WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.000 My name is Randon Schleiden. I am an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church of America, the same denomination as this church body. 00:00:09.200 --> 00:00:16.100 I'm currently serving as a chaplain in the United States Army here at Fort Carson, and I have the privilege of opening God's word with you today. 00:00:16.640 --> 00:00:27.359 And if you would please turn in your Bibles to Mark chapter 10, and we'll be reading from verse 35 to 45. Mark chapter 10, verses 35 to 45. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.719 As I see that most of you are there, have found it in your bulletins, let us first go to the Lord in prayer and ask his help for understanding this passage. 00:00:40.519 --> 00:00:46.060 Father in heaven, mighty is your name. We pray that in your strength you would build us up though we are weak. 00:00:46.500 --> 00:00:52.960 We pray that in your word and through your word you would do the work which you promise it will do, which is to rebuke us and correct us, 00:00:53.179 --> 00:00:59.400 to reform us, to improve us, to train us in righteousness, that we would be prepared for every good work, maturing Christ. 00:00:59.399 --> 00:01:06.060 Father, we pray that what we aren't yet, you would continue to make us through the sanctification of your word and the life that you take us through. 00:01:06.420 --> 00:01:10.019 We pray you do this work by the power of your spirit in Christ's name. Amen. 00:01:11.319 --> 00:01:16.379 If you would, please follow along as I read from Mark chapter 10, verses 35 to 45. 00:01:16.379 --> 00:01:22.099 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus and said to him, 00:01:22.199 --> 00:01:25.899 Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you. 00:01:26.299 --> 00:01:29.500 And he said to them, What do you want me to do for you? 00:01:29.719 --> 00:01:35.679 And they said to him, Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left in your glory. 00:01:36.379 --> 00:01:39.340 Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking. 00:01:39.340 --> 00:01:45.380 Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? 00:01:45.859 --> 00:01:47.880 And they said to him, We are able. 00:01:48.560 --> 00:01:52.340 And Jesus said to them, The cup that I drink, you will drink. 00:01:52.980 --> 00:01:57.100 And with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. 00:01:57.840 --> 00:02:01.200 But to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, 00:02:01.620 --> 00:02:04.600 but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:08.879 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 00:02:09.680 --> 00:02:12.180 And Jesus called them all to him and said to them, 00:02:12.659 --> 00:02:17.039 You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, 00:02:17.379 --> 00:02:20.060 and their great ones exercise authority over them. 00:02:20.620 --> 00:02:22.759 But it shall not be so among you. 00:02:23.259 --> 00:02:26.620 But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 00:02:26.959 --> 00:02:30.359 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 00:02:30.360 --> 00:02:34.700 For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, 00:02:35.040 --> 00:02:38.060 and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:02:39.200 --> 00:02:44.640 As you look at this passage, I want you to recall another scripture that says in John 9, 00:02:45.100 --> 00:02:47.580 We must work the works of him who sent us while it is day. 00:02:47.900 --> 00:02:50.520 For night is coming when no one can work. 00:02:51.200 --> 00:02:53.360 And we know that God has prepared good works beforehand, 00:02:54.060 --> 00:02:56.800 before we even came about, that we would walk in them. 00:02:56.800 --> 00:03:00.860 And so what I want to challenge you with is that there is work ahead for us to do as Christians, 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:02.300 as disciples of Christ. 00:03:03.200 --> 00:03:06.000 And as we look towards that calling which God has called us, 00:03:06.280 --> 00:03:09.600 we see in this passage, we are called to bear out those good works, 00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:11.600 to walk in them which Christ has called us to, 00:03:12.320 --> 00:03:13.520 by serving others. 00:03:14.220 --> 00:03:18.280 And so in this passage, I would argue that at least one of the main ideas 00:03:18.280 --> 00:03:20.740 that Christ means for us to take away from his word, 00:03:21.160 --> 00:03:22.680 is that Christians serve. 00:03:23.800 --> 00:03:24.580 Christians serve. 00:03:24.580 --> 00:03:28.360 And you may think, okay, yeah, I know Christians in the church are supposed to serve. 00:03:29.020 --> 00:03:32.960 I think this passage tells us, at least in three ways, how we are to serve, 00:03:33.400 --> 00:03:34.380 or with what mind. 00:03:35.260 --> 00:03:39.939 Christians serve, first of all, because Christ first served us. 00:03:40.640 --> 00:03:42.860 Christians serve because Christ first served us. 00:03:43.400 --> 00:03:48.000 Second, I want you to see that Christians serve in the face of trials. 00:03:48.760 --> 00:03:50.820 Christians serve others in the face of trials. 00:03:50.819 --> 00:03:56.400 And third, this passage tells us that Christians serve for a reward 00:03:56.400 --> 00:04:00.340 that's prepared in advance according to the purposes of God. 00:04:00.340 --> 00:04:07.159 Now, as we look at this passage, in this assembly, in this congregation, this flock, 00:04:07.379 --> 00:04:10.699 I know that you all have been in Romans, and you've been running through Romans. 00:04:11.099 --> 00:04:12.900 And then the Advent season came. 00:04:13.280 --> 00:04:18.000 And so you've likely also been focusing on the Advent season, 00:04:18.120 --> 00:04:19.920 the nativity scene, the birth of Christ, 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:22.759 the second person of the Trinity taking flesh to himself. 00:04:23.319 --> 00:04:25.819 And then here I am coming to preach a sermon from the book of Mark. 00:04:25.819 --> 00:04:29.240 So let me tell you a little bit about where we are in this passage. 00:04:29.779 --> 00:04:35.120 You see, in Mark chapter 1, we find immediately that Mark is a fast-paced gospel 00:04:35.120 --> 00:04:39.360 where Jesus is on mission, doing the work that God called him to do. 00:04:40.159 --> 00:04:44.439 And in all the gospel accounts, essentially, there's kind of a three-phase breakdown. 00:04:44.980 --> 00:04:48.459 The first phase is Jesus' Galilean or countryside ministry. 00:04:48.920 --> 00:04:51.300 He ministers the gospel and the truth of who he is 00:04:51.300 --> 00:04:53.139 and what he's about to do in the countryside. 00:04:53.139 --> 00:04:57.599 And then you have Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, phase 2, 00:04:57.919 --> 00:05:01.819 where Jesus is en route to Jerusalem, where he will complete phase 3, 00:05:02.139 --> 00:05:05.779 which is going to the cross, dying, raising, ascending on high. 00:05:06.680 --> 00:05:10.639 Where we are in this passage in chapter 10 is right at the end of phase 2. 00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:13.979 Jesus is completing his journey or road to Jerusalem. 00:05:14.439 --> 00:05:17.620 He is right on the cusp or right at the gates of entering the city. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:22.819 Now, closer to our passage of this morning, in Mark chapter 10, verse 32, 00:05:23.399 --> 00:05:27.019 it says the disciples were amazed at Jesus. 00:05:27.780 --> 00:05:29.100 Now, if you've read the gospel of Mark, 00:05:29.340 --> 00:05:33.259 you know that there's plenty recorded that the disciples had to be amazed about. 00:05:34.160 --> 00:05:36.180 You'd see that Jesus did miracles of healing. 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:37.379 He healed the blind. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:38.180 He healed the sick. 00:05:38.259 --> 00:05:39.000 He healed lepers. 00:05:39.980 --> 00:05:42.379 He forgave sin, which only God can do. 00:05:42.379 --> 00:05:47.980 You know that Jesus exercised authority over the winds and the sea and calmed the storm, 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:51.300 showing that he was very God of very God, author of creation. 00:05:51.699 --> 00:05:53.040 They had plenty to be amazed about. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:57.439 But this passage tells us, in Mark chapter 10, around verse 30, 00:05:57.879 --> 00:06:02.659 that they were amazed at Jesus' determination to fulfill the will of God. 00:06:02.719 --> 00:06:05.139 Because Jesus said, hey, when I get to this city of Jerusalem, 00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:06.860 I'm going to be put to death. 00:06:07.420 --> 00:06:08.500 I'm going to be scorched. 00:06:08.560 --> 00:06:09.180 I'm going to suffer. 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:09.920 I'm going to bleed. 00:06:09.920 --> 00:06:12.460 I'm going to be spit on, and I'm going to die. 00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:15.500 And what they saw after Jesus shared that with them, 00:06:15.720 --> 00:06:19.140 is that he continued marching, not losing a step towards the city, 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:21.140 where he would be put to death for the sins of many. 00:06:23.100 --> 00:06:25.780 And so Mark chapter 10 is right on the edge of that. 00:06:26.800 --> 00:06:28.520 And so as you see these Advent candles, 00:06:28.960 --> 00:06:32.020 and remember what it means that Jesus took flesh to himself, 00:06:32.620 --> 00:06:35.819 that God was willing to go to the cross for us, 00:06:36.180 --> 00:06:37.740 that we would have life as sinners. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:40.780 I want you to link the reality of that truth, 00:06:40.840 --> 00:06:43.420 of what those candles represent, to this one, 00:06:43.960 --> 00:06:46.780 that Jesus was born to die, to go to a cross, 00:06:47.019 --> 00:06:50.819 to shed his blood, and have it applied to you and me by name, 00:06:51.139 --> 00:06:53.199 so that we would be counted as children of God. 00:06:54.240 --> 00:06:56.560 So with that introduction, let us go into the passage. 00:06:57.600 --> 00:07:00.920 We serve as Christians because of Christ's service, 00:07:01.220 --> 00:07:02.379 because Christ first served. 