WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.819 Well, good morning, church. 00:00:06.360 --> 00:00:10.599 This summer, if you've been with us, you know we're studying the book of Proverbs, 00:00:10.960 --> 00:00:15.280 and Proverbs is a very practical book, isn't it? 00:00:16.679 --> 00:00:20.780 Last week, Pastor Greg got down to some of the nitty-gritty of the things that we're 00:00:20.780 --> 00:00:22.920 going to see in the book of Proverbs this summer. 00:00:23.359 --> 00:00:29.080 And one of the benefits of teaching straight through a passage of Scripture, like this 00:00:29.079 --> 00:00:34.140 opening section of Proverbs, is that it brings before us topics that otherwise we might choose 00:00:34.140 --> 00:00:40.700 to avoid, like this opening, like the chapters we'll be looking at this morning, which are 00:00:40.700 --> 00:00:42.979 all about wisdom and your sex life. 00:00:44.200 --> 00:00:47.280 One of the great things about preaching about sex is that I don't have to write a sermon 00:00:47.280 --> 00:00:50.539 introduction, because I just say we're preaching about sex and everyone pays attention. 00:00:50.939 --> 00:00:51.519 It's excellent. 00:00:51.520 --> 00:01:00.040 Now, remember, these opening chapters of Proverbs, chapters 1 through 9, they're cast mostly 00:01:00.040 --> 00:01:03.580 in the form of speeches of a father to his son. 00:01:04.260 --> 00:01:10.000 And we'll be looking at three of these speeches this morning in chapters 5, 6, and 7, each of 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:12.300 which has to do with wisdom and sex. 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:17.879 So, in essence, what we have here in Proverbs through the literary voice of a father speaking 00:01:17.879 --> 00:01:25.399 to his son is God, our heavenly father, coming to us as children with infinite wisdom and 00:01:25.399 --> 00:01:30.179 infinite grace and saying to us, let's have a talk. 00:01:33.159 --> 00:01:37.099 And I think if we were to boil down what these three speeches are saying, I think we could sum 00:01:37.099 --> 00:01:38.819 it up in two big points. 00:01:38.819 --> 00:01:46.479 First, because sexual folly destroys, run from it. 00:01:47.739 --> 00:01:53.379 And second, because sexual wisdom satisfies, delight in it. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:57.239 Because sexual folly destroys, run from it. 00:01:57.319 --> 00:01:59.919 Because sexual wisdom satisfies, delight in it. 00:02:00.599 --> 00:02:06.259 So, let's jump in at Proverbs chapter 5, verse 1, and hear the wisdom our heavenly father has 00:02:06.259 --> 00:02:08.400 for us when it comes to this all-important area of sex. 00:02:08.400 --> 00:02:11.800 That's page 530 in the Pew Bible, if you want to turn there with me. 00:02:11.860 --> 00:02:14.420 Page 530, Proverbs chapter 5. 00:02:19.780 --> 00:02:22.140 Let's start with Proverbs chapter 5, verses 1 through 14. 00:02:23.860 --> 00:02:25.719 My son, be attentive to my wisdom. 00:02:26.420 --> 00:02:31.400 Incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion and your lips may guard 00:02:31.400 --> 00:02:31.939 knowledge. 00:02:32.680 --> 00:02:37.120 For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil. 00:02:37.120 --> 00:02:41.780 But in the end, she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 00:02:42.840 --> 00:02:44.140 Her feet go down to death. 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:46.120 Her steps follow the path to Sheol. 00:02:46.240 --> 00:02:47.980 She does not ponder the path of life. 00:02:48.360 --> 00:02:50.120 Her ways wander, and she does not know it. 00:02:50.960 --> 00:02:53.259 And now, O sons, listen to me. 00:02:53.960 --> 00:02:56.300 Do not depart from the words of my mouth. 00:02:56.800 --> 00:02:59.860 Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house. 00:02:59.860 --> 00:03:03.760 Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the merciless. 00:03:04.260 --> 00:03:08.860 Lest strangers take their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner. 00:03:09.480 --> 00:03:13.620 And at the end of your life, you groan when your flesh and body are consumed, and you say, 00:03:14.000 --> 00:03:18.220 how I hated discipline, and how my heart despised reproof. 00:03:18.780 --> 00:03:22.360 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. 00:03:22.500 --> 00:03:26.260 I'm at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation. 00:03:26.259 --> 00:03:30.519 So, here's the first thing our Heavenly Father wants us to know. 00:03:31.340 --> 00:03:33.639 Because sexual folly destroys, run from it. 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:38.039 Keep your way far from it, verse 8 says. 00:03:38.799 --> 00:03:42.659 Now, in these chapters, we meet the character of the forbidden woman. 00:03:42.799 --> 00:03:45.439 Other translations you have might read the adulterous woman. 00:03:46.019 --> 00:03:51.939 And this character in the book of Proverbs represents sexual expression outside of what God intends, 00:03:52.079 --> 00:03:53.579 outside of what God designed. 00:03:53.580 --> 00:04:01.200 As we'll see in a minute, in the rest of chapter 5, God created sex to be fully enjoyed in the lifelong covenant of marriage. 00:04:02.160 --> 00:04:04.180 Sex inside of marriage is a good thing. 00:04:04.760 --> 00:04:07.920 But sex outside of marriage brings ruin. 00:04:09.460 --> 00:04:12.140 As one writer said, sex is like fire. 00:04:13.220 --> 00:04:15.740 Inside a fireplace, it keeps us warm. 00:04:16.780 --> 00:04:20.240 Outside the fireplace, it burns the house down. 00:04:20.240 --> 00:04:25.060 Now, before we go any further, you might be wondering, 00:04:25.920 --> 00:04:28.960 why does sexual folly here have to be described as a woman? 00:04:30.240 --> 00:04:32.400 That doesn't seem very fair, right? 00:04:32.840 --> 00:04:35.540 I mean, aren't men just as guilty of sexual folly as women? 00:04:37.319 --> 00:04:40.560 Well, if you're thinking that, actually, the Bible would totally agree with you. 00:04:41.560 --> 00:04:44.379 Men aren't any better than women in this regard. 00:04:44.379 --> 00:04:51.079 I think the reason why the forbidden woman is a woman here is because of the literary form of the passage. 00:04:51.899 --> 00:04:53.719 Remember, it's a father speaking to his son. 00:04:55.019 --> 00:05:01.060 But as we've said before, these speeches are intended not just for sons, but for all of us, for the whole people of God. 00:05:01.899 --> 00:05:09.480 Both sons and daughters are meant to put themselves in the place of the son in these chapters and translate it, apply it accordingly to their lives. 00:05:09.480 --> 00:05:15.100 In other words, Proverbs is really saying here, beware of those who would tempt you to sexual folly, whether male or female. 00:05:18.220 --> 00:05:23.160 And the first thing we need to know is that there will be temptation. 00:05:25.040 --> 00:05:29.759 And at first, what will come at us will seem sweet and smooth. 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:31.560 Look again at verse 3. 00:05:31.560 --> 00:05:41.600 With lips sweeter than honey, with words smoother than oil, sexual folly will come at you promising something sweet and smooth. 00:05:42.040 --> 00:05:43.040 Something fun. 00:05:43.639 --> 00:05:46.240 Something pleasurable, real, lasting. 00:05:47.959 --> 00:05:50.379 But the Father wants us to get the whole picture here. 00:05:51.340 --> 00:05:56.399 He wants us to see that under the surface appeal lies hidden destruction. 00:05:57.439 --> 00:05:58.319 Look at verse 4. 00:05:58.319 --> 00:06:04.500 But in the end, it is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:10.199 What promised to be sweet and smooth in the end is bitter and piercing. 00:06:10.360 --> 00:06:13.420 And instead of leading to life, it leads to the grave. 00:06:15.939 --> 00:06:17.959 But in the end. 00:06:20.120 --> 00:06:23.560 So much of wisdom, you know, is beginning with the end in mind. 00:06:23.560 --> 00:06:32.160 It's picking your head up from the immediate, from the now, from instant gratification, to view life as a whole. 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:36.379 To see things from the perspective of the end. 00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:41.699 And what's the end of sexual folly? 00:06:42.660 --> 00:06:45.560 What's the end of pursuing sex outside of God's good design? 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:48.519 The middle of Proverbs 5 starts to lay that out for us. 00:06:48.780 --> 00:06:51.500 And Proverbs 6, 20 through 35 unpacks it even more. 00:06:51.839 --> 00:06:54.160 Here, the Father's showing us the consequences. 00:06:56.259 --> 00:07:00.759 In verses 9 through 11 of chapter 5, we see that the pursuit of sexual folly will cost us dearly. 00:07:00.819 --> 00:07:01.480 Look at the list. 00:07:02.279 --> 00:07:07.879 Our honor, our years, our strength, our labors, even our flesh and bones will be consumed. 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:13.120 In other words, it destroys our reputation, our wealth, our vigor. 00:07:13.300 --> 00:07:17.699 In the long run, all of it will be sucked out of us, the Father says. 00:07:20.219 --> 00:07:22.139 Now, does that sound exaggerated to you? 00:07:25.719 --> 00:07:28.060 I think it does, doesn't it? 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:33.860 I think it sounds exaggerated because our world tells us over and over again 00:07:33.860 --> 00:07:38.860 that sexual expression and permissiveness is the key to happiness, life, and vigor. 00:07:39.660 --> 00:07:45.520 If you want to turn the engine on real life, you've got to turn the engine on sexual expression. 00:07:46.420 --> 00:07:46.720 Right? 00:07:47.500 --> 00:07:51.879 I mean, show me, show me a movie plot or a TV show 00:07:51.879 --> 00:07:56.259 where happiness is found in a married couple sticking it out through hardship 00:07:56.259 --> 00:08:01.040 and I will show you 20 where happiness lies in pursuing a relationship outside of marriage. 00:08:03.860 --> 00:08:08.540 But this is why we need the wisdom of Proverbs so badly. 00:08:10.400 --> 00:08:14.160 Because even though these are the stories we keep telling ourselves, 00:08:15.040 --> 00:08:16.980 in the end, they never come true. 00:08:20.120 --> 00:08:23.300 Instead, what's true is what verses 12 through 14 go on to describe. 00:08:24.500 --> 00:08:26.280 Sexual folly will bring deep regret. 