WEBVTT 00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:06.459 So, just to think for a few moments, what do we mean by Christian endurance? 00:00:06.900 --> 00:00:10.700 You know, endurance is one of those words, it's like perseverance, resilience. 00:00:11.779 --> 00:00:14.720 It's a quality that we value in ourselves. 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:18.940 We want to grow in our ability to stay the course and stickability. 00:00:19.580 --> 00:00:23.080 It's something as parents we want to see develop in our kids. 00:00:23.140 --> 00:00:23.900 What do we mean? 00:00:23.960 --> 00:00:26.019 What comes to our mind when we think of endurance? 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:32.859 You know, perhaps we think of the extremes, the Ironman, the ultra-marathon endurance races. 00:00:33.600 --> 00:00:36.119 Perhaps you think of someone like Ernest Shackleton. 00:00:37.100 --> 00:00:47.859 I've just begun reading the diary of the sailing of the endurance as Shackleton attempted to cross Antarctica, 00:00:48.760 --> 00:00:55.460 a well-named boat, because his story was one of endurance. 00:00:55.460 --> 00:01:02.420 Him and his crew endured as their boat was trapped in pack ice in the midst of the Weddell Sea, 00:01:03.140 --> 00:01:14.140 and then endured through a 16-day, 800-mile voyage on a small lifeboat to find help for the rest of the crew, 00:01:14.140 --> 00:01:19.280 left stranded, going through huge stormy seas and freezing conditions, 00:01:19.799 --> 00:01:27.500 to rescue men enduring freezing conditions, camping on a rock of ice for 128 days. 00:01:27.640 --> 00:01:31.579 So, we think of endurance, perhaps that's where we go. 00:01:31.680 --> 00:01:37.439 My question is, is that a helpful picture for Christian endurance? 00:01:37.439 --> 00:01:42.319 John writes to believers who need to endure. 00:01:43.019 --> 00:01:44.899 They are facing danger. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:51.840 It's interesting that either side of our text, so chapter 2, verse 26, he says, 00:01:51.920 --> 00:01:54.900 I'm writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 00:01:55.900 --> 00:01:59.019 And then in chapter 3 and verse 7, 00:01:59.019 --> 00:02:02.280 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:08.060 So, this is a church experiencing the danger of drift. 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:13.519 They have seen in their experience a division within their church, 00:02:13.819 --> 00:02:17.639 the departure of some of their leaders who it turns out were false teachers. 00:02:17.639 --> 00:02:27.479 And on top of that, they are experiencing within the Roman Empire this daily reality of being a marginalized minority, 00:02:28.199 --> 00:02:33.419 beginning to be more and more targeted, living on the margins of society, 00:02:34.219 --> 00:02:38.000 a weak church at this stage. 00:02:39.319 --> 00:02:44.339 And endurance for them, and probably endurance for us in our circumstance, 00:02:44.340 --> 00:02:54.199 endurance is not primarily going to be about the spectacular exploits of the Iron Men or of the adventurers like Shackleton. 00:02:54.939 --> 00:03:01.879 Endurance is about living the life of faith in the face of opposition and attack. 00:03:02.699 --> 00:03:07.039 It's enduring in a daily walk of Christian obedience, 00:03:07.800 --> 00:03:09.520 of practicing the truth, 00:03:10.199 --> 00:03:12.099 of committing to love their neighbors, 00:03:12.099 --> 00:03:14.979 of pursuing integrity. 00:03:16.759 --> 00:03:17.979 It was a hard calling then. 00:03:18.139 --> 00:03:19.359 It's often a hard calling now. 00:03:20.359 --> 00:03:22.459 And it's interesting that John, throughout his letter, 00:03:22.620 --> 00:03:25.699 gives us the key to Christian endurance. 00:03:27.060 --> 00:03:30.879 So, here in chapter 2 and verse 28, 00:03:31.719 --> 00:03:32.379 it begins, 00:03:32.500 --> 00:03:36.759 And we've said this before, 00:03:37.139 --> 00:03:39.240 it's the abiding word. 00:03:39.240 --> 00:03:45.020 The key to Christian endurance is abiding in Christ. 00:03:46.300 --> 00:03:49.420 Jesus himself famously used that image in John 15, 00:03:49.620 --> 00:03:50.460 I am the vine, 00:03:50.860 --> 00:03:51.840 you are the branches, 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:55.219 we need to remain to abide in him, 00:03:55.400 --> 00:03:56.340 by the Spirit, 00:03:56.439 --> 00:03:58.280 if we are to find strength, 00:03:58.439 --> 00:03:59.080 vitality, 00:03:59.160 --> 00:04:00.160 and life from Jesus, 00:04:00.540 --> 00:04:02.219 if we are to bear fruit. 00:04:02.219 --> 00:04:06.000 That's the secret to Christian endurance. 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:07.719 And that's what we're going to think about, 00:04:08.139 --> 00:04:12.219 as John gives us some instruction, 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:15.240 and some wonderful truth in this section. 00:04:15.300 --> 00:04:17.360 It's so interesting to think about their experience, 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:18.360 and why he's writing, 00:04:19.100 --> 00:04:21.100 is to understand that John believes, 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:24.560 that when we struggle as Christians, 00:04:24.660 --> 00:04:27.400 when there are difficulties facing us, 00:04:27.439 --> 00:04:30.140 what we need is good doctrine. 00:04:30.980 --> 00:04:34.460 We need gospel hope in suffering. 00:04:34.939 --> 00:04:38.180 We need something that is secure and true, 00:04:38.180 --> 00:04:40.920 if we are to have hope, 00:04:41.020 --> 00:04:43.520 and if we are to persevere. 00:04:43.519 --> 00:04:47.599 And so he brings gospel truths, 00:04:47.859 --> 00:04:51.219 about God's great love for his people, 00:04:51.699 --> 00:04:54.120 and the promise of future glory, 00:04:54.159 --> 00:04:56.039 at the return of Christ. 00:04:56.719 --> 00:04:58.139 And all the way along, 00:04:58.219 --> 00:04:59.539 he is encouraging believers, 00:04:59.699 --> 00:05:01.019 remember God has worked, 00:05:01.159 --> 00:05:01.979 God is working, 00:05:02.419 --> 00:05:04.759 God will work for your salvation, 00:05:05.419 --> 00:05:06.399 therefore endure. 00:05:06.699 --> 00:05:07.639 Stay the course, 00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:10.159 follow the way of Christ. 00:05:11.779 --> 00:05:13.500 So let's get into our text. 00:05:13.959 --> 00:05:15.959 And the first thing I want us to think about is this, 00:05:16.039 --> 00:05:19.419 we are called by John to continue in Christ, 00:05:20.139 --> 00:05:23.459 confident about his return. 00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:26.399 Again, just to say one more thing about the context, 00:05:26.560 --> 00:05:28.060 chapter 2, verse 18, 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:30.479 we looked at this a few weeks ago, 00:05:31.219 --> 00:05:33.399 John describes the time that they are living 00:05:33.399 --> 00:05:35.579 as being the last hour, 00:05:35.579 --> 00:05:39.199 and a time of many antichrists. 00:05:39.680 --> 00:05:42.519 So we are to picture a time of intense, 00:05:42.519 --> 00:05:43.519 spiritual opposition, 00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:44.180 spiritual opposition, 00:05:44.759 --> 00:05:46.779 a time of discouragement and confusion, 00:05:46.919 --> 00:05:47.919 perhaps, for the church, 00:05:48.339 --> 00:05:50.539 as there are those who deliberately set out 00:05:50.539 --> 00:05:51.699 to oppose Christ, 00:05:51.779 --> 00:05:52.479 to be anti, 00:05:52.599 --> 00:05:54.939 to be against Christ Jesus. 00:05:55.079 --> 00:05:56.899 And what does John say to believers 00:05:56.899 --> 00:05:59.120 in that kind of situation? 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:01.039 What's our need? 00:06:02.199 --> 00:06:05.899 We need to focus on our certain future with Christ. 00:06:05.899 --> 00:06:09.060 And now, dear children, 00:06:09.219 --> 00:06:09.759 verse 28, 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:11.060 continue in him 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:13.319 so that when he appears, 00:06:13.919 --> 00:06:15.539 we may be confident 00:06:15.539 --> 00:06:18.479 and unashamed before him at his coming. 00:06:18.480 --> 00:06:21.720 So there's a certain knowledge. 00:06:22.319 --> 00:06:24.420 Christ will return. 00:06:24.900 --> 00:06:26.720 He will appear. 00:06:27.819 --> 00:06:29.360 His glory will be revealed. 00:06:29.980 --> 00:06:31.500 Everyone will see him 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:34.700 as he returns as victorious, conquering king. 00:06:35.439 --> 00:06:38.020 The same idea is there in chapter 3, verse 2. 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:40.319 We know that when Christ appears. 00:06:41.280 --> 00:06:43.800 So that's a certain hope for the future. 00:06:43.800 --> 00:06:46.199 And there's another certainty 00:06:46.199 --> 00:06:48.720 in verse 28. 00:06:49.319 --> 00:06:52.920 We will stand before Jesus Christ 00:06:52.920 --> 00:06:53.900 at his coming. 00:06:54.960 --> 00:06:56.819 And one thing that John anticipates, 00:06:56.879 --> 00:06:58.080 and Jesus does the same, 00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:01.300 is that standing before Jesus at his coming 00:07:01.300 --> 00:07:03.080 will either be a moment of joy 00:07:03.080 --> 00:07:05.759 or a moment of profound shame. 00:07:07.100 --> 00:07:09.040 There will be those who are true believers 00:07:09.040 --> 00:07:10.939 who will welcome Christ the King 00:07:10.939 --> 00:07:12.280 at his appearing. 00:07:12.279 --> 00:07:13.879 And there will be those 00:07:13.879 --> 00:07:15.319 who will cry out to the rocks, 00:07:15.459 --> 00:07:16.279 fall on us. 00:07:17.939 --> 00:07:21.619 How can we be confident on that day 00:07:21.619 --> 00:07:24.139 to welcome Christ as our King? 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:28.679 John says it's as we continue in Christ, 00:07:29.279 --> 00:07:31.739 as we abide in him, 00:07:32.479 --> 00:07:34.099 with our faith in him, 00:07:34.219 --> 00:07:35.359 drawing power from him, 00:07:35.500 --> 00:07:37.139 receiving grace and the Spirit. 00:07:37.519 --> 00:07:39.739 That's the key to security in the present 00:07:39.740 --> 00:07:43.180 and hope for the future. 