WEBVTT 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:08.120 And our faith is the only faith that doesn't give a set of rules to follow to earn your way to everlasting life. 00:00:08.740 --> 00:00:13.140 It's the only faith that says that God himself came to earth and conquered death 00:00:13.140 --> 00:00:19.920 so that you and I, simply by approaching him in belief and faith, will live with him forever. 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:25.560 And because of that, there are some implications of that faith which we're going to look at this morning. 00:00:25.559 --> 00:00:30.859 So if you want to look at chapter 3 and verse 8 in 1 Peter, we'll take a look. 00:00:33.100 --> 00:00:34.100 Peter writes, 00:00:34.299 --> 00:00:42.359 Finally, all of you be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 00:00:43.560 --> 00:00:47.039 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. 00:00:47.640 --> 00:00:50.899 On the contrary, repay evil with blessing. 00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:55.359 Because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 00:00:56.560 --> 00:01:04.500 For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:07.240 They must turn from evil and do good. 00:01:07.480 --> 00:01:09.240 They must seek peace and pursue it. 00:01:10.200 --> 00:01:15.320 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. 00:01:16.099 --> 00:01:19.460 But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 00:01:19.459 --> 00:01:22.819 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 00:01:23.719 --> 00:01:26.719 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 00:01:27.719 --> 00:01:28.959 Do not fear their threats. 00:01:29.939 --> 00:01:30.799 Do not be frightened. 00:01:30.799 --> 00:01:34.099 But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. 00:01:34.459 --> 00:01:39.799 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 00:01:39.799 --> 00:01:43.599 But do this with gentleness and respect. 00:01:44.299 --> 00:01:51.780 Keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:58.579 For it is better if it is God's will to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 00:01:59.540 --> 00:02:04.560 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God. 00:02:05.340 --> 00:02:08.599 He was put to death in the body but made alive in the spirit. 00:02:08.599 --> 00:02:14.019 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits. 00:02:14.479 --> 00:02:21.099 To those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. 00:02:22.280 --> 00:02:26.099 In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water. 00:02:26.959 --> 00:02:31.939 And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also. 00:02:32.139 --> 00:02:38.439 Not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience towards God. 00:02:39.299 --> 00:02:43.139 It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:02:43.659 --> 00:02:47.159 Who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand. 00:02:47.979 --> 00:02:52.959 With angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. 00:02:53.479 --> 00:02:54.139 Let's pray. 00:02:56.319 --> 00:02:59.439 Father, thank you for the privilege of gathering in your name once again. 00:03:00.340 --> 00:03:06.859 Thank you for the fact that you do not wait for us to get our lives together before you accept us. 00:03:06.860 --> 00:03:15.000 But you simply hold out your arms and wait for us to approach you in faith and in belief. 00:03:16.080 --> 00:03:21.840 Because you have conquered death and there is nothing else we could do that would bridge the gap between you and us. 00:03:22.620 --> 00:03:23.700 So be with us this morning. 00:03:24.440 --> 00:03:26.380 May what I have to say be brought low. 00:03:26.379 --> 00:03:29.960 May your own words ring true and loudly this morning. 00:03:30.599 --> 00:03:35.379 And may all things be done to glorify you and to edify your people. 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:37.479 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:03:38.039 --> 00:03:38.280 Amen. 00:03:38.280 --> 00:03:44.539 I don't know about you but when I think about victory I tend to think of two things. 00:03:45.039 --> 00:03:46.780 War and sport. 00:03:47.740 --> 00:03:50.120 Not always in that order but nevertheless. 00:03:50.920 --> 00:03:55.439 I think about famous images like the American Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima. 00:03:55.599 --> 00:03:57.860 Some of you have seen that statue in Washington D.C. 00:03:57.860 --> 00:04:03.040 or the Allies when they blew up the swastika on the top of the Nazi headquarters in Nuremberg. 00:04:03.760 --> 00:04:04.820 But less violently. 00:04:05.700 --> 00:04:07.520 Ronan O'Gara kicking drop goals. 00:04:08.760 --> 00:04:12.560 I already heard someone on the way in this morning say yeah yesterday would have been a good day for that. 00:04:13.840 --> 00:04:15.740 Welcoming home the all Ireland winning team. 00:04:16.699 --> 00:04:19.879 Haven't had to worry too much about that in Cork the last few years. 00:04:19.879 --> 00:04:22.480 These are things we feel a part of. 00:04:23.399 --> 00:04:27.819 Something that makes us feel we're part of something bigger than us. 00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:30.839 It makes us believe we're involved in something great. 00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:33.740 And those things happen for a time. 00:04:34.959 --> 00:04:36.180 And then they fade away. 00:04:36.959 --> 00:04:37.819 History moves on. 00:04:38.759 --> 00:04:43.579 But the greatest victory in the history of the world wasn't fought in a battlefield. 00:04:44.959 --> 00:04:46.740 It wasn't won in a sports field. 00:04:46.740 --> 00:04:52.139 It was when Jesus Christ triumphed over death itself. 00:04:52.840 --> 00:04:53.860 Over sin. 00:04:54.780 --> 00:04:56.060 In the language of Genesis. 00:04:56.660 --> 00:05:01.920 When he came to earth as the one who would crush the head of the serpent. 00:05:03.139 --> 00:05:04.740 Christ's victory is our victory. 00:05:05.879 --> 00:05:06.980 We're a part of it. 00:05:07.139 --> 00:05:08.680 And we benefit from it greatly. 00:05:09.300 --> 00:05:11.160 Chiefly and most obviously. 00:05:11.920 --> 00:05:14.280 Because when we put our faith in Christ. 00:05:14.279 --> 00:05:14.359 Christ. 00:05:15.239 --> 00:05:17.319 And is finished work in defeating death. 00:05:18.159 --> 00:05:20.219 We ourselves defeat death. 00:05:21.419 --> 00:05:24.019 But we're going to look at two other implications this morning. 00:05:24.139 --> 00:05:26.659 Two ways we participate in this victory. 00:05:26.819 --> 00:05:27.759 Peter tells us about. 00:05:27.859 --> 00:05:29.199 If you have the notes in front of you. 00:05:29.819 --> 00:05:30.979 You can follow along. 00:05:31.039 --> 00:05:33.139 Otherwise feel free to take notes as you go. 00:05:34.139 --> 00:05:34.579 Firstly. 00:05:35.939 --> 00:05:37.699 We participate in this victory. 00:05:38.139 --> 00:05:39.519 By having fellowship. 00:05:40.239 --> 00:05:40.979 With one another. 00:05:41.599 --> 00:05:42.479 Inside the church. 00:05:42.480 --> 00:05:44.319 And secondly. 00:05:44.939 --> 00:05:46.040 By being gentle. 00:05:46.939 --> 00:05:49.200 With people outside the church. 00:05:50.080 --> 00:05:51.060 So let's dive in. 00:05:51.759 --> 00:05:54.560 Christ's victory means we are to have fellowship with each other. 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:55.140 Verse 8. 00:05:56.220 --> 00:05:56.660 Finally. 00:05:57.160 --> 00:05:57.780 All of you. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:05:59.200 Be like-minded. 00:05:59.840 --> 00:06:00.540 Be sympathetic. 00:06:01.360 --> 00:06:02.200 Love one another. 00:06:02.840 --> 00:06:03.600 Be compassionate. 00:06:04.340 --> 00:06:04.900 And humble. 00:06:05.740 --> 00:06:06.780 Underlying that phrase. 00:06:06.939 --> 00:06:07.540 All of you. 00:06:07.540 --> 00:06:10.200 That's all of us. 00:06:10.580 --> 00:06:11.740 Over the last few weeks. 00:06:11.819 --> 00:06:14.700 We've seen Peter talk to us about specific relationships. 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:15.939 Marriage. 00:06:16.400 --> 00:06:16.920 The workplace. 00:06:17.700 --> 00:06:18.540 Civil government. 00:06:19.640 --> 00:06:20.540 Telephone companies. 00:06:20.660 --> 00:06:21.920 And the people who have phone plans. 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:22.600 That sort of thing. 00:06:22.600 --> 00:06:24.540 But now. 00:06:24.840 --> 00:06:25.800 Peter's done with that. 00:06:26.900 --> 00:06:28.480 He's getting back to all of us. 00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:30.200 Married. 00:06:30.340 --> 00:06:30.640 Single. 00:06:30.760 --> 00:06:31.160 Employed. 00:06:31.240 --> 00:06:31.560 Student. 