WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.660 Take your Bibles this morning, turn it over to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. 00:00:04.660 --> 00:00:11.759 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 as we began last week looking at a maturing faith and what it takes 00:00:11.759 --> 00:00:21.620 ! And we talked about a pleasing walk with the Lord, you know, and involving that walk that is with the Lord. 00:00:21.679 --> 00:00:24.900 And we looked at a term last week called sanctification. 00:00:24.899 --> 00:00:32.519 And the importance of that and that there's three dynamics of sanctification mentioned within the Scripture. 00:00:33.339 --> 00:00:40.640 And so the first one was that positionally, that's when you accept Christ as Savior, you're accepted in the beloved. 00:00:41.299 --> 00:00:48.859 You know, that you have security in Christ that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, the Bible tells us. 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:52.539 It makes those things very clear and we see that's positional. 00:00:52.539 --> 00:00:55.359 And then we have practical sanctification. 00:00:55.560 --> 00:00:59.820 That's how God changes us and matures us in this life. 00:00:59.859 --> 00:01:02.780 If you're saved, we're stuck in the practical part. 00:01:03.159 --> 00:01:03.600 Okay? 00:01:03.859 --> 00:01:05.039 This is where we live. 00:01:05.099 --> 00:01:06.379 We live in the practical. 00:01:07.039 --> 00:01:11.480 How do you apply God's truths practically in our life? 00:01:11.480 --> 00:01:21.200 But also we see that perfect sanctification that he's told us one day will be conformed to his image, will be changed, will be different. 00:01:21.520 --> 00:01:24.180 The things of this life will no longer be a concern. 00:01:25.579 --> 00:01:26.359 That's perfect. 00:01:26.439 --> 00:01:34.719 But we're going to talk today a little more because Paul draws us back to the importance of practical sanctification. 00:01:34.719 --> 00:01:37.599 What does some of those things look like practically? 00:01:38.359 --> 00:01:47.420 You know, because we all know that it's easy to speak about high things and, you know, what expectations are and what way we'd like things to be. 00:01:47.539 --> 00:01:50.420 But, you know, the reality is life is filled with practical things. 00:01:51.039 --> 00:01:52.759 How do we apply it? 00:01:53.200 --> 00:01:57.879 How do we live those things practically in our life? 00:01:57.879 --> 00:02:07.340 And how does this practical sanctification not only affect us, what does it look like within us, but also how does it affect others? 00:02:08.939 --> 00:02:10.539 Because both those are true. 00:02:10.659 --> 00:02:17.079 And we're going to see Paul today is going to draw that attention to the church there at Thessalonica, those believers. 00:02:17.740 --> 00:02:22.079 And I want you to remember as we get ready to get into this that Paul had commended them. 00:02:22.139 --> 00:02:23.939 He said, you guys have displayed love. 00:02:24.019 --> 00:02:24.800 You've been faithful. 00:02:24.960 --> 00:02:25.879 You've been steadfast. 00:02:25.879 --> 00:02:26.680 You've been steadfast. 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:29.199 You've endured tribulation. 00:02:29.419 --> 00:02:30.560 You've endured trials. 00:02:30.699 --> 00:02:32.719 You've endured those things. 00:02:32.859 --> 00:02:34.819 But he said, you know what? 00:02:36.039 --> 00:02:37.120 You're still in it. 00:02:38.979 --> 00:02:46.560 You know, I want you to understand that oftentimes you might come over one hurdle in life and realize that there's just another hill. 00:02:47.780 --> 00:02:51.699 You know, you get over one to realize there's one again on the other side. 00:02:51.699 --> 00:02:54.560 That's the practical realities of life. 00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:58.740 You know, in this life, we're going to have all those challenges. 00:02:58.740 --> 00:02:59.680 We're going to have those things. 00:02:59.680 --> 00:03:12.140 And we're going to have to continue to grow because maturing in the faith is that practical application, a practical walk before the Lord and before others. 00:03:12.139 --> 00:03:18.259 Because in this life, what we do as believers not only affects us, but affects others around us. 00:03:19.099 --> 00:03:21.719 And we always need to keep those things in mind. 00:03:21.799 --> 00:03:23.159 It's not just one-sided. 00:03:23.399 --> 00:03:26.219 It's not just about us, but it's about the Savior. 00:03:26.379 --> 00:03:29.439 And it's about what he has done for not only you, but for others. 00:03:29.439 --> 00:03:40.300 And that application we're going to see here this morning because Paul had some practical application of sanctification in their lives. 00:03:40.359 --> 00:03:41.939 That practical sanctification. 00:03:42.120 --> 00:03:43.039 How are we maturing? 00:03:43.159 --> 00:03:46.159 How are we growing in the things of the Lord? 00:03:46.219 --> 00:03:48.780 How are we moving forward in that? 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:52.960 And there arose among the believers at Thessalonica. 00:03:53.319 --> 00:03:56.240 You know, how do we apply those things today? 00:03:56.400 --> 00:04:00.819 You know, if we're to please the Lord in what we do, it's a question. 00:04:00.920 --> 00:04:02.939 The practical side is what does that look like? 00:04:02.939 --> 00:04:12.060 Because when we don't understand what it looks like, we get all sorts of different ideas that are contrary to what God has said. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:15.379 Because we will fill the practical with something. 00:04:16.240 --> 00:04:19.079 The question is, are you going to fill it with what God has described? 00:04:19.339 --> 00:04:22.639 Are we going to fill it with what the world prescribes? 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:25.579 What the expectations? 00:04:25.579 --> 00:04:34.219 So we need to understand what is that expectation and practical dynamic that we're looking at in our relationship with our Savior. 00:04:34.379 --> 00:04:36.579 It's a practical part of sanctification. 00:04:37.060 --> 00:04:39.659 It's the part where we are maturing and growing. 00:04:40.860 --> 00:04:47.039 You know, growth always involves being stretched out farther than you think you can. 00:04:47.699 --> 00:04:49.639 It involves conflict. 00:04:49.919 --> 00:04:52.039 It involves all sorts of issues. 00:04:52.040 --> 00:04:57.200 Because unless there's resistance, you don't build strength. 00:04:57.420 --> 00:04:58.740 Oftentimes we forget that. 00:04:58.800 --> 00:05:00.000 We all want the easy road. 00:05:00.060 --> 00:05:00.500 But you know what? 00:05:00.520 --> 00:05:04.879 If you sit on the couch and eat cookies all day and drink soda, guess what? 00:05:04.920 --> 00:05:05.660 You're going to get fat. 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:06.580 You're not going to get strong. 00:05:09.540 --> 00:05:13.500 Resistance and the dynamics of life build strength. 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:16.520 The same is true physically that it is spiritually. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:21.780 And God allows some things into our life for that reason. 00:05:21.779 --> 00:05:26.259 And we're going to find here, if you found 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, let's stand together this morning. 00:05:26.459 --> 00:05:29.639 We're going to pick up here in verse 9 here this morning. 00:05:29.719 --> 00:05:30.939 Read down through verse 12. 00:05:31.039 --> 00:05:35.179 But if you want to follow along in your Bible this morning, and notice what it says here. 00:05:35.180 --> 00:05:39.139 But as touching brotherly love, need not that I write unto you. 00:05:39.540 --> 00:05:42.740 For you yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 00:05:43.340 --> 00:05:47.280 And indeed, ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia. 00:05:47.360 --> 00:05:52.519 But we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more. 00:05:52.519 --> 00:06:00.519 And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own business and to work with your own hands as we commanded you. 00:06:01.199 --> 00:06:08.000 That ye may walk honestly towards them that are without and that you may have lack of nothing. 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:09.699 Let's pray. 00:06:09.799 --> 00:06:17.060 Heavenly Father, as we come before you this morning, Lord, we just thank you for all that you've done for us. 00:06:17.519 --> 00:06:18.980 Lord, all that you give to us. 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:24.879 Lord, we pray just have your hand upon the message here today, Lord, as we look at some things practically. 00:06:25.399 --> 00:06:32.240 Even as we enter into a new year, Lord, of applying these truths, not for last year, but for what's ahead. 00:06:32.780 --> 00:06:37.199 Lord, we know that last year is behind and we have a new year ahead. 00:06:37.340 --> 00:06:44.540 Lord, help us to look forward to serving and walking and being practical in our walk with you. 00:06:44.540 --> 00:06:49.200 That we might apply those truths that you reveal to us today in your word, Lord. 00:06:49.220 --> 00:06:52.319 That we might make them practical in our lives, Lord. 00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:57.800 That they might play out not only to honor you, but also mature us. 00:06:58.360 --> 00:07:01.180 And Lord, to be an impact upon others also. 00:07:01.360 --> 00:07:04.080 And Lord, we just ask all these things in your precious name. 00:07:04.840 --> 00:07:05.160 Amen. 00:07:05.420 --> 00:07:05.939 You may be seated. 00:07:07.500 --> 00:07:14.120 You know, we know here as we remember Timothy had brought back a good report from Thessalonica about the believers. 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:16.920 You know, they'd been faithful to the Lord, you know. 00:07:17.139 --> 00:07:18.720 But it was a great beginning. 00:07:19.639 --> 00:07:24.240 But now they had to continue to grow and to mature in the Lord. 00:07:25.100 --> 00:07:31.019 You know, the one thing that you find over time, it's oftentimes easy to grow to a point and then get comfortable. 00:07:31.280 --> 00:07:33.000 That's a dangerous place for a believer. 00:07:34.340 --> 00:07:39.060 You know, there's a lot of people that call upon the Lord, they get saved, they begin to serve the Lord, 00:07:39.139 --> 00:07:40.340 then it just kind of plateaus. 00:07:42.300 --> 00:07:44.040 And they start doing life. 00:07:44.120 --> 00:07:45.680 You know, I've checked all the right boxes. 00:07:45.840 --> 00:07:52.600 But they forget God doesn't want us or expect us or even desire for us to be static. 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:56.879 God desires for us to grow and to mature. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:08:03.459 Because remember, Paul had heard the report of how loving they had been, how they had responded to it. 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:05.139 They'd done all the right things. 00:08:05.280 --> 00:08:07.740 But I want you to see here something very important. 00:08:07.840 --> 00:08:09.319 Look down here at the end of verse 10. 00:08:09.319 --> 00:08:11.379 He tells them all these things. 00:08:11.500 --> 00:08:13.540 And now notice he says, that ye what? 00:08:14.079 --> 00:08:16.779 Increase more and more. 00:08:17.699 --> 00:08:22.199 In other words, he says, being static isn't where you ought to be. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:28.039 You know, we need to understand the importance of growth, that practical application. 00:08:28.920 --> 00:08:34.179 You know, because otherwise we get to a place where we just justify our choices and responses. 00:08:34.539 --> 00:08:37.120 We get just holy enough to get by. 