00:07:45.420 --> 00:07:46.759 Persevering in Christ, 00:07:46.960 --> 00:07:48.480 enduring in faith, 00:07:48.780 --> 00:07:51.759 is the basis for us to have real confidence 00:07:51.759 --> 00:07:54.379 as we think about the return of Christ. 00:07:55.379 --> 00:07:57.019 But here's the really crucial thing 00:07:57.019 --> 00:07:58.160 for us to understand, 00:07:59.160 --> 00:08:00.379 and it's there throughout the Bible. 00:08:00.560 --> 00:08:03.800 This is a work of God's grace 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:04.800 in his people. 00:08:05.840 --> 00:08:09.560 Our confidence rests always in God 00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:10.379 and in Christ 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:11.740 and not in ourselves. 00:08:12.400 --> 00:08:14.680 So that's why we heard from John chapter 10. 00:08:16.040 --> 00:08:16.860 Here is Jesus, 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:19.120 and he describes himself as a good shepherd. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:21.620 And as a good shepherd, 00:08:21.800 --> 00:08:23.680 he calls his sheep to him, 00:08:24.259 --> 00:08:26.660 and he speaks with such authority and power 00:08:26.660 --> 00:08:28.040 that his sheep follow him. 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:31.879 He gives the gift of eternal life, 00:08:32.180 --> 00:08:34.519 and his authority and power and love 00:08:34.519 --> 00:08:35.980 are so strong 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:38.019 that no one can take a believer 00:08:38.019 --> 00:08:39.159 out of Jesus' hands, 00:08:39.460 --> 00:08:40.620 no one can take a believer 00:08:40.620 --> 00:08:41.920 out of the Father's hands. 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:42.860 There is security, 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:44.940 not because of our faith, 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:46.820 but who our faith is in. 00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:50.779 Philippians chapter 1, verse 6. 00:08:52.019 --> 00:08:54.200 Here is something we can be confident in, 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:55.899 being confident in this, 00:08:55.899 --> 00:08:58.759 that he who began a good work in you 00:08:58.759 --> 00:09:01.100 will carry it on to completion. 00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:02.740 When it comes to salvation, 00:09:03.319 --> 00:09:05.939 God always finishes what he starts. 00:09:07.439 --> 00:09:09.079 And so believers can be confident. 00:09:10.319 --> 00:09:11.519 Romans chapter 8, 00:09:11.620 --> 00:09:12.399 Paul again, 00:09:12.939 --> 00:09:15.980 nothing can separate us 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:16.919 from the love of God 00:09:16.919 --> 00:09:18.659 that is in Christ Jesus. 00:09:19.459 --> 00:09:23.259 Because it's God's unbreakable commitment 00:09:23.259 --> 00:09:26.480 to save his people for his glory 00:09:26.480 --> 00:09:30.100 that enables us to persevere and endure. 00:09:32.179 --> 00:09:34.639 And we're presented with this wonderful outcome 00:09:34.639 --> 00:09:35.919 for the true believer. 00:09:36.080 --> 00:09:37.600 When Christ appears, 00:09:38.819 --> 00:09:40.679 rather than hiding in fear, 00:09:41.980 --> 00:09:43.039 there is this confidence. 00:09:43.139 --> 00:09:43.600 And that word, 00:09:43.819 --> 00:09:45.100 the confidence word there, 00:09:45.279 --> 00:09:46.539 has the idea of 00:09:46.539 --> 00:09:49.259 there's a joyful access 00:09:49.259 --> 00:09:52.819 to our God and our Savior. 00:09:53.840 --> 00:09:56.279 There's an ability to speak freely 00:09:56.279 --> 00:09:59.360 because we have a real living relationship 00:09:59.360 --> 00:10:00.919 based on love. 00:10:02.799 --> 00:10:04.279 The difference, in a sense, 00:10:04.399 --> 00:10:05.860 is the difference between 00:10:05.860 --> 00:10:07.639 the first two people 00:10:07.639 --> 00:10:08.779 that we meet in the Bible, 00:10:08.939 --> 00:10:09.539 Adam and Eve, 00:10:09.879 --> 00:10:11.740 before and after they fell into sin. 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:14.200 So if we begin at Genesis 3, 00:10:14.340 --> 00:10:17.139 if we begin after they disobey God, 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:18.860 they take the forbidden fruit, 00:10:18.860 --> 00:10:20.259 they say no to God's word 00:10:20.259 --> 00:10:21.220 and God's authority. 00:10:21.919 --> 00:10:24.879 Sin interrupts their fellowship with God. 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:28.139 They have this reality of shame and guilt. 00:10:28.379 --> 00:10:30.919 So when God comes to speak with them, 00:10:31.919 --> 00:10:32.759 they hide. 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:35.080 They cower in the shadows. 00:10:36.300 --> 00:10:38.560 But we know that that wasn't true before sin. 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:40.060 Beforehand, 00:10:41.460 --> 00:10:43.340 created perfectly in the image of God 00:10:43.340 --> 00:10:44.259 to know and enjoy Him, 00:10:44.580 --> 00:10:45.960 God met with them. 00:10:46.759 --> 00:10:48.560 God spoke with them openly. 00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:50.000 And they enjoyed life 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:50.759 with their creator, 00:10:50.899 --> 00:10:51.339 their king, 00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:52.159 and their friend. 00:10:52.479 --> 00:10:54.079 And here is what John is saying. 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:56.299 When Jesus returns, 00:10:57.079 --> 00:10:58.279 that relationship 00:10:58.279 --> 00:10:59.899 that Adam and Eve enjoyed 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:00.759 that was lost 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:02.819 because of sin and the fall, 00:11:03.139 --> 00:11:04.279 that will be fully restored. 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:06.659 Never to be broken again. 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:09.139 And so John teaches us, 00:11:09.239 --> 00:11:10.639 just as for a believer, 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:12.079 we have bold confidence 00:11:12.079 --> 00:11:14.659 to come to the throne of grace today. 00:11:14.659 --> 00:11:16.559 whenever we pray, 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:18.199 we're invited to come with confidence 00:11:18.199 --> 00:11:19.459 to our Father 00:11:19.459 --> 00:11:20.539 to find grace and mercy 00:11:20.539 --> 00:11:21.779 and help in our time of need. 00:11:22.059 --> 00:11:24.639 We will have the same bold confidence 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:26.379 when Jesus comes back. 00:11:27.100 --> 00:11:28.459 But we'll have that reality 00:11:28.459 --> 00:11:29.279 in a whole new way 00:11:29.279 --> 00:11:30.759 because then we'll see Him face to face 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:31.639 and we'll think about that. 00:11:33.779 --> 00:11:34.959 And then in verse 29, 00:11:35.199 --> 00:11:36.279 He reminds us 00:11:36.279 --> 00:11:38.740 that future hope 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:40.279 makes a difference 00:11:40.279 --> 00:11:41.360 for how we live today. 00:11:41.539 --> 00:11:43.360 If you know that He is righteous, 00:11:43.679 --> 00:11:44.899 this one who is appearing, 00:11:45.459 --> 00:11:46.100 you know that everyone 00:11:46.100 --> 00:11:47.220 who does what is right 00:11:47.220 --> 00:11:48.879 has been born of Him. 00:11:50.019 --> 00:11:51.039 And so the logic 00:11:51.039 --> 00:11:51.939 that John gives us 00:11:51.939 --> 00:11:52.819 is that likeness 00:11:52.819 --> 00:11:54.120 is a proof of relationship. 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:55.799 He says that's true 00:11:55.799 --> 00:11:56.980 in a biological family 00:11:56.980 --> 00:11:58.399 and it's also true 00:11:58.399 --> 00:12:00.019 in God's family, 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:01.000 that those who have been 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:03.220 born through the work of Christ, 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:04.240 by the work of the Spirit, 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:05.220 by the Father's love, 00:12:05.460 --> 00:12:07.379 will look like 00:12:07.379 --> 00:12:08.740 and pursue 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:09.940 a life of righteousness. 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:12.320 Jesus is the one 00:12:12.320 --> 00:12:12.820 who is truly 00:12:12.820 --> 00:12:14.000 and perfectly righteous, 00:12:14.620 --> 00:12:15.799 but the life of a believer 00:12:15.799 --> 00:12:17.139 will be characterized 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:19.200 by doing what is right 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:20.659 according to God's will. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:22.779 Now we will not do that perfectly, 00:12:22.919 --> 00:12:24.860 but that's our direction of travel. 00:12:26.060 --> 00:12:27.360 That the family of Christ 00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:28.200 will persevere 00:12:28.200 --> 00:12:30.360 in pursuing righteousness. 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:30.480 righteousness. 00:12:33.220 --> 00:12:34.220 So John writes 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:35.600 to the believers then 00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:36.800 and by extension to us 00:12:36.800 --> 00:12:37.919 and he says we need 00:12:37.919 --> 00:12:40.100 a focus 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:41.539 that is on our future, 00:12:41.659 --> 00:12:43.300 that is Christ-centered 00:12:43.300 --> 00:12:46.159 as we live today, 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:48.039 knowing what will be true 00:12:48.039 --> 00:12:48.740 of us then, 00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:51.720 drawing on the grace 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:52.480 that He supplies 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:53.320 by the Spirit, 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:55.240 enabled to endure 00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:56.740 because we have this hope 00:12:56.740 --> 00:12:59.159 that when Jesus returns 00:12:59.159 --> 00:12:59.840 there's a glorious 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:01.060 eternal homecoming 00:13:01.060 --> 00:13:02.480 for us 00:13:02.480 --> 00:13:04.840 as those who belong to Him. 