WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.700 Romans chapter 9. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:41.359 There are Israelites and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises. 00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:54.260 To them belong the patriarchs and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. 00:00:54.259 --> 00:01:12.920 But it is not as though the word of God has failed, for not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they're his offspring, but through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:22.900 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 00:01:22.900 --> 00:01:25.700 For this is what the promise said. 00:01:52.900 --> 00:01:55.359 The older will serve the younger. 00:01:56.320 --> 00:02:00.940 As it's written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:03.380 What shall we say then? 00:02:04.120 --> 00:02:06.180 Is there injustice on God's part? 00:02:06.820 --> 00:02:08.259 By no means. 00:02:08.939 --> 00:02:10.259 For he says to Moses, 00:02:10.259 --> 00:02:24.019 So then, 00:02:24.020 --> 00:02:28.520 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:39.680 For this very purpose I've raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 00:02:40.700 --> 00:02:47.360 So then, he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 00:02:47.360 --> 00:02:48.920 You will say to me then, 00:02:49.760 --> 00:02:51.380 Why does he still find fault? 00:02:51.620 --> 00:02:53.140 For who can resist his will? 00:02:54.360 --> 00:02:57.440 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? 00:02:58.460 --> 00:03:00.860 Will what is moulded say to its moulder? 00:03:01.720 --> 00:03:03.500 Why have you made me like this? 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:11.220 Has the potter no right over the clay to make out of the same lump one vessel for honourable use and another for dishonourable use? 00:03:11.219 --> 00:03:31.159 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he's prepared beforehand for glory? 00:03:32.159 --> 00:03:38.199 Even us, he has called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles. 00:03:38.199 --> 00:03:41.299 As indeed he says in Hosea, 00:03:42.199 --> 00:03:45.939 Those who are not my people, I will call my people. 00:03:46.639 --> 00:03:50.919 And her who is not beloved, I will call beloved. 00:03:52.179 --> 00:03:54.879 And in the very place where it was said to them, 00:03:55.500 --> 00:03:56.859 You are not my people, 00:03:57.959 --> 00:04:02.339 there they will be called sons of the living God. 00:04:03.859 --> 00:04:06.299 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, 00:04:06.300 --> 00:04:10.400 Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sands of the sea, 00:04:10.700 --> 00:04:13.620 Only a remnant of them will be saved. 00:04:14.260 --> 00:04:18.560 For the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay. 00:04:19.500 --> 00:04:21.360 And as Isaiah predicted, 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:25.480 If the Lord of hosts has not left us offspring, 00:04:26.300 --> 00:04:28.080 We would have been like Sodom 00:04:28.080 --> 00:04:30.400 And become like... 00:04:30.400 --> 00:04:32.780 Why don't we pray now as we come to God's word? 00:04:32.779 --> 00:04:41.879 Father, I pray that you would help us to see how deep your mercy for us goes. 00:04:42.639 --> 00:04:46.059 And I pray that you would help us to rest in your mercy 00:04:46.059 --> 00:04:51.500 And to strive for you and holiness in your mercy. 00:04:52.379 --> 00:04:53.939 In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 00:04:53.939 --> 00:04:59.540 I have been watching on Zoom. 00:05:00.300 --> 00:05:02.079 I'll have him with us the past two weeks. 00:05:02.339 --> 00:05:04.040 So hello Zoom people as well. 00:05:05.540 --> 00:05:07.639 Well we've spent four Sundays now 00:05:07.639 --> 00:05:10.879 Swimming in the sovereign love of God. 00:05:11.939 --> 00:05:15.959 That as we were busy trying to run our lives our own way, 00:05:16.420 --> 00:05:19.240 Storing up wrath for ourselves for the day of judgment, 00:05:19.439 --> 00:05:21.220 God stepped in and intervened. 00:05:21.220 --> 00:05:24.800 God the Holy Spirit took a hold of us, 00:05:25.660 --> 00:05:27.320 Changing us on the inside, 00:05:27.520 --> 00:05:30.740 Calling us effectively to God, 00:05:31.180 --> 00:05:34.180 Opening our blind eyes to see the wonder of Jesus. 00:05:35.340 --> 00:05:38.160 God the Son gladly obeyed his Father, 00:05:38.280 --> 00:05:41.740 Being sent into the world with a clear mission in mind. 00:05:42.280 --> 00:05:43.720 As the good shepherd, 00:05:44.220 --> 00:05:47.900 He died with each and every one of his sheep in mind, 00:05:47.899 --> 00:05:50.019 Redeeming us, 00:05:50.579 --> 00:05:52.299 Doing everything to save us. 00:05:54.539 --> 00:05:56.719 And that God the Father, Son and Spirit 00:05:56.719 --> 00:05:58.319 Are totally committed 00:05:58.319 --> 00:06:01.359 To ensuring that each of Christ's sheep 00:06:01.359 --> 00:06:03.079 Will make it home to glory. 00:06:04.179 --> 00:06:06.899 Not one will be snatched out of his hand, 00:06:06.979 --> 00:06:08.579 Not one will fall out of his hand, 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:09.819 Or jump out of his hand. 00:06:11.179 --> 00:06:12.699 We'll make it home to glory, 00:06:12.799 --> 00:06:13.939 Because God is at work. 00:06:13.939 --> 00:06:16.879 So we can be sure, 00:06:16.959 --> 00:06:18.639 No matter what happens in life, 00:06:18.779 --> 00:06:20.980 That God is working for our good, 00:06:21.740 --> 00:06:23.379 Preparing us for that glory, 00:06:24.060 --> 00:06:25.360 Being in his presence forever, 00:06:25.819 --> 00:06:28.079 Doing that renovation work, 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:30.639 Of being conformed in the likeness of his Son. 00:06:30.899 --> 00:06:31.899 What God starts, 00:06:31.980 --> 00:06:32.579 He finishes. 00:06:34.519 --> 00:06:36.139 These are wonderful truths, 00:06:36.199 --> 00:06:36.459 Aren't they? 00:06:36.459 --> 00:06:42.639 It should just fill us with joy and peace, 00:06:43.359 --> 00:06:44.039 In God, 00:06:44.279 --> 00:06:46.500 And just overflowing in thankfulness. 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:48.299 What more is there to say? 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:49.659 Like, I should just sit down. 00:06:52.479 --> 00:06:53.740 Sorry to get your hopes up, 00:06:53.779 --> 00:06:54.679 I'm not going to sit down. 00:06:55.599 --> 00:06:58.299 There is one more massive truth, 00:06:59.459 --> 00:07:03.579 Another massive reason to have joy and peace, 00:07:03.919 --> 00:07:05.719 And overflow in thankfulness. 00:07:06.459 --> 00:07:09.739 So to introduce, 00:07:10.299 --> 00:07:11.399 The topic for this morning, 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:12.399 I'm going to ask, 00:07:12.739 --> 00:07:14.579 Ask this question, 00:07:14.759 --> 00:07:16.359 When did God the Father, 00:07:16.519 --> 00:07:18.259 Begin to love me, 00:07:18.979 --> 00:07:20.899 As his adopted child? 00:07:22.659 --> 00:07:24.339 When did God the Father, 00:07:24.539 --> 00:07:25.859 Begin to love me, 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:28.519 As his adopted child? 00:07:29.919 --> 00:07:30.979 When was it? 00:07:32.439 --> 00:07:33.500 To work it out, 00:07:33.560 --> 00:07:34.419 We need to work out, 00:07:34.560 --> 00:07:35.959 What prompted his love? 00:07:36.459 --> 00:07:39.839 Or to put it more technically, 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:40.399 What condition, 00:07:41.399 --> 00:07:43.319 Did I need to meet, 00:07:43.539 --> 00:07:45.579 In order for God to begin loving me? 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:47.859 So for instance, 00:07:48.019 --> 00:07:50.079 If God made it the sole condition, 00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:51.399 That if people really, 00:07:52.399 --> 00:07:54.620 Wanted to know God, 00:07:54.699 --> 00:07:56.500 Then they would climb Mount Everest. 00:07:58.199 --> 00:07:59.620 That's how they would express it. 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:01.720 If you get it to the top, 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:04.300 God will give you his love. 00:08:05.500 --> 00:08:07.220 So that could be a condition. 00:08:07.980 --> 00:08:09.639 You might think that's totally unreasonable, 00:08:10.560 --> 00:08:11.879 But frankly, 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:14.199 It doesn't really matter what we think is reasonable or not. 00:08:14.340 --> 00:08:16.340 It matters what God says is the condition. 00:08:18.240 --> 00:08:19.139 So what is it? 00:08:19.199 --> 00:08:22.340 What is the condition that prompted God's love? 00:08:22.339 --> 00:08:23.719 What did we need to do? 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:29.219 Is it our obedience that prompts God's love, 00:08:29.299 --> 00:08:30.119 The Father's love? 00:08:30.219 --> 00:08:32.079 I think this can take a few forms. 00:08:32.899 --> 00:08:35.059 I think one person might look at it and go, 00:08:36.059 --> 00:08:37.919 What God the Father really wants, 00:08:38.079 --> 00:08:41.959 Is for me to seek a deep personal connection with him. 00:08:43.159 --> 00:08:46.919 A rich, emotionally rich connection with him. 