WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980 Thank you. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:59.980 Thank you. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:29.980 Thank you. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:59.980 Thank you. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:29.979 Thank you. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:59.979 Thank you. 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:29.979 Thank you. 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:59.979 Thank you. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:29.980 Thank you. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:59.980 Thank you. 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:29.980 Thank you. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:59.980 Thank you. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:29.980 Thank you. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:59.980 Thank you. 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:29.980 Thank you. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:59.980 Thank you. 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:29.980 Thank you. 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:59.980 Thank you. 00:08:59.980 --> 00:09:29.960 Thank you. 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:59.960 Thank you. 00:09:59.980 --> 00:10:29.960 Thank you. 00:10:29.980 --> 00:10:59.960 Thank you. 00:10:59.980 --> 00:11:29.960 Thank you. 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:59.940 Thank you. 00:11:59.960 --> 00:12:29.940 Thank you. 00:12:29.960 --> 00:12:59.940 Thank you. 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:29.940 Thank you. 00:13:29.960 --> 00:13:59.940 Thank you. 00:13:59.960 --> 00:14:29.940 Thank you. 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:59.940 Thank you. 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:29.960 Thank you. 00:15:29.960 --> 00:15:59.960 Thank you. 00:15:59.960 --> 00:16:29.960 Thank you. 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:29.980 Thank you. 00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:29.960 Thank you. 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:59.960 Thank you. 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:29.960 Thank you. 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:59.960 Thank you. 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:29.960 And then, 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:59.940 thank you. 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:29.960 Thank you. 00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:59.960 Thank you. 00:20:59.960 --> 00:21:29.960 Thank you. 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:59.960 Thank you. 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:00.960 Thank you. 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:01.960 Thank you. 00:22:29.960 --> 00:22:31.960 Thank you. 00:22:59.960 --> 00:23:00.960 Thank you. 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:30.960 Thank you. 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:01.960 Thank you. 00:24:29.960 --> 00:24:31.960 Thank you. 00:24:59.960 --> 00:25:00.960 Thank you. 00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:02.960 Thank you. 00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:31.960 Thank you. 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.960 Thank you. 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:02.960 Thank you. 00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:31.960 Thank you. 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:33.960 Thank you. 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:02.960 Thank you. 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:03.960 Thank you. 00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:32.960 Thank you. 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.960 Thank you. 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:34.960 Thank you. 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.960 Thank you. 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:04.960 Thank you. 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:05.960 Thank you. 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:07.960 Thank you. 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.960 Thank you. 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:35.960 Thank you. 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:04.960 Thank you. 00:29:04.960 --> 00:29:05.960 Thank you. 00:29:05.960 --> 00:29:07.960 Thank you. 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:09.960 Thank you. 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:10.960 Thank you. 00:29:10.960 --> 00:29:11.960 Thank you. 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:12.960 living our Jesus. 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:13.960 Thank you. 00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:14.960 Thank you. 00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:15.960 Thank you. 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.960 Thank you. 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:30.039 Though the storms may rage, He is strong to save. He's the King forever, Jesus. 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:42.059 When I plead His case, I will sing my praise to the King forever, Jesus. 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:55.700 All my sorrows past, I am home at last with my King forever, Jesus. 00:29:55.700 --> 00:30:01.860 With my King forever, Jesus. 00:30:02.440 --> 00:30:09.319 With my King forever, Jesus. 00:30:16.340 --> 00:30:21.220 So as we've joined our voices in praise, let's now unite our hearts in prayer. Let us pray. 00:30:21.220 --> 00:30:27.339 Our Father in Heaven, we thank You that we have much cause to give You praise and to give You thanks. 00:30:27.940 --> 00:30:32.980 We thank You that You are great and good. We thank You that You are mighty and powerful. 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:36.460 We thank You that You look upon us with grace and favor. 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:42.240 We ask that You would guide us tonight as we read Your Word, as we consider its truth. 00:30:42.240 --> 00:30:48.180 We ask that You would remind us that as Your people, we have great and precious privileges. 00:30:48.960 --> 00:30:51.900 We have this open access to Your throne of grace. 00:30:52.559 --> 00:30:54.500 We are Your witnesses, Your ambassadors. 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:58.000 We are those that represent You here on earth. 00:30:58.480 --> 00:31:04.220 So help us, Lord, to represent You well with our character, with our words, with our actions. 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:08.079 We pray that we would be signposts like John the Baptist. 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:13.240 Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:19.360 We thank You that You have placed us here in this church, in this community, in this city. 00:31:19.880 --> 00:31:23.880 We thank You that there are many people in this city who call upon Your name. 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:27.259 And we thank You that You do not leave Yourself without a witness. 00:31:28.140 --> 00:31:32.559 We pray that You would strengthen Your work, Your church here in Edinburgh. 00:31:32.559 --> 00:31:37.319 And we thank You that there are many pulpits from which the good news of Jesus sounds forth. 00:31:37.679 --> 00:31:41.559 So we pray that You would strengthen that work and that You would extend that work. 00:31:41.859 --> 00:31:44.639 That there would be many churches that would soon be planted. 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:48.599 And many new people who would come in contact with the gospel. 00:31:49.259 --> 00:31:57.460 We pray for the work of chaplaincy, whether in prisons or in hospitals, in schools, in the armed forces. 00:31:57.899 --> 00:32:01.879 We thank You that You place Your people in these key strategic places. 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:08.799 We thank You for organizations like Gideon's who give away thousands of thousands of copies of Your word. 00:32:08.919 --> 00:32:14.500 And who supply schools and prisons and the armed forces with copies of the scriptures. 00:32:14.500 --> 00:32:21.899 And we thank You that there are many of Your people who have come to faith through the reading of Your word. 00:32:22.039 --> 00:32:26.659 And through the circumstances that place them in difficult settings. 00:32:26.660 --> 00:32:31.840 Heavenly Father, we pray that You would bless Your word now as we read it. 00:32:32.220 --> 00:32:34.300 That You would speak to our hearts. 00:32:34.820 --> 00:32:36.240 That You would encourage us. 00:32:36.360 --> 00:32:37.620 That You would strengthen us. 00:32:37.740 --> 00:32:39.300 That You would correct us. 00:32:39.400 --> 00:32:41.840 That You would renew us and restore us. 00:32:42.340 --> 00:32:44.259 Lord, You know each of one of our stories. 