WEBVTT

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 All right, today we're studying Luke chapter 8, verse 4 through 21.

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 Please turn with me there while I open us up in prayer.

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 Father, I pray that you would be with us,

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 that you would prepare our hearts to receive your word,

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 that your word would bear much good fruit.

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 Father, I pray that it would be for your praise and for our good,

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 and I pray that you would help me to speak faithfully from your word.

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 And we pray in Christ's name, amen.

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 So Luke chapter 8, verses 4 through 21.

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 And when a great crowd was gathering,

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 and people from town after town came to him,

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 he said in a parable,

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 A sower went out to sow his seed,

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 and as he sowed, some fell along the path,

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 and was trampled underfoot.

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 And the birds of the air devoured it,

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 and some fell on the rock,

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 and as it grew up, it withered away,

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 because it had no moisture.

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 And some fell among thorns,

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 and the thorns grew up with it and choked it.

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 And some fell into good soil,

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 and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.

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 As he said these things,

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 he called out,

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 He who has ears to hear,

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 let him hear.

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 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,

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 he said,

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 To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God,

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 but for others they are in parables,

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 so that seeing they may not see,

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 and hearing they may not understand.

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 Now the parable is this,

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 The seed is the word of God.

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 The ones along the path are those who have heard,

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 and the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts,

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 so that they may not believe and be saved.

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 And the ones on the rock are those who,

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 when they hear the word,

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 receive it with joy.

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 But these have no root.

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 They believe for a while,

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 and in time of testing fall away.

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 And as for what fell among the thorns,

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 they are those who hear,

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 but as they go on their way,

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 they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life,

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 and their fruit does not mature.

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 As for that in the good soil,

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 they are those who,

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 hearing the word,

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 hold it fast in an honest and good heart,

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 and bear fruit with patience.

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 No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar,

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 or puts it under a bed,

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 but puts it on a stand,

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 so that those who enter may see the light.

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 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest,

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 nor is anything secret that will not be made known,

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 that will not be known,

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 and come to light.

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 Take care then how you hear,

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 for to the one who has,

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 more will be given,

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 and from the one who has not,

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 even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.

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 Then his mother and his brothers came to him,

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 but they could not reach him because of the crowd.

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 And he was told,

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 Your mother and your brothers are standing outside,

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 desiring to see you.

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 But he answered them,

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 My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God,

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 and do it.

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 Like many of you,

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 Carolyn and I divide our chores at home.

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 Some of them could go either way.

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 I take out the trash,

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 but Carolyn is perfectly fine at taking out the trash.

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 She just doesn't like doing that,

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 because it smells right.

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 But laundry is something that Carolyn should do,

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 because unfortunately,

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 I have a history of shrinking our clothes.

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 I don't want to.

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 I don't try to.

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 I really try not to.

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 But some,

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 I just miss the clothes, right?

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 So like, for example,

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 this sweater, right?

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 I thought I'd wear it today.

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 It's a little tight.

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 I'm not trying to show off my dad bod,

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 but it's,

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 sleeves are kind of short,

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 and it's one of my shrunken sweaters.

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 So I'm just going to roll up my sleeves

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 so I look hardworking instead of incompetent.

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 But ultimately,

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 it comes down to,

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 I think,

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 a failure to heed instructions for me, right?

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 I want to be quick and efficient

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 about getting stuff done,

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 but I could just take an extra 30 seconds,

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 read the instructions on the little tab,

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 right,

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 on my sweater,

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 or just remember,

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 Carolyn told me to check out the clothes

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 before I wash it,

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 and I could have avoided it, right?

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 And that's what our passage is about this morning.

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 We're studying Luke chapter 8,

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 verses 4 through 21,

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 and the main theme of this passage is

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 take care how you hear God's word.

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 Take care how you hear God's word.

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 Our passage is split up into three parts,

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 consisting of the parable of the sower,

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 in verses 4 through 15,

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 proverbs around light,

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 in verses 16 through 18,

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 and the encounter with Jesus and his family,

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 in verses 19 through 21.

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 So let's dive into the first part.

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 The section on the parable of the sower

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 takes up most of our passage,

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 and I'll be spending most of our time here.

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 It includes the parable itself,

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 a brief point about the purpose of parables,

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 and an explanation of the parable.

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 In verse 4,

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 where we see that Jesus' ministry

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 continues to attract a lot of attention,

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 people from town after town, it says,

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 have come to form a great crowd.

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 So far, he's healed people of physical illnesses,

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 such as leprosy and paralysis.

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 He's freed them from demonic oppression.

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 He's forgiven their sins,

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 even raised the man from the dead.

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 And people eerily want what Jesus is offering,

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 but the situation isn't as positive as it may seem.

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 For one, we know, we've learned that,

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 along with the increase in popularity,

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 there's been an increase in animosity and opposition.

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 Right?

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 The Jewish leaders, they oppose him.

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 They don't like him.

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 They don't like what he's saying and what he's doing.

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 And also, just because people are,

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 they want what Jesus is giving them,

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 it doesn't mean that they're receiving Jesus himself.

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 It doesn't mean that they want him himself.

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 It's possible to love the gift more than the giver,

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 and there are probably a lot of people in the crowd here

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 who are only interested in Jesus at this superficial level.

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 But Jesus continues his mission.

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 We read in chapter 4,

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 Jesus came to proclaim good news to the poor,

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 to proclaim liberty to the captives,

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 and proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

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 So he continues to teach,

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 and he teaches them in the form of parables here.

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 What is a parable?

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 In the Bible, they are illustrative comparisons

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 meant to teach something.

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 Jesus taught with some 60 different parables

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 using illustrations from everyday life,

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 like family, housekeeping, farming, like here.

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 And his listeners,

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 they don't need special knowledge or vocabulary

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 to understand the illustrations in the parables.

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 But the difficulty of parables

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 is understanding the meaning underneath it all.

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 So here's Jesus' parable.

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 A sower goes out to sow his seed.

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 He's just scattering the seed liberally,

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 almost wastefully.

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 He scatters seed.

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 Some fall on unproductive ground,

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 and others fall on productive ground.

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 The unproductive parts have different issues.

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 First, there's a soil along the path.

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 So apparently in this field,

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 there were paths for walking,

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 walking through the field.

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 And these seeds got stepped on,

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 where they were easy pickings for birds,

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 because the ground was hard-packed,

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 and it couldn't go into the ground.

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 Second, there was the soil on the rock.

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 And when it says this,

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 this isn't like earth with small rocks in there,

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 but it's a thin layer of soil

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 that sits on top of a base of limestone,

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 which is apparently common

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 in the Palestinian hill country.

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 And these seeds,

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 they were able to start growing,

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 start germinating,

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 but there wasn't enough soil to hold water

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 for the seeds to grow.

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 So they sprouted up quickly,

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 but then they withered away.

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 Then there's the soil with the thorns.

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 There's nothing wrong with the soil itself.

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 It's not hard-packed like the path

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 or thin like on the rock.

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 Instead, its growing potential

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 is being used up by other plants,

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 by thorns.

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 Then there's only one type of productive ground.

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 It's good soil,

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 and it produces a huge yield,

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 a hundredfold.

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 Again, the illustration is pretty easy to understand

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 what's happening on the surface.

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 And then after the parable in verse 8,

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 Jesus tells the crowd,

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 he who has ears to hear,

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 let him hear.

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 It's an easy command for the crowds to overlook.

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 It's a pretty short and simple phrase

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 that Jesus says here,

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 but everything in this chapter,

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 in this passage,

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 hinges on this one point

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 because they need to take care

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 how they listen to what Jesus is saying.

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 Will they think about what he said,

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 and will they consider its meaning

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 and act upon it?

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 Or will they ignore it,

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 forget it,

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 or will they give up

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 in the middle of trying to apply it?

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 And so the same is true of us

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 regarding God's word.

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 What good does it do to us

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 if we hear the best preaching

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 and the best teaching,

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 but we don't think about it,

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 we don't ponder its practical applications,

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 we don't try to follow it in our lives,

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 right?

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 In verse nine,

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 we see that there's a change in audience.

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 They go from a huge crowd

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 to speaking,

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 Jesus speaking to just his disciples.

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 His disciples come up to him.

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 They know that Jesus isn't,

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 he's obviously not giving a farming lesson,

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 so they say,

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 what does this parable mean?

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 And before explaining the parables' meaning,

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 Jesus briefly speaks

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 to the purpose of parables.

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 Maybe this is a question

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 that's come across your mind.

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 Why does Jesus speak in parables?

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 They're hard to understand.

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 If he's come to proclaim good news

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 and free the captives,

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 why does he speak in illustrations

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 that aren't obvious,

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 that some people won't understand, right?

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 In verse 10,

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 Jesus tells his disciples

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 that parables serve a dual purpose.

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 They reveal the secrets of God's kingdom

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 to Jesus' disciples,

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 and they also hide the meaning to others

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 so that these people,

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 they see,

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 but they don't see.

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 They hear,

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 but they don't understand.

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 So,

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 if you guys remember,

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 as I mentioned,

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 Jesus is attracting big crowds,

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 but in these crowds

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 are people who have already heard

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 Jesus' teaching,

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 and they've rejected it,

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 right?

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 Although they've seen Jesus' heal sicknesses,

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 raise a man from the dead even,

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 they're still unreceptive to him

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 and his teaching.

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 So in this context,

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 parables are given.

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 Parables are a form of judgment.

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 Those who are genuinely following Jesus

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 and try to understand,

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 to them are given the secrets of God's kingdom.

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 But to those who have already received teaching

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 but rejected it,

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 to them further understanding is withheld.

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 So it's like parables are,

00:10:21.679 --> 00:10:23.199
 like they're a one-way mirror, right?

00:10:23.340 --> 00:10:24.819
 From one side,

00:10:25.360 --> 00:10:27.299
 if you try to look through,

00:10:27.379 --> 00:10:27.899
 it's just a mirror,

00:10:28.379 --> 00:10:29.399
 but on the other side,

00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:30.299
 you get to look through

00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:32.139
 and see what's on the other side.

00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:35.379
 And this mirror is on a swivel, right?

00:10:35.479 --> 00:10:38.199
 And what determines how the mirror is turned

00:10:38.199 --> 00:10:40.579
 is the choice of a person's heart.

00:10:40.939 --> 00:10:41.979
 Do you want to understand,

00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:44.299
 and do you want to receive Jesus or not?

00:10:45.479 --> 00:10:46.439
 Now, to be clear,

00:10:46.519 --> 00:10:48.959
 it's not as if God is cheering for people

00:10:48.959 --> 00:10:52.799
 to reject Jesus,

00:10:52.799 --> 00:10:54.219
 and that's far from it.

00:10:54.299 --> 00:10:56.620
 God wants everyone to be saved.

