WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.379 Please do turn back in your Bibles to Romans chapter 8. 00:00:04.960 --> 00:00:07.799 We're going to look at verses 26 to 30 tonight, 00:00:07.799 --> 00:00:07.799 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.979 about to kick off, the office waiting for us, 00:00:33.179 --> 00:00:34.259 the unread emails. 00:00:35.020 --> 00:00:36.119 If it wasn't half term, 00:00:36.399 --> 00:00:38.519 the school uniform would be ironed and ready. 00:00:39.740 --> 00:00:43.780 But what is so common for us to feel on that Sunday night? 00:00:44.560 --> 00:00:46.799 It's the Sunday night dread, isn't it? 00:00:47.780 --> 00:00:50.320 I've also heard it called the Sunday scaries. 00:00:51.280 --> 00:00:54.480 It's a common thing for teachers to feel if it wasn't half term. 00:00:55.280 --> 00:00:57.579 But that dread, it can happen any time. 00:00:57.579 --> 00:00:59.879 And why do we feel that? 00:00:59.979 --> 00:01:01.619 What's behind that? 00:01:02.439 --> 00:01:06.319 It's the looming uncertainty ahead, isn't it? 00:01:07.340 --> 00:01:12.439 It is facing a week filled with fears and troubles 00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:13.879 and all sorts of hurdles 00:01:13.879 --> 00:01:16.819 that we have no idea how we're going to jump over. 00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:20.159 Because we know just how weak we are. 00:01:20.859 --> 00:01:23.500 We realize how out of control we are. 00:01:24.060 --> 00:01:27.039 And so we are filled with this dread 00:01:27.040 --> 00:01:30.260 this overwhelming uncertainty. 00:01:31.420 --> 00:01:34.300 Uncertain about what to do when the trouble comes along. 00:01:34.420 --> 00:01:35.760 What is the right solution? 00:01:35.980 --> 00:01:36.760 What I need? 00:01:36.820 --> 00:01:37.960 What my children need? 00:01:38.180 --> 00:01:39.320 What my friend needs? 00:01:39.340 --> 00:01:40.120 Or my parents? 00:01:40.580 --> 00:01:42.960 I look ahead and I'm just scared. 00:01:44.320 --> 00:01:46.940 How is all of this going to play out? 00:01:47.640 --> 00:01:49.020 And it could be paralyzing. 00:01:49.019 --> 00:01:53.819 Well, that weakness and uncertainty that you feel, 00:01:54.159 --> 00:01:57.019 that is exactly what Romans 8 is addressing tonight. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:02:01.420 Paul is showing us here, yes, we are weak. 00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:05.879 Yes, this life to our eye seems so uncertain. 00:02:05.879 --> 00:02:09.740 But thankfully, when you belong to Christ, 00:02:09.939 --> 00:02:11.319 when you have his spirit, 00:02:12.099 --> 00:02:17.579 there is a great and perfect certainty in the Christian life. 00:02:18.639 --> 00:02:20.960 This coming week, this coming year, 00:02:21.639 --> 00:02:24.560 may feel like stepping into the great unknown. 00:02:24.560 --> 00:02:30.340 But in Christ, he has guaranteed every step you take 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:34.640 will be stepping onto certain unmovable ground. 00:02:35.699 --> 00:02:38.020 It is a certainty that you can rest in 00:02:38.020 --> 00:02:39.879 and find peace in. 00:02:40.020 --> 00:02:42.300 And it's a certainty that's with you wherever you go. 00:02:43.960 --> 00:02:46.300 In fact, I want us to see that there are three aspects 00:02:46.300 --> 00:02:48.280 to this certainty in the Christian life. 00:02:48.379 --> 00:02:51.580 There is a certain help in all our needs. 00:02:51.580 --> 00:02:54.719 There is a certain purpose 00:02:54.719 --> 00:02:57.740 behind everything going on in your life. 00:02:58.900 --> 00:03:00.820 And though we do worry about the days ahead, 00:03:00.900 --> 00:03:04.040 there is a certain future in the Christian life. 00:03:05.020 --> 00:03:07.280 So three certainties I want us to see tonight. 00:03:07.660 --> 00:03:08.380 And the first is this, 00:03:08.460 --> 00:03:11.200 the certain help in the Christian life. 00:03:12.520 --> 00:03:14.300 So far in Romans 8, 00:03:14.820 --> 00:03:18.460 we've seen the Holy Spirit is key to this chapter. 00:03:18.460 --> 00:03:21.640 It's all about what the Spirit is doing 00:03:21.640 --> 00:03:23.000 in the Christian life. 00:03:23.640 --> 00:03:25.620 And we've seen the Spirit's work is deep, 00:03:26.120 --> 00:03:27.740 helping us fight sin, 00:03:27.939 --> 00:03:29.000 guaranteeing victory. 00:03:29.420 --> 00:03:31.159 And the Spirit's work is wide. 00:03:31.920 --> 00:03:33.740 He's going to renew the whole creation. 00:03:34.740 --> 00:03:36.439 But now we see something else. 00:03:37.520 --> 00:03:39.680 The Spirit is in us, 00:03:40.460 --> 00:03:41.319 helping us. 00:03:42.140 --> 00:03:43.140 Look at verse 26. 00:03:43.139 --> 00:03:48.199 Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:52.639 Now notice, it doesn't say weaknesses, does it? 00:03:52.879 --> 00:03:53.779 But weakness. 00:03:54.939 --> 00:04:00.139 This is talking about just the whole weak condition of our lives. 00:04:01.039 --> 00:04:02.560 So the Spirit doesn't only help us 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:05.219 when weaknesses crop up now and again. 00:04:05.679 --> 00:04:08.479 No, the Spirit helps us in the constant 00:04:08.479 --> 00:04:10.519 weakness of our sin, 00:04:11.219 --> 00:04:12.639 weakness of our anxiety, 00:04:12.939 --> 00:04:14.859 weakness handling that difficult boss, 00:04:15.419 --> 00:04:17.060 the stress at work, at school, 00:04:17.199 --> 00:04:18.439 the temptations inside, 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:19.519 how to parent, 00:04:19.680 --> 00:04:21.099 how to keep that marriage going. 00:04:21.899 --> 00:04:25.339 This is just the whole weakness of our lives, 00:04:25.420 --> 00:04:26.139 this side of heaven. 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:30.279 And we don't need to think very hard to picture that, do we? 00:04:30.279 --> 00:04:32.979 But for the Christian, 00:04:33.239 --> 00:04:34.559 beneath that weakness, 00:04:35.259 --> 00:04:37.419 there is something going on. 00:04:38.579 --> 00:04:41.699 The Spirit dwells in your heart, 00:04:42.019 --> 00:04:43.519 and He helps you. 00:04:45.059 --> 00:04:46.279 And what does He help us with? 00:04:46.459 --> 00:04:48.519 Look at the rest of verse 26. 00:04:49.919 --> 00:04:52.099 Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, 00:04:52.359 --> 00:04:53.379 for, because, 00:04:54.259 --> 00:04:56.859 we do not know what to pray for as we ought. 00:04:56.860 --> 00:05:01.139 And prayer is a sign of our weakness, isn't it? 00:05:01.900 --> 00:05:04.980 We pray because we are not strong, 00:05:05.860 --> 00:05:07.800 because we aren't capable, 00:05:08.040 --> 00:05:09.420 we aren't self-sufficient. 00:05:09.879 --> 00:05:12.960 We pray because we have so many needs, 00:05:13.180 --> 00:05:15.080 and we need God's help, 00:05:15.400 --> 00:05:17.480 because we're weak. 00:05:18.819 --> 00:05:21.420 How many times have you just come to the end of your tether, 00:05:21.540 --> 00:05:23.720 and all you can do is just pray? 00:05:23.720 --> 00:05:26.840 And that is exactly what we should do. 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:28.840 Come to God with all your troubles. 00:05:29.640 --> 00:05:31.420 Prayer and weakness, they go together. 00:05:32.500 --> 00:05:34.000 But the reality is, 00:05:34.940 --> 00:05:37.840 we are often so weak, 00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:42.860 our needs are so deep and complicated, 00:05:43.080 --> 00:05:47.400 and our situations just so vastly beyond our wisdom, 00:05:47.399 --> 00:05:51.739 that we don't even know what to pray for. 00:05:52.659 --> 00:05:54.299 That's what verse 26 is saying. 00:05:54.439 --> 00:05:57.819 We do not know what to pray for as we ought. 00:05:59.399 --> 00:06:01.060 We can just be so lost, 00:06:01.779 --> 00:06:03.139 so out of our depths, 00:06:03.219 --> 00:06:03.779 we can think, 00:06:04.179 --> 00:06:06.799 I don't even know what to ask for here. 00:06:07.599 --> 00:06:10.279 What do I even need in this situation? 00:06:10.279 --> 00:06:15.299 Your friend is just going through one tragedy after another, 00:06:15.879 --> 00:06:17.379 and you can try calling them, 00:06:17.459 --> 00:06:18.459 or making them a meal, 00:06:18.699 --> 00:06:21.059 but it's just not even scratching the surface. 00:06:22.219 --> 00:06:24.599 And the tragedy isn't even the only problem, 00:06:24.879 --> 00:06:26.199 it's how they're handling it, 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:26.939 their heart, 00:06:27.079 --> 00:06:27.759 their mind, 00:06:28.379 --> 00:06:29.019 their health, 00:06:29.099 --> 00:06:30.199 but also their finances, 00:06:30.839 --> 00:06:31.519 their marriage, 00:06:31.659 --> 00:06:32.839 their spiritual state. 