WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.700 I wonder how you are going to measure your 2014. 00:00:04.360 --> 00:00:09.640 There is an involuntary reflective impulse that we have at this time of year. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:15.939 Everything around us is telling us to think over the last 12 months and decide whether or not we're happy. 00:00:16.379 --> 00:00:19.699 Television shows are giving us recaps of the events of the year. 00:00:20.440 --> 00:00:25.199 Facebook, if you're on there, is giving you a slideshow of what you've put on there for the last 12 months. 00:00:25.280 --> 00:00:27.080 Some of you know that because I've seen yours. 00:00:28.059 --> 00:00:34.439 Everyone is telling you to look at what has been happening and decide how you're going to feel about that. 00:00:34.500 --> 00:00:36.439 Has it been a good year or a bad year? 00:00:36.939 --> 00:00:43.579 I wonder if as you sit here this morning and maybe for the first time start wading through the memories of the past 12 months, 00:00:44.079 --> 00:00:49.299 is it a year where you would say that God has delivered on his promises to you? 00:00:49.599 --> 00:00:53.759 Is it a year where you can sit back content and thankful? 00:00:53.759 --> 00:01:00.299 And I wonder in light of that, what is it that you'll be praying for going into the new year? 00:01:01.179 --> 00:01:02.500 Resolutions, great idea. 00:01:02.979 --> 00:01:04.200 Prayer, even better idea. 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:09.480 What is it that you'll be asking God to put into your life for the next 12 months? 00:01:09.539 --> 00:01:14.719 Or maybe what is it that you'll be asking God to keep out of your life for the next 12 months? 00:01:14.719 --> 00:01:25.859 There is a good chance that how you measure this year and what you pray for next year will have something to do with the ratio of pain and comfort. 00:01:26.920 --> 00:01:34.219 There is a good chance that if this year you have had more comfort than pain, then you're probably on the positive side of the ledger. 00:01:34.219 --> 00:01:40.459 And there is also a fairly good chance that as you pray for next year, you are praying for more comfort than pain. 00:01:41.379 --> 00:01:52.340 And that is because we have become so conditioned as a society and as people to avoiding pain that it is the strongest impulse, 00:01:52.480 --> 00:01:54.920 the strongest dictator of what it is that we're after. 00:01:55.420 --> 00:02:00.280 Our lives are completely designed to avoid pain. 00:02:00.280 --> 00:02:03.719 Right from our very beginning, we're getting softer. 00:02:04.320 --> 00:02:06.219 Slowly but surely, we're getting softer. 00:02:06.480 --> 00:02:12.460 I remember taking my wife about six years ago to get her wisdom teeth out. 00:02:13.139 --> 00:02:18.900 And we went to the dentist and I was quite impressed that the dentist was encouraging my wife to just get them out in the chair. 00:02:19.020 --> 00:02:20.580 Don't worry about the general anaesthetic. 00:02:20.699 --> 00:02:21.219 Just sit here. 00:02:21.300 --> 00:02:21.960 It'll be much quicker. 00:02:22.080 --> 00:02:22.659 It'll be fine. 00:02:22.659 --> 00:02:34.740 But then she was given a small anaesthetic needle to numb the area where the actual anaesthetic needle would go in to numb the area where the teeth would be taken out from. 00:02:35.439 --> 00:02:37.319 And I thought, isn't that a little bit redundant? 00:02:38.199 --> 00:02:43.460 I mean, you're still getting a needle to numb you for the needle that you're going to get to numb you later on. 00:02:43.460 --> 00:02:51.700 We are so scared of pain, we will do anything to avoid it, that we have gotten to the point where we need painkillers for our painkillers. 00:02:52.340 --> 00:02:54.760 We are slowly but surely becoming softer. 00:02:55.400 --> 00:02:58.340 Now, I'm not saying that I am any better or tougher than my wife. 00:02:58.400 --> 00:03:02.780 I'm sure I would have welcomed the first needle in preparation for the second needle. 00:03:02.780 --> 00:03:07.759 But can you see that there is a danger for us? 00:03:08.360 --> 00:03:16.400 When we become pain averse, when we become pain avoiders, pain becomes something that drives us to be bitter. 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:19.680 When pain does come, we become angry. 00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:22.560 We feel like some injustice has been done to us. 00:03:23.159 --> 00:03:26.300 And the same is true when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. 00:03:27.280 --> 00:03:31.000 When pain comes, we feel like it's out of place. 00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:37.860 But we've decided that following Jesus is supposed to be comfortable because that's what we want in our lives. 00:03:37.939 --> 00:03:38.659 We want comfort. 00:03:39.159 --> 00:03:40.460 We want to avoid pain. 00:03:40.560 --> 00:03:42.879 And so we've told God that's how it should be. 00:03:43.280 --> 00:03:44.840 And so we look at our last 12 months. 00:03:45.060 --> 00:03:48.719 And if there's pain, we think, God, you kind of failed a bit this year. 00:03:49.420 --> 00:03:50.780 You kind of missed the mark. 00:03:51.639 --> 00:03:53.939 You didn't comfort me like you said you were going to. 00:03:53.979 --> 00:03:56.219 You didn't look after me like you said you were going to. 00:03:56.360 --> 00:04:00.180 We've even got faith that God will make our life comfortable. 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:04.919 We've gotten to the point where we pray that God will make our life comfortable. 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:15.620 But I want you to entertain the thought just for the rest of this morning that maybe God has something better than comfort designed for you. 00:04:16.319 --> 00:04:23.519 God actually wants something for you that is more satisfying and more edifying than a life that is pain free. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:29.599 And I think that Hebrews 12 helps us to see exactly what it is. 00:04:29.979 --> 00:04:31.599 Have a look at verse 4 with me. 00:04:32.539 --> 00:04:37.839 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 00:04:38.879 --> 00:04:41.779 In the Christian life, we struggle with sin. 00:04:42.899 --> 00:04:45.299 Well, at least we're supposed to struggle with sin. 00:04:45.300 --> 00:04:51.280 I read that verse and it talks about resisting temptation to the point of shedding blood. 