WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.919 Well, good morning to those of y'all hadn't talked to yet or hadn't said hey to. 00:00:08.060 --> 00:00:12.280 It's my privilege this morning to continue in the book of Titus. 00:00:12.419 --> 00:00:17.580 We, for those of y'all who hadn't been here, we've been in a series in the book of Titus. 00:00:17.660 --> 00:00:18.859 This is our third week. 00:00:19.359 --> 00:00:26.199 And what we'll see this morning is this message of the centrality of the word of God. 00:00:26.760 --> 00:00:29.900 The importance of God's word to his church. 00:00:30.960 --> 00:00:43.200 And so before we look at the passage, before we read it, I want to share a warning that we see in other passages. 00:00:43.920 --> 00:00:48.400 And it would be a warning that Paul would share with Titus. 00:00:49.280 --> 00:00:51.079 This is a pastoral epistle. 00:00:51.299 --> 00:00:56.359 This is Paul giving instruction to his son in the faith, Titus. 00:00:57.039 --> 00:00:59.079 And we know Paul did the same to Timothy. 00:00:59.079 --> 00:01:07.319 He gave instruction to Timothy on things that he needs to be aware of, on warnings of the work of the enemy. 00:01:08.259 --> 00:01:12.780 And that's what I want to start with this morning by looking at a couple of other passages. 00:01:13.179 --> 00:01:18.840 It would remind us that the enemy hates the church. 00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:23.900 And surely Titus knows that truth. 00:01:23.900 --> 00:01:30.439 It's that the enemy has a plan and has a purpose in opposition to the church. 00:01:30.439 --> 00:01:36.179 And so the writer of the book of Hebrews says this to the church. 00:01:36.179 --> 00:01:41.500 He says, remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. 00:01:42.340 --> 00:01:47.099 Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 00:01:47.819 --> 00:01:52.439 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings. 00:01:52.439 --> 00:02:02.620 So the writer of Hebrews warns the church to not be led astray by strange teachings. 00:02:02.620 --> 00:02:12.460 And then we will remember, as we've talked about this before, the warning that Paul gave to the elders of the church at Ephesus. 00:02:12.460 --> 00:02:19.260 So he is in Miletus and he calls for the elders of the church and they come to him. 00:02:19.840 --> 00:02:23.379 And he shares this with them by way of warning. 00:02:24.379 --> 00:02:27.740 And church, this is for you and I today as well. 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:34.580 As we look at the message that Paul gave to the elders, he says this. 00:02:34.659 --> 00:02:40.600 He says, pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock. 00:02:41.219 --> 00:02:45.100 In which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. 00:02:45.780 --> 00:02:50.640 To care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 00:02:50.640 --> 00:02:56.800 I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you. 00:02:56.800 --> 00:02:59.100 Not sparing the flock. 00:02:59.980 --> 00:03:05.780 And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things. 00:03:06.180 --> 00:03:09.800 To draw away the disciples after them. 00:03:10.380 --> 00:03:13.120 Therefore, be alert. 00:03:14.360 --> 00:03:16.660 You hear the message to these elders? 00:03:18.140 --> 00:03:23.020 Paul saying to them, it's your responsibility as the caregivers for the church. 00:03:23.320 --> 00:03:25.520 God has called you to lead. 00:03:25.520 --> 00:03:28.180 He has called you to shepherd. 00:03:28.340 --> 00:03:30.780 He has called you to care for the people. 00:03:31.200 --> 00:03:31.820 Beware. 00:03:32.200 --> 00:03:34.140 There's grievous wolves coming. 00:03:35.020 --> 00:03:39.379 And they're not just coming from the outside, but from the inside. 00:03:40.900 --> 00:03:44.020 Fierce wolves in among you. 00:03:45.900 --> 00:03:46.820 Doing what? 00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:49.400 Speaking twisted things. 00:03:49.580 --> 00:03:50.500 What does that mean? 00:03:50.820 --> 00:03:51.580 Twisted things. 00:03:51.580 --> 00:03:53.980 It means twisting the truth. 00:03:54.400 --> 00:03:55.760 Twisting God's word. 00:03:56.219 --> 00:03:58.740 Saying those things which are not true. 00:04:01.100 --> 00:04:04.380 And then we look in 2 Peter. 00:04:04.500 --> 00:04:09.200 This is Peter in his general epistle to the churches in Asia Minor. 00:04:10.320 --> 00:04:13.260 And he says this about God's word. 00:04:14.260 --> 00:04:16.240 About the scriptures themselves. 00:04:16.240 --> 00:04:17.019 He says this. 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:22.319 No prophecy of scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 00:04:23.840 --> 00:04:24.920 Isn't that comforting? 00:04:25.740 --> 00:04:29.620 That the word of God does not come from man's own interpretation. 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:35.720 Instead it says no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:40.519 But men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 00:04:40.639 --> 00:04:41.319 Isn't that beautiful? 00:04:41.319 --> 00:04:45.939 That the scriptures that we have in hand are the very words of God. 00:04:46.360 --> 00:04:51.959 That through his Holy Spirit he put into the mouths and the pens of his men. 00:04:52.439 --> 00:04:53.860 Of his prophets. 00:04:54.759 --> 00:04:58.139 But Peter goes on to warn these churches. 00:04:58.779 --> 00:05:00.779 The elders and the leaders of these churches. 00:05:00.920 --> 00:05:01.699 And he says this. 00:05:02.159 --> 00:05:06.600 But false prophets also arose among the people. 00:05:06.659 --> 00:05:08.680 He's talking about the people in the Old Testament days. 00:05:08.680 --> 00:05:11.600 And he says this. 00:05:12.040 --> 00:05:15.340 Just as there will be false teachers among you. 00:05:16.220 --> 00:05:18.980 And he means inside the church. 00:05:20.660 --> 00:05:21.600 And he says. 00:05:21.860 --> 00:05:25.699 Who will secretly bring in destructive heresies. 00:05:25.960 --> 00:05:29.699 Even denying the master who bought them. 00:05:30.060 --> 00:05:32.740 Bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 00:05:33.160 --> 00:05:36.079 And many will follow their sensuality. 00:05:36.079 --> 00:05:40.279 And because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 00:05:41.719 --> 00:05:45.939 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. 00:05:46.019 --> 00:05:46.779 Did you all hear the warning? 00:05:47.899 --> 00:05:51.699 You know what we see here is we see a method of the dark kingdom. 00:05:51.800 --> 00:05:53.259 We see a method of Satan. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:56.459 In his desire to destroy the church. 00:05:56.500 --> 00:05:57.299 What does he do? 00:05:57.539 --> 00:05:59.299 He brings in lies. 00:06:00.199 --> 00:06:02.199 He brings false messages. 00:06:02.199 --> 00:06:06.719 He speaks this thing through the mouths of his servants. 00:06:06.719 --> 00:06:08.319 As if it were true. 00:06:08.459 --> 00:06:10.079 When all along it's a lie. 00:06:10.719 --> 00:06:11.899 You know what's important church? 00:06:12.579 --> 00:06:16.079 That we stick to the word of God. 00:06:16.219 --> 00:06:18.819 That we don't stray at all. 00:06:19.139 --> 00:06:23.480 How important is it for us to understand the word of God? 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:28.039 How important is it when Paul speaks to Titus. 00:06:28.040 --> 00:06:30.160 And he says to Titus this. 00:06:30.879 --> 00:06:32.640 That's why I left you in Crete. 00:06:32.760 --> 00:06:33.480 Why Paul? 00:06:33.780 --> 00:06:38.879 So that you might put what remains into order and appoint elders. 00:06:39.020 --> 00:06:39.640 Why Paul? 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:43.400 Because elders are God's gift to the church. 00:06:43.740 --> 00:06:51.140 That they would maintain the doctrinal integrity of the church. 00:06:51.340 --> 00:06:57.000 That they would make sure that what is taught in the church is according to the word of God. 00:06:57.000 --> 00:07:00.019 How important is that for you and I? 00:07:00.959 --> 00:07:04.959 Well these warnings make it clear that if we're not careful as a church. 00:07:05.100 --> 00:07:10.379 We will go off believing myths and all these other things that are spoken of in this passage. 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:13.959 It's true then in the early church. 00:07:14.060 --> 00:07:15.459 Think about the book of Revelation. 00:07:16.060 --> 00:07:20.420 The seven epistles to the seven churches in Asia Minor. 00:07:21.459 --> 00:07:22.220 And what do you say? 00:07:22.220 --> 00:07:24.140 I commend you for this. 00:07:25.520 --> 00:07:30.540 But I call to attention these things that are not according to truth. 00:07:30.900 --> 00:07:32.480 You've left your first love. 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:37.180 And other messages, other warnings that he gave to those churches. 00:07:37.580 --> 00:07:38.920 Here's what's true church. 00:07:39.520 --> 00:07:45.000 We have an enemy that desires for us not to be faithful as a body. 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:49.220 And he's going to do it by way of lies. 00:07:50.220 --> 00:07:51.420 False doctrine. 00:07:52.180 --> 00:07:53.120 False teaching. 00:07:53.680 --> 00:07:55.360 That would come into the churches. 00:07:55.980 --> 00:07:58.779 And where are we in our day and time? 00:07:58.860 --> 00:07:59.980 Do you think that's prevalent now? 00:08:01.740 --> 00:08:03.699 You know the state of the church. 