WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.520 Well, hopefully you had some good things you were able to share with one another. 00:00:05.580 --> 00:00:13.919 Let me just say the reason I got you to do that is because there are so many good things that we can share amongst each other and with each other. 00:00:14.300 --> 00:00:23.559 But as we've just sung, there is something good that ought to be on the tip of our lips all the time, and that is the goodness of Jesus Christ. 00:00:23.559 --> 00:00:32.299 And that's what we've been discovering more and more in a deeper way here at St. Paul's in this series that have been joining in in the last number of weeks of In Christ. 00:00:32.839 --> 00:00:36.820 As we've just sung, his mercy is more, his goodness is more. 00:00:37.000 --> 00:00:41.799 And there's something that we are deeply committed to as a church of discovering that more and more. 00:00:41.899 --> 00:00:45.519 And if there's something that you don't know at this point, we would delight for you to know in that. 00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:47.420 We really would want you to know that. 00:00:47.980 --> 00:00:52.379 His goodness, I think, is reflected really well in 2 Corinthians chapter 5. 00:00:52.380 --> 00:00:59.580 From now on, regard no one from a worldly point of view, though once we regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 00:00:59.719 --> 00:01:04.420 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. 00:01:04.500 --> 00:01:06.020 The old is gone, the new is here. 00:01:06.439 --> 00:01:15.439 And all of this, the whole lot of it, is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:23.859 That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. 00:01:24.719 --> 00:01:36.560 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him, that's Christ, we might become the righteousness of God. 00:01:36.640 --> 00:01:39.379 That we might become right before God. 00:01:39.379 --> 00:01:49.759 So that's the heartbeat of St. Paul's, that we have not just the goodness of Christ, that we are in Christ, and it's entirely his work and not ours, 00:01:50.379 --> 00:01:59.759 but that he's also given us this ministry, this serving the world with this message of hope in Christ. 00:01:59.760 --> 00:02:17.460 In the next week, we have, if you've seen the Seasons magazine on page 18, we have one way that we can display that to the number of people who come to St. Paul's in the course of any given week. 00:02:17.540 --> 00:02:24.300 But this coming Friday, we have our open house morning tea, where we just get an opportunity just to connect with members of our community. 00:02:24.420 --> 00:02:26.819 So I would invite you to be part of that. 00:02:26.819 --> 00:02:29.659 It's here, start kicking off at 9.30. 00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:35.739 Come and connect with some of the people from our wider community who are already here on that day. 00:02:36.120 --> 00:02:38.579 And we've got at least two groups here on that day. 00:02:39.599 --> 00:02:43.680 But we're inviting anyone from the community to come along. 00:02:44.139 --> 00:02:51.120 So come along, be part of that, and just connect over morning tea and chat with members of our community. 00:02:52.120 --> 00:02:56.120 At the heart of the Christian life is the gospel. 00:02:56.120 --> 00:02:57.659 It's what we call the gospel. 00:02:57.819 --> 00:02:59.460 It's the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:02:59.800 --> 00:03:02.319 I've just read it out to us from 2 Corinthians 5. 00:03:02.819 --> 00:03:06.420 There is absolutely nothing, nothing that any of us do. 00:03:06.840 --> 00:03:11.640 Not a single human being can do, deserve to have a right standing with God. 00:03:11.740 --> 00:03:16.420 It's a gift that he gives us completely freely in Jesus Christ. 00:03:16.419 --> 00:03:28.599 And as we've seen in the past weeks, that means that the Christian is fully accepted by God, loved dearly as he loves his own son, Jesus. 00:03:29.459 --> 00:03:33.539 It means that everything that belongs to Jesus belongs to the Christians. 00:03:33.539 --> 00:03:46.199 And it's solely, completely based on the obedience and the work of Jesus from the beginning to the very end. 00:03:46.199 --> 00:03:50.539 We don't contribute a single thing to it at all. 00:03:50.939 --> 00:03:54.539 Even if you've been a Christian for five, six, seven, eight decades. 00:03:55.039 --> 00:03:56.979 You don't contribute a single thing to it. 00:03:56.979 --> 00:04:06.299 And the danger is that we can see, well, if that's the case, then it's a great deal. 00:04:06.560 --> 00:04:07.419 What a great deal. 00:04:08.439 --> 00:04:12.159 You know, God's in the business of forgiving sin and I'm in the business of committing it. 00:04:12.519 --> 00:04:14.339 I mean, great deal. 00:04:14.340 --> 00:04:17.240 How then do I live? 00:04:18.100 --> 00:04:21.360 The Christian is in Christ to be like Christ. 00:04:21.480 --> 00:04:25.920 And that's what we're exploring today as John brings God's word to us. 00:04:26.319 --> 00:04:32.500 But what the Bible tells us is that the gospel displays our sins so clearly to the world. 00:04:33.840 --> 00:04:42.780 And therefore, we ought not hide our sin from God, our heavenly father, but to confess it with a repentant and obedient heart. 00:04:42.779 --> 00:04:45.039 So we're going to do that now. 00:04:46.419 --> 00:04:53.659 And we don't confess our sin hoping to be accepted by God. 00:04:54.059 --> 00:04:58.219 We confess our sin because we already are in Jesus. 00:04:59.019 --> 00:04:59.699 It's the gift. 00:04:59.859 --> 00:05:01.179 Confession is the gift of the Christian. 00:05:02.479 --> 00:05:04.319 So let's pray together. 00:05:05.659 --> 00:05:12.759 Heavenly father, we praise you for adopting us as your children and make us heirs of eternal life. 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:18.919 In your mercy, you have washed us from our sins and made us clean in your sight. 00:05:19.559 --> 00:05:23.299 Yet we still fail to love you and serve you as we should. 00:05:24.199 --> 00:05:34.019 Forgive us our sins and renew us by your grace that we may continue to grow as members of Christ in whom alone is our salvation. 00:05:34.819 --> 00:05:35.279 Amen. 00:05:35.279 --> 00:05:42.119 Psalm 103 declares God's mercy and comfort for the penitent. 00:05:42.120 --> 00:05:43.259 It says, 00:05:43.259 --> 00:06:11.319 Let's continue to pray. 00:06:11.319 --> 00:06:21.439 Gracious God and loving heavenly father, you are eternal, but we are finite. 00:06:21.839 --> 00:06:25.319 You are supremely powerful and we are powerless. 00:06:26.519 --> 00:06:31.039 You predestine the days, but we don't even know what's going to happen moment by moment. 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:34.640 You are the one who is faithful, but we lack faith. 00:06:36.140 --> 00:06:42.480 Not a word of yours falls to the ground, but we struggle to fulfill any of our promises. 00:06:43.360 --> 00:06:46.760 You are perfect, but we are marked by sin and failure. 00:06:48.200 --> 00:06:55.120 Where our love is fickle, yours is a covenant love that is consistent and true. 00:06:55.120 --> 00:07:00.600 We are grateful that you have made it possible for us to know you and to relate to you. 00:07:01.300 --> 00:07:06.759 We are so grateful for your infinite love in redeeming this broken and sinful world by the Lord Jesus. 00:07:07.560 --> 00:07:16.840 Give us a strong sense of all of your mercies this day and the hope of future glory so that we might joyfully live, 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:19.780 loving you and all of your commands. 00:07:19.779 --> 00:07:28.699 Give us teachable hearts that are earnest and intense and passionate about what matters most to you. 00:07:29.659 --> 00:07:34.519 Give us the patience to labor hard and deep into your word, 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:39.859 to meditate on it and encounter more of your majesty and your mercy. 00:07:39.860 --> 00:07:44.439 We are so weak and easily distracted. 