00:07:02.420 --> 00:07:03.879 Look at verse 45 of our passage. 00:07:03.879 --> 00:07:05.139 It says, 00:07:05.339 --> 00:07:08.060 The Son of Man came not to be served, 00:07:08.420 --> 00:07:11.459 but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:07:12.339 --> 00:07:13.699 When it describes Jesus, 00:07:13.860 --> 00:07:15.639 when he describes himself as the Son of Man, 00:07:15.939 --> 00:07:17.800 that Son of Man phrase, you may know, 00:07:18.040 --> 00:07:20.839 is one of Jesus' favorite descriptions or titles for himself. 00:07:21.600 --> 00:07:23.319 It's pulled from a few places in scripture, 00:07:23.980 --> 00:07:27.719 but specifically and most often referenced to Daniel chapter 7. 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:29.839 And without reading that passage, 00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:32.500 the summary is that Daniel receives a vision from the Lord, 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:34.759 of the Messiah, the Son of Man, 00:07:34.899 --> 00:07:36.299 the promised descendant of David, 00:07:36.459 --> 00:07:38.639 the one who would take away the sin of the world, 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:42.159 that that one is in this vision given to Daniel, 00:07:42.799 --> 00:07:46.679 receiving all authority and dominion and power from God on high, 00:07:46.719 --> 00:07:48.099 and he's being given the throne, 00:07:48.279 --> 00:07:52.479 and this majestic sight that Daniel gets to report to all of God's children. 00:07:52.480 --> 00:07:55.160 And so, when Jesus says, 00:07:55.360 --> 00:07:57.280 The Son of Man, speaking of himself, 00:07:57.980 --> 00:07:59.360 came not to be served, but to serve, 00:07:59.420 --> 00:08:00.920 he says the one who sits on the throne 00:08:00.920 --> 00:08:05.460 is also going to be the one who gets lowest beneath other people in service, 00:08:05.620 --> 00:08:07.280 to lift them up. 00:08:09.200 --> 00:08:13.040 You see, when Jesus came from on high to low, 00:08:13.379 --> 00:08:15.439 a king to be a servant to all, 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:19.240 he left what he had always enjoyed, 00:08:19.340 --> 00:08:21.640 which was the immediate presence of the Father and the Holy Spirit 00:08:21.639 --> 00:08:22.500 from all eternity, 00:08:22.779 --> 00:08:25.339 to do the work of redemption that God had called him to. 00:08:26.079 --> 00:08:27.519 Jesus left comfort. 00:08:28.019 --> 00:08:30.099 He left the service of angels 00:08:30.099 --> 00:08:31.939 and all other eternal created beings 00:08:31.939 --> 00:08:33.799 that God had made to serve him 00:08:33.799 --> 00:08:37.580 so that he could rescue you and I. 00:08:38.720 --> 00:08:41.120 If you read passages from places like the book of Luke, 00:08:41.240 --> 00:08:42.419 chapter 15 and elsewhere, 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:44.779 it says that Jesus even came 00:08:44.779 --> 00:08:46.799 and left that glorious company 00:08:46.799 --> 00:08:49.159 to sit in the company of drunkards 00:08:49.159 --> 00:08:50.360 and sinners, 00:08:50.360 --> 00:08:51.620 tax collectors 00:08:51.620 --> 00:08:52.580 and cheats 00:08:52.580 --> 00:08:53.639 and prostitutes. 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:56.259 And in the presence of a military company, 00:08:56.379 --> 00:08:57.060 I would also say 00:08:57.060 --> 00:08:58.340 that if Jesus came for them, 00:08:58.620 --> 00:08:59.360 he also came 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:00.379 for soldiers 00:09:00.379 --> 00:09:01.659 and for airmen 00:09:01.659 --> 00:09:02.860 and for sailors 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:04.039 and Marines. 00:09:05.680 --> 00:09:06.740 But we have an issue here 00:09:06.740 --> 00:09:07.560 that we have to resolve. 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:08.779 Jesus says 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:09.860 he came to give his life 00:09:09.860 --> 00:09:10.800 as a ransom for many. 00:09:11.539 --> 00:09:12.279 For those of you 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:13.759 who have read through the Psalms recently, 00:09:14.379 --> 00:09:16.000 maybe you've come across Psalm 49 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:17.820 where it says, 00:09:18.220 --> 00:09:18.340 truly, 00:09:18.960 --> 00:09:20.240 no man can ransom another 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:22.080 or give to God 00:09:22.080 --> 00:09:23.179 the price of his life. 00:09:23.580 --> 00:09:25.019 For the ransom of their life 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:25.600 is costly 00:09:25.600 --> 00:09:27.299 and can never suffice. 00:09:27.720 --> 00:09:29.320 That he should live on forever 00:09:29.320 --> 00:09:30.659 and never see the pit. 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:33.620 And then it says in verse 15, 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:34.700 but God 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:36.139 will ransom my soul 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:37.580 from the power of Sheol 00:09:37.580 --> 00:09:39.320 for he will receive me. 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:41.899 And so what Psalm 49 says 00:09:41.899 --> 00:09:43.079 is that 00:09:43.079 --> 00:09:44.639 if you're guilty of sin, 00:09:44.699 --> 00:09:45.519 which each of us are, 00:09:45.699 --> 00:09:46.899 each a sinner before God 00:09:46.899 --> 00:09:47.919 apart from Christ, 00:09:48.879 --> 00:09:51.059 we cannot pay the debt 00:09:51.059 --> 00:09:51.799 that we owe God 00:09:51.799 --> 00:09:52.620 for the sin 00:09:52.620 --> 00:09:53.679 and our offense against him. 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:55.480 A debt that we cannot pay 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:56.740 by any work in this world, 00:09:56.980 --> 00:09:58.179 any money in our bank account, 00:09:58.379 --> 00:09:59.279 any good that we do, 00:09:59.360 --> 00:10:00.340 any service we offer, 00:10:00.399 --> 00:10:01.379 the whole of our lives 00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:02.539 cannot purchase away 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:03.120 the sin debt 00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:03.879 that we owe God. 00:10:05.439 --> 00:10:06.620 But then in verse 15, 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:07.120 it says, 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:08.659 but God can pay that debt 00:10:08.659 --> 00:10:10.100 if he so chooses for us. 00:10:10.100 --> 00:10:12.540 And when you look at this passage 00:10:12.540 --> 00:10:13.240 in verse 49, 00:10:13.680 --> 00:10:14.740 it tells us that 00:10:14.740 --> 00:10:16.620 Christ offers to do just that 00:10:16.620 --> 00:10:17.560 and he accomplishes it. 00:10:18.700 --> 00:10:20.560 But verse 45 of our passage says, 00:10:20.680 --> 00:10:21.100 the Son of Man 00:10:21.100 --> 00:10:22.000 came not to be served, 00:10:22.060 --> 00:10:22.639 but to serve 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:23.740 and give his life 00:10:23.740 --> 00:10:26.000 as a ransom for many. 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:27.680 And that might trigger again 00:10:27.680 --> 00:10:28.100 in your mind 00:10:28.100 --> 00:10:29.240 to go back to the Old Testament, 00:10:29.740 --> 00:10:31.159 places like Isaiah 53, 00:10:31.820 --> 00:10:33.180 not coincidentally called 00:10:33.180 --> 00:10:34.779 the servant song, 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:36.840 referring to God's chosen servant 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:37.740 to redeem his people. 00:10:38.580 --> 00:10:38.840 It says, 00:10:38.840 --> 00:10:40.320 out of the anguish of his soul, 00:10:40.680 --> 00:10:42.040 he shall see and be satisfied. 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:43.379 By his knowledge 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:44.440 shall the righteous one, 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:45.300 my servant, 00:10:45.860 --> 00:10:46.620 make many 00:10:46.620 --> 00:10:48.000 to be accounted righteous 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:50.560 and he shall bear their sins 00:10:50.560 --> 00:10:52.019 or bear their iniquities. 00:10:54.420 --> 00:10:55.740 Don't ever think for a moment 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:56.879 that because God is sovereign, 00:10:57.240 --> 00:10:59.440 he has not made it his work 00:10:59.440 --> 00:11:02.420 to receive many into his presence 00:11:02.420 --> 00:11:03.680 at the command of his will. 00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:05.019 Some people think 00:11:05.019 --> 00:11:06.139 that because God is sovereign, 00:11:06.139 --> 00:11:07.559 it means that only a few 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:08.919 will be elected to be saved. 00:11:09.139 --> 00:11:10.179 But the most that could ever 00:11:10.179 --> 00:11:11.179 be saved are saved 00:11:11.179 --> 00:11:12.620 because God is sovereign 00:11:12.620 --> 00:11:13.779 and he's chosen many 00:11:13.779 --> 00:11:15.199 to be received into his presence 00:11:15.199 --> 00:11:16.480 through the work of Christ. 00:11:18.419 --> 00:11:20.199 And so I ask you at this moment, 00:11:20.980 --> 00:11:22.559 is Christ and his service, 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:24.519 his suffering on your behalf, 00:11:24.919 --> 00:11:26.460 the foundation and motive 00:11:26.460 --> 00:11:29.159 from which you serve other people? 00:11:29.159 --> 00:11:31.279 Is he the rock 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:31.819 that you build 00:11:31.819 --> 00:11:33.059 your Christian service around? 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:35.299 Or is that motive other? 00:11:35.959 --> 00:11:36.919 Is it to look good 00:11:36.919 --> 00:11:38.399 or be thought well of by others? 00:11:38.819 --> 00:11:39.659 Is it so that you could 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:40.740 be promoted one day? 00:11:41.159 --> 00:11:42.039 Is it so that your spouse 00:11:42.039 --> 00:11:42.600 will thank you 00:11:42.600 --> 00:11:43.740 because you thank them? 