WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.440 Matthew chapter 5. And let me just welcome those who are on YouTube. I forgot to welcome you earlier. It's great to have you. We'd love to be able to get to know you a little bit. And there's quite a few people watching our YouTube. We don't know who you are, which is great in a way, but it would be good to welcome you and introduce our church to you. And I should thank the people that do the YouTube each week for Yuki and Gio and for others, and also the sound and PA people. We are really thankful. It's a bit of a thankless task, isn't it? So thank you. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:45.420 So we're going through the Beatitudes. And like I said before the reading, we're really looking at these statements, eight great statements, and trying to expand the Christian life. What does the Christian life look like from looking at them? 00:00:46.320 --> 00:00:57.439 According to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only person in the world who is truly happy is the Christian. And that's the whole point of what Jesus is saying in the Beatitudes. 00:00:57.439 --> 00:01:02.839 Eight great statements, eight great statements, and they all begin with the word blessed or happy. 00:01:04.239 --> 00:01:12.480 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:24.219 I worry sometimes that churches like ours give the impression that holiness and happiness cannot coexist. 00:01:24.219 --> 00:01:29.159 And nothing could be further from the truth. 00:01:31.060 --> 00:01:36.439 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 00:01:36.439 --> 00:01:48.159 According to what Jesus says here, the only way to be fulfilled, the only way to be satisfied, is the way of holiness. 00:01:50.019 --> 00:01:54.159 And so holiness and happiness go together. 00:01:54.159 --> 00:02:01.959 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:02:01.959 --> 00:02:03.340 Well, do you know what righteousness is? 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:06.560 We've been looking at it, haven't we, in Romans. 00:02:08.139 --> 00:02:11.659 Righteousness means it's the way things ought to be. 00:02:11.659 --> 00:02:19.599 I'm sure, from time to time in our better moments, we've got a longing, each one of us, that things can be different. 00:02:21.699 --> 00:02:23.560 Righteousness is the way that things are meant to be. 00:02:25.019 --> 00:02:26.340 Things aren't what they used to be. 00:02:27.419 --> 00:02:29.060 And the Bible agrees with that, doesn't it? 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:32.319 St. Augustine, in that famous prayer, he says, 00:02:32.319 --> 00:02:42.000 Things are not what they used to be. 00:02:42.959 --> 00:02:45.079 And so we were made for God. 00:02:45.359 --> 00:02:48.740 And we were made to be in a right relationship with God. 00:02:48.819 --> 00:02:51.659 And we were made to live a life that pleased God. 00:02:53.120 --> 00:02:56.699 We were made to live a life that brought pleasure to God. 00:02:56.819 --> 00:02:58.400 And that's not the way things are now. 00:02:59.879 --> 00:03:02.099 Things are not the way they used to be. 00:03:02.319 --> 00:03:06.280 So, you children, I expect this happens in your house. 00:03:07.759 --> 00:03:11.620 And you've got people around in your home. 00:03:12.459 --> 00:03:15.259 And you are behaving in a way that you shouldn't behave. 00:03:15.599 --> 00:03:16.739 You've forgotten how to behave. 00:03:18.019 --> 00:03:19.139 And what do your mum and dad do? 00:03:20.079 --> 00:03:21.299 They tell you off, don't they? 00:03:22.340 --> 00:03:24.519 And then you carry on behaving in a way that you shouldn't behave. 00:03:24.579 --> 00:03:25.180 What do they do then? 00:03:25.340 --> 00:03:26.659 They put you on the stairs, don't they? 00:03:27.459 --> 00:03:29.139 They banish you to the stairs. 00:03:29.959 --> 00:03:31.240 They send you to the stairs. 00:03:31.299 --> 00:03:32.299 Do you remember what that felt like? 00:03:32.319 --> 00:03:35.000 You've forgotten how to behave. 00:03:35.139 --> 00:03:36.840 And so you're banished to the stairs. 00:03:36.919 --> 00:03:40.840 And according to the Bible, we have been banished from the presence of God. 00:03:41.560 --> 00:03:43.379 And we've been banished to the stairs. 00:03:45.079 --> 00:03:46.519 Because we don't know how to behave properly. 00:03:46.520 --> 00:03:52.520 That's what the Bible tells us about the world in which we live in human condition. 00:03:52.520 --> 00:03:56.200 We've been banished from God's presence. 00:03:56.199 --> 00:03:58.780 Because we've been cast out from the Garden of Eden. 00:03:58.780 --> 00:04:00.500 Things ain't what they used to be. 00:04:01.300 --> 00:04:02.780 And things ain't what they ought to be. 00:04:03.780 --> 00:04:05.300 We're not what we should be. 00:04:05.500 --> 00:04:06.240 You know that. 00:04:07.860 --> 00:04:10.659 We're not in a right relationship with him. 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:12.939 Things have gone wrong and we've been banished. 00:04:12.939 --> 00:04:16.360 What's it like on the stairs, children? 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:18.040 Do you love being on the stairs? 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:21.079 Is that one of your favourite things in life? 00:04:21.500 --> 00:04:23.360 To be stuck on the stairs for half an hour? 00:04:23.779 --> 00:04:24.459 Or an hour? 00:04:24.699 --> 00:04:25.459 Or three hours? 00:04:25.459 --> 00:04:28.039 It's horrible, isn't it? 00:04:28.060 --> 00:04:28.500 It's boring. 00:04:30.699 --> 00:04:35.560 That's why we're restless as a race. 00:04:37.299 --> 00:04:39.219 One of my friends was a GP. 00:04:39.620 --> 00:04:40.699 He became a minister. 00:04:41.039 --> 00:04:47.639 And he said that one of the reasons that he made that switch was because he found that most of the patients that came to see him as a GP had nothing wrong with them. 00:04:49.740 --> 00:04:51.959 They'd come to the surgery again and again and again. 00:04:52.039 --> 00:04:53.379 But they didn't actually have anything wrong with them. 00:04:53.379 --> 00:04:59.159 And he said that many of the complaints that he was facing had spiritual causes. 00:04:59.279 --> 00:05:00.399 Dr. L. Jones said the same thing. 00:05:01.079 --> 00:05:03.300 So many diseases were just that. 00:05:03.379 --> 00:05:05.019 They were dis-easus. 00:05:06.839 --> 00:05:09.259 People were not at ease with their environment. 00:05:10.319 --> 00:05:11.240 With their life. 00:05:12.480 --> 00:05:13.199 That's our world. 00:05:13.360 --> 00:05:13.959 We're restless. 00:05:14.139 --> 00:05:14.620 We're bored. 00:05:16.259 --> 00:05:16.600 Empty. 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:23.319 Many people live far closer to the borders of despair than they're prepared to admit. 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:26.180 Things ain't what they ought to be. 00:05:26.259 --> 00:05:26.839 Things aren't right. 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:30.779 And maybe you haven't discovered that yet. 00:05:32.019 --> 00:05:34.819 Maybe you've not lived long enough to discover that. 00:05:35.279 --> 00:05:35.860 But you will. 00:05:35.860 --> 00:05:41.100 Life without God is like peeling an onion. 00:05:43.259 --> 00:05:44.620 You know what peeling an onion is like? 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:46.120 You peel it, don't you? 00:05:46.460 --> 00:05:49.020 Layer after layer after layer. 00:05:49.139 --> 00:05:50.340 And there are tears after tears. 00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:52.540 And then you get to the middle and there's just nothing. 00:05:54.759 --> 00:05:55.800 And that's life for many people. 