00:10:57.179 --> 00:10:59.299
 So we read in 1 Timothy 2,

00:11:00.439 --> 00:11:02.879
 God our Savior desires all people to be saved

00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:04.859
 and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

00:11:05.679 --> 00:11:07.459
 And in Ezekiel 33,

00:11:08.299 --> 00:11:08.819
 we read,

00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:23.140
 So God loves us.

00:11:23.260 --> 00:11:24.820
 He wants what is good for us,

00:11:24.900 --> 00:11:28.280
 and he's cheering for us to live and not die.

00:11:29.700 --> 00:11:31.660
 And God is just.

00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:34.020
 He's the one who judges us

00:11:34.020 --> 00:11:36.060
 according to what is right and good.

00:11:37.019 --> 00:11:39.379
 And maybe the idea of God

00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:40.819
 using parables as judgment

00:11:40.819 --> 00:11:43.039
 makes you squirm in your seat a little bit.

00:11:43.099 --> 00:11:44.159
 I know it makes me a little uncomfortable.

00:11:44.859 --> 00:11:46.139
 But at a deeper level,

00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:47.119
 I also know that

00:11:47.119 --> 00:11:49.119
 I want God to be just.

00:11:49.279 --> 00:11:50.419
 I need him to be just.

00:11:51.119 --> 00:11:52.919
 A God who sees wrong and evil

00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:55.239
 yet is unwilling or unable

00:11:55.239 --> 00:11:56.639
 to do anything about it,

00:11:57.339 --> 00:11:58.979
 that's no God at all.

00:11:59.459 --> 00:12:01.319
 We need God to see the injustices

00:12:01.319 --> 00:12:03.559
 of this world and to judge.

00:12:04.059 --> 00:12:04.919
 We need God to see

00:12:04.919 --> 00:12:06.979
 the mosque shooting in New Zealand this week

00:12:06.979 --> 00:12:09.339
 and to hold people accountable for that.

00:12:10.079 --> 00:12:10.139
 Right?

00:12:11.299 --> 00:12:13.099
 So what does this all mean for us?

00:12:15.479 --> 00:12:18.860
 Well, we need to take care how we listen.

00:12:19.719 --> 00:12:21.199
 How are you coming to God's word this morning?

00:12:21.299 --> 00:12:21.959
 What is your attitude?

00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:26.459
 Is your heart soft and receptive to God's word?

00:12:27.159 --> 00:12:28.919
 Do you seek to understand and obey it?

00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:30.779
 Then be joyful

00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:32.019
 because God is revealing

00:12:32.019 --> 00:12:34.120
 the secrets of his kingdom to you.

00:12:34.479 --> 00:12:34.539
 Right?

00:12:34.659 --> 00:12:35.719
 Keep seeking understanding.

00:12:35.839 --> 00:12:36.899
 Keep asking questions.

00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:39.259
 Be diligent in applying what you've learned.

00:12:40.620 --> 00:12:42.279
 Or do you reject what God says?

00:12:42.719 --> 00:12:44.779
 It holds no weight with you.

00:12:45.079 --> 00:12:46.159
 You're your own boss,

00:12:46.299 --> 00:12:46.919
 your own God.

00:12:47.819 --> 00:12:49.379
 Only you gets the final say in your life.

00:12:49.379 --> 00:12:52.539
 Then don't expect any more fodder

00:12:52.539 --> 00:12:54.019
 for your rejection

00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:55.059
 and your contempt

00:12:55.059 --> 00:12:56.200
 and your indifference.

00:12:57.539 --> 00:12:59.500
 But I do hope for better things

00:12:59.500 --> 00:13:00.820
 for us here today.

00:13:02.139 --> 00:13:03.039
 In verse 11,

00:13:03.159 --> 00:13:04.500
 Jesus explains this parable

00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:05.379
 to his disciples.

00:13:05.860 --> 00:13:06.960
 So let's listen carefully

00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:07.600
 to its meaning.

00:13:08.279 --> 00:13:09.960
 The seed is the word of God

00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:11.059
 and the soil,

00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:11.919
 the first soil,

00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:13.200
 the soil on the path

00:13:13.200 --> 00:13:15.120
 represents those who hear the word,

00:13:15.600 --> 00:13:16.460
 but the devil comes

00:13:16.460 --> 00:13:17.460
 and takes it from their hearts

00:13:17.460 --> 00:13:18.539
 so they can't believe

00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:19.259
 and be saved.

00:13:20.079 --> 00:13:21.659
 The second soil on the rock

00:13:21.659 --> 00:13:22.740
 represents those

00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:24.139
 who do receive God's word

00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:25.759
 and initially receive it with joy,

00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:27.779
 but in times of testing,

00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:28.419
 they fall away.

00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:31.360
 The third soil with the thorns

00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:32.079
 represents those

00:13:32.079 --> 00:13:33.319
 who hear God's word,

00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:35.339
 but God's word can't produce

00:13:35.339 --> 00:13:36.659
 mature fruit in their lives

00:13:36.659 --> 00:13:37.480
 because they're choked

00:13:37.480 --> 00:13:39.000
 by the cares and riches

00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:40.379
 and pleasures of life.

00:13:41.539 --> 00:13:42.219
 And the fourth soil,

00:13:42.319 --> 00:13:42.839
 the good soil,

00:13:43.019 --> 00:13:43.779
 represents those

00:13:43.779 --> 00:13:44.579
 who hear the word

00:13:44.579 --> 00:13:45.939
 and they hold it fast

00:13:45.939 --> 00:13:47.099
 in an honest and good heart

00:13:47.099 --> 00:13:48.459
 and bear fruit with patience.

00:13:49.539 --> 00:13:50.339
 I'm pointing out

00:13:50.339 --> 00:13:52.259
 a few additional things

00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:52.919
 from this parable.

00:13:53.259 --> 00:13:54.500
 First, there's nothing different

00:13:54.500 --> 00:13:55.980
 with what the soils receive,

00:13:56.419 --> 00:13:56.639
 right?

00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:57.719
 They all get the same seed.

00:13:57.959 --> 00:13:59.120
 It's not like the first soil

00:13:59.120 --> 00:14:00.259
 gets like old

00:14:00.259 --> 00:14:02.159
 and rotten fruit or seeds

00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:04.000
 and the fourth gets fresh

00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:05.240
 and strong young seeds,

00:14:05.299 --> 00:14:05.480
 right?

00:14:05.579 --> 00:14:06.399
 They're all the same.

00:14:06.539 --> 00:14:08.099
 Deficiency is not in God's word,

00:14:08.219 --> 00:14:08.959
 but with the response

00:14:08.959 --> 00:14:09.839
 of the hearer.

00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.419
 Second, the good soil

00:14:11.419 --> 00:14:13.179
 is commended for bearing fruit.

00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:14.699
 What is fruit?

00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:16.860
 Fruit is a person's response

00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:18.039
 to God's word

00:14:18.039 --> 00:14:19.399
 that is consistent

00:14:19.399 --> 00:14:20.860
 with God's word, right?

00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:21.800
 Responding consistently

00:14:21.800 --> 00:14:22.440
 with God's word.

00:14:22.820 --> 00:14:23.460
 So for example,

00:14:23.460 --> 00:14:25.320
 when God says

00:14:25.320 --> 00:14:27.080
 in Philippians chapter 4,

00:14:27.659 --> 00:14:28.320
 do not be anxious

00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:29.180
 about anything,

00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:30.279
 but in everything

00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:31.560
 by prayer and supplication

00:14:31.560 --> 00:14:32.259
 with thanksgiving,

00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:33.360
 let your requests

00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:34.180
 be made known to God.

00:14:34.800 --> 00:14:36.100
 Then when we feel anxious,

00:14:36.620 --> 00:14:38.639
 we pray to God

00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:39.360
 about that anxiety,

00:14:39.480 --> 00:14:40.039
 about the source

00:14:40.039 --> 00:14:40.659
 of that anxiety.

00:14:41.320 --> 00:14:42.159
 We take it to him.

00:14:42.639 --> 00:14:43.240
 When God says

00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:44.300
 in Romans chapter 8,

00:14:44.299 --> 00:14:45.019
 and we know

00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:45.479
 that for those

00:14:45.479 --> 00:14:46.179
 who love God,

00:14:46.679 --> 00:14:47.719
 all things work together

00:14:47.719 --> 00:14:48.279
 for good.

00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:49.740
 For those who are called

00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:50.699
 according to his purpose,

00:14:51.299 --> 00:14:53.059
 when a person faces trials

00:14:53.059 --> 00:14:54.199
 and difficulties in life,

00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:57.819
 we go to God

00:14:57.819 --> 00:14:58.479
 and trust

00:14:58.479 --> 00:14:59.859
 that he's using

00:14:59.859 --> 00:15:00.599
 those circumstances

00:15:00.599 --> 00:15:02.139
 for our good, right?

00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:03.879
 And when God says

00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:05.240
 in Matthew chapter 28,

00:15:05.699 --> 00:15:06.299
 go therefore

00:15:06.299 --> 00:15:07.379
 and make disciples

00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:08.579
 of all nations,

00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:09.559
 baptizing them

00:15:09.559 --> 00:15:09.979
 in the name

00:15:09.979 --> 00:15:10.539
 of the Father

00:15:10.539 --> 00:15:11.279
 and of the Son

00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:12.259
 and of the Holy Spirit.

00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:14.439
 The hearer prioritizes

00:15:14.439 --> 00:15:15.179
 helping others

00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:17.019
 follow Jesus, right?

00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:18.779
 So fruit is a positive

00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:19.899
 response to God's word

00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:22.379
 in the form of trust

00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:22.919
 in God

00:15:22.919 --> 00:15:23.439
 and obedience

00:15:23.439 --> 00:15:24.000
 to his word.

00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:27.559
 Third thing about,

00:15:27.699 --> 00:15:28.299
 an additional thing

00:15:28.299 --> 00:15:29.139
 about these parables

00:15:29.139 --> 00:15:29.919
 or this parable,

00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:31.419
 the soils in this parable

00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:33.299
 represent different kinds

00:15:33.299 --> 00:15:34.199
 of individuals

00:15:34.199 --> 00:15:37.019
 and their overall response

00:15:37.019 --> 00:15:37.659
 to God's word.

00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:38.279
 It's not meant

00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.120
 to represent

00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:40.559
 a person's progression

00:15:40.559 --> 00:15:41.239
 in the Christian life.

00:15:41.319 --> 00:15:42.000
 It's not like you go

00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:42.819
 from soil one

00:15:42.819 --> 00:15:43.779
 to two to three to four,

00:15:44.239 --> 00:15:44.519
 right?

00:15:44.579 --> 00:15:46.319
 And it doesn't represent

00:15:46.319 --> 00:15:48.159
 specific moments

00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:49.000
 in our lives

00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:49.479
 where sometimes

00:15:49.479 --> 00:15:50.159
 we're hard-hearted,

00:15:50.679 --> 00:15:52.019
 sometimes we're receptive,

00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:53.099
 sometimes we give

00:15:53.099 --> 00:15:53.719
 into temptation.

