WEBVTT 00:00:00.180 --> 00:00:05.740 James, thank you for your warm welcome. It's good to be with you, a privilege to share in worship 00:00:05.740 --> 00:00:12.500 and praise this evening. Before singing to God's praise, let me read just these few verses from 00:00:12.500 --> 00:00:19.100 the scriptures, where in Psalm 30 we're told, sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:28.260 and give thanks to his holy name. Let us worship him together. Singing from the Psalter in Psalm 111, 00:00:28.260 --> 00:00:35.760 Psalm 111 from the Psalter, and we'll sing from the beginning to the tune Amazing Grace to verse 4. 00:00:36.300 --> 00:00:42.740 Praise ye the Lord, with my whole heart I will God's praise declare, where the assemblies of the 00:00:42.740 --> 00:00:48.240 just and congregations are. The whole works of the Lord our God are great above all measure, 00:00:48.840 --> 00:00:55.460 sought out they are of everyone that doth therein take pleasure. Psalm 111, and we'll sing from the 00:00:55.460 --> 00:00:57.920 beginning to verse 4, to God's praise. 00:00:57.920 --> 00:01:19.460 Praise ye the Lord, with my whole heart I will God's praise declare, 00:01:19.459 --> 00:01:49.439 where the assemblies of the just and congregations are. The whole works of the Lord our God is. 00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:56.439 Our God is. The whole works of the Lord our God. Our great above all measure, 00:01:56.439 --> 00:02:14.439 our great above all measure, sought out they are of everyone that doth therein take pleasure. 00:02:14.439 --> 00:02:21.439 In this work most honor, our great above all measure, 00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:31.439 In this work most honor, our great above all measure, 00:02:31.439 --> 00:02:38.439 most glorious and pure, and this untinted righteousness, 00:02:38.439 --> 00:02:58.439 and this untinted righteousness forever doth endure. 00:02:58.439 --> 00:03:05.439 His works most wonderful we have, may to be thought upon, 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:12.439 The Lord is gracious and he is, full of compassion, 00:03:12.439 --> 00:03:19.439 The Lord is gracious and he is, full of compassion. 00:03:19.439 --> 00:03:44.439 Let us pray together. 00:03:44.439 --> 00:03:47.439 Let us pray together. 00:03:47.439 --> 00:03:54.439 Praise ye the Lord, with my whole heart I will God's praise declare. 00:03:54.439 --> 00:03:59.439 Lord, these words resonate within our very souls. 00:03:59.439 --> 00:04:04.439 They speak of what it is to gather together, brother and sister in Christ, 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:08.439 Before the throne of grace in worship and in praise. 00:04:08.439 --> 00:04:12.439 Lord, we would draw near to you with a spirit that would please and honor you. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:16.439 We would long to know your presence and seek your face. 00:04:16.439 --> 00:04:21.439 And may it please you, Lord, to come in among us and do us good this evening. 00:04:21.439 --> 00:04:27.439 As we seek your presence and study together the glorious gospel of God, 00:04:27.439 --> 00:04:33.439 May it please you to draw near to us, to bless us, to edify us and to nourish us. 00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:37.439 Lord, we ask these things for you are a God of wonderful provision. 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:42.439 You are a God of who is compassionate and full of grace toward us. 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:48.439 And we bless you that this is the case and it has been declared as such through Jesus Christ, 00:04:48.439 --> 00:04:53.439 your son, our savior, the one who came into this world to seek and to save the lost. 00:04:53.439 --> 00:04:57.439 And so we gather together this evening in the name of Jesus. 00:04:57.439 --> 00:05:03.439 We lift up his name, we glorify his name, we acknowledge him to be our king, our shepherd. 00:05:03.439 --> 00:05:08.439 We profess our faith and hope to be in him, the one who is altogether lovely, 00:05:08.439 --> 00:05:12.439 the one who came into this world and gave himself. 00:05:12.439 --> 00:05:19.439 And so we, Lord, join with our brothers and sisters across our island and nation and world. 00:05:19.439 --> 00:05:23.439 And we see that the life we now live, we live by faith in the son of God, 00:05:23.439 --> 00:05:27.439 God loved us and gave himself for us. 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:30.439 What testimony, what profession, what hope. 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:33.439 And we pray, Lord, tonight that that hope would burn brightly 00:05:33.439 --> 00:05:38.439 as we spend time this evening in worship and in fellowship over these days. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:44.439 And that as we go into the week ahead, fortified by word and sacrament, 00:05:44.439 --> 00:05:50.439 may it please you, Lord, to bless our witness and our service of the gospel to those around us. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:57.439 For we pray that the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus would shine brightly through each one of our lives. 00:05:57.439 --> 00:06:01.439 That in our hearts, in our conversations, in our conduct, 00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:05.439 and how we hold ourselves in what we do and what we don't do, 00:06:05.439 --> 00:06:09.439 and how, Lord, we conduct our business and make our decisions, 00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:14.439 and how we behave at home, at the workplace, in private and in public. 00:06:14.439 --> 00:06:18.439 Lord, we pray that you would take the glory to yourself. 00:06:18.439 --> 00:06:21.439 And we thank you, Lord, that we would ask this to be the case. 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:27.439 And we do humbly in dependence upon you, for the scripture tells us we are a chosen generation, 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:31.439 a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people special to God, 00:06:31.439 --> 00:06:38.439 that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you from darkness into his marvellous light. 00:06:38.439 --> 00:06:45.439 Lord, may each one of us, according to opportunity and your gifts and grace, 00:06:45.439 --> 00:06:53.439 in our own way, in our own homes, in our own circumstance, be as a city on a hill that cannot be hid. 00:06:53.439 --> 00:06:59.439 And so, Lord, we thank you tonight for this opportunity to study the scripture together 00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:06.439 in anticipation of meeting at the Lord's table tomorrow on the beginning of a new week. 00:07:06.439 --> 00:07:18.439 Lord, we gather this evening humbled at the teaching of the Bible that reveals to us that place known as Golgotha, 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:26.439 the place where Jesus Christ gave himself to death, even death on a cross, 00:07:26.439 --> 00:07:36.439 where there he breathed his last, where there he suffered the agony of separation and judgment as the sin bearer of the world. 00:07:36.439 --> 00:07:38.439 We can scarce take in that scene. 00:07:38.439 --> 00:07:45.439 How can we begin to comprehend in our hearts when we come to the foot of the cross? 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:49.439 But Lord, as we do so, we do so in faith and trust. 00:07:49.439 --> 00:07:52.439 We look there in awe and wonder. 00:07:52.439 --> 00:08:00.439 We look there at times, Lord, broken, conscious of our own sin, conscious of our weakness, conscious of our need. 00:08:00.439 --> 00:08:04.439 Lord, in Jesus, these things are met to their fullest. 00:08:04.439 --> 00:08:12.439 And so we say in our hearts, too, that when we survey that wondrous cross in which the Prince of Glory died, 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:24.439 that we do so, Lord, through a sense of wonder, a sense of thankfulness, a sense, Lord, that there is the hope of the world. 00:08:24.439 --> 00:08:30.439 It was not that someone died on the cross that amazes us. 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:31.439 It's who died. 00:08:31.439 --> 00:08:36.440 It's not that blood was shed on the cross, but whose blood? 00:08:36.440 --> 00:08:39.440 And there he became a curse for us. 00:08:39.440 --> 00:08:49.440 A lifetime of theological study and reflection and worship is not long enough to plumb the depths of that reality. 00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:57.440 The Son of God, the very Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world by becoming a curse for us. 00:08:57.440 --> 00:09:04.440 And so, Lord, we gather this evening humbled, dependent, grateful. 00:09:04.440 --> 00:09:07.440 We meet, Lord, in anticipation also. 00:09:07.440 --> 00:09:12.440 For you tell us that where two or three gather in your name, you are there in the midst and there to bless. 00:09:12.440 --> 00:09:19.440 And so, Lord, we ask that the Holy Spirit would be amongst us here, ministering to us and amongst us in our hearts, 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:25.440 shining his light of understanding and insight onto the person and work of Jesus, your Son. 00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:32.440 That there we would glorify him and worship him and lift up his name and praise him 00:09:32.440 --> 00:09:42.440 and give thanks for his saving work upon the cross, where there he gave himself in perfection and took upon himself our sin. 00:09:42.440 --> 00:09:47.440 And we bless you, Lord, that at the heart of the gospel there is a transaction, 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:51.440 and that that transaction continues to happen around the world. 00:09:51.440 --> 00:10:00.440 That when sinners come to Jesus in repentance and faith, he takes our guilt and gives us his goodness. 00:10:00.440 --> 00:10:06.440 Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:06.440 --> 00:10:13.440 And so help us, Lord, this evening to further understand and appreciate and glory in this good news. 00:10:13.440 --> 00:10:22.440 And that we would go from here, Lord, encouraged and nourished, built up in our faith and deepened in our understanding of the deep things of God. 00:10:22.440 --> 00:10:29.440 That we would say, day by day, I am not ashamed of the testimony of my Saviour. 00:10:29.440 --> 00:10:36.440 And I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. 00:10:36.440 --> 00:10:43.440 What a wondrous declaration that is, that all who believe are saved. 00:10:43.440 --> 00:10:47.440 Bless, Lord, that message this evening amongst ourselves. 00:10:47.440 --> 00:10:53.440 As we study this evening your word in preparation to share together at the table of the Lord tomorrow, 00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:59.440 we ask that you would draw near to us, Lord, and that we would have a teachable spirit and a listening ear. 00:10:59.440 --> 00:11:02.440 That our souls, Lord, would be edified. 00:11:02.440 --> 00:11:08.440 That we would know something of the fullness of God in our time of worship together this evening. 00:11:08.440 --> 00:11:14.440 Lord, we pray that you would bless your cause here on our island, across our communities and across our nation. 00:11:14.440 --> 00:11:19.440 We long for the day when we will see the gospel taking root in hearts and lives around us. 00:11:19.440 --> 00:11:26.440 We long for the day where men and women and boys and girls will come to know Jesus Christ for themselves, 00:11:26.440 --> 00:11:32.440 professing their faith in him and acknowledging him as Saviour, living for him day by day. 00:11:32.440 --> 00:11:34.440 Remember us, Lord, in Scotland at this time. 00:11:34.440 --> 00:11:39.440 And may it please you to raise up men and women who will take their place in the public square 00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:45.440 and be unashamed of their testimony, unashamed of their Saviour, 00:11:45.440 --> 00:11:51.440 and clear in their conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:11:51.440 --> 00:11:55.440 So, Lord, this evening we pray that you would come in among us, 00:11:55.440 --> 00:11:59.440 that we would know your word to be all the more precious to us, 00:11:59.440 --> 00:12:01.440 for it is the word of life. 00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:04.440 And here we have the promise of life in Christ Jesus. 00:12:04.440 --> 00:12:08.440 And may it please you, Lord, that as together we worship, 00:12:08.440 --> 00:12:13.440 we would do so in humility and dependence, looking unto Jesus, 00:12:13.440 --> 00:12:15.440 the author and finisher of our faith. 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:17.440 And so we pray for ourselves this evening. 00:12:17.440 --> 00:12:20.440 We pray for your cause across our land. 00:12:20.440 --> 00:12:21.440 We remember our nation. 00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:25.440 And we pray, Lord God, that you would remember us at this time, 00:12:25.440 --> 00:12:32.440 where it seems that secularism and atheism and humanism are running rampant. 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:39.440 And it seems that at times our nation, Lord, is hurtling full speed away from the cross, 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:47.440 away from Christ and away from any concept of our nation being a nation that has a Christian heritage. 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:50.440 And so, Lord, there is a great task, 00:12:50.440 --> 00:12:54.440 for the darkness seems to be extending and deepening. 00:12:54.440 --> 00:13:00.440 But we know, we know that that darkness is presided over by a defeated prince, 00:13:00.440 --> 00:13:05.440 who rages and is in terror of Christ at the same time. 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:11.440 And so he takes out his rage on the church of Christ and the people of Christ and the cause of Christ. 00:13:11.440 --> 00:13:15.440 And we pray, Lord God, tonight that we would be conscious of this roaring lion, 00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:19.440 seeking to be in amongst us, seeking to devour and scatter, 00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:22.440 seeking to inhibit and terrorise the Lord's people. 00:13:22.440 --> 00:13:24.440 May we resist him. 00:13:24.440 --> 00:13:26.440 May we resist him in the name of Christ. 00:13:26.440 --> 00:13:34.440 And may we, Lord, resist him in reliance on the grace and peace that you promise as we wait upon you. 00:13:34.440 --> 00:13:37.440 And we bless you, Lord, for that great promise, 00:13:37.440 --> 00:13:41.440 that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. 00:13:41.440 --> 00:13:43.440 So be with us this evening. 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:45.440 Draw near to us. 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:47.440 Cleanse us and renew us. 00:13:47.440 --> 00:13:49.440 Forgive our sin, we pray. 00:13:49.440 --> 00:13:50.440 In Jesus' name. 00:13:50.440 --> 00:13:51.440 Amen. 00:13:53.440 --> 00:13:57.440 Well, we'll sing again to God's praise from Sing Psalms 00:13:57.440 --> 00:14:00.440 in Psalm 119, verse 9. 00:14:01.440 --> 00:14:04.440 Psalm 119, singing from verse 9, 00:14:05.440 --> 00:14:08.440 page 157 in our Blue Psalm books. 00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:10.440 And we'll sing this section to the tune, 00:14:10.440 --> 00:14:11.440 Herringate. 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:15.440 Psalm 119 from Sing Psalms, page 157. 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:16.440 The second section. 00:14:16.440 --> 00:14:19.440 How can the young keep their life pure? 00:14:19.440 --> 00:14:21.440 By doing what your word demands. 00:14:21.440 --> 00:14:24.440 I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:14:24.440 --> 00:14:26.440 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:14:26.440 --> 00:14:30.440 Your word I've hidden in my heart to keep me from offending you. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:32.440 Praise be to you, O Lord my God. 00:14:32.440 --> 00:14:36.440 Teach me your statutes, firm and true. 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:37.440 And true. 00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:39.440 We'll sing this whole section to God's praise. 00:14:39.440 --> 00:14:40.440 Praise. 00:14:40.440 --> 00:14:41.440 Praise be to you, O Lord. 00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:42.440 O come the young keep their life pure. 00:14:42.440 --> 00:14:45.440 I take what your word demands. 00:14:45.440 --> 00:14:46.440 I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:14:46.440 --> 00:14:47.440 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:52.440 I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:54.440 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:14:54.440 --> 00:14:58.440 I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:14:58.440 --> 00:14:59.440 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:14:59.440 --> 00:15:00.440 You are my faith in my heart. 00:15:00.440 --> 00:15:01.440 I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:15:01.440 --> 00:15:03.440 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:15:03.440 --> 00:15:04.440 You are my faith in my heart. 00:15:04.440 --> 00:15:05.440 I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:15:05.440 --> 00:15:06.440 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:08.440 You are my faith in my heart. 00:15:08.440 --> 00:15:09.440 To keep me from offending you. 00:15:09.440 --> 00:15:10.440 I seek you with my heart. 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:11.440 I seek you with my heart. 00:15:11.440 --> 00:15:12.440 I seek you with my heart. 