WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.440 Let's read from the Bible together from the New Testament, Philippians chapter 4, verses 1-9. 00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:10.400 ! Paul writes these words, 00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:19.359 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 00:00:20.300 --> 00:00:25.359 I entreat Judea and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 00:00:25.359 --> 00:00:32.519 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together, 00:00:32.899 --> 00:00:36.980 with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 00:00:38.100 --> 00:00:40.519 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice. 00:00:41.340 --> 00:00:45.299 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. 00:00:46.000 --> 00:00:50.519 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. 00:00:50.520 --> 00:00:55.720 Let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 00:00:56.160 --> 00:00:58.700 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 00:00:59.580 --> 00:01:04.560 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, 00:01:05.200 --> 00:01:11.600 whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:12.980 think about these things. 00:01:13.740 --> 00:01:18.040 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, 00:01:18.040 --> 00:01:21.680 and the God of peace will be with you. This is God's holy word. 00:01:23.620 --> 00:01:28.200 Okay, I apologize to the one or two from Hope Church Leith who are here tonight. 00:01:28.640 --> 00:01:31.540 You have heard the sermon before, but you've probably already forgotten it. 00:01:32.260 --> 00:01:35.020 So that's, I don't feel quite so bad about that. 00:01:35.019 --> 00:01:45.159 So, we did a series recently in Philippians, which is a letter of Paul, Apostle Paul, to a young church. 00:01:45.319 --> 00:01:49.099 We thought it was appropriate to do as a young church down in Leith. 00:01:49.560 --> 00:01:54.620 And so I'm just going to take a section from it, which I think applies to all of us in our lives, 00:01:54.759 --> 00:01:56.079 about living well. 00:01:56.759 --> 00:01:59.299 It's always important to be living well as Christians. 00:01:59.299 --> 00:02:03.560 And there's always a reason for living well. 00:02:04.299 --> 00:02:05.879 And there's a link here. 00:02:06.439 --> 00:02:10.219 If you notice, the first word in the passage we read was therefore, 00:02:10.699 --> 00:02:12.979 which is a linking word to what has gone before. 00:02:13.539 --> 00:02:19.879 And really, specifically, he's been talking about straining towards the prize as a Christian, 00:02:20.340 --> 00:02:22.599 which is heaven, really. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:25.379 God calls us heavenwards. 00:02:25.379 --> 00:02:29.599 And that is why he goes on to say it's important to live well, 00:02:29.659 --> 00:02:31.460 because we've got this great goal in mind. 00:02:31.780 --> 00:02:33.680 There's a prize waiting for us as Christians. 00:02:34.259 --> 00:02:35.379 It's not a prize that we've earned. 00:02:35.759 --> 00:02:39.799 It's not a prize that we will be unsure of getting. 00:02:40.340 --> 00:02:45.219 It's already won for us by the work of Jesus Christ, and it's awaiting us. 00:02:45.219 --> 00:02:52.719 Therefore, we have this responsibility to live well and to stand firm in the Lord. 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:53.740 He says, 00:02:53.939 --> 00:02:57.520 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, 00:02:57.680 --> 00:03:01.079 stand firm, therefore, in the Lord, my beloved. 00:03:01.300 --> 00:03:05.599 And he calls them to stand firm because they've got this great prize awaiting them. 00:03:05.740 --> 00:03:08.379 They've got this great vision, this great goal, this purpose. 00:03:09.900 --> 00:03:15.659 I read a book recently by Sir Chris Hoy, who has… 00:03:15.659 --> 00:03:16.960 Many of you will know who he is. 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:22.000 He's one of our greatest Olympians, cyclist, Scottish. 00:03:22.520 --> 00:03:26.040 And he has stage four terminal prostate cancer. 00:03:26.879 --> 00:03:31.580 And he explains how traumatic learning about that was. 00:03:32.120 --> 00:03:34.460 But he's pulled… 00:03:34.460 --> 00:03:41.240 His attitude has changed to a great degree because he is focused on raising awareness, 00:03:41.879 --> 00:03:46.659 raising funds, and helping other people who are in the same condition. 00:03:46.659 --> 00:03:48.859 And it's transformed how he sees his suffering. 00:03:49.219 --> 00:03:50.259 It's greatly motivational. 00:03:50.680 --> 00:03:54.120 Now, I realize that there'll be very many dark days for him. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:03:59.300 But it's transformed his experience because he has this purpose. 00:03:59.840 --> 00:04:00.639 He has this goal. 00:04:01.159 --> 00:04:03.800 Now, as far as I'm aware, Chris isn't a Christian. 00:04:04.099 --> 00:04:05.759 And we should pray for Chris Hoy. 00:04:06.519 --> 00:04:11.460 It's a great book, but it's tremendously sad because there doesn't seem to be any spiritual awareness 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:12.460 in his life. 00:04:12.460 --> 00:04:19.139 And he seems to be missing that greater goal that transcends and would enrich whatever he was doing 00:04:19.139 --> 00:04:20.620 in this world. 00:04:21.160 --> 00:04:28.900 But we have this great goal of knowing Jesus, loving Jesus, and the great reality of victory, 00:04:29.560 --> 00:04:33.879 even in death, even in suffering, and primarily in death, to resurrection, 00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:38.360 and to a great hope beyond that in the presence of Jesus. 00:04:38.360 --> 00:04:41.759 And that's the link that we have here to this section. 00:04:42.259 --> 00:04:43.240 We've got a goal. 00:04:43.360 --> 00:04:44.199 We've got a purpose. 00:04:44.740 --> 00:04:46.100 That's why we stand firm. 00:04:46.520 --> 00:04:48.120 And it's important, isn't it, to stand firm? 00:04:48.439 --> 00:04:49.620 Corey prayed about that. 00:04:49.900 --> 00:04:54.180 Prayed about all the struggles and battles that we have and all the way we let ourselves down 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:55.180 and we let God down. 00:04:55.180 --> 00:05:04.579 And the difficulty we have standing firm, when it really shouldn't be for us, if we see clearly. 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:11.960 And yet, the more clearly we recognize the gospel and the gospel that has provided this 00:05:11.960 --> 00:05:17.060 goal for us, and the person of Jesus Christ and His grace in our lives, the more able we 00:05:17.060 --> 00:05:19.519 are to stand firm in the Lord. 00:05:19.519 --> 00:05:23.599 So, the encouragement from the Holy Spirit, I hope, tonight, from His Word, is that we'll 00:05:23.599 --> 00:05:25.379 all be people who stand firm. 00:05:26.759 --> 00:05:30.799 And the great thing about that is that Paul goes on to explain a little bit what that looks 00:05:30.799 --> 00:05:34.000 like, what it looks like to stand firm in the Lord. 00:05:34.419 --> 00:05:36.399 And the great thing is, it's all very practical. 00:05:37.299 --> 00:05:40.560 It's not kind of highfalutin or esoteric. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:43.919 It's very practical about standing firm in the Lord. 00:05:43.920 --> 00:05:51.220 Now, many years ago, probably before the vast majority of people were born who are here this 00:05:51.220 --> 00:05:59.420 evening, I worked in Peterhead in an oil service base firm called Asco. