WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.120 We're going to look this evening at verse 4 to verse 7. 00:00:10.040 --> 00:00:13.580 If you read verse 7 with me first, it speaks thereof. 00:00:13.580 --> 00:00:17.920 And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding 00:00:17.920 --> 00:00:17.920 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.359 to know that peace. 00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:35.799 And that's how we find then in verse 4 to verse 6 00:00:35.799 --> 00:00:38.219 where it speaks about three different things. 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:39.899 First of all it says, 00:00:39.899 --> 00:00:41.640 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:00:42.079 --> 00:00:43.799 Again I will say rejoice. 00:00:44.420 --> 00:00:47.219 So there's that sense of praise there. 00:00:47.859 --> 00:00:49.240 Then in verse 5, 00:00:49.820 --> 00:00:52.420 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:00:52.539 --> 00:00:54.560 The Lord is at hand. 00:00:54.719 --> 00:00:57.760 So there's the sense of how we are together. 00:00:58.539 --> 00:00:59.739 And then in verse 6, 00:00:59.859 --> 00:01:01.399 Do not be anxious about anything, 00:01:01.500 --> 00:01:04.719 but in everything by prayer and supplication. 00:01:04.819 --> 00:01:09.159 With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 00:01:09.159 --> 00:01:13.439 So there's that sense of prayer there in verse 6. 00:01:13.560 --> 00:01:16.259 And all these things then come to verse 7. 00:01:16.379 --> 00:01:19.439 And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding 00:01:19.439 --> 00:01:24.280 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 00:01:24.280 --> 00:01:29.579 As Paul writes these words, 00:01:30.159 --> 00:01:33.680 it can be easy for us to read through the letter of Philippians 00:01:33.680 --> 00:01:35.299 or indeed any part of the Bible, 00:01:35.960 --> 00:01:37.240 read through it and say, 00:01:37.379 --> 00:01:38.820 What does it say to me? 00:01:39.820 --> 00:01:42.480 What does it say to me as an individual? 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:44.240 And that is right. 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:45.560 That is a wise thing to do. 00:01:45.640 --> 00:01:48.400 We have to come to God's word in that way 00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:50.599 and ask, What is it saying to me? 00:01:50.599 --> 00:01:54.319 But there are also times when we can read God's word, 00:01:54.879 --> 00:01:57.719 and especially as we are gathered in a service of worship 00:01:57.719 --> 00:01:58.919 as we are this evening. 00:01:59.479 --> 00:02:02.979 And it's important to realize that sometimes it's about asking, 00:02:03.199 --> 00:02:05.119 What is it saying to us? 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:09.439 Not just me individually, but all of us together. 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:12.840 And you see that very much in Paul's letter to the Philippians. 00:02:13.019 --> 00:02:16.879 When you go back to the very beginning of the letter in chapter 1, 00:02:16.879 --> 00:02:19.759 the very opening verses, it says there, 00:02:19.900 --> 00:02:22.439 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, 00:02:22.699 --> 00:02:26.479 to all the saints in Christ Jesus. 00:02:26.620 --> 00:02:29.240 To all the saints who are in Christ Jesus. 00:02:29.240 --> 00:02:30.919 He's talking to the church. 00:02:31.039 --> 00:02:33.340 He's not just talking to them individually, 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:35.359 but talking to them together. 00:02:35.519 --> 00:02:36.780 And then in verse 2 it says, 00:02:36.919 --> 00:02:40.379 Grace to you and peace from God our Father 00:02:40.379 --> 00:02:42.960 and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:02:42.960 --> 00:02:49.320 So it's this kind of sense of peace that he desires for them all to know. 00:02:50.040 --> 00:02:53.439 The peace that we've sung of in Psalm 1-2-2, 00:02:53.560 --> 00:02:55.960 that prayer for peace to dwell. 00:02:56.439 --> 00:03:00.640 The peace that we sang of in Psalm 72 in verse 7, 00:03:00.740 --> 00:03:05.860 Until the moon no longer shines, peace in abundance will remain. 00:03:05.960 --> 00:03:09.240 That's the peace that it's looking for. 00:03:09.240 --> 00:03:12.879 And it's important for us as we come to these verses, 00:03:13.020 --> 00:03:16.280 verse 4 to verse 7 this evening, 00:03:16.280 --> 00:03:19.920 because it is talking about that sense of peace 00:03:19.920 --> 00:03:22.840 that we should long for together. 00:03:22.840 --> 00:03:26.240 Not just for me, but for us all together. 00:03:27.160 --> 00:03:29.920 And that is something that we need just now. 00:03:30.520 --> 00:03:33.320 That is something that we need together just now. 00:03:33.319 --> 00:03:36.699 Just to know that peace of God. 00:03:36.799 --> 00:03:38.180 That peace that unites us. 00:03:38.280 --> 00:03:39.819 That peace that keeps us together. 00:03:40.299 --> 00:03:44.259 That peace that drives us on in all that we do. 00:03:44.299 --> 00:03:47.379 And the question is, how do we have that peace? 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:53.099 Over the years I've enjoyed being involved in house renovations. 00:03:53.959 --> 00:03:57.599 Where mostly probably older houses, but sometimes new houses. 00:03:57.599 --> 00:04:00.879 But especially maybe being involved in old houses. 00:04:01.439 --> 00:04:07.019 There was a sense of excitement in going into a renovation. 00:04:07.019 --> 00:04:13.099 Because the part that I enjoyed most really was dismantling. 00:04:13.919 --> 00:04:16.199 Breaking walls down. 00:04:16.360 --> 00:04:21.540 Just taking a big hammer and starting to smash the place apart. 00:04:21.839 --> 00:04:23.839 It was going to be a complete renovation. 00:04:23.839 --> 00:04:26.959 So everything had to be taken down first. 00:04:27.279 --> 00:04:29.719 There's something therapeutic in that. 00:04:30.039 --> 00:04:31.399 Just having that time. 00:04:32.379 --> 00:04:34.299 But then you have to ask the question, 00:04:34.639 --> 00:04:36.919 how is it all going to go back together? 00:04:38.099 --> 00:04:40.799 Tearing down can be great fun in that sense. 00:04:40.859 --> 00:04:43.559 But how is it all going to go back together? 00:04:43.679 --> 00:04:45.199 How is it going to be rebuilt? 00:04:46.479 --> 00:04:49.579 And it's at that point that I knew, well I can't do it. 00:04:50.179 --> 00:04:51.239 I haven't been trained. 00:04:51.399 --> 00:04:53.419 I know a little, but I don't know it all. 00:04:53.420 --> 00:04:56.580 So it's not me who's going to have to put it back together. 00:04:57.259 --> 00:04:58.540 It's got to be the experts. 00:04:58.540 --> 00:05:01.180 Those who are trained in that way. 00:05:01.620 --> 00:05:06.360 Those who have the expertise and the patience to build things up again. 00:05:06.920 --> 00:05:10.939 And it's great to watch people who are good at their job. 00:05:11.060 --> 00:05:12.900 Just rebuilding something. 00:05:13.400 --> 00:05:17.759 And making it into something even better than it was before. 00:05:17.759 --> 00:05:23.199 And our own lives can have that kind of experience too. 00:05:23.199 --> 00:05:29.899 We can always go through life and being experts at tearing things down. 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:32.240 At breaking things down. 00:05:33.039 --> 00:05:35.000 Tearing down walls, as it were. 00:05:35.839 --> 00:05:39.560 And in many ways we can be like that with our relationships. 