00:07:45.460 --> 00:07:54.480 And so we need your enabling each day to stay focused and committed to valuing your word. 00:07:55.680 --> 00:08:00.660 And so we commit to you, our preachers and our community group leaders, 00:08:01.480 --> 00:08:02.780 our next-gen leaders, 00:08:02.779 --> 00:08:12.779 that they may lead us from your word and pass on to us a biblically informed love for you. 00:08:13.779 --> 00:08:17.339 May they be committed to the authority of your word. 00:08:18.659 --> 00:08:21.439 Shape the culture of this church by your word, 00:08:21.959 --> 00:08:25.219 that we might love you and love what you command. 00:08:25.219 --> 00:08:30.779 And so please guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit in such a way 00:08:30.779 --> 00:08:36.259 that all of us who call themselves Christians may be led in the way of truth 00:08:36.259 --> 00:08:41.620 and hold the faith in unity of spirit and the bond of peace 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:50.519 and in righteousness of life as we seek for your name to be honoured here in Chatswood and beyond. 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:57.019 We thank you that you have brought so many people from different backgrounds together into this city. 00:08:57.699 --> 00:09:05.679 And so help us as a church of forgiven sinners existing in such a diverse community 00:09:05.679 --> 00:09:14.539 to display your grace, your goodness, your beauty, your forgiveness, your mercy to this city. 00:09:14.539 --> 00:09:21.439 Empower us as a church to live out our calling and our unity in you 00:09:21.439 --> 00:09:26.879 by working hard to break down the walls of misunderstanding that so easily divide, 00:09:28.059 --> 00:09:32.579 increasing us a genuine humility and a love for all people. 00:09:33.639 --> 00:09:38.659 So we would ask as far as the gospel does that you would humble us, 00:09:39.500 --> 00:09:44.259 rid us of the pride that would elevate one group over another. 00:09:44.539 --> 00:09:52.139 Give us the grace to listen to each other and even here where we have wronged and done damage. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:57.159 May we be quick to repent and to seek restoration and healing. 00:09:59.860 --> 00:10:04.339 And Father, we pray that we would be ambassadors in this world 00:10:04.339 --> 00:10:06.819 that desperately needs to know the hope of Jesus. 00:10:08.360 --> 00:10:13.459 Almighty God, you are our sovereign Lord and King. 00:10:13.460 --> 00:10:19.500 And you're the one who blesses all who seek refuge in you. 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:25.040 And so we pray for our world in all its devastation and destruction. 00:10:25.780 --> 00:10:32.720 We pray especially for Nepal and Tibet as they recover from the flash flooding 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:36.720 and also with the risk of further to come. 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:39.960 You are the God of compassion. 00:10:39.960 --> 00:10:44.920 And so please provide for those who have lost everything. 00:10:46.019 --> 00:10:50.300 As the floodwaters recede, protect people from illness, 00:10:50.580 --> 00:10:53.960 provide them with resources to rebuild homes and livelihoods. 00:10:55.420 --> 00:11:00.100 Our hearts ache for the families who have received the news of lost loved ones 00:11:00.100 --> 00:11:02.159 and for those who are waiting for the news. 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:06.560 And for those who are waiting for news with a deep uncertainty of moment by moment 00:11:06.560 --> 00:11:10.500 as to whether their loved ones are alive or not. 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:18.240 So many people, nations even, deeply impacted. 00:11:18.240 --> 00:11:23.120 And so would you comfort those who mourn for the lost ones 00:11:23.120 --> 00:11:26.399 and those living with the anguish of uncertainty. 00:11:28.720 --> 00:11:35.680 We'd ask that you would grant strength, endurance and skill to emergency workers and search teams. 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:38.139 Keep them safe, we pray. 00:11:40.299 --> 00:11:43.100 May they reach many who are still alive. 00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:46.779 Direct them in that way, we pray now, Lord. 00:11:46.779 --> 00:11:51.779 As the whole creation groans with the effects of sin, 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:58.620 we are thankful for our mission partners, INF and Anglican Aid, 00:11:59.159 --> 00:12:04.659 who are on the ground and ready to provide help and relief to those impacted by this disaster. 00:12:05.620 --> 00:12:12.199 And so please give them wisdom as they determine where resources should be directed. 00:12:12.200 --> 00:12:20.259 And despite this devastation, please strengthen your people in trust and faithfulness. 00:12:21.020 --> 00:12:26.160 We pray too for the five Nepali students that we are, 00:12:26.320 --> 00:12:30.680 this church is funding in their training right now. 00:12:30.679 --> 00:12:38.519 We ask that you would strengthen them in this moment of devastation, 00:12:39.139 --> 00:12:42.559 feeling all the impact on it. 00:12:43.559 --> 00:12:47.919 Strengthen them not just to be able to focus on their studies and complete their studies, 00:12:47.919 --> 00:12:53.419 but this would shape them for a life of service. 00:12:53.879 --> 00:12:58.799 Service of you in a country that faces so much hardship, 00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:02.439 devastation from natural disasters, 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:08.319 persecution from groups, 00:13:08.320 --> 00:13:11.480 and even the lack of support of a government. 00:13:11.480 --> 00:13:15.280 As they show others your love, 00:13:16.160 --> 00:13:21.320 give them opportunity to speak about the hope that they have in Jesus Christ, 00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:25.100 not just for now in this life that you are the one who walks with them, 00:13:26.040 --> 00:13:29.220 but you are the God who gives them life forever. 00:13:29.220 --> 00:13:37.100 Through this we ask that you would bring many people in Nepal and Tibet into relationship with you. 00:13:38.060 --> 00:13:40.000 Help them to know that you are God, 00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:42.639 their ever-present help in trouble, 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:47.700 and that nothing in all creation can separate us from your love. 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:51.700 Lord Jesus, may you come soon 00:13:51.700 --> 00:13:55.620 and restore all things. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:14:00.679 And we pray all this in your name and for your glory. 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:01.919 Amen. 00:14:04.240 --> 00:14:06.419 We're going to open our Bibles. 00:14:06.860 --> 00:14:08.740 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:10.639 Mel's going to come and read. 00:14:12.039 --> 00:14:15.519 And as we read this and as John preaches, 00:14:16.659 --> 00:14:20.039 may our attention be to God's word that we might hear it 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:22.759 and we might inwardly digest it and mark it 00:14:22.759 --> 00:14:25.419 because as Jesus himself said, 00:14:25.620 --> 00:14:28.440 none of us live by bread alone, 00:14:28.539 --> 00:14:31.560 but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. 00:14:32.120 --> 00:14:34.560 And so may it be life for us this morning. 00:14:35.480 --> 00:14:35.919 Amen. 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:35.919 00:14:55.620 --> 00:14:58.840 Verses 13 to 25. 00:14:58.840 --> 00:15:00.560 Is this working? 00:15:02.080 --> 00:15:06.539 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, 00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:11.360 set your hope on the grace to be brought to you 00:15:11.360 --> 00:15:15.440 when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:18.320 As obedient children, 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:22.600 do not conform to the evil desires you had 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:24.380 when you lived in ignorance, 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:28.660 but just as he who called you is holy, 00:15:29.420 --> 00:15:32.680 so be holy in all you do. 00:15:33.280 --> 00:15:34.600 For it is written, 00:15:35.240 --> 00:15:38.300 be holy because I am holy. 00:15:38.299 --> 00:15:46.019 Since you call on a father who judges each person's work impartially, 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:49.500 live out your time as foreigners here, 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:51.659 reverent fear. 