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:06.980 So we are to continue 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:07.560 in Christ 00:13:07.560 --> 00:13:08.580 confident 00:13:08.580 --> 00:13:10.399 about His return, 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:11.419 but we're secondly 00:13:11.419 --> 00:13:12.980 to continue in Christ 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:14.060 confident 00:13:14.060 --> 00:13:16.480 in the Father's love. 00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:18.340 That's the beginning 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:20.360 of chapter 3. 00:13:20.720 --> 00:13:21.419 And just before we get 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:22.139 to our text, 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:23.320 just to think about 00:13:23.320 --> 00:13:24.759 a phrase that we use a lot, 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:24.960 you know, 00:13:24.960 --> 00:13:26.240 we perhaps talk about 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:27.000 things being out 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:27.700 of this world. 00:13:28.560 --> 00:13:29.840 Lots of people talking about, 00:13:30.200 --> 00:13:31.340 you saw Hallin's goal 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:31.860 midweek, 00:13:32.200 --> 00:13:33.100 out of this world. 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:35.180 We sometimes use it 00:13:35.180 --> 00:13:36.180 of really simple things 00:13:36.180 --> 00:13:36.700 like a meal 00:13:36.700 --> 00:13:37.800 or an experience. 00:13:38.460 --> 00:13:39.720 But John wants 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:41.420 to capture that language 00:13:41.420 --> 00:13:42.480 and wants believers 00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:43.660 to appreciate something 00:13:43.660 --> 00:13:44.820 that truly and genuinely 00:13:44.820 --> 00:13:47.019 is out of this world. 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:49.040 And it's this, 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:50.720 it's God the Father's 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:51.720 love for His children. 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:53.940 Verse 1, 00:13:53.940 --> 00:13:56.940 See what great love 00:13:56.940 --> 00:13:59.420 the Father has lavished on us 00:13:59.420 --> 00:14:00.680 that we should be called 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:02.020 children of God. 00:14:02.040 --> 00:14:03.160 That word see, 00:14:04.560 --> 00:14:05.480 if you're familiar 00:14:05.480 --> 00:14:07.000 with the authorized version, 00:14:07.700 --> 00:14:08.360 behold. 00:14:09.400 --> 00:14:10.060 It's the idea 00:14:10.060 --> 00:14:11.880 of contemplating. 00:14:12.640 --> 00:14:13.980 Here is what we need 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:15.280 to meditate on, 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:17.420 to focus our attention on, 00:14:17.640 --> 00:14:19.220 and it's the Father's love 00:14:19.220 --> 00:14:20.980 for His children. 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:23.480 When it says, 00:14:23.639 --> 00:14:24.920 See what great love 00:14:24.920 --> 00:14:26.240 the Father has lavished, 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:27.680 what kind of love, 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.700 what manner of love, 00:14:28.940 --> 00:14:29.600 literally, 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:31.480 John is saying, 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:32.080 this is love 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:33.080 from another country. 00:14:33.940 --> 00:14:34.800 This is a love 00:14:34.800 --> 00:14:35.460 that is foreign. 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:36.100 In other words, 00:14:36.139 --> 00:14:37.460 it's utterly unique. 00:14:37.580 --> 00:14:38.460 The love that God 00:14:38.460 --> 00:14:39.899 the Father has for us 00:14:39.899 --> 00:14:42.139 is the out of this world 00:14:42.139 --> 00:14:43.000 love that He wants us 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:43.539 to appreciate, 00:14:43.680 --> 00:14:44.519 and we find it 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:45.620 in the gospel. 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:49.539 And in the context 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:50.720 of what John is writing, 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:51.179 he says, 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:53.899 if we are to keep enduring, 00:14:55.740 --> 00:14:57.440 to use Eugene Peterson's language, 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:59.360 to pursue that long obedience 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:01.060 in the same direction, 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:03.120 here is something 00:15:03.120 --> 00:15:04.560 we need to know 00:15:04.560 --> 00:15:06.100 and to think about. 00:15:08.179 --> 00:15:09.200 It's how deep 00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:10.539 the Father's love for us is. 00:15:11.460 --> 00:15:12.840 We need to let that sink 00:15:12.840 --> 00:15:14.080 deep into our heart, 00:15:14.280 --> 00:15:14.940 our mind, 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:16.420 and our soul. 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:18.700 He says, 00:15:18.780 --> 00:15:19.720 this love 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:21.200 gives the believers 00:15:21.200 --> 00:15:22.139 a new name. 00:15:23.100 --> 00:15:24.040 See what great love 00:15:24.040 --> 00:15:25.360 the Father has lavished on us 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:26.379 that we should be called 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:27.460 children of God. 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:30.980 By God's gracious initiative, 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:32.300 our identity 00:15:32.300 --> 00:15:33.460 is transformed. 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:36.900 No longer what we are 00:15:36.900 --> 00:15:37.560 by nature 00:15:37.560 --> 00:15:38.460 because of sin, 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.940 enemies of God, 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:41.759 rebels against His will, 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:43.740 strangers to His grace, 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:45.819 now because of God's work 00:15:45.819 --> 00:15:46.639 for us in Jesus, 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:48.519 children of God. 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:50.860 And he says, 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:51.919 this out of this world 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:52.840 love from the Father 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:54.500 gives us a new status. 00:15:54.679 --> 00:15:55.200 Verse 1, 00:15:56.120 --> 00:15:57.179 that's what we are. 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:59.100 We are children of God. 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:00.059 Verse 2, 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:00.559 dear friends, 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:02.240 now we are children of God. 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:03.279 Something has happened. 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:04.659 There's been a legal action 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:06.000 that's taken place. 00:16:07.220 --> 00:16:07.639 Then there's been 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:08.799 a change of status 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:10.340 freely granted to us. 00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:11.600 Now we are children. 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:13.460 Now we are heirs 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:14.840 of God, 00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:16.139 our Father. 00:16:17.779 --> 00:16:19.000 It's a transformation 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:21.120 that is so great 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:22.319 that John says 00:16:22.319 --> 00:16:22.819 it's like the world 00:16:22.819 --> 00:16:24.179 doesn't recognize us, 00:16:24.439 --> 00:16:25.200 just as it didn't 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:25.759 recognize Jesus. 00:16:26.700 --> 00:16:27.340 Now we are this 00:16:27.340 --> 00:16:28.559 new community 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:30.039 with a new citizenship 00:16:30.039 --> 00:16:31.519 being made more and more 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:34.139 like the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:36.860 --> 00:16:38.620 Adopted into the family of God. 00:16:38.659 --> 00:16:40.000 How do we receive this love? 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:40.919 How do we receive 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:43.539 and enjoy this new identity? 00:16:45.659 --> 00:16:47.740 It's through God's work 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:48.840 for us in the gospel. 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:51.240 And it's the truth 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:51.919 of the gospel 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:53.620 that we need to behold, 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:55.559 to understand 00:16:55.559 --> 00:16:56.779 that it's in the gospel 00:16:56.779 --> 00:16:58.120 that we see 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:59.820 on full display 00:16:59.820 --> 00:17:01.279 the Father's love for us. 