WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:05.780 Philippians chapter 1 is found on page 980 in the Pew Bibles. 00:00:06.540 --> 00:00:10.439 This summer we've been doing a series in Proverbs, but today we're taking a break from that 00:00:10.439 --> 00:00:13.960 to look at a passage from Philippians. 00:00:19.620 --> 00:00:27.640 So we're going to read Philippians chapter 1 verse 27 to chapter 2 verse 11. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.920 So let's read these words, the Apostle Paul's words to the church in Philippi and God's 00:00:36.920 --> 00:00:38.820 word to us today. 00:00:41.820 --> 00:00:49.100 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and 00:00:49.100 --> 00:00:57.820 see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one 00:00:57.820 --> 00:01:05.620 mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything 00:01:05.620 --> 00:01:06.379 by your opponents. 00:01:07.599 --> 00:01:14.079 This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 00:01:15.460 --> 00:01:21.920 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe 00:01:21.920 --> 00:01:30.000 in him, but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had, and 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:31.980 now hear that I still have. 00:01:33.540 --> 00:01:43.439 So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the 00:01:43.439 --> 00:01:53.519 spirit, any affection, and sympathy, complete my joy, by being of the same mind, having the same 00:01:53.519 --> 00:01:58.239 love, being in full accord, and of one mind. 00:01:59.519 --> 00:02:06.299 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant 00:02:06.299 --> 00:02:07.619 than yourselves. 00:02:08.960 --> 00:02:14.560 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:22.560 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form 00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:29.840 of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself. 00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:38.280 By taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men, and being found in human 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:44.240 form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 00:02:45.500 --> 00:02:53.280 Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 00:02:53.280 --> 00:03:00.840 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. 00:03:01.939 --> 00:03:09.360 And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 00:03:11.039 --> 00:03:11.759 Let's pray. 00:03:12.060 --> 00:03:17.080 Father, we pray that you would speak to us through your word this morning, open our hearts and minds, 00:03:17.420 --> 00:03:22.699 shape us, that we may live as citizens in your kingdom today because of it. 00:03:22.699 --> 00:03:24.119 In Christ's name, amen. 00:03:25.959 --> 00:03:30.699 Well, as we've said this morning, we have the joy of joining together with our Ethiopian 00:03:30.699 --> 00:03:34.439 and Eritrean ministry to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:03:35.159 --> 00:03:39.979 And I want to thank those of you from the Ethiopian and Eritrean ministry for coming to 00:03:39.979 --> 00:03:41.079 worship with us this morning. 00:03:42.019 --> 00:03:47.419 We're thankful for the way that you're reaching out to people who speak Tigrinya and Amharic with 00:03:47.419 --> 00:03:49.439 the gospel of Christ every week. 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:56.359 In Philippians chapter 3, verse 20, the apostle Paul says, our citizenship is in heaven. 00:03:57.280 --> 00:04:00.120 And from there, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:04:00.199 --> 00:04:02.740 And that's really why we join together today. 00:04:03.439 --> 00:04:08.900 That whatever nation we belong to, whatever language we speak, whatever family we were brought 00:04:08.900 --> 00:04:12.300 up in, whatever place on earth feels like home. 00:04:12.300 --> 00:04:18.120 The Bible says we're united in Christ because we belong to something greater than any of 00:04:18.120 --> 00:04:18.759 those things. 00:04:19.379 --> 00:04:23.980 That we're citizens of the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:04:24.020 --> 00:04:29.600 That's where our ultimate hope comes from, and that's where our ultimate loyalty belongs. 00:04:30.420 --> 00:04:34.960 So this morning, what we're looking at is what it means to live as citizens of Christ's kingdom 00:04:34.960 --> 00:04:35.960 in this world. 00:04:35.959 --> 00:04:42.680 Chapter 1, verse 27, our passage begins, Paul says, only let your manner of life be worthy 00:04:42.680 --> 00:04:44.239 of the gospel of Christ. 00:04:45.099 --> 00:04:52.599 Or more literally, the verse could be translated, only live as citizens worthy of the gospel of 00:04:52.599 --> 00:04:52.979 Christ. 00:04:54.740 --> 00:04:58.579 Paul was writing to the Christians in the city of Philippi. 00:04:58.579 --> 00:05:04.120 And the city of Philippi was a proud, privileged, prosperous city. 00:05:04.919 --> 00:05:08.199 It was a leading city in the region of Macedonia. 00:05:08.539 --> 00:05:12.579 It was located on the main east-west road, lots of people passing through. 00:05:13.319 --> 00:05:18.839 And most importantly, it was a Roman colony whose citizens enjoyed special advantages. 00:05:19.779 --> 00:05:21.039 So here's the way it worked. 00:05:21.099 --> 00:05:27.579 If you were a citizen of Philippi, you were treated under the law as if you were a citizen 00:05:27.579 --> 00:05:29.539 of the capital city, Rome. 00:05:30.599 --> 00:05:31.759 So that meant a few things. 00:05:31.859 --> 00:05:34.079 That meant, first of all, you didn't have to pay certain taxes. 00:05:35.439 --> 00:05:39.519 Second of all, you had the right to purchase and own property and to appeal. 00:05:39.719 --> 00:05:43.139 And third, you had the right to appeal directly to Caesar in legal matters. 00:05:43.219 --> 00:05:48.699 So you had more legal protections, you had more property rights, and you had freedom from 00:05:48.699 --> 00:05:49.479 some taxation. 00:05:50.019 --> 00:05:55.560 So even though you didn't, and normally those privileges only belong to people who lived in 00:05:55.560 --> 00:05:56.919 the capital city of Rome. 00:05:57.579 --> 00:06:02.439 But for the Philippians, if you were a citizen of Philippi, even though you didn't actually 00:06:02.439 --> 00:06:05.800 live in Rome, you were treated as if you were a citizen of Rome. 00:06:06.219 --> 00:06:11.199 And you had all the rights and privileges and responsibilities of Roman citizens. 00:06:11.779 --> 00:06:16.680 So what Paul's doing is he's reminding the Christians in Philippi, he's saying you're not 00:06:16.680 --> 00:06:22.680 just citizens of Philippi who have special privileges in the Roman Empire, but as Christians, you're 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:23.680 citizens of heaven. 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:27.840 You're citizens of Jesus Christ's heavenly kingdom. 00:06:27.840 --> 00:06:30.780 And you have special privileges before God the Father. 00:06:30.900 --> 00:06:35.100 You have free access to the presence of God the Father through Jesus Christ. 00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:37.199 You have the Holy Spirit living inside you. 00:06:37.259 --> 00:06:41.319 You have the encouraging Word of God. 00:06:41.319 --> 00:06:44.159 God, your sins have been paid for. 00:06:44.659 --> 00:06:49.379 You don't owe anything on that account because Jesus Christ has paid it all. 00:06:50.480 --> 00:06:57.019 Even though you live on earth, God treats you as citizens of heaven with all the rights and 00:06:57.019 --> 00:06:59.159 responsibilities that come with that. 00:06:59.160 --> 00:07:04.939 And so what Paul says in verse 27, he says, live as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:07:06.380 --> 00:07:11.760 Live in a way that rightly reflects your citizenship in heaven. 00:07:12.780 --> 00:07:15.280 And he even says, only do this. 00:07:15.360 --> 00:07:18.379 And in some sense, he's sort of saying this is the one thing you need to do. 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:24.160 This is the one thing you need to know in order to fulfill God's commands and God's calling 00:07:24.160 --> 00:07:25.080 on you as a Christian. 00:07:25.079 --> 00:07:30.680 He's saying, above all, at all costs, whatever happens, whether I'm with you or not, do this 00:07:30.680 --> 00:07:35.079 one thing, live as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:07:36.159 --> 00:07:41.620 And in this passage, Paul shows us that living as citizens of Christ's heavenly kingdom means 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:42.319 two things. 00:07:43.479 --> 00:07:46.639 First of all, it means to stand boldly for Christ. 00:07:46.740 --> 00:07:49.500 And we see that in verses 27 through 30. 00:07:49.579 --> 00:07:51.000 That'll be our first point. 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:54.879 We're to stand boldly for Christ because we're soldiers in God's army. 00:07:55.079 --> 00:08:01.120 The second thing Paul teaches us is that we need to serve humbly in Christ because we're 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:02.500 members of God's family. 00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:05.120 We see that in chapter 2, 1 through 4. 00:08:05.459 --> 00:08:10.199 And finally, in chapter 2, verse 5 to 11, we'll see how through Christ we have the power 00:08:10.199 --> 00:08:14.000 and the enablement to do both of those things. 00:08:14.339 --> 00:08:22.459 So first, as citizens of heaven, Paul says, stand boldly for Christ in the face of external 00:08:22.459 --> 00:08:23.180 pressures. 