00:04:52.620 --> 00:04:59.500 I don't think I've resisted temptation to the point of quickening my heart rate, let alone actually shedding blood. 00:05:00.300 --> 00:05:07.759 We resist until it's uncomfortable because that's what we've conditioned ourselves to think the Christian life is supposed to be. 00:05:07.759 --> 00:05:09.219 Think about it. 00:05:09.219 --> 00:05:10.899 With something like reading your Bible. 00:05:11.399 --> 00:05:13.199 We know that we're supposed to do it. 00:05:13.459 --> 00:05:14.420 We know that it's helpful. 00:05:14.599 --> 00:05:16.519 We know that God wants to speak to us. 00:05:16.939 --> 00:05:21.219 And so we try and discipline ourselves to have our daily time in the word. 00:05:21.360 --> 00:05:25.759 But as soon as it gets difficult, we're tired or we're busy. 00:05:26.360 --> 00:05:31.939 We quickly reason that if God had wanted me to read the Bible every morning, he would have made me a morning person. 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:42.360 As soon as it gets uncomfortable, we start to think, well, maybe this doesn't belong in my Christian life because comfort must be what God wants for me. 00:05:43.279 --> 00:05:47.699 Or what about the war against sin when it comes to confessing sin? 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:51.759 The Bible's clear that confessing sin to one another is helpful. 00:05:52.339 --> 00:05:54.079 Confessing sin to God is essential. 00:05:56.560 --> 00:05:58.720 But what about when that sin is embarrassing? 00:06:01.939 --> 00:06:05.019 What about when you're still struggling with that sin and you haven't yet overcome? 00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:11.560 We're very good at confessing the sin that we have dealt with in the past and that we are now masters of. 00:06:11.800 --> 00:06:14.279 But what about the sin that you're struggling with right now? 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:17.459 What about the sin that I'm struggling with right now? 00:06:18.939 --> 00:06:22.240 It's a bit uncomfortable to acknowledge that we're weak or imperfect. 00:06:22.240 --> 00:06:32.180 And so our struggle against sin won't even push past the comfort barrier, let alone struggling with sin to the point that we shed our blood. 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:36.500 We struggle until it gets hurt, but until it hurts. 00:06:36.579 --> 00:06:43.980 But we've got to understand we need to get rid of this idea that God's design for you is comfort in this life. 00:06:43.980 --> 00:06:47.160 God has something far better than comfort. 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:51.800 And so we need to let go of the idea that comfort is the highest ideal. 00:06:52.640 --> 00:06:58.920 We need to understand that our God has more in store for us than a pain-free life. 00:06:59.860 --> 00:07:04.960 In fact, God even promises, Jesus promises to the disciples that if they follow him, they will suffer. 00:07:05.800 --> 00:07:09.740 They rejected the Saviour and they will reject the followers of the Saviour. 00:07:09.740 --> 00:07:13.900 God is not the grandfather who just lets you off all the time. 00:07:14.540 --> 00:07:19.259 He's not the grandfather who gives you lollies in spite of the fact that your parents have said no more lollies at Christmas. 00:07:21.400 --> 00:07:23.519 God is our heavenly father. 00:07:24.579 --> 00:07:28.800 And being a heavenly father means getting us to a better destination than comfort. 00:07:29.400 --> 00:07:30.879 And verse 5 explains it. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:36.120 You have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons. 00:07:36.120 --> 00:07:41.759 My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 00:07:42.019 --> 00:07:44.840 because the Lord disciplines those he loves. 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:48.259 And he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. 00:07:48.780 --> 00:07:50.579 Endure hardship as discipline. 00:07:51.399 --> 00:07:55.600 God is treating you as sons, for what son is not disciplined by his father? 00:07:56.259 --> 00:07:59.199 If you are not disciplined and everyone undergoes discipline, 00:07:59.560 --> 00:08:02.540 then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 00:08:02.540 --> 00:08:07.920 Moreover, we've all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. 00:08:08.379 --> 00:08:12.420 How much more should we submit to the father of our spirits and live? 00:08:13.080 --> 00:08:16.379 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best, 00:08:16.540 --> 00:08:22.200 but God disciplines us for our good that we may share in his holiness. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:27.279 The discipline that God brings into our life, the pain and the struggle and the difficulty, 00:08:27.740 --> 00:08:32.620 even when we don't realise it, is actually God's goodness to us. 00:08:33.419 --> 00:08:34.960 It is God's gift to us. 00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:37.659 Now, it's not pleasant at the time ever. 00:08:38.639 --> 00:08:43.879 No discipline is pleasant at the time, but it is here for our good according to God's word. 00:08:43.879 --> 00:08:46.720 For those of you who are parents or grandparents, 00:08:46.980 --> 00:08:51.659 you know what it is like to watch your young child or grandchild wander off 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:53.580 and do things that are dangerous for them. 00:08:54.600 --> 00:08:56.000 My son is a runner. 00:08:56.659 --> 00:08:57.620 That's what he does. 00:08:57.740 --> 00:08:59.480 In public places, he runs. 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:03.240 If you're at the library with him, he will go and sit on a stranger's lap 00:09:03.240 --> 00:09:04.960 and ask them to read him a book. 00:09:05.720 --> 00:09:08.019 Sounds cute, but it's incredibly dangerous. 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:10.799 If we're in the park and there is not a fence, 00:09:10.799 --> 00:09:13.759 the only place that he wants to be is on the road that goes around the park. 00:09:14.620 --> 00:09:16.840 If we're in a crowd, he doesn't want to be with mum and dad. 00:09:16.919 --> 00:09:18.320 He wants to be weaving through legs. 00:09:19.000 --> 00:09:22.299 And so it is essential for me to discipline him. 