WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.099 Well, the conditions for Christians are challenging. 00:00:05.639 --> 00:00:11.460 Immorality is not just tolerated, but it's celebrated at all levels of society. 00:00:12.859 --> 00:00:15.860 Idolatry in many forms is widespread. 00:00:18.140 --> 00:00:20.519 Religious pluralism is the status quo. 00:00:21.740 --> 00:00:24.839 The exclusive claims of Christians are hated. 00:00:24.839 --> 00:00:32.240 There are wars and unrest in the Middle East and the lands that we read of in the Bible. 00:00:34.039 --> 00:00:46.879 The leader of the world's greatest military power is an unpredictable narcissist who craves popularity with the masses and whose personal morality is far from exemplary. 00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:54.740 Meanwhile, the Britons have risen up recently to declare that they want to rule themselves. 00:00:55.200 --> 00:00:58.620 That they don't want to be part of some great united Europe. 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:09.240 However, despite all this, the church is growing in places where the gospel hasn't been heard before. 00:01:10.400 --> 00:01:19.340 And many first generation Christians are having to work out what it means to live as Christians in an at times hostile world. 00:01:19.340 --> 00:01:25.040 But I'm not talking about life for Christians in the 21st century. 00:01:26.700 --> 00:01:29.260 But rather for those in the mid-first century. 00:01:30.560 --> 00:01:33.380 Living in the Roman Empire under Nero. 00:01:34.400 --> 00:01:37.840 Because that is the context in which today's passage was written. 00:01:37.840 --> 00:01:41.980 In many ways for us things are similar. 00:01:43.180 --> 00:01:46.920 I intentionally made that introduction ambiguous. 00:01:47.960 --> 00:01:51.439 And yet there are so many things that are so different. 00:01:52.439 --> 00:01:55.740 Whereas our government is essentially benign. 00:01:56.240 --> 00:01:57.859 If not always wise. 00:01:57.859 --> 00:02:01.819 Theirs was ruled by a powerful dictator. 00:02:02.519 --> 00:02:03.959 Backed up by a powerful army. 00:02:05.519 --> 00:02:09.400 Whereas we can vote our government out every few years if we don't like them. 00:02:10.719 --> 00:02:16.060 Their dissension was likely to involve a public, painful and humiliating death. 00:02:17.400 --> 00:02:23.300 Whereas the worst persecution we are likely to experience is essentially psychological. 00:02:23.300 --> 00:02:26.040 Real though that may be. 00:02:27.140 --> 00:02:32.760 For them, again, it might well involve a painful death. 00:02:34.640 --> 00:02:43.900 And it's into those circumstances that Paul writes his instructions for Titus to teach the Christians in Crete how to respond. 00:02:45.640 --> 00:02:49.300 And his instructions are possibly quite surprising. 00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:53.860 There may be not what we would have written if we were thinking, 00:02:54.740 --> 00:02:58.080 How should you live in that situation? 00:02:59.460 --> 00:03:01.400 So let's read the passage together. 00:03:01.760 --> 00:03:04.420 And see what he has to say through Titus. 00:03:05.100 --> 00:03:06.400 To the Cretans. 00:03:07.100 --> 00:03:08.860 And indirectly to us here. 00:03:09.560 --> 00:03:11.540 Today in 21st century Edinburgh. 00:03:13.240 --> 00:03:15.080 Titus chapter 3. 00:03:15.640 --> 00:03:16.840 And starting at verse 1. 00:03:16.840 --> 00:03:23.520 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities. 00:03:24.159 --> 00:03:25.480 To be obedient. 00:03:26.219 --> 00:03:28.219 To be ready for every good work. 00:03:29.060 --> 00:03:31.280 To speak evil of no one. 00:03:32.539 --> 00:03:34.159 To avoid quarrelling. 00:03:34.879 --> 00:03:35.740 To be gentle. 00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:39.860 And to show perfect courtesy towards all people. 00:03:39.860 --> 00:03:44.600 For we ourselves were once foolish. 00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:46.120 Disobedient. 00:03:46.820 --> 00:03:47.600 Led astray. 00:03:48.240 --> 00:03:50.700 Slaves to various passions and pleasures. 00:03:51.300 --> 00:03:53.580 Passing our days in malice and envy. 00:03:54.560 --> 00:03:55.560 Hated by others. 00:03:56.140 --> 00:03:57.120 And hating one another. 00:03:58.240 --> 00:03:58.740 But. 00:03:59.640 --> 00:04:03.700 When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared. 00:04:04.480 --> 00:04:05.420 He saved us. 00:04:05.419 --> 00:04:09.679 Not because of works done by us in righteousness. 00:04:10.519 --> 00:04:13.119 But according to his own mercy. 00:04:14.039 --> 00:04:15.939 By the washing of regeneration. 00:04:16.599 --> 00:04:18.319 And renewal of the Holy Spirit. 00:04:18.539 --> 00:04:23.079 Whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 00:04:23.839 --> 00:04:26.579 So that being justified by his grace. 00:04:26.860 --> 00:04:28.199 We might become heirs. 00:04:28.599 --> 00:04:30.800 According to the hope of eternal life. 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:33.340 The saying is trustworthy. 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:35.680 And I want you to insist on these things. 00:04:35.960 --> 00:04:38.420 So that those who have believed in God. 00:04:38.800 --> 00:04:42.000 May be careful to devote themselves to good works. 00:04:42.620 --> 00:04:43.920 These things are excellent. 00:04:44.319 --> 00:04:46.080 And profitable for all people. 00:04:47.560 --> 00:04:49.439 But avoid foolish controversies. 00:04:50.300 --> 00:04:51.019 Genealogies. 00:04:51.460 --> 00:04:52.000 Dissensions. 00:04:52.540 --> 00:04:53.660 And quarrels about the law. 00:04:54.460 --> 00:04:56.400 For they are unprofitable. 00:04:56.939 --> 00:04:57.580 And worthless. 00:04:57.579 --> 00:05:00.959 As for a person who stirs up division. 00:05:01.500 --> 00:05:03.079 After warning him once. 00:05:03.399 --> 00:05:04.300 And then twice. 00:05:04.639 --> 00:05:06.500 Have nothing more to do with him. 00:05:07.240 --> 00:05:09.339 Knowing that such a person is warped. 00:05:09.560 --> 00:05:10.300 And is sinful. 00:05:11.120 --> 00:05:12.560 He is self-condemned. 00:05:14.819 --> 00:05:16.339 Quite challenging words there. 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:20.039 For those of you who like such things. 00:05:20.319 --> 00:05:21.879 I have four main headings. 00:05:22.139 --> 00:05:24.419 For those who don't care about such things. 00:05:24.539 --> 00:05:25.000 Ignore them. 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:26.839 Firstly. 00:05:27.540 --> 00:05:28.800 Challenging circumstances. 00:05:29.899 --> 00:05:30.899 Secondly. 00:05:31.180 --> 00:05:32.199 Radical responses. 00:05:33.660 --> 00:05:34.620 Thirdly. 00:05:34.839 --> 00:05:36.240 Magnificent motivation. 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:38.019 And finally. 00:05:38.399 --> 00:05:39.540 Divisive distractions. 00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:41.800 So. 00:05:42.040 --> 00:05:43.399 Having already covered. 00:05:43.899 --> 00:05:44.720 The first point. 00:05:44.839 --> 00:05:46.079 The challenging circumstances. 00:05:46.959 --> 00:05:48.660 Let's move straight on. 00:05:48.759 --> 00:05:49.120 To see. 00:05:49.639 --> 00:05:50.839 The radical responses. 00:05:51.579 --> 00:05:52.980 That Paul instructs. 00:05:52.980 --> 00:05:55.160 Let's read again. 00:05:55.160 --> 00:05:56.560 That first couple of verses. 00:05:57.540 --> 00:05:58.240 Remind them. 00:05:58.680 --> 00:05:59.540 To be submissive. 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:00.200 To rulers. 00:06:00.360 --> 00:06:00.939 And authorities. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:02.540 To be obedient. 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:03.819 To be ready. 00:06:03.939 --> 00:06:05.020 For every good work. 00:06:05.340 --> 00:06:06.379 To speak evil. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:07.100 Of no one. 00:06:07.420 --> 00:06:08.660 To avoid quarreling. 00:06:08.900 --> 00:06:09.819 To be gentle. 00:06:10.240 --> 00:06:11.840 And to show perfect courtesy. 00:06:12.100 --> 00:06:13.180 Towards all people. 00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:16.420 In the circumstances. 00:06:16.420 --> 00:06:17.240 They live in. 00:06:17.580 --> 00:06:18.220 He tells them. 00:06:18.280 --> 00:06:18.680 To essentially. 00:06:18.800 --> 00:06:19.560 Do two things. 00:06:20.280 --> 00:06:20.720 Submit. 00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:22.580 And do good. 00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:26.140 And it was important. 00:06:26.140 --> 00:06:27.320 For us to remind ourselves. 00:06:27.320 --> 00:06:27.880 At the beginning. 00:06:28.340 --> 00:06:28.980 The context. 00:06:29.160 --> 00:06:29.940 This was written in. 00:06:30.240 --> 00:06:31.540 This is not written. 00:06:31.540 --> 00:06:32.500 To people. 00:06:32.880 --> 00:06:33.300 Living. 00:06:33.660 --> 00:06:34.340 Under a good. 00:06:34.840 --> 00:06:35.360 Righteous. 00:06:35.840 --> 00:06:36.320 Christian. 00:06:36.540 --> 00:06:36.940 Government. 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:38.920 And yet. 00:06:38.980 --> 00:06:39.860 Paul doesn't tell them. 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:40.480 To resist. 00:06:41.100 --> 00:06:42.200 He doesn't tell them. 00:06:42.280 --> 00:06:42.940 To subvert. 00:06:43.320 --> 00:06:44.180 To protest. 00:06:44.960 --> 00:06:45.680 But rather. 00:06:45.780 --> 00:06:46.220 He tells them. 00:06:46.300 --> 00:06:46.900 To submit. 00:06:47.640 --> 00:06:48.520 To obey. 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:50.219 And to get on. 00:06:50.299 --> 00:06:51.060 With doing good. 00:06:52.919 --> 00:06:53.879 Paul expands. 00:06:53.879 --> 00:06:54.579 On this idea. 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:54.979 In a. 00:06:54.979 --> 00:06:56.240 Much fuller passage. 00:06:56.379 --> 00:06:57.199 In Romans 13. 00:06:58.159 --> 00:06:59.240 Where he says. 00:06:59.779 --> 00:07:01.099 There is no authority. 00:07:01.579 --> 00:07:02.579 Except from God. 00:07:03.599 --> 00:07:04.599 And those that exist. 00:07:04.699 --> 00:07:05.599 Have been instituted. 00:07:05.799 --> 00:07:06.319 By God. 00:07:07.279 --> 00:07:07.839 Therefore. 00:07:08.479 --> 00:07:09.339 Whoever resists. 00:07:09.339 --> 00:07:10.139 The authorities. 00:07:10.659 --> 00:07:11.060 Resists. 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:12.120 What God has appointed. 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:14.159 And those who resist. 00:07:14.879 --> 00:07:15.879 Will incur judgment. 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:19.620 It seems. 00:07:20.159 --> 00:07:20.800 That there was. 00:07:21.259 --> 00:07:22.180 Rising rebellion. 00:07:22.180 --> 00:07:23.199 Among the Jews. 00:07:23.379 --> 00:07:23.980 At the time. 00:07:24.360 --> 00:07:24.879 Who were seeking. 00:07:25.060 --> 00:07:25.959 To free themselves. 00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:27.360 From the shackles. 00:07:27.360 --> 00:07:28.399 Of the Roman Empire. 00:07:28.980 --> 00:07:30.000 And it's probable. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:30.980 That this movement. 00:07:31.339 --> 00:07:32.500 Was being encouraged. 00:07:32.659 --> 00:07:33.360 By some of the. 00:07:33.759 --> 00:07:34.139 Teachers. 00:07:34.399 --> 00:07:35.300 Within the church. 00:07:36.639 --> 00:07:37.219 And yet. 00:07:37.439 --> 00:07:38.540 Paul teaches them. 00:07:39.060 --> 00:07:39.680 To act. 00:07:39.800 --> 00:07:40.699 Completely differently. 00:07:42.360 --> 00:07:43.379 But this isn't. 00:07:43.459 --> 00:07:44.519 Just a one-off passage. 00:07:44.519 --> 00:07:45.279 We see there have been. 00:07:45.779 --> 00:07:46.859 A similar situation. 