00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:13.440 I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:15.440 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:20.440 You are my faith in my heart. 00:15:20.440 --> 00:15:25.440 You are my faith in my heart. 00:15:25.440 --> 00:15:29.440 You are my faith in my heart. 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:30.440 You are my faith in my heart. 00:15:30.440 --> 00:15:37.440 To keep me from offending you. 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:47.440 Praise be to you, O Lord my God. 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:56.440 Teach me your statutes firm and truth. 00:15:56.440 --> 00:16:05.440 Each law proceeding from your mouth. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:07.440 I O Lord my heart. 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:08.440 I grant you with my heart and soul. 00:16:08.440 --> 00:16:13.440 I plan thee with my lips. 00:16:13.440 --> 00:16:15.440 I attend your heart. 00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:16.440 I bend you with my lips and soul. 00:16:16.440 --> 00:16:19.440 I love to follow your commands. 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:24.440 You are my faith in my heart. 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:25.440 I love to follow your commands. 00:16:25.440 --> 00:16:29.440 A salvage love to kind their gold. 00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:33.440 and their gold. 00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:42.840 I meditate upon your ways, 00:16:43.260 --> 00:16:47.600 and on your peace 00:16:47.600 --> 00:16:51.880 and timey flag. 00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:56.440 I take delight 00:16:56.440 --> 00:17:00.760 in your decrease. 00:17:00.760 --> 00:17:08.880 Your word I never will neglect. 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:19.299 Wonderful words that speak of a tenacity 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:22.980 and a determination to live wholeheartedly 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:24.120 for the Lord. 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:25.220 Verse 10 there says, 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:28.680 I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:31.500 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:17:31.620 --> 00:17:33.319 Words of commitment 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:36.240 that come from deep-seated conviction. 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:38.339 And we're going to be thinking about that this evening 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:40.920 as we turn to the second letter of Paul 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:43.400 to Timothy and chapter 1. 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:46.240 2 Timothy and chapter 1, 00:17:46.940 --> 00:17:48.339 where the apostle writes 00:17:48.339 --> 00:17:50.700 to his young brother in the Lord, 00:17:50.860 --> 00:17:53.200 indeed his son in the Lord. 00:17:53.200 --> 00:17:57.980 He was someone who Paul was deeply affectionate towards, 00:17:58.180 --> 00:18:00.559 who had served as a right-hand man 00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:03.140 for many a long year in the work of the gospel. 00:18:03.840 --> 00:18:05.019 And from what we can tell, 00:18:05.100 --> 00:18:08.440 this is Paul's final word and testimony. 00:18:09.380 --> 00:18:10.840 It is, in many ways, 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:11.720 his will, 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:13.319 his last will and testimony 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:14.559 written to the church 00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:15.980 from a prison cell, 00:18:16.580 --> 00:18:19.240 incarcerated because of his gospel service 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:20.640 and his love for Christ. 00:18:20.700 --> 00:18:23.299 And so he writes to encourage Timothy 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:26.460 and prepare him for leadership in his time. 00:18:27.620 --> 00:18:29.660 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus 00:18:29.660 --> 00:18:30.660 by the will of God, 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:32.960 according to the promise of the life 00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:34.140 that is in Christ Jesus, 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:36.599 to Timothy, my beloved child, 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:38.700 grace, mercy, and peace 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:40.200 from God the Father 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:42.160 and Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:44.559 I thank God whom I serve, 00:18:44.660 --> 00:18:45.819 as did my ancestors, 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:47.519 with a clear conscience, 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:49.140 as I remember you constantly 00:18:49.140 --> 00:18:51.200 in my prayers night and day. 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:53.240 As I remember your tears, 00:18:53.420 --> 00:18:54.920 I long to see you, 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:56.980 that I may be filled with joy. 00:18:57.779 --> 00:19:00.059 I am reminded of your sincere faith, 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:01.779 a faith that dwelled first 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:03.120 in your grandmother, Lois, 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:04.559 and your mother, Eunice, 00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:07.579 and now I am sure dwells in you as well. 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:09.119 For this reason, 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:11.539 I remind you to fan into flame 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:13.599 the gift of God which is in you 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:15.460 through the laying on of my hands. 00:19:15.960 --> 00:19:17.359 For God gave us a spirit, 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:18.159 not of fear, 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:20.539 but of power and of love 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:21.779 and self-control. 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:24.379 Therefore, do not be ashamed 00:19:24.379 --> 00:19:26.200 of the testimony about our Lord, 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.919 nor of me, his prisoner, 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:30.559 but share in suffering for the gospel 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:32.279 by the power of God, 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:34.700 who saved us and called us 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:35.819 to a holy calling, 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:37.779 not because of our works, 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:39.759 but because of his own purpose 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:41.599 and grace which he gave us 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:44.920 in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:47.639 and which now has been manifested 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:49.940 through the appearing of our Savior, 00:19:50.139 --> 00:19:50.799 Christ Jesus, 00:19:51.220 --> 00:19:52.579 who abolished death 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:54.700 and brought life and immortality 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:56.599 to light through the gospel, 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:59.039 for which I was appointed a preacher 00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:00.500 and apostle and teacher, 00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:03.160 which is why I suffer as I do. 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:05.240 But I am not ashamed, 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:07.539 for I know whom I have believed, 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:09.119 and I am convinced 00:20:09.119 --> 00:20:10.359 that he is able to guard 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:11.359 until that day 00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:13.880 what has been entrusted to me. 00:20:14.539 --> 00:20:15.559 Follow the pattern 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.880 of the sound words 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:18.380 that you have heard from me 00:20:18.380 --> 00:20:19.519 in the faith and love 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:21.119 that are in Christ Jesus 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:23.000 by the Holy Spirit 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:24.079 who dwells within us. 00:20:24.579 --> 00:20:25.799 Guard the good deposit 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:26.900 entrusted to you. 00:20:26.900 --> 00:20:28.560 You are aware 00:20:28.560 --> 00:20:30.019 that all who were in Asia 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:31.259 turned away from me, 00:20:31.580 --> 00:20:33.040 among whom are Phygelus 00:20:33.040 --> 00:20:34.120 and Hermogenes. 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:36.100 May the Lord grant mercy 00:20:36.100 --> 00:20:37.040 to the household 00:20:37.040 --> 00:20:38.840 of Onesiphorus, 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:40.440 for he often refreshed me 00:20:40.440 --> 00:20:41.180 and was not ashamed 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:41.980 of my chains. 00:20:42.400 --> 00:20:43.600 But when he arrived in Rome, 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:44.780 he searched for me 00:20:44.780 --> 00:20:46.120 earnestly and found me. 00:20:46.620 --> 00:20:47.860 May the Lord grant him 00:20:47.860 --> 00:20:48.920 to find mercy 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:49.720 from the Lord 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:50.940 on that day. 00:20:51.540 --> 00:20:52.360 And you well know 00:20:52.360 --> 00:20:53.660 all the service he rendered 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:54.860 at Ephesus. 00:20:54.859 --> 00:20:55.299 Amen. 00:20:56.879 --> 00:20:58.359 May God bless his word 00:20:58.359 --> 00:20:59.679 to our hearts. 00:21:00.259 --> 00:21:01.759 To his name be the praise. 00:21:02.399 --> 00:21:03.379 Well, before we spend 00:21:03.379 --> 00:21:04.579 some time together 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:05.779 looking at that chapter, 00:21:05.879 --> 00:21:06.439 we'll sing again 00:21:06.439 --> 00:21:07.859 to the praise of God 00:21:07.859 --> 00:21:08.719 from the Psalter, 00:21:08.879 --> 00:21:09.779 Psalm 89. 00:21:10.479 --> 00:21:11.439 Psalm 89, 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:13.959 singing from verse 13 00:21:13.959 --> 00:21:15.359 in the Psalter. 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:17.799 Page 3, 4, 5 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:19.000 in our Blue Psalm books. 00:21:20.639 --> 00:21:22.240 Page 3, 4, 5. 00:21:22.359 --> 00:21:23.399 Singing Psalm 89 00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:25.240 from verse 13. 00:21:25.320 --> 00:21:26.640 We'll sing to verse 16 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:28.460 to the tune Newington. 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:30.440 Thou hast an arm 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:31.640 that's full of power. 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:34.000 Thy hand is great in might. 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.280 Thy right hand 00:21:35.280 --> 00:21:36.460 exceedingly exalted 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:37.140 is in height. 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.680 Justice and judgment 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.540 of thy throne 00:21:39.540 --> 00:21:41.280 are made the dwelling place. 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.120 Mercy, 00:21:42.620 --> 00:21:43.680 accompanied with truth, 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:45.500 shall go before thy face. 00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:47.240 We'll sing from verse 13 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:48.000 to 16 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:49.300 to God's praise. 00:21:49.300 --> 00:21:49.400 Amen. 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:49.460 Amen. 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:49.500 Amen. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:51.460 Amen. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:51.500 Amen. 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:51.540 Amen. 00:21:53.400 --> 00:22:07.840 Thy hand is great in might. 00:22:07.840 --> 00:22:12.080 On thy right hand 00:22:12.080 --> 00:22:15.660 exceedingly 00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:22.700 exalted is in height. 00:22:22.700 --> 00:22:27.640 justice and judgment 00:22:27.640 --> 00:22:31.140 of thy throne 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:37.960 are made the dwelling place. 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:39.600 Mercy, 00:22:39.600 --> 00:22:45.740 accompanied with truth, 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:51.140 shall go before thy face. 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:56.080 O greatly blessed 00:22:56.080 --> 00:22:57.580 O greatly blessed 00:22:57.580 --> 00:23:01.080 the people are, 00:23:01.080 --> 00:23:04.580 the joyful Son 00:23:04.580 --> 00:23:07.080 that know. 00:23:07.080 --> 00:23:10.400 In brightness 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:13.580 of thy face, 00:23:13.580 --> 00:23:15.740 O Lord, 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:19.800 they ever on 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:24.740 shall grow, 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:26.599 of glory, 00:23:26.599 --> 00:23:46.919 shall she have the editor 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:53.340 Let's all take me on high. 00:23:58.580 --> 00:24:01.000 Let's bow in prayer for a moment together. 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:05.340 Lord, may it please you this evening 00:24:05.340 --> 00:24:08.019 to draw near to us. 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:10.600 We seek above all, Lord, 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:12.140 that everything done and said here 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:14.740 would be pleasing and acceptable before you. 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:17.180 We acknowledge you to be holy, 00:24:17.859 --> 00:24:20.960 holy, holy, almighty God, 00:24:21.599 --> 00:24:24.740 wondrous in power, glorious in might, 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:27.279 amazing in grace. 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:31.599 And so, Lord, as we would hear you speak 00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:33.500 through your word this evening, 00:24:34.140 --> 00:24:36.660 we ask that you would lead 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:38.380 and you would teach 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:40.220 and you would mold and you would guide, 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.880 that we might heed the scriptures 00:24:42.880 --> 00:24:45.060 and take these, 00:24:45.320 --> 00:24:46.440 your precious truths, 00:24:46.560 --> 00:24:47.600 into our hearts 00:24:47.600 --> 00:24:48.820 and from here 00:24:48.820 --> 00:24:50.320 into our lives 00:24:50.320 --> 00:24:51.320 and into our homes. 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:52.920 We ask, Lord, 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:54.800 that we would be effective witnesses 00:24:54.800 --> 00:24:57.520 and go on by your grace and peace 00:24:57.520 --> 00:25:00.020 to be the good soldiers of Christ Jesus 00:25:00.020 --> 00:25:01.760 that we are urged to become. 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.580 We remain, Lord, 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:05.480 works in progress, 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:07.180 set apart, 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:10.720 but ongoing in our sanctification. 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:12.860 And may it please you, Lord, 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.340 tonight 00:25:13.340 --> 00:25:15.759 to help us along that path 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:17.620 by teaching us in you 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:18.120 something 00:25:18.120 --> 00:25:20.380 of the conviction of heart 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:22.180 that you call men and women 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:22.940 to exhibit 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:24.400 through faith 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:25.960 in Jesus Christ, 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.500 our Lord and Savior. 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:29.519 Hear us, we pray in his name. 00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:31.680 In these things we ask 00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:33.860 as we turn together to your word. 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:35.019 Amen. 