WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.000 Well, good morning. I'm very glad to be here with you this morning. 00:00:02.100 --> 00:00:03.800 I hope you are glad to be here as well. 00:00:03.800 --> 00:00:06.940 Let's open our Bibles to Romans chapter 16. 00:00:10.240 --> 00:00:15.939 Our text for today is Romans chapter 16, verses 17 through 20. 00:00:16.859 --> 00:00:20.719 We find ourselves back in the final chapter of Romans this week 00:00:20.719 --> 00:00:23.780 and have an additional eight weeks. 00:00:24.179 --> 00:00:24.539 I'm just kidding. 00:00:25.140 --> 00:00:25.660 We don't. 00:00:25.660 --> 00:00:32.100 We have a planned additional one week until we'll conclude our study of this letter. 00:00:32.840 --> 00:00:35.019 The last time we were considering this book, 00:00:35.100 --> 00:00:38.299 we took a look at Romans 16, verses 1 through 16, 00:00:38.579 --> 00:00:42.140 and then verses 21 through 23. 00:00:42.920 --> 00:00:47.219 We look at the text this way because they contain greetings to people 00:00:47.219 --> 00:00:49.700 and greetings from people. 00:00:50.400 --> 00:00:53.840 These 19 verses mention 35 people by name, 00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:57.040 as well as the mention of groups of Christians in households 00:00:57.040 --> 00:01:00.280 and companions to people mentioned by name. 00:01:01.320 --> 00:01:05.180 Today, we are stepping back to a four-verse interjection, 00:01:05.260 --> 00:01:10.400 and I want to take a moment to explain why I think the interjection exists. 00:01:11.600 --> 00:01:15.400 Paul is making a point, at least in part, in these four verses 00:01:15.400 --> 00:01:19.240 that I've been laboring to make to you over our time together in this book. 00:01:19.239 --> 00:01:24.379 We must be so careful with our doctrine, 00:01:24.379 --> 00:01:29.719 and we must be so careful that we assign doctrinal importance 00:01:29.719 --> 00:01:32.839 so that the gospel is preserved. 00:01:33.219 --> 00:01:36.619 I've made this case for theological triage to you again and again. 00:01:36.719 --> 00:01:40.159 I'll spare you today making that case. 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:46.659 But we need to be careful in thinking about what hills we die on. 00:01:46.659 --> 00:01:54.539 In this letter, Paul teaches that justification or salvation is by grace alone. 00:01:54.739 --> 00:01:56.819 It's his kindness toward us. 00:01:57.420 --> 00:02:05.599 Through faith alone, this is the means in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. 00:02:06.560 --> 00:02:12.159 And then he teaches us what the life liberated from the power of sin looks like, 00:02:12.159 --> 00:02:18.240 and the driving characteristic of that life is unified love. 00:02:19.240 --> 00:02:23.519 So I think that in 16 verses 1 through 16, 00:02:23.960 --> 00:02:28.159 Paul has expressed all of these wishes of embrace. 00:02:28.280 --> 00:02:29.919 Remember that term, greet. 00:02:30.159 --> 00:02:33.240 That means to pull in tight, to embrace. 00:02:33.800 --> 00:02:35.979 For people that he loves, 00:02:35.979 --> 00:02:38.519 and then, because he loves them, 00:02:39.159 --> 00:02:43.159 he can't help but give them one more exhortation. 00:02:44.419 --> 00:02:49.239 It was, after all, Paul who wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 and verse 6 00:02:49.239 --> 00:02:53.459 that love rejoices with the truth. 00:02:54.919 --> 00:03:01.319 So join me as we look at this interjected, final exhortation of Paul's letter to the Romans. 00:03:01.399 --> 00:03:03.979 Romans 16, I'll begin reading in verse 17. 00:03:03.979 --> 00:03:07.019 Let me remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us, 00:03:07.119 --> 00:03:09.419 written for his glory and our good. 00:03:10.319 --> 00:03:12.639 And so we would all do well to listen to it 00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:16.219 in order to believe its promises and obey its commands. 00:03:17.599 --> 00:03:19.199 I appeal to you, brothers, 00:03:19.459 --> 00:03:22.179 to watch out for those who cause divisions 00:03:22.179 --> 00:03:26.159 and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught. 00:03:26.939 --> 00:03:27.560 Avoid them. 00:03:28.399 --> 00:03:30.939 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, 00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:32.379 but their own appetites, 00:03:32.379 --> 00:03:34.919 and by smooth talk and flattery 00:03:34.919 --> 00:03:37.219 they deceive the hearts of the naive. 00:03:38.500 --> 00:03:40.280 For your obedience is known to all 00:03:40.280 --> 00:03:41.659 so that I rejoice over you, 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:44.340 but I want you to be wise as to what is good 00:03:44.340 --> 00:03:46.819 and innocent as to what is evil. 00:03:47.819 --> 00:03:51.019 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. 00:03:51.719 --> 00:03:54.960 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 00:03:55.900 --> 00:03:58.099 We have a very simple three-point outline 00:03:58.099 --> 00:03:59.439 for our study this morning, 00:03:59.639 --> 00:04:01.340 which is as follows. 00:04:01.439 --> 00:04:03.620 Number one, Paul's caution. 00:04:04.460 --> 00:04:06.539 Number two, Paul's encouragement. 00:04:07.319 --> 00:04:10.439 And number three, Paul's confidence. 00:04:11.539 --> 00:04:13.280 Number one, Paul's caution. 00:04:13.359 --> 00:04:15.120 And we see this in those first two verses. 00:04:16.139 --> 00:04:18.579 What I think we first need to consider here 00:04:18.579 --> 00:04:22.540 is what Paul is not cautioning against. 00:04:22.540 --> 00:04:27.260 He is not here speaking about the lesser order issues. 00:04:27.379 --> 00:04:31.080 He is not talking about varied opinions. 00:04:31.520 --> 00:04:35.200 There are many things that we don't entirely see eye to eye on 00:04:35.200 --> 00:04:37.180 in the Christian faith. 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:39.939 I'm sure you can draw many of them to mind. 00:04:41.020 --> 00:04:44.720 This is a text about false teachers. 00:04:45.180 --> 00:04:49.000 Those who do not serve are Lord Christ. 00:04:49.000 --> 00:04:51.360 Notice that in verse 18. 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:55.259 Remember that Paul has encouraged unified love 00:04:55.259 --> 00:04:57.639 in this letter in chapter 14. 00:04:58.020 --> 00:04:58.900 This is verse 1. 00:04:59.280 --> 00:05:01.340 As for the one who is weak in faith, 00:05:02.020 --> 00:05:02.720 welcome him, 00:05:03.160 --> 00:05:06.360 but not to quarrel over opinions. 00:05:07.300 --> 00:05:09.600 And then later, verse 13 of the same chapter, 00:05:10.139 --> 00:05:12.680 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, 00:05:12.740 --> 00:05:15.460 but rather decide never to put a stumbling block 00:05:15.460 --> 00:05:18.660 or hindrance in the way of a brother. 00:05:18.660 --> 00:05:22.980 Paul commands us to bear with one another 00:05:22.980 --> 00:05:25.300 over the minor points. 00:05:26.500 --> 00:05:28.640 Elsewhere, like in Titus 3.9, 00:05:28.800 --> 00:05:32.420 Paul tells Titus to avoid foolish controversies, 00:05:32.580 --> 00:05:35.640 genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:39.240 for they are unprofitable and worthless. 00:05:39.240 --> 00:05:42.939 And in 2 Timothy chapter 2 and verse 23, 00:05:43.139 --> 00:05:43.939 he tells Timothy, 00:05:44.460 --> 00:05:48.000 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies. 00:05:48.139 --> 00:05:51.180 You know that they breed quarrels. 00:05:52.579 --> 00:05:57.120 Paul wants us to find the right hills to die on. 00:05:57.980 --> 00:06:02.060 He wants us to be sure that we hold in our closed fists 00:06:02.060 --> 00:06:04.519 what we are willing to fight for. 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:09.439 And those doctrines are the highest order doctrines. 00:06:10.600 --> 00:06:12.420 In a day where every bit of news 00:06:12.420 --> 00:06:15.579 seems to send people into existential tailspins, 00:06:16.100 --> 00:06:18.699 we need this word. 00:06:20.300 --> 00:06:22.259 Listen to the astounding words of Paul 00:06:22.259 --> 00:06:25.800 written from a Roman jail cell in Philippians chapter 1. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:28.600 This is verse 14 and following. 00:06:28.600 --> 00:06:31.900 And it just amazes me every time I read it. 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:35.240 Lord, that I will be more like Paul in this way. 00:06:36.020 --> 00:06:37.180 He says, beginning in verse 14, 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:38.800 And most of the brothers, 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:42.100 having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:46.520 are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:50.860 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, 00:06:51.379 --> 00:06:53.740 but others from goodwill. 00:06:53.860 --> 00:06:55.280 These two categories, right? 00:06:56.180 --> 00:06:57.960 Brothers are being emboldened to speak the word 00:06:57.959 --> 00:06:59.560 because of Paul's imprisonment, right? 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:00.639 Some from goodwill, 00:07:01.019 --> 00:07:04.159 some from envy and rivalry. 00:07:04.579 --> 00:07:06.000 The latter do it out of love, 00:07:06.219 --> 00:07:07.039 those from goodwill, 00:07:07.479 --> 00:07:10.879 knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:14.859 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, 00:07:15.599 --> 00:07:16.459 not sincerely, 00:07:16.679 --> 00:07:20.639 but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 00:07:21.359 --> 00:07:23.439 And I don't know exactly what's going on here, 00:07:23.439 --> 00:07:28.259 but it sounds like these brothers had some sort of competitive intention 00:07:28.259 --> 00:07:30.240 with the ministry of Paul. 00:07:31.319 --> 00:07:32.899 But what is it that they are proclaiming? 00:07:34.019 --> 00:07:35.139 He says, verse 18, 00:07:35.660 --> 00:07:36.339 What then? 00:07:37.540 --> 00:07:38.939 Only that in every way, 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:41.360 whether in pretense or in truth, 00:07:42.019 --> 00:07:43.639 Christ is proclaimed. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:46.060 And in that I rejoice. 00:07:46.279 --> 00:07:49.300 Yes, and I will rejoice. 00:07:49.300 --> 00:07:51.680 So there's these men with poor intentions 00:07:51.680 --> 00:07:53.160 about their gospel proclamation, 00:07:53.460 --> 00:07:56.020 and yet they're proclaiming the gospel, 00:07:56.300 --> 00:07:59.280 and Paul rejoices in this, 00:07:59.319 --> 00:08:02.780 and his attitude is incredibly instructive. 00:08:04.040 --> 00:08:06.759 Some of you act competitively 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:09.680 towards other Christians or other churches. 00:08:10.840 --> 00:08:13.319 The kinds of elitist things you say 00:08:13.319 --> 00:08:15.360 reach my ears from time to time, 00:08:15.439 --> 00:08:17.000 and it grieves me. 