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:43.299 You end up with one foot in the world and one foot in the things of God. 00:08:44.100 --> 00:08:47.779 You say, I can balance this and make everybody happy and look good. 00:08:48.899 --> 00:08:49.560 You know what? 00:08:49.580 --> 00:08:52.679 That's being static in your faith. 00:08:52.899 --> 00:08:57.000 Because the more your faith grows, the more you ought to move out of the things 00:08:57.000 --> 00:09:00.200 and the moorings of this world into the things that God would have. 00:09:00.200 --> 00:09:02.280 As we let go of those things. 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:06.800 But oftentimes, you know, this is not a problem just in biblical times. 00:09:07.080 --> 00:09:10.040 But, you know, take a look over in 1 Corinthians chapter 3 for a moment. 00:09:10.160 --> 00:09:12.160 Because Paul's talking to the church at Corinth. 00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:14.440 You know, and Corinth had some problems. 00:09:14.540 --> 00:09:19.640 But it's interesting that here's a church that didn't have any problems at Thessalonica today. 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:23.520 And Paul is telling them the same thing in maybe a little bit different way. 00:09:23.580 --> 00:09:24.960 But he's telling them the same thing. 00:09:25.860 --> 00:09:27.140 You know, you have to keep growing. 00:09:27.140 --> 00:09:29.360 Look what it says here in chapter 3 in verse 1. 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:34.100 He says, and I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:36.720 even as unto babes in Christ. 00:09:37.860 --> 00:09:39.159 Think about what he's saying there. 00:09:39.200 --> 00:09:41.000 He says, hey, you guys have become static. 00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:41.779 You're not growing. 00:09:42.899 --> 00:09:44.800 You're not doing what you ought to do. 00:09:45.039 --> 00:09:47.620 He says, I have fed you with milk and not with meat. 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:52.659 For hitherto you were not able to bear it, neither yet are ye able. 00:09:53.300 --> 00:09:56.820 You know, when you consider here, he says, hey, you guys should be growing up by now, 00:09:56.820 --> 00:09:59.660 but you're still babies. 00:09:59.920 --> 00:10:01.820 You know, we expect little ones to act immature. 00:10:02.280 --> 00:10:02.940 But you know what? 00:10:04.379 --> 00:10:08.840 Immaturity, the things that a 3-year-old does doesn't look very good on a 13-year-old. 00:10:10.280 --> 00:10:13.720 The things a 13-year-old doesn't look very good on a 23-year-old. 00:10:13.720 --> 00:10:20.420 The things of a 23-year-old don't look very good in their choices when you're 43 or 53. 00:10:22.460 --> 00:10:22.860 Why? 00:10:22.980 --> 00:10:24.779 Because there's an expectation of what? 00:10:26.360 --> 00:10:26.720 Maturity. 00:10:27.160 --> 00:10:29.700 And we have to continue to grow and to mature. 00:10:30.259 --> 00:10:31.600 We notice here, look at verse 3. 00:10:31.700 --> 00:10:37.420 It says, for ye are yet carnal, whereas there's among you envying and strife and divisions, 00:10:37.419 --> 00:10:42.279 and ye are not carnal, and walk as men. 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:42.979 You know? 00:10:43.099 --> 00:10:46.319 In other words, you've got one foot in the world and it causes a problem. 00:10:46.699 --> 00:10:51.639 The issue that he's dealing with here is the same one he's encouraging the church at Thessalonica 00:10:51.639 --> 00:10:56.699 practically to apply in their lives, and that's to walk in harmony. 00:10:57.099 --> 00:11:04.059 Because a practical walk involves walking in harmonious love and the right kind of love. 00:11:04.059 --> 00:11:04.500 Okay? 00:11:05.179 --> 00:11:08.199 Because what produces harmony in our walk? 00:11:08.719 --> 00:11:09.559 Brotherly love. 00:11:10.119 --> 00:11:11.579 Notice what he tells them there. 00:11:11.659 --> 00:11:12.799 Look here in verse 9. 00:11:13.039 --> 00:11:15.719 Back in our text here in 1 Thessalonians, it says, 00:11:16.099 --> 00:11:20.159 But as touching brotherly love, we need not that I write unto you, 00:11:20.219 --> 00:11:23.699 for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 00:11:24.039 --> 00:11:27.079 And indeed you do it towards all the brethren, which are in all Macedonia, 00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:30.419 but we beseech you, brethren, that you increase. 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:34.120 In other words, he says, you know what you ought to do, or are you going to continue to do it? 00:11:36.039 --> 00:11:38.279 You know, that's a practical application, isn't it? 00:11:39.219 --> 00:11:43.679 Because the reality is we can know to do something and not do it. 00:11:43.799 --> 00:11:45.099 We do it all the time in life. 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:47.399 You know? 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:52.539 It's a reality, but he says this is brotherly love, 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:55.120 this genuine kindness towards others. 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:59.240 This has to do with like a family type love. 00:11:59.340 --> 00:12:02.940 As a church, we have to have a brotherly love one for another. 00:12:04.539 --> 00:12:09.240 A genuine concern for each other. 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:11.440 That's a practical application. 00:12:11.700 --> 00:12:15.759 It's the mindset, the direction that we're looking here. 00:12:15.820 --> 00:12:17.340 That's that brotherly love. 00:12:17.340 --> 00:12:24.019 And have you noticed that sometimes it can be easier to be more kind to strangers than it is family? 00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:26.740 I'll just state the truth. 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:29.960 You know, sometimes it's easier to be kind to a stranger than it is your family. 00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:32.740 You know why? 00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:36.259 Because the families around you all the time, they know how to push your buttons. 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:40.000 Or they do things that you don't approve of, or you don't think are right, 00:12:40.060 --> 00:12:44.500 or all the different dynamics, or maybe it's personalities or directions, 00:12:44.779 --> 00:12:46.560 and it causes friction and conflict. 00:12:46.560 --> 00:12:47.460 You know what? 00:12:48.320 --> 00:12:53.600 As a body of believers, those same elements are going to come about. 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:58.379 Family is going to have some conflict. 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:02.720 But God says that we have to love one another. 00:13:02.840 --> 00:13:03.700 That's the practical. 00:13:03.820 --> 00:13:08.860 How do you love in spite of conflicts that come? 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:13.740 You know, think about what Jesus tells his disciples here in John chapter 13. 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:16.580 John chapter 13 and verse 34 says, 00:13:16.659 --> 00:13:21.159 A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you, 00:13:21.399 --> 00:13:23.480 that ye also love one another. 00:13:25.240 --> 00:13:28.919 Now, when you stop and think about what Jesus is telling his disciples here, 00:13:29.019 --> 00:13:31.460 this is the 11. 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:35.080 Judas has already departed. 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:39.560 And, you know, sometimes we think the disciples just sat around and sang kumbaya all the time. 00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:44.820 You know, in that picture you get, everything was just smooth around Jesus. 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:50.280 When you start reading about what goes on in the conflict, 00:13:50.800 --> 00:13:52.860 you know, why do you think Peter came and asked, 00:13:52.960 --> 00:13:54.680 Lord, how many times do I have to forgive him? 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:58.700 It's probably because somebody else in the group made Peter mad or offended Peter. 00:13:58.860 --> 00:14:01.600 Lord, I know he's one of us, but how often do I have to forgive him? 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:04.560 You know what, if you understand and study the disciples, 00:14:04.779 --> 00:14:06.480 they were a very unlikely group. 00:14:06.820 --> 00:14:09.800 Before Christ, they had nothing to do with one another. 00:14:10.180 --> 00:14:13.220 Matter of fact, it amazes me when you start studying the disciples 00:14:13.220 --> 00:14:14.879 that one of them was a zealot. 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:18.259 One of them was a tax collector. 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:24.120 Now, to us, that's just like, oh, that's just political ideals or things. 00:14:24.540 --> 00:14:26.460 I want you to understand, in Jesus' day, 00:14:26.560 --> 00:14:29.580 the zealots would literally kill tax collectors 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:31.320 because they thought they sold out to the Romans. 00:14:32.519 --> 00:14:34.680 You want a political buttheads right there? 00:14:34.980 --> 00:14:36.180 But what brought them together? 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:38.300 What made them serve together? 00:14:38.420 --> 00:14:39.980 It wasn't who they were, 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:43.159 but it's who their Savior was. 00:14:45.040 --> 00:14:49.620 And they had to practice practical sanctification. 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:51.519 They had to practically put together, 00:14:51.639 --> 00:14:55.300 how do I love somebody that I don't agree with? 00:14:55.500 --> 00:14:56.740 Say, preacher, that's tough. 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:59.080 Yeah, that's growing and maturing 00:14:59.080 --> 00:15:03.080 when you can walk through those things to understand 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:06.320 because I want you to know here this morning 00:15:06.320 --> 00:15:08.919 that Jesus instructed his disciples. 00:15:08.919 --> 00:15:10.919 He looked at them before he was getting ready to depart. 00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:13.820 He says, guys, I know there's problems 00:15:13.820 --> 00:15:15.940 amongst your thinking, 00:15:15.940 --> 00:15:18.200 but you need to learn to love one another. 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:19.320 It's important. 00:15:19.580 --> 00:15:20.300 It's essential. 00:15:20.780 --> 00:15:21.700 You know, it's difficult, 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.680 but we're supposed to seek 00:15:23.680 --> 00:15:27.160 the well-being of others. 00:15:28.560 --> 00:15:29.700 Even in life, 00:15:29.800 --> 00:15:31.640 sometimes they're going to let us down. 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:34.580 Sometimes they're going to offend us. 00:15:34.780 --> 00:15:35.759 That's when Jesus said, 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:38.440 you have to keep the right mindset about those things. 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:40.600 That's maturing in the Lord 00:15:40.600 --> 00:15:41.700 because one says, 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:44.020 I'm going to let my emotions run away, 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:44.779 and the other says, 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:46.620 I'm going to accept my responsibility 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:48.079 and think, 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:48.960 I'm going to ask the Lord 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:50.519 to help me to think differently. 