00:06:31.960 --> 00:06:33.140 Whatever the case might be. 00:06:33.379 --> 00:06:35.300 No matter our personal circumstances. 00:06:36.020 --> 00:06:36.879 Our situation. 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:38.600 This passage. 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:40.220 Is directly. 00:06:40.220 --> 00:06:42.280 For every person in this church. 00:06:42.660 --> 00:06:43.740 No matter where you're coming from. 00:06:44.260 --> 00:06:45.939 And without using the exact word. 00:06:46.540 --> 00:06:47.860 Peter introduces us. 00:06:48.339 --> 00:06:49.019 To this idea. 00:06:49.379 --> 00:06:50.219 Of fellowship. 00:06:51.019 --> 00:06:52.600 Now we talk about fellowship a lot. 00:06:52.699 --> 00:06:54.040 The Greek word is koinonia. 00:06:54.500 --> 00:06:55.040 It means. 00:06:55.480 --> 00:06:56.360 Sharing something. 00:06:57.279 --> 00:06:58.620 Having something in common. 00:06:59.819 --> 00:07:00.939 Partnering in something. 00:07:01.300 --> 00:07:02.300 So when Peter says. 00:07:02.480 --> 00:07:03.180 All of you. 00:07:03.899 --> 00:07:04.399 He means. 00:07:04.399 --> 00:07:05.300 All of you. 00:07:06.040 --> 00:07:06.579 Who share. 00:07:06.980 --> 00:07:07.800 This common bond. 00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:10.420 We who confess with our mouths. 00:07:10.759 --> 00:07:11.899 That Jesus is Lord. 00:07:12.040 --> 00:07:13.139 And believe in our hearts. 00:07:13.220 --> 00:07:14.639 That God raised him from the dead. 00:07:14.639 --> 00:07:16.759 It's what we have in common. 00:07:17.779 --> 00:07:18.899 The fellowship isn't just. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:19.939 When we hang out. 00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:20.860 And have food. 00:07:20.959 --> 00:07:22.060 Or drink coffee. 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:23.339 But please do stay. 00:07:23.459 --> 00:07:23.959 Having said that. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:24.399 For coffee. 00:07:24.599 --> 00:07:25.699 After the service today. 00:07:26.819 --> 00:07:28.039 So what does it look like. 00:07:28.079 --> 00:07:28.599 True fellowship. 00:07:28.719 --> 00:07:29.719 Well Peter describes it. 00:07:30.279 --> 00:07:31.099 Being like-minded. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:32.180 Sympathetic. 00:07:32.459 --> 00:07:33.139 Loving one another. 00:07:33.740 --> 00:07:34.539 Being compassionate. 00:07:34.939 --> 00:07:35.539 Being humble. 00:07:37.680 --> 00:07:39.079 It can be a hard world. 00:07:39.259 --> 00:07:39.779 Out there folks. 00:07:41.019 --> 00:07:42.419 I don't know if you feel like that. 00:07:42.479 --> 00:07:43.300 But I do sometimes. 00:07:43.300 --> 00:07:44.800 And when life is hard. 00:07:45.639 --> 00:07:46.879 Where are we going to turn? 00:07:48.100 --> 00:07:49.139 Something material? 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:51.879 Netflix and ice cream? 00:07:53.079 --> 00:07:54.060 Gin and tonic? 00:07:55.259 --> 00:07:58.080 Are we going to try and deal with the stresses and demands of this world. 00:07:58.220 --> 00:07:59.699 By filling our fuel tank. 00:08:00.160 --> 00:08:02.300 With something that's just going to run out again. 00:08:03.060 --> 00:08:05.000 And make a start all over again later. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:07.740 When we suffer. 00:08:08.579 --> 00:08:13.019 We ought to turn to the fellowship we have with one another. 00:08:13.660 --> 00:08:15.319 And because we ought to do that. 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:16.540 We are to be like-minded. 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:18.240 Sympathetic. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:19.279 Loving. 00:08:20.339 --> 00:08:20.779 Compassionate. 00:08:21.519 --> 00:08:21.860 Humble. 00:08:23.220 --> 00:08:24.579 And we need to ask ourselves. 00:08:24.759 --> 00:08:26.019 In fact I have to ask myself. 00:08:26.199 --> 00:08:26.639 Are we? 00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:28.240 Am I? 00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:30.579 Am I sensitive. 00:08:31.280 --> 00:08:32.320 To the concerns. 00:08:33.139 --> 00:08:34.039 And the troubles. 00:08:34.440 --> 00:08:36.500 Of my brothers and sisters in this church. 00:08:37.840 --> 00:08:39.120 When one of us is in pain. 00:08:39.399 --> 00:08:41.399 Do we respond to it in love. 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:42.879 And compassion. 00:08:43.700 --> 00:08:46.919 Are we humble enough to put our brother or sister's pain. 00:08:48.100 --> 00:08:49.700 In front of our own comfort. 00:08:49.700 --> 00:08:52.300 Do we weep. 00:08:52.940 --> 00:08:54.080 With those who weep. 00:08:55.580 --> 00:08:57.480 If someone in our church is housebound. 00:08:58.800 --> 00:09:00.120 Because of chronic illness. 00:09:01.400 --> 00:09:03.280 Do we let ourselves forget about them? 00:09:04.960 --> 00:09:07.080 Do we act like we think it's all in their head? 00:09:09.240 --> 00:09:10.520 If someone is in tears. 00:09:10.700 --> 00:09:12.480 As I was talking to someone recently. 00:09:12.620 --> 00:09:13.460 If someone is in tears. 00:09:13.620 --> 00:09:15.700 Because they struggle with same-sex attraction. 00:09:17.060 --> 00:09:18.300 And they don't want that. 00:09:18.299 --> 00:09:20.079 They want to glorify God. 00:09:20.819 --> 00:09:22.479 If someone is in tears because of that. 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:23.679 Do we gossip about them? 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:26.419 Here's another one. 00:09:26.659 --> 00:09:27.879 If someone is despondent. 00:09:28.099 --> 00:09:29.979 Because they're addicted to pornography. 00:09:31.299 --> 00:09:32.599 Do we condemn them? 00:09:33.620 --> 00:09:34.740 As some kind of pervert? 00:09:36.099 --> 00:09:38.299 Or how about when we're the topic of conversation. 00:09:39.179 --> 00:09:40.359 When we feel that people. 00:09:40.719 --> 00:09:42.120 Are gossiping about us. 00:09:42.939 --> 00:09:45.219 Or we're the target of someone's insults. 00:09:45.779 --> 00:09:46.759 Or being embarrassed. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:48.559 How do we react? 00:09:49.819 --> 00:09:50.919 Do we retaliate? 00:09:51.879 --> 00:09:53.159 Do we kick up a fuss? 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:56.679 Do you demand it to be discussed at the next members meeting? 00:09:58.179 --> 00:10:01.600 Or do we quietly approach our brother and sister? 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:04.819 And have a meaningful conversation with them? 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:06.559 Friends. 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:08.480 If we want to be loving. 00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:09.220 This is the point. 00:10:09.279 --> 00:10:10.200 If we want to be loving. 00:10:10.539 --> 00:10:11.240 And kind. 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:12.240 And forgiving. 00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:13.240 And merciful. 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:14.060 To the world. 00:10:14.060 --> 00:10:15.539 Outside the church. 00:10:16.460 --> 00:10:18.919 We need to have this solid foundation. 00:10:19.240 --> 00:10:20.539 Inside the church. 00:10:21.180 --> 00:10:22.159 With all of us. 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:24.100 Because verse 9. 00:10:24.759 --> 00:10:25.820 We were called. 00:10:26.560 --> 00:10:27.500 Underline that word. 00:10:27.759 --> 00:10:28.220 Called. 00:10:28.659 --> 00:10:30.279 To repay evil. 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:31.379 With blessing. 00:10:32.680 --> 00:10:34.259 And therefore we have to envelop. 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:35.220 One another. 00:10:35.799 --> 00:10:36.379 With blessing. 00:10:36.379 --> 00:10:38.639 We don't repay evil. 00:10:39.340 --> 00:10:40.159 Or insult. 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:42.080 By retaliating. 00:10:43.200 --> 00:10:44.439 But in the words of Jesus. 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:45.820 By turning the other cheek. 00:10:47.419 --> 00:10:48.500 Repaying it with a blessing. 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:49.519 Because. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:50.519 To this. 00:10:50.779 --> 00:10:51.759 You were called. 00:10:52.039 --> 00:10:52.939 There's that word again. 00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:54.399 So that you may. 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:55.299 Inherit. 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:56.480 A blessing. 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:58.279 Now I don't know. 00:10:58.340 --> 00:10:59.000 If you've been lucky enough. 