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:04.020 And I was just a young thing, obviously, if it was that long ago. 00:06:05.220 --> 00:06:07.240 I was a student who was doing a year out. 00:06:07.340 --> 00:06:08.759 You worked in a company. 00:06:08.759 --> 00:06:17.800 And I was a Christian at the time, and Christians in Peterhead at that time were just called 00:06:17.800 --> 00:06:18.599 good living. 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:20.019 That's what they were called. 00:06:20.360 --> 00:06:22.000 No one was called a Christian if they were a Christian. 00:06:22.060 --> 00:06:23.800 They were just called, oh, you'll be good living then. 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:24.620 You'll be good living. 00:06:25.039 --> 00:06:26.659 Anyone who went to church was called good living. 00:06:26.759 --> 00:06:30.939 Now, there's good, I think, and there's maybe bad elements to that. 00:06:32.060 --> 00:06:36.779 Maybe sometimes people thought you just said to be a kind of goody-goody, a kind of nice 00:06:36.779 --> 00:06:38.639 person, outwardly moral and right. 00:06:38.759 --> 00:06:39.399 To be good living. 00:06:39.699 --> 00:06:44.039 But actually, there's a good element in it as well, that the Christians were recognized 00:06:44.039 --> 00:06:47.459 as living a different kind of life from other people. 00:06:47.579 --> 00:06:49.279 They were good living people. 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:51.879 And that's what Paul's getting at here. 00:06:51.959 --> 00:06:55.740 He's saying that if we have been saved to be children of light, as he speaks about in 00:06:55.740 --> 00:06:57.500 this gospel, we're called to live differently. 00:06:58.019 --> 00:07:00.699 We're called to be good living people in our lives. 00:07:00.699 --> 00:07:06.459 As individuals, as families, as churches, we've a deep commitment to living out grace in 00:07:06.459 --> 00:07:08.079 our lives, which makes us good livers. 00:07:08.759 --> 00:07:10.719 In the right way, from the heart out. 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:17.800 And that's what Paul goes on to speak about here to this young church in Philippi. 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:21.019 He wants them to be good living because… to stand firm. 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:28.799 And be good living because of the great prize that they were going to look forward to in glory, the reward that was theirs. 00:07:30.359 --> 00:07:31.919 And it's very simple stuff. 00:07:32.339 --> 00:07:33.959 He says… 00:07:33.959 --> 00:07:35.339 Talks about arguing. 00:07:36.139 --> 00:07:37.079 Talks about complaining. 00:07:37.659 --> 00:07:38.719 Talks about being anxious. 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:39.720 Talks about… 00:07:39.720 --> 00:07:40.840 Talks about our thought life. 00:07:41.760 --> 00:07:44.100 I'm going to briefly look at that this evening. 00:07:44.440 --> 00:07:47.600 So, he says in the first place, he says, don't fight. 00:07:47.600 --> 00:07:51.720 And specifically, he says, don't fight in church. 00:07:52.780 --> 00:07:56.840 I entreat Iodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 00:07:57.460 --> 00:08:04.580 Yes, I also ask you, true companion, help these women who have labored side by side with me in the gospel with 00:08:04.579 --> 00:08:07.500 Clement and the rest of the fellow workers whose names are in the book of life. 00:08:10.459 --> 00:08:17.719 It can be tremendously damaging to be divisive in a church context as a Christian. 00:08:18.719 --> 00:08:29.000 And the Bible speaks a lot about our sinful words or our sinful actions or our divisive spirit or our pride in a church context primarily. 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:35.740 And that's where Paul is encouraging these people to change their behavior. 00:08:36.539 --> 00:08:40.580 Because the reality is you'll come to challenges in a church life. 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:41.320 We always do. 00:08:41.519 --> 00:08:42.320 We come to challenges. 00:08:42.500 --> 00:08:43.980 Which brings us to crossroads. 00:08:44.500 --> 00:08:48.500 And we ask ourselves, well, how are we going to respond as those who are in him? 00:08:49.039 --> 00:08:56.139 Because Paul speaks all the way through Philippians about being in him, being in Christ, being a follower of Christ. 00:08:56.139 --> 00:09:04.019 And he says that should change our reactions and our response to difficulties and troubles and tensions within a church context. 00:09:04.679 --> 00:09:12.960 In him should be the perspective that governs how we act towards one another. 00:09:13.580 --> 00:09:19.059 And so Paul here brings out this horrible situation, really, and makes it very public. 00:09:19.179 --> 00:09:23.240 Two prominent women within the church, Syntyche and Judeo, are disagreeing. 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:24.980 Can you imagine when this is read out in Philippi? 00:09:24.980 --> 00:09:27.379 They must have just slunk down in their seats. 00:09:27.580 --> 00:09:27.980 Oh, dear. 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:29.039 He's talking about us. 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:33.700 And he's not trying to humiliate them because it was obviously something that was very public. 00:09:33.879 --> 00:09:35.920 And it was well known in the church. 00:09:35.980 --> 00:09:36.659 And it was well known. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:38.100 I'd got back to Paul. 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:46.139 And he's not exposing it to humiliate them, but to heal the situation, to stop the situation. 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:48.120 They've been great workers for the gospel. 00:09:48.779 --> 00:09:51.399 They've been important and been founding this church. 00:09:51.399 --> 00:09:53.899 And their names are in the book of life. 00:09:53.959 --> 00:09:56.799 And he says, look, get your priorities right, girls here. 00:09:57.240 --> 00:09:58.079 It's important. 00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:09.800 And it's a great message to us all about how we react and respond in times of difficulty and trouble in our own Christian lives together with other Christians. 00:10:10.020 --> 00:10:11.940 There will be tension with one another. 00:10:12.060 --> 00:10:13.200 And he says, nip it in the bud. 00:10:13.280 --> 00:10:17.660 Deal with it before it becomes a huge public and difficult issue. 00:10:17.920 --> 00:10:19.840 If it's not a gospel issue, park it. 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:22.540 Just be willing to be wronged in some cases. 00:10:22.720 --> 00:10:24.640 Learn to disagree and not fall out. 00:10:25.480 --> 00:10:26.540 See the bigger picture. 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:29.459 Arguments will often happen in a church context. 00:10:29.579 --> 00:10:32.399 And Paul knows it when we take our eye off the ball. 00:10:32.579 --> 00:10:34.839 When the gospel isn't that significant to us. 00:10:34.980 --> 00:10:37.839 When we're caring about the wrong things and the wrong priorities. 00:10:38.079 --> 00:10:39.319 When it's all about me. 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:42.939 And we forget about the gospel and about Jesus Christ. 