00:06:33.799 --> 00:06:36.679 We don't even know what should be done here. 00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:38.560 We are so weak, 00:06:39.019 --> 00:06:41.540 we do not know what to pray for as we ought. 00:06:43.160 --> 00:06:45.120 Or you're faced with that medical mystery, 00:06:46.100 --> 00:06:48.459 constant investigations and referrals, 00:06:48.680 --> 00:06:49.819 but never any progress, 00:06:50.079 --> 00:06:51.920 and it's just looking like there's no solution. 00:06:52.740 --> 00:06:54.939 It's just something I have to now live with, 00:06:54.960 --> 00:06:55.620 a new normal. 00:06:56.840 --> 00:06:58.399 And we shut our eyes to pray, 00:06:58.480 --> 00:07:01.000 and we don't even know where to start. 00:07:01.980 --> 00:07:03.920 The doctors don't even know what I need. 00:07:03.920 --> 00:07:05.879 How am I supposed to know what I need? 00:07:07.259 --> 00:07:08.560 Or my family situation, 00:07:08.680 --> 00:07:09.420 it's just impossible. 00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:10.819 Things are just so fragile, 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:12.560 and entrenched, 00:07:13.199 --> 00:07:15.439 and it's like change is never going to happen, 00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:18.139 and we don't even know what to ask for. 00:07:19.160 --> 00:07:21.060 Well, think about the life choices we have to make. 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:22.980 Uni, jobs, moving house, marriage. 00:07:23.259 --> 00:07:23.879 On top of that, 00:07:23.939 --> 00:07:24.860 the Prime Minister is saying, 00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:27.199 we've got to gather supplies in case of war. 00:07:28.060 --> 00:07:30.340 How do I know what I need for a future 00:07:30.340 --> 00:07:31.879 I don't even know about? 00:07:33.740 --> 00:07:35.180 I know I need something, 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:36.460 but I don't know. 00:07:36.680 --> 00:07:37.079 What? 00:07:38.360 --> 00:07:41.579 It's the huge uncertainty of our weakness. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:46.000 And so we don't know what to pray for as we ought. 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:48.699 And in those times, 00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:49.699 we can just cry out, 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:50.480 Lord, help me, 00:07:51.160 --> 00:07:53.000 or your will be done. 00:07:53.939 --> 00:07:56.439 Or maybe we don't cry anything at all. 00:07:57.720 --> 00:07:58.840 Maybe you've been there. 00:07:59.660 --> 00:08:01.139 Maybe you're there right now. 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:05.579 Just sat in the weak silence. 00:08:07.099 --> 00:08:08.459 But beneath that silence, 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:10.519 in the Christian life, 00:08:11.139 --> 00:08:13.159 there is something going on. 00:08:14.459 --> 00:08:15.879 Look at the end of verse 26. 00:08:15.879 --> 00:08:16.879 The Spirit himself, 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:20.339 the Spirit himself intercedes for us 00:08:20.339 --> 00:08:23.240 with groanings too deep for words. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:25.680 Intercedes, 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:28.100 it just means praying for someone else. 00:08:28.100 --> 00:08:30.300 So when Reuben prayed earlier, 00:08:30.500 --> 00:08:32.740 that was a prayer of intercession. 00:08:34.080 --> 00:08:36.560 Well, something remarkable is happening 00:08:36.560 --> 00:08:38.080 in the Christian's heart. 00:08:39.100 --> 00:08:42.060 Not only is Christ praying for you in heaven, 00:08:42.059 --> 00:08:45.079 but the Spirit himself is in you 00:08:45.079 --> 00:08:47.319 and praying for you. 00:08:48.559 --> 00:08:50.899 And he's groaning these prayers. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:51.819 Do you see that? 00:08:52.899 --> 00:08:55.099 And notice that this isn't the only groaning 00:08:55.099 --> 00:08:56.059 going on in this chapter. 00:08:56.339 --> 00:08:57.419 Remember verse 22, 00:08:57.959 --> 00:09:00.479 creation groans in its brokenness. 00:09:00.979 --> 00:09:01.799 And verse 23, 00:09:02.219 --> 00:09:05.079 we groan in our suffering and weakness, 00:09:05.879 --> 00:09:07.839 longing for the redemption of our bodies. 00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:08.660 Well, here, 00:09:09.580 --> 00:09:11.240 the Spirit himself 00:09:11.240 --> 00:09:14.200 joins in with our groaning. 00:09:15.879 --> 00:09:18.399 But the Spirit doesn't groan because he suffers. 00:09:19.300 --> 00:09:20.940 No, he groans, 00:09:21.160 --> 00:09:21.980 not in agony, 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:23.440 but in prayer. 00:09:24.820 --> 00:09:27.879 The Spirit takes our groans 00:09:27.879 --> 00:09:30.259 and lifts them up to God. 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:32.300 Because look, 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:35.660 these groans are too deep for words. 00:09:36.040 --> 00:09:37.820 Can't be put into words. 00:09:38.840 --> 00:09:40.660 And what have we just seen 00:09:40.660 --> 00:09:41.899 is too deep for words? 00:09:42.860 --> 00:09:43.720 Our weakness. 00:09:44.780 --> 00:09:45.820 Our needs. 00:09:46.780 --> 00:09:48.740 All that is going on in our lives 00:09:48.740 --> 00:09:51.300 that we struggle to even know what to pray for. 00:09:51.560 --> 00:09:53.120 It is a deep, deep need, 00:09:53.180 --> 00:09:54.340 a deep groan 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:56.440 beyond our words. 00:09:57.740 --> 00:10:00.000 And the Spirit right now 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:01.399 is inside of you 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:05.139 and he knows exactly what those groans are. 00:10:05.139 --> 00:10:08.139 He knows your deepest needs 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:10.439 and your deepest troubles 00:10:10.439 --> 00:10:12.919 and the very depths of your weakness. 00:10:13.120 --> 00:10:16.939 What you struggle to express or even know. 00:10:16.940 --> 00:10:19.860 And he takes that groaning, 00:10:20.420 --> 00:10:21.760 takes it to himself 00:10:21.760 --> 00:10:23.960 and groans it himself 00:10:23.960 --> 00:10:26.180 up in prayer to God, 00:10:27.220 --> 00:10:29.240 bringing all those needs 00:10:29.240 --> 00:10:30.560 to the throne of grace, 00:10:31.560 --> 00:10:34.860 perfectly telling the Father what we need. 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:37.759 and the Father perfectly hears them. 00:10:37.759 --> 00:10:38.680 Look at verse 27. 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:41.580 And he who searches hearts, 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:42.560 our Heavenly Father, 00:10:43.560 --> 00:10:45.759 knows what is the mind of the Spirit 00:10:45.759 --> 00:10:48.060 because the Spirit intercedes for the saints 00:10:48.060 --> 00:10:49.820 according to the will of God. 00:10:49.820 --> 00:10:53.940 We have huge uncertainty 00:10:53.940 --> 00:10:55.320 to know what we need. 00:10:56.360 --> 00:10:58.440 But the Spirit knows you 00:10:58.440 --> 00:11:00.200 with absolute certainty 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:02.300 better than you know yourself. 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:04.740 And the Father knows the Spirit 00:11:04.740 --> 00:11:05.940 with absolute certainty. 00:11:06.540 --> 00:11:07.960 And so the Spirit brings 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:10.280 all of your needs to God 00:11:10.280 --> 00:11:12.160 with absolute certainty. 00:11:13.560 --> 00:11:14.920 It's such a comfort 00:11:14.920 --> 00:11:17.660 when you know someone's been praying for you, 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:17.980 isn't it? 00:11:18.699 --> 00:11:19.779 But when you realize 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:21.639 someone has just been spending time at home, 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:22.600 time at the office, 00:11:22.959 --> 00:11:24.579 thinking of you and praying for you, 00:11:25.860 --> 00:11:27.839 well, the Spirit himself 00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:30.679 does that constantly for you. 00:11:31.959 --> 00:11:34.559 Right now, the Spirit himself 00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:36.980 is lifting up all the details 00:11:36.980 --> 00:11:39.059 of your life and your needs to God. 