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:20.819 We desire to be as faithful to God's word 00:08:20.819 --> 00:08:22.699 as we can possibly be. 00:08:23.500 --> 00:08:24.920 I hope that you have chosen 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:26.480 to fellowship with this church 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:28.519 because you believe that we are being faithful 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:29.759 to all that it commands. 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:31.819 We're headed in that direction. 00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:32.779 If we are not there yet, 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:33.240 and we're not, 00:08:33.860 --> 00:08:35.320 we are headed in that direction. 00:08:35.580 --> 00:08:36.779 The moment you think 00:08:36.779 --> 00:08:38.580 that we have no faults, 00:08:39.139 --> 00:08:40.919 or simply act towards others 00:08:40.919 --> 00:08:42.340 like we have no faults, 00:08:42.419 --> 00:08:43.279 then you have become 00:08:43.279 --> 00:08:44.980 a destroyer of the unity 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:48.120 that is ours in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:51.060 This is an aside. 00:08:51.159 --> 00:08:52.039 This is not the main point 00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:52.920 that Paul is making here, 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:54.200 but I want to say to you, 00:08:54.399 --> 00:08:58.220 let's rejoice in those who preach the gospel, 00:08:58.639 --> 00:09:01.639 even if we disagree on some minor things. 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:04.039 Let's rejoice with anyone, 00:09:04.180 --> 00:09:06.000 and with any church, 00:09:06.220 --> 00:09:08.580 that is clear on the gospel. 00:09:08.580 --> 00:09:10.139 Justification by grace alone, 00:09:10.220 --> 00:09:10.879 through faith alone, 00:09:10.940 --> 00:09:14.400 in the personal work of Jesus Christ alone, 00:09:14.520 --> 00:09:18.420 because this matters so much. 00:09:19.540 --> 00:09:21.960 Now, we could get into all kinds of doctrine 00:09:21.960 --> 00:09:23.759 and talk about all kinds of things. 00:09:24.080 --> 00:09:25.780 I'm not trying to over-reduce this 00:09:25.780 --> 00:09:27.240 simply to grace alone, 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:27.940 faith alone, Christ alone. 00:09:27.960 --> 00:09:29.300 I'm not simply doing that. 00:09:29.720 --> 00:09:31.220 But the two large categories 00:09:31.220 --> 00:09:32.520 we need to be thinking is, 00:09:32.520 --> 00:09:37.300 is teaching that messes with the nature of God, 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:40.019 and teaching that messes with 00:09:40.019 --> 00:09:42.299 the person and work of Christ. 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:45.139 I think those two broad categories 00:09:45.139 --> 00:09:47.639 are really helpful to us. 00:09:49.099 --> 00:09:50.579 Note from today's text 00:09:50.579 --> 00:09:53.059 that there is a real enemy within. 00:09:53.559 --> 00:09:56.879 Those who claim to speak on behalf of our God, 00:09:57.240 --> 00:09:58.059 but do not. 00:09:58.919 --> 00:10:01.919 Let's keep our false doctrine radars 00:10:01.919 --> 00:10:04.639 focused in the right direction. 00:10:04.639 --> 00:10:09.139 Let's choose the right hills to die on. 00:10:10.299 --> 00:10:11.199 Okay, so that said, 00:10:11.299 --> 00:10:13.519 he's not talking about that. 00:10:14.059 --> 00:10:17.019 What is he cautioning against? 00:10:17.439 --> 00:10:17.879 He says, 00:10:17.980 --> 00:10:18.720 I appeal to you, 00:10:19.419 --> 00:10:19.759 brothers, 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:23.399 watch out for those who cause divisions 00:10:23.399 --> 00:10:25.379 and create obstacles 00:10:25.379 --> 00:10:28.220 contrary to the doctrine 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:30.600 that you have been taught. 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:31.980 Avoid them. 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:34.700 I think that this includes everything 00:10:34.700 --> 00:10:35.500 that he has taught 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:37.759 up to this point. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:39.879 Here's the caution. 00:10:40.500 --> 00:10:41.639 We are to watch out. 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:43.519 Be on the lookout 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:47.000 for people who teach error. 00:10:47.379 --> 00:10:48.680 False teachers. 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:51.360 This is a great concern 00:10:51.360 --> 00:10:53.519 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:56.500 He said in Matthew 24 and verse 24, 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:59.299 for false Christs and false prophets 00:10:59.299 --> 00:11:02.279 will arise and perform great signs 00:11:02.279 --> 00:11:03.240 and wonders 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:04.980 so as to lead astray, 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:05.899 if possible, 00:11:06.519 --> 00:11:08.240 even the elect. 00:11:08.620 --> 00:11:10.340 They're going to do impressive things 00:11:10.340 --> 00:11:13.220 to distract people from the truth. 00:11:13.320 --> 00:11:14.179 Then in Matthew 7, 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:15.360 verse 15 and 16, 00:11:15.500 --> 00:11:15.759 he says, 00:11:15.840 --> 00:11:17.259 Beware of false prophets 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:19.820 who come to you in sheep's clothing, 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:23.779 but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 00:11:23.779 --> 00:11:27.000 Paul teaches us in Ephesians 4, 00:11:27.120 --> 00:11:28.199 verse 12 and following 00:11:28.199 --> 00:11:29.779 that the work of church leaders 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:32.059 is to equip the saints 00:11:32.059 --> 00:11:33.039 for the work of ministry, 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:34.879 for building up the body of Christ. 00:11:35.559 --> 00:11:36.279 To what end? 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:38.039 Until we all attain 00:11:38.039 --> 00:11:39.379 to the unity of the faith 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:40.600 and of the knowledge 00:11:40.600 --> 00:11:41.579 of the Son of God 00:11:41.579 --> 00:11:43.259 to mature manhood 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:45.279 to the measure of the stature 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:46.879 of the fullness of Christ. 00:11:47.100 --> 00:11:47.500 Why? 00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:48.459 Verse 14, 00:11:48.779 --> 00:11:50.839 So that we may no longer be children 00:11:50.839 --> 00:11:52.939 tossed to and fro by the waves 00:11:52.940 --> 00:11:53.720 and carried about 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:55.860 by every wind of doctrine, 00:11:56.200 --> 00:11:57.440 by human cunning, 00:11:57.820 --> 00:11:58.820 by craftiness 00:11:58.820 --> 00:12:00.860 in deceitful schemes. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:01.080 Right? 00:12:01.260 --> 00:12:03.340 These things happen. 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:04.140 Right? 00:12:04.200 --> 00:12:05.880 And the work we're meant to be doing 00:12:05.880 --> 00:12:07.680 is standing against 00:12:07.680 --> 00:12:09.540 this kind of teaching. 00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:10.580 Rather, 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:11.300 verse 15, 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:13.760 speaking the truth in love. 00:12:14.200 --> 00:12:15.840 We are to grow up in every way 00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:17.460 into Him who is the head, 00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:18.900 into Christ. 00:12:19.740 --> 00:12:20.600 That's the work of the church. 00:12:20.820 --> 00:12:20.920 Right? 00:12:20.919 --> 00:12:23.059 Church leaders equipping all of us 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:24.979 to speak the truth 00:12:24.979 --> 00:12:25.959 to one another 00:12:25.959 --> 00:12:27.459 so that we'll grow up 00:12:27.459 --> 00:12:28.879 into maturity. 00:12:30.199 --> 00:12:30.799 Peter, 00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:32.159 in 2 Peter 1, 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:33.860 verse 20, 00:12:34.079 --> 00:12:34.979 into chapter 2, 00:12:35.039 --> 00:12:35.639 verse 3, 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:38.139 following grand words 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:39.620 concerning the nature 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:40.379 of the Scripture, 00:12:40.659 --> 00:12:41.299 says this, 00:12:41.299 --> 00:12:42.899 knowing this first of all 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:44.339 that no prophecy of Scripture 00:12:44.339 --> 00:12:45.379 comes from someone's 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:46.339 own interpretation, 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:47.859 for no prophecy 00:12:47.859 --> 00:12:49.059 was ever produced 00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:49.939 by the will of man, 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:51.799 but men spoke from God 00:12:51.799 --> 00:12:53.139 as they were carried along 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:54.719 by the Holy Spirit. 00:12:55.579 --> 00:12:56.899 And then he says in chapter 2, 00:12:56.899 --> 00:13:26.899 Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul Paul 00:13:26.899 --> 00:13:29.959 and their destruction is not asleep. 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:35.120 So, we are to watch out. 00:13:35.579 --> 00:13:40.000 Be on the lookout for people who teach error. 00:13:41.340 --> 00:13:45.539 If someone teaches in contradiction to the doctrines of Christ, 00:13:45.699 --> 00:13:48.279 we are to identify them. 00:13:49.639 --> 00:13:53.559 But what are we to do with them once they have been identified? 00:13:53.559 --> 00:13:56.919 There has been much error in this way. 00:13:57.019 --> 00:14:00.359 And I'm going to read to you a paragraph from John MacArthur's commentary on this 00:14:00.359 --> 00:14:03.059 because he's just succinct and I think it's helpful. 00:14:03.919 --> 00:14:05.500 What are we to do? That's the question. 00:14:05.619 --> 00:14:09.619 What are we to do when we have identified a false teacher? 00:14:09.739 --> 00:14:13.959 He writes, a caution about Paul's caution should be given. 00:14:15.099 --> 00:14:19.879 He was not teaching or implying that true believers have the right to do physical harm to heretics. 00:14:19.879 --> 00:14:27.139 During the Reformation, some Protestants as well as Catholics committed grave inhumanities in the name of Christ. 