00:07:46.859 --> 00:07:47.219 Before. 00:07:48.659 --> 00:07:49.819 Most of us know. 00:07:51.019 --> 00:07:52.560 The well-known verses. 00:07:52.779 --> 00:07:53.899 In Jeremiah 29. 00:07:55.039 --> 00:07:56.219 Where God declares. 00:07:56.219 --> 00:07:56.979 That he knows. 00:07:56.979 --> 00:07:58.479 The plans he has for us. 00:08:00.159 --> 00:08:00.979 And yet. 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:02.319 The context. 00:08:02.459 --> 00:08:03.299 That they were written in. 00:08:04.259 --> 00:08:05.120 They were written. 00:08:05.120 --> 00:08:05.879 To the Jews. 00:08:06.180 --> 00:08:06.959 In exile. 00:08:07.719 --> 00:08:08.680 In pagan Babylon. 00:08:10.199 --> 00:08:11.000 And there have been. 00:08:11.120 --> 00:08:11.839 False prophets. 00:08:12.299 --> 00:08:13.019 Telling them. 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:14.459 That it's okay. 00:08:15.159 --> 00:08:16.439 They'll be going home soon. 00:08:17.039 --> 00:08:17.919 Everything's fine. 00:08:19.279 --> 00:08:20.339 But God instead. 00:08:20.419 --> 00:08:21.240 Delivers the message. 00:08:21.319 --> 00:08:21.639 That no. 00:08:22.799 --> 00:08:23.399 They'll be there. 00:08:23.479 --> 00:08:24.339 For a long time. 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:25.759 A lifetime. 00:08:27.139 --> 00:08:27.799 Very few. 00:08:27.799 --> 00:08:28.419 Of those. 00:08:29.079 --> 00:08:29.419 Who. 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:30.779 Were taken there. 00:08:31.419 --> 00:08:32.860 Will ever see Israel again. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:36.899 And yet. 00:08:36.899 --> 00:08:39.039 What they're told. 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:39.860 To do there. 00:08:39.860 --> 00:08:40.259 Is. 00:08:40.919 --> 00:08:41.659 Build houses. 00:08:42.419 --> 00:08:43.019 And live in them. 00:08:44.059 --> 00:08:44.699 Plant gardens. 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:45.679 And eat their produce. 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:46.899 Take wives. 00:08:47.319 --> 00:08:48.639 And have sons and daughters. 00:08:49.079 --> 00:08:50.199 Take wives for your sons. 00:08:50.319 --> 00:08:51.100 And give your daughters. 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:51.799 In marriage. 00:08:52.220 --> 00:08:52.919 That they may be. 00:08:53.039 --> 00:08:54.039 Your sons and daughters. 00:08:54.919 --> 00:08:55.740 Multiply there. 00:08:56.179 --> 00:08:57.299 And do not decrease. 00:08:57.939 --> 00:08:58.299 But. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:08:59.720 Seek the welfare. 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:00.500 Of the city. 00:09:00.879 --> 00:09:01.980 Where I have sent you. 00:09:02.100 --> 00:09:02.699 Into exile. 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:04.840 And pray to the Lord. 00:09:04.840 --> 00:09:06.240 On its behalf. 00:09:07.399 --> 00:09:08.800 For in its welfare. 00:09:09.280 --> 00:09:10.680 You will find your welfare. 00:09:12.379 --> 00:09:14.160 They're not just to grin and bear it. 00:09:15.560 --> 00:09:16.060 Instead. 00:09:16.220 --> 00:09:17.460 They're to actively seek. 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:18.519 The welfare. 00:09:18.920 --> 00:09:19.379 Of Babylon. 00:09:20.460 --> 00:09:21.360 The enemy. 00:09:22.379 --> 00:09:23.560 The pagan empire. 00:09:24.200 --> 00:09:25.259 That has sacked Jerusalem. 00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:26.500 And destroyed its temple. 00:09:29.440 --> 00:09:30.340 But of course. 00:09:30.460 --> 00:09:31.440 Our prime example. 00:09:32.100 --> 00:09:33.580 Of how to live under oppression. 00:09:34.840 --> 00:09:36.300 Must be Jesus himself. 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:38.899 In particular. 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:40.480 How he acted. 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:41.519 In the time. 00:09:41.680 --> 00:09:42.680 Around his arrest. 00:09:43.720 --> 00:09:45.480 And when he was before Pilate. 00:09:46.780 --> 00:09:48.360 We were reminded recently. 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:50.080 In our small group. 00:09:50.180 --> 00:09:50.820 Of the verses. 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:51.980 In Isaiah 53. 00:09:53.399 --> 00:09:54.080 That. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:55.480 Under oppression. 00:09:56.180 --> 00:09:57.620 He didn't resist. 00:09:58.160 --> 00:09:59.480 He didn't protest. 00:10:00.120 --> 00:10:00.860 He went. 00:10:01.540 --> 00:10:02.220 Quietly. 00:10:02.220 --> 00:10:04.820 But yet. 00:10:04.879 --> 00:10:05.580 At the same time. 00:10:05.660 --> 00:10:06.540 He so clearly. 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:08.080 Wasn't a doormat. 00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:12.139 It was very clear. 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:13.560 Even in his humiliation. 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:15.300 Who was in control. 00:10:17.240 --> 00:10:18.899 Because he rebukes his disciples. 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:19.899 When they try to. 00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:20.639 Fight. 00:10:21.040 --> 00:10:22.200 And prevent his arrest. 00:10:23.259 --> 00:10:24.120 When he says. 00:10:24.779 --> 00:10:26.660 Do you think I cannot call in. 00:10:27.240 --> 00:10:27.960 To my father. 00:10:28.100 --> 00:10:28.920 And he will at once. 00:10:29.040 --> 00:10:29.920 Put at my disposal. 00:10:29.919 --> 00:10:31.219 More than 12. 00:10:31.219 --> 00:10:32.199 Legions of angels. 00:10:33.839 --> 00:10:34.959 Or to Pilate. 00:10:35.059 --> 00:10:35.459 He says. 00:10:35.879 --> 00:10:36.799 My kingdom. 00:10:37.039 --> 00:10:38.279 Is not of this world. 00:10:39.059 --> 00:10:39.979 If it were. 00:10:40.199 --> 00:10:40.939 My servants. 00:10:40.939 --> 00:10:41.599 Would fight. 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:42.959 To prevent my arrest. 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:44.819 You see. 00:10:44.879 --> 00:10:45.639 The first reason. 00:10:46.219 --> 00:10:47.479 They are not to fight. 00:10:48.099 --> 00:10:48.860 Is because God. 00:10:48.979 --> 00:10:50.000 Has everything under control. 00:10:51.360 --> 00:10:52.620 He has all the power. 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:53.360 That he needs. 00:10:53.599 --> 00:10:54.439 And he knows. 00:10:54.539 --> 00:10:55.059 What he's doing. 00:10:56.860 --> 00:10:57.759 And the second. 00:10:57.939 --> 00:10:58.740 Is because his kingdom. 00:10:58.740 --> 00:10:59.839 Is not an earthly kingdom. 00:11:00.779 --> 00:11:01.899 And as such. 00:11:02.379 --> 00:11:03.519 It cannot be defeated. 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:05.740 Nor can it be victorious. 00:11:06.219 --> 00:11:07.120 By earthly means. 00:11:08.539 --> 00:11:10.740 As Paul will later teach the Ephesians. 00:11:11.319 --> 00:11:13.419 We wrestle not against flesh and blood. 00:11:14.639 --> 00:11:16.159 Our battle is spiritual. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:18.219 The weapons we must use. 00:11:18.319 --> 00:11:19.159 Are also spiritual. 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:23.339 And as he would go on to remind Pilate. 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:24.099 Pilate. 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:25.379 Or any other. 00:11:25.779 --> 00:11:26.599 Earthly ruler. 00:11:27.399 --> 00:11:28.299 Has no power. 00:11:28.299 --> 00:11:30.519 Unless it's given to him. 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:31.120 From above. 00:11:32.419 --> 00:11:33.419 God is. 00:11:33.599 --> 00:11:34.699 Still on the throne. 00:11:37.599 --> 00:11:38.199 But. 00:11:38.939 --> 00:11:40.579 Like most New Testament. 00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:41.659 Practical teaching. 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:43.679 It isn't quite. 00:11:43.819 --> 00:11:44.459 That simple. 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:47.259 Because there are always. 00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:48.039 Exceptions. 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:49.979 There are always times. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:50.939 When one instruction. 00:11:51.479 --> 00:11:52.279 Will trump another. 00:11:52.279 --> 00:11:54.839 Because in fact. 00:11:54.899 --> 00:11:55.659 We see there's quite. 00:11:55.659 --> 00:11:56.299 History. 00:11:56.699 --> 00:11:58.179 Of civil disobedience. 00:11:58.299 --> 00:11:58.759 In the Bible. 00:12:00.980 --> 00:12:01.899 First case. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:02.959 We probably read of. 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.740 Is the Hebrew midwives. 00:12:04.740 --> 00:12:05.360 In Egypt. 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:07.339 Back in Exodus chapter one. 00:12:09.740 --> 00:12:10.339 Where. 00:12:11.259 --> 00:12:12.539 Pharaoh has commanded. 00:12:13.539 --> 00:12:14.899 That they kill. 00:12:15.500 --> 00:12:15.959 Any. 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:18.159 Baby boys. 00:12:18.459 --> 00:12:19.319 Born to the Hebrews. 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:23.020 But it says. 00:12:23.140 --> 00:12:23.660 The midwives. 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:24.160 However. 00:12:24.760 --> 00:12:25.500 Feared God. 00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:27.300 And did not do. 00:12:27.400 --> 00:12:28.220 What the king of Egypt. 00:12:28.360 --> 00:12:29.120 Had told him to do. 00:12:29.620 --> 00:12:30.840 They let the boys live. 00:12:32.280 --> 00:12:33.420 Then the king of Egypt. 00:12:33.540 --> 00:12:34.360 Summoned the midwives. 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:34.980 And asked him. 00:12:35.520 --> 00:12:36.800 Why have you done this? 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:39.440 Why have you let the boys live? 00:12:41.060 --> 00:12:41.740 The midwives. 00:12:41.840 --> 00:12:42.500 Answered Pharaoh. 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:44.280 Hebrew women. 00:12:44.660 --> 00:12:46.240 Are not like Egyptian women. 00:12:46.240 --> 00:12:47.580 They are vigorous. 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:48.180 And give birth. 00:12:48.259 --> 00:12:49.560 Before the midwives arrive. 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:51.740 So God. 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:53.220 Was kind to the midwives. 00:12:53.820 --> 00:12:54.919 And the people increased. 00:12:55.560 --> 00:12:57.139 And became even more numerous. 00:12:58.060 --> 00:12:59.580 And because the midwives. 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:00.379 Feared God. 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:02.200 He gave them families. 00:13:02.200 --> 00:13:02.799 Of their own. 00:13:04.980 --> 00:13:06.139 So we read here. 00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:06.440 That. 00:13:07.840 --> 00:13:08.560 The midwives. 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:09.840 Disobeyed Pharaoh. 00:13:10.940 --> 00:13:11.500 Because. 00:13:11.799 --> 00:13:12.659 They feared God. 00:13:13.680 --> 00:13:14.560 More than that. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:15.600 They lied to Pharaoh. 00:13:15.600 --> 00:13:17.120 About what was going on. 00:13:18.300 --> 00:13:19.279 And rather than. 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:20.540 Being condemned by God. 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:22.080 They're praised. 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:24.139 And rewarded by God. 00:13:25.620 --> 00:13:26.639 Both by making. 