00:05:55.800 --> 00:05:58.300 They live day after day, week after week, year after week, year after year. 00:05:59.300 --> 00:06:02.060 And they peel layer after layer after layer. 00:06:02.300 --> 00:06:03.840 And all you're left with is tears. 00:06:05.620 --> 00:06:06.500 There's nothing to it. 00:06:06.520 --> 00:06:06.939 It's empty. 00:06:07.400 --> 00:06:08.560 Things ain't what they ought to be. 00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:19.660 And Jesus says, blessed is the man or the woman or the boy or the girl who longs for things to be what they ought to be. 00:06:19.660 --> 00:06:25.420 That's what he means when he says, blessed are those who hang out and thirst for righteousness. 00:06:26.140 --> 00:06:28.820 Righteousness is the way things ought to be. 00:06:30.460 --> 00:06:32.080 And blessed are they who long for that. 00:06:34.020 --> 00:06:38.420 Blessed are those that long that things could be the way that they were intended to be. 00:06:40.820 --> 00:06:44.740 And you and I were meant to enjoy God and to please him with our lives. 00:06:44.740 --> 00:06:52.699 But here we are at odds with God, at odds with ourselves, at odds with one another and even at odds with our environment. 00:06:54.720 --> 00:07:00.620 And happiness is being right with God and right with ourselves and right with one another and right with our environment. 00:07:02.660 --> 00:07:04.519 And blessed are those who long for that. 00:07:06.819 --> 00:07:08.759 They'll get what they long for, Jesus says. 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:12.379 And so there's great promise, isn't there? 00:07:12.379 --> 00:07:15.339 Blessed are those that realise that things are wrong. 00:07:16.600 --> 00:07:18.360 And they long for things to be put right. 00:07:18.519 --> 00:07:19.680 They will be satisfied. 00:07:19.860 --> 00:07:20.639 They will be filled. 00:07:21.980 --> 00:07:23.899 They will get what they long for. 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:29.100 Blessed are those who long to be in a right relationship with God. 00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:34.620 Blessed are those who long to live a life that pleases him. 00:07:36.139 --> 00:07:37.199 And they will be filled. 00:07:37.360 --> 00:07:38.079 They will be satisfied. 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:45.500 Now this longing isn't a vague, wistful longing that we sometimes feel for things to be different. 00:07:45.579 --> 00:07:47.800 Notice Jesus puts it very strongly here. 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:58.399 We live in a country that knows very little, really, about what it means to be hungry or thirsty. 00:07:58.399 --> 00:08:06.620 But Jesus says, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:08:10.099 --> 00:08:12.919 Food and drink are essential for life. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:14.419 You can't go without it for very long. 00:08:14.479 --> 00:08:14.939 You need water. 00:08:15.060 --> 00:08:16.639 What is it, three days you can go without it? 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:20.060 You can live a bit longer without food. 00:08:20.159 --> 00:08:21.620 Depends how big you are, I suppose. 00:08:22.759 --> 00:08:24.519 But you can't live very long without food. 00:08:24.519 --> 00:08:28.279 You certainly can't live very long without drink. 00:08:30.339 --> 00:08:31.759 And these are life's essentials. 00:08:32.079 --> 00:08:34.480 And what Jesus is asking us tonight is this. 00:08:35.019 --> 00:08:37.120 Is righteousness that important to you? 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:43.039 Is it as essential to you as your food and drink? 00:08:44.579 --> 00:08:45.860 And do you hunger and thirst for it? 00:08:48.379 --> 00:08:49.079 Jesus did. 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:54.460 Jesus is the very best example, isn't he? 00:08:54.460 --> 00:08:55.480 That's what we've seen so far. 00:08:56.300 --> 00:08:57.320 Of his own words. 00:08:59.620 --> 00:09:01.340 People say to me, practice what you preach. 00:09:03.160 --> 00:09:04.780 But you can never say that to Jesus. 00:09:06.900 --> 00:09:09.520 Jesus is always the supreme example of his teaching. 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:12.500 It's why we read John 4. 00:09:12.680 --> 00:09:13.600 He's had a busy day. 00:09:13.700 --> 00:09:15.020 He's not on a bite to eat all day. 00:09:16.040 --> 00:09:17.520 He's been dealing with this woman. 00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:20.399 And then as a result of her testimony, the whole city turns out to meet him. 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:22.699 They crowd around him. 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:24.199 His disciples come back from town. 00:09:25.779 --> 00:09:27.179 Having found some provisions. 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:30.019 And they're concerned for Jesus. 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:31.559 They say, you've got nothing to eat all day. 00:09:31.939 --> 00:09:33.699 And they try to entice him to eat something. 00:09:34.340 --> 00:09:36.279 And they're concerned, aren't they, for his physical well-being. 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:40.059 And do you notice what Jesus said to them in John 4.32? 00:09:40.259 --> 00:09:43.100 He says, I have food to eat which you know nothing about. 00:09:45.019 --> 00:09:46.159 And they didn't understand. 00:09:46.159 --> 00:09:47.100 They're on a different wavelength. 00:09:48.519 --> 00:09:51.059 And they say to one another, well, has somebody brought him some to eat? 00:09:52.379 --> 00:09:53.539 And Jesus said to them this. 00:09:53.579 --> 00:09:57.340 He said, my food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:03.500 My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 00:10:04.419 --> 00:10:05.759 That is meat and drink for me. 00:10:05.840 --> 00:10:06.779 That is my bread and butter. 00:10:06.779 --> 00:10:11.439 That is more essential than food to me. 00:10:11.440 --> 00:10:13.980 That is what life is to me. 00:10:13.980 --> 00:10:14.000 That is what life is to me. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:17.539 To do the will of him who sent me. 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:19.580 And finish his work. 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:24.120 John Knox. 00:10:24.120 --> 00:10:25.120 John Knox. 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:25.360 John Knox. 00:10:25.360 --> 00:10:26.740 John Knox, the Scottish reformer. 00:10:28.500 --> 00:10:30.139 He's a great Scottish reformer. 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:32.899 He's preaching at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. 00:10:34.159 --> 00:10:35.879 He was so old and decrepit. 00:10:35.980 --> 00:10:38.279 They used to have to carry him into the pulpit. 00:10:38.279 --> 00:10:42.399 That's how concerned he was to do the will of his father. 00:10:43.899 --> 00:10:46.100 When others would have retired and put their feet up. 00:10:46.839 --> 00:10:47.699 John Knox was still preaching. 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:50.679 And they carry him into the pulpit. 00:10:50.779 --> 00:10:51.740 They had to prop him up. 00:10:52.279 --> 00:10:54.360 Against the desk because he couldn't stand up. 00:10:54.639 --> 00:10:55.600 He was an old man. 00:10:55.600 --> 00:11:01.879 But one contemporary account describes his preaching in these terms. 00:11:03.500 --> 00:11:05.360 Before he had long begun his sermon. 00:11:06.580 --> 00:11:09.139 Knox's voice had regained its old trumpet call. 00:11:10.519 --> 00:11:13.620 And he was like to ding the pulpit into blads. 