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:31.639 When a group of Samaritans refused to render hospitality to Jesus and the disciples, 00:14:32.019 --> 00:14:36.000 James and John, whom Jesus had nicknamed Sons of Thunder, asked, 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:37.439 this is in Luke chapter 3, 00:14:38.159 --> 00:14:42.360 Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them? 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:44.080 Jesus replied, 00:14:44.080 --> 00:14:59.360 One of Jesus' several strong rebukes of Peter was given in response to that disciples cutting off the ear of one of the high priest slaves 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:03.240 when the Jewish leaders brought Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus. 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:07.680 Put your sword back into its place, he said to Peter, 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:12.560 for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:19.560 Even protection of the Son of God did not justify the use of physical violence. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:22.799 So, a caution against the caution. 00:15:23.080 --> 00:15:24.740 What are we to do? 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:28.940 Well, the right response is right here in the text, is it not? 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:30.659 Avoid them. 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:33.139 We are just to avoid them. 00:15:33.959 --> 00:15:37.740 We are to turn away from what they teach. 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:42.539 We are to warn others against what they teach. 00:15:42.939 --> 00:15:49.679 We are to instruct others in the truth so that the error can be most readily identified. 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:51.659 Why? 00:15:52.559 --> 00:15:56.919 Because these teachers do not serve our Lord Christ. 00:15:56.919 --> 00:15:57.819 Verse 18. 00:15:58.039 --> 00:15:59.839 But their own appetites, 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:00.340 that is to say, 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:01.500 their own greed. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.500 They are doing it for themselves. 00:16:04.259 --> 00:16:06.660 And by smooth talk, 00:16:06.820 --> 00:16:08.860 appealing talk, 00:16:09.200 --> 00:16:10.360 and flattery, 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:12.759 they deceive the hearts 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:14.280 of the naive. 00:16:16.080 --> 00:16:19.040 So, those who are immature in the faith 00:16:19.040 --> 00:16:21.019 need to be protected 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:23.420 from these false teachers. 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:26.559 In thinking about this very issue, 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:29.319 I was so helped by Paul's words to Timothy 00:16:29.319 --> 00:16:32.319 in 2 Timothy chapter 4. 00:16:32.479 --> 00:16:33.120 In thinking, 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:35.819 what is happening in our age 00:16:35.819 --> 00:16:39.959 that so many people are so drawn in 00:16:39.959 --> 00:16:42.459 by false teachers? 00:16:42.579 --> 00:16:43.719 And I was very helped here. 00:16:44.779 --> 00:16:45.559 Paul instructs Timothy, 00:16:45.699 --> 00:16:47.019 this is verse 1 of chapter 4. 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:47.399 He said, 00:16:47.399 --> 00:16:54.559 Here's what he says. 00:16:55.559 --> 00:16:56.959 Preach the word. 00:16:57.819 --> 00:16:59.220 Be ready in season and out of season. 00:16:59.379 --> 00:17:00.939 Reprove, rebuke, and exhort 00:17:00.939 --> 00:17:04.660 with complete patience and teaching. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:06.180 So he says, 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:06.660 Preach the word. 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:06.820 Preach the word. 00:17:06.820 --> 00:17:07.820 Preach the word. 00:17:07.820 --> 00:17:07.820 00:17:07.820 --> 00:17:07.880 Preach the word. 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:08.400 Preach the word. 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:08.440 Why? 00:17:08.440 --> 00:17:09.519 Verse 3 says, 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:11.279 For the time is coming 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:13.440 when people will not endure 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:14.779 sound teaching, 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.900 but having itching ears, 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:18.920 they will accumulate for themselves 00:17:18.920 --> 00:17:22.040 teachers to suit their own passions 00:17:22.040 --> 00:17:24.740 and will turn away from listening to the truth 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:27.519 and wander off into myths. 00:17:27.519 --> 00:17:30.759 It is going to happen. 00:17:31.539 --> 00:17:33.379 It is happening. 00:17:34.379 --> 00:17:37.079 What are we to do? 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:38.799 What are we to do? 00:17:39.599 --> 00:17:42.619 With complete patience. 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:46.420 Now it seems today that the only heresy 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:48.720 is saying that there is heresy. 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:52.059 But if we are to follow Paul's instruction here, 00:17:52.200 --> 00:17:54.500 we must speak with great clarity 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:58.180 for the truth and against falsehood. 00:17:58.640 --> 00:18:01.559 This text does not give us space 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:05.980 to gloss over false teaching. 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:09.119 Great clarity for the truth 00:18:09.119 --> 00:18:11.400 and against falsehood. 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:14.039 Listen to another warning of Paul's 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:15.019 concerning false teachers 00:18:15.019 --> 00:18:17.299 in 2 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:19.259 This is verse 13 and following. 00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:20.220 There he says, 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:22.599 For such men are false apostles, 00:18:23.240 --> 00:18:24.420 deceitful workmen, 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:26.180 disguising themselves 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:27.920 as apostles of Christ. 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:29.279 And no wonder, 00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:31.420 for even Satan disguises himself 00:18:31.420 --> 00:18:33.019 as an angel of light. 00:18:33.839 --> 00:18:34.880 So it is no surprise 00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:37.279 if his servants also disguise themselves 00:18:37.279 --> 00:18:39.259 as servants of righteousness. 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:41.900 Their end will correspond 00:18:41.900 --> 00:18:43.559 to their deeds. 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:48.059 People will be misled. 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:52.339 They will look at the shiny glitz 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:54.980 of much of what is being taught 00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:56.000 out there 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:58.599 and they will be deceived. 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.819 What part can we play 00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:01.619 in rescuing them 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:03.339 from such false teachers? 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:06.679 All we can do, beloved, 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:07.459 all we can do 00:19:07.459 --> 00:19:08.759 is speak with great clarity 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:10.039 for the truth 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:12.939 and against falsehood. 00:19:13.779 --> 00:19:14.339 And you may say, 00:19:14.439 --> 00:19:15.019 But Nathan, 00:19:15.319 --> 00:19:16.799 doesn't that cause division? 00:19:17.679 --> 00:19:18.740 And my response to you is, 00:19:19.099 --> 00:19:19.599 No. 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:20.959 To the contrary, 00:19:21.139 --> 00:19:22.439 it is the false teachers 00:19:22.439 --> 00:19:24.459 that cause division. 00:19:25.179 --> 00:19:26.319 Paul tells us, 00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:27.539 These are the men 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:29.339 who cause divisions. 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:32.399 Their departure from the truth 00:19:32.399 --> 00:19:33.179 is divisive, 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:34.919 not the correction of it. 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.359 The correction of it 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:37.919 is trying to bring us back together 00:19:37.919 --> 00:19:40.000 around the truth. 00:19:40.460 --> 00:19:41.500 If we're to love people 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:42.139 as we should, 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:43.299 we're going to rejoice 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:46.240 in the truth. 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:48.799 So allow me to give you 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:50.379 two broad examples. 00:19:50.380 --> 00:19:54.060 The first is Roman Catholicism. 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:56.580 We are Protestants 00:19:56.580 --> 00:19:58.000 for a reason 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:59.820 and we still protest 00:19:59.820 --> 00:20:02.160 against Roman Catholicism. 00:20:03.060 --> 00:20:03.900 Now as a quick aside, 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:04.900 I said in a Bible study 00:20:04.900 --> 00:20:06.240 many years ago, 00:20:06.320 --> 00:20:07.240 over a decade ago, 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:09.400 that Roman Catholicism 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:10.860 was the world's largest cult 00:20:10.860 --> 00:20:12.360 that I said this 00:20:12.360 --> 00:20:14.180 because his girlfriend 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:15.400 at the time 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:16.780 claimed to be a Catholic. 