WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.160 Amen. 00:00:01.660 --> 00:00:03.280 Let's bow our heads in prayer. 00:00:03.480 --> 00:00:03.820 Let's pray. 00:00:06.299 --> 00:00:08.259 Lord, as we turn to your word, 00:00:09.200 --> 00:00:09.400 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.439 It's quite emotional seeing all the kids' face last night on Zoom. 00:00:32.700 --> 00:00:34.439 So come and join us. 00:00:34.719 --> 00:00:37.799 There's a link on the website for Zoom this evening at 6 o'clock. 00:00:38.340 --> 00:00:40.140 Now, we're in Matthew 25, 00:00:40.840 --> 00:00:43.340 and we're realising that as we listen to Jesus, 00:00:43.480 --> 00:00:45.920 that we've been led into a secret. 00:00:46.539 --> 00:00:48.260 As we belong to him, 00:00:48.400 --> 00:00:49.900 Jesus has led us in on a secret. 00:00:50.159 --> 00:00:51.799 And once you've been led in on the secret, 00:00:52.700 --> 00:00:54.079 nothing's ever the same again. 00:00:54.760 --> 00:00:58.560 You can never think like somebody who doesn't believe again. 00:00:58.560 --> 00:01:00.620 If you picture two people, 00:01:00.800 --> 00:01:01.640 they're on a train. 00:01:02.859 --> 00:01:04.180 They're two metres apart. 00:01:04.900 --> 00:01:05.920 In a carriage. 00:01:06.100 --> 00:01:07.400 There's two people on a train. 00:01:08.299 --> 00:01:12.560 And one of them is living a pretty aimless life, 00:01:13.240 --> 00:01:14.359 just trotting along. 00:01:15.700 --> 00:01:17.780 The other one, next week, is getting married. 00:01:19.060 --> 00:01:21.820 And everything for that second person 00:01:21.820 --> 00:01:24.560 is governed by that big event that's happening. 00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:29.019 That person who's about to enter into their life 00:01:29.019 --> 00:01:30.359 and change everything. 00:01:31.100 --> 00:01:32.120 Or think of two people that, 00:01:32.379 --> 00:01:33.340 one of them is out of work, 00:01:34.100 --> 00:01:36.719 and one of them is looking for a job. 00:01:37.219 --> 00:01:39.960 The other one has an appointment next week 00:01:39.960 --> 00:01:42.599 to meet with a CEO to discuss a new job. 00:01:43.480 --> 00:01:44.920 And for that second individual, 00:01:45.740 --> 00:01:48.500 everything is being governed by that meeting. 00:01:48.500 --> 00:01:49.299 The way they think, 00:01:49.780 --> 00:01:50.780 the way they live, 00:01:51.659 --> 00:01:52.879 is being governed by that. 00:01:53.659 --> 00:01:54.859 And the way that we think, 00:01:54.980 --> 00:01:56.060 and we live, 00:01:56.680 --> 00:01:58.599 and who we've been called by Jesus, 00:01:59.140 --> 00:02:00.980 we've been told that we have a meeting with Jesus. 00:02:01.540 --> 00:02:02.799 That one day he will come again. 00:02:03.640 --> 00:02:05.039 And that meeting will take place, 00:02:05.159 --> 00:02:08.500 and it sheds light on everything that we do in this world. 00:02:09.659 --> 00:02:11.120 And so in Matthew 24 and 25, 00:02:11.500 --> 00:02:12.539 Jesus strings together, 00:02:12.639 --> 00:02:14.060 reminder after reminder, 00:02:14.479 --> 00:02:15.500 that he is coming again. 00:02:15.500 --> 00:02:17.620 And that we are going to meet him. 00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:19.240 And we saw last week, 00:02:19.360 --> 00:02:21.099 that we need to be ready for that day. 00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:22.900 Like those wise bridesmaids, 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:24.460 that have not only got lamps, 00:02:24.580 --> 00:02:25.419 but have got oil. 00:02:26.099 --> 00:02:27.360 And we see this week, 00:02:27.419 --> 00:02:28.139 in this parable, 00:02:28.599 --> 00:02:29.879 that we've just read, 00:02:30.139 --> 00:02:31.500 that we are to be productive. 00:02:32.500 --> 00:02:34.520 And we are to be responsible, 00:02:34.960 --> 00:02:35.680 in how we live. 00:02:35.759 --> 00:02:37.680 And we will one day have to give an account. 00:02:38.719 --> 00:02:39.219 The parable, 00:02:39.400 --> 00:02:41.360 it's about a master who has three servants. 00:02:42.080 --> 00:02:42.840 Two are faithful, 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:43.560 one is not. 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:46.180 And it's the only parable, 00:02:46.180 --> 00:02:48.960 where the master gives different talents, 00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:49.920 different resources, 00:02:50.640 --> 00:02:51.479 to different servants. 00:02:51.580 --> 00:02:52.159 Five to one. 00:02:52.920 --> 00:02:53.979 Two to the second. 00:02:54.620 --> 00:02:55.840 And one to the last. 00:02:56.319 --> 00:02:57.620 And so four questions this morning. 00:02:58.460 --> 00:02:58.819 Number one, 00:02:58.879 --> 00:02:59.840 what does it mean to be faithful? 00:03:00.159 --> 00:03:01.020 Does that mean successful? 00:03:01.980 --> 00:03:02.379 Second, 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:06.000 what is this reward? 00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:08.219 Is it a kind of promotion? 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:10.240 Third question, 00:03:10.400 --> 00:03:11.360 what is unfaithfulness? 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:11.560 Unfaithfulness. 00:03:12.360 --> 00:03:14.420 And what is going on with this kind of weird servant? 00:03:15.920 --> 00:03:17.500 And then the last question, 00:03:18.240 --> 00:03:20.380 is what about the punishment? 00:03:20.980 --> 00:03:21.800 And is it unfair? 00:03:22.380 --> 00:03:23.760 There are four brief questions. 00:03:23.960 --> 00:03:25.320 Is anybody with me? 00:03:25.540 --> 00:03:26.000 Any of you? 00:03:26.180 --> 00:03:27.240 Two of you at least. 00:03:27.840 --> 00:03:28.500 First of all, 00:03:28.620 --> 00:03:29.820 what is unfaithfulness? 00:03:31.100 --> 00:03:33.360 Verses 14 and 15, 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:35.940 15 of chapter 25, 00:03:36.200 --> 00:03:37.280 a man is on a journey. 00:03:37.460 --> 00:03:38.760 It's obviously Jesus. 00:03:39.600 --> 00:03:40.720 He is leaving. 00:03:41.160 --> 00:03:43.220 He entrusts property to three servants. 00:03:43.340 --> 00:03:44.800 And he gives them basically resources. 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:47.740 I know the word talent. 00:03:47.740 --> 00:03:47.939 Talent. 00:03:48.540 --> 00:03:50.920 We often use for an ability, 00:03:51.200 --> 00:03:51.820 or a gift, 00:03:52.080 --> 00:03:52.960 or a skill. 00:03:53.300 --> 00:03:53.800 But actually, 00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:55.900 the word talent is a currency word. 00:03:56.620 --> 00:03:59.040 And it's a very big currency word. 00:03:59.320 --> 00:04:01.620 It's the word we might replace with a million. 00:04:02.600 --> 00:04:04.980 So a talent is a huge amount of money, 00:04:05.800 --> 00:04:06.600 almost a million. 00:04:07.460 --> 00:04:09.140 So the servant goes to the first servant. 00:04:09.139 --> 00:04:11.519 The master goes to the first servant, 00:04:12.319 --> 00:04:13.939 and he gives him five million. 00:04:14.919 --> 00:04:15.579 Second servant, 00:04:15.659 --> 00:04:16.379 he gives two million. 00:04:17.159 --> 00:04:17.680 Third servant, 00:04:17.759 --> 00:04:18.479 he gives one million. 00:04:19.800 --> 00:04:22.419 It doesn't mean that he's given five abilities. 00:04:22.659 --> 00:04:23.740 That's how it's sometimes translated. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:26.120 But I suppose, 00:04:26.539 --> 00:04:27.579 if we were going to think about 00:04:27.579 --> 00:04:29.000 what does it mean, 00:04:29.379 --> 00:04:30.560 it means for us 00:04:30.560 --> 00:04:32.519 everything that we've been given by God. 00:04:33.579 --> 00:04:34.779 So resources, 00:04:35.379 --> 00:04:36.099 abilities, 00:04:36.939 --> 00:04:37.519 opportunities. 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:39.959 What do you have 00:04:39.959 --> 00:04:41.819 which has been given to you? 00:04:42.579 --> 00:04:43.519 The brain you've got. 00:04:44.060 --> 00:04:45.500 The gifts that you've got. 00:04:45.839 --> 00:04:46.519 The resources. 00:04:47.219 --> 00:04:47.699 The plenty, 00:04:47.939 --> 00:04:49.120 or maybe they're not so much. 00:04:50.279 --> 00:04:51.539 Whatever it is 00:04:51.539 --> 00:04:53.859 the Lord has given to you, 00:04:54.279 --> 00:04:55.859 we may summarize as a talent 00:04:55.859 --> 00:04:57.240 to be used in his servant. 00:04:58.219 --> 00:04:58.479 And so, 00:04:58.599 --> 00:04:59.180 servant number one, 00:04:59.219 --> 00:05:00.079 if you look at verse 16, 00:05:00.299 --> 00:05:01.199 he starts at once. 00:05:01.379 --> 00:05:02.439 He's obviously faithful. 00:05:02.699 --> 00:05:03.539 He's obviously keen. 00:05:04.339 --> 00:05:05.099 The second servant, 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:06.439 verse 17, 00:05:06.519 --> 00:05:07.339 seems to do the same. 00:05:08.519 --> 00:05:09.599 Servant number three, 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:10.000 however, 00:05:10.259 --> 00:05:12.439 buries the talent in the ground. 00:05:14.159 --> 00:05:14.639 And we know, 00:05:15.060 --> 00:05:16.399 that's not completely crazy. 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:17.979 We know from another parable 00:05:17.979 --> 00:05:19.620 that people did that, 00:05:19.680 --> 00:05:19.939 didn't they? 00:05:19.959 --> 00:05:21.659 They buried treasure in the ground. 00:05:21.740 --> 00:05:23.259 It was kind of a cheap bank. 00:05:24.180 --> 00:05:25.139 And so burying in the ground 00:05:25.139 --> 00:05:26.060 was a way of 00:05:26.060 --> 00:05:27.279 keeping it safe, 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:29.199 of not doing anything with it. 00:05:30.180 --> 00:05:32.079 And before we see the challenge 00:05:32.079 --> 00:05:34.839 that the parable finishes with, 00:05:34.979 --> 00:05:36.259 I want us to face that. 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:38.120 Before we get to the challenge, 00:05:38.199 --> 00:05:39.959 I want you to see the comfort this morning. 00:05:41.219 --> 00:05:43.539 Because the comfort in the first 10 00:05:43.539 --> 00:05:44.740 of the 18 verses 00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:46.740 is to encourage you. 00:05:48.019 --> 00:05:48.599 Just note, 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:50.699 the two men are given 00:05:50.699 --> 00:05:52.779 all that they need to be faithful. 00:05:52.779 --> 00:05:55.399 Are they not shortchanged? 00:05:56.179 --> 00:05:57.839 Are they not sent out 00:05:57.839 --> 00:05:59.219 to do something 00:05:59.219 --> 00:06:00.119 which is too difficult? 00:06:01.739 --> 00:06:03.799 The master does not ask 00:06:03.799 --> 00:06:05.039 impossible things 00:06:05.039 --> 00:06:05.799 of his people. 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:08.340 He doesn't ask you 00:06:08.340 --> 00:06:10.240 to pull a rabbit out of a hat 00:06:10.240 --> 00:06:11.920 or to create success. 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:13.900 He doesn't say, 00:06:14.420 --> 00:06:15.780 I'm sending you off with nothing 00:06:15.780 --> 00:06:17.300 and I want you to produce masses. 00:06:18.800 --> 00:06:19.439 I've been trying to 00:06:19.439 --> 00:06:21.780 download episodes of the A-Team. 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:24.280 The A-Team was kind of a 1980s show. 00:06:24.759 --> 00:06:25.800 You can pay for it on YouTube 00:06:25.800 --> 00:06:26.420 ridiculously. 