00:08:04.079 --> 00:08:05.600 The wide state of the church. 00:08:05.959 --> 00:08:07.319 Is under attack. 00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:09.360 By these false messages. 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:11.139 By this departure. 00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:13.120 From the word of God. 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:15.899 And so this morning as we read our text. 00:08:16.240 --> 00:08:18.519 We're going to see the centrality of the word. 00:08:18.660 --> 00:08:20.699 The importance of the word. 00:08:20.959 --> 00:08:23.240 Directing everything we do in the local church. 00:08:23.340 --> 00:08:25.540 You know how important is it for us now. 00:08:25.620 --> 00:08:27.860 In this stage of the life of this church. 00:08:27.959 --> 00:08:29.120 You know we've been a campus. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:31.840 And we're getting ready to become an autonomous church. 00:08:32.500 --> 00:08:35.860 How important is it for us to understand this. 00:08:36.580 --> 00:08:39.659 That the word has to lead everything we do. 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:41.580 So read with me. 00:08:41.700 --> 00:08:43.019 Starting in verse 9. 00:08:43.600 --> 00:08:44.919 Of chapter 1 of Titus. 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:46.399 Going down through the second chapter. 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:47.039 Verse 1. 00:08:48.799 --> 00:08:50.779 And he's talking about the elders. 00:08:51.740 --> 00:08:52.779 And in verse 9 he says. 00:08:52.840 --> 00:08:54.379 He must hold firm. 00:08:54.560 --> 00:08:56.620 The elders must hold firm. 00:08:56.620 --> 00:08:58.679 To the trustworthy word. 00:08:58.899 --> 00:08:59.679 As taught. 00:09:00.399 --> 00:09:02.960 So that he may be able to give instruction. 00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:04.440 In sound doctrine. 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:07.860 And also to rebuke those who contradict it. 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:12.100 For there are many who are insubordinate. 00:09:12.340 --> 00:09:14.180 Empty talkers and deceivers. 00:09:14.980 --> 00:09:17.500 Especially those of the circumcision party. 00:09:18.139 --> 00:09:19.840 They must be silenced. 00:09:20.600 --> 00:09:23.779 Since they are upsetting whole families by teaching. 00:09:23.779 --> 00:09:25.740 For shameful gain. 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:27.600 What they ought not teach. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:29.700 One of the Cretans. 00:09:29.700 --> 00:09:31.920 A prophet of their own said. 00:09:32.379 --> 00:09:34.200 Cretans are always liars. 00:09:34.659 --> 00:09:35.639 Evil beasts. 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:37.420 Lazy gluttons. 00:09:38.200 --> 00:09:39.480 This testimony is true. 00:09:40.440 --> 00:09:40.800 Therefore. 00:09:41.340 --> 00:09:42.820 Rebuke them sharply. 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:45.759 That they may be sound in the faith. 00:09:46.240 --> 00:09:49.159 Not devoting themselves to Jewish myths. 00:09:50.180 --> 00:09:53.200 And the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:54.600 To the pure. 00:09:54.759 --> 00:09:55.920 All things are pure. 00:09:55.920 --> 00:09:57.639 But to the defiled. 00:09:57.800 --> 00:09:57.920 And unbelieving. 00:09:58.700 --> 00:09:59.580 Nothing is pure. 00:09:59.860 --> 00:10:02.279 But both their minds and their consciences. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:03.360 Are defiled. 00:10:03.360 --> 00:10:05.379 They profess to know God. 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:07.460 But they deny Him in their works. 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:09.100 They are detestable. 00:10:09.899 --> 00:10:10.419 Disobedient. 00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:11.240 Unfit. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:12.620 For any good work. 00:10:13.220 --> 00:10:14.360 But as for you. 00:10:15.019 --> 00:10:15.480 Teach. 00:10:16.200 --> 00:10:16.960 What accords. 00:10:17.460 --> 00:10:18.360 With sound doctrine. 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:19.320 Let's pray. 00:10:22.919 --> 00:10:24.320 Father this morning as we. 00:10:24.560 --> 00:10:26.720 Look at this passage in Titus. 00:10:26.840 --> 00:10:28.360 I'm struck with the need. 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:29.759 For us to be. 00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:31.320 Faithful to your word. 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:33.000 And Lord I remember. 00:10:33.360 --> 00:10:37.539 What the scriptures say. 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:38.600 Is that. 00:10:39.139 --> 00:10:39.919 Your word. 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:41.379 Is what sets us free. 00:10:42.659 --> 00:10:44.120 We will know your word. 00:10:44.840 --> 00:10:46.620 And we will enjoy the freedom. 00:10:47.279 --> 00:10:49.220 Of living according to your word. 00:10:49.980 --> 00:10:50.419 Father. 00:10:50.740 --> 00:10:52.340 I love the psalm. 00:10:52.440 --> 00:10:53.659 And especially Psalm 19. 00:10:54.039 --> 00:10:55.659 That says I love your word. 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:57.019 And I love your statutes. 00:10:57.100 --> 00:10:58.320 And I love your doctrine. 00:10:58.560 --> 00:10:59.779 And I love your truth. 00:11:00.279 --> 00:11:01.440 Father it's what. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:03.220 Brings us into your presence. 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:05.100 It's what honors you. 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:07.000 To walk and live by your word. 00:11:07.100 --> 00:11:07.899 So God I pray. 00:11:08.220 --> 00:11:08.759 For us. 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:11.139 For this body of believers. 00:11:11.320 --> 00:11:11.539 God. 00:11:11.639 --> 00:11:12.740 That by your grace. 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:14.220 And by your protection. 00:11:14.740 --> 00:11:15.600 Father we ask. 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:17.080 That we would always be faithful. 00:11:17.080 --> 00:11:18.480 To your word in this place. 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:20.440 That Father. 00:11:20.539 --> 00:11:22.139 We would live according to your word. 00:11:22.139 --> 00:11:25.179 And we would walk according to your word. 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:27.980 And we would not stray away. 00:11:28.319 --> 00:11:29.480 Father I pray that. 00:11:29.699 --> 00:11:31.399 You would protect us in such a way. 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:32.620 That if there's ever. 00:11:32.819 --> 00:11:34.039 A doctrine that is. 00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:35.319 Not true. 00:11:35.419 --> 00:11:36.819 That Father you would expose it. 00:11:37.720 --> 00:11:39.080 And Father you help us to be. 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:40.080 Faithful. 00:11:40.379 --> 00:11:42.159 In our commitment to your word. 00:11:42.819 --> 00:11:43.939 For Father your word is. 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:45.319 Quick and powerful. 00:11:45.480 --> 00:11:47.240 And sharper than any two-edged sword. 00:11:47.240 --> 00:11:49.600 It pierces to the dividing of soul and spirit. 00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:51.060 And the joints and marrow. 00:11:51.180 --> 00:11:52.419 And it helps us discern. 00:11:52.700 --> 00:11:53.779 The thoughts and intents. 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:54.879 Of even our own hearts. 00:11:57.560 --> 00:11:59.120 It's a living and active God. 00:12:00.360 --> 00:12:01.659 Your word is profitable. 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:04.560 Your word is. 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:06.259 A gift to us. 00:12:06.299 --> 00:12:07.680 Father that we might know you. 00:12:09.080 --> 00:12:10.720 It's your revelation of yourself. 00:12:10.860 --> 00:12:12.019 That we might know you. 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:13.940 And so God I pray that you do that. 00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:14.820 In us God. 00:12:14.899 --> 00:12:16.320 You would draw us close to yourself. 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:17.760 And Lord as we open. 00:12:18.020 --> 00:12:19.100 The word this morning. 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:20.620 As we spend time in this passage. 00:12:20.800 --> 00:12:21.480 I pray that you would. 00:12:21.760 --> 00:12:23.220 Help us understand God. 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:25.220 I pray that you would speak. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:26.180 To each one of us. 00:12:26.820 --> 00:12:28.240 I pray that you would move us. 00:12:28.820 --> 00:12:30.200 To be faithful to you. 00:12:31.360 --> 00:12:32.400 To be diligent. 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:33.960 To be alert. 00:12:34.260 --> 00:12:35.120 And I pray in your name. 00:12:35.640 --> 00:12:35.840 Amen. 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:38.540 What tools. 00:12:39.860 --> 00:12:41.140 What are the tools. 00:12:41.400 --> 00:12:42.160 That Satan uses. 00:12:43.760 --> 00:12:45.720 How is it that he infiltrates. 00:12:46.320 --> 00:12:48.440 This false message. 00:12:52.180 --> 00:12:53.379 Well our passage. 