00:11:15.180 --> 00:11:16.000 What does that mean? 00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:20.460 He was like to ding the pulpit into blads. 00:11:20.580 --> 00:11:23.379 That means he was as likely to knock the pulpit into splinters. 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:25.899 And leap out of it. 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:26.899 This old man. 00:11:28.439 --> 00:11:29.240 They carried him up. 00:11:29.500 --> 00:11:31.279 They propped him against the pulpit. 00:11:31.399 --> 00:11:32.240 But as he got going. 00:11:34.139 --> 00:11:35.700 The spirit of God comes upon him. 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:37.159 That was the will of God for his life. 00:11:39.200 --> 00:11:40.379 And as he was doing the will of God. 00:11:40.480 --> 00:11:42.539 So he was gaining strength and life and vigour. 00:11:42.639 --> 00:11:43.939 There's nothing more satisfying. 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:45.019 Nothing more animating. 00:11:45.600 --> 00:11:47.779 Nothing more blessed than doing the will of God. 00:11:49.379 --> 00:11:50.500 This is my meat and drink. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:51.360 Says Jesus. 00:11:53.379 --> 00:11:54.960 I've got food to eat you know nothing about. 00:11:56.519 --> 00:12:00.360 I've got something that gives me vigour and strength and life and happiness and joy. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:03.220 And it's to do God's will. 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:04.600 Can you say that tonight? 00:12:08.340 --> 00:12:09.419 I love chariots of fire. 00:12:10.100 --> 00:12:11.000 I hope you love that film. 00:12:11.059 --> 00:12:11.700 If you've not seen that film. 00:12:11.720 --> 00:12:12.399 You've got to see that film. 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:15.899 And you've got Harold Abrahams. 00:12:15.899 --> 00:12:18.059 Who's desperate to win 100 metres. 00:12:18.179 --> 00:12:20.620 And he says I've got 10 seconds to prove my existence. 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:23.559 10 seconds to prove my existence. 00:12:25.319 --> 00:12:26.539 And then you've got Eric Little. 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:29.959 There was something far more than 100 metres race. 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:33.860 Who wouldn't race 100 metres because it was a Sabbath day. 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:36.159 And he said this. 00:12:37.440 --> 00:12:39.940 He said I believe God made me for a purpose. 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:42.879 But he also made me fast. 00:12:44.600 --> 00:12:45.879 And when I run. 00:12:47.419 --> 00:12:48.360 I feel his pleasure. 00:12:50.740 --> 00:12:51.440 Think of someone else. 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:52.340 Think of William Wilberforce. 00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:52.620 You know. 00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:57.620 With others he was one of the men responsible for getting rid of the slave trade. 00:12:57.840 --> 00:12:58.700 He was very unimpressive. 00:12:59.519 --> 00:13:00.980 He was a weak little man physically. 00:13:00.980 --> 00:13:03.060 He was a very small man. 00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:03.980 He had nicknamed him. 00:13:04.100 --> 00:13:06.180 When he started as an MP in the House of Commons. 00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:07.200 They called him the Minnow. 00:13:08.580 --> 00:13:09.240 The Minnow. 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:11.800 And when he'd get up to speak. 00:13:11.879 --> 00:13:12.480 You can imagine it. 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:12.820 Can't you? 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:13.519 A bit like they do now. 00:13:13.600 --> 00:13:15.340 They all laugh at him in the House of Commons. 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:17.720 They used to ridicule him. 00:13:17.779 --> 00:13:18.539 And laugh at him. 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:22.139 But then. 00:13:23.639 --> 00:13:26.000 As the fire and the power came upon him. 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:28.120 And they used to crowd the benches to hear him speak. 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:31.620 And the saying goes around. 00:13:31.779 --> 00:13:33.419 That the widow has now become a whale. 00:13:34.340 --> 00:13:35.639 What's the explanation of that? 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:39.980 That man was doing the will of his father in heaven. 00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:43.779 Wilberforce wasn't there to feed his ego. 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:45.200 Read the biography by William Hague. 00:13:45.259 --> 00:13:46.139 It's a brilliant read. 00:13:47.700 --> 00:13:49.060 He wasn't there for the hungry. 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:51.060 For the praise and the recognition of the world. 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:52.919 That wasn't why he was in Parliament. 00:13:53.299 --> 00:13:54.100 Why was he there? 00:13:54.100 --> 00:13:56.220 He was hungry and thirsty for righteousness. 00:13:56.220 --> 00:13:59.700 He was hungry. 00:13:59.840 --> 00:14:01.480 That things would be done right. 00:14:01.620 --> 00:14:02.420 And put right. 00:14:04.040 --> 00:14:06.560 Hungry that things would be done God's way. 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:08.139 That was why he was in Parliament. 00:14:08.940 --> 00:14:09.840 That was his meat and drink. 00:14:09.940 --> 00:14:11.100 That was his reason for being. 00:14:11.320 --> 00:14:12.220 To do God's will. 00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:13.660 That's where he found fulfilment. 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:14.519 Where he found life. 00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:15.600 And Jesus says. 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:16.800 Blessed are those. 00:14:17.800 --> 00:14:19.040 Who hunger and thirst. 00:14:20.519 --> 00:14:22.040 Whose meat and drink. 00:14:22.500 --> 00:14:23.279 It is. 00:14:23.279 --> 00:14:23.360 It is. 00:14:26.220 --> 00:14:27.420 And so for them. 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:29.120 Christianity is not a little thing on the side. 00:14:29.259 --> 00:14:30.300 It's not the icing on the cake. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:32.840 It isn't something. 00:14:33.060 --> 00:14:34.600 For them to do in their spare time. 00:14:36.279 --> 00:14:37.560 It isn't something for those. 00:14:37.639 --> 00:14:38.860 Who've got an interest in those things. 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:39.379 No, no. 00:14:39.800 --> 00:14:41.180 It is food and drink. 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:44.120 It's more important than food and drink. 00:14:45.779 --> 00:14:46.840 They hunger and thirst. 00:14:46.920 --> 00:14:47.759 To do God's will. 00:14:47.820 --> 00:14:48.580 To be right with him. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:50.360 And live lives that are pleasing to him. 00:14:50.360 --> 00:14:54.019 And they long to see that in society. 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:55.820 And so the Bible says. 00:14:56.220 --> 00:14:58.080 Righteousness exalts a nation. 00:14:58.980 --> 00:15:00.379 Sin is a reproach to any people. 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:03.879 And so the people of God. 00:15:03.980 --> 00:15:06.279 They long for things to be put right. 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:07.220 In their own lives. 