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:03.700 Because it's in the gospel 00:17:03.700 --> 00:17:04.680 we discover, 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:06.460 how is it that sinners like us 00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.600 can be reconciled 00:17:07.600 --> 00:17:08.559 to a holy God? 00:17:10.120 --> 00:17:11.299 How can people like us 00:17:11.299 --> 00:17:12.460 be in the family of God 00:17:12.460 --> 00:17:13.539 despite the reality 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:14.200 of our sin 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:14.840 and our guilt? 00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:17.840 And so in the gospel 00:17:17.840 --> 00:17:19.120 we learn about 00:17:19.120 --> 00:17:21.160 this idea of justification. 00:17:22.299 --> 00:17:23.259 We encounter a God 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:24.220 who is both loving 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:25.799 and just. 00:17:26.880 --> 00:17:27.960 A God who cannot 00:17:27.960 --> 00:17:29.539 simply turn a blind eye 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:30.000 to sin. 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.460 He cannot ignore 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:31.940 our faults. 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:32.960 He cannot sweep 00:17:32.960 --> 00:17:33.940 our guilt 00:17:33.940 --> 00:17:35.200 under the rug 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:36.420 but because He is holy 00:17:36.420 --> 00:17:37.259 He must punish. 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:39.400 His justice 00:17:39.400 --> 00:17:40.799 must be satisfied. 00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:41.740 So God is just 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:42.920 but He's also loving. 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:44.299 And we see His love 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:44.940 in the gospel 00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:45.700 as the Father 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:47.039 sends His Son. 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:49.480 The righteous one. 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:51.140 The pure one. 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:52.580 And the punishment 00:17:52.580 --> 00:17:53.559 that we deserve 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:56.160 is poured out on Him. 00:17:57.580 --> 00:17:58.799 He becomes 00:17:58.799 --> 00:18:00.059 the means 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:01.200 of atonement. 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.480 Dealing with 00:18:02.480 --> 00:18:03.980 covering our sin 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:04.920 because of 00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:06.460 His sacrifice. 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:07.599 And by faith 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:09.059 in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:18:09.059 --> 00:18:12.160 our sin is forgiven 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:14.599 and guilt is removed. 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:17.000 This great exchange 00:18:17.000 --> 00:18:17.720 happens where 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:18.680 Jesus is counted 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:19.940 as if He were the sinner 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:21.140 and we are counted 00:18:21.140 --> 00:18:22.420 as if we were the righteous. 00:18:24.140 --> 00:18:24.980 And now 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.779 because of this 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:27.059 great work of God 00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:28.400 as we are credited 00:18:28.400 --> 00:18:29.299 with Christ's 00:18:29.299 --> 00:18:30.380 perfect righteousness 00:18:30.380 --> 00:18:31.860 we can be adopted 00:18:31.860 --> 00:18:33.380 by God's grace 00:18:33.380 --> 00:18:33.940 to become 00:18:33.940 --> 00:18:34.800 His children. 00:18:36.760 --> 00:18:37.360 The goal 00:18:37.360 --> 00:18:38.640 of being justified 00:18:38.640 --> 00:18:40.340 being declared 00:18:40.340 --> 00:18:41.460 right in God's sight 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:42.340 is that 00:18:42.340 --> 00:18:43.300 we would be 00:18:43.300 --> 00:18:44.140 adopted 00:18:44.140 --> 00:18:45.220 into 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:46.400 His family 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:47.480 to know 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.380 the love 00:18:48.380 --> 00:18:49.020 of 00:18:49.020 --> 00:18:50.100 the Father. 00:18:51.300 --> 00:18:52.300 And notice 00:18:52.300 --> 00:18:53.160 that just as John 00:18:53.160 --> 00:18:54.360 began this section 00:18:54.360 --> 00:18:54.880 thinking about 00:18:54.880 --> 00:18:55.720 the return of Christ 00:18:55.720 --> 00:18:57.040 John connects 00:18:57.040 --> 00:18:58.200 these two truths 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:59.319 in our next couple 00:18:59.319 --> 00:18:59.759 of verses 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:00.279 the truths 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:01.259 of the Father's love 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.180 and the return 00:19:02.180 --> 00:19:03.460 of Christ. 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:04.480 And again 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:05.140 it's for the basis 00:19:05.140 --> 00:19:05.779 of our hope 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:06.539 and endurance 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.519 to remind us 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:08.759 of God's love 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:09.500 and God's grace 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:10.539 and what He's laid up 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.519 for us. 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:13.440 So chapter 3 00:19:13.440 --> 00:19:15.860 and verse 2 00:19:15.860 --> 00:19:16.680 dear friends 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:17.460 now we are 00:19:17.460 --> 00:19:18.440 children of God 00:19:18.440 --> 00:19:20.720 and what we will be 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:22.340 has not yet 00:19:22.340 --> 00:19:23.319 been made known. 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:26.140 So here's a wonderful 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:26.880 reality. 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:28.040 As much 00:19:28.040 --> 00:19:29.080 as the greatest 00:19:29.080 --> 00:19:29.640 minds 00:19:29.640 --> 00:19:31.140 in all of church 00:19:31.140 --> 00:19:31.880 history are able 00:19:31.880 --> 00:19:33.060 to fathom 00:19:33.060 --> 00:19:34.160 something of the 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:35.200 depths of theology 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:36.900 nobody will ever 00:19:36.900 --> 00:19:37.980 be able to 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:38.860 comprehend 00:19:38.860 --> 00:19:41.080 what God 00:19:41.080 --> 00:19:42.020 has in store 00:19:42.020 --> 00:19:42.680 for those who 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:43.160 love Him. 00:19:43.740 --> 00:19:44.700 We can get 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.780 a true sense 00:19:45.780 --> 00:19:46.580 but we will never 00:19:46.580 --> 00:19:48.280 get a complete sense 00:19:48.280 --> 00:19:49.860 of how wonderful 00:19:49.860 --> 00:19:50.920 our eternity 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:51.480 will be. 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:53.300 God is so 00:19:53.300 --> 00:19:53.860 kind 00:19:53.859 --> 00:19:54.939 to give us 00:19:54.939 --> 00:19:55.479 tastes 00:19:55.479 --> 00:19:56.519 and glimpses 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.659 in the gospel 00:19:57.659 --> 00:19:59.439 but they are 00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:00.319 just a reminder 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:01.279 and anticipation 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:02.539 of a feast 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:02.979 to come 00:20:02.979 --> 00:20:03.679 that it's so 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:04.259 good 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.659 that we cannot 00:20:05.659 --> 00:20:06.740 get our heads 00:20:06.740 --> 00:20:07.859 around it. 00:20:08.379 --> 00:20:09.019 And yet having 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:09.519 said that 00:20:09.519 --> 00:20:10.599 John does bring 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:11.559 three wonderful 00:20:11.559 --> 00:20:12.479 truths to 00:20:12.479 --> 00:20:13.319 our attention. 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:13.779 First 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:15.639 here's the first 00:20:15.639 --> 00:20:16.199 thing we know 00:20:16.199 --> 00:20:16.699 verse 2 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:17.819 we know 00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:19.799 that Christ 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:20.460 will appear. 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:22.220 So we've said 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:22.580 that already 00:20:22.580 --> 00:20:23.380 we know 00:20:23.380 --> 00:20:24.420 there is a day 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:25.059 coming 00:20:25.059 --> 00:20:26.180 when God's 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:27.000 glory in Jesus 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:27.759 will be on full 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.299 display. 