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:54.900 Speaks about this. 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:57.000 And we need to understand. 00:12:57.160 --> 00:12:58.460 That as we read this passage. 00:12:58.620 --> 00:12:59.520 We're talking about those. 00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:00.780 Who are inside the walls. 00:13:00.840 --> 00:13:01.440 Of the church. 00:13:03.480 --> 00:13:04.120 And you know. 00:13:04.200 --> 00:13:04.740 There's those. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:05.700 Who can be associated. 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:06.620 With the church. 00:13:06.660 --> 00:13:07.620 And not be believers. 00:13:08.580 --> 00:13:09.020 True. 00:13:10.520 --> 00:13:11.240 There's those. 00:13:11.240 --> 00:13:11.860 Who come. 00:13:11.980 --> 00:13:12.820 For whatever reason. 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:13.840 Hopefully it's because. 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:15.300 God is drawing them. 00:13:15.400 --> 00:13:16.540 And their heart is pricked. 00:13:16.840 --> 00:13:18.879 And they desire to hear the truth of God. 00:13:19.280 --> 00:13:20.340 But believe this. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:21.320 Is that Satan. 00:13:21.820 --> 00:13:23.060 Sends his servants. 00:13:23.460 --> 00:13:24.480 Into the churches. 00:13:24.820 --> 00:13:25.840 With the messages. 00:13:25.840 --> 00:13:26.620 Not true. 00:13:27.280 --> 00:13:28.060 Hence we read. 00:13:28.200 --> 00:13:29.160 In Peter. 00:13:29.560 --> 00:13:30.160 In his warning. 00:13:30.260 --> 00:13:30.600 He said. 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:31.620 False prophets. 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.580 Are among the people. 00:13:32.580 --> 00:13:34.240 Those who. 00:13:34.660 --> 00:13:35.820 Proclaim these things. 00:13:35.820 --> 00:13:36.240 As true. 00:13:36.320 --> 00:13:37.240 And they aren't true at all. 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:40.060 And we look at this. 00:13:40.800 --> 00:13:41.280 Church. 00:13:41.420 --> 00:13:41.639 This. 00:13:42.180 --> 00:13:43.900 This island of Crete. 00:13:44.420 --> 00:13:45.340 And it's interesting. 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:46.160 What we learn. 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:47.180 About the Cretans. 00:13:47.280 --> 00:13:47.600 That is. 00:13:47.780 --> 00:13:48.700 Those who live. 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:49.800 On the island of Crete. 00:13:50.160 --> 00:13:50.639 They. 00:13:50.980 --> 00:13:52.379 Had a reputation. 00:13:53.400 --> 00:13:55.060 And it wasn't a strong. 00:13:55.560 --> 00:13:56.540 Godly reputation. 00:13:56.540 --> 00:13:57.220 Was it? 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:59.580 As we looked at the passage. 00:13:59.700 --> 00:14:00.100 What was their. 00:14:00.320 --> 00:14:00.860 Reputation. 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:01.580 Reputation. 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:02.700 And it was even. 00:14:02.700 --> 00:14:04.139 Shared by their own people. 00:14:04.259 --> 00:14:05.300 One of their very own. 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:07.460 And he said this. 00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:09.580 Cretans are always liars. 00:14:11.080 --> 00:14:11.419 Wow. 00:14:11.820 --> 00:14:12.360 What a. 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:13.840 Rough thing to be said. 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:15.419 About a group of people. 00:14:16.419 --> 00:14:16.840 And you know. 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:17.720 Paul confirmed. 00:14:17.879 --> 00:14:18.720 That that's true. 00:14:20.399 --> 00:14:21.180 He said. 00:14:21.440 --> 00:14:22.659 This testimony is true. 00:14:22.759 --> 00:14:23.779 That they are liars. 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:24.720 That they're. 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:25.960 Comfortable. 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:27.519 With. 00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:28.779 Speaking lies. 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:29.419 Lies. 00:14:29.959 --> 00:14:32.339 And that being a part of the culture. 00:14:32.339 --> 00:14:33.379 In which they live. 00:14:34.019 --> 00:14:35.100 What an indictment. 00:14:35.439 --> 00:14:36.299 Against the culture. 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:38.699 But not only those who lie. 00:14:38.939 --> 00:14:40.059 On a regular basis. 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:41.199 He says they're. 00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:42.480 Evil beast. 00:14:43.319 --> 00:14:43.919 There's this. 00:14:44.699 --> 00:14:46.100 Evilness that drives them. 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:47.539 And the way they live their life. 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:49.399 And they're lazy gluttons. 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:50.500 You know. 00:14:50.559 --> 00:14:51.299 If we would have known. 00:14:51.399 --> 00:14:52.039 In that day. 00:14:52.439 --> 00:14:52.559 The. 00:14:53.059 --> 00:14:53.539 Other. 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:55.099 Um. 00:14:55.579 --> 00:14:56.139 Writings. 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:58.279 Reveal. 00:14:58.459 --> 00:14:58.639 That. 00:14:58.879 --> 00:14:58.980 The. 00:14:59.099 --> 00:15:00.120 Those who lived in Crete. 00:15:00.219 --> 00:15:00.360 Were. 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:01.159 Were slothful. 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:02.000 They were heavy. 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:02.519 They were. 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:03.419 Fat. 00:15:03.599 --> 00:15:04.079 They were. 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:06.379 Meaning that they didn't exercise. 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:07.120 That they. 00:15:07.399 --> 00:15:08.360 Literally were. 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:09.959 Lazy gluttons. 00:15:10.079 --> 00:15:10.240 That. 00:15:10.419 --> 00:15:10.939 That were. 00:15:11.339 --> 00:15:11.819 Liars. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:12.079 And. 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:14.240 And they had that reputation. 00:15:14.980 --> 00:15:15.339 And it was. 00:15:15.599 --> 00:15:16.279 Common among. 00:15:16.819 --> 00:15:17.199 Most. 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:18.339 In that island. 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:18.420 One. 00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:19.879 Now that. 00:15:20.379 --> 00:15:20.899 Doesn't. 00:15:21.060 --> 00:15:21.820 Necessarily. 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:22.399 Speak. 00:15:22.960 --> 00:15:23.940 To spiritual things. 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:25.740 But it. 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:26.540 It does. 00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:27.460 Speak to their. 00:15:27.940 --> 00:15:28.399 Vices. 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.139 Doesn't it? 00:15:30.580 --> 00:15:30.800 And. 00:15:31.060 --> 00:15:31.860 Isn't it interesting. 00:15:31.860 --> 00:15:32.940 What Paul says. 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:33.600 To Titus. 00:15:33.600 --> 00:15:34.340 About those. 00:15:34.420 --> 00:15:34.540 Who. 00:15:34.540 --> 00:15:35.040 Are. 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:35.899 Living. 00:15:36.060 --> 00:15:36.920 In that type of way. 00:15:38.300 --> 00:15:38.879 He says. 00:15:39.300 --> 00:15:40.120 Rebuke them. 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:41.000 Sharply. 00:15:41.780 --> 00:15:42.800 As an elder. 00:15:43.040 --> 00:15:43.660 As a leader. 00:15:43.820 --> 00:15:44.379 In the church. 00:15:44.700 --> 00:15:45.220 For men. 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:46.300 That are walking down. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.560 This road of vice. 00:15:47.559 --> 00:15:49.019 Rebuke them. 00:15:49.459 --> 00:15:49.939 Sharply. 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:52.259 Confront them. 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:53.500 You know. 00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:54.459 We think of elders. 00:15:54.579 --> 00:15:54.799 Being. 00:15:55.459 --> 00:15:55.899 Gracious. 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:56.559 And generous. 00:15:56.699 --> 00:15:57.419 And caregiving. 00:15:57.619 --> 00:15:57.939 And that. 00:15:57.939 --> 00:15:58.379 True. 00:15:58.500 --> 00:15:58.799 They are. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:00.099 But when it comes to. 00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:00.739 Men. 00:16:00.939 --> 00:16:01.519 In the church. 00:16:01.679 --> 00:16:02.159 That are living. 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:03.599 This vice filled way. 00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:05.139 This life of. 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.159 Slothfulness. 00:16:06.419 --> 00:16:07.119 This life of. 00:16:07.299 --> 00:16:07.779 Indulgence. 00:16:07.899 --> 00:16:08.539 This life of. 00:16:08.659 --> 00:16:09.079 Greed. 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:10.059 He says. 00:16:10.279 --> 00:16:10.959 Rebuke them. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:12.399 Because that's not. 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:14.059 A way that honors God. 00:16:16.859 --> 00:16:17.399 You know. 00:16:17.399 --> 00:16:18.439 I think the scriptures. 00:16:18.439 --> 00:16:19.319 Would reveal. 00:16:19.319 --> 00:16:19.679 That. 00:16:19.679 --> 00:16:20.659 For those. 00:16:21.240 --> 00:16:22.220 Walking in this. 00:16:22.319 --> 00:16:23.199 Vice filled way. 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:23.740 That yes. 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:24.899 It would take this. 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:25.620 Direct. 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.019 Straightforward. 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:28.899 Strong. 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:30.059 Confrontation. 00:16:31.019 --> 00:16:32.039 But lest we. 00:16:32.379 --> 00:16:32.980 Misunderstand. 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:34.679 That's not the way. 00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:35.519 That we should. 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:36.679 Care for everyone. 00:16:36.679 --> 00:16:37.279 In the church. 00:16:37.319 --> 00:16:37.720 As elders. 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:38.100 Is it? 00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:39.500 For those. 00:16:39.579 --> 00:16:40.519 Who are in error. 00:16:41.340 --> 00:16:42.480 Do it gently. 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:43.840 Because. 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:44.680 We also. 00:16:44.680 --> 00:16:45.720 Even as elders. 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:47.040 Have issues. 00:16:47.040 --> 00:16:47.759 In our life. 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:50.519 I want you to notice. 00:16:50.820 --> 00:16:51.860 What I see. 00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:53.720 Inside of the church. 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:54.740 As tools. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:55.680 Of Satan here. 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:57.500 Notice. 00:16:57.639 --> 00:16:57.960 It says. 00:16:58.040 --> 00:16:58.680 There are those. 00:16:58.759 --> 00:16:59.780 Who are insubordinate. 00:17:00.220 --> 00:17:00.980 Inside the church. 00:17:01.040 --> 00:17:01.460 What does it mean? 00:17:01.660 --> 00:17:02.500 They're not willing. 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:03.580 To submit to authority. 00:17:05.059 --> 00:17:06.039 And then he says. 00:17:06.079 --> 00:17:06.559 There's those. 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:07.700 Who are empty talkers. 00:17:07.980 --> 00:17:08.240 You know. 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:09.240 What an empty talker is? 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:10.700 One that's talking. 00:17:10.880 --> 00:17:11.680 All the time. 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:12.600 And never saying anything. 00:17:12.599 --> 00:17:12.759 Anything. 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:14.379 They just talk. 00:17:14.459 --> 00:17:14.619 Talk. 00:17:14.699 --> 00:17:14.879 Talk. 00:17:14.959 --> 00:17:15.119 Talk. 00:17:15.179 --> 00:17:15.419 Talk. 00:17:15.419 --> 00:17:15.459 Talk. 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:16.699 They want to be noticed. 00:17:17.159 --> 00:17:18.139 They want to be important. 00:17:18.599 --> 00:17:20.039 But they don't ever say anything. 00:17:20.339 --> 00:17:20.559 Meaning. 00:17:20.719 --> 00:17:21.199 There's no. 00:17:21.619 --> 00:17:22.019 Value. 00:17:22.179 --> 00:17:23.259 To what's being said. 00:17:24.619 --> 00:17:25.539 It's a desire. 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:26.179 To be noticed. 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:26.980 And he says. 00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:28.179 There's deceivers. 00:17:28.399 --> 00:17:28.839 Those who. 00:17:29.679 --> 00:17:30.119 Intentionally. 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:31.000 Deceive. 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:31.839 They are there. 00:17:31.919 --> 00:17:32.659 For the purpose. 00:17:32.659 --> 00:17:33.379 Of deception. 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:35.079 Do y'all see. 00:17:35.179 --> 00:17:35.859 That those are tools. 00:17:35.859 --> 00:17:36.299 Of the enemy. 00:17:37.679 --> 00:17:38.079 People. 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:38.980 That are being used. 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:39.959 Whether they know it. 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:40.339 Or not. 00:17:40.399 --> 00:17:41.059 By the enemy. 00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:42.219 To try to. 00:17:42.220 --> 00:17:43.500 Break the unity. 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:44.059 Of the church. 00:17:44.140 --> 00:17:44.759 To try to. 00:17:45.440 --> 00:17:45.920 Reduce. 00:17:46.600 --> 00:17:47.519 The church. 00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:48.940 To this place. 00:17:48.940 --> 00:17:49.180 Of. 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:50.660 Walking. 00:17:50.880 --> 00:17:51.900 In sinful life. 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.100 To. 00:17:52.279 --> 00:17:53.620 To be an insignificant. 00:17:53.620 --> 00:17:54.420 If you will. 00:17:54.420 --> 00:17:54.880 In. 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:56.019 In what honors God. 00:17:56.920 --> 00:17:57.960 To not live. 00:17:58.079 --> 00:17:58.980 A God honoring way. 00:17:59.299 --> 00:17:59.920 To believe. 00:18:00.079 --> 00:18:00.500 These things. 00:18:00.600 --> 00:18:01.460 That aren't true. 00:18:02.339 --> 00:18:02.980 The enemy. 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:03.460 Satan. 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:04.240 Has tools. 00:18:04.460 --> 00:18:04.940 Methods. 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:06.220 To try to break up. 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:06.640 The unity. 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:07.160 In the church. 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:07.960 To try to. 00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:09.319 Destroy. 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:10.179 The church. 00:18:11.179 --> 00:18:11.939 And we see. 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:13.519 In verse 14. 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:15.579 He talks about. 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.519 Not. 00:18:18.119 --> 00:18:18.480 Devoting. 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:20.480 Themselves. 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:21.419 To Jewish myths. 00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:22.539 Saying that there's some. 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:23.200 In the church. 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:24.039 In that day. 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:25.220 In that culture. 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.240 Jews. 00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:27.019 That said yes. 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:28.859 Jesus is the Messiah. 00:18:29.159 --> 00:18:30.700 But you have to be circumcised. 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:31.759 You have to do all these. 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:32.639 Jewish traditions. 00:18:33.339 --> 00:18:33.859 To be. 00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:35.579 Honoring to God. 00:18:35.639 --> 00:18:36.359 Is that true church? 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:38.599 No. 00:18:39.039 --> 00:18:39.779 What is it. 00:18:39.819 --> 00:18:40.699 That yields salvation? 00:18:40.859 --> 00:18:41.279 What is it. 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:41.939 That honors God? 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:42.819 Do you have to do all these. 00:18:42.899 --> 00:18:43.579 Traditional things? 00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:45.059 You have to be faithful. 00:18:45.059 --> 00:18:45.579 To his word. 00:18:45.679 --> 00:18:45.819 Right? 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.479 Faithful to his word. 00:18:47.979 --> 00:18:48.959 Surrender to Christ. 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:50.979 And he goes on to say. 00:18:51.299 --> 00:18:52.839 In the commands of people. 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:54.259 Who turn away from the truth. 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:56.419 Do you. 00:18:56.479 --> 00:18:57.740 You hear what's being said here? 00:18:57.819 --> 00:18:58.339 Do you hear. 00:18:58.500 --> 00:18:59.899 What's happening in this church? 00:18:59.979 --> 00:19:01.240 Do you hear what Paul is saying. 00:19:01.319 --> 00:19:01.740 To Titus. 00:19:01.959 --> 00:19:02.359 Titus. 00:19:02.439 --> 00:19:02.939 Be aware. 00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:03.759 That these things. 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.740 Are going on in the church. 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:06.279 And you have to confront it all. 00:19:06.959 --> 00:19:08.819 You can't let these people. 