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:42.860 I remember someone years ago 00:11:42.860 --> 00:11:44.579 who in prayer meetings, 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:46.000 he would pray just the most 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:48.200 practically helpful prayers. 00:11:49.019 --> 00:11:50.480 So if someone, let's say, 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:51.960 was going through a visa situation, 00:11:52.779 --> 00:11:53.539 he might pray, 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:55.320 Lord, we ask that they would 00:11:55.320 --> 00:11:57.120 find the right form to fill in 00:11:57.120 --> 00:11:58.600 and speak to the right person 00:11:58.600 --> 00:11:59.960 and find that phone number 00:11:59.960 --> 00:12:01.039 that they've been looking for. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:05.600 And it showed such a careful insight 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:07.580 into their problems and needs. 00:12:08.340 --> 00:12:09.299 And those prayers, 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:09.899 when you heard them, 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:11.220 they were just such a peace 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:12.720 and a help amidst the worries. 00:12:12.720 --> 00:12:17.019 Well, the Spirit does that for you, 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:18.899 but in the deepest, 00:12:19.040 --> 00:12:20.879 most careful way possible. 00:12:21.940 --> 00:12:23.560 Groans too deep for words. 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:26.720 And so you might be facing 00:12:26.720 --> 00:12:28.740 the most unknown, uncertain future, 00:12:29.500 --> 00:12:31.720 just the most complicated situation, 00:12:32.420 --> 00:12:34.680 and a solution doesn't even seem possible. 00:12:34.679 --> 00:12:37.099 But in the Christian life, 00:12:37.159 --> 00:12:37.819 you need to know 00:12:37.819 --> 00:12:40.679 there is unshakable certainty 00:12:40.679 --> 00:12:42.679 that God knows exactly 00:12:43.259 --> 00:12:44.359 what you're going through. 00:12:45.079 --> 00:12:47.500 He knows exactly what you need. 00:12:48.659 --> 00:12:50.219 And so you are never alone. 00:12:51.219 --> 00:12:52.699 There is this constant, 00:12:53.019 --> 00:12:55.259 certain help by the Spirit. 00:12:55.419 --> 00:12:58.579 He is telling all of that, 00:12:58.719 --> 00:12:59.699 all your needs, 00:12:59.819 --> 00:13:01.279 to the Father right this moment. 00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:04.639 And notice the Spirit, 00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:07.779 He doesn't make the problems disappear. 00:13:08.779 --> 00:13:10.919 He doesn't make the weakness disappear, 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:13.720 but He helps us in our weakness 00:13:13.720 --> 00:13:15.759 by praying for us, 00:13:15.879 --> 00:13:16.860 calling out for us 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:18.500 when our voice just doesn't have the strength. 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:22.659 But there's even more certainty than that. 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:25.199 Because with all those needs 00:13:25.199 --> 00:13:26.559 now known to God, 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:28.639 God does something about it. 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:33.319 that He works all things in your life 00:13:33.319 --> 00:13:35.039 for your good. 00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:38.299 There is a certain purpose 00:13:38.299 --> 00:13:39.899 in the Christian life. 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:41.639 It's my second point, 00:13:41.699 --> 00:13:44.679 the certain purpose of the Christian life. 00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:47.919 We now come to maybe 00:13:47.919 --> 00:13:50.600 the most well-known verse of Romans 8, 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:52.399 the shiniest part of the gem, 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:53.019 verse 28. 00:13:53.019 --> 00:13:55.199 And we know 00:13:55.199 --> 00:13:57.500 that for those who love God, 00:13:58.019 --> 00:14:00.360 all things work together for good 00:14:00.360 --> 00:14:02.740 for those who are called 00:14:02.740 --> 00:14:03.919 according to His purpose. 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:07.039 So with that knowledge of your needs, 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:08.720 do you see God has a plan? 00:14:09.840 --> 00:14:12.720 He is working together all things 00:14:12.720 --> 00:14:14.860 for the good of those who love Him. 00:14:16.240 --> 00:14:18.480 And the language of working together here, 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:20.019 it's talking about God's providence, 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:20.579 providence, 00:14:21.579 --> 00:14:24.199 God's governing and controlling 00:14:24.199 --> 00:14:25.899 of all things in this universe. 00:14:26.100 --> 00:14:28.559 And it really means all things. 00:14:29.500 --> 00:14:31.259 From the flow of history 00:14:31.259 --> 00:14:34.319 and the movement of the stars in the sky 00:14:34.319 --> 00:14:36.279 down to the traffic on a Monday morning 00:14:36.279 --> 00:14:38.759 and that broken tap in your bathroom. 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:44.379 All things God is powerfully sovereign over 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:46.559 and God is working together, 00:14:46.840 --> 00:14:49.639 orchestrating all those things 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.819 with a grand purpose 00:14:50.819 --> 00:14:54.679 for the good of those who love Him. 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.399 And so notice, 00:14:57.559 --> 00:14:59.120 it's not for the good of all people, 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:01.519 but those who love God 00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:03.639 and who are loved by Him, 00:15:03.700 --> 00:15:04.819 those called by Him. 00:15:04.820 --> 00:15:09.420 The church lies at the center of this plan. 00:15:10.640 --> 00:15:12.900 He's working together everything 00:15:12.900 --> 00:15:14.000 in this universe 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:16.300 for the sake of His children. 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:19.460 For you, Christian, here today. 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:23.280 A small, a very small reflection of that. 00:15:23.820 --> 00:15:25.240 It's like when we're organizing 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:26.480 our family calendars 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.640 and booking things in. 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:29.760 We arrange things 00:15:29.760 --> 00:15:31.160 for the sake of our family, don't we? 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:34.079 We don't book things in the evening 00:15:34.079 --> 00:15:35.500 because, well, that's the kids' bedtime. 00:15:36.179 --> 00:15:38.179 Well, I'll take the kids out that afternoon 00:15:38.179 --> 00:15:39.860 because my wife needs to rest. 00:15:40.459 --> 00:15:41.600 Well, I'm not going to go skiing 00:15:41.600 --> 00:15:42.839 for two weeks on my own. 00:15:43.019 --> 00:15:44.159 That wouldn't be good for the family. 00:15:45.639 --> 00:15:47.579 Well, in a far greater way, 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:49.779 as God's family, 00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:52.819 our Heavenly Father arranges 00:15:52.819 --> 00:15:55.679 and plans and works together 00:15:55.679 --> 00:15:58.000 all things in your life 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:59.799 for your good. 00:15:59.799 --> 00:16:02.939 or it's like in science. 00:16:03.099 --> 00:16:03.719 Have you ever played 00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:04.939 with those iron filings? 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:06.259 I remember doing that in year nine. 00:16:06.839 --> 00:16:08.000 A tray of iron filings 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:09.259 and you scatter them on a tray 00:16:09.259 --> 00:16:10.659 and you drop a magnet 00:16:10.659 --> 00:16:11.539 into the middle of it 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:12.379 and what happens? 00:16:13.099 --> 00:16:15.139 All those pieces get pulled together 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:16.120 around that magnet. 