00:15:54.339 --> 00:15:54.819
 Now, of course,

00:15:54.859 --> 00:15:55.379
 that's true.

00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:56.119
 Sometimes we do have

00:15:56.119 --> 00:15:56.719
 different responses

00:15:56.719 --> 00:15:57.559
 to God's word

00:15:57.559 --> 00:15:58.079
 in our life,

00:15:58.379 --> 00:15:59.239
 but that's not

00:15:59.239 --> 00:16:00.019
 what this passage

00:16:00.019 --> 00:16:00.579
 is about,

00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:01.359
 and so we shouldn't

00:16:01.359 --> 00:16:02.259
 try to make it

00:16:02.259 --> 00:16:02.719
 say something

00:16:02.719 --> 00:16:03.359
 that it's not

00:16:03.359 --> 00:16:03.759
 trying to say.

00:16:04.699 --> 00:16:05.779
 So instead,

00:16:05.959 --> 00:16:06.399
 when looking at

00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:07.000
 the totality

00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:07.979
 of a person's life,

00:16:08.579 --> 00:16:09.199
 that individual,

00:16:09.319 --> 00:16:09.919
 how do they respond

00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:10.439
 to God's word?

00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:11.079
 Are they fruitful

00:16:11.079 --> 00:16:11.939
 or unfruitful?

00:16:13.099 --> 00:16:14.500
 And that's the question

00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:15.360
 to ask ourselves.

00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:16.759
 Which kind of soil

00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:17.219
 am I?

00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:18.219
 When I look at my

00:16:18.219 --> 00:16:20.219
 life picture overall,

00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.339
 what response

00:16:21.339 --> 00:16:21.719
 have I given

00:16:21.719 --> 00:16:22.299
 to God's word?

00:16:23.579 --> 00:16:24.559
 Maybe this is a hard

00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:25.599
 question for you

00:16:25.599 --> 00:16:25.979
 to answer

00:16:25.979 --> 00:16:26.539
 because honestly,

00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:28.099
 you've never really

00:16:28.099 --> 00:16:28.779
 heard God's word

00:16:28.779 --> 00:16:29.759
 communicated to you

00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:31.059
 or clearly in a way

00:16:31.059 --> 00:16:32.139
 that demands a response

00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:33.719
 because maybe you've

00:16:33.719 --> 00:16:34.299
 heard of God's word

00:16:34.299 --> 00:16:35.620
 as some nebulous thing,

00:16:35.719 --> 00:16:35.839
 right?

00:16:35.839 --> 00:16:36.379
 Like the Bible

00:16:36.379 --> 00:16:37.000
 is God's word.

00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:37.620
 That's true,

00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:38.019
 right?

00:16:38.019 --> 00:16:39.860
 But there is a

00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.439
 central message

00:16:40.439 --> 00:16:41.259
 in God's word

00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:42.360
 that he communicates

00:16:42.360 --> 00:16:42.819
 to us

00:16:42.819 --> 00:16:43.460
 and that demands

00:16:43.460 --> 00:16:44.539
 a response from us.

00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:46.259
 In the words of Jesus

00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:47.340
 in Mark chapter 1,

00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:48.419
 the time has come.

00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:49.439
 The kingdom of God

00:16:49.439 --> 00:16:50.259
 has come near.

00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:52.120
 Repent and believe

00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:52.819
 the good news.

00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:54.259
 So Jesus tells us

00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:54.699
 the good news

00:16:54.699 --> 00:16:55.740
 of how we can be saved

00:16:55.740 --> 00:16:56.980
 from God's judgment

00:16:56.980 --> 00:16:58.559
 and enter into his rule

00:16:58.559 --> 00:16:59.120
 and reign,

00:16:59.220 --> 00:16:59.659
 which is known

00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.439
 as his kingdom,

00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:00.799
 right?

00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:01.319
 That's his rule

00:17:01.319 --> 00:17:01.860
 and his reign.

00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:03.879
 The way things are

00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:05.019
 right now

00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.720
 aren't the way

00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:06.839
 that things were

00:17:06.839 --> 00:17:07.420
 meant to be.

00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:08.360
 We were originally

00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:10.180
 intended to be

00:17:10.180 --> 00:17:11.300
 under God's rule.

00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.779
 God in his power

00:17:12.779 --> 00:17:13.240
 and beauty,

00:17:13.340 --> 00:17:14.180
 he made the universe

00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:14.840
 that we live in.

00:17:15.340 --> 00:17:16.080
 God in his love

00:17:16.080 --> 00:17:17.279
 and joy made us

00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:18.180
 to know him

00:17:18.180 --> 00:17:19.060
 in relationship

00:17:19.060 --> 00:17:19.880
 for us to belong

00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:20.940
 to him as his people.

00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:22.920
 And as the one

00:17:22.920 --> 00:17:23.660
 who created us,

00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:24.700
 he rightfully has

00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:26.259
 authority over our lives.

00:17:26.800 --> 00:17:27.539
 In our lives,

00:17:27.660 --> 00:17:28.960
 we were to acknowledge

00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.800
 and honor him.

00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:31.220
 We were to delight

00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:32.480
 and be satisfied in him.

00:17:33.120 --> 00:17:34.180
 We were to obey him,

00:17:34.340 --> 00:17:34.680
 thank him,

00:17:34.680 --> 00:17:35.259
 praise him,

00:17:35.259 --> 00:17:36.539
 but none of us

00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:38.140
 experience this

00:17:38.140 --> 00:17:39.200
 in our lives

00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:39.859
 as we ought to.

00:17:40.180 --> 00:17:41.160
 None of us know God

00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:42.059
 like this.

00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:43.019
 We all fall short

00:17:43.019 --> 00:17:44.240
 of who God made us

00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:44.619
 to be.

00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.920
 We read in Romans

00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:47.619
 chapter 1,

00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:48.839
 for although they knew

00:17:48.839 --> 00:17:49.200
 God,

00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.299
 they did not honor him

00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:50.740
 as God

00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:51.579
 or give thanks to him,

00:17:51.640 --> 00:17:52.700
 but they became futile

00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:53.379
 in their thinking

00:17:53.379 --> 00:17:54.680
 and their foolish hearts

00:17:54.680 --> 00:17:55.240
 were darkened.

00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:56.379
 Claiming to be wise,

00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.240
 they became fools

00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:58.879
 and exchanged the glory

00:17:58.879 --> 00:17:59.900
 of the immortal God

00:17:59.900 --> 00:18:01.319
 for images resembling

00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:02.000
 mortal man

00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:02.640
 and birds

00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:03.240
 and animals

00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:04.039
 and creeping things.

00:18:04.779 --> 00:18:05.620
 And that's us,

00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:06.460
 that's speaking of us.

00:18:06.980 --> 00:18:07.759
 Instead of acknowledging

00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:08.599
 God as God,

00:18:08.680 --> 00:18:09.380
 we reject him

00:18:09.380 --> 00:18:10.579
 and we ignore him.

00:18:11.160 --> 00:18:12.180
 Instead of honoring him,

00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:13.960
 we doubt that he's good

00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.660
 and he loves us.

00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:16.240
 Instead of being satisfied

00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:17.000
 in him as the one

00:18:17.000 --> 00:18:17.900
 who provides for us,

00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:18.599
 we choose to rely

00:18:18.599 --> 00:18:19.160
 on ourselves

00:18:19.160 --> 00:18:19.839
 or on money

00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:21.779
 or anything else really.

00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:24.120
 And so we fail

00:18:24.120 --> 00:18:24.960
 to meet God's standards

00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.660
 for us

00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:26.359
 and this is what

00:18:26.359 --> 00:18:27.579
 the Bible calls sin.

00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:29.920
 In our sin,

00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:31.160
 God judges us

00:18:31.160 --> 00:18:31.980
 because, again,

00:18:32.060 --> 00:18:32.900
 God is just

00:18:32.900 --> 00:18:33.800
 as part of his character.

00:18:34.560 --> 00:18:35.600
 Romans tells us,

00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:37.240
 for the wages of sin

00:18:37.240 --> 00:18:37.980
 is death.

00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:40.560
 And then Isaiah 59 says,

00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:41.880
 but our iniquities

00:18:41.880 --> 00:18:42.800
 have made a separation

00:18:42.800 --> 00:18:43.660
 between you

00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:44.600
 and your God

00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:45.660
 and your sins

00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:46.560
 have hidden his face

00:18:46.560 --> 00:18:47.019
 from you

00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:48.340
 so that he does not hear.

00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:50.420
 Also in Romans,

00:18:50.540 --> 00:18:51.000
 he will render

00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:52.000
 to each one

00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.000
 according to his works.

00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:54.259
 For those who are self-seeking

00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:55.860
 and do not obey the truth

00:18:55.860 --> 00:18:57.160
 but obey unrighteousness,

00:18:57.600 --> 00:18:58.400
 there will be wrath

00:18:58.400 --> 00:18:59.000
 and fury.

00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:01.059
 And as a description

00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:01.539
 in Romans,

00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:01.859
 Mark,

00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:02.680
 sorry,

00:19:02.799 --> 00:19:03.500
 in Mark 9,

00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:04.640
 hell is described

00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.859
 as where their worm

00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:06.759
 does not die

00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:07.819
 and the fire

00:19:07.819 --> 00:19:08.579
 is not quenched.

00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:10.859
 I think sometimes

00:19:10.859 --> 00:19:11.420
 we tend to think

00:19:11.420 --> 00:19:11.859
 of our sins

00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:12.900
 as not that bad,

00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:13.680
 not that serious.

00:19:14.380 --> 00:19:15.000
 It's kind of like

00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:15.680
 a parking ticket.

00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:16.559
 Like, yes,

00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.119
 I technically

00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:18.400
 did something wrong

00:19:18.400 --> 00:19:19.579
 and I have to pay for it

00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.180
 but it's not that big

00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:21.119
 of a deal, right?

00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:22.240
 Overall,

00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:23.000
 I'm a good person

00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:24.279
 and there aren't

00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:25.200
 serious consequences

00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:25.680
 to this

00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:26.839
 but sin

00:19:26.839 --> 00:19:28.299
 is far more serious

00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.039
 and far deeper

00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:30.559
 and far more hateful

00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:32.700
 than I often think of it.

00:19:33.399 --> 00:19:34.299
 Sin is saying to God,

00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:35.279
 God, no,

00:19:35.399 --> 00:19:36.000
 I reject

00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.819
 your authority over me

00:19:37.819 --> 00:19:38.399
 and I declare

00:19:38.399 --> 00:19:39.379
 my independence

00:19:39.379 --> 00:19:40.279
 from you.