00:08:23.180 --> 00:08:27.600 Look down at these verses, verses 27 to 30 of chapter 1. 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:30.360 Look at some of Paul's language. 00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:32.799 Verse 27, he talks about standing firm. 00:08:33.680 --> 00:08:36.320 Talks about striving side by side. 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:39.159 Not being frightened by opponents. 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:42.279 Verse 30, he says, you're engaged in a conflict. 00:08:42.940 --> 00:08:47.680 Paul's using athletic and military imagery to describe the Christian life. 00:08:47.679 --> 00:08:51.199 And the people in Philippi would have recognized that. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:53.859 The city of Philippi was full of military veterans. 00:08:54.419 --> 00:08:57.899 It was a place where veterans of the Roman army would go and retire. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:09:03.479 And so, they would have recognized this language because when the Roman army went into battle, 00:09:04.259 --> 00:09:06.059 they would march side by side. 00:09:06.059 --> 00:09:12.259 Sometimes, the front row of soldiers would carry their shields in front of them, 00:09:12.479 --> 00:09:15.399 and then the people behind them would carry their shields on top of their heads. 00:09:15.479 --> 00:09:21.719 So, it was sort of like a wall and a ceiling that protected the army and made them, in many ways, 00:09:21.779 --> 00:09:24.699 almost invincible when they stood together. 00:09:24.700 --> 00:09:32.759 And Paul says, as fellow believers, you need to stand firm and stand together, just like an army. 00:09:34.060 --> 00:09:35.379 Paul says, you're in a conflict. 00:09:36.060 --> 00:09:39.820 Verse 30, that word conflict is the word agon. 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:41.920 It's where we get the word agony. 00:09:43.100 --> 00:09:47.340 It's a word that can also refer to a long-distance marathon or a wrestling match, 00:09:47.420 --> 00:09:50.940 something that is intense and prolonged. 00:09:50.940 --> 00:09:56.080 And Paul says, you're engaged in this agonizing conflict, this struggle. 00:09:57.040 --> 00:09:58.240 And so am I, he says. 00:09:58.260 --> 00:09:59.120 We're in this together. 00:09:59.260 --> 00:10:00.700 We're on the same team. 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:06.840 And he says, we need to stand boldly for Christ together against opposition to the gospel. 00:10:08.240 --> 00:10:14.620 Now, just to be clear, Paul is not advocating for Christians to use any kind of physical violence 00:10:14.620 --> 00:10:17.940 or force or threats against non-Christians. 00:10:17.940 --> 00:10:21.760 But he is saying we're in a spiritual battle. 00:10:22.760 --> 00:10:24.220 And we need to stand firm. 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:29.220 We need to remain united and unwavering against external pressures. 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:35.900 Now, you might say, well, what exactly were the external pressures that the Christians in Philippi were facing? 00:10:37.320 --> 00:10:42.420 Well, if you look at Acts 16, it tells the story of when Paul comes to Philippi 00:10:42.420 --> 00:10:45.440 and begins preaching the gospel there and the church begins there. 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:49.880 And for the first couple of weeks that Paul is there, everything seems to go pretty smoothly. 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:54.680 He finds a group of women who are meeting by the riverside on the Sabbath day, 00:10:54.760 --> 00:10:57.600 who are praying to the one true God, reading the scriptures. 00:10:58.060 --> 00:11:01.360 And Paul teaches them about the fulfillment of the scriptures in Jesus. 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:05.940 And Lydia, her heart is strangely warmed, and she comes to faith. 00:11:05.940 --> 00:11:11.260 And she opens her home to Paul and Silas and Luke and Timothy, who are with him. 00:11:11.800 --> 00:11:13.880 And for a while, everything seems to be going well. 00:11:15.320 --> 00:11:22.900 But then, a young woman starts following Paul around and making a scene day after day. 00:11:23.780 --> 00:11:25.180 She was a fortune teller. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:27.240 She was also a slave. 00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:33.080 And Paul discerned that she was not only being exploited by her owners for financial gain, 00:11:33.180 --> 00:11:38.060 but she was also being oppressed by an evil spirit, which enabled her to do her fortune telling. 00:11:38.259 --> 00:11:42.879 And so, finally, one day, Paul turns and he rebukes the evil spirit in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:11:42.919 --> 00:11:45.899 and the evil spirit leaves, and that's when everything goes crazy. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:51.019 Her owners are furious because their business is done. 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:53.500 They seize Paul and Silas. 00:11:53.579 --> 00:11:54.860 They drag them into the marketplace. 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:59.799 They accuse them of being foreign agents and disturbing the peace of the city. 00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:02.139 They rally a crowd against them. 00:12:02.220 --> 00:12:03.919 They have them beaten and thrown into jail. 00:12:06.919 --> 00:12:09.000 Now, that was how the church in Philippi began. 00:12:11.559 --> 00:12:13.199 Now, Paul and Silas were released. 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:16.240 The authorities actually come to them, and they just want to release them quietly. 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:19.980 And Paul says, actually, no, you need to acknowledge that what you did was wrong. 00:12:21.019 --> 00:12:27.279 And what Paul's doing there is he's actually sort of providing some legal protection for the Christians 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:29.740 who are going to stay in Philippi after he leaves, 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:32.480 because he doesn't want the same thing to happen to them. 00:12:33.019 --> 00:12:36.819 And so, he makes the authorities publicly apologize because they were wrong. 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:44.319 There was no grounds on which they should have beaten and imprisoned Paul and Silas as Roman citizens. 00:12:44.319 --> 00:12:48.679 So, Paul stands up for the believers who are going to come after him, 00:12:48.679 --> 00:12:51.299 but still think about it. 00:12:52.239 --> 00:12:57.479 The church in Philippi began with verbal harassment, false accusations, mob violence, 00:12:57.599 --> 00:12:59.919 and imprisonment of its primary leaders. 00:13:02.819 --> 00:13:03.859 Now, think about it. 00:13:03.859 --> 00:13:05.639 If that's how this church began, 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:15.919 and everybody knew that Trinity Baptist Church began with a riot and violence against its leaders, 00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:21.699 and you knew that that was the reputation that whatever happened, that it was a mess. 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:23.600 Think about it. 00:13:23.799 --> 00:13:28.299 You might be a little hesitant to just come in here and visit on a Sunday morning, 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:30.019 because you might think, 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:32.720 I don't know what's going to happen to me. 00:13:33.919 --> 00:13:35.199 What if I join them? 00:13:35.519 --> 00:13:37.220 What if people turn on me? 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:40.860 And if you did join such a church, 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:44.399 you might be a little wary of publicly acknowledging that you were part of it. 00:13:45.059 --> 00:13:46.179 Oh, you're with them? 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:49.319 The guy who caused a riot? 00:13:51.579 --> 00:13:55.879 You see why Paul has to encourage the Philippians to stand boldly for Christ? 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:58.000 They really did have opponents. 00:13:58.159 --> 00:13:59.399 Paul wasn't making that up. 00:14:00.019 --> 00:14:03.819 There were real things they could have been fearful of, 00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:04.319 and Paul said, 00:14:04.419 --> 00:14:05.399 don't be frightened. 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:06.960 Don't be driven by your fear. 00:14:09.120 --> 00:14:10.120 Now, what about us? 00:14:11.539 --> 00:14:11.939 Right? 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:15.779 Most of us aren't facing the same kind of physical threats, 00:14:17.299 --> 00:14:21.240 the same kind of opposition that Paul and the Philippians were, 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:24.159 but what are the external pressures that we face? 00:14:25.079 --> 00:14:26.179 You know, in the book of Revelation, 00:14:27.079 --> 00:14:28.019 it's quite interesting. 00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:35.299 There are three figures in the book of Revelation that represent different forms of opposition to God's people. 00:14:36.299 --> 00:14:37.439 One of them is the beast. 00:14:38.279 --> 00:14:44.220 And the beast simply attacks God's people by intimidating them and by physically persecuting them. 