00:08:26.720 --> 00:08:27.860 It destroys our conscience. 00:08:28.900 --> 00:08:30.560 In the end, you will look back and say, 00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:33.639 how I hated discipline, how my heart despised reproof. 00:08:33.639 --> 00:08:36.100 That's the voice of remorse, of regret. 00:08:36.699 --> 00:08:39.860 I knew what I should have done and I didn't do it. 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:42.039 And now I've lost everything. 00:08:44.199 --> 00:08:47.679 If you look over at Proverbs chapter 6, starting in verse 20, 00:08:47.740 --> 00:08:48.980 it picks up the same theme. 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:52.840 This is the second of those three speeches about sex in the opening chapters of Proverbs. 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:57.120 And here, the father unpacks the consequences of sexual folly in even greater detail. 00:08:57.120 --> 00:09:01.840 In verses 27 through 29, he shows us that the pain of sexual folly is inevitable. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:06.240 Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? 00:09:06.360 --> 00:09:09.860 Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? 00:09:10.519 --> 00:09:11.580 The answer is no. 00:09:13.940 --> 00:09:16.280 So is he who goes into his neighbor's wife. 00:09:17.340 --> 00:09:19.200 None who touches her will go unpunished. 00:09:20.780 --> 00:09:23.240 And even though the warning here is against adultery in particular, 00:09:23.379 --> 00:09:25.420 the same applies to sexual sin across the board. 00:09:25.419 --> 00:09:29.500 It's a fire that will inevitably consume you. 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:38.159 Last, in verses 30 through 33 of chapter 6, we see that sexual folly brings ongoing shame. 00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:43.659 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he's hungry. 00:09:44.699 --> 00:09:46.819 But if he's caught, he will pay sevenfold. 00:09:46.939 --> 00:09:48.240 He will give all the goods of his house. 00:09:49.879 --> 00:09:51.559 He who commits adultery lacks sense. 00:09:51.559 --> 00:09:53.539 He who does it destroys himself. 00:09:53.659 --> 00:09:57.919 He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. 00:10:00.719 --> 00:10:03.359 Proverbs is making a lesser to greater argument here, you see. 00:10:04.619 --> 00:10:10.079 If a person who steals when they're hungry still has to pay sevenfold when they're caught, 00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:14.719 how much greater and how much certain will the penalty be for the one who commits adultery? 00:10:16.199 --> 00:10:18.519 His disgrace will not be wiped away. 00:10:18.519 --> 00:10:21.179 There will be ongoing shame. 00:10:23.840 --> 00:10:28.100 And again, this sounds like an exaggeration to our ears, doesn't it? 00:10:28.159 --> 00:10:29.899 Is sexual folly really that bad? 00:10:30.240 --> 00:10:31.620 Is it really that costly? 00:10:32.279 --> 00:10:33.740 Is that really where it ends? 00:10:36.319 --> 00:10:39.340 But friends, despite what we see in our movies or hear in our pop songs, 00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:40.960 despite what we read in our magazines, 00:10:40.960 --> 00:10:44.000 despite what our friends might tell us, 00:10:44.860 --> 00:10:48.639 our Heavenly Father is telling us what's true and what's for our good. 00:10:50.580 --> 00:10:53.400 You know, in all the couples that Beth and I have done pre-marriage counseling with, 00:10:54.060 --> 00:10:56.400 we've never met a single person who said, 00:10:56.980 --> 00:11:00.080 you know, I'm really glad I had all those sexual experiences before marriage. 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:02.280 I feel like they really prepared me well for what's ahead. 00:11:02.279 --> 00:11:07.299 No one has said that. 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:08.579 Not a single one. 00:11:08.819 --> 00:11:14.100 Instead, all of them would erase their past sexual folly in a second if they could. 00:11:17.720 --> 00:11:20.480 So if sexual folly destroys, what should be our response? 00:11:20.939 --> 00:11:22.079 And Proverbs is very clear. 00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:23.360 Run. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:28.339 Keep your path far from it. 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:33.060 Again and again, that's the Father's wisdom to His Son, to us. 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:33.960 Chapter 5, verse 8. 00:11:34.300 --> 00:11:35.759 Keep your way far from her. 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:37.519 Do not go near the door of her house. 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:38.680 Chapter 6, verse 25. 00:11:39.160 --> 00:11:40.720 Do not desire her beauty in your heart. 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:42.960 Do not let her capture you with her eyelashes. 00:11:43.080 --> 00:11:43.759 You see the advice? 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:48.019 Physically and mentally, geographically and intellectually, 00:11:48.160 --> 00:11:49.519 go the opposite direction. 00:11:51.700 --> 00:11:54.900 In chapter 7, we have one last speech that illustrates this for us. 00:11:54.900 --> 00:11:58.300 The Father here tells us a story, a parable. 00:11:59.340 --> 00:12:00.540 In verse 6, he says, 00:12:00.600 --> 00:12:02.780 One day I looked out my window and here's what I saw. 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:07.379 Let's pick up the drama in verse 7 of chapter 7. 00:12:07.920 --> 00:12:11.300 And I've seen among the simple, I've perceived among the youths, 00:12:11.300 --> 00:12:15.639 a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near her corner, 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:18.860 taking the road to her house in twilight in the evening, 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:20.740 at the time of night and darkness. 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:24.360 In other words, here's a young person in the wrong place at the wrong time, 00:12:24.820 --> 00:12:26.460 foolishly wandering into danger. 00:12:26.460 --> 00:12:29.280 Verse 10, 00:12:29.280 --> 00:12:32.440 And behold, the woman meets him dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:33.620 She's loud and wayward. 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:34.900 Her feet do not stay at home. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:38.700 Now in the street, now in the market, and in every corner she lies in wait. 00:12:39.060 --> 00:12:40.700 She seizes him and kisses him. 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:42.280 And with bold face, she says to him, 00:12:42.400 --> 00:12:45.840 I had to offer sacrifices, and today I've paid my vows. 00:12:45.879 --> 00:12:47.920 In other words, under the veneer of religion, 00:12:47.920 --> 00:12:50.920 she's come back from the temple with a costly meal, 00:12:50.919 --> 00:12:52.799 an expensive meal that she's going to share with him. 00:12:54.139 --> 00:12:54.539 15. 00:12:54.740 --> 00:12:59.099 So now I've come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I found you. 00:12:59.459 --> 00:13:00.360 There's the flattery. 00:13:00.699 --> 00:13:02.179 You're the one I've been waiting for. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:03.799 There's no one like you. 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:06.099 16. 00:13:06.179 --> 00:13:09.879 I've spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen. 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:12.559 I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 00:13:12.700 --> 00:13:14.779 Come, let us take our fill of love till morning. 00:13:14.860 --> 00:13:16.340 Let us delight ourselves with love. 00:13:16.360 --> 00:13:17.500 For my husband's not at home. 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:19.480 He's gone on a long journey. 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:20.919 He took a bag of money with him. 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:23.419 At full moon, he'll come home. 00:13:24.620 --> 00:13:27.000 In other words, no one will find us. 00:13:28.039 --> 00:13:31.100 We won't get caught, and there won't be any consequences. 00:13:33.439 --> 00:13:36.039 Do you see how powerful the temptation comes? 00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:40.319 It's attacking this foolish youth at every level. 00:13:41.579 --> 00:13:45.980 His pride, his ego, his sense of physical desire. 00:13:47.419 --> 00:13:49.339 And that's how it comes at us as well. 00:13:50.319 --> 00:13:53.039 You know, sexual folly is not going to show up at your doorstep and say, 00:13:53.139 --> 00:13:57.819 hey, if you want a big costly load of shame and regret, I'm the one for you. 00:14:01.899 --> 00:14:05.279 No, sexual folly will come and make you feel special. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:06.299 I've waited for you. 00:14:06.679 --> 00:14:07.639 You're the one for me. 00:14:07.959 --> 00:14:09.079 This is true love. 00:14:09.740 --> 00:14:12.639 And it will promise you the heights of pleasure without any consequence. 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:16.799 Comfort, escape, delight with no consequence. 00:14:16.939 --> 00:14:17.620 No one's home. 00:14:18.079 --> 00:14:19.159 No one will find out. 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:20.559 No one will get hurt. 00:14:23.339 --> 00:14:24.699 But that's not how it ends. 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:26.740 Pick up in verse 21. 00:14:27.620 --> 00:14:29.740 With much seductive speech, she persuades him. 00:14:29.799 --> 00:14:31.679 With her smooth talk, she compels him. 00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:35.379 All at once, he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter. 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:40.019 Or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver. 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:45.759 As a bird rushes into a snare, he does not know that it will cost him his life. 00:14:47.359 --> 00:14:50.639 Like an ox marching to his own slaughter. 00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:53.840 That's a vivid image, isn't it? 00:14:55.439 --> 00:14:59.100 It's an image meant to bring us to our senses and to get us to listen. 