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:10.379 Propagate these lies. 00:19:10.439 --> 00:19:11.939 Among the children of God. 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:13.539 You've got to confront it. 00:19:14.579 --> 00:19:16.119 You've got to lead. 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.579 You've got to. 00:19:18.199 --> 00:19:19.599 Lead in such a way. 00:19:19.599 --> 00:19:21.500 That you lead with sound doctrine. 00:19:21.599 --> 00:19:22.399 Do you see it in the text? 00:19:22.919 --> 00:19:24.419 The importance of God's word. 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:25.919 Look what he says. 00:19:27.139 --> 00:19:28.259 In verse nine. 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:30.119 He says. 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:31.419 He must hold firm. 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.959 To the trustworthy word. 00:19:33.679 --> 00:19:34.679 So that he may be able. 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:35.459 To give instruction. 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:36.299 In sound doctrine. 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:37.639 I'll talk more about that. 00:19:37.639 --> 00:19:39.099 As we go forward this morning. 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:40.379 He must. 00:19:40.539 --> 00:19:41.519 Be able. 00:19:41.839 --> 00:19:42.559 To instruct. 00:19:42.959 --> 00:19:44.000 With sound doctrine. 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:44.599 What does that mean? 00:19:45.199 --> 00:19:46.279 Faithfulness to the word. 00:19:48.159 --> 00:19:49.519 I want us to look at. 00:19:50.159 --> 00:19:50.679 Timothy. 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:53.699 Another pastoral. 00:19:54.099 --> 00:19:54.459 Epistle. 00:19:55.459 --> 00:19:57.000 And Paul is saying something. 00:19:57.139 --> 00:19:58.379 Very similar to Timothy. 00:19:58.799 --> 00:19:59.919 I want you to hear it. 00:19:59.919 --> 00:20:01.079 Out of the book of Timothy. 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:03.079 In chapter three and four. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:05.579 And I would ask you to turn there. 00:20:05.579 --> 00:20:07.659 Turn to the book of second Timothy. 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:09.439 Hopefully you've got the scriptures in hand. 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:12.480 It's not going to be on the screens in front of you. 00:20:12.679 --> 00:20:13.599 If you don't have a Bible. 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:15.039 There's a few Bibles in the chairs. 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:17.799 I want you to be able to look at the passage. 00:20:17.799 --> 00:20:21.159 And I want you to look at the instruction. 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:25.059 The fatherly instruction that Paul would give to Timothy. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:27.419 As he's given it to Titus. 00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:31.379 And I want you to see verse three of chapter four. 00:20:31.380 --> 00:20:33.440 It's interesting. 00:20:33.580 --> 00:20:34.860 This has already been read this morning. 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:35.680 We've already heard it. 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:36.980 I want you to look at it again. 00:20:37.060 --> 00:20:37.660 It says this. 00:20:38.020 --> 00:20:39.420 For the time is coming. 00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:43.000 Here's Paul saying to Timothy. 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:44.280 Timothy beware. 00:20:44.840 --> 00:20:45.780 The time is coming. 00:20:45.840 --> 00:20:46.540 What time Paul? 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:50.000 The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching. 00:20:50.260 --> 00:20:51.840 But they have itching ears. 00:20:52.700 --> 00:20:55.320 And they will accumulate to themselves teachers. 00:20:55.320 --> 00:20:57.060 That suit their own passions. 00:20:58.040 --> 00:20:58.440 Church. 00:20:58.540 --> 00:20:59.240 Does that happen today? 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:01.940 I don't like what that guy says. 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.319 I don't like the fact that it. 00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:06.779 Fill in the blank. 00:21:07.700 --> 00:21:09.200 I don't like that guy. 00:21:09.700 --> 00:21:12.140 We need to go get a guy that's like this. 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:16.039 We need to get a guy that shares something that is warmer. 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:17.980 That is more general. 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:19.120 That is the good God. 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.259 The God who's. 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:25.180 And they accumulate teachers. 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:27.759 Based on their desires and their wants. 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:30.599 Not based on those who are true to the word. 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:32.140 Do you hear what it's saying? 00:21:34.339 --> 00:21:37.019 They turn away from listening to the truth. 00:21:37.099 --> 00:21:37.660 Verse 4. 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:39.900 And they wander off into myths. 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:41.839 Church. 00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:43.879 You know this is happening our day. 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:47.299 That there's so many people. 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:50.400 That are in the pews of churches around this country. 00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:52.079 That are wandering off. 00:21:52.379 --> 00:21:53.460 And believing these myths. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:59.480 That they're not chasing hard after the word of God. 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:02.880 They don't want to hear the truth. 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:05.519 Because the truth is painful at times. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:08.140 It's confrontational at times. 00:22:08.340 --> 00:22:09.920 It's revealing at times. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:12.299 It shows us our depravity. 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.480 It shows us that. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:15.019 Our sin. 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:16.720 It shows us. 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.380 Who we really are. 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:19.319 It exposes. 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.500 Who we are. 00:22:20.620 --> 00:22:21.319 On a heart level. 00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:26.799 And people don't want to walk that road. 00:22:26.879 --> 00:22:28.519 They just want to do their own thing. 00:22:30.439 --> 00:22:32.500 And so if we look at this passage. 00:22:32.659 --> 00:22:34.879 These charges to Timothy. 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.939 Notice the charges. 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:39.019 We back up into verse 14 of chapter 3. 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:39.339 And it says. 00:22:39.619 --> 00:22:41.000 But as for you Timothy. 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:43.379 And he says it again. 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:45.059 In verse 5 of chapter 4. 00:22:45.159 --> 00:22:47.159 As for you Timothy. 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:49.019 And then in verse 4 chapter 1. 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:50.119 I charge you Timothy. 00:22:50.119 --> 00:22:53.639 So we see these exhortations to Timothy. 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:54.399 What does he say? 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:57.359 Here's the exhortation to Timothy. 00:22:57.719 --> 00:22:58.000 Timothy. 00:22:58.559 --> 00:22:59.119 As an elder. 00:22:59.399 --> 00:23:00.279 As a pastor. 00:23:00.719 --> 00:23:01.899 As an overseer. 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:03.279 Of the church of God. 00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:05.299 Which he bought with his own blood. 00:23:07.399 --> 00:23:08.619 It's as if Paul is saying. 00:23:08.959 --> 00:23:10.419 This is important. 00:23:11.179 --> 00:23:13.319 This is worth giving your life away for. 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:14.919 And he says this. 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:15.839 But as for you. 00:23:15.839 --> 00:23:17.779 Continue in what you have learned. 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:19.319 And have firmly believed. 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:19.959 Knowing. 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:23.459 From whom you learned it. 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:25.019 And how from childhood. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:27.599 You've been acquainted with the sacred writings. 00:23:28.139 --> 00:23:28.679 Church. 00:23:29.339 --> 00:23:31.399 Are we acquainted with the sacred writings? 