WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.160 Well, I am excited today. Lord willing, this will be my last time filming my message in front of a camera in an empty sanctuary. 00:00:12.160 --> 00:00:19.000 Starting next Sunday, June 21st, we will be resuming our worship together in person. 00:00:19.140 --> 00:00:21.500 We're going to be having an outdoor service. 00:00:22.320 --> 00:00:28.400 And if you haven't got the details or information for that and would like to come, please get in contact. 00:00:28.399 --> 00:00:32.000 And I'll be happy to get those details to you. 00:00:32.439 --> 00:00:35.179 We're going to be meeting outside, so we'll have lots of space. 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:37.560 We'll be able to keep the required distance. 00:00:38.299 --> 00:00:40.960 And we're really looking forward to that. 00:00:41.079 --> 00:00:44.420 On the 28th, we'll be back here in the building. 00:00:45.259 --> 00:00:49.039 And services will resume here at 11 a.m. 00:00:49.619 --> 00:00:55.619 And so I'm excited to get back to worshiping together in person on Sundays. 00:00:55.619 --> 00:01:09.679 Today, as we look into God's Word, we're going to continue on the theme that we began on last Sunday of how can we make this transition well. 00:01:10.060 --> 00:01:17.939 The province has given us quite a number of guidelines that we must follow in order to resume gatherings for worship. 00:01:17.939 --> 00:01:22.379 And we want to make this transition well. 00:01:22.759 --> 00:01:27.340 Last Sunday, we looked at how we are to submit to the governing authorities. 00:01:28.140 --> 00:01:30.120 God has instituted government. 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:37.800 And it's his desire that we follow the laws, the orders that they have given. 00:01:38.760 --> 00:01:44.880 And so we are going to do that to the best of our ability as a church in the weeks ahead. 00:01:45.060 --> 00:01:47.180 But this is a significant transition. 00:01:47.740 --> 00:01:53.159 And so we want to do this well as a church. 00:01:53.159 --> 00:01:59.399 And so this message today is aimed at helping us do that. 00:01:59.500 --> 00:02:04.599 Not just understanding what we should do, but mainly to our hearts. 00:02:04.959 --> 00:02:08.240 Helping us in our hearts with this transition. 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:12.800 So today's message, in some ways, will be continuing where we left off. 00:02:13.259 --> 00:02:16.240 We're going to start reading in Romans chapter 13. 00:02:16.379 --> 00:02:21.740 If you have a Bible, please open it up to Romans chapter 13, verse 8. 00:02:23.159 --> 00:02:25.579 And before we dig in, let's just pray. 00:02:27.079 --> 00:02:29.199 Father in heaven, thank you for your word. 00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:39.439 Thank you that you speak to us powerfully through these pages, even today in our generation, in our day and age. 00:02:40.139 --> 00:02:46.659 We ask that you would speak to our hearts and give us understanding as we read these words. 00:02:46.659 --> 00:02:53.979 And that you would show us how you would have us live in the days ahead as we come back together again as a church. 00:02:54.359 --> 00:02:55.800 We ask this in Christ's name. 00:02:56.740 --> 00:02:57.039 Amen. 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:01.199 Well, I'm going to start reading in verse 8. 00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:03.259 And I encourage you to follow along in your Bible. 00:03:06.259 --> 00:03:07.539 These are the words of the Lord. 00:03:07.539 --> 00:03:11.060 Let no debt remain outstanding. 00:03:11.840 --> 00:03:15.400 Accept the continuing debt to love one another. 00:03:16.280 --> 00:03:19.680 For whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 00:03:20.819 --> 00:03:23.400 The commandments, you shall not commit adultery. 00:03:23.799 --> 00:03:24.759 You shall not murder. 00:03:24.899 --> 00:03:25.780 You shall not steal. 00:03:25.939 --> 00:03:26.799 You shall not covet. 00:03:27.019 --> 00:03:31.199 And whatever other command there may be are summed up in this one command. 00:03:31.780 --> 00:03:34.079 Love your neighbor as yourself. 00:03:34.799 --> 00:03:36.859 Love does no harm to a neighbor. 00:03:36.860 --> 00:03:40.340 Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. 00:03:41.500 --> 00:03:52.380 And from here, Paul will go on to give some specific instructions about how he longs for the church there in Rome to love one another. 00:03:52.920 --> 00:03:57.060 And I'm not going to read the whole of chapter 14 and 15. 00:03:57.180 --> 00:04:00.460 But this is the main passage that my message comes from. 00:04:00.460 --> 00:04:07.140 If you'd like, I encourage you to pause the video and take some time to just read through chapters 14 and 15. 00:04:07.879 --> 00:04:10.020 This is the main text for our passage. 00:04:10.140 --> 00:04:11.840 We'll just kind of read portions of it. 00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:20.319 But the church in Rome has been arguing. 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:23.399 There has been fighting, disagreements. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:25.100 We see this in verse 1. 00:04:25.680 --> 00:04:26.100 Paul says, 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:34.160 So there's been quarreling. 00:04:34.240 --> 00:04:35.860 There's been fighting. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:40.800 There's been arguing over disputable matters. 00:04:41.300 --> 00:04:44.860 Paul goes on to tell us what kind of matters those are. 00:04:44.860 --> 00:04:47.160 Matters of eating and drinking. 00:04:47.600 --> 00:04:50.639 Some people believe that it's a sin to eat certain foods. 00:04:51.080 --> 00:04:52.420 Those foods are unclean. 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:54.660 Others believe that it's not a sin. 00:04:55.400 --> 00:04:57.500 We can eat those foods. 00:04:57.660 --> 00:04:59.060 They're not unclean. 00:05:00.439 --> 00:05:04.319 And there's disagreements over sacred days. 00:05:04.319 --> 00:05:06.939 Paul goes on to say here in chapter 14. 00:05:07.500 --> 00:05:15.899 Which days are holy and should be set apart and observed carefully in certain ways and which are not. 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:22.420 And out of all of these, there are differences of opinion. 00:05:22.879 --> 00:05:28.600 But there has been some attitudes which have arisen that Paul puts his finger on. 00:05:28.600 --> 00:05:30.680 In verse 3 he says, 00:05:31.140 --> 00:05:36.580 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not. 00:05:37.240 --> 00:05:41.439 And the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does. 00:05:42.180 --> 00:05:52.340 So there has been some people treating others who see things differently or do things differently with contempt. 00:05:52.740 --> 00:05:54.300 Passing judgment on them. 00:05:54.400 --> 00:05:55.720 Looking down on them. 00:05:56.740 --> 00:05:58.340 Treating them negatively. 00:05:58.339 --> 00:06:03.479 Because of these differences over these disputable matters. 00:06:04.779 --> 00:06:05.919 It's an ugly thing. 00:06:06.019 --> 00:06:07.299 In verse 10 Paul says, 00:06:07.819 --> 00:06:10.879 You then, why do you judge your brother or sister? 00:06:11.799 --> 00:06:13.879 Or why do you treat them with contempt? 00:06:16.219 --> 00:06:21.059 We may wonder, well, what does this have to do with us and COVID? 00:06:22.179 --> 00:06:24.299 We're in a different situation today. 