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:27.460 The people. 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:28.620 Even more numerous. 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:30.220 And by giving. 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:30.860 The midwives. 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:31.899 Themselves. 00:13:32.300 --> 00:13:33.220 Families of their own. 00:13:35.940 --> 00:13:37.220 Another key example. 00:13:37.379 --> 00:13:37.659 We get. 00:13:37.759 --> 00:13:38.220 Is Daniel. 00:13:39.639 --> 00:13:40.879 He was one of those. 00:13:41.040 --> 00:13:41.360 Israelites. 00:13:41.580 --> 00:13:42.060 That was taken. 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:42.800 Into exile. 00:13:42.799 --> 00:13:42.899 Daniel. 00:13:44.699 --> 00:13:45.819 An old children's song. 00:13:45.919 --> 00:13:46.299 Says. 00:13:46.859 --> 00:13:47.959 Dare to be a Daniel. 00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:50.000 Dare to stand alone. 00:13:50.719 --> 00:13:51.500 And we think. 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:52.219 Of those famous. 00:13:52.219 --> 00:13:52.899 Famous situations. 00:13:53.799 --> 00:13:54.439 Where Daniel. 00:13:54.579 --> 00:13:54.879 Did. 00:13:55.359 --> 00:13:55.719 Indeed. 00:13:56.019 --> 00:13:56.620 Stand alone. 00:13:58.359 --> 00:13:58.919 Particularly. 00:13:59.079 --> 00:13:59.779 When he refused. 00:13:59.779 --> 00:14:00.719 To stop praying. 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:02.000 Was thrown. 00:14:02.079 --> 00:14:03.179 Into the den of lions. 00:14:03.859 --> 00:14:04.479 And how God. 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:05.259 Miraculously. 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:06.179 Rescued him. 00:14:06.179 --> 00:14:06.620 From there. 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:09.419 But before. 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:10.019 We start. 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:10.779 Taking Daniel. 00:14:10.940 --> 00:14:11.779 As a role model. 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:14.240 For how. 00:14:14.340 --> 00:14:14.960 To stand up. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:15.679 Against oppressive. 00:14:15.840 --> 00:14:16.399 Authorities. 00:14:17.299 --> 00:14:18.340 And he is that. 00:14:20.100 --> 00:14:21.000 We need to look. 00:14:21.019 --> 00:14:21.480 At the rest. 00:14:21.519 --> 00:14:22.340 Of Daniel's life. 00:14:23.580 --> 00:14:24.679 As a godly. 00:14:24.860 --> 00:14:25.419 Young Jew. 00:14:26.440 --> 00:14:27.320 He and his friends. 00:14:27.320 --> 00:14:27.799 Were taken. 00:14:27.799 --> 00:14:29.240 Into Nebuchadnezzar's. 00:14:29.299 --> 00:14:29.679 Palace. 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:31.120 To be educated. 00:14:32.060 --> 00:14:32.759 And trained. 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:33.460 In the language. 00:14:33.460 --> 00:14:34.200 And literature. 00:14:34.539 --> 00:14:35.480 Of the Babylonians. 00:14:35.480 --> 00:14:38.420 And rather. 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.200 Than refusing. 00:14:39.200 --> 00:14:40.379 To learn. 00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:40.820 This. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:41.700 Pagan. 00:14:41.920 --> 00:14:42.320 Teaching. 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:44.740 Instead. 00:14:45.560 --> 00:14:46.060 God. 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:46.519 Gave them. 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:46.960 Knowledge. 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:47.920 And understanding. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:49.300 So that. 00:14:49.360 --> 00:14:49.899 When tested. 00:14:50.460 --> 00:14:51.000 They were found. 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:51.860 To be ten times. 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:52.300 Better. 00:14:52.860 --> 00:14:53.840 Than all the magicians. 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:54.759 And enchanters. 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:56.019 In the whole. 00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:56.460 Kingdom. 00:14:57.860 --> 00:14:58.639 In fact. 00:14:59.139 --> 00:15:00.039 He did so well. 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:00.899 That a few chapters. 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:01.220 Later. 00:15:01.340 --> 00:15:01.800 We find him. 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:02.639 As chief. 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:03.600 Of the magicians. 00:15:04.980 --> 00:15:05.460 Sure. 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:06.740 A strange job. 00:15:07.420 --> 00:15:07.980 For a good. 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:09.060 Jewish man. 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:12.159 And later. 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:13.120 Under Darius. 00:15:13.680 --> 00:15:14.500 He has become. 00:15:15.019 --> 00:15:16.019 A much respected. 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:16.860 Administrator. 00:15:17.659 --> 00:15:18.300 That Darius. 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:19.279 Planned to put. 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:20.200 Over. 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:20.980 The whole. 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:21.580 Kingdom. 00:15:23.580 --> 00:15:24.740 And what's interesting. 00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:25.779 Here is that Daniel's. 00:15:26.019 --> 00:15:27.220 Not just grudgingly. 00:15:27.519 --> 00:15:28.360 Doing the minimum. 00:15:28.600 --> 00:15:29.600 He can get away with. 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:30.639 To escape. 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:31.860 Nebuchadnezzar's wrath. 00:15:33.200 --> 00:15:33.800 Instead. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:35.059 He's actively advancing. 00:15:35.959 --> 00:15:37.219 He's getting involved. 00:15:37.219 --> 00:15:37.939 In the running. 00:15:37.939 --> 00:15:39.219 Of this great. 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:40.459 Powerful. 00:15:40.819 --> 00:15:41.879 Pagan empire. 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:44.099 Doing the best. 00:15:44.219 --> 00:15:44.679 He can. 00:15:45.719 --> 00:15:46.179 To seek. 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:46.719 The welfare. 00:15:46.719 --> 00:15:47.439 Of the city. 00:15:48.079 --> 00:15:48.599 Into which. 00:15:48.659 --> 00:15:49.379 He's been sent. 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:51.219 And it's against. 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:52.059 This background. 00:15:53.379 --> 00:15:53.779 That he. 00:15:53.899 --> 00:15:54.859 On a few occasions. 00:15:55.579 --> 00:15:56.379 Draws a line. 00:15:56.439 --> 00:15:57.019 In the sand. 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:57.799 And says. 00:15:57.879 --> 00:15:58.259 No further. 00:15:58.259 --> 00:16:01.600 And I think. 00:16:01.879 --> 00:16:03.019 We can see here. 00:16:03.740 --> 00:16:04.259 Essentially. 00:16:04.419 --> 00:16:05.620 Where the boundary lies. 00:16:06.779 --> 00:16:07.500 We're told. 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:08.179 To submit. 00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:09.539 And to obey. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:10.159 The authorities. 00:16:10.159 --> 00:16:11.559 That God has put in place. 00:16:12.279 --> 00:16:13.139 Right up. 00:16:13.240 --> 00:16:13.960 To the point. 00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:15.720 Where obedience. 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.279 To them. 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:18.159 Is disobedience. 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:18.659 To God. 00:16:20.419 --> 00:16:21.279 And then. 00:16:21.919 --> 00:16:22.759 We are called. 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:23.379 To dare. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:24.220 To be a Daniel. 00:16:24.220 --> 00:16:27.660 To like the apostles. 00:16:27.660 --> 00:16:28.300 Declare. 00:16:28.580 --> 00:16:30.019 That we must obey God. 00:16:30.580 --> 00:16:30.980 Rather. 00:16:31.360 --> 00:16:31.820 Than men. 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:36.899 But they're not just told. 00:16:36.899 --> 00:16:37.420 To obey. 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:39.379 Not just told. 00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:40.060 To submit. 00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:41.320 But they're also told. 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:42.100 To be ready. 00:16:42.440 --> 00:16:43.779 For every good work. 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:47.800 We're. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:49.300 Not called. 00:16:49.420 --> 00:16:49.840 To rebel. 00:16:50.940 --> 00:16:51.980 We're not called. 00:16:52.180 --> 00:16:53.360 To resist. 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.240 But we're told. 00:16:54.440 --> 00:16:55.340 Called to be active. 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:57.279 In good works. 00:16:58.500 --> 00:16:59.060 We're not. 00:16:59.159 --> 00:16:59.759 To keep ourselves. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.320 To ourselves. 00:17:00.899 --> 00:17:02.019 In some holy huddle. 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:02.960 But rather. 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:03.919 We're to get involved. 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:05.400 And get our hands dirty. 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:07.839 In all the brokenness. 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:09.420 Of the groaning world. 00:17:09.880 --> 00:17:10.660 That we live in. 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.319 What that means. 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:14.319 To each of us. 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:15.640 Will be very different. 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:17.779 Just heard. 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:18.539 A bit about. 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:19.099 What it means. 00:17:19.099 --> 00:17:19.860 To Andy and Emma. 00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:20.740 In their lives. 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:22.360 Each of us. 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.559 Will have different. 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:24.719 Circumstances. 00:17:24.719 --> 00:17:25.539 That we live in. 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:29.159 But as evangelicals. 00:17:29.219 --> 00:17:30.139 We tend to seek. 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:31.139 To avoid. 00:17:32.139 --> 00:17:33.240 Two errors. 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:34.799 Regarding good works. 00:17:36.079 --> 00:17:36.599 Firstly. 00:17:37.719 --> 00:17:38.879 That our good works. 00:17:39.019 --> 00:17:39.779 Can in some way. 00:17:39.899 --> 00:17:40.719 Make us righteous. 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:43.519 Can balance out the wrong. 00:17:43.639 --> 00:17:43.919 They can. 00:17:44.379 --> 00:17:45.339 Make us acceptable. 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:45.979 To God. 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:46.079 God. 00:17:47.079 --> 00:17:47.860 And secondly. 