00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:08.080 And in their families. 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:09.279 And in society. 00:15:11.200 --> 00:15:12.019 They long for this. 00:15:12.100 --> 00:15:13.180 Because they are the children of God. 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:14.600 Now does that describe you? 00:15:14.600 --> 00:15:16.740 You see. 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:19.300 I think the Beatitudes ask us a question. 00:15:19.540 --> 00:15:20.000 And it's this. 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:21.759 Am I a real Christian? 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:26.940 The Beatitudes. 00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:27.320 Aren't they? 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:29.040 They are an identikit picture. 00:15:29.320 --> 00:15:30.300 Of what a Christian is. 00:15:32.820 --> 00:15:34.879 Do you recognize yourself in this Beatitude? 00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:40.639 I ask the question to people sometimes. 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:42.100 Would you call yourself a Christian? 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:42.779 And they say. 00:15:42.899 --> 00:15:43.639 This great phrase. 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:43.939 They say. 00:15:43.980 --> 00:15:45.199 Well I don't do anybody any harm. 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:48.139 It's really exciting isn't it? 00:15:49.340 --> 00:15:50.019 You want to say to you. 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:51.379 Does that really satisfy you? 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:53.679 To go around. 00:15:54.080 --> 00:15:55.740 Not doing anyone any harm. 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:57.039 What a motto for life. 00:15:59.179 --> 00:16:00.179 It doesn't sound like. 00:16:00.179 --> 00:16:01.360 Hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:05.720 And so. 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:06.620 A real Christian. 00:16:07.580 --> 00:16:08.100 Longs. 00:16:09.340 --> 00:16:10.819 To do as much good as he can. 00:16:10.820 --> 00:16:14.700 Hungry for righteousness. 00:16:14.700 --> 00:16:15.560 Can't get enough of it. 00:16:18.520 --> 00:16:20.840 An insatiable appetite for the things of God. 00:16:22.840 --> 00:16:24.580 A longing to please God. 00:16:24.580 --> 00:16:28.860 The letter to the Hebrews puts it like this. 00:16:29.200 --> 00:16:30.300 It's a different metaphor. 00:16:30.420 --> 00:16:31.100 But the same picture. 00:16:32.200 --> 00:16:32.879 So Hebrews 12. 00:16:33.220 --> 00:16:33.980 14 says. 00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:35.120 Strive for peace. 00:16:35.720 --> 00:16:36.240 With everyone. 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:39.340 And for the holiness. 00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:42.660 Without which no one will see the Lord. 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:46.039 And the word. 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:46.839 There. 00:16:46.839 --> 00:16:48.319 Literally means persecute. 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:50.699 Think about that. 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:53.939 Strive. 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:54.939 Persecute. 00:16:55.939 --> 00:16:56.679 For holiness. 00:16:58.000 --> 00:16:59.199 Think of the apostle Paul. 00:16:59.519 --> 00:16:59.719 He's. 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:02.719 Coming from Damascus. 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:06.680 He wants to persecute Christians. 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:07.240 He is. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.240 Striving. 00:17:08.380 --> 00:17:08.900 After them. 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:11.500 He's put everything into it. 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:11.860 He's. 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:13.079 Gone to the authorities. 00:17:13.299 --> 00:17:14.120 And he's got letters. 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:15.259 Of authorities. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:16.480 And he goes into the. 00:17:16.740 --> 00:17:17.680 City streets. 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:18.579 And the towns. 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:20.180 All around and about. 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:20.880 Every street. 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:21.579 Every house. 00:17:21.640 --> 00:17:22.059 There's no. 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:22.839 Stone. 00:17:23.059 --> 00:17:23.339 Left. 00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:24.079 Unturned. 00:17:24.140 --> 00:17:25.019 For the apostle Paul. 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:26.720 He wants to kill off the church. 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:28.460 He's tracking them down. 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:29.500 He's after their blood. 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:31.380 He's hunting them. 00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:32.380 Well. 00:17:34.860 --> 00:17:35.260 Well. 00:17:35.360 --> 00:17:35.720 Says the writer. 00:17:35.760 --> 00:17:36.200 Of the Hebrews. 00:17:36.340 --> 00:17:37.860 He's using the same word there. 00:17:38.880 --> 00:17:39.840 That's how you should be. 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:40.320 For holiness. 00:17:44.760 --> 00:17:46.100 You'll never see God. 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:47.200 Unless you're a hungry man. 00:17:47.220 --> 00:17:47.580 Or woman. 00:17:48.300 --> 00:17:49.460 You'll never see the Lord. 00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:52.460 I don't know. 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:52.840 It's like now. 00:17:52.900 --> 00:17:53.040 Children. 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:53.260 But. 00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:53.560 But. 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:54.340 When I came home. 00:17:54.420 --> 00:17:55.040 From school. 00:17:56.640 --> 00:17:57.460 Used to get home. 00:17:57.560 --> 00:17:57.980 Either kind of. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:58.220 Twenty. 00:17:58.500 --> 00:17:59.000 To four. 00:17:59.100 --> 00:17:59.660 If you had sport. 00:17:59.660 --> 00:17:59.920 After. 00:18:00.100 --> 00:18:00.460 About half. 00:18:00.460 --> 00:18:00.740 Or you. 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:02.319 You were so hungry. 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:03.680 I don't know. 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:04.700 Is it like that now? 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:06.299 Really. 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:07.019 Really hungry. 00:18:07.940 --> 00:18:08.160 And. 00:18:09.460 --> 00:18:09.860 Insatiably. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:10.340 Hungry. 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:10.660 Don't you? 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.660 You feel a bit like Esau. 00:18:12.740 --> 00:18:13.039 When he. 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:13.620 Is coming. 00:18:13.880 --> 00:18:14.039 From. 00:18:14.519 --> 00:18:15.160 The fields. 00:18:15.360 --> 00:18:16.319 So hungry. 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:16.920 After you've been in. 