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:27.739 This doesn't directly apply in the same way. 00:06:27.740 --> 00:06:36.000 We don't have differences over food and drink and sacred days like the church in Rome did. 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:42.300 But there are some similarities if we go beneath the surface here. 00:06:42.300 --> 00:06:48.639 There's a lot of differences of opinion over all of this COVID-19 stuff. 00:06:48.639 --> 00:06:54.279 And I think as we gather together as a church, some of those differences may arise. 00:06:54.279 --> 00:06:58.539 And we may see, oh, how come we have to be doing this? 00:06:58.539 --> 00:06:59.979 Well, we should be doing this. 00:07:00.039 --> 00:07:00.819 This is good. 00:07:01.299 --> 00:07:04.739 Others may feel that this is not necessary. 00:07:04.740 --> 00:07:08.519 You think of even the simple thing of wearing a mask. 00:07:08.819 --> 00:07:10.500 Do we need to wear a mask? 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:12.939 Some people feel we should and we do. 00:07:13.480 --> 00:07:15.240 Others, not so much. 00:07:15.620 --> 00:07:19.920 And so, in a different sense, there's some similarities here. 00:07:20.879 --> 00:07:23.680 There are differences of opinion. 00:07:23.680 --> 00:07:37.939 And we want to see from the Lord, what does he have to say to us in our day with what we're facing with all this COVID stuff about how to handle differences of opinion? 00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:42.699 So, what does Paul say? 00:07:42.800 --> 00:07:45.600 Well, first of all, he acknowledges that the differences are there. 00:07:46.540 --> 00:07:49.480 He doesn't sweep them under the rug and minimize them. 00:07:49.719 --> 00:07:51.680 He acknowledges that they're there. 00:07:51.779 --> 00:07:52.259 They're real. 00:07:52.420 --> 00:07:55.600 One person's faith, verse 2, allows them to eat anything. 00:07:55.759 --> 00:07:58.300 But another whose faith is weak eats only vegetables. 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:02.579 Verse 5, one person considers one day more sacred than another. 00:08:03.240 --> 00:08:06.000 Another considers every day alike. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:08.079 So, these differences are real. 00:08:08.980 --> 00:08:13.639 And probably when we get together, we'll see that there are differences in how we think and feel. 00:08:14.360 --> 00:08:20.259 I know there's at least a couple people in our church who feel that wearing a mask is not necessary. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:22.740 And this is all an overreaction. 00:08:23.740 --> 00:08:27.439 And there's at least a couple people in our church who feel quite the opposite. 00:08:28.120 --> 00:08:30.759 It's really good that we're wearing masks. 00:08:30.759 --> 00:08:36.620 We want to do everything we can to protect those in our community who are vulnerable. 00:08:38.419 --> 00:08:42.259 So, how should we handle these differences? 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:51.200 Well, the first thing Paul does is remind these people here in the church in Rome just who they are in Christ. 00:08:51.840 --> 00:08:52.340 Verse 3, 00:08:52.340 --> 00:09:13.680 That person who thinks or does a little differently than you and your family in the midst of all of this COVID stuff, 00:09:13.679 --> 00:09:16.919 God has accepted them. 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:25.479 Because of their relationship with Jesus, they are on the same level, the same ground as you are. 00:09:26.439 --> 00:09:29.739 In fact, Paul will go on to take up the language of family. 00:09:30.459 --> 00:09:31.879 He says in verse 10, 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:44.379 Those people who see it differently than you in these disputable matters, 00:09:44.700 --> 00:09:49.379 they're your brother, your sister, their family in the Lord. 00:09:50.620 --> 00:09:52.279 Let's not forget that. 00:09:52.279 --> 00:09:58.539 From there, Paul goes on to give some instruction. 00:09:59.579 --> 00:10:07.259 He says that we should not treat those who see things differently with contempt. 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:10.360 This is verse 3 and verse 10. 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:12.000 We should not judge them. 00:10:12.419 --> 00:10:13.379 Verse 13, 00:10:13.459 --> 00:10:16.819 We should not pass judgment on them. 00:10:16.919 --> 00:10:17.899 Play the judge. 00:10:18.059 --> 00:10:19.500 Look down on them. 00:10:19.500 --> 00:10:23.240 Because they see things differently than we do. 00:10:24.539 --> 00:10:29.059 We shouldn't assume that that person that feels like they should go the extra mile 00:10:29.059 --> 00:10:34.980 in doing these guidelines and wearing a mask even in public is a legalist, 00:10:35.299 --> 00:10:38.820 is just doing it to appear self-righteous. 00:10:39.500 --> 00:10:44.200 We shouldn't assume that that person that feels they don't need to wear a mask in public 00:10:44.200 --> 00:10:47.759 is doing it because they're reckless and they're selfish 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:49.919 and they don't care about anyone else. 00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:54.720 In fact, Paul encourages the people in the church there 00:10:54.720 --> 00:11:02.779 to assume positive intention for their different ways of doing things. 00:11:02.779 --> 00:11:03.639 In verse 6, 00:11:04.419 --> 00:11:08.620 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. 00:11:09.319 --> 00:11:11.700 Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, 00:11:11.799 --> 00:11:13.159 for they give thanks to God. 00:11:13.159 --> 00:11:18.759 And whoever abstains from eating meat does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 00:11:18.839 --> 00:11:21.000 For none of us lives for ourselves alone. 00:11:21.620 --> 00:11:22.019 Verse 8, 00:11:22.079 --> 00:11:24.719 If we live, we live for the Lord. 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:29.679 And so we may have different ideas about what we should do 00:11:29.679 --> 00:11:34.240 and how we should handle this and what your family will do 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:37.220 and how you will manage your kids in the midst of all of this, 00:11:37.299 --> 00:11:40.059 especially as we gather again as a church. 00:11:40.059 --> 00:11:43.059 But as Christians, Paul is saying, 00:11:43.239 --> 00:11:48.799 everything we do, we should be doing for the Lord as unto Him. 00:11:48.859 --> 00:11:52.919 And you may decide to do something different than I may decide to do. 00:11:53.439 --> 00:11:54.959 And that's okay. 00:11:55.939 --> 00:11:57.779 These are disputable matters. 00:11:58.000 --> 00:12:01.000 And let's be clear, we're talking about disputable matters. 00:12:01.479 --> 00:12:05.079 We're not talking about things that God has made clear, 00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:06.839 like we talked about last Sunday. 00:12:06.840 --> 00:12:10.379 It is clear that we are to submit to the governing authorities 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:13.280 that He has placed in our lives, Romans 13.1. 00:12:13.920 --> 00:12:16.340 And so we will, as a church, follow the guidelines 00:12:16.340 --> 00:12:20.120 and the requirements that the government has given us. 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:23.240 But some may wish to go beyond that. 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:29.519 Others may have a different attitude about things that are disputable, 00:12:29.620 --> 00:12:33.620 whether we need to wear masks for the whole service, 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:36.279 as opposed to just during the singing. 