WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.460 Good morning. 00:00:01.459 --> 00:00:05.980 If you want to go ahead and turn to Hebrews chapter 4. 00:00:05.980 --> 00:00:05.980 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.380 Sharper than any two-edged sword. 00:00:34.920 --> 00:00:38.799 Piercing to the division of soul and of spirit. 00:00:39.759 --> 00:00:41.200 Of joints and of marrow. 00:00:42.480 --> 00:00:46.179 And discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 00:00:47.359 --> 00:00:49.519 And no creature is hidden from his sight. 00:00:49.519 --> 00:00:58.640 But all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:04.359 Father, thank you for this word from you. 00:01:06.140 --> 00:01:10.900 By your spirit, enlighten our eyes to understand. 00:01:11.299 --> 00:01:12.180 In Jesus' name. 00:01:14.680 --> 00:01:21.219 I consider it a great privilege to be a part of a congregation that highly values the Bible. 00:01:21.219 --> 00:01:33.180 When you look through the pages of scripture, you see how often the word of God is extolled. 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:34.599 Is lifted up. 00:01:34.739 --> 00:01:40.159 Is shown to be an important part of what God does. 00:01:40.159 --> 00:01:52.000 And he has given it, his word, a major role in the preservation of the church and of our faith. 00:01:54.239 --> 00:02:06.079 And so it seems obvious that we would, that we who claim to follow Christ, love God, would place the same value on the word that he does. 00:02:06.079 --> 00:02:10.879 But this is not true of every church. 00:02:12.419 --> 00:02:19.039 Many, even those with a rich gospel heritage, have lost that perspective. 00:02:21.340 --> 00:02:30.340 Those folks who study church trends and life have outlined what they call the four stages of church decline. 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:35.460 In the first stage, the gospel is central. 00:02:36.300 --> 00:02:37.480 That's the good church. 00:02:40.599 --> 00:02:49.280 In that stage, the Bible has a central role in defining the issues of life. 00:02:49.539 --> 00:02:55.620 The Bible sets the agenda for what the leadership, what the congregation does. 00:02:55.620 --> 00:03:02.400 In the second stage, the gospel is assumed. 00:03:05.060 --> 00:03:11.520 When the gospel is assumed, the Bible takes on a secondary role. 00:03:12.520 --> 00:03:24.860 Its message, its emphases, its agenda are replaced with those of the culture, the latest trends, current events. 00:03:25.620 --> 00:03:32.500 And then by the third stage, the gospel is lost and the Bible has very little place at all. 00:03:33.939 --> 00:03:39.740 And in the fourth stage, the church is withered into complete spiritual indifference. 00:03:39.740 --> 00:03:52.659 Now, most of what many of us have experienced or observed would probably be considered the first or second stage. 00:03:53.180 --> 00:03:54.719 At least, that's my experience. 00:03:56.780 --> 00:04:02.080 But I do not believe that the downtrend is inevitable. 00:04:04.280 --> 00:04:05.980 Churches do persevere. 00:04:05.979 --> 00:04:06.979 Churches do persevere. 00:04:08.539 --> 00:04:10.159 Revivals do happen. 00:04:11.699 --> 00:04:13.859 And that's because the Lord is present. 00:04:14.620 --> 00:04:17.579 And he's left his spirit in the church to 00:04:17.579 --> 00:04:24.379 give it strength, to lead and guide it, 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:30.319 to help it guard against the drifting from the gospel. 00:04:30.319 --> 00:04:40.000 God has given us the privilege of participating in that preserving work of his spirit. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:49.019 When we belong or participate in a church that highly values the word of God. 00:04:49.019 --> 00:04:50.019 God wants you to hear his spirit. 00:04:50.019 --> 00:04:58.099 This morning, I believe God wants you and me to hear his voice through his word. 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:05.879 And to respond with a faith and obedience that are appropriate. 00:05:05.879 --> 00:05:16.480 And a renewed determination to make and keep his word central in our hearts. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:23.699 God wants you to appreciate the role he has given to the word in the church. 00:05:23.699 --> 00:05:27.680 And in appreciating that, then benefiting from it. 00:05:28.680 --> 00:05:31.899 Not only in salvation, but also in transformation. 00:05:33.560 --> 00:05:34.659 And effectiveness. 00:05:36.480 --> 00:05:39.379 Now, Hebrews chapter 4, verses 12 and 13. 00:05:40.060 --> 00:05:46.180 This is a passage that highlights the importance of God's word. 00:05:46.180 --> 00:05:53.319 It's a reminder of the role that God has given to his word in strengthening and preserving faith. 00:05:53.759 --> 00:05:56.480 By bringing about repentance and growth. 00:05:57.459 --> 00:06:06.259 It's a passage that calls you to do everything you can do to keep the word central in your life. 00:06:06.519 --> 00:06:07.439 To trust it. 00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:09.939 And to respond appropriately. 00:06:09.939 --> 00:06:18.300 So this morning, I'd like to look at three aspects of the word of God given here in the text. 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:24.000 That God says are reasons why you should keep the word of God central in your life. 00:06:24.139 --> 00:06:28.139 So first, let's look at verse 12 again. 00:06:28.279 --> 00:06:28.980 The first part. 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:34.620 For the word of God is alive. 00:06:35.220 --> 00:06:35.939 Or living. 00:06:36.779 --> 00:06:37.959 Word of God is living. 00:06:38.279 --> 00:06:38.879 Alive. 00:06:39.939 --> 00:06:47.620 Now, the context is very important to understanding the reason this passage occurs here. 00:06:48.100 --> 00:06:49.600 So, I will come back to it. 00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:52.240 But to begin with, I'd like to look closely at the main point. 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:57.899 And that is that God wants you to value his word because it is alive. 00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:02.819 God's word is living. 00:07:02.819 --> 00:07:10.420 In a grammatical sense, the word alive here is the emphasis of this verse. 00:07:10.500 --> 00:07:11.159 It occurs first. 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:17.199 So, if you looked into the Greek, you would see living for the word of God. 00:07:17.279 --> 00:07:19.719 In other words, the word of God is living. 00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:21.300 But it begins with living. 00:07:21.879 --> 00:07:22.899 It's emphatic. 00:07:22.899 --> 00:07:27.479 This is the point that the author wants to draw our attention to. 00:07:28.579 --> 00:07:32.000 The idea of the word of God being alive. 