WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.120 Good morning. It is good to be here with you all. For those of you who are newer, my name is Jake Risner. I'm an elder here. 00:00:08.120 --> 00:00:17.039 ! And this is my very first sermon. Nonetheless, the Christ family, so prepare for impact. 00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:23.379 My only objective this morning is that we would see the scripture a little more clearly. 00:00:23.379 --> 00:00:33.359 If we walk away with even an ounce of better understanding of what the Lord is communicating to us about himself through this text, praise the Lord. Mission accomplished. 00:00:34.439 --> 00:00:42.620 So I trust that you all have been gleaning from our study in Romans. We are going to continue on into Romans 12, verses 14 through 16. 00:00:42.780 --> 00:00:49.000 So if you would, turn with me there to Romans 12, 14 through 16. 00:00:53.380 --> 00:01:00.679 Our text reads, 00:01:01.440 --> 00:01:10.159 Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 00:01:10.620 --> 00:01:18.140 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 00:01:18.140 --> 00:01:27.960 This text falls in the middle of Paul's instruction for how the Christians ought to be conducting themselves. 00:01:28.480 --> 00:01:32.460 The ESV puts the header, marks of the true Christian, over these passages. 00:01:33.599 --> 00:01:37.299 So this is particularly within the context of the church, but not exclusively. 00:01:38.280 --> 00:01:46.120 Clay did a great job last week explaining how this chapter starts the practical instruction of self-sacrificial love. 00:01:46.120 --> 00:01:57.100 So to best understand and apply our particular verses, we're going to consider and look back at two specific things within the larger arc of the book of Romans. 00:01:57.780 --> 00:02:01.000 One, the sinful lifestyles present within the church. 00:02:01.640 --> 00:02:06.300 And two, the clarity given to the Jew and Gentile dynamic. 00:02:07.360 --> 00:02:14.300 So looking back at the end of chapter one, we find a host of unchristian behaviors and practices identified among the unrighteous. 00:02:14.300 --> 00:02:16.620 But at the beginning of chapter two, Paul says, 00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:24.060 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges, for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, 00:02:24.160 --> 00:02:27.760 because you, the judge, practice the same things. 00:02:28.060 --> 00:02:34.340 So Paul establishes that he is privy to this misconduct and the hypocrisy within the church 00:02:34.340 --> 00:02:38.939 and paints the picture of what a selfish, self-seeking congregation looks like. 00:02:38.939 --> 00:02:44.439 But the second contextual item to recall is this Jew-Gentile dynamic. 00:02:45.039 --> 00:02:49.060 The Lord has uniquely used Paul to author this letter. 00:02:49.539 --> 00:02:54.400 As a Jew born in a Roman province, he has dual citizenship. 00:02:55.020 --> 00:03:02.479 He has the cultural credit to speak to both of these people groups, even though he has not yet with them personally yet. 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:10.519 In his introduction, he is sure to include that Christ is a descendant of David, but that the gospel is for all nations. 00:03:11.179 --> 00:03:13.599 So then that would include the Gentile nations. 00:03:13.879 --> 00:03:21.399 So then throughout the letter, Paul addresses the misunderstandings of the Jews and the Gentiles within the churches of the region. 00:03:21.400 --> 00:03:30.219 The Jews seem to think that they are special because they are the people of God, the ones who received the law and the prophets. 00:03:31.360 --> 00:03:38.580 And the Gentiles seem to think that they are extra special since they got grafted in, despite the Jews being the firstfruits. 00:03:39.480 --> 00:03:45.620 And so Paul gives a lengthy theological address how in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile. 00:03:45.620 --> 00:03:58.980 We are justified through faith alone, and the gospel is for all that would repent and believe, those that confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God rose him from the dead will be saved. 00:03:59.460 --> 00:04:06.379 The ethnic descendants of Abraham were a foreshadow to the future chosen people of the faith. 00:04:06.379 --> 00:04:16.420 In chapter 9, Paul quotes Hosea, a Jewish prophet, in regard to the Gentiles becoming God's people who were not his people. 00:04:17.779 --> 00:04:24.180 Before the foundations of the earth, God chose a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to be his chosen race. 00:04:24.620 --> 00:04:26.379 And this is a glorious reality. 00:04:26.379 --> 00:04:31.019 And with this doctrine, how ought the mixed congregation do community with one another? 00:04:31.579 --> 00:04:36.620 Are the Jews to preside over the Gentiles since they are the chosen people from the Old Covenant? 00:04:37.500 --> 00:04:42.639 Or should the Jews get on board with the Gentiles since they are in Rome? 00:04:43.459 --> 00:04:47.100 Or should they create segregated churches to avoid the dissension? 00:04:47.839 --> 00:04:50.180 What do they do with these doctrines that Paul has laid out? 00:04:50.180 --> 00:04:55.579 As we have read and studied the past couple of weeks, they should be one body. 00:04:56.220 --> 00:05:01.100 Working in unison, being of the same mind in Christ, Christ is the head of the body. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:06.300 And additionally, they should not be affiliated with those kinds of sins referenced in chapter 1. 00:05:06.420 --> 00:05:10.439 Envy, strife, gossip, slander, haughty, boastful. 00:05:10.899 --> 00:05:19.960 These are the antithetical prescriptions to what Christ would have his children be and do as they are adopted into the same family. 00:05:20.660 --> 00:05:24.780 Those who act that way presume upon the kindness of God. 00:05:25.740 --> 00:05:30.240 So this contrast, starting in chapter 12, is not only for the Jew to Gentile relationship. 00:05:30.780 --> 00:05:33.300 It is for the member to member relationships within the church. 00:05:33.740 --> 00:05:37.240 But it is drawn out in light of the ethnic differences. 00:05:37.939 --> 00:05:40.639 And so with these things in mind, we're going to look back into our decks. 00:05:40.639 --> 00:05:46.839 If I were to give the note takers an outline, it would be sympathy towards the unsympathetic. 00:05:47.079 --> 00:05:50.620 That's verse 14, sympathy towards the unsympathetic. 00:05:50.839 --> 00:05:54.199 Verse 15, the two-sided coin of empathy. 00:05:55.519 --> 00:05:58.439 And lastly, humility produces harmony. 00:05:59.519 --> 00:06:06.279 And we're going to see through these three verses that the common denominator is an outward, self-sacrificial love. 00:06:06.279 --> 00:06:10.139 So starting in verse 14, we read, 00:06:10.759 --> 00:06:12.579 Bless those who persecute you. 00:06:13.339 --> 00:06:15.279 Bless and do not curse them. 00:06:16.459 --> 00:06:21.439 Paul has uniquely experienced this kind of blessing. 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:27.699 He was himself a persecutor of the Christians, but he has now been persecuted. 00:06:28.480 --> 00:06:33.540 And so he knows exactly what he's addressing when he gives this command. 00:06:34.740 --> 00:06:39.360 He has been an example of this, sort of blessing your persecutors already. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:44.800 And even in his post-conversion humility, he says back in chapter 9, 00:06:45.460 --> 00:06:51.620 I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers. 00:06:52.379 --> 00:06:59.819 He has gone from intentionally cursing Christians to now having such a heart for the lost that he would be accursed in their place. 00:07:00.379 --> 00:07:05.800 He doesn't have that authority, but he expresses this heart change from persecutor to persecuted. 00:07:05.800 --> 00:07:14.860 And he knows what it is to suffer the wrath of evil men, yet he contends with the Romans to bless their persecutors. 00:07:16.840 --> 00:07:21.720 Those in Rome, especially the Jews, have already experienced a bit of persecution. 00:07:22.480 --> 00:07:29.199 The Jews are a people accustomed to being taken captive, to being uprooted, turned to slaves, released back to their homeland. 00:07:29.840 --> 00:07:34.519 And over the span of their heritage, they have a lot of persecution represented. 00:07:35.800 --> 00:07:48.300 More relevant to this letter, it is recorded in Acts 2, that Aquila and Priscilla had met Paul and Corinth after all the Jews were commanded to leave Rome under the rule of Claudius. 00:07:49.080 --> 00:07:53.879 They were permitted back in a few years later, but nonetheless, they were driven out for their Christian beliefs. 00:07:54.860 --> 00:07:57.939 And this is a good image for the definition of persecute. 00:07:58.759 --> 00:08:01.040 It means to make, to run, to flee, to put to flight. 00:08:01.040 --> 00:08:08.060 It can have other implications, but it's still in the framework of doing away with a certain people or a certain ideology. 00:08:08.920 --> 00:08:16.860 And perhaps the Jews have had in their mind that their enemies should suffer for the wrongdoing, as would be the case in the Old Covenant law. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:22.759 That is, if the chosen people are faithful to God, they would have relief from their enemies. 00:08:22.759 --> 00:08:30.620 Or maybe the Gentile believers have been susceptible to cursing the ones that banned the Jews originally out of brotherly affection. 00:08:32.179 --> 00:08:40.259 Whatever specific reason for their persecution or their cursing, Paul is contending with them that instead of cursing them back, they should bless them. 00:08:40.899 --> 00:08:45.419 The command is not only to endure the persecution or to ignore your persecutors. 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:47.139 It's a step further than that. 00:08:47.599 --> 00:08:50.639 It's two steps away from the treatment that they have been receiving. 00:08:51.199 --> 00:08:55.579 They are to bless those who persecute them, who don't deserve it. 00:08:56.259 --> 00:08:58.519 The word bless is the same word we get eulogy from. 00:08:58.620 --> 00:09:02.479 It means to praise, to speak well of, to invoke a blessing upon someone. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:08.240 In Luke 6.28, amidst the Beatitudes, Jesus says, 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:09.919 Bless those who persecute you. 00:09:10.460 --> 00:09:13.659 And immediately followed by that, he says, 00:09:13.779 --> 00:09:15.639 Pray for those who abuse you. 00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:18.759 Be reminded of when Stephen was being stoned to death. 00:09:19.039 --> 00:09:21.519 He prayed to God, saying, 00:09:21.680 --> 00:09:23.720 Lord, do not hold this sin against them. 00:09:24.259 --> 00:09:27.440 Or better yet, when Jesus was being executed, 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:30.340 he says, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. 00:09:30.340 --> 00:09:33.879 The goal of Gentiles and Jews is alike, 00:09:34.100 --> 00:09:37.460 to know Christ, to make Christ known to all peoples. 00:09:38.060 --> 00:09:39.480 Even amidst their persecution, 00:09:39.680 --> 00:09:42.600 they are to have sympathy and wish upon all men 00:09:42.600 --> 00:09:44.180 that their souls be turned to God 00:09:44.180 --> 00:09:46.420 in hope and faith that they would be saved. 00:09:47.360 --> 00:09:49.759 This would be a hot topic in the coming years 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:51.360 when Nero would assume authority 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:53.280 and literally burn Christians 00:09:53.280 --> 00:09:56.060 to serve as lampposts at his garden parties. 00:09:56.700 --> 00:09:58.200 And thankfully, we serve a God 00:09:58.200 --> 00:10:00.600 who is sovereignly preserving his bride 00:10:00.600 --> 00:10:01.720 so that the gates of hell 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:03.480 shall not prevail against it. 00:10:05.280 --> 00:10:06.759 In light of this context, 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:07.960 the Christians in Rome, 00:10:08.540 --> 00:10:10.420 how much quicker should we be 00:10:10.420 --> 00:10:12.360 to bless our persecutors? 00:10:13.300 --> 00:10:14.820 Our suffering is futile 00:10:14.820 --> 00:10:16.379 to what many of our brothers and sisters 00:10:16.379 --> 00:10:17.120 over history, 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:19.680 and even currently across the globe, 00:10:19.980 --> 00:10:20.480 suffer. 