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:28.080 But do you remember, 00:06:28.139 --> 00:06:29.060 there was a scene in the A-Team 00:06:29.060 --> 00:06:29.900 in every episode 00:06:29.900 --> 00:06:31.720 where the A-Team 00:06:31.720 --> 00:06:33.259 were stuck in a garage 00:06:33.259 --> 00:06:34.300 and in the garage 00:06:34.300 --> 00:06:35.120 there was 00:06:35.120 --> 00:06:36.759 a wheelbarrow, 00:06:37.699 --> 00:06:38.800 a basketball 00:06:38.800 --> 00:06:40.199 and a can of petrol. 00:06:41.280 --> 00:06:42.840 And the next scene was 00:06:42.840 --> 00:06:44.480 the A-Team would have created 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:45.379 a Sherman tank 00:06:45.379 --> 00:06:46.040 and out they come 00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:46.959 with guns firing. 00:06:47.319 --> 00:06:49.000 They made enormous things 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:49.740 out of nothing. 00:06:50.019 --> 00:06:50.959 But Jesus isn't like that. 00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:52.819 He doesn't say, 00:06:52.959 --> 00:06:54.480 I'm giving you nothing 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:56.699 and I want you to produce masses. 00:06:58.280 --> 00:06:59.000 And then these men 00:06:59.000 --> 00:07:00.259 use what they have. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:00.759 Do you notice, 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:02.500 it's not super success. 00:07:03.879 --> 00:07:05.060 They don't come out 00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:07.280 with a thousand percent increase. 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:09.759 It's not fast either. 00:07:10.899 --> 00:07:11.939 It seems to take 00:07:11.939 --> 00:07:12.740 the whole of their lives. 00:07:12.839 --> 00:07:13.720 The Master is away, 00:07:13.800 --> 00:07:14.319 verse 19, 00:07:14.379 --> 00:07:15.579 for a very long time. 00:07:16.899 --> 00:07:18.379 The five produce five, 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:20.139 the two produce two. 00:07:21.220 --> 00:07:22.319 And the response 00:07:22.319 --> 00:07:22.980 from the Master 00:07:22.980 --> 00:07:24.459 is as good as you could hope for. 00:07:25.300 --> 00:07:26.500 He looks at his servants 00:07:26.500 --> 00:07:27.819 and he edits one of the most 00:07:27.819 --> 00:07:28.840 remarkable 00:07:28.840 --> 00:07:30.420 and beautiful sentences 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:31.340 in the whole of the Bible. 00:07:31.339 --> 00:07:32.139 He says, 00:07:32.379 --> 00:07:33.139 well done, 00:07:34.019 --> 00:07:35.459 good and faithful servant. 00:07:36.879 --> 00:07:37.639 And he says exactly 00:07:37.639 --> 00:07:38.399 the same thing 00:07:38.399 --> 00:07:38.939 to the man 00:07:38.939 --> 00:07:40.659 who had the five talents 00:07:40.659 --> 00:07:41.319 as the guy 00:07:41.319 --> 00:07:42.339 who had two talents. 00:07:44.339 --> 00:07:45.599 And so I want to remind you 00:07:45.599 --> 00:07:46.179 this morning, 00:07:47.599 --> 00:07:48.539 and this is most of you 00:07:48.539 --> 00:07:49.719 who serve the Lord 00:07:49.719 --> 00:07:50.339 at home 00:07:50.339 --> 00:07:52.519 or in work, 00:07:53.319 --> 00:07:54.279 in the world, 00:07:55.079 --> 00:07:55.919 in church, 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:56.840 and nobody 00:07:56.840 --> 00:07:58.280 gets what you do 00:07:58.280 --> 00:07:59.220 or it feels like that. 00:08:00.660 --> 00:08:01.220 Maybe you think 00:08:01.220 --> 00:08:01.980 nobody sees 00:08:01.980 --> 00:08:03.100 what you do. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:04.920 Maybe nobody 00:08:04.920 --> 00:08:05.600 appreciates 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:06.280 what you do, 00:08:06.360 --> 00:08:06.540 you think. 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:07.439 No one understands 00:08:07.439 --> 00:08:08.000 what you do, 00:08:08.080 --> 00:08:09.759 but you are seeking 00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:11.379 as you can 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:12.319 to put God's word 00:08:12.319 --> 00:08:12.900 into practice. 00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:15.100 And this sentence 00:08:15.100 --> 00:08:16.300 from Jesus Christ 00:08:16.300 --> 00:08:16.900 is going to 00:08:16.900 --> 00:08:18.300 totally compensate. 00:08:20.259 --> 00:08:20.900 I'm not saying 00:08:20.900 --> 00:08:21.520 it's easy to wait 00:08:21.520 --> 00:08:22.060 for that sentence. 00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:22.800 We know it's not. 00:08:24.020 --> 00:08:24.480 I'm not saying 00:08:24.480 --> 00:08:25.360 we shouldn't encourage 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:25.900 one another 00:08:25.900 --> 00:08:27.660 as we wait 00:08:27.660 --> 00:08:28.800 for this sentence. 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:31.740 But I am telling you 00:08:31.740 --> 00:08:32.460 that Jesus, 00:08:33.019 --> 00:08:34.100 these words from Jesus 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:34.740 will outweigh 00:08:34.740 --> 00:08:35.720 every cost 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:37.060 and every struggle 00:08:37.060 --> 00:08:37.759 at the end. 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:40.180 So before you use 00:08:40.180 --> 00:08:40.759 this parable 00:08:40.759 --> 00:08:41.539 this morning, 00:08:42.240 --> 00:08:42.860 as some of you 00:08:42.860 --> 00:08:43.759 will do to terrify 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:44.480 yourselves, 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:46.340 one of the tragedies 00:08:46.340 --> 00:08:46.860 of passages 00:08:46.860 --> 00:08:47.580 like this 00:08:47.580 --> 00:08:48.680 is people who 00:08:48.680 --> 00:08:49.720 should be comforted 00:08:49.720 --> 00:08:51.000 will burden 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:51.580 themselves 00:08:51.580 --> 00:08:52.620 and people who 00:08:52.620 --> 00:08:53.399 should wake up 00:08:53.399 --> 00:08:54.259 to themselves 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:55.279 will care 00:08:55.279 --> 00:08:55.799 nothing at all. 00:08:55.860 --> 00:08:56.220 It's always 00:08:56.220 --> 00:08:56.759 the danger. 00:08:58.340 --> 00:08:58.659 A sermon 00:08:58.659 --> 00:08:59.279 that's meant 00:08:59.279 --> 00:08:59.860 to comfort 00:08:59.860 --> 00:09:00.939 the disturbed 00:09:00.939 --> 00:09:02.179 and to disturb 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:02.799 the comfortable 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:03.299 ends up 00:09:03.299 --> 00:09:04.220 comforting the comfortable. 00:09:04.899 --> 00:09:05.500 So before you 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:06.259 terrify yourself 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:06.779 this morning, 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:08.639 I hope you 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:09.279 will remember 00:09:09.279 --> 00:09:10.139 that this master 00:09:10.139 --> 00:09:11.179 is a great 00:09:11.179 --> 00:09:12.279 and gracious 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:13.379 master who gives 00:09:13.379 --> 00:09:14.360 abundant resources. 00:09:15.960 --> 00:09:16.299 And what he 00:09:16.299 --> 00:09:17.039 asks of you 00:09:17.039 --> 00:09:18.259 is willing service, 00:09:18.639 --> 00:09:19.600 not superhuman 00:09:19.600 --> 00:09:20.120 service. 00:09:20.120 --> 00:09:21.820 the sort 00:09:21.820 --> 00:09:22.320 of service 00:09:22.320 --> 00:09:23.080 that says 00:09:23.080 --> 00:09:24.440 I would like 00:09:24.440 --> 00:09:24.860 to use 00:09:24.860 --> 00:09:25.460 what I have 00:09:25.460 --> 00:09:27.480 and you 00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:28.139 will discover 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:28.679 that as you 00:09:28.679 --> 00:09:29.240 do that 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:29.860 God is 00:09:29.860 --> 00:09:30.759 thrilled 00:09:30.759 --> 00:09:32.600 by such 00:09:32.600 --> 00:09:33.259 faithfulness. 00:09:34.659 --> 00:09:35.980 So faithfulness 00:09:35.980 --> 00:09:36.639 means that 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:37.419 you are looking 00:09:37.419 --> 00:09:38.560 at what God 00:09:38.560 --> 00:09:39.259 has given you 00:09:39.259 --> 00:09:39.820 and you are 00:09:39.820 --> 00:09:40.259 thinking how 00:09:40.259 --> 00:09:40.820 can I use 00:09:40.820 --> 00:09:41.159 what God 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:41.620 has given me? 00:09:42.440 --> 00:09:43.080 How can I do 00:09:43.080 --> 00:09:43.840 what he's asked 00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:44.580 me to do? 00:09:44.840 --> 00:09:45.580 How can I use 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:46.340 the opportunities 00:09:46.340 --> 00:09:47.460 that only you 00:09:47.460 --> 00:09:47.879 have? 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:48.519 How can I use 00:09:48.519 --> 00:09:48.960 the time 00:09:48.960 --> 00:09:49.299 that God 00:09:49.299 --> 00:09:49.580 has given? 00:09:49.939 --> 00:09:50.379 So the second 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:50.740 question, 00:09:50.860 --> 00:09:51.539 what's the reward? 00:09:52.779 --> 00:09:53.439 And we can't 00:09:53.439 --> 00:09:53.939 push all the 00:09:53.939 --> 00:09:54.580 details in the 00:09:54.580 --> 00:09:55.059 parable too 00:09:55.059 --> 00:09:55.439 far, 00:09:56.379 --> 00:09:56.980 but you'll see 00:09:56.980 --> 00:09:57.740 the reward in 00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:58.399 verses 21 00:09:58.399 --> 00:09:59.340 and verse 23 00:09:59.340 --> 00:10:01.240 is commendation. 00:10:02.059 --> 00:10:02.759 Well done. 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:04.720 And it means 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:05.799 greater usefulness. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:06.439 You've been 00:10:06.439 --> 00:10:07.559 good in a few 00:10:07.559 --> 00:10:08.100 things, 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:10.139 I'll now 00:10:10.139 --> 00:10:10.919 give you many 00:10:10.919 --> 00:10:11.419 things. 00:10:12.799 --> 00:10:13.559 And thirdly, 00:10:13.860 --> 00:10:14.720 come and 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:15.899 enter my 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:16.240 happiness. 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:16.419 happiness. 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:18.299 These three 00:10:18.299 --> 00:10:19.080 things are the 00:10:19.080 --> 00:10:20.019 reward in the 00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:20.360 parable, 00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:21.399 the commendation 00:10:21.399 --> 00:10:21.879 of Jesus. 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:24.060 And again, 00:10:24.220 --> 00:10:25.440 I say to you, 00:10:25.940 --> 00:10:27.639 you will value 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:28.779 that day and 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:29.899 his approval 00:10:29.899 --> 00:10:30.680 immeasurably. 00:10:31.720 --> 00:10:32.200 And if you 00:10:32.200 --> 00:10:33.180 focus on 00:10:33.180 --> 00:10:33.740 Jesus' 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:34.480 approval, 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:36.000 it will free 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:36.820 you from 00:10:36.820 --> 00:10:38.340 many dangers 00:10:38.340 --> 00:10:39.360 and disappointments. 00:10:39.639 --> 00:10:40.680 The commendation 00:10:40.680 --> 00:10:41.519 of Jesus, 00:10:41.680 --> 00:10:42.500 wait for it. 