WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.660 Good morning, my name's Tim. I'm one of the interns here, just in case you don't know me. 00:00:06.419 --> 00:00:11.960 And I have the great privilege and the terrifying prospect of opening the word to you this morning. 00:00:12.500 --> 00:00:18.740 Before we get there, I wonder if we could have a thought about what makes a good friend. 00:00:20.019 --> 00:00:24.740 I have seldom few, so I decided to consult Google during this week. 00:00:24.920 --> 00:00:29.679 And here are some of the results that I found. 00:00:30.839 --> 00:00:40.079 They are to be honest and trustworthy people, dependable and supportive, generous and optimistic. 00:00:41.519 --> 00:00:48.219 One site said that they should support you no matter what, that they should never judge you, 00:00:48.879 --> 00:00:52.340 but that they would tell you the truth even when it was hard. 00:00:52.340 --> 00:00:57.679 At this point, I concluded that being a friend was a rather hard job. 00:00:57.679 --> 00:01:04.700 Loyalty came up a lot in the results, as did enjoying their company. 00:01:05.680 --> 00:01:14.120 And surprisingly often, the idea of crying when you cry came up as a positive for a friend. 00:01:14.920 --> 00:01:16.760 Better than laughing when you cry, I suppose. 00:01:16.760 --> 00:01:24.700 But there is often a caveat that friendship is a two-way street. 00:01:25.420 --> 00:01:33.040 And if it isn't working out for you, if they're letting you down, if they're holding you back, 00:01:33.540 --> 00:01:36.400 well, it just might not be worth the effort. 00:01:36.400 --> 00:01:44.219 Perhaps, certainly it is foolish to seek advice on friendship from Google. 00:01:44.440 --> 00:01:45.400 Please do not do it. 00:01:46.280 --> 00:01:51.219 But I wonder what you would rank as necessary for a good friend. 00:01:51.219 --> 00:02:02.299 I wonder what you think is the kind of top attribute for someone who is going to live alongside you, 00:02:02.900 --> 00:02:10.360 who is going to help you in life, who you're going to spend time with. 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:16.900 Because our passage this morning, as we've just heard, is a letter from Paul, 00:02:17.580 --> 00:02:24.140 a missionary to some of his friends who formed the church in Philippi. 00:02:25.420 --> 00:02:28.620 These are people that he evidently cares for. 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:34.660 And as we dig into the passage today, I hope that we will see that coming out. 00:02:34.659 --> 00:02:43.359 And so let's pray together just as we come to the word and start to dig in to what God has to say to us this morning. 00:02:44.740 --> 00:02:50.259 Father God, we thank you for the worship that we've been able to share in together. 00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:55.680 We thank you for so many of these great truths about you. 00:02:56.199 --> 00:02:59.819 That you are a worthy God, a sovereign God. 00:03:00.960 --> 00:03:03.280 A God who sits upon the throne. 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:08.599 That you are one who is supreme and sovereign. 00:03:09.759 --> 00:03:12.300 And yet you care for us. 00:03:13.259 --> 00:03:16.219 And yet you work in our lives. 00:03:16.420 --> 00:03:19.879 And yet you humble yourself. 00:03:20.259 --> 00:03:23.819 You condescend even to speak to us. 00:03:25.180 --> 00:03:29.300 And as we dig into this incredible passage this morning, 00:03:29.300 --> 00:03:34.260 we pray that you by your spirit would speak life to us. 00:03:34.820 --> 00:03:39.340 That we would be encouraged and challenged and built up. 00:03:39.880 --> 00:03:45.020 And that we would go from here full of the joy of knowing you. 00:03:46.080 --> 00:03:48.520 And so we pray for these things in Jesus' name. 00:03:49.300 --> 00:03:49.700 Amen. 00:03:49.699 --> 00:03:50.699 Right. 00:03:52.699 --> 00:03:55.959 First of all, Paul's prayer is passionate. 00:03:57.019 --> 00:03:58.699 Paul's prayer is passionate. 00:03:59.419 --> 00:04:02.679 I hope that you see that in the verses that we read already. 00:04:02.739 --> 00:04:05.619 And we should take a wee while just to notice this. 00:04:06.399 --> 00:04:07.959 Paul is incredibly positive. 00:04:08.079 --> 00:04:08.839 Did you notice? 00:04:08.840 --> 00:04:12.319 Despite the situation and everything that's going on. 00:04:12.700 --> 00:04:14.060 Remember back to last week. 00:04:14.319 --> 00:04:16.240 Paul is in prison. 00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:21.079 This isn't Paul on a cushy yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean. 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:25.819 This is Paul writing from the depths of a Roman jail. 00:04:27.180 --> 00:04:29.600 And maybe it's feeling a little bit like deja vu. 00:04:29.600 --> 00:04:35.220 Remember last week we also saw that Paul spent time in a Philippian jail. 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:38.460 But he's still positive. 00:04:39.840 --> 00:04:43.420 He's still praising God. 00:04:43.520 --> 00:04:45.300 He's still thanking God. 00:04:47.300 --> 00:04:49.400 And such a challenge that is to me. 00:04:49.500 --> 00:04:51.580 How can he think this way? 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:54.780 This doesn't make sense. 00:04:54.779 --> 00:04:58.959 But as we see as the letter progresses. 00:04:59.659 --> 00:05:01.419 Perhaps even next week we'll notice. 00:05:01.939 --> 00:05:08.479 That Paul's imprisonment is being used by God to further his gospel message. 00:05:09.539 --> 00:05:13.839 This positivity is clearest in Paul's joy. 00:05:14.559 --> 00:05:17.059 Did you notice it as we read the passage together? 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:21.519 This joy is a recurring theme throughout Philippians. 00:05:21.519 --> 00:05:26.099 And I wonder if that fits with our ideas of who Paul is. 00:05:26.579 --> 00:05:30.219 Quite often he's characterized as some sort of a grouch. 00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:31.620 A bit of a killjoy. 00:05:32.240 --> 00:05:35.599 Always setting down the intellectual challenge. 00:05:35.759 --> 00:05:38.039 But never having much life about him. 00:05:38.319 --> 00:05:40.459 I don't think that's a fair characterization. 00:05:41.639 --> 00:05:44.859 Paul was an advocate of Christian joy. 00:05:45.919 --> 00:05:47.500 And we ought to be joyful people. 00:05:47.500 --> 00:05:51.899 I stand and I look on some of your faces. 00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:54.439 And I wonder if that's true. 00:05:55.480 --> 00:05:57.680 But we should be filled with joy. 00:05:57.980 --> 00:05:58.660 Now be careful. 00:05:58.899 --> 00:06:00.560 Don't misunderstand me. 00:06:01.060 --> 00:06:05.319 I'm not saying that we must be superficially happy all the time. 00:06:06.120 --> 00:06:10.420 I'm in no way advocating that you should come to church. 00:06:10.639 --> 00:06:13.660 Or go through life wearing a mask. 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:19.040 Smiling your way even when you're weeping on the inside. 00:06:19.439 --> 00:06:21.480 No, that is awful. 00:06:22.360 --> 00:06:26.220 We don't need to grin like Cheshire cats 24 hours a day. 00:06:27.580 --> 00:06:31.520 And maybe for you a single smile is hard today. 