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:50.240 So he wants me to meditate on him. 00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:55.039 He wants me to connect with him through music and prayer and thankfulness. 00:08:55.139 --> 00:08:58.179 So as long as I'm seeking him in that emotionally rich way, 00:08:58.519 --> 00:08:59.679 God is there. 00:08:59.779 --> 00:09:01.599 He's waiting to connect with me. 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:03.899 Once I start seeking him, 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:05.059 He'll connect with me. 00:09:07.339 --> 00:09:10.079 Another person might view obedience in terms of, 00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:12.699 I've got to clean up my moral act. 00:09:13.099 --> 00:09:14.480 I've got to clean up my life. 00:09:14.480 --> 00:09:17.600 Morally, religiously. 00:09:17.779 --> 00:09:19.320 And then God will love me. 00:09:21.159 --> 00:09:23.680 Still, I think another person might view it as, 00:09:24.039 --> 00:09:25.379 I've got to be busy for God. 00:09:25.620 --> 00:09:26.879 When I'm busy for God, 00:09:27.720 --> 00:09:28.460 Serving him, 00:09:28.960 --> 00:09:30.340 Then he loves me. 00:09:30.460 --> 00:09:31.000 If I'm not, 00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:34.159 I can't be quite sure he's pleased with me. 00:09:37.820 --> 00:09:40.539 I think we can know whichever one we lean towards, 00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:44.080 Depending on when we feel confident that we have God's love, 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:45.920 And when we despair that we don't. 00:09:47.400 --> 00:09:49.460 So when we feel confident or despair, 00:09:49.620 --> 00:09:50.139 What is it? 00:09:53.980 --> 00:09:55.500 If we think we're measuring up, 00:09:55.680 --> 00:09:56.379 We'll feel confident. 00:09:56.600 --> 00:09:57.820 If we think we're falling short, 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:59.259 We'll start despairing. 00:09:59.259 --> 00:10:03.960 What about when we sin, 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:06.740 In the same way this week as we did last week, 00:10:06.779 --> 00:10:07.879 And for months now, 00:10:08.319 --> 00:10:11.399 We can begin to ask ourselves, 00:10:12.059 --> 00:10:14.980 Can God really love me? 00:10:16.439 --> 00:10:18.299 And the more we ask that question, 00:10:18.379 --> 00:10:20.100 I think that can turn into a bigger question, 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:21.679 Did God ever love me? 00:10:21.679 --> 00:10:26.599 Now, 00:10:26.719 --> 00:10:29.239 I think most of us here know the gospel message, 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:31.000 That it's not about obedience. 00:10:31.739 --> 00:10:32.939 Thank God it's not. 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:37.299 So what is the condition then? 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:39.239 Well, 00:10:39.279 --> 00:10:40.019 It's faith, 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:40.439 Isn't it? 00:10:41.579 --> 00:10:42.959 We trust in Jesus. 00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:45.279 God began to love me, 00:10:45.339 --> 00:10:46.099 From the moment, 00:10:46.459 --> 00:10:48.559 I started trusting in Jesus Christ, 00:10:48.639 --> 00:10:50.199 As my Lord and Saviour. 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:52.259 That sounds right, 00:10:52.340 --> 00:10:52.700 Doesn't it? 00:10:54.400 --> 00:10:56.740 The moment I put my trust in Jesus, 00:10:57.259 --> 00:10:58.660 God began to love me. 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:03.860 The Bible is packed with verses, 00:11:04.540 --> 00:11:06.240 That say faith is the condition, 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:08.540 For belonging to God's family. 00:11:09.220 --> 00:11:10.180 It's just full, 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:10.560 Isn't it? 00:11:13.259 --> 00:11:14.740 But then what about those days, 00:11:14.860 --> 00:11:15.360 When frankly, 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:16.460 I just wish God would, 00:11:17.200 --> 00:11:17.700 Kind of, 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:19.420 Not exist for today. 00:11:19.580 --> 00:11:19.900 I want it, 00:11:19.899 --> 00:11:21.399 I want to spend it my way. 00:11:23.559 --> 00:11:24.480 Or what if, 00:11:24.600 --> 00:11:25.340 My faith, 00:11:26.100 --> 00:11:27.659 In ten years time fails? 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:31.860 What happens, 00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:33.759 To the Father's love on that day, 00:11:33.879 --> 00:11:35.220 Or that day in the future? 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:40.720 So what is the condition? 00:11:40.919 --> 00:11:42.100 What prompts God's love? 00:11:42.279 --> 00:11:42.620 Let's, 00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:44.399 Let's turn now to Romans 9. 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:49.059 It's one of the most clearly laid out answers, 00:11:49.059 --> 00:11:51.699 To the question of what condition must be met, 00:11:51.779 --> 00:11:53.519 For God to save a person. 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:56.120 So please open to Romans 9 with me, 00:11:57.539 --> 00:11:59.319 On your phone or hard copy. 00:11:59.320 --> 00:12:05.280 So as Matt introduced, 00:12:05.660 --> 00:12:08.500 The issue Paul is speaking into here, 00:12:08.560 --> 00:12:10.660 Isn't exactly our question. 00:12:13.060 --> 00:12:15.480 What he is answering helps us to see, 00:12:15.940 --> 00:12:17.340 What God's basis is, 00:12:18.020 --> 00:12:20.060 For why one person belongs to God, 00:12:20.120 --> 00:12:21.460 And another person doesn't. 00:12:21.780 --> 00:12:23.020 What is the difference there? 00:12:23.019 --> 00:12:25.799 But the question Paul is answering is, 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:28.519 How come so many of God's covenant people, 00:12:28.639 --> 00:12:29.039 Israel, 00:12:29.600 --> 00:12:32.179 Didn't believe in Jesus? 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:34.759 If anyone should believe, 00:12:34.860 --> 00:12:35.579 It should be them. 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:37.360 Like, 00:12:37.600 --> 00:12:39.059 Everything that God gave them, 00:12:39.579 --> 00:12:40.679 Theirs is the adoption, 00:12:40.899 --> 00:12:41.340 Verse 4, 00:12:41.679 --> 00:12:42.439 The glory, 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:43.379 The covenants, 00:12:43.460 --> 00:12:44.279 The giving of the law, 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:44.919 The worship, 00:12:45.079 --> 00:12:45.579 The promises, 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:46.019 The patriarchs, 00:12:46.659 --> 00:12:48.819 From their race came Jesus Christ. 00:12:48.820 --> 00:12:49.680 Like, 00:12:49.680 --> 00:12:52.220 If anyone was primed and ready to believe, 00:12:52.300 --> 00:12:52.900 It should be them. 00:12:54.520 --> 00:12:55.879 If your gospel is true, 00:12:55.980 --> 00:12:56.180 Paul, 00:12:56.560 --> 00:12:58.500 So many of the Jews, 00:12:59.300 --> 00:12:59.980 Are condemned. 00:13:01.420 --> 00:13:03.900 Did all those privileges count for nothing? 00:13:04.340 --> 00:13:05.120 Or more specifically, 00:13:05.480 --> 00:13:06.100 In verse 6, 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:06.780 The question is, 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:08.000 Did God's promises, 00:13:08.220 --> 00:13:09.520 Did God's word fail? 00:13:11.960 --> 00:13:14.820 What happened to all those unbelieving Jews? 00:13:14.940 --> 00:13:15.680 What's going on? 00:13:15.679 --> 00:13:20.000 So Paul needs to demonstrate, 00:13:20.479 --> 00:13:21.239 From scripture, 00:13:21.659 --> 00:13:22.979 That God never said, 00:13:23.179 --> 00:13:24.099 That all of Israel, 00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:25.019 Would be saved. 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:25.419 Otherwise, 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:26.179 God is, 00:13:26.659 --> 00:13:27.599 God's word has failed. 00:13:27.859 --> 00:13:29.079 You can't trust any of his word. 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:30.939 He's got to demonstrate, 00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:32.039 That God never said, 00:13:32.099 --> 00:13:33.819 He'd save all of national Israel. 00:13:36.019 --> 00:13:37.179 So if the promises, 00:13:37.379 --> 00:13:39.259 Don't apply to all national Israel, 00:13:40.019 --> 00:13:41.159 Then on what basis, 00:13:41.299 --> 00:13:43.120 Does someone become a child of God? 00:13:43.120 --> 00:13:46.279 And that's why we can use this passage, 00:13:46.440 --> 00:13:47.440 To answer our question. 00:13:49.840 --> 00:13:50.320 So, 00:13:50.560 --> 00:13:51.799 Let's have a look at the answer, 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:53.259 Verses 6 to 13. 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:57.840 Paul rightly goes back, 00:13:58.200 --> 00:13:59.960 To the beginning with Abraham, 00:14:00.940 --> 00:14:02.840 The one who receives God's promises, 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:05.220 To be the father of God's very own people, 00:14:05.299 --> 00:14:06.240 Whom he will bless. 00:14:06.840 --> 00:14:07.980 Now do you remember, 00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:08.779 How that came about? 