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:44.139 The second 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:44.820 thing is that 00:10:44.820 --> 00:10:45.200 reward, 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:45.440 isn't it, 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:45.840 of greater 00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:46.520 faithfulness. 00:10:46.760 --> 00:10:47.300 Verse 21 00:10:47.300 --> 00:10:48.760 and verse 23, 00:10:49.120 --> 00:10:49.440 you've been 00:10:49.440 --> 00:10:50.240 faithful in a 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:50.860 few things, 00:10:51.580 --> 00:10:51.960 I'll now 00:10:51.960 --> 00:10:52.340 entrust you 00:10:52.340 --> 00:10:52.620 with many 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:53.020 things. 00:10:54.600 --> 00:10:55.360 It's ironic, 00:10:55.500 --> 00:10:55.780 isn't it, 00:10:55.840 --> 00:10:56.500 that the man 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:56.860 who's been 00:10:56.860 --> 00:10:58.100 given five 00:10:58.100 --> 00:10:59.840 million has 00:10:59.840 --> 00:11:00.240 been told 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:00.540 you've been 00:11:00.540 --> 00:11:01.340 faithful with 00:11:01.340 --> 00:11:02.840 a few 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:03.340 things. 00:11:05.560 --> 00:11:06.160 A few 00:11:06.160 --> 00:11:06.500 things. 00:11:07.120 --> 00:11:07.540 What could 00:11:07.540 --> 00:11:08.020 the reward 00:11:08.020 --> 00:11:08.560 be if you've 00:11:08.560 --> 00:11:08.880 been given 00:11:08.880 --> 00:11:09.640 five million? 00:11:10.900 --> 00:11:11.240 And you're 00:11:11.240 --> 00:11:11.700 now going to 00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:12.320 receive many 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:12.600 things. 00:11:12.600 --> 00:11:13.360 Luke says 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:13.680 in his 00:11:13.680 --> 00:11:14.180 equivalent 00:11:14.180 --> 00:11:14.519 passage, 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:15.240 you've been 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:15.519 given a 00:11:15.519 --> 00:11:16.180 few coins, 00:11:17.180 --> 00:11:17.740 you've done 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:18.139 well with a 00:11:18.139 --> 00:11:18.500 few coins, 00:11:18.580 --> 00:11:18.840 now I'm 00:11:18.840 --> 00:11:18.940 going to 00:11:18.940 --> 00:11:19.120 give you 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:19.580 some cities. 00:11:20.800 --> 00:11:21.600 It's almost 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:22.259 absurd. 00:11:23.320 --> 00:11:23.860 It's almost 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:24.340 as if the 00:11:24.340 --> 00:11:24.899 master is 00:11:24.899 --> 00:11:26.340 going crazy 00:11:26.340 --> 00:11:27.279 with reward 00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:27.920 and affection. 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:29.980 And we 00:11:29.980 --> 00:11:30.200 want to 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:30.580 remember that 00:11:30.580 --> 00:11:31.080 our master 00:11:31.080 --> 00:11:32.220 is incredibly 00:11:32.220 --> 00:11:33.040 generous. 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:35.080 And the 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:35.399 reason I'm 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:35.740 telling you 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:36.000 this is 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:36.360 because when 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:36.879 we come to 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:37.560 the third 00:11:37.560 --> 00:11:38.040 servant, 00:11:38.039 --> 00:11:39.860 if you've 00:11:39.860 --> 00:11:40.579 got bad 00:11:40.579 --> 00:11:41.079 views of 00:11:41.079 --> 00:11:41.679 the master, 00:11:41.839 --> 00:11:42.039 it will 00:11:42.039 --> 00:11:42.399 affect 00:11:42.399 --> 00:11:42.959 everything. 00:11:44.919 --> 00:11:45.539 The third 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:45.879 part of the 00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:46.299 reward is 00:11:46.299 --> 00:11:46.879 that we're 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:47.480 invited to 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:48.240 share in 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:49.099 our master's 00:11:49.099 --> 00:11:49.539 happiness, 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:50.539 literally to 00:11:50.539 --> 00:11:51.059 enter into 00:11:51.059 --> 00:11:52.019 the joy of 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:52.480 the master. 00:11:53.759 --> 00:11:54.059 And that 00:11:54.059 --> 00:11:54.620 could mean 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:56.120 entering a 00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:57.120 joyful place, 00:11:57.219 --> 00:11:57.740 but it may 00:11:57.740 --> 00:11:58.399 well mean that 00:11:58.399 --> 00:11:59.500 I want you to 00:11:59.500 --> 00:11:59.899 enter into 00:11:59.899 --> 00:12:00.659 my joy. 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:00.939 I think 00:12:00.939 --> 00:12:01.279 that's the 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:01.599 sense of 00:12:01.599 --> 00:12:02.099 the passage. 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:04.439 The master 00:12:04.439 --> 00:12:04.679 is saying, 00:12:04.759 --> 00:12:05.019 I want you 00:12:05.019 --> 00:12:05.379 to rejoice 00:12:05.379 --> 00:12:05.799 like I 00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:06.179 rejoice. 00:12:06.459 --> 00:12:06.939 I want you 00:12:06.939 --> 00:12:07.740 to experience 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:08.440 what I 00:12:08.440 --> 00:12:09.039 experience. 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:09.639 I want you 00:12:09.639 --> 00:12:10.100 to know 00:12:10.100 --> 00:12:10.799 what perfect 00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:11.700 joy is. 00:12:13.860 --> 00:12:14.200 And so 00:12:14.200 --> 00:12:14.820 who is the 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:15.799 happiest person 00:12:15.799 --> 00:12:16.480 in the 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:16.759 universe? 00:12:18.919 --> 00:12:19.600 It's the 00:12:19.600 --> 00:12:20.379 living God. 00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:22.539 And that's 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:22.860 not because 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:23.460 he's careless 00:12:23.460 --> 00:12:24.799 about suffering 00:12:24.799 --> 00:12:26.419 and sadness, 00:12:26.620 --> 00:12:27.039 those things 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:27.759 grieve him, 00:12:27.799 --> 00:12:28.379 but God knows 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:29.039 exactly what 00:12:29.039 --> 00:12:29.560 he's doing. 00:12:30.919 --> 00:12:31.500 And nothing 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:32.299 gets in 00:12:32.299 --> 00:12:33.060 his way. 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:34.759 And he 00:12:34.759 --> 00:12:35.360 wants you 00:12:35.360 --> 00:12:35.779 and I to 00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:36.519 share in 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:37.200 his joy. 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:39.500 And when 00:12:39.500 --> 00:12:39.899 you consider 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:40.879 how tragic 00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:41.320 it is that 00:12:41.320 --> 00:12:42.019 people look 00:12:42.019 --> 00:12:42.600 away from 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:43.060 the Lord 00:12:43.060 --> 00:12:43.759 Jesus Christ 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:44.779 for joy 00:12:44.779 --> 00:12:46.139 and for 00:12:46.139 --> 00:12:46.879 satisfaction 00:12:46.879 --> 00:12:48.259 and their 00:12:48.259 --> 00:12:48.820 happiness, 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:50.980 that idea 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:51.379 there is 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:51.980 that if I 00:12:51.980 --> 00:12:53.899 just become 00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:54.320 wealthy, 00:12:54.419 --> 00:12:54.860 if I just 00:12:54.860 --> 00:12:55.519 accumulate 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:57.279 and I spend 00:12:57.279 --> 00:12:57.860 it on myself, 00:12:57.980 --> 00:12:58.680 suddenly I'll 00:12:58.680 --> 00:12:59.700 be satisfied. 00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:01.060 It never 00:13:01.060 --> 00:13:01.560 comes. 00:13:01.559 --> 00:13:02.559 satisfies. 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:03.779 That if I 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:04.719 get personal 00:13:04.719 --> 00:13:05.619 satisfaction, 00:13:05.959 --> 00:13:06.519 we know that 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:07.000 it never 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:07.939 really satisfies. 00:13:08.339 --> 00:13:09.059 It fills the 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:09.919 void for just 00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:10.719 a little bit, 00:13:10.799 --> 00:13:11.099 doesn't it? 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:11.619 Getting what 00:13:11.619 --> 00:13:12.019 you dream 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:12.439 of. 00:13:13.439 --> 00:13:14.299 Only a little 00:13:14.299 --> 00:13:14.779 time. 00:13:16.119 --> 00:13:16.439 But the 00:13:16.439 --> 00:13:16.939 long-term 00:13:16.939 --> 00:13:17.500 effect of 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:18.519 accumulating and 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:19.179 hoarding and 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:19.859 holding and 00:13:19.859 --> 00:13:20.799 not releasing 00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:21.479 is actually 00:13:21.479 --> 00:13:23.000 deep dissatisfaction. 00:13:24.619 --> 00:13:25.239 And even more 00:13:25.239 --> 00:13:25.559 seriously, 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:26.899 self-preoccupation. 00:13:26.899 --> 00:13:28.480 and the 00:13:28.480 --> 00:13:29.439 inability to 00:13:29.439 --> 00:13:30.480 serve or 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:31.379 sacrifice for 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:31.879 someone else, 00:13:31.959 --> 00:13:32.620 the corrupting 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:32.939 of our 00:13:32.939 --> 00:13:33.500 values. 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:36.039 And I 00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:36.679 think there's 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:37.100 a danger 00:13:37.100 --> 00:13:37.559 in the 00:13:37.559 --> 00:13:38.179 situation we're 00:13:38.179 --> 00:13:38.439 in at the 00:13:38.439 --> 00:13:38.720 moment. 00:13:40.500 --> 00:13:41.419 We know 00:13:41.419 --> 00:13:41.879 that we face 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:42.319 that danger 00:13:42.319 --> 00:13:42.840 that when 00:13:42.840 --> 00:13:44.279 money rules 00:13:44.279 --> 00:13:44.980 the day, 00:13:46.019 --> 00:13:46.419 ethical 00:13:46.419 --> 00:13:47.059 decisions 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:48.100 become economic 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:48.620 decisions. 