00:06:32.460 --> 00:06:39.900 Maybe in your circumstances happiness seems a long distance from where you are. 00:06:39.899 --> 00:06:49.379 But a healthy Christian experience is marked by a deep and abiding joy. 00:06:51.159 --> 00:06:53.579 That is rooted in God. 00:06:54.859 --> 00:06:58.359 And that is sure and steadfast. 00:06:58.479 --> 00:07:00.560 Not fleeting with our circumstances. 00:07:00.560 --> 00:07:09.540 This depth of passion is further seen in the way that Paul describes his feelings towards them. 00:07:10.819 --> 00:07:11.959 There were a few phrases. 00:07:12.100 --> 00:07:15.980 Did you notice he says that he has them in his heart? 00:07:17.139 --> 00:07:19.459 That's incredibly intimate language, isn't it? 00:07:19.959 --> 00:07:25.319 He carries these dear Christian brothers and sisters with him. 00:07:26.360 --> 00:07:29.600 Again, don't mistake this as something purely emotional. 00:07:29.600 --> 00:07:34.740 When we read the word feel here, perhaps our English is letting us down a little. 00:07:35.220 --> 00:07:39.980 It means to have a mindset that is worked out into action. 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:48.420 We find the same word in chapter 3 verse 15 where we're encouraged to take the same view as Paul. 00:07:49.020 --> 00:07:53.900 And in chapter 2 verse 2 where we're instructed to be like-minded. 00:07:54.360 --> 00:07:58.500 It's exactly the same word, exactly the same idea behind it. 00:07:58.500 --> 00:08:03.339 And so Paul is thinking and feeling for these people. 00:08:04.120 --> 00:08:08.500 And it's working its way out into his prayers and into his actions. 00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:14.699 We would perhaps say in vernacular, they were on Paul's mind. 00:08:15.579 --> 00:08:18.720 And as one person quipped, not on his nerves. 00:08:19.339 --> 00:08:20.160 I quite like that. 00:08:20.160 --> 00:08:24.160 And notice another phrase that he uses. 00:08:24.300 --> 00:08:27.980 He talks of having the affection of Christ for them. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:32.920 Now, maybe that seems like a small thing. 00:08:33.200 --> 00:08:35.560 But just wonder about that phrase for a moment. 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:40.240 If you're a Christian here today, or even if you're not, 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:47.120 to have the affection that Christ has for some of his people. 00:08:47.860 --> 00:08:55.000 The affection that drove Christ from heaven into this world to live and to die. 00:08:55.860 --> 00:09:01.840 To have that affection, that love, that care for people. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:09.700 I doubt that Paul just penned those words lightly as a wee sign off at the end of his phrase. 00:09:11.920 --> 00:09:16.519 That's incredible passion that Paul is writing with here. 00:09:18.060 --> 00:09:20.960 Paul's also remembering as he prays. 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:25.860 What he's praying and thinking is based on a shared experience. 00:09:26.960 --> 00:09:30.080 And this seems to heighten the passion that Paul has for these people. 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:31.759 It's natural, isn't it? 00:09:33.240 --> 00:09:39.180 We can turn to some of the other letters where Paul is talking to people who he's never met. 00:09:39.379 --> 00:09:40.759 And that's incredible. 00:09:41.300 --> 00:09:49.080 But it stands to sense that here, for these people, he has a special passion. 00:09:49.980 --> 00:09:51.200 A special care. 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:53.100 A special love. 00:09:53.100 --> 00:10:00.600 Because remember, these are the first fruit that he has seen in Europe. 00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:06.060 This is the first little church that he's seen established by his ministry 00:10:06.060 --> 00:10:11.899 in this great continent that we are part of. 00:10:11.899 --> 00:10:19.740 And notice that our little passage opens with Paul thanking God for them. 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:25.959 Despite the problems that we're going to find out about later in our series, 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:33.919 Paul recognizes that both the initial creation and the continued existence of this group in Philippi 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:35.620 was God's work. 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:39.240 Paul had no illusion of grandeur. 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:43.820 He knew that although he was the instrument that God used, 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:48.639 it was God who attracted them to himself. 00:10:51.899 --> 00:10:56.820 A couple of years ago, a young man came to me on a Friday morning. 00:10:56.820 --> 00:11:05.420 I think it was the previous evening that his friend had come and given his life to the Lord. 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:09.420 And now this lad wanted to talk. 00:11:10.200 --> 00:11:12.560 And the butterfly started to go in my stomach. 00:11:12.680 --> 00:11:15.160 Oh dear, what's going to come out now? 00:11:16.180 --> 00:11:19.140 He told me that he wanted to follow Jesus too. 00:11:20.120 --> 00:11:21.400 I was ecstatic. 00:11:21.399 --> 00:11:26.459 But I had this slight worry in the back of my mind. 00:11:28.079 --> 00:11:30.039 Perhaps he just wanted to fit in. 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:32.559 Perhaps he was just following the crowd. 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:35.620 And so we started to talk it through. 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:41.000 We started, I started to probe kind of what he was thinking and where he was coming from. 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:51.340 But as we talked, I was convinced that this young man really, truly wanted to follow Jesus as well. 00:11:51.879 --> 00:11:53.179 And so we prayed together. 00:11:53.940 --> 00:11:58.120 And I left that week on top of the world. 00:11:58.940 --> 00:12:00.899 I was so happy. 00:12:02.779 --> 00:12:08.740 Shortly afterward, one of the organizers of the camp gave me either a phone or a text. 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:16.240 And they said that this young man's parent was making it hard for him. 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:23.279 And through the various circumstances that I was told about, I just lost hope. 00:12:25.180 --> 00:12:26.600 Connections were lost. 00:12:27.500 --> 00:12:30.399 Further contact with this lad seemed impossible. 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:39.319 And to my shame, what few prayers I prayed for him became tokenistic and passionless. 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:49.799 I thought for sure that whatever had happened during that week, whatever had happened during that camp, it would have surely been snuffed out. 00:12:49.799 --> 00:12:58.439 But about a month ago from today, I got a message from that same camp organizer. 00:12:58.440 --> 00:13:08.440 That young man is now 18 and his parent is allowing him to do pretty much whatever he wants. 00:13:09.660 --> 00:13:16.800 And one of the first things he did with his newfound freedom was to get in touch with the camp organizer and say, I want to come back to camp. 00:13:16.799 --> 00:13:24.719 Friends, don't let discouragement stifle your praying for others. 