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:38.500 And simply speaking, this is the main reason why we should value the word of God. 00:07:39.699 --> 00:07:43.060 Because it is a living word. 00:07:43.060 --> 00:07:48.939 The other descriptors in the text really flow out of this. 00:07:51.019 --> 00:07:56.939 The idea that the word of God is alive might seem a bit strange to us. 00:07:56.939 --> 00:08:05.100 But it makes sense when you see it in light of whose word it is. 00:08:06.860 --> 00:08:13.980 28 times in the ESV, the phrase, the living God occurs. 00:08:15.519 --> 00:08:17.939 Three of those times are in the book of Hebrews. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:30.899 In a basic sense, the word living when attached to God simply refers to the fact that unlike the idols of the nations, 00:08:31.620 --> 00:08:34.879 the idols that surrounded the Israelites and so on, 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:41.799 unlike those gods, our God is alive. 00:08:41.799 --> 00:08:51.019 The psalmists and even the prophets mock the nations, 00:08:52.019 --> 00:08:55.500 saying those idols have eyes, but they can't see. 00:08:56.439 --> 00:08:58.799 They have ears, but they can't hear. 00:08:59.699 --> 00:09:03.879 They have mouths, but they neither speak nor breathe. 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:11.779 This contrast is true, but I think there's something more to the phrase, 00:09:11.799 --> 00:09:13.399 the living God. 00:09:14.000 --> 00:09:19.919 Because when you understand God in all of his attributes and who he really is, 00:09:20.379 --> 00:09:23.199 you realize that God is life itself. 00:09:26.959 --> 00:09:32.339 This life, God's life, is not derived as we understand life, 00:09:32.439 --> 00:09:34.899 derived from anything outside of himself. 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:40.759 He's not dependent upon breath to live. 00:09:41.799 --> 00:09:53.919 He's not dependent upon electrochemical processes in your nervous system in order to think like we are. 00:09:55.279 --> 00:10:00.839 And he's not dependent upon calorie intake for energy. 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:04.159 God's life itself. 00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:07.059 Life is his nature. 00:10:07.059 --> 00:10:15.199 I think understanding this aids our understanding of what is being communicated here about the word of God. 00:10:17.199 --> 00:10:22.059 God's good news to us is a message about life. 00:10:22.059 --> 00:10:24.859 But it's more than that. 00:10:25.819 --> 00:10:30.039 The gospel itself is a living message. 00:10:32.199 --> 00:10:34.739 The word of God is living. 00:10:35.879 --> 00:10:38.719 The proclamation of the word is life. 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:45.319 And when it is proclaimed faithfully, it imparts life. 00:10:45.320 --> 00:10:55.640 In the same way, I believe this is how we should understand and view the written word, the Bible. 00:10:56.260 --> 00:10:57.800 It is a living document. 00:10:57.799 --> 00:11:04.759 Early on in my Christian experience, I was given some advice about how to study the Bible. 00:11:05.219 --> 00:11:11.740 And it was found in this old, small book of Falling Apart, probably written 100 or 200 years ago. 00:11:11.819 --> 00:11:13.139 I don't even know who the author was. 00:11:13.359 --> 00:11:17.479 But I looked through it and it said there's two ways to study the Bible. 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:18.620 And both are important. 00:11:18.839 --> 00:11:22.059 First, you should study the Bible just like any other book. 00:11:22.059 --> 00:11:27.519 There are common elements that need to be understood. 00:11:27.939 --> 00:11:37.339 There's genre and grammar and structure and historical context and idiomatic language that you need to try to understand. 00:11:40.319 --> 00:11:43.159 In this way, the Bible is just like any other book. 00:11:43.599 --> 00:11:47.500 And we should be diligent to seek to understand what is being communicated. 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:56.740 But second, it advised, you should study the Bible unlike any other book. 00:11:58.379 --> 00:12:04.899 You see, the Bible is not just a collection of ancient stories and conventional wisdom. 00:12:06.179 --> 00:12:10.299 It's not simply a collection of practical principles. 00:12:10.299 --> 00:12:20.979 And it's certainly not like a magic book full of formulas to follow or pronounce in order to gain health and wealth and success in life. 00:12:22.419 --> 00:12:31.459 The Bible is God's very word spoken and recorded in the context of human experience. 00:12:31.460 --> 00:12:34.000 I think it's very interesting. 00:12:35.080 --> 00:12:44.300 As we've been going through Hebrews, you see that the author of Hebrews quotes an Old Testament passage back in chapter 3 in verse 7. 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:46.879 But when you look there, what does he say? 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:51.700 He says, therefore, as the Holy Spirit says... 00:12:51.700 --> 00:12:52.900 Oh, he made a mistake. 00:12:53.920 --> 00:12:55.740 Didn't the Holy Spirit say that? 00:12:56.900 --> 00:12:57.759 Past tense? 00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:57.840 Past tense? 00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:01.580 It's not what it says. 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:09.399 And the passage begins today if you hear his voice. 00:13:09.480 --> 00:13:18.980 And what he's doing is taking that word written so many years before and saying it applies to you, to me now. 00:13:19.919 --> 00:13:25.419 Today, if you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts. 00:13:25.419 --> 00:13:28.599 Well, how can he do that? 00:13:28.699 --> 00:13:31.099 Is he just speaking metaphorically? 00:13:31.439 --> 00:13:32.199 Or... 00:13:32.199 --> 00:13:33.079 I don't think so. 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:45.539 He's indicating that God was presently, at the time he wrote this, 00:13:46.339 --> 00:13:52.159 giving the very same warning to the readers of his book. 00:13:52.159 --> 00:13:56.219 God speaks to us in his word. 00:13:57.120 --> 00:14:02.039 You can expect God to speak to you in his word. 00:14:03.059 --> 00:14:04.759 And his word is life. 00:14:05.459 --> 00:14:06.539 It's your food. 00:14:06.659 --> 00:14:07.419 It's your drink. 00:14:07.839 --> 00:14:08.879 It's your energy. 00:14:09.079 --> 00:14:09.939 It's your strength. 00:14:10.059 --> 00:14:10.740 It's your wisdom. 00:14:10.939 --> 00:14:11.839 It's your guidance. 00:14:12.120 --> 00:14:13.179 It's your comfort. 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:13.379 It's your comfort. 00:14:16.199 --> 00:14:22.339 This is the very thing God wants you to make every effort to understand and depend upon. 00:14:23.239 --> 00:14:26.779 And in order to do this, you must value it. 00:14:28.339 --> 00:14:30.439 But the passage continues, doesn't it? 