00:14:08.779 --> 00:14:13.539 When Sarah was 90 years old, 00:14:16.240 --> 00:14:19.139 Picture a 90 year old woman, 00:14:20.579 --> 00:14:23.000 Having not had any children, 00:14:23.879 --> 00:14:25.299 Unable to have children, 00:14:25.439 --> 00:14:26.519 And Abraham 100, 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:30.319 And yet God promises them, 00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:31.740 A son. 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:35.360 Was this possible by human means? 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:40.220 This was something, 00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:41.620 Abraham and Sarah, 00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:43.820 Could not control. 00:14:46.080 --> 00:14:47.100 Yet they tried, 00:14:47.980 --> 00:14:49.560 Abraham slept with Hagar, 00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:51.060 And they have Ishmael, 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:51.759 But God says, 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.120 No, 00:14:53.320 --> 00:14:53.980 Ishmael, 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:55.139 I'm not counting, 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:56.899 As my son, 00:14:58.159 --> 00:14:59.480 You will have a son, 00:14:59.680 --> 00:15:00.080 Isaac. 00:15:02.960 --> 00:15:04.860 Paul states the point in verse 8, 00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:07.180 This means, 00:15:07.680 --> 00:15:08.539 That it is not, 00:15:08.720 --> 00:15:10.240 The children of the flesh, 00:15:10.899 --> 00:15:11.580 Biologically, 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:14.039 Who are the children of God, 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:17.180 But the children of the promise, 00:15:18.659 --> 00:15:19.860 Are counted as offspring. 00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:23.860 What created the community, 00:15:23.860 --> 00:15:25.180 Of the children of God? 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:26.879 Was it human effort and ability? 00:15:27.960 --> 00:15:29.279 That was impossible. 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:32.379 What was it? 00:15:32.879 --> 00:15:34.639 It was God's word of promise. 00:15:35.360 --> 00:15:36.620 It was the promise, 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:37.440 That created, 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:39.139 The child of God. 00:15:41.800 --> 00:15:43.300 Notice the loaded phrase, 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:44.800 The children of God. 00:15:45.460 --> 00:15:46.680 This is about belonging, 00:15:46.680 --> 00:15:47.879 To God's family, 00:15:48.039 --> 00:15:49.279 The status of being, 00:15:49.340 --> 00:15:50.060 A child of God. 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:51.360 This is about being saved. 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.919 God counted Isaac, 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.340 Not Ishmael, 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.879 Though both were born of Abraham. 00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:01.480 It is only those, 00:16:01.820 --> 00:16:03.779 Who by the direct power of God, 00:16:04.039 --> 00:16:04.980 Through his promise, 00:16:06.419 --> 00:16:07.039 Are counted, 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:08.779 As the children of God. 00:16:10.659 --> 00:16:11.779 And we see it, 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:12.960 Even clearer, 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:14.519 In Jacob and Esau, 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:15.419 The next generation. 00:16:15.779 --> 00:16:16.100 Again, 00:16:16.220 --> 00:16:17.259 Rebecca is barren, 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:19.080 Totally unable, 00:16:19.080 --> 00:16:20.240 To create God's people, 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:22.019 And the Lord gives her twins. 00:16:23.379 --> 00:16:24.059 Now twins, 00:16:24.059 --> 00:16:25.019 If there's anyone, 00:16:25.159 --> 00:16:26.779 Who should get the same treatment, 00:16:27.259 --> 00:16:28.599 It should be twins. 00:16:28.979 --> 00:16:30.659 There's nothing to distinguish them. 00:16:31.979 --> 00:16:33.339 Or from a human perspective, 00:16:33.579 --> 00:16:35.679 If one should get God's favour, 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:36.379 And the other not, 00:16:36.459 --> 00:16:37.419 Then it should be the older, 00:16:37.979 --> 00:16:39.359 Who should have the privilege, 00:16:39.599 --> 00:16:40.219 The firstborn. 00:16:42.839 --> 00:16:43.979 But verse 12, 00:16:45.199 --> 00:16:46.379 What does God say? 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:48.339 While the twins are still, 00:16:48.479 --> 00:16:49.299 In Rebecca's womb, 00:16:49.979 --> 00:16:50.739 What does God say? 00:16:50.839 --> 00:16:52.759 The older will serve the younger. 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:57.220 God chooses the younger. 00:16:59.080 --> 00:17:00.139 Jacob I loved, 00:17:00.899 --> 00:17:01.620 The younger. 00:17:03.360 --> 00:17:04.700 Loved in the sense of, 00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:07.299 Giving all my promised blessings, 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:08.359 As a child of God. 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:09.900 Esau I hated, 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:12.160 In the sense of, 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:13.440 He doesn't get, 00:17:14.140 --> 00:17:14.879 That blessing, 00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:15.980 As a child of God. 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:18.660 In the human lives, 00:17:18.740 --> 00:17:19.339 Esau is, 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:21.259 Has lots of wealth and things, 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:23.000 But in terms of the promise, 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:25.279 Of belonging to God's eternal community, 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:26.900 Jacob I loved, 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:28.339 Esau I hated. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:34.680 So what did God look at, 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:36.220 In these twins, 00:17:36.460 --> 00:17:37.539 In Jacob and Esau, 00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:38.680 To decide this? 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:40.339 What condition, 00:17:40.579 --> 00:17:42.019 Did Jacob meet, 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:43.099 And Esau fail to meet? 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:47.519 Did God look into their future, 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:49.220 And see which one, 00:17:49.639 --> 00:17:51.339 Would be the best asset, 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:52.539 The strongest one, 00:17:52.660 --> 00:17:53.539 For God's kingdom? 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.539 If that's the case, 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:56.259 He should have chosen Esau by far. 00:17:57.220 --> 00:17:58.379 He was the strong one. 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:00.619 But he didn't. 00:18:01.400 --> 00:18:02.180 He chose Jacob. 00:18:03.859 --> 00:18:04.460 Okay then, 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:06.160 Did God look into the future, 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:07.559 Into Jacob and Esau's life, 00:18:07.619 --> 00:18:07.920 And go, 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:08.759 Which one was, 00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:10.000 The more moral one? 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:11.880 Who trusted God? 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:14.619 He had slim pickings there, 00:18:15.000 --> 00:18:15.660 I tell you what, 00:18:17.079 --> 00:18:18.920 Esau gave up his birthright, 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:19.779 For a single meal, 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:21.200 Jacob is just this, 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:22.500 Self-interested, 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:23.460 Deceptive, 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:24.420 Brat, 00:18:24.759 --> 00:18:25.500 All his life. 00:18:27.779 --> 00:18:28.859 Who's he going to pick? 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:31.799 It wasn't their own moral effort, 00:18:32.279 --> 00:18:33.299 Or their faith in him. 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:36.619 Paul draws out the point, 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:37.259 In verse 11, 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:39.259 Please read it with me, 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.559 This is the basis, 00:18:41.559 --> 00:18:43.039 Of who becomes a child of God, 00:18:43.200 --> 00:18:43.880 Why Jacob, 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:45.339 And not Esau. 00:18:48.180 --> 00:18:48.700 Though, 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:50.400 They were not yet born, 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:52.940 And had done nothing, 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:55.519 Either good or bad, 00:18:56.660 --> 00:18:58.440 In order that God's purpose, 00:18:58.440 --> 00:18:59.220 Of election, 00:19:00.420 --> 00:19:01.400 Might continue, 00:19:02.400 --> 00:19:04.039 Not because of works, 00:19:05.119 --> 00:19:06.380 But because of him, 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:08.039 Who calls. 