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:54.000 That's the reason Paul told him. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:54.259 He said, 00:15:54.559 --> 00:15:56.199 he commends them for their love 00:15:56.199 --> 00:15:57.340 and then he turns around and says, 00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:58.299 but you just began. 00:16:00.939 --> 00:16:01.879 Your love, 00:16:02.039 --> 00:16:04.899 in order to have harmony among you, 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:06.559 must increase 00:16:06.559 --> 00:16:08.379 to go more and more. 00:16:10.419 --> 00:16:12.259 You know, think about Matthew 18 there 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:14.480 when Peter came to Jesus. 00:16:14.840 --> 00:16:16.000 In verse 21, 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:16.480 it says, 00:16:16.720 --> 00:16:18.559 Lord, how oft shall my brother 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:19.799 sin against me 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:20.639 and I forgive him? 00:16:20.700 --> 00:16:21.500 Seven times? 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:21.799 You know, 00:16:22.439 --> 00:16:24.220 we can spend a little time here, 00:16:24.319 --> 00:16:24.580 but you know, 00:16:24.819 --> 00:16:26.460 Peter's kind of building himself up. 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:28.240 I've already done seven times. 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:29.439 And Moses would say, 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:29.700 you know, 00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:31.360 somebody that made you upset 00:16:31.360 --> 00:16:32.960 or did something to you seven times, 00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:34.100 I'm done with them. 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:36.039 Look what Jesus responded to him. 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:38.519 Jesus, 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:39.720 I'll put it this way. 00:16:40.559 --> 00:16:41.879 Look what Jesus said unto them. 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.559 And tell him, 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:43.639 I find it, 00:16:43.679 --> 00:16:45.559 that those things pop up very quickly. 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:49.080 As we get ready to go into a new year, 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:49.419 you know, 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:51.500 there's things that happened last year 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:52.799 that need to be put away. 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:54.659 Things that need to be dealt with. 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:55.620 You know, 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:57.879 because there's nothing that destroys harmony 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:59.299 quicker than criticism, 00:16:59.939 --> 00:17:00.379 grumbling, 00:17:00.620 --> 00:17:01.159 complaining, 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:02.100 gossip, 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:03.240 selfishness, 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:04.799 personal agendas. 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:08.319 All those things 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:10.660 are impactful in it. 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:12.360 And this personality conflict, 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:12.820 you know, 00:17:13.300 --> 00:17:14.180 I want you to understand 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:15.200 when Jesus is looking, 00:17:15.340 --> 00:17:16.279 he knows there's going to be 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:17.400 a problem between them 00:17:17.400 --> 00:17:19.120 because of who they are. 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:19.480 You know, 00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:20.400 we all understand 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.700 exactly what I'm talking about. 00:17:21.820 --> 00:17:22.880 Sometimes personality 00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:23.400 is relevant 00:17:23.400 --> 00:17:25.019 because of the way you're wired. 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:26.859 But we need all the people 00:17:26.859 --> 00:17:28.019 wired different ways. 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:29.099 So God made us 00:17:29.099 --> 00:17:30.700 a different and unique person 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:32.759 and all of us have elements within 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:34.039 that need to be tested 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:35.160 and conformed to His. 00:17:35.259 --> 00:17:35.920 That's the reason 00:17:35.920 --> 00:17:36.819 but we're all different 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:37.980 and that causes questions. 00:17:38.180 --> 00:17:39.299 Immature believer 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:40.279 starts pouting 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:41.019 and putting up 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:42.259 and doing all sorts of issues 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:43.339 and complaining 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:44.039 and murmuring 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:44.859 and gossiping 00:17:44.859 --> 00:17:45.720 about what somebody else is. 00:17:45.720 --> 00:17:47.120 The mature believer says, 00:17:47.360 --> 00:17:47.500 Lord, 00:17:47.579 --> 00:17:48.839 what's my part? 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:51.700 How do I need to mature? 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:53.200 How do I need to love them? 00:17:53.380 --> 00:17:53.960 To consider 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:55.240 how are we thinking 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:56.640 and working through 00:17:56.640 --> 00:17:57.920 those things practically? 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.860 Because I want you 00:17:59.860 --> 00:18:00.640 to understand 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:01.420 that, you know, 00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:02.100 last year 00:18:02.100 --> 00:18:02.700 and this year 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:03.720 and the year after that 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:04.640 the Lord tarries. 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:06.100 The question is not 00:18:06.100 --> 00:18:07.339 will these occur 00:18:07.339 --> 00:18:08.579 but what are you going to do 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.180 when they do? 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:11.360 What or how 00:18:11.360 --> 00:18:12.360 will you respond? 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:13.299 Will you respond 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:15.539 carnally in the flesh 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:16.559 as Paul talks about 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:17.859 the church at Corinth 00:18:17.859 --> 00:18:19.460 or in an encouragement 00:18:19.460 --> 00:18:20.440 as he does here 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:21.700 in Thessalonians 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:23.960 to encourage them 00:18:23.960 --> 00:18:25.220 to increase more and more? 00:18:25.299 --> 00:18:25.480 He says, 00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:26.700 you haven't reached 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:27.680 the pinnacle of it. 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:30.259 You haven't fulfilled 00:18:30.259 --> 00:18:31.019 everything 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:32.619 that my command 00:18:32.619 --> 00:18:34.220 to love one another means. 00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:36.039 He says, 00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:36.799 you need to grow 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.740 and you need to mature. 00:18:37.879 --> 00:18:40.240 That's a practical walk. 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:40.659 You know, 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:41.779 the answer is 00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:42.779 to increase 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:43.619 more and more. 00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:44.079 In other words, 00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:45.500 when somebody offends you 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.399 you need to look at it 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:46.700 and say, 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.000 Lord, 00:18:47.379 --> 00:18:48.000 how do I need 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:48.899 to walk through this? 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:51.899 What area in my life 00:18:51.899 --> 00:18:52.779 or understanding 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.859 of loving somebody 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:55.000 do I need to mature? 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:55.960 Maturity 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:57.420 is critical. 00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:58.920 That practical walk 00:18:58.920 --> 00:18:59.899 will involve 00:18:59.899 --> 00:19:01.019 harmony 00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:02.079 with other believers 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:03.339 which includes 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:04.480 forgiving one another. 00:19:05.119 --> 00:19:06.200 Not just once 00:19:06.200 --> 00:19:07.000 but continually. 00:19:08.099 --> 00:19:08.279 You know, 00:19:08.680 --> 00:19:09.579 you can hinder 00:19:09.579 --> 00:19:10.480 brotherly love 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:11.279 among believers 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:12.519 when you harbor 00:19:12.519 --> 00:19:13.819 things from the past. 00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:15.299 What someone said 00:19:15.299 --> 00:19:15.920 or did 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:16.799 are the opposite 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.640 of what someone 00:19:17.640 --> 00:19:18.940 did not do 00:19:18.940 --> 00:19:19.819 or say 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:20.420 when you thought 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:20.860 they ought to. 00:19:20.920 --> 00:19:21.059 You know, 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:21.920 I find more times 00:19:21.920 --> 00:19:22.620 people get offended 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:23.799 over what didn't happen 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:24.860 because they look at it 00:19:24.860 --> 00:19:25.000 and say, 00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:25.200 well, 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:25.960 they must have 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.880 did this intentionally 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:27.460 to me. 00:19:27.720 --> 00:19:27.860 Now, 00:19:27.880 --> 00:19:28.740 sometimes it's easier 00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:29.680 for people 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:30.599 to process 00:19:30.599 --> 00:19:32.819 an actual slight 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.400 to them 00:19:33.400 --> 00:19:36.120 than it is 00:19:36.120 --> 00:19:36.579 when they have 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:37.460 an expectation. 