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:56.439 For you know that was not with perishable things, 00:15:56.679 --> 00:15:58.699 such as silver or gold, 00:15:58.859 --> 00:16:02.799 that you were redeemed from the empty way of life, 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:06.039 handed down to you from your ancestors, 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:09.719 but with the precious blood of Christ, 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:13.819 a lamb without blemish or defect. 00:16:14.860 --> 00:16:18.019 He was chosen before the creation of the world, 00:16:18.539 --> 00:16:23.099 but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:26.459 Through him you believe in God, 00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:30.679 who raised him from the dead and glorified him. 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:35.819 And so your faith and hope are in God. 00:16:36.939 --> 00:16:42.279 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:46.719 so that you have sincere love for each other, 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:50.539 love one another deeply from the heart. 00:16:51.299 --> 00:16:53.699 For you have been born again, 00:16:54.360 --> 00:16:56.219 not of perishable sin, 00:16:56.639 --> 00:16:59.299 but of imperishable seed, 00:16:59.299 --> 00:17:04.039 through the living and enduring work of God. 00:17:04.819 --> 00:17:07.659 For all people are like grass, 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:11.220 and their glory is like the flowers of the field. 00:17:11.220 --> 00:17:13.180 The grass withers, 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:15.079 the flowers fall, 00:17:15.919 --> 00:17:19.940 but the word of the Lord endures forever. 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:24.400 And this is the word that was preached to you. 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:46.660 Thank you, Mel. 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:49.960 If you have not met me, 00:17:50.120 --> 00:17:50.779 I'm John. 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:54.320 I'm a long-term regular member here at this church. 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:57.800 I became a Christian in Hong Kong in the early 80s, 00:17:57.960 --> 00:17:59.800 and came to Australia in 87, 00:18:00.680 --> 00:18:04.320 and started coming to this church around 2001, 2002. 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:07.060 And I really love being together with you, 00:18:07.279 --> 00:18:08.460 serving among you, 00:18:08.460 --> 00:18:10.480 and being led by our staff team, 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:11.900 Steve, Ash, and Nick, 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:13.759 as well as Jess and Craig. 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:16.200 I thank God for everyone of you, 00:18:16.340 --> 00:18:18.059 for you are my spiritual family. 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:22.460 You have chosen to be part of this particular family, 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:25.819 to do life together as the body of Christ. 00:18:26.400 --> 00:18:27.980 That is so amazing and wonderful. 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:31.500 And living as a Christian is doing life. 00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:34.819 It has a lot to do with our union with Christ, 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:37.519 and how we are relating to each other. 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:41.640 We have been reflecting on various Bible passages 00:18:41.640 --> 00:18:43.960 to ascertain what is involved. 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:47.180 We have talked about being found in Christ, 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:48.980 saved in Christ, 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.660 justified in Christ, 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:51.880 together in Christ, 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:53.480 and dead and alive in Christ. 00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:56.259 And if you have missed any of those sermons, 00:18:56.799 --> 00:18:59.319 please visit our YouTube channel or our app. 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:02.340 And indeed, you will also see today, 00:19:02.340 --> 00:19:05.400 I will cover a very broad and pervasive aspect 00:19:05.400 --> 00:19:07.200 of Christian life, holiness. 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:08.980 Holy in Christ. 00:19:09.340 --> 00:19:10.640 And I have three points. 00:19:11.600 --> 00:19:12.240 God's holiness, 00:19:12.880 --> 00:19:13.519 your holiness, 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:14.640 and our holiness. 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:19.200 We have just read a passage from Peter's first letter 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:20.600 to the early Christians. 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:24.279 Peter is one of the main leaders of the early church, 00:19:24.580 --> 00:19:26.380 one of the main disciples of Jesus. 00:19:26.380 --> 00:19:32.160 And he urged them in 1 Peter 1, 00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:33.140 1 Peter 1, 14 to 16, 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:34.800 As obedient children, 00:19:35.140 --> 00:19:38.420 do not confirm to the evil desires you have 00:19:38.420 --> 00:19:40.000 when you live in ignorance. 00:19:40.540 --> 00:19:42.780 But just as he who calls you is holy, 00:19:43.180 --> 00:19:44.900 so be holy in all you do. 00:19:45.220 --> 00:19:46.120 For it is written, 00:19:46.560 --> 00:19:48.340 Be holy because I am holy. 00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:53.619 The early Christians faced with a lot of challenges 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:57.279 and opposition in their beliefs and relationship with God. 00:19:57.779 --> 00:20:00.500 And so are we who try to live our Christian life 00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:01.579 in today's society. 00:20:02.899 --> 00:20:06.220 Instead of giving in and conforming to the world, 00:20:06.220 --> 00:20:09.720 he calls Christians to be holy in all we do, 00:20:10.119 --> 00:20:13.799 just as God who calls us is holy. 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:18.220 Peter quotes from the beginning session of the Bible 00:20:18.220 --> 00:20:19.039 from Leviticus. 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:23.379 This session of the Bible tells about God's creating this world 00:20:23.379 --> 00:20:24.379 and human, 00:20:24.899 --> 00:20:28.059 and how God established and continued to maintain relationship 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:29.299 with his creation. 00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:33.139 The very first time the concept of God's holiness 00:20:33.139 --> 00:20:36.819 was introduced straight after the world was created, 00:20:37.399 --> 00:20:40.079 on the seventh day of its existence. 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:43.099 In Genesis 2, verse 3 said, 00:20:43.099 --> 00:20:46.359 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:50.399 because on it he rested from all the works of creating 00:20:50.399 --> 00:20:51.919 that he had done. 00:20:52.599 --> 00:20:56.039 This statement shows three things about God. 00:20:56.719 --> 00:20:59.019 Firstly, God is the holy one. 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:03.399 He is the holy of his very nature of being. 00:21:04.159 --> 00:21:06.119 Secondly, he made holy. 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:10.419 God's method to make holy is by coming in 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:12.519 and resting with his creation. 00:21:13.420 --> 00:21:16.519 And thirdly, he sent his sanctifying word 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:17.920 when he makes holy, 00:21:18.300 --> 00:21:20.380 always accompanied by a blessing. 