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:00.480 Verse 24, 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:26.519 You know, one of the things we often tell ourselves in the face of temptation, particularly sexual temptation, 00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:28.019 is that our situation is different. 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:31.139 We're not like all those other people. 00:15:32.199 --> 00:15:33.639 I can handle this movie. 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:35.240 I can handle this website. 00:15:35.460 --> 00:15:36.539 It won't suck me in. 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:40.600 Or what I have with this other person, it's the real thing. 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:43.000 We're not like all those other couples who are having an affair. 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:43.659 We're in love. 00:15:43.720 --> 00:15:44.299 This is different. 00:15:46.259 --> 00:15:49.879 But verse 27, again, is telling us the truth. 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:51.960 The victims are many. 00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:54.519 The slain are a mighty throng. 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:57.879 In other words, you are no different. 00:15:58.840 --> 00:16:00.179 And we will not escape. 00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:07.980 And so we need to do the exact opposite of the foolish young man in this parable. 00:16:08.120 --> 00:16:11.819 We need to keep ourselves far from the path of sexual folly. 00:16:12.079 --> 00:16:16.100 Like Joseph in the house of Potiphar, we need to run in the opposite direction. 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:19.879 So what does that look like practically? 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:23.960 Can we just be real honest for a second? 00:16:25.159 --> 00:16:31.480 Most of us in this room have a ticking time bomb of sexual folly right in our pockets. 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:35.899 And it's not just guys. 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:40.840 I saw a statistic recently that one-third of women are viewing pornography every week. 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:44.060 And you know where most of it's happening? 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:44.920 No surprise. 00:16:47.920 --> 00:16:53.940 Friends, what are we going to do as a body of believers to stay out of the path of sexual folly? 00:16:53.940 --> 00:17:04.160 Parents, are you monitoring and engaging in conversation with your kids about what they're doing and seeing on their devices? 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:07.700 And the conversations that they're having with their friends? 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:09.799 Are you talking with them about this stuff? 00:17:11.620 --> 00:17:16.180 Do you know how to use the parental controls on their phones so you can protect them from spiritual danger? 00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:21.620 If not, what are you going to do this afternoon to figure that out? 00:17:22.900 --> 00:17:24.080 Don't wait until tomorrow. 00:17:25.820 --> 00:17:28.180 And if you don't know, figure it out. 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:29.240 Talk to me. 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:30.100 Talk to Matt. 00:17:30.420 --> 00:17:30.980 Talk to Jeff. 00:17:31.080 --> 00:17:31.900 Talk to one of the elders. 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:35.380 Start to do some Google searches on how these things actually work. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:42.880 And figure out how you can come alongside your son or daughter and walk with them in the midst of this. 00:17:42.880 --> 00:17:50.560 And students, high schoolers, middle schoolers, I know who you are. 00:17:53.840 --> 00:18:00.160 If you have a phone or a tablet that your parents aren't plugged into and helping you with, here's your homework assignment. 00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:02.460 Invite them to do so. 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:05.680 Welcome them into your space. 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:08.480 Welcome their wisdom and protection. 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:10.980 I know that might sound totally crazy. 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:13.940 And cramping your style. 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:21.980 But, imagine you wake up in the middle of the night, your house is on fire, and your bedroom is filling with smoke. 00:18:22.240 --> 00:18:28.519 And your mom or dad comes in with a fire extinguisher and an oxygen mask to rescue you and get you out of there safely. 00:18:29.299 --> 00:18:33.940 My bet is that you wouldn't complain that they're being overbearing and all up in your space. 00:18:33.940 --> 00:18:38.240 Just let me roast in my bed, dad. 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.900 You're not going to tell them that. 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:41.380 You're going to be like, 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:43.279 Mom, dad, I love you. 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:45.019 I missed you. 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:45.759 Thank you. 00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:48.360 I'm a four-year-old again. 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:52.960 Because, friends, here's the deal. 00:18:53.059 --> 00:18:54.840 Spiritually, we're all in that situation. 00:18:55.580 --> 00:18:56.580 And we need help. 00:18:56.579 --> 00:18:57.500 We need help. 00:18:58.779 --> 00:18:59.679 We need help. 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:04.019 Now, more than half of us here aren't living at home with our parents. 00:19:04.679 --> 00:19:08.019 So, what are you going to do to stay far from the path of sexual folly? 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:13.980 Are you willing to download an app like Covenant Eyes or X3 Watch on your phone 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:19.259 and get a trusted mentor to track with you, to get into your story, and to help you? 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:25.920 Look, I know those apps clunk up your phone, and I know that there are ways to get around them, 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:28.960 and I know they're not foolproof, but at least it's a start. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:37.599 At least it's being intentional about living your life and staying far from the path. 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:41.819 Maybe this week you need to get coffee with someone and say, 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:42.480 I need help. 00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:45.799 Will you help me keep far from the path of sexual folly? 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:46.980 Ask me hard questions. 00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:49.000 Help me get the right software on my devices. 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:51.480 Be intentionally intrusive in my life. 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:54.839 I'm opening up the door for you to step in and help me. 00:19:55.140 --> 00:19:56.980 And if you don't know who to ask in that regard, 00:19:57.119 --> 00:19:59.000 start with someone you trust in your small group. 00:19:59.240 --> 00:20:01.759 And if you're not in a small group, get into one. 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:07.500 And if someone asks you to be that person for them, 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:10.480 and you have no idea how to do that well, 00:20:11.140 --> 00:20:14.160 then come talk to one of us pastors and we can coach you on how to do it. 00:20:15.220 --> 00:20:18.599 We can come alongside you and point you into the right direction for resources 00:20:18.599 --> 00:20:24.399 and give you questions to ask and give you ways to pray for that brother or sister who's coming to you 00:20:24.399 --> 00:20:26.139 so we can do this together. 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:33.759 But of course, sexual folly doesn't just come at us in our phones, does it? 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:37.560 So for you, maybe there are other decisions you need to make, 00:20:38.380 --> 00:20:40.680 other ways you need to stay far from the path. 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:43.220 Do you need to change the way you drive or the way you walk to work? 00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:47.019 Do you need to change some of the media you consume? 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:51.579 Do you need to change the friends you spend time with? 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:55.400 Do you need to change the job scenario that you're in? 00:20:56.420 --> 00:21:00.660 I know each one of those is costly, but it's worth it. 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:05.519 And how is your thought life? 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:11.720 Are you being intentional with what happens in your mind? 00:21:12.379 --> 00:21:14.660 Are you taking every thought captive for Christ's sake? 00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:18.660 When you see an image in the checkout line or when an old memory comes back to you in that moment, 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:19.799 what do you do? 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:23.400 Well, friends, here's what you can do. 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:26.799 In that moment, pray for the Holy Spirit's help. 00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:30.359 The Holy Spirit is nearer to you 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:33.379 than any of those distractions. 00:21:33.380 --> 00:21:37.060 Pray for His help to look away, 00:21:37.260 --> 00:21:38.760 to leave those thoughts behind, 00:21:39.020 --> 00:21:41.780 and to begin setting your mind on the good gifts 00:21:41.780 --> 00:21:43.960 that God has given you to rightfully enjoy. 