00:32:44.400 --> 00:32:45.960 You know each of our circumstances. 00:32:46.740 --> 00:32:48.680 You know the burdens that weigh us down. 00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:51.240 You know the joys that bring us smiles. 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:54.519 You know the hope that leads us forward. 00:32:55.140 --> 00:33:02.759 And You know at times that sense of sadness or sorrow or despair that can so easily entangle us and bring us down. 00:33:03.319 --> 00:33:06.799 So Lord, whatever is needed, we pray that You would amply provide. 00:33:07.420 --> 00:33:14.480 And now as we turn to Your word, we thank You that the Holy Spirit promises to accompany the reading of Your word with Your power. 00:33:14.480 --> 00:33:15.599 With Your presence. 00:33:15.980 --> 00:33:21.519 And You tell us that Your word can never go out and return to You without effect. 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:23.920 So we commit ourselves to You this evening. 00:33:24.200 --> 00:33:25.299 In the name of Jesus. 00:33:25.839 --> 00:33:26.200 Amen. 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:30.140 Well there are two passages I'm going to read to us. 00:33:30.640 --> 00:33:33.160 The first comes from Exodus chapter 19. 00:33:33.460 --> 00:33:35.620 And the second from Leviticus. 00:33:36.319 --> 00:33:39.759 Again in my prison work I try to explain the Bible to people. 00:33:39.759 --> 00:33:46.140 And to say most of the books of the Bible either have the name is where it was written to or who wrote it. 00:33:46.140 --> 00:33:50.500 Of course that doesn't hold for books like Exodus and Leviticus or Numbers. 00:33:51.119 --> 00:33:56.960 But you know you quickly get corrected if you say something that is not completely true. 00:33:58.240 --> 00:34:01.859 Exodus chapter 19 verses 1 down to 8. 00:34:02.119 --> 00:34:05.579 In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt. 00:34:05.579 --> 00:34:09.420 On the very day they came to the desert of Sinai. 00:34:09.900 --> 00:34:12.059 And after they set out from Rephidim. 00:34:12.319 --> 00:34:14.219 They entered the desert of Sinai. 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:17.619 And Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:20.279 Then Moses went up to God. 00:34:20.599 --> 00:34:23.420 And the Lord called to him from the mountain and said. 00:34:23.920 --> 00:34:26.759 This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob. 00:34:27.179 --> 00:34:29.360 And what you are to tell the people of Israel. 00:34:29.360 --> 00:34:33.140 You yourselves have seen what I did in Egypt. 00:34:33.720 --> 00:34:37.599 And how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself. 00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:41.019 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant. 00:34:41.599 --> 00:34:44.880 Then out of all the nations you will be my treasured possession. 00:34:45.780 --> 00:34:47.620 Although the whole earth is mine. 00:34:48.059 --> 00:34:51.019 You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. 00:34:51.700 --> 00:34:54.500 These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites. 00:34:54.500 --> 00:34:58.880 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people. 00:34:59.000 --> 00:35:03.440 And set before them all the words that the Lord had commanded him to speak. 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:05.460 The people responded together. 00:35:05.920 --> 00:35:08.360 We will do everything the Lord has said. 00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:12.460 So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord. 00:35:13.139 --> 00:35:15.539 And if you move forward a few pages. 00:35:15.920 --> 00:35:19.039 We'll pick up in Leviticus chapter 19. 00:35:19.599 --> 00:35:24.019 Leviticus 19 and we'll read from verses 1 down to 18. 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:30.119 The heading is various laws and Leviticus means the law or laws. 00:35:30.960 --> 00:35:36.780 The Lord said to Moses speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them. 00:35:37.500 --> 00:35:40.460 Be holy because I the Lord your God am holy. 00:35:41.360 --> 00:35:44.039 Each of you must respect his mother and father. 00:35:44.599 --> 00:35:46.599 And you must observe my Sabbath. 00:35:47.219 --> 00:35:49.519 My Sabbaths I am the Lord your God. 00:35:49.519 --> 00:35:54.559 Do not turn to idols or make gods of cast metal for yourselves. 00:35:54.800 --> 00:35:56.380 I am the Lord your God. 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:59.639 When you sacrifice a fellowship offering to the Lord. 00:35:59.860 --> 00:36:04.820 Sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf. 00:36:05.679 --> 00:36:09.480 It shall be eaten on the day you sacrifice it or on the next day. 00:36:10.199 --> 00:36:13.579 Anything left over until the third day must be burned up. 00:36:13.579 --> 00:36:18.619 If any of it is eaten on the third day it is impure and will not be accepted. 00:36:19.259 --> 00:36:24.940 Whoever eats it will be held responsible because he has desecrated what is holy to the Lord. 00:36:25.480 --> 00:36:27.900 That person must be cut off from his people. 00:36:29.039 --> 00:36:31.279 When you reap the harvest of your land. 00:36:31.819 --> 00:36:34.519 Do not reap to the very edges of your field. 00:36:34.920 --> 00:36:37.019 Or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 00:36:37.619 --> 00:36:40.059 Do not go over your vineyard a second time. 00:36:40.059 --> 00:36:42.099 Or pick up the grapes that have fallen. 00:36:42.299 --> 00:36:44.659 Leave them for the poor and the alien. 00:36:45.380 --> 00:36:47.219 I am the Lord your God. 00:36:47.779 --> 00:36:48.619 Do not steal. 00:36:49.239 --> 00:36:50.139 Do not lie. 00:36:50.799 --> 00:36:52.199 Do not deceive one another. 00:36:52.860 --> 00:36:57.259 Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. 00:36:57.860 --> 00:36:58.940 I am the Lord. 00:36:59.619 --> 00:37:02.139 Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him. 00:37:02.699 --> 00:37:06.179 Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight. 00:37:06.179 --> 00:37:11.639 Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind. 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:13.659 But fear your God. 00:37:14.259 --> 00:37:15.379 I am the Lord. 00:37:16.039 --> 00:37:17.759 Do not pervert justice. 00:37:18.399 --> 00:37:22.579 Do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great. 00:37:22.960 --> 00:37:24.879 But judge your neighbor fairly. 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:28.960 Do not go about spreading slander among your people. 00:37:29.639 --> 00:37:32.619 Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. 00:37:33.219 --> 00:37:34.219 I am the Lord. 00:37:34.219 --> 00:37:36.899 Do not hate your brother in your heart. 00:37:37.719 --> 00:37:42.179 Rebuke your neighbor frankly so that you will not share in his guilt. 00:37:42.859 --> 00:37:47.099 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people. 00:37:47.679 --> 00:37:50.579 But love your neighbor as yourself. 00:37:51.359 --> 00:37:53.480 I am the Lord. 00:37:54.379 --> 00:37:54.779 Amen. 00:37:55.000 --> 00:38:00.379 And may God add his blessing to these readings from his own word. 00:38:04.219 --> 00:38:33.439 Let's pray together before we turn back. 00:38:33.440 --> 00:38:38.780 Father God, we do again thank you for your word. 00:38:39.579 --> 00:38:42.780 We ask once again that you would speak to us from it. 00:38:43.679 --> 00:38:48.760 That you enable us to hear and to store up in our heart. 00:38:49.420 --> 00:38:53.420 And to put into practice those things that you have for us. 00:38:53.940 --> 00:38:54.159 Amen. 00:38:54.159 --> 00:38:59.179 So we are continuing to think about the mission of God's people. 00:39:00.299 --> 00:39:07.559 Thinking about this reality, as we mentioned at the beginning, that we are called to represent God to the world. 00:39:08.259 --> 00:39:15.619 Often when we hear the word represent, representation, maybe we think in terms of the privileges that that involves. 00:39:15.619 --> 00:39:17.799 In certain cases, in certain cases, other times responsibility. 00:39:18.799 --> 00:39:25.380 For those of us who were paying attention to football yesterday, World Cup qualifying was on again. 00:39:25.380 --> 00:39:31.660 And you'll notice whenever somebody is called up to represent their national team for the very first time. 00:39:32.099 --> 00:39:39.220 They'll always, without fail, talk about the honor that they have in representing their country. 00:39:39.800 --> 00:39:42.780 Of course, that also brings with it a certain measure of responsibility. 00:39:42.780 --> 00:39:49.440 And Scottish players have that responsibility to make sure it's not another 20 years before we have a major championship. 