00:12:37.460 --> 00:12:38.600 Paul's encouragement is, 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:42.899 don't pass judgment on one another when it comes to these things. 00:12:45.039 --> 00:12:46.799 Don't think that you're better, 00:12:46.940 --> 00:12:49.000 that you see it the right way. 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:51.639 They're wrong and, you know, 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:54.480 they're just off. 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:58.360 You've got the superior view here and look down on them. 00:12:58.360 --> 00:13:00.139 Don't do that, he says. 00:13:00.259 --> 00:13:01.039 In verse 13, 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:04.980 let us stop passing judgment on one another. 00:13:05.159 --> 00:13:06.680 And throughout this section, 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:09.180 he reminds them that each of us, 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:11.060 when it comes to these disputable matters, 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:12.820 these things that may be a little bit gray, 00:13:13.720 --> 00:13:15.580 we will have to answer to God 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:18.480 for how we conduct ourselves. 00:13:19.159 --> 00:13:21.440 And so let Him be the judge. 00:13:22.180 --> 00:13:23.560 Don't play the judge 00:13:23.559 --> 00:13:26.059 over your brother or your sister 00:13:26.059 --> 00:13:28.299 in these kinds of things. 00:13:30.299 --> 00:13:32.939 So what is to be the guiding principle 00:13:32.939 --> 00:13:37.179 as we seek to gather together again 00:13:37.179 --> 00:13:39.019 for this church in Rome 00:13:39.019 --> 00:13:40.819 with their particular issues? 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:43.219 Well, it has to do with love. 00:13:43.899 --> 00:13:45.299 And Paul will explain that 00:13:45.299 --> 00:13:47.099 starting in verse 13. 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:47.599 He says, 00:13:47.599 --> 00:13:50.159 Instead, make up your mind 00:13:50.159 --> 00:13:52.519 not to put any stumbling block 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:53.439 or obstacle 00:13:53.439 --> 00:13:55.299 in the way of a brother 00:13:55.299 --> 00:13:56.779 or sister. 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:59.039 He goes on to give 00:13:59.039 --> 00:14:00.199 a bit of an example 00:14:00.199 --> 00:14:01.699 of what he means by this. 00:14:02.199 --> 00:14:04.519 I think mainly to do with the food stuff. 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:04.899 He says, 00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:05.600 I'm convinced, 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:07.220 being fully persuaded 00:14:07.220 --> 00:14:08.220 in the Lord Jesus, 00:14:08.939 --> 00:14:10.799 that nothing is unclean in itself. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.139 But, 00:14:12.319 --> 00:14:15.079 if anyone regards something 00:14:15.079 --> 00:14:16.199 as unclean, 00:14:16.319 --> 00:14:17.259 then for that person, 00:14:17.259 --> 00:14:18.620 it is unclean. 00:14:19.299 --> 00:14:21.019 If your brother or sister 00:14:21.019 --> 00:14:22.379 is distressed, 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:24.699 because of what you eat, 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:27.980 you are no longer acting in love. 00:14:28.980 --> 00:14:29.939 He continues on 00:14:29.939 --> 00:14:31.319 to flesh this out a little more 00:14:31.319 --> 00:14:32.100 in verse 20. 00:14:32.539 --> 00:14:32.939 He says, 00:14:33.019 --> 00:14:34.659 Do not destroy the work of God 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:35.799 for the sake of food. 00:14:36.659 --> 00:14:38.079 All food is clean. 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:40.360 But it is wrong 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:41.139 for a person 00:14:41.139 --> 00:14:42.579 to eat anything 00:14:42.579 --> 00:14:45.039 that causes someone else 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:46.139 to stumble. 00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:48.879 It is better not to eat meat 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:50.220 or drink wine 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:51.600 or to do anything else 00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:52.439 that will cause 00:14:52.439 --> 00:14:53.360 your brother 00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:54.419 or sister 00:14:54.419 --> 00:14:55.620 to fall. 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:55.840 Now, 00:14:55.919 --> 00:14:57.699 what is Paul talking about here? 00:14:58.639 --> 00:14:59.100 Again, 00:14:59.240 --> 00:15:00.319 it may be difficult 00:15:00.319 --> 00:15:01.159 for us to relate 00:15:01.159 --> 00:15:02.519 to the food and drink thing. 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:05.840 We tend not to see 00:15:05.840 --> 00:15:07.360 food as, 00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:07.759 well, 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:09.019 it is a sin to eat this 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:09.799 and not this. 00:15:10.179 --> 00:15:10.600 At least, 00:15:10.659 --> 00:15:11.519 not in our culture 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:12.919 or in our church. 00:15:13.599 --> 00:15:14.439 But the gist 00:15:14.439 --> 00:15:15.379 of what Paul is saying 00:15:15.379 --> 00:15:16.799 is that there are times 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:18.039 when we may need 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:19.620 to lay aside 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:21.079 good things, 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:23.079 our rights 00:15:23.079 --> 00:15:24.279 or our freedoms 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:26.159 for the sake 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:27.159 of others 00:15:27.159 --> 00:15:28.439 and would do it 00:15:28.439 --> 00:15:29.299 out of love 00:15:29.299 --> 00:15:30.199 for a brother 00:15:30.199 --> 00:15:31.599 or sister. 00:15:32.479 --> 00:15:33.240 And in this case, 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:34.159 it has to do with 00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:35.719 that brother or sister 00:15:35.719 --> 00:15:36.539 in this example 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:38.579 having a weak conscience. 00:15:39.019 --> 00:15:39.779 For them, 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:41.599 they see that activity 00:15:41.600 --> 00:15:43.960 or that partaking 00:15:43.960 --> 00:15:44.800 in that thing 00:15:44.800 --> 00:15:46.019 as sinful. 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:47.240 And so, 00:15:47.320 --> 00:15:47.720 when you, 00:15:47.899 --> 00:15:48.840 knowing that it isn't 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:49.680 truly sinful, 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:50.360 come along 00:15:50.360 --> 00:15:51.139 and in front of them 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:51.980 just do it, 00:15:52.180 --> 00:15:53.100 right in front of them. 