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:38.019 Well, in 2 Timothy 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:39.559 and chapter 1 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.279 we have 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:44.160 deeply personal words, 00:25:44.639 --> 00:25:45.400 words that are 00:25:45.400 --> 00:25:47.160 full of teaching 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:48.879 and the deep things 00:25:48.879 --> 00:25:49.859 of God are here. 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:51.480 There is real 00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:53.579 depth in the theology 00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:54.980 while at the same time 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:56.799 there is a personal feel 00:25:56.799 --> 00:25:57.299 and touch 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:58.299 from the very beginning 00:25:58.299 --> 00:25:58.900 of this letter 00:25:58.900 --> 00:25:59.660 to the very end. 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:00.980 We remember well 00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:01.779 the circumstance. 00:26:02.160 --> 00:26:03.059 Paul is in prison. 00:26:03.059 --> 00:26:04.579 He is now 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.599 under the sentence 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:06.379 of death. 00:26:06.839 --> 00:26:07.980 It seems the Roman 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:09.220 judicial system 00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:10.339 is working its way 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:12.000 towards its final conclusion 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:13.379 which will be 00:26:13.379 --> 00:26:15.779 a summary execution 00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:17.259 having been found guilty 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:18.079 of insurrection 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:18.799 and atheism 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:20.099 and all sorts of charges 00:26:20.099 --> 00:26:21.240 that were brought against 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:22.319 the Christian church 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:22.839 at this time. 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:23.639 Paul knows 00:26:23.639 --> 00:26:24.859 his time is short 00:26:24.859 --> 00:26:26.759 and so he writes this letter 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:28.379 and gets right to the heart 00:26:28.379 --> 00:26:28.759 of things 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:30.079 as quickly as he can 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:33.579 and as we pick up 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:33.939 on things 00:26:33.939 --> 00:26:35.159 in chapter 4 00:26:35.159 --> 00:26:36.740 I am already being poured out 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.599 as a drink offering. 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:39.539 The time of my departure 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:40.119 has come 00:26:40.119 --> 00:26:42.119 and that urgency 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:43.480 is here from beginning 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:44.059 to end 00:26:44.059 --> 00:26:44.980 in 2 Timothy 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:46.099 and chapter 1 00:26:46.099 --> 00:26:47.059 and through that urgency 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:49.179 we see conviction. 00:26:50.179 --> 00:26:51.659 Conviction of heart 00:26:51.659 --> 00:26:53.079 and commitment 00:26:53.079 --> 00:26:55.639 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:26:56.199 --> 00:26:56.740 And that's where 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.480 we're going to go 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:58.379 this evening 00:26:58.380 --> 00:26:58.980 and particularly 00:26:58.980 --> 00:27:00.460 taking note of the words 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.860 in verse 12 00:27:01.860 --> 00:27:04.820 where Paul utters words 00:27:04.820 --> 00:27:05.700 that have become 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:06.520 so famous 00:27:06.520 --> 00:27:08.000 down through the generations 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:09.160 in the Christian church. 00:27:09.880 --> 00:27:10.880 I am not ashamed 00:27:10.880 --> 00:27:12.700 for I know 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:13.880 whom I have believed 00:27:13.880 --> 00:27:15.560 and I am convinced 00:27:15.560 --> 00:27:16.800 that he is able to guard 00:27:16.800 --> 00:27:17.820 until that day 00:27:17.820 --> 00:27:19.620 what has been entrusted 00:27:19.620 --> 00:27:20.940 to me. 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:22.700 I know 00:27:22.700 --> 00:27:24.080 whom 00:27:24.080 --> 00:27:26.520 I have believed. 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:28.619 I want to read 00:27:28.619 --> 00:27:29.680 to you first of all 00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:31.180 an interview 00:27:31.180 --> 00:27:32.619 that caught my eye 00:27:32.619 --> 00:27:33.639 some time ago 00:27:33.639 --> 00:27:35.460 a Hollywood A-lister 00:27:35.460 --> 00:27:37.900 who was being interviewed 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:38.900 and was asked 00:27:38.900 --> 00:27:40.740 this question 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:42.539 do you believe in God? 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:45.480 Here is the A-lister's answer. 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:47.059 I believe 00:27:47.059 --> 00:27:47.980 there are forces 00:27:47.980 --> 00:27:49.240 at work in the universe 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:51.240 that science can't explain 00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:52.220 and I think 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:52.879 there's an end 00:27:52.879 --> 00:27:53.879 to human knowledge. 00:27:53.880 --> 00:27:55.260 let's call it 00:27:55.260 --> 00:27:56.240 the unknown 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:57.860 the higher power. 00:27:58.360 --> 00:27:59.400 Let's just agree 00:27:59.400 --> 00:28:00.400 there is something 00:28:00.400 --> 00:28:00.900 beyond 00:28:00.900 --> 00:28:02.380 what we know. 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.440 There are things 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:04.340 like karma. 00:28:05.060 --> 00:28:05.680 There are things 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:06.360 beyond 00:28:06.360 --> 00:28:07.420 what we understand. 00:28:07.560 --> 00:28:08.000 So yes 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:08.980 I believe 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:09.880 there's an energy 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:11.080 and I try 00:28:11.080 --> 00:28:12.000 to use it 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:13.300 and be in the good 00:28:13.300 --> 00:28:13.860 graces 00:28:13.860 --> 00:28:15.540 of that energy 00:28:15.540 --> 00:28:16.900 so things 00:28:16.900 --> 00:28:17.640 in my life 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:18.460 go the way 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:19.620 I want them to. 00:28:19.619 --> 00:28:22.459 I want you 00:28:22.459 --> 00:28:23.139 to compare 00:28:23.139 --> 00:28:23.759 that 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:25.239 to the words 00:28:25.239 --> 00:28:26.279 of verse 12 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.979 I know 00:28:27.979 --> 00:28:29.500 whom I 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:31.319 have believed. 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:33.299 Paul the apostle 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:33.899 is writing 00:28:33.899 --> 00:28:35.079 from a prison cell 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:36.639 and he writes 00:28:36.639 --> 00:28:37.359 with a whole 00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:38.179 hearted 00:28:38.179 --> 00:28:39.000 focus 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:40.719 on the gospel 00:28:40.719 --> 00:28:41.939 and on his 00:28:41.939 --> 00:28:42.500 saviour 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:44.059 Jesus Christ. 00:28:44.659 --> 00:28:45.259 Verse 8 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:46.039 in chapter 1 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:46.639 therefore do not 00:28:46.639 --> 00:28:47.279 be ashamed 00:28:47.279 --> 00:28:48.319 of the testimony 00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:49.079 about our Lord 00:28:49.079 --> 00:28:50.139 not of me as prisoner 00:28:50.139 --> 00:28:51.819 but share in suffering 00:28:51.819 --> 00:28:53.220 for the gospel 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:55.259 by the power of God 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:56.700 who saved us 00:28:56.700 --> 00:28:57.779 and called us 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:59.500 to a holy calling 00:28:59.500 --> 00:29:01.480 not because of our works 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:03.139 but because of his own 00:29:03.139 --> 00:29:03.700 purpose 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:04.639 and grace 00:29:04.639 --> 00:29:06.139 which he gave us 00:29:06.139 --> 00:29:07.039 in Christ Jesus 00:29:07.039 --> 00:29:08.920 before the ages began. 00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:09.859 You see 00:29:09.859 --> 00:29:11.579 the Roman judicial system 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:12.899 his sufferings 00:29:12.899 --> 00:29:13.700 the persecution 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:14.779 and agonies 00:29:14.779 --> 00:29:15.500 he'd gone through 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:16.819 personally in his life 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:17.799 the heartache 00:29:17.799 --> 00:29:18.680 the bitter 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:20.180 letdowns 00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:20.980 the disappointments 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:21.920 the abandonment 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:22.400 it's all 00:29:22.400 --> 00:29:23.759 caught up in this letter 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:25.200 none of these things 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:26.460 took from Paul 00:29:26.460 --> 00:29:27.460 what he held 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:28.580 to be most precious 00:29:28.580 --> 00:29:31.240 a close relationship 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.980 and communion 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:33.220 with the Lord 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:34.100 Jesus Christ. 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:36.480 Do not be ashamed 00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:37.319 of the testimony 00:29:37.319 --> 00:29:38.640 about our Lord. 00:29:39.120 --> 00:29:39.900 So I want us 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:41.140 to think about this 00:29:41.140 --> 00:29:41.720 this evening 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:42.860 bearing in mind 00:29:42.860 --> 00:29:43.559 the setting 00:29:43.559 --> 00:29:45.639 and examine 00:29:45.639 --> 00:29:46.480 this conviction 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:47.539 which leads to commitment 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.500 and what it means 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.099 for you and I 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:49.679 this evening 00:29:49.679 --> 00:29:50.839 as we prepare 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:51.399 our hearts 00:29:51.399 --> 00:29:52.240 to meet together 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:53.220 at the Lord's table 00:29:53.220 --> 00:29:53.859 God willing 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:55.019 tomorrow. 00:29:55.159 --> 00:29:55.819 This focus 00:29:55.819 --> 00:29:56.559 this conviction 00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:58.259 remains steadfastly 00:29:58.259 --> 00:30:00.000 cross-centered. 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:00.919 Look at the very 00:30:00.919 --> 00:30:01.700 first sentence 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:02.279 where he begins 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:03.099 before we get 00:30:03.099 --> 00:30:04.139 to the wonderful words 00:30:04.139 --> 00:30:05.179 of verse 12 00:30:05.179 --> 00:30:06.039 Paul an apostle 00:30:06.039 --> 00:30:06.859 of Christ Jesus 00:30:06.859 --> 00:30:07.960 by the will of God 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:10.079 according to the promise 00:30:10.079 --> 00:30:11.179 of life 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:13.019 that is in Christ Jesus. 00:30:13.740 --> 00:30:14.759 He's under the sentence 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:15.400 of death. 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:17.640 It seems time is short 00:30:17.640 --> 00:30:18.440 he knows that 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:19.940 soon he will be taken 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:21.200 from his cell 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:22.980 out with the city limits 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:24.160 as was his right 00:30:24.160 --> 00:30:25.420 afforded to a Roman citizen 00:30:25.420 --> 00:30:26.180 and rather than being 00:30:26.180 --> 00:30:26.640 crucified 00:30:26.640 --> 00:30:28.120 he would be beheaded 00:30:28.120 --> 00:30:29.980 and that was coming 00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:30.700 to him 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:31.080 and yet 00:30:31.080 --> 00:30:32.460 here we find him 00:30:32.460 --> 00:30:34.640 in the very first sentence 00:30:34.640 --> 00:30:36.080 of his final letter 00:30:36.080 --> 00:30:37.980 exulting in the promise 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:38.640 of life 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:39.620 while being under 00:30:39.620 --> 00:30:40.120 the sentence 00:30:40.120 --> 00:30:40.720 of death. 00:30:41.680 --> 00:30:42.940 This is conviction 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:44.680 this is commitment 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:46.280 this is the reality 00:30:46.280 --> 00:30:47.800 of certainty 00:30:47.800 --> 00:30:49.500 in the gospel 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.140 of Jesus 00:30:50.140 --> 00:30:51.759 this is grace 00:30:51.759 --> 00:30:52.740 which leads 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.980 to these wonderful words 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:54.820 I know 00:30:54.820 --> 00:30:56.060 whom I 00:30:56.060 --> 00:30:56.880 have 00:30:56.880 --> 00:30:57.759 believed 00:30:57.759 --> 00:30:59.220 and I am 00:30:59.220 --> 00:31:00.160 persuaded 00:31:00.160 --> 00:31:02.040 that he is able 00:31:02.040 --> 00:31:03.960 to guard 00:31:03.960 --> 00:31:05.720 until that day 00:31:05.720 --> 00:31:07.299 what has been entrusted 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:08.680 to me. 00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:10.039 It's a wonderful 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.600 example 00:31:11.600 --> 00:31:12.640 and encouragement 00:31:12.640 --> 00:31:13.440 to us 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:15.259 to wait 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:16.079 on the Lord 00:31:16.079 --> 00:31:16.980 and 00:31:16.980 --> 00:31:18.700 to maintain 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.819 our closeness 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:20.480 and communion 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:20.920 with him 00:31:20.920 --> 00:31:21.559 despite 00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:23.360 circumstances 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:24.900 and despite 00:31:24.900 --> 00:31:26.740 what we go through 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:28.400 we must stay 00:31:28.400 --> 00:31:29.279 close to Jesus. 