00:05:40.039 --> 00:05:41.300 Tearing things down. 00:05:42.039 --> 00:05:45.099 We can tear down our relationship with the Lord. 00:05:45.100 --> 00:05:49.400 And we can tear down our relationship with one another. 00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:51.660 But how do we rebuild? 00:05:51.780 --> 00:05:55.080 How do we build from what has been torn down? 00:05:55.480 --> 00:05:57.439 How do we rebuild ourselves with the Lord? 00:05:57.520 --> 00:06:00.260 How do we rebuild ourselves as a people? 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:03.379 Well it's to look to the Lord as the architect. 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:06.540 It's to look to God and to his word. 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:10.459 Because God gives us a blueprint for our lives. 00:06:11.079 --> 00:06:13.219 The way that we are to live. 00:06:14.100 --> 00:06:16.800 The way that we are to set aside. 00:06:16.879 --> 00:06:19.459 Not just thinking about our own plans. 00:06:19.899 --> 00:06:23.259 Because that can be a little bit like hiring the cowboy builders. 00:06:24.139 --> 00:06:28.219 Those who come in and just do it using shortcuts. 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:31.779 Using the cheap way with dangerous results. 00:06:31.779 --> 00:06:34.439 That's when we try to do things our own way. 00:06:34.859 --> 00:06:36.619 And if that's what we do there's no peace. 00:06:36.859 --> 00:06:39.259 You can imagine renovating a house. 00:06:39.339 --> 00:06:40.599 And you know the builders are coming. 00:06:40.719 --> 00:06:42.479 You know they're not the best. 00:06:42.599 --> 00:06:43.759 They're cowboy builders. 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:46.819 There's no peace then in what they have done. 00:06:47.379 --> 00:06:50.639 There's no assurance in the work that's going to last. 00:06:52.139 --> 00:06:57.500 And so if we don't build on the foundations of Jesus Christ ourselves. 00:06:57.500 --> 00:07:02.560 Then it's the same as inviting the cowboy builders in to rebuild our house. 00:07:02.920 --> 00:07:04.680 It's not going to last. 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:12.899 But the word of God takes us to that place where we find that God is the one who is able to build up. 00:07:13.220 --> 00:07:17.779 And God is the one who gives us instruction in how to build up. 00:07:17.779 --> 00:07:22.599 And so do we want to know the peace of God? 00:07:23.019 --> 00:07:25.299 You ask yourself that individually. 00:07:25.559 --> 00:07:28.479 Do you want to know the peace of God? 00:07:28.539 --> 00:07:29.919 We ask it collectively. 00:07:30.279 --> 00:07:34.339 Do we want to know the peace of God? 00:07:35.299 --> 00:07:35.779 How? 00:07:36.439 --> 00:07:37.539 How can we? 00:07:38.019 --> 00:07:43.939 Well these verses show us where we can find that peace of God. 00:07:43.939 --> 00:07:47.740 And it's the basis of verse 7. 00:07:48.980 --> 00:07:53.879 By guarding our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. 00:07:54.740 --> 00:08:01.399 That is where we find the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. 00:08:02.759 --> 00:08:09.500 And when you look at that, these words will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 00:08:09.500 --> 00:08:13.060 That word guard is about building. 00:08:13.939 --> 00:08:17.319 It is about building a wall of defense. 00:08:18.300 --> 00:08:21.500 It is building a wall of security. 00:08:22.660 --> 00:08:25.680 It's another word for garrison as well. 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:28.319 In other words, there's a military sense in it as well. 00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:32.740 It's having a battalion around to guard us, to defend us. 00:08:32.740 --> 00:08:36.240 But it's got that idea of building a wall. 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:42.980 Building a guard around our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. 00:08:42.980 --> 00:08:50.600 And so as we look at this building work, as we look at what the word of God is saying for us here, 00:08:50.639 --> 00:08:55.039 if we want to know the peace of God which surpasses understanding, 00:08:55.539 --> 00:09:00.019 that builds a wall to guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus, 00:09:00.720 --> 00:09:02.420 where does that come from? 00:09:02.419 --> 00:09:05.479 Well, it comes from the previous three verses. 00:09:05.599 --> 00:09:07.500 That's what leads us to this point. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:10.539 And that is what the building work is. 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:14.139 Because we see three walls being built. 00:09:15.199 --> 00:09:18.139 We see first a wall of praise. 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:21.479 Then we see a wall of patience. 00:09:21.480 --> 00:09:24.860 And then we see a wall of prayer. 00:09:25.220 --> 00:09:26.700 These three walls. 00:09:27.560 --> 00:09:33.519 And that is what will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus together. 00:09:34.539 --> 00:09:36.620 All of us together. 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:39.680 So we're going to think of these walls this evening. 00:09:39.759 --> 00:09:44.200 The first is building a wall of praise. 00:09:44.200 --> 00:09:49.120 So as you look at verse 4, that's what we see there. 00:09:50.120 --> 00:09:52.560 Building a wall of praise. 00:09:55.440 --> 00:09:56.600 It says there, 00:09:56.800 --> 00:09:59.300 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:09:59.640 --> 00:10:02.700 Again, I will say rejoice. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:02.940 Rejoice. 00:10:03.940 --> 00:10:10.600 This is an important aspect of our peace with God that passes understanding. 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:15.160 Rejoicing in the Lord always. 00:10:15.780 --> 00:10:18.060 Again, I say rejoice. 00:10:19.520 --> 00:10:23.060 Isn't it something that we so often need reminded of? 00:10:23.640 --> 00:10:26.879 Even the way Paul repeats it there for us. 00:10:27.100 --> 00:10:28.680 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:10:28.780 --> 00:10:30.120 He doesn't just say it once. 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:33.360 Again, I say rejoice. 00:10:34.679 --> 00:10:38.440 And you notice that this is in the midst of difficulty. 00:10:39.159 --> 00:10:45.779 Because in verse 2 and 3 there, you see there's a sense of rebuilding being required. 00:10:47.200 --> 00:10:51.120 And so in order for that rebuilding to take place, it's saying in verse 4, 00:10:51.200 --> 00:10:54.039 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:10:54.500 --> 00:10:57.080 Again, I say rejoice. 00:10:57.080 --> 00:10:57.520 Rejoice. 00:10:59.040 --> 00:11:03.980 And Paul, you just have to look at where he is as he's writing these words. 00:11:04.580 --> 00:11:08.379 He's not someone who's got his, as we might say, his head in the clouds. 00:11:08.680 --> 00:11:15.080 And he's not one who's got his head in the sand, just buried, unaware of what's going on around. 00:11:15.780 --> 00:11:18.180 He's not remote from the situation. 00:11:18.179 --> 00:11:21.319 It's not that he doesn't know what's going on. 00:11:22.059 --> 00:11:23.559 He's in the midst of it. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:27.639 And he's fully aware of everything that's going on. 00:11:28.479 --> 00:11:34.859 He knows the Philippians are facing all of these threats to their peace from every angle it's coming. 