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.940 It can cause them 00:15:54.940 --> 00:15:55.899 to stumble 00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:56.860 or cause them 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:57.580 to fall. 00:15:58.180 --> 00:15:58.860 And Paul's speaking 00:15:58.860 --> 00:16:00.120 of almost harming 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:01.300 that brother or sister 00:16:01.300 --> 00:16:03.159 not in a physical sense 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:04.480 but in a spiritual sense. 00:16:05.420 --> 00:16:06.860 In 1 Corinthians 8, 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:08.259 verse 4, 00:16:08.440 --> 00:16:09.100 Paul goes on 00:16:09.100 --> 00:16:09.740 to give another 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:11.000 clear example of this 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:11.779 talking about 00:16:11.779 --> 00:16:13.259 food that's been 00:16:13.259 --> 00:16:14.580 sacrificed to idols. 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:16.460 And he talks about 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:16.820 how, 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:17.759 you know, 00:16:17.799 --> 00:16:19.500 if one brother or sister 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:21.080 sees eating that food 00:16:21.080 --> 00:16:22.940 as a sin, 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:23.659 I mean, 00:16:23.700 --> 00:16:25.559 that's the false god 00:16:25.559 --> 00:16:26.419 I used to worship 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.500 and I turned away 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:27.919 from that 00:16:27.919 --> 00:16:28.580 when I came 00:16:28.580 --> 00:16:30.320 to faith in Christ. 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:31.659 And you, 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:32.320 even, 00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:34.200 you have no issues 00:16:34.200 --> 00:16:34.720 eating it. 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:35.240 You know that 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:36.120 an idol's nothing, 00:16:36.320 --> 00:16:38.679 that it's not a true god, 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:39.659 it's just food. 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:40.899 But you, 00:16:41.039 --> 00:16:41.719 you know that 00:16:41.719 --> 00:16:42.179 your brother 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:43.120 has an issue with it 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:43.559 but you go 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:44.139 and you eat it 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:44.779 in front of them. 00:16:44.879 --> 00:16:45.199 Paul says, 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:46.719 you wound his conscience 00:16:46.719 --> 00:16:48.639 and you sin 00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:50.000 against Christ. 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.439 He says, 00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:53.139 you cause them 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:53.899 to stumble 00:16:53.899 --> 00:16:56.139 and you should 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:56.839 not do that. 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:57.579 In that case, 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.120 he says, 00:16:58.279 --> 00:16:59.079 you should 00:16:59.079 --> 00:17:00.299 lay aside 00:17:00.299 --> 00:17:01.819 your freedom 00:17:01.819 --> 00:17:03.019 to eat 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:04.299 this kind 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:04.920 of food 00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:06.400 and not eat it. 00:17:07.120 --> 00:17:07.519 He says, 00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:09.660 if what I eat 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:10.600 causes my brother 00:17:10.600 --> 00:17:11.200 to stumble, 00:17:11.340 --> 00:17:11.980 if eating meat 00:17:11.980 --> 00:17:12.779 causes my brother 00:17:12.779 --> 00:17:13.400 to stumble, 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:14.360 I will never 00:17:14.360 --> 00:17:15.400 eat meat again. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:18.000 Now that's an example 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:18.640 of love. 00:17:19.580 --> 00:17:21.340 I am a carnivore 00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:22.060 through and through 00:17:22.060 --> 00:17:22.660 and I love 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:23.420 a good hamburger. 00:17:23.580 --> 00:17:23.880 I love 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:24.900 a good 00:17:24.900 --> 00:17:25.880 barbecued 00:17:25.880 --> 00:17:26.740 piece of chicken. 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:29.920 But there are times 00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:31.579 when for love, 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:32.859 out of love 00:17:32.859 --> 00:17:33.859 for our brother 00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:34.819 or sister 00:17:34.819 --> 00:17:35.620 in Christ 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:36.440 or our neighbor, 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.819 we must lay aside 00:17:38.819 --> 00:17:39.779 good things, 00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:41.279 our freedoms, 00:17:42.059 --> 00:17:42.839 our rights, 00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:44.380 our privileges. 00:17:45.240 --> 00:17:46.440 That's what love 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:47.400 does 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:49.019 and that's the principle 00:17:49.019 --> 00:17:50.480 that Paul is getting 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:51.019 at here 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:52.620 in Romans chapter 14. 00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:54.120 This is 00:17:54.120 --> 00:17:55.259 the solution. 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.460 This is the key. 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:58.599 towards peace, 00:17:58.599 --> 00:17:59.859 which is what 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:00.960 he's trying to 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:01.579 encourage 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:02.680 and restore 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:03.500 and strengthen 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:04.720 here in the church 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:05.900 in Rome. 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.519 He says 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:10.180 in chapter 15, 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:10.940 verse 1, 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:12.799 we who are strong 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:14.019 ought to bear 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:15.099 with the failings 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:15.859 of the weak 00:18:15.859 --> 00:18:16.740 and not to please 00:18:16.740 --> 00:18:17.299 ourselves. 00:18:18.120 --> 00:18:18.859 Each of us 00:18:18.859 --> 00:18:19.380 should please 00:18:19.380 --> 00:18:20.299 our neighbors 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:21.740 for their good 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:23.519 to build them up. 