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:48.520 Interestingly, in a number of places in the New Testament, 00:21:48.680 --> 00:21:51.640 what's the antidote to sexual immorality? 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.760 It's gratitude. 00:21:56.360 --> 00:21:59.600 Cultivating a heart of gratitude and praise of God 00:21:59.600 --> 00:22:02.300 from the New Testament perspective 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:05.799 is what will wither away the roots of sexual folly in your life. 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:09.419 Because ultimately, friends, 00:22:10.139 --> 00:22:10.980 the truth is, 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:13.200 you have to fight fire with fire. 00:22:15.579 --> 00:22:19.200 Desire will only be overcome by a greater desire. 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:24.380 When the desire of sexual folly comes blazing in, 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:25.660 yes, you need to get away, 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.799 but deeper still, 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:29.360 you need to have a greater, 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:31.340 brighter flame 00:22:31.340 --> 00:22:33.400 that's burning in your heart. 00:22:35.580 --> 00:22:38.779 And here's where the second big point of the passage comes in. 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:42.660 We're only going to touch on this briefly because of time. 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:45.880 But we said that sexual folly destroys, 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.060 so we must run from it. 00:22:47.080 --> 00:22:48.120 But what are we running to? 00:22:50.060 --> 00:22:51.440 Go back to chapter 5. 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:55.140 Pick up the rest of the Father's first speech. 00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:57.700 And in the rest of chapter 5, 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.860 we see part of the answer. 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:01.779 Part of the answer. 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:03.000 Proverbs 5, 00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:04.279 verse 15 through 20. 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:08.539 Stay far from the woman of folly, 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:12.559 but drink water from your own cistern, 00:23:13.000 --> 00:23:14.700 flowing water from your own well. 00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:16.859 Should your springs be scattered abroad, 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:18.220 streams of water in the streets, 00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:20.200 let them be for yourself alone 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:22.200 and not for strangers with you. 00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:24.259 Let your fountain be blessed. 00:23:25.379 --> 00:23:27.759 And then he raises the curtain on the metaphor. 00:23:28.119 --> 00:23:30.000 And rejoice in the wife of your youth. 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:32.339 A lovely dear, a graceful doe, 00:23:32.339 --> 00:23:34.259 let her breasts fill you at all times 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:34.819 with delight, 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:37.339 be intoxicated always in her love. 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:40.200 Why should you be intoxicated, 00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:41.500 my son, with a forbidden woman 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:43.619 and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? 00:23:43.640 --> 00:23:45.000 The Father is telling the Son 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:47.019 that because sexual wisdom satisfies, 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:48.299 we must delight in it. 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:51.240 And here in chapter 5, 00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:53.059 that means enjoying sex 00:23:53.059 --> 00:23:54.680 in the lifelong covenant of marriage. 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:56.339 Paul will teach the same thing 00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:57.640 in 1 Corinthians chapter 7. 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.660 Husbands and wives 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:00.299 are to mutually give 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:02.379 the good gift of sexual intimacy 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:03.700 to one another joyfully, 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.600 gladly, 00:24:04.600 --> 00:24:04.660 gladly, 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:05.680 frequently. 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:07.700 You see, friends, 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.960 the Bible isn't embarrassed 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:10.299 about human sexuality. 00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:13.420 It's a reality to rejoice in, 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:15.340 and the proper context for it 00:24:15.340 --> 00:24:17.180 is the security and trust 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:19.340 of the whole life commitment of marriage. 00:24:21.259 --> 00:24:22.580 But why is that so? 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:25.559 Why is the exclusive covenant of marriage 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:27.939 the only context God designed for sex? 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:31.419 Well, there are lots of answers 00:24:31.419 --> 00:24:32.199 we could give to that, 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:33.179 but the ultimate answer, 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:33.899 biblically speaking, 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:34.460 is this. 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:38.579 Because God designed sex 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:40.579 from the very beginning 00:24:40.579 --> 00:24:42.000 to be a picture, 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:44.579 to be a picture of His exclusive, 00:24:46.119 --> 00:24:47.480 self-giving love 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:48.380 and union 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:49.279 to His bride, 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:49.860 the church. 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:54.099 We heard echoes of this 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:55.220 in our passage from Isaiah 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:55.680 earlier, 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.120 didn't we? 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:59.180 I am your husband, 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:00.819 the Lord tells 00:25:00.819 --> 00:25:02.079 the people in Isaiah's day. 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.640 In Ezekiel, 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:06.200 in the opening chapters of Ezekiel, 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:07.059 I think around 16, 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.579 the metaphor gets even stronger. 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:10.140 The Lord 00:25:10.140 --> 00:25:11.480 found His people, 00:25:11.860 --> 00:25:12.680 loved them, 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.039 took them to Himself, 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:15.160 made them His own, 00:25:15.160 --> 00:25:15.680 and yet, 00:25:16.180 --> 00:25:17.160 they ran away, 00:25:18.140 --> 00:25:18.620 whoring, 00:25:18.779 --> 00:25:19.380 Ezekiel says, 00:25:19.400 --> 00:25:20.340 after other lovers. 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:22.040 And yet, 00:25:22.120 --> 00:25:22.600 though the Lord 00:25:22.600 --> 00:25:24.120 would be fully just 00:25:24.120 --> 00:25:25.080 in divorcing them, 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:26.180 casting them off, 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.920 leaving them in their sin and shame, 00:25:28.360 --> 00:25:28.960 what does He do? 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:30.480 He takes them to Himself once more. 00:25:30.540 --> 00:25:31.600 He washes them clean. 00:25:32.080 --> 00:25:33.700 He renews His covenant with them, 00:25:33.940 --> 00:25:35.180 never to forsake them. 00:25:36.940 --> 00:25:38.880 Perhaps the most vivid picture 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:39.740 of all this 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:41.040 is found in the prophet Hosea. 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:44.700 God tells Hosea 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:45.440 to do something 00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:47.200 that seems absurd. 00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:47.720 He says, 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:48.140 Hosea, 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:49.240 I want you to go marry 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.480 an unfaithful wife. 00:25:52.880 --> 00:25:54.580 And even when she leaves him 00:25:54.580 --> 00:25:55.519 for other lovers, 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.519 God tells Hosea 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.559 to go into the marketplace 00:25:57.559 --> 00:25:59.240 and buy her back. 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:02.460 To pay whatever price 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:04.120 her new lovers demand 00:26:04.120 --> 00:26:05.500 and bring her home. 00:26:06.580 --> 00:26:09.620 To be unswervingly faithful to her 00:26:09.620 --> 00:26:10.799 despite her sin. 00:26:11.580 --> 00:26:13.140 And God tells Hosea to do that 00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:14.320 because He says, 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:16.080 that's how I love my people. 