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:23.340 When God blessed the seventh day 00:21:23.340 --> 00:21:25.060 and made it holy, 00:21:25.279 --> 00:21:27.500 he elevated it above the other days, 00:21:27.900 --> 00:21:30.860 setting it apart for the revelation of himself. 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:33.600 When the Bible talks about holiness, 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:37.100 it often refers to setting apart or separating. 00:21:37.099 --> 00:21:41.399 When God rests from all the work of creating 00:21:41.399 --> 00:21:42.459 that he had done, 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:46.519 the glory of that day surpasses everything before it. 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:49.619 It is a glorious day for God to rest 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:51.519 and enjoy the work of his creating. 00:21:52.699 --> 00:21:56.539 God's holiness is God's glory and vice versa. 00:21:57.619 --> 00:22:00.819 All God's perfection center in the word holy 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:03.299 and his glory streamed out from it. 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.099 From eternity, 00:22:05.659 --> 00:22:07.599 before and during creating, 00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:11.000 God has one purpose in mind for human 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:14.039 and their highest glory in the coming eternity. 00:22:14.639 --> 00:22:18.079 That is to be a particle of his holiness. 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:21.159 He wants to keep blessing us by his holiness. 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:24.039 The seventh day never ends. 00:22:24.679 --> 00:22:26.859 Not like the sixth previous day where he say, 00:22:26.859 --> 00:22:29.259 and there was evening and there was morning 00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:30.500 and so-and-so day. 00:22:31.619 --> 00:22:32.479 In this day, 00:22:33.179 --> 00:22:35.099 we don't count the days anymore. 00:22:35.579 --> 00:22:37.379 We count our blessing in God, 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:39.419 as Nick had pointed out last week. 00:22:40.839 --> 00:22:41.759 God said that 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:44.399 never-ending day for us 00:22:44.399 --> 00:22:46.339 to count how God makes us holy, 00:22:46.879 --> 00:22:48.359 to consider God's holiness. 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:53.159 Even though human ends up disobeying 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:56.340 and rebelling against God's original intent, 00:22:56.900 --> 00:22:59.860 but that does not nullify God's plan. 00:23:01.060 --> 00:23:02.720 The second time the word holy 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:04.700 appeared in the entire Bible 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:07.200 is in Exodus chapter 3, 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:09.779 when God appeared to Moses 00:23:09.779 --> 00:23:13.320 in flames of fire from within a bush. 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:17.080 Strangely, the bush was on fire, 00:23:17.360 --> 00:23:18.360 but it did not burn up. 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:21.880 And Moses wanted to go over to check it out, 00:23:21.880 --> 00:23:23.780 and at which it said, 00:23:24.380 --> 00:23:25.460 when the Lord saw that 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.800 he had gone over to look, 00:23:27.180 --> 00:23:29.140 God called to him from within the bush. 00:23:29.640 --> 00:23:30.560 Moses, Moses, 00:23:31.080 --> 00:23:31.780 and Moses said, 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:32.560 here I am. 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:34.460 Do not come any closer. 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:36.220 Take off your sandal, 00:23:36.520 --> 00:23:38.180 for the place where you are standing 00:23:38.180 --> 00:23:39.440 is holy ground. 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:43.540 A fire often draws us towards it, 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:44.620 but equally, 00:23:45.080 --> 00:23:47.600 we also instinctively keep our distance from it, 00:23:47.600 --> 00:23:48.780 because we know that 00:23:48.780 --> 00:23:49.880 if we get too close, 00:23:50.120 --> 00:23:50.960 it will harm us. 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:52.340 In Exodus, 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:54.039 throughout and throughout the Bible, 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:55.819 fire points to God's holiness, 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.640 and how such holiness 00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:59.579 endangers sinful people, 00:24:00.140 --> 00:24:01.539 and excludes them from God. 00:24:02.620 --> 00:24:03.840 Back in Hong Kong, 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:05.160 I have an uncle 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:06.539 that is a goldsmith, 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:08.059 and he often invites me 00:24:08.059 --> 00:24:08.759 to his workshop 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:10.500 to see how he refined 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:12.500 his gold by the fire. 00:24:13.140 --> 00:24:15.220 And the amber of that modern gold 00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:16.120 was so attractive, 00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:18.759 and I really want to touch him. 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:21.039 But every time, 00:24:21.619 --> 00:24:22.639 my uncle says, 00:24:22.739 --> 00:24:25.059 as I want to move my hand a little bit, 00:24:25.399 --> 00:24:26.739 it's a strong warning to say, 00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:28.739 hey, this is not for you to touch. 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:33.939 Moses is whom God will give the law 00:24:33.939 --> 00:24:36.659 and whom God used to lead his people back to him. 00:24:37.099 --> 00:24:39.159 And during his first encounter with God, 00:24:39.299 --> 00:24:42.119 he saw something that attracted him, 00:24:42.119 --> 00:24:43.599 and he did not know 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:45.359 that he was approaching the holy God 00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:46.379 and he was in danger. 00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:47.839 So God told him 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:49.299 not to get any closer 00:24:49.299 --> 00:24:51.319 and take off his standouts, 00:24:51.899 --> 00:24:53.679 for the place he's standing 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:54.719 is the holy ground. 00:24:55.679 --> 00:24:57.079 Why is it a holy ground? 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.979 Because God was there. 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:00.500 God came there 00:25:00.500 --> 00:25:01.919 and occupied that ground. 00:25:02.659 --> 00:25:03.519 Where God is, 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:05.059 there is holiness. 00:25:05.699 --> 00:25:07.239 The presence of God makes holy. 00:25:07.240 --> 00:25:09.960 God did not reject Moses 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:11.319 or kill himself away, 00:25:11.620 --> 00:25:13.240 but he set a way for Moses 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:15.039 to stand in the holy ground. 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:17.000 And the condition for that to happen 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:18.640 is very simple and accessible. 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:20.740 Remove your sandals. 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:23.799 The removal of sandals 00:25:23.799 --> 00:25:26.140 is a lesson in simple obedience 00:25:26.140 --> 00:25:27.480 because obedience 00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:29.480 is a condition of being 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:30.940 in the presence of the holy God. 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:33.380 Through Moses, 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:34.980 the law will be revealed. 