WEBVTT 00:00:00.420 --> 00:00:02.379 Well, thanks so much, Charles. 00:00:03.899 --> 00:00:05.600 Folks, you are so welcome here this morning. 00:00:05.940 --> 00:00:07.600 It is just lovely to see you. 00:00:07.860 --> 00:00:09.800 Let's turn to God's Word together, shall we? 00:00:09.980 --> 00:00:13.700 And let me invite you to turn back to that letter of 1 Timothy. 00:00:14.120 --> 00:00:17.320 Maybe you want to look at the contents page, don't feel embarrassed about doing that, 00:00:17.440 --> 00:00:19.179 or just get it on your phone. 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:23.260 Just remember the five T's in New Testament, Thessalonians, Timothy and Titus. 00:00:23.280 --> 00:00:25.000 You can have that for free in order, okay? 00:00:25.400 --> 00:00:28.179 So 1 Timothy is where I'd love you to turn. 00:00:28.179 --> 00:00:33.560 And let me tell you three quick reasons why this Sunday has been earmarked in my mind for the last little while. 00:00:34.119 --> 00:00:38.359 Number one, it's been the return of live singing, which I'm sure you will totally agree with me. 00:00:38.439 --> 00:00:40.500 It has been fantastic to do that again. 00:00:41.119 --> 00:00:44.640 So I've been looking forward to this Sunday for a while because it's the return of live music. 00:00:44.760 --> 00:00:45.920 I've been looking forward to this Sunday. 00:00:46.019 --> 00:00:51.019 Number two, because it's often the Sunday where we get new people come to our church family. 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:57.200 We just want to be, just give the best welcome that we can to people at this church. 00:00:57.200 --> 00:01:02.400 And it's often the Sunday, isn't it, when new students have come or people have come for jobs to our wonderful city. 00:01:02.480 --> 00:01:05.859 So if that's you today, you are so welcome here with us. 00:01:06.579 --> 00:01:13.240 Reason number three, in my head, this has been how we talk about Groundhog Day, right? 00:01:13.300 --> 00:01:15.640 Well, in my head, this has been Hedgehog Sunday. 00:01:15.640 --> 00:01:20.280 Because for the past 18 months, has it not felt that we've kind of been in hibernation? 00:01:21.120 --> 00:01:21.579 Hasn't it? 00:01:22.159 --> 00:01:27.819 And all of a sudden, this Sunday feels as we've kind of got new people and as we've started singing again and the numbers are growing, 00:01:27.960 --> 00:01:32.140 that it kind of feels like we're gradually emerging from hibernation, which is lovely. 00:01:32.140 --> 00:01:38.519 So how fitting then, number three, third reason that on this Hedgehog Sunday that we're starting a new letter, 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:42.439 that's all about what the local church is supposed to be. 00:01:43.540 --> 00:01:48.019 As we gather back together, as we've maybe not seen each other in a long time, isn't it wonderful? 00:01:48.200 --> 00:01:53.260 I thought it would be great to spend time thinking, spending time in God's word, in this letter, 00:01:53.340 --> 00:01:56.900 that's all about what we're supposed to be doing as we live our lives in Edinburgh, 00:01:56.900 --> 00:02:02.980 as a city on the hill, shining the light of the gospel in the darkness, what we're supposed to be doing as a local church. 00:02:03.060 --> 00:02:05.340 Maybe you're here today, you picked a good Sunday. 00:02:05.500 --> 00:02:08.439 If you're new to this church, this is what we're all about. 00:02:08.900 --> 00:02:11.800 If you've also picked a good Sunday, maybe you're not from a church background at all. 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:13.719 You think, what is this stuff all about? 00:02:13.920 --> 00:02:17.800 Okay, nice greetings on the way in, the pews are okay, give or take. 00:02:18.040 --> 00:02:19.879 But what is it that this church believes? 00:02:19.920 --> 00:02:21.240 What is a church supposed to do? 00:02:21.240 --> 00:02:26.759 This is a great Sunday and a great series for you to tap into as well. 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:34.460 So 1 Timothy, let me make a beeline for the image that's right at the heart of this letter. 00:02:34.580 --> 00:02:40.500 And you'll find it at chapter 3 and verse 14, the verse that Charles just read for us just a moment ago. 00:02:40.780 --> 00:02:45.259 And it's the image that Paul uses as he writes to Timothy, 00:02:45.800 --> 00:02:49.879 who presumably is this young pastor in this church in Ephesus. 00:02:49.879 --> 00:02:56.979 And the church, therefore, this is written to Timothy, but I take it the church in the background are overhearing this letter, 00:02:57.139 --> 00:02:58.400 presumably as it's read in public. 00:02:58.519 --> 00:03:00.280 So they're in your shot of this letter as well. 00:03:00.859 --> 00:03:06.800 This is the image that he uses that's right at the heart of the letter about what a local church is supposed to be. 00:03:07.379 --> 00:03:11.599 Now, it kind of taps into one of my favourite TV programmes, which I'm into at the minute. 00:03:11.599 --> 00:03:15.979 You know how there's certain moments in life where you're reminded that you're not a certain age anymore? 00:03:16.560 --> 00:03:20.000 Okay, see, when I was a student, my favourite TV programme was Neighbours. 00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:23.500 When I was in my 20s, my favourite TV programme was Match of the Day. 00:03:23.579 --> 00:03:26.019 I could only dream of staying up to half past 10 these days. 00:03:26.020 --> 00:03:30.880 But now that I'm in my 30s, pushing late 30s, favourite TV programme is Grand Designs. 00:03:32.219 --> 00:03:38.860 The show that celebrates great architecture, cutting 21st century buildings. 00:03:39.640 --> 00:03:40.900 Now, here's what I want you to imagine. 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:44.939 Imagine a first century version of Grand Designs. 00:03:44.939 --> 00:03:49.879 Because this church, these people who live their lives in Ephesus, 00:03:51.039 --> 00:03:57.879 have got a brilliant bit of cutting-edge architecture in their city. 00:03:58.439 --> 00:03:58.840 Right? 00:03:58.919 --> 00:04:03.740 You see, Timothy and the people in this church family who are overhearing the contents of this letter 00:04:03.740 --> 00:04:06.039 live in a city called Ephesus. 00:04:06.219 --> 00:04:07.500 Now, we'll maybe see it on the map. 00:04:08.500 --> 00:04:09.719 That's where Ephesus is. 00:04:09.719 --> 00:04:15.699 And it's a city that boasts one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. 00:04:15.800 --> 00:04:19.279 So they have the temple of the goddess Artemis. 00:04:19.980 --> 00:04:22.259 As I say, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. 00:04:22.519 --> 00:04:26.279 And I guess a bit like, you know, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Edinburgh. 00:04:26.360 --> 00:04:28.639 You can be anywhere in the city and you can see the castle. 00:04:29.100 --> 00:04:33.480 I guess it's a bit like that in Ephesus with the temple of Artemis. 00:04:33.540 --> 00:04:34.459 Now, here's the point. 00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:38.920 These people get what a temple is. 00:04:39.720 --> 00:04:44.180 And they get how a roof is held up. 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:47.200 And they get what a pillar does. 00:04:49.280 --> 00:04:52.160 And so Paul, as he helps them understand what a local church is, 00:04:53.160 --> 00:04:55.240 I think he taps into this image. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:58.260 And he says, here is his purpose in writing. 