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:19.060 And I want through you, 00:26:19.360 --> 00:26:21.420 I want you to be a picture 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:23.720 of the faithful love 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.880 that I have for my people. 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:28.140 That though they had run 00:26:28.140 --> 00:26:28.900 after other lovers, 00:26:29.020 --> 00:26:29.560 other gods, 00:26:29.640 --> 00:26:30.180 other lords, 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:31.600 He would buy them back. 00:26:32.020 --> 00:26:33.400 He would pay the price 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.140 and He would establish 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:36.140 His unbreakable covenant 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.540 with them forever. 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:41.200 And friends, 00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:42.139 when the fullness of time 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:42.639 had come, 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:45.139 after 400 years 00:26:45.139 --> 00:26:46.420 of prophetic silence, 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:49.180 God literally came 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:50.299 to give back 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:51.139 His wayward bride. 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:51.700 Friends, 00:26:51.740 --> 00:26:52.720 it's no accident 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:54.480 that Jesus' first miracle 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:55.480 turning water into wine 00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:56.519 was at a wedding feast. 00:26:59.339 --> 00:27:00.599 And throughout His ministry, 00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:01.579 Jesus was constantly 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.500 saying things like, 00:27:02.859 --> 00:27:04.319 how can the wedding guests fast 00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:05.379 when the bridegroom 00:27:05.379 --> 00:27:06.019 is with them? 00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:08.279 Referring to Himself. 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:11.419 He is the groom. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.879 Come for His bride. 00:27:13.579 --> 00:27:14.579 And because the sins 00:27:14.579 --> 00:27:15.299 of His bride 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:16.299 were so great 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:17.500 and because the weight 00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:18.279 of their infidelity 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:19.339 was so heavy 00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:20.460 and because His love 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:21.799 for us was so faithful, 00:27:21.960 --> 00:27:22.200 Jesus, 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:23.119 our true spouse, 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:23.939 went to the cross 00:27:23.939 --> 00:27:25.519 and there He shouldered 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:26.240 the betrayal 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:27.399 and the shame 00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.980 and the cost of our sin. 00:27:29.099 --> 00:27:29.919 There He groaned 00:27:29.919 --> 00:27:31.059 and His flesh 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:32.240 and body were consumed 00:27:32.240 --> 00:27:34.059 for us 00:27:34.059 --> 00:27:35.960 and our place 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:38.160 to ransom us. 00:27:40.620 --> 00:27:42.000 And three days later, 00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:44.640 our love arose again, 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:46.700 conquering shame 00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:47.420 and death, 00:27:48.099 --> 00:27:49.220 ascended to the Father, 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:50.720 poured out the Spirit 00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:51.579 and now, 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:53.339 Jesus is gathering 00:27:53.339 --> 00:27:54.079 His bride 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:55.160 from every tribe, 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:55.819 tongue, and nation 00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:56.640 through the proclamation 00:27:56.640 --> 00:27:57.380 of the gospel, 00:27:57.940 --> 00:27:58.880 preparing us 00:27:58.880 --> 00:28:00.299 for the future wedding feast 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:00.980 when He returns 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:02.200 and makes all things new. 00:28:04.880 --> 00:28:05.779 Why is sex 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.799 only for marriage? 00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:09.180 Because sex 00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:09.579 and marriage 00:28:09.579 --> 00:28:10.460 are part of a story 00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:11.880 that's so much bigger 00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:13.200 than you and me. 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:15.799 They're pointers 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.779 to the story 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:17.980 of God's faithful, 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.259 exclusive, 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:21.140 covenant-keeping love 00:28:21.140 --> 00:28:21.680 for His bride, 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:22.039 the church, 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:23.480 of His union with us 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:25.059 and for all 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:26.079 who repent and believe. 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:31.079 And that means 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:31.579 two things 00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:32.199 as we close. 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:34.099 First, 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:36.299 for singles, 00:28:37.199 --> 00:28:39.879 there's an even 00:28:39.879 --> 00:28:41.939 greater fire 00:28:41.939 --> 00:28:43.299 for you to stoke 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:45.000 against the flames 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:46.039 of sexual folly. 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:49.000 Chapter 5 00:28:49.000 --> 00:28:49.460 had advice 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:50.000 for those of us 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.480 who are married, 00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:51.379 right? 00:28:52.179 --> 00:28:53.079 But what about 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:53.500 those of us 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:54.019 who are single? 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:57.160 By the way, 00:28:57.240 --> 00:28:57.700 don't forget 00:28:57.700 --> 00:28:58.319 that the only 00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:59.319 perfect human being 00:28:59.319 --> 00:29:00.400 the world has ever seen, 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:01.000 the Lord Jesus, 00:29:01.119 --> 00:29:01.519 was single, 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:02.720 right? 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.539 And the greatest 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:05.519 missionary and theologian 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:05.879 of the church, 00:29:05.960 --> 00:29:06.460 the Apostle Paul, 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:07.139 was also single. 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:08.680 Singleness 00:29:08.680 --> 00:29:09.579 isn't a problem 00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:10.339 to overcome. 00:29:11.099 --> 00:29:11.839 It's a calling 00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:12.519 to live into. 00:29:13.900 --> 00:29:14.639 But look again 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.400 at chapter 7. 00:29:16.039 --> 00:29:16.920 Pick up in verse 1. 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:17.740 We skipped these verses 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:18.160 earlier. 00:29:19.119 --> 00:29:19.539 My son, 00:29:19.619 --> 00:29:20.319 keep my words, 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:21.639 treasure up my commandments 00:29:21.640 --> 00:29:22.220 with you. 00:29:23.120 --> 00:29:23.800 Chapter 7, 00:29:24.040 --> 00:29:24.480 verse 2. 00:29:24.580 --> 00:29:25.460 Keep my commandments 00:29:25.460 --> 00:29:26.000 and live. 00:29:26.360 --> 00:29:27.100 Keep my teaching 00:29:27.100 --> 00:29:27.860 as the apple 00:29:27.860 --> 00:29:28.640 of your eye. 00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:29.480 That's your pupil. 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:30.360 Guard it. 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:31.140 Protect it. 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:32.840 Bind them on your fingers. 00:29:33.200 --> 00:29:34.020 Write them on the tablet 00:29:34.020 --> 00:29:34.460 of your heart. 00:29:34.780 --> 00:29:35.820 Say to wisdom, 00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:37.460 you are my sister. 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:39.000 And call insight 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:40.860 your intimate friend 00:29:40.860 --> 00:29:42.420 to keep you 00:29:42.420 --> 00:29:43.259 from the forbidden woman 00:29:43.259 --> 00:29:44.040 and the adulteress 00:29:44.040 --> 00:29:44.960 with her smooth words. 