00:20:29.259 --> 00:20:30.019 The first time 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:30.740 Jesus came 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:31.360 in humility 00:20:31.360 --> 00:20:31.860 born 00:20:31.860 --> 00:20:33.400 in a stable 00:20:33.400 --> 00:20:34.420 placed in a manger 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:35.240 the second time 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:35.880 He comes 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:36.880 the sky will be 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:37.360 split open 00:20:37.360 --> 00:20:37.940 and everyone 00:20:37.940 --> 00:20:38.620 will see Him 00:20:38.620 --> 00:20:39.319 as He comes 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.480 as conquering 00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:41.340 King of glory. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:43.660 Connected to that 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:44.840 here's the second 00:20:44.840 --> 00:20:45.539 thing we know 00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:48.819 we shall be 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:50.339 like Him. 00:20:52.659 --> 00:20:53.920 Which at very 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:54.700 least 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:57.159 means that 00:20:57.159 --> 00:20:57.700 when Jesus 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:58.200 comes 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:58.899 glorified 00:20:58.899 --> 00:20:59.639 resurrected 00:20:59.639 --> 00:21:00.279 Savior 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:02.039 we too 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.420 will be 00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:04.200 glorified 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:04.940 we too 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:05.599 will have 00:21:05.599 --> 00:21:06.440 resurrection 00:21:06.440 --> 00:21:07.119 life 00:21:07.119 --> 00:21:08.259 resurrected 00:21:08.259 --> 00:21:09.019 bodies 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:09.700 1 Corinthians 00:21:09.700 --> 00:21:10.220 15 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:12.180 It means 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:13.460 at very least 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:14.460 Revelation 21 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.460 that we will 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:16.140 live for 00:21:16.140 --> 00:21:16.900 eternity 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:18.120 free from 00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:18.720 sin 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:20.220 and suffering 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:21.400 and death 00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:25.079 and it means 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:26.279 2 Corinthians 3 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:27.799 that we will be 00:21:27.799 --> 00:21:29.460 then transformed 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:31.180 into His 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:32.900 glorious image 00:21:32.900 --> 00:21:35.180 by the Spirit 00:21:35.180 --> 00:21:36.880 that process 00:21:36.880 --> 00:21:37.920 that the Spirit 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:38.720 is involved 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.380 in now 00:21:39.380 --> 00:21:40.560 making us 00:21:40.560 --> 00:21:41.500 more and more 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:42.240 like Jesus 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:43.960 will be completed 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:45.880 when He returns 00:21:45.880 --> 00:21:48.820 and the third 00:21:48.820 --> 00:21:49.720 thing that we know 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:52.000 is that we 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:52.960 shall see 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.519 Him 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:55.440 as He 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:56.340 is 00:21:56.339 --> 00:21:58.659 so now 00:21:58.659 --> 00:21:59.039 it's true 00:21:59.039 --> 00:21:59.379 for us 00:21:59.379 --> 00:21:59.939 as believers 00:21:59.939 --> 00:22:00.679 we walk 00:22:00.679 --> 00:22:01.559 by faith 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:02.879 and not 00:22:02.879 --> 00:22:03.519 by sight 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.480 we have 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:05.039 the wonderful 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:05.679 gift of 00:22:05.679 --> 00:22:06.039 faith 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:06.299 and the 00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:06.740 gift of 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:07.059 faith 00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:08.119 enables us 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:08.480 to have 00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:08.779 these 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:09.919 glimpses 00:22:09.919 --> 00:22:10.679 of Christ's 00:22:10.679 --> 00:22:11.179 glory 00:22:11.179 --> 00:22:12.240 and we 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:12.759 experience 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:13.579 the joy 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:14.240 of His 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:14.959 presence 00:22:14.959 --> 00:22:18.019 but we 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:18.379 know all 00:22:18.379 --> 00:22:18.759 too often 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.339 as believers 00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:19.919 that those 00:22:19.919 --> 00:22:20.759 moments 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:21.339 are real 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:21.659 but they 00:22:21.659 --> 00:22:22.159 often feel 00:22:22.159 --> 00:22:22.639 faint 00:22:22.639 --> 00:22:23.339 and they're 00:22:23.339 --> 00:22:23.879 hard to 00:22:23.879 --> 00:22:24.459 keep hold 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:24.779 off 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:25.559 you know 00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:25.980 it's wonderful 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.319 isn't it 00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:26.740 when we have 00:22:26.740 --> 00:22:27.500 those moments 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.799 perhaps in a 00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:29.440 church service 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:29.880 or when we're 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:30.360 reading our 00:22:30.360 --> 00:22:30.680 Bibles 00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:31.140 or when we're 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:31.440 praying 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:32.019 and we know 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:32.960 that God 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.559 is close 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:33.860 and we 00:22:33.860 --> 00:22:34.480 experience 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:35.000 His love 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:35.600 in a particular 00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:35.819 way 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:36.220 but that's 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:36.720 really hard 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:37.059 as much 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:37.640 as we love 00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:37.980 to try 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:38.259 and keep 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:38.740 hold of 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:39.100 that 00:22:39.100 --> 00:22:40.620 so often 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:41.059 it comes 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:41.299 and it 00:22:41.299 --> 00:22:41.880 goes 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:43.519 it's one 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:43.700 of the 00:22:43.700 --> 00:22:43.940 reasons 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.480 why we 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:44.680 need 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.140 worship 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:46.500 it's why 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:46.779 as Ian 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:47.019 said 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:47.340 we need 00:22:47.340 --> 00:22:47.559 to be 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:47.860 reading 00:22:47.860 --> 00:22:48.279 God's 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:48.440 word 00:22:48.440 --> 00:22:48.740 we need 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:48.980 to be 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:49.279 hearing 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:49.960 the gospel 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:50.579 we need 00:22:50.579 --> 00:22:50.819 to be 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:51.120 sharing 00:22:51.120 --> 00:22:51.680 the Lord's 00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:51.860 Supper 00:22:51.860 --> 00:22:52.519 these are 00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:53.200 all chances 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:53.960 opportunities 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:54.420 for us 00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:54.980 to see 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:55.519 Christ 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:56.519 by faith 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:57.519 but at 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.940 His return 00:22:58.940 --> 00:23:00.560 then we 00:23:00.560 --> 00:23:00.920 see by 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:01.320 sight 00:23:01.320 --> 00:23:04.360 then we 00:23:04.360 --> 00:23:04.980 see perfectly 