00:39:49.560 --> 00:39:52.100 So there's privilege, there's responsibility. 00:39:52.540 --> 00:40:01.680 Closer to home, perhaps we have been asked to represent our school, our university, or our company in some way or another. 00:40:01.800 --> 00:40:03.019 Giving a talk, perhaps. 00:40:03.620 --> 00:40:04.840 Launching a new product. 00:40:05.660 --> 00:40:10.620 And there, while there is privilege, perhaps the emphasis there falls on responsibility. 00:40:10.619 --> 00:40:16.980 For that time, you become the face of your school or your business and industry. 00:40:17.420 --> 00:40:19.940 So these are the ideas that we're going to focus on together. 00:40:20.539 --> 00:40:25.179 That sense of the privilege of being chosen by God's grace. 00:40:25.279 --> 00:40:28.239 We've seen that week after week as we've been in Genesis and Exodus. 00:40:28.880 --> 00:40:30.259 But also the responsibility. 00:40:30.799 --> 00:40:38.139 The responsibility to represent God well in the world for His glory and on His mission. 00:40:38.139 --> 00:40:42.980 So again, as with our usual pattern tonight, we'll look at the Old Testament to see this theme. 00:40:43.519 --> 00:40:48.159 In our community groups and student and young workers group, we'll look at the New Testament. 00:40:49.480 --> 00:40:52.119 So we'll turn first of all to Exodus 19. 00:40:53.900 --> 00:41:01.799 Where we'll see privileges and responsibilities as the people are called into covenant with their God. 00:41:02.559 --> 00:41:05.239 So we're told at the beginning, the setting. 00:41:05.239 --> 00:41:10.419 So this is the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt. 00:41:10.579 --> 00:41:13.799 So three months ago, they were enslaved. 00:41:14.659 --> 00:41:19.239 But now, by God's grace, by God's power, they've been set free. 00:41:19.679 --> 00:41:22.059 And they're meeting God at Mount Sinai. 00:41:22.259 --> 00:41:24.259 They're about to get the Ten Commandments. 00:41:24.419 --> 00:41:29.339 This covenant relationship is about to be established where God will say to them, 00:41:29.639 --> 00:41:33.719 You will be my people and I will be your God. 00:41:33.719 --> 00:41:39.279 It's a covenant of grace, as we've seen all the way through for the last few weeks. 00:41:39.819 --> 00:41:44.699 And that's crucial to understanding the place of the law for the people. 00:41:44.980 --> 00:41:51.539 It's crucial to understand how they are to live in the promised land and for their mission. 00:41:52.939 --> 00:41:57.859 Exodus 19 is crucial for the people of God in helping them to understand, 00:41:57.860 --> 00:42:01.320 And indeed, by extension, helping us to understand who are we? 00:42:02.140 --> 00:42:06.599 And what are we here for as God's church? 00:42:07.559 --> 00:42:14.160 And this chapter helps us to do that by looking at these privileges and responsibilities within the covenant. 00:42:14.320 --> 00:42:16.280 So let's begin thinking about the privilege. 00:42:16.280 --> 00:42:18.060 Verse 3, 00:42:19.200 --> 00:42:39.820 So Jacob, Israel, here are reminders for them that God has already spoken promises to their forefathers. 00:42:39.820 --> 00:42:48.559 This is recalling for us that original promise made in Genesis 12 that then gets passed down the generations. 00:42:48.559 --> 00:42:58.620 And it's a reminder that God has been faithful to his promises and will continue to be faithful when it comes to the covenant. 00:42:58.619 --> 00:43:00.779 And then in verse 4, 00:43:01.960 --> 00:43:17.679 Again, the privilege of God working for his people and working for his intended goal. 00:43:18.420 --> 00:43:19.699 Why does he set them free? 00:43:19.819 --> 00:43:21.199 Why does he bring salvation? 00:43:21.900 --> 00:43:23.839 That they might know God. 00:43:24.299 --> 00:43:28.119 That they might enjoy relationship and life with God. 00:43:28.119 --> 00:43:33.159 That's always the goal of salvation, to know and enjoy our God. 00:43:33.519 --> 00:43:37.779 The privilege continues in verse 5, the second part. 00:43:37.839 --> 00:43:45.159 If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. 00:43:46.839 --> 00:43:52.619 Boys and girls, when we think of treasure, probably we think something like pirate gold. 00:43:52.940 --> 00:43:54.339 Might be our first connection. 00:43:54.340 --> 00:43:59.880 Perhaps if you've read The Hobbit, you'll think of Gollum and my precious. 00:44:01.320 --> 00:44:05.440 But it can be anything that we have and hold on to dearly. 00:44:06.600 --> 00:44:13.680 And what God is saying to the people here is that God has a special Father's love for his church. 00:44:13.679 --> 00:44:21.759 He looks at his people and considers them to be precious, treasured in his sight. 00:44:22.960 --> 00:44:24.779 Who are we as the people of God? 00:44:25.739 --> 00:44:29.279 Exodus 19 says we are a people who've been saved by grace. 00:44:30.219 --> 00:44:34.579 We are a people who've been saved by God's power. 00:44:34.579 --> 00:44:37.819 The New Testament reminds us we've been saved at great cost. 00:44:37.900 --> 00:44:40.679 The cost of the blood of the Lord Jesus. 00:44:41.779 --> 00:44:47.239 Saved from slavery to enjoy freedom. 00:44:48.039 --> 00:44:51.420 For us, again, that's slavery to sin leading to death. 00:44:52.199 --> 00:44:55.079 Freedom to know forgiveness and life with God. 00:44:56.619 --> 00:44:58.119 And who are we as the people of God? 00:44:58.159 --> 00:44:59.319 We are precious to him. 00:44:59.380 --> 00:45:01.279 We are loved by him. 00:45:01.280 --> 00:45:10.660 And as Christians and as the church, we need to feel that sense of privilege. 00:45:11.800 --> 00:45:15.460 That amazing grace, as it were, would be the song of our heart. 00:45:16.560 --> 00:45:17.280 Amazing grace. 00:45:17.340 --> 00:45:19.440 How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. 00:45:19.500 --> 00:45:24.260 That we understand how desperate our situation was because of sin. 00:45:24.300 --> 00:45:29.280 And to understand God's grace in saving us and opening blind eyes. 00:45:31.280 --> 00:45:32.220 We need to feel it. 00:45:32.240 --> 00:45:34.580 We also need to believe it. 00:45:35.240 --> 00:45:39.800 We need to be telling ourselves the truth of the gospel. 00:45:39.800 --> 00:45:43.240 We need to learn to listen to the right voice. 00:45:43.240 --> 00:45:46.080 Because we have in the devil an accuser. 00:45:46.740 --> 00:45:52.019 Who would be very glad to pull away any sense of security and joy we might have 00:45:52.019 --> 00:45:58.040 from knowing God by pointing to our sin and taking our eyes off our Savior. 00:45:58.039 --> 00:46:03.179 We need to let the privilege of the gospel shape our identity. 00:46:03.619 --> 00:46:06.900 Individually as Christians and together as a church. 00:46:07.500 --> 00:46:10.699 That our unity comes from being united to the Lord Jesus. 00:46:12.639 --> 00:46:15.340 Our whole Christian life then is to be built on this. 00:46:16.219 --> 00:46:21.619 To recognize it is an honor to represent our Savior God. 00:46:21.619 --> 00:46:25.259 So, so much for privilege. 00:46:26.380 --> 00:46:32.259 What does Exodus 19 tell us about responsibilities for the people of God? 00:46:33.380 --> 00:46:36.859 Verse 5 speaks of responsibility. 00:46:37.079 --> 00:46:40.420 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, 00:46:41.539 --> 00:46:43.839 then out of all nations you'll be my treasured possession. 00:46:44.619 --> 00:46:46.460 God has acted in saving grace. 00:46:46.579 --> 00:46:49.839 The people, God's people, are to respond with obedience. 00:46:49.840 --> 00:46:54.420 We've said it before, but the order is vital. 00:46:55.559 --> 00:46:56.940 In chapter 19 we have, 00:46:57.320 --> 00:46:59.460 You have been saved by grace, therefore obey. 00:47:00.220 --> 00:47:05.360 Ten commandments begins with that reminder of rescue, redemption from Egypt, 00:47:05.539 --> 00:47:07.079 therefore obey. 00:47:09.600 --> 00:47:12.920 The law was, never, is, never, will, never be 00:47:12.920 --> 00:47:15.800 God's way for people to be right with Him. 00:47:15.860 --> 00:47:18.559 Rather, the law as it gives us God's perfect standards 00:47:18.559 --> 00:47:23.199 show just how far short we fall of that and how much we need a Savior. 00:47:24.239 --> 00:47:27.639 We need the saving work of God first. 00:47:28.460 --> 00:47:30.159 Because when that happens, 00:47:31.119 --> 00:47:32.360 we're given a new heart. 00:47:33.940 --> 00:47:36.199 We're given a new will to obey. 00:47:36.279 --> 00:47:37.139 And we're given the Spirit, 00:47:37.279 --> 00:47:40.500 so we have a new power to help us to obey. 00:47:40.500 --> 00:47:46.000 So we don't use the law as a way to earn God's favor, 00:47:46.139 --> 00:47:48.340 to earn God's salvation. 00:47:51.559 --> 00:47:53.219 Following this, in verse 6, 00:47:53.300 --> 00:47:56.139 there are two pictures of God's people, 00:47:56.300 --> 00:47:58.739 two ways to think about the reality, 00:47:58.900 --> 00:48:00.960 how do we represent God, 00:48:00.980 --> 00:48:02.739 and they're very much connected. 