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:25.899 He's not happy when I discipline him, 00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:31.740 but it is essential for me to love him by disciplining him and drawing him back. 00:09:32.399 --> 00:09:33.740 He thinks he's invincible. 00:09:34.820 --> 00:09:37.460 What he wants from me is the freedom to do anything 00:09:37.460 --> 00:09:40.279 and to be somehow protected from any pain that will come. 00:09:40.600 --> 00:09:43.320 And the problem is we're a bit the same. 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:48.899 We need discipline from God, and even though it hurts, 00:09:49.259 --> 00:09:51.779 God is giving it to us for our sake. 00:09:52.860 --> 00:09:55.500 And so I wonder, as you look back over the last 12 months, 00:09:55.559 --> 00:09:58.879 if there are things that maybe you've been angry at God about, 00:09:59.460 --> 00:10:02.399 maybe even right now you are wrestling with God about, 00:10:03.139 --> 00:10:06.639 that may be a gift from him for your sake. 00:10:06.639 --> 00:10:12.399 The purpose of it is there in the end of verse 10. 00:10:13.659 --> 00:10:14.080 It says, 00:10:14.080 --> 00:10:24.940 Or in verse 11, 00:10:24.940 --> 00:10:43.820 Discipline and struggle and hardship in this life are gifts from God so that we may grow in holiness, 00:10:43.820 --> 00:10:48.400 so that there might be a harvest of righteousness in our lives. 00:10:48.780 --> 00:10:52.540 That is the better thing that God is preparing for us. 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:56.300 God is transforming you to be holy. 00:10:57.600 --> 00:11:00.640 His desire for you is not to put your feet up and be comfortable, 00:11:01.200 --> 00:11:03.420 but that you might grow in holiness, 00:11:03.800 --> 00:11:06.040 that you might be more and more like Jesus. 00:11:06.039 --> 00:11:09.319 That's the work that God is doing. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:15.079 The reason that Jesus came to earth and suffered and died and rose again 00:11:15.079 --> 00:11:17.779 was not so that your life would be pain free. 00:11:20.079 --> 00:11:23.759 The reason Jesus came was so that you would be in heaven, 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:25.980 so that you could be forgiven, 00:11:26.159 --> 00:11:30.000 so that you could spend eternity with God and Christ in heaven. 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:30.899 And so now, 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:35.460 his agenda is not to keep you away from pain. 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:37.659 It's to do whatever it takes 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:42.019 to transform your mind and your heart and your life 00:11:42.019 --> 00:11:44.100 in preparation for heaven. 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:47.620 It is to make you more in love with God. 00:11:47.919 --> 00:11:51.820 It is to open your eyes more and more to the sufficiency of Jesus, 00:11:52.179 --> 00:11:57.080 to the satisfaction that is in him in spite of the pain and suffering that you might face, 00:11:57.080 --> 00:12:01.560 to the satisfaction that is found in him over and above any earthly joy 00:12:01.560 --> 00:12:03.400 that you may currently enjoy. 00:12:05.040 --> 00:12:06.500 It might be painful. 00:12:07.520 --> 00:12:09.280 In fact, it will be painful. 00:12:10.540 --> 00:12:11.660 But it's worth it. 00:12:12.920 --> 00:12:14.580 It's not unlike exercise. 00:12:15.280 --> 00:12:16.340 At this time of year, 00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:20.340 gyms make a lot of money making people sign up after the regret of eating too much 00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:21.540 or not doing enough exercise 00:12:21.540 --> 00:12:24.560 or the New Year's resolution of getting fit and healthy. 00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:27.179 I've been suckered into this many a year. 00:12:27.819 --> 00:12:31.539 And it's interesting how much pain there is when you start an exercise routine. 00:12:32.559 --> 00:12:36.000 You know, at first, it's just maybe two laps of the oval running around, 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:37.079 and that's quite painful. 00:12:37.719 --> 00:12:38.879 In fact, for me, 00:12:39.319 --> 00:12:41.039 every year playing football, 00:12:41.179 --> 00:12:43.099 we start training again in February. 00:12:43.659 --> 00:12:46.979 And because I haven't trained at all since we stopped playing in September, 00:12:46.980 --> 00:12:51.460 there is a betting ring in the football club that I play for 00:12:51.460 --> 00:12:55.539 for how long it will take for Sam to throw up in our first training session. 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:58.600 It's a testament to the fine condition that I'm in. 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:00.899 And usually it doesn't take very long. 00:13:01.100 --> 00:13:02.220 I run for a few minutes, 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:05.480 and all of a sudden I've got no oxygen in my body, 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:06.759 things are not good, 00:13:06.860 --> 00:13:08.139 and I'm on the ground throwing up, 00:13:08.200 --> 00:13:09.800 and everybody thinks it's a right laugh. 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:14.679 There is a lot of pain when you begin doing exercise. 00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:17.959 But as you continue through that pain, 00:13:18.699 --> 00:13:20.240 rather than avoiding it, 00:13:20.279 --> 00:13:21.799 as you persevere in that pain, 00:13:22.079 --> 00:13:24.620 the result is that your body becomes healthier. 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:26.259 Your body is conditioned. 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:28.679 Your body is equipped to then do more exercise. 