00:11:35.779 --> 00:11:37.459 Attack after attack. 00:11:37.579 --> 00:11:39.259 There's threats all around them. 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:43.179 You see it in chapter 1, verse 29 and 30. 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:45.059 Look at what it says there. 00:11:45.139 --> 00:11:53.379 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him, but also suffer for his sake. 00:11:53.519 --> 00:12:00.019 Engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. 00:12:00.019 --> 00:12:02.519 So he's in the midst of it himself. 00:12:03.299 --> 00:12:07.319 And he knows others who are in the midst of it themselves as well. 00:12:07.539 --> 00:12:10.460 In the midst of this conflict. 00:12:11.259 --> 00:12:14.259 This war that's going on around them. 00:12:15.100 --> 00:12:20.980 And so that's why as we come into chapter 4, the word guard is like garrison. 00:12:21.360 --> 00:12:23.179 To have the army surround us. 00:12:23.299 --> 00:12:25.139 To have the army with us. 00:12:25.240 --> 00:12:28.460 To build this wall, this defense around us. 00:12:28.460 --> 00:12:32.280 It's because there is a conflict going on. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:36.120 And we are always in a situation like that ourselves. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:39.600 Where there's the danger of conflict all around us. 00:12:39.700 --> 00:12:41.480 Threats all around us. 00:12:41.900 --> 00:12:47.240 Threats against the peace of God that passes all understanding. 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:54.740 And so the joy, the sense of rejoicing that Paul is speaking about here. 00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:58.000 It's not just circumstances are going to be great. 00:12:58.000 --> 00:13:01.600 There's going to be great joy and celebration and delight. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:08.059 It's a sense of the joy, the rejoicing that comes from God. 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:11.779 That we draw from God. 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:16.639 We can speak about drawing from a resource. 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:19.539 It's not so familiar for us now. 00:13:19.539 --> 00:13:23.620 But in other countries, people go to draw water from the well. 00:13:24.500 --> 00:13:26.659 You draw from a source. 00:13:26.860 --> 00:13:28.459 The same as when you go to the money. 00:13:29.019 --> 00:13:31.059 You draw money from the bank. 00:13:31.179 --> 00:13:33.199 You take from that resource that you have. 00:13:33.259 --> 00:13:34.939 You draw money out. 00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:37.319 It's about getting help. 00:13:38.439 --> 00:13:41.360 And that's exactly what these words are pointing at here. 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:43.579 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:13:43.580 --> 00:13:45.340 Again, I will say rejoice. 00:13:45.840 --> 00:13:48.379 It's about drawing from the Lord. 00:13:48.900 --> 00:13:52.800 Taking from the great resource that he has for us. 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:55.759 It's made clear for us in the Old Testament. 00:13:56.300 --> 00:13:59.740 In Isaiah chapter 12, verse 3 and 4. 00:13:59.740 --> 00:14:19.500 So there's that sense of drawing. 00:14:20.180 --> 00:14:23.180 Draw from the wells of salvation. 00:14:23.799 --> 00:14:28.700 Rejoice in the Lord is that drawing from the wells of salvation. 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:31.460 And that is what we are to do. 00:14:32.300 --> 00:14:36.020 Like I say, this is a letter not just for us individually. 00:14:36.420 --> 00:14:38.860 And we can do all of these things individually. 00:14:39.520 --> 00:14:41.100 But it's for us together. 00:14:42.140 --> 00:14:45.700 Together as one to draw from the well of salvation. 00:14:46.700 --> 00:14:49.660 To rejoice in the Lord always. 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:52.100 That is our purpose. 00:14:52.640 --> 00:14:55.640 To be a people who are praising God. 00:14:55.639 --> 00:15:00.059 And do you, do I, do we not have reason to praise God? 00:15:00.179 --> 00:15:02.639 To rejoice in the Lord always. 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:04.379 Because of his goodness. 00:15:04.960 --> 00:15:06.039 Because of his mercy. 00:15:06.179 --> 00:15:07.699 Because of the way he is working. 00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:10.779 We are reminded of that so powerfully this morning. 00:15:10.840 --> 00:15:12.259 Of what the Lord is doing. 00:15:12.840 --> 00:15:15.500 Even in the midst of all the uncertainty. 00:15:15.699 --> 00:15:18.679 All the different circumstances our world is in. 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:23.399 We can still say rejoice in the Lord always. 00:15:25.199 --> 00:15:31.519 And so Paul is saying if you are going to experience that peace that passes understanding. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:33.539 Guard your hearts. 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:38.339 Build around your hearts this wall of praise. 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:43.279 This wall of rejoicing in God. 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:46.419 And it's like a command. 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:50.459 It's not just an encouragement. 00:15:50.819 --> 00:15:51.980 It's a command. 00:15:52.899 --> 00:15:55.879 It's a strong word from God. 00:15:56.939 --> 00:15:58.199 It's a word to you. 00:15:58.299 --> 00:15:59.620 It's a word to me tonight. 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:02.759 To go on being glad. 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:05.939 To go on rejoicing in the Lord. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:08.459 Because the reality is when we look at our lives. 00:16:08.919 --> 00:16:12.019 We often we don't find reasons to rejoice. 00:16:12.019 --> 00:16:17.519 We don't find reason for that great gladness in this world. 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:22.179 Because there are so many things that leave us feeling down. 00:16:22.699 --> 00:16:25.139 Leaving us feeling a burden upon us. 00:16:25.419 --> 00:16:30.779 Paul penned these words as he was bound between two soldiers in a Roman prison. 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:34.639 But he's still able to say rejoice. 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:36.519 Rejoice. 00:16:37.439 --> 00:16:41.439 Paul still knew that regardless of his circumstances in life. 00:16:41.440 --> 00:16:43.920 God never changes. 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:49.860 He said earlier in this letter for me to live is Christ. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:53.840 There is that sense of rejoicing in the Lord in that. 00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:56.800 Because he never changes. 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:01.640 So are you drawing on this joy? 00:17:02.740 --> 00:17:06.960 This praise from God to guard your heart? 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:11.440 Are we drawing from this joy? 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:11.440 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:19.240 Together are we drawing from this praise in God for all that he has to offer us? 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:24.759 Because that will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. 