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:25.620 For even Christ 00:18:25.619 --> 00:18:27.139 did not please 00:18:27.139 --> 00:18:28.139 himself. 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:30.359 It's easy 00:18:30.359 --> 00:18:31.599 with all of this 00:18:31.599 --> 00:18:33.399 COVID restrictions 00:18:33.399 --> 00:18:34.559 that have 00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:35.959 been put on us 00:18:35.959 --> 00:18:36.619 in the past 00:18:36.619 --> 00:18:38.279 weeks and months 00:18:38.279 --> 00:18:39.619 to be thinking 00:18:39.619 --> 00:18:40.859 about ourselves 00:18:40.859 --> 00:18:41.559 and pleasing 00:18:41.559 --> 00:18:42.079 ourselves 00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:42.899 and what we 00:18:42.899 --> 00:18:43.959 want to do 00:18:43.959 --> 00:18:45.199 but are unable 00:18:45.199 --> 00:18:45.639 to, 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:47.159 especially as we 00:18:47.159 --> 00:18:47.899 come to gather 00:18:47.899 --> 00:18:48.859 for worship again. 00:18:49.259 --> 00:18:50.079 What we would 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:50.759 like to do, 00:18:50.839 --> 00:18:51.339 we would like 00:18:51.339 --> 00:18:52.419 to draw close, 00:18:52.519 --> 00:18:52.959 we would like 00:18:52.959 --> 00:18:53.739 to give hugs, 00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:54.200 we would like 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:55.240 to shake hands, 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:56.259 we would like 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:58.200 to sing as 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.960 loudly as we 00:18:58.960 --> 00:18:59.519 want without 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:00.259 a mask, 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:01.579 we'd like to 00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:02.200 hang out in 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:02.759 the building 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:03.960 just like we 00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:05.339 did before. 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:08.140 But there are 00:19:08.140 --> 00:19:09.180 times when 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:10.460 out of love 00:19:10.460 --> 00:19:11.519 for others 00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.500 who may be 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:13.240 harmed by our 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:13.819 actions or 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:15.160 who are weaker, 00:19:15.839 --> 00:19:16.900 we must lay 00:19:16.900 --> 00:19:17.859 aside some of 00:19:17.859 --> 00:19:18.460 our freedom, 00:19:18.660 --> 00:19:19.160 some of our 00:19:19.160 --> 00:19:19.640 rights, 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:20.500 some of our 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:20.920 privileges. 00:19:20.920 --> 00:19:22.500 And in this 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:23.140 case with the 00:19:23.140 --> 00:19:23.900 COVID stuff 00:19:23.900 --> 00:19:24.400 that's going 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:24.779 on, 00:19:25.340 --> 00:19:26.039 it's not 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:26.660 weakness of 00:19:26.660 --> 00:19:27.300 conscience, 00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.580 but it's 00:19:28.580 --> 00:19:29.539 weakness 00:19:29.539 --> 00:19:30.539 physically. 00:19:31.060 --> 00:19:31.519 Some people 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.180 are more 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:33.880 vulnerable to 00:19:33.880 --> 00:19:34.620 this virus 00:19:34.620 --> 00:19:35.259 that when it 00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:35.759 should come 00:19:35.759 --> 00:19:36.279 into our 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:36.860 community, 00:19:36.860 --> 00:19:38.160 it may take 00:19:38.160 --> 00:19:38.560 them out 00:19:38.560 --> 00:19:39.100 because they 00:19:39.100 --> 00:19:39.720 have underlying 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:40.480 health issues 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:41.100 already. 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:42.820 So that's 00:19:42.820 --> 00:19:43.100 why our 00:19:43.100 --> 00:19:43.800 province has 00:19:43.800 --> 00:19:44.860 given us 00:19:44.860 --> 00:19:46.120 these guidelines 00:19:46.120 --> 00:19:46.960 and requirements 00:19:46.960 --> 00:19:47.800 to follow. 00:19:48.800 --> 00:19:50.060 This is the 00:19:50.060 --> 00:19:50.779 way of love. 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:52.920 love will 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:54.620 sacrifice 00:19:54.620 --> 00:19:55.300 oneself, 00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:56.140 lay down 00:19:56.140 --> 00:19:56.980 oneself, 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:58.240 one's rights, 00:19:58.900 --> 00:19:59.360 freedoms, 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:00.240 privileges, 00:20:00.840 --> 00:20:01.920 out of concern 00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:02.759 for the other. 00:20:02.900 --> 00:20:03.340 Love is 00:20:03.340 --> 00:20:04.140 concerned for 00:20:04.140 --> 00:20:04.600 the other, 00:20:05.060 --> 00:20:05.860 not mainly 00:20:05.860 --> 00:20:06.580 for oneself. 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:08.039 I think to 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:08.500 those words 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:09.720 that are 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:11.240 famous in 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:11.759 the passage 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:12.440 on love, 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:13.680 1 Corinthians 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:14.220 13, 00:20:14.860 --> 00:20:15.400 love does 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:16.420 not seek 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.500 its own 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:19.039 or it is 00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:19.860 not self 00:20:19.860 --> 00:20:20.740 seeking. 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:23.220 Paul reminds 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:23.600 us that 00:20:23.600 --> 00:20:24.060 this is 00:20:24.060 --> 00:20:24.560 the very 00:20:24.560 --> 00:20:25.400 way that 00:20:25.400 --> 00:20:25.920 Jesus 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.820 himself 00:20:26.820 --> 00:20:27.620 has loved 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:28.420 us. 00:20:28.840 --> 00:20:29.160 He says 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:29.660 for even 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:30.200 Christ 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:30.860 did not 00:20:30.860 --> 00:20:31.300 please 00:20:31.300 --> 00:20:32.320 himself. 00:20:33.140 --> 00:20:34.000 He came 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:34.480 into our 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.039 world and 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:35.480 he said 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.240 not what 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:36.860 I want, 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:37.900 what I 00:20:37.900 --> 00:20:38.800 will be 00:20:38.800 --> 00:20:39.180 done. 