00:04:58.920 --> 00:05:03.140 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing these instructions so that, 00:05:03.200 --> 00:05:05.720 there's the clue, verse 14, 00:05:05.720 --> 00:05:10.620 If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household. 00:05:11.260 --> 00:05:19.520 And get this, which is the church of the living God and the pillar and foundation of the truth. 00:05:19.620 --> 00:05:22.380 So there is what a local church is. 00:05:22.379 --> 00:05:26.839 Okay, it's a collection of people in whom God lives by his spirit. 00:05:26.839 --> 00:05:31.719 Those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord, as their saviour, as their king. 00:05:32.199 --> 00:05:33.719 The spirit of God indwells. 00:05:33.740 --> 00:05:37.879 And that's how it can be said that God, the living God, dwells amongst his people. 00:05:38.579 --> 00:05:41.199 And just like the pillars in a temple hold up the roof, 00:05:41.199 --> 00:05:46.240 you guys are the pillars that hold up the truth. 00:05:47.339 --> 00:05:51.279 The truth of the gospel for the world to see. 00:05:52.159 --> 00:05:53.300 You guys are pillars. 00:05:54.199 --> 00:05:59.019 The local church, and so often we take these letters and we think about them individually. 00:05:59.240 --> 00:06:02.399 Well, there's a corporate application here for us as a church. 00:06:03.360 --> 00:06:08.680 As we live our lives in the city, we are holding up God's truth for the world to see. 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:12.360 This is what these guys are supposed to be doing in Ephesus. 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:17.259 Being a community that loves their God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. 00:06:17.959 --> 00:06:19.620 They love who Jesus is. 00:06:20.280 --> 00:06:21.480 They love what he's done. 00:06:21.900 --> 00:06:23.519 They love the fact that he's coming back. 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:25.560 He loves the fact that he holds them in his hand. 00:06:26.079 --> 00:06:27.680 They love the people of their city. 00:06:28.540 --> 00:06:29.960 And they love and care for each other. 00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:34.360 As King Jesus rules and shapes their lives as a church family, 00:06:34.360 --> 00:06:39.120 both individually and corporately, as he shapes them and rules them through his word. 00:06:40.520 --> 00:06:42.060 So who rules this church? 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:42.620 Not me. 00:06:42.939 --> 00:06:43.620 Certainly not me. 00:06:43.699 --> 00:06:44.480 It's King Jesus. 00:06:44.639 --> 00:06:45.360 How does he rule it? 00:06:45.420 --> 00:06:48.920 He rules our lives together through his word. 00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:55.540 And that's why we called this series Church Back on Track. 00:06:56.180 --> 00:06:58.400 Because here's the tragedy of this letter. 00:06:59.520 --> 00:07:04.980 This church in the background here are a train that's running off the track. 00:07:06.259 --> 00:07:07.600 Here's what's going on in this church. 00:07:07.720 --> 00:07:09.500 And we get this later on in the letter. 00:07:09.620 --> 00:07:10.600 This is what's going on. 00:07:10.600 --> 00:07:25.660 So right at the heart of this church is bad behaviour. 00:07:26.800 --> 00:07:32.760 And I take it the bad behaviour has led to a poor reputation that they might have in their community. 00:07:32.939 --> 00:07:33.460 And why? 00:07:33.580 --> 00:07:34.520 What's at the heart of it? 00:07:34.519 --> 00:07:40.719 They've lost the wonder of the truth of the gospel. 00:07:42.219 --> 00:07:43.019 That's what they've done. 00:07:43.899 --> 00:07:45.379 They've wandered. 00:07:45.680 --> 00:07:46.939 They've taken their eyes off of it. 00:07:47.019 --> 00:07:48.359 Certain people have been teaching things. 00:07:48.459 --> 00:07:48.979 We'll come up to a minute. 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:51.479 And they've lost the wonder of the gospel. 00:07:54.919 --> 00:07:56.620 So here's what I want to do in the time we have remaining. 00:07:56.740 --> 00:07:57.439 And it'll be real quick. 00:08:00.740 --> 00:08:03.779 We're going to look at the first 11 verses of chapter 1 today. 00:08:04.519 --> 00:08:06.039 We'll look at the second half of it. 00:08:06.180 --> 00:08:07.539 Next week it kind of holds us one. 00:08:08.099 --> 00:08:09.579 We thought there was too much in it to do it in one. 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:11.219 We're going to think about the first 11 verses. 00:08:11.659 --> 00:08:14.199 Here's what I want us to understand about these verses. 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:18.839 A church back on track will guard the truth of the gospel. 00:08:20.279 --> 00:08:21.799 It will care about it deeply. 00:08:22.419 --> 00:08:23.019 About truth. 00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:24.939 So here's what I want to do in the time we have remaining. 00:08:25.199 --> 00:08:27.039 A really accessible sermon outline. 00:08:28.359 --> 00:08:29.240 1, 2, 3. 00:08:30.419 --> 00:08:31.319 Okay, I think we can get that? 00:08:31.399 --> 00:08:32.019 1, 2, 3. 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:34.639 So one action Timothy's to take. 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:36.899 Two reasons he's to care. 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:40.899 And then three questions I think we've got to ask ourselves as we respond to God's words. 00:08:40.980 --> 00:08:41.439 Are you up for that? 00:08:41.579 --> 00:08:42.179 1, 2, 3. 00:08:42.980 --> 00:08:44.360 So here's the one action he's to take. 00:08:44.419 --> 00:08:46.000 You'll see it in verse 3 of chapter 1. 00:08:46.539 --> 00:08:47.500 Straight off the bat. 00:08:48.519 --> 00:08:49.659 Paul doesn't mince his words. 00:08:49.799 --> 00:08:50.639 He doesn't hang around. 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:53.240 He goes straight forward to the jugular. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:54.379 Stay there in Ephesus. 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:57.820 I take it because Timothy's tempted to run. 00:08:57.820 --> 00:09:03.820 Stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer. 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:07.620 Now, the false teaching in this letter is a bit of a slippery eel. 00:09:07.700 --> 00:09:09.340 It's really hard to pin it down. 00:09:09.439 --> 00:09:11.080 You get clues at the beginning of the letter. 00:09:11.179 --> 00:09:12.840 You get clues at the end of the letter. 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:15.460 Here's what we see at the beginning of the letter. 00:09:15.559 --> 00:09:16.320 Verse 4. 00:09:16.439 --> 00:09:17.860 What are these teachers into? 00:09:17.980 --> 00:09:20.320 They're into myths and endless genealogies. 00:09:20.379 --> 00:09:20.879 Do you see that? 00:09:20.879 --> 00:09:27.399 I take it old wives tales about certain Old Testament characters, what they did. 00:09:28.360 --> 00:09:31.299 Certain knowledge that they think they have because they understand these things, 00:09:31.379 --> 00:09:33.700 because they come from the right family line. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:37.659 What that has led to is puffed up knowledge. 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:42.600 So people thinking they're superior to other Christians because they have this. 00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:45.019 But I think the bigger clue comes in verse 8. 