00:13:27.159 --> 00:13:34.959 How many, don't let your cynicism and the circumstances that you see smother your prayers for people. 00:13:36.019 --> 00:13:41.479 How many of us have neighbors and friends and colleagues and family members. 00:13:41.480 --> 00:13:45.840 And if we pray for them at all, it is a hopeless mumble. 00:13:49.100 --> 00:13:53.639 Can I encourage you to pray passionately for these people? 00:13:55.460 --> 00:14:02.220 Paul's passion in prayer is such an encouragement to me because Paul is in a bad place. 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:06.420 And he's hearing about problems in Philippi. 00:14:06.419 --> 00:14:11.379 And yet he is confident that God is able. 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:16.159 That needs to be talked about before we can move on from passion. 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:20.299 Paul's passion has a foundation of confidence. 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:24.639 Verse 6 is such an incredible verse, isn't it? 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:26.000 Let's read it again together. 00:14:26.579 --> 00:14:27.099 Verse 6. 00:14:27.199 --> 00:14:30.059 Being confident of this. 00:14:30.539 --> 00:14:32.099 The foundation of his joy. 00:14:32.500 --> 00:14:34.679 The foundation of his prayers. 00:14:34.679 --> 00:14:37.679 Being confident of this. 00:14:37.679 --> 00:14:45.000 That he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. 00:14:45.419 --> 00:14:48.379 Until the day of Christ Jesus. 00:14:50.719 --> 00:14:54.139 God began this good work in the Philippian believers. 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:55.139 God began this good work in the Lord. 00:14:55.139 --> 00:14:58.139 And he would keep them going. 00:14:58.919 --> 00:15:05.319 Even to that very moment when each one of them would open their eyes and see the face of their Lord. 00:15:06.779 --> 00:15:09.939 And likewise for you and for me. 00:15:10.340 --> 00:15:11.879 And even for my young friend. 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:18.500 We can have confidence that God will continue his work. 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:22.340 Now this raises a hard question. 00:15:23.879 --> 00:15:25.059 And I don't. 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:28.960 I can't answer it in the time that we have this morning. 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:34.660 But it raises a hard question about those who have claimed to come to faith. 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:36.000 Who we know and who we love. 00:15:36.139 --> 00:15:39.060 And yet they have turned their backs and walked away from God. 00:15:39.059 --> 00:15:45.159 And I don't dare to try and deal with it in two minutes. 00:15:45.159 --> 00:15:46.899 Because I will only make a mess. 00:15:47.839 --> 00:15:49.759 But perhaps we can talk later. 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:54.159 Perhaps we can work that through at another time. 00:15:55.059 --> 00:15:58.639 But can I just encourage you to trust God. 00:16:00.419 --> 00:16:01.679 Even in the mess. 00:16:02.579 --> 00:16:03.699 Even in the pain. 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:05.939 Even in the distress. 00:16:05.940 --> 00:16:06.300 Yes. 00:16:06.580 --> 00:16:09.800 Can I plead with you to trust God afresh. 00:16:11.160 --> 00:16:14.200 And to put your trust in Jesus' powerful love. 00:16:15.400 --> 00:16:17.220 And in the Father's wisdom. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:19.360 And in the Spirit's continued work. 00:16:20.760 --> 00:16:23.340 Let us remember who God is. 00:16:23.880 --> 00:16:26.400 That he holds the universe together. 00:16:28.620 --> 00:16:32.060 And that we can be confident in him. 00:16:32.059 --> 00:16:36.219 Paul's prayer is passionate. 00:16:38.219 --> 00:16:41.519 Paul's prayer is also based on partnership. 00:16:43.519 --> 00:16:47.439 Paul's prayer is also based on partnership. 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:52.239 Do you hear Paul's reason for being joy filled in prayer? 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:57.299 There was partnership from the very start. 00:16:59.299 --> 00:17:00.960 I always pray with joy. 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:01.659 Verse 4. 00:17:01.960 --> 00:17:02.519 Verse 5. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:08.420 Because of your partnership in the gospel from the very first day until now. 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:15.380 Last week we heard how Paul and his companions were welcomed into Lydia's house. 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:15.940 House. 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:21.140 The very same moment that the gospel was welcomed into Lydia's heart. 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:31.799 The Philippian jailer had an instant response to provide hospitality for these gospel ministers who are in jail. 00:17:31.799 --> 00:17:37.019 The very instant that he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. 00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:39.559 And then we get to chapter 4. 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:45.420 And we're going to find that this little church is a serial supporter of the gospel through Paul. 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:49.720 They were a relatively new church. 00:17:50.799 --> 00:17:51.839 New Christians. 00:17:53.079 --> 00:17:54.440 No Jewish background. 00:17:55.299 --> 00:18:01.400 But yet their natural response to the gospel is to help Paul as he shares it with others. 00:18:01.400 --> 00:18:04.620 And this is so necessary. 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:10.860 And it gives me great joy to be the one bringing this message to you and talking about gospel partnership. 00:18:11.280 --> 00:18:13.759 Because I've tasted of it from this church. 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:15.580 As an intern. 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:19.660 Before that when I was working in Northern Ireland as a missionary. 00:18:20.600 --> 00:18:23.400 Even before that when I went to Bible college. 00:18:24.080 --> 00:18:25.100 I tasted. 00:18:25.540 --> 00:18:28.720 I was the recipient of your generosity. 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:32.559 And I thank you so much for that. 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:35.640 But let's not rest on our laurels. 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:42.759 Let's consider how we can be better partners for those who spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:49.120 Perhaps I can take you back to our opening illustration that maybe seemed a little disjointed. 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:54.620 But allow me to twist those answers that you thought of. 00:18:54.619 --> 00:18:59.459 And ask rather than what makes a good friend. 00:19:00.979 --> 00:19:05.899 How are you being a good ministry partner to others? 00:19:07.179 --> 00:19:08.659 Let me put it very simply. 00:19:08.939 --> 00:19:11.839 Are you a friend to those who go and tell other people about Jesus? 00:19:11.839 --> 00:19:17.899 This church supports several overseas missionaries. 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:25.480 And perhaps one of them would appreciate a wee email from a friend they never knew they had back home. 