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:39.980 And he 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:40.480 suffered, 00:20:40.620 --> 00:20:40.980 he went 00:20:40.980 --> 00:20:41.380 to the 00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:41.860 cross, 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:43.360 he laid 00:20:43.360 --> 00:20:43.840 down his 00:20:43.840 --> 00:20:44.539 life for 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.539 us, 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:46.460 for his 00:20:46.460 --> 00:20:47.080 friends, 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:48.079 love's sake, 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:48.720 because he 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.480 loved us. 00:20:49.879 --> 00:20:50.659 He gave 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:51.119 up that 00:20:51.119 --> 00:20:51.579 which was 00:20:51.579 --> 00:20:52.119 rightfully 00:20:52.119 --> 00:20:52.579 his. 00:20:53.399 --> 00:20:54.559 In his 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:54.960 letter to 00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:55.099 the 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:55.460 Corinthians, 00:20:55.659 --> 00:20:56.139 Paul says, 00:20:56.879 --> 00:20:57.939 though he 00:20:57.939 --> 00:20:58.799 was rich, 00:20:59.460 --> 00:21:00.179 yet for 00:21:00.179 --> 00:21:00.819 our sake, 00:21:00.879 --> 00:21:01.519 he became 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:01.879 poor. 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.339 He let 00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:02.859 go of 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:03.259 that which 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.139 was rightfully 00:21:04.139 --> 00:21:04.539 his, 00:21:04.599 --> 00:21:05.299 his rights, 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:06.359 his privilege, 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.980 and he 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.559 did it for 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:10.139 love's sake, 00:21:10.199 --> 00:21:10.839 for us, 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:11.779 to save 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:12.119 us. 00:21:12.119 --> 00:21:13.239 Paul says, 00:21:13.939 --> 00:21:15.959 encourages the 00:21:15.959 --> 00:21:16.439 church in 00:21:16.439 --> 00:21:17.079 Rome and 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:18.599 us to 00:21:18.599 --> 00:21:19.039 have that 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:19.839 same mindset 00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:20.519 and attitude. 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:22.259 We see 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:22.699 this in 00:21:22.699 --> 00:21:23.899 chapter 15 00:21:23.899 --> 00:21:24.559 verse 5, 00:21:24.679 --> 00:21:24.939 may the 00:21:24.939 --> 00:21:25.439 God who 00:21:25.439 --> 00:21:25.719 gives 00:21:25.719 --> 00:21:26.279 endurance 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:26.659 and 00:21:26.659 --> 00:21:27.139 encouragement 00:21:27.139 --> 00:21:27.759 give you 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:28.419 the same 00:21:28.419 --> 00:21:29.319 attitude of 00:21:29.319 --> 00:21:29.739 mind 00:21:29.739 --> 00:21:30.859 toward each 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:31.179 other 00:21:31.179 --> 00:21:33.039 that Christ 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.599 Jesus 00:21:33.599 --> 00:21:34.399 had. 00:21:35.139 --> 00:21:35.519 We could 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:35.779 think of 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.279 those words 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:38.039 in Paul's 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:38.359 letter to 00:21:38.359 --> 00:21:39.000 the Philippians. 00:21:39.099 --> 00:21:39.439 He says, 00:21:39.699 --> 00:21:40.259 do nothing 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:40.879 out of 00:21:40.879 --> 00:21:41.639 selfish 00:21:41.639 --> 00:21:42.099 ambition, 00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:43.399 or vain 00:21:43.399 --> 00:21:44.039 conceit. 00:21:45.159 --> 00:21:45.639 Rather, 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:47.259 value others 00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:48.000 above 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:48.839 yourselves. 00:21:50.379 --> 00:21:50.739 Don't 00:21:50.739 --> 00:21:51.559 merely look 00:21:51.559 --> 00:21:51.959 to your 00:21:51.959 --> 00:21:52.339 own 00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:52.819 interests, 00:21:52.939 --> 00:21:53.259 but look 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:53.779 also to 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:53.959 the 00:21:53.959 --> 00:21:54.459 interests 00:21:54.459 --> 00:21:54.819 of 00:21:54.819 --> 00:21:55.239 others. 00:21:55.439 --> 00:21:55.859 Again, 00:21:55.939 --> 00:21:56.279 he says 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:56.539 there, 00:21:56.959 --> 00:21:57.399 have the 00:21:57.399 --> 00:21:57.779 same 00:21:57.779 --> 00:21:58.339 mindset 00:21:58.339 --> 00:21:59.319 as 00:21:59.319 --> 00:21:59.759 Christ 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.239 Jesus, 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:01.919 who being 00:22:01.919 --> 00:22:02.319 in very 00:22:02.319 --> 00:22:02.939 nature 00:22:02.939 --> 00:22:04.000 God, 00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.359 did not 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.019 consider 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:07.039 equality 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:07.639 with God 00:22:07.639 --> 00:22:08.059 something 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:08.619 to be 00:22:08.619 --> 00:22:09.439 used to 00:22:09.439 --> 00:22:09.839 his own 00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:10.479 advantage. 00:22:11.379 --> 00:22:11.619 Rather, 00:22:11.619 --> 00:22:12.119 he made 00:22:12.119 --> 00:22:12.579 himself 00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:13.399 nothing 00:22:13.399 --> 00:22:14.779 by taking 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.239 the very 00:22:15.239 --> 00:22:15.699 nature 00:22:15.699 --> 00:22:16.219 of a 00:22:16.219 --> 00:22:16.639 servant, 00:22:17.439 --> 00:22:17.939 being made 00:22:17.939 --> 00:22:18.339 in human 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:18.879 likeness. 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:19.639 And it 00:22:19.639 --> 00:22:20.099 goes on 00:22:20.099 --> 00:22:20.439 from there. 