00:09:45.019 --> 00:09:49.419 It's the way that they are using the Old Testament law. 00:09:49.419 --> 00:09:54.240 Now, we might know that in summary form, I guess, as the Ten Commandments. 00:09:55.620 --> 00:09:55.740 Right? 00:09:55.899 --> 00:09:59.479 And make no mistake, says Paul, verse 10, if you're tracking with me. 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:00.979 The law is good. 00:10:02.339 --> 00:10:11.079 Because it shows us how holy and how different and how above the things of the world the Lord is. 00:10:11.080 --> 00:10:13.580 The creator of the ends of the earth. 00:10:14.180 --> 00:10:15.920 The sustainer of all things. 00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:22.860 This is how he wants Israel in the Old Testament to live as his holy people. 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:28.540 What a privilege for them to be called to live as the people of this holy God. 00:10:28.759 --> 00:10:36.280 And the purpose behind it was that people of the nations would look into Israel as they lived their lives in accordance with how God had told them to live. 00:10:36.279 --> 00:10:40.399 And the peoples of the nations would look in and say, isn't their God magnificent? 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:43.679 The way that they're living their lives. 00:10:43.799 --> 00:10:45.139 What kind of God is that? 00:10:45.179 --> 00:10:47.559 That they would see the beauty of the Lord. 00:10:47.959 --> 00:10:49.360 That was the purpose. 00:10:50.079 --> 00:10:51.120 The law is good. 00:10:51.120 --> 00:11:05.480 But the other purpose of the law was to show human beings like you and like me just how far short we fall of keeping it. 00:11:06.179 --> 00:11:12.679 You know, I remember when I was at uni, a guy that I played football with on my football team, he walked into my, I think it was my room in halls. 00:11:13.220 --> 00:11:15.560 That guy had a Christian poster up or something like that, right? 00:11:15.580 --> 00:11:16.500 And he clocked it. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:18.680 And he starts telling me about his background. 00:11:18.679 --> 00:11:22.419 He starts telling me about his religious upbringing in Glasgow. 00:11:22.979 --> 00:11:24.000 He starts telling me about it. 00:11:24.019 --> 00:11:26.659 And then he starts telling me about how he's asked a lot of big questions. 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:28.159 And he doesn't know what's going on. 00:11:28.219 --> 00:11:30.120 He doesn't know what he believes anymore. 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:34.399 But then he started telling me about how he still tries to keep the Ten Commandments. 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:40.179 And I could see his face in that moment visibly drop. 00:11:40.179 --> 00:11:46.259 And I tell you what, at that minute I didn't understand it. 00:11:46.719 --> 00:11:49.319 Kind of just in the door of the faith, didn't really understand it. 00:11:50.739 --> 00:11:58.219 Oh, but friends, when we consider God's holy standards, who he is, don't all of our faces drop? 00:11:58.220 --> 00:12:03.060 As we consider his greatness? 00:12:04.580 --> 00:12:09.720 I think that perhaps what's going on in the background here, right? 00:12:09.820 --> 00:12:14.320 And we get the list of things here from verse 8 onwards. 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:20.060 And I take it these things that Paul mentions, if you track with it, they kind of go with the Ten Commandments. 00:12:20.160 --> 00:12:22.080 He's referring to the Ten Commandments. 00:12:22.540 --> 00:12:26.520 These ones here, I take it in football language, are the ones that are kind of the blatant foes. 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:32.280 Okay, these are the ones that go blatantly against the grain of how God has told his people to live. 00:12:32.320 --> 00:12:34.580 And I take it the stuff that's going on in Ephesus. 00:12:35.300 --> 00:12:38.480 But the tragedy, I think, is that the people in the background of this letter, 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:41.460 their faces don't drop when they look at the Old Testament law. 00:12:41.540 --> 00:12:42.940 Their faces, their chins go up. 00:12:44.740 --> 00:12:46.100 We don't do these things. 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.759 We don't do these things. 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:52.059 They're using the law as a barometer of their righteousness. 00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:53.200 We don't do these things. 00:12:54.559 --> 00:12:55.379 You know, I love Jesus. 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:57.860 Friends, oh, Jesus and the Gospels. 00:12:58.939 --> 00:13:05.039 You know, I love how he comes across people like that in his day. 00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:08.819 And what does he say to those who think, we've not done those things. 00:13:08.919 --> 00:13:09.360 We are right. 00:13:09.439 --> 00:13:10.120 What does he say? 00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:13.240 He says, you're not committed murder? 00:13:13.360 --> 00:13:14.139 No, I'm not committed murder. 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:14.879 The Pharisees. 00:13:15.700 --> 00:13:17.960 Well, let's talk about the murder that's going on in your heart. 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:20.500 The murderous thoughts that you have against people in your heart. 00:13:20.559 --> 00:13:21.399 You might not have aired it. 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:23.220 But let's talk about the heart. 00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:25.080 Are you so confident then? 00:13:27.120 --> 00:13:28.639 I've not committed adultery, they would say. 00:13:28.740 --> 00:13:32.480 Sure, but what about those lustful thoughts going on in your mind? 00:13:33.939 --> 00:13:36.580 Again, you might have acted out, but what's going on in your heart and in your mind? 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:37.620 What's going on? 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:46.200 I take it, friends, as we're reminded here in light of what Jesus exposes about our inner thought life, right? 00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:55.000 Coupled with, I think, God's design for sex being a good gift to be enjoyed between one man and one woman in a marriage relationship. 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.179 That's what it says. 00:13:57.399 --> 00:14:05.360 Oh, but friends, when you consider the breadth of what God says about sexual sin, how can any of us stand? 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:10.659 It's so important, isn't it, friends, that we see the breadth of that. 00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:13.440 How can any of us stand? 00:14:15.200 --> 00:14:16.560 Paul gives this list. 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:21.039 Could it be, friends, that people inside this church, they think they're obeying it? 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:26.680 Could it also be that people inside this church are beginning to look down on people who happen to find themselves in this list? 00:14:26.820 --> 00:14:28.879 Make no mistake, it's wrong. 00:14:30.060 --> 00:14:33.120 But are people looking down on these people? 