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:28.639 Wouldn't that be an incredible thing that we could do for them? 00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:36.259 There's several families that have people involved with gospel work among us. 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:39.440 I'm sure they would be delighted to put you in touch. 00:19:40.160 --> 00:19:42.740 And to be encouraged to keep going. 00:19:45.420 --> 00:19:52.880 How good are we at being friends to missionaries and gospel workers who have given their lives to go where we cannot and maybe will never go? 00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:58.000 Paul's prayer is based on partnership. 00:19:59.260 --> 00:20:02.700 Notice also that it's not an individualistic prayer letter. 00:20:03.560 --> 00:20:09.820 Did you notice how some of the all-encompassing language as we read together? 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:14.700 Did you notice some of the times all was read? 00:20:14.800 --> 00:20:19.140 About 20 times in the whole letter of Philippians the word all is used. 00:20:19.620 --> 00:20:21.260 Eight of them are in the first chapter. 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:28.859 Five of them are in those few letters, those few verses that we read this morning. 00:20:29.819 --> 00:20:37.259 We're not called to be some loose association of occasionally together individuals. 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:40.759 We're called to be friends. 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:43.839 To be partners in the gospel. 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:45.119 To be family. 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:51.959 We have in this gospel been united with Christ. 00:20:52.959 --> 00:20:58.179 And this is utterly crucial as we reach out to the world around us. 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:03.459 What a message it would send to our world. 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:08.299 That we as a diverse people would willingly gather. 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:12.019 United by Jesus alone. 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:15.039 And not just tolerate each other. 00:21:15.859 --> 00:21:17.639 But love one another. 00:21:19.980 --> 00:21:24.180 Maybe you think it's hard to love Tim. 00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:26.899 I agree with you. 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:30.399 And I can't get away from him between Sundays. 00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:35.380 And sometimes you just don't want to be around other people. 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.980 I get that. 00:21:38.820 --> 00:21:44.560 But as members we have committed to be part of each other's lives. 00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:49.960 And as hard as it may be, we have to strive for this. 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:53.619 As Christians, we are a body. 00:21:54.139 --> 00:21:59.139 And we cannot afford to let that become just some intellectual notion. 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:03.039 As we seek to display God's love to the world. 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:06.839 Because the world will know us. 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:09.039 Because we love one another. 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:13.779 One last idea about partnership. 00:22:14.819 --> 00:22:19.079 Paul describes them as those who share in God's grace with him. 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:21.799 It's a fascinating little phrase. 00:22:22.099 --> 00:22:26.960 Because those words would naturally lead us to think that he's talking about the gospel. 00:22:27.119 --> 00:22:29.539 That he's talking about us being saved together. 00:22:30.159 --> 00:22:33.200 That it's us being made Christians together. 00:22:33.859 --> 00:22:36.500 But that's not at all what Paul is saying. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:40.460 Note what Paul says in verse 7. 00:22:41.579 --> 00:22:45.119 It's right for me to feel this way about all of you. 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:47.380 Since I have you in my heart. 00:22:48.339 --> 00:22:53.400 For whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel. 00:22:53.839 --> 00:22:57.380 All of you share in God's grace with me. 00:22:57.380 --> 00:23:08.940 It's linked to Paul being in prison and making a defense for the gospel. 00:23:10.080 --> 00:23:14.880 Now that may be that Paul is referring to the financial support that he's received. 00:23:15.360 --> 00:23:19.600 He's saying you have supported me as I do this. 00:23:19.720 --> 00:23:22.680 And therefore you share the grace some way possible. 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:27.880 It may be a reference to the sending of Epaphras. 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:32.440 Who is one of these little characters who we're going to meet later on in our series again. 00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:36.600 And he comes from Philippi to be one of Paul's helpers. 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.360 Perhaps. 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:46.240 But Paul is saying that their partnership with him in his hard circumstances. 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:52.139 Is somehow sharing God's grace between them. 00:23:53.839 --> 00:24:01.419 And so we see that Paul's passionate prayer is based on partnership with the Philippians. 00:24:01.420 --> 00:24:07.740 And can I repeat my challenge perhaps to some of you who are Christians here today. 00:24:09.120 --> 00:24:12.580 Who are you partnering with for the sake of the gospel? 00:24:13.360 --> 00:24:20.259 And how are you being a good partner to missionaries and to gospel workers who come across your path? 00:24:22.340 --> 00:24:25.960 Thirdly, God's prayer had a purpose. 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:30.779 Beginning at the end of the prayer. 00:24:31.799 --> 00:24:33.579 I'm sure you've already noticed this. 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:37.680 The prayer starts in verse 9 and runs through to verse 11. 00:24:37.860 --> 00:24:39.340 And I'm to be a little bit strange. 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:41.340 I'm starting on the bottom and working up. 00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:43.460 So starting in verse 11. 00:24:44.420 --> 00:24:48.900 He ends the prayer with a purpose statement. 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.799 With an aim statement. 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:54.220 What did he want to achieve in all of this? 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:56.720 And it's just that last phrase. 00:24:57.900 --> 00:25:01.779 To the glory and praise of God. 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:10.039 Paul's aim in praying for the Philippians is that God would be glorified. 00:25:10.920 --> 00:25:13.720 That God would get the praise. 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:18.960 That God would be seen and be recognized as the true God. 00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:24.779 If we twisted a different way. 00:25:25.140 --> 00:25:30.759 The purpose of this prayer is that we would fulfill our purpose here on earth. 