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:36.299 Not only is it alive, but it effectively accomplishes what God intends. 00:14:36.439 --> 00:14:38.079 That's the second aspect we see. 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:42.759 God wants you to value his word because it is effective. 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:45.320 Look at verse 12 again. 00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:49.840 For the word of God is alive, living, and effective. 00:14:50.920 --> 00:14:56.800 Now, some versions have the word active or powerful instead of effective. 00:14:57.000 --> 00:15:01.120 But really, the word effective carries the idea best. 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:04.560 By effective, it means that it accomplishes something. 00:15:05.239 --> 00:15:08.079 It's effective in what it is designed to do. 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:09.779 Sure, it's powerful. 00:15:10.059 --> 00:15:18.159 But the point is that it's powerful to accomplish what it's sent to do or what it's given for. 00:15:20.159 --> 00:15:28.279 I think the best argument for that is in the words of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 55 and verses 10 and 11. 00:15:28.279 --> 00:15:58.259 He records, 00:15:58.279 --> 00:16:03.339 And shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:06.839 That's how God views his word. 00:16:09.539 --> 00:16:12.600 That effectiveness is observed in creation. 00:16:14.539 --> 00:16:18.879 Isn't it amazing that God just said, let there be light and there was light? 00:16:19.879 --> 00:16:22.379 He just spoke and it happened. 00:16:23.899 --> 00:16:26.120 It did just what he said. 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:37.759 In Ezekiel 37, God had the prophet speak his word over the bones that typified Israel. 00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:43.159 And when he did that, those bones came back to life. 00:16:44.819 --> 00:16:47.899 And it's observed also in Lazarus' resurrection. 00:16:48.200 --> 00:16:49.799 When Jesus said, come forth. 00:16:51.419 --> 00:16:52.480 And what happened? 00:16:53.220 --> 00:16:54.220 He came forth. 00:16:54.220 --> 00:17:02.220 And even in the story that we heard this morning for you children. 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:06.660 All Jesus had to do was say, peace, be still. 00:17:07.600 --> 00:17:08.579 And it happened. 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:13.419 That's the effectiveness of God's word. 00:17:13.419 --> 00:17:18.199 It's powerful and effectively accomplishes his will. 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:23.299 Now, the word of God has many aspects to this effectiveness. 00:17:23.600 --> 00:17:26.500 There are several metaphors in the Bible that highlight these. 00:17:26.620 --> 00:17:27.740 And I'll list just a few. 00:17:27.940 --> 00:17:30.160 And some are the ones that I found. 00:17:30.340 --> 00:17:31.680 Psalm 119, 105. 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:35.259 The word of God is a lamp that gives light. 00:17:35.259 --> 00:17:38.519 The light of his instruction and direction. 00:17:38.879 --> 00:17:46.799 In Jeremiah 23 and verse 29, God's word is called a fire that consumes and a hammer that shatters. 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:53.900 Referring to its capacity to destroy false representations of God and his truth. 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:58.859 According to James, the word of God is a mirror that reflects the real person. 00:17:58.859 --> 00:18:11.879 And the apostle Peter says that the word of God is a seed that births new life and milk that nourishes the people of God. 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:23.919 But in this passage in Hebrews, the word of God is compared to a sharp double-edged sword that pierces and separates and discerns. 00:18:23.919 --> 00:18:26.019 Look again at verse 12. 00:18:28.859 --> 00:18:33.199 For the word of God is living and active. 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:38.479 Sharper than any two-edged sword. 00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:43.819 Piercing to the division of soul and spirit of joints and marrow. 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:48.579 And discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 00:18:50.359 --> 00:18:54.559 That is how in this chapter the word of God is described. 00:18:54.559 --> 00:19:00.119 And I think we would be right to ask why a sword is used in this context. 00:19:01.319 --> 00:19:07.599 It's understandable in Ephesians 6, 17 where the word of God is called the sword of the spirit. 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:19.899 And is part of the armor of the Christian in the fight for the saints in the war against those powers of darkness that seek to undermine our faith. 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:32.380 And it's understandable in the book of Revelation where the sharp two-edged sword proceeds from the mouth of Jesus himself to slay those who reject his kingdom. 00:19:34.380 --> 00:19:35.580 Chapter 19. 00:19:37.160 --> 00:19:40.420 But here in Hebrews, the idea seems a bit different. 00:19:40.420 --> 00:19:43.680 It's more like a fisherman's knife. 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:47.640 Although the word is sword, but it's a small sword. 00:19:50.080 --> 00:19:52.039 Instead of an instrument of war. 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:56.860 The imagery of the division of soul and spirit and joint and marrow reflect this. 00:19:58.759 --> 00:20:00.900 Maybe you can think of it as being filleted. 00:20:00.900 --> 00:20:08.519 The last part of verse 12 makes this point. 00:20:09.259 --> 00:20:14.180 And I think that's what the image leads up to when it says, 00:20:14.519 --> 00:20:17.500 Discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 00:20:19.080 --> 00:20:25.060 It's one of the chief characteristics of the word of God to then expose us. 00:20:26.360 --> 00:20:28.000 To expose our motives. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:31.380 We sang about the fear we have of being exposed. 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:35.099 But that's a good thing. 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:37.079 According to the scriptures. 00:20:38.339 --> 00:20:40.220 Sin is very deceitful. 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:46.880 And according to the Bible, we can't even always know our own hearts. 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:51.680 1 Corinthians chapter 4. 00:20:52.640 --> 00:20:56.940 But the message of the gospel exposes us. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:21:03.119 It distinguishes between religious practice and faith. 