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:52.000 The second is the false prophet who seeks to lead God's people astray by deceiving them, 00:14:52.560 --> 00:14:56.379 by filling their minds with lies and half-truths. 00:14:57.120 --> 00:14:59.779 Just like the serpent in the Garden of Eden who said, 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:02.800 did God really say that? 00:15:02.799 --> 00:15:10.039 God must be wanting to hold something back from you that would be good for you. 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:11.199 Don't you see this fruit? 00:15:12.039 --> 00:15:13.599 Why would he say no to that? 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:15.359 Just try it out. 00:15:17.559 --> 00:15:18.039 Deception. 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:25.399 And the third figure is the prostitute who undermines God's people by seducing them. 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:32.559 The picture is she's enchanting God's people to fall in love with this present world and its pleasures 00:15:32.559 --> 00:15:35.079 and to lose all desire for Christ. 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:40.959 So we have intimidation, deception, and seduction. 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:47.740 Each of these are tactics of the enemy of our souls, and we need to be vigilant against them all. 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:52.139 But here in Philippians 1, Paul focuses on intimidation. 00:15:53.340 --> 00:15:58.940 The things that press us to be driven by the fear of man instead of by faith in God. 00:16:01.780 --> 00:16:04.540 Now what might that look like for some of us here? 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:07.080 Maybe you work in academia. 00:16:07.080 --> 00:16:11.320 Now physical violence is pretty rare in academic circles. 00:16:12.520 --> 00:16:17.740 But there's plenty of passive-aggressive undercutting and sly political maneuvering. 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:21.040 Some of you have experienced that and been in the middle of it. 00:16:22.820 --> 00:16:28.240 And then occasionally a professor publicly adopts a position that is outside the current boundaries 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:29.879 of academic orthodoxy. 00:16:30.620 --> 00:16:33.200 And they might find protesters outside their house, 00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:37.540 their names slandered in the student newspaper editorial page. 00:16:37.620 --> 00:16:38.840 Perhaps they even get fired. 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:46.180 Now, I am not promoting the example of all professors who publicly espouse controversial views. 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:50.680 The Bible doesn't encourage Christians to be obnoxious. 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:54.640 It does encourage us to be discerning and wise. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:17:00.879 But you know, if you're a professor or a PhD student or a trainee of some kind, 00:17:01.840 --> 00:17:08.440 are you intimidated into saying nothing publicly about your faith in Christ? 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:13.680 Or only acknowledging your faith privately to groups of fellow Christians? 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:17.859 Are you trying to be like Joseph of Arimathea, 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:22.819 who was a disciple of Jesus but secretly out of fear of the authorities? 00:17:22.819 --> 00:17:28.859 You know, you may need to discern what this means, 00:17:28.919 --> 00:17:31.319 given your particular context and your particular position. 00:17:31.439 --> 00:17:35.639 But let me encourage you, students, professors, stand boldly for Christ. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:45.319 Don't let fear drive you to be silent or to make your faith a completely private thing. 00:17:47.139 --> 00:17:50.319 Now, maybe some of you feel pressure from a different direction. 00:17:50.319 --> 00:17:53.379 Maybe some of you feel pressure from non-Christian family members. 00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:58.279 You know, when Paul was seized and dragged before the authorities in Philippi, 00:17:58.819 --> 00:18:03.939 they accused him of disturbing the city and advocating foreign customs. 00:18:05.179 --> 00:18:12.039 They said, these men are Jews and they're advocating customs that are unlawful for us as Romans to practice. 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:20.539 They were basically framing Paul and accusing him of being a foreign outsider who was undermining their culture. 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:24.740 And maybe you feel a tension along these lines. 00:18:25.899 --> 00:18:26.319 Right? 00:18:26.359 --> 00:18:30.139 Maybe your parents or your grandparents are from a different religious background. 00:18:30.279 --> 00:18:33.440 Maybe you come from a country where there are very few Christians, 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:38.440 or a culture or part of the world where there are very few Christians. 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:42.380 Maybe your family members have even told you, 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:44.779 either explicitly or implicitly, 00:18:44.840 --> 00:18:45.920 if you become a Christian, 00:18:46.840 --> 00:18:48.000 if you get baptized, 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:50.519 you'll be betraying your heritage. 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:54.720 You know, our religion has been good for our family for generations. 00:18:54.900 --> 00:18:56.340 Why isn't it good enough for you? 00:18:56.339 --> 00:19:02.259 Or maybe your parents are happily non-religious, 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:05.379 modern American secularists, 00:19:05.699 --> 00:19:09.059 and they can't see why you're so into this Jesus thing. 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:15.000 Why do you spend so much time reading the Bible and meeting with other Christians and praying? 00:19:15.179 --> 00:19:16.759 Why do you want to give away so much money 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:21.179 and go overseas to do mission work 00:19:21.179 --> 00:19:23.899 or move to the inner city? 00:19:23.900 --> 00:19:26.840 Can't you just settle down and live a normal American life? 00:19:29.100 --> 00:19:30.340 The Apostle Paul says, 00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:32.700 stand firm and strive together, 00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:34.880 side by side. 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:37.860 Don't try to fight these battles alone. 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:39.740 You need the prayers and the encouragement 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:41.180 and wisdom and discernment 00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:43.460 and the love of your brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:47.660 Whatever might be the external pressures that you're facing, 00:19:49.040 --> 00:19:51.620 stand firm and stand together. 00:19:51.619 --> 00:19:56.699 And Paul encourages them to trust that in all their struggles, 00:19:56.819 --> 00:19:58.459 in all the pressures they're experiencing, 00:19:58.839 --> 00:20:01.059 that God is working out His purpose. 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.799 Verse 28, 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:06.159 this is a clear sign to them of their destruction, 00:20:06.679 --> 00:20:09.519 but of your salvation and that from God. 00:20:11.399 --> 00:20:12.439 One writer said, 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:15.200 it is God who sends the trials they must undergo. 00:20:16.200 --> 00:20:20.880 It is God who gives the solid resistance with which they must confront them. 00:20:21.440 --> 00:20:25.580 And it is God who gives the assurance of salvation which follows. 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:27.860 And Paul goes on, 00:20:28.259 --> 00:20:28.820 verse 29, 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:31.360 for it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, 00:20:31.840 --> 00:20:33.259 you should not only believe in Him, 00:20:33.299 --> 00:20:34.860 but also suffer for His sake. 00:20:34.859 --> 00:20:37.519 That's a very strong statement. 00:20:39.699 --> 00:20:40.179 Right? 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:42.759 Sometimes we talk about how faith is a gift from God. 00:20:43.919 --> 00:20:45.219 This verse affirms that. 00:20:46.459 --> 00:20:47.599 But this verse says, 00:20:47.859 --> 00:20:50.099 not only is faith in Christ a gift of God, 00:20:50.159 --> 00:20:54.119 but suffering for Christ's sake is also a gift from God. 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:56.619 It's actually the same verb, 00:20:56.699 --> 00:20:59.199 the same verb that's used when talking about spiritual gifts 00:20:59.199 --> 00:21:01.099 is used right here. 00:21:01.099 --> 00:21:02.579 It has been granted. 00:21:02.699 --> 00:21:05.219 It has been given to you by God. 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:06.699 Now, 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:10.399 Paul's not saying that every kind of suffering that we endure 00:21:10.399 --> 00:21:12.619 is a gift from God in the same way. 00:21:12.740 --> 00:21:12.879 Right? 