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:06.720 then there's 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:07.720 no coming 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:08.420 and going 00:23:08.420 --> 00:23:09.720 but we have 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:10.420 that perfect 00:23:10.420 --> 00:23:10.880 fellowship 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:11.860 perfect love 00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:12.980 and this is 00:23:12.980 --> 00:23:13.380 the goal 00:23:13.380 --> 00:23:13.700 of our 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:14.019 faith 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:15.620 it's the 00:23:15.620 --> 00:23:16.060 center 00:23:16.060 --> 00:23:16.700 of our 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:17.200 hope 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:19.440 to see 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:19.960 Jesus 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:21.220 as we 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:21.519 are made 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.200 like Him 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:24.160 like those 00:23:24.160 --> 00:23:24.680 men who 00:23:24.680 --> 00:23:25.120 came 00:23:25.120 --> 00:23:26.319 to the 00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:26.759 disciples 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:27.120 shortly 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:27.539 before 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:27.900 Jesus 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:28.299 would go 00:23:28.299 --> 00:23:28.620 to the 00:23:28.620 --> 00:23:28.940 cross 00:23:28.940 --> 00:23:29.920 we want 00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:30.400 to see 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:30.840 Jesus 00:23:30.840 --> 00:23:31.759 the longing 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:32.080 of our 00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:32.259 heart 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.720 we want 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.039 to see 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:33.519 Jesus 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.900 when Jesus 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:35.420 returns 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:36.100 that longing 00:23:36.100 --> 00:23:37.240 is answered 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:37.980 Psalm 27 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:38.700 verse 4 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:40.720 the longing 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:41.180 of David 00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:41.860 one thing 00:23:41.860 --> 00:23:42.600 I desire 00:23:42.600 --> 00:23:44.360 to gaze 00:23:44.360 --> 00:23:45.340 on the 00:23:45.340 --> 00:23:45.640 beauty 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:45.940 of the 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:46.259 Lord 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:48.559 the promise 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:49.119 of Jesus 00:23:49.119 --> 00:23:49.660 in Matthew 00:23:49.660 --> 00:23:50.420 chapter 5 00:23:50.420 --> 00:23:51.319 blessed are 00:23:51.319 --> 00:23:51.779 the pure 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.339 in heart 00:23:52.339 --> 00:23:53.759 for they 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:54.200 will 00:23:54.200 --> 00:23:55.500 see God 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:57.599 Revelation 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.579 1 verse 7 00:23:58.579 --> 00:23:59.319 look he is 00:23:59.319 --> 00:23:59.920 coming with 00:23:59.920 --> 00:24:00.599 the clouds 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:01.900 and every 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:02.379 eye 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:03.640 will see 00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:03.980 him 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:05.140 and so 00:24:05.140 --> 00:24:05.660 John takes 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:06.259 discouraged 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:07.160 and weak 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:08.059 Christians 00:24:08.059 --> 00:24:09.420 who have 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:10.240 seen some 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.519 of their 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:11.400 church depart 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:11.740 and are 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.339 tempting them 00:24:12.339 --> 00:24:13.180 to believe 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:14.440 lies and 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.319 untruths 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:16.220 he takes 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:16.559 them to 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:17.179 the glory 00:24:17.179 --> 00:24:17.559 of the 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:18.019 father's 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:18.419 love 00:24:18.419 --> 00:24:19.939 and he 00:24:19.939 --> 00:24:20.559 reminds them 00:24:20.559 --> 00:24:21.059 listen the 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:21.980 father who 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:22.559 loved you 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:23.379 enough in 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:24.539 Christ to 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:25.019 make you 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:25.779 his children 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.500 is the 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.079 father who 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.559 will love 00:24:27.559 --> 00:24:27.919 you and 00:24:27.919 --> 00:24:28.339 bring you 00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:29.039 home to 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:29.559 heaven and 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:29.779 to the 00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:30.579 new creation 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:32.859 saying to 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:33.339 them and to 00:24:33.339 --> 00:24:34.019 us if we 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:34.439 are to 00:24:34.439 --> 00:24:35.179 persevere 00:24:35.179 --> 00:24:35.939 we must 00:24:35.939 --> 00:24:36.899 hold our 00:24:36.899 --> 00:24:37.759 gaze 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:39.539 to hold 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.099 our ground 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:42.179 to fix 00:24:42.179 --> 00:24:42.699 our eyes 00:24:42.699 --> 00:24:43.219 on God's 00:24:43.219 --> 00:24:43.699 love for 00:24:43.699 --> 00:24:44.059 us in 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:44.639 Christ 00:24:44.639 --> 00:24:46.259 to 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:47.359 contemplate 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:48.419 to consider 00:24:48.419 --> 00:24:49.159 the 00:24:49.159 --> 00:24:49.899 electing 00:24:49.899 --> 00:24:50.740 unshakable 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:51.319 eternal 00:24:51.319 --> 00:24:52.079 love God 00:24:52.079 --> 00:24:52.599 the father 00:24:52.599 --> 00:24:53.219 has for 00:24:53.219 --> 00:24:53.419 his 00:24:53.419 --> 00:24:53.879 children 00:24:53.879 --> 00:24:57.619 and then 00:24:57.619 --> 00:24:57.799 there's 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:58.259 verse 3 00:24:58.259 --> 00:24:58.679 of chapter 00:24:58.679 --> 00:24:58.959 3 00:24:58.959 --> 00:24:59.439 all who 00:24:59.439 --> 00:24:59.899 have this 00:24:59.899 --> 00:25:00.399 hope in 00:25:00.399 --> 00:25:00.779 him 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:02.219 purify 00:25:02.219 --> 00:25:02.679 themselves 00:25:02.679 --> 00:25:03.699 just as 00:25:03.699 --> 00:25:04.480 he is 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.219 pure 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:07.000 and there's 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:07.880 this interesting 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:08.640 and we've 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:08.940 thought about 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:09.299 some of the 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:10.180 moral tests 00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:10.740 that we find 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.400 in John's 00:25:11.400 --> 00:25:11.920 first letter 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:12.339 and here's 00:25:12.339 --> 00:25:12.600 another 00:25:12.600 --> 00:25:13.059 he says 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:13.819 if our 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.519 future hope 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:14.980 is truly 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:15.579 fixed on 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:16.120 Christ and 00:25:16.120 --> 00:25:16.620 seeing him 00:25:16.620 --> 00:25:16.880 and being 00:25:16.880 --> 00:25:17.460 like him 00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:18.620 that has 00:25:18.620 --> 00:25:19.319 implications 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:19.700 for how 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.019 we live 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:20.500 today 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:22.299 it means 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:22.680 we will 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.240 want to 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:23.720 be as 