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:46.039 Or is it because Christ 00:11:46.039 --> 00:11:46.839 suffered for you 00:11:46.839 --> 00:11:47.459 and so you would 00:11:47.459 --> 00:11:49.139 willingly suffer for others? 00:11:51.219 --> 00:11:52.199 Maybe in application 00:11:52.199 --> 00:11:53.120 it looks like this. 00:11:54.519 --> 00:11:56.539 Maybe you're a spouse 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:57.480 or maybe you're a wife 00:11:57.480 --> 00:11:59.440 who willingly sacrifices 00:11:59.440 --> 00:12:01.120 a career that you could have 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.980 in service to your family. 00:12:04.019 --> 00:12:05.420 Or maybe you're a teenager 00:12:05.420 --> 00:12:07.399 who willingly drives 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:08.399 your younger siblings 00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:09.440 to music lessons. 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:11.279 Or maybe you're simply 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:11.860 a politician 00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:13.759 who still willingly prays 00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:14.600 in the name of Christ 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:15.639 because you know 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:17.539 he deserves honor and glory 00:12:17.539 --> 00:12:18.300 in the office 00:12:18.300 --> 00:12:19.259 he has appointed you to. 00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:23.399 Now look at verses 43 and 44. 00:12:24.980 --> 00:12:25.740 It says, 00:12:26.159 --> 00:12:26.960 those that would be great, 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:27.940 here's Jesus' lesson 00:12:27.940 --> 00:12:28.580 to the disciples. 00:12:29.080 --> 00:12:30.240 Let me back up for a moment. 00:12:30.680 --> 00:12:31.120 James and John 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:31.920 make their requests 00:12:31.920 --> 00:12:32.700 and they say, 00:12:32.920 --> 00:12:33.200 hey Jesus, 00:12:33.320 --> 00:12:33.780 we know you're going 00:12:33.780 --> 00:12:34.320 to be in power. 00:12:34.740 --> 00:12:35.540 They haven't comprehended 00:12:35.540 --> 00:12:36.480 what type of power. 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.920 They don't really understand 00:12:37.920 --> 00:12:38.660 what Jesus' kingdom 00:12:38.660 --> 00:12:39.780 is going to be just yet. 00:12:40.460 --> 00:12:41.060 But they know 00:12:41.060 --> 00:12:41.820 he's going to have a throne. 00:12:41.980 --> 00:12:42.440 They know he's going 00:12:42.440 --> 00:12:42.980 to be in power. 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:44.420 So they make their request 00:12:44.420 --> 00:12:45.820 based on that understanding. 00:12:46.900 --> 00:12:47.500 And Jesus says, 00:12:47.540 --> 00:12:47.940 I'll tell you what, 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:48.639 I've got a lesson 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:49.720 for all of the disciples. 00:12:49.879 --> 00:12:50.720 I know this is an issue 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:51.280 in your hearts. 00:12:51.700 --> 00:12:52.080 So he says, 00:12:52.180 --> 00:12:52.720 huddle up. 00:12:53.200 --> 00:12:53.980 And he brings in 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:55.100 all 12 of his disciples. 00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:57.580 And this is what he says. 00:12:58.639 --> 00:12:59.700 Those that would be great 00:12:59.700 --> 00:13:00.779 among you 00:13:00.779 --> 00:13:02.060 must become your servant. 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:03.240 And those who would be 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:04.040 first among you 00:13:04.040 --> 00:13:05.399 must be slave of all. 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:07.320 Here's what Jesus is saying. 00:13:07.820 --> 00:13:08.860 There is a formula 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:11.259 for receiving glory from God. 00:13:11.820 --> 00:13:12.620 There is a formula 00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:13.600 for giving glory to God 00:13:13.600 --> 00:13:15.060 and for receiving glory from God. 00:13:15.800 --> 00:13:16.300 Jesus says, 00:13:16.379 --> 00:13:17.120 there's two formulas 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:17.800 you can pick from. 00:13:18.560 --> 00:13:19.560 The first formula 00:13:19.560 --> 00:13:20.480 is the world's formula. 00:13:20.480 --> 00:13:21.659 which says, 00:13:22.180 --> 00:13:22.899 you lie, 00:13:23.060 --> 00:13:23.560 you cheat, 00:13:23.680 --> 00:13:24.100 you beg, 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:24.560 you borrow, 00:13:24.680 --> 00:13:25.100 you steal, 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:27.259 you do whatever you need to 00:13:27.259 --> 00:13:28.360 to get ahead 00:13:28.360 --> 00:13:29.639 of the person next to you. 00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:30.899 To be elevated 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:32.080 in the eyes of the world. 00:13:32.300 --> 00:13:33.539 To pad your bank accounts. 00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:34.820 To have a bigger house. 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:36.220 To have a greater title. 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:37.379 To have more power 00:13:37.379 --> 00:13:38.139 and authority. 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.120 That's what the world 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:40.720 says to do. 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:43.460 But what Jesus says is, 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:44.600 here's my model. 00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:46.420 You suffer 00:13:46.420 --> 00:13:48.220 unto service 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:49.000 of other people. 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:49.519 And he says, 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:50.360 let me walk it out 00:13:50.360 --> 00:13:50.899 in front of you. 00:13:51.559 --> 00:13:52.200 You've heard the saying, 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:52.700 monkey see, 00:13:52.820 --> 00:13:53.259 monkey do. 00:13:53.600 --> 00:13:54.159 Jesus says, 00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:55.480 watch what I do, 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:57.080 hear what I teach, 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:59.200 and then follow my example. 00:14:03.779 --> 00:14:04.580 As Christians, 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:05.440 we are called 00:14:05.440 --> 00:14:06.759 to be chiefly concerned 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:08.120 with the glory of God. 00:14:08.200 --> 00:14:08.620 And when we're 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:09.600 purchased in Christ, 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:10.940 we are given the strength 00:14:10.940 --> 00:14:11.480 and the spirit 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.659 to do exactly that. 00:14:12.740 --> 00:14:13.419 To glorify him 00:14:13.419 --> 00:14:14.059 with our heart 00:14:14.059 --> 00:14:14.980 and with our work 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:15.960 and with our energy. 00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:17.460 That's why when we say 00:14:17.460 --> 00:14:18.100 the Lord's Prayer, 00:14:18.200 --> 00:14:18.679 it says, 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:19.759 our Father in Heaven, 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:21.059 hallowed be your name. 00:14:21.720 --> 00:14:22.200 We say that 00:14:22.200 --> 00:14:23.299 every single Sunday here. 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:24.320 When we sing 00:14:24.320 --> 00:14:25.100 the Gloria Patri 00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:26.419 right before the sermon, 00:14:27.259 --> 00:14:27.600 we say, 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:29.039 glory to the Father 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:29.759 and to the Son 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:30.639 and to the Holy Ghost. 00:14:30.960 --> 00:14:32.159 Glory, glory, glory 00:14:32.159 --> 00:14:33.659 to our triune God. 00:14:34.539 --> 00:14:35.519 And the five solas 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:36.200 of the Reformation, 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:37.399 one of them 00:14:37.399 --> 00:14:38.259 is 00:14:38.259 --> 00:14:39.519 sola deo gloria. 00:14:40.659 --> 00:14:42.460 Glory to God alone 00:14:42.460 --> 00:14:43.740 and Christ alone. 00:14:43.740 --> 00:14:46.740 the first catechism question, 00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:47.419 what is the chief 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:47.919 and a man? 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:49.560 To glorify God 00:14:49.560 --> 00:14:51.539 and to enjoy him forever. 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:52.940 Glory to God, 00:14:53.200 --> 00:14:53.980 glory to God, 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:55.019 glory to God. 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:57.060 No higher privilege 00:14:57.060 --> 00:14:57.500 or calling 00:14:57.500 --> 00:14:57.980 that a Christian 00:14:57.980 --> 00:14:58.720 could be made for 00:14:58.720 --> 00:14:59.860 than that work. 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:03.299 And God is glorified 00:15:03.299 --> 00:15:04.620 when you willingly suffer 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:05.620 unto the blessing 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.539 of other people, 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:07.180 especially 00:15:07.180 --> 00:15:08.720 other children of God. 00:15:08.720 --> 00:15:10.800 J.C. Ryle, 00:15:10.899 --> 00:15:12.460 who was an Anglican minister, 00:15:13.660 --> 00:15:14.379 Church of England, 00:15:15.019 --> 00:15:15.800 he said this, 00:15:16.220 --> 00:15:16.980 kind of pointing 00:15:16.980 --> 00:15:17.879 at the issue 00:15:17.879 --> 00:15:18.560 of the heart 00:15:18.560 --> 00:15:19.480 of the disciples 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:20.560 that Jesus was speaking to. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:20.980 He said, 00:15:21.480 --> 00:15:23.139 let all those 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:23.720 who desire 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:24.779 to please Christ 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:26.259 watch and pray 00:15:26.259 --> 00:15:27.779 against self-esteem. 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.000 Now, we live in a world 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:31.220 where they tell you 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:31.680 you need to be 00:15:31.680 --> 00:15:32.259 more confident 00:15:32.259 --> 00:15:33.220 in yourself, 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:35.000 more courageous 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.040 in your own strength, 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:36.879 more confident 00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:37.759 in your abilities. 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:38.840 Do more 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:40.139 from within 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:40.679 the strength 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:41.240 that you can find 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:41.960 within yourself. 00:15:42.819 --> 00:15:43.379 And here we have 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.259 a renowned pastor 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:44.759 who understood 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:45.360 the gospel 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:48.340 with great clarity, 00:15:49.299 --> 00:15:49.639 said, 00:15:50.700 --> 00:15:51.700 don't trust your heart, 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.480 trust the strength 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:52.919 that is found 00:15:52.919 --> 00:15:53.860 outside of you 00:15:53.860 --> 00:15:55.080 available only 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:55.980 in Christ. 00:15:58.580 --> 00:15:59.639 In Jesus' lesson, 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:00.659 if you think about 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:01.639 who the disciples became, 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:02.740 they were ministers. 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:04.360 When I was walking 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:05.960 through a food line 00:16:05.960 --> 00:16:06.539 parking lot 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:07.139 in Mississippi 00:16:07.139 --> 00:16:08.319 during grad school, 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.840 I bumped into a lady 00:16:09.840 --> 00:16:12.419 where the shopping carts were 00:16:12.419 --> 00:16:13.620 and she said, 00:16:13.720 --> 00:16:14.360 hey young man, 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:15.220 thank you for this cart. 00:16:15.860 --> 00:16:17.299 And then she said, 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:17.899 what are you here 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:18.679 in Mississippi for? 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:19.500 Because she heard my accent. 00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:20.580 She knew I wasn't from there 00:16:20.580 --> 00:16:20.919 and I said, 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:22.360 oh I'm in seminary here. 00:16:22.460 --> 00:16:23.480 I'm training to be a minister. 00:16:23.919 --> 00:16:24.500 And she said, 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:26.139 oh, a holy man. 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:26.899 Right? 00:16:27.639 --> 00:16:28.419 And she said it 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:29.139 with a southern twang 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:29.980 which I can't replicate. 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:32.480 But the implication there was 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:33.100 if you're going to be 00:16:33.100 --> 00:16:33.620 a minister, 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:35.659 your life needs to be 00:16:35.659 --> 00:16:36.740 above reproach 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:38.139 because people are watching. 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:39.159 And yet, 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:40.919 the implication of Jesus' lesson 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:41.639 to his disciples 00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:42.139 is that 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:43.500 even you as ministers 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:44.759 can be guilty 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:45.679 of trying to climb 00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:46.299 to the top 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:47.840 in the wrong way 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:48.759 if you are not 00:16:48.759 --> 00:16:49.779 watching your heart 00:16:49.779 --> 00:16:51.179 and seeking God's will 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:52.299 in Christ's order 00:16:52.299 --> 00:16:53.039 for your life. 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:55.100 And if it's true of pastors, 00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:56.299 it can be true of anyone. 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.700 Because if pastors 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:58.379 and shepherds 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:59.200 and elders of the flock 00:16:59.200 --> 00:16:59.740 are supposed to be 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:00.600 the ones you look to 00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:01.320 for an example 00:17:01.320 --> 00:17:03.620 then know that 00:17:03.620 --> 00:17:04.920 if they need to be on guard, 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:05.960 so do we all. 00:17:10.180 --> 00:17:11.120 If I was going to give you 00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:11.940 a definition of service 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:12.839 from this passage, 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:13.980 it might be something like 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:15.680 suffering for the good 00:17:15.680 --> 00:17:16.200 of one another 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:17.480 is what Christian service is. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:18.799 Suffering for the good 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:19.360 of one another 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:20.120 or for another. 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:21.920 R.C. Sproul, 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:22.819 another theologian 00:17:22.819 --> 00:17:23.299 that many of you 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:23.900 know the name of, 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.039 said, 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.500 there is no theology 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:27.200 of glory 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:28.579 without a theology 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:29.240 of suffering. 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:29.860 That is, 00:17:29.900 --> 00:17:30.539 if you don't understand 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:31.119 how suffering 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:32.359 plays into serving others, 00:17:32.619 --> 00:17:33.819 you might not understand 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:34.539 Christian service 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:35.460 or in full yet. 00:17:37.099 --> 00:17:37.920 And so while the Bible 00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:38.859 isn't calling you 00:17:38.859 --> 00:17:40.220 to make your life miserable 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:41.039 and even harder 00:17:41.039 --> 00:17:41.599 in suffering 00:17:41.599 --> 00:17:42.700 than God has already 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:43.359 said it would be, 00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:44.460 the Bible does here 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:45.440 in this passage tell you 00:17:45.440 --> 00:17:46.559 we need to willingly 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:47.480 accept suffering 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:48.440 as God assigns it 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:49.539 so we can live 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.200 and walk through 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:50.779 that suffering 00:17:50.779 --> 00:17:52.039 relying on Christ's strength 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.899 to his glory 00:17:52.899 --> 00:17:54.359 while blessing others. 00:17:56.680 --> 00:17:57.879 And so that makes me 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:58.720 think of that song, 00:17:59.299 --> 00:18:00.139 Just a Closer Walk 00:18:00.140 --> 00:18:00.600 with Thee. 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:01.640 The passage says, 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:02.759 Through this world 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.740 of toils and snares, 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:05.420 if I falter, 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:06.420 Lord who cares? 00:18:07.400 --> 00:18:08.400 Who with me 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:09.520 my burden shares? 