WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.459 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.960 --> 00:00:09.519 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.060 --> 00:00:10.580 Join us. 00:00:12.220 --> 00:00:18.519 I have a new joy in getting to preach this passage, having worshiped with y'all. 00:00:18.900 --> 00:00:19.379 Thank you. 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:23.740 Sarah, thank you for that encouragement. 00:00:23.740 --> 00:00:29.920 I want to add my personal invitation to that two-way conversation tomorrow. 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:39.460 To everyone, this passage says things that are beautiful but challenging to men, women, married, single. 00:00:39.840 --> 00:00:40.719 You're all welcome. 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:46.340 But especially to my sisters, whom I love. 00:00:48.079 --> 00:00:53.640 I really want to avoid adding to hurt this morning. 00:00:54.539 --> 00:01:04.140 And as I've talked with some of you already, I've realized how absolutely capable I am of doing exactly that. 00:01:04.299 --> 00:01:05.840 What I don't want to do. 00:01:06.260 --> 00:01:10.980 How blind I can be at times to what you're feeling or hearing. 00:01:11.780 --> 00:01:13.060 So I want to listen. 00:01:13.060 --> 00:01:14.719 That's what tomorrow's about. 00:01:14.820 --> 00:01:16.500 And let you listen to one another. 00:01:17.600 --> 00:01:21.120 And let us together seek to hear God clearly. 00:01:21.640 --> 00:01:26.939 I think especially this week, there is noise in many of our heads and hearts. 00:01:27.520 --> 00:01:35.640 And just like any other week, what we most need is to ask God to help us hear His voice clearly. 00:01:35.640 --> 00:01:37.740 Because we so need that, don't we? 00:01:37.739 --> 00:01:40.199 His voice is the one we need to hear. 00:01:40.319 --> 00:01:41.879 So will you pray with me to that end? 00:01:44.519 --> 00:01:48.379 God, we just sang that we love your voice. 00:01:53.199 --> 00:01:54.000 We do. 00:01:54.299 --> 00:01:56.500 You've called us to yourself. 00:01:57.060 --> 00:01:59.239 We've heard you call us, your children. 00:02:00.239 --> 00:02:02.739 We've heard your voice say, do not fear. 00:02:02.739 --> 00:02:08.099 But we have so many voices around us. 00:02:08.159 --> 00:02:13.139 The world is screaming, crying out about gender and marriage. 00:02:14.539 --> 00:02:20.340 Our own flesh is telling us that we know best and we should listen to that inner voice alone. 00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:29.800 Our enemy, the devil, is whispering persistently that you, God, don't really have our best interest at heart. 00:02:29.800 --> 00:02:32.980 And that's a lie. 00:02:34.200 --> 00:02:35.680 You're good. 00:02:37.020 --> 00:02:38.300 So good. 00:02:40.700 --> 00:02:42.740 Holy Spirit, speak. 00:02:43.980 --> 00:02:51.700 Through the very word of God, that we might hear His voice and follow our good shepherd. 00:02:53.120 --> 00:02:55.040 That's our prayer in Jesus' name. 00:02:55.500 --> 00:02:55.760 Amen. 00:02:55.759 --> 00:02:55.879 Amen. 00:02:57.659 --> 00:02:59.280 Let's turn to 1 Peter 3. 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:05.799 I'm going to read first the section addressed to wives. 00:03:06.579 --> 00:03:08.459 We'll get to husbands later. 00:03:09.819 --> 00:03:15.699 Since we're trying to hear God clearly, let me remind us of something that we may easily forget. 00:03:17.359 --> 00:03:23.579 God has been speaking to wives already for two chapters of 1 Peter. 00:03:23.580 --> 00:03:29.040 He addresses all of the people in these churches that Peter is writing to. 00:03:29.160 --> 00:03:34.560 He's been telling the men and the women, and we all need to hear this reminder, 00:03:35.400 --> 00:03:41.320 that our value doesn't come from what we do, how well we perform. 00:03:42.180 --> 00:03:43.880 Rather, it comes from who we are. 00:03:43.879 --> 00:03:51.519 So when God now begins talking to specific groups of people about being subject to others, 00:03:52.079 --> 00:03:59.460 about living such beautiful lives that those who don't yet know God will actually come to follow Him, 00:03:59.780 --> 00:04:09.500 He's talking to people that He's already told many gloriously precious things about who they are and their value. 00:04:09.500 --> 00:04:15.300 So by way of review, when chapter 3 verse 1 says, 00:04:15.699 --> 00:04:24.360 Likewise, wives, let me help you hear God's voice from the first two chapters of this letter alone. 00:04:25.720 --> 00:04:27.040 Here's what He's saying. 00:04:27.040 --> 00:04:32.840 Wives, beloved daughters of the Lord of the universe, 00:04:33.120 --> 00:04:36.580 chosen by God the Father before the world began, 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:42.660 set apart by His Spirit, brought into the family by the precious blood of Jesus, 00:04:42.840 --> 00:04:44.660 given specifically for you, 00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:47.180 you who have a new life, 00:04:47.560 --> 00:04:48.540 a living hope, 00:04:48.900 --> 00:04:50.720 an imperishable inheritance, 00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:52.900 an inexpressible joy, 00:04:53.300 --> 00:04:57.040 in whom God determined to dwell Himself, 00:04:57.780 --> 00:05:01.060 giving you unparalleled access near to Him, 00:05:01.280 --> 00:05:05.780 because He delighted to make you His very own treasured possession, 00:05:06.160 --> 00:05:08.960 the object of His great mercy, 00:05:09.380 --> 00:05:12.160 an indispensable part of His eternal family, 00:05:12.400 --> 00:05:17.720 with the dignified purpose of manifesting His glory everywhere to everyone. 00:05:17.720 --> 00:05:19.660 By the way you live, 00:05:20.560 --> 00:05:21.760 the words you say, 00:05:22.100 --> 00:05:24.440 your precious faith in Him, 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:26.780 valuable, 00:05:27.860 --> 00:05:28.340 blessed, 00:05:29.100 --> 00:05:29.660 precious, 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:32.340 dearly beloved, 00:05:32.820 --> 00:05:35.420 blood-bought wives, 00:05:36.020 --> 00:05:38.300 be subject to your own husbands, 00:05:39.140 --> 00:05:41.600 so that even if some do not obey the word, 00:05:41.800 --> 00:05:45.160 they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives. 00:05:45.160 --> 00:05:48.320 When they see your respectful and pure conduct, 00:05:48.820 --> 00:05:51.720 do not let your adorning be external, 00:05:52.380 --> 00:05:53.340 the braiding of hair, 00:05:53.460 --> 00:05:54.460 the wearing of gold, 00:05:54.540 --> 00:05:55.840 or the putting on of clothing, 00:05:56.240 --> 00:05:59.480 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart, 00:06:00.020 --> 00:06:03.580 with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, 00:06:04.140 --> 00:06:06.800 which in God's sight is very precious. 00:06:07.960 --> 00:06:11.540 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, 00:06:11.540 --> 00:06:13.319 by submitting to their husbands, 00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:15.140 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, 00:06:15.340 --> 00:06:16.120 calling Him Lord, 00:06:16.400 --> 00:06:18.480 and you are hurt children if you do good, 00:06:18.780 --> 00:06:20.760 and do not fear anything that is frightening. 00:06:23.840 --> 00:06:25.740 After all the things God has said, 00:06:26.280 --> 00:06:27.740 to both men and women, 00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:30.620 there are now within a marriage, 00:06:31.280 --> 00:06:35.259 different directions given to spouses of different genders. 00:06:35.259 --> 00:06:40.680 This happens in nearly every case that marriage is addressed in God's word. 00:06:41.560 --> 00:06:46.480 Marriage, we see, is another in this series of authority relationships, 00:06:46.779 --> 00:06:50.620 a different kind, certainly, from the others in this series. 00:06:51.240 --> 00:06:57.639 But husbands and wives are addressed separately with unique roles. 00:06:57.639 --> 00:07:06.279 And for wives, that begins with being subject to their own husbands. 00:07:07.519 --> 00:07:09.079 Biblical submission, 00:07:10.180 --> 00:07:16.719 clearly not reflective in any of these relationships of inherent value, 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:23.379 but rather of a willing choice to defer to someone else's leadership. 00:07:23.379 --> 00:07:30.040 In that sense, like two cars of equal value merging onto the parkway, 00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:31.719 and it's tough, and you don't know how, 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:36.319 and one decides it's best to give way and slide in behind the other. 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:42.939 This verse helps us see quickly some things not meant by submission, 00:07:43.339 --> 00:07:45.819 because it's clearly not absolute, is it? 00:07:46.180 --> 00:07:48.860 It's not assuming that the husband is always right, 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:53.540 or closer to God, or more spiritually knowledgeable or capable. 00:07:54.020 --> 00:07:59.400 In fact, Peter urges this submission in the context of the evangelism of the husband, 00:08:00.040 --> 00:08:05.460 in hopes that a wife's attitude and actions will have a powerful impact on him 00:08:05.460 --> 00:08:08.680 in the most significant area of his life, 00:08:09.120 --> 00:08:10.780 his relationship with God. 00:08:11.639 --> 00:08:13.720 Far from giving up her agency, 00:08:13.720 --> 00:08:16.259 she is serving a significant purpose here, right? 