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:37.079 When the law is given, 00:25:37.420 --> 00:25:38.680 sin will be manifest 00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:40.720 and humans will feel 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:42.279 their distance from God. 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:44.839 The intention of the law 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:46.559 and command is that 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.099 the human, 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.599 in learning to know 00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:49.960 himself or herself, 00:25:50.460 --> 00:25:52.000 or his or her sinfulness, 00:25:52.559 --> 00:25:53.440 may learn to know 00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:55.900 and long for God 00:25:55.900 --> 00:25:56.960 to make them holy. 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:58.680 God's holiness 00:25:58.680 --> 00:26:02.160 is presented in a flaming bush. 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.700 It draws near, 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:04.840 but at the same time 00:26:04.840 --> 00:26:06.120 instill a sense of fear 00:26:06.120 --> 00:26:06.740 within us. 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:08.799 Having a proper fear 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:09.620 towards God 00:26:09.620 --> 00:26:11.039 and respect his holiness 00:26:11.039 --> 00:26:12.980 is what God asks of us. 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:15.319 The English Bible 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:16.519 uses words like 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:18.100 holy, holiness, 00:26:18.779 --> 00:26:19.580 keeping holy, 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:21.080 saints, sanctify, 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:22.140 sanctification 00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:23.960 to translate the same word 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:25.299 in the original language. 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:28.180 when God or Christ 00:26:28.180 --> 00:26:29.779 is called the holy one, 00:26:30.399 --> 00:26:31.000 the Hebrews, 00:26:31.919 --> 00:26:32.799 and the Greek word 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:35.819 is precisely the same use 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:37.220 when a believer 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:38.759 is called a saint. 00:26:39.559 --> 00:26:40.879 He or she, too, 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.159 is the holy one. 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:44.319 Peter explained 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.839 the reason a believer 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.359 is holy 00:26:46.359 --> 00:26:48.559 in verse 18 to 20 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.559 that was read out. 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:51.079 It is not 00:26:51.079 --> 00:26:52.720 with perishable things 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:54.319 such as silver or gold 00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:55.519 that you were redeemed 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:57.019 from the empty way of life, 00:26:57.359 --> 00:26:58.859 but with the precious blood 00:26:58.859 --> 00:26:59.500 of Christ, 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:00.899 chosen before 00:27:00.899 --> 00:27:02.240 the creation of the world, 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:04.619 we feel in this last day 00:27:04.619 --> 00:27:05.519 for your sake. 00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:06.659 Through him 00:27:06.659 --> 00:27:08.099 you believe in God, 00:27:08.419 --> 00:27:09.599 who raised him from the dead 00:27:09.599 --> 00:27:10.679 and glorified him, 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:12.079 and so your faith 00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:13.299 and hope are in God. 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:15.419 People of God 00:27:15.419 --> 00:27:17.240 long to be made holy, 00:27:17.240 --> 00:27:19.859 Christian long to be 00:27:19.859 --> 00:27:21.359 sanctified in Christ. 00:27:22.039 --> 00:27:22.859 The full meaning 00:27:22.859 --> 00:27:24.279 of being a saint, 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.720 being sanctified, 00:27:26.339 --> 00:27:27.859 the priceless blessing 00:27:27.859 --> 00:27:30.259 we long to fully possess, 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.859 all originated 00:27:31.859 --> 00:27:34.839 in the awe-inspiring act of God 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:37.120 through what he has achieved 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:37.740 in Christ. 00:27:38.920 --> 00:27:39.759 God's holiness 00:27:39.759 --> 00:27:41.039 is revealed 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:43.120 in his interaction with us. 00:27:44.140 --> 00:27:45.220 He made holy 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:46.200 by his presence. 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:47.720 God revealed himself 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:48.240 to Moses 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:49.360 in flame of fire 00:27:49.360 --> 00:27:50.640 from within a bush. 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:52.360 The fire signified 00:27:52.360 --> 00:27:53.480 purifying work, 00:27:53.819 --> 00:27:54.940 but the bush, 00:27:55.059 --> 00:27:55.559 the tree, 00:27:56.100 --> 00:27:56.920 did not burn up, 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:59.140 for an everlasting tree 00:27:59.140 --> 00:28:00.200 has been prepared 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:01.500 to show how wonderful 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:03.080 God's plan and purpose 00:28:03.080 --> 00:28:04.100 for his people 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:05.840 would be carried forward 00:28:05.840 --> 00:28:07.080 and brought to completion 00:28:07.080 --> 00:28:07.700 in Jesus. 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:10.340 Apostle Paul, 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:12.240 which is another main leader 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:13.120 of the early church, 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:14.620 often addressed the believers 00:28:14.619 --> 00:28:16.079 at the beginning of his letter 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:16.859 by calling them 00:28:16.859 --> 00:28:18.259 the holy people of God. 00:28:18.919 --> 00:28:19.759 To the Romans, 00:28:20.179 --> 00:28:20.599 he said, 00:28:20.939 --> 00:28:21.779 to all in Rome 00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:23.000 who are loved by God 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:23.759 and called to be 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.779 his holy people. 00:28:25.539 --> 00:28:26.759 He referred to the believer 00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:27.659 in Philippi 00:28:27.659 --> 00:28:29.859 as God's holy people 00:28:29.859 --> 00:28:30.679 in Christ Jesus. 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:32.119 And to the believer 00:28:32.119 --> 00:28:33.119 in Corinth, 00:28:33.359 --> 00:28:33.759 he said, 00:28:34.099 --> 00:28:35.099 to the church of God 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:35.719 in Corinth, 00:28:36.079 --> 00:28:37.000 to those sanctified 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:38.000 in Christ Jesus 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:39.039 and called to be 00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:40.279 his holy people. 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:43.299 Paul wrote his letter 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:44.960 not just to the different 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:46.240 churches of his time. 