00:10:21.720 --> 00:10:22.980 Ours may look like 00:10:22.980 --> 00:10:24.720 being made fun of at work 00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:26.780 or being ignored 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:28.679 or belittled at the family Thanksgiving. 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:31.959 We may not be the popular one 00:10:31.959 --> 00:10:32.819 at the dorms. 00:10:34.419 --> 00:10:35.919 I would not be surprised 00:10:35.919 --> 00:10:37.379 if some of us soon 00:10:37.379 --> 00:10:39.259 are called to suffer more severely. 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:40.759 I haven't heard of much of that 00:10:40.759 --> 00:10:41.519 in the long ago yet, 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:43.480 but maybe being fired from a job, 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:45.480 being sued for what the world 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:46.480 would call hate speech, 00:10:46.939 --> 00:10:48.319 or failing college courses 00:10:48.319 --> 00:10:50.240 for not submitting to the hive mind 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:51.199 of the secular world. 00:10:52.539 --> 00:10:52.879 Nonetheless, 00:10:53.179 --> 00:10:54.459 the Christian will be persecuted, 00:10:54.460 --> 00:10:55.700 severe or mild, 00:10:55.840 --> 00:10:57.000 and when we experience it, 00:10:57.060 --> 00:10:58.620 we should bless our persecutors. 00:10:58.720 --> 00:10:59.980 We should pray for their salvation. 00:11:00.840 --> 00:11:01.920 We should see their sin 00:11:01.920 --> 00:11:03.600 ultimately against the Lord. 00:11:05.680 --> 00:11:06.860 When you are persecuted 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:07.840 for righteousness' sake, 00:11:07.940 --> 00:11:09.560 do not avoid the value 00:11:09.560 --> 00:11:10.240 of persecution 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:11.440 by cursing those 00:11:11.440 --> 00:11:12.580 who curse you. 00:11:12.720 --> 00:11:13.500 We ought not 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:15.460 curse our persecutors 00:11:15.460 --> 00:11:17.360 like perhaps the Jews 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:18.040 were doing in Rome 00:11:18.040 --> 00:11:19.320 as they were driven out 00:11:19.320 --> 00:11:19.900 by the government, 00:11:20.080 --> 00:11:21.280 but we are to bless them. 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:22.759 And in doing so, 00:11:22.759 --> 00:11:24.179 you will show your persecutor 00:11:24.179 --> 00:11:25.039 there's a greater hope, 00:11:25.460 --> 00:11:26.279 hope in Christ. 00:11:27.439 --> 00:11:28.340 What good would it be 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:30.200 to suffer for unrighteousness? 00:11:31.039 --> 00:11:32.679 That's no sacrifice at all. 00:11:32.740 --> 00:11:33.819 That's getting what you deserve. 00:11:34.580 --> 00:11:36.259 But if you suffer for righteousness, 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:37.559 the Lord may use it 00:11:37.559 --> 00:11:38.919 to reveal himself 00:11:38.919 --> 00:11:39.939 to the persecutor, 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:41.439 and you will be blessed. 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:45.539 What would our current status be 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:48.120 if Christ had responded 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:48.720 with cursing? 00:11:48.720 --> 00:11:51.139 We all, 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:52.180 before regeneration, 00:11:52.399 --> 00:11:53.680 are called enemies of God, 00:11:54.160 --> 00:11:55.940 and yet while we were still sinners, 00:11:56.100 --> 00:11:57.100 Christ died for us. 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:58.580 He did not curse us. 00:11:59.420 --> 00:12:00.879 Christ himself became a curse 00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:02.399 so that those who cursed him 00:12:02.399 --> 00:12:03.399 might be blessed. 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:05.920 Live as holy sacrifices, 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:07.840 point others to Christ, 00:12:08.420 --> 00:12:09.279 and be sympathetic 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:10.600 to the unsympathetic. 00:12:12.800 --> 00:12:14.620 Verse 15 is a two-part 00:12:14.620 --> 00:12:16.800 exhortation of empathy. 00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:18.839 Rejoice with those who rejoice 00:12:18.839 --> 00:12:20.899 and weep with those who weep. 00:12:21.620 --> 00:12:22.759 Where Paul was calling 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:23.459 the persecuted 00:12:23.459 --> 00:12:24.219 to be sympathetic 00:12:24.219 --> 00:12:25.240 to the persecutors, 00:12:25.339 --> 00:12:26.559 now he is calling the church 00:12:26.559 --> 00:12:27.719 to be empathetic. 00:12:28.459 --> 00:12:30.039 Empathetic is to understand 00:12:30.039 --> 00:12:32.059 and to share the feelings 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:32.639 of another. 00:12:33.599 --> 00:12:34.939 The Jews and Gentiles 00:12:34.939 --> 00:12:35.620 come together 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:38.339 to form a very diverse church 00:12:38.339 --> 00:12:39.519 with many differences. 00:12:40.179 --> 00:12:41.319 They have different upbringings, 00:12:41.419 --> 00:12:42.019 different culture, 00:12:42.159 --> 00:12:42.959 different expectations. 00:12:44.319 --> 00:12:45.439 They are instructed 00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:46.900 to try and understand 00:12:46.900 --> 00:12:48.140 their brothers and sisters 00:12:48.140 --> 00:12:49.260 who have different experiences 00:12:49.260 --> 00:12:50.800 and predispositions 00:12:50.800 --> 00:12:52.460 so that they can be unified 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:53.380 as they rejoice 00:12:53.380 --> 00:12:54.820 and as they weep. 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:57.280 In the previous passage 00:12:57.280 --> 00:12:58.640 in this chapter 00:12:58.640 --> 00:12:59.300 about the church 00:12:59.300 --> 00:12:59.980 being one body 00:12:59.980 --> 00:13:00.620 with different members, 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:01.660 we read that the Lord 00:13:01.660 --> 00:13:03.360 uniquely gives different gifts 00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:04.660 to different people. 00:13:04.880 --> 00:13:06.220 Across the broader extent 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:06.920 of the letter, 00:13:07.100 --> 00:13:07.820 the Lord has used 00:13:07.820 --> 00:13:09.020 the Jews and Gentiles 00:13:09.020 --> 00:13:09.640 individually 00:13:09.640 --> 00:13:10.720 to fulfill 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:11.860 his various objectives. 00:13:11.860 --> 00:13:13.519 the Roman Christians 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:14.580 need to set aside 00:13:14.580 --> 00:13:15.500 their envy 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:16.460 and their pride 00:13:16.460 --> 00:13:17.039 from one another 00:13:17.039 --> 00:13:18.060 in order to rejoice 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:19.200 in the things of God. 00:13:19.720 --> 00:13:21.159 They are on the same team. 00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:22.560 If the Gentiles 00:13:22.560 --> 00:13:23.919 have now received 00:13:23.919 --> 00:13:24.419 the gospel 00:13:24.419 --> 00:13:25.580 that was first presented 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:26.340 to the Jews, 00:13:26.940 --> 00:13:27.639 that's something 00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:28.480 to praise God about. 00:13:29.639 --> 00:13:30.539 If that means 00:13:30.539 --> 00:13:31.419 that they are grafted 00:13:31.419 --> 00:13:32.460 into the same root 00:13:32.460 --> 00:13:34.159 as the Israelites, 00:13:34.800 --> 00:13:35.740 they should praise God. 00:13:36.259 --> 00:13:37.080 As we spoke earlier, 00:13:37.180 --> 00:13:37.820 the promise of faith 00:13:37.820 --> 00:13:39.039 is not just for those 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:40.080 of Abrahamic lineage. 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:41.520 The Gentiles have been welcomed 00:13:41.520 --> 00:13:42.660 into the covenant people 00:13:42.660 --> 00:13:44.460 and this calls for rejoicing. 00:13:45.720 --> 00:13:47.280 It doesn't say it specifically, 00:13:47.460 --> 00:13:48.060 but I assume 00:13:48.060 --> 00:13:48.860 that Paul is addressing 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:49.540 dividing lines 00:13:49.540 --> 00:13:50.500 on when and how 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:51.379 to rejoice 00:13:51.379 --> 00:13:53.860 with the other group. 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:55.840 They may be reluctant 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:56.360 to rejoice 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:57.800 with the opposite ethnicity 00:13:57.800 --> 00:13:58.520 and the presumption 00:13:58.520 --> 00:13:59.300 that their own kind 00:13:59.300 --> 00:14:00.300 will fulfill that duty. 00:14:01.160 --> 00:14:02.540 They have their own family 00:14:02.540 --> 00:14:03.300 to do life with. 00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:04.020 Why should I bother? 00:14:04.440 --> 00:14:05.180 Type of mentality. 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:06.980 But there is 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:08.560 no other group. 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:10.619 We are one body. 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:12.299 There should not be 00:14:12.299 --> 00:14:13.619 cliques or posses 00:14:13.619 --> 00:14:14.699 of people in the church 00:14:14.699 --> 00:14:16.799 such that it would exclude 00:14:16.799 --> 00:14:17.759 rejoicing together. 00:14:18.439 --> 00:14:19.739 It is not wrong 00:14:19.739 --> 00:14:21.019 to have relationships, 00:14:21.239 --> 00:14:22.179 a deeper relationship 00:14:22.179 --> 00:14:23.519 with fewer people, 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.099 but it would be wrong 00:14:25.099 --> 00:14:25.939 for a church culture 00:14:25.939 --> 00:14:27.339 to organize itself 00:14:27.339 --> 00:14:28.199 where the members 00:14:28.199 --> 00:14:29.559 are severed 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:31.059 from the rest of the body 00:14:31.059 --> 00:14:32.299 such that it would 00:14:32.299 --> 00:14:33.639 exclude rejoicing together. 00:14:33.639 --> 00:14:36.039 And this takes a lot 00:14:36.039 --> 00:14:36.699 of outward 00:14:36.699 --> 00:14:38.100 and selfless thinking. 00:14:38.439 --> 00:14:39.840 If you are jealous 00:14:39.840 --> 00:14:41.319 or envious 00:14:41.319 --> 00:14:42.460 or covetous 00:14:42.460 --> 00:14:43.279 over one another's 00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:44.419 success or blessing, 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:46.259 you will not be able 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:46.759 to rejoice 00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:47.419 with one another. 00:14:48.379 --> 00:14:49.100 We have to be 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:49.799 so content 00:14:49.799 --> 00:14:50.620 in the Lord 00:14:50.620 --> 00:14:51.480 with what He 00:14:51.480 --> 00:14:52.360 has given us 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:53.179 and namely, 00:14:53.439 --> 00:14:53.860 salvation, 00:14:54.319 --> 00:14:55.340 that when we see 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:56.340 others rejoicing, 00:14:56.580 --> 00:14:57.220 we can celebrate 00:14:57.220 --> 00:14:57.700 with them. 00:14:57.700 --> 00:15:00.160 We can praise God 00:15:00.160 --> 00:15:00.759 when someone else 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:01.400 has received something 00:15:01.400 --> 00:15:02.160 that we have not. 00:15:02.620 --> 00:15:04.340 Our hope is in Christ alone, 00:15:04.560 --> 00:15:06.040 not in our comforts, 00:15:06.140 --> 00:15:07.020 not in our family, 00:15:07.280 --> 00:15:08.080 not in our work, 00:15:08.660 --> 00:15:09.460 or our grades, 00:15:09.680 --> 00:15:10.360 or our roommates. 00:15:11.680 --> 00:15:12.960 If Christ is your treasure 00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:14.300 and the church 00:15:14.300 --> 00:15:15.080 is your family, 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:17.220 rejoice like a family 00:15:17.220 --> 00:15:18.200 when one of their own 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:18.840 has been blessed. 