00:10:43.199 --> 00:10:45.059 And about how much we've been forgiven. 00:10:45.399 --> 00:10:49.679 And about the great future and reward that awaits us in glory. 00:10:49.679 --> 00:10:53.000 So faith and worship. 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:57.739 And worship particularly when we come together isn't just about God. 00:10:58.379 --> 00:10:59.099 It's great. 00:10:59.479 --> 00:11:04.519 And it's important that God is the center and the focus of our worship, our public worship. 00:11:04.739 --> 00:11:07.099 But it's also about our relationships together. 00:11:07.539 --> 00:11:09.279 And the relationships with one another. 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:10.599 And with one another. 00:11:10.719 --> 00:11:12.759 And Paul recognizes and sees that. 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:14.439 So he says, don't fight. 00:11:14.440 --> 00:11:14.560 Right? 00:11:15.840 --> 00:11:18.340 That's one way that helps us to stand firm. 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:20.880 Another way is to rejoice in the Lord. 00:11:20.940 --> 00:11:22.060 Very famous words, isn't it? 00:11:22.080 --> 00:11:23.380 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:24.980 And I will say it again. 00:11:25.800 --> 00:11:26.200 Rejoice. 00:11:27.560 --> 00:11:28.000 Again. 00:11:28.440 --> 00:11:31.460 Here is Paul speaking about being in the Lord. 00:11:31.620 --> 00:11:33.200 What it means to be a Christian. 00:11:33.420 --> 00:11:34.880 Rejoice in the Lord. 00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:38.779 And remember what he's saying and the context in which he's saying it. 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:39.740 He's in prison. 00:11:40.679 --> 00:11:42.139 Paul's in prison when he's saying this. 00:11:42.519 --> 00:11:50.299 The great apostle to the Gentiles who's going around all throughout Asia with the gospel and planting churches. 00:11:50.580 --> 00:11:52.340 And now he's stuck in a prison cell. 00:11:53.799 --> 00:11:54.659 Facing death. 00:11:55.500 --> 00:12:01.700 So maybe this sermon, this message, would have been more powerful if it was on a screen coming from me in Sochton. 00:12:01.700 --> 00:12:05.379 If I was imprisoned in Sochton for being a preacher down in Leith. 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:07.580 And I was imprisoned for that. 00:12:07.900 --> 00:12:16.660 And then I was bringing this and saying rejoice in the Lord might not seem so powerful coming from someone who is living free and fully in life. 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:19.259 But he says this. 00:12:19.579 --> 00:12:20.500 Rejoice in the Lord. 00:12:21.939 --> 00:12:23.699 Whatever your circumstances are. 00:12:24.399 --> 00:12:31.719 And find that there is again a reason for standing firm and a goal that we are called to focus on. 00:12:32.019 --> 00:12:36.159 Particularly when struggles are real and difficult in our lives. 00:12:37.039 --> 00:12:40.819 I'm giving away a lot of things that expose my age today. 00:12:40.820 --> 00:12:43.260 A great song from the A's. 00:12:43.360 --> 00:12:45.960 Reasons to be cheerful by Ian Durie and the Blockheads. 00:12:47.120 --> 00:12:48.240 Reasons to be cheerful. 00:12:49.260 --> 00:12:51.780 He had one or two reasons to be cheerful in that song. 00:12:51.840 --> 00:12:57.280 But we have many, many more reasons to be cheerful to consider our focus in the Lord. 00:12:57.340 --> 00:13:06.540 And it's not a kind of slapstick way of thinking or way of living that denies the reality of suffering or difficulties. 00:13:06.539 --> 00:13:11.019 But it's to keep a focus on knowing that we are children of God. 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:13.059 And what that means. 00:13:13.559 --> 00:13:14.360 We are forgiven. 00:13:14.519 --> 00:13:15.159 We are empowered. 00:13:15.539 --> 00:13:16.339 We are loved. 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:17.319 We have a future. 00:13:17.819 --> 00:13:19.719 We have the victory in Jesus Christ. 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:21.000 Because of Jesus Christ. 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:23.759 That's what enables us to keep our perspective. 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:25.279 Even when we're struggling. 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:28.099 And when things are difficult. 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:31.259 Children of our Heavenly Father. 00:13:32.059 --> 00:13:33.019 Beloved children. 00:13:33.719 --> 00:13:34.480 It's a great thing. 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:34.519 It's a great thing. 00:13:36.539 --> 00:13:41.559 And so it's that whole idea of what our demeanor is in life really. 00:13:41.959 --> 00:13:43.120 And how we cope. 00:13:43.419 --> 00:13:46.839 Maybe particularly when things are very difficult in our lives. 00:13:49.519 --> 00:13:51.399 I used this illustration before. 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:53.240 I'm not sure what people made of it. 00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:56.939 But, you know, people talk about what's your resting face like. 00:13:58.839 --> 00:14:01.319 In other words, what's your natural face? 00:14:01.819 --> 00:14:04.139 You know, what's your natural disposition? 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:08.679 And again, I'm not talking about having a big smile on our face all the time. 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:10.699 But it's that peace. 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:18.980 And that sense of peace that enables us to be able, even in suffering, to have a specific kind of response. 00:14:18.980 --> 00:14:25.019 It's that people will look at it and say, why are they able to respond like that when things are going so difficult? 00:14:25.019 --> 00:14:28.439 Because there's a recognition of who we are. 00:14:28.439 --> 00:14:35.639 And a recognition that this isn't random and it isn't meaningless, what we're going through. 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:38.819 And that we have a God who has it in the palm of His hands. 00:14:39.159 --> 00:14:40.340 Even in discouragement. 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:41.579 Even in imprisonment. 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:42.740 Even in suffering. 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:47.279 There's a deeper joy that we're able to know. 00:14:48.279 --> 00:14:50.419 Even if we sometimes can't feel it. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:51.860 We know it. 00:14:52.299 --> 00:14:56.100 Because our strength comes from the Lord and who He is. 00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:57.320 So rejoice in the Lord. 00:14:57.460 --> 00:15:01.919 And again, He says, I say to you again, rejoice. 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:03.580 And the Lord is at hand. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:04.940 The Lord is in our lives. 00:15:04.940 --> 00:15:12.200 So there's that kind of inner disposition that comes from knowing and understanding who God is. 00:15:12.560 --> 00:15:19.460 Then the third thing He speaks about here is, again, even more famous passage of Scripture. 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:21.340 Verses 6 and 7. 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:23.160 How do we stand firm? 00:15:23.380 --> 00:15:24.720 As we rejoice in the Lord. 00:15:24.780 --> 00:15:25.600 As we don't fight. 