00:10:59.039 --> 00:10:59.800 To inherit something. 00:11:00.580 --> 00:11:01.440 Whatever it is. 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:01.899 House. 00:11:02.019 --> 00:11:02.240 Money. 00:11:02.379 --> 00:11:02.659 Car. 00:11:02.899 --> 00:11:04.080 It pales in comparison. 00:11:04.940 --> 00:11:05.720 To our inheritance. 00:11:05.860 --> 00:11:06.500 Which is in heaven. 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:08.120 And it's guaranteed. 00:11:08.420 --> 00:11:08.980 This inheritance. 00:11:09.340 --> 00:11:09.639 To those. 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:10.700 Those whose faith. 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:11.600 Is in Christ. 00:11:12.420 --> 00:11:13.320 And whose lives. 00:11:13.420 --> 00:11:13.920 Reflect. 00:11:14.120 --> 00:11:14.820 The reality. 00:11:15.159 --> 00:11:15.720 That their faith. 00:11:15.720 --> 00:11:16.360 Is in Christ. 00:11:16.800 --> 00:11:18.060 And one of the ways. 00:11:18.740 --> 00:11:19.680 In which we reflect. 00:11:19.860 --> 00:11:20.399 That reality. 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:22.080 Is by having. 00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:22.879 Fellowship. 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:24.180 With one another. 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:26.300 It's how we prove. 00:11:26.299 --> 00:11:27.079 We're the ones. 00:11:27.159 --> 00:11:27.699 To whom this. 00:11:27.779 --> 00:11:28.939 Inheritance belongs. 00:11:29.679 --> 00:11:30.299 By the fruit. 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:30.939 Of our lives. 00:11:31.159 --> 00:11:31.579 The fruit. 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:33.059 Of not returning evil. 00:11:33.219 --> 00:11:34.079 With more evil. 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:35.379 Gossip. 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:36.379 With more gossip. 00:11:37.120 --> 00:11:37.579 Envy. 00:11:37.799 --> 00:11:38.559 With more envy. 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:40.359 But with fellowship. 00:11:41.399 --> 00:11:41.839 True. 00:11:42.039 --> 00:11:42.539 Fellowship. 00:11:43.579 --> 00:11:44.299 We were called. 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:44.899 Verse 10. 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:46.000 To keep our tongues. 00:11:46.139 --> 00:11:46.679 Our speech. 00:11:46.679 --> 00:11:47.579 From lies. 00:11:48.039 --> 00:11:48.699 And slander. 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:50.279 We were called. 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:50.979 Verse 11. 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:52.299 To pursue peace. 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:53.259 Among us all. 00:11:53.919 --> 00:11:54.219 Because. 00:11:54.319 --> 00:11:54.859 Verse 12. 00:11:55.779 --> 00:11:56.259 The Lord. 00:11:56.299 --> 00:11:57.579 Is attentive. 00:11:57.579 --> 00:11:59.019 To the prayers. 00:11:59.019 --> 00:12:00.139 Of those. 00:12:00.139 --> 00:12:01.259 Who are righteous. 00:12:02.120 --> 00:12:03.620 This is our calling. 00:12:04.659 --> 00:12:05.839 To be. 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:06.679 Righteous. 00:12:07.219 --> 00:12:08.439 Not by our own efforts. 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:11.159 Not by trying as hard as we can. 00:12:11.219 --> 00:12:12.259 To try and please God. 00:12:12.939 --> 00:12:13.359 But. 00:12:13.719 --> 00:12:14.359 By standing. 00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:15.379 With Christ. 00:12:15.839 --> 00:12:16.599 In victory. 00:12:17.299 --> 00:12:18.079 Over sin. 00:12:18.559 --> 00:12:19.299 And death. 00:12:20.299 --> 00:12:21.379 Because Christ. 00:12:21.479 --> 00:12:22.479 Has conquered sin. 00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:24.600 We are born again. 00:12:24.600 --> 00:12:24.620 We are born again. 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.159 Not. 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:25.940 Necessarily. 00:12:25.940 --> 00:12:26.980 Just as an individual. 00:12:27.440 --> 00:12:28.460 But into a family. 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:31.019 Into a new family. 00:12:31.220 --> 00:12:31.800 Of brothers. 00:12:32.259 --> 00:12:32.800 And sisters. 00:12:33.440 --> 00:12:33.620 And. 00:12:33.759 --> 00:12:34.560 Let's face it. 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:35.240 We are going to spend. 00:12:35.300 --> 00:12:36.259 The rest of eternity. 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:37.700 Worshipping. 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:39.420 And singing praise. 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:40.259 To God. 00:12:41.200 --> 00:12:42.420 So we need to spend time. 00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:43.039 On this earth. 00:12:43.659 --> 00:12:44.420 Modeling out. 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:46.080 What does that look like. 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:47.379 And we won't get it right. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:48.980 Every step of the way. 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:50.600 We won't get it perfect. 00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:52.740 Because in the words of Paul. 00:12:52.899 --> 00:12:53.920 Now we see. 00:12:54.340 --> 00:12:54.899 Through a mirror. 00:12:55.139 --> 00:12:55.519 Dimly. 00:12:56.600 --> 00:12:57.180 But then. 00:12:57.940 --> 00:12:59.200 We will see perfectly. 00:13:01.460 --> 00:13:02.600 We'll spend together. 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:04.019 Eternity together. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.519 In the praise and worship. 00:13:05.620 --> 00:13:06.100 Of the one. 00:13:06.820 --> 00:13:07.680 Who set us free. 00:13:08.620 --> 00:13:09.440 From sin and death. 00:13:10.279 --> 00:13:11.060 The servant. 00:13:11.060 --> 00:13:11.759 Who suffered. 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:14.139 But didn't strike back. 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:16.100 The lamb. 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:16.860 Who was silent. 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:19.200 In the face of insult. 00:13:20.080 --> 00:13:21.240 And just look at verse 19. 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:24.259 For Christ also suffered. 00:13:24.700 --> 00:13:25.700 Once for sins. 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:27.080 The righteous for the unrighteous. 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:28.320 To bring you to God. 00:13:29.279 --> 00:13:30.980 He was put to death in the body. 00:13:31.680 --> 00:13:32.759 But made alive. 00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:34.139 In the spirit. 00:13:35.580 --> 00:13:36.740 That's the Holy Spirit. 00:13:37.419 --> 00:13:38.580 And that same spirit. 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:40.759 That brought Jesus back. 00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:41.440 From the dead. 00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:43.620 Romans 8 tells us. 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:44.740 That same spirit. 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:45.720 Lives. 00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:46.840 In you. 00:13:47.299 --> 00:13:47.779 And me. 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:49.940 The same spirit. 00:13:50.200 --> 00:13:52.259 By whom Jesus conquered death. 00:13:52.960 --> 00:13:54.039 Took up residence. 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:54.700 In you. 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:56.259 When you believed. 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:57.200 In Jesus Christ. 00:13:57.879 --> 00:13:59.259 And unites you. 00:13:59.480 --> 00:13:59.879 Therefore. 00:14:00.299 --> 00:14:01.399 To every other believer. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:04.000 The same spirit. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:05.659 Jesus prayed. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:06.480 By whose power. 00:14:07.279 --> 00:14:08.080 In John 17. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:10.220 That we would be one. 00:14:10.220 --> 00:14:10.300 One. 00:14:11.200 --> 00:14:12.519 Just as he and the father. 00:14:12.680 --> 00:14:13.000 Are one. 00:14:15.080 --> 00:14:16.200 Our fellowship friends. 00:14:16.800 --> 00:14:17.840 This is what Christ. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:18.779 Desires of us. 00:14:19.820 --> 00:14:21.139 It's what he would have us do. 00:14:21.279 --> 00:14:22.440 By his own example. 