WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.620 I hope that the study of Romans has been encouraging to you. 00:00:05.100 --> 00:00:07.400 I hope especially chapter 8. 00:00:07.520 --> 00:00:12.439 ! It's been such a joy for myself to sit and rest in this chapter. 00:00:13.320 --> 00:00:19.859 We normally preach the Advent themes and just thought this year it would be great to press on through. 00:00:20.440 --> 00:00:23.379 And today's Advent theme is the Advent theme of love. 00:00:23.480 --> 00:00:27.080 And this text helps us fix our gaze on that very thing. 00:00:27.079 --> 00:00:33.000 So I'm grateful for the way this is timed out as we approach Christmas Day tomorrow. 00:00:33.219 --> 00:00:34.820 So let me just begin by reading the text. 00:00:34.920 --> 00:00:40.879 Before I do, let me remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us, written for his glory and our good. 00:00:41.399 --> 00:00:47.219 And so we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands. 00:00:47.500 --> 00:00:49.780 Romans 8, beginning in verse 31. 00:00:51.099 --> 00:00:54.079 What then shall we say to these things? 00:00:54.079 --> 00:00:58.119 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:00:58.920 --> 00:01:02.060 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, 00:01:02.140 --> 00:01:06.099 how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 00:01:06.819 --> 00:01:09.439 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? 00:01:10.099 --> 00:01:11.539 It is God who justifies. 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:13.239 Who is to condemn? 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:15.719 Christ Jesus is the one who died. 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:19.400 More than that who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, 00:01:19.560 --> 00:01:22.120 who indeed is interceding for us. 00:01:22.120 --> 00:01:25.420 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:01:26.180 --> 00:01:31.880 Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 00:01:32.380 --> 00:01:33.300 As it is written, 00:01:33.960 --> 00:01:36.460 For your sake we are being killed all the day long. 00:01:36.640 --> 00:01:39.280 We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. 00:01:40.120 --> 00:01:45.040 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:48.840 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:51.040 nor things present nor things to come, 00:01:51.460 --> 00:01:56.540 nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation 00:01:56.540 --> 00:02:02.040 will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:02:03.400 --> 00:02:07.280 Paul begins this part of Romans 8 with a question. 00:02:07.740 --> 00:02:11.259 What then shall we say to these things? 00:02:11.259 --> 00:02:14.759 And what things is Paul referring to? 00:02:14.879 --> 00:02:21.939 Well, he's referring directly to chapter 8 verses 28 through 30, 00:02:22.099 --> 00:02:27.799 where Paul speaks of the unstoppable plan of God to pursue his people to the end. 00:02:28.759 --> 00:02:33.579 In this text is contained a brief order of salvation, 00:02:33.580 --> 00:02:40.400 the main point of which is that God acts, God accomplishes, and God maintains. 00:02:41.660 --> 00:02:47.620 Oh, recall, beloved, that these three verses are meant to be comfort to the weary soul. 00:02:48.380 --> 00:02:53.660 Since the end of chapter 7, Paul has expressed the challenge of living in our corrupted flesh 00:02:53.660 --> 00:02:56.740 and living in a corrupted world. 00:02:57.260 --> 00:02:59.840 And then he says, beginning in verse 28, 00:02:59.840 --> 00:03:05.000 And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:07.659 for those who are called according to his purpose. 00:03:08.580 --> 00:03:12.740 For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of a son, 00:03:12.939 --> 00:03:16.099 in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:19.420 And those whom he predestined, he also called. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:21.980 And those whom he called, he also justifies. 00:03:22.099 --> 00:03:26.500 And those whom he justified, he also glorified. 00:03:26.500 --> 00:03:34.180 And last week we considered these verses in terms of the confidence that is ours in this life. 00:03:34.300 --> 00:03:37.080 Paul says, and we know. 00:03:37.180 --> 00:03:40.060 And we considered it in three points. 00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:44.280 First, our confidence in God's providence. 00:03:44.479 --> 00:03:48.740 So providence is God's purposeful sovereignty. 00:03:49.159 --> 00:03:54.819 It's him working in his power to accomplish purpose for us. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:03:59.500 And if you are a Christian, then anything and everything that happens in your life 00:03:59.500 --> 00:04:03.900 is being used of God for your good. 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:09.159 We saw, secondly, that we have a confidence in God's purpose. 00:04:09.639 --> 00:04:11.000 What is that purpose? 00:04:11.259 --> 00:04:15.180 What is it that he is working providentially to accomplish in our lives? 00:04:15.620 --> 00:04:22.480 We saw that we would look more and more like Christ to the praise of Christ. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:27.819 And we saw, thirdly, our confidence in God's plan. 00:04:27.939 --> 00:04:31.960 If we are to have the confidence that Paul here states we are to have, 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:35.879 then we must be confident in God's plan. 00:04:36.980 --> 00:04:40.660 You will not weather well the storms this life will assail you with 00:04:40.660 --> 00:04:45.819 apart from an anchored confidence in all that God has guaranteed for you 00:04:45.819 --> 00:04:49.300 in the person and work of Jesus Christ. 00:04:49.300 --> 00:04:54.259 And verse 31 is an elaboration of the very point that Paul has been making 00:04:54.259 --> 00:04:56.900 concerning our confidence. 00:04:57.819 --> 00:04:59.520 So he asks a question, 00:05:00.120 --> 00:05:04.180 What then shall we say to these things? 00:05:04.860 --> 00:05:06.860 And he answers that question, 00:05:07.340 --> 00:05:12.360 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:05:12.360 --> 00:05:17.139 This is an answer worth settling into. 00:05:17.819 --> 00:05:21.220 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:05:22.120 --> 00:05:24.759 When life is full of trouble, 00:05:25.699 --> 00:05:28.660 if God is for us, who can be against us? 00:05:29.379 --> 00:05:33.600 When you feel like an outsider at work or with your family 00:05:33.600 --> 00:05:36.280 because you're trying to live a holy life, 00:05:36.980 --> 00:05:39.939 if God is for us, who can be against us? 00:05:39.939 --> 00:05:45.660 When it seems that we live in an age that has abandoned all truth and reasonableness, 00:05:46.379 --> 00:05:49.339 if God is for us, who can be against us? 00:05:49.899 --> 00:05:54.800 When the American church appears to be crumbling down around us, 00:05:55.540 --> 00:05:59.180 if God is for us, who can be against us? 00:05:59.899 --> 00:06:05.199 When you or someone you love dearly receives a tragic diagnosis, 00:06:06.199 --> 00:06:09.399 if God is for us, who can be against us? 00:06:09.399 --> 00:06:16.060 When you struggle against your flesh and it falters and it fails, 00:06:16.919 --> 00:06:21.459 if God is for us, who can be against us? 00:06:22.639 --> 00:06:25.139 Let this answer framed as a question, 00:06:25.279 --> 00:06:29.879 a response to God's providence and purpose and plan, 00:06:30.419 --> 00:06:32.979 be emblazoned across your mind. 00:06:33.879 --> 00:06:36.459 Have it be your ruling thought, 00:06:36.459 --> 00:06:40.399 despite how desperate you may feel in any given moment, 00:06:40.500 --> 00:06:42.539 if God is for us, 00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:45.799 who can be against us? 00:06:46.759 --> 00:06:49.099 No one and nothing. 00:06:49.740 --> 00:06:51.659 Because we know that for those who love God, 00:06:51.839 --> 00:06:56.219 all things work together for good. 00:06:57.399 --> 00:06:59.319 Every bit of trouble in this life, 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:00.459 if God is for us, 00:07:00.939 --> 00:07:04.639 we know that God is working it for the great good 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:07.939 that we would look like Christ for Christ. 00:07:08.139 --> 00:07:12.240 So, who can be against us? 00:07:13.500 --> 00:07:17.120 Paul then asks and answers four follow-up questions 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:19.639 that are meant to help us consider this reality 00:07:19.639 --> 00:07:20.839 that if God is for us, 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:24.600 no one can be against us. 00:07:24.600 --> 00:07:28.660 Before we look at those four questions and answers, 00:07:28.780 --> 00:07:32.140 I want us to notice the qualifying factor 00:07:32.140 --> 00:07:34.980 in all that Paul is saying. 00:07:35.660 --> 00:07:36.840 He says, 00:07:37.720 --> 00:07:40.480 if God is for us. 00:07:41.500 --> 00:07:45.260 It is also possible that God is not for you, 00:07:45.780 --> 00:07:47.439 and the basis of this being, 00:07:47.700 --> 00:07:49.840 for or not for, 00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:53.939 is whether or not you are in Christ. 00:07:54.939 --> 00:07:59.399 Let's not neglect the context of Paul's phrase here. 00:08:00.259 --> 00:08:04.240 Paul is speaking directly to Christians in this letter. 00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:08.139 Those who are professing faith in Jesus Christ. 00:08:08.839 --> 00:08:10.879 Remember in Romans chapter 8 and verse 1, 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:11.240 he says, 00:08:11.500 --> 00:08:14.420 There is therefore now no condemnation 00:08:14.420 --> 00:08:18.779 for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:08:19.720 --> 00:08:21.860 Every person, he has said, 00:08:22.399 --> 00:08:23.420 Romans chapter 3, 00:08:23.420 --> 00:08:26.199 has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. 00:08:26.199 --> 00:08:28.740 We deserve condemnation, 00:08:29.340 --> 00:08:32.039 but for those who are in Christ Jesus, 00:08:32.300 --> 00:08:33.320 Romans 8, 1 says, 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:36.259 there is no condemnation. 00:08:37.379 --> 00:08:40.139 He goes on to say in chapter 8, verse 5, 00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:42.800 Those who live according to the flesh 00:08:42.800 --> 00:08:45.920 set their minds on the things of the flesh, 00:08:46.420 --> 00:08:48.300 but those who live according to the Spirit 00:08:48.300 --> 00:08:51.800 set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 00:08:51.799 --> 00:08:55.139 So, there's two categories of people, right? 00:08:55.219 --> 00:08:57.120 Those who are in Christ 00:08:57.120 --> 00:08:58.879 and those who are not in Christ. 00:08:59.259 --> 00:09:01.279 Those who have the Spirit 00:09:01.279 --> 00:09:02.899 and therefore set their minds 00:09:02.899 --> 00:09:04.579 on the things of the Spirit 00:09:04.579 --> 00:09:06.379 and those who do not have the Spirit 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:08.240 and do not set their minds 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:09.939 on the things of the Spirit. 00:09:10.719 --> 00:09:13.479 Those who for there is no condemnation 00:09:13.479 --> 00:09:17.500 and those who there is condemnation. 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:20.480 Those that God is for 00:09:20.480 --> 00:09:24.580 and those that God is not for. 00:09:25.700 --> 00:09:27.080 Romans 8, 9 says, 00:09:27.279 --> 00:09:27.919 You, however, 00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:29.919 are not in the flesh, 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:31.360 but in the Spirit, 00:09:31.500 --> 00:09:33.779 if in fact the Spirit of God 00:09:33.779 --> 00:09:36.159 dwells in you. 00:09:36.159 --> 00:09:39.699 And so Paul expresses some concern here 00:09:39.699 --> 00:09:41.319 that perhaps those who are professing 00:09:41.319 --> 00:09:42.699 faith in Christ 00:09:42.699 --> 00:09:44.579 are not actually in Christ 00:09:44.579 --> 00:09:47.339 and therefore Christ is not in them 00:09:47.339 --> 00:09:49.120 by the Spirit. 00:09:49.299 --> 00:09:49.819 And then he says, 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:53.039 Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:56.079 does not belong to Him. 00:09:57.299 --> 00:09:59.199 And so we just must ask the question, 00:10:00.039 --> 00:10:01.500 as Paul is making this case to us, 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:02.559 that if we are in Christ, 00:10:02.779 --> 00:10:04.679 then Christ is in us by the Spirit 00:10:04.679 --> 00:10:07.199 and we will be setting our minds 00:10:07.199 --> 00:10:09.379 on the things of the Spirit, 00:10:09.699 --> 00:10:11.759 namely His Word, 00:10:12.199 --> 00:10:15.259 that we would be affectionate toward 00:10:15.259 --> 00:10:17.939 and have the ruling thoughts in our life 00:10:17.939 --> 00:10:21.919 be those things that are of God. 