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:47.520 Did you notice here? 00:29:49.320 --> 00:29:50.500 It's not the wife 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:51.220 of your youth 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:53.339 in this passage 00:29:53.339 --> 00:29:54.460 that will keep you 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:55.740 on the path 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:57.160 of sexual wisdom 00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:58.160 that satisfies. 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.160 What is it? 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:02.759 Verse 4. 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:05.059 It's wisdom itself. 00:30:06.440 --> 00:30:07.380 Say to wisdom, 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:08.519 you are my sister. 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:09.680 And call insight 00:30:09.680 --> 00:30:10.400 your intimate friend. 00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:11.279 Now you need to understand 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:12.700 that my sister 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:14.140 was a term of endearment 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:15.039 in the ancient world. 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:16.640 Sounds a little weird 00:30:16.640 --> 00:30:17.079 to us 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:18.619 to call your spouse 00:30:18.619 --> 00:30:19.539 my sister. 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:20.180 But you know, 00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:20.839 terms of endearment 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:21.559 are always a little weird 00:30:21.559 --> 00:30:21.960 and awkward. 00:30:25.839 --> 00:30:27.279 An intimate friend. 00:30:28.639 --> 00:30:29.420 Call insight 00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:30.460 your intimate friend. 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:31.859 That's also a rich 00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:33.379 relational phrase, 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:33.799 isn't it? 00:30:34.920 --> 00:30:35.619 So what is Proverbs 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:36.200 saying here? 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:38.759 It's saying that 00:30:38.759 --> 00:30:40.039 refraining from sex 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.759 outside of marriage 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.559 is possible 00:30:41.559 --> 00:30:44.139 because in wisdom 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:45.100 itself 00:30:45.100 --> 00:30:47.540 we have an intimate friend, 00:30:48.360 --> 00:30:49.540 a lover even, 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:52.340 who we can call to, 00:30:52.880 --> 00:30:53.940 who we can cherish, 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.320 who we can rest 00:30:55.320 --> 00:30:56.280 and find our souls 00:30:56.280 --> 00:30:57.000 to light in. 00:30:59.820 --> 00:31:00.400 And you know, 00:31:00.440 --> 00:31:00.580 friends, 00:31:00.620 --> 00:31:01.560 when the curtain rises 00:31:01.560 --> 00:31:02.420 in the New Testament 00:31:02.420 --> 00:31:04.820 and we see that wisdom, 00:31:05.100 --> 00:31:06.700 this Old Testament figure 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.640 of such grace 00:31:07.640 --> 00:31:08.560 and beauty 00:31:08.560 --> 00:31:09.560 and power, 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:10.819 we see when the curtain 00:31:10.819 --> 00:31:11.899 rises in the New Testament, 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:12.720 who is wisdom? 00:31:14.919 --> 00:31:15.740 Wisdom's fulfilled 00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:16.440 in none other than 00:31:16.440 --> 00:31:17.500 the Lord Jesus Himself. 00:31:20.879 --> 00:31:21.859 So when you walk 00:31:21.859 --> 00:31:22.659 with Him daily, 00:31:23.659 --> 00:31:24.480 communing with Him 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.299 by His Spirit 00:31:25.299 --> 00:31:25.980 in the Word 00:31:25.980 --> 00:31:27.039 and prayer 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:27.980 and worship 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:29.179 and in fellowship, 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:30.899 you're communing 00:31:30.900 --> 00:31:33.220 with the most faithful 00:31:33.220 --> 00:31:33.860 of spouses, 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:36.280 with the most intimate 00:31:36.280 --> 00:31:37.000 of friends, 00:31:37.580 --> 00:31:39.080 with wisdom incarnate. 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:41.800 You see, friends, 00:31:41.880 --> 00:31:42.820 every human marriage 00:31:42.820 --> 00:31:43.759 is just a shadow 00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:45.580 of what we have in Him. 00:31:47.340 --> 00:31:47.759 It's not, 00:31:48.080 --> 00:31:48.940 marriage isn't something 00:31:48.940 --> 00:31:50.000 we're supposed to look to 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:50.820 in order to satisfy. 00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:51.800 It's something we're supposed 00:31:51.800 --> 00:31:52.480 to look through 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:54.060 to the real marriage, 00:31:54.460 --> 00:31:55.440 our union with Christ. 00:31:58.440 --> 00:31:59.100 Every marriage 00:31:59.100 --> 00:31:59.980 is just a shadow 00:31:59.980 --> 00:32:00.800 of what we have in Him 00:32:00.799 --> 00:32:01.899 and what we ultimately 00:32:01.899 --> 00:32:02.799 will have 00:32:02.799 --> 00:32:03.680 in endless delight 00:32:03.680 --> 00:32:04.000 with Him 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:04.599 when He returns. 00:32:07.240 --> 00:32:08.180 So for those of us 00:32:08.180 --> 00:32:08.619 who are single, 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:10.240 stoke that desire 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:11.579 for Christ. 00:32:13.619 --> 00:32:15.379 Do anything you can 00:32:15.379 --> 00:32:17.139 to fan the flame 00:32:17.139 --> 00:32:18.039 of your love 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:18.960 for Christ. 00:32:22.159 --> 00:32:23.339 Delight in wisdom. 00:32:24.539 --> 00:32:25.779 Delight in your Lord Jesus 00:32:25.779 --> 00:32:27.220 and that will fill your heart 00:32:27.220 --> 00:32:27.940 with a joy 00:32:27.940 --> 00:32:29.259 and with a gladness 00:32:29.259 --> 00:32:30.240 and with a resilience 00:32:30.240 --> 00:32:31.420 that will keep you 00:32:31.420 --> 00:32:32.380 far from the path 00:32:32.380 --> 00:32:32.859 of folly. 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:36.539 Last thing, 00:32:37.620 --> 00:32:39.960 when we see 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:41.480 what sex means 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:43.400 in its full biblical scope, 00:32:43.819 --> 00:32:45.500 we see and we know 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:46.359 that in Christ 00:32:46.359 --> 00:32:48.120 there's full forgiveness 00:32:48.120 --> 00:32:50.559 for all your sexual folly. 00:32:53.460 --> 00:32:53.900 Friends, 00:32:53.960 --> 00:32:54.660 some of you are carrying 00:32:54.660 --> 00:32:56.360 a load of shame 00:32:56.360 --> 00:32:58.440 and guilt this morning 00:32:58.440 --> 00:33:00.880 because you were like 00:33:00.880 --> 00:33:01.640 that young fool 00:33:01.640 --> 00:33:02.500 in chapter 7. 00:33:04.580 --> 00:33:05.600 You put yourself 00:33:05.600 --> 00:33:06.700 in the wrong place 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:08.200 at the wrong time 00:33:08.200 --> 00:33:10.340 and whether on the internet 00:33:10.340 --> 00:33:11.500 or in person 00:33:11.500 --> 00:33:11.940 with someone 00:33:11.940 --> 00:33:12.779 who wasn't your spouse, 00:33:12.900 --> 00:33:13.840 you willingly went 00:33:13.840 --> 00:33:15.140 looking for sexual pleasure 00:33:15.140 --> 00:33:16.580 outside of God's good design. 00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:20.659 But friends, 00:33:21.199 --> 00:33:21.500 brothers, 00:33:22.220 --> 00:33:22.599 sisters, 00:33:23.139 --> 00:33:25.259 as you see yourself 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:26.079 in that story 00:33:26.079 --> 00:33:26.960 in Proverbs 7, 00:33:27.960 --> 00:33:30.079 let me call your mind 00:33:30.079 --> 00:33:30.960 to another story 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:32.059 about a young man 00:33:32.059 --> 00:33:34.539 who took his father's inheritance 00:33:34.539 --> 00:33:36.079 and went into the far country 00:33:36.079 --> 00:33:37.659 and spent all that he had 00:33:37.659 --> 00:33:38.399 on prostitutes 00:33:38.399 --> 00:33:39.159 and reckless living. 00:33:40.199 --> 00:33:40.799 Do you remember 00:33:40.799 --> 00:33:41.399 that story? 00:33:42.879 --> 00:33:43.599 Do you remember 00:33:43.599 --> 00:33:44.939 what that young man did 00:33:44.939 --> 00:33:46.339 when he was finding himself 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:47.279 feeding pigs, 00:33:47.419 --> 00:33:47.819 poor, 00:33:48.000 --> 00:33:48.459 alone, 00:33:48.599 --> 00:33:49.199 and ashamed? 00:33:50.599 --> 00:33:51.679 Loaded with guilt 00:33:51.679 --> 00:33:52.500 and regret 00:33:52.500 --> 00:33:54.500 when the price 00:33:54.500 --> 00:33:55.379 of his sexual folly 00:33:55.379 --> 00:33:56.539 had cost him everything? 00:33:58.980 --> 00:34:00.339 He came to himself 00:34:00.339 --> 00:34:02.399 and he remembered 00:34:02.399 --> 00:34:02.959 his father 00:34:02.959 --> 00:34:05.279 and he went home. 00:34:06.639 --> 00:34:07.740 And what did he find 00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:08.440 when he went home? 00:34:10.940 --> 00:34:11.380 Rejection? 00:34:12.739 --> 00:34:13.179 No. 00:34:14.199 --> 00:34:15.819 He found the father's embrace. 00:34:16.980 --> 00:34:18.099 The best robe 00:34:18.099 --> 00:34:19.179 was wrapped around him. 00:34:19.839 --> 00:34:21.339 The ring was put on his hand. 00:34:21.619 --> 00:34:23.019 The shoes were put on his feet. 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:24.579 And the fattened calf, 00:34:24.659 --> 00:34:25.400 the feast, 00:34:25.839 --> 00:34:26.579 was prepared 00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:28.360 to celebrate his return. 