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:23.340 By his prayers. 00:14:24.560 --> 00:14:26.379 So let's not just attend church. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:29.759 Let's not just clock in at 11. 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:31.980 Clock out at 12. 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:34.160 Let's have fellowship. 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:35.740 With the church. 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:37.879 Real fellowship. 00:14:38.060 --> 00:14:39.379 Let's be the church. 00:14:39.379 --> 00:14:41.299 Get involved. 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:43.960 Start praying with. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.460 And for other people. 00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:46.799 And ministering to. 00:14:46.960 --> 00:14:47.439 And alongside. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:48.759 Other people. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:50.820 Because through all this. 00:14:50.939 --> 00:14:51.899 By giving this picture. 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:53.019 Of fellowship. 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:54.820 Christ's victory. 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:56.939 Is our victory. 00:14:57.799 --> 00:14:58.779 And we demonstrate. 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:00.919 That he conquered death. 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:03.279 As we seek to be loving. 00:15:04.279 --> 00:15:05.639 And merciful to one another. 00:15:06.539 --> 00:15:08.379 Just as he was merciful to us. 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:11.159 So we're to have fellowship. 00:15:11.480 --> 00:15:11.840 Secondly. 00:15:11.980 --> 00:15:12.419 And finally. 00:15:13.639 --> 00:15:15.600 We participate in Christ's victory. 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:17.620 When we are gentle. 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:19.059 With the world. 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:20.439 Outside the church. 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:21.879 Verses 13 and 14. 00:15:22.019 --> 00:15:22.500 Let's have a look. 00:15:24.299 --> 00:15:25.559 Who is going to harm you. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:27.840 If you are eager to do good. 00:15:28.980 --> 00:15:30.360 But even if you should suffer. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:31.120 For what is right. 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:32.320 You are blessed. 00:15:33.419 --> 00:15:34.759 Do not fear their threats. 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:36.879 Do not be frightened. 00:15:37.679 --> 00:15:38.939 And we've talked a lot about this. 00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:39.840 Over the last few weeks. 00:15:39.919 --> 00:15:40.220 Haven't we? 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:41.899 The people are going to harm you. 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:43.360 They're going to insult you. 00:15:43.559 --> 00:15:44.580 They're going to mock you. 00:15:45.319 --> 00:15:46.980 Don't let it be because you deserve it. 00:15:48.439 --> 00:15:48.939 You know. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:49.659 Breaking the law. 00:15:50.860 --> 00:15:51.799 Stealing from the boss. 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:54.100 Disrespecting your spouse. 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:56.000 Whatever the case might be. 00:15:56.139 --> 00:15:57.419 If you do these things. 00:15:57.580 --> 00:15:59.000 You're just inviting suffering. 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:00.139 On yourself. 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:01.240 Is Peter's point. 00:16:01.879 --> 00:16:03.399 You're just making your own life difficult. 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:04.200 So. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:05.639 Just like we should strive. 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:06.879 To live in peace with everybody. 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.340 Inside the church. 00:16:09.340 --> 00:16:10.259 We should strive. 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:11.399 To do the same. 00:16:11.960 --> 00:16:12.960 Outside the church. 00:16:14.360 --> 00:16:15.440 If you do suffer. 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:18.419 And it's because you're not doing anything wrong. 00:16:19.700 --> 00:16:21.460 Don't think God has forgotten about you. 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:24.360 Don't think God is punishing you. 00:16:25.320 --> 00:16:25.620 In fact. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:26.539 Look at what Peter says. 00:16:26.779 --> 00:16:27.460 If this happens. 00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:29.040 If you suffer for doing the right thing. 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:30.620 You are blessed. 00:16:31.980 --> 00:16:33.720 Now that's always been a strange one to me. 00:16:34.540 --> 00:16:35.300 Because I'll be honest. 00:16:35.320 --> 00:16:35.780 When I suffer. 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:36.639 I don't feel blessed. 00:16:37.800 --> 00:16:39.600 I don't feel particularly good. 00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:40.940 About my suffering. 00:16:41.680 --> 00:16:42.879 I don't feel happy. 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:44.320 That I'm suffering. 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:45.180 Which is what blessed. 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:46.700 Ultimately means in Greek. 00:16:46.759 --> 00:16:47.300 It means happy. 00:16:48.019 --> 00:16:49.259 I'm not standing back going. 00:16:49.259 --> 00:16:51.700 Oh I'm so glad that people are gossiping about me. 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:54.680 I'm so happy that people are insulting me. 00:16:54.740 --> 00:16:55.440 Because of my faith. 00:16:55.440 --> 00:16:59.000 I'm so happy that all of these things are happening. 00:16:59.280 --> 00:17:00.900 And there doesn't seem to be any way out of it. 00:17:01.700 --> 00:17:02.660 It's not what it means. 00:17:03.660 --> 00:17:05.539 It doesn't mean you're overwhelmed with ecstasy. 00:17:05.620 --> 00:17:06.640 Because you're doing what's right. 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.660 You're being picked on anyway. 00:17:08.100 --> 00:17:11.080 Blessed means so much more than just being happy. 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:13.240 It means ultimately. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:15.620 When everything fades away. 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:18.279 And this world is gone. 00:17:19.459 --> 00:17:21.479 That you belong to the Lord. 00:17:22.619 --> 00:17:23.559 And nothing. 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:25.359 Nothing. 00:17:25.719 --> 00:17:26.079 Friends. 00:17:26.559 --> 00:17:28.319 Will take you out of his hand. 00:17:30.379 --> 00:17:31.739 Maybe you're bullied at school. 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:33.359 Like I was. 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:34.179 When I was a kid. 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:37.479 Maybe when you're at work. 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:40.379 You're given all the soul destroying jobs to do. 00:17:40.380 --> 00:17:42.760 No career advancement. 00:17:44.400 --> 00:17:45.940 Maybe people gossip about you. 00:17:46.120 --> 00:17:48.340 Maybe people make up false rumors about you. 00:17:49.340 --> 00:17:51.500 Things just aren't true because they have an agenda. 00:17:53.120 --> 00:17:54.300 In all these things. 00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:55.840 Nothing cuts you off. 00:17:56.260 --> 00:17:57.260 From the love of God. 00:17:57.320 --> 00:17:58.520 And in that you are blessed. 00:17:59.020 --> 00:18:00.680 And yes you've got avenues open to you. 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.560 To make your life better. 00:18:01.640 --> 00:18:03.160 No one is saying sit back and take it. 00:18:03.780 --> 00:18:04.680 You can tell the teachers. 00:18:04.680 --> 00:18:08.180 You can go to the workplace relations commission. 00:18:08.840 --> 00:18:10.039 You can get a lawyer. 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:12.200 But. 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:14.700 What if those things don't work? 