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:48.099 His letter is written 00:28:48.099 --> 00:28:48.819 for us 00:28:48.819 --> 00:28:52.019 who come to be in Christ 00:28:52.019 --> 00:28:53.299 through his writing today. 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:55.619 We have the same title 00:28:55.619 --> 00:28:58.000 as the early believer. 00:28:58.639 --> 00:29:00.379 We are God's holy people. 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:02.079 These titles, 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:04.119 God's holy people 00:29:04.119 --> 00:29:04.940 in Christ Jesus, 00:29:05.879 --> 00:29:07.139 holy people in Christ, 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:09.599 sanctified in Christ Jesus, 00:29:09.599 --> 00:29:11.500 signify your holiness. 00:29:12.579 --> 00:29:13.319 Your holiness 00:29:13.319 --> 00:29:15.059 is guaranteed by Christ. 00:29:15.919 --> 00:29:17.619 Christ makes God's holiness 00:29:17.619 --> 00:29:18.659 accessible 00:29:18.659 --> 00:29:20.179 by living it out 00:29:20.179 --> 00:29:21.779 through human actions 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:22.399 and relations. 00:29:23.439 --> 00:29:24.939 He tears down the barrier 00:29:24.939 --> 00:29:26.219 that separates us 00:29:26.219 --> 00:29:26.779 from God 00:29:26.779 --> 00:29:27.519 and his holiness. 00:29:28.619 --> 00:29:30.019 He brings God's holiness 00:29:30.019 --> 00:29:33.139 lead by uniting us 00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:33.899 with himself. 00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:37.079 To be holy in Christ 00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:38.439 means our holiness 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.980 is a gift from God. 00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:42.140 We serve for us, 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:43.940 impart to us, 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:45.539 and actively working 00:29:45.539 --> 00:29:47.120 powerfully within us 00:29:47.120 --> 00:29:48.380 simply because 00:29:48.380 --> 00:29:49.519 we are in him. 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:51.340 In Christ, 00:29:51.840 --> 00:29:53.799 you see what God's holiness is, 00:29:54.420 --> 00:29:56.340 what your holiness is. 00:29:56.900 --> 00:29:57.559 In Christ, 00:29:57.880 --> 00:29:59.539 both are one 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.660 and both are yours. 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:02.660 You can say to yourself, 00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.800 in Christ, 00:30:03.800 --> 00:30:04.700 I am holy. 00:30:05.180 --> 00:30:06.100 Holding on 00:30:06.100 --> 00:30:07.120 and growing in him, 00:30:07.540 --> 00:30:08.560 I can be holy 00:30:08.560 --> 00:30:09.920 in all manners of living 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:11.759 as God is holy. 00:30:12.620 --> 00:30:13.460 In Christ, 00:30:14.100 --> 00:30:15.400 in whom all the wisdom 00:30:15.400 --> 00:30:16.320 and love of God 00:30:16.320 --> 00:30:17.040 are unfailed, 00:30:17.840 --> 00:30:19.660 the Father giving his Son 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:21.019 to be one with you, 00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:23.240 the Son dies on the cross 00:30:23.240 --> 00:30:25.019 to make you one with him. 00:30:25.680 --> 00:30:26.759 The Holy Spirit 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:27.720 of the Father 00:30:27.720 --> 00:30:28.820 drawing in you 00:30:28.820 --> 00:30:29.700 to establish 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:31.500 and maintain that union, 00:30:32.120 --> 00:30:33.640 a union as tight 00:30:33.640 --> 00:30:34.799 as the one enjoyed 00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:36.000 by the Trinity 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:36.819 among the Father, 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:37.279 Son, 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:38.380 and the Holy Spirit. 00:30:39.519 --> 00:30:40.460 In Christ, 00:30:40.700 --> 00:30:41.640 it's a summary 00:30:41.640 --> 00:30:42.980 of what redemption 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:43.700 has done 00:30:43.700 --> 00:30:46.000 and of the inconceivable 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:47.140 blessed life 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:48.819 in which the child of God 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:49.960 is permitted to dwell. 00:30:50.920 --> 00:30:51.720 In Christ, 00:30:52.019 --> 00:30:53.720 it's the one lifelong lesson 00:30:53.720 --> 00:30:56.240 we have to study on earth. 00:30:57.200 --> 00:30:57.819 In Christ, 00:30:57.920 --> 00:30:59.340 it's God's ultimate answer 00:30:59.340 --> 00:31:00.299 to all your needs 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:00.900 and prayers. 00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:02.200 And in Christ, 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:03.000 it's a guarantee 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:04.819 and a foretaste 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:06.440 of the eternal glory 00:31:06.440 --> 00:31:07.240 that awaits 00:31:07.240 --> 00:31:09.960 every believer. 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:12.740 look again 00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:14.000 at what Paul urges. 00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:18.059 Just as he who calls you 00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:18.579 is holy, 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:20.420 be holy in all you do. 00:31:20.799 --> 00:31:21.700 For it is written, 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:23.860 be holy because I am holy. 00:31:24.660 --> 00:31:25.819 I don't know about you, 00:31:26.200 --> 00:31:26.819 but every time 00:31:26.819 --> 00:31:28.240 I hear the command, 00:31:28.440 --> 00:31:29.900 be holy as I am holy, 00:31:30.620 --> 00:31:31.740 it feels like 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:32.759 there's a vast, 00:31:32.940 --> 00:31:33.940 unbridged gap 00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:35.380 between God's holiness 00:31:35.380 --> 00:31:36.460 and my own. 00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:38.420 And every time 00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:40.360 I have to remind myself 00:31:40.360 --> 00:31:42.019 and use that big word 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:42.720 but, 00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:43.860 B-U-T. 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.700 But in Christ, 00:31:46.120 --> 00:31:47.220 that gap is breached. 00:31:48.140 --> 00:31:49.180 Christ's fullness 00:31:49.180 --> 00:31:51.100 completely fills the gap 00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:53.340 and gives me access to God 00:31:53.340 --> 00:31:54.700 and His holiness 00:31:54.700 --> 00:31:55.680 becomes mine. 00:31:56.680 --> 00:31:57.600 Christ's holiness 00:31:57.600 --> 00:31:59.039 is your holiness. 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.500 In Christ, 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:02.340 God and humanity met. 00:32:03.360 --> 00:32:04.019 In Christ, 00:32:04.440 --> 00:32:05.279 God's holiness 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:06.279 reaches us. 00:32:06.900 --> 00:32:07.980 claim us as His own 00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:10.480 and take on human form 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:12.819 and can truly become yours. 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.779 If there are 00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:16.079 any anxious pleads 00:32:16.079 --> 00:32:17.860 and a deep longing 00:32:17.860 --> 00:32:18.920 for kindness 00:32:18.920 --> 00:32:20.039 thirst within you, 00:32:20.460 --> 00:32:21.740 you know you are a believer 00:32:21.740 --> 00:32:23.100 who trusts in Jesus 00:32:23.100 --> 00:32:24.340 but still don't know 00:32:24.340 --> 00:32:25.299 how to be holy. 00:32:26.160 --> 00:32:27.140 He is God's answer. 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:28.720 You are holy 00:32:28.720 --> 00:32:29.900 in Christ Jesus. 