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:17.380 From school. 00:18:19.100 --> 00:18:19.460 And. 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:20.360 What do you do? 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:21.600 Well. 00:18:21.600 --> 00:18:22.460 If mum's not in the kitchen. 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:22.880 You. 00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:24.000 You open the cupboards. 00:18:24.100 --> 00:18:24.200 And you. 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:25.079 You look in the cupboards. 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:26.480 You. 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:27.720 You can hardly wait. 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:27.900 For. 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:29.140 For the stale bread. 00:18:29.140 --> 00:18:30.120 To come out of the toaster. 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:32.080 You. 00:18:32.080 --> 00:18:33.460 You ransack the house. 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:34.440 Looking for food. 00:18:34.520 --> 00:18:35.120 Because you. 00:18:35.280 --> 00:18:35.900 You're hungry. 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:38.240 It's a bit like. 00:18:38.320 --> 00:18:39.080 Isn't it an obsession? 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:42.680 There's only ginger nut biscuits there. 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.820 But you'll eat the ginger nut biscuits. 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.300 Because there's nothing. 00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:45.200 You're so hungry. 00:18:47.640 --> 00:18:49.020 It's a consuming desire. 00:18:49.400 --> 00:18:50.759 You've got to satisfy that hunger. 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:55.400 What happens when. 00:18:56.440 --> 00:18:57.819 Your mum butters you some bread. 00:18:57.879 --> 00:18:58.680 And puts it in front of you. 00:18:59.240 --> 00:19:00.180 Do you play with it. 00:19:00.379 --> 00:19:01.460 And roll it into. 00:19:02.059 --> 00:19:02.940 Kind of shapes. 00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:03.640 No you don't do. 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:06.599 You don't get the food. 00:19:06.680 --> 00:19:07.559 And make little mountains. 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:08.279 Out of it. 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:09.500 And that sort of thing. 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:10.480 No you eat it. 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.759 If you've never seen food in your life. 00:19:11.839 --> 00:19:12.859 You get it down here. 00:19:13.740 --> 00:19:15.359 And the writer of Hebrews. 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:15.779 Is saying. 00:19:15.859 --> 00:19:17.200 Unless you track down holiness. 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:19.100 Unless you're hungry. 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:20.200 For holiness. 00:19:20.340 --> 00:19:21.120 You'll never see God. 00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:26.279 And so it's not a case. 00:19:26.360 --> 00:19:26.539 Is it. 00:19:26.620 --> 00:19:26.960 Of saying. 00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:28.279 Lord make me as holy. 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.660 As I can get away with. 00:19:30.519 --> 00:19:31.500 And still be thought of. 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.000 As a Christian. 00:19:33.460 --> 00:19:34.420 That is the prayer. 00:19:34.500 --> 00:19:35.279 Of the Western church. 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:35.600 Isn't it? 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:35.840 Lord. 00:19:36.600 --> 00:19:37.380 Make me as holy. 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:38.319 As I can get away with. 00:19:38.360 --> 00:19:39.180 And still be thought of. 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:39.700 As a Christian. 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:40.799 It's really different. 00:19:40.920 --> 00:19:41.580 From someone like. 00:19:41.580 --> 00:19:42.559 Robert Murray McShane. 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:44.360 Who prayed. 00:19:44.779 --> 00:19:45.840 Lord make me as holy. 00:19:45.840 --> 00:19:46.580 As it's possible. 00:19:46.580 --> 00:19:47.140 For a saved. 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:47.759 Sinner to be. 00:19:47.880 --> 00:19:48.720 That's being hungry. 00:19:51.120 --> 00:19:52.039 Make me as holy. 00:19:52.140 --> 00:19:52.840 As it's possible. 00:19:52.840 --> 00:19:53.420 To be. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.420 For a saved sinner. 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:56.319 This side of glory. 00:19:58.900 --> 00:19:59.740 And Jesus says. 00:19:59.779 --> 00:20:00.460 Unless you're hungry. 00:20:00.600 --> 00:20:00.960 For holiness. 00:20:01.100 --> 00:20:01.840 You won't see God. 00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:02.539 You won't be blessed. 00:20:02.620 --> 00:20:03.180 You won't be filled. 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:06.319 Blessed are those. 00:20:06.380 --> 00:20:07.080 Who hunger and thirst. 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:07.580 And they. 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:08.360 And only they. 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.420 That's where the emphasis. 00:20:09.420 --> 00:20:10.319 Is in the text. 00:20:12.080 --> 00:20:12.680 Only they. 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:13.240 Will be filled. 00:20:13.340 --> 00:20:14.360 Those who've got an appetite. 00:20:14.920 --> 00:20:16.039 For the things of God. 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:16.079 God. 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.420 How is your appetite. 00:20:20.639 --> 00:20:21.519 Appetite these days. 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:25.240 And I expect. 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:26.139 Many of us would say. 00:20:26.379 --> 00:20:26.579 This. 00:20:26.680 --> 00:20:27.099 We would say. 00:20:27.299 --> 00:20:27.399 It's. 00:20:27.859 --> 00:20:29.039 It's not very strong. 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:32.779 That doesn't matter. 00:20:32.779 --> 00:20:33.579 If it's there. 00:20:36.079 --> 00:20:36.839 That it's there. 00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:37.619 Is the main thing. 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:41.879 Do you have an appetite. 00:20:41.879 --> 00:20:42.420 For holiness? 00:20:42.420 --> 00:20:42.620 Yes. 00:20:45.800 --> 00:20:46.560 And perhaps. 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:47.360 Tonight you come. 00:20:47.560 --> 00:20:49.120 And all you can come with. 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:49.519 Is a. 00:20:49.820 --> 00:20:50.580 Rumbling tummy. 00:20:53.300 --> 00:20:53.880 You say. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:54.759 That's all I can. 00:20:55.140 --> 00:20:55.980 That's all I can do. 00:20:56.060 --> 00:20:56.200 I've. 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:57.080 I've got an aching void. 00:20:57.300 --> 00:20:58.100 I wish. 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:00.279 I really wish. 00:21:00.340 --> 00:21:00.880 Things were different. 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:01.380 In my life. 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:04.220 I really. 00:21:04.760 --> 00:21:05.540 Things were right. 