00:08:16.259 --> 00:08:19.659 See, in the world of Peter's day, 00:08:20.039 --> 00:08:25.099 it was assumed that wives would take on and follow the religion of their husbands. 00:08:25.659 --> 00:08:27.240 That's just how it worked. 00:08:28.120 --> 00:08:31.199 Of course, if Jesus is Lord, 00:08:32.059 --> 00:08:35.100 that's not so simple all of a sudden. 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:39.559 Wives would not be able to follow Jesus 00:08:39.559 --> 00:08:43.419 and then turn around and follow their husbands after some other God. 00:08:43.419 --> 00:08:50.039 Some of you know the struggle of that situation quite well. 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:55.799 You long to share the relationship that is most important to you, 00:08:56.059 --> 00:08:58.159 most formative to your life, 00:08:58.259 --> 00:09:02.599 with the person you most love and are committed to. 00:09:03.860 --> 00:09:06.539 That is a challenging place to be, right? 00:09:06.539 --> 00:09:11.299 So Peter gives encouragement and direction 00:09:11.299 --> 00:09:15.439 not to bail out of that relationship, 00:09:15.699 --> 00:09:18.919 but to remain faithful in your marriage. 00:09:20.719 --> 00:09:23.459 Submitting, being subject to it, 00:09:23.659 --> 00:09:26.459 it means taking on a posture of respect, 00:09:27.360 --> 00:09:29.299 an attitude of honor, 00:09:29.579 --> 00:09:31.599 a disposition to trust. 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:38.139 Now, willing submission does include the idea of seeking your own good. 00:09:38.139 --> 00:09:43.700 It may require a lot of faith in God's goodness to believe that is so 00:09:43.700 --> 00:09:48.420 when he calls you to place yourself under an imperfect husband, 00:09:49.300 --> 00:09:50.259 specifically here, 00:09:50.360 --> 00:09:53.420 one who doesn't claim to follow Jesus with you. 00:09:53.419 --> 00:09:58.759 But like placing yourself under shelter in a storm, 00:09:58.899 --> 00:10:00.799 many of us did that this weekend, right? 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:02.199 Sirens in the middle of the night. 00:10:03.299 --> 00:10:08.379 It's designed to be a relationship in which you find blessing. 00:10:10.259 --> 00:10:12.939 But while the design is for you to benefit too, 00:10:13.679 --> 00:10:19.579 submission means your focus is actually on his welfare, 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:20.800 more than your own, 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:24.180 that you would delight in your husband's honor, 00:10:24.440 --> 00:10:27.639 that you would seek his thriving in every way, 00:10:27.759 --> 00:10:28.940 including spiritually. 00:10:29.780 --> 00:10:35.820 And y'all, what a gift that is to any husband, right? 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:39.980 To receive honor beyond what he earns. 00:10:41.020 --> 00:10:44.060 Not just one who may come to faith in Jesus 00:10:44.060 --> 00:10:47.780 through the way your life preaches the gospel of grace 00:10:47.779 --> 00:10:51.100 and seeing the way Jesus impacts you. 00:10:51.279 --> 00:10:52.980 Wow, wouldn't that be amazing? 00:10:53.860 --> 00:10:58.240 But that gospel continues to impact Christian husbands too, right? 00:10:58.839 --> 00:11:01.019 It's not just the evangelism of it. 00:11:01.019 --> 00:11:03.639 You might disciple him by the way you love. 00:11:03.839 --> 00:11:06.100 Sarah and Abraham, for example, Christian husband. 00:11:07.339 --> 00:11:09.959 Helping him see the worth of Jesus, right? 00:11:10.199 --> 00:11:11.159 As you sacrifice. 00:11:12.199 --> 00:11:14.319 Helping him taste the grace of Jesus 00:11:14.320 --> 00:11:17.860 as you honor him beyond what he earns. 00:11:18.460 --> 00:11:19.540 We're going to come back to that. 00:11:22.300 --> 00:11:23.720 But next in this passage, 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:25.940 Peter points out that this spirit 00:11:25.940 --> 00:11:29.860 is where true beauty comes from. 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:33.160 Not just for married women, by the way. 00:11:33.820 --> 00:11:35.200 Verse 4, 00:11:35.200 --> 00:11:39.240 Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:41.899 with the imperishable beauty 00:11:41.899 --> 00:11:45.139 of a gentle and quiet spirit 00:11:45.139 --> 00:11:48.399 which in God's sight is very precious. 00:11:50.440 --> 00:11:52.180 Let me try to explain 00:11:52.180 --> 00:11:54.659 what this gentle and quiet spirit is 00:11:54.659 --> 00:11:58.740 and then talk about how absolutely valuable it is, okay? 00:11:58.840 --> 00:11:59.620 Those two things. 00:12:00.799 --> 00:12:02.460 The word for gentle 00:12:02.460 --> 00:12:05.840 means not self-promoting, 00:12:06.799 --> 00:12:08.680 seeking another's honor first, right? 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:11.759 Not a contentious spirit 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:14.460 but rather patient when correcting, 00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:15.700 Galatians 6.1. 00:12:15.940 --> 00:12:16.799 Not harsh. 00:12:18.139 --> 00:12:20.740 It's a word actually that Jesus uses of himself. 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:23.620 In Matthew chapter 11, 00:12:23.799 --> 00:12:24.360 Jesus says, 00:12:24.539 --> 00:12:27.480 I am gentle and lowly in heart. 00:12:29.100 --> 00:12:31.379 Far from meaning weak by that, 00:12:31.799 --> 00:12:33.200 gentle Jesus does what? 00:12:33.399 --> 00:12:35.659 He provides rest for others. 00:12:35.659 --> 00:12:40.819 This gentleness is a fruit of his spirit. 00:12:42.159 --> 00:12:46.279 Quiet also is a word used as a virtue for all Christians. 00:12:46.620 --> 00:12:49.259 1 Thessalonians 4.11, for example. 00:12:49.759 --> 00:12:52.259 A gentle and quiet spirit, y'all, 00:12:52.339 --> 00:12:54.019 is not merely ladylike 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:56.360 but truly Christlike. 00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:57.699 That's a big deal. 00:12:59.399 --> 00:13:00.819 Oh, humble, yes. 00:13:00.820 --> 00:13:04.820 Not constantly turning the spotlight on oneself. 00:13:06.280 --> 00:13:12.300 But quiet doesn't mean soft-spoken in a whisper all the time 00:13:12.300 --> 00:13:14.620 or just a shy personality, 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:17.340 but rather it's talking about the inner spirit, 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:18.560 the heart. 00:13:18.960 --> 00:13:20.460 It's a peaceful heart. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:23.360 A spirit that trusts in God 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:25.639 is not anxiously self-absorbed, 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:26.860 self-obsessed. 00:13:28.400 --> 00:13:29.360 Because of that, 00:13:29.420 --> 00:13:31.820 I assure you that these women, 00:13:32.460 --> 00:13:33.259 Peter's describing, 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:35.120 are strong women 00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:37.240 in the best sense of the word. 00:13:37.300 --> 00:13:38.200 They're not doormats 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:40.639 or shrinking violets. 00:13:41.680 --> 00:13:45.320 Proverbs 31.25 says of the godly wife, 00:13:45.400 --> 00:13:46.960 what are her first characteristics? 00:13:46.960 --> 00:13:50.080 Strength and dignity are her clothing. 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:55.519 And she laughs at the time to come. 00:13:55.980 --> 00:14:00.160 Her gentle strength hopes in God. 00:14:00.780 --> 00:14:02.340 And therefore, like Sarah, 00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:04.759 can laugh at the days to come. 00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:05.420 In other words, 00:14:05.639 --> 00:14:08.820 fear nothing that anyone could do to her 00:14:08.820 --> 00:14:11.740 because of that hope and trust in God. 00:14:13.740 --> 00:14:16.340 This godly woman is quick to listen, 00:14:17.060 --> 00:14:18.300 slow to speak, 00:14:18.460 --> 00:14:19.940 slow to become angry, 00:14:20.460 --> 00:14:23.259 but she can still be passionate 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:25.200 and strong 00:14:25.200 --> 00:14:27.460 while gentle and quiet. 00:14:27.660 --> 00:14:29.660 See, both of those at the same time. 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:30.639 I dare say, 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:31.940 when, for example, 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:33.639 you raise your voice 00:14:33.639 --> 00:14:35.620 to defend the voiceless, 00:14:36.040 --> 00:14:39.420 you are reflecting God's image. 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:43.000 You're sharing God's heart. 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:44.920 Just don't be raising your voice 00:14:44.919 --> 00:14:46.319 to make much of yourself. 00:14:46.319 --> 00:14:46.959 Right? 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:49.360 Inner beauty, 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:53.000 a gentle and quiet spirit. 00:14:55.319 --> 00:14:58.000 Now I want you to see how valuable it is. 00:14:59.179 --> 00:15:01.139 If someone has told you 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:03.459 that this passage belittles 00:15:03.459 --> 00:15:05.319 or demeans women, 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:08.240 I want you especially to listen right now, 00:15:08.299 --> 00:15:08.519 okay? 