00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:39.799 Our expectations, 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:41.259 well, 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:41.839 they ought to. 00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:42.319 You know what? 00:19:42.939 --> 00:19:43.919 When we look at it 00:19:43.919 --> 00:19:44.319 correctly, 00:19:44.419 --> 00:19:44.939 you know what? 00:19:45.439 --> 00:19:46.159 Somebody else 00:19:46.159 --> 00:19:46.859 might not have done 00:19:46.859 --> 00:19:47.439 what they're supposed 00:19:47.439 --> 00:19:47.759 to do. 00:19:47.819 --> 00:19:48.259 You know what? 00:19:48.319 --> 00:19:48.939 You probably haven't 00:19:48.939 --> 00:19:49.639 done some of the things 00:19:49.639 --> 00:19:50.119 you've got to do. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:50.859 That's the reason 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:51.839 we can forgive them. 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.799 We can move on. 00:19:53.359 --> 00:19:55.039 We're supposed to have 00:19:55.039 --> 00:19:55.679 the harmony 00:19:55.679 --> 00:19:56.740 that Paul's talking 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:57.279 about here 00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:58.079 amongst believers. 00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:58.899 It's something 00:19:58.899 --> 00:19:59.879 that needs to happen 00:19:59.879 --> 00:20:00.559 continually. 00:20:01.379 --> 00:20:01.599 You know? 00:20:01.960 --> 00:20:02.740 You can hinder 00:20:02.740 --> 00:20:03.679 brotherly love 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:04.460 among believers 00:20:04.460 --> 00:20:05.799 when you harbor things, 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:06.639 but we need to 00:20:06.639 --> 00:20:07.220 understand 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:08.579 either way 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:09.819 it hinders the love 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:10.960 that God commands 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:11.740 every believer 00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:12.460 to have. 00:20:13.419 --> 00:20:14.039 Look over to 00:20:14.039 --> 00:20:15.220 Proverbs chapter 10 00:20:15.220 --> 00:20:15.759 for a moment. 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:16.839 Proverbs chapter 10 00:20:16.839 --> 00:20:17.700 here in verse 12. 00:20:18.940 --> 00:20:20.159 We see over here 00:20:20.159 --> 00:20:21.180 something very clear 00:20:21.180 --> 00:20:22.019 in the word of God. 00:20:22.119 --> 00:20:23.019 It tells us this. 00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:23.799 It says, 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:26.899 Hatred stirreth up strife. 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:31.159 Hatred stirreth up strife. 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:32.220 Now notice the last part 00:20:32.220 --> 00:20:32.519 of that. 00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:34.159 But love 00:20:34.160 --> 00:20:36.140 covereth all 00:20:36.140 --> 00:20:37.400 sins. 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:38.820 There's a practicality 00:20:38.820 --> 00:20:39.259 right there 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:39.840 in that proverb. 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:41.920 That we allow 00:20:41.920 --> 00:20:43.140 past things 00:20:43.140 --> 00:20:44.100 to harbor. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:44.400 Now, 00:20:45.080 --> 00:20:45.740 I just want to make 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.240 something clear. 00:20:46.320 --> 00:20:46.920 There's some things 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:47.360 that people 00:20:47.360 --> 00:20:48.759 need to make right 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:50.700 in life. 00:20:51.660 --> 00:20:52.580 We need to let 00:20:52.580 --> 00:20:53.200 those things 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:53.900 of the past 00:20:53.900 --> 00:20:54.620 be passed 00:20:54.620 --> 00:20:55.900 and press forward 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:56.620 to the mark 00:20:56.620 --> 00:20:57.920 as Paul tells us. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:59.040 We need to understand 00:20:59.039 --> 00:21:00.379 that, you know, 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:03.099 we need the harmony 00:21:03.099 --> 00:21:04.319 in the year to come. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.639 We need to increase 00:21:05.639 --> 00:21:06.420 in our love 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:07.299 one for another. 00:21:07.599 --> 00:21:08.440 No matter what, 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.839 we still need to improve 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.639 to increase 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:11.339 more 00:21:11.339 --> 00:21:12.559 and more. 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:13.859 You know, 00:21:13.920 --> 00:21:15.259 1 Peter chapter 1 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.139 tells us this 00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:16.859 in verse 22. 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:18.119 Seeing ye have purified 00:21:18.119 --> 00:21:19.139 your souls 00:21:19.139 --> 00:21:20.399 in obeying the truth 00:21:20.399 --> 00:21:21.119 through the Spirit 00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:22.339 unto what? 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.579 Unfeigned love 00:21:23.579 --> 00:21:24.319 of the brethren. 00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:25.779 See that ye love 00:21:25.779 --> 00:21:26.359 one another 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:27.919 with a pure heart 00:21:27.919 --> 00:21:28.799 fervently. 00:21:29.179 --> 00:21:29.379 Now, 00:21:29.419 --> 00:21:30.339 notice where it starts. 00:21:30.419 --> 00:21:30.919 It starts with 00:21:30.919 --> 00:21:31.779 obeying the truth. 00:21:33.719 --> 00:21:34.559 What's he talking 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:35.059 about there? 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:38.179 Obeying the instruction 00:21:38.179 --> 00:21:39.539 of the Word of God. 00:21:40.919 --> 00:21:42.219 To say what God 00:21:42.219 --> 00:21:42.740 has said 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:44.119 supersedes my feelings. 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:44.759 I want to say 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:46.259 that strikes pretty hard 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:46.859 at us, doesn't it? 00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:47.519 Because you know what? 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.219 Our feelings 00:21:48.219 --> 00:21:49.199 don't always align 00:21:49.199 --> 00:21:50.159 with what God tells us. 00:21:50.179 --> 00:21:50.939 The question is, 00:21:51.139 --> 00:21:51.879 at that point, 00:21:51.959 --> 00:21:52.740 is who's in charge? 00:21:52.899 --> 00:21:53.879 If you say that 00:21:53.879 --> 00:21:55.139 Jesus is in charge, 00:21:55.219 --> 00:21:55.619 who are you going 00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:55.939 to obey? 00:21:56.359 --> 00:21:58.740 If you say, 00:21:58.839 --> 00:21:59.199 Jesus, 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:00.219 you're not in charge, 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:00.659 you're going to say, 00:22:00.719 --> 00:22:01.639 I'm going to obey myself. 00:22:01.919 --> 00:22:02.179 Really, 00:22:02.279 --> 00:22:03.379 what Peter's talking about 00:22:03.379 --> 00:22:03.799 here is something 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:04.319 very clear. 00:22:04.399 --> 00:22:05.359 It's a matter of authority. 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.240 Who gets authority? 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.240 Yourself or God? 00:22:07.539 --> 00:22:08.500 The love of the brethren 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:09.279 is the determination 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:10.000 of saying, 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:11.139 who's in authority? 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:12.219 Who is there? 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:13.919 Who's walking through that? 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:14.139 You know, 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:15.299 a practical walk 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:15.839 we see here 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:17.059 not only needs harmony, 00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:19.099 but also involves 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:20.619 a honest work. 00:22:22.219 --> 00:22:22.439 You know, 00:22:22.459 --> 00:22:23.699 doing this isn't easy. 00:22:23.699 --> 00:22:24.259 You know, 00:22:24.439 --> 00:22:25.659 a practical walk, 00:22:25.660 --> 00:22:26.700 it takes work, 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:27.519 it takes labor. 00:22:29.120 --> 00:22:30.120 Notice what Paul 00:22:30.120 --> 00:22:30.920 tells him here. 00:22:31.300 --> 00:22:32.200 This honest work. 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:32.900 Look down here 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:33.640 in verse 11 00:22:33.640 --> 00:22:34.840 of our text. 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.240 It says, 00:22:35.360 --> 00:22:36.120 and that ye study 00:22:36.120 --> 00:22:36.980 to be quiet 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:38.860 and to do your own business 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:40.320 and to work with your own hands 00:22:40.320 --> 00:22:41.560 as we have commanded you. 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:42.100 You know, 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:42.860 as you read this, 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:43.720 it seems like Paul 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:44.720 makes a shift here 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.160 that's like, 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:45.600 well, 00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:46.519 where do these two things 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:46.860 intersect? 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:47.940 He's telling you 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:49.340 to increase more 00:22:49.340 --> 00:22:50.200 and more in love 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:51.140 and then get to work 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:52.460 and be quiet. 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:53.059 You're saying, 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:53.840 how in the world 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:54.579 does that connect? 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:57.319 Let me tell you, 00:22:57.380 --> 00:22:58.180 it does connect. 