00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:31.720 It is by an act 00:32:31.720 --> 00:32:32.860 of divine power 00:32:32.860 --> 00:32:33.819 that you are in Christ 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:35.240 and are kept in Him. 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:37.420 It is this I want us 00:32:37.420 --> 00:32:39.319 to realize and hold firm to. 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:40.900 Your holiness 00:32:40.900 --> 00:32:42.319 is not yours 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:42.859 but Christ's. 00:32:42.859 --> 00:32:45.500 remember the divineness 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:47.819 of your position 00:32:47.819 --> 00:32:48.839 in Jesus. 00:32:48.839 --> 00:32:50.719 Jesus Christ 00:32:50.719 --> 00:32:51.979 is a living person, 00:32:52.579 --> 00:32:53.519 a loving Savior, 00:32:54.219 --> 00:32:55.000 how He delights 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:56.399 in taking full possession 00:32:56.399 --> 00:32:56.959 of you 00:32:56.959 --> 00:32:58.799 and doing all the work 00:32:58.799 --> 00:32:59.419 within you. 00:32:59.919 --> 00:33:00.579 Holding on to 00:33:00.579 --> 00:33:01.599 this truth, 00:33:01.939 --> 00:33:02.879 as we go on, 00:33:03.319 --> 00:33:04.579 you have a rightful claim 00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:05.379 on Christ, 00:33:05.879 --> 00:33:06.659 on His love 00:33:06.659 --> 00:33:07.240 and power 00:33:07.240 --> 00:33:08.439 to make you holy. 00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:11.019 as His redeemed one, 00:33:11.360 --> 00:33:12.120 right now, 00:33:12.259 --> 00:33:13.559 no matter who you are 00:33:13.559 --> 00:33:14.380 or where you are, 00:33:14.779 --> 00:33:15.860 you are in Him, 00:33:16.420 --> 00:33:17.580 His holy presence 00:33:17.580 --> 00:33:19.400 and love surrounds you. 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:21.259 You are in Him 00:33:21.259 --> 00:33:23.299 and cause in that tender love 00:33:23.299 --> 00:33:25.480 that constantly wraps you 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:26.880 in His holy presence 00:33:26.880 --> 00:33:28.900 and your holiness 00:33:28.900 --> 00:33:29.800 light 00:33:29.800 --> 00:33:32.260 in the acceptance 00:33:32.260 --> 00:33:33.640 and fully understanding 00:33:33.640 --> 00:33:35.020 of their presence. 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:38.180 Peter starts off 00:33:38.180 --> 00:33:39.180 his letter 00:33:39.180 --> 00:33:39.819 by addressing 00:33:39.819 --> 00:33:40.619 all his readers 00:33:40.619 --> 00:33:41.900 and all the believers 00:33:41.900 --> 00:33:42.839 together as though 00:33:42.839 --> 00:33:44.119 who have been chosen 00:33:44.119 --> 00:33:46.079 according to the full knowledge 00:33:46.079 --> 00:33:47.559 of God the Father 00:33:47.559 --> 00:33:49.619 through the sanctifying work 00:33:49.619 --> 00:33:50.579 of the Spirit 00:33:50.579 --> 00:33:51.740 to be obedient 00:33:51.740 --> 00:33:52.859 to Jesus Christ 00:33:52.859 --> 00:33:55.180 and continue to urge them 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:56.460 now that you have 00:33:56.460 --> 00:33:57.379 purified yourself 00:33:57.379 --> 00:33:59.599 by obeying the truth 00:33:59.599 --> 00:34:00.920 so that you have 00:34:00.920 --> 00:34:01.799 sincere love 00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:02.480 for each other, 00:34:03.000 --> 00:34:03.879 love one another 00:34:03.879 --> 00:34:04.319 deeply 00:34:04.319 --> 00:34:05.359 from the heart 00:34:05.359 --> 00:34:06.439 from you have been 00:34:06.439 --> 00:34:07.099 born again 00:34:07.099 --> 00:34:08.679 not of perishable seed 00:34:08.679 --> 00:34:10.199 but of imperishable 00:34:10.199 --> 00:34:11.500 through the living 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:12.360 and enduring 00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:13.079 word of God. 00:34:14.159 --> 00:34:15.539 Jesus also teaches 00:34:15.539 --> 00:34:16.480 the same thing 00:34:16.480 --> 00:34:17.940 in John 8, 00:34:18.139 --> 00:34:19.179 31-32 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:20.639 that obedience 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:21.920 will lead to 00:34:21.920 --> 00:34:22.960 ascertaining 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:23.699 the truth 00:34:23.699 --> 00:34:25.239 which is the intent 00:34:25.239 --> 00:34:26.099 outcome 00:34:26.099 --> 00:34:27.159 of the sanctifying 00:34:27.159 --> 00:34:28.219 work of the Holy Spirit. 00:34:29.119 --> 00:34:29.719 To those 00:34:29.719 --> 00:34:30.440 who have believed 00:34:30.440 --> 00:34:30.759 in Him, 00:34:30.880 --> 00:34:31.420 Jesus said, 00:34:31.900 --> 00:34:32.500 if you hold 00:34:32.500 --> 00:34:33.480 to my teaching, 00:34:33.480 --> 00:34:34.320 you are really 00:34:34.320 --> 00:34:35.159 my disciples 00:34:35.159 --> 00:34:36.360 and you will know 00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:36.940 the truth 00:34:36.940 --> 00:34:37.780 and the truth 00:34:37.780 --> 00:34:38.699 will set you free. 00:34:39.559 --> 00:34:40.820 God gave His people 00:34:40.820 --> 00:34:41.400 the law 00:34:41.400 --> 00:34:42.599 through Moses. 00:34:43.300 --> 00:34:44.019 The law given 00:34:44.019 --> 00:34:45.440 helped us to realize 00:34:45.440 --> 00:34:46.420 and understand 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:47.199 our sins 00:34:47.199 --> 00:34:48.360 and how far 00:34:48.360 --> 00:34:49.179 short we are 00:34:49.179 --> 00:34:49.719 from God. 00:34:50.400 --> 00:34:51.059 God used 00:34:51.059 --> 00:34:51.840 what is written 00:34:51.840 --> 00:34:52.480 to increase 00:34:52.480 --> 00:34:53.579 in His children 00:34:53.579 --> 00:34:54.519 the conviction 00:34:54.519 --> 00:34:55.760 that we must 00:34:55.760 --> 00:34:56.420 be holy. 00:34:56.420 --> 00:34:58.159 and praise 00:34:58.159 --> 00:34:59.220 to the God 00:34:59.220 --> 00:34:59.760 and Father 00:34:59.760 --> 00:35:00.920 of Lord Jesus Christ 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:02.099 who has blessed 00:35:02.099 --> 00:35:03.659 us in the heavenly realm 00:35:03.659 --> 00:35:04.800 with every 00:35:04.800 --> 00:35:06.260 spiritual blessing 00:35:06.260 --> 00:35:06.860 in Christ 00:35:06.860 --> 00:35:08.180 for He chose 00:35:08.180 --> 00:35:09.360 us in Him 00:35:09.360 --> 00:35:10.240 before the creation 00:35:10.240 --> 00:35:10.800 of the world 00:35:10.800 --> 00:35:11.900 to be holy 00:35:11.900 --> 00:35:12.960 and blameless 00:35:12.960 --> 00:35:13.680 in His sight. 00:35:14.760 --> 00:35:15.720 God's ultimate 00:35:15.720 --> 00:35:16.840 purpose and aim 00:35:16.840 --> 00:35:18.119 for each person 00:35:18.119 --> 00:35:19.440 when He set aside 00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:20.880 the seventh day 00:35:20.880 --> 00:35:21.380 to rest 00:35:21.380 --> 00:35:22.000 and make holy 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:23.280 is for us 00:35:23.280 --> 00:35:24.240 to partake 00:35:24.239 --> 00:35:25.019 in His holiness. 00:35:26.759 --> 00:35:27.279 His word 00:35:27.279 --> 00:35:27.819 gives us 00:35:27.819 --> 00:35:28.339 the knowledge 00:35:28.339 --> 00:35:29.339 of how we are 00:35:29.339 --> 00:35:30.059 to be holy 00:35:30.059 --> 00:35:31.599 and the joy 00:35:31.599 --> 00:35:32.379 that we might 00:35:32.379 --> 00:35:33.219 be holy 00:35:33.219 --> 00:35:34.199 and the faith 00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:35.419 that we can be holy 00:35:35.419 --> 00:35:36.339 all come from 00:35:36.339 --> 00:35:37.039 living words 00:35:37.039 --> 00:35:38.239 that were inspired 00:35:38.239 --> 00:35:39.279 by God's Spirit 00:35:39.279 --> 00:35:41.179 as we study it together. 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:43.219 Peter points out 00:35:43.219 --> 00:35:44.159 in the end 00:35:44.159 --> 00:35:45.339 of the first chapter 00:35:45.339 --> 00:35:46.479 of his second letter 00:35:46.479 --> 00:35:47.419 he says 00:35:47.419 --> 00:35:48.079 above all 00:35:48.079 --> 00:35:49.059 you must understand 00:35:49.059 --> 00:35:50.159 that no prophecy 00:35:50.159 --> 00:35:50.879 of Scripture 00:35:50.879 --> 00:35:51.859 came about 00:35:51.859 --> 00:35:52.679 by the prophet's 00:35:52.679 --> 00:35:53.619 own interpretation 00:35:53.619 --> 00:35:54.219 of things. 