00:16:17.699 --> 00:16:18.719 Well, in the Christian life, 00:16:18.819 --> 00:16:20.899 things are not just randomly scattered 00:16:20.899 --> 00:16:21.799 around you. 00:16:23.059 --> 00:16:24.799 These groanings and this weakness, 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:26.679 it's not uncertain chaos 00:16:26.679 --> 00:16:27.599 you're surrounded by. 00:16:27.600 --> 00:16:29.980 I know there is a certain design 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:32.139 and purpose behind it all. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:34.700 God is working together 00:16:34.700 --> 00:16:36.540 all things around you 00:16:36.540 --> 00:16:37.639 in your life 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:39.180 for your good. 00:16:40.680 --> 00:16:41.960 But we need to ask, 00:16:42.540 --> 00:16:45.200 what does he mean by good? 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:48.460 Because as we have these groans, 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:49.580 as we look at our lives, 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:52.320 things seem very far from good. 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:55.140 And as we look at the tragedies 00:16:55.140 --> 00:16:57.540 and even our own sins and failures, 00:16:58.420 --> 00:16:59.560 we struggle to see 00:16:59.560 --> 00:17:00.840 how any good 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:02.220 can even come from this. 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:06.680 I remember during the 2008 Olympics 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:07.299 a while back, 00:17:07.840 --> 00:17:08.400 I was watching, 00:17:08.799 --> 00:17:11.140 just kind of watching it at random 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:12.700 and an interview popped up 00:17:12.700 --> 00:17:13.860 and it was live. 00:17:13.940 --> 00:17:15.100 It was with this British athlete. 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:16.780 I think he was a judo athlete. 00:17:17.780 --> 00:17:19.400 And he'd been training for years 00:17:19.400 --> 00:17:21.000 and it had been this gruelling journey 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:22.920 and he was about to retire. 00:17:23.040 --> 00:17:24.540 And so this was his last shot 00:17:24.540 --> 00:17:25.240 at the Olympics. 00:17:26.100 --> 00:17:27.160 And in this interview, 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:30.440 he had just lost the chance 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:31.940 to go in for a medal. 00:17:32.900 --> 00:17:34.160 And he was just broken. 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:36.799 And I remember he was interviewed 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:37.799 just after the loss 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:38.980 and the interviewer was, 00:17:39.600 --> 00:17:41.500 she was trying to kind of console him, 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:43.900 but wanted to lighten the mood a bit 00:17:43.900 --> 00:17:44.320 and said, 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:45.580 well, I know this is hard, 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:47.200 but what is something good 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:48.400 you can take from this? 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.980 And he just straight away said, 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:51.720 nothing. 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:55.100 That there is nothing good from this. 00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:57.340 And then the interview just ended. 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:01.380 And we can often feel like that, 00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:01.779 can't we? 00:18:02.900 --> 00:18:04.600 Well, we need to realize 00:18:04.600 --> 00:18:06.960 in the Christian life, 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:09.680 nothing is ever pointless. 00:18:10.900 --> 00:18:13.100 There is a good purpose 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:14.799 behind all things, 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:16.559 but we need to see 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:17.840 what this good means. 00:18:18.580 --> 00:18:19.759 It does not mean 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:21.340 God will make life easy. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:24.660 It's not the removal of our problems 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.620 just magically. 00:18:26.080 --> 00:18:27.640 It's not working together 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:29.680 for health and wealth 00:18:29.680 --> 00:18:31.200 and prosperity in this life. 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:31.559 No, 00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:33.700 it is working together 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:35.360 for a good purpose. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.600 And that purpose, 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:38.900 it's there in verse 29. 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:42.039 For those whom he foreknew, 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:42.860 he also predestined 00:18:43.580 --> 00:18:46.000 to be conformed 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:47.580 to the image of his son 00:18:47.580 --> 00:18:49.580 in order that he might be 00:18:49.580 --> 00:18:51.180 the firstborn among many brothers. 00:18:51.180 --> 00:18:53.779 in the Bible, 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:55.640 to be known by God 00:18:55.640 --> 00:18:56.900 means to be loved by him. 00:18:57.680 --> 00:18:59.160 And so to be foreknown 00:18:59.160 --> 00:19:00.980 means to be loved 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:02.860 and chosen before the foundation 00:19:02.860 --> 00:19:03.400 of the world, 00:19:03.560 --> 00:19:05.799 which is exactly the life 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.299 of the Christian. 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:09.000 God has foreknown us 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:09.980 and he's also, 00:19:10.139 --> 00:19:10.619 do you see, 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:12.159 predestined us. 00:19:13.399 --> 00:19:14.480 He set us 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:15.839 on a path 00:19:15.839 --> 00:19:16.579 and plan 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.839 and purpose 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:18.579 in life, 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:20.059 all heading 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:20.799 toward a destination 00:19:21.359 --> 00:19:24.279 to be conformed 00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:25.619 to the image 00:19:25.619 --> 00:19:26.339 of his son, 00:19:26.339 --> 00:19:28.639 to be made 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:29.619 like Jesus. 00:19:30.939 --> 00:19:31.779 And that means 00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:32.199 ultimately 00:19:32.199 --> 00:19:33.259 in glory 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:34.599 when we are raised 00:19:34.599 --> 00:19:35.859 with a body 00:19:35.859 --> 00:19:36.639 like his. 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:38.480 But also, 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:39.699 it means 00:19:39.699 --> 00:19:40.839 now in this life, 00:19:42.159 --> 00:19:43.480 God has set us 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:44.419 on a path 00:19:44.419 --> 00:19:45.199 in life 00:19:45.199 --> 00:19:46.699 with the intention 00:19:46.699 --> 00:19:47.220 of being 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:48.119 shaped 00:19:48.119 --> 00:19:49.359 and transformed 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:51.240 to be more like Jesus 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:51.959 day by day 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:54.000 from one degree 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:54.460 of glory 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:54.960 to another. 00:19:56.779 --> 00:19:57.240 This, 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:58.400 this is 00:19:58.400 --> 00:20:00.120 the good purpose 00:20:00.120 --> 00:20:01.259 running through 00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:02.460 each of our lives. 