00:13:28.679 --> 00:13:33.299 I always think that I'm fit at the start of the year 00:13:33.299 --> 00:13:34.979 until somebody points at me and says, 00:13:35.079 --> 00:13:37.699 you have to run a little bit faster or run a little bit more. 00:13:40.339 --> 00:13:43.039 Following Jesus will have painful moments, 00:13:43.779 --> 00:13:45.279 and we have a choice. 00:13:46.039 --> 00:13:49.500 Do we run from those and stay exactly as we are, 00:13:50.019 --> 00:13:51.879 soft and fearful? 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:56.959 Or do we persevere and endure as we're encouraged to hear? 00:13:58.679 --> 00:14:01.000 So that, in verse 12, 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:04.319 we strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees. 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:09.219 When it comes to holiness, 00:14:09.839 --> 00:14:11.559 when it comes to following Jesus, 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:15.459 the reality is we are all weak and feeble. 00:14:16.319 --> 00:14:18.599 There is so much growth for us to do, 00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:20.659 but the problem is, 00:14:20.819 --> 00:14:23.479 rather than recognise our need for growth, 00:14:24.079 --> 00:14:26.399 we look at somebody who we think is weaker 00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:27.879 and more feeble than us, 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:29.340 and we think, 00:14:29.539 --> 00:14:30.019 I'm okay. 00:14:30.539 --> 00:14:32.419 So I don't need the pain that they need. 00:14:32.939 --> 00:14:35.259 I don't need to run until I throw up like they do. 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:37.039 I just need to avoid pain, 00:14:37.259 --> 00:14:38.139 turn up to church, 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:40.779 tick the box of being a reasonably nice person. 00:14:41.439 --> 00:14:42.740 But God's desire, 00:14:43.299 --> 00:14:45.259 God's design for you 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:46.919 is not for you to be 00:14:46.919 --> 00:14:48.340 a pain-free, 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:49.539 nice person. 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:54.500 God's heart for you is that you would be transformed 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:55.899 to be like Jesus 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:58.000 so that you can spend eternity in heaven. 00:14:58.860 --> 00:15:00.659 That is what he is doing for you. 00:15:00.919 --> 00:15:03.039 And so we need to stop looking at people around us. 00:15:03.120 --> 00:15:04.399 We need to stop assessing 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:05.939 our past 12 months 00:15:05.939 --> 00:15:06.579 or our life 00:15:06.579 --> 00:15:07.319 or our future 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:10.099 based on what God is or isn't doing in other people. 00:15:10.100 --> 00:15:14.159 We need to be looking at our own life 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:15.379 and asking the questions, 00:15:16.120 --> 00:15:17.759 am I more like Jesus now 00:15:17.759 --> 00:15:19.060 than I was 12 months ago? 00:15:20.680 --> 00:15:22.519 Am I more generous now 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:24.120 than I was 12 months ago? 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:26.540 Am I more humble now 00:15:26.540 --> 00:15:27.860 than I was 12 months ago? 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.899 Am I more honest about sin 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:31.840 than I was 12 months ago? 00:15:31.840 --> 00:15:34.620 Just being better than the people around us 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:36.300 is not God's design for us 00:15:36.300 --> 00:15:37.780 and so in his grace 00:15:37.780 --> 00:15:39.300 he will keep disciplining us 00:15:39.300 --> 00:15:40.560 to break that pride. 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:43.399 He will keep sending struggle and difficulty 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:46.540 because God wants you to be like Jesus. 00:15:47.700 --> 00:15:50.399 And that is a far better goal 00:15:50.399 --> 00:15:54.100 than you having a comfortable next 12 months. 00:15:56.060 --> 00:15:57.940 The promise in Philippians 3 00:15:57.940 --> 00:15:59.759 is that our lowly bodies 00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:00.840 will be transformed 00:16:00.840 --> 00:16:03.240 to be like his glorious body. 00:16:03.939 --> 00:16:06.259 The end goal of God's work in your life 00:16:06.259 --> 00:16:09.000 is that you will be made completely perfect. 00:16:09.679 --> 00:16:11.480 You will be completely purified 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:14.100 and you will spend eternity in heaven. 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:16.799 What you've got to grasp, 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:18.860 what this passage in Hebrews is telling you 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:19.500 is that the journey 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:21.019 from where you are right now 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:22.620 to that destination 00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:24.639 will be painful. 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:27.779 It will require discipline. 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:31.419 The discipline of a loving heavenly father 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:34.139 who wants more than anything 00:16:34.139 --> 00:16:36.339 for you to be forgiven. 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:38.600 Who wants more than anything 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:39.860 for you to know the joy 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:41.779 and satisfaction of heaven. 00:16:42.459 --> 00:16:43.159 And so again, 00:16:43.319 --> 00:16:45.120 I want you as you come to reflect 00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:46.779 on this past 12 months 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:48.199 to ask yourself the question, 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:51.259 am I more like Jesus now 00:16:51.259 --> 00:16:52.779 than I was 12 months ago? 00:16:52.779 --> 00:16:52.899 Why? 