WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.759 It would be really good to have that passage somewhere open in front of you, because we're going to get stuck into it. 00:00:08.620 --> 00:00:11.419 And it could be that it's a somewhat familiar passage. 00:00:11.599 --> 00:00:15.179 It's a passage that we love to go to when we think about Jesus. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:20.019 And I have to confess that as I came to it this week, I've preached it before. 00:00:20.460 --> 00:00:25.260 And so there was a part of me that kind of came to Philippians 2 sort of in autopilot mode. 00:00:25.800 --> 00:00:27.580 And so I kind of scanned the passage. 00:00:27.579 --> 00:00:31.699 I worked out a few illustrations that might fit with it. 00:00:31.779 --> 00:00:34.239 And then I thought, let's just sit down and try and write this. 00:00:35.159 --> 00:00:39.420 And verse 1 has always struck me as a biblical justification for sarcasm. 00:00:40.299 --> 00:00:48.000 It seems to be a clear example of Paul using sarcasm, which by implication for me always meant that I guess that it's okay for me to as well. 00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:53.500 He opens with this sentence that just seems like he's being ridiculous. 00:00:53.500 --> 00:00:55.539 He opens with these ifs. 00:00:55.539 --> 00:01:03.439 It says, if you have any encouragement, if you have any comfort, if you have any tenderness and compassion. 00:01:03.539 --> 00:01:06.539 And of course, he knows that they get those things from Jesus. 00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:09.620 So really what he's saying is because you have those things. 00:01:09.739 --> 00:01:16.079 But he kind of feels like he's reversing it just to make the questions sound ridiculous and to emphasize them. 00:01:16.079 --> 00:01:19.739 And so on one level, this passage is a bit of a no-brainer. 00:01:20.439 --> 00:01:26.219 It says, if you've got benefits from Jesus, which of course you do, love like he does. 00:01:27.099 --> 00:01:28.159 Serve other people. 00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:29.459 Be humble. 00:01:31.099 --> 00:01:32.359 Sounds simple enough. 00:01:32.359 --> 00:01:40.159 But like much of our relationship with God, what's really kind of simple as a concept is actually a little bit more difficult when it comes to following through. 00:01:40.739 --> 00:01:42.079 When it comes to living it out. 00:01:42.859 --> 00:01:49.519 When this passage says you should be humble, you should have the same love for others that God has for you, that's probably not a big surprise. 00:01:50.539 --> 00:01:53.760 That's probably something that you half expect to hear when you walk into church. 00:01:53.859 --> 00:01:55.319 It's not a big moment of revelation. 00:01:55.319 --> 00:01:58.099 We know that we're supposed to be loving. 00:01:59.279 --> 00:02:04.479 But for most of us, the next step of actually doing that is a little more complicated. 00:02:05.799 --> 00:02:07.959 And so we need to come back to verse 1. 00:02:08.039 --> 00:02:09.780 Maybe you're in autopilot as well. 00:02:09.879 --> 00:02:11.019 You need to switch that off. 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:18.620 And we need to come back to verse 1 and read it not as sarcasm, but as an invitation. 00:02:18.620 --> 00:02:27.120 See, if we're lacking in our ability to do verse 2, if we're struggling to do the love that we know we're supposed to, 00:02:27.219 --> 00:02:34.460 if we're not quite hitting the mark when it comes to loving like God loves or being humble or putting others first, 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:43.640 then the reason for that struggle is that we're not feeling the love and the benefits that he's talking about in verse 1. 00:02:43.639 --> 00:02:50.899 And it's probably not that we've willfully kind of disengaged with God's love and so we're not feeling any benefits. 00:02:51.679 --> 00:02:56.099 It could just be that for whatever reason right now or at some point in your life, 00:02:58.099 --> 00:03:06.579 describing your relationship with God with words like encouragement and comfort and love and tenderness and compassion doesn't seem right. 00:03:06.979 --> 00:03:13.279 It's more of a struggle, a battle, a burden, something you keep failing at. 00:03:13.639 --> 00:03:18.839 And the lack of those feelings of the encouragement and the comfort and those things, 00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:21.859 it has an impact on the way that we view the world. 00:03:22.839 --> 00:03:29.619 It has an impact on the perspective, so much so that Paul needs to say what is almost a ridiculous thing in verse 3. 00:03:30.419 --> 00:03:30.919 He says, 00:03:30.919 --> 00:03:48.199 Have you ever noticed or thought that that's actually kind of a ridiculous statement? 00:03:48.199 --> 00:03:54.579 Now that I'm a parent, I've discovered there's a lot of things that I previously thought were ridiculous statements 00:03:54.579 --> 00:03:56.599 that now are things that I have to say regularly. 00:03:57.439 --> 00:04:02.239 I have a four-year-old son and it never crossed my mind that I would have to use the phrase, 00:04:02.839 --> 00:04:05.539 please stop trying to use mummy's makeup. 00:04:05.539 --> 00:04:15.139 But repeatedly, more than once a day, I'm going there and having to shut the bathroom door and tell him to stay away from mummy's makeup. 00:04:15.579 --> 00:04:19.079 I find myself saying things that I just really didn't think I should have to say. 00:04:19.139 --> 00:04:20.699 I thought would be extremely obvious. 00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:26.500 But in the same way, this verse is almost too obvious. 00:04:27.379 --> 00:04:31.139 See, no one thinks that selfish ambition or vain conceit is a virtue. 00:04:31.139 --> 00:04:34.500 No one aspires to those things. 00:04:34.959 --> 00:04:38.800 No one's affirmed for valuing themselves above everyone else. 00:04:41.240 --> 00:04:44.740 Even if it is actually the way that we function. 00:04:45.479 --> 00:04:51.939 Even if deep down the desire of our heart is to look after number one first at the expense of other people, 00:04:52.539 --> 00:04:54.899 it's not the kind of thing we're going to say out loud. 00:04:55.879 --> 00:05:00.099 It's not something we're going to brag about or praise someone else for. 00:05:00.100 --> 00:05:04.840 That there's a part of us that knows that that just doesn't sound good. 00:05:05.280 --> 00:05:08.000 It doesn't sound right to say, you know what, I'm living for me. 00:05:08.600 --> 00:05:09.700 I don't really care about you. 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:10.660 I'm just going to do my thing. 00:05:13.280 --> 00:05:18.320 For this church, it needs to be said, don't do that. 00:05:19.460 --> 00:05:22.120 Which means by implication, it is what they're doing. 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:26.480 Even though it's clearly not something that they or we would aspire to, 00:05:26.480 --> 00:05:29.620 it's part of their lifestyle and it's part of ours as well. 00:05:30.379 --> 00:05:36.560 So often we're driven by self-interest as the most important factor in the way we make decisions. 00:05:37.740 --> 00:05:40.360 So much of the way we approach questions in life is, 00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:44.020 how will this affect me over and above anyone else? 00:05:44.660 --> 00:05:47.259 I mean, we might eventually think about the impact on other people, 00:05:47.340 --> 00:05:51.240 but the first and most important factor is, what does this do in my life? 00:05:51.240 --> 00:05:53.699 How costly will this be for me? 00:05:54.040 --> 00:05:59.460 We choose the job that will give us the money to enable us to afford the lifestyle that we want. 00:06:00.699 --> 00:06:03.960 We choose based on our goals and our ambitions. 00:06:03.959 --> 00:06:08.279 We see those things as the most important factor. 00:06:09.539 --> 00:06:11.579 And that's a perspective problem. 