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:35.000 Because, you know what, we don't commit these things. 00:14:36.300 --> 00:14:42.720 Let me just say as a local church, if ever we find ourselves in that place, that is not of Christ. 00:14:45.779 --> 00:14:54.980 If our love for him does not spill into love and compassion and pursuing people that they would come to know life in Jesus, 00:14:55.940 --> 00:15:02.240 if it results in anything other than that, then, friends, we have to ask some big questions about whether we truly know him as king. 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:05.940 Here's what I love. 00:15:06.100 --> 00:15:09.120 Paul, he says, plays them at their own game. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:09.879 Right? 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:15.940 He says, if you want to divide the world into lawbreakers and lawkeepers, right, let me tell you what league I'm in. 00:15:15.940 --> 00:15:19.120 I'm in with the lawbreakers. 00:15:19.400 --> 00:15:21.860 And he throws his hat in the ring with the lawbreakers. 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:22.080 Right? 00:15:22.140 --> 00:15:22.820 This is Paul. 00:15:23.040 --> 00:15:26.300 This is the church planter extraordinaire of the first century. 00:15:26.420 --> 00:15:29.360 This is Paul, a pillar of doctrine and truth. 00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:30.820 And yet, what does he say? 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:32.279 I am the worst of sinners. 00:15:33.320 --> 00:15:34.519 I'm in that league. 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:35.820 And I'm just in that league. 00:15:35.899 --> 00:15:37.539 I am propping up that league. 00:15:38.180 --> 00:15:40.659 Here's what I love about this letter of 1 Timothy. 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:46.460 A letter that is all, and we'll see this in the weeks to come, a letter that's all about godliness. 00:15:46.460 --> 00:15:54.920 And the need for us to pick up our cross day by day by day, pick up our cross, deny self, and follow Jesus. 00:15:55.460 --> 00:16:00.340 And live a holy life which gives worship to our holy God. 00:16:00.860 --> 00:16:04.940 A book that's all about godliness begins with a celebration of grace. 00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:08.480 And we'll see this even more next week. 00:16:08.560 --> 00:16:11.139 Friends, if you tasted of the grace of Jesus Christ. 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:14.080 Something I was rejoicing in this morning. 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:15.279 John in this prologue. 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:17.759 John 1, 14. 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:19.080 Maybe it's 16. 00:16:19.220 --> 00:16:19.620 Not sure. 00:16:19.699 --> 00:16:20.199 You forgive me. 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:22.199 What does John say? 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:25.019 Jesus Christ came with what? 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:28.399 Full of grace and truth. 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:31.699 And both of those things are true in him. 00:16:32.299 --> 00:16:32.720 Right? 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:34.580 It's not grace and falsity. 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:36.200 Because then we couldn't trust them. 00:16:36.860 --> 00:16:38.840 It's not anger and truth. 00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:40.720 Because how could any of us stand? 00:16:41.960 --> 00:16:44.319 It is grace and truth. 00:16:45.419 --> 00:16:48.059 And that he would come and make the claim. 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:51.980 That the truth will set you free. 00:16:53.980 --> 00:16:55.600 And so friends, we need to believe. 00:16:55.699 --> 00:16:58.039 We need to understand that if we want to know truth. 00:16:58.439 --> 00:17:00.019 We want to know purpose. 00:17:00.319 --> 00:17:02.139 We want to know the reason that we were made. 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:03.399 We want to know love. 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:05.160 That just blows our minds. 00:17:05.879 --> 00:17:07.139 We want to know forgiveness. 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:11.780 We'll find it nowhere else than in Jesus Christ. 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:15.920 And that's what this is saying, isn't it? 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:19.400 Paul's point against the false teachers. 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:22.920 If you're trying to do works-based righteousness, thinking you're good enough to get to God, 00:17:23.380 --> 00:17:26.279 not only is it foolishness, but it's just not the gospel. 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:33.680 The function of the law, surely, is to drive us to our knees and say, we cannot do this. 00:17:34.180 --> 00:17:36.579 Even on my best days, I cannot do this. 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:43.319 And then look up and see the outstretched hand of Christ stretched out to us in grace. 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:50.139 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 00:17:51.939 --> 00:17:57.779 The words of that old hymn, naked, come to thee for dress, helpless, look to thee for grace. 00:17:58.019 --> 00:18:03.200 Vile I to the fountain fly, wash me, Savior, or I die. 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:09.399 This church have taken their eyes off the glory of the grace that's found in Jesus Christ. 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:10.939 They've taken their eyes off the gospel. 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:16.519 And so from one action Timothy's to take is if to say, stop doing it. 00:18:17.460 --> 00:18:19.960 Here's two reasons to care, and these are a lot quicker, okay? 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:21.660 Two reasons summed up in two words. 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:23.140 Here's the first word, affection. 00:18:24.559 --> 00:18:25.120 Do you see that? 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:29.779 Verse 5, chapter 1, the goal of this command is love. 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:34.360 Do it because you love people, Timothy. 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:39.600 Stand for the truth of the gospel because you love people. 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:42.719 And you love people because you're not a good boy. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:45.639 You love people because you know who Jesus Christ is. 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:47.459 Do you see that, friends? 00:18:47.659 --> 00:18:52.759 It cannot be the case that we claim to love Jesus Christ and don't love our brothers and sisters. 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:54.919 I just love the people of our world. 00:18:56.119 --> 00:18:58.059 And we long for them to come to know Jesus. 00:18:58.559 --> 00:19:01.339 Do it because you love people, Timothy. 00:19:01.459 --> 00:19:04.819 It'll be hard, but keep on going because you love people. 00:19:04.819 --> 00:19:11.000 And do you see the three facets of it, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:14.819 And I take it that just means that love has worked its way right through you. 