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:17.320 What if nothing works? 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:18.960 What if. 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:20.700 Even though you have a case. 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:22.620 Nobody else sees it. 00:18:23.840 --> 00:18:24.259 What if. 00:18:24.380 --> 00:18:25.180 In the final analysis. 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:26.620 There's no real way. 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:28.160 Out of your situation. 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:29.279 Where you're suffering. 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:31.560 That's when you look to the words of Jesus. 00:18:32.400 --> 00:18:33.000 Who said. 00:18:33.420 --> 00:18:34.660 Blessed are those. 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:35.779 Who are persecuted. 00:18:36.040 --> 00:18:37.200 Because of righteousness. 00:18:38.140 --> 00:18:39.060 For theirs. 00:18:39.340 --> 00:18:40.140 Is the kingdom. 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:41.420 Of heaven. 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:44.259 Let me ask you a few questions. 00:18:44.580 --> 00:18:47.040 Who is the most unfairly persecuted person in history? 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:48.840 Jesus. 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.820 Who is the most righteous person. 00:18:52.400 --> 00:18:52.900 In history? 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:54.500 Jesus. 00:18:55.440 --> 00:18:57.620 Whose death atoned for your sins. 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:58.519 And my sins. 00:18:58.620 --> 00:19:00.340 And the sins of everybody who would believe in him. 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:02.480 And make us righteous in God's eyes. 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:03.560 Jesus. 00:19:04.660 --> 00:19:06.000 You see friends. 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:08.400 It's because of the death of Jesus. 00:19:09.480 --> 00:19:11.640 That you can stand in front of that bully. 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:13.640 Or that boss. 00:19:14.300 --> 00:19:15.140 Or that gossip. 00:19:15.860 --> 00:19:17.180 Or whoever it might be. 00:19:17.320 --> 00:19:18.700 And not fear their threats. 00:19:19.080 --> 00:19:19.980 But verse 15. 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:23.079 Because you revere Christ as Lord. 00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:24.720 You can give them an answer. 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:26.299 A defense. 00:19:26.660 --> 00:19:28.360 A reason for this hope. 00:19:28.900 --> 00:19:29.700 That is in you. 00:19:30.579 --> 00:19:32.000 This living hope. 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:34.099 And we do this. 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:35.960 By being gentle. 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:38.360 With the world around us. 00:19:38.359 --> 00:19:40.079 Not shouting our head off. 00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:40.099 Not shouting our head off. 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:42.439 Not answering back. 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:44.740 Giving back more of the same. 00:19:45.379 --> 00:19:45.859 Insults. 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:46.319 Gossip. 00:19:46.479 --> 00:19:48.339 All that other nasty stuff. 00:19:48.919 --> 00:19:50.279 Because of Christ's victory. 00:19:50.639 --> 00:19:52.079 Over sin and death. 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:55.119 The ones who make your life hell now. 00:19:56.119 --> 00:19:58.079 Will not stop Christ. 00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:59.500 From drawing you to heaven. 00:20:00.679 --> 00:20:01.439 It's impossible. 00:20:01.960 --> 00:20:02.799 And because of that. 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.939 We share in his victory. 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:07.019 By being gentle. 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:08.579 With the world around us. 00:20:08.819 --> 00:20:09.639 Not responding. 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:10.619 Not retaliating. 00:20:11.619 --> 00:20:12.619 By being gentle. 00:20:12.619 --> 00:20:15.039 Look at the end of verse 15. 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:16.139 On into verse 16. 00:20:17.719 --> 00:20:19.459 But do this with gentleness and respect. 00:20:20.319 --> 00:20:21.679 Keeping a clear conscience. 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:23.859 So that those who speak maliciously. 00:20:23.919 --> 00:20:25.439 Against your good behavior in Christ. 00:20:25.839 --> 00:20:26.659 May be ashamed. 00:20:27.639 --> 00:20:28.379 Of their slander. 00:20:29.139 --> 00:20:30.199 I was thinking about how to. 00:20:30.379 --> 00:20:31.039 Go through this. 00:20:31.279 --> 00:20:32.299 I think it speaks for itself. 00:20:32.419 --> 00:20:33.539 So let me just say a couple of things. 00:20:33.939 --> 00:20:35.159 Don't give smart answers. 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:37.699 When people ask you. 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:38.599 Why are you a Christian? 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:41.379 Don't be unkind. 00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:43.380 In your evangelism. 00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:45.900 I've seen some stuff. 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:46.960 In social media lately. 00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:47.320 Frankly. 00:20:47.440 --> 00:20:48.380 That makes me embarrassed. 00:20:50.820 --> 00:20:51.760 Let's be kind. 00:20:52.760 --> 00:20:53.760 Let's be gentle. 00:20:54.220 --> 00:20:55.360 Let's not give people a reason. 00:20:55.360 --> 00:20:55.720 To think. 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:57.020 We're just saying words. 00:20:57.060 --> 00:20:58.320 And we're just part of a club. 00:20:58.640 --> 00:20:59.740 Or an organization. 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:01.600 But. 00:21:02.380 --> 00:21:03.840 Our heart is really cold. 00:21:05.120 --> 00:21:06.220 In those moments. 00:21:06.780 --> 00:21:07.680 Ask the Lord. 00:21:08.120 --> 00:21:09.140 As I have to. 00:21:09.320 --> 00:21:09.660 Daily. 00:21:09.820 --> 00:21:10.060 Lord. 00:21:10.300 --> 00:21:11.120 Help my heart. 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:12.879 Overflow with gladness. 00:21:13.299 --> 00:21:14.539 For what you've done for me. 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:16.759 And help me to say something like this. 00:21:16.879 --> 00:21:18.219 I have this living hope. 00:21:18.959 --> 00:21:20.039 I have this assurance. 00:21:20.239 --> 00:21:21.119 That we'll never die. 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:23.500 No matter what comes my way. 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:24.139 In this life. 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.459 With all the bullies. 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.219 And all the gossips. 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:27.179 And all the bad bosses. 00:21:27.299 --> 00:21:28.239 And all of that kind of thing. 00:21:28.419 --> 00:21:30.000 I know my eternal life. 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:31.119 Is secure in Christ. 00:21:31.379 --> 00:21:32.500 And in Christ alone. 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:33.399 Because Christ. 00:21:33.639 --> 00:21:34.500 Is victorious. 00:21:34.939 --> 00:21:35.739 Over death. 00:21:35.959 --> 00:21:36.519 Itself. 00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:39.259 And when I put my faith in Christ. 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.680 I participate. 00:21:40.680 --> 00:21:41.940 In that victory. 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:43.619 And in response to that. 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:45.359 I won't retaliate. 00:21:46.799 --> 00:21:47.819 Let's be gentle. 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:49.759 Let's be kind. 00:21:50.660 --> 00:21:51.879 Because verse 17. 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:54.119 It is better. 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:56.220 If it is God's will. 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.700 To suffer. 00:21:58.160 --> 00:21:59.140 For doing good. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:01.019 Than for doing evil. 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:02.339 In other words. 