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:11.680 It exposes the difference between the desire to be recognized and self-sacrificing charity. 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:18.460 It demonstrates the great contrast between lust and love. 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:33.579 And it reveals the difference between works that are produced through a need to be acceptance and those that are generated through gratitude and grace. 00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:33.679 God knows us. 00:21:36.679 --> 00:21:38.419 God knows us very well. 00:21:40.419 --> 00:21:44.019 And he's given his word to help us. 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:48.919 You see, the deceitfulness of sin is just that. 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:50.000 It's deceitful. 00:21:50.659 --> 00:21:52.399 That means we can't always see it. 00:21:52.639 --> 00:21:53.720 It's powerful. 00:21:53.720 --> 00:21:57.799 It wants to lead us astray. 00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:59.480 Cause us to drift. 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:01.779 Urge us to harden our hearts. 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:05.819 It says, God really can't be trusted. 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:09.460 You know a lot about this. 00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:10.600 Anyway. 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:12.960 It whispers, 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:17.620 Your happiness is more important than the life that's inside. 00:22:22.160 --> 00:22:26.519 It attempts to minimize the effects of small sins. 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:28.360 Of white lies. 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:31.160 Neglect of prayer and worship. 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:38.140 It attempts to make greed and self-preservation appear as responsibility. 00:22:38.140 --> 00:22:44.080 But the word of God exposes all of this. 00:22:46.120 --> 00:22:53.660 This role of the Bible, of the word of God, fits the context of Hebrews. 00:22:54.740 --> 00:22:58.200 And it's reinforced by the following verse. 00:22:58.600 --> 00:22:59.400 Verse 13. 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:01.660 God's word is alive. 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.580 It's effective. 00:23:02.820 --> 00:23:05.840 And thus, it requires a response from us. 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:10.419 And that's the next aspect of the word of God that we want to look at in this passage. 00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:12.339 God wants you to value his word. 00:23:12.439 --> 00:23:14.299 Yes, because it is alive and effective. 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:21.980 But also because valuing his word is what you need to do in order to respond appropriately. 00:23:23.939 --> 00:23:25.599 Look at verse 13 again. 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:48.059 Now, in this verse, there is a switch from the sword metaphor to a focus on God's omniscience and his eyes that are able to see everything. 00:23:48.059 --> 00:23:52.259 But the point is the same. 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:56.759 It's just a reinforcement of what he said previously. 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:58.679 Nothing is hidden from God. 00:23:59.599 --> 00:24:01.579 Your innermost thoughts, nothing. 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:04.179 We are all exposed from him. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:06.259 We can't hide anything from him. 00:24:07.119 --> 00:24:09.200 Your thoughts, your motives, nothing. 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:12.859 You are completely vulnerable and exposed before him. 00:24:12.859 --> 00:24:20.000 And God wants to remind you of this so that you can respond in faith. 00:24:22.179 --> 00:24:29.059 I mentioned earlier that the context is important for understanding the reason why these verses are here at this point in the book of Hebrews. 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:38.039 And until now, the author has been emphasizing the superiority of Christ over angels and over Moses. 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:49.119 But his intent in highlighting these things is clearly and predominantly to warn the readers against replacing Jesus with anything. 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:56.180 In chapter 2, he warns against drifting away. 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:56.879 Verse 1. 00:24:58.680 --> 00:25:03.200 In chapter 3, he warns against falling away from the living God. 00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:03.940 In verse 12. 00:25:03.940 --> 00:25:13.420 Then again, in the verse before today's text, in verse 11, we see another warning against the same disobedience that brought judgment on the Israelites in the wilderness. 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:20.200 Each of these warnings is in the context of the word of God. 00:25:22.600 --> 00:25:26.920 The warning against drifting away refers to what we have heard. 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:31.019 Be careful that we don't drift away from what we have heard. 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:33.160 The message of the gospel. 00:25:33.940 --> 00:25:34.759 God's word. 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:44.920 In verse 12 of chapter 3, the falling away is described as an evil, unbelieving heart. 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.559 Unbelieving what? 00:25:47.340 --> 00:25:49.600 Unbelieving of the word of God. 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:52.480 Of the promises that God made to them. 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:55.680 To the Israelites. 00:25:55.680 --> 00:26:05.100 And the disobedience mentioned in verse 11 of chapter 4 is the response of those same Israelites to the promise of rest. 00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:09.759 Which in verse 6 is called the good news or the gospel. 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:23.140 So in every case here we have a caution, a warning about leaving, about not trusting God's word. 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:32.120 So the focus of the word of God or on the word of God in verses 11 or 12 and 13 aligns with this emphasis. 00:26:32.119 --> 00:26:37.579 But it also directly relates to the exhortation in verse 11. 00:26:39.199 --> 00:26:43.199 You see, in view of the Israelites' failure to receive God's promised rest, 00:26:43.359 --> 00:26:47.379 we, on the other hand, are encouraged to strive to enter that rest. 00:26:48.219 --> 00:26:49.199 Well, what does that mean? 