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:13.220 What condition did Jacob have to meet, 00:19:13.299 --> 00:19:14.299 To become a child of God? 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:16.259 None. 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:21.359 What could he do in the womb? 00:19:24.399 --> 00:19:24.839 Nothing. 00:19:27.099 --> 00:19:28.339 God made the choice, 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:30.879 Before he could do anything, 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:33.720 That God's purpose of election, 00:19:34.599 --> 00:19:34.960 Choosing, 00:19:35.159 --> 00:19:35.819 Might continue. 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:39.700 So, 00:19:40.339 --> 00:19:42.519 Applying this to us, 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:43.859 What condition, 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:45.339 Did I need to meet, 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:47.639 For God the Father to love me, 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:49.799 As his child? 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:53.359 The answer is nothing, 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:55.559 I could do nothing, 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:58.519 There is no condition, 00:19:58.519 --> 00:20:03.799 From the very beginning, 00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:04.940 Of God's people, 00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:06.299 It has never been, 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:07.920 About what a person does, 00:20:07.960 --> 00:20:08.819 Or does not do. 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:10.740 So on what basis, 00:20:10.900 --> 00:20:12.139 Does God save a person? 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.359 His choice, 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:15.200 His sovereign choice alone. 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:17.519 The theological term here, 00:20:17.619 --> 00:20:18.660 Is unconditional, 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:20.000 Election. 00:20:20.819 --> 00:20:21.960 It's God's choice, 00:20:22.119 --> 00:20:23.480 It's not about what you do. 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:28.920 To put it differently, 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:31.000 The reason for God saving you, 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:33.200 Doesn't exist within you, 00:20:33.360 --> 00:20:35.120 It exists within God. 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.779 That is such a wonderful thing, 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:43.339 Such a relieving thing. 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:46.639 Imagine if God placed, 00:20:46.639 --> 00:20:48.519 Any condition on us, 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:49.159 Even faith, 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:51.619 When we remember, 00:20:51.859 --> 00:20:52.659 That we were born, 00:20:52.819 --> 00:20:54.759 Hardwired to reject God, 00:20:55.179 --> 00:20:56.619 Determined to be in charge, 00:20:56.699 --> 00:20:57.720 Of ourselves, 00:20:58.859 --> 00:21:00.399 As we saw in Ephesians 2, 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.859 Dead towards God, 00:21:02.639 --> 00:21:04.399 Completely insensitive to him, 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:08.220 How could a corpse, 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:10.100 Fulfill any condition, 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:10.960 Placed on it? 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:14.240 Except maybe to smell. 00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:20.200 The basis of God making us alive, 00:21:20.300 --> 00:21:22.540 Has to reside within God himself, 00:21:22.820 --> 00:21:24.500 When we are dead towards him. 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:28.500 So what about faith? 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.880 Like there's so many verses, 00:21:32.040 --> 00:21:32.519 About faith. 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:35.500 Isn't that the condition to be saved? 00:21:36.139 --> 00:21:37.299 And on a human level, 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:38.940 That's absolutely right. 00:21:39.059 --> 00:21:40.680 God says repent and believe. 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:44.680 That's a call on everyone in the world. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.879 God is saying believe. 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:49.480 But the question is though, 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:51.579 Is a person's faith what prompts, 00:21:52.420 --> 00:21:53.500 God to choose them? 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.519 Or, 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:56.839 Is God choosing a person, 00:21:57.559 --> 00:21:59.359 What produces that faith? 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:01.160 Which way around is it? 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:07.819 Remembering Ephesians 2, 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:09.720 How could someone, 00:22:09.940 --> 00:22:11.039 Who is happily, 00:22:11.379 --> 00:22:13.859 Pursuing their own autonomy, 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.839 Apart from God, 00:22:14.940 --> 00:22:16.720 Happily going their own way, 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:18.359 The very next moment, 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:19.759 Look at Jesus Christ, 00:22:19.900 --> 00:22:22.339 Who commands total, 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:25.059 Sovereignty over their life, 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.460 How could they find that attractive? 00:22:26.460 --> 00:22:30.400 I love running my own life, 00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:33.100 Jesus is Lord over your life, 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.620 That is not attractive, 00:22:34.840 --> 00:22:37.240 How could that person choose that? 00:22:40.059 --> 00:22:42.519 Well consider who's writing Romans 9, 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:43.920 Let's see the beauty of this, 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:45.360 The Apostle Paul, 00:22:45.579 --> 00:22:46.440 He was one of the most, 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:48.620 Like faith filled people in the world, 00:22:48.619 --> 00:22:50.379 He's incredible, 00:22:50.899 --> 00:22:52.319 But that wasn't always the case, 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:54.519 Remember how, 00:22:54.879 --> 00:22:55.159 His, 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:56.299 His, 00:22:56.439 --> 00:22:58.379 Life as a Christian began, 00:22:59.219 --> 00:23:00.539 He was one of the most, 00:23:00.539 --> 00:23:01.359 Radically, 00:23:02.599 --> 00:23:03.359 Aggressive, 00:23:03.719 --> 00:23:04.339 Violent, 00:23:04.739 --> 00:23:05.519 Opponents, 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:06.579 Of the gospel, 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:08.059 On his way, 00:23:08.219 --> 00:23:09.179 To imprison men, 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:09.899 And women, 00:23:10.679 --> 00:23:11.679 To snuff out, 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:13.699 This poisonous lie, 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:15.659 That Jesus is the Christ, 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:16.980 He hated the gospel, 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:19.360 He did not believe a word of it, 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:22.440 What happened, 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.620 For Paul, 00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:24.900 Did he, 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:25.860 On his way, 00:23:26.040 --> 00:23:27.180 By his own reasoning, 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:28.279 And his own, 00:23:28.900 --> 00:23:29.960 Self reflection, 00:23:30.140 --> 00:23:30.340 Go, 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:32.980 Actually I think there's something in this, 00:23:33.840 --> 00:23:35.000 I'm going to give it a go, 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:37.960 That's not what happened, 00:23:38.580 --> 00:23:40.660 The Lord had to reveal himself, 00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:41.980 From heaven, 00:23:42.820 --> 00:23:44.259 Literally intervening, 00:23:44.500 --> 00:23:45.340 In Paul's path, 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:47.080 Opening his eyes, 00:23:47.460 --> 00:23:48.580 To the glory of Jesus, 00:23:49.600 --> 00:23:52.640 Paul understands, 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:54.460 This sovereign grace, 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:55.540 