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:03.480 If they are going to talk smack. 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:04.200 About you anyway. 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:06.879 If they are going to. 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.920 Pick on you anyway. 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:10.240 Which will often happen. 00:22:10.359 --> 00:22:11.440 No matter how rightly. 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:12.660 You want to do things. 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:13.740 If they are going to come with. 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:15.079 Preconceived ideas. 00:22:15.980 --> 00:22:16.740 And notions. 00:22:16.900 --> 00:22:17.559 About who you are. 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:19.539 Don't react to it. 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:21.940 My dad used to tell me. 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:22.720 When I was in school. 00:22:22.879 --> 00:22:23.839 And going through those times. 00:22:24.139 --> 00:22:24.400 Dan. 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:25.799 Don't let them have the satisfaction. 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:28.160 Just don't react to them. 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:30.539 Pretty good life advice. 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.619 Don't give them back. 00:22:31.700 --> 00:22:32.339 More of the same. 00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:34.599 But simply point them to Christ. 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.700 By your deeds. 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:38.759 By your words. 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:40.440 By your attitude. 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:42.159 Gentle. 00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:43.779 Kind. 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:45.299 And merciful. 00:22:47.279 --> 00:22:48.039 Because after all. 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:49.039 Isn't that what Jesus did? 00:22:50.599 --> 00:22:51.639 Think about this. 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:54.279 When they put the chains. 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:55.099 On his wrists. 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:57.379 He could have. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.420 With a word. 00:22:59.039 --> 00:22:59.619 Caused them. 00:22:59.619 --> 00:23:00.959 To disintegrate. 00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:02.419 Into ash. 00:23:03.939 --> 00:23:05.279 When they put the nails. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:06.619 On the palms of his hands. 00:23:07.639 --> 00:23:08.799 With a thought. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:09.819 He could have sent them. 00:23:09.979 --> 00:23:10.739 Flying back. 00:23:10.819 --> 00:23:11.479 Into the faces. 00:23:12.479 --> 00:23:13.739 Of his executioners. 00:23:14.739 --> 00:23:15.579 And when they lifted. 00:23:15.579 --> 00:23:16.919 The cross into position. 00:23:17.319 --> 00:23:18.319 He could have called down. 00:23:18.399 --> 00:23:19.799 Twelve legions of angels. 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:21.019 The gospel tells us. 00:23:22.219 --> 00:23:23.239 With a breath. 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:24.719 Vanquished. 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:26.039 The entire Roman army. 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:27.400 Just like that. 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:30.200 But he didn't do those things. 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:32.680 I'm going to finish in a second. 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:34.000 But think about this. 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.860 Jesus suffered those things. 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:36.519 He suffered. 00:23:36.900 --> 00:23:37.420 Knowing. 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:38.900 That this suffering. 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:40.259 Was the decisive. 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:41.220 Victory. 00:23:41.680 --> 00:23:42.799 The decisive moment. 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:43.940 In that victory. 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:45.220 Over sin. 00:23:45.460 --> 00:23:46.000 And death. 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:47.700 And in this victory. 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:48.799 Verse 19. 00:23:49.660 --> 00:23:50.259 Tells us. 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.579 He made proclamation. 00:23:51.579 --> 00:23:52.900 To the imprisoned spirits. 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:54.940 If there was a candidate. 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:56.339 For one of the strangest verses. 00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:56.859 In the Bible. 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:57.299 By the way. 00:23:57.380 --> 00:23:57.980 This is probably. 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:59.460 Close to the top of the list. 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:00.680 So who are these people? 00:24:01.039 --> 00:24:01.900 The imprisoned spirits. 00:24:02.099 --> 00:24:02.640 Verse 20. 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:03.220 Tells us. 00:24:04.380 --> 00:24:05.420 Those who were disobedient. 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.039 Long ago. 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:08.400 When God waited patiently. 00:24:08.400 --> 00:24:09.319 In the days of Noah. 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:10.980 While the ark. 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:11.579 Was being built. 00:24:12.579 --> 00:24:13.699 I remember the first time. 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:14.240 Reading this. 00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:15.519 And going. 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.859 Who are these imprisoned spirits? 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:18.119 And then reading verse 20. 00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:19.220 And then thinking. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:19.679 Peter. 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:20.899 That doesn't help me very much. 00:24:21.939 --> 00:24:23.220 Doesn't clear things up for me. 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:24.740 So I ask. 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.799 Did Jesus go back in time? 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:27.519 Did he. 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:29.139 Go through the floor. 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:30.059 And descend into hell. 00:24:30.379 --> 00:24:31.419 And talk to these people. 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:32.599 Is that what Peter means? 00:24:33.319 --> 00:24:34.199 I don't think so. 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.259 I think. 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:38.539 That in his resurrection. 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:41.339 Having conquered death. 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:42.679 Jesus. 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:43.799 Proclaimed. 00:24:44.639 --> 00:24:45.220 His victory. 00:24:45.659 --> 00:24:46.960 He announced his victory. 00:24:47.419 --> 00:24:48.559 Proclaimed in Greek. 00:24:48.939 --> 00:24:49.779 Ek keroutsen. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:51.179 It's a military term. 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:52.139 It means when you've defeated. 00:24:52.279 --> 00:24:52.960 A great army. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:55.059 And you send word back home. 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:56.000 That you've won. 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.159 And the victory. 00:24:57.939 --> 00:24:58.480 Is done. 00:24:59.699 --> 00:25:01.099 And Peter uses this picture. 00:25:01.179 --> 00:25:01.919 Of Noah's flood. 00:25:01.919 --> 00:25:03.399 The whole world drowned. 00:25:03.939 --> 00:25:04.559 Underwater. 00:25:05.399 --> 00:25:06.379 When eight people. 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:08.220 Were saved in the ark. 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.079 By floating. 