00:48:02.739 --> 00:48:03.519 First of all, 00:48:04.519 --> 00:48:05.219 in verse 6, 00:48:05.279 --> 00:48:09.399 there's the idea of being a kingdom of priests. 00:48:10.199 --> 00:48:12.159 Although the whole earth is mine, 00:48:12.519 --> 00:48:15.779 you will be for me a kingdom of priests. 00:48:17.419 --> 00:48:18.939 Now, to help us to understand that, 00:48:18.979 --> 00:48:19.579 we need to think about, 00:48:19.699 --> 00:48:21.659 well, what did a priest do 00:48:21.659 --> 00:48:24.759 that God is then saying to the people of God collectively, 00:48:24.919 --> 00:48:26.519 we are then to do? 00:48:26.519 --> 00:48:30.840 Well, we know that one of the key jobs of a priest 00:48:30.840 --> 00:48:32.980 was to teach the law. 00:48:33.480 --> 00:48:36.360 The law of God was brought to the people. 00:48:37.539 --> 00:48:39.280 And we also know that the priests 00:48:39.280 --> 00:48:42.519 had the responsibility to offer sacrifices, 00:48:43.480 --> 00:48:45.280 offer the right sacrifices, 00:48:46.000 --> 00:48:48.659 so that the people's sin could be atoned for, 00:48:48.719 --> 00:48:49.500 it could be forgiven, 00:48:49.639 --> 00:48:50.900 it could be cleansed. 00:48:51.980 --> 00:48:54.440 And the priests also had a responsibility 00:48:54.440 --> 00:48:58.940 to speak God's blessing over God's people. 00:49:02.539 --> 00:49:04.280 Ed Welch has written a whole book, 00:49:04.400 --> 00:49:06.220 little book on this topic called 00:49:06.220 --> 00:49:07.780 Created to Draw Near, 00:49:08.500 --> 00:49:11.780 what it means for the church to be royal priests. 00:49:12.940 --> 00:49:13.720 And in that book, 00:49:13.780 --> 00:49:16.380 he emphasizes holiness 00:49:16.380 --> 00:49:19.659 for the sake of relationship. 00:49:20.599 --> 00:49:22.880 God calls us to be holy 00:49:22.880 --> 00:49:26.940 so that we might be near to our holy God 00:49:26.940 --> 00:49:30.320 and that we might serve our holy God 00:49:30.320 --> 00:49:33.180 because we are in a living fellowship, 00:49:33.720 --> 00:49:35.680 relationship of love with him. 00:49:37.579 --> 00:49:39.220 When we think about the task 00:49:39.220 --> 00:49:40.760 of representing our school 00:49:40.760 --> 00:49:42.300 or representing our job, 00:49:42.960 --> 00:49:43.940 we are saying, you know, 00:49:43.980 --> 00:49:46.079 these are our values. 00:49:47.180 --> 00:49:48.180 This is the product. 00:49:48.360 --> 00:49:50.220 These are the skills we offer. 00:49:50.219 --> 00:49:54.859 What are we saying as we represent God 00:49:54.859 --> 00:49:56.359 as a kingdom of priests? 00:49:56.659 --> 00:49:58.439 What's the mission of God's people? 00:49:59.699 --> 00:50:01.799 We're saying we represent not ourselves, 00:50:01.919 --> 00:50:05.199 we represent the one true and living God. 00:50:06.279 --> 00:50:08.699 And we are saying these are his ways 00:50:08.699 --> 00:50:10.459 in the way that we live, 00:50:11.179 --> 00:50:12.000 in our obedience, 00:50:13.000 --> 00:50:14.159 in our ethics. 00:50:14.199 --> 00:50:16.279 And we'll think about that in a few moments. 00:50:16.280 --> 00:50:17.840 And as we say, 00:50:18.040 --> 00:50:20.440 this is the way to be right with him 00:50:20.440 --> 00:50:23.180 as we speak of Jesus 00:50:23.180 --> 00:50:25.000 and salvation 00:50:25.000 --> 00:50:28.600 through his work on the cross. 00:50:30.440 --> 00:50:32.940 We are to be that kingdom of priests 00:50:32.940 --> 00:50:35.120 representing our holy God. 00:50:35.180 --> 00:50:37.140 And for the nation of Israel to do that, 00:50:37.200 --> 00:50:38.540 for the church today to do that, 00:50:38.620 --> 00:50:39.660 what must we be? 00:50:40.300 --> 00:50:42.400 And the answer is there in verse six. 00:50:42.840 --> 00:50:44.500 We must be holy. 00:50:44.500 --> 00:50:47.980 You will be for me a kingdom of priests 00:50:47.980 --> 00:50:51.159 and a holy nation. 00:50:52.119 --> 00:50:55.119 And again, it's important for us to recognize here 00:50:55.119 --> 00:50:57.219 that the whole nation is in view. 00:50:57.360 --> 00:51:00.139 Their shared life together 00:51:00.139 --> 00:51:03.619 is what is being referenced here. 00:51:03.619 --> 00:51:07.400 God understands 00:51:07.400 --> 00:51:10.000 and wants the people to understand 00:51:10.000 --> 00:51:11.159 from the beginning 00:51:11.159 --> 00:51:14.719 the power of Christian community 00:51:14.719 --> 00:51:17.759 to make God's truth 00:51:17.759 --> 00:51:20.299 and to make worship 00:51:20.299 --> 00:51:23.460 credible and attractive. 00:51:23.460 --> 00:51:27.420 that our shared life 00:51:27.420 --> 00:51:28.500 and worship 00:51:28.500 --> 00:51:31.360 is to draw attention 00:51:31.360 --> 00:51:33.900 to our God. 00:51:35.980 --> 00:51:37.460 I was thinking about this 00:51:37.460 --> 00:51:38.079 in terms of 00:51:39.519 --> 00:51:41.119 baptizing people. 00:51:41.340 --> 00:51:42.000 Like over the years, 00:51:42.059 --> 00:51:42.599 thinking about people 00:51:42.599 --> 00:51:44.940 who've come for baptism. 00:51:46.340 --> 00:51:48.240 People from very different countries, 00:51:48.360 --> 00:51:49.619 very different backgrounds often. 00:51:49.619 --> 00:51:51.359 But one common feature 00:51:51.359 --> 00:51:53.299 of their stories, 00:51:54.380 --> 00:51:55.400 especially if they didn't have 00:51:55.400 --> 00:51:57.279 any Christian background at all, 00:51:58.239 --> 00:51:59.799 was coming around a church 00:51:59.799 --> 00:52:00.880 or coming around a group 00:52:00.880 --> 00:52:01.679 of Christian friends 00:52:01.679 --> 00:52:03.619 and receiving a welcome 00:52:03.619 --> 00:52:06.719 and seeing a different kind of love 00:52:06.719 --> 00:52:07.639 in operation 00:52:07.639 --> 00:52:10.119 and enjoying hospitality 00:52:10.119 --> 00:52:11.619 from people who were strangers 00:52:12.179 --> 00:52:13.380 just moments before. 00:52:13.380 --> 00:52:14.920 And all of those things 00:52:14.920 --> 00:52:17.480 serving to give that sense of intrigue 00:52:17.480 --> 00:52:20.800 and a compelling quality 00:52:20.800 --> 00:52:24.160 then to the Bible 00:52:24.160 --> 00:52:26.720 that we read and spoke about, 00:52:27.160 --> 00:52:29.800 the Jesus that we spoke of as Savior. 00:52:30.440 --> 00:52:31.940 There is something compelling 00:52:31.940 --> 00:52:34.140 about the shared life of God's people 00:52:34.140 --> 00:52:37.880 when we live God's way. 00:52:38.680 --> 00:52:41.460 And so he calls on his people 00:52:41.460 --> 00:52:42.780 to be a holy nation. 00:52:43.380 --> 00:52:45.019 Now recognize 00:52:45.019 --> 00:52:47.340 that that in one case 00:52:47.340 --> 00:52:48.500 is a fact. 00:52:48.820 --> 00:52:51.300 You will be a holy nation. 00:52:52.460 --> 00:52:53.720 New Testament letters 00:52:53.720 --> 00:52:55.099 speak of Christians 00:52:55.099 --> 00:52:56.500 as being saints, 00:52:56.559 --> 00:52:57.579 not something that happens 00:52:57.579 --> 00:52:58.260 when we die 00:52:58.260 --> 00:52:59.519 and we go up to heaven. 00:52:59.720 --> 00:53:01.300 Saints today set apart 00:53:01.300 --> 00:53:02.440 from the world 00:53:02.440 --> 00:53:03.820 to belong to God 00:53:03.820 --> 00:53:04.960 in our relationship 00:53:04.960 --> 00:53:06.480 of love and response. 00:53:06.640 --> 00:53:07.619 That's fact. 00:53:07.720 --> 00:53:09.180 That's who we are 00:53:09.180 --> 00:53:10.380 as Christians. 00:53:10.960 --> 00:53:11.519 It's fundamental 00:53:11.519 --> 00:53:12.420 to our identity, 00:53:12.420 --> 00:53:13.860 but it's also, 00:53:13.960 --> 00:53:14.700 at one and the same time, 00:53:15.579 --> 00:53:16.180 our mission. 00:53:17.539 --> 00:53:18.680 We're called to live out 00:53:18.680 --> 00:53:19.780 who we truly are. 00:53:21.260 --> 00:53:22.039 In a sense, 00:53:22.159 --> 00:53:23.639 verse 8 is the ideal. 00:53:25.500 --> 00:53:26.400 Moses went back 00:53:26.400 --> 00:53:27.200 and summoned the elders 00:53:27.200 --> 00:53:27.619 of the people 00:53:27.619 --> 00:53:28.579 and set before them 00:53:28.579 --> 00:53:29.159 all the words 00:53:29.159 --> 00:53:29.980 the Lord had commanded 00:53:29.980 --> 00:53:30.960 and the people responded, 00:53:30.960 --> 00:53:33.119 we will do everything 00:53:33.119 --> 00:53:34.300 the Lord has said. 00:53:35.179 --> 00:53:36.159 That's the ideal. 00:53:36.400 --> 00:53:37.220 We know that Israel 00:53:37.220 --> 00:53:37.699 falls short. 00:53:37.780 --> 00:53:38.780 We know that we fall short, 00:53:38.840 --> 00:53:39.639 but the ideal is that 00:53:39.639 --> 00:53:40.460 we seek to live 00:53:40.460 --> 00:53:42.280 in joyful obedience 00:53:42.280 --> 00:53:44.800 so that others might see 00:53:44.800 --> 00:53:45.539 something of God 00:53:45.539 --> 00:53:45.820 in us, 00:53:45.880 --> 00:53:47.039 something of Christ 00:53:47.039 --> 00:53:48.800 in us. 00:53:48.800 --> 00:53:51.980 So when it comes 00:53:51.980 --> 00:53:53.019 to representing God, 00:53:53.060 --> 00:53:54.480 we have this wonderful privilege, 00:53:55.060 --> 00:53:56.460 but we also have responsibilities. 