00:18:10.280 --> 00:18:10.900 None but Thee, 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:11.180 Lord, 00:18:11.720 --> 00:18:12.460 none but Thee. 00:18:13.820 --> 00:18:14.580 Or maybe if you're 00:18:14.580 --> 00:18:15.300 a little younger 00:18:15.300 --> 00:18:16.040 in this passage, 00:18:16.340 --> 00:18:17.280 you know the children's rhyme 00:18:17.280 --> 00:18:19.120 or song that goes, 00:18:19.480 --> 00:18:20.420 we're going on a bear hunt? 00:18:21.259 --> 00:18:22.060 When it comes to 00:18:22.060 --> 00:18:22.620 Christian suffering, 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:23.740 it's kind of like that song 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.600 where it says, 00:18:25.020 --> 00:18:26.460 we're going through suffering, 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:28.319 we can't go over it, 00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:29.940 we can't go under it, 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.759 we're just going to have 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:32.640 to go through it. 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:36.519 And so that's our first 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.160 and majority 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:38.240 of our sermon points 00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:38.700 this morning, 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:39.640 but I would tell you 00:18:39.640 --> 00:18:40.500 here's our second point. 00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:41.740 Christians serve 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.799 because Christ first served, 00:18:43.380 --> 00:18:43.900 but second, 00:18:44.019 --> 00:18:44.600 Christians serve 00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:45.620 in the face of wrath 00:18:45.620 --> 00:18:46.220 and trials. 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.680 Look at verse 39. 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:49.319 Jesus asked them, 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:51.220 he says, 00:18:51.220 --> 00:18:52.180 can you drink the cup 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:52.720 that I drink? 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:54.380 And they say self-confidently 00:18:54.380 --> 00:18:55.720 of self-esteem we can. 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:56.799 He says, 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.059 well let me tell you what, 00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.279 verse 39, 00:18:59.860 --> 00:19:00.779 the cup that I drink, 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.259 you will drink. 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:03.559 Now here's what Jesus 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:04.079 isn't saying, 00:19:04.160 --> 00:19:04.860 he's not saying 00:19:04.860 --> 00:19:06.259 you will also die on a cross 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:07.000 for the sins of many. 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:08.400 Only he can do that. 00:19:08.799 --> 00:19:09.579 Only he is perfect, 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:10.660 only he's very God 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:11.220 of very God, 00:19:11.339 --> 00:19:12.039 only his blood 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:13.759 is worth infinite value, 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.380 valuable enough 00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:16.279 to cover the cost 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:16.920 of the sins 00:19:16.920 --> 00:19:17.799 for the offense 00:19:17.799 --> 00:19:18.660 we have against God. 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:20.200 But he says, 00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:21.039 if you are in me, 00:19:21.220 --> 00:19:22.420 and you receive my spirit, 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:23.440 and you belong to God 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:23.920 in Christ, 00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:24.980 you will suffer 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:26.079 for my name, 00:19:26.299 --> 00:19:27.079 in my name, 00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:28.360 for the glory of God. 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:31.740 And so Jesus kind of implies 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:33.019 that until he drinks 00:19:33.019 --> 00:19:34.319 his cup of dine on the cross, 00:19:34.519 --> 00:19:35.660 they won't have the strength 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:36.339 of the Holy Spirit 00:19:36.339 --> 00:19:37.620 they need in full 00:19:37.620 --> 00:19:38.480 as it's poured out 00:19:38.480 --> 00:19:39.140 at Pentecost 00:19:39.140 --> 00:19:41.079 to bear the cross, 00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:41.799 to bear the suffering 00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:42.480 that God calls 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.720 each of the disciples to. 00:19:43.819 --> 00:19:44.660 And many of them 00:19:44.660 --> 00:19:45.259 were martyred. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.279 I mean, 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:47.880 can you imagine, 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:48.600 just stop and think 00:19:48.600 --> 00:19:48.900 for a minute, 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.000 can you imagine 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:51.200 suffering in this world 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:53.200 as if you were a Christian, 00:19:53.420 --> 00:19:55.400 but not having the strength 00:19:55.400 --> 00:19:56.140 of the Holy Spirit 00:19:56.140 --> 00:19:56.759 to do so? 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.360 Suffering, 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:00.680 forbearing the name 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:01.100 of a Christian, 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:01.940 but not being a Christian, 00:20:02.000 --> 00:20:03.259 how awful that would be. 00:20:04.120 --> 00:20:04.700 And yet, 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:05.799 Jesus says, 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:06.519 I won't leave you 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.420 without the Holy Spirit. 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:09.080 I will drink the cup 00:20:09.080 --> 00:20:09.940 I must drink, 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:12.019 so that when you are called 00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:12.840 to drink the cup 00:20:12.840 --> 00:20:13.779 that you're called to drink, 00:20:14.039 --> 00:20:14.940 to God's glory 00:20:14.940 --> 00:20:15.700 and in my name, 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:16.900 you will have the strength 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:18.059 to do so from on high. 00:20:18.059 --> 00:20:20.839 And Jesus essentially says 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:21.480 by this thing 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:23.220 that the cup that I drink, 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:23.859 you will drink. 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:25.279 Jesus says this, 00:20:25.679 --> 00:20:26.519 Christian suffering 00:20:26.519 --> 00:20:28.879 is not optional. 00:20:29.379 --> 00:20:29.960 And there aren't 00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:30.740 two types of suffering. 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:32.079 There isn't suffering light 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:33.000 and suffering heavy. 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:34.519 He says there is just 00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:35.299 Christian suffering 00:20:35.299 --> 00:20:36.639 and you will suffer 00:20:36.639 --> 00:20:37.599 in the way that God 00:20:37.599 --> 00:20:38.200 has called you to 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:39.099 and when you suffer, 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:40.359 do so to service 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:40.980 to others. 00:20:42.899 --> 00:20:43.319 Now, 00:20:43.359 --> 00:20:44.019 the Bible's clear. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.420 We don't get credit 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:46.160 before the Lord 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:47.500 for suffering 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.440 for wrong that we do. 00:20:48.859 --> 00:20:49.319 For instance, 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:50.160 if you steal a car, 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:51.180 let's say you steal a Corvette 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:52.539 and you drive it 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:53.299 and you crash it 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:54.259 and you find yourself 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:55.359 standing before a judge 00:20:55.359 --> 00:20:56.639 and the judge says, 00:20:56.879 --> 00:20:58.180 you're going to suffer 00:20:58.180 --> 00:20:59.259 for the wrong that you've done, 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:00.359 you're going to go to jail 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:01.619 and you're going to pay a fine. 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:04.279 You don't give glory to God 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:05.440 for suffering 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:06.639 for the wrong that you did. 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:09.680 You are able to glorify God 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:11.879 when you suffer injustices 00:21:11.879 --> 00:21:13.480 for righteousness sake. 00:21:14.019 --> 00:21:15.720 When you suffer injustices 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:17.619 so that Christ 00:21:17.619 --> 00:21:18.400 will be glorified. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.480 In the book of Acts, 00:21:21.519 --> 00:21:22.099 we have a record 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:23.000 of Paul's ministry 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.940 and in Acts 14, 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:26.119 Paul is stoned 00:21:26.119 --> 00:21:28.039 for preaching the gospel. 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:29.319 He's in Antioch, 00:21:29.379 --> 00:21:29.940 he's in the city, 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:31.220 he's preaching the gospel 00:21:31.220 --> 00:21:32.660 and here's what you find 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.960 is that when he's preaching, 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:35.299 they hate the truth 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.339 of the gospel so much 00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:37.200 and the one who bore 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:38.240 that message to them, 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.460 loving the people 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:40.480 by being willing 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.259 to be stoned 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:42.720 so that they would have 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.900 life in the gospel, 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:44.799 carried to them, 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:46.099 that their ears might hear, 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:47.559 that their heart might beat, 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:48.900 relying upon Christ, 00:21:49.680 --> 00:21:50.519 they stone Paul. 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:51.339 They take him out of the city 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:51.960 and they stone him. 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.879 They're so sure 00:21:52.879 --> 00:21:53.460 that he's dead 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:54.059 that they leave him 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:54.779 outside the city 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:55.980 and when the disciples 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:57.819 come to get Paul's body, 00:21:58.500 --> 00:21:59.720 they realize he's still alive 00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:00.680 and he gets up 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:02.500 and he goes right back 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:03.119 to preaching 00:22:03.119 --> 00:22:04.319 and he tells them 00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:05.059 that it's through 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.960 many tribulations 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:06.759 that we must enter 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:07.839 the kingdom of God. 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:08.879 Yet he was willing 00:22:08.879 --> 00:22:09.779 to serve anyone 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:10.400 who would listen 00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:11.119 in Antioch 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:12.479 even unto the point 00:22:12.479 --> 00:22:12.899 of death. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:15.919 Now why am I sharing 00:22:15.919 --> 00:22:16.419 this with you? 00:22:16.479 --> 00:22:17.259 Because 2025 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:18.759 is essentially behind us. 00:22:19.859 --> 00:22:20.819 But 2026 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:21.699 is ahead of us 00:22:21.699 --> 00:22:22.579 and there's work 00:22:22.579 --> 00:22:22.939 to be done 00:22:22.939 --> 00:22:23.479 as Christians 00:22:23.479 --> 00:22:24.619 and as a family. 00:22:25.359 --> 00:22:25.779 There is good 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.479 that we can do 00:22:26.479 --> 00:22:28.000 obeying the Spirit's leading, 00:22:28.459 --> 00:22:29.079 serving others 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:29.819 even while we 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:30.579 willingly suffer. 00:22:31.239 --> 00:22:31.859 Are you beginning 00:22:31.859 --> 00:22:32.839 to prepare your heart 00:22:32.839 --> 00:22:33.599 to suffer 00:22:33.599 --> 00:22:34.319 unto the service 00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:34.779 of others 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.699 in this body, 00:22:36.159 --> 00:22:37.439 in your immediate family, 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:38.919 inside the church, 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:39.619 to your neighbors, 00:22:39.619 --> 00:22:40.219 in your neighborhood? 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:42.459 Maybe it means 00:22:42.459 --> 00:22:43.319 serving in the nursery 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:44.459 and signing up 00:22:44.459 --> 00:22:45.939 to watch someone else's kids 00:22:45.939 --> 00:22:47.019 who may or may not 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:47.899 be rambunctious 00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:49.699 so that other adults 00:22:49.699 --> 00:22:50.859 can attend worship together. 00:22:51.199 --> 00:22:51.919 Would you give up 00:22:51.919 --> 00:22:52.939 hearing the preached word 00:22:52.939 --> 00:22:54.099 so other people 00:22:54.099 --> 00:22:54.739 could hear it 00:22:54.739 --> 00:22:55.419 that Sunday 00:22:55.419 --> 00:22:56.219 without distraction? 00:22:57.179 --> 00:22:57.899 Would you be willing 00:22:57.899 --> 00:22:58.419 to give money 00:22:58.419 --> 00:22:59.179 to the missionaries 00:22:59.179 --> 00:23:00.039 that are on your board 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:01.479 instead of continuing 00:23:01.479 --> 00:23:02.319 to increase 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:03.319 your retirement account? 00:23:04.399 --> 00:23:05.399 Would you be willing 00:23:05.399 --> 00:23:07.119 to honor 00:23:07.119 --> 00:23:08.339 and applaud 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:10.039 and pray for other people 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:10.639 who are leaders 00:23:10.639 --> 00:23:11.119 in ministry 00:23:11.119 --> 00:23:11.779 in this church 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.980 even though you thought 00:23:12.980 --> 00:23:13.579 you might have been 00:23:13.579 --> 00:23:14.319 a better fit 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:15.319 for leading that committee 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:16.399 that got stood up? 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:19.720 Service creates discomfort 00:23:19.720 --> 00:23:21.199 and suffering 00:23:21.199 --> 00:23:22.019 creates discomfort. 00:23:23.059 --> 00:23:23.659 In service, 00:23:23.819 --> 00:23:24.279 you essentially 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:25.339 give away your comfort 00:23:25.339 --> 00:23:26.240 so that others 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:26.899 might be comfortable. 00:23:27.859 --> 00:23:28.519 You might pause 00:23:28.519 --> 00:23:29.359 and think about 00:23:29.359 --> 00:23:29.959 how you would do that 00:23:29.959 --> 00:23:30.399 in this body. 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:33.119 Here's our last point. 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.319 That in Christ, 00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:36.659 Christians serve 00:23:36.659 --> 00:23:37.359 for a reward 00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:38.639 prepared in advance 00:23:38.639 --> 00:23:39.500 according to the purposes 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:39.839 of God. 00:23:39.879 --> 00:23:40.539 Look at verse 40. 00:23:41.339 --> 00:23:41.639 It says, 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:42.759 To sit at my right hand 00:23:42.759 --> 00:23:43.839 or at my left 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:44.599 is not mine to grant, 00:23:44.679 --> 00:23:45.980 but it is for those 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:47.319 for whom it has been prepared. 00:23:48.379 --> 00:23:49.379 It is for those 00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:50.819 for whom it has been prepared. 00:23:50.939 --> 00:23:51.339 Does that mean 00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:52.879 that God already knows, 00:23:53.099 --> 00:23:53.879 has already chosen, 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:54.759 has already appointed 00:23:54.759 --> 00:23:55.679 who would sit 00:23:55.679 --> 00:23:56.379 in higher seats 00:23:56.379 --> 00:23:57.599 of honor and glory? 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:58.779 That's essentially 00:23:58.779 --> 00:23:59.339 what it means. 00:23:59.379 --> 00:23:59.919 It's talking about 00:23:59.919 --> 00:24:00.939 the providence of God. 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:01.919 That God has ordered 00:24:01.919 --> 00:24:03.460 the events of history 00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:04.100 from the beginning 00:24:04.100 --> 00:24:05.059 to the end. 00:24:06.840 --> 00:24:07.980 The Westminster Shorter Catechism 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:08.259 asks, 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:09.940 What is the providence of God? 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:11.880 It is his most holy, 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:12.640 wise, 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.299 and powerful, 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:15.100 preserving and governing 00:24:15.100 --> 00:24:16.259 all his creatures 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.960 and all their actions. 