00:06:13.939 --> 00:06:18.500 Because subconsciously, when we live like that, 00:06:19.299 --> 00:06:25.299 we're valuing us individually, we're valuing ourselves above other people. 00:06:25.799 --> 00:06:29.519 We're treating our needs, our desires, our wants, our ambitions, 00:06:29.519 --> 00:06:33.819 as somehow more important or maybe even more valid than other people. 00:06:33.959 --> 00:06:40.620 And it's almost like you're saying, I matter more than you. 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:47.419 And what that means is, if there's ever a point of tension where what I want and what you want are coming into conflict, 00:06:47.519 --> 00:06:49.079 you can rest assured, I'm going to pick me. 00:06:52.219 --> 00:06:56.419 This is a problem because it's nowhere near what the Bible teaches us. 00:06:56.420 --> 00:07:04.199 It's completely different to the image that we have in the Bible where we're told that all are created in the image of God. 00:07:04.759 --> 00:07:09.819 That every person ever created has an inherent value because God made them that way. 00:07:10.220 --> 00:07:14.280 Not based on some performance or ability or their impact on you. 00:07:14.360 --> 00:07:17.100 They are just valuable because that's how God made them. 00:07:17.100 --> 00:07:22.620 That means you are valuable because God created you like that. 00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:26.500 It also means the person next to you is valuable. 00:07:27.460 --> 00:07:31.080 The person who cut you off in traffic on the way here is valuable. 00:07:31.700 --> 00:07:36.780 The person who's annoying you at school or at work or making your life difficult is valuable to God. 00:07:37.439 --> 00:07:39.460 The person begging for money in the street. 00:07:39.459 --> 00:07:46.759 All are created in his image and all therefore are valuable and matter to God. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:52.199 Now this skewed perspective even starts to impact the way that we relate to God. 00:07:52.299 --> 00:07:57.879 It obviously impacts on our relationships because whenever there's tension we seek our needs over the others. 00:07:58.060 --> 00:08:00.399 But it impacts the way we even obey Jesus. 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:06.120 So if you come to a passage like this or a whole bunch of other ones where we're commanded to love God, 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:10.259 we think, no worries, you're in charge God, I'm supposed to love. 00:08:10.540 --> 00:08:16.199 But the issue comes when we start deciding whether or not some people are deserving of that love. 00:08:16.600 --> 00:08:18.959 Whether or not some people fit in with that command. 00:08:20.220 --> 00:08:22.360 It happens in the story of the Good Samaritan. 00:08:23.079 --> 00:08:25.959 Someone comes to Jesus, says, what must I do to be saved? 00:08:26.300 --> 00:08:31.340 And he's told to love God with his heart, soul, mind and strength and to love his neighbour as himself. 00:08:31.340 --> 00:08:35.180 And his first question in response is, yeah, yeah, but who's my neighbour? 00:08:36.120 --> 00:08:38.320 Who actually should I love? 00:08:38.600 --> 00:08:43.740 Who fits that category of deserving of my emphasis, my investment, my sacrifice? 00:08:45.379 --> 00:08:52.820 See, the reason this is an issue for us is because we've come with a perspective that starts here. 00:08:53.480 --> 00:08:54.539 Starts with us. 00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:57.860 And so we start taking credit for the things in our life. 00:08:58.340 --> 00:09:03.539 My position, my situation, my comfort, whatever it is that I've got, I got. 00:09:03.539 --> 00:09:05.779 I earned, I put the effort in. 00:09:06.099 --> 00:09:13.579 And so we look at people who need and we blame them for their need. 00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:16.839 Have you ever looked at somebody begging? 00:09:16.840 --> 00:09:26.840 Or noticed a homeless person sleeping in the park and your first reaction was to think something like, 00:09:27.500 --> 00:09:30.160 I wonder what they did wrong in their life to end up there? 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:36.639 I wonder how they did that to themselves. 00:09:38.579 --> 00:09:40.559 As if somehow it's their fault. 00:09:41.839 --> 00:09:43.959 And by implication, their responsibility. 00:09:44.899 --> 00:09:47.480 And therefore, not my responsibility. 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:51.039 What about with less obvious needs? 00:09:51.399 --> 00:09:56.159 Like someone who's wrestling with depression or loneliness or isolation? 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:58.800 Do you look at those people and think, 00:09:59.240 --> 00:10:01.300 it's your responsibility? 00:10:01.299 --> 00:10:04.059 It's your issue. 00:10:06.859 --> 00:10:11.139 Because we've taken credit for the good things that God has given us in our lives, 00:10:11.219 --> 00:10:13.979 because we've taken credit for God's grace to us, 00:10:14.039 --> 00:10:17.620 we approach others, both those in need and those not, 00:10:17.719 --> 00:10:19.479 from this position of superiority. 00:10:22.419 --> 00:10:25.699 And the result is we give ourselves permission to not love them. 00:10:26.699 --> 00:10:27.779 It's their fault. 00:10:28.259 --> 00:10:29.339 It's their problem. 00:10:29.340 --> 00:10:33.420 We start to think things like, 00:10:33.519 --> 00:10:34.399 if I give them money, 00:10:35.300 --> 00:10:37.200 they'll probably waste it and spend it on alcohol. 00:10:38.220 --> 00:10:39.139 And it's my money. 00:10:39.220 --> 00:10:40.060 I worked hard for it. 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:41.500 If I'm going to give it, 00:10:41.639 --> 00:10:43.200 I want to see it used my way. 00:10:44.180 --> 00:10:46.519 Or if I invest in that person relationally, 00:10:46.580 --> 00:10:47.759 who's lonely and isolated, 00:10:48.220 --> 00:10:50.240 they'll just take it for granted and I'll get burned. 00:10:50.399 --> 00:10:50.780 And, you know, 00:10:50.920 --> 00:10:52.440 I've only got so much energy to give. 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:59.320 Because we've let ourselves become the center of our own universe, 00:10:59.340 --> 00:11:04.440 the only question we ask when it comes to loving people in need, 00:11:05.300 --> 00:11:08.560 is how will this benefit me? 00:11:11.200 --> 00:11:12.660 Or maybe less crudely, 00:11:12.740 --> 00:11:14.259 how much will this cost me? 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:21.799 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:23.799 In humility, 00:11:24.340 --> 00:11:26.340 consider others better than yourselves. 00:11:27.779 --> 00:11:30.419 It needs to be said because it's not how we live. 00:11:31.559 --> 00:11:35.759 And it is how we're called to live in response to how God has loved us in Jesus. 00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:40.740 And so Paul takes us to Jesus now to show us not just the gap, 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.679 but how we might close that gap. 00:11:43.740 --> 00:11:44.819 In verse 5, 00:11:44.899 --> 00:11:45.220 he says, 00:11:45.220 --> 00:11:47.259 in your relationships with one another, 00:11:47.720 --> 00:11:50.220 have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. 00:11:50.940 --> 00:11:52.460 Have the same perspective. 00:11:52.800 --> 00:11:53.980 Have the same agenda. 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:55.019 Have the same goal. 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:56.160 In your relationships, 00:11:56.300 --> 00:12:00.519 that's the sphere that this passage is supposed to be applied to. 00:12:00.680 --> 00:12:03.259 It's not some abstract idea of love. 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:05.360 It's in your friendships, 00:12:06.200 --> 00:12:07.059 in your marriages, 00:12:07.779 --> 00:12:08.639 with visitors, 00:12:09.259 --> 00:12:10.039 with strangers, 00:12:10.500 --> 00:12:11.379 with your neighbours, 00:12:11.879 --> 00:12:12.840 with nice people, 00:12:13.039 --> 00:12:14.120 with unpleasant people, 00:12:14.419 --> 00:12:16.019 in any relationships, 00:12:16.819 --> 00:12:19.980 have the same mindset as Jesus. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:21.659 Who? 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:24.819 Being in very nature God, 00:12:25.639 --> 00:12:27.659 did not consider equality with God 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:29.939 something to be used to his own advantage. 00:12:29.940 --> 00:12:31.460 Rather, 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:32.840 he made himself nothing 00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:35.580 by taking the very nature of a servant 00:12:35.580 --> 00:12:37.740 being made in human likeness. 00:12:38.540 --> 00:12:40.440 And being found in appearance as a man, 00:12:40.520 --> 00:12:41.600 he humbled himself 00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:43.880 by becoming obedient to death, 00:12:44.280 --> 00:12:45.620 even death on a cross. 00:12:46.420 --> 00:12:46.720 Therefore, 00:12:46.900 --> 00:12:49.020 God exalted him to the highest place 00:12:49.020 --> 00:12:51.600 and gave him the name that is above every name, 00:12:52.040 --> 00:12:53.360 that at the name of Jesus, 00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:55.880 every knee should bow in heaven and on earth 00:12:55.880 --> 00:12:56.840 and under the earth, 00:12:56.980 --> 00:12:58.660 and every tongue acknowledge 00:12:58.659 --> 00:13:00.299 that Jesus Christ is Lord 00:13:00.299 --> 00:13:02.419 to the glory of God the Father. 00:13:04.219 --> 00:13:06.819 Jesus is more than just a model 00:13:06.819 --> 00:13:09.219 of the kind of love we're supposed to show, 00:13:09.299 --> 00:13:10.620 although he's at least that. 00:13:12.100 --> 00:13:15.120 But what he does here is he gives us perspective. 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:18.539 He reshapes the way that we view the world 00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:20.740 so that we can imitate the love that he has. 00:13:20.819 --> 00:13:22.559 And so we really need to focus in 00:13:22.559 --> 00:13:24.399 on these few verses for a second. 00:13:24.399 --> 00:13:30.159 Jesus is in very nature God. 00:13:31.419 --> 00:13:34.740 It's really tempting to domesticate those few words, 00:13:35.419 --> 00:13:36.539 to make it, you know what, 00:13:36.600 --> 00:13:39.199 Jesus is very similar to God. 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:43.679 God-like, God-light, God-diet, 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:44.579 whatever it is, 00:13:44.639 --> 00:13:45.819 we just, he's close, 00:13:46.019 --> 00:13:47.980 but that's not what the passage says. 00:13:48.199 --> 00:13:49.879 It's easy for us to respond 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:51.419 if we pull him down a few pegs, 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:53.179 because it just kind of limits the cost 00:13:53.179 --> 00:13:54.699 that he paid to love us. 00:13:54.699 --> 00:13:56.419 But what these verses say 00:13:56.419 --> 00:13:59.559 is that Jesus is God. 00:14:00.599 --> 00:14:02.899 He's equal to him in every way. 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:03.639 He's eternal. 00:14:04.120 --> 00:14:06.120 He was there before the creation of the world. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:08.599 By his will, everything is sustained. 00:14:08.759 --> 00:14:10.759 He is all-knowing, all-powerful, 00:14:11.039 --> 00:14:12.179 holy, righteous, 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:14.719 and overwhelmingly magnificent. 00:14:14.720 --> 00:14:20.040 He is the actual centre of all that exists, 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:21.840 the most important. 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:26.000 And right perspective is only possible 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:28.139 when we recognise where he belongs, 00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:30.860 as the starting point, 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:31.860 as the centre point, 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:33.759 as the goal to which everything points. 00:14:36.660 --> 00:14:37.379 And yet, 00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:40.680 even though all that is his, 00:14:40.679 --> 00:14:44.120 he didn't see that as existing 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:45.199 just for his benefit. 00:14:46.819 --> 00:14:49.039 Even though he sits rightfully 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:51.479 in authority over all creation, 00:14:51.839 --> 00:14:54.659 as the one assigned to judge all creation, 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:59.219 he didn't see that 00:14:59.219 --> 00:15:01.899 as something that was just there for him. 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:06.159 I have two boys. 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:07.699 I've told you about Bailey already. 00:15:08.479 --> 00:15:10.039 Bailey's four and Hudson is one. 00:15:10.679 --> 00:15:11.539 And one of the challenges 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:13.199 that we're trying to work out with the boys 00:15:13.199 --> 00:15:15.359 is that there's already competition for toys. 00:15:16.319 --> 00:15:18.579 My older son, Bailey, has sonic hearing. 00:15:19.179 --> 00:15:20.739 So if he's at one end of the house 00:15:20.739 --> 00:15:23.899 and Hudson taps one of his toys along the floor, 00:15:23.959 --> 00:15:25.479 even if he hasn't touched it in months, 00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:26.759 all of a sudden he appears. 00:15:27.559 --> 00:15:28.839 Face palms his little brother, 00:15:28.939 --> 00:15:30.500 grabs the toy and runs back to his room. 00:15:30.939 --> 00:15:32.059 It's really quite impressive, 00:15:32.919 --> 00:15:34.339 as well as deeply disappointing. 00:15:34.859 --> 00:15:36.699 And so when that happens, 00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:38.039 I have these, you know, 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:40.959 loving, stern conversations with my son 00:15:40.959 --> 00:15:41.959 about being generous, 00:15:42.079 --> 00:15:42.719 about sharing, 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:45.019 about the importance of looking after his little brother 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:46.839 and how even though they're his toys, 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:49.360 he needs to share because he's the big one 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:51.019 and he can be generous and all that sort of thing. 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:53.719 And he's so drilled on this now. 00:15:54.199 --> 00:15:55.599 He's far from well behaved, 00:15:55.719 --> 00:15:57.639 but he's so drilled on this now 00:15:57.639 --> 00:16:00.120 that when he picks something up to play with it, 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:02.839 his first reaction is to glance 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:04.740 and wait for me to tell him to share it. 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:06.519 He knows it's coming. 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:08.080 He's almost expecting it. 00:16:08.160 --> 00:16:10.320 And so there's just the waiting for it. 00:16:10.420 --> 00:16:12.740 And usually it comes. 00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:15.300 But just recently I was challenged 00:16:15.300 --> 00:16:17.899 that actually there are some things that are his 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:19.800 and he doesn't have to share. 00:16:20.560 --> 00:16:21.620 They're rightfully his 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:23.300 and he should be allowed to enjoy them. 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:24.620 They were given to him. 