00:13:50.079 --> 00:13:50.980 When money 00:13:50.980 --> 00:13:51.720 rules the 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:52.000 day, 00:13:52.179 --> 00:13:52.519 ethical 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:53.079 decisions 00:13:53.079 --> 00:13:54.079 become economic 00:13:54.079 --> 00:13:54.480 decisions. 00:13:54.579 --> 00:13:55.139 And when that 00:13:55.139 --> 00:13:55.419 happens, 00:13:55.480 --> 00:13:55.840 you're really 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:56.240 in trouble. 00:13:56.899 --> 00:13:57.720 you're really 00:13:57.720 --> 00:13:58.220 in trouble as 00:13:58.220 --> 00:13:58.799 an individual, 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.559 as a family, 00:14:00.659 --> 00:14:01.059 as a community, 00:14:01.159 --> 00:14:01.480 and as a 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:01.799 nation. 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:04.360 Well, we've 00:14:04.360 --> 00:14:04.639 been made 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:05.159 for Christ. 00:14:06.419 --> 00:14:07.159 It is good 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:08.399 fellowship with 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:10.220 him that 00:14:10.220 --> 00:14:10.639 will give us 00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:11.639 deep joy 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:13.340 and peace. 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:14.720 And there's 00:14:14.720 --> 00:14:15.360 no peace like 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:15.819 his peace. 00:14:16.819 --> 00:14:17.500 And no joy 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:18.299 like his joy. 00:14:19.179 --> 00:14:19.860 And his reward 00:14:19.860 --> 00:14:20.419 is immeasurable. 00:14:20.939 --> 00:14:21.319 Number three, 00:14:21.600 --> 00:14:21.720 okay? 00:14:22.500 --> 00:14:22.919 What is 00:14:22.919 --> 00:14:23.559 unfaithfulness? 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:25.159 Now, I 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:26.000 think we know 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:26.679 what unfaithfulness 00:14:26.679 --> 00:14:27.099 is. 00:14:29.099 --> 00:14:29.459 But what 00:14:29.459 --> 00:14:29.879 drives 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:30.479 unfaithfulness? 00:14:30.959 --> 00:14:31.399 What is it 00:14:31.399 --> 00:14:31.979 that drives 00:14:31.979 --> 00:14:32.079 it? 00:14:32.120 --> 00:14:32.459 Because in 00:14:32.459 --> 00:14:33.459 Matthew 25 00:14:33.459 --> 00:14:34.759 and verse 00:14:34.759 --> 00:14:35.620 24, 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:37.019 the servant 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:37.579 who buried 00:14:37.579 --> 00:14:38.139 the talent 00:14:38.139 --> 00:14:38.659 has got a 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.039 problem with 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:39.519 the master. 00:14:40.699 --> 00:14:40.919 Have you 00:14:40.919 --> 00:14:41.339 noticed that? 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:41.739 He's got a 00:14:41.739 --> 00:14:42.179 problem with 00:14:42.179 --> 00:14:42.500 the master. 00:14:42.579 --> 00:14:42.799 He says, 00:14:42.899 --> 00:14:43.379 you are a 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:44.199 hard man 00:14:44.199 --> 00:14:45.779 and you 00:14:45.779 --> 00:14:46.439 don't sow, 00:14:46.539 --> 00:14:46.739 but you 00:14:46.739 --> 00:14:47.319 somehow expect 00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:47.739 to harvest. 00:14:48.479 --> 00:14:49.199 You don't 00:14:49.199 --> 00:14:49.659 scatter, 00:14:50.199 --> 00:14:50.539 but you 00:14:50.539 --> 00:14:51.099 expect to 00:14:51.099 --> 00:14:51.339 gather. 00:14:51.339 --> 00:14:52.839 Well, in the 00:14:52.839 --> 00:14:53.479 face of your 00:14:53.479 --> 00:14:53.979 hardness, 00:14:54.199 --> 00:14:54.399 master, 00:14:54.399 --> 00:14:55.059 I hid 00:14:55.059 --> 00:14:55.779 from fear 00:14:55.779 --> 00:14:56.500 what you've 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:56.779 given to 00:14:56.779 --> 00:14:56.899 me, 00:14:56.939 --> 00:14:57.579 verse 25. 00:14:59.179 --> 00:14:59.519 And so we've 00:14:59.519 --> 00:14:59.799 got to ask, 00:14:59.860 --> 00:15:00.179 where does this 00:15:00.179 --> 00:15:00.600 kind of thinking 00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:01.120 come from? 00:15:02.939 --> 00:15:03.439 Because there 00:15:03.439 --> 00:15:03.819 are people who 00:15:03.819 --> 00:15:04.459 think like that 00:15:04.459 --> 00:15:05.240 about God. 00:15:06.319 --> 00:15:06.879 There are people 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:07.360 in churches 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:08.840 who think like that 00:15:08.840 --> 00:15:09.299 about God. 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:11.179 I don't really 00:15:11.179 --> 00:15:11.599 know exactly 00:15:11.599 --> 00:15:11.839 where it 00:15:11.839 --> 00:15:12.099 comes from. 00:15:12.159 --> 00:15:12.339 It might 00:15:12.339 --> 00:15:12.559 come from 00:15:12.559 --> 00:15:13.059 bad teaching 00:15:13.059 --> 00:15:13.740 or bad 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:14.159 modelling. 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:15.939 It could be 00:15:15.939 --> 00:15:16.579 some kind 00:15:16.579 --> 00:15:17.620 of perversity. 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:18.139 Where does 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:19.500 this idea 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:19.839 come from 00:15:19.839 --> 00:15:20.579 that God 00:15:20.579 --> 00:15:21.120 is a 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:21.459 ruthless 00:15:21.459 --> 00:15:22.219 tyrant? 00:15:24.599 --> 00:15:25.059 Well, we 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:25.319 know, don't 00:15:25.319 --> 00:15:25.639 we, that 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.179 it's certainly 00:15:26.179 --> 00:15:26.919 got echoes 00:15:26.919 --> 00:15:27.479 from Genesis 00:15:27.479 --> 00:15:27.899 3. 00:15:29.359 --> 00:15:30.019 The serpent 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:30.519 comes, 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:30.819 doesn't he, 00:15:30.839 --> 00:15:31.039 and he 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:31.719 sows that 00:15:31.719 --> 00:15:33.139 idea to 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:33.559 the man 00:15:33.559 --> 00:15:33.839 and the 00:15:33.839 --> 00:15:34.059 woman. 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:35.339 And he 00:15:35.339 --> 00:15:35.679 puts it in 00:15:35.679 --> 00:15:36.000 their head 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:36.459 that this 00:15:36.459 --> 00:15:37.139 God, 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:37.579 the God 00:15:37.579 --> 00:15:37.899 who's given 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:38.519 them all the 00:15:38.519 --> 00:15:38.859 beauty of 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.300 the garden 00:15:39.300 --> 00:15:39.940 and everything 00:15:39.940 --> 00:15:40.519 in creation 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:41.120 to enjoy 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:41.940 all the 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:42.519 trees, 00:15:43.039 --> 00:15:43.639 all the 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:44.159 perfection, 00:15:44.800 --> 00:15:45.200 that this 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:45.539 God is 00:15:45.539 --> 00:15:46.080 actually holding 00:15:46.080 --> 00:15:46.580 something out 00:15:46.580 --> 00:15:46.919 on you. 00:15:48.200 --> 00:15:49.000 He's actually 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:49.800 a bit of a 00:15:49.800 --> 00:15:50.300 sadist. 00:15:50.940 --> 00:15:51.480 He's a 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:52.300 cruel tyrant. 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:54.200 And when 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:54.740 you begin 00:15:54.740 --> 00:15:55.200 to think 00:15:55.200 --> 00:15:55.779 like that 00:15:55.779 --> 00:15:56.519 of God, 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:58.500 it affects 00:15:58.500 --> 00:15:58.740 the way 00:15:58.740 --> 00:15:59.240 you behave. 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:00.740 It's so 00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:01.100 completely 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:01.680 different from 00:16:01.680 --> 00:16:02.000 the biblical 00:16:02.000 --> 00:16:02.419 picture. 00:16:03.899 --> 00:16:04.580 And if you 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:05.139 find yourself 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:05.700 unbalanced 00:16:05.700 --> 00:16:06.300 in this area, 00:16:06.420 --> 00:16:07.300 can I really 00:16:07.300 --> 00:16:08.039 encourage you 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:08.799 this week 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:09.639 to look 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:10.099 through your 00:16:10.099 --> 00:16:10.480 Bible, 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:12.000 to collect 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:12.480 every verse, 00:16:12.559 --> 00:16:13.459 to balance 00:16:13.459 --> 00:16:14.000 up and 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:14.740 even up and 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:15.659 even perfect 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:16.139 a proper 00:16:16.139 --> 00:16:16.719 doctrine of 00:16:16.719 --> 00:16:17.120 God. 00:16:18.439 --> 00:16:18.759 Think of 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:19.139 verses like 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.000 Isaiah 30 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:20.620 verse 18, 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:21.379 the Lord 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:22.500 longs to be 00:16:22.500 --> 00:16:22.759 gracious. 00:16:24.079 --> 00:16:24.860 He rises 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:25.480 to show 00:16:25.480 --> 00:16:25.879 compassion. 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:26.319 That's the 00:16:26.319 --> 00:16:26.799 God of the 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.099 Bible. 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:29.059 And there's 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:29.240 something 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:29.799 disturbing 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:30.679 going on 00:16:30.679 --> 00:16:31.059 here. 00:16:32.059 --> 00:16:32.679 Where the 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:33.279 servant says 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:33.500 to the 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:33.699 master, 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:34.179 you are a 00:16:34.179 --> 00:16:34.539 bit of a 00:16:34.539 --> 00:16:35.000 tyrant. 00:16:35.319 --> 00:16:35.439 The 00:16:35.439 --> 00:16:35.639 master, 00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:35.899 of course, 00:16:35.939 --> 00:16:36.099 doesn't 00:16:36.099 --> 00:16:36.360 agree, 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:37.139 verses 26 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:37.720 and 27. 