00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:31.279 There's a story 00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:32.360 told of Martin Luther 00:31:32.360 --> 00:31:33.620 who at only 00:31:33.620 --> 00:31:35.120 38 years of age 00:31:35.119 --> 00:31:35.759 was summoned 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:37.159 to one of these 00:31:37.159 --> 00:31:38.339 great synods 00:31:38.339 --> 00:31:39.399 where he was being 00:31:39.399 --> 00:31:40.319 called to give 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:40.859 an account 00:31:40.859 --> 00:31:41.759 for the teachings 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.699 that had become 00:31:42.699 --> 00:31:43.459 public knowledge 00:31:43.459 --> 00:31:44.079 in his name 00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:45.339 and it seemed 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:46.299 that he was taking 00:31:46.299 --> 00:31:48.019 a great risk 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:48.719 in going there 00:31:48.719 --> 00:31:50.000 he could face arrest 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:50.839 and being burnt 00:31:50.839 --> 00:31:51.259 at the stake 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:51.959 as a heretic 00:31:51.959 --> 00:31:53.779 and that was known 00:31:53.779 --> 00:31:54.959 and they discussed 00:31:54.959 --> 00:31:55.500 should he go 00:31:55.500 --> 00:31:56.000 should he not 00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:56.799 and eventually 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.839 he was given 00:31:57.839 --> 00:31:58.619 a guarantee 00:31:58.619 --> 00:32:00.159 of safe passage 00:32:00.159 --> 00:32:01.239 but he wrote 00:32:01.239 --> 00:32:01.759 this letter 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.879 to a fellow leader 00:32:02.879 --> 00:32:04.239 and wrote these words 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:04.940 before going 00:32:04.940 --> 00:32:06.079 to that synod 00:32:06.079 --> 00:32:07.059 my dear brother 00:32:07.059 --> 00:32:08.579 if I do not 00:32:08.579 --> 00:32:09.460 come back 00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:10.960 you will go on 00:32:10.960 --> 00:32:11.559 teaching 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:12.599 and standing 00:32:12.599 --> 00:32:13.279 fast 00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:14.940 in the truth 00:32:14.940 --> 00:32:16.400 I know 00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:17.339 and am certain 00:32:17.339 --> 00:32:18.480 that our Lord 00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:19.380 Jesus Christ 00:32:19.380 --> 00:32:20.000 lives 00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:21.279 and rules 00:32:21.279 --> 00:32:23.079 upon this knowledge 00:32:23.079 --> 00:32:24.299 and assurance 00:32:24.299 --> 00:32:25.559 I rely 00:32:25.559 --> 00:32:27.599 he who is with me 00:32:27.599 --> 00:32:29.000 is greater 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:30.259 than he 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:31.940 who is in the world 00:32:31.940 --> 00:32:34.140 it's the exact 00:32:34.140 --> 00:32:34.779 sentiment 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:35.779 we find here 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:36.940 in 2nd Timothy 00:32:36.940 --> 00:32:38.440 and chapter 1 00:32:38.440 --> 00:32:39.539 a wonderful 00:32:39.539 --> 00:32:40.320 conviction 00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:41.220 of heart 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.920 a tenacity 00:32:42.920 --> 00:32:44.039 a strength 00:32:44.039 --> 00:32:44.700 of faith 00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:45.240 a clarity 00:32:45.240 --> 00:32:46.160 and purpose 00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:47.200 a desire 00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:48.700 not to 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:50.039 let the Lord 00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:50.519 down 00:32:50.519 --> 00:32:51.019 and not to 00:32:51.019 --> 00:32:52.100 abandon the cause 00:32:52.100 --> 00:32:52.860 and not to turn 00:32:52.860 --> 00:32:53.360 tail 00:32:53.360 --> 00:32:53.960 and not to 00:32:53.960 --> 00:32:54.539 clower before 00:32:54.539 --> 00:32:55.220 the world 00:32:55.220 --> 00:32:56.759 because he knew 00:32:56.759 --> 00:32:57.620 whom 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:59.220 he had believed 00:32:59.220 --> 00:33:00.720 so we find 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:01.559 first of all 00:33:01.559 --> 00:33:01.839 then 00:33:01.839 --> 00:33:03.039 a burning 00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:03.960 conviction 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:05.440 a burning 00:33:05.440 --> 00:33:06.019 conviction 00:33:06.019 --> 00:33:06.460 I know 00:33:06.460 --> 00:33:07.539 whom I have 00:33:07.539 --> 00:33:08.180 believed 00:33:08.180 --> 00:33:09.360 in this 00:33:09.360 --> 00:33:10.180 sentiment 00:33:10.180 --> 00:33:11.000 in these words 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:11.620 in this letter 00:33:11.620 --> 00:33:12.660 in his life 00:33:12.660 --> 00:33:13.660 in his teaching 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:14.839 and in all his writings 00:33:14.839 --> 00:33:16.839 Paul's commitment 00:33:16.839 --> 00:33:17.420 to Jesus 00:33:17.420 --> 00:33:18.440 was absolute 00:33:18.440 --> 00:33:19.960 in him we see 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:21.140 a clear example 00:33:21.140 --> 00:33:21.980 of what 00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:23.140 John Stott 00:33:23.140 --> 00:33:23.700 would write 00:33:23.700 --> 00:33:24.620 when he was asked 00:33:24.620 --> 00:33:25.860 what is a Christian 00:33:25.860 --> 00:33:27.200 John Stott 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:28.380 would summarize it 00:33:28.380 --> 00:33:29.200 in this way 00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:29.860 a Christian 00:33:29.860 --> 00:33:30.300 is someone 00:33:30.300 --> 00:33:30.660 who must 00:33:30.660 --> 00:33:31.660 commit themselves 00:33:31.660 --> 00:33:32.840 heart and mind 00:33:32.840 --> 00:33:33.800 soul and will 00:33:33.800 --> 00:33:34.820 home and life 00:33:34.820 --> 00:33:35.680 personally 00:33:35.680 --> 00:33:37.260 and unreservedly 00:33:37.260 --> 00:33:38.700 to Jesus Christ 00:33:38.700 --> 00:33:40.460 that's a Christian 00:33:40.460 --> 00:33:42.800 that's clarity 00:33:42.800 --> 00:33:44.840 that's an expression 00:33:44.840 --> 00:33:45.620 and summary 00:33:45.620 --> 00:33:46.760 of the gospel 00:33:46.760 --> 00:33:47.880 of what the Bible 00:33:47.880 --> 00:33:48.380 teaches 00:33:48.380 --> 00:33:49.200 of what God 00:33:49.200 --> 00:33:50.220 wants us to know 00:33:50.220 --> 00:33:50.960 tonight here 00:33:50.960 --> 00:33:51.700 and what God 00:33:51.700 --> 00:33:52.640 wants us to share 00:33:52.640 --> 00:33:53.300 out there 00:33:53.300 --> 00:33:54.440 every opportunity 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:55.140 we get 00:33:55.140 --> 00:33:57.180 to tell people 00:33:57.180 --> 00:33:58.200 when they ask us 00:33:58.200 --> 00:33:58.720 well what's it 00:33:58.720 --> 00:33:59.460 all about 00:33:59.460 --> 00:34:00.980 let's tell them 00:34:00.980 --> 00:34:01.720 it's about 00:34:01.720 --> 00:34:02.620 committing ourselves 00:34:02.620 --> 00:34:03.680 heart and mind 00:34:03.680 --> 00:34:04.860 soul and will 00:34:04.860 --> 00:34:05.940 home and life 00:34:05.940 --> 00:34:06.819 personally 00:34:06.819 --> 00:34:08.240 and unreservedly 00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:09.780 to Jesus Christ 00:34:09.780 --> 00:34:11.840 that's what Paul did 00:34:11.840 --> 00:34:13.199 he believed 00:34:13.199 --> 00:34:14.079 in the saviour 00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:14.740 who lived 00:34:14.740 --> 00:34:15.380 a perfect 00:34:15.380 --> 00:34:16.260 sinless life 00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:17.659 and gave himself 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:18.860 for lost sinners 00:34:18.860 --> 00:34:21.679 15 years or so 00:34:21.679 --> 00:34:22.380 before he wrote 00:34:22.380 --> 00:34:23.119 this letter 00:34:23.119 --> 00:34:24.500 he wrote the letter 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:25.840 to the Galatian Christians 00:34:25.840 --> 00:34:26.960 and in there 00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:27.300 he said 00:34:27.300 --> 00:34:27.740 I have been 00:34:27.740 --> 00:34:29.019 crucified with Christ 00:34:29.019 --> 00:34:30.100 it is no longer 00:34:30.100 --> 00:34:30.860 I who live 00:34:30.860 --> 00:34:31.519 but Christ 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:32.539 who lives in me 00:34:32.539 --> 00:34:33.300 and the life 00:34:33.300 --> 00:34:33.920 I now live 00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:34.539 in the flesh 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:35.500 I live by faith 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:36.539 in the son of God 00:34:36.539 --> 00:34:37.840 who loved me 00:34:37.840 --> 00:34:38.600 and gave himself 00:34:38.600 --> 00:34:39.360 for me 00:34:39.360 --> 00:34:41.340 and perhaps 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:41.840 that's where 00:34:41.840 --> 00:34:42.800 people around us 00:34:42.800 --> 00:34:44.320 just don't get it 00:34:44.320 --> 00:34:46.460 so many people 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:47.920 in our community 00:34:47.920 --> 00:34:48.620 on our island 00:34:48.620 --> 00:34:49.300 in our country 00:34:49.300 --> 00:34:49.820 tonight 00:34:49.820 --> 00:34:51.000 think 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:52.400 that the Bible 00:34:52.400 --> 00:34:53.599 is a book 00:34:53.599 --> 00:34:54.260 about religion 00:34:54.260 --> 00:34:55.900 they think 00:34:55.900 --> 00:34:56.960 the free church 00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:57.960 is a denomination 00:34:57.960 --> 00:34:58.559 it's just all 00:34:58.559 --> 00:34:59.320 about religion 00:34:59.320 --> 00:35:00.380 that our message 00:35:00.380 --> 00:35:01.760 is about religion 00:35:01.760 --> 00:35:03.980 how wrong are they 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:05.260 they couldn't be 00:35:05.260 --> 00:35:05.900 more wrong 00:35:05.900 --> 00:35:06.740 this is not a book 00:35:06.740 --> 00:35:07.539 about religion 00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.539 it's a book 00:35:08.539 --> 00:35:09.800 about salvation 00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:11.500 that's why we find 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:12.059 the apostle 00:35:12.059 --> 00:35:14.780 so fool hearted 00:35:14.780 --> 00:35:15.740 and whole hearted 00:35:15.740 --> 00:35:16.639 despite being 00:35:16.639 --> 00:35:17.480 in a prison cell 00:35:17.480 --> 00:35:18.500 despite being 00:35:18.500 --> 00:35:19.180 under the sentence 00:35:19.180 --> 00:35:19.619 of death 00:35:19.619 --> 00:35:20.539 he would say 00:35:20.539 --> 00:35:21.420 I know 00:35:21.420 --> 00:35:23.119 whom I 00:35:23.119 --> 00:35:24.500 have believed 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:25.480 and twice 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:26.480 already 00:35:26.480 --> 00:35:27.199 before he even 00:35:27.199 --> 00:35:27.759 gets there 00:35:27.759 --> 00:35:29.339 I am not ashamed 00:35:29.339 --> 00:35:31.039 and that 00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:31.739 Christian friend 00:35:31.739 --> 00:35:32.539 as you know 00:35:32.539 --> 00:35:33.859 is a constant 00:35:33.859 --> 00:35:35.199 source of attack 00:35:35.199 --> 00:35:35.920 by the devil 00:35:35.920 --> 00:35:37.079 against us 00:35:37.079 --> 00:35:38.299 that we would 00:35:38.299 --> 00:35:39.059 feel ashamed 00:35:39.059 --> 00:35:39.900 that we would 00:35:39.900 --> 00:35:40.579 feel awkward 00:35:40.579 --> 00:35:41.279 that we would 00:35:41.279 --> 00:35:42.199 feel embarrassed 00:35:42.199 --> 00:35:42.920 and that we would 00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:43.380 be conscious 00:35:43.380 --> 00:35:44.159 of our sin 00:35:44.159 --> 00:35:45.079 and our weakness 00:35:45.079 --> 00:35:45.839 and our failings 00:35:45.839 --> 00:35:46.400 and our faults 00:35:46.400 --> 00:35:47.539 and he uses it 00:35:47.539 --> 00:35:48.679 he uses it 00:35:48.679 --> 00:35:49.639 against the Lord's 00:35:49.639 --> 00:35:49.940 people 00:35:49.940 --> 00:35:50.799 he uses it 00:35:50.799 --> 00:35:51.599 against Christian 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:52.000 men 00:35:52.000 --> 00:35:52.539 women 00:35:52.539 --> 00:35:53.480 boys and girls 00:35:53.480 --> 00:35:54.299 to keep us 00:35:54.299 --> 00:35:55.119 from the table 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:56.399 to make us 00:35:56.399 --> 00:35:57.239 think and feel 00:35:57.239 --> 00:35:58.839 I can't go there 00:35:58.839 --> 00:36:00.480 I'm a sinner 00:36:00.480 --> 00:36:02.579 and he trips us up 00:36:02.579 --> 00:36:04.219 with false theology 00:36:04.219 --> 00:36:06.279 and empty lies 00:36:06.279 --> 00:36:07.139 and deceit 00:36:07.139 --> 00:36:08.519 because you and I 00:36:08.519 --> 00:36:09.399 know tonight 00:36:09.399 --> 00:36:11.119 that we go to the table 00:36:11.119 --> 00:36:12.659 because we're sinners 00:36:12.659 --> 00:36:14.659 we don't go to the table 00:36:14.659 --> 00:36:16.039 to be saved 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:17.119 we go there 00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:17.920 because we have 00:36:17.920 --> 00:36:19.159 been saved 00:36:19.159 --> 00:36:20.519 we go there 00:36:20.519 --> 00:36:21.139 to say 00:36:21.139 --> 00:36:22.239 in our hearts 00:36:22.239 --> 00:36:23.960 I know 00:36:23.960 --> 00:36:25.779 whom I have 00:36:25.779 --> 00:36:26.360 believed 00:36:26.360 --> 00:36:27.920 that's why it's 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:28.980 wonderful to remember 00:36:28.980 --> 00:36:29.920 that the table 00:36:29.920 --> 00:36:30.679 is a place of 00:36:30.679 --> 00:36:31.480 profession 00:36:31.480 --> 00:36:32.940 and proclamation 00:36:32.940 --> 00:36:34.719 we proclaim 00:36:34.719 --> 00:36:36.639 our Lord's death 00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:38.099 till he come again 00:36:38.099 --> 00:36:40.159 Christian friend 00:36:40.159 --> 00:36:41.699 in Christ 00:36:41.699 --> 00:36:43.939 we go together 00:36:43.939 --> 00:36:45.439 to his table 00:36:45.439 --> 00:36:48.199 Paul then has 00:36:48.199 --> 00:36:48.899 this burning 00:36:48.899 --> 00:36:49.719 conviction 00:36:49.719 --> 00:36:51.079 despite the prison 00:36:51.079 --> 00:36:51.859 the imprisonment 00:36:51.859 --> 00:36:53.219 despite the setbacks 00:36:53.219 --> 00:36:54.659 despite the abandonments 00:36:54.659 --> 00:36:56.219 despite his pressure 00:36:56.219 --> 00:36:57.779 read 2nd Corinthians 00:36:57.779 --> 00:36:59.139 I think it's chapter 11 00:36:59.139 --> 00:37:00.159 or is it 13 00:37:00.159 --> 00:37:01.019 where he lists 00:37:01.019 --> 00:37:02.939 the persecution 00:37:02.939 --> 00:37:03.759 the hardship 00:37:03.759 --> 00:37:04.500 the nakedness 00:37:04.500 --> 00:37:04.919 the hunger 00:37:04.919 --> 00:37:05.419 the thirst 00:37:05.419 --> 00:37:06.099 the beatings 00:37:06.099 --> 00:37:06.659 the imprisonment 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:07.259 being stoned 00:37:07.259 --> 00:37:07.879 half to death 00:37:07.879 --> 00:37:08.699 and he went through 00:37:08.699 --> 00:37:09.000 all that 00:37:09.000 --> 00:37:09.799 because of his love 00:37:09.800 --> 00:37:10.380 for Jesus 00:37:10.380 --> 00:37:12.300 and he didn't count it 00:37:12.300 --> 00:37:13.100 something that 00:37:13.100 --> 00:37:14.220 he shouldn't go through 00:37:14.220 --> 00:37:16.880 because Christ 00:37:16.880 --> 00:37:17.980 lived 00:37:17.980 --> 00:37:19.280 and died 00:37:19.280 --> 00:37:20.360 for him 00:37:20.360 --> 00:37:21.760 I live by faith 00:37:21.760 --> 00:37:22.500 in the son of God 00:37:22.500 --> 00:37:23.080 who loved me 00:37:23.080 --> 00:37:24.200 and gave himself 00:37:24.200 --> 00:37:25.620 for me 00:37:25.620 --> 00:37:27.920 and what about 00:37:27.920 --> 00:37:28.640 this death 00:37:28.640 --> 00:37:29.840 what about this 00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:31.180 Lord and our saviour 00:37:31.180 --> 00:37:31.900 what was it that 00:37:31.900 --> 00:37:33.260 was at the heart 00:37:33.260 --> 00:37:33.880 of this burning 00:37:33.880 --> 00:37:34.380 conviction 00:37:34.380 --> 00:37:35.100 that the apostle 00:37:35.100 --> 00:37:35.840 shows here 00:37:35.840 --> 00:37:37.800 you see of all 00:37:37.800 --> 00:37:38.400 humanity 00:37:38.400 --> 00:37:39.500 Christ 00:37:39.500 --> 00:37:40.619 the son of God 00:37:40.619 --> 00:37:41.460 was without sin 00:37:41.460 --> 00:37:42.619 that he took our place 00:37:42.619 --> 00:37:43.579 and paid our price 00:37:43.579 --> 00:37:45.280 that's the gospel declaration 00:37:45.280 --> 00:37:46.880 that he was declared 00:37:46.880 --> 00:37:48.099 the sin bearer 00:37:48.099 --> 00:37:48.940 of the world 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:49.619 behold 00:37:49.619 --> 00:37:50.860 the lamb of God 00:37:50.860 --> 00:37:51.900 who takes away 00:37:51.900 --> 00:37:53.059 the sin of the world 00:37:53.059 --> 00:37:55.079 and how did he do that 00:37:55.079 --> 00:37:56.659 by dying 00:37:56.659 --> 00:37:58.460 on that cross 00:37:58.460 --> 00:38:00.239 at that time 00:38:00.239 --> 00:38:01.940 the bible tells us 00:38:01.940 --> 00:38:02.699 the wages of sin 00:38:02.699 --> 00:38:03.260 is death 00:38:03.260 --> 00:38:04.480 and so we dig in 00:38:04.480 --> 00:38:05.219 a little bit further 00:38:05.219 --> 00:38:05.820 we say 00:38:05.820 --> 00:38:07.139 but he was without sin 00:38:07.139 --> 00:38:08.659 so in the death 00:38:08.659 --> 00:38:09.259 of Christ 00:38:09.259 --> 00:38:10.599 we have an anomaly 00:38:10.599 --> 00:38:12.399 he did not deserve 00:38:12.399 --> 00:38:13.179 to die 00:38:13.179 --> 00:38:14.599 and so the question 00:38:14.599 --> 00:38:15.299 we raised is 00:38:15.299 --> 00:38:16.000 why 00:38:16.000 --> 00:38:17.719 why did Christ die 00:38:17.719 --> 00:38:18.779 why is there a table 00:38:18.779 --> 00:38:20.039 to anticipate tomorrow 00:38:20.039 --> 00:38:21.659 why do we look 00:38:21.659 --> 00:38:22.159 at the bread 00:38:22.159 --> 00:38:22.980 and the wine 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:23.739 and remember 00:38:23.739 --> 00:38:24.819 his broken body 00:38:24.819 --> 00:38:25.659 and shed blood 00:38:25.659 --> 00:38:27.859 why did Jesus die 00:38:27.859 --> 00:38:29.920 he died 00:38:29.920 --> 00:38:31.099 because that's 00:38:31.099 --> 00:38:32.259 what he came to do 00:38:32.259 --> 00:38:34.319 to seek and to save 00:38:34.319 --> 00:38:35.359 the lost 00:38:35.360 --> 