00:17:25.340 --> 00:17:28.000 We can rejoice. 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:31.559 We have every reason to rejoice. 00:17:31.559 --> 00:17:34.980 Because he has been good to us. 00:17:35.399 --> 00:17:42.559 So the first wall that we are to build around our hearts and minds is that wall of praise. 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:50.359 The second thing we see here is a wall of patience. 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:53.799 And you see this in verse 5. 00:17:54.619 --> 00:17:58.000 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:01.160 The Lord is at hand. 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:08.000 A wall of patience to guard our hearts and minds. 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:12.160 So as you continue to read through these verses. 00:18:12.339 --> 00:18:15.079 And indeed as you read through this letter. 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:17.279 One commentator puts it like this. 00:18:17.319 --> 00:18:20.279 It's like the voice of a parent to a child. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:25.779 A child who leaves home for the first time to go to university. 00:18:26.639 --> 00:18:28.639 Many of you have been in that situation. 00:18:29.420 --> 00:18:35.319 You know what it's like as parents to send your children away to university. 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:40.079 And you can enter into that sense of what Paul is trying to say. 00:18:41.019 --> 00:18:44.099 What is a parent saying to a child who goes to university? 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:45.240 Some of the younger ones. 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:49.379 You'll maybe be hearing these words soon when you go away to university. 00:18:49.380 --> 00:18:52.660 Maybe later on this year or in a few years time. 00:18:52.780 --> 00:18:55.480 You'll hear a parent with these kinds of words. 00:18:55.640 --> 00:18:56.680 Keep in touch. 00:18:57.920 --> 00:18:59.780 Be careful with your money. 00:19:00.840 --> 00:19:02.760 Make sure you eat properly. 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:04.640 Phone us. 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:08.840 Keep yourself clean and tidy. 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:11.240 You'll hear all of these things. 00:19:11.340 --> 00:19:13.280 And it's that sense coming across here. 00:19:13.320 --> 00:19:15.560 It's like a parent to a child. 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:23.659 Now, how many have gone away to university and just rolled your eyes at what they say? 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:25.379 I've been there. 00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:29.740 Now I'm finding myself on the other side when a child's going away to university. 00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:33.839 And you just think, well, what do they know? 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:37.339 I'll go away and I'll do my own thing. 00:19:37.339 --> 00:19:42.359 And the first time you think of getting in touch, it's usually that phone call. 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:44.679 I don't have any money. 00:19:45.179 --> 00:19:46.379 Can you send me some? 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:49.539 You realize you do need help. 00:19:50.119 --> 00:19:54.259 But it's usually that case of if only I'd listened in the first place. 00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:58.079 And that's exactly what we have with Paul here. 00:19:58.299 --> 00:20:02.439 As he's saying these things, he's like that concerned parent. 00:20:02.440 --> 00:20:08.500 He's got that concern for the people, the congregation that he is writing to. 00:20:08.580 --> 00:20:11.180 He's got that love for them. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:16.860 And you see that as he's writing in this letter, how he loves the people he's writing to. 00:20:17.320 --> 00:20:20.299 And he's got that love, that concern for them. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.820 He's saying, rejoice in the Lord. 00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:23.160 This is what you have to do. 00:20:23.580 --> 00:20:27.320 And then he goes on to say, let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:29.420 This is how you are to conduct yourselves. 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:31.460 This is how you are to live. 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:35.799 And so this is the concern that he has. 00:20:36.820 --> 00:20:41.140 And so what kind of wall of patience is he speaking about here? 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:45.680 He says, let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:50.519 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:20:51.039 --> 00:20:56.660 Now, again, we can take this individually and we can take it collectively. 00:20:56.860 --> 00:20:59.140 He is writing to us. 00:20:59.140 --> 00:21:04.759 How can we let our reasonableness be known to everyone? 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:11.060 Well, in the midst of our circumstances, how do we deal with one another? 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:12.759 Are we patient? 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:15.160 Are we gracious? 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:18.360 Are we careful in what we're saying? 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:21.600 Are we careful in how we're conducting ourselves? 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:28.920 There are so many ways that we have to make sure that we build this wall of patience. 00:21:29.580 --> 00:21:38.980 That we guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus through building that wall of patience. 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:44.380 Because we so often let that wall come down. 00:21:45.420 --> 00:21:47.000 You know it and I know it. 00:21:47.200 --> 00:21:48.579 We know it only too well. 00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:51.480 There are times when we let that wall come down. 00:21:52.360 --> 00:21:58.579 And so he's saying, build, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 00:21:58.579 --> 00:22:01.240 Build that wall of patience. 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:07.859 Because if you don't, if we don't, there is a danger of anger taking over. 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:11.659 Those scriptures warn us of that again and again. 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:13.299 Ephesians chapter 4. 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:16.220 Paul writing again to another congregation. 00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:18.439 He says in verse 26, 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:30.080 So there's a strong warning in these words. 00:22:30.840 --> 00:22:32.680 Be angry but do not sin. 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:36.080 Do not let the sun go down on your anger. 00:22:36.840 --> 00:22:39.620 And do not let the devil have an opportunity. 00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:42.160 That's words for us. 00:22:43.100 --> 00:22:45.500 Do not let the devil have opportunity. 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:48.180 Build this wall. 00:22:48.440 --> 00:22:54.940 Guard your hearts, your minds in Christ Jesus with this wall of patience. 