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:27.639 And so, what most occupies your mind? 00:10:28.919 --> 00:10:30.079 What do you think about 00:10:30.079 --> 00:10:32.079 when you seem to be thinking about nothing at all? 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:38.980 Is your general disposition bent Godward or not? 00:10:39.540 --> 00:10:42.540 These are important things for us to consider 00:10:42.540 --> 00:10:44.639 and to think about. 00:10:45.780 --> 00:10:49.500 How do our affections for the things of God 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:54.320 stir us to the activity of God? 00:10:55.100 --> 00:10:56.440 Elsewhere, Paul says, 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:59.820 this is Galatians 5, verse 22 and 23, 00:10:59.820 --> 00:11:02.000 the fruit of the Spirit 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:08.520 is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 00:11:09.400 --> 00:11:12.860 faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. 00:11:14.180 --> 00:11:15.760 God works things into us 00:11:15.760 --> 00:11:17.400 that He works then out of us 00:11:17.400 --> 00:11:19.060 by the power of the Spirit. 00:11:19.160 --> 00:11:20.700 And if we are in Christ, 00:11:20.840 --> 00:11:22.379 if God is for us, 00:11:22.440 --> 00:11:25.100 then He is also in us 00:11:25.100 --> 00:11:27.440 working on our behalf. 00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:30.080 And so, consider carefully this morning, 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:32.960 is God for you? 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:34.940 Do you fit in this category 00:11:34.940 --> 00:11:38.300 as an adopted Son of God? 00:11:39.080 --> 00:11:41.660 And I do hope that you can join us 00:11:41.660 --> 00:11:44.020 this morning in confidently saying, 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:47.380 and we know. 00:11:48.560 --> 00:11:49.740 Because if you can then, 00:11:50.160 --> 00:11:51.380 if God is for you, 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:54.220 no one can be against you. 00:11:54.220 --> 00:11:56.519 If you are in Christ Jesus, 00:11:56.700 --> 00:11:58.519 then this reality includes you. 00:11:58.600 --> 00:12:02.000 You are safe because you are saved by God. 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:05.000 God is for you. 00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:10.620 So, now that we've dealt with the qualifying factor, 00:12:11.580 --> 00:12:15.779 let's look at Paul's follow-up questions and answers. 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:19.139 Number one, verse 32, 00:12:19.139 --> 00:12:22.000 He who did not spare His own Son, 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:24.199 but gave Him up for us all, 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:26.679 how will He not also with Him 00:12:26.679 --> 00:12:29.960 graciously give us all things? 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:32.840 God's commitment to us 00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:36.199 is most readily seen at the cross. 00:12:37.080 --> 00:12:39.860 He gave His very own Son 00:12:39.860 --> 00:12:43.200 to ransom us from the clutches of our sin 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:45.899 and to bring us to Himself. 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:49.019 What clear picture do we need 00:12:49.019 --> 00:12:52.379 of God's concern for us? 00:12:53.879 --> 00:12:55.379 John 3, 16. 00:12:56.079 --> 00:12:56.559 John writes, 00:12:56.639 --> 00:12:59.179 For God so loved the world 00:12:59.179 --> 00:13:01.740 that He gave His only Son 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:04.220 that whoever believes in Him 00:13:04.220 --> 00:13:05.959 should not perish 00:13:05.959 --> 00:13:08.819 but have eternal life. 00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:12.720 The prophet Isaiah records in Isaiah 53, 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:14.639 this is verses 4-6, 00:13:14.820 --> 00:13:16.500 and then verse 10. 00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:20.639 Surely, Christ has borne our griefs 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:22.879 and carried our sorrows. 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:24.860 Yet we esteemed Him stricken, 00:13:25.040 --> 00:13:26.000 smitten by God, 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:27.060 and afflicted. 00:13:27.580 --> 00:13:30.519 But He was pierced for our transgressions. 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:33.460 He was crushed for our iniquities. 00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:35.899 Upon Him was the chastisement 00:13:35.899 --> 00:13:37.120 that brought us peace, 00:13:37.540 --> 00:13:38.759 and with His wounds 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:40.120 we are healed. 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:43.740 All we like sheep have gone astray. 00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:47.500 We have turned everyone to His own way. 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:50.340 And the Lord has laid on Him 00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:52.740 the iniquity of us all. 00:13:53.580 --> 00:13:55.039 Yet it was the will of the Lord 00:13:55.039 --> 00:13:56.039 to crush Him. 00:13:56.840 --> 00:13:58.120 He has put Him to grief. 00:13:58.379 --> 00:14:00.539 When His soul makes an offering for guilt, 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:02.179 He shall see His offspring. 00:14:02.679 --> 00:14:04.539 He shall prolong His days. 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:06.259 The will of the Lord 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:08.940 shall prosper in His hand. 00:14:08.940 --> 00:14:11.920 God the Father 00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:14.400 gave to us 00:14:14.400 --> 00:14:15.980 God the Son 00:14:15.980 --> 00:14:17.520 that we might 00:14:17.520 --> 00:14:19.260 be brought back into relationship 00:14:19.260 --> 00:14:20.400 with Him. 00:14:21.580 --> 00:14:22.640 So Paul reasons 00:14:22.640 --> 00:14:23.840 if God the Father 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:25.160 was willing to give up for us 00:14:25.160 --> 00:14:25.980 God the Son, 00:14:26.340 --> 00:14:28.360 how will He not also with Him 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:30.140 graciously give us 00:14:30.140 --> 00:14:32.280 all things? 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:34.820 That is, how could it be possible 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:35.840 that having started 00:14:35.840 --> 00:14:37.200 with the greatest of gifts, 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:38.900 will He not complete 00:14:38.900 --> 00:14:39.660 His plan 00:14:39.660 --> 00:14:41.800 of spiritual blessing 00:14:41.800 --> 00:14:42.900 for us? 00:14:44.020 --> 00:14:46.440 Again, don't forget the context. 00:14:46.840 --> 00:14:49.140 Just a few verses ago, 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:53.000 Paul said in verse 16 and 17, 00:14:53.660 --> 00:14:55.340 the Spirit Himself bears witness 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:56.320 with our spirit 00:14:56.320 --> 00:15:00.120 that we are children of God. 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:01.600 and if children, 00:15:02.340 --> 00:15:03.360 then heirs, 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:04.899 heirs of God 00:15:04.899 --> 00:15:06.399 and fellow heirs 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:07.639 with Christ, 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:09.779 provided we suffer with Him 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:11.600 in order that we may also 00:15:11.600 --> 00:15:12.560 be glorified 00:15:12.560 --> 00:15:13.700 with Him. 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:15.460 So Paul goes on 00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:16.340 to talk about how 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:17.600 the suffering of this world 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:18.899 isn't even worth comparing 00:15:18.899 --> 00:15:19.659 to the glory 00:15:19.659 --> 00:15:21.500 that's being revealed to us 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:22.399 and how the creation 00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:22.980 and we 00:15:22.980 --> 00:15:24.120 and the Spirit within us 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:25.980 all groan 00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:27.180 for this future 00:15:27.180 --> 00:15:28.440 glory. 00:15:28.440 --> 00:15:28.480 glory. 00:15:29.340 --> 00:15:29.760 So what is the 00:15:29.760 --> 00:15:30.900 all things 00:15:30.900 --> 00:15:31.880 that God has promised 00:15:31.880 --> 00:15:32.560 to give to us? 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:34.220 It's all of the spiritual blessing 00:15:34.220 --> 00:15:34.940 that He's mentioned 00:15:34.940 --> 00:15:36.580 in verse 28 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.480 through 30 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:38.920 that culminates finally 00:15:38.920 --> 00:15:41.060 in our glorification. 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:41.820 Right? 00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:43.680 How could it be possible 00:15:43.680 --> 00:15:45.200 that Him who gave us 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:46.040 His very Son 00:15:46.040 --> 00:15:47.820 will not also give us 00:15:47.820 --> 00:15:50.360 all things? 00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:53.160 If God is for us, 00:15:53.780 --> 00:15:56.060 who can be against us? 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:58.799 The second question 00:15:58.799 --> 00:15:59.379 that He asks 00:15:59.379 --> 00:16:00.759 we find in verse 33. 00:16:01.119 --> 00:16:02.059 Who shall bring 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:03.399 any charge 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:05.879 against God's elect? 00:16:06.459 --> 00:16:07.519 And He answers it, 00:16:07.679 --> 00:16:08.939 it is God 00:16:08.939 --> 00:16:10.500 who justifies. 00:16:11.639 --> 00:16:13.579 God is the judge 00:16:13.579 --> 00:16:15.119 and the justifier. 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.959 We have been declared 00:16:16.959 --> 00:16:17.659 righteous 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:19.879 in His court. 00:16:19.879 --> 00:16:22.379 We stand before God 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:24.559 guilty of our own accord 00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:25.939 and we have 00:16:25.939 --> 00:16:26.840 no 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:28.200 defense. 00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:30.419 When entering our plea, 00:16:30.519 --> 00:16:32.159 our plea can only be 00:16:32.159 --> 00:16:32.980 guilty 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:33.919 when charged 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:34.759 with our crimes. 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:36.460 But another, 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.480 the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:41.000 just before our sentencing, 00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:42.000 declares 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:42.879 mine. 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:43.600 Mine. 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:45.800 This one belongs 00:16:45.800 --> 00:16:46.680 to me 00:16:46.680 --> 00:16:48.139 and I have paid 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:48.659 the penalty 00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:49.879 for his sin 00:16:49.879 --> 00:16:51.620 and I have given him 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:53.879 my righteousness. 00:16:55.080 --> 00:16:56.460 He accomplishes this 00:16:56.460 --> 00:16:57.480 on our behalf 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:58.980 in the courtroom 00:16:58.980 --> 00:17:00.240 of God. 00:17:01.340 --> 00:17:02.379 John MacArthur 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:03.259 wrote of this text, 00:17:03.420 --> 00:17:04.680 God conceived the law, 00:17:05.079 --> 00:17:05.960 revealed the law, 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:07.380 interprets the law, 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:09.039 and applies the law. 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:10.660 And through the sacrifice 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:11.599 of His Son, 00:17:11.880 --> 00:17:12.940 all the demands 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.580 of the law 00:17:13.580 --> 00:17:14.600 have been met 00:17:14.600 --> 00:17:15.460 for those 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:16.460 who trust 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.820 in Him. 