00:19:42.159 --> 00:19:43.000
 It's saying to God,

00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:43.859
 you're not good enough,

00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:45.399
 you don't love me enough

00:19:45.399 --> 00:19:46.639
 and you don't really

00:19:46.639 --> 00:19:47.259
 care for me

00:19:47.259 --> 00:19:47.899
 so I need to

00:19:47.899 --> 00:19:49.279
 care and provide

00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:49.899
 for myself.

00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:51.339
 You're not really

00:19:51.339 --> 00:19:52.079
 wise enough

00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:53.259
 to know what's best for me

00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:53.940
 so I need to figure

00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:54.899
 things out for myself.

00:19:55.139 --> 00:19:55.500
 You're not really

00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:56.299
 strong enough

00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:57.359
 to get things done

00:19:57.359 --> 00:19:57.639
 for me

00:19:57.639 --> 00:19:58.259
 so I need to

00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.359
 rely on myself

00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:01.299
 and sin is saying

00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:01.919
 no to God

00:20:01.919 --> 00:20:02.799
 and turning to

00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.919
 other things

00:20:03.919 --> 00:20:05.059
 to fill God's place

00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:05.960
 in our lives.

00:20:06.619 --> 00:20:07.599
 It's like if my

00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:08.839
 one-year-old daughter,

00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:09.419
 Caladriel,

00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.139
 were to come up to me

00:20:10.139 --> 00:20:10.960
 and Carol and say,

00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:12.319
 you know,

00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:13.659
 you're not doing a good job,

00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.599
 you're not doing good enough,

00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:14.879
 like,

00:20:14.960 --> 00:20:15.899
 I'm good, right?

00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:16.619
 I'm on my own.

00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:17.659
 Even though, like,

00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:18.440
 we love her, right?

00:20:18.460 --> 00:20:18.919
 That's absurd.

00:20:19.319 --> 00:20:20.319
 We're trying our best for her

00:20:20.319 --> 00:20:21.639
 and if God

00:20:21.639 --> 00:20:23.399
 is who he says he is,

00:20:24.019 --> 00:20:24.639
 if he's good

00:20:24.640 --> 00:20:25.120
 and loving,

00:20:25.420 --> 00:20:26.220
 he's compassionate

00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:26.960
 and powerful,

00:20:27.520 --> 00:20:28.160
 if he's holy

00:20:28.160 --> 00:20:28.560
 and the one

00:20:28.560 --> 00:20:30.120
 who created everything

00:20:30.120 --> 00:20:31.740
 and rightfully owns everything,

00:20:32.340 --> 00:20:33.920
 then we see how hateful

00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:34.740
 and wrong it is

00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.340
 to reject him.

00:20:36.860 --> 00:20:37.480
 So far,

00:20:37.560 --> 00:20:38.520
 this is not good news,

00:20:38.560 --> 00:20:39.240
 like Jesus said,

00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:39.660
 right?

00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.600
 This is pretty bad news.

00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:41.520
 We're all sinners

00:20:41.520 --> 00:20:43.220
 and under the just wrath

00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:44.400
 and condemnation of God,

00:20:44.860 --> 00:20:46.759
 we deserve punishment.

00:20:47.660 --> 00:20:48.620
 But the good news

00:20:48.620 --> 00:20:50.160
 is that God's solution

00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:51.600
 for our sin

00:20:51.600 --> 00:20:53.259
 is the sacrificial death

00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:54.039
 and resurrection

00:20:54.039 --> 00:20:54.839
 of Jesus Christ,

00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:55.259
 the Son,

00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:57.220
 like we've been singing about

00:20:57.220 --> 00:20:57.759
 this morning.

00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:02.920
 In Isaiah chapter 53,

00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:03.440
 it says,

00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:05.519
 Surely he has borne our griefs

00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:06.519
 and carried our sorrows,

00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:08.460
 yet we esteemed him stricken,

00:21:08.819 --> 00:21:09.559
 smitten by God,

00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:10.279
 and afflicted.

00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:11.559
 He was pierced

00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:12.539
 for our transgressions,

00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:13.200
 he was crushed

00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:14.359
 for our iniquities.

00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.579
 Upon him

00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:16.619
 was the chastisement

00:21:16.619 --> 00:21:17.519
 that brought us peace

00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.420
 and with his wounds

00:21:18.420 --> 00:21:19.319
 we are healed.

00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.480
 All we like sheep

00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.259
 have gone astray,

00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:23.500
 we have turned everyone

00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:24.279
 to his own way

00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:24.839
 and the Lord

00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:25.579
 has laid on him

00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:26.799
 the iniquity

00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:27.839
 of us all.

00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.079
 So,

00:21:29.379 --> 00:21:31.700
 God's got a problem

00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.379
 on his hands.

00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:33.259
 He's just

00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:34.420
 so he needs to punish us

00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:36.200
 but he also loves us

00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:37.000
 and wants to save us

00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:37.680
 from that punishment.

00:21:37.879 --> 00:21:38.879
 So what does he do?

00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.819
 How can he spare us

00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:41.339
 from the punishment

00:21:41.339 --> 00:21:42.480
 but still be just?

00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:43.839
 And his solution

00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:44.799
 is he sends Jesus

00:21:44.799 --> 00:21:46.519
 to be born as a man

00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:47.859
 to live a perfect life

00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:50.119
 and therefore he saves us

00:21:50.119 --> 00:21:50.700
 from the punishment

00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:51.660
 that we deserve.

00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:53.440
 Instead of being regarded

00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:55.180
 as perfect and good

00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:56.640
 like Jesus deserves,

00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:58.400
 he's regarded as a sinner,

00:21:58.759 --> 00:21:59.819
 as being a liar,

00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:01.160
 a drunk,

00:22:01.279 --> 00:22:01.759
 a murderer,

00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:02.559
 a thief,

00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:04.039
 being a proud man

00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:05.000
 and a selfish man,

00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:06.279
 all the ways

00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.559
 that we've fallen short

00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:09.960
 of God's standards for us.

00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:12.240
 And 2 Corinthians 5 says,

00:22:12.339 --> 00:22:13.079
 for our sake

00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:14.440
 he made him to be sin

00:22:14.440 --> 00:22:15.319
 who knew no sin

00:22:15.319 --> 00:22:16.680
 so that in him

00:22:16.680 --> 00:22:17.180
 we might become

00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:18.299
 the righteousness of God.

00:22:19.000 --> 00:22:20.259
 Jesus is our substitute.

00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.680
 He switches places

00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:22.619
 with us

00:22:22.619 --> 00:22:23.779
 and we don't deserve it.

00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:25.319
 This is God's grace,

00:22:25.420 --> 00:22:26.500
 his undeserved goodness.

00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:27.799
 And his salvation

00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.819
 from sin is complete.

00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:30.279
 He doesn't just forgive us

00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:31.559
 but he promises us

00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:32.640
 power to overcome

00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.319
 that sin

00:22:33.319 --> 00:22:34.319
 and he ultimately

00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:35.140
 gives us freedom

00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:36.019
 from the presence

00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:36.720
 of sin itself.

00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.720
 So God forgives us

00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:40.019
 our uncontrolled anger

00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:41.539
 but he doesn't leave us

00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.119
 just to be angry

00:22:42.119 --> 00:22:42.740
 all the time, right?

00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:43.799
 He enables us to grow

00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:44.519
 in self-control,

00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.519
 patience,

00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:46.099
 in love,

00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:46.759
 in gentleness.

00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:49.059
 And then when we die

00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:50.359
 we move on from this life

00:22:50.359 --> 00:22:52.319
 and he gives us eternal life,

00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:53.819
 a life free from that sin

00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:54.799
 so we don't,

00:22:54.819 --> 00:22:55.480
 we can overcome

00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:56.419
 that battle

00:22:56.419 --> 00:22:57.500
 that we're facing every day.

00:22:58.779 --> 00:23:00.139
 And so God has accomplished

00:23:00.139 --> 00:23:01.399
 all of this for us

00:23:01.399 --> 00:23:03.619
 but we must respond.

00:23:03.959 --> 00:23:05.500
 It's like medicine, right?

00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:06.799
 It can be the best medicine

00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:07.319
 in the world

00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:08.859
 and cure your illness

00:23:08.859 --> 00:23:10.619
 but if you don't take it

00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:11.579
 you can't experience

00:23:11.579 --> 00:23:12.359
 its benefits.

00:23:13.359 --> 00:23:14.839
 And so we can either

00:23:14.839 --> 00:23:15.879
 accept and receive

00:23:15.879 --> 00:23:16.679
 what he's done for us

00:23:16.679 --> 00:23:17.779
 or we can reject it.

00:23:18.459 --> 00:23:19.319
 To accept God's message

00:23:19.319 --> 00:23:20.879
 we must turn away from sin

00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:22.319
 and turn in trust

00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:23.219
 toward Jesus.

00:23:23.859 --> 00:23:25.019
 It's personally saying

00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:25.959
 something like

00:23:25.959 --> 00:23:27.500
 yes Lord Jesus

00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:28.399
 I will trust you

00:23:28.399 --> 00:23:29.240
 and only you.

00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.659
 I am a sinner

00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:32.019
 and I need you to save me.

00:23:32.439 --> 00:23:33.059
 I'm reaching out

00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:34.099
 to grab onto your hand.

00:23:34.419 --> 00:23:34.899
 Save me

00:23:34.899 --> 00:23:35.839
 or I die.

00:23:36.339 --> 00:23:36.459
 Right?

00:23:37.399 --> 00:23:38.759
 And for those of you

00:23:38.759 --> 00:23:39.259
 who have heard

00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:40.299
 this good news before

00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:41.579
 who have received Jesus

00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:42.339
 into your life

00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:43.740
 let me encourage you

00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.899
 to keep doing that.

00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:46.500
 To continue receiving Jesus

00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.500
 because the way

00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.579
 the way in

00:23:48.579 --> 00:23:49.500
 to the Christian life

00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.639
 is also the way forward

00:23:50.639 --> 00:23:51.619
 in the Christian life.

00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:53.500
 We continue every day

00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:54.419
 to repent of sins

00:23:54.419 --> 00:23:55.339
 and to turn to Jesus

00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:56.099
 in faith.

00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:57.299
 And as we do

00:23:57.299 --> 00:23:58.639
 we resemble Jesus

00:23:58.639 --> 00:23:59.439
 more and more

00:23:59.439 --> 00:24:00.599
 and we bear fruit

00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:01.259
 in our lives.

00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:03.899
 So this is the gospel.

00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:05.359
 This is the good news

00:24:05.359 --> 00:24:06.019
 of salvation

00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:07.159
 and all of God's word

00:24:07.159 --> 00:24:08.819
 centers around Jesus

00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:10.359
 and what he's done for us.

00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:11.859
 So the question is

00:24:11.859 --> 00:24:13.199
 what will you do with it?

00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.539
 How will you respond?

00:24:15.459 --> 00:24:16.279
 What kind of soil

00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:17.159
 are you?

00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:19.039
 Take care how

00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:20.619
 you hear God's word.