00:22:56.240 --> 00:22:58.279 Leonardo da Vinci once said, 00:22:58.279 --> 00:23:05.460 Patience serves as protection against trials as clothes does against the cold. 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:12.100 For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:14.539 it will have no power to hurt you. 00:23:15.120 --> 00:23:17.779 So in like manner you must grow in patience. 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:19.899 When you meet with great trials. 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:23.879 And they will then be powerless to vex your mind. 00:23:24.379 --> 00:23:26.279 So just think about it in that way. 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:28.420 Just like the cold will get you. 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:29.960 So you put on more clothes. 00:23:30.619 --> 00:23:33.319 As trials come, put on more patience. 00:23:34.059 --> 00:23:35.480 That you might endure. 00:23:35.899 --> 00:23:37.899 That they might not vex your mind. 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:38.720 As he says there. 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:43.700 Guard your hearts and your minds with this wall of patience. 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:46.700 When you look at this letter as a whole. 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:49.019 What is Paul doing? 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:54.059 He's getting them to not just focus on themselves. 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:56.400 But to turn away from themselves. 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:59.279 He's getting them to focus on Jesus. 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:02.879 And to continue in that way. 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:05.720 And that is what we must continue to do. 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:08.500 To wait on him with patience. 00:24:08.920 --> 00:24:11.819 As he has shown patience to us. 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:16.399 To wait on him with that wall built. 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:20.379 That we will not let the cold as it were overcome us. 00:24:20.380 --> 00:24:24.080 But that we will remain strong in him. 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:27.800 He is patient with us. 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:30.640 And you look at 2 Peter 3 verse 9. 00:24:31.240 --> 00:24:33.980 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise. 00:24:34.100 --> 00:24:35.540 As some count slowness. 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:38.180 But is patient toward you. 00:24:38.560 --> 00:24:40.720 Not wishing that any should perish. 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:43.520 But that all should reach repentance. 00:24:44.520 --> 00:24:49.940 So there is this fatherly parent concern behind these words. 00:24:50.380 --> 00:24:51.660 Be patient. 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:55.800 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:24:56.760 --> 00:24:58.520 Guard your hearts and your minds. 00:24:59.060 --> 00:25:00.420 In Christ Jesus. 00:25:00.860 --> 00:25:03.580 With this wall of patience. 00:25:04.060 --> 00:25:06.060 By looking to Jesus. 00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:08.080 The hymn. 00:25:08.580 --> 00:25:10.780 Turn your eyes upon Jesus. 00:25:11.380 --> 00:25:14.020 The last verse of it. 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:16.560 Reminds us what we are about. 00:25:16.880 --> 00:25:17.940 As a congregation. 00:25:17.940 --> 00:25:19.040 As a people. 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:22.180 His word shall not fail you. 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:23.079 He promised. 00:25:23.899 --> 00:25:24.680 Believe him. 00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:26.259 And all will be well. 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:29.180 Then go to a world that is dying. 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:31.519 His perfect salvation. 00:25:32.159 --> 00:25:32.920 To tell. 00:25:33.399 --> 00:25:34.980 We have a purpose. 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.779 As a people. 00:25:36.899 --> 00:25:37.740 As a church. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:39.099 We have a purpose. 00:25:39.099 --> 00:25:41.720 To go to a world that is dying. 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:44.399 His perfect salvation. 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.799 To tell. 00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:48.259 How can we do that. 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:49.539 If we have no peace. 00:25:49.859 --> 00:25:50.720 With God. 00:25:51.819 --> 00:25:52.879 So we have to guard. 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:54.000 Our hearts. 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.839 And our minds. 00:25:55.019 --> 00:25:55.500 To build. 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:57.359 That wall of patience. 00:25:57.359 --> 00:25:57.980 To have. 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.059 That peace. 00:25:59.119 --> 00:26:00.480 And as the hymn goes on to say. 00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:00.879 It says. 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:01.339 Turn. 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:03.379 Your eyes upon Jesus. 00:26:03.659 --> 00:26:04.220 Look full. 00:26:04.619 --> 00:26:06.279 In his wonderful face. 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:07.159 And the things. 00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:08.200 Of this. 00:26:08.419 --> 00:26:08.960 Of earth. 00:26:09.079 --> 00:26:10.500 Will grow strangely dim. 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:11.839 In the light. 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:13.440 Of his glory. 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:14.720 And grace. 00:26:15.360 --> 00:26:17.059 He gives us grace. 00:26:17.680 --> 00:26:19.120 And that's the grace we find. 00:26:19.360 --> 00:26:20.420 As we build. 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:21.620 That wall. 00:26:21.860 --> 00:26:22.799 Of patience. 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:24.440 So let your reasonableness. 00:26:24.820 --> 00:26:25.600 Be known. 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:26.580 To everyone. 00:26:27.320 --> 00:26:27.980 The Lord. 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:29.660 Is at hand. 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:30.660 The Lord. 00:26:31.440 --> 00:26:32.100 Is near. 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:33.259 The Lord. 00:26:33.380 --> 00:26:34.140 Is with us. 00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:35.720 As we do this. 00:26:36.860 --> 00:26:38.039 The final thing. 00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:38.539 We see here. 00:26:38.600 --> 00:26:39.559 The final wall. 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:40.840 Is a wall. 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:42.019 Of prayer. 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:44.339 Do not be anxious. 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:45.460 About anything. 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:46.859 But in everything. 