00:38:37.240 Christ Jesus 00:38:37.240 --> 00:38:39.000 came into the world 00:38:39.000 --> 00:38:40.559 to save sinners 00:38:40.559 --> 00:38:42.740 you may know 00:38:42.740 --> 00:38:43.579 that 00:38:43.579 --> 00:38:45.059 as Spurgeon 00:38:45.059 --> 00:38:46.860 lay on his deathbed 00:38:46.860 --> 00:38:48.039 he was asked 00:38:48.039 --> 00:38:48.680 about his 00:38:48.680 --> 00:38:49.480 theology 00:38:49.480 --> 00:38:51.160 and he answered this 00:38:51.160 --> 00:38:52.220 my theology 00:38:52.220 --> 00:38:53.660 is very simple 00:38:53.660 --> 00:38:55.240 I can express it 00:38:55.240 --> 00:38:56.620 in a few words 00:38:56.620 --> 00:38:57.539 they are enough 00:38:57.539 --> 00:38:58.340 to die by 00:38:58.340 --> 00:38:59.180 Jesus 00:38:59.180 --> 00:39:00.300 died 00:39:00.300 --> 00:39:01.200 for me 00:39:01.200 --> 00:39:03.860 Christian friend 00:39:03.860 --> 00:39:05.180 if you're struggling 00:39:05.180 --> 00:39:06.340 with the concept 00:39:06.340 --> 00:39:08.640 of coming to the table 00:39:08.640 --> 00:39:09.400 here tomorrow 00:39:09.400 --> 00:39:11.620 take these words 00:39:11.620 --> 00:39:13.039 and repeat them 00:39:13.039 --> 00:39:13.920 in your heart 00:39:13.920 --> 00:39:14.960 again 00:39:14.960 --> 00:39:15.960 and again 00:39:15.960 --> 00:39:16.900 Jesus 00:39:16.900 --> 00:39:17.880 died 00:39:17.880 --> 00:39:18.920 for me 00:39:18.920 --> 00:39:20.840 and so we come 00:39:20.840 --> 00:39:21.360 to the table 00:39:21.360 --> 00:39:22.079 in faith 00:39:22.079 --> 00:39:23.880 looking to Jesus 00:39:23.880 --> 00:39:24.800 the author 00:39:24.800 --> 00:39:25.420 and finisher 00:39:25.420 --> 00:39:26.200 of our faith 00:39:26.200 --> 00:39:27.120 we come to the table 00:39:27.120 --> 00:39:27.840 with this burning 00:39:27.840 --> 00:39:28.440 conviction 00:39:28.440 --> 00:39:29.559 that we too know 00:39:29.559 --> 00:39:30.460 whom we have 00:39:30.460 --> 00:39:31.039 believed 00:39:31.039 --> 00:39:31.719 Christians 00:39:31.719 --> 00:39:32.739 we don't believe 00:39:32.739 --> 00:39:33.860 in a concept 00:39:33.860 --> 00:39:34.800 or an idea 00:39:34.800 --> 00:39:36.039 we're not defined 00:39:36.039 --> 00:39:37.179 by a strand 00:39:37.179 --> 00:39:37.800 of theology 00:39:37.800 --> 00:39:38.539 or a specific 00:39:38.539 --> 00:39:40.279 historical denomination 00:39:40.279 --> 00:39:41.460 we are defined 00:39:41.460 --> 00:39:42.759 with a burning 00:39:42.759 --> 00:39:43.559 conviction 00:39:43.559 --> 00:39:45.400 in the substitutionary 00:39:45.400 --> 00:39:45.920 death 00:39:45.920 --> 00:39:46.980 of the son 00:39:46.980 --> 00:39:47.779 of God 00:39:47.779 --> 00:39:48.559 that's what 00:39:48.559 --> 00:39:49.800 defined Paul 00:39:49.800 --> 00:39:50.559 and it's what 00:39:50.559 --> 00:39:51.059 has gone on 00:39:51.059 --> 00:39:51.539 to define 00:39:51.539 --> 00:39:53.039 every Christian 00:39:53.039 --> 00:39:54.199 man and woman 00:39:54.199 --> 00:39:54.900 since 00:39:54.900 --> 00:39:56.320 there's a burning 00:39:56.320 --> 00:39:56.860 conviction 00:39:56.860 --> 00:39:57.699 in these words 00:39:57.699 --> 00:39:59.019 I know 00:39:59.019 --> 00:40:00.119 whom 00:40:00.119 --> 00:40:01.839 I have 00:40:01.839 --> 00:40:03.059 believed 00:40:03.059 --> 00:40:04.799 it's the opposite 00:40:04.799 --> 00:40:06.039 of that 00:40:06.039 --> 00:40:06.980 A-lister quote 00:40:06.980 --> 00:40:07.799 I mentioned 00:40:07.799 --> 00:40:08.859 to you earlier 00:40:08.859 --> 00:40:10.139 there was all 00:40:10.139 --> 00:40:11.119 what ifs 00:40:11.119 --> 00:40:11.639 buts 00:40:11.639 --> 00:40:12.119 maybes 00:40:12.119 --> 00:40:12.639 and a great 00:40:12.639 --> 00:40:13.399 big giant 00:40:13.399 --> 00:40:14.179 question mark 00:40:14.179 --> 00:40:15.139 there might be 00:40:15.139 --> 00:40:16.359 something out there 00:40:16.359 --> 00:40:17.419 there's an energy 00:40:17.419 --> 00:40:18.299 or something 00:40:18.299 --> 00:40:19.259 I'm sure 00:40:19.259 --> 00:40:20.000 there might 00:40:20.000 --> 00:40:20.779 well be 00:40:20.779 --> 00:40:21.579 if maybe 00:40:21.579 --> 00:40:22.839 it's the opposite 00:40:22.839 --> 00:40:23.639 of the Christian 00:40:23.639 --> 00:40:24.219 gospel 00:40:24.219 --> 00:40:25.879 behold 00:40:25.880 --> 00:40:26.960 the Lamb 00:40:26.960 --> 00:40:27.740 of God 00:40:27.740 --> 00:40:29.059 who takes 00:40:29.059 --> 00:40:29.559 away 00:40:29.559 --> 00:40:30.180 the sin 00:40:30.180 --> 00:40:30.720 of the world 00:40:30.720 --> 00:40:32.200 a burning 00:40:32.200 --> 00:40:33.140 conviction 00:40:33.140 --> 00:40:33.740 secondly 00:40:33.740 --> 00:40:34.180 there's this 00:40:34.180 --> 00:40:35.019 there's from 00:40:35.019 --> 00:40:35.340 this 00:40:35.340 --> 00:40:37.079 a crucial 00:40:37.079 --> 00:40:38.000 confidence 00:40:38.000 --> 00:40:38.539 because look 00:40:38.539 --> 00:40:38.860 what he goes 00:40:38.860 --> 00:40:39.559 on to say 00:40:39.559 --> 00:40:40.460 he's not 00:40:40.460 --> 00:40:41.119 ashamed 00:40:41.119 --> 00:40:42.940 for I know 00:40:42.940 --> 00:40:43.760 whom I have 00:40:43.760 --> 00:40:44.280 believed 00:40:44.280 --> 00:40:45.980 and I 00:40:45.980 --> 00:40:46.720 am 00:40:46.720 --> 00:40:47.960 convinced 00:40:47.960 --> 00:40:49.720 I am 00:40:49.720 --> 00:40:50.500 convinced 00:40:50.500 --> 00:40:51.460 here then 00:40:51.460 --> 00:40:52.099 is a crucial 00:40:52.099 --> 00:40:53.200 confidence 00:40:53.199 --> 00:40:54.219 who's 00:40:54.219 --> 00:40:55.079 railed 00:40:55.079 --> 00:40:55.980 against him 00:40:55.980 --> 00:40:56.980 the state 00:40:56.980 --> 00:40:58.159 all the power 00:40:58.159 --> 00:40:58.519 and might 00:40:58.519 --> 00:40:58.919 of the Roman 00:40:58.919 --> 00:40:59.399 Empire 00:40:59.399 --> 00:41:00.379 the Roman 00:41:00.379 --> 00:41:01.279 judicial system 00:41:01.279 --> 00:41:01.939 the Jewish 00:41:01.939 --> 00:41:02.980 legal system 00:41:02.980 --> 00:41:04.079 all the legalists 00:41:04.079 --> 00:41:04.879 all the Pharisees 00:41:04.879 --> 00:41:05.399 and the scribes 00:41:05.399 --> 00:41:06.099 they've had their 00:41:06.099 --> 00:41:06.859 day with Paul 00:41:06.859 --> 00:41:07.339 they've had their 00:41:07.339 --> 00:41:08.059 pound of flesh 00:41:08.059 --> 00:41:08.839 they've got him 00:41:08.839 --> 00:41:09.399 right where they 00:41:09.399 --> 00:41:09.960 want him 00:41:09.960 --> 00:41:11.219 he's crushed 00:41:11.219 --> 00:41:11.899 and broken 00:41:11.899 --> 00:41:12.739 and incarcerated 00:41:12.739 --> 00:41:13.659 under the 00:41:13.659 --> 00:41:14.559 sentence of death 00:41:14.559 --> 00:41:15.279 as far as 00:41:15.279 --> 00:41:15.960 they're concerned 00:41:15.960 --> 00:41:16.879 they've won 00:41:16.879 --> 00:41:17.759 the day 00:41:17.759 --> 00:41:19.159 the battle 00:41:19.159 --> 00:41:19.699 and the war 00:41:19.699 --> 00:41:20.279 is over 00:41:20.279 --> 00:41:22.000 Paul saw 00:41:22.000 --> 00:41:22.599 things very 00:41:22.599 --> 00:41:23.079 differently 00:41:23.079 --> 00:41:24.339 he saw 00:41:24.339 --> 00:41:24.759 around him 00:41:24.759 --> 00:41:25.400 a culture 00:41:25.400 --> 00:41:26.279 a city 00:41:26.279 --> 00:41:26.900 an empire 00:41:26.900 --> 00:41:27.519 a people 00:41:27.519 --> 00:41:28.839 drowning 00:41:28.839 --> 00:41:29.779 in atheism 00:41:29.779 --> 00:41:30.819 lost 00:41:30.819 --> 00:41:31.659 and floundering 00:41:31.659 --> 00:41:32.059 about 00:41:32.059 --> 00:41:33.440 in polytheism 00:41:33.440 --> 00:41:34.480 worshipping 00:41:34.480 --> 00:41:35.519 the emperor 00:41:35.519 --> 00:41:36.920 lining up 00:41:36.920 --> 00:41:37.839 in their droves 00:41:37.839 --> 00:41:38.579 to sprinkle 00:41:38.579 --> 00:41:39.159 incense 00:41:39.159 --> 00:41:39.759 on the altar 00:41:39.759 --> 00:41:40.199 and say 00:41:40.199 --> 00:41:41.480 Caesar is Lord 00:41:41.480 --> 00:41:42.980 Caesar is Lord 00:41:42.980 --> 00:41:44.619 Caesar is Lord 00:41:44.619 --> 00:41:45.639 it's still 00:41:45.639 --> 00:41:46.500 going on today 00:41:46.500 --> 00:41:47.559 men and women 00:41:47.559 --> 00:41:48.039 around us 00:41:48.039 --> 00:41:49.440 worship the world 00:41:49.440 --> 00:41:50.139 they're 00:41:50.139 --> 00:41:51.319 enthralled 00:41:51.319 --> 00:41:52.239 to the world 00:41:52.239 --> 00:41:53.059 they're dancing 00:41:53.059 --> 00:41:53.599 to the tune 00:41:53.599 --> 00:41:54.219 of the world 00:41:54.219 --> 00:41:55.000 engrossed 00:41:55.000 --> 00:41:55.719 with the culture 00:41:55.719 --> 00:41:56.399 of the world 00:41:56.399 --> 00:41:57.559 and we are called 00:41:57.559 --> 00:41:58.399 to say there's a 00:41:58.399 --> 00:41:59.139 different path 00:41:59.139 --> 00:41:59.699 to take 00:41:59.699 --> 00:42:01.139 there's a different 00:42:01.139 --> 00:42:03.159 model to build 00:42:03.159 --> 00:42:04.159 your life upon 00:42:04.159 --> 00:42:05.599 and the model 00:42:05.599 --> 00:42:06.159 is not what the 00:42:06.159 --> 00:42:07.359 world holds up 00:42:07.359 --> 00:42:08.119 as glorious 00:42:08.119 --> 00:42:09.059 and pure 00:42:09.059 --> 00:42:09.579 and true 00:42:09.579 --> 00:42:11.019 it's what 00:42:11.019 --> 00:42:11.819 the gospel 00:42:11.819 --> 00:42:12.619 holds out 00:42:12.619 --> 00:42:14.299 to be the truth 00:42:14.299 --> 00:42:15.739 and that is 00:42:15.739 --> 00:42:16.659 Christ 00:42:16.659 --> 00:42:18.019 I am 00:42:18.019 --> 00:42:19.099 the way 00:42:19.099 --> 00:42:19.839 the truth 00:42:19.840 --> 00:42:20.539 and the life 00:42:20.539 --> 00:42:21.019 remember 00:42:21.019 --> 00:42:21.720 see how 00:42:21.720 --> 00:42:22.380 personal 00:42:22.380 --> 00:42:23.420 these words 00:42:23.420 --> 00:42:23.700 are 00:42:23.700 --> 00:42:24.539 I know 00:42:24.539 --> 00:42:25.140 whom 00:42:25.140 --> 00:42:26.320 I have 00:42:26.320 --> 00:42:26.840 believed 00:42:26.840 --> 00:42:28.059 it reflects 00:42:28.059 --> 00:42:28.820 his burning 00:42:28.820 --> 00:42:29.340 conviction 00:42:29.340 --> 00:42:29.740 and his 00:42:29.740 --> 00:42:30.460 close communion 00:42:30.460 --> 00:42:31.079 with a living 00:42:31.079 --> 00:42:31.820 saviour 00:42:31.820 --> 00:42:32.680 in whom he had 00:42:32.680 --> 00:42:33.480 come to know 00:42:33.480 --> 00:42:34.300 and one he 00:42:34.300 --> 00:42:35.059 had come to 00:42:35.059 --> 00:42:35.539 trust 00:42:35.539 --> 00:42:36.760 unreservedly 00:42:36.760 --> 00:42:37.640 the Lord 00:42:37.640 --> 00:42:38.460 who he loved 00:42:38.460 --> 00:42:39.760 that's who 00:42:39.760 --> 00:42:40.440 he has trusted 00:42:40.440 --> 00:42:40.740 in 00:42:40.740 --> 00:42:41.680 the one who 00:42:41.680 --> 00:42:42.140 the scripture 00:42:42.140 --> 00:42:43.180 describes as 00:42:43.180 --> 00:42:43.519 the Lord 00:42:43.519 --> 00:42:44.140 of creation 00:42:44.140 --> 00:42:44.800 the Lord 00:42:44.800 --> 00:42:45.220 of all 00:42:45.220 --> 00:42:45.860 the Lord 00:42:45.860 --> 00:42:46.380 of glory 00:42:46.380 --> 00:42:47.019 the Lord 00:42:47.019 --> 00:42:47.780 of lords 00:42:47.780 --> 00:42:48.640 that's our 00:42:48.640 --> 00:42:49.380 Jesus 00:42:49.380 --> 00:42:50.760 Christian friends 00:42:50.760 --> 00:42:51.320 this evening 00:42:51.320 --> 00:42:52.780 and in that 00:42:52.780 --> 00:42:53.860 Paul's 00:42:53.860 --> 00:42:55.120 crucial confidence 00:42:55.120 --> 00:42:56.600 is unshakable 00:42:56.600 --> 00:42:57.580 I am 00:42:57.580 --> 00:42:58.620 convinced 00:42:58.620 --> 00:43:00.640 he's convinced 00:43:00.640 --> 00:43:02.180 Psalm 2 00:43:02.180 --> 00:43:02.820 tells us 00:43:02.820 --> 00:43:03.500 that 00:43:03.500 --> 00:43:04.560 the kings 00:43:04.560 --> 00:43:05.100 of the earth 00:43:05.100 --> 00:43:06.019 set themselves 00:43:06.019 --> 00:43:06.620 and the rulers 00:43:06.620 --> 00:43:07.380 take counsel 00:43:07.380 --> 00:43:08.360 together against 00:43:08.360 --> 00:43:08.960 the Lord 00:43:08.960 --> 00:43:09.800 and against 00:43:09.800 --> 00:43:10.400 his anointed 00:43:10.400 --> 00:43:10.920 saying 00:43:10.920 --> 00:43:11.560 that has 00:43:11.560 --> 00:43:12.780 burst their 00:43:12.780 --> 00:43:13.400 bonds 00:43:13.400 --> 00:43:14.140 apart 00:43:14.140 --> 00:43:15.140 and cast 00:43:15.140 --> 00:43:15.640 away 00:43:15.640 --> 00:43:16.800 their cords 00:43:16.800 --> 00:43:18.420 from us 00:43:18.420 --> 00:43:20.340 the world 00:43:20.340 --> 00:43:21.140 exalts 00:43:21.140 --> 00:43:23.400 and glories 00:43:23.400 --> 00:43:24.620 over the church 00:43:24.620 --> 00:43:25.360 all too often 00:43:25.360 --> 00:43:25.960 the church 00:43:25.960 --> 00:43:26.500 assumes 00:43:26.500 --> 00:43:26.960 you see 00:43:26.960 --> 00:43:27.500 that the world 00:43:27.500 --> 00:43:28.240 assumes that 00:43:28.240 --> 00:43:29.300 the world 00:43:29.300 --> 00:43:29.860 is one 00:43:29.860 --> 00:43:31.360 the world 00:43:31.360 --> 00:43:31.700 tonight 00:43:31.700 --> 00:43:32.240 around us 00:43:32.240 --> 00:43:32.860 thinks that 00:43:32.860 --> 00:43:34.560 the church 00:43:34.560 --> 00:43:36.740 is marginalized 00:43:36.740 --> 00:43:38.220 and an 00:43:38.220 --> 00:43:38.840 insignificant 00:43:38.840 --> 00:43:39.600 blip 00:43:39.600 --> 00:43:40.340 in the history 00:43:40.340 --> 00:43:40.800 and story 00:43:40.800 --> 00:43:41.340 of Scotland 00:43:41.340 --> 00:43:42.600 maybe all too 00:43:42.600 --> 00:43:42.860 often 00:43:42.860 --> 00:43:43.380 they're right 00:43:43.380 --> 00:43:44.740 but it's up 00:43:44.740 --> 00:43:45.180 to us 00:43:45.180 --> 00:43:45.900 to challenge 00:43:45.900 --> 00:43:47.220 that thinking 00:43:47.220 --> 00:43:48.039 and mindset 00:43:48.039 --> 00:43:49.460 to take on 00:43:49.460 --> 00:43:51.380 that darkness 00:43:51.380 --> 00:43:51.940 and that 00:43:51.940 --> 00:43:52.860 worldliness 00:43:52.860 --> 00:43:53.300 and that 00:43:53.300 --> 00:43:54.140 lawlessness 00:43:54.140 --> 00:43:55.500 and to expose 00:43:55.500 --> 00:43:56.539 it as false 00:43:56.539 --> 00:43:57.920 and we can only 00:43:57.920 --> 00:43:58.599 do that 00:43:58.599 --> 00:43:59.920 by coming to 00:43:59.920 --> 00:44:00.480 the gospel 00:44:00.480 --> 00:44:01.380 and speaking 00:44:01.380 --> 00:44:01.900 of the Lord 00:44:01.900 --> 00:44:02.280 Jesus 00:44:02.280 --> 00:44:03.119 chapter 2 00:44:03.119 --> 00:44:03.599 and verse 8 00:44:03.599 --> 00:44:04.360 puts it this way 00:44:04.360 --> 00:44:05.480 remember Jesus 00:44:05.480 --> 00:44:06.039 Christ 00:44:06.039 --> 00:44:06.760 risen from the 00:44:06.760 --> 00:44:07.079 dead 00:44:07.079 --> 00:44:07.900 the offspring 00:44:07.900 --> 00:44:08.420 of David 00:44:08.420 --> 00:44:09.000 is preached 00:44:09.000 --> 00:44:10.000 in my gospel 00:44:10.000 --> 00:44:10.940 for which I 00:44:10.940 --> 00:44:11.599 am suffering 00:44:11.599 --> 00:44:12.980 bound with change 00:44:12.980 --> 00:44:13.559 is a criminal 00:44:13.559 --> 00:44:14.500 but the word 00:44:14.500 --> 00:44:15.199 of God 00:44:15.199 --> 00:44:16.659 is not bound 00:44:16.659 --> 00:44:17.619 there's something 00:44:17.619 --> 00:44:18.219 else the world 00:44:18.219 --> 00:44:19.199 just doesn't get 00:44:19.199 --> 00:44:20.639 the world thinks 00:44:20.639 --> 00:44:21.420 if it can dominate 00:44:21.420 --> 00:44:22.639 and control 00:44:22.639 --> 00:44:24.460 a denomination 00:44:24.460 --> 00:44:25.500 as we see 00:44:25.500 --> 00:44:26.059 quite often 00:44:26.059 --> 00:44:26.519 happening at 00:44:26.519 --> 00:44:27.519 national levels 00:44:27.519 --> 00:44:28.199 they think 00:44:28.199 --> 00:44:28.900 they've got us 00:44:28.900 --> 00:44:29.799 they've got that 00:44:29.799 --> 00:44:30.539 Christian church 00:44:30.539 --> 00:44:31.039 right where they 00:44:31.039 --> 00:44:31.440 want them 00:44:31.440 --> 00:44:32.480 on the side 00:44:32.480 --> 00:44:33.279 they let us in 00:44:33.279 --> 00:44:33.739 at Easter 00:44:33.739 --> 00:44:34.380 they let us in 00:44:34.380 --> 00:44:34.880 at Christmas 00:44:34.880 --> 00:44:36.019 they let us in 00:44:36.019 --> 00:44:36.839 at baptism 00:44:36.839 --> 00:44:37.579 they let us in 00:44:37.579 --> 00:44:38.099 at weddings 00:44:38.099 --> 00:44:38.799 and we can have 00:44:38.799 --> 00:44:39.460 our seat at funerals 00:44:39.460 --> 00:44:39.839 that's it 00:44:39.839 --> 00:44:41.519 that's it 00:44:41.519 --> 00:44:42.320 away you go 00:44:42.320 --> 00:44:43.099 don't want to hear 00:44:43.099 --> 00:44:43.619 you anymore 00:44:43.619 --> 00:44:45.280 the world is happy 00:44:45.280 --> 00:44:45.940 with the babe 00:44:45.940 --> 00:44:46.559 in the manger 00:44:46.559 --> 00:44:48.679 the world cannot 00:44:48.679 --> 00:44:49.440 bear to hear 00:44:49.440 --> 00:44:50.199 about the babe 00:44:50.199 --> 00:44:50.759 who grew up 00:44:50.759 --> 00:44:51.400 to be a man 00:44:51.400 --> 00:44:51.820 and died 00:44:51.820 --> 00:44:52.519 in a cross 00:44:52.519 --> 00:44:54.480 that's what drives 00:44:54.480 --> 00:44:55.300 Paul here 00:44:55.300 --> 00:44:57.119 and what's wonderful 00:44:57.119 --> 00:44:58.019 about this crucial 00:44:58.019 --> 00:44:58.639 confidence 00:44:58.639 --> 00:44:59.800 is that he knew 00:44:59.800 --> 00:45:00.420 the gospel 00:45:00.420 --> 00:45:01.019 and the church 00:45:01.019 --> 00:45:01.820 was not dependent 00:45:01.820 --> 00:45:02.940 on his efforts 00:45:02.940 --> 00:45:03.619 or on him 00:45:03.619 --> 00:45:04.599 as Paul the apostle 00:45:04.599 --> 00:45:05.280 things weren't 00:45:05.280 --> 00:45:06.119 going to fall apart 00:45:06.119 --> 00:45:06.940 because he 00:45:06.940 --> 00:45:07.940 had come to the 00:45:07.940 --> 00:45:08.980 end of his course 00:45:08.980 --> 00:45:09.820 no 00:45:09.820 --> 00:45:11.539 Jesus Christ 00:45:11.539 --> 00:45:12.120 who was made 00:45:12.120 --> 00:45:12.840 the sin bearer 00:45:12.840 --> 00:45:13.420 for his people 00:45:13.420 --> 00:45:14.680 and had abolished 00:45:14.680 --> 00:45:15.539 death 00:45:15.539 --> 00:45:17.140 was building 00:45:17.140 --> 00:45:19.240 his church 00:45:19.240 --> 00:45:21.260 do not be ashamed 00:45:21.260 --> 00:45:22.280 