00:35:54.239 --> 00:35:55.519 for prophecy 00:35:55.519 --> 00:35:56.879 never had its origin 00:35:56.879 --> 00:35:58.039 in human's will 00:35:58.039 --> 00:35:59.500 but prophets 00:35:59.500 --> 00:36:00.719 though humans 00:36:00.719 --> 00:36:01.559 spoke from God 00:36:01.559 --> 00:36:02.439 as they were carried 00:36:02.439 --> 00:36:03.779 along by the Holy Spirit. 00:36:04.899 --> 00:36:06.119 The Holy Spirit 00:36:06.119 --> 00:36:07.179 is a key 00:36:07.179 --> 00:36:08.139 to our holiness. 00:36:09.579 --> 00:36:10.179 He does the 00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:11.059 sanctifying work 00:36:11.059 --> 00:36:12.459 by first inspiring 00:36:12.459 --> 00:36:13.019 the prophet 00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:14.099 to write down 00:36:14.099 --> 00:36:14.719 God's Word 00:36:14.719 --> 00:36:16.239 and ever since 00:36:16.239 --> 00:36:17.019 the creation 00:36:17.019 --> 00:36:18.739 continue to remind 00:36:18.739 --> 00:36:19.599 the believers 00:36:19.599 --> 00:36:20.679 again and again 00:36:20.679 --> 00:36:21.679 of the truth. 00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:24.179 God choose you 00:36:24.179 --> 00:36:25.139 as first fruit 00:36:25.139 --> 00:36:25.859 to be saved 00:36:25.859 --> 00:36:26.819 through the sanctifying 00:36:26.819 --> 00:36:27.659 work of the Spirit 00:36:27.659 --> 00:36:28.699 and through 00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:29.980 believing in the truth. 00:36:31.500 --> 00:36:32.480 You might find that 00:36:32.480 --> 00:36:34.579 the more you meditate 00:36:34.579 --> 00:36:36.119 and study on God's Word 00:36:36.119 --> 00:36:37.599 especially when you do it 00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:38.539 with others together 00:36:38.539 --> 00:36:40.980 the less you grasp 00:36:40.980 --> 00:36:42.539 this infinite holiness 00:36:42.539 --> 00:36:44.480 and that the more 00:36:44.480 --> 00:36:45.919 you momentarily 00:36:45.919 --> 00:36:46.919 catch hold of it 00:36:46.919 --> 00:36:48.419 the more you despair 00:36:48.419 --> 00:36:49.460 of the holiness 00:36:49.460 --> 00:36:50.800 is so divine. 00:36:51.960 --> 00:36:52.720 Remember that 00:36:52.720 --> 00:36:53.400 this bricking 00:36:53.400 --> 00:36:54.500 and despair 00:36:54.500 --> 00:36:55.340 are exactly 00:36:55.340 --> 00:36:56.360 what the Word of God 00:36:56.360 --> 00:36:57.699 was meant to accomplish. 00:36:58.720 --> 00:36:59.800 That is the sanctifying 00:36:59.800 --> 00:37:00.760 work of the Spirit. 00:37:02.300 --> 00:37:02.900 God gave 00:37:02.900 --> 00:37:03.840 His Holy Spirit 00:37:03.840 --> 00:37:05.260 to enable us 00:37:05.260 --> 00:37:06.679 to live a holy life. 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:08.380 We need to understand 00:37:08.380 --> 00:37:09.960 the more you try 00:37:09.960 --> 00:37:10.980 to become holy 00:37:10.980 --> 00:37:12.800 by your own effort 00:37:12.800 --> 00:37:14.119 the further away 00:37:14.119 --> 00:37:14.679 you are from 00:37:14.679 --> 00:37:15.720 achieving holiness. 00:37:15.719 --> 00:37:18.579 learn to stop 00:37:18.579 --> 00:37:19.259 relying on 00:37:19.259 --> 00:37:20.219 your own wisdom 00:37:20.219 --> 00:37:22.719 just as we must 00:37:22.719 --> 00:37:23.459 stop relying 00:37:23.459 --> 00:37:24.719 on our own goodness 00:37:24.719 --> 00:37:26.279 as Stephen mentioned 00:37:26.279 --> 00:37:26.939 it's nothing 00:37:26.939 --> 00:37:27.839 but our own goodness 00:37:27.839 --> 00:37:29.699 to be in front of God. 00:37:30.459 --> 00:37:31.239 Allow the Spirit 00:37:31.239 --> 00:37:31.679 of God 00:37:31.679 --> 00:37:32.779 to work on us 00:37:32.779 --> 00:37:34.000 through God's Word. 00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:35.519 Remember 00:37:35.519 --> 00:37:37.279 the one who calls you 00:37:37.279 --> 00:37:37.939 is faithful 00:37:37.939 --> 00:37:39.299 and He will do it. 00:37:40.059 --> 00:37:40.980 God's holiness 00:37:40.980 --> 00:37:42.159 is revealed 00:37:42.159 --> 00:37:43.539 in His willingness 00:37:43.539 --> 00:37:45.019 and His work 00:37:45.019 --> 00:37:46.139 in making us holy. 00:37:47.679 --> 00:37:48.759 In the death 00:37:48.759 --> 00:37:49.619 and resurrection 00:37:49.619 --> 00:37:50.500 of Christ 00:37:50.500 --> 00:37:52.599 and the continued 00:37:52.599 --> 00:37:53.880 sanctifying work 00:37:53.880 --> 00:37:54.460 of the Spirit 00:37:54.460 --> 00:37:56.199 your holiness 00:37:56.199 --> 00:37:57.659 and our holiness 00:37:57.659 --> 00:37:59.340 do not only mean 00:37:59.340 --> 00:38:00.679 for us to enjoy 00:38:00.679 --> 00:38:02.699 but God's holiness 00:38:02.699 --> 00:38:04.960 also is for sharing. 00:38:06.079 --> 00:38:07.300 When we gather together 00:38:07.300 --> 00:38:08.420 and approach Him 00:38:08.420 --> 00:38:09.159 with a humble 00:38:09.159 --> 00:38:10.279 empty spirit 00:38:10.279 --> 00:38:11.360 letting God 00:38:11.360 --> 00:38:12.059 showing us 00:38:12.059 --> 00:38:13.320 that the holiness 00:38:13.320 --> 00:38:14.139 He demands 00:38:14.139 --> 00:38:14.820 is utterly 00:38:14.820 --> 00:38:16.400 beyond human knowledge 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:17.480 on human power 00:38:17.480 --> 00:38:18.900 to the soul 00:38:18.900 --> 00:38:20.779 that sees trusting 00:38:20.779 --> 00:38:21.559 in ourself 00:38:21.559 --> 00:38:23.400 and has no confidence 00:38:23.400 --> 00:38:25.039 in His own human strength 00:38:25.039 --> 00:38:26.460 He will reveal 00:38:26.460 --> 00:38:27.840 and actually give 00:38:27.840 --> 00:38:28.900 the holiness 00:38:28.900 --> 00:38:30.000 He calls to. 00:38:31.199 --> 00:38:31.920 Everyone 00:38:31.920 --> 00:38:32.960 can share 00:38:32.960 --> 00:38:34.039 in God's holiness. 00:38:34.940 --> 00:38:35.659 God's intention 00:38:35.659 --> 00:38:36.480 when He creates 00:38:36.480 --> 00:38:36.880 the world 00:38:36.880 --> 00:38:37.880 is for a human 00:38:37.880 --> 00:38:38.980 to be partaker 00:38:38.980 --> 00:38:40.119 of His rest 00:38:40.119 --> 00:38:40.719 and holiness. 00:38:40.719 --> 00:38:43.480 when was the last time 00:38:43.480 --> 00:38:44.599 you shared with others 00:38:44.599 --> 00:38:46.000 how great God is? 00:38:47.079 --> 00:38:48.279 When was the last time 00:38:48.279 --> 00:38:49.099 you talked to others 00:38:49.099 --> 00:38:50.219 about God's glory 00:38:50.219 --> 00:38:51.199 in your life? 00:38:52.559 --> 00:38:53.619 When your mind 00:38:53.619 --> 00:38:54.219 and body 00:38:54.219 --> 00:38:56.000 is preoccupied 00:38:56.000 --> 00:38:56.559 and concerned 00:38:56.559 --> 00:38:57.419 with telling others 00:38:57.419 --> 00:38:59.219 about how awesome 00:38:59.219 --> 00:38:59.980 our God is 00:38:59.980 --> 00:39:01.419 you have no time 00:39:01.419 --> 00:39:02.619 to sin or confirm 00:39:02.619 --> 00:39:04.419 to the evil desire 00:39:04.419 --> 00:39:05.039 of this world. 00:39:05.039 --> 00:39:07.699 So may God Himself 00:39:07.699 --> 00:39:08.619 the God of peace 00:39:08.619 --> 00:39:10.019 satisfy you 00:39:10.019 --> 00:39:10.900 through and through. 00:39:11.800 --> 00:39:12.779 May your whole spirit 00:39:12.779 --> 00:39:14.139 soul and body 00:39:14.139 --> 00:39:15.360 be kept blameless 00:39:15.360 --> 00:39:16.059 at the coming 00:39:16.059 --> 00:39:17.360 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:39:17.679 --> 00:39:18.759 The one who calls you 00:39:18.759 --> 00:39:19.400 is faithful 00:39:19.400 --> 00:39:20.800 and He will do it. 00:39:21.519 --> 00:39:23.000 As obedient children 00:39:23.000 --> 00:39:24.440 do not conform 00:39:24.440 --> 00:39:25.739 to the evil desire 00:39:25.739 --> 00:39:26.179 you have 00:39:26.179 --> 00:39:26.860 when you live 00:39:26.860 --> 00:39:27.500 in ignorance 00:39:27.500 --> 00:39:29.000 but just as He 00:39:29.000 --> 00:39:29.639 who calls you 00:39:29.639 --> 00:39:30.159 is holy 00:39:30.159 --> 00:39:31.799 so be holy 00:39:31.799 --> 00:39:33.379 in all you do 00:39:33.379 --> 00:39:34.339 for it is written 00:39:34.339 --> 00:39:35.319 be holy 00:39:35.319 --> 00:39:36.920 because I am holy. 00:39:36.920 --> 00:39:43.139 may may may 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.139 00:39:43.139 --> 00:40:13.119 Thank you.