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:22.300 There are times, 00:15:22.400 --> 00:15:22.660 however, 00:15:22.780 --> 00:15:23.820 when it is not helpful 00:15:23.820 --> 00:15:24.520 to rejoice 00:15:24.520 --> 00:15:25.379 with those who rejoice. 00:15:26.540 --> 00:15:27.680 Pagans often rejoice. 00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:30.240 The pride marches 00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:31.160 bear many smiles 00:15:31.160 --> 00:15:32.280 and cheers of people 00:15:32.280 --> 00:15:33.879 in complete rebellion 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:34.520 to our Lord. 00:15:36.020 --> 00:15:37.340 People who worship money 00:15:37.340 --> 00:15:38.060 instead of God 00:15:38.060 --> 00:15:38.820 rejoice when they 00:15:38.820 --> 00:15:39.960 deceitfully make money. 00:15:41.480 --> 00:15:42.700 Pro-choice activists 00:15:42.700 --> 00:15:43.640 rejoice when laws 00:15:43.640 --> 00:15:44.420 are passed in favor 00:15:44.420 --> 00:15:44.940 of murder. 00:15:47.080 --> 00:15:48.060 We ought not 00:15:48.060 --> 00:15:49.160 to rejoice in these things. 00:15:49.720 --> 00:15:50.460 We ought to rejoice 00:15:50.460 --> 00:15:50.900 with the truth 00:15:50.900 --> 00:15:51.879 as Paul says elsewhere. 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:53.100 Love does not rejoice 00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:53.920 at wrongdoing, 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:55.660 but rejoices with 00:15:55.660 --> 00:15:56.320 the truth. 00:15:57.300 --> 00:15:58.480 Jesus sets a precedent 00:15:58.480 --> 00:16:00.740 in Luke 10 00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:01.860 of what we should rejoice in 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:02.900 when he rejoices 00:16:02.900 --> 00:16:03.700 in the Father 00:16:03.700 --> 00:16:04.920 revealing the hidden 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:05.720 things of the gospel 00:16:05.720 --> 00:16:07.020 to a specific people. 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:09.300 He commands his disciples 00:16:09.300 --> 00:16:10.460 in that same chapter 00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.160 to rejoice 00:16:11.160 --> 00:16:11.960 that their names 00:16:11.960 --> 00:16:13.140 are written in heaven. 00:16:14.040 --> 00:16:15.020 We are also called 00:16:15.020 --> 00:16:16.100 to rejoice in our sufferings 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:16.920 as suffering presses 00:16:16.920 --> 00:16:17.700 on to hope 00:16:17.700 --> 00:16:18.360 that does not put us 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:18.820 to shame. 00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:20.540 Luke 15 says 00:16:20.540 --> 00:16:20.960 that there will be 00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:22.380 more joy in heaven 00:16:22.380 --> 00:16:23.340 over one sinner 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:24.080 who repents 00:16:24.080 --> 00:16:25.120 than over 99 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:26.100 righteous persons 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:27.200 who need no repentance. 00:16:28.200 --> 00:16:28.879 So we rejoice 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.879 in the things of God 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:30.400 and namely 00:16:30.400 --> 00:16:31.639 the Lord reconciling 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:32.540 sinners to himself 00:16:32.540 --> 00:16:33.780 whether Jew 00:16:33.780 --> 00:16:34.440 or Gentile. 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:36.660 Isaiah puts it well, 00:16:36.800 --> 00:16:38.240 I will greatly rejoice 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:38.960 in the Lord. 00:16:39.420 --> 00:16:40.080 My soul 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:41.040 shall exult 00:16:41.040 --> 00:16:41.879 in my God 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:43.600 for he has clothed me 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:44.800 with the garments 00:16:44.800 --> 00:16:46.540 of salvation. 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:50.159 On the other side 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:51.379 of the empathy coin 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:52.879 we are called 00:16:52.879 --> 00:16:53.759 to weep 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:54.519 with those 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:55.039 who weep. 00:16:56.439 --> 00:16:57.659 The call is similar 00:16:57.659 --> 00:16:58.559 to rejoicing. 00:16:58.679 --> 00:17:00.159 We must be empathetic. 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:02.579 We must put ourselves 00:17:02.579 --> 00:17:03.459 in their shoes 00:17:03.459 --> 00:17:04.599 and try to understand 00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:05.759 what they're going through 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:07.720 and respond accordingly. 00:17:08.879 --> 00:17:10.480 Living in a fallen world 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:11.399 there will always be 00:17:11.399 --> 00:17:12.740 instances of weeping 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:14.399 and the Romans 00:17:14.399 --> 00:17:15.379 were not exempt from this. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.259 As we mentioned earlier 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:17.220 the Jews within the church 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:17.660 have already been 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:18.379 run out of town 00:17:18.379 --> 00:17:19.220 before. 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:21.059 Rome at this time 00:17:21.059 --> 00:17:22.259 is filled with idols 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:23.200 and false gods 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:24.940 and this may cause weeping 00:17:24.940 --> 00:17:25.680 as they watch 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:26.379 the dying world 00:17:26.379 --> 00:17:27.000 around them 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:27.619 in rebellion 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:28.960 to the one true God. 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:31.420 There could be 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:32.579 Gentile family members 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:33.079 that are still 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:33.779 worshiping these 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:34.420 false gods. 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:35.839 Maybe some of the Jews 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:36.879 are having a hard time 00:17:36.879 --> 00:17:38.220 being second class citizens 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:39.019 away from their homeland. 00:17:40.079 --> 00:17:40.920 There are various things 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:41.579 that the Gentiles 00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:42.000 and Jews 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:42.819 could be weeping about 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:43.660 that would differ 00:17:43.660 --> 00:17:44.319 from one another 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:45.619 but they are called 00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:46.219 to empathy 00:17:46.219 --> 00:17:47.179 and not 00:17:47.179 --> 00:17:48.139 tribalism. 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.500 They can't sit around 00:17:50.500 --> 00:17:51.279 as a member weeps 00:17:51.279 --> 00:17:52.039 and ignore it. 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:53.259 They are called 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:53.799 to weep 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:55.039 to feel the pain 00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:56.399 to recognize the hurt 00:17:56.399 --> 00:17:57.279 to get in the trenches 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:57.779 with them. 00:17:58.219 --> 00:17:59.359 When one member suffers 00:17:59.359 --> 00:18:01.279 the whole body suffers. 00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:03.419 There's no room 00:18:03.419 --> 00:18:05.459 for prideful annoyance 00:18:05.459 --> 00:18:06.859 of another's suffering. 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:08.399 You don't have to be 00:18:08.399 --> 00:18:08.959 a pastor 00:18:08.959 --> 00:18:09.859 or a counselor 00:18:09.859 --> 00:18:10.599 or to have 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:11.599 experienced the same 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:12.359 kind of trial 00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:12.899 to weep 00:18:12.899 --> 00:18:13.839 with someone. 00:18:14.979 --> 00:18:15.799 If you don't have 00:18:15.799 --> 00:18:16.519 the words to say 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:18.459 just weep. 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:21.559 Christ again 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:22.319 is our ultimate 00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:23.219 model and reason 00:18:23.219 --> 00:18:23.659 for this. 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:24.859 If his spirit 00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:25.539 is within us 00:18:25.539 --> 00:18:26.199 we will walk 00:18:26.199 --> 00:18:27.000 in his ways. 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:28.299 Christ was a man 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:28.819 of sorrows 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:29.459 acquainted with 00:18:29.459 --> 00:18:30.139 deepest grief. 00:18:30.859 --> 00:18:31.599 We do not have 00:18:31.599 --> 00:18:32.259 a high priest 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:32.819 who is unable 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:33.599 to sympathize 00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:34.379 with our weaknesses 00:18:34.379 --> 00:18:35.639 but one who 00:18:35.639 --> 00:18:36.679 in every respect 00:18:36.679 --> 00:18:37.379 has been tempted 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:37.919 as we are 00:18:37.919 --> 00:18:38.939 yet he was 00:18:38.940 --> 00:18:40.059 without sin. 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:41.500 He was born 00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:42.059 in the likeness 00:18:42.059 --> 00:18:42.480 of men. 00:18:43.080 --> 00:18:43.700 He and his 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.779 loving kindness 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.539 experienced 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:46.380 what we experience 00:18:46.380 --> 00:18:47.080 as humans. 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:49.900 During his ministry 00:18:49.900 --> 00:18:52.019 when Lazarus dies 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.539 and some of the 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:53.580 disciples are sad 00:18:53.580 --> 00:18:54.279 and weeping 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:55.740 Christ wept. 00:18:57.380 --> 00:18:58.400 He knew that 00:18:58.400 --> 00:18:58.980 he would bring 00:18:58.980 --> 00:19:00.320 Lazarus back to life 00:19:00.320 --> 00:19:01.059 but he stopped 00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:01.920 and he wept 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:02.519 with his people 00:19:02.519 --> 00:19:02.920 anyway. 00:19:03.820 --> 00:19:04.980 He came to us 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:05.640 and he got in 00:19:05.640 --> 00:19:05.960 the trenches 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:06.559 with us. 00:19:06.840 --> 00:19:07.220 He could have 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:07.759 stayed upon 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:08.460 his throne 00:19:08.460 --> 00:19:10.140 comfort and 00:19:10.140 --> 00:19:10.559 ease 00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:11.380 but he 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:12.440 forsook that 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:13.120 to come and 00:19:13.120 --> 00:19:13.819 bear burdens 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.380 with us 00:19:14.380 --> 00:19:15.220 and we are 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:15.680 called to have 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:16.240 that humility 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.180 not to be 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:17.940 arrogant or 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:18.819 selfish but to 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:19.620 go and to 00:19:19.620 --> 00:19:20.319 bear burdens 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:20.840 with our 00:19:20.840 --> 00:19:21.400 brothers and 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:21.720 sisters. 