39:47.080 --> 00:39:48.120
 no longer limited

00:39:48.120 --> 00:39:48.720
 to clergy

00:39:48.720 --> 00:39:50.380
 but the baker

00:39:50.380 --> 00:39:51.120
 could worship

00:39:51.120 --> 00:39:51.620
 the Lord

00:39:51.620 --> 00:39:52.240
 in spirit

00:39:52.240 --> 00:39:53.019
 and in truth

00:39:53.019 --> 00:39:54.160
 the smith

00:39:54.160 --> 00:39:54.800
 the carpenter

00:39:54.800 --> 00:39:55.340
 the teacher

00:39:55.340 --> 00:39:56.480
 the small business owner

00:39:56.480 --> 00:39:57.960
 the public servant

00:39:57.960 --> 00:39:58.820
 the retiree

00:39:58.820 --> 00:39:59.460
 the student

00:39:59.460 --> 00:40:00.940
 and especially

00:40:00.940 --> 00:40:01.760
 especially

00:40:01.760 --> 00:40:03.380
 the homemaker

00:40:03.380 --> 00:40:04.960
 what a privileged

00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:05.440
 life

00:40:05.440 --> 00:40:06.820
 but to honor

00:40:06.820 --> 00:40:07.559
 the Lord

00:40:07.559 --> 00:40:08.619
 and to worship

00:40:08.619 --> 00:40:09.400
 him with

00:40:09.400 --> 00:40:10.660
 with our

00:40:10.660 --> 00:40:11.340
 day to day

00:40:11.340 --> 00:40:12.300
 now to have

00:40:12.300 --> 00:40:13.099
 that mindset

00:40:13.099 --> 00:40:14.340
 shift

00:40:14.340 --> 00:40:14.860
 how would that

00:40:14.860 --> 00:40:15.920
 transform your life?

00:40:17.099 --> 00:40:17.920
 wrap it up with this

00:40:17.920 --> 00:40:18.800
 because of the cross

00:40:18.800 --> 00:40:19.579
 because of Jesus'