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:37.360 Because when we ask the question, what is humanity's purpose? 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:43.620 We come to an interesting conclusion. 00:25:44.100 --> 00:25:45.860 Perhaps think about that for just a moment. 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:48.859 What is humanity's purpose on this earth? 00:25:51.659 --> 00:25:53.699 Perhaps you don't even think there is one. 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:58.939 And therefore everybody's just to try and enjoy themselves as much as they can. 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:02.859 But what is humanity's purpose? 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:06.039 If you have an answer in your mind. 00:26:06.039 --> 00:26:12.200 That answer reveals what or who you worship. 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:20.379 If you say that humanity's purpose, like the Westminster Shorter Catechism, 00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:24.139 is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. 00:26:24.140 --> 00:26:31.020 Then you've revealed that God is the person that you worship. 00:26:32.020 --> 00:26:37.080 If you say that humanity's purpose is to enjoy themselves, 00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:39.540 then you're worshiping God. 00:26:39.820 --> 00:26:41.940 Then you're worshiping humanity. 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:42.940 You're worshiping yourself. 00:26:43.620 --> 00:26:49.360 If you answer that humanity's purpose is to enjoy this earth 00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:52.159 and to make it last as long as we possibly can, 00:26:52.639 --> 00:26:54.000 we're worshiping the earth. 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:57.679 But Paul worships God. 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:59.779 And so the end of his argument, 00:27:00.379 --> 00:27:01.699 the end of his reason, 00:27:01.859 --> 00:27:03.719 the end of all his aims, 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:06.179 is that God, 00:27:06.419 --> 00:27:07.359 our God, 00:27:07.479 --> 00:27:08.639 would be glorified. 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:16.120 Paul has an aim in this prayer 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:19.700 that is the basis of our lives on earth. 00:27:21.060 --> 00:27:22.940 But if you're anything like me, 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:25.240 that's a bit vague. 00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:28.420 That's a bit hard to grasp. 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:32.360 What are you meant to do with that in your day-to-day life? 00:27:32.660 --> 00:27:34.460 How do I glorify God, Paul? 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:38.720 Well, let's step back a phrase. 00:27:39.920 --> 00:27:45.400 We glorify God by being filled with the fruit of righteousness 00:27:45.400 --> 00:27:47.940 that comes through Jesus Christ. 00:27:49.840 --> 00:27:51.640 Righteousness is required. 00:27:53.079 --> 00:27:56.140 Living and speaking and thinking in ways 00:27:56.140 --> 00:27:59.840 that are consistent to God's plan for us. 00:27:59.839 --> 00:28:07.339 But before you go and attempt to muster up your own righteousness, 00:28:08.459 --> 00:28:09.959 notice the source. 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:16.500 Paul is not praying that God would prod these Christians into trying harder. 00:28:17.059 --> 00:28:17.199 No. 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:23.439 The righteousness that they need comes through Jesus Christ. 00:28:24.179 --> 00:28:25.879 And they're to be filled with it. 00:28:25.880 --> 00:28:28.320 Full of it. 00:28:28.480 --> 00:28:30.340 Overflowing with it, perhaps. 00:28:31.040 --> 00:28:34.160 It's not their job to marshal their energy 00:28:34.160 --> 00:28:36.160 and to exert themselves 00:28:36.160 --> 00:28:39.380 in a lifelong process of keeping God happy 00:28:39.380 --> 00:28:41.700 and following the rules. 00:28:42.740 --> 00:28:43.000 No. 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:46.220 Because we would all fail miserably 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:48.980 if that was what Paul meant. 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:54.420 The last thing that I could possibly wish for 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:56.259 is that anyone, 00:28:56.940 --> 00:29:01.099 any of you or anyone else who I live close to 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:05.299 would judge how incredible God is 00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:08.039 based on my attempts to be good. 00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:12.740 That is the last thing that I would ever wish for. 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:14.140 No. 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:18.099 As Christians, we believe that we are not good 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:19.559 in and of ourselves. 00:29:20.140 --> 00:29:21.500 It's the heart of the gospel. 00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:24.420 That we are broken beings 00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:28.720 with a problem that strikes to our very core. 00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:32.039 We need a spiritual heart transplant. 00:29:33.900 --> 00:29:35.779 And no self-help program 00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:39.879 and no attempt to turn over a new leaf 00:29:39.879 --> 00:29:43.079 will enable us to be good enough. 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:46.920 And our only hope 00:29:46.920 --> 00:29:50.240 is that someone perfect 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:53.639 would pay our infinite debt. 00:29:53.640 --> 00:29:57.520 And it's only in Jesus 00:29:57.520 --> 00:29:59.120 that we find someone perfect. 00:30:01.280 --> 00:30:03.880 And he was willing to pay our debt 00:30:03.880 --> 00:30:06.300 and he died for us. 00:30:08.280 --> 00:30:09.759 And then he rose again 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:11.520 to prove to us 00:30:11.520 --> 00:30:14.020 that there is hope for every one of us 00:30:14.020 --> 00:30:15.340 if only we follow him 00:30:15.340 --> 00:30:16.800 and trust in him 00:30:16.800 --> 00:30:18.940 and trust in his righteousness. 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:24.160 And as we live trusting in his righteousness 00:30:24.160 --> 00:30:28.160 we will become more and more like Jesus. 00:30:30.100 --> 00:30:31.960 And that sounds like something 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:33.960 that might just show God's greatness 00:30:33.960 --> 00:30:37.080 as you and I live 00:30:37.080 --> 00:30:40.620 with ever increasing likeness to our Lord. 00:30:42.220 --> 00:30:43.960 But again, I wonder 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:45.860 what does this look like? 00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:49.079 How does this happen in my life? 00:30:50.659 --> 00:30:52.259 Stepping back again 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:54.799 Paul is using this idea 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:57.319 of being filled with the fruit of righteousness 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:59.819 as another way of talking 00:30:59.819 --> 00:31:03.719 about purity and blamelessness. 