00:53:56.660 --> 00:53:56.780 Now, 00:53:58.180 --> 00:53:59.240 perhaps we're asking the question, 00:53:59.320 --> 00:53:59.380 well, 00:53:59.400 --> 00:54:00.200 what does it look like 00:54:00.200 --> 00:54:01.000 to be a holy nation? 00:54:01.019 --> 00:54:02.200 We might understand that 00:54:02.200 --> 00:54:03.039 as concept, 00:54:03.120 --> 00:54:04.420 but how do we see it 00:54:04.420 --> 00:54:05.080 on the ground? 00:54:05.640 --> 00:54:06.460 That's why we need 00:54:06.460 --> 00:54:09.039 to turn to Leviticus 19. 00:54:09.920 --> 00:54:10.800 So turn with me 00:54:10.800 --> 00:54:11.340 in your Bible 00:54:11.340 --> 00:54:12.160 or your device 00:54:12.160 --> 00:54:14.680 to Leviticus 19, 00:54:14.679 --> 00:54:17.940 and let's see 00:54:17.940 --> 00:54:19.940 very briefly 00:54:19.940 --> 00:54:22.239 what representing God 00:54:22.239 --> 00:54:23.259 in all of life 00:54:23.259 --> 00:54:23.819 looks like 00:54:23.819 --> 00:54:25.339 according to this chapter. 00:54:25.440 --> 00:54:26.500 It's a wonderful chapter 00:54:26.500 --> 00:54:28.579 and we read half of it, 00:54:28.779 --> 00:54:29.539 Bob read for us, 00:54:29.759 --> 00:54:30.619 half of it 00:54:30.619 --> 00:54:32.139 and it's a wonderful chapter 00:54:32.139 --> 00:54:34.219 because it's so remarkably diverse 00:54:34.219 --> 00:54:36.519 in its laws 00:54:36.519 --> 00:54:37.519 and we'll think about that 00:54:37.519 --> 00:54:37.980 in a moment, 00:54:38.099 --> 00:54:38.940 but it's governed 00:54:38.940 --> 00:54:42.099 by one great reality 00:54:42.099 --> 00:54:43.759 which is there in verse 1. 00:54:43.760 --> 00:54:45.800 Speak to the entire assembly 00:54:45.800 --> 00:54:46.220 of Israel 00:54:46.220 --> 00:54:47.000 and say to them, 00:54:47.480 --> 00:54:48.080 Be holy 00:54:48.080 --> 00:54:49.180 because I, 00:54:49.260 --> 00:54:50.240 the Lord your God, 00:54:50.540 --> 00:54:51.940 am holy. 00:54:52.740 --> 00:54:54.040 And that's then repeated 00:54:54.040 --> 00:54:55.340 in shorthand 00:54:55.340 --> 00:54:56.980 and perhaps as you read 00:54:56.980 --> 00:54:57.540 you noticed 00:54:57.540 --> 00:54:58.560 the number of times 00:54:58.560 --> 00:54:59.860 the verse would end, 00:55:00.040 --> 00:55:02.660 I am the Lord your God. 00:55:03.960 --> 00:55:05.400 See it there in verse 3, 00:55:05.520 --> 00:55:06.400 each of you must respect 00:55:06.400 --> 00:55:07.180 your mother and father, 00:55:07.260 --> 00:55:08.780 you must observe my Sabbaths, 00:55:08.800 --> 00:55:09.680 I am the Lord your God. 00:55:09.700 --> 00:55:10.160 But then you can go 00:55:10.160 --> 00:55:11.460 to verse 4, 00:55:11.900 --> 00:55:12.460 verse 10, 00:55:12.540 --> 00:55:13.020 verse 12, 00:55:13.020 --> 00:55:13.620 verse 14, 00:55:13.619 --> 00:55:14.880 it's all the way through. 00:55:14.940 --> 00:55:15.739 What's the point? 00:55:16.960 --> 00:55:17.679 God is saying, 00:55:18.599 --> 00:55:20.079 keep these laws, 00:55:20.239 --> 00:55:21.319 do these things 00:55:21.319 --> 00:55:23.440 to reflect me. 00:55:24.500 --> 00:55:25.539 He's saying to his people, 00:55:26.019 --> 00:55:27.579 let my holiness 00:55:27.579 --> 00:55:31.659 shape your, 00:55:31.819 --> 00:55:33.639 our whole of life, 00:55:34.380 --> 00:55:34.779 holiness. 00:55:37.079 --> 00:55:38.779 How can we go wrong 00:55:38.779 --> 00:55:39.940 when we think about 00:55:39.940 --> 00:55:41.039 the idea of holiness? 00:55:41.039 --> 00:55:41.259 holiness? 00:55:42.059 --> 00:55:43.000 Two ways I think 00:55:43.000 --> 00:55:44.599 we can easily go wrong 00:55:44.599 --> 00:55:45.619 is we can think holiness 00:55:45.619 --> 00:55:47.599 is for special Christians, 00:55:47.719 --> 00:55:49.039 some kind of special category, 00:55:49.159 --> 00:55:50.460 but not for a, 00:55:51.300 --> 00:55:52.259 might be for a monk, 00:55:52.519 --> 00:55:53.759 or it might be for a minister, 00:55:54.500 --> 00:55:55.360 but not me. 00:55:55.420 --> 00:55:56.239 You might be tempted 00:55:56.239 --> 00:55:58.039 to think that. 00:55:58.699 --> 00:56:00.059 Holiness is for special people. 00:56:00.920 --> 00:56:02.219 Or we might think holiness 00:56:02.219 --> 00:56:03.820 is for special occasions. 00:56:03.820 --> 00:56:05.039 Well, 00:56:05.080 --> 00:56:05.800 we know Sunday 00:56:05.800 --> 00:56:08.300 is the Lord's day, 00:56:08.400 --> 00:56:10.260 that's a holy day, 00:56:11.160 --> 00:56:11.920 but maybe sometimes 00:56:11.920 --> 00:56:12.740 we struggle to think, 00:56:12.820 --> 00:56:12.880 well, 00:56:12.920 --> 00:56:14.280 how does that holiness 00:56:14.280 --> 00:56:16.620 work through Monday to Friday? 00:56:16.700 --> 00:56:17.240 How does it work 00:56:17.240 --> 00:56:18.360 through my nine to five 00:56:18.360 --> 00:56:19.220 or life at school 00:56:19.220 --> 00:56:20.500 or university 00:56:20.500 --> 00:56:21.180 or in the family? 00:56:21.260 --> 00:56:21.900 How does holiness 00:56:21.900 --> 00:56:22.920 apply there? 00:56:24.920 --> 00:56:25.900 That's why Leviticus 19 00:56:25.900 --> 00:56:26.860 is so important, 00:56:27.940 --> 00:56:29.019 because as we look 00:56:29.019 --> 00:56:29.539 at the details 00:56:29.539 --> 00:56:30.059 very briefly, 00:56:30.100 --> 00:56:30.780 we're going to notice 00:56:30.780 --> 00:56:31.360 that holiness 00:56:31.360 --> 00:56:33.360 isn't just for some people, 00:56:33.440 --> 00:56:34.260 for a special category, 00:56:34.380 --> 00:56:35.360 it's for every one 00:56:35.360 --> 00:56:36.140 of God's people. 00:56:36.980 --> 00:56:38.360 Holiness is for every Christian, 00:56:39.300 --> 00:56:40.200 and holiness 00:56:40.200 --> 00:56:41.579 isn't just for Sunday. 00:56:41.760 --> 00:56:44.640 Holiness is for all of life. 00:56:46.079 --> 00:56:47.059 As Chris Wright 00:56:47.059 --> 00:56:48.039 puts it in his book, 00:56:49.079 --> 00:56:50.059 Old Testament Ethics 00:56:50.059 --> 00:56:50.840 for the People of God, 00:56:50.960 --> 00:56:53.420 holiness is thoroughly practical, 00:56:54.519 --> 00:56:54.900 social, 00:56:55.900 --> 00:56:57.320 and very down to earth. 00:56:58.360 --> 00:57:00.480 Holiness was a community ethic 00:57:00.480 --> 00:57:03.019 with a wide range 00:57:03.019 --> 00:57:04.159 of implications. 00:57:05.119 --> 00:57:06.219 So what we're going to do 00:57:06.219 --> 00:57:06.840 is we're going to 00:57:06.840 --> 00:57:08.659 very briefly survey 00:57:08.659 --> 00:57:10.880 just how wide 00:57:10.880 --> 00:57:13.139 this idea of holiness 00:57:13.139 --> 00:57:16.000 goes in this chapter. 00:57:16.619 --> 00:57:17.539 So let's think about 00:57:17.539 --> 00:57:19.699 how these various laws, 00:57:19.780 --> 00:57:20.619 and these aren't all the laws 00:57:20.619 --> 00:57:21.219 by any stretch, 00:57:21.260 --> 00:57:22.179 but these are various laws, 00:57:22.900 --> 00:57:24.019 how do they impact 00:57:24.019 --> 00:57:26.119 on society 00:57:26.119 --> 00:57:28.300 in the first place? 00:57:28.300 --> 00:57:31.260 We could go to verse 11. 00:57:32.340 --> 00:57:33.120 Do not steal, 00:57:33.460 --> 00:57:34.300 do not lie, 00:57:34.780 --> 00:57:35.920 do not deceive 00:57:35.920 --> 00:57:36.920 one another. 00:57:37.400 --> 00:57:38.180 There is to be 00:57:38.180 --> 00:57:39.640 truth-telling 00:57:39.640 --> 00:57:41.720 within the community. 00:57:42.220 --> 00:57:43.000 Verse 14, 00:57:43.460 --> 00:57:44.920 do not curse the deaf, 00:57:45.460 --> 00:57:47.000 or put a stumbling block 00:57:47.000 --> 00:57:48.460 in front of the blind, 00:57:48.560 --> 00:57:50.340 but fear your God. 00:57:50.420 --> 00:57:51.080 There is to be 00:57:51.080 --> 00:57:52.420 care and compassion 00:57:52.420 --> 00:57:54.760 for those with disabilities. 00:57:54.760 --> 00:57:56.340 Verse 17, 00:57:56.720 --> 00:57:57.520 do not hate 00:57:57.520 --> 00:57:58.760 a fellow Israelite 00:57:58.760 --> 00:57:59.740 in your heart. 00:58:00.240 --> 00:58:01.240 Rebuke your neighbor 00:58:01.240 --> 00:58:01.920 frankly, 00:58:02.280 --> 00:58:03.280 so that you will not 00:58:03.280 --> 00:58:04.440 share in their guilt. 00:58:04.520 --> 00:58:05.060 There is to be 00:58:05.060 --> 00:58:06.960 love within the community, 00:58:07.620 --> 00:58:08.600 a love that sometimes 00:58:08.600 --> 00:58:10.280 says hard things 00:58:10.280 --> 00:58:11.340 in order to draw 00:58:11.340 --> 00:58:12.520 a person back from sin. 00:58:13.580 --> 00:58:14.660 Verse 32, 00:58:15.360 --> 00:58:16.300 stand up 00:58:16.300 --> 00:58:17.120 in the presence 00:58:17.120 --> 00:58:17.920 of the aged, 00:58:18.640 --> 00:58:19.300 show respect 00:58:19.300 --> 00:58:20.480 for the elderly, 00:58:21.060 --> 00:58:21.300 and revere 00:58:21.300 --> 00:58:23.020 your God. 00:58:23.019 --> 00:58:24.639 respect 00:58:24.639 --> 00:58:26.619 within society, 00:58:26.759 --> 00:58:27.719 respect for 00:58:27.719 --> 00:58:29.300 our elders is there. 