00:20:18.140 --> 00:20:19.320 And so I simply said, 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.360 Well, let me tell you why. 00:20:21.080 --> 00:20:22.560 I call Roman Catholicism 00:20:22.560 --> 00:20:23.300 a cult. 00:20:23.360 --> 00:20:24.220 And I began to explain 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:26.280 the things that Rome teaches 00:20:26.280 --> 00:20:27.320 and he, 00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:28.840 to each thing I said, 00:20:29.100 --> 00:20:29.500 said, 00:20:30.040 --> 00:20:30.900 She doesn't believe that. 00:20:31.600 --> 00:20:31.880 I went, 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:32.640 Okay, well, 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:33.380 that's good. 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:34.700 Here's another thing 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:35.040 that Rome teaches. 00:20:35.080 --> 00:20:35.940 Oh, she doesn't believe that. 00:20:36.100 --> 00:20:36.900 And we walked through 00:20:36.900 --> 00:20:38.720 a litany of things. 00:20:38.840 --> 00:20:39.400 And at the end of that, 00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:39.880 I just said, 00:20:40.040 --> 00:20:40.920 Your girlfriend's 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:41.800 not a Roman Catholic. 00:20:42.760 --> 00:20:43.820 And he said, 00:20:44.080 --> 00:20:44.740 this is after about 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:45.500 an hour on the phone, 00:20:45.900 --> 00:20:46.720 Yeah, she's going to 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.740 a non-denominational church 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.200 right now. 00:20:48.520 --> 00:20:48.760 I went, 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:50.619 Why do we have 00:20:50.619 --> 00:20:51.259 this conversation? 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:55.440 I stand by the statement. 00:20:55.599 --> 00:20:55.700 So, 00:20:56.599 --> 00:20:57.640 this is from, 00:20:57.680 --> 00:20:58.379 and what I'm going to read to you 00:20:58.379 --> 00:20:59.559 is from the Council of Trent. 00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:01.059 This is the 16th century, 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:01.680 long ago, 00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:02.620 but this is a response 00:21:02.620 --> 00:21:05.080 to Reformation teaching 00:21:05.080 --> 00:21:05.779 of 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:07.680 grace alone, 00:21:08.060 --> 00:21:08.660 faith alone, 00:21:09.600 --> 00:21:10.140 Christ alone, 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:10.600 right? 00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:12.080 If you're not on the same page 00:21:12.080 --> 00:21:12.400 as me, 00:21:12.580 --> 00:21:13.640 justification by grace 00:21:13.640 --> 00:21:14.420 through faith in Christ, 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:15.700 if I'm saying that to you 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:16.480 and you're going, 00:21:16.580 --> 00:21:17.019 I don't even know 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:17.720 what he's talking about, 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:18.779 please come talk to me. 00:21:18.840 --> 00:21:20.019 We have talked about it 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:21.320 a lot 00:21:21.320 --> 00:21:22.180 throughout our study 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.180 of the book of Romans. 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:24.539 I want you to be very clear 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:25.039 on this. 00:21:25.100 --> 00:21:26.440 If we are to be saved, 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:27.740 it is because God 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:29.220 shows us grace, 00:21:29.340 --> 00:21:29.860 gives us something 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:30.779 we don't deserve. 00:21:31.179 --> 00:21:32.879 He uses our faith, 00:21:32.959 --> 00:21:33.779 which he gives us, 00:21:34.179 --> 00:21:34.399 right? 00:21:34.599 --> 00:21:36.159 And it's in what Christ 00:21:36.159 --> 00:21:37.240 has accomplished 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:38.039 on our behalf. 00:21:38.459 --> 00:21:39.059 Full stop. 00:21:40.059 --> 00:21:41.159 Justification by grace 00:21:41.159 --> 00:21:41.719 through faith 00:21:41.719 --> 00:21:43.500 in Christ alone. 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:45.179 This is their response. 00:21:45.959 --> 00:21:46.559 Canon 24. 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:48.299 If anyone says 00:21:48.299 --> 00:21:49.319 that justice received 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:50.139 is not preserved 00:21:50.139 --> 00:21:51.639 and also not increased 00:21:51.639 --> 00:21:52.259 before God 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:54.439 through good works, 00:21:54.899 --> 00:21:55.779 but that those works 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.459 are merely fruits 00:21:56.459 --> 00:21:57.439 and signs of justification 00:21:57.439 --> 00:21:58.019 obtained, 00:21:58.259 --> 00:21:59.819 not because of its increase, 00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:01.179 let him be now 00:22:01.179 --> 00:22:01.659 for the things 00:22:01.659 --> 00:22:02.179 that I'm saying 00:22:02.179 --> 00:22:03.059 to you. 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:03.759 Right? 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.619 This is divisive. 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:06.859 This is against 00:22:06.859 --> 00:22:08.159 what the scripture teaches. 00:22:08.879 --> 00:22:09.619 Not what I'm saying. 00:22:10.659 --> 00:22:11.459 Canon 30. 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:12.579 If anyone says 00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:13.839 that after the reception 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:14.539 of the grace 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:15.199 of justification, 00:22:15.959 --> 00:22:17.379 the guilt is so remitted 00:22:17.379 --> 00:22:17.879 and the debt 00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:18.639 of eternal punishment 00:22:18.639 --> 00:22:19.879 so blotted out. 00:22:19.899 --> 00:22:20.299 Let me just stop 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:20.819 for a second there, 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:21.039 right? 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:23.359 If anyone says 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:24.959 that after the reception 00:22:24.959 --> 00:22:26.419 of the grace 00:22:26.419 --> 00:22:27.659 of justification, 00:22:27.660 --> 00:22:29.560 the guilt, 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.620 if anyone says 00:22:30.620 --> 00:22:31.040 to you that 00:22:31.040 --> 00:22:32.100 if you have been justified, 00:22:32.560 --> 00:22:33.259 your guilt 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.560 is expunged. 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:35.900 It's so remitted 00:22:35.900 --> 00:22:36.980 and the debt 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:37.759 of eternal punishment 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:38.840 so blotted out 00:22:38.840 --> 00:22:39.960 that no debt 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:40.740 of temporal punishment 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:42.120 remains to be discharged 00:22:42.120 --> 00:22:43.220 before the gates 00:22:43.220 --> 00:22:44.259 of heaven can be opened. 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:45.480 Let him be 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.320 anathema. 00:22:47.820 --> 00:22:49.259 That's the Roman Catholic Church. 00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:50.740 That's what they teach today. 00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:52.019 They still hold 00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:53.220 the Council of Trent 00:22:53.220 --> 00:22:54.680 to be true. 00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:56.079 False. 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:56.680 False, 00:22:56.819 --> 00:22:57.100 false, 00:22:57.779 --> 00:22:58.180 false. 00:22:58.319 --> 00:22:59.200 And so we protest, 00:22:59.480 --> 00:22:59.700 right? 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:02.299 We are not Roman Catholics. 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.420 That is a hill 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.180 to die on, 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:04.720 justification 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:05.380 by grace 00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:05.839 through faith 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:06.319 in Christ. 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:08.160 Alone. 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:08.860 The theologian 00:23:08.860 --> 00:23:10.440 Herman Bavink, 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:11.640 this is true, 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:12.339 I'm about to say. 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:13.740 This is yay for Herman. 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:15.200 This is not a falsehood. 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:16.039 This is on the back 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:16.579 of your bulletin. 00:23:17.360 --> 00:23:18.120 If you care to read it 00:23:18.120 --> 00:23:18.420 with me, 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:18.779 it says, 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:21.559 faith is not justified 00:23:21.559 --> 00:23:23.180 by its own essence 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:23.879 or act 00:23:23.879 --> 00:23:25.460 because it itself 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.139 is righteousness, 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:27.200 right? 00:23:27.619 --> 00:23:28.079 It's not saying 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:29.180 the faith itself 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:30.139 is the good work 00:23:30.139 --> 00:23:30.960 that justifies you, 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:33.799 but by its content 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:35.639 because it is faith 00:23:35.639 --> 00:23:36.920 in Christ 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:38.859 who is our righteousness. 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:39.680 That's so good, 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:40.099 right? 00:23:40.139 --> 00:23:41.500 The object of the faith 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.440 in the person 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:43.879 and work of Christ alone. 