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:26.060 Some of them are gifts from other people 00:16:26.060 --> 00:16:27.420 and so they are for his benefit 00:16:27.420 --> 00:16:29.980 and he should be able to have them to himself. 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:32.139 And one of those things was some books 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:33.560 that he was given for his birthday. 00:16:34.440 --> 00:16:35.680 And he picked them up. 00:16:36.180 --> 00:16:38.120 He glanced at me waiting for the instruction 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:39.600 and I said, no, no, actually, 00:16:39.920 --> 00:16:41.180 they're your birthday presents. 00:16:42.039 --> 00:16:43.159 You can play with those. 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:44.480 You don't have to share them with Hudson. 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:47.340 And so I dragged Hudson the foot or so away. 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:48.080 He crawled closer. 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:49.240 I kept dragging him away. 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:50.779 But it just gave Bailey a moment 00:16:50.779 --> 00:16:52.500 where he actually went, okay, these are mine. 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:57.240 And it was interesting that given the power for a change, 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:59.180 given the ability to choose, 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:01.339 given the responsibility to say, 00:17:01.579 --> 00:17:03.359 these are mine, I can do with them what I want, 00:17:04.659 --> 00:17:06.359 he actually chose to give one of the books 00:17:06.359 --> 00:17:07.099 to his little brother. 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:11.319 I'm significantly more proud of that moment 00:17:11.319 --> 00:17:14.480 than the moment of sharing that's preceded by me yelling, 00:17:14.619 --> 00:17:15.960 you must give that to your little brother. 00:17:17.419 --> 00:17:19.899 Can you see the difference that in this moment 00:17:19.899 --> 00:17:21.159 he actually chooses? 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:24.179 Those books are his. 00:17:24.299 --> 00:17:25.440 There is nothing about them 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:27.139 that means he is required to give them. 00:17:27.140 --> 00:17:29.420 They are there for his enjoyment and his benefit. 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:32.920 And he makes a choice to sacrifice some of that joy 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:34.280 and share it with someone else. 00:17:34.680 --> 00:17:37.759 In the smallest possible micro version, 00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:40.460 that is a little glimpse of what Jesus is doing here. 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:44.079 He is equal with God. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:47.420 He has no obligation to us. 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:51.700 He could sit back and enjoy his power and authority 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:53.519 and all the goodness of being God. 00:17:53.519 --> 00:18:00.339 But he chooses to use that position, 00:18:00.740 --> 00:18:05.319 to use his power and authority to love us. 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:08.619 I mean, that's the craziness of the gospel, 00:18:09.180 --> 00:18:11.740 is that Jesus doesn't have to. 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:16.319 He would be good and right and fair and just and everything 00:18:16.319 --> 00:18:19.339 if he didn't love us in this way. 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:21.579 But that's not his heart. 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:24.399 God's heart is to love us. 00:18:24.759 --> 00:18:28.359 And so he chooses to forego the rights out of love. 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:32.659 He chooses to sacrifice out of love. 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:35.259 He makes himself nothing. 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:38.399 He takes on human limitations. 00:18:39.059 --> 00:18:41.500 He denies the power and authority that is his 00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:45.259 and he steps into the limitations of being human by choice. 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:49.240 He chooses to experience what it is to be hungry 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:53.879 and thirsty and lonely and isolated and opposed. 00:18:56.940 --> 00:18:59.220 All out of love for people like you and me. 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:05.039 It's almost like Jesus was walking through Chatswood Mall 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:07.640 and spotted the person begging for money. 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:10.480 Or he was here during supper 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:13.359 and he noticed the lonely person wandering around the fringe 00:19:13.359 --> 00:19:14.440 and not quite engaging. 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:18.319 And instead of asking the question 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:21.960 whether or not that person deserved the investment of his resources, 00:19:23.319 --> 00:19:26.220 he put himself in their shoes. 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:31.519 He drew near and understood what it was 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:34.900 to go through those feelings and those struggles and those needs. 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:36.900 He bridged the gap. 00:19:36.900 --> 00:19:41.660 He looked at our world and our lives 00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:45.780 and saw people that were hopelessly trying to earn God's favour. 00:19:46.580 --> 00:19:49.180 He looked and saw you and me floundering in life 00:19:49.180 --> 00:19:51.259 trying to find some sense of significance. 00:19:52.140 --> 00:19:53.960 Trying to satisfy ourselves. 00:19:56.240 --> 00:19:58.140 And he put himself in our shoes. 00:19:58.140 --> 00:20:03.440 There's a passage in Hebrews chapter 2 which says, 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:06.460 Since the children have flesh and blood, 00:20:06.500 --> 00:20:07.740 that's us, 00:20:07.820 --> 00:20:09.600 he too shared in their humanity 00:20:09.600 --> 00:20:12.759 so that by his death he might break the power of him 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:14.240 who holds the power of death, 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:15.279 that is the devil, 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:18.880 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:20.200 by their fear of death. 00:20:20.740 --> 00:20:22.580 For surely it's not angels he helps, 00:20:22.680 --> 00:20:23.920 but Abraham's descendants. 00:20:24.860 --> 00:20:27.259 For this reason he had to be made like them, 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:29.500 fully human in every way, 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:31.500 in order that he might become a merciful 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:34.640 and faithful high priest in service to God 00:20:34.640 --> 00:20:37.960 and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:41.019 because he himself suffered when he was tempted, 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:44.380 he's able to help those who are being tempted. 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:49.940 Jesus came and felt your pain. 00:20:51.359 --> 00:20:54.059 He experienced your struggle. 00:20:54.859 --> 00:20:56.339 He shared your trial 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:58.220 and ultimately he took your punishment. 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:01.700 So that you could experience the love of God. 00:21:03.460 --> 00:21:05.779 It wasn't a deliberation for him, 00:21:06.640 --> 00:21:07.720 what will this cost me? 