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:39.259 And he 00:16:39.259 --> 00:16:39.419 says, 00:16:39.539 --> 00:16:39.940 even if 00:16:39.940 --> 00:16:41.120 what you're 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:41.560 saying was 00:16:41.560 --> 00:16:42.080 true, 00:16:42.259 --> 00:16:43.220 the logical 00:16:43.220 --> 00:16:43.659 thing, 00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:43.960 wouldn't it 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:44.139 have been 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:45.580 better if 00:16:45.580 --> 00:16:45.980 you just 00:16:45.980 --> 00:16:46.899 put the 00:16:46.899 --> 00:16:47.139 money in 00:16:47.139 --> 00:16:47.620 a bank? 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.019 If you 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.379 were telling 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:50.139 the truth, 00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:50.899 surely it would 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:51.019 have been 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:51.460 better just 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:51.960 stick it in 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:52.379 the bank and 00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:52.779 get some 00:16:52.779 --> 00:16:53.340 interest. 00:16:54.620 --> 00:16:55.200 But this 00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:55.919 servant is 00:16:55.919 --> 00:16:56.600 actually speaking 00:16:56.600 --> 00:16:58.460 very sinisterly. 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:00.639 And the 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.120 problem is not 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:01.659 the master. 00:17:03.139 --> 00:17:03.840 The master, 00:17:03.960 --> 00:17:04.299 do you remember, 00:17:04.360 --> 00:17:04.620 he gives 00:17:04.620 --> 00:17:05.319 everything that 00:17:05.319 --> 00:17:05.779 his people 00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:06.120 need. 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:07.939 And he 00:17:07.939 --> 00:17:08.359 does not 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:09.099 take or 00:17:09.099 --> 00:17:09.959 squeeze us 00:17:09.959 --> 00:17:10.740 or treat us 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:11.479 unfairly. 00:17:12.579 --> 00:17:13.359 The fatal 00:17:13.359 --> 00:17:14.019 sentence is 00:17:14.019 --> 00:17:14.299 there in 00:17:14.299 --> 00:17:15.000 verse 26. 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:16.279 It's where 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:16.619 the master 00:17:16.619 --> 00:17:17.339 lifts the 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:17.819 lid on the 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:18.139 servant. 00:17:19.079 --> 00:17:19.359 And he 00:17:19.359 --> 00:17:19.879 sees right 00:17:19.879 --> 00:17:20.259 through this 00:17:20.259 --> 00:17:21.359 excuse of 00:17:21.359 --> 00:17:21.919 fear, 00:17:22.379 --> 00:17:23.079 this ridiculous 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:23.519 idea, 00:17:23.619 --> 00:17:23.859 and he 00:17:23.859 --> 00:17:24.539 strips away 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:25.099 the excuses 00:17:25.099 --> 00:17:25.519 and he 00:17:25.519 --> 00:17:25.879 says, 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:26.579 it's a 00:17:26.579 --> 00:17:27.159 very disturbing 00:17:27.159 --> 00:17:27.500 line, 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:27.919 isn't it? 00:17:28.179 --> 00:17:28.759 This servant 00:17:28.759 --> 00:17:30.000 is wicked 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:30.559 and lazy. 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:32.679 The problem 00:17:32.679 --> 00:17:33.079 is not the 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:33.399 master, 00:17:33.539 --> 00:17:33.759 it's the 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.079 servant. 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:36.699 I 00:17:36.699 --> 00:17:36.899 remember 00:17:36.899 --> 00:17:37.379 seeing a 00:17:37.379 --> 00:17:37.579 fridge 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:37.939 magnet 00:17:37.939 --> 00:17:38.779 which 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.019 said, 00:17:39.159 --> 00:17:39.659 Jesus is 00:17:39.659 --> 00:17:39.980 coming, 00:17:40.139 --> 00:17:40.639 look busy. 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:42.339 And it's 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:42.819 just repeating, 00:17:42.939 --> 00:17:43.119 isn't it, 00:17:43.119 --> 00:17:43.480 that kind of 00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:44.019 double insult, 00:17:44.679 --> 00:17:46.199 that he's a 00:17:46.199 --> 00:17:46.500 bit of a 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:46.759 looming 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:47.240 tyrant. 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:50.779 looming 00:17:50.779 --> 00:17:51.120 tyrant, 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:51.480 but you 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:51.819 can fool 00:17:51.819 --> 00:17:51.980 him. 00:17:53.120 --> 00:17:53.599 You can 00:17:53.599 --> 00:17:53.880 get him 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:54.079 off your 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:54.400 back. 00:17:55.759 --> 00:17:56.059 And that 00:17:56.059 --> 00:17:56.319 is a 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:56.940 double insult. 00:17:57.059 --> 00:17:57.460 The fact 00:17:57.460 --> 00:17:57.660 of the 00:17:57.660 --> 00:17:58.180 matter is 00:17:58.180 --> 00:17:58.940 Jesus is 00:17:58.940 --> 00:17:59.299 not, 00:17:59.299 --> 00:17:59.759 God is 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:00.160 not a 00:18:00.160 --> 00:18:00.440 looming 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:00.819 tyrant. 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:01.259 He's a 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:01.720 gracious 00:18:01.720 --> 00:18:02.220 heavenly 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:02.559 father. 00:18:03.859 --> 00:18:04.380 And he 00:18:04.380 --> 00:18:04.900 deserves none 00:18:04.900 --> 00:18:05.160 of our 00:18:05.160 --> 00:18:05.819 insults. 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:07.220 And he's 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:07.640 also one 00:18:07.640 --> 00:18:08.019 that sees 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.319 through our 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:08.680 excuses. 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:11.039 One 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.400 commentator 00:18:11.400 --> 00:18:11.680 says, 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:13.400 this third 00:18:13.400 --> 00:18:13.900 servant 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:14.599 has the 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:15.059 philosophy 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:16.079 play safe. 00:18:17.859 --> 00:18:18.940 People do 00:18:18.940 --> 00:18:19.379 play safe, 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:19.740 don't they? 00:18:21.419 --> 00:18:21.980 They say, 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:22.799 I don't 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:23.059 want to get 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:23.339 hurt. 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:25.419 I don't 00:18:25.419 --> 00:18:25.659 want to be 00:18:25.659 --> 00:18:26.000 insulted. 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:28.039 I don't 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:28.299 want people 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:28.679 to think 00:18:28.679 --> 00:18:29.859 badly of 00:18:29.859 --> 00:18:30.059 me. 00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:30.399 I'm just 00:18:30.399 --> 00:18:30.659 going to 00:18:30.659 --> 00:18:31.019 bury 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:31.679 everything. 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:32.039 I'm going 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:32.579 to be a 00:18:32.579 --> 00:18:33.039 secret 00:18:33.039 --> 00:18:33.619 disciple. 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.059 But the 00:18:34.059 --> 00:18:34.519 truth is, 00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:35.000 you cannot 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.399 be a 00:18:35.399 --> 00:18:35.619 secret 00:18:35.619 --> 00:18:36.079 disciple. 00:18:37.779 --> 00:18:38.240 Because 00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:39.339 either your 00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:40.019 secrecy 00:18:40.019 --> 00:18:41.179 kills your 00:18:41.179 --> 00:18:41.899 discipleship, 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:43.099 or your 00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:43.759 discipleship 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.119 will kill 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:44.299 your 00:18:44.299 --> 00:18:44.819 secrecy. 00:18:45.059 --> 00:18:46.819 The 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:47.039 third 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:47.440 servant's 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:47.740 philosophy 00:18:47.740 --> 00:18:48.019 is do 00:18:48.019 --> 00:18:48.419 no harm, 00:18:48.500 --> 00:18:48.599 isn't 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:48.779 it? 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.019 Old 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:51.220 Bishop 00:18:51.220 --> 00:18:51.619 Ryle, 00:18:52.220 --> 00:18:52.679 he says, 00:18:52.759 --> 00:18:53.039 this is 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:53.240 the 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:53.639 philosophy 00:18:53.639 --> 00:18:54.259 of the 00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:54.759 stone, 00:18:55.399 --> 00:18:55.779 not the 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:56.059 servant. 00:18:57.359 --> 00:18:57.659 It's a 00:18:57.659 --> 00:18:57.799 great 00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:58.179 sentence, 00:18:58.279 --> 00:18:58.379 the 00:18:58.379 --> 00:18:58.740 philosophy 00:18:58.740 --> 00:18:59.259 of the 00:18:59.259 --> 00:18:59.740 stone 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.279 on the 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:00.700 ground 00:19:00.700 --> 00:19:01.779 to say, 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:02.559 I do 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:03.059 no harm. 