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:19.759 Who shall bring 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:21.059 any charge 00:17:21.059 --> 00:17:22.840 against God's elect? 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:24.320 It is God 00:17:24.320 --> 00:17:26.519 who justifies, 00:17:26.660 --> 00:17:27.420 declares 00:17:27.420 --> 00:17:28.539 righteous. 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:29.440 Our punishment 00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:30.600 taken from us, 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:32.680 eternal reward 00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:34.259 given to us 00:17:34.259 --> 00:17:35.220 because of Jesus' 00:17:35.600 --> 00:17:36.500 perfect 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:37.680 law-keeping. 00:17:38.720 --> 00:17:39.440 We find 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:40.759 another qualifier 00:17:40.759 --> 00:17:41.640 in this 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.720 text. 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:43.740 Paul says, 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:44.299 who shall bring 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:44.900 any charge 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:46.460 against God's 00:17:46.460 --> 00:17:47.519 elect? 00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:49.059 And once again, 00:17:49.160 --> 00:17:49.779 Paul is not 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:50.820 trying to pick 00:17:50.820 --> 00:17:51.700 a theological 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.980 fight. 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:54.299 Not at all 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:54.720 what he is 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.600 doing here. 00:17:56.180 --> 00:17:56.720 He's going to 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:57.160 launch into 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:57.779 some future 00:17:57.779 --> 00:17:58.539 chapters of 00:17:58.539 --> 00:17:59.180 working out 00:17:59.180 --> 00:18:00.120 all of the 00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:00.759 implications 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:02.059 of the glories 00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:02.600 he states 00:18:02.600 --> 00:18:03.180 at the end 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:04.640 of chapter 8. 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:06.360 He here 00:18:06.360 --> 00:18:07.019 is just 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:07.600 teaching 00:18:07.600 --> 00:18:08.640 Christians 00:18:08.640 --> 00:18:09.720 that their 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:10.220 confidence 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:10.860 is not 00:18:10.860 --> 00:18:11.759 in their 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:12.400 works, 00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:13.280 but in 00:18:13.280 --> 00:18:13.960 God's 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.560 working 00:18:14.560 --> 00:18:15.320 on their 00:18:15.320 --> 00:18:16.660 behalf. 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.020 This should 00:18:18.020 --> 00:18:18.660 do nothing 00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:19.259 but 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:20.759 comfort us. 00:18:21.600 --> 00:18:22.300 This truth 00:18:22.300 --> 00:18:22.880 is 00:18:22.880 --> 00:18:23.860 complex, 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:24.660 I will 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.480 admit. 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:26.320 God's 00:18:26.320 --> 00:18:26.700 sovereignty 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:27.520 in our 00:18:27.520 --> 00:18:27.980 salvation 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:29.460 is complex. 00:18:29.840 --> 00:18:30.340 The doctrine 00:18:30.340 --> 00:18:31.100 of election 00:18:31.100 --> 00:18:31.840 gives us 00:18:31.840 --> 00:18:32.800 much to 00:18:32.800 --> 00:18:33.240 think about, 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:33.720 but let 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:34.339 us not 00:18:34.339 --> 00:18:34.759 miss 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:35.400 that it 00:18:35.400 --> 00:18:36.200 is 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:37.359 good. 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:39.099 You 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:40.200 were loved 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:40.880 by God 00:18:40.880 --> 00:18:42.180 long before 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:42.819 you did 00:18:42.819 --> 00:18:43.660 anything, 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:44.620 good 00:18:44.620 --> 00:18:45.880 or bad, 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:47.420 anything. 00:18:48.700 --> 00:18:49.140 Paul says 00:18:49.140 --> 00:18:49.680 in Ephesians 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.460 chapter 1 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:51.859 verse 3 00:18:51.859 --> 00:18:52.420 and following, 00:18:53.140 --> 00:18:53.839 Blessed be 00:18:53.839 --> 00:18:54.200 the God 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:54.680 and Father 00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:55.259 of our 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:55.660 Lord Jesus 00:18:55.660 --> 00:18:56.240 Christ, 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:57.160 who has 00:18:57.160 --> 00:18:57.880 blessed us 00:18:57.880 --> 00:18:58.660 in Christ 00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.339 with every 00:18:59.339 --> 00:18:59.859 spiritual 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.319 blessing 00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:01.160 in the 00:19:01.160 --> 00:19:01.400 heavenly 00:19:01.400 --> 00:19:01.980 places, 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:03.360 even as 00:19:03.360 --> 00:19:03.940 he chose 00:19:03.940 --> 00:19:04.539 us in 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:05.039 him before 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:05.779 the foundation 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:06.799 of the 00:19:06.799 --> 00:19:07.200 world, 00:19:07.339 --> 00:19:07.740 that we 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:08.160 should be 00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:09.360 holy and 00:19:09.360 --> 00:19:09.779 blameless 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:10.500 before him. 00:19:11.319 --> 00:19:11.960 In love 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:12.740 he predestined 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.120 us for 00:19:13.120 --> 00:19:13.839 adoption to 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:14.519 himself as 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.180 sons through 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:16.019 Jesus Christ 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:16.900 according to 00:19:16.900 --> 00:19:17.519 the purpose 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:18.319 of his 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:18.700 will, 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:19.360 to the 00:19:19.360 --> 00:19:20.160 praise of 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:20.740 his glorious 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:21.940 grace with 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:22.400 which he 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:22.980 has blessed 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:24.200 us in 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:25.400 the 00:19:25.400 --> 00:19:25.720 beloved. 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:27.620 Beloved, 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:28.720 if you do 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:29.400 not like 00:19:29.400 --> 00:19:30.000 the doctrine 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.620 of election, 00:19:31.220 --> 00:19:31.599 then you 00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:32.699 cannot love 00:19:32.699 --> 00:19:33.259 the doctrine 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:33.959 of eternal 00:19:33.959 --> 00:19:35.339 security. 00:19:36.139 --> 00:19:36.859 They are 00:19:36.859 --> 00:19:39.039 cause and 00:19:39.039 --> 00:19:39.439 effect. 00:19:40.219 --> 00:19:40.619 And this 00:19:40.619 --> 00:19:41.179 doctrine is 00:19:41.179 --> 00:19:42.219 always taught 00:19:42.219 --> 00:19:43.419 to us for 00:19:43.419 --> 00:19:44.519 this great 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:45.339 end, that 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:45.679 we would 00:19:45.679 --> 00:19:46.899 know that 00:19:46.899 --> 00:19:47.919 if we belong 00:19:47.919 --> 00:19:48.500 to God, 00:19:48.699 --> 00:19:49.319 that he 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.099 will keep 00:19:50.099 --> 00:19:51.480 us to 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:51.899 the end. 00:19:52.879 --> 00:19:53.319 Who shall 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:54.240 bring any 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:55.059 charge against 00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:56.299 God's elect? 00:19:56.919 --> 00:19:57.899 It is God 00:19:57.899 --> 00:19:59.539 who justifies. 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:01.039 God is 00:20:01.039 --> 00:20:01.720 for us. 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:03.220 Who can 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:04.480 be against 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:04.859 us? 00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:07.059 The third 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:07.519 question he 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:07.799 asks, 00:20:07.879 --> 00:20:09.159 verse 34, 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:11.139 who is 00:20:11.139 --> 00:20:11.859 to condemn? 00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.519 Similar to 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:13.920 the question 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:14.420 he asked 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.159 previously in 00:20:15.159 --> 00:20:16.619 verse 33. 00:20:16.839 --> 00:20:17.039 And he 00:20:17.039 --> 00:20:17.519 answers it, 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:18.240 Christ Jesus 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:18.879 is the one 00:20:18.879 --> 00:20:19.500 who died, 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:20.559 more than 00:20:20.559 --> 00:20:21.019 that who 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:21.579 was raised, 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:22.960 who is at 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:23.259 the right 00:20:23.259 --> 00:20:23.619 hand of 00:20:23.619 --> 00:20:23.859 God, 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:24.240 who is 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:24.879 indeed 00:20:24.879 --> 00:20:26.079 interceding 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:27.419 for us. 00:20:28.599 --> 00:20:29.000 Jesus 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:29.599 Christ was 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:30.439 condemned in 00:20:30.439 --> 00:20:31.159 our place 00:20:31.159 --> 00:20:31.859 and paid 00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:32.399 the penalty 00:20:32.399 --> 00:20:33.559 for our 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:34.159 sin. 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:35.599 He bore 00:20:35.599 --> 00:20:36.539 the eternal 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.480 wrath that 00:20:37.480 --> 00:20:38.379 was justly 00:20:38.379 --> 00:20:39.379 due to 00:20:39.379 --> 00:20:39.740 us. 00:20:40.460 --> 00:20:41.119 This is the 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:41.619 doctrine of 00:20:41.619 --> 00:20:41.899 penal 00:20:41.899 --> 00:20:42.939 substitutionary 00:20:42.939 --> 00:20:43.899 atonement and 00:20:43.899 --> 00:20:44.779 is central 00:20:44.779 --> 00:20:45.759 to the good 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:46.139 news. 00:20:46.399 --> 00:20:47.500 We deserved 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.299 a punishment 00:20:48.299 --> 00:20:49.359 and he took 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:50.339 it on himself 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:51.679 in our 00:20:51.679 --> 00:20:52.720 place. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:53.720 He atoned 00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:54.299 for the wrath 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:54.779 of God 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.680 that was 00:20:55.680 --> 00:20:56.220 due us. 00:20:57.119 --> 00:20:57.799 We will 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:58.259 celebrate 00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:58.879 Christmas 00:20:58.879 --> 00:20:59.779 tomorrow. 00:21:00.919 --> 00:21:01.359 And while 00:21:01.359 --> 00:21:02.119 as we think 00:21:02.119 --> 00:21:02.480 about the 00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:02.940 incarnation, 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:04.579 it is important 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:05.200 to reflect 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:05.700 upon the 00:21:05.700 --> 00:21:06.299 humility 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:07.119 of the 00:21:07.119 --> 00:21:07.599 second part 00:21:07.599 --> 00:21:07.799 of the 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:08.180 Godhead 00:21:08.180 --> 00:21:08.440 in the 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.259 form of 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:09.799 a baby 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:10.799 lying 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:11.680 in a 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.279 feed trough. 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:14.000 We ought 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:15.000 not forget 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.559 why, 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:16.980 though, 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:17.759 he was 00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:18.720 incarnate. 00:21:19.639 --> 00:21:20.220 It is good 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:20.539 to think 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.059 about him 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:21.759 humbly 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.440 coming 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:23.599 as a baby, 00:21:23.599 --> 00:21:23.959 but he 00:21:23.959 --> 00:21:25.500 came for 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.119 a purpose. 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.539 A baby 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:29.699 born as 00:21:29.699 --> 00:21:30.359 a king 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:31.879 to rule 00:21:31.879 --> 00:21:33.099 and to 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:33.480 reign. 00:21:34.139 --> 00:21:34.599 Sometimes I 00:21:34.599 --> 00:21:34.959 think our 00:21:34.959 --> 00:21:35.779 focus gets a 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.419 little shifted 00:21:36.419 --> 00:21:37.619 too heavily 00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:38.299 in one 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.559 direction. 00:21:40.699 --> 00:21:41.079 Remember 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:41.619 Jesus said 00:21:41.619 --> 00:21:41.939 in Mark 00:21:41.939 --> 00:21:42.279 10, 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:43.099 verse 45, 00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:43.500 the Son 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:43.959 of Man 00:21:43.959 --> 00:21:45.480 came not 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:45.819 to be 00:21:45.819 --> 00:21:46.159 served, 00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:46.539 but to 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:47.039 serve and 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:47.659 to give 00:21:47.659 --> 00:21:48.679 his life 00:21:48.679 --> 00:21:49.579 as a 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:49.879 ransom 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:51.240 for many. 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:52.000 Jesus' 00:21:52.380 --> 00:21:54.019 focus was 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.940 fixed on 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:55.519 the purpose 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.120 for which 00:21:56.120 --> 00:21:57.220 he came, 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:58.380 to die 00:21:58.380 --> 00:21:59.339 in our 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:00.380 place. 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:01.519 Jesus Christ 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:01.880 is the 00:22:01.880 --> 00:22:03.059 one who 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:04.000 died. 00:22:04.099 --> 00:22:04.420 However, 00:22:04.779 --> 00:22:05.200 his work 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:05.579 did not 00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:06.339 end there. 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.099 He is 00:22:07.099 --> 00:22:08.299 risen and 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.279 interceding 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:10.700 or praying 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:12.299 for us. 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:13.940 The text 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:14.279 says, 00:22:14.620 --> 00:22:15.180 verse 34, 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:15.880 that Jesus 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.259 is at the 00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:16.880 right hand 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:17.460 of God 00:22:17.460 --> 00:22:18.880 and interceding 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.560 for us. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:20.940 Hebrews 8, 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:21.980 1 states 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:22.800 that we 00:22:22.800 --> 00:22:23.780 have such 00:22:23.780 --> 00:22:24.240 a high 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:24.660 priest, 00:22:24.760 --> 00:22:25.060 one who 00:22:25.060 --> 00:22:25.720 is seated 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:26.040 at the 00:22:26.040 --> 00:22:26.640 right hand 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:27.000 of the 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:27.500 throne 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.440 of the 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:28.940 majesty 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:30.200 in heaven. 00:22:31.340 --> 00:22:31.740 So we 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:32.000 pick up 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:32.540 the detail 00:22:32.540 --> 00:22:32.880 that not 00:22:32.880 --> 00:22:33.260 only is 00:22:33.260 --> 00:22:33.940 Jesus at 00:22:33.940 --> 00:22:34.320 the right 00:22:34.320 --> 00:22:34.740 hand of 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.220 the Father, 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.200 the place 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:37.260 of honor, 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:38.060 the place 00:22:38.060 --> 00:22:39.460 of esteem, 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:40.960 but also 00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:41.900 that he 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:43.260 is seated 00:22:43.260 --> 00:22:43.640 there. 00:22:44.820 --> 00:22:45.100 Jesus 00:22:45.100 --> 00:22:46.140 declared in 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:46.660 his dying 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:47.120 breath, 00:22:47.340 --> 00:22:48.540 it is 00:22:48.539 --> 00:22:50.119 finished. 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:51.460 He has 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:52.259 no need 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:53.000 like the 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:53.259 earthly 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:53.899 priest to 00:22:53.899 --> 00:22:54.299 continually 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:54.619 make 00:22:54.619 --> 00:22:55.159 sacrifice 00:22:55.159 --> 00:22:55.519 because 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:55.799 he 00:22:55.799 --> 00:22:56.379 himself 00:22:56.379 --> 00:22:57.220 was 00:22:57.220 --> 00:22:57.740 that 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.619 sacrifice 00:22:58.619 --> 00:22:59.039 and he 00:22:59.039 --> 00:22:59.460 died 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.359 once 00:23:00.359 --> 00:23:01.559 for all. 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.460 The work 00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:03.319 is completed. 00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:04.460 All that 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:04.920 he was sent 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:05.579 to accomplish 00:23:05.579 --> 00:23:06.720 is guaranteed 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:08.240 by his 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:08.680 death 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.399 and 00:23:09.399 --> 00:23:09.899 resurrection. 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:11.279 It is a 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:12.379 sure 00:23:12.379 --> 00:23:13.279 thing 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:14.759 that all 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:15.019 that he 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:15.539 purchased 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:16.539 in his 00:23:16.539 --> 00:23:16.940 death 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.799 will 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:18.940 come 00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:19.400 to 00:23:19.400 --> 00:23:19.680 believe 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.180 in him 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:20.680 and 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:21.100 will 00:23:21.100 --> 00:23:22.080 persist 00:23:22.080 --> 00:23:23.220 to the 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:23.620 end. 00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:25.460 2 Corinthians 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.180 chapter 1 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:26.580 the first 00:23:26.580 --> 00:23:26.920 part of 00:23:26.920 --> 00:23:27.420 verse 20 00:23:27.420 --> 00:23:27.759 says 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.480 for all 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:29.580 the promises 00:23:29.580 --> 00:23:30.320 of God 00:23:30.320 --> 00:23:31.460 find their 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.160 yes 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:33.039 in 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:34.240 Christ. 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.120 Finished 00:23:36.120 --> 00:23:36.580 work. 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.059 Guaranteed 00:23:38.059 --> 00:23:38.900 result. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:40.380 And Paul 00:23:40.380 --> 00:23:40.900 tells us 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:41.400 as we live 00:23:41.400 --> 00:23:41.680 in this 00:23:41.680 --> 00:23:42.299 age of 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:42.900 already 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:43.980 and not 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:44.360 yet 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:45.279 that 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:45.759 Jesus 00:23:45.759 --> 00:23:46.519 is 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:47.059 praying 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:47.919 for 00:23:47.919 --> 00:23:48.299 us. 00:23:49.439 --> 00:23:49.859 This 00:23:49.859 --> 00:23:50.379 is just 00:23:50.379 --> 00:23:50.899 an 00:23:50.899 --> 00:23:51.799 unfathomable 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:52.119 depth. 