00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:22.319
 Are you the first soil?

00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:23.519
 Maybe you think

00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.079
 this message

00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:24.839
 isn't for you.

00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:25.899
 You turn it down

00:24:25.899 --> 00:24:26.779
 and ignore it

00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.599
 maybe politely.

00:24:28.079 --> 00:24:29.419
 It seems irrelevant

00:24:29.419 --> 00:24:30.419
 and impractical.

00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:31.379
 There are more important

00:24:31.379 --> 00:24:31.919
 things in life.

00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.399
 You need to work.

00:24:34.139 --> 00:24:34.899
 You need to find

00:24:34.899 --> 00:24:35.500
 someone to marry.

00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:37.680
 You need to live life

00:24:37.680 --> 00:24:38.299
 to the fullest

00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:40.160
 and reach your full potential.

00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:42.339
 But what could be

00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:42.960
 more relevant

00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:43.740
 and practical

00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:45.160
 than securing

00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:45.740
 your present

00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.660
 and future well-being?

00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:47.660
 And what's the point

00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:49.299
 of working at things

00:24:49.299 --> 00:24:50.000
 like marriage

00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:50.720
 and work

00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:51.460
 and everything else

00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:52.200
 apart from God

00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:54.000
 who gives us

00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:55.099
 meaning for these things

00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:55.920
 and makes it possible

00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:57.119
 to do these things

00:24:57.119 --> 00:24:57.579
 well?

00:24:57.579 --> 00:25:00.220
 Maybe you have

00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:01.059
 doubts and concerns.

00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:03.279
 Maybe this sounds

00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:04.259
 somewhat compelling

00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:05.240
 but you're not sure.

00:25:05.899 --> 00:25:06.859
 You're not sure

00:25:06.859 --> 00:25:07.980
 if this message

00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.919
 is actually true

00:25:08.919 --> 00:25:09.579
 and credible.

00:25:10.699 --> 00:25:12.460
 And that's okay.

00:25:13.139 --> 00:25:14.559
 It might not seem

00:25:14.559 --> 00:25:15.500
 that all of this

00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.439
 fits into a unified

00:25:16.439 --> 00:25:17.500
 and cohesive whole

00:25:17.500 --> 00:25:19.179
 but if that's you

00:25:19.179 --> 00:25:20.139
 don't stay there.

00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:21.439
 Take the next step.

00:25:22.199 --> 00:25:23.220
 Ask those questions.

00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:24.159
 Don't rest

00:25:24.159 --> 00:25:25.339
 until you're satisfied

00:25:25.339 --> 00:25:26.220
 with the answers.

00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.480
 If you'd like to talk

00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:28.700
 with someone

00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.440
 please talk to me

00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:30.360
 or Matt or Sean

00:25:30.360 --> 00:25:31.440
 and we'd love

00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:32.180
 to talk with you

00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:33.380
 and question with you

00:25:33.380 --> 00:25:34.339
 and wrestle with you.

00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:35.460
 Jesus says

00:25:35.460 --> 00:25:36.440
 in Matthew chapter 7

00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:37.200
 ask and it will be

00:25:37.200 --> 00:25:37.860
 given to you.

00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.579
 Seek and you will find.

00:25:39.860 --> 00:25:40.480
 Knock and it will be

00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.140
 open to you.

00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:41.839
 And Jesus

00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:43.480
 he's true to his word.

00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.039
 He's trustworthy.

00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:44.960
 We can trust him.

00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.559
 Be warned that this is

00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:48.900
 neither a light affair

00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:50.140
 nor a neutral one.

00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:51.740
 What is at stake

00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:53.559
 is your eternal well-being.

00:25:54.640 --> 00:25:55.680
 And you have an enemy

00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.400
 who wants to steal

00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:56.900
 this message

00:25:56.900 --> 00:25:57.560
 and harm you.

00:25:58.100 --> 00:25:59.480
 The spiritual realm

00:25:59.480 --> 00:26:00.640
 is unseen

00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:01.400
 but it's not

00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:02.420
 non-existent

00:26:02.420 --> 00:26:03.320
 nor inactive.

00:26:04.120 --> 00:26:04.920
 The devil's schemes

00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:05.580
 can be subtle

00:26:05.580 --> 00:26:06.480
 but they're devastating.

00:26:07.560 --> 00:26:08.040
 C.S. Lewis

00:26:08.040 --> 00:26:08.519
 the author

00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:09.880
 of the Chronicles of Narnia

00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:11.580
 wrote many other works

00:26:11.580 --> 00:26:12.620
 and one of them

00:26:12.620 --> 00:26:13.720
 is the Screwtape Letters.

00:26:13.880 --> 00:26:14.680
 It's a fictional set

00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:15.120
 of letters

00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:16.920
 from a senior demon

00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:17.940
 named Screwtape

00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:19.400
 to his nephew

00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:20.560
 called Wormwood

00:26:20.560 --> 00:26:22.259
 who's a junior tempter.

00:26:22.600 --> 00:26:22.700
 Right?

00:26:22.780 --> 00:26:23.440
 So he's mentoring

00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:24.000
 his nephew

00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:26.160
 and Wormwood

00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:26.759
 is responsible

00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:27.500
 for getting a man

00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:28.420
 known as the patient

00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:28.859
 to hell.

00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:30.359
 So in one episode

00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:31.059
 Screwtape writes

00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:31.799
 to Wormwood,

00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:33.559
 I once had a patient

00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:34.720
 a sound atheist

00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:38.200
 who used to read

00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:39.339
 in the British Museum.

00:26:40.180 --> 00:26:41.319
 One day as he sat reading

00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:42.339
 I saw a train of thought

00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.000
 in his mind

00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:44.559
 beginning to go

00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:45.240
 the wrong way.

00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.220
 The enemy,

00:26:46.600 --> 00:26:48.079
 God because they're demons,

00:26:48.200 --> 00:26:48.319
 right?

00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:49.920
 Of course was at his elbow

00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:50.480
 in a moment.

00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:52.160
 Before I knew where I was

00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:53.660
 I saw my 20 years' work

00:26:53.660 --> 00:26:54.660
 beginning to totter.

00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:56.500
 If I lost my mind,

00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.519
 lost my head

00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.339
 and begun to attempt

00:26:58.339 --> 00:26:59.460
 a defense by argument

00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:00.640
 I should have been undone.

00:27:01.120 --> 00:27:02.100
 But I was not such a fool.

00:27:02.099 --> 00:27:03.219
 I struck instantly

00:27:03.219 --> 00:27:04.079
 at the part of the man

00:27:04.079 --> 00:27:04.639
 which I had best

00:27:04.639 --> 00:27:05.659
 under my control

00:27:05.659 --> 00:27:06.559
 and suggested

00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:07.699
 that it was just about time

00:27:07.699 --> 00:27:08.379
 he had some lunch.

00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:11.319
 The enemy presumably

00:27:11.319 --> 00:27:12.559
 made the counter suggestion,

00:27:13.059 --> 00:27:13.579
 you know how

00:27:13.579 --> 00:27:15.539
 one can never quite overhear

00:27:15.539 --> 00:27:16.279
 what he says to them,

00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:17.519
 that this was more important

00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:18.019
 than lunch.

00:27:18.419 --> 00:27:19.219
 At least I think

00:27:19.219 --> 00:27:20.240
 that must have been his line

00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:21.179
 for when I said,

00:27:21.399 --> 00:27:21.579
 quite.

00:27:21.939 --> 00:27:22.339
 In fact,

00:27:22.419 --> 00:27:23.000
 much too important

00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:23.579
 to tackle it

00:27:23.579 --> 00:27:24.399
 at the end of a morning.

00:27:24.879 --> 00:27:25.819
 The patient brightened up

00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.279
 considerably

00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:27.439
 and by the time

00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:28.279
 I had added

00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.119
 much better comeback

00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:29.799
 after lunch

00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:30.480
 and go into it

00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.200
 with a fresh mind.

00:27:31.640 --> 00:27:32.200
 He was already

00:27:32.200 --> 00:27:33.079
 halfway to the door.

00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.539
 Once he was in the street,

00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:35.360
 the battle was won.

00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:37.180
 I showed him a newsboy

00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:38.259
 shouting the midday paper

00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:39.380
 and a number 73 bus

00:27:39.380 --> 00:27:39.940
 going past

00:27:39.940 --> 00:27:40.860
 and before he reached

00:27:40.860 --> 00:27:41.700
 the bottom of the steps

00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:42.680
 I had got into him

00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:43.980
 an unalterable conviction

00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:45.700
 that whatever odd ideas

00:27:45.700 --> 00:27:46.819
 might come into a man's head

00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:47.759
 when he was shut up alone

00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.360
 with his books,

00:27:48.880 --> 00:27:50.599
 a healthy dose of real life

00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:51.460
 by which he meant

00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.460
 the bus and the newsboy

00:27:52.460 --> 00:27:53.779
 was enough to show him

00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:54.819
 that all that sort of thing

00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:55.799
 just couldn't be true.

00:27:56.519 --> 00:27:57.259
 He knew he'd had

00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:58.000
 a narrow escape

00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.759
 and in later years

00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.880
 was fond of articulate,

00:27:59.880 --> 00:28:00.820
 of talking about

00:28:00.820 --> 00:28:02.540
 that inarticulate sense

00:28:02.540 --> 00:28:03.520
 for actuality

00:28:03.520 --> 00:28:04.580
 which is our ultimate

00:28:04.580 --> 00:28:05.300
 safeguard against

00:28:05.300 --> 00:28:06.000
 the aberrations

00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.700
 of mere logic.

00:28:07.180 --> 00:28:07.920
 He is now safe

00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:08.860
 in our Father's house.

00:28:10.660 --> 00:28:11.580
 So take the time

00:28:11.580 --> 00:28:13.500
 to seriously consider

00:28:13.500 --> 00:28:14.740
 God's word.

00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:15.400
 Is it reasonable?

00:28:15.600 --> 00:28:16.080
 Is it credible?

00:28:16.520 --> 00:28:17.080
 Does it resonate

00:28:17.080 --> 00:28:18.220
 with what you've experienced

00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:18.840
 in life?

00:28:19.800 --> 00:28:21.180
 And so ask those questions.

00:28:22.520 --> 00:28:23.680
 So that's the first soil.

00:28:23.900 --> 00:28:25.060
 Maybe you're one

00:28:25.060 --> 00:28:26.340
 of the other two

00:28:26.340 --> 00:28:27.320
 unproductive soils.

00:28:27.319 --> 00:28:28.519
 The second soil

00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:28.980
 on the rock

00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.659
 or the third soil

00:28:29.659 --> 00:28:30.240
 with the thorns.

00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:31.359
 So both of these soils

00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:32.500
 allow God's word

00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:34.279
 to germinate to a degree

00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:35.439
 but neither

00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:37.460
 lets it fully grow

00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:38.159
 and be fruitful.