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:24.319 See, being taken in by it and beginning to believe how it works, the people are doing that. 00:19:24.460 --> 00:19:26.639 No wonder there's envying quarrels in this church. 00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:32.060 Because, friends, if we make it our aim in life to keep up with the spiritual Joneses, 00:19:33.040 --> 00:19:36.220 then that's a breeding ground for pride, is it not? 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:40.820 If all we do on a Sunday in here is try and be more holy than the person next to you, 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:46.280 not only is that false and foolishness, but is that not a misery of a life? 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:51.560 If that's what we are doing, pretending we're sorted, 00:19:51.559 --> 00:19:58.240 Timothy's got to stand for the truth because he loves people. 00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:03.139 And he wants them to know the grace that's found in Jesus Christ. 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:05.159 Affection. 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:08.179 Number two, salvation. 00:20:10.139 --> 00:20:12.599 Because there's no message like the gospel. 00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.740 There is no other message. 00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:16.700 There is no other message. 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:19.319 And for those of us here today who know Jesus Christ, 00:20:19.319 --> 00:20:22.679 who've experienced, who've tasted and seen that the Lord is good in the words of the psalmist, 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:25.220 there's no message like it. 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:31.240 That Jesus Christ would come and live the perfect life that I could never live. 00:20:31.279 --> 00:20:35.960 That he would die for my sin on the cross because I am a lawbreaker. 00:20:36.099 --> 00:20:37.019 That he would do that. 00:20:38.059 --> 00:20:39.559 The kind of love that our God shows. 00:20:39.659 --> 00:20:42.200 He doesn't just die for the people who he kind of likes. 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:43.319 He dies for his enemies. 00:20:43.319 --> 00:20:49.399 Oh, friends, people's eternal destinies are at stake. 00:20:49.939 --> 00:20:52.859 The status of being right with God that Jesus offers. 00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:55.700 And no other place other than the gospel. 00:20:56.299 --> 00:20:59.439 That message does God say is the power. 00:20:59.939 --> 00:21:00.740 Where the power is. 00:21:01.700 --> 00:21:04.220 What Paul would say, the power of God to salvation is the gospel. 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:05.919 It is that. 00:21:05.980 --> 00:21:06.659 And not just that. 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:08.139 It's the power to change. 00:21:08.140 --> 00:21:13.360 That's why so often throughout this letter, 00:21:13.440 --> 00:21:17.140 we're going to see Paul use words, images like shipwrecked, deserted. 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:19.400 He wants Timothy to feel the weight of this. 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:24.140 Of allowing people to settle for believing untruths. 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:28.300 And from two reasons to care, 00:21:28.780 --> 00:21:31.320 and maybe just to try and pinpoint some applications for us. 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:34.060 Here's three questions to ask. 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:36.599 Okay, here's number one. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:38.279 Can we spot the false? 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:41.740 Because we love the Lord Jesus. 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:43.539 Because we want people to know him. 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:46.319 And it's because we want to see one another. 00:21:46.859 --> 00:21:48.399 Go from strength to strength. 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:50.559 In our faith because of him. 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:52.399 Friends, can we spot the false? 00:21:52.859 --> 00:21:54.359 Right, he's, you know, on summer holidays, 00:21:54.440 --> 00:21:55.720 I used to spend them, when I was at uni, 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:57.159 I used to spend them working at the bank. 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:58.440 We'll tell you which one, right? 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:01.179 I've got the name of a horse in it, you work it out. 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:03.700 But that's always what they used to say, right? 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:05.600 The best way to spot a fake note 00:22:05.600 --> 00:22:08.759 was to get so used to the touch, the sight, 00:22:08.880 --> 00:22:11.180 and even the smell of a real note 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:13.519 that a fake one wouldn't stand a chance 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:14.539 of getting into your till. 00:22:15.319 --> 00:22:16.039 That's what they used to say. 00:22:16.360 --> 00:22:17.700 Great, great way of being trained. 00:22:19.340 --> 00:22:20.680 So it goes with God's truth. 00:22:21.559 --> 00:22:22.580 Folks, we need to what? 00:22:22.860 --> 00:22:24.100 We need to know our Bibles. 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:26.279 We need to know, 00:22:26.360 --> 00:22:28.200 we need to be constantly asking the question, 00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:30.019 does this match up? 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:33.460 Does it match up to God's word? 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:34.779 Right? 00:22:35.400 --> 00:22:37.519 BBC News, does it match up? 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:41.000 School curriculum, does it match up? 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:44.200 God TV, does it match up? 00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:46.619 Keswick Convention, does it match up? 00:22:47.099 --> 00:22:48.339 Pulpit on Sunday morning, 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:49.559 Brunsfield Evangelical Church, 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.779 does it match up? 00:22:51.920 --> 00:22:53.119 Does it match up? 00:22:53.119 --> 00:22:56.579 Very quickly, 00:22:56.679 --> 00:22:58.339 let's return to the theology police, 00:22:58.419 --> 00:23:00.459 and that would be the wrong thing 00:23:00.459 --> 00:23:01.539 to take from this, okay? 00:23:01.959 --> 00:23:02.919 Second question. 00:23:04.619 --> 00:23:05.879 Do we love one another? 00:23:07.539 --> 00:23:07.959 Right? 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:09.559 And love one another enough 00:23:09.559 --> 00:23:12.299 not to settle for people believing a lie? 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:15.639 Because the devil would love, isn't it, 00:23:15.679 --> 00:23:18.559 for us to leave this morning believing a lie. 00:23:18.699 --> 00:23:20.159 Maybe you're sitting here this morning, 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:21.019 do you know what? 00:23:21.080 --> 00:23:22.000 I have blown it. 00:23:22.060 --> 00:23:24.300 I have exhausted God's patience this time. 