00:25:09.439 --> 00:25:09.839 Over. 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:10.740 The water. 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:12.799 His resurrection. 00:25:13.679 --> 00:25:14.579 And his triumph. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.460 Announces. 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.359 That death. 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.079 Has been. 00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:18.019 Defeated. 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.460 But why the reference. 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:20.980 To the flood. 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:21.839 Well verse 21. 00:25:22.679 --> 00:25:23.359 Baptism. 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:25.799 Is the corresponding event. 00:25:26.179 --> 00:25:26.579 For us. 00:25:27.639 --> 00:25:28.919 Now when you make a public. 00:25:29.159 --> 00:25:30.119 Declaration of faith. 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:31.639 We don't stick you. 00:25:31.699 --> 00:25:32.359 In a rubber dinghy. 00:25:33.359 --> 00:25:34.259 Put you out. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:34.879 Onto the water. 00:25:35.639 --> 00:25:36.500 And send you off. 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:37.099 Into a hurricane. 00:25:37.099 --> 00:25:38.240 To see if you make it through. 00:25:39.339 --> 00:25:40.500 We should try that sometime. 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:40.779 Johnny. 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:41.059 Actually. 00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:42.279 Let it separate the real Christians. 00:25:42.399 --> 00:25:42.740 From the. 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:44.039 Fake ones. 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:45.399 Now that I've been baptized. 00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:46.599 I can suggest these kind of things. 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.539 We don't do that. 00:25:48.579 --> 00:25:48.859 Do we? 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.500 You come. 00:25:51.199 --> 00:25:51.939 And you stand. 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:52.859 In a pool of water. 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:56.000 And we immerse you. 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.339 Under the water. 00:25:58.039 --> 00:25:59.359 And then we bring you back up. 00:25:59.359 --> 00:26:01.979 Because that's a representation. 00:26:02.559 --> 00:26:03.779 Of Christ's victory. 00:26:04.019 --> 00:26:04.899 Over death. 00:26:05.699 --> 00:26:07.159 And how you participate. 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:08.519 In that victory. 00:26:09.139 --> 00:26:09.839 When you go. 00:26:10.159 --> 00:26:10.459 Down. 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.479 Under the water. 00:26:12.419 --> 00:26:13.500 It is your old self. 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.099 Dying. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.019 When you come back. 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:16.539 Up. 00:26:16.639 --> 00:26:17.419 Over the water. 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:19.199 It is your new self. 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:22.039 Participating in Christ's victory. 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:24.379 You have this in your notes. 00:26:24.459 --> 00:26:24.959 So don't bother. 00:26:25.159 --> 00:26:25.679 Looking it up. 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.339 I'll just read it. 00:26:26.619 --> 00:26:27.279 Romans 6. 00:26:27.339 --> 00:26:28.299 Verses 3 to 5. 00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:29.379 Don't you know. 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:30.099 Paul writes. 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:31.519 That all of us. 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:33.039 Who were baptized into Christ. 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:35.159 Were baptized into his death. 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:37.539 We were therefore. 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.879 Buried with him. 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.399 Through baptism. 00:26:40.839 --> 00:26:41.559 Into death. 00:26:41.879 --> 00:26:42.460 In order to. 00:26:42.559 --> 00:26:43.980 Just as Christ was raised. 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:44.539 From the dead. 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.740 Through the glory of the father. 00:26:46.039 --> 00:26:46.740 We too. 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:48.099 May live a new life. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:50.180 For if we've been united. 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:51.159 With him in a death. 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:51.799 Like his. 00:26:52.940 --> 00:26:53.379 In other words. 00:26:53.419 --> 00:26:54.599 If we've died with him. 00:26:56.079 --> 00:26:57.599 And because he was resurrected. 00:26:58.299 --> 00:26:59.180 We will certainly. 00:26:59.180 --> 00:26:59.200 We will certainly. 00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:00.659 Also be united with him. 00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:01.639 In a resurrection. 00:27:02.119 --> 00:27:02.700 Like his. 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:05.980 And it isn't the baptism itself. 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.680 That saves you. 00:27:08.339 --> 00:27:09.259 Verse 21 still. 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:10.519 Not by removing dirt. 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:11.119 From your body. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:13.240 But by your pledge. 00:27:13.419 --> 00:27:14.099 Or your appeal. 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:15.059 To God. 00:27:15.139 --> 00:27:16.059 For a clear conscience. 00:27:17.220 --> 00:27:18.119 By this symbol. 00:27:18.559 --> 00:27:18.819 About. 00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:20.460 I am dying to myself. 00:27:21.159 --> 00:27:22.339 And I am putting faith. 00:27:22.419 --> 00:27:23.019 In Christ. 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:25.099 And because Christ's victory. 00:27:25.619 --> 00:27:26.519 Over sin and death. 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:27.319 Has taken place. 00:27:27.619 --> 00:27:28.259 By faith. 00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:29.500 It is my victory. 00:27:30.599 --> 00:27:31.660 There's no formula. 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:34.619 You don't sign anything. 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:37.319 There's no litmus test. 00:27:38.359 --> 00:27:39.519 You simply believe. 00:27:41.420 --> 00:27:42.920 Your baptism is merely. 00:27:43.059 --> 00:27:44.539 Your symbolic act of obedience. 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:46.400 Whereby you participate. 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:48.360 In the death. 00:27:48.860 --> 00:27:49.560 And resurrection. 00:27:50.360 --> 00:27:51.320 Of Jesus Christ. 00:27:52.540 --> 00:27:53.720 Because Christ's victory. 00:27:54.060 --> 00:27:55.440 Is our victory. 00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:58.200 And as I finish now. 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.720 Remember that this victory. 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:00.259 Is final. 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:02.380 Verse 22. 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:04.620 Jesus is sitting in heaven. 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.779 His work is accomplished. 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:07.559 With angels. 00:28:07.680 --> 00:28:08.140 And authorities. 00:28:08.140 --> 00:28:08.680 And powers. 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:10.100 All in submission to him. 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:12.059 The ones who mocked him. 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:14.820 The ones who beat him. 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:17.320 The ones who executed him. 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:19.940 They're all under his feet now. 00:28:21.420 --> 00:28:22.500 Just like one day. 00:28:22.600 --> 00:28:22.980 The bully. 00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:23.799 And the gossip. 00:28:24.259 --> 00:28:24.820 And the abusive. 