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:23.039 Now Christ's 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:23.900 mission was 00:19:23.900 --> 00:19:24.460 ultimately to 00:19:24.460 --> 00:19:24.840 bring about 00:19:24.840 --> 00:19:25.400 reconciliation 00:19:25.400 --> 00:19:26.340 not just to 00:19:26.340 --> 00:19:26.759 have the 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:27.420 human experience 00:19:27.420 --> 00:19:28.440 but he did 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:29.120 accomplish that 00:19:29.120 --> 00:19:29.720 mission through 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:30.380 his earthly 00:19:30.380 --> 00:19:30.900 ministry. 00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:32.539 Being as we 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:33.140 are yet without 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:34.299 sin he would 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:34.980 become the 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:36.220 perfect sacrifice 00:19:36.220 --> 00:19:37.100 on our behalf. 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.900 like rejoicing 00:19:39.900 --> 00:19:40.440 there are also 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:40.840 things we 00:19:40.840 --> 00:19:41.720 shouldn't weep 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.140 about. 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:43.559 Godly grief 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.079 or sorrow 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:44.700 is different 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.200 than worldly 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:45.579 grief. 00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:46.299 Christians 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:46.840 grieve when 00:19:46.840 --> 00:19:47.640 we recognize 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:48.579 that the 00:19:48.579 --> 00:19:49.079 fallen state 00:19:49.079 --> 00:19:49.579 of the world 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.240 is not what 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:50.799 it's supposed 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:51.259 to be. 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:52.079 We see and 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:52.660 experience the 00:19:52.660 --> 00:19:53.600 thorns wrapped 00:19:53.600 --> 00:19:54.420 around the 00:19:54.420 --> 00:19:55.600 beautiful terrains. 00:19:56.180 --> 00:19:56.700 The ground we 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:57.380 work has been 00:19:57.380 --> 00:19:57.840 cursed. 00:19:58.900 --> 00:19:59.660 We also see and 00:19:59.660 --> 00:20:00.440 experience spiritual 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:01.200 thorns wrapped 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:01.960 around the heart. 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:03.759 By nature we do 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:04.400 not seek for 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:04.740 God. 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:06.299 we sorrowfully 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:07.500 battle with 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:08.500 sin even as 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:08.960 believers. 00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:10.700 And it can 00:20:10.700 --> 00:20:11.259 grieve us to 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:12.680 see family and 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:14.140 friends who 00:20:14.140 --> 00:20:14.880 reject the 00:20:14.880 --> 00:20:15.240 gospel. 00:20:16.400 --> 00:20:16.960 Paul writes 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:17.220 to the 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:17.819 Philippians, 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.140 for many of 00:20:19.140 --> 00:20:19.759 whom I have 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.680 often told you 00:20:20.680 --> 00:20:21.500 and now tell 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:22.299 you even with 00:20:22.299 --> 00:20:24.140 tears walk as 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:24.680 enemies of the 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:25.420 cross of Christ. 00:20:26.680 --> 00:20:27.579 Things are not 00:20:27.579 --> 00:20:28.240 how they ought 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:28.640 to be. 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:30.220 The result of 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:31.039 sin causes 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:31.740 things to be 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.240 bad. 00:20:32.900 --> 00:20:33.339 Work is 00:20:33.339 --> 00:20:33.759 difficult. 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.839 Our bodies 00:20:34.839 --> 00:20:35.559 wear out and 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:35.960 expire. 00:20:37.160 --> 00:20:38.160 Childbirth and 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:39.400 child rearing is 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:39.759 painful. 00:20:40.460 --> 00:20:41.299 Our flesh wants 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:42.140 to indulge. 00:20:42.519 --> 00:20:43.420 Our emotions 00:20:43.420 --> 00:20:44.400 control us. 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:45.720 And ultimately 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:46.379 our hearts are 00:20:46.379 --> 00:20:46.759 wayward. 00:20:48.299 --> 00:20:50.099 When we see or 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:50.779 experience this 00:20:50.779 --> 00:20:51.460 reality, we 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:51.799 weep. 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:52.579 These are 00:20:52.579 --> 00:20:53.339 legitimate things 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:53.799 to be sad 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.099 about. 00:20:55.220 --> 00:20:55.819 And I want to 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:56.379 be clear, we do 00:20:56.379 --> 00:20:57.059 not weep as if 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:57.440 there is no 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:57.740 hope. 00:20:57.940 --> 00:20:58.519 There will be an 00:20:58.519 --> 00:20:59.220 end to this 00:20:59.220 --> 00:20:59.660 suffering. 00:21:00.779 --> 00:21:01.879 As TJ brought 00:21:01.879 --> 00:21:02.519 up this morning 00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:03.460 at the Lord's 00:21:03.460 --> 00:21:03.600 Supper 00:21:03.600 --> 00:21:05.340 gathering, it 00:21:05.340 --> 00:21:05.860 is not worth 00:21:05.860 --> 00:21:06.380 comparing to 00:21:06.380 --> 00:21:06.920 the glory that 00:21:06.920 --> 00:21:07.640 will be revealed 00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:08.140 to us. 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:10.120 But it still 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:10.759 hurts in the 00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:11.039 now. 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:12.519 And we would 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:13.279 do well to 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:13.700 weep with 00:21:13.700 --> 00:21:14.140 those who 00:21:14.140 --> 00:21:14.400 weep. 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.400 The world 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.100 also weeps, 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:17.559 but it does 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.579 not weep in 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:19.160 the same way. 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:20.480 The world 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.019 weeps when 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.500 their flesh 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:22.740 suffers, when 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:23.160 they don't get 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:23.680 their way, when 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:24.559 their indulgences 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.480 are withheld, 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.920 when good and 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.920 godly moral 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:29.100 ideologies are 00:21:29.100 --> 00:21:30.059 recognized as 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.400 good. 00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:31.920 as the 00:21:31.920 --> 00:21:32.460 church weeps 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:33.019 when God 00:21:33.019 --> 00:21:33.560 is not 00:21:33.560 --> 00:21:34.420 honored rightly, 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:35.580 the world 00:21:35.580 --> 00:21:36.300 weeps when 00:21:36.300 --> 00:21:37.040 God is 00:21:37.040 --> 00:21:37.519 honored. 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:39.040 And this 00:21:39.040 --> 00:21:39.540 ungodly 00:21:39.540 --> 00:21:40.780 weeping is 00:21:40.780 --> 00:21:41.320 a foretaste 00:21:41.320 --> 00:21:41.560 for the 00:21:41.560 --> 00:21:41.960 unrighteous. 00:21:42.080 --> 00:21:42.800 When God's 00:21:42.800 --> 00:21:43.860 common grace 00:21:43.860 --> 00:21:44.300 and his 00:21:44.300 --> 00:21:44.960 presence is 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:46.140 withheld in 00:21:46.140 --> 00:21:46.840 hell forever, 00:21:47.100 --> 00:21:47.320 there will 00:21:47.320 --> 00:21:47.740 only be 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:49.280 weeping and 00:21:49.280 --> 00:21:49.800 gnashing of 00:21:49.800 --> 00:21:50.040 teeth. 00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:52.100 So Paul is 00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:52.560 not committing 00:21:52.560 --> 00:21:53.060 us to weep 00:21:53.060 --> 00:21:53.680 with anyone for 00:21:53.680 --> 00:21:54.180 any reason, 00:21:54.920 --> 00:21:56.240 but we weep 00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:56.660 with those who 00:21:56.660 --> 00:21:57.040 weep in a 00:21:57.040 --> 00:21:57.580 godly way. 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:58.039 And the 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:58.720 ethnic differences 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.179 within the 00:21:59.179 --> 00:22:00.279 church of 00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:00.659 Rome there 00:22:00.659 --> 00:22:01.119 should not 00:22:01.119 --> 00:22:01.720 hinder that. 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.399 Moving into 00:22:05.399 --> 00:22:06.159 verse 16. 00:22:07.179 --> 00:22:07.699 Live in 00:22:07.699 --> 00:22:08.240 harmony with 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:08.699 one another. 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:09.819 Do not be 00:22:09.819 --> 00:22:10.740 haughty, but 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:11.480 associate with 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:11.980 the lowly. 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:13.079 Never be 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:13.740 wise in 00:22:13.740 --> 00:22:14.079 your own 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:14.399 sight. 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:16.099 We come to 00:22:16.099 --> 00:22:16.659 our final 00:22:16.659 --> 00:22:17.059 point, 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:19.339 harmony from 00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:20.199 humility. 