00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:39.980
 Unlike the first

00:28:39.980 --> 00:28:41.539
 and fourth soils,

00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:42.079
 it's unclear

00:28:42.079 --> 00:28:42.659
 if these people

00:28:42.659 --> 00:28:44.399
 are saved, right?

00:28:45.379 --> 00:28:46.259
 But the point

00:28:46.259 --> 00:28:46.859
 of this parable

00:28:46.859 --> 00:28:47.559
 isn't about

00:28:47.559 --> 00:28:48.679
 where that line

00:28:48.679 --> 00:28:50.059
 is between faith

00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:50.859
 and unbelief.

00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:51.980
 The point is about

00:28:51.980 --> 00:28:53.059
 how we can best

00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:54.119
 live the Christian life.

00:28:54.119 --> 00:28:56.719
 So only the fourth soil

00:28:56.719 --> 00:28:57.359
 does that.

00:28:57.439 --> 00:28:58.099
 So it's unclear

00:28:58.099 --> 00:28:58.899
 in this passage.

00:28:59.399 --> 00:28:59.919
 The second soil

00:28:59.919 --> 00:29:01.299
 represents a shallow faith

00:29:01.299 --> 00:29:02.399
 that cannot survive

00:29:02.399 --> 00:29:03.000
 the pressures

00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:04.099
 of persecution.

00:29:05.239 --> 00:29:06.279
 God's free salvation

00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:09.479
 is an amazing gift

00:29:09.479 --> 00:29:10.719
 and totally worth it

00:29:10.719 --> 00:29:12.199
 but it does have

00:29:12.199 --> 00:29:13.059
 its costs.

00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:13.739
 It does have

00:29:13.739 --> 00:29:14.379
 its difficulties

00:29:14.379 --> 00:29:15.179
 and one of them

00:29:15.179 --> 00:29:15.919
 is persecution.

00:29:17.079 --> 00:29:17.819
 This makes sense

00:29:17.819 --> 00:29:18.679
 because as Jesus'

00:29:18.899 --> 00:29:19.319
 disciples,

00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:20.059
 we follow

00:29:20.059 --> 00:29:21.219
 in Jesus' steps

00:29:21.220 --> 00:29:23.660
 and he was persecuted

00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:24.759
 and he died.

00:29:25.120 --> 00:29:26.799
 He died on the cross.

00:29:27.920 --> 00:29:28.920
 In Cambridge Mass

00:29:28.920 --> 00:29:30.120
 in the United States

00:29:30.120 --> 00:29:30.579
 of America

00:29:30.579 --> 00:29:32.559
 in this day and age,

00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:33.440
 our persecution

00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:34.440
 will likely not

00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:35.279
 take the form

00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:36.360
 of physical abuse

00:29:36.360 --> 00:29:37.180
 and imprisonment

00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:37.819
 and death.

00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.420
 More likely,

00:29:39.620 --> 00:29:40.360
 it'll involve

00:29:40.360 --> 00:29:42.440
 social rejection

00:29:42.440 --> 00:29:43.279
 and contempt,

00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:44.660
 being thought of

00:29:44.660 --> 00:29:45.860
 as intolerant

00:29:45.860 --> 00:29:46.680
 or small-minded

00:29:46.680 --> 00:29:47.440
 or dumb

00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:49.220
 or being too

00:29:49.220 --> 00:29:50.319
 morally uptight.

00:29:50.319 --> 00:29:51.539
 You might be

00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:52.039
 the only one

00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:52.740
 of your colleagues

00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:53.500
 at your firm

00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.240
 who doesn't enjoy

00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:55.460
 getting hammered

00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:55.919
 regularly

00:29:55.919 --> 00:29:57.099
 or who isn't

00:29:57.099 --> 00:29:58.099
 living and sleeping

00:29:58.099 --> 00:29:58.819
 with your girlfriend

00:29:58.819 --> 00:29:59.379
 or boyfriend

00:29:59.379 --> 00:30:01.339
 and when the pressure's on,

00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.619
 how do you respond?

00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:05.319
 Don't give in

00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:05.759
 to the pressure

00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:06.879
 but cling to God's word.

00:30:07.500 --> 00:30:08.419
 Follow in the footsteps

00:30:08.419 --> 00:30:09.779
 of the Lord Jesus.

00:30:10.679 --> 00:30:12.059
 Hebrews chapter 12 says,

00:30:12.599 --> 00:30:12.759
 Therefore,

00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:13.700
 since we are surrounded

00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:14.379
 by so great

00:30:14.379 --> 00:30:15.279
 a cloud of witnesses,

00:30:15.859 --> 00:30:16.879
 let us also lay aside

00:30:16.879 --> 00:30:17.500
 every weight

00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.359
 and sin which clings

00:30:18.359 --> 00:30:19.000
 so closely

00:30:19.000 --> 00:30:19.839
 and let us run

00:30:19.839 --> 00:30:20.480
 with endurance

00:30:20.480 --> 00:30:21.299
 the race that is set

00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:21.980
 before us.

00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:23.599
 Looking to Jesus,

00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:25.019
 the founder and perfecter

00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:25.599
 of our faith,

00:30:26.200 --> 00:30:26.779
 who for the joy

00:30:26.779 --> 00:30:27.859
 that was set before him

00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:28.779
 endured the cross,

00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:30.220
 despising the shame

00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:30.779
 and is seated

00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.619
 at the right hand

00:30:31.619 --> 00:30:32.559
 of the throne of God.

00:30:33.359 --> 00:30:33.920
 Consider him

00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:34.920
 who endured from sinners

00:30:34.920 --> 00:30:35.819
 such hostility

00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:36.700
 against himself

00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:37.980
 so that you may not

00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:38.579
 grow weary

00:30:38.579 --> 00:30:39.799
 or faint-hearted.

00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:41.440
 So Jesus went

00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:42.200
 through the same thing

00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:42.960
 and what he did

00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:44.500
 was he set his eyes,

00:30:45.220 --> 00:30:46.740
 set his focus

00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.960
 on the joy

00:30:47.960 --> 00:30:48.700
 before him

00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:50.000
 and not on the difficulties.

00:30:50.680 --> 00:30:51.160
 So forget

00:30:51.160 --> 00:30:52.400
 about that persecution.

00:30:52.839 --> 00:30:54.740
 It's only for a moment,

00:30:54.960 --> 00:30:55.900
 even if it's for

00:30:55.900 --> 00:30:56.980
 your whole lifetime.

00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:58.700
 Look to the Lord

00:30:58.700 --> 00:30:59.799
 and consider the joy

00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:00.900
 set before you,

00:31:00.960 --> 00:31:02.120
 the joy of being with Christ,

00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:03.059
 of loving him

00:31:03.059 --> 00:31:04.079
 in return

00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:04.680
 and response

00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:05.359
 with your life.

00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.799
 Look to other Christians

00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:08.200
 around for love

00:31:08.200 --> 00:31:08.960
 and support as well.

00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:09.759
 Don't go it alone.

00:31:11.599 --> 00:31:12.539
 The third soil

00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:13.859
 also fails

00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:15.019
 to produce mature fruit

00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:15.539
 and maybe

00:31:15.539 --> 00:31:16.659
 this represents

00:31:16.659 --> 00:31:17.180
 your life.

00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.519
 It represents

00:31:18.519 --> 00:31:19.240
 those who

00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:20.680
 are choked out

00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:21.559
 by an excessive

00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:22.180
 concern

00:31:22.180 --> 00:31:23.500
 for earthly affairs,

00:31:24.119 --> 00:31:24.920
 for earthly pleasures,

00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:26.379
 for one's welfare

00:31:26.379 --> 00:31:27.099
 and possessions

00:31:27.099 --> 00:31:28.000
 and comfort.

00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:29.480
 I say excessive

00:31:29.480 --> 00:31:29.940
 because

00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:31.339
 these things

00:31:31.339 --> 00:31:32.259
 aren't insignificant

00:31:32.259 --> 00:31:33.339
 or unimportant.

00:31:34.220 --> 00:31:34.779
 The issue

00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:35.759
 is one

00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:36.960
 of misplaced priorities.

00:31:37.879 --> 00:31:38.539
 There's

00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.659
 too much concern,

00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:40.779
 too much energy,

00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:42.220
 too much time

00:31:42.220 --> 00:31:42.940
 and space

00:31:42.940 --> 00:31:43.960
 in hearts and minds

00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:44.859
 given to these things.

00:31:45.240 --> 00:31:46.279
 So what does this look like?

00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:48.359
 You might worry too much

00:31:48.359 --> 00:31:49.240
 about how to take care

00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:50.220
 of yourself financially,

00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:51.119
 your income,

00:31:51.639 --> 00:31:52.539
 retirement funds,

00:31:52.639 --> 00:31:53.119
 your home,

00:31:53.660 --> 00:31:54.859
 so you overwork

00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:55.599
 to get more stuff,

00:31:55.680 --> 00:31:56.259
 to get more money,

00:31:56.639 --> 00:31:57.539
 to get that house,

00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.879
 to get those clothes.

00:31:59.559 --> 00:32:00.839
 Maybe our top priority

00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:01.879
 is finding a spouse.

00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.779
 So even though

00:32:02.779 --> 00:32:04.240
 you're at a great church

00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:05.259
 that helps you grow

00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:06.359
 in love and faith,

00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:07.839
 you hop from church

00:32:07.839 --> 00:32:08.299
 to church

00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:09.180
 looking for

00:32:09.180 --> 00:32:10.860
 the best looking group

00:32:10.860 --> 00:32:11.660
 of singles

00:32:11.660 --> 00:32:13.640
 and you don't

00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:14.380
 put down roots.

00:32:16.060 --> 00:32:16.960
 Or maybe you're

00:32:16.960 --> 00:32:17.400
 all about

00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:17.840
 maxing out

00:32:17.840 --> 00:32:18.360
 life's pleasures.

00:32:18.840 --> 00:32:19.600
 You want to step foot

00:32:19.600 --> 00:32:20.500
 in every continent

00:32:20.500 --> 00:32:21.380
 in your life,

00:32:21.620 --> 00:32:22.539
 go to 100 countries,

00:32:23.120 --> 00:32:23.779
 add to your list

00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:24.400
 of restaurants

00:32:24.400 --> 00:32:25.080
 you've eaten.

00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:26.799
 And again,

00:32:26.860 --> 00:32:27.560
 it's not that these things

00:32:27.560 --> 00:32:28.640
 are bad in themselves,

00:32:28.759 --> 00:32:29.180
 it's that

00:32:29.180 --> 00:32:30.500
 if they take

00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:31.420
 too much energy

00:32:31.420 --> 00:32:32.539
 and too much time,

00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:33.400
 if these pursuits

00:32:33.400 --> 00:32:34.000
 take up

00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.840
 too much

00:32:34.840 --> 00:32:35.400
 of the space

00:32:35.400 --> 00:32:35.900
 of your life,

00:32:35.960 --> 00:32:36.600
 then not enough

00:32:36.600 --> 00:32:37.120
 is given

00:32:37.119 --> 00:32:38.339
 to God's word

00:32:38.339 --> 00:32:39.000
 so that it can

00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:39.979
 manifest results

00:32:39.979 --> 00:32:40.719
 in your life.