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:25.420 Surely, 00:23:26.060 --> 00:23:27.800 friends, not true. 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.680 Maybe God doesn't love me. 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:32.500 Maybe I've pushed his buttons too often. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:33.519 Right? 00:23:33.580 --> 00:23:35.360 Maybe he is like a human father. 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:36.640 Right? 00:23:37.080 --> 00:23:38.460 Maybe he is like that. 00:23:38.540 --> 00:23:39.540 Maybe his patience does work. 00:23:39.600 --> 00:23:40.380 Not true. 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:44.060 Surely there's no hope for me. 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:44.860 Not true. 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:47.160 Surely Jesus doesn't know my situation. 00:23:47.860 --> 00:23:48.640 Not true. 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.660 Do you see how this works? 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:52.240 Settling for believing a lie. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:59.720 Do we love one another, friends, enough? 00:23:59.860 --> 00:24:01.340 Even though I know what the Bible says, 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:03.160 surely God would be okay with how I'm living 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:04.340 because it feels right for me. 00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:05.080 Not true. 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:06.060 And here's the thing. 00:24:06.100 --> 00:24:07.019 We need to believe 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:10.380 that life is found in Jesus Christ. 00:24:10.540 --> 00:24:12.000 Why does God give us these things? 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.680 Why does he tell us how to live? 00:24:14.340 --> 00:24:14.620 Do you know what? 00:24:14.620 --> 00:24:16.019 I know my own heart well enough to know 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:17.160 that I couldn't figure out 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:18.400 what's best for my life. 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:21.420 And yet God loves me. 00:24:21.780 --> 00:24:22.180 And he says, 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.200 this is how I want you to live 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:23.980 as my child, 00:24:24.300 --> 00:24:25.440 my adopted child. 00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:28.720 Joy is found in knowing Jesus. 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:31.300 Will we speak the truth? 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:33.360 When someone says something not right 00:24:33.360 --> 00:24:34.280 in our small group, 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:34.860 and here, sorry, 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:35.800 this is question number three. 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:36.780 Will we speak the truth? 00:24:37.620 --> 00:24:37.840 Okay? 00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:40.199 When someone says something 00:24:40.199 --> 00:24:41.819 that's not quite on the money 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:42.839 in our small group, friends, 00:24:42.859 --> 00:24:44.279 do we love one another enough 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:46.299 to say graciously, 00:24:46.939 --> 00:24:48.439 knowing our own hearts? 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:50.099 When something is said 00:24:50.099 --> 00:24:50.919 from this pulpit 00:24:50.919 --> 00:24:52.919 that seems not quite right, 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:54.299 do you love me? 00:24:54.399 --> 00:24:55.579 Do you love whoever it is 00:24:55.579 --> 00:24:56.279 that's up here 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:59.119 to say that wasn't quite right? 00:24:59.179 --> 00:24:59.939 Help me understand 00:24:59.939 --> 00:25:01.099 where that comes from. 00:25:01.139 --> 00:25:02.240 It's why it's so important 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:03.159 on a Sunday morning 00:25:03.159 --> 00:25:04.659 to have God's word open 00:25:04.659 --> 00:25:05.259 in front of us, 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.019 our Bibles open, 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:06.579 on your phone, 00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:07.279 whatever it is, 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:08.139 because you can say 00:25:08.139 --> 00:25:09.440 it's what he is saying 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:10.160 matching up 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:11.259 with what God is saying. 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.299 Let me just say 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:13.839 I'm so grateful 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:15.119 for people over the years 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:16.319 who have taken me aside 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:18.259 and lovingly pointed out 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:21.139 that that's not quite true. 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:23.220 And I've known 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:24.000 that they've loved me 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:24.720 as they've said it. 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:26.700 I'm so grateful 00:25:26.700 --> 00:25:28.940 for people in my life 00:25:28.940 --> 00:25:29.619 like that. 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:31.859 Friends, 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:33.019 a church back on track, 00:25:33.119 --> 00:25:33.680 and here's the big thing 00:25:33.680 --> 00:25:34.400 again this morning, 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:35.559 church back on track, 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:37.799 will guard the truth 00:25:37.799 --> 00:25:38.400 of the gospel 00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:40.700 as it seeks to be 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.180 a pillar 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:44.359 in Ephesus, 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:44.879 I guess, 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.700 that's holding up 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:47.160 the truth 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:48.059 for the watching world 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:48.539 to see. 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:51.660 Now just as we close, 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:52.240 do you know 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:52.879 I've often wondered 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.599 as I've walked around 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:55.339 the streets of our city 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:58.700 is why so many 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.900 traditional church buildings 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:00.480 like ours 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.480 were built with spires. 