00:34:31.380 --> 00:34:32.079 And friends, 00:34:32.139 --> 00:34:33.739 that can be your story 00:34:33.739 --> 00:34:34.179 this morning. 00:34:34.319 --> 00:34:35.360 It is your story 00:34:35.360 --> 00:34:36.239 if you're in Christ. 00:34:38.179 --> 00:34:39.719 Because of what Jesus has done, 00:34:39.819 --> 00:34:40.339 there's forgiveness 00:34:40.339 --> 00:34:41.779 for all your sins, 00:34:41.880 --> 00:34:43.579 covering all of your shame. 00:34:43.579 --> 00:34:46.639 The father who warns you 00:34:46.639 --> 00:34:47.340 in his grace 00:34:47.340 --> 00:34:48.960 receives you home 00:34:48.960 --> 00:34:49.480 in his grace. 00:34:49.539 --> 00:34:50.539 And he receives you home 00:34:50.539 --> 00:34:51.599 not with reservations, 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:53.099 but with rejoicing. 00:34:53.099 --> 00:34:56.440 So you see, 00:34:56.500 --> 00:34:56.779 today, 00:34:56.779 --> 00:34:57.559 right now, 00:34:57.559 --> 00:34:58.219 if you're carrying 00:34:58.219 --> 00:34:58.920 a burden 00:34:58.920 --> 00:35:01.019 of sexual folly, 00:35:01.739 --> 00:35:02.719 go to Christ 00:35:02.719 --> 00:35:03.400 in faith. 00:35:04.699 --> 00:35:06.880 Rest in his finished work 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:08.659 and know that the father 00:35:08.659 --> 00:35:09.779 delights in you. 00:35:12.739 --> 00:35:13.880 There's forgiveness 00:35:13.880 --> 00:35:14.980 for it all, 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:16.539 no matter how great it's been. 00:35:17.219 --> 00:35:17.639 Christ, 00:35:18.039 --> 00:35:18.719 Ephesians 5, 00:35:18.799 --> 00:35:19.380 will tell us, 00:35:19.380 --> 00:35:20.559 has washed 00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:22.000 his bride clean. 00:35:22.440 --> 00:35:24.059 That we are spotless 00:35:24.059 --> 00:35:24.360 in him 00:35:24.360 --> 00:35:25.180 without wrinkle 00:35:25.180 --> 00:35:26.119 or blemish. 00:35:26.200 --> 00:35:27.039 That we're radiant 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:30.840 so that now 00:35:30.840 --> 00:35:31.460 we can delight 00:35:31.460 --> 00:35:32.039 in him again. 00:35:33.320 --> 00:35:34.260 And we can walk 00:35:34.260 --> 00:35:34.720 faithfully 00:35:34.720 --> 00:35:35.420 in the way of wisdom 00:35:35.420 --> 00:35:35.920 once more, 00:35:36.079 --> 00:35:37.360 staying far from sin 00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:38.960 and close to your Savior, 00:35:39.160 --> 00:35:40.220 delighting in him 00:35:40.220 --> 00:35:42.460 and finding in him 00:35:42.460 --> 00:35:43.619 the satisfaction 00:35:43.619 --> 00:35:44.539 for your soul. 00:35:44.539 --> 00:35:47.400 Let's pray. 00:35:57.719 --> 00:35:58.300 Lord Jesus, 00:35:58.420 --> 00:35:59.059 we ask that, 00:36:00.320 --> 00:36:02.259 I ask that you would 00:36:02.259 --> 00:36:03.039 come near to us 00:36:03.039 --> 00:36:03.739 by your Spirit. 00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:06.239 Lord, 00:36:06.279 --> 00:36:06.699 we've dealt with 00:36:06.699 --> 00:36:07.820 heavy topics this morning 00:36:07.820 --> 00:36:08.500 from your Word. 00:36:09.900 --> 00:36:10.139 Lord, 00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:11.000 I pray that we've dealt 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:11.619 with these things 00:36:11.619 --> 00:36:12.940 accurately and faithfully. 00:36:14.539 --> 00:36:15.179 Lord, 00:36:15.219 --> 00:36:15.880 I pray for those 00:36:15.880 --> 00:36:16.480 who are here now 00:36:16.480 --> 00:36:17.360 who find themselves 00:36:17.360 --> 00:36:18.000 enmeshed, 00:36:18.759 --> 00:36:20.199 entrapped in sexual folly. 00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:20.480 Lord, 00:36:20.539 --> 00:36:21.599 would you give them 00:36:21.599 --> 00:36:22.500 by your Holy Spirit 00:36:22.500 --> 00:36:23.360 the courage 00:36:23.360 --> 00:36:25.400 and the grace 00:36:25.400 --> 00:36:27.039 to turn 00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:29.179 and to step back 00:36:29.179 --> 00:36:29.860 into the path 00:36:29.860 --> 00:36:30.679 that leads to you, 00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:31.019 Father. 00:36:32.259 --> 00:36:32.579 Jesus, 00:36:32.679 --> 00:36:33.320 would they see 00:36:33.320 --> 00:36:36.059 the utter completion 00:36:36.059 --> 00:36:37.219 of your grace 00:36:37.219 --> 00:36:38.199 on the cross for them 00:36:38.199 --> 00:36:39.259 and know that all their shame 00:36:39.259 --> 00:36:39.840 and all their guilt 00:36:39.840 --> 00:36:40.360 has been covered 00:36:40.360 --> 00:36:41.259 and they can come home. 00:36:42.559 --> 00:36:42.980 And Lord, 00:36:43.039 --> 00:36:43.659 I pray that you would 00:36:43.659 --> 00:36:44.920 give us courage 00:36:44.920 --> 00:36:46.579 and perseverance 00:36:46.579 --> 00:36:47.980 as a church family 00:36:47.980 --> 00:36:48.879 to help one another 00:36:48.879 --> 00:36:50.480 in this fight of faith, 00:36:51.319 --> 00:36:52.759 to stay far from the path 00:36:52.759 --> 00:36:53.259 of folly 00:36:53.259 --> 00:36:54.559 and to stay near you. 00:36:54.659 --> 00:36:54.759 Lord, 00:36:54.819 --> 00:36:55.259 help us 00:36:55.259 --> 00:36:56.819 to be those 00:36:56.819 --> 00:36:57.679 who ask one another 00:36:57.679 --> 00:36:58.159 loving, 00:36:58.619 --> 00:36:58.920 good, 00:36:59.019 --> 00:36:59.899 intrusive questions, 00:36:59.899 --> 00:37:00.719 who welcome 00:37:00.719 --> 00:37:01.639 the input 00:37:01.639 --> 00:37:02.179 of our brothers 00:37:02.179 --> 00:37:02.699 and sisters 00:37:02.699 --> 00:37:03.639 into our lives. 00:37:04.799 --> 00:37:05.440 Lord Jesus, 00:37:05.559 --> 00:37:06.299 you said that 00:37:06.300 --> 00:37:09.640 it's better to 00:37:09.640 --> 00:37:10.680 pluck out an eye 00:37:10.680 --> 00:37:11.860 and cut off a hand 00:37:11.860 --> 00:37:14.160 in order to enter 00:37:14.160 --> 00:37:14.940 the kingdom of heaven 00:37:14.940 --> 00:37:15.700 than to go down 00:37:15.700 --> 00:37:16.320 to the grave. 00:37:17.940 --> 00:37:18.500 So Lord, 00:37:18.560 --> 00:37:19.500 give us that kind 00:37:19.500 --> 00:37:20.620 of courage 00:37:20.620 --> 00:37:21.360 and that kind 00:37:21.360 --> 00:37:22.440 of perseverance 00:37:22.440 --> 00:37:23.039 and that kind 00:37:23.039 --> 00:37:23.660 of desire 00:37:23.660 --> 00:37:25.280 to want to enjoy 00:37:25.280 --> 00:37:26.240 the riches of you 00:37:26.240 --> 00:37:27.000 more than we want 00:37:27.000 --> 00:37:27.840 to enjoy the folly 00:37:27.840 --> 00:37:28.440 of this world. 00:37:30.780 --> 00:37:31.440 Holy Spirit, 00:37:31.560 --> 00:37:32.300 stoke that love 00:37:32.300 --> 00:37:32.780 in our hearts, 00:37:32.880 --> 00:37:33.300 we pray. 00:37:34.300 --> 00:37:34.600 Amen. 00:37:38.240 --> 00:37:38.620 Well, 00:37:38.660 --> 00:37:38.820 friends, 00:37:38.860 --> 00:37:39.200 it's fitting 00:37:39.200 --> 00:37:40.300 that we're 00:37:40.300 --> 00:37:41.660 celebrating 00:37:41.660 --> 00:37:42.260 the Lord's Supper 00:37:42.260 --> 00:37:42.800 this morning. 00:37:46.720 --> 00:37:47.539 The Lord's Supper 00:37:47.539 --> 00:37:48.000 is actually 00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:48.580 an act 00:37:48.580 --> 00:37:49.680 of covenant renewal. 00:37:52.820 --> 00:37:53.900 Here is Christ, 00:37:54.560 --> 00:37:55.220 our lover, 00:37:56.780 --> 00:37:57.740 offering himself 00:37:57.740 --> 00:37:58.560 to us again 00:37:58.560 --> 00:37:59.860 through this bread 00:37:59.860 --> 00:38:00.560 and through this cup. 00:38:01.960 --> 00:38:03.000 And he's inviting 00:38:03.000 --> 00:38:03.960 us into deeper 00:38:03.960 --> 00:38:04.760 union with him. 00:38:06.219 --> 00:38:06.940 Here we see 00:38:06.940 --> 00:38:07.400 in this bread 00:38:07.400 --> 00:38:07.940 that's broken, 00:38:08.380 --> 00:38:09.300 our lover's body 00:38:09.300 --> 00:38:10.300 broken for us. 00:38:10.739 --> 00:38:11.559 And here in this cup 00:38:11.559 --> 00:38:12.159 that we share, 00:38:12.280 --> 00:38:13.900 the blood of our 00:38:13.900 --> 00:38:15.139 heavenly spouse 00:38:15.139 --> 00:38:16.219 shed for us, 00:38:18.139 --> 00:38:18.900 paying down 00:38:18.900 --> 00:38:19.320 the debt 00:38:19.320 --> 00:38:20.739 of every single sin 00:38:20.739 --> 00:38:22.000 so that we can 00:38:22.000 --> 00:38:23.099 be with him forever. 00:38:24.659 --> 00:38:25.719 And we celebrate 00:38:25.719 --> 00:38:26.340 the Lord's Supper 00:38:26.340 --> 00:38:27.059 regularly, 00:38:27.599 --> 00:38:28.099 frequently, 00:38:28.360 --> 00:38:29.400 because we so 00:38:29.400 --> 00:38:30.239 often forget 00:38:30.239 --> 00:38:31.539 how faithful 00:38:31.539 --> 00:38:32.599 and how good 00:38:32.599 --> 00:38:34.340 and how thorough 00:38:34.340 --> 00:38:34.940 is the love 00:38:34.940 --> 00:38:35.880 of Jesus for us. 00:38:38.800 --> 00:38:39.579 The Lord's Supper 00:38:39.579 --> 00:38:40.219 is for believers. 00:38:40.779 --> 00:38:41.159 It's for those 00:38:41.159 --> 00:38:41.800 who've turned 00:38:41.800 --> 00:38:42.440 from sin 00:38:42.440 --> 00:38:43.259 and placed 00:38:43.259 --> 00:38:44.139 their trust in Christ. 