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.339 Bearing 00:19:05.339 --> 00:19:06.059 your 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:06.819 responsibility 00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:07.460 according 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:07.919 to this 00:19:07.919 --> 00:19:08.359 parable, 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:10.000 conducting 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:10.740 your 00:19:10.740 --> 00:19:11.139 Christianity 00:19:11.139 --> 00:19:11.779 as a 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.460 private 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:13.259 thing, 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:14.099 being 00:19:14.099 --> 00:19:14.419 an 00:19:14.419 --> 00:19:15.019 invisible 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:15.639 member 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:16.519 of 00:19:16.519 --> 00:19:17.039 Christ's 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:17.379 fellowship, 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:18.399 coasting, 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:19.019 traveling, 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:19.579 being a 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.019 passenger, 00:19:20.459 --> 00:19:21.899 refusing to 00:19:21.899 --> 00:19:23.079 do what 00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:23.759 he asks you 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:24.339 to do, 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:26.319 will lead 00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:26.639 to you being 00:19:26.639 --> 00:19:27.119 exposed. 00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:29.559 and I 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:30.019 greatly 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:30.599 fear for 00:19:30.599 --> 00:19:31.079 people who 00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:31.639 think that 00:19:31.639 --> 00:19:31.759 they're 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:32.179 getting away 00:19:32.179 --> 00:19:32.539 with it 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:34.159 because it's 00:19:34.159 --> 00:19:34.779 just impossible 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:35.739 on the 00:19:35.739 --> 00:19:36.179 last day. 00:19:38.679 --> 00:19:39.159 Last 00:19:39.159 --> 00:19:39.439 question, 00:19:39.959 --> 00:19:40.679 what is the 00:19:40.679 --> 00:19:41.000 punishment? 00:19:42.119 --> 00:19:42.659 It looks, 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:43.079 doesn't it, 00:19:43.139 --> 00:19:43.959 really excessive 00:19:43.959 --> 00:19:45.039 in verses 28 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:45.659 to 30. 00:19:46.359 --> 00:19:46.539 The 00:19:46.539 --> 00:19:46.919 gifts are 00:19:46.919 --> 00:19:47.500 taken away, 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:49.199 the servant 00:19:49.199 --> 00:19:49.959 is sent 00:19:49.959 --> 00:19:50.979 away into 00:19:50.979 --> 00:19:51.399 darkness, 00:19:52.199 --> 00:19:52.859 which is a 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:53.459 code word in 00:19:53.459 --> 00:19:54.000 the rest of 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:54.779 Matthew for 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:55.159 hell. 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:57.019 And you 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:57.800 wonder if 00:19:57.800 --> 00:19:58.300 the servant 00:19:58.300 --> 00:20:00.080 has really 00:20:00.080 --> 00:20:00.519 been over 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:01.019 punished when 00:20:01.019 --> 00:20:01.300 you first 00:20:01.300 --> 00:20:01.660 read it. 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:03.860 You might 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:04.120 wonder, 00:20:04.300 --> 00:20:04.759 well has he 00:20:04.759 --> 00:20:05.400 lost his 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:05.960 salvation? 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:07.120 The answer 00:20:07.120 --> 00:20:07.519 to that is 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:07.860 the man 00:20:07.860 --> 00:20:08.279 never had 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:08.759 salvation. 00:20:10.060 --> 00:20:10.320 He had a 00:20:10.320 --> 00:20:10.960 whole life 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:13.660 of being 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:14.200 asked to 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:15.440 respond to 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:16.019 the master, 00:20:16.140 --> 00:20:16.360 but he 00:20:16.360 --> 00:20:16.720 chose to 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.240 refuse. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.160 And reject 00:20:19.160 --> 00:20:19.680 the master 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:20.240 for the 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:21.180 whole life, 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:21.640 and now his 00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:21.940 time is 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:22.259 gone. 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:24.619 He's 00:20:24.619 --> 00:20:24.900 obviously 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:25.819 treated the 00:20:25.819 --> 00:20:26.279 master as 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:26.779 an enemy 00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:27.480 and refused 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.099 to serve 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:28.359 him. 00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:29.519 And it 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:29.799 sounds, 00:20:29.940 --> 00:20:30.180 doesn't it, 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:30.740 just like an 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:31.319 unbeliever being 00:20:31.319 --> 00:20:31.799 exposed to 00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:32.000 what he 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:32.240 is. 00:20:33.339 --> 00:20:33.960 Just like 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.579 in Matthew 00:20:34.579 --> 00:20:35.440 21 with 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:36.119 the fig tree, 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:37.339 it had 00:20:37.339 --> 00:20:37.819 leaves, 00:20:37.879 --> 00:20:38.400 it was all 00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:38.839 leaves, 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:39.500 but no 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:39.940 fruit. 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:40.519 Or the 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.359 bridesmaids 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:41.819 from last 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:41.980 week, 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:42.299 they've got 00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:42.779 lamps, 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.660 but they've 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:43.920 not got 00:20:43.920 --> 00:20:44.259 oil. 00:20:45.640 --> 00:20:46.059 And this 00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:46.740 man wanted 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:47.559 to distance 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:48.420 himself from 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:48.980 the master, 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:50.180 and run 00:20:50.180 --> 00:20:50.779 his own 00:20:50.779 --> 00:20:51.240 life, 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.539 and forget 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:52.940 about what 00:20:52.940 --> 00:20:53.120 he was 00:20:53.120 --> 00:20:53.680 obligated to 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:53.960 do. 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.059 And now 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:57.319 he gets 00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:57.660 his wish 00:20:57.660 --> 00:20:58.220 full blown. 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:00.380 C.S. 00:21:00.420 --> 00:21:01.180 Lewis said 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:02.079 on one 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:02.420 occasion, 00:21:02.559 --> 00:21:02.799 if you 00:21:02.799 --> 00:21:03.779 stand outside 00:21:03.779 --> 00:21:04.779 the door 00:21:04.779 --> 00:21:05.579 of the 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:05.960 kingdom of 00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:06.299 God, 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:07.500 and you're 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:07.980 invited to 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:08.420 go in, 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:09.059 and you 00:21:09.059 --> 00:21:09.680 say no, 00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:11.460 and you're 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:11.960 invited to 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:12.200 go in 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:12.579 again, 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:12.960 and you 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:13.620 say no, 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.059 and you're 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:15.559 invited to 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:15.799 go in 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:16.120 again, 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:16.420 and you 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:16.960 say no, 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:17.720 then when 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.299 the door 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:18.799 closes, 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:19.220 and you 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.099 find yourself 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:20.819 outside, 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:22.240 you can't 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:22.880 be surprised 00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:23.240 that you're 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:23.680 outside. 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.519 Well, 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:27.819 of course, 00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:28.200 all of us 00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:28.640 deserve this 00:21:28.640 --> 00:21:28.880 treatment. 00:21:31.120 --> 00:21:31.599 We've 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.319 treated God 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:32.660 badly, 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:32.859 and we 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.059 have. 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:35.420 We've 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:35.880 viewed him 00:21:35.880 --> 00:21:36.420 badly. 00:21:36.660 --> 00:21:36.859 Our 00:21:36.859 --> 00:21:37.799 rebellion 00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:38.799 deserves the 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:39.759 casting away, 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.039 but there's a 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:41.240 word, 00:21:41.319 --> 00:21:41.539 isn't there, 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:41.779 that we 00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.620 can't read 00:21:42.620 --> 00:21:43.700 in this 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:44.220 passage 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.579 without it 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:45.920 triggering 00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:46.299 another 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:46.700 memory. 