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:04.600 God is working 00:20:04.600 --> 00:20:06.140 all things together, 00:20:06.360 --> 00:20:06.880 everything 00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:08.340 from the stars 00:20:08.340 --> 00:20:09.100 down to the Monday 00:20:09.100 --> 00:20:09.840 morning traffic, 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:10.680 everything, 00:20:11.600 --> 00:20:12.420 he is working 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:13.079 it all together 00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:14.059 to make you 00:20:14.059 --> 00:20:15.160 more like 00:20:15.160 --> 00:20:16.059 Christ. 00:20:17.940 --> 00:20:19.360 And that is actually 00:20:19.360 --> 00:20:19.980 the good 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:21.100 that we, 00:20:21.099 --> 00:20:22.339 we need most. 00:20:24.159 --> 00:20:25.000 God hears 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:25.799 all the groans 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:26.299 of our life, 00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:27.159 our deepest needs 00:20:27.159 --> 00:20:27.819 and responds 00:20:27.819 --> 00:20:28.740 by taking all 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:29.099 of that 00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:30.659 and uses it 00:20:30.659 --> 00:20:31.899 to make you 00:20:31.899 --> 00:20:33.639 more glorious. 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:36.399 And so it may 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:37.179 not look like it, 00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:37.779 but all this 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:38.259 weakness 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.399 and suffering 00:20:39.399 --> 00:20:40.139 and trials, 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:41.039 all the things 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:41.819 that you didn't 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:42.519 expect, 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:44.240 they are actually 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:44.879 what God 00:20:44.879 --> 00:20:45.599 is using 00:20:45.599 --> 00:20:46.500 in your life 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.039 to make you 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:47.779 more like Christ. 00:20:49.619 --> 00:20:50.139 It's like 00:20:50.139 --> 00:20:51.000 polishing a diamond 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:52.339 which of course 00:20:52.339 --> 00:20:52.960 we've all done 00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:53.299 haven't we? 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:53.880 We've all polished 00:20:53.880 --> 00:20:54.259 diamonds. 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:55.660 But when you polish 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:55.920 a diamond, 00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:56.420 when you polish 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:56.819 anything, 00:20:57.759 --> 00:20:58.680 what does it take? 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:00.099 It takes something 00:21:00.099 --> 00:21:00.640 rough, 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:02.420 like a rough 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:03.259 side of a sponge, 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:03.579 right? 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:05.119 It causes friction, 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:06.740 it's uncomfortable, 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:07.660 but it has 00:21:07.660 --> 00:21:08.660 the purpose 00:21:08.660 --> 00:21:09.339 of producing 00:21:09.339 --> 00:21:10.140 something greater. 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:12.180 Well that is 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:12.640 what God 00:21:12.640 --> 00:21:13.000 is doing 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:13.480 with us. 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:15.440 The sharp 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:15.839 edges 00:21:15.839 --> 00:21:17.019 of life 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:17.500 are there 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:18.140 for a reason. 00:21:18.140 --> 00:21:19.960 He's using 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:20.700 the friction 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.380 of all this 00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:22.180 weakness 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.120 and suffering 00:21:23.120 --> 00:21:24.140 to produce 00:21:24.140 --> 00:21:24.880 something glorious. 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.380 When we are 00:21:27.380 --> 00:21:28.000 at the end 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.640 of our tether 00:21:28.640 --> 00:21:30.200 and just driven 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:30.880 to our knees 00:21:30.880 --> 00:21:31.220 in prayer, 00:21:31.300 --> 00:21:32.160 that is God 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:33.540 doing something. 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:34.700 He is forming 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:36.040 a dependency 00:21:36.040 --> 00:21:37.120 on Him 00:21:37.120 --> 00:21:37.900 in our life, 00:21:38.280 --> 00:21:38.880 a dependency 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:39.580 that may not 00:21:39.580 --> 00:21:40.120 have been there 00:21:40.120 --> 00:21:40.640 otherwise. 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.520 When we are 00:21:42.520 --> 00:21:43.240 just sat 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:44.120 in the ruins 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:45.160 of our sins 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.460 and our failures, 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:48.360 our life 00:21:48.360 --> 00:21:49.080 has not gone 00:21:49.080 --> 00:21:49.759 to waste. 00:21:50.860 --> 00:21:51.100 No, 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:52.040 in His grace 00:21:52.040 --> 00:21:52.700 He works 00:21:52.700 --> 00:21:53.880 all that together 00:21:53.880 --> 00:21:55.779 to rebuild us 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.740 into a greater 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.460 holiness. 00:21:58.920 --> 00:21:59.820 When we are 00:21:59.820 --> 00:22:00.580 just overcome 00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:01.420 with tears 00:22:01.420 --> 00:22:02.300 and we walk 00:22:02.300 --> 00:22:02.980 through that dark 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:04.000 valley and we 00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:04.820 groan and we 00:22:04.820 --> 00:22:05.740 just long 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:06.380 for Christ 00:22:06.380 --> 00:22:07.060 to return, 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:08.720 that is God 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.540 using those 00:22:09.540 --> 00:22:10.820 things to 00:22:10.820 --> 00:22:12.160 nurture a godly 00:22:12.160 --> 00:22:13.000 hope in your 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.380 heart. 00:22:13.380 --> 00:22:15.440 when we 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:16.040 step into 00:22:16.040 --> 00:22:16.800 that uncertain 00:22:16.800 --> 00:22:17.960 unknown future 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:19.560 and we just 00:22:19.560 --> 00:22:20.220 lose any 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:21.120 sense of 00:22:21.120 --> 00:22:22.000 self-sufficiency, 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:24.000 that is God 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.820 shaping an 00:22:24.820 --> 00:22:25.340 obedience 00:22:25.340 --> 00:22:26.400 and a trust 00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:26.940 in Him, 00:22:28.040 --> 00:22:28.820 polishing the 00:22:28.820 --> 00:22:29.080 diamond, 00:22:29.300 --> 00:22:29.760 producing 00:22:29.760 --> 00:22:31.560 something glorious 00:22:31.560 --> 00:22:32.480 in your heart. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:35.020 And this can be 00:22:35.020 --> 00:22:35.740 a hard truth 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.180 to hear. 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:38.120 It's not easy. 00:22:39.620 --> 00:22:40.200 And there's a 00:22:40.200 --> 00:22:40.880 real mystery 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:41.280 to this. 