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:45.639 If faith justified 00:23:45.639 --> 00:23:47.180 on account of itself, 00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:48.700 the object of that 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:49.140 faith, 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:49.920 that is Christ, 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:50.740 would totally 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:51.539 lose its value. 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:52.920 But the faith 00:23:52.920 --> 00:23:53.880 that justifies 00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:54.720 is precisely 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.360 the faith 00:23:55.360 --> 00:23:56.660 that has Christ 00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:58.000 as its object 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:59.480 and content, 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:00.000 right? 00:24:00.620 --> 00:24:01.380 That is what 00:24:01.380 --> 00:24:02.799 we teach, 00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:03.500 right? 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:04.660 So, 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:05.960 broad example, 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:08.140 Roman Catholicism, 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:09.680 Council of Trent. 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:09.960 Now, 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:11.220 bring it to the 00:24:11.220 --> 00:24:12.059 more clearly 00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:12.900 modern day 00:24:12.900 --> 00:24:13.840 and speak a bit 00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:14.400 about the word 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:15.299 of faith movement. 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.120 And I want to 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:17.340 strongly warn you 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:18.419 against the word 00:24:18.419 --> 00:24:19.059 of faith movement. 00:24:19.179 --> 00:24:19.759 I use the term 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:20.379 movement because 00:24:20.379 --> 00:24:21.279 it's not a denomination. 00:24:21.859 --> 00:24:23.019 It's a collection 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:24.220 of a lot of teaching 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:25.119 that's going on 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:26.319 in the world 00:24:26.319 --> 00:24:26.799 these days. 00:24:27.399 --> 00:24:28.179 Some would 00:24:28.179 --> 00:24:29.279 qualify this 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:29.740 and just say 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:30.720 it's the prosperity 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:31.220 gospel, 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.259 but that comes 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:33.439 in varied degrees. 00:24:34.139 --> 00:24:35.099 So there's a lot 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:35.639 of it that doesn't 00:24:35.639 --> 00:24:36.839 look like prosperity 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:37.639 on the surface, 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:37.899 right? 00:24:37.939 --> 00:24:38.399 It's not 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:41.580 purple suits 00:24:41.580 --> 00:24:42.600 and private jets, 00:24:43.460 --> 00:24:44.880 but it shares 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:45.380 much. 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:47.019 It confuses 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:48.660 the nature 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.380 of God 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:50.900 and the person 00:24:50.900 --> 00:24:51.700 and work 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:53.000 of Christ, 00:24:53.120 --> 00:24:53.320 right? 00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:54.460 When I talk about 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.200 the person and work 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:55.580 of Christ, 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:56.259 I'm talking about 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:56.880 what Christ 00:24:56.880 --> 00:24:57.880 has accomplished, 00:24:58.300 --> 00:24:59.660 all that's contained 00:24:59.660 --> 00:25:00.580 in the word 00:25:00.580 --> 00:25:01.840 it is finished, 00:25:02.100 --> 00:25:02.900 which includes 00:25:02.900 --> 00:25:04.200 everything that he did 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:04.900 and everything 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:05.740 that what he did 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.280 guaranteed 00:25:06.280 --> 00:25:07.259 would happen. 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:08.519 So it's all of the promises 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:09.519 that he's granted us 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:10.240 as well, 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:10.559 right? 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:11.759 Our glorification, 00:25:12.140 --> 00:25:12.259 right? 00:25:12.379 --> 00:25:13.240 Future glory 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:13.940 with him 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:14.619 is guaranteed 00:25:14.619 --> 00:25:15.339 by the death 00:25:15.339 --> 00:25:15.799 and resurrection 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.599 of Jesus Christ, 00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:16.839 right? 00:25:16.879 --> 00:25:18.319 So it's encapsulated 00:25:18.319 --> 00:25:18.839 in that, 00:25:19.099 --> 00:25:19.259 okay? 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.099 Word of faith 00:25:20.099 --> 00:25:21.079 confuses the nature 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:21.559 of God 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:22.480 and the person 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:23.319 and work 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:24.599 of Christ. 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:25.240 I'm about to give you 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:25.779 two examples, 00:25:26.119 --> 00:25:26.299 right? 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.420 Number one, 00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:29.299 this is Bill Johnson 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:30.660 from Bethel Church, 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:31.680 okay? 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:33.400 Bethel music, 00:25:33.599 --> 00:25:34.379 that's the connection 00:25:34.379 --> 00:25:35.940 that's going on here. 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:36.680 This is in Redding, 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:37.220 California. 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:39.200 He says this, 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.759 I quote, 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:41.599 For many years, 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:43.160 I misunderstood 00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:44.379 the biblical concept 00:25:44.379 --> 00:25:45.619 of desire. 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:47.599 Psalm 37, 4 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:48.379 tells us, 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:49.400 delight yourself 00:25:49.400 --> 00:25:49.879 in the Lord 00:25:49.879 --> 00:25:50.619 and he shall give you 00:25:50.619 --> 00:25:51.119 the desires 00:25:51.119 --> 00:25:51.879 of your heart. 00:25:52.579 --> 00:25:53.660 Like many pastors, 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:55.099 I foolishly taught 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:56.200 that if you delighted 00:25:56.200 --> 00:25:57.119 yourself in the Lord, 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:57.859 he would change 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:58.359 your desires 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.299 by telling you 00:25:59.299 --> 00:26:00.759 what to desire. 00:26:01.099 --> 00:26:01.720 You should have stopped 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:02.200 right there. 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:05.180 But that's not at all 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:05.960 what it means. 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:08.240 that verse 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:10.039 literally means 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:11.920 that God wants 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:13.400 to be impacted 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:14.920 by what you think 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:16.319 and dream. 00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:20.620 That ought to make you 00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:21.840 cringe inside. 00:26:22.579 --> 00:26:23.460 It just ought to make you 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.980 cringe inside. 00:26:25.519 --> 00:26:27.480 This is a direct attack 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:28.980 on God's aseity, 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:29.420 right? 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:30.160 God's saying, 00:26:30.420 --> 00:26:33.100 I am who I am. 00:26:33.099 --> 00:26:34.459 He is existent 00:26:34.459 --> 00:26:35.279 apart from us 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:36.159 and we do not 00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:37.980 affect God. 00:26:38.059 --> 00:26:39.219 We do not impact 00:26:39.219 --> 00:26:40.399 him with our thoughts 00:26:40.399 --> 00:26:42.039 and our dreams. 00:26:42.199 --> 00:26:42.419 And so, 00:26:43.139 --> 00:26:43.699 they're going to teach 00:26:43.699 --> 00:26:44.319 that you can speak 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.319 things into existence, 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:45.740 right? 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:47.219 Word of faith, 00:26:47.679 --> 00:26:47.859 right? 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:49.240 God wants to empower you 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:49.819 and he wants to give you 00:26:49.819 --> 00:26:50.659 success and make your 00:26:50.659 --> 00:26:51.119 life wonderful 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:51.799 and all you have to do 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:52.699 is say it 00:26:52.699 --> 00:26:53.639 and believe that 00:26:53.639 --> 00:26:54.439 it's going to be 00:26:54.439 --> 00:26:55.339 that. 00:26:57.179 --> 00:26:58.059 Another example, 00:26:58.879 --> 00:27:00.039 much closer to home. 