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:47.700 By prayer. 00:26:47.779 --> 00:26:48.799 And supplication. 00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:49.980 With thanksgiving. 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.740 Let your requests. 00:26:52.339 --> 00:26:53.220 Be made known. 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:54.519 To God. 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:56.639 Again. 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:58.259 It's this kind of. 00:26:58.660 --> 00:26:59.039 Parent. 00:26:59.900 --> 00:27:00.940 Looking after. 00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:02.160 His child. 00:27:02.359 --> 00:27:02.599 Here. 00:27:03.319 --> 00:27:04.339 Do not be anxious. 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:05.259 About anything. 00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:07.019 But keep praying. 00:27:07.680 --> 00:27:08.420 And he's saying this. 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.339 He's warning us. 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:09.740 Of this. 00:27:09.879 --> 00:27:10.980 Because of how easy. 00:27:10.980 --> 00:27:12.779 It is to lose. 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:14.220 This peace. 00:27:14.360 --> 00:27:15.059 With God. 00:27:15.460 --> 00:27:16.160 And especially. 00:27:16.160 --> 00:27:16.960 If we are not. 00:27:17.299 --> 00:27:18.500 A praying people. 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:20.380 The hymn. 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:21.000 What a friend. 00:27:21.079 --> 00:27:22.000 We have in Jesus. 00:27:22.599 --> 00:27:23.360 In that hymn. 00:27:23.460 --> 00:27:23.860 It says. 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:24.940 Oh what peace. 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:26.200 We often forfeit. 00:27:26.620 --> 00:27:27.799 Oh what needless. 00:27:28.019 --> 00:27:29.259 Pain we bear. 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.180 Why? 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:33.180 All because. 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.539 We do not carry. 00:27:35.259 --> 00:27:35.819 Everything. 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:36.920 To him. 00:27:37.039 --> 00:27:37.599 In prayer. 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:39.339 Oh what peace. 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:41.339 We often forfeit. 00:27:42.699 --> 00:27:43.519 And that's just. 00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:44.159 What he's saying. 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:44.819 To us here. 00:27:44.939 --> 00:27:45.319 Do not. 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:46.399 Be anxious. 00:27:46.399 --> 00:27:47.319 About anything. 00:27:47.919 --> 00:27:48.539 But in everything. 00:27:48.659 --> 00:27:49.319 By prayer. 00:27:49.399 --> 00:27:50.359 And supplication. 00:27:50.459 --> 00:27:51.399 With thanksgiving. 00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:52.879 Let your requests. 00:27:53.119 --> 00:27:53.859 Be made known. 00:27:54.459 --> 00:27:55.099 To God. 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:57.339 And so we have to build. 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.500 This wall of prayer. 00:27:58.579 --> 00:27:59.639 Because as it goes on. 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:00.659 And then. 00:28:01.199 --> 00:28:02.359 The peace of God. 00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:03.299 Which surpasses. 00:28:03.359 --> 00:28:04.339 All understanding. 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.779 Will guard your hearts. 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:07.319 And your minds. 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:09.319 In Christ Jesus. 00:28:10.379 --> 00:28:11.779 So we seek. 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:12.879 The peace. 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:14.259 Of God. 00:28:15.539 --> 00:28:17.039 And we seek that. 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:18.019 Through prayer. 00:28:19.500 --> 00:28:20.759 Prayer individually. 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:22.559 But as we say. 00:28:22.740 --> 00:28:24.379 Prayer collectively. 00:28:25.379 --> 00:28:26.420 That our prayers. 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.299 Be focused. 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:28.799 With thanksgiving. 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:29.879 To God. 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:30.940 Let our requests. 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:32.180 Be made known. 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:32.639 To him. 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.759 Because when we do not pray. 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:34.500 The walls. 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:35.500 Are down. 00:28:36.359 --> 00:28:37.119 And we are open. 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:38.059 To attack. 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:40.200 Worry will take over. 00:28:40.619 --> 00:28:41.339 Our hearts. 00:28:41.420 --> 00:28:42.160 And our minds. 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:43.599 And all of these things. 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:45.900 So we must build. 00:28:46.420 --> 00:28:47.279 That wall. 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:48.599 Of prayer. 00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:49.460 Around us. 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:52.200 There's a lot of reasons. 00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:53.740 Why we could worry. 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.880 We have many reasons. 00:28:56.960 --> 00:28:57.359 And so. 00:28:57.660 --> 00:28:59.059 Paul doesn't say here. 00:28:59.619 --> 00:29:00.579 Don't worry. 00:29:02.700 --> 00:29:03.460 Don't worry. 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:05.200 Because circumstances are great. 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.100 Everything's fine. 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:07.120 No. 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:08.759 He tells them. 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.059 Do not worry. 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:11.080 Because God. 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:12.620 Is in charge. 00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:15.460 Do not be anxious. 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:16.120 About anything. 00:29:16.200 --> 00:29:16.720 But everything. 00:29:16.860 --> 00:29:17.400 By prayer. 00:29:17.460 --> 00:29:18.340 And supplication. 00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:19.700 With thanksgiving. 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.559 Let your requests. 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.360 Be made known. 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:22.480 To God. 00:29:24.080 --> 00:29:24.779 Bring it. 00:29:25.039 --> 00:29:25.480 All. 00:29:26.120 --> 00:29:26.720 To him. 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:27.100 God. 00:29:27.100 --> 00:29:29.019 But what are we like. 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.000 Is that. 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:30.980 What you do. 