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:00.940 Because it involves 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:02.200 what you do, 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:04.340 how that plays out. 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:06.120 The instructions here 00:23:06.120 --> 00:23:07.519 are very clear. 00:23:07.840 --> 00:23:08.380 He tells them, 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:09.480 study to be quiet 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:10.759 and to do your own business. 00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:11.920 You know what it does? 00:23:11.960 --> 00:23:13.039 It directly connects 00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:14.220 to what you do 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:15.299 will either help 00:23:15.299 --> 00:23:16.960 increase that love 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:17.620 or hinder it. 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:18.519 This is not a 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:20.340 one-sided dynamic. 00:23:20.339 --> 00:23:22.439 Now let me give you 00:23:22.439 --> 00:23:24.039 a little lesson here. 00:23:24.119 --> 00:23:25.019 You see that word ye? 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:26.159 Whenever you see that 00:23:26.159 --> 00:23:26.740 in the scripture, 00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:28.279 it's a word 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:28.899 that a lot of people 00:23:28.899 --> 00:23:29.379 that, you know, 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:30.179 modernize, 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:30.919 they want to just put 00:23:30.919 --> 00:23:31.500 you there. 00:23:31.879 --> 00:23:32.859 But ye is a little different. 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:34.019 Ye is a plural 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:36.919 that includes you. 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:38.659 Ye includes you 00:23:38.659 --> 00:23:39.279 and you 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:39.740 and you 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.059 and you 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:40.319 and you 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:40.319 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.799 It bunches us all together. 00:23:42.179 --> 00:23:42.720 The word ye 00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:44.279 puts us on the same playing field 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:47.480 with the same responsibility. 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:48.299 Yes, 00:23:48.359 --> 00:23:49.500 it's for you, 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.980 but it's also for the other person. 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:54.660 It's for everybody together. 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:56.660 It's a collective type 00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:58.099 dynamic of a word. 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:59.680 It's the application 00:23:59.680 --> 00:24:01.359 is for everyone. 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:04.220 And it's everyone 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:05.519 doing their part. 00:24:05.859 --> 00:24:06.480 Now this is where 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.119 it gets sticky 00:24:07.119 --> 00:24:07.720 because 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:09.279 this is where this is 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:10.680 Paul's playing this out 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:11.200 practically 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:12.720 because I want you 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.400 to notice here 00:24:13.400 --> 00:24:14.079 he doesn't say 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:15.240 if the other person 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:15.720 does it, 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:16.420 you do this. 00:24:16.680 --> 00:24:17.880 He says this is your part. 00:24:17.880 --> 00:24:21.200 This is what's expected 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:21.540 of you 00:24:21.540 --> 00:24:22.160 no matter what 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:23.100 somebody else does. 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:24.140 That's the hard part 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:24.500 isn't it? 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:26.280 Because our emotions 00:24:26.280 --> 00:24:27.440 say if they do 00:24:27.440 --> 00:24:28.180 I will 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:31.160 God says 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:32.220 you need to do 00:24:32.220 --> 00:24:32.900 whether they do 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:33.420 or not. 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:34.460 Now I want you to see 00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:35.120 here this idea 00:24:35.120 --> 00:24:36.680 of study to be quiet. 00:24:38.620 --> 00:24:39.100 Now 00:24:39.100 --> 00:24:40.040 that can be 00:24:40.040 --> 00:24:40.940 taken literally 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:41.340 of just 00:24:41.340 --> 00:24:42.580 keep your mouth shut 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.359 but this is another 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:44.220 one of those phrases 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:45.259 that means more 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.480 the idea here 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:47.480 is 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:48.480 you don't need 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:49.639 to stir the pot 00:24:49.639 --> 00:24:51.379 meddling and provoking. 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.019 You know what 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:52.839 there's some good 00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:54.179 meddlers and provokers. 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.099 I've met some 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:56.000 masterful people 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:56.460 they're pretty 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.679 coy at it too. 00:24:59.559 --> 00:25:00.079 You know 00:25:00.079 --> 00:25:00.699 they walk in 00:25:00.699 --> 00:25:01.399 and stir the pot 00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:02.000 and walk out 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.539 all happy. 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:03.980 But study to be quiet 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:05.159 says you intentionally 00:25:05.159 --> 00:25:06.240 not stir 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:07.679 the pot 00:25:07.679 --> 00:25:08.220 that doesn't need. 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:08.980 Don't poke 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.460 somebody 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:09.799 just 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:10.119 you know 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:10.799 there's a lot of times 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:11.680 it causes problem 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:12.419 is that somebody 00:25:12.419 --> 00:25:13.099 did that to me 00:25:13.099 --> 00:25:13.579 so I'm going to 00:25:13.579 --> 00:25:14.319 poke them back 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:14.659 I'm going to 00:25:14.659 --> 00:25:15.579 cause a reaction. 00:25:16.919 --> 00:25:17.539 I'm going to 00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:18.019 get even. 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:19.399 Study to be quiet 00:25:19.399 --> 00:25:20.680 means I'm going to 00:25:20.680 --> 00:25:22.720 keep my mouth shut 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:24.099 I'm going to 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:25.079 take it to the Lord 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.799 I'm going to 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.460 deal with it 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:27.139 properly 00:25:27.139 --> 00:25:28.240 instead of just 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:29.039 provoking 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:30.079 a problem. 00:25:30.659 --> 00:25:31.559 I'm not going to 00:25:31.559 --> 00:25:32.419 stir something 00:25:32.419 --> 00:25:33.039 intentionally 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:33.680 that's going to 00:25:33.680 --> 00:25:34.759 cause a disruption 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:36.139 in our ability 00:25:36.139 --> 00:25:37.079 to love one another. 00:25:37.379 --> 00:25:37.559 You know 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:38.399 this is a problem 00:25:38.399 --> 00:25:39.259 that persisted 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:39.460 you know 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.700 over in 2 Thessalonians 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.559 chapter 3 00:25:41.559 --> 00:25:43.600 in verse 11 00:25:43.600 --> 00:25:44.319 Paul writes 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:44.860 them later 00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.380 and he says 00:25:45.380 --> 00:25:46.360 for we hear 00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:47.039 there are some 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:48.940 which walk 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:49.600 among you 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:50.580 disorderly 00:25:50.580 --> 00:25:51.759 working not at 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:52.380 all but are 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:52.740 what? 00:25:53.819 --> 00:25:54.620 Busy bodies. 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.819 Paul was trying 00:25:55.819 --> 00:25:56.319 to head off 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:56.880 a problem 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:57.360 but you know 00:25:57.360 --> 00:25:57.600 what? 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:58.400 The same 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:59.340 problem he had 00:25:59.340 --> 00:26:00.500 with the church 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:01.340 at Thessalonica 00:26:01.340 --> 00:26:01.799 is the same 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:02.420 problem we have 00:26:02.420 --> 00:26:02.740 today. 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:03.640 People can be 00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:04.319 told but people 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:04.880 don't listen. 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:05.740 Let's look at it 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.400 on the other side 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.059 on the positive 00:26:07.059 --> 00:26:07.660 side of that 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:08.120 look over to 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:09.220 Romans chapter 12 00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:10.440 Romans chapter 12 00:26:10.440 --> 00:26:11.440 and verse 18 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:13.559 tells us this 00:26:13.559 --> 00:26:15.220 if it be possible 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:16.579 as much as 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.799 why it in you 00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:19.079 live peaceably 00:26:19.079 --> 00:26:19.819 with all men. 