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:47.980 The word 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:48.400 darkness. 00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:48.540 darkness. 00:21:50.900 --> 00:21:51.519 Because we 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:51.900 can't read 00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:52.220 the word 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.759 darkness 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:53.280 without 00:21:53.280 --> 00:21:53.880 remembering 00:21:53.880 --> 00:21:54.320 that there 00:21:54.320 --> 00:21:54.700 was someone 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:56.100 else who 00:21:56.100 --> 00:21:56.680 has experienced 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:57.400 darkness for 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:57.640 us. 00:21:59.120 --> 00:21:59.740 The one 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.280 reason that 00:22:00.280 --> 00:22:00.940 you and I 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:01.480 can be at 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:01.940 peace, 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:02.780 the one 00:22:02.780 --> 00:22:03.280 reason that 00:22:03.280 --> 00:22:04.220 you and I, 00:22:04.340 --> 00:22:05.140 even in this 00:22:05.140 --> 00:22:05.519 situation, 00:22:05.640 --> 00:22:06.340 can keep going 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:07.060 forward with 00:22:07.060 --> 00:22:07.360 joy, 00:22:07.440 --> 00:22:07.740 the one 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:08.280 reason that 00:22:08.280 --> 00:22:09.280 even today, 00:22:09.800 --> 00:22:10.380 in the midst 00:22:10.380 --> 00:22:10.960 of this awful 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:11.380 situation, 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:11.820 we can be 00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:12.420 glad of 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:12.820 forgiveness, 00:22:13.460 --> 00:22:13.800 and the 00:22:13.800 --> 00:22:14.320 future in 00:22:14.320 --> 00:22:14.800 front of us, 00:22:14.860 --> 00:22:15.259 is because 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:16.120 this person, 00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:16.739 Jesus, 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:18.579 voluntarily went 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:18.939 into the 00:22:18.939 --> 00:22:19.279 darkness. 00:22:20.719 --> 00:22:21.399 And he 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:22.039 acted like 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:22.779 he was the 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.299 rebellious 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:24.459 servant for 00:22:24.459 --> 00:22:25.479 us, so 00:22:25.479 --> 00:22:25.839 that we 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:26.259 might be 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.679 treated as 00:22:26.679 --> 00:22:27.239 the utterly 00:22:27.239 --> 00:22:27.839 faithful 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:28.359 servant. 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:30.239 And it's 00:22:30.239 --> 00:22:30.959 incredible that 00:22:30.959 --> 00:22:31.500 what took 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:32.719 place at 00:22:32.719 --> 00:22:33.199 the cross, 00:22:33.219 --> 00:22:33.779 when Jesus 00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:34.619 went through 00:22:34.619 --> 00:22:35.239 with the 00:22:35.239 --> 00:22:35.979 crucifixion, 00:22:36.239 --> 00:22:36.699 was that he 00:22:36.699 --> 00:22:37.439 took all the 00:22:37.439 --> 00:22:38.139 darkness and 00:22:38.139 --> 00:22:38.799 all the 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.679 rebellious, 00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:41.239 rebellion of 00:22:41.239 --> 00:22:41.919 servants like 00:22:41.919 --> 00:22:42.639 you and 00:22:42.639 --> 00:22:43.279 like me that 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.939 we deserve, 00:22:44.079 --> 00:22:44.299 and he 00:22:44.299 --> 00:22:44.619 dealt with 00:22:44.619 --> 00:22:44.799 it. 00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:46.559 And he 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:46.919 took it, 00:22:47.919 --> 00:22:48.459 and he 00:22:48.459 --> 00:22:49.279 consumed it, 00:22:50.479 --> 00:22:51.099 and he 00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:51.539 gives to 00:22:51.539 --> 00:22:51.799 you and 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.259 us the 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:52.899 status of 00:22:52.899 --> 00:22:53.819 servants and 00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:54.259 sons, 00:22:56.239 --> 00:22:56.539 and the 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.659 huge privilege 00:22:57.659 --> 00:22:59.419 of serving 00:22:59.419 --> 00:23:00.139 a heavenly 00:23:00.139 --> 00:23:00.919 father with 00:23:00.919 --> 00:23:01.479 the resources 00:23:01.479 --> 00:23:02.179 that he has 00:23:02.179 --> 00:23:02.699 given to 00:23:02.699 --> 00:23:03.039 us, 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:05.539 that he 00:23:05.539 --> 00:23:06.079 has provided, 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:08.099 to serve 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:08.399 him with 00:23:08.399 --> 00:23:09.019 the strength 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:10.199 that he 00:23:10.199 --> 00:23:10.859 gives us, 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:12.099 for the 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:12.500 days that 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:12.799 he gives 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:13.059 us, 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:14.899 for a 00:23:14.899 --> 00:23:15.539 reward, 00:23:16.119 --> 00:23:16.819 at the 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:17.159 end of 00:23:17.159 --> 00:23:17.279 the 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:17.719 world, 00:23:17.859 --> 00:23:18.159 which 00:23:18.159 --> 00:23:18.319 will 00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:18.699 outweigh 00:23:18.699 --> 00:23:18.879 the 00:23:18.879 --> 00:23:19.179 world. 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:21.119 He is 00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:21.559 incredible. 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:23.799 And the 00:23:23.799 --> 00:23:24.139 Lord has 00:23:24.139 --> 00:23:25.119 given to 00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:25.939 every believer 00:23:25.939 --> 00:23:28.099 gifts and 00:23:28.099 --> 00:23:28.559 graces, 00:23:29.559 --> 00:23:30.399 and the 00:23:30.399 --> 00:23:30.759 key is to 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.159 be willing, 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:33.199 not to be 00:23:33.199 --> 00:23:33.719 successful, 00:23:34.719 --> 00:23:36.139 but to say, 00:23:36.259 --> 00:23:36.419 Lord, 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.379 here's the 00:23:37.379 --> 00:23:37.759 day that 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.039 you've given 00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:38.339 me, 00:23:39.719 --> 00:23:40.159 and here are 00:23:40.159 --> 00:23:40.539 the gifts 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:40.839 that you've 00:23:40.839 --> 00:23:41.059 given to 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:41.279 me, 00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:42.679 and here are 00:23:42.679 --> 00:23:43.239 the graces 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:44.039 that you've 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:44.380 given to 00:23:44.380 --> 00:23:44.519 me, 00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:44.980 how can 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.279 I be 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:45.920 useful to 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:46.660 you today? 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.640 Because the 00:23:50.640 --> 00:23:51.279 way you 00:23:51.279 --> 00:23:51.799 live your 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:54.380 life will 00:23:54.380 --> 00:23:55.019 say a lot 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:56.160 about how 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:56.480 you view 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:56.640 the 00:23:56.640 --> 00:23:56.940 master. 00:23:59.519 --> 00:24:00.099 Let's bow 00:24:00.099 --> 00:24:00.359 our heads 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:00.799 in prayer. 00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:09.539 Heavenly 00:24:09.539 --> 00:24:10.000 Father, we 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:11.319 praise you 00:24:11.319 --> 00:24:12.619 because you 00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:13.279 are God 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:13.960 and there 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.359 is no 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:14.599 other. 00:24:17.519 --> 00:24:18.159 You are 00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:18.819 our rock 00:24:18.819 --> 00:24:20.859 and our 00:24:20.859 --> 00:24:21.399 refuge. 00:24:23.159 --> 00:24:23.940 You are a 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.639 very present 00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:25.119 help in 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:25.379 trouble. 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.200 We thank 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:28.480 you for 00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:29.099 your word. 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:31.220 We thank 00:24:31.220 --> 00:24:31.480 you for 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:31.799 how you've 00:24:31.799 --> 00:24:32.299 spoken to 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:32.680 us through 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:32.859 it. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.299 We thank 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:33.559 you that 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.119 it cuts 00:24:34.119 --> 00:24:34.440 us, 00:24:35.919 --> 00:24:36.519 that it 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:36.839 is so 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:37.159 clear. 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:39.519 We thank 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:39.720 you for 00:24:39.720 --> 00:24:40.139 the gifts 00:24:40.139 --> 00:24:40.579 that you've 00:24:40.579 --> 00:24:40.940 given to 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:41.440 your people. 