00:15:26.140 --> 00:15:28.060 Well then, as we pray about everything. 00:15:28.540 --> 00:15:29.660 We pray about everything. 00:15:30.800 --> 00:15:32.320 Verses 6 and 7. 00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:35.100 Do not be anxious about anything. 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.800 But in everything by prayer and petition. 00:15:37.400 --> 00:15:38.440 O thanksgiving. 00:15:38.900 --> 00:15:40.160 Let your requests be known to God. 00:15:40.240 --> 00:15:44.340 And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. 00:15:44.860 --> 00:15:46.120 Great verse to remember. 00:15:46.680 --> 00:15:48.820 Memorize and keep in our minds and hearts. 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:52.420 Because it remains the absolute key to who we are. 00:15:52.760 --> 00:15:53.600 And what we are. 00:15:53.840 --> 00:15:54.640 And how we live. 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:56.140 And how we stand firm. 00:15:56.140 --> 00:16:01.480 And how we recognize that we have a different perspective. 00:16:01.480 --> 00:16:02.680 It's our lifeblood. 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:05.659 Both individually and together. 00:16:06.560 --> 00:16:07.759 It was the same in Philippi. 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:10.120 It's utterly crucial for us in Leith. 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:12.879 As it is for you here in St. Columbus. 00:16:13.259 --> 00:16:15.879 That we are people who are connected to the living God. 00:16:15.940 --> 00:16:20.659 That we have a living, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:22.679 But in everything, he says. 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:23.559 In everything. 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:27.480 The antidote to everyday anxiety. 00:16:27.639 --> 00:16:30.019 The worries and the fears and the concerns. 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:32.600 That we have a day-to-day basis. 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:33.500 In our mind. 00:16:33.600 --> 00:16:34.120 In our hearts. 00:16:34.199 --> 00:16:34.699 In our lives. 00:16:34.759 --> 00:16:35.419 In our relationships. 00:16:35.699 --> 00:16:36.819 We take it to the Lord. 00:16:36.939 --> 00:16:38.120 And we fall on our knees. 00:16:38.219 --> 00:16:39.620 And we say, there's nothing I can do. 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:43.139 There's nothing that can make this situation right. 00:16:43.199 --> 00:16:45.100 But Lord Jesus Christ, I need you. 00:16:45.559 --> 00:16:46.419 In this situation. 00:16:46.419 --> 00:16:47.599 In our fears. 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.259 In our doubts. 00:16:48.740 --> 00:16:49.419 In our anger. 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:49.959 In our guilt. 00:16:50.079 --> 00:16:50.599 In our shame. 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:50.599 In our shame. 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:51.199 In our shame. 00:16:51.199 --> 00:16:51.559 In all of it. 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:53.719 We take it all to the living God. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:56.860 And we speak to him about it. 00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:59.179 Over many years. 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:00.659 People have said at different times. 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:01.339 Pastors say. 00:17:01.379 --> 00:17:02.799 I really don't know what to pray. 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:04.319 And I'm kind of scared about praying. 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:06.200 And I'm not sure the words to say. 00:17:07.180 --> 00:17:09.079 And when I hear other people praying. 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:10.200 They're quoting scripture. 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:11.440 And they're quoting theology. 00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:14.899 And they're really beautiful things. 00:17:14.900 --> 00:17:15.460 They say in prayer. 00:17:15.540 --> 00:17:16.680 I can't pray like that. 00:17:19.080 --> 00:17:20.680 Just pray as you talk to a friend. 00:17:21.560 --> 00:17:22.759 What a friend we have in Jesus. 00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:24.480 Just speak to him. 00:17:25.400 --> 00:17:26.400 Tell him about your needs. 00:17:26.440 --> 00:17:27.000 And your fears. 00:17:28.140 --> 00:17:29.640 He knows it all anyway. 00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:31.440 We can't hide from him. 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:32.400 We don't need to have. 00:17:33.060 --> 00:17:33.360 You know. 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:35.360 High, faluting language. 00:17:35.540 --> 00:17:37.100 When we come into the presence of the king. 00:17:37.840 --> 00:17:39.060 Because he knows our hearts. 00:17:39.140 --> 00:17:39.840 And he knows our needs. 00:17:40.140 --> 00:17:41.960 And he wants us simply to express. 00:17:42.360 --> 00:17:43.560 And pour out our hearts. 00:17:43.559 --> 00:17:44.259 Before him. 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:45.240 And do so. 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:47.240 Consciously with thanksgiving. 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.720 Which is a great thing. 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.059 Isn't it? 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.659 It's a powerful practice. 00:17:51.399 --> 00:17:53.319 Very often I think our prayers are moans. 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:55.059 Or complaints. 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:57.819 Or a shopping list of requests. 00:17:58.639 --> 00:17:59.240 How often. 00:17:59.399 --> 00:18:00.559 Or how much of our prayers. 00:18:00.679 --> 00:18:01.240 Do we give over. 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:01.919 Both to worship. 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:03.980 But and also to thanksgiving. 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:07.179 It's a great thing to be able to do that. 00:18:07.379 --> 00:18:08.919 Because it recalibrates. 00:18:08.919 --> 00:18:10.359 Our mind and our thoughts again. 00:18:10.879 --> 00:18:12.279 That we have much in Christ. 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:13.299 To be thankful for. 00:18:13.619 --> 00:18:17.220 Even in difficult and problematic times for us. 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:19.259 So much to be thankful for. 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:20.740 And as we do so. 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:22.799 And as we lay out that before him. 00:18:24.399 --> 00:18:26.139 There does come over us. 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:28.299 A peace that transcends understanding. 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:30.240 It's a protective peace. 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:33.139 I can testify to that. 00:18:33.839 --> 00:18:35.420 A million times in my life. 00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:36.720 Can't explain it. 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:39.180 It hasn't changed my circumstances. 