00:22:22.139 --> 00:22:23.000 The end 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:24.079 goal, living 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.720 in harmony, 00:22:25.159 --> 00:22:26.179 is insulated 00:22:26.179 --> 00:22:26.899 with ways to 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:27.620 achieve that 00:22:27.620 --> 00:22:27.920 goal. 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:28.900 The first 00:22:28.900 --> 00:22:29.620 layer, as we 00:22:29.620 --> 00:22:30.320 just discussed, 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:30.960 is empathy, 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.000 and now 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:33.460 secondly, forsaking 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.360 ego and 00:22:34.360 --> 00:22:35.040 putting on 00:22:35.040 --> 00:22:35.560 humility. 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.420 These are the 00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:38.120 means to the 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:39.040 end of 00:22:39.040 --> 00:22:39.720 achieving 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.120 harmony. 00:22:41.120 --> 00:22:41.820 I want to 00:22:41.820 --> 00:22:42.560 recall back in 00:22:42.560 --> 00:22:43.120 chapters 1 and 00:22:43.120 --> 00:22:44.340 2, at the 00:22:44.340 --> 00:22:45.060 end of the 00:22:45.060 --> 00:22:46.080 number of 00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:46.580 those listed 00:22:46.580 --> 00:22:47.460 sins that 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.160 Paul sums up 00:22:48.160 --> 00:22:48.980 in chapter 2, 00:22:49.320 --> 00:22:50.280 verses 6-8, 00:22:50.360 --> 00:22:50.860 he will render 00:22:50.860 --> 00:22:51.580 to each one 00:22:51.580 --> 00:22:52.100 according to 00:22:52.100 --> 00:22:52.640 his works, 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.220 to those who 00:22:53.220 --> 00:22:53.940 by patience and 00:22:53.940 --> 00:22:54.400 well-doing 00:22:54.400 --> 00:22:55.220 seek for glory 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:56.280 and honor and 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:56.960 immortality, 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.759 he will give 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.420 eternal life. 00:22:59.119 --> 00:22:59.660 But for those 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.019 who are 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:01.440 self-seeking 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:02.879 and do not 00:23:02.879 --> 00:23:03.379 obey the 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:04.160 truth, but 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:05.319 obey unrighteousness, 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:06.879 there will be 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:07.779 wrath and fury. 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:09.960 So also 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:10.420 remember that 00:23:10.420 --> 00:23:11.559 throughout the 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:12.500 letter, Paul is 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:13.059 correcting the 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:13.579 Jews for 00:23:13.579 --> 00:23:14.259 boasting about 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:15.099 their heritage, 00:23:15.619 --> 00:23:16.740 and to the 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.700 Gentiles for 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:18.160 boasting about 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:18.960 their adoption 00:23:18.960 --> 00:23:19.960 into the 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:20.879 spiritual family. 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:22.680 He just 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:23.280 exhorted them 00:23:23.280 --> 00:23:23.860 to be 00:23:23.860 --> 00:23:24.760 selfless 00:23:24.760 --> 00:23:25.180 with a 00:23:25.180 --> 00:23:25.500 nuance 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:25.880 towards 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:26.440 action, 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.380 but now 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:28.460 he's exhorting 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:29.020 them to be 00:23:29.020 --> 00:23:29.640 selfless 00:23:29.640 --> 00:23:29.980 with a 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:30.280 nuance 00:23:30.280 --> 00:23:30.680 towards 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:31.200 thought 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:31.900 and 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.380 perception. 00:23:33.560 --> 00:23:34.700 Verse 16 00:23:34.700 --> 00:23:35.100 in the 00:23:35.100 --> 00:23:35.520 ESV 00:23:35.520 --> 00:23:37.460 flows really 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:37.820 well, 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:38.420 but it 00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:38.940 doesn't quite 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:39.680 hit the 00:23:39.680 --> 00:23:40.520 literary 00:23:40.520 --> 00:23:41.580 consonants 00:23:41.580 --> 00:23:42.080 between the 00:23:42.080 --> 00:23:42.900 first sentence 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:43.220 and those 00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:43.780 latter two. 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:45.260 I think 00:23:45.260 --> 00:23:46.500 the NASB 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:46.920 is helpful 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:47.280 here. 00:23:48.360 --> 00:23:49.060 The NASB 00:23:49.060 --> 00:23:49.500 reads, 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.279 be of the 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.220 same mind 00:23:51.220 --> 00:23:51.839 toward one 00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:52.140 another. 00:23:52.400 --> 00:23:52.900 Do not be 00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:53.519 haughty in 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.099 mind, 00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:55.039 but associate 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:55.359 with the 00:23:55.359 --> 00:23:55.640 lowly. 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:56.380 Do not be 00:23:56.380 --> 00:23:57.140 wise in 00:23:57.140 --> 00:23:57.559 your own 00:23:57.559 --> 00:23:58.039 estimation. 00:23:59.180 --> 00:23:59.500 So you 00:23:59.500 --> 00:23:59.960 pick up on 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.420 the thread 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:01.759 of like-mindedness 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:02.420 a little more 00:24:02.420 --> 00:24:02.680 with that 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:03.180 translation. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:04.500 And verse 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:05.059 3 is pretty 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:05.519 similar. 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.140 I say to 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:08.460 everyone among 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.019 you not to 00:24:09.019 --> 00:24:09.859 think of 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:10.519 himself more 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:11.019 highly than 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:11.640 he ought to 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.140 think, but 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:12.759 to think 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.259 with sober 00:24:13.259 --> 00:24:13.619 judgment. 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:14.680 And the 00:24:14.680 --> 00:24:15.339 word translated 00:24:15.339 --> 00:24:16.180 think there 00:24:16.180 --> 00:24:16.480 in verse 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:17.420 3 and mind 00:24:17.420 --> 00:24:17.700 here in 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:18.240 verse 16 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:19.480 is the 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:19.940 same root 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:20.240 word. 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:20.819 So it 00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:21.200 adds to 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:21.819 that theme 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.859 of cognition, 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:23.859 perception, 00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:24.599 wisdom. 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:26.700 Verse 16 00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:27.120 is not 00:24:27.120 --> 00:24:27.620 saying we 00:24:27.620 --> 00:24:28.059 all must 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:28.279 have 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:28.720 perfectly 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.259 uniform 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:30.039 theology. 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:31.480 In fact, 00:24:31.559 --> 00:24:32.160 Paul permits 00:24:32.160 --> 00:24:33.200 different third, 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.299 maybe second 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.960 tier issues to 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:35.299 be present 00:24:35.299 --> 00:24:35.640 within the 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:36.200 church later 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:37.359 on in 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:38.000 chapter 14 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:38.420 when he 00:24:38.420 --> 00:24:38.980 concludes that 00:24:38.980 --> 00:24:39.339 each one 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:39.620 should be 00:24:39.620 --> 00:24:40.279 convinced in 00:24:40.279 --> 00:24:40.799 his own 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:41.480 mind. 00:24:42.660 --> 00:24:43.140 That's 00:24:43.140 --> 00:24:43.740 regarding what 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:44.140 is clean 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:44.599 to eat 00:24:44.599 --> 00:24:45.980 and if 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:46.379 we should 00:24:46.379 --> 00:24:47.019 esteem 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:47.379 one day 00:24:47.379 --> 00:24:47.659 more 00:24:47.659 --> 00:24:48.139 significant 00:24:48.139 --> 00:24:48.359 than 00:24:48.359 --> 00:24:48.619 another. 00:24:49.679 --> 00:24:50.199 But these 00:24:50.199 --> 00:24:50.939 minds are 00:24:50.939 --> 00:24:51.299 different. 00:24:51.399 --> 00:24:51.619 The one 00:24:51.619 --> 00:24:52.579 in 14 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:53.000 and the 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:53.339 one here 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:53.740 in 12 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:54.019 are two 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:54.259 different 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:54.740 words being 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.099 used. 00:24:56.139 --> 00:24:56.619 The mind 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:56.980 seen in 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:57.759 chapter 14 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.379 is the 00:24:59.379 --> 00:24:59.759 same as 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.219 verse 2 00:25:00.219 --> 00:25:00.519 in chapter 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:01.219 12 when 00:25:01.219 --> 00:25:02.219 we studied 00:25:02.219 --> 00:25:02.639 the renewal 00:25:02.639 --> 00:25:02.959 of your 00:25:02.959 --> 00:25:03.339 mind. 00:25:03.939 --> 00:25:04.240 It is 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:04.439 more 00:25:04.439 --> 00:25:04.980 specifically 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:05.480 the 00:25:05.480 --> 00:25:06.019 intellectual 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:06.839 aspect 00:25:06.839 --> 00:25:09.500 of your 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:10.240 thinking and 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:10.699 there is 00:25:10.699 --> 00:25:11.679 room for 00:25:11.679 --> 00:25:12.179 disagreement 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:12.539 there. 