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:20.900 That's the positive 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:21.819 side of what Paul 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:22.120 said. 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:23.620 The negative 00:26:23.620 --> 00:26:24.440 side is you're 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:25.079 not obeying 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:25.500 and you're being 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.299 a busy body 00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:26.900 and you're causing 00:26:26.900 --> 00:26:28.039 conflict and strife 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:28.519 and stirring 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:29.200 things up. 00:26:29.380 --> 00:26:30.039 The practical 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:31.059 side for us 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:31.779 is if it be 00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:32.240 possible. 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:32.880 In other words 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:34.079 there's some 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:34.740 things you can't 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:34.960 avoid. 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:37.259 Some things do 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:37.980 need to be dealt 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:38.200 with. 00:26:38.400 --> 00:26:39.240 The point here 00:26:39.240 --> 00:26:39.660 is you don't 00:26:39.660 --> 00:26:40.599 intentionally stir 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:41.059 it up just 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:41.779 stir the pot 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:42.279 and walk away. 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:42.880 I'll put it 00:26:42.880 --> 00:26:43.279 this way. 00:26:43.360 --> 00:26:43.759 If you stir 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.420 the pot you 00:26:44.420 --> 00:26:44.920 better sit 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:45.279 around. 00:26:45.620 --> 00:26:46.160 That's the 00:26:46.160 --> 00:26:46.480 biblical. 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:47.039 If there's a 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:47.420 problem it 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:47.860 tells us to 00:26:47.860 --> 00:26:48.440 go to our 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:48.900 brother or 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:49.740 sister and 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:50.120 do it. 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:50.660 It doesn't 00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:51.680 say accuse 00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:52.319 them and walk 00:26:52.319 --> 00:26:52.700 away. 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:53.599 It says what 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:53.880 to make 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.579 reconciliation. 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:55.500 That's that 00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:56.880 practical dynamic 00:26:56.880 --> 00:26:58.539 that Paul's 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.160 talking about 00:26:59.160 --> 00:26:59.700 here and as we 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:00.460 move into a 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.539 new year I 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:01.940 want you to 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:02.579 understand the 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:03.480 devil loves to 00:27:03.480 --> 00:27:04.380 stir things up 00:27:04.380 --> 00:27:05.339 but our first 00:27:05.339 --> 00:27:06.519 choice as believers 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:08.039 needs to desire 00:27:08.039 --> 00:27:09.039 not to create a 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.639 problem or to 00:27:09.639 --> 00:27:10.200 do the things 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:10.859 that intentionally 00:27:10.859 --> 00:27:12.319 cause unneeded 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:13.759 issues were to 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.920 walk in a meek 00:27:14.920 --> 00:27:16.079 and quiet spirit. 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:17.180 Look what Peter 00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:17.879 says over in 00:27:17.879 --> 00:27:18.700 1 Peter chapter 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:20.500 3 in verse 4 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.500 it says but let 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:22.279 it be the hidden 00:27:22.279 --> 00:27:23.200 man of the heart 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:24.420 in which is not 00:27:24.420 --> 00:27:26.680 corruptible even 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.680 the ornament of a 00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:28.559 meek and quiet 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:29.619 spirit which in the 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:30.500 sight of God is of 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:31.220 great price. 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.299 Now often times I 00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:32.879 think we overlook 00:27:32.879 --> 00:27:33.700 what Peter wrote 00:27:33.700 --> 00:27:34.599 later in his life 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:36.240 because you look 00:27:36.240 --> 00:27:36.980 in the gospels 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:37.899 Peter was the 00:27:37.899 --> 00:27:38.539 one who always 00:27:38.539 --> 00:27:39.299 opened his mouth 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:39.759 at the wrong 00:27:39.759 --> 00:27:40.119 moment. 00:27:40.439 --> 00:27:41.079 Peter stirred the 00:27:41.079 --> 00:27:41.699 pot a lot. 00:27:41.939 --> 00:27:42.339 You know what 00:27:42.339 --> 00:27:43.199 Peter says when I 00:27:43.199 --> 00:27:44.319 matured I understood 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:45.759 the practical 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:47.199 sanctification of 00:27:47.199 --> 00:27:48.459 being conformed to 00:27:48.459 --> 00:27:49.699 his image by 00:27:49.699 --> 00:27:50.439 changing. 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.619 A little later in 00:27:51.619 --> 00:27:52.439 that same chapter 00:27:52.439 --> 00:27:53.379 verse 15 he 00:27:53.379 --> 00:27:54.379 says but sanctify 00:27:54.379 --> 00:27:55.279 the Lord God in 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:56.480 your hearts and be 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.299 ready always give 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:57.879 an answer to every 00:27:57.879 --> 00:27:58.779 man that asketh 00:27:58.779 --> 00:27:59.959 you a reason of 00:27:59.959 --> 00:28:00.439 the hope that is 00:28:00.439 --> 00:28:01.240 in you with what 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:03.559 meekness and fear. 00:28:03.559 --> 00:28:04.819 Meekness towards 00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:05.599 men and fear 00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:06.359 towards God. 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:08.059 When we understand 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:10.139 that humility of 00:28:10.139 --> 00:28:11.480 our own selves and 00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:12.259 notice here it says 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:14.379 your own business. 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.639 Today we would say 00:28:15.639 --> 00:28:17.679 it this way be quiet 00:28:17.679 --> 00:28:18.299 and mind your own 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:18.639 business. 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:19.599 You know what most 00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:20.179 of us have enough 00:28:20.179 --> 00:28:21.000 things in life to 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:21.639 deal with we don't 00:28:21.639 --> 00:28:22.339 need to try to stir 00:28:22.339 --> 00:28:23.139 somebody else's up. 00:28:23.379 --> 00:28:23.700 You know we have 00:28:23.700 --> 00:28:24.319 enough of our own 00:28:24.319 --> 00:28:25.339 problems not to try 00:28:25.339 --> 00:28:27.139 to inflate somebody 00:28:27.139 --> 00:28:27.639 else's. 00:28:27.859 --> 00:28:29.980 You know why does 00:28:29.980 --> 00:28:30.980 God command this 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:31.799 because too many 00:28:31.799 --> 00:28:33.019 are busy bodies and 00:28:33.019 --> 00:28:34.019 meddling the affairs 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:34.579 of others. 00:28:35.359 --> 00:28:36.019 What is it that 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:37.160 causes a person to 00:28:37.160 --> 00:28:38.180 meddle in the affairs 00:28:38.180 --> 00:28:38.720 of others? 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.779 A critical nature. 00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:43.240 A critical nature 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.119 because they want to 00:28:44.119 --> 00:28:44.900 assess everybody 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:46.900 else and cut right 00:28:46.900 --> 00:28:47.859 along with that is a 00:28:47.859 --> 00:28:48.960 failure to see your 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:49.740 own problem. 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:51.119 A lack of dealing 00:28:51.119 --> 00:28:51.839 with their own 00:28:51.839 --> 00:28:52.819 affairs properly. 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.220 You know oftentimes 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:55.139 people if they don't 00:28:55.139 --> 00:28:56.000 do things right they 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.740 want to cause everybody 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.559 else to be disrupted 00:28:57.559 --> 00:28:57.879 too. 00:28:58.180 --> 00:28:59.019 The fourth thing you'll 00:28:59.019 --> 00:29:00.059 find is a lack of 00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:00.900 something productive to 00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:01.099 do. 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:02.419 If you got time to 00:29:02.419 --> 00:29:03.319 stir somebody else's 00:29:03.319 --> 00:29:04.039 pot means you ain't 00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:04.599 busy enough. 00:29:04.859 --> 00:29:05.419 Because you know what 00:29:05.419 --> 00:29:06.399 when you're busy about 00:29:06.399 --> 00:29:07.199 what you're supposed to 00:29:07.199 --> 00:29:08.579 be busy about you have 00:29:08.579 --> 00:29:09.679 a lot less time to pay 00:29:09.679 --> 00:29:10.459 attention to everybody 00:29:10.459 --> 00:29:10.839 else. 00:29:11.099 --> 00:29:11.799 You're doing what's 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:11.959 right. 