00:24:42.059 --> 00:24:42.440 Lord, we've 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:42.759 seen that 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:43.180 even this 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:43.440 week. 00:24:44.799 --> 00:24:45.099 And we 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:45.379 want to 00:24:45.379 --> 00:24:45.740 pray that 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.039 you will 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:46.599 help us, 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:46.940 Heavenly 00:24:46.940 --> 00:24:47.500 Father, to 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.019 use our 00:24:48.019 --> 00:24:49.119 time wisely 00:24:49.119 --> 00:24:50.180 and well, 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:52.579 to serve 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:53.119 you knowing 00:24:53.119 --> 00:24:53.559 that you 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:54.240 are a 00:24:54.240 --> 00:24:54.659 generous 00:24:54.659 --> 00:24:55.599 master who 00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:56.139 gives all 00:24:56.139 --> 00:24:56.379 that we 00:24:56.379 --> 00:24:56.700 need. 00:24:58.619 --> 00:24:58.799 And 00:24:58.799 --> 00:24:59.119 Father, we 00:24:59.119 --> 00:24:59.519 come to 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:00.019 you in our 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:00.619 need and 00:25:00.619 --> 00:25:00.759 our 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:01.279 dependence 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:01.639 this 00:25:01.639 --> 00:25:01.959 morning. 00:25:03.119 --> 00:25:03.659 And we 00:25:03.659 --> 00:25:04.119 ask you 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:04.619 for help. 00:25:06.119 --> 00:25:06.699 We know 00:25:06.699 --> 00:25:06.979 that you 00:25:06.979 --> 00:25:07.679 are sovereign 00:25:07.679 --> 00:25:09.599 and that 00:25:09.599 --> 00:25:09.839 you are 00:25:09.839 --> 00:25:10.779 all-powerful 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:12.019 and that 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:12.279 you are 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:12.699 good. 00:25:14.219 --> 00:25:14.759 We want 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:15.259 to pray for 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:15.779 those in 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:15.939 our 00:25:15.939 --> 00:25:16.439 congregation 00:25:16.439 --> 00:25:16.839 that are 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:17.299 unwell. 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.039 We ask 00:25:21.039 --> 00:25:21.299 that you 00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:21.979 might strengthen 00:25:21.979 --> 00:25:22.399 them. 00:25:23.579 --> 00:25:24.219 We ask 00:25:24.219 --> 00:25:24.479 that you 00:25:24.479 --> 00:25:25.079 might heal 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.739 them and 00:25:25.739 --> 00:25:26.319 keep them. 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:28.939 we pray 00:25:28.939 --> 00:25:29.200 that you 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.519 would give 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:29.799 to the 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.220 doctors 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:30.639 and the 00:25:30.639 --> 00:25:30.899 nurses 00:25:30.899 --> 00:25:31.339 treating 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:31.720 them 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:32.339 skill. 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:35.319 Heavenly 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:35.679 Father, we 00:25:35.679 --> 00:25:35.960 pray for 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:36.259 those who 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:36.740 are anxious 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:37.559 about their 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:38.519 family members 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:39.119 and worried. 00:25:40.419 --> 00:25:40.859 Lord, we 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:41.399 pray that you 00:25:41.399 --> 00:25:41.960 would grant 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:42.599 them that 00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:43.259 peace which 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:44.000 transcends 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:45.000 all understanding, 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:46.960 that it would 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:47.439 guard their 00:25:47.439 --> 00:25:48.299 heart and their 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:49.059 mind in 00:25:49.059 --> 00:25:49.819 Christ Jesus 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.439 and that they 00:25:50.439 --> 00:25:50.839 would know 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:52.379 that they are 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:52.820 in your 00:25:52.820 --> 00:25:54.640 hands and 00:25:54.640 --> 00:25:54.960 you are 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.520 the almighty 00:25:55.520 --> 00:25:56.060 God. 00:25:59.820 --> 00:26:00.340 Heavenly 00:26:00.340 --> 00:26:00.780 Father, we 00:26:00.780 --> 00:26:01.420 pray that you 00:26:01.420 --> 00:26:02.080 would keep us 00:26:02.080 --> 00:26:02.860 from a 00:26:02.860 --> 00:26:03.620 wrong fear. 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:05.740 We pray that 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.460 you would help 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:07.260 us to live 00:26:07.260 --> 00:26:08.180 day by day 00:26:08.180 --> 00:26:08.900 using this 00:26:08.900 --> 00:26:09.440 time that 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:09.780 you've given 00:26:09.780 --> 00:26:10.480 to us wisely. 00:26:12.020 --> 00:26:12.820 We thank you 00:26:12.820 --> 00:26:13.060 for our 00:26:13.060 --> 00:26:13.440 government, 00:26:14.120 --> 00:26:15.160 for the 00:26:15.160 --> 00:26:16.080 health services, 00:26:17.020 --> 00:26:17.940 for all 00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:18.380 those in 00:26:18.380 --> 00:26:18.900 authority. 00:26:20.360 --> 00:26:21.000 And we 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:21.360 pray, 00:26:21.540 --> 00:26:21.680 Heavenly 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.200 Father, that 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:22.559 you would 00:26:22.559 --> 00:26:23.140 give a 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:23.519 supernatural 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.539 strength to 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:25.220 those caring 00:26:25.220 --> 00:26:25.900 for others, 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:27.759 that you 00:26:27.759 --> 00:26:28.500 would bless 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.340 them and 00:26:29.340 --> 00:26:30.140 their families, 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:31.600 that you 00:26:31.600 --> 00:26:32.180 would strengthen 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:32.819 them for the 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.400 task that 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:33.980 is ahead. 00:26:35.759 --> 00:26:36.740 We pray, 00:26:37.140 --> 00:26:37.900 gracious God, 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.319 that you 00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:38.940 would use 00:26:38.940 --> 00:26:39.980 this situation 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:40.819 to turn 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.360 many back 00:26:41.360 --> 00:26:41.799 to you. 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:43.779 Lord, we're 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:44.440 aware that 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:45.360 we have no 00:26:45.360 --> 00:26:46.000 answers and 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:46.340 we are 00:26:46.340 --> 00:26:47.100 fragile and 00:26:47.100 --> 00:26:47.519 life is 00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:48.360 very brief. 00:26:49.860 --> 00:26:50.220 And so, 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.120 gracious God, 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:51.519 may, 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:52.680 in your 00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:53.279 sovereignty, 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:54.980 in your 00:26:54.980 --> 00:26:55.519 power, 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.279 would you 00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:57.960 turn many 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:58.740 to yourself. 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:00.819 Heavenly 00:27:00.819 --> 00:27:01.200 Father, we 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:01.639 ask you to 00:27:01.639 --> 00:27:02.139 forgive our 00:27:02.139 --> 00:27:02.539 sins. 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:03.960 As we 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:04.819 read this 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:05.180 passage, 00:27:05.500 --> 00:27:05.940 we're aware, 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:06.259 Lord, there 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:06.599 are many 00:27:06.599 --> 00:27:07.220 ways we've 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:07.900 been unfaithful. 00:27:08.839 --> 00:27:09.139 There are 00:27:09.139 --> 00:27:09.539 things we've 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:10.180 said this 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:10.720 week, things 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.339 we've done, 00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:12.059 things that we 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:12.379 should have 00:27:12.379 --> 00:27:12.920 done, and 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:13.639 we ask your 00:27:13.639 --> 00:27:13.980 forgiveness. 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:15.660 And we 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.240 thank you that 00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:16.740 you are 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:17.539 gracious and you 00:27:17.539 --> 00:27:18.039 are forgiving. 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:20.180 And the 00:27:20.180 --> 00:27:20.559 blood of 00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:21.159 Jesus Christ 00:27:21.159 --> 00:27:21.819 cleanses us 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:22.259 from every 00:27:22.259 --> 00:27:22.639 sin. 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:24.599 Lord, watch 00:27:24.599 --> 00:27:25.559 over us this 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:27.059 day, for we 00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:27.759 pray all these 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:28.220 things. 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.039 In Jesus' 00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:31.000 strong name, 00:27:32.139 --> 00:27:32.539 Amen. 00:27:32.539 --> 00:27:32.759 Amen. 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:34.680 Amen.