00:18:39.180 --> 00:18:41.900 Things haven't automatically got better. 00:18:42.380 --> 00:18:43.759 Sometimes things have got worse. 00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:46.560 But as we pray through things. 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:48.360 In a way we can't explain. 00:18:48.900 --> 00:18:50.920 There is an inexplicable. 00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:52.900 Beyond understanding. 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:53.779 Peace. 00:18:54.160 --> 00:18:55.660 That guards our hearts. 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.560 And minds. 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:57.820 In Jesus Christ. 00:18:58.820 --> 00:18:59.680 You should try it. 00:19:00.820 --> 00:19:02.220 It's tremendously powerful. 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:05.560 If you don't know that relationship with him. 00:19:05.559 --> 00:19:06.919 And the last thing. 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.980 Which moves on really from. 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:11.779 The peace of mind that we receive in prayer. 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:13.440 Is the importance. 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.759 If we're to stand firm. 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:15.559 Prayer. 00:19:16.639 --> 00:19:17.720 Rejoicing in the Lord. 00:19:18.899 --> 00:19:21.299 Recognizing the importance of our relationships. 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:22.639 And not fighting together. 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:23.679 The last thing. 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:26.639 Is this very significant. 00:19:29.099 --> 00:19:30.259 Reflective practice. 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.440 Which. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.480 Can only be done individually. 00:19:34.339 --> 00:19:35.240 It can't be done. 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:36.660 Corporately. 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:38.079 And that is examine. 00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:39.500 Our thought life. 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:40.940 Finally. 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:41.940 Brothers and sisters. 00:19:42.079 --> 00:19:42.920 Whatever is true. 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:44.480 Whatever is honorable. 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.379 Whatever is just. 00:19:45.480 --> 00:19:46.119 Whatever is pure. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:46.940 Whatever is lovely. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.920 Whatever is commendable. 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:49.400 If there is any excellence. 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:50.980 If there is anything worthy of praise. 00:19:51.339 --> 00:19:52.900 Think about these things. 00:19:53.359 --> 00:19:54.680 And what you've learned and received. 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:55.299 And heard from me. 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.240 Practice. 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.119 These things. 00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:58.420 And the God of peace will be with you. 00:19:58.420 --> 00:19:59.220 So it's kind of an. 00:19:59.580 --> 00:20:00.940 It's an explanation of. 00:20:02.100 --> 00:20:03.420 Or a movement forward. 00:20:03.420 --> 00:20:04.660 From the practice of praying. 00:20:05.080 --> 00:20:06.400 Into the practice of. 00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:07.700 Considering. 00:20:08.300 --> 00:20:09.180 Our thought lives. 00:20:09.640 --> 00:20:10.680 Hugely significant. 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.279 Because if. 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:14.779 We have a resting face. 00:20:14.960 --> 00:20:15.660 That reflects. 00:20:16.120 --> 00:20:17.060 Who we are. 00:20:17.480 --> 00:20:18.420 What about our. 00:20:19.539 --> 00:20:20.620 Resting mind. 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:23.300 Something that no one really can see. 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:23.779 But. 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.380 As we'll see. 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:25.600 Just as we come to a conclusion. 00:20:25.599 --> 00:20:27.639 It does. 00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:30.399 Eventually. 00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:31.439 Come out. 00:20:31.959 --> 00:20:32.519 What is in. 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.699 Our minds and hearts. 00:20:34.399 --> 00:20:35.439 So if our resting face. 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:36.219 Is our natural. 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.059 Relaxed. 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:37.980 Yourself face. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.740 What's your resting mind? 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:41.079 What's your resting. 00:20:41.379 --> 00:20:41.939 Thought life? 00:20:42.699 --> 00:20:43.819 What do you think about? 00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:45.379 The things you think about. 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.919 That nobody else knows. 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:48.679 Other than the living God. 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.939 Of course. 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:50.500 You know. 00:20:50.559 --> 00:20:52.119 What is it that you default to. 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:53.740 When you go to bed. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:55.220 Or when you sit down. 00:20:55.799 --> 00:20:57.099 Or when you're on your own. 00:20:57.680 --> 00:20:59.380 What fills your thought life? 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:02.960 Now there's a challenge. 00:21:04.640 --> 00:21:06.140 Something that nobody sees. 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:07.740 What is it that. 00:21:08.319 --> 00:21:09.839 Fills our thought lives. 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:12.339 Because it reflects our heart. 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:14.220 And what reflects our heart. 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:15.740 And comes into our thought lives. 00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:16.779 Will come out. 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:17.359 Eventually. 00:21:17.640 --> 00:21:18.099 Spill out. 00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:19.680 Into our everyday living. 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:21.920 Which will often. 00:21:22.620 --> 00:21:23.299 Cause us. 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:25.120 Not to stand firm. 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.799 So where is. 00:21:28.080 --> 00:21:29.080 Your thought life. 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:30.320 And where is mine. 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:31.160 It's something. 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:33.160 It's self-examination. 