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:42.140 We don't know 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:43.660 why this 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:44.240 thing happened 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:44.920 and not that. 00:22:45.660 --> 00:22:46.480 Why are they 00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:47.140 going through 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:47.840 so much 00:22:47.840 --> 00:22:48.460 but they're 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.000 not? 00:22:50.520 --> 00:22:51.259 We don't 00:22:51.259 --> 00:22:51.440 know. 00:22:51.520 --> 00:22:52.000 We need to 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:52.540 humbly admit 00:22:52.540 --> 00:22:53.060 we don't 00:22:53.060 --> 00:22:53.820 know all 00:22:53.820 --> 00:22:54.500 the details 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:56.860 but we do 00:22:56.860 --> 00:22:58.560 know it is 00:22:58.560 --> 00:22:59.440 for a purpose 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:00.320 like no other. 00:23:01.820 --> 00:23:02.640 Your trials 00:23:02.640 --> 00:23:03.020 are not 00:23:03.020 --> 00:23:04.080 accidents as 00:23:04.080 --> 00:23:04.800 God is just 00:23:04.800 --> 00:23:05.400 helplessly 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:06.140 watching on. 00:23:06.140 --> 00:23:06.580 know. 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:08.540 He lovingly 00:23:08.540 --> 00:23:09.740 and powerfully 00:23:09.740 --> 00:23:10.759 and with 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:12.200 manifold wisdom 00:23:12.200 --> 00:23:14.040 uses all 00:23:14.040 --> 00:23:14.820 things to 00:23:14.820 --> 00:23:16.040 glorify His 00:23:16.040 --> 00:23:17.220 Son in 00:23:17.220 --> 00:23:17.980 your life. 00:23:19.900 --> 00:23:20.780 Because that 00:23:20.780 --> 00:23:21.380 hope, that 00:23:21.380 --> 00:23:22.080 trust, that 00:23:22.080 --> 00:23:22.759 dependency, 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:25.140 that is all 00:23:25.140 --> 00:23:25.740 what Jesus 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:26.820 had in His 00:23:26.820 --> 00:23:27.400 heart as He 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:27.860 walked that 00:23:27.860 --> 00:23:28.460 dark road to 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:28.880 the cross. 00:23:29.720 --> 00:23:30.840 It wasn't easy 00:23:30.840 --> 00:23:31.180 for Him 00:23:31.180 --> 00:23:32.920 but it was 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:33.580 through that 00:23:33.580 --> 00:23:34.640 suffering and 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:35.460 mockery and 00:23:35.460 --> 00:23:36.240 pain God 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.519 worked all 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:38.580 those things 00:23:38.580 --> 00:23:40.160 to shape the 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:40.940 glorious life 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:41.279 of our 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:41.539 Savior. 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:43.539 As Hebrews 00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:44.039 put it, 00:23:44.660 --> 00:23:45.680 Jesus learned 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:46.640 obedience through 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:47.060 what He 00:23:47.060 --> 00:23:47.460 suffered. 00:23:48.840 --> 00:23:49.820 Even in the 00:23:49.820 --> 00:23:50.580 darkness of 00:23:50.580 --> 00:23:51.240 the cross, 00:23:51.380 --> 00:23:51.860 there was a 00:23:51.860 --> 00:23:52.920 good purpose. 00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:54.640 It brought 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.200 Him to 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:56.759 glory and 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.500 incredibly, 00:23:58.759 --> 00:23:59.740 God has the 00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:00.779 same purpose 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:01.119 for your 00:24:01.119 --> 00:24:01.440 life, 00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:03.440 conforming 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:03.899 you into 00:24:03.899 --> 00:24:04.599 that same 00:24:04.599 --> 00:24:05.099 image, 00:24:05.879 --> 00:24:07.680 which means 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:09.379 God's 00:24:09.379 --> 00:24:10.519 great purpose 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:11.920 is to 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:13.139 glorify the 00:24:13.139 --> 00:24:13.599 Son of 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.859 God in 00:24:14.859 --> 00:24:15.559 the canvas 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:16.279 of our 00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:17.039 weak lives. 00:24:17.920 --> 00:24:18.559 Verse 29, 00:24:19.639 --> 00:24:20.399 in order 00:24:20.399 --> 00:24:21.180 that He 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:21.740 might be 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.559 the firstborn, 00:24:22.660 --> 00:24:23.480 the greatest 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:24.639 among many 00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:24.980 brothers. 00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:27.180 As you 00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:28.000 cling to 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.579 God in 00:24:28.579 --> 00:24:29.079 the darkness, 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.359 as He cares 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:31.079 for you in 00:24:31.079 --> 00:24:31.979 that uncertainty, 00:24:32.699 --> 00:24:33.179 God is 00:24:33.179 --> 00:24:34.119 displaying to 00:24:34.119 --> 00:24:34.619 the world 00:24:34.619 --> 00:24:35.740 just how 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:36.679 great our 00:24:36.679 --> 00:24:37.419 Savior is. 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:39.279 Look how 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:39.979 Christ 00:24:39.979 --> 00:24:40.939 strengthens 00:24:40.939 --> 00:24:41.379 the weak. 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:42.539 Look how 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:43.559 much He 00:24:43.559 --> 00:24:44.179 loves His 00:24:44.179 --> 00:24:44.459 family. 00:24:44.679 --> 00:24:44.979 Look at 00:24:44.979 --> 00:24:45.619 this hope 00:24:45.619 --> 00:24:46.399 for sinners. 00:24:47.179 --> 00:24:47.899 Look how 00:24:47.899 --> 00:24:48.599 He never 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.279 ever leaves 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:49.579 us. 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:51.659 It is a 00:24:51.659 --> 00:24:52.479 purpose like 00:24:52.479 --> 00:24:53.079 no other. 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:54.119 God is 00:24:54.119 --> 00:24:55.259 exalting His 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:56.859 Son in the 00:24:56.859 --> 00:24:57.719 weakness of 00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.319 our lives. 00:25:00.120 --> 00:25:00.819 And this 00:25:00.819 --> 00:25:01.160 is the 00:25:01.160 --> 00:25:02.100 mystery and 00:25:02.100 --> 00:25:03.839 comfort of 00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:04.120 God's 00:25:04.120 --> 00:25:04.539 providence. 00:25:06.200 --> 00:25:06.880 And this 00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:07.160 is what 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:07.839 Christ is 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.600 calling everyone 00:25:08.600 --> 00:25:08.940 into. 00:25:10.440 --> 00:25:10.880 Notice, 00:25:11.079 --> 00:25:11.420 this good 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:11.819 purpose, 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:12.620 it is for 00:25:12.620 --> 00:25:13.019 those who 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.500 are called 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.079 by God. 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:15.539 He's 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:16.100 governing the 00:25:16.100 --> 00:25:16.539 whole world, 00:25:16.620 --> 00:25:16.839 but this 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:17.519 good purpose, 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:18.620 it's only 00:25:18.620 --> 00:25:19.100 for the 00:25:19.100 --> 00:25:19.480 church. 