00:21:05.820 --> 00:21:06.460 In my life. 00:21:06.540 --> 00:21:07.100 But they aren't. 00:21:08.040 --> 00:21:08.680 But that's all right. 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:12.600 If you've got that. 00:21:14.400 --> 00:21:15.220 You are there. 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.440 Jesus said. 00:21:18.760 --> 00:21:19.240 Blessed are those. 00:21:19.340 --> 00:21:20.140 Who are hungry. 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:22.960 For holiness. 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:26.860 He doesn't say. 00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:27.740 Blessed are those. 00:21:27.779 --> 00:21:28.440 Who've arrived. 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:31.340 Because. 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:32.279 You won't arrive. 00:21:32.360 --> 00:21:33.059 Until you get to heaven. 00:21:34.920 --> 00:21:35.660 Blessed are those. 00:21:35.700 --> 00:21:36.319 Who are hungry. 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:39.880 Blessed are those. 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:40.579 Who are aware. 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.680 Of that rumbling tummy. 00:21:43.880 --> 00:21:44.860 That aching void. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.200 Within. 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:49.539 And so. 00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:49.840 Tonight. 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:51.160 If you're even aware. 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:52.279 Of how far you are. 00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:52.819 From the image. 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:53.359 Of Christ. 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:57.879 And you long. 00:21:57.980 --> 00:21:58.839 To be more like him. 00:21:59.279 --> 00:21:59.960 You are blessed. 00:22:02.179 --> 00:22:02.919 Maybe you've lost. 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:03.419 Your appetite. 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:07.679 So there's junk food. 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.299 Around isn't there. 00:22:08.339 --> 00:22:09.079 And you can lose. 00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:09.539 Your appetite. 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:11.159 You can lose. 00:22:11.259 --> 00:22:11.579 Your appetite. 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:12.599 For the things of God. 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:13.399 Maybe you've never. 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:13.879 Had an appetite. 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:14.539 For these things. 00:22:15.919 --> 00:22:16.740 It's an illustration. 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:17.359 That I love. 00:22:17.439 --> 00:22:18.200 And you are fed up. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:18.740 Of hearing it. 00:22:18.819 --> 00:22:19.379 I think. 00:22:19.460 --> 00:22:20.200 I've probably used it. 00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:22.339 Every six to eight weeks. 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:22.959 For the last. 00:22:23.099 --> 00:22:23.779 Eighteen years. 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:24.879 But it's the ugly duckling. 00:22:24.939 --> 00:22:25.639 Have you heard this before? 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:28.980 It's a great illustration though. 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.680 The ugly duckling. 00:22:30.780 --> 00:22:31.220 Wasn't happy. 00:22:31.300 --> 00:22:31.560 Was he? 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.580 And why? 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.660 Well because he was a swan. 00:22:34.700 --> 00:22:35.040 Of course. 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:38.160 And he didn't know that. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:38.980 He thought he was a duckling. 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:41.180 He was born with the other ducklings. 00:22:41.259 --> 00:22:41.900 And he lived with them. 00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:43.100 And he adopted the lifestyle. 00:22:43.100 --> 00:22:43.740 Of a duckling. 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:45.140 And yet. 00:22:45.380 --> 00:22:45.920 The ugly duckling. 00:22:46.040 --> 00:22:46.520 Wasn't happy. 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:50.160 He thought he was a duckling. 00:22:51.740 --> 00:22:52.559 But all the time. 00:22:52.639 --> 00:22:53.019 He was a. 00:22:54.059 --> 00:22:54.500 Swan. 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.299 And that's the problem. 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:57.639 In the world. 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:57.980 Isn't it? 00:23:02.059 --> 00:23:03.240 What's the greatest tragedy. 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:04.339 In Ealing's life? 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:07.500 The greatest tragedy. 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:08.139 In Ealing's life. 00:23:08.139 --> 00:23:08.579 It's not. 00:23:09.139 --> 00:23:10.339 That people are going to hell. 00:23:10.379 --> 00:23:11.259 As tragic as that is. 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:11.980 But there are men. 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:12.240 And women. 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:13.000 And boys and girls. 00:23:13.000 --> 00:23:14.440 Who were made to glorify God. 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.380 And enjoy him forever. 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:18.320 And they've been made for God. 00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:22.200 And they've not been made. 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:23.320 To scratch around. 00:23:23.460 --> 00:23:24.059 In this world. 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:25.460 With their head down in the dust. 00:23:25.620 --> 00:23:26.240 Pecking at this. 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:27.100 And pecking at that. 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:29.059 Looking for happiness. 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:29.900 Looking for something. 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:30.700 To cheer them up. 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:33.059 Scrabbling around in the dust. 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:34.259 Thinking that once we get out. 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:34.740 Of lockdown. 00:23:34.840 --> 00:23:35.740 Well all will be well. 00:23:37.120 --> 00:23:38.320 This will give us a bit of relief. 00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:39.400 This will cheer us up a bit. 00:23:39.660 --> 00:23:40.640 You've not been made for that. 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:45.300 We need to say to our friends. 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:45.860 And our neighbours. 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:46.640 Don't we in this country. 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:48.240 God has put eternity in your heart. 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:52.000 You've been made in the image. 00:23:52.020 --> 00:23:52.880 And the likeness of God. 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:56.380 You've been made for fellowship with him. 00:23:57.820 --> 00:24:00.040 You've been made to share the life of God. 00:24:00.140 --> 00:24:01.600 You've been made to live in such a way. 