00:25:12.539 --> 00:25:13.819 the mind 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.139 we see 00:25:14.139 --> 00:25:14.480 in chapter 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:15.399 12 is 00:25:15.399 --> 00:25:15.579 a little 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:15.839 more 00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:16.259 emotionally 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:16.619 driven. 00:25:17.659 --> 00:25:17.940 It is 00:25:17.940 --> 00:25:18.259 the 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:19.079 thoughtful 00:25:19.079 --> 00:25:20.220 expression 00:25:20.220 --> 00:25:20.700 of how 00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:21.359 you feel 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:21.740 about 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.099 something. 00:25:22.619 --> 00:25:23.019 We see 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.420 it depicted 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:23.899 when Jesus 00:25:23.899 --> 00:25:24.359 tells his 00:25:24.359 --> 00:25:24.960 disciples that 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.399 he is going 00:25:25.399 --> 00:25:26.440 to Jerusalem 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:27.059 to suffer 00:25:27.059 --> 00:25:27.599 and die 00:25:27.599 --> 00:25:28.139 and Peter 00:25:28.139 --> 00:25:28.779 rebukes 00:25:28.779 --> 00:25:29.299 him and 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:29.539 Jesus 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.079 responds 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:31.159 get behind 00:25:31.159 --> 00:25:31.659 me Satan 00:25:31.659 --> 00:25:33.019 for you 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.299 are not 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:33.539 setting 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.460 your mind 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:34.879 on the 00:25:34.879 --> 00:25:35.180 things of 00:25:35.180 --> 00:25:35.500 God 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:35.819 but on 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:35.960 the 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:36.279 things of 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:36.559 man. 00:25:37.379 --> 00:25:37.680 So 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:37.920 Peter 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:38.319 was 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:39.000 thinking 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:39.579 emotionally. 00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:40.779 Paul 00:25:40.779 --> 00:25:41.000 in our 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:41.420 text is 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:41.960 exhorting 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:45.380 these two 00:25:45.380 --> 00:25:45.819 different people 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:46.180 groups to 00:25:46.180 --> 00:25:46.480 have a 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.579 unity of 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.180 spirit. 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:49.500 Not just 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:50.100 an intellectual 00:25:50.100 --> 00:25:51.120 common ground. 00:25:52.140 --> 00:25:53.039 That's a 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:53.420 club. 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:53.900 We are 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:54.279 called to 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:54.660 have a 00:25:54.660 --> 00:25:55.140 thoughtful 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:56.360 brotherly 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:57.160 affection for 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:57.640 one another. 00:25:58.340 --> 00:25:58.660 When you 00:25:58.660 --> 00:26:00.140 consider the 00:26:00.140 --> 00:26:00.559 glory of 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:01.120 God and 00:26:01.120 --> 00:26:01.460 saving the 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.140 people to 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:02.539 himself, 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:03.360 it will 00:26:03.360 --> 00:26:03.819 cause you 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.680 to reflect 00:26:04.680 --> 00:26:05.700 emotionally 00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:06.680 on your 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:06.980 common 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:07.460 inheritance 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:07.940 with your 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:09.420 brothers and 00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:09.759 sisters. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.720 there's 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:12.299 no room 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:12.460 for 00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:12.819 disagreement 00:26:12.819 --> 00:26:14.900 here in 00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:15.759 our text 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.759 in heart 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:17.619 or spirit. 00:26:18.119 --> 00:26:18.440 The church 00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:18.859 is a 00:26:18.859 --> 00:26:19.680 people with 00:26:19.680 --> 00:26:20.420 one voice 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:21.460 that glorifies 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.140 one God. 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.579 We weep 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:23.960 together, 00:26:24.619 --> 00:26:25.140 we rejoice 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:25.539 together, 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:26.240 we endure 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:26.799 persecution 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:27.240 together, 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:28.379 all for the 00:26:28.379 --> 00:26:28.640 sake of 00:26:28.640 --> 00:26:28.980 Christ. 00:26:30.400 --> 00:26:30.619 In 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:31.160 Philippians 2, 00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:31.619 Paul says, 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:32.180 complete my 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:32.740 joy by being 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:33.440 of the same 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:34.059 mind, 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.299 have the 00:26:35.299 --> 00:26:36.480 same love. 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:37.599 That is 00:26:37.599 --> 00:26:39.000 being of the 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.500 same mind. 00:26:40.839 --> 00:26:41.359 That 00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:42.000 objective will 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:42.339 not be 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:42.740 accomplished 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:43.440 if everyone 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:44.099 is perceiving 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:45.119 themselves as 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:45.960 set apart 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:46.759 from the 00:26:46.759 --> 00:26:47.180 rest. 00:26:47.660 --> 00:26:48.079 If the 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:48.680 Gentiles or 00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:49.079 the Jews 00:26:49.079 --> 00:26:49.480 think that 00:26:49.480 --> 00:26:49.740 they are 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:50.539 special because 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:50.940 they're given 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:51.619 position within 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:52.079 the kingdom, 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:53.299 there can't 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:53.839 be unity 00:26:53.839 --> 00:26:55.440 or like-mindedness. 00:26:55.619 --> 00:26:56.079 The community 00:26:56.079 --> 00:26:56.500 of believers 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.099 won't function 00:26:57.099 --> 00:26:57.380 well. 00:26:58.180 --> 00:26:58.660 The feet 00:26:58.660 --> 00:26:59.200 of the body 00:26:59.200 --> 00:26:59.460 will be 00:26:59.460 --> 00:26:59.740 stumbling 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.220 over one 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:00.480 another. 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:01.779 You can't 00:27:01.779 --> 00:27:02.299 use both 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:02.880 hands to 00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:03.299 write at 00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:03.599 the same 00:27:03.599 --> 00:27:04.039 time. 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:06.339 Because the 00:27:06.339 --> 00:27:07.059 task before 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.660 us is the 00:27:07.660 --> 00:27:08.019 same, 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:08.960 to glorify 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:09.420 God, 00:27:09.660 --> 00:27:10.480 to know 00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:10.819 Him, 00:27:11.200 --> 00:27:11.500 and to 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:11.819 make Him 00:27:11.819 --> 00:27:12.180 known, 00:27:12.460 --> 00:27:12.960 there's no 00:27:12.960 --> 00:27:13.379 room for 00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:13.900 solo missions. 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:14.660 This is a 00:27:14.660 --> 00:27:15.079 team sport. 00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:16.180 God has 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:16.539 called a 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:17.139 people to 00:27:17.139 --> 00:27:17.519 Himself. 00:27:18.599 --> 00:27:19.259 If everyone 00:27:19.259 --> 00:27:20.160 is a 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:20.420 quarterback, 00:27:20.680 --> 00:27:21.160 then who 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:21.599 blocks the 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:21.839 quarterback? 00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:22.960 And who 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:23.660 retrieves? 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:25.960 We have to 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:26.539 be more 00:27:26.539 --> 00:27:27.799 concerned with 00:27:27.799 --> 00:27:28.319 the job 00:27:28.319 --> 00:27:29.200 getting done 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:30.319 than with 00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:30.799 who gets 00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:31.460 the recognition. 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:33.839 And in fact, 00:27:33.900 --> 00:27:34.420 the text tells 00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:35.039 us to associate 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:35.799 more with those 00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:36.180 not getting 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:36.720 recognition. 00:27:36.720 --> 00:27:38.079 whether this 00:27:38.079 --> 00:27:38.960 is associating 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:39.579 with people 00:27:39.579 --> 00:27:40.079 of low 00:27:40.079 --> 00:27:40.700 state or 00:27:40.700 --> 00:27:41.140 things, 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:41.600 the principle 00:27:41.600 --> 00:27:42.600 is the same 00:27:42.600 --> 00:27:42.960 way to 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.500 associate 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:44.880 with the 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.240 lowly. 