00:31:07.179 --> 00:31:09.979 Purity and blamelessness. 00:31:10.079 --> 00:31:12.039 He uses these two words 00:31:12.039 --> 00:31:17.039 to talk about different spheres 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:18.819 of what it means to be righteous. 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:21.599 Purity is internal. 00:31:22.599 --> 00:31:23.700 It's what we think. 00:31:23.859 --> 00:31:25.399 It's what our attitudes are. 00:31:29.420 --> 00:31:30.799 Blamelessness, on the other hand, 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:33.119 is an external aspect. 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:35.480 It's how we deal with people. 00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:36.879 It's how we act. 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:38.539 It's what we say. 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:41.960 I notice that Paul's mind 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:43.859 isn't particularly on today. 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:46.159 Paul is hoping that these Christians 00:31:46.159 --> 00:31:47.680 will be pure and blameless 00:31:47.680 --> 00:31:50.379 for that day when Jesus comes back. 00:31:51.399 --> 00:31:53.599 This is of great importance to us. 00:31:54.059 --> 00:31:55.619 Not that we would be able to say 00:31:55.619 --> 00:31:57.460 look how well I did God. 00:31:57.639 --> 00:31:58.700 Aren't you impressed? 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:00.659 Look at my purity. 00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:01.539 Look at my blamelessness. 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:03.659 Don't you want to give me 00:32:03.659 --> 00:32:05.200 a better seat at the table? 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:05.680 No. 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:06.880 No. 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:10.140 But that when we are before Him, 00:32:10.539 --> 00:32:13.160 we would not be in any way ashamed 00:32:13.160 --> 00:32:14.779 as how we've used the life 00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:16.180 that He has given us. 00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:20.059 That we would be able to stand 00:32:20.059 --> 00:32:22.240 trusting in Jesus' righteousness 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:23.680 but able to say, 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:25.120 I used this life well 00:32:25.120 --> 00:32:28.420 and I followed your Son. 00:32:28.420 --> 00:32:33.279 But again, 00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:34.720 again I ask the question, 00:32:34.840 --> 00:32:35.800 how does this happen? 00:32:36.360 --> 00:32:37.460 How does this work? 00:32:38.519 --> 00:32:39.820 And we read back again 00:32:39.820 --> 00:32:41.279 and we find that 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:42.620 this purity 00:32:42.620 --> 00:32:43.980 and this blamelessness, 00:32:44.120 --> 00:32:46.660 it comes from discernment. 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:48.880 That is, 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:50.640 we need to be able to make 00:32:50.640 --> 00:32:51.900 good choices 00:32:51.900 --> 00:32:53.759 to decide 00:32:53.759 --> 00:32:55.940 what is the right response 00:32:55.940 --> 00:32:57.820 in a given situation. 00:32:58.420 --> 00:33:00.440 And those of us 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:01.060 who are Christians 00:33:01.060 --> 00:33:02.360 are in desperate need 00:33:02.360 --> 00:33:03.740 of this sort of wisdom, 00:33:03.900 --> 00:33:04.240 aren't we? 00:33:05.259 --> 00:33:06.539 To be able to 00:33:06.539 --> 00:33:07.880 humbly 00:33:07.880 --> 00:33:09.160 and wisely 00:33:09.160 --> 00:33:11.340 live out our Christian faith 00:33:11.340 --> 00:33:13.340 before people 00:33:13.340 --> 00:33:15.000 who do not know God. 00:33:16.080 --> 00:33:17.440 Discernment is what we see 00:33:17.440 --> 00:33:19.220 epitomized in Jesus 00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:20.519 when He, 00:33:20.900 --> 00:33:22.720 rather than answering a question, 00:33:23.220 --> 00:33:24.460 asks a question 00:33:24.460 --> 00:33:27.579 and exposes people's hearts 00:33:27.579 --> 00:33:30.759 so that He's then able 00:33:30.759 --> 00:33:32.240 to speak words of power 00:33:32.240 --> 00:33:33.340 and life 00:33:33.340 --> 00:33:34.600 into a situation. 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:36.840 Discernment is what we see 00:33:36.840 --> 00:33:37.759 exemplified 00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:39.880 when Paul, 00:33:40.620 --> 00:33:41.680 he has an opportunity 00:33:41.680 --> 00:33:43.840 to run from the Philippian jail 00:33:43.840 --> 00:33:45.039 but he doesn't, 00:33:45.100 --> 00:33:45.840 he stays put 00:33:45.839 --> 00:33:49.459 and gets an incredible opportunity 00:33:49.459 --> 00:33:51.339 to preach the gospel 00:33:51.339 --> 00:33:53.039 to this jailer. 00:33:56.039 --> 00:33:57.199 Discernment isn't 00:33:57.199 --> 00:33:58.859 just scraping through 00:33:58.859 --> 00:34:00.319 difficult circumstances 00:34:00.319 --> 00:34:02.500 with a few grazes 00:34:02.500 --> 00:34:04.759 but it's trusting 00:34:04.759 --> 00:34:05.819 the Spirit of God 00:34:05.819 --> 00:34:06.500 to guide us 00:34:06.500 --> 00:34:07.119 and lead us 00:34:07.119 --> 00:34:09.099 in impossible scenarios. 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:13.679 And this again 00:34:13.679 --> 00:34:14.639 is only available 00:34:14.639 --> 00:34:15.279 through God 00:34:15.279 --> 00:34:16.199 working in us. 00:34:17.079 --> 00:34:18.179 This is a gift. 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:20.380 Only if the Spirit 00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:21.000 has access 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:22.019 to every thought 00:34:22.019 --> 00:34:22.960 and every attitude 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:23.779 and every word 00:34:23.779 --> 00:34:25.039 and every action 00:34:25.039 --> 00:34:26.259 that we possess, 00:34:26.360 --> 00:34:27.239 only if He has 00:34:27.239 --> 00:34:27.860 free reign 00:34:27.860 --> 00:34:29.319 in all of our lives 00:34:29.319 --> 00:34:32.799 will we gain 00:34:32.799 --> 00:34:34.019 this discernment. 00:34:36.179 --> 00:34:37.239 And if you think 00:34:37.239 --> 00:34:38.159 that sounds rare, 00:34:38.159 --> 00:34:39.719 I fear that you 00:34:39.719 --> 00:34:40.619 might be correct. 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:42.839 It shouldn't be. 00:34:44.219 --> 00:34:45.259 Discernment should be 00:34:45.259 --> 00:34:46.920 exercised by every Christian. 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:51.179 That's why Paul 00:34:51.179 --> 00:34:52.420 is praying this 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:53.279 for this church. 