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:13.579 The solution here is 00:29:13.579 --> 00:29:13.939 simple. 00:29:14.059 --> 00:29:14.939 Notice what he says 00:29:14.939 --> 00:29:15.980 here in the end of 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:16.579 verse 11. 00:29:16.719 --> 00:29:17.679 And to work with your 00:29:17.679 --> 00:29:18.799 own hands as we 00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:19.639 commanded you. 00:29:19.959 --> 00:29:21.139 The next direction is 00:29:21.139 --> 00:29:22.299 that to work. 00:29:23.679 --> 00:29:25.319 The solution is simple. 00:29:25.439 --> 00:29:26.039 Get busy. 00:29:26.619 --> 00:29:27.139 You know one of the 00:29:27.139 --> 00:29:28.379 best ways for believers 00:29:28.380 --> 00:29:29.520 to love and to learn 00:29:29.520 --> 00:29:30.340 to love one another 00:29:30.340 --> 00:29:31.020 and that's to serve 00:29:31.020 --> 00:29:31.640 the Lord together. 00:29:31.720 --> 00:29:32.620 Be busy together. 00:29:33.120 --> 00:29:34.440 To not be focused on 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:36.840 personality and all the 00:29:36.840 --> 00:29:38.220 side things going on 00:29:38.220 --> 00:29:39.660 but say hey how can we 00:29:39.660 --> 00:29:40.440 work together to 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:41.540 accomplish what God 00:29:41.540 --> 00:29:42.540 wants us to accomplish. 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:43.540 Are we going to do 00:29:43.540 --> 00:29:44.300 our part? 00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:46.280 You know the problem 00:29:46.280 --> 00:29:47.400 with that is today many 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:48.560 people think that work 00:29:48.560 --> 00:29:49.540 is part of the problem. 00:29:51.320 --> 00:29:52.420 I want you to understand 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:54.080 work was not part of the 00:29:54.080 --> 00:29:54.400 curse. 00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.480 Let me just clarify 00:29:55.480 --> 00:29:56.100 something for you. 00:29:56.099 --> 00:29:58.879 Toil and sweat were 00:29:58.879 --> 00:29:59.779 part of the curse. 00:30:00.859 --> 00:30:01.779 Work was not. 00:30:03.379 --> 00:30:04.519 Go back to Genesis. 00:30:05.679 --> 00:30:07.000 Even before the fall 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:08.699 God told Adam to dress 00:30:08.699 --> 00:30:09.539 and keep the garden. 00:30:09.619 --> 00:30:10.119 What did you come? 00:30:10.379 --> 00:30:11.399 Go prune the trees. 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:12.719 Go keep things picked up. 00:30:12.919 --> 00:30:14.000 Go deal with the things 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:14.779 that need to be dealt 00:30:14.779 --> 00:30:15.159 with. 00:30:17.219 --> 00:30:17.799 In other words 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:19.279 Adam had a work 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:20.240 assignment to keep 00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:21.459 after the curse 00:30:21.459 --> 00:30:22.439 is when sweat and 00:30:22.439 --> 00:30:23.539 toil were added. 00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:24.459 Instead of doing it 00:30:24.459 --> 00:30:25.059 with joy. 00:30:25.259 --> 00:30:25.839 But you know what? 00:30:25.839 --> 00:30:26.919 We can serve the Lord. 00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:28.199 We can work for the Lord 00:30:28.199 --> 00:30:29.579 with joy because of 00:30:29.579 --> 00:30:30.459 what Christ has done 00:30:30.459 --> 00:30:31.000 for us. 00:30:32.480 --> 00:30:33.559 It's a change of 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:34.179 perspective. 00:30:34.819 --> 00:30:35.000 You know? 00:30:35.659 --> 00:30:36.919 The job you do 00:30:36.919 --> 00:30:37.899 and what you accomplish 00:30:37.899 --> 00:30:39.139 not only affects you 00:30:39.139 --> 00:30:40.339 but others also. 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:41.319 You know look back 00:30:41.319 --> 00:30:42.199 in chapter 2 of 00:30:42.199 --> 00:30:43.059 1 Thessalonians. 00:30:43.119 --> 00:30:44.059 Look at verse 9 00:30:44.059 --> 00:30:45.439 when Paul says this. 00:30:45.539 --> 00:30:45.980 He says for you 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.919 remember brethren 00:30:46.919 --> 00:30:49.000 our labor and travail 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:50.240 for laboring night 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.179 and day because we 00:30:51.179 --> 00:30:52.279 would not be chargeable 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:53.019 unto any of you. 00:30:53.099 --> 00:30:54.079 We preached unto you 00:30:54.079 --> 00:30:55.659 the gospel of God 00:30:55.659 --> 00:30:56.399 and your witnesses 00:30:56.399 --> 00:30:57.299 and God also 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:58.919 how holy and justly 00:30:58.919 --> 00:30:59.639 and unblameably 00:30:59.639 --> 00:31:00.599 we behaved ourselves 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:01.339 among you 00:31:01.339 --> 00:31:02.220 that believe. 00:31:02.699 --> 00:31:03.220 In other words 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:04.159 Paul said there was 00:31:04.159 --> 00:31:04.899 a need for me 00:31:04.899 --> 00:31:06.099 to take care of myself 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:07.059 in this situation 00:31:07.059 --> 00:31:07.879 and he said 00:31:07.879 --> 00:31:08.699 I got to work. 00:31:08.939 --> 00:31:09.460 You know one of the 00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:10.339 problems in our society 00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:11.059 some people think 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:11.519 they're above 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:13.220 no matter what 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.879 your position 00:31:13.879 --> 00:31:14.920 high or low 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:17.660 God expects us 00:31:17.660 --> 00:31:18.660 to work. 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:19.299 Every believer 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:20.180 is to pull their own 00:31:20.180 --> 00:31:20.839 weight according 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.740 to their ability. 00:31:23.400 --> 00:31:23.879 You know one thing 00:31:23.879 --> 00:31:24.639 about that today 00:31:24.639 --> 00:31:25.379 often times people 00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:26.200 look at the church 00:31:26.200 --> 00:31:27.579 as a charity organization. 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:28.279 You know I get 00:31:28.279 --> 00:31:29.240 calls all the time 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:29.960 first of the month 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:30.779 it's just a perpetual. 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:32.599 Can you give me 00:31:32.599 --> 00:31:33.559 money? 00:31:33.660 --> 00:31:34.299 Can you give me money? 00:31:34.900 --> 00:31:35.480 Have you ever been 00:31:35.480 --> 00:31:35.859 to church? 00:31:35.940 --> 00:31:36.139 Nope. 00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:37.879 But you're supposed 00:31:37.879 --> 00:31:38.500 to give it to me. 00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:39.119 It's like you have 00:31:39.119 --> 00:31:40.079 a wrong perspective. 00:31:40.079 --> 00:31:41.059 You have a wrong 00:31:41.059 --> 00:31:41.699 perspective. 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:43.000 They come with an 00:31:43.000 --> 00:31:44.139 attitude of give me 00:31:44.139 --> 00:31:45.259 what I need because 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:46.879 I failed to do 00:31:46.879 --> 00:31:48.059 what was right myself. 00:31:50.059 --> 00:31:51.019 You know often times 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:51.879 it's not a matter 00:31:51.879 --> 00:31:52.879 of a lack of money 00:31:52.879 --> 00:31:53.659 it's a matter of 00:31:53.659 --> 00:31:54.460 either they're lazy 00:31:54.460 --> 00:31:56.379 or they don't manage. 00:31:57.659 --> 00:31:58.480 I'll just come out 00:31:58.480 --> 00:31:58.939 and say it. 00:31:59.079 --> 00:31:59.859 Now I want to understand 00:31:59.859 --> 00:32:00.399 there's sometimes 00:32:00.399 --> 00:32:01.519 people just need help. 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:04.039 And we ought to be 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:04.740 willing to help 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.439 because sometimes 00:32:05.439 --> 00:32:06.299 life happens. 00:32:07.939 --> 00:32:08.699 I mean life can go 00:32:08.699 --> 00:32:09.559 upside down in a 00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:10.059 heartbeat that's 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:10.799 like things go 00:32:10.799 --> 00:32:11.639 all sorts of crazy. 00:32:11.799 --> 00:32:12.179 You know we've 00:32:12.179 --> 00:32:13.119 even amongst 00:32:13.119 --> 00:32:14.599 our church body 00:32:14.599 --> 00:32:15.220 here we know 00:32:15.220 --> 00:32:16.099 that happens. 00:32:16.460 --> 00:32:16.960 But those are 00:32:16.960 --> 00:32:18.159 unique situations 00:32:18.159 --> 00:32:19.059 outside of their 00:32:19.059 --> 00:32:20.039 control and not 00:32:20.039 --> 00:32:20.919 because of what 00:32:20.919 --> 00:32:21.720 they chose to do. 00:32:23.279 --> 00:32:23.899 That's two 00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.619 different things. 00:32:24.919 --> 00:32:25.500 That's a totally 00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:26.480 different dynamic. 00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:27.279 You know because 00:32:27.279 --> 00:32:28.079 we need to look 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:28.940 after others and 00:32:28.940 --> 00:32:29.879 help when the need 00:32:29.879 --> 00:32:30.619 is genuine. 00:32:31.179 --> 00:32:31.839 Yet we are not 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:32.940 to enable others 00:32:32.940 --> 00:32:33.779 to continue 00:32:33.779 --> 00:32:35.159 failing to work 00:32:35.159 --> 00:32:36.099 or properly use 00:32:36.099 --> 00:32:36.919 their resources. 00:32:37.639 --> 00:32:38.139 You know think 00:32:38.139 --> 00:32:38.799 about what Paul 00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:39.379 tells them in 00:32:39.379 --> 00:32:39.740 Ephesus. 00:32:39.919 --> 00:32:40.399 He says let 00:32:40.399 --> 00:32:41.180 him that stole 00:32:41.180 --> 00:32:43.240 steal no more 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:43.919 but rather let 00:32:43.919 --> 00:32:44.539 him labor 00:32:44.539 --> 00:32:45.799 working with his 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:46.919 hands in the 00:32:46.919 --> 00:32:47.599 one thing which 00:32:47.599 --> 00:32:48.700 is good that he 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:49.579 may have to give 00:32:49.579 --> 00:32:50.419 to them him 00:32:50.419 --> 00:32:51.039 that need it. 00:32:52.480 --> 00:32:53.139 First Timothy 00:32:53.139 --> 00:32:54.279 chapter 5 he 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:54.839 says this 00:32:54.839 --> 00:32:55.799 but if any 00:32:55.799 --> 00:32:56.819 provide not for 00:32:56.819 --> 00:32:57.619 his own and 00:32:57.619 --> 00:32:58.419 specifically of 00:32:58.419 --> 00:32:58.960 those of his 00:32:58.960 --> 00:33:00.039 own house he 00:33:00.039 --> 00:33:01.019 hath denied the 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:01.639 faith and is 00:33:01.639 --> 00:33:02.259 worse than an 00:33:02.259 --> 00:33:02.559 infidel. 