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:01.879 This is Jensen Franklin 00:27:01.879 --> 00:27:03.460 from Free Chapel, 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:04.180 right? 00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:06.819 In our back yard. 00:27:07.680 --> 00:27:08.000 Now, 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:08.599 this is going to sound 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:09.359 pretty good for a little 00:27:09.359 --> 00:27:09.680 while, 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:10.259 right? 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:10.960 I'm going to point out 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:12.819 to you why it's not. 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:14.359 It's going to sound 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:15.859 pretty good. 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:17.639 He says this, 00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:18.019 I quote, 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:20.079 There is life 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.879 and there is living. 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:24.039 Are you ready to start 00:27:24.039 --> 00:27:25.119 really living out 00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:25.779 God's plan 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:26.720 for your life? 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:27.759 Good question. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:29.980 There's more to life, 00:27:30.180 --> 00:27:30.759 more to faith, 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:31.839 more to you. 00:27:32.819 --> 00:27:33.359 God gives you 00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:34.720 the formula for success 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:35.779 which boils down 00:27:35.779 --> 00:27:37.339 to two words. 00:27:37.980 --> 00:27:39.579 God first. 00:27:40.079 --> 00:27:40.819 Still doing okay, 00:27:40.900 --> 00:27:41.160 aren't we? 00:27:42.619 --> 00:27:43.799 That's where God began. 00:27:44.720 --> 00:27:45.460 Look at your Bible. 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:46.900 What are the very first words 00:27:46.900 --> 00:27:48.339 written in the beginning? 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:50.660 Genesis 1, 13. 00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:52.539 God created 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:53.180 is the rest of that. 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:53.839 He doesn't say that, 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:56.200 but God first 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:57.279 is his priority 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:57.819 that should rule 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:58.440 every decision 00:27:58.440 --> 00:27:59.099 of our lives. 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:01.899 In Matthew 6, 33. 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:02.720 So here's where 00:28:02.720 --> 00:28:03.399 I'm going to pick on him. 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:04.220 He says, 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.460 In Matthew 6, 33. 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:06.059 Now let me tell you 00:28:06.059 --> 00:28:07.139 what Matthew 6, 33 says. 00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:07.799 It says this. 00:28:08.559 --> 00:28:09.099 Jesus says, 00:28:09.559 --> 00:28:10.819 Seek first the kingdom of God 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:11.740 and his righteousness 00:28:11.740 --> 00:28:13.420 and all these things 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:15.059 will be added to you. 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:16.119 These things 00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:17.220 will be added to you. 00:28:17.339 --> 00:28:18.579 And what he is talking about 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.740 in that chapter 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:21.559 is anxiety about 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:23.500 food and clothing. 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:25.599 He's saying, 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:26.439 Why are you living 00:28:26.439 --> 00:28:27.219 like the world lives? 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:28.539 You have a heavenly father 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:29.039 who loves you 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:29.619 and he's going to provide 00:28:29.619 --> 00:28:30.859 for all of your temporal needs. 00:28:30.939 --> 00:28:31.899 That's what he's talking about 00:28:31.899 --> 00:28:33.639 in that text. 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:33.980 Okay? 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:35.319 So he says, 00:28:35.659 --> 00:28:37.000 In Matthew 6, 33, 00:28:37.659 --> 00:28:38.819 Jesus tells us, 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:39.919 so here's what he's telling us, 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:41.159 Matthew 6, 33 means, 00:28:41.679 --> 00:28:42.799 To hear his plan, 00:28:43.579 --> 00:28:44.779 receive his direction, 00:28:45.379 --> 00:28:46.099 and his blessings. 00:28:46.099 --> 00:28:50.139 If you want success 00:28:50.139 --> 00:28:50.899 in your life, 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:52.379 in your marriage, 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.480 in your work, 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:54.599 in your witness, 00:28:55.339 --> 00:28:56.399 putting God first 00:28:56.399 --> 00:28:57.819 is key. 00:28:58.959 --> 00:28:59.480 If you want everything 00:28:59.480 --> 00:28:59.939 to go grand, 00:29:00.099 --> 00:29:00.799 everything to be great, 00:29:01.339 --> 00:29:02.119 empowered life, 00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:03.559 realize everything, 00:29:04.139 --> 00:29:04.319 right, 00:29:04.439 --> 00:29:05.279 what do you do? 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:07.019 God first, 00:29:07.399 --> 00:29:08.319 speak it into existence. 00:29:08.859 --> 00:29:09.599 Jesus has told us 00:29:09.599 --> 00:29:10.359 to hear, receive, 00:29:10.559 --> 00:29:11.959 and go. 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:12.880 Right? 00:29:13.319 --> 00:29:14.460 This word of faith movement 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:17.420 is very deceptive. 00:29:18.140 --> 00:29:18.220 Right? 00:29:19.160 --> 00:29:19.600 Alright. 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:21.259 So that's the caution. 00:29:21.660 --> 00:29:21.819 Right? 00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:23.160 We need to be 00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:24.299 very careful 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:25.140 and we need to be 00:29:25.140 --> 00:29:27.240 very clear 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:28.240 about the gospel 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:29.259 of Jesus Christ. 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:31.799 Secondly, 00:29:31.940 --> 00:29:33.000 there's an encouragement. 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:34.840 Paul has an encouragement. 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:36.220 He says in verse 19, 00:29:36.900 --> 00:29:37.799 Your obedience 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:39.539 is known to all 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:40.579 so that I rejoice 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:41.460 over you. 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:43.019 But I want you to be wise 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:43.779 as to what is good 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:44.539 and innocent 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:46.100 as to what is evil. 00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:48.940 Paul tells the Roman believers 00:29:48.940 --> 00:29:49.700 in verse 19 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:51.220 that he is encouraged 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:52.680 by their good works 00:29:52.680 --> 00:29:53.880 and it would seem 00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:54.579 the report 00:29:54.579 --> 00:29:55.500 of their good works 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:56.920 had been received 00:29:56.920 --> 00:29:59.200 far and wide. 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:00.640 Likely, 00:30:00.779 --> 00:30:02.180 we see in Romans 118, 00:30:02.460 --> 00:30:02.720 he says, 00:30:02.799 --> 00:30:03.779 I thank my God 00:30:03.779 --> 00:30:04.460 through Jesus Christ 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:04.960 for all of you 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:05.579 because your faith 00:30:05.579 --> 00:30:06.039 is proclaimed 00:30:06.039 --> 00:30:07.299 in all the world. 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:08.660 It's suggested 00:30:08.660 --> 00:30:09.160 that he means 00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:10.440 all the known world. 00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:11.440 Everywhere that I'm aware 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:13.559 of your faith, 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.539 your good works 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:17.380 are being proclaimed. 00:30:18.420 --> 00:30:18.880 So, 00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:19.620 he says to them, 00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:20.519 press on 00:30:20.519 --> 00:30:21.440 in your obedience 00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:23.220 to the truth. 00:30:24.380 --> 00:30:25.340 But then he encourages 00:30:25.340 --> 00:30:25.799 further, 00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:26.779 be wise 00:30:26.779 --> 00:30:27.500 as to what is good 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:28.200 and innocent 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:29.019 as to what 00:30:29.019 --> 00:30:30.600 is evil. 00:30:31.720 --> 00:30:32.299 And I think 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:33.160 in the context 00:30:33.160 --> 00:30:33.880 of identifying 00:30:33.880 --> 00:30:34.580 and avoiding 00:30:34.580 --> 00:30:35.440 false teachers, 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:37.160 Paul means for us 00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:37.820 to see that 00:30:37.820 --> 00:30:39.080 bad doctrine 00:30:39.080 --> 00:30:40.140 leads to bad 00:30:40.140 --> 00:30:41.140 practices 00:30:41.140 --> 00:30:42.400 and that poor 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:43.460 theology leads 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:44.420 to sinful 00:30:44.420 --> 00:30:45.660 doxology. 