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:12.319 What Jesus does 00:21:12.319 --> 00:21:15.119 and what the cross gives us is perspective. 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:18.299 It rescues us 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:20.059 from putting ourselves in the middle 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:22.019 and thinking that we're better than anyone else. 00:21:23.099 --> 00:21:24.559 We're never superior. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:27.359 We are always in God's eyes, 00:21:27.359 --> 00:21:27.939 the beggar, 00:21:27.939 --> 00:21:28.839 the lonely, 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:29.699 the homeless, 00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:31.000 the person in need. 00:21:33.179 --> 00:21:34.779 What the gospel does, 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:36.139 what Jesus does, 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:39.599 is show us that we are always 00:21:39.599 --> 00:21:41.719 and will always be sinners who need grace. 00:21:43.619 --> 00:21:45.199 There is nothing we have 00:21:45.199 --> 00:21:46.639 that was not given to us 00:21:46.639 --> 00:21:48.699 by God in Jesus. 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:52.700 So there is nothing in us 00:21:52.700 --> 00:21:54.880 that could possibly for a moment 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:57.160 make us stand over 00:21:57.160 --> 00:21:58.440 and look down on someone else. 00:22:01.440 --> 00:22:03.380 Jesus rescues us from thinking 00:22:03.380 --> 00:22:04.960 that we have to fight for our rights 00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:06.120 and claim what's ours 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:10.200 because this passage shows us 00:22:10.200 --> 00:22:11.200 that the better path 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:12.340 is to entrust yourself 00:22:12.340 --> 00:22:14.120 to a loving heavenly father. 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:17.459 We are called to have the same love, 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:21.239 the same love that God has shown us 00:22:21.239 --> 00:22:23.819 and Jesus is the model 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:25.539 of what it is to entrust yourself 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:26.519 to the father. 00:22:27.299 --> 00:22:28.399 Give all that you have 00:22:28.399 --> 00:22:29.419 for the sake of others 00:22:29.419 --> 00:22:30.479 knowing that the father 00:22:30.479 --> 00:22:31.579 will never fail you, 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:34.039 that the father would exalt him. 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:36.599 All that we have 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:38.839 is a gift received. 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:41.259 2 Corinthians 8 says, 00:22:41.259 --> 00:22:42.379 You know the grace 00:22:42.379 --> 00:22:43.640 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:22:43.640 --> 00:22:45.119 that though he was rich, 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:46.720 yet for your sake 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.779 he became poor 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:49.660 so that you through his poverty 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:51.140 might become rich. 00:22:53.140 --> 00:22:54.440 All that we have 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:55.640 is a gracious gift 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:57.259 from a loving heavenly father 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:58.460 who sent his son, 00:22:59.680 --> 00:23:02.240 his son who humbled himself 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:05.319 so that we might experience 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:07.640 what it is to be loved by God 00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:08.319 unconditionally. 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:12.599 Jesus uses everything, 00:23:13.639 --> 00:23:15.039 everything at his disposal, 00:23:15.159 --> 00:23:16.399 not for his own advantage, 00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:19.259 not just to satisfy himself 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.439 but so that God 00:23:20.439 --> 00:23:21.480 might be glorified 00:23:21.480 --> 00:23:22.299 as you and I, 00:23:22.419 --> 00:23:23.119 unworthy sinners, 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:24.619 get loved and forgiven 00:23:24.619 --> 00:23:26.419 and adopted and washed 00:23:26.419 --> 00:23:27.740 and made secure. 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:32.119 And so verse 1, 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:34.439 Therefore, 00:23:34.679 --> 00:23:36.119 if you have any encouragement 00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:37.779 from being united with Christ, 00:23:38.139 --> 00:23:39.919 if any comfort from his love, 00:23:40.199 --> 00:23:41.319 if any common sharing 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:41.879 in the spirit, 00:23:42.000 --> 00:23:42.899 if any tenderness 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:43.699 and compassion, 00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:45.879 it's not sarcasm, 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:47.899 it's an invitation. 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:51.899 Be encouraged. 00:23:54.779 --> 00:23:56.139 Be comforted. 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:59.399 Rest in God's tenderness 00:23:59.399 --> 00:24:00.299 and compassion. 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:02.419 Marvel again 00:24:02.419 --> 00:24:04.559 that Jesus would come so far 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:05.680 to love people 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:07.240 as unworthy as us. 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:11.059 Find peace and confidence 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:13.299 in his unconditional love 00:24:13.299 --> 00:24:13.960 and compassion 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:15.119 even when we fail. 00:24:16.659 --> 00:24:17.659 Run to him 00:24:17.659 --> 00:24:19.079 knowing that he is compassionate, 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:20.480 knowing that he's good, 00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:22.460 knowing that he always provides. 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:24.579 In your loneliness, 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:26.839 grab hold of the presence of God 00:24:26.839 --> 00:24:28.220 living in you by his spirit 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:29.140 and be comforted 00:24:29.140 --> 00:24:29.860 and strengthened 00:24:29.860 --> 00:24:30.640 and empowered. 00:24:31.799 --> 00:24:33.380 Come back to Jesus' death 00:24:33.380 --> 00:24:34.100 and resurrection 00:24:34.100 --> 00:24:35.600 and know that you are loved. 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:36.519 It's an invitation. 00:24:43.600 --> 00:24:45.120 Know that God loves you 00:24:45.120 --> 00:24:46.339 in the most costly 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:47.980 and concrete way. 00:24:51.759 --> 00:24:52.980 By stepping in, 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:55.940 by placing himself 00:24:55.940 --> 00:24:56.920 in your shoes, 00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:59.220 by doing what you could not do, 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:00.779 by paying what you could not pay 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:03.620 and because of that 00:25:03.620 --> 00:25:04.259 you are loved, 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.180 forgiven, 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.220 adopted 00:25:06.220 --> 00:25:08.180 and heaven awaits you 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:10.100 and nothing can change that. 