00:33:02.960 --> 00:33:03.500 Now that's one 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:04.119 that's not popular 00:33:04.119 --> 00:33:05.079 preaching but you 00:33:05.079 --> 00:33:05.419 know what it's 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:06.360 biblical truth 00:33:06.360 --> 00:33:08.680 because you 00:33:08.680 --> 00:33:09.480 fail to do 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:09.840 what you're 00:33:09.840 --> 00:33:10.279 supposed to 00:33:10.279 --> 00:33:10.640 do. 00:33:10.900 --> 00:33:11.380 Later in 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:12.340 2 Thessalonians 00:33:12.340 --> 00:33:13.480 chapter 3 Paul 00:33:13.480 --> 00:33:14.080 commends them 00:33:14.080 --> 00:33:14.620 later says 00:33:14.620 --> 00:33:15.660 now them that 00:33:15.660 --> 00:33:16.279 are such we 00:33:16.279 --> 00:33:16.800 command and 00:33:16.800 --> 00:33:17.519 exhort by our 00:33:17.519 --> 00:33:18.000 Lord Jesus 00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:18.720 Christ that 00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:19.480 with quietness 00:33:19.480 --> 00:33:20.620 they work and 00:33:20.620 --> 00:33:21.320 eat their own 00:33:21.320 --> 00:33:22.440 bread but ye 00:33:22.440 --> 00:33:23.340 brethren be not 00:33:23.340 --> 00:33:23.960 weary in 00:33:23.960 --> 00:33:24.560 well doing. 00:33:26.259 --> 00:33:26.560 You know we 00:33:26.560 --> 00:33:27.060 can talk a lot 00:33:27.060 --> 00:33:27.740 more about the 00:33:27.740 --> 00:33:28.519 verses here that 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:29.400 apply to this. 00:33:29.800 --> 00:33:30.340 The Bible is 00:33:30.340 --> 00:33:30.779 filled with 00:33:30.779 --> 00:33:33.000 verses about our 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:34.019 responsibility and 00:33:34.019 --> 00:33:34.559 our work. 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:37.000 But you know 00:33:37.000 --> 00:33:37.879 what the reality 00:33:37.879 --> 00:33:38.819 is you work 00:33:38.819 --> 00:33:39.379 because you 00:33:39.379 --> 00:33:40.059 love others. 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:41.279 Your desire to 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:42.279 provide is a 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:43.059 loving thing. 00:33:43.359 --> 00:33:44.160 That's how work 00:33:44.160 --> 00:33:44.940 is tied to 00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:45.420 love. 00:33:46.400 --> 00:33:47.279 You put forth 00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:47.879 those things 00:33:47.879 --> 00:33:48.680 that are needful. 00:33:50.900 --> 00:33:51.180 You know I 00:33:51.180 --> 00:33:51.960 believe that every 00:33:51.960 --> 00:33:52.720 Christian should 00:33:52.720 --> 00:33:53.559 have some type 00:33:53.559 --> 00:33:54.180 of activity 00:33:54.180 --> 00:33:54.859 whereby he's 00:33:54.859 --> 00:33:55.639 doing something 00:33:55.639 --> 00:33:56.980 not only tangible 00:33:56.980 --> 00:33:57.779 to produce for 00:33:57.779 --> 00:33:58.639 himself but 00:33:58.639 --> 00:33:59.139 something that's 00:33:59.139 --> 00:33:59.839 tangible to 00:33:59.839 --> 00:34:00.680 produce for God. 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:02.579 You know when 00:34:02.579 --> 00:34:03.259 we realize 00:34:03.259 --> 00:34:06.640 hey got a 00:34:06.640 --> 00:34:06.940 one-eyed 00:34:06.940 --> 00:34:07.359 spectacle. 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:08.260 I want you to 00:34:08.260 --> 00:34:09.480 understand that 00:34:09.480 --> 00:34:09.800 we ought to be 00:34:09.800 --> 00:34:10.199 doing something 00:34:10.199 --> 00:34:11.019 tangible for 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:11.360 God. 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:13.860 There's a broken 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:15.019 idea today that 00:34:15.019 --> 00:34:15.860 success means 00:34:15.860 --> 00:34:16.699 less work 00:34:16.699 --> 00:34:18.179 especially 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:19.159 laborsome work 00:34:19.159 --> 00:34:19.699 but when you 00:34:19.699 --> 00:34:20.679 recall that God 00:34:20.679 --> 00:34:21.579 sent his son 00:34:21.579 --> 00:34:23.039 think about that 00:34:23.039 --> 00:34:24.260 Jesus came in 00:34:24.260 --> 00:34:25.079 the form of a 00:34:25.079 --> 00:34:25.400 servant. 00:34:26.300 --> 00:34:27.059 What did he do? 00:34:27.239 --> 00:34:28.179 He was born the 00:34:28.179 --> 00:34:28.579 son of a 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:29.019 carpenter. 00:34:30.800 --> 00:34:31.519 You know what 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:32.519 the very savior of 00:34:32.519 --> 00:34:33.360 the world worked 00:34:33.360 --> 00:34:34.059 with his hands. 00:34:34.340 --> 00:34:34.960 You think about 00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:35.420 that that he 00:34:35.420 --> 00:34:36.019 worked with 00:34:36.019 --> 00:34:36.199 hands. 00:34:36.280 --> 00:34:36.579 Who did he 00:34:36.579 --> 00:34:38.179 pick for many 00:34:38.179 --> 00:34:38.960 of his 00:34:38.960 --> 00:34:41.719 disciples and 00:34:41.719 --> 00:34:42.219 apostles? 00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:42.880 Fishermen. 00:34:42.940 --> 00:34:43.320 They went out 00:34:43.320 --> 00:34:43.719 and worked. 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:44.400 Who did he 00:34:44.400 --> 00:34:45.019 call as a 00:34:45.019 --> 00:34:45.699 great missionary 00:34:45.699 --> 00:34:46.460 a tent maker? 00:34:46.940 --> 00:34:47.539 Work is not 00:34:47.539 --> 00:34:48.139 something that's 00:34:48.139 --> 00:34:48.639 put away. 00:34:48.739 --> 00:34:49.039 It's something 00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:50.019 that is expected. 00:34:50.900 --> 00:34:51.719 Love and work 00:34:51.719 --> 00:34:52.559 walk together 00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:53.460 that both those 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:54.460 that are of the 00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:55.380 household of faith 00:34:55.380 --> 00:34:56.199 and those without 00:34:56.199 --> 00:34:57.500 to walk honestly. 00:34:58.179 --> 00:34:58.739 You know this is 00:34:58.739 --> 00:34:59.679 also something that 00:34:59.679 --> 00:35:00.579 the saints of God 00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:01.500 need to do today 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.659 is to gain the 00:35:02.659 --> 00:35:03.440 respect and 00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:04.159 confidence of 00:35:04.159 --> 00:35:04.699 mankind. 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:05.880 Our walk should 00:35:05.880 --> 00:35:06.920 be honest before 00:35:06.920 --> 00:35:08.539 both God and 00:35:08.539 --> 00:35:09.340 men. 00:35:11.139 --> 00:35:12.219 Notice verse 12 00:35:12.219 --> 00:35:13.039 that you may walk 00:35:13.039 --> 00:35:14.719 honestly toward them 00:35:14.719 --> 00:35:15.400 that are without 00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:16.619 that you may have 00:35:16.619 --> 00:35:18.179 lack of nothing 00:35:18.179 --> 00:35:19.340 that you may be 00:35:19.340 --> 00:35:20.000 complete. 00:35:20.900 --> 00:35:22.159 That's growing in 00:35:22.159 --> 00:35:23.159 the sanctification 00:35:23.159 --> 00:35:24.780 and the things of 00:35:24.780 --> 00:35:25.199 God. 00:35:25.500 --> 00:35:26.320 Your sanctification 00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:27.760 is practical in 00:35:27.760 --> 00:35:28.780 both our love for 00:35:28.780 --> 00:35:30.239 others and for us 00:35:30.239 --> 00:35:31.239 to fulfill our 00:35:31.239 --> 00:35:32.199 responsibilities. 00:35:33.679 --> 00:35:34.019 You know I want 00:35:34.019 --> 00:35:34.699 to encourage you 00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:35.319 as you begin a 00:35:35.319 --> 00:35:36.059 new year where 00:35:36.059 --> 00:35:36.939 you consider how 00:35:36.939 --> 00:35:37.839 your love and 00:35:37.839 --> 00:35:39.359 your work tie 00:35:39.359 --> 00:35:39.739 together. 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:41.579 Because both of 00:35:41.579 --> 00:35:42.419 these are essential 00:35:42.419 --> 00:35:43.319 for you to grow 00:35:43.319 --> 00:35:44.739 or increase more 00:35:44.739 --> 00:35:45.199 and more. 00:35:46.199 --> 00:35:47.079 For you to mature. 00:35:47.439 --> 00:35:48.159 That you have lack 00:35:48.159 --> 00:35:48.659 of nothing. 00:35:48.979 --> 00:35:49.519 That's just not 00:35:49.519 --> 00:35:50.579 material things. 00:35:51.939 --> 00:35:52.899 That's emotional 00:35:52.899 --> 00:35:54.079 and spiritual things. 00:35:54.419 --> 00:35:54.819 I want you to 00:35:54.819 --> 00:35:55.439 understand that's 00:35:55.439 --> 00:35:55.839 maturity. 00:35:56.259 --> 00:35:56.819 This morning 00:35:56.820 --> 00:35:59.100 is there something 00:35:59.100 --> 00:35:59.720 that the Lord 00:35:59.720 --> 00:36:00.420 has brought to 00:36:00.420 --> 00:36:01.980 mind that needs 00:36:01.980 --> 00:36:02.440 to be dealt 00:36:02.440 --> 00:36:03.180 with as we begin 00:36:03.180 --> 00:36:03.760 a new year? 00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:04.440 Maybe it's 00:36:04.440 --> 00:36:04.920 something from 00:36:04.920 --> 00:36:05.660 a relationship 00:36:05.660 --> 00:36:06.300 that needs 00:36:06.300 --> 00:36:06.700 mended, 00:36:06.860 --> 00:36:07.700 forgiveness given, 00:36:07.820 --> 00:36:08.980 attitudes changed. 00:36:10.260 --> 00:36:10.920 Or is there 00:36:10.920 --> 00:36:11.720 work that needs 00:36:11.720 --> 00:36:12.539 to be accomplished 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:14.720 for your benefit 00:36:14.720 --> 00:36:15.180 and others? 00:36:15.300 --> 00:36:16.440 Is there an area 00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:17.240 of faith that you 00:36:17.240 --> 00:36:18.140 need to step out 00:36:18.140 --> 00:36:19.039 and trust the Lord 00:36:19.039 --> 00:36:19.620 to say Lord 00:36:19.620 --> 00:36:20.500 I'm going to 00:36:20.500 --> 00:36:21.320 step out and do 00:36:21.320 --> 00:36:21.920 what you've asked 00:36:21.920 --> 00:36:22.620 me to do. 00:36:23.519 --> 00:36:23.800 But you know 00:36:23.800 --> 00:36:24.320 maybe you're here 00:36:24.320 --> 00:36:24.960 today and it's 00:36:24.960 --> 00:36:25.500 just a matter 00:36:25.500 --> 00:36:26.800 of simple 00:36:26.800 --> 00:36:27.559 faith at that 00:36:27.559 --> 00:36:28.380 starting point 00:36:28.380 --> 00:36:28.780 do you need 00:36:28.780 --> 00:36:29.440 to be saved? 00:36:29.600 --> 00:36:30.340 Because all this 00:36:30.340 --> 00:36:31.180 is irrelevant 00:36:31.180 --> 00:36:31.880 if there's never 00:36:31.880 --> 00:36:32.440 been a point 00:36:32.440 --> 00:36:32.980 in time 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:35.500 when you understood 00:36:35.500 --> 00:36:36.380 who you were 00:36:36.380 --> 00:36:37.180 a sinner before 00:36:37.180 --> 00:36:39.059 God and that 00:36:39.059 --> 00:36:39.700 God provided 00:36:39.700 --> 00:36:40.880 a Savior for you 00:36:40.880 --> 00:36:41.559 and that you 00:36:41.559 --> 00:36:42.780 responded to it 00:36:42.780 --> 00:36:43.500 by faith. 00:36:43.760 --> 00:36:44.260 Say Lord 00:36:44.260 --> 00:36:45.360 I just don't 00:36:45.360 --> 00:36:46.000 know here 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:47.360 I want to live 00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:48.000 it out here. 00:36:49.240 --> 00:36:50.300 The reality 00:36:50.300 --> 00:36:50.940 of what you've 00:36:50.940 --> 00:36:51.600 done for me. 00:36:51.860 --> 00:36:52.260 Maybe there's 00:36:52.260 --> 00:36:52.940 an area you just 00:36:52.940 --> 00:36:53.760 need to be obedient.