00:34:53.739 --> 00:34:54.460 He wants them 00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:55.039 to have it. 00:34:57.179 --> 00:34:59.019 They need it 00:34:59.019 --> 00:34:59.940 for how to relate 00:34:59.940 --> 00:35:00.679 to their unbelieving 00:35:00.679 --> 00:35:01.599 friends and family. 00:35:02.339 --> 00:35:03.519 They need discernment 00:35:03.519 --> 00:35:04.239 to know 00:35:04.239 --> 00:35:05.839 what to do 00:35:05.839 --> 00:35:06.759 as a church. 00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:09.659 They need discernment 00:35:09.659 --> 00:35:10.500 to talk 00:35:10.500 --> 00:35:11.480 to the authorities, 00:35:11.980 --> 00:35:13.559 to speak about Christ 00:35:13.559 --> 00:35:14.819 in the public square. 00:35:16.000 --> 00:35:17.119 But I fear 00:35:17.119 --> 00:35:18.779 that as Christians 00:35:18.779 --> 00:35:19.239 today 00:35:19.239 --> 00:35:20.159 we have failed 00:35:20.159 --> 00:35:21.259 to recognize 00:35:21.259 --> 00:35:21.960 discernment 00:35:21.960 --> 00:35:22.659 as a gift. 00:35:23.960 --> 00:35:24.599 And perhaps 00:35:24.599 --> 00:35:25.379 it's atrophied 00:35:25.379 --> 00:35:26.639 in many of our lives. 00:35:26.639 --> 00:35:30.259 where does this 00:35:30.259 --> 00:35:30.980 discernment 00:35:30.980 --> 00:35:31.920 come from? 00:35:32.279 --> 00:35:32.779 We've said 00:35:32.779 --> 00:35:33.379 it's from God 00:35:33.379 --> 00:35:34.759 but how do we 00:35:34.759 --> 00:35:35.819 exercise it? 00:35:36.279 --> 00:35:37.379 If my assessment 00:35:37.379 --> 00:35:38.299 is correct 00:35:38.299 --> 00:35:39.799 what can we do 00:35:39.799 --> 00:35:40.819 to exercise 00:35:40.819 --> 00:35:42.239 that atrophied 00:35:42.239 --> 00:35:42.659 muscle? 00:35:44.799 --> 00:35:45.819 Well it's a strange 00:35:45.819 --> 00:35:46.639 final step 00:35:46.639 --> 00:35:47.159 that we make 00:35:47.159 --> 00:35:47.920 in this prayer. 00:35:49.059 --> 00:35:50.219 Perhaps you read 00:35:50.219 --> 00:35:50.739 the passage 00:35:50.739 --> 00:35:51.699 and you wondered 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:53.400 how this verse 00:35:53.400 --> 00:35:54.239 held together. 00:35:54.239 --> 00:35:56.359 verse 9 00:35:56.359 --> 00:35:56.919 is where we 00:35:56.919 --> 00:35:57.519 found it. 00:35:59.159 --> 00:36:00.219 This is my prayer 00:36:00.219 --> 00:36:02.099 that your love 00:36:02.099 --> 00:36:03.039 may abound 00:36:03.039 --> 00:36:04.299 more and more 00:36:04.299 --> 00:36:06.239 in knowledge 00:36:06.239 --> 00:36:07.419 and depth 00:36:07.419 --> 00:36:08.099 of insight. 00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:11.819 Paul pulls 00:36:11.819 --> 00:36:12.439 together 00:36:12.439 --> 00:36:13.659 love 00:36:13.659 --> 00:36:16.119 and knowledge 00:36:16.119 --> 00:36:19.219 and he asks 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:20.719 that these 00:36:20.719 --> 00:36:21.639 two things 00:36:21.639 --> 00:36:22.019 would 00:36:22.019 --> 00:36:23.719 grow together. 00:36:24.799 --> 00:36:25.960 That the love 00:36:25.960 --> 00:36:26.579 that they would 00:36:26.579 --> 00:36:27.659 abound in 00:36:27.659 --> 00:36:28.500 would be 00:36:28.500 --> 00:36:29.319 characterized 00:36:29.319 --> 00:36:31.679 by 00:36:31.679 --> 00:36:33.000 knowledge 00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:33.839 and by 00:36:33.839 --> 00:36:34.519 insight. 00:36:35.199 --> 00:36:36.359 This discernment 00:36:36.359 --> 00:36:37.400 that is so 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:38.039 necessary 00:36:38.039 --> 00:36:38.779 it has its roots 00:36:38.779 --> 00:36:39.480 in love. 00:36:40.460 --> 00:36:41.139 It's not a 00:36:41.139 --> 00:36:41.759 harsh thing 00:36:41.759 --> 00:36:42.319 it's not a 00:36:42.319 --> 00:36:43.119 cold thing. 00:36:44.079 --> 00:36:44.960 Love is the 00:36:44.960 --> 00:36:45.319 source 00:36:45.320 --> 00:36:45.780 it's the 00:36:45.780 --> 00:36:46.220 core 00:36:46.220 --> 00:36:46.840 it's the 00:36:46.840 --> 00:36:47.519 very heart 00:36:47.519 --> 00:36:47.920 of it. 00:36:49.519 --> 00:36:50.340 But don't 00:36:50.340 --> 00:36:50.820 buy into 00:36:50.820 --> 00:36:51.460 the lie 00:36:51.460 --> 00:36:51.880 of our 00:36:51.880 --> 00:36:52.300 culture 00:36:52.300 --> 00:36:52.820 that love 00:36:52.820 --> 00:36:53.240 is some 00:36:53.240 --> 00:36:54.019 wishy-washy 00:36:54.019 --> 00:36:54.420 sentimental 00:36:54.420 --> 00:36:55.039 feeling 00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:55.559 please. 00:36:56.740 --> 00:36:57.280 Love is 00:36:57.280 --> 00:36:58.019 based in 00:36:58.019 --> 00:36:58.640 reality. 00:37:00.160 --> 00:37:00.660 Love is 00:37:00.660 --> 00:37:01.480 not blind 00:37:01.480 --> 00:37:02.720 but rather 00:37:02.720 --> 00:37:03.160 it sees 00:37:03.160 --> 00:37:03.980 all of the 00:37:03.980 --> 00:37:04.559 problems 00:37:04.559 --> 00:37:05.660 and it 00:37:05.660 --> 00:37:06.380 chooses to 00:37:06.380 --> 00:37:06.700 love 00:37:06.700 --> 00:37:07.320 despite 00:37:07.320 --> 00:37:07.740 the 00:37:07.740 --> 00:37:08.860 imperfections. 00:37:10.539 --> 00:37:11.120 This 00:37:11.120 --> 00:37:12.019 true love 00:37:12.019 --> 00:37:12.380 is what 00:37:12.380 --> 00:37:13.039 should mark 00:37:13.039 --> 00:37:13.519 out every 00:37:13.519 --> 00:37:14.100 Christian 00:37:14.099 --> 00:37:15.119 and every 00:37:15.119 --> 00:37:15.639 church. 00:37:17.440 --> 00:37:18.360 It is 00:37:18.360 --> 00:37:18.639 this 00:37:18.639 --> 00:37:19.519 true love 00:37:19.519 --> 00:37:19.980 which God 00:37:19.980 --> 00:37:20.719 has modeled 00:37:20.719 --> 00:37:21.420 to us 00:37:21.420 --> 00:37:22.500 perfectly 00:37:22.500 --> 00:37:24.779 and this 00:37:24.779 --> 00:37:25.099 is the 00:37:25.099 --> 00:37:25.679 foundation 00:37:25.679 --> 00:37:27.259 of all 00:37:27.259 --> 00:37:28.739 of what 00:37:28.739 --> 00:37:29.039 has gone 00:37:29.039 --> 00:37:29.519 before. 00:37:31.239 --> 00:37:32.179 But where 00:37:32.179 --> 00:37:32.579 does that 00:37:32.579 --> 00:37:33.199 come from? 00:37:33.900 --> 00:37:34.719 That doesn't 00:37:34.719 --> 00:37:35.699 sound natural. 00:37:36.900 --> 00:37:38.019 That doesn't 00:37:38.019 --> 00:37:38.559 seem to be 00:37:38.559 --> 00:37:39.619 freely available 00:37:39.619 --> 00:37:40.779 as I read 00:37:40.779 --> 00:37:41.539 the news 00:37:41.539 --> 00:37:42.859 and as I 00:37:42.859 --> 00:37:43.299 think over 00:37:43.299 --> 00:37:43.779 my own 00:37:43.779 --> 00:37:44.319 thoughts and 00:37:44.319 --> 00:37:45.079 actions for 00:37:45.079 --> 00:37:45.579 the previous 00:37:45.579 --> 00:37:46.679 week or 00:37:46.679 --> 00:37:47.759 day or 00:37:47.759 --> 00:37:48.179 hour. 00:37:49.119 --> 00:37:49.679 Where do we 00:37:49.679 --> 00:37:50.199 get this 00:37:50.199 --> 00:37:51.159 love from 00:37:51.159 --> 00:37:51.639 Paul? 00:37:53.779 --> 00:37:54.639 Well remember 00:37:54.639 --> 00:37:55.279 what Paul is 00:37:55.279 --> 00:37:55.940 doing here. 00:37:56.759 --> 00:37:57.139 Paul's 00:37:57.139 --> 00:37:57.599 praying. 00:37:59.239 --> 00:37:59.799 Paul is 00:37:59.799 --> 00:38:00.779 asking the 00:38:00.779 --> 00:38:01.739 most powerful 00:38:01.739 --> 00:38:03.059 person in 00:38:03.059 --> 00:38:03.859 the universe 00:38:03.859 --> 00:38:05.239 to provide 00:38:05.239 --> 00:38:05.659 for these 00:38:05.659 --> 00:38:06.079 people. 00:38:06.079 --> 00:38:06.139 people. 00:38:07.759 --> 00:38:08.179 And there 00:38:08.179 --> 00:38:08.559 we get 00:38:08.559 --> 00:38:09.179 our answer. 