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:02.380 That pleases him. 00:24:03.320 --> 00:24:04.580 And that's what you've been made for. 00:24:04.580 --> 00:24:06.700 And that is where your happiness is found. 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:10.660 And it's only when you come to realise that. 00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:13.680 When you realise that you've been made for God. 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.940 That true happiness can be found. 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:24.480 So let me ask you as I draw a little closer. 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.380 Are you fed up with this life? 00:24:29.160 --> 00:24:30.140 Isaiah says this. 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:30.420 He says. 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.460 Why do you spend your money. 00:24:32.100 --> 00:24:33.960 On that which does not satisfy. 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:35.740 On that which is not bread. 00:24:37.360 --> 00:24:39.440 And your labour for that which does not satisfy. 00:24:39.620 --> 00:24:40.660 He's exactly right isn't he? 00:24:44.420 --> 00:24:45.559 That's exactly what people do. 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:47.319 People who were made for God. 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:48.519 You and I were made. 00:24:49.100 --> 00:24:50.140 With a hunger for God. 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:51.960 With an appetite for God. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:52.680 And what we've done. 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:54.100 Is we've tried to satisfy that. 00:24:54.180 --> 00:24:55.500 With a hunger that is not bread. 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:59.400 And that's what this Samaritan woman did. 00:24:59.400 --> 00:25:00.039 That we read about. 00:25:02.580 --> 00:25:04.640 She tried to find happiness in relationships. 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:07.200 One after another. 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.740 And the man she was living with. 00:25:09.820 --> 00:25:10.740 Was now number six. 00:25:12.920 --> 00:25:15.360 She did five broken relationships. 00:25:15.540 --> 00:25:17.560 And every time she thought this is Mr. Wright. 00:25:19.040 --> 00:25:20.180 Things will be different now. 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:23.060 From now on happiness will be just around the corner. 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:24.140 But it never was. 00:25:25.600 --> 00:25:27.540 And the grass is always greener on the other side. 00:25:27.620 --> 00:25:28.180 But it isn't. 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:31.620 And that's how it was with this woman. 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:33.720 She was desperate to be happy like everyone else. 00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:36.160 And she thought that she could find happiness in relationships. 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:38.900 But she couldn't find happiness. 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:40.180 Her life was empty. 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:42.860 As empty as the water pots that she's carrying. 00:25:42.859 --> 00:25:47.679 But her empty life. 00:25:52.139 --> 00:25:53.919 You asked me for living water. 00:25:56.559 --> 00:25:58.419 Water that would quench your thirst. 00:25:58.819 --> 00:26:00.399 And I can give it to you Jesus says. 00:26:01.719 --> 00:26:04.519 And she says to me Lord give me that water. 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:08.680 I'm fed up with this drab and empty and boring life. 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.759 I'm fed up with things. 00:26:10.879 --> 00:26:11.779 I'm not right. 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:14.460 I don't know how to put them right. 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:19.059 And every time I try to put my hand on things. 00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:19.420 Jesus. 00:26:19.660 --> 00:26:20.720 I just make things worse. 00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:23.940 And so she says Lord give me that water. 00:26:25.639 --> 00:26:27.799 I don't want to keep coming back with an empty life. 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:31.779 To try and find some kind of fill up. 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.460 Lord give me the water. 00:26:33.619 --> 00:26:34.599 Quench my thirst. 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:35.799 That will satisfy me. 00:26:36.079 --> 00:26:36.899 And Jesus says. 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.940 Go fetch your husband. 00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:42.879 It's a really strange thing to say. 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:46.980 Some commentators want to say. 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:47.819 Well there's something wrong isn't there. 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:49.339 There must be two stories that are jumbled up. 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:51.299 Early translators must have got this wrong. 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:51.879 It's not. 00:26:53.440 --> 00:26:54.919 You see Jesus is saying. 00:26:55.139 --> 00:26:55.680 To this woman. 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:57.139 Yes I'll give you happiness. 00:26:57.140 --> 00:26:58.300 I'll give you satisfaction. 00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:01.480 I'll give you that life that you were meant to have. 00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:03.460 That's why I've come into the world. 00:27:04.280 --> 00:27:05.860 I've come to put things right. 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:07.640 Between sinners and a holy God. 00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:09.020 I've come to put things right. 00:27:11.900 --> 00:27:12.580 But woman. 00:27:13.780 --> 00:27:15.340 You can't have that life. 00:27:16.620 --> 00:27:18.660 Unless you're willing to do something about your sex life. 00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:22.980 You've had five husbands. 00:27:23.100 --> 00:27:23.980 You've broken God's law. 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:27.599 I want you to be happy. 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.940 But you can't be happy. 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:30.559 Unless you're prepared to be holy. 00:27:33.759 --> 00:27:34.799 Go fetch your husband. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.360 That's. 00:27:39.140 --> 00:27:40.079 Your bit of setting. 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:40.640 Sin. 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:42.519 That's the area of the problem. 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:45.799 That's the point for the woman. 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:47.720 Where she's broken God's law. 00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:49.539 That's the point where she's got to do something. 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:53.700 And so you remember on another occasion. 00:27:53.799 --> 00:27:55.139 The rich young ruler comes to Jesus. 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:57.460 And he runs to Jesus. 00:27:58.200 --> 00:27:59.440 He's a successful businessman. 00:27:59.619 --> 00:28:00.639 Everyone knew him. 00:28:02.099 --> 00:28:02.900 In Mark's gospel. 