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:51.700 What does it mean to strive to enter rest? 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:53.580 That sounds like an oxymoron to me. 00:26:56.279 --> 00:26:59.759 What does it mean? 00:27:04.860 --> 00:27:13.940 But when we consider that this rest there is a type of our eternal rest, the promise of the gospel. 00:27:13.940 --> 00:27:18.720 And when we consider the context of what is being warned against here, 00:27:19.080 --> 00:27:29.299 then striving to enter should be then understood as simply being diligent to hear and to trust the word of God. 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.840 That's what he's calling us to do. 00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:39.380 Not neglect it, but earnestly seek to hear it, 00:27:39.380 --> 00:27:41.680 to understand it, 00:27:42.060 --> 00:27:43.900 and to believe it. 00:27:46.340 --> 00:27:51.620 I think it's likely that in the short period of our time together this morning in the worship 00:27:51.620 --> 00:27:54.800 and even in reading these few passages in the Bible, 00:27:54.900 --> 00:28:02.220 that the Spirit of God has used the word of God to draw your attention to some area of lack or of trust 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:07.460 or some area of fear or some desire that you know that will not trust you 00:28:07.460 --> 00:28:10.640 or draw you close to the Lord. 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:20.240 And I think he's doing that because he loves you. 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:25.519 And he wants you to turn to him and expect in faith 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:27.100 that he can help, 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:31.120 that he can change you and me. 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:34.039 If that isn't happening, 00:28:34.180 --> 00:28:35.220 we're really in big trouble. 00:28:38.120 --> 00:28:45.339 But the encouragement is that he does it so that we would respond appropriately. 00:28:47.279 --> 00:28:49.000 At the end of verse 13, 00:28:49.079 --> 00:28:50.339 there is this phrase, 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:52.680 to whom we must give account. 00:28:52.880 --> 00:28:54.779 And if you take it at face value, 00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:59.700 it appears to be a sense in which, 00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:00.420 you know, 00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:01.500 listen to what I'm saying 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:06.860 because one day you're going to be held accountable for everything that you've heard 00:29:06.860 --> 00:29:08.940 and all the things that God has called you to 00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:10.819 and whether you responded right or not. 00:29:11.039 --> 00:29:15.980 And it's possible that that is what is intended. 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:21.680 But other versions have something a little more vague. 00:29:22.360 --> 00:29:27.220 With whom we have to do instead of to whom we must give an account. 00:29:27.779 --> 00:29:32.620 And the lack of agreement on the translation here 00:29:32.620 --> 00:29:36.860 is simply because this is one of those idiomatic phrases 00:29:36.860 --> 00:29:39.700 that isn't easy to be translated into English. 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:44.779 If you looked at a literal translation of this, 00:29:44.880 --> 00:29:45.460 you would read, 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:46.660 to whom, 00:29:47.380 --> 00:29:48.299 for us, 00:29:48.860 --> 00:29:49.480 the word. 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:54.279 If that sounds odd to you, 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:55.519 you're in good company. 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:57.740 I think it should sound odd to all of us. 00:29:57.819 --> 00:29:59.100 What in the world does that mean? 00:30:00.059 --> 00:30:00.720 To whom, 00:30:01.340 --> 00:30:01.940 to us, 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.559 the word. 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.399 Well, 00:30:05.659 --> 00:30:07.139 there is some similarity here 00:30:07.139 --> 00:30:09.579 with the word being used 00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:12.740 in other texts in the Bible 00:30:12.740 --> 00:30:14.179 with accountability, 00:30:14.799 --> 00:30:18.879 with the concept of accounting. 00:30:19.779 --> 00:30:24.639 But it's normally used in a different sense 00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:26.240 and with a different verb. 00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:27.119 So really, 00:30:27.119 --> 00:30:29.819 it's just hard to say 00:30:29.819 --> 00:30:33.039 that to whom we must give an account 00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:34.939 is what he's trying to communicate. 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:35.819 Of course, 00:30:35.919 --> 00:30:37.039 those people who have studied this 00:30:37.039 --> 00:30:39.339 are much smarter than I am 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:40.319 and maybe they 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:42.619 see things that I don't. 00:30:42.699 --> 00:30:43.679 But other people 00:30:43.679 --> 00:30:45.799 aren't convinced either. 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:49.099 It's possible 00:30:49.099 --> 00:30:52.339 that what is presented here 00:30:52.339 --> 00:30:53.619 is a play on words 00:30:53.619 --> 00:30:54.779 that reaches back 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:56.179 to the beginning of the text. 00:30:57.119 --> 00:30:58.299 The word, 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:01.139 this passage ends with that. 00:31:01.199 --> 00:31:02.099 Remember I said it says 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:04.119 to whom, 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:05.059 to us, 00:31:05.179 --> 00:31:05.839 the word. 00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.500 And it's possible 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:08.500 that that is 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:10.119 a play on words 00:31:10.119 --> 00:31:12.500 that reaches back 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:13.159 to the beginning 00:31:13.159 --> 00:31:15.259 of verse 12 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:15.699 where 00:31:15.699 --> 00:31:18.219 living is the word. 00:31:19.419 --> 00:31:19.599 That 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:22.119 there is some sense 00:31:22.119 --> 00:31:22.579 in which 00:31:22.579 --> 00:31:24.419 we're to see 00:31:24.419 --> 00:31:25.539 a relationship 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:26.279 between 00:31:26.279 --> 00:31:27.839 the living word 00:31:27.839 --> 00:31:28.399 of God 00:31:28.399 --> 00:31:30.039 and for us 00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:30.759 the word. 00:31:32.399 --> 00:31:33.059 Those that 00:31:33.059 --> 00:31:34.279 see that 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.399 in the passage 00:31:35.399 --> 00:31:36.460 consider this 00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:38.440 a response. 