00:58:29.960 --> 00:58:30.840 Verse 34, 00:58:30.980 --> 00:58:31.559 the foreigner 00:58:31.559 --> 00:58:32.739 residing among you 00:58:32.739 --> 00:58:33.460 must be treated 00:58:33.460 --> 00:58:34.679 as your native-born. 00:58:35.239 --> 00:58:35.880 Love them 00:58:35.880 --> 00:58:37.179 as yourself. 00:58:38.159 --> 00:58:39.380 In light of the gospel, 00:58:39.519 --> 00:58:40.239 in light of God's 00:58:40.239 --> 00:58:40.900 saving grace, 00:58:41.519 --> 00:58:42.420 love those 00:58:42.420 --> 00:58:43.179 who come 00:58:43.179 --> 00:58:44.840 from other countries. 00:58:45.259 --> 00:58:46.300 So when you see 00:58:46.300 --> 00:58:47.579 how wide-ranging 00:58:47.579 --> 00:58:48.500 this is, 00:58:49.460 --> 00:58:50.199 holiness applies 00:58:50.199 --> 00:58:52.219 to so many levels 00:58:52.219 --> 00:58:53.739 of society. 00:58:54.519 --> 00:58:55.379 Let's take a couple 00:58:55.379 --> 00:58:56.000 of examples 00:58:56.000 --> 00:58:56.759 as it applies 00:58:56.759 --> 00:58:57.519 to family. 00:58:58.599 --> 00:58:59.299 Verse 3 00:58:59.299 --> 00:59:00.559 gives us that 00:59:00.559 --> 00:59:02.459 command that heads 00:59:02.459 --> 00:59:03.480 up the second table 00:59:03.480 --> 00:59:04.019 of the law. 00:59:04.480 --> 00:59:05.239 Each of you 00:59:05.239 --> 00:59:06.519 must respect 00:59:06.519 --> 00:59:07.579 your mother 00:59:07.579 --> 00:59:08.799 and father. 00:59:09.559 --> 00:59:10.239 Essential, 00:59:10.679 --> 00:59:11.599 family essential 00:59:11.599 --> 00:59:12.759 to society, 00:59:13.339 --> 00:59:13.879 and essential 00:59:13.879 --> 00:59:15.119 to good family living 00:59:15.119 --> 00:59:16.579 is respect 00:59:16.579 --> 00:59:17.719 and honor. 00:59:17.719 --> 00:59:21.519 But there's also 00:59:21.519 --> 00:59:22.179 reference 00:59:22.179 --> 00:59:23.459 to family 00:59:23.459 --> 00:59:24.719 in verse 29, 00:59:25.319 --> 00:59:26.519 a very different way. 00:59:26.980 --> 00:59:27.899 Do not degrade 00:59:27.899 --> 00:59:28.679 your daughter 00:59:28.679 --> 00:59:29.659 by making her 00:59:29.659 --> 00:59:30.639 a prostitute, 00:59:31.019 --> 00:59:31.919 or the land 00:59:31.919 --> 00:59:32.739 will turn to 00:59:32.739 --> 00:59:33.500 prostitution 00:59:33.500 --> 00:59:34.919 and be filled 00:59:34.919 --> 00:59:35.980 with wickedness. 00:59:37.579 --> 00:59:39.419 So God's people 00:59:39.419 --> 00:59:40.480 are to follow 00:59:40.480 --> 00:59:42.159 God's sexual ethic, 00:59:42.739 --> 00:59:43.939 not that of 00:59:43.939 --> 00:59:44.659 the surrounding 00:59:44.659 --> 00:59:45.419 countries. 00:59:45.420 --> 00:59:48.700 There are laws 00:59:48.700 --> 00:59:49.960 about agriculture 00:59:49.960 --> 00:59:50.820 in here. 00:59:51.639 --> 00:59:52.180 Verse 9, 00:59:52.260 --> 00:59:52.860 When you reap 00:59:52.860 --> 00:59:53.420 the harvest 00:59:53.420 --> 00:59:54.119 of your land, 00:59:54.180 --> 00:59:54.780 do not reap 00:59:54.780 --> 00:59:55.680 to the very edges 00:59:55.680 --> 00:59:56.480 of your field. 00:59:57.059 --> 00:59:57.760 Do not go over 00:59:57.760 --> 00:59:58.380 your vineyard 00:59:58.380 --> 00:59:59.240 a second time 00:59:59.240 --> 00:59:59.720 or pick up 00:59:59.720 --> 01:00:00.200 the grapes 01:00:00.200 --> 01:00:00.820 that have fallen. 01:00:01.320 --> 01:00:01.920 Leave them 01:00:01.920 --> 01:00:02.700 for the poor 01:00:02.700 --> 01:00:04.000 and the foreigner. 01:00:04.480 --> 01:00:05.119 As they went 01:00:05.119 --> 01:00:05.700 about their 01:00:05.700 --> 01:00:06.720 essential business, 01:00:06.840 --> 01:00:07.460 they were to be 01:00:07.460 --> 01:00:09.700 concerned for the 01:00:09.700 --> 01:00:10.460 weakest and the 01:00:10.460 --> 01:00:11.099 most vulnerable 01:00:11.099 --> 01:00:12.119 within society 01:00:12.119 --> 01:00:13.259 and to make 01:00:13.259 --> 01:00:15.380 provision for them. 01:00:16.400 --> 01:00:17.559 Justice is mentioned 01:00:17.559 --> 01:00:18.539 in verse 15. 01:00:18.980 --> 01:00:19.900 Do not pervert 01:00:19.900 --> 01:00:20.539 justice, 01:00:21.299 --> 01:00:21.880 do not show 01:00:21.880 --> 01:00:23.179 partiality to the 01:00:23.179 --> 01:00:23.539 poor, 01:00:24.159 --> 01:00:25.759 or favoritism 01:00:25.759 --> 01:00:26.599 to the great, 01:00:26.920 --> 01:00:27.880 but judge 01:00:27.880 --> 01:00:28.699 your neighbor 01:00:28.699 --> 01:00:29.799 fairly. 01:00:30.400 --> 01:00:31.500 The idea that 01:00:31.500 --> 01:00:32.739 justice is to be 01:00:32.739 --> 01:00:33.279 blind. 01:00:34.799 --> 01:00:35.000 Now, 01:00:35.039 --> 01:00:35.699 we don't show 01:00:35.699 --> 01:00:36.639 favoritism on 01:00:36.639 --> 01:00:37.500 either side. 01:00:38.259 --> 01:00:38.920 What about 01:00:38.920 --> 01:00:39.619 business? 01:00:39.619 --> 01:00:41.380 Verse 35, 01:00:41.659 --> 01:00:42.239 do not use 01:00:42.239 --> 01:00:43.420 dishonest standards 01:00:43.420 --> 01:00:44.619 when measuring 01:00:44.619 --> 01:00:45.119 length, 01:00:45.279 --> 01:00:45.519 weight, 01:00:45.579 --> 01:00:46.339 or quantity. 01:00:47.000 --> 01:00:47.799 Use honest 01:00:47.799 --> 01:00:48.500 scales 01:00:48.500 --> 01:00:49.839 and honest 01:00:49.839 --> 01:00:50.359 weight. 01:00:51.159 --> 01:00:51.799 Integrity 01:00:51.799 --> 01:00:53.099 in business 01:00:53.099 --> 01:00:53.839 practices. 01:00:55.599 --> 01:00:56.719 Religion is in 01:00:56.719 --> 01:00:57.400 here as well. 01:00:57.519 --> 01:00:57.940 Verse 3, 01:00:58.019 --> 01:00:58.980 you must observe 01:00:58.980 --> 01:01:00.219 my Sabbaths. 01:01:00.859 --> 01:01:01.559 Verse 4, 01:01:01.679 --> 01:01:02.400 do not turn 01:01:02.400 --> 01:01:03.059 to idols 01:01:03.059 --> 01:01:04.639 or make metal 01:01:04.639 --> 01:01:05.900 gods for yourselves. 01:01:06.799 --> 01:01:07.599 Verse 30, 01:01:07.699 --> 01:01:08.440 observe my 01:01:08.440 --> 01:01:09.480 Sabbaths 01:01:09.480 --> 01:01:09.940 and have 01:01:09.940 --> 01:01:10.880 reverence 01:01:10.880 --> 01:01:12.320 for my 01:01:12.320 --> 01:01:13.159 sanctuary. 01:01:14.300 --> 01:01:14.539 So, 01:01:14.619 --> 01:01:15.380 religious life 01:01:15.380 --> 01:01:15.860 matters 01:01:15.860 --> 01:01:17.039 because God 01:01:17.039 --> 01:01:17.619 is holy, 01:01:18.539 --> 01:01:19.519 but so too 01:01:19.519 --> 01:01:20.260 does family 01:01:20.260 --> 01:01:20.719 life and 01:01:20.719 --> 01:01:21.360 business life 01:01:21.360 --> 01:01:22.159 and agriculture 01:01:22.159 --> 01:01:22.960 and life 01:01:22.960 --> 01:01:23.960 in society. 01:01:24.980 --> 01:01:25.719 All of life 01:01:25.719 --> 01:01:26.420 matters to 01:01:26.420 --> 01:01:26.740 God. 01:01:27.219 --> 01:01:28.179 All of life 01:01:28.179 --> 01:01:28.460 is an 01:01:28.460 --> 01:01:28.900 opportunity 01:01:28.900 --> 01:01:30.099 to represent 01:01:30.099 --> 01:01:30.699 God. 01:01:32.159 --> 01:01:32.820 Holiness 01:01:32.820 --> 01:01:33.820 represents 01:01:33.820 --> 01:01:34.599 a morally 01:01:34.599 --> 01:01:35.420 consistent 01:01:35.420 --> 01:01:36.400 and good 01:01:36.400 --> 01:01:37.260 God. 01:01:37.260 --> 01:01:37.340 God. 01:01:38.720 --> 01:01:39.160 So, 01:01:39.260 --> 01:01:39.580 in these 01:01:39.580 --> 01:01:40.080 values, 01:01:40.200 --> 01:01:40.440 we see 01:01:40.440 --> 01:01:40.820 honesty, 01:01:40.980 --> 01:01:41.200 we see 01:01:41.200 --> 01:01:41.720 compassion, 01:01:41.880 --> 01:01:42.120 we see 01:01:42.120 --> 01:01:43.040 truth-telling, 01:01:43.700 --> 01:01:44.360 justice for 01:01:44.360 --> 01:01:44.580 all, 01:01:44.700 --> 01:01:45.060 respect, 01:01:45.240 --> 01:01:45.640 generosity, 01:01:45.880 --> 01:01:46.220 care for 01:01:46.220 --> 01:01:46.540 the weak, 01:01:46.700 --> 01:01:47.800 racial equality, 01:01:48.000 --> 01:01:49.080 all of these 01:01:49.080 --> 01:01:49.920 reflecting the 01:01:49.920 --> 01:01:50.560 character of 01:01:50.560 --> 01:01:51.100 our God 01:01:51.100 --> 01:01:52.340 and all of 01:01:52.340 --> 01:01:52.900 them matter 01:01:52.900 --> 01:01:53.460 to God, 01:01:53.820 --> 01:01:54.260 all of 01:01:54.260 --> 01:01:54.820 these and 01:01:54.820 --> 01:01:55.240 more. 01:01:55.239 --> 01:01:58.579 and in 01:01:58.579 --> 01:01:59.000 that way 01:01:59.000 --> 01:01:59.239 then, 01:01:59.299 --> 01:01:59.679 we have 01:01:59.679 --> 01:02:00.919 so many 01:02:00.919 --> 01:02:01.639 opportunities 01:02:01.639 --> 01:02:03.239 in day-to-day 01:02:03.239 --> 01:02:03.739 life 01:02:03.739 --> 01:02:05.039 to bear 01:02:05.039 --> 01:02:05.579 witness to 01:02:05.579 --> 01:02:06.139 the character 01:02:06.139 --> 01:02:06.719 of God, 01:02:07.179 --> 01:02:08.199 to live 01:02:08.199 --> 01:02:08.539 for the 01:02:08.539 --> 01:02:09.059 glory of 01:02:09.059 --> 01:02:09.399 God, 01:02:09.799 --> 01:02:11.399 to recognize 01:02:11.399 --> 01:02:12.699 what a 01:02:12.699 --> 01:02:13.259 gift it 01:02:13.259 --> 01:02:13.899 would be 01:02:13.899 --> 01:02:14.739 to our 01:02:14.739 --> 01:02:15.219 workplace, 01:02:15.459 --> 01:02:15.759 to our 01:02:15.759 --> 01:02:16.159 school, 01:02:16.299 --> 01:02:16.559 to our 01:02:16.559 --> 01:02:16.939 family, 01:02:17.059 --> 01:02:17.279 to our 01:02:17.279 --> 01:02:17.639 community 01:02:17.639 --> 01:02:18.639 if we 01:02:18.639 --> 01:02:19.119 were to 01:02:19.119 --> 01:02:19.919 live out 01:02:19.919 --> 01:02:20.539 these holy 01:02:20.539 --> 01:02:21.179 lives as 01:02:21.179 --> 01:02:22.199 recognized 01:02:22.199 --> 01:02:22.839 here in 01:02:22.839 --> 01:02:23.699 Leviticus 19 01:02:23.699 --> 01:02:25.339 and throughout 01:02:25.339 --> 01:02:26.439 God's 01:02:26.439 --> 01:02:26.960 Word. 01:02:28.379 --> 01:02:29.000 And think 01:02:29.000 --> 01:02:29.480 about this 01:02:29.480 --> 01:02:30.099 as well. 01:02:30.980 --> 01:02:31.399 Think about 01:02:31.399 --> 01:02:31.719 what a 01:02:31.719 --> 01:02:32.299 difference it 01:02:32.299 --> 01:02:32.899 would make 01:02:32.899 --> 01:02:33.939 to your 01:02:33.939 --> 01:02:34.819 Monday morning 01:02:34.819 --> 01:02:36.199 if you 01:02:36.199 --> 01:02:36.460 were to 01:02:36.460 --> 01:02:36.879 get out 01:02:36.879 --> 01:02:37.339 of bed 01:02:37.339 --> 01:02:38.079 or to 01:02:38.079 --> 01:02:38.559 go out 01:02:38.559 --> 01:02:38.799 of the 01:02:38.799 --> 01:02:39.039 door 01:02:39.039 --> 01:02:40.239 recognizing 01:02:40.239 --> 01:02:41.839 I go 01:02:41.839 --> 01:02:44.739 as one 01:02:44.739 --> 01:02:45.659 of God's 01:02:45.659 --> 01:02:46.399 representatives. 