00:32:41.599 --> 00:32:42.579
 There's not enough

00:32:42.579 --> 00:32:43.199
 time to read

00:32:43.199 --> 00:32:43.799
 God's word,

00:32:44.079 --> 00:32:45.079
 to meditate on it,

00:32:45.659 --> 00:32:46.659
 to spend meaningful

00:32:46.659 --> 00:32:48.059
 time in conversation

00:32:48.059 --> 00:32:48.659
 with God

00:32:48.659 --> 00:32:49.259
 in prayer,

00:32:50.079 --> 00:32:51.119
 building relationships

00:32:51.119 --> 00:32:51.919
 with other Christians

00:32:51.919 --> 00:32:52.819
 to encourage them,

00:32:53.559 --> 00:32:54.459
 developing relationships

00:32:54.459 --> 00:32:55.359
 with non-Christians

00:32:55.359 --> 00:32:56.219
 to share Christ's love

00:32:56.219 --> 00:32:56.619
 with them.

00:32:57.179 --> 00:32:57.959
 And you might know

00:32:57.959 --> 00:32:58.579
 and agree that

00:32:58.579 --> 00:32:59.339
 these things are good,

00:32:59.859 --> 00:33:01.199
 you're just too busy,

00:33:01.299 --> 00:33:01.919
 you're too tired

00:33:01.919 --> 00:33:02.879
 for anything else.

00:33:03.799 --> 00:33:04.259
 God might be

00:33:04.259 --> 00:33:05.139
 on your priority list

00:33:05.140 --> 00:33:06.340
 just at number 10

00:33:06.340 --> 00:33:07.100
 or number 2

00:33:07.100 --> 00:33:08.280
 but not number 1.

00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:10.680
 Or are you

00:33:10.680 --> 00:33:11.300
 the four soil?

00:33:12.300 --> 00:33:13.380
 Of these four soils,

00:33:13.500 --> 00:33:14.360
 this is the only one

00:33:14.360 --> 00:33:15.080
 that is commended

00:33:15.080 --> 00:33:15.900
 and that we should

00:33:15.900 --> 00:33:16.980
 strive to be like.

00:33:17.580 --> 00:33:18.440
 We are to respond

00:33:18.440 --> 00:33:19.280
 with an honest

00:33:19.280 --> 00:33:20.100
 and good heart

00:33:20.100 --> 00:33:21.040
 which means a heart

00:33:21.040 --> 00:33:21.700
 that is humble,

00:33:22.280 --> 00:33:22.759
 sincere,

00:33:23.000 --> 00:33:23.560
 that seeks to do

00:33:23.560 --> 00:33:24.160
 what is right

00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:26.420
 and people with

00:33:26.420 --> 00:33:27.340
 honest and good hearts

00:33:27.340 --> 00:33:28.160
 are receptive

00:33:28.160 --> 00:33:29.080
 to God's word.

00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.720
 We are to hold fast

00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:31.180
 to the word

00:33:31.180 --> 00:33:32.259
 which is a description

00:33:32.259 --> 00:33:33.020
 of faith.

00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:34.599
 When persecution

00:33:34.599 --> 00:33:35.200
 and trials

00:33:35.200 --> 00:33:35.940
 come in life,

00:33:36.359 --> 00:33:37.099
 instead of focusing

00:33:37.099 --> 00:33:37.859
 on the difficulties

00:33:37.859 --> 00:33:38.660
 or the stress

00:33:38.660 --> 00:33:39.839
 or contempt of others,

00:33:40.359 --> 00:33:41.240
 we choose to cling

00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:42.019
 to God's word

00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:42.980
 and persevere.

00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:45.000
 When we're ridiculed

00:33:45.000 --> 00:33:46.220
 for not drinking

00:33:46.220 --> 00:33:46.839
 excessively

00:33:46.839 --> 00:33:48.240
 or we're belittled

00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:48.740
 for choosing

00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:49.420
 to honor God

00:33:49.420 --> 00:33:49.980
 with sex,

00:33:50.420 --> 00:33:50.920
 we might think

00:33:50.920 --> 00:33:51.960
 of Matthew 5,

00:33:52.119 --> 00:33:52.559
 verse 8.

00:33:52.819 --> 00:33:53.759
 Blessed are the pure

00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:54.160
 in heart

00:33:54.160 --> 00:33:55.279
 for they shall see God.

00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:56.980
 We consider it better

00:33:56.980 --> 00:33:57.940
 to see God

00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:59.059
 and have God

00:33:59.059 --> 00:33:59.980
 than to have

00:33:59.980 --> 00:34:00.740
 the fleeting pleasures

00:34:00.740 --> 00:34:01.240
 of life

00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:02.000
 or the good opinion

00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:02.500
 of others.

00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:05.000
 This soil also bears

00:34:05.000 --> 00:34:05.960
 fruit with patience.

00:34:06.680 --> 00:34:07.539
 Patience is necessary

00:34:07.539 --> 00:34:08.480
 because bearing fruit

00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:09.900
 takes time, right?

00:34:10.280 --> 00:34:12.179
 It can seem slow going

00:34:12.179 --> 00:34:12.940
 or unsuccessful.

00:34:13.699 --> 00:34:14.239
 But when things

00:34:14.239 --> 00:34:14.920
 don't go our way,

00:34:15.139 --> 00:34:16.239
 when we don't see

00:34:16.239 --> 00:34:17.420
 results fast enough,

00:34:17.780 --> 00:34:18.980
 or you seem to be

00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:19.780
 dealing with the same

00:34:19.780 --> 00:34:21.340
 sins over and over again

00:34:21.340 --> 00:34:21.940
 and you're not

00:34:21.940 --> 00:34:22.619
 making progress,

00:34:22.920 --> 00:34:23.800
 you don't give up,

00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:25.159
 but you persevere.

00:34:25.840 --> 00:34:26.559
 You're patient.

00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:27.719
 You keep going.

00:34:28.639 --> 00:34:29.360
 And I pray that we

00:34:29.360 --> 00:34:29.900
 would all be

00:34:29.900 --> 00:34:31.079
 this fourth soil,

00:34:31.460 --> 00:34:32.000
 that we would be

00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:32.320
 humble,

00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:33.340
 that we would be

00:34:33.340 --> 00:34:34.660
 sincere to receive

00:34:34.660 --> 00:34:35.140
 God's word,

00:34:35.200 --> 00:34:35.760
 and we would hold

00:34:35.760 --> 00:34:36.820
 onto it with

00:34:36.820 --> 00:34:37.680
 perseverance and

00:34:37.680 --> 00:34:39.019
 patience so that

00:34:39.019 --> 00:34:39.720
 God's word can do

00:34:39.720 --> 00:34:40.539
 its work in our

00:34:40.539 --> 00:34:41.460
 heart and in our

00:34:41.460 --> 00:34:41.860
 lives.

00:34:43.140 --> 00:34:44.100
 So that's the

00:34:44.100 --> 00:34:45.640
 parable of the

00:34:45.640 --> 00:34:46.400
 sower and of the

00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:46.740
 soils.

00:34:47.059 --> 00:34:47.539
 There are two more

00:34:47.539 --> 00:34:48.120
 sections in this

00:34:48.120 --> 00:34:49.000
 passage that I will

00:34:49.000 --> 00:34:50.019
 spend less time on.

00:34:50.600 --> 00:34:51.860
 Verse 16 refers to

00:34:51.860 --> 00:34:53.140
 a lamp being put on

00:34:53.140 --> 00:34:53.920
 a stand so that it

00:34:53.920 --> 00:34:54.580
 can be used

00:34:54.580 --> 00:34:56.480
 effectively rather than

00:34:56.480 --> 00:34:57.640
 hidden under a jar

00:34:57.640 --> 00:34:58.180
 or bed.

00:34:58.179 --> 00:35:00.099
 This light refers to

00:35:00.099 --> 00:35:01.039
 Jesus and his

00:35:01.039 --> 00:35:01.379
 teaching.

00:35:02.239 --> 00:35:03.059
 He was not given

00:35:03.059 --> 00:35:03.960
 to be hidden,

00:35:04.139 --> 00:35:05.059
 but Jesus shines to

00:35:05.059 --> 00:35:06.319
 his hearers in this

00:35:06.319 --> 00:35:08.239
 world and Jesus

00:35:08.239 --> 00:35:09.519
 demands a response.

00:35:10.239 --> 00:35:11.239
 And we can reflect

00:35:11.239 --> 00:35:12.719
 that as well as we

00:35:12.719 --> 00:35:13.779
 obey him and as we

00:35:13.779 --> 00:35:14.460
 reflect his teaching

00:35:14.460 --> 00:35:14.899
 to others.

00:35:15.879 --> 00:35:16.960
 Light has a revealing

00:35:16.960 --> 00:35:18.399
 and exposing quality

00:35:18.399 --> 00:35:18.799
 as well.

00:35:19.339 --> 00:35:20.079
 And so just like

00:35:20.079 --> 00:35:21.079
 sunlight will hit

00:35:21.079 --> 00:35:22.079
 things in our world

00:35:22.079 --> 00:35:22.819
 and it shows its

00:35:22.819 --> 00:35:24.379
 colors, by our

00:35:24.379 --> 00:35:25.419
 response when God's

00:35:25.419 --> 00:35:26.279
 word comes to us,

00:35:26.280 --> 00:35:27.820
 we reveal our hearts

00:35:27.820 --> 00:35:28.980
 and our thoughts

00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:29.800
 regarding God,

00:35:30.040 --> 00:35:30.800
 whether we receive

00:35:30.800 --> 00:35:31.560
 him or not.

00:35:32.720 --> 00:35:33.880
 In verse 18, we are

00:35:33.880 --> 00:35:34.600
 commanded to take

00:35:34.600 --> 00:35:35.540
 care how we hear.

00:35:36.060 --> 00:35:36.720
 Those who hear in

00:35:36.720 --> 00:35:38.040
 faith, trusting and

00:35:38.040 --> 00:35:39.280
 obeying what they've

00:35:39.280 --> 00:35:40.060
 heard and understood

00:35:40.060 --> 00:35:41.580
 so far, they will

00:35:41.580 --> 00:35:42.840
 receive more spiritual

00:35:42.840 --> 00:35:44.480
 blessing to understand,

00:35:44.900 --> 00:35:45.920
 to trust, to obey

00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:46.240
 more.

00:35:46.740 --> 00:35:47.560
 But those who don't

00:35:47.560 --> 00:35:48.300
 receive what they've

00:35:48.300 --> 00:35:49.000
 already been given

00:35:49.000 --> 00:35:50.460
 will lose even what

00:35:50.460 --> 00:35:51.420
 little they have.