00:23:32.679 --> 00:23:34.619 Have we spent time. 00:23:35.159 --> 00:23:36.419 In the sacred writings. 00:23:36.619 --> 00:23:37.159 That is. 00:23:37.439 --> 00:23:38.279 The word of God. 00:23:38.919 --> 00:23:40.539 Are we acquainted with it? 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:42.579 Is it familiar to us? 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:44.980 Not just the stories. 00:23:45.319 --> 00:23:45.980 Of childhood. 00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:48.339 But the depth of the doctrine. 00:23:49.059 --> 00:23:49.220 You know. 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:50.799 That's why we do this every week. 00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:53.480 Is we have someone preach to God's word. 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:56.480 Because of the great need. 00:23:56.559 --> 00:23:58.099 For it to be central in our lives. 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:01.220 This is the way we live. 00:24:01.419 --> 00:24:03.279 We live according to his word. 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:04.939 And we need. 00:24:05.179 --> 00:24:06.720 The washing of the word. 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.099 Don't we? 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.659 We need it. 00:24:08.660 --> 00:24:09.820 And he says. 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:12.720 I know how from childhood. 00:24:12.940 --> 00:24:14.580 You've been acquainted with the sacred writings. 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:16.540 Which are able to make you wise. 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:18.440 For salvation through faith in Jesus. 00:24:18.860 --> 00:24:20.920 All scripture is God breathed. 00:24:21.100 --> 00:24:22.019 And is profitable. 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:22.700 For what? 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:24.019 For teaching. 00:24:24.440 --> 00:24:25.440 For reproof. 00:24:25.540 --> 00:24:26.100 Isn't it interesting? 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:29.180 The word of God is profitable. 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:30.440 For reproof. 00:24:30.540 --> 00:24:32.480 Isn't that exactly what he's telling Titus to do? 00:24:33.600 --> 00:24:34.100 Titus. 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:35.519 There's issues in the church. 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:37.120 And you're the leader. 00:24:37.119 --> 00:24:38.739 You've got to stand up. 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:41.059 And you've got to rebuke where rebukes needed. 00:24:41.479 --> 00:24:43.759 And you've got to embrace where embrace is needed. 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:44.779 But ultimately. 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.559 What it's for. 00:24:45.639 --> 00:24:47.039 Is for the sake of the flock. 00:24:48.819 --> 00:24:51.379 God's word is profitable for reproof. 00:24:51.719 --> 00:24:52.839 And for correction. 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:55.759 And training in righteousness. 00:24:56.439 --> 00:24:58.519 That the man of God may be complete. 00:24:58.859 --> 00:25:00.339 Equipped for every good work. 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.039 Here it is. 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:02.000 Verse 4.1. 00:25:02.159 --> 00:25:03.259 I charge you. 00:25:03.659 --> 00:25:04.139 Timothy. 00:25:04.419 --> 00:25:05.919 In the presence of God. 00:25:05.920 --> 00:25:06.600 Hey. 00:25:06.759 --> 00:25:07.940 We're always in the presence of God. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.200 Aren't we? 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:10.039 But he reminds him. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:10.519 Listen. 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:10.960 God. 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:13.680 God is witness to what I'm saying to you right now. 00:25:13.860 --> 00:25:16.740 And I charge you as a pastor of this flock. 00:25:16.860 --> 00:25:18.460 As an elder of this flock. 00:25:18.580 --> 00:25:19.380 I charge you. 00:25:19.840 --> 00:25:20.200 Timothy. 00:25:20.860 --> 00:25:21.820 And my page flipped over. 00:25:22.060 --> 00:25:24.039 I charge you in the presence of God. 00:25:24.080 --> 00:25:24.940 And of Jesus Christ. 00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:26.840 Who is a judge of the living and the dead. 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:28.660 And by his appearance in his kingdom. 00:25:29.100 --> 00:25:30.539 Preach the word. 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:34.099 He can say a lot of things. 00:25:34.180 --> 00:25:34.700 But what do you say? 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:35.920 Timothy. 00:25:36.599 --> 00:25:38.159 Preach the word. 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:41.759 Certainly he says to Timothy. 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:42.680 Live it. 00:25:43.559 --> 00:25:44.720 Don't just speak it. 00:25:44.920 --> 00:25:45.579 Live it out. 00:25:46.139 --> 00:25:49.220 But don't hesitate to preach it faithfully. 00:25:49.680 --> 00:25:51.980 Don't shy away from what people think. 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:54.379 Don't walk down some crazy road. 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:56.079 What others want to hear. 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:58.599 You preach God's word. 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:02.399 And God's word will do the work in the hearts of the people. 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:06.519 Preach the word. 00:26:06.659 --> 00:26:08.779 Be ready in season and out of season. 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.839 Reprove. 00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:10.879 Rebuke. 00:26:11.419 --> 00:26:11.939 Exhort. 00:26:12.179 --> 00:26:14.119 With complete patience and teaching. 00:26:16.220 --> 00:26:17.720 And in verse 5 he says. 00:26:18.159 --> 00:26:19.519 And as for you Timothy. 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:21.159 Always be sober minded. 00:26:21.639 --> 00:26:22.679 Endure suffering. 00:26:23.159 --> 00:26:25.159 Do the work of an evangelist. 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:28.180 Fulfill the ministry to which you've been called. 00:26:31.060 --> 00:26:31.840 You know what? 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:33.120 It's not easy to be an elder. 00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:35.060 Is it? 00:26:36.080 --> 00:26:38.779 How often do we like to go to people and rebuke them? 00:26:39.220 --> 00:26:40.380 And confront them? 00:26:41.120 --> 00:26:42.340 Hopefully it's with gentleness. 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:43.940 Sometimes it can't be with gentleness. 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:46.720 Think about how Jesus confronted those who are in the temple. 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:48.240 Who were selling. 00:26:49.560 --> 00:26:51.680 He said my house shall be called a house of prayer. 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:52.100 And what did he do? 00:26:52.099 --> 00:26:53.759 He made a cord. 00:26:54.079 --> 00:26:55.199 A whip out of cords. 00:26:55.480 --> 00:27:02.779 And he went in and he was knocking over the tables of those who were degrading what was supposed to be done in the house. 00:27:02.859 --> 00:27:03.559 It's a house of prayer. 00:27:03.819 --> 00:27:04.699 It's God's house. 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:06.119 It represents the presence of God. 00:27:06.379 --> 00:27:09.279 And they're in there selling animals and stuff. 00:27:09.439 --> 00:27:10.740 They've made it a business. 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:17.099 And how he went with directness to them and he ran them out of God's house. 00:27:19.579 --> 00:27:23.920 But yet at times he's very gentle in the way that he approaches. 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:35.019 Listen to how Christ approached and how important it was for Christ to be able to recognize the lies. 00:27:35.880 --> 00:27:39.779 Subtle lies that can be brought into the church. 00:27:40.600 --> 00:27:43.039 Y'all know how subtle lies are at times? 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:47.680 Think about the way that Satan tempted Christ on the mountain. 00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:56.240 He says, hey listen, your word says if you jump off then your angels are going to protect you unless you dash your head against a stone. 00:27:56.640 --> 00:27:58.200 He's like, no, you're twisting the word. 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:01.920 You're saying it but you're saying it out of context. 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:03.360 You're not saying it according to truth. 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:06.500 He says, no, but you should not tempt the Lord your God. 00:28:07.580 --> 00:28:10.860 So he corrects Satan in those moments of temptation. 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:13.880 Who Satan is subtly trying to twist the word. 00:28:13.880 --> 00:28:18.500 You know sometimes some people can say things as they teach the word of God and they cannot be true. 00:28:18.900 --> 00:28:19.780 They sound good. 00:28:20.820 --> 00:28:22.700 And we say, well that guy's got all the education. 