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:45.799 Don't 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.360 strive to 00:27:46.360 --> 00:27:47.000 associate with 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.360 the high 00:27:47.360 --> 00:27:47.759 class, 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:48.160 the ones 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:48.700 who get 00:27:48.700 --> 00:27:49.339 the spotlight, 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.460 but condescend 00:27:50.460 --> 00:27:50.759 to the 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.059 lowly. 00:27:51.640 --> 00:27:52.079 If we are 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:52.640 caught up in 00:27:52.640 --> 00:27:53.600 pursuing lavish 00:27:53.600 --> 00:27:54.240 lifestyle and 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:54.799 high status, 00:27:55.100 --> 00:27:56.000 we end up 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:56.500 worshiping 00:27:56.500 --> 00:27:57.500 ourselves instead 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:57.940 of God. 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:00.059 That disunity 00:28:00.059 --> 00:28:00.920 and selfish 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:02.920 desire contrasts 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:03.299 the Lord's 00:28:03.299 --> 00:28:03.640 will for 00:28:03.640 --> 00:28:04.660 unity and 00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:05.140 selfless 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:05.460 living. 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:07.000 To quote 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.920 from Philippians 00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:08.259 again, 00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:08.940 verses 5 00:28:08.940 --> 00:28:09.400 through 7 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:09.880 shows us 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:10.299 the glory 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:10.720 in having 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:11.500 a corporately 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:11.940 humble 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:12.519 mindset. 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:13.700 Have this 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.620 mind among 00:28:14.620 --> 00:28:15.140 yourselves, 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:15.640 which is 00:28:15.640 --> 00:28:16.600 yours in 00:28:16.600 --> 00:28:17.299 Christ Jesus, 00:28:18.019 --> 00:28:18.299 who though 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:18.740 he was in 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:19.220 the form of 00:28:19.220 --> 00:28:19.440 God, 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:19.720 did not 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:21.360 count equality 00:28:21.360 --> 00:28:21.799 with God 00:28:21.799 --> 00:28:22.120 a thing to 00:28:22.120 --> 00:28:22.720 be grasped, 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:23.360 but he 00:28:23.360 --> 00:28:23.779 emptied 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.539 himself by 00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:24.960 taking on 00:28:24.960 --> 00:28:25.480 the form 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:25.799 of a 00:28:25.799 --> 00:28:26.039 servant. 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:27.360 This 00:28:27.360 --> 00:28:28.420 like-mindedness 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:28.779 that we 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.840 have is 00:28:29.840 --> 00:28:31.140 derived from 00:28:31.140 --> 00:28:31.519 and only 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.259 from Christ 00:28:32.259 --> 00:28:32.600 Jesus. 00:28:33.600 --> 00:28:34.180 The Spirit 00:28:34.180 --> 00:28:34.580 of God 00:28:34.580 --> 00:28:35.140 dwells within 00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:35.539 the believer, 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:36.400 causing him 00:28:36.400 --> 00:28:37.019 to do the 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:37.360 kinds of 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:37.920 things that 00:28:37.920 --> 00:28:38.720 Christ does, 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:39.799 pursue the 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:40.140 kinds of 00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:40.539 things that 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.340 he pursues, 00:28:41.660 --> 00:28:42.539 because Christ 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:43.140 stooped down 00:28:43.140 --> 00:28:43.580 to be a 00:28:43.580 --> 00:28:43.900 servant, 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:44.940 suffering for 00:28:44.940 --> 00:28:45.580 the sake of 00:28:45.580 --> 00:28:46.100 his people, 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:47.320 we put on 00:28:47.320 --> 00:28:48.759 humility and 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.720 servitude for 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.100 the sake of 00:28:50.100 --> 00:28:51.640 God's glory to 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:52.740 the benefit of 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.140 the church. 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.400 So finally, 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:55.840 we see in our 00:28:55.840 --> 00:28:56.340 text that to 00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:57.160 pursue harmony, 00:28:57.340 --> 00:28:58.000 we can't be 00:28:58.000 --> 00:28:58.820 wise in our 00:28:58.820 --> 00:28:59.360 own sight. 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:01.039 Just because the 00:29:01.039 --> 00:29:01.660 Jews have 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:02.600 studied the law, 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:03.459 that doesn't 00:29:03.459 --> 00:29:03.740 mean they 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.079 can't be 00:29:04.079 --> 00:29:04.579 taught the 00:29:04.579 --> 00:29:04.839 spiritual 00:29:04.839 --> 00:29:05.480 things that 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:05.939 God has 00:29:05.939 --> 00:29:06.459 revealed to 00:29:06.459 --> 00:29:07.199 the Gentiles. 00:29:08.199 --> 00:29:08.679 Conversely, 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:09.359 just because we 00:29:09.359 --> 00:29:09.899 are not under 00:29:09.899 --> 00:29:10.299 the law 00:29:10.299 --> 00:29:10.839 anymore doesn't 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:11.179 mean the 00:29:11.179 --> 00:29:11.740 Jews can't 00:29:11.740 --> 00:29:12.539 illuminate the 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:13.679 beauty of 00:29:13.679 --> 00:29:14.559 God's grander 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:15.079 arc of 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:15.500 redemptive 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:16.179 history throughout 00:29:16.179 --> 00:29:16.519 the Old 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:16.839 Covenant. 00:29:17.939 --> 00:29:18.879 The individual 00:29:18.879 --> 00:29:19.579 can't be the 00:29:19.579 --> 00:29:21.559 smartest one in 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.659 the room all 00:29:22.659 --> 00:29:23.179 of the time. 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.859 At least they're 00:29:24.859 --> 00:29:25.799 not supposed to 00:29:25.799 --> 00:29:26.639 perceive themselves 00:29:26.639 --> 00:29:27.319 as the wisest. 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:28.859 Their goal should 00:29:28.859 --> 00:29:30.039 always be God's 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:30.779 glory and not 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:31.240 their own. 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:33.559 When that is 00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:34.400 the true heart 00:29:34.400 --> 00:29:35.099 of the believer, 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:37.599 it won't matter 00:29:37.599 --> 00:29:38.940 who reveals the 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:39.480 Lord's will. 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:40.299 It will mostly 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:41.759 matter that the 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.519 Lord's will is 00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:43.240 being exalted. 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:45.240 The mixed 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:45.960 congregation needs 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:46.660 to praise God 00:29:46.660 --> 00:29:48.019 in giving insight 00:29:48.019 --> 00:29:48.599 to their brothers 00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:50.000 and sisters of 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:50.420 the faith, 00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:51.099 regardless of 00:29:51.099 --> 00:29:51.700 their ethnicity. 00:29:52.960 --> 00:29:53.700 The book of 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:54.620 Proverbs is filled 00:29:54.620 --> 00:29:55.500 with exhortations 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:56.519 to seek counsel 00:29:56.519 --> 00:29:57.420 outside of yourself, 00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:58.079 and one verse 00:29:58.079 --> 00:29:58.920 that ties particularly 00:29:58.920 --> 00:29:59.839 well into our 00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:01.120 text is a 00:30:01.119 --> 00:30:01.759 Proverbs 11, 00:30:01.899 --> 00:30:02.319 14. 00:30:02.639 --> 00:30:02.879 It says, 00:30:02.979 --> 00:30:03.399 Where there is 00:30:03.399 --> 00:30:04.239 no guidance, 00:30:04.399 --> 00:30:05.159 a people falls, 00:30:05.439 --> 00:30:06.000 but in an 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:06.799 abundance of 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:07.239 counselors, 00:30:07.719 --> 00:30:08.679 there is safety. 00:30:09.739 --> 00:30:10.699 Not one of us 00:30:10.699 --> 00:30:11.419 here holds all 00:30:11.419 --> 00:30:12.079 the wisdom of 00:30:12.079 --> 00:30:13.399 God in and 00:30:13.399 --> 00:30:14.019 of ourselves. 00:30:14.479 --> 00:30:15.500 The Lord has 00:30:15.500 --> 00:30:17.339 uniquely and 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:18.839 preciously grown 00:30:18.839 --> 00:30:19.779 and matured 00:30:19.779 --> 00:30:20.479 some of us at 00:30:20.479 --> 00:30:21.299 different paces 00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:22.739 in different ways. 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:24.299 He has even 00:30:24.299 --> 00:30:25.819 concealed some 00:30:25.819 --> 00:30:26.399 things from all 00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:26.839 of us. 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:28.699 So, we 00:30:28.699 --> 00:30:29.099 will never 00:30:29.099 --> 00:30:29.720 know all 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:30.199 things as 00:30:30.199 --> 00:30:30.779 God knows 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.359 all things. 00:30:31.459 --> 00:30:31.879 In fact, 00:30:32.379 --> 00:30:32.980 from now 00:30:32.980 --> 00:30:33.740 until eternity, 00:30:33.879 --> 00:30:34.279 we will be 00:30:34.279 --> 00:30:35.220 exploring the 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:35.740 immeasurable 00:30:35.740 --> 00:30:36.319 riches of 00:30:36.319 --> 00:30:36.959 God's wisdom 00:30:36.959 --> 00:30:38.039 and glory. 