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:57.980 Because that is why God sent his son. 00:16:59.199 --> 00:17:00.759 That is why Jesus died. 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:04.879 To begin a transforming work in you. 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:09.399 How much has it been on your radar this year 00:17:09.399 --> 00:17:11.460 to see that you are growing in humility? 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:15.539 How hard are you wrestling with issues 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:16.700 like sexual purity? 00:17:18.600 --> 00:17:19.079 Generosity? 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:21.539 Honesty? 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:24.400 Servant-heartedness? 00:17:26.600 --> 00:17:28.160 When was the last time 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:29.240 that you prayed 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:31.200 fervently and seriously 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:33.120 and for an extended period of time 00:17:33.120 --> 00:17:35.200 for an area of your character? 00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:37.720 We pray when we're sick. 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.519 We pray when we're poor. 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:40.720 We pray when we're anxious. 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:41.819 We pray when we're... 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:42.559 And it's good 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:45.279 and they are all valid reasons to pray. 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:47.420 They're prayers that God loves to hear. 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:49.460 But I do want to ask you the question, 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:50.879 when was the last time 00:17:50.879 --> 00:17:52.359 you prayed fervently 00:17:52.359 --> 00:17:53.839 for an area of your character? 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:56.359 You went to God daily, 00:17:57.460 --> 00:17:58.920 passionately begging him 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:00.920 to break the pride that's in you 00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:04.059 or to purify your mind? 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:08.839 Your holiness matters to God 00:18:08.839 --> 00:18:10.500 more than anything else. 00:18:12.839 --> 00:18:14.379 One of the great encouragements 00:18:14.379 --> 00:18:15.279 of being a Christian 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:17.299 is that God's issue 00:18:17.299 --> 00:18:19.220 is not how good or bad you are. 00:18:20.019 --> 00:18:21.939 If this is heaven, 00:18:22.859 --> 00:18:23.839 God's issue is not 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:25.519 whether or not you're here or here. 00:18:26.379 --> 00:18:27.259 His issue is that 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:29.220 you're moving towards here. 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:31.699 The direction that you're going. 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:33.679 That you're actually pursuing the growth 00:18:33.679 --> 00:18:35.500 that God is trying to work in your life. 00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:38.700 That's why the spirit dwells in you. 00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:39.960 It's a promise 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:41.779 guaranteeing your future inheritance, 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:43.039 but it is also 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:45.799 God's power at work in your life 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:46.880 transforming you 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:48.259 in preparation for it. 00:18:51.059 --> 00:18:52.380 God is in the business 00:18:52.380 --> 00:18:53.559 of getting you to heaven 00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:54.579 and he will do 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:55.700 whatever it takes 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:56.460 to get you there, 00:18:56.859 --> 00:18:58.440 including bring pain 00:18:58.440 --> 00:18:59.539 and discipline in your life 00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:00.460 if that's what's needed. 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:03.220 That's what real love 00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:04.059 looks like. 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:07.100 Real love looks like 00:19:07.100 --> 00:19:08.340 doing the hard things, 00:19:08.640 --> 00:19:09.980 even the painful things, 00:19:10.120 --> 00:19:11.160 in order to make sure 00:19:11.160 --> 00:19:12.360 that those you care about 00:19:12.360 --> 00:19:13.740 get to where they need to go. 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.840 I remember when I, 00:19:18.340 --> 00:19:19.860 some of you have told you this before, 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:22.200 when I first took a job in ministry, 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:23.799 so this was my dream job, 00:19:23.860 --> 00:19:25.059 I got offered the job 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:25.840 as youth pastor 00:19:25.840 --> 00:19:26.480 in the church 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.600 that I was converted in, 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:28.420 in the youth ministry 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:29.299 that I'd been a part of 00:19:29.299 --> 00:19:30.059 for many years 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:31.399 and the week 00:19:31.399 --> 00:19:32.460 that I was starting, 00:19:32.779 --> 00:19:34.099 so they were going to announce 00:19:34.099 --> 00:19:35.240 that I was the youth pastor, 00:19:35.659 --> 00:19:37.119 I got rushed to hospital 00:19:37.119 --> 00:19:39.099 with a sore stomach. 