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:31.900 Is that what I do. 00:29:32.180 --> 00:29:32.980 Is that what we do. 00:29:33.460 --> 00:29:33.860 Together. 00:29:33.859 --> 00:29:40.139 Many of you. 00:29:40.139 --> 00:29:41.099 Enjoy going out. 00:29:41.419 --> 00:29:42.099 For a walk. 00:29:42.899 --> 00:29:43.559 And a walk. 00:29:43.559 --> 00:29:44.439 Can be a great thing. 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:44.919 Especially. 00:29:45.459 --> 00:29:46.359 This time of year. 00:29:46.439 --> 00:29:46.799 When there's. 00:29:47.199 --> 00:29:48.159 The change in the weather. 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:49.059 The weather's better. 00:29:49.199 --> 00:29:49.359 There's. 00:29:49.639 --> 00:29:50.240 New life. 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:51.199 All around us. 00:29:52.199 --> 00:29:52.919 But who goes out. 00:29:52.979 --> 00:29:53.459 For a walk. 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.119 With a dog. 00:29:55.399 --> 00:29:56.459 It's quite different. 00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:57.319 Going out for a walk. 00:29:57.399 --> 00:29:58.059 By yourself. 00:29:58.899 --> 00:29:59.899 And taking a dog. 00:29:59.959 --> 00:30:00.419 With you. 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:02.980 Because if you're just walking yourself. 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:04.060 You've got a sense of. 00:30:04.340 --> 00:30:05.500 You're going this way. 00:30:05.560 --> 00:30:06.980 You're going from A to B. 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:09.300 But take a dog. 00:30:10.060 --> 00:30:11.160 And it's very different. 00:30:11.960 --> 00:30:13.860 Because they want to wander off. 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.560 They catch a smell. 00:30:15.660 --> 00:30:16.519 They hear a noise. 00:30:16.920 --> 00:30:18.640 And they're going in different directions. 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:21.080 They want to investigate. 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:25.279 And isn't that what we can be like as well. 00:30:26.259 --> 00:30:27.560 Instead of just walking. 00:30:27.900 --> 00:30:29.759 With our eyes fixed on Jesus. 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.539 We can be like. 00:30:30.619 --> 00:30:31.720 We're walking with a dog. 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:33.339 When a noise. 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:35.579 Or something distracts us. 00:30:35.599 --> 00:30:36.519 And we go to look at. 00:30:36.599 --> 00:30:37.660 And see what that is. 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:40.059 So that we can get distracted. 00:30:40.220 --> 00:30:40.799 And instead of. 00:30:41.339 --> 00:30:42.420 Building this wall. 00:30:42.759 --> 00:30:43.460 Of prayer. 00:30:43.539 --> 00:30:44.079 Of this wall. 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:45.279 Of trusting God. 00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:46.960 We're turning off. 00:30:47.220 --> 00:30:47.900 In our own. 00:30:48.259 --> 00:30:48.779 Direction. 00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:51.740 And that's what Paul. 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:53.700 Is warning us against here. 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:56.160 This idea. 00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:57.339 Of building a wall. 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:58.099 Of prayer. 00:30:58.099 --> 00:30:59.919 Keeps our focus. 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:02.079 Keeps our attention. 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:03.639 On the Lord. 00:31:04.459 --> 00:31:05.799 And trusting him. 00:31:07.079 --> 00:31:08.399 And that's the key. 00:31:08.679 --> 00:31:08.959 Here. 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:12.019 Because when you look at these verses. 00:31:13.019 --> 00:31:13.740 He says. 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:15.359 All of these things. 00:31:15.980 --> 00:31:17.119 Are found when you are. 00:31:17.500 --> 00:31:19.439 In Christ Jesus. 00:31:20.439 --> 00:31:21.799 When you have. 00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:23.359 This focus. 00:31:23.359 --> 00:31:25.039 When you are not. 00:31:25.679 --> 00:31:26.439 Distracted. 00:31:26.439 --> 00:31:28.439 Are we. 00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:29.879 Distracted. 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:32.059 We so often are. 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:34.279 Very easily we are. 00:31:35.159 --> 00:31:36.139 We can have our minds. 00:31:36.299 --> 00:31:36.799 Pulled. 00:31:37.079 --> 00:31:38.259 In different directions. 00:31:38.259 --> 00:31:39.819 Because of different things. 00:31:40.819 --> 00:31:41.979 Instead of having. 00:31:42.339 --> 00:31:44.019 That peace with God. 00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:45.859 And our hearts. 00:31:45.919 --> 00:31:46.579 And our minds. 00:31:47.179 --> 00:31:47.699 Guarded. 00:31:47.879 --> 00:31:48.859 For that peace. 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:50.159 With God. 00:31:50.160 --> 00:31:51.860 When it says. 00:31:51.860 --> 00:31:53.279 The Lord is at hand. 00:31:53.920 --> 00:31:55.640 It is not talking about. 00:31:55.759 --> 00:31:57.320 The Lord is coming again. 00:31:57.980 --> 00:31:58.940 As it often does. 00:31:59.019 --> 00:31:59.740 But it's talking about. 00:31:59.820 --> 00:32:00.940 God with us now. 00:32:01.040 --> 00:32:01.500 The Lord. 00:32:02.100 --> 00:32:02.980 Is at hand. 00:32:03.140 --> 00:32:03.820 He is near. 00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:04.980 He is here. 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:06.019 For us. 00:32:07.200 --> 00:32:07.580 And so. 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:08.680 We are to be a people. 00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:09.759 Who exercise. 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:11.200 That tool. 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.500 Of prayer. 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:14.779 And instead of. 00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:16.019 Being anxious. 00:32:16.019 --> 00:32:16.660 And worrying. 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:18.600 We are to have faith. 00:32:18.599 --> 00:32:19.000 Faith. 00:32:19.699 --> 00:32:20.959 Faith in the power. 00:32:21.439 --> 00:32:22.179 Of God. 00:32:23.000 --> 00:32:24.240 The one who is able. 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:25.459 To help. 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:26.740 And the one. 00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:27.679 Who is able. 00:32:28.219 --> 00:32:29.059 To give us. 00:32:29.219 --> 00:32:29.980 That peace. 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:31.259 That passes. 00:32:31.679 --> 00:32:33.099 All understanding. 00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:36.079 Before we can enjoy. 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:37.599 That peace. 00:32:38.639 --> 00:32:40.139 We need the benefit. 00:32:40.759 --> 00:32:41.599 Of peace. 00:32:41.779 --> 00:32:42.480 With God. 00:32:42.559 --> 00:32:43.359 Ourselves. 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:45.079 And so. 00:32:45.199 --> 00:32:45.980 We are to come. 00:32:46.439 --> 00:32:47.399 To Christ. 