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:03.259 We're told. 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:04.680 He comes running to Jesus. 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:05.900 He kneels before him. 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:06.980 And he cries out. 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:07.279 Jesus. 00:28:07.379 --> 00:28:08.619 I want eternal life. 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:11.019 I want to go to heaven. 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:12.259 That's never happened to me as a preacher. 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:15.639 We would think if somebody did that tonight. 00:28:15.719 --> 00:28:15.919 Wouldn't we? 00:28:15.959 --> 00:28:17.439 We would think that's absolutely wonderful. 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:20.699 And that's what this man. 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.639 What did Jesus do? 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:22.179 Does he say. 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:22.779 Oh wonderful. 00:28:23.179 --> 00:28:24.179 You want eternal life. 00:28:24.259 --> 00:28:25.000 I'm going to give it to you. 00:28:26.259 --> 00:28:27.000 No he doesn't. 00:28:29.139 --> 00:28:29.719 Jesus says. 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:30.779 Go sell all that you have. 00:28:30.839 --> 00:28:31.419 And give it to the poor. 00:28:33.739 --> 00:28:35.179 Why does he say it to that man? 00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:35.979 He says it to that man. 00:28:36.079 --> 00:28:37.779 Because that man was a greedy man. 00:28:37.779 --> 00:28:40.940 And that was for him. 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:43.619 The sin that needed to be dealt with. 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:45.559 To be put to death. 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:48.980 And when you read about it. 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:51.119 In the gospels. 00:28:51.379 --> 00:28:52.220 This guy actually. 00:28:52.379 --> 00:28:53.259 He's a nice guy. 00:28:53.339 --> 00:28:54.299 He's a likeable man. 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:55.720 He's a decent. 00:28:55.859 --> 00:28:56.119 Clean. 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:56.859 Living man. 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:58.680 He's not like the woman in John 4. 00:29:00.619 --> 00:29:01.359 He's decent. 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:02.160 Respectable. 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.819 But the issue in his life. 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.720 Was covetousness. 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:09.539 And he comes to Jesus. 00:29:09.680 --> 00:29:10.000 And he says. 00:29:10.119 --> 00:29:11.720 I want eternal life. 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.740 I want this happiness. 00:29:13.039 --> 00:29:14.519 And Jesus puts his finger on the issue. 00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:18.019 He says. 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:19.079 You can have eternal life. 00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:21.039 But only if you're willing to say goodbye to your sin. 00:29:24.440 --> 00:29:25.920 And I don't just mean theoretically. 00:29:25.920 --> 00:29:29.539 And I don't just mean. 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:31.580 Kind of mouth some words after me. 00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:32.680 And if you pray this prayer. 00:29:32.880 --> 00:29:32.880 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:33.340 Christ. 00:29:33.380 --> 00:29:35.100 You're a Christian. 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:35.840 You have eternal life. 00:29:38.080 --> 00:29:38.420 No. 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:38.680 He says. 00:29:38.759 --> 00:29:40.120 I want you to forsake that sin. 00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:41.039 To walk away from it. 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:43.820 Sell what you have. 00:29:43.860 --> 00:29:44.500 And give to the poor. 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.920 To say goodbye to your sin. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:49.320 And mean it. 00:29:49.319 --> 00:29:53.919 And we're told aren't we. 00:29:54.059 --> 00:29:54.740 In the gospels. 00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:55.980 That the young man. 00:29:56.179 --> 00:29:56.879 Was sad. 00:29:58.599 --> 00:29:59.559 And he went away. 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:02.359 And Jesus let him go. 00:30:04.859 --> 00:30:05.179 Unconverted. 00:30:06.279 --> 00:30:06.599 Unhappy. 00:30:07.079 --> 00:30:07.539 And unsaved. 00:30:09.139 --> 00:30:10.759 Because he wasn't prepared to leave his sin. 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:11.759 Unhappy. 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:16.119 And so I'm saying to you tonight. 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:17.819 If you are not prepared to leave your sin. 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:18.539 Whatever it is. 00:30:18.579 --> 00:30:19.319 And it will be different. 00:30:21.319 --> 00:30:23.299 If you're not prepared to leave your sin. 00:30:23.379 --> 00:30:24.400 You cannot have Jesus. 00:30:27.579 --> 00:30:29.379 And you cannot have what he's got to offer. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:33.400 And you can't enter into the benefits. 00:30:33.400 --> 00:30:34.960 Of what he has died to secure. 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:38.700 Unless you're prepared to leave your sin. 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:42.119 And you can't ever know what it is. 00:30:42.160 --> 00:30:43.160 To be right with God. 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:43.960 And to live a life. 00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:44.779 That is satisfying. 00:30:45.059 --> 00:30:46.019 And pleasing to God. 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:52.099 And so will you let your sin go tonight. 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:54.759 And will you turn from it. 00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:58.240 Because blessed are those. 00:30:58.319 --> 00:30:59.160 Who hunger and thirst. 00:30:59.279 --> 00:30:59.819 For righteousness. 00:31:01.900 --> 00:31:02.900 For they should be filled. 00:31:06.079 --> 00:31:07.259 And as we come to the table. 00:31:07.859 --> 00:31:08.599 How do we come? 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.440 We come hungry. 00:31:13.259 --> 00:31:14.359 And we come thirsty. 00:31:16.240 --> 00:31:18.720 And we come knowing that none but Christ can satisfy. 00:31:20.200 --> 00:31:21.519 None other name for me. 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:25.579 That in Jesus Christ. 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:28.200 And only in Jesus Christ. 00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.160 Is there satisfaction. 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:32.200 And so turn from your sin. 00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:34.799 And turn to him. 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.000 Let's pray. 00:31:36.000 --> 00:31:36.079 Amen. 00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:36.079 00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:36.079 00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:36.079