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.620 That our mission. 00:17:49.620 --> 00:17:50.960 Is to transform the world. 00:17:51.339 --> 00:17:52.660 By our good works. 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:53.779 That here. 00:17:53.940 --> 00:17:54.539 We can make. 00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:55.460 All things new. 00:17:57.140 --> 00:17:58.339 And as we resist. 00:17:58.460 --> 00:17:59.420 Those arguments. 00:18:01.120 --> 00:18:02.000 Very often. 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:02.579 I think. 00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:03.640 We fall into the error. 00:18:03.900 --> 00:18:04.539 Of acting. 00:18:04.620 --> 00:18:05.539 As if good works. 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:06.740 Are some sort of. 00:18:06.900 --> 00:18:07.660 Optional extra. 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:10.720 That the Christian life. 00:18:10.900 --> 00:18:11.759 Is basically. 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:12.480 A matter of. 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:13.640 Trying our best. 00:18:13.700 --> 00:18:14.240 To avoid. 00:18:14.620 --> 00:18:15.320 Blatant sin. 00:18:17.540 --> 00:18:18.320 Striving to have. 00:18:18.420 --> 00:18:19.380 Good quiet times. 00:18:20.400 --> 00:18:21.300 Getting involved. 00:18:21.400 --> 00:18:22.340 In church things. 00:18:23.460 --> 00:18:24.200 And maybe. 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.140 If we have some time. 00:18:25.200 --> 00:18:25.740 Left over. 00:18:26.360 --> 00:18:27.420 Might think about. 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:27.820 What else. 00:18:27.880 --> 00:18:28.180 We can. 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:29.200 Get involved in. 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:29.759 Certainly. 00:18:31.880 --> 00:18:32.120 I think. 00:18:32.180 --> 00:18:33.279 I fall into that trap. 00:18:34.460 --> 00:18:35.059 And even. 00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:35.960 By that definition. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.559 I feel. 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:38.180 Pretty. 00:18:38.600 --> 00:18:39.080 Comprehensively. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:40.440 But. 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:42.380 I think. 00:18:42.620 --> 00:18:43.000 Here. 00:18:43.100 --> 00:18:44.000 From what Paul is saying. 00:18:44.080 --> 00:18:44.340 We see. 00:18:44.420 --> 00:18:44.840 That we're called. 00:18:44.920 --> 00:18:45.340 To something. 00:18:46.039 --> 00:18:46.319 Far. 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:47.519 More active. 00:18:49.580 --> 00:18:50.180 I think. 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:50.740 It's important. 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.080 For us. 00:18:51.140 --> 00:18:51.980 To consider here. 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:53.880 That good works. 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:54.539 Are not. 00:18:54.620 --> 00:18:55.460 Instructed here. 00:18:55.880 --> 00:18:56.360 As a means. 00:18:56.440 --> 00:18:56.900 To an end. 00:18:58.420 --> 00:18:59.180 But because. 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:00.240 They're by definition. 00:19:00.380 --> 00:19:00.620 Good. 00:19:02.539 --> 00:19:03.299 And in. 00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:03.720 And of. 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:04.319 Themselves. 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:06.220 We should not. 00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:06.620 Need. 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:07.799 Any ulterior. 00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:08.380 Motive. 00:19:08.980 --> 00:19:09.559 To do them. 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:12.019 I'm not saying. 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:12.700 For a moment. 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.660 That if. 00:19:15.160 --> 00:19:15.720 Opportunities. 00:19:15.799 --> 00:19:16.259 Arise. 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:17.440 To give more. 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:18.019 Than practical. 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:18.440 Help. 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:20.080 We should not. 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:20.580 Take them. 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:23.019 Not even. 00:19:23.160 --> 00:19:23.680 That we should not. 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:23.920 Be. 00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:24.940 Seeking. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.240 To find. 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.160 Those opportunities. 00:19:27.160 --> 00:19:29.800 But. 00:19:29.800 --> 00:19:30.680 That our motivation. 00:19:31.320 --> 00:19:31.540 To. 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:32.740 For example. 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:33.540 Feed the hungry. 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:34.560 Should be. 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:35.920 They are hungry. 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:37.160 We have food. 00:19:38.940 --> 00:19:40.000 Our motivation. 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:41.040 To share the gospel. 00:19:41.560 --> 00:19:41.920 Is. 00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:43.680 They are lost. 00:19:43.940 --> 00:19:44.680 We have hope. 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:46.860 I don't think. 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:47.540 We need to. 00:19:48.080 --> 00:19:48.960 Get the two confused. 00:19:50.320 --> 00:19:51.759 We need to do both. 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:54.059 But. 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:55.819 Here. 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.660 We are being called. 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:57.940 To do good works. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:58.900 In our society. 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:01.240 Because. 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:02.200 Good works. 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:02.700 Are good. 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:05.220 And yet. 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:05.819 Our works. 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:06.579 May well. 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.220 Open up. 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:07.960 Opportunities. 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:10.400 There's an interesting. 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:10.940 Response. 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:13.000 To the good works. 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:13.740 Of the Christians. 00:20:13.900 --> 00:20:14.619 That comes from. 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:15.839 A pagan. 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.720 Roman Emperor. 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:18.759 Julian. 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:19.640 Apostate. 00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:21.100 This was at a time. 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:22.140 Following Constantine. 00:20:22.300 --> 00:20:22.500 When. 00:20:23.120 --> 00:20:24.320 The empire was. 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:26.800 Going back and forwards. 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:27.520 Between being. 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.300 Christian. 00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:28.960 And being pagan. 00:20:29.100 --> 00:20:29.360 And. 00:20:30.360 --> 00:20:32.060 This was one of the pagan emperors. 00:20:33.140 --> 00:20:34.220 And he complains. 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:37.039 Why do we not observe. 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:38.259 That it is the Christians. 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:39.759 Benevolence to strangers. 00:20:40.660 --> 00:20:42.360 Their care for the graves of the dead. 00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:44.640 And the pretended holiness. 00:20:44.640 --> 00:20:45.620 As he calls it. 00:20:45.640 --> 00:20:46.339 Of their lives. 00:20:46.900 --> 00:20:47.960 That have done most. 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:49.339 To increase. 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:50.720 Atheism. 00:20:51.039 --> 00:20:51.120 I. 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.279 Unbelief. 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.600 On the pagan gods. 00:20:54.839 --> 00:20:56.279 For it is disgraceful. 00:20:56.360 --> 00:20:56.720 That. 00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:58.240 When no Jew. 00:20:58.420 --> 00:20:59.380 Ever has to beg. 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:02.220 And the impious Galileans. 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:03.539 As he called the Christians. 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:05.700 Support not only their poor. 00:21:06.139 --> 00:21:07.240 But ours as well. 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.500 All men see. 00:21:09.859 --> 00:21:10.599 That our people. 00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:11.839 Lack aid from us. 00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:14.940 Surely there must be some. 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:15.940 Impact. 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:16.960 When Christians. 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:18.339 Are doing so much good. 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:18.920 In the world. 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:20.619 That a pagan emperor. 00:21:20.859 --> 00:21:21.299 Is embarrassed. 00:21:23.899 --> 00:21:24.960 But the key thing. 00:21:25.059 --> 00:21:25.960 To realize here. 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:27.299 Is that what we are called. 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:27.779 To do. 00:21:28.319 --> 00:21:29.319 Should be a natural. 00:21:29.680 --> 00:21:30.119 Outflowing. 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.139 Of the work. 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:31.680 Of the spirit. 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:32.299 Within us. 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:33.960 Is not something. 00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:34.559 Distinct. 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:35.299 And separate. 00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:37.419 As Paul writes. 00:21:37.419 --> 00:21:38.319 To the Galatians. 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:40.220 The fruit of the spirit. 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:41.180 Is love. 00:21:41.639 --> 00:21:41.960 Joy. 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:42.759 Peace. 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:43.639 Patience. 00:21:43.879 --> 00:21:44.399 Kindness. 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:44.919 Goodness. 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.000 Faithfulness. 