00:21:12.939 --> 00:21:15.319 Sometimes suffering is God's instrument to correct us 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:16.419 when we fall into sin. 00:21:17.139 --> 00:21:19.419 Sometimes suffering is just part of the human experience. 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:21.459 Living in a fallen world. 00:21:22.959 --> 00:21:23.740 Sometimes it's, 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:27.019 it's not always a good thing. 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:29.939 But Paul here is talking about suffering for the sake of Christ. 00:21:31.099 --> 00:21:34.480 For the sake of righteousness and faithfulness and loyalty to Christ. 00:21:34.679 --> 00:21:35.539 In other words, 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:37.259 think about it this way. 00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:38.939 Have you ever suffered, 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:41.480 have you ever gone through a difficulty 00:21:41.480 --> 00:21:42.539 and thought, 00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:42.859 you know, 00:21:42.959 --> 00:21:44.959 if I wasn't committed to following Christ, 00:21:45.219 --> 00:21:47.319 I would have an easy way out of this. 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:50.919 Or I wouldn't even be in this situation in the first place. 00:21:53.139 --> 00:21:55.059 If you're in a situation and you realize 00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:58.639 following Christ is going to be harder, 00:21:58.640 --> 00:22:00.759 and yet you say, 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:01.259 yes, 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:03.520 I'm committed to following Christ, 00:22:03.640 --> 00:22:04.840 even if it is harder. 00:22:08.520 --> 00:22:09.420 Paul says that, 00:22:09.840 --> 00:22:10.020 Paul, 00:22:10.380 --> 00:22:13.380 that's what suffering for the sake of Christ is. 00:22:14.080 --> 00:22:15.320 And 1 Peter 3 says, 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:17.140 if you should suffer for righteousness sake, 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:18.040 you will be blessed. 00:22:19.340 --> 00:22:20.680 Jesus said in the Beatitudes, 00:22:20.820 --> 00:22:22.540 blessed are you when others revile you 00:22:22.540 --> 00:22:23.360 and persecute you 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:25.599 and utter all kinds of evil against you 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:27.679 falsely on my account. 00:22:30.719 --> 00:22:33.740 How are we blessed when we suffer for Christ's sake? 00:22:34.939 --> 00:22:37.799 It's probably not how most of us tend to think about it, 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:38.119 right? 00:22:39.219 --> 00:22:39.539 Well, 00:22:39.539 --> 00:22:40.240 I think for one thing, 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:41.219 it draws us deeper. 00:22:42.079 --> 00:22:43.779 It draws us closer to our Savior 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:46.459 who suffered for us 00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:49.440 and who even now suffers with us. 00:22:50.100 --> 00:22:50.360 You know, 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:51.900 when Jesus confronted Saul 00:22:51.900 --> 00:22:53.240 on the road to Damascus 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:55.940 and Paul was going to persecute the church, 00:22:56.039 --> 00:22:57.240 Jesus did not say, 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:58.059 Paul, 00:22:58.380 --> 00:22:58.940 or Saul, 00:22:59.100 --> 00:22:59.420 Saul, 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.940 why do you persecute the church? 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:04.039 Even though that's exactly what he was going to do, 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:04.380 he said, 00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:04.740 Saul, 00:23:04.880 --> 00:23:05.120 Saul, 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:07.819 why are you persecuting me? 00:23:09.559 --> 00:23:10.600 In other words, 00:23:11.420 --> 00:23:14.100 when you're opposing God's people, 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:15.019 you're opposing me. 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:16.359 When you're hurting God's people, 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:17.400 you're hurting me. 00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:21.299 Jesus is united with us. 00:23:22.339 --> 00:23:22.559 And so, 00:23:22.599 --> 00:23:23.740 when we suffer for his sake, 00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:25.379 he is right there with us. 00:23:25.420 --> 00:23:26.440 He feels that. 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:29.940 And so, 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:31.879 when we suffer for Christ's sake, 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:33.559 we're united more deeply with him 00:23:33.559 --> 00:23:35.220 and with believers 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:37.460 who suffer throughout the world 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:40.440 for the sake of the gospel of Christ. 00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:42.579 So, 00:23:42.660 --> 00:23:43.519 Paul encourages us. 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.700 It's the first way we live 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:46.400 as citizens worthy of the gospel. 00:23:46.900 --> 00:23:48.859 Stand boldly for Christ 00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:51.240 against external pressures, 00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:52.440 against intimidation, 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:54.500 because we're soldiers in his army. 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:57.400 But the second expression 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:59.279 of living as citizens 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.579 worthy of the gospel of Christ 00:24:00.579 --> 00:24:01.839 is found in chapter 2, 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:02.779 verses 1 to 4. 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:06.619 We're not just to stand boldly for Christ, 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:09.420 we're also to serve humbly in Christ. 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:11.640 Because we're not just an army, 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:13.560 we're also a family in Christ. 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:16.580 If the end of chapter 1 00:24:16.580 --> 00:24:17.500 is about our response 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:18.840 to external pressures, 00:24:19.800 --> 00:24:20.940 the beginning of chapter 2 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:22.140 focuses on our response 00:24:22.140 --> 00:24:23.720 to internal challenges. 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:26.680 And if you've been around the church 00:24:26.680 --> 00:24:27.920 for any length of time, 00:24:28.820 --> 00:24:29.920 you know that the enemies 00:24:29.920 --> 00:24:31.100 we face as Christians 00:24:31.100 --> 00:24:32.480 are not only external. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:35.140 When I joined the staff 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:36.059 of InterVarsity 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:37.740 to do full-time campus ministry 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:38.839 in 2003, 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.920 my pastor at the time 00:24:40.920 --> 00:24:41.539 said to me, 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.819 the number one reason 00:24:43.819 --> 00:24:45.920 why missionaries leave 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:47.039 the mission field 00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:49.640 is not because of external opposition, 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:51.980 but because of internal conflicts 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:52.900 with coworkers. 00:24:54.160 --> 00:24:55.799 And it was a helpful word for me. 00:24:56.860 --> 00:24:57.920 In my first year 00:24:57.920 --> 00:24:58.880 doing campus ministry, 00:24:59.039 --> 00:25:00.420 one of my biggest challenges 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:01.340 was my relationship 00:25:01.340 --> 00:25:02.279 with my supervisor. 00:25:03.560 --> 00:25:04.640 He and I were very different 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:05.880 in personalities 00:25:05.880 --> 00:25:07.440 and working styles. 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:08.860 As a result, 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:10.160 some of our sinful tendencies 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:10.860 and weaknesses 00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:12.039 became quickly evident 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:12.880 to one another. 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:15.420 I had to learn 00:25:15.420 --> 00:25:17.080 to initiate hard conversations 00:25:17.080 --> 00:25:19.100 when I became frustrated. 00:25:19.860 --> 00:25:21.420 Instead of just being silent 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:23.259 and growing inwardly resentful, 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:25.840 I had to listen to his feedback 00:25:25.840 --> 00:25:28.800 and examine some of my own blind spots. 