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:10.980 I want you to hear God's word. 00:15:12.059 --> 00:15:13.919 This blew me away this week. 00:15:14.039 --> 00:15:14.819 There's so many. 00:15:14.899 --> 00:15:15.720 I can't even tell you 00:15:15.720 --> 00:15:16.399 all the different ways. 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:18.759 What word has Peter used 00:15:18.759 --> 00:15:19.840 throughout this letter 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:21.740 when he wants to tell you 00:15:21.740 --> 00:15:24.240 how valuable something is? 00:15:24.679 --> 00:15:25.340 Can you think about 00:15:25.340 --> 00:15:27.379 a word that sticks out over time? 00:15:29.579 --> 00:15:30.340 Imperishable, right? 00:15:31.100 --> 00:15:31.759 Think of all the 00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:33.679 imperishable things he's highlighted. 00:15:33.679 --> 00:15:34.859 Our inheritance, 00:15:35.479 --> 00:15:36.399 God himself, 00:15:37.699 --> 00:15:39.079 our faith, 00:15:39.979 --> 00:15:41.279 the blood of Jesus, 00:15:41.979 --> 00:15:45.019 more valuable than silver or gold, 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.939 the word of God itself, 00:15:47.079 --> 00:15:47.659 the gospel. 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:51.439 Now Peter says, 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:54.019 this gentle and quiet spirit 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:58.539 has an imperishable-ness about it. 00:15:58.639 --> 00:16:01.039 Its beauty is lasting. 00:16:01.439 --> 00:16:02.259 It's eternal. 00:16:02.259 --> 00:16:04.159 In fact, in God's sight, 00:16:04.279 --> 00:16:07.139 it is very precious. 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:10.639 Are you hearing this? 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:13.460 He treasures 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:16.879 your inner beauty forever. 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:20.220 It's contrasted with the beauty 00:16:20.220 --> 00:16:21.879 that we know all too well, right? 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:23.480 This is what we think of 00:16:23.480 --> 00:16:24.460 when we hear beauty. 00:16:24.580 --> 00:16:25.080 Verse three, 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:27.200 it's the external, right? 00:16:27.340 --> 00:16:28.960 The kind you put on 00:16:28.960 --> 00:16:30.939 to try to make yourself look good 00:16:30.940 --> 00:16:32.000 or impressive 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:33.160 or alluring. 00:16:33.160 --> 00:16:34.020 And he says, 00:16:34.080 --> 00:16:35.100 it doesn't last. 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.820 Proverbs 31 again. 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:40.340 Charm is deceitful. 00:16:40.680 --> 00:16:42.400 Beauty is vain. 00:16:42.580 --> 00:16:43.500 It's empty. 00:16:43.680 --> 00:16:44.500 It's fleeting. 00:16:45.660 --> 00:16:47.480 But a woman who fears the Lord 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:49.800 is to be praised. 00:16:49.880 --> 00:16:52.420 A woman who fears the Lord, right? 00:16:52.560 --> 00:16:53.660 And like Sarah, 00:16:53.820 --> 00:16:55.040 fears nothing else. 00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:56.880 Even submission in marriage, 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:59.080 not fearing anymore. 00:16:59.080 --> 00:17:01.000 That beauty, 00:17:01.340 --> 00:17:02.139 fearing the Lord, 00:17:02.460 --> 00:17:04.360 never fades. 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:06.700 Which is why it's so valuable. 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:08.140 It's like the godliness 00:17:08.140 --> 00:17:11.279 mentioned in 1 Timothy 4, 8. 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:12.799 Where physical training 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:14.059 has some value. 00:17:14.620 --> 00:17:15.539 Those things matter. 00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:16.440 We're not disconnected 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:17.579 from our bodies. 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:19.400 But spiritual training, 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:20.259 the internal, 00:17:20.600 --> 00:17:21.420 holds value 00:17:21.420 --> 00:17:23.019 for this life 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:25.539 and the life to come 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:26.740 that lasts forever. 00:17:27.100 --> 00:17:29.480 That's why it's so much more valuable. 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:32.680 In God's sight, 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:35.700 that is precious. 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.080 Women, 00:17:38.060 --> 00:17:39.539 you're a tabernacle 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:41.660 of the most high God. 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:44.940 His spirit dwells in you. 00:17:45.100 --> 00:17:46.640 You are precious to him. 00:17:46.640 --> 00:17:49.000 Your beauty is not up for debate 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:51.040 by the kids in your class. 00:17:51.360 --> 00:17:51.940 It's not. 00:17:53.560 --> 00:17:54.960 It's not going to be established 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:56.660 by some guy who comes along 00:17:56.660 --> 00:18:00.320 and tries to tell you 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:01.060 that he's the one 00:18:01.060 --> 00:18:01.940 that makes you beautiful. 00:18:02.100 --> 00:18:02.660 It's not. 00:18:02.860 --> 00:18:03.680 He can't be. 00:18:04.360 --> 00:18:05.400 It's established 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:07.540 by the God 00:18:07.540 --> 00:18:08.980 who made you in his image 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:11.060 and says you're precious 00:18:11.060 --> 00:18:12.360 to him. 00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:13.740 So much so 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:15.060 that that inner spirit 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:16.460 is exactly the place 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:17.639 he would like to create 00:18:17.639 --> 00:18:18.679 as his home 00:18:18.679 --> 00:18:20.859 to dwell in you, 00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:24.119 a vessel for his majesty. 00:18:24.119 --> 00:18:25.619 Can you believe that? 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:30.659 We know what God sees 00:18:30.659 --> 00:18:32.460 as beautiful. 00:18:34.919 --> 00:18:36.019 Dear sisters, 00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:38.720 will you care more 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:40.240 about what God values 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:43.000 or what other people value? 00:18:45.059 --> 00:18:48.319 In an image-obsessed world 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:50.700 that is not your home, 00:18:52.379 --> 00:18:53.839 will you spend more time 00:18:53.839 --> 00:18:55.440 and money 00:18:55.440 --> 00:18:57.099 and emotion 00:18:57.099 --> 00:18:59.599 on your outward appearance 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:02.119 or your inner character? 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:06.399 For that party coming up, 00:19:08.059 --> 00:19:10.240 will it be more important 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:11.460 to prepare your body 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:12.720 to look good 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:15.980 or to prepare your heart 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:17.920 to live godly, 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.660 to love others? 00:19:21.160 --> 00:19:22.779 There's a place for both. 00:19:24.420 --> 00:19:26.200 There's a priority on one. 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:29.180 Men, 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:31.340 before I even read 00:19:31.340 --> 00:19:32.019 the husband part, 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:32.720 I want to suggest 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:34.140 there's something 00:19:34.140 --> 00:19:35.559 we need to listen to here too. 00:19:36.840 --> 00:19:39.279 We are visually sensitive people 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:41.279 by God's good design. 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:44.859 What kind of culture 00:19:44.859 --> 00:19:46.259 are we contributing to 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:47.899 as we steward that? 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.899 Which values of beauty 00:19:50.899 --> 00:19:52.240 are we promoting 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.720 for our sisters, 00:19:54.359 --> 00:19:55.000 for our daughters? 