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:52.819 I don't 00:23:52.819 --> 00:23:53.699 have much 00:23:53.699 --> 00:23:54.159 to say 00:23:54.159 --> 00:23:55.119 about it. 00:23:55.719 --> 00:23:55.979 He's 00:23:55.979 --> 00:23:56.299 told us 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:56.759 previously 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.099 in this 00:23:57.099 --> 00:23:57.339 chapter 00:23:57.339 --> 00:23:57.719 that the 00:23:57.719 --> 00:23:58.059 Spirit 00:23:58.059 --> 00:23:58.559 intercedes 00:23:58.559 --> 00:23:59.000 for us 00:23:59.000 --> 00:23:59.699 and now 00:23:59.699 --> 00:23:59.899 that 00:23:59.899 --> 00:24:00.279 Christ 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:00.799 Jesus 00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:01.819 intercedes 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:02.599 for us. 00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:03.000 What 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:03.959 glorious 00:24:03.959 --> 00:24:04.779 truths 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:05.679 these are. 00:24:06.399 --> 00:24:07.019 As we 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:07.639 walk in 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:07.899 this 00:24:07.899 --> 00:24:08.439 difficult 00:24:08.439 --> 00:24:08.879 life 00:24:08.879 --> 00:24:09.240 and it 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:09.519 is 00:24:09.519 --> 00:24:10.059 surely 00:24:10.059 --> 00:24:11.019 difficult 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.119 we 00:24:12.119 --> 00:24:12.259 should 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:12.440 be 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.079 comforted 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:14.359 that 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:14.519 the 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:15.200 Godhead 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:16.279 prays 00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:17.460 for us 00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:18.599 works 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:19.200 on our 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:19.740 behalf 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:21.200 for what 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:21.680 purpose 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:23.519 that our 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:23.879 holiness 00:24:23.879 --> 00:24:24.379 would bring 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:24.799 about the 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:25.200 praise 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:26.799 of Christ. 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:28.139 He is 00:24:28.139 --> 00:24:28.940 with us 00:24:28.940 --> 00:24:29.980 and he 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:30.480 is for 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:30.940 us. 00:24:31.639 --> 00:24:32.299 If God 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:32.660 is for 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:33.019 us 00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:34.039 who 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:34.200 could 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:34.539 be 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.460 against 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:35.920 us? 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:38.019 The 00:24:38.019 --> 00:24:38.259 fourth 00:24:38.259 --> 00:24:38.720 and last 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.639 question 00:24:39.639 --> 00:24:39.940 that he 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:40.420 asks 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.400 verse 00:24:41.400 --> 00:24:41.960 35 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:43.039 who 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.400 shall 00:24:43.400 --> 00:24:43.960 separate 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:44.539 us 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:45.320 from 00:24:45.320 --> 00:24:45.519 the 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:45.960 love 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:47.080 of 00:24:47.080 --> 00:24:47.440 Christ? 00:24:48.600 --> 00:24:49.160 Paul's 00:24:49.160 --> 00:24:49.560 answer 00:24:49.560 --> 00:24:49.920 to this 00:24:49.920 --> 00:24:50.279 question 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:50.759 also 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:51.259 implies 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.580 or 00:24:51.580 --> 00:24:52.019 what 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:52.340 shall 00:24:52.340 --> 00:24:52.740 separate 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.160 us 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:53.740 from 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:53.900 the 00:24:53.900 --> 00:24:54.259 love 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:55.120 of 00:24:55.120 --> 00:24:55.480 Christ? 00:24:55.560 --> 00:24:55.680 And 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.019 his 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:57.140 emphatic 00:24:57.140 --> 00:24:57.700 answer 00:24:57.700 --> 00:24:58.380 is 00:24:58.380 --> 00:24:59.779 nothing. 00:25:00.560 --> 00:25:01.279 Nothing. 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:03.000 Shall 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.720 tribulation 00:25:03.720 --> 00:25:05.060 or 00:25:05.060 --> 00:25:05.700 distress 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:06.740 or 00:25:06.740 --> 00:25:07.380 persecution 00:25:07.380 --> 00:25:08.440 or 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:08.960 famine 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:09.660 or 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:10.340 nakedness 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:10.599 or 00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:11.199 danger 00:25:11.199 --> 00:25:11.619 or 00:25:11.619 --> 00:25:12.379 sword? 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.579 As it 00:25:13.579 --> 00:25:13.699 is 00:25:13.699 --> 00:25:13.980 written, 00:25:14.339 --> 00:25:14.799 for 00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:15.039 your 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:15.379 sake 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:15.539 we 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:15.639 are 00:25:15.639 --> 00:25:15.819 being 00:25:15.819 --> 00:25:16.220 killed 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:16.699 all 00:25:16.699 --> 00:25:16.879 the 00:25:16.879 --> 00:25:17.039 day 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.399 long. 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:18.019 We 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:18.159 are 00:25:18.159 --> 00:25:18.599 regarded 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:19.240 as 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:20.179 sheep 00:25:20.179 --> 00:25:21.339 to be 00:25:21.339 --> 00:25:22.959 slaughtered. 00:25:23.619 --> 00:25:23.819 Shall 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:24.179 all of 00:25:24.179 --> 00:25:24.299 the 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:24.679 trouble 00:25:24.679 --> 00:25:25.240 that 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:25.419 this 00:25:25.419 --> 00:25:25.720 world 00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:26.119 can 00:25:26.119 --> 00:25:26.359 throw 00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:26.519 at 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:26.799 us 00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:27.279 separate 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:27.799 us 00:25:27.799 --> 00:25:28.319 from 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:28.480 the 00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:28.859 love 00:25:28.859 --> 00:25:29.619 of 00:25:29.619 --> 00:25:30.019 Christ? 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:30.759 And 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:30.859 he 00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:31.000 does 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:31.159 this 00:25:31.159 --> 00:25:31.379 very 00:25:31.379 --> 00:25:31.839 interesting 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:32.220 thing 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:32.379 in 00:25:32.379 --> 00:25:32.579 verse 00:25:32.579 --> 00:25:33.039 36. 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:33.439 He 00:25:33.439 --> 00:25:33.899 cites 00:25:33.899 --> 00:25:34.419 Psalm 00:25:34.419 --> 00:25:35.319 44 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:36.099 and 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:36.480 verse 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:37.740 22. 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:39.380 And 00:25:39.380 --> 00:25:39.519 it 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.099 feels 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:40.579 upon 00:25:40.579 --> 00:25:40.859 first 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:41.120 reading 00:25:41.120 --> 00:25:41.380 it 00:25:41.380 --> 00:25:41.680 like 00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:41.920 an 00:25:41.920 --> 00:25:42.960 unnecessary 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:43.799 assertion. 00:25:44.380 --> 00:25:44.579 It 00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:44.859 feels 00:25:44.859 --> 00:25:45.299 as if 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:46.240 Paul 00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:46.579 under the 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:46.920 inspiration 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:47.140 of the 00:25:47.140 --> 00:25:47.359 Spirit 00:25:47.359 --> 00:25:47.920 feels 00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:48.079 like 00:25:48.079 --> 00:25:48.200 he 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:48.500 needs 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:48.640 to 00:25:48.640 --> 00:25:48.839 prove 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.180 himself 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.500 from 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:50.099 the 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.240 Old 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:50.579 Testament 00:25:50.579 --> 00:25:50.940 as we 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:51.140 often 00:25:51.140 --> 00:25:51.319 do 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:51.599 in our 00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:52.240 preaching. 00:25:52.420 --> 00:25:52.460 We 00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:52.960 draw on 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.279 text 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:53.640 to say 00:25:53.640 --> 00:25:53.819 this 00:25:53.819 --> 00:25:54.000 thing 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.140 I'm 00:25:54.140 --> 00:25:54.359 saying 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:54.519 to 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:54.640 you 00:25:54.640 --> 00:25:54.759 is 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:54.960 not 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.339 a 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:55.579 crazy 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:55.859 thing. 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:56.079 Look 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:56.319 here 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:56.440 it 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:56.700 is 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:57.640 in 00:25:57.640 --> 00:25:57.759 the 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.059 Bible. 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:00.120 I 00:26:00.120 --> 00:26:00.279 think 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:00.559 Paul 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:01.079 felt 00:26:01.079 --> 00:26:01.220 the 00:26:01.220 --> 00:26:01.460 need 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:01.680 to 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:01.819 do 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:02.059 that 00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:02.220 to 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:02.680 prove 00:26:02.680 --> 00:26:02.680 00:26:02.680 --> 00:26:03.160 himself 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:04.080 from 00:26:04.080 --> 00:26:04.220 the 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:04.480 Old 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:05.299 Testament 00:26:05.299 --> 00:26:05.720 text. 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:05.980 So he 00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:06.279 must be 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:06.539 doing 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.340 something 00:26:07.340 --> 00:26:08.380 more 00:26:08.380 --> 00:26:08.860 interesting 00:26:08.860 --> 00:26:09.759 than that. 