00:21:46.339 --> 00:21:46.859 Gentleness. 00:21:47.159 --> 00:21:47.919 Self-control. 00:21:48.359 --> 00:21:49.519 Against such things. 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:50.720 There is no law. 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:53.339 All Paul is teaching. 00:21:53.339 --> 00:21:54.259 Here in Titus. 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:55.799 Is that this fruit. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:57.640 Should not just be displayed. 00:21:57.640 --> 00:21:58.779 Inside our churches. 00:21:59.160 --> 00:22:00.180 In our families. 00:22:00.860 --> 00:22:02.220 In our private interactions. 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:04.160 But should be displayed. 00:22:04.160 --> 00:22:04.819 As we live. 00:22:05.100 --> 00:22:05.700 In the world. 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:06.579 Around us. 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:10.880 But before moving on to. 00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:12.259 Next. 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.140 Main section. 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:14.079 I just want to bring up. 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:15.559 A few areas. 00:22:15.640 --> 00:22:16.279 Of application. 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:19.079 And for most of these. 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:20.759 I don't want to give any answers. 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:22.579 If anything. 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:24.379 I want to raise questions. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.839 The one thing. 00:22:26.899 --> 00:22:27.819 They should make clear. 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:30.000 Is that in every situation. 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:32.099 We must work out for ourselves. 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:33.920 Where that line in the sand lies. 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:36.319 Where the boundary. 00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:37.779 Is between. 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:39.299 Obeying man. 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.519 And obeying God. 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:42.900 I'm happy to discuss. 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:44.519 My thoughts on these issues. 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:45.660 Off the platform. 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:47.720 But where the Bible. 00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:48.839 Gives no clear teaching. 00:22:49.639 --> 00:22:50.859 I don't want to claim. 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.799 That my speculation. 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:53.359 Has any authority. 00:22:56.299 --> 00:22:57.420 So for us. 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:58.099 Unlike. 00:22:58.839 --> 00:22:59.559 The situation. 00:23:00.539 --> 00:23:00.819 That. 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:02.900 The midwives. 00:23:03.579 --> 00:23:04.180 Daniel. 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:04.859 Paul. 00:23:05.160 --> 00:23:05.759 Titus. 00:23:05.879 --> 00:23:06.539 The Cretans. 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.599 Lived in. 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:09.519 We are governed. 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:11.660 By a parliamentary democracy. 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:13.299 Which means. 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.200 Our interactions. 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:15.139 With the government. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:16.879 Are very different. 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.519 So they raise. 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:20.859 A different set of questions. 00:23:21.059 --> 00:23:21.839 And yet the issues. 00:23:21.839 --> 00:23:22.920 Are essentially the same. 00:23:24.139 --> 00:23:25.420 The first question is. 00:23:25.639 --> 00:23:26.559 Should we vote? 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:28.839 And how should we vote? 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.339 Should we be. 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.339 Getting involved. 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:33.420 In choosing a government. 00:23:33.639 --> 00:23:34.480 When ultimately. 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:35.420 It's God. 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:36.059 Who raises up. 00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:37.180 And takes down governments. 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:39.240 Is this a situation. 00:23:39.240 --> 00:23:39.640 Of a. 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:40.539 Soldier. 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.279 Getting involved. 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:42.440 In civilian affairs. 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:43.980 Or in our. 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:45.080 Government set up. 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:46.360 Is this part. 00:23:46.400 --> 00:23:47.000 Of what it means. 00:23:47.080 --> 00:23:47.740 To live peaceably. 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:48.580 Under the authorities. 00:23:50.180 --> 00:23:51.039 To submit. 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:51.720 To obey. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:52.880 To do good. 00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:54.019 To carry out. 00:23:54.100 --> 00:23:54.759 Our civic duty. 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:57.240 And if. 00:23:57.340 --> 00:23:58.060 We should vote. 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:00.160 What issues. 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:01.200 Should be top of our list. 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:01.840 As we consider. 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.779 Who to vote for. 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:04.899 Is it the questions. 00:24:04.899 --> 00:24:05.579 Of morality. 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:07.819 Of foreign policy. 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:09.119 Of how. 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:10.420 The most disadvantaged. 00:24:10.420 --> 00:24:11.359 In our society. 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:11.920 Are helped. 00:24:14.339 --> 00:24:15.259 Or what about. 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:15.879 Should Christians. 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:16.440 Be involved. 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:16.940 In protest. 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.440 Should we be. 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.000 Marching. 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:20.200 Or. 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:21.319 Standing outside. 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:21.720 Parliament. 00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:22.639 With placards. 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:24.079 About the issues. 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:25.139 That we care about. 00:24:26.420 --> 00:24:27.160 Is this. 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.000 Resisting the. 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.000 Authorities. 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:29.579 Put in place. 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:30.059 By God. 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:32.240 Or is this. 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:33.220 Part of the privileges. 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:34.779 Of living. 00:24:34.899 --> 00:24:35.839 In a modern democracy. 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:37.019 Where we have. 00:24:37.099 --> 00:24:37.679 The opportunity. 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:39.379 To make our voice heard. 00:24:41.379 --> 00:24:42.200 Should we be. 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:42.940 Getting involved. 00:24:43.619 --> 00:24:44.279 In challenging. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:45.299 The government. 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.000 In the courts. 00:24:47.119 --> 00:24:47.659 Should we be. 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:48.319 Getting involved. 00:24:48.679 --> 00:24:49.159 With groups. 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:50.559 Such as the Christian Institute. 00:24:51.299 --> 00:24:52.339 That stand up. 00:24:52.339 --> 00:24:53.779 For Christian moral values. 00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:56.539 I don't know. 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:58.819 How should we. 00:24:58.899 --> 00:24:59.519 Respond to. 00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:01.279 Illegal immigrants. 00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:01.619 And. 00:25:02.179 --> 00:25:03.179 Failed asylum seekers. 00:25:03.179 --> 00:25:04.179 Living among us. 00:25:05.399 --> 00:25:06.500 Should we be. 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.720 Accepting. 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.720 The government decisions. 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:11.339 Or should we be. 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:12.619 Willing at times. 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:14.099 To break the law. 00:25:14.679 --> 00:25:15.559 And shelter those. 00:25:15.619 --> 00:25:16.339 Who need our help. 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:18.319 Possibly. 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:18.879 Especially. 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.299 Our Christian brothers. 00:25:20.419 --> 00:25:20.879 And sisters. 00:25:21.339 --> 00:25:22.179 Who may face. 00:25:22.379 --> 00:25:23.200 Real persecution. 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.859 If they are sent back. 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.759 To their home countries. 00:25:25.759 --> 00:25:26.379 To their home. 00:25:26.379 --> 00:25:26.759 To their home. 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:27.259 To their home. 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:27.759 To their home. 00:25:27.759 --> 00:25:28.960 But of course. 00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:30.759 While the issues. 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:32.079 We have to deal with today. 00:25:32.879 --> 00:25:33.759 Are real. 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:36.079 There are those. 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:36.700 That arise. 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:37.680 Living. 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:38.559 In peace. 00:25:39.379 --> 00:25:40.819 But not all Christians. 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.619 Today. 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:42.539 Live. 00:25:42.940 --> 00:25:43.779 In that situation. 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:46.359 And there's no guarantee. 00:25:46.359 --> 00:25:46.940 That we. 