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.119 So, as the 00:30:39.119 --> 00:30:39.379 creation, 00:30:39.480 --> 00:30:39.699 not the 00:30:39.699 --> 00:30:39.899 creator, 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:40.220 we need 00:30:40.220 --> 00:30:40.959 humility and 00:30:40.959 --> 00:30:42.019 our self-perception 00:30:42.019 --> 00:30:42.839 to recognize 00:30:42.839 --> 00:30:43.859 only God's 00:30:43.859 --> 00:30:45.119 word is 00:30:45.119 --> 00:30:45.859 all true, 00:30:46.179 --> 00:30:46.599 is all 00:30:46.599 --> 00:30:48.179 authoritative, 00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:49.559 and all 00:30:49.559 --> 00:30:49.939 wise. 00:30:51.419 --> 00:30:51.879 In 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:52.619 exemplary 00:30:52.619 --> 00:30:53.240 fashion, 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:54.079 Paul boasts 00:30:54.079 --> 00:30:54.460 in his 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.120 weaknesses so 00:30:55.120 --> 00:30:55.539 that God 00:30:55.539 --> 00:30:55.819 would be 00:30:55.819 --> 00:30:56.500 proven strong. 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:57.500 He humbly 00:30:57.500 --> 00:30:58.079 exhorts the 00:30:58.079 --> 00:30:59.039 Corinthians in 00:30:59.039 --> 00:30:59.579 1 Corinthians 00:30:59.579 --> 00:31:00.120 chapter 3. 00:31:00.539 --> 00:31:00.799 He says, 00:31:00.980 --> 00:31:01.400 Let no one 00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:02.299 deceive himself. 00:31:02.880 --> 00:31:03.440 If anyone 00:31:03.440 --> 00:31:04.339 among you 00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:04.839 thinks that he 00:31:04.839 --> 00:31:05.859 is wise in 00:31:05.859 --> 00:31:06.420 this age, 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:06.940 let him 00:31:06.940 --> 00:31:07.539 become a 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:08.559 fool that 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:08.880 he may 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:09.759 become wise. 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:10.660 For the 00:31:10.660 --> 00:31:11.240 wisdom of 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:11.759 the world 00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:12.420 is folly 00:31:12.420 --> 00:31:13.019 with God. 00:31:13.339 --> 00:31:13.799 For it is 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:14.000 written, 00:31:14.120 --> 00:31:14.519 he catches 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:15.079 the wise 00:31:15.079 --> 00:31:15.299 in their 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:15.720 craftiness. 00:31:15.859 --> 00:31:16.259 And again, 00:31:16.640 --> 00:31:17.099 the Lord 00:31:17.099 --> 00:31:17.779 knows the 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:18.120 thoughts of 00:31:18.120 --> 00:31:18.539 the wise 00:31:18.539 --> 00:31:18.799 that they 00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:19.240 are futile. 00:31:19.799 --> 00:31:20.019 So, 00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:20.720 let no one 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:21.200 boast in 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:21.519 men, 00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:21.920 for all 00:31:21.920 --> 00:31:22.259 things are 00:31:22.259 --> 00:31:22.519 yours, 00:31:22.599 --> 00:31:23.160 whether Paul 00:31:23.160 --> 00:31:23.880 or Apollos 00:31:23.880 --> 00:31:24.279 or save 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:24.580 us, 00:31:24.860 --> 00:31:25.180 or the 00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:25.640 world or 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:26.060 life or 00:31:26.060 --> 00:31:26.480 death or 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:26.920 the present 00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:27.200 or the 00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:27.519 future, 00:31:27.680 --> 00:31:28.180 all are 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:29.040 yours and 00:31:29.040 --> 00:31:29.460 you are 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:30.480 Christ's and 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:31.259 Christ is 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:31.840 God's. 00:31:32.200 --> 00:31:32.860 Even the 00:31:32.860 --> 00:31:33.680 apostle Paul, 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.560 well studied 00:31:34.560 --> 00:31:35.180 as a Jew 00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:35.680 and a 00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:36.560 Pharisee, 00:31:36.700 --> 00:31:37.320 miraculously 00:31:37.320 --> 00:31:38.660 saved on 00:31:38.660 --> 00:31:39.420 Damascus Road, 00:31:40.040 --> 00:31:40.560 he was granted 00:31:40.560 --> 00:31:41.700 much spiritual 00:31:41.700 --> 00:31:42.460 authority and 00:31:42.460 --> 00:31:42.840 power. 00:31:43.300 --> 00:31:43.880 He humbly 00:31:43.880 --> 00:31:45.100 confesses that 00:31:45.100 --> 00:31:45.480 even his 00:31:45.480 --> 00:31:45.880 wisdom is 00:31:45.880 --> 00:31:46.420 nothing apart 00:31:46.420 --> 00:31:47.180 from Christ's. 00:31:47.880 --> 00:31:48.080 So, 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:48.480 in order to 00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:49.040 glorify God 00:31:49.040 --> 00:31:49.460 as a church, 00:31:49.519 --> 00:31:49.940 we must be 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:50.680 humble in 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:51.720 recognizing all 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:52.340 things come 00:31:52.340 --> 00:31:52.880 from him, 00:31:52.880 --> 00:31:53.920 we did 00:31:53.920 --> 00:31:54.520 not create 00:31:54.520 --> 00:31:55.340 ourselves, 00:31:55.560 --> 00:31:55.860 we came 00:31:55.860 --> 00:31:56.100 into the 00:31:56.100 --> 00:31:56.360 word to 00:31:56.360 --> 00:31:56.980 us, 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:57.820 true wisdom 00:31:57.820 --> 00:31:58.380 that comes 00:31:58.380 --> 00:31:58.780 only from 00:31:58.780 --> 00:31:59.180 the Spirit. 00:32:01.520 --> 00:32:02.380 In closing, 00:32:02.540 --> 00:32:02.900 I want to 00:32:02.900 --> 00:32:03.360 leave you with 00:32:03.360 --> 00:32:03.600 a few 00:32:03.600 --> 00:32:04.600 reflections and 00:32:04.600 --> 00:32:05.320 some encouragement 00:32:05.320 --> 00:32:07.780 regarding 00:32:07.780 --> 00:32:08.600 application. 00:32:08.599 --> 00:32:09.599 the overarching 00:32:09.599 --> 00:32:10.819 instruction is 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:11.439 to live 00:32:11.439 --> 00:32:12.279 selflessly. 00:32:13.539 --> 00:32:14.319 Remember that 00:32:14.319 --> 00:32:15.359 before salvation, 00:32:15.699 --> 00:32:16.519 you too were 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:17.299 an enemy to 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:19.000 God, and 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:19.459 had it not 00:32:19.459 --> 00:32:20.059 been for his 00:32:20.059 --> 00:32:20.539 grace and 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.019 his mercy, 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:21.599 you still 00:32:21.599 --> 00:32:22.359 would be an 00:32:22.359 --> 00:32:22.599 enemy. 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:24.259 So, have 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:24.859 sympathy for 00:32:24.859 --> 00:32:25.019 your 00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.659 persecutors. 00:32:27.439 --> 00:32:28.119 Within the 00:32:28.119 --> 00:32:28.599 church, be of 00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:29.399 the same mind 00:32:29.399 --> 00:32:29.980 in such a way 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:30.619 that you first 00:32:30.619 --> 00:32:31.459 know what's 00:32:31.459 --> 00:32:32.219 going on in 00:32:32.219 --> 00:32:32.619 the personal 00:32:32.619 --> 00:32:33.339 lives of your 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:33.980 fellow members, 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:35.599 and then respond 00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:36.099 accordingly. 00:32:36.099 --> 00:32:37.439 The body of 00:32:37.439 --> 00:32:37.859 Christ does 00:32:37.859 --> 00:32:38.379 not keep to 00:32:38.379 --> 00:32:38.799 itself. 00:32:39.319 --> 00:32:39.779 We care for 00:32:39.779 --> 00:32:40.259 one another. 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:41.199 We deny our 00:32:41.199 --> 00:32:42.000 own fleshly 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:42.759 desires in 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:43.119 order to 00:32:43.119 --> 00:32:43.579 serve one 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:43.879 another. 00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:45.279 So, do not 00:32:45.279 --> 00:32:46.139 let jealousy 00:32:46.139 --> 00:32:47.459 withhold rejoicing. 00:32:47.859 --> 00:32:48.639 Do not let 00:32:48.639 --> 00:32:49.439 pride or 00:32:49.439 --> 00:32:50.019 insecurity 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:51.019 withhold weeping. 00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:52.819 In humility, 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:53.879 strive to be 00:32:53.879 --> 00:32:54.519 of the same 00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:55.759 love with 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.219 people who 00:32:56.219 --> 00:32:56.579 are different 00:32:56.579 --> 00:32:57.019 than you, 00:32:58.019 --> 00:32:58.619 with people 00:32:58.619 --> 00:32:59.039 who wouldn't 00:32:59.039 --> 00:32:59.319 be your 00:32:59.319 --> 00:32:59.719 friend on 00:32:59.719 --> 00:33:00.740 paper, per 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.240 se, but 00:33:01.240 --> 00:33:01.740 are your 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.599 family in 00:33:02.599 --> 00:33:02.939 Christ. 00:33:04.679 --> 00:33:05.159 Lastly, 00:33:05.339 --> 00:33:05.879 consider that 00:33:05.880 --> 00:33:06.200 you are 00:33:06.200 --> 00:33:07.140 created and 00:33:07.140 --> 00:33:07.980 sustained by 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:08.420 God. 00:33:08.740 --> 00:33:09.040 If you 00:33:09.040 --> 00:33:09.480 have any 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:11.000 wisdom, any 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:11.980 wise thought, 00:33:12.100 --> 00:33:13.040 any understanding, 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:14.520 give God the 00:33:14.520 --> 00:33:14.840 glory. 00:33:15.620 --> 00:33:16.380 In doing so, 00:33:16.620 --> 00:33:17.320 you spur one 00:33:17.320 --> 00:33:18.280 another on to 00:33:18.280 --> 00:33:18.640 love and good 00:33:18.640 --> 00:33:19.300 works as you 00:33:19.300 --> 00:33:19.980 glorify God. 00:33:22.060 --> 00:33:23.360 As a means of 00:33:23.360 --> 00:33:25.640 encouragement, we 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:27.040 elders have been 00:33:27.040 --> 00:33:28.260 very heartened by 00:33:28.260 --> 00:33:28.940 the way that you 00:33:28.940 --> 00:33:29.560 all serve one 00:33:29.560 --> 00:33:30.040 another in 00:33:30.040 --> 00:33:31.400 humility and 00:33:31.400 --> 00:33:31.740 empathy. 00:33:32.420 --> 00:33:33.580 We see and we 00:33:33.580 --> 00:33:34.300 hear the 00:33:34.300 --> 00:33:34.920 compassion you 00:33:34.920 --> 00:33:35.440 have for one 00:33:35.440 --> 00:33:36.279 another regularly. 00:33:36.880 --> 00:33:37.500 I have 00:33:37.500 --> 00:33:37.860 personally 00:33:37.860 --> 00:33:38.660 experienced the 00:33:38.660 --> 00:33:39.340 rejoicing and 00:33:39.340 --> 00:33:39.840 weeping with 00:33:39.840 --> 00:33:40.220 you all. 00:33:41.259 --> 00:33:42.039 Our sentiment 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:42.840 is that of 00:33:42.840 --> 00:33:43.799 Paul to the 00:33:43.799 --> 00:33:44.500 Thessalonians 00:33:44.500 --> 00:33:45.380 when he said, 00:33:45.539 --> 00:33:46.019 Now concerning 00:33:46.019 --> 00:33:47.000 brotherly love, 00:33:47.100 --> 00:33:47.539 you have no 00:33:47.539 --> 00:33:48.840 need for anyone 00:33:48.840 --> 00:33:49.559 to write to you, 00:33:49.620 --> 00:33:50.320 for you yourselves 00:33:50.320 --> 00:33:50.920 have been taught 00:33:50.920 --> 00:33:51.960 by God to love 00:33:51.960 --> 00:33:52.519 one another. 00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:53.880 For that, 00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:54.519 and indeed, 00:33:54.660 --> 00:33:55.180 is what you are 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:55.920 doing to all the 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:56.340 brothers throughout 00:33:56.340 --> 00:33:56.860 Macedonia. 00:33:57.299 --> 00:33:58.759 But, we urge 00:33:58.759 --> 00:33:59.519 you, brothers, 00:34:00.480 --> 00:34:02.380 do this more 00:34:02.380 --> 00:34:03.520 and more. 00:34:04.800 --> 00:34:05.380 Let's pray.