00:28:25.439 --> 00:28:25.919 Teacher. 00:28:26.139 --> 00:28:26.519 Or boss. 00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:26.919 Or whoever. 00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:28.480 They all. 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:30.200 Are under Jesus' feet. 00:28:31.679 --> 00:28:33.059 Jesus' words on the cross. 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:34.079 Weren't. 00:28:34.299 --> 00:28:34.899 It's begun. 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:37.039 They weren't. 00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:38.619 I've started something. 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.779 And now you can continue it. 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:42.279 Jesus' words on the cross. 00:28:42.460 --> 00:28:42.559 Were. 00:28:43.119 --> 00:28:43.359 It. 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.279 Is. 00:28:45.059 --> 00:28:45.480 Finished. 00:28:46.639 --> 00:28:48.240 This is a final victory. 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:51.659 Are you trusting in something. 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.419 Other than Christ. 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:55.660 Are you hoping the fact that you pray. 00:28:55.940 --> 00:28:56.740 Or fast. 00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:58.620 Or eat the right kinds of food. 00:28:58.800 --> 00:29:00.240 Or try and be a nice person. 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.980 Will get you your ticket to heaven. 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:03.980 Friend. 00:29:05.120 --> 00:29:06.519 Believe me when I tell you this. 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:07.759 There is nothing. 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:08.859 There is nothing. 00:29:09.059 --> 00:29:09.740 You can do. 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:12.240 That hasn't already been done. 00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:14.759 In the finished work of Jesus. 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:16.960 There's no entrance exam. 00:29:18.139 --> 00:29:19.799 There's no secret handshake. 00:29:20.639 --> 00:29:21.619 Or password. 00:29:21.619 --> 00:29:21.759 Lord. 00:29:23.119 --> 00:29:24.099 Jesus bore. 00:29:24.399 --> 00:29:25.459 The father's anger. 00:29:25.979 --> 00:29:26.819 Against sin. 00:29:27.659 --> 00:29:28.479 By himself. 00:29:29.699 --> 00:29:30.659 So that simply. 00:29:30.859 --> 00:29:31.699 If you believe. 00:29:32.619 --> 00:29:33.599 In your heart. 00:29:34.199 --> 00:29:35.739 That God raised Jesus from the dead. 00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:37.159 And confess with your mouth. 00:29:37.399 --> 00:29:38.179 That he is Lord. 00:29:39.199 --> 00:29:40.019 Then that's enough. 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:42.179 You live forever. 00:29:44.239 --> 00:29:46.179 One of my favorite old hymns says this. 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:46.839 And then I'll finish. 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:48.839 I need no other argument. 00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:51.199 I need no other plea. 00:29:52.139 --> 00:29:53.099 It is enough. 00:29:53.379 --> 00:29:54.220 That Jesus died. 00:29:55.059 --> 00:29:56.419 And that he died for me. 00:29:57.459 --> 00:29:57.779 Amen. 00:29:58.399 --> 00:29:59.019 Let's pray. 00:30:03.019 --> 00:30:04.139 Father we thank you. 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:04.939 That we. 00:30:05.679 --> 00:30:07.399 Can stand before your throne. 00:30:07.639 --> 00:30:08.439 Not by our own efforts. 00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:10.220 But by your finished work on the cross. 00:30:10.819 --> 00:30:12.519 By your victory over death. 00:30:13.179 --> 00:30:14.119 We thank you. 00:30:14.159 --> 00:30:14.959 That you invite us. 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:16.359 To participate in that victory. 00:30:16.359 --> 00:30:17.559 If we simply come to you. 00:30:17.639 --> 00:30:18.199 And believe. 00:30:18.839 --> 00:30:20.059 That you are the Messiah. 00:30:20.279 --> 00:30:21.199 You are the son of God. 00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:22.579 Who has destroyed our death. 00:30:22.659 --> 00:30:23.579 And destroyed our sin. 00:30:24.659 --> 00:30:25.539 We thank you Lord. 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.619 That you haven't left us alone. 00:30:26.859 --> 00:30:28.119 But that you have made us born again. 00:30:28.139 --> 00:30:29.559 Into a new family of believers. 00:30:29.559 --> 00:30:30.799 Just like the one in this room. 00:30:31.959 --> 00:30:33.000 To help us Lord. 00:30:33.319 --> 00:30:34.259 To be gentle. 00:30:34.919 --> 00:30:35.659 And loving. 00:30:35.839 --> 00:30:36.279 And kind. 00:30:36.359 --> 00:30:36.899 And compassionate. 00:30:37.059 --> 00:30:37.480 And humble. 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:38.679 And merciful. 00:30:38.879 --> 00:30:39.359 With one another. 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:41.119 So that we would have true fellowship. 00:30:42.279 --> 00:30:44.139 That we would bear one another's burdens. 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:46.000 We would weep. 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.980 With those who weep. 00:30:46.980 --> 00:30:47.880 And rejoice. 00:30:47.880 --> 00:30:48.900 With those who rejoice. 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:51.980 That we would look. 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:52.539 Father. 00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:53.960 To the relationship. 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:55.819 That you have with your son. 00:30:56.839 --> 00:30:58.460 As the basis for the relationship. 00:30:58.720 --> 00:30:59.799 We ought to have with one another. 00:31:00.880 --> 00:31:01.720 And help us Lord. 00:31:01.759 --> 00:31:03.319 Be gentle with the world around us. 00:31:03.380 --> 00:31:04.779 When we get the taunts. 00:31:04.860 --> 00:31:05.700 And the insults. 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:07.460 And everything nasty Lord. 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:08.019 We pray that. 00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:08.680 You would. 00:31:08.759 --> 00:31:09.299 At that moment. 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:10.500 Fill us with your spirit. 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:12.200 Such that we would respond. 00:31:12.360 --> 00:31:12.960 Like Christ. 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:14.079 And turn the other cheek. 00:31:14.079 --> 00:31:16.699 Who did not come into the world. 00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:18.259 To condemn the world. 00:31:19.199 --> 00:31:20.299 But came into the world. 00:31:20.379 --> 00:31:20.919 To save it. 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:23.500 So help us Lord. 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:24.779 As we close in song. 00:31:24.839 --> 00:31:25.759 And come to your table. 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:27.480 Help us to reflect. 00:31:27.559 --> 00:31:28.199 In the realities. 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:29.919 Of being born again. 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:30.859 Into a new family. 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:33.240 And reminding ourselves. 00:31:33.359 --> 00:31:34.099 Of the sacrifice. 00:31:34.639 --> 00:31:35.679 That made us born again. 00:31:36.240 --> 00:31:37.759 Help us to lift up our hearts. 00:31:38.099 --> 00:31:38.899 And our voices. 00:31:39.740 --> 00:31:40.299 In worship. 00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:43.000 And help us to give glory to you. 00:31:43.639 --> 00:31:44.519 In everything we do. 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:46.759 We ask this in Jesus name. 00:31:47.619 --> 00:31:47.899 Amen. 00:31:49.339 --> 00:31:50.619 I'm going to invite the musicians. 00:31:50.819 --> 00:31:51.539 To come back up. 00:31:53.240 --> 00:31:54.680 I'm going to hand over to them then. 00:31:54.779 --> 00:31:56.359 But I just first want to say. 00:31:57.720 --> 00:31:59.720 If you've never heard this message before. 00:32:01.139 --> 00:32:03.059 If you've never heard about this Jesus. 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:06.359 If you've never heard about the God. 00:32:06.440 --> 00:32:07.259 Who sent his son. 00:32:07.460 --> 00:32:08.679 So that you might live. 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:10.799 You're not.