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.779 That means that God 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:22.400 orders your life 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:23.420 so that you would be 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:24.799 matured and improved 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:25.480 for eternity. 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.660 Every single thing 00:24:26.660 --> 00:24:27.279 you go through, 00:24:27.420 --> 00:24:28.200 he's not surprised. 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.579 He allows it to happen. 00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:30.640 He's appointed it 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:31.259 at the time 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:32.180 that you are facing it 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:33.140 so that you would 00:24:33.140 --> 00:24:33.820 turn to him 00:24:33.820 --> 00:24:34.820 and walk faithfully 00:24:34.820 --> 00:24:35.259 through it. 00:24:36.280 --> 00:24:37.060 It's kind of like 00:24:37.060 --> 00:24:37.980 how your kids go to school 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:39.000 or how you went to school. 00:24:39.520 --> 00:24:40.580 You went to elementary school 00:24:40.580 --> 00:24:42.000 and then to middle school 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:43.440 and then to high school 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:44.759 and then to college 00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:45.740 or a trade school 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:47.200 or into vocational training. 00:24:48.300 --> 00:24:48.680 Why? 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:49.940 To be prepared 00:24:49.940 --> 00:24:50.420 for the time 00:24:50.420 --> 00:24:50.940 when you're done 00:24:50.940 --> 00:24:51.420 with school, 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.960 to raise your family, 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:54.060 to live life, 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:54.860 to work in a job, 00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:55.560 to be prepared 00:24:55.560 --> 00:24:56.380 for that thing ahead. 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.259 The suffering 00:24:58.259 --> 00:24:58.900 and the service 00:24:58.900 --> 00:25:00.200 you go through now 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:01.880 is a schoolhouse 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:02.819 to be trained 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:03.759 in righteousness 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:05.059 for eternity. 00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:08.380 So don't despise 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:08.880 the service 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:09.799 that God calls you to 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:11.319 but embrace it 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:12.120 with a grateful heart. 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:14.559 But I might ask you this, 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:15.920 how much suffering 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:16.819 has God appointed you 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.940 for in your life? 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.480 It's a question 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.480 we probably don't want 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.160 the answer to 00:25:22.160 --> 00:25:23.279 because if we knew 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:24.400 we wouldn't run 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:25.440 and embrace that suffering 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:26.480 that he's appointed for us. 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:28.579 Jesus uniquely knew 00:25:28.579 --> 00:25:29.620 what suffering he would face 00:25:29.620 --> 00:25:30.980 because the scriptures 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:32.259 are primarily written 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:33.079 about him 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:34.220 and so when he read 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:35.160 the suffering servant 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:36.819 would die on a cross 00:25:36.819 --> 00:25:37.539 and that people 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:38.000 would gamble 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:38.779 for his clothes 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.579 whenever he was being 00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:40.180 put to death, 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:41.559 he knew that was about him. 00:25:42.299 --> 00:25:43.360 And so he had to face 00:25:43.360 --> 00:25:44.000 those sufferings 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:44.779 in his heart 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:45.360 and his mind 00:25:45.360 --> 00:25:46.700 advance of when he faced 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:47.420 them in his body. 00:25:50.700 --> 00:25:51.360 When you read 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:52.259 about the martyrs, 00:25:52.579 --> 00:25:53.299 here's an example 00:25:53.299 --> 00:25:54.039 of what Jesus means. 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:54.460 When he says, 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:56.120 it's not mine to grant 00:25:56.119 --> 00:25:56.739 whether you sit 00:25:56.739 --> 00:25:57.299 at my right hand 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:57.839 or my left hand 00:25:57.839 --> 00:25:58.239 in glory. 00:25:58.719 --> 00:25:59.099 If you were to go 00:25:59.099 --> 00:26:00.059 to Revelation 6, 00:26:00.159 --> 00:26:00.759 it says this 00:26:00.759 --> 00:26:01.699 about the martyrs. 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:02.939 It says, 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.539 John recording this, 00:26:04.919 --> 00:26:05.500 when he opened 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:06.139 the fifth scroll, 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:07.579 I saw under the altar 00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:09.119 the souls of those 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:10.039 who had been slain 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:11.239 for the word of God 00:26:11.239 --> 00:26:11.959 and for the witness 00:26:11.959 --> 00:26:12.899 they had borne. 00:26:13.459 --> 00:26:14.179 They cried out 00:26:14.179 --> 00:26:14.939 with a loud voice, 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:15.859 O sovereign Lord, 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:16.919 holy and true, 00:26:17.199 --> 00:26:18.199 how long before 00:26:18.199 --> 00:26:18.859 you will judge 00:26:18.859 --> 00:26:20.339 and avenge our blood 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:21.379 on those who dwell 00:26:21.379 --> 00:26:21.919 on the earth? 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:23.299 Then they were each 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:24.219 given a white robe 00:26:24.219 --> 00:26:25.259 and told to rest 00:26:25.259 --> 00:26:25.919 a little longer. 00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:27.099 Until the number 00:26:27.099 --> 00:26:28.239 of their fellow servants 00:26:28.239 --> 00:26:29.059 and their brothers 00:26:29.059 --> 00:26:30.199 should be complete 00:26:30.199 --> 00:26:31.519 who were to be killed 00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:32.599 as they themselves 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.059 had been. 00:26:33.879 --> 00:26:34.679 What this says 00:26:34.679 --> 00:26:36.259 is that God knows 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:37.159 who will be slain 00:26:37.159 --> 00:26:37.839 as martyrs, 00:26:37.919 --> 00:26:38.619 who will be slain 00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:39.319 in faithfulness, 00:26:39.419 --> 00:26:40.079 who will suffer 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:40.879 for Christ's name. 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:42.379 And in this account 00:26:42.379 --> 00:26:43.099 you see that 00:26:43.099 --> 00:26:44.339 those faithful 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:45.559 who died as martyrs 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:46.299 bearing the testimony 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.539 of Christ's death 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.219 and resurrection 00:26:48.219 --> 00:26:49.199 and his sufficiency, 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:51.679 they are surrounded 00:26:51.679 --> 00:26:52.399 around the altar 00:26:52.399 --> 00:26:53.039 where the scroll 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.639 is being opened 00:26:53.639 --> 00:26:54.239 and where the throne 00:26:54.239 --> 00:26:54.919 of Christ is. 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:55.860 There's not much 00:26:55.860 --> 00:26:56.880 closer to Christ's throne 00:26:56.880 --> 00:26:57.600 in this depiction 00:26:57.600 --> 00:26:58.360 in Revelation 00:26:58.360 --> 00:27:00.460 of Jesus' court, 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:01.340 of his throne room. 00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:02.120 There's not much 00:27:02.120 --> 00:27:03.320 closer to Jesus' throne 00:27:03.320 --> 00:27:03.880 than the altar. 00:27:05.580 --> 00:27:06.259 And the people 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:06.720 that are closer 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:07.220 to the altar 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:08.140 are those who died 00:27:08.140 --> 00:27:08.900 in faithfulness 00:27:08.900 --> 00:27:10.880 in a very special way. 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:11.900 And so Jesus 00:27:11.900 --> 00:27:12.539 is just saying 00:27:12.539 --> 00:27:13.759 they were appointed 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.380 to that death 00:27:14.380 --> 00:27:15.500 that God might be glorified. 