00:19:40.159 --> 00:19:41.819 Over the course of a few days, 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:44.319 they took my appendix out 00:19:44.319 --> 00:19:44.980 and figured out 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:45.899 that that wasn't the problem 00:19:45.899 --> 00:19:47.759 and then they found out 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:49.240 that I had Crohn's disease. 00:19:49.819 --> 00:19:50.779 I knew nothing 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:51.759 about Crohn's disease 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:52.579 and if I'm really honest, 00:19:52.659 --> 00:19:53.279 I still don't know 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:54.559 that much about Crohn's disease 00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:55.419 apart from the fact 00:19:55.419 --> 00:19:56.059 that it's there, 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:57.399 it's not going anywhere, 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:58.119 I'm going to have it 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:59.019 for all of my life 00:19:59.019 --> 00:20:00.700 and it puts physical limitations 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:02.579 on me for the rest of my life 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:04.359 and I remember being 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:06.440 absolutely livid with God. 00:20:07.819 --> 00:20:09.639 I had just been given 00:20:09.639 --> 00:20:10.579 my dream job 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:11.720 and I was ready to throw 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:13.099 every ounce of energy 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:14.400 that I had at this job 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:15.599 and God had just removed 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.119 a whole bunch 00:20:16.119 --> 00:20:17.139 of those ounces of energy. 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:19.740 He'd just taken away 00:20:19.740 --> 00:20:20.579 my physical health 00:20:20.579 --> 00:20:21.259 in a way that was going 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:21.920 to have an impact 00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:23.000 on my life and ministry 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:24.420 for the rest of my life 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:24.960 and ministry. 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:27.100 But now, 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.960 almost 10 years later, 00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:30.500 I can already see 00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:31.940 the love that God had 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:32.660 in doing that. 00:20:34.559 --> 00:20:35.940 I wouldn't have chosen it 00:20:35.940 --> 00:20:37.900 if he'd given me the choice 00:20:37.900 --> 00:20:39.519 but I can see 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.640 that it was a gift from God 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:41.460 to remind me 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:42.400 that no matter how many 00:20:42.400 --> 00:20:43.920 ounces of energy I have, 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:45.799 ministry is about his power 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:46.380 and not mine. 00:20:48.620 --> 00:20:50.100 No matter how committed 00:20:50.100 --> 00:20:50.860 I feel, 00:20:51.640 --> 00:20:52.319 following him 00:20:52.319 --> 00:20:53.460 is about his grace 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:54.480 and not my strength. 00:20:56.700 --> 00:20:57.799 And because God 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:58.559 is more committed 00:20:58.559 --> 00:20:59.519 to getting me to heaven 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:00.740 than me being comfortable, 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:02.039 he did what was painful 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:02.819 out of love. 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:06.039 And you've got to understand, 00:21:06.440 --> 00:21:07.319 God is in the business 00:21:07.319 --> 00:21:08.240 of getting you to heaven 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:10.000 and out of love 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:11.559 he will do whatever it takes, 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:13.819 including bringing pain 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.319 and struggle. 00:21:16.660 --> 00:21:18.019 So the question is, 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:19.299 how do we avoid 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:20.579 becoming bitter 00:21:20.579 --> 00:21:22.559 when God places things 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:23.099 in our life 00:21:23.099 --> 00:21:24.059 that we wouldn't have chosen? 00:21:24.740 --> 00:21:26.319 As we reflect on this year, 00:21:26.379 --> 00:21:27.159 how do we convert 00:21:27.159 --> 00:21:27.879 disappointment 00:21:27.879 --> 00:21:28.759 into gratitude 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:30.480 when we begin to see 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:31.359 the God 00:21:31.359 --> 00:21:32.679 who loves us 00:21:32.679 --> 00:21:33.240 enough 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:35.500 to give us hard things? 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:38.559 Well, I think 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:40.200 the key starting point 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:41.379 is to remember this. 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:44.319 God has not promised 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:45.619 that he will make you comfortable. 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:48.679 God isn't even trying 00:21:48.679 --> 00:21:49.879 to make you comfortable. 00:21:49.880 --> 00:21:51.520 It's not on his radar. 00:21:52.560 --> 00:21:53.780 His priority 00:21:53.780 --> 00:21:55.340 is your holiness. 