00:19:56.899 --> 00:19:57.799 I'll tell you, 00:19:57.859 --> 00:19:58.759 they are already 00:19:58.759 --> 00:20:00.339 swimming upstream 00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:02.259 to care more 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:03.240 about the inner beauty 00:20:03.240 --> 00:20:04.180 when their friends 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:06.379 and the men in their lives 00:20:06.380 --> 00:20:07.340 and the magazines 00:20:07.340 --> 00:20:08.120 on the stands 00:20:08.120 --> 00:20:08.760 care more 00:20:08.760 --> 00:20:10.120 about the external, 00:20:10.620 --> 00:20:11.460 what they're wearing, 00:20:11.760 --> 00:20:12.700 what they look like, 00:20:12.800 --> 00:20:14.060 and every time 00:20:14.060 --> 00:20:15.700 we gaze at pornography, 00:20:16.540 --> 00:20:17.520 every time 00:20:17.520 --> 00:20:18.480 we give attention 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:20.600 to the outwardly attractive 00:20:20.600 --> 00:20:22.520 over the inwardly beautiful, 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:24.940 every time 00:20:24.940 --> 00:20:26.080 we make comments 00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:27.360 that belittle 00:20:27.360 --> 00:20:29.000 or make fun of someone 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:30.920 based on physical appearance 00:20:30.920 --> 00:20:31.740 or performance, 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:33.940 we reject God's value, 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:36.640 God's definition 00:20:36.640 --> 00:20:37.299 of beauty. 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:39.700 We sin against Him 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:41.360 and against His image 00:20:41.360 --> 00:20:42.820 in the women around us 00:20:42.820 --> 00:20:44.000 that we're called to love 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:45.220 and we make these 00:20:45.220 --> 00:20:46.860 countercultural priorities 00:20:46.860 --> 00:20:48.100 that much harder 00:20:48.100 --> 00:20:48.880 for our sisters 00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:50.980 for their sake. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:52.340 Stop. 00:20:53.860 --> 00:20:54.460 Repent. 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:57.539 Reorient your values 00:20:57.539 --> 00:20:58.880 to God's. 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:00.460 We must. 00:21:01.600 --> 00:21:02.519 If we're to love. 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:06.380 Wives, 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:07.340 you are precious 00:21:07.340 --> 00:21:09.400 in God's sight, 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:12.200 close to His heart 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:15.500 of imperishable beauty 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:18.840 as you humbly seek 00:21:18.840 --> 00:21:19.400 the honor 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:20.740 and flourishing 00:21:20.740 --> 00:21:21.820 of your husband 00:21:21.820 --> 00:21:23.360 before your own. 00:21:26.320 --> 00:21:27.039 Husbands, 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:32.220 perhaps this passage 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:33.420 hasn't wounded 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:34.779 as many of us, 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:36.680 but I'll tell you 00:21:36.680 --> 00:21:37.740 it's been really convicting 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:38.659 to me this week. 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:41.440 We too need to remember 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:42.639 that God has said 00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:43.859 so much about us 00:21:43.859 --> 00:21:45.379 before we perform 00:21:45.379 --> 00:21:46.879 or fail to perform 00:21:46.879 --> 00:21:48.420 as husbands. 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:49.819 Our value comes 00:21:49.819 --> 00:21:52.000 from who we are. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:53.579 So the same reminder 00:21:54.339 --> 00:21:56.079 for us. 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:56.819 Verse 7, 00:21:56.939 --> 00:21:57.419 Likewise, 00:21:58.439 --> 00:21:59.059 husbands, 00:22:00.619 --> 00:22:01.379 husbands, 00:22:01.619 --> 00:22:02.899 beloved sons 00:22:02.899 --> 00:22:03.879 of the Lord 00:22:03.879 --> 00:22:04.899 of the universe, 00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:06.299 chosen by God 00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:06.939 the Father 00:22:06.939 --> 00:22:08.379 before the world began, 00:22:08.939 --> 00:22:09.740 set apart 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:11.279 by His Spirit, 00:22:11.899 --> 00:22:13.359 brought into the family 00:22:13.359 --> 00:22:14.879 by the precious blood 00:22:14.879 --> 00:22:15.439 of Jesus 00:22:15.439 --> 00:22:16.799 given specifically 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:18.059 for you, 00:22:18.359 --> 00:22:19.179 you who have 00:22:19.179 --> 00:22:20.259 a new life, 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:21.819 a living hope, 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:23.699 an imperishable inheritance, 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:25.940 and inexpressible joy 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:27.539 in whom God 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.100 determined 00:22:28.100 --> 00:22:28.980 to dwell 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:30.019 Himself, 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:31.420 giving you 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:32.720 unparalleled access 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.880 near to Him 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:35.059 because He delighted 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:35.620 to make you 00:22:35.620 --> 00:22:36.600 His very own 00:22:36.600 --> 00:22:38.080 treasured possession, 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:39.039 the object 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:40.860 of His great mercy, 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:42.660 an indispensable part 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:44.140 of His eternal family 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:45.680 with the dignified purpose 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:46.519 of manifesting 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.160 His glory 00:22:47.160 --> 00:22:47.779 everywhere 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:48.980 to everyone 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:49.920 by the way you live, 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:52.279 the words you say, 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:54.200 the precious beauty 00:22:54.200 --> 00:22:55.220 of your faith 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:55.820 in Him, 00:22:56.880 --> 00:22:57.460 valuable, 00:22:57.800 --> 00:22:58.200 blessed, 00:22:58.640 --> 00:22:59.220 precious, 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:00.860 dearly beloved, 00:23:01.340 --> 00:23:03.259 blood-bought husbands, 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:05.980 live with your wives 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:08.320 in an understanding way, 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:10.360 showing honor 00:23:10.360 --> 00:23:10.920 to the woman 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:12.060 as the weaker vessel 00:23:12.060 --> 00:23:13.880 since they are heirs 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:14.560 with you 00:23:14.560 --> 00:23:15.960 of the grace of life 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:17.900 so that your prayers 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:19.600 may not be hindered. 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:22.279 husbands, 00:23:22.600 --> 00:23:23.640 as those called 00:23:23.640 --> 00:23:24.640 to love 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:25.920 our wives, 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.180 in fact, 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:27.720 to love 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:28.759 as Christ 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:30.279 loved the church 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.680 with a towel 00:23:31.680 --> 00:23:32.700 wrapped around 00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:33.440 our waist, 00:23:34.320 --> 00:23:35.160 all the way 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:36.060 to death 00:23:36.060 --> 00:23:37.039 if need be 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:38.360 to see them 00:23:38.360 --> 00:23:39.440 flourish, 00:23:41.120 --> 00:23:42.120 live with them 00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:43.800 in an understanding 00:23:43.800 --> 00:23:45.360 way, 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:47.860 seek to know 00:23:47.860 --> 00:23:49.080 what she loves 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:51.579 what hurts, 00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:53.079 what helps, 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:53.939 what makes 00:23:53.939 --> 00:23:55.099 her tick. 00:23:56.699 --> 00:23:57.599 I realized 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.399 