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:16.500 God might be glorified. 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:19.140 It's also important 00:27:19.140 --> 00:27:19.640 for you to remember 00:27:19.640 --> 00:27:20.299 that as you're called 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.240 to serve others, 00:27:21.400 --> 00:27:22.279 even through suffering, 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:23.640 that what Christ 00:27:23.640 --> 00:27:24.480 desires for you, 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:25.359 even in that suffering, 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:26.359 is greater than 00:27:26.359 --> 00:27:26.900 what you desire 00:27:26.900 --> 00:27:27.480 for yourself. 00:27:28.180 --> 00:27:28.940 James and John 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:30.200 wanted glory for themselves. 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:31.380 Jesus says, 00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:31.980 I've got something 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:33.380 much greater for you 00:27:33.380 --> 00:27:34.759 and it looks much different 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:35.359 than what you think 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:36.059 it'll look like. 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.819 That's why Ephesians 3, 00:27:38.140 --> 00:27:39.099 describing what Christ 00:27:39.099 --> 00:27:39.720 has for us, 00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:39.980 says, 00:27:39.980 --> 00:27:45.740 You see, 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.319 because here's part 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:46.839 of the reward. 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:48.200 Jesus says in John 14, 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:49.120 I go to prepare 00:27:49.120 --> 00:27:49.920 a place for you. 00:27:51.559 --> 00:27:52.720 He knows how many rooms 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.440 he needs to prepare. 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:54.700 Whose name is going 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:55.420 to go on that door? 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:56.700 Your name and your name 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:57.160 and your name, 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:57.920 they're all going to go 00:27:57.920 --> 00:27:58.700 on places Jesus 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.759 has prepared for you. 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:03.240 It's like a soldier 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:04.000 who goes to war. 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:05.660 He willingly fights 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.500 with more vigor 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:07.480 because he knows 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.180 that there may be 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:09.839 peace and resolution 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:10.959 of conflict ahead. 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:12.139 He fights so that 00:28:12.139 --> 00:28:13.079 there might be peace. 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:16.179 And yet, 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.259 a soldier is most miserable 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:18.839 when he loses hope of peace. 00:28:19.179 --> 00:28:19.759 Don't lose sight 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.299 of the reward 00:28:20.299 --> 00:28:21.119 that Christ has for you 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:21.919 even while you suffer. 00:28:22.659 --> 00:28:23.399 That there is a room 00:28:23.399 --> 00:28:24.119 prepared for you. 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:24.859 Peace. 00:28:26.159 --> 00:28:27.299 I think about faithful ministers 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:28.299 like John MacArthur 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.059 who just passed away 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:29.759 this last year. 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:31.079 He preached 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:31.939 until the very end. 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:32.879 He was faithful 00:28:32.879 --> 00:28:33.419 and ministering 00:28:33.419 --> 00:28:34.240 and active in the church 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:35.079 and active in his body 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:36.059 and active in his family 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:37.539 until the very end. 00:28:38.899 --> 00:28:39.459 R.C. Sproul, 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:40.140 the same way. 00:28:40.259 --> 00:28:41.259 Alistair Begg 00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:42.579 is exemplifying that as well. 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:43.840 They are preaching 00:28:43.840 --> 00:28:44.299 to the end 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:44.960 and the only way 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:45.600 that they have 00:28:45.600 --> 00:28:46.980 the strength of body 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.860 and the strength of will 00:28:47.860 --> 00:28:48.759 to continue ministering 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.100 the gospel 00:28:49.100 --> 00:28:50.220 until the day they die 00:28:50.220 --> 00:28:51.059 is because they know 00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:52.299 there is a reward 00:28:52.299 --> 00:28:53.420 worth much more 00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:54.039 than the suffering 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:54.700 they face. 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:57.039 So your reward 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:58.740 is the full presence 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.240 of God 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:00.539 in Christ, 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:02.059 a room with your name on it, 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:03.120 a crown of glory, 00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:04.640 peace after a short life 00:29:04.640 --> 00:29:05.140 of suffering 00:29:05.140 --> 00:29:06.340 and service to others, 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:07.400 and fellowship 00:29:07.400 --> 00:29:08.320 with other saints 00:29:08.320 --> 00:29:09.240 for all eternity 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:10.860 who have also endured 00:29:10.860 --> 00:29:11.740 as you have. 00:29:12.940 --> 00:29:14.340 This is why Psalm 11 says, 00:29:14.780 --> 00:29:15.460 the Lord is righteous 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:17.440 and he loves righteous deeds 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:19.180 and the upright in heart 00:29:19.180 --> 00:29:20.740 will behold his face. 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:22.920 So as I close with this comment, 00:29:23.080 --> 00:29:23.820 think about this. 00:29:24.500 --> 00:29:25.380 Are you prepared 00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:26.120 for good works? 00:29:26.440 --> 00:29:27.120 Are you prepared 00:29:27.120 --> 00:29:27.740 to serve others 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.300 through suffering? 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:30.080 Will you rely upon 00:29:30.080 --> 00:29:30.600 the sufficiency 00:29:30.600 --> 00:29:31.500 of Christ's work 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.620 and build upon 00:29:32.620 --> 00:29:33.500 the foundation 00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:34.180 of his work 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:35.960 and joyfully fulfill 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:37.960 your Christian calling 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:38.620 and the privilege 00:29:38.620 --> 00:29:39.160 of the duty 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:40.920 that you can fulfill 00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:41.500 in the strength 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.019 of the Spirit 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:42.779 this year? 00:29:43.140 --> 00:29:43.860 Let us pray. 00:29:45.080 --> 00:29:45.799 Father in heaven, 00:29:46.240 --> 00:29:47.420 I thank you for the glory 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:48.299 of the work of Christ. 00:29:48.820 --> 00:29:49.880 I thank you for him coming, 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:51.279 taking on flesh 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:51.900 and being born. 00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:53.340 I thank you for his willingness, 00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:54.460 his determination 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:55.440 to go to the cross 00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:56.580 and to follow your will 00:29:56.580 --> 00:29:58.299 that we would be redeemed. 00:29:58.779 --> 00:29:59.600 Sinners reconciled 00:29:59.600 --> 00:30:00.240 to a holy God. 00:30:00.320 --> 00:30:00.980 I pray that you would 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:01.779 bless his work 00:30:01.779 --> 00:30:02.360 in his name 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:03.600 and that he would be glorified 00:30:03.599 --> 00:30:04.839 and that we would adore him more 00:30:04.839 --> 00:30:07.419 even as we serve others 00:30:07.419 --> 00:30:08.399 in the Christian family 00:30:08.399 --> 00:30:09.159 and in this world 00:30:09.159 --> 00:30:10.419 through the suffering 00:30:10.419 --> 00:30:11.159 that you call us to. 00:30:11.219 --> 00:30:12.379 We pray this in Christ's name. 00:30:12.919 --> 00:30:13.159 Amen.