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:47.640 Always. 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:47.960 Will. 00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:51.519 There are Christians. 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:52.840 Living today. 00:25:52.840 --> 00:25:53.759 Under authorities. 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:54.420 That are probably. 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:56.120 At least as brutal. 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:57.340 As those. 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.079 Pagan. 00:25:58.319 --> 00:25:59.299 Ancient empires. 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:01.980 North Korea. 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:04.579 Under the Islamic State. 00:26:05.400 --> 00:26:06.200 And many other. 00:26:06.360 --> 00:26:07.240 Oppressive regimes. 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:09.240 But. 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:11.180 As has to be done. 00:26:11.819 --> 00:26:12.460 I will invoke. 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:13.180 Godwin's law. 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:15.259 That all discussions. 00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:16.279 Eventually. 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:17.299 Get to Hitler. 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:19.840 So. 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.059 How. 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.799 Would we respond. 00:26:23.799 --> 00:26:24.799 To Hitler. 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:26.240 If he was today. 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.319 I think there's five. 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:30.360 Key. 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.500 Ways. 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:32.140 That Christians. 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.460 Did respond. 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.019 At the time. 00:26:35.620 --> 00:26:37.120 The first response. 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:38.259 Was that. 00:26:38.360 --> 00:26:39.299 Of many of the mainstream. 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.380 Churches in Germany. 00:26:41.360 --> 00:26:42.259 Who quietly. 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:42.819 Submitted. 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:46.460 Some came to an agreement. 00:26:46.460 --> 00:26:48.019 With the Nazis. 00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:49.500 That they would not get involved. 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.220 In politics. 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:51.019 If the Nazis. 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:52.000 Stayed out of religion. 00:26:52.900 --> 00:26:54.019 Didn't quite work. 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:54.539 But. 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.500 That was the agreement. 00:26:56.620 --> 00:26:57.059 They came to. 00:26:58.340 --> 00:26:59.620 The second response. 00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:00.100 Was of. 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.240 Those like. 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:02.340 Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 00:27:02.840 --> 00:27:03.980 Who got involved. 00:27:04.120 --> 00:27:05.620 With the German resistance movement. 00:27:06.920 --> 00:27:07.380 Ultimately. 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:08.600 With the plot. 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.620 To assassinate Hitler. 00:27:09.619 --> 00:27:10.179 Hitler. 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:12.239 And. 00:27:12.239 --> 00:27:13.359 He was executed. 00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:14.439 For his involvement. 00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:15.159 In that. 00:27:16.939 --> 00:27:18.419 The third response. 00:27:19.439 --> 00:27:20.319 Was that of many. 00:27:20.699 --> 00:27:22.000 Like the Ten Boom family. 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:23.979 In occupied Amsterdam. 00:27:24.859 --> 00:27:26.039 Who were involved. 00:27:26.159 --> 00:27:27.459 In the Dutch underground movement. 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:27.799 There. 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.339 That sheltered Jews. 00:27:29.939 --> 00:27:30.799 In hidden rooms. 00:27:30.879 --> 00:27:31.439 In their houses. 00:27:33.139 --> 00:27:33.799 It's believed. 00:27:33.919 --> 00:27:34.779 That at one point. 00:27:35.179 --> 00:27:35.779 There were up to. 00:27:35.779 --> 00:27:37.019 300,000. 00:27:37.460 --> 00:27:37.819 People. 00:27:38.399 --> 00:27:38.720 Hidden. 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.519 In the Netherlands. 00:27:41.500 --> 00:27:42.599 During that occupation. 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.359 The Ten Booms. 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:45.899 Ultimately. 00:27:46.119 --> 00:27:46.440 Ended up. 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:47.599 In a concentration camp. 00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:49.559 And it was only. 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.879 Due to a clerical error. 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:52.680 That Corrie Ten Boom. 00:27:53.399 --> 00:27:54.559 Escaped the gas chambers. 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:55.379 And was released. 00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:56.779 To tell her story. 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:59.660 The fourth response. 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:01.220 Is that of many Christians. 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:02.700 Living in Britain. 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:04.839 Who when called up. 00:28:04.920 --> 00:28:05.460 To serve. 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.819 Willingly. 00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:07.779 Obeyed. 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:08.299 The orders. 00:28:08.379 --> 00:28:08.940 Of their government. 00:28:09.779 --> 00:28:10.680 And went to fight. 00:28:11.359 --> 00:28:11.940 And die. 00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:12.940 For their country. 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:15.559 And then the fifth. 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:17.039 And final response. 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:18.379 Was of those. 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:19.259 Who did not consider. 00:28:19.899 --> 00:28:20.299 Fighting. 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.399 Compatible. 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:23.019 With their Christian faith. 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.660 And conscientiously. 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:25.579 Objected. 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:30.240 I have my thoughts. 00:28:30.359 --> 00:28:30.899 About which. 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:32.019 Of those. 00:28:32.160 --> 00:28:32.579 I think. 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:33.940 Were some of the best decisions. 00:28:33.940 --> 00:28:36.980 And I may have betrayed them. 00:28:37.100 --> 00:28:37.860 A bit with my words. 00:28:39.820 --> 00:28:40.320 But. 00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:42.019 The important thing is. 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:43.100 All of these people. 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:44.920 Made different decisions. 00:28:45.880 --> 00:28:46.860 But all of them. 00:28:47.019 --> 00:28:47.680 Were trying. 00:28:48.019 --> 00:28:49.019 To serve God. 00:28:49.360 --> 00:28:50.120 In the situation. 00:28:50.620 --> 00:28:51.920 They found themselves in. 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:54.740 The issue is not. 00:28:55.460 --> 00:28:56.580 Were they right. 00:28:56.640 --> 00:28:57.160 Or wrong. 00:28:57.160 --> 00:28:58.400 The issue is. 00:28:59.220 --> 00:29:00.259 What will we do. 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.140 But. 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:07.180 Why should we care about this? 00:29:08.820 --> 00:29:10.580 Why should we be doing all this? 00:29:10.960 --> 00:29:11.940 Going out of our way. 00:29:12.720 --> 00:29:14.620 Living potentially difficult lives. 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:17.359 Paul. 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:17.379 Paul. 00:29:17.699 --> 00:29:18.419 Actually uses. 00:29:18.419 --> 00:29:19.399 Most of his words. 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:20.299 In this passage. 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:22.219 And it's okay. 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:23.199 I'm not going to use. 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:23.759 Most of mine. 00:29:25.239 --> 00:29:26.199 To detail. 00:29:26.579 --> 00:29:27.299 The magnificent. 00:29:27.659 --> 00:29:28.299 Motivation. 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:29.659 That the people. 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:30.539 Must have. 00:29:32.419 --> 00:29:33.599 While essentially. 00:29:33.839 --> 00:29:34.319 Titus. 00:29:34.439 --> 00:29:34.899 Is a letter. 00:29:34.899 --> 00:29:36.119 Of practical teaching. 00:29:37.159 --> 00:29:37.879 Paul never. 00:29:38.199 --> 00:29:38.659 Separates. 00:29:38.799 --> 00:29:39.199 Practice. 00:29:39.359 --> 00:29:39.859 From doctrine. 00:29:39.859 --> 00:29:42.059 Instead. 00:29:42.299 --> 00:29:42.579 One. 00:29:43.099 --> 00:29:43.599 Always. 00:29:43.719 --> 00:29:44.639 Flows out of the other. 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:47.240 If he was just. 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:48.219 Teaching good works. 00:29:48.219 --> 00:29:49.079 On their own. 00:29:50.199 --> 00:29:50.559 This. 00:29:50.879 --> 00:29:51.399 Would be pure. 00:29:51.519 --> 00:29:52.039 Moralism. 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:53.639 But without. 00:29:53.939 --> 00:29:54.500 Any reason. 00:29:54.639 --> 00:29:54.939 To care. 00:29:55.019 --> 00:29:55.659 What he says. 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.339 Or. 00:29:57.799 --> 00:29:58.459 Any power. 00:29:58.639 --> 00:29:59.000 To be able. 00:29:59.000 --> 00:29:59.740 To follow it. 00:30:02.059 --> 00:30:02.819 He seems. 00:30:02.899 --> 00:30:03.159 To use. 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:03.740 Two types. 00:30:03.779 --> 00:30:04.319 Of arguments. 00:30:04.500 --> 00:30:05.240 Through Titus. 00:30:05.959 --> 00:30:06.779 There's the. 00:30:07.059 --> 00:30:07.639 First type. 00:30:07.719 --> 00:30:08.159 That's the. 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:09.699 If you do this. 00:30:10.439 --> 00:30:10.819 Then. 00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:11.659 This will happen. 00:30:12.979 --> 00:30:14.519 And the second one is. 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:16.059 Because of this. 00:30:16.939 --> 00:30:17.559 Do this. 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.399 Hope that. 00:30:20.319 --> 00:30:20.839 Makes sense. 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:22.419 But in. 00:30:22.659 --> 00:30:23.500 In the first half. 00:30:23.539 --> 00:30:24.240 Of chapter two. 00:30:24.359 --> 00:30:25.500 We saw various reasons. 