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:30.960 It wasn't easy 00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:32.680 and it didn't always come naturally. 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:35.639 But this is what Paul says 00:25:35.639 --> 00:25:36.460 we must do here 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:37.460 in verses one to four. 00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:40.319 Look down at verse one. 00:25:40.460 --> 00:25:42.259 Paul begins by reminding us 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:43.119 of all that we share 00:25:43.119 --> 00:25:44.059 in common in Christ. 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.159 He says four things 00:25:45.159 --> 00:25:45.919 we share in common 00:25:45.919 --> 00:25:46.919 with every other Christian. 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:48.440 Encouragement in Christ, 00:25:48.899 --> 00:25:50.059 comfort from the love 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:50.839 of God the Father, 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:52.440 participation or sharing 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.299 in the Holy Spirit, 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:54.680 and affection and sympathy 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:55.720 with other believers. 00:25:55.879 --> 00:25:56.240 Paul says, 00:25:56.559 --> 00:25:57.180 think about this. 00:25:57.180 --> 00:25:58.500 You have the whole Trinity, 00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:59.920 the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:00.680 on your side. 00:26:01.560 --> 00:26:03.080 And you have the community of faith, 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:05.019 the affection and sympathy 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:06.180 that we have for one another. 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:08.000 You're part of the family 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:08.500 of believers. 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:09.900 Think of all that you have 00:26:09.900 --> 00:26:10.380 in common 00:26:10.380 --> 00:26:11.740 with every other Christian, 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.259 even the ones you think 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:14.100 you share very little 00:26:14.100 --> 00:26:14.840 in common with, 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:15.720 the whole Trinity 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:16.539 and the church. 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:17.700 And then in verse two, 00:26:17.740 --> 00:26:18.620 he gives us four things 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:19.180 to pursue, 00:26:19.560 --> 00:26:20.680 being of the same mind, 00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:21.940 having the same love, 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:22.980 being in full accord, 00:26:23.080 --> 00:26:23.940 being of one mind. 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:26.299 And that word translated mind 00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:27.880 in verse two, 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.259 as well as in verse five, 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:31.019 it's a word that means 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:33.180 both feeling and thinking. 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.580 So Paul's not just saying, 00:26:36.140 --> 00:26:37.880 have the exact same ideas. 00:26:38.820 --> 00:26:39.299 Because you know what? 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:40.080 We won't always have 00:26:40.080 --> 00:26:41.059 the exact same ideas 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:43.299 as Christians or opinions. 00:26:44.200 --> 00:26:45.059 Paul's talking about 00:26:45.059 --> 00:26:46.279 sharing a common attitude 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.160 and purpose 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:49.940 and being able to sympathize 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:52.180 with one another's thoughts 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:52.940 and feelings. 00:26:54.340 --> 00:26:54.720 And Paul says, 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:55.720 this is what will fill me 00:26:55.720 --> 00:26:56.200 with joy 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:59.180 as we feel and think 00:26:59.180 --> 00:27:00.100 according to Christ. 00:27:00.860 --> 00:27:01.920 Psalm 133 says, 00:27:02.080 --> 00:27:03.039 behold how good 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.920 and pleasant it is 00:27:03.920 --> 00:27:05.039 when brothers and sisters 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:06.440 dwell together in unity. 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:08.220 For there the Lord 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:09.500 has commanded His blessing, 00:27:09.660 --> 00:27:10.700 life forevermore. 00:27:12.039 --> 00:27:12.220 You know, 00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:13.019 pursuing unity 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:14.259 and love with other believers 00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:15.500 is not always easy. 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.840 Sometimes it can be 00:27:17.840 --> 00:27:18.799 even more challenging 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:19.900 than dealing with 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:20.920 external opposition 00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:22.200 to the faith. 00:27:23.100 --> 00:27:23.740 But Paul says, 00:27:23.820 --> 00:27:24.519 it's necessary 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:25.320 and ultimately 00:27:25.320 --> 00:27:26.620 it's life-giving. 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:28.340 You know, 00:27:28.360 --> 00:27:28.980 I think one of the 00:27:28.980 --> 00:27:29.840 sweetest blessings 00:27:29.840 --> 00:27:31.640 that I have experienced 00:27:31.640 --> 00:27:32.960 as a follower of Christ 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:35.140 is seeing Christian believers 00:27:35.140 --> 00:27:36.640 who were once angry 00:27:36.640 --> 00:27:38.259 and adversarial 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:39.580 and accusatory 00:27:39.580 --> 00:27:40.740 against each other 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:42.620 humble themselves 00:27:42.620 --> 00:27:43.420 before God, 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:45.500 confess their sins 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.160 to one another, 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:48.360 ask and receive forgiveness, 00:27:48.359 --> 00:27:49.139 forgiveness, 00:27:49.139 --> 00:27:50.339 be reconciled, 00:27:50.419 --> 00:27:51.919 and go on to appreciate 00:27:51.919 --> 00:27:52.579 and honor 00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.539 and love one another 00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:54.699 and even to work together. 00:27:56.219 --> 00:27:57.319 I can think of times 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:57.819 this has happened 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:58.639 in my own life 00:27:58.639 --> 00:28:00.439 with some people 00:28:00.439 --> 00:28:01.039 that I know 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:02.399 and love even today. 00:28:03.819 --> 00:28:04.740 It's also happened 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.179 in the history 00:28:05.179 --> 00:28:05.879 of this church. 00:28:06.899 --> 00:28:07.859 A long time ago, 00:28:07.939 --> 00:28:08.740 before most of us 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:09.199 were here, 00:28:09.639 --> 00:28:10.799 in the 1990s, 00:28:10.839 --> 00:28:11.500 there were some messy 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:13.199 conflicts in this church. 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:14.339 There were bad decisions 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:15.039 made, 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.279 many people were hurt, 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:18.259 many left the church, 00:28:18.859 --> 00:28:19.960 and for five years 00:28:19.960 --> 00:28:21.000 this church struggled 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:22.859 and barely survived 00:28:22.859 --> 00:28:24.220 with about 25 members 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:25.099 and no pastor. 00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:27.220 And then one night 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:27.799 there was a church 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.480 prayer meeting 00:28:28.480 --> 00:28:30.319 and people began 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:31.519 confessing their sins 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:33.759 even from years ago 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:35.859 and seeking one another's 00:28:35.859 --> 00:28:36.240 forgiveness 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:38.119 and beginning to heal, 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:39.379 seek God's healing 00:28:39.379 --> 00:28:40.019 from hurts 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:40.740 that had been 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:43.059 from long in the past. 