00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:02.339 You ever wondered that? 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:04.819 Why so many 00:26:04.819 --> 00:26:05.839 built with spires? 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:06.740 Well apparently 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.379 somebody told me 00:26:07.379 --> 00:26:07.939 this recently 00:26:07.939 --> 00:26:09.139 and I'm taking their word 00:26:09.139 --> 00:26:09.799 that this is true, 00:26:09.939 --> 00:26:10.099 okay, 00:26:10.699 --> 00:26:11.599 that the concept 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:12.399 behind building 00:26:12.399 --> 00:26:13.059 a church 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:14.119 with a spire 00:26:14.119 --> 00:26:15.699 was that 00:26:15.699 --> 00:26:17.919 if anyone 00:26:17.919 --> 00:26:18.859 at any time 00:26:18.859 --> 00:26:19.720 in the community 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:20.559 wanted to know 00:26:20.559 --> 00:26:21.519 where to go 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:23.619 to find truth, 00:26:23.939 --> 00:26:24.720 to find love, 00:26:24.819 --> 00:26:25.679 to find help, 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.920 all they needed 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:27.340 to do 00:26:27.340 --> 00:26:28.440 was lift their eyes up 00:26:28.440 --> 00:26:29.140 and look out 00:26:29.140 --> 00:26:30.060 for the local spire. 00:26:31.340 --> 00:26:32.039 Makes sense, 00:26:32.100 --> 00:26:32.340 doesn't it, 00:26:32.360 --> 00:26:33.240 as a concept. 00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:35.700 That's a lovely image, 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:36.880 the nearest spire 00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:37.980 and yet friends, 00:26:38.060 --> 00:26:38.600 how often 00:26:38.600 --> 00:26:39.539 the case is that 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:40.000 when we walk 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.660 around our city, 00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:42.120 so many of the spires, 00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:43.560 what are they now? 00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:46.000 They're community centres, 00:26:46.820 --> 00:26:47.600 they're theatres, 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.259 they're cafes, 00:26:49.340 --> 00:26:50.160 you take your pick. 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:50.640 In other words, 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:51.580 there is no longer 00:26:51.580 --> 00:26:52.640 in that spire 00:26:52.640 --> 00:26:54.320 a thriving 00:26:54.320 --> 00:26:55.400 local church 00:26:55.400 --> 00:26:56.220 congregation 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.880 who are holding up 00:26:57.880 --> 00:26:58.660 God's truth 00:26:58.660 --> 00:26:59.940 for the world to see. 00:27:01.580 --> 00:27:02.220 You know what we did 00:27:02.220 --> 00:27:02.980 four years ago? 00:27:04.080 --> 00:27:04.280 Yeah, 00:27:04.300 --> 00:27:04.540 I think it was 00:27:04.540 --> 00:27:05.040 four years ago. 00:27:05.340 --> 00:27:06.300 We celebrated 00:27:06.300 --> 00:27:08.080 in this building 00:27:08.080 --> 00:27:10.100 50 years 00:27:10.100 --> 00:27:11.660 of Brunsfield 00:27:11.660 --> 00:27:12.660 Evangelical Church 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:13.520 meeting in this 00:27:13.520 --> 00:27:14.060 church building. 00:27:14.440 --> 00:27:15.259 50 years, 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:16.380 right? 00:27:16.720 --> 00:27:17.720 And what blew me away, 00:27:18.620 --> 00:27:19.660 I think I was just 00:27:19.660 --> 00:27:20.259 in the door 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:21.220 as the pastor 00:27:21.220 --> 00:27:21.880 at that point, 00:27:21.880 --> 00:27:23.520 what blew me away 00:27:23.520 --> 00:27:24.800 was meeting people 00:27:24.800 --> 00:27:26.360 who I had never met 00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:27.340 in my life, 00:27:27.960 --> 00:27:28.820 hearing names 00:27:28.820 --> 00:27:30.000 and hearing stories 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:31.160 that people were telling, 00:27:31.880 --> 00:27:32.880 people who have long 00:27:32.880 --> 00:27:33.500 since moved on 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:33.960 from Edinburgh, 00:27:34.120 --> 00:27:35.200 some even who have died 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:36.720 and who have gone to glory, 00:27:36.820 --> 00:27:37.880 but hearing stories 00:27:37.880 --> 00:27:38.660 about people 00:27:38.660 --> 00:27:40.160 who have played their part 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:41.160 sacrificially 00:27:41.160 --> 00:27:42.280 over the years 00:27:42.280 --> 00:27:43.960 in guarding 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:44.660 the truth 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.640 of the gospel. 00:27:47.340 --> 00:27:47.480 Right? 00:27:47.540 --> 00:27:48.400 Way before I was 00:27:48.400 --> 00:27:49.100 even born, 00:27:49.280 --> 00:27:50.180 people were in this 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:51.060 building doing it. 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:52.000 Have a think about that. 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:52.720 People who've sat 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.419 in these pews, 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:53.700 friends, 00:27:53.819 --> 00:27:55.159 we really are standing 00:27:55.159 --> 00:27:55.799 on the shoulders 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:57.579 of spiritual giants. 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:59.599 That's why it's so important 00:27:59.599 --> 00:28:00.980 if you're young here today 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:01.859 to get to know 00:28:01.859 --> 00:28:02.819 an older generation 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:03.700 because they will 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:05.319 tell you triumphs 00:28:05.319 --> 00:28:06.200 of God's grace 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:07.119 and what they have done 00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:07.940 over the years. 00:28:09.240 --> 00:28:10.720 But here's the challenge 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:13.319 as the class, 00:28:13.419 --> 00:28:14.179 if I can call it, 00:28:14.179 --> 00:28:15.279 of 2021. 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:17.480 as we find ourselves 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:17.759 here, 00:28:17.859 --> 00:28:19.019 not by chance, 00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:20.319 not by luck, 00:28:20.619 --> 00:28:22.139 we find ourselves here 00:28:22.139 --> 00:28:23.519 because of God's good purposes 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:24.339 for us 00:28:24.339 --> 00:28:25.420 and for you 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:26.099 in this moment 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:27.079 that you would be here today. 