this summer 00:23:58.399 --> 00:23:59.439 as I got time 00:23:59.439 --> 00:24:00.159 on sabbatical 00:24:00.159 --> 00:24:01.099 to reflect on 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:02.159 my marriage 00:24:02.159 --> 00:24:03.899 that I'd been 00:24:03.899 --> 00:24:04.879 neglecting 00:24:04.879 --> 00:24:05.579 to pursue 00:24:05.579 --> 00:24:06.439 getting to know 00:24:06.439 --> 00:24:07.199 Christy 00:24:07.199 --> 00:24:08.220 more deeply, 00:24:08.879 --> 00:24:09.579 something that 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:11.039 17 years in 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:11.419 you can 00:24:11.419 --> 00:24:12.720 sometimes take 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.099 for granted 00:24:13.099 --> 00:24:13.859 and get lazy. 00:24:13.859 --> 00:24:13.979 you. 00:24:15.179 --> 00:24:16.279 Sometimes it 00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:16.740 was simple 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:17.539 self-love 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:19.199 that cared 00:24:19.199 --> 00:24:19.819 more about 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:20.500 understanding 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.219 my own 00:24:21.219 --> 00:24:21.839 perspectives 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:22.959 and preferences 00:24:22.959 --> 00:24:24.059 more than 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:24.459 hers. 00:24:25.919 --> 00:24:26.919 Sometimes it 00:24:26.919 --> 00:24:27.419 came from 00:24:27.419 --> 00:24:27.839 avoiding 00:24:27.839 --> 00:24:29.079 potentially hard 00:24:29.079 --> 00:24:29.839 conversations 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:30.759 because my 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:31.740 ideal home 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.399 and evening 00:24:32.399 --> 00:24:33.679 is conflict 00:24:33.679 --> 00:24:34.319 free 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:35.119 and very 00:24:35.119 --> 00:24:35.659 peaceful. 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:39.700 and at 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.360 that altar 00:24:40.360 --> 00:24:41.560 I was 00:24:41.560 --> 00:24:42.279 missing 00:24:42.279 --> 00:24:43.200 the chance 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:44.200 to understand 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:45.320 her better 00:24:45.320 --> 00:24:46.860 for the sake 00:24:46.860 --> 00:24:47.540 of my 00:24:47.540 --> 00:24:48.060 comfort. 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.940 I'm trying 00:24:50.940 --> 00:24:51.400 to make 00:24:51.400 --> 00:24:52.120 time 00:24:52.120 --> 00:24:53.680 to ask 00:24:53.680 --> 00:24:54.840 more questions 00:24:54.840 --> 00:24:55.279 to 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:56.660 listen 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:58.040 more. 00:24:58.600 --> 00:24:59.720 Our job 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:00.200 is to 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:01.160 understand 00:25:01.160 --> 00:25:02.620 our wives 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:03.559 not make 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:03.839 sure 00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:04.079 they 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:04.659 understand 00:25:04.659 --> 00:25:05.059 what we 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:05.379 think 00:25:05.379 --> 00:25:05.899 and want. 00:25:08.719 --> 00:25:09.439 Then we're 00:25:09.439 --> 00:25:10.000 told to 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:10.919 show honor 00:25:10.919 --> 00:25:11.519 to them 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:12.099 as the 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:12.379 weaker 00:25:12.379 --> 00:25:12.899 vessel. 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:14.179 I know 00:25:14.179 --> 00:25:14.779 that is a 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:15.199 sensitive 00:25:15.199 --> 00:25:16.119 phrase. 00:25:16.659 --> 00:25:17.079 The words 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:17.859 are simply 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:18.399 referring 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:19.339 to the 00:25:19.339 --> 00:25:19.859 physical 00:25:19.859 --> 00:25:20.699 differences 00:25:20.699 --> 00:25:21.799 between 00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:22.399 genders 00:25:22.399 --> 00:25:23.279 typically 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:23.799 there 00:25:23.799 --> 00:25:24.839 by God's 00:25:24.839 --> 00:25:25.379 design. 00:25:25.639 --> 00:25:26.119 The words 00:25:26.119 --> 00:25:26.759 mean nothing 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:27.319 further. 00:25:29.819 --> 00:25:30.719 If perhaps 00:25:30.719 --> 00:25:31.319 you could 00:25:31.319 --> 00:25:32.299 be physically 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:33.639 overpowering, 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.639 controlling, 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:36.000 or abusing, 00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:37.359 instead 00:25:37.359 --> 00:25:38.399 treasure 00:25:38.399 --> 00:25:39.159 your wife. 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:39.940 Value 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:40.579 her as 00:25:40.579 --> 00:25:41.059 precious. 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:41.799 Seek 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.159 her 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:42.859 flourishing 00:25:42.859 --> 00:25:43.859 in every 00:25:43.859 --> 00:25:44.399 way. 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:45.180 Since 00:25:45.180 --> 00:25:45.919 she is 00:25:45.919 --> 00:25:46.319 called 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:46.980 to be 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:47.579 subject 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.180 to 00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:49.139 a 00:25:49.139 --> 00:25:49.639 function 00:25:49.639 --> 00:25:49.960 that 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.960 may 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.339 appear 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:51.740 weaker 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:52.039 to 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:52.440 some 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.539 or 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:53.740 that 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:54.099 others 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:54.379 will 00:25:54.379 --> 00:25:54.740 deem 00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:55.299 less 00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:55.919 valuable, 00:25:56.399 --> 00:25:56.779 so 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:57.339 you 00:25:57.339 --> 00:25:58.119 all 00:25:58.119 --> 00:25:58.339 the 00:25:58.339 --> 00:25:58.839 more 00:25:58.839 --> 00:25:59.899 as 00:25:59.899 --> 00:26:00.099 you 00:26:00.099 --> 00:26:00.500 lead 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:00.659 and 00:26:00.659 --> 00:26:01.399 love 00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:02.060 show 00:26:02.060 --> 00:26:02.720 honor 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.400 to 00:26:03.400 --> 00:26:03.860 clarify 00:26:03.860 --> 00:26:04.280 any 00:26:04.280 --> 00:26:04.800 confusion 00:26:04.800 --> 00:26:05.019 that 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.200 might 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:05.440 come 00:26:05.440 --> 00:26:05.600 up 00:26:05.600 --> 00:26:05.860 about 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:06.600 value. 00:26:09.860 --> 00:26:10.140 See, 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:10.600 honor is 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:10.820 even 00:26:10.820 --> 00:26:11.300 beyond 00:26:11.300 --> 00:26:12.380 respect. 00:26:13.320 --> 00:26:13.420 You 00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:13.860 have been 00:26:13.860 --> 00:26:14.660 blessed 00:26:14.660 --> 00:26:15.480 to live 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:15.880 with, 00:26:16.120 --> 00:26:16.880 to lead, 00:26:17.080 --> 00:26:17.320 even 00:26:17.320 --> 00:26:18.900 to love 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:19.780 one who 00:26:19.780 --> 00:26:20.240 is so 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:20.720 precious 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.460 to God 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.560 that he 00:26:22.560 --> 00:26:23.240 gave his 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:24.320 life for 00:26:24.320 --> 00:26:24.640 her. 00:26:25.040 --> 00:26:25.200 And he 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:26.280 now dwells 00:26:26.280 --> 00:26:26.800 in her. 