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:44.500 And the people 00:28:44.500 --> 00:28:45.000 who were there 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.920 at that prayer meeting 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:47.200 say it was an important 00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:48.060 turning point. 00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:49.960 And God began 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:50.960 to work in this church 00:28:50.960 --> 00:28:51.680 in new ways 00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:52.460 after that. 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:54.080 In particular, 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:54.840 the next month 00:28:54.840 --> 00:28:55.880 God brought a new pastor 00:28:55.880 --> 00:28:56.980 seemingly out of nowhere 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:57.480 and the church 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.420 began to grow again. 00:28:59.680 --> 00:29:00.960 Now I want to acknowledge 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:02.960 reconciliation 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:04.320 doesn't always happen 00:29:04.320 --> 00:29:04.960 immediately 00:29:04.960 --> 00:29:06.400 when there's been 00:29:06.400 --> 00:29:07.539 conflict and wrongdoing 00:29:07.539 --> 00:29:08.220 in the past. 00:29:09.259 --> 00:29:09.980 Sometimes people 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:10.600 want to reconcile 00:29:10.600 --> 00:29:11.460 but they're not quite 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:12.100 ready to repent 00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:14.100 or they are so blind 00:29:14.099 --> 00:29:14.579 to the ways 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:15.019 they've hurt 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:15.539 someone else 00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:16.059 in the past 00:29:16.059 --> 00:29:17.000 that it's hard 00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:17.919 for the other person 00:29:17.919 --> 00:29:19.819 to fully receive them. 00:29:20.779 --> 00:29:21.559 Sometimes we need 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.119 patience 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:24.059 through that process. 00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:25.759 Sometimes there's 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.459 real forgiveness 00:29:26.459 --> 00:29:28.099 but then trust 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:28.679 takes longer 00:29:28.679 --> 00:29:29.240 to rebuild 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.759 and that can be 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:31.179 appropriate 00:29:31.179 --> 00:29:32.379 at times. 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:33.980 Reconciliation 00:29:33.980 --> 00:29:35.059 is often a process 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:35.619 that requires 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.759 patience and prayer. 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:36.819 prayer. 00:29:39.579 --> 00:29:41.059 But Paul encourages us. 00:29:41.440 --> 00:29:41.960 This is what we're 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:42.819 called to in Christ 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.960 and let me just say 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:45.660 it's really sweet 00:29:45.660 --> 00:29:47.119 when you can 00:29:47.119 --> 00:29:47.779 persevere 00:29:47.779 --> 00:29:48.740 through that process 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.660 and be able 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:50.259 to look back 00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:50.700 and say 00:29:50.700 --> 00:29:52.039 boy we've come 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:52.660 a long way 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:55.079 and God has 00:29:55.079 --> 00:29:55.900 kept us together 00:29:55.900 --> 00:29:56.680 and we haven't 00:29:56.680 --> 00:29:58.000 just cut each other 00:29:58.000 --> 00:29:58.379 off 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:59.480 and gone our 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.180 separate ways 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:01.200 and left each other 00:30:01.200 --> 00:30:01.599 alone 00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:02.740 but we found 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:03.140 a way 00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:04.140 in Christ 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:06.360 to love 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:07.280 one another. 00:30:09.040 --> 00:30:10.160 Whatever the situation 00:30:10.160 --> 00:30:10.880 might be 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:13.280 Paul shows us 00:30:13.280 --> 00:30:14.060 how to pursue unity 00:30:14.060 --> 00:30:15.120 in verses 3 and 4. 00:30:16.600 --> 00:30:17.740 In each of these verses 00:30:17.740 --> 00:30:18.759 there's a contrast. 00:30:18.860 --> 00:30:19.200 You notice 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:20.020 there's a not 00:30:20.020 --> 00:30:21.460 but contrast. 00:30:22.640 --> 00:30:22.900 He says 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:23.720 do nothing 00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:24.740 from selfish ambition 00:30:24.740 --> 00:30:25.400 or conceit 00:30:25.400 --> 00:30:26.380 but instead 00:30:26.380 --> 00:30:28.520 live in humility 00:30:28.520 --> 00:30:29.280 count others 00:30:29.280 --> 00:30:30.259 more significant 00:30:30.259 --> 00:30:31.000 than yourselves. 00:30:32.020 --> 00:30:32.420 Don't 00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:33.360 let each of you 00:30:33.360 --> 00:30:33.580 look 00:30:33.580 --> 00:30:34.360 not only 00:30:34.360 --> 00:30:34.940 to your own 00:30:34.940 --> 00:30:35.279 interests 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:36.080 but also 00:30:36.080 --> 00:30:36.680 to the interests 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.320 of others. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.300 Someone said 00:30:39.300 --> 00:30:40.080 humility is not 00:30:40.080 --> 00:30:40.620 thinking less 00:30:40.620 --> 00:30:41.160 of yourself 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:42.320 but thinking 00:30:42.320 --> 00:30:42.880 of yourself 00:30:42.880 --> 00:30:43.380 less. 00:30:44.660 --> 00:30:45.380 Seeking the good 00:30:45.380 --> 00:30:45.900 of others 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:46.519 and not just 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.060 our own. 00:30:47.160 --> 00:30:47.560 Even seeking 00:30:47.560 --> 00:30:48.180 the good of others 00:30:48.180 --> 00:30:49.200 above our own. 00:30:50.920 --> 00:30:51.400 So Paul says 00:30:51.400 --> 00:30:52.080 we need to stand 00:30:52.080 --> 00:30:52.940 boldly in Christ 00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:53.420 because we're 00:30:53.420 --> 00:30:53.880 an army. 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:54.880 We need to serve 00:30:54.880 --> 00:30:55.320 one another 00:30:55.320 --> 00:30:56.160 humbly in Christ 00:30:56.160 --> 00:30:56.680 because we're 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.140 a family. 00:30:58.820 --> 00:30:59.519 Now before I go 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:00.039 on to the third 00:31:00.039 --> 00:31:00.480 point let me 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.019 say this. 00:31:02.420 --> 00:31:03.100 There are some 00:31:03.100 --> 00:31:03.759 Christians who 00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:04.380 are bold 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:05.320 and confident. 00:31:06.380 --> 00:31:07.080 They know the 00:31:07.080 --> 00:31:07.640 word of God. 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:08.320 They preach the 00:31:08.320 --> 00:31:09.060 gospel to people 00:31:09.060 --> 00:31:10.000 even if they've 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:10.880 never met 00:31:10.880 --> 00:31:11.420 and people who 00:31:11.420 --> 00:31:11.820 they've known 00:31:11.820 --> 00:31:12.539 all their lives. 00:31:12.640 --> 00:31:13.620 They start new 00:31:13.620 --> 00:31:14.560 ministries even if 00:31:14.560 --> 00:31:15.240 the money hasn't 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:15.880 come in yet. 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:16.519 They pray for 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:17.100 people to be 00:31:17.100 --> 00:31:17.400 healed. 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:18.460 They drive out 00:31:18.460 --> 00:31:19.180 demons in Jesus' 00:31:19.360 --> 00:31:19.519 name. 00:31:19.600 --> 00:31:20.080 They confront 00:31:20.080 --> 00:31:20.620 people with 00:31:20.620 --> 00:31:21.100 the truth. 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:22.000 They correct 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:22.480 people who 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:22.940 have fallen 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:23.539 into error. 