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:20.839 This is 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:21.139 the way 00:22:21.139 --> 00:22:21.719 that Jesus 00:22:21.719 --> 00:22:22.559 has loved 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.099 us. 00:22:23.859 --> 00:22:24.279 And Paul 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:24.699 is saying, 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:25.679 have the 00:22:25.679 --> 00:22:26.000 same 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:26.559 attitude 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:26.679 attitude, 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:28.700 of 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:29.859 being 00:22:29.859 --> 00:22:30.879 willing, 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:31.319 if 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:32.059 necessary, 00:22:32.059 --> 00:22:32.720 to lay 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.240 down 00:22:33.240 --> 00:22:34.079 your 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:34.619 life 00:22:34.619 --> 00:22:35.659 for your 00:22:35.659 --> 00:22:36.000 brother, 00:22:36.379 --> 00:22:37.079 for your 00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:37.519 sister, 00:22:37.700 --> 00:22:38.200 for your 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:38.559 neighbor. 00:22:39.559 --> 00:22:40.339 And we 00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:40.539 have 00:22:40.539 --> 00:22:41.039 opportunity 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.679 to do 00:22:41.679 --> 00:22:42.319 that in 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:42.619 this 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:43.179 COVID 00:22:43.179 --> 00:22:43.919 situation. 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:45.339 The virus 00:22:45.339 --> 00:22:45.759 is not 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:46.159 here in 00:22:46.159 --> 00:22:46.519 Davidson 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:46.839 yet, 00:22:46.919 --> 00:22:47.279 but it 00:22:47.279 --> 00:22:47.579 may 00:22:47.579 --> 00:22:48.159 yet 00:22:48.159 --> 00:22:48.740 get 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.099 here. 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:50.200 And when 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:50.740 it does, 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:51.379 there are 00:22:51.379 --> 00:22:52.200 people who 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:54.099 are weaker 00:22:54.099 --> 00:22:55.940 neighbors in 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.539 our community, 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:57.740 not necessarily 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.700 weakness in 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.240 conscience, 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:01.600 but who 00:23:01.600 --> 00:23:02.240 have physical 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:02.759 weakness. 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:03.740 I think of 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.160 the people 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:05.480 over at 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:06.779 the lodge. 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.400 I think of 00:23:07.400 --> 00:23:07.980 some of the 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:08.600 people in 00:23:08.600 --> 00:23:09.200 the manor. 00:23:09.820 --> 00:23:10.400 I think of 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:11.320 many elderly 00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:12.259 people living 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:13.360 still in their 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:13.840 own houses 00:23:13.840 --> 00:23:14.340 here in 00:23:14.340 --> 00:23:14.600 town, 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:16.080 who have 00:23:16.080 --> 00:23:17.140 underlying 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:18.220 health issues. 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:20.340 There are 00:23:20.340 --> 00:23:21.039 times when 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:21.400 we must 00:23:21.400 --> 00:23:22.140 lay aside 00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:24.000 our rights, 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:24.799 our freedoms, 00:23:25.140 --> 00:23:25.900 our privileges, 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:26.620 for the sake 00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:27.220 of love 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:28.580 for others. 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.080 And that's 00:23:29.080 --> 00:23:29.420 really what 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:29.920 the province 00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:30.360 has called 00:23:30.360 --> 00:23:30.960 us to do 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.600 with all 00:23:31.600 --> 00:23:32.059 of this. 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:32.580 And so as 00:23:32.580 --> 00:23:32.960 we come 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:33.640 together in 00:23:33.640 --> 00:23:33.960 the weeks 00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:34.279 ahead, 00:23:34.360 --> 00:23:35.000 I hope and 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:35.559 I pray that 00:23:35.559 --> 00:23:36.019 that can 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:37.160 be our 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:38.080 mindset. 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.380 That we're 00:23:39.380 --> 00:23:39.840 not just 00:23:39.840 --> 00:23:40.900 doing all 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:41.500 these things 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.039 because we 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:42.580 have to. 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:43.840 As we heard 00:23:43.840 --> 00:23:44.460 last Sunday, 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:44.880 we're doing 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:45.340 these things 00:23:45.340 --> 00:23:45.840 because we 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:46.640 love the 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:47.200 Lord Jesus 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:47.539 and we 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:47.860 want to 00:23:47.860 --> 00:23:48.400 honor him 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:48.860 and obey 00:23:48.860 --> 00:23:49.400 the government 00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:50.059 as he's 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:50.519 asked us 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:50.740 to. 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:51.779 But we're 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.400 also doing 00:23:52.400 --> 00:23:53.100 these things 00:23:53.100 --> 00:23:53.960 out of 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:55.140 love for 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:56.380 one another 00:23:56.380 --> 00:23:57.700 and out 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.040 of love 00:23:58.040 --> 00:23:58.980 for our 00:23:58.980 --> 00:23:59.400 neighbors 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:00.920 because we 00:24:00.920 --> 00:24:01.380 care about 00:24:01.380 --> 00:24:01.600 them. 00:24:01.720 --> 00:24:02.680 We will 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:04.220 joyfully 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:05.460 lay down 00:24:05.460 --> 00:24:05.880 some of 00:24:05.880 --> 00:24:07.560 our freedom, 00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:08.020 some of 00:24:08.020 --> 00:24:08.660 our privileges. 