of me 00:45:22.280 --> 00:45:23.059 or the testimony 00:45:23.059 --> 00:45:23.880 about our Lord 00:45:23.880 --> 00:45:25.740 the end of verse 8 00:45:25.740 --> 00:45:26.500 he uses that 00:45:26.500 --> 00:45:27.320 wonderful phrase 00:45:27.320 --> 00:45:29.300 share in suffering 00:45:29.300 --> 00:45:30.580 for the gospel 00:45:30.580 --> 00:45:31.720 by the power 00:45:31.720 --> 00:45:32.380 of God 00:45:32.380 --> 00:45:33.740 isn't that amazing 00:45:33.740 --> 00:45:35.780 share in suffering 00:45:35.780 --> 00:45:36.840 for the gospel 00:45:36.840 --> 00:45:38.280 by the power 00:45:38.280 --> 00:45:39.059 of God 00:45:39.059 --> 00:45:41.180 so we have 00:45:41.180 --> 00:45:41.860 this crucial 00:45:41.860 --> 00:45:42.460 confidence 00:45:42.460 --> 00:45:43.900 that the Lord 00:45:43.900 --> 00:45:44.960 Jesus Christ 00:45:44.960 --> 00:45:46.079 is building 00:45:46.079 --> 00:45:46.860 his church 00:45:46.860 --> 00:45:47.519 and that brings us 00:45:47.519 --> 00:45:48.360 to a third thing 00:45:48.360 --> 00:45:49.940 we have a 00:45:49.940 --> 00:45:51.200 burning conviction 00:45:51.200 --> 00:45:52.800 and we have 00:45:52.800 --> 00:45:53.920 a crucial confidence 00:45:53.920 --> 00:45:55.600 and that confidence 00:45:55.600 --> 00:45:56.500 flourishes 00:45:56.500 --> 00:45:58.340 and displays 00:45:58.340 --> 00:45:59.720 a humble 00:45:59.720 --> 00:46:00.860 awareness 00:46:00.860 --> 00:46:02.140 see he goes on 00:46:02.140 --> 00:46:02.860 to say here 00:46:02.860 --> 00:46:04.720 I am convinced 00:46:04.720 --> 00:46:05.700 that 00:46:05.700 --> 00:46:06.740 he 00:46:06.740 --> 00:46:07.800 is 00:46:07.800 --> 00:46:08.579 able 00:46:08.579 --> 00:46:10.260 he 00:46:10.260 --> 00:46:11.280 is 00:46:11.280 --> 00:46:12.160 able 00:46:12.160 --> 00:46:13.039 it's not all about 00:46:13.039 --> 00:46:13.460 Paul 00:46:13.460 --> 00:46:14.620 it's not all about 00:46:14.620 --> 00:46:15.140 the apostle 00:46:15.140 --> 00:46:16.240 it's not about 00:46:16.240 --> 00:46:16.760 his missionary 00:46:16.760 --> 00:46:17.300 journeys 00:46:17.300 --> 00:46:18.039 and his wonderful 00:46:18.039 --> 00:46:19.099 oration 00:46:19.099 --> 00:46:19.880 and his preaching 00:46:19.880 --> 00:46:20.800 and his writing 00:46:20.800 --> 00:46:21.420 and his teaching 00:46:21.420 --> 00:46:22.079 all of these things 00:46:22.079 --> 00:46:23.019 which were amazing 00:46:23.019 --> 00:46:24.940 but he knew that 00:46:24.940 --> 00:46:26.079 in these things 00:46:26.079 --> 00:46:26.820 he was just 00:46:26.820 --> 00:46:27.400 what he goes on 00:46:27.400 --> 00:46:27.940 to describe 00:46:27.940 --> 00:46:28.720 in chapter 2 00:46:28.720 --> 00:46:29.539 he was just being 00:46:29.539 --> 00:46:30.380 the good soldier 00:46:30.380 --> 00:46:31.480 he was just being 00:46:31.480 --> 00:46:32.500 an honest athlete 00:46:32.500 --> 00:46:33.240 he was just being 00:46:33.240 --> 00:46:33.920 the hard working 00:46:33.920 --> 00:46:34.320 farmer 00:46:34.320 --> 00:46:35.460 pictures he uses 00:46:35.460 --> 00:46:36.380 to illustrate 00:46:36.380 --> 00:46:37.820 Christian life 00:46:37.820 --> 00:46:38.880 and Christian service 00:46:38.880 --> 00:46:39.740 Christian ministry 00:46:39.740 --> 00:46:41.380 things we are all 00:46:41.380 --> 00:46:42.019 called to 00:46:42.019 --> 00:46:43.519 through our Lord 00:46:43.519 --> 00:46:44.400 and through our Saviour 00:46:44.400 --> 00:46:45.880 so there's a humble 00:46:45.880 --> 00:46:46.280 awareness 00:46:46.280 --> 00:46:46.980 he says here 00:46:46.980 --> 00:46:50.000 he is able 00:46:50.000 --> 00:46:50.940 this word here 00:46:50.940 --> 00:46:51.300 able 00:46:51.300 --> 00:46:52.220 in the Greek 00:46:52.220 --> 00:46:53.119 is dunatos 00:46:53.119 --> 00:46:54.019 it's from the word 00:46:54.019 --> 00:46:54.980 group for power 00:46:54.980 --> 00:46:56.860 and Paul knew 00:46:56.860 --> 00:46:57.880 that he was able 00:46:57.880 --> 00:46:59.440 because of who he is 00:46:59.440 --> 00:47:00.800 and who is he 00:47:00.800 --> 00:47:02.619 the son of God 00:47:02.619 --> 00:47:04.380 the Lord of glory 00:47:04.380 --> 00:47:05.900 the Lord of creation 00:47:05.900 --> 00:47:07.260 the Lord of all 00:47:07.260 --> 00:47:08.740 the Lord of lords 00:47:08.740 --> 00:47:11.179 he is able 00:47:11.179 --> 00:47:12.559 and so friends 00:47:12.559 --> 00:47:13.860 prior to a communion 00:47:13.860 --> 00:47:15.059 service 00:47:15.059 --> 00:47:16.360 what do we do 00:47:16.360 --> 00:47:18.159 we look up 00:47:18.159 --> 00:47:19.900 we look to him 00:47:19.900 --> 00:47:21.240 we put our faith 00:47:21.240 --> 00:47:22.099 and our trust 00:47:22.099 --> 00:47:22.740 in him 00:47:22.740 --> 00:47:23.760 we too seek 00:47:23.760 --> 00:47:24.559 to nourish 00:47:24.559 --> 00:47:25.280 and nurture 00:47:25.280 --> 00:47:26.380 and develop 00:47:26.380 --> 00:47:27.220 this humble 00:47:27.220 --> 00:47:28.000 awareness 00:47:28.000 --> 00:47:29.739 here am I 00:47:29.739 --> 00:47:30.280 Lord 00:47:30.280 --> 00:47:32.159 send me 00:47:32.159 --> 00:47:33.159 but what is it 00:47:33.159 --> 00:47:33.940 the devil wants us 00:47:33.940 --> 00:47:34.360 to do 00:47:34.360 --> 00:47:35.559 and what is the world 00:47:35.559 --> 00:47:36.519 trying to make us do 00:47:36.519 --> 00:47:37.880 not look up 00:47:37.880 --> 00:47:39.599 but look down 00:47:39.599 --> 00:47:40.860 and be conscious 00:47:40.860 --> 00:47:41.719 of our weakness 00:47:41.719 --> 00:47:42.519 and our sins 00:47:42.519 --> 00:47:43.260 and our failings 00:47:43.260 --> 00:47:44.079 and our faults 00:47:44.079 --> 00:47:45.900 I remember often 00:47:45.900 --> 00:47:46.880 to share a story 00:47:46.880 --> 00:47:47.320 with you 00:47:47.320 --> 00:47:48.420 a number of years ago 00:47:48.420 --> 00:47:50.199 in my chaplaincy days 00:47:50.199 --> 00:47:52.159 of going into 00:47:52.159 --> 00:47:53.139 a headquarter building 00:47:53.139 --> 00:47:54.860 which was very unusual 00:47:54.860 --> 00:47:55.239 for me 00:47:55.239 --> 00:47:56.219 I tended to stay away 00:47:56.219 --> 00:47:57.159 from places like that 00:47:57.159 --> 00:47:58.399 it was full of brass 00:47:58.399 --> 00:47:59.259 and red tabs 00:47:59.259 --> 00:47:59.799 and that meant 00:47:59.799 --> 00:48:01.159 colonels and above 00:48:01.159 --> 00:48:02.399 which was brigadiers 00:48:02.399 --> 00:48:03.339 generals and the like 00:48:03.339 --> 00:48:04.819 they just made me nervous 00:48:04.819 --> 00:48:05.859 but they were people 00:48:05.859 --> 00:48:06.739 to be spoken to 00:48:06.739 --> 00:48:07.659 and they were very often 00:48:07.659 --> 00:48:08.819 supportive and welcoming 00:48:08.819 --> 00:48:09.859 to chaplaincy 00:48:09.859 --> 00:48:11.159 and I was told by this general 00:48:11.159 --> 00:48:11.480 one day 00:48:11.480 --> 00:48:12.339 come and see me 00:48:12.339 --> 00:48:13.699 and as I made my way 00:48:13.699 --> 00:48:14.480 to the front door 00:48:14.480 --> 00:48:15.019 of the headquarters 00:48:15.019 --> 00:48:15.779 about to go in 00:48:15.779 --> 00:48:16.759 I glanced down 00:48:16.759 --> 00:48:18.059 and noticed my boots 00:48:18.059 --> 00:48:18.859 were dirty 00:48:18.859 --> 00:48:21.539 and I stopped 00:48:21.539 --> 00:48:22.339 at my tracks 00:48:22.339 --> 00:48:23.440 I thought I can't 00:48:23.440 --> 00:48:24.559 I can't go into 00:48:24.559 --> 00:48:25.139 the headquarters 00:48:25.139 --> 00:48:26.039 to see the general 00:48:26.039 --> 00:48:27.779 I've got muddy boots 00:48:27.779 --> 00:48:29.559 and I had to find 00:48:29.559 --> 00:48:30.379 a spot somewhere 00:48:30.379 --> 00:48:31.079 off to the side 00:48:31.079 --> 00:48:32.539 and get a rag 00:48:32.539 --> 00:48:33.279 and just try 00:48:33.279 --> 00:48:34.000 and get rid of the mud 00:48:34.000 --> 00:48:34.659 because the last thing 00:48:34.659 --> 00:48:35.420 I wanted to do 00:48:35.420 --> 00:48:36.900 was go into the headquarters 00:48:36.900 --> 00:48:37.900 with muddy boots on 00:48:37.900 --> 00:48:39.400 because where there are generals 00:48:39.400 --> 00:48:40.139 there are regimental 00:48:40.139 --> 00:48:40.639 that aren't majors 00:48:40.639 --> 00:48:42.079 and these are guys 00:48:42.079 --> 00:48:43.699 who live to spot people 00:48:43.699 --> 00:48:44.319 turning up 00:48:44.319 --> 00:48:45.519 in dress order 00:48:45.519 --> 00:48:46.940 that's less than perfect 00:48:46.940 --> 00:48:47.940 and I didn't want to 00:48:47.940 --> 00:48:48.920 hand them the opportunity 00:48:48.920 --> 00:48:50.119 so I had to get out of there 00:48:50.119 --> 00:48:50.940 and clean my boots 00:48:50.940 --> 00:48:52.000 but I've thought about it 00:48:52.000 --> 00:48:53.420 time and again since 00:48:53.420 --> 00:48:54.599 and I've thought 00:48:54.599 --> 00:48:55.639 sometimes when it comes 00:48:55.639 --> 00:48:56.699 to the communion table 00:48:56.699 --> 00:48:58.239 particularly in our 00:48:58.239 --> 00:49:00.579 denominational mindset 00:49:00.579 --> 00:49:02.239 and the way we do things 00:49:02.239 --> 00:49:04.440 the devil succeeds 00:49:04.440 --> 00:49:06.239 in getting Christians 00:49:06.239 --> 00:49:07.440 to look down 00:49:07.440 --> 00:49:08.800 and be conscious 00:49:08.800 --> 00:49:10.500 of their own muddy boots 00:49:10.500 --> 00:49:11.760 and to think 00:49:11.760 --> 00:49:13.519 I can't go there 00:49:13.519 --> 00:49:16.079 I can't go to that table 00:49:16.079 --> 00:49:17.920 I've got muddy boots 00:49:17.920 --> 00:49:19.680 but friends 00:49:19.680 --> 00:49:21.760 we all 00:49:21.760 --> 00:49:23.099 had 00:49:23.099 --> 00:49:24.440 muddy boots 00:49:24.440 --> 00:49:26.079 what is it 00:49:26.079 --> 00:49:26.800 that the gospel 00:49:26.800 --> 00:49:27.440 tells us 00:49:27.440 --> 00:49:28.360 Christ does 00:49:28.360 --> 00:49:30.320 look Isaiah chapter 1 00:49:30.320 --> 00:49:32.099 he makes us 00:49:32.099 --> 00:49:33.280 whiter than the snow 00:49:33.280 --> 00:49:35.039 he takes away 00:49:35.039 --> 00:49:36.159 the stains 00:49:36.159 --> 00:49:37.240 of sin 00:49:37.240 --> 00:49:39.119 he makes us 00:49:39.119 --> 00:49:39.639 as white 00:49:39.639 --> 00:49:40.320 as wool 00:49:40.320 --> 00:49:41.659 as fresh 00:49:41.659 --> 00:49:42.559 fallen snow 00:49:42.559 --> 00:49:43.700 do we achieve that? 00:49:43.860 --> 00:49:44.079 no 00:49:44.079 --> 00:49:45.920 Christ does 00:49:45.920 --> 00:49:47.659 so don't look down 00:49:47.659 --> 00:49:48.599 at your muddy boots 00:49:48.599 --> 00:49:49.579 look up 00:49:49.579 --> 00:49:51.180 look up to your saviour 00:49:51.180 --> 00:49:52.280 because that's what we find 00:49:52.280 --> 00:49:53.240 Paul doing here 00:49:53.240 --> 00:49:54.559 that's where his burning 00:49:54.559 --> 00:49:55.880 conviction leads us 00:49:55.880 --> 00:49:56.380 this evening 00:49:56.380 --> 00:49:57.380 and that's where 00:49:57.380 --> 00:49:58.559 we see now thirdly 00:49:58.559 --> 00:49:59.980 this humble awareness 00:49:59.980 --> 00:50:01.300 he is able 00:50:01.300 --> 00:50:02.480 Paul knew 00:50:02.480 --> 00:50:04.019 that the progress 00:50:04.019 --> 00:50:04.860 of the gospel 00:50:04.860 --> 00:50:07.220 the security 00:50:07.220 --> 00:50:08.480 of the church 00:50:08.480 --> 00:50:09.900 lay not on him 00:50:09.900 --> 00:50:10.820 or on Peter 00:50:10.820 --> 00:50:11.720 or on James 00:50:11.720 --> 00:50:12.760 or on John 00:50:12.760 --> 00:50:14.619 but in Christ 00:50:14.619 --> 00:50:18.799 I will build 00:50:18.799 --> 00:50:19.619 my church 00:50:19.619 --> 00:50:21.079 and the gates 00:50:21.079 --> 00:50:21.460 of hell 00:50:21.460 --> 00:50:22.179 will not prevail 00:50:22.179 --> 00:50:22.920 against it 00:50:22.920 --> 00:50:24.719 and how does 00:50:24.719 --> 00:50:25.639 Christ do that 00:50:25.639 --> 00:50:26.659 by his spirit 00:50:26.659 --> 00:50:28.480 through his people 00:50:28.480 --> 00:50:31.159 it is ordained 00:50:31.159 --> 00:50:32.179 from eternity 00:50:32.179 --> 00:50:33.159 that God 00:50:33.159 --> 00:50:33.859 fulfills 00:50:33.859 --> 00:50:34.639 his purposes 00:50:34.639 --> 00:50:35.779 through our prayers 00:50:35.779 --> 00:50:37.380 and by our witnessing 00:50:37.380 --> 00:50:39.079 isn't that amazing 00:50:39.079 --> 00:50:40.000 that tonight 00:50:40.000 --> 00:50:40.619 we can think 00:50:40.619 --> 00:50:41.400 of a conversation 00:50:41.400 --> 00:50:42.279 we may have had 00:50:42.279 --> 00:50:42.699 recently 00:50:42.699 --> 00:50:43.839 or are about to have 00:50:43.840 --> 00:50:44.720 that we know nothing about 00:50:44.720 --> 00:50:46.340 and through that conversation 00:50:46.340 --> 00:50:47.860 God may lead a sinner 00:50:47.860 --> 00:50:48.800 to salvation 00:50:48.800 --> 00:50:49.700 from darkness 00:50:49.700 --> 00:50:50.380 to light 00:50:50.380 --> 00:50:51.940 from alienation 00:50:51.940 --> 00:50:52.740 and being far off 00:50:52.740 --> 00:50:53.760 right up 00:50:53.760 --> 00:50:54.980 to Jesus 00:50:54.980 --> 00:50:56.920 to be turned 00:50:56.920 --> 00:50:57.720 from being an enemy 00:50:57.720 --> 00:50:58.320 of God 00:50:58.320 --> 00:50:59.559 to being a child 00:50:59.559 --> 00:51:00.039 of God 00:51:00.039 --> 00:51:01.120 that's grace 00:51:01.120 --> 00:51:03.440 that's amazing grace 00:51:03.440 --> 00:51:05.300 that's why 00:51:05.300 --> 00:51:06.579 Paul speaks 00:51:06.579 --> 00:51:07.800 here in verse 9 00:51:07.800 --> 00:51:08.660 he saved us 00:51:08.660 --> 00:51:09.300 and called us 00:51:09.300 --> 00:51:10.320 to a holy calling 00:51:10.320 --> 00:51:11.960 not because of our works 00:51:11.960 --> 00:51:13.119 that's muddy boots 00:51:13.119 --> 00:51:13.579 you see 00:51:13.579 --> 00:51:15.320 but because of his 00:51:15.320 --> 00:51:16.599 own purpose 00:51:16.599 --> 00:51:17.639 and grace 00:51:17.639 --> 00:51:18.920 which takes away 00:51:18.920 --> 00:51:19.480 the mud 00:51:19.480 --> 00:51:21.199 and says come 00:51:21.199 --> 00:51:23.340 all things are now ready 00:51:23.340 --> 00:51:25.740 and so we go to his table 00:51:25.740 --> 00:51:27.659 in a humble awareness 00:51:27.659 --> 00:51:28.920 of our forgiveness 00:51:28.920 --> 00:51:30.320 of our salvation 00:51:30.320 --> 00:51:31.400 of our dependence 00:51:31.400 --> 00:51:32.119 when totally 00:51:32.119 --> 00:51:32.920 and utterly 00:51:32.920 --> 00:51:34.559 reliant on Christ 00:51:34.559 --> 00:51:37.599 Jesus 00:51:37.599 --> 00:51:38.779 expressed 00:51:38.779 --> 00:51:39.320 this 00:51:39.320 --> 00:51:40.900 ultimate reality 00:51:40.900 --> 00:51:42.960 here in chapter 10 00:51:42.960 --> 00:51:43.860 of John's gospel 00:51:43.860 --> 00:51:45.139 in verses 17 00:51:45.139 --> 00:51:45.639 and 18 00:51:45.639 --> 00:51:46.460 where he spoke 00:51:46.460 --> 00:51:47.579 of what he was about to do 00:51:47.579 --> 00:51:48.259 for this reason 00:51:48.259 --> 00:51:49.219 the father loves me 00:51:49.219 --> 00:51:50.460 because I lay down 00:51:50.460 --> 00:51:51.259 my life 00:51:51.259 --> 00:51:53.039 that I may take it up again 00:51:53.039 --> 00:51:54.960 no one takes it from me 00:51:54.960 --> 00:51:56.799 but I lay it down 00:51:56.799 --> 00:51:57.759 of my own accord 00:51:57.759 --> 00:51:58.739 I have authority 00:51:58.739 --> 00:51:59.639 to lay it down 00:51:59.639 --> 00:52:00.719 and I have authority 00:52:00.719 --> 00:52:01.779 to take it up again 00:52:01.780 --> 00:52:03.140 this charge 00:52:03.140 --> 00:52:04.220 I have received 00:52:04.220 --> 00:52:05.620 from my father 00:52:05.620 --> 00:52:07.340 there's power 00:52:07.340 --> 00:52:09.360 divine power 00:52:09.360 --> 00:52:11.160 and in his power 00:52:11.160 --> 00:52:12.460 he holds the church 00:52:12.460 --> 00:52:13.200 in his hand 00:52:13.200 --> 00:52:14.680 he says to us 00:52:14.680 --> 00:52:15.800 follow me 00:52:15.800 --> 00:52:17.519 he says to us 00:52:17.519 --> 00:52:17.880 come 00:52:17.880 --> 00:52:19.540 for all things 00:52:19.540 --> 00:52:20.780 are now ready 00:52:20.780 --> 00:52:22.280 do this 00:52:22.280 --> 00:52:23.560 in remembrance 00:52:23.560 --> 00:52:25.040 of me 00:52:25.040 --> 00:52:26.740 death itself 00:52:26.740 --> 00:52:27.260 has been 00:52:27.260 --> 00:52:28.360 abolished 00:52:28.360 --> 00:52:29.240 God willing 00:52:29.240 --> 00:52:30.220 we'll think about that 00:52:30.220 --> 00:52:31.360 tomorrow morning 00:52:31.360 --> 00:52:33.740 and so let's just 00:52:33.740 --> 00:52:34.660 deflect on this 00:52:34.660 --> 00:52:35.059 tonight 00:52:35.059 --> 00:52:36.420 that his burning 00:52:36.420 --> 00:52:37.079 conviction 00:52:37.079 --> 00:52:38.680 and his crucial 00:52:38.680 --> 00:52:39.280 confidence 00:52:39.280 --> 00:52:40.300 that combined 00:52:40.300 --> 00:52:41.579 and flourished 00:52:41.579 --> 00:52:42.539 into this humble 00:52:42.539 --> 00:52:43.059 awareness 00:52:43.059 --> 00:52:45.019 it was not diminished 00:52:45.019 --> 00:52:45.780 because of what 00:52:45.780 --> 00:52:46.400 he went through 00:52:46.400 --> 00:52:47.820 the providence 00:52:47.820 --> 00:52:48.820 of imprisonment 00:52:48.820 --> 00:52:49.420 again 00:52:49.420 --> 00:52:50.480 and hardship 00:52:50.480 --> 00:52:51.340 and suffering 00:52:51.340 --> 00:52:52.220 and difficult 00:52:52.220 --> 00:52:53.380 circumstances 00:52:53.380 --> 00:52:55.039 it did not diminish 00:52:55.039 --> 00:52:56.180 his trust in Jesus 00:52:56.180 --> 00:52:57.880 it seemed to 00:52:57.880 --> 00:52:58.820 in some way 00:52:58.820 --> 00:52:59.940 feed and nourish 00:52:59.940 --> 00:53:00.720 his trust 00:53:00.720 --> 00:53:01.380 in Jesus 00:53:01.380 --> 00:53:02.920 the gospel 00:53:02.920 --> 00:53:03.940 had been entrusted 00:53:03.940 --> 00:53:04.920 to him 00:53:04.920 --> 00:53:06.460 but under the care 00:53:06.460 --> 00:53:07.579 of the Lord 00:53:07.579 --> 00:53:09.539 he says to Timothy 00:53:09.539 --> 00:53:11.780 I am convinced 00:53:11.780 --> 00:53:13.500 he is able 00:53:13.500 --> 00:53:14.940 to guard 00:53:14.940 --> 00:53:15.880 until that day 00:53:15.880 --> 00:53:16.280 what has been 00:53:16.280 --> 00:53:17.400 