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:13.019 Come back to that. 00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:13.779 Then, 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:16.100 then verse 2, 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:18.620 then make my joy complete 00:25:18.620 --> 00:25:19.759 by being like-minded, 00:25:20.320 --> 00:25:21.740 having the same love, 00:25:22.360 --> 00:25:23.380 being one in spirit 00:25:23.380 --> 00:25:24.400 and of one mind, 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:26.539 then having enjoyed 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.640 Christ 00:25:27.640 --> 00:25:29.019 and in anticipation 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:30.120 of enjoying him 00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:31.160 every day of your life 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:32.060 and for all eternity 00:25:32.060 --> 00:25:32.580 in heaven, 00:25:33.100 --> 00:25:34.920 then make my joy complete. 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:36.500 Let that love of God 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.680 produce in you 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:38.980 a love for others. 00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:42.240 That same self-denying, 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:43.640 step into their shoes, 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.599 wholehearted, 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:45.440 sacrificial, 00:25:45.619 --> 00:25:46.339 whatever I have 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.380 is not for my benefit 00:25:47.380 --> 00:25:48.319 but for the benefit 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.400 of those that God 00:25:49.400 --> 00:25:50.480 places in my path 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.319 kind of love. 00:25:53.380 --> 00:25:53.859 First, 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:55.440 be encouraged, 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:56.559 be comforted, 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:59.019 be loved 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:00.640 and let that love 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:01.799 produce in you 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:03.440 the same love. 00:26:05.539 --> 00:26:06.400 Share the benefit 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.840 is a program 00:26:07.840 --> 00:26:08.600 that we're doing 00:26:08.600 --> 00:26:09.440 for four weeks. 00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:11.320 It's a step 00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:12.000 in a journey 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:12.500 of God 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.700 shifting our hearts 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:14.880 to love like he does. 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:16.380 It's not the solution. 00:26:17.180 --> 00:26:18.400 It's not the destination. 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:19.860 The goal 00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:20.660 of this program, 00:26:20.860 --> 00:26:21.680 the goal of God 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.800 for us as his people 00:26:22.800 --> 00:26:23.780 is not that we run 00:26:23.780 --> 00:26:24.660 another program 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:25.900 as a result of being challenged 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:26.680 about how we care 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:27.240 for the poor. 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:31.140 God's goal 00:26:31.140 --> 00:26:32.060 is that our hearts 00:26:32.060 --> 00:26:32.680 would move, 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.220 that we would love, 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:37.660 that it would be driven 00:26:37.660 --> 00:26:38.420 by a desire 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:39.380 to care for those 00:26:39.380 --> 00:26:40.200 who have needs, 00:26:40.380 --> 00:26:41.220 that we would desire 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:42.440 to be God's hands 00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:42.860 and feet, 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:43.900 to be the love 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:45.180 that we have experienced. 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:47.519 But it's a journey. 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:50.380 It's a journey 00:26:50.380 --> 00:26:51.440 that begins 00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:52.100 from the place 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:52.920 where we all started 00:26:52.920 --> 00:26:53.339 tonight. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:55.539 We know that we 00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:56.500 should do this. 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:58.259 That's not news. 00:26:58.360 --> 00:26:58.960 We know that we're 00:26:58.960 --> 00:27:00.019 supposed to do this. 00:27:00.100 --> 00:27:00.779 We know that that's 00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:02.079 what God wants us 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:02.579 to do. 00:27:04.099 --> 00:27:05.299 But as our hearts 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:05.720 shift, 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:06.519 we can move 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:07.259 from that place 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:07.679 of it being 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:08.359 an obligation 00:27:08.359 --> 00:27:09.259 and a responsibility 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:11.259 to it being 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.859 a want, 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:13.279 a desire. 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:17.059 As our hearts 00:27:17.059 --> 00:27:18.220 experience more 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:19.019 of the benefit 00:27:19.019 --> 00:27:19.619 and wonder 00:27:19.619 --> 00:27:20.279 of being loved 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:20.799 by God 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:21.359 in Jesus, 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:22.359 our hearts 00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:23.379 can be moved, 00:27:23.919 --> 00:27:24.619 be released 00:27:24.619 --> 00:27:26.099 to not fight 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:27.519 for our own rights, 00:27:27.639 --> 00:27:28.039 to not look 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:28.720 after ourselves, 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:29.619 but to want 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:30.399 to love 00:27:30.399 --> 00:27:31.059 other people. 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:33.339 And even further 00:27:33.339 --> 00:27:34.399 as God works, 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:36.079 we can get 00:27:36.079 --> 00:27:36.579 to the point 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:37.919 of impulse love, 00:27:38.479 --> 00:27:39.539 the I-can't-help-it 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:40.019 love, 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:41.579 the real Jesus-like 00:27:41.579 --> 00:27:41.939 love. 