00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:21.380 And so 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:21.960 if you hear 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:22.480 this call 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:22.880 now, 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:24.019 and you 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:24.660 respond, 00:25:24.660 --> 00:25:25.700 and you 00:25:25.700 --> 00:25:26.140 put your 00:25:26.140 --> 00:25:26.680 trust in 00:25:26.680 --> 00:25:26.980 the Lord 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:27.320 Jesus, 00:25:27.620 --> 00:25:28.259 it will 00:25:28.259 --> 00:25:28.660 not mean 00:25:28.660 --> 00:25:29.240 your problems 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:29.900 will disappear, 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:31.800 but it will 00:25:31.800 --> 00:25:32.400 mean God 00:25:32.400 --> 00:25:33.279 will use it 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:33.700 for a 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.160 glorious 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:34.759 purpose. 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:36.680 Your life 00:25:36.680 --> 00:25:37.200 will take 00:25:37.200 --> 00:25:37.519 on a 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:38.140 meaning like 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:38.640 no other. 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.000 You will 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:39.940 be cared 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:40.519 for and 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:41.000 be brought 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:41.460 into this 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:42.360 mighty plan, 00:25:42.580 --> 00:25:43.100 and you 00:25:43.100 --> 00:25:43.640 will start 00:25:43.640 --> 00:25:43.960 to be 00:25:43.960 --> 00:25:45.000 shaped into 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:45.720 the image 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:46.220 of the 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:46.560 Son. 00:25:48.060 --> 00:25:48.880 Your life 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:49.200 will never 00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:49.900 be pointless 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:51.440 or uncertain, 00:25:52.040 --> 00:25:52.700 but there 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:53.860 to glorify 00:25:53.860 --> 00:25:54.340 the Son 00:25:54.340 --> 00:25:54.779 of God, 00:25:55.380 --> 00:25:56.340 and there 00:25:56.340 --> 00:25:57.039 is no 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:57.799 greater 00:25:57.799 --> 00:25:58.420 purpose. 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:00.600 And not 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.019 only that, 00:26:01.080 --> 00:26:01.340 you will 00:26:01.340 --> 00:26:02.400 have a 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:02.700 certain 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.340 future. 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:04.539 And I 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:04.799 just want 00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:05.120 to finish 00:26:05.120 --> 00:26:05.580 with this, 00:26:05.660 --> 00:26:06.100 the certain 00:26:06.100 --> 00:26:06.880 future of 00:26:06.880 --> 00:26:07.220 the Christian 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:07.559 life. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:08.740 Look at 00:26:08.740 --> 00:26:09.299 verse 30, 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:10.120 and those 00:26:10.120 --> 00:26:10.600 whom he 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:11.380 predestined, 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:11.740 he also 00:26:11.740 --> 00:26:12.180 called, 00:26:12.660 --> 00:26:13.000 and those 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:13.240 whom he 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:13.580 called, 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:14.039 he also 00:26:14.039 --> 00:26:14.580 justified, 00:26:14.740 --> 00:26:14.920 and those 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.120 whom he 00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:15.840 justified, 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:16.880 he also 00:26:16.880 --> 00:26:17.519 glorified. 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.340 This is 00:26:19.340 --> 00:26:19.920 showing us 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:20.600 from beginning 00:26:20.600 --> 00:26:21.340 to end, 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.000 eternity 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.339 to 00:26:22.339 --> 00:26:22.960 eternity, 00:26:23.559 --> 00:26:24.259 the Christian 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:24.519 life, 00:26:24.579 --> 00:26:24.900 it's all 00:26:24.900 --> 00:26:25.299 in God's 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:25.640 hands. 00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:26.319 Do you 00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:26.599 see that 00:26:26.599 --> 00:26:27.559 predestined 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:28.740 in eternity 00:26:28.740 --> 00:26:29.299 past, 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:31.079 to glorified, 00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:31.940 eternity 00:26:31.940 --> 00:26:32.319 ahead? 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:33.660 It is 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:34.660 all in 00:26:34.660 --> 00:26:34.980 God's 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:35.440 hands. 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:36.619 Notice 00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:36.940 all the 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:37.660 he words, 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:38.819 he 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:39.559 predestined, 00:26:39.700 --> 00:26:40.019 he 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:40.579 called, 00:26:41.019 --> 00:26:41.339 he 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:41.960 justified, 00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:42.400 he 00:26:42.400 --> 00:26:43.200 glorified. 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:44.980 The whole 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:45.359 life, 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:45.779 past, 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:46.180 present, 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:46.740 and future, 00:26:47.079 --> 00:26:47.740 it is all 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.640 certain with 00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:48.940 God. 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:48.980 God, 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:50.940 this is 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:51.320 often called 00:26:51.320 --> 00:26:51.960 the golden 00:26:51.960 --> 00:26:52.660 chain of 00:26:52.660 --> 00:26:53.140 salvation. 00:26:54.019 --> 00:26:54.380 It's like 00:26:54.380 --> 00:26:55.480 this unbreakable 00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:56.200 chain of 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.059 certainty about 00:26:57.059 --> 00:26:57.519 our future. 00:26:58.660 --> 00:26:59.140 When you 00:26:59.140 --> 00:26:59.820 are foreknown 00:26:59.820 --> 00:27:00.340 by God, 00:27:00.420 --> 00:27:01.380 you are 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:02.180 predestined, 00:27:02.860 --> 00:27:03.900 set to be 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:04.340 made like 00:27:04.340 --> 00:27:04.580 Jesus. 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:05.200 No one 00:27:05.200 --> 00:27:05.640 can take 00:27:05.640 --> 00:27:05.860 you off 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:06.400 that path. 00:27:07.299 --> 00:27:07.640 And when 00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:07.940 you are 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:08.700 predestined, 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.500 you will 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.180 be called 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:10.660 in time, 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.039 you will 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:11.480 believe. 