entrusted to me 00:53:17.400 --> 00:53:18.619 it's a very 00:53:18.619 --> 00:53:20.300 technical 00:53:20.300 --> 00:53:20.860 Greek 00:53:20.860 --> 00:53:21.760 phrase 00:53:21.760 --> 00:53:22.639 used here 00:53:22.639 --> 00:53:23.720 commentators are 00:53:23.720 --> 00:53:24.179 split 00:53:24.179 --> 00:53:25.519 to what he's 00:53:25.519 --> 00:53:27.059 actually referring to 00:53:27.059 --> 00:53:28.719 it's either his soul 00:53:28.719 --> 00:53:29.500 or the gospel 00:53:29.500 --> 00:53:30.539 I understand 00:53:30.539 --> 00:53:31.279 that the ESV 00:53:31.279 --> 00:53:31.719 has got it 00:53:31.719 --> 00:53:32.619 absolutely right 00:53:32.619 --> 00:53:33.299 in making the 00:53:33.299 --> 00:53:33.920 emphasis here 00:53:33.920 --> 00:53:34.960 upon the gospel 00:53:34.960 --> 00:53:35.340 that had been 00:53:35.340 --> 00:53:36.279 entrusted to him 00:53:36.279 --> 00:53:36.779 to work 00:53:36.779 --> 00:53:37.880 toward as an 00:53:37.880 --> 00:53:38.340 apostle 00:53:38.340 --> 00:53:39.320 because he goes 00:53:39.320 --> 00:53:39.840 on there in 00:53:39.840 --> 00:53:40.440 verse 14 00:53:40.440 --> 00:53:40.799 to say 00:53:40.799 --> 00:53:41.820 exactly the same 00:53:41.820 --> 00:53:42.139 thing 00:53:42.139 --> 00:53:42.920 by the Holy 00:53:42.920 --> 00:53:43.259 Spirit 00:53:43.259 --> 00:53:43.639 it dwells 00:53:43.639 --> 00:53:43.940 within us 00:53:43.940 --> 00:53:44.759 guard the good 00:53:44.759 --> 00:53:45.139 deposit 00:53:45.139 --> 00:53:46.219 entrusted to you 00:53:46.219 --> 00:53:46.960 Timothy 00:53:46.960 --> 00:53:47.820 and remember 00:53:47.820 --> 00:53:48.579 these letters 00:53:48.579 --> 00:53:49.299 are addressed 00:53:49.299 --> 00:53:50.719 in the first 00:53:50.719 --> 00:53:51.559 instance to Timothy 00:53:51.559 --> 00:53:52.099 but to you 00:53:52.099 --> 00:53:52.840 and I this evening 00:53:52.840 --> 00:53:53.980 and what's 00:53:53.980 --> 00:53:54.860 interesting here 00:53:54.860 --> 00:53:56.200 is that 00:53:56.200 --> 00:53:56.940 he says 00:53:56.940 --> 00:53:57.900 that we are 00:53:57.900 --> 00:53:59.200 to guard 00:53:59.200 --> 00:53:59.800 until 00:53:59.800 --> 00:54:00.559 he speaks 00:54:00.559 --> 00:54:01.700 in verse 12 00:54:01.700 --> 00:54:02.160 there of 00:54:02.160 --> 00:54:03.280 that the Lord 00:54:03.280 --> 00:54:04.260 is able to guard 00:54:04.260 --> 00:54:05.019 and then down 00:54:05.019 --> 00:54:05.660 there in 14 00:54:05.660 --> 00:54:06.100 he's saying 00:54:06.100 --> 00:54:06.820 Timothy 00:54:06.820 --> 00:54:07.980 guard the good 00:54:07.980 --> 00:54:08.420 deposit 00:54:08.420 --> 00:54:09.260 entrusted to you 00:54:09.260 --> 00:54:09.720 it's the same 00:54:09.720 --> 00:54:10.260 word 00:54:10.260 --> 00:54:11.640 it's the same 00:54:11.640 --> 00:54:11.940 word 00:54:11.940 --> 00:54:12.579 reflecting the 00:54:12.579 --> 00:54:13.400 same activity 00:54:13.400 --> 00:54:14.420 of constant 00:54:14.420 --> 00:54:15.500 vigilance 00:54:15.500 --> 00:54:16.700 and so we need 00:54:16.700 --> 00:54:18.340 to be aware 00:54:18.340 --> 00:54:20.260 and savvy 00:54:20.260 --> 00:54:21.220 when it comes 00:54:21.220 --> 00:54:22.019 to the gospel 00:54:22.019 --> 00:54:23.159 and false 00:54:23.159 --> 00:54:23.780 teachers 00:54:23.780 --> 00:54:24.440 and false 00:54:24.440 --> 00:54:24.759 hope 00:54:24.759 --> 00:54:25.179 and false 00:54:25.179 --> 00:54:25.659 religion 00:54:25.659 --> 00:54:26.759 and we must 00:54:26.759 --> 00:54:27.199 assert 00:54:27.199 --> 00:54:27.579 maintain 00:54:27.579 --> 00:54:28.059 and defend 00:54:28.059 --> 00:54:29.019 what we know 00:54:29.019 --> 00:54:29.759 to be true 00:54:29.759 --> 00:54:30.519 of the gospel 00:54:30.519 --> 00:54:31.159 that has been 00:54:31.159 --> 00:54:31.960 revealed to us 00:54:31.960 --> 00:54:32.860 in Christ 00:54:32.860 --> 00:54:33.280 Jesus 00:54:33.280 --> 00:54:34.099 our Lord 00:54:34.099 --> 00:54:34.659 and Saviour 00:54:34.659 --> 00:54:35.460 we need to 00:54:35.460 --> 00:54:37.159 like Paul 00:54:37.159 --> 00:54:38.019 and Timothy 00:54:38.019 --> 00:54:38.820 and everyone else 00:54:38.820 --> 00:54:39.840 has come before us 00:54:39.840 --> 00:54:41.420 exhibit a humble 00:54:41.420 --> 00:54:41.880 awareness 00:54:41.880 --> 00:54:43.739 as we 00:54:43.739 --> 00:54:45.059 stick to our 00:54:45.059 --> 00:54:45.679 guns 00:54:45.679 --> 00:54:47.099 Martin Luther 00:54:47.099 --> 00:54:47.820 put it this way 00:54:47.820 --> 00:54:48.139 as he 00:54:48.139 --> 00:54:49.460 formulated 00:54:49.460 --> 00:54:50.239 and clarified 00:54:50.239 --> 00:54:50.739 what the 00:54:50.739 --> 00:54:51.539 Protestant church 00:54:51.539 --> 00:54:51.960 is beginning 00:54:51.960 --> 00:54:52.480 to adhere 00:54:52.480 --> 00:54:52.759 to 00:54:52.759 --> 00:54:53.820 faith alone 00:54:53.820 --> 00:54:54.380 makes you 00:54:54.380 --> 00:54:55.039 good and 00:54:55.039 --> 00:54:55.559 righteous 00:54:55.559 --> 00:54:56.599 faith alone 00:54:56.599 --> 00:54:57.039 makes you 00:54:57.039 --> 00:54:57.440 a member 00:54:57.440 --> 00:54:58.119 of Christ 00:54:58.119 --> 00:54:59.199 an inheritor 00:54:59.199 --> 00:54:59.759 of heaven 00:54:59.759 --> 00:55:00.739 and a servant 00:55:00.739 --> 00:55:01.639 of God 00:55:01.639 --> 00:55:04.759 behold what manner 00:55:04.759 --> 00:55:05.380 of love the 00:55:05.380 --> 00:55:06.279 Father has bestowed 00:55:06.279 --> 00:55:06.739 on us 00:55:06.739 --> 00:55:07.579 that we are 00:55:07.579 --> 00:55:08.519 children of God 00:55:08.519 --> 00:55:10.179 and so we 00:55:10.179 --> 00:55:10.659 are 00:55:10.659 --> 00:55:11.860 by 00:55:11.860 --> 00:55:13.119 grace 00:55:13.119 --> 00:55:14.779 which he gave 00:55:14.779 --> 00:55:15.420 us in Christ 00:55:15.420 --> 00:55:15.860 Jesus 00:55:15.860 --> 00:55:16.779 before the 00:55:16.779 --> 00:55:17.759 ages began 00:55:17.760 --> 00:55:19.600 that's the 00:55:19.600 --> 00:55:20.220 focus 00:55:20.220 --> 00:55:21.340 for when 00:55:21.340 --> 00:55:21.900 times get 00:55:21.900 --> 00:55:22.420 tough 00:55:22.420 --> 00:55:23.780 when 00:55:23.780 --> 00:55:24.520 providence 00:55:24.520 --> 00:55:25.740 deals us 00:55:25.740 --> 00:55:26.200 with a 00:55:26.200 --> 00:55:26.660 difficult 00:55:26.660 --> 00:55:27.220 blow 00:55:27.220 --> 00:55:28.020 and we're 00:55:28.020 --> 00:55:28.380 knocked 00:55:28.380 --> 00:55:28.920 sideways 00:55:28.920 --> 00:55:29.780 when the 00:55:29.780 --> 00:55:30.340 phone rings 00:55:30.340 --> 00:55:30.800 and a text 00:55:30.800 --> 00:55:31.160 comes 00:55:31.160 --> 00:55:31.340 and a 00:55:31.340 --> 00:55:31.980 door 00:55:31.980 --> 00:55:32.240 and our 00:55:32.240 --> 00:55:32.460 world 00:55:32.460 --> 00:55:33.160 turns upside 00:55:33.160 --> 00:55:33.480 down 00:55:33.480 --> 00:55:34.660 and we're 00:55:34.660 --> 00:55:35.080 buffeted 00:55:35.080 --> 00:55:35.660 by shocks 00:55:35.660 --> 00:55:36.460 and setbacks 00:55:36.460 --> 00:55:37.520 and bereavement 00:55:37.520 --> 00:55:38.240 and ill health 00:55:38.240 --> 00:55:39.140 and unemployment 00:55:39.140 --> 00:55:39.740 and financial 00:55:39.740 --> 00:55:40.180 stress 00:55:40.180 --> 00:55:40.740 and pressure 00:55:40.740 --> 00:55:41.380 and we can 00:55:41.380 --> 00:55:42.380 be consumed 00:55:42.380 --> 00:55:43.000 with worry 00:55:43.000 --> 00:55:43.340 and eat 00:55:43.340 --> 00:55:43.660 ourselves 00:55:43.660 --> 00:55:44.200 alive 00:55:44.200 --> 00:55:45.599 remember 00:55:45.599 --> 00:55:47.599 these words 00:55:47.599 --> 00:55:49.140 we have 00:55:49.140 --> 00:55:49.940 been saved 00:55:49.940 --> 00:55:51.039 by grace 00:55:51.039 --> 00:55:51.980 which has 00:55:51.980 --> 00:55:52.500 been given 00:55:52.500 --> 00:55:52.900 us in 00:55:52.900 --> 00:55:53.200 Christ 00:55:53.200 --> 00:55:53.599 Jesus 00:55:53.599 --> 00:55:54.579 before the 00:55:54.579 --> 00:55:54.980 ages 00:55:54.980 --> 00:55:55.660 began 00:55:55.660 --> 00:55:56.440 verse 9 00:55:56.440 --> 00:55:57.880 God 00:55:57.880 --> 00:55:58.980 knows 00:55:58.980 --> 00:55:59.460 what he's 00:55:59.460 --> 00:56:00.220 doing 00:56:00.220 --> 00:56:02.000 if you ever 00:56:02.000 --> 00:56:02.480 visit St. 00:56:02.539 --> 00:56:03.019 Andrew's 00:56:03.019 --> 00:56:03.559 I'm sure 00:56:03.559 --> 00:56:03.980 many of you 00:56:03.980 --> 00:56:04.340 have 00:56:04.340 --> 00:56:05.099 and if you 00:56:05.099 --> 00:56:05.660 go to 00:56:05.660 --> 00:56:06.200 the top 00:56:06.200 --> 00:56:06.480 end of 00:56:06.480 --> 00:56:06.900 the town 00:56:06.900 --> 00:56:07.820 to where 00:56:07.820 --> 00:56:08.460 St. 00:56:08.780 --> 00:56:09.280 Salvatore's 00:56:09.280 --> 00:56:09.559 College 00:56:09.559 --> 00:56:09.960 used to 00:56:09.960 --> 00:56:10.240 stand 00:56:10.240 --> 00:56:10.660 you'll find 00:56:10.660 --> 00:56:10.900 in the 00:56:10.900 --> 00:56:11.180 cobbled 00:56:11.180 --> 00:56:11.619 streets 00:56:11.619 --> 00:56:11.840 there 00:56:11.840 --> 00:56:12.300 the letters 00:56:12.300 --> 00:56:12.660 P. 00:56:12.820 --> 00:56:13.200 H 00:56:13.200 --> 00:56:14.340 which marks 00:56:14.340 --> 00:56:14.980 the spot 00:56:14.980 --> 00:56:15.340 or near 00:56:15.340 --> 00:56:15.720 enough 00:56:15.720 --> 00:56:16.500 where 00:56:16.500 --> 00:56:16.940 Patrick 00:56:16.940 --> 00:56:17.320 Hamilton 00:56:17.320 --> 00:56:17.680 at the 00:56:17.680 --> 00:56:17.820 age 00:56:17.820 --> 00:56:18.460 of 24 00:56:18.460 --> 00:56:18.720 was 00:56:18.720 --> 00:56:19.039 burnt 00:56:19.039 --> 00:56:19.340 at the 00:56:19.340 --> 00:56:19.780 stake 00:56:19.780 --> 00:56:20.760 in 00:56:20.760 --> 00:56:22.360 1528 00:56:22.360 --> 00:56:23.920 19 00:56:23.920 --> 00:56:24.420 years 00:56:24.420 --> 00:56:24.880 later 00:56:24.880 --> 00:56:25.760 if you 00:56:25.760 --> 00:56:26.240 go down 00:56:26.240 --> 00:56:27.300 you'll find 00:56:27.300 --> 00:56:27.700 if you go 00:56:27.700 --> 00:56:27.920 down 00:56:27.920 --> 00:56:28.260 toward 00:56:28.260 --> 00:56:28.740 where 00:56:28.740 --> 00:56:28.940 the 00:56:28.940 --> 00:56:29.300 castle 00:56:29.300 --> 00:56:29.580 of St. 00:56:29.640 --> 00:56:30.060 Andrew's 00:56:30.060 --> 00:56:30.320 stands 00:56:30.320 --> 00:56:30.640 around 00:56:30.640 --> 00:56:31.060 half a 00:56:31.060 --> 00:56:31.240 mile 00:56:31.240 --> 00:56:31.500 away 00:56:31.500 --> 00:56:31.980 you'll 00:56:31.980 --> 00:56:32.120 find 00:56:32.120 --> 00:56:32.240 the 00:56:32.240 --> 00:56:32.519 letters 00:56:32.519 --> 00:56:33.100 GW 00:56:33.100 --> 00:56:34.260 on 00:56:34.260 --> 00:56:34.440 the 00:56:34.440 --> 00:56:34.800 pavement 00:56:34.800 --> 00:56:35.460 opposite 00:56:35.460 --> 00:56:35.660 where 00:56:35.660 --> 00:56:35.800 the 00:56:35.800 --> 00:56:36.180 castle 00:56:36.180 --> 00:56:36.900 stood 00:56:36.900 --> 00:56:37.320 which 00:56:37.320 --> 00:56:37.620 marks 00:56:37.620 --> 00:56:37.760 the 00:56:37.760 --> 00:56:38.019 spot 00:56:38.019 --> 00:56:38.200 where 00:56:38.200 --> 00:56:38.539 George 00:56:38.539 --> 00:56:39.039 Wishart 00:56:39.039 --> 00:56:40.000 was 00:56:40.000 --> 00:56:40.280 also 00:56:40.280 --> 00:56:40.600 burned 00:56:40.600 --> 00:56:40.840 at the 00:56:40.840 --> 00:56:41.220 stake 00:56:41.219 --> 00:56:42.379 for his 00:56:42.379 --> 00:56:43.359 adherence 00:56:43.359 --> 00:56:44.480 to the 00:56:44.480 --> 00:56:44.859 gospel 00:56:44.859 --> 00:56:45.579 of Jesus 00:56:45.579 --> 00:56:46.179 Christ 00:56:46.179 --> 00:56:46.959 Patrick 00:56:46.959 --> 00:56:47.379 Hamilton 00:56:47.379 --> 00:56:47.859 George 00:56:47.859 --> 00:56:48.259 Wishart 00:56:48.259 --> 00:56:48.579 they are 00:56:48.579 --> 00:56:50.159 part of the 00:56:50.159 --> 00:56:50.719 DNA 00:56:50.719 --> 00:56:51.619 of who we 00:56:51.619 --> 00:56:52.059 are and 00:56:52.059 --> 00:56:52.500 what we 00:56:52.500 --> 00:56:53.039 believe 00:56:53.039 --> 00:56:53.819 we give 00:56:53.819 --> 00:56:54.239 thanks to 00:56:54.239 --> 00:56:54.639 God that 00:56:54.639 --> 00:56:55.319 we don't 00:56:55.319 --> 00:56:55.980 face the 00:56:55.980 --> 00:56:56.719 circumstance 00:56:56.719 --> 00:56:57.539 providence 00:56:57.539 --> 00:56:57.559 and providence 00:56:57.559 --> 00:56:57.759 that 00:56:57.759 --> 00:56:58.039 face 00:56:58.039 --> 00:56:58.359 them 00:56:58.359 --> 00:56:59.779 to deny 00:56:59.779 --> 00:57:00.199 Christ 00:57:00.199 --> 00:57:00.439 or be 00:57:00.439 --> 00:57:00.699 burnt 00:57:00.699 --> 00:57:01.319 alive 00:57:01.319 --> 00:57:02.599 and let 00:57:02.599 --> 00:57:02.859 their 00:57:02.859 --> 00:57:04.039 records 00:57:04.039 --> 00:57:04.259 their 00:57:04.259 --> 00:57:05.079 initials 00:57:05.079 --> 00:57:05.799 PH and 00:57:05.799 --> 00:57:06.219 GW 00:57:06.219 --> 00:57:07.059 stand as 00:57:07.059 --> 00:57:07.480 a 00:57:07.480 --> 00:57:08.599 monument 00:57:08.599 --> 00:57:09.199 to their 00:57:09.199 --> 00:57:10.079 faithfulness 00:57:10.079 --> 00:57:11.139 of what 00:57:11.139 --> 00:57:11.799 God called 00:57:11.799 --> 00:57:12.179 them to 00:57:12.179 --> 00:57:12.439 do 00:57:12.439 --> 00:57:12.719 and in 00:57:12.719 --> 00:57:12.879 their 00:57:12.879 --> 00:57:13.179 humble 00:57:13.179 --> 00:57:13.819 awareness 00:57:13.819 --> 00:57:14.699 they in 00:57:14.699 --> 00:57:15.219 their way 00:57:15.219 --> 00:57:16.219 never give 00:57:16.219 --> 00:57:16.459 up 00:57:16.459 --> 00:57:17.739 their belief 00:57:17.739 --> 00:57:18.259 that he 00:57:18.259 --> 00:57:18.939 is 00:57:18.939 --> 00:57:19.519 able 00:57:19.519 --> 00:57:21.419 so let's 00:57:21.419 --> 00:57:21.719 just think 00:57:21.719 --> 00:57:22.019 of one 00:57:22.019 --> 00:57:22.739 last thing 00:57:22.739 --> 00:57:23.980 one last 00:57:23.980 --> 00:57:24.379 thing this 00:57:24.379 --> 00:57:24.619 evening 00:57:24.619 --> 00:57:25.099 that comes 00:57:25.099 --> 00:57:26.039 through this 00:57:26.039 --> 00:57:26.460 verse 00:57:26.460 --> 00:57:27.839 Paul has 00:57:27.839 --> 00:57:28.339 said I am 00:57:28.339 --> 00:57:28.980 not ashamed 00:57:28.980 --> 00:57:30.019 for I know 00:57:30.019 --> 00:57:30.559 whom I have 00:57:30.559 --> 00:57:31.019 believed 00:57:31.019 --> 00:57:31.860 I am 00:57:31.860 --> 00:57:32.619 convinced he 00:57:32.619 --> 00:57:33.059 is able 00:57:33.059 --> 00:57:34.199 to guard 00:57:34.199 --> 00:57:35.000 until that 00:57:35.000 --> 00:57:35.420 day 00:57:35.420 --> 00:57:36.259 what has 00:57:36.259 --> 00:57:36.819 been entrusted 00:57:36.819 --> 00:57:37.299 to me 00:57:37.299 --> 00:57:38.440 just think 00:57:38.440 --> 00:57:38.880 in closing 00:57:38.880 --> 00:57:39.319 about that 00:57:39.319 --> 00:57:39.759 phrase 00:57:39.759 --> 00:57:40.599 that 00:57:40.599 --> 00:57:41.759 day 00:57:41.759 --> 00:57:44.239 because here 00:57:44.239 --> 00:57:45.099 fourthly 00:57:45.099 --> 00:57:45.619 finally 00:57:45.619 --> 00:57:46.920 there is 00:57:46.920 --> 00:57:47.559 great 00:57:47.559 --> 00:57:48.579 anticipation 00:57:48.579 --> 00:57:50.019 great 00:57:50.019 --> 00:57:50.699 anticipation 00:57:50.699 --> 00:57:51.759 but he's 00:57:51.759 --> 00:57:52.440 in chains 00:57:52.440 --> 00:57:53.420 he's facing 00:57:53.420 --> 00:57:53.940 death 00:57:53.940 --> 00:57:54.780 what's 00:57:54.780 --> 00:57:55.000 he got 00:57:55.000 --> 00:57:55.159 to 00:57:55.159 --> 00:57:55.619 anticipate 00:57:55.619 --> 00:57:57.240 a new 00:57:57.240 --> 00:57:57.619 beginning 00:57:57.619 --> 00:57:59.159 the time 00:57:59.159 --> 00:57:59.460 of his 00:57:59.460 --> 00:58:00.400 departure 00:58:00.400 --> 00:58:01.639 has come 00:58:01.639 --> 00:58:02.679 I have 00:58:02.679 --> 00:58:03.039 fought the 00:58:03.039 --> 00:58:03.480 good fight 00:58:03.480 --> 00:58:03.760 I have 00:58:03.760 --> 00:58:04.039 finished 00:58:04.039 --> 00:58:04.539 the race 00:58:04.539 --> 00:58:05.039 there is 00:58:05.039 --> 00:58:05.639 henceforth 00:58:05.639 --> 00:58:06.059 laid up 00:58:06.059 --> 00:58:06.420 for me 00:58:06.420 --> 00:58:07.179 a crown 00:58:07.179 --> 00:58:07.420 of 00:58:07.420 --> 00:58:08.099 righteousness 00:58:08.099 --> 00:58:09.880 as he 00:58:09.880 --> 00:58:10.280 goes on 00:58:10.280 --> 00:58:11.139 to say 00:58:11.139 --> 00:58:11.900 three times 00:58:11.900 --> 00:58:12.360 you find 00:58:12.360 --> 00:58:12.880 him in 00:58:12.880 --> 00:58:13.139 verses 00:58:13.139 --> 00:58:14.059 12 00:58:14.059 --> 00:58:14.559 18 00:58:14.559 --> 00:58:15.519 and then 00:58:15.519 --> 00:58:15.800 again 00:58:15.800 --> 00:58:16.380 chapter 4 00:58:16.380 --> 00:58:16.639 in verse 00:58:16.639 --> 00:58:17.000 8 he 00:58:17.000 --> 00:58:17.780 refers to 00:58:17.780 --> 00:58:18.559 that day 00:58:18.559 --> 00:58:19.880 what day 00:58:19.880 --> 00:58:21.500 the day 00:58:21.500 --> 00:58:22.260 when time 00:58:22.260 --> 00:58:22.659 will come 00:58:22.659 --> 00:58:22.980 to an 00:58:22.980 --> 00:58:23.259 end 00:58:23.259 --> 00:58:24.259 the day 00:58:24.259 --> 00:58:24.819 when time 00:58:24.819 --> 00:58:25.440 will cease 00:58:25.440 --> 00:58:27.099 and eternity 00:58:27.099 --> 00:58:28.159 is ushered 00:58:28.159 --> 00:58:28.440 in 00:58:28.440 --> 00:58:29.879 that's where 00:58:29.879 --> 00:58:30.359 his focus 00:58:30.359 --> 00:58:30.799 is 00:58:30.799 --> 00:58:31.559 he's looking 00:58:31.559 --> 00:58:32.039 forward 00:58:32.039 --> 00:58:33.460 he's anticipating 00:58:33.460 --> 00:58:34.619 that day 00:58:34.619 --> 00:58:36.199 Paul had 00:58:36.199 --> 00:58:36.940 played an 00:58:36.940 --> 00:58:38.000 exceptional role 00:58:38.000 --> 00:58:38.420 in the work 00:58:38.420 --> 00:58:38.980 of the gospel 00:58:38.980 --> 00:58:39.480 he had been 00:58:39.480 --> 00:58:40.259 a foundation 00:58:40.259 --> 00:58:41.059 stone 00:58:41.059 --> 00:58:41.879 in the spread 00:58:41.879 --> 00:58:42.460 of the gospel 00:58:42.460 --> 00:58:43.259 into the 00:58:43.259 --> 00:58:44.059 non-jewish 00:58:44.059 --> 00:58:44.559 nations 00:58:44.559 --> 00:58:44.879 he had 00:58:44.879 --> 00:58:45.519 planted 00:58:45.519 --> 00:58:46.099 churches 00:58:46.099 --> 