00:40:19.800 --> 00:40:20.680
 death and resurrection

00:40:20.680 --> 00:40:22.539
 and ascension

00:40:22.539 --> 00:40:23.500
 we'll be celebrating

00:40:23.500 --> 00:40:25.340
 that very soon

00:40:25.340 --> 00:40:27.000
 we are offered

00:40:27.000 --> 00:40:28.240
 salvation

00:40:28.240 --> 00:40:28.780
 that both

00:40:28.780 --> 00:40:29.720
 infuses us

00:40:29.720 --> 00:40:30.480
 with a belonging

00:40:30.480 --> 00:40:31.119
 and purpose

00:40:31.119 --> 00:40:32.619
 that enriches

00:40:32.619 --> 00:40:33.159
 this life

00:40:33.159 --> 00:40:34.219
 and spills over

00:40:34.219 --> 00:40:35.240
 into eternity

00:40:35.240 --> 00:40:36.760
 spills over

00:40:36.760 --> 00:40:37.719
 into eternity

00:40:37.719 --> 00:40:38.780
 but

00:40:38.780 --> 00:40:40.400
 it also demands

00:40:40.400 --> 00:40:41.320
 that we partner

00:40:41.320 --> 00:40:41.940
 and participate

00:40:41.940 --> 00:40:42.579
 with Christ

00:40:42.579 --> 00:40:43.240
 and his church

00:40:43.240 --> 00:40:45.159
 in this wonderful

00:40:45.159 --> 00:40:46.260
 glorious mission

00:40:46.260 --> 00:40:47.139
 of reconciliation

00:40:47.139 --> 00:40:49.000
 and the promise

00:40:49.000 --> 00:40:50.019
 isn't that your life

00:40:50.019 --> 00:40:50.480
 will be

00:40:50.480 --> 00:40:52.300
 will be so

00:40:52.300 --> 00:40:54.159
 drab

00:40:54.159 --> 00:40:55.000
 and difficult

00:40:55.000 --> 00:40:55.840
 and heavy

00:40:55.840 --> 00:40:56.940
 no

00:40:56.940 --> 00:40:57.639
 it will

00:40:57.639 --> 00:40:58.440
 the promise

00:40:58.440 --> 00:40:59.480
 is that you could be

00:40:59.480 --> 00:41:01.000
 even in chains

00:41:01.000 --> 00:41:01.900
 like the apostle

00:41:01.900 --> 00:41:03.420
 and be so joyful

00:41:03.420 --> 00:41:05.639
 and your affections

00:41:05.639 --> 00:41:06.579
 and your love

00:41:06.579 --> 00:41:07.719
 could be pouring out

00:41:07.719 --> 00:41:09.820
 and you see a chain

00:41:09.820 --> 00:41:10.860
 and it becomes

00:41:10.860 --> 00:41:12.820
 not a chain of shame

00:41:12.820 --> 00:41:14.420
 but a chain of glory

00:41:14.420 --> 00:41:15.179
 that you get to

00:41:15.179 --> 00:41:16.579
 participate in

00:41:16.579 --> 00:41:18.659
 the wonderful mission

00:41:18.659 --> 00:41:19.760
 of God himself

00:41:19.760 --> 00:41:20.460
 wild

00:41:20.460 --> 00:41:21.619
 wild transformation

00:41:21.619 --> 00:41:23.380
 wild flipping up

00:41:23.380 --> 00:41:23.940
 the script

00:41:23.940 --> 00:41:25.260
 I mean it's really

00:41:25.260 --> 00:41:25.940
 something for us

00:41:25.940 --> 00:41:26.380
 to think about

00:41:26.380 --> 00:41:28.039
 but in Paul's day

00:41:28.039 --> 00:41:29.639
 having a chain

00:41:29.639 --> 00:41:30.400
 on your leg

00:41:30.400 --> 00:41:31.380
 connected to

00:41:31.380 --> 00:41:32.219
 a Roman guard

00:41:32.219 --> 00:41:33.500
 a very shameful thing

00:41:33.500 --> 00:41:34.239
 and all of a sudden

00:41:34.239 --> 00:41:35.320
 it is not shame

00:41:35.320 --> 00:41:36.679
 that cultural shift

00:41:36.679 --> 00:41:37.659
 is like

00:41:37.659 --> 00:41:38.639
 unbelievable

00:41:38.639 --> 00:41:39.559
 in the Roman day

00:41:39.559 --> 00:41:40.719
 but that reality

00:41:40.719 --> 00:41:41.440
 is still ours

00:41:41.440 --> 00:41:42.820
 in the here and now

00:41:42.820 --> 00:41:44.460
 belonging

00:41:44.460 --> 00:41:46.679
 true participation

00:41:46.679 --> 00:41:48.659
 true meaning

00:41:48.659 --> 00:41:49.779
 friends

00:41:49.779 --> 00:41:50.440
 there is no

00:41:50.440 --> 00:41:51.579
 higher form

00:41:51.579 --> 00:41:52.320
 of living

00:41:52.320 --> 00:41:53.779
 that is offered

00:41:53.779 --> 00:41:54.420
 in this life

00:41:54.420 --> 00:41:56.260
 let's embrace

00:41:56.260 --> 00:41:56.740
 it together

00:41:56.740 --> 00:41:58.320
 as God's people

00:41:58.320 --> 00:41:59.220
 let us pray

00:41:59.220 --> 00:42:01.519
 father we thank you

00:42:01.519 --> 00:42:02.360
 so much for

00:42:02.360 --> 00:42:04.139
 this incredible

00:42:04.139 --> 00:42:05.059
 joy filled letter

00:42:05.059 --> 00:42:06.940
 from your servant

00:42:06.940 --> 00:42:07.700
 Paul to

00:42:07.700 --> 00:42:09.099
 the Philippian church

00:42:09.099 --> 00:42:10.260
 but it is

00:42:10.260 --> 00:42:10.940
 to us

00:42:10.940 --> 00:42:12.740
 and lord we thank you

00:42:12.740 --> 00:42:14.440
 that through the ages

00:42:14.440 --> 00:42:15.180
 you have preserved

00:42:15.180 --> 00:42:15.639
 this letter

00:42:15.639 --> 00:42:16.380
 lord we thank you

00:42:16.380 --> 00:42:17.019
 we thank you for all

00:42:17.019 --> 00:42:17.659
 the scribes

00:42:17.659 --> 00:42:18.240
 that faithfully

00:42:18.240 --> 00:42:19.400
 wrote it down

00:42:19.400 --> 00:42:20.200
 and preserved it

00:42:20.200 --> 00:42:21.800
 and monks

00:42:21.800 --> 00:42:22.619
 and whoever else

00:42:22.619 --> 00:42:23.339
 was a part of

00:42:23.339 --> 00:42:24.440
 just keeping this

00:42:24.440 --> 00:42:25.500
 so that we could

00:42:25.500 --> 00:42:26.019
 read it

00:42:26.019 --> 00:42:27.719
 on this Sunday

00:42:27.719 --> 00:42:29.000
 on May 4th

00:42:29.000 --> 00:42:29.779
 2025

00:42:29.779 --> 00:42:30.619
 incredible

00:42:30.619 --> 00:42:31.599
 lord thank you

00:42:31.599 --> 00:42:33.019
 we pray that though

00:42:33.019 --> 00:42:34.159
 that we won't just be

00:42:34.159 --> 00:42:35.699
 mere hearers of the word

00:42:35.699 --> 00:42:36.400
 but that we'll be

00:42:36.400 --> 00:42:37.179
 doers of the word

00:42:37.179 --> 00:42:38.579
 and lord we will do it

00:42:38.579 --> 00:42:39.000
 joyfully

00:42:39.000 --> 00:42:39.859
 help us

00:42:39.859 --> 00:42:41.179
 grow us

00:42:41.179 --> 00:42:42.319
 knit us together

00:42:42.319 --> 00:42:43.639
 remind us that

00:42:43.639 --> 00:42:44.440
 by virtue of being

00:42:44.440 --> 00:42:45.500
 united to your son

00:42:45.500 --> 00:42:46.639
 we are united

00:42:46.639 --> 00:42:47.460
 to each other

00:42:47.460 --> 00:42:49.400
 and lord help us

00:42:49.400 --> 00:42:50.099
 to

00:42:50.099 --> 00:42:51.239
 to grow

00:42:51.239 --> 00:42:51.940
 in this

00:42:51.940 --> 00:42:52.839
 incredible community

00:42:52.839 --> 00:42:53.360
 that you have

00:42:53.360 --> 00:42:54.039
 gifted us with

00:42:54.039 --> 00:42:55.219
 we pray all of this

00:42:55.219 --> 00:42:55.980
 in Jesus name

00:42:55.980 --> 00:42:56.779
 amen

00:42:56.780 --> 00:42:57.519
 and lord

00:42:57.519 --> 00:42:58.620
 and lord

00:42:58.620 --> 00:42:59.420
 and lord

00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420


00:42:59.420 --> 00:42:59.420