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:27.320 You 00:26:27.320 --> 00:26:27.780 remember 00:26:27.780 --> 00:26:28.660 also she's 00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:29.840 a tabernacle 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:30.779 of God. 00:26:32.119 --> 00:26:32.699 So far 00:26:32.699 --> 00:26:33.539 from abusing 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:34.740 or lording 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.379 strength 00:26:35.379 --> 00:26:36.119 over her, 00:26:36.459 --> 00:26:37.119 honor her, 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.019 learn her 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:38.459 wonderful 00:26:38.459 --> 00:26:38.980 strengths, 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.099 bear patiently 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:40.619 with her 00:26:40.619 --> 00:26:41.639 imperfections 00:26:41.639 --> 00:26:42.720 and struggles. 00:26:44.199 --> 00:26:44.439 Maybe 00:26:44.439 --> 00:26:45.319 confess with 00:26:45.319 --> 00:26:45.740 me that 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.059 you are 00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:46.599 way too 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.279 focused on 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:47.899 making sure 00:26:47.899 --> 00:26:48.480 you get 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:49.559 honor and 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:50.839 respect and 00:26:50.839 --> 00:26:51.259 you look 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:51.720 good. 00:26:54.439 --> 00:26:54.879 Guys, 00:26:54.939 --> 00:26:55.119 you want 00:26:55.119 --> 00:26:55.519 something to 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:55.619 do? 00:26:55.679 --> 00:26:55.980 We like 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:56.399 something to 00:26:56.399 --> 00:26:56.519 do, 00:26:56.579 --> 00:26:56.859 don't we? 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.079 This 00:26:58.079 --> 00:26:58.579 afternoon, 00:26:58.819 --> 00:26:59.179 I'll make 00:26:59.179 --> 00:26:59.539 it easy. 00:26:59.839 --> 00:27:00.659 Learn one 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:01.879 thing about 00:27:01.879 --> 00:27:02.439 your wife 00:27:02.439 --> 00:27:03.539 and lift 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:04.179 her up 00:27:04.179 --> 00:27:05.019 in one 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:05.399 way. 00:27:08.899 --> 00:27:09.599 After 00:27:09.599 --> 00:27:09.899 all, 00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:10.859 she is 00:27:10.859 --> 00:27:12.439 physically 00:27:12.439 --> 00:27:13.059 weaker 00:27:13.059 --> 00:27:13.839 perhaps, 00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:15.439 but she's 00:27:15.439 --> 00:27:15.980 spiritually 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:16.699 your equal 00:27:16.699 --> 00:27:18.740 before your 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:19.039 heavenly 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:19.480 father. 00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:20.480 You are 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:21.579 joint 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:22.559 heirs 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.480 in a 00:27:23.480 --> 00:27:24.000 culture, 00:27:24.179 --> 00:27:24.319 y'all, 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:25.119 don't forget, 00:27:25.359 --> 00:27:25.879 that was 00:27:25.879 --> 00:27:26.299 not a 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:26.720 thing. 00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:27.959 There 00:27:27.959 --> 00:27:28.359 were no 00:27:28.359 --> 00:27:28.740 such 00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:29.339 thing as 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:30.199 joint 00:27:30.199 --> 00:27:31.259 heirs, 00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:33.240 brother and 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:33.919 sister. 00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:34.419 No, 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:34.659 no. 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.259 But here, 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:38.319 the women, 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:39.339 your wife, 00:27:39.659 --> 00:27:40.599 receives like 00:27:40.599 --> 00:27:41.419 you the 00:27:41.419 --> 00:27:42.119 gift of 00:27:42.119 --> 00:27:43.139 life that 00:27:43.139 --> 00:27:43.759 none of us 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:44.579 could ever 00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:45.059 earn. 00:27:45.619 --> 00:27:46.439 Honor her 00:27:46.439 --> 00:27:47.679 not because 00:27:47.679 --> 00:27:48.220 she's done 00:27:48.220 --> 00:27:48.939 something to 00:27:48.939 --> 00:27:49.439 earn it, 00:27:49.619 --> 00:27:50.259 but because 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:51.179 she is an 00:27:51.179 --> 00:27:52.099 heir of 00:27:52.099 --> 00:27:52.720 the king 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.839 because he 00:27:53.839 --> 00:27:54.459 has honored 00:27:54.459 --> 00:27:54.919 her. 00:27:54.920 --> 00:27:58.779 honor her 00:27:58.779 --> 00:28:01.240 so that 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:01.980 your prayers 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:03.019 may not 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:03.500 be hindered. 00:28:03.580 --> 00:28:03.960 Of course, 00:28:04.060 --> 00:28:04.440 you knew that 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:04.920 was an 00:28:04.920 --> 00:28:05.500 obvious 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.019 connection. 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:06.539 We all 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:06.880 saw that 00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:07.380 one coming. 00:28:09.740 --> 00:28:10.360 Best I 00:28:10.360 --> 00:28:10.900 can tell, 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.320 this is 00:28:11.320 --> 00:28:11.920 telling us 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:12.420 that husband 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:13.039 and wife 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:13.460 have a 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:13.980 shared 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:14.860 spiritual 00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:15.420 life. 00:28:16.420 --> 00:28:16.860 And while 00:28:16.860 --> 00:28:17.180 they are 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:17.720 spiritually 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:18.380 equal, 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.019 the husband 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:19.560 has a 00:28:19.560 --> 00:28:20.060 specific 00:28:20.060 --> 00:28:20.980 responsibility 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:22.039 toward their 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:22.680 spiritual 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:23.559 health, 00:28:24.099 --> 00:28:24.779 if he's 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:25.700 not treating 00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:26.519 her as the 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:27.339 treasured 00:28:27.339 --> 00:28:28.000 heir of 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.599 grace that 00:28:28.599 --> 00:28:29.240 she is, 00:28:29.399 --> 00:28:29.960 he's out 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:30.460 of whack 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:31.139 in relationship 00:28:31.139 --> 00:28:31.700 with God 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:32.220 somewhere. 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:33.859 His prayers 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:34.539 for her 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:35.480 probably 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:36.460 implied his 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:36.899 prayers 00:28:36.899 --> 00:28:38.000 with her 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:39.839 will be a 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:40.359 struggle. 00:28:41.559 --> 00:28:41.839 Husbands, 00:28:42.139 --> 00:28:42.879 pray for 00:28:42.879 --> 00:28:43.339 and if at 00:28:43.339 --> 00:28:43.920 all possible 00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:45.180 with your 00:28:45.180 --> 00:28:45.859 wives. 00:28:47.220 --> 00:28:48.139 When you 00:28:48.139 --> 00:28:49.220 honor her 00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:51.279 as precious 00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:52.440 as God 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:52.799 does, 00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:53.519 you will 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:54.240 be driven 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:54.740 to your 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.379 knees for 00:28:55.379 --> 00:28:56.079 her good. 00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:57.019 Right? 