00:31:40.500 --> 00:31:41.399 One scholar 00:31:41.399 --> 00:31:42.799 put it this way. 00:31:45.139 --> 00:31:45.839 He said, 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:46.639 now the ball 00:31:46.639 --> 00:31:48.359 is in our court, 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:49.200 so to speak. 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:50.440 In other words, 00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:51.200 God is saying 00:31:51.200 --> 00:31:52.559 all this about his word 00:31:52.559 --> 00:31:53.919 and now the ball 00:31:53.919 --> 00:31:54.720 is in our court. 00:31:55.879 --> 00:31:56.039 Well, 00:31:56.919 --> 00:31:58.440 however you look at this, 00:31:59.139 --> 00:32:00.460 the idea of a response 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:02.059 is 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:03.079 inevitable. 00:32:05.659 --> 00:32:06.639 And I think that 00:32:06.639 --> 00:32:07.619 last understanding 00:32:07.619 --> 00:32:08.779 would agree 00:32:08.779 --> 00:32:09.779 with the rest of the book 00:32:09.779 --> 00:32:10.339 so far. 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.299 It's essential 00:32:11.299 --> 00:32:12.599 that we hear 00:32:12.599 --> 00:32:13.720 and respond 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:14.700 appropriately 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:16.319 with trust 00:32:16.319 --> 00:32:17.860 in the word 00:32:17.860 --> 00:32:18.340 of God. 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:20.620 How have you 00:32:20.620 --> 00:32:21.140 responded 00:32:21.140 --> 00:32:22.860 to the gospel? 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:24.360 How have you 00:32:24.360 --> 00:32:25.340 responded today 00:32:25.340 --> 00:32:27.580 when that 00:32:27.580 --> 00:32:28.740 word 00:32:28.740 --> 00:32:30.059 pricked 00:32:30.059 --> 00:32:31.059 your heart, 00:32:32.640 --> 00:32:33.140 filleted 00:32:33.140 --> 00:32:34.059 your heart? 00:32:34.860 --> 00:32:35.460 How did you 00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:35.900 respond? 00:32:37.340 --> 00:32:37.960 Did you 00:32:37.960 --> 00:32:38.900 respond like 00:32:38.900 --> 00:32:39.860 a 00:32:39.860 --> 00:32:41.500 sacrificial 00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:42.080 animal 00:32:42.080 --> 00:32:42.980 waiting to be 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:44.019 cut 00:32:44.019 --> 00:32:45.019 by throwing 00:32:45.019 --> 00:32:45.420 your head 00:32:45.420 --> 00:32:45.720 back 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:46.200 and saying, 00:32:46.420 --> 00:32:46.640 yes, 00:32:46.740 --> 00:32:46.920 God, 00:32:46.980 --> 00:32:47.500 that's me. 00:32:49.620 --> 00:32:50.140 Help. 00:32:51.559 --> 00:32:52.059 That's 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:52.819 really what 00:32:52.819 --> 00:32:53.180 the word 00:32:53.180 --> 00:32:53.839 refers to 00:32:53.839 --> 00:32:54.059 there 00:32:54.059 --> 00:32:54.460 when it 00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:54.700 says 00:32:54.700 --> 00:32:55.000 we're 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:55.920 exposed. 00:32:56.839 --> 00:32:57.220 It's 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:57.740 the same 00:32:57.740 --> 00:32:58.099 word 00:32:58.099 --> 00:32:58.640 that's used 00:32:58.640 --> 00:32:59.120 in these 00:32:59.120 --> 00:32:59.880 sacrificial 00:32:59.880 --> 00:33:00.400 rites 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:01.839 where the 00:33:01.839 --> 00:33:02.620 sacrifice 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:03.240 is laid 00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:03.660 open, 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:04.500 ready to 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:04.819 be 00:33:04.819 --> 00:33:05.819 cut. 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:08.019 Thankfully, 00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:08.579 God won't 00:33:08.579 --> 00:33:09.140 do that 00:33:09.140 --> 00:33:11.039 to those 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:12.559 that 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:13.359 humble 00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:13.720 themselves 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.259 in that 00:33:14.259 --> 00:33:14.559 way. 00:33:15.480 --> 00:33:15.839 I think 00:33:15.839 --> 00:33:17.420 Psalm 139, 00:33:17.619 --> 00:33:18.180 in Psalm 00:33:18.180 --> 00:33:18.779 139, 00:33:18.879 --> 00:33:19.240 David 00:33:19.240 --> 00:33:21.519 represents 00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:22.639 this idea 00:33:22.639 --> 00:33:23.460 very well. 00:33:25.139 --> 00:33:25.940 He 00:33:25.940 --> 00:33:26.759 portrays 00:33:26.759 --> 00:33:27.539 God's 00:33:27.539 --> 00:33:28.039 intimate 00:33:28.039 --> 00:33:28.740 awareness 00:33:28.740 --> 00:33:29.299 of him 00:33:29.299 --> 00:33:29.980 in the 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:30.359 first 00:33:30.359 --> 00:33:31.099 six 00:33:31.099 --> 00:33:31.519 verses. 00:33:32.879 --> 00:33:33.819 And there 00:33:33.819 --> 00:33:34.339 he says, 00:33:34.460 --> 00:33:35.059 O Lord, 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:35.819 you have 00:33:35.819 --> 00:33:36.339 searched 00:33:36.339 --> 00:33:37.180 me and 00:33:37.180 --> 00:33:37.480 known 00:33:37.480 --> 00:33:37.799 me. 00:33:38.759 --> 00:33:39.019 You 00:33:39.019 --> 00:33:39.599 know when 00:33:39.599 --> 00:33:39.980 I sit 00:33:39.980 --> 00:33:40.599 down and 00:33:40.599 --> 00:33:40.919 when I 00:33:40.919 --> 00:33:41.579 rise up. 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:42.399 You 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:42.919 discern 00:33:42.919 --> 00:33:43.299 my 00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:43.719 thoughts 00:33:43.719 --> 00:33:44.539 from afar. 00:33:45.599 --> 00:33:45.799 You 00:33:45.799 --> 00:33:46.219 search 00:33:46.219 --> 00:33:46.679 out my 00:33:46.679 --> 00:33:47.299 path and 00:33:47.299 --> 00:33:47.799 my lying 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:48.359 down and 00:33:48.359 --> 00:33:48.899 are acquainted 00:33:48.899 --> 00:33:49.339 with all 00:33:49.339 --> 00:33:50.059 my ways. 00:33:50.439 --> 00:33:50.699 Even 00:33:50.699 --> 00:33:51.859 before a 00:33:51.859 --> 00:33:52.240 word is 00:33:52.240 --> 00:33:52.559 on my 00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:52.859 tongue, 00:33:52.959 --> 00:33:53.299 behold, 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:53.980 O Lord, 00:33:54.099 --> 00:33:54.599 you know 00:33:54.599 --> 00:33:55.619 it altogether. 