Very personally, 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:58.560 So is Paul a unique case, 00:23:58.860 --> 00:24:01.540 In terms of seeing the risen Lord, 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:02.640 With his own eyes, 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.259 Yes he is, 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.040 But, 00:24:05.060 --> 00:24:06.240 Is he a unique case, 00:24:06.340 --> 00:24:07.100 In the sense that, 00:24:07.620 --> 00:24:09.340 Do we also need, 00:24:09.860 --> 00:24:11.620 God to reveal Jesus to us, 00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:18.679 To give a brief answer to that, 00:24:18.899 --> 00:24:20.000 I'd like to quickly, 00:24:20.699 --> 00:24:22.459 Think about Matthew chapter 11, 00:24:23.419 --> 00:24:25.959 It has one of the most beautiful calls, 00:24:26.679 --> 00:24:27.559 Invitations, 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:28.599 To believe in Jesus, 00:24:28.939 --> 00:24:29.639 Come to me, 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:31.379 These are the words of Jesus himself, 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.199 Come to me, 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:34.019 All you who are weary, 00:24:34.199 --> 00:24:34.779 And burdened, 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:36.119 And I'll give you rest, 00:24:36.119 --> 00:24:38.420 It is one of the most, 00:24:38.420 --> 00:24:40.859 Winsome invitations, 00:24:41.379 --> 00:24:42.500 To life in Jesus, 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:43.220 In the Bible, 00:24:43.619 --> 00:24:44.379 But do you remember, 00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:45.819 The words that come immediately, 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:46.500 Before that, 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.759 Matthew 11, 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:52.200 Jesus praises his father, 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:54.759 I thank you father, 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:56.160 Lord of heaven and earth, 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:58.039 That you have hidden, 00:24:58.579 --> 00:24:59.740 These things, 00:24:59.879 --> 00:25:01.500 From the wise and understanding, 00:25:02.119 --> 00:25:03.599 And revealed them, 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:05.480 To little children, 00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:07.500 Yes father, 00:25:07.619 --> 00:25:09.660 For such was your gracious will, 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:14.099 We all need, 00:25:14.859 --> 00:25:16.379 God to reveal, 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:19.119 The son to us, 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:21.759 Faith, 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.519 Faith, 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:24.059 Doesn't prompt the father's love, 00:25:24.160 --> 00:25:25.099 It's the other way around, 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:28.099 The father's love, 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:29.099 Prompts faith, 00:25:30.140 --> 00:25:33.859 If it wasn't, 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.019 For the love of the father, 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:36.420 Choosing to have mercy, 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.180 No one would be saved, 00:25:39.660 --> 00:25:41.099 Or to put it positively, 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:43.220 When I look at my own faith, 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:44.319 When I look at your faith, 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:45.339 I don't go, 00:25:45.539 --> 00:25:45.700 Oh, 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.240 Isn't it great, 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:48.299 That we chose, 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:50.139 I don't marvel, 00:25:50.139 --> 00:25:51.500 In our own choice, 00:25:51.639 --> 00:25:52.980 We marvel in the fact, 00:25:53.099 --> 00:25:54.180 That God had mercy, 00:25:54.619 --> 00:25:55.940 Thank you God, 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:55.980 Thank you God, 00:25:55.980 --> 00:26:02.379 But this, 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:04.220 This teaching can be hard to accept, 00:26:04.339 --> 00:26:04.680 Can't it, 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:08.039 We'll have lingering doubts, 00:26:08.379 --> 00:26:09.299 Lingering questions, 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:12.639 And Paul addresses this, 00:26:12.759 --> 00:26:14.359 In the rest of Romans 9, 00:26:15.139 --> 00:26:17.419 Then why doesn't God save everyone, 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:19.119 Isn't that unfair, 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:20.539 For him to choose some, 00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:21.180 And not others, 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:22.919 That, 00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:24.839 That just seems really unfair, 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.399 Doesn't it, 00:26:26.500 --> 00:26:30.180 Paul is sensitive to this, 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:31.639 And he addresses it, 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.859 In verses 14 to 18, 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:35.779 So where in scripture, 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.579 Does Paul go, 00:26:36.659 --> 00:26:37.679 To answer this question, 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:41.000 He goes to the very heart, 00:26:41.119 --> 00:26:42.240 And character of God, 00:26:42.979 --> 00:26:44.500 In the Exodus story, 00:26:44.599 --> 00:26:46.099 When Moses asked God, 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.679 Please show me your glory, 00:26:47.979 --> 00:26:49.639 And the Lord passes before him, 00:26:49.919 --> 00:26:50.879 Proclaiming his name, 00:26:51.659 --> 00:26:52.740 And the Lord says, 00:26:53.859 --> 00:26:54.839 I will have mercy, 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.839 On whom I have mercy, 00:26:57.439 --> 00:26:58.719 And I'll have compassion, 00:26:59.639 --> 00:27:01.179 On whom I have compassion, 00:27:01.180 --> 00:27:07.039 In other words, 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:09.460 If you demand justice, 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:10.460 From God, 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:13.380 What would be right, 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:14.100 And just, 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:16.160 Is for God to look at the heart, 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:17.019 Of every person, 00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:17.779 Who has ever lived, 00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:18.560 And see, 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:20.380 The rebelliousness, 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:21.080 And the sin, 00:27:21.820 --> 00:27:22.759 And to give us all, 00:27:22.860 --> 00:27:24.000 The judgment we deserve, 00:27:28.880 --> 00:27:30.640 Mercy has nothing to do, 00:27:30.640 --> 00:27:31.240 With justice, 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:32.120 Mercy is about, 00:27:32.120 --> 00:27:34.200 Not giving justice, 00:27:37.080 --> 00:27:38.840 But what about those, 00:27:38.940 --> 00:27:39.680 Who are not saved, 00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:40.460 Like Pharaoh, 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.380 In the Exodus, 00:27:41.820 --> 00:27:43.020 Well the Lord is sovereign, 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:43.560 There too, 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:44.880 He hardens, 00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:46.120 Whom he wills, 00:27:46.120 --> 00:27:48.960 So, 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:50.300 In scripture, 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:51.420 To have a hard heart, 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.000 Towards God, 00:27:52.080 --> 00:27:53.060 Is to be spiritually, 00:27:53.060 --> 00:27:54.380 Insensitive to him, 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:56.100 To not fear him, 00:27:56.160 --> 00:27:57.140 To not want him, 00:27:57.540 --> 00:27:58.360 In other words, 00:27:58.420 --> 00:27:59.320 To be dead, 00:27:59.319 --> 00:28:00.019 Towards him, 00:28:00.119 --> 00:28:01.139 As we've already looked at, 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:02.460 Which is everyone, 00:28:02.639 --> 00:28:03.240 Which is all of us, 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:03.740 Which is me, 00:28:04.839 --> 00:28:06.619 Before God intervened, 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:09.379 And in the story of Pharaoh, 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:10.480 Many times it's said, 00:28:10.579 --> 00:28:11.619 That Pharaoh hardened, 00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:12.679 His own heart, 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.740 In unbelief, 