00:28:23.520 --> 00:28:27.360 He's been here, he's been there, he's done this, he's done that, he's older, he's done it for a long time. 00:28:27.740 --> 00:28:29.200 Surely he's got to be telling the truth. 00:28:29.280 --> 00:28:30.440 That's got to be right, I'll embrace it. 00:28:31.480 --> 00:28:32.500 We don't need to do that. 00:28:34.100 --> 00:28:39.300 So Christ, when he confronted, I'm going to read a bit of a passage here. 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:45.940 I just want you to hear that he doesn't say to all elders, you need to be in the face of all the people. 00:28:46.159 --> 00:28:46.940 He doesn't say that. 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:54.119 But he does say for those who are bringing lies in the church, you need to understand it, recognize it, and be able to refute it. 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:59.619 The elders of the church need to refute the lies that are being pushed. 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:03.599 The false prophets that are coming, they need to be able to recognize it and refute it. 00:29:03.599 --> 00:29:10.159 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, the Sadducees brought forth this lie. 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:13.679 It says there's no resurrection, there's no afterlife. 00:29:14.159 --> 00:29:15.480 And Christ silenced them, how? 00:29:16.219 --> 00:29:16.899 With truth. 00:29:17.759 --> 00:29:22.319 And then here it is, but when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:25.459 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:27.179 Teacher, which is the greatest commandment? 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:33.019 And he said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:38.180 This is a great and first commandment, and the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. 00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:40.460 On these two commandments depends all the law. 00:29:41.460 --> 00:29:45.099 Now, while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question saying, 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:47.680 Who do you think is the Christ? 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:49.539 What do you think about the Christ? 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.599 Whose son is he? 00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:52.339 They said to him, the son of David. 00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:58.440 So do you understand that they tried to trap him and he answered their question well. 00:29:58.599 --> 00:29:59.720 What's the greatest commandment? 00:29:59.720 --> 00:30:05.460 Of all the 613 commandments that the Jews recognized, he said, here's the summary of it all. 00:30:05.600 --> 00:30:06.460 Love and love. 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:07.600 Love God. 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:08.799 Love your neighbor. 00:30:09.240 --> 00:30:10.900 And he says, I want to ask you a question too. 00:30:11.940 --> 00:30:14.180 He knew the trickery. 00:30:14.500 --> 00:30:17.339 He knew the lies they were trying to push among the people. 00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:18.579 And he asked a question. 00:30:18.660 --> 00:30:20.319 He said, what about the son of God? 00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:21.220 Who is he? 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.440 Whose son is he? 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:25.079 They said, the son of David. 00:30:25.079 --> 00:30:28.819 Well, that's what the prophecies declared, that the Messiah would be born to David. 00:30:29.480 --> 00:30:31.059 And then he quotes from the Old Testament. 00:30:31.220 --> 00:30:35.699 He said, the Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet. 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:38.960 If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son? 00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:43.339 And no one was able to answer him a word. 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:47.439 Nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. 00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:56.160 Listen, those liars, those false prophets, those tools of the enemy were trying to destroy. 00:30:57.680 --> 00:30:59.700 And what did the elder do? 00:30:59.820 --> 00:31:04.019 That is Christ, the chief shepherd of the flock. 00:31:04.080 --> 00:31:04.480 What did he do? 00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:07.200 He was able to speak truth to them. 00:31:07.259 --> 00:31:11.180 He was able to not only recognize the lie and recognize the deception, 00:31:11.440 --> 00:31:13.799 but he brought a question to them that they could not answer. 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:16.480 You can't refute the truth. 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:19.700 And it's the truth that exposes the lies. 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:22.240 And so I turn back to our passage. 00:31:23.000 --> 00:31:25.700 And I want you to recognize the importance of this. 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:33.279 Recognize what's said about the elders and what they need to be doing. 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:35.180 Certainly Titus being one of those elders. 00:31:35.620 --> 00:31:40.120 And in verse 9 again, hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught. 00:31:42.059 --> 00:31:45.140 He says, be able to give instruction in sound doctrine. 00:31:45.140 --> 00:31:49.680 How is it that a man can give instruction in sound doctrine? 00:31:52.680 --> 00:31:53.400 How is it? 00:31:57.160 --> 00:31:59.700 By being saturated with the word of God. 00:32:02.320 --> 00:32:02.900 You know what? 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:04.740 If we want to recognize a lie, what do we need? 00:32:04.800 --> 00:32:05.680 We need to know the truth. 00:32:05.680 --> 00:32:10.960 And every time a lie is introduced that is not according to truth, 00:32:11.100 --> 00:32:12.080 we recognize it. 00:32:12.140 --> 00:32:12.220 Why? 00:32:12.320 --> 00:32:14.060 Because we're saturated with the truth. 00:32:17.340 --> 00:32:21.420 He says, be able to give sound instruction. 00:32:21.420 --> 00:32:28.220 Be able to do what Christ did. 00:32:28.279 --> 00:32:31.279 That is to recognize the lie and to refute it. 00:32:32.279 --> 00:32:34.200 And then feed the flock. 00:32:35.279 --> 00:32:36.600 Feed the flock of God. 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:38.220 We need church. 00:32:38.360 --> 00:32:39.840 We need sound doctrine. 00:32:40.060 --> 00:32:41.519 We need the truth. 00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:46.139 And sometimes the truth is not easy to swallow, is it? 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:59.779 The passage indicates in chapter 2, as Paul's, the last verse we read says this, 00:33:00.079 --> 00:33:01.720 but as for you, teach. 00:33:02.379 --> 00:33:04.240 As for you, Titus, teach. 00:33:04.240 --> 00:33:07.480 You know, there's got to be a lot of roles as a pastor. 00:33:08.259 --> 00:33:09.880 And we think about it nowadays. 00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:13.720 Unless you're inside the ropes, unless you've been there and done that, 00:33:13.940 --> 00:33:18.099 you have no idea what all goes on in the life of a pastor of a church. 00:33:19.200 --> 00:33:21.819 I mean, you're fielding calls from all kind of things. 00:33:21.920 --> 00:33:25.299 There's all these logistical things around the church that need to be done. 00:33:25.900 --> 00:33:26.900 There's planning. 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:28.319 There's relationships. 00:33:28.779 --> 00:33:29.819 There's funerals. 00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:30.500 There's weddings. 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:36.200 There's all this stuff behind the scenes that, unless you're there, you have no idea. 00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:38.000 A man can forget his family. 00:33:39.339 --> 00:33:42.660 Because he's so tied up with the things of the church. 00:33:43.339 --> 00:33:45.980 But you know what the scriptures say here, what Paul is saying? 00:33:46.319 --> 00:33:46.759 Teach. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:49.480 Don't neglect the teaching of the word. 00:33:49.559 --> 00:33:49.680 Why? 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:52.200 Because the church needs the truth. 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:56.019 It's the truth that reveals our own sin. 00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:59.480 It's the truth that reaches down to the joints in the marrow. 00:33:59.480 --> 00:34:01.960 It discerns the thoughts and intents of our hearts. 00:34:02.299 --> 00:34:05.120 The truth reveals the sin in our life. 00:34:06.160 --> 00:34:07.680 And we need to confess sin. 00:34:07.779 --> 00:34:14.159 We need to live this repenting way, this life of repentance, this life of faith, this life of trust. 00:34:14.360 --> 00:34:14.840 We need it. 00:34:14.860 --> 00:34:15.639 And how are we going to get there? 00:34:15.880 --> 00:34:16.740 It's the truth. 00:34:17.760 --> 00:34:19.059 We need the truth. 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:21.619 We need to make it central and keep it central. 