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:10.400 So join 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:10.620 me if 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:10.920 you will 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:11.660 in 00:26:11.660 --> 00:26:12.060 Psalm 00:26:12.060 --> 00:26:13.680 44. 00:26:16.120 --> 00:26:16.640 While 00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:16.799 you're 00:26:16.799 --> 00:26:17.100 getting there 00:26:17.100 --> 00:26:17.360 I'm just 00:26:17.360 --> 00:26:17.620 going to 00:26:17.620 --> 00:26:18.360 tell you 00:26:18.360 --> 00:26:18.799 that in 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.080 verses 00:26:19.080 --> 00:26:20.380 1-8 00:26:20.380 --> 00:26:20.680 the 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:21.360 psalmist 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:22.180 recounts 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:22.900 the past 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:23.560 glories 00:26:23.560 --> 00:26:24.060 of 00:26:24.060 --> 00:26:24.880 Israel's 00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:25.600 history. 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:26.039 The way 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:26.259 that 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:26.860 God 00:26:26.860 --> 00:26:27.080 had 00:26:27.080 --> 00:26:27.560 worked 00:26:27.560 --> 00:26:28.039 on 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:29.160 behalf 00:26:29.160 --> 00:26:29.360 of 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:29.700 Israel. 00:26:30.360 --> 00:26:30.519 Verse 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:31.039 1 says 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:33.319 O 00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:31.759 God we 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:31.920 have 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:32.279 heard 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:32.460 with 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:32.599 our 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.019 ears 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.619 our 00:26:33.619 --> 00:26:34.180 fathers 00:26:34.180 --> 00:26:34.420 have 00:26:34.420 --> 00:26:34.759 told 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:34.960 us 00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:35.200 what 00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:35.680 deeds 00:26:35.680 --> 00:26:35.879 you 00:26:35.879 --> 00:26:36.500 performed 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:36.879 in 00:26:36.879 --> 00:26:37.159 their 00:26:37.159 --> 00:26:37.799 days 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.379 in 00:26:38.379 --> 00:26:38.539 the 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:39.159 days 00:26:39.159 --> 00:26:40.099 of 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:40.440 old. 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:41.480 He 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:41.839 reaches 00:26:41.839 --> 00:26:42.299 back 00:26:42.299 --> 00:26:42.680 the 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:42.960 psalmist 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:43.319 does 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.579 to the 00:26:44.579 --> 00:26:44.920 history 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:45.200 of the 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:45.359 way 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:45.519 that 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:45.740 God 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:45.899 had 00:26:45.899 --> 00:26:46.220 worked 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:47.579 amongst 00:26:47.579 --> 00:26:47.740 his 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.079 people 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:48.279 but 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:48.539 then 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:49.099 beginning 00:26:49.099 --> 00:26:49.299 in 00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:49.500 verse 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:49.920 9 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:50.180 he 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:51.039 laments 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:51.720 Israel's 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:52.159 present 00:26:52.159 --> 00:26:52.639 state 00:26:52.639 --> 00:26:52.839 and 00:26:52.839 --> 00:26:53.519 declares 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:54.399 that 00:26:54.399 --> 00:26:54.839 Israel 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:55.220 God's 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:55.500 people 00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:55.680 had 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:55.879 not 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:56.460 forgotten 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:56.460 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:56.920 God 00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.200 or 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:58.039 turned 00:26:58.039 --> 00:26:59.039 away 00:26:59.039 --> 00:26:59.299 from 00:26:59.299 --> 00:26:59.599 him. 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:01.019 And then 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:01.299 he says 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:01.500 in 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:02.319 verse 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:03.019 22 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:03.759 this is 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:03.879 what 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:04.079 Paul 00:27:04.079 --> 00:27:04.419 cites 00:27:04.419 --> 00:27:04.619 in 00:27:04.619 --> 00:27:04.899 Romans 00:27:04.899 --> 00:27:05.240 8 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:05.839 yet 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:05.980 for 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:06.139 your 00:27:06.139 --> 00:27:06.399 sake 00:27:06.399 --> 00:27:06.539 we 00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:06.679 are 00:27:06.679 --> 00:27:07.119 killed 00:27:07.119 --> 00:27:07.599 all 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:07.819 the 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:08.019 day 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:08.459 long 00:27:08.459 --> 00:27:08.980 we 00:27:08.980 --> 00:27:09.119 are 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:09.519 regarded 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:09.959 as 00:27:09.959 --> 00:27:10.319 sheep 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:11.399 to be 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:12.139 slaughtered. 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:12.880 we 00:27:12.880 --> 00:27:12.880 00:27:12.880 --> 00:27:13.060 have 00:27:13.060 --> 00:27:13.720 been 00:27:13.720 --> 00:27:14.160 faithful 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:14.440 to 00:27:14.440 --> 00:27:14.700 you 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:14.940 and 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.300 yet 00:27:15.300 --> 00:27:16.180 it 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:16.500 seems 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:16.660 that 00:27:16.660 --> 00:27:16.759 you 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:16.920 have 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:17.820 forgotten 00:27:17.820 --> 00:27:18.240 us 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:18.520 because 00:27:18.520 --> 00:27:18.740 we 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:18.860 are 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:19.180 being 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:20.100 killed 00:27:20.100 --> 00:27:20.460 like 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:21.020 sheep. 00:27:22.420 --> 00:27:22.580 You 00:27:22.580 --> 00:27:22.759 see 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.620 Paul 00:27:23.620 --> 00:27:24.000 cites 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:24.220 this 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:24.480 verse 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:24.680 to 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.280 explain 00:27:25.280 --> 00:27:25.600 the 00:27:25.600 --> 00:27:26.100 present 00:27:26.100 --> 00:27:26.700 state 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.620 of 00:27:27.620 --> 00:27:27.740 the 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:28.060 faithful. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:29.580 Those 00:27:29.580 --> 00:27:29.759 who 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:29.940 were 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.680 familiar 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:30.940 with 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.220 Psalm 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:32.080 44 00:27:32.080 --> 00:27:32.460 would 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:32.600 have 00:27:32.600 --> 00:27:33.160 understood 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:33.480 the 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:33.880 lament 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:34.259 of 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:34.960 the 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:35.540 psalmist. 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:36.320 We 00:27:36.320 --> 00:27:36.500 will 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.180 experience 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:38.340 tribulation 00:27:38.340 --> 00:27:38.680 and 00:27:38.680 --> 00:27:39.140 distress 00:27:39.140 --> 00:27:39.600 and 00:27:39.600 --> 00:27:40.080 persecution 00:27:40.080 --> 00:27:40.640 and 00:27:40.640 --> 00:27:41.420 possibly 00:27:41.420 --> 00:27:41.840 famine 00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:42.099 or 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:43.099 destitution 00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:43.419 or 00:27:43.419 --> 00:27:44.419 danger 00:27:44.419 --> 00:27:45.679 or 00:27:45.679 --> 00:27:46.220 sword. 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:47.859 But then 00:27:47.859 --> 00:27:48.000 the 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:48.339 psalmist 00:27:48.339 --> 00:27:48.559 in 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:48.839 Psalm 00:27:48.839 --> 00:27:49.500 44 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:49.899 goes 00:27:49.899 --> 00:27:50.339 on. 00:27:51.419 --> 00:27:52.039 Awake! 00:27:52.699 --> 00:27:53.419 Why are 00:27:53.419 --> 00:27:53.559 you 00:27:53.559 --> 00:27:54.019 sleeping, 00:27:54.199 --> 00:27:54.599 O Lord? 00:27:55.159 --> 00:27:55.599 Rouse 00:27:55.599 --> 00:27:56.079 yourself. 00:27:56.199 --> 00:27:56.519 Do not 00:27:56.519 --> 00:27:57.259 reject us 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:57.659 forever. 00:27:58.599 --> 00:27:59.139 Why do 00:27:59.139 --> 00:27:59.559 you hide 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.299 your face? 00:28:00.699 --> 00:28:01.059 Why do 00:28:01.059 --> 00:28:01.720 you forget 00:28:01.720 --> 00:28:02.119 our 00:28:02.119 --> 00:28:02.699 affliction 00:28:02.699 --> 00:28:03.599 and 00:28:03.599 --> 00:28:04.059 oppression? 00:28:05.139 --> 00:28:05.379 For 00:28:05.379 --> 00:28:05.879 our soul 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.279 is bound 00:28:06.279 --> 00:28:06.819 down to 00:28:06.819 --> 00:28:07.279 the dust. 00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:07.519 Our 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:07.899 belly 00:28:07.899 --> 00:28:08.639 clings 00:28:08.639 --> 00:28:08.919 to the 00:28:08.919 --> 00:28:09.299 ground. 00:28:09.799 --> 00:28:10.079 Rise 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.339 up. 00:28:10.439 --> 00:28:10.619 Come 00:28:10.619 --> 00:28:11.019 to our 00:28:11.019 --> 00:28:11.339 help. 00:28:11.339 --> 00:28:12.059 redeem 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:12.699 us 00:28:12.699 --> 00:28:13.439 for the 00:28:13.439 --> 00:28:13.859 sake 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:14.679 of 00:28:14.679 --> 00:28:14.839 your 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:15.579 steadfast 00:28:15.579 --> 00:28:16.799 love. 00:28:18.139 --> 00:28:18.480 Now we 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:19.039 probably, 00:28:19.619 --> 00:28:19.939 when we 00:28:19.939 --> 00:28:20.339 read 00:28:20.339 --> 00:28:21.119 Romans 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:21.399 chapter 00:28:21.399 --> 00:28:21.859 8, 00:28:22.339 --> 00:28:22.599 and Paul 00:28:22.599 --> 00:28:23.119 cites 00:28:23.119 --> 00:28:24.759 Psalm 00:28:24.759 --> 00:28:25.399 44 00:28:25.399 --> 00:28:26.119 verse 22, 00:28:26.359 --> 00:28:26.639 don't have 00:28:26.639 --> 00:28:27.019 our minds 00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:27.699 drawn to 00:28:27.699 --> 00:28:28.339 the context 00:28:28.339 --> 00:28:29.359 the way 00:28:29.359 --> 00:28:30.579 his original 00:28:30.579 --> 00:28:31.159 readers were. 