00:21:33.320 --> 00:21:34.140 That we're called to do. 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:34.759 In our lives. 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:35.840 And to think about. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:37.320 And to consider. 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:39.060 And to reflect on. 00:21:39.279 --> 00:21:40.580 And no one else can do it for you. 00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:41.220 It's only. 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:42.779 You can do it yourself. 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.759 Are we harboring jealousy. 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:45.880 Or anger. 00:21:46.360 --> 00:21:46.960 Or lust. 00:21:47.060 --> 00:21:47.680 And porn. 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:49.259 Are we selfish. 00:21:49.820 --> 00:21:50.299 Resentful. 00:21:50.620 --> 00:21:50.940 Bitter. 00:21:51.779 --> 00:21:52.660 Are we dreaming about. 00:21:52.900 --> 00:21:53.340 Wealth. 00:21:53.560 --> 00:21:54.000 Or women. 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:54.640 Or men. 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.299 Or luxury. 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.120 Or comfort. 00:21:58.400 --> 00:21:58.880 That. 00:21:59.580 --> 00:22:01.220 It's in our thought life. 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:03.039 That we really begin to understand. 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:03.880 Who we are. 00:22:06.060 --> 00:22:07.240 And if you're like me. 00:22:07.900 --> 00:22:09.580 It's the place you really. 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:10.180 Really. 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.500 Begin to appreciate. 00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:12.560 Why you need a savior. 00:22:14.320 --> 00:22:15.680 Because our motives. 00:22:16.100 --> 00:22:17.200 Our jealousies. 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:18.180 Or our pride. 00:22:18.340 --> 00:22:19.000 Or maybe. 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:19.940 Primarily. 00:22:20.059 --> 00:22:20.920 Our selfishness. 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.299 That selfishness. 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:22.620 Which. 00:22:23.640 --> 00:22:24.180 Was really. 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:24.720 In many ways. 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:25.480 At the core of. 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:27.400 The original rebellion. 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:28.160 Against God. 00:22:30.740 --> 00:22:31.640 Exposes our need. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.299 For a savior. 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:34.440 That only Jesus Christ. 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:35.380 Can change our hearts. 00:22:35.840 --> 00:22:36.700 That this gospel. 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:37.559 That we believe in. 00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:38.840 Is not the ABC. 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:39.940 That we just believed. 00:22:40.080 --> 00:22:40.779 At the very beginning. 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.860 Of our Christian lives. 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:42.720 And we've moved on. 00:22:42.880 --> 00:22:43.840 To different things. 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:44.980 It's the A to Z. 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:45.340 Isn't it? 00:22:45.340 --> 00:22:45.840 It's everything. 00:22:45.839 --> 00:22:47.319 It's that light. 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:48.119 Of Jesus Christ. 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.779 Exposing the darkness. 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:50.399 In our hearts. 00:22:50.439 --> 00:22:51.759 And the longer we go on. 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:53.079 The deeper that darkness. 00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:55.139 It becomes exposed. 00:22:55.139 --> 00:22:55.819 By the light. 00:22:56.740 --> 00:22:57.839 Because of who he is. 00:22:58.379 --> 00:22:58.740 So. 00:22:59.059 --> 00:23:00.000 We have to ask ourselves. 00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:00.759 Where is our heart? 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:02.939 And then we've got to train our minds. 00:23:03.679 --> 00:23:05.379 We're called to train our minds. 00:23:05.939 --> 00:23:06.919 In Jesus Christ. 00:23:07.019 --> 00:23:08.139 And in the things of the gospel. 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:09.379 And in all the good. 00:23:09.380 --> 00:23:10.720 Whatever's that are mentioned. 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:12.580 In this passage here. 00:23:13.040 --> 00:23:13.520 Consciously. 00:23:14.040 --> 00:23:15.260 To be focusing on God. 00:23:15.340 --> 00:23:15.960 And on his truth. 00:23:16.340 --> 00:23:17.140 See his hand. 00:23:17.600 --> 00:23:18.480 In the good things. 00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:19.120 And in beauty. 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:20.040 And in his morality. 00:23:20.840 --> 00:23:22.060 And thinking about. 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:23.300 How he wants. 00:23:23.820 --> 00:23:24.820 And calls us. 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:25.740 To be transformed. 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:26.420 In our minds. 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:27.240 And in our hearts. 00:23:27.800 --> 00:23:28.660 And expose. 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.440 And move. 00:23:29.580 --> 00:23:31.060 Away from the selfishness. 00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:31.600 And the pride. 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:33.980 That often. 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:35.560 Becomes the motives. 00:23:35.660 --> 00:23:36.360 For what we do. 00:23:36.599 --> 00:23:37.979 And consider your motives. 00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:39.619 Consider why you do things. 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.879 And consider. 00:23:41.139 --> 00:23:42.139 Some of the sins. 00:23:42.139 --> 00:23:42.599 That you. 00:23:43.679 --> 00:23:45.039 Are challenged by. 00:23:45.119 --> 00:23:45.959 And that I'm challenged by. 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:47.079 And think beyond. 00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:48.079 And think under them. 00:23:48.699 --> 00:23:49.399 And why. 00:23:49.899 --> 00:23:51.299 Are these sins real for us. 00:23:51.399 --> 00:23:52.399 And what are the motives. 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:53.279 And what are the idols. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.439 And what are the things. 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:54.979 That keep us. 00:23:55.379 --> 00:23:55.799 From him. 00:23:57.939 --> 00:23:58.939 Think how much time. 00:23:59.019 --> 00:23:59.419 We spend. 00:23:59.519 --> 00:24:00.179 Filling our minds. 00:24:00.179 --> 00:24:00.479 With. 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:02.679 Things other than. 00:24:02.959 --> 00:24:03.639 The gospel. 