00:38:44.219 --> 00:38:44.820 What does that mean? 00:38:45.900 --> 00:38:46.699 It doesn't mean 00:38:46.699 --> 00:38:47.139 that you've sort of 00:38:47.139 --> 00:38:47.739 tried to clean up 00:38:47.739 --> 00:38:48.099 your act 00:38:48.099 --> 00:38:48.559 and start living 00:38:48.559 --> 00:38:49.119 the right way. 00:38:49.880 --> 00:38:50.519 It means that 00:38:50.519 --> 00:38:51.019 you've stopped 00:38:51.019 --> 00:38:51.699 depending on 00:38:51.699 --> 00:38:52.539 your own efforts 00:38:52.539 --> 00:38:53.099 to clean up 00:38:53.099 --> 00:38:53.480 your act 00:38:53.480 --> 00:38:54.380 and live the right way. 00:38:54.380 --> 00:38:54.900 And it means 00:38:54.900 --> 00:38:55.519 you've thrown 00:38:55.519 --> 00:38:56.039 yourself 00:38:56.039 --> 00:38:57.420 in complete rest 00:38:57.420 --> 00:38:57.840 and trust 00:38:57.840 --> 00:38:58.380 and abandon 00:38:58.380 --> 00:38:59.099 on the one 00:38:59.099 --> 00:38:59.800 who has lived 00:38:59.800 --> 00:39:00.300 perfectly 00:39:00.300 --> 00:39:01.079 and on the one 00:39:01.079 --> 00:39:01.780 who has done 00:39:01.780 --> 00:39:02.360 it for you. 00:39:02.820 --> 00:39:03.860 And you're resting 00:39:03.860 --> 00:39:04.579 in him alone 00:39:04.579 --> 00:39:06.300 for your acceptance 00:39:06.300 --> 00:39:06.900 with God. 00:39:08.200 --> 00:39:08.800 So friends, 00:39:08.840 --> 00:39:09.079 if you're here 00:39:09.079 --> 00:39:09.559 this morning 00:39:09.559 --> 00:39:10.320 and that's true 00:39:10.320 --> 00:39:10.820 of you, 00:39:11.240 --> 00:39:11.860 then as the bread 00:39:11.860 --> 00:39:12.519 comes around 00:39:12.519 --> 00:39:13.220 and as the cup 00:39:13.220 --> 00:39:13.760 comes around, 00:39:13.840 --> 00:39:14.380 then take 00:39:14.380 --> 00:39:15.500 and eat 00:39:15.500 --> 00:39:16.559 and drink 00:39:16.559 --> 00:39:17.619 in repentance 00:39:17.619 --> 00:39:18.519 and in faith 00:39:18.519 --> 00:39:19.220 and remember 00:39:19.220 --> 00:39:20.000 the deep love 00:39:20.000 --> 00:39:20.420 of Christ 00:39:20.420 --> 00:39:20.880 for you. 00:39:22.360 --> 00:39:23.059 And if you're here 00:39:23.059 --> 00:39:23.420 this morning 00:39:23.420 --> 00:39:24.039 and that's true 00:39:24.039 --> 00:39:24.400 of you 00:39:24.400 --> 00:39:25.160 and you haven't 00:39:25.160 --> 00:39:25.800 been baptized, 00:39:26.220 --> 00:39:26.880 then that's 00:39:26.880 --> 00:39:27.559 your next step. 00:39:28.860 --> 00:39:29.720 Go down 00:39:29.720 --> 00:39:30.400 into the waters 00:39:30.400 --> 00:39:31.039 of baptism 00:39:31.039 --> 00:39:33.160 and publicly 00:39:33.160 --> 00:39:33.980 proclaim all 00:39:33.980 --> 00:39:34.380 that Christ 00:39:34.380 --> 00:39:34.740 has done 00:39:34.740 --> 00:39:35.180 for you. 00:39:35.880 --> 00:39:36.220 If you want 00:39:36.220 --> 00:39:36.619 to talk about 00:39:36.619 --> 00:39:36.940 baptism, 00:39:37.059 --> 00:39:37.360 you can come 00:39:37.360 --> 00:39:37.800 talk to me 00:39:37.800 --> 00:39:38.440 after the service. 00:39:38.500 --> 00:39:38.860 I'd be happy 00:39:38.860 --> 00:39:39.420 to do that. 00:39:40.559 --> 00:39:41.300 If you're here 00:39:41.300 --> 00:39:42.140 and you're not 00:39:42.140 --> 00:39:42.500 a believer 00:39:42.500 --> 00:39:43.300 in Jesus yet, 00:39:43.340 --> 00:39:43.920 if you're still 00:39:43.920 --> 00:39:45.039 exploring what 00:39:45.039 --> 00:39:45.640 Christianity is 00:39:45.640 --> 00:39:46.200 all about, 00:39:46.559 --> 00:39:47.460 then just 00:39:47.460 --> 00:39:48.440 pass the plates 00:39:48.440 --> 00:39:48.700 by. 00:39:48.780 --> 00:39:49.440 Don't take it. 00:39:50.960 --> 00:39:51.360 Instead, 00:39:51.440 --> 00:39:51.840 we would invite 00:39:51.840 --> 00:39:52.440 you this morning 00:39:52.440 --> 00:39:53.400 to put your 00:39:53.400 --> 00:39:54.220 trust in Christ. 00:39:54.860 --> 00:39:55.640 Instead of taking 00:39:55.640 --> 00:39:56.720 these signs 00:39:56.720 --> 00:39:57.360 and tokens 00:39:57.360 --> 00:39:57.940 of what Jesus 00:39:57.940 --> 00:39:58.400 has done, 00:39:58.720 --> 00:39:59.280 take hold 00:39:59.280 --> 00:39:59.720 of Him 00:39:59.720 --> 00:40:00.360 by faith. 00:40:01.220 --> 00:40:01.599 There are some 00:40:01.599 --> 00:40:02.119 prayers in your 00:40:02.119 --> 00:40:02.780 bulletin a couple 00:40:02.780 --> 00:40:04.019 pages in that 00:40:04.019 --> 00:40:04.760 are just meant 00:40:04.760 --> 00:40:05.480 to help you 00:40:05.480 --> 00:40:06.960 cry out to God 00:40:06.960 --> 00:40:07.760 and ask Him 00:40:07.760 --> 00:40:08.460 to open your eyes 00:40:08.460 --> 00:40:08.980 or ask Him 00:40:08.980 --> 00:40:10.159 to become 00:40:10.159 --> 00:40:10.579 your Savior 00:40:10.579 --> 00:40:11.139 and your Lord. 00:40:13.039 --> 00:40:13.400 So, 00:40:13.480 --> 00:40:13.780 those who are 00:40:13.780 --> 00:40:14.360 coming and 00:40:14.360 --> 00:40:14.920 helping to serve, 00:40:14.920 --> 00:40:15.340 come up. 00:40:27.480 --> 00:40:28.079 The way we do 00:40:28.079 --> 00:40:28.559 this at Trinity, 00:40:28.700 --> 00:40:29.099 if you're new, 00:40:29.180 --> 00:40:30.059 we pass out the 00:40:30.059 --> 00:40:30.659 bread and we eat 00:40:30.659 --> 00:40:31.079 it together, 00:40:31.400 --> 00:40:31.840 then we're going 00:40:31.840 --> 00:40:32.220 to pray again 00:40:32.220 --> 00:40:32.460 and we're going 00:40:32.460 --> 00:40:32.900 to pass out the 00:40:32.900 --> 00:40:33.300 cup and we're 00:40:33.300 --> 00:40:33.619 going to drink 00:40:33.619 --> 00:40:34.059 it together. 00:40:34.380 --> 00:40:34.700 We'll sort of 00:40:34.700 --> 00:40:35.180 do one at a 00:40:35.180 --> 00:40:35.800 time and we'll 00:40:35.800 --> 00:40:36.880 sing and worship 00:40:36.880 --> 00:40:37.500 and pour out 00:40:37.500 --> 00:40:37.800 our hearts 00:40:37.800 --> 00:40:38.360 to God together. 00:40:38.480 --> 00:40:38.700 Antoine, 00:40:38.760 --> 00:40:39.680 would you pray 00:40:39.679 --> 00:40:39.980 for the bread 00:40:39.980 --> 00:40:40.299 for us? 00:40:40.839 --> 00:40:41.079 Thanks, 00:40:41.159 --> 00:40:41.259 brother. 00:40:46.179 --> 00:40:46.579 Lord, 00:40:46.679 --> 00:40:49.879 how great it 00:40:49.879 --> 00:40:50.799 is that we 00:40:50.799 --> 00:40:52.460 stand here 00:40:52.460 --> 00:40:52.940 in remembrance 00:40:52.940 --> 00:40:53.460 of you, 00:40:55.079 --> 00:40:55.899 your body 00:40:55.899 --> 00:40:57.159 broken for us, 00:40:58.099 --> 00:41:00.000 yet very 00:41:00.000 --> 00:41:00.919 sobering, 00:41:01.039 --> 00:41:05.480 knowing that 00:41:05.480 --> 00:41:06.239 all our sins 00:41:06.239 --> 00:41:07.739 are covered. 00:41:09.679 --> 00:41:10.359 that you 00:41:10.359 --> 00:41:12.059 stand unashamed 00:41:12.059 --> 00:41:12.659 of us, 00:41:13.980 --> 00:41:15.699 you've molded 00:41:15.699 --> 00:41:16.419 and created 00:41:16.419 --> 00:41:18.399 us into your 00:41:18.399 --> 00:41:18.899 likeness, 00:41:18.980 --> 00:41:19.379 into your 00:41:19.379 --> 00:41:19.819 image, 00:41:22.319 --> 00:41:22.699 and may 00:41:22.699 --> 00:41:23.179 through your 00:41:23.179 --> 00:41:24.639 sacrifice, 00:41:24.779 --> 00:41:26.699 we may know 00:41:26.699 --> 00:41:27.699 your great love 00:41:27.699 --> 00:41:28.619 and desire 00:41:28.619 --> 00:41:29.519 for us, 00:41:30.379 --> 00:41:31.659 to restore 00:41:31.659 --> 00:41:32.579 us and to 00:41:32.579 --> 00:41:33.159 make us into 00:41:33.159 --> 00:41:33.679 the people 00:41:33.679 --> 00:41:34.339 you've called 00:41:34.339 --> 00:41:34.899 us to be. 00:41:37.579 --> 00:41:38.559 So as we 00:41:38.559 --> 00:41:39.319 partake in 00:41:39.320 --> 00:41:39.800 this bread, 00:41:39.920 --> 00:41:40.140 Lord, 00:41:40.220 --> 00:41:40.700 may we 00:41:40.700 --> 00:41:42.500 remember 00:41:42.500 --> 00:41:46.080 all you've 00:41:46.080 --> 00:41:46.900 done for us 00:41:46.900 --> 00:41:48.480 and how 00:41:48.480 --> 00:41:49.460 great and 00:41:49.460 --> 00:41:50.080 how wide 00:41:50.080 --> 00:41:50.980 your love 00:41:50.980 --> 00:41:51.380 is. 00:41:51.900 --> 00:41:52.760 In Christ's 00:41:52.760 --> 00:41:52.940 name, 00:41:53.300 --> 00:41:53.519 amen. 00:41:53.519 --> 00:41:53.640 Amen. 00:42:09.320 --> 00:42:11.200 I heard 00:42:11.200 --> 00:42:12.900 the voice 00:42:12.900 --> 00:42:14.620 of Jesus 00:42:14.620 --> 00:42:15.860 say, 00:42:16.340 --> 00:42:17.860 come on 00:42:17.860 --> 00:42:19.420 to me 00:42:19.420 --> 00:42:21.480 and rest. 00:42:21.480 --> 00:42:24.380 Lay down, 00:42:24.620 --> 00:42:26.180 thou weary 00:42:26.180 --> 00:42:27.500 one, 00:42:27.720 --> 00:42:28.920 lay down 00:42:28.920 --> 00:42:31.080 thy head 00:42:31.080 --> 00:42:33.260 upon my 00:42:33.260 --> 00:42:34.600 breast. 00:42:34.599 --> 00:42:37.219 I came 00:42:37.219 --> 00:42:38.980 to Jesus 00:42:38.980 --> 00:42:41.239 as I 00:42:41.239 --> 00:42:41.980 was, 00:42:41.980 --> 00:42:43.279 weary 00:42:43.279 --> 00:42:45.599 and worn 00:42:45.599 --> 00:42:47.259 and sad. 00:42:48.139 --> 00:42:50.460 I found 00:42:50.460 --> 00:42:52.039 in Him 00:42:52.039 --> 00:42:53.719 a resting 00:42:53.719 --> 00:42:55.000 place, 00:42:55.440 --> 00:42:56.900 and He 00:42:56.900 --> 00:42:58.839 has made 00:42:58.840 --> 00:43:00.539 me glad. 00:43:05.300 --> 00:43:07.120 I heard 00:43:07.120 --> 00:43:08.820 the voice 00:43:08.820 --> 00:43:10.620 of Jesus 00:43:10.620 --> 00:43:11.900 say, 00:43:12.320 --> 00:43:13.320 behold, 00:43:13.320 --> 00:43:15.660 I freely 00:43:15.660 --> 00:43:17.220 give 00:43:17.220 --> 00:43:20.660 the living 00:43:20.660 --> 00:43:22.519 water. 00:43:23.120 --> 00:43:24.059 Thirsty 00:43:24.059 --> 00:43:25.200 one, 00:43:25.600 --> 00:43:26.320 stoop 00:43:26.320 --> 00:43:27.000 down 00:43:27.000 --> 00:43:28.900 and drink 00:43:28.900 --> 00:43:30.640 and live. 00:43:31.780 --> 00:43:33.820 I came 00:43:33.820 --> 00:43:35.700 to Jesus 00:43:35.700 --> 00:43:37.980 and I 00:43:37.980 --> 00:43:38.660 drank 00:43:38.660 --> 00:43:40.559 of that 00:43:40.559 --> 00:43:42.700 life-giving 00:43:42.700 --> 00:43:43.720 stream. 00:43:45.500 --> 00:43:47.280 My thirst 00:43:47.280 --> 00:43:48.840 was quenched, 00:43:49.240 --> 00:43:50.519 my soul 00:43:50.519 --> 00:43:52.360 revived, 00:43:52.740 --> 00:43:54.420 and now 00:43:54.420 --> 00:43:56.220 living 00:43:56.220 --> 00:43:57.579 in. 00:44:01.579 --> 00:44:04.280 I heard 00:44:04.280 --> 00:44:05.960 the voice 00:44:05.960 --> 00:44:07.760 of Jesus 00:44:07.760 --> 00:44:08.960 say, 00:44:09.360 --> 00:44:10.940 I am 00:44:10.940 --> 00:44:11.539 this 00:44:11.539 --> 00:44:12.599 dark 00:44:12.599 --> 00:44:13.539 world's 00:44:13.539 --> 00:44:14.460 light. 00:44:15.760 --> 00:44:16.780 Look 00:44:16.780 --> 00:44:17.700 unto 00:44:17.700 --> 00:44:19.079 me, 00:44:19.320 --> 00:44:19.940 thy 00:44:19.940 --> 00:44:20.700 morn 00:44:20.700 --> 00:44:21.579 shall 00:44:21.579 --> 00:44:22.240 rise, 00:44:22.579 --> 00:44:24.280 and all 00:44:24.280 --> 00:44:25.780 thy day 00:44:25.780 --> 00:44:27.600 be bright. 00:44:28.920 --> 00:44:29.960 I 00:44:29.960 --> 00:44:30.780 looked 00:44:30.780 --> 00:44:31.519 to 00:44:31.519 --> 00:44:32.660 Jesus 00:44:32.660 --> 00:44:34.960 and I 00:44:34.960 --> 00:44:35.680 found 00:44:35.680 --> 00:44:37.660 in Him 00:44:37.660 --> 00:44:39.060 my star, 00:44:39.519 --> 00:44:41.200 my sun. 00:44:42.880 --> 00:44:43.800 And 00:44:43.800 --> 00:44:45.340 in that 00:44:45.340 --> 00:44:46.400 light 00:44:46.400 --> 00:44:46.820 of 00:44:46.820 --> 00:44:48.080 life 00:44:48.080 --> 00:44:48.980 I'll 00:44:48.980 --> 00:44:49.519 walk 00:44:49.519 --> 00:44:50.620 till 00:44:50.620 --> 00:44:51.820 traveling 00:44:52.039 --> 00:44:52.480 days 00:44:52.480 --> 00:44:53.480 are 00:44:53.480 --> 00:44:54.460 dark. 00:44:54.460 --> 00:45:24.440 Thank you.