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:31.519 We've got to 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:31.919 do a little 00:28:31.919 --> 00:28:32.959 more work, 00:28:33.079 --> 00:28:33.839 and I'm 00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:34.159 doing that 00:28:34.159 --> 00:28:34.599 work for 00:28:34.599 --> 00:28:35.240 you at 00:28:35.240 --> 00:28:35.740 the moment 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:36.879 this 00:28:36.879 --> 00:28:37.259 morning. 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:38.759 Do you 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:39.740 see what 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.140 Paul is 00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:40.720 doing by 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:41.120 citing 00:28:41.120 --> 00:28:41.599 Psalm 00:28:41.599 --> 00:28:42.440 44 00:28:42.440 --> 00:28:43.720 22. 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.559 Paul is 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:45.880 stating, 00:28:46.099 --> 00:28:46.779 under the 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:47.500 inspiration of 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:47.960 the Spirit, 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:49.400 that God 00:28:49.400 --> 00:28:51.299 has come 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:52.400 to our 00:28:52.400 --> 00:28:52.759 help. 00:28:53.640 --> 00:28:54.440 He has 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.940 redeemed us, 00:28:56.140 --> 00:28:56.759 and he has 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:57.640 done so 00:28:57.640 --> 00:28:58.920 because of 00:28:58.920 --> 00:29:00.039 his steadfast 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:01.400 love. 00:29:02.180 --> 00:29:02.799 See that 00:29:02.799 --> 00:29:03.200 connection 00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:03.539 there? 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.519 So you 00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:05.460 find yourself 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:06.360 in a 00:29:06.360 --> 00:29:06.900 moment in 00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:07.460 your life 00:29:07.460 --> 00:29:08.500 feeling as 00:29:08.500 --> 00:29:09.100 the psalmist 00:29:09.100 --> 00:29:09.579 of Psalm 00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:10.920 44 feels. 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.220 Why are you 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:12.740 sleeping, 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:13.440 O Lord? 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:14.480 Where are 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:14.740 you? 00:29:14.900 --> 00:29:15.240 Have you 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:16.079 rejected me? 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:16.740 What's 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:17.500 going on? 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.779 You feel 00:29:18.779 --> 00:29:19.880 like you're 00:29:19.880 --> 00:29:20.319 a sheep 00:29:20.319 --> 00:29:21.120 to be 00:29:21.120 --> 00:29:22.380 slaughtered. 00:29:22.559 --> 00:29:23.420 You feel 00:29:23.420 --> 00:29:23.960 like you've 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:25.180 been separated 00:29:25.180 --> 00:29:26.620 from the 00:29:26.620 --> 00:29:27.559 love of 00:29:27.559 --> 00:29:27.900 God. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:28.960 Paul 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:29.620 says, 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:30.819 no. 00:29:31.940 --> 00:29:32.240 Our 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:33.160 circumstances 00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:33.900 may not 00:29:33.900 --> 00:29:34.519 be 00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:35.740 temporally 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:36.600 pleasant, 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:37.580 but we 00:29:37.580 --> 00:29:38.320 are 00:29:38.320 --> 00:29:39.620 eternally 00:29:39.620 --> 00:29:40.980 blessed. 00:29:41.660 --> 00:29:42.440 Verse 37, 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:43.420 no, 00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:44.560 in all 00:29:44.560 --> 00:29:45.800 these things 00:29:45.800 --> 00:29:46.840 we are 00:29:46.840 --> 00:29:47.700 more than 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.380 conquerors 00:29:48.380 --> 00:29:48.580 through 00:29:48.580 --> 00:29:49.019 him 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:50.080 who 00:29:50.080 --> 00:29:50.360 loved 00:29:50.360 --> 00:29:50.820 us. 00:29:51.860 --> 00:29:52.660 Despite 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:53.640 everything 00:29:53.640 --> 00:29:54.519 going on 00:29:54.519 --> 00:29:55.259 in the 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:55.720 already 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:56.240 and the 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:56.540 not 00:29:56.540 --> 00:29:57.140 yet, 00:29:57.480 --> 00:29:58.120 we are 00:29:58.120 --> 00:29:59.019 more 00:29:59.019 --> 00:29:59.880 than 00:29:59.880 --> 00:30:00.519 conquerors. 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:01.240 It is a 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:01.820 guaranteed 00:30:01.820 --> 00:30:02.840 thing. 00:30:03.160 --> 00:30:03.400 That we 00:30:03.400 --> 00:30:03.519 will 00:30:03.519 --> 00:30:04.000 receive 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:04.420 the 00:30:04.420 --> 00:30:04.779 blessing 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:05.220 that 00:30:05.220 --> 00:30:05.560 awaits 00:30:05.560 --> 00:30:05.820 us. 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:06.160 This 00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:06.840 glory 00:30:06.840 --> 00:30:07.259 that 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:07.640 we 00:30:07.640 --> 00:30:08.480 groan 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:08.940 for 00:30:08.940 --> 00:30:09.560 because 00:30:09.560 --> 00:30:11.080 if 00:30:11.080 --> 00:30:11.259 God 00:30:11.259 --> 00:30:11.380 is 00:30:11.380 --> 00:30:11.600 for 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:11.960 us, 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:13.660 who 00:30:13.660 --> 00:30:13.800 can 00:30:13.800 --> 00:30:13.960 be 00:30:13.960 --> 00:30:14.220 against 00:30:14.220 --> 00:30:14.620 us? 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:16.019 Verse 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.500 38, 00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:17.440 for I 00:30:17.440 --> 00:30:17.580 am 00:30:17.580 --> 00:30:17.900 sure, 00:30:17.960 --> 00:30:18.100 and I 00:30:18.100 --> 00:30:18.240 just 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:18.500 love 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:18.700 these 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:19.620 sweeping 00:30:19.620 --> 00:30:20.180 comments. 00:30:20.220 --> 00:30:20.380 That's 00:30:20.380 --> 00:30:20.840 what Paul 00:30:20.840 --> 00:30:21.200 is doing 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:21.460 here. 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:21.860 He 00:30:21.860 --> 00:30:22.000 is 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:22.180 just 00:30:22.180 --> 00:30:22.480 trying 00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:22.680 to 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:23.360 encapsulate 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:23.980 every 00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:24.740 possible 00:30:24.740 --> 00:30:25.200 thing 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:25.600 that 00:30:25.600 --> 00:30:25.779 might 00:30:25.779 --> 00:30:25.980 come 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:26.180 into 00:30:26.180 --> 00:30:26.400 your 00:30:26.400 --> 00:30:26.860 mind, 00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:27.240 that 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:27.460 might 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:27.940 separate 00:30:27.940 --> 00:30:28.240 you 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:28.400 from 00:30:28.400 --> 00:30:28.540 the 00:30:28.540 --> 00:30:28.680 love 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:28.800 of 00:30:28.800 --> 00:30:29.100 God 00:30:29.100 --> 00:30:29.519 in 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:29.740 Christ 00:30:29.740 --> 00:30:30.019 Jesus 00:30:30.019 --> 00:30:30.380 our 00:30:30.380 --> 00:30:30.620 Lord. 00:30:30.820 --> 00:30:31.000 He 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:31.280 says, 00:30:31.520 --> 00:30:31.620 I 00:30:31.620 --> 00:30:31.780 am 00:30:31.780 --> 00:30:32.280 sure 00:30:32.280 --> 00:30:33.080 that 00:30:33.080 --> 00:30:33.300 neither 00:30:33.300 --> 00:30:33.720 death 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:33.920 nor 00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:34.360 life, 00:30:34.880 --> 00:30:35.140 nor 00:30:35.140 --> 00:30:35.600 angels 00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:35.880 nor 00:30:35.880 --> 00:30:36.200 rulers, 00:30:36.320 --> 00:30:36.420 nor 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:36.740 things 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.200 present, 00:30:37.320 --> 00:30:37.480 nor 00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:37.880 things 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:38.100 to 00:30:38.100 --> 00:30:38.460 come, 00:30:38.760 --> 00:30:38.980 nor 00:30:38.980 --> 00:30:39.520 powers, 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.000 nor 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:40.420 height, 00:30:40.700 --> 00:30:40.840 nor 00:30:40.840 --> 00:30:41.300 depth, 00:30:41.520 --> 00:30:41.740 nor 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.180 anything 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:42.640 else 00:30:42.640 --> 00:30:42.940 in 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.360 all 00:30:43.360 --> 00:30:44.260 creation 00:30:44.260 --> 00:30:44.820 will 00:30:44.820 --> 00:30:44.920 be 00:30:44.920 --> 00:30:45.040 able 00:30:45.040 --> 00:30:45.200 to 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:45.560 separate 00:30:45.560 --> 00:30:45.980 us 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.440 from 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:46.620 the 00:30:46.620 --> 00:30:46.760 love 00:30:46.760 --> 00:30:46.920 of 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:47.340 God 00:30:47.340 --> 00:30:47.820 in 00:30:47.820 --> 00:30:48.100 Christ 00:30:48.100 --> 00:30:48.620 Jesus 00:30:48.620 --> 00:30:49.800 our 00:30:49.800 --> 00:30:50.100 Lord. 00:30:52.100 --> 00:30:52.900 So 00:30:52.900 --> 00:30:53.180 good. 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:55.740 Charles 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.180 Spurgeon 00:30:56.180 --> 00:30:57.240 once 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:57.520 said, 00:30:57.660 --> 00:30:57.980 God's 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:58.380 children 00:30:58.380 --> 00:30:59.120 are 00:30:59.120 --> 00:30:59.640 God's 00:30:59.640 --> 00:31:00.020 children 00:31:00.019 --> 00:31:00.740 anywhere 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:01.660 and 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:02.240 everywhere 00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:03.059 and 00:31:03.059 --> 00:31:03.279 shall 00:31:03.279 --> 00:31:03.619 be 00:31:03.619 --> 00:31:04.279 even 00:31:04.279 --> 00:31:04.940 unto 00:31:04.940 --> 00:31:05.139 the 00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:05.480 end. 00:31:06.339 --> 00:31:06.660 Nothing 00:31:06.660 --> 00:31:07.139 can 00:31:07.139 --> 00:31:07.460 sever 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:07.799 that 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:08.240 sacred 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:08.740 tie 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:09.319 or 00:31:09.319 --> 00:31:09.759 divide 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:10.240 us 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:11.700 from 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:11.879 his 00:31:11.879 --> 00:31:12.220 heart. 