00:58:47.059 all around 00:58:47.059 --> 00:58:47.839 south-west 00:58:47.839 --> 00:58:48.399 turkey 00:58:48.399 --> 00:58:49.179 into 00:58:49.179 --> 00:58:50.179 Macedonia 00:58:50.179 --> 00:58:51.319 and southern 00:58:51.319 --> 00:58:51.919 greece 00:58:51.919 --> 00:58:52.659 he had 00:58:52.659 --> 00:58:53.199 preached 00:58:53.199 --> 00:58:53.799 the gospel 00:58:53.799 --> 00:58:54.739 in cyprus 00:58:54.739 --> 00:58:55.419 he had 00:58:55.419 --> 00:58:56.179 gone round 00:58:56.179 --> 00:58:56.879 the then 00:58:56.879 --> 00:58:58.019 known world 00:58:58.019 --> 00:58:59.079 from Antioch 00:58:59.079 --> 00:58:59.659 to Jerusalem 00:58:59.659 --> 00:59:00.679 and declared 00:59:00.679 --> 00:59:01.480 the good news 00:59:01.480 --> 00:59:02.000 of Jesus 00:59:02.000 --> 00:59:02.519 Christ 00:59:02.519 --> 00:59:03.199 but he knew 00:59:03.199 --> 00:59:04.019 eventually 00:59:04.019 --> 00:59:04.639 inexorably 00:59:04.639 --> 00:59:05.719 time will be 00:59:05.719 --> 00:59:06.359 no more 00:59:06.359 --> 00:59:07.179 he knew 00:59:07.179 --> 00:59:07.799 that none 00:59:07.799 --> 00:59:08.239 of us 00:59:08.239 --> 00:59:08.980 have forever 00:59:08.980 --> 00:59:10.159 none of us 00:59:10.159 --> 00:59:12.980 the god of wonders 00:59:12.980 --> 00:59:13.460 through whom 00:59:13.460 --> 00:59:13.799 the world 00:59:13.799 --> 00:59:14.619 came into being 00:59:14.619 --> 00:59:15.579 at one point 00:59:15.579 --> 00:59:16.299 will announce 00:59:16.299 --> 00:59:17.779 the end of time 00:59:17.780 --> 00:59:18.300 as we know 00:59:18.300 --> 00:59:18.580 it 00:59:18.580 --> 00:59:19.940 and that 00:59:19.940 --> 00:59:20.320 will be 00:59:20.320 --> 00:59:20.720 on 00:59:20.720 --> 00:59:22.400 that day 00:59:22.400 --> 00:59:25.519 so Paul 00:59:25.519 --> 00:59:25.980 turns to 00:59:25.980 --> 00:59:26.580 that day 00:59:26.580 --> 00:59:28.300 speaks 00:59:28.300 --> 00:59:29.400 in other 00:59:29.400 --> 00:59:29.760 letters 00:59:29.760 --> 00:59:30.720 of the day 00:59:30.720 --> 00:59:31.500 of judgment 00:59:31.500 --> 00:59:32.640 and an 00:59:32.640 --> 00:59:33.160 account being 00:59:33.160 --> 00:59:33.500 taken 00:59:33.500 --> 00:59:34.100 he speaks 00:59:34.100 --> 00:59:34.860 of books 00:59:34.860 --> 00:59:35.460 being opened 00:59:35.460 --> 00:59:36.360 and all 00:59:36.360 --> 00:59:37.380 being held 00:59:37.380 --> 00:59:38.660 to account 00:59:38.660 --> 00:59:39.940 that's the 00:59:39.940 --> 00:59:40.640 truth of the 00:59:40.640 --> 00:59:41.060 gospel 00:59:41.060 --> 00:59:41.460 and it's 00:59:41.460 --> 00:59:41.860 wonderful 00:59:41.860 --> 00:59:42.860 that the 00:59:42.860 --> 00:59:43.500 gospel doesn't 00:59:43.500 --> 00:59:44.240 hide from 00:59:44.240 --> 00:59:45.100 these things 00:59:45.100 --> 00:59:46.040 and neither 00:59:46.040 --> 00:59:46.620 must we 00:59:46.619 --> 00:59:48.219 we must 00:59:48.219 --> 00:59:48.719 gently 00:59:48.719 --> 00:59:49.779 and persuasively 00:59:49.779 --> 00:59:50.219 and often 00:59:50.219 --> 00:59:51.019 as we can 00:59:51.019 --> 00:59:52.219 with patience 00:59:52.219 --> 00:59:52.920 and love 00:59:52.920 --> 00:59:54.619 speak the 00:59:54.619 --> 00:59:55.319 truth 00:59:55.319 --> 00:59:57.199 in righteousness 00:59:57.199 --> 00:59:57.719 we must 00:59:57.719 --> 00:59:58.159 speak the 00:59:58.159 --> 00:59:58.579 truth 00:59:58.579 --> 01:00:00.460 there was a 01:00:00.460 --> 01:00:01.719 incident back 01:00:01.719 --> 01:00:02.319 in the 80s 01:00:02.319 --> 01:00:02.619 when 01:00:02.619 --> 01:00:04.460 Brezhnev 01:00:04.460 --> 01:00:05.159 the Russian 01:00:05.159 --> 01:00:07.380 president I guess 01:00:07.380 --> 01:00:07.900 he was at the 01:00:07.900 --> 01:00:08.219 time of the 01:00:08.219 --> 01:00:08.759 old USSR 01:00:08.759 --> 01:00:09.460 he died 01:00:09.460 --> 01:00:10.299 and in a 01:00:10.299 --> 01:00:11.199 state controlled 01:00:11.199 --> 01:00:12.440 effort to keep 01:00:12.440 --> 01:00:13.079 the news from 01:00:13.079 --> 01:00:13.639 getting out 01:00:13.639 --> 01:00:14.859 the moment he 01:00:14.859 --> 01:00:15.400 died 01:00:15.400 --> 01:00:16.240 he switched 01:00:16.240 --> 01:00:17.340 every TZV 01:00:17.340 --> 01:00:18.240 station in 01:00:18.240 --> 01:00:18.800 the USSR 01:00:18.800 --> 01:00:19.760 to the same 01:00:19.760 --> 01:00:20.260 program 01:00:20.260 --> 01:00:21.880 every channel 01:00:21.880 --> 01:00:23.099 available was 01:00:23.099 --> 01:00:23.760 playing Swan 01:00:23.760 --> 01:00:24.039 Lake 01:00:24.039 --> 01:00:25.420 so in an 01:00:25.420 --> 01:00:25.920 instant 01:00:25.920 --> 01:00:27.200 everyone in 01:00:27.200 --> 01:00:27.960 Russia knew 01:00:27.960 --> 01:00:28.619 something was 01:00:28.619 --> 01:00:28.880 up 01:00:28.880 --> 01:00:29.680 something was 01:00:29.680 --> 01:00:30.099 going on 01:00:30.099 --> 01:00:30.539 something was 01:00:30.539 --> 01:00:31.039 going down 01:00:31.039 --> 01:00:31.840 and the 01:00:31.840 --> 01:00:32.260 state was 01:00:32.260 --> 01:00:32.840 trying to 01:00:32.840 --> 01:00:33.280 keep it 01:00:33.280 --> 01:00:33.960 in and 01:00:33.960 --> 01:00:34.220 hidden 01:00:34.220 --> 01:00:34.539 and to 01:00:34.539 --> 01:00:35.000 themselves 01:00:35.000 --> 01:00:36.900 and years 01:00:36.900 --> 01:00:37.760 since then 01:00:37.760 --> 01:00:39.260 a commentator 01:00:39.260 --> 01:00:40.119 on Russian 01:00:40.119 --> 01:00:41.119 affairs said 01:00:41.119 --> 01:00:42.220 in the Soviet 01:00:42.220 --> 01:00:43.260 Union the 01:00:43.260 --> 01:00:44.059 relationship with 01:00:44.059 --> 01:00:44.639 the truth 01:00:44.639 --> 01:00:46.259 was complicated 01:00:46.259 --> 01:00:47.980 complicated 01:00:47.980 --> 01:00:50.199 sometimes 01:00:50.199 --> 01:00:51.759 if we're 01:00:51.759 --> 01:00:52.139 honest 01:00:52.139 --> 01:00:53.980 we would be 01:00:53.980 --> 01:00:54.420 guilty 01:00:54.420 --> 01:00:56.259 as charged 01:00:56.259 --> 01:00:58.639 of something 01:00:58.639 --> 01:00:59.259 similar 01:00:59.259 --> 01:01:01.320 if we are 01:01:01.320 --> 01:01:02.199 not sharing 01:01:02.199 --> 01:01:03.380 the whole 01:01:03.380 --> 01:01:04.059 counsel of 01:01:04.059 --> 01:01:04.940 God and 01:01:04.940 --> 01:01:05.340 the truth 01:01:05.340 --> 01:01:05.599 of the 01:01:05.599 --> 01:01:06.759 gospel with 01:01:06.759 --> 01:01:08.019 those around 01:01:08.019 --> 01:01:08.480 us 01:01:08.480 --> 01:01:09.159 which is why 01:01:09.159 --> 01:01:10.219 we have twice 01:01:10.219 --> 01:01:10.960 in chapter 1 01:01:10.960 --> 01:01:11.619 this phrase 01:01:11.619 --> 01:01:12.339 do not be 01:01:12.339 --> 01:01:12.900 ashamed 01:01:12.900 --> 01:01:14.339 don't be 01:01:14.339 --> 01:01:14.960 ashamed 01:01:14.960 --> 01:01:16.139 and don't 01:01:16.139 --> 01:01:17.239 allow your 01:01:17.239 --> 01:01:17.859 relationship with 01:01:17.859 --> 01:01:18.400 the truth to 01:01:18.400 --> 01:01:19.339 become complicated 01:01:19.339 --> 01:01:22.059 don't avoid 01:01:22.059 --> 01:01:23.079 telling people 01:01:23.079 --> 01:01:23.519 what they need 01:01:23.519 --> 01:01:23.880 to know 01:01:23.880 --> 01:01:24.659 most of all 01:01:24.659 --> 01:01:26.099 to be ready 01:01:26.099 --> 01:01:27.159 for that 01:01:27.159 --> 01:01:27.519 day 01:01:27.519 --> 01:01:29.539 four qualities 01:01:29.539 --> 01:01:30.219 then stand 01:01:30.219 --> 01:01:31.599 out in this 01:01:31.599 --> 01:01:32.500 incredible letter 01:01:32.500 --> 01:01:33.000 and in these 01:01:33.000 --> 01:01:33.319 verses 01:01:33.319 --> 01:01:34.819 we have a 01:01:34.819 --> 01:01:35.679 burning conviction 01:01:35.679 --> 01:01:37.699 a crucial 01:01:37.699 --> 01:01:38.440 confidence 01:01:38.440 --> 01:01:39.619 a humble 01:01:39.619 --> 01:01:40.240 awareness 01:01:40.240 --> 01:01:41.340 and a 01:01:41.340 --> 01:01:41.820 great 01:01:41.820 --> 01:01:42.679 anticipation 01:01:42.679 --> 01:01:44.519 and I think 01:01:44.519 --> 01:01:45.519 Christian friends 01:01:45.519 --> 01:01:46.960 we should find 01:01:46.960 --> 01:01:47.700 all these 01:01:47.700 --> 01:01:48.280 qualities 01:01:48.280 --> 01:01:49.659 in our hearts 01:01:49.659 --> 01:01:50.320 as we gather 01:01:50.320 --> 01:01:50.980 tomorrow at the 01:01:50.980 --> 01:01:51.579 Lord's table 01:01:51.579 --> 01:01:53.800 we gather 01:01:53.800 --> 01:01:55.039 with a burning 01:01:55.039 --> 01:01:55.599 conviction 01:01:55.599 --> 01:01:57.700 I know 01:01:57.700 --> 01:01:58.720 whom I have 01:01:58.720 --> 01:01:59.720 believed 01:01:59.720 --> 01:02:01.599 and that burning 01:02:01.599 --> 01:02:02.240 conviction 01:02:02.240 --> 01:02:04.559 draws us 01:02:04.559 --> 01:02:06.079 with a crucial 01:02:06.079 --> 01:02:06.779 confidence 01:02:06.779 --> 01:02:08.279 to his 01:02:08.279 --> 01:02:08.659 table 01:02:08.659 --> 01:02:10.799 and we sit 01:02:10.799 --> 01:02:11.199 there 01:02:11.199 --> 01:02:12.480 in humble 01:02:12.480 --> 01:02:13.179 awareness 01:02:13.179 --> 01:02:14.900 that he is 01:02:14.900 --> 01:02:15.199 able 01:02:15.199 --> 01:02:17.619 and we eat 01:02:17.619 --> 01:02:18.019 and we drink 01:02:18.019 --> 01:02:18.579 together 01:02:18.579 --> 01:02:19.799 the great 01:02:19.799 --> 01:02:20.519 anticipation 01:02:20.519 --> 01:02:22.719 of receiving 01:02:22.719 --> 01:02:23.699 his grace 01:02:23.699 --> 01:02:24.799 in a special 01:02:24.799 --> 01:02:25.579 measure 01:02:25.579 --> 01:02:26.420 the same 01:02:26.420 --> 01:02:26.940 grace 01:02:26.940 --> 01:02:28.519 but in a 01:02:28.519 --> 01:02:29.159 special way 01:02:29.159 --> 01:02:30.420 we remember 01:02:30.420 --> 01:02:30.980 the body 01:02:30.980 --> 01:02:31.500 and blood 01:02:31.500 --> 01:02:32.659 we remember 01:02:32.659 --> 01:02:33.380 the cost 01:02:33.380 --> 01:02:33.840 of our 01:02:33.840 --> 01:02:34.380 salvation 01:02:34.380 --> 01:02:35.660 we remember 01:02:35.660 --> 01:02:36.340 our saviour 01:02:36.340 --> 01:02:37.000 we do so 01:02:37.000 --> 01:02:37.500 humbly 01:02:37.500 --> 01:02:39.320 and obediently 01:02:39.320 --> 01:02:40.840 do this 01:02:40.840 --> 01:02:42.420 in remembrance 01:02:42.420 --> 01:02:44.160 of me 01:02:44.160 --> 01:02:45.740 let me finish 01:02:45.740 --> 01:02:46.380 with the words 01:02:46.380 --> 01:02:47.320 of Daniel 01:02:47.320 --> 01:02:47.860 Whittle's 01:02:47.860 --> 01:02:48.420 hymn 01:02:48.420 --> 01:02:49.579 I know 01:02:49.579 --> 01:02:50.240 not why 01:02:50.240 --> 01:02:50.880 God's 01:02:50.880 --> 01:02:51.320 wondrous 01:02:51.320 --> 01:02:51.860 grace 01:02:51.860 --> 01:02:52.920 to me 01:02:52.920 --> 01:02:53.480 he has 01:02:53.480 --> 01:02:54.200 made known 01:02:54.200 --> 01:02:55.280 nor why 01:02:55.280 --> 01:02:56.539 unworthy 01:02:56.539 --> 01:02:57.460 Christ 01:02:57.460 --> 01:02:58.660 in love 01:02:58.660 --> 01:02:59.740 redeemed 01:02:59.740 --> 01:03:00.059 me 01:03:00.059 --> 01:03:01.320 for his 01:03:01.320 --> 01:03:01.599 own 01:03:01.599 --> 01:03:03.420 but I 01:03:03.420 --> 01:03:03.799 know 01:03:03.799 --> 01:03:05.159 whom I 01:03:05.159 --> 01:03:05.319 have 01:03:05.319 --> 01:03:05.779 believed 01:03:05.779 --> 01:03:06.980 let's pray 01:03:06.980 --> 01:03:07.239 for a 01:03:07.239 --> 01:03:07.420 moment 01:03:07.420 --> 01:03:07.819 together 01:03:07.819 --> 01:03:09.679 Lord our 01:03:09.679 --> 01:03:10.380 God we 01:03:10.380 --> 01:03:11.199 bless and 01:03:11.199 --> 01:03:11.739 praise you 01:03:11.739 --> 01:03:12.019 for the 01:03:12.019 --> 01:03:12.380 wonder of 01:03:12.380 --> 01:03:12.940 the gospel 01:03:12.940 --> 01:03:13.319 for the 01:03:13.319 --> 01:03:13.960 invitation 01:03:13.960 --> 01:03:14.920 and summons 01:03:14.920 --> 01:03:16.639 that comes 01:03:16.639 --> 01:03:17.739 from Christ 01:03:17.739 --> 01:03:18.559 to sinners 01:03:18.559 --> 01:03:20.179 come to 01:03:20.179 --> 01:03:20.639 me 01:03:20.639 --> 01:03:22.400 Lord part us 01:03:22.400 --> 01:03:22.679 with your 01:03:22.679 --> 01:03:23.400 blessing this 01:03:23.400 --> 01:03:23.719 evening 01:03:23.719 --> 01:03:24.679 and may we 01:03:24.679 --> 01:03:25.199 go from 01:03:25.199 --> 01:03:26.099 here conscious 01:03:26.099 --> 01:03:27.500 of these 01:03:27.500 --> 01:03:28.420 qualities in 01:03:28.420 --> 01:03:29.279 our hearts 01:03:29.280 --> 01:03:30.480 that tomorrow 01:03:30.480 --> 01:03:30.920 we would 01:03:30.920 --> 01:03:31.460 come in 01:03:31.460 --> 01:03:32.040 simple 01:03:32.040 --> 01:03:32.660 obedience 01:03:32.660 --> 01:03:34.040 and gather 01:03:34.040 --> 01:03:34.620 there in 01:03:34.620 --> 01:03:35.440 anticipation 01:03:35.440 --> 01:03:37.100 with conviction 01:03:37.100 --> 01:03:38.040 and clarity 01:03:38.040 --> 01:03:39.380 of thought 01:03:39.380 --> 01:03:41.420 in confidence 01:03:41.420 --> 01:03:42.320 and humble 01:03:42.320 --> 01:03:43.000 awareness 01:03:43.000 --> 01:03:44.260 that we 01:03:44.260 --> 01:03:44.820 remember the 01:03:44.820 --> 01:03:45.500 death of our 01:03:45.500 --> 01:03:46.100 Lord till he 01:03:46.100 --> 01:03:46.860 come again 01:03:46.860 --> 01:03:48.320 bless Lord your 01:03:48.320 --> 01:03:49.220 gospel to our 01:03:49.220 --> 01:03:50.160 hearts we pray 01:03:50.160 --> 01:03:51.640 in Jesus name 01:03:51.640 --> 01:03:52.360 Amen 01:03:52.360 --> 01:04:01.780 we'll close our 01:04:01.780 --> 01:04:02.440 service this 01:04:02.440 --> 01:04:03.440 evening and 01:04:03.440 --> 01:04:04.120 we'll turn to 01:04:04.120 --> 01:04:05.700 Psalm 36 and 01:04:05.700 --> 01:04:06.599 sing Psalms 01:04:06.599 --> 01:04:08.220 Psalm 36 01:04:08.220 --> 01:04:09.760 singing from 01:04:09.760 --> 01:04:10.860 verse 5 01:04:10.860 --> 01:04:12.700 page 44 01:04:12.700 --> 01:04:13.820 in our blue 01:04:13.820 --> 01:04:14.559 psalm books 01:04:14.559 --> 01:04:18.559 Psalm 36 01:04:18.559 --> 01:04:19.320 singing from 01:04:19.320 --> 01:04:20.079 verse 5 01:04:20.079 --> 01:04:21.460 your steadfast 01:04:21.460 --> 01:04:22.460 love is great 01:04:22.460 --> 01:04:23.039 O Lord 01:04:23.039 --> 01:04:24.099 it reaches 01:04:24.099 --> 01:04:24.860 heaven high 01:04:24.860 --> 01:04:26.199 your faithfulness 01:04:26.199 --> 01:04:26.819 is wonderful 01:04:26.819 --> 01:04:27.699 extending to 01:04:27.699 --> 01:04:28.219 the sky 01:04:28.219 --> 01:04:29.380 your righteousness 01:04:29.380 --> 01:04:30.279 is very great 01:04:30.279 --> 01:04:31.400 like mountains 01:04:31.400 --> 01:04:32.299 high and steep 01:04:32.299 --> 01:04:33.099 your justice 01:04:33.099 --> 01:04:34.599 is like ocean 01:04:34.599 --> 01:04:35.579 depths both 01:04:35.579 --> 01:04:36.440 man and beast 01:04:36.440 --> 01:04:37.420 you keep 01:04:37.420 --> 01:04:38.360 Psalm 36 01:04:38.360 --> 01:04:39.360 we'll sing from 01:04:39.360 --> 01:04:40.079 verse 5 to 01:04:40.079 --> 01:04:41.139 9 to the tune 01:04:41.139 --> 01:04:42.460 Land of Rest 01:04:42.460 --> 01:04:49.780 your steadfast 01:04:49.780 --> 01:04:53.240 love is great 01:04:53.240 --> 01:04:55.240 O Lord 01:04:55.240 --> 01:04:57.840 it reaches 01:04:57.840 --> 01:05:02.079 heaven high 01:05:02.079 --> 01:05:06.840 your faithfulness 01:05:06.840 --> 01:05:08.840 is wonderful 01:05:08.840 --> 01:05:10.220 your righteousness 01:05:10.220 --> 01:05:12.220 is wonderful 01:05:12.220 --> 01:05:13.220 and standing 01:05:13.220 --> 01:05:16.220 to the sky 01:05:16.220 --> 01:05:21.220 your righteousness 01:05:21.220 --> 01:05:27.220 is very big 01:05:27.220 --> 01:05:30.220 like mountains 01:05:30.220 --> 01:05:33.220 high on sea 01:05:33.219 --> 01:05:37.599 your righteousness 01:05:37.599 --> 01:05:40.599 is like ocean 01:05:40.599 --> 01:05:42.599 that's 01:05:42.599 --> 01:05:44.599 O Father 01:05:44.599 --> 01:05:46.599 and peace 01:05:46.599 --> 01:05:48.599 to be 01:05:48.599 --> 01:05:52.599 I precious 01:05:52.599 --> 01:05:56.599 is your steadfast 01:05:56.599 --> 01:05:58.599 love 01:05:58.599 --> 01:06:01.980 what confidence 01:06:01.980 --> 01:06:05.980 it brings 01:06:05.980 --> 01:06:06.980 O 01:06:06.980 --> 01:06:07.980 thy 01:06:07.980 --> 01:06:08.980 aloof 01:06:08.980 --> 01:06:11.980 and shelter 01:06:11.980 --> 01:06:13.980 in 01:06:13.980 --> 01:06:14.980 the 01:06:14.980 --> 01:06:15.980 shadow 01:06:15.980 --> 01:06:17.980 of 01:06:17.980 --> 01:06:19.039 your 01:06:19.039 --> 01:06:21.980 wings 01:06:21.980 --> 01:06:22.980 the 01:06:22.980 --> 01:06:23.980 peace 01:06:24.519 --> 01:06:24.980 within 01:06:24.980 --> 01:06:26.980 your 01:06:26.980 --> 01:06:28.599 hearts 01:06:28.599 --> 01:06:29.320 and 01:06:29.320 --> 01:06:30.380 drink 01:06:30.380 --> 01:06:31.300 from 01:06:31.300 --> 01:06:32.619 streams 01:06:32.619 --> 01:06:33.360 of 01:06:33.360 --> 01:06:34.460 your 01:06:34.460 --> 01:06:36.159 delight 01:06:36.159 --> 01:06:38.559 for 01:06:38.559 --> 01:06:39.940 when 01:06:39.940 --> 01:06:40.679 you 01:06:40.679 --> 01:06:41.900 is 01:06:41.900 --> 01:06:42.539 the 01:06:42.539 --> 01:06:43.780 source 01:06:43.780 --> 01:06:44.579 of 01:06:44.579 --> 01:06:45.619 life 01:06:45.619 --> 01:06:46.579 in 01:06:46.579 --> 01:06:47.679 your 01:06:47.679 --> 01:06:48.559 might 01:06:48.559 --> 01:06:49.300 we 01:06:49.300 --> 01:06:50.519 see 01:06:50.519 --> 01:06:51.760 light 01:06:51.760 --> 01:06:54.719 if you 01:06:54.719 --> 01:06:55.099 give me a 01:06:55.099 --> 01:06:55.800 moment to reach 01:06:55.800 --> 01:06:56.480 the door before 01:06:56.480 --> 01:06:56.860 leaving 01:06:56.860 --> 01:06:57.660 peace this evening 01:06:57.660 --> 01:06:58.760 let us pray together 01:06:58.760 --> 01:07:01.200 the blessing of God 01:07:01.200 --> 01:07:01.740 almighty 01:07:01.740 --> 01:07:03.039 father son 01:07:03.039 --> 01:07:04.140 and holy spirit 01:07:04.140 --> 01:07:05.180 rest on you 01:07:05.180 --> 01:07:06.160 and be with you now 01:07:06.160 --> 01:07:06.860 and those 01:07:06.860 --> 01:07:07.780 whom you love 01:07:07.780 --> 01:07:09.039 forever and ever 01:07:09.039 --> 01:07:09.940 amen 01:07:26.860 --> 01:07:35.760 een 01:07:35.780 --> 01:07:36.660 men 01:07:36.700 --> 01:07:37.680 нее 01:07:37.780 --> 01:07:37.940 you