00:35:51.860 --> 00:35:52.540
 There's no neutral

00:35:52.540 --> 00:35:52.940
 ground.

00:35:53.580 --> 00:35:54.320
 And I think this

00:35:54.320 --> 00:35:55.060
 makes sense in a

00:35:55.060 --> 00:35:56.060
 practical way too.

00:35:56.059 --> 00:35:57.239
 I mean, I heard

00:35:57.239 --> 00:35:57.900
 Carolyn, I think,

00:35:57.980 --> 00:35:58.679
 this week talk about

00:35:58.679 --> 00:35:59.579
 in the workplace how

00:35:59.579 --> 00:36:00.400
 if you have something

00:36:00.400 --> 00:36:01.239
 important to do, you

00:36:01.239 --> 00:36:02.099
 give it to the

00:36:02.099 --> 00:36:02.900
 busiest person in the

00:36:02.900 --> 00:36:03.219
 office.

00:36:03.619 --> 00:36:04.259
 Why do you do that?

00:36:04.340 --> 00:36:04.880
 They're busy because

00:36:04.880 --> 00:36:05.539
 they're responsible and

00:36:05.539 --> 00:36:06.199
 they get things done,

00:36:06.320 --> 00:36:06.539
 right?

00:36:07.639 --> 00:36:09.159
 So that's similar here.

00:36:11.099 --> 00:36:12.019
 Do you find that

00:36:12.019 --> 00:36:13.219
 you've had a soft and

00:36:13.219 --> 00:36:14.400
 receptive heart earlier,

00:36:14.799 --> 00:36:16.500
 but now your heart is

00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:17.440
 somewhat dull,

00:36:17.960 --> 00:36:19.519
 hardened, confused in

00:36:19.519 --> 00:36:20.000
 understanding?

00:36:20.619 --> 00:36:21.579
 It's worth some

00:36:21.579 --> 00:36:22.599
 self-reflection to see

00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:23.820
 if there's any area of

00:36:23.820 --> 00:36:24.659
 disobedience in your

00:36:24.659 --> 00:36:25.039
 lives.

00:36:26.599 --> 00:36:27.400
 Maybe God spoke to

00:36:27.400 --> 00:36:28.159
 you about some area,

00:36:28.400 --> 00:36:29.659
 but you fail to listen

00:36:29.659 --> 00:36:30.219
 and obey.

00:36:30.840 --> 00:36:32.539
 So be sure to obey God

00:36:32.539 --> 00:36:33.579
 in that area before

00:36:33.579 --> 00:36:34.460
 expecting more.

00:36:35.980 --> 00:36:37.519
 Finally, in verses 19

00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:38.559
 through 21, we see an

00:36:38.559 --> 00:36:39.719
 encounter between Jesus

00:36:39.719 --> 00:36:41.400
 and his mother and his

00:36:41.400 --> 00:36:41.639
 brothers.

00:36:42.500 --> 00:36:43.539
 They come to see him,

00:36:43.659 --> 00:36:45.039
 but they can't reach him.

00:36:45.820 --> 00:36:47.340
 And Jesus is told this.

00:36:48.340 --> 00:36:49.159
 The crowd might have

00:36:49.159 --> 00:36:50.380
 expected Jesus after

00:36:50.380 --> 00:36:51.320
 hearing this to say,

00:36:51.320 --> 00:36:53.080
 my family is here,

00:36:53.200 --> 00:36:53.900
 everyone make way,

00:36:54.000 --> 00:36:54.860
 clear a path, right?

00:36:54.920 --> 00:36:55.559
 They're important to me.

00:36:55.940 --> 00:36:56.920
 But instead of doing that,

00:36:57.019 --> 00:36:57.920
 he takes the opportunity

00:36:57.920 --> 00:36:59.019
 to give a lesson.

00:36:59.760 --> 00:37:01.519
 Who is Jesus' family?

00:37:01.720 --> 00:37:02.720
 Who is special to him?

00:37:03.559 --> 00:37:04.920
 Not his family by blood,

00:37:05.019 --> 00:37:06.140
 but those who hear and do

00:37:06.140 --> 00:37:06.820
 God's word.

00:37:08.420 --> 00:37:09.140
 Now to be clear,

00:37:09.740 --> 00:37:11.800
 this isn't to devalue

00:37:11.800 --> 00:37:12.640
 human relationships.

00:37:12.840 --> 00:37:13.940
 God places a high value

00:37:13.940 --> 00:37:15.039
 on our family relationships.

00:37:15.039 --> 00:37:16.039
 For example,

00:37:16.219 --> 00:37:18.440
 in 1 Timothy 5,

00:37:19.360 --> 00:37:20.440
 we read,

00:37:20.699 --> 00:37:21.699
 but if anyone does not

00:37:21.699 --> 00:37:23.239
 provide for his relatives

00:37:23.239 --> 00:37:24.719
 and especially for members

00:37:24.719 --> 00:37:25.480
 of his household,

00:37:25.840 --> 00:37:26.820
 he has denied the faith

00:37:26.820 --> 00:37:27.759
 and is worse than an

00:37:27.759 --> 00:37:28.259
 unbeliever.

00:37:29.059 --> 00:37:30.460
 And in John 19,

00:37:30.920 --> 00:37:32.699
 while Jesus was hanging

00:37:32.699 --> 00:37:33.679
 on the cross in the middle

00:37:33.679 --> 00:37:34.420
 of being crucified,

00:37:35.320 --> 00:37:36.940
 he's mindful to take care

00:37:36.940 --> 00:37:37.639
 of his mother.

00:37:38.579 --> 00:37:39.139
 It says,

00:37:39.320 --> 00:37:40.380
 when Jesus saw his mother

00:37:40.380 --> 00:37:41.719
 and the disciple whom

00:37:41.719 --> 00:37:42.719
 he loved standing nearby,

00:37:43.239 --> 00:37:44.119
 he said to his mother,

00:37:44.119 --> 00:37:44.799
 woman,

00:37:45.099 --> 00:37:45.920
 behold your son.

00:37:46.259 --> 00:37:47.339
 Then he said to the disciple,

00:37:47.920 --> 00:37:48.859
 behold your mother.

00:37:49.380 --> 00:37:50.179
 And from that hour,

00:37:50.659 --> 00:37:51.619
 the disciple took her

00:37:51.619 --> 00:37:52.480
 to his own home.

00:37:52.859 --> 00:37:53.579
 So he was a good,

00:37:53.579 --> 00:37:54.719
 good eldest son,

00:37:54.779 --> 00:37:54.960
 right,

00:37:54.980 --> 00:37:55.819
 to make sure that his mother

00:37:55.819 --> 00:37:56.519
 was taken care of

00:37:56.519 --> 00:37:57.179
 after he died.

00:37:58.880 --> 00:38:01.079
 And so this isn't

00:38:01.079 --> 00:38:03.059
 so much lowering a family,

00:38:03.659 --> 00:38:04.880
 but it's an elevation

00:38:04.880 --> 00:38:06.420
 of the family of God,

00:38:06.920 --> 00:38:07.119
 right?

00:38:07.159 --> 00:38:08.719
 Those who hear the gospel

00:38:08.719 --> 00:38:09.839
 and trust Jesus

00:38:09.839 --> 00:38:11.679
 enter into God's family,

00:38:12.119 --> 00:38:13.579
 a family centered around God

00:38:13.579 --> 00:38:14.579
 that will last

00:38:14.579 --> 00:38:15.299
 into eternity.

00:38:16.960 --> 00:38:18.340
 So my friends,

00:38:18.480 --> 00:38:19.139
 brothers and sisters,

00:38:19.139 --> 00:38:20.460
 it's my desire

00:38:20.460 --> 00:38:21.539
 that we would all

00:38:21.539 --> 00:38:22.460
 be family members

00:38:22.460 --> 00:38:23.619
 in the family of God.

00:38:23.980 --> 00:38:24.880
 Don't you want to be

00:38:24.880 --> 00:38:26.340
 a child of the God

00:38:26.340 --> 00:38:27.000
 of the universe

00:38:27.000 --> 00:38:27.739
 who made you

00:38:27.739 --> 00:38:28.500
 and loves you?

00:38:29.360 --> 00:38:29.880
 But that choice

00:38:29.880 --> 00:38:30.960
 is up to each of us.

00:38:31.179 --> 00:38:31.759
 Will you choose

00:38:31.759 --> 00:38:32.779
 to be in Jesus' family?

00:38:33.099 --> 00:38:33.579
 Will you choose

00:38:33.579 --> 00:38:34.199
 to listen

00:38:34.199 --> 00:38:35.619
 to God's word carefully?

00:38:36.559 --> 00:38:37.579
 Will you hold on

00:38:37.579 --> 00:38:38.340
 and persevere

00:38:38.340 --> 00:38:39.019
 and be patient

00:38:39.019 --> 00:38:39.799
 and bear fruit

00:38:39.799 --> 00:38:41.539
 and therefore show evidence

00:38:41.539 --> 00:38:43.059
 that you belong to God?

00:38:44.059 --> 00:38:45.500
 I pray that it would be so

00:38:45.500 --> 00:38:46.539
 with each of us.

00:38:48.119 --> 00:38:48.960
 Please take a moment

00:38:48.960 --> 00:38:50.460
 to reflect on today's message

00:38:50.460 --> 00:38:51.940
 as we move into

00:38:51.940 --> 00:38:52.559
 our time of prayer.

00:38:52.559 --> 00:38:52.719
 Amen.

00:38:52.719 --> 00:38:52.759
 Amen.

00:38:52.759 --> 00:38:52.800
 Amen.

00:38:52.800 --> 00:38:52.840
 Amen.

00:38:52.840 --> 00:38:53.300
 Amen.

00:38:53.300 --> 00:38:53.719
 Amen.

00:38:53.719 --> 00:38:54.719
 Amen.

00:38:54.719 --> 00:38:54.800
 Amen.

00:38:54.800 --> 00:38:54.840
 Amen.

00:38:54.840 --> 00:38:54.880
 Amen.

00:38:54.880 --> 00:38:55.300
 Amen.

00:38:55.300 --> 00:38:55.420
 Amen.

00:38:55.420 --> 00:38:55.719
 Amen.

00:38:55.719 --> 00:38:55.759
 Amen.

00:38:55.759 --> 00:38:55.800
 Amen.

00:38:55.800 --> 00:38:56.300
 Amen.

00:38:56.300 --> 00:38:56.679
 Amen.

00:38:56.679 --> 00:38:56.719
 Amen.

00:38:56.719 --> 00:38:57.719
 Amen.

00:38:57.719 --> 00:38:57.800
 Amen.

00:38:57.800 --> 00:38:58.719
 Amen.

00:38:58.719 --> 00:38:58.759
 Amen.