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.400 like him 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:24.980 as we 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:25.500 can be 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:25.980 today 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:26.480 Christ 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:26.880 is 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:27.460 pure 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.980 so we 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.339 want to 00:25:29.339 --> 00:25:29.860 participate 00:25:29.860 --> 00:25:30.420 with the 00:25:30.420 --> 00:25:30.680 spirit 00:25:30.680 --> 00:25:31.019 in a 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:31.539 purifying 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:32.180 process 00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:34.120 if heaven 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:34.960 is our 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:35.420 true 00:25:35.420 --> 00:25:36.100 home 00:25:36.100 --> 00:25:37.019 if that's 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:37.360 where our 00:25:37.360 --> 00:25:38.140 true identity 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:38.779 our citizenship 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.180 is 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:40.200 then holiness 00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:40.700 is the 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.180 road we are 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:41.740 going to be 00:25:41.740 --> 00:25:42.779 walking on 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:43.420 until we 00:25:43.420 --> 00:25:44.180 get there 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:47.340 some of us 00:25:47.340 --> 00:25:47.840 are familiar 00:25:47.840 --> 00:25:48.299 with the 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:48.860 idea of 00:25:48.860 --> 00:25:50.059 culture shock 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:50.579 you move 00:25:50.579 --> 00:25:50.819 to a 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.019 different 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:51.380 place 00:25:51.380 --> 00:25:51.740 a different 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:52.140 country 00:25:52.140 --> 00:25:52.579 and everything 00:25:52.579 --> 00:25:53.500 seems so 00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:54.460 different 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:57.340 as believers 00:25:57.340 --> 00:25:58.200 we want 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:59.019 to avoid 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:00.600 culture shock 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.799 in heaven 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:03.319 because we 00:26:03.319 --> 00:26:03.880 want to be 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:04.860 living today 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:06.240 and tomorrow 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:07.819 the values 00:26:07.819 --> 00:26:08.679 of heaven 00:26:08.679 --> 00:26:09.839 here on 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:10.339 earth 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:13.099 as we 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:14.079 know he 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:15.099 is pure 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:16.240 and perfect 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:17.839 by the 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:18.539 help of 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:19.179 the spirit 00:26:19.179 --> 00:26:19.679 and the 00:26:19.679 --> 00:26:20.240 grace that 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:21.240 Jesus supplies 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:22.219 that is this 00:26:22.219 --> 00:26:22.799 ongoing 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.659 purifying 00:26:23.659 --> 00:26:24.919 in our 00:26:24.919 --> 00:26:25.619 lives 00:26:25.619 --> 00:26:27.199 making us 00:26:27.199 --> 00:26:27.740 more and 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:28.319 more like 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:28.779 Jesus 00:26:28.779 --> 00:26:31.500 and so it's 00:26:31.500 --> 00:26:32.119 interesting for 00:26:32.119 --> 00:26:32.659 John that these 00:26:32.659 --> 00:26:33.579 glorious truths of 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:34.079 the Father's 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:34.439 love and 00:26:34.439 --> 00:26:35.179 future hope 00:26:35.179 --> 00:26:38.019 have a very 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:38.579 practical 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:39.779 outworking 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.659 they lead us 00:26:40.659 --> 00:26:41.740 to persevere 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:43.039 in seeking 00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:44.699 after moral 00:26:44.699 --> 00:26:45.379 purity 00:26:45.380 --> 00:26:51.640 in conclusion 00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:52.160 thinking about 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:52.500 this little 00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:52.960 section 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:55.000 John is 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.540 saying to 00:26:55.540 --> 00:26:55.960 us 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:57.240 Christians 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:58.260 true believers 00:26:58.260 --> 00:27:00.600 will endure 00:27:00.600 --> 00:27:02.140 because of 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.580 God 00:27:02.580 --> 00:27:04.180 and the 00:27:04.180 --> 00:27:04.640 gospel 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:06.700 because of 00:27:06.700 --> 00:27:07.300 truths about 00:27:07.300 --> 00:27:07.920 God and 00:27:07.920 --> 00:27:08.620 his work 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:09.960 in salvation 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:12.360 how are we 00:27:12.360 --> 00:27:12.799 to stay 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:13.579 the course 00:27:13.579 --> 00:27:15.440 it's through 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:15.980 God's work 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:17.120 to return to 00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:17.779 Shackleton's 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.460 voyage for a 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:18.720 moment 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:20.180 Captain 00:27:20.180 --> 00:27:20.759 Worsley 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.759 wrote a 00:27:21.759 --> 00:27:22.340 really nice 00:27:22.340 --> 00:27:23.579 diary 00:27:23.579 --> 00:27:24.100 an account 00:27:24.100 --> 00:27:24.980 of the 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:25.940 voyage 00:27:25.940 --> 00:27:27.720 and early 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.180 on when it 00:27:28.180 --> 00:27:29.019 became apparent 00:27:29.019 --> 00:27:29.840 that this 00:27:29.840 --> 00:27:30.319 ship the 00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:30.980 Endurance was 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:31.460 going to have 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:32.880 to be left 00:27:32.880 --> 00:27:33.460 behind that it 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:33.819 was going to 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.120 sink 00:27:34.120 --> 00:27:35.700 he wrote 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.120 this 00:27:36.119 --> 00:27:37.500 he said 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:37.939 Shackleton 00:27:37.939 --> 00:27:38.479 had a 00:27:38.479 --> 00:27:39.000 genius 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:40.119 it was 00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:40.359 neither 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:40.719 more 00:27:40.719 --> 00:27:41.179 nor 00:27:41.179 --> 00:27:41.639 less 00:27:41.639 --> 00:27:41.879 than 00:27:41.879 --> 00:27:42.459 that 00:27:42.459 --> 00:27:43.359 for 00:27:43.359 --> 00:27:43.619 keeping 00:27:43.619 --> 00:27:43.879 those 00:27:43.879 --> 00:27:44.159 about 00:27:44.159 --> 00:27:44.359 him 00:27:44.359 --> 00:27:44.500 in 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:44.819 high 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.259 spirits 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.639 we 00:27:46.639 --> 00:27:47.079 loved 00:27:47.079 --> 00:27:47.319 him 00:27:47.319 --> 00:27:48.439 every 00:27:48.439 --> 00:27:48.899 man 00:27:48.899 --> 00:27:49.259 among 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:49.479 us 00:27:49.479 --> 00:27:49.679 had 00:27:49.679 --> 00:27:51.019 unbounded 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:51.539 faith 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:51.919 in 00:27:51.919 --> 00:27:52.419 Shackleton 00:27:52.419 --> 00:27:53.839 we knew 00:27:53.839 --> 00:27:54.159 that if 00:27:54.159 --> 00:27:55.259 mortal man 00:27:55.259 --> 00:27:55.839 could lead 00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:56.179 us to 00:27:56.179 --> 00:27:56.799 safety 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:58.079 Shackleton 00:27:58.079 --> 00:27:58.859 was that 00:27:58.859 --> 00:27:59.399 man 00:27:59.399 --> 00:28:00.439 it was a 00:28:00.439 --> 00:28:01.239 great tribute 00:28:01.239 --> 00:28:02.779 to that 00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:03.399 adventurer 00:28:03.399 --> 00:28:04.239 as a 00:28:04.239 --> 00:28:04.479 leader 00:28:04.479 --> 00:28:04.759 but you 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.039 know my 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:06.319 gut reaction 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:06.799 was 