00:33:56.799 --> 00:33:57.059 You 00:33:57.059 --> 00:33:57.319 hem 00:33:57.319 --> 00:33:57.959 me in 00:33:57.959 --> 00:33:58.839 behind 00:33:58.839 --> 00:33:59.559 and before. 00:33:59.959 --> 00:34:00.039 You 00:34:00.039 --> 00:34:00.500 lay 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:01.000 your 00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:01.619 hand 00:34:01.619 --> 00:34:02.439 upon 00:34:02.439 --> 00:34:02.859 me. 00:34:04.099 --> 00:34:04.459 Such 00:34:04.459 --> 00:34:04.919 knowledge 00:34:04.919 --> 00:34:05.480 is too 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:05.919 wonderful 00:34:05.919 --> 00:34:06.399 for me. 00:34:06.519 --> 00:34:06.799 It is 00:34:06.799 --> 00:34:07.240 high. 00:34:07.619 --> 00:34:07.879 I 00:34:07.879 --> 00:34:08.380 cannot 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:09.360 attain 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:09.699 it. 00:34:10.599 --> 00:34:13.239 And in 00:34:13.239 --> 00:34:13.559 light of 00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:13.759 this 00:34:13.759 --> 00:34:14.279 knowledge, 00:34:15.539 --> 00:34:16.039 he 00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:16.920 responds 00:34:16.920 --> 00:34:18.279 in the 00:34:18.279 --> 00:34:18.779 last two 00:34:18.779 --> 00:34:19.179 verses 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:20.440 with this 00:34:20.440 --> 00:34:20.839 word. 00:34:21.639 --> 00:34:21.960 Search 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:22.380 me, 00:34:22.579 --> 00:34:23.319 O God, 00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:24.480 and know 00:34:24.480 --> 00:34:25.199 my heart. 00:34:25.880 --> 00:34:26.339 Try 00:34:26.339 --> 00:34:27.779 me and 00:34:27.779 --> 00:34:28.199 know 00:34:28.199 --> 00:34:29.279 my thoughts 00:34:29.279 --> 00:34:30.159 and see 00:34:30.159 --> 00:34:31.159 if there 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:31.880 be any 00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:32.239 grievous 00:34:32.239 --> 00:34:32.860 way in 00:34:32.860 --> 00:34:33.659 me and 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:34.480 lead me 00:34:34.480 --> 00:34:35.179 in the 00:34:35.179 --> 00:34:35.599 way 00:34:35.599 --> 00:34:37.360 everlasting. 00:34:37.360 --> 00:34:37.820 God 00:34:37.820 --> 00:34:39.360 is 00:34:39.360 --> 00:34:40.360 not 00:34:40.360 --> 00:34:41.920 God 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:42.240 what 00:34:42.240 --> 00:34:42.460 God 00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:42.820 wants 00:34:42.820 --> 00:34:43.120 from 00:34:43.120 --> 00:34:43.400 each 00:34:43.400 --> 00:34:43.519 of 00:34:43.519 --> 00:34:43.700 us 00:34:43.700 --> 00:34:44.019 today? 00:34:44.820 --> 00:34:45.019 To 00:34:45.019 --> 00:34:45.240 have 00:34:45.240 --> 00:34:45.460 that 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:45.820 kind 00:34:45.820 --> 00:34:45.960 of 00:34:45.960 --> 00:34:46.680 responsiveness 00:34:46.680 --> 00:34:47.039 to 00:34:47.039 --> 00:34:47.220 his 00:34:47.220 --> 00:34:47.539 word? 00:34:48.200 --> 00:34:48.780 That 00:34:48.780 --> 00:34:49.059 kind 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:49.180 of 00:34:49.180 --> 00:34:49.940 responsiveness 00:34:49.940 --> 00:34:50.240 to 00:34:50.240 --> 00:34:50.420 the 00:34:50.420 --> 00:34:50.760 word 00:34:50.760 --> 00:34:51.000 that 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:51.700 exposes 00:34:51.700 --> 00:34:52.340 us? 00:34:54.920 --> 00:34:55.579 To 00:34:55.579 --> 00:34:55.940 those 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:56.120 who 00:34:56.120 --> 00:34:56.640 ultimately 00:34:56.640 --> 00:34:57.160 reject 00:34:57.160 --> 00:34:57.539 God's 00:34:57.539 --> 00:34:57.860 word, 00:34:58.240 --> 00:34:58.620 it 00:34:58.620 --> 00:34:59.180 becomes 00:34:59.180 --> 00:34:59.420 a 00:34:59.420 --> 00:34:59.700 sort 00:34:59.700 --> 00:34:59.860 of 00:34:59.860 --> 00:35:00.260 judgment. 00:35:01.320 --> 00:35:01.700 But 00:35:01.700 --> 00:35:01.860 to 00:35:01.860 --> 00:35:02.200 those 00:35:02.200 --> 00:35:02.380 of 00:35:02.380 --> 00:35:02.700 us 00:35:02.700 --> 00:35:02.880 who 00:35:02.880 --> 00:35:03.620 believe, 00:35:04.420 --> 00:35:04.820 we 00:35:04.820 --> 00:35:05.200 have 00:35:05.200 --> 00:35:05.360 the 00:35:05.360 --> 00:35:05.880 assurance 00:35:05.880 --> 00:35:06.099 that 00:35:06.099 --> 00:35:06.360 God 00:35:06.360 --> 00:35:06.500 is 00:35:06.500 --> 00:35:06.680 at 00:35:06.680 --> 00:35:07.059 work 00:35:07.059 --> 00:35:07.860 to 00:35:07.860 --> 00:35:08.180 make 00:35:08.180 --> 00:35:08.640 us 00:35:08.640 --> 00:35:08.960 a 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:09.579 vibrant, 00:35:10.140 --> 00:35:11.420 gospel-centered, 00:35:12.140 --> 00:35:13.300 Christ-exalting, 00:35:13.860 --> 00:35:15.519 spirit-sanctified 00:35:15.519 --> 00:35:16.260 church. 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:18.460 And it's 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:19.000 truly a 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:19.460 privilege 00:35:19.460 --> 00:35:21.700 to see 00:35:21.700 --> 00:35:21.960 that 00:35:21.960 --> 00:35:22.400 happening. 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:25.460 So 00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:26.160 in review, 00:35:27.220 --> 00:35:27.740 let me 00:35:27.740 --> 00:35:28.599 repeat 00:35:28.599 --> 00:35:29.340 what I've 00:35:29.340 --> 00:35:31.680 said 00:35:31.680 --> 00:35:32.019 are the 00:35:32.019 --> 00:35:32.480 points, 00:35:32.780 --> 00:35:33.140 the main 00:35:33.140 --> 00:35:33.740 points of 00:35:33.740 --> 00:35:34.440 this passage. 00:35:35.880 --> 00:35:37.079 God 00:35:37.079 --> 00:35:37.480 wants 00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:37.720 you, 00:35:38.599 --> 00:35:39.440 it's 00:35:39.440 --> 00:35:39.960 all about 00:35:39.960 --> 00:35:40.579 response. 00:35:40.780 --> 00:35:40.960 God 00:35:40.960 --> 00:35:41.380 wants 00:35:41.380 --> 00:35:41.640 you 00:35:41.640 --> 00:35:42.000 to 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:42.619 respond 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:43.539 appropriately 00:35:43.539 --> 00:35:43.820 to 00:35:43.820 --> 00:35:44.119 him 00:35:44.119 --> 00:35:44.800 in 00:35:44.800 --> 00:35:45.160 faith. 