00:30:47.040 --> 00:30:47.700 How are we 00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:48.880 to be wise 00:30:48.880 --> 00:30:49.200 as to what 00:30:49.200 --> 00:30:49.540 is good 00:30:49.540 --> 00:30:50.259 and innocent 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.180 as to what 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:52.080 is evil? 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:53.779 We are to be 00:30:53.779 --> 00:30:54.720 about the work 00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:55.880 of knowing 00:30:55.880 --> 00:30:56.980 God's 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:58.080 word. 00:30:59.420 --> 00:30:59.860 Now, 00:30:59.920 --> 00:31:00.320 I will say 00:31:00.320 --> 00:31:00.820 of all of you 00:31:00.820 --> 00:31:01.240 generally, 00:31:01.680 --> 00:31:02.279 if you are coming 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:02.980 to church here, 00:31:03.080 --> 00:31:03.519 you are not 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:04.640 an experience chaser. 00:31:04.960 --> 00:31:05.500 I'm thankful 00:31:05.500 --> 00:31:05.900 for that. 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.279 We are not 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:06.920 creating a lot 00:31:06.920 --> 00:31:08.099 of experience 00:31:08.099 --> 00:31:09.579 for you. 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:10.460 You likely 00:31:10.460 --> 00:31:11.220 already know 00:31:11.220 --> 00:31:12.140 that the general 00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:12.920 way that God 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:13.759 grows as people 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:14.839 is through the 00:31:14.839 --> 00:31:16.500 common means 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:17.079 of grace. 00:31:17.440 --> 00:31:18.519 It's bit by bit 00:31:18.519 --> 00:31:20.200 over time. 00:31:20.339 --> 00:31:21.619 We put in the work. 00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:23.200 We are to read 00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:23.799 and pray 00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:24.480 and sing 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.059 and preach 00:31:25.059 --> 00:31:25.640 and listen 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:26.619 to the preaching 00:31:26.619 --> 00:31:28.299 of God's word. 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:29.160 We are to get 00:31:29.160 --> 00:31:29.940 to know it 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:31.839 over time. 00:31:33.099 --> 00:31:33.720 Perhaps you are 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:34.140 one of those people 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:34.619 that is looking 00:31:34.619 --> 00:31:36.459 for that mountaintop 00:31:36.459 --> 00:31:37.459 moment. 00:31:37.719 --> 00:31:38.579 Perhaps the Lord 00:31:38.579 --> 00:31:39.179 will grant it 00:31:39.179 --> 00:31:39.739 to you, 00:31:39.819 --> 00:31:40.379 but it's just 00:31:40.379 --> 00:31:41.519 not the normal 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:42.979 way he seems 00:31:42.979 --> 00:31:44.519 to work. 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:46.079 He seems to work 00:31:46.079 --> 00:31:47.359 through patient 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:48.639 dedication 00:31:48.639 --> 00:31:50.099 to his word. 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:51.079 Picking it up 00:31:51.079 --> 00:31:51.879 in the various 00:31:51.879 --> 00:31:52.659 ways that we 00:31:52.659 --> 00:31:53.379 pick up 00:31:53.379 --> 00:31:54.979 his word. 00:31:56.019 --> 00:31:56.479 It's a very 00:31:56.479 --> 00:31:57.139 common analogy, 00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:57.539 but I think 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:58.279 it's such a good 00:31:58.279 --> 00:31:58.879 one that I'm 00:31:58.879 --> 00:31:59.339 going to share 00:31:59.339 --> 00:31:59.699 it with you 00:31:59.699 --> 00:32:00.139 anyway. 00:32:01.139 --> 00:32:01.759 Do you know 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.339 how secret 00:32:02.339 --> 00:32:03.279 service agents 00:32:03.279 --> 00:32:04.220 identify 00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:05.200 counterfeit 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:05.879 bills? 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.299 It isn't 00:32:07.299 --> 00:32:07.879 possible for 00:32:07.879 --> 00:32:08.480 them to study 00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:09.079 all the 00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:10.180 possible errors 00:32:10.180 --> 00:32:11.960 a counterfeiter 00:32:11.960 --> 00:32:12.740 may make, 00:32:13.139 --> 00:32:13.819 but what they 00:32:13.819 --> 00:32:14.660 can do 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.359 is know 00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:15.980 in great 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:16.680 detail 00:32:16.680 --> 00:32:17.559 what a 00:32:17.559 --> 00:32:17.859 genuine 00:32:17.859 --> 00:32:18.220 bill 00:32:18.220 --> 00:32:19.500 looks like. 00:32:20.639 --> 00:32:21.139 Likewise, 00:32:21.319 --> 00:32:21.700 we are to 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:22.399 recognize 00:32:22.399 --> 00:32:23.220 error by 00:32:23.220 --> 00:32:23.879 knowing 00:32:23.879 --> 00:32:25.220 what is 00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:25.680 true. 00:32:26.579 --> 00:32:27.200 As you 00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:27.619 grow in the 00:32:27.619 --> 00:32:28.079 knowledge of 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:28.339 what is 00:32:28.339 --> 00:32:28.599 true, 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:29.619 error will 00:32:29.619 --> 00:32:30.779 become more 00:32:30.779 --> 00:32:31.299 evident 00:32:31.299 --> 00:32:32.559 to you. 00:32:33.359 --> 00:32:34.079 Things will 00:32:34.079 --> 00:32:34.519 feel, 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:35.379 if you'll 00:32:35.379 --> 00:32:35.819 allow the 00:32:35.819 --> 00:32:36.159 word, 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:36.819 hinky, 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:38.639 something's 00:32:38.639 --> 00:32:38.839 not, 00:32:38.940 --> 00:32:39.240 something's 00:32:39.240 --> 00:32:40.220 off with 00:32:40.220 --> 00:32:40.519 what I'm 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.819 hearing taught 00:32:41.819 --> 00:32:42.220 here. 00:32:43.139 --> 00:32:43.879 Perhaps you'll 00:32:43.879 --> 00:32:44.359 know already, 00:32:44.419 --> 00:32:44.859 or perhaps you'll 00:32:44.859 --> 00:32:45.099 have to do 00:32:45.099 --> 00:32:45.500 some digging 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:46.099 around to 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:47.059 understand what 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:48.119 is being 00:32:48.119 --> 00:32:49.279 taught in 00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:49.619 error. 00:32:50.940 --> 00:32:51.559 So Paul is 00:32:51.559 --> 00:32:52.299 encouraging here, 00:32:52.379 --> 00:32:52.779 I think, 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:54.200 keep up the 00:32:54.200 --> 00:32:54.899 good work. 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:55.839 You're doing 00:32:55.839 --> 00:32:56.919 well, so keep 00:32:56.919 --> 00:32:57.639 up the good 00:32:57.639 --> 00:32:58.839 work that you're 00:32:58.839 --> 00:32:59.500 doing. 00:32:59.500 --> 00:33:00.579 Press on, 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:01.579 dear Christian, 00:33:02.799 --> 00:33:03.440 for we have 00:33:03.440 --> 00:33:04.460 great reason 00:33:04.460 --> 00:33:06.299 to press on. 00:33:07.440 --> 00:33:07.960 Which brings 00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:09.539 me to my 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:10.140 last point, 00:33:10.440 --> 00:33:10.900 which is 00:33:10.900 --> 00:33:12.039 Paul's 00:33:12.039 --> 00:33:12.579 confidence. 00:33:13.839 --> 00:33:14.279 Paul's 00:33:14.279 --> 00:33:14.599 confidence. 00:33:15.319 --> 00:33:16.200 I love 00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:16.900 that Paul 00:33:16.900 --> 00:33:17.700 does this. 00:33:18.140 --> 00:33:18.920 He is 00:33:18.920 --> 00:33:19.480 inspired, 00:33:19.640 --> 00:33:19.920 he's being 00:33:19.920 --> 00:33:20.519 led along 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:21.079 by God, 00:33:21.180 --> 00:33:22.240 he packs 00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:23.079 these rich 00:33:23.079 --> 00:33:23.819 statements on 00:33:23.819 --> 00:33:24.880 the end of 00:33:24.880 --> 00:33:26.000 so many of 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:26.819 his exhortations. 00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:28.480 Verse 20, 00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:28.839 he says, 00:33:28.839 --> 00:33:29.439 that the God 00:33:29.439 --> 00:33:30.039 of peace 00:33:30.039 --> 00:33:31.079 will soon 00:33:31.079 --> 00:33:31.819 crush Satan 00:33:31.819 --> 00:33:32.859 under your 00:33:32.859 --> 00:33:33.159 feet. 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.119 The grace 00:33:34.119 --> 00:33:34.419 of our 00:33:34.419 --> 00:33:34.779 Lord Jesus 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:35.259 Christ 00:33:35.259 --> 00:33:36.539 be with 00:33:36.539 --> 00:33:36.759 you. 00:33:38.099 --> 00:33:38.639 Paul begins 00:33:38.639 --> 00:33:39.099 verse 20 00:33:39.099 --> 00:33:39.740 by calling 00:33:39.740 --> 00:33:41.259 God the 00:33:41.259 --> 00:33:42.399 God of 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:42.919 peace. 00:33:43.099 --> 00:33:43.740 At the end 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:44.199 of chapter 00:33:44.199 --> 00:33:44.740 15, 00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:45.199 he does 00:33:45.199 --> 00:33:46.019 this in 00:33:46.019 --> 00:33:47.359 thinking about 00:33:47.359 --> 00:33:47.740 God's 00:33:47.740 --> 00:33:48.559 provision for 00:33:48.559 --> 00:33:49.639 his people. 00:33:50.559 --> 00:33:50.919 Life, 00:33:51.179 --> 00:33:51.699 this side 00:33:51.699 --> 00:33:52.259 of glory, 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.819 is war, 00:33:54.679 --> 00:33:55.179 but our 00:33:55.179 --> 00:33:55.539 God, 00:33:56.240 --> 00:33:56.679 he's the 00:33:56.679 --> 00:33:56.959 God of 00:33:56.959 --> 00:33:57.279 peace. 