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:14.839 So for God, 00:28:14.879 --> 00:28:16.019 To harden Pharaoh, 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.759 Is to just give Pharaoh, 00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:19.339 What he already is, 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:21.179 He already is hard, 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:21.960 Towards God, 00:28:22.639 --> 00:28:24.019 And so he leaves him there, 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:27.119 Mercy, 00:28:27.119 --> 00:28:27.200 Mercy, 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:27.259 Mercy, 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:28.379 Mercy is given to those, 00:28:28.460 --> 00:28:29.240 Who don't deserve it, 00:28:29.579 --> 00:28:30.119 Hardening, 00:28:30.379 --> 00:28:31.099 Is given to those, 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:32.259 Who already hard, 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:34.119 Already deserve it, 00:28:34.119 --> 00:28:37.400 God is free, 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:38.819 To leave, 00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:40.900 People in their sinful condition, 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:41.680 As they deserve, 00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:43.579 And God is free, 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:44.700 To choose sinners, 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:46.480 To receive his mercy, 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:47.680 To become his children, 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:53.380 So I think for us, 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:54.220 We're going to decide, 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:56.440 What are we going to demand of God, 00:28:57.320 --> 00:28:59.580 Am I going to demand God, 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.519 Give me justice, 00:29:02.660 --> 00:29:03.740 Or am I going to, 00:29:03.980 --> 00:29:05.500 I'm going to ask God for mercy, 00:29:06.840 --> 00:29:10.440 Personally, 00:29:10.600 --> 00:29:11.779 I'm choosing mercy, 00:29:11.779 --> 00:29:11.840 Mercy, 00:29:11.840 --> 00:29:11.860 Mercy, 00:29:11.860 --> 00:29:15.779 Mercy, 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:19.019 Okay, 00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:20.460 Objection number two, 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:22.000 Verses 19 to 29, 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:23.079 Okay, 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.779 So hang on, 00:29:23.940 --> 00:29:25.299 If the fundamental reason, 00:29:25.460 --> 00:29:26.539 Why anyone is saved, 00:29:26.619 --> 00:29:27.700 Is because of God's, 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:28.500 Sovereign election, 00:29:28.639 --> 00:29:29.460 Then why does God, 00:29:29.559 --> 00:29:30.399 Hold me accountable, 00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:31.259 For not believing, 00:29:32.960 --> 00:29:33.579 Why doesn't he, 00:29:34.200 --> 00:29:34.920 Why does he still, 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:35.619 Hold me accountable, 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:39.519 Notice what Paul, 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:40.899 Doesn't say in response here, 00:29:40.980 --> 00:29:41.779 He doesn't say, 00:29:42.079 --> 00:29:43.240 Oh you misunderstand me, 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:45.259 God looked into the future, 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:47.079 And saw who would have faith, 00:29:47.259 --> 00:29:48.140 And who wouldn't, 00:29:48.220 --> 00:29:49.980 And then he chose those with faith, 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:51.920 That's all Paul had to say, 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:53.099 To resolve this tension, 00:29:54.559 --> 00:29:55.220 But he doesn't, 00:29:55.220 --> 00:29:56.559 He doesn't say that, 00:29:58.299 --> 00:29:59.480 Notice also, 00:29:59.559 --> 00:30:01.400 He doesn't give a logical solution, 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:03.259 That is very satisfying, 00:30:03.379 --> 00:30:03.900 To be honest, 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:07.200 He doesn't try and explain, 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:08.339 How God's sovereignty, 00:30:08.539 --> 00:30:10.859 And human choice works, 00:30:10.859 --> 00:30:15.740 Scripture always keeps, 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:16.539 Those in tension, 00:30:17.579 --> 00:30:19.579 If someone rejects Jesus, 00:30:19.740 --> 00:30:20.679 That's their own doing, 00:30:21.079 --> 00:30:22.139 That's their choice, 00:30:22.859 --> 00:30:27.019 Now in these verses, 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:28.039 Please understand, 00:30:28.179 --> 00:30:29.719 Paul isn't shutting down, 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:31.099 A person who genuinely, 00:30:31.099 --> 00:30:32.639 Wants to know how this works, 00:30:32.640 --> 00:30:36.340 You can ask the question, 00:30:36.460 --> 00:30:37.020 Absolutely, 00:30:38.020 --> 00:30:40.420 Instead, 00:30:40.600 --> 00:30:41.780 He's trying to help us, 00:30:41.860 --> 00:30:43.700 See the issue from a better perspective, 00:30:43.700 --> 00:30:46.300 So, 00:30:46.560 --> 00:30:47.780 Do we as creatures, 00:30:48.560 --> 00:30:49.759 Do we as creatures, 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:51.200 Have all the information, 00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:52.400 About a human heart, 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:53.200 How it works, 00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:54.820 And all the information, 00:30:54.820 --> 00:30:55.900 About God's sovereignty, 00:30:56.080 --> 00:30:57.040 And how it works, 00:30:57.520 --> 00:30:58.540 And all the information, 00:30:58.540 --> 00:31:00.220 About how those two work together, 00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:01.940 For us to then conclude, 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:03.680 God is being unfair, 00:31:07.680 --> 00:31:11.240 Do you, 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:12.660 Do you and I have all the information, 00:31:12.779 --> 00:31:14.079 I don't think we do, 00:31:15.140 --> 00:31:15.960 Let's see this, 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.940 From a different perspective, 00:31:17.940 --> 00:31:20.779 We need to accept, 00:31:20.880 --> 00:31:21.420 God's word, 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.900 That you really do have, 00:31:22.960 --> 00:31:23.860 A free choice, 00:31:24.100 --> 00:31:25.360 It's your choice, 00:31:26.860 --> 00:31:28.519 You are responsible, 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:33.700 Let's move away, 00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:35.359 From focusing on ourselves, 00:31:35.660 --> 00:31:36.720 And Paul wants us, 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:38.059 To focus on God, 00:31:38.139 --> 00:31:39.059 Let's look at God, 00:31:39.139 --> 00:31:39.680 In this issue, 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:41.940 So let me read, 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:42.660 A few of these verses, 00:31:42.660 --> 00:31:43.460 Who are you, 00:31:43.599 --> 00:31:44.079 O man, 00:31:44.359 --> 00:31:44.920 A creature, 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:46.799 To answer back to God, 00:31:47.920 --> 00:31:49.139 Will what is moulded, 00:31:49.259 --> 00:31:50.099 Say to its moulder, 00:31:50.319 --> 00:31:51.639 Why have you made me like this, 00:31:52.539 --> 00:31:53.480 Has the potter, 00:31:54.099 --> 00:31:54.980 So think of pottery, 00:31:55.579 --> 00:31:56.279 Has the potter, 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.839 No right over the clay, 00:31:57.839 --> 00:31:59.379 To make out of the same lump, 00:31:59.480 --> 00:32:00.819 One vessel for honourable use, 00:32:00.899 --> 00:32:02.539 And another for dishonourable use, 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:04.339 What if God, 00:32:04.480 --> 00:32:05.819 Desiring to show his wrath, 00:32:06.220 --> 00:32:07.819 And to make known his power, 00:32:08.439 --> 00:32:10.619 Has endured with much patience, 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:12.079 Vessels of wrath, 00:32:12.599 --> 00:32:13.599 Prepared for destruction, 00:32:14.539 --> 00:32:15.339 In order, 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:17.099 To make known the riches, 00:32:17.099 --> 00:32:18.199 Of his glory, 00:32:18.980 --> 00:32:20.179 For vessels of mercy, 00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:21.879 Which he has prepared, 00:32:22.339 --> 00:32:23.539 Beforehand for glory, 00:32:23.539 --> 00:32:26.460 So Paul wants us to see, 00:32:26.599 --> 00:32:26.799 First, 00:32:26.879 --> 00:32:28.019 Remember who God is, 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:28.720 As the creator, 00:32:29.180 --> 00:32:30.079 As the creator, 00:32:30.220 --> 00:32:31.000 Like a potter, 00:32:31.079 --> 00:32:32.200 Over clay, 00:32:32.940 --> 00:32:33.779 He has the right, 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:34.680 Over his creation, 