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:28.319 The challenge for us 00:28:28.319 --> 00:28:29.639 as the class of 2021 00:28:29.639 --> 00:28:32.099 is to keep on 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:32.960 guarding the gospel 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:35.539 so that future generations 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:36.819 will hear 00:28:36.819 --> 00:28:37.619 and see 00:28:37.619 --> 00:28:38.259 and taste 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:38.799 that the Lord 00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:39.319 is good. 00:28:39.440 --> 00:28:39.759 So friends, 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:40.200 the question 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:41.799 as we begin this series 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:43.720 and as we finish this morning 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:44.879 is will we rise 00:28:44.879 --> 00:28:45.579 to the challenge 00:28:45.579 --> 00:28:46.619 of being the generation 00:28:46.619 --> 00:28:47.960 who keeps on passing 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:49.359 the gospel baton on? 00:28:50.960 --> 00:28:51.819 Will we do it? 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:54.180 We can only do it 00:28:54.180 --> 00:28:55.700 by God's help 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:58.019 and by his indwelling spirit 00:28:58.019 --> 00:28:58.460 in us. 00:28:59.460 --> 00:29:00.619 So here's what I want to do 00:29:00.619 --> 00:29:01.599 just as we close. 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.639 Let's just take a moment 00:29:03.639 --> 00:29:04.259 of quiet. 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:04.960 Realize I said 00:29:04.960 --> 00:29:05.940 a lot of stuff there 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:07.779 and I take it 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:08.579 as God's spirit, 00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:10.599 God's word goes forth, 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:11.139 God's spirit 00:29:11.140 --> 00:29:12.080 is moving amongst us. 00:29:12.140 --> 00:29:13.000 There'll be certain things 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:13.940 that are on our minds 00:29:13.940 --> 00:29:14.660 and on our hearts. 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:16.000 Why don't we just take a moment 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:17.200 and let's just 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:18.340 still ourselves before him 00:29:18.340 --> 00:29:19.280 just before we sing 00:29:19.280 --> 00:29:21.140 and close with our final song. 00:29:25.320 --> 00:29:27.140 In the words of John chapter 6, 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:29.360 because of this 00:29:29.360 --> 00:29:30.920 many of his disciples 00:29:30.920 --> 00:29:31.840 turned back 00:29:31.840 --> 00:29:33.259 and no longer 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:34.280 went about with him. 00:29:35.040 --> 00:29:36.580 So Jesus asked the twelve, 00:29:36.580 --> 00:29:37.720 do you also 00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:38.960 wish to go away? 00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:41.680 Simon Peter answered him, 00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:42.079 Lord, 00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:44.240 to whom can we go? 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:46.940 You have the words 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:48.900 of eternal life 00:29:48.900 --> 00:29:50.539 and we have come 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:51.220 to believe 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:51.900 and know 00:29:51.900 --> 00:29:53.460 that you are 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:54.940 the Holy One 00:29:54.940 --> 00:29:56.220 of God. 00:29:57.559 --> 00:29:59.200 Our gracious Father, 00:29:59.299 --> 00:30:00.259 we thank you 00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:01.860 for who you are today. 00:30:03.180 --> 00:30:03.840 Father, 00:30:03.940 --> 00:30:04.519 that you would 00:30:04.519 --> 00:30:06.759 send your Son for us. 00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:07.500 thank you, 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:07.720 Lord, 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:08.359 that Jesus 00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:09.240 is the Jesus 00:30:09.240 --> 00:30:09.799 that we see 00:30:09.799 --> 00:30:10.700 in the Gospels. 00:30:12.379 --> 00:30:12.759 Father, 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:13.379 we just praise you 00:30:13.379 --> 00:30:14.400 for your great love for us. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.099 I pray for those 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:15.619 here today, 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:15.920 Lord, 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:16.619 who are perhaps 00:30:16.619 --> 00:30:17.259 doubting 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:19.180 your love for them. 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.400 Those who are perhaps 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:21.059 considering, 00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:21.460 Father, 00:30:21.619 --> 00:30:22.839 a way of life 00:30:22.839 --> 00:30:23.599 which is away 00:30:23.599 --> 00:30:24.740 from your truth. 00:30:24.920 --> 00:30:25.039 Father, 00:30:25.099 --> 00:30:25.759 I pray that you 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.539 would be moving 00:30:26.539 --> 00:30:27.200 amongst us. 00:30:27.420 --> 00:30:27.920 Thank you 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:28.700 that in Jesus 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:30.900 is one 00:30:30.900 --> 00:30:32.160 who is all grace 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:34.200 and all truth. 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:35.600 Oh, 00:30:35.620 --> 00:30:35.980 our Father, 00:30:36.040 --> 00:30:36.940 would you help us 00:30:36.940 --> 00:30:37.880 to fix our eyes 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:38.960 on him today 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:39.779 to know 00:30:39.779 --> 00:30:41.100 the life 00:30:41.100 --> 00:30:41.960 that he offers. 00:30:43.480 --> 00:30:43.920 Father, 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:44.600 for those here today, 00:30:44.640 --> 00:30:45.680 maybe for the first time, 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:46.519 would you help us 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.880 to repent, 00:30:48.040 --> 00:30:48.980 that is to turn away 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:49.740 from the things 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:50.500 that we would naturally 00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:51.080 go to. 00:30:52.140 --> 00:30:52.580 Repent 00:30:52.580 --> 00:30:53.200 and turn 00:30:53.200 --> 00:30:53.960 and believe 00:30:53.960 --> 00:30:54.779 and have life 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:55.500 in his name. 00:30:56.660 --> 00:30:56.900 Oh, 00:30:56.900 --> 00:30:57.160 our Father, 00:30:57.220 --> 00:30:58.080 we pray these things 00:30:58.080 --> 00:30:59.800 in his wonderful 00:30:59.800 --> 00:31:01.320 and in his precious name. 00:31:01.319 --> 00:31:02.200 Amen.