00:35:46.019 --> 00:35:46.200 God 00:35:46.200 --> 00:35:46.480 wants 00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:46.579 you 00:35:46.579 --> 00:35:46.760 to 00:35:46.760 --> 00:35:47.200 believe 00:35:47.200 --> 00:35:47.619 his 00:35:47.619 --> 00:35:47.960 word. 00:35:48.740 --> 00:35:48.960 He 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:49.200 wants 00:35:49.200 --> 00:35:49.320 you 00:35:49.320 --> 00:35:49.480 to 00:35:49.480 --> 00:35:49.940 value 00:35:49.940 --> 00:35:51.260 his 00:35:51.260 --> 00:35:51.539 word 00:35:51.539 --> 00:35:51.860 because 00:35:51.860 --> 00:35:52.059 it 00:35:52.059 --> 00:35:52.200 is 00:35:52.200 --> 00:35:52.640 alive. 00:35:53.180 --> 00:35:53.440 He 00:35:53.440 --> 00:35:53.680 wants 00:35:53.680 --> 00:35:53.780 you 00:35:53.780 --> 00:35:53.940 to 00:35:53.940 --> 00:35:54.400 value 00:35:54.400 --> 00:35:54.820 his 00:35:54.820 --> 00:35:55.360 word 00:35:55.360 --> 00:35:56.079 because 00:35:56.079 --> 00:35:56.599 it 00:35:56.599 --> 00:35:56.740 is 00:35:56.740 --> 00:35:57.240 effective. 00:35:58.140 --> 00:35:58.460 And 00:35:58.460 --> 00:35:58.559 he 00:35:58.559 --> 00:35:58.820 wants 00:35:58.820 --> 00:35:58.940 you 00:35:58.940 --> 00:35:59.140 to 00:35:59.140 --> 00:35:59.660 value 00:35:59.660 --> 00:36:00.059 it 00:36:00.059 --> 00:36:01.059 because 00:36:01.059 --> 00:36:01.860 valuing 00:36:01.860 --> 00:36:02.039 the 00:36:02.039 --> 00:36:02.220 word 00:36:02.220 --> 00:36:02.380 of 00:36:02.380 --> 00:36:02.720 God 00:36:02.719 --> 00:36:02.919 is 00:36:02.919 --> 00:36:03.139 what 00:36:03.139 --> 00:36:03.339 you 00:36:03.339 --> 00:36:03.539 need 00:36:03.539 --> 00:36:03.699 to 00:36:03.699 --> 00:36:04.019 do 00:36:04.019 --> 00:36:04.379 in 00:36:04.379 --> 00:36:04.739 order 00:36:04.739 --> 00:36:05.439 to 00:36:05.439 --> 00:36:06.139 respond 00:36:06.139 --> 00:36:07.059 in 00:36:07.059 --> 00:36:07.619 faith. 00:36:10.739 --> 00:36:11.359 We 00:36:11.359 --> 00:36:12.839 might 00:36:12.839 --> 00:36:13.259 say, 00:36:13.459 --> 00:36:13.480 well, 00:36:13.519 --> 00:36:13.639 I 00:36:13.639 --> 00:36:13.959 believe 00:36:13.959 --> 00:36:14.139 in 00:36:14.139 --> 00:36:14.579 God, 00:36:14.759 --> 00:36:14.939 but 00:36:14.939 --> 00:36:15.779 there's 00:36:15.779 --> 00:36:15.980 some 00:36:15.980 --> 00:36:16.339 things 00:36:16.339 --> 00:36:16.539 that 00:36:16.539 --> 00:36:16.739 I 00:36:16.739 --> 00:36:17.379 just 00:36:17.379 --> 00:36:19.039 not 00:36:19.039 --> 00:36:19.439 sure 00:36:19.439 --> 00:36:19.779 of 00:36:19.779 --> 00:36:19.980 in 00:36:19.980 --> 00:36:20.099 the 00:36:20.099 --> 00:36:20.419 Bible. 00:36:22.739 --> 00:36:23.339 And 00:36:23.339 --> 00:36:23.459 we 00:36:23.459 --> 00:36:23.619 can 00:36:23.619 --> 00:36:23.919 listen 00:36:23.919 --> 00:36:24.159 to 00:36:24.159 --> 00:36:24.299 the 00:36:24.299 --> 00:36:24.619 culture 00:36:24.619 --> 00:36:25.039 around 00:36:25.039 --> 00:36:25.439 us. 00:36:27.219 --> 00:36:27.819 And 00:36:27.819 --> 00:36:27.919 we 00:36:27.919 --> 00:36:28.099 can 00:36:28.099 --> 00:36:28.719 hear 00:36:28.719 --> 00:36:28.980 what 00:36:28.980 --> 00:36:29.159 they're 00:36:29.159 --> 00:36:29.759 saying 00:36:29.760 --> 00:36:30.360 about 00:36:30.360 --> 00:36:30.760 different 00:36:30.760 --> 00:36:31.500 issues. 00:36:33.140 --> 00:36:33.760 And 00:36:33.760 --> 00:36:33.860 we 00:36:33.860 --> 00:36:33.980 have 00:36:33.980 --> 00:36:34.120 a 00:36:34.120 --> 00:36:34.620 choice 00:36:34.620 --> 00:36:35.700 when 00:36:35.700 --> 00:36:35.860 we 00:36:35.860 --> 00:36:36.080 see 00:36:36.080 --> 00:36:36.340 that 00:36:36.340 --> 00:36:36.920 comparison. 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:39.420 Where 00:36:39.420 --> 00:36:40.140 do 00:36:40.140 --> 00:36:40.320 you 00:36:40.320 --> 00:36:40.600 put 00:36:40.600 --> 00:36:40.800 your 00:36:40.800 --> 00:36:41.340 trust 00:36:41.340 --> 00:36:42.140 first? 00:36:43.400 --> 00:36:43.840 No 00:36:43.840 --> 00:36:44.000 matter 00:36:44.000 --> 00:36:44.440 how 00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:44.900 well 00:36:44.900 --> 00:36:45.720 reasoned 00:36:45.720 --> 00:36:46.140 the 00:36:46.140 --> 00:36:46.640 arguments 00:36:46.640 --> 00:36:47.260 are 00:36:47.260 --> 00:36:50.260 about 00:36:50.260 --> 00:36:51.140 marriage, 00:36:51.400 --> 00:36:51.620 about 00:36:51.620 --> 00:36:52.400 life, 00:36:52.520 --> 00:36:52.720 about 00:36:52.720 --> 00:36:53.240 children, 00:36:53.440 --> 00:36:53.660 about 00:36:53.660 --> 00:36:54.420 sexuality, 00:36:55.480 --> 00:36:55.780 about 00:36:55.780 --> 00:36:57.560 human 00:36:57.560 --> 00:36:58.160 preference, 00:36:58.300 --> 00:36:58.520 about 00:36:58.520 --> 00:36:59.100 life. 00:36:59.760 --> 00:37:00.040 In 00:37:00.040 --> 00:37:00.200 the 00:37:00.200 --> 00:37:00.580 womb, 00:37:02.040 --> 00:37:02.440 where 00:37:02.440 --> 00:37:02.820 do 00:37:02.820 --> 00:37:03.120 you 00:37:03.120 --> 00:37:04.000 place 00:37:04.000 --> 00:37:04.220 your 00:37:04.220 --> 00:37:04.740 trust? 00:37:06.400 --> 00:37:06.820 To 00:37:06.820 --> 00:37:07.260 respond 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:07.960 appropriately 00:37:07.960 --> 00:37:08.740 means to 00:37:08.740 --> 00:37:09.580 trust what 00:37:09.580 --> 00:37:10.040 God is 00:37:10.040 --> 00:37:10.520 saying to 00:37:10.520 --> 00:37:11.020 you now. 00:37:11.900 --> 00:37:12.380 Today, 00:37:12.620 --> 00:37:12.820 if you 00:37:12.820 --> 00:37:13.220 hear his 00:37:13.220 --> 00:37:13.560 voice, 00:37:13.640 --> 00:37:13.860 still 00:37:13.860 --> 00:37:14.540 applies. 00:37:15.420 --> 00:37:15.580 And 00:37:15.580 --> 00:37:15.900 the only 00:37:15.900 --> 00:37:16.220 right 00:37:16.220 --> 00:37:16.820 choice is 00:37:16.820 --> 00:37:17.300 to humble 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.800 yourself 00:37:17.800 --> 00:37:18.240 before 00:37:18.240 --> 00:37:18.740 God's 00:37:18.740 --> 00:37:19.360 exposing 00:37:19.360 --> 00:37:20.060 sword. 00:37:21.440 --> 00:37:21.900 Trust 00:37:21.900 --> 00:37:22.100 in 00:37:22.100 --> 00:37:22.620 Christ's 00:37:22.620 --> 00:37:23.040 work on 00:37:23.040 --> 00:37:23.180 your 00:37:23.180 --> 00:37:23.600 behalf. 00:37:24.440 --> 00:37:24.820 Trust 00:37:24.820 --> 00:37:25.060 in 00:37:25.060 --> 00:37:25.220 his 00:37:25.220 --> 00:37:25.760 ongoing 00:37:25.760 --> 00:37:26.220 work 00:37:26.220 --> 00:37:26.460 to 00:37:26.460 --> 00:37:26.960 conform 00:37:26.960 --> 00:37:27.340 you 00:37:27.340 --> 00:37:27.560 into 00:37:27.560 --> 00:37:27.820 his 00:37:27.820 --> 00:37:28.300 image. 00:37:28.300 --> 00:37:29.200 and 00:37:29.200 --> 00:37:29.840 trust 00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:30.280 in 00:37:30.280 --> 00:37:30.440 his 00:37:30.440 --> 00:37:30.920 word 00:37:30.920 --> 00:37:31.620 to 00:37:31.620 --> 00:37:31.760 be 00:37:31.760 --> 00:37:32.260 effective 00:37:32.260 --> 00:37:33.080 in 00:37:33.080 --> 00:37:33.240 your 00:37:33.240 --> 00:37:33.660 life.