00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:07.720 wow 00:28:07.720 --> 00:28:08.139 I am 00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:08.579 no 00:28:08.579 --> 00:28:09.180 Shackleton 00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:11.680 and then 00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:12.019 I started 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.700 thinking wow 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.359 if that's 00:28:13.359 --> 00:28:13.720 the kind 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.119 of leader 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:14.519 that a 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:14.859 church 00:28:14.859 --> 00:28:15.200 needs 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:15.500 if a 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:15.799 church 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.259 is going 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:16.960 to survive 00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:18.039 then we're 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:18.460 in trouble 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:18.980 because that's 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:19.440 not me 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:21.000 and that's 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:21.379 why we need 00:28:21.379 --> 00:28:21.639 to hear 00:28:21.639 --> 00:28:22.359 the gospel 00:28:22.359 --> 00:28:24.119 because our 00:28:24.119 --> 00:28:24.579 endurance 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.659 is not 00:28:25.659 --> 00:28:26.500 on me 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.319 and it's 00:28:27.319 --> 00:28:28.079 not on 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:28.639 you 00:28:28.639 --> 00:28:29.399 and it's 00:28:29.399 --> 00:28:30.019 not our 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:30.720 ability 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:31.859 to endure 00:28:31.859 --> 00:28:34.159 who's the 00:28:34.159 --> 00:28:34.500 leader that 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:34.899 we place 00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.519 our faith 00:28:35.519 --> 00:28:35.800 in 00:28:35.800 --> 00:28:37.259 one who 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:38.160 is infinitely 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:38.960 greater than 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:39.440 Shackleton 00:28:39.440 --> 00:28:40.759 who's the 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:41.640 genius that 00:28:41.640 --> 00:28:42.180 gives us 00:28:42.180 --> 00:28:43.500 our unbounded 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:44.259 unshakable 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:44.960 confidence 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:45.880 it's the 00:28:45.880 --> 00:28:46.580 Lord Jesus 00:28:46.580 --> 00:28:49.060 Shackleton 00:28:49.060 --> 00:28:49.540 failed 00:28:49.540 --> 00:28:50.759 he never 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:51.180 made it 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:51.660 across 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:52.460 Antarctica 00:28:52.460 --> 00:28:53.280 but the 00:28:53.280 --> 00:28:53.880 Lord Jesus 00:28:53.880 --> 00:28:54.840 he never 00:28:54.840 --> 00:28:55.680 ever 00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:56.540 fails 00:28:56.540 --> 00:28:59.340 and he 00:28:59.340 --> 00:28:59.720 is how 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.040 we will 00:29:00.040 --> 00:29:00.440 stay the 00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:00.900 course 00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:01.860 in the 00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:02.179 Christian 00:29:02.179 --> 00:29:02.599 life 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:04.559 to come 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.259 back to 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:06.399 reality 00:29:06.399 --> 00:29:07.019 come back 00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:07.599 to Monday 00:29:07.599 --> 00:29:08.079 morning 00:29:08.079 --> 00:29:09.479 how will 00:29:09.479 --> 00:29:09.979 I pursue 00:29:09.979 --> 00:29:10.399 a life 00:29:10.399 --> 00:29:11.279 of faithfulness 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:12.759 how will 00:29:12.759 --> 00:29:13.179 I love 00:29:13.179 --> 00:29:13.759 my neighbor 00:29:13.759 --> 00:29:14.139 how will 00:29:14.139 --> 00:29:14.659 I speak 00:29:14.659 --> 00:29:15.059 and act 00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:15.599 with truth 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:16.219 and integrity 00:29:16.219 --> 00:29:16.619 in my 00:29:16.619 --> 00:29:17.059 workplace 00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:17.379 how will 00:29:17.379 --> 00:29:17.899 I serve 00:29:17.899 --> 00:29:18.379 family 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:18.879 friends 00:29:18.879 --> 00:29:19.439 colleagues 00:29:19.439 --> 00:29:20.240 coursemates 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:21.799 mercifully 00:29:21.799 --> 00:29:23.319 we don't 00:29:23.319 --> 00:29:23.759 need the 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.140 heroic 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.680 character 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:25.000 of a 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:25.420 Shackleton 00:29:25.420 --> 00:29:26.940 because our 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:27.740 perseverance 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:29.120 and endurance 00:29:29.120 --> 00:29:30.000 begins 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:31.140 and ends 00:29:31.140 --> 00:29:32.140 with God 00:29:32.140 --> 00:29:33.579 he calls 00:29:33.579 --> 00:29:34.660 he keeps 00:29:34.660 --> 00:29:35.680 he gives 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:37.120 eternal life 00:29:37.120 --> 00:29:39.120 those who 00:29:39.120 --> 00:29:40.099 abide in 00:29:40.099 --> 00:29:40.400 Christ 00:29:40.400 --> 00:29:40.759 those who 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.380 continue 00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:42.339 in him 00:29:42.339 --> 00:29:44.420 we draw 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:44.960 from his 00:29:44.960 --> 00:29:45.700 supplies of 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.160 grace 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:47.720 we find 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:48.359 strength from 00:29:48.359 --> 00:29:49.180 him in our 00:29:49.180 --> 00:29:49.660 weakness 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:51.220 we can 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:51.779 bear fruit 00:29:51.779 --> 00:29:52.220 as he 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:52.759 supplies 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:53.320 the spirit 00:29:53.320 --> 00:29:56.180 we can 00:29:56.180 --> 00:29:56.720 continue 00:29:56.720 --> 00:29:57.320 in Christ 00:29:57.320 --> 00:29:57.640 with 00:29:57.640 --> 00:29:58.940 confident 00:29:58.940 --> 00:29:59.620 hope 00:29:59.620 --> 00:30:01.680 that 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:02.580 Christ's 00:30:02.580 --> 00:30:03.220 first coming 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:03.700 his work 00:30:03.700 --> 00:30:04.220 on the cross 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:05.400 demonstrates 00:30:05.400 --> 00:30:06.640 the 00:30:06.640 --> 00:30:07.100 father's 00:30:07.100 --> 00:30:07.540 love for 00:30:07.540 --> 00:30:07.880 us 00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:09.460 and 00:30:09.460 --> 00:30:09.980 Christ's 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:10.560 return 00:30:10.560 --> 00:30:11.800 will bring 00:30:11.800 --> 00:30:12.480 us into 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:13.200 an eternal 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:13.880 experience 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:14.240 of that 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:14.840 perfect 00:30:14.840 --> 00:30:15.300 love 00:30:15.300 --> 00:30:18.980 and so 00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:19.140 we're 00:30:19.140 --> 00:30:19.580 called to 00:30:19.580 --> 00:30:19.840 take 00:30:19.840 --> 00:30:20.280 heart 00:30:20.280 --> 00:30:21.380 when our 00:30:21.380 --> 00:30:21.759 hope is 00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:22.340 in Christ 00:30:22.340 --> 00:30:23.880 knowing that 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:24.440 God will 00:30:24.440 --> 00:30:25.080 finish what 00:30:25.080 --> 00:30:25.560 he starts 00:30:25.560 --> 00:30:27.160 that God 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:28.020 perfectly loves 00:30:28.020 --> 00:30:28.420 and never 00:30:28.420 --> 00:30:28.960 lets go 00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:29.520 of his 00:30:29.520 --> 00:30:29.920 children 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:31.920 and God's 00:30:31.920 --> 00:30:32.360 commitment 00:30:32.360 --> 00:30:34.060 makes sure 00:30:34.060 --> 00:30:34.920 that his 00:30:34.920 --> 00:30:35.720 children will 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.440 keep going 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:37.880 until our 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:38.520 faith does 00:30:38.520 --> 00:30:39.040 become 00:30:39.040 --> 00:30:40.140 a perfect 00:30:40.140 --> 00:30:40.540 site 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.879 and 00:30:41.879 --> 00:30:42.539 to 00:30:42.539 --> 00:30:43.039 go 00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:43.480 to 00:30:43.480 --> 00:30:43.980 the 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:44.480 heart 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:44.879 and 00:30:44.879 --> 00:30:45.420 to 00:30:45.420 --> 00:30:45.420 00:30:45.420 --> 00:30:45.680 heart 00:30:45.680 --> 00:30:46.019 !