00:31:13.420 --> 00:31:13.819 If 00:31:13.819 --> 00:31:14.279 God 00:31:14.279 --> 00:31:14.740 is 00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:15.579 for 00:31:15.579 --> 00:31:16.000 us, 00:31:16.599 --> 00:31:17.039 who 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:17.859 can 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:18.220 be 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:19.460 against 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:19.900 us? 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.720 Romans 00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:22.519 8 is 00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:23.019 such 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.420 a 00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:24.079 precious 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:24.900 chapter 00:31:24.900 --> 00:31:25.700 in 00:31:25.700 --> 00:31:25.819 the 00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:26.079 Bible. 00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:27.460 Some 00:31:27.460 --> 00:31:27.639 have 00:31:27.639 --> 00:31:28.019 argued 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:29.079 the 00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:29.359 book of 00:31:29.359 --> 00:31:29.799 Romans is 00:31:29.799 --> 00:31:29.939 the 00:31:29.939 --> 00:31:30.159 most 00:31:30.159 --> 00:31:30.619 important 00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:31.399 book 00:31:31.399 --> 00:31:32.119 of the 00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:32.419 Bible. 00:31:32.979 --> 00:31:33.339 That 00:31:33.339 --> 00:31:33.619 it's 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:34.459 the 00:31:34.459 --> 00:31:34.839 hinge 00:31:34.839 --> 00:31:35.219 on which 00:31:35.219 --> 00:31:35.740 all of 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:35.839 the 00:31:35.839 --> 00:31:36.179 truths 00:31:36.179 --> 00:31:36.379 of 00:31:36.379 --> 00:31:36.699 Scripture 00:31:36.699 --> 00:31:37.639 swing 00:31:37.639 --> 00:31:37.899 and 00:31:37.899 --> 00:31:38.079 that 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:38.439 Romans 00:31:38.439 --> 00:31:38.859 chapter 00:31:38.859 --> 00:31:39.240 8 00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:39.459 is 00:31:39.459 --> 00:31:39.679 the 00:31:39.679 --> 00:31:40.119 spindle, 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:40.339 which 00:31:40.339 --> 00:31:40.439 is 00:31:40.439 --> 00:31:40.599 that 00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:40.759 little 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:41.019 thing 00:31:41.019 --> 00:31:41.159 that 00:31:41.159 --> 00:31:41.299 goes 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:41.459 down 00:31:41.459 --> 00:31:41.579 the 00:31:41.579 --> 00:31:41.699 middle 00:31:41.699 --> 00:31:41.799 of 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:41.879 a 00:31:41.879 --> 00:31:42.199 hinge 00:31:42.199 --> 00:31:43.059 that 00:31:43.059 --> 00:31:43.419 holds 00:31:43.419 --> 00:31:43.619 it 00:31:43.619 --> 00:31:44.079 all 00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:45.139 together. 00:31:45.879 --> 00:31:46.099 I 00:31:46.099 --> 00:31:46.240 hope 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:46.319 you 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:46.799 don't 00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:47.379 underestimate 00:31:47.379 --> 00:31:47.719 the 00:31:47.719 --> 00:31:48.419 significance 00:31:48.419 --> 00:31:49.299 of 00:31:49.299 --> 00:31:49.579 Romans 00:31:49.579 --> 00:31:49.899 chapter 00:31:49.899 --> 00:31:50.199 8, 00:31:50.419 --> 00:31:51.019 especially 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:51.299 what 00:31:51.299 --> 00:31:51.519 Paul 00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:51.679 is 00:31:51.679 --> 00:31:52.099 arguing 00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:52.719 from 00:31:52.719 --> 00:31:52.979 verse 00:31:52.979 --> 00:31:53.659 28 00:31:53.659 --> 00:31:54.199 and to 00:31:54.199 --> 00:31:54.339 the 00:31:54.339 --> 00:31:54.699 end 00:31:54.700 --> 00:31:55.460 of 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:55.580 the 00:31:55.580 --> 00:31:55.980 chapter. 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:57.220 It's 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:59.039 core to 00:31:59.039 --> 00:31:59.640 what he's 00:31:59.640 --> 00:32:00.600 teaching us 00:32:00.600 --> 00:32:01.680 in this 00:32:01.680 --> 00:32:02.360 book and 00:32:02.360 --> 00:32:02.600 we're going 00:32:02.600 --> 00:32:03.019 to work on 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:03.759 unpacking it 00:32:03.759 --> 00:32:05.440 further in 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:05.880 the next 00:32:05.880 --> 00:32:06.620 year. 00:32:07.340 --> 00:32:08.059 Before I 00:32:08.059 --> 00:32:08.799 conclude today 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.620 and pray for 00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:10.819 us, I 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:11.180 just want to 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:11.559 read the end 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:12.039 of the chapter 00:32:12.039 --> 00:32:12.759 again. 00:32:13.319 --> 00:32:14.019 It brings me 00:32:14.019 --> 00:32:14.680 such joy 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:15.600 to read it. 00:32:15.640 --> 00:32:15.860 I'm going to 00:32:15.860 --> 00:32:16.220 start in 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:17.500 verse 28, 00:32:18.180 --> 00:32:18.660 read to the 00:32:18.660 --> 00:32:18.920 end, 00:32:19.140 --> 00:32:19.720 and pray 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:20.319 on our 00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:20.720 behalf. 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:22.860 And we 00:32:22.860 --> 00:32:23.759 know 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:25.480 that for 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:26.019 those who 00:32:26.019 --> 00:32:26.600 love God, 00:32:26.799 --> 00:32:27.700 all things 00:32:27.700 --> 00:32:28.559 work together 00:32:28.559 --> 00:32:30.039 for good, 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:30.960 for those 00:32:30.960 --> 00:32:31.440 who are 00:32:31.440 --> 00:32:31.700 called 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.200 according to 00:32:32.200 --> 00:32:32.759 his purpose. 00:32:33.539 --> 00:32:34.220 For those 00:32:34.220 --> 00:32:34.519 whom he 00:32:34.519 --> 00:32:34.940 foreknew, 00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:35.480 he also 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:36.160 predestined 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:36.420 to be 00:32:36.420 --> 00:32:37.000 conformed 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:37.200 to the 00:32:37.200 --> 00:32:37.640 image of 00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:38.100 his son, 00:32:38.160 --> 00:32:38.660 in order 00:32:38.660 --> 00:32:39.000 that he 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:39.360 might be 00:32:39.360 --> 00:32:39.900 the first 00:32:39.900 --> 00:32:41.039 born among 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.339 many 00:32:41.339 --> 00:32:41.720 brothers. 00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:43.240 And those 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:43.480 whom he 00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:44.039 predestined, 00:32:44.220 --> 00:32:44.779 he also 00:32:44.779 --> 00:32:45.259 called. 00:32:45.880 --> 00:32:46.140 And those 00:32:46.140 --> 00:32:46.360 whom he 00:32:46.360 --> 00:32:46.700 called, 00:32:46.779 --> 00:32:47.140 he also 00:32:47.140 --> 00:32:47.740 justified. 00:32:48.279 --> 00:32:48.700 And those 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:48.960 whom he 00:32:48.960 --> 00:32:49.440 justified, 00:32:49.440 --> 00:32:50.220 he also 00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:51.519 glorified. 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:53.019 What then 00:32:53.019 --> 00:32:53.360 shall we 00:32:53.360 --> 00:32:53.980 say to 00:32:53.980 --> 00:32:54.180 these 00:32:54.180 --> 00:32:54.620 things? 00:32:55.420 --> 00:32:55.980 If God 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:56.340 is for 00:32:56.340 --> 00:32:56.660 us, 00:32:57.299 --> 00:32:57.660 who can 00:32:57.660 --> 00:32:58.100 be against 00:32:58.100 --> 00:32:58.460 us? 00:32:59.340 --> 00:32:59.779 He did not 00:32:59.779 --> 00:33:00.299 spare his 00:33:00.299 --> 00:33:00.700 own son, 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.100 but gave 00:33:01.100 --> 00:33:01.400 him up 00:33:01.400 --> 00:33:01.660 for us 00:33:01.660 --> 00:33:01.860 all. 00:33:01.940 --> 00:33:02.220 How will 00:33:02.220 --> 00:33:02.500 we not 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:03.259 also with 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:03.960 him graciously 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:04.500 give us 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:05.840 all things? 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:07.360 Who shall 00:33:07.360 --> 00:33:07.820 bring any 00:33:07.820 --> 00:33:08.519 charge against 00:33:08.519 --> 00:33:09.200 God's elect? 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:10.299 It is God 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.019 who justifies. 00:33:12.039 --> 00:33:12.539 Who is to 00:33:12.539 --> 00:33:12.960 condemn? 00:33:13.620 --> 00:33:14.200 Christ Jesus 00:33:14.200 --> 00:33:14.620 is the one 00:33:14.620 --> 00:33:15.039 who died, 00:33:15.120 --> 00:33:15.519 more than 00:33:15.519 --> 00:33:15.900 that who 00:33:15.900 --> 00:33:16.460 was raised, 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:16.779 who is at 00:33:16.779 --> 00:33:17.160 the right 00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:17.580 hand of 00:33:17.580 --> 00:33:17.920 God, 00:33:18.200 --> 00:33:18.960 who indeed 00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:20.079 is interceding 00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:21.019 for us? 00:33:22.180 --> 00:33:22.620 Who shall 00:33:22.620 --> 00:33:23.440 separate us 00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:24.140 from the 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:24.440 love of 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:24.799 Christ? 00:33:25.500 --> 00:33:25.720 Shall 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:26.279 tribulation 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:26.880 or distress 00:33:26.880 --> 00:33:27.720 or persecution 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:28.380 or famine 00:33:28.380 --> 00:33:29.100 or nakedness 00:33:29.100 --> 00:33:29.660 or danger 00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.400 or sword? 00:33:30.900 --> 00:33:31.519 As it is 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:31.759 written, 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:32.700 for your 00:33:32.700 --> 00:33:33.220 sake were you 00:33:33.220 --> 00:33:33.740 being killed 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:34.380 all the day 00:33:34.380 --> 00:33:34.759 long, 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:35.400 were you 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:36.059 regarded as 00:33:36.059 --> 00:33:37.120 sheep to 00:33:37.120 --> 00:33:37.799 be slaughtered? 00:33:38.799 --> 00:33:39.240 No, 00:33:39.640 --> 00:33:40.500 in all these 00:33:40.500 --> 00:33:41.039 things we are 00:33:41.039 --> 00:33:41.500 more than 00:33:41.500 --> 00:33:42.259 conquerors through 00:33:42.259 --> 00:33:43.380 him who 00:33:43.380 --> 00:33:44.000 loved us. 00:33:44.600 --> 00:33:45.019 For I am 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:45.420 sure that 00:33:45.420 --> 00:33:46.299 neither death 00:33:46.299 --> 00:33:46.880 nor life, 00:33:46.880 --> 00:33:48.040 nor angels 00:33:48.040 --> 00:33:48.620 nor rulers, 00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:49.120 nor things 00:33:49.120 --> 00:33:49.780 present nor 00:33:49.780 --> 00:33:50.280 things to 00:33:50.280 --> 00:33:50.620 come, 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:51.840 nor powers, 00:33:52.260 --> 00:33:52.780 nor height, 00:33:52.880 --> 00:33:53.380 nor depth, 00:33:53.660 --> 00:33:54.360 nor anything 00:33:54.360 --> 00:33:55.320 else in all 00:33:55.320 --> 00:33:56.380 creation will 00:33:56.380 --> 00:33:56.760 be able to 00:33:56.760 --> 00:33:57.480 separate us 00:33:57.480 --> 00:33:58.400 from the love 00:33:58.400 --> 00:33:59.280 of God in 00:33:59.280 --> 00:34:00.080 Christ Jesus, 00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:01.400 our Lord.