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:26.279 Of the first kind. 00:30:26.379 --> 00:30:26.619 Given. 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:29.019 In verse five. 00:30:29.439 --> 00:30:30.419 That the word of God. 00:30:30.419 --> 00:30:31.399 May not be reviled. 00:30:32.319 --> 00:30:33.059 Verse eight. 00:30:33.539 --> 00:30:34.479 So that an opponent. 00:30:34.859 --> 00:30:35.899 May be put to shame. 00:30:36.179 --> 00:30:37.259 Having nothing evil. 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:38.199 To say about us. 00:30:38.199 --> 00:30:38.279 To say about us. 00:30:40.819 --> 00:30:41.819 Verse 10. 00:30:42.379 --> 00:30:43.159 They may adorn. 00:30:43.439 --> 00:30:44.000 The doctrine. 00:30:44.279 --> 00:30:44.719 Of God. 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:45.219 Our savior. 00:30:46.699 --> 00:30:47.559 All of these. 00:30:47.659 --> 00:30:48.859 Talk about the effects. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.699 That the people's lifestyle. 00:30:51.319 --> 00:30:52.259 Will have on the people. 00:30:52.379 --> 00:30:52.839 Around them. 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:55.659 How it will affect. 00:30:55.659 --> 00:30:56.500 People's attitude. 00:30:56.939 --> 00:30:57.959 To the word of God. 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:58.059 God. 00:31:00.319 --> 00:31:01.500 But in the second half. 00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:02.079 Of the chapter. 00:31:02.220 --> 00:31:03.000 That Mike brought us. 00:31:03.079 --> 00:31:03.600 Last week. 00:31:04.740 --> 00:31:05.680 There was a second. 00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:06.440 Type of argument. 00:31:08.440 --> 00:31:09.299 Here we read. 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:10.420 That because the grace. 00:31:10.460 --> 00:31:11.319 Of God has appeared. 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.460 In the past. 00:31:13.140 --> 00:31:14.140 And because you hope. 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:15.000 For the glory of God. 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.579 In the future. 00:31:17.180 --> 00:31:17.579 Therefore. 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:18.880 Live self-controlled. 00:31:19.059 --> 00:31:19.500 Upright. 00:31:19.600 --> 00:31:20.039 And godly. 00:31:20.100 --> 00:31:20.500 Lives. 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:21.220 Now. 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:24.339 Here in chapter 3. 00:31:24.519 --> 00:31:26.299 Paul uses a very similar argument. 00:31:28.000 --> 00:31:28.539 First. 00:31:28.640 --> 00:31:29.680 He reminds us what we were. 00:31:30.860 --> 00:31:31.880 In verse 3. 00:31:31.980 --> 00:31:32.480 He says. 00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:33.380 For we. 00:31:33.380 --> 00:31:34.380 Ourselves. 00:31:34.580 --> 00:31:34.840 Were. 00:31:36.560 --> 00:31:38.280 He describes what we were. 00:31:38.400 --> 00:31:39.060 And essentially. 00:31:39.600 --> 00:31:40.780 Says that we were like. 00:31:40.780 --> 00:31:41.760 Those around us. 00:31:43.540 --> 00:31:44.100 Like. 00:31:44.460 --> 00:31:45.260 Those rulers. 00:31:45.440 --> 00:31:45.980 And authorities. 00:31:46.900 --> 00:31:47.280 Like. 00:31:47.360 --> 00:31:48.220 Those false teachers. 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:49.600 Like. 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:50.700 The cretins themselves. 00:31:52.060 --> 00:31:52.920 And it's not. 00:31:53.080 --> 00:31:53.920 A pleasant description. 00:31:55.340 --> 00:31:56.420 We don't like. 00:31:56.560 --> 00:31:57.180 To be described. 00:31:57.300 --> 00:31:57.780 As foolish. 00:31:59.540 --> 00:32:00.300 We think. 00:32:00.380 --> 00:32:01.120 We're quite wise. 00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:01.520 Really. 00:32:02.160 --> 00:32:02.800 We can make. 00:32:02.799 --> 00:32:04.319 Fairly good decisions. 00:32:04.319 --> 00:32:05.019 By ourselves. 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:07.220 And. 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:07.859 We like. 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:08.460 To think. 00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:09.639 That we have the power. 00:32:10.839 --> 00:32:11.720 To carry out. 00:32:11.759 --> 00:32:12.220 Our decisions. 00:32:14.059 --> 00:32:14.339 And yet. 00:32:14.379 --> 00:32:15.099 He tells us here. 00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:15.460 That no. 00:32:17.159 --> 00:32:18.039 We couldn't even. 00:32:18.099 --> 00:32:18.980 Make wise decisions. 00:32:19.319 --> 00:32:19.559 But. 00:32:21.419 --> 00:32:22.619 We were slaves. 00:32:23.099 --> 00:32:23.859 To our passions. 00:32:25.200 --> 00:32:25.919 We were not. 00:32:26.039 --> 00:32:26.879 Just messed up. 00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:28.159 But we had absolutely. 00:32:28.240 --> 00:32:28.680 No power. 00:32:28.819 --> 00:32:29.319 To change. 00:32:30.919 --> 00:32:31.639 And that is. 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:32.200 Exactly. 00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:33.319 What the world. 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:34.099 Around us. 00:32:34.099 --> 00:32:34.700 Is like. 00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:36.639 And the people. 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:37.559 That rule over us. 00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:39.879 And so we cannot. 00:32:40.099 --> 00:32:40.379 Fix. 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:41.859 This groaning world. 00:32:42.379 --> 00:32:42.819 Just. 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:43.639 By preaching. 00:32:43.799 --> 00:32:44.259 Good living. 00:32:45.919 --> 00:32:47.119 The golden rule. 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:48.200 Of love your neighbor. 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:48.919 As yourself. 00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:50.399 Would. 00:32:51.119 --> 00:32:51.480 Completely. 00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:52.740 Reform society. 00:32:54.200 --> 00:32:55.139 If we weren't. 00:32:55.220 --> 00:32:55.659 Completely. 00:32:55.839 --> 00:32:56.159 Unable. 00:32:56.319 --> 00:32:57.059 To carry it out. 00:32:57.059 --> 00:32:57.659 receive. 00:32:57.660 --> 00:33:01.900 but then Paul reminds us of what has changed, 00:33:02.840 --> 00:33:06.160 that the goodness and loving kindness of God, 00:33:06.160 --> 00:33:08.259 our Savior, has appeared. 00:33:09.700 --> 00:33:12.800 He has saved us by his mercy, 00:33:13.480 --> 00:33:15.740 not by our works. 00:33:17.440 --> 00:33:20.500 This is a very important thing for us to remember 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:23.540 as we interact with the society around us, 00:33:24.060 --> 00:33:27.259 to remember that good works can ultimately 00:33:27.259 --> 00:33:30.279 never save us nor our society. 00:33:31.779 --> 00:33:35.180 As Albert Moeller writes in the Gospel Coalition blog, 00:33:36.059 --> 00:33:39.559 the theological temptation of moralism 00:33:39.559 --> 00:33:42.299 is one many Christians and churches 00:33:42.299 --> 00:33:44.099 find it difficult to resist. 00:33:45.299 --> 00:33:47.640 The danger is that the church will communicate 00:33:47.640 --> 00:33:50.819 by both direct and indirect means 00:33:50.819 --> 00:33:53.700 that what God expects of fallen humanity 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:55.379 is moral improvement. 00:33:55.380 --> 00:33:59.540 In so doing, the church subverts the Gospel 00:33:59.540 --> 00:34:03.460 and communicates a false Gospel to a fallen world. 00:34:05.060 --> 00:34:07.620 This, I think, is a particularly strong temptation 00:34:07.620 --> 00:34:11.360 if we are to take up Paul's exhortation 00:34:11.360 --> 00:34:13.280 to live a life 00:34:13.280 --> 00:34:17.099 of getting our hands dirty involvement in society. 00:34:17.099 --> 00:34:21.539 But Paul reminds us 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:23.519 how it happened in us 00:34:23.519 --> 00:34:25.759 by regeneration, 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:27.980 by being made new, 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:31.079 and by ongoing renewal 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:32.559 by the Holy Spirit. 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:36.299 By a once and for all radical change 00:34:36.299 --> 00:34:39.659 and by a continuous process of transformation, 00:34:40.119 --> 00:34:41.299 we have been 00:34:41.299 --> 00:34:43.500 and are being made new. 00:34:43.500 --> 00:34:46.960 We did not just try a little harder. 00:34:48.460 --> 00:34:50.239 We didn't pull our socks up 00:34:50.239 --> 00:34:51.599 and get our act together 00:34:51.599 --> 00:34:54.219 and we mustn't imply 00:34:54.219 --> 00:34:55.579 to those around us 00:34:55.579 --> 00:34:56.900 that that is what's needed. 00:34:59.840 --> 00:35:00.659 And then 00:35:00.659 --> 00:35:02.719 he goes on to remind us 00:35:02.719 --> 00:35:03.699 of what we will be. 00:35:05.579 --> 00:35:07.179 That having been justified 00:35:07.179 --> 00:35:08.159 by his grace, 00:35:08.880 --> 00:35:09.840 we might be heirs 00:35:09.840 --> 00:35:11.640 to eternal life. 00:35:13.120 --> 00:35:14.860 That this work of transformation 00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:16.059 that has begun in us 00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:18.220 will be carried through 00:35:18.220 --> 00:35:19.120 to completion. 00:35:20.500 --> 00:35:22.120 That the kingdom of God, 00:35:23.059 --> 00:35:25.600 which we now live as citizens of, 00:35:26.960 --> 00:35:27.380 will 00:35:27.380 --> 00:35:28.860 finally 00:35:28.860 --> 00:35:30.180 be fully revealed. 00:35:33.579 --> 00:35:35.460 That the kingdoms of this earth 00:35:35.460 --> 00:35:37.360 will be brought to an end. 00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:39.260 that all 00:35:39.260 --> 00:35:40.099 will 00:35:40.099 --> 00:35:41.200 be made new. 00:35:41.960 --> 00:35:42.900 That all 00:35:42.900 --> 00:35:44.420 will be put right. 00:35:45.420 --> 00:35:46.620 That the groaning 00:35:46.620 --> 00:35:47.740 of this world 00:35:47.740 --> 00:35:49.240 will end. 00:35:50.320 --> 00:35:51.280 And that the earth 00:35:51.280 --> 00:35:52.160 will 00:35:52.160 --> 00:35:53.019 be filled 00:35:53.019 --> 00:35:54.160 with the knowledge 00:35:54.160 --> 00:35:55.039 of the glory 00:35:55.039 --> 00:35:55.660 of God 00:35:55.660 --> 00:35:56.880 as the waters 00:35:56.880 --> 00:35:57.840 cover the sea. 00:35:59.740 --> 00:36:00.079 And so, 00:36:00.200 --> 00:36:01.240 having reminded us 00:36:01.240 --> 00:36:02.440 of what we were, 00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:04.860 of what has been done 00:36:04.860 --> 00:36:05.480 for us, 00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:07.400 and what we will be, 00:36:08.420 --> 00:36:09.019 he then, 00:36:10.079 --> 00:36:11.539 in verse 9, 00:36:11.619 --> 00:36:12.360 I think it was, 00:36:12.500 --> 00:36:12.820 yes, 00:36:14.240 --> 00:36:14.980 he then 00:36:14.980 --> 00:36:17.480 exhorts us 00:36:17.480 --> 00:36:18.740 to devote ourselves 00:36:18.740 --> 00:36:19.639 to good works. 