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:04.139 Of course. 00:24:04.219 --> 00:24:04.699 In our lives. 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.379 How much time. 00:24:05.459 --> 00:24:06.019 Do we spend. 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:07.199 Online. 00:24:07.359 --> 00:24:08.219 And filling. 00:24:08.219 --> 00:24:08.500 Our. 00:24:08.899 --> 00:24:10.299 The eye of our minds. 00:24:10.939 --> 00:24:11.419 With. 00:24:11.859 --> 00:24:12.759 What then becomes. 00:24:12.879 --> 00:24:13.279 Our thought. 00:24:13.459 --> 00:24:13.759 Life. 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:16.199 Asking for a hunger. 00:24:16.979 --> 00:24:17.319 For. 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:18.539 The things of God. 00:24:18.639 --> 00:24:19.819 And the good things. 00:24:20.159 --> 00:24:20.699 That he gives us. 00:24:20.699 --> 00:24:21.699 This would be a great prayer. 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.479 Wouldn't it? 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:23.199 For our lives. 00:24:23.399 --> 00:24:23.639 Maybe. 00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:24.899 On a day to day basis. 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:25.879 Lord. 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:27.059 Just show me. 00:24:27.119 --> 00:24:27.719 What's honorable. 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:28.799 And just. 00:24:29.079 --> 00:24:29.539 And pure. 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.199 And lovely. 00:24:31.439 --> 00:24:32.219 And commendable. 00:24:32.399 --> 00:24:33.659 And if there's anything excellent. 00:24:33.959 --> 00:24:34.139 Lord. 00:24:34.179 --> 00:24:35.539 Help me to think about these things. 00:24:35.539 --> 00:24:36.379 In my life. 00:24:36.819 --> 00:24:37.759 And the great thing is. 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.159 Isn't it? 00:24:38.379 --> 00:24:39.200 That although this. 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:41.059 Is uncomfortable. 00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:42.960 And goes into our own minds. 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:43.599 And hearts. 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:44.960 Paul then goes on to say. 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:45.619 As he finishes. 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:46.180 He says. 00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:47.099 Practice. 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.180 These things. 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:49.700 That you've. 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.440 Learned. 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:51.659 And received. 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.099 And heard. 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:52.619 And seen. 00:24:53.159 --> 00:24:53.680 In me. 00:24:53.680 --> 00:24:54.759 So this. 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:54.799 This. 00:24:55.360 --> 00:24:56.160 Thought life. 00:24:56.380 --> 00:24:56.440 That. 00:24:57.320 --> 00:24:57.940 Paul clearly. 00:24:59.160 --> 00:25:00.200 Was aware of. 00:25:00.259 --> 00:25:00.960 In his own heart. 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:03.640 Was what. 00:25:04.600 --> 00:25:04.960 Molded. 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.640 His Christian character. 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.360 Outwardly. 00:25:08.080 --> 00:25:08.560 And. 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:10.019 Made him a good example. 00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:10.580 For others. 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:11.360 To follow. 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:14.120 And that's a great challenge. 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:14.400 For us. 00:25:14.440 --> 00:25:15.000 Because Paul's not. 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:16.299 Paul's a great apostle. 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.039 To the Gentiles. 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:17.539 But he's. 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:19.080 Just an ordinary punter. 00:25:19.580 --> 00:25:20.220 Like us. 00:25:20.680 --> 00:25:21.279 In Christ. 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:22.680 He's a child of God. 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:22.799 God. 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:24.380 Paul puts himself forward. 00:25:24.840 --> 00:25:26.220 Not in any proud way. 00:25:26.560 --> 00:25:27.759 But as he imitates Christ. 00:25:28.320 --> 00:25:29.200 He wants others. 00:25:29.320 --> 00:25:30.060 To imitate him. 00:25:31.860 --> 00:25:32.960 That's a great challenge. 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.320 For us. 00:25:33.340 --> 00:25:33.620 Isn't it? 00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:34.640 That we're to be Christians. 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:35.700 Who are so. 00:25:36.120 --> 00:25:36.640 Confident. 00:25:37.100 --> 00:25:37.820 In Christ. 00:25:37.960 --> 00:25:38.740 And in the gospel. 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:40.000 And in the gospel. 00:25:40.380 --> 00:25:40.820 Power. 00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:41.759 And in the Holy Spirit. 00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:42.900 Transforming our lives. 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:43.320 That we. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:44.900 Can see ourselves. 00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:45.720 As examples. 00:25:46.120 --> 00:25:47.000 To other Christians. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.160 Humble enough. 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:49.600 To be able to say that. 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:50.480 Because it's all. 00:25:50.860 --> 00:25:51.220 Of. 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.380 Jesus Christ. 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.980 So we're to be people. 00:25:54.100 --> 00:25:54.779 Who are examples. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.519 To one another. 00:25:56.799 --> 00:25:57.279 By. 00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:58.920 The way we respond. 00:25:58.920 --> 00:25:59.580 To tensions. 00:25:59.580 --> 00:26:00.240 And difficulties. 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:01.500 Within the church context. 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.420 The way we. 00:26:02.420 --> 00:26:02.420 00:26:03.140 --> 00:26:04.299 Respond to suffering. 00:26:04.820 --> 00:26:05.000 And. 00:26:05.140 --> 00:26:05.799 Our rejoicing. 00:26:06.320 --> 00:26:07.180 Our prayer life. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.140 And also. 00:26:08.640 --> 00:26:09.380 In the privacy. 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.220 Of our own lives. 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:11.840 Our thought life. 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:12.980 And we're called. 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:13.420 To. 00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:14.600 In Christ. 