00:21:56.260 --> 00:21:57.280 That's what he cares 00:21:57.280 --> 00:21:57.960 about more. 00:21:58.440 --> 00:21:59.940 Because as you grow 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:01.540 in your Christ-likeness, 00:22:01.620 --> 00:22:02.260 as you grow 00:22:02.260 --> 00:22:03.240 in your love for God 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.240 and your love for Jesus 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.920 and your joy in him, 00:22:06.380 --> 00:22:08.120 the pain 00:22:08.120 --> 00:22:09.280 will diminish 00:22:09.280 --> 00:22:09.940 a little bit. 00:22:10.800 --> 00:22:12.020 It'll still be there, 00:22:12.100 --> 00:22:12.760 but you'll know 00:22:12.760 --> 00:22:13.360 the satisfaction 00:22:13.360 --> 00:22:14.060 of heaven. 00:22:14.760 --> 00:22:15.340 You'll know 00:22:15.340 --> 00:22:16.020 the satisfaction 00:22:16.020 --> 00:22:17.420 of being loved by God 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:18.740 even though you don't deserve it. 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.960 of being loved by God 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:20.420 in a way 00:22:20.420 --> 00:22:22.079 that you can't actually lose. 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:22.980 You will know 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:23.640 the security 00:22:23.640 --> 00:22:24.420 and peace 00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:25.960 of your eternal destiny. 00:22:26.660 --> 00:22:27.779 The goal for your life 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:28.599 is not comfort. 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:29.960 It's bigger than that 00:22:29.960 --> 00:22:30.779 and it's better than that. 00:22:30.839 --> 00:22:31.559 The goal for your life 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:31.960 is heaven. 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.500 The key for us 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.099 as we reflect 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:36.019 on the year that's been 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:36.859 and as we prepare 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:37.799 for the year to come 00:22:37.799 --> 00:22:39.799 is that we have 00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:40.859 right expectations 00:22:40.859 --> 00:22:42.099 when we come to Christ. 00:22:42.099 --> 00:22:45.379 We have the expectations 00:22:45.379 --> 00:22:46.240 that line up 00:22:46.240 --> 00:22:47.059 with what is promised 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:49.079 and that is that 00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:50.219 our Heavenly Father 00:22:50.219 --> 00:22:51.480 will discipline us 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:53.059 so that we grow 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:53.599 in holiness. 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.359 The key for us 00:22:56.359 --> 00:22:57.159 to not grow bitter 00:22:57.159 --> 00:22:58.599 is thankfulness. 00:23:00.679 --> 00:23:01.559 When you begin 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.240 to understand 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:03.399 that even the difficulty 00:23:03.399 --> 00:23:04.319 that you're facing 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:04.899 right now 00:23:04.899 --> 00:23:05.779 or that you have faced 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:06.219 this year 00:23:06.219 --> 00:23:07.159 is actually a gift 00:23:07.159 --> 00:23:07.859 from God 00:23:07.859 --> 00:23:08.599 in order for you 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.259 to get to heaven, 00:23:09.259 --> 00:23:11.400 you have much 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:12.500 to be thankful for. 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:17.339 And lastly, 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:19.460 the key is endurance. 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:22.220 This passage opened up 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.019 encouraging us 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:24.440 to fix our eyes 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:24.980 on Jesus, 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:25.640 the author 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:26.480 and perfecter 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:27.140 of our faith 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:28.839 who for the joy 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:29.960 set before him 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:31.259 endured the cross 00:23:31.259 --> 00:23:32.839 scorning its shame 00:23:32.839 --> 00:23:34.819 and sat down 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.720 at the right hand 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:36.799 of the throne of God. 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:39.119 The model we have 00:23:39.119 --> 00:23:40.019 is a saviour 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:41.599 who became human, 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:43.599 who suffered like us, 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:44.879 temptation, 00:23:45.619 --> 00:23:46.139 opposition, 00:23:46.819 --> 00:23:47.399 persecution, 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:49.459 but continued 00:23:49.459 --> 00:23:52.379 to gratefully 00:23:52.379 --> 00:23:54.500 trust his Heavenly Father 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.879 because he knew 00:23:55.879 --> 00:23:56.639 his destination. 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.599 As you reflect 00:23:59.599 --> 00:24:00.559 on the year that's been 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:01.299 and as you pray 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:02.199 for the year to come, 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:05.199 let me encourage you 00:24:05.199 --> 00:24:05.859 as the writer 00:24:05.859 --> 00:24:06.859 of the Hebrews does, 00:24:06.859 --> 00:24:08.979 God's goal for you 00:24:08.979 --> 00:24:10.279 is holiness, 00:24:11.000 --> 00:24:12.000 not comfort 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:13.619 and that is 00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:14.939 a far better goal. 00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:18.119 So what is there 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:18.539 that you need 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:19.519 to thank God for 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:20.479 that maybe you've spent 00:24:20.479 --> 00:24:21.299 the past 12 months 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:22.159 complaining about? 