00:32:47.400 --> 00:32:49.800 To put our trust. 00:32:50.460 --> 00:32:51.280 In him. 00:32:52.400 --> 00:32:53.600 Because as we look. 00:32:53.720 --> 00:32:54.280 To him. 00:32:54.860 --> 00:32:56.040 There we will find. 00:32:56.519 --> 00:32:57.960 We find that peace. 00:32:58.040 --> 00:32:58.759 Which passes. 00:32:59.800 --> 00:33:00.360 Understanding. 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:03.100 So may we as a people. 00:33:03.300 --> 00:33:04.000 Go forward. 00:33:04.860 --> 00:33:05.620 As one. 00:33:06.380 --> 00:33:06.820 Together. 00:33:07.580 --> 00:33:08.420 That's what Paul. 00:33:08.420 --> 00:33:09.740 Is speaking about here. 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:11.360 It's not just what. 00:33:11.600 --> 00:33:13.200 I take from this. 00:33:13.420 --> 00:33:14.900 Or what you take from this. 00:33:14.900 --> 00:33:17.100 But what we take from it. 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:17.940 Together. 00:33:18.920 --> 00:33:20.380 To seek this peace. 00:33:20.380 --> 00:33:21.120 Of God. 00:33:21.640 --> 00:33:23.080 We seek to build. 00:33:23.640 --> 00:33:25.240 A wall around our hearts. 00:33:25.240 --> 00:33:26.080 And our minds. 00:33:26.460 --> 00:33:27.640 In Christ Jesus. 00:33:28.360 --> 00:33:29.140 A wall. 00:33:29.720 --> 00:33:30.680 Of praise. 00:33:31.560 --> 00:33:32.320 A wall. 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:33.920 Of patience. 00:33:34.680 --> 00:33:35.620 And a wall. 00:33:36.180 --> 00:33:36.920 Of prayer. 00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:38.500 And that the Lord. 00:33:38.500 --> 00:33:39.500 Would then guard. 00:33:39.960 --> 00:33:41.240 Our hearts and minds. 00:33:41.840 --> 00:33:42.940 In Christ Jesus. 00:33:42.940 --> 00:33:44.420 Let us pray. 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:49.500 Lord our gracious God. 00:33:49.600 --> 00:33:50.580 We do thank you. 00:33:50.880 --> 00:33:51.539 For your word. 00:33:51.660 --> 00:33:52.220 That speaks. 00:33:52.779 --> 00:33:53.980 Not just to us. 00:33:54.220 --> 00:33:54.720 Individually. 00:33:54.840 --> 00:33:56.000 But so much of it. 00:33:56.039 --> 00:33:57.000 To us collectively. 00:33:57.779 --> 00:33:58.840 And help us Lord. 00:33:58.900 --> 00:33:59.700 That we would hear. 00:33:59.799 --> 00:34:00.920 What you say to us. 00:34:01.680 --> 00:34:02.559 Help us Lord. 00:34:02.640 --> 00:34:03.880 To seek that peace. 00:34:04.360 --> 00:34:04.980 With you. 00:34:05.539 --> 00:34:06.259 That peace. 00:34:06.420 --> 00:34:07.039 That passes. 00:34:07.799 --> 00:34:08.320 Understanding. 00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:10.539 By guarding our hearts. 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:11.340 And our minds. 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:12.579 In Christ Jesus. 00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:14.720 By having that longing. 00:34:15.360 --> 00:34:16.260 To be a people. 00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:17.440 Of praise. 00:34:18.220 --> 00:34:19.400 By being a people. 00:34:19.400 --> 00:34:20.579 Who are patient. 00:34:21.420 --> 00:34:22.780 And by being a people. 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:24.880 Who look to you. 00:34:25.420 --> 00:34:26.240 Who trust. 00:34:26.840 --> 00:34:27.420 In you. 00:34:27.940 --> 00:34:29.240 And that that we do. 00:34:29.600 --> 00:34:30.559 Through prayer. 00:34:31.240 --> 00:34:32.600 So Lord be with us. 00:34:32.780 --> 00:34:33.900 Go before us. 00:34:34.200 --> 00:34:34.880 Keep us. 00:34:35.320 --> 00:34:36.340 As we ask all. 00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:37.360 In Jesus name. 00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:38.340 Amen. 00:34:38.340 --> 00:34:38.460 Amen. 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:49.460 We'll conclude. 00:34:49.579 --> 00:34:50.100 By singing. 00:34:50.340 --> 00:34:51.200 To God's praise. 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:52.579 In Psalm 16. 00:34:54.220 --> 00:34:54.760 Sing. 00:34:54.900 --> 00:34:55.700 Psalm's version. 00:34:55.880 --> 00:34:56.740 Psalm 16. 00:34:59.860 --> 00:35:00.600 We'll sing. 00:35:00.740 --> 00:35:01.519 From verse 8. 00:35:01.680 --> 00:35:01.940 Down. 00:35:02.200 --> 00:35:02.620 To the end. 00:35:02.660 --> 00:35:03.220 Of the psalm. 00:35:03.300 --> 00:35:03.760 The tune is. 00:35:03.820 --> 00:35:04.519 Golden Hill. 00:35:05.320 --> 00:35:05.579 Again. 00:35:05.640 --> 00:35:06.720 Just reminds us. 00:35:07.019 --> 00:35:07.200 To. 00:35:08.140 --> 00:35:08.480 Fix. 00:35:08.480 --> 00:35:09.719 Our eyes. 00:35:09.760 --> 00:35:10.240 On the Lord. 00:35:10.320 --> 00:35:10.880 Before me. 00:35:10.940 --> 00:35:11.539 Constantly. 00:35:11.539 --> 00:35:12.199 I set. 00:35:12.460 --> 00:35:13.179 The Lord. 00:35:13.240 --> 00:35:13.539 Alone. 00:35:13.639 --> 00:35:14.559 Because he is. 00:35:14.639 --> 00:35:15.740 At my right hand. 00:35:16.139 --> 00:35:16.880 I'll not be. 00:35:17.099 --> 00:35:17.619 Overthrown. 00:35:17.719 --> 00:35:17.980 Therefore. 00:35:18.159 --> 00:35:18.699 My heart. 00:35:18.740 --> 00:35:19.340 Is glad. 00:35:19.820 --> 00:35:20.400 My tongue. 00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:20.639 Will. 00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:21.740 With joy. 00:35:21.840 --> 00:35:22.380 Will sing. 00:35:22.840 --> 00:35:23.420 My body. 00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:23.719 Too. 00:35:23.800 --> 00:35:24.300 Will rest. 00:35:24.400 --> 00:35:24.880 Secure. 00:35:24.940 --> 00:35:25.440 In hope. 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:26.659 Unwavering. 00:35:26.719 --> 00:35:27.000 We'll sing. 00:35:27.079 --> 00:35:27.740 From verse 8. 00:35:27.880 --> 00:35:28.360 To 11. 00:35:28.719 --> 00:35:29.760 To God's praise. 00:35:29.760 --> 00:35:30.460 My heart. 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:30.460 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:38.780 Before me constantly 00:35:38.780 --> 00:35:46.780 I set the Lord alone 00:35:46.780 --> 00:35:56.780 Because he is not my light 00:35:56.780 --> 00:36:05.600 I'll not be overthrown 00:36:05.600 --> 00:36:14.019 Therefore my heart is glad 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:22.780 Thy tongue with joy will sing 00:36:22.780 --> 00:36:31.600 Thy body true and fresh and pure 00:36:31.600 --> 00:36:39.600 In hope and in the name 00:36:39.599 --> 00:36:48.420 For you will not allow 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:56.420 My soul in death to save 00:36:56.420 --> 00:37:06.240 The way you live your holy one 00:37:06.240 --> 00:37:13.240 To see the truth decay 00:37:13.239 --> 00:37:22.059 You have made more to me 00:37:22.059 --> 00:37:30.059 The path of life divine 00:37:30.059 --> 00:37:36.880 There shall I know 00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:40.880 At your right hand 00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:48.880 Joy from your face will shine 00:37:48.880 --> 00:37:53.920 After the benediction I'll go to the main door 00:37:53.920 --> 00:37:57.180 Now may grace, mercy and peace 00:37:57.180 --> 00:38:00.099 from God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit 00:38:00.099 --> 00:38:02.740 rest upon and abide with you all 00:38:02.740 --> 00:38:04.840 now and forevermore. Amen. 00:38:04.840 --> 00:38:34.820 Thank you. 00:38:35.539 --> 00:38:35.539 00:38:35.539 --> 00:38:36.500 My god 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500 00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:36.500