00:26:15.279 --> 00:26:15.920 Recognize. 00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:16.920 His place. 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:17.600 In all of that. 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:18.859 Because of. 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:19.899 The prize. 00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:20.599 That awaits us. 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:22.179 And that is what will enable us. 00:26:22.279 --> 00:26:22.959 To stand firm. 00:26:23.799 --> 00:26:24.279 And. 00:26:24.579 --> 00:26:25.539 We will always be called. 00:26:25.639 --> 00:26:26.299 To stand firm. 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:28.139 And it will always be challenged. 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:28.679 And tempted. 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:29.659 Not to. 00:26:30.379 --> 00:26:31.559 And if you don't know Jesus. 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:33.579 Then. 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.500 Please consider. 00:26:34.639 --> 00:26:35.299 Jesus Christ. 00:26:36.039 --> 00:26:37.000 And his claims. 00:26:37.659 --> 00:26:38.319 Not just. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:41.419 That may affect. 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:41.959 Other people. 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:43.000 But. 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:43.819 His claims. 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.140 That are a challenge. 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:45.579 To you. 00:26:45.660 --> 00:26:46.420 And to your life. 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:47.579 And that I believe. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.579 If you are here tonight. 00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:49.519 And you're not a believer. 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:51.680 And you've maybe never been here before. 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:54.360 Christ had you here. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:55.039 For a reason. 00:26:55.840 --> 00:26:56.559 From his word. 00:26:57.019 --> 00:26:57.680 To consider. 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.819 His gospel. 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:00.079 And the reward. 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:00.940 That is. 00:27:01.100 --> 00:27:01.779 A gift. 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.380 To us all. 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.720 When we put our faith and trust. 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:04.840 In Jesus Christ. 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:05.500 Amen. 00:27:06.880 --> 00:27:07.620 Father God. 00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.539 We ask and pray. 00:27:08.660 --> 00:27:09.539 That you would teach us. 00:27:09.600 --> 00:27:10.200 Your ways. 00:27:10.759 --> 00:27:11.420 That you would lead us. 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.140 And your truth. 00:27:12.820 --> 00:27:14.060 That you would humble us. 00:27:14.060 --> 00:27:15.300 By your greatness. 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:17.660 That we would always be. 00:27:18.300 --> 00:27:18.740 Servants. 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:19.680 That we would always be. 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:20.259 Students. 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:21.279 That we would always be. 00:27:21.480 --> 00:27:21.880 Learners. 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.640 That we would always be. 00:27:22.820 --> 00:27:23.220 Disciples. 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.680 That we would never. 00:27:24.920 --> 00:27:26.120 Stand on the top of the mountain. 00:27:26.120 --> 00:27:27.720 With our hands above our head. 00:27:27.860 --> 00:27:28.160 And say. 00:27:28.259 --> 00:27:28.920 We've made it. 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:29.779 We've done it. 00:27:31.380 --> 00:27:32.400 Help us to. 00:27:32.900 --> 00:27:33.680 Stand firm. 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:35.200 But stand firm in the Lord. 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.720 And not stand firm. 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.580 In our own strength. 00:27:37.660 --> 00:27:38.420 Lest we fall. 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:40.039 So we pray. 00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:41.140 And ask for your grace. 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:42.880 And your beauty. 00:27:42.880 --> 00:27:44.380 And your love. 00:27:44.380 --> 00:27:46.840 And your companionship. 00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:48.100 And your patience. 00:27:48.360 --> 00:27:49.740 And your holiness. 00:27:50.060 --> 00:27:52.860 To impact our lives powerfully. 00:27:53.340 --> 00:27:54.840 So that we may know. 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:56.060 And understand. 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:58.540 That we can stand firm. 00:27:58.940 --> 00:28:01.020 Because there is a great future. 00:28:01.580 --> 00:28:01.960 For us. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:03.700 Be particularly near to any. 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:04.299 Near to any. 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:04.799 This evening. 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:05.600 Who are struggling. 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:06.360 And battling. 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:07.799 And afraid. 00:28:08.140 --> 00:28:08.680 Or far. 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:09.880 Feel far from you. 00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:12.559 And disinterested. 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.299 Or disengaged. 00:28:14.180 --> 00:28:15.500 Or fearful. 00:28:15.900 --> 00:28:16.860 Or emotional. 00:28:18.140 --> 00:28:18.660 Lord. 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:19.960 Grant them. 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.100 The ability. 00:28:21.360 --> 00:28:22.000 To just. 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:24.100 Find a place. 00:28:24.340 --> 00:28:25.160 Where they can pray. 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.319 And speak to you. 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:27.319 And ask. 00:28:27.740 --> 00:28:29.259 Pour out their hearts to you. 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:30.819 And ask for your grace. 00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:31.460 And favor. 00:28:31.779 --> 00:28:32.440 And faith. 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:33.519 And strength. 00:28:33.879 --> 00:28:34.599 And protection. 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:36.099 And courage. 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:36.819 That you promise. 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:38.480 We ask it in Jesus name. 00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:39.119 Amen. 00:28:39.119 --> 00:28:39.220 Amen. 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.660 00:28:39.660 --> 00:29:09.640 Thank you.