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:26.979 Or what things 00:24:26.979 --> 00:24:27.699 do you maybe need 00:24:27.699 --> 00:24:28.639 to add to your list 00:24:28.639 --> 00:24:29.159 of prayers 00:24:29.159 --> 00:24:30.079 for the year to come? 00:24:31.079 --> 00:24:31.839 Would you be 00:24:31.839 --> 00:24:32.659 so brave 00:24:32.659 --> 00:24:33.699 and so trusting 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:35.319 as to ask God 00:24:35.319 --> 00:24:36.259 to do whatever 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:36.980 it takes 00:24:36.980 --> 00:24:38.660 to break down 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.160 your pride? 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:42.440 Whatever it takes 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:44.259 to grow your generosity? 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:47.039 Whatever it takes 00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:47.740 to enable you 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.600 to love your enemy? 00:24:49.880 --> 00:24:50.900 Those are dangerous 00:24:50.900 --> 00:24:51.480 prayers, 00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:52.440 but prayers 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.240 that God loves 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:53.900 to answer 00:24:53.900 --> 00:24:55.340 for your sake 00:24:55.340 --> 00:24:56.940 and for your joy. 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:59.820 Let's pray to finish. 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:05.660 Father God, 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:06.299 we want to confess 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:07.680 that it is just easier 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:10.039 to worry about comfort. 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:12.000 We want to confess 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:13.340 that we do 00:25:13.340 --> 00:25:14.500 go there first 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:16.440 and we want to ask 00:25:16.440 --> 00:25:17.080 that you would open 00:25:17.080 --> 00:25:17.539 our eyes 00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:18.460 to the better path 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:19.100 that you've prepared 00:25:19.100 --> 00:25:19.660 for us. 00:25:20.320 --> 00:25:20.960 May we know 00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:21.860 greater joy 00:25:21.860 --> 00:25:22.500 in growth 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:23.140 in holiness 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:24.340 rather than in comfort. 00:25:25.100 --> 00:25:26.259 May we pursue 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:26.839 holiness 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:28.140 with the same fervor 00:25:28.140 --> 00:25:28.879 that we have pursued 00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:29.339 comfort. 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:32.160 May we pursue you 00:25:32.160 --> 00:25:33.460 with every ounce 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:33.900 of energy 00:25:33.900 --> 00:25:34.759 that you give us. 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:36.259 Father, 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:36.920 we thank you 00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:37.640 for your love. 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:38.900 We thank you 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:39.579 for the confidence 00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:40.099 we have 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:41.259 that even the painful 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:42.240 times are a gift 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:42.779 from you 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:43.759 because you have 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:44.720 shown us in Jesus 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.720 that you will withhold 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:46.579 no good thing 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:47.220 from us. 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:49.859 Help us 00:25:49.859 --> 00:25:50.359 to want 00:25:50.359 --> 00:25:51.460 heaven 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:53.200 more than anything 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:53.660 else. 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:55.220 Help us 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:55.839 to recognise 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:56.500 your hand 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:57.039 in the difficult 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:57.620 times 00:25:57.620 --> 00:26:00.600 and to endure 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.880 trusting your 00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:02.180 goodness 00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:02.980 and your plan. 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.259 Thank you 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:05.839 for Jesus, 00:26:06.059 --> 00:26:06.579 our model 00:26:06.579 --> 00:26:07.460 and our anchor. 00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:09.200 Help us 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:09.880 to keep our eyes 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:10.620 fixed on him 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.319 in the year to come. 00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:12.559 Amen.