00:24:08.660 --> 00:24:09.300 We will 00:24:09.300 --> 00:24:10.560 adhere to 00:24:10.560 --> 00:24:10.980 these 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:12.280 restrictions. 00:24:13.340 --> 00:24:14.060 At the 00:24:14.060 --> 00:24:14.500 end of all 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:14.780 of this, 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:15.360 we can 00:24:15.360 --> 00:24:16.060 still meet 00:24:16.060 --> 00:24:16.540 together. 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:18.440 We can 00:24:18.440 --> 00:24:18.960 still 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:20.020 worship 00:24:20.020 --> 00:24:20.460 God. 00:24:20.560 --> 00:24:20.840 We can 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:22.020 still sing 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:23.019 despite 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.579 these 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:24.339 things 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:25.879 and we 00:24:25.879 --> 00:24:26.160 will. 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:26.440 And I 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:26.759 hope that 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:27.059 we can 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:27.480 all do 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.059 that together 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:28.700 with joy 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:29.019 in our 00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:29.400 hearts 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:30.559 and that 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:31.460 those 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:32.099 watching 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:32.619 will see 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.200 us as 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:34.160 an example, 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:35.539 a living, 00:24:35.700 --> 00:24:35.879 breathing 00:24:35.879 --> 00:24:36.619 example of 00:24:36.619 --> 00:24:37.000 the kind 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:37.480 of love 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.759 that Jesus 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:40.000 has for 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:40.319 them. 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:43.599 Let's 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:44.680 close with 00:24:44.680 --> 00:24:44.940 a word 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:45.379 of prayer. 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:47.900 Lord Jesus, 00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:48.440 thank you 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:49.039 for these 00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:49.579 words. 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:50.439 we know 00:24:50.439 --> 00:24:51.539 that the 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:51.919 church in 00:24:51.919 --> 00:24:52.299 Rome was 00:24:52.299 --> 00:24:52.899 different. 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.059 We know 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:55.000 that we're 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:55.220 in a 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:55.439 different 00:24:55.439 --> 00:24:56.059 situation 00:24:56.059 --> 00:24:56.720 here today 00:24:56.720 --> 00:24:57.000 and we 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:57.279 know that 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:57.799 many other 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:58.139 churches 00:24:58.139 --> 00:24:58.579 are in 00:24:58.579 --> 00:24:59.460 different 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:00.059 situations 00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:00.559 than our 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:01.039 own church 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:01.379 here in 00:25:01.379 --> 00:25:01.740 Davidson, 00:25:01.939 --> 00:25:02.240 but we 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:02.740 pray and 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.359 ask that 00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:05.099 you would 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:05.539 work in 00:25:05.539 --> 00:25:06.119 our hearts 00:25:06.119 --> 00:25:07.319 that by 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:07.980 your spirit 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.399 you would 00:25:08.399 --> 00:25:09.919 pour your 00:25:09.919 --> 00:25:10.720 love into 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:11.879 us and 00:25:11.879 --> 00:25:12.119 that it 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:12.740 would overflow 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.659 from us 00:25:13.659 --> 00:25:14.859 to others. 00:25:15.439 --> 00:25:15.899 We don't 00:25:15.899 --> 00:25:16.679 want anything 00:25:16.679 --> 00:25:17.799 to be a 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:18.939 dampener 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:20.100 on our 00:25:20.100 --> 00:25:21.580 joy or 00:25:21.580 --> 00:25:22.259 to spoil 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:22.920 our worship 00:25:22.920 --> 00:25:23.360 in the 00:25:23.360 --> 00:25:24.019 weeks ahead. 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:25.259 And so 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:25.640 we ask 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:25.920 that you 00:25:25.920 --> 00:25:26.220 would give 00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:26.799 us grace 00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:28.539 and help 00:25:28.539 --> 00:25:30.240 to accept 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:31.279 what has 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:31.799 been given 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.320 for this 00:25:32.320 --> 00:25:34.480 time and 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:35.900 to proceed 00:25:35.900 --> 00:25:37.220 with care 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:37.700 and with 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:38.279 concern, 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:39.259 with love, 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:40.140 with faith, 00:25:40.680 --> 00:25:41.460 and with 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:41.980 white-hot 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:43.600 worship for 00:25:43.600 --> 00:25:43.880 you. 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.120 You are 00:25:45.120 --> 00:25:45.600 our God, 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:46.120 you are 00:25:46.120 --> 00:25:46.580 our Savior, 00:25:47.340 --> 00:25:47.779 and we 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:48.160 love you. 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:50.220 we pray 00:25:50.220 --> 00:25:50.680 these things 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:51.140 in Jesus' 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:51.580 name. 00:25:52.600 --> 00:25:52.900 Amen. 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:54.039 Amen. 00:25:54.039 --> 00:26:24.019 Thank you.