01:02:47.279 --> 01:02:47.699 I have 01:02:47.699 --> 01:02:48.259 been called 01:02:48.259 --> 01:02:48.839 to be part 01:02:48.839 --> 01:02:49.179 of that 01:02:49.179 --> 01:02:49.639 kingdom 01:02:49.639 --> 01:02:51.059 of priests, 01:02:51.779 --> 01:02:53.679 to go 01:02:53.679 --> 01:02:54.440 to our 01:02:54.440 --> 01:02:55.259 work, 01:02:55.379 --> 01:02:55.659 to go 01:02:55.659 --> 01:02:56.339 into our 01:02:56.339 --> 01:02:56.799 day, 01:02:57.199 --> 01:02:57.699 to go 01:02:57.699 --> 01:02:58.079 onto our 01:02:58.079 --> 01:02:58.559 university 01:02:58.559 --> 01:02:59.119 campus saying 01:02:59.119 --> 01:02:59.779 I want 01:02:59.779 --> 01:03:00.339 to be a 01:03:00.339 --> 01:03:00.940 blessing 01:03:00.940 --> 01:03:02.239 to others 01:03:02.239 --> 01:03:03.539 and to be 01:03:03.539 --> 01:03:03.779 on the 01:03:03.779 --> 01:03:04.259 lookout for 01:03:04.259 --> 01:03:04.599 how that 01:03:04.599 --> 01:03:05.299 might happen. 01:03:06.639 --> 01:03:07.500 I want 01:03:07.500 --> 01:03:07.940 to be able 01:03:07.940 --> 01:03:08.679 to speak 01:03:08.679 --> 01:03:09.279 God's 01:03:09.279 --> 01:03:10.199 Word to 01:03:10.199 --> 01:03:10.739 others 01:03:10.739 --> 01:03:11.759 just as 01:03:11.759 --> 01:03:12.179 the priest 01:03:12.179 --> 01:03:12.699 used to, 01:03:13.079 --> 01:03:13.839 to encourage 01:03:13.839 --> 01:03:14.279 a fellow 01:03:14.279 --> 01:03:14.879 Christian or 01:03:14.879 --> 01:03:15.919 to perhaps 01:03:15.919 --> 01:03:16.359 share with 01:03:16.359 --> 01:03:17.139 a non-Christian 01:03:17.139 --> 01:03:19.039 friend something 01:03:19.039 --> 01:03:19.639 that we've read 01:03:19.639 --> 01:03:20.079 in the Bible 01:03:20.079 --> 01:03:20.419 or something 01:03:20.419 --> 01:03:20.980 we were thinking 01:03:20.980 --> 01:03:21.759 about on Sunday. 01:03:21.760 --> 01:03:24.700 Imagine what 01:03:24.700 --> 01:03:25.320 difference it 01:03:25.320 --> 01:03:25.700 would make 01:03:25.700 --> 01:03:26.220 if we went 01:03:26.220 --> 01:03:27.120 out praying 01:03:27.120 --> 01:03:28.040 day by day. 01:03:28.320 --> 01:03:28.820 I want to 01:03:28.820 --> 01:03:29.220 bring the 01:03:29.220 --> 01:03:29.660 hope of 01:03:29.660 --> 01:03:30.420 God's saving 01:03:30.420 --> 01:03:31.180 grace to 01:03:31.180 --> 01:03:31.560 someone. 01:03:32.660 --> 01:03:33.220 I want to 01:03:33.220 --> 01:03:33.480 have the 01:03:33.480 --> 01:03:34.020 chance to 01:03:34.020 --> 01:03:35.020 tell someone 01:03:35.020 --> 01:03:36.100 about the 01:03:36.100 --> 01:03:36.640 good news 01:03:36.640 --> 01:03:37.220 of Jesus. 01:03:39.960 --> 01:03:40.520 Can you 01:03:40.520 --> 01:03:40.960 imagine what 01:03:40.960 --> 01:03:41.480 difference it 01:03:41.480 --> 01:03:41.960 would make to 01:03:41.960 --> 01:03:42.520 our sense of 01:03:42.520 --> 01:03:43.260 purpose and 01:03:43.260 --> 01:03:43.700 mission, 01:03:44.320 --> 01:03:45.040 our sense of 01:03:45.040 --> 01:03:45.980 dependence on 01:03:45.980 --> 01:03:46.180 God, 01:03:46.260 --> 01:03:47.080 our prayerfulness, 01:03:47.460 --> 01:03:48.060 if we were to 01:03:48.060 --> 01:03:49.860 recognize that 01:03:49.860 --> 01:03:50.480 we're called to 01:03:50.480 --> 01:03:51.100 be that kind 01:03:51.099 --> 01:03:51.839 of ambassadors, 01:03:52.839 --> 01:03:54.259 to be those 01:03:54.259 --> 01:03:54.779 kingdom of 01:03:54.779 --> 01:03:55.039 priests, 01:03:55.119 --> 01:03:56.199 to be that 01:03:56.199 --> 01:03:57.719 holy nation. 01:04:00.960 --> 01:04:02.159 So as we 01:04:02.159 --> 01:04:03.000 close, 01:04:03.960 --> 01:04:04.299 let me, 01:04:04.739 --> 01:04:05.139 I'm not a 01:04:05.139 --> 01:04:05.679 teacher so I'm 01:04:05.679 --> 01:04:06.159 going to invite 01:04:06.159 --> 01:04:06.759 you to do a 01:04:06.759 --> 01:04:07.579 homework assignment. 01:04:08.400 --> 01:04:08.860 Teachers don't 01:04:08.860 --> 01:04:09.619 usually invite you 01:04:09.619 --> 01:04:10.059 to do it. 01:04:10.440 --> 01:04:11.139 But imagine, 01:04:12.059 --> 01:04:13.139 go home tonight 01:04:13.139 --> 01:04:14.179 or find some 01:04:14.179 --> 01:04:14.559 time in the 01:04:14.559 --> 01:04:15.339 next few days 01:04:15.339 --> 01:04:16.599 by yourself, 01:04:16.980 --> 01:04:17.699 in your family, 01:04:18.219 --> 01:04:19.019 with a friend, 01:04:19.019 --> 01:04:20.960 read through 01:04:20.960 --> 01:04:21.940 Leviticus 19, 01:04:23.360 --> 01:04:24.199 ask yourself, 01:04:24.599 --> 01:04:25.159 what is the 01:04:25.159 --> 01:04:26.019 principle being 01:04:26.019 --> 01:04:26.880 taught here? 01:04:28.380 --> 01:04:29.179 And how would 01:04:29.179 --> 01:04:30.820 this law apply 01:04:30.820 --> 01:04:32.099 to my 01:04:32.099 --> 01:04:33.280 21st century 01:04:33.280 --> 01:04:33.800 context? 01:04:35.699 --> 01:04:36.639 Bearing in mind 01:04:36.639 --> 01:04:38.079 that holiness 01:04:38.079 --> 01:04:39.000 matters, 01:04:40.400 --> 01:04:41.300 and representing 01:04:41.300 --> 01:04:42.219 God well 01:04:42.219 --> 01:04:43.079 matters, 01:04:43.079 --> 01:04:45.719 how can I 01:04:45.719 --> 01:04:46.940 take these 01:04:46.940 --> 01:04:47.659 laws that 01:04:47.659 --> 01:04:48.219 reflect the 01:04:48.219 --> 01:04:48.719 heart of 01:04:48.719 --> 01:04:49.500 God to 01:04:49.500 --> 01:04:50.239 understand them 01:04:50.239 --> 01:04:50.619 in our 01:04:50.619 --> 01:04:51.679 context and 01:04:51.679 --> 01:04:52.000 then to 01:04:52.000 --> 01:04:52.759 prayerfully seek 01:04:52.759 --> 01:04:53.739 to live them 01:04:53.739 --> 01:04:54.159 out? 01:04:57.500 --> 01:04:58.619 Why do that? 01:04:59.019 --> 01:04:59.659 Why take the 01:04:59.659 --> 01:05:01.460 time to do 01:05:01.460 --> 01:05:02.420 what would 01:05:02.420 --> 01:05:02.900 seem like a 01:05:02.900 --> 01:05:03.900 homework exercise? 01:05:05.699 --> 01:05:06.559 Because of our 01:05:06.559 --> 01:05:07.179 privilege. 01:05:07.179 --> 01:05:08.500 God's 01:05:08.500 --> 01:05:09.019 because it's a 01:05:09.019 --> 01:05:09.819 privilege to 01:05:09.819 --> 01:05:10.940 represent our 01:05:10.940 --> 01:05:11.899 holy God who 01:05:11.899 --> 01:05:12.779 saved us through 01:05:12.779 --> 01:05:13.199 Jesus. 01:05:14.359 --> 01:05:15.199 It's a privilege 01:05:15.199 --> 01:05:16.159 to be part of 01:05:16.159 --> 01:05:17.339 God's holy 01:05:17.339 --> 01:05:18.639 priesthood. 01:05:19.599 --> 01:05:20.480 But it's also 01:05:20.480 --> 01:05:21.440 a responsibility, 01:05:22.440 --> 01:05:23.799 a responsibility 01:05:23.799 --> 01:05:24.719 we want to do 01:05:24.719 --> 01:05:26.279 well for the 01:05:26.279 --> 01:05:26.879 honour of our 01:05:26.879 --> 01:05:28.440 God and for 01:05:28.440 --> 01:05:29.039 the sake of 01:05:29.039 --> 01:05:30.440 those around 01:05:30.440 --> 01:05:30.980 us. 01:05:31.659 --> 01:05:32.559 God says, 01:05:32.719 --> 01:05:33.399 be holy 01:05:33.399 --> 01:05:34.799 because I, 01:05:35.259 --> 01:05:35.719 the Lord, 01:05:35.799 --> 01:05:36.379 your God, 01:05:36.380 --> 01:05:37.780 am holy. 01:05:38.960 --> 01:05:39.660 Let's pray 01:05:39.660 --> 01:05:39.980 together. 01:05:44.360 --> 01:05:44.960 Lord, 01:05:45.160 --> 01:05:45.900 our God, 01:05:46.140 --> 01:05:46.860 we thank 01:05:46.860 --> 01:05:47.519 you for 01:05:47.519 --> 01:05:49.300 these passages 01:05:49.300 --> 01:05:49.920 that we have 01:05:49.920 --> 01:05:51.579 read and that 01:05:51.579 --> 01:05:53.000 reminder that 01:05:53.000 --> 01:05:53.740 you are a God 01:05:53.740 --> 01:05:54.720 who entered 01:05:54.720 --> 01:05:56.039 into covenant 01:05:56.039 --> 01:05:57.300 with your 01:05:57.300 --> 01:05:58.079 people, a 01:05:58.079 --> 01:05:58.700 covenant with 01:05:58.700 --> 01:05:59.300 grace. 