00:28:57.599 --> 00:28:58.920 When you 00:28:58.920 --> 00:28:59.480 think of how 00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:00.339 precious she 00:29:00.339 --> 00:29:01.079 is and how 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:01.639 God has put 00:29:01.639 --> 00:29:02.460 her hand 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:03.279 in yours 00:29:03.279 --> 00:29:04.000 to love 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:04.539 and to 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:04.960 lead to 00:29:04.960 --> 00:29:05.859 him over 00:29:05.859 --> 00:29:06.299 and over, 00:29:06.539 --> 00:29:06.980 you'll be 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:08.000 praying because 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:08.379 you're not 00:29:08.379 --> 00:29:08.879 enough for 00:29:08.879 --> 00:29:09.139 that. 00:29:12.359 --> 00:29:13.039 Did you 00:29:13.039 --> 00:29:13.420 notice in 00:29:13.420 --> 00:29:13.940 this passage 00:29:13.940 --> 00:29:15.119 that mutual 00:29:15.119 --> 00:29:17.660 honor beyond 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:18.059 earning? 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:20.599 Husband and 00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:21.079 wife have 00:29:21.079 --> 00:29:21.500 different 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.159 functions, 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:23.859 different 00:29:23.859 --> 00:29:24.839 instructions 00:29:24.839 --> 00:29:25.819 here, no 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:26.319 question. 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:28.779 But they 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:30.359 both are 00:29:30.359 --> 00:29:31.339 commanded to 00:29:31.339 --> 00:29:32.039 seek the 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:32.699 honor of 00:29:32.699 --> 00:29:33.119 the other 00:29:33.119 --> 00:29:33.879 before their 00:29:33.879 --> 00:29:34.839 own, to 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:35.539 be more 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:36.759 delighted in 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:37.679 the honor of 00:29:37.679 --> 00:29:38.139 the other 00:29:38.139 --> 00:29:38.859 than their 00:29:38.859 --> 00:29:39.119 own. 00:29:39.379 --> 00:29:40.099 Marriage is 00:29:40.099 --> 00:29:40.759 to be, if 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.579 you will, a 00:29:41.579 --> 00:29:42.879 race downward 00:29:42.879 --> 00:29:44.919 to see who 00:29:44.919 --> 00:29:46.059 can be below 00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:47.039 and lift the 00:29:47.039 --> 00:29:47.719 other one up 00:29:47.719 --> 00:29:48.419 the most. 00:29:48.699 --> 00:29:49.159 And husbands, 00:29:49.160 --> 00:29:49.540 it's your 00:29:49.540 --> 00:29:50.440 responsibility to 00:29:50.440 --> 00:29:50.860 say, ready, 00:29:51.040 --> 00:29:51.860 set, go, and 00:29:51.860 --> 00:29:52.420 make sure that 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.200 race starts. 00:29:53.980 --> 00:29:54.800 And you're both 00:29:54.800 --> 00:29:55.340 running it. 00:29:56.560 --> 00:29:57.300 It's so 00:29:57.300 --> 00:29:59.180 beautiful when 00:29:59.180 --> 00:29:59.840 this happens in 00:29:59.840 --> 00:30:00.320 a marriage. 00:30:02.440 --> 00:30:03.259 I watched a 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:03.860 beautiful picture 00:30:03.860 --> 00:30:04.440 of it for 00:30:04.440 --> 00:30:05.580 several years 00:30:05.580 --> 00:30:06.340 when we first 00:30:06.340 --> 00:30:06.800 moved to 00:30:06.800 --> 00:30:07.279 Huntsville. 00:30:08.000 --> 00:30:08.680 In our very 00:30:08.680 --> 00:30:09.519 first small 00:30:09.519 --> 00:30:10.200 group here at 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:10.900 Southwood, we 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:12.120 met John and 00:30:12.120 --> 00:30:13.060 Betty Bates. 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:15.279 If you didn't 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:15.820 get the chance 00:30:15.820 --> 00:30:16.420 to meet John 00:30:16.420 --> 00:30:16.779 and Betty, 00:30:16.779 --> 00:30:17.579 they're both 00:30:17.579 --> 00:30:18.099 with Jesus 00:30:18.099 --> 00:30:18.599 now, but 00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:19.139 they used to 00:30:19.139 --> 00:30:20.160 sit right back 00:30:20.160 --> 00:30:20.879 there on that 00:30:20.879 --> 00:30:22.359 center aisle 00:30:22.359 --> 00:30:23.399 every Sunday. 00:30:25.480 --> 00:30:26.519 The last few 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:27.139 years of their 00:30:27.139 --> 00:30:29.399 nearly 65 years 00:30:29.399 --> 00:30:30.220 of marriage 00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:32.059 together, John 00:30:32.059 --> 00:30:32.799 began to suffer 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.660 from dementia 00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:35.539 increasingly. 00:30:36.379 --> 00:30:36.980 He was always 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.819 such a kind 00:30:37.819 --> 00:30:38.660 and thoughtful 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.420 man, but he 00:30:39.420 --> 00:30:40.180 began being 00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:42.319 confused, feeling 00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:43.160 out of place, 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:45.319 coming still to 00:30:45.319 --> 00:30:46.000 the small group 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.619 meeting where 00:30:46.619 --> 00:30:47.299 he loved to 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:48.119 participate and 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:49.019 talking just as 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:50.220 much, just 00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:52.019 usually completely 00:30:52.019 --> 00:30:52.819 off topic. 00:30:54.400 --> 00:30:55.140 And Betty had 00:30:55.140 --> 00:30:55.920 plenty of 00:30:55.920 --> 00:30:56.920 opportunities sitting 00:30:56.920 --> 00:30:57.680 next to him 00:30:57.680 --> 00:30:59.579 to belittle him, 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.980 to mock him, 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:03.819 to save face for 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:05.140 herself perhaps. 00:31:06.880 --> 00:31:07.960 And she would 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.839 smile up at him 00:31:08.839 --> 00:31:11.119 and listen 00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:11.759 patiently, 00:31:13.180 --> 00:31:14.440 occasionally add a 00:31:14.440 --> 00:31:15.680 word of clarification 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:17.960 without exposing him 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:18.840 as confused. 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:21.720 Every day she 00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:22.320 woke him, 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:24.240 bathed him, 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.279 dressed him, 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:28.360 held his hand 00:31:28.360 --> 00:31:29.360 while he slept 00:31:29.360 --> 00:31:30.100 so that he would 00:31:30.100 --> 00:31:31.320 both feel secure 00:31:31.320 --> 00:31:32.620 and still feel 00:31:32.620 --> 00:31:33.660 that she needed 00:31:33.660 --> 00:31:34.000 him. 00:31:36.779 --> 00:31:37.860 And then she'd 00:31:37.860 --> 00:31:38.779 show up in public 00:31:38.779 --> 00:31:40.200 and honor him 00:31:40.200 --> 00:31:42.559 when she'd 00:31:42.559 --> 00:31:43.360 earned way 00:31:43.360 --> 00:31:43.960 more honor. 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:46.200 So beautiful. 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:48.160 She gave us 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:49.000 all a picture 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:50.340 of Jesus' 00:31:50.640 --> 00:31:51.900 love with a 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:52.740 strong, 00:31:53.900 --> 00:31:54.420 passionate, 00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:56.160 gentle, 00:31:57.100 --> 00:31:57.819 quiet 00:31:57.819 --> 00:31:58.960 spirit. 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:02.580 Isn't honor 00:32:02.580 --> 00:32:03.580 beyond earning 00:32:03.580 --> 00:32:04.740 after all 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:06.279 the way 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:06.759 Jesus 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:08.360 works? 00:32:08.359 --> 00:32:09.139 Isn't that 00:32:09.139 --> 00:32:09.939 the good news 00:32:09.939 --> 00:32:10.619 of the gospel 00:32:10.619 --> 00:32:11.319 of Jesus? 00:32:11.500 --> 00:32:11.899 Isn't that 00:32:11.899 --> 00:32:12.240 the way 00:32:12.240 --> 00:32:13.559 he loves 00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.379 us? 00:32:14.819 --> 00:32:15.159 Jesus 00:32:15.159 --> 00:32:16.539 submits himself 00:32:16.539 --> 00:32:17.279 to his 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.159 father's 00:32:18.159 --> 00:32:18.719 will. 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:19.119 Jesus 00:32:19.119 --> 00:32:20.500 humbles himself 00:32:20.500 --> 00:32:21.599 from heaven. 