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:42.500 One of the words 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:42.959 that comes up 00:27:42.959 --> 00:27:43.579 in this passage, 00:27:43.679 --> 00:27:44.139 it comes up 00:27:44.139 --> 00:27:44.779 over and over 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:45.579 in Jesus' ministry, 00:27:45.679 --> 00:27:46.399 it's compassion. 00:27:47.599 --> 00:27:48.279 And really what 00:27:48.279 --> 00:27:48.959 that word means 00:27:48.959 --> 00:27:49.539 is it's almost 00:27:49.539 --> 00:27:50.639 like an involuntary 00:27:50.639 --> 00:27:51.359 response. 00:27:51.879 --> 00:27:52.659 As Jesus would 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:53.159 go around 00:27:53.159 --> 00:27:53.699 and encounter 00:27:53.699 --> 00:27:54.519 people in need, 00:27:54.599 --> 00:27:54.879 it was like 00:27:54.879 --> 00:27:56.099 he almost couldn't 00:27:56.099 --> 00:27:57.539 help but help. 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:59.139 He needed 00:27:59.139 --> 00:27:59.899 to respond 00:27:59.899 --> 00:28:00.819 in that circumstance 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:02.059 and the desire 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:02.819 of God's heart, 00:28:02.899 --> 00:28:03.440 our desire 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:04.059 as a church 00:28:04.059 --> 00:28:05.500 is that our hearts 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.059 would move 00:28:06.059 --> 00:28:06.839 in that direction. 00:28:07.740 --> 00:28:08.700 It might mean 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:09.879 new programs, 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.879 it might mean 00:28:10.879 --> 00:28:11.980 new events 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:12.819 or new actions, 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:13.960 but really the goal 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:15.119 is a heart shift 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:17.319 from I should 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:19.019 to I want 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:20.059 to I just can't 00:28:20.059 --> 00:28:20.440 help it. 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:21.759 I can't help 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:22.099 but love 00:28:22.099 --> 00:28:22.899 because God 00:28:22.899 --> 00:28:23.539 has loved me 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:24.279 so incredibly. 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:25.779 That's why 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:26.440 this passage 00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:27.559 starts and ends 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:28.120 with Jesus. 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:30.180 No question 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:30.860 it calls us 00:28:30.860 --> 00:28:31.720 to have the same 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:31.980 love. 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:32.640 It's a huge 00:28:32.640 --> 00:28:33.039 command, 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:34.100 love like Jesus 00:28:34.100 --> 00:28:34.480 did, 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:35.960 but it starts 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:36.500 and ends 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:37.100 with Jesus 00:28:37.100 --> 00:28:38.259 because wherever 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:39.100 you are on this 00:28:39.100 --> 00:28:39.779 kind of journey 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.660 and it's not a 00:28:40.660 --> 00:28:41.299 straight line, 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:41.660 you're going to 00:28:41.660 --> 00:28:42.299 go back and 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:42.900 forward sometimes, 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.400 but wherever 00:28:43.400 --> 00:28:43.980 you are, 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:44.820 whether you feel 00:28:44.820 --> 00:28:45.519 like you should 00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:46.220 love people, 00:28:47.279 --> 00:28:48.039 you want to 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:48.519 love people, 00:28:48.600 --> 00:28:49.160 you just can't 00:28:49.160 --> 00:28:49.700 help loving 00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:50.080 people, 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:51.240 the next step 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:51.940 for all of us 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:52.620 is the same 00:28:52.620 --> 00:28:53.080 step. 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:56.679 In fact, 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:57.439 every step 00:28:57.439 --> 00:28:57.759 on this 00:28:57.759 --> 00:28:58.199 journey is 00:28:58.199 --> 00:28:58.799 the same 00:28:58.799 --> 00:28:59.480 step. 00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:01.199 We need 00:29:01.199 --> 00:29:01.740 to keep 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.859 coming back 00:29:02.859 --> 00:29:03.519 to Jesus. 00:29:04.919 --> 00:29:05.359 We need 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:05.759 to keep 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.319 coming back 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:07.059 to the cross, 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.159 to the incredible 00:29:08.159 --> 00:29:09.099 love of God 00:29:09.099 --> 00:29:10.539 who stepped 00:29:10.539 --> 00:29:11.379 into our shoes, 00:29:11.519 --> 00:29:12.119 who gave up 00:29:12.119 --> 00:29:12.960 what was rightfully 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:13.939 his so that 00:29:13.939 --> 00:29:15.079 we too might 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:16.079 know and feel 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:16.939 and experience 00:29:16.939 --> 00:29:17.859 what it is to be 00:29:17.859 --> 00:29:19.000 loved by a 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:19.799 heavenly father. 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:24.039 God's heart 00:29:24.039 --> 00:29:24.539 is that we 00:29:24.539 --> 00:29:25.139 would share 00:29:25.139 --> 00:29:26.079 his heart 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:28.099 and God's 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:28.839 grace to us 00:29:28.839 --> 00:29:29.319 is that he 00:29:29.319 --> 00:29:29.980 changes our 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:30.899 hearts by 00:29:30.899 --> 00:29:31.680 loving us. 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:35.180 Wherever you 00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:35.720 are on that 00:29:35.720 --> 00:29:36.079 journey, 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:36.919 the next step 00:29:36.919 --> 00:29:38.220 is come back 00:29:38.220 --> 00:29:39.039 to verse 1, 00:29:39.680 --> 00:29:40.579 to the invitation 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:41.659 to be encouraged, 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:43.460 to be comforted, 00:29:43.899 --> 00:29:44.819 to experience 00:29:44.819 --> 00:29:46.099 tenderness and 00:29:46.099 --> 00:29:46.680 compassion. 00:29:47.960 --> 00:29:48.980 The next step 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:49.779 is always 00:29:49.779 --> 00:29:50.599 come back 00:29:50.599 --> 00:29:51.160 to Jesus 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:53.440 and let's 00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:54.440 together pray 00:29:54.440 --> 00:29:55.259 that he would 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:55.880 do the work 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:56.860 of shifting 00:29:56.860 --> 00:29:57.660 our hearts 00:29:57.660 --> 00:30:00.160 so that the 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:00.860 world around us 00:30:00.860 --> 00:30:01.400 might look 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:02.339 and see Jesus 00:30:02.339 --> 00:30:03.799 in the way 00:30:03.799 --> 00:30:04.579 that we can't 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:06.079 help but love 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:07.120 those in need 00:30:07.120 --> 00:30:07.759 around us. 00:30:09.440 --> 00:30:10.299 Let me pray 00:30:10.299 --> 00:30:10.759 for us. 