00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:12.660 And when 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:13.100 you are 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:13.480 called, 00:27:13.600 --> 00:27:14.019 you will 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:14.580 be justified, 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:15.660 your forgiveness 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.299 cannot be 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:16.680 undone. 00:27:16.680 --> 00:27:17.880 And when 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:18.279 you are 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:18.740 justified, 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:19.420 you will 00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:20.060 be glorified, 00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:20.880 you will 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:21.820 reach the 00:27:21.820 --> 00:27:22.100 end. 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:24.060 In fact, 00:27:24.100 --> 00:27:24.980 Paul says, 00:27:25.140 --> 00:27:25.700 he says it in 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:26.360 the past tense, 00:27:26.420 --> 00:27:26.759 doesn't he? 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:28.000 He also 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:29.160 glorified. 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:31.200 Our future 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:31.900 is so 00:27:31.900 --> 00:27:32.539 certain, 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:33.799 he speaks 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:34.160 of it like 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:34.480 it's already 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:34.900 happened. 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:36.620 It's like when 00:27:36.620 --> 00:27:36.900 you go into 00:27:36.900 --> 00:27:37.299 a football 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:37.720 match, 00:27:37.840 --> 00:27:38.200 and you 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:38.840 just know 00:27:38.840 --> 00:27:39.460 victory is 00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:39.820 guaranteed, 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:40.440 there's just 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:41.279 no way 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:41.640 you could 00:27:41.640 --> 00:27:42.080 lose. 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:43.140 We might 00:27:43.140 --> 00:27:43.299 say, 00:27:43.440 --> 00:27:44.000 we've got 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:44.320 this, 00:27:44.840 --> 00:27:45.620 it's already 00:27:45.620 --> 00:27:45.860 in the 00:27:45.860 --> 00:27:46.200 bag. 00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:48.120 Well, 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:48.400 in the 00:27:48.400 --> 00:27:48.680 Christian 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:49.120 life, 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.060 the future 00:27:50.060 --> 00:27:50.640 is that 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.100 certain. 00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:53.180 When you 00:27:53.180 --> 00:27:53.620 belong to 00:27:53.620 --> 00:27:54.000 Christ, 00:27:54.100 --> 00:27:54.759 he never, 00:27:55.120 --> 00:27:56.080 ever loses 00:27:56.080 --> 00:27:56.340 you. 00:27:57.880 --> 00:27:58.420 Weakness 00:27:58.420 --> 00:27:58.960 will never 00:27:58.960 --> 00:27:59.420 overcome 00:27:59.420 --> 00:27:59.680 you. 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:00.500 Your 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.380 trials will 00:28:01.380 --> 00:28:02.400 never destroy 00:28:02.400 --> 00:28:02.700 you, 00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:03.060 and your 00:28:03.060 --> 00:28:04.279 future will 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:04.740 never be 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.279 taken away. 00:28:05.440 --> 00:28:05.820 Victory 00:28:05.820 --> 00:28:07.100 is certain. 00:28:09.120 --> 00:28:09.519 And so it 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:09.820 may not 00:28:09.820 --> 00:28:10.279 look like 00:28:10.279 --> 00:28:10.460 it. 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.480 This life 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:13.180 looks weak, 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:15.000 and full of 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:15.500 groans, 00:28:15.660 --> 00:28:16.380 and uncertainty, 00:28:16.380 --> 00:28:16.880 and maybe 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:17.480 that Sunday 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:17.980 dread right 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:18.280 now. 00:28:19.120 --> 00:28:19.500 It may 00:28:19.500 --> 00:28:20.300 look like 00:28:20.300 --> 00:28:20.860 our life 00:28:20.860 --> 00:28:21.220 is all 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:21.940 going downhill, 00:28:22.420 --> 00:28:22.820 or maybe 00:28:22.820 --> 00:28:23.500 just going 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:23.980 nowhere at 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:24.220 all, 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.100 but the 00:28:26.100 --> 00:28:26.960 spirit guarantees 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:27.960 you are 00:28:27.960 --> 00:28:29.060 going somewhere. 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:31.020 Your future 00:28:31.020 --> 00:28:31.720 is certain, 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:33.480 glory awaits. 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:35.740 All that you 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:36.180 are longing 00:28:36.180 --> 00:28:36.480 for, 00:28:36.540 --> 00:28:37.100 all those 00:28:37.100 --> 00:28:37.480 groans, 00:28:37.600 --> 00:28:38.200 the spirit 00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:38.980 groans with 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:39.360 you, 00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:40.080 and he's 00:28:40.080 --> 00:28:40.320 going to 00:28:40.320 --> 00:28:40.640 bring it 00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:41.200 all to an 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:41.500 end, 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:44.180 because glory 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:44.599 has already 00:28:44.599 --> 00:28:44.900 begun. 00:28:46.420 --> 00:28:47.380 You already 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:47.920 have the 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:48.259 spirit. 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:49.259 He's already 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.900 begun his 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.359 work in 00:28:50.359 --> 00:28:50.660 you, 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:52.059 and God 00:28:52.059 --> 00:28:53.099 always finishes 00:28:53.099 --> 00:28:53.460 what he 00:28:53.460 --> 00:28:53.799 begins. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:56.339 As you head 00:28:56.339 --> 00:28:56.740 into this 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:56.940 week, 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:57.519 you go 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:59.019 with absolute 00:28:59.019 --> 00:28:59.759 certainty 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:01.480 and a good 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:01.940 purpose. 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.579 You will 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:03.960 never be 00:29:03.960 --> 00:29:04.339 lost, 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:06.460 because Christ 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.339 has won all 00:29:07.339 --> 00:29:07.859 of this for 00:29:07.859 --> 00:29:08.059 you, 00:29:08.059 --> 00:29:09.839 so victory 00:29:09.839 --> 00:29:11.200 is certain. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:12.879 Let's pray.