00:38:10.519 --> 00:38:11.519 This love 00:38:11.519 --> 00:38:12.039 that we 00:38:12.039 --> 00:38:12.840 need 00:38:12.840 --> 00:38:13.779 finds its 00:38:13.779 --> 00:38:14.679 source in 00:38:14.679 --> 00:38:15.380 God. 00:38:16.480 --> 00:38:17.079 And so 00:38:17.079 --> 00:38:18.920 as we 00:38:18.920 --> 00:38:19.380 conclude 00:38:19.380 --> 00:38:20.599 I must ask 00:38:20.599 --> 00:38:20.980 you two 00:38:20.980 --> 00:38:21.619 questions. 00:38:22.360 --> 00:38:22.980 Firstly 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:24.559 do you have 00:38:24.559 --> 00:38:25.159 a relationship 00:38:25.159 --> 00:38:25.779 with God? 00:38:25.780 --> 00:38:28.000 can you 00:38:28.000 --> 00:38:28.500 go to 00:38:28.500 --> 00:38:29.260 that God 00:38:29.260 --> 00:38:30.640 and pray? 00:38:31.820 --> 00:38:32.700 Are you 00:38:32.700 --> 00:38:34.460 sure of 00:38:34.460 --> 00:38:35.120 having a 00:38:35.120 --> 00:38:35.680 relationship 00:38:35.680 --> 00:38:36.460 with him? 00:38:37.220 --> 00:38:38.080 Because if 00:38:38.080 --> 00:38:38.800 you don't 00:38:38.800 --> 00:38:39.400 or if you 00:38:39.400 --> 00:38:40.140 aren't sure 00:38:40.140 --> 00:38:42.620 then this 00:38:42.620 --> 00:38:43.580 is the 00:38:43.580 --> 00:38:44.140 incredible 00:38:44.140 --> 00:38:45.240 news for 00:38:45.240 --> 00:38:45.500 you. 00:38:46.980 --> 00:38:48.040 You can 00:38:48.040 --> 00:38:48.600 be sure. 00:38:51.040 --> 00:38:52.360 You can 00:38:52.360 --> 00:38:52.840 have a 00:38:52.840 --> 00:38:53.360 relationship 00:38:53.360 --> 00:38:54.000 with him 00:38:54.000 --> 00:38:55.920 and we 00:38:55.920 --> 00:38:56.619 would love 00:38:56.619 --> 00:38:57.119 to talk 00:38:57.119 --> 00:38:57.599 with you. 00:38:58.639 --> 00:38:59.260 If you 00:38:59.260 --> 00:38:59.639 want to 00:38:59.639 --> 00:39:00.380 know more 00:39:00.380 --> 00:39:01.019 about what 00:39:01.019 --> 00:39:01.659 that is, 00:39:01.980 --> 00:39:02.559 how it 00:39:02.559 --> 00:39:03.179 works, 00:39:03.340 --> 00:39:03.659 what that 00:39:03.659 --> 00:39:04.400 means or 00:39:04.400 --> 00:39:04.960 how you 00:39:04.960 --> 00:39:05.780 get that, 00:39:06.539 --> 00:39:07.500 we would 00:39:07.500 --> 00:39:08.320 love to 00:39:08.320 --> 00:39:08.760 talk that 00:39:08.760 --> 00:39:09.260 over with 00:39:09.260 --> 00:39:09.480 you. 00:39:11.420 --> 00:39:12.139 But for 00:39:12.139 --> 00:39:12.519 those of 00:39:12.519 --> 00:39:12.880 us who 00:39:12.880 --> 00:39:13.440 have a 00:39:13.440 --> 00:39:13.960 relationship 00:39:13.960 --> 00:39:14.739 with God, 00:39:15.699 --> 00:39:16.159 I wonder 00:39:16.159 --> 00:39:16.780 how our 00:39:16.780 --> 00:39:17.500 prayers line 00:39:17.500 --> 00:39:17.860 up with 00:39:17.860 --> 00:39:18.619 what Paul 00:39:18.619 --> 00:39:20.000 has prayed 00:39:20.000 --> 00:39:20.480 here. 00:39:21.840 --> 00:39:22.639 Because what 00:39:22.639 --> 00:39:23.360 we regularly 00:39:23.360 --> 00:39:24.320 pray for 00:39:24.320 --> 00:39:25.680 displays, 00:39:25.940 --> 00:39:26.559 it reveals 00:39:26.559 --> 00:39:27.140 what we 00:39:27.140 --> 00:39:27.500 believe 00:39:27.500 --> 00:39:27.960 Christianity 00:39:27.960 --> 00:39:28.460 to be 00:39:28.460 --> 00:39:28.960 all about. 00:39:31.200 --> 00:39:31.760 And perhaps 00:39:31.760 --> 00:39:32.460 that's not a 00:39:32.460 --> 00:39:33.340 pleasant idea. 00:39:33.539 --> 00:39:34.000 I know it's 00:39:34.000 --> 00:39:34.360 not for 00:39:34.360 --> 00:39:34.880 myself. 00:39:36.420 --> 00:39:37.280 Because maybe 00:39:37.280 --> 00:39:38.200 our faith, 00:39:38.400 --> 00:39:39.059 if we take 00:39:39.059 --> 00:39:39.780 that as a 00:39:39.780 --> 00:39:40.320 barometer, 00:39:41.380 --> 00:39:41.960 maybe our 00:39:41.960 --> 00:39:42.680 faith is 00:39:42.680 --> 00:39:43.500 less to do 00:39:43.500 --> 00:39:44.019 with God's 00:39:44.019 --> 00:39:45.000 glory and 00:39:45.000 --> 00:39:46.000 gospel partnership 00:39:46.000 --> 00:39:47.320 than it is to 00:39:47.320 --> 00:39:48.059 do with 00:39:48.059 --> 00:39:49.099 health and 00:39:49.099 --> 00:39:49.680 wealth and 00:39:49.680 --> 00:39:50.000 our own 00:39:50.000 --> 00:39:50.420 comfort. 00:39:50.420 --> 00:39:50.559 comfort. 00:39:53.059 --> 00:39:54.039 I hope 00:39:54.039 --> 00:39:54.599 that this 00:39:54.599 --> 00:39:57.940 prayer has 00:39:57.940 --> 00:40:01.280 an encouragement 00:40:01.280 --> 00:40:02.880 to trust in 00:40:02.880 --> 00:40:03.740 a dependable 00:40:03.740 --> 00:40:04.220 and a 00:40:04.220 --> 00:40:05.099 loving God, 00:40:05.659 --> 00:40:07.180 to look at 00:40:07.180 --> 00:40:07.960 situations with 00:40:07.960 --> 00:40:08.900 a clear vision 00:40:08.900 --> 00:40:10.559 and to turn 00:40:10.559 --> 00:40:11.599 to our 00:40:11.599 --> 00:40:12.400 faithful Father 00:40:12.400 --> 00:40:13.059 for all that 00:40:13.059 --> 00:40:13.619 we need. 00:40:14.980 --> 00:40:16.019 But perhaps 00:40:16.019 --> 00:40:16.840 this prayer 00:40:16.840 --> 00:40:18.840 comes and 00:40:18.840 --> 00:40:19.380 it shakes 00:40:19.380 --> 00:40:19.860 us from 00:40:19.860 --> 00:40:20.120 our 00:40:20.120 --> 00:40:21.120 complacency 00:40:21.120 --> 00:40:22.079 and our 00:40:22.079 --> 00:40:22.740 dullness of 00:40:22.740 --> 00:40:23.180 faith. 00:40:24.700 --> 00:40:25.340 And perhaps 00:40:25.340 --> 00:40:25.940 we need 00:40:25.940 --> 00:40:26.880 others to 00:40:26.880 --> 00:40:27.500 partner with 00:40:27.500 --> 00:40:27.900 us, 00:40:28.480 --> 00:40:29.980 to come 00:40:29.980 --> 00:40:31.200 alongside us 00:40:31.200 --> 00:40:32.260 and help 00:40:32.260 --> 00:40:33.280 us to 00:40:33.280 --> 00:40:34.360 pray afresh 00:40:34.360 --> 00:40:35.200 with passion 00:40:35.200 --> 00:40:36.440 and with 00:40:36.440 --> 00:40:37.180 purpose for 00:40:37.180 --> 00:40:37.760 one another. 00:40:39.280 --> 00:40:40.240 And as we 00:40:40.240 --> 00:40:40.880 come to the 00:40:40.880 --> 00:40:41.280 end of 00:40:41.280 --> 00:40:41.880 digging into 00:40:41.880 --> 00:40:42.700 God's word, 00:40:43.400 --> 00:40:43.740 we're going 00:40:43.740 --> 00:40:44.360 to come 00:40:44.360 --> 00:40:45.800 together in 00:40:45.800 --> 00:40:46.220 prayer. 00:40:46.219 --> 00:40:46.259 prayer, 00:40:46.679 --> 00:40:47.000 and I 00:40:47.000 --> 00:40:47.459 think it's 00:40:47.459 --> 00:40:48.039 Kate and 00:40:48.039 --> 00:40:49.059 Bruce that 00:40:49.059 --> 00:40:49.359 are going 00:40:49.359 --> 00:40:49.819 to come 00:40:49.819 --> 00:40:50.559 and lead 00:40:50.559 --> 00:40:50.919 us in 00:40:50.919 --> 00:40:51.759 prayer at 00:40:51.759 --> 00:40:52.119 the end 00:40:52.119 --> 00:40:52.619 of our 00:40:52.619 --> 00:40:53.079 service. 00:40:53.079 --> 00:40:53.259 Amen. 00:40:53.259 --> 00:40:53.579 Amen. 00:40:53.579 --> 00:40:54.079 Amen. 00:40:54.079 --> 00:40:54.139 Amen. 00:40:54.139 --> 00:40:54.399 Amen. 00:40:54.399 --> 00:40:54.459 Amen. 00:40:54.459 --> 00:40:54.579 Amen. 00:40:54.579 --> 00:40:54.679 Amen. 00:40:54.679 --> 00:40:54.759 Amen. 00:40:54.759 --> 00:40:54.779 Amen. 00:40:54.779 --> 00:40:54.839 Amen. 00:40:54.839 --> 00:40:54.879 Amen. 00:40:54.879 --> 00:40:54.980 Amen. 00:40:54.980 --> 00:40:55.039 Amen. 00:40:55.039 --> 00:40:55.299 Amen. 00:40:55.299 --> 00:40:55.319 Amen. 00:40:55.319 --> 00:40:55.359 Amen. 00:40:55.359 --> 00:40:55.379 Amen. 00:40:55.379 --> 00:40:55.439 Amen. 00:40:55.439 --> 00:40:55.539 Amen. 00:40:55.539 --> 00:40:55.839 Amen. 00:40:55.839 --> 00:40:55.859 Amen.