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:15.599 Father God, 00:30:15.660 --> 00:30:16.099 we want to 00:30:16.099 --> 00:30:18.400 ask you to do 00:30:18.400 --> 00:30:19.160 what we can't. 00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:21.500 We can put a 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:22.019 bunch of effort 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.620 in for a few 00:30:22.620 --> 00:30:22.920 weeks, 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:23.540 we can launch 00:30:23.540 --> 00:30:24.420 new programs 00:30:24.420 --> 00:30:26.980 but only you 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:27.519 can change 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.100 our hearts. 00:30:29.320 --> 00:30:30.160 Only you can 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:30.880 lift our eyes 00:30:30.880 --> 00:30:31.720 off ourselves. 00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:32.840 Only you can 00:30:32.840 --> 00:30:33.340 give us the 00:30:33.340 --> 00:30:34.100 perspective of 00:30:34.100 --> 00:30:34.440 the world 00:30:34.440 --> 00:30:35.220 that you see 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:36.340 where Jesus 00:30:36.340 --> 00:30:37.040 sits on the 00:30:37.040 --> 00:30:37.400 throne, 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:38.900 where the only 00:30:38.900 --> 00:30:39.700 value that is 00:30:39.700 --> 00:30:40.420 in us is the 00:30:40.420 --> 00:30:40.920 one that you 00:30:40.920 --> 00:30:41.480 have placed 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:41.780 there. 00:30:44.280 --> 00:30:45.120 Help us to 00:30:45.120 --> 00:30:45.900 look and not 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:46.640 see people who 00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:47.300 are undeserving 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:47.879 of our love 00:30:47.879 --> 00:30:48.399 but help us 00:30:48.399 --> 00:30:48.879 to look and 00:30:48.879 --> 00:30:49.579 see what we 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:50.680 were until 00:30:50.680 --> 00:30:51.419 Jesus loved 00:30:51.419 --> 00:30:51.839 us. 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:54.960 God, 00:30:55.079 --> 00:30:55.599 shape our 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:56.159 hearts so 00:30:56.159 --> 00:30:56.419 that we 00:30:56.419 --> 00:30:57.099 would need 00:30:57.099 --> 00:30:57.599 to help 00:30:57.599 --> 00:30:57.980 people. 00:30:59.019 --> 00:30:59.579 We would be 00:30:59.579 --> 00:31:00.559 so secure 00:31:00.559 --> 00:31:01.119 and so 00:31:01.119 --> 00:31:01.899 overwhelmed by 00:31:01.899 --> 00:31:02.399 your love 00:31:02.399 --> 00:31:02.879 that we are 00:31:02.879 --> 00:31:03.359 released, 00:31:04.099 --> 00:31:04.539 we are 00:31:04.539 --> 00:31:05.139 empowered, 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:05.539 we are 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.539 excited to 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:07.480 sacrificially 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:08.299 and costly 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:09.319 and in 00:31:09.319 --> 00:31:09.960 costly ways 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:10.639 love people 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:11.079 who need 00:31:11.079 --> 00:31:11.299 it. 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:14.240 God, 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:14.579 I want to 00:31:14.579 --> 00:31:15.000 thank you 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.299 that there 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:15.659 was no 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:16.320 price too 00:31:16.320 --> 00:31:16.820 great when 00:31:16.820 --> 00:31:17.140 it came 00:31:17.140 --> 00:31:17.519 to loving 00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:19.860 us and 00:31:19.860 --> 00:31:20.220 I want to 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:20.779 ask that 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:21.040 you would 00:31:21.040 --> 00:31:21.820 empower us 00:31:21.820 --> 00:31:22.320 to love 00:31:22.320 --> 00:31:22.980 like that 00:31:22.980 --> 00:31:25.440 so that 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.120 more people 00:31:26.120 --> 00:31:26.580 may come 00:31:26.580 --> 00:31:26.960 to know 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:27.400 that you 00:31:27.400 --> 00:31:27.720 are the 00:31:27.720 --> 00:31:28.340 God of 00:31:28.340 --> 00:31:29.000 incredible 00:31:29.000 --> 00:31:29.840 love, 00:31:31.360 --> 00:31:32.160 God of 00:31:32.160 --> 00:31:32.680 grace. 00:31:36.080 --> 00:31:36.519 God, 00:31:36.560 --> 00:31:36.880 we want to 00:31:36.880 --> 00:31:37.380 thank you 00:31:37.380 --> 00:31:38.000 for Jesus 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:39.360 and we 00:31:39.360 --> 00:31:39.620 want to 00:31:39.620 --> 00:31:40.860 ask that 00:31:40.860 --> 00:31:41.120 we would 00:31:41.120 --> 00:31:41.680 keep coming 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:42.080 back to 00:31:42.080 --> 00:31:42.300 him. 00:31:43.300 --> 00:31:43.860 Protect us 00:31:43.860 --> 00:31:44.200 from trying 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:44.700 to do this 00:31:44.700 --> 00:31:44.940 in our 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:45.100 own 00:31:45.100 --> 00:31:45.600 strength. 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:47.860 Protect us 00:31:47.860 --> 00:31:48.240 from just 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:48.840 putting only 00:31:48.840 --> 00:31:49.380 effort in 00:31:49.380 --> 00:31:49.920 and forgetting 00:31:49.920 --> 00:31:51.100 that we 00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:51.539 have nothing 00:31:51.539 --> 00:31:52.180 without you. 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:54.480 Grow our 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:54.940 heart of 00:31:54.940 --> 00:31:55.460 gratitude 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:58.380 that we 00:31:58.380 --> 00:31:58.940 might be 00:31:58.940 --> 00:31:59.640 encouraged 00:31:59.640 --> 00:32:00.580 and comforted, 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:01.799 that we 00:32:01.799 --> 00:32:02.200 might have 00:32:02.200 --> 00:32:02.980 eyes firmly 00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:03.580 fixed on 00:32:03.580 --> 00:32:04.180 Jesus and 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:04.440 that we 00:32:04.440 --> 00:32:04.860 might see 00:32:04.860 --> 00:32:05.740 every situation, 00:32:06.000 --> 00:32:06.740 every individual, 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:07.600 everything that 00:32:07.600 --> 00:32:08.240 we face in 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:08.759 our lives 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.559 through the 00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:10.080 lens of 00:32:10.080 --> 00:32:10.220 your 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:10.700 unconditional 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:11.319 love in 00:32:11.319 --> 00:32:11.720 your son. 00:32:11.720 --> 00:32:14.480 It's in 00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:14.880 his name 00:32:14.880 --> 00:32:15.279 we pray. 00:32:16.100 --> 00:32:16.420 Amen.