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:22.299 Jesus 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:22.979 becomes 00:32:22.979 --> 00:32:23.719 obedient 00:32:23.719 --> 00:32:24.759 to the point 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:25.359 of death 00:32:25.359 --> 00:32:26.559 because he 00:32:26.559 --> 00:32:27.659 delighted to 00:32:27.659 --> 00:32:28.459 see us 00:32:28.459 --> 00:32:29.000 honored, 00:32:29.479 --> 00:32:30.519 to see us 00:32:30.519 --> 00:32:31.519 spiritually 00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:32.639 thriving, 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:34.159 to see us 00:32:34.159 --> 00:32:35.359 valued and 00:32:35.359 --> 00:32:36.179 treasured 00:32:36.180 --> 00:32:36.720 more than 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:37.340 himself 00:32:37.340 --> 00:32:38.900 and way 00:32:38.900 --> 00:32:39.380 more than 00:32:39.380 --> 00:32:39.660 we'd 00:32:39.660 --> 00:32:39.960 earned. 00:32:40.060 --> 00:32:40.240 Amen? 00:32:42.299 --> 00:32:43.060 Jesus 00:32:43.060 --> 00:32:45.100 was engaged 00:32:45.100 --> 00:32:46.299 to an 00:32:46.299 --> 00:32:47.279 unfaithful 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:47.779 bride. 00:32:49.120 --> 00:32:49.420 She 00:32:49.420 --> 00:32:50.320 earned 00:32:50.320 --> 00:32:50.740 his 00:32:50.740 --> 00:32:51.680 disdain, 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:53.420 his 00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:54.299 rejection 00:32:54.299 --> 00:32:56.980 over 00:32:56.980 --> 00:32:57.940 and over. 00:32:58.140 --> 00:32:58.560 That is 00:32:58.560 --> 00:32:59.340 the story 00:32:59.340 --> 00:33:00.440 of Scripture 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:01.620 from beginning 00:33:01.620 --> 00:33:02.519 all the way 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.279 through God's 00:33:03.279 --> 00:33:03.960 people. 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:04.960 and yet 00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:06.799 he chose 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:07.660 to pursue 00:33:07.660 --> 00:33:09.160 us persistently 00:33:09.160 --> 00:33:10.180 and patiently, 00:33:10.340 --> 00:33:10.700 didn't he? 00:33:11.200 --> 00:33:12.079 He chose 00:33:12.079 --> 00:33:13.079 to wash 00:33:13.079 --> 00:33:13.880 us 00:33:13.880 --> 00:33:14.660 clean. 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:15.980 He chose 00:33:15.980 --> 00:33:16.819 to hold 00:33:16.819 --> 00:33:17.559 us in 00:33:17.559 --> 00:33:18.360 his hand 00:33:18.360 --> 00:33:19.160 so that we 00:33:19.160 --> 00:33:19.600 would be 00:33:19.600 --> 00:33:20.420 secure 00:33:20.420 --> 00:33:21.420 forever. 00:33:21.920 --> 00:33:22.480 That's the 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:23.340 kind of love, 00:33:23.460 --> 00:33:24.140 love that is 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:24.700 patient 00:33:24.700 --> 00:33:26.000 and kind, 00:33:27.400 --> 00:33:27.900 that does 00:33:27.900 --> 00:33:28.620 not insist 00:33:28.620 --> 00:33:29.360 on its own 00:33:29.360 --> 00:33:30.059 way, 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:31.500 that never 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:32.500 fails, 00:33:32.500 --> 00:33:34.380 the kind 00:33:34.380 --> 00:33:34.740 of love 00:33:34.740 --> 00:33:35.640 that honors 00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:36.420 the beloved 00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:38.059 way beyond 00:33:38.059 --> 00:33:38.579 earning, 00:33:39.960 --> 00:33:41.019 that we, 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:42.680 his precious 00:33:42.680 --> 00:33:43.460 bride, 00:33:43.940 --> 00:33:45.059 men and 00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:45.579 women, 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.119 have the 00:33:47.119 --> 00:33:47.960 privilege of 00:33:47.960 --> 00:33:49.119 receiving from 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:49.980 him and 00:33:49.980 --> 00:33:50.819 then have the 00:33:50.819 --> 00:33:51.900 high honor 00:33:51.900 --> 00:33:53.380 of sharing 00:33:53.380 --> 00:33:54.240 with one 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:55.180 another in 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:56.099 lots of ways 00:33:56.099 --> 00:33:56.960 and especially 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:58.339 in our 00:33:58.339 --> 00:33:58.700 marriages. 00:33:58.700 --> 00:33:58.880 Jesus, 00:34:00.440 --> 00:34:02.240 may all 00:34:02.240 --> 00:34:02.740 of us 00:34:02.740 --> 00:34:03.900 believe how 00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:05.319 preciously 00:34:05.319 --> 00:34:06.519 valuable 00:34:06.519 --> 00:34:08.000 you are 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:09.059 to him. 00:34:09.320 --> 00:34:09.800 May God 00:34:09.800 --> 00:34:10.539 give all 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:10.840 of us 00:34:10.840 --> 00:34:11.300 grace to 00:34:11.300 --> 00:34:11.740 know how 00:34:11.740 --> 00:34:12.539 wide 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:13.059 and how 00:34:13.059 --> 00:34:13.679 long 00:34:13.679 --> 00:34:14.179 and how 00:34:14.179 --> 00:34:14.840 high 00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:15.500 and how 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:16.079 deep 00:34:16.079 --> 00:34:16.639 is the 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:17.320 love of 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:17.720 Jesus 00:34:17.720 --> 00:34:18.659 for you 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:19.500 and then 00:34:19.500 --> 00:34:20.559 to love 00:34:20.559 --> 00:34:21.639 as he 00:34:21.639 --> 00:34:22.519 first 00:34:22.519 --> 00:34:23.659 loved us. 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:24.720 Let's pray. 00:34:24.719 --> 00:34:27.439 Jesus, 00:34:27.899 --> 00:34:29.239 to know 00:34:29.239 --> 00:34:30.459 your love 00:34:30.459 --> 00:34:33.519 is something 00:34:33.519 --> 00:34:34.299 that fills 00:34:34.299 --> 00:34:34.980 us with 00:34:34.980 --> 00:34:35.219 that 00:34:35.219 --> 00:34:36.439 inexpressible 00:34:36.439 --> 00:34:36.719 and 00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:37.619 glorious 00:34:37.619 --> 00:34:38.339 joy. 00:34:38.340 --> 00:34:41.579 you love 00:34:41.579 --> 00:34:42.740 us right 00:34:42.740 --> 00:34:43.320 now and 00:34:43.320 --> 00:34:44.360 we didn't 00:34:44.360 --> 00:34:44.940 earn it. 00:34:46.000 --> 00:34:46.660 You've 00:34:46.660 --> 00:34:47.039 loved us 00:34:47.039 --> 00:34:47.360 at our 00:34:47.360 --> 00:34:47.840 lowest 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:48.880 and our 00:34:48.880 --> 00:34:49.380 worst. 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:52.760 Jesus, 00:34:52.920 --> 00:34:53.980 you faithfully 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:55.920 pursued 00:34:55.920 --> 00:34:56.360 us, 00:34:57.200 --> 00:34:57.519 served 00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:57.940 us, 00:34:58.300 --> 00:34:58.800 sacrificed 00:34:58.800 --> 00:35:00.280 for us. 00:35:01.140 --> 00:35:01.620 Would 00:35:01.620 --> 00:35:02.079 you give 00:35:02.079 --> 00:35:02.539 us 00:35:02.539 --> 00:35:04.620 delight 00:35:04.620 --> 00:35:05.120 in the 00:35:05.120 --> 00:35:05.500 privilege 00:35:05.500 --> 00:35:05.800 you've 00:35:05.800 --> 00:35:06.440 given us 00:35:06.440 --> 00:35:07.420 to pass 00:35:07.420 --> 00:35:07.840 that love 00:35:07.840 --> 00:35:08.220 along? 00:35:08.340 --> 00:35:11.640 Might we 00:35:11.640 --> 00:35:12.260 rest in 00:35:12.260 --> 00:35:12.740 your love? 00:35:13.220 --> 00:35:13.539 Might we 00:35:13.539 --> 00:35:14.140 rejoice 00:35:14.140 --> 00:35:15.260 in sharing 00:35:15.260 --> 00:35:15.620 it 00:35:15.620 --> 00:35:17.240 today 00:35:17.240 --> 00:35:19.800 with our 00:35:19.800 --> 00:35:20.260 friends, 00:35:20.900 --> 00:35:21.420 with our 00:35:21.420 --> 00:35:21.840 neighbors, 00:35:23.160 --> 00:35:23.620 and especially 00:35:23.620 --> 00:35:24.140 for those 00:35:24.140 --> 00:35:24.500 of us 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:25.059 that you've 00:35:25.059 --> 00:35:25.700 called into 00:35:25.700 --> 00:35:26.559 marriages? 00:35:27.740 --> 00:35:28.559 Might we 00:35:28.559 --> 00:35:28.980 give 00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:30.460 all around 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.900 us a 00:35:30.900 --> 00:35:31.320 picture 00:35:31.320 --> 00:35:32.920 of love 00:35:32.920 --> 00:35:35.079 that honors 00:35:35.079 --> 00:35:36.000 another 00:35:36.000 --> 00:35:37.059 way beyond 00:35:37.059 --> 00:35:37.380 what has 00:35:37.380 --> 00:35:37.880 been earned? 00:35:38.340 --> 00:35:40.320 we need 00:35:40.320 --> 00:35:40.740 your help. 00:35:41.240 --> 00:35:42.120 Holy Spirit, 00:35:42.740 --> 00:35:43.280 give us 00:35:43.280 --> 00:35:43.840 your grace 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:45.539 to that 00:35:45.539 --> 00:35:45.780 end. 00:35:45.860 --> 00:35:46.180 In Jesus' 00:35:46.380 --> 00:35:46.600 name, 00:35:47.240 --> 00:35:47.460 amen. 00:35:47.460 --> 00:35:47.579 Amen. 00:35:50.579 --> 00:35:51.519 For more 00:35:51.519 --> 00:35:52.039 information, 00:35:52.400 --> 00:35:52.840 visit us 00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:53.740 online at 00:35:53.739 --> 00:35:54.639 southwood.org.