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.519 To make some, 00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:37.000 For good use, 00:32:37.099 --> 00:32:37.759 Honourable use, 00:32:37.920 --> 00:32:39.339 Others for dishonourable use, 00:32:40.139 --> 00:32:42.399 He's the creator, 00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:43.720 He has the free choice, 00:32:43.819 --> 00:32:44.000 There, 00:32:45.000 --> 00:32:45.819 And second, 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:46.920 See the fact, 00:32:47.000 --> 00:32:49.079 That there is a very good purpose, 00:32:49.079 --> 00:32:50.420 That God is working towards, 00:32:50.420 --> 00:32:54.320 Those remaining in their sin, 00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:56.640 Reveal God's patience with sin, 00:32:57.720 --> 00:32:58.759 He is so, 00:32:59.140 --> 00:33:01.140 When you think about the evil in this world, 00:33:02.259 --> 00:33:05.100 Even thinking about the war that Matt mentioned, 00:33:05.560 --> 00:33:06.720 Draw our attention to, 00:33:07.620 --> 00:33:09.519 All the evil in this world, 00:33:10.700 --> 00:33:12.080 God is so patient, 00:33:12.380 --> 00:33:13.519 Or evil in my life, 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.940 God is so patient, 00:33:16.720 --> 00:33:17.980 Leaving people in their sin, 00:33:18.060 --> 00:33:19.660 Reveals God's love, 00:33:19.660 --> 00:33:20.980 That he is angry, 00:33:21.940 --> 00:33:22.500 At evil, 00:33:23.220 --> 00:33:24.640 It would be really bad, 00:33:24.700 --> 00:33:25.660 If God didn't care, 00:33:27.259 --> 00:33:29.180 But the fact that he has wrath, 00:33:29.420 --> 00:33:29.840 Means that, 00:33:30.840 --> 00:33:31.779 He cares, 00:33:32.779 --> 00:33:37.320 And it reveals God's power, 00:33:37.420 --> 00:33:38.180 To judge sin, 00:33:38.500 --> 00:33:39.640 He is in charge, 00:33:40.640 --> 00:33:42.960 The world isn't out of his control, 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:44.600 He is the judge, 00:33:44.599 --> 00:33:48.000 So even leaving people in their sin, 00:33:48.639 --> 00:33:50.339 Reveals God's glory, 00:33:50.439 --> 00:33:51.240 He is patient, 00:33:52.639 --> 00:33:53.579 He is powerful, 00:33:54.339 --> 00:33:56.579 And he is angry at evil, 00:33:57.879 --> 00:34:02.559 But all this serves a greater end, 00:34:03.219 --> 00:34:06.699 It reveals to the vessels of mercy, 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.519 Just how, 00:34:09.519 --> 00:34:11.440 Merciful God is, 00:34:11.440 --> 00:34:16.820 I deserve that anger, 00:34:16.820 --> 00:34:21.659 He is so gracious, 00:34:22.320 --> 00:34:23.420 To save me, 00:34:24.220 --> 00:34:27.260 In other words, 00:34:27.460 --> 00:34:29.039 God is getting all the glory, 00:34:29.559 --> 00:34:30.840 He is the creator, 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:32.119 And he has good purposes, 00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:33.700 He is getting all the glory, 00:34:34.039 --> 00:34:34.800 His grace, 00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:35.659 Is being, 00:34:36.220 --> 00:34:37.619 Proclaimed in all the world, 00:34:37.619 --> 00:34:41.039 And the last few verses, 00:34:41.199 --> 00:34:42.159 In 24 to 29, 00:34:42.400 --> 00:34:44.440 Show that God has kept his promises, 00:34:44.779 --> 00:34:46.679 And he is not stingy, 00:34:46.880 --> 00:34:47.579 With mercy, 00:34:47.699 --> 00:34:49.059 He's not holding back, 00:34:50.059 --> 00:34:51.339 He never said, 00:34:51.400 --> 00:34:52.839 He would save every single person, 00:34:53.199 --> 00:34:54.480 But of national Israel, 00:34:54.599 --> 00:34:54.980 He says, 00:34:55.099 --> 00:34:56.440 I will save a remnant, 00:34:57.359 --> 00:34:58.239 And he has, 00:34:58.699 --> 00:35:01.819 And he says, 00:35:01.859 --> 00:35:02.659 Of the Gentiles, 00:35:02.779 --> 00:35:03.779 The nations of the world, 00:35:03.900 --> 00:35:04.839 Which I assume, 00:35:04.920 --> 00:35:06.059 Is most of us here today, 00:35:06.059 --> 00:35:09.099 That those who are not my people, 00:35:09.219 --> 00:35:10.539 He will make my people, 00:35:11.400 --> 00:35:15.340 Look at us gathered here today, 00:35:15.739 --> 00:35:18.000 Or think of all the churches around the Hunter, 00:35:18.119 --> 00:35:20.279 Who are worshipping today, 00:35:20.960 --> 00:35:23.059 He is not stingy in his mercy, 00:35:24.579 --> 00:35:25.799 Think of China, 00:35:26.460 --> 00:35:28.380 With over 100 million, 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:29.900 Evangelical Christians, 00:35:30.519 --> 00:35:31.079 Today, 00:35:31.500 --> 00:35:32.440 Which only like, 00:35:33.559 --> 00:35:34.019 What is it, 00:35:34.039 --> 00:35:34.900 80 years ago, 00:35:34.900 --> 00:35:36.680 Through, 00:35:36.900 --> 00:35:38.820 Through the communist revolution, 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:39.820 That's incredible, 00:35:40.360 --> 00:35:41.960 There's so many Christians today, 00:35:42.820 --> 00:35:46.840 We get a glimpse, 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:48.700 Of God's final goal, 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:50.320 At the end of human history, 00:35:50.480 --> 00:35:51.480 In Revelation 7, 00:35:52.059 --> 00:35:53.119 God's mercy shows, 00:35:53.240 --> 00:35:54.139 No favoritism, 00:35:54.280 --> 00:35:55.519 And it is beyond measure, 00:35:55.619 --> 00:35:56.680 You can't count it, 00:35:57.280 --> 00:35:58.559 He's not stingy, 00:35:58.559 --> 00:36:00.779 We see, 00:36:00.779 --> 00:36:00.799 We see, 00:36:01.440 --> 00:36:03.420 A great assembly, 00:36:04.119 --> 00:36:05.400 Around the throne of God, 00:36:05.599 --> 00:36:06.880 A throne of God, 00:36:06.940 --> 00:36:07.639 Revelation 7, 00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:08.440 Behold, 00:36:08.539 --> 00:36:09.699 A great multitude, 00:36:10.239 --> 00:36:11.579 That no one could number, 00:36:11.860 --> 00:36:13.099 From every nation, 00:36:13.239 --> 00:36:14.119 From all tribes, 00:36:14.199 --> 00:36:14.619 And peoples, 00:36:14.719 --> 00:36:15.099 And languages, 00:36:15.279 --> 00:36:16.579 Standing before the throne, 00:36:16.639 --> 00:36:17.360 And before the Lamb, 00:36:17.719 --> 00:36:18.440 Crying out, 00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:19.299 In a loud voice, 00:36:19.960 --> 00:36:20.759 Salvation, 00:36:21.239 --> 00:36:21.880 Belongs, 00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:23.119 To our God, 00:36:23.400 --> 00:36:24.759 Who sits on the throne, 00:36:24.920 --> 00:36:25.659 And to the Lamb, 00:36:25.659 --> 00:36:28.539 He has very good purposes, 00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:29.379 In what he's doing, 00:36:29.799 --> 00:36:31.279 He's not stingy, 00:36:31.539 --> 00:36:32.299 With his mercy, 00:36:33.299 --> 00:36:36.899 Being a child of God, 00:36:36.980 --> 00:36:38.559 Has never been by human means, 00:36:39.159 --> 00:36:41.339 But by God's sovereign choice, 00:36:41.440 --> 00:36:43.219 To have mercy on many, 00:36:44.679 --> 00:36:48.879 So let me pause here, 00:36:48.940 --> 00:36:49.239 And say, 00:36:49.599 --> 00:36:51.839 If this idea, 00:36:51.839 --> 00:36:53.679 Of God's unconditional choosing, 00:36:53.859 --> 00:36:54.879 Is new to you, 00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:55.259 Or, 00:36:55.659 --> 00:36:57.099 You're still struggling with it, 00:36:57.899 --> 00:37:00.000 Keep struggling with it, 00:37:00.659 --> 00:37:02.099 Keep asking questions, 00:37:02.239 --> 00:37:03.339 Keep searching scripture, 00:37:03.539 --> 00:37:03.719 Keep, 00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:05.379 Let's keep talking about it, 00:37:05.420 --> 00:37:06.500 As a learning community, 00:37:08.779 --> 00:37:10.319 I know that this can be, 00:37:10.319 --> 00:37:11.319 A hard one to accept, 00:37:11.799 --> 00:37:13.500 But keep searching scripture, 00:37:14.500 --> 00:37:18.099 Let's take a step back, 00:37:18.239 --> 00:37:19.579 From the detail in Romans 9, 00:37:20.079 --> 00:37:21.659 And just see the big picture, 00:37:21.659 --> 00:37:26.000 When did God the Father, 00:37:26.000 --> 00:37:27.920 Begin to love his adopted children, 00:37:28.339 --> 00:37:28.960 When was it? 00:37:29.940 --> 00:37:31.879 It wasn't when you started, 00:37:31.879 --> 00:37:33.379 Seeking connection with God, 00:37:33.599 --> 00:37:35.359 It wasn't when you started, 00:37:35.359 --> 00:37:36.279 Obeying God, 00:37:36.339 --> 00:37:37.579 It wasn't when you started, 00:37:37.579 --> 00:37:39.420 Having faith in God, 00:37:39.420 --> 00:37:42.700 It was long before you were born, 00:37:42.920 --> 00:37:45.960 Long before the earth was born, 00:37:47.960 --> 00:37:49.780 In God's mercy alone, 00:37:49.860 --> 00:37:51.619 The Father set his love on us, 00:37:51.700 --> 00:37:52.840 In eternity past, 00:37:53.300 --> 00:37:56.059 Determining to make us rebellious sinners, 00:37:56.360 --> 00:37:57.480 Into his children, 00:37:57.579 --> 00:37:58.820 Who love to obey him, 00:37:59.400 --> 00:38:00.420 And delight in him, 00:38:01.139 --> 00:38:02.840 By his mercy alone, 00:38:02.840 --> 00:38:07.480 And for those whom the Father chose, 00:38:07.539 --> 00:38:08.320 To set his love on, 00:38:08.380 --> 00:38:10.100 The Son was sent into the world, 00:38:10.180 --> 00:38:10.720 To redeem, 00:38:11.140 --> 00:38:13.280 The Son chose to lay down his life, 00:38:13.320 --> 00:38:14.579 For every one of his sheep, 00:38:15.019 --> 00:38:16.059 Every single one, 00:38:16.120 --> 00:38:17.260 That the Father had given him, 00:38:17.400 --> 00:38:18.760 And then in our lifetime, 00:38:18.920 --> 00:38:20.800 While we're still happily dead towards God, 00:38:20.940 --> 00:38:21.880 Seeking our own way, 00:38:22.240 --> 00:38:23.680 We heard the gospel message, 00:38:23.800 --> 00:38:25.600 God sent the gospel message to us, 00:38:25.600 --> 00:38:28.160 And the Holy Spirit changed us on the inside, 00:38:28.780 --> 00:38:31.100 To make Jesus' death for us effective, 00:38:31.099 --> 00:38:33.960 Opening our eyes to Christ, 00:38:34.420 --> 00:38:35.679 Now trusting in him, 00:38:35.739 --> 00:38:36.880 And delighting in God, 00:38:36.980 --> 00:38:38.059 Knowing him as our Father, 00:38:39.239 --> 00:38:41.819 And having glory with him, 00:38:41.940 --> 00:38:43.440 And being like him forever, 00:38:43.739 --> 00:38:44.599 That's the goal, 00:38:45.539 --> 00:38:47.119 We will make it home to heaven, 00:38:47.599 --> 00:38:48.960 Because God himself, 00:38:49.420 --> 00:38:51.139 He's taken up residence with us, 00:38:51.199 --> 00:38:52.159 By his Holy Spirit, 00:38:52.619 --> 00:38:53.699 Father, Son and Spirit, 00:38:53.779 --> 00:38:55.139 Are working to make sure, 00:38:55.279 --> 00:38:57.139 We are conformed to the image of his Son, 00:38:57.239 --> 00:38:58.679 So that we can delight, 00:38:58.860 --> 00:39:00.659 In that eternal community, 00:39:00.659 --> 00:39:02.440 Of Father, Son and Spirit forever, 00:39:03.440 --> 00:39:05.839 No one will be snatched out of his hand, 00:39:06.119 --> 00:39:07.539 From eternity past, 00:39:07.759 --> 00:39:08.839 To our lifetime, 00:39:08.960 --> 00:39:10.619 Until we reach eternity future, 00:39:10.739 --> 00:39:12.359 God the Father, Son and Spirit, 00:39:12.879 --> 00:39:13.739 Are at work, 00:39:13.940 --> 00:39:15.259 To save his people, 00:39:15.719 --> 00:39:21.579 If anything was left up to us, 00:39:22.259 --> 00:39:23.159 Or to me, 00:39:23.379 --> 00:39:24.480 Man, I would stuff it up, 00:39:24.480 --> 00:39:27.539 But thankfully, 00:39:27.719 --> 00:39:30.880 Our salvation rests on one solid thing, 00:39:31.440 --> 00:39:34.260 The sovereign mercy of God, 00:39:34.400 --> 00:39:35.639 Father, Son and Spirit, 00:39:35.639 --> 00:39:43.260 Now we're going to spend the next four weeks, 00:39:43.360 --> 00:39:44.800 Answering some common questions, 00:39:44.880 --> 00:39:45.639 To do with this, 00:39:45.639 --> 00:39:47.159 But for now, 00:39:47.339 --> 00:39:48.539 I just want to finish, 00:39:48.819 --> 00:39:49.319 By asking, 00:39:49.500 --> 00:39:51.480 What difference does believing, 00:39:51.679 --> 00:39:52.500 And experiencing, 00:39:53.099 --> 00:39:54.739 God's sovereign mercy make, 00:39:54.819 --> 00:39:56.099 What difference does it make? 00:39:59.599 --> 00:40:01.000 We could say lots of things, 00:40:01.099 --> 00:40:02.159 I've just picked five, 00:40:02.420 --> 00:40:03.279 Firstly, 00:40:04.359 --> 00:40:05.599 There's no room, 00:40:05.819 --> 00:40:07.079 For any pride, 00:40:07.199 --> 00:40:07.719 Whatsoever, 00:40:07.719 --> 00:40:11.279 All that you and I contributed, 00:40:11.599 --> 00:40:12.259 Is our sin, 00:40:14.179 --> 00:40:16.559 Salvation is totally a gift, 00:40:16.679 --> 00:40:17.659 From beginning to end, 00:40:19.259 --> 00:40:20.819 There's no room for pride, 00:40:21.719 --> 00:40:23.299 Secondly, 00:40:24.599 --> 00:40:28.079 My salvation is certain, 00:40:29.199 --> 00:40:32.459 My salvation, 00:40:32.639 --> 00:40:33.379 Your salvation, 00:40:33.539 --> 00:40:34.579 If you trust in Christ, 00:40:34.739 --> 00:40:37.119 Is as certain as God the Father, 00:40:37.719 --> 00:40:38.359 Son, 00:40:39.439 --> 00:40:40.439 And Holy Spirit, 00:40:40.539 --> 00:40:42.359 Are unified in their mission, 00:40:42.619 --> 00:40:43.219 To save, 00:40:44.219 --> 00:40:49.159 There is no solid ground, 00:40:49.419 --> 00:40:51.099 More solid ground in existence, 00:40:51.339 --> 00:40:51.959 To stand on, 00:40:52.399 --> 00:40:57.699 And because, 00:40:58.519 --> 00:40:59.759 Our salvation is certain, 00:40:59.939 --> 00:41:01.000 We're free, 00:41:01.299 --> 00:41:02.639 To love God and each other, 00:41:04.639 --> 00:41:06.879 If faith was an ongoing condition, 00:41:06.880 --> 00:41:08.280 For us remaining saved, 00:41:08.400 --> 00:41:08.619 Then, 00:41:09.220 --> 00:41:10.960 At least at some level, 00:41:11.140 --> 00:41:12.220 Everything we would do, 00:41:12.280 --> 00:41:13.180 In obedience to God, 00:41:13.220 --> 00:41:13.700 Would be, 00:41:14.099 --> 00:41:15.559 About staying saved, 00:41:16.519 --> 00:41:17.400 At some level, 00:41:17.740 --> 00:41:19.180 In other words, 00:41:19.240 --> 00:41:20.740 Would be motivated by fear, 00:41:21.640 --> 00:41:22.480 At some level, 00:41:22.880 --> 00:41:25.180 But because, 00:41:25.280 --> 00:41:27.180 Our salvation is totally a gift, 00:41:27.280 --> 00:41:27.880 And is guaranteed, 00:41:28.119 --> 00:41:29.519 We're free to obey God, 00:41:30.460 --> 00:41:31.940 Because he's our father, 00:41:32.039 --> 00:41:32.940 Because of his mercy, 00:41:32.940 --> 00:41:35.059 Because we delight in God, 00:41:35.059 --> 00:41:39.800 And we're free to concentrate then, 00:41:39.840 --> 00:41:40.720 On the needs of others, 00:41:41.039 --> 00:41:44.300 So when we sin again, 00:41:45.300 --> 00:41:47.780 We don't need to be paralyzed by that, 00:41:48.539 --> 00:41:50.700 But we can rest, 00:41:51.360 --> 00:41:52.880 And rejoice in his mercy, 00:41:53.320 --> 00:41:54.179 And keep striving, 00:41:54.179 --> 00:41:57.319 Thirdly, 00:41:57.799 --> 00:41:58.500 There's hope, 00:41:58.899 --> 00:41:59.819 For your loved ones, 00:41:59.879 --> 00:42:01.839 Who are stubbornly unbelieving still, 00:42:01.960 --> 00:42:02.739 There is hope, 00:42:03.619 --> 00:42:04.639 If it was down to them, 00:42:04.699 --> 00:42:05.759 To change their hearts, 00:42:06.219 --> 00:42:07.219 To respond to God, 00:42:08.139 --> 00:42:10.759 There's no hope in that, 00:42:10.960 --> 00:42:11.559 But it's not, 00:42:11.839 --> 00:42:13.739 It's down to God's sovereign mercy, 00:42:14.440 --> 00:42:16.259 Keep praying, 00:42:16.899 --> 00:42:17.980 Keep speaking, 00:42:17.980 --> 00:42:22.579 You don't know, 00:42:22.940 --> 00:42:23.760 Whom God will save, 00:42:26.240 --> 00:42:28.199 It's down to his mercy, 00:42:28.699 --> 00:42:29.440 There is hope, 00:42:30.300 --> 00:42:31.800 Fourthly, 00:42:32.400 --> 00:42:35.260 It's motivation to get to work, 00:42:35.920 --> 00:42:37.619 Let's get on board with God's mission, 00:42:39.240 --> 00:42:41.360 I like Paul's phrase in 2 Timothy, 00:42:41.519 --> 00:42:43.840 Here's his perspective on ministry to others, 00:42:44.360 --> 00:42:47.639 I endure everything for the sake of the elect, 00:42:47.980 --> 00:42:52.780 Because God is sovereign in salvation, 00:42:53.039 --> 00:42:55.119 We can give ourselves to helping others, 00:42:55.719 --> 00:42:56.500 Follow Jesus, 00:42:57.280 --> 00:42:59.320 Knowing whatever cost that we bear, 00:42:59.440 --> 00:43:00.240 It's worth it, 00:43:01.019 --> 00:43:02.240 It won't go to waste, 00:43:02.579 --> 00:43:04.820 Because God will save his people, 00:43:05.380 --> 00:43:10.280 We can join God on his mission, 00:43:10.280 --> 00:43:11.240 To save, 00:43:12.639 --> 00:43:16.179 I endure everything for the sake of the elect, 00:43:16.179 --> 00:43:18.139 And lastly, 00:43:18.940 --> 00:43:21.419 What difference does it make, 00:43:22.419 --> 00:43:23.159 To rest, 00:43:23.699 --> 00:43:24.379 And believe, 00:43:24.539 --> 00:43:25.339 And experience, 00:43:25.879 --> 00:43:28.119 God's sovereign mercy and salvation, 00:43:28.879 --> 00:43:29.419 It means, 00:43:29.859 --> 00:43:31.039 God gets all the credit, 00:43:33.039 --> 00:43:35.960 And we just stand in awe of his mercy, 00:43:35.960 --> 00:43:41.039 If you've put your trust in Christ to save you, 00:43:41.340 --> 00:43:43.420 You've already joined that heavenly community, 00:43:43.920 --> 00:43:45.900 Who are praising his grace, 00:43:45.900 --> 00:43:50.039 It's what we do when we sing, 00:43:50.280 --> 00:43:50.900 When we gather, 00:43:51.500 --> 00:43:52.460 It's an expression, 00:43:52.599 --> 00:43:54.360 We're already part of that heavenly community, 00:43:55.860 --> 00:43:57.920 So may our lives individually, 00:43:58.059 --> 00:43:59.099 And as a church community, 00:43:59.200 --> 00:44:01.860 Be characterised by crying out with a loud voice, 00:44:02.360 --> 00:44:05.960 Salvation belongs to our God, 00:44:05.960 --> 00:44:07.440 Who sits on the throne, 00:44:07.440 --> 00:44:09.679 And to the lamb, 00:44:10.400 --> 00:44:14.019 And will you pray with me, 00:44:14.179 --> 00:44:14.539 Let's pray, 00:44:14.539 --> 00:44:15.159 Father, 00:44:15.159 --> 00:44:25.840 Father, I pray that you would help us to rest, 00:44:26.639 --> 00:44:28.220 And rejoice, 00:44:28.780 --> 00:44:31.079 In your sovereign mercy alone, 00:44:31.079 --> 00:44:37.759 And I pray that your mercy would make us confident, 00:44:38.119 --> 00:44:41.599 That you will conquer our sinfulness, 00:44:42.779 --> 00:44:45.840 That your mercy is deeper, 00:44:46.079 --> 00:44:46.719 Is stronger, 00:44:47.440 --> 00:44:48.980 You will get us home, 00:44:49.139 --> 00:44:50.539 Individually and as a church, 00:44:51.880 --> 00:44:53.059 And I pray, Lord, 00:44:53.079 --> 00:44:56.059 That our mercy will motivate us, 00:44:56.299 --> 00:44:59.840 To join you in your costly mission to keep saving, 00:44:59.840 --> 00:45:02.440 And I pray in Jesus' name, 00:45:02.700 --> 00:45:02.980 Amen.