00:34:21.900 --> 00:34:23.579 Do you all hear the passage saying that? 00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:28.840 The need for the word to be the central part of the church. 00:34:29.480 --> 00:34:31.960 The importance of the word direct in everything. 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:39.059 And again, he said, teach in accordance with sound doctrine. 00:34:39.860 --> 00:34:41.119 In accordance with truth. 00:34:41.119 --> 00:34:43.519 So church, what is that? 00:34:43.719 --> 00:34:44.960 How does that apply to you and I? 00:34:46.339 --> 00:34:51.980 Does that mean that as long as we got a good pastor, a guy who's teaching according to the truth, 00:34:52.279 --> 00:34:53.259 then man, we're set. 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:54.679 We're good. 00:34:55.099 --> 00:34:55.420 Right? 00:34:57.159 --> 00:34:59.759 What is the role of the rest of the church? 00:34:59.859 --> 00:35:02.920 Those who aren't called to be elders or pastors. 00:35:03.059 --> 00:35:04.659 What is the role of the rest of the church? 00:35:04.659 --> 00:35:09.339 Does that mean that you can just get your learning from the guys he teaches on Sunday morning? 00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:11.179 Oh, please don't do that. 00:35:12.739 --> 00:35:14.839 Please don't wait on the pastor to spoon feed. 00:35:15.980 --> 00:35:16.619 You know what? 00:35:16.679 --> 00:35:21.819 God gave us a Bible so that all of us could dig and chase and know who he is. 00:35:21.879 --> 00:35:25.859 How are you going to get to know him if you don't chase the word, the truth? 00:35:26.460 --> 00:35:27.099 You know what this is? 00:35:27.139 --> 00:35:28.500 It's a revelation of God. 00:35:28.739 --> 00:35:30.899 It's a revelation of himself to you and me. 00:35:30.900 --> 00:35:34.960 And I would ask this question to all of us. 00:35:35.260 --> 00:35:37.960 How much time are you investing in the word? 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:42.860 What priority does it have in your life? 00:35:44.980 --> 00:35:47.200 Do we really believe it's going to make a difference? 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:50.860 Hey, I'll promise you this. 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:58.599 And I promise this on the word of God itself because the word of God says it. 00:35:58.599 --> 00:36:02.579 If you will dig and you will chase and you will seek God with all your heart, you know what's going to happen? 00:36:02.819 --> 00:36:04.099 You'll change your life forever. 00:36:04.980 --> 00:36:06.400 It'll change the way you live. 00:36:06.460 --> 00:36:07.400 It'll change your priorities. 00:36:07.659 --> 00:36:08.860 It'll change the way you think. 00:36:09.259 --> 00:36:11.819 It'll bring you joy and peace and rest and growth. 00:36:12.179 --> 00:36:24.139 I promise you, if you will chase knowing him, if you will dig deep in his word, then the Holy Spirit will reveal to you the truth. 00:36:24.219 --> 00:36:24.679 Isn't that what it says? 00:36:24.679 --> 00:36:28.299 The Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you into all truth. 00:36:28.599 --> 00:36:31.739 As you're opening the word and as you're reading, you're saying, I don't understand that. 00:36:32.279 --> 00:36:32.960 I don't understand it. 00:36:33.259 --> 00:36:34.440 I don't know. 00:36:34.480 --> 00:36:35.619 I can't make heads or tails of it. 00:36:35.799 --> 00:36:38.839 And you say, well, I'm just going to put it aside then because I can't understand it. 00:36:39.059 --> 00:36:39.799 Let me just tell you this. 00:36:39.899 --> 00:36:45.739 If you'll keep reading, then over time, God will reveal to you those passes you didn't understand. 00:36:45.940 --> 00:36:47.319 They will begin to become clear. 00:36:48.139 --> 00:36:49.739 God will reveal them to you. 00:36:49.739 --> 00:36:54.359 We simply have to put it as the highest of priorities in our life. 00:36:55.099 --> 00:36:55.819 Can I say that again? 00:36:56.599 --> 00:36:59.219 This needs to be the highest priority in your life. 00:37:00.339 --> 00:37:02.819 The word of God and knowing him. 00:37:03.599 --> 00:37:04.339 Nothing higher. 00:37:05.719 --> 00:37:06.979 This trumps your family. 00:37:06.980 --> 00:37:10.320 I don't mean you neglect your family. 00:37:10.860 --> 00:37:15.019 I don't mean you go find a restaurant and you spend 10 days straight and you forget about your family. 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:16.300 I'm not saying that. 00:37:16.380 --> 00:37:18.079 I'm just saying this has to be the highest priority. 00:37:18.480 --> 00:37:18.719 Why? 00:37:19.199 --> 00:37:22.800 Because this is a direction for knowing him. 00:37:23.460 --> 00:37:27.679 This shows us how to live the Christian way. 00:37:28.179 --> 00:37:30.699 Let me close with this verse out of Acts. 00:37:30.699 --> 00:37:41.319 And I think it's exciting to see the involvement of the church in the chasing and understanding of sound doctrine. 00:37:44.919 --> 00:37:51.219 Now, Paul and Silas were always constantly under attack, it seemed. 00:37:51.219 --> 00:37:57.000 And they were, the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night. 00:37:57.079 --> 00:37:57.219 Why? 00:37:57.299 --> 00:37:58.339 Because they were under attack. 00:37:58.639 --> 00:38:00.000 And so they got them by night. 00:38:00.259 --> 00:38:03.879 They took them out of there because they heard a plot to come arrest them or try to kill them. 00:38:04.079 --> 00:38:06.459 And they took them out and they sent them to Berea. 00:38:07.480 --> 00:38:08.519 And so he goes to Berea. 00:38:08.559 --> 00:38:10.299 What do you think Paul's going to do when he gets to Berea? 00:38:11.539 --> 00:38:12.980 He goes right to the church. 00:38:13.039 --> 00:38:13.199 Where? 00:38:13.359 --> 00:38:16.079 He goes to the synagogue, which is common for him. 00:38:16.859 --> 00:38:18.899 He goes to the synagogue, which is Jewish. 00:38:19.439 --> 00:38:20.159 It's a Jewish synagogue. 00:38:20.159 --> 00:38:23.500 And when they arrived in Berea, they went into the Jewish synagogue. 00:38:23.980 --> 00:38:27.519 And now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica. 00:38:27.859 --> 00:38:29.500 And why were they more noble? 00:38:29.619 --> 00:38:31.039 Listen to what the Word of God says, church. 00:38:31.299 --> 00:38:34.639 And I want you to hear it as coming from the Lord for you and me. 00:38:36.139 --> 00:38:36.960 It says this. 00:38:37.219 --> 00:38:39.679 They received the Word with all eagerness. 00:38:40.259 --> 00:38:42.079 They wanted to hear the preached Word. 00:38:43.440 --> 00:38:48.119 And they examined the Scriptures daily to see if those things were true. 00:38:50.159 --> 00:38:55.940 Church, when Jonathan's preaching or I'm preaching or someone else is here preaching, 00:38:55.940 --> 00:39:02.699 do you all listen to see if those things are actually true? 00:39:04.159 --> 00:39:07.139 Are you just accepted because we're standing up here? 00:39:07.819 --> 00:39:09.759 Oh, I would encourage you to never just accept it. 00:39:09.760 --> 00:39:14.400 I would encourage you to go dig in Scriptures yourself and see if these things be true. 00:39:15.140 --> 00:39:16.380 Dig in Scripture. 00:39:17.740 --> 00:39:19.500 Saturate yourself with the Word of God. 00:39:19.760 --> 00:39:20.640 It will change your life. 00:39:20.740 --> 00:39:21.020 Let's pray. 00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:31.000 Father, I pray that you would put in the hearts of every single person in this room 00:39:31.000 --> 00:39:37.360 an unquenchable hunger for your Word. 00:39:40.019 --> 00:39:43.880 Lord, I pray that you would open our eyes that we could see as we read your Word, 00:39:44.159 --> 00:39:46.500 that you would reveal what it is and what it means. 00:39:46.500 --> 00:39:50.659 You would help us to see you in all your glory. 00:39:52.719 --> 00:39:59.699 Father, by showing us your Word, you would lead us into worship because, Father, you're worthy. 00:40:00.480 --> 00:40:09.980 Your Word declares your greatness and your grace and your mercy and your glory and your majesty. 00:40:09.980 --> 00:40:20.199 Father, your Word reveals how very, very small we are that, Father, apart from you, there's nothing good in us. 00:40:21.699 --> 00:40:28.380 But by your greatness, God, you've come and you've shown us our sin and you've shown us our need for a Savior. 00:40:29.340 --> 00:40:32.400 And you've shown us that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. 00:40:32.400 --> 00:40:39.340 And that it is by His death and His burial and His resurrection and ascension that we know for sure 00:40:39.340 --> 00:40:43.619 that it is through Christ and by Christ alone that we can be saved. 00:40:44.920 --> 00:40:46.920 And, Father, you've called us by your name. 00:40:47.019 --> 00:40:51.440 Those of us who have asked for your forgiveness who have been redeemed by you. 00:40:52.579 --> 00:40:58.760 And, Father, you're drawing us into this life of abiding, this life of fellowship with you. 00:40:58.760 --> 00:41:06.580 Father, I pray that you would protect us as we together seek heart after you, God. 00:41:06.620 --> 00:41:11.100 As we, together as a church, we encourage one another and we sharpen one another. 00:41:11.400 --> 00:41:13.000 And we care for one another. 00:41:13.080 --> 00:41:14.400 We pray for one another. 00:41:14.820 --> 00:41:18.540 God, I pray that here in this place, your Word would always be central. 00:41:19.960 --> 00:41:22.580 God, we thank you for your Word and we praise you in Christ's name. 00:41:22.800 --> 00:41:23.040 Amen.