00:36:20.820 --> 00:36:22.300 We couldn't do this 00:36:22.300 --> 00:36:22.860 in the state 00:36:22.860 --> 00:36:23.559 we were in. 00:36:25.039 --> 00:36:26.500 And even if we could, 00:36:28.059 --> 00:36:29.159 doing it 00:36:29.159 --> 00:36:29.740 would never 00:36:29.740 --> 00:36:30.639 have changed us. 00:36:31.980 --> 00:36:32.820 But now 00:36:32.820 --> 00:36:34.159 that we have been redeemed, 00:36:34.159 --> 00:36:35.579 that have been reborn, 00:36:36.339 --> 00:36:36.679 renewed, 00:36:37.319 --> 00:36:39.059 we must live out 00:36:39.059 --> 00:36:41.539 the new creation 00:36:41.539 --> 00:36:44.119 that is within us 00:36:44.119 --> 00:36:46.420 and which we look forward 00:36:46.420 --> 00:36:47.779 to in all 00:36:47.779 --> 00:36:48.559 its fullness. 00:36:49.839 --> 00:36:51.500 We are citizens 00:36:51.500 --> 00:36:52.759 of the kingdom 00:36:52.759 --> 00:36:53.339 of heaven, 00:36:54.339 --> 00:36:55.500 but we are sent 00:36:55.500 --> 00:36:56.619 as ambassadors 00:36:56.619 --> 00:36:58.179 into this 00:36:58.179 --> 00:36:59.399 fallen world. 00:36:59.400 --> 00:37:04.019 And then finally, 00:37:05.180 --> 00:37:06.400 having reminded us 00:37:06.400 --> 00:37:07.599 of the magnificent 00:37:07.599 --> 00:37:09.320 motivation we have, 00:37:10.119 --> 00:37:10.780 Paul warns 00:37:10.780 --> 00:37:11.740 against divisive 00:37:11.740 --> 00:37:12.380 distractions. 00:37:14.880 --> 00:37:15.860 He tells them 00:37:15.860 --> 00:37:16.480 to avoid 00:37:16.480 --> 00:37:18.200 foolish controversies, 00:37:19.039 --> 00:37:19.900 genealogies, 00:37:20.700 --> 00:37:21.900 arguments and quarrels 00:37:21.900 --> 00:37:22.700 about the law. 00:37:25.519 --> 00:37:26.440 Does he mean 00:37:26.440 --> 00:37:27.360 we should stop 00:37:27.360 --> 00:37:27.700 watching 00:37:27.700 --> 00:37:28.639 Who Do You Think You Are? 00:37:28.639 --> 00:37:30.279 that we should 00:37:30.279 --> 00:37:31.339 delete our subscriptions 00:37:31.339 --> 00:37:31.940 to 00:37:31.940 --> 00:37:33.579 Ancestry.com, 00:37:34.279 --> 00:37:35.359 stop caring about 00:37:35.359 --> 00:37:35.900 whether our 00:37:35.900 --> 00:37:38.659 great-great-great-great-grandfather 00:37:38.659 --> 00:37:40.799 came from 00:37:40.799 --> 00:37:41.519 Ardreshegg 00:37:41.519 --> 00:37:42.000 or Ireland? 00:37:44.139 --> 00:37:45.259 While that might 00:37:45.259 --> 00:37:45.779 at times 00:37:45.779 --> 00:37:46.539 be a distraction, 00:37:47.379 --> 00:37:48.639 I don't think 00:37:48.639 --> 00:37:49.139 that is 00:37:49.139 --> 00:37:50.119 what he's talking about. 00:37:52.679 --> 00:37:53.199 And, 00:37:53.379 --> 00:37:53.879 unfortunately, 00:37:53.980 --> 00:37:54.359 I don't think 00:37:54.359 --> 00:37:55.119 it's terribly clear 00:37:55.119 --> 00:37:56.619 what he is 00:37:56.619 --> 00:37:57.279 talking about. 00:37:57.280 --> 00:37:58.720 the commentaries 00:37:58.720 --> 00:37:59.480 all seem to have 00:37:59.480 --> 00:38:01.040 slightly different 00:38:01.040 --> 00:38:01.800 ideas of 00:38:01.800 --> 00:38:03.960 what these 00:38:03.960 --> 00:38:05.000 arguments might be. 00:38:06.260 --> 00:38:06.940 It may be 00:38:06.940 --> 00:38:07.840 something to do 00:38:07.840 --> 00:38:08.340 with people 00:38:08.340 --> 00:38:09.860 claiming importance 00:38:09.860 --> 00:38:11.420 due to who 00:38:11.420 --> 00:38:12.640 either they were 00:38:12.640 --> 00:38:13.360 descended from 00:38:13.360 --> 00:38:13.940 or maybe who 00:38:13.940 --> 00:38:14.240 they've been 00:38:14.240 --> 00:38:15.160 baptized by. 00:38:15.760 --> 00:38:16.840 Like the arguments 00:38:16.840 --> 00:38:17.360 at the beginning 00:38:17.360 --> 00:38:18.260 of 1 Corinthians, 00:38:18.960 --> 00:38:20.480 I'm of Paul, 00:38:20.560 --> 00:38:21.420 I'm of Apollos, 00:38:21.860 --> 00:38:23.260 I'm of Peter. 00:38:23.260 --> 00:38:25.580 it could be that, 00:38:25.660 --> 00:38:26.000 they're saying, 00:38:26.320 --> 00:38:27.280 this is my heritage 00:38:27.280 --> 00:38:28.060 and that's greater 00:38:28.060 --> 00:38:28.640 than yours. 00:38:29.940 --> 00:38:30.940 Or maybe it has 00:38:30.940 --> 00:38:31.500 something more 00:38:31.500 --> 00:38:32.120 to do with 00:38:32.120 --> 00:38:33.500 some of the 00:38:33.500 --> 00:38:34.180 Jewish myths 00:38:34.180 --> 00:38:35.260 and controversies 00:38:35.260 --> 00:38:36.580 that now seem 00:38:36.580 --> 00:38:37.880 to be lost 00:38:37.880 --> 00:38:38.540 in the mists 00:38:38.540 --> 00:38:39.100 of time. 00:38:41.220 --> 00:38:42.080 But whatever 00:38:42.080 --> 00:38:43.380 exactly the arguments 00:38:43.380 --> 00:38:44.360 he's talking about, 00:38:44.760 --> 00:38:45.280 and I'm sure 00:38:45.280 --> 00:38:45.760 the arguments 00:38:45.760 --> 00:38:46.560 that we have now 00:38:46.560 --> 00:38:47.200 are probably 00:38:47.200 --> 00:38:48.840 very different ones, 00:38:49.980 --> 00:38:51.080 he contrasts 00:38:51.079 --> 00:38:52.739 with the good works. 00:38:53.440 --> 00:38:54.299 The good works, 00:38:54.380 --> 00:38:54.679 he says, 00:38:54.719 --> 00:38:55.400 are excellent 00:38:55.400 --> 00:38:56.559 and profitable, 00:38:57.460 --> 00:38:58.119 whereas these 00:38:58.119 --> 00:38:59.199 are unprofitable 00:38:59.199 --> 00:39:00.360 and worthless. 00:39:02.880 --> 00:39:04.279 It's quite probable 00:39:04.279 --> 00:39:04.819 that they were 00:39:04.819 --> 00:39:05.340 arguments 00:39:05.340 --> 00:39:07.139 about what was 00:39:07.139 --> 00:39:07.559 right. 00:39:09.179 --> 00:39:09.699 The arguments 00:39:09.699 --> 00:39:11.360 that I was 00:39:11.360 --> 00:39:12.000 carefully trying 00:39:12.000 --> 00:39:12.519 to avoid 00:39:12.519 --> 00:39:13.019 earlier, 00:39:14.139 --> 00:39:15.319 of the specific 00:39:15.319 --> 00:39:15.940 details 00:39:15.940 --> 00:39:17.000 that the Bible 00:39:17.000 --> 00:39:17.980 does not tell us. 00:39:19.659 --> 00:39:20.619 It may be 00:39:20.619 --> 00:39:21.179 that this was 00:39:21.179 --> 00:39:21.719 to do with 00:39:21.719 --> 00:39:23.159 the Jewish 00:39:23.159 --> 00:39:23.679 Mishnah 00:39:23.679 --> 00:39:24.299 and the oral 00:39:24.299 --> 00:39:24.859 traditions 00:39:24.859 --> 00:39:25.519 where layer 00:39:25.519 --> 00:39:26.099 after layer 00:39:26.099 --> 00:39:26.639 of commentary 00:39:26.639 --> 00:39:27.480 and interpretation 00:39:27.480 --> 00:39:28.380 is put on 00:39:28.380 --> 00:39:28.880 top of each 00:39:28.880 --> 00:39:29.119 other, 00:39:29.199 --> 00:39:29.679 each one 00:39:29.679 --> 00:39:30.400 interpreting 00:39:30.400 --> 00:39:31.420 and reinterpreting. 00:39:32.519 --> 00:39:32.940 And so you 00:39:32.940 --> 00:39:33.299 get, 00:39:34.179 --> 00:39:34.539 ah yes, 00:39:34.619 --> 00:39:35.539 Rabbi so-and-so 00:39:35.539 --> 00:39:36.119 said that 00:39:36.119 --> 00:39:37.219 Rabbi so-and-so 00:39:37.219 --> 00:39:39.519 said this 00:39:39.519 --> 00:39:39.960 about 00:39:39.960 --> 00:39:42.239 this commandment 00:39:42.239 --> 00:39:43.299 and yet 00:39:43.299 --> 00:39:44.219 Rabbi so-and-so 00:39:44.219 --> 00:39:44.940 took a different 00:39:44.940 --> 00:39:45.500 view on it. 00:39:45.539 --> 00:39:46.400 He said that. 00:39:46.400 --> 00:39:46.579 that. 00:39:48.639 --> 00:39:49.740 And Paul's 00:39:49.740 --> 00:39:50.079 saying this 00:39:50.079 --> 00:39:50.860 is unprofitable. 00:39:51.619 --> 00:39:52.280 Worse than 00:39:52.280 --> 00:39:53.240 being unprofitable 00:39:53.240 --> 00:39:55.019 is useless 00:39:55.019 --> 00:39:55.700 distraction 00:39:55.700 --> 00:39:56.800 and worse 00:39:56.800 --> 00:39:57.220 than that 00:39:57.220 --> 00:39:58.000 is divisive. 00:39:59.800 --> 00:40:00.559 But I think 00:40:00.559 --> 00:40:00.960 the main 00:40:00.960 --> 00:40:01.660 contrast we 00:40:01.660 --> 00:40:02.240 see here 00:40:02.240 --> 00:40:03.200 is the 00:40:03.200 --> 00:40:03.880 contrast between 00:40:03.880 --> 00:40:04.440 getting out 00:40:04.440 --> 00:40:05.820 there and 00:40:05.820 --> 00:40:06.440 being obedient 00:40:06.440 --> 00:40:08.300 or sitting 00:40:08.300 --> 00:40:09.700 inside and 00:40:09.700 --> 00:40:10.360 arguing about 00:40:10.360 --> 00:40:10.880 what obedience 00:40:10.880 --> 00:40:11.440 means. 00:40:11.440 --> 00:40:14.340 Francis Chan 00:40:14.340 --> 00:40:15.300 tells a 00:40:15.300 --> 00:40:15.720 story, 00:40:17.720 --> 00:40:18.980 I assume 00:40:18.980 --> 00:40:19.639 made up 00:40:19.639 --> 00:40:20.059 story, 00:40:21.639 --> 00:40:22.720 of if he 00:40:22.720 --> 00:40:23.200 told his 00:40:23.200 --> 00:40:24.720 daughter to 00:40:24.720 --> 00:40:25.200 tidy her 00:40:25.200 --> 00:40:25.480 room, 00:40:27.599 --> 00:40:28.599 then goes up 00:40:28.599 --> 00:40:29.139 a bit later 00:40:29.139 --> 00:40:29.820 to check on 00:40:29.820 --> 00:40:30.240 what she's 00:40:30.240 --> 00:40:30.559 doing. 00:40:31.639 --> 00:40:32.539 He wouldn't 00:40:32.539 --> 00:40:33.220 really be 00:40:33.220 --> 00:40:34.900 happy if his 00:40:34.900 --> 00:40:35.480 daughter was 00:40:35.480 --> 00:40:36.079 to say to 00:40:36.079 --> 00:40:36.340 him, 00:40:37.079 --> 00:40:37.360 yep, 00:40:37.820 --> 00:40:38.099 I've 00:40:38.099 --> 00:40:38.679 memorised 00:40:38.679 --> 00:40:39.740 exactly what 00:40:39.740 --> 00:40:40.139 you told me 00:40:40.139 --> 00:40:40.539 to do. 00:40:40.539 --> 00:40:41.719 I've been 00:40:41.719 --> 00:40:42.440 studying it 00:40:42.440 --> 00:40:43.219 word for 00:40:43.219 --> 00:40:43.599 word. 00:40:44.719 --> 00:40:45.360 In fact, 00:40:46.000 --> 00:40:46.719 I've arranged 00:40:46.719 --> 00:40:47.179 I'm going to 00:40:47.179 --> 00:40:47.639 meet up with 00:40:47.639 --> 00:40:48.039 some of my 00:40:48.039 --> 00:40:48.659 friends and 00:40:48.659 --> 00:40:49.639 we're going to 00:40:49.639 --> 00:40:50.539 discuss together 00:40:50.539 --> 00:40:51.779 what it might 00:40:51.779 --> 00:40:52.599 look like in 00:40:52.599 --> 00:40:53.559 our lives if 00:40:53.559 --> 00:40:54.420 we were to 00:40:54.420 --> 00:40:55.000 do this. 00:40:56.300 --> 00:40:56.579 No, 00:40:57.340 --> 00:40:58.000 clearly 00:40:58.000 --> 00:40:58.800 nonsense. 00:41:00.320 --> 00:41:00.860 What he 00:41:00.860 --> 00:41:01.420 wants is 00:41:01.420 --> 00:41:02.500 for her to 00:41:02.500 --> 00:41:03.000 get her act 00:41:03.000 --> 00:41:03.500 together and 00:41:03.500 --> 00:41:04.099 tidy her room. 00:41:06.860 --> 00:41:07.559 And so 00:41:07.559 --> 00:41:08.000 how are we 00:41:08.000 --> 00:41:08.360 going to 00:41:08.360 --> 00:41:08.759 respond? 00:41:10.539 --> 00:41:11.599 in light of 00:41:11.599 --> 00:41:12.079 the gospel, 00:41:12.940 --> 00:41:13.719 of who we 00:41:13.719 --> 00:41:14.000 were, 00:41:15.139 --> 00:41:16.019 of what has 00:41:16.019 --> 00:41:16.440 been done 00:41:16.440 --> 00:41:17.019 for us, 00:41:17.420 --> 00:41:17.880 of the 00:41:17.880 --> 00:41:18.739 glorious hope 00:41:18.739 --> 00:41:19.000 that we 00:41:19.000 --> 00:41:19.519 look forward 00:41:19.519 --> 00:41:19.880 to, 00:41:20.880 --> 00:41:21.519 are we 00:41:21.519 --> 00:41:21.800 going to 00:41:21.800 --> 00:41:21.980 have a 00:41:21.980 --> 00:41:22.480 nice chat 00:41:22.480 --> 00:41:23.199 after the 00:41:23.199 --> 00:41:24.619 service about 00:41:24.619 --> 00:41:25.360 how we 00:41:25.360 --> 00:41:26.099 might respond 00:41:26.099 --> 00:41:27.420 in hypothetical 00:41:27.420 --> 00:41:28.239 situations? 00:41:29.440 --> 00:41:30.259 Or are we 00:41:30.259 --> 00:41:30.739 going to 00:41:30.739 --> 00:41:31.380 get out 00:41:31.380 --> 00:41:32.639 there and 00:41:32.639 --> 00:41:33.000 look for 00:41:33.000 --> 00:41:34.239 the opportunities 00:41:34.239 --> 00:41:34.719 God has 00:41:34.719 --> 00:41:35.400 given us 00:41:35.400 --> 00:41:36.700 to get 00:41:36.700 --> 00:41:37.099 our hands 00:41:37.099 --> 00:41:37.599 dirty in 00:41:37.599 --> 00:41:38.180 the situations 00:41:38.180 --> 00:41:38.539 he has 00:41:38.539 --> 00:41:39.320 placed us 00:41:39.320 --> 00:41:39.900 in? 00:41:41.059 --> 00:41:41.780 That, I 00:41:41.780 --> 00:41:42.840 believe, is 00:41:42.840 --> 00:41:43.280 a challenge 00:41:43.280 --> 00:41:43.740 that we are 00:41:43.740 --> 00:41:44.180 given here. 00:41:44.179 --> 00:41:44.659 here.