01:06:00.680 --> 01:06:01.340 And we thank 01:06:01.340 --> 01:06:01.880 you for the 01:06:01.880 --> 01:06:02.579 new covenant 01:06:02.579 --> 01:06:04.220 in the body 01:06:04.220 --> 01:06:05.119 and blood of 01:06:05.119 --> 01:06:06.019 Jesus given 01:06:06.019 --> 01:06:06.800 for us. 01:06:07.420 --> 01:06:08.259 Thank you for 01:06:08.259 --> 01:06:09.079 your saving 01:06:09.079 --> 01:06:10.119 and eternal 01:06:10.119 --> 01:06:11.800 commitment to 01:06:11.800 --> 01:06:12.579 love your 01:06:12.579 --> 01:06:13.400 church and to 01:06:13.400 --> 01:06:14.099 save your 01:06:14.099 --> 01:06:14.440 church. 01:06:15.300 --> 01:06:15.940 And Lord, 01:06:16.000 --> 01:06:16.480 as you have 01:06:16.480 --> 01:06:17.340 called us, 01:06:18.280 --> 01:06:20.139 we ask that 01:06:20.139 --> 01:06:20.519 you would 01:06:20.519 --> 01:06:22.599 enable us to 01:06:22.599 --> 01:06:24.420 be that royal 01:06:24.420 --> 01:06:25.940 priesthood and 01:06:25.940 --> 01:06:26.599 that holy 01:06:26.599 --> 01:06:28.219 nation, that 01:06:28.219 --> 01:06:28.639 you would give 01:06:28.639 --> 01:06:29.340 us that sense 01:06:29.340 --> 01:06:30.500 of privilege and 01:06:30.500 --> 01:06:34.179 wonder, a joy in 01:06:34.179 --> 01:06:35.119 the gospel day 01:06:35.119 --> 01:06:35.719 by day. 01:06:36.719 --> 01:06:37.199 But you'd also 01:06:37.199 --> 01:06:38.000 give to us that 01:06:38.000 --> 01:06:38.619 sense of 01:06:38.619 --> 01:06:39.960 responsibility, 01:06:40.960 --> 01:06:41.599 that we would 01:06:41.599 --> 01:06:42.559 be aware of 01:06:42.559 --> 01:06:43.139 our mission, 01:06:43.299 --> 01:06:43.659 of our 01:06:43.659 --> 01:06:45.179 calling, so 01:06:45.179 --> 01:06:45.480 that we would 01:06:45.480 --> 01:06:46.159 want to think 01:06:46.159 --> 01:06:47.299 about how to 01:06:47.299 --> 01:06:48.039 live holy 01:06:48.039 --> 01:06:49.079 lives for you, 01:06:49.719 --> 01:06:50.599 recognizing that 01:06:50.599 --> 01:06:51.960 we all have 01:06:51.960 --> 01:06:54.079 different families 01:06:54.079 --> 01:06:54.739 and friendship 01:06:54.739 --> 01:06:55.299 groups and 01:06:55.299 --> 01:06:56.339 different workplaces 01:06:56.339 --> 01:06:56.960 and different 01:06:56.960 --> 01:06:57.579 levels of 01:06:57.579 --> 01:06:58.440 responsibility. 01:06:58.440 --> 01:06:58.639 responsibility. 01:06:59.700 --> 01:07:00.480 Lord, may you 01:07:00.480 --> 01:07:01.139 make each one 01:07:01.139 --> 01:07:03.179 of us wise to 01:07:03.179 --> 01:07:03.860 make the best 01:07:03.860 --> 01:07:04.420 use of our 01:07:04.420 --> 01:07:05.940 time and to 01:07:05.940 --> 01:07:07.480 be aware of 01:07:07.480 --> 01:07:08.480 you at work 01:07:08.480 --> 01:07:09.119 in the people 01:07:09.119 --> 01:07:10.980 around us and 01:07:10.980 --> 01:07:11.679 to see how you 01:07:11.679 --> 01:07:13.599 might use us for 01:07:13.599 --> 01:07:14.280 your kingdom and 01:07:14.280 --> 01:07:15.059 for your glory. 01:07:16.200 --> 01:07:16.720 And please help 01:07:16.720 --> 01:07:18.579 us together to 01:07:18.579 --> 01:07:19.880 endeavor to live 01:07:19.880 --> 01:07:21.179 those holy lives 01:07:21.179 --> 01:07:23.079 as we recognize 01:07:23.079 --> 01:07:24.940 that we are saved 01:07:24.940 --> 01:07:25.900 by your grace, 01:07:26.019 --> 01:07:26.980 we are united to 01:07:26.980 --> 01:07:27.740 the Lord Jesus 01:07:27.740 --> 01:07:29.360 and united to 01:07:29.360 --> 01:07:29.840 one another 01:07:29.840 --> 01:07:31.139 through faith. 01:07:32.000 --> 01:07:33.019 We pray in his 01:07:33.019 --> 01:07:33.300 name. 01:07:33.960 --> 01:07:34.240 Amen. 01:07:37.840 --> 01:07:38.840 Now, we will 01:07:38.840 --> 01:07:40.679 close singing 01:07:40.679 --> 01:07:43.599 Psalm, the first 01:07:43.599 --> 01:07:44.380 nine verses of 01:07:44.380 --> 01:07:45.179 Psalm 105 01:07:45.179 --> 01:07:47.539 together, and 01:07:47.539 --> 01:07:48.199 then we will 01:07:48.199 --> 01:07:50.000 sing by way of 01:07:50.000 --> 01:07:50.579 response, 01:07:50.900 --> 01:07:51.920 Speak, O 01:07:51.920 --> 01:07:53.400 Lord, and we'll 01:07:53.400 --> 01:07:54.300 stand together 01:07:54.300 --> 01:07:55.139 to sing. 01:07:56.980 --> 01:08:05.820 Give thanks to 01:08:05.820 --> 01:08:08.000 the Lord God 01:08:08.000 --> 01:08:10.039 and call on 01:08:10.039 --> 01:08:11.579 his name, 01:08:12.019 --> 01:08:14.219 his wonderful 01:08:14.219 --> 01:08:16.699 deeds to the 01:08:16.699 --> 01:08:18.859 nations proclaim, 01:08:19.920 --> 01:08:21.600 sing praises 01:08:21.600 --> 01:08:24.079 to him and 01:08:24.079 --> 01:08:26.019 his exploits 01:08:26.019 --> 01:08:27.079 record. 01:08:27.079 --> 01:08:29.239 Let all 01:08:29.239 --> 01:08:30.420 those who 01:08:30.420 --> 01:08:31.939 seek him 01:08:31.939 --> 01:08:33.079 rejoice 01:08:33.079 --> 01:08:34.680 in the 01:08:34.680 --> 01:08:36.100 Lord. 01:08:36.840 --> 01:08:37.500 You 01:08:37.500 --> 01:08:38.760 chosen 01:08:38.760 --> 01:08:39.760 ones, 01:08:39.939 --> 01:08:41.159 look to 01:08:41.159 --> 01:08:42.699 the Lord 01:08:42.699 --> 01:08:43.720 and his 01:08:43.720 --> 01:08:44.800 might, 01:08:45.399 --> 01:08:47.039 seek ever 01:08:47.039 --> 01:08:48.619 his face 01:08:48.619 --> 01:08:49.960 and his 01:08:49.960 --> 01:08:51.300 wonders 01:08:51.300 --> 01:08:52.180 recite. 01:08:52.180 --> 01:08:55.180 his miracles 01:08:55.180 --> 01:08:57.579 too, and 01:08:57.579 --> 01:08:59.140 his judgments 01:08:59.140 --> 01:09:00.180 divine. 01:09:01.380 --> 01:09:01.820 You 01:09:01.820 --> 01:09:04.100 children of 01:09:04.100 --> 01:09:05.180 Abraham, 01:09:06.180 --> 01:09:07.180 Jacob's 01:09:07.180 --> 01:09:08.180 own 01:09:08.180 --> 01:09:09.180 line. 01:09:10.720 --> 01:09:11.180 The 01:09:11.180 --> 01:09:12.180 Lord is 01:09:12.900 --> 01:09:14.140 our God, 01:09:14.140 --> 01:09:15.260 and he 01:09:15.260 --> 01:09:16.880 rules all 01:09:16.880 --> 01:09:18.460 the earth, 01:09:18.460 --> 01:09:20.460 remembering 01:09:20.460 --> 01:09:21.539 his 01:09:21.539 --> 01:09:22.659 covenant, 01:09:23.220 --> 01:09:23.480 the 01:09:23.480 --> 01:09:24.939 word he 01:09:24.939 --> 01:09:26.619 set forth. 01:09:26.939 --> 01:09:27.500 He 01:09:27.500 --> 01:09:29.159 vowed for 01:09:29.159 --> 01:09:29.739 the 01:09:29.739 --> 01:09:30.819 ages 01:09:30.819 --> 01:09:32.319 to come 01:09:32.319 --> 01:09:33.739 to make 01:09:33.739 --> 01:09:34.739 good, 01:09:35.220 --> 01:09:35.739 his 01:09:35.739 --> 01:09:36.980 promise 01:09:36.980 --> 01:09:37.939 to 01:09:37.939 --> 01:09:39.000 Abraham, 01:09:39.000 --> 01:09:39.840 to 01:09:39.840 --> 01:09:41.460 Isaac, 01:09:41.800 --> 01:09:42.720 renewed. 01:09:42.720 --> 01:09:58.800 faith and 01:09:58.800 --> 01:09:59.340 he 01:09:59.340 --> 01:10:04.199 and 01:10:04.199 --> 01:10:04.280 thy 01:10:04.280 --> 01:10:04.680 them 01:10:04.680 --> 01:10:21.020 come to you to receive the food of your holy word. Take your truth, plant it deep in us, 01:10:21.020 --> 01:10:42.820 shape and fashion us in your likeness, that the light of Christ might be seen today in our acts of love and our deeds of faith. 01:10:42.819 --> 01:10:56.019 Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us all your purposes for your glory. 01:10:56.020 --> 01:11:18.260 Teach us, Lord, full obedience, holy reverence, true humility. 01:11:18.260 --> 01:11:32.159 Test our thoughts and our attitudes in the radiance of your purity. 01:11:32.159 --> 01:11:45.980 Cause our faith to rise, cause Christ to see your majestic love and authority. 01:11:45.979 --> 01:12:00.539 Words of power that can never fail, let their truth prevail over odd belief. 01:12:00.539 --> 01:12:22.539 Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds. Help us grasp the heights of your plans for us. 01:12:22.539 --> 01:12:36.300 Truths are changed from the dawn of time that will echo down through eternity. 01:12:36.300 --> 01:12:51.199 And by grace we'll stand on your promises. And by faith we'll walk as you walked with us. 01:12:51.199 --> 01:13:04.239 Speak, O Lord, till your church is built and the earth is filled with your glory. 01:13:04.239 --> 01:13:06.239 Say, O Lord, till your church is built and the earth is filled with your glory. 01:13:06.239 --> 01:13:24.979 Let's close with that wonderful blessing from Aaron. 01:13:24.979 --> 01:13:25.979 Amen. 01:13:25.979 --> 01:13:27.979 This is how you are to bless the Israelites. 01:13:27.979 --> 01:13:34.979 Say to them, the Lord bless you and keep you. 01:13:34.979 --> 01:13:39.979 The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. 01:13:39.979 --> 01:13:44.979 The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. 01:13:44.979 --> 01:13:45.979 Amen. 01:13:45.979 --> 01:13:46.979 Amen. 01:13:46.979 --> 01:13:47.979 Amen. 01:13:47.979 --> 01:13:48.979 Amen. 01:13:48.979 --> 01:13:49.979 Amen. 01:13:49.979 --> 01:13:50.979 Amen. 01:13:50.979 --> 01:13:51.979 Amen. 01:13:51.979 --> 01:13:52.979 Amen. 01:13:52.979 --> 01:13:53.979 Amen. 01:13:53.979 --> 01:13:54.959 Amen. 01:13:54.979 --> 01:13:55.979 Amen.