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:57.980 We have 00:33:57.980 --> 00:33:58.480 peace with 00:33:58.480 --> 00:33:58.700 him, 00:33:58.759 --> 00:33:59.099 and one 00:33:59.099 --> 00:33:59.599 day he's 00:33:59.599 --> 00:33:59.960 going to 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:00.819 make peace 00:34:00.819 --> 00:34:02.200 on the 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:02.519 earth. 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:03.700 He's made 00:34:03.700 --> 00:34:05.000 promises for 00:34:05.000 --> 00:34:05.279 us, 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:06.059 and he will 00:34:06.059 --> 00:34:07.720 deliver on 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:08.000 them. 00:34:08.500 --> 00:34:09.239 We struggle 00:34:09.239 --> 00:34:10.079 in this 00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:11.239 life. 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:13.039 People ask 00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:13.480 me how I'm 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:13.900 doing these 00:34:13.900 --> 00:34:14.219 days. 00:34:14.480 --> 00:34:15.059 Many of you 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:15.659 have probably 00:34:15.659 --> 00:34:16.139 heard me say 00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:16.320 this. 00:34:16.400 --> 00:34:16.960 My kind of 00:34:16.960 --> 00:34:17.279 canned 00:34:17.279 --> 00:34:18.300 response is 00:34:18.300 --> 00:34:19.420 another day 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:20.159 waiting for 00:34:20.159 --> 00:34:20.539 glory, 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:22.340 which is my 00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:22.880 way of saying 00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:23.619 I'm sad, 00:34:23.719 --> 00:34:23.920 but I'm 00:34:23.920 --> 00:34:24.340 filled with 00:34:24.340 --> 00:34:24.659 hope. 00:34:24.659 --> 00:34:25.779 That's the 00:34:25.779 --> 00:34:26.539 day-to-day 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:27.239 state I 00:34:27.239 --> 00:34:27.799 tend to be 00:34:27.799 --> 00:34:28.759 in these 00:34:28.759 --> 00:34:29.059 days, 00:34:29.119 --> 00:34:29.339 and I'm 00:34:29.339 --> 00:34:29.799 glad for 00:34:29.799 --> 00:34:30.039 it because 00:34:30.039 --> 00:34:30.319 I think 00:34:30.319 --> 00:34:30.599 it's a 00:34:30.599 --> 00:34:31.819 good state 00:34:31.819 --> 00:34:32.779 to be 00:34:32.779 --> 00:34:33.019 in. 00:34:34.179 --> 00:34:35.139 One day 00:34:35.139 --> 00:34:36.420 soon, 00:34:36.639 --> 00:34:37.099 the God 00:34:37.099 --> 00:34:37.359 of peace 00:34:37.359 --> 00:34:38.619 will soon, 00:34:38.920 --> 00:34:39.480 it'll come 00:34:39.480 --> 00:34:40.879 swiftly soon, 00:34:41.639 --> 00:34:42.279 one day 00:34:42.279 --> 00:34:43.059 God will 00:34:43.059 --> 00:34:44.059 destroy our 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:44.399 enemy, 00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:45.199 Satan, 00:34:45.779 --> 00:34:46.460 and all 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:47.059 those who 00:34:47.059 --> 00:34:47.859 serve him 00:34:47.859 --> 00:34:48.159 is the 00:34:48.159 --> 00:34:48.619 implication 00:34:48.619 --> 00:34:49.399 here. 00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:52.000 Paul is 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:52.240 saying, 00:34:52.380 --> 00:34:52.519 look, 00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:53.820 these men, 00:34:53.900 --> 00:34:54.260 these false 00:34:54.260 --> 00:34:54.780 teachers that 00:34:54.780 --> 00:34:55.000 you're going 00:34:55.000 --> 00:34:55.420 to have to 00:34:55.420 --> 00:34:56.200 mark out 00:34:56.200 --> 00:34:57.220 and avoid, 00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:59.000 their destruction 00:34:59.000 --> 00:34:59.559 is sure 00:34:59.559 --> 00:35:00.519 because Satan's 00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:00.960 destruction 00:35:00.960 --> 00:35:02.539 is sure. 00:35:03.639 --> 00:35:04.139 Look what he 00:35:04.139 --> 00:35:04.700 says elsewhere, 00:35:04.800 --> 00:35:05.680 Philippians 3, 00:35:05.820 --> 00:35:06.460 verse 18 and 00:35:06.460 --> 00:35:06.800 19, 00:35:06.920 --> 00:35:07.900 for enemies 00:35:07.900 --> 00:35:09.079 of the cross 00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:09.599 of Christ, 00:35:10.559 --> 00:35:11.180 their end 00:35:11.180 --> 00:35:12.260 is destruction, 00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:13.180 their God 00:35:13.180 --> 00:35:13.579 is their 00:35:13.579 --> 00:35:14.119 belly, 00:35:14.680 --> 00:35:15.019 and they 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:15.840 glory in 00:35:15.840 --> 00:35:16.360 their shame 00:35:16.360 --> 00:35:17.200 with minds 00:35:17.200 --> 00:35:18.720 set on 00:35:18.719 --> 00:35:19.659 earthly things. 00:35:20.739 --> 00:35:21.379 And then Jude 00:35:21.379 --> 00:35:22.119 verse 12 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:22.939 and 13, 00:35:23.839 --> 00:35:24.399 these, 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:24.919 speaking of 00:35:24.919 --> 00:35:25.419 false teachers, 00:35:25.599 --> 00:35:26.519 are hidden 00:35:26.519 --> 00:35:27.259 reefs at 00:35:27.259 --> 00:35:27.639 your love 00:35:27.639 --> 00:35:28.000 feasts. 00:35:28.439 --> 00:35:28.859 As they 00:35:28.859 --> 00:35:29.399 feast with 00:35:29.399 --> 00:35:29.819 you without 00:35:29.819 --> 00:35:30.259 fear, 00:35:30.480 --> 00:35:30.939 shepherds 00:35:30.939 --> 00:35:31.399 feeding 00:35:31.399 --> 00:35:32.000 themselves, 00:35:32.639 --> 00:35:33.179 waterless 00:35:33.179 --> 00:35:34.279 clouds swept 00:35:34.279 --> 00:35:34.959 along by 00:35:34.959 --> 00:35:35.480 winds, 00:35:36.019 --> 00:35:36.519 fruitless 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:37.179 trees in 00:35:37.179 --> 00:35:37.759 late autumn, 00:35:38.179 --> 00:35:39.079 twice dead, 00:35:39.659 --> 00:35:40.239 uprooted, 00:35:40.779 --> 00:35:41.719 wild waves 00:35:41.719 --> 00:35:42.279 of the sea 00:35:42.279 --> 00:35:43.239 casting up 00:35:43.239 --> 00:35:43.819 the foam 00:35:43.819 --> 00:35:44.119 of their 00:35:44.119 --> 00:35:44.980 own shame, 00:35:45.480 --> 00:35:45.939 wandering 00:35:45.939 --> 00:35:46.759 stars for 00:35:46.759 --> 00:35:47.139 whom the 00:35:47.139 --> 00:35:47.779 gloom of 00:35:47.779 --> 00:35:48.619 utter darkness 00:35:48.619 --> 00:35:49.480 have been 00:35:49.480 --> 00:35:50.059 reserved 00:35:50.059 --> 00:35:51.319 forever. 00:35:53.539 --> 00:35:53.799 Now, 00:35:54.679 --> 00:35:55.299 texts like 00:35:55.299 --> 00:35:56.339 that ought 00:35:56.339 --> 00:35:57.259 to want 00:35:57.259 --> 00:35:57.799 us to 00:35:57.799 --> 00:35:58.719 call those 00:35:58.719 --> 00:35:59.460 people even 00:35:59.460 --> 00:36:01.099 to repent 00:36:01.099 --> 00:36:01.759 and believe 00:36:01.759 --> 00:36:03.279 in Christ. 00:36:03.799 --> 00:36:04.139 But the 00:36:04.139 --> 00:36:04.579 point he's 00:36:04.579 --> 00:36:05.279 driving at 00:36:05.279 --> 00:36:05.739 here at 00:36:05.739 --> 00:36:06.000 the end 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:06.239 of our 00:36:06.239 --> 00:36:06.880 text today 00:36:06.880 --> 00:36:07.199 is that 00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:07.500 we can 00:36:07.500 --> 00:36:07.940 be sure 00:36:07.940 --> 00:36:08.559 that the 00:36:08.559 --> 00:36:08.880 Lord will 00:36:08.880 --> 00:36:09.559 set things 00:36:09.559 --> 00:36:10.519 right one 00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:11.179 day. 00:36:11.279 --> 00:36:11.719 So in 00:36:11.719 --> 00:36:12.299 the meantime, 00:36:13.139 --> 00:36:13.779 we press 00:36:13.779 --> 00:36:14.079 on. 00:36:14.679 --> 00:36:15.380 We have 00:36:15.380 --> 00:36:16.139 great reason 00:36:16.139 --> 00:36:17.359 to press 00:36:17.359 --> 00:36:17.679 on. 00:36:17.679 --> 00:36:19.639 Paul is 00:36:19.639 --> 00:36:20.419 confident 00:36:20.419 --> 00:36:21.279 of this 00:36:21.279 --> 00:36:22.379 and he 00:36:22.379 --> 00:36:22.940 needs to 00:36:22.940 --> 00:36:23.539 give us 00:36:23.539 --> 00:36:24.480 confidence 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:25.539 to 00:36:25.539 --> 00:36:26.059 persevere. 00:36:27.480 --> 00:36:27.879 And then, 00:36:28.179 --> 00:36:28.719 lest we 00:36:28.719 --> 00:36:29.079 think that 00:36:29.079 --> 00:36:29.319 we can 00:36:29.319 --> 00:36:29.819 accomplish 00:36:29.819 --> 00:36:30.399 any of 00:36:30.399 --> 00:36:30.739 this 00:36:30.739 --> 00:36:31.739 on our 00:36:31.739 --> 00:36:31.879 own 00:36:31.879 --> 00:36:32.279 accord, 00:36:33.319 --> 00:36:33.960 he concludes 00:36:33.960 --> 00:36:34.539 this section 00:36:34.539 --> 00:36:34.839 of his 00:36:34.839 --> 00:36:35.319 letter with 00:36:35.319 --> 00:36:36.219 the grace 00:36:36.219 --> 00:36:36.759 of our 00:36:36.759 --> 00:36:37.699 Lord Jesus 00:36:37.699 --> 00:36:38.699 Christ 00:36:38.699 --> 00:36:39.859 be with 00:36:39.859 --> 00:36:40.079 you. 00:36:41.119 --> 00:36:41.619 Our 00:36:41.619 --> 00:36:41.839 Christian 00:36:41.839 --> 00:36:42.579 lives begin 00:36:42.579 --> 00:36:43.179 by grace 00:36:43.179 --> 00:36:43.500 and our 00:36:43.500 --> 00:36:43.719 Christian 00:36:43.719 --> 00:36:44.319 lives are 00:36:44.319 --> 00:36:45.039 sustained 00:36:45.039 --> 00:36:46.039 by grace 00:36:46.039 --> 00:36:46.719 and will 00:36:46.719 --> 00:36:47.419 be sustained 00:36:47.419 --> 00:36:48.259 to the 00:36:48.259 --> 00:36:49.000 end if we 00:36:49.000 --> 00:36:50.460 belong to 00:36:50.460 --> 00:36:50.759 Jesus. 00:36:51.139 --> 00:36:51.440 And I 00:36:51.440 --> 00:36:52.659 hope that 00:36:52.659 --> 00:36:53.099 that gives 00:36:53.099 --> 00:36:54.359 you great 00:36:54.359 --> 00:36:55.579 measures of 00:36:55.579 --> 00:36:56.039 perseverance. 00:36:57.919 --> 00:36:58.819 Life this 00:36:58.819 --> 00:36:59.079 side of 00:36:59.079 --> 00:36:59.899 glory is 00:36:59.899 --> 00:37:00.839 guaranteed to 00:37:00.839 --> 00:37:01.579 be difficult. 00:37:02.139 --> 00:37:03.639 We follow a 00:37:03.639 --> 00:37:04.719 Savior who 00:37:04.719 --> 00:37:05.319 was hated by 00:37:05.319 --> 00:37:05.799 the world. 00:37:06.319 --> 00:37:06.659 We should 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:07.440 expect nothing 00:37:07.440 --> 00:37:08.919 less, but 00:37:08.919 --> 00:37:09.500 we should 00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:10.719 persevere 00:37:10.719 --> 00:37:11.359 because of 00:37:11.359 --> 00:37:12.159 the wonderful 00:37:12.159 --> 00:37:12.980 hope that 00:37:12.980 --> 00:37:14.459 Savior has 00:37:14.459 --> 00:37:14.980 brought us. 00:37:16.039 --> 00:37:16.579 Oh, how 00:37:16.579 --> 00:37:17.099 grateful we 00:37:17.099 --> 00:37:18.259 should be that 00:37:18.259 --> 00:37:18.919 our God 00:37:18.919 --> 00:37:20.139 provides for 00:37:20.139 --> 00:37:21.679 all that 00:37:21.679 --> 00:37:22.159 he commands. 00:37:22.939 --> 00:37:23.559 Let's pray 00:37:23.559 --> 00:37:23.839 together.