00:31:23.860 --> 00:31:24.180 But you know 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:24.380 what? 00:31:24.460 --> 00:31:25.200 Sometimes to be 00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:27.360 honest these bold 00:31:27.360 --> 00:31:29.100 Christians can be 00:31:29.100 --> 00:31:29.560 hard to deal 00:31:29.560 --> 00:31:29.880 with. 00:31:29.880 --> 00:31:31.580 Because some 00:31:31.580 --> 00:31:32.140 of these bold 00:31:32.140 --> 00:31:32.660 Christians are 00:31:32.660 --> 00:31:34.600 stubborn and they 00:31:34.600 --> 00:31:35.240 think they're always 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:35.880 right and they 00:31:35.880 --> 00:31:36.700 don't listen well. 00:31:37.520 --> 00:31:38.340 They think I know 00:31:38.340 --> 00:31:39.100 the facts so I 00:31:39.100 --> 00:31:39.640 don't really care 00:31:39.640 --> 00:31:40.300 how you feel. 00:31:41.560 --> 00:31:42.200 And in their 00:31:42.200 --> 00:31:42.840 zeal for the 00:31:42.840 --> 00:31:43.800 gospel they damage 00:31:43.800 --> 00:31:44.860 relationships without 00:31:44.860 --> 00:31:46.040 even realizing it. 00:31:47.400 --> 00:31:48.200 And then on the 00:31:48.200 --> 00:31:48.940 other side there are 00:31:48.940 --> 00:31:49.560 some Christians who 00:31:49.560 --> 00:31:51.120 are humble and 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:51.560 kind. 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:53.360 They visit the 00:31:53.360 --> 00:31:54.860 sick and feed the 00:31:54.860 --> 00:31:55.840 hungry and hug the 00:31:55.840 --> 00:31:57.120 lonely and listen to 00:31:57.120 --> 00:31:57.960 the perplexed and 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:58.600 forbear with 00:31:58.600 --> 00:31:59.340 difficult people. 00:31:59.339 --> 00:32:00.199 They forgive those 00:32:00.199 --> 00:32:00.899 who have hurt them 00:32:00.899 --> 00:32:01.659 and give them 00:32:01.659 --> 00:32:02.279 another chance. 00:32:02.379 --> 00:32:03.039 They take out the 00:32:03.039 --> 00:32:04.199 garbage and close 00:32:04.199 --> 00:32:05.419 up the building after 00:32:05.419 --> 00:32:06.179 everyone else has 00:32:06.179 --> 00:32:07.319 left when no one 00:32:07.319 --> 00:32:07.939 else is looking. 00:32:08.439 --> 00:32:08.980 They have a 00:32:08.980 --> 00:32:09.559 servant's heart. 00:32:11.399 --> 00:32:11.980 You know sometimes 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:13.579 these kind and 00:32:13.579 --> 00:32:14.559 humble Christians can 00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:15.359 also be hard to 00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:16.000 work with too. 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:18.240 Because sometimes 00:32:18.240 --> 00:32:19.179 they can be timid 00:32:19.179 --> 00:32:22.000 and indecisive and 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:22.799 always wanting to 00:32:22.799 --> 00:32:23.500 please the people 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.119 they're serving. 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:24.720 So they make 00:32:24.720 --> 00:32:25.759 excuses for people 00:32:25.759 --> 00:32:26.319 instead of 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:27.059 correcting them. 00:32:27.059 --> 00:32:28.879 And sometimes the 00:32:28.879 --> 00:32:29.579 result is they 00:32:29.579 --> 00:32:30.899 enable people to 00:32:30.899 --> 00:32:32.079 remain in unhealthy 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:32.980 attitudes and 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:33.859 patterns of behavior. 00:32:34.899 --> 00:32:35.700 Now all of us 00:32:35.700 --> 00:32:36.659 probably tend toward 00:32:36.659 --> 00:32:37.359 one side or the 00:32:37.359 --> 00:32:38.779 other of this 00:32:38.779 --> 00:32:39.139 spectrum. 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:40.500 Right? 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.240 If we're honest with 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:43.740 ourselves, one or 00:32:43.740 --> 00:32:44.440 even both of those 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:45.299 descriptions sometimes 00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:46.079 applies to us. 00:32:46.659 --> 00:32:47.460 But Paul says we 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:47.980 need both. 00:32:48.099 --> 00:32:48.779 We need to pursue 00:32:48.779 --> 00:32:49.899 boldness and 00:32:49.899 --> 00:32:50.399 kindness. 00:32:51.200 --> 00:32:52.319 We need to stand 00:32:52.319 --> 00:32:53.379 boldly and we need 00:32:53.379 --> 00:32:54.099 to serve humbly. 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:55.459 This is what it 00:32:55.459 --> 00:32:56.279 means to be citizens 00:32:56.279 --> 00:32:57.059 of Christ's kingdom 00:32:57.059 --> 00:32:57.899 because this is what 00:32:57.899 --> 00:32:58.779 it means to reflect 00:32:58.779 --> 00:32:59.899 Christ's own 00:32:59.899 --> 00:33:00.399 character. 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.500 It's to pursue both 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:03.459 of these and not 00:33:03.459 --> 00:33:04.179 just one at the 00:33:04.179 --> 00:33:04.740 expense of the 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:04.959 other. 00:33:06.379 --> 00:33:06.939 So in our 00:33:06.939 --> 00:33:07.819 concluding section 00:33:07.819 --> 00:33:09.799 verses 5 to 11 of 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:10.619 chapter 2, Paul 00:33:10.619 --> 00:33:11.519 shows us that there's 00:33:11.519 --> 00:33:12.679 one source of both 00:33:12.679 --> 00:33:14.159 kindness and boldness. 00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.199 Humility and 00:33:15.199 --> 00:33:15.599 boldness. 00:33:16.719 --> 00:33:17.759 He says have this 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:18.379 mind among 00:33:18.379 --> 00:33:18.859 yourselves. 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:20.240 Share this attitude 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:20.939 among yourselves 00:33:20.939 --> 00:33:21.959 which is yours in 00:33:21.959 --> 00:33:22.639 Christ Jesus. 00:33:22.640 --> 00:33:22.840 us. 00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:25.140 And what we see in 00:33:25.140 --> 00:33:26.800 these verses, in 00:33:26.800 --> 00:33:28.200 verses 6 to 8, we 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:29.220 see Christ's humility. 00:33:30.520 --> 00:33:31.360 We see how Christ 00:33:31.360 --> 00:33:33.060 humbled himself and 00:33:33.060 --> 00:33:34.140 became our brother and 00:33:34.140 --> 00:33:35.120 brought us into God's 00:33:35.120 --> 00:33:35.460 family. 00:33:35.600 --> 00:33:37.220 He showed us unsurpassed 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:37.540 kindness. 00:33:38.120 --> 00:33:39.259 He was equal with God. 00:33:40.140 --> 00:33:41.660 But he didn't count 00:33:41.660 --> 00:33:42.860 equality with God a 00:33:42.860 --> 00:33:43.620 thing to be grasped. 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:44.400 That means he didn't 00:33:44.400 --> 00:33:45.800 forcefully retain his 00:33:45.800 --> 00:33:47.120 power and privileges for 00:33:47.120 --> 00:33:48.200 his own advantage. 00:33:49.620 --> 00:33:50.759 Instead he willingly 00:33:50.759 --> 00:33:52.460 emptied his divine glory 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:54.819 into the form of a 00:33:54.819 --> 00:33:55.480 bondservant. 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:57.420 Now that's not saying 00:33:57.420 --> 00:33:58.740 that Jesus stopped 00:33:58.740 --> 00:34:00.660 being fully divine when 00:34:00.660 --> 00:34:02.000 he became fully human. 00:34:03.059 --> 00:34:03.960 Instead it's saying 00:34:03.960 --> 00:34:05.720 that Jesus manifested 00:34:05.720 --> 00:34:07.500 the full divinity and 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:10.360 glory of God as a 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:11.840 fully human being. 00:34:12.519 --> 00:34:14.360 Subject to all the 00:34:14.360 --> 00:34:15.460 human limitations that 00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:16.800 we experience. 00:34:16.920 --> 00:34:18.099 Hunger and thirst, 00:34:18.480 --> 00:34:19.639 heat and cold, 00:34:20.079 --> 00:34:21.300 time and space, 00:34:21.300 --> 00:34:22.160 weariness, 00:34:22.380 --> 00:34:23.580 and ultimately death. 00:34:25.019 --> 00:34:25.800 Paul says, 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:27.000 Christ became obedient 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:27.580 to death. 00:34:28.380 --> 00:34:29.760 Even the shame and pain 00:34:29.760 --> 00:34:30.700 of death on a cross. 00:34:33.160 --> 00:34:34.300 In another Bible passage 00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:36.060 in Titus chapter 3 00:34:36.060 --> 00:34:37.019 verses 3 and 5 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:37.840 puts it this way, 00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:39.460 describing the kindness 00:34:39.460 --> 00:34:40.120 of Christ. 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:41.340 It says, 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:43.240 at one time we were all 00:34:43.240 --> 00:34:43.820 foolish, 00:34:44.660 --> 00:34:45.380 disobedient, 00:34:46.079 --> 00:34:46.640 deceived, 00:34:47.140 --> 00:34:48.480 and enslaved by all 00:34:48.480 --> 00:34:49.680 kinds of passions and 00:34:49.680 --> 00:34:50.039 pleasures. 00:34:51.160 --> 00:34:52.440 We lived in malice and 00:34:52.440 --> 00:34:53.620 envy, being hated and 00:34:53.620 --> 00:34:54.440 hating one another. 00:34:55.300 --> 00:34:56.760 But when the kindness and 00:34:56.760 --> 00:34:58.740 love of God our Savior 00:34:58.740 --> 00:35:00.720 appeared, he saved us. 00:35:01.400 --> 00:35:02.579 Not because of righteous 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:03.500 things we had done, but 00:35:03.500 --> 00:35:04.920 because of his mercy. 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.620 Jesus didn't just extend 00:35:07.620 --> 00:35:09.240 kindness and humility to his 00:35:09.239 --> 00:35:10.899 friends and family members 00:35:10.899 --> 00:35:12.159 and people who liked him 00:35:12.159 --> 00:35:12.719 and thanked him. 00:35:12.959 --> 00:35:14.619 Jesus extended kindness to 00:35:14.619 --> 00:35:15.579 people who were indifferent 00:35:15.579 --> 00:35:16.779 and who could care less. 00:35:17.779 --> 00:35:19.019 He extended kindness to 00:35:19.019 --> 00:35:19.899 people who were full of 00:35:19.899 --> 00:35:21.699 hate and envy toward him 00:35:21.699 --> 00:35:22.339 and one another. 00:35:22.899 --> 00:35:24.039 He extended kindness to 00:35:24.039 --> 00:35:24.879 people who were addicted 00:35:24.879 --> 00:35:26.139 to all kinds of passions 00:35:26.139 --> 00:35:26.739 and pleasures. 00:35:26.899 --> 00:35:28.379 He extended kindness not 00:35:28.379 --> 00:35:29.619 because of righteous things 00:35:29.619 --> 00:35:30.359 that we had done, 00:35:30.879 --> 00:35:32.199 but because of his mercy. 00:35:34.019 --> 00:35:35.219 You see, the message of the 00:35:35.219 --> 00:35:36.019 Bible is not, 00:35:36.439 --> 00:35:38.119 be a good person and try to 00:35:38.119 --> 00:35:39.179 live a good life and 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:40.239 everything will be okay in 00:35:40.239 --> 00:35:40.539 the end. 00:35:40.579 --> 00:35:41.259 You know, that message 00:35:41.259 --> 00:35:42.440 never changes anybody's 00:35:42.440 --> 00:35:42.679 heart. 00:35:43.839 --> 00:35:45.119 We might all admit that it 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:45.980 would be a good thing to 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:47.059 pursue, being a nice and 00:35:47.059 --> 00:35:48.920 good person, but that 00:35:48.920 --> 00:35:50.259 message alone is vague and 00:35:50.259 --> 00:35:50.639 powerless. 00:35:51.880 --> 00:35:53.099 The message of the Bible is 00:35:53.099 --> 00:35:54.359 that we are more flawed and 00:35:54.359 --> 00:35:55.619 sinful than we ever dare to 00:35:55.619 --> 00:35:56.039 believe. 00:35:57.119 --> 00:35:58.179 Every one of us without 00:35:58.179 --> 00:36:00.259 exception, even our best 00:36:00.259 --> 00:36:01.539 deeds are tainted by 00:36:01.539 --> 00:36:02.839 self-serving and impure 00:36:02.839 --> 00:36:03.259 motives. 00:36:04.319 --> 00:36:05.739 Our sin was so bad that the 00:36:05.739 --> 00:36:07.119 Son of God had to die on a 00:36:07.119 --> 00:36:09.679 cross and in our place to 00:36:09.679 --> 00:36:10.400 save us from it. 00:36:11.219 --> 00:36:13.099 But the good news is that in 00:36:13.099 --> 00:36:14.239 Jesus Christ we are more 00:36:14.239 --> 00:36:15.679 loved and accepted than we 00:36:15.679 --> 00:36:16.679 ever dared to hope. 00:36:17.699 --> 00:36:18.859 We're more flawed and sinful 00:36:18.859 --> 00:36:19.779 than we ever dared to 00:36:19.779 --> 00:36:20.480 believe, but we're more 00:36:20.480 --> 00:36:21.699 loved and accepted in Jesus 00:36:21.699 --> 00:36:23.400 Christ than we ever dared to 00:36:23.400 --> 00:36:24.759 hope because God extends his 00:36:24.759 --> 00:36:26.500 kindness to us despite all of 00:36:26.500 --> 00:36:27.500 our flaws and failures. 00:36:28.279 --> 00:36:29.940 We can be reconciled to God 00:36:29.940 --> 00:36:31.259 through Jesus Christ because of 00:36:31.259 --> 00:36:32.359 his kindness. 00:36:33.779 --> 00:36:36.579 Because he humbled himself to 00:36:36.579 --> 00:36:39.519 share our humanity and even to 00:36:39.519 --> 00:36:42.179 take our death, to die our 00:36:42.179 --> 00:36:42.599 death. 00:36:45.539 --> 00:36:47.179 So we can serve humbly because 00:36:47.179 --> 00:36:50.340 of the humility of Christ who 00:36:50.340 --> 00:36:51.699 served us and saved us. 00:36:53.119 --> 00:36:54.679 But then we see in verses 9 to 00:36:54.679 --> 00:36:56.799 11 that Christ, it not only 00:36:56.799 --> 00:36:58.719 displayed humility, that Christ is 00:36:58.719 --> 00:36:59.519 strong. 00:37:00.219 --> 00:37:01.679 We can stand boldly because our 00:37:01.679 --> 00:37:03.239 Savior is risen and exalted. 00:37:03.239 --> 00:37:05.959 Verse 9 says, 00:37:06.259 --> 00:37:08.059 Therefore God has highly exalted 00:37:08.059 --> 00:37:08.559 him. 00:37:09.539 --> 00:37:11.159 The same one who died on a cross 00:37:11.159 --> 00:37:14.239 is now risen and ascended and 00:37:14.239 --> 00:37:15.839 seated at the right hand of God, and 00:37:15.839 --> 00:37:17.619 God has bestowed on him the name 00:37:17.619 --> 00:37:19.119 that is above every name. 00:37:20.119 --> 00:37:22.399 That is the name of Lord. 00:37:23.419 --> 00:37:25.419 Jesus is Lord. 00:37:26.559 --> 00:37:28.519 And that word Lord means God 00:37:28.519 --> 00:37:29.179 himself. 00:37:29.179 --> 00:37:31.759 The one at whose feet 00:37:31.759 --> 00:37:33.119 every knee shall bow and 00:37:33.119 --> 00:37:34.339 every tongue confess. 00:37:35.159 --> 00:37:36.119 In the book of Isaiah, 00:37:36.419 --> 00:37:38.219 the reading we had earlier in the 00:37:38.219 --> 00:37:38.919 service, it says, 00:37:39.279 --> 00:37:40.259 Turn to me and be saved, 00:37:40.379 --> 00:37:41.599 all the ends of the earth, 00:37:41.679 --> 00:37:43.319 for I am God and there is no 00:37:43.319 --> 00:37:43.659 other. 00:37:44.919 --> 00:37:46.719 By myself I have sworn. 00:37:47.419 --> 00:37:49.000 From my mouth has gone out in 00:37:49.000 --> 00:37:50.159 righteousness a word that 00:37:50.159 --> 00:37:50.980 shall not return. 00:37:51.319 --> 00:37:53.239 To me every knee will bow. 00:37:54.480 --> 00:37:56.079 Every tongue shall swear 00:37:56.079 --> 00:37:56.940 allegiance. 00:37:56.940 --> 00:37:59.820 Only in the Lord it shall be said 00:37:59.820 --> 00:38:01.960 of me are righteousness and 00:38:01.960 --> 00:38:02.480 strength. 00:38:03.519 --> 00:38:05.300 In the Lord all the offspring of 00:38:05.300 --> 00:38:07.240 Israel shall be justified and 00:38:07.240 --> 00:38:07.860 shall glory. 00:38:09.240 --> 00:38:10.460 And what Paul is saying is that 00:38:10.460 --> 00:38:13.420 the crucified and risen Jesus is 00:38:13.420 --> 00:38:14.579 that Lord. 00:38:15.420 --> 00:38:17.519 The Lord God at whose feet every 00:38:17.519 --> 00:38:19.700 knee will bow and every tongue 00:38:19.700 --> 00:38:20.400 will confess. 00:38:21.960 --> 00:38:24.099 That only in him are righteousness 00:38:24.099 --> 00:38:26.280 and strength and justification and 00:38:26.280 --> 00:38:26.740 glory. 00:38:27.880 --> 00:38:29.640 His kingdom will remain forever. 00:38:30.820 --> 00:38:32.280 And we have the privilege of being 00:38:32.280 --> 00:38:33.960 citizens in that kingdom so we can 00:38:33.960 --> 00:38:37.000 stand boldly in the strength of the 00:38:37.000 --> 00:38:37.760 risen Christ. 00:38:40.640 --> 00:38:45.440 So in Christ we can serve humbly and 00:38:45.440 --> 00:38:48.480 we can stand boldly because we have a 00:38:48.480 --> 00:38:50.740 Savior who humbled himself to serve us 00:38:50.739 --> 00:38:52.799 and we have a Lord who is risen and 00:38:52.799 --> 00:38:53.699 exalted over all. 00:38:54.859 --> 00:38:55.839 Let's pray together. 00:39:02.419 --> 00:39:03.459 Our Father we 00:39:03.459 --> 00:39:07.639 thank you for your son Jesus Christ. 00:39:08.959 --> 00:39:10.839 We praise you for his humility 00:39:10.839 --> 00:39:13.819 in laying down his life for us on a 00:39:13.819 --> 00:39:14.159 cross. 00:39:14.159 --> 00:39:19.940 And we praise you that you raised him in 00:39:19.940 --> 00:39:23.480 power and glory that he is risen and 00:39:23.480 --> 00:39:23.920 exalted. 00:39:25.679 --> 00:39:27.579 We pray that by your spirit you would 00:39:27.579 --> 00:39:30.379 fill us today with boldness and 00:39:30.379 --> 00:39:32.460 confidence to stand firm in you. 00:39:34.139 --> 00:39:36.059 Lord that we would not be driven by the 00:39:36.059 --> 00:39:37.880 fear of other people. 00:39:38.159 --> 00:39:39.039 Fear of other people. 00:39:40.719 --> 00:39:42.320 Or a longing for their approval. 00:39:43.920 --> 00:39:44.840 But that we would 00:39:44.840 --> 00:39:49.099 stand in the confidence that we have 00:39:49.099 --> 00:39:51.000 through Christ. 00:39:53.099 --> 00:39:54.840 We pray also Lord that you would give us 00:39:54.840 --> 00:39:57.159 the humility and servant heartedness of 00:39:57.159 --> 00:39:57.579 Christ. 00:39:58.239 --> 00:39:59.460 To love one another. 00:40:01.159 --> 00:40:02.460 To pursue unity 00:40:02.460 --> 00:40:04.639 through humility. 00:40:07.179 --> 00:40:08.960 Lord we pray that this would characterize 00:40:08.960 --> 00:40:11.420 Trinity Baptist Church. 00:40:11.519 --> 00:40:12.920 We pray that this would characterize the 00:40:12.920 --> 00:40:14.440 Ethiopian and Eritrean ministry. 00:40:14.659 --> 00:40:16.300 We pray that this would characterize each of 00:40:16.300 --> 00:40:17.019 our families 00:40:17.019 --> 00:40:20.280 and our lives. 00:40:23.420 --> 00:40:24.679 Lord that you would fill us with the 00:40:24.679 --> 00:40:26.139 boldness and humility of Christ. 00:40:28.740 --> 00:40:30.599 We pray these things in Jesus name. 00:40:31.019 --> 00:40:31.280 Amen.